He and It Chapter 194: Inquire Here (22)

Chapter 194: Inquire Here (22)

Translated by Addis of Exiled Rebels Scanlations

Editor: GaeaTiamat

 

Liu Fuguang fell into deep thought, as he held the jade slip.

Given the current circumstances, it seemed evident what Yan Huan had done. His body had started to recover rapidly, and the sky cleared, Yan Huan emitted scorching heat, and most of the dragon horns were shattered…Did he cleanse the Black Sun? The Great Sun True Fire was extraordinary. Even if the Dragon God himself took action, he would inevitably suffer a painful price. Hence, it could be inferred that the long period Yan Huan was away might have been for recovery. He lowered his eyes, maintaining a calm expression.

Yan Huan had indeed kept his promise. He swore to heal Liu Fuguang’s injuries and actually did so, achieving the grand task of restoring the Sun. However, Liu Fuguang, despite guessing what Yan Huan had done, felt no inner turmoil, only thoughts like “Yes, I understand” and “Even if he hadn’t healed my body, he should have done this long ago,” flitted his mind without leaving a trace.

Still, what about the tenth eye he saw that day? Was it an illusion? Liu Fuguang stared at the jade slip in his hand, as his flawless nails slowly traced the ancient and intricate seal script on it.

No. He shook his head inwardly. While he might be physically weak, his eyes had never misjudged anything. So, Yan Huan had truly grown an extra eye. Nine was the ultimate number of Yang. Although Yan Huan was born eyeless, his body was covered with nine eyes, a privilege of being both a dragon and a divine descendant. The number nine, deeply embedded in the Dao, was not a symbol any ordinary being could possess.

Strange, Liu Fuguang thought. Could this be proof that Heaven rewarded him for rekindling the Sun? He pondered that, then quickly dismissed the idea with a laugh. Yan Huan was a symbol of the Evil One, with countless debts of evil. Even if he repaid them for millennia, some would remain. If Heaven rewarded him just for reigniting the sun, it would still be unreasonable.

So it was, then, a significant ominous sign. The appearance of the tenth eye undoubtedly disrupted the balance of the revered number nine. But…

Liu Fuguang looked up and glanced at Yan Huan not far away. The Dragon God instantly sensed his gaze, and turned his head, lightning swift and displayed an ingratiating smile towards Liu Fuguang.

However, given Yan Huan’s state, how much worse could things get? After all, misfortune and disaster were originally within his domain.

Emotion told Liu Fuguang to let it go, to stop caring about Yan Huan. He had suffered enough. Yet, another voice in his subconscious whispered that something was wrong—seriously wrong. Any anomaly with Yan Huan, the embodiment of evil, signaled forthcoming changes in the world.

When he took the medicine bowl from Yan Huan, Liu Fuguang drank it without changing his expression and wiped the residue from his lips.

Intervene or not?

He set down the jade slip, which caused a soft, clear sound as it touched the small table by his bed.

 

Days passed, and the citizens of the Eastern Swamp gradually adapted to their new routines. Although some were still unaccustomed to the sunlight with overcast skies, life continued. Liu Fuguang’s family members were busy during the day, leaving him alone in the palace, reading piles of books and scripts. His days followed a monotonous yet fulfilling cycle of reading, taking medicine, ignoring Yan Huan, conversing with family, and sleeping. Despite some lingering issues, Liu Fuguang was quite content.

Meanwhile, Yan Huan felt he had done a great deed for Liu Fuguang, yet he received no acknowledgment. No nod, smile, surprise, sneer, or even a look of disgust. Liu Fuguang’s calm expression was like an unbreakable ice wall, behind which he lived his life undisturbed by Yan Huan.

Yan Huan couldn’t suppress his growing frustration and disappointment. His greed, impatience, and ambitious nature urged him to seek Liu Fuguang’s reaction. His nine eyes anxiously darted around, each looking in different directions.

