Chapter 6: Master, What You Say Is So Heartbreaking
In the southwest of the Eastern Region lies an area perpetually shrouded in black mist, known as the Demon Suppressing Grounds. According to legend, an immortal suppressed a peerless demon here. While not as perilous as the major restricted areas of life, the Demon Suppressing Land is still extremely dangerous, yet where there is danger, there is often opportunity. The monsters here contain a type of crystal called Pure Yuan Crystal, which is used to refine weapons, attracting many monks who venture in to obtain these valuable crystals.
Half a month later, Gu Changsheng and his party traveled from Yan State to the Demon Suppressing Lands.
"Master, why don't we just fly? My shoes are worn out," Honghong complained, looking at the hole in her shoes, which revealed her red socks.
"The ancients said it's better to travel a thousand miles than read a thousand scrolls. This is for your own good," Gu Changsheng replied seriously.
"The ancients talked nonsense," Honghong grumbled, climbing a hill, unaware of Gu Changsheng's darkening expression behind her.
Seeing this, Su Wanqing sensed trouble for Honghong, knowing the master was likely one of those ancients.
Sure enough, Gu Changsheng grabbed Honghong and flew into the sky, saying, "If you want to fly so much, I'll let you fly."
"Master, I was wrong...ah..." Honghong began to plead, but Gu Changsheng threw her into the Demon Suppressing Place.
"Ah...ah..." Honghong screamed, encountering a terrifying creature.
Gu Changsheng watched with a smile, showing no intention of retrieving her. Su Wanqing approached hesitantly.
"Don't ask for mercy. Honghong hasn't had systematic training. If she wants to catch up with her peers, she has to fight," Gu Changsheng said calmly, sipping from a wine bottle that had appeared in his hand.
"But...if I remember correctly, the area where she landed has monsters at the Mortal Realm level, possibly even Condensation Realm monsters. Honghong is only at the peak of awakening and a newcomer to cultivation," Su Wanqing said worriedly.
Gu Changsheng's expression changed. "Why didn't you tell me earlier?" he said, disappearing instantly.
Su Wanqing muttered, "I thought you knew my thoughts, sir."
Moments later, Gu Changsheng returned, holding a ragged and scarred Honghong. Seeing her covered in wounds, he breathed a sigh of relief.
"Master, do you want me to die? Those monsters are all stronger than me. How could a novice like me possibly defeat them?" Honghong said, on the verge of tears.
"Ahem, my mistake. Those monsters seemed weaker to me," Gu Changsheng explained, embarrassed.
"Master, that's harsh," Honghong retorted, rolling her eyes. Though true, there was no need to say it so bluntly.
Su Wanqing took out a robe from her storage magic weapon and draped it over Honghong.
"Thank you, Sister Su. At least you care about me," Honghong said gratefully, casting a reproachful glance at Gu Changsheng. "Unlike Master, who hasn't even bought clothes for his apprentice."
Unfazed, Gu Changsheng took out a jade bottle. "There are some healing items in here. Once you're healed, Su Wanqing will take you back into the Demon Suppressing Place," he said.
After saying that, Gu Changsheng strode away.
"Master, where are you going?" Honghong shouted.
"Buying clothes for someone," he replied without looking back.
"Little master, he actually cares about you a lot. This time it was just an accident," Su Wanqing said softly.
"I know, Sister Su," Honghong responded, holding the jade bottle given by Gu Changsheng, a smile forming on her dusty face.
Relieved, Su Wanqing realized that Honghong, despite her youth, understood the situation better than she had feared.
"Little master, take the healing pill first," Su Wanqing urged.
"Yes," Honghong nodded, opening the jade bottle. Immediately, a strong elixir fragrance filled the air, and green grass buds began to sprout from the desert sand around them.
"Nine-turn Life-Sustaining Pill!?" Su Wanqing exclaimed, her face a mix of horror, doubt, and disbelief.
"Sister Su, what is the Nine-turn Life-Sustaining Pill?" Honghong asked, puzzled. Though unaware of its significance, she knew it was extremely precious, given the grass buds sprouting around them.
"Little master, take one quickly, and then seal the jade bottle," Su Wanqing urged.
Honghong promptly poured out a pill and put it into her mouth before sealing the bottle. The elixir turned into a gentle life energy, instantly healing her scars and making her skin fairer and smoother.
"It's amazing," Honghong exclaimed.
"Of course it is. This is the legendary Nine-turn Life-Sustaining Pill," Su Wanqing confirmed. "It's the supreme life-sustaining medicine that even ancient sages sought but rarely obtained. Its efficacy is only second to the legendary immortality medicine."
In just a few words, Su Wanqing made Honghong realize the immense value of the "healing item" her master had given her.
"Little master, keep this safe and don't let outsiders know about it, otherwise..."
Su Wanqing didn't finish her sentence, but Honghong understood. Even as a novice practitioner, she knew the principle of "a man is innocent, but possessing a treasure makes him guilty."
Honghong quickly wanted to put it away but realized she had no storage magic weapon. She handed the jade bottle to Su Wanqing, saying, "Sister Su, please keep it for me."
Su Wanqing was stunned. Honghong entrusted her with such an important item without fear that she might take it and run. Especially since the master wasn't around.
But seeing the trust in Honghong's eyes, Su Wanqing took the jade bottle and said, "Don't worry, leave it to me."
Honghong smiled, knowing that if her master dared to give it to her, it already spoke volumes.
"Let's go, Sister Su. Take me to the right area. I want revenge!" Honghong said, clenching her fists tightly. She was still angry about being chased by monsters earlier, but with her master’s power, she knew she would eventually overcome them.
"Good," Su Wanqing nodded, then took Honghong and flew to the outskirts of the Demon Suppressing Land.