Chapter 25 The Brick with a Story
Mu Xingzhi was speechless for a moment, whenever the mention of the little uncle alchemizing was made, the Seventh Elder would run faster than anyone else.
"Let's go as well!"
Mu Xingzhi's True Yuan surged, lifting Ling Xi and chasing after Li Cheng.
Ling Xi, only at the Foundation Establishment Stage of cultivation, couldn't achieve flight without the aid of external items.
As they landed in the plaza at the foot of Seventh Peak, the Pill Sect disciples couldn't wait to greet them, bowing respectfully, "We've seen Elder Li!"
Li Cheng surveyed the fully seated stands, the onlookers even more numerous than the last time he competed with the Seventh Elder.
In each of their eyes swirled intense anticipation, their faces beaming with pride.
Even the highest ranks of the Pill Sect had tried every means to find an opportunity to observe the Eighteenth Elder perform alchemy, so as disciples of the Heavenly Mechanism Sect, they were naturally proud!
Withdrawing his gaze, Li Cheng nodded slightly towards the Pill Sect disciples, as a return greeting.
Shentu Feng offered a storage ring with the utmost respect, "Elder Li, all the materials are inside."
Li Cheng accepted the storage ring without hurry to check inside. Instead, he looked towards the Seventh Elder, "We'll skip the rest of the Divine Pill materials, let's start from the Fusion Dao Pill."
Those who originally thought Li Cheng would directly concoct the Tribulation Crossing Pill and the Responding to Calamity Pill, were overjoyed, starting from the Fusion Dao Pill meant that afterwards, he would concoct the Unifying Pill, the Tribulation Crossing Pill, and the Responding to Calamity Pill!
What an excellent chance to observe!
The Pill Sect disciples were equally delighted, not expecting the additional bonus!
They just did not know if Li Cheng could once again concoct the Emperor Grade pills.
But regardless, the Pill Sect disciples knew they had a great chance to delve into the secrets of the Emperor Grade pills!
Shentu Feng, suppressing his excitement and stabilizing his mind, offered his respects with a smile, "Thank you, Elder Li, for giving us this opportunity to observe!"
"No need to be polite," Li Cheng responded offhandedly.
Allowing you to observe, but you can't learn anything, does it matter to me?
Receiving what was essentially a polite response from Li Cheng, Shentu Feng was delighted and quickly took out a shining gold token, presenting it with both hands, "Elder Li, please accept this token!"
Li Cheng glanced at the token, one side engraved with the character 'Order', the other depicting a round pill.
Before Li Cheng could speak, Mu Xingzhi and the others had already shown a subtle change of expression, and Mu Xingzhi quickly said, "Sect Leader Shentu, you should keep this token!"
"What is the meaning of this?" Li Cheng looked towards Shentu Feng.
Not knowing the significance of the token, Li Cheng naturally wouldn't take it lightly.
"Hehe, this is our Pill Sect's Honorary Elder Token. The bearer has the privilege to freely enter the treasure vault and select Spirit Medicine, and also receives a generous amount of Spirit Stones annually," Shentu Feng explained.
Combining this with the reaction of people like Mu Xingzhi, Li Cheng knew Shentu Feng's explanation was avoiding the full truth.
"You wish to make me your Honorary Elder?" Li Cheng's expression was calm, lending an air of mystery to the observers from the Pill Sect.
Shentu Feng nodded earnestly, bending forward, "1 hope Elder Li will deign to accept. The position of Honorary Elder is second only to the Sect Master, and as it's free from day-to-day sect affairs, it will surely not delay your cultivation practices."
Digging at the wall in front of so many Heavenly Mechanism Sect higher-ups?
Although it was a nominal position, its status was much higher than that of a regular Elder.
Mu Xingzhi and the others were angry in their hearts, this action of the Pill Sect was tantamount to insulting the Heavenly Mechanism Sect!
But at the same time, they were also proud, see, the mighty Pill Sect was still humbled by an Elder of our Heavenly Mechanism Sect, right?
Such a contradiction!
"See? How awesome is your mentor? Even the Pill Sect is eagerly digging at the wall," the Seventh Elder transmitted his voice to Ling Xi, who was beside him.
Worship shone in Ling Xi's eyes as she nodded fervently.
She dared not transmit her voice back, well aware that with her level of cultivation, in front of these profoundly cultivated seniors, transmitting voice was no different from speaking out loud.
Mu Xingzhi and the others were conflicted, wondering whether to advise Li Cheng.
After all, becoming an Honorary Elder of the Pill Sect would also benefit the Heavenly Mechanism Sect. Holding positions in two sects could not only promote more cooperation but also mediate some conflicts.
They were indeed worried that if they really agreed, Mu Xingzhi and the others would be concerned that the young grand-uncle would be firmly grasped by the Pill Sect.
"Sect Leader Shentu's kind offer is appreciated, but unfortunately, I'm not interested," Li Cheng replied, shaking his head slightly.
Shentu Feng stood there, dumbfounded. This was the grand gift he had prepared!
Rejected with just a 'not interested'?
Not to mention the highly revered status of an honorary elder, but just the ability to enter the treasure vault at will, countless strong figures in the world would desire this token!
Is there a gift heavier than this?
Several meters away, Ning Qianqiu let out a long sigh of relief and looked at Shentu Feng somewhat smugly. Aren't you the master of gift-giving?
How about that… hehe!
Touching his storage ring, Ning Qianqiu's eyes gleamed, 'When it comes to giving gifts, you have to look at me!'
With that thought in his heart, Ning Qianqiu quickly stepped forward, "Elder Li, 1 have offended you before; I have specially prepared an apology gift for you. Please be sure to accept it!"
As he spoke, Ning Qianqiu took out a pitch-black object from his storage ring!
A brick!
Seeing the 'gift' that Ning Qianqiu took out, everyone from the Pill Sect felt the world darken before their eyes and nearly fainted!
What the heck!
Your grand-uncle Ning Qianqiu, are you trying to anger Elder Li?
You're giving a brick as a gift?
Who gives a gift like this?
Aren't you afraid that Elder Li will pick up the brick and smack you to death with it?
If you were smacked to death, you'd deserve it, but this would implicate the Pill Sect as well!
Shentu Feng snapped back to reality, grabbed Ning Qianqiu by the shoulders, and glared at him viciously, transmitting his voice angrily, "Ning Qianqiu, has our sect leader been too nice to you?"
The people of the Pill Sect were angry!
Before, they had asked Ning Qianqiu to take out the gift for everyone to check, but he refused.
And now, look at what he's done, pulling out a dark brick!
That brick of yours, did you pry it out of a stove or what?
At this moment, a strong suspicion surged in the hearts of those from the Pill Sect. They suspected that Ning Qianqiu was an undercover agent from another sect! Fôll0w current novÊls o/n n/o/(v)/3l/b((in).(c/o/m)
Sent to bring down the Pill Sect!
The Pill Sect members glared at Ning Qianqiu with hatred. If not for the nearly ten thousand people from the Heavenly Mechanism Sect present, they would have definitely rushed forward and torn Ning Qianqiu to pieces!
Ning Qianqiu held the brick in both hands, and suddenly, a chill rose in his heart. Hearing the sect leader's transmission, he swallowed hard!
"Sect Leader, don't be angry, look at me!" Ning Qianqiu mustered up the courage to reply and presented the brick with both hands.
Li Cheng, of course, heard their conversation and even the anger-filled transmissions from the Pill Sect members at Ning Qianqiu, but his gaze was drawn to the pitch-black brick.
Li Cheng grabbed the brick, curious, "Where did you get this from?"
Seeing his gift accepted by Li Cheng, Ning Qianqiu immediately became ecstatic, energetically clasping his fists, looking like an excited… psychiatric patient!
"To answer Elder Li, it was given to me by a Loose Immortal senior!" Ning Qianqiu said excitedly.
How could he not be excited?
The Sect Master gave such a heavy gift, which was outright ignored.
And his own gift, succeeded!
Li Cheng patted the dust off the brick, clicking his tongue in wonder, "A Loose Immortal? That Loose Immortal must be quite something, his stove…. must have quite the story!"
Chapter 26 There's actually Immortal Qi
Li Cheng repeatedly inspected the brick, this thing was no simple matter!
Ning Qianqiu turned his head with a proud look plastered across his face, sweeping his gaze over the Pill Sect members.
See that?
You so-called gift-giving experts, not so great, huh? Still worried I'd mess up the gift-giving?
In the end, the joke is on you!
Shentu Feng glared at Ning Qianqiu, who was frightened enough to immediately drop the triumphant look and regain his composure.
"First Elder, what exactly is that brick? It looks like it was taken out from inside a furnace!" Shentu Feng communicated through a message.
Ning Qianqiu was left speechless. When he's angry, he calls him by his name, but when he's not, he calls him First Elder?
Clearing his throat, Ning Qianqiu said, "That's right, it was taken out from inside a furnace. When I got it, 1 almost killed a Loose Immortal with that very brick!"
The muscles on Shentu Feng's face twitched. Kill a Loose Immortal? With your Tribulation Crossing Stage cultivation?
"Unfortunately, I could not possibly defeat a Loose Immortal, so I had no choice but to accept it."
Hearing Ning Qianqiu say this, Shentu Feng understood.
It must have been a Loose Immortal who approached Ning Qianqiu, asking him to perform alchemy.
And the payment for the alchemy was that brick!
How could Ning Qianqiu dare to offend a Loose Immortal?
So even if what he was given was a brick, he had to grit his teeth and accept it, even having to happily express his liking with words of gratitude.
"But later, I discovered that the brick was extraordinary; it actually contained natural array patterns!"
At this point, Ning Qianqiu's eyes flickered with excitement. He originally thought that the Loose Immortal was just looking for free labor, the kind that came with a brick as a threat.
But as it turned out, that brick really was a treasure!
"Natural array patterns? Could it be an Array Pattern Stone?" Shentu Feng asked curiously.
Ning Qianqiu nodded, "Exactly, Array Pattern Stones are extremely rare. If one can comprehend the natural array patterns contained within, the benefits would be considerable."
Shentu Feng thoughtfully looked towards Li Cheng, who was examining the brick. A Pill Master studying natural array patterns?
Could it be, Elder Li was also skilled in formations?
"Strange, the junior martial uncle refuses the honorary Elder position but accepts a brick…" the Seventh Elder muttered.
"The junior martial uncle has an extraordinary eye, that brick can't possibly be ordinary," Mu Xingzhi murmured softly.
