Volume 4: Hidden Battles – Chapter 236: The Legend of the True Pulse

Before his senior, Liu Xiangshi, could speak, Chu Tianyu already understood his meaning and replied in a solemn voice, “Okay, senior. I’ll set off right away!”
“Hmm, wait—it’s best to bring Feifei along too!” Liu Xiangshi said as if suddenly remembering something on the other end of the phone.
Chu Tianyu was stunned after hearing this and asked, “Do we still need Feifei’s Power of Heaven and Earth for this?”
“It’s not clear yet whether the Power of Heaven and Earth is necessary. But the True Pulse of Illusory Flame has a fiery nature and extreme heat. Even Tai Nianran, who treated you with medicine, might not be able to withstand such immense power alone. It’s better to find a few women who already possess the energy of Heaven and Earth within them. Only by combining yin and yang can we safely neutralize the power of the True Pulse’s essence fire. Moreover, it might even turn misfortune into fortune, helping Feifei’s skills reach a higher level!” Liu Xiangshi explained.
Hearing his senior’s words, Chu Tianyu’s heart stirred. He thought of Zi Yi beside him. As for a woman blessed with the energy of Heaven and Earth, only he, Chu Tianyu, was fortunate enough to have not only Feifei but also the Spirit Bow within his body, which was also a form of spiritual energy from the world. If not for Zi Yi lacking sufficient strength to support it and not practicing deliberately, she would have long joined the ranks of experts.
So when his senior suggested finding more such women, Chu Tianyu immediately thought of Zi Yi. He turned to look at her, thinking that if she could truly gain the power of the True Pulse of Illusory Flame, her skills would improve instantly. Even if she could only gain enough strength to control the Spirit Bow, that would already be a great blessing!
Thinking of this, Chu Tianyu then remembered Li Rou and Angel as well. He quickly asked, “Senior, do we really need women with spiritual energy?”
Clearly, Liu Xiangshi understood his junior’s eagerness well. Knowing that Chu Tianyu had a very high “peach blossom index,” he understood the meaning behind his question. Without hesitation, he replied, “Yes. Ordinary people simply can’t withstand the heat of the Illusory Flame. Even someone like Feifei, whose energy is relatively pure, is only a temporary option—I’m not 100% sure. It’s just a precaution. We’ll have to see depending on the situation.”
Faced with his senior’s clear answer, Chu Tianyu had to give up on his original idea. It seemed the True Pulse of Illusory Flame wasn’t so easy to handle after all. From what his senior said, it seemed even someone like Feifei, with relatively pure energy of Heaven and Earth, might not be safe. The success of this mission might not be optimistic…

Everything that needed to be said had basically been said. After arranging a time with his senior brother, Chu Tianyu had just hung up the phone when it rang again. It was a call from the Beijing branch of the Xuanji Sect. After finding Auntian Nianran in the park, he had assigned people to handle the aftermath there. After all, this was in the capital city, and it was fortunate that it happened in a park; otherwise, the consequences could have been severe.

Moreover, this matter was related to the Zhan family and the Dragon Soul under Zhan Yupeng’s control, with even more intricate and complex forces involved behind the scenes. To avoid trouble, it was necessary to handle things discreetly!

So when he saw this call, Chu Tianyu knew it was a brother from the Xuanji Sect coming to report on the situation.

“Hello, Sect Master. It’s Xu Hua. Regarding the task you assigned, aside from finding a chaotic scene, we haven’t discovered any corpses or other clues…”

“What!?” Chu Tianyu exclaimed in disbelief.

Xu Hua, likely aware that something must have gone wrong, didn’t wait for Chu Tianyu to ask further and quickly said, “Sect Master, the disciples from our martial arts hall have launched a thorough search and investigation in the area. From various signs, it seems someone arrived there before us!”

After hearing this, Chu Tianyu gradually calmed down from his initial shock. After thinking for a while, he asked, “Are there any updates?”

