Chapter 204
Chapter 204
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 204
Chapter Title: The Immortal Path Beckons, Thoughts of Two Women
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Back in Qinghe Market City, Ruan Tieniu had just escaped the Beast Taming Market City and given Chen Jianghe two storage bags.
The first storage bag wasn't worth much, only a few hundred spirit stones.
But the second storage bag was worth at least seven thousand spirit stones.
"Ruan Tieniu spent so long in the Beast Taming Market City. With his Blood River Escape Art, he could pick up a large number of storage bags as long as he was willing to sacrifice his lifespan."
"He's been in Thousand Mountains Market City for over ten years now, venturing deep into the Arctic Snow Forest with others. Whenever a fellow cultivator fell, he'd have a chance to inherit their belongings."
"Thinking about it this way, Ruan Tieniu must still have a wealth of resources. His talisman legacies probably aren't limited to just the Violet Lightning Cloud-Piercing Talisman."
Chen Jianghe fell into deep thought.
Ruan Tieniu didn't interrupt Chen Jianghe, nor did he raise his offer.
A Spirit Spring Pearl in exchange for an Iceheart Herb, plus repaying Chen Jianghe's kindness, was already more than enough.
A water-attribute natural treasure that could enhance one's cultivation, plus the legacy for a Tier 2 mid-grade lightning escape talisman and a Tier 2 high-grade lightning escape talisman.
Logically, this should be enough to trade for an opportunity to have a spirit-imbued defensive artifact refined.
However, Chen Jianghe was his only connection to a refining grandmaster, so he had no choice but to ask him.
Just then.
Chen Jianghe looked up at Ruan Tieniu, a complex expression deep in his eyes.
He began to calculate carefully in his mind.
"Maoqiu's attacks are stronger than Ruan Tieniu's. With my Silver Moon Flowing Wave Sword, my attacks are even slightly stronger than Maoqiu's."
"Together, Maoqiu and I can kill Ruan Tieniu."
"As for Ruan Tieniu's attacks, with Xiao Hei around, he can't harm me or Maoqiu."
"Should I enact justice on behalf of the heavens and eliminate Ruan Tieniu?"
Chen Jianghe hesitated internally.
Ruan Tieniu definitely had a ton of resources on him, and they were currently on Golden Ao Mountain. He was ninety percent confident he could enact justice, slaying the wicked.
But Ruan Tieniu was useful to him.
He needed a 'friend' like Ruan Tieniu to help him sell talismans and trade for spiritual items outside.
If he killed Ruan Tieniu, finding another suitable 'friend' would be difficult.
He might not find one for at least eight to ten years.
"Brother Chen, as long as you're willing to help, I can guarantee I'll get you two Tier 2 water-attribute spirit cores within ten years."
Ruan Tieniu promised once again.
"Tier 2 water-attribute spirit cores..."
Chen Jianghe pondered for a moment before suppressing the thought of slaying the wicked. He needed Tier 2 water-attribute spirit cores.
Xiao Hei could reach the mid-stage of Tier 2 before entering the secret realm, but Maoqiu might not.
If he had two Tier 2 water-attribute spirit cores.
Then Maoqiu should also be able to break through to the mid-stage of Tier 2.
Having two mid-stage Tier 2 spirit beasts by his side would dramatically increase his safety in the secret realm.
His chances of obtaining treasures would also be much greater.
"I've always sought to build good karma and be kind to others. How could I harbor such killing intent? It's truly improper. It seems my state of mind needs improvement."
With his thoughts settled, Chen Jianghe looked at Ruan Tieniu.
"Brother Ruan, it's not that I'm unwilling to help you, but I don't know if I can secure this opportunity for you."
Chen Jianghe's expression was serious, his tone sincere.
With so many resources on the line, he was, frankly, tempted.
But he also knew that he didn't hold much weight in Luo Xiyue's eyes. Even if he asked, she might not agree.
Besides, it wasn't Luo Xiyue who owed him a favor now.
He still owed Luo Xiyue for two unresolved matters!
"As long as Brother Chen helps, it will surely succeed. Even if it doesn't, please accept this Spirit Spring Pearl and the talisman legacy."
Ruan Tieniu was well-versed in the ways of the world.
When asking for a favor, how could one just make empty promises? People would only help after seeing the benefits upfront.
