Chapter 1188: Tangyu's Path
After sending everyone away, it quieted down. With the quiet, Tangyu began to contemplate some matters.
A figure silently appeared behind Tangyu. Suddenly, it stretched out its arms and lunged at Tangyu. Tangyu swiftly dodged, leaving the figure to grasp at empty air. The person who appeared was none other than Yaomei. Not seen for a year, Yaomei had become even more alluring and charming, with a stronger essence of a fairy, enough to make anyone's heart flutter.
This was her bewitching skill, even more perfected. However, this skill had no effect on Tangyu; naturally, he would not fall for her charm.
After scrutinizing Yaomei, Tangyu said with some delight, "Not bad, Golden Core Second Layer. Why didn't you show up earlier? I almost thought you ran away."
Yaomei smiled charmingly at Tangyu and said, "How could I, master? With a master as handsome and monstrously talented as you, how could I run away? I must cling tightly to your coattails. Hehe, Golden Core Second Layer, that's a must. With such a powerful master as you, if I'm not powerful, wouldn't that be too embarrassing for you? But master, you're already at Golden Core Realm Ninth Layer, and I'm just at Golden Core Second Layer. Shouldn't you help me out? Grant me some spirit pills or immortal treasures; that would be so endearing."
Tangyu rolled his eyes at Yaomei and said, "You're dreaming, I want immortal treasures myself."
At this moment, another figure appeared; it was naturally Yin Ghost. After not seeing him for a year, Yin Ghost's strength remained the same, still at Golden Core Realm Ninth Layer, unable to break through to the Zifu Realm. However, after a year, the aura around Yin Ghost seemed significantly stronger.
"Master," Yin Ghost said with some respect. Compared to a year ago, his attitude toward Tangyu had evidently improved. This was because Tangyu's strength had greatly increased and changed. Yin Ghost knew well that he no longer stood a chance against his master. Having such a master, he felt more willingly subservient. Following such a master was indeed a very blissful thing. Therefore, Yin Ghost now held Tangyu in quite genuine respect.
Tangyu nodded at Yin Ghost and said, "Don't see you for a year, and it seems you still can't pass this hurdle."
Yin Ghost shook his head and said, "Zifu Realm is extremely difficult. I've struggled for so many years and still haven't managed to take this step. Wanting to take this step is extremely difficult. Without a significant opportunity, I'm afraid I might never break through in my lifetime."
Tangyu smirked and said, "No worries, Zifu Realm, I will bestow it upon you."
Upon hearing Tangyu's words, Yin Ghost was suddenly taken aback, staring at Tangyu in astonishment, unsure of the meaning behind his words.
Tangyu moved his hand, and a Purple Sun Pill appeared in his hand. Seeing the Purple Yin Pill in Tangyu's hand, Yin Ghost immediately became exceedingly excited, "Purple Sun Pill, it's actually a Purple Sun Pill, such an Immortal Pill, the master actually possesses this—"
Seeing the Purple Sun Pill, Yin Ghost involuntarily showed a hint of greed. The value of a Purple Sun Pill is even more precious than a Lower Grade Immortal Treasure. Although not as valuable as a Middle Grade Immortal Treasure, it's not far off. Once he consumes this Purple Sun Pill, Yin Ghost can directly break through to the Zifu Realm. This is an enormous enticement for him.
So naturally, Yin Ghost became exceedingly excited.
Seeing the Purple Sun Pill in Tangyu's hand, Yaomei also showed an extremely greedy expression, immediately lunging at Tangyu trying to seize it. Tangyu clenched his hand, naturally not letting Yaomei succeed. Yaomei immediately put on a weak face, looking at Tangyu and said, "Master, master, give me the Purple Sun Pill, I guarantee I can at least break through to the Golden Core Seventh Level, then I'll have some strength to work for you, master."
Tangyu glanced at Yaomei and said, "You're only at Golden Core Second Layer now, using a Purple Sun Pill would be a waste, squandering heavenly resources. Want a Purple Sun Pill, no problem, first break through to Golden Core Ninth Layer, then I'll definitely grant you one."
Yaomei said, "Don't be like that, master, breaking through to Golden Core Ninth Layer would take a long time, I can't wait that long. Master, just grant me one Purple Sun Pill, let me break through to Golden Core Seventh Level first, then I'll work hard to cultivate to Golden Core Ninth Layer, then grant me another Purple Sun Pill, wouldn't that be perfect? I promise I can reach Zifu Realm in a short time, then I can be a competent aide to you, master."
"Wishful thinking, you think Purple Sun Pills grow on trees, and you want two. Stop nagging, or you won't get even one," Tangyu said.
Yaomei puckered her lips, looking at Tangyu with some grievance but didn't dare to say much more, merely standing aside with a pitiful look, enviously eyeing the Purple Sun Pill in Tangyu's hand.
At this time, Yin Ghost was also extremely excited. Naturally, he noticed that this Purple Sun Pill was prepared for him. With this Purple Sun Pill, he could directly break through to the Zifu Realm. This was his lifelong pursuit, something he strived years for, could finally be realized under the master's grace?
