《Desolate Devouring Art》


 Chapter 1 - Brothel

    <h4>Chapter 1 - Brothel</h4>


    ¡°I¡¯m...still alive...?!¡± Liu Wuxie finally regained consciousness even though every inch of his body throbbed with excruciating pain. He gasped for air underneath the crushing weight of heavy wooden nks and a beam.


    Thest he remembered, he was one of the ten Immortal Emperors in the Fleeting Mist Immortal Realm. Before his demise, he chanced upon the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron, a divine artifact by fortune. Unfortunately, it attracted many greedy eyes, and people in the Immortal Realm besieged him to death.


    In his veryst moment, he executed the Bloodfiend Disintegration and dragged everyone down with him. The explosion didn¡¯t just kill his assants, but it also destroyed the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron. By the time he woke up, he was buried under the wooden nks.


    ¡°True Martial Continent...Xu n...a live-in son-inw...a wastrel....¡± Based on his memories, he knew he was no longer in the Fleeting Mist Immortal Realm but was reborn in a ce called the True Martial Continent.


    The body he was currently in shared the same name as him, Liu Wuxie. Liu Wuxie came from a wealthy family, but his parents went missing when he was five, resulting in his narrow-minded and lone-wolf personality. Even after he was taken in by his father¡¯s close friend and future father-inw, Xu Yilin, it didn¡¯t change for the better.


    As he gradually became older, he grew cockier. He suspected Xu Yilin of coveting his assets, so he became a famous spendthrift in Azure Billow City. Even after the entire Xu n described him as garbage and a sponge, he still behaved as he wished and disregarded their opinions of him.


    When Liu Wuxie reached the age of marriage, Xu Yilin immediately married off his daughter to him, in hopes that his son-inw would change for the better.


    Logically speaking, there was no way a piece of garbage like Liu Wuxie was worthy of the Xu n¡¯s young missy. But Liu Wuxie¡¯s parents were close friends with Xu Yilin, and they were betrothed at birth. They were to be wed at the age of eighteen.


    The night of their wedding, Liu Wuxie¡¯s new bride beat him out of their bridal chamber, and under the instigation of his friends, he stepped into a brothel for the first time. But he suddenly lost his temper and lit up the entire ce, which copsed and trapped him under the rubble.


    Liu Wuxie shoved aside the debris and examined himself while lying down.


    ¡°How ruthless, trying to sever the heart¡¯s pulse with a single palm strike? If I didn¡¯te and possess this body, there¡¯s no doubt Liu Wuxie would have disappeared from the world. Who¡¯s the mastermind trying to kill him?!¡± Aside from some abrasions and bruises, the palm print on his chest was fatal. He could only remember drinking with his friends, and everything after losing his temper drew a nk.


    Liu Wuxie forcibly suppressed his heart¡¯s fatal injuries, but he urgently needed the Pulse Guarding Pill to fix his severed heart meridian. Luckily, with his skills, it wouldn¡¯t be tough to refine this pill.


    ¡°I¡¯m fortunate that this is a cultivating continent with a thriving martial dao.¡± Martial cultivators were categorized into different cultivation levels. These were Houtian, Xiantian, Spirit Cleansing, Marrow Cleansing, True Core, and so forth.


    ¡°This body is in a real mess, and calling him garbage is a word of praise.¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s meridians were thin like hair, and they were heavily clogged with impurities. ¡°What a hassle! ...I know the deity-graded cultivation techniques from the Celestial Realm, while the True Martial Continent is merely a Mortal Realm. I will need to alter the Mortal Realm¡¯s cultivation techniques.¡±


    This was the same as an infant wielding a divine weapon, but there was no way an infant could lift that divine weapon. To use a divine weapon, one had to reach the Marrow Cleansing Realm at the very least.


    This ced Liu Wuxie in an awkward position, and he failed when he tried to circte his cultivation techniques. He felt a stabbing pain throughout his body, threatening to shred him into pieces if he carried on.


    Right then, a droplet flowed out from his dantian and coursed through his meridians. His meridians were like starving worms devouring that droplet, and he could sense a feeling offort wash over his body.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Liu Wuxie quickly examined his dantian, wanting to know where the droplet came from. But when his consciousness entered his dantian, his mind blew apart as he saw a ck divine cauldron situated in the center, which was the droplet''s source.


    ¡°T-This is the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron! It actually came with me?!¡± The Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron had exploded when he died, but he never expected it to appear in his dantian.


    ¡°Could it be...? Is my transmigration rted to this cauldron?¡± A massive cloud of ck aura charged out of the cauldron and struck his consciousness, forming several ancient ck characters. This huge impact returned his consciousness to his body and brought him back to reality.


    Amotion suddenly came from outside before he could sort out his thoughts. As the rubble was moved away from his head, a gleam of light shone through the crack, and he saw many people wielding a torch in the surrounding area.


    ¡°Master, we found the young master!¡± Several robust youths moved a wooden beam away. Liu Wuxie was fortunate because that wooden beam blocked the huge debris from falling over him. Thus, Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t suffer any severe injuries, and the only cause of his death was the palm strike on his chest.


    They quickly carried Liu Wuxie out of the mess and ced him on the ground. After that mysterious liquid nourished his body, he had practically recovered from all his injuries and could stand up.


    ¡°Are you trying to anger me to death?!¡± Xu Yilin appeared before Liu Wuxie and red at him. He immediately rushed out after hearing that his son-inw had visited the brothel. He didn¡¯t even have the time to wear his coat and only donned a cloak.


    But for some reason, Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t furious and could feel a warmth coursing through his heart listening to Xu Yilin¡¯s reprimand. He could sense that Xu Yilin was genuinely concerned about him.


    ¡°That garbage isn¡¯t dead?¡± An exmation sounded, disrupting their conversation.


    ¡°That heaven is blind! Why isn¡¯t a sponge like him dead?!¡±


    ¡°What sins have the Xu nmitted to have a son-inw like him?¡±


    ¡°A garbage will always be garbage. Today is his wedding, and he came to the brothel. He even became a beast and ripped a girl¡¯s clothes, nearlymitting a huge mistake. Heaven is blind. Why didn¡¯t they im the life of a lowlife like him?¡±


    ¡°......¡±


    The discussion in the surrounding was directed at Liu Wuxie without exception.


    ¡°Uhh...¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s face became dark, but he was powerless to refute.


    Xu Yilin¡¯s face turned red, and he quickly got his men to carry Liu Wuxie back to the Xu n. It was simply too embarrassing for them to stay there any longer.


    ¡°Stop right there!¡± A bark echoed, stopping Xu Yilin¡¯s party from leaving. The pimp rushed over furiously with ten guards.


    ¡°Patriarch Xu, your son-inw destroyed my brothel and caused multiple injuries. The girls are all terrified now, and we even have injured customers. This is all because of him, and you want to leave just like that?¡± The pimp was in his forties with light makeup on his face. He even covered himself in perfume and looked disgusting as he came before Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°I¡¯ll get someone to negotiate for thepensationter.¡± Xu Yilin red at Liu Wuxie, but this wasn¡¯t the time for him to reprimand Liu Wuxie as they were in public.


    ¡°No need. I will fork out thepensation myself.¡± Liu Wuxie stepped forth. He was responsible for this, and he didn¡¯t want to get too many people involved.


    ¡°Young Master Liu, I¡¯m not trying to look down on you, but how will youpensate me?¡± The pimp mocked him, sparking a burst ofughter from the surroundings.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. We won¡¯t miss a single dime in thepensation, which I assure you with my name. Thepensation will be delivered to you in three days,¡± Xu Yilin said, and they were allowed to leave only after he gave his word.


    ¡°The previous Liu Wuxie must be out of his mind. Anyone can tell that his father-inw is genuinely concerned about him.¡± Liu Wuxie sighed and followed behind Xu Yilin without saying a word. He was rather grateful for the Xu n. The Xu n took him in when the previous Liu Wuxie was homeless. Not to mention, Xu Yilin fulfilled his promise and bestowed his daughter upon him. Just this fact alone proved how loyal Xu Yilin was to his friends.


    When the first gleam of sunlight shone down, the Xu n¡¯s gates opened. Two servants were sweeping the fallen leaves off the ground when they saw Xu Yilin, and they quickly bowed to show him their respect. Meanwhile, they simply disregarded Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Go change your clothes and see me in the main hall,¡± Xu Yilin said, looking at the disheveled Liu Wuxie, who looked like a beggar.


    ¡°Got it.¡± Liu Wuxie slightly feared but respected Xu Yilin because the original Liu Wuxie would have been long dead if it weren¡¯t for the Xu n looking after him all these years.

 Chapter 2 - Desolate Devouring Art

    <h4>Chapter 2 - Deste Devouring Art</h4>


    The Xu n¡¯s buildings were well arranged in the form of rings.


    The Xu n was a prominent household in Azure Billow City as one of the four big ns, albeit having a weaker foundation than the other three. This was because Xu Yilin¡¯s cultivation was at the pinnacle of the Spirit Cleansing Realm, and he was one of the top ten experts in Azure Billow City. It was no wonder, the Xu n was on par with the other three ns.


    Liu Wuxie walked into his courtyard and entered his room. A stench assaulted his nostrils as the corners of his room were littered with heaps of worn clothes and soiled socks.


    ¡°Interesting...he lived in such a tattered courtyard when he married the Xu n¡¯s young missy...¡± Liu Wuxie rubbed his nose. But the wedding was held in a low-profile manner, and only a few elders in the n were invited to witness the ceremony. As for the consummation of the marriage, the previous Liu Wuxie was beaten out of the bridal chamber by his wife even before he could see her face. This was the reason why Liu Wuxie visited the brothel out of a fit of rage with his friends.


    Liu Wuxie opened the cab and retrieved an azure robe. He changed his clothes before leaving his residence, passing through the hall, and entering the inner chamber. This was the residence of the Xu n¡¯s patriarch, and only a select few were allowed to step into this ce.


    In the main hall, there were three people seated around a table. They were his father-inw, mother-inw, and his wife, respectively. His mother-inw¡¯s name was Yang Zi, and his wife was called Xu Lingxue.


    Xu Lingxue was a great beauty, emanating a serene and noble aura. She had long eyshes, a high nose bridge, rosy lips, and a voluptuous body that outlined her impressive and charming figure.


    Liu Wuxie had lived for millennia as an Immortal Emperor before his transmigration, and he had seen countless beauties in his lifetime. The woman he was most attracted to was the Aquatic Jade Immortal Empress, publicly acknowledged as the top beauty in the Celestial Realm. But Xu Lingxue wasn¡¯t any inferiorpared to her.


    ¡°This woman is my wife?!¡± It wasn¡¯t an understatement to call her a femme fatale based on her appearance and temperament. He couldn¡¯t believe such a woman was married to a piece of trash like Liu Wuxie.


    On the other hand, Xu Lingxue furrowed her brows briefly before her expression returned to indifference. Liu Wuxie¡¯s actions fromst night affected the Xu n greatly, and she didn¡¯t even want to nce at him.


    Liu Wuxie sighed when he noticed the slight changes in Xu Lingxue¡¯s expression, and he knew that she was greatly disappointed with him. But he quickly shifted his gaze away from Xu Lingxue and entered the main hall. He didn¡¯t sit at the table and simply stood by the side.


    His mother-inw¡¯s expression was ugly as though she wanted to chase him out the next moment. As for his father-inw, he took a deep breath to suppress the boiling rage in his heart.


    ¡°Are you not going to give us an exnation regarding what happenedst night?¡± Xu Yilin panted heavily, his chest moving in sync with his rage. He didn¡¯t have a son and had long treated Liu Wuxie as his own, not to mention that Wuxie was his close friend''s only child. This was why he put up with Liu Wuxie¡¯s behavior throughout the years, but what happenedst night was thest straw.


    ¡°I have nothing to say. It has already happened, and any exnation is pointless,¡± Liu Wuxie said calmly.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s response naturally made Xu Yilin more furious. He raised his hand but lowered it. Liu Wuxie admitting his fault would calm Xu Yilin down, but he knew any exnation was pointless. Then again, he didn¡¯t know that the Liu Wuxie he knew had already died from a palm strike.


    Xu Yilin¡¯s response made Liu Wuxie feel the concern a family shared for one another. He was alone in his previous life, relying on his de to slowly rise to be a prestigious Immortal Emperor. Now that he had a family, he felt the urge to protect them, and he embraced this new feeling. As for what happenedst night, he decided to investigate who was trying to kill him.


    ¡°Big Brother Liu is a good man. I don¡¯t understand how he gave birth to a piece of trash like you. You¡¯ve humiliated the Liu n and are no different from a beast for what you didst night!¡± Yang Zi stood up and lost it. After all, Liu Wuxie greatly humiliated the Xu nst night, and they wouldn¡¯t be able to raise their heads again in Azure Billow City or even the Great Yan Dynasty.


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t refute those words. His memories of his parents in this lifetime were blurred because they went missing when he was young.


    ¡°This has nothing to do with my parents, and I am solely responsible for this matter,¡± Liu Wuxie said unhappily. In the entire Xu n, only Xu Yilin treated him well. Xu Lingxue was aloof and didn¡¯t interact much with him, even if they grew up together.


    ¡°You¡¯re solely responsible?! How are you going to take responsibility? Everyone taunts our Xu n for indiscipline, and they are seeking to have you delivered for execution!¡± Yang Zi sneered. If her husband didn¡¯t have a reputable position, Liu Wuxie would¡¯ve already been beaten to death by now.


    But Liu Wuxie simply ignored what she said. As he inherited the previous Liu Wuxie¡¯s memories, he also inherited all the scoldings that everyone had for him in the Xu n, so he was already used to it. Not to mention, he owed the Xu n through all these years.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough!¡± Xu Yilin interrupted. No matter how unsightly Liu Wuxie was, he was still the only child of his Big Brother Liu. Without Big Brother Liu, the Xu n would have been destroyed long ago, and he remembered this grace in his heart.


    ¡°Father-inw, Mother-inw, I¡¯ll take my leave if there¡¯s nothing else.¡± Liu Wuxie bowed and left directly before they could say anything. Throughout the entire process, he kept a calm face.


    Yang Zi often scolded him, and he argued with her asionally. So Liu Wuxie¡¯s calm attitude puzzled Yang Zi, and she wondered ifst night¡¯s ordeal significantly impacted Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Stay home and cultivate if you have nothing better to do.¡± Xu Yilin¡¯s voice sounded when Liu Wuxie was about to leave the main hall.


    This made Liu Wuxie feel warm in his heart, and he nodded slightly before returning to his residence.


    Upon returning to his residence, Liu Wuxie cleaned up the mess and sat down. He finally had the time to check the mysterious characters in his mind. But when his consciousness sank in, his body trembled.


    ¡°The long lost Deste Characters!¡± Liu Wuxie felt a jolt of shock, as the Deste Characters were ancient relics lost in history. No one knew about them in the Mortal Realm, and the number of people who knew them in the Celestial Realm didn¡¯t even exceed five. Of course, he happened to be one of them.


    The Deste World was born at the beginning of the universe and was already destroyed, lost through the river of time.


    He spent an incense stick of time, sorting out the Deste Characters, and each word directly pointed to dao, especially thest sentence.


    <i>Everything in the world can be devoured and refined.</i>


    ¡°Deste Devouring Art!¡± The three words hovered before his consciousness, looking grand and majestic as a stream of deste aura flowed out of his body.


    ¡°What a terrifying cultivation technique! This is on a whole new level from the Primal Celestial Art I practiced in my previous life.¡±


    The Primal Celestial Art was a powerful cultivation technique in the Celestial Realm, and he relied on it to be an Immortal Emperor in his past life. So did that mean this Deste Devouring Art could surpass it and allow him to reach a new height?


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t dare to imagine it, and no one knew what was beyond the Immortal Emperor Realm.


    ¡°Let¡¯s hope that this Deste Devouring Art isn¡¯t like the other Celestial Realm¡¯s cultivation techniques, where mortals are incapable of practicing them.¡± He had already failed when trying to practice several cultivation techniques he knew, which made him uneasy as he tried to circte the Deste Devouring Art ording to the Deste Characters.


    When he circted the Deste Devouring Art within his body, the spiritual energy in the courtyard was sucked over. This spiritual energy sizzled and poured through the slit between the doors and entered his body. As soon as the spiritual energy entered his body, it became liquified and entered his dantian. Liu Wuxie¡¯s shock deepened as the Heavenly Devouring Cauldron swallowed half of the spiritual energy.


    ¡°It can absorb spiritual energy by itself?¡± Ultimately, cultivating the Deste Devouring Art was a sess, which was a piece of good news. As for the spiritual energy devoured by the Heavenly Devouring Cauldron, he wasn¡¯t too bothered. Since cultivating the Deste Devouring Art was a sess, he circted it in full force. The spiritual energy became liquified when it entered his meridians, coursing violently through them.


    His meridians emitted a faint luster after being nourished by the spiritual energy. Impurities were expelled from his body, forming ayer of ck substance on the surface of his skin, and the stench covered the entire room.


    His newly revealed skin was smooth like a baby when he circted his cultivation technique to repel the ck substance away from his body.


    ¡°Cleansing of the body!¡± He had purged half of the impurities in his body in no time, and he marveled what would ensue if he continued. The body was the foundation, and he needed a strong foundation if he wanted to ascend to a higher level. Without hesitation, Liu Wuxie used the surplus spiritual energy to fortify his physique, but he refrained from making a hasty breakthrough.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes shot open two hourster, radiating a frosty gleam that transformed into two formidable gusts of wind.


    ¡°Not bad. The Heavenly Devouring Cauldron produced ten droplets of that mysterious liquid in two hours.¡± As the liquid flowed out of the cauldron and coursed through his body, his meridians began to crackle, slowly transforming his physique


    Liu Wuxie swiftly made a breakthrough in his cultivation. He advanced through several bottlenecks from the first to the fourth level of the Houtian Realm in a few breaths before slowing down. He let out a breath after he was done. His drastic transformation wasn¡¯t inferior to undergoing a rebirth and gave off an ethereal temperament.


    Exiting the house, he stood beneath the Banyan Tree and fell into deep thoughts.


    <i>Cultivating requires resources, and I need money to speed up my cultivation. It¡¯s too slow to rely on the Deste Devouring Art alone, mainly because my main objective is to refine the Pulse Guarding Pill. I also need to purchase the ingredients for the Body-Refining Elixir, as I have to keep tempering my physique in the Houtian Realm.</i> Liu Wuxie pondered as he rubbed his chin.


    He took out a paper and a brush before listing the ingredients required for creating the Body-Refining Elixir. After he was done, he hesitated briefly before writing down another form and folding the paper, and tucked it in his clothes close to his chest.


    It was already morning, and the entire Xu n became bustling. As Liu Wuxie closed the doors of his courtyard and walked down the hallway, he could sense the gazes of disdaining from the Xu n¡¯s servants in the surroundings.


    ¡°How embarrassing. Because of him, our Xu n won¡¯t be able to hold our heads high in Azure Billow City anymore.¡± Liu Wuxie could hear whispers from the maids in the surroundings, and they even pointed at him as he walked down the hallway.


    ¡°Young Missy must be heartbroken that her husband visited the brothel on the first night of their wedding. Not only did he visit the brothel, but he even caused a hugemotion. Everyone in Azure Billow City now knows about it.¡±

 Chapter 3 - Getting On My Nerves

    <h4>Chapter 3 - Getting On My Nerves</h4>


    Liu Wuxie took a deep breath as he passed through the Xu n¡¯s main gate and basked in the sunlight. Having been an Immortal Emperor in his previous life, he had no reason to stoop to the level of those servants.


    Azure Billow City was enormous, with millions living in it. So aside from the four big ns, the city lord naturally held the most influence in the city.


    The streets were crisscrossed with many shops around. The Great Yan Dynasty had a vast territory, and Azure Billow City was just one of the many cities.


    The best ce for herbs and pills in Azure Billow City was the Treasure Pill Pavilion, and Liu Wuxie was on his way there. It didn¡¯t belong to the city lord or any n. It was a superior existence in Azure Billow City, and the Heavenly Treasure Sect was rumored to be behind it.


    Despite being a low-graded pill, the Pulse Guarding Pill was not easy toe by, as it demanded a high level of refinement.


    From far away, the que of the Treasure Pill Pavilion glittered with three golden characters. A great stream of people flowed in and out of the pavilion.


    A vast hall greeted Liu Wuxie as he entered the Treasure Pill Pavilion. The hall had different sections for pills, herbs, and other items. The Treasure Pill Pavilion also offered materials from demonic beasts, such as their furs or cores, which smelled distinctively and radiated a savage aura through the counter.


    ¡°Young Master, may I help you with something?¡± A servant came forth and greeted him warmly, but the depth of his pupils shed with disdain. Compared to others, Liu Wuxie dressed too ordinarily, and his clothes had faded to white from repeated washing.


    ¡°I wish to meet your boss, so please make a report.¡± Liu Wuxie saw the contempt in the servant¡¯s eyes, and a cold sneer curled up his lips.


    ¡°Someone like you is not worth our manager¡¯s time. If you¡¯re not buying anything, leave,¡± the servant said without courtesy. He tried to push Liu Wuxie away, but Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t budge. A hint of murderous intent shed in the servant''s eyes.


    Many people noticed themotion and paused their activities to watch.


    Everyone in Azure Billow City had long heard of Liu Wuxie¡ªhis deeds fromst night had spread like wildfire. ¡°Isn¡¯t that the Xu n¡¯s son-inw? What is he doing here in the Treasure Pill Pavilion?¡±


    When the servant heard that Liu Wuxie was Xu n¡¯s son-inw, he sneered at him as though he was looking at something disgusting. He ripped off his act and red at him. ¡°Scram! You¡¯re not wee in the Treasure Pill Pavilion!¡±


    The Treasure Pill Pavilion wasn¡¯t under the jurisdiction of any forces, giving the servant the liberty to act cockily. This was because the customers who came into the Treasure Pill Pavilion would usually tter them. This was the position of a mere servant in the Treasure Pill Pavilion, so one could imagine the lofty status of the Treasure Pill Pavilion itself. Even a mere servant wasn¡¯t someone they could offend.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes grew cold, and a chilly aura surrounded the servant, making him stumble in fear. ¡°You sure you want to pass up this deal? Don¡¯t say I didn¡¯t warn you. You won¡¯t be able to handle the consequences if you miss it.¡±


    ¡°How dare a piece of trash like you threaten me?! Since you¡¯re unwilling to leave, I¡¯ll beat you to death before throwing you out!¡± The servant didn¡¯t hesitate to make a move. He was strong, and heunched a punch at Liu Wuxie¡¯s face with a st of wind, making his hair flutter.


    The servant would not attack anyone else, but Xu n¡¯s son-inw had a bad reputation in Azure Billow City. He was a pest that no one cared about. So the servant felt no pressure to attack him.


    But before the servant¡¯s attack couldnd, Liu Wuxie raised his foot and gave the servant a frontal kick in his abdomen. The servant flew back and crashed into the counter, breaking it. The medicinal materials on the counter spilled on the floor.


    The abrupt kick surprised everyone, and they quickly vacated the surrounding area. They didn¡¯t want to get involved in this matter as they would be expelled from Azure Billow City if they offended the Treasure Pill Pavilion.


    ¡°Cough...cough...¡± The servant threw up a mouthful of blood on the ground. Liu Wuxie was soon surrounded by ten or so servants, two of them armed with weapons.


    ¡°How dare you hurt someone in our Treasure Pill Pavilion¡¯s territory. Take him down!¡±


    A man wearing a purple robe stood out among the group. He was most likely a supervisor in the Treasure Pill Pavilion. Upon receiving his order, the servants dashed forth, stomping ferociously toward Liu Wuxie.


    None of them were weak, and the purple-robed man¡¯s cultivation reached the fifth level of the Houtian Realm. With strong momentum, the ruler in his hand swung down at the back of Liu Wuxie¡¯s head.


    Liu Wuxie had no choice but to retaliate as he would die at their hands if he didn¡¯t. He strode the Seven Dipper Steps and easily avoided the iing attacks before appearing behind them. His figure was like a ghost, waving his way through the crowd and avoiding all the iing attacks.


    Liu Wuxie balled his fists, and his movements were smooth as he performed the Spinning Back Fist. This was a simple punching technique, but it was perfectly executed.


    His punch sent five servants smashing against the counter, causing a series of loud boomings. These servants weren¡¯t weak and belonged to the third level of the Houtian Realm.


    The purple-robed man roared and descended like an eagle, apanied by a violent aura that swept all the herbs off the ground. He was on a whole new levelpared to those in the third level of the Houtian Realm. Therefore, Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t take the attack head-on and chose to duck instead.


    He was more than capable of dealing with someone in the fifth level of the Houtian Realm, but he didn¡¯t want to reveal his strength too early on. He decided to hide his strength until he found the culprit who wanted his life. But striding the Seven Dipper Steps, he easily avoided the iing attacks, causing the purple-robed man to screech furiously.


    The battle in the main hall naturally rmed the entire Treasure Pill Pavilion as a servant ran to the inner chamber to call for reinforcements.


    ¡°Stop!¡± A bark echoed, interrupting the fight.


    Liu Wuxie stopped and stood quietly at the center without a single injury on his body. On the contrary, eight or nine peopley on the ground, wailing in pain because of him.


    A burly, old man strode into the main hall. When he noticed the herbs scattered on the ground, he flew into a rage. He fixed his piercing gaze on Liu Wuxie and released a terrifying aura.


    The aura of a Xiantian Realm cultivator silenced everyone in the main hall, and they hastily retreated even further, leaving Liu Wuxie alone.


    ¡°Why did you assault our staff?¡±


    This old man was in charge of the main hall in the Treasure Pill Pavilion. His name was Lei Tao, and he had served in the Treasure Pill Pavilion for over three decades. In his time here, he never encountered anyone daring to assault their staff in their territory, and Liu Wuxie was the first.


    ¡°I have business with your boss. Not only did this person disregard my request, but he even insulted me. He attacked me first, and my action is just an act of self-defense.¡± Liu Wuxie initially didn¡¯t want to exin. Still, he could only briefly describe the entire incident to smoothly get the ingredients he needed.


    ¡°Who the hell do you think you are? Do we have to report to our boss just because of your demands? I suggest killing this person and setting him as an example to others.¡± The purple-robed man was enveloped in murderous intent, wanting to kill Liu Wuxie. The ruler in his hand began to flicker, and it turned out to be a lethal weapon.


    The other servants nodded in agreement, wanting to have Liu Wuxie killed.


    Lei Tao naturally knew the infamous Liu Wuxie of Azure Billow City, and someone had already informed him that the person standing before him was Liu Wuxie. So he could only suppress his rage out of respect for the Xu n. As for the losses here, he would personally visit Xu Yilin to demandpensation. After all, the reputation of the Treasure Pill Pavilion couldn¡¯t be damaged. ¡°I¡¯m in charge here. Why are you looking for me?¡±


    ¡°There are too many people, and it¡¯s inconvenient for me to discuss it here. Can we find a quieter ce?¡± Liu Wuxie frowned because he didn¡¯t want to talk about it in public, but he maintained a calm gaze even under the pressure exerted by Lei Tao. Unfortunately, everyone misperceived Liu Wuxie¡¯s words, thinking he was snubbing them.


    ¡°Who the hell do you think you are?! I think you¡¯re here to cause trouble. I suggest breaking his legs and letting him know the consequences of offending the Treasure Pill Pavilion.¡± The purple-robed man was relentless and prepared to make a move as long as Lei Tao gave the word. After all, he had all the anger pent up in his chest from how Liu Wuxie dodged all his attacks earlier.


    But all he received was a resounding p that echoed in the main hall, and he flew away like a broken kite, smashing against a wall in the corner.


    ¡°You¡¯re starting to get on my nerves!¡±

 Chapter 4 - Spirit Origin

    <h4>Chapter 4 - Spirit Origin</h4>


    Lei Tao squinted his eyes with his mouth agape when the resounding p echoed in the Treasure Pill Pavilion. As for the others, they were even more dumbfounded that Liu Wuxie dared to make a move in front of the boss himself.


    ¡°ARRGGGHHHH!¡± The purple-robed man let out a scream with his hair disheveled. The p only knocked off a few of his teeth, so he was generally fine. He sprang up and let out a deafening roar, and the shockwave made the Treasure Pill Pavilion¡¯s beams quiver and crack. He coughed up a mouthful of blood with a few broken teeth in it.


    ¡°Little bastard, I¡¯ll kill you!¡± The ruler in the purple-robed man¡¯s hand shone brightly, intending to take Liu Wuxie¡¯s life.


    ¡°Say another word, and I¡¯ll kill you first.¡± Liu Wuxie disappeared and reappeared before the purple-robed man, choking him by his throat. He wished to conceal his strength and avoid trouble but would dly grant this man¡¯s wish if he sought death. As long as he could restore his heart meridian, reaching the Xiantian Realm with the Deste Devouring Art wouldn''t take long. At that time, he could use some means of an Immortal Emperor.


    The Treasure Pill Pavilion went pin-drop silent because the publicly despised trash had suddenly be so strong. He even mastered a profound movement technique and could easily subdue someone in the fifth level of the Houtian Realm.


    Lei Tao withdrew his gaze because even he couldn¡¯t see through the bizarre movement technique Liu Wuxie used. He couldn¡¯t figure out how a piece of trash like Liu Wuxie suddenly became so strong.


    ¡°Young Master Liu, you must justify your repeated assaults on our staff. Otherwise, I will not be polite, and no one can save you, not even the Xu n¡¯s patriarch.¡± Lei Tao¡¯s words were obvious. Liu Wuxie would perish in the Treasure Pill Pavilion if he didn¡¯t give Lei Tao an exnation, even if the Xu n¡¯s patriarch came.


    The crowd slowly regained their senses with fear on their faces. The few martial cultivators who taunted Liu Wuxie earlier cowered in the back of the crowd, fearing that Liu Wuxie might target them.


    ¡°Here, take this and bring someone higher up to talk to me.¡± Liu Wuxie ran out of patience. He pulled out the pill form and threw it at Lei Tao. The paper was as thin as a cicada¡¯s wing and caught everyone¡¯s attention.


    Lei Tao was in the Treasure Pill Pavilion for many years, and he could tell that Liu Wuxie had someone backing him. So he didn¡¯t dare to take it too far. After he caught the form, he slowly opened it.


    He trembled when he scanned the form. He was an alchemist when he was younger but became a manager in the Treasure Pill Pavilion because of his limited talent. Even now, he could only refine some first-grade pills. But he could tell with a nce that this form was extraordinary.


    ¡°What do you want to discuss?¡± Lei Tao¡¯s tone shifted. The Treasure Pill Pavilion might deal in pills, but most were first-graded Energy Condensing Pills and a few Heart Nourishing Pills. The pill form on this paper was between the second and third grades, and he clearly knew what that implied.


    ¡°Are you sure you want to discuss it here?¡± Liu Wuxie frowned. He didn¡¯t like noise, and this ce was boisterous.


    ¡°Come with me!¡± Just like that, Lei Tao openly invited Liu Wuxie to the inner chamber, leaving everyone else speechless because they expected to see Lei Tao defeating Liu Wuxie. But the unexpected turn of tables caught them by surprise, making them eager to know what was written on the paper that Liu Wuxie hurled at Lei Tao.


    When Lei Tao and Liu Wuxie entered the inner chamber, they were greeted by a splendid sight. The Treasure Pill Pavilion spared no expense in adorning the ce withvish furnishings, showing off their immense wealth. They made their way to a cozy private room that spanned twenty square meters. The room was furnished with elegant tables and chairs, and fresh fruits wereid out on the table.


    Meanwhile, the hall broke into an uproar with disbelief on everyone¡¯s faces.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on? Why didn¡¯t the Treasure Pill Pavilion kill him?¡± Everyone was baffled. The Treasure Pill Pavilion had a strict rule against fighting, and anyone who vited it would face severe consequences. Justst year, a troublemaker was killed for stirring up amotion. Yet today, Liu Wuxie had not only broken the rule but was also invited into the inner chamber by the Treasure Pill Pavilion. This was simply astounding.


    ¡°Hmph, so what if he went in? I bet he¡¯ll be carried out soon.¡±


    ¡°......¡±


    Discussions broke out, and the number of people gathered increased. They even went as far as sitting down and waiting for the oue.


    ¡°Talk. What do you have to say?¡± Lei Tao was still seething. He hadn¡¯t forgiven Liu Wuxie for what he had done earlier just because he brought him here. If Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t offer him a good reason, he would kill him on the spot.


    ¡°You don¡¯t think it¡¯s a fake, do you?¡± Liu Wuxie smirked. He could tell that Lei Tao was no fool. Lei Tao¡¯s ability to identify the form of an extraordinary pill showed that he was not someone to be underestimated. Besides, he had been working in the Treasure Pill Pavilion for a long time, and he would have no shame if he couldn¡¯t tell what was precious or not.


    ¡°You¡¯ll regret it if it¡¯s a fake.¡± A cold glint shed in Lei Tao¡¯s eyes. He wouldn¡¯t spare Liu Wuxie¡¯s life if he tried to trick the Treasure Pill Pavilion, even if he was the son-inw of the Xu n.


    ¡°Your Treasure Pill Pavilion should have a two-star alchemist, right? Why don¡¯t you get him to appraise this form first before we discuss it.¡± Liu Wuxie grabbed a fruit from the table and bit into it as he sat on the cushioned mat, the juice dripping from his mouth.


    Only influential people could negotiate in the private room of the Treasure Pill Pavilion, and this was the first time a known trash had entered here.


    ¡°Invite Master Huo here,¡± Lei Tao shouted at the door. A person promptly answered and left.


    The room fell silent again, and Liu Wuxie remained calm, casually munching his fruit under Lei Tao¡¯s fierce pressure. This amazed Lei Tao because anyone else in Liu Wuxie¡¯s situation would have wet their pants in terror. But Liu Wuxie just finished his fruit instead.


    The door opened abruptly, and a man with white hair and a piercing gaze barged into the room in a bad mood. He waved his sleeves and asked, ¡°Lei Tao, what do you want? I¡¯m busy refining a cauldron of pills, and you will pay if I fail because of you.¡±


    Alchemists were valuable and esteemed professionals in the True Martial Continent. This was because every martial cultivator relied on pills for their cultivation. To be an Alchemist, one had to master Fire attributes and have a powerful talent in their soul. This was why Lei Tao showed respect when he saw Master Huo.


    ¡°Master Huo, this kid brought a pill form and wants to do business with our Treasure Pill Pavilion. I need you to check this form and see if it¡¯s genuine. If it¡¯s fake...¡± Lei Tao drew a hand across his neck as a sign that he would y Liu Wuxie.


    Master Huo picked up the form from the table, not paying much attention at first. This was because the Treasure Pill Pavilion had the form for all the pills in the market unless it was a form for rare pills.


    Usually, having the form was not enough without knowing the steps for refining it, and that was why Liu Wuxie had no qualms about revealing it. After all, he had omitted adding these steps in the form.


    Master Huo had a nk expression as he examined the form. He had already heard the rumors outside along his way here, so he nced at Liu Wuxie with contempt. But after he read through the form, he furrowed his brow because this form was intricate, and he couldn¡¯t tell with a nce if this form was authentic.


    ¡°Master Huo, what do you think?¡± Lei Tao asked, eager to know the oue because he had never seen this pill before either.


    ¡°The Heavenly Spirit Pill, this is a new name to me...¡± Master Huo put down the form and started drumming his fingers on the table, shutting his eyes and trying to deduce it from the ingredients listed.


    ¡°Using the spiritual energy of heaven and earth as core and condensing it into sevenyers to make a pill,¡± Liu Wuxie said, and his words made Master Huo¡¯s body tremble.


    When Master Huo opened his eyes, his pupils sparkled with excitement on his face. He cried out, ¡°Spirit origin!¡±

 Chapter 5 - Flipping The Table

    <h4>Chapter 5 - Flipping The Table</h4>


    When Master Huo eximed those words, the entire room began to tremble as his aura turned into an air current, sweeping out and knocking the fruits off the table.


    Liu Wuxie had brought a watered-down version of the Heavenly Spirit Pill form, which was only a fraction of the original in effectiveness. Even so, it was still one of the best pills in Azure Billow City.


    As for its effects, the form exined it in detail. It was better than any other pill on the market, but what amazed Master Hou was that the herbs needed for refining this pill cost only one-tenth of the second-grade Heart Nourishing Pill. The pill used ordinary ingredients that were easy to find in the market, like the Cockb Grass, which grew everywhere.


    ¡°You are very bold toe here with a fake form. But considering this is your first time, I will forgive your mistake. Leave at once, or you will regret it.¡±


    Master Hou¡¯s eyes shed with greed, but he quickly concealed it. He knew he could be a three-star alchemist if he mastered the refining method for the Heavenly Spirit Pill. Then he would have a chance to be transferred to Imperial City, the heart of all cultivators. As for Azure Billow City, it was just a drop in the oceanpared to the entire Great Yan Dynasty.


    His motive for using Liu Wuxie of bringing a fake form was clear. He was greedy and wanted to keep the form for himself, so he didn¡¯t mind betraying Liu Wuxie. As for the form, he was sure he could refine it with a month of research.


    Lei Tao was puzzled because he knew Master Huo well enough to know he would either walk away or fight back if the form was wrong. So he couldn¡¯t understand how this form was so valuable that a two-star alchemist would stoop so low to frame Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie performed a slow-paced and insulting p with mockery in his eyes. He naturally noticed the glint of greed that shed across Master Hou¡¯s eyes earlier.


    ¡°The Treasure Pill Pavilion has given me the experience to broaden my horizon after witnessing your disgusting face.¡±


    Master Huo¡¯s face turned from red to green with Liu Wuxie¡¯s mocking words, looking embarrassed. Even Lei Tao lowered his head with shame.


    ¡°Brat, you¡¯re courting death by deceiving us with a fake pill form after injuring our staff!¡± Master Huo flipped the table, unleashing a powerful aura that made his clothes flutter. He nned to overpower Liu Wuxie first and then find an excuse to use him and take the pill form. Even if Liu Wuxie made a big fuss, who would trust the words of the useless son-inw?


    ¡°Kill me? You?¡± Liu Wuxie sneered, staring straight at Master Huo without flinching. His sharp gaze pierced Master Huo¡¯s soul like two swords, causing him to stagger. He almost copsed because of Liu Wuxie¡¯s gaze, which felt like it could see through anything.


    But when Master Huo came to his senses, he became furious. After all, his position in the Treasure Pill Pavilion was second only to the Pavilion Master, and even Lei Tao had to be respectful to him. He had never felt such humiliation and fear, triggered by the piercing stare of a mere garbage. His eyes turned fierce, and he eximed, ¡°Since you are seeking your demise, I will grant your wish!¡±


    Master Huo extended his palm forcefully, showing no restraint as he aimed to overpower Liu Wuxie. Lei Tao was caught off guard, unable to intervene in time, as an unexpected turn of events unfolded before his eyes.


    ¡°Do it if you want to die, but tell me, do you experience unbearable pain in your sr plexus every time you refine pills? Has the intensity of pain increased over the years, necessitating the use of painkillers?¡± Liu Wuxie stood quietly with no intention of retaliating.


    As Lei Tao was about to intervene, Master Huo halted, casting a bewildered gaze toward Liu Wuxie. This revtion was Master Huo¡¯s closely-guarded secret, unknown to anyone else. So he wondered how Liu Wuxie knew about the intense pain he experienced in his sr plexus during the pill refinement process, especially in recent months. It had be so painful that he even thought of suicide.


    Every month, the Treasure Pill Pavilion would have an astonishing number of transactions, with a significant portion of the Energy Condensing Pill refined by him. However, in the past two months, the production of the pills had noticeably declined. Master Huo exined that he didn¡¯t feel well. So nobody paid much attention to it.


    ¡°H-How do you know about it?!¡± As soon as he said that, Master Huo felt a surge of regret and fear. It was just as Liu Wuxie noted, and a pitiful expression appeared on his face. He recalled the pain in his sr plexus when he refined pills.


    ¡°You forcibly took a Spirit Breakthrough Pill to make a breakthrough to the two-star alchemist, but it damaged your heart. Among the five principal organs in the human body, the heart belongs to the fire attribute. As a result, your heart will be under tremendous pressure every time you control the fire attributes in refining pills, and the pressure umtes in your sr plexus. Judging from your current situation, you only have three months left to live.¡± Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t hide Master Huo¡¯s current situation from him and pointed out the problem.


    Master Huo¡¯s face immediately changed. Even his use of the Spirit Breakthrough Pill to advance to a two-star alchemist was revealed. He felt no different from being stripped naked before Liu Wuxie.


    Lei Tao¡¯s mouth was wide open after hearing what Liu Wuxie said. This was too shocking because the Spirit Breakthrough Pill was taboo, and the side effects were apparent. So no one was willing to take it.


    ¡°What should I do now? You must have a solution, right?¡± Master Huo panicked. He didn¡¯t want to die, so he clung to Liu Wuxie¡¯s arm desperately, as if it was his only lifeline. The intense pain in his sr plexus left him in lingering fear, not to mention that Liu Wuxie said he only had three months left.


    ¡°I have a way...but why should I save you?¡± Liu Wuxie flung Master Huo¡¯s hands off him, and even Lei Tao couldn¡¯t help feeling ashamed of Master Huo. After all, Master Huo had tried to use Liu Wuxie of presenting a fake form and even plotted to kill him.


    ¡°I will do anything as long as you save me. Money? Women? I¡¯ll give you everything you want!¡±


    As the chief alchemist of the Treasure Pill Pavilion, Master Huo had naturally umted considerable wealth over the years, and he was willing to give it all out in exchange for his life.


    ¡°Give them all to me? Even the Treasure Pill Pavilion can¡¯t give me what I want.¡± Liu Wuxie scoffed. His lips curled into a scornful smile. After all, how much wealth could a two-star alchemist umte? He had no interest in Master Huo¡¯s meager fortune.


    ¡°Young Master Liu, please save me. What do I need to do for you to save me?¡± Master Huo had given up his dignity. He couldn¡¯t bear the agony in his sr plexus any longer and clutched at hisst chance like a sinking man.


    ¡°I can save you, but I don¡¯t need your wealth. I came to the Treasure Pill Pavilion with the sole purpose of doing business with you.¡±


    He knew the Heavenly Spirit Pill would bring him a fortune once it was ready, but he was unwilling to let anyone take the helm. He wanted to haveplete control over it.


    ¡°Pray tell, how do you want us to cooperate with you?¡± Master Huo¡¯s anxiety and eagerness left Lei Tao speechless. Was this still the same two-star alchemist he knew? Master Huo was no different from a dog wagging his tail now, and he was only one step away from going down on his knees to lick the soles of Liu Wuxie¡¯s shoes.


    ¡°Do you have the authority to make that decision?¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s mockery was like a resounding p in Master Huo¡¯s face. But he could only bear it down and even give up his dignity to survive.


    Lei Tao averted his eyes from the scene, feeling his world shaken. Liu Wuxie had not only wounded a dozen of the Treasure Pill Pavilion¡¯s servants and a manager in the main hall. He also revealed a mysterious form and diagnosed Master Huo¡¯s illness, making Master Huo beg for his mercy. How could this be the same Xu n¡¯s trash that everyone despised?


    ¡°The Pavilion Master isn¡¯t in Azure Billow City, and I can decide regarding the cooperation you¡¯re talking about,¡± Master Huo said, turning to look at Lei Tao.


    Lei Tao maintained his silence and did not express his opinion because Master Huo did have that qualification.


    Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t in a hurry to negotiate the terms of cooperation and asked Master Huo to bring him a set of silver needles. He wanted to treat Master Huo¡¯s condition first, and his hands moved swiftly like the wind. He inserted the needles into Master Huo¡¯s sr plexus acupuncture points, and they vibrated slightly, causing a faint humming noise.


    As Liu Wuxie inserted more needles into Master Huo¡¯s acupuncture points, Lei Tao¡¯s face changed. The Liu Wuxie, from his memory, was a wastrel who knew nothing except having fun.


    When all the needles pierced Master Huo¡¯s major acupuncture points, he felt a warm sensation spreading from his feet to his whole body. The dull pain in his chest slowly faded away, and he couldn¡¯t help but feel thrilled.


    ¡°Your condition is too deeply rooted in your body, and you need five treatments to eradicate it,¡± Liu Wuxie said, pulling out the silver needles without a trace of emotion on his face.


    Liu Wuxie could treat Master Huo in one go, but his effort would go down the drain if Master Huo turned his back after being cured.


    ¡°Thank you, Young Master Liu. I won¡¯t forget your grace, and do look for me if you need my help in the future.¡± Master Huo¡¯s attitude changed into apletely different person from before.


    ¡°No need to thank me. Let¡¯s discuss our cooperation now,¡± Liu Wuxie interrupted Master Huo with a wave. The power dynamics in this room had shifted dramatically, with Liu Wuxie taking the lead. But what amazed them even more, was the superior temperament that Liu Wuxie exuded.

 Chapter 6 - Psychedelic Powder

    <h4>Chapter 6 - Psychedelic Powder</h4>


    The negotiation of their deal went smoothly. The first month of the pill refinement would be entrusted to Liu Wuxie, and the Treasure Pill Pavilion would collect it at five-day intervals.


    Liu Wuxie and the Treasure Pill Pavilion would split the Heavenly Spirit Pill profits 50-50 for the first month. Then, Liu Wuxie would give the refining method to the Treasure Pill Pavilion, and the profit share would change to 30-70, with Liu Wuxie getting 30% and the Treasure Pill Pavilion getting 70%. The Heavenly Spirit Pill would belong to the Treasure Pill Pavilion after three years.


    ¡°These are some herbs I require. Send them to me once they¡¯re collected. As for the cost of these herbs, deduct them from the profits.¡±


    Lei Tao picked up the list and locked his brows together. After their discussion, his attitude towards Liu Wuxie had changed significantly. He suspected the rumors about Liu Wuxie in the outside world to be fake. That superior aura he emitted could only be grasped by an expert.


    Lei Tao put the list on the table and said unhappily, ¡°This branch has almost all of them, but we need to bring the Nine Yang Fruit and Scarlet Spirit Grass from the imperial city. That will take at least five days.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯lle again five days from now.¡± The two herbs were the main ingredients for refining the Pulse Guarding Pill, and he had to get them at any cost. Since he had already achieved his goal, he stood up and left the room.


    Lei Tao and Master Huo also stood up. Master Huo, who hadpletely changed his attitude, trailed behind Liu Wuxie like a loyal servant. He knew that his life was in Liu Wuxie¡¯s hands, and he had to please him well.


    Lei Tao asked Master Huo, ¡°Are you sure the form is genuine? A failed cooperation of this magnitude will hurt the Treasure Pill Pavilion, and the Pavilion Master will punish us when he returns.¡± Lei Tao had not been involved in the negotiation from the start. Master Huo handled most of the Treasure Pill Pavilion matters, and Lei Tao only dealt with the sales.


    ¡°I ran over a dozen simtions in my mind, and this form is very likely real. The moment it goes public, it¡¯ll greatly raise our Treasure Pill Pavilion¡¯s position in the Great Yan Dynasty. Go and send him off and fulfill any request he has. We¡¯ll know the result in five days.¡±


    But Master Huo¡¯s gaze shed with a hint of coldness when he said thest sentence. If Liu Wuxie failed to produce the Heavenly Spirit Pill in five days, Master Huo would personally visit the Xu n and kill him.


    Liu Wuxie came out of the inner hall after an hour. The main hall was crowded with people, and the broken counters were already fixed. The servants who were beaten up by Liu Wuxie red at him with resentment.


    ¡°Brat, you¡¯re still alive? So what! Die!¡± The purple-robed man attacked Liu Wuxie as soon as he saw him, swinging his ruler down. This sudden attack shocked everyone because they didn¡¯t expect Liu Wuxie toe out from the inner hall unharmed, and this was illogical.


    ¡°Is this how the Treasure Pill Pavilion treats its guests, Manager Lei?¡± Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t react and noticed Lei Tao hiding behind the door curtain with his sharp senses.


    Lei Tao wanted to probe Liu Wuxie¡¯s true strength, but he knew he couldn¡¯t continue to hide because of their deal. He strode into the main hall and yelled, ¡°Zhou Tong, stop!¡±


    Zhou Tong stopped swinging his ruler when he heard Lei Tao¡¯s roar. Lei Tao¡¯s Xiantian Realm aura almost blew Zhou Tong away. Zhou Tong¡¯s hair was messy, and his face was fierce. He didn¡¯t understand why Lei Tao prevented him from killing Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Manager Lei, I have an additional condition for our deal. I never want to see this person in the Treasure Pill Pavilion again. If you can¡¯t agree to this condition, I¡¯m afraid our cooperation is over!¡± Liu Wuxie said and walked out of the Treasure Pill Pavilion. The crowd parted for him, staring at his back.


    ¡°Zhou Tong, pack your things and leave the Treasure Pill Pavilion. I willpensate you with three months¡¯ sry, but you will no longer be associated with the Treasure Pill Pavilion from this moment onwards,¡± Lei Tao spoke calmly, but his words shocked everyone like a thunderbolt. The main hall erupted in an uproar because Liu Wuxie was the reason Zhou Tong was fired, and they couldn¡¯t understand what had happened. They wondered what had transpired between Liu Wuxie and Lei Tao.


    ¡°NOOO!¡± Zhou Tong roared as he fell on his butt. He enjoyed avish lifestyle as a supervisor in the Treasure Pill Pavilion, where he received high treatment. Without the Treasure Pill Pavilion, he had nothing. Losing his job there meant losing everything.


    ¡°It¡¯s because of that garbage! I¡¯ll kill him!¡± Zhou Tong retorted with bloodshot eyes. He left the Treasure Pill Pavilion without even taking thepensation.


    Lei Tao didn¡¯t stop him. He took out the list Liu Wuxie gave him and said, ¡°Prepare all the herbs listed here and send them to the Xu n.¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡± The supervisor in charge of herbs naturally noticed the change in Lei Tao¡¯s attitude. He grabbed the list and went to get the herbs himself. As for Zhou Tong, everyone neglected him as they were more curious to know how Liu Wuxie had managed to change the Treasure Pill Pavilion¡¯s opinion of him.


    After leaving the Treasure Pill Pavilion, Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t return to the Xu n and headed towards West Street instead. The ¡®friends¡¯ who invited himst night resided in West Street, and he wanted to investigate who wanted him dead.


    When he turned the corner of the street, two servants of the Xu n were passing by. They saw Liu Wuxie heading to West Street and said, ¡°Hurry, tell master. That garbage is off to see his friends again.¡±


    It was no secret that the Xu n¡¯s servants called Liu Wuxie garbage secretly.


    Liu Wuxie passed through two alleys and appeared before a courtyard. The previous Liu Wuxie often visited this ce to eat, drink and have fun with his three friends. They would surely have some information about what happenedst night.


    But the courtyard was empty when he pushed the gate open and stepped in. The residents of this courtyard had most likely fled Azure Billow Cityst night.


    Liu Wuxie scanned the main hall, and his eyes stopped at a small sachet in the corner. It was the size of a baby¡¯s fist and looked out of ce. He went over and picked it up, sniffing it. He knew from his memories that his three ¡®friends¡¯ didn¡¯t use this kind of sachet, so who did it belong to?


    ¡°The Psychedelic Powder!¡± Liu Wuxie narrowed his eyes. The fragrance of this Psychedelic Powder could make someone hallucinate and lose their reason with just one sniff.


    He muttered to himself, pocketing the sachet, ¡°Just as I thought...someone paid them offst night to trick me into going to the brothel. Then they killed me with a palm strike and made the brothel copse, making it look like I died under the rubble.¡± The Psychedelic Powder was not easy to refine. Who wanted him dead?


    Liu Wuxie found no more clues and hurried back to the Xu n. A crowd of servants was outside the main hall, trying to see what was happening inside.


    Xu Yilin had a frown on his face, and a few baskets of weapons were in front of him. There were des, swords, forks, and halberts. The Xu n was famous for producing weapons in Azure Billow City, and forging weapons was their primary source of ie.


    The Xu n had five workshops, and they made thousands of weapons every day. But they still couldn¡¯t meet the demand.


    Yang Zi was also there, sitting like a pure white lotus with a worried look on her face.


    Liu Wuxie heard whispers outside the main hall as he made his way through the crowd. ¡°The Tian n poached Our Xu n¡¯s master cksmiths, and they even took our unique forging techniques with them. This is a huge loss for us.¡±


    Among the four big ns in Azure Billow City, the Xu n made a living through forging weapons, controlling about 70% of the market in the city. The Tian n held the remaining 30%. This was because the Tian n¡¯s forging technique was inferior to the Xu n.


    When Xu Yilin was young, he made a living by forging weapons that allowed him to rise to fame in Azure Billow City.


    Buttely, the Tian n had hired a master cksmith from somewhere and showed signs of overtaking the Xu n. Although the Tian n¡¯s forging techniques caught up to the Xu n, the Xu n still monopolized the market because of their affordable weapon prices.


    This naturally resulted inpetition between the two ns. But the Xu n was more conservative and wouldn¡¯t take the initiative to provoke the Tian n. This caused the Tian n to be more hostile, and they snatched away some cksmiths from the Xu n.


    Xu Yilin had taught those master cksmiths himself, and they had a bond like master and apprentice. But they turned their backs on the Xu n, and this shocked the Xu n greatly.


    The weapons in the baskets were crude. Xu Yilin picked up a de and gently gave it a flick, easily creating a chip on it. This proved that this de was defective.


    He put the de down, looked around, and fixed his eyes on Liu Wuxie, who could only walk in bearing the pressure. Everyone he passed by had a smug expression on their faces as they watched him.


    ¡°You went to West Street again?¡± Xu Yilin¡¯s face sank. He hadn¡¯t punished Liu Wuxie forst night¡¯s incident, and he ran off to West Street again to fool around, especially when the Xu n was in trouble.


    ¡°You trash! How can you still show your face here? If it weren¡¯t for you, our Xu n¡¯s reputation wouldn¡¯t have fallen so low!" Yang Zi stepped forward, pointing at Liu Wuxie, and med him for everything.


    The upper ranks of the Xu n smiled behind their hands, looking down on Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Mother, let¡¯s focus on the weapons first.¡± Xu Lingxue stepped forward, interrupting Yang Zi. Liu Wuxie was her husband, no matter how awful he was. So mocking him was no different from mocking her. She also shot a fierce look at Liu Wuxie and ignored him.


    Liu Wuxie knew he was unwee and could only step aside to watch quietly.


    ¡°Deacon Lan, how much of these defective products are sold?¡± Xu Yilin frowned and turned to look at Deacon Lan, who was in charge of the weapon sales. All the transactions and ounts had to go through him.


    ¡°Roughly five hundred in total, but we immediately cut off the supply after realizing it. These are all the defective products we managed to retrieve. There aren¡¯t many left on the market,¡± Deacon Lan replied. They were lucky to find and retrieve them in time, or they would face serious consequences.


    Liu Wuxie picked up a de and gave it a light tap, making it emit aplex vibration, and he swiftly analyzed it. The de was made of high quality materials, but they were not fully utilized because the forging technique was poor.


    ¡°Young Master, someone iming to be from the Treasure Pill Pavilion, came to deliver a huge package of herbs. You are required to collect it.¡± The Xu n¡¯s butler came in.


    When Liu Wuxie heard that the herbs were delivered, he greeted Xu Yilin before leaving the main hall.

 Chapter 7 - Blood Gleam Blade Art

    <h4>Chapter 7 - Blood Gleam de Art</h4>


    Xu Yilin shook his head and sighed. He had already lost hope for Liu Wuxie while everyone else mocked his son-inw.


    The Treasure Pill Pavilion delivered a massive package of herbal ingredients and a cauldron. They were attentive and careful, providing everything he needed.


    Liu Wuxie returned to his courtyard and closed the door. He wasn¡¯t worried about being disturbed because no one usually came here.


    He dumped all the herbs on the ground, making them pile up in the yard. He also brought out a big tub and got some clean water from the well. Since he didn¡¯t have pill mes, he could only use some dried wood. He lit them up, set up the cauldron, and threw the herbs into it.


    The Body-Refining Elixir couldn¡¯t even be considered a first-grade pill. But it had unexpected effects basking in it and was most suitable for strengthening the muscles and bones.


    Liu Wuxie was a bit rusty at first, but he quickly got used to it and sped up, and the whole courtyard was filled with a strong herbal smell. He spent half a day refining a basin of Body-Refining Elixir and poured one-third into the tub before stripping his clothes down to a piece of underwear and entering the tub.


    The moment his skin came in contact with the water, a piercing pain from deep into his bones coursed through his meridians, clearing the impurities within his body. He also circted the Deste Devouring Art, and the spiritual energy in the courtyard formed a vortex above his head.


    The Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron began to absorb the liquid rapidly, which could speed up his cultivation, allowing him to reach the Xiantian Realm quickly.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s meridians ached terribly as they purged the impurities from his body. The water in the tub, once clear, turned ck and foul-smelling. The tub reeked as the water darkened.


    He cultivated for two hours and heard his bones pop and crackle. A soothing feeling filled his body. He felt as if he had cleansed himself from the inside out.


    ¡°That feels great!¡± Liu Wuxie performed a fist technique in the middle of the courtyard, adapting to the changes in his body. After he finished, he dried his forehead with a towel. Then he sat down, crossing his legs, and several martial techniques appeared in his mind.


    ¡°Now that I have resolved my need for a cultivation technique, it¡¯s time to practice martial techniques. I used a de in my past life and should stick to it in this lifetime.¡±


    Finding suitable martial techniques out of so many cultivation techniques was difficult, and it was no different from finding a needle in a haystack. After all, not only did it have to be suitable to his cultivation technique, but it also had to be suitable to this world. This was because he couldn¡¯t perform high-leveled martial techniques with true essence, or he might risk hurting himself from the bacsh.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go with the Blood Gleam de Art!¡± The Blood Gleam de Art was a technique of speed and power. The de shed like a ray of light and cut through anything in its way. This was the true essence of this art. It had seven forms, each more deadly than thest. The best defense was a fast attack, and the Blood Gleam de Art had both. It killed as soon as the de was drawn.


    Liu Wuxie took out a long de from his room. This de didn¡¯t feelpatible with him, but it was still eptable for temporary use. He could visit the Xu n¡¯s workshop the next day to find a suitable weapon.


    He practiced drawing his sword over and over again, and his clothes were soaked with sweat. He didn¡¯t notice the time passing, and by the time he stopped, it was already evening. He had spent half a day on this simple exercise.


    He faced a wooden pile with a mark carved in the center. At first, he couldn¡¯t hit the mark at all. But as he practiced, he hit it once every three tries. His uracy was getting better. The Blood Gleam de Art demanded a high level of precision. It was a technique that aimed to kill the enemy with one strike.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s stomach growled loudly, interrupting his training. He realized he was starving. He hadn¡¯t eaten anything since noon, and the hunger made him quit his training. He tidied up quickly and left the house. He headed for the Xu n¡¯s Dining Hall.


    Liu Wuxie usually avoided eating with his inws because they always scolded him.


    It was the busiest time for dining, and thousands of Xu n members crowded the dining hall. The hall was impressive, and it had several levels. The deacons had their own section, which was rtively quiet, while the lower servants who cleaned the residence sat near the door, which was a noisy area.


    Liu Wuxie had a private room in a corner for his dining area. When he entered the hall, everyone went silent. They looked down and ate their food. Some of them had scorn in their eyes.


    But Liu Wuxie ignored the surrounding stares and walked into his private room. There was usually food ready for him, but the table was empty today. Even the table and chair where he usually ate were removed.


    ¡°That fellow still has the cheeks to dine? I would¡¯ve killed myself with a beancurd if I was him.¡± Whispers came from the surroundings. The voice wasn¡¯t loud, but Liu Wuxie heard them.


    ¡°Who moved my table and chair?¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s face became dark as he swept his gaze around. His gaze finally stopped on the deacon responsible for the Dining Hall. This person was in charge of this ce and should have an exnation for the missing table and chair.


    This deacon was in his forties and had been in the Xu n for over two decades. Everyone would usually address him as Tie Li, and his gaze was eerie because he didn¡¯t like Liu Wuxie. But because of his identity as a deacon of the Xu n, he had no choice but to step forward.


    ¡°We¡¯re short on tables and chairs, so we had to take them,¡± Tie Li said, and his blunt reply instantly caused a burst ofughter from the surroundings.


    ¡°Not enough?¡± A cold smirk rose on the corner of Liu Wuxie¡¯s lips. The Xu n¡¯s Dining Hall was spacious enough, and the surroundings had many unused tables and chairs. But only his table and chair were moved, which was an act of disregarding him.


    ¡°You¡¯re right. There aren¡¯t enough,¡± Tie Li sneered.


    Through his memory, he found many scenes of Tie Li bullying Liu Wuxie. There was a time when Tie Li even gave Liu Wuxie leftovers or spoiled food. This happened more than once, and he received a beating a few times he protested.


    ¡°Tell me, who instructed you to do this?¡± A trace of murderous intent shot out from Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes, causing Tie Li to stagger.


    ¡°Feeding a piece of trash like you is no different from wasting food. I don¡¯t like you, so I chopped your table and chair and used it for firewood. So what can you do to me?¡± Tie Li said, gesturing to p Liu Wuxie.


    To others, Liu Wuxie was just a trash at the first level of the Houtian Realm. Even the lowest servant could push him around, and Liu Wuxie would onlyin to his father-inw. This made everyone despise him even more, and he had to endure it silently.


    But without any warning, Liu Wuxie gave Tie Li a frontal kick in his stomach. This sent Tie Li flying away. He coughed up a mouthful of blood as he crashed into the crowd, smashing all the tables and chairs in his way.


    ¡°How dare a piece of trash like youy your hands on me!¡± Tie Li stood up. He didn¡¯t suffer any injuries and wore a furious gaze. He grabbed a chair within his reach and dashed it toward Liu Wuxie.


    The crowd quickly parted, giving the two ample space to fight. No one dared to interfere.


    ¡°You¡¯re nothing more than a cook hired by the Xu n, and it looks like you need a beating for you to understand your position!¡± Liu Wuxie faced Tie Li head-on. After having his physique nourished by the Body-Refining Elixir, his strength increased by several folds. So even if he didn¡¯t make a breakthrough yet, he wasn¡¯t far from it. He could reach the fifth level of the Houtian Realm within the next couple of days.


    He didn¡¯t respect many people in the Xu n except his father-inw. They had beaten him up many times over the years, and he had to get his revenge. He would give them what they deserved.


    Tie Li was strong with cultivation at the fourth level of the Houtian Realm. He used his force to pick up the chair and m it down on Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°You¡¯re courting death!¡± Striding the Seven Stars Step, Liu Wuxie dodged Tie Li¡¯s attack and kicked him in his foot. His kick made Tie Li fall t on his face, hitting the ground. Hey on the threshold with his face covered in blood. Liu Wuxie held back because he didn¡¯t want to kill him but merely teach him a lesson.


    The crowd couldn¡¯t believe their eyes. They didn¡¯t know how Liu Wuxie became so powerful that he beat Tie Li.


    Tie Li struggled to stand up, and his face twisted with rage. He grabbed a kitchen knife from outside the door.


    ¡°Tie Li, stop!¡± Someone stepped forward. It was okay if Tie Li hit Liu Wuxie, but they would all get in trouble with the Xu n if Liu Wuxie¡¯s life were in danger.


    ¡°Screw you!¡± Tie Li had already lost his rationale from the humiliation of losing to Liu Wuxie. Like a wild beast, he shed the kitchen knife at Liu Wuxie¡¯s face.


    ¡°You want to die? Fine by me!¡± Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t n to kill Tie Li at first. But since Tie Li asked for it, he would grant his wish. He moved so fast that he left a blur behind. He appeared behind Tie Li and aimed a palm strike at his back. This strike would kill Tie Li with its force.


    ¡°Stop!¡± Xu Yilin appeared in the nick of time. Someone had informed him about the fight, and he came to stop this farce.

 Chapter 8 - Refining Pills

    <h4>Chapter 8 - Refining Pills</h4>


    Liu Wuxie withdrew his palm and retreated from the fight with a gentle tap on the ground. The murderous intent in his eyes disappeared in a sh, and Tie Li was lucky to be saved.


    ¡°What happened here? Why are you guys fighting!¡± Xu Yilin prohibited any form of fighting in the n. The conflicts in the n were mostly small fusses due to minor grievances. It was rare for fights to ur. As the patriarch, Xu Yilin had someone taking care of his daily life and barely came to the Dining Hall once a year. As a result, he was naturally unaware of the conflicts between servants.


    ¡°Patriarch, you have to uphold justice for me!¡± Tie Li burst into tears and knelt before Xu Yilin, crying at the top of his lungs with tears rolling down his cheeks. Many people¡¯s eyes twitched at his performance.


    ¡°Speak. I¡¯ll punish Wuxie if he¡¯s at fault.¡± Xu Yilin was partial in front of outsiders and expected more from Liu Wuxie, especially in front of servants.


    The servants in the surroundings smirked, and many looked at Liu Wuxie with sympathy. Liu Wuxie would soon have to bear Xu Yilin¡¯s rage.


    ¡°The Dining Hall has been short on tables and chairs recently, so I moved the young master¡¯s table and chair for temporary use. But he didn¡¯t care about our hardship and mocked and assaulted us instead. So please uphold justice for us, patriarch!¡±


    Lui Wuxie¡¯s eyes shed with killing intent again when he heard Tie Li¡¯s words. He stared at Tie Li with a terrifying look. Tie Li cringed and cowered in fear. He didn¡¯t know when Liu Wuxie¡¯s gaze became so scary.


    ¡°Is that the truth?¡± Xu Yilin looked around, asking the other servants. If Tie Li spoke the truth, he would punish Liu Wuxie harshly.


    ¡°Tie Li is right. We¡¯ve been using the tables and chairs to save money, and we just hope the young master can appreciate our efforts.¡± A few servants ran out from the Dining Hall, but none of them defended Liu Wuxie. This incident showed how low Liu Wuxie¡¯s status was in the Xu n.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I will uphold justice for all of you. All your good intentions are well-appreciated. Go have your injuries treated.¡± How could Xu Yilin not notice that there were many unused tables and chairs around? But heforted the servants and red at Liu Wuxie. ¡°Come out with me!¡±


    Xu Yilin flung his sleeves and left the Dining Hall. As for Liu Wuxie, he had no choice but to follow behind his father-inw obediently. If there was a person Liu Wuxie respected in the True Martial Continent, it was Xu Yilin who raised him as though he was his biological son.


    Neither Xu Yilin nor Liu Wuxie spoke until they left the Dining Hall and stood before a small pavilion. When he saw they were alone, Xu Yilin turned to Liu Wuxie and said, ¡°You have suffered a lot over the years. From now on, just dine with us.¡±


    Liu Wuxie was expecting his father-inw to scold him, so he was surprised to see Xu Yilin care for him with a kind smile. With cultivation in the Spirit Cleansing Realm, Xu Yilin could easily tell who was honest and who was lying. He would¡¯ve lived his life in vain if he couldn''t do that much.


    ¡°You¡¯re not going to reprimand me?¡± Liu Wuxie was stumped because he thought his father-inw would scold him or even lock him up like in the past.


    ¡°You and Xue¡¯er are married. You¡¯re an adult now. I can¡¯t reprimand you like before, and I will investigate what happened today. You don¡¯t have good talent and can only rely on hard work. Too many things happened in the n recently, and I don¡¯t have the time to look after you. You must learn to take good care of yourself. If you can do that, I¡¯ll be able to give Big Brother Liu an exnation if hees back,¡± Xu Yilin said. When he mentioned Liu Wuxie¡¯s father, he had a hint of respect in his eyes.


    Liu Wuxie was initially still furious and wanted to kill Tie Li. But after hearing Xu Yilin¡¯s words, he smiled bitterly. Since when did a majestic Immortal Emperor like him lower himself to the level of a mere fly?


    ¡°Father-inw, has the matter with the defective weapons been resolved?¡± Liu Wuxie generally didn¡¯t meddle in the Xu n¡¯s business, but he didn¡¯t mind lending a helping hand if needed.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry about that. I¡¯ll find a way to resolve it. It¡¯s gettingte, so you should go back and rest early. As for your meal, I¡¯ll get someone to bring it to you.¡±


    Liu Wuxie returned to his courtyard and resumed practicing his de technique after taking his leave. The butler personally delivered him a feast with many dishes. He ate his fill and then sat in a lotus position to cultivate the Deste Devouring Art. He only stopped when the night was deep.


    ¡°Time to refine the Heavenly Spirit Pill!¡± Liu Wuxie rested for an hour to adjust his condition. Pill refining required wless concentration, and he chose thete night to avoid any interruptions.


    The dried wood crackled as the mes zed vigorously. A true alchemist had to seek heavenly mes. Luckily, Liu Wuxie came across the True Samadhi Fire in his previous life, and he was probably the only one who dared to use ordinary mes to refine second-graded pills. Even Master Huo used pill mes to refine his pills.


    Liu Wuxie gradually threw the herbs into the cauldron. His pill-refining skill had improved after refining the Body-Refining Elixir. He controlled the mes with his true essence, and the herbs swiftly dissolved and emitted a dense herbal fragrance.


    Liu Wuxie multitasked as he sat beside the cauldron, cultivating and controlling the mes. A few droplets of the mysterious liquid appeared in the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron. He prepared to make a breakthrough to the fifth level of the Houtian Realm using the Heavenly Spirit Pill after he refined them.


    Liu Wuxie threw a few herbs into the cauldron every ten-odd minutes and added more firewood to the mes. As the fire crackled, he gently fanned the mes with his hand using great agility. He was using a secret technique that made his hands look like a phoenix pping its wings.


    Master Huo would be scared to death if he saw this scene. No one at the fourth level of the Houtian Realm had such a profound fire-controlling technique. This was even beyond Master Huo¡¯s level.


    A potent aroma wafted from the cauldron after two hours. The first batch of Heavenly Spirit Pills was almost done. Liu Wuxie was still rtively unfamiliar with the process the first time, and he could smell some burnt pills from the cauldron. Even so, this was already quite the feat for his first attempt.


    He stood up and unleashed a powerful true essence from his palm, causing the mes to rise and envelop the entire cauldron. He knew that he was in a crucial moment now.


    ¡°Congeal!¡± Thest step was highly critical, even if the process by far was perfect. Despite sessfully purifying the herbs, many alchemists stumbled at this stage. This required a strong demand for me control.


    But Liu Wuxie had refined countless pills in his past life, and refiningmon pills was no challenge for him.


    ¡°Come!¡± The fire went out suddenly, and a rich herbal aroma filled the cauldron and the whole courtyard. He opened the cauldron and saw twenty Heavenly Spirit Pills and five brown ones. The brown pills were spoiled pills and couldn¡¯t be consumed. He had a porcin bottle ready and put the pills in it. The spoiled pills could be purified further and fed to spiritual beasts.


    ¡°I¡¯ll stop here today and continue after making a breakthrough to the fifth level of the Houtian Realm. At that time, my refining speed and sess rate will increase.¡±


    Liu Wuxie returned to the room and took out a Heavenly Spirit Pill. A strong fragrance entered his nose when a pill rolled out of the bottle. The value of this pill was ten times higher than the Energy Condensing Pills and the Heart Nourishing Pills on the market because it contained a wisp of spiritual essence.


    When he swallowed the pill, a powerful current coursed throughout his meridians, and every acupoint in his body greedily absorbed the energy. As he absorbed more energy, his bottleneck began to loosen. He didn¡¯t waste any time and used the few drops in the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron to break through.


    Circting the Deste Devouring Art, he gathered the spiritual energy in the courtyard once again. Even so, the supply couldn¡¯t meet the demand, and the spiritual energy from the other courtyards was also drawn over. The spiritual energy was so thick that it almost turned into liquid, but Liu Wuxie gulped it down.


    A crackling sound echoed from his body like a small chick hatching from an egg. He cleared an acupoint in his body and broke through his bottleneck to the fifth level of the Houtian Realm.


    Liu Wuxie spent the entire night cultivating and stopped after reaching the pinnacle in the fifth level of the Houtian Realm. He wasn¡¯t hurrying to make another breakthrough because the foundation was crucial. The mysterious liquid produced by the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron transformed his body, and he no longer had any impurities. He could even reach the ninth level of the Houtian Realm in one go if he wanted. But he was patient and wanted to solidify his foundation step by step.


    The better he polished himself in the Houtian Realm, the higher his future achievements would be. It would be toote to polish his foundation after reaching the Xiantian Realm, and this was the same as building a house. It would be toote to change the foundation of a house after it was built.


    The night flew by, and Liu Wuxie saw two whirlpools before him when he opened his eyes. The spiritual energy gathered in his room swiftly dissipated and returned to normal.


    Returning to the courtyard, Liu Wuxie continued to practice his de technique while getting familiarized with his cultivation. He repeated the process without getting bored, and this was like tempering his body in the Houtian Realm. The foundation was crucial.


    If a hundred people performed the same martial technique, it would produce a hundred different effects. But the more stable his foundation was, the more proficient the de technique would be in his hands.


    ¡°This de is too light, and the length isn¡¯t suitable either. I need to find one that¡¯s suitable for me.¡± Liu Wuxie stopped practicing the de technique. The curvature and weight of a de were important when it came to practicing martial techniques, and this de was unsuitable with the Blood Gleam de Art. The weapon had to be suitable to exert maximum effectiveness.


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t rush to visit the Xu n¡¯s workshop when the sun rose as it was still closed. He fetched clean water and poured the Body-Refining Elixir into it before entering the tub. He circted the cultivation technique and continued his training.


    He could sense his strength increasing. Even though he was still in the fifth level of the Houtian Realm, his physique was alreadyparable to the ninth level of the Houtian Realm. Paired with the Blood Gleam de Art, he was invincible beneath the Xiantian Realm.


    After using up the Body-Refining Elixir, he came out of the tub and hastily consumed the leftover rice from the day before to satiate his hunger. Then he changed his clothes and departed from the Xu n, heading towards the workshop.

 Chapter 9 - Bunch Of Scrubs

    <h4>Chapter 9 - Bunch Of Scrubs</h4>


    As mentioned earlier, Azure Billow City housed five workshops belonging to the Xu n, each producing a substantial quantity of weapons on a daily basis. However, a series of events unfolded in the past few days. The Xu n experienced a significant setback when their master cksmiths were lured away, leaving the apprentices¡¯ refining methods below the desired standards. As a result, the Xu n¡¯s weapons encountered issues, and it would take a considerable amount of time to bring their refining techniques back up to par.


    All the weapons that were collected and gathered in the main hall the day before were defective products.


    Liu Wuxue headed to the nearest workshop, and he would reach there in the time it took to burn a stick of incense. His ears suddenly twitched, and a smirk rose on his lips. ¡°It looks like someone is courting death. Now, I¡¯m curious who¡¯s following me.¡±


    He bypassed the main road and turned into a side street before entering an empty alleyway. As he stepped into the alley, a foul stench reached his nostrils, indicating that many individuals used it to resolve their bowels.


    Coming to a halt, Liu Wuxie found himself confronted by six figures who blocked the alley''s exit. He observed that they wore masks, and only their eyes were visible. They wielded weapons, and murderous intent burst out of their eyes, filling the entire alleyway. Liu Wuxie smirked. ¡°Did you guys finally decide to show yourselves after tailing me for so long?¡±


    A man walked into the alley to resolve his business, but the scene frightened him, causing him to flee without pulling up his pants.


    ¡°Today is your death day. So why aren¡¯t you going down on your knees and begging for mercy?¡± The man in the middle spoke. The group slowly moved forward and formed a small circle around Liu Wuxie, blocking his escape. Moreover, the six were strong, with one person in the fifth level and five in the sixth level of the Houtian Realm.


    ¡°Zhou Tong, I spared your life in the Treasure Pill Pavilion, but you¡¯re persistent. What you¡¯re doing now is no different from digging your own grave.¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyesnded on the man on the far right, making him back away in fear.


    Zhou Tong had no idea how his identity was exposed, but he ripped his mask off since it was pointless to keep his disguise. After leaving the Treasure Pill Pavilion yesterday, he spent all his savings to hire five assassins to wait for an opportunity outside the Xu n. His face twisted, and he said, ¡°You pped me in the Treasure Pill Pavilion and got me fired. Today is your death day!¡±


    His future would be harsh without the Treasure Pill Pavilion backing him up. He picked up gambling over the years and owed a huge debt. But as he was a supervisor in the Treasure Pill Pavilion, his creditors didn¡¯t dare to do anything to him.


    But without the Treasure Pill Pavilion backing him up, it wouldn¡¯t take long for those creditors toe knocking on his door. At that time, he would lose everything, including his concubines.


    ¡°You think you people can kill me?¡± Liu Wuxie wore a devilish smile. Even the Quasi-Xiantian Realm expert couldn¡¯t kill him, let alone a few Houtian Realm nobodies.


    ¡°Don¡¯t waste your saliva and kill him!¡± The five killers were skilled in their moves, and it was obvious they had done this before. They didn¡¯t waste their time talking because they knew the situation could get out of their control if they weren¡¯t careful.


    They swung their des down at Liu Wuxie¡¯s face, suppressing the surrounding air with their forward motion, causing the air to explode. This was a simple attacking formation corresponding to the five elemental positions.


    Zhou Tong didn¡¯t join in and retreated to the side with a hint of madness in his eyes.


    ¡°Bunch of scrubs!¡± Liu Wuxie strode the Seven Dipper Steps and left behind afterimages. He disappeared on the spot, dodging the five iing attacks.


    No one expected Liu Wuxie to execute such an exquisite movement technique. His movement was like a phantom without any signs, suddenly appearing outside the circle with his palm striking down like a de.


    His attack cleanly snapped the neck of a ck-clothed man in front of him. But he didn¡¯t stop there and avoided another wave of attack with a tap of his right foot on the ground. He was like a dragonfly, skimming over the water''s surface. His every movement looked natural and unpredictable, and no one knew where he would appear next.


    After losing one man in a single exchange, the remaining four killers¡¯ faces changed, and they quickened their attacks.


    ¡°All your de techniques are too weak. Let me show you guys what an actual de technique is!¡± With a rotation in mid-air, Liu Wuxie grabbed a de from the ground and drew a beautiful arc, slicing through the air with his ruthless attack.


    When he shed his de, the energy from his de sprayed around and froze the four killers charging at him before they could react.


    ¡°His de is fast!¡± The leader''s mask fell off, his eyes radiating with fear. He had never seen such a terrifying person before. Blood dripped down the necks of these remaining four assassins, but they didn¡¯t die immediately.


    After Liu Wuxie was done, he ignored the four and slowly walked toward Zhou Tong. This naturally frightened Zhou Tong into retreating, but there was a high wall behind him, with no way to escape.


    ¡°A-Aren¡¯t you a piece of garbage? How are you so strong?!¡± Zhou Tong panicked. It was rumored that the Xu n¡¯s son-inw was a piece of garbage who couldn¡¯t cultivate. But Liu Wuxie¡¯s earlier attack was breathtaking, ying five opponents in the sixth level of the Houtian Realm before they could blink.


    ¡°Do you really wish to know?¡± Liu Wuxie suddenly leaned forth with a harmless smile. He was almost face-to-face with Zhou Tong, who nodded instinctively. He was pretty curious how a piece of garbage suddenly became so powerful.


    ¡°Why should I tell you?¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes turned cold, and he stabbed a de into Zhou Tong¡¯s lower abdomen, causing blood to gush out.


    With that, Zhou Tong breathed hisst with resentment. This was because Liu Wuxie deceived him with his gentle smile. But a de stabbed through his body before he realized it.


    The de tip stabbed into the wall, preventing Zhou Tong¡¯s corpse from falling. His death was only noticed when the next person who came to relieve himself screamed upon seeing the bodies on the ground, rming many passersby.


    Liu Wuxie had no mercy for those who sought his death. He soon arrived at a workshop with a sign that read ¡®Xu n¡¯s Weaponry Workshop¡¯. The sales area was more than a thousand square meters, and the workshop usually had a lot of customers. But today, it was oddly quiet and deserted, with few people around.


    The defective products must have affected Xu n¡¯s business, making the weapons they produced lose their reputation. The Xu n made their living by forging and selling weapons, so they would be in trouble if they lost their business in this industry.


    As Liu Wuxie entered the main hall, he saw many weapons on the walls on both sides. There were swords and des that weremon, and brushes, darts, and pipes that were rare. The walls showed all the weapons that the Xu n could forge.


    There weren¡¯t many customers, so the servants were napping at the table.


    ¡°Young Master, what brings you here?¡± A young man stepped forth and weed Liu Wuxie warmly without any hint of contempt in his eyes. His friendly greeting made Liu Wuxie feel a bit uneasy. After all, the Xu n¡¯s servants would usually look at him with disgust, as if they saw a heap of trash.


    ¡°I need to forge a de. Is one of our furnaces avable?¡± Liu Wuxie scanned all the des on disy, but none suited his style. He preferred fast des that were thin. The weight and the curve were especially important.


    ¡°We didn¡¯t have any business in the past two days, and the cksmiths are resting. We do have over a dozen spare furnaces, but the young master can just pick a weapon from the disy if you need one.¡±


    The young man who spoke to Liu Wuxie was Hu Shi, a cksmith apprentice. His father worked for the Xu n. Thus, he was also loyal to them.


    Liu Wuxie learned about Hu Shi¡¯s background from their conversation. He shook his head at the suggestion. The des on the disy were sharp, and most were heavy. Though there were two thin des, they were too light for him.


    ¡°Hu Shi, you should just nap instead of wasting your breath on that trash.¡± The servants and the shopkeeper opened their eyes. The shopkeeper who spoke was Dong Changliang. He had worked for the Xu n for over a decade, so he was very familiar with Liu Wuxie.


    The other servants snickered with scorn in their eyes. But Liu Wuxie was expressionless, unaffected by the mockery around him.


    ¡°Young Master, please ignore them. They have foul mouths.¡± Hu Shi felt awkward. He thought they shouldn¡¯t treat Liu Wuxie like this since they worked for the Xu n. Hu Shi and his father had nothing when they arrived at Azure Billow City, and the Xu n took them in. So they were only grateful to the Xu n.


    Liu Wuxie nodded, forming a good impression of Hu Shi. He thought Hu Shi was a promising person with potential.


    ¡°Take me inside. I want to forge a weapon, and you can help me.¡± Liu Wuxie walked towards the forging chamber. Hu Shi had to follow Liu Wuxie, causing a wave of mockery behind them.


    In the past, Xu Yilin had forced Liu Wuxie to stay in the workshop, wanting him to learn the art of forging. But as a result, the refining chamber was almost destroyed, and Liu Wuxie had never entered the workshop since then.


    ¡°Shopkeeper Dong, should we stop him? We¡¯ll be in trouble if anything happens,¡± a few servants came over and whispered.


    ¡°Leave him be. He won¡¯tst long here,¡± Dong Changliang said and continued to doze off. If the business kept going like this, the Xu n could onlyst a month at most before shutting down their workshops.


    ¡°Young Master, what kind of weapon do you want to forge? Let me do it for you.¡±


    Hu Shi ignited the furnace. The coal burning in the furnace wasn¡¯t ordinary charcoal but a particr ck ore with a high ignition point that could easily dissolve the most rigid iron. After lighting up the furnace, he ran to the front to stand before the furnace. He might be an apprentice, but he could forgemon weapons, though his works were a bit rough.


    ¡°Hu Shi, do you wish to be a master cksmith?¡± Liu Wuxie turned to ask Hu Shi after choosing a few pieces of meteorite iron of excellent grades and putting them on the desk.

 Chapter 10 - Forging

    <h4>Chapter 10 - Forging</h4>


    The Xu n¡¯s current position was like a raft in the midst of a raging storm. If they shut down their weaponry workshops, their status would drop and be reduced to a second-rated n before being devoured by the other three ns.


    Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t just stand by and watch the Xu n copse. After all, Xu Yilin cared for him deeply, and he was also Xu n''s son-inw. Common ways of nurturing a cksmith were too slow, and the Xu n would be destroyed before they could recover. After all, losing the market share was easier than regaining it.


    ¡°Young Master, are you joking? I¡¯ve always dreamt of bing a master cksmith!¡± All the cksmiths rested as the business plummeted, including the apprentices. But Hu Shi persevered by showing up daily, and Liu Wuxie deemed him worthy of being nurtured based on this remarkable quality.


    ¡°There¡¯s an opportunity in front of you right now, and I can help you be a master cksmith.¡± Liu Wuxie wouldn¡¯t stay in Azure Billow City for the rest of his life as his goal was the Celestial Realm.


    ¡°Young Master, stop teasing me. What kind of weapon do you want to forge? I¡¯ll help you with it.¡± Hu Shi treated it as a joke because Liu Wuxie¡¯sst visit had closed down the workshop for a few days. So Hu Shi naturally wouldn¡¯t dare to let Liu Wuxie forge a weapon.


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t pressure him. He was a piece of trash in everyone¡¯s eyes, and no one would believe him if he said the same thing to someone else. He wanted his actions to prove his worth.


    ¡°Hu Shi, control the fire!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s temperament suddenly changed, with his gaze bing firm. He picked up a piece of the meteorite iron and threw it into the furnace.


    Without wasting a moment, Hu Shi seized the bellows with his right hand. As the wind gusted and stoked the furnace, the temperature rose rapidly, causing the ck ore to burst into zing mes. Due to the intense heat, Hu Shi waspelled to discard his coat.


    In order to craft the weapon, Liu Wuxie needed to melt the meteorite iron and pour it into a mold to initiate the forging process. The forging process consisted of three levels, with ¡®Ten Refinement¡¯ being the lowest level. The Ten Refinement level of forging was typically utilized for shaping tools like hoes and rakes, employing a more rudimentary forging technique.


    Moving up to the next level was ¡®Hundred Refinement.¡¯ As the name suggested, it involved a more sophisticated approach to metal tempering. Weapons crafted through the Hundred Refinement technique possessed exceptional sharpness and surpassed the durability of those forged with the Ten Refinement. However, not all metals could endure the rigorous demands of Hundred Refinement, making it essential to select metals that met the strict criteria.


    The most challenging level in the forging process was known as ¡®Thousand Refinement,¡¯ and no cksmith in the Azure Billow City could achieve it. Once the iron had undergone Hundred Refinement and taken its desired form, melting it again became a formidable task. Even if the melting process proved sessful, the resulting metal would be significantly tougher once poured into the mold. This meant that ordinary individualscked the ability to temper it with a hammer, let alone shape it into the desired form.


    Most of the weapons on the market were at the Hundred Refinement level, which was a dividing line. The Xu n held a huge market share because they had a unique technique of forging weapons, increasing the sharpness of Hundred Refinement weapons.


    Liu Wuxie naturally wouldn¡¯t be interested in ordinary Hundred Refinement weapons. Since he was personally forging it, he naturally had to forge the best de for himself.


    As the meteorite iron slowly melted, Liu Wuxie made his way to the molding station. Most of the avable molds were designed for des and swords, but none of them suited his desired shape. Therefore, he had to carve a new mold for himself.


    Taking out the tools, he carved a mold for a de ording to the blueprint in his mind. By the time he finished, the meteorite iron in the furnace had also melted and started boiling, sshing on the edge of the furnace. Hu Shi¡¯s arm got covered in burnt scars from the stters.


    ¡°Young Master, you put too many meteorite irons in the furnace, and there are enough to forge three des.¡± Hu Shi had long heard that Liu Wuxie was a wastrel, and he witnessed it today. He felt a pang of regret as he could have made three weapons out of them.


    ¡°You won¡¯t understand it. Just pay attention to what I do because it will help you in the future.¡± Liu Wuxie poured the molten iron into the mold before putting it in cold water to cool it down. After the mold cooled down, he ced it on the anvil. Liu Wuxie was topless and could feel infinite strength after having his body tempered by the Body-Refining Elixir. He lifted a sixty kilograms hammer while Hu Shi wielded one that weighed six kilograms.


    Liu Wuxie and Hu Shi began to hammer on the mold. After hammering it a hundred times, they ced it back in the furnace before taking it out to hammer again. As they repeated this process, Hu Shi went from disbelief to shock and numbness. He couldn¡¯t describe his current mood and wondered who taught this technique to Liu Wuxie.


    Two hours soon passed, and Liu Wuxie hammered the mold tirelessly. The mold shrunk from over a meter to half a meter, but the density of the metal had increased tenfold.


    ¡°Young Master, we have to stop. We have already surpassed Hundred Refinement. We won¡¯t be able to shape it if we carry on, and we¡¯ll have to scrap it.¡± A pang of sorrow filled Hu Shi''s heart as he contemted the high-quality meteorite irons. The thought of wasting such precious materials seemed like a great pity. These irons had already undergone the meticulous process of Hundred Refinement, and hammering them further would hold little significance.


    Xu Yilin was a famous cksmith. Over the years, he had been trying to make a breakthrough after reaching Hundred Refinement, but he failed all his attempts.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I know what I¡¯m doing!¡± Liu Wuxie threw the semipleted mold back into the furnace.


    Hu Shi had no choice but to grab the bellows, making the ck ores crackle as the wind blew into the furnace and the mold again turned red.


    ¡°Hu Shi, eat this.¡± They were reaching a critical moment, and Hu Shi had severely exhausted his physical strength over the two hours of continuous hammering without a rest. So Liu Wuxie took out a Heavenly Spirit Pill and gave it to Hu Shi. They couldn¡¯t afford to stop there, and their efforts would go down the drain with the slightest mistake.


    ¡°What pill is this? It¡¯s giving off such a strong fragrance...¡± Hu Shi couldn¡¯t afford to take such a high-graded pill, and his face showed a hint of surprise when he saw Liu Wuxie taking it out. This was because he couldn¡¯t see through Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Just swallow it.¡± Liu Wuxie also tossed a pill into his mouth, instantly recovering all the exhausted true essence. He even showed a vague indication of making a breakthrough to the sixth level of the Houtian Realm, which was a good sign.


    By repeatedly using up his true essence, he would make his true essence purer afterpressing it. But Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t wish to break through and wanted to dig deeper into his potential.


    When Hu Shi ate the Heavenly Spirit Pill, he felt like he was basking in the warm sunlight with crackling soundsing from his body. His cultivation also reached the sixth level of the Houtian Realm, making him overjoyed. After all, this pill saved him a few months of hard work.


    He had been stuck in the fifth level for a long time and couldn¡¯t find an opportunity to make a breakthrough. So his breakthrough was smooth.


    ¡°Thank you, Young Master!¡± Hu Shi bowed in gratitude and almost went down on his knees. Previously, Hu Shi''s respect for Liu Wuxie stemmed primarily from their roles, with Hu Shi being the servant and Liu Wuxie the master. However, this time, his profound respect for Liu Wuxie emanated from the depths of his heart.


    ¡°We¡¯ll have to forge for an incense stick of time. We can¡¯t stop even for a moment, and I¡¯m worried that you might be unable to keep up. The odds are now higher after reaching the sixth level of the Houtian Realm,¡± Liu Wuxie exined. It was difficult for someone in the Houtian Realm toplete Thousand Refinement. Liu Wuxie wanted to achieve Thousand Refinement and engrave spiritual runes into the weapon to grant it spirituality, which was crucial.


    In the Houtian Realm, cultivators primarily relied on weapons refined through Hundred Refinement. However, once they advanced to the Xiantian Realm, Hundred Refinement weapons proved inadequate in containing the full power of their true essence. Only spiritual artifacts had the capacity to harness and withstand theplete might of a Xiantian Realm cultivator. Unfortunately, only the cksmiths in the imperial capital possessed the skill to forge such spiritual artifacts. Azure Billow City, on the other hand,cked a single individual capable of forging them.


    Consequently, each spiritual artifact held significant value, and Azure Billow City possessed no more than five such artifacts in total.


    As the de mold glowed red, Liu Wuxie deftly removed it from the furnace and proceeded to engrave intricate patterns upon it using a carving knife, leaving Hu Shi utterly astounded.


    At that moment, it seemed as if a divine presence had possessed Liu Wuxie. His movements flowed effortlessly, leaving behind vibrant engravings with every stroke of his carving knife upon the de mold. As he continued his meticulous work, a subtle aura of spirituality began to emanate from the mold.


    As a cksmith apprentice, Hu Shi naturally knew the importance of spirituality in a weapon. After all, being able to forge a weapon with spirituality was enough to cause an earthquake in Azure Billow City. At that very moment, Hu Shi felt an overwhelming sense of reverence towards Liu Wuxie, causing his right hand to tremble involuntarily. Such was the intensity of this feeling that he even lost his grip on the hammer he held, inadvertently causing it to fall onto his foot.


    ¡°Let¡¯s begin,¡± Liu Wuxie dered. However, due to his cultivation being at the fifth level of the Houtian Realm, his true essence was restricted, and he had already reached his limit after engraving ten spiritual runes. To forge a spiritual artifact, a hundred spiritual runes were required. Recognizing that his current cultivation was insufficient to support the engraving of a hundred spiritual runes, he reluctantly made the decision to set that task aside for the time being.


    When Hu Shi brought the hammer down, a powerful rebound force nearly made him lose grip of his hammer. This was because the toughness of the halfpleted de increased significantly after Liu Wuxie engraved spiritual runes on it.


    Sparks flew about when Liu Wuxie swung his hammer down. Hu Shi swiftly regained hisposure, fully dedicating himself to the weapon-forging process. This was the best weapon Hu Shi had participated in refining by far. He had a feeling that his forging technique would undergo a qualitative leap if he could seed, and there was even a possibility that he might reach the level of a master cksmith.


    As dense and collected hammering sounds echoed from the forging chamber, no one in the workshop noticed it. Just when Liu Wuxie was at the critical moment of forging, a group of uninvited guests came to the workshop ferociously.


    ¡°Get the person in charge out here! Your Xu n sold us defective weapons, causing the deaths of my brothers in the mountain range. I¡¯ll smash the workshop if the Xu n doesn¡¯t give us an exnation today!¡± Ten ferocious people stood before the workshop. None of them were weak, and all were in the eighth level of the Houtian Realm. They were a mercenary group in Azure Billow City.


    They often wandered at the border of life and death throughout the year, entering the mountain range to hunt demonic beasts. They sold demonic beasts¡¯ cores to make a living, and mercenary groups like them digested 30% of the Xu n¡¯s weapons.


    ¡°I¡¯m the shopkeeper here. What can I do to help you?¡± Dong Changliang stood up and rushed to the entrance. The other servants also quickly got to their feet and followed behind him.


    "Who do you think you are? Bring someone from the Xu n to speak with me!" The group leader delivered a forceful p across Dong Changliang''s face. The act was far from courteous, sending Dong Changliang hurtling backward, crashing into the counter, and spewing forth a mouthful of blood. The oppressive nature of these individuals was palpable, as they pped him without allowing him a chance to respond, resulting in one side of his face swelling considerably.