If you don't offer the benefits first, who would even give you the time of day?
Chen Jianghe didn't act coy this time, directly accepting the Spirit Spring Pearl and legacy jade slip from Ruan Tieniu.
Ruan Tieniu's meaning was clear.
He wanted Chen Jianghe to do his utmost to ask Luo Xiyue. If successful, there would be another water-attribute natural treasure.
Even if he failed, the talisman legacy was still his.
However, Ruan Tieniu was of great use to him.
Before coming to Thousand Mountains Market City, Chen Jianghe had already considered helping Ruan Tieniu go further on the immortal path, as long as it didn't harm his own interests.
He wouldn't let Ruan Tieniu suffer a loss either.
"Brother Ruan, we've known each other for decades. I'll definitely do my best to get you the opportunity to have a spirit-imbued defensive artifact refined."
"As for the Iceheart Herb..."
Chen Jianghe paused in thought, then said, "Brother Ruan mentioned just now that you won't need the Iceheart Obstacle-Breaking Pill for another two years."
"What do you mean, Brother Chen? Could it be that Alchemist Zhuang has also come to Thousand Mountains Market City?!" Ruan Tieniu asked in pleasant surprise.
"Alchemist Zhuang has passed away."
"Ah? Alas, Alchemist Zhuang helped me a great deal. It's truly a shame I couldn't be there to see him off."
Hearing of Alchemist Zhuang's passing, Ruan Tieniu sighed helplessly.
His disappointment was genuine.
If Alchemist Zhuang were still around, given his friendship with Chen Jianghe, he would surely have helped refine the Iceheart Obstacle-Breaking Pill.
And he could have continued to benefit from it.
"Although Alchemist Zhuang has passed, his disciple, Fairy Jiang, has successfully reached Foundation Establishment and has also become a Tier 2 Alchemist."
"If you're not in a hurry, Brother Ruan, you can wait. After Fairy Jiang comprehends the formula for the Iceheart Obstacle-Breaking Pill, she might be able to refine it. If she succeeds in the future, I'll give you one."
Chen Jianghe said with a chuckle.
"Fellow Daoist Jiang reached Foundation Establishment and became a Tier 2 Alchemist!"
Ruan Tieniu exclaimed in astonishment.
He wasn't surprised that Jiang Ruxu had reached Foundation Establishment. The legacy left by Alchemist Zhuang was enough for both Jiang Ruxu and Zhuang Xinyan to attempt it.
If not for the lack of opportunity.
He himself would have wanted to inherit Alchemist Zhuang's mantle.
He just never expected Jiang Ruxu to become a Tier 2 Alchemist. Her status was now far beyond that of an ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivator.
A Tier 2 Alchemist, even in Thousand Mountains Market City, was considered a high-class cultivator.
Someone he couldn't compare to.
"Has Fairy Jiang come to Thousand Mountains Market City?" Ruan Tieniu asked hastily.
He had the Iceheart Herb, but he still needed someone to refine it. Whether they would succeed was one thing; whether he could even find a Tier 2 Alchemist to ask was another.
Even if he did find one, whether they had the formula for the Iceheart Obstacle-Breaking Pill was yet another problem.
Naturally, Ruan Tieniu hoped to get a finished Iceheart Obstacle-Breaking Pill directly.
"Fairy Jiang and Fairy Luo are both renting Golden Ao Mountain with me," Chen Jianghe said calmly.
"???"
Ruan Tieniu's eyes widened. He stared at Chen Jianghe in disbelief, sizing him up carefully, trying to find his good qualities.
But after a while.
He couldn't find a single redeeming feature on Chen Jianghe.
Even his appearance wasn't as burly as his own, and he lacked his heroic aura. By what virtue was he qualified to rent with two fairies?
One was a refining grandmaster, the other an alchemy grandmaster.
"Impressive!"
Ruan Tieniu said with sincere admiration.
He risked life and limb traveling between the Wandering Immortal Mountain Range and the Arctic Snow Forest, living every day with his life on the line.
Begging everywhere for healing spirit pills.
And for a spirit-imbued artifact, he was forced to hand over an opportunity he had risked his life to obtain.
"Regarding the Iceheart Obstacle-Breaking Pill, I'll have to trouble Brother Chen."
