The Return of Stars to the Jianghu

Chapter 203 The Investigation Leads to Wuji Island in Search of the Qi-Nourishing Pill

In the vast, unknown star regions of the universe, lies a mysterious inland planet called the Xuan Tian Continent. Between the eastern and central continents of the Xuan Tian Continent lies a boundless ocean, and in the center of this ocean sits a relatively large island—Wuji Island.

This vast tropical island, like a dazzling emerald set in the azure sea, is covered by lush rainforests that are vibrant and full of life. Towering palm trees stand tall, their broad leaves swaying gently in the breeze. Sunlight filters through the treetops, casting dappled patterns of light and shadow on the ground. Along the forest paths, wildflowers bloom in a riot of colors, releasing their fragrant aromas.

On the beach, the soft sand shimmered with golden light under the sun. The clear, sparkling seawater resembled a giant sapphire. Vibrant coral reefs stretched along the seabed, attracting countless tropical fish to frolic. The gentle waves lapped against the shore, creating a soothing and delightful sound.

The island also boasts a magnificent waterfall cascading down from a great height, splashing water and shrouding in mist, creating a scene reminiscent of a fairyland. At the foot of the mountain, a clear stream flows gently, nourishing this fertile land.

Several massive human cities are scattered across the island, built against the mountains and beside the water, cleverly integrated into the surrounding natural environment. The city walls, constructed of sturdy megaliths, have withstood the erosion of wind and rain, demonstrating the wisdom and strength of the ancients. The largest of these cities is called Wuji City, the birthplace of the Wuji Sect, the second largest sect on the Xuantian Continent.

In the heart of the city, a magnificent palace rises majestically, its roof adorned with golden glazed tiles that gleam in the sunlight. The palace gates are wide open, revealing a resplendent interior, adorned with carved beams and painted rafters, a testament to its opulent grandeur.

Although the headquarters of Wuji Sect has been moved to the central continent, and the number of people here is sparse, the former prosperity can still be seen from the buildings.

"This is the Wuji Island branch of the Wuji Sect. It's even more prosperous than the imperial palace of the Southern Han Kingdom!" Bi Li exclaimed.

"The trail ends here. The last time the Shadow appeared was in Wuji City," He Shihui said to Chu Ji.

"The island is mostly covered with giant trees over seventy meters tall, and deep inside the island, there are many ferocious birds and beasts. It is said that at night, many ferocious beasts come to the edge of the island and try to enter human cities. Fortunately, these cities are impregnable, and there are cultivators from the Wuji Sect guarding the night..." Ji Mi told the group the rumors he had heard.

"On the Xuan Tian Continent, places where ferocious birds and beasts gather are often the habitats of the demon race. However, in the past few days, we've heard that many demon habitats have been emptied. The demons of Wuji Island live in the deepest part of the island and have always kept to themselves with humans. If the demons there have also disappeared, then there must have been a huge upheaval within the demon race. I wonder if the disappearance of Shadow is related to this," Dugu Xin said.

"Shadow originally came to the Xuan Tian Continent to retrieve a Qi-Nourishing Pill for me, but why didn't he go to the Xuan Tian Sect and instead came to the Wuji Sect? Could it really be related to the demon race?" Chu Ji wondered.

“The demon core that the demon race condenses is comparable to the Qi-Nourishing Pill. They have some unspeakable reason for obtaining the Shadow, and instead of returning to the Xuan Tian Sect, they thought of coming to Wuji Island to hunt a demon beast,” He Shihui guessed.

“If that’s the case, then Shadow is probably in grave danger. Although the demons of Wuji Island live in peace with humans, their strength should not be underestimated. Especially the demon territory deep within, which is fraught with danger,” Bili said solemnly.

"Regardless, now that we're here, we have to get to the bottom of this. The disappearance of Shadow and the strange behavior of the demon race must be related," Dugu Xin said firmly.

“That’s right, we can’t just go back like this. Chu Ji, besides searching for Shadow, do you have any other purpose in coming to Wuji Island this time?” He Shi turned to ask Chu Ji.