 Chapter 11 - Forget About It

    <h4>Chapter 11 - Forget About It</h4>


    The p stupefied Dong Changliang as he crawled back to his feet. This was the first time someone assaulted him in the Xu n¡¯s Weaponry Workshop.


    ¡°How dare you guys make trouble in the Xu n¡¯s Weaponry Workshop?¡± The servants stepped forth in confrontation. The Xu n had an excellent reputation over the years, but the mercenary group¡¯s insults dragged their name through the mud.


    ¡°Cripple them! Let me see if the Xu n¡¯s patriarch still doesn¡¯te out after crippling them.¡± Renowned for his ruthless nature, the leader of the mercenary group, distinguished by a long scar across his face, had earned the moniker of Scarred Tiger.


    No one knew who gave him the guts to challenge the Xu n. After all, Xu Yilin was in the Spirit Cleansing Realm, and the Xu n had several deacons in the Xiantian Realm. Anyone could smell that there was something fishy about this matter.


    The mercenaries all stepped forth, throwing the workshop into chaos with punches and kicks. The weapons on disy fell and scattered all over the ground.


    Themotion attracted the pedestrians, and discussions broke out. ¡°Did Scarred Tiger forget to take his medicine? He must be tired of living to smash the Xu n¡¯s workshop.¡±


    They were shocked by the mercenary group¡¯s guts. Complete mayhem broke out in the workshop, with the servants and the shopkeeper lying on the ground, covered in bruises.


    ¡°The Xu n is really unlucky. Just recently, the master cksmiths they nurtured over the years were poached by the Tian n, causing their business to plummet.¡± Exmations sounded from the surroundings, reflecting Azure Billow City''s brutal ecosystem. If someone rose to power, someone naturally would fall.


    ¡°They can¡¯t me anyone for it. I heard the Tian n offered to form an alliance with the Xu n through marriage, but Xu Yilin rejected it. Instead, he abided by his promise to the Liu n and married his beautiful daughter to a trash like Liu Wuxie.¡±


    They were talking about none other than Xu Lingxue. Her charm attracted admirers not only within Azure Billow City but across the entire Great Yan Dynasty. Numerous young suitors were heartbroken andmented the world''s injustice when she was married off to a wastrel like Liu Wuxie.


    After the mercenary group beat up Xu n¡¯s Weaponry Workshop¡¯s staff, Scarred Tiger sat in the workshop, awaiting someone from the Xu n to pay him a visit. A Xu n¡¯s informant had already run to notify them.


    In the forging chamber, Liu Wuxie and Hu Shi had reached a critical moment in their forging process. Hu Shi had exhausted all his strength before the de took form, and he sat on the ground. A crisp nging sound echoed in the entire forging chamber when thest strike fell on the de.


    ¡°My first forging isn¡¯t perfect, but having a few ws won¡¯t affect the quality of the de.¡± Liu Wuxie was pretty satisfied with the de. The length of the de was sixty centimeters, with a width of three fingers, and it weighed forty kilograms. Such a small de was heavy because of Thousand Refinement, which increased the density of refined iron by more than tenfold.


    The de wasn¡¯t very long and had a curved body, making it easy to carry. It gave off a razor-sharp aura. When a strand of hair fell on its edge, the hair was easily severed into two.


    ¡°What a sharp de! Young Master, is this your first time forging a weapon?¡± Hu Shi¡¯s eyes were filled with admiration for Liu Wuxie as he got back to his feet. He benefited greatly from his experience of forging this de with Liu Wuxie. If the news of a Thousand Refinement weapon were to spread, it would set off an earthquake in Azure Billow City.


    ¡°Hu Shi, do you remember I asked you earlier if you wanted to be a master cksmith?¡± Liu Wuxie said in a grave tone as he took out a red cloth and wrapped the de with it.


    ¡°Young Master.... No, I mean Master...will you take me as your disciple?¡± Hu Shi fell on his knees in hopes of bing Liu Wuxie¡¯s disciple. Surprisingly, Liu Wuxie did not refuse him.


    ¡°Very well, I will take you in as my disciple. Keep this between us, and don¡¯t tell anyone what happened today. The Xu n needs a talent like you. When there are outsiders in the future, address me as ¡®young master.¡¯¡±


    As an Immortal Emperor, there was no doubt that Liu Wuxie had lowered his status to take a mortal as his disciple. But this was something he had to do for the Xu n. The Xu n urgently needed a master cksmith, and Hu Shi¡¯s loyalty made him an ideal candidate.


    ¡°Yes, I will keep it to myself.¡± Hu Shi was excited as he stood up. He had already guessed that Liu Wuxie pretended to be a wastrel on purpose to deceive the eyes of others. In reality, Liu Wuxie was outstanding and wasn¡¯t what he appeared to be. Not to mention that his cksmithing technique was second to none in the Great Yan Dynasty. Liu Wuxie most likely disguised himself to maintain a low profile.


    ¡°Squeeze out a droplet of your blood.¡±


    Hu Shi drew out a droplet of his blood, allowing it to float in the air. Liu Wuxie formed seals with both hands and injected them into the blood, causing it to give off a faint radiance. But Hu Shi was numb to all the shock he felt, as today¡¯s happenings had already blown his mind.


    ¡°Go!¡± The droplet of blood sank into Hu Shi¡¯s forehead and mysteriously disappeared.


    ¡°I¡¯ve sealed some cksmithing techniques in that blood essence. Aim to forge your first weapon containing a wisp of spirituality within three days,¡± Liu Wuxie instructed Hu Shi. Lu Wuxie still had to cultivate and had no spare time to forge weapons. So he handed this task to Hu Shi, entrusting him to find a few trustworthy people to nurture. This way, the Xu n¡¯s Weaponry Workshop could recover rapidly.


    He had seen weapons forged by the Tian n. None contained any spirituality, and they were forged with Xu n¡¯s cksmithing techniques. The moment the Xu n¡¯s weapons incorporated with spirituality appeared on the market, they would be a hot sale, swiftly seizing back the lost market share.


    After all, even if the weapons weren¡¯t spiritual artifacts, the fact that these weapons contained a hint of spirituality was enough to improve the weapons'' grades significantly. The materials to forge the weapons weren¡¯t expensive, and one just had to engrave a few spiritual runes. Azure Billow City didn¡¯t even have a single spiritualist.


    ¡°Yes, Master. I¡¯llprehend it immediately.¡± Hu Shi sat down excitedly with the knowledge of various cksmithing techniques appearing in his mind.


    ¡°You stay here andprehend then. Make me a scabbard when you have time, and you should know the size.¡± Liu Wuxie turned around and left after speaking. The seals injected in the blood contained another secret. Liu Wuxie had ced a contractual seal he could use to take Hu Shi¡¯s life if he dared to betray the Xu n.


    That was a prevention measure, and Liu Wuxie said nothing about it. He still believed in Hu Shi.


    Themotion in the main hall became louder because a deacon from the Xu n had arrived. When Deacon Lan saw the scattered weapons on the ground and the injured staff, his face became dark. He was nearby when he heard the news. An alluring beauty with an exquisite figure apanied him, but no one could see her face as a blue veil covered it. She was none other than Liu Wuxie¡¯s wife, Xu Lingxue.


    ¡°Scarred Tiger, how dare you make trouble in the Xu n¡¯s Weaponry Workshop and injure our staff?¡± Deacon Lan roared. After all, what the mercenary group did was no different from pping the Xu n¡¯s face.


    ¡°The weapons your Xu n sold us are defective with a serious quality issue. Two of our brothers died in the Sunset Mountain Range because of it. So how do you think we should resolve this matter? Or will you tell me the Xu n isn¡¯t going to admit it?¡±


    Scarred Tiger took out the broken de and tossed it before Deacon Lan.


    The news of a severe issue with the weapons produced by the Xu n¡¯s Weaponry Workshop had long spread throughout Azure Billow City. Customers had beening to return the goods, and the Xu n refunded them entirely. Thus, no one came to cause any trouble.


    Deacon Lan furrowed his brows because things would be troublesome if what Scarred Tiger said was true. If lives were lost because of the Xu n¡¯s Weaponry Workshop, it would strike a fatal blow at their reputation.


    ¡°The Xu n will investigate this matter thoroughly. If lives were lost because of our weapons, we will give you a satisfactory exnation. But it¡¯s too much for you guys to hurt our staff.¡±


    The Xu n didn¡¯t want to blow up this matter and hoped that Scarred Tiger could give the Xu n an exnation for his actions. After all, the matter of the Xu n¡¯s weapons hadn¡¯t been investigated yet, and Scarred Tiger¡¯s actions were still a problem whether the Xu n¡¯s weapons were at fault or not.


    ¡°My brothers died, but you guys are saying I¡¯m going overboard by injuring your staff?!¡± Scarred Tiger stood up with a sharp gaze. His gaze swept over Xu Lingxue. He heard that Xu Lingxue was the greatest beauty in the Great Yan Dynasty, but few had seen her face. Whenever she left the Xu n, she would wear a veil covering her face.


    ¡°How am I being unreasonable? The Xu n must give me an exnation today, no matter what.¡± Many passersby followed suit. After all, weapons were equivalent to the second life of a martial cultivator, and the quality of a weapon directly impacted their lives. So they couldn¡¯t afford any mistakes in their weapons.


    Scarred Tiger¡¯s attitude made Deacon Lan livid with anger, and his body trembled. Scarred Tiger had incited the crowd and stood on high moral ground, putting the Xu n in a difficult position.


    ¡°Don¡¯t say I didn¡¯t give your Xu n any chance. As long as the young missy of the Xu n is willing to take off her veil and show her face to everyone, we can forget about the matter with the weapons,¡± Scarred Tiger said sinisterly, hankering Xu Lingxue to remove her veil. His words immediately caused an uproar because many wanted to see Xu Lingxue¡¯s true face. Numerous people stepped forth and echoed along with Scarred Tiger.


    Liu Wuxie came out of the forging chamber and heard Scarred Tiger¡¯s demands. A hint of murderous intent shed across his pupils. Xu Lingxue was his wife in name, even if they didn¡¯t consummate their marriage. How could he allow someone tomit sphemy against his wife?


    ¡°Well said!¡± Liu Wuxie strode out and swept his gaze across the workshop. When he exchanged a nce with Xu Lingxue, they made brief eye contact as Xu Lingxue was curious about what he was doing in the workshop. But when Liu Wuxie¡¯s gaze fell on Scarred Tiger, murderous intent permeated out of him, filling the entire workshop.


    Deacon Lan was stunned by Liu Wuxie¡¯s unexpected visit to the workshop.


    ¡°What¡¯s the Xu n¡¯s son-inw doing here?¡± An exmation sounded from the crowd because there were too many names associated with Liu Wuxie, such as a wastrel, a prodigal person, and a piece of garbage....


    ¡°Deacon Lan, what¡¯s going on here?¡± Since Liu Wuxie was engrossed in forging his de, he was oblivious to the previous altercations at the workshop.

 Chapter 12 - Exposing Lies

    <h4>Chapter 12 - Exposing Lies</h4>


    Following Deacon Lan¡¯s detailed exnation about what happened, Liu Wuxie gently flicked the tip of his toes and grabbed the broken de Scarred Tiger threw on the ground. When he gave it a gentle flick, it emitted a crisp nging sound. The reverberation was different from the other weapons produced by the Xu n.


    A sneer rose on the corner of Liu Wuxie¡¯s lips as he looked at Scarred Tiger without a hint of emotions in his eyes. He asked, ¡°Are you sure you bought this de from the Xu n¡¯s Weaponry Workshop?¡±


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s question instantly made him the center of everyone¡¯s focus, and his tone had an irresistible prestige. He was like an emperor questioning his citizens.


    ¡°Are you blind? Your Xu n¡¯s symbol is engraved on the handle of this de!¡± Scarred Tiger answered Liu Wuxie with contempt, considering it a foolish question. This interaction further proved the existing reputation of Xu n¡¯s son-inw in Azure Billow City.


    The Xu n engraved weapons they produced with their symbol, which could be recognized at a nce. This de had the Xu n¡¯s symbol on it, so Deacon Lan didn¡¯t dare to blow up this matter and tolerated Scarred Tiger¡¯s attitude. This symbol could only be branded by the Xu n¡¯s master cksmiths and couldn¡¯t be imitated. Even Xu Lingxue believed that this de was a product of the Xu n at first nce.


    ¡°Deacon Lan, you¡¯ve been in the Xu n for over a decade, and I believe you¡¯re not a stranger to cksmithing. Tell me, what materials are used in Xu n¡¯s weapons?¡± Liu Wuxie turned to look at Deacon Lan and asked him to exin the Xu n¡¯s forging technique and materials used for their weapons.


    ¡°Our Xu n uses materials from our own Iris Gold Mine and Scarlet ze Meteorite Iron to make weapons. They are first melted in a fierce fire and then further tempered in gentle mes. Every weapon can achieve the level of Hundred Refinement.¡±


    Deacon Lan didn¡¯t go into details but provided sufficient information.


    ¡°Does anyone have any doubts about that?¡± Liu Wuxie turned to look at the crowd. The primary materials used in Xu n¡¯s weapons weren¡¯t a secret, and everyone nodded in agreement.


    ¡°Young Master Liu, what¡¯s the point of saying all this? What has it got to do with this broken de? Shouldn¡¯t the Xu n give us an exnation now that lives are involved because of the inferior quality?¡± A middle-aged man stepped forth. This man was a regr customer of the Xu n¡¯s Weaponry Workshop. He spoke up because what Liu Wuxie had said so far was unrted to Scarred Tiger¡¯s broken de.


    Xu Lingxue didn¡¯t say a word and merely looked at Liu Wuxie quietly, but a peculiar light shed in her eyes.


    ¡°Of course they¡¯re rted!¡± Liu Wuxie raised his palm to stop themotion in the surroundings.


    ¡°Brat, speak if you have something to say. I still have businesses to attend to. Let¡¯s hurry up and settle ourpensation.¡± Scarred Tiger urged impatiently with a trace of panic shing across his eyes. He was able to hide it from everyone else, but Liu Wuxie captured every detail.


    With that, Liu Wuxie became the focus of attention, and everyone waited to hear what he would say.


    ¡°Young Master Liu, stop beating around the bush and tell us what¡¯s wrong with this broken de.¡± Everyone started to be a little impatient. If the Xu n had forged this broken de, the Xu n just had topensate the mercenary group.


    Liu Wuxie swept his gaze around before fixing it on Scarred Tiger. He questioned, ¡°Tell me. Who instructed you to make trouble in the Xu n¡¯s Weaponry Workshop.¡±


    A terrifying murderous intent swept out, enveloping Scarred Tiger¡¯s mercenary group. This made the mercenary group feel a chill as the temperature in the main hall fell. Who could¡¯ve expected that Liu Wuxie would say such words?


    ¡°I brought this de from the Xu n¡¯s Weaponry Workshop, and it has Xu n¡¯s symbol on it. Everyone, look at this! The Xu n is going too far, using us of causing trouble when their weapons killed our brothers. Are they trying to bully us just because the Xu n¡¯s Weaponry Workshop is famous?¡± Scarred Tiger continued to incite the crowd, but he didn¡¯t dare to look Liu Wuxie in the eyes. He was trying to pressure Liu Wuxie using the crowd.


    ¡°It looks like you won¡¯t give up without seeing the coffin. I¡¯ll fulfill your wish.¡± Liu Wuxie turned to look in the direction of the forging chamber. Hu Shi just happened toe out from the forging chamber because the outsidemotion had disrupted hisprehension.


    ¡°Hu Shi, go and bring out a furnace!¡±


    Hu Shi quickly brought out a furnace, and the temperature in the hall suddenly rose.


    ¡°Light the furnace!¡± Liu Wuxie gave the order.


    Hu Shi didn¡¯t hesitate to helm the bellows. As he pulled and pushed the bellows, mes zed in the furnace, and Liu Wuxie tossed the broken de in.


    This scene finally made Scarred Tiger panic. He said, ¡°I have seen how unreasonable the Xu n is today. They seem to be causing all this because they don¡¯t want topensate us. We¡¯re unlucky this time and won¡¯t buy any weapons from the Xu n ever again.¡±


    Scarred Tiger tried to leave with his mercenary group, which made many people look at him strangely.


    ¡°Deacon Lan, stop them. No one can leave the Xu n¡¯s Weaponry Workshop today.¡± A majestic aura swept out, shocking Deacon Lan to release his aura involuntarily to stop Scarred Tiger¡¯s mercenary group.


    ¡°What are you guys trying to do? We¡¯ve already decided to suck it up, so why are you guys still pushing it?! Are you guys nning to silence us?¡± Scarred Tiger became furious as he and his mercenary group drew their weapon, taking on a fighting stance.


    ¡°Since you guys are already here, are you mocking my Xu n by leaving without rifying things? Or do you think that we¡¯re pushovers?¡± Liu Wuxie wore a harmless expression, making him seem even more unpredictable. He used pliers to take out the melted broken de from the furnace. But the molten iron was blue, not a mixture of purple and gold.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Hu Shi was stumped. He had worked in the Xu n¡¯s Weaponry Workshop for years. The molten iron of their weapons should be a mixture of purple and gold, not blue.


    ¡°Hu Shi, melt this one as well.¡± Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t in a hurry to exin and picked up a de on the disy wall before tossing it to Hu Shi.


    When the de from the disy wall melted, the molten iron was a mixture of purple and gold. It waspletely different from the broken de that Scarred Tiger took out, and this scene naturally shocked everyone.


    Xu Lingxue was shocked, with a hint of surprise in her eyes.


    On the contrary, Deacon Lan¡¯s face was terrifyingly gloomy. He understood the weapons in Azure Billow City more than others. The Xu n¡¯s weapons were forged with Iris Gold Ore, while weapons forged by the Tian n used Marine Gale Ore.


    The spectators were dumbfounded. The Xu n didn¡¯t forge this broken de, and the molten iron was the best proof. But what was with the Xu n¡¯s engravings on the fractured de? They couldn¡¯t help linking it up with the poaching of Xu n¡¯s master cksmiths. Those master cksmiths grasped the core secrets of the Xu n, and it shouldn¡¯t be difficult for them to imitate the Xu n¡¯s engraving.


    ¡°Scarred Tiger, how dare you nder the Xu n with a fake broken de?! You must be courting death!¡± Deacon Lan was furious because he was almost fooled. If Liu Wuxie hadn¡¯t intervened, this incident would have destroyed the Xu n. Who could¡¯ve expected that the weapons bearing the Xu n¡¯s engravings were not forged by them?


    ¡°Perhaps we made a mistake. We were deceived into believing that the Xu n forged this de based on its engraving. After all, it¡¯s nearly impossible to imitate the engraving,¡± Scarred Tiger said, avoiding eye contact with Deacon Lan. His tone changed the moment he was exposed.


    After all, it was reasonable that he came to the Xu n¡¯s Weaponry Workshop since it had the Xu n¡¯s symbol on it. He believed they wouldn¡¯t do anything to him as long as he admitted his mistake. It was ultimately Xu n¡¯s mistake for having a loophole in their symbol that others could exploit.


    Deacon Lan was ced in a dilemma. It was clear now that the Xu n didn¡¯t forge the broken de, but it had Xu n¡¯s symbol on it. Someone was trying to frame the Xu n.


    All eyes turned once again to Liu Wuxie, eager to hear what he had to say. After all, he was the one who exposed Scarred Tiger, so they expected him to have thest say in this matter.


    ¡°You guys have two choices. Either confess who¡¯s behind this willingly, or I¡¯ll make you spill it.¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes were like two sharp swords as he approached Scarred Tiger, scaring him into taking a huge step back. Liu Wuxie had intimidated Scarred Tiger multiple times throughout the day. So, even if he escaped the Xu n¡¯s Weaponry Workshop, he would be aughingstock.


    ¡°Young Master Liu, no one instructed us. I had no idea the Xu n didn¡¯t forge this de, and we¡¯re also victims. Two of my brothers died on the mountain range!¡± Scarred Tiger tried to y the victim card. This way, they would only have topensate for beating up the Xu n¡¯s Weaponry Workshop staff and wouldn¡¯t have to die.


    ¡°You¡¯re really stubborn!¡± Liu Wuxie started losing his patience and released his murderous intent, enveloping the mercenary group. As he slowly walked towards them, they retreated towards the door, waiting for an opportunity to escape.


    Deacon Lan was in the Xiantian Realm, and they were confident of escaping as long as they could avoid shing with him. As for Liu Wuxie, he was just a piece of trash, so the mercenary group didn¡¯t take him seriously.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± Scarred Tiger gave the order without hesitation and led his mercenary group to break out of the encirclement swiftly.


    ¡°Deacon Lan, get the hell out of the Xu n if you let one of them escape.¡± Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t make a move. These people weren¡¯t worthy of him making a move.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s words made Deacon Lan¡¯s heart tremble as he dashed out, releasing his aura and knocking Scarred Tiger¡¯s group back to the center of the main hall.


    Stomping down on Scarred Tiger¡¯s chest, Liu Wuxie said indifferently, ¡°Speak. Who¡¯s the mastermind who instructed you guys to make trouble here?!¡±


    Everyone in the surrounding stared at Liu Wuxie as though they were looking at a monster. Since when did the Xu n¡¯s infamous garbage be so terrifying?


    ¡°You¡¯re a piece of trash. Let me go if you have the guts and fight me one-on-one!¡± Scarred Tiger gritted his teeth furiously. He wanted to struggle back to his feet but fell back to the ground with Liu Wuxie¡¯s stomp.


    ¡°Congrattions. You have sessfully pissed me off!¡± A short knife suddenly appeared in Liu Wuxie¡¯s hand, and blood sshed around with a sh.


    ¡°ARRRGGGHHHH!¡± Scarred Tiger wailed as his entire right arm was severed and his blood dyed the ground red.

 Chapter 13 - Truth Reveals

    <h4>Chapter 13 - Truth Reveals</h4>


    ¡°Now, you can tell me who told you toe to make trouble in the Xu n¡¯s Weaponry Workshop.¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s voice was like the voice of a reaper, causing Scarred Tiger to tremble in fright. Not only Scarred Tiger but Liu Wuxie¡¯s ruthless means also made everyone''s hair stand on end. After all, Liu Wuxie had severed Scarred Tiger¡¯s arm without batting his eye and asked him the same question again. This was a psychological technique to disintegrate Scarred Tiger¡¯s will.


    The mercenary group consisted of ouws, and ordinary interrogation wouldn¡¯t have any effects. The best way was to be ten times more ruthless than them and disintegrate their confidence.


    Liu Wuxie rested the short knife on Scarred Tiger¡¯s left arm. He would also sever this arm if Scarred Tiger showed reluctance to reveal the mastermind. Truth be told, Liu Wuxie was ying with fire because he could bury the entire Xu n if he made a mistake.


    ¡°I-I-It¡¯s Tian Hong. He sent us to sabotage the Xu n¡¯s Weaponry Workshop and business. He offered us 10,000 gold coins for the job,¡± Scarred Tiger blurted out involuntarily. His mind was fully under Liu Wuxie¡¯s influence now because Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes looked like they could devour his soul.


    Scarred Tiger¡¯s words instantly caused an uproar because no one had expected that answer. Scarred Tiger¡¯s reply had far exceeded everyone¡¯s expectations.


    Xu Lingxue narrowed her eyes, and her facial expression became cold. Sure enough, someone was instigating this matter. After all, Scarred Tiger wouldn¡¯t have dared to make trouble in the Xu n¡¯s Weaponry Workshop, no matter how bold he was.


    The mine mercenaries nched and fled into the crowd, hoping to vanish in the turmoil.


    ¡°Kill them!¡± Liu Wuxie ordered coldly.


    Deacon Lan soared to the sky, killing three mercenaries by turning them into blood mist with his palm.


    The main hall fell into chaos. The crowd was innocent, and they couldn¡¯t attack carelessly. Taking advantage of the confusion, the remaining mercenaries dashed towards the gate.


    Right then, a cold ray descended from the sky. Xu Lingxue, who had been silent all along, made her move. A silver longsword appeared in her hand, and her aura of the Xiantian Realm filled the entire workshop.


    This scene made Liu Wuxie squint his eyes. He never expected that his wife would be so strong. To reach the Xiantian Realm at eighteen, Xu Lingxue could be considered a genius even in the Great Yan Dynasty.


    In just two breaths, all the mercenaries aside from Scarred Tiger were ughtered and were turned into corpses, lying on the ground. Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t make a move throughout this entire process.


    This time, everyone¡¯s gazes changed when they looked at Liu Wuxie again. If not for him, things would¡¯ve ended differently today. The Xu n would have been extorted arge sum of money and had their reputation ruined.


    ¡°Young Master, we were wrong. We shouldn¡¯t have mocked you.¡± Dong Changliang suddenly fell to his knees and began pping himself. The few servants behind him followed suit, trembling in fear.


    ¡°Deacon Lan, I¡¯ll leave the rest to you.¡± Liu Wuxie left the Xu n¡¯s Weaponry Workshop. With the matter taken care of, he trusted his father-inw to handle the rest. He had to concentrate on advancing his cultivation.


    But as soon as Liu Wuxie stepped out of the workshop, a wave of fragrance blew over. Xu Lingxue had appeared beside him, and they walked side by side. ording to his memories, this should be the first time they were so close to each other.


    ¡°How did you know our Xu n didn¡¯t forge that broken de?¡± Xu Lingxue asked. She and Deacon Lan had examined the broken de. The forging technique was from the Xu n, and even the design was exactly the same, thus making it challenging for them to tell it apart.


    ¡°I guessed it!¡± Liu Wuxie shrugged. Since young, Xu Lingxue had looked down on him. They might be married, but they were no different from strangers. Liu Wuxie wouldn¡¯t be able to see Xu Lingxue most of the time other than during festive seasons.


    ¡°You¡¯re still angry about what happened that night?¡± Xu Lingxue¡¯s voice sounded ethereal, like echoes in a valley. She admitted taking it too far by kicking her husband out of the bridal room on their wedding night, but who asked him to be trash?


    But truth be told, Liu Wuxie never med her for it.


    ¡°It¡¯s all in the past,¡± Liu Wuxie replied with a wry smile. He was unsure if he should feel angry.


    ¡°You seemed to have changed.¡± Xu Lingxue couldn¡¯t describe it exactly. But Liu Wuxie seemed to have changed since that night. He was no longer a wastrel and became unfamiliar in her eyes. When he looked at her, his eyes were clear like gems, which was entirely different from his lecherous gaze in the past.


    Could it be that a person¡¯s character could change after being hurt? Happiness eluded her even as she saw Liu Wuxie¡¯s transformation. He had grown cold, and she sensed no warmth from him even when she was by his side.


    ¡°People change.¡±


    When they walked on the street, Liu Wuxie and Xu Lingxue attracted much attention. But most of the attention was on Xu Lingxue, and disdainful sneers could be heard from the surrounding. After all, Liu Wuxie and Xu Lingxue were no different from a flower stuck in cow dung.


    ¡°You still haven¡¯t told me how you noticed our workshop didn¡¯t forge the de.¡± Xu Lingxue took a deep breath, and a smile bloomed on her face. Her smile was like blooming cherry blossoms in spring; even the veil couldn¡¯t conceal her charming smile.


    She was breathtakingly beautiful, a femme fatale who could cause the downfall of a country by her beauty alone.


    Liu Wuxie rubbed his nose, looking at Xu Lingxue¡¯s smile. It should be the dream of countless men to marry such incredible beauty, but he couldn¡¯t help wearing a wry smile. No one understood the meaning of femme fatale better than him.


    As for having no feelings for Xu Lingxue? That wasn¡¯t the case because he had perfectly fused with the previous Liu Wuxie¡¯s memories, inheriting it all, including his feelings.


    ¡°Do you remember I picked up a weapon in the main hall yesterday?¡± Liu Wuxie slowed down his speech. His cold attitude disappeared, and his entire temperament became bright.


    ¡°Yeah!¡± Xu Lingxue nodded. She recalled Liu Wuxie picking up a weapon when her father and mother reprimanded him. But no one paid attention to it, and Liu Wuxie left when the butler came in. But what did it have to do with the broken de?


    ¡°Our Xu n¡¯s weapons have a heavy reverberation with a hint of dragon roar. The broken de mimics our forging methods and could fool anyone. But the reverberation is sharp and distinct. The difference may seem subtle, but it¡¯s actually as vast as the gap between heaven and earth.¡±


    The difference eluded ordinary people but exposed a fatal loophole for Liu Wuxie.


    Xu Lingxue turned to look at Liu Wuxie as they stopped walking. Her gaze contained a hint of shock that Liu Wuxie could notice such a slight difference.


    ¡°Are you trying to thank me?¡± Liu Wuxie smirked, causing Xu Lingxue to roll her eyes at him. But a brief momentter, they both smiled. They were happy that they managed to resolve Xu n¡¯s crisis.


    When they passed the brothel, it was still in ruins, and a group of workers were cleaning up. The Xu n had already paid thepensation yesterday.


    Liu Wuxie stopped and turned to look at the ruins. This caused a trace of displeasure to appear on Xu Lingxue¡¯s face. Liu Wuxie was her husband. Even if they were married in name, she also didn¡¯t want him to visit such a ce.


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Feeling nostalgia?¡± Xu Lingxue¡¯s tone was sour, but it wasn¡¯t because she was jealous. Instead, it was more of resentment towards Liu Wuxie for being unable to walk after seeing the brothel.


    ¡°Will you believe me if I tell you that night was a plot against me?¡± Liu Wuxie nced at the ruins briefly before smiling at Xu Lingxue. He hadn¡¯t investigated what happened that night, so he didn¡¯t want too many people to know about it.


    There was no response from Xu Lingxue, probably because Liu Wuxie had disappointed her greatly throughout the years. So no matter what he said, the credibility of his words would significantly decrease.


    When they returned to the Xu n, everyone already knew what had happened in the workshop. They were deliberating on their next course of action. After all, what happened today had ripped the facade between the two ns.


    ¡°Father!¡± Xu Lingxue called out.


    ¡°Father-inw!¡± Liu Wuxie greeted.


    Xu Yilin was discussing matters with several deacons, but they stopped when they saw Xu Lingxue and Liu Wuxie walking in.


    ¡°Wuxie, I know what you did today and am happy.¡± Xu Yilin came over and patted Liu Wuxie¡¯s shoulder. If not for Liu Wuxie, Xu Yilin couldn¡¯t imagine what would have happened today. The Xu n would have fallen victim to the Tian n¡¯s scheme, and the Tian n would continue to scheme against Xu n¡¯s Weaponry Workshops until they were destroyed.


    ¡°It¡¯s what I ought to do.¡± Liu Wuxie did not take credit for it because he was just doing what he should.


    ¡°Good! Good! Good! You two can go back and rest. I still have other matters to discuss with them.¡± Xu Yilin was happy to see that his son-inw had matured. When Xu Yilin continued to discuss with the deacons, Liu Wuxie and Xu Lingxue left the main hall and returned to their respective residences.


    The news of Liu Wuxie resolving Tian n¡¯s scheme and saving Xu n¡¯s reputation swiftly spread throughout the n. So when the servants looked at Liu Wuxie again, their attitude towards him had changedpletely.


    ¡°Young Master!¡±


    ¡°We pay our respects to Young Master!¡±


    ¡°Young Master, are you hungry? I¡¯ll bring food for you!¡±


    ¡°......¡±


    When Liu Wuxie returned to his courtyard, Tie Li was shirtless as he knelt outside the courtyard, pleading guilty. In the past, they looked down on trash like Liu Wuxie. But after what happened today, Tie Li¡¯s attitude towards Liu Wuxie changed significantly.


    ¡°Young Master, I apologize for what I did yesterday. I¡¯m willing to ept any punishment!¡±


    ¡°Get up!¡± Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t me Tie Li for what happened yesterday. They were destined to be not from the same world, and it was enough that Tie Li could voluntarily admit his mistake.


    Liu Wuxie shut his door and put on the ¡®Do Not Disturb¡¯ sign. He nned to cultivate for the next two days and reach the seventh level of the Houtian Realm. Since the two ns had torn apart their facade, Tian n would definitely retaliate wildly at Xu n¡¯s other businesses besides weapon workshops.


    Although most of the Xu n¡¯s ie came from weapon workshops, they also had teahouses, restaurants, mines, and other businesses to maintain a huge n¡¯s operation. But if those were the only businesses, the Xu n would stagnate after reaching a certain level.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s goal was to make the Xu n the number one n in the Great Yan Dynasty. This way, he could pursue the immortal path without any concerns.

 Chapter 14 - Hundred Beast Gathering

    <h4>Chapter 14 - Hundred Beast Gathering</h4>


    Liu Wuxie took out his de from the red cloth. It was a bit shorter than usual and glimmered with a soft golden glow when it caught the light.


    He came before a wooden pile and went into a stance. The de presented a greater challenge than the sword. Just as the sword possessed a sword aura, the de also had its own aura. Those who could understand the sword aura were considered geniuses, while those who could grasp the de aura were seen as prodigies of exceptional talent.


    Then again, it was difficult for him toprehend de aura with his current cultivation. But there was something more vital for him to practice right now, increasing his uracy to 100%.


    Just like that, he swung his de and returned to his stance, repeating this process. There wasn¡¯t any technique in it, and it was just a simple act of swinging his de. When he swung his de, it produced a powerful air current, causing the trees on both sides to rustle.


    ¡°Still not enough. My uracy has improved, but I can¡¯t achieve the desired speed.¡± Liu Wuxie kept the de and wiped the sweat on his forehead with a towel. He had swung his de over ten thousand times in just two hours, equivalent to an average of eighty-three swings per minute.


    Only someone with a strong physique could endure such intense training; it was beyond the capabilities of an average person. This rigorous regimen pushed his body to its limits, leaving himpletely drained and sitting on the ground without a wisp of energy left.


    Liu Wuxie struggled to his feet and poured a third of the remaining Body-Refining Elixir into the tub. He stripped his clothes and stepped into the tub. The moment he got in, a piercing pain spread throughout his body. His body waspletely spent, making it the perfect time to temper his physique. He could feel every meridian, acupoint, and pore rapidly absorbing the Body-Refining Elixir.


    When he circted the Deste Devouring Art, spiritual energy began to gather in his courtyard from the surroundings as though it was alive. In the past few days, the servants had been discussing the Xu n¡¯s spiritual energy being sucked away by some mysterious power.


    The sounds of drumming emanated from Liu Wuxie¡¯s meridians, signaling that he was on the brink of making a breakthrough. The moment the spiritual energy was absorbed into his body, the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron devoured it, and the mysterious liquid in the cauldron increased.


    ¡°My physique has reached the limit, and I can make a breakthrough now.¡± Liu Wuxie took out a Heavenly Spirit Pill and swallowed it down. He would only decide to make a breakthrough after tempering each level to perfection.


    The liquid from the cauldron flowed out and surged through Liu Wuxie¡¯s body, causing the true essence in his dantian to rapidly increase. Despite being an Immortal Emperor in his previous life, he had no knowledge of the liquid¡¯s origins orposition. The purity of the liquid would increase with the rise in his cultivation level. However, the rate at which it condensed had slowed, making it necessary for him to find a location with a high concentration of spiritual energy to continue his cultivation.


    ¡°I need to set up a Spirit Convergence Array as soon as possible!¡±


    There were multiple professions in general. Alchemists mainly focused on refining pills. Spiritualists drew amulets, talismans, and refined weapons. There was also another profession¡ªspiritual array masters.


    There were four big ns in Azure Billow City, the Xu, Tian, Song, and Wan ns. The Song n was famous for spiritual arrays. They had deep research in spiritual arrays and were ranked first among the four big ns.


    The Xu n was a newly risen n a few decades ago, so they didn¡¯t have a lot of poption. On the contrary, the three ns had a long line of descendants because of their long history, and their businesses could be found throughout the Great Yan Dynasty.


    The Tian n mainly engaged in businesses such as brothels and gambling dens. But recently, they got involved in the weapon industry and wanted to snatch Xu n¡¯s market share. After all, a n had to branch out to different industries if they wanted to develop in the long term.


    But ording to Liu Wuxie¡¯s memories, the Wan n was the most special among the four ns. They were a beast-taming n, grasping the unique technique of taming beasts. They once tamed a fourth-grade demonic beast and became famous in the Great Yan Dynasty.


    Fourth-grade demonic beasts were incredibly strong and equivalent to the Marrow Cleansing Realm for human cultivators. So Wan n¡¯s businesses mainly focused on taming beasts and beast colosseums. Every n had their foundations, and they wouldn¡¯t interfere with each other. But Tian n¡¯s action disrupted the decades of peace in Azure Billow City.


    When Liu Wuxie¡¯s true essence ceased to increase, a powerful shockwave emanated from him as he broke through his limitations and reached the sixth level of the Houtian Realm. His breakthrough was akin to using a hammer to forcefully shatter his bottleneck.


    While others had to exercise caution when attempting to make a breakthrough, Liu Wuxie employed the most aggressive approach. This was because his physique differed from others after being tempered by the mysterious liquid, allowing him to withstand the stress without fear of his body copsing.


    The sun had already gone down, with the sky bing dark when he finished his breakthrough. He put on his clothes and performed a basic fist technique despite having many powerful fist techniques in his mind. But he didn¡¯t pick any of them because he wanted to use the basic first technique to temper his physique and stabilize his cultivation in the sixth level of the Houtian Realm.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s punches were straightforward and unembellished,cking any fancy flourishes. However, each punch was fierce and unleashed a powerful gust of wind into the surrounding area. As he practiced, he also executed the Seven Dipper Steps, with each footfall stirring up the leaves on the ground.


    If someone passed by here, they would definitely be shocked because Liu Wuxie hadprehended the Xiantian Spirit. Only those whoprehended the Xiantian Spirit could mobilize the profoundw of heaven and earth.


    Each of Liu Wuxie¡¯s punches was smooth, like flowing water. When he threw thest punch, he created an explosion caused by the rapidpression of air. This could only be achieved after the strength and speed reached a certain level.


    ¡°It feels great!¡± Liu Wuxie withdrew his fists and was covered in sweat. But he didn¡¯t change his clothes and drew the de to carry on practicing his de technique. This time, his speed was much faster than before, and his uracy was also improving. Almost every strikended on the target, and he could now practice the Blood Gleam de Art.


    ¡°Young Master, master has called for you to have dinner,¡± the butler¡¯s voice sounded outside the door when the sky darkened.


    ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll be there shortly after changing my clothes.¡± Liu Wuxie went to wash up because he had a lot of impurities forced out of his body in his training. After cleaning up, he wore a clean robe and headed to the inner chamber. It had been a long time since they ate as a family.


    His father-inw, mother-inw, and even Xu Lingxue had been waiting for him for a long time. The day''s events had caused his mother-inw to change her attitude towards him, and she even went so far as to serve him rice herself.


    ¡°Thank you, mother-inw!¡± Liu Wuxie was a man of few words and faced his mother-inw¡¯s reprimand every time they ate together.


    Xu Lingxue picked up her bowl and ate with an elegant posture. She picked up a piece of lean braised pork and ced it into her mouth before chewing it. In the past, she would finish her meal quickly and leave, so the two rarely saw each other. This was likely the first time they had shared a meal at the same table.


    ¡°Wuxie, this is an invitation from the Wan n. I¡¯m busy these days and don¡¯t have time to go. So you and Lingxue can go on my behalf tomorrow.¡± Xu Yilin took out an invitation card and ced it before Liu Wuxie. Too many things had happened in the n recently. The Tian n first poached their master cksmiths before trying to frame them. So Xu Yilin had been busytely, and he had no choice but to get Liu Wuxie to participate in such an unimportant gathering.


    ¡°Wan n¡¯s invitation?¡± Liu Wuxie ced the bowl and chopsticks on the table. The Wan n rarely contacted the Xu n, and it was surprising that they would send an invitation.


    ¡°The Wan n had a new stock of demonic beasts and nned to host a Hundred Beast Gathering, inviting the patriarchs and younger generation of the various ns in Azure Billow City. I heard that there are even people from the capital. If our Xu n wants to develop, we must form a good rtionship with the Wan n. You just have to watch and listen there.¡± Xu Yilin exined. The Wan n made a living by taming beasts, and they hosted a gathering whenever they had a new batch of demonic beasts to promote their colosseum.


    Xu Yilin exined that they simply needed to attend the gathering to show respect to the Wan n. Once there, they could observe and listen while interacting with others.


    When Liu Wuxie raised his head, Xu Lingxue ced her bowl and chopsticks on the table. They exchanged a brief nce before looking away, but no one voiced any objections. Moreover, it was already toote for Liu Wuxie to refuse since Xu Yilin had already made the decision.


    He had three days to hand the pills to the Treasure Pill Pavilion, and there was enough time for him to refine them. So he wouldn¡¯t mind going to the Hundred Beast Gathering since he was also curious about it. He was unfamiliar with many things in the True Martial Continent and needed to understand them to integrate into this world.


    ¡°Father-inw, Mother-inw, I have finished my meal. I¡¯ll take my leave first.¡± Liu Wuxie finished quickly, stood up, and bowed before leaving.


    ¡°Father, he seems to have changed after that night,¡± Xu Lingxue said after Liu Wuxie left. She couldn¡¯t describe it, but she could feel that Liu Wuxie had changed. His gaze had be wiser, and his eyes were like two bright stars with stories to tell.


    ¡°I have also noticed it, but people have to grow up. He¡¯s the son of Big Brother Liu, and he can¡¯t keep living his life as trash.¡± Xu Yilin attributed Liu Wuxie¡¯s changes to him maturing, and the three of them fell into a brief silence.


    After returning to his courtyard, Liu Wuxie had no time to rest. Every moment was precious, and he began refining the Heavenly Spirit Pills.


    ¡°Spirit stones, I need a huge sum of spirit stones to set up the Spirit Convergence Array!¡±


    Spirit stones were a form of mineral that could be found in the earth. It contained spiritual energy, and it was a necessity for cultivators. A single spirit stone could support an ordinary person to cultivate for ten days to a month.


    But most spirit stone mines were in control of powerful sects and forces. They weren''t something ordinary people could gain ess to, and a small spirit stone could cost over 100,000 gold coins. Even the Xu n could only make limited purchases every month.


    Liu Wuxie spent the night refining over a hundred Heavenly Spirit Pills. He stopped when dawn broke and consumed a Heavenly Spirit Pill before circting the Deste Devouring Art to relieve his fatigue.


    The breakfast was delivered by the butler. When he came to the main hall after breakfast, there were two hours before the Hundred Beast Gathering.


    When Xu Lingxue emerged from the curtains, she wore an azure dress embroidered with two vivid phoenixes. The dress wrapped around her body, revealing her voluptuous figure without a hint of any excess fat. She was like a perfect work of art.


    She had pearly white skin and long hair that draped down like a waterfall that would flutter when the wind blew. Her lips were slightly opened, revealing her white teeth underneath. Her attire today wasn¡¯t like her usual style, exuding an air of allure from head to toe.


    <i>What an enchantress!</i> Liu Wuxiemented inwardly and turned his head away. He didn¡¯t know if going out with her was a good thing.

 Chapter 15 - Dog

    <h4>Chapter 15 - Dog</h4>


    This time, Xu Lingxue didn¡¯t cover her face with a veil. Since she was going to the Hundred Beast Gathering as a representative of the Xu n, she naturally had to show respect to the Wan n. It would be impolite if she went with her face covered.


    Xu Lingxue and Liu Wuxie attracted every servant¡¯s attention when they came out of the Xu n. After all, Xu Lingxue was a fairy in their hearts.


    When they went up to the prepared carriage, the interior of the carriage was spacious. They sat facing each other, and no one spoke. In the end, Liu Wuxie broke the silence because he could sense that the Hundred Beast Gathering wasn¡¯t that simple. He asked, ¡°How much do you know about the Wan n?¡±


    ¡°A century ago, the ancestor of the Wan n went from rags to riches overnight. He obtained a beast-taming art and used it to establish the Beast Colosseum for martial artists to hone their skills. It attracted many prodigies from the imperial capital. The current patriarch of the Wan n, Wan Rongzhe, is a man of great ambition. He tamed a fourth-grade demonic beast and gained widespread renown throughout the Great Yan Dynasty for his feat,¡± exined Xu Lingxue, who possessed knowledge of all the ns in Azure Billow City.


    ¡°Beast-taming art? Interesting...¡± Liu Wuxie rubbed his nose. In his previous life, some sects specialized in that and had unique skills in taming beasts.


    Coincidentally, he had the chance to engage in an exchange with the sect master of the Beast Master Gate and gained a wealth of knowledge about taming beasts. He discovered that the so-called beast-taming technique was simply a matter of understanding certain behaviors of demonic beasts that could be used to aid in their taming.


    The actual beast-taming art required an understanding of the demonic beasts¡¯ behaviors and proficiency in theirnguage. There were many types of demonic beasts. Some highly intellectual ones could even take the human form and speak the human tongue after their cultivation reached a certain level.


    But the intelligence of most low-graded demonic beasts was inferior to humans, and the best way to tame them was to grasp their behavior, using their weaknesses to control them.


    Liu Wuxie naturally wouldn¡¯t tell Xu Lingxue about it. As the carriage made its way, the destination was thergest colosseum owned by the Wan n, where the Hundred Beast Gathering would take ce. It spanned over ten miles in radius and was situated against the backdrop of the Sunset Mountain Range. It had four gates: one reserved for demonic beasts and three open for all to enter and exit freely.


    About an hourter, the carriage stopped at the east gate. Liu Wuxie and Xu Lingxue got off the carriage and handed their invitation to the Wan n¡¯s guards, who led them in enthusiastically.


    After crossing the covered bridge, they arrived at a spacious area. The walls were adorned with carvedpis, imparting a simple yet aged ambiance. Below the bridge were several smaller arenas, their floors stained with blood and emanating a pungent odor.


    The view suddenly expanded after crossing the covered bridge, and they entered the viewing area. This ce was roughly tens of thousands of square meters and divided into several regions. They were mainly divided into three levels, and the regions were further divided into different sizes.


    The west gate was meant formoners, the north gate was reserved for small ns, and the east gate was for the four big ns and talented geniuses from all over. The levels were strictly ssified, with the west region being the smallest, with neatly arranged tables that could amodate about a thousand people.


    When Liu Wuxie and Xu Lingxue came in, this ce was bustling with people. Many people had already arrived, and both of their arrival naturally attracted much attention.


    ¡°Lady Xu, Young Master Liu, pleasee inside.¡± Disciples of the Wan n came forth and greeted them passionately, inviting them in. Apart from the city lord, the four big ns represented the upper hierarchy of Azure Billow City. But it was a little weird today. There were several tables other than those reserved for the four big ns. They were clearly prepared for distinguished guests, and several youths were chatting at that table.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Xu Lingxue said, moving her cherry lips, and her voice attracted many people¡¯s attention.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that the Xu n¡¯s princess? What is she doing here?¡± A chorus of exmations erupted from the crowd, drawing all eyes in their direction. Many were eager to catch a glimpse of Xu Lingxue¡¯s true appearance. Even themoners¡¯ section was abuzz with excitement as they caught sight of her.


    Themotion disrupted the conversation of the youths seated at the top, and they also turned their attention over. The young man in the middle immediately squinted his eyes, and his gaze fixed on Xu Lingxue. His eyes radiated a strong possessive desire which only appeared briefly before disappearing.


    ¡°Who is she?¡± The youth asked with his breathing bing hurried. He was born in the imperial capital and had seen countless beauties. But Xu Lingxue was a fusion of all the beauties he had seen, and she was simply perfect.


    ¡°Young Master Xue, her name is Xu Lingxue. She¡¯s the princess of the Xu n, and she married a trash a few days ago. But I heard that she¡¯s still a virgin despite her marriage.¡± The youth seated on the right quickly stood up, wearing a ttering smile as he shared Xu Lingxue¡¯s information. His name was Tian Yequan, and he was a talented descendant of the Tian n. He was also on the list of the invited guests.


    The gathering this time was unusual because the patriarchs of the four big ns had yet to show up, as though this was a banquet specially held for the younger generation.


    ¡°I seemed to have heard about her in the imperial capital. There are rumors that she¡¯s the greatest beauty of the capital, and it looks like she¡¯s far more beautiful than rumored.¡± Xue Yu nodded. It was no longer surprising to him that rumors of such a beauty had spread throughout the imperial capital.


    ¡°It¡¯s a waste for such a beauty to marry a trash. Only our Young Master Xue is worthy of such a delicate beauty.¡± The young man on the left stood up with the same ttering expression as Tian Yequan. His name was Wan Butong, the strongest younger generation of the Wan n. It was rumored that he had alreadyprehended the Xiantian Spirit.


    The tters from Tian Yequan and Wan Butong naturally brought a smile to Xue Yu¡¯s face.


    Liu Wuxie and Xu Lingxue both sat down at a table. In front of their table was a table reserved for the Song n. On the left was the Wan n, and on the right was the Tian n. The arrangement alone showed that the Xu n ranked at the bottom of the four big ns.


    Sensing the fiery gazes from the surrounding, a hint of displeasure appeared on Xu Lingxue¡¯s face, but she endured it. Her father told her to watch, listen, and speak less aftering to the Hundred Beast Gathering.


    As for Liu Wuxie, a sneer rose on the corner of his lips. He scanned the crowd, taking in the faces of all those present.


    ¡°Young Master Xue, do you want me to invite Lady Xu?¡± Wan Butong said in a fawning tone. The Xue n was well-known in the imperial capital and was a colossus, unlike their small n in Azure Billow City.


    But Xue Yu didn¡¯t reply and stood up after a brief pondering. He felt that it should be more sincere if he invited her over personally. The trio got up, with Wan Butong and Tian Yequan following behind Xue Yu as they walked to Xu Lingxue. As for Liu Wuxie, they had subconsciously ignored him.


    ¡°My name is Xue Yu, the direct descendant of the Xue n in the imperial capital. I¡¯m here to extend my greetings to Lady Xu.¡± Xue Yu greeted warmly like a gentleman and emphasized his status as the Xue n¡¯s direct descendant. After all, Xu n might have some position in Azure Billow City, but they were nothing in the imperial capital. On the other hand, the Xue n had experts in the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    Xu Lingxue merely responded with a nod, but her face didn¡¯t reveal any surprise. She had naturally heard of a powerful n like the Xue n.


    ¡°I wonder if Lady Xu will do me the honor and watch the proceedings with me at my table? The view is much betterpared to here.¡± Xue Yu pointed to his table. What he said wasn¡¯t wrong because the view was the best on his table, overlooking the entire colosseum. On the contrary, only about half of the colosseum was visible from the Xu n''s table.


    ¡°Thank you for the invitation, but I must respectfully decline. I appreciate the offer, but I prefer it here,¡± Xu Lingxue rejected while gritting her teeth. She didn¡¯t like Xue Yu¡¯s possessive gaze.


    ¡°Lady Xu, it¡¯s your Xu n¡¯s honor to be invited by Young Master Xue. Don¡¯t take it too far!¡± Tian Yequan interrupted. The Xu n and Tian n had already torn their facade, and he couldn¡¯t be bothered to put on an act any longer. After forming a connection with a colossus like the Xue n, the Tian n could do whatever they wanted in Azure Billow City.


    Those words were sinister, and he was trying to suppress Xu Lingxue based on Xue Yu¡¯s identity. If Xu Lingxue didn¡¯t give Xue Yu the honor, this was the same as insulting the Xue n. In the future, it would be difficult for the Xu n to gain a foothold in Azure Billow City, and this was Tian Yequan¡¯s vicious scheme of killing two birds with one stone. Not only did he manage to please Xue Yu, but he also struck a blow at the Xu n.


    ¡°Why do I hear a dog barking here?¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s voice cut in, surprising everyone. Not only did he interrupt their conversation, but he even insulted Tian Yequan by calling him a dog. After all, Xu Lingxue was his wife in name, and they had gone through all the ceremonies except consummating their marriage...


    If he didn¡¯t take action when someone was trying to flirt with his wife, he wouldn¡¯t just be trash but an ipetent man.


    ¡°Trash, who are you calling a dog?!¡± Tian Yequan roared and mmed on the table, attracting the surrounding gazes.


    The Song n¡¯s representatives arrived at this moment and looked at Tian Yequan and Liu Wuxie with puzzlement.


    ¡°Who¡¯s the dog scolding?¡± Liu Wuxie retorted.


    ¡°The dog¡¯s scolding you!¡± Tian Yequan followed up. But as soon as he finished, he realized he had a slip of the tongue. But it was already toote as everyone in the surroundingsughed out loud.


    ¡°Y-Y-You! How dare you call me a dog?!¡± Tian Yeqian became furious because he fell for Liu Wuxie¡¯s trap in his words and called himself a dog.


    A smile rose on Xu Lingxue¡¯s lips when she saw Tian Yequan going insane. Liu Wuxie had sessfullyunched a counterattack against Tian Yequan without using any foul words. But she soon worried because the Xu n couldn¡¯t afford to offend the Xue n.


    Xue Yu¡¯s gaze turned to examine Liu Wuxie for the first time. He heard from others that Liu Wuxie was a piece of garbage in Azure Billow City, and he was indeed a piece of garbage judging from his cultivation. After all, cultivators were well-respected in the True Martial Continent, and their cultivation determined everything.


    ¡°Pretty eloquent there, Young Master Liu. I¡¯m impressed. But I heard you can¡¯t cultivate and were kicked out of the bridal chamber on your wedding night. I wonder if that¡¯s true,¡± Xue Yu said sarcastically. The Tian n and Wan n had been trying to suck up to the Xue n in recent years, and he was here after receiving their invitation. So humiliating the Tian n was no different from trying to humiliate him.


    The Tian n was like a dog raised by Xue Yu, and he couldn¡¯t just stand aside to watch when his dog was bullied. So Xue Yu didn¡¯t hold back his mockery, and Liu Wuxie¡¯s affairs had already been a joke in Azure Billow City.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s face sank, and Xu Lingxue¡¯s face became cold upon hearing that. They never expected that there would be so much trouble before the Hundred Beast Gathering even started.


    ¡°I would¡¯ve left Azure Billow City if I were him. I don¡¯t understand where he got the cheek to remain in the city,¡± Wan Butong followed suit. He naturally wouldn¡¯t miss this opportunity to tter Xue Yu.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. Someone like him living in the world is simply a waste of oxygen,¡± Tian Yequan followed behind.


    After hearing what they said, a hint of murderous intent shed across Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes, and he had already given them a death sentence in his heart.

 Chapter 16 - Slapping Faces

    <h4>Chapter 16 - pping Faces</h4>


    Members of the Tian and Wan ns joined in ridiculing Liu Wuxie.


    Xu Lingxue wanted to stand up, but Liu Wuxie held her down and gave her a reassuring look.


    ¡°Trash, this is not the ce for someone like you. You should visit ces like the brothels instead.¡± Tian Hong spoke up, not far away from Liu Wuxie. He was the one who hired Scarred Tiger to sabotage the Xu n¡¯s Weaponry Workshop. But because of Scarred Tiger and his mercenary group¡¯s failure, the patriarch heavily reprimanded him.


    ¡°Trash, why aren¡¯t you saying anything? Are you dumb?¡± Tian Yequan sneered.


    Only the Song n sat quietly at their table, unwilling to be involved. But a fatty suddenly stepped forward from the Song n¡¯s table and yelled, ¡°You bastards have taken it too far, and I can¡¯t watch any longer. Are you guys considered men to gang up on one person?¡±


    This fatty had a baby face, and his loud voice made everyone jump. Other Song n members wanted to stop him, but it was already toote.


    ¡°Song Ling, mind your own business.¡± Tian Yequan¡¯s gaze became cold. Song n was the head of the four big ns, and they had a close rtionship with the Li n of the imperial capital. So the Song n naturally didn¡¯t fear Xue Yu and dared to stand up for Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Come and fight me, one-on-one, if you have the guts. What¡¯s so impressive about bullying someone weaker than you?¡± Song Ling strode over and stood behind Liu Wuxie. This turn of events naturally stumped Liu Wuxie, and he couldn¡¯t help finding this fatty interesting.


    The Wan and Tian n¡¯s members gritted their teeth with hatred but couldn¡¯t afford to offend the Song n, especially this fatty. This fatty was the only son of the Song n¡¯s patriarch, and the entire Song n greatly doted on him.


    ¡°Trash, do you think you can escape with someone standing up for you? Young Master Xue gave you the honor, but you¡¯re the one who didn¡¯t want it. So don¡¯t me us for being impolite with you!¡± Tian Yequan could only vent his anger on Liu Wuxie, wanting nothing more than to throw him out of the colosseum.


    ¡°Oh? Do you mind going into details about how you will be <i>impolite</i> with me?¡± Liu Wuxie wore a devilish smile.


    The conversation between him and Tian Yequan was loud and spread throughout the colosseum. At that moment, two people entered the area from the covered bridge, led by an old man.


    ¡°I¡¯ll cripple you and throw you out of this ce. A piece of garbage like you shouldn¡¯t be here.¡± Tian Yequan wanted to p Liu Wuxie when he finished talking.


    Xu Lingxue wanted to help Liu Wuxie, but he stopped her. When Tian Yequan¡¯s palm was about tond on Liu Wuxie¡¯s face, a person appeared beside Liu Wuxie, and his attack was ten times faster than Tian Yequan''s.


    With a resounding p, Tian Yequan flew out and smashed into the crowd. The events unfolded so suddenly that no one expected anyone to take action in this ce.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Everyone was dumbfounded. Shouldn¡¯t Liu Wuxie be the one flying out? So why was he still sitting there, with a burly man suddenly appearing behind him?


    Xu Lingxue was also stumped. She had already summoned her Xiantian Spirit, but to her surprise, someone was even faster and sent Tian Yequan flying out with a p.


    Only Liu Wuxie sat there calmly without any changes on his face. But his right hand was already on his de hilt. He would¡¯ve severed Tian Yequan¡¯s right hand if Lei Tao didn''t attack.


    ¡°Young Master Liu, what happened here?¡± Master Huo came over. The Treasure Pill Pavilion was also invited to the Hundred Beast Gathering. They cameter, and they saw Tian Yequan wanting to make a move against Liu Wuxie the moment they came in.


    Everyone was shocked that the chief alchemist of the Treasure Pill Pavilion would wear a fawning expression towards a piece of garbage.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine, just a few clowns,¡± Liu Wuxie said. These people were even worse than clowns in his eyes. But what shocked everyone more was that Liu Wuxie had no intentions of getting up to his feet when Master Huo stood behind him.


    This was a little too overwhelming for them to ept. They couldn¡¯t figure out how the trash of the Xu n got involved with the Treasure Pill Pavilion.


    ¡°Do you need me to teach them a lesson?¡± Others might fear the four big ns, but they were no different from a group of ants in Master Huo¡¯s eyes. The Treasure Pill Pavilion wasn¡¯t under the jurisdiction of any forces, and even the Great Yan Dynasty¡¯s imperial family had to be respectful to them. The Treasure Pill Pavilion in Azure Billow City was only a branch. In the imperial city, the status of the Treasure Pill Pavilion was above the Imperial Academy.


    ¡°There is no rush. I have a pill here and would like to seek Master Huo¡¯s advice,¡± Liu Wuxie calmly stated as he retrieved a porcin bottle from his chest. With a gentle pour, a pillnded in his palm, capturing the attention of everyone present.


    Master Huo¡¯s eyes widened when he caught a whiff of the pill¡¯s dense fragrance. But when he tried to reach for it, Liu Wuxie kept it away, nearly driving Master Huo insane.


    ¡°Lei Tao, give them all a beating on behalf of Young Master Liu!¡± How could Master Huo not notice that Liu Wuxie was mocking him? He would need to pay the price if he wanted to see the pill, not to mention Master Huo¡¯s life was in Liu Wuxie¡¯s hands. After receiving Liu Wuxie¡¯s treatment, the pain in his acupoint eased a lot over the past two days.


    Lei Tao also saw that pill clearly. The cooperation between them was unknown to outsiders, but Lei Tao knew that the Treasure Pill Pavilion¡¯s status in Azure Billow City would rise when they introduced the Heavenly Spirit Pill to the market. This meant their position as staff of the Treasure Pill Pavilion would also increase.


    ¡°You can only me yourself for being unlucky. You just have to offend Young Master Liu out of everyone.¡± Lei Tao disappeared and gave out ps one after another. Wan Butong was the first to suffer as he bled from his lips and nose. Everything happened too fast, and the Tian n¡¯s members in the surrounding weren¡¯t spared either. It didn¡¯t take long for Xue Yu to be the only one standing.


    ¡°Stop!¡± Xue Yu finally interrupted. To p hisckeys in public was no different from embarrassing him, and his sense of superiority disappeared at this moment. But it was already toote because everyone was sent flying away when he intervened.


    ¡°Young Master Xue, you have to seek justice for us!¡± Wan Butong crawled back to his feet. The Wan n was the host today and was pped in their territory. This would be a shame that followed them for eternity.


    ¡°How dare the Treasure Pill Pavilion disregard my Xue n!¡± Xue Yu¡¯s gaze became cold as he looked at Master Huo, and the murderous intent in his eyes grew even denser.


    ¡°You¡¯re a member of the Xue n?¡± Master Huo was ced in a difficult position. He was a little afraid of the Xue n, but it was just a little.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. Xue Dingtian is my grandfather.¡± Xue Yu was proud when he mentioned his grandfather.


    On the other hand, Master Huo¡¯s face became ugly when he heard that. He had long heard of Xue Dingtian¡¯s name. Xue Dingtian was the Xue n¡¯s patriarch, and he was notorious for being overprotective.


    ¡°Young Master Liu, things are a little troublesome now...¡± Master Huo leaned over and whispered in Liu Wuxie¡¯s ears. He wouldn¡¯t bat an eye to kill those from the Wan n and Tian n, but the Xue n was different. The Xue n had a high position in the imperial city, and even the Treasure Pill Pavilion had to show them respect. Both parties wouldn¡¯t interfere in each other¡¯s affairs, and it wasn¡¯t worth offending the Xue n for Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. It won¡¯t implicate your Treasure Pill Pavilion.¡± Liu Wuxie waved his hand,forting Master Huo. If he was forced to a dead-end, he could only stop holding back his cultivation and make a breakthrough to the Xiantian Realm in one swoop if he had no choice. At that time, he could gain ess to some means as an Immortal Emperor, and the Xue n would be nothing to him.


    But he didn¡¯t wish to do that unless it was ast resort. After all, the foundation was essential, and it wasn¡¯t worthwhile to affect his future for a moment of fit.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s words instantly made Master Huo feel relieved. The members of the Wan and Tian ns also rose to their feet, with blood dripping from their lips and several teeth knocked out.


    ¡°Bitch, no one can refuse me! No one!¡± Xue Yu ripped off his disguise as a gentleman, and his words made Xu Lingxue¡¯s delicate figure tremble in anger.


    Liu Wuxie pped his hands without a hint of anger on his face. Instead, he wore a harmless smile, the same smile he showed when he severed Scarred Tiger¡¯s arm.


    ¡°Based on what you said earlier, the Xue n will be struck off from the Great Yan Dynasty not long from now,¡± Liu Wuxie said calmly, but his words made everyone¡¯s hair stand on end. The Xue n was a powerful n with a history of five centuries.


    Xue Yu responded as though he had just heard the funniest joke ever andughed out loud, saying, ¡°Hahaha! Are you trying to make me die ofughter?¡±


    He wasn¡¯t the only one, but everyone else wasughing as well. The Xue n was like the moon in the sky, while Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t even be considered a firefly. So this was no different from an ant saying it would topple an elephant.


    ¡°This trash has gone insane. Not even the Treasure Pill Pavilion can save you today!¡± Wan Butong didn¡¯t know why Master Huo would stand with Liu Wuxie. But with Xue Yu around, Liu Wuxie would definitely die today.


    ¡°Young Master Xue, please kill this trash!¡± Tian Yequan said in a grievous tone. He suffered the heaviest injury by Lei Tao, with half of his cheeks swollen. He could only appease his anger with Liu Wuxie¡¯s death.


    Everyone¡¯s gazes fell on Xue Yu, who released his Xiantian Spirit and his aura toward Liu Wuxie. This instantly made Master Huo nervous because who could treat him if Liu Wuxie died?


    Wan Butong sneered and looked at Liu Wuxie like he was looking at a dead person. He wanted to see how Liu Wuxie would be killed.


    ¡°Young Master Xue, can you give me face and let this matter go?¡± Master Huo stood in front of Liu Wuxie. If Liu Wuxie died, he couldn¡¯t live more than three months. So he was determined to protect Liu Wuxie even if he offended the Xue n.


    ¡°A mere two-star alchemist like you dares to obstruct me?¡± Xue Yu became furious, and his Xiantian Spirit grew even stronger. His eyes were filled with mockery because two-star alchemists were nothing in the imperial city; they only had some status in the countryside, like Azure Billow City.


    The surrounding atmosphere became tense, like a battle could break out at any moment. But there was no doubt that Liu Wuxie would suffer if a fight broke out.


    Xue Yu slowly approached Liu Wuxie. Xu Lingxue would belong to him if he killed Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Today¡¯s events have been a bit overwhelming. The Treasure Pill Pavilion unexpectedly sided with Liu Wuxie, and Xue Yu appeared out of nowhere. He seems to have a powerful background that even the Treasure Pill Pavilion is afraid of.¡± The patriarchs of several smaller ns gathered to discuss the situation. They could get a sense of the conversation since they were close to the conflict.


    ¡°He seems to be from the Xue n of the imperial capital. There¡¯s a show to watch now. The Xu n will have a hard time in the future if they offend the Xue n!¡± The small ns couldn¡¯t bepared to the four big ns in terms of their strength. But if Xu n were to disappear, they could take advantage to rise, gobbling Xu n¡¯s territory and even recing them as one of the big four.


    ¡°But Liu Wuxie is the surprising one. Everyone says he¡¯s trash, but he doesn¡¯t look like one judging from his behavior today. He¡¯s nothing like the rumors at all.¡±


    Xue Yu had already approached Liu Wuxie, who took a deep breath and grasped the hilt of his de with his right hand.


    Right then, Xu Lingxue stepped forward. She took out a medal from her bosom and mmed it on the table. ¡°Xue Yu,¡± she said, ¡°I¡¯m the disciple of Baili Qing in the Imperial Academy. Why don¡¯t you try and make a move?¡±

 Chapter 17 - Beast Battle

    <h4>Chapter 17 - Beast Battle</h4>


    This incident was full of twists and turns. Initially, the Tian and Wan ns mocked Liu Wuxie. However, the Treasure Pill Pavilion came to his aid, but they were forced to back off by Xue Yu. All of these events were triggered by one individual¡ªLiu Wuxie!


    Everyone thought the matter was settled when Xue Yu intervened. After all, the Xu n was insignificantpared to the Xue n.


    However, at thest moment, Xu Lingxue stood up and mmed a medal on the table. It bore the image of a nine-legged bird representing the Imperial Academy. This wasn¡¯t something that anyone could forge.


    ¡°The Imperial Academy admitted Xu Lingxue and Baili Qing took her in as her disciple?!¡± The crowd exploded into an uproar. The Imperial Academy was the most prestigious institution in the Great Yan Dynasty, gathering elites from all over the country. Only a limited number of students were epted every year. With several months until the next recruitment, where did Xu Lingxue¡¯s medale from?


    Baili Qing was famous in the Great Yan Dynasty as one of the three Vice-Headmasters of the Imperial Academy. As her disciple, Xu Lingxue would definitely rise and be a great figure. Gaining admission to the Imperial Academy was a highly esteemed achievement and a lifelong aspiration for many individuals.


    A trace of astonishment appeared on Liu Wuxie¡¯s face because he had no idea Xu Lingxue had joined the Imperial Academy.


    The sound of heavy breathing filled the surroundings as everyone dreamed of bing a disciple of the Imperial Academy. However, the rigorous assessment process eliminated countless talented individuals each year, as only the very best were epted.


    Xue Yu¡¯s expression shifted from shock to surprise as he realized, ¡°So you¡¯re the new disciple of Vice-Headmaster Baili.¡± Rumors of Baili Qing taking on a new disciple had circted throughout the imperial capital, but no one knew who it was until now.


    After all, there was precedent for someone to be taken in as a Vice-Headmaster¡¯s disciple without undergoing the assessment. However, these were exceptional cases of monstrous geniuses who had been awarded the Imperial Academy¡¯s medal in advance.


    Baili Qing was prideful, and only a few people could catch her attention¡ª it seemed that Xu Lingxue was one of them.


    ¡°I apologize for my actions; please don¡¯t take it to heart. Coincidentally, I¡¯m also admitted to the Imperial Academy, and we will be fellow students in the future.¡± Xue Yu immediately changed his attitude, taking out a medal of the Imperial Academy from his chest, which was the same as Xu Lingxue¡¯s medal.


    Xue Yu regained hisposure, realizing that he would have ample opportunities to get closer to Xu Lingxue at the Imperial Academy. However, Wan Butong and Tian Yequan were visibly displeased, and their animosity towards Liu Wuxie intensified.


    No one expected this farce to end in this manner, including Master Huo. There was a hint of respect in his eyes when he looked at Xu Lingxue.


    The disciples of the Wan n and Tian n returned to their seats while the fatty from the Song n openly sat beside Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Thank you for speaking up for me earlier,¡± Liu Wuxie said with a smile. He was surprised that the fatty would stand up for him, which also meant that such a person was worth making friends with.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t do much. It¡¯s Big Sister Xu who¡¯s truly impressive for bing a student of the Imperial Academy. Don¡¯t forget about me when you soar to new heights in the future, Big Sister Xu!¡± Song Ling was friendly and soon chatted happily with Liu Wuxie and Xu Lingxue.


    The Xu n had a rtively close rtionship with the Song n. Xu Lingxue and Song Ling had met several times and treated each other as siblings.


    A loud roar from the arena interrupted everyone, signaling the start of the beast battle. Xue Yu continued to chat with Tian Yequan and Wan Butong, asionally ncing over at the Xu n¡¯s table.


    ¡°Young Master Liu,e and sit with us. The view is better from there!¡± Master Huo came over. His seat was close to Xue Yu, and one table still remained unupied in their seating area.


    ¡°No need. I¡¯m fine sitting here.¡± Liu Wuxie declined the offer and remained seated. He wasn¡¯t particrly interested in the Hundred Beast Gathering.


    At thest moment, the patriarchs of the Wan n, Song n, and Tian n walked in together. They sat at the table beside Master Huo, and with that, all the tables were filled.


    The colosseum resembled a massive cage. From their vantage point, they could see the numerous arenas below. An old man stood in the central arena with a loudspeaker in his hand. ¡°I wee everyone to participate in the Hundred Beast Gathering held by our Wan n. As usual, we will have two segments, Beast Battle and Beast Taming!¡±


    In the Beast Battle segment, two demonic beasts would be pitted against each other in the arena. Thest one standing would be dered the winner. These battles were often savage and bloody. For martial cultivators, witnessing such violence could help them develop a stronger psychological fortitude, enabling them to remain calm in the face of danger.


    But Beast Taming was different. In this segment, one would have to tame or subdue demonic beasts as a form of training. The Wan n was the wealthiest of the four big ns because of their booming business of providing demonic beasts for cultivators to train.


    After all, it was risky to go into the mountains to hunt demonic beasts, and one might lose their life if they weren¡¯t lucky. But this was not the case in the colosseum, and it offered a unique training experience. It could simte a variety of natural environments and provide the opportunity to fight real demonic beasts. Most importantly, beast tamers were on hand to intervene in case of danger.


    Then again, there were also exceptions of demonic beasts going berserk and devouring their beast tamer. But the danger in the colosseum was greatly minimized inparison, which was why Wan n¡¯s business was booming.


    ¡°We have arranged ten exciting beast battles for your enjoyment. As is our custom, we have also set up a betting corner for those who wish to participate. Detailed information can be found at your tables, but please note that betting is entirely optional. Our main goal is for everyone to have a good time.¡± The Hundred Beast Gathering served as a way to promote beast taming and battles, attracting more participants and generating greater profits for the Wan n.


    Everything was written in detail when everyone opened the booklet on the table. There were ten battles, and the demonic beasts arranged for the first round were the Prwind Leopard and Rhinobeast. One was proficient in offense, while the other was proficient in defense. ording to the betting rate, the odds for Prwind Leopard were 1:1, and the odds for Rhinobeast were 1:10.


    Judging from the betting rate, the Prwind Leopard had high odds of winning, but there were exceptions to everything.


    Wan Butong turned to Liu Wuxie with a smile. ¡°Young Master Liu, would you like to ce a bet?¡± he asked. There were two ways to bet: one could ce an official bet at the betting corner or make a private wager not affiliated with the Wan n.


    ¡°Don¡¯t put our Young Master Liu in a difficult position. Do you think he can even take out gold coins to bet?¡± Tian Yequan mocked. He naturally knew the Xu n¡¯s current situation. They faced an issue with their weapons workshop that made their funds tight, so there was no way the Xu n could take out any extra gold coins.


    They were in perfect harmony, as though Liu Wuxie had no gold coins if he didn¡¯t join the bet. But if he joined the bet, he would fall into Tian Yequan and Wan Butong¡¯s trap.


    Everyone¡¯s gazes fell onto Liu Wuxie, waiting to see if he would partake in the bet.


    ¡°How do you guys want to bet?¡± A smile rose on the corner of Liu Wuxie¡¯s lips, and his reply was beyond everyone¡¯s expectations. Everyone knew Wan Butong and Tian Yequan were goading Liu Wuxie into agreeing. If Liu Wuxie refused, he would only be ridiculed at most, and the matter would be over. Tian Yequan and Wan Butong didn¡¯t really expect Liu Wuxie to partake in the bet either, and they just wanted to take this opportunity to mock him.


    ¡°It¡¯s pretty boring to follow the official bet. Why don¡¯t we bet privately? It¡¯s more straightforward this way.¡± The odds for the official betting corner were too low, and there wasn¡¯t much meaning in taking a bet. But if they bet privately, the stakes were determined by them.


    ¡°Pretty good suggestion.¡± Liu Wuxie nodded, feeling that what Tian Yequan said made sense. It was more convenient and direct to make a private bet.


    Xu Lingxue surreptitiously stepped on Liu Wuxie¡¯s foot under the table, trying to warn him that it was a trap. However, Liu Wuxie ignored her warning and took a deep breath to endure the pain. This caused Xu Lingxue to be frustrated, and she puffed up her cheeks in annoyance, ignoring him in return.


    ¡°I wonder how much capital can Young Master Liu take out?¡± Wan Butong smiled with a hint of sarcasm as though he was telling Liu Wuxie not to embarrass himself if he could only take out a few thousand gold coins.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t bring any money with me today.¡± Liu Wuxie shrugged. He was telling the truth because he didn¡¯t have a gold coin on him. Even the herbs he bought previously were on credit from the Treasure Pill Pavilion.


    Laughter erupted from those around them, amused by Liu Wuxie¡¯sment. If he didn¡¯t have any money, what could he possibly bet with?


    ¡°Young Master Liu is truly extraordinary, and I¡¯m full of respect for you. But if Young Master Liu needs it, I can loan you some,¡± Wan Butong mocked as he took out a card. The value of this card was over 10,000 gold coins, and the Great Yan Dynasty promoted these cards to facilitate easy exchange as it was inconvenient to carry the gold coins around. A white card stored anywhere from 10,000 to 100,000 gold coins, and a green card stored anywhere from 100,000 to 1,000,000 gold coins. The cards were uniquely marked with the owner¡¯s soul imprint, ensuring that only the rightful owner could use them.


    ¡°I¡¯ll pay for Young Master Liu¡¯s bet.¡± Master Huo stepped forward, saying, ¡°Here are 500,000 gold coins. Young Master Liu can use them anyhow he wishes, and he doesn¡¯t have to pay them back. If it¡¯s not enough, I can get someone to send more over.¡±


    The patriarchs of the Wan n, Tian n, and Song n were shocked. They couldn¡¯tprehend what was happening. After all, 500,000 gold coins were astronomical, and most people couldn¡¯t earn that many gold coins in their lifetime. Even Xu Lingxue opened her mouth slightly as she turned to look at Liu Wuxie in surprise.


    Liu Wuxie epted the card without any apparent gratitude, as though it was to be expected. This caused the patriarchs of the three ns to exchange puzzled nces. Could it be that Master Huo was secretly working with Liu Wuxie?


    ¡°I have my bet prepared now. What about you guys?¡± This time, it was Liu Wuxie¡¯s turn to mock Tian Yequan and Wan Butong. Wan Butong naturally couldn¡¯t take out 500,000 gold coins, so he turned to look at his n¡¯s patriarch.


    Shortly after, someone came with a few cards containing over a million gold coins. This was because Liu Wuxie was destined to lose in their eyes, and the Prwind Leopard and Rhinobeast were brought to the arena as they spoke.


    ¡°I bet 500,000 gold coins on the Prwind Leopard!¡± Wan Butong dered with a sinister smile rising on the corner of his lips.


    Naturally, this elicited sneers of contempt from many onlookers, and Song Ling once again leaped into action. He couldn¡¯t stand seeing Wan Butong trying to dig a hole for Liu Wuxie. He yelled, ¡°Wan Butong, just how shameless can you be? You¡¯re the host, and letting the guest take the pick is etiquette. So why did you take the pick first instead?¡±

 Chapter 18 - Slapping Faces

    <h4>Chapter 18 - pping Faces</h4>


    Wan Butong bet 500,000 gold coins, no more, no less. This was no different from dering that Wan Butong wanted to con Liu Wuxie.


    But to everyone¡¯s surprise, Liu Wuxie tossed the card out and bet on the Rhinobeast winning. He said, ¡°Sure. Let¡¯s determine the oue with one game, then.¡±


    ¡°Lunatic! He¡¯s a madman!¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s just a piece of trash. Well, the gold coins don¡¯t belong to him anyways. But the odds of the Rhinobeast winning is less than 10%!¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s just watch the show. 500,000 gold coins. Let me see how the Xu n pays for it when he loses it all.¡±


    ¡°......¡±


    No one was optimistic about Liu Wuxie, and they looked at him like they were looking at a clown, waiting for him to make a fool of himself. Xu Lingxue sighed helplessly by the side, and it was already toote for her to stop him.


    The Prwind Leopard emitted a fierce roar as the battlemenced. It sprang forward like a gust of wind, appearing behind the Rhinobeast and sinking its teeth into its flesh. Blood spurted as the leopard tore off a chunk of meat, creating a gruesome spectacle.


    The Rhinobeast was slow, and it couldn¡¯t dodge in time. In just one exchange, the Rhinobeast had already suffered several wounds on its body, with the arena dyed in blood.


    Many women turned their heads away because they couldn¡¯t bear to watch this bloody scene. But training in the mountain range was more than tenfold crueler than what was happening in the arena.


    A smile tugged at the corner of Liu Wuxie¡¯s mouth as he subtly moved his lips. He used his true essence to encase his voice andpress it into a thin stream. This was akin to a gaseous substance shuttling out, which required profound soul techniques.


    The Rhinobeast was on the verge of falling under the ferocious attacks of the Prwind Beast. But just when it was staggering, a voice came into its mind, making it daze briefly.


    On the other hand, the Prwind Leopard¡¯s attacks became even more ferocious after being stimted by the blood stench as its demonic energy permeated the entire arena. At least ten thousand people were in the four stands and 90% bet on the Prwind Leopard. Then again, some took the risk because the odds of 1:10 was still pretty tempting.


    ¡°Young Master Liu, I¡¯m sorry, but I¡¯ll be taking the 500,000 gold coins.¡±


    It was just a matter of time before the Rhinobeast was killed, and it would die in another round at most.


    Liu Wuxie picked up his cup of tea and took a leisurely sip. ¡°The battle isn¡¯t over yet, Young Master Wan,¡± he said calmly. ¡°Isn¡¯t it a bit premature to dere a winner?¡± He appearedpletely at ease, unconcerned about the oue of the battle, and even engaged in a casual conversation with Song Ling.


    ¡°It appears you won¡¯t give up without seeing the result. I¡¯ll make you fully convinced then!¡± Wan Butong¡¯s face became sinister. After all, he had his anger pent up from the p by Lei Tao previously, and he wanted to take this opportunity to trample on Liu Wuxie.


    A series of loud boomings came from the arena as the Rhinobeast rubbed its hooves on the ground. It licked the wounds on its right leg and let out a mournful cry before it charged at the Prwind Leopard. This was no different from courting death. The Rhinobeast might be able tost for a little longer with its strong defense, but it would only die faster as it charged forth.


    The Prwind Leopard leaped to the sky, drawing a beautiful arc in midair as it bared its fangs at the Rhinobeast¡¯s neck. If the Prwind Leopard¡¯s jaws bit on the Rhinobeast¡¯s neck, it would definitely die without a doubt.


    As the distance between the two demonic beasts got closer, the Rhinobeast suddenly squatted down, allowing the Prwind Leopard to fly past its head. But that wasn¡¯t all, as the Rhinobeast¡¯s rear legs bounced from the ground, giving a back kick at the Prwind Leopard¡¯s chest when it lost its center of gravity. The kick caused the Prwind Leopard to scream out in pain, and the sheer force of the kick was close to six thousand joules.


    This scene made Wan Butong tremble as he bounced up from his seat in disbelief.


    The Prwind Leopard fell hard to the ground and howled in pain. But the Rhinobeast didn¡¯t give the Prwind Leopard a chance to catch its breath as it made a sharp turn and pounced forth, causing the arena to tremble. The beast tamer wanted to stop the Rhinobeast¡¯s charge, but it was already toote as the Rhinobeast descended on the Prwind Leopard, leaving behind a pile of minced meat. The Prwind Leopard was dead before it could even cry out.


    Hissing voices came from the surroundings as the spectators took a deep breath. This oue was too unbelievable, and they couldn¡¯t fathom how the Rhinobeast, who wasn¡¯t proficient in offense, actually won. This had never happened in the past century.


    ¡°This is too weird. The Prwind Leopard¡¯s reflexes are clearly faster than the Rhinobeast. So how did the Rhinobeast manage to win?¡± An uproar exploded in the crowd because the Rhinobeast¡¯s retaliation had far exceeded the scope of first-graded demonic beasts. Could it be that the Rhinobeast was possessed?


    Wan Butong copsed on his chair powerlessly. Since the Prwind Leopard lost, this meant he had lost 500,000 gold coins.


    ¡°I¡¯m grateful for Brother Wan¡¯s generosity, and I¡¯ll ept the 500,000 gold coins.¡± Someone quickly delivered a card containing 500,000 gold coins. The Wan n naturally wouldn¡¯t dare to deny the bet in public unless they wanted to ruin their business and lose their foothold in Azure Billow City.


    ¡°Brother Liu is fortunate, and I¡¯m impressed by your luck. Do you dare to bet with me again?¡± Wan Butong¡¯s eyes turned red like a gambler who lost his rationale and was desperate to win it back. After all, the 500,000 gold coins came from the Wan n, and he couldn¡¯t afford to lose them.


    The faces of those who mocked Liu Wuxie earlier became ugly, and they even wanted to p their faces. They mocked Liu Wuxie for being a wastrel, but it turned out that they were the trash themselves.


    ¡°It¡¯ll be my honor!¡± Liu Wuxie said without a trace of emotions in his tone. Gold coins were nothing more than resources in his eyes to purchase spirit stones and use the spirit stones to set up a Spiritual Convergence Array, thus elerating his breakthrough.


    Xu Lingxue, sitting beside Liu Wuxie, looked at him with a hint of shock in her eyes. Could it really be just a stroke of luck?


    The second round soon began, and two demonic beasts were driven to the arena by the beast tamer, the Horned Python and me Eagle. They were both highly aggressive demonic beasts, and the Wan n utilized a lot of manpower to capture the me Eagle.


    ¡°Brother Rongzhe, this brat doesn¡¯t seem to be simple!¡± the Tian n¡¯s patriarch whispered. The previous round was too unusual, and even experts in the Spirit Cleansing Realm like them couldn¡¯t figure out how the Prwind Leopard lost.


    ¡°He¡¯s just lucky.¡± Wan Rongzhe wasn¡¯t too bothered. So what if Liu Wuxie managed to win one round? There were ten rounds, and he was confident the Wan n would be the biggest winner.


    As the betting corner was opened again, martial cultivators came from the surroundings to ce their bet. The odds of this round were the same because both sides had chances of winning.


    ¡°Young Master Liu, you can ce the bet first this time,¡± Wan Butong said, gesturing to Liu Wuxie to make a bet first. At the same time, the beast tamer in the arena made an unusual sign, and no one knew about this sign besides the Wan n¡¯s higher hierarchy. But the beast tamer¡¯s movements naturally couldn¡¯t avoid Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have a habit of going first. Brother Wan can take the first pick.¡±


    As soon as Liu Wuxie said that, countless people couldn¡¯t help feeling the urge to strangle him to death. He had the advantage of taking the pick first, so why did he give it away to Wan Butong? They couldn¡¯t understand where he got his confidence from.


    ¡°Big brother, I¡¯ll treat you as my eldest brother if you can win another round.¡± Song Ling leaned over with admiration in his eyes. But this caused the faces of the Song n¡¯s disciples to darken. Liu Wuxie was infamous for his reckless spending and was widely avoided by the residents of Azure Billow City.


    ¡°I won¡¯t be polite then. I¡¯ll bet 1,000,000 gold coins on the Horned Python!¡± This was a colossal bet, as 1,000,000 gold coins were equivalent to three months¡¯ profit from Xu n¡¯s five weapon workshops.


    The battle between the beasts soon began. The Horned Python was over ten meters in length. A foul stench spread when it swept its tail out, and Xu Lingxue was forced to take out a handkerchief to cover her nose.


    The me Eagle descended from the sky, its beak aimed at the Horned Python¡¯s head. Its massive wingspan created a powerful gust of wind that swept up the gravel on the ground and sent it flying towards the surrounding walls. The sound of rocks colliding with the walls echoed throughout the arena.


    ¡°Judging from the look of this, the me Eagle has a high odds of winning. But why did Wan Butong not pick the me Eagle and pick the Horned Python instead?¡± Everyone was baffled. Although the me Eagle¡¯s wings were restricted and couldn¡¯t fly high, it could maintain a low altitude with its ability. So the me Eagle still had high odds of winning, and everyone was surprised that Wan Butong would give up on the me Eagle and pick the Horned Python instead.


    In their first exchange, the two demonic beasts shed with blood and flesh scattering around. When they finally separated, arge pool of blood could be seen on the ground, originating from the Horned Python. The me Eagle didn¡¯t let up, swooping down at low altitude with its sharp beak aimed at its opponent.


    ¡°Brother Wan, why didn¡¯t you pick the me Eagle?¡± Tian Yequan finally asked the question. After all, the me Eagle was much stronger than the Horned Python in terms of fighting prowess, and the Horned Python would definitely lose in three exchanges.


    ¡°Just wait and watch!¡± Wan Butong smiled deeply because everything was going ording to his n. He nned on making Liu Wuxie lose everything today and make him leave the colosseum naked.


    As a roar echoed from the arena, lightning rumbled as a lightning bolt flew out from the Horned Python¡¯s horn. This was a demonic beast with its attributes awakened, and an awakened demonic beast was tenfold stronger than ordinary demonic beasts.


    ¡°T-T-This is an awakened demonic beast!¡± The crowd broke into an uproar because awakened demonic beasts were extremely rare. They wondered if the Wan n had gone insane to send an awakened demonic beast onstage.


    ¡°No wonder Wan Butong let Liu Wuxie take the first pick. Anyone with the right mind would pick the me Eagle, and he probably knew that the Horned Python was an awakened beast.¡± This bet was too unfair for Liu Wuxie. The Wan n must have a detailed record of their demonic beasts, and Wan Butong must have read them and understood the fighting prowess of every demonic beast.


    The bolt of lightning struck the me Eagle, leaving a scorched patch on its body and causing its feathers to emit a burnt odor. The attack caused the eagle to falter, and it plummeted to the ground, teetering on the brink of death.


    After unleashing its lightning attack, the Horned Python¡¯s eyes turned crimson, and a surge of demonic energy emanated from its body. It advanced towards the fallen me Eagle, its jaws open wide, ready to devour its prey.


    ¡°Get up! Get up quickly!¡± Those who had bet on the me Eagle shouted in desperation, urging it to rise and continue the fight. In contrast, those who had bet on the Horned Pythonughed with excitement, creating a stark contrast between the two groups.


    ¡°Don¡¯t bet again if you lose this round,¡± Xu Lingxue said. She wanted Liu Wuxie to stop betting because the Xu n could still afford to lose 500,000 gold coins.


    ¡°Are you that certain that I¡¯ll be the one losing?¡± Liu Wuxie looked harmless as he examined Xu Lingxue. His gaze made Xu Lingxue¡¯s cheeks blush with a hint of shyness as she turned away.


    As the Horned Python continued to approach the me Eagle, the battle between the two beasts wasing to an end soon.


    ¡°Congrattions, Brother Wan, for winning the bet.¡± Tian Yequan raised his wine ss as the threeughed, celebrating in advance.


    ¡°Quick, look at the me Eagle!¡± An exmation suddenly disrupted everyone¡¯s trail of thoughts. The me Eagle suddenly stood up with mes zing on its body. It had awakened its attribute in thest moment.


    Wan Butong was stunned, and the ss in his hand fell to the ground while he stared at the arena.

 Chapter 19 - High-Stakes Gamble

    <h4>Chapter 19 - High-Stakes Gamble</h4>


    The me Eagle awakened in the critical moment as zing mes enveloped the arena, but there was nothing the beast tamer could do about it because he couldn¡¯t get close.


    Meanwhile, the Horned Python had released its attributes and was weakened, unable to resist as the mes consumed it. A sizzling sound and the smell of cooked meat soon spread throughout the arena, and the firested for ten minutes before the me Eagle copsed on the ground weakly. It managed to survive with great difficulty.


    Not far from the me Eagle, the Horned Python was burnt to death, and only its shell remained.


    ¡°This is impossible!¡± Wan Butong uttered a sharp cry and couldn¡¯t believe this was real. After all, victory was already in his hands, but the me Eagle awakened its attributes at the critical moment. ording to the data gathered by the Wan n, the odds of the me Eagle awakening were less than one in ten thousand.


    Xue Yu was also dumbstruck. Losing once might be a coincidence, but losing twice in a row wasn''t normal. Not to mention the demonic beast that Liu Wuxie bet on made ast-minuteeback, and this was too weird.


    Wan Rongzhe stood up and red furiously at the beast tamer. However, the beast tamer could only respond with a helpless expression, as he had no idea why the me Eagle had suddenly awakened. It seemed like too much of a coincidence. As everyone¡¯s gaze shifted to Liu Wuxie, their eyes showed a mixture of respect and doubt.


    ¡°Big Brother, you¡¯re my big brother starting today. Tell me what to bet on the next round, and I¡¯ll follow suit. The Wan n is filthy rich. This time, I want to make a fortune out of them.¡± Song Ling leaned over and hugged Liu Wuxie¡¯s arm as if they were brothers, making Xu Lingxue roll her eyes at him. But everyone knew that the Wan n was wealthy, earning a fortune daily relying on the colosseum.


    The Song n¡¯s patriarch spat out the tea he had just drank. He began to wonder how he managed to raise a clown like Song Ling, to say those words in front of the Wan n¡¯s patriarch.


    ¡°Brother Rongzhe, please don¡¯t take it to heart. My son is just joking.¡± The Song n¡¯s patriarch immediately tried to smooth things out. He might not be afraid of the Wan n, but they did not need to rip the facade between them.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. Since our Wan n has opened our doors for business, we¡¯re naturally not afraid of losing.¡± Wan Rongzhe said with a fake smile. In just a stick of incense time, the Wan n had lost 1,500,000 gold coins, and even he couldn¡¯t help feeling his heart ache.


    When Liu Wuxie received the 1,000,000 gold coins, they came in the form of a stack of cards with their value recorded on them.


    Wan Butong had lost hisposure. ¡°Liu Wuxie, do you dare to bet with me again?!¡± he shouted, his appearance wild and a little frightening. His hair was unkempt, and his robe billowed around him. From the way he looked, it seemed as though he might cough up blood and die if he lost another round.


    ¡°What if I say no?¡± Liu Wuxie said with an eye-squinting smile. Although he had epted Wan Butong¡¯s previous invitation to bet, this time, he refused. He wanted to see Wan Butong throwing up blood.


    ¡°You...¡± Wan Butong fell to the ground, unconscious. He had just lost 1,500,000 gold coins, and Liu Wuxie¡¯s words had pushed him over the edge. In his fury, his blood pressure had risen to dangerous levels, and he had passed out.


    ¡°Brother Wan! Brother Wan!¡± cried Tian Yequan as he rushed forward to support Wan Butong. But it was toote; Wan Butong had already passed out. When he finally regained consciousness about a minuteter, a wave of murderous intent washed over him.


    ¡°Take him away!¡±manded a young man as he stepped forward. He was handsome, dressed in white, and holding a fan. He approached Wan Butong with light steps and stood before him.


    ¡°I-I-It¡¯s Young Master Wan Zhuoran. He¡¯s actually here as well?!¡± An exmation came from the surroundings, causing Song Ling to shudder. Wan Zhuoran was someone he was unwilling to meet.


    ¡°Who is he?¡± Liu Wuxie asked. The fact that Wan Zhuoran could make someone like Song Ling afraid meant that he was not a simple person. However, Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t know much about the talented youths in Azure Billow City.


    Xu Lingxue furrowed her brows when she saw Wan Zhuoran, concern evident in her eyes. However, she wasn¡¯t worried for herself; but for Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Big Brother, you don¡¯t know who he is?¡± asked Song Ling, rolling his eyes. ¡°He¡¯s Wan Rongzhe¡¯s eldest son and was admitted to the Imperial Academyst year. It¡¯s not surprising that you haven¡¯t heard of him since he hasn¡¯t been around Azure Billow City. I never expected him toe back. You need to be careful; he won¡¯t let you get away with winning 1,500,000 gold coins from the Wan n so easily.¡±


    The fact that Wan Zhuoran had been admitted to the Imperial Academy meant that his status had be extraordinary. Even Xue Yu had to show respect to Xu Lingxue before she officially entered the academy. This demonstrated the high status of the students at the Imperial Academy.


    Wan Zhuoran¡¯s gaze was sharp and piercing as he looked at Liu Wuxie, and his sheer pressure made the table creak. His cultivation was in thete phase of the Xiantian Realm, causing Song Ling to shrink back and Xu Lingxue to release her Xiantian Spirit to resist.


    Everyone expected Liu Wuxie, who was known for being a prodigal, to crumble under this pressure. After all, even Xu Lingxue could barely resist the pressure Wan Zhuoran was giving off, not to mention Liu Wuxie.


    But to their surprise, a smirk appeared on Liu Wuxie¡¯s lips, and Wan Zhuoran¡¯s aura dissipated as it approached him. Liu Wuxie was an Immortal Emperor, and cultivation wasn¡¯t everything. He used his soul to negate Wan Zhuoran¡¯s pressure.


