Chapter 120: Elder Brother
The suppression caused by the huge disparity of one cultivation wasn’t something any cultivator remained unaware of. In the early years, before Shen reached the Xiantian Realm, Yu Ruyan had personally trained Shen and Lingshuang to experience and withstand suppression caused by one’s higher realm.
Along with the Absolute Presence, he could breeze through even some Martial Emperor’s if not higher. However, it wasn’t without exception.
Opening Absolute Eyes, which uses both the Spirit and Qi of Absolute Strengthening Technique, directly links his vision to his spiritual world. An earth-shaking fierce spirit energy directly exposing to his uncultivated spirit would be enough to collapse it thoroughly. Though, it wouldn’t have hit him so hard if he remained cautious and protected his spiritual world subconsciously.
If Yu Ruyan hadn’t interrupted him timely, his condition wouldn’t be far from a vegetable.
Among the gathered ones, Shen understood the fearsome power of whatever was inside the Golden-Winged Lion Condor’s beast core. The aura and power of that existence were completely neutral. It didn’t bore any hostile intent, nor did it focus on him. Yet, that alone almost caused him to have a mental breakdown.
“So, you want to say there’s something inside the Yo-Gu’s body which at least have a peak Martial Emperor level power?” Nao Jin asked as he stared at the far horizon.
Shen nodded his head with a dead-pan expression. He had answered this question for the eighth time now. He even knew what Nao Jin would say afterward.
“...but that’s ridiculous!”
“Yes, it is! I still want to ask how did Senior manage to store the carcass inside a beast token? It should have been impossible.” Shen finally couldn’t take it anymore and asked before the old man repeated himself.
After resting for a while, Shen’s complexion became much better. A bit of redness had returned to his cheeks, but his eyes remained sunken.
Shen’s impatient reply woke Nao Jin from his daze. He also understood the gravity of this situation. However, to say he wouldn’t be able to avenge his fallen brother certainly hit him hard but he wasn’t foolish. His years of experience certainly gave him patience and to look at things calmly. As for whether to believe a youngster or not, he didn't think much of it. He couldn't feel anything inside the beast core, but the core itself had shocking damage to convince him. It only made him imagine how painful his life-long companion's death was.
Nao Jin shook his head lightly, “That, I myself want to know but most likely the creature inside didn’t even bother to reject going inside the beast token. Even I can’t explore the deeper intricacies of beast token to say further. But if something like that wants to get out of the beast token, it shouldn’t be impossible.”
He said while eyeing the Beast Token on his hand. Specifically speaking, the beast token holding the carcass of the Golden-Winged Lion Condor.
In normal situations, it would be impossible to hold an untamed inside a beast token as they would reject the summon. Also, low-leveled beasts remain in a half-hibernation state inside the token. However, this was entirely different for higher-level beasts with strong spirit and cultivation. When their master is in danger they would come out from the token to save on their own will.
“Err... should you really be holding that token now?” Shen asked the same question for the third time. Why did he have to pick up the beast carcass again? This old man knew the consequences but didn’t fear heaven. Shen hoped Nao Jin to not drag him down with himself.
As usual Nao Jin ignored Shen and pocketed the beast token. Clasping his fists at Yu Ruyan, he amicably said, “Little sis, if fate awaits, we shall meet once again.” Turning to Shen and nodding, “At the Greencloud Capital.”
‘What’s this old bone planning to do?’
Shen frowned. In the end, he couldn’t remain silent. “Senior, if you don’t mind, I can take care of it for you. Although it would be too dangerous to create a grave here. I can manage something inside the Giant Beast Mountains.”
Yu Ruyan visibly frowned. What Shen said was extremely dangerous. It used to be safe inside the Giant Beast Mountains range but it couldn’t be sure now. More than that, being there with the beast token put his life in danger. Concerned, she asked worriedly, “Do you have a plan?”
“Hmm, nothing specifically. I just have to ride my black luan and make a grave. It shouldn’t be that dangerous. I won’t dive inside too much.” Shen turned to Nao Jin and added, “Besides, if possible Senior shouldn’t head towards that area. If you go deeper your vitality will also start to drain faster.”
Nao Jin shook his head a little, “Little brother, you have already helped us enough. I can’t ask more of you.”
“Master, please let me! Even if it costs my life, I won’t fail you.” Hua Yun suddenly spoke up.
The old man laughed hollowly, “Haha, Yun’er... you’re my only disciple. If you pass away who would continue my legacy?”
Hua Yun had an expression of disbelief. He wanted to say something but his master waved his hand, imply for him to not say further.
Shen saw Hua Yun in a much better light. He thought this guy had a few screws loose but he wasn’t that bad. On the other hand, Yu Ruyan paled.
If Nao Jin’s speech earlier gave a slight hint of his next action, the last made everything clear. He was prepared to abandon his prior plan and enter the Giant Beast Mountains to bury his companion’s corpse. Meaning, along the way he might even become a wooden shell losing his cultivation and vitality.
“Elder Brother, please leave it to me. As long as I’m here, I can’t let something disastrous happen to you!” Ruyan stood up and said firmly. She expected Nao Jin to refuse. So before he could say anything, she continued, “Don’t reject my help so soon. You have helped us multiple times, even saved us. During our marriage, you blessed us as an elder brother. We have received your help so many times, please let this sister help you this once.”
“Ah?” Nao Jin had surprise written on his face. “I never thought you would ever call me Elder Brother again... ever since I heard Xiao Ling has passed away, I couldn’t gather the courage to visit Duanmu Clan. You...”
