Chapter 40: Issuing a Trigger Quest

Bi Luochun and the four female disciples stood by, their eyes fixed on the scene before them with bated breath, tears still glistening on their lashes. They were so cautious that it seemed as if even the slightest sound might disturb the Supreme Elder as she consumed the demon core.

Seeing the Supreme Elder remain unresponsive, Su Hao’s anxiety deepened. He called out softly once more, "Supreme Elder, please wake up. Take this demon core; once you consume it, your injuries will begin to heal." As he spoke, he raised his arm, bringing the glowing demon core closer to her lips, praying she would regain enough consciousness to swallow it.

Perhaps it was the genuine concern in Su Hao’s voice, or perhaps the spiritual fluctuations emanating from the core itself, but it triggered a flicker of instinct in the Elder. Her tightly pressed lips trembled slightly, showing signs of parting. Su Hao seized the moment, moving with extreme care as he guided the core into her mouth, silently channeling his own spiritual energy to help her swallow.

Under the watchful, nervous eyes of the group, the Supreme Elder finally ingested the core. In an instant, the energy within it surged outward like a flood, beginning to circulate through her body. Pale blue light seeped from her pores, acting like diligent craftsmen working to mend her battered form. Su Hao and the others exhaled in relief, their eyes locked on the Elder, hoping the light would grow brighter and her recovery would accelerate.

The Supreme Elder sat quietly in the hollow of the tree, the demon core’s energy gradually being absorbed. Her breathing, once as chaotic as a stormy sea, began to stabilize. The near-uncontrollable, violent agitation faded like a receding tide, bringing a moment of calm to the storm. Still, everyone knew she was far from her former self. Though her paper-white complexion had improved slightly, a deep frailty remained; she seemed as fragile as if a gentle breeze could topple her.

Yet, bolstered by the core, she had regained enough strength to stir. Her heavy eyelids flickered, and with what seemed like immense effort, she opened her eyes. At first, her gaze was unfocused and hazy, but as she adjusted, the world sharpened. She saw Bi Luochun and the four disciples of the Biluo Sect. As her eyes swept over their signature robes, recognition dawned. She immediately identified Bi Luochun, whose composed demeanor and distinguished air marked her as the sect’s senior disciple.

"Did you save me?" The Supreme Elder’s voice was raspy and weak, tinged with both confusion and the disbelief of a survivor. She had never expected to find salvation in her dying moments, let alone to be rescued by her own disciples.

"It was Senior Brother Qingming who gave you the demon core," Bi Luochun stepped forward, bowing respectfully. She gestured toward Su Hao, her eyes filled with gratitude. "If not for Senior Brother Qingming producing such a precious treasure, we wouldn't have known what to do. Your injuries were truly grave, Elder."

The other four disciples nodded in agreement. "Indeed, Elder. Senior Brother Qingming is incredibly righteous. The moment he saw you were hurt, he didn't hesitate to use his demon core to save you." They looked at Su Hao with admiration; they knew that without his intervention, they would have been forced to watch the Supreme Elder perish.

Su Hao bowed slightly, speaking with humility. "You are too kind, Supreme Elder. I merely offered a small amount of help. You are a person of great fortune, and this core was only a minor aid. Seeing you improve is the greatest outcome." His words were sincere, his expression filled with genuine concern for her full recovery.

Upon hearing this, a look of surprise and emotion crossed the Elder’s weary eyes. She struggled to focus on Su Hao, as if trying to see into the very soul of the young man. She parted her lips to speak, but the effort resulted only in a series of low, weak coughs. After a moment, she rasped, "I see. Thank you, young friend. This demon core is a priceless treasure. That you would offer it without hesitation to save this old woman—I shall remember this kindness." Her gratitude was profound and sincere, and her gaze held a new measure of appreciation.

She shook her head with a self-deprecating smile. "I truly thought I would die from these wounds. To be saved by you… it seems it was not my time yet." She reached out as if to pat Su Hao’s shoulder, but her arm fell limp, drained of strength.

Turning to Bi Luochun and the others, she looked at them with comfort. "You girls have been very thoughtful. To encounter you in this wilderness and receive the help of this young man… it seems my connection to the Biluo Sect is not yet severed." Taking a breath to gather her strength, she continued, "But tell me, where are we? After I was attacked, I fled until I lost my way. I only remember an ambush by a group of villains. They were ruthless and highly skilled; despite my resistance, I was overwhelmed." A flicker of resentment crossed her features as she recalled the attackers.

Bi Luochun stepped forward to comfort her. "Supreme Elder, please do not worry about that now. Your recovery is the priority. We do not know exactly where we are, but once you are well, we can head to the base of the Anti-Evil Cultivator Alliance." The other disciples chimed in, reassuring her that they were there to protect her.

The mention of the "Anti-Evil Cultivator Alliance" brought a look of confusion to the Elder’s tired eyes. "An alliance? What is this? I have never heard of it."

Bi Luochun explained respectfully, "It is an alliance formed by the Biluo Sect, the Zheng-Yi Sect, and the Taiyi Sect, along with many rogue cultivators. The evil cultivators have become increasingly rampant and cruel. We realized that acting alone was insufficient, so we joined forces to pool our strength. I took the initiative to help lead this effort, hoping to contribute to the sect and the world." She watched the Elder’s face nervously, fearing she might be scolded for acting without permission.

The Supreme Elder listened, her initial surprise softening into approval. She nodded slowly. "Bi Luochun, you have done well. Such an alliance should have been formed long ago. With the evil cultivators running wild, no single sect can stand against them. You have shown great courage in taking the lead, and this old woman is very proud."

Relief washed over Bi Luochun, and a happy smile broke across her face. "You are too kind, Supreme Elder. I only wanted to do what I could."

Su Hao stood by, his mind racing. He realized that the Elder’s survival was a massive boon for the nascent alliance—she was a genuine, high-level combatant. Although currently incapacitated, her presence as a guardian would make the evil cultivators think twice once she recovered.

As he pondered how to fully heal her, a stern, cold voice echoed in his mind:

[Task Triggered: Heal the Alliance’s high-level combatant. The Alliance’s overall strength is currently low, and it cannot withstand the rampant attacks of the evil cultivators. The Biluo Sect Supreme Elder requires a large number of demon cores for recovery.]

[Candidate Cleaner, you must acquire at least five demon cores to heal the Supreme Elder. Deadline: Three days.]

Su Hao’s expression tightened. He sighed inwardly; five cores in three days was no small feat. Beasts were ferocious, and hunting five of them would be grueling. Yet, looking at the frail Elder and considering the Alliance’s dire situation, he gritted his teeth and resolved to do whatever it took. He would secure the five cores within the three-day limit.