    While others couldn¡¯t perceive it, Wan Zhuoran could sense it clearly.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect you to have hidden your abilities so well, Brother Liu,¡± said Wan Zhuoran as he sat down. ¡°You¡¯ve given me a huge surprise today. Since the beast battle is still ongoing, why don¡¯t we have a bet between us? We¡¯ll determine the winner in one round, but I suggest we increase the stakes.¡± He nodded at Xue Yu; the two were not strangers, and Wan Zhuoran had served as a bridge between the Wan n and Xue Yu.


    All eyes turned to Liu Wuxie. If he refused Wan Zhuoran¡¯s challenge, he would appear cowardly. But if he epted, he would face Wan Zhuoran¡¯s wrath. Wan Zhuoran was a formidable opponent; he was in thete phase of the Xiantian Realm, a student at the Imperial Academy and the future sessor of the Wan n. He had many advantages, and it was rumored that he had inherited the art of beast-taming. Using this skill, he had tamed demonic beasts for the descendants of noble and wealthy families at the Imperial Academy, forming connections with many influential people.


    Despite Liu Wuxie¡¯s previous victories, no one was optimistic about his chances against Wan Zhuoran.


    ¡°Oh? Let¡¯s hear about the stakes first,¡± said Liu Wuxie, crossing his arms and looking at Wan Zhuoran with curiosity. He wanted to know what was at stake and whether it was worth his while to y against Wan Zhuoran.


    Song Ling was frantically trying to signal to Liu Wuxie not to y against Wan Zhuoran. Wan Zhuoran was known for being vicious and difficult to deal with. The odds were high that Liu Wuxie would lose if he yed against him, and luck couldn¡¯t always be on his side.


    ¡°I¡¯ll bet 10,000,000 gold coins on the next round. They¡¯ll all be yours if you win,¡± Wan Zhuoran said. Only the Wan n was capable of taking out 10,000,000 gold coins. The Xu n definitely couldn¡¯t take it out, even if they sold everything.


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t disrupt him because he knew Wan Zhuoran wasn¡¯t finished yet. So he was waiting to hear what Wan Zhuoran would say next.


    ¡°I know that your Xu n can¡¯t afford 10,000,000 gold coins, and I don¡¯t need you to pay me a single coin. You just have to agree to a condition of mine. How is it? Isn¡¯t it fair?¡± That was Wan Zhuoran¡¯s suggested stake. Liu Wuxie would receive 10,000,000 gold coins if he won, but he would have to ept a condition if he lost.


    Everyone in the surroundings gasped their breath. After all, it was 10,000,000 gold coins they were talking about. Many small ns couldn¡¯t even make that much money in a decade and couldn¡¯t believe the Wan n was so wealthy.


    This proved Wan Zhuoran¡¯s confidence in suggesting such a high stake. So no one was optimistic about Liu Wuxie since Wan Zhuoran was so confident.


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t sound like a loss to me. So let¡¯s hear your condition.¡± Liu Wuxie was calm throughout the process, from being mocked by Wan Butong to Xue Yu¡¯s threats.


    Everyone turned to look at Wan Zhuoran, curious about what condition he had in mind. They wondered if it would be something extreme, like asking Liu Wuxie tomit suicide if he lost. That would be too low.


    ¡°If I win, you must release Lady Xu from her marriage and leave Azure Billow City. I¡¯ll give you a sum of gold coins aspensation,¡± said Wan Zhuoran. His words caused amotion among the onlookers. No one had expected his condition to be the release of Xu Lingxue from her marriage to Liu Wuxie.


    It wasmon knowledge in Azure Billow City that although Liu Wuxie and Xu Lingxue were married, they had not consummated their marriage. On their wedding night, Liu Wuxie was thrown out of the bridal chamber by Xu Lingxue. Even the servants of the Xu n referred to him as a piece of garbage.


    Liu Wuxie smiled upon hearing Wan Zhuoran¡¯s condition. His smile was devilish, with murderous intent shing in his eyes.


    But Xu Lingxue was furious when she heard the condition. This was her private matter, and how could it be used as a stake for betting? She spoke out, ¡°Wan Zhuoran, show some respect.¡±


    ¡°Lady Xu, you are destined for greatness in the Great Yan Dynasty. How can you let an irrelevant person affect your future? I¡¯m doing this out of justice for you, and I have no ulterior motives. I simply want to give your freedom back to you.¡± Wan Zhuoran said righteously, causing a series of apuse from the onlookers. Although those words were hurtful to Liu Wuxie, no one found anything wrong with it.


    ¡°I heard the Wan n proposed marriage with the Xu nst year, only to be rejected by Xu Yilin. Only someone like Young Master Wan is worthy of Lady Xu.¡± Many people followed suit and agreed with Wan Zhuoran, wanting to force Liu Wuxie to release Lady Xu from her marriage and get lost from Azure Billow City.


    ¡°A garbage like him should get out of Azure Billow City. He¡¯s not worthy to be seated here.¡± Many people were on Wan n¡¯s side, and the voices grew louder. If Liu Wuxie disagreed with the bet, he would¡¯ve fallen for Wan Zhuoran¡¯s scheme and made others think he was afraid to take on the bet.


    Xu Lingxue turned to look at Liu Wuxie, and their eyes met. In his gaze, she sawposure and a hint of disdain. In her gaze, he saw a trace of pain. Part of it was for him, for not living up to her expectations, and part of it was for Wan Zhuoran.


    ¡°Don¡¯t agree to it!¡± said Xu Lingxue, biting her lip. She wanted to let Liu Wuxie give up on the bet. After all, life was more important than dignity.


    ¡°Are you afraid of losing me?¡± A mischievous smile appeared on Liu Wuxie¡¯s lips as he asked in a teasing tone.


    Xu Lingxue stomped on his foot, making him grimace from the pain. She was angry that he was still in the mood to joke around.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. He¡¯s just a clown and poses no threat to me.¡± Liu Wuxie gave Xu Lingxue a reassuring look. If he lost, he would be too ashamed to stay in the Xu n. This was a high-stakes gamble, and he had no reason to refuse. Besides, he couldn¡¯t refuse even if he wanted to; Wan Zhuoran would do everything in his power to make him agree to the bet.


    ¡°Young Master Liu, what do you think? Do you dare to take on the bet?¡± Wan Zhuoran smiled with his eyes narrowed. The beast tamer had already brought the two demonic beasts for the next round to the arena, and everyone was waiting for Liu Wuxie¡¯s reply.


    Liu Wuxie suddenly taunted, ¡°Won¡¯t it be humiliating for you if I refuse to participate in the bet despite your attempts to coerce me?¡± This caused Wan Zhuoran¡¯s face to turn pale with fury. He wasn¡¯t afraid of losing; he was afraid that Liu Wuxie wouldn¡¯t agree to the bet.


    ¡°You don¡¯t dare to take on the bet?¡± Wan Zhuoran challenged with a sneer.

 Chapter 20 - Shocking Reversal

    <h4>Chapter 20 - Shocking Reversal</h4>


    The crowd around them jeered. If Liu Wuxie refused the bet, he would be drowned in their ridicule.


    ¡°I don¡¯t mind epting the bet, but there¡¯s an issue with the stakes.¡± Liu Wuxie wore a sly grin. Gold coins were useless to him, and he needed spirit stones instead. Using these spirit stones, he could speed up his cultivation and breakthrough to the Xiantian Realm after repairing his heart meridian.


    ¡°Oh? What do you suggest, then? I can alter the stakes.¡± Wan Zhuoran needed Liu Wuxie to bet with him, and he didn¡¯t really care how high the stakes were. After all, his Wan n had nothing but gold coins, and their gold coins could pile into a mountain.


    ¡°Change gold coins to spirit stones. ording to the market price, a spirit stone is 100,000 gold coins. So let¡¯s go with 100 spirit stones instead.¡±


    The moment Liu Wuxie spoke, everyone looked at him as though they were looking at an idiot.


    ¡°Big brother, why do you need spirit stones? You can¡¯t cultivate anyway,¡± Song Ling blurted out. He immediately regretted his words and pped himself, realizing he had just insulted Liu Wuxie. But Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t take offense as he knew Song Ling didn¡¯t mean it.


    ¡°You want spirit stones instead?¡± Wan Zhuoran frowned. The Imperial Academy only gave him five spirit stones monthly for his cultivation, and he had only umted slightly more than 30 spirit stones over the past year. So how could he possibly take out 100 spirit stones to bet?


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter? You can¡¯t afford this bet?¡± Liu Wuxie said in a mocking tone. Wan Zhuoran wouldn¡¯t be qualified to bet with him if he couldn¡¯t afford it. Since he agreed to Wan Zhuoran¡¯s stakes, Wan Zhuoran naturally had to agree to his as well to make it fair. This was a brilliant tactic to put Wan Zhuoran in a difficult position. After all, Wan Zhuoran was the one who forced him to ept the bet, so Liu Wuxie tossed the ball back to Wan Zhuoran.


    ¡°You can admit it if you don¡¯t dare to participate in the bet. There¡¯s no need toe up with such an absurd reason,¡± Tian Yequan sneered, attracting many people to follow suit as mockeries overwhelmed Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Brother Zhuo, I have some spirit stones with me. You can use them for now and return them to me after the bet,¡± Xue Yu offered, pulling out an interspatial pouch from his waist and tossing it onto the table. About 70 spirit stones spilled out. Combined with Wan Zhuoran¡¯s spirit stones, there were more than enough for the bet.


    A hundred spirit stones were ced on the table, emitting dense spiritual energy. This made everyone feelfortable when they took a deep breath.


    ¡°Young Master Liu, can we begin now?¡± Wan Zhuoran didn¡¯t want to wait for another moment. He wanted to chase Liu Wuxie out of Azure Billow City as soon as possible. At that time, there was a high chance he could pursue Xu Lingxue with his fame and prestige.


    ¡°Let¡¯s begin!¡± Liu Wuxie waved his hand impatiently. He wanted to end this drama quickly to return and cultivate with the spirit stones.


    The two demonic beasts went in ce with a beast tamer on each side. This was a battle between an Iron Centipede and a Bloodstripe Lion. They were pinnacle first-grade demonic beasts, equivalent to the ninth-level Houtian Realm human cultivators. The battle between them would be an earth-shattering one.


    ¡°Brother Liu, you may choose first,¡± Wan Zhuoran offered graciously. The crowd apuded his gentlemanly behavior, which contrasted sharply with Liu Wuxie¡¯s.


    One was a great talent, like the moon in the sky, while the other was trash in Azure Billow City like an ant.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have a habit of going first. So you can go ahead first.¡± Like the previous two rounds, Liu Wuxie let the other party have the first pick. This instantly won him the respect of many people, and it would be honorable even if Liu Wuxie lost.


    ¡°I won¡¯t be polite with you then. I bet on the Bloodstripe Lion.¡± Wan Zhuoran didn¡¯t refuse Liu Wuxie¡¯s offer and picked the Bloodstripe Lion. This meant Liu Wuxie had no choice but to go with the Iron Centipede. The Iron Centipede was proficient in defense, while the Bloodstripe Lion was proficient in offense. This was a battle between the spear and the shield.


    ¡°Big brother, are you confident in this bet? I want to earn some pocket money.¡± Song Ling jabbed Liu Wuxie, wanting to follow him and make a bet.


    But Liu Wuxie responded by rolling his eyes, and Song Ling got his answer. He immediately ran out to make a bet.


    ¡°Give me all the gold coins you guys have.¡± Song Ling searched the Song n¡¯s party and gathered over 1,000,000 gold coins, a considerable amount. Song Ling didn¡¯t hesitate to bet them all on the Iron Centipede; the odds were 1:3. This meant he would obtain 3,000,000 gold coins if he won.


    The battle between the two demonic beasts began. Both were heavyweights, with the Bloodstripe Lion being slightlyrger. The Iron Centipede, on the other hand, had dozens of legs and could spray a corrosive poison. Its armor was so tough that ordinary weapons couldn¡¯t prate it.


    The Bloodstripe Lion stood over five feet tall and exhaled white mist from its mouth. Its calves were as thick as an adult human¡¯s thighs and packed with power. When it stepped on the blue b ground, it made a thumping sound.


    At the sound of the beast tamer¡¯s whistle, the two demonic beasts roared and charged at each other, creating a powerful shockwave when they collided. The battle was brutal, and the ground was soon covered in blood. The Iron Centipede had sliced open the Bloodstripe Lion¡¯s lower abdomen.


    The spectators held their breaths as they watched the fight. They could feel the ground tremble with each sh of the beasts. Some of the more timid ones closed their eyes, unable to bear the sight.


    On the other hand, Song Ling red at the Iron Centipede and muttered, ¡°Attack...attack...kill the Bloodstripe Lion!¡±


    The Iron Centipede¡¯s back was covered in blood from the Bloodstripe Lion¡¯s ws, but its defenses remained unbroken. It only further angered the Iron Centipede as it opened its jaws and dashed forth. As the battle progressed, two people remained calm in the audience: Liu Wuxie and Wan Zhuoran.


    The Bloodstripe Lion took this opportunity to m its paw on the Iron Centipede¡¯s back before baring its jaws and biting down, tearing apart a piece of its armor. When the armor was ripped off, blood began to spray out, and the Iron Centipede let out a mournful scream.


    The Iron Centipede was frightened by the Bloodstripe Lion¡¯s ferocity and began to back off. It was unfavorable for the Iron Centipede now that its armor was torn off. As the fight carried on, the Bloodstripe Lion would eventually win.


    They were pinnacle first-grade demonic beasts, but the Bloodstripe Lion¡¯s speed and strength were faster than the Iron Centipede. So there wasn¡¯t much suspense in this match.


    ¡°Big brother, think of a way!¡± With a nervous expression, Song Ling took hold of Liu Wuxie¡¯s arm, hoping for a solution from him.


    ¡°Just look at yourself.¡± Liu Wuxie responded with a disdainful gaze, and Song Ling could only sit down obediently and watch the battle.


    The Bloodstripe Lion didn¡¯t let the Iron Centipede go so easily. It leaped to the sky and released an ominous aura from its jaws. The Bloodstripe Lion was a demonic beast on the brink of reaching the second grade.


    The Iron Centipede¡¯s size was smaller inparison, and they weren¡¯t on the same level. The Iron Centipede had already retreated to the edge of the arena.


    As the battle was nearing its end, Liu Wuxie¡¯s lips moved. His words were iprehensible to anyone listening, for he spoke not in humannguage but in strange symbols that formed a line and flew into the arena.


    The Iron Centipede¡¯s intelligence wasn¡¯t high, and it had lost its fighting spirits. But when the strange symbols entered its body, its eyes became crimson.


    Liu Wuxie had previously spoken in thenguage of the demonic beasts, a tongue understood by few in the True Martial Continent. He had learned it from the sect master of the Beast Master Gate and never thought he would have asion to use it. Yet every demonic beast had its weaknesses and ways to unlock its potential.


    The Bloodstripe Lion approached, and the Iron Centipede couldn¡¯t retreat further. It was already certain that the Iron Centipede would lose. The Wan n¡¯s disciples began to cheer because winning once was enough, even though they lost 1,500,000 gold coins. After this day, the son-inw of the Xu n would be forced to leave Azure Billow City.


    Many people began to look at Liu Wuxie with gloating expressions because they could already see his demise without Xu n¡¯s protection.


    The situation was crucial, and Song Ling widened his eyes, hoping for a miracle. Compared to him, Wan Zhuoran was chatting happily with Xue Yu. The battle in the arena could no longer catch their attention. They were in thete phase of the Xiantian Realm, and the battle between two first-grade demonic beasts was no different from two kids ying in their eyes.


    ¡°Is the battle finally going to end?¡± Many people followed Liu Wuxie and ced their bet on the Iron Centipede. After all, he had turned the tables around in the two previous rounds and won, earning many people¡¯s trust.


    The Bloodstripe Lion was about to strike the Iron Centipede when thetter suddenly curled into a ball and began rolling on the ground. The Lion¡¯s pounce missed its mark and instead shattered the blue bs at the edge of the arena.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?!¡± Wan Zhuoran narrowed his eyes. He was well aware of the Iron Centipede¡¯s strength and knew it would lose in a fight against the Bloodstripe Lion. However, he had ways to ensure its victory even if Liu Wuxie chose the Bloodstripe Lion. Yet this turn of events left him puzzled, for the Iron Centipede seemed to have changed in some way he couldn¡¯t discern.


    The Iron Centipede¡¯s evasion only served to further enrage the Bloodstripe Lion. It let out a piercing roar that hurt the ears of many spectators. The sound created a gust of wind that made the gs flutter wildly, and its demonic energy swept across the entire arena.


    The Bloodstripe Lion quickened its pace and pounced, intent on crushing the Iron Centipede. In the blink of an eye, the Iron Centipede¡¯s speed increased as it curled into a ball and shot away like aet. When it reappeared, it collided with the Lion¡¯s right front paw, fracturing it and causing the beast to lose its bnce.


    This scene made Wan Zhuoran take a cold breath, catching him off guard. He couldn¡¯t understand how the Iron Centipede became so strong, and just what was this attacking style? The Iron Centipede was close to bing invincible when it curled into a ball.


    The Bloodstripe Lion cried out from the pain as it limped towards the Iron Centipede, leaving behind a long trail of blood.


    This scene also made Xue Yu squint his eyes, and he turned to look at Liu Wuxie. But Liu Wuxie was calmly watching the battle, and Xue Yu failed to get his desired answer.


    The Iron Centipede continued its assault, each attack leaving a wound on the Bloodstripe Lion and diminishing its fighting prowess.


    ¡°This is impossible! How can the Bloodstripe Lion lose?!¡± Wan Zhuoran widened his eyes in a fury. He couldn¡¯t afford to lose 100 spirit stones. Even if he was a student at the Imperial Academy, the academy only provided him with five spirit stones monthly. If he lost 10,000,000 gold coins, the Wan n might be unable to catch their breath within ten years.


    So as an eerie chill shed across his eyes, Wan Zhuoran made a strange movement with his right hand. When the beast tamer in the arena received Wan Zhuoran¡¯smand, the beast tamer took out a peculiar red pill and tossed it out.

 Chapter 21 - Beautiful Reversal

    <h4>Chapter 21 - Beautiful Reversal</h4>


    Everyone watched as a strange red pill flew out from the beast tamer¡¯s hand. Everything was too abrupt, and the Bloodstripe Lion ate the red pill before anyone could respond.


    After consuming the red pill, the Bloodstripe Lion underwent a sudden transformation. Blood oozed from its pores, intensifying the redness of its fur. Its aura grew stronger as it ascended to a second-grade demonic beast. A powerful shockwave emanated from the lion, knocking the Iron Centipede back three meters.


    ¡°The Berserk Demon Pill!¡± gasped the onlookers. ¡°It can boost a demonic beast¡¯s strength fivefold!¡± The pill was a rare and preciousmodity worth hundreds of thousands of gold coins. But the Wan n couldn¡¯t afford to lose this round.


    ¡°You¡¯re cheating!¡± Song Ling stood up and protested. Without the Berserk Demon Pill, the Bloodstripe Lion would¡¯ve already died in the arena with the oue concluded.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect the Wan n to be so despicable by cheating publically!¡± Those who bet on the Iron Centipede stood up and protested. The Wan n made themselves the public enemy by doing this, and they could do nothing about it. After all, they couldn¡¯t just kill everyone present.


    ¡°There aren¡¯t any rules that forbid the use of Berserk Demon Pill. So it¡¯s all within the rules.¡± Those who bet on the Bloodstripe Lion stepped forward, gloating at this scene. They didn¡¯t think this was cheating since it wasn¡¯t written in the rules. After all, human cultivators consumed pills to replenish their energy in a fight, so why couldn¡¯t demonic beasts do the same?


    An intense argument began between the two factions, but they ultimately turned to look at Liu Wuxie. After all, Liu Wuxie would be the biggest winner if the Wan n didn¡¯t resort to cheating. If Liu Wuxie lost this round, he would lose the Xu n¡¯s protection and have to release Xu Lingxue from their marriage.


    ¡°Big brother, why aren¡¯t you saying anything?¡± Song Ling was anxious, wanting Liu Wuxie to find a solution. But Liu Wuxie was calm as he remained in his seat.


    Then again, the colosseum was owned by the Wan n, and the Wan n were beast tamers. So Liu Wuxie winning two rounds was no different from embarrassing them.


    ¡°Just watch,¡± said Liu Wuxie, briefly opening his eyes before closing them again and tuning out the surrounding chaos.


    Back to the arena, the Bloodstripe Lion had gone berserk, and it couldn¡¯t feel the pain of its broken paw. It was frantically chasing after the Iron Centipede, biting down with its jaws. But the Iron Centipede maintained its curled form, allowing the Bloodstripe Lion to attack. It didn¡¯t take long for the Iron Centipede to be covered in blood, withrge fragments of its armor falling off.


    Xu Lingxue felt like her heart was in her throat. Her feelings wereplicated at this moment. She did imagine that Liu Wuxie would change someday, and she would be satisfied if he could be an ordinary person even if he couldn¡¯t cultivate. Since she was young, her parents had instilled the thought that she was betrothed to Liu Wuxie.


    Wan Zhuoran sat down as the fight intensified with his fists balled together. This round was disgraceful even if he won, and the Wan n¡¯s position would plummetpared to before. As a result, the colosseum¡¯s business would decline due to its decreased credibility after what happened today.


    ¡°Tear it apart! Tear it apart!¡± Ovee with emotion, Tian Yequan rose to his feet. He longed to see the Bloodstripe Lion triumph over the Iron Centipede. He wanted the battle to end quickly so he could confront Liu Wuxie.


    But the Iron Centipedested stubbornly as time passed. Even if it was covered with injuries, it could still roll around in the arena, waiting for an opportunity.


    Fifteen minutes passed, and the Bloodstripe Lion¡¯s aura began to fade as the effects of the Berserk Demon Pill wore off. Without the pill¡¯s support, the lion started to wither. The pill had drained all of its potential during its brief period of effectiveness, leaving the lion to die slowly. It was a gamble to see if the Bloodstripe Lion could defeat the Iron Centipede within those fifteen minutes.


    The Bloodstripe Lion let out a roar and staggered. It could no longer hold on. The bacsh of the Berserk Demon Pill had turned its internal organs to blood, causing it to vomit mouthfuls of the crimson liquid.


    This scene dumbfounded everyone from the Wan n. They couldn¡¯t believe the Bloodstripe Lion had failed to kill the Iron Centipede even after taking the Berserk Demon Pill. This had never happened before in their past century of beast taming.


    The Iron Centipede also took this opportunity to bare its jaw and shoot forth.


    ¡°Stop it!¡± Wan Rongzhe let out a roar. He cast aside his dignity as the patriarch of the Wan n and ordered the beast tamer to intervene and stop the Iron Centipede from killing the Bloodstripe Lion.


    But it was toote. The Iron Centipede shot forward like aet, striking the Bloodstripe Lion¡¯s head and causing blood and white matter to erupt like a volcano. The Bloodstripe Lion copsed on the floor while the Iron Centipede returned to the edge of the arena, signaling the end of the battle.


    The entire colosseum fell into a dead silence, and no one spoke. They could only hear each other¡¯s breathing from the surrounding, and this scene sent a chill in their hearts.


    A cold breeze swept over their heads, sending shivers down Wan Zhuoran¡¯s spine. He felt the chill seep from the soles of his feet to the top of his head. Unbeknownst to him, his back was slick with cold sweat.


    On the contrary, Master Huo and Lei Tao exchanged a gaze. From what happened today, they realized that Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t garbage but a peerless talent.


    Everyone in the colosseum was petrified and didn¡¯t know what to say.


    ¡°Big brother, we won!¡± Song Ling screamed as he grabbed Liu Wuxie¡¯s arm. He was so excited that he ran around in circles because their victory was tough.


    As for Liu Wuxie, he opened his eyes as though nothing had happened, and this had nothing to do with him. He said, ¡°Brother Wan, thanks for the 100 spirit stones.¡±


    With 100 spirit stones, he could set up the Spirit Convergence Array and use it to cultivate, killing two birds with one stone. The spirit stones could rapidly speed up the progress of tempering his body.


    But Xu n¡¯s crisis still hadn¡¯t been resolved. He still had to find the culprit in the darkness, and it wasn¡¯t time for him to rx now.


    Wan Zhuoran¡¯s eyes zed with murderous intent as he fixed his gaze on Liu Wuxie. If looks could kill, Liu Wuxie would have died a thousand times over. ¡°Young Master Liu,¡± Wan Zhuoran roared, ¡°do you dare to wager with me again?


    Wan Zhuoran no longer looked as gentlemanly as before. Instead, he looked like a madman at this moment.


    ¡°Zhuoran, let¡¯s put a stop here today.¡± Wan Rongzhe interrupted before Liu Wuxie could say anything. What happened today was too bizarre, and he couldn¡¯t determine why. So Wan Rongzhe wanted to stop here today before the Wan n suffered more losses. Losing 10,000,000 gold coins would only shake their foundation at best. But if Wan Rongzhe continued to bet with Liu Wuxie, they might be bankrupt.


    Upon hearing what Wan Rongzhe said, Wan Zhuoran could only sit back down reluctantly. He didn¡¯t dare to disobey his father and could only re at Liu Wuxie with murderous intent brewing in his eyes.


    ¡°I must apologize,¡± announced the old man who was hosting the beast battle. ¡°Due to unforeseen circumstances, we must conclude the beast battles and proceed directly to the beast-taming segment. Are there any talents who wish to participate?¡± The beast-taming segment was distinct from the beast battles.


    ¡°I¡¯ll sign up!¡± Tian Yequan stood up and signed up for the beast-taming segment. Descendants of the three major ns, with the exception of the Xu n, signed up to participate.


    ¡°Young Master Liu,¡± said Wan Zhuoran, once again adopting the guise of a gentleman. ¡°Won¡¯t you participate in this segment? You needn¡¯t worry about your safety. We¡¯ll assign you the weakest demonic beast.¡± Wan Zhuoran owed seventy-odd spirit stones, but he could easily repay them. The Wan n could afford to take a loss. So he began to goad Liu Wuxie into participating in the beast-taming segment.


    Martial cultivators could hone their skills and willpower by battling demonic beasts. It was an excellent opportunity for training and one that usually came at a cost. But today, it was free, and no one wanted to miss out.


    Xu Lingxue red at Liu Wuxie vigntly. She wouldn¡¯t hesitate to kick him to death if he dared to agree to it. After all, her heart was still pumping violently with what had happened earlier.


    ¡°Can I refuse it?¡± Liu Wuxie rubbed his nose. Everyone knew he was garbage who couldn¡¯t cultivate with his clogged meridians, and he had been stuck in the Houtian Realm.


    ¡°Hahaha!¡± A burst ofughter came from the surroundings because everyone finally found an opportunity tough at Liu Wuxie wantonly. The beast-taming segment was different because one had to go on the stage personally and face the demonic beast, using their abilities to tame it.


    ¡°Young Master Liu, if you publicly dere that you¡¯re afraid and admit to being a coward, I¡¯ll take back what I said.¡± If Liu Wuxie were to admit to being a coward, it would be tantamount to pping himself in the face. He would lose all standing in Azure Billow City. Even the Xu n¡¯s reputation would suffer since Liu Wuxie was their son-inw. To mock Liu Wuxie was to mock the Xu n.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. If you admit you¡¯re afraid, we¡¯ll pretend that we said nothing today.¡± Tian Yequan followed suit. The Wan n¡¯s disciples echoed with him, revealing their disgusting nature before Liu Wuxie.


    Xu Lingxue frowned because she didn¡¯t expect them to be so aggressive, and they were simply going overboard. But Liu Wuxie held her down just when she wanted to protest.


    ¡°It looks like I have no reason to refuse,¡± Liu Wuxie smiled. His smile was weird. After all, the beast-taming segment differed from beast battles because one had to face the demonic beasts themselves. There was a possibility that they would lose their lives, and this was no joke.


    ¡°As Xu n¡¯s son-inw, do you think it¡¯s appropriate to back out?¡± The crowd chimed in. The Xu n was one of the four big ns, and Liu Wuxie would be unworthy to be Xu n¡¯s son-inw if he didn¡¯t dare to take up the challenge.


    The taunts and jeers came at Liu Wuxie like a tsunami, threatening to engulf him.


    ¡°Coward, get lost if you don¡¯t have the guts to participate. In the future, you can hide in the Xu n and spare yourself the embarrassment of appearing in public.¡±


    ¡°Ha! He probably got kicked out of the bridal chamber on his wedding night because he wasn¡¯t man enough!¡±


    ¡°Get lost! Get out of the colosseum!¡±


    ¡°......¡±


    Many of Wan and Tian n¡¯s disciples chimed in, making Xu Lingxue¡¯s face ugly. There were several moments she wanted to intervene, but Liu Wuxie¡¯s gaze stopped her. This was because she would suffer more ridicule if she spoke out. At that time, more vicious words would await her. How could Liu Wuxie let such a prideful beauty lower herself to argue with others like hooligans in the street?

 Chapter 22 - Threaten

    <h4>Chapter 22 - Threaten</h4>


    The lethality of words was by no means beneath weapons. Words could be used as a weapon against someone¡¯s mind and also against a powerful force. This was the art of destroying someone¡¯s mind and not his body.


    ¡°Don¡¯t agree to it!¡± Xu Lingxue bit on her lips, and her voice was so soft that only Liu Wuxie could hear it.


    Liu Wuxie was touched when he saw the concern in her eyes.


    ¡°Young Master Liu, what do you think? I won¡¯t force you if you admit that you¡¯re afraid.¡± Wan Zhuoran opened the fan in his hand with murderous intent shing in the depth of his eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid you¡¯ll be disappointed, Wan Zhuoran,¡± said Liu Wuxie. The concern in Xu Lingxue¡¯s eyes made him change his mind and decide to put an end to the matter. As an Immortal Emperor, he was impervious to the words of others. But he didn¡¯t want Xu Lingxue to worry about him.


    ¡°I¡¯ll bet another 100 spirit stones if you¡¯re willing to participate in the beast-taming segment. The spirit stones will be yours if you canst fifteen minutes in the arena.¡± Xue Yu, who had been silent until now, stood up and emptied the contents of his interspatial pouch. Along with arge number of spirit stones, there was also a valuable spiritual weapon.


    The quality of the spirit stones was much higher than the batch he had taken out previously, and this naturally drew countless envious gazes from the surroundings. After all, 100 spirit stones were equivalent to 10,000,000 gold coins, and no one could resist the temptation, especially when they only needed tost fifteen minutes in the arena.


    Liu Wuxie was already nning to leave with Xu Lingxue. But he stopped when he heard what Xue Yu said, and he couldn¡¯t help wondering if Xue Yu had gone insane to take out 100 spirit stones.


    ¡°Are you interested in having a bet with me? If you refuse, I¡¯ll get someone to erase the Xu n tomorrow. Mentor Baili is only interested in Lady Xu¡¯s talent, not the Xu n¡¯s. So consider it well because the Xu n¡¯s fate is now in your hands.¡± Xue Yu issued a threat without a hint of emotion. This was nothing to him, and he didn¡¯t care about Baili Qing. He wasn¡¯t worried that Baili Qing would be furious about it because she wouldn¡¯t advocate for someone unrted to her.


    Xu Lingxue clenched her fist with her body trembling. After all, Xue Yu had threatened to destroy the Xu n in front of so many people.


    Song Ling wanted to speak out, but Song n¡¯s members forcibly took him away. No one had expected the Hundred Beast Gathering to progress in this manner.


    Liu Wuxie narrowed his eyes, and his gaze fixed on Xue Yu. The feud that started between them two hours ago had be irreconcble.


    ¡°You have seeded in provoking me. I ept your wager. But you have no idea the cmity you have brought upon the Xue n. Within a year, I will destroy it. And if I fail, I will take my own life!¡±


    Xue Yu was shocked to hear Liu Wuxie¡¯s oath and how domineering he was when he dered that he would destroy the Xue n in a year.


    Xue Yu¡¯s eyes boiled with boundless murderous intent. He wanted to dash forth and take Liu Wuxie¡¯s life because if someone else dared to speak to him in this manner, that person would¡¯ve already been dead. But he had his concerns because Xu Lingxue was Baili Qing¡¯s disciple.


    No one believed Liu Wuxie¡¯s oath, and they all considered it a joke. After all, provoking Xue n publicly was no different than courting death.


    Liu Wuxie walked towards the arena, leaving behind his back to everyone. Xu Lingxue held her tears back because she knew that Liu Wuxie had agreed to Xue Yu¡¯s bet to protect the Xu n.


    ¡°Brother Xue, you don¡¯t have to worry about it. I have already made arrangements, and he¡¯ll die when he stands in the arena.¡± Wan Zhuoran never expected that Xue Yu would fork out 100 spirit stones to force Liu Wuxie to agree to bet with him.


    Tens of thousands of eyes followed Liu Wuxie as he made his way down the bridge, step by step. His solitary figure emanated an aura of loneliness and overwhelming power. As they watched him go, they began to question whether the rumors of him being worthless were true.


    After three rounds of beast battles, the arena was slick with blood and littered with chunks of flesh. Most people would have lost their nerve at the sight, but Liu Wuxie strode calmly onto the field. All eyes were on him as he became the center of attention. The crowd watched him with a mix of excitement, ridicule, and raucous cheers.


    ¡°Let¡¯s invite the demonic beast out!¡± The host gave the order, and the fence was opened. The beast tamer chased a gigantic demonic beast out. This demonic beast was three meters tall, and the ground rumbled like an earthquake when it moved.


    ¡°T-This is the Earthshock ze Tiger!¡± A buzzing noise came from the entire arena, and the demonic beast shocked everyone. Only those whoprehended the Xiantian Spirit could face such a demonic beast. It released a mighty roar the moment it appeared, and the sheer shockwave from its roar made many low-leveled cultivators bleed from their seven orifices.


    The roar created a powerful air current that swept out, and it charged towards the arena with the surrounding blood stench stimting its bloodlust.


    ¡°This is a first-grade, fifth-level demonic beast, the Earthshock ze Tiger. It might have a massive size but has ordinarybat power. Even so, Young Master Liu, you have to be careful.¡± The host¡¯s voice spread throughout the colosseum through the loudspeaker in his hand. A first-grade, fifth-level demonic beast wasn¡¯t powerful, and it was roughly equivalent to the fifth or sixth level of the Houtian Realm for human cultivators. But that was for ordinary people. Liu Wuxie was notorious for being a trash who couldn¡¯t cultivate.


    When the Earthshock ze Tiger entered the arena, it huffed a white mist from its jaws. It had starved for days, and the demonic energy in its eyes was so dense that it nearly condensed.


    <i>Wan Zhuoran, I swear I¡¯ll kill you if anything happens to him!</i> Xu Lingxue swore inwardly. Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t have a choice and went up to the arena to protect the Xu n, and this was all Wan Zhuoran¡¯s scheme.


    Liu Wuxie stood facing the Earthshock ze Tiger. His sword hung at his waist, concealed by a red cloth, obscuring the de from view.


    ¡°Look! The beast tamer left!¡± An exmation sounded out. With the departure of the beast tamer, the Earthshock ze Tiger was free to do as it pleased. No longer restrained by the tamer¡¯s control, it could unleash its full strength.


    ¡°This is the same as giving Liu Wuxie a death sentence! Without the beast tamer, he¡¯ll die for sure!¡± This was Wan n¡¯s scheme. The beast tamer would leave after bringing the demonic beast into the arena. At that time, Liu Wuxie¡¯s fate could only be determined by the heavens.


    But that wasn¡¯t all as a massive iron cage suddenly rose from the ground, covering the entire arena.


    ¡°This...¡± Everyone was dumbfounded at this moment. Liu Wuxie and the Earthshock ze Tiger were trapped in the cage with no means to escape. It seemed like the Wan n would stop at nothing to kill Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, please do not misunderstand. The cage is to prevent the Earthshock ze Tiger from escaping and hurting the innocent. This is not targeted at Liu Wuxie, and we will lower the cage to let him out immediately if Young Master Liu surrenders.¡± The host exined, but no one would take him seriously. If the cage was to prevent the Earthshock ze Tiger from hurting the innocent, did that mean it could hurt Liu Wuxie however it wanted?


    This was a genuine battle between trapped beasts. Liu Wuxie and the Earthshock ze Tiger were trapped in the cage, and only one could leave it alive.


    Liu Wuxie smiled and looked at everyone from the Wan n, capturing their disgusting faces in his mind. He already decided to let the Wan n live in fear every day after he reached the Xiantian Realm. The reason why the Wan n dared to bully him was because he was too weak.


    If his father-inw had been present, he wouldn¡¯t have allowed the Wan n to push Liu Wuxie around. Xu Lingxue cried out in protest, but her voice was quickly drowned out by the mor of the crowd.


    ¡°Master Huo, should we stop them?¡± Lei Tao couldn¡¯t watch any longer. The Wan n had already crossed the bottom line and had resorted to all means to kill Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. Didn¡¯t you say Liu Wuxie sent Zhou Tong flying with a p?¡± Master Huo smiled. Since Liu Wuxie could send Zhou Tong flying with a p, this meant he was at least between the sixth and seventh levels of the Houtian Realm; it wouldn¡¯t be easy for the Earthshock ze Tiger to kill Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°What will happen to our cooperation if anything happens to him? The emergence of the Heavenly Spirit Pill will raise the position of our Treasure Pill Pavilion even in the imperial capital. We might even have the opportunity to be transferred to the Imperial City!¡± That was what Lei Tao was concerned about. The Imperial City was their goal, as Azure Billow City was too small.


    ¡°Let¡¯s just carry on watching. Since he can win three beast battles and fool the Wan n, do you think he¡¯ll die so easily?¡± Master Huo waved his hand. The reason why he didn¡¯t intervene was because he trusted Liu Wuxie. He could sense a mysterious power in Liu Wuxie that couldn¡¯t be ignored.


    ¡°Father, that¡¯s my big brother! Do something to save him!¡± Song Ling ran over and begged his father to stop this mess. After two hours of interaction, he had already considered Liu Wuxie his brother.


    ¡°Bring him down!¡± The face of the Song n¡¯s patriarch was ugly because it wasn¡¯t worth it to offend the Wan n for Xu n¡¯s son-inw. The Wan n had already be Xue n¡¯sckey and showed a faint tendency to surpass the Song n. So Song n couldn''t fall out with Wan n, especially at this juncture.


    No one stood up for Liu Wuxie. On the contrary, many spectators roared in excitement. After all, the beast-taming segment was more visually stunning than the beast-battle segment.


    ¡°Earthshock ze Tiger, eat him!¡± The Tian n¡¯s members roared excitedly, with countless people following suit.


    The Earthshock ze Tiger¡¯s body suddenly swelled up, bing more prominent. As it released a roar, it ground its paws before charging toward Liu Wuxie, causing the arena to tremble under its gallop.


    The tension in the air was palpable as everyone held their breath. No one was optimistic about Liu Wuxie¡¯s chances against the three-meter-tall Earthshock ze Tiger. Many people covered their eyes, unable to bear the thought of watching Liu Wuxie being torn apart and devoured by the beast. They could already imagine his stomach bursting open, his intestines spilling out, and his blood staining the arena.


    As the Earthshock ze Tiger got closer, it was only ten-odd meters away from Liu Wuxie, and Liu Wuxie had no room for retreat. He could not leave as the iron cage behind him was made of refined iron, and he could only fight the Earthshock ze Tiger head-on. Only one could leave the arena alive¡ªhe or the Earthshock ze Tiger¡ªand there was no second option.


    Everyone held their breath as they listened to the Earthshock ze Tiger¡¯s gallop echoing in the entire colosseum.


    Xu Lingxue bit her lip so hard that blood trickled from the corner of her mouth, but she felt no pain.


    Xue Yu smiled as he watched the Earthshock ze Tiger release its suffocating demonic energy, ready to swallow its prey in one gulp. If Liu Wuxie were to die, Xue Yu could use the power of the Xue n to pressure the Xu n. Then Xu Lingyue would be at his mercy and would have no choice but to be his woman.


    ¡°Is he insane? Why isn¡¯t he dodging?!¡±


    The Earthshock ze Tiger was already three meters away from Liu Wuxie, but Liu Wuxie had no intentions of dodging. Even if he couldn¡¯t beat the Earthshock ze Tiger, he should be able to run for some time. Even if he had to surrender, he would at least be alive.


    Everyone watched the Earthshock ze Tiger open its jaws, biting at Liu Wuxie¡¯s head. If the Earthshock ze Tiger really bit down, Liu Wuxie would be decapitated.


    This scene brought a smile to the faces of Wan Zhuoran and Tian Yequan, including the members of their ns, because Liu Wuxie would finally die.


    But just when they were anticipating watching Liu Wuxie being killed, the Earthshock ze Tiger suddenly stopped andy beside Liu Wuxie like a docile cat.

 Chapter 23 - Ripping The Facade Apart

    <h4>Chapter 23 - Ripping The Facade Apart</h4>


    Everyone¡¯sughter came to an abrupt stop at this sight. They looked as the Earthshock ze Tigery beside Liu Wuxie like a docile cat, sticking its tongue out and licking Liu Wuxie¡¯s feet. As for Liu Wuxie, he reached out and gently stroked the Earthshock ze Tiger¡¯s head, and his caress made the Earthshock ze Tiger lie down on the ground in enjoyment.


    ¡°How is this possible?!¡± Wan Zhuoran nearly lost his mind. He couldn¡¯tprehend what just happened. How could Liu Wuxie possibly tame the Earthshock ze Tiger?


    The Wan n forged their fame through taming beasts, and their beast-taming method mainly focused on grasping the demonic beast¡¯s weakness and forcing them to submit. So even if the beasts were subdued, they would retaliate when they could. Thus, they often had beast tamers being eaten by demonic beasts.


    But what happened right before their eyes was beyond theirprehension. They watched with disbelief as the Earthshock ze Tigery beside Liu Wuxie obediently.


    Xu Lingxue had shock reflected in her eyes.


    ¡°Is this the beast-taming art?¡± Everyone knew about Wan n¡¯s beast-taming skills, and subduing a demonic beast and making them docile could only be done with the beast-taming art. So what happened in the arena was a resounding p to the Wan n¡¯s faces because Liu Wuxie had challenged the beast-taming art that the Wan n was so proud of.


    Wan Rongzhe was petrified on the spot with murderous intent shing in his eyes as what happened today was a massive blow to the Wan n.


    ¡°This is unbelievable! Record this scene with the Memory Talisman quickly? so we canprehend it when we return. There must be some magic behind all this, and we might be able toprehend the beast-taming art!¡± Multiple Memory Talisman?s were taken out to record what was happening in the arena.


    ¡°This is a shocking reversal. He really gave us a huge surprise!¡± The situation in the colosseum got out of control, and many people were saying that Wan n¡¯s beast-taming art was inferiorpared to Liu Wuxie''s. The real beast-taming art happened before their eyes by making the demonic beast submit on its own will, without forcing it to submit. Those were two different concepts.


    Xue Yu¡¯s expression soured as the time for his bet with Liu Wuxie was running out. The wager was whether Liu Wuxie could endure for fifteen minutes in the arena.


    Wan Zhuoran turned to look at his father, Wan Rongzhe, waiting for his father¡¯s instructions. This was because he could no longer gain control of what was happening in the arena. When he saw a slicing hand sign from his father, Wan Zhuoran turned to look at a beast tamer in the dark waiting for his orders.


    Liu Wuxie stood with his cold gaze sweeping across Xue Yu because there would soon be a conclusion to their bet.


    Suddenly, an arrow whistled through the air, fired from a hidden location. The unexpected sneak attack caught everyone off guard. The arrow was small, about the size of a finger, and couldn¡¯t possibly be lethal, leaving everyone puzzled.


    To everyone¡¯s surprise, the arrow wasn¡¯t directed at Liu Wuxie but at the Earthshock ze Tiger. When the arrow dug into the Earthshock ze Tiger¡¯s body, the pain made it release a ferocious roar, with its eyes bing crimson. The Earthshock ze Tiger was enraged and mmed itself against the cage.


    At the same time, a bizarre fragrance emitted from the wound of the Earthshock ze Tiger, swiftly spreading out in the air. As Liu Wuxie was close to the Earthshock ze Tiger, he naturally caught the smell of it.


    ¡°The Psychedelic Powder!¡± Liu Wuxie narrowed his eyes. He had lost his rationale in the brothel because of the Psychedelic Powder.


    As the Earthshock ze Tiger gradually lost its rationale, it could only behave instinctually as it let out a growl with its fur standing up. A surge of demonic energy emanated from the Earthshock ze Tiger, swirling around it like a cyclone.


    But that wasn¡¯t all because the Earthshock ze Tiger¡¯s cultivation rapidly rose, making everyone anxiously hold their breaths. It seemed to have been stimted into excavating all its potential in this short period.


    ¡°Wan n...I see...¡± Liu Wuxie muttered to himself. He was practically certain that the Wan n wanted him dead in the brothel.


    But the audience didn¡¯t know what happened because the small arrow disappeared into the Earthshock ze Tiger¡¯s body with a sh. So only Liu Wuxie had seen it.


    ¡°The Earthshock ze Tiger seems to have gone berserk.¡±


    The Earthshock ze Tiger still had a trace of rationale since it attacked the cage instead of Liu Wuxie. But the little hint of rationale left was soon devoured by the Psychedelic Powder.


    The Earthshock ze Tiger came to a stop as it breathed out demonic energy, its eyes bing murky. It had utterly lost its rationale and could only behave by its beastly instincts. Deep in the consciousness of any demonic beasts, humans were their greatest enemy, and the Psychedelic Powder magnified the Earthshock ze Tiger¡¯s hatred for humans.


    The Earthshock ze Tiger began to pound its paws on the ground, and it couldn¡¯t feel any pain despite its paws bing bloody. It charged toward Liu Wuxie, and the aura it gave off was tenfold stronger than before. This was because the Earthshock ze Tiger had be a first-grade seventh-level demonic beast.


    Wan Zhuoran sat down with a hint of a smile in his eyes because Liu Wuxie would finally be dead after winning 100 spirit stones from him.


    The Earthshock ze Tiger closed in on Liu Wuxie and was only ten-odd meters away. Liu Wuxie stood still, leaving onlookers to wonder if he could once again tame the beast. In no time, the tiger was within striking distance, and it was toote for Liu Wuxie to evade.


    Just as the Earthshock ze Tiger was about to sink its teeth into Liu Wuxie, he grasped the hilt of his de, and a bright light shed. The tiger froze mid-pounce as if turned to stone.


    The sound of dripping echoed through the arena as blood fell from Liu Wuxie¡¯s de, forming a plum blossom pattern on the ground. The head of the Earthshock ze Tiger tumbled to the ground and rolled to a stop at Liu Wuxie¡¯s feet.


    The colosseum fell into a deathly silence as though everyone had forgotten about breathing. To kill a first-grade, seventh-level demonic beast with one swing, just what kind of strength did Liu Wuxie have?


    Xu Lignxue covered her mouth, and her eyes filled with shock and a hint of joy.


    Wan Zhuoran and Xue Yu, on the other hand, leaped to their feet, taken aback by the unexpected turn of events.


    ¡°Wan n, I¡¯ll make all of you end up like the Earthshock ze Tiger a month from now. All of you will die!¡± Liu Wuxie raised his de and swung it down in the air, breaking apart the cage. His de and the cage were both forged with refined iron, but his de was of a higher quality. The de had almost reached the level that it could slice apart iron, like cutting through beancurd.


    Before the Wan n could open the cage for him, Liu Wuxie walked out of the arena with his head held high. But with each step he took, the murderous intent directed at him intensified. After all, he had brazenly dered his intention to annihte the entire Wan n in just a month¡¯s time.


    ¡°Do you think you can leave this ce alive today?!¡± Wan Rongzhe signaled as many of Wan n¡¯s disciples charged forth to kill Liu Wuxie. The de that Liu Wuxie swung earlier made Wan Rongzhe, who was in the Spirit Cleansing Realm, feel afraid.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s de was fast, urate, and ruthless. He could see the embryo of the de aura in Liu Wuxie¡¯s attack earlier. This meant it would be a matter of time before Liu Wuxieprehended de aura.


    Countless people fled the colosseum when they saw Wan n making a move. Twelve Wan n¡¯s members surrounded Liu Wuxie with their weapons, charging forth and unleashing their attacks without concern for their own lives.


    ¡°Die!¡± Liu Wuxie stepped out of the arena, his murderous intent boiling. Before the twelve members of the Wan n could see anything, a sh of light pierced their bodies, and their heads flew to the sky. Even someone in the eighth level of the Houtian Realm was in. So who was the garbage here?


    All Liu Wuxie did was stride the Seven Dipper Steps like a reaper weaving through the encirclement. With each person he passed, a body fell to the ground. In no time, all twelve disciples of the Wan ny in. Liu Wuxie had taken twelve steps, one life with each, dispatching them all with a single blow.


    The sight left everyone gasping for breath as hisses of shock and disbelief filled the air. The ¡®garbage¡¯ in their eyes was like a fiendgod, and no one could stop his footsteps.


    ¡°He hid real deep! He¡¯s not garbage, but he pretends to be one. So it turns out that we were wrong all this time!¡±


    Liu Wuxie had endured years of mockery and ridicule, yet he never spoke out against it and continued to live as he pleased. Only he knew the depth of the pain he had suffered, and today¡¯s events were a resounding rebuke to all those who had doubted him.


    Liu Wuxie strode over the bodies of the fallen Wan n members, making his way back to the spectator area and towards Xue Yu and Wan Zhuoran. He swept the 100 spirit stones from the table into a red cloth, tied it into a bundle, and slung it over his shoulder.


    Wan Zhuoran and Xue Yu were still in a state of shock, staring in disbelief as Liu Wuxie pocketed the spirit stones.


    Wan Zhuoran finally regained his senses and roared, ¡°How dare you kill members of my Wan n, you scum! I¡¯ll have your head!¡± Heshed out with a palm strike at Liu Wuxie.


    Xu Lingxue stepped in front of Liu Wuxie, releasing her Xiantian Spirit and challenging Wan Zhuoran, ¡°Why don¡¯t you try it!¡± Liu Wuxie felt a warmth in his heart, touched by her concern for him.


    Hundreds of Wan n members stepped forward, awaiting their patriarch¡¯smand. The Tian n members were not far behind, ready to seize the opportunity to join the fray. Together, the two ns could eliminate the Xu n and im their assets for themselves.


    The face-off fell into a stalemate as though heads would roll on the ground in the next moment. Blood dripped down Liu Wuxie¡¯s de as he licked his lips and revealed a devilish smile.


    ¡°Both of you will die today!¡± At Wan Rongzhe¡¯smand, the members of the Wan n advanced. They were all formidable opponents and a fierce battle was about to erupt. Against such overwhelming odds, and with Wan Rongzhe, a Spirit Cleansing Realm cultivator, leading the charge, Liu Wuxie and Xu Lingxue stood little chance of emerging unscathed.


    The situation was dangerous. Liu Wuxie was prepared to ignite all his potential and make a breakthrough in the Xiantian Realm. Then again, this was a dangerous act because he hadn¡¯t repaired his heart meridian, and there was a possibility that his heart meridian would be further injured in the process, resulting in his death.


    Right then, Master Huo, who had been silent all this time, suddenly stepped forward and released his aura. The aura he gave off climbed rapidly, soon reaching the Quasi-Marrow Cleansing Realm. He said, ¡°Patriarch Wan, can you give me a face and let the two of them leave?¡±


    Master Huo¡¯s appearance made Wan Rongzhe¡¯s face change. The Treasure Pill Pavilion was a transcendent existence in Azure Billow City, and they have never gotten involved in the conflict between the four ns. So why was Master Huo standing up against the Wan n for a piece of garbage?

 Chapter 24 - Eighth Level of the Houtian Realm

    <h4>Chapter 24 - Eighth Level of the Houtian Realm</h4>


    Given their transcendent status, everyone was puzzled why the Treasure Pill Pavilion would interfere in the conflict between the four big ns.


    Each n needed the supply of pills if they wanted to develop, and the four big ns would make arge number of purchases from the Treasure Pill Pavilion annually. Thus, the Treasure Pill Pavilion had practically monopolized the market share in Azure Billow City, achieving a transcendent status.


    Only Liu Wuxie knew the truth¡ªif he died, so would Master Huo. Their fates were intertwined, not because Master Huo saw potential in Liu Wuxie but because he coveted the form for the Heavenly Spirit Pill. He hoped that Liu Wuxie would die, leaving the form in his sole possession. But until Liu Wuxie could fix him, Master Huo waspelled to protect him at all costs.


    ¡°Master Huo, I need an exnation!¡± Wan Rongzhe took a deep breath. After all, the feud between him and Liu Wuxie was irreconcble, especially after Liu Wuxie beheaded twelve members of the Wan n, one of which was his nephew.


    Wan Rongzhe¡¯s question ced Master Huo in a tough position. He couldn¡¯t reveal that he needed Liu Wuxie to heal him or that he had only three months left to live. But he had no choice but to intervene, putting himself in an awkward position.


    ¡°Patriarch Wan, it¡¯s not convenient for me to tell you in detail, but you can¡¯t touch him for a month. A month from now, I won¡¯t care what happens, whether the Xu n gets destroyed or the Wan n gets ughtered by Liu Wuxie,¡± Master Huo said with a cunning light shing across his eyes. Liu Wuxie swore to ughter the Wan n in a month, and the result would be known when the time came.


    This was because Liu Wuxie needed a month to treat his injuries. After that, he naturally wouldn¡¯t care if Liu Wuxie lived or died. In this way, he could avoid offending the Wan n while still protecting Liu Wuxie, earning the gratitude of the Xu n. It was a masterful move, achieving three goals with a single action.


    All he had to do was keep Liu Wuxie safe for a month and try to extract the method for refining the Heavenly Spirit Pill from him during that time. He possessed only the form, and Liu Wuxie had promised to reveal the refining process in a month¡¯s time.


    Wan Rongzhe took a deep breath to suppress the murderous intent in his heart. It wouldn¡¯t do the Wan n any good to offend the Treasure Pill Pavilion. If they cut off the Wan n¡¯s supply of pills, they would decline within a few years.


    ¡°Very well, I¡¯ll grant you this favor today. I¡¯ll personally sever his head a month from now.¡± Wan Rongzhe was a shrewd man. He was someone who could force himself to hold back and let Liu Wuxie live for another month.


    Under countless watchful gazes, Liu Wuxie and Xu Lingxue left the colosseum, disappearing into the streets. When they were ten miles from the colosseum, Xu Lingxue finally calmed down as the anxiety on her face subsided, and her right hand was still on her sword¡¯s hilt.


    ¡°How many things are you hiding from me?¡± Xu Lingxue spoke out in the carriage. That breathtaking attack that Liu Wuxie unleashed was something she couldn¡¯t aplish, and someone in the eighth level of the Houtian Realm was easily ughtered like they were nothing in front of him.


    ¡°What do you want to know?¡± Liu Wuxie took out a spirit stone and began absorbing its pure spiritual energy. As he absorbed, his cultivation began to rise and showed signs of making a breakthrough to the seventh level of the Houtian Realm.


    ¡°Why did Master Huo help us?¡± Xu Lingxue didn¡¯t ask about Liu Wuxie¡¯s cultivation. The Treasure Pill Pavilion was a transcendent existence, but they backed Liu Wuxie multiple times, pping the faces of Wan Butong and Tian Yequan before asking the Wan n to let them go for a month. This was too unbelievable for Xu Lingxue.


    ¡°That¡¯s a secret.¡± It wasn¡¯t because Liu Wuxie wanted to keep it from her, but he had to keep it a secret for the moment. Everything would eventually be revealed a month from now.


    ¡°What about your cultivation then?¡± Xu Lingxue had no choice but to change to another topic. A few days ago, Liu Wuxie was still garbage when it came to cultivating. It had just been a few days, and Liu Wuxie had improved so quickly.


    ¡°That¡¯s another secret,¡± Liu Wuxie replied, nearly driving Xu Lingxue insane as she clenched her fist, holding herself from giving Liu Wuxie a beating.


    The entire carriage fell into silence during the whole journey. They returned to the Xu n safely two hourster, and the Wan n did not ambush them along the way. After Liu Wuxie and Xu Lingxue left, Master Huo warned that if anything happened to Liu Wuxie within this month, the Treasure Pill Pavilion would cut their supply of pills to the Wan n.


    Xu Yilin still hadn¡¯t returned because the Tian n carried out a series of ns against the Xu n¡¯s weaponry workshops. The other workshops also faced simr situations, like with Scarred Tiger¡¯s mercenary group. But it was fortunate that the Xu n was prepared in advance, and Tian n¡¯s plot failed. Instead, the Xu n sessfully retaliated against the Tian n, killing dozens of troublemakers.


    In just one day, the atmosphere in Azure Billow City became tense.


    But Xu Yilin rushed back to the Xu n after hearing what had happened in the colosseum, and he immediately asked Liu Wuxie and Xu Lingxue about the situation. When he listened to the Wan n and Tian n joining hands to kill Liu Wuxie, Xu Yilin furiously mmed his palm on the table.


    ¡°What audacity! Did they really think that I¡¯m a pushover?!¡± Xu Yilin¡¯s murderous intent filled the entire hall. The Xu n¡¯s deacons had also rushed back because the situation was dire.


    The happenings at the colosseum had already spread out, and everyone in Xu n knew about it, especially the breathtaking attack from Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°We still have a month and need to make preparations.¡± Xu Yilin calmed himself down because the Tian n and Wan n would surely join forces a month from now against the Xu n. So he had to strengthen the Xu n within this month.


    When Liu Wuxie returned to his courtyard at night, he took out all the spirit stones he had won. He gave fifty to Xu Lingxue and fifty to his father-inw, hoping he could make a breakthrough and reach the Quasi-Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    After all, the Xu n would be safe if they had a powerhouse in the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    Of the remaining 100 spirit stones, Liu Wuxie used 30 to set up the Spirit Convergence Array. Liu Wuxie was racing against time and had to reach the pinnacle ninth level of the Houtian Realm before refining the Pulse Guarding Pill.


    Liu Wuxie spent two hours setting up a simplified version of the Spirit Convergence Array, which was sufficient for now.


    As the Spirit Convergence Array was activated, spiritual energy from the surrounding area began to flow into the courtyard. The concentration of spiritual energy was so high that it felt like a liquid, causing the grass to grow at an elerated rate.


    Being nourished by spiritual energy, even ordinary tree leaves were emitting a faint emerald luster, and small trees grew to over a meter tall in just an hour.


    There were still a lot of herbs delivered by the Treasure Pill Pavilion, so Liu Wuxie could continue to refine the Body-Refining Elixir. He didn¡¯t dare to rest. The butler delivered his meals, and he ate, slept, and drank in his courtyard.


    After refining a basin of Body-Refining Elixir, he poured it into a tub and sat naked in it. As he practiced the Deste Devouring Art, the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron consumed the surrounding spiritual energy like a ravenous beast. The spiritual energy then entered his body through his pores.


    ¡°Howfortable!¡± As the purity of the spiritual energy he absorbed was higher than before, the production of the mysterious liquid in the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron slowed down instead. But the color of the liquid had changed to dark brown, and the liquid emitted a powerful aura.


    All the spiritual energy above the Xu n was devoured, and the density of spiritual energy fell. This phenomenon expanded to other areas, while the spiritual energy had formed into a thin fog above Liu Wuxie¡¯s courtyard. Fortunately, this happened at night, or everyone would have been shocked if it was daytime.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on? The surrounding spiritual energy seems to have decreased!¡± A member of the Song n opened his eyes with a hint of doubt reflected in his eyes.


    The Song n wasn¡¯t the only one having such doubt because simr voices also came from other ces. The spiritual energy in Azure Billow City seemed to have mysteriously disappeared.


    As the Body-Refining Elixir nourished Liu Wuxie¡¯s body, his body was slowly growing stronger. Liu Wuxie even took out a spirit stone and used the energy within to widen his veins. He wasn¡¯t just trying to temper his physique, but he wanted to expand his dantian as well.


    No one knew how to cultivate better than him, and his knowledge saved him a lot of trouble. He used the spiritual energy in the spirit stone to strengthen his veins, increasing their resilience.


    In just six hours, Liu Wuxie¡¯s veins had expanded, allowing him to hold twice as much true essence. Although his cultivation level remained the same, hisbat power had increased significantly. However, Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t stop there. He took out three Heavenly Spirit Pills, determined to reach the seventh level of the Houtian Realm in one attempt.


    As the mysterious liquid flowed out of the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron, each droplet felt as if it weighed six thousand kilograms. Liu Wuxie was stunned when he saw the liquid and eximed, ¡°This liquid actually contains Xiantian Spirit?!¡±


    He wasn¡¯t clear on the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron¡¯s secrets and was still exploring its usage. But there was no question that the stronger one¡¯s Xiantian Spirit, the higher their chances of reaching the Xiantian Realm.


    There were only six droplets. But when the mysterious liquid came in contact with his dantian, Liu Wuxie¡¯s body began to tremble like an earthquake. The six droplets went rampant within his body, and Liu Wuxie¡¯s eardrums ached with every impact. This situationsted for fifteen minutes before the six droplets finally calmed down.


    When his consciousness entered his body, Liu Wuxie took a deep breath and was shocked by what he saw.


    ¡°The mysterious liquid actually transformed my dantian?! My dantian has be more ancient and now has a deste trait.¡± The size of everyone¡¯s dantian was fixed. However, there were also those born with extraordinary talent with a different dantian than others.


    There weren¡¯t many ways of expanding the dantian in the world. The only way was to increase their cultivation because the dantian would expand along with cultivation, allowing cultivators to store more true essence.


    But Liu Wuxie¡¯s dantian was like a mountain range, and each strand of his true essence was filled with the power of destion.


    <i>My true essence is ten times stronger than ordinary true essence by my initial analysis!</i>


    The quality of the deste true essence far exceeded ordinary true essence. As Liu Wuxie¡¯s aura rose, he threw the three Heavenly Spirit Pills into his mouth, and the pills immediately dissolved into spiritual energy charging through his acupoints. Liu Wuxie was trying to use spiritual energy to aid him in making a breakthrough.


    When a violent gale swept in his dantian, the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron reacted and devoured all the spiritual energy in the courtyard.


    In just one breath, Liu Wuxie reached the seventh level of the Houtian Realm. But he didn¡¯t stop there because his current physique wasparable to the first level of Xiantian Realm. So he took out three more Heavenly Spirit Pills and swallowed them before taking out two spirit stones, holding one in each hand.


    He had already devoured all the spiritual energy in his courtyard and could only rely on spirit stones to maintain his cultivation.


    His dantian was still roaring, and it sounded like a dragon roar. The Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron had long fused with his dantian, bing an inseparable part of Liu Wuxie. When his deste true essence coursed through his meridians, they ted ayer of the deste traits in his meridians.


    Liu Wuxie was already close to the eighth level of the Houtian Realm. He had enough umtion in his foundation over the past few days, and he was excavating that foundation now. After all, ordinary people could only refine a Heavenly Spirit Pill every few days or even ten days. But Liu Wuxie swallowed three at once, thanks to his understanding of pills and his tempered physique.


    ¡°Break!¡± Without hesitation, Liu Wuxie chose to continue his breakthrough. The six droplets disappeared, dissolving into the deste energy and fusing with his body, transforming his dantian. His Xiantian Spirit also entered his body, imbuing it with a faint spirituality.


    At the same time, Liu Wuxie had sessfully reached the eighth level of the Houtian Realm!

 Chapter 25 - Not For Sale!

    <h4>Chapter 25 - Not For Sale!</h4>


    Liu Wuxie cultivated non-stop for two days until his cultivation stabilized in the pinnacle eighth level of the Houtian Realm, and he spent thest day refining Heavenly Spirit Pills. The medicinal herbs on the ground continued to decrease as batches of Heavenly Spirit Pills came out of the cauldron.


    On the fifth day, Lei Tao was already waiting outside when Xu n¡¯s gates opened, and the Xu n¡¯s servants trembled in fright when they saw him. They misunderstood that Lei Tao was there to cause trouble. After all, the Xu n hadn¡¯t been calm recently.


    When Lei Tao exined his purpose for the visit, Xu Yilin personally weed him. If the Treasure Pill Pavilion didn¡¯t have their back in the colosseum, the Xu n might be in a different situation today.


    When Lei Tao came to Liu Wuxie¡¯s courtyard, his eyes were wide open with disbelief. He couldn¡¯t believe that this barbaric-looking man was Liu Wuxie, who had stolen the limelight in the colosseum three days ago. Liu Wuxie¡¯s hair was messy, and he was covered in dirt. After all, he devoted three days and three nights to cultivation and refining pills.


    ¡°Do you have the herbs I want?¡± Liu Wuxie asked. He didn¡¯t bother inviting Lei Tao into his house as they stood in the courtyard. But the ground was in a mess, and there was no spot for them to sit down.


    ¡°It¡¯s almost here. The herbs you want have already arrived at the city gate,¡± Lei Tao replied. Five days ago, the Nine Yang Fruit and Scarlet Spirit Grass were delivered from the Imperial City and arrived in Azure Billow City today.


    ¡°Here are five hundred Heavenly Spirit Pills. Come back ten days from now to pick up the next batch.¡± Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t take out the refining method. Instead, he took out ten porcin bottles containing pills. These Heavenly Spirit Pills could be sold for arge sum of money, and he could buy spirit stones with them to aid in his cultivation.


    Liu Wuxie knew that he would need arge number of spirit stones to reach the Xiantian Realm. Absorbing spiritual energy from the atmosphere was too slow, especially since his dantian was different from others. He could hold ten times more true essence than others, which meant he needed a vast amount of resources to cultivate.


    Lei Tao decided against probing Liu Wuxie for the refining method. He knew that Liu Wuxie was wary of their Treasure Pill Pavilion, in case they didn¡¯t give him the Nine Yang Fruit and Scarlet Spirit Grass. Instead, he took out a Heavenly Spirit Pill and ced it in his mouth. As soon as the pill entered his mouth, it dissolved into pure spiritual energy, causing Lei Tao¡¯s expression to change.


    ¡°What an amazing pill!¡± Lei Tao still hadn¡¯t refined it entirely, and the spiritual energy was stored within his body. He had no special physique like Liu Wuxie, so his refining speed was naturally slower.


    Lei Tao simply chatted with Liu Wuxie before he left. The Treasure Pill Pavilion announced they would introduce a new pill that day. The new pill wasn¡¯t costly and was even cheaper than the Heart Nourishing Pill but higher than the Energy Condensing Pill. Most importantly, the effects of the new pill were higher than those two pills.


    Liu Wuxie got a basin of water to clean himself up before cleaning up the garbage in his courtyard. When he was done, it was already morning, and he left the Xu n.


    Two hourster, he finally squeezed his way into the Treasure Pill Pavilion. When he came over, the five hundred Heavenly Spirit Pills were already sold out in one morning. This had far exceeded Liu Wuxie¡¯s expectations. The introduction of the Heavenly Spirit Pill took Azure Billow City by storm, and everyone already knew about it.


    ¡°We still haven¡¯t bought it yet. Quick, take out your stock!¡± Cultivators who failed to buy the Heavenly Spirit Pill weren¡¯t willing to leave as they patted their hands on the counter, refusing to leave without buying it.


    ¡°I apologize because we have already sold all the Heavenly Spirit Pills. The next batch will be ten days from now,¡± the servant said helplessly. Even they didn¡¯t know where the Heavenly Spirit Pills came from because it appeared out of nowhere.


    ¡°You think I¡¯ll believe in you guys? Is the Treasure Pill Pavilion not interesting in doing business?!¡±


    Truth be told, the Treasure Pill Pavilion also had a headache. The appearance of the Heavenly Spirit Pill affected the sales of the Energy Condensing Pill and Heart Nourishing Pill. This wasn¡¯t a good sign because the Heavenly Pill Pavilion would have no ie without Liu Wuxie.


    But Liu Wuxie ignored them and walked straight to the counter. He said, ¡°I¡¯m here to pick up the Nine Yang Fruit and Scarlet Spirit Grass.¡±


    The two herbs should¡¯ve arrived in the Treasure Pill Pavilion by now, and he needed the two herbs to refine the Pulse Guarding Pill.


    ¡°Young Master Liu, please wait while I inform Manager Lei of your arrival.¡±


    The Nine Yang Fruit and Scarlet Spirit Grass had just arrived, and Manager Lei personally received them. This time around, the servants acted courteously towards Liu Wuxie after what happened in the Treasure Pill Pavilion during his previous visit, but there was a hint of hatred in their eyes.


    Ten minutes passed, but Lei Tao was nowhere to be seen when the servant returned with the two herbs. He said, ¡°Young Master Liu, here¡¯s the Nine Yang Fruit and Scarlet Spirit Grass. Please keep them well. Manager Lei asked me to tell you to wait, and he will be out shortly.¡±


    The two herbs were packed and ced on the counter. This was because Lei Tao was probably also having a headache about the Heavenly Spirit Pills.


    In the Refining Chamber, Master Huo tried several times and failed.


    ¡°Master Huo, is there really no way to refine it?¡± Lei Tao asked anxiously. If they couldn¡¯t refine the Heavenly Spirit Pills, they would be at a disadvantage in their cooperation with Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Not for now. I¡¯ll need a month to figure it out,¡± said Master Huo, his forehead covered in sweat. He had tried to refine the Heavenly Spirit Pill as soon as he received the form, but he had failed every time.


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t that mean we¡¯ll be at his mercy for an entire month?!¡± Lei Tao eximed. They had run out of Heavenly Spirit Pills and would have to wait ten days for the next batch. Lei Tao couldn¡¯t help but feel a headache thinking about how much money they would lose in those ten days.


    ¡°I can¡¯t help it either. This is my first timeing in contact with this pill. He should¡¯ve arrived by now, don¡¯t keep him waiting,¡± Master Huo said helplessly. His sr plexus began to ache again, and he didn¡¯t dare to carry on refining.


    <strong>......</strong>


    Liu Wuxie heaved a breath of relief after receiving the Nine Yang Fruit and Scarlet Spirit Grass. As long as he resolved his injury, his cultivation would have a huge leap.


    ¡°I want to see your manager! Take out the Nine Yang Fruit!¡± A group barged into the Treasure Pill Pavilion, knocking many ordinary cultivators to the ground. These people were from the City Lord Mansion.


    They were the true owners of Azure Billow City, grasping the city''s lifeline. Even the four big ns didn¡¯t dare to offend anyone from the City Lord Mansion.


    The man leading the group was in his thirties. He had an eerie gaze with a chill in his eyes. The guards who followed him were cocky, and they cleared the Treasure Pill Pavilion forcibly.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry about it. We only have one Nine Yang Fruit, and Young Master Liu has bought it. I¡¯m afraid you guys can only wait for the next batch.¡± The servant didn¡¯t dare to offend the City Lord Mansion and quickly stepped forth, but his reply made Liu Wuxie unhappy.


    The servants were severely pped by Liu Wuxie five days ago, and they had been holding a grudge against him because of it. Many had a good rtionship with Zhou Tong, who was kicked out of the Treasure Pill Pavilion because of Liu Wuxie.


    As soon as that servant said those words, everyone from the City Lord Mansion turned to look at Liu Wuxie. The servant of the Treasure Pill Pavilion had skillfully shifted the conflict onto Liu Wuxie. After all, he could¡¯ve said that the Nine Yang Fruit was already sold. He was clearly trying to take revenge on Liu Wuxie by mentioning he bought it.


    ¡°I heard that the City Lord¡¯s daughter suffered a sneak attack from the Yin Scorpion when she was training in the Sunset Mountain Range, and only the Nine Yang Fruit can resolve the yin energy left in her body. If it¡¯s not removed in time, it might leave behind seque.¡± Discussions came from the surroundings. The news had already spread that the City Lord Mansion was looking for items with strong yang energy. After all, the Nine Yang Fruit was a herb with strong yang, and it was the best medicine to dissolve the yin energy left in the body.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care who you are, but hand over the Nine Yang Fruit. Our City Lord Mansion will buy it at double the price.¡± The man leading the City Lord Mansion¡¯s party stepped forth indifferently. His cultivation was in the Quasi-Xiantian Realm, and a powerful aura swept out from him, causing the surrounding cab to creak.


    He practicallymanded Liu Wuxie to hand over the Nine Yang Fruit even if he offered to pay double the price. This naturally made Liu Wuxie unhappy. Half of the Nine Yang Fruit was enough for him to refine the Pulse Guarding Pill, and he could consider sharing half of it with them if they spoke in a better tone.


    ¡°Not for sale!¡± Liu Wuxie replied. He wouldn¡¯t sell it to them even if he had to throw it away.


    ¡°How dare you reject the City Lord Mansion?!¡± The man roared, and his guards stepped forth, their murderous intent filling the entire pce as both sides faced off.


    ¡°Commander Guo, we can negotiate if there¡¯s something.¡± A supervisor stepped forward, wanting to resolve this matter. The Treasure Pill Pavilion might not fear the City Lord Mansion, but there was no need to blow up the matter.


    ¡°Get lost!¡± The supervisor was rewarded with a p. He practically asked for it by speaking out when Commander Guo was furious.


    Commander Guo approached, and the guards surrounded Liu Wuxie. Commander Guo stared at the Nine Yang Fruit in Liu Wuxie¡¯s hand and said, ¡°Brat, you have another chance to reorganize your words. Hand over the Nine Yang Fruit, otherwise...¡±


    Following his overwhelming murderous intent, the guards drew out their des. This instantly made everyone in the surroundings step back, not daring to get too close. After all, the City Lord Mansion was known for being ruthless.


    ¡°Is that brat insane? He should just hand over the Nine Yang Fruit! This is the perfect opportunity to curry favor with the City Lord Mansion. The Xu n is in a precarious state as it is, and if they can receive the City Lord Mansion¡¯s support, the Wan n and Tian n won¡¯t be able to do anything to them!¡± Liu Wuxie was famous in Azure Billow City, and there wasn¡¯t a single person who didn¡¯t know about him.


    ¡°He¡¯s dead to offend the City Lord Mansion.¡± There was gloating mixed in the discussion, and some hoped for Liu Wuxie¡¯s death.


    ¡°Otherwise?¡± Liu Wuxie suddenly wore a bright smile, and his reply caught everyone by surprise. Everyone began to wonder if Liu Wuxie was courting death to oppose the City Lord Mansion openly.


    ¡°Very well. You¡¯re the Xu n¡¯s son-inw, right? You¡¯re the first person who dares to speak to me in this manner. Even your father-inw has to be polite to me. Since you¡¯re courting death, I¡¯ll fulfill your wish then!¡± Commander Guoughed from his rage and no longer wanted to waste his saliva with Liu Wuxie. He could just kill Liu Wuxie and retrieve the Nine Yang Fruit.


    He never considered the Xu n to be a threat. The City Lord Mansion¡¯s domineering behavior was well known, and they were quick to resort to violence when there was a disagreement.


    ¡°Commander, don¡¯t waste time with him. Just kill him!¡± A guard spoke out. No one had ever dared to oppose the City Lord Mansion, and this was the first time. After all, everyone would bow or go down to their knees whenever they saw him.


    Just as the City Lord Mansion¡¯s group was about to take action, a burly man emerged from the inner hall. Lei Tao came out to wee Liu Wuxie and discuss the Heavenly Spirit Pills. He wanted to negotiate if Liu Wuxie could provide them earlier, as waiting for ten days was too long.


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± Lei Tao frowned when he saw Liu Wuxie on one side and Commander Guo on the other. He began to wonder why the City Lord Mansion¡¯s men were here. After all, they rarely appeared in the Treasure Pill Pavilion because the City Lord Mansion had their alchemist.


    The supervisor, who was pped, quickly got up and exined what happened earlier.


    ¡°Commander Guo, I have already sold the Nine Yang Fruit to Young Master Liu, and you¡¯re one step toote. If you need it, you can order it, and it¡¯ll arrive in five days,¡± Lei Tao said politely with his fists cupped together. He didn¡¯t want any trouble with the City Lord Mansion.


    ¡°Manager Lei, I have to get the Nine Yang Fruit today, no matter what. This is between me and him and has nothing to do with you. So please step aside.¡± Commander Guo also wasn¡¯t willing to offend the Treasure Pill Pavilion. If he killed Liu Wuxie, he could obtain the Nine Yang Fruit.

 Chapter 26 - Stick and Carrot

    <h4>Chapter 26 - Stick and Carrot</h4>


    Lei Tao was ced in a tough spot in this situation. Master Huo asked him to invite Liu Wuxie in for his treatment, and Lei Tao would have to suffer Master Huo¡¯s fury if Liu Wuxie was killed here.


    Not to mention Liu Wuxie was their cash cow because the Heavenly Spirit Pills were booming, and they made a lot of money in just half a day. So Lei Tao naturally couldn¡¯t let anything happen to Liu Wuxie. He wouldn¡¯t question if Liu Wuxie was dead or alive after Master Huo managed to refine the Heavenly Spirit Pills, but he couldn¡¯t let anything happen to Liu Wuxie now.


    ¡°Commander Guo, Young Master Liu is a valuable guest of my Treasure Pill Pavilion. If you want the Nine Yang Fruit, you can order, and we¡¯ll have it delivered five days from now.¡± Lei Tao took a deep breath to suppress the struggle in his heart. He said those words reluctantly, and even he couldn¡¯t believe that he was led by the nose by a trash.


    After saying that, he waved his hand, and Liu Wuxie stepped into the inner hall, leaving behind Commander Guo and his men fuming in rage, and their murderous intent was focused on Liu Wuxie.


    Commander Guo mmed his fist on the counter, breaking apart. No servant in the Treasure Pill Pavilion dared to say a word, and they pretended not to see anything. After all, they couldn¡¯t afford to offend the City Lord Mansion.


    ¡°Commander, what should we do? If the missy¡¯s injury isn¡¯t treated in time, it might leave behind seque. The City Lord has ordered us to find the strongest yang-attributed herb we can,¡± a guard said. They sheathed their de, but they weren¡¯t willing to leave.


    ¡°We¡¯ll wait outside. If he dares to show up, we¡¯ll take the Nine Yang Fruit from him,¡± they decided. It was the only solution they could think of. They didn¡¯t dare to storm into the Treasure Pill Pavilion, so they decided to ambush Liu Wuxie on the road and kill him.


    The group from the City Lord Mansion quickly left the Treasure Pill Pavilion, and calm was restored to the establishment. The servants began to clean up the smashed counter. They had changed the counter multiple times in just a few days.


    When Liu Wuxie was brought to a private room, Master Huo had already been waiting for a long time. When Master Huo saw Liu Wuxie, he stood up and personally weed him.


    The three of them sat around a table with a pile of cards on it. The sales of the Heavenly Spirit Pill had far exceeded their expectations. They had already raised the price three times, but demand still outstripped supply.


    ¡°Young Master Liu, the five hundred Heavenly Spirit pills are sold for 1,000,000 gold coins, and 500,000 gold coins are yours. As for the ingredients, consider them to be provided by the Treasure Pill Pavilion for free.¡±


    In just one morning, they had earned 1,000,000 gold coins, which was equivalent to several months¡¯ worth of ie from the Xu n¡¯s Weaponry Workshop. The profits from selling pills were staggering.


    Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t polite with them and kept the 500,000 gold coins. He took out the silver needles, which Master Huo stood up excitedly upon seeing it. After all, Master Huo began to feel pain in his sr plexus in the past few days.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s technique was faster this time, and hepleted one treatment cycle in just a few minutes. When Master Huo let out a breath, his sr plexus felt a lot better.


    ¡°Young Master Liu, can we shorten the next supply date? The first batch is selling extremely well. We should strike the iron while it¡¯s hot and releaserge quantities to upy the market share,¡± Lei Tao said. He was in charge of sales, and his position would increase when the sales result was sent to the main branch in Imperial City.


    Lei Tao didn¡¯t say it directly, but Liu Wuxie could tell that Lei Tao wanted him to hand out the refining method so they could refine the Heavenly Spirit Pills themselves. But the refining method was Liu Wuxie¡¯s chips against the Treasure Pill Pavilion. If he handed them out, he would probably be kicked out of the cooperation even if the Treasure Pill Pavilion didn¡¯t turn against him immediately.


    ¡°Let¡¯s change it to eight days. I¡¯ll provide a thousand Heavenly Spirit Pills for the next batch!¡± Liu Wuxie said after a brief pondering. That was two days ahead of their initial schedule. He had to focus on refining the Pulse Guarding Pill, which would take a few days. He wanted to reach the Xiantian Realm quickly and didn¡¯t want to spend too much time refining the Heavenly Spirit Pills.


    But cultivation was inseparable from resources, meaning he needed money to buy them. However, if he focused on earning money and neglected his cultivation, it would go against his initial intention. Liu Wuxie wanted to make money while cultivating, killing two birds with one stone.


    ¡°As long as Young Master Liu is willing to hand over the refining method to us, I can help you deal with the City Lord Mansion. What do you think?¡± Lei Tao¡¯s tone contained a hint of threat. After all, the profits of the Heavenly Spirit Pills were enough for him to go insane. It had been years since the Treasure Pill Pavilion introduced a new pill, while the other branches would asionally introduce it, and their status rose higher over the years.


    On the contrary, the main branch hadn¡¯t been happy with their branch¡¯s performance over the years, which was why Lei Tao was so anxious. This was an opportunity for their branch to turn around.


    As for the Wan n¡¯s side, they wouldn¡¯t touch Xu n within a month, with Master Huo backing them. But the City Lord Mansion didn¡¯t have that restriction, and the City Lord Mansion wouldn¡¯t give him face even if he intervened. Hence, Lei Tao was using the stick and carrot approach. If they negotiated with the City Lord Mansion with Treasure Pill Pavilion¡¯s name, even the City Lord Mansion had to think twice before making a move.


    ¡°Thank you, but I¡¯ll deal with the City Lord Mansion myself. I¡¯ll take my leave if there¡¯s nothing else. You can send the herbs for refining the Heavenly Spirit Pills directly to the Xu n.¡± Liu Wuxie stood up when he was done. He didn¡¯t linger momentarily because Lei Tao¡¯s words enraged him. This made him even more anxious about increasing his strength because the Treasure Pill Pavilion couldn¡¯t be relied upon.


    He passed through the main hall towards the Treasure Pill Pavilion¡¯s exit. Now that he had obtained the Nine Yang Fruit and Scarlet Spirit Grass, he was racing against time. This was because he could use some means of an Immortal Emperor only after reaching Xiantian Realm, and he would have some odds even if he fought against someone in the Spirit Cleansing Realm.


    But before he even left the Treasure Pill Pavilion, there were voices from the surroundings as people pointed at him. ¡°That brat won¡¯t live long. He¡¯ll surely die for offending the City Lord Mansion.¡±


    The City Lord Mansion wasn¡¯t the Wan n, and they had a lot of powerhouses, not to mention the City Lord¡¯s cultivation was in the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    As Liu Wuxie walked back to the Xu n, he passed through an uninhabited region. A huge battle broke out here a few years ago, causing houses to copse inrge patches, and most of the residents here had already moved away.


    When Liu Wuxie stepped into this area, whooshing sounds could be heard as ten people emerged from the darkness. Commander Guo had surrounded Liu Wuxie with the guards.


    ¡°Hand over the Nine Yang Fruit, and I¡¯ll let you die without suffering.¡± Commander Guo¡¯s murderous intent enveloped Liu Wuxie. After all, what Liu Wuxie did in the Treasure Pill Pavilion was a p to his face and embarrassed the City Lord Mansion.


    ¡°Are you sure you want to make a move against me?¡± Liu Wuxie smiled. Aside from Commander Guo, who could pose some threat, he could quickly deal with the guards with just one strike. He had hidden his actual cultivation, which was only around the fifth level of the Houtian Realm in the eyes of others.


    ¡°Who gave trash like you the courage to oppose the City Lord Mansion? Let me deal with you!¡± A guard at the right waved his hand, wanting to p Liu Wuxie. His hand was fast, and his cultivation was in the seventh level of the Houtian Realm.


    ¡°Get lost!¡± But before that guard could even get close to Liu Wuxie, a foot appeared that sent him flying with a kick. The guard was like a broken kite as he fell to the ground, smashing into the debris, and the impact made him grimace in pain.


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t take that guard¡¯s life because the Xu n already had enough enemies. So it was inappropriate for him to incur hatred from the City Lord Mansion.


    Commander Guo narrowed his eyes when he saw this scene. After all, the weakest guard was in the sixth level of the Houtian Realm, and it was unprecedented that he was sent flying with a kick.


    ¡°What audacity! How dare you hurt the guards of the City Lord Mansion?!¡± The other nine guards became furious as they drew their weapons and swung them at Liu Wuxie. Each of their attacks was ruthless, wanting to im Liu Wuxie¡¯s life.


    Commander Guo had no intentions of stopping, and he even showed a hint of interest. This was how domineering the City Lord Mansion¡¯s men were.


    Liu Wuxie drew his de and drew a beautiful arc in the air, creating red flowers from gushing blood. The nine guards suddenly froze, feeling a chill on their necks. When they raised their hands and touched their necks, their necks felt damp, and their hands had blood on them.


    This is just a small lesson. If you dare to act against me, the cut won¡¯t stop at your skin, but it will sever your neck,¡± Liu Wuxie warned. It took great control to strike nine people and leave only shallow wounds on their necks. If Liu Wuxie made even the slightest mistake, he could have severed their necks.


    Commander Guo¡¯s eyes narrowed, momentarily stunned by the swift movement of Liu Wuxie¡¯s de. He struggled to track its trajectory.


    The ten guards stood at a loss because they were in a dilemma. They would only ask to be humiliated if they made another move, but they were also reluctant to let Liu Wuxie leave just like that.


    Commander Guo suddenly pped his hands and looked at Liu Wuxie with a yful gaze. ¡°It¡¯s rumored that Xu n¡¯s son-inw is a piece of trash. But it seems like I made a mistake today after seeing your performance.¡±


    Commander Guo unleashed his deadly aura, honed from decades of service in the City Lord Mansion and countless kills. With a flick of his wrist, his whip shot out like a viper, aimed at Liu Wuxie¡¯s face from an unexpected angle.


    If the whip struck its target, it could easily rip Liu Wuxie¡¯s flesh and leave him disfigured. But instead of retreating, Liu Wuxie advanced, deftly executing the Seven Dipper Steps. In just nine strides, he was upon Commander Guo, who seemed to move as clumsily as a toddler inparison.


    Everyone beneath the Xiantian Realm was considered mere ants. Liu Wuxie could face someone in the first level of the Xiantian Realm with his physique alone, not to mention facing Commander Guo, who was only in the Quasi-Xiantian Realm. He could easily kill Commander Guo with one hand.


    When Liu Wuxie swung his de, his simple swing was apanied by a powerful momentum and aura that tore apart Commander Guo¡¯s defenses.


    ¡°Shit!¡± Commander Guo was caught off guard by Liu Wuxie¡¯s speed. Most importantly, Liu Wuxie¡¯s draw strike was lightning-fast, and the de was already going to reach him before he could even respond. Left with no choice, Commander Guo¡¯s only option was to retreat.


    But as Commander Guo retreated, the de followed him like a shadow, always just three inches away. In frustration, he let out a roar and swung his whip horizontally, targeting Liu Wuxie¡¯s legs.


    ¡°You¡¯re too slow!¡± Speed was crucial in fighting, and there was nothing speed couldn¡¯t ovee. Liu Wuxie¡¯s de techniques focused on speed to the extreme. Like a dragonfly skimming on theke, he leaped into the air andnded behind Commander Guo.


    The realization that he was no match for Liu Wuxie inbat power struck Commander Guo with fear. Turning his back to his opponent meant he had lost all control of the fight and could only try to dodge the fatal blow. If Liu Wuxie had truly wanted to kill him, he would already be dead.


    As Liu Wuxie¡¯s de descended, Commander Guo felt a chill on his back and copsed to the ground. After a moment, he regained his senses and reached for his back, only to find his clothes torn and his smooth skin exposed to the cold air.


    When he got back up with great difficulty and turned around, Liu Wuxie had already left. Liu Wuxie¡¯s de only tore apart his clothes, and Commander Guo subconsciously thought he was cut.

 Chapter 27 - Tearing The Marriage Certificate

    <h4>Chapter 27 - Tearing The Marriage Certificate</h4>


    Liu Wuxie could feel a terrifying power enveloping the entire Xu n before he even got close.


    <i>A powerhouse!</i> Liu Wuxie noted in his heart. The powerful aura came from the main hall, frightening many people. Over the past few days, the servants had been polite to Liu Wuxie, but they were acting weird today and hurried past quietly.


    ¡°Young Master, Master wants you in the main hall,¡± the butler ran over and said. He had been searching for Liu Wuxie and couldn¡¯t find him anywhere until now.


    As Liu Wuxie followed the butler into the main hall, he immediately felt several gazes upon him, one of which was sharp and hostile. A powerful aura soon swept over him, attempting to suppress him in a clear act of provocation at the soul level.


    Ordinary people would¡¯ve lost their bowels under this soul suppression, but Liu Wuxie was calm andposed. No one was more skilled than him in wielding the power of the soul.


    ¡°I pay my respects to you, Father-inw!¡± When he came in, Liu Wuxie saw three people in the main hall: Xu Yilin, Xu Lingxue, and a middle-aged woman.


    The sharp gaze was from the middle-aged woman, who looked at him with hostility. This made Liu Wuxie baffled because he didn¡¯t know this woman. He had never met her before, so where did her hostilitye from?


    ¡°Wuxie, you¡¯re here. Quickly, pay your respects to Senior Baili Qing,¡± said Xu Yilin, his expression respectful as he urged Liu Wuxie to show his deference.


    <i>Baili Qing?</i> Liu Wuxie frowned. He recognized her as Xu Lingxue¡¯s master and the Vice-Dean of the Imperial Academy. Rumors of her cold demeanor proved true upon meeting her in person.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need. I summoned you here for one purpose: to annul Lingxue¡¯s marriage to you. I arrived just in time as Lingxue still remains a virgin,¡± said Baili Qing, who had hurried over upon learning of Xu Lingxue¡¯s marriage. She was relieved to find that Xu Lingxue was still untouched. ording to their agreement, Xu Lingxue was to attend the Imperial Academy¡¯s assessment at the end of the year, so Baili Qing hade ahead of schedule.


    ¡°Senior Baili, I don¡¯t think this is appropriate!¡± Xu Yilin protested. He was the one who arranged the marriage, and it was an agreement between the two ns back then. They agreed that their ns'' children would marry at eighteen, so how could they break it up?


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing inappropriate about it, and it¡¯s decided. Lingxue has high talent, and her physique is suitable for practicing the Jade Maiden Heart Sutra of the Imperial Academy. I cannot allow her future to be hindered by a trash like him,¡± said Baili Qing, who had already investigated Liu Wuxie¡¯s identity before arriving and learned of his reputation as a notorious wastrel in Azure Billow City.


    Baili Qing openly derided Liu Wuxie as unworthy of being Xu Lingxue¡¯s husband, mercilessly mocking him as trash and even seeking to break them apart.


    Right from the beginning, Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t say a word, and he roughly understood what Baili Qing meant. She probably looked down on him and thought he would hold her back. He turned to look at Xu Lingxue and wanted to know if it was her idea or Baili Qing¡¯s, which was important to him.


    ¡°Is that what you think as well?¡± Liu Wuxie looked at Xu Lingxue and waited for her reply.


    Xu Lingxue¡¯s face turned pale at her master¡¯s words. She had never expected her to speak so harshly, nor had she ever denied that Liu Wuxie was her husband. The thought of their marriage being annulled had never crossed her mind. She was content with the current arrangement: her father could keep his promise, her cultivation would not be hindered, and she and Liu Wuxie maintained a bnced rtionship, each minding their own affairs.


    ¡°T-That¡¯s not what I want...¡± Xu Lingxue¡¯s heart was in turmoil. She didn¡¯t dare to look Liu Wuxie in the eyes because his gaze bewildered her.


    This reply was within Liu Wuxie¡¯s expectations. This must be the idea of this middle-aged woman, and she was the one who wanted to interfere in their marriage forcibly.


    ¡°No need to ask Lingxue about it. From today onwards, you two are no longer husband and wife.¡± A marriage certificate materialized in Baili Qing¡¯s hand, which she promptly tore into countless pieces that scattered on the ground.


    ¡°Master, no...¡± Xu Lingxue wanted to stop Baili Qing, but it was already toote as tears rolled down her cheeks.


    Liu Wuxie clenched his fists and tried his best to restrain his emotions, looking at the vicious woman tearing apart the marriage certificate between him and Xu Lingxue. They might not have consummated their marriage, but they were still husband and wife in name. So Baili Qing¡¯s action was tantamount to trampling his dignity. Even if they had to dissolve their marriage, Xu Lingxue should propose it, not Baili Qing.


    Everything happened too quickly, and Xu Yilin was still stumped. Baili Qing was in the pinnacle Marrow Cleansing Realm, and her powerful aura swept out, which sent Liu Wuxie flying away.


    ¡°You disgusting witch. I will make you kneel before me one day and beg me for forgiveness!¡± Liu Wuxie knelt on the ground, blood dripping from his lips. He was filled with self-loathing for his powerlessness, unable to even protect a simple marriage certificate. Though he may not have had strong feelings for Xu Lingxue, he could not bear to have his dignity trampled in such a manner.


    ¡°What audacity! Do you believe that I¡¯ll kill you right now?¡± Killing someone in the Houtian Realm was no different from trampling an ant to death for her. A mighty gale condensed into a palm above Liu Wuxie, and it would im Liu Wuxie¡¯s life if it descended.


    ¡°Master, please don¡¯t kill him!¡± Xu Lingxue fell to her knees, begging Baili Qing not to kill Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°I¡¯ll spare your life today, for Lingxue¡¯s sake, and you can continue to be trash.¡± The palm disappeared with a wave of Baili Qing¡¯s hand.


    Liu Wuxie threw up a mouthful of blood, and his gaze was savage, like an ominous beast. He remembered what happened today and would personally take revenge for it.


    ¡°Senior Baili, aren¡¯t you taking it too far?!¡± Xu Yilin finally couldn¡¯t just keep watching. Xu Lingxue was his daughter, and he had long considered Liu Wuxie to be his son in his heart. So he naturally felt heartache for this matter to develop in this manner.


    ¡°Too much?¡± Baili Qing sneered, ¡°Do you want to see your daughter with a trash for the rest of her life?¡±


    Baili Qing didn¡¯t go easy with her words, even if Xu Yilin was Xu Lingxue¡¯s father. This was Baili Qing, known as the Imperial Academy¡¯s great demon.


