Chapter 73: The Art of Reviving the Dead

Master Ye was attacked by an assassin—the outcome uncertain—and though over a thousand disciples of the Qitian Sect searched for the killer throughout the night, they found nothing. News of the event spread like wildfire across Pingyang City; everyone knew a great storm was about to break.

Unfortunately, the sect's grand competition had concluded some time ago, and the high-ranking elders from the Qitian Sect headquarters in the imperial city had already returned. Only a few elders from the Pingyang branch remained to tend to Master Ye's wounds. They toiled through the night, yet he remained unconscious; the situation was bleak.

Wu Tian, concerned, had Elder Hao administer the mutated Blood-Enhancing Pill he had refined previously, but even this potent medicine failed to rouse Master Ye.

“Wu Tian, Master Ye’s injuries are too severe,” Elder Hao said, emerging from Master Ye’s chamber, his face weary. “Especially the heart—nearly pierced through. We elders spent a whole night channeling our qi, but it was useless. Thankfully, your Blood-Enhancing Pill barely kept him alive, but his breath remains feeble. If we cannot find a way to save him, I fear he will not last three days.”

Wu Tian understood. Although the mutated Blood-Enhancing Pill was of divine quality, it was not a resurrection elixir. It could heal grave injuries, but not mortal ones.

“Elder Hao, is there truly no other way?” Wu Tian bit his lip. He could not bear to see Master Ye pass from this world.

Elder Hao pondered, then gave a bitter smile. “There is a method, but it’s little more than wishful thinking. The Sun family of Pingyang City is renowned for their alchemy; rumor has it they possess a technique that can forge a pill to revive the dead. Yet it is only a legend, its authenticity unproven. Even if such an art exists, it cannot be mastered overnight.”

“It seems I must visit the Sun family,” Wu Tian said, unwilling to let any chance slip by, however slender. “By the way, Elder Hao, the poisoning of Master Ye was likely orchestrated by Long Zhan. I believe he must be interrogated!”

“I am aware,” Elder Hao replied, nodding. “But mere suspicion is not evidence. Still, I will keep an eye on him.”

“Since that’s settled, I will go myself to the Sun family to see if I can obtain such a pill.”

“Are you certain, Wu Tian? It’s only a rumor. Even the Sun family themselves deny it.”

“No opportunity can be missed—even if hope is faint. There’s no time to waste; I’ll go now!”

Without another word, Wu Tian sped toward the Sun residence. The journey from Qitian Sect to the Sun family should have taken an hour, but he managed it in half.

By the time Wu Tian arrived at the gates of the Sun mansion, he was breathless and exhausted.

The guards at the entrance eyed him with suspicion. “Who are you, and what business have you at the Sun residence?”

“Quick… please inform your master… tell him Wu Tian of the Qitian Sect has urgent matters to discuss—extremely urgent!” Wu Tian managed between gasps.

“Very well, wait here. I’ll notify Steward Sun right away.” Seeing Wu Tian’s anxious state, the guard hurried off.

Soon, Sun Siqing himself came to the gate. “Young Master Wu, please come in! What brings you here in such haste?”

“Steward Sun, you must have heard of Master Ye’s assassination attempt. He is now gravely injured and unconscious, his fate uncertain. I’ve heard the Sun family has practiced alchemy for generations, and possesses a technique for crafting pills that can revive the dead. I’ve come to beg for such a medicine, hoping you might save our sect master’s life!” Wu Tian spoke earnestly.

Sun Siqing thought for a moment, then replied with a wry smile, “Young Master Wu, we have heard of Master Ye’s misfortune. The Sun family is deeply shocked and saddened. As for the pill you seek, the story is long. Please, come inside and let us discuss it further.”

Wu Tian followed Sun Siqing into the mansion and sat in the hall.

As Wu Tian and Sun Siqing entered the hall, a middle-aged man arrived. Sun Siqing nodded and introduced him to Wu Tian, “Young Master Wu, this is the patriarch of the Sun family.”

“So you are the Sun family patriarch—I’ve heard much of you,” Wu Tian said, greeting him courteously.

“No need for formalities, Young Master Wu. We’ve already heard of your sect master’s misfortune. We wish dearly to help, but I must be honest: our family does not possess such miraculous pills,” the patriarch said regretfully.

“Patriarch Sun, your family is renowned for alchemy. Is there truly no medicine that might save our master?” Wu Tian asked hopefully.

Both Sun Siqing and the patriarch shook their heads, their expressions confirming Wu Tian’s disappointment.

“Young Master Wu, though we do not have a pill to revive the dead, there may be another way to save Master Ye,” the patriarch said suddenly.

Wu Tian’s eyes brightened. “What way?”

“There is a legend that the Sun family possesses an alchemy technique to revive the dead. This is not entirely baseless, but neither is it wholly true. I must warn you, Young Master Wu—the method to save Master Ye may cost you your life. Are you willing to try?” Sun Siqing gazed at Wu Tian.

“I’ve died once already—what’s one more risk? Don’t underestimate me!” Wu Tian slapped his chest, unconcerned.

“Young Master Wu, you truly are a man of character. In that case, let me explain,” the patriarch said, appreciative.

“The Sun family has practiced alchemy for a thousand years, passing down our art from generation to generation. In ancient times, our family flourished throughout the Divine Dragon Continent, and the records speak of pills capable of reviving the dead. But times changed—countless wars left our family in decline, and the art of alchemy was nearly lost. Now, we barely survive in Pingyang City.

Yet, our family has preserved an ancestral maxim and a token. One day, a destined person will unlock the token and inherit the legacy of the ‘Pill God,’ restoring the Sun family to glory. Whoever inherits this legacy will be able to craft unparalleled pills.”

Wu Tian listened, his eyes wide. “So, if I can unlock the token, I’ll inherit the 'Pill God' legacy and be able to refine a pill that can revive the dead?”

Sun Siqing smiled and shook his head. “Young Master Wu, it’s not quite so miraculous. None of us in the Sun family have ever unlocked it, nor have countless outsiders we’ve invited. The outcome remains unknown.”

“Let me try. Who knows? Maybe I can forge a pill to save a life,” Wu Tian said, eager.

“Wait! Young Master Wu, as I mentioned, this method carries mortal danger. The token is inscribed with an illusion array—attempting to unlock it creates illusions and life-threatening risks. Many in our family have perished trying. Are you truly willing?”

“I am! Of course I am!”