Chapter Seventy-Two: Antitoxin

Li Sibai wore an awkward expression as Caiyao clung to him, his hands floundering, unsure where to rest them. Though Caiyao was still a little girl, appearing no more than six or seven years old, perhaps due to her divine beast nature, she was astonishingly well-developed. Li Sibai cleared his throat twice, coughing, “Um, I can barely breathe.”

Hearing this, Caiyao hastily released her grip, concern etched on her face as she looked at him. “Big brother, are you alright? You look like you’ve lost a lot of weight.”

“It’s nothing, really. I’m standing before you safe and sound, aren’t I? Elder Old Tree, it’s been a long time.” Li Sibai bowed respectfully to the ancient tree spirit who had once aided him and whom he still held in high regard.

Old Tree Spirit, who had been quietly amused by the scene, thought back to the past half month since Li Sibai went to Jade Pearl Peak. In that time, Caiyao had come to stay with him every day, singing and chatting together. Even the best of friends would bicker from time to time, and back when Caiyao only visited occasionally, her presence was a delight. But with her lingering for over half a month, the two had quarreled several times, leaving both a little embarrassed.

Now, with Li Sibai’s return, Old Tree Spirit hoped he would quickly take Caiyao home, so he could finally enjoy a few days of peace. He chuckled and said to Li Sibai, “Boy, you’re finally here. You have no idea how much Caiyao has missed you. She’s been talking about you every single day.”

Li Sibai looked at Caiyao with affectionate eyes, gently ruffling her hair. This little girl, who looked no older than six or seven, was truly endearing. Li Sibai felt fortunate to have met them.

“Big brother, was everything smooth during your time at Jade Pearl Peak? Did you find any treasures?”

At her words, Li Sibai quickly pulled a food box from his pack and handed it to her. “I didn’t get any treasures, but I did bring you some treats. Try them and see if you like them.”

The mention of food made Caiyao beam with delight. She hurriedly took the box, opened it, and found four small pastries inside. They were brightly colored and faintly fragrant, utterly enticing.

“Big brother, you’re so good to me!” she exclaimed, wanting to throw her arms around him again.

Li Sibai dodged quickly. “These are pastries from Drunken Immortal Tavern in Xiaoyao Town at the mountain’s foot. I know you love meat, but it’s not easy to bring back, so I got these instead—they keep longer. I tried them and thought they were delicious. Go ahead, have a taste.”

Caiyao’s face was all smiles as she nodded eagerly. Though she preferred meat, she was thrilled that Li Sibai had thought of her and brought her a gift. Besides, these pastries looked so tempting.

She picked up a jade-white pastry, took a bite, and found it soft and delicate, slightly sweet and sticky, melting in her mouth with a lingering hint of osmanthus fragrance.

“Wow, this is amazing! What is it, big brother?”

Li Sibai chuckled. “That’s an osmanthus rice cake. I thought it was delicious too. Try the others and let me know which you like best. I’ll bring more next time.”

“Mmm! You’re the best, big brother,” Caiyao said, her mouth never idle. In a short while, she’d finished the entire box, yet she still seemed unsatisfied, licking her lips and savoring the lingering flavor.

Seeing her so delighted, Li Sibai felt content himself, momentarily forgetting his worries.

“Big brother, you still haven’t told us how things went at Jade Pearl Peak,” Caiyao prompted, bringing Li Sibai back to reality. Indeed, he still had countless questions for the two.

Li Sibai found a comfortable spot to sit and recounted his experiences at Jade Pearl Peak in detail, holding nothing back—except for his encounters with the young lady in green, which he left vague. Perhaps he thought it unimportant, or perhaps he didn’t wish to reveal his affection for another girl in front of Caiyao.

He quickly finished his tale. Caiyao listened, wide-eyed with amazement, never expecting that Li Sibai had faced such peril and nearly lost his life.

Old Tree Spirit, meanwhile, wore a contemplative expression, still puzzled by some parts. He beckoned Li Sibai over, “Strange, very strange. Boy, come here and let me have a look.”

A long branch snaked over, wrapping around Li Sibai. At the same time, green mist began to seep from the branch, gradually enveloping him completely.

Li Sibai was unfazed—he’d experienced this before and knew the Old Tree Spirit was examining his internal condition.

As the green mist thickened, changes within Li Sibai became apparent. The red Xuantian True Qi within him was being completely suppressed, while the white innate battle energy surged forth, flowing around his body. Amidst the white, faint purple threads could be seen, mysterious and strangely alluring.

Li Sibai was startled by this development. It was the first time he’d noticed traces of purple energy within himself. Could it be the lingering venom of the wolf spider? He couldn’t make sense of it.

Meanwhile, Old Tree Spirit nodded, then shook his head, muttering, “So that’s how it is. Oh. Hmm…”

Caiyao, anxious, snapped at him, “What are you humming and hawing about, Old Tree Spirit? If you have something to say, just say it! Don’t keep us all in suspense!”

Old Tree Spirit smiled, unhurried, and finally addressed Li Sibai, “Boy, you’re truly fortunate. The wolf spiders of Jade Pearl Peak are notorious for their venom. The fact that you survived their poison is likely due to your innate battle energy, which seems to restrain it. Now, the poison’s been absorbed and isolated within your innate energy, unable to harm your body. In fact, you’ve gained a certain resistance to toxins. You really are blessed.”

“But…”

“But what?” Li Sibai pressed, anxious.

“But your innate energy is finite. You refuse to learn the battle energy cultivation techniques. If one day you exhaust your innate energy, the poison will turn against you, and by then, nothing can save you.”

“What…?” Li Sibai was stunned. He hadn’t expected such a result.

Though he had often survived danger thanks to his white innate energy, deep down, he had always rejected it, believing he should cultivate authentic True Qi and expel the battle energy entirely from his body.

But now, hearing Old Tree Spirit’s words, what was he supposed to do?