Chapter 24 – Qi Refining Requires Purging the Miasma

Sun Zhang glanced at Su Changyu and patiently explained, “For mortals to cultivate, they must first purge the miasma from their bodies. You people returning from the lands of exile carry miasma concentrations far exceeding those of ordinary folk. Without purging it completely, cultivation is simply impossible.”

Su Changyu furrowed his brow. “We are already aware of this. What we wish to know is how exactly to remove the miasma.”

Sun Zhang said, “There are several methods for removing miasma. The first is the Body-Purifying Spirit Pool on the island. Soaking in the Spirit Pool for a full day and night will completely purge all miasma from the body. Unfortunately, the materials required to activate the Spirit Pool are staggering. Even though our Glazed Glass Island is wealthy, we can only open it once every three years. Let me think… the last opening was a year ago, which means there’s still roughly two years before the next one.”

“Moreover, the spots available for entering the Spirit Pool are limited, and competition is fierce. You outsiders have no foundation here—how could you possibly compete with the islanders?” Sun Zhang shook his head.

“What about the other methods?” Su Changyu pressed.

“The second method is to practice the 《Xuanhuang Purification Mantra》. Combined with specific medicines and dietary regimens, it gradually transforms one’s constitution over time, eventually purging all miasma from the body completely. Although this method takes a long time—typically five to six years—its advantage lies in its stability. It requires no special price to pay, either. The 《Xuanhuang Purification Mantra》 and its corresponding elixirs can be purchased at the island’s apothecary.”

“Five to six years…” Su Changyu murmured softly, then asked unwillingly, “What else?”

“The third method is to volunteer as a test subject.” At this, Sun Zhang’s expression turned ugly, as though he was struggling to suppress some deep-seated fear. Still, he answered Su Changyu’s question.

“A test subject?” Su Changyu was bewildered.

“That’s right. Some immortal masters are very interested in the miasma within our mortal bodies. Every year, they select volunteers from the island’s mortal population to serve as test subjects. The immortal masters use special techniques to continuously extract the miasma from the subjects’ bodies for research. In just a few months, they can drain a subject’s miasma completely dry.”

As if recalling something, Sun Zhang’s face went pale. “It’s just that the process is… unbearably agonizing. One could say you can neither live nor die. The vast majority of people can’t endure until the miasma is fully extracted—they’re driven completely mad by the torment long before then.”

“I would not recommend this method. It is truly beyond what any ordinary person can bear.”

It was unclear whether Su Changyu had taken Sun Zhang’s advice to heart. He merely fell silent for a moment, then asked, “Are there any other methods?”

Sun Zhang shook his head. “It’s said that the direct mortal descendants of those immortal masters can use heavenly treasures and earthly gems to reshape their bodies entirely. Not only does this eliminate any concern about miasma, it simultaneously enhances their cultivation aptitude. However, such means are beyond what the likes of you and I can even imagine. Even our Glazed Glass Island Lord doesn’t enjoy such treatment.”

“That’s all I know. If you truly wish to pursue cultivation, take the coming days to think it over carefully.”

Having said his piece, Sun Zhang noticed Su Changyu’s somewhat dazed and despondent expression and couldn’t help but offer consolation. “I know you all endured unimaginable hardships to return from the lands of exile, and that each of you carries a heart yearning for the Dao. Who among us didn’t feel the same once?”

“But the path of immortality is truly arduous. Even if you manage to purge all the miasma from your body, those who can actually sense the spiritual energy of heaven and earth and draw it into themselves are exceedingly rare. Why torment yourselves needlessly? Being a mortal isn’t so bad.” Sun Zhang seemed to be consoling Su Changyu, yet also consoling himself.

“With the invisible nourishment of heaven and earth’s spiritual energy, even without cultivation, you’ll live longer here than you ever would in the lands of exile. It won’t have been for nothing that your families paid such enormous prices to send you out.”

“Rather than chasing desperately after the path of immortality, why not simply enjoy life? Indulge freely and live in the present.”

…

After Sun Zhang finished speaking, he departed.

