Chapter 252: Purple Vertical Eye 【Please Vote with Monthly Tickets】
...So in reality, you simply couldn't let go of your life in the mortal world and still wanted to be an emperor.
Ji Yuan rose to his feet and cupped his hands toward Ice-Fire Elder on the Dragon Throne.
“This junior pays his respects to Your Majesty.”
“No need for such formalities, Virtuous Nephew.”
Ice-Fire Elder waved his hand.
“What I'm doing now... is merely because I miss those days. In the end, I still cannot free myself from the mortal world.”
After speaking, Ice-Fire Elder sighed to himself.
“I imagine you're quite curious why the me you met before is completely different from the me standing before you now?”
“This... this junior truly is rather curious.”
Ji Yuan answered stiffly.
But in truth, ever since confirming that the man before him was also Ice-Fire Elder, he had already formed a suspicion, though he hadn't dared to be certain.
That was...
Split personality.
The Ice-Fire Elder before him and the one who had received him several days ago were both Ice-Fire Elder.
It was simply that Ice-Fire Elder had split into two personalities.
“The world knows that I fell into the Ice-Fire Pool and was the only person ever to emerge from it alive.”
“The world also knows that after I came out of the Ice-Fire Pool, I developed a strange illness. However, very few people actually know what that illness is...”
Ice-Fire Elder fell silent for a moment before continuing,
“Another person appeared within my body. At first, I thought I had been possessed. But later I discovered... that person was also me.”
...As expected. It really was a split personality.
Ji Yuan understood inwardly, but outwardly displayed great surprise.
“To think such a strange thing could exist!”
“Indeed. That fellow's temperament is the complete opposite of mine. A trivial matter like allowing Virtuous Nephew to refine your Flying Sword in the Ice-Fire Pool—why should you have been made to wait so long? If you wished to go, you should simply have gone. Yet he deliberately delayed you. Truly petty.”
Ice-Fire Elder shook his head with obvious disdain.
“If there were any way, I would have long since suppressed and killed him. Not only has he occupied my body, he even comes out from time to time to cause trouble.”
Only then did Ji Yuan finally understand what Li Changhe had meant before departure when he referred to Ice-Fire Elder as a "strange man."
In this world, wasn't someone with a split personality precisely a strange person?
Especially someone like Ice-Fire Elder, whose personalities were completely opposite.
“Senior's condition truly is exceedingly bizarre. This junior has never even heard of such a thing.”
Ji Yuan shook his head with a sigh.
“Mm. After all these years, I've long since grown used to it.”
Ice-Fire Elder had never expected Ji Yuan to provide any answers.
The only reason he offered this explanation today was because Ji Yuan had been neglected by his other "self" for so long.
“It's getting late. Virtuous Nephew may rest here tonight. Tomorrow morning, I shall personally escort you to the Ice-Fire Pool.”
“Yes. Then I'll trouble Senior.”
Having finally received a definite answer, Ji Yuan relaxed and once more rose to salute Ice-Fire Elder.
At the same time, he had also figured something out.
The Ice-Fire Elder before him—the one who enjoyed playing emperor—was the original personality.
The other one was the split-off personality.
Even their auras supported this conclusion.
Ice-Fire Elder had originally cultivated Fire Arts.
Only after falling into the Ice-Fire Pool and emerging alive had he begun cultivating Ice Arts as well.
As for their personalities...
Judging from what the current Ice-Fire Elder had said...
This one was bold and generous.
The other one was more thrifty and diligent in managing the household.
After all, Ji Yuan was borrowing someone else's Ice-Fire Pool to refine a Flying Sword.
It wouldn't exactly be appropriate for him to agree that the other party was stingy.
As for spending the night inside the Imperial Palace...
Ji Yuan actually wasn't very willing.
He was worried that if he stayed overnight, the other Ice-Fire Elder might emerge again and refuse to let him enter the Ice-Fire Pool.
What would he do then?
Driving him away was unlikely.
At worst, he would simply have to wait several more days.
Soon afterward, Ji Yuan was led out of the grand hall by a female cultivator.
Naturally, he wasn't being lodged in the imperial harem.
Instead, the maid-like female cultivator led him to a side palace named the Qianyuan Palace.
The interior was just as magnificent and resplendent.
There were also more than ten maidservants attending the place.
Ji Yuan swept his gaze over them.
There were no Foundation Establishment female cultivators among them.
Every single one was merely a Qi Refining cultivator.
Apparently, there weren't many Foundation Establishment female cultivators on Ice-Fire Island to begin with.
There were even fewer qualified to serve Ice-Fire Elder.