The First Elder was full of curiosity, "I'm curious, what sort of background does that Loose Cultivator mentioned by Ning Qianqiu have? A brick from a furnace construction is actually extraordinary!"
Li Cheng studied for a moment and discovered that the brick's interior had at least a thousand natural array patterns, and deeper within, there was even Immortal Qi!
The natural array patterns sealed the Immortal Qi. If Li Cheng's mastery in formations hadn't reached level eight, he would never have found it!
What kind of treasure was emitting the Immortal Qi?
"Only by unraveling the natural array patterns can 1 know, and to undo these patterns, a single moment of enlightenment is enough!" Li Cheng murmured inwardly.
With this thought, Li Cheng put away the brick, and gave Ning Qianqiu a rare slight smile, "Elder Ning has been thoughtful, I like this gift!"
Upon receiving Li Cheng's approval, Ning Qianqiu was somewhat elated, overwhelmed with excitement.
Suppressing his exhilaration, Ning Qianqiu quickly bowed, "If Elder Li likes it, that's great. If you're interested, I can take you to that Loose Immortal anytime."
Li Cheng nodded slightly, without saying much, and strode towards the center of the square.
It was time for alchemy.
The Pill Sect members hurriedly returned to their spots, and as they took their seats, they cast admiring glances at Ning Qianqiu.
With a smile on his face, Ning Qianqiu let out a long breath, "Finally, I can watch Elder Li perform alchemy!"
There was no hiding the sense of accomplishment in his voice!
People murmured in their hearts, keep being smug!
You might have actually gotten closer to Elder Li, but with your emotional intelligence, who knows when you might be smacked to death for blathering nonsense.
Thinking of this, the members of the Pill Sect felt much more balanced in their hearts.
"Have you noticed the female disciple who came with Elder Li?" one of the Elders suddenly communicated through sound transmission.
"Yes, we saw her. She was brought here by Sect Leader Mu," someone responded.
Shentu Feng narrowed his eyes slightly, "Third Elder, what have you discovered?"
"Sect Master, that female disciple has looked towards Elder Li many times with immense admiration in her gaze, and she followed behind Elder Li when she came. I suspect she is Elder Li's direct disciple!"
Upon hearing this, Shentu Feng's heart stirred, "Oh? You mean to say, we should start with Elder Li's successor? To establish a good relationship?"
The Third Elder nodded; that was indeed the intention.
Elder Li doesn't accept tokens; giving other gifts would seem too intentional, so we can only approach people close to Li Cheng!
Shentu Feng pondered, "Third Elder, you've made a great contribution!"
In the midst of their sound transmission, Shentu Feng's gaze shifted to Ning Qianqiu, "First Elder, I need you to return to the sect once more and fetch the Spirit Feather Glass Clothes."
Ning Qianqiu was taken aback, "Sect Master, you don't mean for me to go now, do you? Elder Li is about to start alchemy!"
Shentu Feng nodded with certainty, "Your speed is fast, it won't cause much delay."
"No way, how can 1 leave at such a crucial moment? It would be disrespectful to Elder Li!" Ning Qianqiu's pleading voice shifted as he used Li Cheng as a shield. VịSit no(v)3lb/!n(.)c𝒐m for new 𝒏ov𝒆l𝒔
As an alchemist, how could he miss such an opportunity to observe, one who could concoct Emperor Grade pills in the Alchemy Dao!
So the only excuse was that leaving would be disrespectful to Elder Li.
Shentu Feng thought it over and indeed found it reasonable.
Then let's wait until after the observation is over!
"Sect Master, the Spirit Feather Glass Clothes is a top-grade spiritual artifact, but it's also an item for females. It's not appropriate for a group of us old men to present it, is it?" the Third Elder said.
Shentu Feng nodded, "I was so focused on building relationships that I forgot about this aspect. I'll send a message to Yao'er and have her bring it over!"
With that, Shentu Feng took out a Message Jade Slip and began transmitting the message.
Li Cheng had already arrived at the center of the square, flipped his hand and took out the Purple Void Jade Emperor's Tripod, and then presented a hundred sets of Fusion Dao Pill materials.
To avoid causing too much astonishment, Li Cheng didn't plan to concoct a thousand sets this time.
With his Spiritual Sense scanning over the Fusion Dao Pill materials, Li Cheng suddenly had a thought and looked towards Ling Xi.
"Ling Xi, come here."
Calling his disciple over, first, she could observe up close, hopefully grasping something sooner and earning him some Enlightenment counts.
Secondly, it would let all the disciples know that Ling Xi was his disciple, and they should not provoke her in the future.
Ling Xi hastened over, performed a courtesy and said gently, "Does Master have any instructions?"
"Later, you'll be responsible for collecting the pills."
After giving his instruction, Li Cheng threw the hundred sets of Fusion Dao Pill materials into the Purple Void Jade Emperor's Tripod.
Alchemy began once again!
"To concoct so many sets at once, it would be hard to believe if not seen with my own eyes!" Ning Qianqiu murmured quietly.
"This is probably a necessary condition for producing Emperor Grade pills, we'll see as we go on!" Shentu Feng's eyes glittered with anticipation.
Just as Li Cheng was about to initiate the True Fire, suddenly, he frowned and turned to look northward.
"Junior Uncle, what's the matter?" the Seventh Elder asked quickly.
The members of the Pill Sect also stood up in confusion.
They were eager to witness the process and results of concocting a hundred sets of materials at the same time, but Li Cheng was frowning and looking northward; what was happening?
After a brief moment of thought, Mu Xingzhi raised an eyebrow, "Junior Uncle, has the Sword Qi you gave been used?"
Li Cheng nodded, he had left a strand of Spiritual Sense within the Sword Qi he had given to Yun Tianqiong, and just now this Spiritual Sense was touched, indicating the Sword Qi had been employed! Taking advantage of the lingering Spiritual Sense, Li Cheng closed his eyes to sense it.
Chapter 27 Sword Immortal Pool
Li Cheng closed his eyes, using the connection with that spiritual sense to feel around.
The next moment, through that spiritual sense, Li Cheng saw clearly that Yun Tianqiong was captured by a one-armed middle-aged man.
In front of them lay a corpse chopped in half.
"Good job, kid. If 1 hadn't moved quickly, I'd have ended up like him!" the middle-aged man holding Yun Tianqiong sneered.
Yun Tianqiong was completely powerless to struggle in his grasp, glaring angrily at the middle-aged man, "You're a lofty Loose Immortal, yet you attack a junior who's just at the beginning stage of the Qi Cultivation Realm—do you have no shame?"
During his days away, Yun Tianqiong had clearly dealt with the affairs of the dynasty and had once again stepped into the Qi Cultivation Realm.
"Heh, the Qi Cultivation Realm? You've just killed a Loose Immortal!" the middle-aged man scoffed with a cold laugh.
The tone shifted as the middle-aged man sneered, "Being chosen by me is a fortune you've cultivated over several lifetimes. Speak, who is the one who bestowed Sword Qi upon you?"
Disdain filled Yun Tianqiong's angry eyes, "Scared? If you're scared, then let me go-"
A stroke of Sword Qi killed a Loose Immortal and even severed another Loose Immortal's arm—Yun Tianqiong's admiration for his master was immense.
But the Sword Qi was exhausted; facing a Loose Immortal, he was completely out of options!
"Pah! A mighty Loose Immortal like me, afraid of someone at the Complete Transcendance Tribulation Stage? The reason I ask is to eradicate the roots completely!" the middle-aged man laughed coldly.
That being said, the middle-aged man's heart was full of doubt. The Sword Qi was clearly only at the power level of the Complete Transcendance Tribulation Stage, but how could it kill a Loose Immortal instantly?
This was truly inconceivable!
Therefore, he needed to get to the bottom of this, to see exactly what kind of background the other party had.
The look of disdain in Yun Tianqiong's eyes grew even thicker, "You can't even block a single stroke of Sword Qi from my master and you're dreaming of eradicating the roots?"
"You don't have to tell me; I'll find out soon enough!"
Having said that, the middle-aged man, holding the restrained Yun Tianqiong, picked up the corpse as well and flew off into the distance.
In the moment the spiritual sense dissipated, it quickly formed into a Soul Seal and landed on the corner of Yun Tianqiong's robe.
With that, the scene vanished.
Li Cheng abruptly opened his eyes, "Red Flame Gorge!"
"Second Tribulation Loose Immortal, you'd better not harm my disciple, or I will utterly annihilate you!"
As he spoke to himself, Li Cheng put away the Purple Void Jade Emperor's Tripod and disappeared from the spot.
Those in the square were stunned—what happened? Why did he leave?
All the ingredients had been placed inside the tripod!
Just as he was about to start alchemy, he just left?
"Ladies and gentlemen, the Eighteenth Elder has urgent matters to attend to. I believe he will return shortly. Please remain calm!"
Mu Xingzhi flew up above the square, his voice spreading throughout the area.
Immediately after, Mu Xingzhi hastily flew to Heaven Secret Peak and whispered urgently, "Black and White Uncle Ancestors, come here quickly!"
The Black and White Elders had been hiding in the shadows, ready to watch Li Cheng perform alchemy, when he unexpectedly ran off.
Hearing Mu Xingzhi's voice, they appeared together, "Mu Xingzhi, what's going on?"
Mu Xingzhi bowed, "Black and White Uncle Ancestors, I had previously divined with the Heaven Secret Technique. There were signs of good and bad from the north—likely the Pill Sect for the good, but the bad…"
"Could very well be this trip taken by the younger uncle!"
Black Elder frowned, "Could very well be? Can't you be more certain?"
Mu Xingzhi looked helpless, "With the younger uncle's cultivation so strong, how could my Heaven Secret Technique predict him?"
Black Elder waved his hand dismissively, "You must know what happened, right? Just now I heard you mention that Sword Qi was utilized."
"A few days ago, the younger uncle bestowed a stroke of Sword Qi on his disciple. The fact that it was just used means that his disciple must have encountered danger," explained Mu Xingzhi.
The Black and White Elders nodded in unison, with Black Elder adding, "Then why don't you calculate for his disciple instead?"
Old Bai shook his head repeatedly, "No need, Li Cheng must be alright, let's go have a look!"
Li Cheng raced on, and within half an hour, he had already crossed over a hundred thousand li to arrive at the scene.
The scene was marked by a sword qi that had cleaved a deep trench of several li in length, still filled with terrifying sword qi fluctuations.