Ruan Tieniu cupped his fists in thanks.
"You're too kind, Brother Ruan."
Chen Jianghe waved his hand dismissively and added, "If I fail to persuade Fairy Luo to refine the artifact in the future, please don't blame me, Brother Ruan."
"As for the Violet Lightning Cloud-Piercing Talisman legacy? I will compensate you with ten Rushing Thunder Talismans and three Violet Lightning Cloud-Piercing Talismans."
The Violet Lightning Cloud-Piercing Talisman legacy contained two types of escape talismans.
One was the Tier 2 mid-grade Rushing Thunder Talisman, and the other was the Tier 2 high-grade Violet Lightning Cloud-Piercing Talisman.
Their value was immeasurable.
However, while he could give Ruan Tieniu ten Tier 2 mid-grade Rushing Thunder Talismans, he couldn't give ten Tier 2 high-grade Violet Lightning Cloud-Piercing Talismans.
The materials needed to draw Tier 2 high-grade talismans were too hard to find.
This made Tier 2 high-grade escape talismans even more precious.
"Alright, thank you, Brother Chen."
Ruan Tieniu was touched. He hadn't expected Chen Jianghe to kick him while he was down.
Instead, he was willing to help him proactively.
Ruan Tieniu thought to himself, "It seems that in the future, when I team up to enter the Arctic Snow Forest or venture into the boundless sea, I'll have to steal more spiritual items guarded by water-attribute demon beasts. That way, I'll have a chance to get Tier 2 water-attribute spirit cores."
After chatting for a while longer.
Ruan Tieniu left Golden Ao Mountain.
He left behind a Spirit Spring Pearl and two talisman legacies.
Although he didn't take the Iceheart Herb, he was very satisfied and held Chen Jianghe in even higher regard.
The connections to a refining grandmaster and an alchemy grandmaster were incredibly hard to come by.
Even the direct descendants of immortal clans would find it difficult to establish a relationship with a refining grandmaster.
After all, once a relationship reached a certain depth, one wouldn't lack for spirit-imbued artifacts. He guessed that Chen Jianghe's relationship with Luo Xiyue was extraordinary, and he definitely had a spirit-imbued artifact!
Chen Jianghe returned to the Spirit Spring Abode.
He took out the Spirit Spring Pearl, and in an instant, a dense spiritual power filled the entire courtyard, causing the spiritual energy within it to suddenly atomize into a mist.
"Is this an absorbable natural treasure?"
"A Tier 3 spirit spring takes a hundred years of condensed spiritual power to form a single Spirit Spring Pearl. The spiritual energy it contains is far purer than that of a Spirit Gathering Pill."
Spirit Gathering Pills contained many impurities and even pill toxins, making them unsuitable for continuous absorption and refinement.
But this naturally formed treasure was different. Its spiritual power was rich and dense, pure without impurities, and exceptionally gentle.
It could be directly absorbed by cultivators or spirit beasts.
And it was easier to refine into magical power.
"Master, what is this?"
Xiao Hei rushed into the room, his bright green eyes fixed on the Spirit Spring Pearl in Chen Jianghe's hand.
"If I devour this pearl, I can definitely reach the mid-stage of Tier 2 within half a year."
Hearing this, Chen Jianghe sensed Xiao Hei's longing for the Spirit Spring Pearl and didn't hesitate in the slightest.
He extended his hand directly toward Xiao Hei.
"Take it and absorb it."
Xiao Hei looked at Chen Jianghe's sincere expression, then at the Spirit Spring Pearl, and shook his head.
"Even without this pearl, I can still cultivate to the mid-stage of Tier 2, and even the late stage."
"Once I reach the late stage of Tier 2, the spiritual platform's mark will grant me an immortal opportunity."
"But you..."
Xiao Hei sighed.
"If your cultivation doesn't improve, what's the use of me even reaching Tier 3?"
With that, Xiao Hei turned and left the room.
His meaning was obvious: Chen Jianghe should refine the Spirit Spring Pearl, while he could continue cultivating with Water Spirit Pills.
The Three Revolutions Demon Ascension Art could quickly expel pill toxins. At most, it would take him ten years to reach the mid-stage of Tier 2.
There was no need to rush.
In his eyes, Chen Jianghe's cultivation advancement was far more important than his own.
