Chapter 24: Refining Qi Requires Dispelling Miasma

Sun Zhang glanced at Su Changyu and patiently explained, "Mortals wishing to cultivate must first purge the miasma from their bodies. For those of you returning from the Land of Exile, the concentration of miasma within you is far greater than that of ordinary people. Therefore, without completely removing the miasma, cultivation is impossible."

Su Changyu frowned and said, "We already know this. How, then, can this miasma be removed?"

Sun Zhang replied, "There are several ways to remove miasma. The first is the Body-Purifying Spirit Pool on this island. Soaking in the Spirit Pool for an entire day and night will completely remove all miasma from your body. Unfortunately, the materials required to activate the pool are incredibly rare. Although our Glazed Island is prosperous, we can only activate it once every three years. Let's see, the last activation was a year ago, meaning you'll have to wait almost two more years for the Spirit Pool to open again."

"Furthermore, the spots for entering the Spirit Pool are limited, and competition is fierce. As outsiders with no connections, how could you possibly compete with the island's residents?" Sun Zhang shook his head.

"What about the other methods?" Su Changyu continued to ask.

"The second method is to practice the 'Profound Yellow Pure Heart Incantation.' Combined with specific medicines and dietary adjustments, you can gradually transform your physique over time and eventually clear all the miasma from your body. Although this method is time-consuming, often taking five or six years, its advantage lies in its stability and the lack of any special cost. Both the 'Profound Yellow Pure Heart Incantation' and its corresponding pills can be purchased at the island's pharmacies."

"Five or six years..." Su Changyu murmured softly, then asked, still unwilling to give up, "Are there any other ways?"

"The third method is to become an experimental subject." At this point, Sun Zhang's expression turned grim, revealing a hint of uncontrollable fear. Nevertheless, he answered Su Changyu.

"Experimental subject?" Su Changyu looked puzzled.

"That's right. Some Immortal Masters are very interested in the miasma within our mortal bodies. Every year, they select volunteers from among the island's mortals to serve as experimental subjects. The Immortal Masters use special methods to continuously extract the miasma from these subjects for research. Within just a few months, the miasma can be completely drawn out."

As if recalling something, Sun Zhang's face turned pale. "However, this process is incredibly painful. It's like being unable to live and unable to die. Most people are completely tormented into madness before the miasma is fully extracted."

"I do not recommend this method. It is simply not something an ordinary person can endure."

Su Changyu didn't seem to have fully registered Sun Zhang's advice. He remained silent for a moment, then asked again, "Are there any other methods?"

Sun Zhang shook his head. "Reportedly, the direct mortal descendants of those Immortal Masters can use rare treasures to reshape their bodies. This not only frees them from the worry of miasma but also enhances their cultivation aptitude. However, such a method is beyond our imagination. Even our Glazed Island Lord doesn't receive such treatment."

"That's all I know. If you truly wish to cultivate, you should carefully consider your options in the coming days."

After speaking, Sun Zhang saw Su Changyu looking somewhat disheartened and couldn't help but advise him, "I know that all of you, after enduring countless hardships to return from the Land of Exile, possess a desire for the Dao. Who among us didn't have that ambition once?"

"Unfortunately, the path to immortality is truly difficult. Even if you manage to clear your body of miasma, very few will then be able to sense the spiritual energy of heaven and earth and guide it into their bodies. Why torment yourselves? Being a mortal isn't so bad." Sun Zhang seemed to be comforting Su Changyu, and perhaps himself as well.

"With the invisible nourishment of the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, even if you can't cultivate, you will still live longer than you would in the Land of Exile. It wouldn't be in vain that your families paid such a high price to send you out."

"Instead of relentlessly pursuing the path of immortality, it's better to enjoy life, indulge yourselves, and live in the present."

After delivering his speech, Sun Zhang departed.

Among those present, some looked joyful, agreeing wholeheartedly with Sun Zhang's words as if they had found an excuse for indulgence. Others couldn't accept how difficult cultivation was and burst into tears. Still others were filled with worry, unsure of what to do...

Only Su Changyu's expression remained resolute, seemingly having made a quiet determination.

Observing everyone's reactions, Li Fan sighed inwardly, realizing that the myriad beings of the world each had their own distinct attitudes.

And each person's choice would determine a completely different future destiny.

Without meddling further, Li Fan quietly left while the others were distracted.

He inquired along the way and found the place on the island where free residences were allocated.

Li Fan presented his spiritual talisman, then was led by a designated person to the residential area in the northern part of Glazed Island.

Countless houses were densely packed there, some vacant and some already occupied.

Most of these houses had only one room, but fortunately, they all had small enclosed courtyards, which prevented them from seeming too shabby.

"Sixth row, seventh house, this is it." The person impatiently handed the key to Li Fan and then hurried away.

Li Fan opened the courtyard gate, walked in, and casually closed the door behind him.

The house was very simple, containing only a bed and a few tables and chairs, which Li Fan found quite unfamiliar.

However, he didn't care much for material possessions. After a quick tidy-up, Li Fan rested and pondered his next steps.

"My luck at the start isn't bad; I settled down with little effort. This is thanks to those people from the Outer Realms. It's a pity, though, that apart from Su Changyu, the rest of them seem to be ordinary individuals with no desire for the Dao, making it difficult for them to achieve greatness."

"Although this residence is a bit simple, there's no need to worry about safety. I had already inquired; Glazed Island has Immortal Masters guarding it, and it's been a long time since anyone dared to commit a crime here."

"The primary goal now is to remove the miasma from my body. While the spots for the Body-Purifying Spirit Pool are precious, I have countless treasures plundered from the Grand Derivation Ark, so securing a spot shouldn't be difficult. The drawback is that it would be too ostentatious; as the saying goes, 'don't flaunt your wealth.' As an outsider with no foundation, suddenly revealing so much wealth would surely attract unwanted attention. I need to plan this carefully."

Suddenly, a knock on the door interrupted Li Fan's thoughts.

"Who's there?" Li Fan immediately became vigilant.

"Me." The voice was low, yet somewhat familiar.

Without showing any change in expression, Li Fan retrieved the Grand Derivation Ark, took out a dagger from it, and concealed it in his sleeve.

Opening the door a crack, Li Fan saw the person's appearance clearly.

It was the chubby young man who had tried to strike up a conversation with him earlier.

Li Fan decisively chose to close the door.

"Wait..." The chubby young man quickly blocked the door with his hand and whispered, "You're not one of us from the Outer Realms, are you?"

"What?" Li Fan paused.

The chubby man seized the opportunity to slip inside.

He eyed Li Fan and said with ill intent, "Who exactly are you, and what is your purpose in sneaking onto Glazed Island?"

"How do you know I'm not from the Outer Realms?" Li Fan countered.

The chubby man sneered, "When we fell into the water, I vaguely saw your furtive figure. At first, I thought it was an illusion, but after seeing your behavior last night, I kept thinking something was off, so I kept an eye on you. When I saw you eagerly seeking a residence, I secretly followed you to test you out."

"Sure enough, as soon as I tested you, you revealed your true colors," the chubby man said, a bit smugly.

"It seems you are quite astute and observant," Li Fan nodded.

"Of course! Besides me, none of those fools even noticed a stranger had infiltrated our ranks."

"Is it true that no one else discovered this besides you?" Li Fan asked.

"Of course! How could those simpletons compare to me, your humble servant..."

The chubby man's words were cut short.

Because a sharp dagger had already pierced his chest.

Li Fan looked at the chubby man lying on the ground, his face devoid of expression.