Chapter 906: Cannot Be Left Uneliminated

Ji Yuan’s method was essentially tricking Zhu Yan into deceiving himself. However, besides being able to deceive Zhu Yan, there were also drawbacks: all of Zuo Wuji’s experiences were purely mental memories, with little physical muscle memory feedback. This didn’t mean they were useless, but the physical sensations would be much slower to manifest because the world within the book was far faster than the outside world.

Furthermore, at this moment, Zuo Wuji’s mind was simultaneously burdened by both mental and physical demands. Under the guidance of Ji Yuan and Zhu Yan, the exertion far exceeded his body’s capacity to maintain balance, and he might collapse first.

Moreover, Ji Yuan had never before sustained the “Wandering Dream Book” for such a long period, nor had he brought a creature as fierce as Zhu Yan into it. The precision required for the spell and the mental drain were equally immense.

Despite seemingly so many drawbacks, Ji Yuan still felt it was worthwhile. Now, it was a test to see whether Zuo Wuji would collapse first or Zhu Yan would realize the deception first.

On the fifty-fifth day, Zhu Yan was sparring with Zuo Wuji. Their movements were so fast they seemed like blurs, and around them, dust and stones flew, the ground cracked, and trees shattered.

As Zhu Yan fought, he also carefully observed Ji Yuan. After watching for a long time without finding a flaw, but having already sensed that something was amiss, he suddenly parried Zuo Wuji’s palm and fiercely punched him in the chest.

"Thud!"

The punch seemed to hold nothing back; Zuo Wuji’s entire chest caved in, and his body was sent flying hundreds of meters, crashing into a distant small mound. Blood he had spat out still hung in the air.

"Zhu Yan, what are you doing?"

Ji Yuan glared furiously at Zhu Yan, his hand already gripping the Green Vine Sword. Zhu Yan, with wide, dismayed eyes, stared intently back at Ji Yuan.

"Ji Yuan, what trick did you pull?"

"I don't understand what you're saying. Why did you strike Zuo Wuji so brutally for no reason?"

Ji Yuan didn't immediately engage Zhu Yan. Instead, he flew towards the mound where Zuo Wuji had crashed, rescuing him. However, Zuo Wuji was barely breathing.

With his mental energy severely depleted, Zuo Wuji’s physique was far below its normal level. Ji Yuan couldn't use his spiritual power to reshape his body, as Zhu Yan would surely see through it.

Zhu Yan also instantly appeared by Zuo Wuji’s side, staring at him blankly.

"No, impossible! How can this be? How could his body be so weak? Impossible, impossible, he should be stronger, much stronger!"

It was just one punch. Although it was a heavy blow, given Zuo Wuji’s level in Martial Fury Primordial Gang, even if he were injured, he should by no means be at death's door like this.

Ji Yuan looked up, glaring at Zhu Yan.

"What's impossible? It's all because of you! I shouldn't have trusted you from the start, thinking you could truly guide Zuo Wuji on the path of martial arts. I never imagined your so-called teaching would deplete his vital energy so severely, leaving him so weak!"

As Ji Yuan raged, he pointed a finger, and the Green Vine Sword immediately shot out of its scabbard.

"Zing!"

The brilliant sword light instantly slashed towards Zhu Yan. Startled, Zhu Yan detected the incoming sword light and quickly retreated to evade it. But the sword light was too fast, forcing him to unleash his demonic energy to withstand it head-on.

"Boom!"

A long, deep crack appeared on the ground, and Zhu Yan was forced back hundreds of meters by the impact of blocking the sword. Though his hands were bleeding, Ji Yuan did not pursue him.

Beside Ji Yuan, Zuo Wuji was continuously coughing up blood.

"Cough, cough, cough... *gasp*... Mr. Ji, I... I'm fading fast... Li Feng, it's not safe for him to stay in... stay in Xia Yong. Please... please take him away... My... my death, please... please inform my four masters, and... and my family members..."

Zhu Yan was in a great panic. On one hand, the Green Vine Sword was pointed menacingly at him, preventing him from approaching easily. On the other hand, he was anxious to see Zuo Wuji on the verge of death.

"Ji Yuan, save him! Save him now! You can't just let him die! Zuo Wuji, you mustn't die! What will I do if you die? You..."

Zhu Yan's words caught in his throat mid-sentence, as Zuo Wuji’s hands had fallen limp, his breathing had begun to fail, and even his spirit was collapsing.

Ji Yuan gently laid Zuo Wuji on the ground, then slowly stood up. With a raise of his hand, the Green Vine Sword flew into his grasp.

"Zuo Wuji was a hero of his generation, a Martial Saint among mortals. For him to die by your hand today, I cannot but avenge him."

Ji Yuan’s words were calm, but the anger within them was as heavy as a mountain.

"Rumble..."

The sky was covered with dark clouds, and ominous thunder rumbled.

But at this moment, Zhu Yan’s demonic energy was also raging, making the ground where he stood feel like a pool of molten lava. The churning heat distorted the surrounding air.

"Ji Yuan, you'd better tell me what trick you played. You'd better tell me that Zuo Wuji is actually fine. Otherwise, today's battle will be unavoidable, the entire Xia Yong Dynasty will perish with him, and the monsters of the Southern Wild Mountains will pour out, recreating the chaos of Tianyu Continent!"

Ji Yuan said coldly, "No need to avoid it!"