“None. As soon as I learned of the change, I immediately sent people to nearby police stations and hospitals to inquire. Nothing unusual has occurred. I think we should look for clues among the enemies you’re dealing with…” Xu Hua suggested.

Actually, Chu Tianyu had already thought of this without Xu Hua’s reminder—thinking of Zhan Zifeng’s father, Zhan Yupeng, the leader of the Dragon Soul!

It was easy to infer that it was likely Zhan Zifeng who used some family-specific skill to summon a celestial beast born from blood sacrifice, allowing the Zhan family members, or even more precisely, Zhan Yupeng himself, to sense it. When he finally reprimanded Zhan Zifeng, they might have set out immediately to find him, arriving just before the disciples from the Xuanji Sect’s martial arts hall and taking the corpse away.

This seemed to be the likely sequence of events. But if that was indeed the case, it would still be a troublesome situation. Judging from records and previous encounters, Zhan Yupeng was known to be extremely difficult to deal with. What troubled Chu Tianyu even more was that this matter couldn’t be resolved simply with force; various factors had to be considered, making it very complicated.

Calling it troublesome is actually only in reference to Chu Tianyu’s current mood. Right now, he is entirely focused on Tai Nianran’s injuries, with nothing else being a priority. So after thinking for a moment, Chu Tianyu stopped overthinking and directly gave instructions over the phone: “I’ve understood. First, I need to leave Beijing for a while; you all take full responsibility for everything. Second, keep a close eye on Zhan Yupeng of Longhun—not only his actions but also those of the entire Zhan family. Third, arrange some people to protect me…” After Chu Tianyu finished giving orders, Ouyang Ziyi, who was listening nearby, was completely confused. Chu Tianyu didn’t have time to explain to her now; anyway, he planned to take her and Feifei along this time, and it would be fine to explain on the way.

“Tianyu, do you want your master to accompany you? Nianran’s condition isn’t looking good!” asked theMad Confucianist calmly from the side. After hearing the call from Xuanji Sect, he knew there were problems, especially involving Zhan Yupeng of Longhun. Back in the day, he had taken Chu Tianyu to challenge Tiandao Temple as their first stop. How could he not know Zhan Yupeng, who was regarded as a once-in-a-century genius of Tiandao Temple! Although not even Zhan Yupeng alone, nor even the entire Tiandao Temple, mattered much to him—he could simply set fire to Tiandao Temple if provoked—he wasn’t like Chu Tianyu, who had ties and couldn’t act recklessly in some situations. He needed to handle things more discreetly and “artistically”!

However, in theMad Confucianist’s view, this was at most a minor trouble for Chu Tianyu, so he didn’t pay much attention and focused instead on Tai Nianran’s injuries, which led to his earlier question. As for the call from Xuanji Sect, he didn’t even ask about it.

In response to his master’s question, Chu Tianyu didn’t answer but said instead, “Third Master, I have something to talk to you about privately first.” With that, he signaled to the others and led his puzzled master into the study. After a while, the two emerged in the living room under the anxious gazes of everyone present. TheMad Confucianist said, “Tianyu, be careful to control the energy in Nianran’s body along the way; it can’t be too strong, otherwise it will worsen her injuries. Leave this matter to your master!” Chu Tianyu followed behind his master, nodding as he replied, “Okay, Third Master. I’ll be careful!” After a pause, he added in a low voice, “Master, you need to be careful of that Zhan Yupeng and his…”

