Chapter 343: No Way Out

Qin Sang had originally planned to ask his senior brothers back at the sect about the Ziwei Palace. After hearing Wandering Man mention it, he was even more determined to investigate thoroughly.

The two of them discussed the matter of the Ziwei Palace for a while longer. Qin Sang used his spiritual power to conjure an image of the Ziwei Secret Talisman and displayed it for Wandering Man to see.

"Senior, do you have any plans for your next step? Have you decided where to go?" Qin Sang asked.

Due to a hidden injury to his soul, Wandering Man had been stuck at the middle stage of the Foundation Building Realm, unable to break through. Blind cultivation was futile; he first needed to resolve the problem at hand.

Wandering Man nodded and said, "I currently have two options, but neither of them is easy. I haven’t decided on a specific destination yet. I came to Yinshan Stronghold partly to take a look at the Ziwei Secret Talisman and partly to gather the materials I need in advance. Yinshan Stronghold is unique due to its location—neither righteous nor demonic—so the cultivators who pass through are of all kinds. Rare items often appear here. If you have the chance in the future, you should visit more frequently."

Wandering Man had roamed the Ancient Immortal Battlefield since his time at the Qi Refining Realm and was well-versed in its mysteries.

Qin Sang thought of the Nether Cloud and nodded in agreement. That flying artifact had proven to be incredibly useful. It would have been impossible to acquire something so exceptional in most other places.

"If you ever need my help, please don’t hesitate to ask," Qin Sang said earnestly.

He and Wandering Man were considered brothers in arms. Seeing Wandering Man tirelessly traveling to heal his wounds stirred a sense of camaraderie in Qin Sang. Given their bond forged at Qiuhong Market, Qin Sang had no intention of withholding any assistance.

Wandering Man cupped his hands and smiled. "Then I’ll thank you in advance, Brother Qin."

Qin Sang waved his hand and said, "But I must ask for your help first. I don’t know if Manager Pu has mentioned it to you, but a friend of mine is severely injured, and his primordial spirit is on the verge of dissipating..."

Qin Sang briefly explained Tan Jie’s condition.

Without seeing Tan Jie in person, Wandering Man could not make an accurate judgment, so the two of them set off toward the city outskirts.

Tan Hao had been anxiously waiting in the cave dwelling. When he saw Wandering Man arrive, he quickly stepped forward, bowed, and said, "Junior Tan Hao greets the Daoist Master. Thank you for coming."

For years, Tan Hao had been using a false name. Only in Qin Sang’s presence did he reveal his true name.

"No need for formalities, Daoist Tan," Wandering Man said as he helped him up. "Though my medical skills are limited, at Brother Qin’s request—and in admiration of your loyalty—I will do my utmost. Time is of the essence. Let’s see your brother first."

"Daoist Master, Brother Qin, please come in..." Tan Hao quickly stepped aside, inviting them into the cave dwelling.

𝕗𝕣𝐞𝐞𝘄𝐞𝚋𝚗𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹.𝚌𝕠𝚖

Inside the spacious hollow of a tree, a crystal coffin rested on a wooden bed. Tan Jie lay within, showing no signs of waking.

"Oh? This artifact is quite impressive," Wandering Man remarked as his eyes lit up at the sight of the crystal coffin. After a casual compliment, his gaze shifted to Tan Jie. He studied Tan Jie’s complexion closely.

After a moment, Wandering Man gently opened the crystal coffin. Closing his eyes slightly, he sent his spiritual consciousness into Tan Jie’s body to examine his physical state and, more importantly, his primordial spirit.

The cave dwelling fell into a deep silence.

Neither Qin Sang nor Tan Hao dared to interrupt Wandering Man, quietly standing off to the side.

Tan Hao clasped his hands tightly, his eyes fixed on Wandering Man without blinking. The tension in his gaze revealed just how nervous he was.

After a while, Wandering Man opened his eyes, closed the crystal coffin, and glanced at Tan Hao. A look of pity crossed his face as he turned to Qin Sang and shook his head faintly.

