Chapter 73 Raising Corpses

Wooden Fish Island. In a quiet chamber within the courtyard, Jiang Chen sat cross-legged, silently drawing in the spiritual energy of heaven and earth. As time slipped by, the spirit sand placed beside him gradually lost its luster.

He did not know how much time had passed when he finally exhaled a breath three feet long and slowly opened his eyes.

“At my current pace, another two months will see my dantian’s true qi reach fullness. The price, of course, is the rapid depletion of spirit sand…”

His gaze swept his surroundings, lingering on those spirit sands now utterly devoid of spiritual essence. The difference between cultivating with and without spirit sand was like night and day. Having cultivated superior true qi, with a solid foundation and a powerful soul, he refined spiritual energy at an astonishing speed, his efficiency far outstripping that of ordinary cultivators. So long as he had enough spirit sand, he could make remarkable progress in a short period.

“I wonder whether the two bushels of spirit sand left by the Corpse Taoist will suffice for me to reach minor achievement in Qi Training. Wealth is ever fleeting; to cultivate with peace of mind, one must have at least a basic source of income.”

His thoughts collided as he pondered how to secure a steady supply of spirit sand.

“People in this world scurry about in panic for a few scraps of silver; cultivators are no different.”

With no immediate solution, Jiang Chen shook his head, rose, and left the chamber to practice spells at the martial grounds.

He already possessed inherited teachings and, with relics from both the Corpse Taoist and the An family, he lacked not for cultivation methods. What he truly needed was time. If he could fully digest all he had gained, he would truly be counted among the ranks of cultivators.

Time thus flowed, slow but relentless. The world outside remained tense with conflict, yet Jiang Chen savored this brief tranquility.

Seven days later, Wang Yuan once more appeared before Jiang Chen, weary but with a hint of joy in his eyes.

“My lord, this is the reply Young Master Lu Xuanping asked me to deliver to you.”

With utmost respect, Wang Yuan drew a letter from his robes and presented it to Jiang Chen.

After the clash between the River Pirates and the Governor’s Office, Wang Yuan had obeyed Jiang Chen’s orders, slipping away from Wooden Fish Island with the aid of his wolf transformation, bearing the jade pendant as a token to the Lu family and meeting Lu Xuanping.

“You have worked hard this time,” Jiang Chen remarked as he accepted the letter, glancing at Wang Yuan. The man’s eyes were ringed with fatigue, his spirit flagging—clearly, he had not slept well, nor rested much during this journey.

Indeed, to avoid any delay, Wang Yuan had traveled night and day, frequently employing Gale Technique to hasten his steps, which had taken a heavy toll on his mind and body.

“My lord’s kindness is as weighty as a mountain; all this is my duty,” Wang Yuan replied, humble and respectful.

Seeing this, Jiang Chen waved a hand. “Take this bottle of Blood Spirit Pills and restore yourself. Go and rest.”

At these words, Wang Yuan, now utterly spent, took the medicine and withdrew.

Once Wang Yuan had left, Jiang Chen unfolded the letter and read it carefully. There was little of substance within, mostly expressions of awe and praise. The main point was an appointment—three days later, Lu Xuanping would come to the island, representing the Lu family to discuss the matter of the River Pirates in detail.

“Since the meeting is set directly on Wooden Fish Island, it appears the Lu family truly wishes to talk.”

Setting aside the letter, Jiang Chen began to anticipate the negotiations ahead.

The River Pirates still stood opposed to the Governor’s Office, and at such a time, Lu Xuanping chose to come alone to the island rather than arrange a meeting elsewhere. This revealed great sincerity, but also confidence—he was certain Jiang Chen would not risk a break with the Lu family.

It was not only that there was no unbridgeable enmity between Jiang Chen and the Lus; the Lu family’s power in Qingyuan County made them unrivaled local overlords.

“I hope the talks proceed smoothly.”

Glancing outside and seeing a ray of sunlight pierce the clouds and mist, Jiang Chen ascended the summit of Wooden Fish Island alone.

Though the Lu family’s current stance suggested the talks would likely succeed, Jiang Chen nonetheless sought to strengthen his hand, increasing his margin for error.

“Perhaps Ironman Tu chose to root himself on this island not only for the peculiar terrain of Bewitching Bay; the summit itself holds certain special qualities. Especially the ground beneath this courtyard—while the surface basks in sunlight, the deepest recesses are suffused with exceptionally pure yin energy, far beyond the ordinary.”

“According to the Corpse Taoist’s manual on refining corpses, this is an excellent place to nurture the undead. The only pity is that, though pure, the yin energy here is not abundant.”

Stepping into the courtyard, a chill washed over him and myriad thoughts arose in Jiang Chen’s heart.

In addition to his own cultivation, he had found time to study the Corpse Taoist’s legacy, deepening his understanding of yin energy and the art of raising zombies.

As if sensing Jiang Chen’s approach, a low, guttural growl erupted from the deepest chamber of the courtyard, followed by the dull thud of something battering against its confines—a beast straining to break free, but unable to do so.

It was growing increasingly active; the time was nearly right.

Noting this change, a trace of satisfaction appeared on Jiang Chen’s face as he strode swiftly into the chamber. Once Ironman Tu’s place of cultivation, he had transformed it into a site for nurturing corpses.

“The blood essence has been fully absorbed; this battle zombie is at its peak. Time for the final step.”

Entering the chamber, Jiang Chen surveyed the nearly dried blood pool with satisfaction.

“According to the records left by the Corpse Taoist, his ancestor once refined a battle zombie to roam at will in the Qi Training realm, nearly achieving the Dao Foundation, only to perish from backlash, his soul extinguished. This alone speaks to the power of such a creature.”

“Though ancestral tales are prone to exaggeration, a battle zombie at the Qi Training level should still be a great asset—else the Corpse Taoist would not have schemed for twenty years to create one. Moreover, I have specially refined blood essence to further repair its injuries.”

His thoughts turned as he gazed at the trembling black coffin, his expression growing solemn.

“Open!”

With a thought, he formed a seal with his hands and opened the black coffin.

A roar erupted. Red eyes blazing, Ironman Tu, now utterly transformed into a zombie, lunged out, intent on tearing Jiang Chen apart in a frenzy of bloodlust.

But Jiang Chen, calm and unruffled, rang the Corpse Control Bell.

At its sound, Ironman Tu froze for an instant. Seizing the opportunity, Jiang Chen manipulated threads of true qi to bind him tightly.

“Whether this succeeds or fails will be decided now. If it works, all will be well; if not, I’ll have to turn you into a true corpse.”

Their eyes met. Jiang Chen whispered softly, forming a complex seal and pressing it into Ironman Tu’s body. In that instant, a subtle connection formed between them.