Chapter Sixteen: Reversal of Fortune

“Junior brother, wait!”

At that moment, several peak masters hurried after him. Seeing Lin Jun nearly kill several of their Golden Core disciples, they were shocked and alarmed.

Lin Jun cast a cold glance their way and with a single slap sent those Golden Core disciples flying. He retrieved the previously seized “All-Encompassing Seal,” then, with his long sleeves, swept up two severely wounded, dying disciples and left immediately.

“With such filthy and disgraceful trials, our All-Encompassing Peak refuses to participate!”

Though strong now, his power was temporary. With two disciples on the brink of death, he had to conserve strength to save them.

Suddenly, a golden hand reappeared, sweeping away some nearby “black and white stones.”

This scene left the other trial disciples bewildered.

Wasn’t Lin Jun, the master of All-Encompassing Peak, known as a useless cripple incapable of cultivation? What was happening now?

...

At All-Encompassing Peak, a golden light descended from the sky.

Lin Jun carried the two barely breathing disciples back to the peak master’s hall, his gaze stern.

Due to overexertion, his current strength was formidable but unsustainable, and he deeply felt an inner weakness beneath the exterior strength.

His temporary prowess came at the cost of 1,500 years of lifespan owed to the system. Waves of weakness swept through his body.

Though victorious in the fierce battle against the Celestial Sword Venerable, the price was immense. Thankfully, the two disciples were rescued in the end.

His strength had yet to wane, so he planned to use this opportunity to carefully tend to the disciples’ injuries to prevent lifelong complications.

Even if he were to die, they could survive well.

At this moment, Ji Qingyou, who had been extremely resilient earlier, relaxed upon his arrival and slipped into unconsciousness.

Lin Jun gently placed her on the ground, her body drenched in blood, evoking heartfelt pity.

“Wuwu... wuwu...”

The little black dog, Ye Zhetian, struggled to crawl at his feet, nuzzling his calf, its whimpering voice seeming to express sorrow.

Big tears rolled down its tiny eyes.

“Don’t be afraid, Master is here.”

Lin Jun took a deep breath and lightly pressed his palm over the dog’s wound.

Then, a golden light flashed as he transmitted a few drops of forcibly enhanced divine-demonic blood.

The trace of divine-demonic aura gradually grew on Ye Zhetian’s severed hind leg, slowly regenerating it. In no time, the dog’s wound healed completely, and two slender, hairless black legs sprouted anew.

It could walk again!

“Woof! Woof!” Ye Zhetian barked joyfully.

As a little dog, it harbored no schemes, only marveling at the miracle before its eyes. It looked at Lin Jun with affection.

In its heart, its master was the closest person.

“Go, guard outside! Don’t let anyone in!”

Lin Jun gently patted Ye Zhetian’s head and instructed.

By now, due to trials in the Outer Realm and unknown experiences in the Inner Realm, Ye Zhetian’s cultivation had reached the peak Foundation Establishment stage, with only a chance away from forming a Nascent Soul.

“Woof! Woof!” Ye Zhetian barked twice more, wagging its tail proudly as it left with a majestic demeanor.

Perhaps due to its improved strength, its body had grown noticeably larger and plumper, looking round and quite adorable.

After Ye Zhetian departed, Lin Jun’s gaze fell on the still unconscious Ji Qingyou.

He repeated the old method, transmitting a few drops of golden divine-demonic immortal blood. Ji Qingyou, covered in wounds, slowly healed.

However, due to overconsumption, she had yet to awaken.

“Maybe I should feed her a Spirit-Opening Pill. I wonder what would happen.”

Lin Jun suddenly had an idea. Earlier, after giving Ye Zhetian a Spirit-Opening Pill, he had received a hundredfold return—a legendary pill indeed. This thought lingered in his mind.

Perhaps it could help him with his lifespan crisis.

Since the pill was a low-level one meant for awakening beasts, it was difficult to administer while Ji Qingyou was awake. Now that she was unconscious, it was a perfect chance to try.

With this in mind, Lin Jun took a Spirit-Opening Pill from his storage pouch and slowly fed it to Ji Qingyou, his eyes filled with hope.

When he still had cultivation, he always carried important items from the All-Encompassing Treasury on his person.

Just as he was about to feed Ji Qingyou the pill, she suddenly awoke.

She looked at Lin Jun holding the pill, a flash of surprise passing through her bright eyes.

Then came confusion as she tilted her head, staring at him.

Was her master intending to open her spiritual intellect?

“Ah!” Lin Jun was startled and quickly retracted the pill.

“Oh, this is a rare immortal pill similar to a Spirit-Opening Pill, meant for you to take. Since you’re awake, forget it.”

“Disciple is fine now. Master’s concern is much appreciated!” Ji Qingyou immediately believed him. She stood up respectfully.

“Hmm,” Lin Jun responded softly.

Unlike the joy within All-Encompassing Peak, the outside world of the Great Dao Sect was in turmoil.

Sect Leader Celestial Sword Venerable urgently convened a sect assembly to denounce Lin Jun.

At the same time, in the Tiannan cultivation world, news spread—Lin Jun, once a useless cripple, had suddenly attained Nascent Soul stage and defeated the Great Dao Sect leader, Celestial Sword Venerable. The news swept across the region, known by countless people.

“Who would have thought? The so-called useless Lin Jun was actually a hidden cultivator all along. Could it be that he concealed his strength to make a stunning breakthrough?”

“I don’t think so. This boy was ordinary for years, then suddenly attained such earth-shattering power. It seems too surreal—maybe he cultivated demonic paths and paid a heavy price. If so, he might not have long to live!”

“No matter what, Celestial Sword Venerable’s prestige is shattered. I think the Tiannan cultivation world is about to be unsettled!”

At that moment, somewhere unknown.

“Master, have you heard? The cripple Lin Jun of the Great Dao Sect suddenly gained Nascent Soul cultivation and defeated the Celestial Sword Venerable. The Great Dao Sect will surely reject him.”

“We have been weakening in hiding for years, waiting for a chance. Why not show goodwill to Lin Jun first? When he is expelled, we can protect him. This time I will gain another Nascent Soul expert!”

“What a heaven-sent opportunity!”

“Let’s wait a little longer. No matter how Lin Jun gained this power, let’s wait until he stabilizes. What if it’s just a fleeting burst and we waste our effort?”

“Yes, Master’s decision is wise. I was reckless.”

...

In the Great Dao Sect’s main hall,

Celestial Sword Venerable, dressed in fresh robes, stood with a sullen face.

“Lin Jun has colluded with the demonic cult and must be expelled from the Great Dao Sect as a warning to others!”