The Transmigrator's Cultivation

Chapter 42 - Arc 4: The Affairs of Chenghuang Kingdom | Chapter 42: Staying

Translator: Lynn

When Dong Lizhao noticed that Xu Ziqing wasn’t upset, he spoke with a hint of childishness, “Sir, please don’t be mad at me.”

Xu Ziqing chuckled, “Why would I be mad at you?”

Dong Lizhao felt relieved, but as he realized that Xu Ziqing was about to leave, he lowered his gaze and asked, “Can’t you stay a little longer? Are you really going to leave now?”

Xu Ziqing let out a sigh, “I was actually going to discuss this with you.”

Growing up in the palace, Dong Lizhao understood what Xu Ziqing meant.

However, Xu Ziqing said, “Brother Yun has informed me about an important matter that concerns you and your kingdom, Chenghuang. I had intended to leave, but it seems I cannot do so.”

Dong Lizhao was taken aback. “Sir, wait, I’ll go find my elder brother!”

Seeing that Dong Lizhao was about to rush out, Xu Ziqing grabbed his hand and handed him a talisman. “Be careful. This talisman can make you invisible, but remember to remain silent.”

Dong Lizhao replied, “Yes,” and hurriedly left.

Only then did Xu Ziqing immerse his consciousness into his storage ring and inquire, “Brother Yun, would you like to meet Dong Lixi?”

Yun Lie’s voice emanated coldly, “There’s no need.”

Xu Ziqing faintly smiled and refrained from disturbing him.

It turned out that Dong Lixi was under close surveillance. Xu Ziqing waited outside the house with his talisman for some time until he witnessed Dong Lixi dismissing the eunuchs.

After contemplating for a moment, Xu Ziqing said, “Never mind, just come with me.” He then used an illusion to entice Dong Lizhao to accompany him into Dong Lixi’s chamber.

When the two suddenly appeared, Dong Lixi was taken aback, but he swiftly regained his composure and refrained from exclaiming in surprise.

Xu Ziqing promptly cast a silencing spell so that no sound could be heard from inside the room, and he discreetly instructed Chonghua to quietly perch atop a tree in the courtyard, keeping watch for any intruders.

Only then did Xu Ziqing speak, “If we talk now, it won’t attract attention.”

Dong Lixi breathed a sigh of relief, and upon observing Dong Lizhao’s expression, he made a few guesses and smiled, “Is there something you wish to teach me, Mr. Xu?”

Xu Ziqing nodded, “I’m afraid I’ll have to involve myself in the affairs of your kingdom, Seung Juan.”

Dong Lixi was stunned, “Has Mr. Xu changed his mind? Could something be amiss in my country?” Being skilled at reading people, he recognized Xu Ziqing as a perceptive monk with a clear conscience. If it weren’t necessary, he wouldn’t have considered such a matter.

Xu Ziqing smiled appreciatively, “You’re correct.” Then he sighed, “There is a devil cultivator who seeks to overthrow the Chenghuang Kingdom, and as immortal cultivators, we cannot stand idly by when we’re aware of this.”

Dong Lixi’s heart tightened, “Are you suggesting, Mr. Xu…”

Xu Ziqing flicked his sleeve, “You two should go to the window. I will open your eyes, and others’, to witness the fortune of the imperial city.”

Dong Lizhao had already experienced the technique before, so he remained calm, while Dong Lixi, hearing about it for the first time, struggled to contain himself but eventually managed to calm down.

After a few glances, Dong Lixi could discern the entanglement of the golden dragon and the black half-dragon in the imperial city. With his discerning nature, he was well aware of the lasciviousness involved. However, before he could blush, he noticed a sinister red glow in the black half-dragon’s eyes, sending chills down his spine.

Being a few years older than Dong Lizhao and the crown prince, Dong Lixi understood the gravity of the situation better than anyone else. He remarked, “Mr. Xu, that black half-dragon is truly wicked.”

Xu Ziqing responded, “The black half-dragon and the golden dragon are engaged in a process where the golden dragon’s qi is absorbed, transferring the prince’s qi to the black half-dragon. This is done with the intention of transforming the snake into a dragon. Currently, the half-dragon possesses a horn, two claws, and four toes, but the remaining two claws will soon have five toes. The day of its transformation into a dragon is not far off.”

Dong Lixi’s face turned pale, and a hint of resentment flickered in his eyes. He assured Xu Ziqing, “Do not worry, sir. Now that Lixi knows about this, he won’t let him succeed again.”

Xu Ziqing added, “However, the black half-dragon possesses a demonic aura. Since the black half-dragon is a result of Jiao Tu’s qi, if Jiao Tu isn’t an devil practitioner, then there is only one possibility.”

