Huangxiu

Chapter 1176 Life extension
More than seeking merit, he now wanted to understand the wonders of the Golden Sword.

The more he refined it, layer by layer, the more he could appreciate its wonders.

The two divine runes are gradually merging with the golden sword.

As the refining process deepened, the fusion between the divine runes and the golden sword became more profound, as did his fusion with the golden sword.

One often gets the illusion that the golden sword is oneself, and oneself is the golden sword, a unity of man and sword.

It is a true fusion of essence, energy, and spirit.

In this state, the golden sword seemed to have disappeared, leaving only his body.

“That’s a real pity,” Gu Junqi said. “Do you know what treasures the imperial court offered as a reward this time?”

Chu Zhiyuan said, "As far as I know, they are some elixirs and miraculous skills used for cultivation, such as the Candle Demon Skill."

Gu Junqi shook his head: "That was the original reward. Now it has changed. News just came that the imperial court has increased the reward."

Chu Zhiyuan was curious.

Gu Junqi said, "The highest reward is a longevity pill."

"Longevity pill? How long can it extend one's life?"

"A cycle of sixty years."

Chu Zhiyuan was surprised.

He never imagined that such a miraculous medicine existed in the world, capable of extending one's lifespan by sixty years.

This is a bit beyond my expectations.

Chu Zhiyuan was skeptical: "Elder, can you really extend someone's lifespan by sixty years?"

"Yes." Gu Junqi nodded.

Chu Zhiyuan said, "Extending one's lifespan by sixty years, is there really such a miraculous medicine in the world?"

"The main ingredient of this longevity pill is the Tongming Grass, a spiritual herb produced in a unique and extraordinary place. Only with it as the main ingredient can such a miraculous pill be made."

"Netherworld Grass..."

"This rare herb is only available to the imperial court."

"So, that extraordinary place also belongs to the imperial court?"

"Exactly."

"Does that mean that high-ranking officials and even princes and nobles can live for another sixty years?"

“That’s true,” Gu Junqi said. “This longevity pill is produced only once every ten years. Top nobles and princes do have a chance to obtain it. This longevity pill usually only circulates among these top nobles. This time, the court has made a tough decision to allow it to circulate outside the court.”

Chu Zhiyuan said, "Once this news comes out, I estimate everyone will go crazy."

Not only the various sects of the martial arts world, but also the two departments and even the city guards are going crazy.

The temptation is too great.

"This news has just come out," Gu Junqi said. "I estimate that many sects are unaware of it yet. Before they can react, you've taken the lead and are already far ahead. You have a very good chance."

Chu Zhiyuan asked, "Then how can we obtain this longevity pill?"

"Whoever kills the most demons will receive it."

"How powerful are these demons?"

"The number of people is calculated based on their cultivation level," Gu Junqi said. "There are certain rules for this; the military and the two departments have established regulations."

Chu Zhiyuan nodded.

That makes sense; otherwise, based solely on numbers, everyone would avoid the experts and only kill the low-level demons.

"How is it?" Gu Junqi laughed. "You still have a great chance. You've already killed nearly a hundred demons... My only concern is, when should we start counting? If we start counting from now, you'll lose your lead. I've already sent people to inquire."

Chu Zhiyuan thought for a moment: "I guess we won't start calculating now."

Gu Junqi asked, "Why?"

The imperial court has just produced this longevity elixir. If they want everyone to fight desperately and intensify the competition, it will probably start now.

Chu Zhiyuan said, "The previous bounty was dealt with so perfunctorily by the various sects of the martial arts world. I'm afraid the imperial court will hold a grudge."

He vaguely sensed this emotion through Huang Zhengyang and Qi Chunyu.

Although they were just individuals, they represented the anger of the court officials.

Gu Junqi laughed and said, "If we include the previous ones, that would be even better!"

Chu Zhiyuan nodded slowly.

Gu Junqi said, "The Longevity Pill is a rare elixir in the world. We didn't have a chance to obtain it before, but now that we have the opportunity, how can we let it go?"

Chu Zhiyuan laughed and said, "Elder, if one cultivates to the ninth level, one's lifespan will be at its limit, right? Will this longevity pill still be of any use?"

"The Nine Revolutions Venerable One is probably not very useful," Gu Junqi shook his head.

Chu Zhiyuan nodded slowly.

Gu Junqi said, "But not everyone can reach the ninth level of cultivation... You also have relatives and friends, right? If you can't reach the ninth level of cultivation, how can you be willing to let them leave you early?"

Chu Zhiyuan entered the sect alone, all by himself, without any ties or worries, so the longevity pill seemed to be of little use.

But his current solitude doesn't mean he'll always be single; he'll definitely find a woman and get married.

If the lady's cultivation level is not high enough, she can use the Longevity Pill.

Even if the lady's cultivation level is high enough that she doesn't need the longevity pill, what about when she has children in the future?

