Chapter 182: The Source of Death
Amidst the bamboo grove, even the little fox - who was an outsider - looked askance at Wu Gu after hearing her bizarre proposal, much less Huo Feng who was directly involved.
Wu Gu hesitated as she looked at the reactions of the people present, and then asked cautiously.
"Um... Can the Wolf God not accept such a request?"
Wu Gu sighed in distress, "But this is the only compromise I've come up with."
"My extreme aversion to males, even just ordinary physical contact, cannot be suppressed and would result in nausea and vomiting. If I touch them for a long time, my body parts in contact might even rot and emit pus."
"I refined the Yin Yang Pill as a preparation to prevent myself from being unable to act when encountering a male in need of rescue."
"Even I have only three Yin Yang Pills in my hand after consuming a lot of precious materials. As you, the Wolf God, understand well, it is immensely difficult to reverse male and female characteristics, isn't it?"
"This Yin Yang Pill is the culmination of my lifetime of medical skill! The moment I discovered it, it was destined to be recorded in the 'Records of the Four Directions' and can be considered an extraordinary divine pill."
Wu Gu was very distressed, "It is not that I am trying to make things difficult, but if the young man of the Yun sect doesn't take the medicine, I really cannot apply needles and medicine for him."
Lu Heng was somewhat taken aback by Wu Gu's self-explosive shortcomings.
"Extreme aversion towards the male gender? Does even the slightest touch cause nausea and disgust?"
What kind of strange disease is this? Does this kind of disease really exist in the world?
Wu Gu, seeing Lu Heng's disbelief, couldn't help but sigh and say, "If the Wolf God doesn't believe me, I can demonstrate it for you."
As Wu Gu spoke, she calmly extended her right hand towards Lu Heng and said, "You can grasp my hand, and you will be able to perceive the changes."
In the midst of Bamboo Garden, Wu Gu extended her right hand towards the white wolf.
The massive white wolf pondered for a moment before extending its forepaw and placing it onto Wu Gu's palm.
The two sides looked at each other for a while...
"Huh?!"
Wu Gu was stunned, "Why no response? Could it be that the Wolf God, you are actually...."
Wu Gu gazed at Lu Heng with an eerily intense look.
Her aversion to men was an innate malady, which had been validated numerous times. However, when she held the Wolf God's forepaw, there was no reaction... Could it be that the Wolf God was female?!
Wu Gu's face was full of astonishment, as if she had discovered some great secret.
Lu Heng withdrew his front paws and, after a moment of thought, said, "Gu Yan, why don't you give it a try?"
The little Gu eagle that had been hiding behind Xiao Ai immediately flew out, flapping its wings and hovering in front of Wu Gu while uttering wailing cries.
Wu Gu hesitated for a moment before tentatively reaching out to touch the small Gu eagle.
Then...
"Ouugh!!!"
Upon encountering the small Gu eagle, an indescribable sense of nausea immediately rose within Wu Gu's body. It was as if all of her internal organs were turned upside down, nearly causing her to vomit directly.
But she didn't let go of Little Gu eagle at this point. She even grabbed one of Gu Yan's claws, which frightened him and made him flap his wings several times.
Subsequently, amidst the amazed gazes of the bystanders, Wu Gu's hand that held Gu Yan's claw began to gradually change color, a phenomenon beyond belief.
First, a disgusting dark blue color appeared under the skin and then this dark blue color became thicker and deeper, eventually turning into clusters of pus.
Wu Gu looked at the white wolf with a pale complexion and smiled bitterly, "Lord Wolf God, do you believe me now?"
When she released Little Gu Eagle, her entire palm was completely rotten, flesh and blood had completely turned into pus and dripped sticky and gooey onto the ground.
However, the next moment, Wu Gu's internal energy circulated and her spiritual energy rose. Her hand, which was left with only white bones, quickly regenerated and returned to its original appearance.
For Wu Gu, the loss of one hand was not a serious injury, but the indescribable nausea left her physically and mentally exhausted.
After Wu Gu's rebirth with a broken hand, everyone looked at her in silence, believing that she indeed can't touch males.
Then, everyone discreetly glanced at Lu Heng.
Their eyes were strange.
Lu Heng felt a twinge of headache, coupled with a mixture of amusement and bewilderment.
At this moment, he was truly like yellow mud falling off his pants, unable to express himself clearly.
Very helplessly, Lu Heng looked at Wu Gu in front of his eyes and asked.
"Do you think that I am a woman? Witch Wu Gu, what is the rule for determining maleness in this body of yours? I am certain that I, Lu Heng, am not a woman."
