It was unclear what method Pill King Lü Feng had used, but every single item Jiang Chen asked him to prepare had been gathered without exception.
Seeing that everything was ready, Jiang Chen felt a small measure of relief settle in his chest.
With these materials on hand, he was far more confident.
"Pick a spacious area — I'll set up the formation right away. Thankfully, old He's return didn't cost us too much time. Otherwise, once the first growth cycle of these gu worms passes, we'll be in real trouble."
Jiang Chen could tell that the first growth cycle of the gu worms had only three or four days left before it ended. Once that cycle was complete, the worms would mature. All the vital essence of the first host's blood would be drained completely.
The gu worms would then burst from the body and seek new hosts.
If these activated gu worms broke free with no precautions in place, there was no telling how many people would be invaded. More hosts meant more gu worms. One would spread to ten, ten to a hundred — no wonder some powerful kingdoms had collapsed into ghost towns within mere months.
This was no exaggerated rumor. It was very likely the truth.
Thankfully, the first cycle had not yet passed.
Pill King Lü Feng's mansion naturally had no shortage of spacious rooms. Jiang Chen selected a secluded area and ordered Lü Feng to ensure that no one set foot there.
He took out formation flags and laid down a tight formation. Around the perimeter, he arranged additional barriers constructed from spiritual medicines.
" These gu worms are called Wood Demon Gu Worms, " Jiang Chen explained as he worked, his tone grave. " According to legend, they were bred and cultivated by the Wood Demon clan, a branch of the demon race. In the ancient era, the Wood Demon clan used these gu worms to rule over countless continental planes. Their greatest strength lies in concealment — they cannot be seen with the naked eye, nor detected through divine sense. Once they take root, you won't even know until they activate. And by the time they do, it's nearly impossible to deal with."
Lü Feng listened with uncharacteristic seriousness, his usual jovial demeanor set aside entirely. He paid close attention like an apprentice studying under a master.
"The Wood Demon Gu Worms have very few natural predators. But there are things that can counter them. Among the five elements — metal, wood, water, fire, and earth — there is a type of fire called First Dawn Fire, which is their bane. This First Dawn Fire appears when the morning sun first rises, containing the essence of the transition between night and day. Whether it's the smaller worms or the mother worm, none can survive contact with this fire."
Jiang Chen explained patiently: "However, First Dawn Fire is exceedingly rare. So while it counters Wood Demon Gu Worms in theory, it cannot be deployed on a large scale."
"Among the five elements, there is also Dragon Saliva Water. Soaking in it can kill the Wood Demon Gu Worms, though its effectiveness falls just short of the First Dawn Fire."
"Beyond this fire and this water, certain spiritual medicines can suppress the worms — but only suppress, not kill."
"Are these the spiritual medicines?" Lü Feng looked at the materials he had gathered.
Jiang Chen shook his head. "These medicines must be decocted and refined into an essence. The essence is then dried into a kind of powder, which is spread over the body. The Wood Demon Gu Worms despise this powder above all else. What we need to do now is decoct the powder and inject it into old He's bloodstream. This is a gamble for old He, because the powder will have certain side effects once it enters the blood. But it will force the Wood Demon Gu Worms out."
"I see. Then the powder has to be distributed completely evenly — not a single blind spot left behind. If even one worm doesn't come out, the trouble will be enormous."
Jiang Chen nodded. "You needn't worry about that. As martial practitioners, we can manage this much."
"Old Lü, start decocting these medicines. Once they're refined, use your divine ability to dry them into powder as fast as possible. Then set up a containment line so the worms can't scatter in every direction when they emerge. Between the containment line and the formation, we'll have double security."
Pill King Lü Feng nodded. "Understood."
There was no time to lose. Lü Feng set aside all his reservations and brought out his alchemy cauldron to begin the decoction.
Fortunately, the process didn't require much technical skill. The only issue was the sheer quantity needed.
After roughly half an incense stick's time, large batches of powder had been extracted.
"Set up the containment line," Jiang Chen commanded.
As the apprentice, Lü Feng had no objections to doing the legwork. He followed Jiang Chen's instructions and arranged the containment line precisely.
Jiang Chen spoke again: "Now, stay nearby and watch closely. If things don't go smoothly, be ready to take action."
"Take action?" Lü Feng started, a questioning look in his eyes.
He Hongshu spoke up: "Kill me."
Lü Feng looked at Jiang Chen. Jiang Chen nodded. "It's a precaution. I don't want to do it, but if the worst comes to pass, it must be done. Do you understand?"
"I understand." Lü Feng nodded resolutely. "Old He, we've been friends for decades. But duty is duty, and friendship is friendship."