Dao Companions Help Me Live Forever

Chapter 283 Seeking Life in Death (6.1k, 1,200 monthly votes)

A grave site.

The simple stone tombstone has become mottled due to the erosion of time, and the characters on it are somewhat blurry, but you can still see the words "Yang Clan Remnant Soul" engraved on it.

The grave is covered with weeds.

There are still traces of past offerings in front of the tomb.

Zhu Yurong stands in front of the grave, her eyes filled with sadness, and a lingering look of hardship on her face.

"After Yang Da-ge escaped back then, I took the risk of collecting the remains of my uncle, aunt, and little sister, but I didn't dare to make it public. I could only bury them together in one place.

For so many years, I have come here to pay my respects every year to express my feelings.

I know that doing this cannot make the departed forgive me, but every time I come here to talk to them, I feel a little better in my heart."

There is naturally nothing in the grave.

It has been more than two hundred years since the Yang family was annihilated.

The parents and little sister of the Perfected Being of Ten Thousand Beasts were buried hastily, without any preservation measures. By now, they have long merged with the land, not even leaving behind bone fragments.

The Perfected Being of Ten Thousand Beasts doesn't know if what Zhu Yurong said is true or false.

This woman is really terrifying.

Even if he has become the spirit of the Blood Sea Banner and possesses the power of a Rank Four Nascent Soul True Monarch, he can't distinguish which of her words are true and which are false.

He hopes it's false, but he's afraid it's true.

He looks at the tombstone with a silent gaze, not speaking for a long time.

In his mind, he can only recall the fire that devoured everything and himself fleeing in panic like a stray dog.

His parents and little sister had bloodstained faces, filled with panic and fear, staring at him, opening their mouths as if they wanted to say something, but nothing came out.

However, all of this is just his imagination in his dream.

That night, he didn't actually see anyone.

He only remembers that on the night of the celebration, the Yang family mansion was suddenly surrounded by people.

An arrogant guy walked in and said that the Yang family was harboring demonic cultivators and needed to be searched.

He stepped forward to argue but was knocked unconscious with a palm strike.

When he woke up, he was already outside the city. The elders were on the verge of death and entrusted him with the last legacy hastily packed by the family, telling him to escape quickly.

If there is a chance to revive the family and seek revenge, he should die on the spot.

When he heard the news about the Yang family again, it was already when the Yang family had colluded with the Monster Race, hiding demonic cultivators, and resisted arrest when the cultivators from the City Lord's Mansion came to investigate. The main branch of the family was almost wiped out.

The thousand-year foundation of the Yang family was almost completely destroyed overnight.

By the way, the witness who accused the Yang family of crimes was Zhu Yurong, who had already become the newlywed bride of the Perfected Being of Ten Thousand Beasts at that time.

"Tell me the whole truth of that year, and I can spare your life."

The Perfected Being of Ten Thousand Beasts thought he would be sad, but standing in front of the graves of his parents and little sister, he suddenly realized that he had lost the ability to feel sadness.

Perhaps during the sleepless days and nights, enduring loneliness and pain, leaving only remnants of his soul trapped in the Ten Thousand Beasts Soul Banner, he had already exhausted all his sadness and pain.

Zhu Yurong's breath couldn't help but pause slightly.

She said so much just for this sentence.

Back then, True Monarch Chongshan was entrusted by someone to deal with the Yang family, but he didn't personally take action.

As a result, he underestimated the thousand-year heritage of the Yang family and let the Perfected Being of the Ten Thousand Beasts escape as an orphan.

Because of this, she often dreams about it at midnight and wakes up from nightmares.

Or she tosses and turns, unable to sleep, only because she is afraid that her older brother Yang will come back one day for revenge and let the flames devour her body.

So she had someone build this tomb and sent people to come and pay respects every year, just in case there really is such a day, to leave herself a way out.

Now it seems that her decision was wise.

Her older brother Yang really did come back, bringing with him a terrifying power.

"Back then..."

Zhu Yurong's thoughts were meticulous, and with a slight adjustment, she revealed what happened back then.

Of course, it was only her perspective.

Back then, she accidentally met Yang Ming and developed mutual feelings. It was originally a fate, and she often thanked the heavens for giving her a perfect lover.

But everything changed on the day of their wedding.

The cultivators from the City Lord's Mansion broke into the Yang family in the name of capturing demonic cultivators, killing anyone they saw. She was scared and wanted to escape, but she was caught by someone and almost humiliated.

