Chapter 3979: I'm Afraid You'll Mistake Me
After arranging for the collection of scrolls and scriptures, Nalan Danqing followed Zhang Ruochen out of Kunlun Realm and temporarily resided in the Imperial Dust Palace.
For cultivators of lower realms to carry out this task, it would inevitably take a tremendous amount of time.
To them, it might be a mission spanning several generations, or even dozens of generations.
This was a bottom-up collection process, intended to be silent and hidden, deceiving the heavens.
When the mission was complete, neither Nalan Danqing nor Zhang Ruochen would mistreat their descendants. This was a life-and-death oath between the two!
After ceasing to drink Jietian's tea, Nalan Danqing's body indeed developed problems.
The elixir she had taken earlier, as Jietian had said, was extremely nourishing, far beyond what her current body and soul could withstand.
It wasn't some evil drug; for some Divine Kings and Divine Venerables, it was even endlessly beneficial.
Fortunately, in the early stages of its onset, Zhang Ruochen discovered it and directly used the Taiji Four Symbols Diagram Seal to extract most of the elixir's medicinal power from her body, refining it into his own.
"This old fellow really was scheming against me."
Zhang Ruochen could foresee that when the elixir within Nalan Danqing's body reached a certain critical point, she would inevitably seek his help.
Even if Nalan Danqing didn't ask, Jietian would surely tell Zhang Ruochen.
By then, Nalan Danqing's condition would certainly be very dangerous, not so easy to treat, requiring some special methods.
That was Jietian's true intention!
Even if Zhang Ruochen became angry at that point, Jietian could claim he had good intentions, only to have bungled it.
Zhang Ruochen would never allow such a thing to happen again.
Once the elixir's energy within Nalan Danqing's body was completely stabilized, he immediately headed to the Nine Heavens Celestial World.
Because he had absorbed that potent elixir energy, the ten Yang-attribute Dao lights in Zhang Ruochen's Mysterious Womb became increasingly active, and the blood within his body showed faint signs of boiling.
This demonstrated the strength of the medicinal power.
Jietian sat beneath the Time Jade Tree that suppressed the mysterious sword cultivator, seemingly having guessed that Zhang Ruochen would come. He was calm and composed, saying, "Zhang Ruochen, your aura is very unstable. What are you doing here at my place? You've come to the wrong place!"
Zhang Ruochen suppressed the anger in his heart, speaking in as calm a tone as possible, "Everything must have a bottom line. Elder Jie, this time, you have crossed my bottom line."
"Coming to accuse me? Because of that Nalan girl?"
Jietian jumped up from his chair, saying, "What did I, this old man, do wrong? That precious elixir, I couldn't bear to eat it myself, but for your sake, I gave it to her. Because I was worried she couldn't refine it, I specially picked rare divine tree tea leaves to suppress the medicinal power, allowing her to absorb it slowly. Tell me, what did I do wrong?"
Zhang Ruochen had long guessed he would say this, "What if one day the tea leaves run out?"
"Impossible, absolutely impossible. Even if that day comes and the tea leaves are all picked, I will tell you in advance. With your methods, can't you save her?" Jietian said.
Zhang Ruochen said, "Elder Jie's actions are truly watertight."
"You're misunderstanding me in the first place! Everything I do is for the Zhang Clan, and I am very cautious." Jietian looked extremely displeased, as if he had suffered a great humiliation.
Zhang Ruochen said, "Since Elder Jie has already prepared an unassailable argument, I won't pursue this matter! But, I hope there won't be a next time. You, old man, surely don't want the Zhang Clan to split because of this, do you?"
Jietian said, "I have a saying too. Do you think Nalan Danqing, with her intelligence, is truly unaware of all this? Why didn't she tell you immediately about the tea I gave her?"
"Because you are too clear-headed. Sometimes, others really need to play dumb. And as an elder of the family, pushing you a little, is that wrong? I didn't do it behind your backs; it was all open and aboveboard, all depending on whether you were willing. Heaven and earth bear witness, I, Zhang Jie, stand upright between heaven and earth, and am by no means a shameless person."