No sooner had he spoken than Ji Yuan struck first, his immortal sword light piercing directly at Zhu Yan. The two of them unveiled their second battle, and instantly, the wind and clouds changed color, and the earth shook.

At a certain moment, inside Ji Yuan’s guest room, Zuo Wuji, Zhu Yan, and Ji Yuan all opened their eyes simultaneously.

"I'm not dead?"

"Hmm?"

Zuo Wuji and Zhu Yan exclaimed in astonishment one after another. Zhu Yan turned to look at Zuo Wuji, blankly sensing his aura. Though his mental energy was weakened, Zuo Wuji was sitting perfectly fine, his physique strong and healthy.

Zhu Yan slowly turned his head to look at Ji Yuan, having realized what had happened. His heart was filled with a complex mix of joy and anger, which manifested as gritted teeth on his face.

"Ji Yuan... you..."

Ji Yuan looked at Zhu Yan with an indifferent gaze.

"I knew all along you had ulterior motives concerning Zuo Wuji. I merely cast a spell to expose your true colors. I suggest you return to your Southern Wild Mountains."

Zhu Yan took a deep breath, forcing down the urge to fight Ji Yuan directly. He narrowed his eyes, surveying Ji Yuan and the mentally drained Zuo Wuji.

"Hmph, then I wish Martial Saint great fortune in martial arts and success on his path! Farewell!"

"Don't bother."

Zhu Yan bared his teeth slightly, then turned and opened Ji Yuan’s door. He saw Li Ping rushing into the courtyard with Li Feng. After scrutinizing Li Feng, he let out another cold snort.

"Hmph!"

"Uh, Immortal Zhu is also here, if..."

Before Li Ping could finish, Zhu Yan leaped into the sky and departed the official residence, leaving Li Ping speechless.

"The ability of immortals to fly is truly enviable..."

Li Ping mumbled this, and Li Feng, standing beside him, also murmured, "Hero Zuo said that martial arts also have the 'Sky-Treading Step'. One who can walk on snow without leaving a trace can walk on water as if on land, and on the sky as if on land..."

This ‘Sky-Treading Step’ was one of Zuo Wuji's concepts, already entering a practical research phase, though difficult to control. However, Li Feng believed it to be a unique skill Zuo Wuji had mastered.

As the father and son spoke, Ji Yuan also arrived at the doorway.

"Lord Li, have you come to tell me something?"

Li Ping’s gaze passed over the "unfamiliar gentleman" in front of him and went directly to Zuo Wuji behind him.

"Hero Zuo, and this gentleman, a banquet will be held at my residence tonight, specifically to host you two, to thank you for your care of Feng’er. I kindly request your esteemed presence."

Li Feng also dutifully bowed.

"Please, Hero Zuo and Master, both come!"

Ji Yuan stepped aside, and Zuo Wuji came forward and nodded in acceptance.

"Alright, we will certainly be there."

"That's good. Then I, Li Ping, won't disturb you further."

After the two had left, Zuo Wuji truly could not hold on much longer. His body swayed, and he leaned against the doorframe.

"Mr. Ji, it seems Zhu Yan’s punch wasn't without impact after all..."

Ji Yuan smiled.

"Indeed. You should get some good rest now. Hmm, sleep until dinner, and then a good month's rest should restore you almost completely."

"Huh?"

Zuo Wuji was stunned for a moment, and Ji Yuan’s expression became somewhat serious.

"Don't forget the insights we gained into martial arts while in the book world. You must also re-practice what Zhu Yan taught you, using your own true vital energy. This time, there will be no one guiding you, but it will also be safer."

"Understood, Wuji! I'll go rest for a bit first."

While Zuo Wuji returned to his room to sleep, Zhu Yan had already returned to the immortal master’s residence where he was staying. His anger still hadn't subsided, but he managed to control it.

Zhu Yan had known all along that it would be nearly impossible to succeed under Ji Yuan’s watchful eye. This was merely a return to reality. However, he hadn't left empty-handed. At the very least, he confirmed that Zuo Wuji was indeed the person he wanted, and he further confirmed the potential of his physique.

As long as Zuo Wuji refined his martial arts according to the conclusions drawn during that period, both his martial achievements and physique would steadily improve, and Zhu Yan's influence would always be present.

In the long run, even if he didn't currently have the chance to corrupt Zuo Wuji’s body with his demonic essence, Zuo Wuji’s destiny would inevitably lead him to become a pawn in Zhu Yan’s hands. At that time, Zhu Yan would gradually gain control over Zuo Wuji. Ji Yuan, no matter how profound his cultivation, wouldn't be able to grasp the subtlety of this, so Zhu Yan was not in a hurry.

"However, this Ji Yuan, he must be eliminated!"

Inside Ji Yuan’s room, Ji Yuan, also severely mentally drained, sat cross-legged on an empty meditation cushion. Of course, no matter how severe his mental exhaustion was, Zhu Yan and Zuo Wuji still couldn't perceive it, as Ji Yuan’s mental power was arguably unrivaled in the world; even when heavily depleted, it surpassed others.

At this moment, Xiezhi’s slightly hoarse voice also emanated from within his sleeve.

"Ji Yuan, this Zhu Yan, he must be eliminated. He's likely trying to refine Zuo Wuji’s physique, to seize his body and destiny later! The future leader of martial arts destiny being in the hands of such a ferocious creature is no laughing matter."

"I know!"

Xiezhi’s words aligned perfectly with Ji Yuan’s suspicions. Hearing Ji Yuan say this with his eyes closed, Xiezhi said no more.