Can a Scholar Be Called a Villain

Book 2: Chapter 26: Exchange

As Luo Miao Miao and Xiao Dong descended the stairs, the once-dark underground space was bathed in the warm glow of candlelight. Overhead, ‘White Day Stones’, manipulated by an unknown array, instantly illuminated the compact area.

Intricately carved arrays adorned the ground, remnants of a bygone era. Though time had weathered some parts, most of the intricate patterns remained discernible—confinement arrays, strategically placed to restrain the cross-legged corpse at the center.

Surveying the surroundings, Xiao Dong and Luo Miao Miao found themselves in a chamber where the sole inhabitant was a corpse emanating a subtle, glazed lustre.

Luo Miao Miao, noticing the absence of apparent cultivation resources, had a composed reaction that was entirely warranted.

Yet, Xiao Dong struggled to conceal the excitement radiating from his expression. The innate power of ‘Devourment’ within him surged to life, his gaze fixated on the corpse, a hint of drool threatening to escape his mouth.

This lifeless form belonged to ‘Han Tian Cuo,’ an almighty sealed in this chamber a millennium ago. Evidently, he succumbed to the relentless march of time and the enfeebling effects of the confinement arrays, yet his preserved corpse still held a captivating allure.

Here lay the testament to the might of a physique cultivator, one who, had he been a tad stronger, could have retained his corporeal form unscathed even after a millennium.

Regrettably, Han Tian Cuo fell short of mastering his physique cultivation method to its zenith, leaving behind only his skeletal remains.

Nevertheless, within those almost crystalline, transparent bones resided the cultivated blood essence of a Tribulation realm almighty—a treasure of immense significance.

This relic wasn’t just any residue; it bore the mark of an almighty who had neared the pinnacle of physique cultivation. The energy emanating from the almost translucent bones held immense potency, and the insights within carried the wisdom of an exceptionally powerful individual.

The sight before them could incite excitement even in a Majestic realm cultivator. The prospect of seizing and refining the skeleton held the promise of significant cultivation advancements.

Though Luo Miao Miao might be unaware of the profound implications, Xiao Dong, well-versed in the ways of cultivation, recognized the unparalleled value of the skeletal relic. His power of ‘Devourment’ had consumed countless formidable corpses, yet this particular skeleton surpassed any he had encountered.

Even the mere act of shattering its pearly white exterior would demand a decade of relentless effort. Only then could he access the crystal-like essence within and partake in its profound power.

As Xiao Dong’s anticipation reached its zenith, he suddenly paused, a realization dawning upon him. Initiating the circulation of his ‘Devourment’ powers, he scrutinized the surroundings.

Observing Xiao Dong’s cautious actions, Luo Miao Miao’s anxiety mirrored in her expression. She followed his gaze, only to be jolted by a sudden fear. “Brother Dong! Look at that skeleton!”

Before she could finish speaking, a formidable energy surged toward them. Quick on his feet, Xiao Dong shoved Luo Miao Miao to safety and deftly rolled away, narrowly evading the incoming attack. He turned his attention back to the skeletal figure, illuminated by candlelight, just in time to witness a primordial spirit slowly emerging from the mesmerizing crystalline structure.

The primordial spirit’s form was already faint, seemingly fragile enough to be dispersed by a gentle breeze. As it trembled, crawling out of the corpse, it sensed the vitality around and uttered strange cries, “Alive! Alive! I’m dead! I’m dead! Eh? Who are you? Who are you guys? Who am I?”

The millennium of bondage had taken its toll, leaving the spirit disoriented and lost within its own identity.

Xiao Dong, cautious despite the apparent weakness, began circulating his powers of Devourment while scrutinizing the faint hologram. He called out, “Han Tian Cuo? Is that you?” Uncertainty lingered, considering that Tribulation realm cultivators could live up to three millenniums, and it was evident that the ‘Han Tian Cuo’ before him had perished long ago.