A drop of hot water splashed from the jade pot onto his hand. Yan Huan stared at the droplet, watching it change under his gaze. It shimmered with rainbow hues, transformed into clusters of tiny eyeballs, then bubbled and burst into grotesque forms before dissipating into steam. However, the water droplet remained just a droplet, clear and small, as it trembled on his hand before falling to the floor.

Suddenly, Yan Huan felt relieved. Despite everything, he was still alive. He could still see Liu Fuguang, sleep at his feet, and breathe the same air. What more could he want? This was better than ever.

Reassured, he happily continued to guard the medicine pot, his earlier impatience and gloom vanishing like a splash of water in a fiery inferno.

After nearly three months, or precisely eighty-one days, Yan Huan set off again for the Sea of Worlds in the void. The Great Sun had returned to Tang Valley, and he needed to continue his unfinished work of restoring the sun. This monumental task could not be completed overnight. Despite his lingering injuries and broken dragon horns, who else but him could undertake this? Moreover, after seeing Liu Fuguang’s improving health—though it didn’t benefit him directly— it brought Yan Huan a strong sense of joy, and made him want to transform into his true form and happily wag his tail.

Following his previous method, he prepared a batch of medicine, entrusted Empress Xi with some instructions, then transformed into his dragon form and left Tang Valley.

As soon as Yan Huan departed, Liu Fuguang swiftly got out of bed and whispered to Empress Xi, “Mother, please find someone and invite him to a brief meeting.”

Empress Xi looked up, surprised. It was the first time Liu Fuguang expressed a desire to communicate with the outside world in a long time. She asked, “Who do you wish to summon?”

“Zhou Yi,” Liu Fuguang replied. “I want to see the True Immortal Zhou Yi.”

When he received the communication from the messenger of virtue, Zhou Yi was surprised but had an inkling of what was to come. As an informed Immortal, he had heard of Yan Huan’s deeds since reuniting with Liu Fuguang. Releasing Eastern Swamp, relinquishing Tang Valley, and reigniting the sun…it seemed things were moving in a positive direction. He carefully avoided probing into the affairs of the ultimate good and evil, knowing that such matters were perilous.

Yet, as a True Immortal closely connected with the Dao, Zhou Yi understood that some things were inevitable. When he arrived at the Eastern Swamp’s borders, he rode a cloud of light and effortlessly entered the well-guarded royal city. Despite Yan Huan’s absence, the lingering dragon aura forced him to dismount and walk. The closer he got to Liu Fuguang’s palace, the denser the dragon god’s oppressive aura became, until it was almost tangible like a towering mountain, filled with repulsion and warnings.

Fortunately, Cheng Zong and Empress Xi welcomed him, making his journey less arduous. The True Immortal struggled, while the human cultivators moved freely. The two helped Zhou Yi, cursing Yan Huan along the way, much to Zhou Yi’s silent amusement.

Upon reaching Liu Fuguang’s palace, Zhou Yi felt the warm, pure aura surrounding the place, resolutely resisting the dragon god’s domineering presence. Finally, Zhou Yi relaxed, and expressed his gratitude as he entered.

“Thank you,” he said, cupping his fists. He walked into the hall, through layers of delicate curtains, and smelled a strong scent of blood mixed with the medicinal aroma.

“Ah!” When he saw Liu Fuguang, Zhou Yi was surprised. “It’s been months, and the Immortal Lord looks like a different person!”

This was true. Zhou Yi remembered the frail, emaciated Liu Fuguang from before, who looked as fragile as an autumn leaf. Now, although still pale, his skin had a healthier glow, and his once gaunt cheeks had filled out slightly. The reunion with his family had revived his spirit, and his gaze was calm and serene, no longer heart-wrenching at first sight.

As he smelled the blood in the air, Zhou Yi suddenly realized—it was dragon blood.

“Residing in a different place has its effects,” Liu Fuguang smiled warmly, his smile like a spring breeze. “Please, Immortal, take a seat.”