Dong Lizhao urgently inquired, “Sir, what is it?”

Xu Ziqing replied, “Possession.”

Dong Lixi was shocked, “…Possession?”

Possession refers to the act of sacrificing one’s own spirit to another person in order to freely move around when one’s physical body is severely injured and the spirit is trapped. Meanwhile, demonic techniques are utilized to nourish the body and enhance its strength, so that when the spirit is reclaimed, it becomes even stronger than before the injury.

However, this method not only harms the possessed individual but is also inherently evil and repugnant.

Originally unaware of what possession entailed, Xu Ziqing had learned about it from Yun Lie’s voice. Upon discovering its nature, he also felt unsettled.

As he explained this to the two brothers, Dong Lizhao exclaimed, “Sir, you mentioned that people from the Lower Nine Continents cannot practice such techniques, so…?”

Xu Ziqing nodded, “That evil cultivator can only achieve it by possessing Jiao Tu’s body.”

Dong Lizhao’s face turned grim, “If that’s the case, is Jiao Tu dead?”

Before Xu Ziqing could respond, Dong Lixi suddenly spoke up, “I have encountered Jiao Tu quite frequently, and based on his behavior, he seems unchanged.”

Xu Ziqing was slightly taken aback; there seemed to be unfinished business behind Dong Lixi’s words.

Emotions swirled in Dong Lixi’s eyes as he continued, “I knew Jiao Tu ten years ago. Despite being Consort Huang’s older brother, he was also my close friend. When I ascended to the position of Crown Prince, he served as my confidant.”

Jiao Tu and Concubine Huang were not deeply bonded as half-siblings, but they had maintained a friendship for many years. Their apparent distance was merely a precautionary measure to avoid arousing suspicion from the late emperor. However, when Jiao Tu turned against the emperor, executing the court officials and imprisoning Dong Lixi in the East Palace, Dong Lixi realized that he had been deceived by Jiao Tu’s facade and failed to perceive his true intentions. It left him uncertain about Jiao Tu’s rebellious motives and aspirations for the throne. Dong Lixi pretended to be aligned with Jiao Tu, but secretly, he aimed to reclaim his power and regain the throne.

Dong Lixi knew the extent of his own power, but he also recognized the influence Jiao Tu held. He believed that as long as Jiao Tu didn’t kill him, he could secretly plan and rise again.

However, upon hearing the monk’s words, Dong Lixi realized that the situation was far more complex than he had initially thought. It involved a treacherous force from beyond their realm, leaving Dong Lixi’s mind in turmoil.

The story was not shared with Dong Lizhao due to his young age and the fear that he might inadvertently reveal the information. Dong Lixi intended to keep him in the dark for the time being.

Upon hearing all this, Dong Lizhao was so shocked that he wanted to jump up and asked, “Brother, is Jiao Tu one of your men?”

Dong Lixi nodded, but a complicated expression emerged in his eyes as he replied, “He used to be.”

However, Dong Lixi wasn’t sure when Jiao Tu had been possessed and whether he was still himself at the present moment. Despite their long acquaintance, Dong Lixi couldn’t discern the extent of the possession or whether he had been deceived.

Observing this, Xu Ziqing interjected, “The connection between fortune and both the soul and body is significant. Since the devil cultivator hails from the upper nine continents, if his objective was solely to take over Jiao Tu’s body and erase his soul, he wouldn’t be able to manifest the black half-dragon’s fortune. Therefore, it is likely that Jiao Tu is still alive.”

However, Jiao Tu’s survival wouldn’t bode well for Xu Ziqing’s confrontation with the devil cultivator.

After Xu Ziqing finished speaking, Dong Lixi’s gaze flickered, indicating he was lost in thought.

Xu Ziqing surmised that Dong Lixi and Jiao Tu must have shared a close bond and entrusted each other with their lives in the past. Now that he discovered Jiao Tu was actually being controlled by another, Dong Lixi must be worried about him once again.

However, Xu Ziqing recognized that this matter was beyond his control. If he wished to deal with Jiao Tu, he needed to understand his intentions. If the black half-dragon was to transform into a dragon, what purpose would it serve the devil cultivator? The answer eluded him, but he realized that if he failed to grasp it properly, he risked incurring the wrath of Heaven.

With this in mind, Xu Ziqing shared his concerns with Dong Lixi.

After pondering for a while, Dong Lixi stated, “In the coming days, Jiao Tu is bound to visit my chamber at night. I will gather whatever information I can.”

When it came to matters of collusion and power struggle, Xu Ziqing acknowledged that he was no match for the imperial sons and grandsons. It was wiser to entrust Dong Lixi with the task than to investigate on his own.