The mention of his name seemed to stir some recollection in the spirit. ‘Han Tian Cuo’ looked at the duo in a daze—Xiao Dong composed, and Luo Miao Miao in a state of panic.

Slowly, a glimmer of memory surfaced, and ‘Han Tian Cuo’ circled a few times before unleashing the remnants of his first-layer Abhij?ā realm strength. Laughter erupted, “I’m alive? I’m still alive!”

Leaning against the wall, Xiao Dong, now standing, observed the somewhat sober ‘Han Tian Cuo’ and declared, “That’s right! We were the ones who saved you! Can you remember?”

‘Han Tian Cuo’ hesitated for a moment, then turned with a malicious smile on his face. “The Sealed Wintry Gate has been gone for more than a millennium, right?”

“That’s right.”

“Hahaha! I persevered after all! I’m still alive!” Han Tian Cuo’s expression contorted.

He fixed his gaze on Xiao Dong, questioning, “Aren’t you extremely curious about why I’m still alive?”

Xiao Dong pondered briefly before nodding honestly.

Han Tian Cuo tried to ascend, but as if encountering an invisible restraint, his figure faltered, further weakening.

Staring at Xiao Dong, he explained, “Ah! Even though Tribulation realm cultivators are limited to a lifespan of three millennia, and cultivating a physique cultivation method can only extend it by five centuries, I clung to my primordial spirit!

On the verge of death, I employed the artifice of the 《A Thousand Bodily Wounds》, my physique cultivation method. I divided my primordial spirit into ten parts, using nine portions to sustain the lone remaining fragment…

This allowed me to eke out another century of life, but at the cost of diminished strength.

As the century waned, I repeated this technique, granting me an additional century. My primordial spirit withered further, and my strength dwindled once again.

Employing this method, I managed to extend my life by six centuries, now weakened to the Abhij?ā realm. What do you think? Is my resolve not admirable?”

Xiao Dong regarded the pitiful figure before him and nodded, “Senior is truly powerful. Do you require the help of your junior to rescue you?” he suggested.

However, Han Tian Cuo’s expression morphed into a sinister smile, “Do you think you can devour me? Do you think I cannot break free without you? Hahaha! Come!”

Xiao Dong’s expression wavered briefly before a sudden realization struck him. He urgently turned to look at Luo Miao Miao, who stood beside him.

At that moment, Luo Miao Miao’s eyes were clouded, seemingly under someone’s control. She moved slowly towards Han Tian Cuo.

Xiao Dong hastened to catch up, but it was too late.

During the conversation, Han Tian Cuo covertly used the energy of his primordial spirit to manipulate the seemingly frail girl. Under his control, Luo Miao Miao reached the array, her hands making contact with it. The array sprung to life, absorbing the spiritual power from Luo Miao Miao’s body, causing her to faint and collapse.

With the array released, a cold gust of wind blew past as Han Tian Cuo’s primordial spirit escaped his skeleton, charging towards Xiao Dong, shouting, “Brat! Hand over your body to me! Hahahaha!”

Despite Han Tian Cuo’s Abhij?ā realm strength, his primordial spirit form and Xiao Dong’s power of Devourment prevented him from gaining the upper hand.

“Impossible! Your strength! This strength! Absolutely impossible!” Han Tian Cuo sensed the potent energy within Xiao Dong during their exchange.

He struggled to accept that Xiao Dong wielded such power at his cultivation level.

“You’ve reincarnated? Why do you possess the power of law?” Han Tian Cuo, mistakenly believing Xiao Dong to be the reincarnation of an ancient being, questioned how he could wield the power of ‘Devourment.’

As Han Tian Cuo’s primordial spirit was gradually absorbed by Xiao Dong, he cried out in misery, seemingly carved away by invisible knives. In that moment, his desire to escape overwhelmed any inclination to continue the fight.

Translator’s note

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