Wanxi Rebirth - Chapter 43

At Star-Picking Pavilion, the five elders and their disciples spent at least half a day capturing and refining the relics, as well as using them to predict the future.

Lan Fengqing volunteered to accompany the Sixth Elder to tend to the injured disciples, while Yue Tingxi stayed with Qin Suoliu to inquire about information from the resting disciples.

“Thanks to the three of you, we probably would have all died today otherwise!” A young female disciple, seemingly only sixteen or seventeen, said with red eyes. “Even though we were warned before departure that the secret realm is perilous, we traveled smoothly through the Shallow Water Layer and never expected that as soon as we reached the Ruins Layer, we would encounter murderous sects vying for treasure…”

“Tch, the Master actually emphasized repeatedly before departure that our Star-Picking Pavilion isn’t skilled in combat. If we meet villains, just run!” Another slightly older disciple who was caring for her said. “But… precisely because we are from Star-Picking Pavilion, knowing how important this relic is, we must get it even if it costs our lives.”

Yue Tingxi gently comforted them and questioned a few more disciples, discovering that all of them shared a unified understanding of the relic.

“Star-Picking Pavilion calls it the ‘Salvation Scale,’” Yue Tingxi transmitted to Qin Suoliu. “According to the disciples, it can indicate where life exists and what price must be paid to obtain it. The pavilion intends to take it back for safekeeping so that nobody with ill intentions can refine it and ‘misuse the Scale.’”

“I’ve gathered similar information,” Qin Suoliu replied. “But I don’t believe the five elders will be able to refine it or take it away.”

“Because its predictive principles are based on the law of cause and effect?” Yue Tingxi guessed. “Like the demonic token inside He Shen?”

“Exactly. That’s why I suspect only cultivators who share a causal connection with the calamity can refine the relic.” She lifted her eyes to the cavern where the relic rested.

Yue Tingxi understood her implication: the person who caused a massive disaster in the human realm in her previous life was none other than the demonized Qin Suoliu. By all logic, Qin Suoliu should be able to claim ownership of this relic.

It was uncertain, however, whether the relic’s “eye” could account for the events of a previous life in a new one.

Because of their indebtedness to Star-Picking Pavilion, the three of them disguised themselves to avoid exposing themselves outside the secret realm and waited patiently for a result, as well as for the divination promised by the Fifth Elder.

After two hours, the three disciples appeared at the cavern entrance. However, the Fifth Elder had to be assisted by two of her inner disciples, her expression grim.

The Sixth Elder hurried over, transmitting inquiries with her mind, her gaze complicated—confused, yet unwilling to accept it.

The Fifth Elder shook her head lightly and allowed the disciples to help her approach the three of them.

“The Salvation Relic wishes to see you,” the Fifth Elder transmitted, approaching. “Star-Picking Pavilion cannot take it away, but if you are worthy, you must refine it and take it out of the secret realm to safeguard it.”

“How do we know it won’t be used for evil?” Qin Suoliu deliberately asked.

“This is a mystical realm, beyond prediction. You can only follow it,” the Fifth Elder said solemnly. “If it recognizes you, it knows your past. The three of you need only take it with peace of mind.”

The three exchanged glances. Finally, Yue Tingxi said, “Then let’s meet it. That’s what we came here for anyway.”

As they moved toward the cavern, the Sixth Elder whispered to the Fifth Elder, “Though these three are decisive killers, their faces show integrity and kindness. Your relic, which senses the aura of killing, remained inactive. How could they… have a causal connection with the human realm’s calamity?”

“Divine relics see the world like the ‘Three-Era Buddha,’” the Fifth Elder replied. “Perhaps cause and effect are not limited to this life. We, as outsiders, can only observe.”

The “Three-Era Buddha” refers to the past, present, and future Buddhas, incomprehensible to ordinary mortals.

The Sixth Elder said no more, helping the Fifth Elder back to the temporary mat and preparing to inject her spiritual energy, only for the Fifth Elder to say, “Once we’ve repaid our gratitude to the three, we’ll leave the Mystic Water Secret Realm immediately, so the Knife Sea Hall’s rats won’t cause more trouble.”

Upon entering the cavern, Yue Tingxi instinctively stepped forward, only to be preceded by Qin Suoliu.

She recalled how competitive Qin Suoliu was, sighed, and fell back to the rear, positioning Lan Fengqing—who had the weakest constitution—between them.

Lan Fengqing was still studying the map. With the grey moth accompanying them, their movements left traces on the map, making it impossible to get lost even in labyrinthine areas.

Suddenly, Lan Fengqing noticed the grey moth’s light disappearing from the map.

She wasn’t alarmed, but frowned and informed the others of the sudden change.