After some small talk and updates on the Ninefold Palace, Heavenly Yin and Yang Sect, and the four young cultivators, Zhou Yi got to the point, “What is the reason you summoned me?”

Liu Fuguang’s smile faded, and after a moment of contemplation, he said earnestly, “I want you to divine something for me.”

“Divine what?” Zhou Yi asked.

“It concerns Yan Huan,” Liu Fuguang replied.

Zhou Yi instantly recoiled, exclaiming, “Immortal Lord, are you joking?”

“It’s related to him, not solely about him,” Liu Fuguang quickly explained. “Something has happened recently, and I can’t shake off my concern. I figured I should ask you for a general direction.”

Zhou Yi shook his head. “Divination is a heavenly art. Matters involving you and him are the highest taboos. If it were anything else, I would have agreed…”

“I will ask,” Liu Fuguang stated directly. “You only need to interpret the hexagram. You don’t need to worry about anything else.”

“You will ask?” Zhou Yi was taken aback. “So, you are…?”

Zhou Yi fell silent, recalling his life-saving encounter with Liu Fuguang in the past and his admiration for him. He couldn’t refuse a direct request. Sighing, he reluctantly nodded, “Alright. I’ll see what I can do.”

Liu Fuguang opened his jade-like palm, and three uniformly crafted copper coins fell into his hand with a clinking sound. Closing his hand, he silently pondered his question. “What impact will Yan Huan’s tenth eye bring to the world—fortune or misfortune?” He shook his hand a few times and cast the coins on the spiritual table, then repeated the process six times. 

For a six-line divination, the question must be clear and definite, such as those about fortune or disaster, or yes or no. If the question was vague and ambiguous, the answer would inevitably be vague and ambiguous as well.

Zhou Yi recorded each throw of the coins, and calculated in his mind. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead. After a moment of silence, the True Immortal said, “What you asked is hard to determine. The process will be fraught with difficulties.”

Liu Fuguang raised an eyebrow.

“Initially, there are signs of upheaval, the path ahead obscured by clouds and mists, elusive,” Zhou Yi’s sweat increased, “but…if the choice is right, it will be like walking on a smooth road, ultimately safe and sound.”

Liu Fuguang’s raised eyebrow turned into a frown.

“That’s all,” Zhou Yi opened his eyes, so drenched in sweat it was like he was just pulled out of the water.

“That’s it,” Liu Fuguang stated.

“That’s it,” Zhou Yi spread his hands, saying helplessly. “After all, I’m just a humble immortal servant, not a true god. Even if I want to, I can’t calculate more.”

Despite the brief answer, Liu Fuguang couldn’t feel at ease. Zhou Yi only mentioned the outcome if the choice was correct, but what if the choice was wrong? Would one wrong step lead to an abyss?

“Thank you, True Immortal,” Liu Fuguang said softly. “You’ve helped me a great deal. I understand the rules of payment for divination.”

He took a jade bottle and presented it to Zhou Yi with both hands.

“This is not a precious treasure, nor a cheap item, but a specialty of Eastern Swamp. Please accept it with a smile.”

Zhou Yi took the jade bottle, uncorked it, and smelled the fragrant wine, his eyes lighting up. “Good wine!” He glanced at the liquid inside, which shimmered like a solid block of quivering golden jelly, reflecting a dazzling light.

“Golden Wave Brew?” Zhou Yi couldn’t help but smile brightly. “Sealed for six thousand years, and it’s finally in the world again!”

“You can drink as much as you like,” Liu Fuguang said with a slight smile. “As long as you enjoy it, you can choose any Golden Wave Brew within Eastern Swamp.”

Zhou Yi laughed heartily and bowed in gratitude.

“However,” before leaving, he hesitated. “If the Dragon God knew I was here…”

“I will help you,” Liu Fuguang said. “I won’t let him bother you.”