Having said what needed to be said, Zhang Ruochen didn't argue further and left directly.
Returning to the Imperial Dust Palace, Zhang Ruochen saw from afar that magnificent divine ships were docked by the island where the Imperial Dust Palace was located.
Xiao Hei appeared beside Zhang Ruochen, lowering his voice, "You this time... this time, this Emperor is utterly impressed. How dare you invite all of them to the Imperial Dust Palace? This is going to cause trouble."
"Not just trouble, it's going to cause a huge disaster." A Le said.
Blood Butcher, brought from the Hell Realm by A Le, also stood on the sea surface, looking at Zhang Ruochen with admiration.
Blood Butcher said, "After Senior Brother's cultivation reached the Indestructible Infinite realm, his bearing is completely different! He no longer has to act cautiously, nor is he constrained by these women. This is a true emperor!"
Zhang Ruochen frowned, "I think I saw Jing Tianjun from Luozu Cloud Mountain Realm!"
Blood Butcher said, "She represents Luozu Cloud Mountain Realm, here to congratulate Tai Shang on becoming a Half-Ancestor."
"I know! I mean, why is she here today?" Zhang Ruochen asked.
Blood Butcher said, "Probably invited by Princess Luo Sha."
Zhang Ruochen said, "What about Hai Shang You Ruo? Why is she here?"
Xiao Hei was very surprised, "Invited by Divine Venerable Wu Yue. Isn't this your intention? This Emperor has heard some powerful figures analyze that after repelling the Dark Hand and exiling Qishier Pin Lian, the Sword Realm has firmly secured its position as the fourth great power in the universe. The Imperial Dust is about to take many concubines to achieve the great prosperity of the Ancestral Clan."
As the grand-disciple of a Half-Ancestor in Spiritual Power, Xiao Hei had naturally received visits from many important figures these days.
Besides Guye Jing and Hai Shang You Ruo, Zhang Ruochen also saw Xia Yu, Jue Miao Chan Nu, Feng Xi, Ni Xuan Bei Shi, Zhu Que Huo Wu, Wan Cang Lan, Qi Fei Yu, Ao Xin Yan... and many other women who shouldn't be here.
The most absurd thing was that the Moon God had also come!
If outsiders found out, how would they see him?
However, from what Xiao Hei had just said, it seemed the outside world had already caught wind of it.
"I have to avoid this today."
Zhang Ruochen led Xiao Hei, A Le, and Blood Butcher to various places in the Wuding Divine Sea, actively visiting envoys from all realms, which naturally flattered them.
It wasn't until dusk that Zhang Ruochen returned to the Imperial Dust Palace alone.
The grand banquet in the palace had long since ended, and the divine ships that had been docked by the island had disappeared.
Just as he stepped into the hall, he heard the Moon God's clear and pleasant voice: "The Imperial Dust has kept me waiting for so long. It's really hard to see you now."
The Moon God, dressed in white, sat quietly by the window.
The evening glow streamed in through the gaps in the window lattice, outlining her figure with a golden edge.
Especially her delicate profile, every line was perfectly placed, exuding the most exquisite beauty in the world. Paired with her mysterious and ethereal temperament, she was like the first time he saw her, making it impossible to look away.
Even though Zhang Ruochen knew the Moon God was a "bandit," which didn't match her Lingbo Fairy-like aura, seeing her still made him forget all his displeasure and worries.
That was the charm of the Moon God. As long as she was there, everything around her became sacred and dreamlike.
This might be the legendary pure beauty that could captivate the soul and intoxicate the mind.
Zhang Ruochen smiled, "The Moon God graces me with her presence. I am overjoyed!"
"Since the Imperial Dust is so happy, how about giving me a Tianzun Lan Divine Pill?"
The Moon God was not polite at all, extending a jade-like hand.