After glancing at the bloodstains on the ground, Li Cheng shifted his gaze forward.
Ahead lay the famous Red Flame Gorge of the Southern Domain. Called a gorge, it was actually a vast mountain range with a central area that spanned thousands of li in a gorge streaked with red flames, hence its name.
It was rumored to have been created by the Grand Venerable Bai Jie in a battle with a great being from the Immortal World a hundred thousand years ago.
The Red Flame Gorge was teeming with demon beasts, with some in the central area even reaching the Transcendance Tribulation Stage.
Li Cheng sensed around and, indeed, within the Red Flame Gorge, he felt the presence of his own Soul Seal.
"What is that Loose Immortal doing taking Yun Tianqiong inside?"
Contemplating, Li Cheng's figure flashed as he headed straight towards the Soul Seal.
Shortly, Li Cheng arrived at the center of the gorge.
Looking out, the long gorge seemed endless, at least ten li wide, flanked by cliffs over ten li high, atop which burned the red flames.
The entire gorge was filled with scorching heat, a place where those below the Nascent Soul Stage certainly couldn't linger long without being turned to ash.
After scouting the area, Li Cheng's gaze turned to the cliff, "Come out!"
The cliff revealed no flaws, appearing to be just an ordinary wall, but Li Cheng could clearly sense that there was a cave about ten meters high, disguised by a formation as part of the cliff.
Within the disguised cliff, there was no response.
Li Cheng flicked his fingers, sending out array patterns, and in an instant, created an opening in the formation.
Behind the opening, a middle-aged man looked on in astonishment, his gaze fixed on Li Cheng in disbelief.
Without a moment's hesitation, Li Cheng's figure flashed, and in the next second, he appeared in front of the middle-aged man, grabbing his throat before he could even react.
Sword qi emanated from Li Cheng's hand, ready to shatter the man's neck at any moment.
"You… how is this possible? Let me go!" the middle-aged man's pupils suddenly constricted, he exclaimed in a shuddering voice.
He was a two-Tribulation Loose Immortal, after all. How could he be so powerless in the grasp of Li Cheng, who had reached the complete stage of Tribulation Crossing?
This made no sense!
Li Cheng ignored the middle-aged man, holding him by the neck as he walked deeper into the cave.
"Let me go, or my master will surely take your life!" the middle-aged man tried to struggle, but under the suppression of Li Cheng's sword qi, he couldn't resist at all.
Li Cheng raised an eyebrow subtly, "A dignified two-Tribulation Loose Immortal, still recognizing someone as master? Where is your dignity?" N/nêw n0vel chap/ers are published o/n n0v/e/(lb)i(n.)co/m
"What do you know? My master is a formidable being who descended from the Immortal World, to take me as a servant is my honor. If you don't let go, you're as good as dead!"
"Idiot!"
Li Cheng scoffed, and before him now stood a vast underground hall spanning several hundred zhang.
In the center of the hall was a spirit pool about the size of a Zhang, within which Yun Tianqiong was immersed and trembling slightly.
Li Cheng sensed the spirit pool and found that it contained Sword Path Rules!
Those Sword Path Rules were continuously cleansing Yun Tianqiong's body.
"Hmm? Sword Immortal Pool!" Li Cheng's brows lifted slightly, what was happening?
Bathing in such a spirit pool was a tremendous opportunity!
Given the current situation, it wouldn't be long before Yun Tianqiong's body would be cleansed by the Sword Path Rules into an acquired Sword Body! "Let him go! I asked him to bring the youngster here; there's no ill intention," a voice filled with the weight of years resounded throughout the hall at that moment..
Chapter 28: Sure Enough, One Cannot Ascend to Immortality
No ill intentions?
Lying to ghosts!
Li Cheng had already heard this Tribulation Loose Immortal's words through their spiritual connection, claiming that they would eradicate the roots and all —how could there be no ill intent now?
Scanning the hall, Li Cheng said, "If the senior has no ill intentions, why not reveal yourself?"
"There's no need for that. I have a fate with this young one, but not with you."
The voice, clearly belonging to an elder, resonated in the space.
Li Cheng sensed around but couldn't locate where the elder was hiding.
Even with his spiritual sense, he found nothing!
'It seems this Tribulation Loose Immortal was telling the truth; the other party is a powerhouse from the Immortal World!' Li Cheng thought secretly.
If it weren't for a powerhouse from the Immortal World, how could one get their hands on the Sword Immortal Pool?
"Let me go quickly; even my master has said he holds no ill intentions!" the Tribulation Loose Immortal in Li Cheng's hand spoke out.
Li Cheng remained unmoved, turned to Yun Tianqiong, and upon seeing his stable condition, he asked, "Senior has bestowed such great benefits upon my apprentice, what do you wish for in return?"
"I'm merely eager to find talent. This young fellow has a small accomplishment in Sword Intent; presumably, he understood Sword Intent in the Body Refining Realm. Such natural talent is extremely rare, even in the Immortal World," the elder's voice arose, still elusive as to where it was coming from. VịSit no(v)3lb/!n(.)c𝒐m for new 𝒏ov𝒆l𝒔
Just eager for talent?
Li Cheng was highly suspicious—if that were the case, the elder could have simply obtained Yun Tianqiong's agreement before bringing him here instead of abducting him forcibly.
Most importantly, the other party persistently refused to appear.
Could it be that he can't show his face?
"May I ask how the senior is called?" Li Cheng asked again.
"You need not know my name. You should leave now. When this young fellow succeeds, he will return to find you."
Ha!
Looking down on others?
Immortals think they're special?
Li Cheng narrowed his eyes—how could he possibly leave?
Casually restraining the Tribulation Loose Immortal, Li Cheng sat down cross-legged, smiling, "By the looks of it, my apprentice won't need half a day before he possesses a Sword Body; I might as well wait!"
"You'd better not disturb him here. Now, please leave!" the elder's voice carried a trace of anger.
Li Cheng laughed, "Getting anxious? If I'm not mistaken, you're just a remnant soul, right?"
"And you used the Sword Immortal Pool to forge a Sword Body for my apprentice, in an attempt to possess him?"
As he spoke, Li Cheng's gaze shifted to a stone wall of the hall, his sharp eyes seemingly capable of penetrating it.
The elder did not respond, but the facial expression of the Tribulation Loose Immortal next to him changed slightly, revealing surprise.
Clearly, he hadn't expected Li Cheng to guess the truth!
And as his expression completely registered with Li Cheng's senses, it immediately confirmed that Li Cheng had guessed correctly!
Without hesitation, Li Cheng's hand flickered, and the Purple Void Jade Emperor's Tripod instantly grew larger, flipped upside down, and enveloped Yun Tianqiong along with the Sword Immortal Pool!
"How dare you!"
The elder's thunderous shouting instantly exploded, causing Li Cheng's scalp to tingle.
The Tribulation Loose Immortal beside him was even more shocked by the shout, coughing up blood!
"How strong!"
Li Cheng stood up, his robust True Yuan enveloping his entire body, his right hand forming a sword with his fingers, and he fiercely stabbed out a beam of Sword Intent towards the stone wall.
Just as the beam of Sword Intent was about to strike the stone wall at lightning speed, the stone wall shattered first and a large hand reached out, pinching and crushing the Sword Intent!
The owner of that hand also made his appearance!
It was an elder with the appearance of a sage, his white hair and beard dancing as though alive without any wind.
An intense Sword Intent emanated from around him, and at the moment of his emergence, Sword Intents quickly condensed in the air, whirling around him.
"So you are a Sword Immortal, but alas, merely a remnant soul!"
Assessing the elder, Li Cheng's expression remained calm, but the pressure in his heart soared.
This elder's form was ethereal, evidently just a remnant soul, but such incredible power from merely a remnant soul, how could that be underestimated?
"Leave now, and it's not too late!" the elder said indifferently.
"The one who should leave is you. Since you're dead, just dissipate obediently. You want to take possession with just a remnant soul? Too bad you picked the wrong person!" Li Cheng responded calmly.
Although this remnant soul was strong, as soon as it exerted its power, it would become weaker and weaker!
After all, it had no Dantian Qi Sea or Nascent Soul to store its power.
"It is his fortune that this seat has taken a liking to him. Boy, if you don't leave now, then prepare to die!" The elder remained indifferent.
With a thought from Li Cheng, a supreme quality Spirit Sword flew out of his Dantian.
This sword had no hilt, sharp at both ends. As Li Cheng's thoughts commanded, one tip of the Spirit Sword pointed at the elder, "Don't be so arrogant. If you start a fight in a place like this, you'll definitely be the one to die!"
Red Flame Gorge had been filled with terrible heat, said to have been so for a hundred thousand years.
And such a place was the worst for a remnant soul to stay.
Yet, this elder had chosen such a place, and there was only one possibility, that he was hiding from something.
After all, who would have thought a remnant soul could be hiding in Red Flame Gorge?
Moreover, judging by this stone hall, it had existed for a very long time!
The energy emanating from that shattered stone wall earlier was even hotter!
"Ignorance truly is bliss! When this seat was roaming the Immortal World, your ancestors didn't even know where they were, and you dare to point your sword at me?"
The elder sneered, his expression becoming icy. With a casual wave, the sword light around his body suddenly converged into a massive sword that slashed toward Li Cheng!
Li Cheng didn't hesitate. He poured all his True Yuan into the Spirit Sword and struck as well!
Yet, to Li Cheng's surprise, his own sword strike was instantly deflected by the elder's massive sword, the momentum of which did not stop!
Li Cheng moved to the side, taking control of the Spirit Sword to stab at the elder again, but it seemed the elder had anticipated this. He controlled the massive sword to disperse into countless tiny sword lights, completely blocking Li Cheng's path.
Each sword light emitted a fierce aura, and at that moment, Li Cheng felt as if he had fallen into an ice cave, with every hair on his body standing on end!
"Activate the Formation!"
Hum!
Just as those sword lights were about to bombard him, Li Cheng's thoughts moved, and countless Array Patterns danced around, instantly forming a Defense Array that enveloped him.
Taking advantage of this, Li Cheng charged at the elder, breaking through a gap in the countless sword lights and slashing at the elder with his sword.
But the elder's figure mysteriously vanished, causing Li Cheng's stroke to hit nothing.
"An Array Master of the eighth level, not bad!" the elder's voice rang out from the entrance of the hall.
Li Cheng was somewhat surprised internally. What was the elder's cultivation level in life?