Some time later...
Ji Yuan politely declined the maidservants who had come to assist him with bathing and changing clothes.
Instead, he cultivated throughout the entire night within Qianyuan Palace.
By the following morning, Ice-Fire Elder once again sent someone to summon him.
When Ji Yuan saw that the visitor was still the Ice-Fire Elder dressed in the crimson Dragon Robe, he finally relaxed.
Afterward, he shared breakfast with "His Majesty."
Only after all the complicated formalities had concluded did Ice-Fire Elder say,
“Virtuous Nephew, come with me.”
The moment he finished speaking, both of them transformed into streaks of Escape Light and immediately departed from the palace hall.
They did not travel far.
Instead, they went from the Imperial Palace within the valley to an open space halfway up the mountain.
Before them lay a deep cavern.
Standing at the entrance, Ji Yuan could already feel threads of icy chill flowing from within.
So the Ice-Fire Pool was actually here?
If that was the case, then Ice-Fire Elder had most likely settled here precisely to guard the Ice-Fire Pool.
“It's inside.”
After speaking, Ice-Fire Elder took the lead into the cave.
Ji Yuan followed without hesitation.
As soon as he entered, the cool air became even more pronounced.
After extending forward for some distance, the cave began sloping downward.
By this point, Ji Yuan could already feel waves of cold rushing directly toward him.
...Damn it, it's this cold?
Wasn't the Ice-Fire Pool supposed to become a Fire Pool during the daytime?
Perhaps because they had arrived at the place where he'd suffered the greatest trauma, Ice-Fire Elder fell completely silent from this point onward, merely leading the way.
Some time later...
Ji Yuan estimated that they had been descending for the time it took to burn one stick of incense.
Judging by their speed, they had already reached dozens of meters beneath the surface.
Then, as he casually took one step forward...
The cold around him instantly disappeared.
The surrounding air became incomparably scorching.
His footsteps paused slightly.
He stepped backward.
Yet it was still scorching hot.
Refusing to believe it, he retreated several more steps before finally feeling the coolness return.
He understood.
The cold air was being forced outward by the heat.
Having delayed for only a brief moment, he had fallen some distance behind Ice-Fire Elder.
He quickly hurried after him.
The two continued deeper underground for another several dozen meters.
Only after Ji Yuan could no longer endure the heat and was forced to activate the protective effect of his Spiritual Robe did the space before him suddenly open up.
Gone was the narrow passageway.
Instead, there was now a vast stone chamber.
His gaze passed beyond Ice-Fire Elder.
At the center of the chamber...
He saw what appeared to be...
A pool of lava!
It wasn't particularly large, only about one zhang across.
The molten lava continuously churned and boiled like the crater of a volcano on the verge of eruption.
Could there really be Water Fortune inside a lava pool?
Could this place truly condense the Blazing Flame Sword?
“This is the Ice-Fire Pool.”
“It's daytime now, so it's the Fire Pool. Although what you see resembles lava, it is actually only boiling water... merely boiling to an extreme degree.”
“After night falls, the pool will transform into an icy pond. Remember, you absolutely must not approach it.”
“As for you members of the Li Family, you may condense your Flying Sword Embryo during either day or night.”
“As for which you choose... that depends entirely on yourself.”
After Ice-Fire Elder finished speaking, Ji Yuan did not immediately say that he intended to condense the Blazing Flame Sword during the day.
Instead, he pondered before replying,
“This junior would like to observe it first. After understanding the differences between the daytime and nighttime Water Fortune, I'll decide which Flying Sword to condense.”
“Excellent.”
Ice-Fire Elder finally revealed a trace of a smile.
“Then remain here and comprehend it. I won't disturb you.”
“Just remember one thing.”
“Whether day or night, you absolutely must not step into the Ice-Fire Pool.”
“Once you enter it... not even immortals will be able to save you.”
Those final words were spoken with complete seriousness.
Ji Yuan solemnly nodded.
“Senior, please rest assured.”
“Very well. Cultivate diligently.”
After speaking, Ice-Fire Elder transformed into a crimson streak of Escape Light and departed along the path they had entered.
The enormous stone chamber was left with Ji Yuan alone.
He took a deep breath.
Then lightly patted the Storage Pouch at his waist.
Four streaks of light flew out, embedding themselves into the surrounding stone walls before transforming into four luminous pearls.
The entire chamber immediately brightened.
With the added illumination, Ji Yuan discovered that the pool before him truly wasn't filled with lava.
It was boiling water.
Water that resembled molten iron.
'As expected of the cultivation world. The world is vast, and wonders never cease.'
