Chapter 44: The pill of longevity enhances life, breaking through one barrier in seven days

    "Abbot, this place is so desolate, feels eerily cold even in broad daylight," Hui Jing shivered slightly, pulling his collar tighter.

    The old abbot smiled faintly. "Mountain valleys often carry such chill. It’ll warm once we reach our destination." Soon, the elder and youth ventured deeper into the barren hills.

    The abbot suddenly furrowed his brows, scanning their surroundings with unease. A thought flickered: Why is it so quiet today? Normally, this mountain housed over two hundred demons, their miasma thick enough to unsettle even seasoned travelers. Though acquainted with Wolf Wuji, ruler of Wolf Ravine Cave, the abbot’s visits had always been fraught with tension. Where were the demons now?

    Reaching the cave entrance, Hui Jing gazed curiously. "Wolf Ravine Cave?" he asked. "This connects to Golden Light Temple’s hinterlands? Is this where your friend resides, Abbot? A hermit sage?"

    The abbot chuckled, "Indeed." Breaking precepts no longer troubled him—years had eroded such scruples.

    As they entered, acrid wine fumes assaulted them. Hui Jing coughed violently, eyes reddening.

    "Kekeke..." Wolf Wuji’s intoxicated gaze glowed phosphorescent green. "Little bald donkey... Only you visit me now." He drained a wine jug in gulps before smashing it. "My men—dead or fled—all because of one rat!"

    "Who’d dare?!" the abbot feigned shock.

    Wolf sneered. "What use telling you? Bringing another monk to beg for lifespan?" His demonic aura yanked Hui Jing mid-escape, silencing and suspending the trembling youth.

    "You saved me once. This is the last boon." Wolf’s grip tightened, drawing pained whimpers. "I’ll hunt that thief to ends of earth! Flay his skin! Devour his kin! Annihilate his lineage!"

    As curses spilled, Wolf skinned the novice, discarded entrails, and tossed remains into a cauldron. The abbot watched flames intently, wrinkles twitching with anticipation: Junior Brother... Every extra day I live is another day I keep this abbacy.

    ​**​*

    Seven days secluded, Jiang Liu’er emerged—Skeleton Demon’s essence fully absorbed.

    "I’ve reached Refining Essence 4th Stage!" He grinned. "Great Perfection in Hundred Curses Sword Art and Gale Pursuit Step! Diamond Wrath Body Technique nears completion—mundane weapons can’t harm me now. Shadowwalk, Spirit Command, and Mountain Bearer Spells... all Advanced!"

    His sword flew out, beheading a rabid dog a li away before returning. Wind underfoot, he blurred across the room. Testing armor, sparks flew when slashing himself with common steel.

    Shadowwalk plunged him into underworld. Startled ghosts gaped as living flesh invaded their realm. Pursuing hell-guards shouted: "Whose blunder brought this mortal here?!"

    Back in sunlight, Jiang summoned a local landgod. "Tell the magistrate: Wolf Wuji’s head is worth more than one string of cash. Bid him pay fairly!"

    The deity paled. "Three-century wolf demon?! This humble one will convey your will, Immortal!"

    Donning new robes tailored by Hu YuYu, Jiang stepped out.

    "Benefactor~" The fox spirit clung, smiling crescent-eyed. "Does the attire suit you? I’ll learn human tailoring soon—sew you robes myself!"

    Nearby, monk Shou Qing marveled: "Fourth Stage already? Master lied—said I was unique genius, yet you’re moons ahead!"