Those who knew would say the Moon God was asking for a pill. Those who didn't would think she was here to rob him.
Zhang Ruochen's heart stirred, and he sat opposite the Moon God, "How does the Moon God know I have a Tianzun Lan Divine Pill?"
"She learned it from me."
Wu Yue, carrying a green jade tray, walked gracefully in from outside, placing a cup of steaming tea before Zhang Ruochen and the Moon God.
She set down the tray and sat to Zhang Ruochen's right, directly opposite the Moon God, apologetically saying, "Husband, I'm sorry. Can you let me explain?"
It had to be said, with the two women sitting together, it truly felt like a double moon shining brightly.
Although Zhang Ruochen felt a trace of displeasure in his heart, it vanished instantly.
Wu Yue said, "When I absorbed the remnant soul of the Ancient Moon God together with the Moon God, a partial soul swap occurred. You know this, Husband."
Of course, Zhang Ruochen knew. Back then, Wu Yue had deliberately released the Moon God's aura to toy with him. Of course, he had punished her for it later.
Wu Yue continued, "Later, we discovered that in a state of soul fusion, our cultivation speed could even reach several times the normal rate. Especially my speed in martial arts cultivation and the Moon God's speed in spiritual power cultivation, which were more than ten times faster than usual."
"That's why we have entered this state of soul fusion several times to cultivate, in order to break through our cultivation bottlenecks. In this state, it's very difficult for us to keep secrets from each other."
"Now, Husband, can you understand?"
Zhang Ruochen's expression was somewhat strange, "No secrets can be kept?"
Wu Yue naturally knew what Zhang Ruochen was thinking, looking at him helplessly, "It's like being one person."
If that were the case, Zhang Ruochen could certainly understand.
But based on his understanding of Wu Yue, he always felt there was more to it. He looked her up and down, "Why are you dressed like this today?"
Wu Yue wore a light blue embroidered orchid bustier inside, with an extremely thin gauze over it, her divine jade-like skin faintly visible, extremely alluring.
A faint floral fragrance emanated from her, the unique scent of Ji Fanxin. Yet the hair bun on her head was the Daoist bun that Luo Ji often wore, making her look like a divine immortal consort.
Wu Yue had always been meticulous about her attire, so Zhang Ruochen didn't think this was accidental.
It was too tempting, as if deliberately arousing Zhang Ruochen's desires.
Wu Yue said with a smile, "After all, the Moon God is here. What if you mistook me for her? That would be very troublesome. So naturally, I had to wear something more distinctive."
"Although your auras are getting closer, I wouldn't mistake you. Even without releasing my spiritual power, just looking at your eyes is completely different." Zhang Ruochen smiled.
The Moon God tapped the table lightly, "I don't have time to watch you two lovebirds flirting! You've given out so many Tianzun Lan Divine Pills, shouldn't I at least get one?"
Zhang Ruochen said, "Actually, the Tianzun Lan Divine Pill is most effective for those at the peak of the Great Unbound Infinite realm trying to break through to the Indestructible Infinite realm. With your current cultivation, Moon God, you don't need it."
The Moon God said, "Does the Imperial Dust mean I will never be able to cultivate to the peak of the Great Unbound Infinite realm?"
The fiery red evening glow reflected on her crystal-clear jade-like cheeks, as if igniting the spiritual mist around her, adding even more radiance.
Zhang Ruochen knew the Moon God's sharp tongue, so he looked at Wu Yue.
He hoped Wu Yue could help him out.
Wu Yue gently shook her head, indicating she couldn't help.
The Moon God said, "It seems the Imperial Dust is really reluctant. Then I'll have to say something."
"Back in the Merit Divine Hall, who risked her life crashing into the hall to save you?"
"Back then, when the Heavenly Court wanted to kill you, who strolled the Heavenly River with Bian Zhuang to save your life? When the Kunlun Realm Merit War broke out, who inscribed divine patterns on you to protect you? How many times did you borrow my power to save yourself when you were my Divine Envoy? One by one, case by case, if I count them all, how long would it take?"