Ji Yuan was just about to sit down when he remembered Ice-Fire Elder's warning.
He took several steps backward before finally sitting down with peace of mind.
Within a single breath, he sensed the rich Water Fortune permeating the stone chamber.
It really was here!
Just moments ago, Ji Yuan had been thinking about how, during his previous attempts at condensing Flying Sword Embryos, it had always taken four or five days before one fully formed.
But those had been elsewhere.
Here...
That simply wouldn't work.
The Water Fortune changed once every day.
Suppose he began condensing the Blazing Flame Sword in the morning.
If it still wasn't complete by nightfall, then once the Water Fortune transformed, how could he continue condensing it?
Now, however, he no longer worried.
With Water Fortune this abundant, condensing a Flying Sword within a single day would certainly be possible.
'Naturally. Since the Li Family personally verified this place for condensing Flying Swords, how could they possibly have overlooked something so obvious?'
After that thought, Ji Yuan quietly began comprehending the Water Fortune here.
He wasn't in any hurry to absorb it.
Although his original plan had been to condense the Blazing Flame Sword...
He still wanted to examine the Water Fortune at night first.
If the nighttime Water Fortune proved superior...
Then condensing the Cold Mirage Sword wouldn't be impossible either.
Since he'd already come all this way, there was no need to rush.
After waiting for most of the day...
The previously boiling waters of the Ice-Fire Pool suddenly calmed.
Ji Yuan immediately opened his eyes.
The pool that had previously been bubbling with crimson water now became tranquil.
Its surface was perfectly calm.
The fiery crimson color gradually faded.
Within only a few breaths...
The very center of the lake had already become transparent.
...Truly miraculous!
Ji Yuan watched the transformation unfold before his eyes.
The cooling speed only grew faster and faster.
Moments later...
Not a trace of crimson remained within the entire pool.
The water...
Had returned to normal.
Yet that normal state lasted for less than several breaths.
Immediately afterward, Ji Yuan sensed an icy aura spreading toward him from the water.
Crack...
Crack...
The lake instantly began freezing over.
Yet the ice quickly shattered inch by inch.
As the broken ice sank beneath the surface, the pool no longer displayed any signs of freezing.
Only overwhelming cold remained.
Fortunately, Ji Yuan's physique far exceeded that of ordinary cultivators.
Otherwise, simply condensing a Flying Sword within such an environment would have been unimaginably difficult.
The lake appeared perfectly normal.
It wasn't frozen.
Yet it was incomparably cold.
That alone proved that this water was far from ordinary.
Ji Yuan very much wanted to collect some in a jade bottle and bring it back for Hua Yaoyue to examine.
But after some thought...
He gave up the idea.
Even if he were going to do so, it would have to wait until after successfully condensing his Flying Sword.
He then resumed comprehending the Water Fortune.
Again, in only a single breath, Ji Yuan sensed incomparably dense Water Fortune.
There's hope!
Moreover, it was completely different from the daytime Water Fortune.
The daytime Water Fortune was scorching and domineering.
The nighttime Water Fortune, however, was icy and gentle.
After comprehending it for half an hour...
Ji Yuan finally made his decision.
He would condense the Blazing Flame Sword during the day!
As for the Cold Mirage Sword...
He decided against it.
His current Canglan Flying Sword, Dragon Fortune Flying Sword, Cloud Palace Flying Sword, and Firefly Sword all leaned toward Water Arts.
Adding another Cold Mirage Sword wouldn't contribute much.
He might as well condense the Blazing Flame Sword instead.
Perhaps it would prove especially effective at a crucial moment.
Having reached this decision, Ji Yuan no longer hesitated.
He remained beside the Ice-Fire Pool, comprehending throughout the entire night.
When dawn arrived the following morning, the waters once again began boiling violently.
As the Water Fortune drifting through the surrounding air began changing...
Ji Yuan made his move.
He began absorbing the Water Fortune floating throughout the air, guiding it into his Dantian.
Then, under the guidance of his other five Flying Sword Embryos, a brand-new Flying Sword Embryo gradually began taking shape.
Unlike his previous experiences...
Back then, absorbing Water Fortune had always been an extremely slow process.
Simply because it had been scarce.
But this time?
The moment he circulated his cultivation technique...
The surrounding Water Fortune surged into his body as though it cost nothing at all.
It even seemed eager to squeeze inside ahead of everything else.
The consequence, however...
Was heat.
Scorching heat.
It was daytime now.
The Water Fortune produced by the Fire Pool carried intense blazing energy.
As it flowed together with Spiritual Energy through Ji Yuan's meridians, they felt as though they were being burned alive.
