Chapter 41: The Soul-Controlling Bell

A wealth of treasures from Old Demon Xu’s storage bag revealed themselves to Jiang Fan. First among them was the "Compendium of Hundred Poisons," the book Jiang Fan cared about most and the one Xiao An had mentioned.

Beyond that, there was a low-grade spirit stone, a "Comprehensive Guide to Basic Talismans," a "Comprehensive Guide to Basic Spells," and various other items, such as medicinal herbs required to concoct the antidote for the Seven-Day Heart-Devouring Poison.

"Excellent, excellent. With the Compendium of Hundred Poisons, there is finally a possibility of neutralizing the Seven-Day Heart-Devouring Poison in my body. Let me see if the antidote for it is recorded here." This was Jiang Fan’s most pressing concern. Although the names of the Wild Wolf Gang’s leader and third-in-command were still recorded in his "Grand Dao Heavenly Book," their names had grown exceedingly dim.

Should the Seven-Day Heart-Devouring Poison flare up, Jiang Fan’s life would be in peril; after all, if the second-in-command and the third-in-command were to die, the poison would immediately take effect within him.

Jiang Fan hurriedly flipped through the yellowed pages of the "Compendium of Hundred Poisons."

"The index lists a full three hundred types of toxins, all of which affect cultivators! No wonder... no wonder the 'miracle doctors' of the mortal realm could never find the root of the illness, let alone cure it! However, this copy is only a fragment, recording only one hundred toxins. These hundred are all aimed at Qi Refining stage cultivators, and the final few, the most terrifying ones, have no antidotes at all..."

Jiang Fan was struck with shock, his heart filled with awe.

"What a terrifying Compendium. To think there are so many poisons, and the further one reads, the more horrific they become—even Foundation Establishment cultivators would be in danger. Most importantly, there are no antidotes... Fortunately, the Seven-Day Heart-Devouring Poison I suffer from is only meant for mid-stage Qi Refining cultivators. Even without an antidote, once I break through to the mid-stage, I should have the hope of using my own cultivation power to purge the toxin from my body." Jiang Fan took a deep breath, his gaze falling upon the formula for the antidote.

"This antidote is not simple either; it is composed entirely of highly toxic ingredients... Could this be the method of fighting poison with poison?" Jiang Fan looked at the formula, his expression darkening significantly.

The recipe required thirteen ingredients, each one a potent poison in its own right. Moreover, these ingredients had to be mixed in precise proportions, and the process required the infusion of spiritual energy. Not the slightest error could be made; otherwise, the result would not be an antidote, but a lethal concoction.

"It seems preparing the antidote won't be easy! And I certainly cannot test it on myself... Since the Wild Wolf Gang is a scourge upon Peace Town, I might as well use their members to test the poison!" A cruel glint flashed in Jiang Fan's eyes. He muttered to himself, "It’s fortunate that Old Demon Xu left behind several vials of the poison, so I won't even need to refine it myself."

Jiang Fan then turned his attention to the "Comprehensive Guide to Basic Talismans" and the "Comprehensive Guide to Basic Spells."

"Wonderful things. To think they record the creation methods for so many basic talismans and the cultivation techniques for numerous spells! I have truly struck gold this time. Old Demon Xu, oh Old Demon Xu, you made so many preparations, yet in the end, it all benefits me! With these guides, I will soon be able to become a true cultivator." Jiang Fan’s eyes were filled with excitement when suddenly, his gaze sharpened.

He quickly retrieved an inconspicuous little bell from the storage bag. After studying it for a moment, Jiang Fan pricked his finger and dripped a drop of fresh blood onto it.

Instantly, information regarding the rust-covered bronze bell appeared in his mind.

"Soul-Controlling Bell, a primary-level magical treasure. By drawing a soul into it and refining it with the bell’s power, one can force the soul to pledge its loyalty. Excellent! This must be the treasure Old Demon Xu used to control Xiao An. I never expected to obtain it as well." Jiang Fan’s eyes shone with pleasant surprise. "However, this bell is only a primary-level treasure; its limit is to control souls at the peak of the Qi Refining stage. It cannot affect anything stronger."

Hum!

In the darkness of the night, the Soul-Controlling Bell began to vibrate, emitting a faint golden light. Jiang Fan felt an inexplicable aura emanating from it.

"What is this? Has the bell detected a soul?" With a thought, Jiang Fan channeled his spiritual energy into the artifact.

The bell instantly enlarged to the size of a meter, emitting a suction force that drew in two souls.

"You little beast... what are you doing?" A roar came from within the bell—it was Old Demon Xu’s voice, though it sounded incredibly weak.

"I... am I not dead? Where... where is this place?" The voice of the gang leader also echoed from within.

The bell flew into Jiang Fan’s palm, shrinking back to the size of an ordinary bell. Jiang Fan could see everything inside; he watched as the souls of Old Demon Xu and the gang leader appeared—ethereal, yet clearly visible.

"Interesting. So this is what a soul looks like after death?" Jiang Fan’s eyes were filled with curiosity. Although this was not his first time seeing a soul in this world, he still found it fascinating.

He looked at the bell in his hand and commanded, "Refine!"

Jiang Fan focused his intent and continued to pour spiritual energy into the bell. A wave of golden light rippled through the inner space, manifesting into two mystical seals that burrowed into the souls of the gang leader and Old Demon Xu.

"Ah... you little beast! You... you actually want to refine me into a soul slave? I am your master! You wicked, wretched brute, you deserve to die... you deserve to die!" Old Demon Xu realized what was happening immediately, letting out a shrill scream while continuing to curse Jiang Fan.

"Ah... the pain, the agony... what is happening to me?" The gang leader’s soul also screamed in torment.

But their cries soon faded away.

Following this, Jiang Fan experienced a profound sensation: it felt as if, with a single thought, he could command the two souls within the bell to do anything he wished.

The souls of Old Demon Xu and the gang leader emerged from the bell, kneeling respectfully before Jiang Fan in unison. "Greetings, Master!"

"Very good! From this day forward, you are my soul slaves. Rise." Jiang Fan looked at the two impressive souls with satisfaction. "Return to the bell and rest for now. I will summon you when I have need of you."

"Yes, Master!" they replied in unison, flying back into the bell.

After refining the two souls, Jiang Fan took the bell and headed toward the spot where the lieutenants had died, hoping to find more spoils.