Wu Gu, who had already barely recovered, turned her eyes and smiled at Lu Heng.
"Actually, it's quite simple. Lord Wolf God, if you can let me check your body, perhaps the reason can be discovered... Such a situation with you is something I have encountered for the first time."
Lu Heng nodded and said, "Alright, I just don't know how you will perform the inspection."
Lu Heng was also perplexed as when he crossed over, he made sure that the original Wolf Demon is a male... could it be that he was mistaken? Was he actually a woman?
Lu Heng was also a little nervous.
He definitely didn't want to lose his gender after crossing over!
Wu Gu smiled and said, "Actually, it's quite simple. The female and male division of cultivators is best recognized by examining whether the elemental energy within their bodies is of the yin or yang attribute."
"I claimed to reject males, but in reality, it was due to a resistance towards the masculine energy within their bodies caused by my physical constitution."
"Lord Wolf God, I just need to feel your pulse."
Lu Heng nodded and said, "Understood, please do it."
After speaking, Lu Heng once again extended one of his front paws and placed it upon Wu Gu's palm.
In the courtyard, a brief moment of tranquility ensued.
Wu Gu furrowed her brow as she sensed the condition inside Lu Heng's body, but the more she sensed, the tighter her brow furrowed.
In the end, she was already wearing a wry and pained expression, as if she had encountered an unprecedented conundrum.
After some time, she finally withdrew her hand and hesitated to speak.
"That... the Wolf God..."
"It doesn't matter," Lu Heng said with a smile, "my innocence lies solely in your hands!"
Lu Heng spoke of the matter concerning his own gender identity.
Wu Gu also understood and gave a bitter smile, saying:
"The Wolf God's vitality is abundant with the power of Yang. You're undoubtedly a male."
"Just..."
She sighed and said, "Although the vigorous vitality within you is unparalleled, it is quite distinct from that of mortal men. This is likely due to the differences in the path followed by you and the common world. Consequently, your spiritual state is also distinct."
Wu Gu spoke with a smile, yet her heart was filled with inexplicable horror that she dared not reveal, not even a single iota.
The vital energy within the body of this white wolf before her eyes is not at all the same as that of ordinary men, but rather different from all beings in the world!
His ethereal Qi, which existed between reality and fantasy, frightened Wu Gu to the point where she almost believed she had misperceived it.
In medical knowledge, such a breath can only appear above a long-deceased corpse that has already perished.
But the white wolf in front of her eyes is clearly not a corpse. Not only that, but it also cultivated the Heavenly Thunder technique, with every inch of its flesh and hair purified by the celestial lightning, making it different from commonplace.
To exist in such a way, with vitality and vigor surpassing all rationality, is beyond the realm of a corpse.
But there was a strange smell of death on his breath...
Wu Gu recalled the Youtian Valley scenery that she had previously seen through the human-faced owl's eyes.
The water of the ancient gloomy spring, which had existed for countless years, was completely taken away by the white wolf. And beneath the water of the gloomy spring lay numerous ancient treasures and a cryptic and mystical gold seal of the highest antiquity.
Due to Yu Ren Ya's influence, Wu Gu's research on Dark Spring Water was unparalleled.
She knew that the mysteriously originated Dark Spring Water must have its source, and it is highly probable that the source is related to death.
However, in the world, one cannot find the origin of "death".
After all, no matter how high the cultivation level of the cultivator is, once they die, their soul will fly away and their spirit will have a hard time staying in the world.
Throughout history, people have all believed that death signifies the end of all things.
However, the white wolf in front of her shattered this common sense, which led Wu Gu to entertain a possibility...
Perhaps the Wolf God before her eyes, who has lived for an unknown number of years, is the origin of [Death]?
Only a special existence between life and death can control ominous things like the Dark Spring Water.
Even the cultivation base of the white wolf before her eyes were both in a state between reality and illusion and between life and death.
Such an eerie state must be because he has already "died" before achieving enlightenment. The miracles or spiritual cultivates of later stages are incapable of transforming Him into such form.
Wu Gu smiled at Lu Heng but inside her heart, a storm was brewing.
People always believe that death is the end, even she thought so. However, the Wolf God in front of her shattered her perception, revealing that after death, there really are cultivators who can still continue to cultivate.
Moreover, he had cultivated to an unfathomable level that was beyond people's comprehension.
Indescribable confusion pervaded Wu Gu's heart.
Cultivating after death... How did he achieve it?
Wu Gu felt shaken, while Lu Heng breathed a sigh of relief.
I am still a man, which is great. I don't want to lose any important belongings after being reborn in this world!