    ¡°As Lingxue¡¯s master, I should show you respect. But tearing apart their marriage certificate is going too far. This is a matter between them, and they alone should resolve it. We should not interfere in their personal affairs,¡± said Xu Yilin, speaking the truth. As seniors, they shouldn¡¯t meddle in the affairs of their juniors.


    ¡°Are you giving me a lecture?!¡± A biting chill permeated the hall as Baili Qing only had Xu Lingxue in her eyes. It was just what Xue Yu said. Baili Qing wouldn¡¯t stand up for the Xu n even if they were destroyed, and this proved that Xue Yu understood Baili Qing¡¯s personality.


    ¡°Father-inw, say no more. I will avenge the humiliation she has inflicted upon me and show her the folly of her actions,¡± Liu Wuxie interrupted, stopping Xu Yilin from going any further.


    ¡°Let¡¯s just hope I can see that happening,¡± Baili Qing sneered. In her opinion, anyone who couldn¡¯t reach the Xiantian Realm at eighteen was trash in the Imperial Academy.


    The hall fell silent, and no one spoke as Baili Qing returned to her seat.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t want this to happen,¡± Xu Lingxue said softly as she walked to Liu Wuxie. Tears rolled down her cheeks as she bit on her lips, trying to hold her tears back.


    ¡°It has nothing to do with you. Just go to the Imperial Academy and focus on cultivating. I will look for you soon and let this witch know how wrong she was today!¡± Liu Wuxieforted Xu Lingxue, telling her not to take this matter to heart. It was just a marriage certificate, and it didn¡¯t mean their rtionship had ended.


    At his words, Baili Qing¡¯s murderous intent intensified. She struggled to restrain her urge to kill Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°My master is a kind person... please don¡¯t call her a witch,¡± said Xu Lingxue, who had always been treated well by Baili Qing, unlike her treatment of others.


    ¡°Nice?¡± sneered Liu Wuxie. ¡°Cultivation is about following one¡¯s heart. She believes that by severing her emotions, she can ascend to greater heights. Her very existence is absurd.¡±


    Baili Qing¡¯s cultivation focused on severing her emotions, making her inhumane. Liu Wuxie naturally saw through her with a nce, and his words made Baili Qing turn to look at him like a viper, wondering how he knew about that.


    ¡°It¡¯s gettingte. Lingxue, go pack your things. You¡¯ll being with me to the Imperial Academy ahead of schedule, so your studies won¡¯t be dyed,¡± said Baili Qing impatiently. She had no desire to linger in Azure Billow City and was eager to return to the Imperial Academy as soon as possible.


    ¡°Senior Baili, why don¡¯t you stay in the Xu n for a few more days for me to host you?¡± Xu Yilin still had to establish a good rtionship with Baili Qing no matter what since she was Xu Lingxue¡¯s master. There was no doubt that Liu Wuxie was hurt the most today.


    ¡°Forget about it. We¡¯ll have an opportunity in the future. Lingxue, go and pack up. I¡¯ll wait for you outside the city gate,¡± Baili Qing said and disappeared from the main hall, leaving the Xu n. With her departure, only three people remained in the main hall. Xu Yilin gave a bitter smile and patted Liu Wuxie¡¯s shoulder sympathetically.


    ¡°Father-inw, I have something to do, and I¡¯ll be going back first!¡± Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t need anyone tofort him. An injured wolf would only find a quiet ce to lick his wound and make aeback one day, trampling on everyone who looked down on him.


    Xu Yilin sighed as he watched Liu Wuxie¡¯s retreating back. With his wealth of experience, he had easily noticed the changes in Liu Wuxie over the past few days. He said, ¡°Xue¡¯er, Wuxie has changed a lot in the past few days, and his cultivation also improved by leaps and bounds. Don¡¯t forgo your marriage so easily, as time will prove it all.¡±


    ¡°I know, father.¡± Xu Lingxue nodded. She still couldn¡¯t forget what happened in the colosseum, and she could sense that Liu Wuxie had changed. He had be moreposed and wise.


    ¡°Focus on cultivating in the Imperial Academy. Don¡¯t disappoint those who have faith in you. You don¡¯t have to worry about the n, as Wuxie and I will take care of it,¡± Xu Yilin said.


    After returning to his residence, Liu Wuxie briefly fell into a daze in his room before he let out a breath, and a hint of determination shed across his eyes. He muttered, ¡°Something like this can¡¯t shatter my confidence. I should refine the Pulse Guarding Pill now.¡±


    Liu Wuxie took out the cauldron to refine the Pulse Guarding Pill to treat his injuries and make a breakthrough in the Xiantian Realm.

 Chapter 28 - Turbulance

    <h4>Chapter 28 - Turbnce</h4>


    In the City Lord Mansion, Commander Guo knelt on one knee before a middle-aged man in a purple robe who had a gloomy expression.


    ¡°City Lord, you must defend us. That young man has tricked us all; he¡¯s not worthless!¡± Commander Guo cried. As a first-grade guard of the City Lord Mansion, his clothes were in tatters upon his return. The other guards had only minor injuries on their necks, indicating that Liu Wuxie had shown them mercy.


    ¡°Is what you said true?¡± The City Lord¡¯s name was Qi Enshi, and he had been managing Azure Billow City for more than two decades.


    ¡°It¡¯s true! We can all vouch for it!¡± The ten guards knelt outside the main hall, not qualified to enter. Each covered his neck with right hand, feeling greatly humiliated.


    ¡°Father...¡± A man and a woman emerged from behind the curtains. The woman was young, in her twenties, while the man was older, in his fifties, with a hooked nose.


    The woman¡¯s name was Qi Ningyun, the youngest daughter of Qi Enshi, who joined the Imperial Academy two years ago. The old man was Zhao Yuanjia, a high-grade mentor at the Imperial Academy. Although his position may not have been equal to that of Baili Qing, it was still quite high.


    The fact that Qi Ningyun was able to have a high-grade mentor as her master demonstrated her exceptional talent. After all, most students could only rely on their own cultivation, and without a strong background, it was hard for them to progress at the Imperial Academy.


    ¡°Yun¡¯er, how¡¯s the yin energy in your body?¡± Qi Enshi asked with concern.


    ¡°It¡¯s no longer a serious issue, thanks to my master, who hurried here from the Imperial Academy with a Nine Yang Fruit,¡± said Qi Ningyun, bowing deeply to Zhao Yuanjia.


    Qi Ningyun had returned to Azure Billow City to visit her rtives and used this opportunity to train in Sunset Mountain. However, she was attacked by the Yin Scorpion and injected with yin poison, which could only be treated with powerful yang herbs.


    So the City Lord had sent his men to search for yang-attributed herbs while he rushed to the Imperial Academy to inform Zhao Yuanjia about it. Through his effort, the yin energy in Qi Ningyun¡¯s body was finally resolved, and she needed a few days of rest to recover.


    ¡°Mentor Zhao, I¡¯m grateful for what you did. I¡¯ll host a banquet today for you,¡± Qi Enshi said, cupping his fists together at Zhao Yuanjia to express his gratitude. As the City Lord, Qi Enshi¡¯s cultivation was in the first level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm, but it was inferior to the Imperial Academy¡¯s mentors.


    ¡°No need to thank me. How can I stand by and watch when Yun¡¯er is in danger?¡± Zhao Yuanjia was still happy to be respected, and he stroked his beard, looking like a well-respected grandmaster.


    ¡°Father, what¡¯s wrong with the trash?¡± Qi Ningyun asked in bafflement. She was born with sleek eyes, slim cheeks, and thin lips. Even if she wasn¡¯t ugly, anyone could tell with a nce that she was mean.


    Commander Guo quickly came forth and once again exined what had happened. This surprised Qi Ningyun because she had long heard of Xu n¡¯s son-inw. She didn¡¯t expect him to change so much in the two years she was at the Imperial Academy.


    ¡°City Lord, since when has our City Lord Mansion suffered such a loss? How can we maintain the prestige of the City Lord Mansion if we don¡¯t destroy the Xu n?¡± Commander Guo exaggerated the matter and even fabricated how Liu Wuxie had insulted the City Lord Mansion in an attempt to get the City Lord Mansion to avenge his humiliation.


    ¡°The Xu n? I heard Baili Qing is also here in Azure Billow City, and she¡¯s here for a Xu n¡¯s woman,¡± Zhao Yuanjia interrupted. He had left the Imperial City at the same time as Baili Qing, and they briefly crossed paths along the way.


    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s the Xu n. I received word that Xu Lingxue has already left Azure Billow City with Baili Qing, heading to the Imperial Academy ahead of schedule.¡±


    How could Qi Enshi not tell that Commander Guo had purposely exaggerated the situation? But it was a fact that Liu Wuxie had offended the City Lord Mansion by not selling the Nine Yang Fruit.


    ¡°Father, what do you n on doing now? Are you just going to let it go?¡± Qi Ningyun¡¯s face was cold. Fortunately, her master came over in time to save her, but she was furious that Liu Wuxie disregarded her safety and refused to sell them the Nine Yang Fruit.


    ¡°Let it go?¡± Qi Enshi sneered. No one had dared to p him in the face for years, and this was the first time it had happened. How could he let it go so easily?


    ¡°What should we do? It doesn¡¯t seem right to wipe out the Xu n when Xu Lingxue has entered the Imperial Academy with Baili Qing looking after her,¡± said Qi Ningyun, a hint of a murderous look on her face. It was uneptable for the City Lord Mansion¡¯s status to be shaken, as it affected her standing in the Imperial Academy. After all, she would only receive attention from the Imperial Academy if she had a strong background.


    ¡°That trash offended the Wan n and Tian n three days ago, and they will erase the Xu n from Azure Billow City in a month. So we don¡¯t have to do anything about it. The Wan n has be Xue n¡¯sckey, and we can just watch them fight.¡± The City Lord Mansion had long received the news, and Qi Enshi intended to let Wan n do the job.


    After all, Baili Qing was notoriously known as the great demon in the Imperial Academy because of her mood swings. Who knew if she would me the City Lord Mansion because of the Xu n? It was best for them to watch while the Xu n and Wan n fought.


    Everyone nodded, and even Zhao Yuanjia agreed with Qi Enshi¡¯s suggestion. It was best not to offend Baili Qing because she was too terrifying, and her notorious fame had long spread throughout the Great Yan Dynasty.


    <strong>......</strong>


    Back at the Xu n, Liu Wuxie¡¯s attention was on the cauldron. He only had one chance, and he couldn¡¯t afford to fail. He was confident in his skills as an alchemist, but he couldn¡¯t help feeling a little nervous.


    The Wan n and Tian n were threats to the Xu n, Lei Tao of the Treasure Pill Pavilion had threatened him that day, the City Lord Mansion loomed over the Xu n like a sword, and an outsider tore his marriage certificate. But none of these could strike him down.


    The mes zed beneath the cauldron, and Liu Wuxie released deste energy from his palm to control the fire and enveloped the entire cauldron. The other herbs had already been purified a few days ago, and he was just waiting to dissolve the Nine Yang Fruit and Scarlet Spirit Grass.


    As time passed, Liu Wuxie¡¯s body was covered in sweat, but he couldn¡¯t be bothered to wipe it. He abruptly raised the lid of the cauldron and manipted the mes to enter it. This final step in refining the Pulse Guarding Pill was known as Forging.


    It was rare and risky to let fire enter the cauldron when refining ordinary pills. But Liu Wuxie had to take the risk because he was only in the Houtian Realm and couldn¡¯t refine a third-grade pill yet.


    A potent aroma quickly filled the courtyard as two crystalline pills danced within the mes. With each tempering, their medicinal properties were further purified, and impurities were steadily expelled.


    Liu Wuxie formed seals with his hands, and arge sum of spiritual runes entered the pills. There were multiple applications for spiritual runes and could be used in alchemy, cksmithing, and even painting. Once engraved within the pills, they imbued them with spirituality, causing them to spin.


    ¡°Let¡¯s end the process!¡± The mes abruptly died out, and the cauldron rapidly cooled as Liu Wuxie used his true essence to retrieve the two Pulse Guarding Pills.


    ¡°It¡¯s a sess!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes became a little watery. He had to treat his injuries if he wanted to do more things and speed up his cultivation. He returned to his room with the pills, nning to go into seclusion. He wanted to use the pills to reach the Xiantian Realm in one shot.


    <strong>......</strong>


    Hu Shi carried a pile of weapons as he entered the Xu n¡¯s main hall with unconceble excitement on his face.


    Many of Xu Yilin¡¯s hair had be grey over the past few days because of the Xu n¡¯s Weaponry Workshop. The business wasn¡¯t improving, and they could barely meet ends. If he couldn¡¯t turn the situation around, the Xu n would copse before the Wan n dealt with them.


    ¡°Patriarch, these are newly forged weapons. Please have a look!¡± The ten weapons Hu Shi brought were wrapped in blue cloth to hide them, and the passersby didn¡¯t know what he was holding.


    The Xu n¡¯s expenses had shrunk significantly. Many guards resigned from their position and joined the other three ns. As a result, the Xu n¡¯s status has been dropping in Azure Billow City.


    ¡°Hu Shi, you¡¯ve worked hard. You can just put them here.¡± Xu Yilin waved his hand.


    The other cksmiths were resting; only Hu Shi had been researching a new forging technique. This naturally led to ridicule from those around him, who thought he was overreaching by attempting to research a new forging method as a mere cksmith apprentice.


    ¡°Patriarch, you should take a look at this,¡± said Hu Shi. Liu Wuxie had only given him three days to study the new forging technique, and Hu Shi had spent the past three days working on it without rest. He hadrge bags under his eyes, but they shone brightly with excitement.


    Xu Yilin had naturally noticed Hu Shi¡¯s performance over the past few days and had been focusing on training him. So he stepped forward and casually drew a sword. To his surprise, the sword was apanied by a cold gleam and a hint of sword aura.


    ¡°This...¡± Xu Yilin was stumped. As he drew the weapon, the cold gleam and sword aura, previously contained by the blue cloth wrapping, were released.


    ¡°What a sharp sword, and it even has a hint of spirituality!¡± Xu Yilin casually swung the sword, and the sword aura cut through the table and chairs far away. The quality of this weapon was close to being considered a Spiritual Weapon, and it could only be aplished with Thousand Refinement.


    ¡°Hu Shi, where did you get these weapons from?¡± Xu Yilin held onto Hu Shi¡¯s shoulders. He knew that the Xu n couldn¡¯t forge such a high-graded weapon, and he naturally wouldn¡¯t believe Hu Shi forged it.


    ¡°I forged it in the past three days.¡± Hu Shi was a simple and honest person. His hair was disheveled like a chicken coop, and he hadn¡¯t bathed for the past three days, so his body smelled a little. But Xu Yilin didn¡¯t mind at all.


    ¡°What?!¡± Xu Yilin was thoroughly shocked. The Xu n gained their foothold in Azure Billow City by forging weapons, and he couldn¡¯t see through the techniques used by Hu Shi, which far surpassed ordinary forging techniques.


    ¡°Hu Shi, did you research these weapons yourself?¡± Xu Yilin asked anxiously as he held Hu Shi¡¯s shoulders in excitement.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t. Someone taught me and asked me to research it in three days.¡± Hu Shi was a little nervous as this was the first time he had been so close to the patriarch. He was just an ordinary cksmith apprentice, and it was thanks to his father¡¯s job in the Xu n he became a cksmith apprentice, earning some money every month.


    ¡°Tell me, who taught you the forging technique? I have to thank him personally!¡± Xu Yilin was determined to find the person who taught Hu Shi. With this forging technique, the Xu n¡¯s position would rise and they would earn arge amount of gold coins. He could buy resources and train an elite group of guards. At that time, they would stand a chance against the Wan n and Tian n¡¯s threats.


    ¡°He...told me not to tell anyone,¡± Hu Shi stuttered as Liu Wuxie had instructed him to keep it a secret.


    ¡°Is he in Azure Billow City?¡± Xu Yilin was astonished and began to wonder who helped the Xu n.


    ¡°He is, and he¡¯s currently in the Xu n. I¡¯ll take my leave if there¡¯s nothing else, and I¡¯ll have to trouble the patriarch to send this scabbard to the Young Master,¡± Hu Shi said as he carefully took out an exquisite scabbard.


    Afraid that he might identally reveal something, Hu Shi quickly turned to leave. He was too honest and feared that he wouldn¡¯t be able to keep the secret if Xu Yilin put even a little pressure on him.


    ¡°Hu Shi, you are now the Chief cksmith of the Xu n. You can ask anything you need, and I¡¯ll do my best to cooperate with you. The weaponry workshop will have to rely on you now.¡± Xu Yilin was a decisive person, and he soon made a decision. He also had a sh of realization in his eyes as though he had guessed something, but he didn¡¯t dare to be sure about it.

 Chapter 29 - Xiantian Realm

    <h4>Chapter 29 - Xiantian Realm</h4>


    Hu Shi left the Xu n happily. At the same time, orders were being issued, and Hu Shi¡¯s father was promoted to Xu n¡¯s Head Instructor. His father was tasked with personally picking a batch of trustable people to learn the new forging method from Hu Shi.


    In just one day, word of the Xu n¡¯s ability to forge weapons imbued with spirituality had spread throughout Azure Billow City, bringing them a deluge of orders from martial dojos, small ns, and the like. The Xu n¡¯s Weaponry Workshops were inundated with orders and teeming with people.


    News of these weapons had even reached nearby cities, and the Xu n¡¯s workshops in these cities hung several weapons imbued with spirituality on the walls for disy, not for sale.


    The five weaponry workshops were operating at full force. Hu Shi gave it his all and forged weapons day and night. As more weapons were sold from the Xu n¡¯s Weaponry Workshops, their fame gradually spread throughout the Great Yan Dynasty.


    The Tian n¡¯s Patriarch, Tian Qisha, fumed with rage, looking terrifyingly ugly in the Tian n. Despite spending a fortune to poach master cksmiths from the Xu n, the Tian n had yet to release their first batch of weapons for sale. Meanwhile, the Xu n had already introduced weapons imbued with a hint of spirituality, causing the Tian n¡¯s business toe to a standstill.


    But most importantly, the Xu n didn¡¯t increase the prices of their weapons despite the rise in quality. Thus, no one would buy weapons from the Tian n when they had a better option. The Tian n¡¯s weapons couldn¡¯t even hold a candle to the Xu n¡¯s, not to mention anypetitiveness. As a result, the Tian n failed terribly.


    ¡°Damn it!¡± Tian Qisha furiously hurled the cup in his hand to the ground and gnashed his teeth in anger.


    ¡°Patriarch, what should we do? Many customers came to cancel their orders even if they had to relinquish the deposit.¡± The Tian n was in a mess now. They spent a huge sum of resources to build several weaponry workshops, and their workshops had to close down now before they even opened up. This was like a hammer mming down on the Tian n¡¯s head, catching them by surprise.


    This was why Liu Wuxie asked Hu Shi to research the new forging technique within three days. He didn¡¯t want the Tian n to catch their breath. It had only been five to six days since the Tian n poached the Xu n¡¯s master cksmiths, and it would take some time to build the workshops and forge weapons. By the time the Tian n finished all that, they would realize that they were nothing but a joke all this time.


    After Xu Yilin finished his matters, he walked towards Liu Wuxie¡¯s courtyard. The Xu n¡¯s Weaponry Workshops were running smoothly, and Lingxue had gone to cultivate at the Imperial Academy. His only concern was Liu Wuxie, who had not left his courtyard for the past three days and had not touched the food left by the butler.


    This was because Liu Wuxie was focused on treating his injuries and couldn¡¯t afford any mistakes. After spending three days, he relied on his powerful soul to treat thest vein, and a powerful force surged from within his body, forming a shockwave that swept out.


    The shockwave sent everything in the room crashing to the ground as Liu Wuxie¡¯s cultivation reached the pinnacle of the ninth level of the Houtian Realm. Yet, he showed no signs of stopping. Forming a profound seal with his hands, he drew the spiritual energy from the courtyard into the room.


    A colossal vortex appeared above the room. It was like a funnel with spiritual energy pouring into the room.


    Before Xu Yilin got close to the courtyard, a hint of shock appeared on his face because the spiritual energy around the Xu n flowed rapidly, making him wonder what had happened. In the past few days, the servants reported that the spiritual energy in the Xu n had been disappearing inexplicably.


    ¡°This is...¡± Xu Yilin was shocked with disbelief when he pushed open the doors and was enveloped in dense spiritual energy. He seldom came to this courtyard because Liu Wuxie was prodigal in the past, and even the servants detested him. So Liu Wuxie was the only one living in this region, which was pretty quiet.


    ¡°What the hell is he doing? Is he trying to drain all of the Xu n¡¯s spiritual energy?¡± Xu Yilin was knowledgeable in arrays, and he noticed that something was amiss about this courtyard. He guessed that a spiritual array was set up there to draw the surrounding spiritual energy. Even the Song n, known for their spiritual arrays, couldn¡¯t aplish this feat.


    Shortly after, something more shocking appeared as the spiritual energy in Azure Billow City was drawn over, forming into spiritual rain pouring down on the Xu n. Thismotion naturally rmed the entire Azure Billow City.


    ¡°Who¡¯s making a breakthrough to create such a shocking phenomenon?!¡± Many people appeared on the streets as they looked in Xu n¡¯s direction. They were curious about what the Xu n was doing to plunder so much spiritual energy.


    A terrifying Xiantian Spirit shot out from Liu Wuxie¡¯s room, shocking Xu Yilin into staggering. If the Xiantian Spirit were likened to rain, then the breakthrough of an ordinary person would be akin to a light drizzle, while that of a genius would be a torrential downpour. But Liu Wuxie¡¯s Xiantian Spirit was like a stampede of beasts, so powerful that it even shocked Xu Yilin, who was in the Spirit Cleansing Realm.


    ¡°This is all caused by Wuxie?¡± Xu Yilin was on the verge of going insane, feeling butterflies in his stomach. He wanted to go in and look, but he stopped when he saw the ¡®Do Not Disturb¡¯ sign hanging outside the door. This was why he didn¡¯t dare to step in carelessly, as Liu Wuxie was likely in the critical moment of making a breakthrough.


    Even if someone were to intrude into the room, Liu Wuxie had already made preparations. He had set up an Illusory Spiritual Array within the room, causing anyone who entered to lose all their senses.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s Xiantian Spirit was like a heavy downpour, which sounded like jade beads falling on the ground. So one could imagine how powerful Liu Wuxie would be when he reached the Xiantian Realm.


    Xu Yilin immediately left the courtyard and issued an order to prevent any information from leaking. Liu Wuxie¡¯s breakthrough into the Xiantian Realm had to be kept a secret. But before leaving the courtyard, Xu Yilin nced around and noticed the scattered herbs, confirming his suspicions. An incident had urred at the weaponry workshop a few days prior, and Liu Wuxie had been there by chance. Or was it really just a coincidence? After some analysis, Xu Yilin arrived at his answer.


    As for Liu Wuxie, he was feeling aggrieved at this moment. The Deste Devouring Art began to circte on its own, and the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron was devouring the surrounding spiritual energy. This spiritual energy was transformed into a mysterious liquid that coursed through his body.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s dantian continued to undergo transformation, filling with deste energy. Its structure was altered; while the dantians of others were shrouded in mist, his was like a world of mountains and rivers. But what shocked him even more were not the changes to his dantian. The Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron had grown in size, its patterns bing more distinct, and an even stronger suction force emanated from it, devouring the surrounding spiritual energy.


    The Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron was upgraded. Or rather, the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron could be upgraded along with his cultivation, gradually bing stronger. Since it could devour spiritual energy, this made Liu Wuxie wonder if it could devour anything else. This was a question that he would need to explore further.


    ¡°With such a powerful dantian, my true essence is ten or even a hundred times greater than that of others, allowing me to easily fight those with higher cultivation levels. But the downside is that I will require more resources to make a breakthrough, ten or even a hundred times more than others.¡± Liu Wuxie gazed at the world with mixed emotions.


    He spent a day stabilizing his cultivation in the first level of the Xiantian Realm, and he didn¡¯t have many spirit stones left. He consumed over 60 spirit stones to reach the Xiantian Realm, but they still couldn¡¯t fill up his dantian.


    ¡°I can finally begin practicing some of the techniques of an immortal.¡± A smile tugged at the corner of Liu Wuxie¡¯s lips. Now that he had reached the Xiantian Realm, he could finally employ some of the techniques of an immortal, which could save his life in critical moments.


    He could forgo other martial techniques, as the Blood Gleam de Art was sufficient for him at present. After all, his current strength limited his ability to use more advanced de techniques. But there was a solution: by strengthening his soul, he could ovee the restrictions imposed by his cultivation level.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go with Ghost Eye!¡± Ghost Eye was a formidable eye technique that utilized the soul to attack. As such, one had to first temper their soul before practicing it, as only those with powerful souls could use the technique. This was a bizarre eye technique that even Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t reach the highest state as he was yet to uncover many of its functions.


    Liu Wuxie closed his eyes and followed the instructions for practicing Ghost Eye. His consciousness sank into his brain, and he could see his nerves. His consciousness entered his soul sea, which was the center of the human brain. Only someone like Liu Wuxie dared to enter his soul sea with his consciousness because the soul sea was considered a forbidden region before reaching the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    After all, the soul would crumble apart if there was the slightest mistake. The soul sea was simr to the dantian. The bigger it was, the more powerful the soul energy would be, leading to a higher level ofprehension. This way, one could control their soul energy to attack.


    The Ghost Eye had to be cultivated in the soul sea. As Liu Wuxie followed the instructions, the foggy liquified gas began to rumble in his soul sea, and he gritted his teeth to endure the pain. This was because one would feel ufortable practicing the Ghost Eye, withmon symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, and vertigo.


    Liu Wuxie established a route, allowing his soul energy to channel to his eyes and to be unleashed through Ghost Eye. The entire process was dangerous, and his soul sea would be damaged if he wasn¡¯t careful. All his effort could go down the drain at that time, and even his future cultivation would be affected.


    Since he had experience from his past life, the challenge was not too great as he only needed to follow his previous path. However, the process was slowed down by the thinness of the brain¡¯s veins, making it difficult for him to clear them.


    As time passed, Liu Wuxie¡¯s soul energy was like mercury, coursing through the tiny veins. He would rest briefly whenever he was tired and use Heavenly Spirit Pills to replenish his energy. As the spirit origin in the pills could be used to maintain the body condition, it was fine even if Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t eat anything for ten days and ten nights.


    Two days passed, and Liu Wuxie made slow progress in Ghost Eye. He was only an inch away from establishing a route to his right eye.


    Upon sessfully creating a pathway to his right eye, he experienced a brief but intense pain. When he opened his eyes again, he noticed a subtle change that was difficult to articte. His vision seemed brighter and somewhat unusual.


    As he circted his soul energy, his right eye emitted an unusual glow, altering the appearance of his surroundings. Mysterious lines, representing thews of heaven and earth, materialized before Liu Wuxie, within his grasp. At that moment, an insect flew into the room and wandered aimlessly within the Illusory Spiritual Array.


    ¡°This...¡± Liu Wuxie was taken aback. The Ghost Eye seemed different, more powerful than in his past life. The insect¡¯s movements appeared slower, and he could even see its wings pping distinctly.


    ¡°This is too insane! This means I¡¯ll be able to see through every change in my opponent¡¯s martial techniques duringbat. Doesn¡¯t that mean I¡¯ll be able to react in advance?!¡± Liu Wuxie still hadn¡¯t recovered from his shock. The Ghost Eye was not just a means of attack but also could slow down his perception of time.


    In reality, time had not slowed down. With the Ghost Eye, Liu Wuxie could perceive every detail with greater rity, making the world more transparent to him.


    He was suddenly ovee with dizziness, a result of the significant drain on his soul energy caused by using the Ghost Eye.

 Chapter 30 - Mysterious Spiritual Array

    <h4>Chapter 30 - Mysterious Spiritual Array</h4>


    Liu Wuxie rested for two hours before he came out to the courtyard. The Treasure Pill Pavilion had already delivered the herbs, and it was getting closer to the promised deadline.


    An ornate scabbardy on the stone table in the courtyard. Liu Wuxie picked it up and slid it inside, where it fit perfectly. As he unsheathed the de once more, a terrifying aura emanated from it, slicing cleanly through a pir at the center of the courtyard, causing it to copse.


    Liu Wuxie had mastered the seven forms of the Blood Gleam de Art, but had yet to apply them in realbat. He had the experience butcked practical ability. The two were distinct concepts. For instance, an interior designer may have design experience, but may not know how to physically cut bricks and tiles.


    Killing required skill, and theory was not the same as practice. Liu Wuxie needed realbat experience to hone his de technique and achieve perfect synchronization with it. He spent two hours refining several hundred Heavenly Spirit Pills, and with his advancement to the Xiantian Realm, his efficiency had improved, resulting in a high sess rate for each batch.


    He brought the Heavenly Spirit Pills with him and left the Xu n. Reaching the Xiantian Realm was only the beginning, and he had many things he wanted to do. He didn¡¯t go to the Treasure Pill Pavilion or the Xu n¡¯s Weaponry Workshop, but to the Song n¡¯s Spiritual Array Hall.


    As the Song n became famous for their spiritual arrays, they naturally provided multiple spiritual arrays for martial cultivators to train themselves, such as Killing Spiritual Arrays and Illusory Spiritual Arrays, which could simte various situations. This was something that the colosseum couldn¡¯t provide. They both had their own merits. It didn¡¯t necessarily mean one was better than the other.


    Hunting and killing demonic beasts was too easy, a task suitable for ordinary martial cultivators, but not for Liu Wuxie.


    The Song n possessed a single Spiritual Array Hall, situated in the far northwest of Azure Billow City. The vast area was divided into multiple arrays. Guided by his memory, Liu Wuxie arrived two hourster at a series of buildings nestled against the mountains, the location of the Song n¡¯s Spiritual Array Hall.


    The Spiritual Array Hall was bustling with people, as many martial cultivators preferred to train there. The hall offered a wide variety of spiritual arrays, each with its own benefits. Those practicing movement techniques could choose the Meteorite Array, while those seeking to improve theirbat skills could opt for the Ominous Purging Array, among others.


    The spiritual arrays could be selected based on individual characteristics, an advantage not offered by the colosseum. This was why the Song n had maintained its position in Azure Billow City for over two centuries.


    Liu Wuxie joined the crowd at the registration counter, where the arrays were divided into several levels, including Houtian and Xiantian. Now that he was in the Xiantian Realm, he naturally couldn¡¯t pick Houtian Arrays.


    Suddenly, a group rushed in through the main door, and Liu Wuxie spotted a familiar figure. Song Ling was among this group of people. The younger generation remained outside on guard, indicating that something had urred within the Spiritual Array Hall.


    Rumors circted among the crowd that there was a problem with the central control system, which may have been damaged and could take a long time to repair, preventing the activation of many spiritual arrays. The crowd was abuzz with spection, but no one knew for certain if the rumors were true.


    Suddenly, all movement ceased as amotion erupted outside the window. ¡°Why?! I¡¯ve been waiting in line for two hours, and now you¡¯re telling me the spiritual arrays are full. No way! I have to enter the spiritual array to train no matter what!¡± A gruff voice boomed, echoing throughout the hall.


    Several young men turned to look at Song Ling as guards from the Song n moved to restore order.


    In recent days, the Song n¡¯s Spiritual Array Hall had been experiencing a shortage of functional spiritual arrays. Many martial cultivators, after waiting in line for hours, were informed that no slots were avable. It was understandable that they were unhappy about the situation.


    The situation was chaotic as several hundred people, unable to secure a slot, demanded that the Song n find a solution. Many martial cultivators, stuck at their current level of cultivation, were desperate for an opportunity to advance through the spiritual arrays.


    Song Ling hurried over, apologizing to the crowd. The Song n had been caught off guard by the incident, and Song Ling quickly spotted Liu Wuxie among the throng. He made his way over and asked, ¡°Big Brother, what brings you here?¡±


    Song Ling held Liu Wuxie in high regard. After winning 3,000,000 gold coins at the colosseum, Song Ling had been walking around with a smug expression. Though he had little interest in cultivation, he was deeply knowledgeable about spiritual arrays.


    ¡°What¡¯s happening in the Spiritual Array Hall?¡± Liu Wuxie asked, having a favorable impression of Song Ling. Song Ling had defended him at the colosseum, and Liu Wuxie had no doubt that, had he not been dragged away, Song Ling would have stood by his side and fought alongside him. Such a person was worth befriending.


    ¡°Big Brother, let¡¯s talk somewhere else. There are too many people here.¡± Song Ling dragged Liu Wuxie to the side where only members of the Song n could enter, and the noise in the surrounding area disappeared.


    ¡°Big Brother, you want to use the spiritual arrays to cultivate as well?¡± Song Ling asked.


    Liu Wuxie nodded as he had just reached the Xiantian Realm, so he needed to undergo actual battles to stabilize his cultivation. He asked, ¡°You still haven¡¯t told me what¡¯s going on with the Spiritual Array Hall.¡±


    Liu Wuxie was not overly concerned about the situation, as he could always find other alternatives if he couldn¡¯t use the spiritual arrays. However, his question caused Song Ling to frown, as the incident had taken him by surprise as well.


    ¡°It¡¯s all in a mess, and let¡¯s not talk about it. I still know a spiritual array that is working, and I can take you there now,¡± Song Ling said, standing up and leading Liu Wuxie away. About ten minutester, they arrived at a dpidated house.


    ¡°Are you sure this is the ce?¡± It had been at least several decades since this spiritual array wasst activated, and it was covered in dust. So Liu Wuxie had no idea what Song Ling was trying to do.


    ¡°Big Brother, what¡¯s your current cultivation?¡± Song Ling asked in a low voice after looking around and ensuring there wasn¡¯t anyone around.


    ¡°Ninth-level of the Houtian Realm!¡± Liu Wuxie hid his actual cultivation because he didn¡¯t want too many people to know that he was in the Xiantian Realm.


    ¡°There¡¯s no problem then. Our Song n¡¯s ancestor left behind this spiritual array. It¡¯s a strange one, and you can adjust its level to match your cultivation. It hasn¡¯t been used in years,¡± Song Ling exined. This spiritual array had been abandoned for decades for unknown reasons.


    ¡°Why is it abandoned?¡± Liu Wuxie asked. With so many people outside moring for ess to the spiritual arrays, why wasn¡¯t this one open to the public?


    ¡°W-Well, someone died there once, and it was abandoned after that. They said the array couldn¡¯t be controlled,¡± Song Ling exined, regretting his decision to bring Liu Wuxie here. Perhaps it was because he admired him too much.


    ¡°Now, this is interesting,¡± Liu Wuxie mused. He had not expected much from the Song n¡¯s spiritual arrays, as they were non-lethal and therefore unsuitable for pushing oneself to the brink in search of a breakthrough.


    With his skills, Liu Wuxie could easily set up a Killing Spiritual Array, but doing so required a significant amount of materials and a suitable location. The Song n had taken centuries to build their Spiritual Array Hall, and Liu Wuxie did not have that kind of time, nor were the resources in Azure Billow City sufficient.


    He pushed open the wooden door and stepped inside, a cloud of dust rising to meet him. He waved it away and surveyed therge room. At approximately five hundred square meters in size, the spiritual array was undoubtedlyrge-scale.


    ¡°Big Brother, let¡¯s forget about it...¡± Song Ling said hastily, but it was toote as Liu Wuxie had already entered the spiritual array. ¡°Big Brother, this spiritual array is really strange. Let us leave this ce!¡±


    Song Ling was startled as the lights in the house flickered on by themselves. The walls were constructed of inkstone, an extremely durable material resistant to damage from ordinary weapons. The Song n must have invested considerable resources in building this house, and its abandonment for decades was a tremendous waste.


    Liu Wuxie went straight to the southeast corner where the core of the spiritual array was located. The spiritual array could be activated by cing spirit stones on it. While other arrays were controlled by members of the Song n, this one had been abandoned for so long that Liu Wuxie had to activate it himself.


    He ced his five remaining spirit stones in the sockets, and the entire house began to shake. The door mmed shut and the surroundings shifted, transporting them to a in. The ground trembled, and Song Ling fell, terrified that an earthquake was urring.


    ¡°This spiritual array is pretty good, and it¡¯s suitable for me to cultivate here. Follow behind me closely!¡± Liu Wuxie said, tapping his foot on the ground, turning into a meteorite, and charging towards the source of the voice.


    ¡°Big Brother, wait for me!¡± Song Ling called out, scrambling to his feet and following Liu Wuxie. They had already entered the spiritual array, and they could only wait till the spirit stones were exhausted or when someone shut the spiritual array down from the outside. They were unable to leave on their own, and this was no ordinary spiritual array, as someone had died here in the past.


    A group of shadows appeared before them, rapidly closing in.


    ¡°A thousand Azure Wolves!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s lips curled into a devilish smile as he lowered his cultivation to the ninth level of the Houtian Realm, matching the Azure Wolve¡¯s first-grade, ninth-level cultivation.


    ¡°Holy shit!¡± Song Ling nearly peed his pants because he was only in the seventh level of the Houtian Realm. Most importantly, his cultivation came from consuming resources, and the pack of wolves could quickly devour him.


    ¡°Transforming illusion into reality. This method requires someone in the Marrow Cleansing Realm. Could it be that the Song n¡¯s ancestor was a powerhouse in the Marrow Cleansing Realm?¡± Liu Wuxie wore a yful smile. With one hand, he grabbed Song Ling, and with the other, he drew his de, slicing through an Azure Wolf that leaped above his head, causing blood to rain down.


    Liu Wuxie finally understood why someone could die in this spiritual array. The creatures in the spiritual array were illusions that had been transformed into reality. This meant that dying here would result in actual death. This was not an ordinary Ominous Purging Array but a fusion of multiple spiritual arrays. This also proved that the Song n¡¯s ancestor was a genius.


    The thousand Azure Wolves surrounded them with their eyes glowing green.


    ¡°Big Brother, I don¡¯t want to die yet!¡± Song Ling trembled when he looked at the surrounding wolves. No one could stay calm when facing this situation. Even if Song Ling had studied spiritual arrays for years, he still couldn¡¯tprehend the scene before him. The scenery of most of Song n¡¯s spiritual arrays was simple, simting two to three opponents at most.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, you won¡¯t die here. This spiritual array hasn¡¯t been maintained for years, resulting in many loopholes. It¡¯s difficult for anyone to enter and find an exit, so someone died here,¡± Liu Wuxie said, feeling puzzled because many parts of this spiritual array had been modified. The Song n must have tried to repair this spiritual array, but they failed.


    ¡°Big Brother, are you knowledgeable about spiritual arrays?!¡± The Song n had studied this spiritual array for decades but couldn¡¯t find the problem with it. However, Liu Wuxie had only been inside for a few minutes and had already found the problem with the formation, which naturally shocked Song Ling.


    But Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t have the time to answer Song Ling as the Azure Wolves pounced forth with a stench blowing over when they bared their jaws. The scenery was highly realistic.


    ¡°Die!¡± Liu Wuxie swung his de, drawing a bright arc in the air. Before the Azure Wolves could even get close, they were struck by the de aura and fell to the ground. But this scene further caused the other wolves to let out a deep growl.

 Chapter 31 - Second Level of the Xiantian Realm

    <h4>Chapter 31 - Second Level of the Xiantian Realm</h4>


    Liu Wuxie carried Song Ling in his hand, leaving behind an Azure Wolf¡¯s corpse on the ground with every step he took. This scene nearly made Song Ling¡¯s eyes fall out.


    The de ray split into three, and the de aura decapitated the three iing Azure Wolves. Wherever Liu Wuxie and Song Ling passed, a heap of corpses was left behind, and there wasn¡¯t much challenge in this one-sided ughter. But the bloody scene made Song Ling clutch his stomach and vomit everything he ate at noon, including his stomach acid.


    ¡°Momentous Gleam!¡± Liu Wuxie swung his de down furiously, causing the sky to darken under his attack. A powerful fluctuation came from the spiritual array, a sign that it was reaching its limit. This attack was the ultimate move of the Blood Gleam de Art, whichbined all seven forms.


    His de aura was like an endless mountain range, and all the iing azure wolves were sent flying away before the de aura raged through them. The de aura had formed a dome with Liu Wuxie as the center, and the thousand Azure Wolves were all ughtered around him.


    When Liu Wuxie sheathed his de, the surrounding corpses dissipated into heaven and earth. This was the profundity of spiritual arrays, constructing a world using the energy of heaven and earth.


    ¡°Awoooo...¡± Terrifying demonic energy swept out as a massive golden Azure Wolf descended from the sky, biting down at Liu Wuxie¡¯s neck. Everything happened too quickly.


    ¡°The Wolf King, a second-grade demonic beast!¡± Song Ling screamed, his fats trembling as a Xiantian aura descended. Being a Houtian Realm cultivator, he couldn¡¯t resist this aura and could only hide behind Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°I see... This is how they died...¡± Liu Wuxie smiled as he realized the fate of those who had entered before him. Without releasing his Xiantian Spirit, he swung his de in a horizontal arc, forcing the Wolf King to dodge mid-air.


    As the Wolf Kingnded on the ground, it was as tall as a person and over two meters long. Its golden fur shone with a faint radiance, each strand like a golden needle, emitting demonic energy.


    ¡°Big Brother, we need to find a way out of here,¡± Song Ling urged, fear in his voice. ¡°This spiritual array is too strange, and the demonic beasts keep getting stronger.¡± He grabbed Liu Wuxie¡¯s arm, desperate for a way to escape the array before it was toote.


    ¡°There¡¯s no rush,¡± Liu Wuxie said with a mysterious smile. ¡°Don¡¯t you want to fix the spiritual array?¡± As he spoke, the Wolf King pounced with its Xiantian Spirit released.


    Liu Wuxie released Song Ling and executed a drawing strike. This simple strike caused the surrounding air to tremble, and the Wolf King wailed as it fell from the sky. Just like that, Liu Wuxie yed a second-grade demonic beast with one strike, despite restraining his cultivation to the ninth-level Houtian Realm.


    ¡°Big Brother, you know how to repair this spiritual array?! This is great!¡± Song Ling¡¯s fear dissipated. If they could repair the array, they could leave safely. This spiritual array was the greatest foundation of the Song n, and much of their knowledge came from it. Their ancestor had spent his entire life setting up this mysterious spiritual array.


    ¡°I still have some doubts,¡± Liu Wuxie said, scanning his surroundings. ¡°But I¡¯ll figure it out soon.¡± If he wasn¡¯t mistaken, there were even more powerful demonic beasts lurking nearby...


    However, before Liu Wuxie could finish his thoughts, he was interrupted by three ck figures. The moment they appeared, they locked onto him. Silently, they formed a triangr formation around him andunched their attack, brandishing longswords. Each one was at the second level of the Xiantian Realm.


    Liu Wuxie still didn¡¯t release his Xiantian Spirit because he wanted to excavate all his potential. He only relied on his suppressed cultivation at the ninth-level Houtian Realm to fight with the three ck figures evenly.


    The shing between the de and swords created a nging sound, and Liu Wuxie¡¯s deste true essence sent the three ck figures flying away. But it didn¡¯t feel good for Liu Wuxie either because the rebound force numbed his arm.


    ¡°Die!¡± Liu Wuxie shouted, pushing his speed to the limit as he strode the Seven Dipper Steps. He appeared before his opponents and swung his de out. The three ck figures couldn¡¯t react quickly, and their heads toppled off their necks. Liu Wuxie effortlessly dispatched three second-level Xiantian Realm opponents without breaking a sweat.


    Song Ling watched the entire fight in amazement, unable toprehend Liu Wuxie¡¯s true cultivation level. Even three opponents at the second level of the Xiantian Realm were no match for him.


    Five opponents in the third level of the Xiantian Realm appeared next, but Liu Wuxie defeated them effortlessly.


    Next, seven opponents in the fourth level of the Xiantian Realm appeared. As Liu Wuxie progressed, the number and strength of his opponents increased. Facing seven fourth-level opponents, even Liu Wuxie felt the pressure and was evenly matched with them. This was the limit of his strength in the Houtian Realm.


    But when he released his Xiantian Spirit, he was like a ferocious beast in a herd of sheep. He moved so quickly that he left afterimages, his attacks forming a curtain that locked onto his seven opponents. Heads flew into the air as Liu Wuxie easily dispatched his fourth-level Xiantian Realm opponents.


    Unfortunately, there was a massive problem with the spiritual array. The quality and quantity of opponents continued to increase, and if the error couldn¡¯t be fixed, the challenger would have to fight until death.


    When nine opponents in the fifth-level Xiantian Realm appeared, Liu Wuxie¡¯s gaze changed. This was his limit unless he used the Ghost Eye.


    Meanwhile, Song Ling sat on the ground, numb from Liu Wuxie¡¯s performance. He even pulled out candy from his pocket and ate it while watching Liu Wuxie fight.


    Liu Wuxie was momentarily taken aback when he saw the nine opponents form a formation. It was the Nine Dipper Formation, not something an ordinary person coulde up with. But it was no match for Liu Wuxie, who easily broke through it with his ghostly footsteps and powerful de technique.


    His de flowed like water as he faced the nine opponents. Through this honing period, Liu Wuxie had adapted to his current strength perfectly and had already achieved the training he wanted.


    He raised his de to the sky and swung it down with such speed that its trajectory couldn¡¯t be tracked. This meant that there was no solution to counter this attack. Cracks spread across the ground like a dense cobweb, and a powerful shockwave formed into a hurricane that swept outwards.


    The shockwave was so powerful that it sent Song Ling staggering, blown a few meters away. Rocks were swept up by the hurricane as Liu Wuxie moved through it, emitting an aura like the return of an Immortal Emperor. A suffocating pressure descended.


    ¡°Die!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s voice sounded like a reaper as the nine opponents were blown apart without even a piece of them remaining. He had fused all his power into that sword, including a wisp of soul energy.


    When Liu Wuxie swung his sword, his dantian also released a roar as his true essence rampaged through his body, and his cultivation reached the second level of the Xiantian Realm. He relied on the spiritual array''s pressure to make a breakthrough amid a battle.


    Activating the spiritual array required five spirit stones, which filled it with spiritual energy. Liu Wuxie used the powerful suction of the Deste Devouring Art to absorb all the surrounding spiritual energy and convert it into his true essence. But this also meant that the five spirit stones werepletely drained, and the spiritual array began to crackle as if it would copse at any moment.


    ¡°Stay here and don¡¯t move,¡± Liu Wuxie instructed Song Ling. ¡°No matter what happens, don¡¯t be afraid. Just pretend you haven¡¯t seen anything.¡± With that, he disappeared in a certain direction, determined to fix the issue with the spiritual array.


    If he didn¡¯t repair it, the opponents would continue to grow stronger until the challengers eventually died. Over the past few decades, the Song n had sent people to test the array, but all had perished.


    Rumbling thunder sounded from the array, and Song Ling sat on the ground, hugging his head and closing his eyes. Lightning bolts struck the ground, onending beside Song Ling¡¯s foot. He screamed in fright but covered his ears. It wasn¡¯t surprising, given that he was still young, only fifteen or sixteen years old.


    The spiritual array was filled with rumbling thunder, torrential rain, howling winds, and even hailstorms, mimicking various extreme weather conditions. Thissted for about the time it takes to burn a stick of incense before the surroundings began to change.


    Song Ling found himself back on the inkstone ground, inside the stone house.


    When Liu Wuxie emerged from the darkness, his aura had returned to that of the Houtian Realm.


    ¡°Big Brother, did you really fix the spiritual array?¡± Song Ling asked excitedly, brushing the dust off his clothes and standing up. The fate of the Song n was tied to the spiritual array, so he eagerly grabbed Liu Wuxie¡¯s arm.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Liu Wuxie nodded. The spiritual array had been upgraded and was even more powerful than before. It could easily amodate several hundred people training at once.


    ¡°That¡¯s great! Big Brother, you¡¯re really my idol!¡± Song Ling danced like a child, unable to contain his excitement.


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell anyone that I¡¯ve reached the Xiantian Realm,¡± Liu Wuxie said as he and Song Ling walked towards the door. ¡°Keep it a secret for me.¡±


    Song Ling nodded eagerly, promising not to reveal what had happened.


    But when they stepped out, ten-odd people gathered outside, looking at Liu Wuxie and Song Ling as though they were looking at two monsters.


    ¡°Y-You two came out alive?¡± Song Tianhao heaved a sigh of relief.


    Liu Wuxie was confused. Were they expected toe out dead?


    ¡°Father, why are you all here?¡± Song Ling asked with a smile. Everyone present was his senior, and they all looked at him strangely.


    ¡°How dare you enter the spiritual array without permission!¡± Song Tianhao scolded, grabbing Song Ling by the ear and lifting him into the air.


    This naturally made Song Ling scream in pain, begging for mercy, ¡°Father, it hurts...¡±


    ¡°The n has forbidden anyone from entering the spiritual array,¡± Song Tianhao scolded. ¡°Since you knowingly vited the order, you will be confined to the n for three months!¡± The spiritual array had long been designated as a forbidden area, off-limits to outsiders. The Song n knew that no one who entered woulde out alive, and they were all afraid of it.


    When Liu Wuxie activated the spiritual array, the Song n must have sensed it and rushed over. They didn¡¯t know that Song Ling had brought people over.


    ¡°Father, this spiritual array has been repaired. Song Ling said, rubbing his sore ear and looking at Song Tianhao with an aggrieved expression. ¡°If you don¡¯t believe me, ask Big Brother Liu.¡± He had expected his father to praise him, but instead, he had been punished.


    ¡°What did you say?! This spiritual array has been fixed?!¡± Song Tianhao and the Song n¡¯s elders were shocked. For decades, the entire n had tried everything to repair the spiritual array, but to no avail. And now it had been mended in such a short time?


    ¡°It¡¯s true,¡± Song Ling insisted. ¡°And it¡¯s all thanks to Big Brother Liu. Not only did he repair the spiritual array, but he even upgraded it!¡± Song Ling wasn¡¯t lying at all. As a member of a n of spiritual array experts, Song Ling could easily tell if an array was good or bad. He could see that the scenes within the spiritual array were much more advanced than what was recorded in the n¡¯s records.


    Everyone turned to look at Liu Wuxie. Wasn¡¯t he the son-inw of the Xu n? How could he know how to repair spiritual arrays?


    ¡°Young Master Liu, is what my son said true?¡± Song Tianhao asked. He had seen Liu Wuxie defeat the twelve members of the Wan n, using a strike that would have taken at least ten years of practice to master.

 Chapter 32 - Collapse of Spiritual Arrays

    <h4>Chapter 32 - Copse of Spiritual Arrays</h4>


    It had been a long time since the Song n¡¯s Spiritual Array Hall was repaired. Ever since their ancestor had died, the central control system had been malfunctioning, and the problem had worsened over the past two years. If this continued, the Song n would eventually lose their ie from the Spiritual Array Hall, causing the Song n¡¯s status in Azure Billow City to plummet or even disappear.


    ¡°It¡¯s just a coincidence!¡± Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t want to reveal too much and gave an ambiguous reply.


    Song Tianhao was a devious man. He knew his son well and understood that Liu Wuxie must have some skills for Song Ling to admire him and call him ¡®Big Brother¡¯ as he followed behind him like ackey. After all, not many people could make Song Ling revere them.


    ¡°Father, there has always been an issue with our central control system. Why don¡¯t we let Big Brother Liu take a look at it? Perhaps he might be able to repair it!¡± Song Ling stepped forth and suggested.


    However, Liu Wuxie¡¯s forehead was wrinkled, and the Song n¡¯s elders gave themselves a facepalm. The central control system was the foundation of the Song n, and even the descendants of the Song n weren¡¯t allowed to enter. Only the core elders were permitted to enter and maintain it.


    ¡°Young Master, don¡¯t forget that the central control system is the core secret of our Song n. So how can we let an outsider in?¡± the Grand Elder of the Song n interjected. They would naturally resolve the issue with their Song n¡¯s spiritual arrays on their own.


    The other elders nodded in agreement, as they couldn¡¯t risk leaking their central control system.


    ¡°Then why haven¡¯t you all fixed it already? The central control system has been deteriorating for years, and none of you have found a better solution. This is a great opportunity for us to resolve this issue... Or do you prefer waiting until the Song n copses before abandoning your stringent views?¡± Song Ling pouted in disdain.


    Many elders fell into deep thought, and even Song Tianhao raised his brow, knowing that Song Ling had a point. They would reach the point of no return if the central control system actually copsed.


    ¡°That won¡¯t work either. We can¡¯t let outsiders into the Song n¡¯s central control system,¡± the Grand Elder refused tly, unwilling to let Liu Wuxie into the central control system.


    ¡°We can¡¯t just listen to the young master¡¯s one-sided words. How can this garbage possibly know how the spiritual array works?¡± the Second Elder argued with his tone full of sarcasm. After all, everyone in Azure Billow City knew about Liu Wuxie¡¯s reputation.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s gaze became cold. He hadn¡¯t even mentioned repairing the spiritual array, but the elders were still mocking him one after another.


    ¡°Patriarch Song, I have some matters to attend to, and I¡¯ll take my leave!¡± Liu Wuxie suppressed his rage for Song Ling¡¯s sake. Did they truly believe he was scared? Being at the second level of the Xiantian Realm and equipped with Ghost Eye, he was confident that even opponents in the Spirit Cleansing Realm might not be able to defeat him.


    With a wave of his sleeve, he walked out, unwilling to stay any longer.


    ¡°Big Brother, wait for me!¡± Song Ling called out and hurried after Liu Wuxie, fawning a smile. He knew Liu Wuxie was furious. He, too, was appalled by the Grand Elder and the Second Elder¡¯s prejudice against Liu Wuxie.


    Right then, cracking sounds came from outside as a building copsed. Countless martial cultivators escaped the fall, and the entire Spiritual Array Hall was shocked by the event.


    ¡°Not good! The Spiritual Array Hall is copsing! Run for your lives!¡± Screams and yells could be heard from the surroundings as martial cultivators fled in every direction. The Song n¡¯s Spiritual Array Hall covered a vast area, spanning tens of miles in radius. If all the buildings were to copse, the Song n would suffer a significant loss and might not recover for the next decade.


    <strong>......</strong>


    The entire Spiritual Array Hall was in chaos, and even a stampede had urred. The higher-ranking members of the Song n looked at each other, fear visible in their eyes as their breathing became heavy.


    ¡°The Song n is finished!¡± the youngest elder eximed in a low voice. Without the Spiritual Array Hall, the Song n would be devastated.


    ¡°The central control system has copsed. Patriarch, think of a way quickly! What should we do now?!¡± The Grand Elder panicked and turned to look at the Patriarch. The central control system was connected to all the buildings. If it copsed, the entire Spiritual Array Hall would cease to exist.


    Members of the Song n tried to maintain order, but their efforts were in vain as the copse of the buildings continued to intensify and spread. Even Song Tianhao panicked when he saw the chaos unfolding.


    The Song n had been researching the issue with the central control system for decades, but they hadn¡¯t found a solution. Now that half of it had copsed, they could only watch helplessly as the Spiritual Array Hall crumbled.


    ¡°Big Brother, I beg you. Please save our Song n. You must have a solution, right?¡± Song Ling almost knelt on the ground, begging Liu Wuxie to save the Spiritual Array Hall and their Song n.


    ¡°It¡¯s not that I¡¯m unwilling to help, but it¡¯s already toote. The best I can do is to slow down the copse and find a way to repair it.¡± Liu Wuxie shook his head. If he had made a move earlier, there might still be a glimmer of hope. But there was nothing he could do about it now.


    Song Tianhao naturally heard their conversation and turned to look at Liu Wuxie. ¡°Can you really stop the spiritual arrays from copsing further, Young Master Liu?¡± Song Tianhao asked.


    Song Tianhao was out of ideas now, and he would grab onto any hope he could. He naturally didn¡¯t expect Liu Wuxie to repair the central control system.


    Liu Wuxie responded to Song Tianhao¡¯s question with a snort, indicating that he was willing to help Song Ling but not his father. This response made Song Tianhao and the other elders unhappy.


    ¡°Boy, how dare you humiliate our patriarch?¡± The Second Elder jumped out, wanting to make a move against Liu Wuxie. He was still fuming because the central control system was copsing. If they lost the Spiritual Array Hall, they would lose their source of ie. So Liu Wuxie¡¯s words naturally sparked his fury even more.


    ¡°Humiliation?¡± Liu Wuxie shook his head and said, ¡°You people aren¡¯t even worthy of that.¡±


    Liu Wuxie turned around and left. The life and death of the Song n had nothing to do with him. These people might¡¯ve looked down on him, but he also couldn¡¯t be bothered to look at them either.


    A violent rumble came from the distance as another building copsed. This was the Song n¡¯s most profitablerge-scale spiritual array, bringing them hundreds of thousands of gold coins daily.


    ¡°Boy, you insulted the Song n and still want to leave? Do you even know where you are?!¡± The Second Elder confronted Liu Wuxie, releasing his murderous intent.


    ¡°You want to kill me?¡± Liu Wuxie narrowed his eyes, directing his own murderous intent towards the Second Elder. This frightened Song Ling, who knew how strong Liu Wuxie was. Liu Wuxie had massacred opponents in the fifth-level Xiantian Realm like mere flies back in the spiritual array.


    The Second Elder was also in the fifth level of the Xiantian Realm, and Liu Wuxie only needed one hand to kill him.


    ¡°I won¡¯t kill you, but I¡¯ll teach you a lesson and let you know the immensity of heaven and earth!¡± The Second Elder, needing to vent his emotions,unched an attack against Liu Wuxie. His palm was quick, and it was already toote for Song Ling to stop him.


    ¡°Father, stop him quickly! Only Big Brother Liu can save our Song n now!¡± Song Ling begged. He knew that only Liu Wuxie could prevent the Spiritual Array Hall from copsing. He was anxious and on the verge of crying.


    More buildings copsed, causing a cloud of dust to rise. No one knew what was happening here because the outside world was already chaotic, and crying could be heard everywhere. A terrifying rumble came from underground, signaling that the central control system was about to copse.


    ¡°You¡¯re courting death!¡± Murderous intent poured out of Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes. Since he had already offended the Wan n and Tian n, he didn¡¯t mind offending the Song n as well. His de drew a cold arc in the air, sweeping out a horrifying aura.


    ¡°Big Brother Liu, please spare him!¡± Song Ling fell to his knees. The Song n would be finished if the Second Elder died because they would form an irreversible feud with Liu Wuxie. At that time, no one could stop the central control system from copsing.


    When Liu Wuxie¡¯s de aura swept over, the palm wind created by the Second Elder was torn apart. After all, Liu Wuxie had easily in nine opponents in the fifth level of the Xiantian Realm in the spiritual array.


    Song Tianhao narrowed his eyes. Realizing that something was wrong and unable to find a weakness in Liu Wuxie¡¯s attack, he quickly released his true essence, creating a protective gale around the Second Elder.


    But his attempt was futile as Liu Wuxie¡¯s de easily tore apart the defense created by Song Tianhao. The de came to a halt just an inch away from the Second Elder. Had Liu Wuxie advanced even a single step further, he would have been decapitated.


    Liu Wuxie sheathed his de, sparing the Second Elder¡¯s life. ¡°If Song Ling hadn¡¯t begged for mercy on your behalf, you would already be dead,¡± he warned.


    The Second Elder was soaked in sweat and trembling from fear. He thought he was dead for sure at that moment.


    Everyone present was also shocked, including Song Tianhao, who looked at Liu Wuxie with disbelief. They couldn¡¯t fathom how someone in the Spirit Cleansing Realm failed to stop Liu Wuxie from killing. None of them couldprehend what had just happened. After all, the Second Elder¡¯s cultivation was at the fifth level of the Xiantian Realm!


    No longer able to keep the secret, Song Ling stepped forth and blurted out, ¡°Not long ago, Big Brother Liu slew nine opponents in the fifth-level Xiantian Realm without effort.¡± A wry and helpless smile hung over his face. After all, Liu Wuxie had already revealed his aura in the Xiantian Realm.


    ¡°What?!¡± Song Tianhao¡¯s lips trembled as though he was struck by lightning. Only someone at the ninth level of the Xiantian Realm could have defeated nine opponents at the fifth level of the Xiantian Realm with a single de!


    The Grand Elder also wore a wry smile. He was in the sixth level of the Xiantian Realm, but even he couldn¡¯t aplish such a feat. He had mocked Liu Wuxie, and their mockery sounded ironic now that they thought about it.


    Liu Wuxie ignored everyone and continued on his way out. This ce looked as though it was struck by a powerful earthquake, with cracks covering the ground.


    ¡°Young Master Liu, please hold on.¡± Song Tianhao could no longer deny that his son had been telling the truth. He could tell that Liu Wuxie had truly changed and might even have a way to prevent the central control system from copsing or to repair it. He was likely the Song n¡¯sst hope.


    ¡°Patriarch Song, what do you need?¡± Liu Wuxie turned around and wore a mocking smile. This time, no one spoke as they looked at Song Tianhao.


    ¡°I represent the Song n and apologize to you for what happened earlier. Please help our Song n for my son¡¯s sake,¡± Song Tianhao said, bowing deeply toward Liu Wuxie. This gesture, typically reserved for juniors greeting seniors, was performed by Song Tianhao for Liu Wuxie. The elders of the Song n wanted to intervene, but they were at a loss for words.


    ¡°What can I get out of helping your Song n?¡± Liu Wuxie sneered. He might have considered helping if the Second Elder hadn¡¯t acted, but the situation had changed. He had already repaid his debt to Song Ling by sparing the Second Elder¡¯s life, and they were, after all, just ordinary friends.


    Song Tianhao stomped his foot in frustration. ¡°If Young Master Liu can prevent the Spiritual Array Hall from copsing, I will reveal something to you that concerns the very survival of your Xu n,¡± he said, resorting to sharing information he had not intended to divulge for the sake of the Song n.

 Chapter 33 - Crisis of the Mines

    <h4>Chapter 33 - Crisis of the Mines</h4>


    ¡°Go on. What news do you have?¡± Liu Wuxie stopped and looked at Song Tianhao. If the news were helpful to the Xu n, he wouldn¡¯t mind helping the Song n. But if it had no value, he would just leave directly.


    ¡°I received news that the Wan and Tian ns are working together, plotting to seize the Iris Gold Mine of your Xu n to cut off the supply of ores. By then, even if you were able to forge weapons imbued with a trace of spirituality, it would be of no use.¡±


    It was no longer a secret in Azure Billow City that the Xu n could forge weapons containing a hint of spirituality. The main ingredients used by the Xu n in forging their weapons came from the Iris Gold Mine. The Xu n had just recovered from a blow to their weaponry workshops, and they would fall into trouble again if they lost the Iris Gold Mine.


    ¡°Is the news reliable?¡± A chilling wave of murderous intent radiated from Liu Wuxie, terrifying the ten elders of the Song n who were nearby. Its intensity was particrly overwhelming for the Second Elder, who trembled as he remembered the earlier attack that had nearly cost him his life.


    ¡°It¡¯s trustable, and they should make their moves in the next few days. They hired people from other big cities to seize the Xu n¡¯s Iris Gold Mine. You guys can prepare in advance, and there might still be a chance.¡± Song Tianhao replied firmly. He wouldn¡¯t dare tell Liu Wuxie if it wasn¡¯t true. Even if Liu Wuxie managed to stop the central control system from copsing, they would still need his help repairing it in the future.


    ¡°I¡¯ll trust you with this once. Prepare the materials immediately.¡± Regardless of whether it was true or not, Liu Wuxie decided to trust him. He would be able to know if Song Tianhao was telling the truth by visiting the Iris Gold Mine personally after this incident. If Song Tianhao deceived him, he wouldn¡¯t mind destroying the Spiritual Array Hall.


    Song Tianhao removed an interspatial pouch from his waist and tossed it to Liu Wuxie. ¡°This pouch contains all the materials you might need,¡± he said. The pouch was a low-grade one, worth 5,000,000 gold coins. It was clear that the Song n was wealthy, and it was no wonder they were the strongest n in Azure Billow City.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s consciousness entered the interspatial pouch, where he found a space of about ten square meters filled with materials for constructing spiritual arrays. After inspecting the contents of the interspatial pouch, he turned into a streak of light and entered a copsed building.


    ¡°You all stay here to maintain order. I¡¯ll go in with Young Master Liu,¡± Song Tianhao said, and the elders immediately moved out to maintain order, preventing the chaos from expanding.


    More buildings continued to copse, and the underground was densely packed with spiritual arrays. A beam as thick as a human¡¯s thigh suddenly fell, and Liu Wuxie executed the Seven Dipper Steps to avoid it easily.


    Like that, Liu Wuxie and Song Tianhao entered the central control system. Liu Wuxie stopped, and arge-scale spiritual array appeared before him. Many gears were rotating to maintain the operation of the Spiritual Array Hall.


    Liu Wuxie took out materials from the interspatial pouch, including fifty spirit stones, which began to orbit around him.


    Song Tianhao was nearly dumbfounded by the sight, unable to identify the technique being used. But there was no time to ponder as Liu Wuxie rushed towards the central control system, forming seals with his hands and injecting them into the system. Therge-scale spiritual array emitted a series of clicking sounds.


    Song Tianhao was at a loss for words. ¡°T-These are spiritual runes meant for spiritual arrays!¡± he eximed. In the entire Song n, there were fewer than five people capable of drawing such runes.


    The runes that Liu Wuxie was engraving wereplex and mysterious, beyond Song Tianhao¡¯s understanding. He had never encountered such advanced spiritual runes and could only try tomit them to memory as best he could.


    The copsing central control system suddenly stabilized, and the buildings on the ground ceased their descent. Liu Wuxie had injected many spiritual runes into the central control system to stabilize it. After all, repairing it couldn¡¯t be achieved overnight.


    Liu Wuxie returned the interspatial pouch to Song Tianhao. ¡°I¡¯ve managed to stabilize the central control system for the time being, but I¡¯ll need a lot of materials to repair it. I¡¯ll give you a list. Gather them as quickly as possible because the spiritual runes I¡¯ve injected will onlyst for ten days at most. If you fail to gather the required materials within that time, there¡¯s nothing more I can do.¡± The expenditure of fifty spirit stones and several hundred materials had only bought them ten days.


    ¡°Thank you, Young Master Liu. I¡¯ll have my people start preparing right away!¡± Song Tianhao was thoroughly convinced by Liu Wuxie¡¯s performance. Had he not been there, the Song n would have lost the Spiritual Array Hall entirely.


    ¡°This is merely a transaction between us. I have some matters to attend to. Get Song Ling to collect the list of materials from the Xu nter. As for what happened today, I hope the Song n can keep it a secret for me.¡± Liu Wuxie was like aet and disappeared, causing Song Tianhao to fall silent.


    As Liu Wuxie emerged from the Spiritual Array Hall, he found arge crowd gathered outside. The elders of the Song n spoke to the injured, assuring them that they would bepensated for their losses in an effort to minimize the damage.


    When Liu Wuxie returned to the Xu n, he found Xu Yilin and Deacon Lan in the main hall, discussing the establishment of a weaponry workshop. This would require arge quantity of Iris Gold Ores, but the Xu n¡¯s transportation teams had been repeatedly attacked, resulting in heavy losses.


    ¡°Father-inw!¡± Liu Wuxie stepped into the main hall and bowed. After hearing what they were discussing, Liu Wuxie immediately realized that there was really a problem with Xu n¡¯s Iris Gold Mine. The Iris Gold Mine was located deep in the Sunset Mountain Range. It was three days away from Azure Billow City, and they had to travel through a canyon. Ambushes were rare and easily dealt with, so the Xu n had not suffered significant losses in the past.


    But in just the past two days, ten-odd people were heavily injured, and the Iris Gold Ores were robbed. This was why the Xu n had been suffering a headache recently.


    Xu Yilin nodded as a form of acknowledgment. He had visited Liu Wuxie¡¯s courtyard a few days ago and was certain that the breakthrough Liu Wuxie had achieved was responsible for the phenomenon that had urred. As a result, his expectations for Liu Wuxie were growing.


    ¡°Father-inw, is there a problem with the Iris Gold Mine?¡± Liu Wuxie asked in an uncertain tone. Based on the earlier conversation between Xu Yilin and Deacon Lan, the news from Song Tianhao was probably urate.


    ¡°Yeah. Someone has been targeting us and robbing our ores. As a result, the weaponry workshops have run out of raw materials and have had to shut down,¡± Xu Yilin exined, not holding anything back. The news would soon spread throughout Azure Billow City, causing panic among the buyers who had ced orders. They had already paid their deposits and would not want to see their orders go unfulfilled.


    ¡°Are the Tian and Wan ns involved?¡± Liu Wuxie asked. Aside from those two ns, no one would have a reason to target the Xu n. The smaller ns wouldn¡¯t dare to wage war against them. On the other hand, the Tian n would suffer a tremendous loss if Xu n¡¯s weaponry workshops were reopened for business.


    After all, the Tian n had poached over a dozen master cksmiths from the Xu n and invested heavily in the construction of five weaponry workshops. They were preparing to open for business, but the Xu n had caught them off guard. The Wan n¡¯s colosseum didn¡¯t fare any better, either. Their business plummeted significantly when news of them rigging the match spread out.


    ¡°We¡¯re not too sure about it yet. ording to the guards who managed to escape, a group of ck-clothed men appeared to rob the ores, and they didn¡¯t seem to be from Azure Billow City.¡±


    Azure Billow City was small, and its inhabitants were well-acquainted with one another. It was strange that someone would repeatedly target the Xu n¡¯s transportation teams, as they hadn¡¯t recently offended anyone.


    Liu Wuxie rubbed his chin. This further verified the information he got from Song Tianhao. The two ns had hired people to strike a blow at the Xu n secretly.


    ¡°Father-inw, when will our next transportation team arrive?¡± Liu Wuxie inquired. He knew that the buyers were likely to demand refunds if the ores weren¡¯t delivered on time, given that the weaponry workshops had already run out of raw materials.


    ¡°They will pass through the canyon tomorrow. The past few robberies urred there, and I n to personally make a trip there to see who has been secretly intercepting our Xu n¡¯s goods,¡± Xu Yilin said with a powerful murderous intent leaking out from him. It had been over a decade since he hadst taken a life, but did they really believe that an old lion could be easily subdued?


    ¡°You can¡¯t do that!¡± Liu Wuxie interrupted. If Xu Yilin were to leave the Xu n, they would be ying right into the hands of the Tian and Wan ns. Without Xu Yilin¡¯s protection, the Tian n could easily seize control of the weaponry workshops and other assets belonging to the Xu n.


    ¡°Wuxie, tell me what you¡¯re thinking,¡± Deacon Lan said, turning to Liu Wuxie. His opinion of Liu Wuxie had changed after witnessing the incident with Scarred Tiger in the weaponry workshop, and he was eager to hear Liu Wuxie¡¯s thoughts.


    ¡°It¡¯s highly likely that the Wan and Tian ns are behind this, and the ck-clothed men could be mercenaries they hired. Their goal is to bring down the Xu n, and if Father-inw leaves, we¡¯ll be falling right into their trap. They¡¯ll probably try to seize our assets by force,¡± Liu Wuxie said, sharing his thoughts. The Wan n and Tian ns may have promised Master Huo not to harm him for a month, but they had said nothing about not taking the Xu n¡¯s assets. If they were to upy the Xu n¡¯s base forcibly, it would be pointless even if the Xu n saved their mine.


    Xu Yilin frowned, realizing that he hadn¡¯t considered this possibility. Even if they could protect their assets, what would be the point if they lost the mine? Eventually, they would copse.


    Deacon Lan lookedforted by Liu Wuxie¡¯s words before sighing. ¡°Wuxie, I¡¯m d you¡¯re thinking about this. But things havee so far. Do you have any other solution?¡± The Xu n was at a critical moment of life and death.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go there myself. Father-inw, you must stay and guard the Xu n in case the Tian n attacks our weapons workshop.¡± Liu Wuxie said, stepping forward to express his intention to visit the Iris Gold Mine and investigate.


    ¡°Wuxie, you want to go there?¡± Xu Yilin was astonished. Liu Wuxie usually didn¡¯t step out of the Xu n, let alone the Sunset Mountain Range, which was dangerous for him to go there alone.


    ¡°Deacon Lan, can you leave first? Close the door on your way out!¡± Liu Wuxie knew what Xu Yilin was worried about¡ªthat it was too dangerous for him to go to the Iris Gold Mine alone. If Xu Lingxue were here, Xu Yilin would send her, but there weren¡¯t many people the Xu n could mobilize now.


    Deacon Lan stood up and turned to look at Xu Yilin, who nodded. After receiving Xu Yilin¡¯s acknowledgment, Deacon Lan left the main hall and closed the door behind him.


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t want to waste time with words. ¡°Father-inw, I know you¡¯re worried about my safety. You can attack me with full force, but limit your strength in the low levels of the Spirit Cleansing Realm.¡± He knew Xu Yilin wouldn¡¯t let him take the risk if he had a choice, but Xu Yilin had raised him, and he couldn¡¯t sit idly while the Xu n was in danger.


    Xu Yilin narrowed his eyes and stood up. He asked, ¡°Wuxie, are you sure about that?¡±


    Even someone in the low levels of the Spirit Cleansing Realm could easily kill a cultivator at the pinnacle of the Xiantian Realm. Xu Yilin wanted to test Liu Wuxie, even though he didn¡¯t know his strength. After all, it was rumored that Liu Wuxie had beheaded twelve members of the Wan n in the colosseum, but he hadn¡¯t seen it.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure!¡± Liu Wuxie held his de, his aura permeating the entire main hall.


    Xu Yilin¡¯s body trembled as he sensed the aura, feeling a little pressure. He didn¡¯t dare to underestimate Liu Wuxie and raised his right hand, limiting his strength to the low levels of the Spirit Cleansing Realm. If things became dangerous, he could withdraw his power to ensure that Liu Wuxie wouldn¡¯t be hurt.


    ¡°Father-inw, be careful!¡± Liu Wuxie unsheathed his sword, drawing a cold arc in the air. The de aura shredded the tables and chairs around them. As the de aura approached, Xu Yilin felt his pores on the verge of exploding and could sense death emanating from Liu Wuxie¡¯s de.

 Chapter 34 - Devour and Refine

    <h4>Chapter 34 - Devour and Refine</h4>


    Empowered by the special true essence of the Deste Devouring Art, Liu Wuxie¡¯s attack was ten times stronger. The mysterious liquid had transformed his body. Combined with his soul as an Immortal Emperor and the Ghost Eye, Liu Wuxie¡¯s de locked onto three of Xu Yilin¡¯s weaknesses.


    As the de cut through the air towards Xu Yilin, his face changed, and he quickly enveloped himself in true essence to avoid being struck. He couldn¡¯t find a w in Liu Wuxie¡¯s attack and had no idea how he did it.


    If news got out that someone in the Spirit Foundation Realm couldn¡¯t find the w in the attack of someone in the Xiantian Realm, they would surely be shocked. Liu Wuxie was only in the second level of the Xiantian Realm, but his fighting prowess wasparable to the pinnacle of the Xiantian Realm. So Xu Yilin was stunned and surprised as he looked at Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie strode the Seven Dipper Steps, leaving behind afterimages, and he disappeared. When he reappeared without any sign, he was already within five meters of Xu Yilin. At such a close distance, it was toote for Xu Yilin to avoid his attack.


    ¡°Scorching Sun Palm!¡± Left with no choice, Xu Yilin was forced to execute his martial technique. His palm was like a rising sun, enveloping the entire main hall in a powerful radiance and emitting boundless heat waves around him to block Liu Wuxie¡¯s de.


    ¡°Father-inw, you have to be careful now,¡± Liu Wuxie said with a smile, executing the Ghost Eye. The surroundings slowed down, and he could see every movement of Xu Yilin. His de technique changed, swinging in an unexpected trajectory towards Xu Yilin¡¯s right underarm, his weak spot. Everyone who practiced martial techniques had a weak spot, and Liu Wuxie easily found Xu Yilin¡¯s.


    ¡°You...¡± Xu Yilin¡¯s shock turned into horror. This might be an attack, but it contained countless changes. Liu Wuxie had mastered the Blood Gleam de Art entirely and could use any form he wished.


    But there was no time for words as another scorching sun appeared in Xu Yilin¡¯s other palm, heading towards Liu Wuxie. He couldn¡¯t stay on the defensive because Liu Wuxie had locked onto all his weak spots, so he needed to turn defense into offense to have a chance. Xu Yinlin was shocked that he was being overpowered by Liu Wuxie, even though he had suppressed his cultivation to the low levels of the Spirit Foundation Realm. It was beyond his imagination.


    Xu Yilin pushed his palm toward Liu Wuxie¡¯s right shoulder. But even though he had rich experience in fighting, how could he bepared to Liu Wuxie? A smile rose on Liu Wuxie¡¯s lips as he disappeared, dodging Xu Yilin¡¯s attack.


    ¡°Not good!¡± Xu Yilin quickly realized something was wrong and retreated, but it was toote. A cold wind swept across his underarm, and when he reached for it, he found it damp with blood seeping through his clothes.


    This was a small cut, but it still covered Xu Yilin in a cold sweat. He would have already been a corpse if this were a life-and-death battle.


    ¡°Father-inw, you lost!¡± Liu Wuxie sheathed his de, and the corner of his lips rose. He didn¡¯t execute the Ghost Eye entirely because he could attack his opponent¡¯s soul sea. But it was too lethal, and he wouldn¡¯t use it unless he faced a mortal enemy.


    ¡°Wuxie...c-can you tell me when you became so strong?¡± Xu Yilin stuttered, not knowing if it was because he was too emotional or shocked. He even began to suspect that Liu Wuxie was possessed by someone else.


    ¡°Father-inw, don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m still the same person and had an opportunity, but I can¡¯t disclose it. We¡¯re racing against time, and I¡¯ll head to the Iris Gold Mine immediately. I can ensure my safety even against opponents in the high levels of the Spirit Foundation Realm. In two days, give these pills to the Treasure Pill Pavilion and tell them I won¡¯t be back for a while.¡±


    The deadline was approaching, and Liu Wuxie had to handle the Iris Gold Mine¡¯s matter. So he could only put the Treasure Pill Pavilion aside for now, and these pills should be able tost for a few days.


    He bowed to Xu Yilin and left quickly to avoid the transportation team being ambushed while delivering goods.


    ¡°Hahaha! This is great! Big Brother Liu will be happy if he sees you now. But be careful on the way.¡± Xu Yilin couldn¡¯t refuse Liu Wuxie since even the Spirit Foundation Realm opponents might not be his match. With Liu Wuxie going on his behalf, he could stay in Azure Billow City and guard the Xu n.


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll keep it in mind!¡±


    When the main hall doors were opened, Deacon Lan was still standing outside, not knowing what had just happened in the main hall. Watching Liu Wuxie leaving, Deacon Lan returned to the main hall and asked, ¡°Patriarch, what happened? Why are the tables and chairs destroyed?¡±


    It had just been fifteen minutes, and the main hall was in a mess when he re-entered.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing. We¡¯ll continue to discuss the matters of the weaponry workshops. Go and inform the buyers that our weapons will bepleted on schedule, and we¡¯llpensate them with 30% damages ording to the contract if there¡¯s even a day of dy,¡± Xu Yilinughed, and all his concern was swept away.


    After leaving Azure Billow City, Liu Wuxie headed straight to the Sunset Mountain Range. ording to his memory, the Sunset Mountain Range covered hundreds of thousands of miles. Powerful demonic beasts lived deep in the range, and martial cultivators trained there, hunting them for their cores to sell to shops for use in refining pills. Most cores were sold to the Treasure Pill Pavilion.


    The fur, bones, and muscles of demonic beasts were also valuable for use in medicine and forging armor. Spiritual herbs could be found in dangerous spots throughout the range, with a hundred-year-old herb worth 100,000 gold coins.


    As Liu Wuxie entered the mountain range, three people watched from a distance.


    ¡°Go back and tell the Patriarch that the trash has entered the Sunset Mountain Range. It¡¯s a good opportunity to kill him. If we do it without anyone noticing, Master Huo won¡¯t be able to do anything to us. He won¡¯t stand against the Tian n for a dead person.¡± They were scouts sent by the Tian n to watch the Xu n and would notice any movements from the Xu n.


    Liu Wuxie stood on a big tree, his eyes flickering with a cold sh. ¡°Do you think I don¡¯t know someone is following me? Let¡¯s see who sent you to kill me!¡±


    He had noticed someone following him when he left the Xu n but pretended not to see them and let them follow. He wasn¡¯t in a hurry because the transportation team wouldn¡¯t reach the canyon until the next day, so he found a quiet ce to cultivate.


    As he circted the Deste Devouring Art, the surrounding spiritual energy in the Sunset Mountain Range poured in, twice as dense as in Azure Billow City.


    His dantian was like an entire world, absorbing spiritual energy from the surroundings at a terrifying speed. The Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron devoured most of it to form more of the mysterious liquid, which he could use to make a breakthrough once it reached a certain level. With the increase in his cultivation, he would require more mysterious liquid.


    The bright moon hung in the sky, and the entire Sunset Mountain Range was quiet. But many nocturnal demonic beasts came out to hunt for food.


    When he opened his eyes, Liu Wuxie raised his head to look toward those demonic beasts. Training in the spiritual array was pre-set, and the training efficiency was limited. But there were too many variables in fighting real demonic beasts.


    With a leap, Liu Wuxie disappeared and headed deep into the mountain range. He wanted to hunt demonic beasts at night and use them to temper his de techniques.


    As Liu Wuxie stepped on dead branches, the crunching sound alerted a nearby demonic beast hunting in the distance. It was an Evil Tiger Beast, two meters tall and four meters long, with immense strength.


    No ordinary person would want to provoke an Evil Tiger Beast because its thick fur made it difficult for weapons to prate its defenses. Its huge jaw could open over a meter wide and easily devour three adults at once.


    Just when Liu Wuxie was having a face-off with the Evil Tiger Beast, the Evil Tiger Beast let out a roar and dashed forth. The ground began to shake, and the tremor made the surrounding trees tremble. As it charged, a few trees in front of it were smashed into pieces.


    But Liu Wuxie stood firmly on the ground, his legs slightly bent and his right hand resting on his de hilt. The Evil Tiger Beast was a first-grade ninth-level creature, equivalent to the ninth level of the Houtian Realm for human cultivators.


    But demonic beasts were stronger than human cultivators under the same cultivation. Liu Wuxie suppressed his cultivation in the Houtian Realm and didn¡¯t release his Xiantian Spirit. The Evil Tiger Beast would probably run away if he released his aura in the Xiantian Realm.


    As the distance between them rapidly closed, the beast was only three meters away, its jaws emitting a foul stench.


    Liu Wuxie unsheathed his de and drew a cold arc in the air, plunging his de into the Evil Tiger Beast¡¯s brain. Blood sshed from its head as it froze, copsing to the ground a minuteter, killed in a single strike.


    ¡°Not challenging at all...¡± Liu Wuxie said with disdain, swinging his de to reveal an egg-sized core in his hand. It was a first-grade ninth-level beast core, worth 1,000 gold coins, but better than nothing.


    Suddenly, the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron shook, and the core turned to powder, blown away by a breeze.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on? Where did the beast core go?¡± Liu Wuxie was confused and quickly sank his consciousness into his dantian to find out what had happened. He just hoped that there was no issue.


    ¡°This is...?¡± There was a droplet of mysterious liquid hovering above the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron, and it gave off powerful demonic energy. ¡°Is this the beast core¡¯s essence?¡± Liu Wuxie said uncertainly.


    ¡°Everything in the world can be devoured and refined...but does it also work this way?¡± Liu Wuxie was dumbfounded. The beast core was devoured to strengthen his true essence, and the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron had far exceeded his imagination. He initially didn¡¯t have much desire to hunt demonic beasts because he didn¡¯t need to hone his martial techniques.


    But it was different now since he could use the beast cores to strengthen his true essence and use this opportunity to reach the third level of the Xiantian Realm.


    His dantian was more than ten timesrger than an ordinary person¡¯s, and he would need ten or even a hundred times more spiritual energy and resources for each breakthrough. Without resources, it might take him a year or more to reach the third level of the Xiantian Realm.


    This motivated him to head deeper into the mountain range, searching for more demonic beasts to test if they could all be devoured.


    <strong>......</strong>


    A group of mysterious people appeared at the entrance to the Sunset Mountain Range, some emitting an aura in the Xiantian Realm.


    ¡°Are you certain the trash has entered the Sunset Mountain Range?¡± The one leading the party was a sinister-looking old man in his fifties.


    ¡°Yes, Elder. We¡¯ve been here all afternoon, and he hasn¡¯te out yet. He must still be in the range,¡± replied a Tian n disciple who had been waiting there, not daring to leave for a moment.


    ¡°Very well. That brat must be courting death to enter the Sunset Mountain Range. Let¡¯s go in!¡± The Tian n¡¯s elder waved his hand and led the party into the mountain range to pursue Liu Wuxie.

 Chapter 35 - Phoenix Roost Gorge

    <h4>Chapter 35 - Phoenix Roost Gorge</h4>


    Liu Wuxie spent the night hunting demonic beasts, killing ten at the pinnacle of the first grade and twenty in the first-grade eighth level. Second-grade demonic beasts only appeared deep in the Sunset Mountain Range, and the beast cores he obtained were all converted into the mysterious liquid. The true essence in his dantian was also growing slowly.


    As the sun rose in the east, a new day came, and Liu Wuxie stood up before rushing towards the canyon.


    The Phoenix Roost Gorge, nestled between towering mountains with sheer cliffs as smooth as ss, was an insurmountable obstacle for most. Only the bravest and most skilled climbers could hope to scale its heights.


    At the base of the canyony a stone path wide enough for five horses to pass abreast, a vital thoroughfare for the Xu n¡¯s transportation team.


    The crunch of wheels on stone echoed through the gorge as the team made their slow progress, under the watchful eye of Deacon Qi. With his seventh-level Xiantian Realm cultivation, he was charged with ensuring the safe delivery of their goods to Azure Billow City.


    The stakes were high for the Xu n¡¯s transportation team. They had already suffered the loss of several shipments of Iris Gold Ore, and another failure could spell the end for their weaponry workshop.


    ¡°Pull yourselves together! We¡¯ll be safe after passing through the Phoenix Roost Gorge!¡± Deacon Qi roared. Just yesterday, he had received a pigeon post from the Xu n that they would reinforce him with an expert to ensure their safety. This was why he had dared to lead the team through treacherous Gorge. But even he didn¡¯t know who wasing; the patriarch had been tight-lipped on the matter.


    The fifteen guards drew their weapons, guarding both sides of the carriers. Failure was not an option as they transported ten carriages of Iris Gold Ores, valuing over a few million gold coins.


    As they entered the Phoenix Roost Gorge an hourter, Deacon Qi ordered the carriers to maintain a safe distance from one another. Too close, and chaos could ensue; each carriage kept a gap of roughly ten meters, allowing for quick response and order in the event of an emergency. The canyon stretched for a thousand meters, and it would take the team about ten minutes to traverse it.


    When they safely made it halfway through the canyon, Deacon Qi and the guards heaved a sigh of relief because this was a sign that the experts dispatched by Xu n had cleared up the obstacles on the road.


    Just as the team began to rx, a hail of arrows rained down upon them.


    ¡°Ambush! Prepare to fight!¡± cried Deacon Qi. The guards sprang into action, grabbing shields from the carriages and raising them to block the deadly barrage. In moments, the ground was littered with arrows, a clear sign that their attackers were numerous.


    Fifty ck-clothed men dashed out from both sides of the Phoenix Roost Gorge, trapping the Xu n¡¯s transportation team at the canyon''s center.


    ¡°Listen up, Xu n!¡± bellowed a burly man, his aura radiating power in the Spirit Cleansing Realm. ¡°Lay down your weapons, and we may spare your lives! Resist, and we will show no mercy!¡± Deacon Qi¡¯s face paled at the sight; they had never faced an opponent of this caliber before.


    ¡°Deacon Qi, what should we do now?¡± The Xu n¡¯s guards panicked. Deacon Qi was the strongest among them; it was up to him to decide whether they should surrender or fight.


    Some guards were hired by the Xu n, and there was no need for them to risk their lives for the Xu n. In the worst scenario, they could leave Azure Billow City and seek another livelihood elsewhere.


    But some of the guards remained steadfast in their loyalty to the Xu n despite the danger. Their families lived in Azure Billow City, under the protection of the n. What would happen to them if they surrendered now? With anxious eyes, they turned to Deacon Qi, awaiting his orders.


    ¡°Prepare to break through the encirclement!¡± Deacon Qi ordered. The patriarch had sent him a pigeon post about reinforcements, and they could be lurking in the shadows, ready to strike.


    Upon receiving the order, the fifteen guards formed a tight circle, minimizing their exposure as much as possible. But the foals became restless, wanting to break free from the rope and escape.


    The ck-clothed men raised their crossbows, aiming at the beleaguered guards. These were no ordinary weapons; ck crossbows were powerful tools of war, rarely seen outside of military use. A single bolt could pierce the body of a ninth-level Houtian Realm cultivator with ease, and even those in the Xiantian Realm were not safe if caught off guard.


    ¡°Who are you?¡± demanded Deacon Qi, his face darkening. ¡°Why do you wield the military crossbows of the Great Yan Dynasty?¡± The identity of their attackers was no longer a simple matter. Could they have been sent by the Tian and Wan ns? It seemed unlikely that they could have acquired such weapons on their own. Deacon Qi began to suspect that there was more at y here than met the eye.


    ¡°I initially nned on crippling you, leaving your fate to heaven,¡± sneered the ck-d leader, ¡°but since you recognized our crossbows, I have no choice but to silence you all.¡± He raised his hand and the sound of crossbows being cocked filled the air.


    But just as the battle was about to begin, a cold wind swept through the canyon, dislodging gravel from the cliffs above.


    From the heights came the sound of mocking apuse. A young man sat perched on the trunk of a crooked tree growing from the cliff face, watching the scene below with interest. It was rare for such trees to take root on the sheer rock, their hold precarious at best.


    The apuse made the ck-clothed men freeze because they failed to notice that there was someone else around them.


    But when the Xu n¡¯s guards raised their heads to look at the young man seated on the tree, the corner of their lips twitched, and they couldn¡¯t help revealing a wry smile.


    ¡°Deacon Qi, surely this isn¡¯t the ¡®expert¡¯ the patriarch promised to send us?¡± sneered one of the guards, eyeing the young man on the cliff with disdain. Despite Liu Wuxie¡¯s recent rise in status within the Xu n, he was still considered little more than garbage by the guards.


    Deacon Qi¡¯s brow furrowed, unsure of how to respond. The patriarch had not mentioned who would being to their aid, and his heart sank at the sight of Liu Wuxie.


    A ck-d figure approached their leader, whispering something in his ear. The leader¡¯s eyes widened in surprise.


    ¡°You¡¯re the Xu n¡¯s son-inw?¡± he said coldly, gesturing for his men to aim their bows at Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Interesting...the Great Yan Dynasty¡¯s Terrabreak Army hase to rob the Xu n¡¯s Iris Gold Mine. What a sight to behold.¡± Liu Wuxie crossed his arms, a cold smile on his lips. The Terrabreak Army was renowned for their fighting prowess, but they rarely appeared in public, tasked with guarding the borders. Few knew of their existence.


    As Liu Wuxie spoke, a wave of murderous intent emanated from the ck-d figures. Only soldiers who had seen battle could project such a fearsome aura.


    The mention of the Terrabreak Army sent shivers down the spines of the guards, their legs trembling with fear. One even copsed to the ground, his face pale. The Terrabreak Army was a symbol of invincibility; their small band stood no chance against such a formidable foe.


    ¡°Not bad, recognizing us as members of the Terrabreak Army,¡± sneered the ck-d leader. ¡°But do you realize that, now that you¡¯ve seen through our disguise, you must all die?¡± No one couldmand the Terrabreak Army; if word of their involvement in Azure Billow City reached the generals, they would face severe punishment.


    The words of the ck-clothed leader were filled with a powerful murderous intent that enveloped the entire Phoenix Roost Gorge. The entrance and exit of the canyon were blocked, and everyone there had to die.


    ¡°Tell me, who sent you here? If you tell me, I can consider sparing your lives.¡± Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t want to offend the Terrabreak Army if possible. The Terrabreak Army was the Great Yan Dynasty¡¯s elite troops. But if they had to fight, he would have to ensure their deaths to silence them.


    ¡°Hahaha!¡± The ck-clothed leaderughed while the Xu n¡¯s guards cried inwardly.


    ¡°Young Master, please stop adding fuel to the fire and find a way to escape quickly!¡± pleaded Deacon Qi, tears welling up in his eyes. If Liu Wuxie hadn¡¯t been there, the guards could have fought to the death against the Terrabreak Army. But if he were to fall, they would have no way to exin their failure to the patriarch, even if they survived.


    ¡°Escape?¡± Liu Wuxie was baffled, but he still felt warmth in his heart. He knew that Deacon Qi was urging him to escape for his sake. ¡°Why should I flee when I¡¯m here to save you?¡± With those words, he stood and leaped from the cliff, his hand on the hilt of his de.


    ¡°Kill him!¡± The ck-clothed leader ordered, and all fifty crossbows were aimed at Liu Wuxie. If Liu Wuxie were struck, he would be turned into a porcupine.


    The Terrabreak Army was known for its ruthlessness and decisiveness, sweeping away threats at the borders of the Great Yan Dynasty with deadly efficiency. As they unleashed their volley, arrows filled the air, leaving Liu Wuxie no room to dodge.


    ¡°Since you seek death, I will grant your wish!¡± Liu Wuxie leaped down like a hawk, descending rapidly, and drew his de at the iing arrows. He unleashed a bizarre red curtain of aura, slicing the iing arrows into two as they fell from the sky.


    Deacon Qi closed his eyes when the ck-clothed men fired their crossbows. This was because he didn¡¯t think anyone could dodge such densely packed arrows and couldn¡¯t bear to see Liu Wuxie turned into a porcupine.


    As more arrows were destroyed, Liu Wuxie swung his de before hended on the ground, unleashing a suffocating aura that enveloped the entire Phoenix Roost Gorge.


    ¡°Momentous Gleam!¡± Liu Wuxie unleashed the strongest attack of the Blood Gleam de Art, whichbined all seven sword forms, and his de aura was like blood gushing to the surroundings.


    ¡°Shit!¡± The ck-clothed leader noticed something wasn¡¯t right because Liu Wuxie¡¯s attack wasparable to the pinnacle of the Xiantian Realm. But how was that possible? They were told that Xu n¡¯s son-inw was a piece of trash.


    The Xu n¡¯s guards were equally stunned, their eyes bulging with shock. They had never imagined that the young master they had so often looked down upon could be so powerful. Those who had mocked him in the past felt a chill run down their spines.


    Deacon Qi finally understood why the patriarch had not revealed who would being to their aid. Who would have believed that it was Liu Wuxie?


