11: Chapter 11: Found You?

The Witch stopped dancing, her face showing surprise: "Yin-Yang Talisman? Did someone from the Yin Yang Gate find you?"

Chu Yang didn't answer, instead staring at her warily.

The Witch smiled meaningfully: "Interesting, it seems you have more secrets than I imagined." She put away her Jade Flute, "No rush, we'll meet again, little brother."

With that, she transformed into a wisp of purple smoke and vanished into the night.

Chu Yang let out a long breath, but he was even more confused. The Witch's appearance made the situation even more complicated. Who should he trust?

As the night deepened, Chu Yang found a cave and decided to temporarily settle there. He sat cross-legged, taking out the foundation establishment pill given by Poison Concubine and examining it carefully.

"Since everyone wants me, I might as well get stronger first," Chu Yang muttered to himself, "At least I won't be a lamb waiting to be slaughtered."

He took a deep breath and swallowed the foundation establishment pill.

The foundation establishment pill melted upon entering his mouth, and a warm current quickly flowed through Chu Yang's entire body. He felt as if thousands of ants were crawling inside him, both itchy and painful, yet with an indescribable sense of comfort.

Chu Yang circulated his qi according to the cultivation technique in his memory, guiding the medicinal power through his meridians. However, when the medicinal power touched his Dantian, the Yin-Yang Talisman within him suddenly flickered violently, and a powerful resistance pushed the medicinal power away.

"What's going on?" Chu Yang abruptly opened his eyes.

He tried to guide it again, but the result was the same. The Yin-Yang Talisman was like a lock, completely blocking the medicinal power from entering his Dantian.

Chu Yang was unwilling to give up and tried a third time, using all his strength. Suddenly, a sharp pain shot through his Dantian, and he spat out a mouthful of blood, collapsing to the ground.

"Damn it, the Yin-Yang Talisman is hindering my Foundation Establishment!" Chu Yang gritted his teeth.

Just as he was struggling in pain, a voice sounded from outside the cave: "Using this method for Foundation Establishment will only harm yourself."

Chu Yang vigilantly looked up and saw the Witch standing at the cave entrance, the moonlight casting a mysterious glow upon her.

"You followed me?" Chu Yang asked.

The Witch chuckled: "I've been observing you in secret." She took a few steps closer. "Poison Concubine's foundation establishment pill is good, but it's not suitable for your constitution."

Chu Yang snorted: "How do you know my constitution?"

"Because I understand you better than any of them," the Witch said meaningfully, "The Yin-Yang Talisman in your body is just a facade; what's truly special is your soul."

Chu Yang's heart trembled. Soul? Could she know about his rebirth?

The Witch continued: "Your soul has experienced samsara, carrying memories and power from your previous life, but it's sealed by the Yin-Yang Talisman. Ordinary Foundation Establishment methods cannot break through this seal."

Chu Yang pretended to be calm: "What are you talking about? I don't understand."

"No need to pretend," the Witch smiled, "I know you remember things from your previous life, even if only fragments." She extended her delicate hand, "Let me help you unseal the Yin-Yang Talisman and release your true power."

Chu Yang cautiously retreated: "Why help me?"

"Because we are the same kind," a trace of loneliness flashed in the Witch's eyes, "Both are pitiful people toyed with by fate."

Chu Yang hesitated. The Witch was the only one who mentioned his soul's uniqueness, which made him consider that her words might hold some truth.

"How do I unseal it?" Chu Yang asked.

A hint of joy flashed in the Witch's eyes: "It's simple, I need to establish a soul connection with you and guide your power to break through the Yin-Yang Talisman."

"Soul connection?" Chu Yang became even more wary, "What is that?"

The Witch softly explained: "It's connecting a wisp of my divine consciousness to you, helping you retrieve your sealed memories and power."

Chu Yang pondered for a moment, then shook his head: "No, I can't take that risk. I don't even know who you are."

The Witch sighed: "You're too cautious." Her eyes suddenly lit up. "How about this, I'll tell you a secret first, to prove my sincerity."

She leaned close to Chu Yang and whispered a few words in his ear.

Chu Yang's expression changed drastically: "How do you know that?"

"Because everything I say is true," the Witch smiled, "Do you believe me now?"

Chu Yang remained silent for a long time, finally nodding: "What should I do?"

The Witch showed a satisfied smile: "It's simple, close your eyes and relax your mind."

Chu Yang complied, but his guard remained up.

The Witch gently placed her palm on Chu Yang's forehead and began to chant a strange incantation. A peculiar energy seeped from her palm into Chu Yang's body, directly reaching the Yin-Yang Talisman in his Dantian.

Chu Yang felt a dizzying sensation, as if his soul was being pulled out of his body. In this trance, he saw many blurry images—a magnificent palace, a brutal battle, a mysterious altar, and... a person who looked exactly like him.

"Is that... my past life?" Chu Yang thought in shock.

Just as he tried to discern these images, the Witch's chanting suddenly changed tune, and her palm exerted force, a strange suction emanating from it, as if to extract Chu Yang's soul.

"What are you doing!" Chu Yang opened his eyes in horror, seeing a greedy glint in the Witch's eyes.

"It truly is a complete soul of samsara," the Witch exclaimed in ecstasy, "With it, I can break the curse!"

Chu Yang struggled desperately, but the Witch's power far exceeded his imagination. His consciousness began to blur, and his soul felt as if it was being extracted bit by bit.

At this critical moment, the Yin-Yang Talisman in his Dantian suddenly burst forth with dazzling light, and a powerful repulsive force pushed the Witch away.

"Damn Yin Yang Gate!" The Witch crashed against the cave wall, spitting out a mouthful of blood.

Chu Yang seized the opportunity to leap up, adopting a defensive stance: "What exactly do you want to do?"

The Witch wiped the blood from the corner of her mouth and sneered: "Take what you don't deserve to possess." She straightened up. "The soul of samsara rightfully belongs to me, yet it was stolen by a mortal like you!"

Chu Yang's heart trembled. The soul of samsara? Is this why he was able to be reborn?

"Don't think the Yin-Yang Talisman can protect you forever," the Witch grinned menacingly, "In three days, when the talisman's power is exhausted, you will surely fall into my hands!"

With that, she transformed into a wisp of purple smoke and vanished into the night.

Chu Yang collapsed to the ground, panting heavily. The recent encounter left him with lingering fear, but it also gave him crucial information—he possessed the "soul of samsara," which might be the reason for his rebirth and the true purpose behind everyone pursuing him.

"No wonder no one explicitly said it," Chu Yang muttered to himself, "The soul of samsara is more precious than any bloodline."

As dawn approached, Chu Yang decided to leave the cave. The Witch knew his hiding place, so it was no longer safe.

Stepping out of the cave, Chu Yang found himself in an unfamiliar mountain range. There seemed to be signs of human habitation in the distance, and he decided to head there for help.

As he walked, Chu Yang continuously pondered his situation. Now he knew the truth behind his pursuit, but he still wasn't sure whom to trust. Bi Luo, Poison Concubine, Chi Lian, Elder Heavenly Demon, Xiu Yin, or someone else?

"Three days, I need to figure something out," Chu Yang whispered, "At least to clarify who is telling the truth."