Chapter 30: The Stolen Spiritual Essence
This novel is translated and hosted on Bcatranslation
Ji You stepped into the antechamber of the Steward’s Hall, finding it already packed with people. Among them were team leaders who had ventured out searching, instructors involved in the pursuit, and injured cultivators like Ban Yang Shu, whose arm was bound in bandages and suspended, and Ji Qi Rui, sitting to the left with his robe partially removed, revealing his chest heavily wrapped in layers of cloth.
Ban Yang Shu’s shoulder had been struck by an iron fist, fracturing the bone, while Ji Qi Rui’s left chest bore the mark of a lightning technique, the flesh there scorched and charred. When Ji You entered, both of them glanced at him with complicated expressions.
Despite having participated in the same battle, Ji You looked as if he hadn’t fought at all, standing there clean and composed, his attire pristine. The disparity gnawed at them, though they could only silently grumble in their minds. Regardless, both stood to greet him with solemn bows and heartfelt thanks.
The three Stewards rose as well, their concern palpable, as if Ji You’s injuries were on par with or worse than those of Ban Yang Shu and Ji Qi Rui.
“What were you discussing just now?” Ji You asked casually.
Ban Yang Shu replied, “The topic of the Malignant Beings.”
Ji You’s brows raised slightly. “Yesterday, you kept shouting about Malignant Beings. What exactly are they?”
Ban Yang Shu explained, “During the Primordial Era, the dominion of Azure Clouds wasn’t ruled by humans but by a race later referred to as the Primordial Remnant Race. Their physical bodies were robust, and they were naturally attuned to mystical techniques. Feeding on humans and enslaving all living things, they ultimately provoked the wrath of the Heavenly Dao.”
“The Heavenly Dao descended seven Sacred Artifacts, which the Seven Sages of humanity wielded, bringing about the extinction of the Primordial Remnant Race. The Malignant Beings are remnants of these creatures, turned wicked after death.”
Ji Qi Rui added, “After the Primordial War, many ruins from that era remained scattered throughout the Azure Clouds Dominion. Some were vast and formidable, even too dangerous for cultivators of the Upper Five Stages. Others were as small as abandoned temples, which the common folk call the Ruined Shrines. The Malignant Beings often haunt these places, preying on passing woodcutters and scholars.”
Ji You’s eyes widened. [So, that’s why!]
He thought back to Kuang Cheng’s warning: of those taking the overland route to the capital for examinations, only two out of five survived. It wasn’t an exaggeration. Those ruins weren’t haunted by charming spirits but filled with dreadful monstrosities. It’s a wonder Old Kuang hadn’t died on the way.
After a moment’s contemplation, Ji You frowned again. “You said the Malignant Beings prefer feeding on humans. Why, then, are the bodies we recover all dried husks?”
Steward Qin nodded approvingly as Ban Yang Shu and Ji Qi Rui finished recounting the tale. “Young Master Ji, your observation is sharp. This is indeed one of the mysteries we need to investigate further. Have you noticed anything?”
“Those wretched things are incredibly strong,” Ji You remarked.
“The physical structure of the Primordial Remnant Race differs from humans. Their immense strength persists even after death; this much isn’t surprising,” Steward Qin replied.
After a moment’s thought, Ji You asked, “If they retain only their physical body, do they possess any ability to think?”
Steward Qin shook his head. “A corpse turned wicked is immensely bloodthirsty, but no such case of cognition has been recorded.”
Ji You interjected, “No, the one I fought feared death. When I struck with my second sword, it began dodging, its eyes full of terror.”
This revelation caused murmurs among those gathered in the hall. The fearsome aspect of the Malignant Beings, so far, had been their unrelenting savagery, not requiring intervention from Immortal Sects as their threat level was low. Yet if Ji You’s opponent showed fear, an unsettling air spread through the room.
