CG - Chapter 35

Chapter 35

Wu Gu spent the entire afternoon studying the Soul Cloth that Wu Zhao had mentioned. Wu Yong, with nothing to do, refurbished all the old furniture in the house. Coincidentally, Wei Jinzhi moved the newly finished recliner in and placed it under the window. Wu Gu would either flip through books or take notes, occasionally looking over at Wei Jinzhi. Every time, she would see the sunlight, as light as smoke, enveloping Wei Jinzhi, making her look dreamlike and ethereal.

Wei Jinzhi had her assistant look for an apartment near North City University. She planned to move closer to Wu Gu when she returned, which would also make it more convenient for Wu Gu to stay over. Thinking about the two of them living together in the future, Wei Jinzhi subconsciously looked toward Wu Gu. Their eyes met, and smiles spilled from the corners of their eyes, like the vibrant arrival of an early spring.

Wu Gu parted her lips, her voice very soft, as if afraid of disturbing someone. She said, "Sister Wei, I know what the Soul Cloth is now."

The Soul Cloth envelops the soul and binds the form, like the golden silk armor in wuxia novels, except it is worn on the soul. The Xuanqing Sect truly lived up to its reputation as a sect even the Heavenly Dao was wary of. It was unknown which grandmaster had created this unique technique, but it actually used special paper talismans, within the rules of the Heavenly Dao, to twist the righteous qi of heaven and earth into threads, weaving them to wrap around a soul. In this way, the soul would be protected by the Heavenly Dao, making it extremely difficult for any mishaps to occur.

Generally speaking, a powerful technique must come with a corresponding price. The price of the Soul Cloth was an exceptional consumption of spiritual power. If the spiritual power was insufficient, the Tianshi would suffer a backlash before the technique even began. Even with sufficient spiritual power, success was not guaranteed. If it failed, both the Tianshi and the one receiving the cloth would have to meet King Yama ahead of schedule.

No matter how dangerous the Soul Cloth was, Wu Gu still wanted to try. If she put the Soul Cloth on Wei Jinzhi, the moment Ji Yu tried to snatch Wei Jinzhi's soul, it would immediately attract the attention of the Heavenly Dao. The heavenly punishment that Ji Yu feared most would follow. At that point, even if she was no match for Ji Yu and died at his hands, she could pass on with peace of mind.

Wu Gu told Wei Jinzhi about Wu Zhao and the Soul Cloth. Wei Jinzhi was quite alarmed after hearing it. "Your Xuanqing Sect is truly formidable. No wonder Ma Zhenshan tried to use Xuanqing's name to build his reputation back then."

Wu Gu looked proud. "Of course." Wei Jinzhi couldn't help but smile, kissing the upturned corner of her mouth, sharing in her pride.

Ji Yu, this ticking time bomb, was constantly pushing Wu Gu forward. She pulled two all-nighters to complete her research on the Soul Cloth. The process of applying it required a massive supplement of spiritual energy, so the hot spring was naturally the first choice. Another day passed. Just as the sky was beginning to lighten, Monkey and Wu Yong escorted the two of them into the mountains.

At a distance from the hot spring, Wu Gu said, "You guys can go back now." The Soul Cloth technique was too powerful for outsiders to be present. She took the hiking backpack that Wu Yong had been carrying for her, then said to Monkey, "If we're not out in five days, come in and find us."

Monkey nodded. He was worried but knew he couldn't dissuade Wu Gu. He could only say, "Be careful. Don't push yourself too hard."

Due to the season, the mountain air was like an ice blade cutting against the skin. Wu Gu's face was red from the cold, and one hand had to pull along Wei Jinzhi, whose stamina was not as good as hers. It would take about a full day to walk from the mountain entrance to the hot spring, and the deeper they went into the mountain's heart, the more difficult the path underfoot became. By noon, Wei Jinzhi's breathing was already rough and heavy, each exhale a large puff of white vapor.

Wu Gu's heart ached for Wei Jinzhi, and she secretly slowed her pace. It wasn't until nightfall that the two of them reached their destination. Wei Jinzhi was so exhausted that her vision was turning white, her head was buzzing, and all she wanted to do was sleep. Wu Gu knew this was a sign of physical exhaustion, so she let her rest against a tree while she laid out a moisture-proof mat and a sleeping bag near the hot spring.

After finishing the preparations for bed, Wu Gu walked over to Wei Jinzhi and squatted down to check on her. By this time, Wei Jinzhi had already fallen into a deep sleep against the tree. She called softly, "Sister Wei, go sleep over there."

After calling for a while, Wei Jinzhi finally half-opened her eyes. Like a puppet, she was half-carried in Wu Gu's arms and helped up. Fortunately, it was only a few steps away. Wu Gu gently tucked her into the sleeping bag, gave her a simple wipe-down with clean water, then took off her own clothes and soaked in the hot spring. Wu Gu leaned against the edge of the pool, looking up at the hanging branches that resembled silk cords, swaying slowly with the steamy heat, lulling one's mind.

