CHAPTER 442: GOOD NEWS AND BAD NEWS

Chapter 442: Good News and Bad News

...

"Old Zhang, I've found a way to restore your physical body."

Zhang Yibai had just emerged from the Black Scales Sword when he heard these words, momentarily stunned.

"You've found a suitable body for me?"

He counted on his fingers as he explained to Chen Huaian: "First, the birth date and time must match, otherwise the soul and new body will clash. Second, the age can't be too old, or there won't be enough lifespan left. As for talents, any Spiritual Root will do - I can always cultivate back to my former strength later..."

"Ah! One more crucial point!

The body you find for me must be from someone who died naturally. I won't have innocent blood on my hands for the sake of resurrection."

"You're overthinking it - do I seem that cruel to you?" Chen Huaian took out the Rebirth Lotus to show Zhang Yibai.

"What's this?"

Zhang Yibai stared at the golden lotus in Chen Huaian's hand. He could tell it was something precious, but had never seen it before.

"This is the Rebirth Lotus. Planted in Nuwa's Soil, it grows lotus seed pods. Grind the pods into powder, mix with spiritual spring water to form clay, then mold it into human shape to create a body perfectly compatible with any soul."

"Good heavens! Such a miraculous treasure exists in this world?" Zhang Yibai's beard trembled as he gazed at the lotus. "So as long as the soul remains, this can resurrect the dead? No, this is too valuable - you should keep it for yourself."

"Oh? Elder Zhang~" Chen Huaian teased. "Are you subtly cursing me to die early?"

"Hey! How could you interpret it that way?!"

"What a pity... after all my efforts to find this resurrection treasure for you." Chen Huaian hung his head in exaggerated dejection, holding the lotus with mournful expression. "When the Ascenders completely conquer Earth Star, we'll both be doomed."

Zhang Yibai saw through Chen Huaian's act - this deliberate ploy to make him accept the treasure warmed his heart. Such a life-saving artifact that others would hoard selfishly, yet Chen Huaian offered it freely.

Truly a fellow countryman worth recognizing.

So he stopped being coy: "Fine! Since you put it that way, it'd be ungrateful to refuse. Rest assured - with me around, no one in that world can harm you unless they step over my corpse!"

"Now the question is - where to find Nuwa's Soil?

I remember Monk Burning Karma had a piece. Did you find any when looting the Burning Purity Holy Land?"

Chen Huaian froze upon hearing this.

Damn, so the Electronic Girlfriend game system stole this Nuwa's Soil from Monk Burning Karma too?

Which meant... all rewards from the system so far were just casually pilfered from Cangyun Realm?

Then what about this Rebirth Lotus...

Chen Huaian stared silently at the lotus in his hand.

Undoubtedly, this was a treasure no less valuable than a top-grade Spiritual Treasure.

He couldn't imagine how devastated the original owner must be if this lotus was stolen.

But whatever - not my problem.

Old Zhang would be resurrected on Earth Star, not in Cangyun Realm.

Even if the lotus had an owner, they'd never track it to Earth Star.

"Elder Zhang, I happen to have some right here. Let's return to Earth Star now."

...

Containment Site Zero.

Chen Huaian uprooted the Nine-Turn Spirit Orchid from its pot and planted the Rebirth Lotus instead,

completely ignoring the orchid's indignant wriggling.

Upon contacting Nuwa's Soil, the Rebirth Lotus grew like it was on steroids - expanding from baby-fist size to over a meter tall in visible speed. Its petals closed again, with golden light brewing inside.

"Growing this fast? Nuwa's Soil is more potent than growth hormones..."

Chen Huaian marveled, unsure when the lotus would bloom.

[Governor! Governor! Wang Shouyi's back with urgent business!]

Right as the clock struck twelve, Lin Lingling's lively voice came through the intercom.

Usually this meant considerable time had passed.

Unless absolutely urgent, the sensible Wang Shouyi wouldn't disturb him.

Seeing no immediate signs of the lotus blooming,

Chen Huaian placed the Black Scales Sword beside the pot, changed clothes and left.

The moment the door closed,

the standing Nine-Turn Spirit Orchid immediately slapped the Rebirth Lotus.

The lotus shivered from the blow, curling up fearfully.

"Green tea bitch!"

The orchid huffed in a childish voice.

"This is MY pot from master, not YOURS! You can't steal my pot!"

The drooping lotus bud trembled slightly.

"You say you'll grow seed pods to help master resurrect someone?"

"Fine." The orchid reluctantly softened its tone.

"I heard spiritual plants like you die after fruiting?"

Sighing, the orchid imitated Chen Huaian's mannerisms: "Thought you were some vixen seducing master - my mistake. Let me bestow you some fortune then."

Its leaf touched the lotus' crown,

streams of glowing energy flowing into the plant.

The already mature lotus expanded further, miraculously growing three seed pods that forced the unopened bud to bloom, its stem bending under the weight.

"Done!"

The orchid patted its leaves proudly.

"Now with three fruits you won't die!"

Rebirth Lotus: "..."

So heavy.

But technically this did solve its lifespan issue.

Just... rather violently.

...

Unaware of the now-triple bounty of lotus pods,

Chen Huaian entered the Exorcist Division hall to find Wang Shouyi practicing one-legged meditation.

"Senior! You're finally here!"

Wang Shouyi instantly awoke at the sound.

"I've been waiting all afternoon!"

Chen Huaian: "..."

"You didn't have to wait here - could've done other things." Sitting on the sofa, Chen Huaian studied Wang Shouyi. "What's so urgent?"

Wang Shouyi sat opposite, smiling mysteriously.

"Two good news, one bad news - which first, senior?"

"Bad news first."

"The bad news is Spirit Jade veins will soon emerge in Tianfu District, ending the era of sect cooperation." Wang Shouyi placed hands on knees solemnly. "Senior, we're entering turbulent times! All sects will fight ruthlessly for resources!"

Chen Huaian remained impassive.

So chaos was coming?

Good. Easier to fish in troubled waters.

With numerous sects rising during turmoil, his and Zhang Yibai's future Wind Spirit Sect would attract less attention.

"As expected of senior - unshaken even by such dire news!"

Wang Shouyi admired inwardly.

"The good news?"

"The good news is, the Supreme knows the exact vein locations! We can strike first!"

"And the other?"

"The other... senior, I recommended you to the Supreme! They highly value you!" Wang Shouyi gestured excitedly. "The Supreme invites you to Kunlun Immortal Palace as guest elder of the Alchemy Pavilion!"

"What?!"

Chen Huaian's eyes widened as he shot up from the sofa.

...

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