Now just a remnant soul, yet still so terrifyingly strong!
Could it be that Red Flame Gorge was created during his battle with Grand Venerable Bai Jie?
He quickly dismissed this thought. That was impossible. Grand Venerable Bai Jie was so powerful that if he had made a move, there wouldn't have been a chance for even a remnant soul to remain.
Moreover, that was a hundred thousand years ago. Even if a remnant soul had remained, it couldn't possibly have survived in this environment for a hundred thousand years.
"In your lifetime, what was your cultivation?" Li Cheng asked, on guard.
The elder's eyes narrowed slightly. After a brief exchange, he hadn't managed to kill Li Cheng, not even wound him. It was embarrassing!
The other was only at the Transcendance Tribulation Stage, after all. Knowing that even as a remnant soul, he had slain many seven or eight tribulation Loose Immortals.
Since when was someone at the Complete Tribulation Stage harder to kill than seven or eight Tribulation Loose Immortals?
Embarrassing!
So embarrassing, he could not reveal his true name, let alone his real cultivation level from his life!
If he let him know he was once a major figure in the Immortal World, yet now couldn't even kill someone at the Complete Tribulation Stage, this loss of face would ruin his reputation of many tens of thousands of years!
With this in mind, the elder said, "In life, this seat was just an ordinary True Immortal. Boy, will you leave or not? If you don't, this seat will get serious!"
A True Immortal?
Li Cheng frowned. When it came to the Immortal World, many texts had described it. After ascending through tribulation, one becomes a Heavenly Immortal, and after that, a True Immortal!
Was the other party really just a True Immortal?
The remnant soul of a True Immortal was this strong; at his peak, Li Cheng feared he wouldn't be able to withstand a single move and would be instantly obliterated, right?
'Indeed, I cannot ascend. True Immortals are this strong, and there are so many realms above that of True Immortal!' Li Cheng thought to himself..
Chapter 29 Heaven's Hidden Soul Nourishing Flame
Li Cheng secretly decided in his heart that he must not ascend!
Even the remnant soul left by a True Immortal after death is so powerful, if he encounters a living True Immortal in the Immortal World, he would be completely powerless to resist!
It seems that in the Immortal World, every minor realm is a chasm, otherwise, one wouldn't be so helpless.
With the decision not to ascend, Li Cheng looked at the elder, "1 said, you're the one who should roll, and 1 want to see how much longer you can hold out!"
The elder's eyes narrowed slightly, pondering, "At worst, this seat can simply find another cauldron!"
Li Cheng's pupils shrank slightly, realizing that the elder meant to kill Yun Tianqiong!
If he made a move on Yun Tianqiong, it would be very difficult for Li Cheng to protect him.
Even now with the Purple Void Jade Emperor's Tripod sealing the battle fluctuations, if the elder attacked the tripod, Yun Tianqiong inside would surely be shaken into a mist of blood in an instant! Ne/w novel chapt𝒆rs are p/u/blished on no/vel(/bin(.)c/o/m
"Now, will you roll or not?" the elder asked with amusement.
Li Cheng's expression darkened slightly; the elder's tactic was ruthless, threatening him with Yun Tianqiong, where staying meant he couldn't protect Yun Tianqiong, and leaving meant Yun Tianqiong would be taken over.
Neither advancing nor retreating was an option!
But there was a way, the elder's speed was incredibly fast, if his speed could be suppressed, there would be a chance!
And to suppress his speed, the best option was naturally the Three Temporal Laws.
Clenching his fists, Li Cheng slowly raised his head to look at the elder, just as he was about to speak, he suddenly saw two powerful fluctuations emerging from outside the cave!
"Dragon Play Bead, suppress!"
The two powerful fluctuations swept in, one from the left and one from the right, like dragons in motion, pinning the elder in place!
"Black and White Uncles!"
Li Cheng was overjoyed, it was said that the Black and White Uncles were Tribulation Loose Immortals, and together they could slay a ten-tribulation Loose Immortal!
Being suppressed by the power of the Black and White Elders, the elder merely sneered and shrugged his shoulders, breaking through their suppression with terrifying force in an instant.
The Elders rushed into the great hall, both showing surprise.
A mere remnant soul could easily break their joint suppression?
Li Cheng was also astonished, looking at the Black and White Elders and then back at the elder, how strong was he exactly?
However, in this underground great hall with its limited space, everyone dared not give their all, so it was truly hard to say who was stronger.
Black Elder glanced at the overturned Purple Void Jade Emperor's Tripod, and conveyed through spiritual sense, "We must find a way to shift the battlefield, it's too confining here!"
If pressed too hard, the elder could strike without restraint, but the three of them could not, as they still had to protect Yun Tianqiong.
Li Cheng nodded secretly, "Hold him off for a moment, uncles, and leave the rest to me."
"What do you intend to do?" White Elder asked.
"Small Displacement Array!"
After Li Cheng spoke, he began to prepare, but to the surprise of the three of them, the elder retreated at flying speed, heading straight out of the cave, "Come out and die! It's too restrained here!"
Seeing this, Li Cheng understood, the elder still intended to possess Yun Tianqiong and had no plans for a fight to the death.
Thinking about it, it made sense, he had already resorted to using the Sword Immortal Pool to refine a Sword Body for Yun Tianqiong, how could he easily destroy it?
But no matter what, this exactly matched the wishes of the three of them.
"You stay here, we will take care of this remnant soul!" Black Elder stopped Li Cheng, and together with White Elder, they flew out of the cave.
Seeing the confidence of the two elders, Li Cheng didn't ponder further and turned his gaze towards the rock wall where the elder was hidden.
The rock wall was already shattered, behind it was a piece of serene blue light.
As Li Cheng approached the broken rock wall, he suddenly felt the spiritual sense he released being devoured by a mysterious force!
He quickly retracted his spiritual sense and peered inside intently, raising his eyebrows immediately, "Immortal bones!"
Inside was a stone cave about thirty feet in size, with a crystal-clear skull resting at the center.
This skull contained immortal qi, along with a strand of serene blue flame that flickered; it was indeed the Heaven and Earth Spirit Fire!
Below the skull, there was a jade disc with strands of white vapor converging towards it, condensing into a drop of mysterious liquid.
That liquid was rich with the Sword Path Rules, and Li Cheng recognized at a glance that the Sword Immortal Pool where Yun Tianqiong resided was made by diluting such a drop of Sword Essence!
Without a doubt, this was the skull of the elder, who himself was a Sword Immortal, using the residual power in his skull to condense the Sword Essence in preparation for a possession.
The skull exuded an extremely strong imposing aura. If not for the fact that the power in the skull was nearly exhausted, Li Cheng feared that he wouldn't even be able to get close to it.
"This drop of Sword Essence contains quite a few of the Sword Path Rules; it seems the elder's accomplishment in swordsmanship was extraordinary during his lifetime!"
Whether it's the Sword Dao, Blade Path, Fist Path, and so on, when cultivated to the extreme, they can all derive rules, and the more rules one masters, the stronger one naturally becomes.
A rule is something comprehended by oneself, abiding by the Laws of Heaven and Earth.
The Laws, on the other hand, are the forces between heaven and earth, and all Laws together constitute the Order of Heaven and Earth.
Those with exceptional talents and insight might be able to elevate their comprehended rules to Laws, but such beings are rare as phoenix feathers and unicorn horns.
For someone like Li Cheng, who directly comprehended the Laws, it's not to say that he is unique, but he is definitely rarer than those who elevate rules to Laws.
With a grasp through the air, Li Cheng took that drop of Sword Essence into his Storage Ring, which was not very useful to him, but to Yun Tianqiong, it was a priceless treasure.
After taking the Sword Essence, Li Cheng looked at the strand of serene blue flame within the skull and murmured, "You must be the one who devoured my Spiritual Sense just now, right?"
Li Cheng was well aware of how strong his Spiritual Sense was, but it was devoured when approaching this flame!
"Ranked eighth on the Spirit Fire Leaderboard, Heaven's Hidden Soul Nourishing Flame!"
After some contemplation, Li Cheng recognized it.
No wonder the elder stayed here; the Heaven's Hidden Soul Nourishing Flame could nourish the soul, which was undoubtedly the most suitable treasure for him.
The elder had the Heaven's Hidden Soul Nourishing Flame in his skull; clearly, he had already subdued this Spiritual Fire.
Snatching it by force was nearly impossible, as even with just a Remnant Soul, the elder could withstand the Black and White Elders, and Li Cheng simply couldn't break the seal he had left in the Spiritual Fire.
There were only two methods, one was to obliterate the elder, then the Spiritual Fire would become an unowned object, making it possible to attempt subjugation.
The second method was to let the Spiritual Fire itself expel the seal left by the elder, but this required the Spiritual Fire to possess a strong spirituality and to be attracted by the individual.
If the second method succeeded, then the elder would definitely suffer a certain degree of backlash; at that moment, if the Black and White Elders seized the opportunity, his death would be inevitable.
With this thought, Li Cheng did not hesitate to stimulate his True Fire!
The True Fire contained two of the Rule of Fire; this was the only thing Li Cheng could use to attract the Heaven's Hidden Soul Nourishing Flame. If it did not work, then he would have no choice but to kill the elder.
But the Rule of Fire must surely hold a strong appeal to all Heaven and Earth Spirit Fires, after all, with its help, the might of a Spiritual Fire could be greatly elevated.
Moreover, with the aid of the Rule of Fire, the Spiritual Fire was very likely to undergo a transformation!
Now it was time to see if the Spirit Fire's spirituality was strong enough!
True Fire, entwined with the Rule of Fire, converged in front of Li Cheng, and at the moment the True Fire appeared, the Heaven's Hidden Soul Nourishing Flame began to dance joyfully!
Chapter 30 Immortal's Methods
The Heaven's Hidden Soul Nourishing Flame danced joyfully, filled with elation.
There's hope!
Li Cheng controlled the True Fire to surge towards the Heaven's Hidden Soul Nourishing Flame, stopping a few centimeters from the skull. Without hesitation, the flame floated out from the skull and met the True Fire!
"This is almost capable of developing Spiritual Wisdom, second only to the Purple Void Jade Emperor's Tripod!" Li Cheng thought to himself.
Not bad, with proper guidance over time, it won't be difficult for them to speak human language, and they might even be able to cultivate on their own.
However, for the time being, he needed to find a way to stimulate the Heaven's Hidden Soul Nourishing Flame to expel the old man's imprint!