After putting his mind at ease, Lu Heng's mood relaxed, and he chuckled.
"Brother Huo, have you made a decision? Would you like to request Lady Wu Gu to heal you?"
Huo Feng also smiled helplessly.
"I have no choice..."
He turned to Wu Gu, took a deep breath, and said, "Please, may Witch Wu Gu come to my rescue."
Wu Gu nodded in agreement, but still looked towards Lu Heng who was standing beside her.
Wu Gu said, "Since it is so, I shall speak plainly. I require the 'Deep Ice White Lotus' from the 'South Sea Deep Trench' to save a life. If the Wolf God can assist me in obtaining this celestial treasure, I hope it shall cure the young man from the Yun sect."
Wu Gu's words left Lu Heng feeling a bit perplexed.
South Sea Deep Trench? Deep Ice White Lotus? These are unfamiliar terms again...
He asked, "May I kindly ask you to explain what is meant by South Sea Deep Trench? And what is meant by Deep Ice White Lotus?"
After listening to Lu Heng's question, Wu Gu didn't care whether the Wolf God was feigning ignorance or truly unaware, and proceeded to explain.
"The South Sea Deep Trench is a black abyss that stretches across the end of the South Sea and is situated on the border of the Mermaid Kingdom."
"As long as one travels south and continues straight until the very end, one shall encounter a pitch-black abyss of unfathomable depths within the sea."
"Further ahead is the earthly place of peril where even deities would find it difficult to pass."
"In the sea, goose feathers don't float. Above the sky, white thunder is difficult to pass through."
"And within the pitch-black abyss, it is even deeper beyond measure. Moreover, the dark seawater will absorb the person's blood and soul. Once fallen into it, it is feared that one cannot sink to the bottom and would rather be drained by the black water."
"That is the boundary of heaven and earth, the end of the world. It is called the South Sea Deep Trench."
"However, in such a perilous fantasy realm, atop the vertical abyss wall, grows an extremely rare ice crystal white lotus, known as the Deep Ice White Lotus, which is one of the most valuable medicinal herbs in the world."
"When the Treasure Conference of the Mermaid Kingdom, held once every 12 years, convenes, the waters near the South Sea Deep Trench briefly clear, and the rate at which the black water consumes living creatures slows considerably."
"At this moment, if a top-level cultivator were to enter the water, there would be a great probability of finding the Deep Ice White Lotus growing on the walls of the abyss."
Wu Gu looked at Lu Heng and said, "With my modest abilities, it would be difficult for me to retrieve the Deep Ice White Lotus. However, if the Wolf God is willing to venture forth, acquiring the Deep Ice White Lotus would be an effortless task."
Wu Gu's detailed account made Lu Heng express his comprehension.
"Indeed, if what you said is accurate, I can agree to your request and explore the South Sea Deep Trench to ascertain the truth."
"But the situation in that abyss is so strange, I'm afraid I can't guarantee that I can retrieve the Deep Ice White Lotus..."
Lu Heng candidly speaks and Wu Gu doesn't mind, smiling and saying, "It's okay, I believe in the Wolf God. Even if there is a situation where we cannot obtain the Deep Ice White Lotus, it won't be the fault of the Wolf God. I will still treat the young man of the Yun sect."
Wu Gu's understanding nature made Lu Heng refrain from further words and nod in agreement with her.
"Very well, I promise you that I will go to the South Sea Deep Trench to retrieve the Deep Ice White Lotus."
Then he looked at Huo Feng beside him and said, "But as for Brother Huo's condition, should we have your check first? Brother Huo's situation is unique at present and may be more complicated than we have expected."
Lu Heng's suggestion made Wu Gu shake her head, "No need, we can just start. I am resistant to males, so please let the young man of the Yun sect directly take the Yin Yang Pill."
After finishing speaking, and seeing the hesitation on Huo Feng's face, Wu Gu laughed and said, "Don't worry, the ten witches of Spirit Mountain are not just me. Even if I really can't cure your illness, I can guarantee to find the best doctor in the world for you."
"And I can assure you that if even the ten witches of the Spirit Mountain cannot heal you, then no one in this world can."
As Wu Gu spoke, she walked straight towards the room and said, "Youngster from the Yun Sect, follow me. Let me first give you the Yin Yang Pill, and then I will help you examine your body."
"Uh... um... I'll be right back," Huo Feng said respectfully, bowing to Wu Gu before sincerely bowing to Lu Heng.
"Thank you for your care, I..."
"Alright, all right, just go in," the White Wolf waved his front paw and said, "Why are you so polite? Go in and cooperate with Witch Wu Gu's treatment, and resume cultivation as soon as possible. Your little lover is still waiting for you to reunite."
