The next day, Leng Ning Shuang awoke from exhaustion, feeling sore all over, devoid of any strength.
However, this was not what made her despair. What truly plunged her into despair was that her poison had not been completely dispelled.
This Joyous Union Flower poison was incredibly potent, far exceeding her expectations. Of course, there was a reason for its formidable nature.
Taking a whiff was entirely different from ingesting it directly.
"Seventh Senior Sister!"
Yun Fan entered the room and felt a pang of heartache upon seeing Leng Ning Shuang.
However, Leng Ning Shuang spoke, "Little Junior Brother, my poison is not completely gone yet!"
"This..."
Yun Fan's head began to ache. If this continued, it would be unbearable.
Leng Ning Shuang, enduring the pain, said, "Shall we continue?"
"But can you handle it?"
"I think I can!"
Leng Ning Shuang stated with determination.
At this moment, even if she couldn't, she had to pretend she could.
Ultimately, before Yun Fan could even make a decision, she initiated the encounter. After a round of exertion, Leng Ning Shuang was utterly spent.
Upon returning to Jiangnan with Yun Fan, she entered seclusion without hesitation, as she discovered she might be on the verge of breaking through to the Nascent Soul stage.
Of course, breaking through was secondary during this period of seclusion. The primary objective was to heal her injuries!
Yun Fan felt immense sympathy. He suspected that after this ordeal, Seventh Senior Sister would develop a lasting psychological scar.
Just then, he arrived at the Ghost Valley Sect's base and encountered Zhu Que.
"Yun Fan, someone is looking for you!"
She told Yun Fan.
"Who?"
"You'll know when you go and see for yourself!"
Zhu Que did not dislike the Marquis of Champion. She found that the Marquis of Champion seemed to treat her like a sister and had bestowed many blessings upon her.
After all, this was a renowned historical figure. For such a prominent individual to regard her as a sister, Zhu Que didn't know what to say. It was all because she bore a striking resemblance to a legendary woman from two thousand years ago.
"Alright!"
Yun Fan nodded and proceeded to the secret chamber of the base, finally meeting the being in person.
Upon seeing this figure, Yun Fan was immensely awestruck, for this person looked remarkably like the great general depicted in the Ghost Valley Sect's calligraphy and paintings, the one who commanded armies with unparalleled bravery.
He never expected this individual to have revived. Due to the lessons learned from the dark era, Yun Fan remained vigilant.
Even though this legendary figure of millennia was someone he admired, he maintained his guard.
He was unaware of the person's purpose for coming, but since they had not engaged in widespread slaughter, it was likely not too dangerous. Su Dan Novel Network.
After all, with such power, he would be utterly incapable of stopping them if they chose to wreak havoc.
"May I ask why you have graced us with your presence, senior?"
Yun Fan asked, bewildered.
The Marquis of Champion replied, "Of course, it is to help you!"
"Help me?"
Yun Fan looked at the figure in shock. If the Marquis of Champion could assist him, his burdens in this era would be significantly lighter.
The Marquis of Champion nodded, "Indeed. Two thousand years ago, I undertook the same task as you, saving Huaxia from peril, shattering darkness, and pacifying the lands! I see a reflection of my past self in you!"
The reason the Marquis of Champion took a liking to Yun Fan was the resonance he felt.
Upon hearing this, Yun Fan stood straighter.
"Senior, did you not perish prematurely?"
Doubt flickered in Yun Fan's eyes. Although the Marquis of Champion was famous throughout the land and had achieved feats unprecedented, he unfortunately died young, which was a great regret.
The Marquis of Champion explained, "I was born in an era of turmoil and darkness. I followed Emperor Wu in conquering the world and pacifying the four seas. I thought I would witness the demise of the darkness, but before its end, I ventured alone over a thousand miles deep into enemy territory. I was ambushed by several figures from ancient times and ultimately met my demise. However, I have revived in this era. This means Emperor Wu may have resurrected me!"
Mentioning Emperor Wu, his eyes revealed adoration. He and his elder brother were known as the twin heroes of the empire.
During the dark era, they were Emperor Wu's right-hand men. Alas, his elder brother had preceded him in death.
Though he had revived in this era, his heart was filled with profound sorrow. Emperor Wu had resurrected him, but time had passed swiftly.
None of the people he knew remained in this era. If possible, he wished to slumber in eternal peace.