“We may have entered a barrier or a secluded area,” Yue Tingxi speculated. “It’s probably a temporary disconnection from the outside. Wait here while I try contacting the elders.”

She summoned the Mini Ice Wheel and called for Qing Yu Mountain Elder, receiving no response.

“It seems only the three of us can hear each other now,” Lan Fengqing pondered. “Strange… if the relic can select its entrants, why did the Fifth Elder insist we take it?”

Qin Suoliu said nothing but couldn’t help feeling uneasy.

If the Salvation Scale knew of her past life, would it kill her here to prevent future disasters? After all, eliminating the source of calamity would be the simplest way; without her, disasters might still be delayed for several years.

As she thought, a blinding light appeared. Instinctively, she closed her eyes.

“You are a sinner seeking death, not my target,” a majestic female voice suddenly spoke in her mind.

Qin Suoliu froze. Raising her hand to shield her eyes, she opened them to see a colossal woman on a platform ahead, golden stairs floating beneath her.

The woman’s upper body was loosely wrapped in warm-orange silk, her bronze hair cascading like a waterfall. Her golden eyes reminded one of the brilliant sun.

“…Are you the ‘Salvation Scale’?” Yue Tingxi cautiously stepped forward, sensing no pressure from the woman.

“I have a name, but if the world prefers this title, so be it,” the Salvation Scale said calmly. “I sensed his aura in you. It seems the time for counterattack has arrived; otherwise, he wouldn’t have guided you here.”

“‘Counterattack’… who is ‘he’? The World Consciousness?” Qin Suoliu stepped onto the golden stairs.

“Too many questions. Better take me out and refine me; you’ll understand naturally,” the Scale replied, lowering her gaze. “Your body can no longer contain me, another can— also works.”

“Unknown relics are traps,” Yue Tingxi said. “We may have been guided here, but without understanding, we can’t risk taking a divine relic into the world.”

Qin Suoliu had no choice but to nod.

The invisible pressure vanished as she pierced her fingertip, letting blood fall on the golden scale.

Soon, she felt a faint connection with it.

“You’re interesting. I’ll stay inside that tool you brought out,” the Salvation Scale said.

Yue Tingxi, wanting Qing Yu Mountain Elder to see it, summoned the Scale into the Mini Ice Wheel.

The barrier dissipated, revealing the aged ruins, moss-covered pillars, and creeping plants.

“…The treasure chest is gone! Replaced by our light points!” Lan Fengqing exclaimed, realizing the area was a teleportation space.

“Good, prevents ambushes at the entrance. But we haven’t asked Star-Picking Pavilion for the reward!” Yue Tingxi worried.

She summoned the Leaf Tool to transform the Crane Whip into white wings, but Qin Suoliu stopped her.

“Better ask the Salvation Scale first,” Qin Suoliu suggested.

Entering the Mini Ice Wheel, Yue Tingxi found Qing Yu Mountain Elder standing before the Scale, ready to interrogate it.

“Just teleportation. Your grey moth and Yin-Yang Fish tools suffice,” the Scale said, conjuring a chessboard. “Long time no see, old-timer. Care for a game?”

Yue Tingxi ignored that, withdrawing her consciousness to inform the others.

“The Scale must have mind-reading, observing us constantly,” Lan Fengqing said, setting up the teleport array with the Fish and grey moth.

“Since it revealed more questions, I want to refine it quickly and leave the secret realm,” Yue Tingxi said.

“Same for me,” Qin Suoliu said, gesturing at her abdomen.

“Then let’s explore briefly before leaving,” Lan Fengqing said.

They moved through the ruins; the grey moth located rare materials: forging metals and medicinal herbs.

“This ‘Soul-Cleansing Herb’ is rare once in ten years,” Lan Fengqing carefully collected a white spirit plant into a jade box. “It can eliminate the aftereffects of frequent soul-searching, truly nourishing for the soul.”

Yue Tingxi thought of Qin Suoliu’s corrupted soul during the Iris Whale’s illusion.

Qin Suoliu also recalled it, reflecting on Qing Yu Mountain Elder’s words and the four ominous characters: “corrupted soul.”

She knew as long as her soul remained impure, she couldn’t pass Qing Yu Mountain Elder’s test.

“Fengqing, once the Soul-Cleansing Pill is made, I’ll buy some from you,” Qin Suoliu said.

“No need! I’ll gift it to you!” Lan Fengqing replied.

Yue Tingxi found the grey moth searching for spirit beast eggs as promised to Luo Yansha—and indeed found their location.

She rejoiced, moving forward, when Lan Fengqing shouted, “Qin Sister!”

Qin Suoliu knelt, arching her body, hands pressing tightly against her abdomen, breathing sharply.

Even from a distance, the faint heat emanating from her was palpable.

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