If possible, he really wanted to give the Three Revolutions Demon Ascension Art to Chen Jianghe to cultivate.
Chen Jianghe watched Xiao Hei leave with a smile. He knew Xiao Hei wouldn't fight with him over cultivation resources.
The two of them were intrinsically linked.
Only when Chen Jianghe's cultivation was high would Xiao Hei live a long life.
Conversely.
When Xiao Hei's cultivation was high, Chen Jianghe would be safer.
Chen Jianghe cast aside distracting thoughts, focused his mind, and held the Spirit Spring Pearl in his palm, circulating the Myriad Waters True Scripture to absorb the spiritual power within.
A large amount of pure spiritual power surged into his body, guided by his magical power, it circulated through the microcosmic orbit.
Finally, it was converted into magical power by his spiritual roots, flowing into his Dantian and merging with the first drop of Foundation Establishment magical power he had cultivated.
"Such pure spiritual power. It's making the magical power I cultivate extremely pure as well."
Chen Jianghe sighed in admiration.
When he cultivated using Spirit Gathering Pills, he would need to use Dust Settling Pills to temper his magical power and remove impurities once he reached the late stage of Foundation Establishment.
"The Shenque acupoint can't contain this much spiritual power at all. Such vast spiritual power is enough for me to cultivate for five years."
"It's enough to raise my cultivation to the peak of the early stage of Foundation Establishment."
At this moment, he finally understood why absorbable natural treasures were never seen at auctions.
A single Spirit Spring Pearl allowed for five years of cultivation equivalent to over thirty years of arduous cultivation with Spirit Gathering Pills. Who would possibly put something like that up for auction?
"No wonder Gao Peiyao's cultivation progressed so quickly. As long as she has enough contribution points, she can exchange them for these spiritual items to cultivate with in the Tiannan Sect. How could her cultivation not be rapid?"
"I wonder if Ruan Tieniu has any more water-attribute natural treasures?"
Ruan Tieniu had said that as long as Chen Jianghe could get him an opportunity to have a spirit-imbued defensive artifact refined.
He would offer another water-attribute natural treasure.
Chen Jianghe suspected that Ruan Tieniu already had another water-attribute natural treasure in his possession. For him to dare make such a promise, he must have already obtained it.
Just like the Illusion Heart Herb back then.
"However, I can't ask Luo Xiyue right now. Even if I shamelessly went to ask, I'd probably be rejected."
"Once my cultivation reaches the mid-stage of Foundation Establishment and I can draw Tier 2 high-grade Violet Lightning Cloud-Piercing Talismans, my chances of success will be much higher if I ask then."
In five years, by absorbing and refining the spiritual power in the Spirit Spring Pearl, his cultivation could reach the peak of the early stage of Foundation Establishment.
At that time, he could take an Iceheart Obstacle-Breaking Pill to break through to the mid-stage of Foundation Establishment.
He had already traded away the Iceheart Obstacle-Breaking Pill he possessed.
But he had an Iceheart Herb.
And Jiang Ruxu had become a Tier 2 Alchemist, so there was a chance she could successfully refine the Iceheart Obstacle-Breaking Pill.
It wasn't just one Iceheart Herb they had.
Jiang Ruxu and Zhuang Xinyan also had an Iceheart Herb.
There was a margin for error.
Besides, Jiang Ruxu and Zhuang Xinyan each had an Iceheart Obstacle-Breaking Pill. He could borrow one to take first.
After breaking through to the mid-stage of Foundation Establishment, his skills in the Dao of Talismans would qualify him to make deals with Luo Xiyue and Gao Peiyao.
He could use this to exchange for more resources to advance his cultivation.
At this thought, he suddenly felt that the immortal path was within reach, and long life was attainable.
He cast aside distracting thoughts and focused his mind.
Chen Jianghe began to draw a Crimson Flame Soaring Cloud Talisman. After finishing the inscription, he didn't rush to infuse it with spiritual energy.
First, as usual, he cultivated the Jade Dew Muscle Growth Incantation for an hour.
Afterward, he used the sound-recording formation to ask if Jiang Ruxu and Zhuang Xinyan were in seclusion.
After receiving Zhuang Xinyan's reply.
He went to the Clear Sound Pavilion at the tail of the Ao.
"Brother Chen."