Zhang Ruochen smiled bitterly, knowing he couldn't refuse the Moon God, "Stop, I owe you, Lady. Not just one pill, even ten or a hundred would be deserved."
"You said it! Then a hundred divine pills. You are now a Perfect Round cultivator, the divine pills you refine are quite valuable." The Moon God was not polite at all.
After the Moon God left with the Tianzun Lan Divine Pill, Zhang Ruochen's gaze fell on Wu Yue, "Is the Tianzun Lan Divine Pill beneficial for both of you?"
Zhang Ruochen naturally had this suspicion because Wu Yue could have stepped in to help him just now but didn't.
"If I wanted a Tianzun Lan Divine Pill, wouldn't you give it to me, Husband?" Wu Yue was not afraid, smiling as she retorted.
Zhang Ruochen said, "You mainly cultivate spiritual power!"
"But I also want to improve my martial arts and make up for my shortcomings. How about you help us refine the Tianzun Lan Divine Pill?" Wu Yue said.
"I don't have the time."
Zhang Ruochen didn't quite believe that their secrets would be completely exposed in a state of soul fusion. He felt this was all Wu Yue's scheme, using the Moon God to get the pill.
Wu Yue stood up and walked out, "Husband is someone who does great things. Why focus all your thoughts on us? I heard that an ancient Hall Master of the Space Divine Temple is causing trouble in the Western Universe, having already devoured the life of a great world."
Of course, Zhang Ruochen knew about this, but for now, his true body couldn't leave the Wuding Divine Sea. He could only release his spiritual power and part of his divine soul to go there first.
After all, he had promised Panyuan Ancient God, so he couldn't just sit idly by.
Meeting with Chi Yao, Zhang Ruochen asked her about today's gathering and what was going on.
The answer he got was that all those women were invited by Wu Yue.
"What exactly is Wu Yue trying to do?"
Wu Yue was always shrewd and cared about Zhang Ruochen's feelings, but today she was opposing him at every turn.
The Yang-attribute Dao lights in Zhang Ruochen's Mysterious Womb were already active. Seeing Wu Yue acting like this, how could he let her off tonight?
With a belly full of doubts and anger, Zhang Ruochen came to the palace where Wu Yue resided.
The Dust Heart Bright Moon Divine Hall.
Yu Shi was guarding the hall door and immediately bowed to Zhang Ruochen, "Greetings, Imperial Dust."
"Withdraw. There's nothing for you here." Zhang Ruochen said.
Yu Shi dared not say more, stepped back three paces, and immediately left.
Zhang Ruochen pushed the door open and entered. The hall was magnificent and spacious, with sacred lamps hanging from the pillars.
On the couch at the very top, Wu Yue was still wearing the thin robe from the day, looking extremely alluring, lying lazily on it.
Zhang Ruochen walked over step by step, his gaze growing sharper, "Speak. Why? Have you finally returned to your true nature? Actually, you should know that as long as you can keep up the act, I can accept it. After all, so much has happened, so many dangers have been faced. When I needed help the most, you helped me many times. I am not heartless; I have feelings for you."
Wu Yue did not respond.
Could it be...
A trace of worry arose in Zhang Ruochen. He quickly came to her side and saw that her breathing was even. She was actually asleep. The anger in his heart naturally rose again.
He hadn't even realized it, but the previous Heavenly Venerable-level battle had caused the ten Yang-attribute Dao lights in his Mysterious Womb to operate excessively, already affecting his emotions.
Coupled with absorbing the elixir energy from Nalan Danqing's body, the Yang-attribute Dao lights became even more active, making his emotions even more uncontrollable.
In the end, the Five-Colored Glass Cover could only treat the symptoms, not the root cause. It could only protect the Mysterious Womb from breaking. The side effects of that Yang-attribute power on the body and divine soul could only be endured.
...
The next morning, dawn.
