Chapter 69: The Withering Spiritual Root

Inside Yongning Palace, Chen Xiyi stared solemnly at Dong Shen, who was tied up in a bundle. He hadn’t expected Dong Shen to change so much during the long time they hadn’t seen each other.

[Prisoner Dong Shen, Health Points: 9%, Status: Weakened, Resentful, Spiritual Root Withering]

[Ability 1: Literary Composition and Poetry]

[Ability 2: Master Transcription]

[Ability 3: Spiritual Root]

[Life Events]

[May: Defeated and captured in battle]

[May: Determined a garrison location using Qi Observing Art]

[May: Studied the contents of “Ascension of the Sovereign Emperor” and continued using Qi Observing Art to adjust heading]

[May: …]

Just over half a year had passed, and Dong Shen’s unexpected good fortune seemed remarkably potent. The appearance of Ability 3: Spiritual Root especially shocked Chen Xiyi immensely.

He wondered if perhaps his own actions had been too villainous lately, provoking some kind of Protagonist to oppose him. Only, this Protagonist hadn’t been strong enough, countered by his own advantages, and ended up getting defeated himself?

Thinking of it like that, Wang Yi from before probably counted too. If not for him, that fellow might have actually succeeded.

Then there was Ma Yu, who totally had that Protagonist vibe.

‘Gosh, I’m supposed to be a proper Player.’

Shaking off these random thoughts, he figured this Spiritual Root definitely had something to do with cultivation methods from the time before this Dharma-Ending Age.

But more crucial was the other party’s Health Points, alarmingly only 9%. That explained his Weakened status.

‘So, is “Ascension of the Sovereign Emperor” actually a cultivation method? And was Qi Observing Art the secret behind Dong Shen’s hundred victories?’

‘But how did he end up like this, with only 9% Health left?’

Chen Xiyi suspected it was likely because Dong Shen tried to forcibly cultivate it during the Dharma-Ending Age. The puzzling part was how the Spiritual Root materialized.

During their last meeting, Dong Shen only possessed two abilities. Clearly, this had to be related to “Ascension of the Sovereign Emperor.” Otherwise, it couldn’t just appear out of thin air.

As for the Spiritual Root withering, that was simpler: in the Dharma-Ending Age, something as unnatural as a Spiritual Root appearing would undoubtedly face rejection, inevitably fading away.

Perhaps Dong Shen’s Weakened state wasn’t solely due to forced cultivation; the withering Spiritual Root likely contributed as well.

“It must feel terrible, the withering Spiritual Root,” Chen Xiyi spoke leisurely.

Dong Shen’s expression turned peculiar. “What Spiritual Root?”

From this response, there was a high chance Dong Shen wasn’t aware he possessed a Spiritual Root.

“Humph. Cultivating ‘Ascension of the Sovereign Emperor,’ commanding rebel troops with Qi Observing Art… and ended up in such ill health. Was it truly worth it?” Chen Xiyi adopted a profound tone.

In truth, he knew precisely nothing; he was bluffing.

His goal was clear: not only to extract the secrets of “Ascension of the Sovereign Emperor” but also to trick Dong Shen into revealing where he found it.

Hearing Chen Xiyi pinpoint his secret, Dong Shen’s heart shook. He had planned on refusing to speak to the death, but recalling how his predicament had been seen through at a mere glance, the stubborn energy gripping him deflated.

“Since the Great Immortal already knows, why ask?” Dong Shen replied despondently. “Who wouldn’t desire the Immortality of a Sovereign Emperor?”

This actually puzzled Chen Xiyi. The Immortality of a Sovereign Emperor?

He didn’t let it show, however, instead letting out a scornful laugh. “The Immortality of a Sovereign Emperor? If this method truly granted Immortality, how could it possibly fall into your hands?”

The implication was obvious: if “Ascension of the Sovereign Emperor” really bestowed Immortality, it would reside with an immortal, not be available for Dong Shen to find.

Dong Shen didn’t visibly react. He wasn’t a fool; he’d already considered this contradiction. But he refused to accept it, especially after experiencing the wonders of Qi Observing Art. Since gambling big could yield great benefits, why wouldn’t he try?