    But before anyone could fully process this revtion, Liu Wuxie¡¯s de swept across the horizon, sending rocks and debris flying through the air.


    Blood sprayed across the cliffs, painting them red like some macabre flower garden. With a single stroke of his de, Liu Wuxie had beheaded ten of his attackers, their bodies falling to the ground amidst a sickening stench of blood.


    In that moment, the cold wind that had swept through the Phoenix Roost Gorge died away, leaving an eerie silence in its wake.

 Chapter 36 - Ghost Eye鈥檚 Might

    <h4>Chapter 36 - Ghost Eye¡¯s Might</h4>


    The tip of Liu Wuxie¡¯s de dripped with blood, each drop painting a crimson flower on the ground.


    Everyone gasped, their eyes wide with disbelief. Even the weakest of the ck-d attackers were in the Xiantian Realm; the Terrabreak Army epted only the best, an invincible force of elite warriors who had never met their match.


    But now, Liu Wuxie had shown them that even the Xiantian Realm was not invincible. What did it matter if they wielded crossbows? With his Ghost Eye, he could easily track the trajectory of every arrow.


    Deacon Qi¡¯s chest heaved, his eyes nearly popping from their sockets. He rubbed them vigorously, wondering if he was seeing things. But the corpses on the ground told him that it was all too real.


    The Xu n¡¯s guards clutched their weapons tightly, their clothes soaked in sweat. A gentle breeze blew past, making them shiver.


    ¡°Good! snarled the ck-clothed leader. ¡°I didn¡¯t want to dirty my hands, killing a piece of garbage like you. But now, I¡¯ll make you suffer worse than death, and the Xu n will be buried with you!¡± The loss of ten soldiers was a heavy blow; he would have to answer for their deaths when he returned. Killing Liu Wuxie alone would not be enough to quell his rage; the entire Xu n had to pay.


    The ck-clothed leader¡¯s eyes reflected a crimson radiance, and his murderous intent was suffocating. His aura began to rise to the third level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm. In the Terrabreak Army, someone with his cultivation could attain the position of a 1000-Man Commander.


    ¡°Young Master, run! We¡¯ll hold them off!¡± cried Deacon Qi, determined to keep the ck-clothed leader at bay so that Liu Wuxie could escape.


    ¡°None of you will leave this ce alive!¡± snarled the leader, ordering his remaining forty soldiers to attack. Their Xiantian Realm aura descended like a massive cage, causing the horses to scream in terror and break free from their ropes, fleeing from the overwhelming murderous intent.


    ¡°Deacon Qi, protect the guards! Leave these people to me!¡± shouted Liu Wuxie, charging into the fray like aet. His de moved so fast that no one could follow its path, sending gravel flying through the air with each swing and mming against the cliffs on both sides.


    Deacon Qi was briefly stunned before he released his cultivation and stood with the fifteen guards, ready to fight any moment.


    The ck-clothed leader didn¡¯t move and merely stood there. But his brows furrowed deeper as he watched the fight between Liu Wuxie and his subordinates.


    Blood sshed whenever Liu Wuxie swung his sword, and the ck-clothed men began to fall one by one. As the soldiers faced their impending doom, their eyes were filled with a sense of hopelessness and despair.


    It seemed as though the soldiers were throwing themselves onto Liu Wuxie¡¯s sword, rather than him killing them. Like moths to a me, they met their end.


    The Xu n¡¯s guards trembled as they watched, not in fear of the soldiers, but in awe of Liu Wuxie¡¯s strength. A chill ran down their spines; such power was not that of a mere mortal, but of a god.


    As the death toll rose, a powerful suction emanated from the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron within Liu Wuxie¡¯s dantian. With each thrust of his de, his enemies withered away, their essence drained.


    A drop of liquid emerged from the cauldron and flowed into his dantian, unleashing a violent burst of energy.


    ¡°Everything in the world can be devoured and refined...it works with human cultivators as well?!¡± A hint of madness shed in Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes. If he killed all these people, he should be able to umte enough mysterious liquid to reach the third level of the Xiantian Realm.


    This scene left everyone present horrified, including the ck-clothed leader. After all, only evil creatures would devour a human¡¯s blood essence.


    ¡°I-Is the Young Master a man or a demon?!¡± cried the Xu n¡¯s guards, their faces twisted in horror. Only demons consumed human flesh; what Liu Wuxie had done was no different. In an instant, a living person was reduced to nothing but skin and bones, a sight that filled them with revulsion.


    ¡°Bullshit. Deacon Qi pped the guard who had spoken, scolding him for his foolishness. Liu Wuxie was standing right before them; how could he not be human? The Demon n was easily recognizable at a nce.


    As the massacre continued, Liu Wuxie spun and vanished from their sight. He moved with the Seven Dipper Steps, his speed pushed to the limit, and three copies of him appeared, attacking from different directions.


    In just three breaths¡¯ time, over thirty soldiers had fallen, leaving only a handful remaining. Seeing this, the ck-clothed leader finally sprang into action, reaching out to grab Liu Wuxie by the neck. He was fast with his cultivation in the Spirit Cleansing Realm.


    ¡°Boy, I¡¯ll turn you into ashes and bury everyone in the Xu n with you! I¡¯ll kill all men and send the women to the brothel!¡± the ck-clothed leader said with his teeth gritted.


    When he said that, Liu Wuxie suddenly stopped and said indifferently, ¡°You have sessfully enraged me, and I will let you know what¡¯s worse than death!¡±


    The ck-clothed leader had crossed Liu Wuxie¡¯s bottom line, and as a consequence, Liu Wuxie would kill him. Liu Wuxie had long considered the Xu n as his family. Xu Yilin had raised and treated him like a son, and he would never forget the kindness they had shown him.


    The ck-clothed leader¡¯s words triggered Liu Wuxie¡¯s murderous intent, and he looked like a fiendgod who came from hell. He ignored the other soldiers and turned into an afterimage, dashing at the ck-clothed leader. He swung his de down at the ck-clothed leader without any fancy tricks.


    The ck-clothed leader''s expression changed when facing the towering aura from Liu Wuxie. When they were ten meters from each other, they shed in the next second.


    The ck-clothed leader¡¯s palm knocked Liu Wuxie¡¯s de away, and the shockwave released a ripple. It nearly overturned the carriages on both sides. Liu Wuxie was pushed back ten meters from the rebound force, drawing two lines on the ground.


    The ck-clothed leader narrowed his eyes. He had used 70% of his strength in that attack, but it was more than enough to kill someone in the pinnacle of the Xiantian Realm.


    A devilish smile yed at the corners of Liu Wuxie¡¯s lips as he shook his hand. An opponent at the third level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm was hardly worth his attention.


    Liu Wuxie and the ck-clothed leader faced off, their eyes zing with fighting spirits.


    ¡°You have surprised me,¡± said the leader, taking a deep breath to calm his raging heart. ¡°How can you match the strength of the Spirit Cleansing Realm when you are only at the second level of the Xiantian Realm?¡± They were already mortal enemies; there was no turning back now.


    It wasn¡¯t surprising for one to fight someone with a higher cultivation than them. Someone who practiced a powerful cultivation technique or profound martial techniques could achieve it. But fighting someone with a realm¡¯s difference was utterly different. After all, it was heaven-defying enough if one could fight those who were two levels above. So how did Liu Wuxie manage to do that?


    Even the guards of the Xu n were taken aback. In their minds, Liu Wuxie was nothing more than a wastrel and a good-for-nothing. But if he was considered as such, then they would be even lower than that.


    ¡°How can a frog in the well possibly know how radiant the moon is?¡± Liu Wuxie sneered as a powerful force erupted from his feet. Propelled by the momentum, his body shot forward like a hurricane, his de appearing three meters away from the leader in ck.


    ¡°Bah, it doesn¡¯t matter. I will personally get the answer from your mouth!¡± The ck-clothed leader extended his palms, emanating a chilling aura. This was a formidable palm technique he had mastered.


    A thunderous boom echoed when the ck-clothed leader and Liu Wuxie shed. When they separated again, all the rocks on the ground had disappeared, with blood dripping down the leader¡¯s right arm.


    ¡°His de is really fast!¡± Even his defensive true essence at the Spirit Cleansing Realm was easily torn apart by Liu Wuxie¡¯s attack. Not only was Liu Wuxie¡¯s de fast, but his techniques were bizarre with unpredictable strength.


    Blood also dripped down from Liu Wuxie¡¯s lips. Though he had managed to injure the ck-clothed leader, he did not emerge unscathed, having taken a palm strike to his chest that disrupted the flow of his internal energy. It was only due to his formidable physique that he survived; anyone else would have perished.


    When Liu Wuxie circted the Deste Devouring Art, spiritual energy poured into his body, turning the corpses on the ground into pieces of skins. The essence in their bodies was converted into a mysterious liquid in the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron in his dantian. The disruption settled as the mysterious liquid flowed throughout his body, and the aura Liu Wuxie gave off became even stronger.


    This made the ck-clothed leader¡¯s face change. What cultivation technique did Liu Wuxie practice to devour spiritual energy at such a terrifying speed?


    ¡°You¡¯re a demon!¡± The ck-clothed leader roared as he dashed towards Liu Wuxie. He couldn¡¯t allow him to continue devouring spiritual energy; he knew that if Liu Wuxie persisted, he would surely meet his end.


    For someone in the Spirit Cleansing Realm to be forced to this point by someone in the Xiantian Realm was enough to shock the entire Great Yan Dynasty. The remaining soldiers also trembled in fear as they looked at theirpanions turned into pieces of skin.


    They had experienced countless cruel matters in the world throughout the years on the battlefield, but this scene was beyond theirprehension.


    Taking a deep breath, Liu Wuxie¡¯s right eye began to change. The depth of his pupil gave off a bizarre luster, and no one could notice it if they didn¡¯t take a closer look. Liu Wuxie executed the Ghost Eye to end the battle immediately to avoid any unexpected issues.


    The ck-clothed leader¡¯s body trembled as though he was locked on by a mysterious power that immobilized him. He couldn¡¯t help looking at Liu Wuxie because this was too weird. It couldn¡¯t be seen or touched, and he couldn¡¯t sense if the restriction existed.


    A powerful wave of soul energy flowed from Liu Wuxie¡¯s soul sea into his right eye through the veins. As Liu Wuxie¡¯s gaze fell on the ck-clothed leader, thetter instantly knew that he made a huge mistake and finally figured out where this mysterious power came from.


    Seeing that the situation wasn¡¯t right, the ck-clothed leader immediately closed his eyes and stepped back, but it was already toote for him.


    A blood-curdling scream escaped the ck-clothed leader as his eyeballs burst. Clutching his head, he howled in agony. In his thrashing, he struck a nearby soldier, reducing him to shreds.


    This turn of events caught everyone off guard, including the guards of the Xu n. After all, the ck-clothed leader had suddenly let out a scream without any apparent physical contact with Liu Wuxie, and now his eye sockets were empty, a gruesome sight to behold.


    Only Liu Wuxie knew that his soul energy attack had pierced through the ck-clothed leader¡¯s soul sea, damaging it. He wouldn¡¯t be able to recover from these injuries anytime soon, and he was in a state of chaos.


    Seizing this opportunity, Liu Wuxie vanished and stabbed his de into the ck-clothed leader¡¯s dantian. Liu Wuxie still had a lot of information he wanted to get out of this man, and the ck-clothed leader couldn¡¯t die yet.

 Chapter 37 - Conspiracy

    <h4>Chapter 37 - Conspiracy</h4>


    The ck-clothed leader crumpled to the ground, powerless, as the de pierced his dantian.


    Liu Wuxie was immediately ovee with intense dizziness because of using Ghost Eye. His soul sea had been greatly depleted and was on the brink of copse. ¡°Deacon Qi, finish them off quickly!¡± Liu Wuxie shouted.


    After facing the ck-clothed leader, Liu Wuxie had already reached his limit and could barely maintain hisposure. As the strange luster in his right pupil became dim, Liu Wuxie closed his eyes to recover.


    The remaining four soldiers were so shocked that they forgot to escape. They couldn¡¯t believe that theirmander was defeated by Liu Wuxie, who was only in the Xiantian Realm.


    Deacon Qi recovered from his shock and stepped forth with his de, catching the remaining soldiers by surprise and killing three with one strike. Thest remaining soldier managed to escape.


    ¡°Where do you think you¡¯re running to!¡± It would be a nightmare for the Xu n if one of them escaped, and they had to silence everyone. After all, the imperial court would pursue every death of a soldier from the Terrabreak Army.


    Deacon Qi hurled his de, impaling the fleeing soldier to the ground. The soldier had only made it ten steps before the de pierced his body, causing blood to gush from his wound and stain the carriages of Iris Gold Ores red. With all the soldiers now in, Deacon Qi¡¯s face still bore traces of fear as he retrieved his de and approached Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Young Master, are you alright?¡± Deacon Qi¡¯s tone was respectful. He changed his attitude towards Liu Wuxie, even offering him a deep bow.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine. I¡¯ll be alright after some resting. Clean up the battlefield quickly and erase all traces.¡±


    The fifteen guards swiftly fetched fresh water to wash away the bloodstains on the cliffs. It took them two hours to restore Phoenix Gorge Peak to its original state, leaving no trace behind. A few guards went to the canyon''s entrance to find the two escaped fouls and brought them back, tying them to the carriage.


    As for the corpses of the Terrabreak Army¡¯s soldiers, they were incinerated to ashes. Only themander remained, kneeling on the ground.


    ¡°Boy, you¡¯re doomed! After killing soldiers of the Terrabreak Army, even if you flee to the end of the earth, you will have nowhere to hide. Just wash your neck clean and wait to be beheaded.¡± The ck-clothed leader tore off his mask, revealing the face of a bearded middle-aged man. He looked ferocious and let out sinisterughter.


    After two hours of recovery, Liu Wuxie¡¯s soul sea was fully restored. He opened his eyes and looked at the ck-clothed leader without a hint of emotion in his eyes.


    ¡°You make it sound like you would spare our Xu n if we were to spare your lives,¡± Liu Wuxie sneered. It was strange that soldiers of the Terrabreak Army were present, and they would naturally try to silence any witnesses. The only way to eliminate any evidence of their presence in Azure Billow City was to eradicate the Xu n.


    Liu Wuxie unsheathed his de and approached the ck-clothed leader, cing it on his neck. His dantian was destroyed, and he was no different from an ordinary person.


    ¡°You¡¯re right. But your Xu n is doomed for offending the Terrabreak Army. Not even the current Emperor can protect you!¡± The ck-clothed leader let out a sinisterughter. As Liu Wuxie had surmised, they hade to seize the Xu n¡¯s Iris Gold Mine and destroy the n, ensuring that no one knew of their presence.


    Song Tianhao hadn¡¯t been entirely truthful. He must have known that soldiers of the Terrabreak Army had arrived, but he didn¡¯t dare reveal their existence for fear of being implicated. He had only told Liu Wuxie that someone hade to Azure Billow City.


    ¡°Tell me, what¡¯s your name, and who sent you here?¡± Liu Wuxie questioned coldly. It was weird that the Terrabreak Army got involved in a dispute between ns, especially risking being punished for ambushing the Xu n. So there must be someone behind them.


    ¡°Young man, you¡¯re wasting your time. Soldiers of the Terrabreak Army like myself undergo rigorous training, and you can forget about extracting any information from me.¡± The ck-clothed leader spat on the ground and showed no regard for Liu Wuxie. In his eyes, Liu Wuxie had only managed to defeat him by resorting to some nefarious sorcery; if they were to engage in a direct confrontation, Liu Wuxie would have been the one to fall.


    The fifteen guards of the Xu n were scattered in the surrounding area, with some even stationed at the entrance to prevent anyone from entering the canyon.


    ¡°Young Master, I¡¯ve heard that soldiers of the Terrabreak Army undergo the most grueling training, including a section specifically designed to ensure that they cannot be interrogated by their enemies. They are subjected to torture, and any who fail to keep their lips sealed face military punishment.¡± Deacon Qi approached, frowning. The Terrabreak Army was renowned for its strictness.


    When the ck-clothed leader heard what Deacon Qi said, he had pride on his face. Anyone who could join the Terrabreak Army was highly talented.


    ¡°Is that so? Let me see how tight your lips are then!¡± Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t release any overwhelming aura, and he merely sheathed his de before walking to the ck-clothed leader¡¯s back.


    For some reason, the ck-clothed leader shuddered when Liu Wuxie came behind him. After all, Liu Wuxie was too unpredictable, and he didn¡¯t know what Liu Wuxie was trying to do.


    ¡°I can let you leave if you canst ten breaths.¡± As Liu Wuxie spoke, his right hand fell on the ck-clothed leader¡¯s neck, and a peculiar light drilled into thetter¡¯s body. Shortly after, the ck-clothed leader began to tremble.


    ¡°ARGGGGGHHHH!¡± The ck-clothed leader let out a shriek before he could even take a breath. This scared Deacon Qi, and he wondered what Liu Wuxie did. After all, the ck-clothed leader¡¯s facial expression had be distorted from the pain.


    The Xu n¡¯s guards looked over in their direction fearfully, and they didn¡¯t dare to get close. The ck-clothed leader¡¯s scream made their hair stand on end.


    ¡°Young Master, what did you do to him?¡± Deacon Qi¡¯s legs trembled as he looked at the ck-clothed leader¡¯s body twisted into a ball with crisp crackling soundsing from his bones. The ck-clothed leader¡¯s kneecap was bent upwards, which made him look like a deformed monster.


    ¡°The Paralysis Hand and Myriad Stinging Art,¡± Liu Wuxie said indifferently, as though he was saying something casual.


    It wasn¡¯t hard toprehend what the two techniques meant, but were they really that painful? As a matter of fact, this was on a whole new levelpared to torturing interrogation.


    ¡°I¡¯ll confess! I¡¯ll confess! Just spare me!¡± In just five breaths, the ck-clothed leader struggled to say those words. This was because the pain he was experiencing was unbearable, originating from the depths of his soul rather than his physical body.


    Soldiers of the Terrabreak Army underwent training to endure physical torture, and they could grit their teeth and bear it. But the Myriad Stinging technique was on a whole different level. The pain would prate the mind, causing suffering worse than death.


    When Liu Wuxie had said ten breaths, he had overestimated the ck-clothed leader. The soldiers of the Terrabreak Army weren¡¯t as formidable as he had thought. Liu Wuxie patted the leader¡¯s back a few times, and the pain gradually subsided. The leader¡¯s clothes were drenched in sweat, as if he had just been pulled out of water.


    ¡°You¡¯re not a human! You must be a devil! A monster!¡± The ck-clothed leader¡¯s face was covered in fear, with his body trembling.


    Deacon Qi nodded in agreement with the ck-clothed leader. Such a heaven-defying technique was simply unheard of, and Liu Wuxie was no different from a devil at this moment.


    ¡°Go on. Tell me, who sent you here?¡± Liu Wuxie shifted a rock over and sat on it. He wasn¡¯t in a hurry because no one usually passed by this canyon.


    ¡°My name is Zhou Hu, a 1000-Man Commander of the Terrabreak Army¡¯s Heaven Battalion. A few days ago, I passed through Azure Billow City and paid a visit to the City Lord Mansion. By chance, the patriarchs of Tian and Wan ns were there, discussing the recent events in Azure Billow City,¡± Zhou Hu revealed.


    As Liu Wuxie had spected, this had something to do with the Tian and Wan ns. But he never expected that the City Lord Mansion was also involved.


    ¡°Given the high status of the Terrabreak Army, how could the Tian and Wan ns order you to do their bidding?¡± This was what puzzled Liu Wuxie the most. After all, the Terrabreak Army had no quarrel with the Xu n, so why would they risk getting into trouble? If word of this were to spread to the Great Yan Dynasty, they would be in deep trouble.


    ¡°The City Lord used to be a soldier of the Terrabreak Army, and we¡¯rerades with a deep rtionship. I was here for business and visited an old friend, running into this matter coincidentally. Qi Enshi mentioned the current situation of Azure Billow City and asked me for a favor. We just have to scare the Xu n and seize some resources. We didn¡¯t even n on hurting anyone initially.¡± Zhou Hu didn¡¯t dare to hide a single thing and came clean.


    ¡°So, you guys were the ones who robbed the goods a few days ago?¡± Liu Wuxie asked. The Xu n¡¯s goods were robbed a few days ago, losing ten-odd guards. But the entire transportation team wasn¡¯t wiped out.


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°Then why did you attempt to kill everyone today when you only robbed our goods a few days ago?¡± Liu Wuxie pressed. The Terrabreak Army had intended to kill everyone present, and their motives were not as simple as mere robbery.


    ¡°That¡¯s because we got greedy. The Tian and Wan ns offered us 10,000,000 gold coins to do their bidding and ensure that no one knew of the Terrabreak Army¡¯s involvement. I lost arge sum of gold coins in the Imperial Capitalst month, so I agreed to their proposal since I was in need of money,¡± Zhou Hu admitted.


    They hadn¡¯t used their crossbows when they robbed the goods a few days ago, and not many people were aware of their involvement. They had nned to stop there until the Tian and Wan ns appeared, offering them 10,000,000 gold coins to do their bidding.


    ¡°Why did the Tian and Wan ns hire you to target my Xu n instead of sending someone else to intercept us?¡± It was a considerable sum to spend 10,000,000 gold coins to hire the Terrabreak Army. With that amount of money, they could have hired a hundred thousand mercenaries to guard the area; there was no need to involve the Terrabreak Army.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure about that, but I heard they have something more important to attend to.¡± Zhou Hu only knew so much. He just wanted to make some money and almost lost his life.


    As expected, the two ns were trying to lure Xu Yilin away from the Xu n. When Xu Yilin entered the Sunset Mountain Range, they could take the opportunity to seize the Xu n¡¯s assets, and it was a seamless n.


    ¡°I never expected a 1000-Man Commander of the Terrabreak Army to be as foolish as a pig. You don¡¯t even realize that you¡¯re being used. If I¡¯m not mistaken, you must have evidence of Qi Enshi¡¯s shady dealings, right?¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s face twisted with contempt.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s words caused the ck-clothed leader to react as if he had been struck by lightning. He suddenly stood up, facing Liu Wuxie with a look of horror, as it further proved that Liu Wuxie was a monster.


    ¡°H-How did you know about that?¡± Zhou Hu stammered, his face contorted with fear.


    Deacon Qi was puzzled, wondering how Liu Wuxie could know so much and deduce so many things from a single event.


    ¡°It¡¯s simple. Since you and Qi Enshi arerades, I find it hard to believe that the soldiers of the Terrabreak Army arepletely clean; he must have done something shady. Am I right?¡± Liu Wuxie said. Zhou Hu nodded, for the Terrabreak Army had a fearsome reputation, and who could guarantee that they had never harmed innocent people?


    ¡°You imed to havee here to visit your friend, but in reality, you probably intended to ckmail Qi Enshi since you mentioned earlier that you had lost a lot of money. He would have tried to cate you at first, telling you that you had to do something for him if you wanted the money, which was to rob the Xu n¡¯s goods. So you agreed to it.¡±


    Zhou Hu¡¯s mouth hung open as he listened to Liu Wuxie¡¯s words,pletely stunned.

 Chapter 38 - Conspiracy:Two Birds With One Stone

    <h4>Chapter 38 - Conspiracy:Two Birds With One Stone</h4>


    ¡°H-How do you know about it?!¡± Zhou Hu looked terrified. He was lying earlier because he didn¡¯t want to implicate the City Lord Mansion in this matter. But Liu Wuxie¡¯s wordspletely shattered that notion when he revealed that Qi Enshi was merely using him. He had never mentioned borrowing money and Qi Enshi¡¯s promise to help him raise a sum of gold coins.


    ¡°It¡¯s quite simple to deduce. The Terrabreak Army seldom leaves their barracks, let alone visit a tiny city like Azure Billow City. It also makes no sense for a mere 1000-Man Commander to visit a City Lord. So it¡¯s pretty obvious that you lied. You must have evidence against Qi Enshi, and he wouldn¡¯t dare to offend the Terrabreak Army. The only solution was to use us to eliminate you by luring you to the Phoenix Roost Gorge. You would have killed the Xu n¡¯s guards, and my father-inw would have killed you in return. That way, even if the news of the Terrabreak Army¡¯s soldiers being killed were to spread, it had nothing to do with the City Lord Mansion and the Xu n would be med.¡±


    Robbing the Xu n¡¯s goods twice without killing everyone was meant to make the Xu n take the matter seriously and lure them in step by step. With no raw materials, Xu Yilin would naturally be worried because the Xu n couldn¡¯t open their weaponry workshops. Right then, the Tian and Wan ns stepped in, offering 10,000,000 gold coins to do their bidding. This was a perfect n for killing two birds with one stone.


    After all, how could Qi Enshi, as a City Lord, tolerate being coerced by someone? But he didn¡¯t dare to openly do anything to Zhou Hu, even though thetter wasn¡¯t as high-ranking as him. Zhou Hu was a 1000-Man Commander, and Qi Enshi could only use the Xu n to get rid of him. Clearly, the City Lord Mansion was the mastermind behind all of this. Although Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t participate in the scheming, his analysis was down to details.


    ¡°Qi Enshi, I treated you like a brother, and you tried to get rid of me? I helped you conceal what you did two decades ago! I didn¡¯t expect you to be so ruthless!¡± Zhou Hu no longer harbored any hatred towards Liu Wuxie. This had all been orchestrated by Qi Enshi, and Liu Wuxie was also a victim.


    ¡°What did Qi Enshi do back then, and what¡¯s the evidence you have in your hands?¡± Liu Wuxie asked. This might be useful in coercing the City Lord Mansion to stand with the Xu n in a crucial moment.


    Hearing Liu Wuxie¡¯s question, Zhou Hu¡¯s facial expression became sinister. His eyes were blind, but blood flowed from his eye sockets, making him look terrifying.


    ¡°Twenty-five years ago, we did a mission together. When we passed a small town, Qi Enshi took a fancy to a beautiful woman, raping her before killing her. He even ughtered the entire town to silence everyone, killing more than ten thousand people and disguising it as a demonic beast attack.¡± Zhou Hu gritted his teeth upon mentioning this matter. Back then, Qi Enshi had begged him for a few days and even bribed him with gold coins to shut his mouth.


    Over the next few years, Qi Enshi would give some gold coins to Zhou Hu to spend at regr intervals.


    Qi Enshi was a talented individual who had risen from the ranks of a lowly soldier to be a City Lord. Zhou Hu, aware of his inferior status, didn¡¯t bring it up again. Not long ago, he had embezzled funds from the Terrabreak Army and lost 10,000,000 gold coins. The money was intended for military expenses, and the consequences would be dire if he couldn¡¯t repay it.


    Zhou Hu eventually turned to Qi Enshi for help. As a City Lord, Qi Enshi must have been wealthy, so Zhou Hu hoped to borrow 10,000,000 gold coins from him to bnce the ounts before finding other means to repay the debt.


    ¡°If you have no evidence, Qi Enshi can simply deny everything even if you expose him. After all, so many years have passed, and there shouldn¡¯t be any evidence left in the town,¡± Liu Wuxie pointed out. It had been over twenty years, so how many people could still remember what happened in the town back then?


    ¡°I deliberately paid attention to it back then. I made a copy of the town¡¯s poption file. I mentioned it to him when I came to Azure Billow City, but he didn¡¯t believe it initially. After all, the entire town was erased. But when I showed him a portion of the records, he calmly reassured me that he would help me bnce the ounts. So it turns out that he was nning to kill me all along!¡± Zhou Hu¡¯s face twisted with rage as he realized that he had been yed by Qi Enshi from the very beginning.


    ¡°Where are the files hidden now?¡± The files were equivalent to controlling Qi Enshi, forcing thetter to obey.


    ¡°Can you spare me if I tell you?¡± Zhou Hu looked at Liu Wuxie with his empty eye sockets.


    ¡°I can¡¯t do that,¡± Liu Wuxie replied. He couldn¡¯t afford the news about the killing of the Terrabreak Army to leak.


    Zhou Hu¡¯s body trembled, and he wore a wry smile. He would probably do the same thing if he were in the same position as Liu Wuxie. After all, this was the safest way to prevent any troubles in the future.


    ¡°I can tell you where the files are hidden, but you must agree to one condition. Otherwise, I would rather bite my tongue and die than reveal their location!¡± Zhou Hu was disheartened. In his current state, he had nowhere to go, even if he could leave. He had lost his cultivation and eyesight; he was no different than garbage now.


    ¡°Go on. What¡¯s your condition?¡± Deacon Qi had already left because too many secrets were involved in this conversation. He stood at a distance to ensure that Liu Wuxie and Zhou Hu¡¯s conversation wouldn¡¯t be overheard.


    ¡°Help me kill Qi Enshi to avenge me!¡± Veins bulged on Zhou Hu¡¯s forehead as he thought of Qi Enshi¡¯s treachery.


    ¡°I can¡¯t promise you, but I will do my best. You should understand what I mean,¡± Liu Wuxie did not agree to it immediately. Zhou Hu wasn¡¯t stupid, and Liu Wuxie could tell that the City Lord Mansion had gotten involved. It was already impossible for the Xu n to extricate themselves from this situation, as a confrontation between the Xu n and the City Lord Mansion was inevitable.


    After the crisis facing the Xu n had been resolved, and the conspiracy of the Tian and Wan ns had failed, the disappearance of the Terrabreak Army would surely make Qi Enshi anxious. He would do everything in his power to find and destroy the records. This meant that the Xu n was the key to uncovering the truth. But Qi Enshi wouldn¡¯t dare to act openly and would instead resort to covert means to destroy the Xu n.


    ¡°You¡¯re strong, even by the standards of the Imperial City. Azure Billow City won¡¯t be able to contain you for long, and I believe you have what it takes to kill Qi Enshi. I brought three scrolls with me, and they¡¯re hidden in the B-tier courtyard of the Pleasure Inn. Once you enter the courtyard, remove the tenth brick, and you¡¯ll find the scrolls. The remaining records are hidden in my concubine¡¯s courtyard in the Imperial Capital,¡± Zhou Hu revealed, a look of destion crossing his face as he finished speaking.


    ¡°May you rest in peace,¡± Liu Wuxie said as he drew his de. Zhou Hu¡¯s body began to wither as his essence was absorbed, leaving behind only a pile of skin. His interspatial pouch fell to the ground.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s dantian rumbled, and he was one step away from reaching the third level of the Xiantian Realm. He left the rest to Deacon Qi to ensure no traces were left behind. When the Xu n¡¯s guards were gathered, they looked at Liu Wuxie with respect and a hint of fear in the depth of their eyes.


    ¡°I hope you can keep your mouths shut about what happened today. If anyone reveals anything, don¡¯t me me for being ruthless.¡± An overwhelming murderous intent swept out along with Liu Wuxie¡¯s words, enveloping the sixteen people, including Deacon Qi.


    Everyone had witnessed how Liu Wuxie interrogated Zhou Hu earlier. Even someone in the Spirit Cleansing Realm could only endure five breaths under his technique, and they probably wouldn¡¯t evenst for a single breath.


    ¡°Young Master, please feel assured. We won¡¯t reveal anything about what happened today.¡± Deacon Qi patted his chest, and the fifteen guards did the same.


    They knew better than anyone that killing soldiers of the Terrabreak Army was a grave crime. If word of what had transpired today were to get out, they would be executed, and their families, up to nine generations, would be killed. Only a fool would leak this information.


    The transportation team carried on their journey, leaving the Phoenix Roost Gorge. The remaining trip was safe, and they didn¡¯t get into trouble. Half a dayter, they finally saw the exit to the Sunset Mountain Range.


    ¡°Young Master, aren¡¯t youing with us?¡± Deacon Qi asked. They would reach Azure Billow City in half a day, and he didn¡¯t understand why Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t returning with them.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to the mine. The Tian and Wan ns must¡¯ve dispatched their men trying to seize the mine. You guys can deliver the ores to the weaponry workshop as soon as possible,¡± Liu Wuxie said, and he entered the Sunset Mountain Range, rushing to the Iris Gold Mine. He could only hope that nothing bad had happened there.


    <strong>......</strong>


    In the Tian n, the scouts have been keeping a close eye on the Xu n for the past few days. They saw how Xu Yilin left the Xu n¡¯s residence during the day and returned at night. They reported, ¡°Patriarch, Xu Yilin didn¡¯t leave Azure Billow City and is still guarding the Xu n, inspecting the five weaponry workshops daily.¡±


    ¡°Are they going to give up on the weaponry workshops?¡± Tian Qisha¡¯s face darkened. He had invested a great deal of effort into this n, hoping to lure Xu Yilin out of Azure Billow City. They had intended to use him to kill the Terrabreak Army while seizing the opportunity to take control of the Xu n¡¯s assets.


    ¡°Patriarch, bad news! The Xu n¡¯s transportation team has entered the city with ten carriages of Iris Gold Ores!¡± A scout rushed in to deliver the news, gasping for breath.


    ¡°That¡¯s impossible! Can it be that they failed?!¡± Tian Qisha muttered to himself before saying, ¡°Continue to watch the Xu n. I¡¯ll be going to the Wan n.¡±


    Tian Qisha stood up and quickly made his way to the Wan n.


    <strong>......</strong>


    When Liu Wuxie re-entered the Sunset Mountain Range, he sped to the Iris Gold Mine, which took about a day.


    The Tian n¡¯s party, which included the members of the Wan n, had been wandering aimlessly in the Sunset Mountain Range for the past day in search of Liu Wuxie. As they sat around a bonfire, their patience was wearing thin. ¡°Elder, where could he have gone? We¡¯ve searched the entire outskirts and found no trace of him,¡± one member said.


    The Tian n¡¯s elder entered the tent to rest, replying, ¡°No hurry. He won¡¯t be able to run away.¡± The others continued to patrol to prevent attacks from demonic beasts.


    Unbeknownst to them, a ck shadow was slowly approaching their campground, a sinister smile on his lips. ¡°You guys are too tender to kill me,¡± Liu Wuxie muttered. He had known someone was following him but had pretended not to notice. Now that he had dealt with the transportation team, it was time to confront these pursuers.


    The bonfire crackled loudly in the night. A patrolling disciple felt a chill around his neck as he turned around.

 Chapter 39 - Night of Massacre

    <h4>Chapter 39 - Night of Massacre</h4>


    The sky was dark, covered with thunderclouds. There was no moon, let alone stars, leaving the night pitch ck. The corpse turned into a piece of skin and gently fell to the ground without making any noise.


    Liu Wuxie tossed the skin into the bush and approached the campground like a ghost. The number of patrolling disciples began to decrease without anyone noticing, and only the sounds of crackling fire could be heard.


    ¡°Third...fifth...ninth...!¡± Liu Wuxie had eliminated nine patrolling disciples in just an hour, and the surrounding area was cleared.


    A disciple who hade out to empty his dder rubbed his sleepy eyes and called out to hispanions, ¡°Tian Hua, Tian Dong, where have you gone?¡± His voice was loud enough to wake the others.


    Two elders emerged from their tent, frowning as they looked around. There was no reply, making the situation even more mysterious. ¡°Elder, where have they gone? Could a demonic beast have intruded on the campground and eaten them?¡± the disciple asked, pulling up his pants.


    The darkness,bined with the rustling of the trees in the wind, created an eerie atmosphere. It was as if ghosts were wandering among them, sending chills down everyone¡¯s spines.


    ¡°There¡¯s no demonic beasts¡¯ aura in the surroundings,¡± said an elder. Demonic beasts were generallyrge and would cause amotion if they came.


    Suddenly, the Wan n¡¯s elder caught a faint whiff of blood on the breeze.


    ¡°There¡¯s been a sneak attack!¡± he roared. Everyone drew their weapons and formed a defensive circle. Twenty-odd people swiftly searched the surrounding area but found no traces of the missing patrolling disciples. Theck of any evidence made everyone¡¯s hair stand on end.


    ¡°Elder, could it be that ghosts have eaten them?¡± It was rumored that anyone eaten by ghosts wouldn¡¯t leave behind any corpses.


    The mention of ghosts sent shivers down the spines of the ordinary disciples, and they felt a chill pierce their bodies, raising goosebumps all over.


    The Tian n¡¯s Elder tried to prevent panic in the group. ¡°Don¡¯t spout nonsense,¡± he said firmly. ¡°There must be an expert somewhere nearby.¡±


    Hearing this, the others rxed a little and quickly got dressed. They decided to stay awake until dawn.


    The Wan n¡¯s elder called out, ¡°Whoever is out there, please show yourself. If we¡¯ve done anything wrong, let us apologize in person.¡± He wondered if they had intruded on someone¡¯s territory and hoped to resolve the situation peacefully.


    ¡°Apologize?¡± A cold voice echoed from the surroundings, but it was impossible to tell where the voice wasing from. Everyone¡¯s expression became grave.


    The Tian n¡¯s elder tried to provoke their hidden attacker. ¡°Come out and fight if you have the guts! What kind of man hides in the dark?!¡± he snorted.


    ¡°Your provocation means nothing to me,¡± Liu Wuxie replied. ¡°Starting now, I¡¯ll kill one of you every fifteen minutes until you¡¯re all dead.¡± He fell silent, ignoring their further attempts to provoke him. A gentle breeze blew through the campsite, causing the bonfire to flicker as the supply of firewood dwindled.


    With thest flicker, the bonfire died out and the camp was plunged into darkness. ¡°Elder, we¡¯re out of firewood,¡± someone said.


    ¡°Two of you, go get some firewood and relight the bonfire,¡± the Tian n¡¯s elder ordered. Two members reluctantly stepped forward and left the camp but didn¡¯t dare go far. The others huddled together nervously, weapons at the ready.


    The Wan n¡¯s Elder frowned and asked, ¡°Tian Lie, who do you think it could be?¡± They had been in the Sunset Mountain Range for over a day and had not encountered any experts. And no one in Azure Billow City would dare to challenge their two ns.


    Tian Lie looked distressed. ¡°I¡¯m not sure. We were cautious, and I don¡¯t remember us offending anyone.¡± The loss of six members of the Tian n weighed heavily on him.


    ¡°ARRRGHHH!¡± Just when the two elders were talking, two screams came from a distance. The two members of the Tian n who had gone to collect firewood were nowhere to be seen.


    Tian Lie and the Wan n¡¯s Elder rushed to the source of the screams but found no trace of a struggle or any sign of the missing members. They exchanged horrified looks, unable toprehend what was happening. They had never encountered anyone who could kill without leaving a trace.


    Killing was one thing, but for the bodies to disappear made no sense. In their fifty years of life, they had never experienced anything so bizarre.


    Tian Lie roared, ¡°Stop hiding and fight us openly if you have the guts!¡± The two who died were elites of the Tian n, and they had a high chance of making it into the Imperial Academy. They had been brought on this mission to temper them and help them grow.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be in such a hurry. We¡¯ll have a chance to meet,¡± came the hollow reply, its source impossible to trace.


    When the elders returned to the campsite, they saw thest few embers of the bonfire fading away. The only sound was the rustling of the leaves, like countless hands rubbing together. This made everyone¡¯s hearts rise to their throat, fearing that they might be the next target.


    ¡°Gather up into a formation and hold hands. He cannot charge into our formation and kill anyone!¡± Tian Lie ordered. The remaining twenty-odd people sprung into action. If their attacker appeared, he would be an instant target. It was a simple but effective defense.


    As they held hands, awaiting dawn, their courage grew. Soon they would be able to see who was targeting them.


    As the minutes ticked by, the tension became unbearable. With only a few minutes left until the fifteen-minute deadline, the wait was torturous. It was like waiting for death itself.


    This was exactly what Liu Wuxie wanted¡ªto torture them with fear. Killing them quickly would have been too easy. He moved silently through the darkness, using the Seven Dipper Steps to glide through the air, perfectly blending into his surroundings.


    Liu Wuxie drew his sword without any warning signs, unleashing a cold arc in the air and disappearing. The entire process didn¡¯t even take one-tenth of the time to take a breath.


    ¡°Wan Qiong, why did you let go of my hand?¡± a member of the Wan n roared. But there was no response, and no one was standing beside him. Wan Qiong had been reduced to a mere piece of skin.


    Panic erupted among the group. They had held hands to prevent their attacker from targeting them easily, but this had far exceeded the abilities of any human. Only a ghost could have aplished such a feat.


    ¡°That¡¯s impossible! Not even someone in the Spirit Cleansing Realm can aplish this!¡± Tian Lie roared, on the verge of insanity. But no one responded, making their hearts sink as a chill rose from their feet to their heads.


    Fifteen minutester, another person died mysteriously. The group¡¯s emotions shifted from fear to numbness as they waited for the next death.


    ¡°Are you human or devil? Come out! I¡¯m not afraid of you!¡± a disciple of the Wan n shouted, having lost all reason. He charged out, swinging his sword wildly.


    ¡°Wan Bai,e back!¡± the Wan n¡¯s elder roared. Dawn was approaching soon, and they could definitelyst till then.


    But it was toote. Blood spurted from Wan Bai¡¯s body, and he slowly disappeared, reduced to a piece of skin that fluttered away on the breeze. The others finally understood why no corpses had been left behind.


    ¡°Demon! He must be a demon from hell! I want to go home!¡± another member of the Wan n cried, running into the woods in a desperate attempt to escape the Sunset Mountain Range.


    The Sunset Mountain Range was dangerous at night, with demonic beasts roaming everywhere. But this region, leaning against a huge mountain wall, was free of such creatures and often used as a campground by martial cultivators training in the range.


    ¡°Come back!¡± The elder called after him, but it was no use. The disciple copsed, shivering, as a shadow shed before their eyes. Tian Lie gave chase but couldn¡¯t catch anyone. The shadow had disappeared, its speed beyond even that of someone in the Xiantian Realm.


    As time passed, dawn was still over two hours away. Of the original thirty-odd members of the Wan and Tian ns, only ten remained, their faces etched with fear.


    ¡°Elder, I can¡¯t take this anymore!¡± a member of the Wan n cried out, drawing his weapon and shing his own neck. He had chosen suicide over the torture of being hunted.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s psychological tactics had worked perfectly, pushing the remaining members to the brink of madness. The Wan n¡¯s elder could only roar in frustration as he watched one of his own take his own life. ¡°I don¡¯t care who you are! I swear I¡¯ll tear you to pieces!¡±


    The Wan n¡¯s elder dashed out, releasing his Xiantian Spirit. The shockwave toppled the surrounding trees as he joined Tian Lie, their backs against each other.


    ¡°Only you are allowed to kill me, but I¡¯m not allowed to kill you? Your two ns are truly domineering.¡±


    They heard the voice clearly this time, and it wasn¡¯t far from them. Looking up, they saw a shadow standing on a tree branch ten meters away, holding a faintly glowing de in his hand. They only managed to locate him because of this faint light.


    ¡°Who the hell are you?! Your voice sounds familiar. Do we know each other?¡± Tian Lie asked, trying to ce the voice.


    ¡°Of course, we know each other. You¡¯ve been chasing me for so long, and you don¡¯t even know who killed you? What a joke,¡± the shadow sneered before leaping down and charging at them.

 Chapter 40 - Third-Level of the Xiantian Realm

    <h4>Chapter 40 - Third-Level of the Xiantian Realm</h4>


    The shadow moved like a lightning bolt, and its Xiantian Spirit was suffocating and oppressive. The others were unable to move as the shadow crossed ten meters in the blink of an eye.


    ¡°It¡¯s you?! How can it be you?!¡± When the ck shadow approached, Tian Lie cried out in shock and panic as he recognized the figure.


    The Wan n¡¯s elder was also stunned, his mouth hanging open.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. It¡¯s me!¡± Liu Wuxie said, drawing his de. His de left behind a cold arc in the air and appeared before the Wan n¡¯s elder, who tried to block it but was too slow. This cold arc sliced across his neck, and his body shriveled until he was nothing but a piece of skin.


    Tian Lie was so horrified by this scene that he screamed. The Wan n¡¯s elder was in the seventh level of the Xiantian Realm, but he was killed with a de, which was too unbelievable. When the other disciples in the Houtian Realm saw this scene, they could only watch as the Wan n¡¯s elder died. There was nothing they could do about it.


    ¡°I-It¡¯s Liu Wuxie!¡± they cried out, finally seeing his face in the dim light. He wore a harmless smile, and no one would have guessed that he had killed so many people in a single night.


    ¡°This is impossible! How can trash like him kill so many of us?!¡± members of both ns roared, unable to ept what they had seen.


    ¡°Trash?¡± Tian Lieughed bitterly. No one could take that de head-on unless they were in the Spirit Cleansing Realm. He continued, ¡°If he¡¯s trash, what are we then?¡±


    A bitter smile rose on Tian Lie¡¯s face. He had entered the Sunset Mountain Range full of confidence, and this oue was like falling from heaven to hell. The one they had looked down on had be someone they couldn¡¯t even look up to. It was too much to bear, and everyone was going insane.


    Why did he hide himself so deeply?¡± they wondered, puzzled and perplexed. Liu Wuxie looked at them with disdain as he raised his de and slowly approached, disappearing into the crowd like an afterimage.


    ¡°Shit! Everyone disperse and run! Send the news back to the n!¡± Tian Lie yelled, ordering everyone to scatter and escape. He hoped that someone would make it back to Azure Billow City to warn the Tian and Wan ns to prepare.


    The remaining seven members of the two ns dispersed, running for their lives. Tian Lie charged forward, hoping to stop Liu Wuxie and buy everyone time to escape.


    ¡°No one can escape tonight!¡± Liu Wuxie split into three and headed in seven directions, swinging his de as he went. His de left behind afterimages, its aura forming a dragon that soared in all directions. One by one, the fleeing members fell, their bodies shriveling.


    Tian Lie stopped in his tracks, his eyes bulging. Liu Wuxie had killed seven people with a single stroke of his de, its aura forming a dragon. Such a feat could only be aplished by someone who had cultivated for at least fifty years. Was Liu Wuxie even human?


    ¡°Your turn!¡± Liu Wuxie walked towards Tian Lie slowly, his murderous intent surging. If not for the Song n, the Xu n would have been raided and divided by the Wan and Tian ns. Even his father-inw would have fallen into their trap and been captured.


    ¡°D-Don¡¯te near me!¡± Tian Lie cried out, fear gripping him. He didn¡¯t want to die, not when he had so much left to enjoy.


    Liu Wuxie stepped on the dried branches as he approached. Tian Lie backed up until he was against a cliff, trembling and pale.


    ¡°Tell me the Tian n¡¯s next n.¡± Liu Wuxie sneered. Knowing his enemy was key to victory, and he needed to know their next move in order to counter it. So he wasn¡¯t hurrying to kill Tian Lie.


    ¡°Little bastard, don¡¯t even think about getting a single word out of me!¡± Tian Lie gritted his teeth with his Xiantian Spirit soaring to the sky. His headband snapped, and he looked like a fearsome demon with his sword stabbing at Liu Wuxie. He nned to drag Liu Wuxie down with him.


    ¡°Still so stubborn!¡± Liu Wuxie nimbly dodged Tian Lie¡¯s sword, causing his attack to miss. Sensing that something was wrong, Tian Lie tried to flee, but Liu Wuxie swung his de down with a snort. The aura from his de flew out, hugging the ground, and soon a scream echoed through the woods.


    ¡°ARGHHHH! MY LEGS!¡± Tian Lie¡¯s legs were gone, severed by Liu Wuxie¡¯s de aura, blood sttering everywhere. He could only lie on the ground, howling in agony as he had lost his legs. As Liu Wuxie slowly approached, Tian Lie¡¯s face twisted in pain, and he red at him with hatred.


    ¡°You little bastard, I hope you¡¯ll die a terrible death! Your Xu n isn¡¯t far from annihtion now!¡± Tian Lie spat out vicious curses. The blood he had lost pooled around him, staining the grass red. The pungent smell of blood attracted several powerful demonic beasts, but none dared toe close.


    ¡°What is the Tian n¡¯s next move?¡± Liu Wuxie rested his de on Tian Lie¡¯s right shoulder, speaking to him not with force but as if they were old friends. His tone was devoid of emotion, and his calmness made Tian Lie afraid.


    Most people would experience some emotional changes after killing over thirty people¡ªanxiety, excitement, or even fear. It was human nature. But Liu Wuxie was eerily calm as if he had done something insignificant.


    ¡°Don¡¯t bother wasting...ARRRGHHH!¡± Before Tian Lie could finish his words, he lost his right arm with blood gushing out. But Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t stop there and rested his de on Tian Lie¡¯s left shoulder with a harmless smile on his face. This terrified Tian Lie even more, and Liu Wuxie was no different from a demon in his eyes.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have a lot of patience. Speak up if you don¡¯t want to die a painful death.¡±


    Tian Lie trembled with fear, lying on the ground helplessly as his blood flowed out. Liu Wuxie had broken his will, and he didn¡¯t want to endure inhuman torture. He just wanted a quick death and begged, ¡°I¡¯ll tell you, but give me a quick death.¡±


    ¡°Speak!¡± Liu Wuxie sat on the clean ground far away and sheathed his sword, ready to listen to Tian Lie.


    ¡°We joined forces with the Terrabreak Army to deal with your Xu n. We n to seize Xu n¡¯s assets when Xu Yilin enters the Sunset Mountain Range and even use the Terrabreak Army to kill Xu Yilin...¡±


    It was more or less the same as Liu Wuxie had spected from the information Zhou Hu had disclosed. He already knew about that and wanted to know what the Tian and Wan ns would do next. He needed to hold the initiative in his hands. He asked, ¡°Anything else?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve already dispatched a team into the Iris Gold Mine. Even if we can¡¯t seize it, we¡¯ll destroy it and make the Xu n lose the Iris Gold Mine. At that time, Xu n¡¯s Weaponry Workshops would have to close down, and the Xu n would crumble in three days even if we didn¡¯t do anything.¡±


    This piece of information was important to Liu Wuxie. If the Xu n lost their Iris Gold Mines, they would have to close down their weaponry workshops sooner orter unless they could find new materials to forge weapons.


    ¡°How long will it take for this team to reach the Iris Gold Mine?¡± Liu Wuxie looked at Tian Lie, hoping he wasn¡¯t toote.


    ¡°In a few days!¡± Tian Lie¡¯s vitality was fading, and he could barely speak due to blood loss. His wounds were no longer bleeding, meaning he had practically bled out all his blood.


    Liu Wuxie drew his de, and a head flew off. The essence from the corpse was absorbed by the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron, forming a droplet of the mysterious liquid that fused into his dantian.


    Rumbling sounds came from his dantian when the mysterious liquid fused, signaling that he was about to make a breakthrough. After killing so many people tonight, he had umted enough of the mysterious liquid for his breakthrough.


    Liu Wuxie first cleaned up the battlefield before disappearing to find a secluded ce to make his breakthrough to the third level of the Xiantian Realm.


    Liu Wuxie found a hidden cave and went in. He opened Zhou Hu¡¯s interspatial pouch containing over fifty spirit stones and 100,000 gold coins. He took out ten spirit stones to set up a Spirit Convergence Array. The spiritual energy in the Sunset Mountain Range was dense, and the surrounding spiritual energy within a radius of ten thousand meters swiftly gathered, forming thick spiritual clouds outside the cave.


    The spirit stones drew in the dense spiritual energy from these clouds and gathered it around Liu Wuxie. When he circted the Deste Devouring Art, he was like a gluttonous beast devouring the surrounding spiritual energy.


    As his dantian expanded, the mountain ranges in his dantian began to grow with trees rising from the ground, containing wood essence. The mountains and rocks in the world within his dantian also contained metal essence, and oceans andkes appeared. The world in his dantian was like a portrait, projecting the entire deste world.


    When the various elements intertwined, the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron produced ten-odd droplets of brown liquid fusing into his dantian, and a horrifying aura spread throughout the cave. Rumbling sounds came from the cave, like roaring thunder, causing it to shake with cracks spreading out in the surrounding walls.


    As a powerful aura emanated from Liu Wuxie¡¯s pores, it was like needles stabbing into the surrounding walls, widening the cracks.


    As Liu Wuxie¡¯s aura continued to rise, the ten spirit stones on the ground cracked, and the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron rapidly devoured the spiritual energy within them.


    The spiritual energy within a radius of ten thousand meters was sucked dry, and many demonic beasts raised their heads in confusion, not knowing what had happened. Some martial cultivators also looked at the surroundings nkly, wondering who had emptied all the surrounding spiritual energy.


    ¡°What happened?! Why did the surrounding spiritual energy disappear?¡± Martial cultivators entered the Sunset Mountain Range to train as dawn broke.


    ¡°Probably some powerhouse is making a breakthrough.¡± That was the only possibility, and no one took it seriously as they continued their journey.


    The ten spirit stones were emptied, and Liu Wuxie¡¯s cultivation was stabilized in the initial phase of the third-level Xiantian Realm. When he opened his eyes, they released two beams that shot out, charging out of the cave and leaving two marks on two trees outside, like marks left by swords.


    Each level in the cultivation could be divided into the initial, intermediate,te, and pinnacle phases. If someone else had absorbed as much spiritual energy as Liu Wuxie, they would¡¯ve reached the fourth or fifth level of the Xiantian Realm.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s dantian was massive, but he had only reached the initial phase. With each breakthrough in the future, he would need at least ten times more spiritual energy and resources than others. Just thinking about it was a headache, but his dantian was still expanding. The Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron was devouring spiritual energy every second, but the mysterious liquid''s production had slowed. Azure Billow City was remote andcked spiritual energy.


    When Liu Wuxie stood up, his body began to crackle like rumbling thunder. He tested his current strength by throwing a punch forward, causing the space before him to explode with a sound like a cracking whip.

 Chapter 41 - Wolf Fang

    <h4>Chapter 41 - Wolf Fang</h4>


    When Liu Wuxie emerged from the cave, he quickly rushed to the Iris Gold Mine, determined to get there before the Tian and Wan ns. It would be a heavy blow to the Xu n if the Iris Gold Mine were lost or destroyed because he waste.


    Liu Wuxie strode the Seven Dipper Steps,pressing the journey that would take more than a day into half a day, and arrived at the Iris Gold Mine before nightfall.


    The Iris Gold Mine had remained peaceful over the years, thanks to the presence of a hundred guards stationed by the Xu n, including two in the Xiantian Realm cultivators, and the Xu n¡¯s status in Azure Billow City.


    The base set up in the Iris Gold Mine was massive. Aside from the guards, hundreds of miners worked day and night to extract ores. The Xu n¡¯s transportation team would visit every three days, a routine that had been maintained for decades.


    Smoke came from the base when the sky turned dark as the miners dragged their exhausted bodies back to the base to rest. The Xu n treated the miners generously. Manymoners in Azure Billow City were highly remunerated for working for the Xu n, so the Iris Gold Mine had no shortage of miners.


    The base was strategically constructed along the mountain range, surrounded by towering peaks in three directions. The only entrance was a wooden gate on the west side, guarded by ten disciplined guards who patrolled day and night to prevent theft. A tall outpost allowed for early detection of anyone approaching, making the base easily defensible against attacks.


    As Liu Wuxie reached outside the fence, he breathed a sigh of relief as he looked at the peaceful base. The team of elites sent by the two ns had yet to arrive.


    There was a huge path that went straight to the base, with two deep tracks on the path left by carriages.


    A slender figure, dressed in an azure robe and with striking features, including two sharp brows that pointed skyward, approached the base¡¯s gate. As he stood before it, a shout came from the outpost, and several guards emerged, aiming their longbows at Liu Wuxie, ready to fire if he took another step. ¡°Halt! This ce is off-limits to outsiders. Leave immediately!¡± called one of the guards.


    ¡°Young Master? What brings you here?¡± Guard Gan was taken aback. Having been posted at the base for two months, they were unaware of recent events in Azure Billow City, and their impression of Liu Wuxie remained unchanged from two months prior when he was considered a good-for-nothing.


    ¡°The garbage came to the mine? What is he doing here?¡± A guard lowered his bow and sneered in disdain. His voice wasn¡¯t loud, but Liu Wuxie could hear it clearly. Then again, Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t bothered by it and even wore a faint smile instead.


    ¡°Perhaps he grew bored in Azure Billow City and came here for a change of scenery. But did he really think just anyone could enter the Sunset Mountain Range? He must have been escorted here by other guards,¡± spected one guard. No one believed Liu Wuxie could have made it to the base on his own. They all assumed he had been apanied by guards who had since left.


    ¡°What is the garbage doing here? Is this the patriarch¡¯s intention, to let him be familiar with the mine?¡±


    Liu Wuxie took in their expressions but remainedposed. With his tempered mindset, he wouldn¡¯t lose his temper over a few disparaging remarks, especially not with mere guards.


    As the gates slowly opened, Liu Wuxie strode into the base, ignoring the baffled and mocking looks from those around him.


    When Liu Wuxie arrived, two Xiantian Realm cultivators emerged to greet him.


    ¡°Greetings, Deacon Hu and Uncle,¡± Liu Wuxie said respectfully. Deacon Hu, a man in his mid-thirties, had reached the third level of the Xiantian Realm. The middle-aged man Liu Wuxie addressed as ¡®uncle¡¯ shared an uncanny resemnce to Xu Yilin. This was Xu Yishan, Xu Yilin¡¯s younger brother, whom Liu Wuxie had addressed as ¡®uncle¡¯ since childhood.


    However, Xu Yishan¡¯s expression was sour. He didn¡¯t like Liu Wuxie and had even tried to convince his elder brother to call off the marriage between Liu Wuxie and Xu Lingxue. Despite his efforts, Xu Yilin remained determined to go through with the wedding. In protest, Xu Yishan didn¡¯t even attend the ceremony.


    Xu Yishan had been the one managing the mine and was unmarried. He had long treated Xu Lingxue as his own daughter, so how could he be happy seeing Xu Lingxue marry someone he considered unworthy?


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± Xu Yishan questioned. Deacon Hu maintained his silence by the side because he was an outsider, and he needed to retain respect for Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°I came to inform everyone that the Wan and Tian ns have sent a team of elites to seize our mine,¡± Liu Wuxie replied calmly, even bowing as he shared the news. ¡°I wanted to make sure everyone is prepared.¡± He didn¡¯t know how many people the Tian and Wan ns would send, but it was better to be safe than sorry.


    ¡°Did my brother tell you this, or did you make it up?¡± Xu Yishan asked skeptically. In the message he received from Xu Yilin, there was no mention of the two ns attempting to seize the mine, only that the transportation team had been attacked. So he naturally assumed that Liu Wuxie was making things up.


    ¡°Father-inw still doesn¡¯t know yet. I didn¡¯t have the time to inform him. I came here as soon as I heard the news to warn everyone.¡±


    Song Tianhao had told him that the Tian and Wan ns were going after the Iris Gold Mine, but he had no evidence to support this im. As a result, Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t be sure of the uracy of this information. However, after hearing about it from Tian Lie, he feltpelled to rush to the mine to warn everyone.


    ¡°Are you joking with me? Do you want us to believe your one-sided words? Get lost and go back to where you came from. This is no ce for someone like you,¡± Xu Yishan sneered. He had never liked Liu Wuxie, who always seemed to cause trouble and leave Xu Yilin to clean up his messes. Yet, Liu Wuxie still had the cheek to stay in the Xu n.


    ¡°Uncle, I respect you as my elder and have shown you the proper respect,¡± Liu Wuxie said, his patience wearing thin. ¡°This information is true, and it¡¯s up to you whether or not you believe it.¡± With that, he turned and left, unwilling to waste any more time arguing with Xu Yishan. He made his way into the base, and no one tried to stop him. It was too dangerous to travel alone in the Sunset Mountain Range at night, so they would have to wait for the next transportation team to arrive in three days to escort Liu Wuxie back.


    The guards along the way looked at him in disdain, apanied by mockery. Liu Wuxie naturally turned a deaf ear to their ridicule and strolled around the base.


    ¡°Young Master, I have already prepared a room for you to rest early.¡± Even if they weren¡¯t willing, they could only arrange an individual house for Liu Wuxie. The house wasn¡¯trge, only about seven or eight square meters. The base might seem huge, but the living environment was harsh, with ten ordinary miners squeezing into a room.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Liu Wuxie imprinted the entire base in his mind and returned to his house to start sorting out the information he had just collected.


    ¡°Surrounded and built along mountains. No one can intrude if there¡¯s arge-scale array here, even if an expert came. But what spiritual array should I go with?¡± Liu Wuxie muttered to himself. It would take a few days for him to set up a spiritual array, and it was toote now. Plus, he would need to purchase some materials from Azure Billow City. Even if he sent a message by pigeon post, it would take a day for his father-inw to receive it and several more days for the materials to arrive.


    A powerful spiritual array naturally required a lot of resources, but the effects of a weak spiritual array were limited. So he had a headache finding a spiritual array with defensive and offensive abilities without using many resources. He would need time to search through his memories to find several powerful spiritual arrays andbine them to create a new spiritual array.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go with you then, Earth Elemental Waves Array! Itbines the essence of Stormy Waves and Earth Annihtion Arrays. It doesn¡¯t require many resources, and it¡¯s not difficult to set up relying on the geography here.¡± Liu Wuxie spent more than two hours developing an entirely new spiritual array that was perfectly suited to the base¡¯s location.


    As night fell, guards were stationed around the base to keep watch. ¡°I heard that trash got kicked out of the bridal chamber on his wedding night,¡± one of them said, not far from where Liu Wuxie was working. ¡°He went to a brothel and caused such amotion that the whole ce copsed. He nearly died there.¡±


    ¡°That trash is really lucky to survive.¡± Their voices were filled with sarcasm.


    ¡°Our young missy is a beauty; heaven must be blind to match her with such garbage. With young missy¡¯s talent, she¡¯ll soar when she enters the Imperial Academy, and our Xu n will skyrocket. At that time, even we guards will have bright futures.¡± The voices weakened when they walked past Liu Wuxie¡¯s house, and the night returned to serenity.


    But without them knowing, a group slowly approached the base and stopped a hundred meters away.


    ¡°Boss, the Xu n¡¯s mine has only one entrance. How do we get in?¡± The group, consisting of over a hundred people, included someone emitting an aura in the Spirit Cleansing Realm. It was clear that the mine was in danger.


    Hidden in the tall grass, they were undetected by the patrolling guards. The moonless night and faint light from the base made it difficult to spot them. Inside the base, snores could be heard as the miners had retired for the night after a long day of work.


    ¡°Find the leaders of the Wan and Tian ns and discuss a n,¡± ordered the leader. A ck-clothed quickly left and returned with two elders from the ns, both at the pinnacle of the Xiantian Realm. The two ns have paid a great price to take down the Xu n¡¯s mine.


    ¡°Captain Wolf Fang, you wanted to see us?¡± Tian Qihong spoke in a hushed tone. Anyone else hearing Wolf Fang¡¯s name would have been terrified.


    In Azure Billow City, there was a fifth superpower besides the four big ns: the Wolf Fang Mercenary. They were involved in a variety of businesses, including murder. As long as the price was right, they would do any dirty work.


    Wolf Fang had a notorious reputation. Rumors circted that he was raised by a pack of wild wolves and enjoyed drinking human blood. However, they generally avoided provoking the four big ns. Instead, they made their money by hunting demonic beasts and escorting carriages. At their peak, they had over three hundred members, with Wolf Fang himself being at the fifth level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm.

 Chapter 42 - Raid

    <h4>Chapter 42 - Raid</h4>


    The elders of the two ns gathered with the higher hierarchy of the Wolf Fang Mercenary to discuss a n.


    ¡°How much do you guys know about the base?¡± Wolf Fang seldom interacted with the four big ns. So when the Tian and Wan ns came to look for him, he hesitated for a long time before deciding to take the risk under the huge temptation.


    A rumor had spread around Azure Billow City that the Xu n wasn¡¯t far from being destroyed. This was why Wolf Fang was willing to take the risk. If Xu Yilin discovered his involvement, the Wolf Fang Mercenary would surely be wiped out.


    ¡°Two Xiantian Realm cultivators are stationed at the base. Xu Yishan, Xu Yilin¡¯s younger brother, is the strongest. As long as he is eliminated, the others won¡¯t pose a problem,¡± said the two elders as they presented a detailed document to Wolf Fang. The document recorded that the base had over a hundred guards, including Xu Yishan and Deacon Hu. The two ns had done their homework before approaching Wolf Fang.


    ¡°Are you sure there are no other experts at the base?¡± Wolf Fang suddenly frowned. He had developed a keen sense of danger from living on the edge of life and death and growing up among wolves. As he surveyed the base, his instincts warned him of hidden dangers lurking within.


    Thanks to his sharp instincts, Wolf Fang managed to obtain a portion of the spoils from the four major ns from time to time. He was not only formidable but also prudent. In his perilous line of work, he would have met an untimely end if he hadn¡¯t exercised caution.


    ¡°No. Yesterday, the patriarch sent me a pigeon post that Xu Yilin is still in Azure Billow City.¡± Tian Qihong patted his chest, an act of assurance that he had given the correct information. They had long scouted theyout of Xu n¡¯s mine.


    ¡°Alright. We¡¯ll make a move an hour from now when they¡¯re fast asleep.¡± Wolf Fang nodded. He knew how many experts the Xu n had; perhaps he was too cautious.


    In a small hall within the base, Xu Yishan sat alone, drowning his sorrows in wine. Liu Wuxie¡¯s arrival had put him in a foul mood, and he had no way to release his pent-up emotions.


    ¡°Old Xu, it¡¯s gettingte. You should get some rest,¡± Deacon Hu advised as he sat down beside Xu Yishan. ¡°Don¡¯t drink too much, and don¡¯t let trash like that upset you.¡±


    ¡°Old Hu, you go ahead and rest. Leave me be,¡± Xu Yishan waved him away before downing another cup of wine.


    ¡°Old Xu, I know what you¡¯re thinking. You¡¯re just unhappy with Young Master, but nothing can be done since it happened. We might as well let nature take its course. Or do you think we can force the patriarch to change his mind?¡±


    Xu Yishan and Deacon Hu had worked together for over a decade and were as close as brothers. Deacon Hu didn¡¯t have to mince his words around Xu Yishan, and he understood how he felt.


    ¡°I¡¯m not objecting to what my brother did. I believe in keeping our promises, but there are always exceptions. I can¡¯t stand by and watch that trash holding back the entire Xu n, can I?¡± Xu Yishan sighed, taking another swig of wine. Ultimately, it was all because Liu Wuxie was a good-for-nothing.


    ¡°Old Xu, what do you make of the information the young master brought this afternoon about the Tian and Wan ns attacking our mine? Do you think it¡¯s credible?¡± Deacon Hu inquired. He didn¡¯t believe Liu Wuxie had fabricated the story, and Liu Wuxie had seemed sincere when he spoke of it.


    ¡°You¡¯re going to take that trash¡¯s word for it? I¡¯ll make sure he never returns!¡± Xu Yishan sneered in response to Deacon Hu¡¯s question, scoffing at Liu Wuxie¡¯s words from earlier that day.


    The Xu n¡¯s base was well-stocked with bows and arrows. The bows were made of special wood. Though their arrows weren¡¯tparable to Terrabreak Army¡¯s crossbows, they were highly lethal and could easily pierce through the body of someone in the pinnacle of the Houtian Realm.


    ¡°We can¡¯t simply dismiss it. Even if the information turns out to be false, we must increase our patrols,¡± Deacon Hu insisted. He felt they should take Liu Wuxie¡¯s words more seriously. Azure Billow City had been in turmoiltely, and the Xu n had to exercise extreme caution or risk being annihted.


    Xu Yishan set down his cup and furrowed his brow. Though he didn¡¯t believe Liu Wuxie¡¯s words, he couldn¡¯t help but reconsider now that Deacon Hu had brought it up. ¡°I¡¯ll take your suggestion into consideration and ask my brother to send some elites,¡± he replied.


    As the night deepened, the oilmps flickered. A sudden gust of wind swept through the hall, momentarily snuffing out the mes before they sprang back to life as if nothing had happened.


    ¡°It¡¯s a windy night. Let¡¯s turn in early,¡± Xu Yishan suggested as he rose unsteadily to his feet, having had too much to drink.


    But just then, a volley of arrows rained down upon the base, triggering an echoing scream. A patrolling guard was impaled on a wooden stake, an arrow piercing his left shoulder and causing him to cry out in agony.


    Shortly after, many shadows shot out from various directions, splitting the fence with a single strike. Screams could be heard when over a hundred people charged into the base, and the Xu n¡¯s guards suffered over ten-odd casualties in just a brief exchange.


    ¡°A night raid! It¡¯s a raid!¡± The shout jolted countless people from their slumber, and they hastily donned their clothes before rushing out of their homes. The entire base was bathed in light, as bright as day, as the miners lit torches upon exiting their houses.


    Xu Yishan and Deacon Hu were about to retire for the night when themotion roused them from their stupor. They sprang into action, darting out of the hall to find the base embroiled inbat. Everything had happened so fast that the guards barely had time to react before the enemy breached the base.


    Over a hundred ck-clothed men swarmed into the base. Instead of immediatelyunching an assault, they took up positions at the entrance. The base had only one entrance, so all they had to do was secure it.


    ¡°Second Master, we¡¯re under attack!¡± A guard burst in, shouting, before Xu Yishan could even step outside. The entrance had been seized, and several people were injured. They were all trapped within the base.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go out and see what¡¯s happening!¡± The group hurried outside, where they found themselves facing off against the enemy in the za. The Xu n¡¯s guards were gradually being pushed back as the ck-clothed assants proved too formidable. One of them even unleashed an aura at the Spirit Cleansing Realm that enveloped the entire base.


    The miners huddled in the shadows, trembling with fear. They had never experienced anything like this before and were at a loss as to what to do.


    ¡°Listen up, everyone! We¡¯re only after the Xu n, not the miners. You have nothing to fear,¡± Tian Qihong dered, stepping forward. After seizing control of the Iris Gold Mine, they would need these miners to continue working. If they killed them all, where would they find the manpower to operate the mine?


    ¡°Who are you, and why have you invaded our mine?!¡± Xu Yishan demanded, unleashing his aura at the peak of the Xiantian Realm. The bricks and tiles of the surrounding houses shook in response. When he caught sight of Tian Qihong, his eyes zed with murderous intent. The two ns had indeedunched a raid on the mine, just as Liu Wuxie had warned.


    ¡°Xu Yishan, surrender. If you all cripple your own cultivations, I might consider granting you a swift death,¡± Tian Qihong sneered. He, too, was at the pinnacle of the Xiantian Realm and belonged to the same generation as Xu Yishan. They were no strangers to each other.


    Xu Yishan¡¯s face turned ashen. He didn¡¯t focus solely on Tian Qihong, but scanned the crowd. When his gaze fell upon Wolf Fang, his expression darkened. ¡°Wolf Fang, do you have a death wish, attacking my Xu n?!¡± he demanded.


    Wolf Fang was tonight''s greatest enemy because he was in the fifth level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm. No one here could put up a fight with Wolf Fang.


    ¡°Second Master, I¡¯m sorry, but Xu n will cease to exist after tonight.¡± Wolf Fang was polite with his tone and even addressed Xu Yishan as ¡®Second Master¡¯ despite having higher cultivation.


    The situation was unfavorable for the Xu n. When the guards heard what Wolf Fang said, they began to tremble. After all, Wolf Fang had a notorious reputation, with blood on his hands. No one had expected him to lead the raid that night.


    ¡°Even if you kill us all, my brother will never let you get away with this. Wolf Fang, leave now while you still can. If you leave now, I¡¯ll pretend this never happened,¡± Xu Yishan said through gritted teeth, struggling to contain his rage. The Wolf Fang Mercenary had always shown him respect in the past, but now they had trampled all over the Xu n¡¯s dignity byunching a raid on their base.


    Wolf Fang frowned at Xu Yishan¡¯s words. The only person in the entire Xu n he feared was Xu Yilin, who was at the pinnacle of the Spirit Cleansing Realm and could easily kill him with one hand.


    ¡°Hahaha! To think that the Second Master of the Xu n would be reduced to this. Do you really believe you can intimidate Wolf Fang with your words? I neglected to mention that the Tian and Wan ns have sent their experts to attack your Xu n. Your brother must be preupied by now,¡± Tian Qihongughed. The two ns had divided their forces into two groups: one to attack the Xu n¡¯s mine and the other to seize their assets.


    It seemed they were still unaware that the Terrabreak Army had failed and that Liu Wuxie had foiled their n to use the army against Xu Yilin. They had entered the Sunset Mountain Range two days prior, and news of what had transpired in Phoenix Roost Gorge had only recently reached Azure Billow City.


    The Tian and Wan ns remained ignorant of the Terrabreak Army¡¯s failure. They assumed that some other matter had dyed them.


    Xu Yishan¡¯s expression darkened as he recalled Liu Wuxie¡¯s warning from earlier that day. He had mocked Liu Wuxie then, but now he realized that he had been the foolish one. If only he had heeded Liu Wuxie¡¯s warning and made preparations, they might have been able to hold out long enough for Xu Yilin toe to their rescue. But now they were trapped within the base, with no hope of escape.


    ¡°Second Master, what should we do?¡± The guards began to panic as they had no confidence in their ability to face the notorious Wolf Fang Mercenary.


    ¡°Defend the mine at all cost! We can¡¯t let it fall into their hands!¡± Xu Yishan quickly made up his mind to stand their ground and wait for reinforcement. When he gave the order, the Xu n¡¯s guards raised their bows and aimed at the other party.


    Liu Wuxie naturally heard themotion outside and slowly got dressed before making his way out of the house. As the light fell upon his face, it revealed a youthful countenance devoid of emotion, with a hint of murderous intent flickering in his eyes.


    A battle could break out any moment now that Xu Yishan had given the other. He would rather die here than retreat.


    ¡°Attack! Show no mercy!¡± Wolf Fangmanded, knowing that there was no turning back now.


    ¡°For the Wolf Fang Mercenary to meddle in this affair... Should I ridicule or chastise you for your ignorance?¡± A cold voice rang out from a distance just as the Wolf Fang Mercenary was about to make its move. An azure-clothed youth emerged, a de in his left hand, and slowly made his way towards the za.

 Chapter 43 - Calm and Composed

    <h4>Chapter 43 - Calm and Composed</h4>


    No one in Azure Billow City dared to call the Wolf Fang Mercenary ignorant. Even the patriarchs of the four big ns didn¡¯t dare to say that.


    Hundreds of eyes turned to Liu Wuxie, who wore a faint smile on his bright face. His high nose bridge and slightly upturned lips entuated his handsome features.


    ¡°Boy, do you have a death wish, calling us ignorant?¡± A mercenary jumped out from the group. He was at the fifth level of the Xiantian Realm andunched a hand chop at Liu Wuxie. This was the Wolf Fang Mercenary¡¯s style. Their attacks were ruthless, and they wouldn¡¯t allow their opponent to catch their breath.


    Xu Yishan was taken aback by this turn of events and moved to intervene. Though he might not have liked Liu Wuxie, he couldn¡¯t stand idly and watch him be killed.


    But Liu Wuxie was quick to react, drawing his de and swinging it down. No one could follow the path of his sword. By the time they realized what had happened, Liu Wuxie had already sheathed his de, and the mercenary who had attacked him stood frozen in ce.


    In the next instant, blood spurted from the mercenary¡¯s neck as he copsed to the ground, lifeless. He had been killed with a single stroke of the de!


    Everyone who witnessed it gasped in shock, including members of the Tian and Wan ns. They were left dumbstruck with their mouths agape. The eyes of the Xu n¡¯s guards bulged in disbelief. They had been mocking Liu Wuxie as trash just earlier that day, so how could he have executed such a deadly strike?


    Xu Yishan halted in his tracks, his emotions in turmoil, unable to put into words what he was feeling.


    The experts from the Tian and Wan ns were mildly surprised by Liu Wuxie¡¯s sudden appearance, but they didn¡¯t pay much attention to someone they considered to be garbage. In fact, it was better for them if he was there because then Master Huo couldn¡¯t me them if Liu Wuxie were to die. But Liu Wuxie¡¯s de had shocked them all. It was like a resounding p in the face, not just for them but also for the Xu n¡¯s guards.


    This was because they had never held back their mockery of Liu Wuxie, hurling all manner of vicious insults at him.


    ¡°W-Who the hell are you?!¡± Tian Qihong pointed at Liu Wuxie with disbelief. He couldn¡¯t believe that a garbage like Liu Wuxie could easily kill someone in the fifth level of the Xiantian Realm with one de strike.


    Everyone present, friend and foe alike, waited with bated breath for Liu Wuxie¡¯s response. This was not the Liu Wuxie they thought they knew.


    Wolf Fang narrowed his eyes when he saw this scene. Upon entering the camp, he had sensed a hint of danger, but he couldn¡¯t pinpoint its source. Could it be emanating from this frail-looking youth standing before him? Wolf Fang had encountered countless people in his lifetime, but he couldn¡¯t detect any threat from Liu Wuxie. In fact, Liu Wuxie made him feel rather at ease.


    But Wolf Fang knew that the more beautiful a snake, the more poisonous it was. He could sense that this young man was exerting a great deal of pressure on him, but he forced himself to remain calm. He could feel an intangible weight bearing down upon his shoulders. It was a pressure that couldn¡¯t be seen or touched, but it was undeniably there.


    ¡°Does it matter who I am right now?¡± Liu Wuxie mocked. His identity was of no consequence to these people, as they were enemies.


    ¡°I¡¯m surprised that a piece of trash like you could make such aeback. But this is perfect because now we can kill you today. So what if you managed to kill someone in the fifth level of the Xiantian Realm? You¡¯re still going to die either way!¡± Tian Qihong took a deep breath to quell the rage boiling within him. Liu Wuxie had killed one of the Wolf Fang Mercenaries, and Wolf Fang would surely take revenge without them having to lift a finger.


    Liu Wuxie ignored Tian Qihong and turned his gaze to Wolf Fang. For a brief moment, their eyes locked, but it was Wolf Fang who looked away first. Liu Wuxie¡¯s gaze was deep and prating, and Wolf Fang felt as if he were falling into an abyss when he met his eyes.


    Wolf Fang was perplexed and couldn¡¯t understand how someone as young as Liu Wuxie could possess such a terrifying gaze. It was as if Liu Wuxie could see right through him, causing Wolf Fang¡¯s palms to sweat and making him feel immense pressure.


    ¡°Wolf Fang, it¡¯s not too much for me to kill one of your men for injuring ten guards of my Xu n, right?¡± Liu Wuxie asked coldly. There was no fluctuation in his emotions as though he was narrating something ordinary or negotiating.


    Wolf Fang nodded in agreement. ¡°No, it¡¯s not.¡± As members of the Wolf Fang Mercenary, they often walked a dangerous path, and death was an ever-present possibility.


    Liu Wuxie continued, ¡°This conflict is between my Xu n and the Wan and Tian ns. You had no business interfering, yet you did. However, since you didn¡¯t kill anyone from my Xu n, I¡¯m willing to show mercy. If every member of the Wolf Fang Mercenary cuts off an arm and leaves, I¡¯ll let you go.¡±


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s speech was domineering, and it immediately caused an uproar. Not only did he want the Wolf Fang Mercenary to get lost, but he even demanded each of them to cut off an arm. Even Xu Yilin might not have dared to make such a demand if he had been present. Despite his calm tone, Liu Wuxie exuded an air of unyielding authority.


    Tian Qihong burst outughing. ¡°Hahaha! That kid must be insane to demand that every member of the Wolf Fang Mercenary cut off an arm. Is he trying to make me die ofughter?¡± He looked at Liu Wuxie as if he were a fool, and so did everyone else, including the guards of the Xu n.


    The Wan and Tian n¡¯s disciples, including the Wolf Fang Mercenary, were sneering after hearing Liu Wuxie¡¯s demand. No one had ever dared to make such a demand of the Wolf Fang Mercenary before. And if anyone had, they were already dead.


    Xu Yishan¡¯s forehead creased with worry as he frowned deeply. He couldn¡¯t help giving a facepalm because he had initially nned on using the Xu n¡¯s position to force the Wolf Fang Mercenary to retreat. But Liu Wuxie had intensified the conflict by killing a man from the Wolf Fang Mercenary, and both sides now have an irreconcble feud.


    But Wolf Fang wore a grave expression instead because his instincts warned him that this young man was terrifying. He grew up in a pack of wolves since he was young. A pack of wolves was invincible, but a lone wolf couldn¡¯t fight alone. He felt like a lone wolf facing a tiger, and the pressure he felt was still increasing, with beads of sweat appearing on his forehead without him realizing it.


    ¡°I can back down, but it¡¯s too much to ask me to cut off my arm,¡± Wolf Fang replied, leaving everyone stunned. They couldn¡¯t believe that these words hade from his mouth.


    Tian Qihong¡¯sughter died abruptly, and his face twisted into an ugly scowl as if he had eaten a lump of shit.


    The Xu n¡¯s guards were also shocked that Wolf Fang was willing to retreat because of what Liu Wuxie said. Deacon Hu and Xu Yishan exchanged nces, both seeing the surprise in each other¡¯s eyes. This was beyond their imagination; they had no idea if Wolf Fang was insane or Liu Wuxie had lost his mind.


    ¡°No,¡± Liu Wuxie spat that word out coldly, and his voice echoed throughout the camp. He had given his verdict¡ªthey would have to leave behind an arm if they wanted to go. Otherwise, they would only stay behind...


    Xu Yishan really wanted to strangle Liu Wuxie to death at this moment. If the Wolf Fang Mercenary could retreat, they wouldn¡¯t have to worry about Tian and Wan n¡¯s experts. He wanted to stop Liu Wuxie, but it was toote; he had already refused Wolf Fang.


    ¡°Young Master...¡± Deacon Hu called out softly, hoping to stop Liu Wuxie. There was a glimmer of hope in his eyes.


    But Liu Wuxie ignored him and turned to Wolf Fang with a smile. Despite the smile on his face, Wolf Fang felt a chill run down his spine for some reason.


    ¡°Wolf Fang, what are you waiting for? Just kill them all! Why are you listening to this brat¡¯s nonsense?!¡± Tian Qihong roared, urging Wolf Fang to act quickly and ughter all the Xu n¡¯s guards before upying the Iris Gold Mine.


    But Wolf Fang ignored Tian Qihong¡¯s yell because his back was covered in sweat without him knowing. He asked, ¡°Is there no room for negotiation?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Liu Wuxie refused.


    The atmosphere around them suddenly grew tense. Liu Wuxie and Wolf Fang were talking calmly, with no signs of aggression. But for some reason, everyone felt on edge, and the tension was palpable.


    ¡°Fine! Let me experience Young Master Liu¡¯s strength then!¡± Wolf Fang thought that being killed was better than cutting off an arm. He couldn''t agree to Liu Wuxie¡¯s demand, and Liu Wuxie knew it. Right from the start, Liu Wuxie had no intention of letting anyone leave. It was as simple as that.


    ¡°If I can¡¯t kill you within three moves, I¡¯ll spare your life.¡± Liu Wuxie drew his de, and everyone quickly backed down, clearing a space for Liu Wuxie and Wolf Fang to fight.


    ¡°Enough of this nonsense, get out of here!¡± Xu Yishan finally lost his patience and tried to stop Liu Wuxie from causing any more trouble. After all, Liu Wuxie had squandered their opportunity and angered Wolf Fang.


    ¡°Are you talking to me?¡± Liu Wuxie turned to Xu Yishan with a cold stare, causing thetter to flinch in fear. The sharp aura emanating from Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes nearly blinded Xu Yishan, and he froze on the spot, intimidated.


    But Liu Wuxie ignored Xu Yishan and walked towards the cleared space. The situation had progressed too far for anyone to stop it now.


    ¡°Deacon Hu, take everyone and guard the exit. No one is allowed to leave the camp tonight.¡± Liu Wuxie instructed, turning to look at Deacon Hu. He wanted to ensure that none of the raiders could escape the camp that night.


    Deacon Hu nced at Xu Yishan before nodding and sealing off the exit with the Xu n¡¯s guards. The Tian and Wan ns didn¡¯t stop them, including Wolf Fang. Anyone could tell that only one party could survive that night.


    ¡°Is the young master insane? How can he possibly defeat Wolf Fang in three moves? It¡¯s impossible unless he¡¯s in the high levels of the Spirit Cleansing Realm,¡± the Xu n¡¯s guards whispered among themselves. They were torn between respect and resentment towards Liu Wuxie. After all, he had ruined their chance to reduce the number of their enemies.


    Everyone thought Wolf Fang wanted to retreat out of concern for the Xu n, not Liu Wuxie. However, only Wolf Fang knew that his sudden desire to quit was due to Liu Wuxie, not the Xu n.


    But Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t bother to exin himself. Time would prove everything; the weak could only look up to the strong.


    ¡°Why did he have to drag us down if he wanted to die? In the worst scenario, we can surrender after his death. I just hope Wolf Fang can spare us.¡± Discussions sounded from the surroundings because no one was optimistic about Liu Wuxie. They could even foresee Liu Wuxie being chopped into pieces by Wolf Fang.


    On the other hand, Xu Yishan was surprisingly calm. This was because the look in Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes earlier had made him feel like he was being watched by a powerful beast.


    Wolf Fang¡¯s weapon was a spiked club, and this was where his nickname Wolf Fang came from. His real name had long been forgotten by everyone.


    A cold wind stirred up the dust on the ground as Liu Wuxie and Wolf Fang sprang into action. They both bolted forth and shed together. Their exchange was so fast that their figures blurred, and everyone could only hear the shing between their weapons echoing in the camp.


    Simultaneously, a suffocating aura swept out, and the pressure nearly made the miners in the surroundings copse. Tian Qihong¡¯s face also became ugly because he could tell that Wolf Fang had brought out his full strength, but he couldn¡¯t even touch the corner of Liu Wuxie¡¯s clothes.


    This was a strange scene because everyone expected Liu Wuxie to be killed. But instead, he calmly parried Wolf Fang¡¯s attacks, biding his time as he prepared to strike back.

 Chapter 44 - Three Blades

    <h4>Chapter 44 - Three des</h4>


    Wolf Fang had encountered countless experts throughout the years, but this was the first time he ran into such a tough opponent. Liu Wuxie could detect the ws in each of his attacks and neutralize them. The longer he fought with Liu Wuxie, the more frightened he became. When he swept out the spiked club in his hand, the powerful momentum behind his attack caused air to vibrate, producing a thunderous sound.


    ¡°First move¡ªHeavenly Blood Purgatory!¡± Liu Wuxie swung his de down, throwing the surroundings into an ocean of de aura that formed into a massive blood prison, trapping Wolf Fang in it with no way out.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s first attack left everyone stunned, their eyes wide and their jaws hanging open in shock.


    Wolf Fang darted back and forth, desperately trying to find a way out of the prison, but to no avail. Instead, the de aura tore apart his defenses, leaving behind wounds on his body. It didn¡¯t take long for him to be covered in blood, which made Tian Qihong¡¯s face uglier.


    ¡°Absolute Annihtion!¡± Wolf Fang swung his spiked club with all his might, the muscles in his arm bulging as he summoned even more strength. He must have been using a martial technique that temporarily enhanced his physical abilities, though it likely came with a significant drawback.


    As both sides drew closer, Liu Wuxie¡¯s right eye changed, and he could even see the airflow clearly. He was invincible right from the start with Ghost Eye.


    When Liu Wuxie¡¯s de shed with the spiked club, sparks flew around, forming a shockwave. The shockwave was so powerful that those with low cultivation were sent flying away.


    Wolf Fang staggered backwards, struggling to keep his footing. He took over a dozen steps back, each one leaving a deep imprint in the ground.


    Liu Wuxie, on the other hand,nded lightly on his feet, as graceful as a dragonfly skimming across the surface of ake. Those watching could clearly tell who had the upper hand in the fight.


    ¡°This is impossible!¡± Tian Qihong eximed. He couldn¡¯t ept that Liu Wuxie and Wolf Fang were evenly matched. He thought that Wolf Fang was going easy on Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Wolf Fang, our two ns paid you 1,000,000 gold coins. If you dare to hold back, do you really think our ns won¡¯t wipe out your entire mercenary group?!¡± Wan Yiyun stepped forward, speaking on behalf of the Wan n. They couldn¡¯t afford to fail in this mission. Wan Zhuoran, who Liu Wuxie had pped, was his grandson. That was why he had personally joined the raid to seize the Xu n¡¯s Iris Gold Mine.


    Wolf Fang¡¯s face was terrifyingly gloomy after being questioned. But he couldn¡¯t possibly tell them that Liu Wuxie was like a beast, and he wasn¡¯t as simple as he looked.


    ¡°If you two dare to say another word, I¡¯ll ughter your two ns first!¡± Wolf Fang bared his fangs. He had enough of those two. How could he possibly ept beingmanded by two cultivators in the Xiantian Realm when he was in the Spirit Cleansing Realm?


    Wan Yiyun immediately shut his mouth, not daring to utter another word. If Wolf Fang betrayed them at this moment, it would be disastrous to their two ns.


    ¡°We will keep quiet, but you must show results since you¡¯ve epted our money. Kill that brat quickly! We¡¯re racing against time and can¡¯t afford any idents.¡± Tian Qihong demanded, his only concern being the swift elimination of Liu Wuxie and Xu Yishan.


    ¡°Wolf Fang, are you starting to regret your decision?¡± Liu Wuxie sneered, raising his de once more. This time, the aura he exuded was even stronger than before. He had dered that he would kill Wolf Fang within three moves, and one move had already been made.


    Wolf Fang responded with a snort, but his expression betrayed his true feelings. He couldn¡¯t afford to fail, or he would be finished. He swung his spiked club at Liu Wuxie¡¯s legs, the trajectory of his attack deceptively tricky. As someone who often walked the line between life and death, he had developed a technique focused on killing. Each swing of his club caused the air around him to vibrate and produced a thunderous rumble.


    ¡°Is this still the young master we know? Isn¡¯t he a little too strong?¡± The Xu n¡¯s guards¡¯ attitude against Liu Wuxie changed. After all, no one here could receive an attack from Wolf Fang head-on, including Xu Yishan.


    ¡°What happened in Azure Billow City in the past few months? Why do the Wan and Tian ns want to destroy our Xu n?¡± The Xu n¡¯s guards began to whisper among themselves, trying to piece together the events that had led up to this moment.


    As wind and dust blew, Wolf Fang brought out his strongest attack. He was enveloped in a light golden energy, and he released a roar like a beast.


    ¡°Oh no! That¡¯s Wolf Transformation!¡± Deacon Hu eximed. As Wolf Fang grew up with wolves since he was a child, he came to possess the abilities of wolves. If he awakened his bloodline and underwent Wolf Transformation, his strength would experience a huge boost, and he could resort to some means of the wolf n.


    After undergoing Wolf Transformation, Wolf Fang was in his strongest state, with sharp fangs protruding from his mouth. He was also covered in golden fur that belonged to alpha wolves.


    Liu Wuxie frowned at this scene. Wolf Fang¡¯s strength had doubled after undergoing Wolf Transformation, and his strength was nowparable to the seventh level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm. Even if Liu Wuxie could use Ghost Eye to slow things down, winning was impossible unless he could reach the fifth level of the Xiantian Realm. The true essence in his dantian had multiplied by ten-odd fold, and the purity of his true essence wasn¡¯t any weaker than cultivators in the Spirit Cleansing Realm. But there was still some gap, even if his true essence wasparable.


    For example, the true essence in Xiantian Realm was like water, while the true essence in Spirit Cleansing Realm could beparable to rocks. What Liu Wuxie did was no different from using water to fight rocks.


    As Liu Wuxie raised his de to the sky, a powerful aura swept out, causing his clothes to flutter violently under the wind. As his true essence radiated from his body, everyone held their breath, not daring to even blink for fear of missing something.


    ¡°It¡¯s time to end this, Momentous Gleam!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s second attack was a fusion of the Blood Gleam de Art¡¯s seven forms. This attack was nearly impossible to defend against, unless someone in the Marrow Cleansing Realm were to use their strength to forcibly break it head-on. After all, even Xu Yilin had fallen to this attack in the Xu n¡¯s residence.


    Without warning, Liu Wuxie vanished, causing Wolf Fang¡¯s attack to miss its mark. When Wolf Fang¡¯s club struck the ground, it produced a thunderous rumble and sent cracks spreading outwards, leaving a crater one meter deep.


    This was because Liu Wuxie had pushed his speed to the limit and could no longer be tracked with the naked eye. His blurred footsteps made Wolf Fang dizzy and gradually lose his rationale. This was the biggest drawback in Wolf Transformation; Wolf Fang¡¯s rationale had assimted along with Wolf Transformation.


    Liu Wuxie had used Ghost Eye but didn¡¯t dare to use it at full power, for fear of exhausting all his soul energy. After all, there was still a tough battle after dealing with Wolf Fang. Even if he didn¡¯t use Ghost Eye at full force, Wolf Fang had be transparent, and Liu Wuxie could see every single one of Wolf Fang¡¯s cells. After all, Ghost Eye was known as the strongest eye technique in the Celestial Realm.


    The de drew an unusual trajectory in the air, and no one could figure out how Liu Wuxie managed to do it. The de brushed past Wolf Fang¡¯s arm, causing blood to ssh as the spiked club flew away, crashing into a nearby house.


    ¡°Third move!¡± Liu Wuxie had crippled one of Wolf Fang¡¯s arms in his second move, equivalent to removing Wolf Fang¡¯s ws. His third move followed right behind, not allowing Wolf Fang to catch his breath.


    Just like that, everyone watched as Liu Wuxie¡¯s de swiped across Wolf Fang¡¯s neck. The attack seemed to leave no mark, appearing to be nothing more than an ordinary strike.


    As Liu Wuxie and Wolf Fang passed each other, it looked as if they had simply switched ces and nothing had happened. Three moves had passed, and everyone waited with bated breath to see who had emerged victorious.


    Then, blood began to trickle down from Wolf Fang¡¯s neck, the sound of the droplets hitting the ground echoing through the night.


    ¡°Your de is fast!¡± Wolf Fang said, his voice tinged with pain as he emerged from his Wolf Transformation. His instincts had warned him that this raid would be dangerous. He had considered countless possibilities, including the possibility of being ambushed by Xu Yilin. But he had never imagined that he would meet his end at the hands of a young man considered to be nothing more than trash in Azure Billow City.


    ¡°It¡¯s not that I¡¯m fast, it¡¯s that you¡¯re slow,¡± Liu Wuxie said with a harmless smile on his face. But to those watching, his smile seemed like that of a demon, causing them to tremble involuntarily.


    Wolf Fang¡¯s body began to fall. This time, Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t extract Wolf Fang¡¯s essence, not wanting to draw too much attention to himself and risk rumors spreading about him being a monster. As for those who had witnessed his actions back in Phoenix Roost Gorge, he had already issued a gag order to keep them quiet.


    ¡°Wolf Fang is dead?¡± Wan Yiyun muttered, and he couldn¡¯t ept this oue. After all, Wolf Fang was in the fifth-level Spirit Cleansing Realm and one of the top ten experts in Azure Billow City.


