Gu Qingfeng had read quite a few alchemy books to prepare for the Jade Dragon Secret Realm, so he had a decent understanding of elixirs. The Nine Revolutions Soul-Returning Pill was a legendary elixir with the power to save lives. As long as you had even a single breath left, consuming this pill would instantly restore you to full health. Essentially, the Nine Revolutions Soul-Returning Pill was like a second life, and its rarity spoke volumes about its value.
This level of elixir wasn’t even listed in the exchange catalog of the Demon Suppression Bureau back when Gu Qingfeng was there. He never expected Demon Pu to get his hands on one.
After examining these three treasures, Gu Qingfeng suddenly had an idea.
These three items were likely prepared by Demon Pu specifically to deal with the Blood Demon. The Kalan Pearl, for instance, had already been used by Demon Pu. The lightning-struck wood from the Emperor Willow’s heart was most effective against evil spirits, so it was undoubtedly meant to weaken the Blood Demon’s power. As for the Nine Revolutions Soul-Returning Pill, it was a backup plan—something to heal himself in case the Blood Demon counterattacked.
Demon Pu had planned meticulously and prepared thoroughly. If it weren’t for Gu Qingfeng’s interference, these three treasures might have been necessary to subdue the Blood Demon. But now, they all fell into Gu Qingfeng’s hands.
With three priceless treasures now in his possession, Gu Qingfeng’s homesickness was finally alleviated. His mood lifted, and he went to sleep feeling quite pleased.
...
The next morning, Gu Qingfeng set off again.
From the weasel family, he learned the direction to Wutong Prefecture and finally found his way home.
Of course, to avoid getting lost again, he forced the weasel family to swear allegiance to him.
Thus, he gained three weasel guides. Their strength was roughly equivalent to the seventh level of the True Qi Realm. They could shapeshift into human form and had once obtained a paper puppet technique from an ancient tomb. With this technique, they could even hold their own against opponents at the eighth or ninth level of the True Qi Realm, provided they were well-prepared.
However, in Gu Qingfeng’s eyes, their strength was laughable. What he valued wasn’t their combat ability but their creativity.
The paper puppet technique was incredibly useful. Not only could they create paper puppets, but they could also make paper horses, paper boats, and even paper houses.
The large mansion from the previous day was made entirely of paper. It was easy to dismantle, and when not in use, it could be folded into a single sheet and carried around. When needed, they could simply unfold a small paper house and activate the technique.
Gu Qingfeng didn’t want to rough it during his journey, so he brought the three weasels along.
When he wasn’t busy, he would toss them into a pocket dimension and have them build houses, creating a beautiful home.
The bald female water ghost who was already in the pocket dimension wasn’t left idle either. Whenever they passed a stream in the wilderness, Gu Qingfeng would have her divert water into the dimension to create a pond and raise fish.
Thanks to the hard work of the three demons and one ghost, the pocket dimension had been transformed into a paradise. Aside from being a bit desolate, it was nearly perfect.
After experiencing the diligence of these demons, Gu Qingfeng began to see the benefits. He no longer rushed to return home but instead took his time, searching for more demons along the way. Every time he encountered one, he captured it and threw it into the pocket dimension as labor.
Three days later...
Gu Qingfeng finally returned to Wutong Prefecture, and his pocket dimension was now populated with a variety of demons.
Mountain goblins, forest spirits, earth-splitting oxen, and blood-tusked boars, among others...
The mountain goblins were responsible for farming and landscaping.
The forest spirits were in charge of dancing.
The earth-splitting oxen plowed the fields.
The blood-tusked boars were there to be eaten.
Each demon had a clear role, and everything was well-organized. The best part was that they didn’t demand wages, and they were experts in their respective fields.
Upon returning to Wutong Prefecture, Gu Qingfeng’s first stop was the Demon Suppression Bureau to find the little corpse spirit.
He had spent three days watching paper puppets dance and was thoroughly sick of it. They couldn’t compare to the little corpse spirit at all. No matter how they transformed, the paper puppets remained dry and rough, lacking the plumpness and smoothness of the little corpse spirit.
However, as soon as he entered the Demon Suppression Bureau, he was stopped by a guard.
“Gu Qingfeng, where have you been these past few days? Commander Li has turned Wutong Prefecture upside down looking for you!” the guard exclaimed urgently.
Gu Qingfeng was puzzled. “Looking for me? What for?”
“I’m not sure, but you need to come with me to see Commander Li right now.”
Confused, Gu Qingfeng was dragged off by the guard to meet Li Qianren.
“Old Li, what’s the rush? Why were you looking for me?” Gu Qingfeng asked as soon as he entered the room and saw Li Qianren pacing.
“Where have you been these past few days?” Li Qianren’s furrowed brow relaxed slightly upon seeing Gu Qingfeng.
“I went on a little trip. Young people need to see more of the world, you know,” Gu Qingfeng replied nonchalantly, though he felt a bit uneasy.
Through his soul perception, he noticed that Li Qianren seemed injured. His aura was unstable, and the injury appeared to be quite severe. Despite Li Qianren’s efforts to suppress it, Gu Qingfeng could see through it.
Li Qianren ignored Gu Qingfeng’s casual remarks and got straight to the point, his tone urgent.
“Have you finished reading the alchemy books I gave you?”
“Uh... pretty much,” Gu Qingfeng replied, feeling slightly guilty. In truth, he had only read one book and spent the rest of his time playing around at the Heavenly Fragrance Pavilion.
“Good. Prepare yourself. In three days, you’ll be heading to the Jade Dragon Secret Realm.”
“Three days?” Gu Qingfeng was surprised. “Isn’t the Jade Dragon Secret Realm supposed to open a year from now? Why are we going so early? Even if we’re getting familiar with the place, a year in advance seems excessive.”
Li Qianren, already accustomed to Gu Qingfeng’s odd remarks, explained that a deity had appeared and damaged the secret realm.
Gu Qingfeng was stunned.
He suddenly recalled that while chasing Demon Pu, he had stepped on a mountain that felt unusual underfoot. At the time, he had vaguely heard someone screaming in despair. Could he have been the one responsible?
“The Jade Dragon Secret Realm is that fragile? One step and it’s ruined?”
“Alchemy King Qiu Yulong was only a grandmaster-level expert in his lifetime. Do you think a secret realm he created could withstand the step of a deity?”
“Wait, Old Li, if the Jade Dragon Secret Realm was only created by a grandmaster, why don’t we just get a few grandmasters together and force our way in?”
Li Qianren shook his head. “The secret realm could be broken, but doing so would destroy everything inside. That’s why everyone follows the rules of the Jade Dragon Secret Realm and participates properly instead of forcing their way in.”
Gu Qingfeng nodded in understanding. “So, we’re heading to the Jade Dragon Secret Realm in three days?”
“Correct. Use these three days to prepare. We’ll set off on time. Also, there will be someone accompanying you.”
“Someone else? Who?”
“She’s the descendant of an old friend of mine. She comes from an alchemy family, has a strong soul aptitude, and has been studying alchemy since childhood. She’s experienced in pill refinement. She’ll help you obtain the Ageless Pill.”
“Oh.”
Gu Qingfeng wasn’t interested in that. Instead, he asked, “Is it a man or a woman?”
“A woman.”
Gu Qingfeng’s eyes lit up. “Is she pretty? How old is she? Is she married?”
“Get out!”