Chapter 174: A Life Rekindled
The Divine Healer of the Demon Clan, Bai Li, had encountered countless patients throughout his life, yet he had always known that ailments of the body were easy to mend, while afflictions of the heart were a different battle entirely.
The human heart, like a blade tempered by unseen flames, shaped the body’s fate in ways imperceptible in times of strength but undeniably potent when one teetered on the edge of death.
Earlier, on that carriage heaped with shattered swords, Bai Li had only needed a glance, employing his gift of Qi Perception, to peer through the sorrow-streaked visage of the human before him. What he beheld was the fragile tether between existence and oblivion—Ji You’s heart wavered at the precipice of life and death.
He did not know the cause, but diagnosing maladies was his craft.
Hearing his words, Yan Chuan’s expression grew grave. If there was a path to salvation, he would grasp it with both hands.
Ji You, after all, was an envoy of the human realm. So long as the Demon Clan had not resolved to cast all humanity as foes, they were bound by custom to treat their guests with honor. Thus, the human envoy was escorted into the Jade Garden just outside the Imperial Palace, and Ji You was carried into a chamber, placed upon a bed of carved sandalwood.
Physician Bai Li retrieved his silver needles, intending to stimulate the latent medicinal energies within Ji You’s body. The Pill Sect’s alchemical arts were born of the Heavenly Dao, their potency akin to that of the Immortal Path itself. Yet, Ji You’s internal injuries were severe, and the medicine’s essence, unable to be fully absorbed, lay dormant within him.
To counter this, Bai Li planned to use his silver needles to awaken the slumbering elixirs, allowing their power to permeate Ji You’s battered frame.
But as he applied force, the needle failed to pierce the skin. The moment it neared Ji You’s body, it bent as if repelled by an unseen force.
Bai Li’s brows knitted together, his expression growing ever more solemn.
The others, witnessing his grave demeanor, mirrored his unease. A physician bearing such an expression seldom boded well.
“You see? His body has hardened.”
“?!!”
Gong Shu Chou roared in frustration, “You ignorant quack! His physique has been tempered through rigorous training. A common silver needle is ill-suited to penetrate his acupoints.”
Bai Li’s furrowed brows lifted. “Oh?”
Jiang Yan and Yan Qiu Bai added, “His physical strength is immense. Throughout our journey, we clashed many times with the Barbarian Clan. He met them in battle with his bare fists.”
A flicker of surprise crossed Ye Han’s and Princess Feng Yang’s eyes.
They had heard of the battle at Hailong City, for it had already become Demon Clan territory, and they had officials stationed there. However, they had been unaware that Ji You had engaged the Barbarian warriors in hand-to-hand combat.
“Bare-handed?”
Yan Qiu Bai nodded. “Those who fell by his hands had their chests shattered with a single punch.”
Ye Han exchanged glances with Mo Rong and Huang Long. Their expressions bore the same astonishment.
Not long ago, the Demon warriors had tested their might against the Barbarian envoys. While both races were stronger in body than humans, the Demon Clan had ultimately fallen short against the Barbarians.
Yet now, they were told a mere human had slain Barbarian warriors with his fists alone—an act beyond even their fiercest warriors.
Bai Li adjusted his approach, selecting a sturdier needle and channeling his Qi into its tip. With painstaking effort, he finally managed to pierce Ji You’s skin.
Despite the web of needles now embedded in his body, Ji You showed no sign of discomfort. Not even a furrow of his brow. Meanwhile, Bai Li’s forehead glistened with sweat.
What kind of wretched body was this? It was simply too difficult to pierce.
With the needles in place, Bai Li closed his eyes, guiding his Qi to circulate within Ji You’s meridians, urging the dormant medicinal power to flood his limbs and bones.
One could not deny the man’s expertise—though he lacked the blazing speed of a Pill Sect alchemist’s Dan Radiance, his silver needles accomplished a similar feat with methodical precision.
“Something is missing. We need a medicinal catalyst. Did he have any unfinished regrets or something he held dear in life? Perhaps such a thing could rouse his spirit.”
Yan Chuan’s face darkened. [Life! He’s still alive! Stop talking as if he’s already passed!]
[If he hears this, he might just believe it and actually die!]
[You think it’s just one man’s life at stake? My hundred years of cultivation would be buried with him!]
The rest turned their gazes toward Gong Shu Chou, Shi Jun Hao, Xiao Han Yan, and Elder Ge—the four who knew Ji You best among them.
“…Should we try using money?”