With that in mind, Li Cheng withdrew the True Fire.
The Heaven's Hidden Soul Nourishing Flame visibly paused, then began flying around Li Cheng, as though saying, "Quick, give it to me!"
Li Cheng once again summoned the True Fire, and this time, the Heaven's Hidden Soul Nourishing Flame responded incredibly quickly, diving headfirst into the True Fire and frolicking within it.
Outside the cave, in the gorge, the old man's Remnant Soul was significantly more ethereal than before, and his strength had weakened.
But the Black and White Elders weren't faring well either; they were both heavily injured and struggling to hold on.
"This guy, though only a Remnant Soul, is unexpectedly strong. If we keep fighting, we're most likely to end up perishing together!" Black Elder sent telepathically.
Old Bai nodded silently, "Looks like we have to call Li Cheng for help."
"That's not good, Li Cheng's cultivation is at the Complete Transcendence Tribulation Stage. If he gets seriously injured, it could very likely lead to failure in his Tribulation Crossing!"
"That's true, if he gets seriously injured, he'll need a lot of time to recover, which will delay his ascension," agreed Old Bai.
As the Elders communicated, they abandoned the idea of summoning Li Cheng.
"Old Bai, I'll burn my True Yuan and strike with all my might. When you see an opening, deliver him a fatal blow!"
Old Bai's pupils shrank, "Are you mad? The repercussions of burning True Yuan are not light; if you do this, failing the next Loose Immortal Tribulation is guaranteed!"
Black Elder's expression was one of determination, his eyes resolute, "It matters not. My chances of surviving the next Loose Immortal Tribulation are slim anyway. A spectacular battle is better than living a wretched life."
As he spoke, Black Elder's aura surged dramatically!
The old man opposite him tensed up. He had no True Yuan to burn, and the energy he was consuming was all from his soul power. Continuing like this would only weaken him further. T/his chapter is updat/𝓮d by n𝒐v(ê(l)biin.c/o/m
With a cold snort, the old man advanced instead of retreating, his figure ghost-like, "Forcing me to use my ultimate move, you two lowly Loose Immortals should feel proud!"
Suddenly, within Black and White Elders' sensory range, they saw the old man manipulating nature's spiritual energy, forming countless sword energies that converged around him!
"Where the mind goes, the sword follows. This Sword Immortal must have been a top-tier power in the Immortal World in his previous life, right?" Old Bai's pupils constricted.
Black Elder, who had just burned his True Yuan, was also startled. Clenching his teeth, he went all out, unleashing a pitch-black sword energy!
Before the sword energy arrived, the ground behind and beneath the old man was already collapsing under the pressure, revealing just how potent the sword strike was!
But the old man was surrounded by countless sword energies, all emanating a chilling aura. He did not dodge Black Elder's attack and with a flick of his finger, a flood of sword energies converged and charged at Black Elder!
Old Bai's pupils suddenly constricted, "Damn it!"
With the eyes of a Loose Immortal who had survived nine tribulations, he could see that the old man's sword strike was something Black Elder couldn't block!
Just as their sword energies were about to clash, the old man's body suddenly trembled!
"The opportunity has come!"
Without knowing what was happening but ready to act, Old Bai immediately recognized it as the perfect chance!
Without the slightest delay, Old Bai's figure moved as fast as lightning, exerting his full strength to deliver a fierce slap towards the elder.
Just as the elder's body trembled, Old Bai's palm had already struck, leaving no time for evasion.
Bang!
Old Bai's attack penetrated the elder, creating a palm-shaped crater hundreds of meters deep in the ground below, while the elder's figure became almost transparent!
On the other side, Black Elder's attack was scattered by the torrent of sword energy, and just as the sword energy was about to hit Black Elder, it bizarrely vanished!
Even so, Black Elder was blasted away by the powerful impact and smashed into the cliffside of the canyon.
"Haha, he's almost done for. Old Bai, give it all you've got!" said Black Elder, embedded in the cliff side and spitting blood, yet his expression was extremely excited.
Without waiting for Old Bai to make a move, the nearly transparent elder rushed straight for the cave, his angry roar echoing throughout the canyon, "Boy, even if I die, 1 will drag you down with me!"
Just now, as Li Cheng had expected, the Heaven's Hidden Soul Nourishing Flame actively expelled the elder's mark under the temptation of the Rule of Fire!
It was precisely because of this that, at that critical moment, the elder suffered a backlash, giving Old Bai the opportunity to deliver a fatal blow!
At this moment, the elder's body was nearly transparent, and his fighting power had become very weak.
However, in his rage, he seemed to forget his own combat strength. As soon as he charged into the cave, he was suppressed in place by Li Cheng's robust True Yuan!
The elder tried to struggle, but the remaining strength was utterly insufficient to break free from Li Cheng's suppression, and he could only glare at Li Cheng with resentment.
At Li Cheng's fingertips, the Youyang Soul Flame danced merrily, causing the elder to be shocked. "This is impossible!"
"What's impossible?" Li Cheng asked nonchalantly, disregarding the elder and carefully examining the newly acknowledged Youyang Soul Flame.
"You actually grasped the Rule of Fire? And used it to make my Spiritual Fire rebel?" The elder's eyelids twitched.
Li Cheng looked at the elder. "What do you mean 'your' Spiritual Fire? You simply left a mark within this Spiritual Fire. The fire hasn't acknowledged any master, so how can there be talk of rebellion?"
"Finish him off, this old man is not simple, he has endless tricks up his sleeve, I'm afraid he's just buying time!" Black Elder's voice came from the cave entrance, followed by his figure appearing inside the cave.
"Finish me off? You're thinking too much. You probably don't even know who I am, do you?" Although suppressed in place by Li Cheng, the elder's face suddenly regained its composure, without a hint of panic.
"He's indeed stalling for time. Die!" Li Cheng reached out from afar, True Yuan surging, trying to strangle the elder.
But a bizarre scene occurred, the elder snorted coldly and vanished from the underground hall, leaving only his voice floating in, "Boy, just wait for me. It won't take long before I make you wish you were dead!"
Li Cheng raised an eyebrow. "Is this an Immortal's technique? How did he escape?"
There was no ripple of power, but the elder had indeed fled!
The Black and White Elders used all their strength to sense his presence but could not find where the elder had escaped to.
The three looked at each other and shook their heads. The elder was traceless, and they didn't even know where to start chasing.
"This elder was an Immortal in life, and even though only a Remnant Soul remains, he can still use many methods beyond our understanding. Let it be," Old Bai said.
Li Cheng nodded. Without the Youyang Soul Flame, if the elder couldn't find a suitable place to recuperate, he would dissipate in just a few years.
"Black and White Uncles, how are your injuries?" Li Cheng looked at the two elders and noticed their aura was weak, both had suffered severe injuries, especially Black Elder.
"It's nothing serious. As long as you're alright, that's good. What do you plan to do with these two Tribulation Loose Immortals?" Black Elder asked.
Old Bai gave Black Elder a deep look. He knew that with Black Elder's condition, he was certain to fall in the next Loose Immortal Tribulation. But he clearly didn't want Li Cheng to be distracted and shifted the topic.
Chapter 31 Matters Concerning the Ascend to Immortal Platform?
Li Cheng looked at the Tribulation Loose Immortal bound on the ground and, after a brief contemplation, said, "Just killing him would be the easiest solution."
Upon hearing this, the Tribulation Loose Immortal's face underwent a drastic change, "Don't kill me, I know a heaven-shaking secret, I'll exchange the secret for my life!"
Who would want to die?
In such a situation, one would try every possible means to save one's life.
The Tribulation Loose Immortal was very clear that he had only captured the other party's disciple on orders, which did not constitute a deep and abiding hatred.
Moreover, he had not used torture on Yun Tianqiong during the capture; rather, it was his own arm that had been severed by Yun Tianqiong.
Therefore, there was a chance to save his own life!
"Not interested, please go ahead and die," Li Cheng said indifferently.
The Tribulation Loose Immortal was stunned for a moment, then hurriedly added, "It's about the Ascend to Immortal Platform!"
The Black and White Elders brightened up at this, and Li Cheng also revealed a look of astonishment; the three of them turned their attention to the Tribulation Loose Immortal simultaneously.
The Ascend to Immortal Platform was one of the routes for Loose Immortals to reach the Immortal World, and which Loose Immortal wouldn't want to know the whereabouts of the Ascend to Immortal Platform?
Even Li Cheng's master had gone out in search of the Ascend to Immortal Platform and the Sky-reaching Road and had not returned for thirty years.
But whether it was the Ascend to Immortal Platform or the Sky-reaching Road, both had been lost without a trace for over ten thousand years.
Many cultivators in the world speculated that this had something to do with Grand Venerable Bai Jie, and many others believed that the supremely powerful in the Immortal World had interfered, but no one knew the true story.
The Tribulation Loose Immortal before them actually knew something?
After a moment's thought, Black Elder nodded and said, "Speak, and I will spare your life!"
The Tribulation Loose Immortal glanced at Li Cheng and then at Old Bai, the implication was clear: you two haven't agreed yet!
If he spoke and Black Elder didn't act while Li Cheng or Old Bai did, that wouldn't be breaking a promise!
Seeing his hesitation, Black Elder's expression darkened slightly, "I am in charge here, I spare your life, what else do you want?"
The Tribulation Loose Immortal breathed a sigh of relief and said, "Then I'll speak, ten thousand years ago Grand Venerable Bai Jie slew countless strong beings from the Immortal World, this is not a secret, you all know it, right?"
The three focused on the Tribulation Loose Immortal, remaining silent and waiting for him to continue.
The Tribulation Loose Immortal gave a slight cough and continued, "It was because of Grand Venerable Bai Jie's actions that the Immortal World was thoroughly enraged, but since Grand Venerable Bai Jie was so powerful, they dared not do much. So when Grand Venerable Bai Jie disappeared more than ten thousand years ago, the Immortal World secretly hid the Ascend to Immortal Platform and the Sky-reaching Road in the void!"
This explanation was understandable to the three of them since, according to the records, Grand Venerable Bai Jie had indeed slain many of the strongest in the Immortal World, and those who remained, how could they not be afraid?
So when the news of Grand Venerable Bai Jie's disappearance spread, the Immortal World took the opportunity to hide the Ascend to Immortal Platform and the Sky-reaching Road, to prevent Grand Venerable Bai Jie from reaching the Immortal World in the future.