Before Chu Tianyu could finish speaking, the Mad Scholar calmly waved his hand to interrupt him, saying, “Hmm, now that the master knows about this, he won’t take it lightly. If it’s really as you say, hehe, to be honest, the master hasn’t fought in a long time either—he’s really itching to do it. He really wants to see it!”
Seeing his master speak like this, Chu Tianyu felt relieved. He had already explained in detail the matter of the Blood-Qilin to his master. He believed that even if Zhan Yupeng could possess the power to summon a Blood-Qilin like his son, as long as his master was prepared, self-protection shouldn’t be a problem at all.
After that, Chu Tianyu dealt with some trivial matters. As time passed, it neared dawn. During this time, he took the opportunity to briefly explain what had happened to Ouyang Ziyi and Xue Feifei in private. Only then did Ouyang Ziyi and Xue Feifei realize how many things had happened, and they were deeply concerned—worried about Tai Nianran’s injuries and shocked by such an unexpected incident!
At this point, faced with the changes and Chu Tianyu’s decision, people like Li Rou, Jin Yujie, Angel, the Tiancai Dibao brothers, and even Sophia all insisted on joining him, but Chu Tianyu rejected them one by one. Although this trip seemed to be merely to heal Tai Nianran, the use of the Illusionary Flame True Meridian remained uncertain. If something went wrong, the heat generated or released would definitely be beyond what ordinary people could withstand. Chu Tianyu, who had fought a life-and-death battle against the Illusionary Flame, understood this all too well and couldn’t afford any risks.
Fernando, who was also eager to go, hadn’t even opened his mouth when the Mad Scholar pulled him aside and said something irrelevant. In the end, he could only hear Chu Tianyu’s firm words: “That’s enough. No one needs to say anything else. My decision is final. Except for Ziyi and Feifei, everyone else should stay at home and not go anywhere. More things might happen in the next few days. Everyone should follow my master’s instructions!”
“What… what kind of things? Is it… is it because I’ve dragged everyone down?” Hearing this, Jin Yujie said softly, seemingly deep in thought.
“Yujie, it has nothing to do with you. I’ve already sent people to investigate your family’s situation. Stay here calmly. We should get some news within these two days!” Chu Tianyu explained to dispel her misunderstandings.
Jin Yujie wanted to say more, but Li Rou gently pulled her aside, preventing her from asking further questions. At the same time, Li Rou smiled at her, her gaze filled with comfort, as if speaking on Chu Tianyu’s behalf.

Chu Tianyu also cast a grateful look at Li Rou for her silent support; with such a kind and intelligent heart, what more could one ask for!
…
When Chu Tianyu returned to the old place with his three daughters—Nianran, Zi Yi, and Fei Fei—and arrived at the mysterious forest, he was almost speechless upon finding his senior brother Liu Xiangshi’s thatched cottage. It wasn’t because of the strange array placed at the entrance, but rather because the entire room was filled with various roots, grasses, and animal furs—making it completely uninhabitable and more like a storage room!
It seemed that his senior brother and the two uncles had reaped quite a bounty lately; these oddly shaped roots, grasses, and furs must have been treasures they unearthed from this mysterious treasure mountain.
However, Chu Tianyu was powerless against the defensive array set up by his senior brother. He knew a bit about simple Qimen magic, but it was clearly useless now. Even if they could pass through the array and enter the cottage, they still couldn’t settle Nianran there. So Chu Tianyu first found a flat area outside, laid Nianran down, and left her under the care of Zi Yi and Fei Fei. Then he leaped up and stood atop a large tree, overlooking the entire forest, while using the unique techniques of the Cloud Gate sect. An invisible energy instantly spread out in all directions.
Before long, a familiar voice came through the distance, accompanied by ripples in the air: “Haha, junior brother has finally arrived! Wait, I’m coming right over!”
As the sound grew louder, Chu Tianyu and Xue Fei Fei, who had already descended from the tree, exchanged surprised glances. They were amazed at their senior brother’s skills—his abilities had improved so rapidly in such a short time, reaching a level where he could move as swiftly as sound and control his energy!
Soon, Liu Xiangshi, dressed in simple clothes with an air of elegance, appeared before them, his cheerful voice echoing: “Haha, junior brother, no need for a satellite phone when you can use the energy of the Cloud Gate sect—why go through the trouble? Hey, Fei Fei, if I’m not mistaken, the beautiful girl beside you must be Ouyang Zi Yi, right?”
“Zi Yi greets her senior brother!” Zi Yi politely bowed.
“Oh. Hehe, good, good. Although we’ve never met in person, I’ve spoken to you many times over the phone, and I’ve heard you crying quite often, hehe…” Liu Xiangshi teased as soon as they met.
“Senior brother…” Zi Yi said in a long, reproachful tone.
After that, aside from Nianran remaining unconscious, the group met and shared their feelings, recounting what had happened since they parted.