"Senior, Emperor Wu's resurrection and your awakening in this era might be his wish for you to carry on his will and continue to sweep away the darkness!"
The Marquis of Champion responded, "In my current state, I am no different from a walking corpse. My life force is depleted, and my life hangs by a thread! I only hope this decaying body can still contribute something!"
Yun Fan admired him immensely. With the Marquis of Champion's power, even if he were to instigate darkness, no one would be able to stop him.
Yet, for the sake of righteousness, he did not. In truth, he was unaware that the Marquis of Champion now only wished for death.
If not for his unfinished responsibilities, he might have already taken his own life. The Emperor Wu he followed, his elder brother, and his sister had all vanished into the river of time. He was alone, even more so than Yun Fan.
Neither he nor Yun Fan could have imagined that longevity was a solitary path. Why did so many people, driven by the pursuit of ephemeral longevity, choose to slumber, only to awaken and plunge the world into darkness, bringing disaster upon the common folk?
At this point, Yun Fan asked, "Senior, is Emperor Wu still alive?"
The Marquis of Champion shook his head, "I do not know!"
He then sighed and said, "I have revived in this era, yet I cannot sense Emperor Wu's presence. Furthermore, Emperor Wu was a man who cared for the world. If he were still alive, he would not have stood idly by during the subsequent dark era. Therefore, he most likely..."
The Marquis of Champion did not continue, but Yun Fan already understood the implication.
At this moment, Yun Fan had many questions for the Marquis of Champion. However, the Marquis of Champion stated, "I must sleep now!"
"Understood!"
Yun Fan took his leave, knowing that the Marquis of Champion's life force was depleted and he could not remain lucid for long.
Therefore, he asked no further questions.
Just then, the Marquis of Champion reminded him, "My revival is no accident. I can feel that someone has awakened me!"
"What?"
Yun Fan was stunned, unaware of who had awakened the Marquis of Champion. But whoever it was, they had greatly aided him this time.
Unbeknownst to him, the one who had awakened the Marquis of Champion was his second Senior Sister, Linglong.
...
Taishang Dao Sect.
Linglong had lost her former dazzling allure. Although her appearance remained unchanged, she was still that unattainable, peerless celestial maiden.
However, her mental state was not good. She would sometimes fall into a daze, sometimes appear listless, and even her hair had turned white.
"Foolish child, was it worth it?"
Daoist Master Qing Xuan felt deep heartache. Although Linglong had joined her sect midway and become her personal disciple, she had long regarded Linglong as her own daughter. Seeing Linglong in this state now filled her with grief.
Because of her current condition, Linglong did not have many years left to live. The reason Linglong had become this way was entirely due to Yun Fan.
The Fengchan Land had been sealed. She knew what her junior brother would face next: endless killing and darkness.
This was far beyond what Yun Fan could handle. She wished to help Yun Fan, but alas, the seal was too strong, and she could not break through.
Of course, there was a chance if she forced her way through, but she did not want to implicate the Taishang Dao Sect. Thus, she made that decision.
Using the forbidden art of the Taishang Dao Sect, she revived the sleeping Marquis of Champion, the price being almost all of her life force.
She now had very little life force remaining.
This forbidden art was originally in Daoist Master Qing Xuan's possession, but unable to bear Linglong's persistent pleas, even threats of death, Daoist Master Qing Xuan agreed.
At this moment, Linglong weakly stated, "It was worth it. I must revive the Marquis of Champion to help Junior Brother. Moreover, I am also a disciple of Ghost Valley, so it is my contribution to the sect."
"Are you so certain that the Marquis of Champion will help Yun Fan and not create an era of darkness?"
Daoist Master Qing Xuan asked.
Linglong smiled, "I believe so. After all, the Marquis of Champion is my ancestor. My ancestor, alongside Emperor Wu, achieved countless great deeds. They would not create an era of darkness; they would only quell it!"
This was the source of Linglong's confidence. If it were anyone else, they would not have been able to revive the Marquis of Champion.
It was precisely because she was related to the Marquis of Champion by blood that she succeeded. It was a pity that two thousand years had passed, and her bloodline had been greatly diluted, so she had expended nearly her entire life.
At this moment, Daoist Master Qing Xuan shed tears, wanting to cry but not daring to do so in front of Linglong.
Linglong noticed her master's sadness and said, "Master, I apologize. I'm afraid I won't be able to inherit your legacy!"
