CHAPTER 198: 197. THE POISON OF THE GRAVEYARD (2/4)

"Even if you don’t invite me, I’d still come." Biyue Piaoling chuckled and then stepped forward, feeling as familiar as if he’d been at the Immortal Sect before.

Seeing this, Wen Ping felt a bit odd inside. But knowing he wouldn’t figure anything out by pondering it, he quickly sped up, welcoming Biyue Piaoling to the Tingyu Pavilion and poured a cup of his usual tea.

However, after glancing at it, Biyue Piaoling didn’t disdain it. Instead, he took a sip and savored the moment with his eyes closed. "Bitter at first but sweet later; definitely a good tea."

After saying this, Biyue Piaoling placed the cup back on the table, smiling, "But if an Upper Profound Realm cultivator visits next time, don’t serve them this tea. Not everyone appreciates subtlety."

It was the first time he’d encountered someone serving plain tea to an Upper Profound Realm cultivator. Other factions usually present their finest offerings eagerly to let him taste.

Wen Ping paid no mind to his words. Whether the tea was good or not, he just wanted to know why Biyue Piaoling had come here.

He said he’s nearing the end of his life.

Could it be he’s here to find a quiet place to wait for death?

Wen Ping immediately asked, "Senior, you look quite well, doesn’t seem like you’re suffering from any ailment."

Biyue Piaoling smiled forthrightly, "What can you tell from appearances? I’m 190 years old, can you tell from just my complexion? Let’s not talk about this; tell me how you managed to kill Wei Qianjue."

Wen Ping asked, "Has this spread to Huangli City already?"

Biyue Piaoling shook his head and explained softly, "No, I met a little fellow on the way here who escaped from Cangwu City. He told me. But I reckon this news will reach Huangli City in a few days, and soon everyone around East Lake will know. With Wei Qianjue dead, no one will dare take Shan Long’s bounty of 50 White Crystals, so you can enjoy some peaceful days temporarily."

Upon hearing Biyue Piaoling’s words, Wen Ping laughed nonchalantly and poured more tea for him.

This time though, halfway through pouring, Biyue Piaoling stopped him, "Too much of this tea can taste astringent."

Wen Ping immediately withdrew the teapot and asked, "Senior, you’ve sold Biyue Tower; where do you plan to go next?"

"First stop, here. Second stop, no idea. Go wherever; might even die halfway, no need to go anywhere."

Biyue Piaoling laughed carefreely.

The word ’death’ from his lips seemed like a mere gentle feather.

And Wen Ping wondered, what kind of heart does a person who doesn’t shy away from death carry right now? At least he couldn’t face death, nor did he dare think of it, as his life was only beginning.

Maybe out of curiosity, Wen Ping asked, "Senior, what illness do you have?"

"Want to know?"

Biyue Piaoling squinted and smiled at Wen Ping, as if enticing him to continue questioning.

Yet Wen Ping didn’t comply, shaking his head immediately, "Well, I’m not particularly interested."

"Haha!"

Biyue Piaoling laughed, standing up.

But this time, his smile was bitter. Gazing outside through Tingyu Pavilion’s window, unspeakable sadness clouded his eyes. It was like a wild goose that couldn’t catch up with the flock flying back.

And then he murmured in words no one could hear: A hundred years of cultivation, yet destined to become a handful of yellow earth.

Who in the world can cure his Tomb Poison?

Saying he’s unwilling, there’s actually some truth in it.

If it weren’t for the Tomb Poison hindering his advancement to Divine Profound, he wouldn’t have to wait for his lifespan to end and die.

Wen Ping merely watched, saying nothing.

He didn’t perceive Biyue Piaoling negatively, nor did he see him positively.

And so, as they chatted away, nearly an hour passed. Wen Ping thought of the dumplings that should be near ready while Biyue Piaoling was nearing the hour’s last moment.

At this moment, Huai Ye ascended to the Tingyu Pavilion.

After knocking, he spoke, "Sect Leader, Elder Yun’s upgrade to Profound Realm is complete."

Wen Ping nodded, not rising to open the door but responding from within, "Mm, you may go now. Remember to call everyone to gather in front of the Main Hall; I have an announcement to make."

"Okay,"

Huai Ye nodded before turning to leave.

Then came Biyue Piaoling’s voice frequently heard, "Congratulations, Sect Leader Wen, adding another Profound disciple!"

Wen Ping glanced back at Biyue Piaoling, first thanked him, and then said, "Senior Biyue, let’s end our conversation here today. I’ll escort you down the mountain, and if you’re still here tomorrow, we can chat again."

"Ah, issuing an eviction notice right at mealtime, is this how a sect leader acts?"

Biyue Piaoling smiled helplessly.

He thought Wen Ping truly wasn’t like a typical sect leader, hosting an Upper Profound Realm cultivator without attendants or fine tea. He wasn’t fond of such formalities anyway.

But to issue an eviction notice at mealtime, well, that was excessive.

Was this the attitude towards an Upper Profound Realm cultivator?

Wen Ping merely responded, "Senior, it’s Immortal Sect regulation that outsiders cannot stay longer than an hour."

"There’s such a rule?"

Biyue Piaoling replied coyly but said no more and rose to walk out of Tingyu Pavilion.

With a deep breath, Biyue Piaoling smiled. "I must say, this Immortal Sect’s domain is truly pure; merely standing here feels refreshing."

Upon hearing this, Wen Ping smiled lightly.

But he said nothing more.

With a gesture ahead, he said, "Senior, please!"

Biyue Piaoling smiled, nodded, and as he walked down, said, "This lifetime, this Tomb Poison claims my life, but next lifetime surely it won’t. Sect Leader Wen, seems our friendship must deepen in the next life."

"Mm."

At this point, Wen Ping believed Biyue Piaoling, trusting he came here merely to call him a friend.

And as he escorted him downward, Wen Ping silently inquired of his system, "System, what is this Tomb Poison?"

The system hurriedly explained, "This is a ’curse’ destined from birth leading to the tomb. Few have this poison, fewer die from it. As part of the innate system, its single detestable aspect is—it blocks the path from Upper Profound to Divine Profound. An Upper Profound cultivator restricted from advancing to Divine Profound has a lifespan only around 180 to 190 years, forced to accept the fate of slowly dying."

Wen Ping couldn’t help but sigh, "That truly is quite tragic."

After sighing, he continued escorting Biyue Piaoling down the Thousand Layers Steps.

Though he stayed silent, his system spoke up, "Host, aren’t you curious about the way to remove the Tomb Poison?"

Wen Ping responded indifferently, "Why should I be curious about that? I haven’t contracted the Tomb Poison."

The system replied, "But there’s someone before you who has."