Fortunately, someone recognized her identity and saved her innocence and life.

She was brought in front of a Perfected Being named Qianli, watching familiar faces fall one by one, trembling in fear.

She thought she would die too, but she didn't.

Instead, with the support of the City Lord's Mansion, she became the only heir of the Yang family as the widow of the family.

Later, she learned why the City Lord's Mansion spared her life.

Because not long after, she represented the Yang family in giving up the inheritance qualification of the Profound Yang Sect's Wanling Peak, and was forcibly taken into the room by True Monarch Chongshan, taking over the Yang family's thousand-year legacy.

"...I know it's all my fault. If it weren't for me being afraid of death and accusing the Yang family, my older brother and uncle wouldn't have been slandered even after their deaths.

But I was so scared. That was True Monarch Chongshan, the Lord of Donghua Tiancheng. I didn't dare to resist him.

If I defied him, not only would I die, but my family and friends would also die.

I don't want to involve them.

Later, one by one, my family members died, and I should have gone with them.

But I still want to wait for my older brother to come back.

I worked hard in cultivation, I pleased True Monarch Chongshan, I broke through the Gold Core stage, all to let myself live a little longer.

I know my older brother will definitely come back. I want to live, I want to tell my older brother in person that I'm not that bad.

I don't want to leave a last ugly impression in my older brother's heart."

Zhu Yurong's eyes were teary as she looked deeply at the Perfected Being of the Ten Thousand Beasts.

"Even if my older brother doesn't kill me, I won't forgive myself.

Being able to see my older brother for the last time, Yurong's wish has been fulfilled, and there are no more regrets.

I only hope that if there is reincarnation in this world, I can meet Brother Yang again in the next life and complete the unfinished journey between us.

But don't be so bitter.

Brother Yang, goodbye."

Before the words fell, Zhu Yurong's mana surged in her body, blood tears flowing from the corners of her mouth, and she actually severed her own meridians.

Her breath gradually weakened, but infinite affection and longing still remained in her eyes as she looked at the Perfected Being of the Ten Thousand Beasts.

The Perfected Being of the Ten Thousand Beasts stood with his hands behind his back, coldly watching, indifferent to all of this.

Yu Xian stood aside, playing the role of a qualified bystander.

To be honest, regardless of whether what Zhu Yurong said was true or false, or how much sincerity was in her performance, her determination was admirable.

He needs to study hard.

As the saying goes, "When three people walk together, there must be one who can be my teacher." Truly not deceiving him.

Finally, Zhu Yurong's last trace of breath was about to disappear.

The Perfected Being of the Ten Thousand Beasts finally made a move.

The sound of flowing water came from the air, and a blood-colored tassel shot out from the Perfected Being of the Ten Thousand Beasts' hand, entering Zhu Yurong's body.

As the spirit of the Blood Sea Banner, he had control over a lot of blood essence, which was now being used to nourish Zhu Yurong. Her weakened breath quickly grew stronger, and her broken meridians were forcibly connected by the powerful blood essence.

Gurgling! Gurgling! Gurgling!

As if a bubble burst, Zhu Yurong suddenly gasped for breath and woke up.

"I'm not dead yet..."

She was confused for a moment, then smiled bitterly at the Perfected Being of the Ten Thousand Beasts.

"Brother Yang, there's no need for you to save me again."

A cold smile appeared on the Perfected Being of the Ten Thousand Beasts' face.

"I said I wouldn't kill you. You don't have to seek death. The situation back then was not something you, a weak woman, could control.

The living should not sacrifice themselves for the dead. What you did is understandable."

Zhu Yurong looked pleasantly surprised. "Brother Yang, are you willing to forgive me?!"

The Perfected Being of the Ten Thousand Beasts couldn't deny it. "Whether I forgive you or not, what does it matter? The person who truly brought calamity to my Yang family is not you, but the True Monarch Chongshan, and the people behind True Monarch Chongshan.

If I want revenge, I should go after them."

Zhu Yurong said, "Brother Yang, what you said is true, but True Monarch Chongshan not only has strong personal strength, but also holds the position of the Lord of Donghua Tiancheng. He has high status and influence, and is also on good terms with several Nascent Soul True Monarchs. And behind him is the Profound Yang Sect as a backing.

If you want to seek revenge against him, you need to carefully consider your plan."

The Perfected Being of the Ten Thousand Beasts said, "You're right. To deal with True Monarch Chongshan, we can't confront him head-on. That's why I want you to help me once."