“How can money serve as medicine? I have practiced medicine for years and never—”
“Wait, his fingers just moved.”
“…”
“A rare case indeed! Bring more gold—double the dose!”
The others stood agape, rendered speechless by the unfolding scene.
Ji You regained consciousness at midday the next day. He lay still, pale-faced, bereft of strength.
Alive.
His amassed collection of swords—shattered. The Heart Protection Mirror—ruined. His arms—crippled. And yet, he still lived.
He let out a dry chuckle. [This wretched life clings too stubbornly to this world.]
Above him, a massive gold ingot hung from the ceiling, suspended just within reach.
Who would have thought? He had been lured back from the abyss by gold.
[Who came up with this ridiculous method?]
Yet, with both arms unresponsive, he could only glare at the gleaming metal.
His body was ruined. The Forty-Nine Folded Peaks had severed the Warlord, and the Qi that had coursed through him had left devastation in its wake. The worst of it had struck his arms—pain seared through them with every breath.
Were they truly beyond saving? Otherwise, why would his hands refuse to rise, despite the temptation of gold hanging mere inches away?
Footsteps sounded beyond his door, and faint voices carried through the gap.
“Has Young Master Ji awakened?”
“I checked this morning—still unconscious.”
Ji You recognized the voices—Gong Shu Chou and Yan Qiu Bai. But through the window’s gauze, he saw a third silhouette. It seemed they had come separately and met at his door.
Gong Shu Chou spoke again. “Divine Healer Bai Li mentioned that if gold and silver could serve as a medicinal lure, it proves effective. If he remains unresponsive, perhaps we should move him to the Demon Emperor’s treasure vault. That might awaken him.”
“…??”
Upon hearing those words, Ji You remained in deep contemplation for a long while before finally closing his eyes…
Yet, before long, another voice emerged, this one belonging to Jiang Yan.
“The Demon Emperor’s Treasury belongs solely to the Demon Emperor himself. It has never been freely opened to outsiders, least of all to a human. Physician Bai Li was merely jesting—how could he truly intend to let Ji You enter?”
“Indeed, the demon officials refuse to believe in the existence of such a miraculous medicinal primer. Worse yet, they suspect that we humans harbor ulterior motives.”
“The demons are too particular. It’s not as though we covet their paltry treasures.”
At these words, Ji You reopened his eyes.
Just at that moment, Gong Shu Chou pushed open the door, only to freeze in astonishment upon looking inside.
“Brother Ji, you’re awake?”
Yan Qiu Bai and Jiang Yan also stepped into the room, surprise evident in their gazes.
Ji You, his expression bleak as though he had just lost an entire mountain of gold, spoke in a hoarse voice. “Where are we? Have we reached the Demon Clan’s lands?”
Jiang Yan responded, “This is the Demon Emperor Citadel. We are currently in the Jade Garden, just outside the Imperial Palace.”
“Has the envoy met with the Demon Emperor?”
“Not yet. His Majesty will receive us tomorrow, and we shall accompany the delegation.”
“Who treated my wounds?”
“It was Physician Bai Li who diagnosed you. But the one who truly saved your life was this lump of gold. Without it, you likely wouldn’t have wanted to keep living.”
Ji You cast a glance at the gold ingot. “That? That’s not even enough to buy me a Heart-Guarding Mirror. And what about my forty-nine spirit swords…?”
Gong Shu Chou interjected, “Forty-one swords.”
“???”
“Eight of them, forged from fine material, did not shatter. I salvaged them for you.”
Ji You fell silent for a moment. “They were a gift from her… But even then, the loss is too great.”
Gong Shu Chou glanced at the suspended lump of gold and added, “You misunderstand. We did not bring any gold with us on this journey. That ingot was borrowed from the Demon Clan. We must return it once you’re done with it.”
“Then why did you save me? You should have just let me die!”
“???”
Gong Shu Chou gave him a peculiar look. “You wish to die over this?”
Ji You gritted his teeth. “The greatest sorrow in life is to die with unspent wealth. But the greatest agony of all is to still be alive yet penniless.”
Gong Shu Chou grinned, inwardly thinking, [No wonder Physician Bai Li said you had a fragile heart and lacked the will to survive.]
Ji You frowned slightly. “My arm… it hurts.”
Gong Shu Chou turned to him. “Physician Bai Li said that pain means the meridians are still functional. If they weren’t, your arm would be truly crippled. So this is a good thing. With time and care, you will recover.”
Yan Qiu Bai and Jiang Yan exchanged glances. “Torn sinews and fractured bones take a hundred days to heal. You must not rush it.”