Chu Ji pondered for a moment and said, "Actually, besides the matter of Shadow, I also wanted to see if Wuji Sect still sells Qi Cultivation Pills. I've encountered a bottleneck in my cultivation and urgently need a Qi Cultivation Pill to break through."

“Although Wuji Sect has moved away, its branch on Wuji Island might still have some stock. We can try our luck at the trading market in Wuji City,” Ji Mi suggested.

"Alright, let's not delay, let's head there immediately. But everyone must be careful, Wuji Island is beautiful, but it also hides dangers." After Dugu Xin finished speaking, the group headed towards the trading market of Wuji City.

The market was bustling with activity, teeming with people. A dazzling array of rare medicinal herbs, magical treasures, and secret manuals were on display. Chu Ji and his companions weaved through the throng, carefully searching for any trace of the Qi-Nourishing Pill. After some inquiries and searches, they finally found a clue to the pill at a secluded stall.

The stall owner was an elderly man with white hair and beard, but his eyes were exceptionally sharp. Several antique jade bottles were displayed on his stall, each containing pills of different colors. Chu Ji immediately recognized one of the bottles as the Qi-Nourishing Pill.

"Old man, how much does this Peiyuan Pill cost?" Chu Ji asked as he stepped forward.

The old man smiled slightly and replied, "This young friend certainly knows his stuff. This Qi-Nourishing Pill is a fine product refined by the Wuji Sect, and each one costs one thousand gold coins."

Upon hearing this, Chu Ji secretly considered his options. A thousand gold coins wasn't cheap, but it was worth the gamble to break through his bottleneck. So, he decisively said, "Okay, I'll take one."

Just as Chu Ji was about to take out his money to buy it, a figure suddenly flashed out from the side and snatched the Peiyuan Pill from the old man's hand.

"Hmph, I'm determined to get this Qi-Nourishing Pill!" the man said domineeringly.

Upon seeing this, Chu Ji and the others all tensed up. The person who had seized the pill was dressed in fine clothes and had a sinister face, clearly indicating that he was no ordinary person.

“My friend, I had my eye on the Peiyuan Pill first, please return it,” Chu Ji said in a deep voice.

"Hmph, what I set my sights on, no one can take away." The man in brocade sneered, completely disregarding Chu Ji.

The atmosphere became tense, and it looked like a conflict was about to erupt. Just then, the old man suddenly spoke up to mediate.

"Young friends, why ruin your friendship over a mere Qi-Nourishing Pill? I have another bottle here; why don't you each take what you need?" the old man said with a smile, unhurriedly.

Upon hearing this, Chu Ji and the man in brocade exchanged a glance, both seeing hesitation in each other's eyes. However, after seeing the bottle of Qi-Nourishing Pills, their expressions softened slightly.

Chu Ji spoke first: "In that case, thank you very much, senior." After saying that, he took out a spirit stone from his pocket and handed it to the old man.

Seeing this, the man in brocade robes was not to be outdone, so he also paid and pocketed the bottle of Qi-Nourishing Pill.

The commotion subsided, and Chu Ji and his companions, holding the Qi-Nourishing Pills, continued strolling through the market in high spirits. The man in brocade, however, turned and disappeared into the crowd with a look of resentment on his face.

However, at a secluded street corner, the man in brocade suddenly stopped and cautiously looked around. After confirming no one was following him, he whispered to a man in black hidden in the shadows, "Confirmed, it's the person in your portrait. The spirit stones we agreed on beforehand..."

Before the man in brocade could finish speaking, the man in black appeared out of the shadows like a ghost, his long sword flashing through the air.

Before the man in brocade could even utter a cry of alarm, the sword in the man in black's hand pierced his throat like lightning.

The man in brocade robes stared wide-eyed, his face filled with disbelief. His body slowly collapsed, finally falling onto the cold stone floor. Blood gushed from his neck, staining the ground red.