Relieved, Zhou Yi finally felt at ease, and finished bidding farewell to Liu Fuguang. On the return journey, he still needed Cheng Zong and Empress Xi’s assistance to walk part of the way.

The uneven feel of the copper coins still lingered on his fingertips. Liu Fuguang rubbed his index finger, lost in thought. 

Months passed, and this time, Yan Huan took even longer to return. The world seemed to show signs of warming. When the Dragon God, seemingly unscathed, walked into the palace, even Liu Qizhang, seated by the bed, smelled the scorched scent of burning.

For the first time in his life, Yan Huan felt a taste of exhaustion. He was tired. The excessive depletion of his power and the severe damage to his body made him feel unprecedentedly weak. However, as he walked into the palace, he still smelled a stubborn stench belonging to a True Immortal.

Which Immortal had come here?

Just as his anger was about to surge endlessly, Yan Huan had a change of heart and calmed down. 

No. No Immortal would be so foolish as to dare venture into Eastern Swamp and meet Liu Fuguang recklessly. The pain and torture he had deeply imprinted on those True Immortals proved to them that he was the untouchable reverse scale.

So, any Immortal who dared to step here without fear must have been personally invited by his beloved…

When he thought of that, Yan Huan’s anger couldn’t help but turn to joy.

Could it be that his beloved was planning to take revenge on him while he was weak? To overthrow him, or to ask the immortal for his weakness, intending to strike him down in one blow? 

Ah, if that’s the case, it would be wonderful! I will coil my body at his feet, expose my hideous wounds, and drown him in my blood. Then, I will beg him, say the most pitiful and lowly words. After doing such a hateful thing, he can no longer ignore or neglect me! ¹

While he was lost in those hopeful fantasies, Liu Fuguang raised his eyes. Initially he intended to glance at him indifferently, but then his gaze fixed on Yan Huan. 

In his vision, Yan Huan’s true form hadn’t completely burned away. Four of his nine eyes had turned into semi-molten glass filled with bright red pus, the huge pupils solidified in twisted positions like horrific artwork. The black tentacles that made up his body were mixed half-extinguished gray and half-burning red.

Over such a precarious true form, the facade he used to disguise himself remained flawless, maintaining the god’s false beauty and dignity.

“I…I’m back!” Seeing Liu Fuguang’s gaze fixed on him, Yan Huan was so excited that he trembled all over. He wanted to step forward quickly but then remembered his body was still burning with true fire, and was afraid of scorching Liu Fuguang, so he didn’t take a step but turned around several times in place.

Liu Fuguang remained silent, and just watched Yan Huan.

Liu Qizhang, the elder brother, originally had no good feelings for Yan Huan, but the atmosphere was so subtle…People often described someone’s intense gaze with the phrase “eyes like hooks.” However, he saw that his younger brother’s stare was more exaggerated than a hook. It was like an invisible, soundless dog chain thrown at the guilty dragon, turning it into an idiot spinning in circles.

Liu Qizhang glanced left and right, unable to speak or break the awkward atmosphere, as he opened and closed his mouth like a fish blowing bubbles.

And Yan Huan?

Yan Huan was more than just an idiot spinning in circles, he was going mad!

Liu Fuguang’s focused gaze was like a highly concentrated stimulant injected into his bizarre heart, that made it explode into countless drops, which joyfully rushed through his damaged body. He wanted to smile, but his grin was more twisted than crying. He wanted to cry, but his sobs would be as strange as laughter.

“…I’m going to get some ice.”

Finally, he left with those four vague, unclear words, and disappeared instantly.

Liu Qizhang didn’t dare to breathe until Yan Huan left. He finally felt relieved, having escaped from that sticky tension.

Liu Fuguang’s gaze remained unmoved as he stared at the spot where Yan Huan stood. His eyes were clear, his expression calm.

I saw it again, he thought.

In a fleeting moment, Yan Huan’s tenth eye reappeared…and it was clearer, more substantial, and more real.