Among those present, some wore expressions of delight, deeply agreeing with Sun Zhang’s words as though they had found an excuse for indulgence. Others could not accept that the path of immortality was so difficult and broke down weeping on the spot. Still others wore faces full of worry, uncertain of what to do…

Only Su Changyu’s expression was resolute, as if he had quietly steeled himself with some kind of determination.

Taking in everyone’s reactions one by one, Li Fan sighed inwardly. The myriad beings of this world—each with their own disposition, each so different from the next.

And each person’s choice would determine an entirely different fate.

Without meddling in others’ affairs, Li Fan slipped away quietly while everyone was still lost in thought.

After asking around for directions, he found the place on the island where free housing was distributed.

Li Fan presented his spirit talisman, and under the guidance of an attendant, he was led to the residential district in the northern part of Glazed Glass Island.

The area was densely packed with countless houses. Some stood empty, while others were already occupied.

Most of these houses consisted of only a single room, though fortunately each had a small courtyard enclosed by walls, keeping them from looking too shabby.

“Row six, number seven—this is it.” The attendant impatiently handed the key to Li Fan and hurried off.

Li Fan pushed open the courtyard gate, stepped inside, and casually closed the door behind him.

The interior was quite sparse—just a bed and a few tables and chairs. Li Fan found it rather uncomfortable.

But he didn’t concern himself with such material things. After a quick tidying up, Li Fan settled down and began mulling over his plans.

“Not a bad start—I’ve settled in without much trouble. I have those people from beyond the boundary to thank for that. Unfortunately, aside from Su Changyu, the rest all seem to be unremarkable sorts with no aspiration for the Dao whatsoever. They won’t amount to anything.”

“This dwelling is a bit crude, but at least security shouldn’t be a concern. I already asked around earlier—with immortal masters presiding over Glazed Glass Island, it’s been a long time since anyone dared cause trouble here.”

“My top priority now is to purge the miasma from my body. While spots in the Body-Purifying Spirit Pool are precious, I have countless treasures plundered from within the Taiyan Vessel. Securing a spot shouldn’t be too difficult. The downside is that it would be far too conspicuous—as they say, wealth should never be flaunted. As an outsider with no foundation here, if I suddenly reveal such vast riches, I’ll inevitably attract covetous eyes. I need to plan this carefully.”

…

Suddenly, a knock at the door interrupted Li Fan’s thoughts.

“Who is it?” Li Fan’s guard went up immediately.

“Me.” The voice was somewhat low, yet also vaguely familiar.

Without betraying any emotion, Li Fan retrieved the Taiyan Vessel and drew a dagger from within it, concealing it in his sleeve.

He cracked the door open just a sliver, and Li Fan saw who it was.

It was the fat youth who had tried to chat him up earlier.

Li Fan decisively moved to shut the door.

“Wait—” The chubby young man hastily blocked it with his hand and whispered, “You’re not one of us from beyond the boundary, are you?”

“What?” Li Fan faltered for a moment.

The fat youth seized the opportunity to squeeze inside.

He sized Li Fan up, his expression shrewd and probing. “Who exactly are you? And what’s your purpose in sneaking onto Glazed Glass Island?”

“How do you know I’m not from beyond the boundary?” Li Fan countered.

The fat youth looked disdainful. “When we fell into the water, I caught a glimpse of your shadowy figure skulking about. At first I thought it was just my imagination, but after seeing how you acted last night, the more I thought about it, the more something felt off. So I kept a watchful eye. When I saw you rush off so eagerly to find housing, I secretly followed you here to test my theory.”

“And sure enough, the moment this young master tested you, you showed your hand.” The fat youth looked rather pleased with himself.

“So it seems you’re actually quite sharp—observant and perceptive.” Li Fan nodded.

“Of course! Apart from me, those idiots didn’t even notice a stranger had slipped in among them.”

“You’re truly certain that no one else besides you noticed?” Li Fan asked.

“Naturally! How could those fools possibly compare to this young master—”

The fat youth’s words died halfway in his throat.

Because a sharp dagger had already pierced through his chest.

Looking down at the fat youth collapsed on the floor, Li Fan’s expression was utterly impassive.