As Grand Venerable Bai Jie was a Loose Immortal and could only reach the Immortal World via the Ascend to Immortal Platform and the Sky-reaching Road, without these two pathways, the Immortal World need no longer live in fear!
Thinking of this, Li Cheng said suspiciously, "Our sect hasn't had anyone ascend for over ten thousand years, could it also be related to this matter?"
The Black and White Elders nodded in unison, with Old Bai saying, "The timing fits, to say it's unrelated, who would believe that?"
Black Elder turned to the Tribulation Loose Immortal, "Continue."
"My master once told me, if I serve him well to his satisfaction, he would tell me the whereabouts of the Ascend to Immortal Platform, so I could use it to reach the Immortal World!"
"My master wouldn't deceive me, so I am sure that my master knows the location of the Ascend to Immortal Platform!"
The Tribulation Loose Immortal nodded with emphasis.
"Is that all?" the three said in unison, their words filled with disdain.
Wasn't this a bit too credulous?
To think that merely claiming to know the location of the Ascend to Immortal Platform could turn a Loose Immortal into a servant?
Is this guy too idiotic, or is the old man's acting too good?
The expressions of the three made the Double Tribulation Loose Immortal very unwilling, for what he had said was the truth!
You actually look at me with disdain?
Grinding his teeth, the Double Tribulation Loose Immortal continued, "My master said that he came to the Kunlun Realm through the Ascend to Immortal Platform, so isn't it expected that he knows the location of the platform?"
Old Bai's mouth twitched, "The records state that the Ascend to Immortal Platform is located on a Floating Peak, whose position is ever-changing, and the only way to leave the peak is through its Random Teleportation Array on top."
"Thus, throughout the ages, no one has been able to pinpoint its location, only waiting for it to appear on its own."
"Every Loose Immortal should know this feature of the Ascend to Immortal Platform, don't they? And yet, you are oblivious and naively pledged allegiance to someone?"
The words of Old Bai caused the Double Tribulation Loose Immortal to waver, his expression changing. Had he been deceived?
That shouldn't be so, for his master is an Immortal, whose methods are beyond the comprehension of cultivators of the Lower World!
With this thought, the Double Tribulation Loose Immortal reaffirmed his belief his master's words couldn't be wrong!
"So you're saying you don't actually know where the Ascend to Immortal Platform is? Your so-called secret is worthless!" Li Cheng said with interest.
These words instantly panicked the Double Tribulation Loose Immortal!
Indeed, what value did what he said hold?
"Even if your master truly knows the whereabouts of the Ascend to Immortal Platform, he has fled and, not long from now, will dissipate into the heaven and earth. What use is your so-called secret?" Black Elder too spoke up.
The face of the Double Tribulation Loose Immortal shifted slightly—he had witnessed his master's escape with his own eyes.
Indeed, as Black Elder said, his master was at his last gasp, unable to hold on much longer, unless he encountered a great fortune.
"I am willing to submit!" He struggled for a few seconds before making the difficult decision.
Black Elder sneered and nonchalantly unleashed a blast of True Yuan, directly killing the Double Tribulation Loose Immortal and not even leaving behind a Nascent Soul.
"Hesitating even when wanting to submit? Our sect certainly has no shortage of Double Tribulation Loose Immortals."
Li Cheng shrugged indifferently. Honestly, he didn't even regard the strength of the Double Tribulation Loose Immortal highly.
So, killing him was just that, killing him. He brought it upon himself! R/ê/Ad lat𝙚St ch/a/pters at nô(v)e(l)bin/.c/o//m Only
"Did that escaping Remnant Soul leave behind anything?" asked Old Bai, accustomed to murder.
Having reached their level of cultivation, whose hands weren't stained with countless blood?
Even Li Cheng, in his previous incarnation, had killed no telling how many.
However, after his transmigration, he had been in seclusion and hadn't directly killed anyone, except for bestowing Yun Tianqiong with that Sword Qi which slashed a Loose Immortal.
But with the merging of memories, those killed by his former self and those he killed were no different, all retained in his memories.
"A drop of Sword Essence, a skull, and Spiritual Fire, which I have now subdued," he replied.
Li Cheng could see that the two elders had been seriously injured for his sake, so there was no need to conceal these small gains.
As he spoke, Li Cheng took out the Sword Essence and the skull, "Do you want them?"
The Black and White Elders merely glanced at them and shook their heads in unison, then curiously asked, "What kind of Spiritual Fire?"
A bluish flame appeared in Li Cheng's palm, "Heaven's Hidden Soul Nourishing Flame."
"No wonder that old man's Remnant Soul hid here; he had the Heaven's Hidden Soul Nourishing Flame!" Black Elder clicked his tongue. It was the eighth-ranked Heaven and Earth Spirit Fire, said to be able to temper the soul and strengthen it increasingly.
"Heaven and Earth Spirit Fires are hard to find; now that you've got one, you should cultivate it well," Old Bai advised, and then looked at the skull, "There seems to be something inside this skull!"
Chapter 32 Chaos Yuan Heavenly Scripture
Is there something inside the skull?
Li Cheng looked dubiously at the skull. Before, there had indeed been the Heaven's Hidden Soul Nourishing Flame residing within, but was there still something there now?
Use your Spiritual Sense to check!" Old Bai reminded.
Li Cheng realized that when he previously checked with his Spiritual Sense, he hadn't yet subdued the Heaven's Hidden Soul Nourishing Flame, and after it devoured that part of his Spiritual Sense, he hadn't checked again using his Spiritual Sense.
For an Immortal to hide something within a skull, it certainly wasn't going to be ordinary!
His Spiritual Sense surged out, enveloping the skull, and indeed, on the inner side of the skull, Li Cheng found a simple seal.
If the old man's Remnant Soul hadn't been severely damaged by Black Elder, Li Cheng might not have been able to break the seal, but now, he easily broke it.
As soon as the seal was broken, what followed was a Cultivation Technique!
"Chaos Yuan Heavenly Scripture!"
After briefly reviewing it, Li Cheng appeared astonished, "Have the Black and White Elders ever heard of the Chaos Yuan Heavenly Scripture? It's much more powerful than the Xuanqing Immortal Scroll that I'm cultivating!"
The Black and White Elders pondered, both shaking their heads. Black Elder said, "It must be a Cultivation Technique from the Immortal World! If it were a Cultivation Technique from the Kunlun Realm, we would definitely have heard of it."
Old Bai's eyes gleamed with hope, "To what Realm can it be cultivated?"
In this world, there were no specific grades for Cultivation Techniques; their strength lay in the Realm they could help achieve.
The Xuanqing Immortal Scroll that Li Cheng was currently cultivating could be cultivated to the Complete stage of the Transcendance Tribulation Stage, which was already considered a top-tier Cultivation Technique in the Kunlun Realm.
But this Chaos Yuan Heavenly Scripture could actually be cultivated to the realm of Immortal Emperor!
Li Cheng had seen it mentioned in the Scripture Repository, the Immortal Emperor, that was the ceiling realm of the Immortal World.
"This Technique records eighteen layers, but starting from the tenth layer, there are some deficiencies. If perfected, it can be cultivated to the Immortal Emperor level," he said.
According to the description, there should be a total of thirty-three layers, but the skull only contained eighteen!
Moreover, these eighteen layers were incomplete, which didn't make them very valuable, unless the deficiencies could be filled.
Li Cheng said this and looked towards the two Elders, the implication was clear, did they want it?
The Elders shook their heads with a smile, and Black Elder said, "The old man's Realm was certainly not low, it seems he had already perfected quite a bit of
it."
Old Bai nodded, "Maybe, he intentionally left it incomplete!"
"We're not interested, you keep it. But if you want to cultivate it, you need to think it over carefully," they advised.
Li Cheng smiled without saying much, with Enlightenment opportunities at hand, completing the Cultivation Technique would be no trouble!
In fact, based on this foundation, he could even make the Technique stronger!
Enlightenment, that was a state of unity with heaven and earth, a state where one could use the universe itself as a teacher—why would one fear any deficiencies in a Cultivation Technique?
As he scrutinized the Chaos Yuan Heavenly Scripture once more, Li Cheng's heart grew increasingly awe-struck.
This Chaos Yuan Heavenly Scripture was a practice of concurrently cultivating the physical body, the soul, and True Yuan—just cultivating to the ninth layer would make the body's strength comparable to that of a demi-Immortal Artifact!
If the physical body was that strong, there was no doubt that the True Yuan and the soul strengthening alongside it would be formidably powerful.
"If I could cultivate my physical body to the strength of a demi-Immortal Artifact, doesn't that mean, just by standing there, others using a demi-Immortal Artifact would hardly be able to break through my bodily defenses?"
"The ninth layer is the Tribulation Crossing Stage, cultivating a body of demi-Immortal Artifact level at the Tribulation Crossing Stage? My body right now is only comparable to a lower-grade Spiritual Artifact!"
I must switch my cultivation!
I definitely must!
Li Cheng instantly made up his mind.
With his current Cultivation, switching wouldn't be difficult; he just needed to transform his True Yuan into the True Yuan of the Chaos Yuan Heavenly Scripture, and that would be considered a successful switch.
Moreover, he still had opportunities for Enlightenment.
Once the switch was completed, he would be several times stronger than he was now! Th.ê most uptod/at𝓮 n𝒐vels a/re published on n(0)velbj)n(.)c/o/m
He previously wondered how that old man, who was merely a True Immortal, could possess such a powerful Remnant Soul. Now, he understood—it was because the Chaos Yuan Heavenly Scripture was so potent!
During his lifetime, the old man must have been invincible among his peers, right?
But what Li Cheng didn't know was that the old man was more than just a True Immortal.
He had merely understated his level, afraid of losing face and tarnishing his reputation of tens of thousands of years.
"Once I return to the sect and deal with the Pill Sect, I'll go into seclusion to cultivate the Chaos Yuan Heavenly Scripture!"
Just then, nature's spiritual energy began to surge crazily towards the Purple Void Jade Emperor's Tripod!
"His Sword Body is about to be complete!"
Li Cheng felt a movement in his heart and stored the Purple Void Jade Emperor's Tripod away.
Yun Tianqiong was seen sitting cross-legged in the Sword Immortal Pool, with the Sword Path Rules that had been washing over his body all drilling into him now!
"Tsk tsk, my nephew, your disciple's potential is truly boundless!" Black Elder marveled unceasingly.