    Tian Qihong, on the other hand, was visibly afraid. He pointed at Liu Wuxie but couldn¡¯t seem to find the words to speak.


    ¡°W-Who the hell are you?!¡± Tian Qihong stuttered, and he couldn¡¯t conceal the fear in his heart. The Tian and Wan n¡¯s disciples also looked at Liu Wuxie as if they were looking at a monster.


    This included the Xu n¡¯s guards, whose emotions had undergone ups and downs. The guards who mocked Liu Wuxie earlier could feel an invisible p on their faces.


    Xu Yishan was also stunned. He didn¡¯t know what to do now and even forgot that the enemies were still in front of them.


    ¡°Someone who¡¯ll take your lives. Are you satisfied with this answer?¡± Liu Wuxie sneered at the fact that they still had the mood to wonder who he was. He immediately disappeared because the other party was stronger than the Xu n in overall strength, so he had to kill as many people as possible to reduce the casualties of the Xu n.


    He wouldn¡¯t bat an eye if the Xu n¡¯s guards who mocked him died, but the Xu n would have to pay a huge sum to their families. So it would be a great blow to the Xu n¡¯s finances if there were too many casualties, and the loyalty of these guards would also decrease after this incident.


    Liu Wuxie was like a wolf among sheep, mercilessly ughtering the disciples of the Wan and Tian ns. They were still in shock from Wolf Fang¡¯s death and had gathered together, making them easy targets for Liu Wuxie as he charged into their midst before they could scatter.


    Blood began to spray as ten-odd heads flew. The blood dyed Liu Wuxie¡¯s clothes red, and he charged back and forth, leaving behind a pile of corpses on the ground.


    ¡°Quick, run for your lives!¡± Wan Yiyun was the first toe to his senses and ordered everyone to escape. Liu Wuxie was too terrifying, and Liu Wuxie could butcher them all by himself. Even if Wan Yiyun was in the pinnacle Xiantian Realm, he was sent flying away by Liu Wuxie¡¯s attack.


    ¡°Fire!¡± Deacon Hu has been waiting for this opportunity. He and fifty guards had taken up positions at the exit, giving them the advantage of higher ground.


    As arrows rained down from above, the number of corpses on the ground grew. The disciples of the two ns were cut down before they could even take a few steps.


    ¡°Bastard, I¡¯ll kill you!¡± Tian Qihong charged towards Liu Wuxie, determined to take him down with him. He grabbed hold of Liu Wuxie and shouted, ¡°Everyone run! I¡¯ll hold him off!¡±


    ¡°Where do you guys think you are going?!¡± Xu Yishan charged into the crowd with his sword drawn, adding to the growing pile of bodies on the ground. The enemy¡¯s morale was shattered by fear, and they were unable to put up any resistance.

 Chapter 45 - Setting Up Array

    <h4>Chapter 45 - Setting Up Array</h4>


    With Xu Yishan joining the battle, the Wan and Tian ns¡¯ disciples were like wheat being harvested with a scythe. In just one exchange, casualties increased, and the corpses could be piled into a mountain.


    ¡°Die!¡± Tian Qihong¡¯s head flew to the sky as it was separated from his body. Even in death, he clung tightly to Liu Wuxie¡¯s legs, hoping to create an opportunity for the others to escape.


    ¡°Charge out!¡± The remaining mercenaries surged towards the exit like a tidal wave. With their leader defeated, their morale had been shattered, and they had lost the will to fight.


    After breaking free from Tian Qihong, Liu Wuxie strode the Seven Dipper Steps, splitting himself into three and scattering out. When he swung his de, it radiated with a horrifying de aura, forming a curtain of energy that pressed down upon his enemies.


    Apanied by a rumbling noise, the camp began to tremble like a five-magnitude earthquake. Huge cracks began to appear on the ground that swiftly spread to the surrounding houses.


    The de aura swept over them, blinding everyone and plunging them into darkness. All they could hear were screams echoing in their ears. When the dust finally settled, the camp was silent, with a lone figure standing in the center. He seemed to tower over them like a mountain, an imposing presence that left everyone feeling small and insignificant.


    The Xu n¡¯s guards took in a cold breath because the ground was littered with corpses, and everyone from the Wolf Fang Mercenary was dead. Liu Wuxie had killed a hundred people with one de strike, and just how terrifying was that?


    On the other hand, fifty-odd corpses were lying at the exit, all shot to death.


    Xu Yishan sheathed his sword and walked toward Liu Wuxie with a bitter smile. His facial expression was strained and unnatural.


    ¡°When did you reach the Xiantian Realm? Does my elder brother know about it?¡± Xu Yishan asked. It had been six months since hest returned to Azure Billow City. Liu Wuxie used to be garbage, and there was only one possibility since he could grow so fast; he had been concealing himself.


    ¡°He knows,¡± Liu Wuxie replied simply. He didn¡¯t have much of a rtionship with Xu Yishan, and they rarely saw each other throughout the year. In contrast, Xu Yishan was quite close to Xu Lingxue.


    Whenever Xu Yishan returned from the Iris Gold Mine, he would bring interesting things back for Xu Lingxue. But when it came to Liu Wuxie, Xu Yishan would only scold him. That was why Liu Wuxie tried to avoid Xu Yishan whenever he visited.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for what happened in the afternoon. I was at fault, and things could have ended badly if it weren¡¯t for you,¡± Xu Yishan said, apologizing sincerely. He knew that he had been in the wrong earlier and wanted to make amends.


    The other guards also approached, wearing respectful expressions, especially those who mocked Liu Wuxie earlier. They lowered their heads like children who made mistakes, fearing that Liu Wuxie might punish them.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go and rest if there¡¯s nothing else. Here¡¯s a list of materials; have Father-inw gather them as soon as possible. I want to set up arge-scale spiritual array here. At that time, even Spirit Cleansing Realm experts will die if they dare toe here.¡± Liu Wuxie gave Xu Yishan a list of tasks toplete before returning to his cultivation, waiting for the necessary materials to arrive. He made his way through the crowd and back to his house, seemingly unaffected by the night¡¯s events.


    ¡°Young Master seems to have changed!¡± a guard whispered. The aura emanating from Liu Wuxie made them afraid, and they didn¡¯t dare to look Liu Wuxie straight in the eyes.


    ¡°Young Master is too strong! He killed Wolf Fang with three de strikes, and I can foresee the Xu n rising!¡± Cheers echoed in the entire camp.


    ¡°No one is to disclose what happened tonight. Treat the injured brothers and clean up the battlefield as soon as possible. Resume your normal duties once you guys are done.¡± Xu Yishan ordered the injured guards to rest while everyone else cleaned up the battlefield. Most importantly, he issued a strict gag order.


    Everyone quickly cleaned up the camp, and the mines continued to run as normal at day. The miners went to the mines as truckloads of ores were transported out.


    A guard respectfully bowed outside Liu Wuxie¡¯s house and asked, ¡°Young Master, breakfast is ready. Would you like to eat in the canteen or have it brought to you here?¡±


    ¡°Bring it here,¡± Liu Wuxie replied, preferring to limit his interactions with others. He expected the materials for the spiritual array to arrive within two days, after which he would set up the array and leave. He needed to return to Azure Billow City before the one-month deadline approached, so he spent the next two days in cultivation.


    When Xu n¡¯s transportation team arrived, an acquaintance was among them.


    ¡°Young Master, I brought you the materials you need!¡± Deacon Lan stood outside the door. When Xu Yilin received Xu Yishan¡¯s message, he didn¡¯t hesitate to mobilize funds to purchase the materials listed and transported them over immediately. Deacon Lan personally escorted the team this time to avoid any idents.


    Liu Wuxie opened the door and came out. His cultivation had improved slightly over the past two days, but his cultivating speed was getting slower because he needed resources.


    ¡°How¡¯s the current situation in Azure Billow City?¡±


    Liu Wuxie and Deacon Lan stood in an open space. Xu Yishan stood in the distance and didn¡¯te over because he felt a hint of respect for Liu Wuxie in his heart.


    ¡°The Tian and Wan ns joined forces a few days ago tounch a sneak attack on our weaponry workshop. But fortunately, our patriarch was prepared and caught them off guard. As a result, the two ns suffered heavy losses.¡±


    Azure Billow City had been anything but peaceful in recent days. Unable to restrain themselves, the two ns hadunched a night raid, only to suffer a crushing defeat.


    ¡°Any other news?¡± Liu Wuxie asked, eager for information about the Terrabreak Army. He wanted to know if there was any news after fifty soldiers from the Terrabreak Army went missing for so long. The Terrabreak Army was an elite force, with each soldier¡¯s name recorded. Even if they died in battle, detailed ounts of their lives would be avable. The disappearance of fifty Terrabreak Army soldiers should have been enough to shake the Great Yan Dynasty.


    ¡°There are rumors circting in the city about an issue with the Song n¡¯s Spiritual Array Hall,¡± Deacon Lan said uncertainly. ¡°But no one knows if it¡¯s true.¡± After all, too many things happened in Azure Billow City in the past few days.


    ¡°Anything else?¡± Liu Wuxie and Deacon Lan walked as they chatted. The camp was huge, and it would take a long time to circle the entire camp.


    ¡°There are also rumors that the Terrabreak Army came to Azure Billow City, but they somehow disappeared. There are rumors that the Imperial City has dispatched investigators over.¡± Deacon Lan lowered his voice. After all, the disappearance of the Terrabreak Army could be serious.


    Liu Wuxie nodded, taking in the information. Deacon Qi had imposed a strict gag order, and they would rather die than break it. If word of what had happened in Phoenix Roost Gorge were to get out, they would all be doomed.


    As for Qi Enshi, Tian n, and Wan n, they would naturally keep quiet about the matter. After all, they were also involved, having made use of the Terrabreak Army.


    Three carts loaded with materials were brought in and unloaded, all of them containing the supplies Liu Wuxie needed.


    ¡°Deacon Lan, I¡¯ll need your help for the next few days,¡± Liu Wuxie said. Setting up the spiritual array on his own would take too long, so he wanted to divide the work.


    ¡°Young Master, just give the order!¡± What happened in the camp had been reported back to the Xu n. Xu Yilin didn¡¯t conceal it, and Deacon Lan knew about it. This was why Deacon Lan wore a respectful expression as he followed behind Liu Wuxie with a paper and brush. Because there were many obscure parts in what Liu Wuxie said, he had to go through them again when he returned.


    This array required fifty cores surrounding the entire Iris Gold Mine, which would cover a radius of fifty miles. So a single person couldn''tplete such arge-scale spiritual array. After Liu Wuxie made arrangements, Deacon Lan led fifty guards to start digging into the spots marked by Liu Wuxie to set up a spiritual array.


    A powerful spiritual array definitely couldn¡¯t bepleted just by nting gs on the ground; that was just for show.


    Spiritual arrays could be divided into three types. The first type of spiritual array could be arranged with spirit stones, but this sort of spiritual array was considered consumable as it exhausted energy daily. This type of powerful spiritual array couldst for a few months, while an ordinary Spirit Convergence Array could onlyst a few days.


    The second type used heaven and earthws, but this spiritual array was hard to set up. If the Spiritual Array Master made a mistake, they would suffer a bacsh.


    The third type was even moreplex, requiring not only thews of heaven and earth but also the infusion of the essence of spiritual arrays into the cores. Only a Spiritual Array Grandmaster could set up an array of this level.


    The Earth Elemental Waves Array that Liu Wuxie was setting upbined geography and the essence of spiritual arrays, killing two birds with one stone. It took an entire day for them to set up all the cores, and Liu Wuxie spent an entire day and night forging fifteen gs. The size and color of each g were different, and they naturally represented different attributes.


    ording to the blueprint provided by Liu Wuxie, Deacon Lan inserted the gs into the cores, and a powerful gale suddenly raged in the camp, shrouding it in a faint mist that made the camp disappear from the outside world. If one looked from outside, the entire camp was enveloped in a heavy fog, and no one could see the camp''s interior.


    Interestingly, those within the camp could see what was happening outside. The Earth Elemental Waves Array drew its energy from the earth, so relying on spirit stones to maintain it was not a sustainable solution. Once the spirit stones were depleted, the spiritual array would copse.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s approach, on the other hand, harnessed the energy of the earth to keep the spiritual array running, demonstrating the true depth of spiritual array knowledge. The rest was up to Liu Wuxie, who needed to establish rules within the spiritual array. Without them, no one would be able to enter or leave.


    To a certain degree, the person who set up the spiritual array was the soul of the spiritual array. Liu Wuxie ced two spirit stones in each core, one representing Yin and the other Yang, creating a bnce of Yin-Yang energy. With that, the spiritual array had been established.


    When the cores returned to normal, no one could get close even if they knew the location. A killing array enveloped each core, and even an expert in the Spirit Cleansing Realm would die if they got close.


    ¡°Y-Young Master, how did you do that?¡± Deacon Lan had participated in setting up the array. Although he was only responsible for simple matters, he couldn¡¯t understand anything about spiritual arrays.


    ¡°You want to learn?¡± Liu Wuxie turned to Deacon Lan and smiled. Deacon Lan was loyal to the Xu n, and Liu Wuxie would eventually leave Azure Billow City. In the future, the Xu n would have to rely on people like Deacon Lan, just as they had relied on Hu Shi, whom Liu Wuxie had taught the art of weapon forging.


    ¡°Master, please ept my bow!¡± Deacon Lan was decisive and went down on his knees directly. If he couldprehend such a powerful spiritual array, his position would rise in the Xu n.


    ¡°Give me a droplet of your blood!¡± Like Hu Shi, Liu Wuxie needed to form a soul contract with Deacon Lan. If Deacon Lan dared to betray the Xu n in the future, Liu Wuxie could take his life anytime.


    Deacon Lan squeezed out a droplet of blood without any hesitation. Liu Wuxie began forming seals with his hands and infused arge wealth of knowledge about spiritual arrays into the blood and a soul contract. When the blood entered Deacon Lan¡¯s forehead, Deacon Lan was shocked by the massive information that filled his mind.

 Chapter 46 - Pavilion Master

    <h4>Chapter 46 - Pavilion Master</h4>


    Over the next few days, Deacon Lan was tasked with serving Liu Wuxie, which left everyone in the camp stunned. Deacon Lan was a middle-aged man in his forties, and if word got out that he had be Liu Wuxie¡¯s servant, his reputation would surely suffer. But no one mocked Deacon Lan for his decision. Instead, they were envious.


    Deacon Hu had also been following Liu Wuxie closely, dropping hints that he wanted to be his disciple. But Liu Wuxie ignored him. Talent was important when choosing a disciple, but so was character.


    ¡°Master, it¡¯s gettingte. We should be on our way,¡± Deacon Lan said, having made all the necessary arrangements. Liu Wuxie had spent three days at the Iris Gold Mine and would now be returning to Azure Billow City with ten carts of ore.


    ¡°Lan Xu, you guys go first. I¡¯ll return by myself!¡± Liu Wuxie waved his hand for Deacon Lan to leave first. He wanted to spend some time training in the mountain range and could easily catch up with themter.


    As the carriage left the spiritual array, Liu Wuxie gave Xu Yishan the secrets for entering and exiting it. Xu Yishan would be in charge of the spiritual array, and no one could leave the camp without his permission.


    Liu Wuxie entered the mountain range once more to hunt demonic beasts, venturing deeper than before.


    <strong>......</strong>


    A second-grade Steel Lizard copsed onto the ground, its throat slit. The corpse swiftly shriveled, with its essence flowing into Liu Wuxie¡¯s dantian. Because Liu Wuxie kept going deeper, he eventually left the boundaries of the Sunset Mountain Range and came to a halt before a range of towering peaks.


    ¡°Time to go back!¡± By now, Liu Wuxie estimated that the transportation team had passed the Phoenix Roost Gorge. Pushing his movement technique to its limits, he caught up with them in just one day and entered Azure Billow City alongside them.


    In the past eight days, Lei Tao had visited the Xu n daily to inquire about Liu Wuxie¡¯s whereabouts.


    This was because the Treasure Pill Pavilion was having a tough time. After all, the sales of the Heavenly Spirit Pill had far exceeded their expectations. In just a few days, they had received countless orders, including orders from nearby cities.


    But the Treasure Pill Pavilion didn¡¯t dare to ept the orders because Liu Wuxie was nowhere to be found. This naturally made them feel terrible that they couldn¡¯t bite the meat ced before them.


    Liu Wuxie went to see Xu Yilin the moment he returned. When they met, the atmosphere was a little heavy, and Xu Yilin had a hint of concern in his eyes.


    ¡°Father-inw, are they investigating us about the disappearance of the Terrabreak Army?¡±


    Along the way, Deacon Lan had mentioned that the investigation team would arrive in Azure Billow City within these two days, and the four big ns were the main targets of their investigation.


    ¡°Yeah. The disappearance of fifty soldiers and a 1,000-Man Commander shocked the Great Yan Dynasty, and they dispatched an investigation team to investigate this matter thoroughly.¡± Xu Yilin had been concerned about this matter. The disappearance of the Terrabreak Army threw every n into panic, fearing they might find something. After all, no one in Azure Billow City could bear the fury of the notorious Terrabreak Army.


    ¡°When will the investigation team arrive?¡± Liu Wuxie asked. He needed to make preparations. He wasn¡¯t worried about Deacon Qi and the guards present in the Phoenix Roost Gorge, but he was concerned that the City Lord Mansion would take this opportunity to target the Xu n.


    ¡°They arrived today and are at the City Lord Mansion now. The investigation will officially begin tomorrow, and we¡¯ll learn more then.¡± Xu Yilin locked his brows together and looked at Liu Wuxie deeply. He had a feeling that the disappearance of the Terrabreak Army was no ident. In the past few days, he had uncovered some clues. He had learned that the Terrabreak Army had left Azure Billow City and entered the Sunset Mountain Range ten days ago, never to return. All signs pointed to their demise within the mountain range.


    ¡°Nothing we can do about it now; we just have to prepare for it,¡± Liu Wuxie said, trying tofort Xu Yilin. Worrying excessively would only increase their stress, and Liu Wuxie had a better understanding of the situation than his father-inw.


    ¡°That¡¯s the only thing we can do now. Thanks to you, the Iris Gold Mine¡¯s issue has been resolved, and you should rest.¡±


    When Liu Wuxie returned to his courtyard, he didn¡¯t rest. Instead, he lit up his cauldron to refine Heavenly Spirit Pills. By nightfall, whenmps were lit, he had finished his work and produced more than 200 pills. After reaching the third level of the Xiantian Realm, it was easier for him to refine Heavenly Spirit Pill, and his sess rate had increased.


    Liu Wuxie changed his clothes and stored the Heavenly Spirit Pills. He had to get rid of Zhou Hu¡¯s interspatial pouch quickly, or it might bring disaster to him. The Treasure Pill Pavilion was already closed, but when Master Huo learned that Liu Wuxie was there, he came out to greet him. Upon seeing Liu Wuxie, Master Huo reacted as if he were seeing a family member and eagerly ushered him into the reception room.


    ¡°Young Master Liu, we have been eagerly waiting for your return!¡± Master Huo looked at Liu Wuxie like a resentful wife. Lei Tao stood to the side, his lip twitching at Master Huo¡¯s enthusiasm.


    ¡°I had to leave Azure Billow City for a few days. Here are 200 Heavenly Spirit Pills. Starting today, I will provide 100 Heavenly Spirit Pills daily.¡± Liu Wuxie rubbed his nose and took out the pills, cing them on the table.


    Master Huo¡¯s eyes lit up at the sight of the pills. Over the past few days, experts had threatened them to refine more Heavenly Spirit Pills.


    Footsteps echoed through the passage, crisp and clear. It sounded like boots knocking on stone bs. Master Huo and Lei Tao heard the footsteps and hurried outside to greet the neer. ¡°Pavilion Master, you¡¯re here.¡±


    The Pavilion Master of the Treasure Pill Pavilion was an expert in the Marrow Cleansing Realm. He had recently returned from a trip to Imperial City and was already aware of the situation with the Heavenly Spirit Pills. He didn¡¯t me Master Huo and Lei Tao for signing the contract, as he would have done the same if he were in their position.


    The Pavilion Master was in his fifties. He wore a jacket made of tiger leather and boots. He was eight feet tall with distinct facial features. The moment this man came in, his gaze fell on Liu Wuxie. When their eyes met, Liu Wuxie could feel a pressure descending.


    Liu Wuxie knew that the Pavilion Master was trying to flex his muscles. After all, it was unprecedented for someone to force the Treasure Pill Pavilion to sign a disadvantageous contract. Although the Treasure Pill Pavilion didn¡¯t suffer any losses, it could greatly damage its reputation if this matter were to spread out.


    Master Huo and Lei Tao retreated, not daring to speak.


    Liu Wuxie executed the Ghost Eye, relying on his mental energy as an Immortal Emperor to knock the pressure back. The confrontation caused a huge uproar in the room, with the tables and chairs floating in the sky, leaving Master Huo and Lei Tao shocked.


    ¡°Young Master Liu, you really live up to your reputation!¡± The Pavilion Master retracted his gaze, and his facial expression underwent a drastic change. He began tough as he sat beside Liu Wuxie, and he looked entirely different from how he was a moment ago.


    Lei Tao and Master Huo exchanged a worried look, their foreheads creased with concern. They could tell that the Pavilion Master had tried to assert his dominance and failed. When they looked at Liu Wuxie again, fear was evident in their eyes.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie pays his respect to the Pavilion Master!¡± Liu Wuxie stood up and bowed. He naturally needed to keep his manners.


    But the Pavilion Master stopped him from bowing. They seemed to have a close rtionship, more like old friends than strangers meeting for the first time.


    ¡°My name is Bi Gongyu, and you can address me as Old Bi. Don¡¯t keep calling me Pavilion Master, as it will make us look like two strangers.¡± The Pavilion Master invited Liu Wuxie to sit down, speaking in a respectful tone. It was unlike him and also shocking for Master Huo and Lei Tao, given that Liu Wuxie¡¯s actions had threatened the interests of the Treasure Pill Pavilion.


    They chatted about many things, but Bi Gongyu mentioned nothing about the refining method of the Heavenly Spirit Pill. Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t mention it either, and they chatted happily for an hour.


    ¡°Old Bi, it¡¯s gettingte, and I don¡¯t want to keep you any longer,¡± said Liu Wuxie as he stood up. Bi Gongyu, Master Huo, and Lei Tao personally escorted him out of the Heavenly Pill Pavilion.


    When they returned to the reception room, Bi Gongyu¡¯s expression darkened. He no longer seemed as friendly as before.


    ¡°Pavilion Master, why didn¡¯t you ask about the Heavenly Spirit Pill¡¯s refining method?¡± Lei Tao asked, puzzled. Since Lei Tao didn¡¯t need Liu Wuxie¡¯s help to treat his injuries, he was less respectful towards him than Master Huo, and he spoke his mind more freely.


    ¡°You think I don¡¯t want to know?¡± replied Bi Gongyu sharply, reclining on a soft bed.


    Lei Tao and Master Huo were baffled by his sudden change of attitude. After all, Bi Gongyu cultivated in the Marrow Cleansing Realm and could easily suppress Liu Wuxie with one hand.


    ¡°I hope you can exin your reasoning to us, Pavilion Master,¡± said Master Huo and Lei Tao, looking at Bi Gongyu expectantly. Master Huo had initially wanted to force Liu Wuxie to reveal the refining method for the Heavenly Spirit Pill but had backed down because Liu Wuxie might be the only one capable of treating his condition. So why had Bi Gongyu also chosen topromise?


    ¡°Do you guys know what I saw in his eyes?¡± Bi Gongyu broke out in a cold sweat, recalling his encounter with Liu Wuxie. When their eyes met, Bi Gongyu knew he had made a mistake. The Ghost Eye nearly took his soul, and it was clear that it was not human.


    ¡°What did you see?¡± Master Huo and Lei Tao asked, knowing very few things could scare Bi Gongyu. Even the Azure Billow City¡¯s City Lord had to be respectful to Bi Gongyu.


    ¡°A mountain of corpses and a sea of blood,¡± Bi Gongyu replied honestly. ¡°Countless skulls wereing towards me, and I felt death approaching. If we had continued to stare at each other, I would have died.¡± Master Huo and Lei Tao had been Bi Gongyu¡¯s closest friends for years, so he shared his experience with them.


    ¡°Is he so terrifying that even the Pavilion Master is afraid of him?!¡± Lei Tao gasped. He had not interacted much with Liu Wuxie and didn¡¯t understand him. But when he thought back to the events in Wan n¡¯s colosseum, he couldn¡¯t help shivering.


    Liu Wuxie had calmly baited his enemies, winning arge sum of gold coins and 100 spirit stones step by step. This was not something an ordinary person could achieve.


    ¡°Pavilion Master, how was your trip to the Imperial Capital? Can we preserve our position as Treasure Pill Pavilion¡¯s branch?¡± Master Huo asked. The Treasure Pill Pavilion belonged to the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, and they would set headquarters in each dynasty along with branches in some major cities. But if the profits weren¡¯t optimistic, the branch would be removed.


    The Treasure Pill Pavilion in Azure Billow City was struggling while other branches thrived. They had no new pills to offer while other branches were innovating. Bi Gongyu had gone to the Imperial City to try to save their branch.


    ¡°For now, but it¡¯s temporary. Our branch is ranked second tost among the other branches in the Great Yan Dynasty, and our annual profits are barely enough to keep us going. If this continues, it will be a matter of time before we¡¯re eliminated.¡±


    The Treasure Pill Pavilion in Azure Billow City was in danger of being closed as it was ranked second tost in the evaluation. Thest-ranked branch had already been announced for closure, meaning they were next.


    Common pills such as the Energy Condensing Pill could be purchased in every city, and the Treasure Pill Pavilion monopolized the Azure Billow City market. If they wanted to expand their business, relying on the Energy Condensing Pill wasn¡¯t enough.


    ¡°Pavilion Master, the Heavenly Spirit Pill might be our opportunity, and we have to seize it.¡± Master Huo was eager to obtain the Heavenly Spirit Pill¡¯s refining method. As long as he mastered it, the status of their branch would skyrocket.


    ¡°Pavilion Master, the investigation team from Imperial City, will start their investigation tomorrow to look into the four big ns. What will happen to us if the Xu n is involved?¡±

 Chapter 47 - Investigation Team

    <h4>Chapter 47 - Investigation Team</h4>


    Liu Wuxie turned a corner in the street and headed towards the Pleasure Inn instead of returning to the Xu n. It was alreadyte at night when he returned to the Xu n. Even at night, Liu Wuxie devoted most of his time to cultivation. This was because the Investigation Team was like a sword of Damocles hanging above his head, ready to fall at any moment.


    The Deste Devouring Art gave him a powerful dantian, providing him with unrivaled true essence and a powerful physique. However, the downside of the Deste Devouring Art was also clear; his cultivation speed was slower than others. Everything had its advantages and disadvantages.


    As dawn broke, a fierce storm swept over Azure Billow City. The four major ns had ordered their disciples not to leave, as the Investigation Team was due to visit them that day to conduct their investigation.


    Liu Wuxie exhaled, feeling his true essence strengthened after a night of cultivation. However, he knew he still had a long way to go to reach the fourth level of the Xiantian Realm.


    ¡°Patriarch, the Investigation Team is in the Song n, and they will start their investigation there,¡± reported the scouts, returning with the news. Xu Yilin waved his hand as he sat in the main hall.


    In the courtyard, Liu Wuxie practiced his de technique. His father-inw had instructed him not to leave the Xu n for the next two days unless absolutely necessary.


    Two hourster, the Investigation Team left the Song n, escorted out by Song Tianhao himself. The members of the Song n breathed a sigh of relief. The Investigation Team represented the Great Yan Imperial Family and was led by an old man.


    ¡°Old Kong, please forgive our poor hospitality. When the investigation is over, I will make sure to properly host you. I won¡¯t take up any more of your time, and I hope the investigation goes well.¡± Song Tianhao bowed to an old man in his sixties. The old man¡¯s name was Kong Yi, an influential mentor in the Great Yan Dynasty. Although he had no official authority, he was highly regarded and also held another identity as the mentor of the current crown prince.


    The other four in the Investigation Team were from the military and royal family. Even the Imperial Academy had sent a representative because some of the soldiers involved were students there.


    If they had died on the battlefield, it would not have caused such amotion. But this time was different, as the Terrabreak Army had left their camp without permission and had embezzled 10 million gold coins meant for military expenses.


    This matter had to be investigated thoroughly to uncover what had gone wrong in the Terrabreak Army. The team was determined to find them, dead or alive.


    If the Terrabreak Army took the military expenses and defected to an enemy dynasty, it would be a great humiliation to the Great Yan Dynasty. This was the crux of the matter.


    ¡°Patriarch Song, you can leave us here. I apologize for any disruption we may have caused,¡± said Kong Yi, bowing to Song Tianhao. Despite being a renowned mentor in the Great Yan Dynasty, Kong Yi was humble and approachable, which earned him respect.


    Song Tianhao heaved a sigh of relief, looking at the Investigation Team leaving. Everyone on the Investigation Team was well-experienced, and they could detect even the slightest detail. If Song Tianhao made a mistake, he would fall into their traps. But fortunately, none of the Song n¡¯s disciples had left Azure Billow City recently. This was also the reason why the investigation ended so quickly.


    ¡°Patriarch, their next destination should be the Wan n,¡± whispered Song n¡¯s Grand Elder. The Song n managed to shake themselves clean from this matter, putting the three other ns in pins and needles.


    ¡°I heard that the Xu n¡¯s brat has returned?¡± asked Song Tianhao. The Spiritual Array Hall might have been stabilized but not fully repaired. The Song n had gathered all the materials Liu Wuxie required, and they were waiting for him to fix their spiritual arrays. It was no exaggeration to say that the fate of the Song n was now tied to Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Yeah, he came back yesterday,¡± replied the Grand Elder, a flicker of fear crossing his eyes at the mention of Liu Wuxie. He still vividly remembered Liu Wuxie¡¯s de from that day.


    ¡°Inform the Xu n about the questions asked during the investigation, but make sure no one else finds out about it,¡± said Song Tianhao, suddenly deciding to let the Xu n know about the investigation process so they could prepare in advance. However, if the Investigation Team found out about this, the Song n would be in deep trouble.


    ¡°Patriarch, isn¡¯t this inappropriate?¡± asked the Grand Elder hesitantly, knowing that this went against the rules. The Song n was ranked first among the four big ns, while the Xu n was rankedst. The investigation procedure followed the ranking of the ns, which was why the Song n had been investigated first.


    ¡°Our Song n needs a batch of weapons recently. So send someone to purchase it from the weaponry workshop.¡± Song Tianhao waved his hand and returned to the n. The Grand Elder knew what Song Tianhao was nning and immediately sent someone to handle this matter. Visiting the Xu n at this moment would reveal their intentions, so Song Tianhao wanted to use the excuse of buying weapons.


    An hourter, Xu Yilin was surprised by the news from the Song n that was presented to him.


    ¡°The Song n leaked the investigation procedure to us on purpose? What are they nning?¡± Xu Yilin shook his hands and reduced the report to ashes, having already memorized its contents.


    ¡°Either way, it¡¯s not a bad thing. We already know the investigation procedure in advance, and we can make preparations for it!¡± said Deacon Lan, who had his suspicions but did not jump to conclusions as he was not yet certain.


    An hourter, when the Investigation Team left the Wan n, they were personally sent out by Wan Rongzhe and Wan n¡¯s elders. Judging from their expressions, the Wan n made it through the investigation and had nothing on them.


    The Tian n was next. The Investigation Team came out from the Tian n four hourster, and it was already noon. But the Investigation Team still found nothing. The three big ns revealed their recent activities and had nothing to do with the Terrabreak Army.


    Before they arrived at the Xu n, Xu Yilin was already waiting outside.


    ¡°Junior Xu Yilin pays his respect to Mister Kong...¡± Xu Yilin bowed and cupped his fists together at those following Kong Yi as a greeting.


    ¡°Patriarch Xu, you¡¯re too polite. We¡¯re here following orders, and I apologize in advance if you feel offended by our investigation.¡± Kong Yi responded with a bow before Xu Yilin led the Investigation Team into the Xu n. The other deacons of the Xu n also rushed back to prepare for the investigation.


    As everyone took their seats, the deacons of the Xu n stood on either side, waiting to be questioned and not daring to make a sound. Even though Xu Yilin had received the investigation report from the Song n and had prepared responses to the questions, they couldn¡¯t help feeling nervous.


    ¡°Patriarch Xu, may I ask if anyone from your n entered the Sunset Mountain Range ten days ago?¡± asked a middle-aged man, stepping forward before Kong Yi could speak. ording to the report from the Song n, this man was from the military, and his name was Bai Qiu. He was the 10,000-Man Commander in the Terrabreak Army¡¯s Heaven Battalion. The deceased Zhou Hu and his men were under hismand, so it was normal for him to ask questions.


    ¡°General Bai, our Xu n sent three transportation teams into the Sunset Mountain Range to transport ores, and this is their information.¡± Deacon Lan took out a name list and handed it to Bai Qiu, which recorded the details of every person, such as their family and strength.


    Bai Qiu nced at the name list before handing it to Kong Yi. ording to the name list, Deacon Qi was the strongest who entered the Sunset Mountain Range, but his cultivation was only in the seventh level of the Xiantian Realm, meaning he couldn''t deal with the Terrabreak Army.


    As they didn¡¯t possess the ability to ughter the Terrabreak Army, they could be ruled out for now. However, there were always exceptions, and they couldn¡¯t draw conclusions based on a list of names.


    After looking at the name list, Kong Yi said nothing and handed it to the others in the Investigation Team. When it reached a middle-aged man with a hooked nose, he scrutinized it more carefully than anyone else.


    Seeing this, a bead of cold sweat rolled down Xu Yilin¡¯s forehead. This was the only person he was concerned about. His name was Xue Chunyu, an official in the Imperial Court and a member of the Xue n, the same n as Xue Yu. He was the reason why the Wan and Tian ns had passed the investigation unscathed.


    ¡°Patriarch Xu, this name list is wrong!¡± Xue Chunyu looked at Xu Yilin with a yful smile and mmed it on the table. His reply stunned Kong Yi, as even the other three big ns wouldn¡¯t dare to provide a fake name list. The Xu n had no background nor a connection with a major n in the Imperial City, yet they dared to give a fake name list during the investigation. This was a serious crime, no different from deceiving the imperial authority.


    Xu Yilin bit the bullet and asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong with it?¡±


    ¡°As far as I know, your son-inw entered the Sunset Mountain Range eight days ago and only returned yesterday. Am I right about that?¡± Xue Chunyu asked with a sneer.


    ¡°Official Xue, the Investigation Team wanted the list of those who entered the Sunset Mountain Range ten days ago. But as you mentioned, my son-inw entered the Sunset Mountain Range eight days ago, so his name isn¡¯t on the list,¡± Xu Yilin quickly exined. He knew it was impossible to conceal Liu Wuxie entering the Sunset Mountain Range, so he admitted to it openly.


    The Terrabreak Army¡¯sst appearance in Azure Billow City was half a month ago. Since then, there had been no news about them. Liu Wuxie had entered the Sunset Mountain Range eight days ago, and there was a huge gap in time.


    Qi Enshi naturally wouldn¡¯t admit that he sent the Terrabreak Army over half a month ago to seize Xu n¡¯s Iris Gold Mine. No one dared to mention it, including the Tian and Wan ns.


    The Terrabreak Army had disappeared after entering the Sunset Mountain Range, and at that time, Liu Wuxie had still been cultivating in Azure Billow City. This wasmon knowledge, and there was no known connection between Liu Wuxie and the Terrabreak Army.


    ¡°Who told you that we¡¯re only investigating those who entered the Sunset Mountain Range ten days ago? You deliberately concealed your son-inw. Are you trying to hide something? Or did your Xu n deliberately cover him up because he has a connection with Terrabreak Army¡¯s disappearance?¡± Xue Chunyu tantly used the Xu n.


    This surprised Bai Qiu because Liu Wuxie had not been considered a suspect since he had entered the Sunset Mountain Range eight days ago. Qi Enshi had provided them with a detailed report on the four big ns when they arrived, and Liu Wuxie¡¯s name had naturally appeared on it.


    ¡°Official Xue, what do you mean by that? My Xu n has been fair andw-abiding. We¡¯ve nevermitted crimes or harmed the Great Yan Dynasty. So please respect the Xu n!¡± Xu Yilin raised his head and looked at Xue Chunyu firmly. He still had no idea why Xue Chunyu wanted to target the Xu n, but he couldn¡¯t let the Xu n be connected with Terrabreak Army¡¯s disappearance.


    ¡°What I mean is simple. Bring your son-inw out to face our interrogation about what he did and who he met in the Sunset Mountain Range over the past eight days. He must have a witness present to prove his innocence,¡± said Xue Chunyu.


    Xue Chunyu was making baseless usations against the Xu n. They needed to conclude the investigation and provide an exnation to His Majesty. Xu Yilin quickly realized that the Investigation Team needed a scapegoat.


    After all, the disappearance of the Terrabreak Army was a great humiliation to the Great Yan Dynasty, and they needed someone to bear the responsibility. Since the Terrabreak Army disappeared in Azure Billow City, someone there had to be held ountable.


    The Tian and Wan ns were connected to the Xue n, so no one would touch them. The Song n was close to Imperial City¡¯s Li n, and it was likely that the Li n sent a message to the Investigation Team before they set off for Azure Billow City. Additionally, no one from the Song n had been in the Sunset Mountain Range for the past ten days. So this was why Song n¡¯s investigation only took less than an hour.


    Everyone in the main hall fell into silence. The Xu n¡¯s deacons could naturally tell that Xue Chunyu was trying to find a scapegoat, and their hearts sank when they heard what he said.

 Chapter 48 - Confrontation

    <h4>Chapter 48 - Confrontation</h4>


    Xu Yilin tried his best to calm his rage because he knew this wasn¡¯t the opportunity to re up.


    ¡°Mentor Kong, please be the judge. I have provided the name list as you requested, and my Xu n is willing to cooperate with the investigation in any way you see fit.¡± Xu Yilin turned to look at Kong Yi to judge this matter. Kong Yi was a renowned mentor of the Great Yan Dynasty and the mentor of the crown prince. This meant he had an extraordinary status in the Great Yan Dynasty, and the Xu n could get out of the predicament if he said the word.


    Xue Chunyu interrupted, sneering, ¡°Patriarch Xu, are you feeling guilty? Why not have your son-inwe out and face us? If he is innocent, we¡¯ll leave immediately. What are you hiding?¡± Bai Qiu and others nodded in agreement.


    Gao Hao, representing the Imperial Academy, spoke up. ¡°Patriarch Xu, while Official Xue¡¯s words may be harsh, they do have some merit. Why not have your son-inwe out and exin himself about what he did in the Sunset Mountain Range for the past eight days?¡±


    Meanwhile, Deacon Qi and others waited outside the main hall to be questioned. They had prepared their answers but began to feel uneasy as an hour passed without being summoned.


    ¡°Patriarch Xu, what are you afraid of? Or are you trying to hide something?¡± Xue Chunyu sneered. Before Xue Chunyu came to Azure Billow City, Xue Yu had sought him out and asked him to make the Xu n pay for humiliating him. He had asked him to destroy the Xu n, especially their patriarch¡¯s son-inw. Xue Chunyu had no choice but to ept this request.


    If the Xu n was destroyed and Liu Wuxie killed, Xu Lingxue would fall into Xue Yu¡¯s hands, and only Xue Chunyu would know about it.


    ¡°My Xu n is righteous and fears no one,¡± Xu Yilin replied, his eyes shing with anger. He could see that Xue Chunyu was deliberately targeting his n. Everyone present knew it, but no one spoke up as they wanted a scapegoat. ¡°Men, bring Wuxie here!¡± he ordered.


    Deacon Lan ran out quickly and returned with Liu Wuxie fifteen minutester, having already informed him of the situation in the main hall.


    Upon entering the main hall, Liu Wuxie bowed and said, ¡°Liu Wuxie pays his respects to all the seniors present.¡± His expression remained unchanged.


    The Investigation Team¡¯s gaze fell on Liu Wuxie. ¡°You¡¯re the Xu n¡¯s son-inw?¡± Xue Chunyu questioned coldly. The news of Liu Wuxie embarrassing Xue Yu and causing the Xue n to lose 100 spirit stones had reached Imperial City, damaging their reputation. The Xue n had wanted to destroy the Xu n but changed their minds when Baili Qing appeared in Azure Billow City and brought Xue Lingxue away.


    ¡°That¡¯s me,¡± Liu Wuxie replied, cupping his fists.


    ¡°ording to our investigation, you entered the Sunset Mountain Range eight days ago. Is that true?¡± Xue Chunyu continued his questioning.


    ¡°That¡¯s right!¡± Liu Wuxie replied. Xue Chunyu followed up with more trickier questions that even went beyond the scope of the investigation.


    ¡°Eight days ago, your Xu n¡¯s transportation team was attacked by a mysterious group but returned safely. Where were you during that time?¡± Xue Chunyu finally revealed his true intentions with a cold smile, even though his earlier questions had already proven that Liu Wuxie had nothing to do with the disappearance of the Terrabreak Army.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s gaze turned cold as he looked at Xue Chunyu. ¡°Is my location important?¡± he asked. Sparks flew from their gazes, and they could sense the murderous intent in each other¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Of course, it¡¯s important,¡± Xue Chunyu replied. ¡°If you can¡¯t provide witnesses to prove your whereabouts at that time, you may be implicated in the disappearance of the Terrabreak Army.¡±


    Xue Chunyu wanted Liu Wuxie to provide witnesses, but everyone knew that Liu Wuxie had left the city alone, and it was clear that Xue Chunyu was trying to make things difficult for him.


    ¡°Official Xue, this question has deviated from the investigation,¡± Xu Yilin interjected. ¡°The Terrabreak Army is known to be invincible. How can an ordinary person like Liu Wuxie have anything to do with their disappearance?!¡± If he allowed Xue Chunyu to continue, it would be no different from falsely using Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Patriarch Xu, since you mentioned it, I have a question for you,¡± Xu Chunyu said with a cold smirk. ¡°ording to the report, your son-inw is unable to cultivate. Yet he killed over a dozen disciples of Wan and Tian ns a few days ago and now has made a breakthrough to the Xiantian Realm. What is your Xu n trying to achieve by concealing his cultivation? This is enough to prove that you are nning something, and I suspect that your n killed the Terrabreak Army!¡±


    Everyone in Azure Billow City knew that Liu Wuxie was garbage. But after marriage, his personality changed greatly, and he made rapid progress in his cultivation. No one believed it and assumed he was deliberately hiding his cultivation. After all, no one was present when Liu Wuxie reached the Xiantian Realm half a month ago, and even Xu Yilin had no idea how he had made such rapid progress.


    ¡°What a joke,¡± Liu Wuxie retorted. If concealing my cultivation means I¡¯m nning something, then I have a question for Official Xue. Is the Xue n nning to rebel by nurturing so many disciples and sending them into the Imperial Court as officials?¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s question was sharp because the Xue n had sent many disciples to the Imperial Court, upying half of the court.


    Liu Wuxie had read a lot about Imperial City in the past few days and grasped the Xue n¡¯s information like the back of his hand.


    ¡°How dare you talk back to the Investigation Team?¡± Xue Chunyu roared coldly. Kong Yi was the crown prince¡¯s mentor and belonged to the Royal Family¡¯s faction. If what Liu Wuxie said reached the crown prince¡¯s ears, it would be unfavorable to the Xue n.


    Bai Qiu and others looked at Liu Wuxie intently as he refuted Xue Chunyu¡¯s ims.


    ¡°I dare not!¡± Liu Wuxie hurried to bow, pretending to be humble.


    With that, the confrontation fell into a stalemate, and everyone could smell the gunpowder in the atmosphere. Xu Yilin¡¯s fists tightened in shock as Liu Wuxie spoke. His timely refutation had unknowingly disrupted the unity of the Investigation Team.


    Qi Enshi was reading a book in the City Lord Mansion when he heard a knock on his door.


    ¡°Master, there¡¯s a letter for you, including a package. The person who delivered it even said to hand it to you personally,¡± the butler of the City Lord Mansion said.


    ¡°Who sent it over?¡± Qi Enshi asked.


    ¡°A child. That child said someone gave him three gold coins and asked him to send them to the City Lord Mansion,¡± the butler continued.


    ¡°Bring it in!¡± Qi Enshimanded, sitting up and stretching his waist. With Azure Billow City soon to be at peace and his position secure, he was in high spirits.


    The butler came in with a package and a letter, which he ced on the table before leaving the room with a bow.


    Qi Enshi picked up the letter and ripped the wax seal open. When he unfolded the letter with a flip, there weren¡¯t many words on it. But the first word made him dizzy, and he nearly fell to the ground.


    ¡°H-How is this possible...¡± Beads of sweat began to roll down Qi Enshi¡¯s forehead as he spoke incoherently. Before he knew it, his back was already soaked in cold sweat.


    Qi Enshi set the letter aside and quickly opened the package. Inside was an old book, its pages filled with names. As he flipped through it, memories of events from twenty-five years ago flooded his mind, all recorded in detail within the book.


    ¡°Zhou Hu, you really left a trump card behind,¡± Qi Enshi muttered, copsing in the chair with murderous intent zing in his eyes.


    ¡°Very good. I can be sure that Zhou Hu contacted the Xu n, or this letter was delivered from the Xu n. Threatening me, Qi Enshi? You guys are courting death!¡± Unbeknownst to him, the Terrabreak Army had been annihted. The book was a record of his actions in a small town twenty-five years prior, including the ughter of its inhabitants to silence them.


    ¡°Prepare a carriage!¡± Qi Enshi was on pins and needles. The butler hurried out and returned fifteen minutester with the carriage ready.


    ¡°Master, where are we going?¡± the butler asked. He noticed that Qi Enshi¡¯s facial expression was ugly, making him wonder what had happened.


    ¡°To the Xu n, quick!¡±


    The carriage swiftly bolted from the City Lord Mansion, crossing the cable bridge and heading straight for the Xu n.


    <strong>......</strong>


    After a heated argument, Xu n¡¯s situation became even more unfavorable.


    Bai Qiu picked up the investigation report. ¡°Our investigation shows that your Xu n¡¯s transportation team was repeatedly attacked and robbed. Yet, eight days ago, you managed to transport your goods, and the robbers vanished. How do you exin that?¡± he asked Xu Yilin.


    ¡°You guys should ask the bandits about that, not my Xu n.¡± Xu Yilin answered cleverly, perfectly deflecting Bai Qiu¡¯s question.


    Just then, two soldiers entered the main hall. ¡°My lords, our investigation isplete. A great battle took ce in Phoenix Roost Gorge,¡± they reported. The soldiers had apanied the Investigation Team to Sunset Mountain to investigate the previous day.


    From the indications, there was a high possibility that the bandits were the Terrabreak Army, and they went straight to the Phoenix Roost Gorge to collect evidence.


    There were no other bandits in the Sunset Mountain Range, and ording to reports from Azure Billow City¡¯s mercenary groups, three teams had left the city in the past fifteen days and could confirm that they hadn¡¯t encountered the Terrabreak Army.


    Ordinary bandits couldn''t threaten Xu n¡¯s transportation team, and the three ns didn¡¯t dispatch anyone either. So there was only one possibility: the Terrabreak Army was robbing Xu n¡¯s goods.


    Everyone present was cunning and could deduce this with little effort. With Azure Billow City being so small and the other three ns eliminated as suspects, only the Xu n remained.


    ¡°Patriarch Xu, what do you have to say now? Your son-inw said he didn¡¯t go to the Phoenix Roost Gorge or experience battles. So how are you going to exin it now? There are traces of battles in the Phoenix Roost Gorge. So what is your Xu n trying to hide?¡± Xue Chunyu sneered, sensing that things weren¡¯t looking good for the Xu n.


    Though some traces may have been erased, it hadn¡¯t been done thoroughly. Deacon Qi and his guards were only ordinary cultivators and couldn¡¯t cover all the details perfectly, such as arrow marks on cliffs that couldn¡¯t be erased and could easily be found with a few clues.


    But the strange thing was that there wasn¡¯t any anxiety on Liu Wuxie¡¯s face, and he was even wearing a mocking smile.


    The Terrabreak Army was dead, and they couldn¡¯t find any evidence even if they searched the entire Sunset Mountain Range. Not to mention that Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t the type who would just sit and wait to die.

 Chapter 49 - Reversal

    <h4>Chapter 49 - Reversal</h4>


    The Phoenix Roost Gorge was along Xu n¡¯s transportation route, and not many people usually traveled through it. So this piece of information was extremely unfavorable to the Xu n.


    ¡°Mentor Kong, we have evidence now, and the Xu n is highly suspicious regarding Terrabreak Army¡¯s disappearance. Please give the order and have everyone from the Xu n taken away for His Majesty to pass his judgment.¡± Xue Chunyu bowed because the final authority was in Kong Yi¡¯s hands.


    ¡°Official Xue, you¡¯re spouting bullshit!¡± Xu Yilin was so furious that he spat out a mouthful of blood. All the deacons present were also angry, but none said a word because everyone knew the Investigation Team needed a scapegoat, and the Xu n fit the bill perfectly. Someone had to take the me for Terrabreak Army¡¯s disappearance, no matter what.


    Xue Chunyu sneered. He didn¡¯t reply to Xu Yilin and waited for Kong Yi¡¯s reply.


    ¡°What do you think?¡± Kong Yi asked, ignoring Xue Chunyu and turning to the other three members of the Investigation Team for their opinion.


    ¡°Mentor Kong, while there may be no direct evidence, the Xu n must be involved. Thest sighting of the Terrabreak Army was in Phoenix Roost Gorge, and the Xu n¡¯s transportation team passed through there that day. I suggest we take the guards from that team into custody and escort them to the Imperial Capital for interrogation. If the Xu n is truly innocent, we can release them,¡± Chen Lu spoke up, breaking his silence. He was a member of the Royal Family and didn¡¯t represent the court, the military, or the academy.


    ¡°I agree with Lord Chen. The presence of the Terrabreak Army crossbow arrows in the Phoenix Roost Gorge implicates the Xu n. All those involved should be taken into custody.¡± Bai Qiu nodded, agreeing that the transportation team should be escorted back for interrogation before making a decision. Once they were in Imperial City, the fate of the Xu n would be in their hands.


    ¡°Teacher Gao, what do you think of it?¡±


    Gao Hao didn¡¯t express his opinion. Students would leave Imperial Academy every year to join the military or return to their homes. Some of the missing soldiers had left the Imperial Academy a few years ago to join the military, and Gao Hao was merely sent there to go through the procedure.


    ¡°I abstain from voting,¡± he dered, choosing to remain neutral and not support Xue Chunyu or his n.


    This meant that Kong Yi¡¯s opinion was crucial, as his words could determine the fate of the Xu n. The members of the Xu n grew nervous at this prospect. They had only recently regained their vitality with their weaponry workshop back in operation and no longer had to worry about their Iris Gold Mine now that it was protected by a spiritual array. The Xu n was rapidly developing.


    ¡°The Treasure Pill Pavilion¡¯s Pavilion Master has arrived!¡± a voice announced from outside the main hall, but before he could finish, Treasure Pill Pavilion Master Bi Gongyu strode into the room, taking big steps.


    ¡°I apologize for taking the liberty to barge into the main hall. So please forgive me for my rudeness, Patriarch Xu.¡± Bi Gongyu cupped his fists at Xu Yilin before turning to look at Kong Yi. They weren¡¯t strangers, and Bi Gongyu bowed, ¡°This junior pays his respect to Mentor Kong!¡±


    He then nodded and greeted the remaining four of the transportation team members. With the Treasure Pill Pavilion¡¯s status in the Great Yan Dynasty, Bi Gongyu naturally had an extraordinary position as a branch pavilion master.


    ¡°Pavilion Master Bi, why are you here? We¡¯re investigating the Terrabreak Army''s disappearance,¡± Xue Chunyu said unhappily. After all, Bi Gongyu¡¯s arrival had disrupted their rhythm. They were just waiting for Kong Yi to give the word, and their investigation would be considered a sess.


    Only Liu Wuxie smirked and wasn¡¯t surprised by Bi Gongyu¡¯s arrival. He turned to his father-inw and gave him a reassuring look.


    ¡°I¡¯m here with some news about the Terrabreak Army¡¯s disappearance, and I hope it¡¯ll be helpful to everyone.¡± Bi Gongyu took out a list of herbs and ced it on the table for everyone to see.


    ¡°Everyone knows our Treasure Pill Pavilion is researching a new pill. Young Master Wuxie is talented, and he developed a new pill with Master Huo while I was away from Azure Billow City. Since a few special herbs are required for the new pill, Young Master Liu was willing to visit the Sunset Mountain Range to collect them. The herbs only grow on Twin Tower Mountain. It takes five to six days to travel from Azure Billow City to and fro. Here are the herbs he brought back yesterday. Please have a look."


    The Investigation Team was aware that Liu Wuxie had visited the Treasure Pill Pavilion on the previous day, including his whereabouts ten days ago when he delivered the Heavenly Spirit Pills. This gave credibility to Bi Gongyu¡¯s words.


    But everyone was stunned that the Treasure Pill Pavilion defended the Xu n by stating that Liu Wuxie had no involvement in the disappearance of the Terrabreak Army.


    ¡°Pavilion Master Bi, are you aware that everything you said is rted to the life and death of the Terrabreak Army?¡± Xue Chunyu¡¯s gaze became cold. He revered the Treasure Pill Pavilion, but he wasn¡¯t afraid of it.


    ¡°ording to the reports in your hands, the Investigation Team should know everyone¡¯s actions in Azure Billow City. You should have detailed records and cross-check them with what I said. I value Young Master Liu¡¯s talent and don¡¯t wish to see him framed for something he didn¡¯t do. So please investigate well.¡± Bi Gongyu¡¯s strong attitude surprised everyone. After all, they were about to conclude their investigation a moment ago before the Treasure Pill Pavilion stepped in. Did Bi Gongyu really value Liu Wuxie¡¯s talent, as he imed? What kind of joke was that? Why would people of their status care about the fate of mere flies?


    ¡°Even if the Terrabreak Army isn¡¯t connected to him, how do you exin the Phoenix Roost Gorge? It¡¯s the route the Xu n¡¯s transportation team had to take, and there are traces of Terrabreak Army¡¯s arrows in that location. Are you saying it has nothing to do with the Xu n?¡± Xue Chunyu shifted his focus to the Xu n, as Liu Wuxie could be easily eliminated.


    Bi Gongyu¡¯s main objective was to protect Liu Wuxie, so he hadn¡¯t thought of the Phoenix Roost Gorge and furrowed his brow. He never expected the Xu n to be the scapegoat, and the Investigation Team seemed to agree.


    Protecting Liu Wuxie was the same as protecting the Heavenly Spirit Pill. But Liu Wuxie wouldn¡¯tst long without the Xu n.


    ¡°Azure Billow City¡¯s City Lord has arrived!¡± a voice announced as a burly figure walked into the main hall.


    The investigation had taken unexpected turns. First, the Treasure Pill Pavilion¡¯s Pavilion Master appeared, followed by the City Lord, Qi Enshi, leaving the Xu n bewildered.


    The other three ns¡¯ investigations took no more than four hours, but it was already dark, and the Investigation Team had been in the Xu n for six hours with no results.


    Many scouts gathered outside the Xu n, and news began to spread in the city. Everyone was wondering if the Xu n could make it through this ordeal.


    ¡°I pay my respects to Mentor Kong and colleagues,¡± said Qi Enshi as he entered and bowed. Having attended Kong Yi¡¯s lectures, it was appropriate for him to address himself as Kong Yi¡¯s student. But when he looked up and saw Bi Gongyu, he was surprised.


    ¡°Brother Qi, what are you doing here? Is it also rted to the Terrabreak Army?¡± asked Xue Chunyu, confused by the presence of both the Treasure Pill Pavilion¡¯s Pavilion Master and Qi Enshi.


    ¡°I¡¯m here to defend the Xu n. Bandits attacked their transportation team, and Patriarch Xu asked for my help in eliminating them. As City Lord, it¡¯s my duty to take action against bandits in my territory. I sent my men to investigate and found that the bandits had left the Sunset Mountain Range half a month ago,¡± exined Qi Enshi, winking at Xu Yilin to signal him to remain silent.


    Xu Yilin was stunned, unable to recall visiting the City Lord Mansion. Xue Chunyu was also taken aback, Bai Qiu narrowed his eyes, and Bi Gongyu¡¯s eyes brightened.


    <strong>......</strong>


    Everyone¡¯s reaction was different. Qi Enshi¡¯s defense of the Xu n was enough to prove their innocence, indicating that the arrow traces in the Phoenix Roost Gorge were old and the Xu n¡¯s transportation team had returned to Azure Billow City unharmed.


    ¡°Brother Qi, do you understand the implications of your words?¡± asked Xue Chunyu, taking a deep breath. Qi Enshi¡¯s statement carried significant weight and meant they could no longer sanction the Xu n. With the Treasure Pill Pavilion¡¯s involvement, they had to reconsider their decision.


    ¡°I¡¯m not finished. My investigation revealed that the Wolf Fang Mercenary left Azure Billow City a few days ago. I believe they may be connected to the Terrabreak Army¡¯s disappearance,¡± said Qi Enshi, presenting a report detailing the Wolf Fang Mercenary¡¯s crimes.


    The main hall fell silent as the investigation reached a dead-end. ording to Qi Enshi¡¯s report, the Wolf Fang Mercenary was likely responsible for the disappearance of the Terrabreak Army, clearing the Xu n of suspicion. With a cultivation level at the fifth level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm, Wolf Fang could have easily defeated the Terrabreak Army.


    ¡°Mentor Kong, what do you think?¡± Xue Chunyu¡¯s face was terrifyingly dark as he turned to Kong Yi, asking if they should continue their investigation.


    Kong Yi scanned the room, having remained silent throughout the argument. He stood up and bowed, ¡°Patriarch Xu, I apologize for the disturbance.¡± As Kong Yi left the main hall, everyone in the Xu n breathed a sigh of relief.


    Xue Chunyu wanted to say something, but no words exited his mouth. Ultimately, he could only wave his hand and re at Liu Wuxie before leaving.


    ¡°Mentor Kong, please watch your steps!¡± called Qi Enshi as the Xu n¡¯s higher-ups escorted the Investigation Team out. Only three people were left in the main hall: Bi Gongyu, Qi Enshi, and Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Young Master Liu, I¡¯ll take my leave, and we can talk another time.¡± Bi Gongyu cupped his fists together before leaving by himself.


    ¡°Young Master Liu, were you the one who sent the package?¡± Qi Enshi asked with a dark expression when they were the only ones left in the main hall.


    ¡°How did you determine that I sent it?¡± admitted Liu Wuxie. He had arranged for someone to deliver the package to the City Lord Mansion but wondered how Qi Enshi had determined it was him and not his father-inw.


    ¡°Tell me, where¡¯s Zhou Hu?¡± demanded Qi Enshi, not wanting to waste time with Liu Wuxie. After a brief analysis, he had concluded that Liu Wuxie had sent the package since Xu Yilin hadn¡¯t left Azure Billow City in recent days.


    The men from the Wan and Tian ns had been unreachable for several days, and Liu Wuxie had been in the Sunset Mountain Range during that time. Qi Enshi was certain that neither n nor the Wolf Fang Mercenary would return, and they were perfect targets to me.


    But Qi Enshi couldn¡¯t understand how so many experts disappeared. Could they have all been killed by Liu Wuxie? He quickly dismissed the idea and concluded that there must be an expert protecting Liu Wuxie. After all, it was impossible for him to rise so quickly without support.


    This was the conclusion Qi Enshi reached after analyzing the situation during his carriage ride.


    ¡°You want to know?¡± Liu Wuxie smiled. ¡°But why should I tell you?¡±

 Chapter 50 - Golden Soul Sea

    <h4>Chapter 50 - Golden Soul Sea</h4>


    The two stared at each other for five minutes before Qi Enshi broke the silence with a smile. ¡°Young Master Liu, I¡¯m impressed by your tactics. You¡¯ve surprised me today, but there¡¯s still a long road ahead. I¡¯ll take my leave,¡± he said,ughing and waving as he strode out of the main hall. This marked the beginning of their feud, although it had already started when Qi Enshi sent the Terrabreak Army to assassinate the Xu n¡¯s transportation team.


    ¡°City Lord Qi, I have a question for you,¡± called Liu Wuxie. ¡°With all the bad things you¡¯ve done, aren¡¯t you afraid of being haunted by the souls of your victims at night?¡±


    As Qi Enshi stepped out of the main hall, he heard Liu Wuxie¡¯s words and stumbled, nearly falling. He realized that Zhou Hu must have told Liu Wuxie everything. Only Zhou Hu knew about the books, and since Liu Wuxie had sent one, he likely had the others as well. Qi Enshi would be at Liu Wuxie¡¯s mercy unless he could destroy those books. Alternatively, he could kill Liu Wuxie to keep the secret safe.


    The Investigation Team left Azure Billow City that night, concluding that the Terrabreak Army died at the hands of Wolf Fang, who had likely fled to another country.


    The result was unexpected, and when it was announced, the Tian n was shocked as they had already prepared to seize Xu n¡¯s Weaponry Workshops.


    The Wan and Song ns were also stunned when they learned that both the Treasure Pill Pavilion¡¯s Pavilion Master and the City Lord had visited the Xu n to defend them, especially when they heard about the City Lord.


    After seeing off the Investigation Team, Xu Yilin returned to the main hall while the servants resumed their duties.


    ¡°Wuxie, what¡¯s going on? Why did the Pavilion Master and City Lorde?¡± asked Xu Yilin, who had learned about the raid on the Iris Gold Mine by the Wolf Fang Mercenary, hired by the Wan and Tian ns. Liu Wuxie had turned the tables and even set up a massive spiritual array. Xu Yilin had wanted to ask about it, but the Investigation Team arrived before he could.


    ¡°I apologize, father-inw. There are some things I can¡¯t tell you for now, but don¡¯t worry about it. The Xu n will develop rapidly after this incident.¡± Liu Wuxie had anticipated the Pavilion Master¡¯s arrival, having visited the Treasure Pill Pavilion the day before to make the Pavilion Master take value in him.


    As for the City Lord, it was best that fewer people knew about this matter, and Liu Wuxie also wouldn¡¯t take the initiative to reveal it.


    ¡°Okay, I trust you. The Tian and Wan ns have ripped off their facades, and I¡¯m afraid they¡¯ll attack us in the remaining ten days. We need to prepare,¡± said Xu Yilin. The deadline was approaching, and only ten days remained of the month-long truce promised by the two ns to Master Huo.


    ¡°Has it been almost a month already?¡± eximed Liu Wuxie, surprised at how quickly time had passed. He no longer feared the Wan and Tian ns; with Ghost Eye, he could even face an expert at the ninth level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm. His only concern was the Xue n¡¯s retaliation, as he knew they wouldn¡¯t give up easily.


    Liu Wuxie returned to his courtyard as news spread that the City Lord had defended the Xu n and the Treasure Pill Pavilion¡¯s Pavilion Master had protected him. As a result, the servants in the Xu n became respectful towards him, and their attitudespletely changed.


    ¡°Young Master, the Song n¡¯s Young Master hase to see you.¡± Not long after Liu Wuxie returned to his courtyard, the butler came in, followed by a frowning fatty.


    ¡°Bring him in,¡± said Liu Wuxie, who was refining pills to repay his debt to the Treasure Pill Pavilion as soon as possible. Bi Gongyu¡¯s defense of him was equivalent to announcing his support for the Xu n. Liu Wuxie also remembered the secret report from the Song n and intended to repay their favor.


    ¡°Big Brother, you¡¯re finally back!¡± eximed Song Ling as he rushed into the courtyard. Liu Wuxie had already extinguished the fire beneath the cauldron before opening the door for Song Ling.


    ¡°Did your father send you?¡± asked Liu Wuxie, getting straight to the point as they sat on either side of a stone table. The Song n¡¯s Spiritual Array Hall was already on the verge of copse and would fall apartpletely if not repaired in time.


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Song Ling was a little careful when facing Liu Wuxie. He behaved naturally when they first met, but the scene of Liu Wuxie nearly killing Song n¡¯s Second Elder had greatly impacted him, not to mention the prestigious aura that Liu Wuxie gave off felt a little suffocating.


    ¡°Tell your father I¡¯ll visit tomorrow,¡± said Liu Wuxie with a bright smile, his aura disappearing. At that moment, he seemed like an ordinary young man.


    ¡°Thank you, Big Brother. My father also has a message for you,¡± said Song Ling, revealing his signature smile before leaning in with a creepy grin.


    ¡°Speak!¡± said Liu Wuxie. If not for Song Tianhao¡¯s warning, the Xu n¡¯s fate might have been different.


    ¡°My father said that although the Investigation Team has left, the investigation isn¡¯t over. If Xu n wants to expand, you should find a backer or join the Imperial Academy. This way, the Xue n won¡¯t be able to make a move against you openly,¡± ryed Song Ling, mimicking his father¡¯s exact words and tone.


    Liu Wuxie fell silent, considering his options. He had publicly humiliated the Xue n in the colosseum, and part of the reason he had escaped retaliation was Baili Qing¡¯s arrival in Azure Billow City for Xu Lingxue. The Xue n had been cautious because of Baili Qing.


    But now everything was out in the open, and they had shown their true colors. Liu Wuxie had also offended the City Lord, making it difficult for the Xu n to expand in the future.


    ¡°Thank your father for me; I¡¯ll consider his suggestion!¡± Liu Wuxie and Song Ling chatted for a long time. He wasn¡¯t stingy in teaching and gave Song Ling some pointers in spiritual arrays. Song Ling¡¯s talent in the spiritual arrays was higher than Deacon Lan, and he learned a lot in two hours. Strictly speaking, Song Ling was his first friend since he came to the True Martial Continent.


    Liu Wuxie came to the Spiritual Array Hall the next morning as promised. The Song n¡¯s higher hierarchy was already waiting there, and they had prepared all the materials required.


    Their gazes towards Liu Wuxie had changed, filled with respect as he was the first person to have the Treasure Pill Pavilion¡¯s Pavilion Master vouch for his innocence.


    Repairing spiritual arrays required powerful soul energy, and Liu Wuxie enlisted Song Tianhao¡¯s help to repay his favor from the previous day. Song Tianhao was amazed by Liu Wuxie¡¯s skill, and after repairing the third spiritual array, he felt his own understanding of spiritual arrays had greatly improved.


    ¡°Young Master Liu, let¡¯s take a break!¡± suggested Song Tianhao, noticing Liu Wuxie¡¯s sweat-soaked clothes.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need for a break. Let¡¯s repair the spiritual arrays as soon as possible. I have other matters to attend to,¡± replied Liu Wuxie, executing his movement technique and forming countless profound hand signs. Song Tianhao and Song Ling exchanged a look, knowing they couldn¡¯t reach Liu Wuxie¡¯s level without centuries ofprehension. They wanted to ask him about it but didn¡¯t have the courage and simply followed him in silence.


    At sunset, Liu Wuxie was done repairing the central control system, making it more durable and capable of controlling more spiritual arrays.


    ¡°Young Master Liu, I don¡¯t know what to say, and I¡¯m grateful for your help. Please ept my bow,¡± said Song Tianhao, deeply grateful as he bowed to Liu Wuxie. Not only had he repaired the central control system, but Song Tianhao and Song Ling had also greatly improved their understanding of spiritual arrays by watching him work. With some time to reflect, they could gain even more insight.


    ¡°You¡¯re wee,¡± said Liu Wuxie, waving as he disappeared down the street.


    ¡°Patriarch, is it really fixed?¡± The Song n¡¯s elders asked. They couldn¡¯t believe that Liu Wuxie repaired the central control system in one day, which had far exceeded theirprehension.


    ¡°Young Master Liu is really a genius. Not only did he fix our central control system, but he even fortified it and added several new spiritual arrays.¡±


    Liu Wuxie naturally couldn¡¯t hear their conversation, and it was dark when he returned to the Xu n. He immediately went to rest without eating because repairing the central control system was taxing to his soul energy. As he slept, his soul sea began to change, and his right eye throbbed like a beating heart, emitting a golden radiance. This was a sign that Liu Wuxie had made a breakthrough in Ghost Eye.


    Ghost Eye was divided into different levels. Liu Wuxie could use it to pierce into his opponent¡¯s soul sea now. However, there was a significant drawback: after executing his attack, his soul energy would be greatly exhausted.


    After a brief rest, Liu Wuxie¡¯s consciousness entered his soul sea to check his condition, fearing there might be a problem. But he froze when he saw that the soul energy in his soul sea was different from before. It had been foggy, but now, it had a hint of golden radiance and looked like threads floating in his soul sea.


    ¡°Is this the golden soul sea?!¡± eximed Liu Wuxie, shocked by what he saw. Soul energy was divided into three levels: grey, brown, and ck. ck was the highest level, while grey was the lowest. In his memory, only the ten Immortal Emperors had ck soul seas, while those with brown soul seas were considered monstrous geniuses. However, 99% of cultivators only had grey soul seas.


    ¡°Could this be because of Ghost Eye?¡± But Liu Wuxie soon denied that spection. He also practiced Ghost Eye in his previous life but didn¡¯t obtain the golden soul sea. The only possibility would be the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron. This meant that the mysterious liquid wasn¡¯t just transforming his physique but his soul as well. When Liu Wuxie released his soul energy from his soul sea, it began to shuttle around the room like mercury.


    ¡°What a powerful soul sea! It¡¯s twice as strong as before!¡± Liu Wuxie was excited. He didn¡¯t expect to receive so many benefits by fixing spiritual arrays that he made a breakthrough in Ghost Eye and transformed his soul sea.


    He circted the Deste Devouring Art to devour the surrounding spiritual energy. The Spirit Convergence Array in his courtyard could stillst a few more days, but the spirit stones used to set up the array were more or less drained.


    <i>Resources! I need more resources!</i> Liu Wuxie roared inwardly. He required ten times more resources than others cultivating the Deste Devouring Art. Staying in Azure Billow City could no longer satisfy him because the Xu n could only help him reach the fifth level of the Xiantian Realm at best. Reaching the Spirit Cleansing Realm would require even more resources, which was a headache.


    <i>I have to go to the Imperial Academy. I heard that the Imperial Academy will allocate spirit stones to the students monthly, and the students can even earn more spirit stones by doing missions.</i> Liu Wuxie made up his mind to go to the Imperial Academy. He didn¡¯tck experience, meaning he didn¡¯t need anyone to teach him. Going to the Imperial Academy was just a channel to obtain more resources and find backing for the Xu n.


    ¡°There¡¯s trouble! One of our oil mills is on fire!¡± Gongs sounded throughout Xu n as countless people exited their rooms. The guards gathered outside the main hall in an orderly fashion.


    This made Liu Wuxie frown because the two oil mills were a huge portion of Xu n¡¯s ie. He swiftly disappeared into the night, heading straight to the oil mill, having a bad premonition.

 Chapter 51 - Mysterious Black Figure

    <h4>Chapter 51 - Mysterious ck Figure</h4>


    When Liu Wuxie arrived, the sky was aze, and the oil mill had been reduced to ashes. Fortunately, the workers had gone home, and there were no casualties, but all the refined oil had been burned, resulting in a loss of at least 500,000 gold coins.


    The fire illuminated half of Azure Billow City, and many people came to help extinguish it, even though the oil mill was located on the outskirts of the city.


    ¡°Wuxie, you¡¯re here!¡± said Xu Yilin, who had arrived ahead of him and was standing outside the fire. The mes had been contained and prevented from spreading. The building suddenly copsed with a loud crackle.


    ¡°Father-inw, the oil mill had good safety measures. How did it catch fire?¡± asked Liu Wuxie as the Xu n¡¯s guards and servants worked to put out the fire. The burning wood and oil produced a pungent smell as the mes died down, causing everyone to cover their noses.


    ¡°The safety measures were fine,¡± replied Xu Yilin. Although the oil mill wasn¡¯t the Xu n¡¯s primary source of ie, they still took it seriously. Deacon Lan inspected it daily, and it was unusual for it to catch fire, especially on the same night that the Investigation Team left.


    ¡°Father-inw, are you saying someone set it on fire purposely?¡± asked Liu Wuxie, using Ghost Eye to see through the fire. He narrowed his eyes when he saw traces of holes caused by sharp weapons on the oil drums, causing an oil leak that resulted in a fire.


    ¡°We¡¯re not sure about it yet and need to investigate to identify the cause of the fire.¡± Xu n could afford to lose an oil mill, but they had to find the mastermind. Otherwise, the perpetrator could target their weaponry workshops as well.


    ¡°Father-inw, inspect the next oil mill at once,¡± urged Liu Wuxie, keeping his observation to himself. He initially suspected the Tian and Wan ns, but his spection was soon overthrown. Both ns had stakes in other industries, and if they were responsible for setting fire to Xu n¡¯s oil mill, Xu n could retaliate against their shops, resulting in losses for both sides. As a result, suspicion of the two ns was low.


    ¡°Okay. You should be careful!¡± replied Xu Yilin as he left with a team of guards to inspect the other oil mill, leaving ten guards to protect Liu Wuxie.


    Despite the fire being extinguished, the smoke was thick and suffocating, making it difficult for many to see.


    ¡°Who do you think set Xu n¡¯s oil mill on fire?¡± Discussions could be heard from the surroundings. The Xu n¡¯s oil mill had existed for over a decade, and there had never been such an incident before, not to mention the fire was too unusual.


    ¡°I heard the Xu n offended the Investigation Team. Do you think they did it?¡± Some people suspected the Investigation Team, especially since it wasn¡¯t long since they left Azure Billow City.


    Liu Wuxie took out a napkin to cover his nose and walked into the oil mill step by step, hoping to find clues.


    ¡°Young Master, don¡¯t go in. It¡¯s dangerous.¡± The oil mill had yet to copse entirely, making it dangerous to enter rashly. In the event of a sudden copse of the oil mill, Liu Wuxie would be in grave danger. To prevent this, the guards stepped in and stopped him.


    ¡°Search around and see if there¡¯s anyone suspicious.¡± Liu Wuxie waved his hand, instructing them not to follow him as he stepped on the scorched wood and entered the oil mill. There were still embers in the oil mill, with dense smoke obscuring his vision. But the thick smoke was nothing before the Ghost Eye.


    Liu Wuxie could activate the Ghost Eye longer now after making a breakthrough. A faint ripple appeared on the scorched wall, and Liu Wuxie¡¯s gaze managed to pierce through it.


    ¡°I can see through the wall?!¡± Liu Wuxie was shocked. However, before he could think more about it, his sight expanded to the other side of the wall, where grass grew as high as a person¡¯s height. But no one usually came here as there was a sewage ditch beneath it.


    A man dressed in ck darted out from the grass, his face concealed by a mask. He nced back before making his escape. The thick mes engulfing the oil mill obscured the view from ordinary people, but if one followed the grass, a path could be found leading back to the Azure Billow City.


    ¡°There¡¯s really someone here!¡± eximed Liu Wuxie as he elerated, leaving behind a trail of afterimages and a powerful shockwave from his foot. With a light touch on the ground, he darted forward and appeared behind the oil mill, vanishing before the Xu n¡¯s guards could react.


    The ck figure weaved through the dense grass towards the distant mountains, where it would be difficult to track him once he entered the mountain range. The surroundings were dark and seldom visited, as one could easily lose their way. However, with the aid of Ghost Eye, Liu Wuxie managed to tail fifty meters behind the ck figure.


    It didn¡¯t take long for the ck figure to notice someone following him, and he quickened his pace. He was fast, but Liu Wuxie was faster; like aet, stuck close to the ground, crossing ten-odd meters whenever he leaped.


    Realizing he couldn¡¯t shake Liu Wuxie off, the ck figure slowed down as a cliff appeared before him. He could have returned to Azure Billow City by going around the cliff, but with Liu Wuxie behind him, he couldn¡¯t turn back.


    As Liu Wuxie drew closer, the ck figure turned to face him, a sh of malice in his eyes under the faint light of night.


    ¡°Who are you, and why are you following me?¡± he demanded coldly, brandishing a de that glinted in the light. From its sheen, Liu Wuxie could tell it was a fine weapon.


    ¡°You¡¯re the one who set fire to the oil mill!¡± used Liu Wuxie, standing just five steps away from the ck figure. With the cliff at his back, the ck figure had no escape unless he could fly. Liu Wuxie deactivated Ghost Eye and studied the ck figure. From his tone of voice, Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t recognize him.


    ¡°Brat, you dare to meddle in this affair when you¡¯re only in the Xiantian Realm? You must have a death wish!¡± sneered the ck figure, swinging his de at Liu Wuxie without hesitation. He knew that Liu Wuxie was not as simple as he seemed since he had managed to catch up with him, so he aimed to strike first and gain the upper hand inbat.


    The ck figure¡¯s de technique was fierce, aimed directly at Liu Wuxie¡¯s throat. His attacks were merciless and unpredictable, a style of de technique seldom seen in Azure Billow City. Liu Wuxie was familiar with the martial techniques of the four major ns, including those of the City Lord Mansion, but he knew of no one in Azure Billow City who practiced such an unusual de technique.


    This de technique might not be as formidable as Liu Wuxie¡¯s Blood Gleam de Art, but it was powerful when executed by an expert in the fifth level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm. The iing attacks ovepped, sending a powerful shockwave to the surrounding area.


    However, since Liu Wuxie had left in haste and had not brought his de, he was forced to rely on his Seven Dipper Steps to evade the lethal blow.


    The ck figure was taken aback that Liu Wuxie had managed to dodge his attack so easily.


    ¡°Interesting...you¡¯re not weak since you can evade my Frost Sting de Art!¡± he eximed, twisting his wrist and spinning his de 180 degrees to target Liu Wuxie¡¯s legs. A frigid aura emanated from his de, freezing Liu Wuxie¡¯s legs.


    Despite facing such a formidable enemy, Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t resort to using Ghost Eye. Instead, he relied on his speed and control over the battle to kill his opponent. The two figures intertwined as Liu Wuxie dodged the iing attacks, and the ck figure¡¯s strikes failed even to graze Liu Wuxie¡¯s clothing. The ck figure grew increasingly astonished as the fight progressed.


    ¡°Who the hell are you?! Since when did such a monstrous genius capable of facing the Spirit Cleaning Realm in the Xiantian Realm appear in Azure Billow City?!¡± he eximed, his voice betraying his shock.


    From his tone, he seemed to be in his thirties, and even after forty moves, he had still failed to take down Liu Wuxie. He had never heard of such an expert in Azure Billow City, which left only one possibility: this person was not from Azure Billow City and might be an expert from anotherrge city.


    ¡°I should be the one asking you. What grudge do you have with the Xu n to light their oil mill?¡± retorted Liu Wuxie, striding forward with his Seven Dipper Steps. Only he would dare to make such a risky move to go on offense instead of defense in this situation. He suddenly raised his fist and threw a simple punch with an unpredictable trajectory that was impossible to track.


    This was a case of simplifying somethingplex; any martial technique would have an unexpected effect in Liu Wuxie¡¯s hands as he was only using a foundation fist technique meant for tempering the physique.


    The ck figure was stunned and quickly retreated as Liu Wuxie could find the ws in each of his attacks. He was horrified to discover that Liu Wuxie¡¯s punch was lethal and wasn¡¯t as simple as it looked. He couldn¡¯t find ws in Liu Wuxie¡¯s seemingly simple punch.


    Though the foundation fist technique was widely known among martial cultivators, no one in the entire Great Yan Dynasty could perform it to such a level, so it was no wonder that the ck figure¡¯s face was filled with horror. He swung his de horizontally in defense, a suicidal move that would result in heavy injuries to both sides. Even if Liu Wuxie¡¯s attacknded, the ck figure¡¯s de could still sever his hands.


    The ck figure was inferior to Liu Wuxie in his use of true essence, as Liu Wuxie¡¯s dantian provided him with an endless supply. Liu Wuxie¡¯s true essence surged like a tidal wave, allowing his punches to take on various forms, like a tiger roaring as it broke free from the cage.


    No one would believe it if someone said the true essence of an expert in the Spirit Cleansing Realm couldn¡¯t bepared to someone in the Xiantian Realm. So the ck figure was appalled, watching Liu Wuxie¡¯s fist getting closer to him.


    ¡°You can¡¯t dodge it no matter how hard you try!¡± Liu Wuxie let out a peal of contemptuousughter, disappearing from sight and leaving behind an afterimage before reappearing behind the ck figure.


    ¡°Shit!¡± The ck figure was shocked by Liu Wuxie, whose fighting prowess far exceeded his prediction. He realized that he couldn¡¯t dodge this attack and quickly retreated. But when Liu Wuxie appeared behind him, he pulled the brakes and shot forth instead.


    ¡°Too slow!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s fist was like a sledgehammer mming on the ck figure¡¯s back. The powerful momentum behind his punch made the ck figure stagger before flying forward and smashing into the rubble.


    Blood dripped from the ck figure¡¯s lips, and his mask fell. Just as Liu Wuxie had guessed, he was in his thirties, and this was the first time Liu Wuxie had seen this person. The ck figure didn¡¯t feel great after Liu Wuxie¡¯s true essence entered his body and messed up his meridians, making it hard for him to catch his breath.


    ¡°Now, tell me who sent you here!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s voice was cold as he approached the ck figure. He had to find out who was trying to target the Xu n.


    ¡°Hahaha! If I¡¯m not mistaken, you must be that wastrel son-inw of the Xu n!¡± The ck figure guessed Liu Wuxie¡¯s identity and let out tragicughter. It was rumored that Liu Wuxie was garbage and couldn¡¯t cultivate, but the strength he disyed that night wasparable to the fifth level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm.


    ¡°You know me?¡± asked Liu Wuxie, momentarily taken aback. He didn¡¯t recognize this person and was certain that he wasn¡¯t from Azure Billow City, so how did he know him?


    ¡°It¡¯s really you! I never expected the rumored garbage to be so powerful. I have lost tonight, but you¡¯re not strong enough to kill me!¡± The ck figure dashed out. He had chosen to escape since he couldn¡¯t beat Liu Wuxie.

 Chapter 52 - Origin Yang Pill

    <h4>Chapter 52 - Origin Yang Pill</h4>


    The ck figure didn¡¯t dare to fight and chose to escape. Azure Billow City was more terrifying than he thought, and he needed to deliver this information back to the Xue n.


    ¡°Where do you think you¡¯re going?!¡± Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t let the ck figure escape and risk having his information exposed. He was like an eagle as he spread his arms apart, and his punch targeted the ck figure¡¯s back in the form of a dragon-shaped true essence.


    Everything happened so fast that the ck figure had no time to dodge before he was struck by Liu Wuxie¡¯s attack and sent flying away, smashing into the ground at the edge of the cliff. He was already at hisst breath because Liu Wuxie had executed his punch angrily.


    Liu Wuxie blocked the way out, and the ck figure sat up with great difficulty with the cliff behind him. He would die if he fell down the cliff. He coughed up mouthfuls of blood as Liu Wuxie¡¯s attack had shattered his heart pulse, and his cultivation was gone even if he could leave this ce alive.


    The ck figure was despondent as a gust of wind blew up from the cliff, causing his hair to flutter. He revealed a tragic smile, his white teeth looking ghastly in the moonlight. Clutching his chest to stop coughing, fear flickered in his eyes.


    ¡°Did the Xue n send you?¡± asked Liu Wuxie, not bothering to inquire about the ck figure¡¯s identity. Instead, he fixed his gaze on the ck figure¡¯s eyes, knowing that they were the windows to the soul and that even the slightest hint of emotion in his eyes would not escape his notice.


    The ck figure¡¯s gaze flickered when Liu Wuxie mentioned the Xue n.


    ¡°So it¡¯s really the Xue n!¡± Liu Wuxie made his judgment from the emotional fluctuation in the ck figure¡¯s eyes. But he didn¡¯t expect the Xue n to make a move so quickly when the Investigation Team had just left that night.


    ¡°Brat, I¡¯m not afraid to tell you about it since you¡¯ve guessed my identity. It won¡¯t take long for everyone from your Xu n to die!¡± The ck figure let out a sinister burst ofughter and spat out a mouthful of blood, his life force weakening.


    ¡°How many people did the Xue n send to target the Xu n besides you?¡± Liu Wuxie was worried that other experts might lurk in Azure Billow City, which would be unfavorable to the Xu n if they were hiding. The Xu n had just gotten on the right track, and what happened that night was troublesome.


    A cold breeze blew on the ground, stirring up the dead leaves. It waste autumn now, and the temperature was low.


    ¡°You¡¯ll never know!¡± hissed the ck figure through gritted teeth before leaping off the cliff. With his heart pulse shattered by Liu Wuxie, he knew he wouldn¡¯t make it out alive, so he chose to end his own life rather than reveal anything.


    Liu Wuxie stood on the cliff''s edge, looking down at the abyss in deep thought. He didn¡¯t consider the Wan and Tian ns to be threats, but the Xue n was different; they had experts at the Marrow Cleansing Realm. He would only be able to face such experts if he reached the Spirit Cleansing Realm and could wield more of an Immortal Emperor¡¯s powers.


    The sound of hurried footsteps approached from behind as Xu Yilin arrived with his guards. The other oil mill was unharmed, and Xu Yilin had been worried that Liu Wuxie might be in danger when he returned, so he had rushed over.


    ¡°Wuxie, what happened?¡± Xu Yilin asked with concern, noticing the bloodstains on the ground.


    The guards fanned out to guard against any potential ambushes while Xu Yilin stepped forward to stand beside Liu Wuxie at the edge of the cliff, feeling the cold wind on his face.


    ¡°Father-inw, did you manage to find any other clues?¡± inquired Liu Wuxie. The Xue n must have sent more than one person, and there were likely still others lurking in the shadows.


    ¡°No clues for now. What happened here?¡± Xu Yilin asked with a concerned expression. His daughter wasn¡¯t there, and Liu Wuxie was now holding up the Xu n. Without Liu Wuxie, the Xu n would¡¯ve ceased to exist with so many things happening recently. These events were unknown to the outside world, and only Xu Yilin knew them best.


    ¡°That was an expert sent by the Xue n. I suspect there might be more lurking in the dark, so we need to strengthen our guard to avoid something like this happening again.¡± The Xu n couldn¡¯t afford any more losses. They had spent a huge sum of gold coins purchasing materials for spiritual arrays, and it would take a long time for them to recover.


    ¡°Imperial Capital¡¯s Xue n?¡± Xu Yilin¡¯s body shook. To the Xu n, the Xue n was a giant they couldn¡¯t afford to offend.


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    Both men fell silent, with Xu Yilin furrowing his brow as he contemted the future of the Xu n. They had only just managed to send away the Investigation Team with great difficulty, and now this had happened. They stood for about fifteen minutes before they turned around and walked down the mountain. Hopefully nothing else would happen tonight.


    Upon returning to Xu n, there was no time to rest as they called all the deacons over to discuss a countermeasure. Orders were swiftly issued to strengthen the patrol of their weaponry workshops and other assets because they couldn¡¯t afford any more losses.


    Soon, only Xu Yilin and Liu Wuxie remained in the main hall, with Xu Yilin sighing and looking concerned. The Xu n had experienced many ups and downs over the past decade or so, but what happened in the past month was enough to destroy them.


    ¡°Wuxie, the Imperial Academy¡¯s recruitment will take ce in a month¡¯s time, and I hope you¡¯ll consider joining. You¡¯ll be able to elerate your cultivation, and you and Xue¡¯er can look after each other. You don¡¯t have to worry about the n with me around,¡± Xu Yilin said. Azure Billow City was too small for someone like Liu Wuxie, judging from the talent he had demonstrated recently. It wasn¡¯t an understatement to call Liu Wuxie a monstrous genius, and his potential would be wasted if he stayed behind in Azure Billow City.


    ¡°I already n on doing that. But before leaving, I will help father-inw to reach the Marrow Cleansing Realm. At that time, the Xue n will be of no concern even if theye again. After all, they probably won¡¯t send Marrow Cleansing Realm experts over,¡± replied Liu Wuxie, nodding. He nned to go to Imperial City to acquire more resources for cultivation and to get revenge on Baili Qing by returning her humiliation tenfold.


    ¡°I¡¯m already old, and I have exhausted my potential. My chances of reaching the Marrow Cleansing Realm aren¡¯t high since I failed to do so before turning forty,¡± sighed Xu Yilin. Due to injuries he had sustained when he was young, his meridians showed signs of deterioration, meaning he had no hope of reaching the Marrow Cleansing Realm in his lifetime.


    One would undergo a drastic transformation after reaching Marrow Cleansing Realm. Qi Enshi was older than Xu Yilin but looked much younger because he had reached the Marrow Cleansing Realm and could dy the aging process.


    ¡°I have a mantra here, and you can study it. You should be able to reach the Marrow Cleansing Realm in a month at most.¡± Liu Wuxie recited the mantra, and Xu Yilin remembered it by heart. The mantra consisted of about three hundred words, each filled with profundity. The mantra made Xu Yilin feel like he consumed ginseng, and the true essence in his body began to circte even if he didn¡¯t cultivate it.


    ¡°What a profound mantra!¡± eximed Xu Yilin, opening his eyes and looking at Liu Wuxie with newfound respect. If such a mantra were to be leaked to the outside world, it would cause a huge uproar, as many people were stuck at the Spirit Cleansing Realm.


    ¡°I¡¯ll not disturb your rest any longer!¡± said Liu Wuxie, standing up. He knew that his father-inw couldn¡¯t wait to start cultivating. After Liu Wuxie left, Xu Yilin couldn¡¯t hold back any longer and immediately sat down to begin circting his true essence ording to the mantra. His true essence surged within him like a wild beast.


    <strong>......</strong>


    Returning to his courtyard, Liu Wuxie felt a sense of urgency after encountering an expert from the Xue n at the fifth level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm. Would he still be able to face his enemies if they sent experts at the seventh, eighth, or ninth levels of the Spirit Cleansing Realm? The answer was uncertain.


    Liu Wuxie had exhausted all the spirit stones, and his cultivation speed had slowed, relying on the Deste Devouring Art alone without resources. After all, he couldn¡¯t possibly just ughter people for their essence as it was sinful and against the harmony of heaven.


    ¡°It looks like I have to refine a third-grade pill!¡± In addition to absorbing the spiritual energy from the surroundings, pills were also indispensable. The Heavenly Spirit Pill was only a second-grade pill, and it was adequate for those in the Houtian Realm, but they were no longer suitable for Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie rested for two hours before dawn arrived. What happenedst night had be the main topic of discussion in Azure Billow City. Liu Wuxie spent the night refining two hundred Heavenly Spirit Pills and left the Xu n, heading for the Treasure Pill Pavilion.


    He was weed with the highest standards when he arrived at the Treasure Pill Pavilion. Four people sat around a table as Bi Gongyu politely poured a cup of tea for Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°How long will it take for the Treasure Pill Pavilion to gather the required materials?¡± Liu Wuxie went straight to the point. The Treasure Pill Pavilion was the biggest herbs supplier in Azure Billow City, and Liu Wuxie could only entrust them to gather the herbs he needed. Furthermore, refining a third-grade pill also required special fire, so Liu Wuxie would have to borrow the Treasure Pill Pavilion¡¯s alchemy chamber.


    ¡°These are materials for refining third-grade pills. Young Master Liu, are you nning to refine third-grade pills?¡± Bi Gongyu narrowed his eyes when he saw the materials on the list. It had taken him decades to barely be a three-star alchemist. But Liu Wuxie wanted to refine a third-grade pill at such a young age. So how could Bi Gongyu not be shocked about that?


    Master Huo had lived most of his life and was still a one-star alchemist, which showed how tough it was for an alchemist to make a breakthrough.


    ¡°That¡¯s right!¡± confirmed Liu Wuxie. After searching his memory for some time, he had settled on a pill and removed over ten precious herbs from the recipe. This meant that the effects would be significantly reduced, but it was still suitable for his current level of cultivation.


    ¡°Young Master Liu, can you tell me the name of this pill?¡± Bi Gongyu¡¯s eyes shone brightly. Even Master Huo leaned over and looked at Liu Wuxie eagerly.


    ¡°The Origin Yang Pill!¡± Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t hide it from them. The Origin Yang Pill was a pill of the lowest grade in the Celestial Realm, and it could barely be considered a third-grade pill after removing ten-odd precious herbs from the recipe.


    Bi Gongyu exchanged a gaze with Master Huo, and they could see the doubt in each other¡¯s eyes. They had never heard of the Origin Yang Pill before, but they naturally believed Liu Wuxie¡¯s words after seeing the sess of the Heavenly Spirit Pill.


    ¡°Young Master Liu, some of the herbs will need to be transported from our other branches, and it will take one or two days. I have a request¡ªif you agree to it, I will provide the herbs for free,¡± said Bi Gongyu. The value of the herbs was high, and Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t nning on refining just one pill; the total cost would be as high as 100,000 gold coins, so it was surprising that Bi Gongyu was offering them for free.


    ¡°Pavilion Master, you can tell me your request.¡± Liu Wuxie owed Bi Gongyu a favor, and he would agree with Bi Gongyu¡¯s request as long as it wasn¡¯t too unreasonable.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be honest with you... Our Treasure Pill Pavilion has encountered a problem, and I believe only you can help us. But I promise that when it¡¯s done, you won¡¯t be disappointed,¡± said Bi Gongyu, looking embarrassed. Master Huo sighed when Bi Gongyu mentioned it before sitting back down.


    ¡°Tell me, what trouble are you facing?¡± Liu Wuxie asked. He was surprised the Treasure Pill Pavilion would also run into trouble.


    ¡°Every year, our headquarters in the Imperial City hosts an alchemistpetition to promote the exchange and development of alchemists. This year, thepetition will be held in Zen City. We have three days left and have always ranked second tost. However, the situation is a little different this year: the branch that ranksst will have to close down. I hope that Young Master Liu can represent us and participate in thepetition,¡± exined Bi Gongyu, looking ashamed. Master Huo was so embarrassed that he wanted to run away, as he had always been the one to participate in thepetition in the past.


    He had always ranked second tost, but this time it was different because the branch that rankedst would have to close down.


    Since Liu Wuxie was capable of refining the Heavenly Spirit Pill, Bi Gongyu hoped that he would at least avoiding inst ce, even if he couldn¡¯t achieve a high ranking.

 Chapter 53 - Pill Gathering Pavilion

    <h4>Chapter 53 - Pill Gathering Pavilion</h4>


    Liu Wuxie already knew that the Treasure Pill Pavilion was a subsidiary of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. The Treasure Pill Pavilion¡¯s headquarters was established in the Great Yan Dynasty¡¯s Imperial Capital, with branches set up in the major cities, monopolizing 90% of the market in the Great Yan Dynasty.