Qin Sang’s heart sank.

Tan Hao clenched his teeth, his voice hoarse. "Daoist Master, please just tell me the truth!"

Qin Sang also nodded at Wandering Man, signaling him to speak freely.

Tan Hao had carried his brother, who was barely alive, for decades, refusing to abandon him. After forty years of unwavering loyalty, his resilience was beyond question. He could endure any outcome.

Wandering Man spoke frankly.

"My judgment may not be entirely accurate, but here’s my assessment for your reference.

"Tan Jie’s condition is indeed dire, as I’m sure you’ve already noticed.

"At present, his primordial spirit has been weakened to the point of near extinction. It could dissipate at any moment. Short of a legendary pill, I cannot think of any means to cure him.

"Even if you gather more Serenity Pills, they will only delay the inevitable. At best, you might extend his life for one or two years. Daoist Tan, you must prepare yourself for the worst."

Wandering Man’s tone was serious.

Qin Sang sighed inwardly. His assessment was largely the same as Wandering Man’s.

Tan Jie’s condition had deteriorated to the brink of exhaustion—like an oil lamp on the verge of burning out. Even if they could somehow find a soul-healing elixir now, it would likely be ineffective.

Wandering Man’s words shattered the last sliver of hope in Tan Hao’s heart. His body trembled violently, and he leaned heavily on the crystal coffin, staring at Tan Jie inside. His eyes were bloodshot, yet no tears fell.

After a long silence, Tan Hao suppressed the sorrow in his gaze and forced himself to speak in a calm tone. "Thank you, Brother Qin and Daoist Master, for all your efforts. I-I had a feeling this day would come, but I refused to believe it. It’s all my fault... My cultivation is too weak. I failed him..."

His hand gripped the edge of the crystal coffin tightly, veins bulging. His voice was filled with guilt and regret.

Wandering Man stood and exchanged a few words with Qin Sang using sound transmission. He left behind two formulas for medicinal pills, both intended to nourish and stabilize the soul. Fortunately, the required spiritual herbs were not overly expensive. While the effects would be minimal, they might help extend Tan Jie’s life by a few months.

But what meaning did those few months hold?

Wandering Man shook his head in regret. "Brother Qin, I’ve rented a cave dwelling nearby to wait for the auction. I won’t disturb you guys further. During my examination, I used a secret art to adjust Tan Jie’s condition slightly. If I repeat the process a few more times over the next few days, I might be able to extend his life a bit further..."

Noticing the fatigue on Wandering Man’s face, Qin Sang quickly escorted him back to his cave dwelling to rest.

After seeing Wandering Man off, Qin Sang returned to Tan Hao’s cave dwelling. Watching Tan Hao sink deeper into grief, unable to pull himself out, Qin Sang hesitated for a moment before carefully voicing an idea he had been contemplating for some time.

"Brother Tan, I know of a special technique that might be able to prevent Brother Tan Jie’s primordial spirit from dissipating. However, it comes with an extremely severe cost—something most people would find unbearable. Would you be willing to try it?"

"What technique?" Tan Hao immediately lifted his head and grabbed Qin Sang’s arm, his expression utterly frantic, as though clinging to the last straw of hope. He didn’t hesitate for a second.

"Brother Qin, whatever the cost, I’ll do it! Even if it costs my life, I’ll do it, as long as it helps Tan Jie!"

"Brother Tan, calm down and listen to me carefully. The cost isn’t something you’ll have to bear—it’s something Tan Jie will."

"Once this technique is used, no one can predict what changes might occur to Tan Jie. He may never have the chance for release or salvation.

"Furthermore, this technique can only seal his primordial spirit in its current state, preventing it from dissipating—it cannot heal him. You must think this through carefully before making a decision."

The technique Qin Sang referred to was using the Heavenly Corpse Talisman to seal Tan Jie's primordial spirit.

Years ago, Senior Sister Qingting had sought out the Heavenly Corpse Talisman, likely for a similar purpose. The moment Qin Sang saw Tan Jie’s condition, he immediately thought of this talisman.