Zhu Yurong's pupils slightly contracted, but she still forced a smile.

"Brother Yang, as long as I can help you, even if it costs me my life, I'm willing."

The Perfected Being of the Ten Thousand Beasts shook his head. "I don't want your life. I just need you to lure True Monarch Chongshan out. If we fight one-on-one, I have a way to capture him.

Leave the rest to me."

Zhu Yurong paused for a moment, seemingly considering.

Finally, she nodded earnestly, "Brother Yang, don't worry, I will definitely help you lure out the True Monarch of Chongshan."

As she spoke, she hesitated, "But how should I contact you, Brother Yang? After all, it's not like I can lure out the True Monarch of Chongshan whenever I want."

The Perfected Being of Ten Thousand Beasts threw out a beast-shaped token that looked like a blood-colored amber.

"Take it. As long as you come out, I will sense it and then guide you in the right direction."

Zhu Yurong kept the token close to her.

"Brother Yang, I won't let you down."

"Then go back."

The Perfected Being of Ten Thousand Beasts said.

Zhu Yurong still hesitated, "Brother Yang, I want to stay with you a little longer."

"After avenging, there will be plenty of time."

The Perfected Being of Ten Thousand Beasts pretended to be indifferent.

Zhu Yurong smiled, seemingly thinking about the future.

"Okay, I'll listen to Brother Yang."

"Oh, by the way, Brother Yang, the two maids I brought back are loyal to me. Please don't harm them. If you're worried, you can imprison them. Release them after avenging."

The Perfected Being of Ten Thousand Beasts was reasonable, "Since you're confident, there's no harm in letting them go."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yurong looked even more moved and delighted.

"Brother Yang, you're so good to me. I will definitely make it up to you after avenging."

She left, taking three steps and turning her head.

The Perfected Being of Ten Thousand Beasts stood still, silent for a long time.

Yu Xian looked left and right, unable to help but ask curiously, "Do you really believe her?"

The Perfected Being of Ten Thousand Beasts shook his head bitterly, "I can't tell. I can easily crush her with my strength, but I can't judge whether her words are true or false, or how much affection she still has for me. Perhaps this is the confusion of those in power. But whether it's true or false, whether to believe or not, it doesn't matter now. We'll know if she can lure out the True Monarch of Chongshan."

Yu Xian widened his eyes, very dissatisfied, "Hey! When did I say I would help you deal with the True Monarch of Chongshan? We agreed to seek revenge on the woman who harmed you. Don't just add on casually. Even if we're going to do it, we'll have to wait for several decades or even hundreds of years. I never fight without certainty."

The Perfected Being of Ten Thousand Beasts was somewhat rogue at this time, "You said your concealment technique is the best in the world. We're just staying to see if it's true or not, we don't have to actually fight."

Yu Xian rubbed his chin, teasingly saying, "Aren't you afraid that everything that woman said is true? She just pledged her life to you earlier. What if she gets killed by that True Monarch of Chongshan if we don't intervene?"

The Perfected Being of Ten Thousand Beasts said calmly, "Then it's her own calamity. I will avenge her in the future."

"Tsk tsk, have you been influenced by a demonic artifact, making you so cold and heartless?"

Yu Xian crossed his arms, looking as if he was enjoying the show.

Anyway, she's not his woman, so why should he care about her life or death?

The Perfected Being of the Ten Thousand Beasts remained silent.

No matter how much he loved that woman in the past, with the blood feud of their families, how could he let personal emotions affect his rationality?

...

Two months passed in the blink of an eye.

Zhu Yurong accompanied a man as they left Donghua Tiancheng and flew into Donghua Pingyuan, heading towards the place where they had once paid respects to the remnants of the Yang family.

"Is this the place?"

The man had a sturdy physique, with a tiger-like back and a bear-like waist, standing at over two meters tall. Zhu Yurong was already considered tall, but standing next to him, she appeared petite.

And the man was none other than the True Monarch of the Heavy Mountains, a Rank Four body cultivator who had honed his physical body to the extreme.

He looked at the neatly maintained grave, a cold smile on his face.

"Even lonely souls and wild ghosts dare to be insolent."

He threw a punch.

The entire grave exploded, soil rolling and forming a large pit, but there was nothing inside, only fresh soil.

Zhu Yurong's expression changed, secretly taking out a beast-shaped token. She wondered why Brother Yang would allow their parents' graves to be destroyed when this token clearly guided her here to meet him.

