Chapter 114: The Art of Unification

At the same time, Chu Youcai felt the demonic power within his body surge, becoming incomparably vast. It could now manifest as a tangible, radiant energy of demonic arts—invincible and capable of shattering anything in its path.

At last, he possessed the strength to confront Chu Yuwang! He could finally soar freely through the skies, unbound and unrestrained.

In that moment, Chu Youcai found himself transported back to the vast ocean, standing before the colossal rock. Etched upon its surface was a line of text, revealing a technique: "The Art of Convergence." This was the very spell capable of transmuting Taoist arts and demonic arts into one another.

Hungrily, Chu Youcai stared at the characters, desperately committing them to memory. In less time than it takes to brew a pot of tea, he had memorized the thousands of characters, engraving them into his mind so deeply that they could never be forgotten. As soon as he finished, the text on the rock vanished entirely.

Then, he gazed at the massive boulder. The mud and sand fell away as if it had been polished, revealing intricate patterns on its surface: soaring mountains and flowing waterfalls, ancient trees and withered branches, birds and beasts. The stone had grown ten times larger, looming as if to pierce the clouds. Two divine markings had emerged, dividing the rock into three sections, as if it possessed the power to consume the Heavens, the Earth, and the mortal realm. Within the stone, Chu Youcai could even discern a Taoist child in deep slumber, its body seemingly ageless, existing since the dawn of time.

As these changes took hold, the surrounding ocean disappeared. He now stood with the monolith high above the clouds, treading upon the vapor as he looked down upon the world. In the distance, mountains and rivers were scattered like playthings, and the masses below appeared as mere ants. From the depths of the clouds, ten thousand rays of dawn light shone forth; standing amidst them, Chu Youcai felt as if he were a monarch gazing down upon the vast, red-dust world.

Chu Youcai was astonished. He had not expected the Tuolong Mountain and River Pearl to hold such a spectacle. It seemed as though the Taoist child was the primordial spirit of the Pearl, and now, having gained consciousness, it was gradually awakening.

Suddenly, new words appeared on the stone: "Seeker, congratulations on passing the trial of demonic arts and memorizing the Art of Convergence. This art is infinitely varied and far from easy to master. Until you have fully achieved mastery, do not attempt to wield demonic power!"

Another line followed: "Since you have awakened the essence of the Tuolong Mountain and River Pearl, I shall fall into a deep slumber. Do not use the Pearl until I awaken. Remember this well!"

Chu Youcai felt a jolt. *Essence? What could that mean? Was the bizarre transformation a sign of the Pearl's evolution? And now, it has fallen into a slumber?* A sense of anticipation stirred within him. If the Tuolong Mountain and River Pearl was already this formidable, what would it become once it fully awakened?

***

Suddenly, Chu Youcai felt a tremendous force pushing him out of that icy, ethereal world. He awoke with a start, finding himself lying on his bed. The women around him were watching him with immense concern.

Seeing Chu Youcai wake up, Hongyu cried out in excitement, while Yun Cuixian gripped his hand tightly, whispering, "My dear, you have finally awakened." Looking at the worried faces of Shangguan Wanru, Wenji, and Juxue, Chu Youcai felt a warmth spread through his heart.

However, he soon realized his body had become thin as a rail. "What is this?" he wondered, startled.

"Brother Chu, you have been in a coma for ten days," Hongyu said, her expression full of distress. "You haven't eaten or drunk a thing. Every day, Sister Yun has had to feed you thin porridge with a spoon."

Chu Youcai understood immediately. While his consciousness had been within the inner world of the Tuolong Mountain and River Pearl, his physical body had remained behind. Without nourishment, it had naturally withered. This was the risk of spiritual projection—if one returned to find their body dead or cremated, they would be forced to inhabit another's form.

He began to consume the bird’s nest soup prepared by Yun Cuixian. Despite the overwhelming hunger in his body, he used his iron will to limit his intake, eating only small amounts before falling back into a deep sleep. Over the next few days, he would wake briefly to eat and drink medicinal broths before returning to rest. After three full days, his body finally returned to its normal state, and he rose from his bed.

He thought of his gains within the Pearl's world and longed to share them with the women. But just as he stepped out of the courtyard, a cold, arrogant voice rang out: "Is the Third Young Master present?"

Chu Youcai stepped out to find an elderly man at the gate. He recognized him as Elder Wei, a guest advisor to the Prince’s estate—a man of high standing. Chu Youcai asked, "Elder Wei, to what do I owe this visit?"

"The Prince returns from the frontier tonight and has convened a competition at the estate. The winner will earn the right to participate in the Sacred Trials of the Nine Provinces of Yanyun. You are not to be absent." The elder placed a golden invitation on the table.

Seeing the man’s arrogance, Chu Youcai did not offer a formal bow, saying only, "I have received it. I shall attend." He realized this man was a loyalist to the First Madam.

The Elder sneered. "I hear you have a knack for poetry? Do not bother with such trifles in front of the Prince. His Highness values true power. The Second Young Master has just returned and already possesses ten years of Taoist cultivation. You would do well to take care of yourself!" With that, he turned and left without further debate.

A dark light flashed in Chu Youcai’s eyes. So what if Chu Yuwang had ten years of Taoist cultivation? He was no longer the man he once was. He now possessed ten years of demonic power, and he would not be outdone!

But first, he had to master the Art of Convergence. As he began to recite the incantation, he discovered that the demonic power within him stirred like a roaring river, soaring toward the heavens. Under his control, it moved as he willed—transforming into the torrents of a great river, the ancient pines on a snowy mountain, or even the rays of the rising sun over a cliff’s edge. It was as if this art of transmutation had been deeply imprinted upon his very soul.

Chu Youcai was stunned. *Is this the Art of Convergence? When did I master it? Did the spirit of the Pearl not say this technique was incredibly difficult? I only just memorized the words and slept—how could I have mastered it already?*

A tremor of excitement ran through his heart, a joy so profound he nearly cried out in triumph.