Chapter 1793: Aftermath

"What, Clarifying Jade Marrow!" Zu An had only casually picked it up to get Zhao Hao's attention, never imagining he would find this.

He recalled that Mi Li had mentioned several materials needed for rebuilding her body. For a long time, he had only managed to find the Five-Colored Everlasting Flower. While he had previously found some Clarifying Jade Marrow in the demon treasury, this substance was the primary material for body reconstruction.

The phrase 'skin like ice, bones like jade' was merely an idiom. But if Mi Li succeeded in reconstructing her body, it would be a literal description for her.

A human body is neither particularly large nor small.

Therefore, the required amount was certainly not insignificant. The quantity he'd obtained from the demon treasury would, at most, only be enough to reconstruct her into a small loli's body.

While the thought of that image was amusing, Mi Li would obviously never agree to it.

Even with this bottle, the quantity might still not be enough, and if it meant her chest size was reduced, Mi Li would certainly be displeased.

Initially, he hadn't thought much of it when he picked it up, but once he realized it was Clarifying Jade Marrow, he was determined to get his hands on it.

Unfortunately, Zhao Hao had already noticed his movements. He stretched his neck out, peering closer. With his powerful divine sense, he instantly scanned the contents of the bottle. "Hmm, it seems to be jade marrow, but I’ve never seen it in this form. It seems to emit endless spiritual energy; it's extremely precious…"

Zu An immediately cut him off. "Your Majesty, we just agreed that we would choose first. You've already obtained the immortal elixir. You wouldn't go back on your word so quickly, would you? Surely not, surely not?"

Zhao Hao's eyes narrowed. He hadn't expected his recently made promise to be called upon so soon.

He hesitated, but ultimately didn't snatch it. It wasn't time to fall out yet, and besides, while the jade marrow was precious, it was useless to him.

Ultimately, he didn't know the origin of the Clarifying Jade Marrow; otherwise, he would never have given it up so easily.

But why was this kid's tone so annoying?

Rage points from Zhao Hao +110 +110 +110…

Zu An stored the Clarifying Jade Marrow in the Glazed Pearl and secretly asked Mi Li, "Empress Master, I've found another portion of Clarifying Jade Marrow so quickly. I'll be able to help you rebuild your body soon."

"Yes, I didn't expect it to be this fast." Mi Li's voice trembled slightly. Clearly, this progress was beyond her expectations. She had worried she'd never have hope in this lifetime, yet in just two or three years, two crucial items had been found. The only concern was that the quantity might still cause her body to shrink somewhat.

"Aren't you glad you followed the right person?" Zu An's face showed a hint of smugness.

"Pfft, who's following whom? I'm your master, you impertinent boy." Having found more Clarifying Jade Marrow, Mi Li was in a good mood and didn't get angry. "That flame in the coffin is quite mysterious. I can't discern its origin, but it should be very useful to Qiu Honglei. You must help her get it."

Zu An was startled. "You're actually concerned about another woman's matters?"

Mi Li said proudly, "Of course. I'm your master. These women will be my disciples' wives in the future; they'll have to serve me tea. Naturally, I should care for them."

Zu An was speechless.

In fact, Mi Li didn't need to suggest it; he had already intended to do so. So he said, "I've made my choice. Honglei, you haven't chosen yet. Why don't you pick this flame?"

Qiu Honglei's heart stirred with joy. She had already set her eyes on that flame, so she formed a hand seal, attempting to subdue it.

Zhao Hao raised an eyebrow, about to speak, but Zu An quickly interjected, "Your Majesty just said we could choose first. I've chosen one, and now it's their turn. Your Majesty's word is gold; you are truly magnanimous. Why haven't you thanked His Majesty yet?"

Qiu Honglei, also sharp-witted, smiled slightly and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty."

Zhao Hao's face twitched. He never imagined that one day the Saintess of the Demonic Cult would thank him.

But why couldn't he feel happy at all?

He looked at Jing Teng, his face as still as water, then spoke. "No need. If any other treasures are discovered later, it will be My turn to choose."

He didn't know Zu An's hidden abilities, and he would need Zu An's help later to deal with the Ghost King.

Moreover, Jing Teng was too mysterious. She had intricate ties to this great tomb and to Immortal Lord Baopu. Since they hadn't yet found the immortal destiny, it was best not to offend her.

Zu An smiled faintly. "Naturally."

Qiu Honglei's heart tightened. She wondered what would happen if the next discovery was the immortal destiny or a method for eternal life. Why wasn't Ah Zu worried at all?

Recalling his previous words, she composed herself and continued to try and draw the flame into her hand.

As the Saintess of the Demonic Cult, she lacked neither heritage nor secret techniques. Yet, no matter how she tried, she couldn't take possession of the flame, and sweat beaded on her forehead from frustration.

Zu An's knowledge in this area was inferior to hers, so he couldn't offer any help.

Just then, Mi Li's voice rang out. "Tell her to use that Changxin Palace Lamp."

Though called the Changxin Palace Lamp, it was actually just a replica made by the Demonic Cult; the genuine article was with Yun Jianyue.