Zhang Ruochen left the Dust Heart Bright Moon Divine Hall and immediately went to Kunlun Realm's King Mountain, entering the Nine Heavens Celestial World.
This visit completely exceeded Jietian's expectations.
Zhang Ruochen's face was panicked, and Jietian was even more panicked.
"I haven't done anything! I've been here guarding the whole time. You coming to me every few days is very frightening." Jietian said while retreating.
Zhang Ruochen quickly suppressed the chaotic emotions in his heart, "Elder Jie, you are a wise man. You have to help me this time."
Jietian's heart grew even more panicked, "Your cultivation is now above mine. I really can't help. I have the will but not the power."
For Zhang Ruochen, with his state of mind, to be this flustered, it was clearly a big problem. Jietian had enough self-awareness and naturally didn't want to get involved.
Zhang Ruochen said, "No, you can help. In matters of emotion, in understanding women, if you claim to be second, no one in the world dares to claim first. First... sit down, don't panic, whatever you do, don't panic..."
"I'm not panicking! You'd better not panic first! What exactly happened?" Jietian became curious.
After sitting down, Zhang Ruochen calmed his emotions, "If I said I mistook someone and something happened, would you believe me?"
Jietian shook his head like a rattle drum, "You are a Perfect Round cultivator."
"My spiritual power is more than ninety percent separated, dealing with that ancient Hall Master of the Space Divine Temple causing chaos in the Western Universe!" Zhang Ruochen said.
Jietian said, "You still have the Heart of Truth."
Zhang Ruochen said, "Those two really look alike, even their auras are very close, and they have even swapped part of their souls. More importantly, at the time, I was in a superimposed state myself. No, that's not it either... Anyway, at the time, I couldn't tell them apart. Do you understand?"
Jietian saw Zhang Ruochen already starting to babble and couldn't understand a word he was saying.
Zhang Ruochen sighed, "Alright, I admit I was a bit emotionally out of control at the time, and my reason was affected. But that was because I was schemed against. Someone deliberately provoked me into losing control. Of course, the biggest reason is still myself. The Dao I cultivate has problems. The Yang-attribute power in my body is becoming difficult to suppress!"
Jietian said, "I can't help with that! You can find Chan Bing. She can help you cool down a bit... Alright, no joking. But the divine energy she cultivates can indeed suppress the Yang-attribute power in your body."
"I'm not talking about that." Zhang Ruochen said.
Jietian said, "You mean what happened between you and her..."
Zhang Ruochen nodded.
Jietian said, "Did you kill her?"
Zhang Ruochen said, "Not kill, but... slept together!"
Jietian's expression relaxed, "I thought it was something big. Just this? Zhang Ruochen, you are now a hegemon. This little thing has you losing your composure? With your current cultivation and status, sleeping with a woman, what's the big deal? Maybe she's even happy about it. This is a chance to rise to the top!"
Zhang Ruochen said, "I'm asking you how to explain and how to handle it."
Jietian said, "Has she woken up?"
"Not yet." Zhang Ruochen said.
Jietian said, "Go back now. When she wakes up, be assertive and tell her it was a misunderstanding. You will definitely take responsibility and give her the status of the Ancestral Zhang Clan. With your identity as Zhang Ruochen and the reputation of the Ancestral Clan, what woman can resist?"
"Of course, if this doesn't work, then honestly lower your posture and admit your mistake, promising to compensate her doubly in the future. Anyway, the rice is already cooked. What can she do?"
"Zhang Ruochen, I'm not one to criticize you, but you've been through many flowers. You need to come to me for advice on such a small matter?"
"By the way, who is this woman you're talking about?"
Zhang Ruochen had completely calmed down, "The Moon God."
Jietian's expression froze, then his eyes grew wider and wider. The Ancestral Divine Qi within his body exploded.
"Boom!"
"Zhang Ruochen, how could you do such a heinous thing? I'll fight you to the death! No one in heaven or on earth can save you. Kill! To the death!"
(End of Chapter)