Steward Ji interrupted the rising discussions. “Leaving aside the Malignant Being, Young Master Ji, do you have any leads on the swordsman or the Dao Fusion cultivator in black?”
Ji You pondered for a moment before replying, “The swordsman is adept at killing, likely accustomed to combat. He’s different from Immortal Sect disciples who live secluded lives of refinement.”
“And the Dao Fusion cultivator?”
“I engaged him indirectly, so I have no insights to offer.”
Steward Ji turned to Ban Yang Shu and Ji Qi Rui. “Do either of you have anything to add?”
Ban Yang Shu clasped his fists and said, “The individual only employed basic Thunder Techniques, clearly masking their identity and leaving no clues behind.”
Ji Qi Rui, after listening to the conversation, suddenly chimed in. “I do have something to add.”
“Let’s hear it,” said Steward Qin.
“When we left the building and sensed the ominous aura, it initially passed us by. However, it suddenly turned back. I suspect the attack was an impulsive decision.”
Ban Yang Shu’s eyes lit up. “Indeed, the Dao Fusion cultivator arrived only after the Malignant Being.”
Steward Qin furrowed his brows. “So you’re saying their attack wasn’t premeditated but rather triggered by the Malignant Being losing control?”
“That appears to be the case.”
Hearing this, Ji You’s frown deepened. The Malignant Being had lunged as if aiming for Lu Qing Qiu, but as the primary target, Ji You knew it was after him. If Ji Qi Rui’s account was accurate, the assailants initially intended to bypass them entirely. For some reason, the Malignant Being lost control and locked onto him.
Ji You suddenly relaxed his furrowed brow. [That Malignant Being was female. Perhaps it was enamored by beauty!]
No, that doesn’t make sense. If it admired beauty, it wouldn’t have clawed incessantly at his face.
Looking at the three Stewards seated above, Ji You noticed them exchanging enigmatic glances and nodding as though understanding something profound. In reality, they were utterly clueless.
When they first received the report, they suspected a rival Immortal Sect targeting the Heavenly Script Academy. However, upon discovering the victims’ bodies, it became clear the deceased weren’t just academy disciples but included two royal kin with decent cultivation talent and one unidentified individual.
Investigating commonalities is essential to solving mysteries, yet the only shared trait among the five victims was their status as cultivators—nothing more.
Once all information was reviewed, the meeting adjourned. The three Stewards moved into the Rear Chamber.
This chamber, with a single small window, was dimly lit. The furnishings had been removed, leaving only five desiccated corpses arranged on the floor. A robed Daoist meticulously examined them, his brow furrowed tightly.
“Hall Master Zuo Qiu,” greeted Steward Qin.
Zuo Qiu Yang turned to face them. “Have you uncovered anything?”
Steward Qin clasped his hands respectfully. “It is rare for a rogue cultivator to reach the Dao Fusion Stage; that individual is likely registered within the Immortal Sect’s records. As for the swordsman, they could very well be a rogue. However, the most peculiar aspect is that Malignant Being.”
“What’s peculiar about it?” Zuo Qiu Yang asked.
Lowering his voice, Steward Qin continued, “It’s widely known that Malignant Beings cannot stray more than ten li from Primordial Ruins. Yet this one appeared in the Capital City. Secondly, it displayed fear in battle, according to Ji You. Both anomalies are deeply troubling.”
Steward Ji Jing Yao’s gaze shifted to the corpses. “Has Hall Master Zuo Qiu discovered any clues?”
Zuo Qiu Yang’s reply stunned the three Stewards. “This Azure Clouds Dominion is poised for great upheaval.”
The desiccated state of the corpses wasn’t the most critical issue. The true revelation lay in the victims themselves. All five had reached the stage of condensing their Spiritual Essence, yet their essences had been wholly extracted.
Killing was one matter, but an act so unprecedented foretold a far greater calamity. And the worst part? When such an event becomes noticeable, it means the perpetrators no longer fear exposure.