Just then.

She felt the token in her palm heat up, and it even penetrated into her arm, causing a sharp pain.

"What's wrong?"

Zhu Yurong's abnormality caught the attention of the True Monarch of the Heavy Mountains. He grabbed her arm and forcefully tore open her sleeve, revealing a beast-shaped tattoo that resembled a flying tiger and a lion.

"Vile woman, what is this?!"

The True Monarch of the Heavy Mountains slapped Zhu Yurong across the face.

She was sent flying and heavily fell to the ground.

"True Monarch, this is just an ordinary tattoo."

She explained with a face full of grievances.

"You went to great lengths to lure me out, what is your purpose?"

The True Monarch of the Heavy Mountains stared at Zhu Yurong on the ground.

"If you don't speak the truth, don't blame me for not cherishing our past feelings."

Zhu Yurong bit her lip, half of her face already swollen. She took a deep breath, seemingly abandoning all her concerns.

"True Monarch! Do you still remember when you forcibly took me as your concubine and annihilated the entire Yang family? Today, the escaped vengeful spirits will seek your life. Brother Yang, I have already brought them here, please come out!"

"Vile woman, how dare you betray me!"

The True Monarch of the Heavy Mountains threw a punch through the air, hitting Zhu Yurong in the chest. A burst of energy erupted from behind her, likely shattering her sternum.

Wishing Yu Rong fell heavily to the ground again.

But there was no movement.

True Monarch Chongshan had a look of being amused: "Haha! This is the permission of the Profound Yang Sect, the Lord of Donghua Tiancheng, who sits on thousands of miles of rivers and mountains. How can a rat like you, who used to be able to only wander in the ends of the earth, be compared to me, the Lord of this city?

You are about to die now, where are his people?

You almost fooled me, but now I am standing here, where is your big brother Yang?"

Bang!

Another punch.

This time, a large hole was opened in the right half of Yu Rong's chest, blood gushed out like a fountain, and her complexion visibly paled at a rapid speed.

"Big Brother Yang, where are you?"

Yu Rong struggled to raise her arm, the beast-shaped tattoo on it still burning, as if indicating that her big brother Yang was still nearby.

Suddenly, the tattoo's light dimmed, leaving only a blurry imprint.

Yu Rong's expression changed abruptly.

"Big Brother Yang, have you abandoned Yu Rong?"

True Monarch Chongshan shook his head: "It seems you have been deceived, and the price is your life."

He raised his hand and struck with a punch.

The powerful momentum gathered as he descended, causing the space to seem to solidify.

Before the punch was even thrown, the powerful aura blew Yu Rong's long hair, adding a touch of melancholy to her face.

Boom!

The power of a landslide and tsunami descended.

Blood oozed from Yu Rong's pores, and if she were to face this punch head-on, she would likely instantly turn into a spray of blood.

"Alright, it seems that Yu Rong has also been played with."

A sigh came, and a figure identical to True Monarch Chongshan appeared in front of the punch. The powerful force that could split mountains and crack the earth struck him, but only caused a slight ripple.

True Monarch Chongshan quickly landed in the air and half-knelt in front of the figure.

"Lord of the city."

Looking at the True Monarch Chongshan from earlier, a layer of skin peeled off his body, revealing a young man with sharp eyebrows and eyes, resembling a fox.

This person was none other than the general under True Monarch Chongshan, the Perfected Being Qianli, who was skilled in transformation techniques. He had a thousand faces and even Nascent Soul True Monarchs couldn't easily see through him.

Because this was the illusion technique passed down to him by the Nine-Tailed Fox clan, the Thousand Illusion Soul Formation.

This Qianli Perfected Being was a half-demon with the bloodline of the Nine-Tailed Fox.

"Please rise."

True Monarch Chongshan raised his hand and fed Yu Rong a pill brimming with powerful vitality.

"Madam, I have offended you just now."

Qianli Perfected Being apologized to Yu Rong, who had quickly recovered.

Zhu Yurong forced a smile and said, "It has nothing to do with you. Everything is going according to plan."

"True Monarch, have you found any trace of Yang Ming?"

True Monarch Chongshan shook his head and said, "It seems that this was his deliberate design, wanting you to die at the hands of this city lord to avenge the past."

"It's a pity that I couldn't lure him out. According to what you said, he seems to have already broken through to the Nascent Soul stage, and he has a friend at the Nascent Soul stage as well. It's unsettling to have these two people wandering around."