Old Bai also showed excitement, "At the Qi Cultivation Realm alone, he already possesses Sword Path Rules within his body, and not just a small number. That's something only Immortals have!"
Li Cheng smiled and flipped his hand to also add the droplet of Sword Essence into the Sword Immortal Pool, "Then let's allow him to absorb more Sword Path Rules while his Sword Body is forming!"
With Yun Tianqiong's cultivation level, although he couldn't utilize the Sword Path Rules yet, having them inside his body would surely make his cultivation soar at an astonishing pace.
This was a target that Immortals had prepared to seize through possession, pushing him to become a monstrous talent, yet in the end, it benefited Yun Tianqiong!
Of course, the stronger Yun Tianqiong became, the more benefits Li Cheng accumulated, so in a sense, it also benefited Li Cheng!
"Old Bai, the Sect Master said this journey would be extremely dangerous, but it turned out to be extremely fortunate!" Black Elder transmitted his laughter.
Old Bai sighed and, turning his head to Black Elder, transmitted back, "This battle has made it so that neither of us can overcome the next Loose Immortal Tribulation, is that really fortunate?"
Black Elder frowned. That was true!
The sect has indeed lost two nine-tribulation Loose Immortals, which definitely wasn't a good sign.
Gathering his thoughts, Black Elder then said, "No matter, whether it's Li Cheng or his disciple, they are both monstrously talented with limitless futures, so it's worth it!"
Old Bai nodded, he couldn't disagree with that.
They had both lived almost ten thousand years, it was not in vain.
Nature's spiritual energy rushed into Yun Tianqiong's body like mad, coupled with the influx of Sword Path Rules, unconsciously, his body began to emanate strands of Sword Qi.
At this moment, Yun Tianqiong became like a sharp sword. Even though he was simply sitting there, it was as if an astonishing Sword Intent was about to break through the heavens.
[Disciple Yun Tianqiong has formed an initial-level Sword Body, reward: 6 Enlightenment opportunities. ]
[Disciple Yun Tianqiong has integrated Sword Path Rules within his body, reward: 3 Enlightenment opportunities.]
Suddenly, a notification sounded in Li Cheng's mind.
Li Cheng subtly raised an eyebrow. Well now, nine Enlightenment opportunities all at once!
[Current remaining Enlightenment opportunities: 10 times.]
So rich!
Now he could have Enlightenment at will. Anything he didn't understand, he could just have Enlightenment on!
Wherever he was lacking, that's where he'd focus!
Amidst his delight, the aura around Yun Tianqiong receded like a sharp sword being sheathed.
"Thank you, Master, for saving me!"
Opening his eyes, Yun Tianqiong immediately knelt down, speaking respectfully.
Li Cheng casually waved a stream of True Yuan and lifted Yun Tianqiong, "Since everything has been resolved, follow your master back to focus on your cultivation."
"Yes, Master!"
When Yun Tianqiong was perceiving the sword scar left by Li Cheng, his admiration for him had grown immensely, and now, having faced calamity and obtained a tremendous opportunity through his master's aid, his reverence for Li Cheng deepened beyond measure.
"Black and White Uncles, don't rush to go into seclusion after we return. I'll try to concoct two King Grade Responding to Calamity Pills for you."
Just as they were preparing to set off, Li Cheng suddenly spoke.
King Grade Responding to Calamity Pills?
Both elders looked at Li Cheng in astonishment. If a King Grade eighth-level Spirit Pill could truly be concocted, they wouldn't have to worry about their Loose Immortal Tribulation!
Facing the astonished yet hopeful gazes of the two, Li Cheng nodded slightly. In truth, he had wanted to mention Emperor Grade Responding to Calamity Pills, but he hadn't tried making them before and didn't want to make promises he couldn't keep.
Unbeknownst to Li Cheng, when he had previously been concocting pills, Black and White Elders had secretly watched him. They harbored no doubts about Li Cheng's ability to concoct King Grade Responding to Calamity Pills. But to show that they hadn't been secretly watching, they had to act surprised and they did so perfectly in sync!
Chapter 33 How Could There Be Such a Monster?!
The Black and White Elders were in perfect sync, their faces a mixture of astonishment and anticipation, while Yun Tianqiong next to them was truly shocked!
He never knew that his master could actually refine a King Grade Responding to Calamity Pill!
When the master said he would try, it meant there would definitely be no problem!
That was an eighth level Spirit Pill, and it was of King Grade.
Throughout the Southern Domain, the master was probably the first!
Already holding utmost reverence for his master, Yun Tianqiong's mood at this moment was one of deep worship!
Half an hour passed, and the four returned to the Heavenly Mechanism Sect. The Black and White Elders didn't go to the foot of Seventh Peak, but chose to watch with their Spiritual Sense. Rêađ lat𝒆st ch𝒂/p/ters on n𝒐/v/𝒆/l(b)i𝒏(.)c/𝒐/m
It was nearing evening, and the number of spectators in the plaza had not lessened but increased instead.
As Li Cheng arrived at the center of the plaza with Yun Tianqiong, the crowd instantly became excited.
"The Eighteenth Elder has finally returned!"
"Who is that person beside him? With the cultivation of the Qi Refinement Realm, he's emitting such a strong Sword Intent?"
"My sword is trembling, influenced by that person's sword momentum!"
While the crowd was excited, many eyes fell upon Yun Tianqiong—he had just condensed his Sword Body and couldn't perfectly conceal his Sword Intent yet, currently resembling an unsheathed sharp sword.
Mu Xingzhi and the others quickly stepped forward, "Little Uncle Master, are you alright?"
Li Cheng nodded, "The Black and White Uncles are seriously injured. Hurry up and start the alchemy!"
Mu Xingzhi tactfully led everyone away, leaving only Ling Xi at the scene.
"Yun youngster, what happened?" Back at their seats, Mu Xingzhi asked with concern.
The Black and White Elders were Tribulation Loose Immortals, yet they were seriously injured, making the high-ranking members of the sect very anxious.
Yun Tianqiong bowed and then said, "Two Loose Immortals came to capture me. I used master's Sword Qi, but I didn't seize the moment well and only managed to slay one of them…"
Yun Tianqiong slowly recounted the events, but since he later concentrated on condensing his Sword Body within the Sword Immortal Pool, he didn't know much about what followed. He only knew that it involved a remnant soul of an Immortal wanting to take possession of a body, even at a great cost to themselves.
Li Cheng had started the alchemy process, beginning with the Fusion Dao Pill as usual.
The people of the Pill Sect had waited so many days and were finally going to witness Li Cheng performing alchemy, each of them holding their breaths and afraid to miss any detail.
Ling Xi was no exception.
Li Cheng had not performed alchemy often, but he was now practiced and efficient. After testing the power of the Heaven's Hidden Soul Nourishing Flame a few times, he began in earnest.
With the Rule of Fire amplifying it, the Heaven's Hidden Soul Nourishing Flame was now more than twice as powerful as the True Fire he had used before, and naturally, the speed of pill refinement was faster!
Phut!
As the Heaven's Hidden Soul Nourishing Flame burned inside the Tripod, gasps of astonishment erupted one after another!
"That's Heaven and Earth Spirit Fire! When did the Eighteenth Elder obtain Heaven and Earth Spirit Fire? It wasn't there during the previous pill refinement!"
"This Heaven and Earth Spirit Fire is so strong; do not let your Spiritual Sense get close to it or it will be devoured by the fire!"
The Heaven's Hidden Soul Nourishing Flame could nourish the soul and strengthen the Spiritual Sense for Li Cheng, but for others, the effect was quite the opposite.
"Heaven's Hidden Soul Nourishing Flame! He actually controls the eighth-ranked Spiritual Fire!" Shentu Feng's pupils narrowed. As the Sect Master of the Pill Sect, he believed the strongest Spiritual Fire in the Southern Domain was in the possession of the Pill Sect, but now he realized he was wrong!
"Look, the people from Heavenly Mechanism Sect didn't even know he had the Heaven's Hidden Soul Nourishing Flame; could it be that he's only just obtained it?" Ning Qianqiu said.
Everyone from the Pill Sect turned their heads to look around, realizing that was indeed the case!
An Elder said, "First Elder, are you suggesting that while he was away for these past few hours, he also took the opportunity to subdue the Heaven's Hidden Soul Nourishing Flame?"
"No way? This is ranked eighth among the Heaven and Earth Spirit Fires, even higher than our sect's strongest Nirvana Vitality Fire. Can it really be subdued so quickly?"
"I also think it's impossible. To subdue such a spirit fire, it would take years at the very least!"
Listening to everyone's comments, Ning Qianqiu waved his hand, "1 was just making a casual remark, after all, everyone says that he never used spiritual fire when refining pills before. If he had tamed it before but never used it, then he's hidden his abilities too deeply."
"Enough, such a formidable pill master deserves an equally formidable spiritual fire. Stop discussing and concentrate on observing!" Shentu Feng interrupted the crowd.
Speaking of observing, that was a headache in itself. Before, they could use their spiritual sense to check, but now, getting too close to the pill tripod with spiritual sense was like delivering food to it!
And with mere eyesight, the essence of it is simply too difficult to discern!
Even Ling Xi, who was closest, didn't dare to release her spiritual sense. With her Foundation Establishment stage cultivation, her spiritual sense was weak, and she could only stare unblinkingly at every one of Li Cheng's movements, unwittingly immersing herself entirely in the observation.
The eighth-ranked Heaven's Hidden Soul Nourishing Flame, with its special soul-nourishing effects, also had an extremely astonishing heat on its own. Coupled with the Rule of Fire, it made Li Cheng's alchemy seem effortlessly easy.
Soon, one hundred batches of Fusion Dao Pill ingredients began to fuse.
After the fusion was complete, over a thousand Fusion Dao Pills flew out from the tripod, causing all the onlookers to widen their eyes in shock!
"Sect Master, that's one hundred batches of ingredients! Not even an incense stick's time has passed, and he's succeeded!"
"That's not the main point. The main point is that sixteen of them have developed pill patterns—that's King Grade!" Shentu Feng found his throat suddenly becoming incredibly dry as he spoke with some difficulty.
Ning Qianqiu nodded subconsciously, "Quick, look at the center of those pills. There are two that not only have pill patterns but also a halo circulating around them—that's Emperor Grade!"
Emperor Grade!
The people of the Pill Sect all took a sharp intake of breath. Finishing the pills in such a short time was one thing, but what was crucial was the frighteningly high quality!