“I have never blamed you for it and I, I no longer have any relation with the Duanmu Clan. This is my current family.” Yu Ruyan took the beast token from Nao Jin as she said, “Please get to the Capital City as you gather the herbs. He might not look that capable, but he can get things he says done.”
Nao Jin felt great turmoil inside. He opened his mouth but said nothing for a long time. He turned around and said with a light voice, “I won’t thank you then but don’t break your promise. I will wait for you at Greencloud Capital.”
Hua Yun bent his back and clasped his fists tightly, “I can’t thank you enough. I will repay this favor in the future. No matter what you ask, I will try to fulfill at the cost of my life.”
Every word uttered by Hua Yun was filled with determination and will. Just by this alone he expressed his great ambition and confidence.
Yu Ruyan smiled with elegance and nodded.
On the other hand, Shen burned with hatred.
The heck man, you wanna hit on my girl? Are you trying to be the main character?!
Just as Hua Yun wanted to turn around and follow his master, a voice interrupted him, “Yup, you do owe me a lot. One favor seems too light, no?”
Hua Yun shivered in anger. He really couldn’t see eye to eye with this man for some reason. Couldn’t bother to reply, he only “Hmph”-ed and left without any words.
Yu Ruyan didn’t dare to waste any more time. She thought for a moment to remember if she forgot everything and hurriedly instructed Shen and Mingyue Gelou, “You guys deal with anything you want, I’ll be back as soon as possible.”
She didn’t even bother for their replies and immediately prepared to fly when a hand stopped her.
“Hey, wait for a second.” Shen grabbed her hand forcefully and tried to snatch away the beast token only to be pushed away by Yu Ruyan.
“What is it?” Her expression was anything but friendly.
Pa!
Shen furrowed his borrows and said seriously, “What’s with that attitude? Do you believe I won’t whack you?”
Speechless! Both Mingyue Gelou and Yu Ruyan stared at him speechlessly! Ruyan didn’t know what to do! Get angry? Or shout at him? Nothing at all. She just stared blankly.
What was more unbelievable was that he dared to threaten her after he already slapped her buttock!
Shen took this chance to snatch the beast token from her hand. And just as he glanced sideways, he disappeared.
Entering directly inside the Heavenly Emperor Palace, Shen called out Gong Shang. He was worried that she wouldn’t listen to him but before long he felt a tug on his sleeve.
Turning around, he found the petite figure looking at him with upturned eyes, “Mastah~”
Shen felt the vein on his forehead jumping. Ignoring it, he lowered his back to meet Gong Shang’s and gently said, “Shang’er, can you help master to confine a little guy?”
“Confine? Whom should Shang’er hide, Master?”
“Yes, hide this little coin. Make sure nothing can come out of it.”
Shen passed the beast token to Gong Shuang. She tilted her head cutely. When she flicked it skillfully, the beast corpse revealed in the palace.
“Master-Master, do you mean that little guy? It’s so cute~!” Gong Shang excitedly jumped up and down as a hole tore through the beast and a big core hovered before her.
The core looked no different from a beehive as small holes covered the whole thing.
"Wah, such a small guy!"
Shen felt his soul stuck in his throat. He wanted to take a deep breath to calm down but air won’t leave his lungs! It was evident how much he feared this beast core.
“Shang’er, quickly confine this core, do it at once!” Shen quickly ordered as if his life was at stake.
Yet, Gong Shuang protested cutely, “But, Master~. It’s so cute, can I keep it? Please~?”
“Now!!” Shen deepened his voice and ordered firmly.
“Master bully, big bully!”
Being ordered so strictly, Gong Shang didn’t go against her Master but still pouted while calling him bully. At the same time, her fingers moved swiftly and fast. A small pillar rose below the core.
Some runes flashed the flat surface as they died down again.
Shen just blankly stared at them and wondered if it was really necessary to take so long. He tightly held his urge to use Absolute Vision once again as he didn’t want to see the hell for the second time.
After ten seconds, the runes stopped and surrounded the core within golden walls, before taking it on the floor.
Shen felt a little bit empty seeing that his idea worked.
Honestly, when he saw Nao Jin storing the carcass inside the beast token. He first had the idea to throw it towards the Giant Beast Mountains with his full strength. Of course, it didn’t last even a full minute. If it was possible why won’t Nao Jin do it? He just had to flick it and it would be gone.
But whether the beast token could bear the kinetic force or not would be a different thing altogether.
By a stroke of luck he remembered when Gong Shang locked Kaidi inside a cell. It made him think whether the Palace had ways of locking these things. He was so anxious that he didn’t even remember whether he could take the beast token inside the Mortal Realm or not.
Releasing a half-relieved sigh, he asked Gong Shang, “Shang’er won’t that run away from you?”
“Eh? How is that possible? As long as Shang’er kept something, there’s no way it can run away. Silly Masta... Ah! They are here again! So bad! Shang’er won’t let them enter!...”
“Shang’er don’t stop them.”
“Eh? Finally when Shang’er had Master all for herself.”
Gong Shang turned visibly sad. Her voice died down which easily caused Shen to feel guilty. He patted her golden hair and apologized, “Sorry, but Master is busy.” Stopping for a moment, he continued, “Why not meet with them, they will live here later on.”
“No way! Shang’er hates those indecent women, they are full of Master’s scent!”
With a flicker, she disappeared from her position. Leaving a stunned and speechless Shen behind.