Chapter 109: Alchemy Condensation

He was exerting nearly all his strength in cultivation. Since he had decided not to enter the spatial trial of the Tuo Dragon Mountain River Pearl for the time being, he resolved to accelerate the circulation of his demonic arts right here, striving to familiarize himself with them as quickly as possible.

Under these circumstances, Chu Youcai wielded his powers for over two hours before feeling utterly drained of his demonic energy. He then used a specially concocted medicinal potion to restore his internal cultivation. However, he found that while the potion was quite effective at healing the physical body, it offered little restoration for his demonic arts. The natural recovery of these powers was painfully slow.

He furrowed his brows but then recalled the Luo Shu Demon Dew Pill. This pill was known to aid those with fifty years of Taoist cultivation in breaking through bottlenecks; its medicinal potency had to be formidable. Moreover, having just absorbed the morning sun’s light, it seemed increasingly refined—well worth a try. Given the crisis at hand, he could no longer afford to reserve the precious pill.

He immediately retrieved the Luo Shu Demon Dew Pill and immersed it in the potion he had prepared. Within the span of a single tea session, the potion’s color deepened, releasing a sweet fragrance that brought immediate serenity to the mind. He drank it and instantly felt clarity flood his spirit. Although his demonic arts were not fully restored, their natural recovery rate doubled. His cultivation seemed to improve as well.

Remarkably, the aura of the Luo Shu Demon Dew Pill did not diminish but instead grew more concentrated. Overjoyed, he thought, “If this potion does not consume the pill’s power, I should make more and let Yun Cuixian and the others take it as well.” He began preparing several batches.

After making three or four portions, he took the potions and went to the adjacent new house. Upon opening the courtyard gate, he found everyone practicing cultivation outdoors. A gentle smile crossed Chu Youcai’s face. He addressed Shangguan Wanru, “Miss Shangguan, have your injuries healed?”

The women gathered around him, faces warm. After so many trials, their bond with Chu Youcai felt even closer. Shangguan Wanru fixed her gaze on him, a complex emotion stirring within, and said sincerely, “Thank you, Young Master Chu. I’ve almost fully recovered.”

Chu Youcai nodded, relieved to see her restored. Shangguan Wanru remembered how he had suddenly acquired Taoist arts overnight to heal her and wondered how he had learned them, hesitating to speak further. Chu Youcai, unaware of her thoughts, handed her a portion of the freshly prepared potion. “Try this,” he said.

The potion was still warm, and its scent cleared her mind instantly. She drank it and felt a sunrise-like vitality within, sharpening her spirit. Seeing her cheeks flush with health, Chu Youcai beamed, convinced of the potion’s efficacy. He then distributed doses to Yun Cuixian, Wen Ji, and Hong Yu.

Yun Cuixian, ever perceptive, whispered to Chu Youcai, “Sir, Wanru seems to want to say something.”

Turning toward her with a puzzled look, Chu Youcai listened as Shangguan Wanru spoke earnestly, “Young Master Chu, did you use Taoist arts to heal me?”

He nodded, unwilling to let her bear any guilt. She then asked, “May I ask what exactly Taoist arts are?”

Chu Youcai pondered briefly. “Taoist arts are essentially control,” he began. “They encompass countless variations—like directing the force of an attack at will, flying through the air, imbuing weapons with Taoist power to shatter anything, or refining Taoist pills.”

“But those are merely external applications. The true essence lies in control.”

“All things in heaven and earth have their own natural paths. Taoist arts borrow the spiritual energy of the cosmos to control and alter the essence of the surroundings, producing various effects. For example, making flowers bloom against the natural order, changing the properties of pills, altering one’s weight, or strengthening weapons.”

“At its highest level, control might even allow one to transform matter with the mind,” Chu Youcai said earnestly.

As he spoke, he manifested a swirling aura like dragon and serpent energy, a demonic force flowing freely around the world, lifting stones in the courtyard with ease.

Yet, as he demonstrated this power, Shangguan Wanru’s complexion changed dramatically, growing pale. Her gaze fixed on the dragon-serpent energy, as if seeing shadows within it. Her smile faded, replaced by a sharp, intense glare laced with anger. The atmosphere around grew cold.

Hong Yu, startled, asked, “Sister Wanru, what’s wrong?”

Chu Youcai withdrew his demonic energy, startled by her expression. “Is it not as I said?” he asked.

Her voice, heavy with suppression, anger, and coldness, cut through the air: “You studied demonic arts?”

Chu Youcai was stunned—he had not expected her to see through him. Except for Yun Cuixian, the others were equally dumbfounded; they had all believed he had learned Taoist arts.

His heart tightened, and he finally admitted, “Yes, I have learned demonic arts.”

“Why? It is a grave taboo for humans to study demonic arts!” Shangguan Wanru’s tone hardened. “Humans and demons are fundamentally incompatible. Some Taoist sects delight in slaying demons. If they knew a human practiced demonic arts, they would hunt you down relentlessly!”

Chu Youcai fell silent.

Her voice grew weary, “Why would you make such a choice? Have you considered your wife? Have you thought of those around you?”

He gazed slowly at those present—from Yun Cuixian to Juxue, from Hong Yu to Wen Ji—and sighed softly. “I do not regret my choice. They all support me and will not reject me for learning demonic arts.”

“I never had the chance to learn Taoist arts. I face not only the life-and-death threat from Chu Yu Wang and Chu Yu Wei but also oppression from the matriarch. I have no other way,” he said calmly.

Shangguan Wanru continued, “And among these reasons, my severe injury is one as well, isn’t it?”

Chu Youcai gave a bitter smile.

Shangguan Wanru shook her head. Within her usually cold gaze flickered a flame of angry despair. “It’s my fault. I shouldn’t have rashly tried to kill Chu Yu Wang. I was too weak.”