Zhang Liusun looked at Mei Qing and continued, “At that time, I used this cauldron to execute a secret technique, binding my Yuanshen (元神) to it. When you were forming your physical body, I utilized it to conduct rituals, purifying your flesh and nurturing your Yuanshen. Throughout your cultivation journey, it also functioned as the cauldron for forming your Yuanying (元婴). I suppose you yourself know just how much assistance you’ve received from it.”
In truth, Mei Qing himself had no clear understanding of any of this. He didn’t really know how he had obtained this body, nor did he understand how this small cauldron had ended up in the Fragrant Sect before mysteriously entering his body.
However, what Zhang Liusun said about the cauldron aiding his formation of the Yuan Ying was indeed accurate. Although Mei Qing’s cultivation had progressed quickly, it was largely due to the power of this cauldron that he had managed to reach the stage of Yuan Ying formation in a single night.
Seeing that Mei Qing had not openly admitted it, but noticing the look of understanding on his face, Zhang Liusun continued speaking confidently, “Before reaching the Qi Condensation stage, this cauldron was of great benefit to you. But once you reach the Yuan Ying stage, it becomes like a chicken rib—neither particularly useful nor worth discarding. Now that your Yuan Ying has been formed, the next step is naturally to work hard toward reaching the Xu (emptiness) realm and the great trial of Ascension. At that point, the key lies in how to face the Heavenly Tribulation and solidify your Yuan Shen. At that stage, no matter how strong your physical body becomes, do you really think you can ascend purely through physical cultivation? On the contrary, if you could truly achieve physical ascension, then having this cauldron inside you would actually become an obstacle.”
After hearing Zhang Liusun’s explanation, observing Xu Fu’s expression, and reflecting on what he already knew, Mei Qing silently considered the matter. Zhang Liusun’s words indeed made sense.
Once one reaches the Qi Condensation stage and the Yuan Ying is formed, the next step is naturally to cultivate the Yuan Shen. At that point, focusing too much on absorbing spiritual energy and strengthening the body becomes less meaningful. The key to passing the Ascension Tribulation lies in one’s heart and mind. And after surviving the Tribulation Lightning and achieving Immortality, one typically ascends through a method of hidden transformation. At that point, refining the physical body and this small cauldron would offer little practical use.
Even if the cauldron still had some use for Mei Qing, having Xu Fu and Zhang Liusun eyeing it so greedily would only bring trouble. In that case, perhaps it would be better for Mei Qing to simply give up the cauldron and avoid future misfortune.
Seeing Mei Qing hesitate, Zhang Liusun chuckled and added, “Of course, while it may not be of much use now, this small cauldron still holds great value for you. However, that value only lasts as long as you’ve never come here. Now that you’ve come to this place and entered the main cauldron, it’s hard to say whether it will bring you fortune or disaster. Even if you wanted to keep the small cauldron now, it would bring you no benefit at all.”
Mei Qing was startled and asked, “What do you mean, Master?”
Zhang Liusun chuckled again and said, “Don’t forget—we’re inside the belly of the main cauldron right now. Earlier, when you entered, you already experienced how powerfully the mother and child cauldrons attract each other, right? If you had never come here, you could have continued on your way freely. But now that the child has returned to the mother’s womb, do you really think you can just walk out so easily? Don’t be fooled by how, earlier, you used the child cauldron’s power to boost your cultivation techniques. Try leaving now, even for a moment! Even if you force your way out, the child cauldron will inevitably be drawn back toward the mother, twisting and turning, and causing all sorts of trouble. And to top it off, this main cauldron belongs to Old Monster Xu. If he decides to scheme against you…”
Mei Qing was shocked and turned to look at Xu Fu, who indeed wore an expression of smug satisfaction. Mei Qing now realized that his experience was indeed lacking. If it weren’t for the fact that both Xu Fu and Zhang Liusun wanted the cauldron, he would have already been tricked. Especially Xu Fu—who already knew all of this—had been joking with him earlier while secretly planning against him. If Mei Qing had given in even slightly and tried to negotiate with him over the cauldron, he would surely have ended up at a great disadvantage.
Mei Qing’s expression darkened, but Zhang Liusun turned to Xu Fu and said, “Old Monster Xu, I suppose you already figured this out earlier, didn’t you? Now that I’ve exposed the truth, Mei Qing won’t fall for your tricks anymore. How about we strike a deal instead?”
Xu Fu blinked his triangular eyes, silently cursing Zhang Liusun to the ends of the earth. Naturally, he also knew all about the small cauldron inside Mei Qing’s body. Earlier, when Mei Qing had interrupted their plans, both he and Zhang Liusun had intended to scheme against him, so neither had spoken up.
But later, when Mei Qing remained firm, tightly controlling the bronze figure and recovering his spiritual energy faster than the other two, Zhang Liusun, seeing the situation turning against him, had immediately revealed the secret. This not only blocked another of Xu Fu’s schemes but also brought Mei Qing closer to his side. Although it was impossible for the two of them to team up against Xu Fu at this point, at least there was no animosity between them like there was with Xu Fu. Now that they were all inside Xu Fu’s cauldron, even if they had temporarily gained the upper hand, they were still at a disadvantage. It was only natural to try to strengthen their relationship a bit.