Having made their decision, Xu Ziqing chose not to separate Dong Lizhao from them. They needed to have occasional discussions, so it was better to keep him close.

Shortly after evening, Jiao Tu returned once again.

Concerned about being detected by the devil cultivator, Xu Ziqing took precautions and restrained Dong Lizhao while concealing his own Qi using a wood transport technique, disguising it within a pot of cymbidium orchids.

As Jiao Tu entered, he raised his hand and embraced Dong Lixi, planting a kiss on his cheek and playfully teasing, “You’re so compliant today.”

Dong Lixi gazed at his smiling face but remained silent, his expression cold.

Observing this, Jiao Tu released his grip and asked, “Why are you looking at me like that?” He then bashfully embraced Dong Lixi and kissed him again, saying, “Good times are fleeting, let’s not waste them here.” As he spoke, he pressed Dong Lixi’s hand against his aroused lower body, which had already reached an uncomfortable height.

Dong Lixi sneered, “Is this the only reason you came to me? Do you think I’m someone you can defile so easily?”

Jiao Tu’s face went through several changes, but when he saw Dong Lixi’s unwavering demeanor, he scratched his head and said, “Don’t you know how I feel about you? How could I treat you so disrespectfully?”

Dong Lixi responded coldly, “Your words may sound convincing, but your actions tell a different story.”

Jiao Tu grew somewhat agitated and asked, “What’s gotten into you today? Why are you speaking to me like this?”

Dong Lixi chuckled coldly, “I no longer wish to engage in such acts with you. What do you want?”

Jiao Tu paced the room anxiously, resembling an ant on a hot pan. “Why are you suddenly unhappy? Why are you being so pretentious?”

Dong Lixi confronted him, mocking his behavior. “You’re quick to accuse, so why not make a move? I am the crown prince, and I’m forced to be submissive. I should thank you for that!”

His fierce attitude only further unsettled Jiao Tu. “You, you…”

Dong Lixi used his words to lure Jiao Tu while carefully observing his expression.

Previously, he had believed that Jiao Tu had betrayed him, fueling his intense hatred. However, in his current state, he could perceive a hint of concern in Jiao Tu’s eyes. This further convinced him of Xu Ziqing’s words, and he also sensed that Jiao Tu might be in trouble.

Unaware of Dong Lixi’s thoughts, Jiao Tu was consumed by worry. He didn’t want to force Dong Lixi into anything, but how could he reveal such a life-threatening matter?

Witnessing this, Dong Lixi softened his tone and said, “You and I have been friends for many years. We are loyal brothers who have shared life and death. I despise you for humiliating me like this, but I forgot to ask you why you treat me this way.”

Jiao Tu let out a heavy sigh and looked at Dong Lixi with an enigmatic gaze. “If you’ve never asked before, why ask now…”

Dong Lixi wanted to answer this question right away, but Jiao Tu interjected with a bitter smile, “There’s no particular reason. I simply love you. If you were to become king and I remain a mere subject, even if our brotherly love remains, I cannot bear to see you entangled in the complexities of royal life. It would become increasingly difficult for us to be together again.”

Dong Lixi’s heart was tossed into a tumultuous wave of emotions

Whether or not it was the true reason, Dong Lixi knew Jiao Tu well enough to recognize the sincerity behind his words. In the past, when Jiao Tu had forced himself upon him, Dong Lixi had interpreted it as Jiao Tu’s lust-driven desire to dominate him as a prince, satisfying his need for conquest. However, now it seemed that while the Black Half-dragon and the Golden Dragon had engaged in their lovemaking solely for the purpose of transformation, Jiao Tu’s actions toward Dong Lixi held a deeper, genuine desire.

Jiao Tu truly had an obsession with Dong Lixi…

Dong Lixi’s gaze grew heavy as he spoke, “Just because of this, you think you can destroy my dignity and confine me to my bedchamber? You are shameless to display such affection!”

The pain in Jiao Tu’s eyes became too much to bear, causing him to close his eyes and twitch his face. When he opened his eyes again, a ruthless expression appeared on his face. “You’re the king, yet you act like a defeated loser! Either submit to me and open your legs or… I’ll break your bones!”

Dong Lixi’s heart trembled. Just a moment ago, through his careful observation, he had already sensed a dark aura in Jiao Tu’s eyes. And now, with his threatening posture, the distinction became clearer.

If this were truly Jiao Tu, he would not have insulted Dong Lixi in such a manner or resorted to threats, aside from their usual banter.

Recalling all the moments they had spent together, Dong Lixi gained some clarity.

It was indeed a possession.

