Chapter 242 - 173: A Fight to the Death, Liu Heng’s Return

Chapter 242: Chapter 173: A Fight to the Death, Liu Heng’s Return

In the blink of an eye, six hours had passed. Zhao Zuo stopped his Cultivation. His Golden Body Technique was improving steadily, but it was a matter of slow, grinding effort. It would likely take another year to reach the Fifth or Sixth Layer Perfection, unless he found a Spiritual Object that could speed up the Quenching of his body.

Zhao Zuo held great expectations for the Sun Essence.

In the evening, he simply roasted some Demon Beast meat for dinner and ate alone.

Zhao Zuo was reading the records on the Heaven-Melting Scripture when the Communication Jade in his Storage Bag began to vibrate. He pulled it out, a hint of joy in his eyes. Unfortunately, the caller wasn’t Shen Yunjiao, who he hadn’t heard from in over half a month. It was Liu Heng.

"Younger Brother Zhao, are you in your Cave Mansion? I have something I’d like to discuss with you," Liu Heng said.

"I’m in my Cave Mansion. Come on over."

About ten minutes later, footsteps sounded outside the Cave Mansion. This was their first face-to-face meeting since they last saw each other at Ruyi Pavilion; previously, they had only ever communicated via Communication Jade.

Liu Heng hadn’t come empty-handed. He carried a take-out box from the lower floor, and its fragrant aroma was noticeable even from several meters away. The Fire Spirit Snake, roused from its slumber, slithered around Liu Heng’s feet like a fawning pet, even blocking his path.

"It’s been a while. This Fire Spirit Snake has grown several times larger." Liu Heng tore a chicken leg from the food box and fed it to the snake, finally earning the right to walk freely.

"A while ago in the Yunlan Mountain Range, it ate the flesh of many Demon Beasts, including some High Level One Tier ones. This growth rate is pretty normal," Zhao Zuo explained casually.

’Liu Heng’s words were a good reminder.’ Zhao Zuo rarely socialized, and the only people who knew he was raising a Fire Spirit Snake in his Cave Mansion were Shen Yunjiao, Liu Heng, and Chen Xiaorong.

’Among the three, only Liu Heng visited his Cave Mansion often enough to be aware of the Fire Spirit Snake’s exact growth rate. This meant... for now, it wasn’t drawing any unwanted attention. Still, if I invite anyone else over, I should probably put the Fire Spirit Snake in my Spirit Beast pouch beforehand.’

Liu Heng apparently believed Zhao Zuo’s explanation and didn’t dwell on the matter. He sat down across from Zhao Zuo and opened the food box. The food inside was still warm, and a rich aroma rose with wisps of white steam, filling the room.

"Quite the lavish meal. Fish, meat, even poultry. All right, what did you come to see me about?"

With a quick glance, Zhao Zuo calculated the Spiritual Food must have cost over fifty Spirit Stones. ’Even if Liu Heng did well for himself in the Yunlan Mountain Range, he shouldn’t be willing to spend so much on a meal... unless he wants something from me.’

"I won’t lie to you, Younger Brother Zhao, there is something. About a few dozen kilometers from the Moyun Sect, Yao’Er and I discovered a Cave Mansion left behind by a Foundation Establishment Powerhouse." Liu Heng chuckled and began to explain.

In truth, they had discovered the Cave Mansion by complete accident. They were chasing a Snowfield Giant Wolf when they stumbled into the territory of a wolf pack. Fortunately, they sensed the danger early and escaped with their lives. After that, they found a cave to rest in... only to be driven out by three High Level One Tier Demon Beasts, nearly getting killed in the process.

However, before fleeing the cave, Liu Heng and Wang Yao had spotted a stone door at the far end. The Array on it was still intact, its patterns faintly visible. It was a High Level One Tier Illusion Array.

They analyzed the situation: a Cultivator who could afford a High Level One Tier Illusion Array to protect the entrance to their Cave Mansion had to be above the Qi Cultivation Stage. In other words, a Foundation Establishment Powerhouse. At the very least, they had to be a Cultivator at Qi Cultivation Perfection.

However, the two of them combined were no match for the three One Tier Demon Beasts, which was why they were forced to seek reinforcements.

Zhao Zuo looked up at the smiling Liu Heng and noticed a change in him. ’In the past, Liu Heng was always so meek and mild, seemingly without a mind of his own. He was timid, only daring to take on safe jobs to earn contribution points within the Moyun Sect.’