Xu Fu understood Zhang Liusun’s intentions perfectly. But this time, Zhang Liusun had acted unusually openly, speaking only the truth. Although Xu Fu was furious, he had no grounds to retaliate and could only huff coldly, “What deal is there to make? That cauldron was originally mine. Last time you forcefully took it from me—was that not the truth?”
Zhang Liusun smiled and replied, “Old Monster Xu, you’re not being quite fair. You know full well what happened last time. If we’re going to settle accounts, shouldn’t I ask you to return my physical body to me?”
Xu Fu was momentarily speechless. In truth, Zhang Liusun’s loss of his physical body had been partly due to Xu Fu’s sneak attack, but also partly a calculated move on Zhang’s part. However, now that Zhang Liusun was bringing it up as a grievance, Xu Fu could hardly defend his earlier actions, especially not in front of Mei Qing. After all, he still had the pride of an ancient immortal to maintain.
Seeing Xu Fu fall silent, Zhang Liusun inwardly smiled but softened his tone, “Of course, since the past is in the past, there’s no point in dwelling on it. Old Monster Xu, I don’t want you to repay me for my body. I only ask that you help me break through the formation, and I’ll take the cauldron with me to gather my Yuan Shen and reform my body. Afterward, I’ll naturally return it to you. What do you think?”
Xu Fu huffed coldly, “Do you take me for a child? It would be easy to send you out, but once you’ve completed your own affairs, what guarantee do I have that you’ll return it to me? What a joke!”
Zhang Liusun shook his head and said, “Old Monster Xu, we are both intelligent men. Let’s make a deal. This small cauldron, born from your main cauldron, is a treasure in your hands, but of little use to me. Why would I covet it? After I use it to reform my body, I’ll return it to you. And when I face my Ascension Tribulation, I’ll ask to borrow your cave dwelling for shelter. How does that sound?”
Xu Fu lowered his head and thought for a while, secretly tempted. Zhang Liusun’s words made sense—success would benefit both, while failure would harm both. At their level of cultivation, they valued long-term benefits over momentary pride.
“Fine then,” Xu Fu finally replied, “but there’s one more condition. I’ve stayed here long enough. When I send you out, I’ll have to use all my power, so I won’t be able to move and leave with you. Once you two reach the outside, you must help me break through the formation again so we can all leave together.”
Zhang Liusun hesitated briefly, then laughed heartily, “Why not? If Brother Xu joins me in wandering the mortal world, it would truly be a blessing of three lifetimes!”
He quickly addressed Xu Fu as “Brother,” showing his eagerness.
A cold smile briefly appeared on Xu Fu’s gloomy face as he said, “Then, you two, remove your restrictions, and I shall send you out.”
Zhang Liusun smiled and said, “This place is, after all, within Brother Xu’s cauldron. As the host, you should show us a bit of hospitality to ease our concerns.”
Xu Fu glared at Zhang Liusun for a while, but Zhang only smiled calmly, showing no sign of unease. After a moment, Xu Fu huffed coldly, “Fine. But listen well, boy—don’t think I’m removing my restrictions out of kindness. If you try anything, I’ll destroy the cauldron and reduce you to dust without hesitation!”
Zhang Liusun only smiled faintly, seemingly unconcerned. But secretly, he transmitted a mental message to Mei Qing, “Listen carefully. When we leave the cauldron, the small cauldron will surely react violently. I’ll pass you a technique to suppress its power.”
He then transmitted a cultivation method to Mei Qing.
Mei Qing’s expression remained calm, but his mind was racing. With the small cauldron now reunited with its mother, it would no longer obey his commands. Leaving the cauldron would surely bring complications. Zhang Liusun had given him this technique likely because he himself was too weak to protect him now. Mei Qing would have to rely on his own strength to control the cauldron’s power.
Still, Mei Qing couldn’t help but wonder how sincere Zhang Liusun’s intentions truly were. After much thought, he silently resolved his plan.
As the two silently made their preparations, Xu Fu suddenly rose. Inside the cauldron, the space was filled with seawater, but the suppression of their powers had created a pocket of air. Xu Fu floated to a corner, his sleeves flaring as he chanted spells. Light gathered into his sleeves, and both Mei Qing and Zhang Liusun felt the pressure around them ease. Xu Fu had indeed removed his restrictions.
Zhang Liusun smiled and, without further ado, also removed his Thunder Sealing Technique.
As the two turned their attention to Mei Qing, Xu Fu barked, “What are you waiting for, boy? Why are you hesitating?”
Mei Qing smiled and replied, “What am I supposed to do? You two have discussed everything so amicably, but when did I ever agree to anything?”
Zhang Liusun only smiled silently. Xu Fu’s eyes flared, and he stepped forward, “What did you say? Are you trying to back out?”
Mei Qing laughed and said, “Earlier, I did make a proposal, but neither of you accepted it. Later, Master Zhang proposed something new, and I neither opposed nor agreed. But you two, without even asking me, went ahead and decided the fate of my cauldron. That doesn’t seem very honorable, does it? Senior Xu, don’t try to intimidate me. If it comes to a fight, though my cultivation may not be high, I won’t make it easy for you either.”
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