At the very beginning, the searing pain made even Ji Yuan shudder.
Only after gradually adapting did it become slightly more bearable.
Even so...
He still felt as though his entire body were on fire.
“Endure... just endure a little longer.”
Ji Yuan gritted his teeth while concentrating entirely upon the increasingly abundant Water Fortune gathering inside his Dantian.
Half a day later...
The Water Fortune within Ji Yuan's Dantian reached its limit.
Immediately afterward, the five Flying Sword Embryos automatically arranged themselves into a brand-new Sword Formation.
The instant the Sword Formation took shape...
The chaotic Water Fortune within his Dantian naturally flowed into it.
Compression.
Condensation.
Finally...
Within that sea of crimson Water Fortune...
Ji Yuan saw a brand-new Sword Embryo slowly taking form.
The Blazing Flame Sword possessed the same brilliant crimson color as the Fire Pool itself.
Within it, faint streams resembling flowing molten fire drifted continuously.
'Its appearance is certainly impressive. I just wonder how it'll perform in actual combat.'
Once the Sword Embryo had taken shape, Ji Yuan no longer needed to concern himself with the remaining process.
Everything proceeded steadily on its own.
As the absorbed Water Fortune gradually decreased, the burning sensation throughout his meridians also lessened considerably.
He was finally able to breathe easier.
After another short half-day...
The final strand of wandering Water Fortune within his Dantian was absorbed into the Sword Formation.
At the very center of the Sword Formation formed by the original five Sword Embryos...
A crimson Sword Embryo finally appeared.
“Come!”
With a thought from Ji Yuan, the Blazing Flame Sword shot out from his body and floated before him.
Looking at the tiny crimson sword, he naturally found himself extremely pleased.
At first, the Blazing Flame Sword merely floated before him.
Then, under his mental command, it began circling endlessly around his body.
The range of its flight expanded farther and farther.
Eventually, it flew throughout the entire stone chamber.
Ji Yuan also discovered that whenever he wished...
Everywhere the Flying Sword passed, Fire Arts could descend.
To slay enemies.
Or to protect himself.
'Now this really will let me kill and commit arson for a golden belt.'
Ji Yuan happily imagined the future before recalling the Blazing Flame Sword.
He quietly sensed the Sword Embryo floating before him.
'Hmm... if I'm ever forced to do something underhanded in the future, I can simply release the Blazing Flame Sword and disguise myself as a Fire Arts cultivator.'
'That way, no matter how others investigate, they'll never suspect Ji Yuan.'
'After all... Ji Yuan cultivates Water Arts.'
The thought of gaining yet another method to deceive others immediately put him in an even better mood.
He then summoned his other five Sword Embryos as well.
All six floated protectively before him.
Unfortunately...
He had already tested this previously.
To unleash the true destructive power of the Sword Formation...
He needed at least seven Flying Swords.
At present, he only had six.
Still one short.
But that was fine.
Ji Yuan had already planned to remain in secluded cultivation on Ice-Fire Island for some time, continuing to study the 《Canglan Nine Tribulations Sword Manual》.
Only after becoming capable of condensing another Flying Sword would he head north.
At that time, he would conveniently pass through Thunder Marsh and condense his seventh Sword Embryo.
With seven Sword Embryos in hand...
Not only would his cultivation improve...
His Sword Formation would also finally be complete.
By then, his overall strength would surely experience another tremendous leap.
Though he would still only be at the Late Foundation Establishment Stage...
Relying solely upon his own strength, he should already be capable of threatening cultivators at Peak Foundation Establishment.
Unlike now...
When dealing with a mere Pseudo-Core Cultivator still required him to deploy his Golden Core Corpse Servant.
After savoring those pleasant fantasies...
Ji Yuan recalled all six Flying Sword Embryos back into his Dantian.
He then stood up and cast one final glance toward the Ice-Fire Pool.
But just as he was about to turn and leave...
He suddenly noticed that an...
Eye...
Had appeared beneath the surface of the pool.
A gigantic purple vertical eye occupied the very center of the Ice-Fire Pool.
Since it was already so close to him, Ji Yuan could even see the eyelashes on either side trembling slightly.
The pupil itself was also purple.
It appeared extremely strange...
Yet somehow possessed an indescribable...
Beauty.
The instant Ji Yuan saw the purple eye...
He knew something was wrong.
Instinctively, he turned to flee.
But at that very moment...
The purple vertical eye blinked ever so slightly.
Then an ethereal voice sounded beside his ear.
“You... also wish to become an immortal?”
Please vote with your monthly tickets.
(End of Chapter)