Chapter 136: The Pinnacle of Hidden Weapons, the Cold Orchid Silver Needles

“Of course, we’re not like some people who speak recklessly and act without restraint, nor do we blindly pursue outcomes without considering if we can bear the consequences. Who wouldn’t prefer a peaceful life with fewer troubles? Why should we entangle ourselves in needless complications and bind ourselves in a cocoon of our own making?” Xiao Yin said irritably, watching the elder’s ever-changing expression. It seemed this old man had them pegged, boldly arrogant as he was.

Yet, had he truly thought through whether the Crimson Snake Spirit was someone he could provoke, or if Yu Shang, that stubborn brat, was someone he could control? Everything seemed to unfold exactly as he anticipated, as if nothing could escape his grasp, but what he failed to realize was that things had already changed imperceptibly, becoming unpredictable and no longer as they once were. Life is fickle; when you think you’re manipulating fate, more often than not, fate is the one wearing you down.

The elder was in precisely such a predicament. He believed he had Yu Shang and Xiao Yin bound, yet he was unaware that they had already turned the tables, manipulating him to achieve certain goals they could not reach on their own—for now.

“Since Elder wishes to investigate now that the matter is settled, we need not disturb your rest any longer. We will take our leave!” With that, Yu Shang took Xiao Yin by the arm and began to leave swiftly, fearing the two elders might clash at any moment. After all, the elder’s temper was mercurial and unpredictable, while Xiao Yin’s pride and stubbornness could not endure being looked down upon. It was best to leave quickly and minimize their encounters.

Yet, Yu Shang had a feeling their fate with this elder was far from over. There would be future opportunities to meet, perhaps even to work together. But how could Xiao Yin’s obstinate nature ever get along with this eccentric old man? The thought troubled Yu Shang deeply. For now, he maintained a subtle distance from the elder—close enough to use him as a tool when needed, but cautious enough to guard against being manipulated and used as a pawn in the Yanlan Academy’s schemes.

“Wait,” the elder called out to the two as they hastened away. “I am not one to greedily take without giving back. Since I’m entrusting you with this matter, I must ensure your safety first. I have something for you—catch it!” With a wave of his hand, several slender silver needles shot toward them.

The needles sliced through the air, leaving behind beautiful, shimmering trails, like stars falling from the heavens and scattering their light upon the earth. Their brilliance was dazzling, yet they exuded a chilling aura that warned those who basked in their glow to keep their distance.

Yu Shang halted and turned, raising his hand to catch the needles as they came hurtling toward him. He then spread his palm to examine them carefully. At first glance, they appeared unremarkable, but the needles were in fact quite lethal. Though small, their craftsmanship was exquisite, almost mesmerizing. Delicately carved on their surfaces were lifelike magnolia blossoms. As Yu Shang gazed at the flowers, a faint fragrance drifted gently to him, refreshing his mind and invigorating his spirit, as if every fiber of his being had been suffused with the enchanting scent—lingering long after.

Images of the magnolia blossoms danced repeatedly in Yu Shang’s mind—the vivid elegance carved onto the silver needles seemed imbued with life and soul, like alluring maidens whose slightest movement captivated countless admirers. The way the petals fluttered in the breeze was beyond words—truly a beauty that belonged in the heavens, rarely glimpsed in the mortal realm. They were, without question, the sovereign of all flowers, both majestic and aloof.

“I’m but a humble novice, and I cannot comprehend the purpose of these needles. Elder, please enlighten me so I might wield them to their fullest potential,” Yu Shang said respectfully, turning the needles over in his hand. Aside from the biting cold that seemed to penetrate his bones and the delicate scent that filled his heart, he found no other unusual qualities. To him, they seemed no more than finely crafted embroidery needles, albeit with a touch of elegance.

Though Yu Shang believed the elder’s gift was no ordinary weapon, he could not unravel the mystery hidden within those slender needles.

What use could these seemingly ordinary silver needles have? Why did the elder bestow them upon him? Could such simple needles truly grant victory over the formidable contenders in the upcoming trial for access to the mysterious realm? That notion seemed far-fetched. While unique, Yu Shang trusted that his own blade was far more effective—unless these needles could pierce what his blade could not, or control those his blade failed to subdue. Otherwise, in his hands, they were merely ornate pins, nothing more.