Zhuang Xinyan welcomed Chen Jianghe into the elegant abode by herself. Her expression was a little unnatural, a blush creeping onto her face.
"Mm, is Ruxu cultivating?"
"No, Junior Sister is refining a Mountain-Suppressing Bone-Mending Pill." Zhuang Xinyan's voice was soft and gentle. Her pretty eyes blinked as she mustered her courage and moved closer to Chen Jianghe to speak.
The woman's light, elegant fragrance wafted over, and Chen Jianghe felt instantly refreshed and relaxed.
"She's started refining Mountain-Suppressing Bone-Mending Pills? Not bad."
Chen Jianghe nodded, speaking with satisfaction.
He breathed in Zhuang Xinyan's fragrance and sat down in the pavilion. He had also come to practice alchemy.
Basically, he would come two or three times every month.
He had some talent in the Dao of Alchemy.
With his personality, he couldn't bear to waste a single spirit stone, let alone his own talent.
He was even thinking of becoming an alchemy grandmaster in the future!
"Brother Chen, can you teach me how to draw talismans?"
After Chen Jianghe sat down, Zhuang Xinyan first brewed him a pot of spirit tea, then leaned close to ask.
"Draw talismans?"
Chen Jianghe glanced quizzically at Zhuang Xinyan, who had leaned her pretty face close, and asked, "Why the sudden interest in drawing talismans?"
"I don't have any talent for alchemy, and Junior Sister won't let me go to the Arctic Snow Forest. I want to help ease some of her burden."
Zhuang Xinyan said with her head lowered, a hint of insecurity in her voice.
Alchemist Zhuang had left them many resources, but after reaching Foundation Establishment, their needs grew even greater.
Their inheritance wouldn't be able to support them for much longer.
Jiang Ruxu was already a Tier 2 Alchemist and could support them both through alchemy, so they didn't have to worry about basic cultivation resources.
But the resources needed by a Foundation Establishment cultivator went far beyond basic things like Spirit Gathering Pills.
Artifacts, talismans, and spiritual items were all indispensable.
If Jiang Ruxu only had to support herself, she wouldn't have to worry about these resources and could slowly accumulate them over twenty or thirty years.
Eventually, she would have everything she needed.
But Jiang Ruxu also had to support Zhuang Xinyan, which made it a problem that couldn't be solved in just twenty or thirty years.
However, it was only right for Jiang Ruxu to support Zhuang Xinyan.
If Alchemist Zhuang hadn't taken her in as a disciple, she would still be a low-level guide and would have likely perished long ago in the beast tide at Qinghe Market City.
Jiang Ruxu truly knew how to repay kindness.
She wouldn't let Zhuang Xinyan face danger, and when cultivation resources were available, she would always prioritize Zhuang Xinyan.
She already treated Zhuang Xinyan like her own sister.
"Drawing talismans? Alright."
Chen Jianghe nodded. He took out a blank jade slip and inscribed the Tier 1 talisman legacy into it.
Not only that, but he also took out another blank jade slip and inscribed the Tier 1 puppet legacy into it as well.
Five hours later.
Chen Jianghe placed the two jade slips into Zhuang Xinyan's hands and said gently, "This is the Tier 1 talisman legacy and the Tier 1 puppet legacy. You can try both."
"If you have a talent for the Dao of Talismans, I'll pass on some Tier 2 talisman legacies to you in the future."
"If you have a talent for making puppets, I'll help you find a Tier 2 puppet legacy."
Alchemist Zhuang had treated him like a junior, and the resources he gave him later on were given without any expectation of return.
At a time like this, Chen Jianghe naturally wouldn't be stingy.
He strongly encouraged Zhuang Xinyan to cultivate one of the hundred arts. This would also ease Jiang Ruxu's burden and allow the two women to go further on the immortal path.
"The Dao of Talismans and puppets... which one is more useful to you, Brother Chen?" Zhuang Xinyan asked in a small voice.
"Puppets... ahem. It depends on your talent. Whether you master the Dao of Talismans or the Dao of Puppets, it will benefit you in the future."
Chen Jianghe cleared his throat and spoke earnestly.
"Mm, Xinyan will definitely work hard, just like Junior Sister, to be able to help Brother Chen," Zhuang Xinyan said resolutely, clenching her delicate fist.