A great man may have an unworthy wife and unworthy children, and his children may not be able to inherit his talents and opportunities, nor may they be able to cultivate to the level of a Nine-Turn Venerable.

When the time comes, it will be painful for the elderly to bury their children, so this longevity elixir is of utmost importance.

Therefore, even Chu Zhiyuan could not resist this longevity pill.

Chu Zhiyuan pondered.

He couldn't help but think of his parents. The Longevity Pill was useless to him, but it would be of great use to his parents.

Previously, I was unaware that the imperial court possessed such a miraculous elixir. I expected that the imperial court would have such a miraculous elixir, but I did not expect it to be so potent, capable of extending one's life by sixty years.

Just then, a voice came from outside: "Master."

"Come in and talk!" Gu Junqi said.

A handsome young man pushed open the courtyard gate and entered, bowing with clasped hands: "Master of the Courtyard".

"Have you found out?"

"Yes, we have found out. Starting this year, all profits will be included."

"Oh—?" Gu Junqi looked at Chu Zhiyuan and smiled, "You were right. So, shall we start?"

Chu Zhiyuan sighed.

He really didn't want to waste any more time, as his research on the Golden Sword was progressing very well.

Longevity pills are extremely rare, and you'll regret missing out if you do.

After weighing the options, the only choice is the Longevity Pill.

He thought for a moment and said, "Elder, I'll go and inquire about it too."

He didn't think he necessarily had a chance to get the longevity pill; he needed to figure out the situation first.

To avoid wasting effort.

"Well, it wouldn't hurt to ask the Exorcism Division," Gu Junqi said with a smile. "Their information network is more efficient."

"Yes." Chu Zhiyuan nodded slowly.

Gu Junqi left his small courtyard.

Chu Zhiyuan also left his small courtyard, went out of the villa, and headed directly towards the Prince Zhuang's mansion.

Since we need to find out information, we should ask Prince Zhuang directly.

This move was abrupt and, given his status, far too reckless and presumptuous.

He didn't care at all.

After all, he was a martial arts practitioner, and he didn't need to abide by the rules of officialdom or follow the proper etiquette.

……

Half an hour later, he met Prince Zhuang, Song Shoufang, in the front hall of the Prince's Mansion.

Song Shoufang, dressed in a purple robe, stood with his hands behind his back at the foot of the steps of the pavilion, looking at him solemnly, and asked directly, "About the Longevity Pill?"

Chu Zhiyuan clasped his hands in a fist and said, "Yes, that's exactly what I wanted to ask Your Highness."

"You want the Longevity Pill?"

"Who wouldn't want this pill?" Chu Zhiyuan said with a smile. "This junior would like to ask if there is an opportunity."

Song Shoufang slowly shook his head: "The chances are slim."

Chu Zhiyuan said, "Your Highness is being persuasive."

"You four major sects and all the other sects in the martial arts world have little chance."

"Does the Exorcism Division have a chance?"

“Huang Zhengyang has the best chance,” Song Shoufang said. “His mother is ill and needs this pill the most. The entire Exorcism Division will do everything in its power to help him win it.”

Chu Zhiyuan frowned.

Song Shoufang said, "You four major sects are attributing all the credit to you alone?"

Chu Zhiyuan shook his head.

This is impossible.

“Huang Zhengyang has high prestige and can do it,” Song Shoufang said. “Moreover, the Exorcism Division is not something your four major sects can compare to.”

Chu Zhiyuan nodded slowly.

That's true; the Exorcising Demons Division is stronger, has better information, and more people.

While they may not have as many top experts as the four major sects, they are enough to kill the evil sect.

Song Shoufang said, "Qi Chunyu won't be idle either; he'll also try to compete."

Chu Zhiyuan said, "Then I have even less of a chance."

"It's good that you know," Song Shoufang said. "However, things are unpredictable, and no one can say for sure until the very last moment."

Chu Zhiyuan asked, "Your Highness, will there be another chance to obtain the Longevity Pill in the future?"

Song Shoufang smiled and said, "Normally there isn't, but who can say for sure... like this time, we didn't originally intend to bring it out."

Chu Zhiyuan said, "Under normal circumstances, we wouldn't have had the chance to obtain this elixir, would we?"

Song Shoufang smiled but remained silent.

Chu Zhiyuan frowned and pondered.

"You really want this pill?" Song Shoufang asked. "You probably don't need it, do you?"

“I really want it,” Chu Zhiyuan said.

Song Shoufang said, "The Longevity Pill is not something I can decide alone, but I must remind you, don't take shortcuts, the court will not recognize them if you do."

Chu Zhiyuan shook his head: "I have some connections with Huang Sizheng, I won't do anything reckless."

He knew that Song Shoufang was reminding him not to plot against Huang Zhengyang.

Song Shoufang said, "You've already killed quite a few demons, so kill a few more. Until the very end, it's hard to say whether you'll be defeated or not; they might just fall into your hands."

(End of this chapter)