Zu An's heart stirred, and he quickly whispered a reminder. Qiu Honglei's eyes lit up. She took out her replica Changxin Palace Lamp. The flame, upon seeing the lamp, instantly brightened and shot straight into it.

The original flame within the lamp flared intensely, seemingly attempting to expel the intruder.

After a struggle between the two, the group realized that it wasn't a flame at all, but a lampwick.

The lampwick coiled around the original one like a small snake. The fierce struggle gradually subsided, and the two wicks twisted together, forming a new, single wick.

Zu An's expression was strange. He wondered if lampwicks had genders. Had they merged?

Qiu Honglei, however, paid no attention to this. She clearly felt her replica Changxin Palace Lamp had become stronger, subtly emitting an aura that even she couldn't fully comprehend.

Since it had just merged, it probably needed some time to stabilize before it could be used. She wasn't yet sure what abilities it now possessed.

But having used the lamp for so many years, she was certain it had grown more powerful.

Zhao Hao was somewhat tempted by the sight. If he hadn't been more focused on the so-called immortal destiny, he might have already tried to snatch it.

This section of lampwick was clearly extraordinary. If he could obtain and refine it properly, he might even be able to forge a divine artifact.

While Qiu Honglei was caressing the Changxin Palace Lamp, unable to put it down, Zu An walked over to Jing Teng. "Miss Jing, you should choose an item too."

While Zhao Hao was bound by his previous words, it was best to take as many items as possible.

To his surprise, Jing Teng shook her head. "No need."

Not just Zu An, but even Zhao Hao was puzzled. Why did this woman seem so indifferent to these treasures? Could she also be after the immortal destiny?

Zhao Hao's heart instantly tensed. He walked closer to her. "Miss Jing, Immortal Lord Baopu's remains are here. Did he truly ascend to immortality?"

"Yes, but I don't know what happened to these remains," Jing Teng replied.

Zhao Hao frowned. "In that case, did he leave behind any inheritance or... immortal destiny?"

Hearing the words 'immortal destiny,' even Qiu Honglei's attention was drawn.

Mi Li's voice resonated in Zu An's mind. "Another one who's gone mad wanting to become an immortal. No matter how great and ambitious emperors are, once their death approaches, they all become perverse and extreme."

Zu An frowned. "I don't quite understand. There are countless heroes in the world who aren't afraid of death. These emperors are the greatest figures of their age, so why are they inferior to even ordinary martial artists?"

"Can the lives of ordinary people be compared to those of emperors? Ordinary people already struggle greatly in their daily lives, so they won't hesitate to sacrifice their lives to protect something they deem worthy. But emperors wield the greatest power in the world; a single word from them can control the lives and deaths of countless people. How could they bear to lose such a life?" Mi Li scoffed.

Zu An suddenly understood. In his previous life, those leaders and bosses claimed that 996 (9 AM to 9 PM, 6 days a week) was a blessing, boasting about how long and hard they worked. But even though it was all 'working,' was the experience the same for a leader or a boss as it was for an ordinary employee?

"That's why Qin Shi Huang constantly sent people to search for elixirs of immortality, even knowing many were fake, he still never tired of it."

Mi Li suddenly said, "I've recovered some memories recently. Actually, my relationship with Ying Zheng wasn't what you imagined. We weren't close…"

She hesitated, as if unsure how to describe it.

...

Zu An was taken aback, completely unprepared for her sudden revelation.

Just as he was about to ask, Jing Teng on the other side had already replied, "If it's called an immortal destiny, then naturally, only those with fate can obtain it. If I knew, I would have become an immortal back then; why would I wait until now?"

Zhao Hao frowned. Although displeased with her answer, he knew it held some truth.

Hmph, having arrived here at this moment, I must be the most fated one.

Even if not, I'll simply snatch it from the truly fated person.

With this thought, his mind was made up. He then proceeded to ask about another matter of concern. "By the way, Miss, you just mentioned a way to deal with the Ghost King. Now that we're before the Immortal Lord's tomb, what exactly is it?"

Jing Teng shook her head slightly. "I don't know. I just had a vague feeling that coming here would provide a way to deal with the Ghost King, but what it specifically is, I'm not clear."

Zhao Hao frowned. Although he had the Human Emperor Seal protecting him, he wouldn't have much trouble defending himself against the Ghost King. However, having such a powerful entity lurking nearby still made him uneasy. If he couldn't find a way to deal with the Ghost King this time, he might not be able to compete for the immortal destiny later.

Zu An walked over, subtly shielding Jing Teng behind him. "It must be some contingency left by the Immortal Lord. Let's look for it."

Feeling his protective intent, Jing Teng's heart warmed, and a faint smile appeared on her previously pale face.

The group then began searching around the coffin. While there were still some treasures inside, none of them compared to the Clarifying Jade Marrow or the strange lampwick from before, and nothing seemed capable of dealing with the Ghost King.

Finally, their gazes all fell upon Immortal Lord Baopu's remains. If there was truly a method, it was most likely on him.