’But ever since he became Tao Companions with Wang Yao, he’s been pushed out of his comfort zone, forced to venture into the Yunlan Mountain Range for experience time and again. The danger and bloodshed have changed him. I can see it in his eyes—less deference toward me, and more ambition... the ambition to reach Foundation Establishment.’

’I originally thought Liu Heng and Wang Yao were incompatible and wouldn’t last. I never expected Wang Yao to have such a way with men, turning Liu Heng from a slacker Cultivator into a seasoned veteran tough enough to survive the Yunlan Mountain Range in just over half a month.’

’People are truly fascinating creatures.’

"A Foundation Establishment Cave Mansion... No, I think I’ll pass," Zhao Zuo said, shaking his head. ’I don’t lack resources right now, or even Cultivation Techniques for the future. As long as I continue my Cultivation step by step, I’ll have no problem reaching the Perfection of the Nourishing Body Realm, even if Foundation Establishment isn’t a guarantee.’

"Younger Brother Zhao, the Immortal Dao is all about struggle and opportunity! Are you really going to pass this up?" Liu Heng said, taking a few bites of food. A flash of anxiety crossed his face. After all, he had promised Wang Yao before he came that he would succeed. If he couldn’t convince Zhao Zuo, he would lose face.

"Brother Liu," Zhao Zuo began with a smile, "I remember that heart-to-heart we had under the moon. You told me you were planning to return to the mortal world, find a wife, and have five or six chubby sons."

Liu Heng’s face flushed. A memory he thought long buried suddenly resurfaced, and he sighed.

"I was living in a daze back then," he continued. "I thought I had no chance of reaching Foundation Establishment, so I lost the will to fight and grew lazy. But I’m not that person anymore."

"Is that so? ’One should see a man in a new light after just three days’ absence,’ as the saying goes," Zhao Zuo remarked with a smile, eating his food.

"I’ve just gained some new insights and experiences, that’s all. It’s nothing worth mentioning," Liu Heng replied.

"Let me ask you something. If we do this, how many Spirit Stones can each person expect to get in an even split?"

"If it’s a Foundation Establishment Cave Mansion... with the Magical Treasures, materials, and Spiritual Medicines, split three ways... it’d be about ten thousand each, give or take."

Hearing this, Zhao Zuo lowered his head and calculated for a few seconds before reaching his own conclusion.

"Then let me ask you," Zhao Zuo countered, "how much do you think I make in a month from Refining Lower Grade Magical Artifacts every day?"

"I... haven’t really calculated that..."

"A steady ten thousand Spirit Stones a month," Zhao Zuo answered. ’And that’s a conservative estimate. If I cut back on my daily Cultivation time, I could at least double that amount.’

"I understand. You don’t need the ten thousand Spirit Stones, so of course you don’t need to take the risk."

Liu Heng was quick to understand. In his eyes, a Foundation Establishment Cave Mansion was a major prize, but for an Inner Sect Disciple like Zhao Zuo, it wasn’t nearly as significant. After all, Inner Sect Disciples weren’t short on Spirit Stones and had other channels to acquire Cultivation Techniques.

"Exactly," Zhao Zuo nodded.

"I understand. I just hope you’ll keep this a secret for me, Younger Brother Zhao," Liu Heng said, raising his cup in a toast to Zhao Zuo.

’Truthfully, I invited Zhao Zuo first because I trusted his character. I just never thought he’d refuse. Good thing... I didn’t tell him the location of the Foundation Establishment Cave Mansion.’

"No problem," Zhao Zuo said with a knowing smile. "As far as I’m concerned, you just came over for a drink tonight. Nothing more was said."

"Cheers." Liu Heng poured himself another cup, and the two began to eat heartily. Over the course of the meal, Liu Heng occasionally recounted his recent exploits in the Yunlan Mountain Range, the lingering fear still evident in his voice as he spoke.

Over an hour later, Liu Heng’s face was flushed, and he was showing signs of being drunk. He announced that it was time for him to leave. Although he hadn’t gotten the answer he’d hoped for, he showed no signs of discontent.

Zhao Zuo stood and walked Liu Heng to the door. ’I believe Liu Heng’s invitation was genuinely well-intentioned. With the Master-Servant Contract between us, he wouldn’t dare try anything. But I can’t be sure about Wang Yao... whether she might be planning a betrayal. That’s the real reason I said no.’

’Besides, ten thousand Spirit Stones really isn’t worth the risk.’ Zhao Zuo watched Liu Heng’s retreating back and sighed softly.

"..."

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