A continuous stream of warm energy from the hot spring flowed into her body, circulating and merging with her. The Xuanqing Sect had methods for cultivating by absorbing spiritual energy quickly and efficiently. She closed her eyes, concentrating all her consciousness on guiding the spiritual energy overflowing from the spiritual vein, allowing her body to better accommodate this surge of spiritual power.

The mountains were silent, and the night passed in a hurry. Before the sky was fully light, the mountain birds were chirping eagerly, waking one from their dreams. Wei Jinzhi opened her eyes, blinked blankly a couple of times, then closed them again. But a few seconds later, she slowly opened them again.

Wu Gu was soaking in the hot spring, wearing only a tank top on her upper body. Her soaked long hair clung to her cheeks, falling down to cover her chest. Hiding the rosy and alluring sight, it added a touch of unspoken temptation. The scene she saw early in the morning was too sensual, and as an adult woman, she immediately had some inappropriate thoughts.

After watching for a moment, Wei Jinzhi closed her eyes again, suppressing the tide of emotions in her heart. Only then did she call out softly, "Wu Gu, are you awake? Put on some clothes first."

Wu Gu opened her eyes, a secret smile playing on her lips. She knew the moment Wei Jinzhi woke up, but she hadn't expected Wei Jinzhi to tell her to get dressed right after she finished sneaking a look. She narrowed her eyes, got out of the water, wrapped herself in a down jacket, and squatted beside Wei Jinzhi. "Are you trying to pretend you weren't just sneaking a look at me?"

Wei Jinzhi's face burned red. "What nonsense are you talking about? Just put your clothes on first, don't catch a cold."

"I'm all warm and toasty right now. If you don't believe me, feel for yourself." After saying this, Wu Gu took off her jacket, unzipped the sleeping bag, and slipped inside in a flash. She pressed tightly against Wei Jinzhi and didn't forget to ask, "Am I warm? Am I hot?"

She was warm enough and hot enough, but Wei Jinzhi's body trembled involuntarily. She suppressed the heat rising in her heart, reached up to pinch Wu Gu's ear, and applied a little pressure. "Having fun? Look where we are." It wasn't that she didn't have feelings for Wu Gu, but she always felt that Wu Gu was still young and it wasn't the right time. And Wu Gu was simple-minded and obedient, so it felt like she was the one controlling the pace of their relationship.

Wu Gu shook with laughter and said, "So prim and proper." She laughed and planted two firm kisses on Wei Jinzhi's lips, then got out of the sleeping bag, turned her back, and got dressed. When Wei Jinzhi got up to get dressed, she suddenly said, "You don't need to put anything on."

Wei Jinzhi froze for a moment. Seeing Wu Gu's serious expression, she reined in her straying thoughts. She said helplessly, "I at least have to wash up and eat something first."

Wu Gu gave an embarrassed laugh to cover her thoughtlessness and quickly said, "I'll go prepare it right now."

All the gear for the mountain trip was prepared by Wu Yong. True to his military background, he had packed not only instant canned food and biscuits but also a set of outdoor cookware. Wu Gu rummaged through the bag again and found rice, cured meat, and vacuum-sealed vegetables. She took the items out to show Wei Jinzhi, asking in confusion, "Did Brother Xiao Wu think we were on a wilderness survival trip?"

Wei Jinzhi smiled. "He was afraid I wouldn't be used to eating compressed biscuits."

Wu Gu thought, How can I lose to a bodyguard when it comes to taking care of my girlfriend? She immediately said, "Then I'll cook you some cured meat rice."

Wei Jinzhi didn't refuse outright, only saying, "As long as it's not too much trouble." She thought Wu Gu was adorably silly; Wu Yong had prepared all this for Wu Gu to use in the first place.

Wu Gu moved quickly, and soon the appetizing aroma of cooking rice was wafting through the air. Wei Jinzhi moved closer to Wu Gu and sat down, watching the pot with her. The churning steam in the small pot hit the lid and billowed out. She tilted her head and leaned on Wu Gu's shoulder. Wu Gu adjusted her posture, straightening her back to let her lean more comfortably.

On the horizon, the gathering clouds mimicked the shape of the mountains. She suddenly remembered a line of poetry: Had I known it would ensnare my heart so, I'd rather we had never met. But if they had never met, how much joy would be missing from life? Since they were destined to meet, what was the point of such hindsight? A smile spilled from the bottom of Wei Jinzhi's eyes. Countless people would have countless answers to this question. She thought the promise of staying together through life and death seemed pretty good.

After breakfast, the clouds in the mountains grew thicker and thicker; it looked like it was going to snow. The air was exceptionally cold at this moment. A layer of fine goosebumps appeared on Wei Jinzhi's exposed back. Wu Gu hid behind her, deliberately avoiding her peripheral vision. She cut her left palm with a knife and dripped the blood into the prepared cinnabar. After mixing about half a bowl of cinnabar blood, she picked up a gauze to wrap the wound, tying a knot with her teeth.