From his senior brother, Chu Tianyu learned that this mysterious forest, as they had expected, contained many precious treasures and rare animals and birds. His rapid improvement in skills was thanks to these natural treasures. Moreover, in addition to reaping direct benefits, they also collected various precious materials that could be used for refining and concocting medicines. The reason why the two uncles hadn’t shown up this time was that they had gone back to fetch the tools and cauldrons needed for refining medicines. They were also preparing some items that could activate the Illusion Flame True Meridian and artifacts capable of suppressing heat, just in case.

As they talked, Master Liu led Chu Tianyu and the others to a small hill not far away. On top of the hill were two wooden houses built from pine wood, which had always been their new residence. Chu Tianyu first took care of Tai Nianran, and Master Liu examined her again. The results were the same, but her injuries still surprised Master Liu greatly. After examining her, he asked Chu Tianyu in detail about the entire process of her injuries, and Chu Tianyu carefully described what had happened along with his own judgments.

“Oh, it seems this is a case of ‘internal troubles and external threats’! There was not only the impact from external forces but also the excessive use of her own energy…”

“Yes, senior brother. Moreover, her physical constitution is different from ordinary people’s. She was born with special energies that allow her to release and control electromagnetic waves, lightning, and so on,” Chu Tianyu added.

Master Liu listened thoughtfully. Only after Chu Tianyu finished explaining did he share his own thoughts.

The sapphire that fell from the Illusion Flame—although its specific functions were unknown at the time—was undoubtedly extremely precious, especially the burning flame enclosed within it, which filled people with awe and anticipation. So Master Liu kept it with him at all times. After returning, he and the two uncles studied it in detail but found no clues or relevant records, so they had to put it aside for now.

It wasn’t until later, when they explored the mysterious forest again and returned to the lake where Chu Tianyu had absorbed the Life Stone, that Master Liu suddenly felt a wave of heat emanating from the gem. His skin felt scorching hot, and in panic, he checked it and discovered that the heat indeed came from the gem.

Strangely enough, the closer the gem got to the center of the lake, the hotter it became, its surface wrapped in flames grew softer and more transparent, and the flames inside gradually shifted from a nearly transparent color to blue and became denser. The group was utterly puzzled by this phenomenon at the time, until Liu Xiangshi remembered that Chu Tianyu seemed to have absorbed the Stone of Life right here, and that this was also the location of the core of the mysterious forest originally.

Inspired by this, his uncle Xian Tian suddenly recalled an ancient passage in the Yunmen scriptures, which stated that all things in the world possess spirituality, souls, and meridians, with the difference lying only in the quantity. Some disappear along with their original form, while others can only be formed after the original form vanishes, known as “true meridians”! Under certain favorable conditions, such true meridians can “revive like a withered tree,” reappearing as their original form and achieving an endless cycle of life and death…

Of course, according to his uncle, this was just a legend, not an official record, but given the current situation, it seemed to be the only explanation. And this gem was the true meridian of the Illusory Flame. As it approached the island in the lake where the Stone of Life could be born, it might have met the “favorable conditions” described in the book, allowing it to show signs of reviving its original form!

At that moment, Liu Xiangshi had a bold idea: since Chu Tianyu could absorb such a “true meridian” of life, could this true meridian formed from the Illusory Flame also be absorbed in order to gain the power of the qi of heaven and earth and reshape one’s meridians?