Chapter 28: Figures from the Past, the First Glimpse of a Staggering Secret (Part Two)

"You are right. That is a wicked path. Unless they can unlock the mysteries of the brain and the soul, what they cultivate will only be demons. But to them, it doesn't matter; they only need tools to get things done. The three individuals who invaded your residence had chips implanted in their brains to destroy them; this technology was originally invented to control such super-soldiers."

"Furthermore, judging by the modus operandi of this organization and the national forces behind it, this power will never be used for world peace or the development of humanity. It is meant to satisfy the selfish purposes of a few. They do not care about the means; they only care about the final objective."

"Our hypothesis is that their ultimate goal is to 'forge an immortal vessel'."

Wei Cheng said.

"Is the path of attaining sainthood through the flesh not enough to be called immortal?" Yi Beidou asked.

"We are human immortals. Though we are called immortals, we are still human. Our flesh-and-blood bodies are riddled with vulnerabilities; our vital energy cannot withstand the passage of time, and eventually, the body will decay. What they seek to create is the 'Flawless True Immortal'."

Wei Cheng explained.

In the eyes of Taoism, human vital energy begins to dissipate into the heavens and earth through the limbs, bones, and pores the moment one is born. Once that energy is exhausted, the person dies.

A Flawless True Immortal, however, is capable of sealing the body so that nothing leaks; their vital energy remains eternal, with nowhere to dissipate or flow out. Such figures, according to legend, are immortal and live as long as the heavens themselves.

"So, you must be careful. You were born with the spirit of a Heavenly Demon, yet you achieved sainthood before the age of thirty, and you have become entangled with the Wandering Immortals. Once this organization receives intelligence on you, they will inevitably become very interested in you, and they may send someone to strike at any time," Wei Cheng warned.

"If soldiers come, I will block them; if water comes, I will earth-dam it. If they dare to target me, I will kill every single one that comes. It might even count as ridding the world of demons," Yi Beidou said, his expression unchanged, showing no fear whatsoever.

As Hong Datong wrote in his last letter, the current era is unprecedented. The world is vast, heroes are rising, and monsters are emerging. His path is different from that of the Pioneer Group.

Human experimentation, unscrupulous methods, and total lack of conscience—piling up a road with the flesh and blood of countless living beings to satisfy one's own desires, all while calling it the "future of humanity"—are things he holds in contempt.

"A young man with true grit, indeed. Very well, let us set aside official business for now. You are currently studying martial arts and possess the ability of 'empathetic perception,' to reflect upon the past and present. I am reminded of an object that might be of help to you," Wei Cheng said with a smile.

"What is it?"

Yi Beidou felt a slight stir in his heart.

"A sword. A fierce, baleful sword. I will have someone send you the information later, and you may pay a visit yourself."

Wei Cheng said.

The two chatted for a while longer. With the core matters settled, the meeting concluded. Yi Beidou took his leave and was driven back to his residence by Sun Hanlin and Zhou Baiwei.

"Old Minister, do you think we should still try to guide him? After all, he is only twenty-seven, and his ambitions share some common ground with the philosophy of the Pioneer Group. I worry he might be secretly courted by them and become one of their own," Zhao Ping said, still feeling a trace of concern.

After all, setting aside the methods, the Pioneer Group could be seen as exploring the limits of human life and pioneering a new era—a vision that coincided with Yi Beidou's own concepts.

"Rest assured, there is absolutely no possibility of him cooperating with the Pioneer Group. While their goals may be the same, their paths are different. After crossing hands with him, I understood that the path he walks is one of awakening and wisdom to break through limits, challenge the human form, and enlighten all sentient beings. This is the great path of the ancient sages."

"The path of the sage is grand and upright, bringing blessings to the world; how could it ever resort to the ways of snakes and rats? Moreover, although this man acts with ferocity, he understands human sentiment and cause-and-effect; he is clear about his debts and grievances. From this day forward, you must provide him with every convenience. He is, after all, a man of Donghua, bound by fate. If he succeeds in what he seeks, the people of Donghua will be the first to taste the fruits of his path," Wei Cheng said solemnly.

"Very well, since matters here are concluded, it is time for me to go. Seeing the new generation rising, my heart is greatly comforted. The martial arts of Donghua shall not perish. Next, I must consider preparations for the 'Wuying Discussion Conference'."