Wu Gu dipped her right hand in the blood-cinnabar and dotted it on Wei Jinzhi's back. When her skin touched the icy fingertips, Wei Jinzhi couldn't help but shiver. Her hand, drawing the talisman, didn't stop as she said, "Sister Wei, this is my first time using this technique. It's a gamble. I can't guarantee success. I spoke with such confidence before because I didn't want you to refuse. Just consider it my selfish decision on your behalf."

Wei Jinzhi had already adapted to the cold. She knelt on the ground, her hair combed to one side, the line of her slightly turned head very gentle. She said, "I believe in you."

The final stroke landed right at the position of Wei Jinzhi's tailbone. The talisman for the Soul Cloth occupied her entire back. Her skin was already fair, which made the cinnabar bloodstains look vibrant and dazzling. After finishing the talisman, a thin layer of sweat beaded on Wu Gu's forehead. She panted in small breaths, not daring to let Wei Jinzhi hear. When the movement on her back stopped, she asked, "Is it done?"

Wu Gu quickly swallowed a few pills and said, "It's done." She walked to the edge of the hot spring and sat cross-legged, facing Wei Jinzhi. Wei Jinzhi clutched the clothes at her chest and looked at her. They were only a few meters apart, but it felt like they were separated by the ends of the earth. Wu Gu said, "I'm starting." Wei Jinzhi nodded and closed her eyes. Wu Gu's hands quickly formed the first hand seal.

Wu Gu didn't know that applying the Soul Cloth would be so painful. It was as if she were in a raging fire, waves of heart-rending pain sweeping through her internal organs. Every time the excruciating pain became unbearable, her hands, forming the seals, would tremble. She bit her lower lip hard, not daring to be distracted. She was afraid that with the slightest lapse in concentration, the hand seals would deviate. She couldn't bear such consequences.

In contrast to Wu Gu, Wei Jinzhi felt as if she were immersed in a warm current. A continuous stream of warm water flowed into her body from her back, enveloping her soul. She could feel the depths of her being becoming lighter, and within that lightness was the profound weight of the vast heaven and earth. She thought that if not for the restraints of her physical form, her soul could perhaps roam freely between heaven and earth, taking in all the mountains, rivers, sun, and moon in a single glance.

Wei Jinzhi had no sense of how long the Soul Cloth application took. What she felt was the turning of the stars and the changing of the sun and moon. Her soul seemed to have become both pure and profound. Although she wasn't the one performing the technique, she knew it was a success.

The technique began at noon and was not completed until the next morning. In nearly twenty-four hours, Wu Gu had exhausted all her spiritual power, and her physical stamina was also depleted. She released the hand seal and opened her eyes to look at the sky. The sky was gray, and a snowflake drifted before her eyes. She wanted to reach out and catch it, but before she could move, her body swayed and she collapsed to the ground, unconscious. The snowflake fell to the ground, leaving only a tiny mark.

Hearing the sound, Wei Jinzhi slowly opened her eyes. The first thing she saw was the unconscious Wu Gu, and her heart sank. She quickly dressed and ran over to take Wu Gu in her arms. Pushing aside her messy hair, she saw Wu Gu's pale face and weak breathing. Without a second thought, she jumped into the hot spring while holding Wu Gu.

The down jackets were too heavy after absorbing water, so she threw both of their clothes onto the bank. Skin against skin, she held Wu Gu and watched the snowy hot spring scenery, her expression unreadable. By nightfall, Wu Gu still showed no signs of waking. The snow was still falling, as chaotic as her mood. The temperature around the hot spring was higher, so the snowflakes couldn't linger. She thought, Why waste energy in vain?

Wei Jinzhi held Wu Gu's injured palm and murmured, "I wanted you to be safe and carefree every year, but in the end, I'm the one who's keeping you from being safe."

The quiet night gave her no response. Instead, Wu Gu's weak voice came from her shoulder. "I also want you to be safe and carefree. But I'm a little greedier than you. I also want you to be with me for a lifetime."

Hearing her voice, Wei Jinzhi's heart finally settled. She asked, "What about the next life?"

Wu Gu straightened up from her shoulder. Although her face was colorless, her smile was beautiful. "You're the one who brought it up, I didn't force you. Lord Yama still owes me a wish. I'll go tell him later to tie us together in the next life, too."

Wei Jinzhi caressed Wu Gu's face. "Why not be a little greedier, and be together in the life after that, too."

"Okay, it's a deal." Wu Gu held out her hand. "Pinky swear."

Wei Jinzhi did as she asked, linking pinkies with her to seal the promise, before asking, "How are you feeling now? Tell me the truth."

"I'm fine. I'll be okay after enough rest. Don't worry." After speaking, Wu Gu moved off Wei Jinzhi and sat to the side to focus on cultivating. While unconscious, her body had been automatically absorbing spiritual energy. Fortunately, the hot spring was rich with spiritual energy; otherwise, she didn't know when she would have woken from her coma. She realized that her encounters since meeting Wei Jinzhi had always been perilous but ultimately harmless. She thought it should be the same in the future.

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