    The headquarters hosted a yearlypetition between the branches to motivate alchemists to keep improving themselves. Through this contest, the branches would be ranked and rewarded, fostering healthypetition and promoting improvement. If the Treasure Pill Pavilion had been satisfied with what it had and made no improvements, it would¡¯ve shut down long ago.


    ¡°The Zen City?¡± Liu Wuxie frowned. The Zen City was two days from Azure Billow City, meaning a round trip would take four days. Including the time needed for thepetition, it would take about seven to eight days in total.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. It¡¯s held in Zen City this year. Since the profits of the various branches haven¡¯t been promising this year, the headquarters is offering a fourth-grade pill as a reward to the first-ce winner to motivate everyone. The second and third-ce winners will receive a third-grade pill. If Young Master Liu is willing to participate, you can keep all the rewards; all I need is the ranking,¡± exined Bi Gongyu.


    A fourth-grade pill was valued at over 1,000,000 gold coins and was not readily avable on the market. This was because four-star alchemists could only be found in Imperial City in the Great Yan Dynasty.


    ¡°Are you serious about that?¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes lit up after he heard what Bi Gongyu said. He urgently needed pills to increase his cultivation, and the effect of a fourth-grade pill was naturally higher than a third-grade pill. That wasn¡¯t because the Origin Yang Pill was inferior but because different pills had different strengths. He still needed the Origin Yang Pill to replenish and strengthen his true essence during his future cultivation, as each breakthrough would require a tremendous amount of spiritual energy.


    ¡°Of course I¡¯m serious,¡± nodded Bi Gongyu. He could obtain a fourth-grade pill if he put in some effort, but the ranking couldn¡¯t be bought with gold coins. The annual evaluation was crucial, as it determined how long he could remain as pavilion master. If he were transferred to an undesirable location due to a poor evaluation, it would be toote for regrets.


    But if the branch were closed this time, he would be demoted from a pavilion master to a mere alchemist. Some deacons were sent to remote ces to perform menial tasks, and Bi Gongyu didn¡¯t want that to happen to him. If they couldn¡¯t obtain a good result this year, Azure Billow City¡¯s Treasure Pill Pavilion would have to close next year.


    Liu Wuxie tapped his finger on the table, considering the offer. The trip would take eight days in total, but he could make it as long as nothing happened in Azure Billow City. Besides, this was an excellent opportunity for him to learn more about the world.


    Azure Billow City was too small, and it was time for him to walk out and experience the alchemy in this True Martial Continent.


    ¡°I can agree to your request, but am I eligible to participate on behalf of this branch when I¡¯m not an alchemist here?¡± Liu Wuxie agreed with Bi Gongyu¡¯s request to participate in this Alchemist Competition.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry about that. You can participate as a guest of the branch. The other branches have been doing that over the years, inviting guest alchemists to help them get a good ranking,¡± Bi Gongyu exined, giving Liu Wuxie the status of a guest alchemist.


    After hearing what Bi Gongyu said, Liu Wuxie nodded, ¡°I¡¯ll strive to get a good ranking, so prepare the herbs I require.¡±


    After their negotiation, Liu Wuxie returned to Xu n, and the departure was scheduled for the next day. Liu Wuxie told Xu Yilin about it, and Xu Yilin didn¡¯t stop him from going. On the contrary, Xu Yilin encouraged, ¡°It¡¯s about time for you to go out. I¡¯m reassured since the Pavilion Master will apany you, and you don¡¯t have to worry about home. I¡¯ll order everyone to keep their guards up.¡±


    The next day, a carriage pulled up outside the Xu n as Bi Gongyu personally came to receive Liu Wuxie. Lei Tao also apanied them as their driver. When Liu Wuxie entered, the carriage swiftly sped out of Azure Billow City.


    ¡°May I ask who taught you your alchemy skills, Young Master Liu?¡± inquired Bi Gongyu, as they had nothing to do in the carriage.


    ¡°The Heavenly Taoist!¡± replied Liu Wuxie truthfully. The Heavenly Taoist had long since passed away from old age and was buried in Celestial Realm¡¯s Supreme Pce Mountain Range.


    Bi Gongyu pondered for a long time and shook his head because he had never heard that name before. So he concluded that Heavenly Taoist must be a hermit.


    As Liu Wuxie and Bi Gongyu¡¯s rtionship wasn¡¯t very close, they both went into cultivation after a brief chat. As Liu Wuxie began to cultivate, spiritual energy flooded into the carriage, causing Bi Gongyu to open his eyes several times, unable to calm himself down. He was frustrated that, as an expert at the Marrow Cleansing Realm, he was slower at absorbing spiritual energy than someone at the Xiantian Realm.


    Half a dayter, the carriage finally arrived in Zen City, which was three hundred miles from Azure Billow City and not very far away. Zen City was muchrger than Azure Billow City, with towering walls that seemed to reach for the sky. The streets were wider, but they were crowded with people, indicating the city¡¯s prosperity.


    Since Liu Wuxie had stayed in Azure Billow City after transmigrating, he was unfamiliar with the outside world. However, he didn¡¯t show much excitement on his face and remained indifferent, something that Bi Gongyu noticed. If it had been someone else in Liu Wuxie¡¯s position, they would probably have been filled with excitement and anxiety upon entering an unfamiliar city.


    But Bi Gongyu couldn¡¯t detect any of those emotions on Liu Wuxie¡¯s face. Liu Wuxie was like an old man; his eyes were deep like the sea. This gave Bi Gongyu the impression that Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t a young man but an ancient monster who had lived for tens of thousands of years.


    As the carriage made its way through the bustling streets, it eventually stopped in front of arge pavilion. Many other carriages were waiting outside, carrying alchemists from other branches. When Liu Wuxie and Bi Gongyu stepped down from their carriage, they saw a massive door before them with three golden characters engraved at the top: Pill Gathering Pavilion.


    Thepetition was being held here, and the Pill Gathering Pavilion was an asset belonging to Zen City¡¯s Treasure Pill Pavilion. It was Zen City¡¯s turn to hold the event, and they had been preparing for it for two years, decorating the interior luxuriously.


    Over the past few years, the Treasure Pill Pavilion¡¯s branch in Zen City had grown rapidly and had ced second in the previous year¡¯spetition. On the way, Bi Gongyu showed Liu Wuxie information about the various branches. Thispetition involved the Treasure Pill Pavilion¡¯s branches from thirty-six major cities, and the headquarters had sent a four-star alchemist to serve as a notary for thepetition.


    When Liu Wuxie and Bi Gongyu climbed the stairs, three people emerged from the Pill Gathering Pavilion.


    ¡°Bi Gongyu, I didn¡¯t expect to see you here!¡± called out the three, stopping in their tracks before striding over to greet him.


    When Liu Wuxie looked at them, he saw that all three were aloof and exuded an aura that suppressed Bi Gongyu.


    Throughout his years at the Treasure Pill Pavilion, there were two things that Bi Gongyu feared most: the headquarters¡¯ evaluation and thepetition.


    ¡°Pavilion Master Yun Lan, it has been a long time!¡± replied Bi Gongyu, as he couldn¡¯t simply ignore the other party. However, from his tone, it was clear that they didn¡¯t have a good rtionship.


    ¡°Hm? Why isn¡¯t Master Huo here? Is your Azure Billow City not going to send out any alchemist?¡± asked Yun Lan with a mocking smile. In other cities, the branches had grown over time, and thergest branch had five alchemists. But in Azure Billow City, the branch had been supported by only one alchemist for years.


    ¡°Master Huo is busy, and he won¡¯t be participating in this event,¡± responded Bi Gongyu, his face showing his displeasure as he stepped forward, only to be stopped by two people.


    ¡°I bet Master Huo isn¡¯t busy; he just doesn¡¯t dare toe. The branch that ranksst will be closed this time, and I bet it¡¯ll be your Azure Billow City branch,¡± sneered Yun Lan, not bothering to hide his contempt for Bi Gongyu. This confirmed that their rtionship was not good; if they had been on good terms, there would have been no need for Yun Lan to mock Bi Gongyu.


    ¡°Thepetition hasn¡¯t even started yet¡ªit¡¯s too early to determine the rankings!¡± Bi Gongyu retorted, and his reply further confirmed that they were enemies.


    Liu Wuxie remained silent at the side, observing Yun Lan and his group. From the information he had gathered about the Treasure Pill Pavilions in the thirty-six cities, he knew that Yun Lan was from Boundless City. Yun Lan¡¯s branch had ranked thirtieth the previous year, not much higher than Azure Billow City¡¯s branch, but he was still arrogant.


    ¡°Master Huo isn¡¯t here. So don¡¯t tell me that this person here is the alchemist representing your Azure Billow City¡¯s branch?¡± Yun Lan turned to look at Liu Wuxie. Lei Tao was getting on in years and had given up on alchemy, so it was obvious at a nce that Liu Wuxie was likely Azure Billow City¡¯s representative.


    ¡°Master, that brat probably hasn¡¯t even grown his pubic hair yet. How can he possibly be an alchemist?¡± sneered a young man, stepping out from behind Yun Lan. This was because Liu Wuxie appeared to be only sixteen or seventeen years old, which was very young. Most people his age couldn¡¯t even be considered alchemy apprentices.


    Liu Wuxie frowned upon hearing this, as he didn¡¯t seem to recall offending these people. So when he heard their mockery, his eyes turned cold.


    ¡°Bi Gongyu, you¡¯re really a failure. If you¡¯re going to find someone random to participate in thepetition, couldn¡¯t you at least find someone more presentable instead of someone so young? Has he even been weaned yet?¡± taunted Yun Lan before he left with his twopanions, leaving Liu Wuxie¡¯s group behind.


    ¡°Pavilion Master Bi, do you have a feud with them?¡± asked Liu Wuxie once they were gone. It didn¡¯t make sense for people with ordinary grudges to mock each other so viciously as if they wanted to trample the other party into the ground.


    ¡°Yes. A decade ago, I participated in thepetition representing Azure Billow City while he represented Boundless City. We were both ordinary alchemists, but my performance was slightly better than his, and he has hated me ever since then,¡± exined Bi Gongyu honestly, revealing the history of his feud with Yun Lan. A decade had passed, and their animosity had not diminished; if anything, it had intensified.


    ¡°It makes no sense to form such a deep feud if it''s only regarding thepetition.¡± Liu Wuxie naturally wouldn¡¯t believe what Bi Gongyu said. From Yun Lan¡¯s words, Liu Wuxie could tell that the feud between them had reached the point of life and death.


    ¡°Hmph, that¡¯s because he¡¯s shameless. Eight years ago, we ran into him harassing a woman, and the pavilion master gave him a beating. This is why he hates us,¡± Lei Tao snorted.


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t know whether he shouldugh or cry at the thought of a dignified alchemist stooping so low. But that incident had made Yun Lan aughingstock in the Treasure Pill Pavilion and had ruined his reputation; whenever someone mentioned it, Yun Lan would grind his teeth in hatred.


    The scenery inside the Pill Gathering Pavilion changed as they climbed the stairs. The interior was well-organized, with a total of thirty-six courtyards. The representatives of the branches were assigned to them ording to their rankings from the previous year, with the branch that had ranked first residing in the First Courtyard, which was also thergest.


    As Azure Billow City¡¯s branch was ranked thirty-fifth the previous year, they were assigned to the Thirty-Fifth Courtyard. The branch that had ranked thirty-sixth had closed down that year, so thest courtyard was empty. The higher the branch ranking, the better its amodations.


    Even so, the Thirty-Fifth Courtyard was spacious, and there was enough space for the three of them to live in.


    ¡°We¡¯re all tired after sitting in the carriage for an entire day. You guys can rest early while I go meet the people from the headquarters,¡± said Bi Gongyu, settling Liu Wuxie and Lei Tao into their courtyard to rest before thepetition began the next day. Thepetition wouldst for three days and be divided into three segments.


    Thepetition on the first day would be herbal identification because the ability to identify herbs was basic knowledge to alchemists. The difference in the age of herbs would affect the pill effects greatly.


    On the second day, they would have topete in refining pills, and no tricks could be used in this segment.


    On the third day, everyone would have to identify different pills ced before them to differentiate the ingredients and efficiency of these pills. Those with the answer closest to the correct one would get the highest points.

 Chapter 54 - Zuo Hong

    <h4>Chapter 54 - Zuo Hong</h4>


    As it was still early, Liu Wuxie set down his luggage and stepped out of the courtyard. Coincidentally, Lei Tao also walked out of his room.


    ¡°I¡¯m nning to go for a walk. Do you want toe along?¡± Liu Wuxie asked, ncing at Lei Tao. After witnessing Liu Wuxie refining the Heavenly Spirit Pills with his own eyes, Lei Tao¡¯s attitude towards Liu Wuxie had changed, and he even addressed him as ¡®Master Liu¡¯ in private.


    ¡°The Pavilion Master ordered me to be responsible for your safety.¡±


    Only Xu Yilin and Xu n¡¯s deacon knew that Liu Wuxie had in experts in the Spirit Cleansing Realm. But what had happened in the Iris Gold Mine waspletely sealed off, and everyone was given a gag order.


    Liu Wuxie and Lei Tao left the courtyard. They were among thest to arrive, as the other branches had arrived the day before. Liu Wuxie surveyed his surroundings and observed that every courtyard was sealed off to prevent unauthorized entry. Food and daily necessities were delivered and managed by Zen City¡¯s branch in an organized manner.


    As Liu Wuxie and Lei Tao passed through the gate, they walked down the stairs, and they asionally ran into alchemists from other cities along the way. Lei Tao had participated in thepetition for seven to eight years, so he was familiar with most people there and secretly shared their information with Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Lei Tao, I heard from Xiao Mingyi that your Azure Billow City has changed your representative?¡± a young man apanied by two guards remarked as he stopped Liu Wuxie and Lei Tao in their tracks. Xiao Mingyi was the alchemist representing Boundless City and the disciple of Yun Lan.


    ¡°Young Master Wen, what has it to do with you?¡±Lei Tao replied, his tone indifferent and his expression displeased. He found Wen Song¡¯s presence repugnant and made no effort to conceal his disgust.


    ¡°I¡¯m merely curious and attempting to engage in conversation. Is there a problem with that?¡± Wen Song retorted, turning to face Liu Wuxie with a hint of sarcasm as the corners of his lips curled upwards. He had run into Xiao Mingyi earlier and learned that Azure Billow City had changed its representative during their chat.


    Liu Wuxie remained silent, his eyes shing with a cold light. Last year, Azure Billow City had ranked thirty-fifth, second tost. Coincidentally, Wen Song¡¯s Harvest City had ranked thirty-fourth, just one ce above Azure Billow City.


    To emerge victorious in every battle, one must know both oneself and one¡¯s enemies. If Master Huo had been representing Azure Billow City, Wen Song would not have been concerned, as he was confident in his ability to maintain his ranking. As long as he wasn¡¯t rankedst, all would be well.


    However, Azure Billow City¡¯s branch changed its representative this year. As such, Wen Song needed to thoroughly understand his opponent to avoid the possibility of defeat and the ignominy of Harvest City being rankedst.


    ¡°Thepetition will start tomorrow, and there will be ample opportunity for you two to interact. We have other matters to attend to and must take our leave,¡± Lei Tao stated bluntly, eager for Wen Song and his guards to move aside. Liu Wuxie was new to the area, and Lei Tao wished to show him around.


    ¡°You¡¯re nothing but a lowly deacon. Get lost!¡± the guards behind Wen Song barked as they stepped forward, unleashing their cultivation in the Xiantian Realm. They were determined to glean information about Liu Wuxie by behaving unreasonably. Such behavior was not umon, particrly among branches ranked at the bottom, who were often subjected to ridicule.


    Many onlookers watched from a distance, pointing and whispering in the direction of themotion. Numerous alchemists from other cities paused to observe the argument.


    A white-clothed youth climbing the nearby stairs inquired, ¡°Why did Harvest City and Azure Billow City start quarreling suddenly?¡±


    ¡°Young Master Zuo, Azure Billow City has changed its representative this year. It¡¯s possible that both branches will be ranked at the bottom, so it¡¯s not surprising that they¡¯re attempting to probe each other,¡± an elderly man in his fifties remarked.


    ¡°Look! Isn¡¯t that Young Master Zuo Hong? Manifest City, which he represents, was ranked thirdst year!¡± A murmur of excitement rippled through the crowd as all eyes turned to the white-d youth, and no one paid any further attention to Liu Wuxie and hispanions.


    Five guards stepped forward and formed a protective circle around Zuo Hong, preventing anyone from approaching him. A chorus of excited cries erupted from the throng of fangirls as they called out Zuo Hong¡¯s name.


    Alchemists were held in high esteem as a profession, and a young and promising alchemist like Zuo Hong, who had passed his three-star alchemist exam the previous year, was no exception. Moreover, Zuo Hong was also a student at the Imperial Academy, and these dual identities cemented his status among the younger generation. With such des at such a young age, it was only natural that Zuo Hong was popr among the crowd.


    The two guards remained standing before Lei Tao, neither side willing to back down.


    ¡°Brat, what¡¯s your name?¡± Wen Song strode over and looked at Liu Wuxie with a smile. In his estimation, even if Liu Wuxie had been studying alchemy since he was in the womb, he could only have attained the rank of a one-star alchemist at best. As such, Wen Song did not consider Liu Wuxie to be worthy of his attention. As he taunted Liu Wuxie, spittle flew from his mouth andnded on Liu Wuxie¡¯s face.


    ¡°You want to know?¡± Liu Wuxie suddenly smiled. To those watching, it was a bright smile as he retorted, ¡°Who the hell do you think you are to question me?¡±


    But Liu Wuxie¡¯s following sentence surprised everyone because they didn¡¯t expect a brat with such a harmless-looking smile to be so cocky.


    ¡°Good! You¡¯ll soon learn whether or not I¡¯m qualified!¡± Wen Song fumed, humiliated by the public spectacle. He was not one to take such an affront lying down.


    ¡°Young Master Liu, leave quickly while I hold them off!¡± Lei Tao roared and charged at the two guards, hoping to dy them long enough for Liu Wuxie to escape back into the Pill Gathering Pavilion, where fighting was prohibited.


    ¡°You want to leave?¡± Wen Song smiled sinisterly and stepped forward, appearing before Liu Wuxie. ¡°Brat, I¡¯ll let you know the consequences of offending me! I¡¯ll cripple you and see how you participate in thepetition tomorrow!¡±


    Wen Song was ruthless in his desire to cripple Liu Wuxie and thereby rob him of his ability to represent Azure Billow City. This would ensure that Harvest City retained its ranking, which was Wen Song¡¯s ultimate goal. As he unleashed his fourth-level Xiantian Realm cultivation, a fierce gust of wind swirled around him as he swung his hand, aiming to strike Liu Wuxie on the left cheek.


    ¡°You dare to act so brazenly in my presence, you worthless trash?!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes zed with murderous intent as he raised his hand and delivered a resounding p that left everyone stunned. Liu Wuxie remained rooted to the spot while Wen Song was sent flying, tumbling down the stairs with sickening cracks emanating from his body. He had likely broken several bones in his fall.


    Zuo Hong narrowed his eyes as he witnessed the scene unfold. Liu Wuxie¡¯s p had taken him by surprise. He had been unable to track Liu Wuxie¡¯s movements at all, and Wen Song had been given no opportunity to evade the blow. This was astonishing, as even Zuo Hong himself would have been unable to aplish such a feat. Not only had Liu Wuxie deflected Wen Song¡¯s arm, but he had also managed tond a blow on Wen Song¡¯s face.


    Wen Song came to a stop at the bottom of the stairs, his face smeared in blood. The two guards who had apanied him hurriedly rushed down to help him back to his feet. By this time, Wen Song¡¯s clothes were stained with blood.


    The public humiliation caused Wen Song to fly into a rage. A sword materialized in his hand as he charged at Liu Wuxie, murderous intent radiating from him. As a respected two-star alchemist, he had always been the center of attention. Naturally, he sought revenge for the public affront to his dignity, or he would never be able to regain his standing.


    ¡°Wen Song, that¡¯s enough!¡± a roar echoed, interrupting Wen Song as Zuo Hong walked over. This was because it wouldn¡¯t look good if they continued to fight.


    ¡°Young Master Zuo!¡± Wen Song quickly bowed respectfully as a form of greeting.


    ¡°We¡¯re all representing the Treasure Pill Pavilion in thepetition. We may not all hail from the same city, but we are united in our purpose and should support one another rather than engage in conflict. Brother Wen, can you do me the honor of letting this matter rest for today?¡± Zuo Hong¡¯s polite tone and conciliatory words were met with apuse from those gathered.


    ¡°But he pped me. You want me to let this matter rest just like that?¡± Wen Song gritted his teeth. He didn¡¯t dare to offend Zuo Hong; he could only vent his anger out on Liu Wuxie with his murderous intent surging.


    ¡°In that case, allow me to apologize on this brother¡¯s behalf. Can we let this matter rest now?¡± Zuo Hong offered, bowing deeply to Wen Song on Liu Wuxie¡¯s behalf. His willingness to humble himself in order to resolve the conflict between others earned him the respect of many.


    ¡°This...¡± Wen Song was ced in a difficult position. After all, Zuo Hong lowered himself to apologize on behalf of Liu Wuxie. It would make him seem arrogant if he continued to cause a din. As Zuo Hong had high poprity, Wen Song would instantly be everyone¡¯s target if he disagreed, but he couldn¡¯t just possibly swallow it up.


    ¡°Young Master, why don¡¯t we forget it?¡± The two guards came over and tugged at Wen Song¡¯s clothes. Zuo Hong had already interfered in this matter, and Wen Song would be further humiliated if he continued to make a scene there.


    ¡°Brat, just you wait! I¡¯ll teach you a lesson tomorrow!¡± Wen Song said before leaving with his guards. He didn¡¯t want to stay there for another moment because he was greatly embarrassed.


    The crowd dispersed when there was no show to watch, leaving Liu Wuxie and Zuo Hong¡¯s parties behind.


    ¡°I¡¯m Zuo Hong from Manifest City. How should I address you?¡± Zuo Hong cupped his fists together passionately. He had handsome features, giving off a sense of friendliness.


    ¡°I¡¯m Liu Wuxie from Azure Billow City. Thank you for resolving the trouble earlier.¡± Liu Wuxie cupped his fists in response, and they had be acquainted just like that. In terms of age, Liu Wuxie was much younger than Zuo Hong.


    ¡°I should be the one thanking you on behalf of Wen Song. If you two had continued fighting, he would have been humiliated. I am grateful that you showed mercy,¡± Zuo Hong said. Though others may not have realized it, Zuo Hong could tell that Liu Wuxie had not used his full strength in delivering the earlier p. Had Liu Wuxie struck with full force, he might have snapped Wen Song¡¯s head.


    Liu Wuxie smiled but did not reveal that he was aware of Zuo Hong¡¯s Spirit Cleansing Realm cultivation. Zuo Hong could not conceal his cultivation from Liu Wuxie, and it was true that Liu Wuxie had shown mercy earlier. Wen Song may have been hateful, but he did not deserve to die.


    As Liu Wuxie and Zuo Hong chatted, they eventually parted ways. Zuo Hong returned to the Pill Gathering Pavilion while Liu Wuxie ventured into Zen City to explore.


    ¡°Young Master Liu, Zuo Hong is renowned as a teacher, and there¡¯s no harm in building a rtionship with him.¡± Lei Tao stepped forth with admiration on his face when he mentioned Zuo Hong. After all, the title of a teacher wasn¡¯t something everyone could possess.


    Those who taught were called mentors, and those who educated were called teachers, and those who passed down inheritances were called masters.


    Many mentors at Imperial Academy were responsible for teaching what was written in the books, and the students had toprehend the profundities themselves. On the other hand, teachers were different because they educated people. Zuo Hong often offered guidance to other alchemists, thus winning the teacher title.


    Masters, however, were different in that they passed down inheritances and were regarded as second parents to their students.


    ¡°That person is not to be underestimated!¡± Liu Wuxie mused, a smile ying at the corners of his lips as he stepped into the bustling streets.

 Chapter 55 - Who Do You Think You Are?

    <h4>Chapter 55 - Who Do You Think You Are?</h4>


    The streets were lined with shops on both sides, bustling with activity and noise. There were weaponry workshops, herbal shops, clothes stores, and many others.


    Zen City, with a poption twice that of Azure Billow City, was situated in a prime location at the foot of the Great Row Mountain Range, with a trade route connecting it to Lin City. Its proximity to Azure Billow City only added to its advantages.


    As a result, Zen City¡¯s standing had been steadily rising over the years, and their second-ce ranking in the previous year¡¯spetition had cemented their position in the Great Yan Dynasty¡¯s alchemy world.


    Liu Wuxie strolled in the city, asionally walking into the stores, but he didn¡¯t buy anything. Ordinary items couldn¡¯t catch his attention, and the owners were unwilling to take out precious items.


    After about an hour of wandering, Liu Wuxie and Lei Tao came across a crowded spot where many people gathered, tiptoeing to look inside the circle of onlookers.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on over there?¡± Liu Wuxie inquired. This was his first visit to Zen City, but Lei Tao had been there many times before on business and was quite familiar with the area.


    ¡°That¡¯s the Thousand Seal Chamber of Commerce up ahead. It¡¯s a free market that sells a wide variety of items, many of which are quite rare,¡± Lei Tao exined. The Thousand Seal Chamber of Commerce had a formidable reputation, and no such organization existed in Azure Billow City, which was too small to support one.


    The market was bustling with activity, and one could find items at the Thousand Seal Chamber of Commerce that were not avable through normal channels. There were even rumors of people discovering treasures there.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go in and take a look,¡± Liu Wuxie suggested. Since they were out exploring the city, it would be a shame to pass up this opportunity, especially since they might find something worth buying.


    As they made their way through the crowd, they arrived at the gates of the Thousand Seal Chamber of Commerce, which towered five meters high. There were six gates in total, wide enough to allow ten people to pass through at once.


    Inside, the Thousand Seal Chamber of Commerce was a vast hall divided into six passages. Upon entering, one could choose which path to take. This was a free market where customers could speak directly with merchants if they saw something they liked. Unlike other shops with counters for buying and selling goods, this ce was primarily for exhibitions. The walls on both sides were adorned with famous paintings and antiques whose significance was lost on most visitors. There were also materials from demonic beasts on disy.


    A one-meter-wide channel of water separated the walls from the passages, preventing visitors from touching the disys. Customers had to rely on their eyesight when making purchases.


    ¡°Are there really treasures to be found here?¡± Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t help but ask as he walked down the right-hand side passage, ncing at the shelves on either side.


    ¡°There are rumors of people purchasing ancient martial techniques and fragments of artifacts,¡± Lei Tao replied, rubbing his head. These were all rumors, and no one knew for certain if they were true.


    Liu Wuxie smiled, not taking the rumors too seriously. The two continued deeper into the Thousand Seal Chamber of Commerce, where the crowds thinned out, and most people remained near the entrance.


    The items in the outer region were rtively ordinary, while those in the deeper areas included famous paintings, calligraphies, and recently unearthed antiques. The high prices deterred many potential buyers.


    As Liu Wuxie and Lei Tao made their way through the passage, their view opened up to reveal a building with a circr roof. Inside, seven to eight young men were pointing at the calligraphies and paintings on the wall as they discussed among themselves.


    ¡°I heard Master Mo painted this painting, but it¡¯s a pity that the price is too high. If it were slightly cheaper, I might consider buying it for my collection,¡± a young man remarked, looking at thendscape painting.


    ¡°Brother Du, are you sure Master Mo painted this? I heard Master Mo wasn¡¯t proficient inndscape painting. In my opinion, Master Kuang must have done this painting. Look at thendscape; it¡¯s painted with a wild style that fits Master Kuang¡¯s personality.¡± The two young men had differing opinions. Master Mo and Master Kuang were famous master painters, and their works were highly sought after whenever they appeared in the market.


    These painters had lived during previous dynasties. After a hundred-year war, few authentic works remained, and each one was considered priceless.


    As soon as Liu Wuxie entered the room, more than a dozen pairs of eyes turned to focus on him, and he could feel the hostility in one particr gaze.


    ¡°Hmm? Is that the alchemist from Azure Billow City? Shouldn¡¯t he be holed up in the Treasure Pill Pavilion, brushing up on his alchemy skills so he doesn¡¯t embarrass himself tomorrow?¡± a youth sneered. Liu Wuxie had been absorbed in studying the paintings on the walls when he entered and had paid no attention to anyone else, but he was immediately met with ridicule.


    ¡°Brother Xiao, who is this person? Do you know him?¡± another youth inquired, eyeing Liu Wuxie with a mixture of curiosity and malice.


    ¡°He¡¯s the new alchemist from Azure Billow City. He¡¯s probably barely old enough to shave, and I bet Azure Billow City couldn¡¯t find anyone better to represent them in thepetition,¡± Xiao Mingyi sneered. He had met Liu Wuxie earlier and ndered him, so he was surprised to run into him again so soon.


    The other youths looked at Liu Wuxie with a mixture of doubt and confusion.


    Liu Wuxie disregarded their reactions and continued to study the paintings on the wall. Lei Tao had already shared the information about these people with him. The one who had spoken was called Xiao Mingyi, Yun Lan¡¯s disciple. It was at his instigation that Wen Song had sought to cause trouble for Liu Wuxie earlier.


    The blue-clothed youth was Du Mingze, a three-star alchemist from Ning City. This person had a high status and was ranked sixth in the previous year¡¯spetition. The other youths came from different cities but had known each other for a long time.


    When Xiao Mingyi received no response from Liu Wuxie after some time, he grew increasingly frustrated, as if he had punched a cushion.


    ¡°Brat, how dare you ignore me?!¡± he roared, stepping forward as if he were about to make a move. He stood before Liu Wuxie, eager to see how he would evade him this time.


    ¡°Who the hell do you think you are?¡± Liu Wuxie retorted, his gaze mocking. His words nearly choked Xiao Mingyi with rage, but Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t finished yet. ¡°You¡¯ve been yapping like a mad dog since I arrived. The reason I¡¯ve been ignoring you is that you¡¯re not worth my attention. Are you satisfied with that answer?¡±


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s words were like an invisible p on Xiao Mingyi¡¯s face, causing hisplexion to flush with anger. Nothing could have been more cutting than Liu Wuxie¡¯s words, especially given Xiao Mingyi¡¯s exalted status as a two-star alchemist. A terrifying wave of murderous intent emanated from Xiao Mingyi, causing the water in the channels on both sides to ssh.


    ¡°You want to make a move?¡± Liu Wuxie revealed a harmless smile. As long as Xiao Mingyi dared to make a move, Liu Wuxie wouldn¡¯t hesitate to take his life on the spot.


    The standoff continued for several tense moments as Xiao Mingyi clenched his fists. But just as he was about to raise his hand, someone intervened. A portly man stepped forward and interrupted the two of them.


    ¡°Brother, you¡¯re from Azure Billow City. Are you an alchemist as well?¡± he asked.


    The man who intervened was Wan Yichun, and he hailed from Bnce City. In the previous year¡¯spetition, he had ranked 31st, just one ce below Boundless City.


    Liu Wuxie nodded in response but didn¡¯t have a favorable impression of the people gathered there. He couldn¡¯t understand what had made them so arrogant.


    ¡°Since we¡¯re all alchemists, we should be able to talk things out. We¡¯re all gentlemen; fighting and killing is the behavior of brutes,¡± Wan Yichun said. Many alchemists looked down on martial cultivators, considering alchemy to be a noble profession and developing a haughty demeanor as a result.


    ¡°Brother Wan is right. We¡¯re all alchemists of the Treasure Pill Pavilion, and it would be unseemly for us to speak of fighting and killing. With so many paintings and calligraphies on disy, wouldn¡¯t it be better for us to appreciate them instead?¡± several others chimed in, agreeing with Wan Yichun¡¯s reasoning. Alchemists primarily focused on refining pills and seldom engaged in physicalbat.


    With so many people urging him to stand down, the murderous intent in Xiao Mingyi¡¯s eyes dissipated. He red at Liu Wuxie, silently warning him that this matter was far from over.


    ¡°Brother Liu, since you represent Azure Billow City, we are all part of the same family. Why don¡¯t we appreciate the paintings and calligraphy together?¡± Du Mingze suggested. It would have been impolite for Liu Wuxie to refuse, as Du Mingze held the highest status among those present. It was rare for anyone ranked in the top five to make an appearance.


    Liu Wuxie was caught in a dilemma. If he refused Du Mingze¡¯s invitation, he would risk offending him. But if he epted, the others might try to target him.


    ¡°Since Brother Du has extended an invitation, I would not dare to refuse,¡± Liu Wuxie replied, his tone humble. This surprised everyone, including Lei Tao, who couldn¡¯t understand why Liu Wuxie had suddenly be so amodating.


    Even Du Mingze was taken aback by Liu Wuxie¡¯s response. Liu Wuxie had changed his attitude so quickly, going from mocking Xiao Mingyi to being humble and deferential. This unpredictability left everyone baffled.


    ¡°Brother Liu, we¡¯re discussing if Master Mo or Master Kuang did thisndscape painting. What do you think?¡± Du Mingze asked, gesturing towards the painting in question.


    The painting they had been standing before was andscape depicting the Great Row Mountain Range at its center. The canvas was alive with vivid depictions of demonic beasts and people engaged in battle.


    ¡°Brother Du, I think you¡¯re overestimating him. He¡¯s from Azure Billow City and is still so young. I doubt he¡¯s ever seen a painting as valuable as this one, so let¡¯s not make things difficult for him,¡± Xiao Mingyi interjected, his tone dripping with sarcasm. The others covered their mouths to stifle theirughter. They had all known each other for years, and Liu Wuxie was a neer. No one wanted to risk offending a genius alchemist for the sake of a neer.


    Du Mingze and Xiao Mingyi were surprisingly close, as they both hailed from Ning City. Xiao Mingyi had be Yun Lan¡¯s disciple by chance, and the two had privately maintained close contact ever since.


    ¡°I agree with Brother Xiao. Judging by his age, he¡¯s probably only just been weaned. Asking him to evaluate this painting would be the greatest insult to the work,¡± another person spoke up. This individual was even more vicious in his words, which wereced with hatred. He was Xue Qiu, an alchemist from Plum City and a member of the Xue n. He was undoubtedly aware of the feud between Xue Yu and the Xu n.


    The others joined in, echoing the sentiment, and Du Mingze¡¯s lips curled into a smile as his scheme seeded. But all the while, Liu Wuxie simply smiled and ignored their taunts as if they had nothing to do with him.


    ¡°Someone, take this painting down. I¡¯ll buy it!¡± Xiao Mingyi shouted. His guards quickly sprang into action, and it wasn¡¯t long before a deacon from the Thousand Seal Chamber of Commerce arrived to remove thendscape painting from the wall.


    ¡°Brother Xiao, I admire your willingness to spend 1,000,000 gold coins for a painting.¡± Xue Qiu ttered Xiao Mingyi. Thendscape painting was not cheap, costing a staggering 1,000,000 gold coins. This was not an amount that ordinary people could afford.


    If the painting were indeed an authentic work by Master Kuang, it would be worth even more, and people would be moring to buy it even if the price were 5,000,000 gold coins. This was because there were rumors that Master Kuang¡¯s paintings contained hidden secrets.


    Master Kuang wasn¡¯t only a master painter and calligrapher, but he was also an expert in his martial cultivation. He had reached the True Core Realm in his cultivation, and his paintings were imbued with his martial intent, reflecting his understanding of martial arts. This was why his paintingsmanded such high prices.


    The transaction was swiftlypleted, and only genius alchemists like Xiao Mingyi had no shortage of gold coins.


    ¡°I¡¯m impressed that you¡¯re willing to spend 1,000,000 gold coins to buy something that¡¯s not even worth ten gold coins,¡± a voice suddenly interrupted the group.

 Chapter 56 - Trash Painting

    <h4>Chapter 56 - Trash Painting</h4>


    Xiao Mingyi purchased the painting to understand the martial intent depicted in it and improve his cultivation. Several young people gathered around, praising Xiao Mingyi for being able to afford the 1,000,000 gold coins required to buy the painting. As Yun Lan¡¯s disciple, Xiao Mingyi was wealthier than most people present, including Du Mingze.


    ¡°Congrattions, Brother Xiao, for obtaining Master Kuang¡¯s painting. You¡¯re too lucky!¡± Wan Yichun ttered Xiao Mingyi. Master Kuang originated from Zen City. This painting was set against the backdrop of the Great Row Mountain Range and undoubtedly authentic.


    ¡°You¡¯re too polite. If I hadn¡¯te to Zen City, I would¡¯ve missed such a great opportunity,¡± Xiao Mingyi said smugly. The painting had not been on disy for long and was not widely recognized. Even if someone did recognize it, the high price would deter 99% of potential buyers.


    But when the sudden voice disrupted theplements, Xue Chou roared, ¡°Brat, what are you talking about? How dare you say Master Kuang¡¯s painting is worthless? Do you know Master Kuang¡¯s status in Zen City?¡±


    Master Kuang might¡¯ve died, but his descendants were still in Zen City. They were the strongest n in Zen City with an extraordinary status. Insulting Master Kuang¡¯s painting was tantamount to insulting the Kuang n, and even the protection of the Treasure Pill Pavilion would not be enough to save someone from the consequences.


    ¡°I naturally admire Master Kuang¡¯s painting, but it¡¯s a pity that this painting...¡± Liu Wuxie shook his head, and his facial expression seemed to call them a bunch of idiots to treat such trash as a treasure.


    Everyone looked at Liu Wuxie with a strange expression and wondered if he was insane. The style used in this painting was the same as Master Kuang, and who could mimic his style?


    Lei Tao was anxious because it would be troublesome if Liu Wuxie offended the Kuang n. The Kuang n was on a new levelpared to the ns in Azure Billow City.


    A guard approached Xiao Mingyi and whispered something in his ear, causing a cold smirk to appear on his face. ¡°You¡¯re finished!¡± he said to Liu Wuxie. ¡°You dared to insult the Kuang n; now let¡¯s see how you¡¯ll meet your end!¡±


    Most of the items sold by the Thousand Seal Chamber of Commerce were genuine, although there were a few fakes mixed in.


    ¡°Young Master, please don¡¯t spout nonsense. We¡¯re selling this painting representing the Kuang n.¡± The Thousand Seal Chamber of Commerce¡¯s deacon came forward, interrupting Liu Wuxie. They were representing the Kuang n to sell this painting, and the deacon¡¯s words made Xiao Mingyiugh even louder.


    ¡°As long as you guys are happy about it.¡± Liu Wuxie shrugged and couldn¡¯t be bothered to argue with them. He didn¡¯t have the time to argue with a bunch of idiots. But his words triggered everyone. Had they been ridiculed for nothing?


    Du Mingze stood up for Xiao Mingyi and said, ¡°Brother Liu, what you did isn¡¯t right. It doesn¡¯t matter what goes in your mouth, but it does matter whates out of it. I know you misunderstand Brother Xiao, but it''s insensitive of you to humiliate him in this manner.¡± Everyone could tell that he was mocking Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Him?¡± Liu Wuxie pointed at Xiao Mingyi with shock on his face as if he had heard the greatest joke in the world. He said, ¡°A trash like him is worthy of me humiliating him?¡±


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s sharp insult and quick retort left Xiao Mingyi so angry that he nearly vomited blood. He would have attacked if he hadn¡¯t been restrained. No one present could match Liu Wuxie¡¯s vicious tongue.


    Xiao Mingyi took a deep breath and said, ¡°Very well! Everyone, I¡¯ve just received news that a member of the Kuang n is here at the Thousand Seal Chamber of Commerce. I¡¯ve sent someone to invite them over, and they¡¯ll be able to confirm whether this painting is authentic.¡±


    Liu Wuxie would have died a thousand times over if looks could kill because none of the alchemists present had a good impression of him.


    Du Mingze pped his hands together and said, ¡°It¡¯s great that the Kuang n has someone here. They¡¯re a n of painters and the ones who brought this painting out, so they¡¯ll be able to tell if it¡¯s authentic!¡± While everyone present was an amateur when it came to painting, the Kuang n was renowned for their skill in the art. In the Great Yan Dynasty, few could rival their talent.


    Everyone was excited, but Liu Wuxie continued to look at the paintings on the wall, ignoring everything else. After roughly ten minutes of waiting, Xiao Mingyi¡¯s guard returned, apanied by an old and a young man. The old man appeared to be in his fifties, while the younger one looked exquisite and could have been mistaken for a woman if not for the Adam¡¯s apple on his throat.


    ¡°Who said this painting is a piece of trash?¡± The old man demanded with fury on his face. Xiao Mingyi¡¯s guards had informed him of what had happened, so he and the young man had hurried over.


    Having visited Zen City multiple times, Du Mingze had a good understanding of the Kuang n. He recognized Kuang n¡¯s Second Elder right away and introduced himself, ¡°My name is Du Mingze, and I pay my respect to Elder Kuang Zhan.¡± Despite his reputation for having a violent temper, Elder Kuang Zhan was known for being fair and impartial.


    Kuang Zhan frowned and asked, ¡°Are you all alchemists from the Treasure Pill Pavilion?¡± The Kuang n was powerful, but they didn¡¯t want to offend the Treasure Pill Pavilion. During the annualpetition in Zen City, the Kuang n was considered a guest observer.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. We alle from various cities,¡± Du Mingze confirmed before continuing, ¡°Brother Xiao just bought this painting, and we hope Elder Kuang would look at it.¡± He didn¡¯t mention Liu Wuxie¡¯s insult and left himself a way out by asking for Kuang Zhan¡¯s opinion. If the painting turned out to be authentic, Du Mingze could use the Kuang n¡¯s authority to p Liu Wuxie in the face, achieving two goals with one action.


    ¡°Thisndscape painting is drawn by our ancestor, Master Kuang.¡± Kuang Zhan gave his answer after taking a look at the painting.


    ¡°Thank you, Elder Kuang Zhan!¡± Xiao Mingyi happily put the painting away.


    Kuang Zhan looked around and demanded, ¡°Who said this painting is fake?¡± He wanted to know who dared to insult the Kuang n¡¯s painting by calling it trash. Everyone¡¯s eyes turned to Liu Wuxie, and without anyone pointing him out, Kuang Zhan knew who had spoken.


    ¡°Did you call the Kuang n¡¯s painting trash?¡± he asked, directing a powerful aura at Liu Wuxie that made his clothes flutter.


    Liu Wuxie stood his ground and said, ¡°Elder Kuang, let me exin. First, I never insulted the Kuang n¡¯s painting. Second, thisndscape painting is indeed trash.¡± He refused to back down, even in the face of a member of the Kuang n.


    Xiao Mingyi and his groupughed, surprised that Liu Wuxie would repeat his insult even in front of Kuang Zhan.


    Kuang Zhan was furious. ¡°This painting has been in the Kuang n for a decade,¡± he said. ¡°We wouldn¡¯t have brought it out if we weren¡¯t short on money recently. If you don¡¯t give me a proper exnation today, I won¡¯t let you leave here alive, even if you¡¯re an alchemist from the Treasure Pill Pavilion.¡±


    It no longer mattered whether Liu Wuxie had insulted the Kuang n; calling thendscape painting trash had crossed their bottom line.


    Du Mingze stood up and pretended to be a peacemaker. ¡°Brother Liu, apologize to Elder Kuang quickly,¡± he said. ¡°I¡¯m sure the Kuang n will forgive you for the sake of the Treasure Pill Pavilion.¡± He wanted Liu Wuxie to admit he was spouting nonsense.


    Wan Yichun joined in, saying, ¡°That¡¯s right. Your behavior is evidence of ack of discipline in Azure Billow City.¡± His words were harsh and aimed directly at Liu Wuxie.


    The argument had attracted a crowd, with people evening from other areas to see what was happening.


    ¡°How can he just apologize? He should go down on his knees, admit what he said was nonsense, and p himself a hundred times. How can we let him go so easily?¡± Xue Chou sneered.


    With that, everyone turned against Liu Wuxie, with no one supporting him.


    A discussion arose among the crowd, with someone asking, ¡°Who is he to insult the Kuang n¡¯s painting by calling it trash? Is he tired of living?¡± The Kuang n was highly respected in Zen City and beloved by its people, so insulting them was like insulting the entire city.


    It was no surprise that Liu Wuxie¡¯s words had caused such amotion and even attracted the attention of higher-ups in the Thousand Seal Chamber of Commerce, who were watching from a distance.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s gaze turned cold as he looked around at Du Mingze¡¯s group. ¡°Elder Kuang, let me ask you a question,¡± he said. ¡°If I can prove that this painting is fake, will you make them all apologize to me?¡±


    He had already shown them enough patience, but they had pushed him too far. Did they really think he was a pushover?


    Kuang Zhan wasn¡¯t foolish and knew that both sides had to put something at stake. ¡°If you can prove that this painting is trash, I¡¯ll agree to your request,¡± he said. ¡°But what if it turns out to be real?¡±


    ¡°If this painting is real, I will kneel and kowtow to apologize for my words,¡± Liu Wuxie said, sweeping his cold gaze over Du Mingze¡¯s party, making them shiver. They all felt like they were about to be devoured by his gaze.


    Du Mingze stepped forward. ¡°Brother Liu, you can¡¯t do that.¡± Du Mingze tried to stop Liu Wuxie only after he had finished talking. Despite appearing benevolent, Du Mingze¡¯s words were ultimately detrimental to Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Thank you for your concern,¡± Liu Wuxie replied, his face devoid of emotion. Kuang Zhan shivered, unable to discern whether Liu Wuxie was pleased or angry. Earlier, when their eyes had met, Kuang Zhan had been struck by the intensity of Liu Wuxie¡¯s gaze, and he had to admit that it was the scariest gaze he had ever encountered.


    A nearby table allowed everyone to closely examine the paintings and calligraphy.


    ¡°Brother Xiao, please put the painting on the table,¡± Liu Wuxie said as he approached the painting, a mocking look in his eyes.


    ¡°Brat, I¡¯ll see how you die!¡± Xiao Mingyi ced the painting on the table. As the crowd gathered around, exmations of awe and admiration filled the air.


    ¡°What a magnificent piece!¡± eximed a greasy-looking old man, his eyes filled with regret. ¡°I saw it yesterday but didn¡¯t have enough gold coins to purchase it.¡±


    ¡°Lei Tao, do you have a dagger with you?¡± Liu Wuxie said, baffling everyone.

 Chapter 57 - Slapping Faces

    <h4>Chapter 57 - pping Faces</h4>


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s words drew a series of exmations from the surrounding. Lei Tao¡¯s face was etched with deep lines as he drew a dagger from his waist and handed it to Liu Wuxie. Under the watchful gaze of the crowd, Liu Wuxie raised the dagger and aimed it at thendscape painting.


    ¡°Brother Liu, stop!¡± Du Mingze eximed frantically, his back covered in a cold sweat.


    ¡°Has he lost his mind?¡± cried the onlookers, their voices rising in rm. Thendscape painting was worth a staggering 1,000,000 gold coins, but its true valuey in the martial intent it contained¡ªsomething that could not be measured in mere currency.


    Kuang Zhan¡¯s eyes narrowed, but it was toote to stop Liu Wuxie. The painting had been created by the ancestor of the Kuang n, Master Kuang, and its destruction at the hands of an outsider would be a grave insult to the n.


    ¡°Is he insane? Why is he cutting such a valuable painting with a dagger?¡± cried Wan Yichun, his face contorted with rage. He stepped back, as if afraid that Liu Wuxie¡¯s madness might be contagious.


    The crowd watched in horror as Liu Wuxie shed at the painting with his dagger. Lei Tao slumped in his chair, muttering to himself. ¡°It¡¯s over... it¡¯s all over...¡±


    It wasn¡¯t the loss of the 1,000,000 gold coins that weighed on Lei Tao¡¯s mind. Liu Wuxie¡¯s actions were a direct affront to the Kuang n, and he knew that Kuang Zhan would not let him leave unscathed. Only the intervention of the pavilion master could save him now.


    Xiao Mingyi watched the scene unfold with a sneer on his lips. He didn¡¯t care about the loss of the 1,000,000 gold coins¡ªhe could always seekpensation from Bi Gongyu. What mattered to him was the opportunity to humiliate Liu Wuxie. Xue Chou, on the other hand, watched with glee, his eyes alight with murderous intent.


    As the dagger sliced through the painting, a deep gash appeared. The damage was irreparable¡ªeven the most skilled craftsman would be unable to restore it. The painting was ruined.


    ¡°Brat, how dare you destroy the Kuang n¡¯s painting before me! I¡¯ll tear you apart!¡± roared Kuang Zhan, striding towards Liu Wuxie with murder in his eyes. His rage was palpable, and those with weaker cultivation trembled under the weight of his fury.


    ¡°Elder Kuang, isn¡¯t it too early for you to be angry?¡± Liu Wuxie sneered in disdain. He was in contempt for Kuang Zhan, who couldn¡¯t distinguish the authenticity of the painting as Kuang n¡¯s second elder.


    The white-clothed youth beside Kuang Zhan stepped forward to examine the painting.


    ¡°Brother Liu, what have you done?¡± cried Du Mingze, looking heartbroken. ¡°You¡¯ve destroyed a painting worth 1,000,000 gold coins!¡±


    Liu Wuxie remained silent, casting a dismissive nce at Du Mingze. He reached out and grasped the corner of the painting, pulling out a strand of silk thread. As he tugged at the thread, the image on the painting began to blur.


    With a flick of his wrist, Liu Wuxie severed the thread with his dagger. ¡°Master Kuang¡¯s paintings are made with the finest ink and paper,¡± he said, ¡°and beneath the surface lies ayer of superior silk threads. These threads should be light green in color and possess great tensile strength, enhancing the quality of the painting. But the threads in my hand are from the Winter Silkworm, soaked in python¡¯s blood. Tell me, did Master Kuang really paint this?¡±


    Liu Wuxie tossed the silk threads at Kuang Zhan¡¯s feet, inviting him to examine them for himself. The only way to determine the painting¡¯s authenticity was to cut it open and examine theyers beneath the surface.


    Every painting created by the Kuang n wasposed of threeyers: the surfaceyer of fine ink and paper, a middleyer of silk threads, and a bottomyer of oilcloth to seal the painting. To the untrained eye, the silk threads were invisible, but Liu Wuxie¡¯s Ghost Eye allowed him to see through the surfaceyer with a single nce. The painting was a forgery, expertly crafted to mimic Master Kuang¡¯s style and calligraphy.


    Elder Kuang picked up the silk threads and sniffed them. The scent of python blood was unmistakable, and he could tell that the painting was no more than fifteen years old. Master Kuang had died over a hundred years ago, and hisst painting had beenpleted long before that. This painting was a fake.


    ¡°He¡¯er, what do you think?¡± asked Kuang Zhan, passing the silk threads to the white-clothed youth for inspection.


    The youth took the threads and sniffed them, frowning in concentration. He produced a small bronze mirror from his clothing and ced the threads upon it. As he did so, a strange odor began to emanate from the silk.


    ¡°Elder, this silk thread was soaked in the python''s blood. It isn¡¯t from the Spring Silkworm that we use.¡± There was a significant difference between the silk threads produced by Spring and Winter Silkworms. The Kuang n used silk from the Spring Silkworm, which is nearly impossible to find on the open market. The domestic silkworms raised by the Kuang n were fed a special diet of herbs, resulting in silk threads that were faintly fragrant.


    ¡°Brat, perhaps Master Kuang was trying something new. You can¡¯t possibly deny that this was a painting done by Master Kuang just from the silk threads'' quality alone!¡± Xiao Mingyi interjected, questioning Liu Wuxie. After all, the style of this painting was identical to Master Kuang¡¯s, and his words drew agreement from the crowd.


    But Kuang Zhan and the white-clothed youth frowned when they heard what Xiao Mingyi said.


    Liu Wuxie regarded Xiao Mingyi with a look of disdain. The Kuang n had remained silent, yet Xiao Mingyi had chosen to speak out, inviting ridicule upon himself.


    ¡°Elder Kuang,¡± said Liu Wuxie, turning to address the elder. ¡°The paintings of the Kuang n are made with ink from profound inkstones. One of the benefits of using this type of ink is that it does not smudge when ites into contact with water. Even if the entire painting were to be submerged, it would not be damaged when retrieved. Am I correct?¡±


    It was widely known that the use of profound inkstones was a closely guarded secret of the Kuang n, and they had only a few remaining. By adding a special herb to the ink, they were able to create a form that was resistant to water damage. The identity of this herb was known only to the members of the Kuang n.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. The painting of my Kuang n is done with the ink from the profound inkstone.¡± Kuang Zhan nodded. Even if he didn¡¯t want to admit to it, he couldn¡¯t refute what Liu Wuxie said.


    ¡°Lei Tao, bring me a bowl of water!¡± Liu Wuxie yelled.


    Lei Tao sprang to his feet and hurriedly fetched a bowl of water. As Liu Wuxie poured the water over the painting, a strange thing happened¡ªthe ink began to smudge and run, obscuring the image until it was impossible to tell what had once been depicted.


    ¡°This...¡± The onlookers were stunned. It was well known that the paintings of the Kuang n were resistant to water damage, yet the ink on this painting had begun to smudge at the slightest touch of moisture. The lower half of the painting was now a blur, ruined beyond repair. This only served to confirm that the painting was not, in fact, the work of Master Kuang but rather a skillful imitation.


    Xiao Mingyi froze in ce with his mouth wide open. Did this mean he spent 1,000,000 gold coins to buy a fake painting?


    Each word that Liu Wuxie had spoken earlier now felt like a p in the face to Xiao Mingyi. The faces of the onlookers were also flushed with embarrassment. They had mocked Liu Wuxie earlier, but he had been able to discern the painting¡¯s true nature with a single nce. It was a bitter pill to swallow.


    Du Mingze turned away, unable to meet Liu Wuxie¡¯s gaze. He now realized that there was something unusual about Liu Wuxie. Even Kuang Zhan had been unable to detect that the painting was a fake, yet Liu Wuxie had somehow been able to see through its deception.


    ¡°Brother Du, aren¡¯t you going to express your opinion?¡± Liu Wuxie suddenly turned to look at Du Mingze with a smile.


    ¡°Brother Liu is truly talented,¡± said Du Mingze, turning back to face him. ¡°We were all fooled by this fake painting. I apologize for my earlier words. Du Mingze¡¯s sudden change of attitude surprised everyone. Just moments before, he had been demanding an apology from Liu Wuxie. Now he was like a venomous snake, ready to strike at the slightest provocation.


    Wan Yichun and Xue Chou took a step back, their faces red with embarrassment. They, too, had joined in mocking Liu Wuxie earlier, and now they were afraid to speak up for fear of bing aughingstock.


    ¡°Brother Xiao, I apologize for ruining your painting.¡±


    Xiao Mingyi wore a fierce expression as though he could devour Liu Wuxie with one bite. After all, 1,000,000 gold coins were gone just like that.


    ¡°Brat, even if this painting is a forgery, it¡¯s still worth tens of thousands of gold coins for the artistry alone,¡± said Xiao Mingyi through gritted teeth. ¡°So what do you mean when you say it¡¯s not worth ten gold coins?¡±


    Xiao Mingyi knew that it was no easy feat to imitate another artist¡¯s style and that only a skilled painter could produce such a convincing forgery. The painting was done in the same style as Master Kuang, and there were few who could replicate it so urately. This meant that a famous artist must have created the painting, and it was, therefore, not without value.


    ¡°Since you¡¯re still not giving up, I¡¯ll make sure you¡¯re convinced,¡± sneered Liu Wuxie, determined to crush Xiao Mingyi¡¯s pride.


    His words piqued the curiosity of the onlookers. Even they had to admit that the quality of the forgery was impressive. Not even Kuang Zhan could have replicated the painting so perfectly with his skills.


    Kuang Zhan had nothing more to say. It had been proven beyond doubt that the painting was not the work of Master Kuang, and even the Kuang n had been deceived.


    ¡°Does anyone have a brush and paper?¡± asked Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°I do,¡± said the white-clothed youth stepping forward. He produced a brush and paper from his interspatial pouch and ced it on the table before stepping back.


    Liu Wuxie took the brush and wrote down ten-odd materials, all of which weremon items in the market. He said, ¡°Lei Tao, go buy everything listed on this paper. Come back quickly.¡±


    Lei Tao took the list and hurried out. As more people gathered around, they whispered excitedly about the events that had just transpired. Liu Wuxie¡¯s sudden reversal had taken everyone by surprise, leaving Xiao Mingyi and hispanions stunned.


    In less than fifteen minutes, Lei Tao returned with all of the items on the list. Aside from the rice paper, he ced them neatly on the table.


    ¡°Painting doesn¡¯t always have to be done stroke by stroke,¡± said Liu Wuxie, picking up a copper basin and pouring the materials into it. ¡°There¡¯s another method¡ªsketching!¡± The onlookers were baffled, unsure of what Liu Wuxie meant by ¡®sketching.¡¯


    Each of Liu Wuxie¡¯s steps looked ordinary without any skills, but everyone watched quietly, fearing they might miss out on any steps.


    Even Kuang Zhan¡¯s gaze was fixed on Liu Wuxie¡¯s hands. He could achieve photographic memory as he was in the Spirit Cleansing Realm.


    But it was a pity that sketching wasn¡¯t profound, and they would soon know about it.

 Chapter 58 - Ferocious Tiger

    <h4>Chapter 58 - Ferocious Tiger</h4>


    Liu Wuxie took the rice paper and ced it beneath the cut painting. He had ripped apart the oilcloth and silk threads, leaving behind the ink paper. The top portion was still intact, while the bottom was heavily damaged after the silk threads were removed and soaked in water.


    After preparing the paint, Liu Wuxie dipped his brush and began to carefully apply it on the rice paper, pressing it firmly against the ink paper. His movements were gentle, as if he were caressing an infant¡¯s skin. But then something strange happened¡ªfaint traces of ink began to appear on the rice paper as if they had been imprinted there.


    Liu Wuxie then ced the rice paper in water and moved it back and forth. As the ink on the rice paper began to fade, he lifted it out of the water andid it on the table. The rice paper was strong and water-resistant, thanks to the addition of demonic beast fur, which allowed it to absorb water upon contact. As the rice paper slowly dried, the upper portion of thendscape painting was revealed to the onlookers.


    ¡°This...¡± Kuang Zhan staggered, unable to believe what he was seeing. The Kuang n¡¯s paintings were carefully crafted works of art, yet Liu Wuxie had used a handful ofmon materials to produce an identical copy. How could he not be shocked?


    The crowd gasped in amazement, unable toprehend what they had just witnessed. Du Mingze felt the urge to p himself for his earlier foolishness. It was now clear to everyone that the painting Xiao Mingyi had purchased was a forgery, produced using this very method and sold at an exorbitant price.


    ¡°Lei Tao, tell them how much the materials cost,¡± Liu Wuxie said, sweeping his gaze around as he wiped his hands dry with a yful smile hanging on his lips.


    ¡°Young Master, I spent a total of six gold coins.¡±


    Lei Tao¡¯s words were met with gasps of astonishment from the onlookers. Most people would be willing to take a risk if the potential profit was three times their investment, but the profit from this forged painting was a staggering 160,000 times the cost of the materials. It was nothing short of a robbery.


    Xiao Mingyi slumped to the ground, muttering to himself in disbelief, ¡°This is impossible...this must be fake...this must be fake...¡±


    But no one was in the mood tofort him. They were all still reeling from the shock of what they had just witnessed. Xue Chou and Wan Yichun backed away even further, unable to meet Liu Wuxie¡¯s gaze. This day had turned into a nightmare, and none of them had seen iting.


    ¡°Young man, may I have your name?¡± asked Kuang Zhan, taking a deep breath to steady himself. He had realized his mistake¡ªthe painting was indeed a forgery. He resolved to investigate the matter and find out how it hade to be in their possession. He knew that if he didn¡¯t get to the bottom of this, simr incidents might ur in the future, putting the reputation of the Kuang n at risk.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie!¡± Liu Wuxie bowed lightly. Kuang Zhan might have a foul temper but had acknowledged his mistake, which was rare.


    ¡°Young Master Liu, I solemnly apologize for having wronged you earlier. If there¡¯s an opportunity, do pay a visit to Kuang n. I believe we can chat about art.¡± Kuang Zhan was eager to leave so that he could begin his investigation. He knew that there must be other forgeries being sold in the market under the Kuang n¡¯s name, and he was determined to get to the bottom of it.


    ¡°I will pay a visit if there¡¯s an opportunity.¡± Liu Wuxie said humbly. Throughout the entire encounter, Liu Wuxie had maintained hisposure and had not been aggressive, earning Kuang Zhan¡¯s admiration.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take my farewell!¡± Kuang Zhan left with the white-clothed man, and the crowd automatically moved aside for the two.


    ¡°Lei Tao, leave behind six gold coins. Let¡¯s go!¡± Liu Wuxie nced at Xiao Mingyi¡¯s party. He couldn¡¯t be bothered by these people, and hepensated Xiao Mingyi for the painting before leaving.


    Lei Tao tossed six gold coins beside Xiao Mingyi and followed behind Liu Wuxie. The events of the day had been a revtion to Lei Tao, and he felt a newfound respect for Liu Wuxie.


    Xiao Mingyi, on the other hand, was left reeling. The painting he had purchased for 1,000,000 gold coins was now worth only six gold coins. He had fallen from heaven to hell in an instant. His face twisted with rage, and he snarled at Liu Wuxie, ¡°Brat, I¡¯ll make you suffer worse than death, and I¡¯ll personally take your life!¡±


    But it was a pity that Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t hear what he said anymore as he had walked into another passage with Lei Tao.


    ¡°Brother Xiao, it¡¯s gettingte. Let¡¯s go back,¡± said one of Xiao Mingyi¡¯spanions, trying tofort him. They quickly left the Thousand Seal Chamber of Commerce, not daring to linger a moment longer. Along the way, they were met with mocking stares and whispered insults, adding to their humiliation.


    As for taking revenge against the Thousand Seal Chamber of Commerce, that was impossible. The Thousand Seal Chamber of Commerce¡¯s background was as strong as the Treasure Pill Pavilion¡¯s. Not to mention, they had willingly made the purchase, even if it turned out to be fake.


    As Liu Wuxie and Lei Tao walked through the passages, Liu Wuxie¡¯s interest began to wane. He used his Ghost Eye to find some authentic paintings, but they held no value for him. Instead, it was the fakes with their high price tags that drew more attention.


    ¡°Young Master, this is thest passage.¡± They walked through all six passages, and it was gettingte. Lei Tao wanted to return, fearing that Bi Gongyu might worry.


    But Liu Wuxie suddenly stopped with his gaze fixed on a tiger painting. This tiger looked vivid as it ran down the mountain, charging at him.


    ¡°Excellent painting!¡± Ordinary people could only treat this as a regr painting, but his face changed when he observed this painting with Ghost Eye. This painting gave off an oppressive aura that swept across his soul sea.


    <i>Martial intent!</i> Liu Wuxie eximed inwardly. Only a grandmaster could have created such a work, and studying it could enhance one¡¯s talent and soul energy. Despite being heavily damaged, the tiger in the painting remained intact. Yet, no one seemed to take notice of it.


    Liu Wuxie quickly grabbed the painting, not wanting to miss his chance. When he saw that it only cost 100 gold coins, he knew it was a steal. A painting with martial intent would normally fetch a price of 1,000,000 gold coins or more.


    The signature was damaged, so no one knew who the artist was, which exined the low price.


    Liu Wuxie called over the deacon of the Thousand Seal Chamber of Commerce and Lei Tao paid for the painting. Liu Wuxie hade empty-handed, having left his de at the Treasure Pill Pavilion. Since they needed his help, Lei Tao was happy to pay for the painting.


    ¡°Young Master, is there anything special about this painting?¡± Lei Tao whispered, not daring to underestimate Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°That¡¯s a secret!¡± Liu Wuxie kept the painting like a treasure. He swept his gaze around and left after seeing nothing caught his attention. It was alreadyte, and Bi Gongyu was probably waiting anxiously for him. They ate briefly along the way before returning to the Treasure Pill Pavilion, where Bi Gongyu was indeed waiting for them.


    ¡°What happened in the afternoon? Why did Yun Lan start a big fight with me?¡± Bi Gongyu questioned Lei Tao the moment they came in. Yun Lan hade looking for Liu Wuxie after his disciple lost 1,000,000 gold coins. He tried to reason with Bi Gongyu, but Bi Gongyu¡¯s words left him speechless.


    Lei Tao recounted the events of the afternoon, including their encounter with Wen Song and Zuo Hong¡¯s intervention to resolve the conflict. He was particrly animated when describing their visit to the Thousand Seal Chamber of Commerce and how Liu Wuxie had embarrassed Xiao Mingyi.


    As Liu Wuxie listened, he rubbed his nose and furrowed his brow before excusing himself to retire to his room and rest for thepetition the next day.


    As Lei Tao spoke, Bi Gongyu listened intently. An hourter, he let out a deep breath upon learning that the painting Xiao Mingyi had bought for 1,000,000 gold coins was only worth six gold coins.


    Meanwhile, Liu Wuxie had returned to his room and hung the painting on the wall. To the naked eye, it appeared unremarkable, but when Liu Wuxie used his Ghost Eye, he could sense the powerful aura of the tiger in the painting. The pressure was so intense that it made him feel suffocated.


    As the tiger¡¯s eyes suddenly opened, a powerful gust swept through the room, causing the table and chairs to creak under the strain. It was as if the tiger was high above, looking down on Liu Wuxie as he struggled like a raft in a stormy sea.


    ¡°I can¡¯t back down. The moment fear rises in my heart, my path as a cultivator will be severed.¡± Facing the pressure from the tiger, Liu Wuxie mobilized his soul energy to confront it.


    A powerful gust appeared in his golden soul sea, and as itpressed, Liu Wuxie¡¯s golden soul energy grew stronger, with more golden lights appearing in his soul sea.


    <i>What a powerful painting! Not only can it temper my martial intent, but it can also temper my soul sea!</i> Liu Wuxie was inwardly surprised. The strength of a person¡¯s soul sea determined their talent. Liu Wuxie may have had the knowledge of an Immortal Emperor, but he no longer had the body of one. Knowledge alone couldn¡¯tpensate for talent¡ªthe body was the foundation, and knowledge could only aid in cultivation. Only when both were strong could theyplement each other.


    As time passed, Liu Wuxie was drenched in sweat. His cultivation hadn¡¯t improved, but his talent had increased several-fold. The golden light in his soul sea had grown, and he gradually adapted to the pressure from the tiger.


    Suddenly, the tiger raised its head and let out a mighty roar, causing the ground to tremble. Liu Wuxie staggered, nearly falling, and his mind went nk.


    Two hours passed...


    Four hours passed...


    Six hours passed...


    Late at night, when everyone else was asleep, a deep roar erupted from Liu Wuxie¡¯s mouth. The tiger was provoked, and its powerful aura bore down on Liu Wuxie¡¯s unsteady body as if he were standing on the edge of a cliff, about to fall.


    Suddenly, the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron began to spin, and the painting was consumed.


    ¡°This...¡± Liu Wuxie was taken aback. He had intended to use the painting to strengthen his soul energy, so that he could use his Ghost Eye for longer periods in the future.

 Chapter 59 - Blade Intent

    <h4>Chapter 59 - de Intent</h4>


    As Liu Wuxie¡¯s consciousness sank into his dantian, the painting disappeared and the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron spat out a powerful de aura that rushed to his soul sea.


    Swords had sword aura, and des had de aura, but only a true genius couldprehend the de aura.


    When the golden de aura merged with his soul sea, it manifested into a golden de hovering in his soul sea.


    ¡°de intent! This is the de intent!¡± Liu Wuxie eximed and jumped, nearly knocking his head on the roof. Even the slightest de intent could destroy everything. Compared to de intent, the sword intent was easier toprehend, which was why the de was considered the king of weapons.


    Throughout history, des and swords were often mentioned together, but des always came first. Due to the difficulty inprehending de intent, most cultivators preferred to use swords, leading to their widespread poprity. There were many swordsmen, but few truly stood out.


    As Liu Wuxie¡¯s consciousness left his soul sea, a terrifying de aura swept out from him, reducing the table and chairs in the room into fragments. The room was messy, and each fragment was like a de piercing through the wall and window, heading towards other rooms.


    In an instant, the entire room was riddled with holes, and all the furniture was gone. Moonlight shone into the room through the holes, making them look like a ho¡¯s nest. The room seemed on the verge of copse.


    Bi Gongyu and Lei Tao had just gone to bed, knowing they needed to rest well for thepetition the next day. But they were soon awakened by a powerful surge of energy.


    ¡°Yun Lan, you bastard! How dare you sneak up on me at night?!¡± Bi Gongyu roared, charging out of his room riddled with holes, thinking that Yun Lan had attacked him in his sleep.


    Lei Tao was also startled awake, rolling off the bed in fear as projectiles flew towards him, capable of tearing through his defenses.


    Bi Gongyu and Lei Tao rushed out of their rooms, not even stopping to put on their clothes. Liu Wuxie also emerged from his room, and the three of them stood in a triangle formation, staring at each other in shock.


    Bi Gongyu and Lei Tao were shocked to see Liu Wuxie¡¯s room, with its walls riddled with holes and looking as if it might copse at any moment.


    ¡°Y-You¡¯re the one who caused all of this?¡± Bi Gongyu lowered his guard, realizing that it wasn¡¯t an attack from Yun Lan, and pointed at Liu Wuxie¡¯s room, speechless. As a cultivator in the Marrow Cleansing Realm, it was rare for anything to make him nervous, but this scene was beyond his understanding.


    ¡°Sorry about that. I lost control whileprehending martial intent.¡± Liu Wuxie said, scratching his head in embarrassment. He hadn¡¯t expected to cause such destruction whileprehending de intent, and that was even with him holding back. If he had unleashed his full power, the entire courtyard would have been leveled.


    ¡°T-T-The painting you bought in the afternoon contained martial intent?!¡± Lei Tao stammered, his legs shaking and sweat dripping down his forehead. He was still puzzled as to why Liu Wuxie had bought such an ordinary painting for 100 gold coins.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. The painting contained de intent,¡± Liu Wuxie admitted openly to Bi Gongyu and Lei Tao. It would have been impossible to hide it from them, and they would have figured it out eventually. Besides, even if Bi Gongyu wanted to kill him, it wouldn¡¯t be easy.


    After calming down, Bi Gongyu realized that the destruction had indeed been caused by de intent.


    ¡°Alright then,¡± Lei Tao said, at a loss for words. Xiao Mingyi had spent 1,000,000 gold coins on a fake painting, while Liu Wuxie had bought a painting containing de intent for just 100 gold coins. Comparing himself to Liu Wuxie would only lead to frustration.


    ¡°Can I see the painting?¡± Bi Gongyu asked, curious about the painting that had allowed Liu Wuxie to quickly strengthen his de intent. He thought he might benefit from seeing it.


    But Liu Wuxie spread his hands apart with an innocent smile. He had revealed the truth because the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron had already consumed the painting. ¡°Will you believe me if I say that the painting disappeared?¡±


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s innocent expression seemed genuine, and Bi Gongyu didn¡¯t press the matter. He knew that if Liu Wuxie wanted to hide something, he could easilye up with an excuse. But he had chosen to reveal the truth, which made Bi Gongyu feel that they were friends.


    ¡°I¡¯ve heard that it¡¯s a long process toprehend marital intent in a painting, ranging from a year to ten years. This is the first time I¡¯ve heard someoneprehending de intent in just one night.¡± Bi Gongyu was knowledgeable, but this was within his knowledge blindspot. If he were the one trying toprehend a martial intent in a painting, it would take at least a year for him toprehend anything.


    The True Core Realm, or grandmasters, could infuse their martial intent into various items. Artists could infuse their martial intents into paintings, sword masters could engrave their martial intent on walls, talisman masters could infuse their martial intents into talismans, cksmiths could infuse their martial intent into weapons forged by them, and alchemists could infuse their martial intent into pills.


    The martial intent left behind by each grandmaster was different, and it couldn¡¯t beprehended overnight.


    ¡°Please help me keep this matter a secret. If someone asks about it, just tell them my true essence went berserk because I was careless in my cultivation.¡± Liu Wuxie cupped his fists together. He didn¡¯t want to cause too much trouble, and many people woulde after him if they knew heprehended martial intent.


    Being in the Xiantian Realm didn''t hinder him fromprehending martial intent, a feat usually achievable only by grandmasters. Since he had already grasped martial intent, it was just a matter of time before he became a grandmaster himself.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. We won¡¯t divulge a single word about what happened tonight. It¡¯s gettingte, and you should rest quickly. We¡¯ve offended many cities, and I¡¯m afraid many people will target us in thepetition tomorrow.¡± Bi Gongyu wasn¡¯t a fool. He would naturally choose to establish a good rtionship with a future grandmaster in advance because there were only benefits and no losses.


    ¡°I¡¯ll cultivate for a little longer. Pavilion Master, you can go and rest first.¡±


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s room was already inhabitable, and he could only wait for the Treasure Pill Pavilion of Zen City¡¯s branch to repair it the next day.


    With that, Bi Gongyu and Lei Tao returned to their rooms while Liu Wuxie stood in the courtyard holding the de in his right hand. There was an artificial mountain in the courtyard''s center and several massive trees, but Liu Wuxie¡¯s gaze was fixed on the mountain.


    As he drew his de, a cold light shed from its reflection. He didn¡¯t release his de intent, knowing that it would destroy the entire courtyard, but even so, the de aura emanating from his de was ten times stronger than before.


    The de aura plunged into the fake mountain smoothly without a hint of resistance, leaving Liu Wuxie stunned.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on? Liu Wuxie wondered, confused. The de aura he had released should have been able to kill someone at the peak of the Spirit Cleansing Realm, but there was no sign of any energy fluctuation. As he approached to investigate, the artificial mountain suddenly began to crack down the middle. It shattered into pieces, releasing a powerful burst of energy from within. Stone fragments flew out as the mountain was reduced to rubble, causing further destruction to the room.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t this a little too powerful?¡± Liu Wuxie curled his lips, realizing that his fighting prowess had risen tenfold, and no ordinary Spirit Cleansing Realm cultivator could withstand a strike from his de.


    He sheathed his sword, not daring to test his strength further.


    As the de aura dissipated, Lei Taoy in bed, still shaken from when Liu Wuxie had drawn his sword. He pulled the covers over his head and muttered, ¡°Monster... he¡¯s a monster... not human at all...¡±


    The night passed quickly, and Liu Wuxie sat in the courtyard throughout the night, circting the Deste Devouring Art to devour spiritual energy. His cultivation had improved, and he was closer to the fourth level of the Xiantian Realm.


    Liu Wuxie was determined to win thepetition and im the fourth-grade pill as his reward, using it to reach the fourth level of the Xiantian Realm. But he kept his goal to himself, not wanting Bi Gongyu to think he was overreaching.


    In the morning, Bi Gongyu and Lei Tao emerged from their rooms with dark circles under their eyes, yawning. It was clear that they hadn¡¯t slept well. Every time they closed their eyes, the image of Liu Wuxie¡¯s terrifying de would appear in their minds, causing them to startle awake. Even trying to cultivate couldn¡¯t calm them down, so they stayed awake until dawn.


    As the morning progressed, people began to leave their courtyards and head towards the za at the center of Zen City, where thepetition was being held. All the ns and notable figures in Zen City had been invited to attend.


    Azure Billow City¡¯s team of three came out of their courtyard, freshly groomed and ready for thepetition. Forty alchemists in total were participating, with the top-ranked cities sending two representatives each.


    As Liu Wuxie made his appearance, all eyes turned to him, filled with curiosity, shock, and even hatred.


    Liu Wuxie scanned the crowd, sizing up hispetition. While he felt some pressure from the top-ranked alchemists, he paid little attention to the others.


    ¡°Brother Liu, you certainly made a name for yourself yesterday!¡± eximed Zuo Hong as he approached and pped Liu Wuxie on the shoulder. This gesture surprised everyone, as Zuo Hong was known for his pride and aloofness. The sight of him being friendly with Liu Wuxie left many baffled.


    The forty alchemists ranged in age from their twenties to fifties, with Liu Wuxie standing out as the youngest at sixteen or seventeen.


    ¡°Even you¡¯ve heard about it, Brother Zuo,¡± replied Liu Wuxie with a wry smile. ¡°I¡¯m embarrassed to talk about it, but what can I do when someone insists on being put in their ce?¡±


    As Xiao Mingyi and Du Mingze approached, they overheard Liu Wuxie¡¯s words and nearly tripped in surprise. They shot him a re, their eyes conveying that their feud from the previous day was far from over.


    Zuo Hong, however, merely smiled and continued walking alongside Liu Wuxie, following behind Bi Gongyu and Lei Tao.


    ¡°Brother Liu, how did you know the painting was fake? And how were you so certain?¡± Zuo Hong asked curiously. After all, even Kuang Zhan, the second elder of the Kuang n, had been unable to tell that the painting was a forgery.


    Not far away, two young women paused in their tracks to listen. Female alchemists were a rare sight, and they, too, were eager to hear Liu Wuxie¡¯s answer.


    ¡°I guessed it!¡± replied Liu Wuxie nonchntly. Zuo Hong¡¯s forehead creased in confusion, while the two women covered their mouths and giggled at the unexpected response; this was their first time seeing such an interesting person.


    Xiao Mingyi and Du Mingze, on the other hand, were seething with rage, feeling as though they could spit blood at Liu Wuxie¡¯s outrageous luck in guessing correctly.


    ¡°Brother Liu, you truly are a talent!¡± eximed Zuo Hong, shaking his head in disbelief. He decided not to press the matter further and made his way down the stairs to thepetition venue.

 Chapter 60 - Targeting

    <h4>Chapter 60 - Targeting</h4>


    Roughly fifteen minutester, a huge za appeared before them, surrounded by walls. The central za spanned roughly a thousand square meters and could amodate a few hundred people simultaneously.


    All the prominent guests of Zen City had already gathered there. The za was sectioned into different areas for observation,petition, and judging.


    Three old men were seated on the first row, and they were the judges sent by the headquarters. The man in the center appeared to be in his sixties, with a white beard and gentle features, exuding an air of transcendence. Each person had a namete in front of them disying their name and other information.


    The man on the left was Sang Yan, a three-star alchemist from headquarters. The man in the middle was a renowned four-star alchemist from headquarters, known only as Master Mao, as his real name had long been forgotten. The man on the right was Zhou Xinsheng, another three-star alchemist. All three held high positions and were overseeing thepetition.


    Four-star alchemists were rare, with only a handful in the Great Yan Dynasty. Among all the alchemists participating in thepetition, the best were three-star alchemists, who were ahead of many old-generation alchemists.


    Despite having lived most of his life, Master Huo had only achieved the rank of a two-star alchemist. It was no wonder that he coveted Liu Wuxie¡¯s Heavenly Spirit Pill. By mastering the method of refining this pill, Master Huo could be promoted to a three-star alchemist.


    In the second row sat pavilion masters from thirty-five cities. The first seat was upied by Shangguan Cai, the pavilion master of Serene Tomb City. Next to him was Li An, the pavilion master of Zen City and host of thepetition. The third seat was taken by Wang Hongcai, the pavilion master of Manifest City. Following them were Che Jiajun from Camp City, Ke Wen from Wu City, and Mo Shidao from Ning City. Zuo Hong, who had ced third in the previous year¡¯spetition, represented Manifest City, while Du Mingze represented Ning City. The final seat was upied by Bi Gongyu from Azure Billow City.


    Among the thirty-five pavilion masters, those ranked in the top five held a higher status and were eagerly greeted by lower-ranked pavilion masters. Azure Billow City, on the other hand, was seatedst due to their poor performance in the previous year¡¯s ranking.


    To obtain a high ranking, the branch had to obtain considerable achievements, and thepetition was a medium to test the standards of each branch.


    The third row of seats was upied by guests who had been invited to watch thepetition. These included members of the prominent ns in Zen City, as well as some experts. Among them were five representatives of the Kuang n: the patriarch, grand elder, second elder, and two juniors. One of the juniors was the white-clothed youth who had apanied Kuang Zhan the previous day, indicating his high status in the Kuang n.


    ¡°Second Elder, is that the brat who discovered the fake painting?¡± Kuang Qiu¡¯s eyesnded on Liu Wuxie. The incident at the Thousand Seal Chamber of Commerce had already been reported to the n, and they had traced the source of the fake painting to a workshop in Pear Square Town, a hundred miles from Zen City. This workshop specialized in producing cheap but profitable forgeries, which were sold forrge profits. The Kuang n had swiftly dismantled the workshop overnight.


    ¡°Patriarch, that¡¯s him!¡± Kuang Zhan quickly stepped forward and answered respectfully.


    ¡°This is the first time I¡¯ve seen such a young alchemist. I hope he won¡¯t disappoint us today,¡± remarked the patriarch as he observed thepetition that drew countless attention each year. This year, it was being held in Zen City, allowing them to watch it closely.


    ¡°He¡¯er, what do you think of him?¡± Kuang Qiu asked the white-clothed youth beside him, seeking his thoughts on Liu Wuxie, who had also been present at the Thousand Seal Chamber of Commerce the previous day.


    ¡°Father, he might seem young, but he is more mature than his age. He¡¯s calm andposed in his actions. So even if he might seem to be sixteen or seventeen, he has a mature mentality. He¡¯s not simple, and I¡¯m inferiorpared to him,¡± replied Kuang He. He had observed Liu Wuxie¡¯s actions closely the previous day and hade to this conclusion.


    ¡°I am d that you are aware of your shorings, my son. Learning from the strengths of others to improve upon your own weaknesses is the way of cultivation. But do not underestimate yourself, for you are far ahead of your peers in painting,¡± said Kuang Qiu, pleased with his son¡¯s response.


    Kuang He was the most talented painter among the younger generation of the Kuang n, having disyed an extraordinary aptitude for painting from a young age. In his teens, he was already capable of creating paintings with artistic expression. While artistic expression was not martial intent, it was still a formidable skill.


    In the observing area, two hundred people were seated, discussing and specting about who would emerge victorious in this year¡¯spetition.


    ¡°It¡¯s time for the annualpetition again, which is being held in Zen City this year. On behalf of the headquarters, I would like to thank Pavilion Master Li for setting up this venue!¡± announced a middle-aged man with a powerful voice that carried to every corner of the venue. As he spoke, the entire ce fell silent.


    ¡°Deacon Hua, you¡¯re too polite. This is just part of my job.¡± Li An stood up and cupped his fists together, thanking everyone for their support.


    ¡°Let us not waste any more time. My name is Hua Xingquan, and I am a deacon from thepetition¡¯s headquarters and your emcee for today. Now, please join me in weing the forty alchemists to the venue! There are a few new faces this year, so I will go over the rules of thepetition.¡±


    As Liu Wuxie and thirty-nine other alchemists entered the venue, they saw forty tables arranged with sealed boxes, each about a foot tall and presumably containing herbs. The seating arrangement was based on the previous year¡¯s rankings, with Liu Wuxie¡¯s table located near the edge of the venue.


    On the first day of thepetition, the alchemists would be tested on their ability to identify pills. They would have to write down not only the name of each pill but also its age and effects. Most importantly, they would have to devise a form on the spot¡ªa feat that even a four-star alchemist would find challenging.


    To seed in this task, the alchemists would need to have a thorough understanding of the nature of herbs and their attributes. If they were not matched correctly, it could cause the cauldron to explode.


    ¡°Like the previous years, you will be required to identify herbs,¡± continued Deacon Hua. ¡°The box in front of each of you contains forty-five herbs of the same age and effect. You may or may not recognize them, as they are new varieties cultivated by our headquarters. You will have six hours to determine the age and effects of these herbs. The total score is 100 points: one point for each correct identification, for a total of 45 points. The remaining 55 points will be awarded based on the form you create.¡±


    The rules of thepetition were straightforward: one point was awarded for each correct identification of a herb. However, despite the apparent simplicity of the task, no one had ever achieved a perfect score in this history of thepetition. The highest score ever recorded was 70 points, earned by correctly identifying forty-five herbs and devising half of a form. Liu Wuxie had already familiarized himself with the rules before arriving at thepetition.


    ¡°Deacon Hua, I have something to say,¡± Yun Lan stood up and interrupted Hua Xingquan. When Yun Lan spoke out, he immediately attracted everyone¡¯s attention.


    ¡°Pavilion Master Yun, please go ahead,¡± replied Hua Xingquan, gesturing for Yun Lan to speak and raise any objections he might have.


    ¡°Thepetition is a sacred event held annually by the Treasure Pill Pavilion, but some people intend to participate with subpar skills. This is disrespectful to thepetition, and I suggest that such individuals be removed so as not to tarnish the reputation of the Treasure Pill Pavilion,¡± dered Yun Lan passionately, his gaze fixed on Liu Wuxie. His disciple had been humiliated the previous day, and he himself had suffered embarrassment as a result. He was not about to let this matter go so easily.


    Yun Lan¡¯s words caused an immediate uproar among those present. The incident at the Thousand Seal Chamber of Commerce the previous day, where Xiao Mingyi of Boundless City had spent 1,000,000 gold coins on a fake painting and been exposed on the spot, had already spread throughout Zen City.


    ¡°Yun Lan, what nonsense are you talking about? Thepetition has not even begun, and you are already making baseless usations? In my opinion, it is you who are the one tarnishing the Treasure Pill Pavilion¡¯s reputation!¡± eximed Bi Gongyu, standing up in defense of Azure Billow City, which had been targeted by Yun Lan¡¯s words.


    ¡°We shall see soon enough whether my words are nonsense. Do you dare to let me question him?¡± retorted Yun Lan, sneering as he pointed at Liu Wuxie. Thepetition had not yet started, but the air was already thick with tension. Some pavilion masters remained indifferent, while others sneered in disdain.


    Xiao Mingyi had not been the only one to suffer embarrassment the previous day. Wan Yizhun from Bnce City, Xue Chou from Plum City, and Du Mingze from Ning City had also been present.


    Liu Wuxie, who had been standing in a corner, was taken aback to find himself singled out. But he quickly regained hisposure and became aware of the hundreds of eyes fixed on him, including those of the thirty-nine other alchemists. Some looked on with glee, some with mockery, and others with curiosity.


    ¡°Pavilion Master Yun, you can go ahead.¡± Liu Wuxie had no hint of anger in his tone and even bowed, which surprised everyone present.


    ¡°He¡¯s handling this well. Pavilion Master Yun is just trying to make things difficult for him. He should ignore him. After all, Pavilion Master Yun doesn¡¯t have the power to disqualify him from thepetition,¡± whispered the observers among themselves. In a situation like this, it would be best for Liu Wuxie to disregard Yun Lan¡¯s provocations, as responding would only y into his hands.


    Bi Gongyu wanted to intervene, but it was already toote. He believed that questioning Liu Wuxie publicly in this manner was a great insult to Azure Billow City.


    ¡°First question: how old are you?¡± This was a simple question that was beyond everyone¡¯s expectations. They thought Yun Lan wanted to test Liu Wuxie¡¯s knowledge as an alchemist and embarrass him.


    ¡°I just turned eighteen!¡± Liu Wuxie replied with a slight bow. His reply surprised many people because there had never been an eighteen-year-old alchemist in the Great Yan Dynasty.


    ¡°Have you read the Hundred Herbs ssic and Shennong¡¯s Herbs ssic?¡± The two books contained a wealth of knowledge about herbs. If one could master these two books, one would be able to recognize most of the herbs in the market.


    ¡°I have not,¡± answered Liu Wuxie honestly, admitting that he had never even heard of those two books. His response elicited surprise from everyone present. They all looked at him with disbelief, and the other alchemists rejoiced at his admission. The two books were considered basic reading for any alchemy apprentice, who were required to memorize their contents. The fact that Liu Wuxie had never even read them was astonishing.


    ¡°See? Let me ask all the alchemists present. What were you guys doing when you were eighteen? I bet you guys are still alchemy apprentices memorizing the books and trying hundreds of herbs daily, right? This is why someone trying to make up for the numbers should be removed from the venue!¡± dered Yun Lan with a sinister smile. He had anticipated that Liu Wuxie would not have read those books or experimented with herbs.


    Many of those present nodded in agreement with Yun Lan¡¯s words. Although he had been somewhat excessive in his remarks, they were not without merit. Even Master Mao had only been an assistant at the age of eighteen.


    Bing an alchemist was not something that could be achieved overnight. It required a deep understanding of herbs, as well as countless hours spent refining pills and learning from failures. Even then, not every alchemy apprentice would seed in bing an alchemist.


    Yun Lan¡¯s words resonated with many of those present, including the pavilion masters of the top-ranking branches. Allowing someone who had never even read the Hundred Herbs ssic and Shennong¡¯s Herbs ssic to participate in thepetition would be an insult to the Treasure Pill Pavilion.

 Chapter 61 - Questions

    <h4>Chapter 61 - Questions</h4>


    An uproar sounded in the entire venue. The two books were treasures to every alchemist, but Liu Wuxie imed he hadn¡¯t read them. This was the same as pping the faces of every alchemist present. So it was no wonder everyone was furious because of Liu Wuxie¡¯s reply.


    ¡°Boy, get out of this ce! Do you want to partake in thepetition without reading the two books? Do you even recognize herbs and know how to refine pills? We¡¯re fortunate that Pavilion Master Yun intervened in time. Otherwise, allowing someone like you to participate in thepetition would have been an insult to the Treasure Pill Pavilion,¡± said Cong Jun, Bnce City¡¯s Pavilion Master. Wan Yichun represented Bnce City, and he naturally had to speak up now that there was such an excellent opportunity to kick Liu Wuxie while he was down.


    ¡°What Pavilion Master Cong said is right. Someone like him should be thrown out. His existence here is an insult to the Treasure Pill Pavilion. The Treasure Pill Pavilion represented the pinnacle of the Great Yan Dynasty¡¯s alchemy field. I suggest investigating this matter and closing down the useless branch,¡± said Plum City¡¯s Pavilion Master. His words caused an uproar among the crowd as everyone pointed at Liu Wuxie, telling him to get out.


    Who could¡¯ve thought that two simple questions from Yun Lan would cause such a huge uproar? More than two hundred people were sitting in the observation area, looking at each other in surprise. They never expected this to happen before thepetition even began, catching everyone off guard.


    ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, please listen to me. We can only represent the branches of each pavilion, and we should let the three judges decide this matter,¡± Ning City¡¯s Pavilion Master, Mo Shidao, stepped forward and interrupted everyone¡¯s discussion.


    Nangong Qi, the Pavilion Master of Harvest City, supported Mo Shidao¡¯s statement. ¡°This is an insult to the Treasure Pill Pavilion. I request that the three judges make a decision on this matter!¡± he eximed. Wen Song, who represented Harvest City and had been humiliated by Liu Wuxie the day before, was also present.


    In just a few minutes, more than half of the pavilion masters had risen to their feet to confront Liu Wuxie. This was an unprecedented event.


    Everyone¡¯s eyes fell on the three judges, waiting for them to decide. After all, no rules indicated that those who didn¡¯t read the two books couldn¡¯t participate in thepetition. But the two books were long rooted in the alchemy field, and every alchemist would start their journey from the two books. Everyone was already ustomed to it, so how could they ept someone who didn¡¯t read the two books?


    The three judges picked up the participant list, and their eyes fell on thest name: Liu Wuxie. They began to discuss among themselves, trying to reach a decision. After all, what would the other dynasties think if they allowed an ordinary person to participate in thepetition? After a few minutes of discussion, they raised their heads to look at Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, do you have anything to say about Pavilion Master Yun¡¯s two questions?¡± Instead of criticizing Liu Wuxie, Sang Yan asked in an inquiring tone, giving Liu Wuxie the opportunity to exin himself.


    ¡°Senior Sang, I also have two questions for Pavilion Master Yun!¡± Liu Wuxie bowed. He wasn¡¯t enraged by the surrounding criticism and remained calm.


    ¡°Please go ahead,¡± Sang Yang said before Yun Lan could speak. Since Yun Lan asked Liu Wuxie two questions, it was proper for Liu Wuxie to ask Yun Lan two questions as well.


    Everyone¡¯s attention was focused on Liu Wuxie, curious to hear what he would ask. Even Bi Gongyu was at a loss and could only hope for a miracle.


    ¡°My first question for Pavilion Master Yun: the Seven Spirit Grass grows one leaf yearly and blooms every three years. As everyone knows, the Seven Spirit Grass is a herb with yang attributes, but most of the herbs in the market are of yin attributes. Since Pavilion Master Yun is knowledgeable and has read the two books, can you tell me why?¡± This question was simple yet sharp, and all the alchemists looked at each other, stumped.


    The two books introduced the Seven Spirit Grass as a herb of yang attributes. But weirdly enough, the Seven Spirit Grass in the market were all of the yin attributes.


    Yun Lan¡¯s face turned red, and he didn¡¯t know how to answer that question. After hearing Liu Wuxie¡¯s question, even Master Mao fell into deep thought.


    ¡°Can it be that Pavilion Master Yun can¡¯t answer this question?¡± Liu Wuxie sneered coldly, ¡°Didn¡¯t the two books tell you about it?¡±


    This was an ingenious question. Yun Lan highly respected the two books, assuming that they contained all the answers. Therefore, it was expected that he would know the answer to the question.


    ¡°Brat, you¡¯re being unreasonable,¡± eximed Yun Lan. ¡°It¡¯s just not me who doesn¡¯t know the answer to this question; none of the other alchemists present seem to know either.¡± He immediately realized his mistake, having spoken out of turn and offending all the alchemists present. It was one thing for no one to know the answer, but it was another for Yun Lan to voice it out loud.


    Yun Lan¡¯s inability to answer the first question caused everyone to look at him with contempt. If he didn¡¯t know the answer, he could have simply admitted it instead of dragging the others down with him. This was particrly true for the three judges, who wore expressions of displeasure on their faces.


    ¡°Since no one seems to know the answer, let me ask a second question,¡± said Liu Wuxie. ¡°As alchemists, which herb should be added first when refining the Energy Condensing Pill: the Cockb Herb or the Milletweed? The effects of both herbs are identical. And what is the temperature required for refining the pill?¡±


    This question required not only knowledge of herbs but also an understanding of the temperature of the fire used in refining. The Energy Condensing Pill was amon first-grade pill that most alchemist apprentices practiced with. All the alchemists present had undoubtedly refined this pill numerous times in their careers.


    ¡°Brat, aren¡¯t you ashamed to ask such a question?¡± Yun Lan retorted without hesitation. ¡°Of course, it¡¯s the Cockb Herb first at 200 degrees Celsius. This will result in an Energy Condensing Pill with attractive color and plump appearance.¡± Many people acknowledged his answer, and apuse could even be heard from the observation area. But there was someone who wore contempt on his face.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes shed with disappointment as he spoke to Pavilion Master Yun. ¡°Is this your final answer? I must say, I am disappointed.¡± Liu Wuxie hade to observe the alchemy of the True Martial Continent, but it seemed his expectations had been too high. It was understandable, as the True Martial Continent could notpare with the Celestial Realm in terms of alchemy.