Wei Cheng waved his hand, preparing to leave.

"Um... Master."

At that moment, Meng Qianyuan, who had been standing to the side, suddenly spoke up, his expression hesitant.

"Oh? It seems you have something on your mind."

Seeing his disciple in such a rare state, Wei Cheng knew something significant was weighing on him.

"Master, when I went to deliver the invitation, I wanted to test Mr. Yi's skills. I acted rashly and was subdued by him in a single move. In the scuffle, I ruined his courtyard. He ordered me to repair it with my own hands. I was wondering..."

Meng Qianyuan hesitated, then told the truth.

"Hahahaha!"

Hearing this, Wei Cheng seemed to understand something and could not help but laugh heartily, which made Meng Qianyuan feel somewhat flustered.

"Master... perhaps I should return with you, and we can hire a construction crew to repair the courtyard for him instead," Meng Qianyuan quickly suggested.

"Lacking firm resolve—no wonder you haven't attained sainthood yet. What? Are you afraid I will think you are betraying your master and changing allegiances?"

"Am I so small-minded? Could I stop you if you found an opportunity? This man is a Heavenly Demon descended to earth; his talent is greater than yours, and his karmic obstacles are deeper, yet he has attained sainthood. He must have unique insights; I have nothing more to teach you now."

"As a high-level master who has attained sainthood, he cannot always be a lone wolf. Someone should be there to attend to his needs. When you go, you must treat him with the respect due to a master," Wei Cheng said sternly to Meng Qianyuan.

"Thank you, Master, for your permission."

A look of gratitude appeared on Meng Qianyuan's face as he prostrated himself before the old man.

In Yi Beidou's villa:

After dropping him off, Sun Hanlin took his leave, but Zhou Baiwei lingered, claiming she was now his liaison assistant, responsible for coordination between him and the Special Security Bureau.

She, too, aspired to the martial path. Compared to her duties at the Bureau, she felt that if she could stay by Yi Beidou's side, she might soon find an opportunity for further progress. Only by staying near such a figure could she witness how spectacular the unknown and thrilling side of this world truly was. It was an experience her previous job could never match.

"Since you aren't leaving, go and clean all the rooms here."

Yi Beidou tossed a broom at Zhou Baiwei.

He was indeed lacking someone to handle chores. Given his identity and the nature of his work, hiring a nanny wasn't appropriate—it would likely scare someone to death. Since Zhou Baiwei had offered herself, it was perfect to use her as a servant.

"Oh."

Zhou Baiwei dared not object. In order to stay by Yi Beidou's side, she obediently put down her phone, picked up the broom, and began to sweep.

Before long, a noisy sound came from outside the courtyard gate. Meng Qianyuan was seen driving an off-road pickup truck he had managed to procure, with several floor tiles similar to those in Yi Beidou's courtyard visible in the truck bed.

"Mr. Yi, I have come to help you repair the floor tiles," Meng Qianyuan said as he walked into the courtyard.

"Follow me."

Yi Beidou nodded, turned, and walked into the villa.

Seeing this, Meng Qianyuan's eyes lit up, and he hurried to follow.

Soon, they arrived in a room. Yi Beidou took a cloth bundle from a drawer. Meng Qianyuan leaned in to look and saw it contained silver needles.

"Sir, what is this?" Meng Qianyuan asked, puzzled.

"Stand still. You possess innate divine strength, so working is too easy for you. That won't serve as a punishment, so I will give you some pressure."

As he spoke, Yi Beidou flickered and appeared before Meng Qianyuan. His arm flashed repeatedly, and silver needles were plunged into various parts of Meng Qianyuan's chest.

*Thud!*

With the seven silver needles inserted, Meng Qianyuan felt his legs go weak. Unable to stand, he stumbled and fell to the floor.

Never in his life had he felt his body so feeble; the sensation was extremely uncomfortable.

"Sir, this is..."

Meng Qianyuan's face was filled with shock, unaware of what kind of technique this was.

"The Seven-Star Demon-Suppressing Needles. They seal your vital energy and physical stamina. Your strength is now equivalent to that of an ordinary adult. I lived with these seven needles for twenty years."

Yi Beidou said, then turned and walked out of the room, leaving Meng Qianyuan stunned in his place.