“I am in a hurry to claim that gold. Who among you can take it down and place it in my arms? Perhaps I shall recover faster that way.”
“Better to leave it hanging. This way, it will encourage you to train your arm. One day, you’ll be able to reach it.”
“…Are you demons in human skin?”
Ji You stared at them in disbelief, wondering what terrible crime he must have committed to deserve such a cruel punishment.
Soon, news of Ji You’s awakening spread, drawing many visitors to his chamber—proud talents, envoys, and even the Deputy Warden of the Immortal Overseer Office.
As they beheld his pallid face and motionless arms, their thoughts were varied.
For the three representatives of the Heavenly Script Academy—Elder Ge, Xiao Han Yan, and Shi Jun Hao—awkwardness filled their hearts. Ji You, though a disciple of their academy, had never been close to them. Moreover, the sword that had soared skyward to his defense originated from Spirit Sword Mountain.
Meanwhile, Yan Chuan’s heart brimmed with delight, though he kept his face impassive, maintaining the demeanor of a sage untouched by worldly concerns. Not long ago, he had been overly anxious, his concern drawing suspicion. Some had even speculated that Ji You was his illegitimate son, while others dared to suggest that he was Ji You’s illegitimate son…
Now that Ji You had survived, Yan Chuan could ease his worries. However, he recalled the Mirror Master’s warning—one that forbade undue attention—and thus, he restrained himself, feigning indifference.
The most emotionally stirred were the officials of the envoy.
After all, Ji You’s “Forty-Nine Folded Peaks” had saved their lives at the cost of nearly losing his own. To them, his sacrifice was a debt of immeasurable gratitude.
Wang Ming Chang gazed at Ji You. “Young Master Ji, how do you fare?”
“I am managing. But do not forget what you promised me.”
The elder envoy bowed solemnly. “I shall not fail in my duty. I will dedicate myself to the cause, even unto death.”
Ji You nodded. “I appreciate your efforts.”
Once the visitors had paid their respects, the delegation withdrew. Peng Dong Yang turned to Wang Ming Chang. “What exactly did you promise him?”
The surrounding young talents of the Immortal Sect also turned their heads in curiosity.
Wang Ming Chang sighed. “We vowed to Young Master Ji that we would stake our lives to persuade the Demon Emperor.”
Peng Dong Yang scrutinized him. “I never saw you discuss this with him. When did you make such a promise?”
“When Young Master Ji was sent flying by a single strike, he climbed onto our carriage and asked us if we could do it. We swore to him, with our very lives, that we would. And in response, he rose and drew his sword.”
“So that was why he defended you all with his blade.”
Wang Ming Chang fell silent for a long while before murmuring, “Us? No. His sword protected Feng Prefecture. It safeguarded the people of this world.”
As the visitors gradually dispersed, only Yan Qiu Bai and Jiang Yan remained in the room.
Gong Shu Chou, meanwhile, rose and left, heading toward the Imperial Palace to seek out Divine Hand within a Hundred Li.
Yan Qiu Bai watched Gong Shu Chou depart, then turned to Ji You. “After you lost consciousness, Senior Brother Gong Shu and I remained by your side. Your fellow disciples from the Heavenly Script Academy only visited once, and did not stay long.”
Ji You observed Gong Shu Chou’s retreating figure and thought to himself, [I still don’t understand why he cares for me so much.]
Yan Qiu Bai continued, “I believe that for someone as astonishingly talented as Young Master Ji, if the Heavenly Script Academy lacks vision, you might as well join us at Spirit Sword Mountain. After all, you already practice our sword arts, do you not?”
“Unfortunately, Spirit Sword Mountain lies too far south. It cannot shield Feng Prefecture.”
Ji You flexed his limbs slightly, testing his injuries. Finding them manageable, he let out a long sigh of relief.
Life had not forsaken him just yet. Though he had stumbled upon survival by mere happenstance, the road ahead stretched long, and he would walk it with his chest lifted high.
Especially now—at this crucial juncture.
If the Demon Emperor refused to be swayed and war was indeed inevitable, then he would need more silver to buy swords.
Yan Qiu Bai cast a sidelong glance at Ji You, a smile playing upon her lips. “Actually, staying within the Heavenly Script Academy and forming a marital bond isn’t impossible. If one’s heart remains with the sword, does it truly matter where one resides?”
Ji You turned his head toward her, his gaze flickering with a trace of bewilderment. [How is it that she sees through the entanglement between me and the Little Mirror Master of Spirit Sword Mountain so easily?]