This was one of Linglong's greatest regrets. Her master had treated her so well, dedicating all her energy to her.
She had hoped that one day Linglong would bring glory to the Taishang Dao Sect. Now, it had all become a fantasy. She could not even hold on to see her junior brother one last time.
Of course, Linglong had no intention of seeing Yun Fan, as she did not want him to remember her in her most unsightly state.
She wanted Yun Fan to remember her at her most beautiful.
"Don't say any more, I don't blame you!"
Daoist Master Qing Xuan tightly grasped her hand, "Disciple, rest assured, even if I have to exhaust all my efforts, I will find a way to save you!"
"Master, please don't sacrifice any more for me!"
Linglong said, weeping.
Finally, after much conversation between master and disciple, Daoist Master Qing Xuan left, her sole focus now on finding a way to save Linglong.
However, after she departed, Wang You arrived.
"Seeing you like this makes me happy!"
Wang You said mockingly.
Linglong, however, changed her usual demeanor and addressed Wang You, "No matter how happy you are, I only have one request!"
"You're already like this, and you still have demands?"
Wang You retorted dismissively.
"You are the future successor of the Taishang Dao Sect. I only hope you can change your methods of never giving up until your goal is achieved!"
Linglong found Wang You's methods too extreme. Therefore, at this moment, she only wanted to remind her.
"That is my own business, you don't need to worry about it. You should focus on yourself! After all, you don't have much time left!"
Wang You taunted.
"Alas!"
Linglong sighed. "I believe Senior Uncle will guide you down the right path. I don't need to worry about these matters anymore. I beg you not to tell my junior brother about my condition!"
Upon hearing this, Wang You's eyes widened, and she asked, "Why?"
"I don't want him to live in pain. Just tell him that I, like those in the great world, have ascended to immortality! And that I will never return!"
Wang You took a long time to compose herself, then said dejectedly, "I thought I had won, but I didn't expect to still lose to you!"
"Don't worry! I will keep your secret. After you die, your position will be mine, and the man you yearn for will also be mine!"
With that, Wang You departed.
After Wang You left, she went to see her master, Daoist Master Qing Ming.
"Disciple, from now on, only you will carry the burden of the next generation of the Taishang Dao Sect!"
Daoist Master Qing Ming's tone was calm, but Wang You saw a hint of regret in her eyes.
"Master, aren't you happy?"
Wang You asked tentatively.
Daoist Master Qing Ming replied, "What is there to be happy about? Although my martial sister and I have quarreled for decades, in the end, we are family. Now, seeing her disciple do what she did, causing herself to be on the verge of death, how can I be happy!"
Though outsiders perceived them as not getting along, in reality, while they disliked each other, they always maintained unity. Otherwise, the Taishang Dao Sect would have collapsed long ago.
Wang You understood her master's sentiments and immediately revealed her purpose.
"Master, I have come to ask for a favor!"
"What is it?"
Daoist Master Qing Ming asked, confused. She knew her disciple was a stubborn person and would not ask for help unless it was a significant matter. This was something she greatly admired.
Wang You said, "Master, I hope you can help heal Linglong!"
Although she and Linglong were incompatible and had always wished for the other to perish, upon seeing Linglong in such a critical state, she was moved. Moreover, she had never defeated Linglong once and did not wish for Linglong to die just like this. She had initially worried about her master's reaction, but hearing her master's words, she had no further reservations.
"Oh! Why?"
Daoist Master Qing Ming was well aware of the animosity and conflict between her disciple and Linglong, yet she was surprised that Wang You would ask for her help to heal her rival. It was truly rare.
Wang You explained, "I lost to her in competition, but I refuse to concede defeat. Therefore, I only ask Master to help save her so that I can compete with her once more!"
"So that's how it is!"
Daoist Master Qing Ming did not know if Wang You was telling the truth or not, but regardless, Wang You's intentions were good.
It proved she had not misjudged Wang You. Of course, her judgment of people had always been good. It was a pity that Wang You was no longer pure of body, or her achievements would have been even greater. If she had known who had committed such a beastly act against Wang You, she would have torn them to pieces.
However, regarding Linglong's situation, she was powerless. Therefore, she could only lament, "Her life origin is damaged. Even if the God of Medicine were to reappear, it would be difficult to heal her. Thus, I am also unable to help!"