Zhu Yurong sighed and said, "I didn't expect him to not trust me. Why did he go through the trouble of luring me out and then let me go back?"

She thought that by faking her death and coming back to life, she had gained enough trust.

But she didn't expect that she was acting, and her "big brother Yang" was just as capable.

After not seeing each other for many years, it turns out she couldn't judge people with an old mindset.

True Monarch Chongshan pointed at Zhu Yurong's arm and said, "Because you have already witnessed his strength, and now that we couldn't capture him, the mark he left on you will become a nightmare for the rest of your life."

Zhu Yurong's face changed slightly, but she still pretended to be tough and said, "I can just stay by True Monarch's side in the future. I want to see if he dares to appear in front of True Monarch."

True Monarch Chongshan grabbed Zhu Yurong's arm and with a thought, a powerful surge of blood energy entered the mark.

Boom!

True Monarch Chongshan felt the world sway slightly, and he saw an endless sea of blood rolling, as if it was going to engulf the world.

That was the power of the mark, connecting with the power of the Perfected Being from the Ten Thousand Beasts.

"What a powerful spirit, what clever restrictions."

True Monarch Chongshan let go of Zhu Yurong's arm.

"This mark is quite mysterious. I will have to study it before I can draw a conclusion."

Zhu Yurong didn't insist, she knew that True Monarch Chongshan was busy with many affairs, and if she kept pursuing it, it would only annoy him.

But in her heart, she already hated her "big brother Yang" to death.

Why did he have to crawl out after so many years and disturb her good mood?

Now that she had a noble identity, she naturally had to stand on the same side as True Monarch Chongshan.

Even if she succeeded in her calculations and Yang Ming didn't hold a grudge, plotting against the lord of Tiancheng City would definitely attract the pursuit of the Profound Yang Sect. She would have to live on the run in the future.

She didn't want that.

She didn't have the appearance of a True Monarch, and with less than two hundred years of lifespan left, she naturally wanted to enjoy her glory and wealth. She didn't want to hide her identity and live as a fearful hermit.

While they were talking, several powerful forces flew from all directions and landed in front of True Monarch Chongshan.

"True Monarch Chongshan."

Three Nascent Soul True Monarchs in a row.

They all shook their heads and said, "We have been guarding from a thousand miles away and have come all the way to investigate, but we haven't seen any movement. It seems that the person you mentioned has already escaped."

True Monarch Chongshan thanked them and said, "Regardless, I appreciate your efforts. When I have some free time, I will personally host a banquet to thank you all."

"Haha, True Monarch Chongshan is too polite. It's just a small favor."

The three True Monarchs were Independent Cultivators who were practicing in Donghua Tiancheng. They were here to assist True Monarch Chongshan, and it was just a casual matter for them.

After all, they were only here to help, not to risk their lives.

"Now that there's nothing else, we'll take our leave."

The three True Monarchs bowed and left.

True Monarch Chongshan reached out and embraced Zhu Yurong's waist.

"Let's go back too."

With a swoosh, True Monarch Chongshan flew away, causing the air to roar.

His physical body was extremely strong, and Law Treasures couldn't harm him anymore. He could even confront weaker Spiritual Treasures head-on with just his physical strength. With his own cultivation, he could enhance his speed to the point where he could compare with some flying Monster Emperors.

At this level of body cultivation, his mobility was extremely strong.

After a while, four powerful auras converged here.

True Monarch Chongshan swept his gaze around and finally believed that no one was lingering.

"It seems that I was being overly suspicious. Thank you all for your trouble."

"Haha, it's nothing. We were just bored with nothing to do anyway."

"I thought we were going to face two True Monarchs, which got me all excited."

"Let's all go to my mansion for a drink. I just obtained a jar of thousand-year spirit wine and I want to taste it with all of you."

"Let's go, let's go."

...

Everyone laughed and left.

A hundred miles away.

Two figures appeared.

"It seems like your old lover betrayed you."

Yu Xian hit the sore spot.

The Perfected Being of the Ten Thousand Beasts showed no joy or sorrow and said, "As expected."

"What are your plans?"

"Of course, I will continue to cultivate and seek revenge."

"Good, that's what I like."

Yu Xian turned into a streak of light and flew towards the Danfa Gate.

The Perfected Being of the Ten Thousand Beasts glanced in the direction of Donghua Tiancheng and quickly followed.

(End of this chapter)