“The needles you hold are the Yanlan Academy’s secret weapon, the ‘Cold Orchid Needle.’ They can silently penetrate an enemy’s body without causing the slightest pain, much like a mosquito’s bite. Once inside, they travel with the bloodstream to the heart, where they dissolve and mutate into a potent poison. Though the venom does not kill immediately, it can block the victim’s internal energy, temporarily draining their cultivation,” the elder explained proudly, as if no weapon on earth could rival this one.

Yu Shang indeed felt something peculiar—the cold seemed to flow from the needle into his palm, entering his body and gathering in his heart. The fragrance grew stronger, as if eager to invade his entire being. The scent intoxicated him, deepening with every breath, like drinking an ancient, aged wine—dizzying yet without discomfort—transporting him to a realm of ethereal bliss. The sensation was so soothing that Yu Shang felt as if he might drift into slumber at any moment.

“Since the Cold Orchid Needle is so marvelous, why be so stingy? Only six needles for us—is that enough to subdue anyone?” Xiao Yin scoffed disdainfully at the elder. Just moments ago, the elder claimed not to be greedy, yet now he was so miserly—it was truly contemptible. Xiao Yin doubted a mere needle could restrain a formidable foe; if they had to rely on it, death would be but a step away.

Evidently, Xiao Yin failed to notice Yu Shang’s unease; otherwise, he would not have mocked the elder so brazenly. The Cold Orchid Needle could, even before entering the body, easily influence those who came into contact with it—a rare and cunning weapon indeed! Still, it could only temporarily confuse the weak-willed. Someone like Yu Shang, who could regain clarity at the slightest hint of danger, remained unaffected unless the needle actually pierced his body. In such hands, the Cold Orchid Needle was no more than a simple embroidery pin.

Nevertheless, the aroma exuded by the needle was genuinely comforting. If not regarded as a deadly weapon, it could serve as a soothing incense to calm a troubled mind, allowing one to momentarily cast aside worries and rest peacefully. Yet if the elder knew of such a trivial use, he would likely grieve the waste of such a precious treasure and lament Yu Shang’s lack of insight.

The elder paid no mind to Xiao Yin’s rudeness and patiently continued, “The creation of the Cold Orchid Needle is no easy task. One needle consumes a tenth of our cultivation. Only a few elders in the Yanlan Academy possess them. Even our most promising disciples are rarely gifted such weapons. Today, I have given you six—are you not grateful? These needles can subdue anyone and pierce anything. Even the ancient gods would show caution in their presence.”

A faint, proud smile curved the elder’s lips, clearly pleased with the needles.

His pride was justified; crafting such a potent weapon was no ordinary feat. The fact that even ancient gods—beings of immense power and invulnerability—would fear it spoke volumes. Ancient gods were said to be impervious to all weapons, their bodies as tough as divine silk. Yet the Cold Orchid Needle could effortlessly penetrate even them. Such a weapon was truly extraordinary and awe-inspiring.

Regrettably, each needle could only be used once, vanishing inside the target. Thus, six needles meant only six potential victims. Such weapons were reserved for dire emergencies.

But precisely because they were so rare and precious, their value was undeniable. If they were as common as dust, there would be no need for such careful preservation.

“After your explanation, Elder, I realize the Cold Orchid Needle is indeed a top-tier weapon. I am deeply grateful for your generosity,” Yu Shang said with sincere respect. Even if he disliked the elder, politeness was necessary—who knew when he might need this old man’s help again?

In fact, there might well be future occasions requiring the use of these needles. Maintaining good relations could even yield more.

Burning bridges now would only bring trouble later. The Yanlan Academy was tied to countless secrets, countless powerful treasures—perhaps one day it could serve as a refuge.

“This is no great favor,” the elder said frankly. “I gave you the Cold Orchid Needles not just for your sake but to ensure that matter gets resolved swiftly. Honestly, it’s for my own benefit. Otherwise, why would I give such precious weapons away? Now that you’ve accepted them, there’s even less reason to mess things up. Otherwise, I’ll make you feel the sting of the Cold Orchid Needle and the pain of cultivation lost.”

The elder spoke bluntly, refusing to sugarcoat his words. Perhaps he did not care to please others, or perhaps he despised such pretense. Sometimes, honesty is better—even if it offends. At least one doesn’t feel disgusted by their own hypocrisy. Unfortunately, Yu Shang had no choice but to accept this harsh truth; sometimes, there is no turning back.