Lu Heng's joke instantly made Huo Feng's face turn red.
But then came a long, heavy sigh.
The Luan Xin Ge in the East Sea...
After taking the Yin Yang Pill, he had to live as a woman for three years.
After becoming a woman, how can he still go to the Luan Xin Ge in the East Sea to look for Lian Caiyi?
Huo Feng followed Wu Gu with a sighing and melancholic demeanor.
And Lu Heng and the others left behind looked towards the little fox Su Xiaoxiao who was standing by the side.
The little girl didn't interrupt during the conversation just now, and she doesn't seem like Wu Gu's attendant either.
Lu Heng was a bit curious and asked, "Might I inquire, little girl, are you also here seeking Witch Wu Gu's medical aid?"
Lu Heng's gentle tone startled the little fox, who quickly bowed in courtesy.
"Lord Wolf God, my name is Su Xiaoxiao, and I am just an ordinary fox spirit seeking the healing powers of Witch Wu Gu. I didn't expect to encounter you here… Could it be that you are also a demon cultivator?"
Su Xiaoxiao was both nervous and excited.
The white wolf before her was the strongest demon cultivator she had ever encountered in her life.
From a young age, Madame Green Bamboo has forbidden her from setting foot on the demonic path and thus she has never had the opportunity to meet a senior practitioner from the demon realm. Until today, the most formidable demon cultivator she had encountered was the hearty and rough Great Sage of Fu Feng.
But the Great Sage of Fu Feng was only somewhat famous in the South Sea, yet in front of him, the Wolf God is so respected that even the leaders of the South Sea countries have to help him and the ten witches of the Spirit Mountain greet him. This Wolf God senior is truly formidable!
The little girl had always lived in seclusion in the deep mountains. How could she have ever encountered such a remarkable figure, let alone one who shared her own paranormal kinship? Her heart was suddenly filled with both familiarity and pride.
We demon cultivators also have powerful and talented seniors.
Seeing the magnificence of the Wolf God, she, also a demon cultivator, even had a sense of pride and gloriousness.
And Lu Heng found it a little amusing to see the excited and elated reaction of the little girl.
He asked, "What illness does Xiaoxiao suffer from? It's serious enough to need treatment from Witch Wu Gu... Could you tell me?"
Lu Heng quite fancied this naive and innocent little fox before his eyes.
The feeling is similar to seeing a very obedient and sensible child while getting treated in a hospital, one cannot help but feel the urge to take care of her.
Faced with Lu Heng's inquiry, the little fox hesitated for a moment but ultimately chose to divulge to him.
"I suffer from the Soulless Disease. My soul is unstable and difficult to hold onto for long periods of time. Not only does this affliction affect my cultivation, but it even... even..."
The little fox said, blushing.
Lu Heng had an epiphany and declared, "I understand now."
This type of Soulless Disease, he had previously seen it in the book collection in Fu Shan City. It is a rare ailment that poses no harm to mortals but is a great hindrance to cultivators.
Those afflicted with Soulless Disease not only have their cultivation affected, but more importantly, because their souls are unstable, they are unable to hold onto their innate qi. Once they lose their innate qi, their souls may leave their bodies at any moment, transforming into wandering ghosts and dying exposed to the elements.
In other words, once afflicted with this illness and beginning to cultivate, one must not break their celibacy.
Broken celibacy will certainly lead to death.
It can be considered as one of the most famous perplexing and miscellaneous diseases in the world of cultivation, causing people to turn pale at the mention of it.
Lu Heng scrutinized the little fox before him and inquired further.
"But Xiaoxiao, you came to see Witch Wu Gu alone... Did you not have any family or friends who could accompany you?"
The little girl's cultivation was not considered high, yet she was astute and clever. It was likely unsafe for her to be alone outside.
Moreover, with her naive and carefree disposition, she appeared to be the type who had been well-protected by her parents and had never experienced any hardships.
However, it is quite peculiar for such a little maiden to appear here all on her own.
Lu Heng casually inquired, while the little fox hesitated once again.
She looked at the Wolf God senior in front of her, and thought about Madame Green Bamboo's identity as an evil cultivator...
Finally, the little girl sighed and said, "Xiaoxiao indeed had a relative who wanted to come with me, but she was unable to come here, so I came alone."
At this moment, facing the upright and respected Wolf God in front of her, she thought of her own Madame Green Bamboo, an evil cultivator...
The little fox finally personally experienced Madame Green Bamboo's painstaking efforts in persuading her not to cultivate evil techniques and preventing her from contacting demonic creatures.