Jiang Yan stole a quick glance at Yan Qiu Bai before shifting her attention back to Ji You. “It’s not just Spirit Sword Mountain that could accommodate you, Young Master Ji. The Dao Seeking Sect would welcome you as well.”
“I bear a personal vendetta against the Dao Seeking Sect.”
“…What?”
At that moment, the door to Ji You’s chamber swung open from the outside. Gong Shu Chou stepped in first, followed by Bai Li, the Divine Hand within a Hundred Li, and the ever-composed Princess Feng Yang.
The demon princess, it seemed, had taken to following Bai Li, learning the healing arts under his tutelage. Earlier, she had been offering free medical consultations to the demon folk in the area. Upon hearing from Bai Li that the human had awakened, curiosity drew her here—especially to witness a case where mere silver had secured a life.
Demon medicine, much like its human counterpart, relied on accumulated experience. A rare case was always an exciting discovery, a fresh opportunity for study and validation.
Bai Li took a seat beside the bed, his gaze steady. “Awake?”
“Mhm.” Ji You responded absently, but his eyes had already strayed toward Princess Feng Yang, locking onto her figure—specifically, her hips.
Round, full, a pleasing curve… but no tail.
He had long been pondering the mystery of round-hipped demon women with tails. Now, his hopes dashed, disappointment settled in.
[The Office of Affairs speaks not a single truthful word—not even a punctuation mark can be trusted.]
Meanwhile, Princess Feng Yang was also studying him, brimming with curiosity. This was her first time laying eyes on a human, and the novelty of it fascinated her.
Bai Li had already begun his examination, fingers tracing over Ji You’s pulse before giving a small nod. “Your recovery is progressing well. The internal wounds have stabilized, and your blood flow remains unimpeded. Can you move your arm?”
Ji You chuckled wryly. “Doctor, if I could move my arm, would this gold ingot still be dangling here?”
“A curious case indeed.”
Bai Li shot him a glance. “Any lingering discomfort?”
Ji You took a moment to assess himself before shaking his head. “My body still feels numb, as if disconnected.”
“Your human elixirs are quite remarkable. Their efficacy in healing internal injuries is beyond compare. Without them, even I would not have been able to save you.”
Ji You’s mind drifted to the medicine casket. “Good thing I was born with a handsome face…”
Bai Li withdrew his hands. “Rest for the next few days. Do not strain your arm.”
Ji You exhaled and looked at him. “But staying cooped up in this room is stifling. I’ve slept long enough. I wish to step outside.”
“That is permissible, but you must be cautious. Humans are naturally frail, and our Demon Emperor Citadel is a land of bitter cold. Beware of catching a chill.”
“Thank you, doctor.”
Bai Li studied him once more before remarking, “Your will to live has strengthened.”
Ji You blinked. “…My what?”
The comment had come so suddenly that it startled him. Instinctively, he glanced downward. “Doctor Bai Li, can you truly discern such things just by looking?”
Bai Li nodded. “Indeed. My lineage is gifted with the ability to perceive what others cannot. But I wonder… for someone who once had no wish to live, what has changed?”
“Ah, so that’s what you meant…” Ji You chuckled. “Well, I’ve heard that the Demon Emperor has a treasury.”
Bai Li: “…?”
Now assured that his injuries were no longer critical, Ji You wasted no time attempting to get out of bed. His injured arm protested with sharp stabs of pain, but his legs—at least—were obedient.
He had never before set foot in the Demon Emperor Citadel, and now that he had the chance, he turned to Gong Shu Chou and demanded to be taken on a tour.
He had never quite understood why Gong Shu Chou seemed so devoted to him, but at the very least, he was certain the man bore no ill intentions.
However, when Ji You suggested they visit the Demon Emperor’s treasury, Gong Shu Chou flatly refused—even when Ji You raised the offer to a seventy-thirty split.
Annoyed, Ji You glowered. “What, do you want sixty-forty instead?”
Alas, without the use of his arms, he had no choice but to let it go for now.
As he gazed upon the snow-laden streets of the citadel, his eyes roved over the demon women passing by. With a deep sigh, he mused aloud, “Demon women truly lack tails… or perhaps, they are merely skilled at hiding them beneath their skirts.”
“Brother Ji, you have only just recovered from grave injuries, and this is what occupies your thoughts?”
“I am investigating on behalf of a friend.”
Ji You’s arms dangled uselessly at his sides as he thought of the Immortal Emperor Ru Long.
“I am a very good friend.”
(This novel is translated and hosted on Bcatranslation)