Chapter 118: Root of Evil, Reincarnation Dream

"A great harvest!"

"A great harvest indeed!"

Old Ape moved closer to Ji Ming, his demeanor growing more intimate. "If that sword embryo were to be polished further, it would surely become a blade of lethal destruction."

Ji Ming glanced up at Feibai Tower. The guests on the balcony, upon noticing his gaze, hurriedly looked away.

"Do not concern yourself with them, little master. They lack the qualifications to reside in the Fire Ruins Cave; they are merely spectators, here to gawk and join in the commotion."

"Old Ape, do you have any counsel for me?"

Ji Ming forced a smile, looking at the chattering elder before him, and continued, "For instance, the true roots of the two cranes, or the Master’s attitude just now."

"It was my oversight these past days. I failed to disclose the true standing of those two cranes to you, leading to such a significant incident."

"It is more than just that." Ji Ming stared at Old Ape, his voice cold. "Had I known the two cranes possessed such dispositions, I would never have dared to let you invite them into the tower for a meeting."

"It was my negligence." Old Ape scratched his simian head, filled with remorse. "Those two cranes rely on a certain Daoist Qiuqiu and have always held themselves in high esteem. I truly did not expect them to act so brazenly here on Zirong Peak. That Daoist Qiuqiu is merely a nominal disciple of Zhong Chengzi, a person of no real consequence. He spends his days boasting of being a true disciple of the Yin Sky Palace, and those two fools beneath him actually believed it."

Ji Ming’s eyes brightened. "So, this 'disciple of Zhong Chengzi' label on Daoist Qiuqiu doesn't carry much weight?"

"Weight?" Old Ape pondered the meaning of the term, then nodded. "Precisely. It cannot compare to our Master, otherwise, why would Daoist Qiuqiu reside on a secondary peak like Liuxiang Peak instead of the main Zirong Peak?"

At this, Old Ape changed the subject. "You are not eyeing those spirit herbs, are you?"

"How could I?" Ji Ming shook his head. "The female crane is still guarding the peak. If I were to alert her, and Daoist Qiuqiu were to return to demand an explanation, given the Master's temperament, she would certainly not protect me."

Old Ape looked relieved and patted Ji Ming’s shoulder. "I was worried that the Master might have 'spoiled' you, but hearing these words, I see you remain clear-headed. Let me offer you one more piece of advice: the Master’s actions often hold deep meaning. The gift of the sword, as well as her attitude—she wishes for you to shed this monstrous form as soon as possible. This is a pure sanctuary for immortals; she does not tolerate such fur-clad, horned appearances. In her heart, it counts against you."

Ji Ming’s expression turned serious. He bowed solemnly to Old Ape and said, "I understand."

Returning to his garden, Ji Ming dismissed the two servant boys and brought out the *Great Heavenly Cycle Exegesis* and the *Yellow Millet Dream Pillow*. He had originally intended to familiarize himself with the *Mountain-Sitting Strongman Sutra* and select one of the strongman forms—such as the Flying Crane, Water-Fire, or Vajra—to cultivate within his dantian. But after Old Ape’s words, he knew he must succeed in his reverse-cultivation as soon as possible. Since that was the case, he had to test the *Yellow Millet Dream Pillow*.

The jade pillow already bore slight cracks from his first time entering a dream, indicating that this treasure could not be used indefinitely.

"Hoo—"

He exhaled, sat in meditation to steady his spirit, and after cycling through various possibilities in his mind, he spoke aloud: "Go and summon my younger sister, Linggu."

"Caw!"

Outside the cottage, beneath the eaves, two crow heads emerged from a nest, chirping in confusion. Ji Ming was forced to switch to bird language and repeat the command. Only then did the crows depart, flying toward the outskirts of the Bone-Penetrating Garden. There were certain private matters he could only entrust to his kin; blood relations were the only ones he could truly rely on, while outsiders were only fit for trivial tasks.

The Root-Settling Garden was located in the center of the cave dwelling. Though small, it opened to the sky, its walls inlaid with glowing pearls. A century-old plum tree grew there, its branches twisting like ancient dragons in the daylight. This was the residence of Susu. Under her guidance, Linggu was practicing swordplay beneath the tree.

"The sword is for killing; it is the most effective path for guarding one's life among the disciples of the three orthodox sects. If you excel in this, it is worth more than practicing countless secret arts."

Beneath the tree, Linggu shifted her stance, her sword dancing with rhythmic speed. The sound of ringing steel filled the air, and steam rose from her brow, yet she did not slacken for a moment.

"You do not possess your brother’s natural talent, his precious artifacts, or his ancient exotic insects. You have only yourself. What I teach you, whether it be swordplay or cultivation, relies on a spirit of self-strengthening. If you harbor even the slightest intention of relying on others, you will never master my methods."

"What about my brother? He is already working on the 'Six Roots Trembling' stage of early-stage Qi refining. If he can progress so far, is it truly only through natural talent?" Linggu asked curiously while swinging her blade.

"Do not think of your brother all the time. I admit he has some methods, is diligent enough, and possesses a certain courage, but that is not enough. He is currently learning two secret arts—the Crane-Controlling Skill and the Mirage Great Method—the latter of which even has the potential for supernatural power. Yet, if he cannot refine them into true spells soon, the mental effort spent on these two secret arts will surely drag down his cultivation in the second, or even third, stage of Qi refining. His master—who is also, in your heart, like a father—was roughly the same age as Golden Boy when he broke through the second stage. However, he insisted on learning the Taiping Mountain’s secret masterpiece, the 'Formless Needle,' exhausting his energy, time, talent, and spirit on that single supreme technique."

"My brother will succeed." Linggu was full of confidence, then added dejectedly, "But he never talks to me about cultivation. Does he not like Linggu?"

"Caw!"

Several crows flew in and landed on the old plum branches, cawing at Linggu.

"It must be my brother calling for me." Linggu dropped her sword and mimicked the crows' calls, trying to communicate, staring eye-to-eye with the birds.

"Interesting, very interesting. Using the two boys for external matters and calling for Linggu for internal ones—this level of discretion in planning is quite promising. However, even if you stay sequestered, if you do not shed that monstrous form soon, the Master may not say it aloud, but she will certainly be displeased. She intends to bestow upon you the sword embryo; I wonder if you understand the true meaning of 'severing the evil root' contained within it."

Linggu followed the crows to the Bone-Penetrating Garden and had a long, serious talk with her brother in the cottage before walking out, holding a banner in her hand.

Inside the hut, Ji Ming had fallen into a deep sleep, his head resting on the jade pillow. His consciousness sank, descending into an unknown place, within the interior of a circular object. He gave a gentle push, and it was as if the heaven and earth were being split open; light from all directions rushed in, enveloping him entirely.

"Good child, you must avenge your father."

A familiar, shrill voice rang out. Even though Ji Ming could not open his eyes or see his surroundings, he knew exactly whose voice it was.