The lowest were top-quality Fusion Dao Pills, sixteen King Grade, two Emperor Grade—such alchemy skills were unmatched at least in the Southern Domain!
Shentu Feng nodded vigorously, scanning seriously before saying, "Pity there's no Emperor Grade…"
Before his words could fall, he clearly sensed a powerful force stirring in the sky!
Looking up, he saw the dark clouds churning and rapidly gathering!
It was already dusk, and as the dark clouds surged in, the world plunged completely into darkness!
"It's a Pill Tribulation! Emperor Grade Spirit Pills have attracted a Pill Tribulation!" Shentu Feng's eyes lit up, as if realizing something.
As the Pill Tribulation gathered, array patterns emerged all over Li Cheng's body. In just a few moments, he set up an eighth-grade formation, enveloping Ling Xi within it.
With her cultivation, standing under the Pill Tribulation would be extremely dangerous, but an eighth-grade formation was more than enough to protect her.
While everyone was looking up at the sky, very few noticed Li Cheng casually setting up an eighth-grade formation, but the fluctuation when the array patterns emerged was sensed by all the people of the Pill Sect.
Seeing Li Cheng set up an eighth-grade formation to protect Ling Xi, the people of the Pill Sect were stunned into silence!
"He… he's also an Array Master?"
"Have 1 seen a ghost? He's at least an eighth-grade Pill Master and also an eighth-grade Array Master?"
"To simultaneously cultivate both the Alchemy Dao and array mastery to this extent, isn't he too monstrously talented?"
Ning Qianqiu felt his mind wasn't coping well—how could there be such a monstrous figure in the world?
Boom!
Tribulation Thunder began to fall, the deafening sound of thunder bringing them back to reality.
"Odd, the Pill Tribulation is falling, why isn't Elder Li taking action? Just watching as most of the Fusion Dao Pills get blasted to bits?" As most of the Fusion Dao Pills vanished, Ning Qianqiu spoke doubtfully..
Chapter 34 Unending Pill Tribulation
Ning Qianqiu's face was full of confusion, and so were Shentu Feng and the others.
However, the expressions of the people from Heavenly Mechanism Sect were filled with anticipation and pride, with no trace of confusion. They knew that this was the necessary path for an Emperor Grade Spirit Pill to appear in the world.
"It seems that the people from Heavenly Mechanism Sect have no doubts, perhaps it should be like this!" Shentu Feng silently observed Mu Xingzhi and the others, coming to such a conclusion.
Then, the second and third Tribulation Thunders fell.
When the third Tribulation Thunder dissipated, there were only twenty or thirty Fusion Dao Pills left floating above the Pill Tripod.
But as Pill Masters, the Pill Sect members could clearly sense that an incredibly rich Pill Qi had gathered above the Pill Tripod.
And as the Tribulation Thunder vanished, that Pill Qi was actually rushing towards the remaining Fusion Dao Pills, especially the two Emperor Grade ones, which absorbed the most!
The two Emperor Grade Fusion Dao Pills gradually emanated colorful lights, and only when the enveloping Pill Qi was entirely absorbed did their lights start to converge.
After completely converging, the two Fusion Dao Pills were enveloped in a cloud of Pill Qi, turning into genuine Emperor Grade Fusion Dao Pills!
"So that's how it is!"
All the members of the Pill Sect were Pill Masters of no low skill, and with such a scene before them, they of course understood—this is how an Emperor Grade Spirit Pill was made!
By utilizing the Pill Tribulation, an Emperor Grade advances from King Grade!
Watching Ling Xi take away all the Pills, the members of the Pill Sect let out a relieved sigh.
Even though they did not witness Li Cheng's specific pill concoction process, this observation session made them understand how Emperor Grade Pills came to be.
"It is difficult! Even though we now know that Emperor Grade Pills come from a Pill Tribulation, to attract a Pill Tribulation, one must first concoct Emperor Grade Pills… that is challenging!" said a Pill Sect Elder with a deep sigh and a wry smile.
Everyone nodded in agreement, and Shentu Feng said, "If we observe carefully several more times, even if we can't concoct Emperor Grade Pills ourselves, at least we can greatly improve our proficiency in the Alchemy Dao. We may not have such an opportunity in the future."
Li Cheng had already begun concocting the Unifying Pill.
Another incense stick's time passed, and the Pill Tribulation for the Unifying Pill arrived!
This time, similarly, two Emperor Grade Pills faced the Tribulation, but one was destroyed by it, leaving only one to ascend to Emperor Grade.
Next came the Tribulation Crossing Pill!
Again, after the time it takes an incense stick to burn, watching over a thousand supreme quality, more than a dozen King Grade, and two Emperor Grade Pills fly out from the Pill Tripod, the members of the Pill Sect felt their faces burning with heat!
A few days ago, they had offered fifteen Tribulation Crossing Pills in exchange for an Emperor Grade Spirit Transforming Dan.
They even said that fifteen Tribulation Crossing Pills were an "astronomical price"!
And what they could offer were only of the lower grade.
But at this moment, what did they see?
Over a thousand Tribulation Crossing Pills of at least supreme quality!
What is "cabbage"?
Only now did they understand that when Li Cheng said the Tribulation Crossing Pill was like cabbage to him, he wasn't exaggerating at all—in fact, he might have even understated it.
With just a casual production, he was making supreme quality Tribulation Crossing Pills, so lower grade ones in his eyes were more than just cabbage, they were basically trash!
The exchange method they had proposed turned out to be like giving handouts to a beggar, no wonder he was angry.
Ning Qianqiu's face flushed with embarrassment as he shifted his gaze to Shentu Feng and the others, noticing that their faces were also beet red.
Clearing his throat, Ning Qianqiu changed the subject, "That…I seem to have figured out a little trick."
Everyone regained their composure and quickly returned to normal, turning their attention to Ning Qianqiu.
Ning Qianqiu said, "To concoct Emperor Grade Pills, one must start with at least fifty sets of materials, because Elder Li uses a hundred sets and only gets two Emperor Grade Pills, so to get one, you need to start with fifty."
The crowd stared at Ning Qianqiu in astonishment, their eyes plainly saying: How clever of you!
"Such a simple arithmetic problem, and you're asking me?"
"But is it really as simple as an arithmetic problem?"
"Surely, there are issues related to the compatibility of materials, changes in medicinal properties, and so on. How could it be as simple as Ning Qianqiu says?"
"Of course, the most critical issue is, they're hardly successful in refining ten batches of materials at once, let alone fifty or a hundred batches?"
"Even if they could succeed, who could guarantee that all would have top-notch quality as a base?"
"So, Shentu Feng and the others were very clear—they couldn't learn it!"
"They tried hard, but the harder they tried, the more they realized how incompetent they were."
"Without trying hard, they wouldn't have even realized it."
"Suddenly, the Pill Sect's people's mood turned gloomy. They were a super sect known throughout the Southern Domain for their Pill Skill, and what they were most proud of turned out to be their biggest weakness."
"Soon the Pill Tribulation passed, and two Emperor Grade Tribulation Crossing Pills were brought into existence."
"However, such an outcome couldn't reverse the gloomy mood of the Pill Sect's people. Instead, it made them feel even more worthless!"
"A hundred batches of Responding to Calamity Pill materials were placed into the Purple Void Jade Emperor's Tripod; Li Cheng had already begun the alchemy process. The people of the Heavenly Mechanism Sect were excited, but the Pill Sect…"
"Mu Xingzhi noticed the anomaly among the Pill Sect's members and quickly understood upon reflection, sighing inwardly."
"Being struck to the core in their area of expertise, the Dao hearts of the Pill Sect's members were already unstable."
"Normally, an outsider's unstable Dao heart is none of their own concern."
"But as the Sect Master, Mu Xingzhi had to consider the future of the Heavenly Mechanism Sect and couldn't just sit by and watch."
"After all, there would be many dealings with the Pill Sect in the future; business interactions were indispensable, and they couldn't just watch as these high-level members were wasted."
"With that thought, Mu Xingzhi transmitted his voice: "Gentlemen, my little uncle has a unique talent and has experienced enlightenment in Alchemy Dao, which is why his Pill Skill is unparalleled." DiiScôver 𝒏𝒆w stori𝒆s on no/𝒗/e()/lbin(.)c/o/m
"A simple reminder immediately brought the Pill Sect's people back to their senses."
"They were all at the Transcendance Tribulation Stage of cultivation and soon stabilized their Dao hearts, but even so, they were all thoroughly shaken and sweating profusely!"
"If the reminder had come any later and their Dao hearts had collapsed, they would have been utterly ruined!"
"They all exhaled a long breath of relief and, in unison, made a fist and palm salute toward Mu Xingzhi. Shentu Feng transmitted his voice: "Thank you, Sect Master Mu. Our two sects must have more interactions in the future!"
"Mu Xingzhi returned the gesture with a smile. With this statement, even if his little uncle ascended one day, the Pill Sect would increase business interactions with the Heavenly Mechanism Sect, ensuring peace for many years to come!"
"Any power would want more dealings with the Pill Sect, but few, if any, could actually be taken seriously and regarded as important by the Pill Sect."
"Now, however, it was different. The Heavenly Mechanism Sect would certainly be one of them!"
"Composing themselves, the Pill Sect's people looked back towards the center. From within the Purple Void Jade Emperor's Tripod, came the sound of Pills moving about, indicating that the Responding to Calamity Pills were about to emerge!"
"This time, the Pill Sect's people managed to maintain their composure, smiling as they watched the Pill Tribulation."
""Elder Li's alchemy is actually refining our hearts. This trip was so worth it!" Shentu Feng said with a laugh.
"Everyone nodded in agreement, indeed it was so. Having passed that earlier trial, their Dao hearts were even more solid, which would be greatly beneficial for their future cultivation."
"The Pill Tribulation descended, and Li Cheng looked calm, only occasionally glancing over at Ling Xi."
"It was not because Ling Xi was so beautiful that he couldn't help but take several looks, but since the start of the Unifying Pill refinement, Li Cheng had noticed that this girl was observing with her heart, seemingly benefiting a great deal."
"However, without any prompt yet, Li Cheng didn't know what she had comprehended."
"But at this moment, Ling Xi was surrounded by peculiar fluctuations. Others, who were further away, might not be able to sense it, but Li Cheng was only a few steps away from her and felt it very clearly."
"Those peculiar fluctuations, they were somewhat like… a Pill Tripod!" "Just as this thought appeared, a prompt indeed sounded in Li Cheng's mind!"