With a motion, Tangyu tossed the Purple Sun Pill to Yin Ghost and said, "The Purple Sun Pill is bestowed upon you, go into seclusion for cultivation. Once you break through to the Zifu Realm, we have a significant task to undertake."
Catching the Purple Sun Pill, Yin Ghost immediately knelt with excitement, earnestly saying to Tangyu, "Thank you, master, for your gift. Yin Ghost pledges loyalty for life, ready to brave fire and water without hesitation."
Tangyu smirked, achieving precisely such an effect; bestowing rewards is always the unfailing method to control subordinates. If you don't provide substantial benefits, how could you expect loyal devotion from them?
Helping Yin Ghost up, Tangyu said, "That's what you deserve. I've long told you that by following me, there will be rewards. I have always believed that one day, you'll be glad to follow me. Go now, and I look forward to your early breakthrough to the Zifu Realm."
The ghost nodded repeatedly, then left.
After sending off the ghost, Yaomei also came over with a face full of envy, looking at Tangyu.
Tangyu shook his head and said, "Don't look at me like that. If you want the Purple Sun Pill, just hurry up and enhance your strength. Using a Purple Sun Pill at your current realm would be too wasteful. You're still very young now, and with your talent, I'd say you can definitely break through to the Golden Core Ninth Layer within a year, unless you slack off. This is also a form of motivation for you. I've said that as long as you break through to the Golden Core Ninth Layer, I will immediately grant you a Purple Sun Pill. For now, you better not think about it."
"Master, you are too cruel, showing no pity for me at all," Yaomei said.
Tangyu wasn't bothered by Yaomei and told her, "By the way, I have a task for you. You need to make a trip to the Yanshan Sect and find an old man named Qi Xingtian. He followed me for a year in the past. Ask him if he's willing to continue following me. If he agrees, then bring him here."
"Qi Xingtian? Is he very strong?" Yaomei asked curiously.
Tangyu shook his head and said, "I don't know. I haven't seen him for over a year. He's probably not that strong; should be about the same level as you."
"Heh, I thought you found another Golden Core Ninth Layer expert. If he's similar to me, he won't be of much use. Master, bringing such an old man here won't provide much help. Instead, you should focus on nurturing me," Yaomei said.
Tangyu shrugged and said, "You don't understand. There's something called emotion. Qi Xingtian was the first person to follow me, and that's an emotional bond. As long as he's willing, I will grant him an opportunity. As for you, don't have those thoughts. I'm doing this for your own good. Consuming one Purple Sun Pill might not be an issue, but if you take two, it will definitely affect your Dao Foundation and future cultivation. If you take it now, I would certainly never give it to you again in the future. Are you sure you want to take it now?"
"Uh—this—alright, alright, I'll think about it," Yaomei said, pouting, and then left for the Yanshan Sect.
After sending Yaomei off, Tangyu also looked towards the sky outside, towards the direction of the Yanshan Sect. It has been more than a year since he left, and he doesn't know how the Yanshan Sect is doing now. Tangyu still has deep feelings for the Yanshan Sect, and he also doesn't know how his Master is faring now.
"Yanshan Sect, soon, I will return. The glory of the Yanshan Sect will soon be realized. As for the Liang Kingdom, hmph, I've said long ago that when I have enough strength, I will annihilate the Liang Kingdom. When Ghost breaks through to the Zifu Realm, that's when I will take action. Liang Kingdom, let's see how long you'll survive," Tangyu smirked as a cold gleam flashed in his eyes.
This plan, he had long been preparing in his heart, and now it was the time to kick it off.
Setting aside his thoughts, Tangyu also locked himself in the secret chamber. It wasn't for secluded cultivation but rather to consider a matter.
"Qi Refinement, Divine Demon Body Refinement, can they really not be cultivated together? Are these two paths really impossible to walk simultaneously?" This question was causing Tangyu's brows to furrow deeply; it was a decision, a difficult and formidable choice.
This issue was truly troubling Tangyu, making his heart chaotic. No matter which path he abandons, Tangyu was reluctant and unwilling.
But how should this path be taken?
A path that no one has been able to tread, should Tangyu persist?
"Why must I walk the path others have taken? Just because no one has successfully treaded Qi Refinement and Divine Demon Body Refinement simultaneously, does it mean I also cannot succeed?"
"Regardless of whether it's Qi Refinement or Body Refining, each path has its end, and no one has achieved immortality. Does choosing one path ensure it can be successfully walked?"
"The road is made by people walking it, if others cannot walk it, it doesn't mean it's right. Walking a path that others cannot might be wrong. One must walk a path that belongs to oneself. Daring to do what others dare not, that's what signifies true perseverance."
"No matter what, I cannot abandon either path. Since I have this opportunity, since even Senior Shi Que did not stop me, it indicates that this road isn't necessarily impassable. Regardless of what others say, I must stick to my own heart and steadfastly pursue it to the end. Once a choice is made, it mustn't be abandoned."
"If I were to give up at the sight of a little obstacle, then my heart would lose its determination, and my path would likely also reach its end."
Ultimately, Tangyu's resolve became immeasurably firm, allowing him to find peace in his heart.