Meanwhile, Xu Ziqing, concealed amidst the grass and trees, harbored the same thought. Unlike Dong Lixi, he could only discern it due to his sharp intellect and deep understanding of Jiao Tu. However, Xu Ziqing immediately noticed the shift in Jiao Tu’s aura—right after Dong Lixi’s outburst—it suddenly became mysterious and malevolent.

Dong Lixi had been particularly uncooperative tonight, and when Jiao Tu refrained from using force, the devil cultivator took control, forcing Jiao Tu to take matters into his own hands. Xu Ziqing also had a vague suspicion that Jiao Tu might have some form of communication with the devil cultivator and was not entirely oblivious to the current situation.

This raised doubts in Xu Ziqing’s mind. If the devil cultivator intended to harm Dong Lixi, he didn’t know how severe the consequences would be. He wanted to ascertain the truth first, but involving Dong Lixi wouldn’t be worth the risk.

At that moment, the devil cultivator, attached to Jiao Tu’s body, grabbed Dong Lixi with a large hand, attempting to pull him onto the bed.

Xu Ziqing’s heart constricted, but he steeled himself to make a move.

However, in the next instant, Dong Lixi sneered and plunged a dagger into his own heart!

The devil cultivator immediately exclaimed, “What are you doing?”

Dong Lixi’s face turned pale, blood gushed from the wound inflicted by the dagger, and he was gravely injured in an instant.

The devil cultivator grew furious, shouting, “Someone, fetch the imperial doctor!”

Dong Lixi slumped to the ground, a cold aura emanating from his eyes.

Xu Ziqing sucked in a breath of cold air. This prince was resolute, daring to go to such extremes! If he wasn’t cautious, his life would be in grave danger!

Swiftly changing his expression, Xu Ziqing covered his forehead with his hand, brushed his sleeves, and hurriedly left the room.

Shortly after, several eunuchs entered the room, accompanied by an elderly man with white hair who carried a medicine chest. He quickly assisted Dong Lixi to bed. Xu Ziqing sighed inwardly, while refrained Dong Lizhao from rushing to his side.

Once the imperial doctor finished his treatment, he made a diagnosis, stating that Dong Lixi needed a period of rest and should avoid excessive movement. The eunuch went to convey this information to the devil cultivator, and they could hear his angry voice before he left.

Dong Lixi’s face turned pale, and though he remained conscious, he perspired profusely.

The imperial physician didn’t dare to make any hasty judgments but advised him to consume a ginseng tablet regularly and proceeded to remove the dagger. Busy with his medical duties, he couldn’t wait for Dong Lixi to lie down before preparing the necessary medications.

Once the imperial doctor had left, Dong Lixi called out, “Leave me.”

The eunuch in charge hesitated but Dong Lixi deliberately gasped for breath repeatedly, feigning anger until the eunuch had no choice but to follow him out.

After the room finally fell quiet, Xu Ziqing placed a barrier spell to ensure privacy before appearing in front of the bed with Dong Lizhao.

Dong Lizhao’s eyes were red, and his voice trembled as he spoke, “Brother, how could you inflict such cruelty upon yourself? If Mother were still alive, she would be furious with you!”

Dong Lixi weakly smiled, his eyes filled with apologies but no remorse. He said, “Zhao’er, if I had let him have his way today, allowing the Black Half-dragon to transform into a dragon and my kingdom to change hands, I would be an eternal sinner. What is a mere wound compared to that?”

Being a mere mortal, he couldn’t fathom the depths of the devil cultivator’s methods. It was only by injuring himself that he could temporarily escape.

Dong Lizhao understood the gravity of the situation, but as the older brother who relied on him, even with understanding, could he truly convince himself?

Observing his brother’s lingering guilt, Dong Lixi glanced at the young monk and said, “I believe Mr. Xu agrees with Lixi.” However, when he looked at Xu Ziqing, he noticed the bewildered expression on his face, so he softly called out, “Sir, sir?”

Xu Ziqing lost in conversation with Yun Lie in his storage ring, snapped back to reality and approached, holding Dong Lixi’s wrist. “Let’s not dwell on other matters. I will infuse you with a piece of spiritual qi to revive your body, which will sustain your life. After I prepare another dose of medicine, you will be fine once you consume it.”

Dong Lizhao understood Xu Ziqing’s extraordinary abilities and had witnessed divine medicine. He immediately expressed his joy, saying, “Thank you, sir!”

Dong Lixi, who had also taken this daring step due to having a cultivator by his side, felt partially relieved and smiled, “Thank you, sir.”

At that moment, Xu Ziqing recalled his conversation with Yun Yun and called out to the ring, “Brother Yun, Brother Yun, you’ve also seen this devil cultivator. Have you discovered anything? What are his true intentions?”

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