Chen Jianghe chuckled, but inwardly he was speechless.
Wasn't this about easing Jiang Ruxu's burden? How did it become about me?
Just then, the fire in the alchemy room began to die down. A plume of white smoke billowed out, followed by the rich fragrance of pills.
A quarter of an hour later.
Jiang Ruxu walked out of the alchemy room, her face beaming with joy.
"Senior Sister, I refined... Brother Chen."
Seeing Chen Jianghe, Jiang Ruxu's small mouth opened slightly, and then her face lit up with delight as she trotted over.
"Brother Chen, Senior Sister, I successfully refined the Mountain-Suppressing Bone-Mending Pill! It's a high-quality pill among Tier 2 low-grade spirit pills, hehe~"
"You're amazing, Junior Sister." Zhuang Xinyan took the spirit pill from Jiang Ruxu's hand, examining it for a moment before speaking happily.
"Brother Chen, look."
Zhuang Xinyan held up the Mountain-Suppressing Bone-Mending Pill for Chen Jianghe to see.
"Mm, the quality is comparable to the spirit pills Alchemist Zhuang used to refine."
Chen Jianghe glanced at it. The pill's quality was indeed excellent, comparable to the Mountain-Suppressing Bone-Mending Pills Alchemist Zhuang had refined in the past.
After another two years of settling in, Jiang Ruxu could attempt to refine Tier 2 mid-grade spirit pills.
"Ruxu, your talent in the Dao of Alchemy is quite good. Don't get complacent. You must redouble your efforts to comprehend the ultimate principles of alchemy. You might even become a Tier 3 Alchemist in the future," Chen Jianghe encouraged.
Hearing Chen Jianghe's words, Jiang Ruxu nodded happily.
"I will definitely keep working hard, so I can help Brother Chen sooner," Jiang Ruxu said, her tone as determined as Zhuang Xinyan's.
"Uh... alright, then you both need to work hard."
Chen Jianghe was taken aback for a moment, then smiled and cheered them on.
Then, he entered the alchemy room to refine Tier 1 mid-grade spirit pills, Spirit Accumulating Pills and Spirit Recovery Pills.
As for the matter of the Iceheart Obstacle-Breaking Pill, Chen Jianghe didn't mention it to Jiang Ruxu.
He didn't want to put pressure on her. When the time came, he would just have her refine it. If it failed once, they would try again.
In any case, he wasn't worried about the Iceheart Obstacle-Breaking Pill.
At worst, he could just use the pill that Jiang Ruxu or Zhuang Xinyan had first.
As for Ruan Tieniu?
If he found another Tier 2 Alchemist to refine the Iceheart Obstacle-Breaking Pill, there was also a chance of failure.
No one could guarantee success.
Therefore, he wouldn't pressure Jiang Ruxu, who was closer to him and well-behaved, just for Ruan Tieniu's sake.
"Senior Sister, did Brother Chen give you a legacy?"
Seeing Chen Jianghe enter the alchemy room, Jiang Ruxu pulled Zhuang Xinyan back to her boudoir and asked.
Zhuang Xinyan nodded lightly and took out the two jade slips.
"Brother Chen gave me a talisman legacy and a puppet legacy," Zhuang Xinyan said softly.
"A puppet legacy?"
Jiang Ruxu looked puzzled. Her lively eyes darted about before she said to Zhuang Xinyan, "Does Brother Chen want you to study puppet arts, Senior Sister?"
"I asked Brother Chen which one would be useful to him, and he seemed to lean toward puppets. Junior Sister, should I study the Dao of Talismans or puppet arts?"
"Puppet arts, of course! Brother Chen is already a Talisman Master, a Tier 2 one at that. If you study the Dao of Talismans, it won't be of much help to him."
"Senior Sister, don't even look at the talisman legacy. Just focus on puppet arts. If that doesn't work out, there's no need to study talismans either. My understanding of the Dao of Alchemy is getting stronger and stronger. The resources I earn from refining pills will be enough for us to cultivate alongside Brother Chen."
Jiang Ruxu said to Zhuang Xinyan, her gaze firm.
The next moment, magical power surged in her hand. The jade slip inscribed with the Tier 1 talisman legacy crumbled to dust, and a spiritual breeze swept up, scattering the fragments into the void.