“So, you are aware of the drawbacks of this ancient method,” Chen Xiyi said with a hint of disdain. “That’s how you ended up in this state. Truly… foolish.”

Dong Shen jerked his head up. “I dare ask the Great Immortal, what do you mean by ‘ancient method’?”

The term “ancient method” struck Dong Shen’s ears harshly, as if branding him obsolete.

“Haven’t you felt it personally already? I perceive your vital energy – barely a tenth remains. You’d likely cease to exist entirely in just a few days, unable to even enter the cycle of Reincarnation,” Chen Xiyi said slowly.

For a moment, Dong Shen found himself speechless. He felt deeply shaken. The thing he had relied upon, it turned out, was going to annihilate his very soul?

“I…” Dong Shen started, but stopped himself. What was there to say? He was the rebel leader. Were it not for Immortal Fuyao speaking up, his head would already be hanging over the eastern gate.

“Speak,” Chen Xiyi prompted when the silence lingered. “Where did you find ‘Ascension of the Sovereign Emperor’? If it was passed down from an old acquaintance, out of respect for that connection, I might spare you. Promise not to cultivate it further, and replenishing your fading vitality might still be possible.”

He defaulted to his usual tactic: invoking the name of some ancient acquaintance.

He couldn’t very well say he wanted the method or that it was ‘fate’ – that would arouse instant suspicion. Why would an immortal want a method he openly scorned? That ruined the persona.

Nor could he admit the method surpassed his own; that would ruin the persona far worse than claiming to need it or it being fate.

Thus, using the pretext of visiting an ‘old acquaintance’ to locate the inheritance site felt smoother. He’d always brushed people off with this excuse; it worked well enough.

Dong Shen raised his head, looking genuinely astonished. He’d always heard Immortal Fuyao cherished old ties, but never imagined it was true.

He’d actually rebelled! Yet, this immortal was still willing to save him?

As for coveting “Ascension of the Sovereign Emperor”? From any angle, it seemed impossible for someone like the Immortal – who could control the waters of the Capital – to set his sights on Dong Shen’s little scrap.

Especially after dissolving his hundred thousand rebels with such effortless ease earlier.

“Does the Great Immortal imply… there exist other volumes of ‘Ascension of the Sovereign Emperor’?” Dong Shen asked cautiously. Since a chance for survival existed, who would willingly give it up?

Chen Xiyi narrowed his eyes. So you’re trying to out-scheme me?

“Naturally,” he stated coolly. “There are other great tomes: ‘Imperial Chronarch’s Chronicle,’ ‘Terra Sovereign’s Alchemy Unveiled,’ ‘Grand Primordius’ Human Order,’ ‘Celestial Fuxi’s Eight Trigrams,’ and many more. Your ‘Ascension of the Sovereign Emperor’ is merely one chapter among them.”

Brazen fabrication? Chen Xiyi was well-practiced. His answer clearly stunned Dong Shen.

For anyone else, it wouldn’t fly. But given Chen Xiyi’s persona and status, nobody dared doubt him.

Sure enough, Dong Shen was thoroughly bamboozled.

“Take me there,” Chen Xiyi commanded. “If it truly belongs to an old acquaintance, this matter regarding you will be dropped.”

Coming back to himself, Dong Shen ventured, “Great Immortal… what if it isn’t such an old acquaintance?”

He had to clarify; otherwise, he’d be walking straight into disaster.

“Humph. What do you imagine?” Chen Xiyi didn’t specify the consequences. Once they got to the place, it would be an old acquaintance’s legacy – he had no shame on that front.

Dong Shen wrestled internally. This felt like betting his life.

But upon reflection, someone of the Immortal’s stature surely had no need to deceive him.

“Very well,” Dong Shen gritted his teeth. “I shall guide the Great Immortal. I pray the senior who passed down ‘Ascension of the Sovereign Emperor’ to me is indeed your acquaintance.” He gambled.

Not gambling meant certain death. Gambling offered a chance at survival; after all, Immortal Fuyao’s famed sentimentality was well-known. If Dong Shen could claim even a flicker of such connection, the Immortal wouldn’t likely harm him.

“If you are willing, let us proceed.” Chen Xiyi retrieved the Alloy Carriage. He commanded Jianghu to employ water power, lifting it into the vehicle.