    Yun Lan stood up furiously, radiating murderous intent. ¡°What are you trying to say, brat?¡± he demanded. No one had been able to answer the first question, and Yun Lan¡¯s answer to the second question had been met with apuse from those around him. It was clear that his answer was correct.


    Liu Wuxie might not have read the two books, but he grasped everything rted to alchemy like the back of his hand. ¡°Pills are divided into four levels: forming, plump, mellow, and rune. Yet you are satisfied with just achieving plump alone and im to possess an unparalleled alchemy? So is there a problem with saying I¡¯m disappointed in you?¡± he questioned.


    Typically speaking, it was already considered impressive if one could achieve the forming level of pills. To advance further, one would have to reach the plump level. However, even Master Mao could not guarantee that every cauldron would produce plump pills. As for mellow pills, it depended on luck. If fortunate, one might obtain one or two mellow pills.


    Achieving rune level, on the other hand, was unheard of.


    ¡°Boy, it¡¯s impressive alone to achieve plump. If these two are your questions, it won¡¯t make sense because anyone will be troubled by it,¡± Sang Yan said. After all, Liu Wuxie had asked a question that no one could answer and couldn¡¯t prove anything. It was the same as asking who came first, the chicken or the egg. It was a question that no one could answer.


    ¡°Is there no one who can answer my questions?¡± Liu Wuxie scanned the room, including the three judges, with a hint of sarcasm in his voice. ¡°Allow me to enlighten you. The Seven Spirit Grass was nurtured incorrectly, causing its attributes to turn into yin. Everyone thought that by cing it under the sun, it would absorb yang energy. But that was a grave mistake.¡±


    Liu Wuxie spoke with eloquence. Everyone knew that the Seven Spirit Grass had to be nurtured under the sun to absorb yang energy.


    ¡°Most herbs rely on sunlight to produce photosynthesis and grow. But that¡¯s different for the Seven Spirit Grass because it has to be nurtured in a ce filled with yin energy. Through photosynthesis, the yin energy will be converted into yang energy. So, no one can find out such a simple truth?¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s words left everyone stunned and speechless.


    ¡°Brat, you can¡¯t just make ims without evidence!¡± Xiao Mingyi retorted. This problem had troubled alchemists for centuries, and Liu Wuxie¡¯s words were unfounded. The two books did mention the Seven Spirit Grass as a herb with yang attributes. At first, everyone believed it, but soon they suspected the author might have made a mistake.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, how will you prove what you said?¡± Sang Yan asked calmly, unlike Xiao Mingyi, who had used Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°There''s a book in the Thousand Seal Chamber of Commerce¡¯s fourth passage, fifth grid under the third row called the Assorted Herbs Record. Thest sentence on the seventh page shows the method for nurturing the Seven Spirit Grass. If you don¡¯t believe me, you can retrieve and examine the book,¡± Liu Wuxie replied confidently. He had scanned the book when he passed by with Ghost Eye. The knowledge recorded in it wasn¡¯t useful to him at the time, so he didn¡¯t buy it. But he didn¡¯t expect it toe in handy today.


    ¡°Someone, go retrieve the book!¡± The Thousand Seal Chamber of Commerce was nearby, and a guard swiftly ran out before returning with a book roughly fifteen minutester. When he ced the tattered book before Sang Yan, its cover was faded, and the title of the book ¡®Assorted Herbs Record¡¯ could barely be seen.


    Sang Yan quickly flipped to the seventh page and saw that the method for nurturing the Seven Spirit Grass was indeed as Liu Wuxie had described.


    ¡°This...¡± Sang Yan handed the book to Master Mao, who was puzzled as to why the method for nurturing the Seven Spirit Grass was not recorded in the two books they had mentioned earlier but was instead found in this book. Zhou Xinsheng also came over to examine the book and frowned upon realizing that the method they had been using for centuries was incorrect.


    Master Mao didn¡¯t speak and continued to flip the book. His body trembled when he flipped to thest page and muttered, ¡°T-This book is left behind by Master Qin!¡±


    Master Mao held onto the book as though he had found a treasure.

 Chapter 62 - Slapping Faces

    <h4>Chapter 62 - pping Faces</h4>


    When Song Yan and Zhou Xinsheng heard that Master Qin wrote this book, they immediately linked it to a legendary figure from the Great Yan Dynasty, Qin Yusheng, a five-star alchemist. After bing a five-star alchemist, one could be addressed as a grandmaster.


    ¡°Master Mao, is this book really left behind by Master Qin?¡± Master Qin was a famous figure in the Great Yan Dynasty several centuries ago. Even the dynasties surrounding the Great Yan Dynasty admired him because a five-star alchemist was rare, appearing only once every few hundred years.


    ¡°That¡¯s true. Look here!¡± Master Mao flipped to thest page. There were several blurred words, but one could see the word ¡®Qin.¡¯ This book didn¡¯t contain any refining techniques, forms, or herbs. Instead, it recorded many anecdotes and some unique thoughts on alchemy.


    The book had been stored in the Thousand Seal Chamber of Commerce for a considerable amount of time, but it remained unpurchased. This was due to the fact that it held no value for the average person, and alchemists found its contents to be nonsensical. It would take a significant amount of time to verify all of the information contained within the book.


    ¡°We need time to verify what you said regarding the first question, and we¡¯ll treat it as you¡¯re right for now.¡± Sang Yan put away his excitement. They had to study the book carefully since Master Qin wrote it. However, there was no doubt this book would greatly benefit their alchemy, causing their attitude towards Liu Wuxie to change. If not for Liu Wuxie, they would not have been able to obtain this book.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s lips curled into a devilish smile when he heard this. The thirty-five pavilion masters perked up their ears when they heard Master Qin mentioned and were shocked. Could it be that this book contained the method for nurturing the Seven Spirit Grass? If so, why didn¡¯t Liu Wuxie purchase such a treasure yesterday?


    ¡°Judges, so what if he¡¯s right? Perhaps he happened to read the book by coincidence yesterday and asked the question today. Furthermore, his second question isn¡¯t valid at all.¡± Yun Lan spoke out, but he received little support this time. The pavilion masters from Ning City, Bnce City, and Harvest City said nothing because they were waiting for the three judges¡¯ words.


    ¡°Young Master Liu, what do you think?¡± Sang Yan¡¯s address towards Liu Wuxie changed from Liu Wuxie to Young Master Liu, to him for obtaining a book written by Master Qin.


    ¡°I disagree with what Pavilion Master Yun said concerning the second question. The Milletweed should be added first, followed by adjusting the temperature of the fire to 180 degrees Celsius. The other herbs should then be added to the cauldron before finally adding the Cockb Grass. As for whether my statement is true, it can be easily verified,¡± said Liu Wuxie. Since everyone present was an alchemist and likely brought their cauldrons with them, his statement could easily be verified.


    ¡°Master Mao, let me verify it,¡± said Che Jiajun, the pavilion master of Camp City, as he stood up and offered to verify if Liu Wuxie¡¯s instructions could improve the quality of the Energy Condensing Pill.


    The three judges nodded in agreement, as refining a cauldron of Energy Condensing Pills wouldn''t take much time.


    Che Jiajun walked to an open area and took out his alchemy cauldron and herbs. mes burst out when he opened his palm, as every alchemist had condensed their alchemy fire. He then began to follow the steps given by Liu Wuxie strictly.


    ¡°Nicely done! The Myriad Flows Unite was executed perfectly!¡± Compliments came from the surrounding. There were only a few techniques in alchemy that depended on proficiency. The pavilion masters present had long reached a high level of proficiency over the years of umtion.


    Che Jiajun was an expert at refining the Energy Condensing Pill and could do it effortlessly. As he added the herbs to the cauldron, a delightful aroma filled the air when he finally added the Cockb Grass. The other thirty-four pavilion masters stood up, eager to get a closer look.


    ¡°The fragrance is so rich. We¡¯ve refined the Energy Condensing Pill countless times, but it has never had this scent before,¡± eximed the pavilion master of Wu City. The cauldron was already emitting an intoxicating aroma before the pills were even refined, causing everyone¡¯s anticipation to grow.


    ¡°Done!¡± Che Jiajun struck the cauldron, and as it opened, a cloud of mist rose and hovered above it. As everyone gathered around the cauldron, they peered inside to see the ten Energy Condensing Pill.


    ¡°This...¡± Shangguan Cai was dumbfounded and couldn¡¯t believe what he saw. He wasn¡¯t the only one because the other pavilion masters also felt the same and eximed.


    ¡°Each of them is mellow at the very least. Look at this one; there are even faint runes on it! The runes might be faint, but a real pill rune might appear if practiced longer!¡± The Eastern Capital¡¯s pavilion master eximed as he picked up a pill from the cauldron with disbelief on his face. Everyone here had refined the Energy Condensing Pill countless times and reached the highest level they could get. But no one expected pill runes to appear on the Energy Condensing Pill.


    ¡°We¡¯ve refined pills for our entire lives, and it turns out that we have been wrong all along,¡± Ke Wen sighed. The improvement of each level required umtion over the years. They had refined pills for decades but couldn¡¯t even reach the mellow level or rune level.


    The events of that day hadpletely overturned their understanding. Not only had mellow-level Energy Condensing Pills appeared before them, but there was even one that was close to the rune level. So how could they not be shocked? Even Che Jiajun was dumbfounded and couldn¡¯t believe he had refined these pills.


    At this moment, the thirty-ninepetition participants turned to look at Liu Wuxie with conflicting emotions, including jealousy and doubt. Each person had a different expression, and they were puzzled as to how Liu Wuxie knew how to refine the Energy Condensing Pill so well.


    When the ten pills were presented to the three judges, Master Mao picked up one, sniffed it, and then popped it into his mouth. ¡°The pill dissolves in the mouth immediately and releases a delightful fragrance. This is a high-quality Energy Condensing Pill,¡± he dered.


    The effects of high-quality Energy Condensing Pills were ten times greater than those of ordinary Energy Condensing Pills. Despite using the same ingredients, the effects were ten times stronger, which was truly remarkable.


    With that, the first question was no longer important because the method of nurturing the Seven Spirit Grass was written in Master Qin¡¯s book. So even if they didn¡¯t want to admit it, they were inferior to a junior like Liu Wuxie. The quality of the Energy Condensing Pills was a resounding p to everyone¡¯s faces.


    Yun Lan¡¯s expression darkened considerably because he had caused this situation and had been greatly humiliated by Liu Wuxie. Furthermore, Liu Wuxie had remained calm throughout the entire process.


    This time, when everyone looked at Liu Wuxie again, their gazes had changed. They now looked at him with admiration because who could say that someone like Liu Wuxie, a genius who knew how to nurture the Seven Spirit Grass and had allowed the quality of the Energy Condensing Pills to reach a new level, was ignorant in the path of alchemy? If Liu Wuxie were ignorant, then everyone present would be trashpared to him.


    ¡°Judges, can we start thepetition now?¡± Deacon Hua asked after waiting for a long time.


    Everyone returned to their seats upon hearing Deacon Hua¡¯s words. As for the remaining nine pills, they had long been snatched up.


    ¡°Let¡¯s begin!¡± Master Mao waved his hand, signaling the start of thepetition. This time, no one interrupted thepetition. Even the pavilion masters, who had spoken against Liu Wuxie, kept their mouths shut.


    ¡°Let thepetition begin! I introduced the rules earlier, and you are all on your own!¡± dered Hua Xingquan as he waved his hand.


    Participants broke the seals on their boxes and removed the herbs inside. Paper and brushes had been provided for their convenience, and they simply had to write down the name, effects, and age of each herb ording to the grid on the paper. There were forty-five grids for forty-five pills.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, do you dare to bet with me and see who can score the highest in this round? The one who loses will kowtow and admit defeat,¡± interrupted Xiao Mingyi with a cocky tone as everyone began to open their boxes. This caused all of the alchemists present to stop what they were doing and turn to look at Xiao Mingyi.


    Many people were unhappy because Xiao Mingyi¡¯s master, Yun Lan, had already interrupted thepetition once. Now that the master was embarrassed, the disciple interrupted thepetition. Jeers could be heard from the surrounding, but Yun Lan and Xiao Mingyi acted as if they didn¡¯t hear anything.


    ¡°Just how despicable can he be? He¡¯s a three-star alchemist and wants to bully a junior?¡±


    ¡°Wasn¡¯t what happened earlier enough? This is an eye-opening experience for someone to be so shameless.¡± Amotion could be heard from the surroundings, and they were all heard by Yun Lan. This caused Yun Lan to feel ashamed and grit his teeth with hatred.


    ¡°Sure!¡±


    Everyone expected Liu Wuxie to reject Xiao Mingyi¡¯s bet, but to their surprise, he agreed without hesitation. After all, the losing party had to kowtow, which was a humiliating bet.


    Xiao Mingyi sneered when he heard Liu Wuxie agreeing to his bet. In preparation for today¡¯spetition, he read various herbal books yesterday, with Yun Lan personally guiding him just to embarrass Liu Wuxie. Their original n was to embarrass Liu Wuxie with two questions, but it had backfired when Liu Wuxie countered both questions and embarrassed Yun Lan instead.


    Everyone else focused on identifying the herbs in front of them and paid no attention to Liu Wuxie and Xiao Mingyi. Thispetition was crucial in determining whether they could achieve a good result.


    Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t in a hurry and took out a herb, cing it on the table before observing it. He noticed the herbs were further processed to make them look fresh despite the leaves having already withered. This further increased the difficulty of identifying the herb¡¯s age.


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t even have to use Ghost Eye because these were allmon herbs. He simply had to smell them.


    ¡°Interesting...these herbs are soaked in water.¡± This was a small trick to increase the difficulty of thepetition.


    After two hours, everyone was busy identifying the herbs, setting aside those they didn¡¯t recognize, and continuing with those they did. Liu Wuxie had sessfully identified and written down information about twenty herbs without missing any entries. Aside from him, only the alchemists from high-ranking cities were able to identify every herb without missing any entries. Most people would skip over any unfamiliar herbs.


    ¡°Master Mao, the participants this year are performing much better thanst year. Their speed at identifying the herbs has also increased,¡± the three judges discussed among themselves quietly, though most of their attention was focused on Liu Wuxie.


    The thirty-five pavilion masters were also discussing among themselves. There were some herbs they had never seen before. They were new varieties, which made it tough to identify.


    ¡°These people are the hope of the Great Yan Dynasty. We¡¯re all getting old, and the future of the Treasure Pill Pavilion is in their hands,¡± Master Mao said, stroking his beard.


    Many guests craned their necks to get a better view and not miss any details.


    ¡°Pavilion Master Shangguan, it seems that your city will take first ce if there are no surprises,¡± said Li An as he leaned over. Zen City had lost to Serene Tomb Cityst year, but this year¡¯spetition was being held in Zen City, giving them an advantage. If they could take first ce, they would receive a fourth-grade pill as a reward. However, Li An¡¯s words were not sincere.


    Serene Tomb City had taken first ce for three years in a row, while Zen City hade in second for three consecutive years, so the gap between them was small.

 Chapter 63 - Four Formulas

    <h4>Chapter 63 - Four Forms</h4>


    Shangguan Cai felt ttered by Li An¡¯s words and stroked his beard. Serene Tomb City had indeed obtained first ce for three consecutive years, which had elevated its position.


    ¡°Pavilion Master Li, you¡¯re being too humble. Your Zen City also has a high chance of obtaining first ce!¡± They exchanged pleasantries andpliments, a practice that everyone had grown ustomed to. On the surface, they maintained a harmonious facade, even as theypeted fiercely behind the scenes.


    Four hours passed, and it was now noon. A refreshing autumn breeze blew, signaling the arrival of the harvest season.


    ¡°The alchemists from the top five cities were able to identify all forty-five herbs without missing a single one. However, the alchemists from the lower-ranking cities struggled and had to skip several herbs. Thepetition this year is expected to be fierce, as all of the top five alchemists have the potential to take first ce.¡±


    The one who spoke was the pavilion master of the branch, ranked tenth in the previous year¡¯spetition. They didn¡¯t expect to win first ce, as it would be difficult, but they hoped to maintain their ranking.


    ¡°You missed out on someone who didn¡¯t skip any of the herbs.¡± The pavilion master of the ninth-ranking city was a woman in her forties. Her attention was on Liu Wuxie. She noticed that Liu Wuxie¡¯s speed was slow, and he had only identified thirty herbs using more than half of the time while everyone else was nearingpletion.


    ¡°There¡¯s also a possibility that he¡¯s just scribbling on the paper. The herbs used in this year¡¯spetition are difficult to identify. Even Ji Yang, who ranked firstst year, spent an hour on two herbs. From that alone, we can deduce the difficulty of this test,¡± Mo Shidao sneered as he interrupted.


    Ji Yang was a highly talented alchemist from Bnce City. In his twenties, he had already achieved the rank of a pinnacle three-star alchemist and was qualified to attempt bing a four-star alchemist. He had won first ce inst year¡¯spetition and had be famous throughout the Great Yan Dynasty as a result. This was because he had a high chance of bing a four-star alchemist before the age of twenty-five, surpassing countless geniuses.


    ¡°How did Pavilion Master Mo conclude that he¡¯s randomly scribbling? I believe Pavilion Master Mo didn¡¯t know the answers to the two questions he asked earlier, right?¡± Che Jiajun interrupted Mo Shidao. From his attitude, it seemed that there was some tension between them. This was natural, as their branches were close in ranking, with Che Jiajun cing fourth and Mo Shidao cing sixth, making thempetitors.


    ¡°Hmph, it¡¯s just a coincidence. Real skills are required in thepetition and not luck.¡± Mo Shidao firmly insisted the two questions Liu Wuxie asked were by luck, especially when the answer to the first question came from the book he came across on the previous day. As for the second question, he believed it to be even more of a coincidence because they had used their ways of refining the Energy Condensing Pill since ancient times.


    ¡°Why are you two fighting over it? There is only an hour before the test ends, and the truth will be soon revealed,¡± Ke Wen of Wu City interrupted Che Jiajun and Mo Shidao. He was in a difficult position to be caught in the middle of their argument, and he could only try and persuade them not to fight.


    ¡°Hmph!¡± Mo Shidao snorted. Du Mingze, who could be considered half of his disciple, usually addressed him as master, and he had been embarrassed by Liu Wuxie the previous day, which insulted Mo Shidao.


    Some people had already ended theirpetition. After identifying the herbs, they wrote their names on the paper and handed the answers to Deacon Hua, who took it over to the three judges.


    Xiao Mingyi heaved a sigh of relief after writing down thest herb, with a stern light shing through his eyes. Of the forty-five herbs, there was one that he had never seen before and another that he managed to identify but wasn¡¯t sure about its age. He estimated that he could obtain about forty-three points for this section, buting up with a form was too difficult for someone of his ability.


    ¡°Brother Xiao, how do you feel about it? Can you beat him?¡± Wen Song came over and asked in a low voice. He felt a faint ache on his left cheek, still sore from the p Liu Wuxie had given him the previous day.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. He¡¯s as good as dead!¡± Xiao Mingyi replied, his eyes shing with murderous intent.


    Wan Yichun and Xue Chou had also finished identifying the herbs and joined the others, ring at Liu Wuxie with hatred. They gritted their teeth as they remembered the events of the previous day at the Thousand Seal Chamber of Commerce. All of them held high status and were worried that their reputations would be tarnished if word of what had happened got out.


    The alchemists, who were ranked at the top, ced their papers down and gathered together in groups. As the saying goes, birds of a feather flock together. Those ranked in the top five looked down on the mediocre alchemists from the lower ranks and refused to associate with them.


    ¡°Zuo Hong, you know him?¡± Qin Letian held onto his chin. He was a handsome young man, around the same age as Ji Yang, and had ced second inst year¡¯spetition after losing to Ji Yang.


    Only two people could earn Zuo Hong¡¯s respect: Ji Yang and Qin Letian. If Qin Letian could be considered an alchemy genius, then Ji Yang and Qin Letian were monsters.


    Zuo Hong recounted the events of the previous day, causing Qin Letian to look surprised. After all, it was hard to believe that anyone could send Wen Song flying with just a p.


    ¡°Big Brother Zuo Hong, are you saying he sent Wen Song flying with a p? Even if Wen Song is weak, his cultivation is in the fourth level of the Xiantian Realm. There¡¯s no way ordinary people can send him flying with a p,¡± Gu Yongshuang interjected. She had ced fourth inst year¡¯spetition, representing Camp City. Since her ranking was lower than Zuo Hong¡¯s, she addressed him as ¡®big brother.¡¯


    Everyone was curious because Liu Wuxie only seemed to be only seventeen or eighteen years old. Everyone had already investigated his background and knew he was the son-inw of Xu n in Azure Billow City, known as garbage since he was young.


    ¡°Will you believe me if I say he already showed Wen Song mercy?¡± Zuo Hong rubbed his nose. Although he was reluctant to admit it, he feltpelled to speak the truth.


    His words made Qin Letian narrow his eyes because this meant Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t a pushover to have such a high talent at his age.


    Du Mingze forced his way into the conversation, saying, ¡°Hmph, he achieved it byunching a sneak attack. Thispetition isn¡¯t martial. It¡¯s a test of knowledge and talent as an alchemist. He could only be considered a brute even if he had high martial talent.¡± Zuo Hong and Gu Yongshuang frowned at his words, and everyone fell silent, leaving Du Mingze in an awkward position.


    Everyone began to discuss their experience in the test as they rested.


    ¡°The identification round this year is too tough!¡±


    ¡°Yeah. I gave up identifying three herbs.¡±


    ¡°...¡± The venue was filled with all kinds of discussions.


    Thirty-nine alchemists hadpleted the first round, with Liu Wuxie the only one left. But he was calm andposed as he took out thest herb and took a whiff. He even executed Ghost Eye and prated the herb, taking a clearer look at every rhizome.


    ¡°Carry on pretending. Let me see how long you can keep up with your act,¡± Xiao Mingyi said viciously. He couldn¡¯t wait to see Liu Wuxie kneeling before him.


    Wen Song sneered and said, ¡°He¡¯s just buying time.¡± He remembered his own experience participating in thepetition for the first time, where he only scored 20 points in the identification round. It was difficult for anyone to obtain a good score on their first try, mainly due to anxiety and difort, which are natural human reactions.


    When Liu Wuxie finished identifying thest herb and ced it into the box, he moved on to the next step:ing up with a form. Now that he was familiar with each herb, he closed his eyes to process his thoughts.


    ¡°Is that brat insane? Is he going to trying up with a form?¡± The other alchemists were shocked by Liu Wuxie¡¯s actions. Configuring a form was no joke; if a mistake was made, the cauldron could explode. The loss of the herbs would be minorpared to the potential damage to the cauldron, which could result in significant losses. Seeing this, all of the resting alchemists jumped out of their seats in surprise.


    ¡°He must be insane! Only those ranked in the top five dare to configure a form. Even so, the odds might not be high.¡± Xue Chou looked like someone had stepped on his tail, and his voice reached every corner of the venue.


    Liu Wuxie turned a deaf ear to the surrounding ridicule and carried on with his task. He swiftly deduced a possible form in his golden soul sea as the forty-five herbs shuttled back and forth, forming a strange scene.


    ¡°Brother Ji, what do you think?¡± Qin Letian asked, unable to understand what Liu Wuxie was trying to do. Last year, Ji Yang had obtained first ce with half a form, putting a distance between himself and the otherpetitors.


    Hepleted the form one monthter, solidifying his reputation in the alchemy field. As such, Ji Yang was the most qualified to speak on the matter. Qin Letian had also attempted to develop forms, but most of his attempts had failed, and only a few had seeded.


    Developing a form was a difficult and time-consuming process that represented the hard work of countless alchemists throughout history. It often involved spending a lot of resources and experiencing repeated failures. As such, it was nearly impossible to develop a form within six hours.


    ¡°It won¡¯t be easy!¡± Ji Yang replied, being a man of few words. However, he didn¡¯tpletely rule out the possibility that Liu Wuxie could seed. For this to happen, Liu Wuxie would need both an opportunity and a rich knowledge of herbs. It¡¯s simr to how a doctor must prescribe the right medicine in order to treat an illness effectively.


    ¡°If he cane up with a form, I¡¯ll kneel and kowtow to him,¡± Du Mingze chuckled, dering that he would kneel if Liu Wuxie coulde up with a form, even if it were for a first-grade pill.


    His words were met with agreement from those around him. Du Mingze had ced sixth inst year¡¯spetition, and even someone like him couldn¡¯t develop a form within six hours. How could a neer possibly achieve such a feat? It seemed like something out of a fairytale.


    As the identification round drew to a close, with only a few minutes remaining, Liu Wuxie abruptly opened his eyes and began writing on the paper. When he finished writing on one paper, he took out another and continued writing.


    ¡°What is he trying to do? It¡¯s already impressive to configure one form, and he ns to configure several?¡± Amotion came from the observation area as everyone watched in disbelief. After all, it was heaven-defying enough if someone could configure a form.


    Liu Wuxie had indeed configured multiple forms. When he reached the end of the second paper, he asked, ¡°Deacon Hua, there aren¡¯t enough papers. Can I apply for two more?¡±


    Each participant was entitled to two papers for configuring forms, but Liu Wuxie had already used both of his and still needed more.


    Deacon Hua wrinkled his forehead and took out two more papers from his desk, cing them before Liu Wuxie. Most participants didn¡¯t even use the papers meant for configuring forms.


    Liu Wuxie continued to write before everyone¡¯s eyes,pleting two more forms. This shocked everyone present as they watched Liu Wuxie write down four forms in total. No one had ever aplished something like this in the history of thepetition.


    Even Ji Yang and Qin Letian were stunned, their mouths hanging open as they looked at Liu Wuxie in disbelief.


    After Liu Wuxie wrote down four forms, he ced the brush down and stretched his waist before turning to look at Xiao Mingyi with a mocking gaze.

 Chapter 64 - Ranking

    <h4>Chapter 64 - Ranking</h4>


    Xiao Mingyi¡¯s heart sank when he saw the mocking look on Liu Wuxie¡¯s face.


    ¡°Alright, the first round hase to an end. All of you can rest for now, and the rankings will be announced in an hour,¡± Deacon Hua said as he gave all the papers to the three judges for grading. As for the forms, they were ced separately.


    Everyone was shocked by Liu Wuxie¡¯s actions, regardless of whether his forms were correct or not. Gu Yongshuang and another woman stood behind Zuo Hong, looking at Liu Wuxie.


    Zuo Hong couldn¡¯t believe that Liu Wuxie had managed to configure four forms in just a few minutes. He asked, ¡°Brother Liu, did you really configure four forms?¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter if they¡¯re correct or not because no points will be deducted either way, even if I made a mistake,¡± Liu Wuxie replied nonchntly, spreading his hands apart. His response amused Gu Yongshuang and the other woman, who chuckled.


    Zuo Hong¡¯s face sank when he heard that, but he soon smiled because what Liu Wuxie said was right. So did it really matter if the forms were true?


    ¡°Let me introduce you,¡± Zuo Hong said. ¡°This is Gu Yongshuang, the representative from Camp City.¡± The woman from Camp City cupped her fists together in Liu Wuxie¡¯s direction as a greeting, and Liu Wuxie returned the gesture.


    ¡°This is Yan Ruyu from Wu City. Don¡¯t look down on her because she¡¯s not much older than you,¡± Zuo Hong continued. Yan Ruyu was the representative from Wu City and had ced fifth inst year¡¯spetition. She was only twenty years old, which was quite young for a female alchemist. Yan Ruyu and Liu Wuxie simply nodded to each other in greeting.


    Yan Ruyu, who was like a curious child, approached Liu Wuxie and asked him innocently, tilting her head to the side, ¡°Were you really garbage in the past?¡±


    ¡°Ahem...¡± Zuo Hong coughed because Yan Ruyu didn¡¯t treat herself as an outsider to ask such a sharp question in their first meeting.


    As the only two female alchemists, Gu Yongshuang and Yan Ruyu were naturally the center of attention. Their words drew jealous and hateful gazes from those around them, especially towards Yan Ruyu. This was because Yan Ruyu was a direct descendant of the Yan n in the Imperial Capital.


    Many people admired her and wanted to get close to her. Although Yan Ruyu wore a smile most of the time, she was an iceberg that distanced herself from anyone who tried to get close to her. So it was rare for anyone to see such a yful side to her.


    Liu Wuxie cleverly responded to Yan Ruyu¡¯s question by saying, ¡°Lady Yan, are you also interested in gossip?¡± His answer neither confirmed nor denied that he had been considered garbage in the past and effectively brushed aside Yan Ruyu¡¯s question. The twodies rolled their eyes at his response and changed the subject, chatting about other matters.


    As they talked, the identification papers were being reviewed, and the forms were left forter. ¡°Everyone, please be quiet for a moment. I will now post thest ten rankings!¡± The twenty-sixth to thirty-fifth rankings were revealed first. The list was already prepared and was posted on a wooden board for everyone present to look at.


    All the alchemists quickly approached the wooden board to check their results. Wen Song was nervous because Harvest City was ranked thirty-fourthst year and might be ranked at the bottom this year. He immediately dashed over to the board as soon as the rankings were revealed.


    ¡°Brother Liu, let us go take a look too.¡± Zuo Hong said, stepping forward with Yan Ruyu and Gu Yongshuang following behind him. But Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t in a hurry and remained standing ten-odd meters away from the wooden board. He was able to see the rankings clearly using his Ghost Eye, even from a distance.


    Wen Song was shocked and copsed on the ground, screaming, ¡°That¡¯s impossible!¡± Harvest City had only scored 26 points in this round and was ranked thirty-fifth. But no one paid him any attention as they were all busy searching for their own names on the list.


    ¡°This is weird...where is Azure Billow City ranked this year?¡± Everyone was confused because Azure Billow City had been struggling at the bottom for several years, but this year they were nowhere to be found in the rankings from twenty-sixth to thirty-fifth.


    Some big shots came over from the observation area and fell into deep thought as they looked at the list. The thirty-five pavilion masters also came over to look at the list, with some feeling happy and others feeling disappointed.


    ¡°Harvest City is rankedst? It looks like thepetition this year is interesting,¡± Ke Wenmented, stroking his beard. The rankings hadn¡¯t changed much, with most cities either moving up or down by one ce.


    ¡°I¡¯m surprised Plum City dropped to the thirty-fourth ranking, which is beyond my expectation. Xue Chou¡¯s performance this year is a little disappointing.¡± Mo Shidao said, frowning. Plum City had been ranked thirty-secondst year, but they had fallen by two ces this year, which was quite unusual.


    But one person was excited that Azure Billow City wasn¡¯t on the list, as this meant that they had made it into the top twenty-five rankings this year.


    ¡°Look, Boundless City fell to the thirty-third ranking. They fell by three rankings this year,¡± someone eximed. Everyone paid special attention to Boundless City because of the bet between Xiao Mingyi and Liu Wuxie. After all, whoever lost the bet had to kneel and kowtow.


    Yun Lan almost fell over because of this oue. Boundless City had obtained the lowest ranking in history. Ever since he became Boundless City¡¯s pavilion master, they had never achieved such a low ranking before, and this was too embarrassing.


    The Eastern Capital took over Boundless City¡¯s previous position, cing thirtieth, which surprised many people. The rankings from twenty-sixth to twenty-ninth remained the same asst year. The most significant changes usually urred among the top five, and no one wanted to be ranked at the bottom.


    ¡°He must be cheating! Why didn¡¯t Azure Billow City appear on the list?!¡± Wen Song crawled up from the ground with his hair disheveled. He wore a sinister expression because being ranked at the bottom meant the status of their branch would plummet along with the sales of pills.


    Everyone looked at Wen Song as if he were an idiot for questioning the integrity of the three judges. Such behavior would only make things more difficult for Harvest City in the future.


    ¡°What audacity!¡± Deacon Hua roared coldly, interrupting Wen Song. How could an alchemist behave like a scoundrel in the market?


    Nangong Qi, the pavilion master of Harvest City, stepped forward with a smile and said, ¡°Deacon Hua, please calm down. Wen Song may have been wrong about questioning the judges, but there¡¯s something weird about this situation. We should investigate this matter thoroughly to prevent any usations of cheating in thepetition.¡±


    Nangong Qi quickly pulled Wen Song back, as he was worried that Wen Song might do something irrational in his current state.


    ¡°You¡¯re doubting us!¡± Sang Yan¡¯s face darkened, and he released a powerful aura in the Marrow Cleansing Realm, enveloping the entire venue. Everyone trembled under his aura, not daring to say a word.


    ¡°I dare not!¡± Nangong Qi cowered, drawing sympathetic looks from those around him. No one had ever doubted the judges in the history of thepetition, and Nangong Qi was the first to do so.


    There was also a discussion taking ce in the observation area. This year¡¯spetition might have seemed ordinary on the surface, but there were undercurrents of tension as no one knew the exact rankings until the very end.


    Yun Lan, the pavilion master of Harvest City, tried to console Nangong Qi by saying, ¡°Pavilion Master Nangong, you don¡¯t have to be discouraged. Identifying the herbs is only the first step; we still have the overall score. So we still have a chance.¡± The two were in the same boat, as both of their rankings had dropped.


    Plum City¡¯s pavilion master, Heng Zheng, came over and said, ¡°Pavilion Master Yun is right. We still stand a chance, and I believe we can catch up tomorrow and narrow the gap.¡±


    The three of them allied because Liu Wuxie had ridiculed their disciples. As pavilion masters and masters, they couldn¡¯t just let it go.


    A sarcastic voice suddenly spoke up in the venue, saying, ¡°Xiao Mingyi, shouldn¡¯t you fulfill your promise now?¡± At this moment, everyone recalled the bet between Liu Wuxie and Xiao Mingyi: the loser would have to kneel and kowtow to the winner.


    Xiao Mingyi trembled as if he had been electrocuted. He turned to look at his master, Yun Lan, for help. If he kneeled to Liu Wuxie in front of everyone, he would never be able to hold his head up again in the future.


    ¡°Brat, don¡¯t take it too far. It¡¯s still too early to talk about who won. Perhaps you only have zero points, and you¡¯re not on the list,¡± Yun Lan barked at Liu Wuxie, releasing his aura to crush down on him and teach him a lesson.


    Bi Gongyu stepped forward and confronted Yun Lan, releasing his aura and causing the tables and chairs around them to explode. He challenged Yun Lan, asking, ¡°Yun Lan, do you think there¡¯s no one in Azure Billow City?¡± It was a rare sight to see two pavilion masters confronting each other in public like this.


    ¡°You think I¡¯m afraid of you?¡± Yun Lan retorted, standing his ground. Nangong Qi and Heng Zheng stepped forward to stand behind Yun Lan, showing their support.


    The face-off between both sidespressed the surrounding air as their aura shed, turning the fragmented tables and chairs to dust. A huge vortex also appeared in the air, draining the nearby spiritual energy as the aura they gave off increased.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough!¡± Master Mao roared, releasing an even more powerful aura that forced Bi Gongyu and Yun Lan to step back. He was visibly angry, his chest heaving as he demanded, ¡°Both of you are pavilion masters. So what are you two trying to do by fighting in front of so many people?!¡±


    The Treasure Pill Pavilion was thoroughly embarrassed today, bing aughingstock in public, and this was all because of one person: Liu Wuxie.


    The venue fell into a brief silence as Deacon Hua received the second list from the three judges. This time, the list included those ranked from sixteen to twenty-five. The ten rankings were clear with a nce. This time, not only was Yun Lan taken aback, but even Bi Gongyu had a look of shock on his face.


    ¡°This is strange...Azure Billow City hasn¡¯t appeared yet. Can it be that he¡¯s in the top fifteen?¡± The entire venue fell into a brief silence before an uproar exploded. The rankings between sixteen to twenty-five didn¡¯t change much and were the same asst year.


    ¡°Come to think of it, do you think Azure Billow City will be the dark horse of thispetition and make it into the top ten?¡± The observation area was buzzing with excitement. Initially, they thought the identification round would be dull and test their patience, but it turned out to be thrilling.


    ¡°Most likely. After all, that boy even knew the nurturing method of the Seven Spirit Grass, not to mention he could improve the Energy Condensing Pill¡¯s quality. He¡¯s not simple because that doesn¡¯t seem like a random guess by luck, but real capability.¡±


    Everyone was curious about Azure Billow City¡¯s rankings, with few paying attention to the top five.


    The following list consisted of those ranked from six to fifteen, causing everyone to hold their breath in anticipation, especially the cities that had ranked fifth and sixthst year. Since their rankings were so close, there was a possibility that they might switch ces.


    As the list was disyed on the wooden board, a chorus of gasps could be heard from the crowd. Even Bi Gongyu stumbled when he saw the rankings.


    ¡°Holy shit! Wu City is ranked sixth, and Ning City is ranked seventh?!¡± Last year, Wu City was ranked fifth, while Ning City was ranked sixth. But they had both dropped one ce this year.


    ¡°H-Has anyone seen Azure Billow City¡¯s ranking yet?¡± an alchemist screamed, pointing at the list.


    Du Mingze narrowed his eyes; since Azure Billow City wasn¡¯t on this list, it meant Liu Wuxie made it into the top five this year. As he realized this, the murderous intent in his eyes intensified.


    Qin Letian and Ji Yang turned to look at Liu Wuxie with a conflicted gaze.


    Compared to them, beads of sweat rolled down Xiao Mingyi¡¯s forehead with his body trembling. But no one paid attention to him because they were all focused on the wooden board.

 Chapter 65 - Ranked First

    <h4>Chapter 65 - Ranked First</h4>


    The faces of those present were a canvas of emotions, disying anger, jealousy, and reluctance.


    ¡°Pavilion Master Bi, congrattions!¡± Many pavilion masters stepped forward, cupping their fists together. With Azure Billow City having made it this far, it seemed likely that they would be among the top five¡ªan unprecedented achievement. In all the years since Bi Gongyu had be pavilion master, the highest ranking Azure Billow City had ever achieved was twenty-seventh.


    ¡°Haha, you people are too polite. The performance of your cities isn¡¯t that bad either!¡± Bi Gongyu¡¯s voice boomed as he cast a disdainful nce at Yun Lan¡¯s party. After all, they had often ridiculed him in recent years due to Azure Billow City¡¯s poor rankings.


    When the top five rankings were finally revealed, Zen City¡¯s pavilion master eximed, ¡°That¡¯s impossible!¡±


    His eyes were fixed on the list, filled with disbelief and doubt.


    ¡°Zen City is ranked third? What¡¯s going on?¡± The crowd erupted into an uproar¡ªmany had been optimistic that Qin Letian would take first ce this year.


    ¡°Bnce City...is ranked second!¡± The news that Zen City had ced third was shocking enough¡ªafter all, Zuo Hong, who had ranked thirdst year, was more or less on par with Qin Letian, and their rankings could have easily switched depending on their performance. But what came next was beyondprehension. No one could believe that Ji Yang, widely acknowledged strongest alchemy genius of the Great Yan Dynasty, was ranked second!


    Zuo Hong smiled wryly and raised his head to look at the top of the list.


    ¡°Azure Billow City is first?!¡± Many people¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief as they looked at the top of the list. ¡°Azure Billow City¡¯s Liu Wuxie, 45 points.¡±


    Xiao Mingyi was bleeding in his heart while Wen Song jumped like he had seen a ghost. Shangguan Cai and Li An looked at each other before they turned to the three judges, seeking an exnation. They suspected that there was an issue with this year¡¯s judging.


    After all, Ji Yang and Qin Letian also received 45 points, but it was weird for them to be ranked second and third while Liu Wuxie was ranked first. The other pavilion mastersmunicated privately because this year¡¯s identification round surprised everyone.


    They wouldn¡¯t have been surprised if Azure Billow City¡¯s ranking had merely increased, but to leap fromst ce to first was nothing short of astonishing, something that no one could ept.


    Meanwhile, Bi Gongyu was ovee with emotion at the unexpected turn of events. When the list was revealed, he and Lei Tao embraced in celebration¡ªit had been many years since Azure Billow City had experienced such joy.


    The chaossted for ten-odd minutes before it finally settled down. Shangguan Cai and Li Anmunicated among themselves briefly and headed to the three judges. The observation area became quiet as everyone returned to their seats. The forty alchemists present wore a range of expressions, some excited, others disappointed.


    ¡°Master Mao, what¡¯s going on?¡± Shangguan Cai asked calmly, showing more restraint in his words than Nangong Qi.


    Bi Gongyu, Yun Lan, and everyone else stood by the side because they were also curious. They couldn¡¯t figure out how someone who hadn¡¯t read the Hundred Herbs ssic and Shennong¡¯s Herbs ssic would receive a full score; it was beyond theirprehension.


    The three judges had anticipated that their decision would be questioned. They produced the papers written by Liu Wuxie, Ji Yang, and Qin Letian andid them out on the table for the thirty-five pavilion masters to examine.


    ¡°These are the correct answers. You may all take a look,¡± Sang Yan said, cing the answer sheets on the table for everyone topare with the three papers. The answers couldn¡¯t have been leaked in advance¡ªthe box containing the herbs had been sealed, and even the three judges had ced restrictions on each other to eliminate any possibility of cheating.


    Shangguan Cai took Ji Yang¡¯s paper andpared it with the answers. The answers were satisfactory, and he couldn¡¯t find a problem. When he picked up Qin Letian¡¯s papers, the answers were simr to Ji Yang, but it was somewhatcking in terms of description. The age and effect of some herbs weren¡¯t detailed enough.


    Lastly, Shangguan Cai picked up Liu Wuxie¡¯s paper, and the thirty-five pavilion masters went through it together.


    ¡°Ingenious answer! Not only is the age written, but the effects are also detailed!¡± Ke Wen eximed. The answers were so detailed that he knew why everyone else lost, even if he couldn¡¯t answer them in such detail. The papers written by Ji Yang and Qin Letian were satisfactory, but Liu Wuxie¡¯s answers were eye-catching. Not only were the effects of the herbs recorded but some details were handled wlessly.


    ¡°Houttuynia has yin attributes with a growth cycle of three years. It can be used to refine the Breeze Wind Pill and Energy Recovering Pill...¡± Behind each herb, Liu Wuxie further noted the characteristics of each herb, including its growth environment, growth cycle, and effects.


    ¡°Aquatic River Vine has a one-year and three-months growth cycle. It can refine the Great Integration Pill and Energy Consolidating Pill...¡± Che Jiajun read out the herbs one by one. Unlike Liu Wuxie¡¯s papers, Ji Yang and Qin Letian¡¯s were garbage. The difference between them was like heaven and earth.


    ¡°He¡¯s given 45 points because the limit is 45 points. If possible, I don¡¯t mind giving him 100 points,¡± Sang Yan said with a wry smile because anyone could tell who was better. The thirty-five pavilion masters could naturally tell who was better as well.


    ¡°To bepletely proficient in herbs at eighteen...he¡¯s a genius! Our Great Yan Dynasty will have a new rising genius!¡± Although Wang Hong didn¡¯t want to admit it, he had to acknowledge that Ji Yang and Qin Letian weren¡¯t wronged. On the contrary, they were fortunate that the identification round only had 45 points, or their faces would be uglier.


    cing the papers down, the thirty-five pavilion masters returned to their position and acknowledged Liu Wuxie¡¯s ranking. The top five were determined: Liu Wuxie was ranked first, Ji Yang second, Qin Letian third, Zuo Hong fourth, and Gu Yongshuang fifth.


    ¡°Xiao Mingyi, it¡¯s time to fulfill your promise!¡± Liu Wuxie dered. He had never intended to let Xiao Mingyi off the hook. As he spoke, hundreds of eyes turned to Xiao Mingyi, filled with a mixture of sympathy and disdain.


    ¡°You wouldn¡¯t dare!¡± Xiao Mingyi protested. Being forced to kneel in public would be more humiliating than being killed. He may have lost to Liu Wuxie in the herb identificationpetition, but he was confident in his strength and felt inferior to no one except the most exceptional geniuses.


    Jeers erupted from the crowd as Xiao Mingyi tried to back out of the bet. Yun Lan and Xiao Mingyi were master and disciple, but they couldn¡¯t handle losing gracefully. The jeering made Xiao Mingyi¡¯s face turn red with shame¡ªhe wished he could disappear into a hole in the ground.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, you¡¯ve already won. So why do you have to push it?¡± Du Mingze interjected, hoping that Liu Wuxie could let this matter go.


    ¡°Are you trying to intercede on his behalf?¡± Liu Wuxie asked Du Mingze with a smile. The three judges couldn¡¯t intervene in the matter¡ªafter all, it was Xiao Mingyi who had initiated the bet, so it wouldn¡¯t be easy for him to back out now.


    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Du Mingze didn¡¯t want to get involved initially, but he feltpelled to speak up due to his close rtionship with Xiao Mingyi.


    Liu Wuxie threw back his head andughed. ¡°Ha ha ha!¡± The sound of hisughter stunned everyone, and they wondered if Du Mingze had made a mistake by trying to intercede for Xiao Mingyi. ¡°Who do you think you are to plead for him?¡± Liu Wuxie continued, his words dripping with scorn.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s mockery was a public humiliation for Du Mingze. Everyone was surprised by this sudden disy of ruthlessness from Liu Wuxie, who had been quiet andposed throughout thepetition, even in the face of Yun Lan¡¯s overbearing attitude.


    Du Mingze trembled with rage as murderous intent shed across his face. At that moment, he wished he could step forward and kill Liu Wuxie. ¡°Very well,¡± he said through gritted teeth. ¡°You¡¯re the first person to ever speak to me like that. Let¡¯s see how you n to make him kneel.¡±


    Du Mingze positioned himself protectively in front of Xiao Mingyi, with Xue Chou and Wen Song standing at his side. If Liu Wuxie insisted on forcing Xiao Mingyi to kneel, he would have to get past them first.


    Bi Gongyu couldn¡¯t intervene¡ªif he did, Yun Lan and Nangong Qi would surely step in as well. And no one else came forward to support Liu Wuxie, either. After all, by taking first ce in the identification round, Liu Wuxie had offended many people. It wasmon for geniuses to attract envy and resentment.


    ¡°You want to stop me?¡± Liu Wuxie asked as he slowly advanced towards them. As he drew closer, the aura emanating from him grew stronger and more intense. Though he was only at the third level of the Xiantian Realm, his aura was no less powerful than someone at the fifth level.


    ¡°Big Brother Zuo Hong, should we help Young Master Liu?¡± Gu Yongshuang suddenly spoke out, wanting to help Liu Wuxie. It seemed unfair for four people to gang up on him alone.


    ¡°No need!¡± Zuo Hong replied, shaking his head. The events of the previous day were still fresh in his mind¡ªit wouldn¡¯t be easy for these four people to stop Liu Wuxie.


    The other alchemists wore a gloating expression, wishing for both sides to suffer heavy injuries. If that happened, they might have a chance to climb up the ranking tomorrow.


    ¡°Brat, what does it matter if you won? Do you really think I¡¯ll kneel for you? You must be dreaming!¡± Xiao Mingyi¡¯s arrogance and shamelessness caused many to shake their heads in disappointment. It was clear that his path as a cultivator hade to an end. True cultivators must not only focus on their cultivation but also on the state of their hearts. How could one hope to progress if they neglected this crucial aspect of their development?


    ¡°No one can stop me from doing what I want. You four are nothing but trash¡ªdo you really think you can stand in my way?¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s murderous intent exploded and suddenly disappeared. He strode the Seven Dipper Steps and appeared before Du Mingze in the next second.


    ¡°Get lost!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s roar wasparable to rumbling lightning. Before Du Mingze could even respond, he was sent flying by Liu Wuxie with a p. Du Mingze¡¯s cultivation was only in the fifth level of the Xiantian Realm, while Liu Wuxie even took experts'' lives in the Spirit Cleansing Realm. So how could a fly in the Xiantian Realm possibly stop his footsteps?


    Du Mingze flew through the air like a broken kite, tracing an arc before crashing to the ground and shattering the wooden boards beneath him. Blood spurted from his mouth as half his face swelled up, as Liu Wuxie had shown no mercy, using ny percent of his strength in that single p.


    This scene made Wen Song tremble as he quickly ran away, frightened out of his wits. After all, it was too exaggerated for someone in the fifth level of the Xiantian Realm to be sent flying with one p.


    ¡°His movement technique is bizarre, and I actually failed to track him.¡± Ke Wen¡¯s face was full of disbelief. He was an expert in the Marrow Cleansing Realm, but even he couldn¡¯t keep track of Liu Wuxie¡¯s movements, not to mention someone in the Xiantian Realm.


    All thirty-five pavilion masters, the three judges, and spectators in the observation area looked at Liu Wuxie like they were looking at a monster.


    As Du Mingze crawled back to his feet, his face and clothes were covered in blood, making him look sinister.


    ¡°How dare you! I¡¯ll kill you!¡± Du Mingze retrieved a sword from his interspatial pouch. He didn¡¯t hesitate to dash toward Liu Wuxie, his sword aura rumbling like a tidal wave.


    ¡°Wuxie, watch out!¡± Bi Gongyu warned and dashed out. But it was toote because Yun Lan was long prepared for it and stepped forward, obstructing Bi Gongyu.


    ¡°Kill me?¡± A contemptuousughter came from Liu Wuxie as he drew the de he carried on his back. As he turned into an afterimage, no one noticed how he disappeared.

 Chapter 66 - Kneel!

    <h4>Chapter 66 - Kneel!</h4>


    It all happened so quickly that no one even had time to blink. Liu Wuxie¡¯s de sliced through the air, leaving a vacuum in its wake. His attack shattered Du Mingze¡¯s sword aura, and before Du Mingze could react, Liu Wuxie¡¯s de was at his throat. It all took ce in the space of half a breath.


    Master Mao had wanted to intervene before things got out of hand, but the battle was already over.


    ¡°Don¡¯t force me to kill you!¡± Liu Wuxie warned, his de pressed against Du Mingze¡¯s neck.


    Du Mingze¡¯s hair stood on the end as blood trickled down his neck. When Liu Wuxie¡¯s de had grazed his skin, his pores had exploded. He was stunned and at a loss for words¡ªhe had thought he was going to die.


    There had been no discernible trajectory to Liu Wuxie¡¯s sword¡ªit had seemed to move naturally. If he had pushed the de just a little further, Du Mingze would have been decapitated.


    A foul liquid seeped down Du Mingze¡¯s legs, unnoticed by him. This was a natural physiological reaction, and it was normal for him to lose control of his bowels after experiencing such intense fear. As the de pressed against his neck, Du Mingze forgot to breathe, and fear shone in his eyes.


    Everyone around them gasped in shock at the unexpected turn of events. They had anticipated a fierce battle between Liu Wuxie and Du Mingze, with the two exchanging hundreds of blows. But instead, Du Mingze had been brought to his knees with a single strike from Liu Wuxie¡¯s de.


    Xiao Mingyi trembled, unable to move. His legs felt numb as he turned to look at Yun Lan for help. He didn¡¯t want to die, and he certainly didn¡¯t want to kneel on the ground.


    ¡°D-Don¡¯t kill me!¡± Du Mingze pleaded, his mind shattered by fear. Many in the crowd sighed and shook their heads in disappointment. Justst year, Du Mingze had represented Ning City and made it into the top six. But now, this once-promising genius had fallen so far. Everyone knew they were witnessing the downfall of a once-great talent.


    ¡°Kill you? That would only dirty my hands,¡± Liu Wuxie sneered as he withdrew his de. The mocking tone of his voice filled Du Mingze with shame and rage. He clenched his fists, hatred boiling in his chest, but he didn¡¯t dare to step forward. He gritted his teeth so hard that his lips began to bleed, but he felt no pain.


    After suffering such a public humiliation in front of alchemists from thirty-five cities, it would be difficult for Du Mingze to hold his head high in the future. He seemed to be in a daze, still reeling from the shock of Liu Wuxie¡¯s de at his throat.


    ¡°Am I dreaming?¡± Nangong Qi rubbed his eyes, unable to believe what he had just witnessed. After all, Du Mingze wasn¡¯t only a talented alchemist, but he also had exceptional martial cultivation skills. He could be considered a genius to reach the fifth level of the Xiantian Realm at such a young age.


    For such a genius to have a de ced at his throat... Even an expert in the Marrow Cleansing Realm would have lost control of their bowels in such a situation.


    ¡°That unpredictable de... I¡¯m afraid only an expert in the Spirit Cleansing Realm could withstand it,¡± many of the experts present murmured as they analyzed Liu Wuxie¡¯s earlier attack. They wondered if they would have been able to withstand it themselves. But after much consideration, they concluded that only someone in the Spirit Cleansing Realm, relying on their powerful aura to suppress Liu Wuxie, would have stood a chance.


    There was another possibility: geniuses who practiced high-leveled martial techniques like those from the Imperial Academy. Those geniuses also possessed the ability to fight enemies with higher cultivation.


    ¡°It looks like Azure Billow City picked up a treasure this time.¡± Everyone turned to look at Bi Gongyu with envy on their faces. After all, this year''spetition had be a one-man show for Azure Billow City.


    Shangguan Cai nced at Li An, and they both had a hint of helplessness in their eyes. The other pavilion masters also wore different expressions. Yun Lan was gritting his teeth with hatred because he didn¡¯t expect Liu Wuxie to be so strong.


    ¡°This young man is quite intriguing,¡± Kuang Qiu remarked with a smile on his face. His trip here had been well worth it¡ªnot only had he witnessed an exciting identification round, but he had also seen a truly breathtaking disy of swordsmanship.


    ¡°Patriarch, there¡¯s something weird about that brat.¡± Kuang Zhan couldn¡¯t describe his feelings because it felt like a misperception. Liu Wuxie seemed to be enveloped in a mysterious halo in his eyes.


    A few people from the Kuang n nodded in acknowledgment. They also had that feeling but couldn¡¯t tell where it came from. After all, it was rare for someone to remain soposed in the face of ridicule and to calmly counterattack.


    It seemed as though nothing could ruffle Liu Wuxie¡¯s feathers¡ªnot Yun Lan¡¯s threats, Du Mingze¡¯s taunts, or Xiao Mingyi¡¯s bet. He had remained calm and collected throughout, which was not a typical reaction for someone who was only eighteen years old.


    ¡°He¡¯er, how confident are you that you could withstand that de strike?¡± Kuang Qiu asked the white-clothed youth beside him.


    ¡°I¡¯m not confident about it. If I gave it my all, perhaps I might have a 30% chance,¡± Kuang He replied honestly. He might stand a chance against that de if he was prepared for it right from the beginning. The main reason why Du Mingze lost was that he underestimated his opponent and allowed Liu Wuxie to catch the opportunity.


    Liu Wuxie turned and began to approach Xiao Mingyi. He didn¡¯t release any overwhelming aura or say anything¡ªhe simply took firm, measured steps towards Xiao Mingyi, each footfall sounding like the approach of death in his ears. As Liu Wuxie drew closer, Xiao Mingyi began to tremble. His cultivation was also at the fifth level of the Xiantian Realm, but his fighting prowess was far inferior to Du Mingze¡¯s.


    With disdain reflected in his eyes, Liu Wuxie asked sarcastically, ¡°Are you going down on your knees yourself, or do you want me to help you?¡±


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s voice was cold and emotionless, giving Xiao Mingyi two choices.


    At that moment, Xiao Mingyi regretted ever provoking Liu Wuxie. The humiliation he had endured today and on the previous day was more than enough to make up for all the shame he had ever experienced in his life. He turned to look at Yun Lan, pleading for help. ¡°Master...¡±


    But this time, no one came forward to stop Liu Wuxie. Zuo Hong, Qin Letian, and even Ji Yang, were silent.


    ¡°Boy, if you make him kneel, I won¡¯t let you get away with it. Even if you can hide behind Bi Gongyu for the rest of your life, your entire Xu n can¡¯t possibly do the same. Killing them would be no different than crushing an ant,¡± Yun Lan threatened. He was being blocked by Bi Gongyu and couldn¡¯t rescue Xiao Mingyi, but he knew that if he wanted to force Liu Wuxie to back down, he would have to target his weakness.


    But when he said that, a torrential murderous intent erupted as Liu Wuxie¡¯s headband snapped with his hair fluttering in the wind. This made Liu Wuxie look as though he had entered a state of madness. Even his facial expression became sinister, with veins popping on his forehead.


    ¡°Yun Lan, you dumb fuck!¡± Bi Gongyu knew better than anyone that the Xu n was Liu Wuxie¡¯s weakness, and he would kill anyone who dared to cross the line. So Yun Lan was no different from courting death to using the Xu n to threaten Liu Wuxie.


    Bi Gongyu was so anxious that he couldn¡¯t help but curse. It was the first time he had ever done so, but no one mocked him for it. In fact, many felt that he had gone easy with his scolding. After all, it was considered taboo to involve each other¡¯s families in a feud, and many people looked at Yun Lan with disdain when they heard what he had said.


    The other pavilion masters shook their heads and sympathized with Yun Lan. Unless Yun Lan ughtered all of Liu Wuxie¡¯s family members and him, offending such a formidable foe would be a nightmare.


    Liu Wuxie suppressed the murderous intent in his heart and took a deep breath. As his fluttering hair settled down, his expression also returned to normal. But his eyes were still red, and a powerful aura emanated from his golden soul sea. When he looked at Yun Lan, he even used Ghost Eye and said, ¡°I will remember every word you said today. You will pay a heavy price for it. If even a single servant of the Xu n dies, I will hold you responsible. From this day forward, our feud is irreconcble. It¡¯s either you or me.¡±


    With each word Liu Wuxie spoke, his aura grew stronger until he seemed like an Immortal Emperor issuing a decree. Everyone present felt the urge to kneel before him, unable to withstand the pressure he was exerting.


    Yun Lan¡¯s face twisted in anger as he was threatened by someone from the younger generation, and he released his own murderous intent.


    ¡°Boy, don¡¯t say I didn¡¯t give you a chance. If you give up on making Xiao Mingyi kneel, I can promise not to harm your family,¡± Yun Lan said, feeling uneasy after being looked at by the Ghost Eye. It felt like a mysterious power had locked onto him, and he couldn¡¯t break free.


    ¡°You¡¯re giving me a chance?¡± Liu Wuxie suddenly smiled. His smile contained a hint of madness as he continued, ¡°Whoever pleads on Xiao Mingyi¡¯s behalf will be my enemy from now on. So he must kneel and kowtow today, no matter what!¡±


    As Liu Wuxie swept his gaze over the crowd, no one dared to look at him directly¡ªit felt like he could see into their very souls.


    ¡°Very well. After thispetition, I will head to Azure Billow City and butcher the Xu n,¡± Yun Lan dered. Since there was no chance of reconciling their feud, he might as well go all out.


    ¡°How cocky. If you dare toe to Azure Billow City, I¡¯ll be the first person who won¡¯t let you off,¡± Bi Gongyu sneered. Liu Wuxie hadprehended de intent, and it was just a matter of time for him to be a grandmaster of the generation.


    ¡°I¡¯ll wait for you,¡± Liu Wuxie dered, no longer paying any attention to Yun Lan.


    Yun Lan was only at the first level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm and posed no threat to Liu Wuxie. Once Liu Wuxie won thepetition and obtained the fourth-grade pill, he would be able to advance to the fourth level of the Xiantian Realm. With this new power, he would have ess to even more means of an Immortal Emperor. If Yun Lan dared to set foot in Azure Billow City, Liu Wuxie would make sure he never left.


    The atmosphere grew tense as everyone fell silent. Liu Wuxie had made it clear that anyone who spoke up for Xiao Mingyi would be his enemy. His piercing crimson eyes intimidated all those present.


    No one dared to mock Liu Wuxie for his bold ims, despite his cultivation only being at the third level of the Xiantian Realm. The aura of a monarch that he exuded earlier was unmistakable and could not be faked. Only those who held the power of life and death over others could possess such an aura.


    Xiao Mingyi took a step back as Liu Wuxie¡¯s gaze fell upon him. He was terrified and couldn¡¯t understand how he had managed to offend such a formidable opponent. Despite being at the fifth level of the Xiantian Realm, he didn¡¯t even dare to meet Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes and kept his head lowered. He wanted to plead for mercy but didn¡¯t have the courage.


    Wen Song and Xiao Mingyi¡¯s other friends had retreated to a safe distance, none daring toe forward.


    ¡°KNEEL!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s stern voice boomed, imbued with powerful soul energy that struck Xiao Mingyi¡¯s soul sea.

 Chapter 67 - Full Score

    <h4>Chapter 67 - Full Score</h4>


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s golden soul sea surged, forming a spike that stabbed into Xiao Mingyi¡¯s eyes. This forced Xiao Mingyi to kneel before Liu Wuxie in front of everyone. Despite the anger on his face, Xiao Mingyi had lost control of his body. His head had been struck by a sharp sword earlier, causing his legs to give out.


    ¡°I won¡¯t kill you today, but I hope you remember there¡¯s always someone better than you in this world,¡± Liu Wuxie said with disdain as he sheathed his de. He reacted as though he had just done something simple and returned to his ce, waiting for the form¡¯s points to be finalized.


    A breeze blew past, and Xiao Mingyi trembled violently, gritting his teeth. When he looked at Liu Wuxie¡¯s back, the murderous intent grew even stronger in his eyes.


    ¡°Brother Xiao, are you alright?¡± Xue Chou and Wen Song ran over, helping Xiao Mingyi back to his feet. After all, there was no point for Xiao Mingyi to continue kneeling when Liu Wuxie had already left.


    With that, the drama ended in a way that made everyone feel conflicted and unsure of what to say. When they looked at Liu Wuxie, there was a mix of reverence and doubt in their eyes. They couldn¡¯t figure out how a genius like Liu Wuxie had gone unnoticed until now.


    The Imperial Academy would dispatch people to various cities annually to recruit talented students. Xu Lingxue was such a student, having caught the eye of Baili Qing and been taken on as her disciple. Logically speaking, a genius like Liu Wuxie should have been invited to the Imperial Academy long ago and be cultivating there. But it was weird that they had never heard of a genius like Liu Wuxie.


    The three judges smiled wryly because they had unshirkable responsibility for today''s events. They didn¡¯t stop the drama in advance and didn¡¯t expect Liu Wuxie to be so strong. There were six forms ced in front of them. Four forms came from Liu Wuxie, one from Ji Yang, and one from Qin Letian.


    ¡°What do you guys think?¡± Master Mao asked. They had reviewed the six forms multiple times and were still discussing them.


    ¡°I have tried analyzing it in my mind. There is only a 30% chance of sess in Ji Yang¡¯s form, while Qin Letian¡¯s form only has a 10% chance because of a huge mistake. As for these four forms, we have analyzed them ten-odd times, and the sess rate is 100%.¡± This meant the forms written by Liu Wuxie could be refined and would produce pills of a high grade.


    ¡°Since that¡¯s the case, let¡¯s rate it then!¡± Master Mao did not refute those words. As a four-star alchemist, he had noticed no issue with the forms Liu Wuxie provided and noted that the steps were written in detail. So it was easy for him to tell if the forms were feasible with a rough analysis.


    ¡°We will now announce the points for forms!¡± Deacon Hua stood up, and his voice carried throughout the venue, drawing everyone¡¯s attention as they looked at the three judges.


    ¡°10 points for Qin Letian¡¯s forms!¡± Deacon Hua announced, and a burst of apuse erupted from the crowd. In addition to 45 points from the first section, Qin Letian surpassed Liu Wuxie. From the perspective of those present, it seemed impossible that Liu Wuxie could havee up with four legitimate forms in such a short amount of time. They assumed that the forms he had provided must have been nothing more than scribbles.


    ¡°Brother Qin, congrattions!¡± Zuo Hong congratted him. He had obtained 44 points in the identification section, but catching up to Qin Letian was tough because he had skipped the form configuring section.


    Qin Letian smiled wryly and shook his head. Only he knew that the 10 points he had received were more of an encouragement than anything else.


    ¡°20 points for Ji Yang¡¯s form!¡± Deacon Hua announced the result of Ji Yang¡¯s form, which was 10 points higher than Qin Letian''s. In addition to Ji Yang¡¯s 45 points from the first section, he was close to catching up to the highest score in history.


    ¡°Brother Ji, congrattions!¡± Another burst of congrattions came from the surroundings. The fact that Ji Yang could write a form was enough to surpass countless ordinary people. But Ji Yang had no expression on his face.


    The crowd waited in anticipation to see if Liu Wuxie¡¯s four forms would bring any surprises.


    ¡°Why aren¡¯t scores for Liu Wuxie¡¯s forms announced?¡± Many alchemists voiced their doubts after waiting for a long time. Even if Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t receive any points, his name should be announced.


    ¡°The four forms are probably random scribbles in my perspective, and the three judges chose not to announce because they didn¡¯t want to embarrass him.¡± The mockery directed at Liu Wuxie continued, with then-odd alchemists siding with Du Mingze, who had befriended many of them.


    After a brief recovery, Du Mingze regained hisposure as he looked at Liu Wuxie coldly.


    ¡°Master Wu is right. They¡¯re probably garbage forms, so they didn¡¯t announce the result.¡±


    Despite hearing the sarcasm directed at him, Liu Wuxie remainedposed and stood indifferently in his spot. Only a few people remained silent as the dy grew longer and more unusual. The three judges were discussing how many points to award Liu Wuxie for his forms.


    Wan Yichun chuckled sarcastically, saying, ¡°I bet that brat will be ashamed when his score is announced. Four forms? Who does he think he is, the God of Alchemy?¡± He moved to sit beside Du Mingze.


    Gu Yongshuang expressed her displeasure at the situation, saying, ¡°These bastards. Even if his forms are invalid, do they really need to humiliate him like this?¡± She couldn¡¯t stand it any longer and wondered what kind of mentality these people had. Were they afraid that Liu Wuxie was stronger than them, or were they psychopaths?


    ¡°Some people are born with a sense of superiority and enjoy stepping on others before reprimanding them with a righteous expression,¡± Gu Yongshuang continued. ¡°You¡¯ll lose if you pay attention to these people; the best way is to ignore them.¡± Liu Wuxie, who was seated not far from them, was touched by her words and realized not everyone was mocking him.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. We¡¯re superior, so what can you do to us? We¡¯re students of the Imperial Academy, and we¡¯re on a whole new levelpared to country bumpkins like you,¡± Wan Yichun sneered. They were all students of the Imperial Academy, and they naturally had a far higher statuspared to Liu Wuxie. Since they couldn¡¯t beat Liu Wuxie, they could only try and use this method to humiliate him.


    Liu Wuxie shook his head in disappointment, saying, ¡°So the Imperial Academy is just nurturing a bunch of garbage? I was nning to take their assessment at the end of the year, but now I might have to change my ns.¡± He wondered if it was even worth it to join the Imperial Academy if it was full of people like those he had encountered. In the worst scenario, he would have to find another way to earn resources.


    ¡°Brother Liu, that¡¯s where you¡¯re wrong. There are bound to be scum everywhere, and you can¡¯t see them as representatives of the Imperial Academy. The Imperial Academy represents the Great Yan Dynasty¡¯s highest institution. So if possible, I hope Brother Liu can join the Imperial Academy.¡± Zuo Hong found Liu Wuxie pretty promising. He was also a student of the Imperial Academy, and elites still upied the majority.


    Liu Wuxie agreed with those words. After all,petition and fights were unavoidable wherever there were people.


    ¡°After much discussion, we are ready to announce Liu Wuxie¡¯s score!¡± This time, it was Sang Yan, not Deacon Hua, who made the announcement. Everyone listened intently, eager to hear the results. Only Liu Wuxie remained calm and seemingly unbothered by the announcement.


    The thirty-five pavilion masters were also intrigued by the four forms that had kept the three judges in discussion for so long. They were curious to find out what was so special about them.


    ¡°We have unanimously decided to give a perfect score for the four forms. But this has never happened before, and we have no idea what to do about it. So we can only score ording to one form. That means Liu Wuxie received 55 points!¡± Sang Yan said with a helpless look on his face. After all, one form was enough for Liu Wuxie to receive 55 points, and Liu Wuxie wrote down four forms. But they could do nothing about it because the max score was only 100.


    An uproar burst out as soon as Sang Yan announced the result. No one had received a perfect score for their form in history.


    ¡°Senior Sang Yan, are you sure about that? A perfect score for all four forms?¡± Nangong Qi stood up to question the three judges¡¯ decision once again. After all, Liu Wuxie had only used a few minutes to configure those forms, and it was unrealistic for the four forms to receive a perfect score. But the strange thing was that Nangong Qi was the only one standing up. Shangguan Cai and Li An, on the other hand, showed no signs of doubt or skepticism in their eyes.


    ¡°We¡¯ve gone through them ten-odd times beforeing to this conclusion. Pavilion Master Nangong, do you want to verify the forms yourself?¡± Sang Yan replied bluntly. This was because Sang Yan was unhappy with Nangong Qi¡¯s attitude. After all, questioning the judges was no different from insulting them.


    ¡°I dare not!¡± Nangong Qi stepped back because he knew he would be courting humiliation if he continued questioning the judges.


    The other pavilion masters had disbelief on their faces. After all, it was unprecedented for someone to write down a form that received a perfect score, not to mentioning up with four. This was far beyond theirprehension.


    ¡°How is it possible for the four forms to be correct? He must¡¯ve copied the forms from elsewhere instead of configuring them!¡± Wang Yichun and others refused to believe that the forms were authentic. They would rather believe that Liu Wuxie copied the forms from somewhere else.


    ¡°Hmph, that brat must be lucky. We¡¯ll just watch how he embarrasses himself tomorrow when we¡¯re required to refine pills.¡± Wen Song showed a hint of viciousness on his face. People like them had been exposed to alchemy since they were young and were all proficient in refining pills. On the other hand, Liu Wuxie was only eighteen, and he must¡¯ve just reached the apprenticeship stage at his age.


    So it was futile even if he was full of knowledge because refining pills didn¡¯t require knowledge but control over fire.


    Everyone nodded in agreement with Wen Song¡¯s opinion, seeing the next day as an opportunity to humiliate Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Does anyone still doubt the result?¡± Sang Yan looked around, but no one stepped forward to refute this time, acknowledging that the four forms were real and effective.


    ¡°Since no one has any objections, the first round of thepetition has ended. We will go into the refining round tomorrow. All of you should rest early and bring out your best performance tomorrow.¡± Sang Yan waved his hand, announcing the conclusion of the first round, with Liu Wuxie receiving a perfect score, breaking the historical record. Ever since thepetition was held, no one had received a perfect score before, and Liu Wuxie was the first to do so.


    ¡°Brother Liu, congrattions on obtaining an unprecedented score!¡± Zuo Hong came over and cupped his fists together with a hint of respect and envy in his eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯m just lucky!¡± Liu Wuxie stood up and cupped his fists together. At the end of the first round, it was also time for him to return to his courtyard. When he was done chatting with Zuo Hong, he was the first to leave the venue.

 Chapter 68 - Threaten

    <h4>Chapter 68 - Threaten</h4>


    As thepetition came to a close, everyone was hesitant to leave. They were curious about Liu Wuxie¡¯s four forms and wanted to take a closer look, but Master Mao kept them safely guarded to prevent them from being leaked or stolen.


    Bi Gongyu quickly followed behind Liu Wuxie, fearing that he might be ambushed. The three were the first group to return to the Pill Gathering Pavilion. The damaged courtyard had been restored with new pieces of furniture in ce.


    Bi Gongyu apologized to Liu Wuxie for the events that had transpired, saying, ¡°Wuxie, I¡¯m sorry for drawing so many enemies to you today.¡± He felt responsible for what had happened because it was all due to thepetition. Even he hadn¡¯t expected Liu Wuxie to offend so many people by representing Master Huo.


    Liu Wuxie waved his hand dismissively, saying, ¡°It¡¯s already happened. I¡¯m tired and need to rest.¡± He returned to his room and closed the door, leaving Bi Gongyu and Lei Tao standing outside in the yard. They exchanged wry smiles.


    Lei Tao spoke with a sense of helplessness, ¡°He¡¯s still angry with us.¡± He could understand Liu Wuxie¡¯s fury, as anyone in his position would feel the same. After all, representing Azure Billow City in thepetition had resulted in him making numerous enemies.


    Bi Gongyu sighed, ¡°We¡¯ll have to do everything we can to assist the Xu n in the future to make up for today.¡± It was the only thing he could do to help.


    Liu Wuxie sat on his bed and began to cultivate using the Deste Devouring Art. He had no choice but to strengthen himself as much as possible, having made so many enemies. The cultivation technique drew in a terrifying amount of spiritual energy, which gathered above Liu Wuxie and formed into a spiritual rain.


    The Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron devoured the energy like a ravenous beast, producing a green liquid within its depths.


    As Liu Wuxie¡¯s dantian began to expand, so did the world within it. Surprisingly, lifeforms began to appear in this world as saplings swiftly grew out from the ground, growing into towering trees. The mountains, seas, andkes all expanded as well. Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t even begin to imagine how much spiritual energy he would need in the future, but it was sure to be an astronomical amount.


    A tender sapling took root in the mountain range and grew to the height of a person after being watered with the liquid from the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron. A powerful wood-attributed energy filled Liu Wuxie¡¯s dantian, causing his body to tremble.


    ¡°Elements?! I have awakened an element?!¡± Liu Wuxie opened his eyes with shock and a hint of doubt. The Deste Devouring Art had far exceeded hisprehension. He couldn¡¯tprehend the changes in his dantian, even if he were an Immortal Emperor in his previous life.


    The world had countless elements, such as gold, wood, water, fire, earth, wind, rain, lightning, thunder, etc. The wood element came from trees. To be an alchemist, one needed to possess the fire or wood element, and it would be even better to possess the two.


    Refining pills required fire, while each herb contained wood essence. So if one possessed the wood element, they could bettermunicate with the herbs, which could save half the work in refining pills.


    Liu Wuxie knew better than anyone that elements were more powerful than ordinary true essence. A martial cultivator¡¯s attack, when imbued with an element, could increase the destructive power of true essence by a hundredfold.


    The tree slowed down after reaching an average human''s height, requiring more spiritual liquid. Just thinking about it was enough to give Liu Wuxie a headache.


    He stood up and channeled his true essence through his arm and into his index finger. With a flick of his finger, he shot out an energy beam that easily pierced through the wall, leaving a hole the size of his finger.


    ¡°How powerful!¡± Ordinary true essence couldn¡¯t achieve this level. If hebined his element and de intent, he was confident that even someone in the ninth level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm wouldn¡¯t be able to face him head-on.


    But Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t dare to execute his de technique in the room as it was too small, and there was a high chance he might destroy the entire room.


    As Liu Wuxie focused on his cultivation, participants from the other thirty-four cities made their way back to the Pill Gathering Pavilion to prepare for the uingpetition. The events of the day had left a significant impact on them, and they didn¡¯t dare to rest upon their return. Instead, they immediately began revising for the next round.


    ¡°Pavilion Master Shangguan, wee!¡± Bi Gongyu¡¯s voice sounded from the courtyard. It was rare for there to bemunication among pavilion masters. So they weren¡¯t familiar with each other.


    ¡°Pavilion Master Bi, you¡¯re too polite. I¡¯m here because I have some matters to talk to Young Master Liu. Do you mind letting him know about my arrival?¡± Before today, Shangguan Cai had not even considered Bi Gongyu or Liu Wuxie worthy of his attention. In his eyes, the cities ranked at the bottom weren¡¯t qualified to be equal to him. However, the events of the day had caused him to reconsider, and he hade with Ji Yang to speak with them.


    ¡°Pavilion Master Shangguan, pleasee in. I¡¯ll call Wuxie right away.¡± Bi Gongyu invited them to wait in the main hall while he went to look for Liu Wuxie.


    After serving the tea, Lei Tao retreated, leaving only Shangguan Cai and Ji Yang in the main hall. Shangguan Cai had nurtured Ji Yang throughout the years, and the rtionship between pavilion masters and alchemists could be considered one of both friendship and mentorship, as the pavilion masters often taught them.


    Liu Wuxie was still devouring spiritual energy, but the knock on the door interrupted his cultivation, and he walked out with displeasure.


    ¡°Wuxie, Pavilion Master Shangguan wishes to meet you, and he¡¯s waiting in the main hall. So tidy up ande with me,¡± Bi Gongyu said, a sense of foreboding in his voice. After all, there wouldn¡¯t be anything good for Shangguan Cai to visit them, not to mention Shangguan Cai only mentioned he wanted to meet Liu Wuxie and said nothing else.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± There was nothing to tidy up as Liu Wuxie followed behind Bi Gongyu, passing through the artificial mountain and entering the main hall. When they came into the main hall, Shangguan Cai didn¡¯t even have any intentions of getting up on his feet, which made Liu Wuxie frown. As for Ji Yang, he was still wearing an indifferent expression as though everyone in the world owed him money.


    ¡°Greetings, Pavilion Master Shuangguan!¡± Liu Wuxie only cupped his fists together with no intention of bowing. Since Shangguan Cai didn¡¯t respect him, he saw no need to do so in return. Before Shangguan Cai could speak, Liu Wuxie walked over and sat down while Bi Gongyu sat on the other side.


    ¡°I was impressed by Young Master Liu¡¯s performance today,¡± Shangguan Cai said in an aloof tone as if he were used to being in a position of authority. ¡°I have taken the liberty of visiting today because I have a favor to ask of you,¡± he said, sounding like he was giving an order instead.


    Bi Gongyu narrowed his eyes as if he had an inkling of what was toe, but he remained silent and waited for Shangguan Cai to continue speaking.


    ¡°Pavilion Master Shangguan, please go on,¡± Liu Wuxie said calmly. He remembered the expressions of those present earlier in the day. Shangguan Cai had not openly mocked him, perhaps because his status was too high, and he had to consider his position before acting. However, Liu Wuxie knew that Shangguan Cai had harbored doubts about him in the past. When Liu Wuxie received a perfect score on the first section, Shangguan Cai¡¯s eyes had been filled with envy as he looked over Liu Wuxie¡¯s papers, and Liu Wuxie had noticed.


    Shangguan Cai didn¡¯t mince words and spoke in a tone that sounded more like an order than a negotiation. ¡°I want you to give up on the first ce. I¡¯m willing to take out two third-grade pills and 1,000,000 gold coins topensate you. What do you think?¡±


    Bi Gongyu stood up furiously. After all, Liu Wuxie obtained a perfect score in the first round of thepetition. With Liu Wuxie¡¯s talent, he could easily be thepetition champion if he performed well in the next two rounds.


    But strangely, Liu Wuxie had no emotions, as though he had already predicted what Shangguan Cai would say.


    ¡°Pavilion Master Shangguan, do you think I care about third-grade pills and 1,000,000 gold coins?¡± Liu Wuxie responded with a question instead. He didn¡¯t care about 1,000,000 gold coins. As for third-grade pills, he didn¡¯tck them. As long as he had enough herbs, he could refine arge amount of Origin Yang Pill if he wanted.


    ¡°To show my sincerity, I¡¯m willing to resolve the grievance between you and Yun Lan,¡± Shangguan Cai added, offering to act as a mediator between Liu Wuxie and Yun Lan.


    The main hall fell silent for a moment, with only the sound of Bi Gongyu¡¯s heavy breathing breaking the stillness. Bi Gongyu hadn¡¯t been overly concerned with winning the championship before they arrived; he had only hoped that they wouldn¡¯t be ranked at the bottom. However, Shangguan Cai¡¯s aloof attitude angered him because it sounded like he was giving an order rather than negotiating.


    Then again, Shangguan Cai did have the qualification to be prideful, as his branch obtained championships for several years in a row.


    ¡°Give me a reason!¡± Liu Wuxie was calm as he looked at Shangguan Cai. He naturally noticed the slyness and greed in Shangguan Cai¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Yang¡¯er¡¯s cultivation is stuck in the ninth level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm. He needs the fourth-grade pill to make a breakthrough. If he can step into the Marrow Cleansing Realm, he¡¯ll be the youngest Marrow Cleansing Realm cultivator in the Great Yan Dynasty!¡±


    Fourth-grade pills could only be refined by Marrow Cleansing Realm alchemists and were highly valuable. Shangguan Cai was only a three-star alchemist and couldn¡¯t refine a fourth-grade pill. So he didn¡¯t want to give up on this rare opportunity.


    Liu Wuxie nodded and finally understood Shangguan Cai¡¯s intentions. As a master, Shangguan Cai naturally had to think for his disciple. If his disciple were strong, it would bring fame to him as a master. But this had nothing to do with Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°What if I disagree?¡± Liu Wuxie replied indifferently, neither agreeing nor disagreeing but responding with a question.


    ¡°Young Master Liu, have you considered the fact that the three of you are alone in Zen City? What if something were to happen to you...?¡± Shangguan Cai¡¯s words were a thinly veiled threat, implying that if Liu Wuxie refused, he might join forces with Yun Lan to target him, revealing his shameless and despicable nature.


    ¡°Pavilion Master Shangguan, are you threatening me?¡± Liu Wuxie wore a harmless smile. Thest thing he feared was threats. If he were afraid of threats, he wouldn¡¯t have insisted on making Xiao Mingyi kneel on the ground when Yun Lan threatened him.


    ¡°You can think of it that way!¡± Shangguan Cai had no intention of concealing his threat at all. He added, ¡°Then again, we can be friends if you agree to my offer.¡±


    Shangguan Cai was using both a carrot and a stick to try and persuade Liu Wuxie, revealing his cunning nature. This time, Bi Gongyu didn¡¯t say anything because Liu Wuxie needed to make decisions on some matters, and it wasn¡¯t something he could interfere with.


    A sneer rose on Ji Yang¡¯s lips as if he was mocking Liu Wuxie. So what if Liu Wuxie could obtain the first ce? He still would have to give it up the next day.


    ¡°Pavilion Master, see our guests off!¡± Liu Wuxie got up and left the hall without even bidding his farewell.

 Chapter 69 - The Saplings Changes

    <h4>Chapter 69 - The Sapling''s Changes</h4>


    Shangguan Cai tried using his status to exert pressure on Liu Wuxie, but it was a pity that he used it on the wrong person. Shangguan Cai didn¡¯t leave immediately and waited for Liu Wuxie to disappear before he retracted his gaze. In that split second, murderous intent shed across his eyes.


    ¡°Pavilion Master Shangguan, please leave!¡± Bi Gongyu said, not bothering to be polite with Shangguan Cai. In the past, he had been forced to be courteous due to Azure Billow City¡¯s low ranking, but now the situation had changed. Azure Billow City had achieved a perfect score in the first round of thepetition, and Bi Gongyu could finally raise his head high.


    ¡°Master, let¡¯s go!¡± Ji Yang stood up. This was the first time he had spoken since entering the main hall.


    ¡°Pavilion Master Bi, take care!¡± Shangguan Cai simply cupped his fists together and left the courtyard with Ji Yang. Before leaving the courtyard, he nced at Liu Wuxie¡¯s room.


    Once everything had calmed down, Lei Tao approached. He had been standing outside earlier and had heard their conversation, and he looked furious. ¡°Serene Tomb City has gone too far! Thepetition is supposed to be fair. How can hee here and try to force us to give up?¡± Lei Tao vented his frustration by waving his fist. ¡°Pavilion Master, should we inform the three judges and ask them to take action?¡± he asked.


    If the news got out that Shangguan Cai threatened hispetitor secretly, it would draw the public¡¯s disgust to Serene Tomb City.


    ¡°Since they were bold enough toe here, they are likely not afraid of us reporting them to the judges. Besides, they didn¡¯t leave any evidence behind, so it would be pointless to tell the judges without any proof,¡± Bi Gongyu said, shaking his head. Serene Tomb City had consistently ced first or in the top five in previouspetitions, and Shangguan Cai was skilled at building rtionships. As a result, most of the thirty-five cities had a good rtionship with him.


    If they were to make a big deal out of this, it could backfire on Azure Billow City, as Serene Tomb City would likely have more support. In that case, Azure Billow City would be the one left embarrassed.


    ¡°What should we do then? Are we just going to take their threats lying down?¡± Lei Tao asked through gritted teeth. They had already offended several cities today, and now they had to add Serene Tomb City to the list.


    ¡°We¡¯ll figure something out as we go. They won¡¯t dare to make a move in Zen City. After thepetition, we¡¯ll return to Azure Billow City immediately. They won¡¯t dare to cause trouble in Azure Billow City,¡± Bi Gongyu said helplessly, and that was their only choice.


    ¡°Young Master Liu is the one who suffered the most!¡± Bi Gongyu and Lei Tao sighed as they returned to their room. They could only hope that Liu Wuxie would perform well in the next round and prove their enemies wrong.


    When dawn arrived, Bi Gongyu and Lei Tao woke up early to wait in the yard.


    Liu Wuxie changed into a blue robe. The robe had turned pale from washing, but it was clean. His face showed no emotions, as though he had forgotten what had happened the previous night. He greeted Bi Gongyu and Lei Tao before they headed to the venue.


    As they walked, the other courtyards opened one after another. However, only a few people greeted Liu Wuxie, and it seemed as if Azure Billow City was being isted. Liu Wuxie, Bi Gongyu, and Lei Tao had expected this, suspecting that it was an attempt by Shangguan Cai to iste them and exert psychological pressure.


    Thepetition venue had been rearranged for the day¡¯s events. Only the observation and judges'' areas were untouched. Forty cauldrons had been ced in the center of the venue for the pill refining round of thepetition. Each participant would be given identical herbs and would have to rely on their own skills to refine pills.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s cauldron was thest in line, just as it had been the previous day. The observation area was already filled with people eagerly anticipating the day¡¯spetition after the exciting identification round of the previous day.


    As the second round of thepetition began, the atmosphere among the thirty-five pavilion masters was tense, with less conversation than the previous day.


    When the three judges took their seats, Deacon Hua came out with a somewhat stiff expression.


    ¡°We will now enter the second round of thepetition, refining pills! Before each of you are a hundred herbs of identical age. You can mix and match them however you like!¡± The goal of this round was to assess each alchemist¡¯sprehensive strength. A qualified alchemist had to use the least amount of herbs to refine the highest possible quality pills.


    Everyone was familiar with the rules, and somepetitors already began sorting out the herbs, trying to figure out which herb was more suitable.


    A cold voice rang out, ¡°Liu Wuxie, I challenge you!¡± Du Mingze stepped forward, pointing at Liu Wuxie. The embarrassment of the previous day had left a stain on his life, and he was eager to challenge Liu Wuxie now that he had recovered.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, I challenge you too!¡± Wen Song also dered as he stood up.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, do you dare to ept my challenge?¡± Xiao Mingyi gritted his teeth, his face twisted with murderous intent. If he couldn¡¯t vent his anger, his cultivation might stagnate, and Liu Wuxie would be a nightmare that haunted him and hindered his progress.


    It was unprecedented for three people to challenge someone, and this caused an uproar in the surrounding area.


    ¡°Challenge me?¡± Liu Wuxie swept his gaze over the three of them with a sarcastic smile. He was starting to be impressed with how stubborn they could be. If that was the case, he might as well crush them so thoroughly that they would never be able to rise again. ¡°What¡¯s the challenge?¡± he asked.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s voice was cold as he released his murderous intent.


    ¡°It¡¯s simple. Whoever loses would have to kneel and kowtow,¡± Wen Song said, representing the three of them to reply.


    ¡°Sure!¡± Liu Wuxie agreed to the challenge without any change in his emotions, just as he had done the previous day. He didn¡¯t even refute those words, surprising everyone. Many people were expecting Liu Wuxie to refuse the challenge.


    ¡°He agreed?¡± Wan Yichun was taken aback by Liu Wuxie¡¯s straightforward eptance of the challenge. They had thought of many ways to force Liu Wuxie to agree, but it turned out to be unnecessary.


    The three judges frowned at the intense conflict in this year¡¯spetition.


    ¡°We will now begin thepetition, and this round will alsost for six hours, just like yesterday¡¯s!¡± Deacon Hua announced the beginning as thepetitors began choosing herbs.


    Liu Wuxie, on the other hand, was not in a hurry. He gently picked up a herb, and as he did so, the sapling in the world inside his dantian rustled and resonated with the herb. The sapling absorbed some of the wood essence from the herb, making its leaves even greener.


    When the sapling released a stream of wood essence back into the herb, something strange happened: the quality of the herb in Liu Wuxie¡¯s hand improved significantly.


    ¡°This...¡± Liu Wuxie was taken aback by what had just happened. The herb in his hand had originally been a three-year-old, ordinary second-grade herb. However, after receiving a stream of wood essence from the sapling, it had beparable to a five-year-old herb and was now almost a third-grade herb.


    A look of ecstasy briefly crossed Liu Wuxie¡¯s face as he realized the potential this held for improving the quality of herbs in the future. However, the moment passed quickly and went unnoticed by the others, who were busy refining their pills.


    Some of thepetitors had already begun refining their pills, and the temperature in the area began to rise as mes of various shapes and sizes sprang up. Most of the attention was focused on Ji Yang and Qin Letian, who were widely regarded as alchemy geniuses.


    As for Liu Wuxie, people only nced at him asionally. Of the forty alchemists present, he was the only one still selecting his herbs while the others were fully engrossed in refining their pills.


    Ping Shao, the Pavilion Master of Eastern Capital, looked at Liu Wuxie with disappointment. ¡°What is he doing? Is he still not starting? Six hours might seem a lot, but it¡¯s only enough to refine two batches of pills. If he keeps dying, he might have to bid his farewell to this round if he fails the first cauldron.¡± His attitude towards Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t bad, and he showed no malice towards him.


    Yun Lan sneered in response, ¡°Isn¡¯t it obvious? He probably doesn¡¯t know anything about refining pills.¡± After the previous day¡¯spetition, Yun Lan had sent a letter to the patriarch of the Tian n in Azure Billow City to investigate Liu Wuxie. The reply had arrived that morning, and Yun Lan now had all of Liu Wuxie¡¯s information.


    ording to the information provided by the Tian n¡¯s patriarch, Liu Wuxie had always been considered a failure and had only recently risen to prominence. No one in Azure Billow City had ever heard that Liu Wuxie knew how to refine pills.


    Only a few in the Treasure Pill Pavilion knew that Liu Wuxie was proficient in refining pills. Even Xu Yilin didn¡¯t know about it, not to mention the Tian n. This was the reason why Du Mingze, Xiao Mingyi, and Wen Song dared to challenge him. They received news that Liu Wuxie knew nothing about refining pills.


    ¡°Have you ever seen someone who knows nothing about refining pillse up with the answers he did yesterday?¡± Ping Shao offered a different perspective. The information obtained through investigation might not be urate, and Liu Wuxie might have been hiding his talent as an alchemist.


    ¡°We¡¯ll know in a while. Let¡¯s see how long he can keep on pretending.¡± Yun Lan couldn¡¯t be bothered to argue with Ping Shao as he looked at Liu Wuxie with mockery before looking at Xiao Mingyi.


    Two hours had passed, and most of thepetitors had sessfullypleted their first cauldron of pills, with the strong aroma of the pills spreading through the air. They were already in the process of condensing the pills while Liu Wuxie was still selecting his herbs.


    Bi Gongyu was covered in a cold sweat when he saw this scene. He was starting to feel anxious because Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t starting yet.


    Suddenly, there was an explosion as Xue Chou failed the first cauldron. His performance was terrible the previous day, and he made a mistake in refining pills today.


    ¡°Look at Ji Yang! There¡¯s a dense mist gathering above his cauldron!¡± someone eximed as a dense mist appeared above Ji Yang¡¯s cauldron, indicating that high-quality pills were about to be produced.


    ¡°As expected of the Great Yan Dynasty¡¯s youngest three-star alchemist. He¡¯s truly impressive!¡± Compliments came from the surrounding as a smile rose on Shangguan Cai¡¯s face.


    Shortly after, a dense mist appeared above Qin Letian¡¯s cauldron, causing another uproar among the spectators. Qin Letian and Ji Yang had been very close in terms of their scores in the previous year¡¯spetition, and their alchemy skills were almost equal, with Ji Yang being slightly better.


    ¡°I thought there would be an intense battle today, but it turns out to be between those two!¡± The majority turned to look at Liu Wuxie. Compared to his performance the previous day, his performance today was disappointing. Almost half of the allotted time had passed, and Liu Wuxie still hadn¡¯t started refining his pills.

 Chapter 70 - Phenomenon

    <h4>Chapter 70 - Phenomenon</h4>


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s performance the previous day had outshone those of Ji Yang and Qin Letian, as he had risen from being an underdog to surpassing them. However, his performance today was disappointing, and there were murmurs of mockery from the crowd.


    Liu Wuxie ignored the mockery and ced down thest herb, a faint smile ying at the corner of his lips. The sapling had absorbed all the wood essence from the herbs, and their quality had improved after receiving a stream of wood essence back from the sapling. This meant the quality of his herbs far surpassed everyone present. However, he didn¡¯t reveal this fact, as he was still trying to figure out the pattern and see if he could apply it to pills.


    When Liu Wuxie approached his cauldron, he lit the fire but didn¡¯t immediately add any herbs. Instead, he used the fire to heat every corner of the cauldron.


    ¡°What is he trying to do? Is he nning to heat the entire cauldron first?¡± Many people from the observation area had no idea what Liu Wuxie was doing because they didn¡¯t know much about alchemy. Even the thirty-five pavilion masters were confused and scornful because this was the first time they had seen someone heating the cauldron without adding herbs.


    ¡°Anyone can tell at first nce that he¡¯s a beginner and might not have refined pills before. So he¡¯s determined to lose the second round,¡± Nangong Qi said confidently, insisting that this was Liu Wuxie¡¯s first time refining pills. After all, only a novice would do something like what Liu Wuxie was doing.


    ¡°What Pavilion Master Nangong said makes sense. Herbs are fragile, and it¡¯s best to put them in before the temperature rises. If the temperature in the cauldron is too high, the herbs will be destroyed. At that time, it would be impossible even to purify the herbs or refine pills.¡± Yun Lan agreed with Nangong Qi, and many pavilion masters nodded at his words. That was themon sense in alchemy. There were many alchemists here, and there was nock of famous alchemists among them.


    When the cauldron was about to reach the right temperature, Liu Wuxie threw the first herb into the cauldron. As smoke came out from the cauldron, the herb was destroyed like they¡¯d said.


    After four hours had passed, most participants finished refining their pills. Ji Yang was the first to finish, producing ten white pills that emitted a dense aroma, drawing much attention.


    ¡°Third-grade Energy Consolidating Pills and each pill is mellow. It looks like Ji Yang will be taking first ce in the second round,¡± Ke Wen eximed. Ji Yang¡¯s skills as an alchemist surpassed not only Ke Wen¡¯s but also many of the pavilion masters¡¯.


    As mentioned earlier, the quality of pills could be differentiated into forming, plump, mellow, and rune. Achieving mellow was already the highest possible achievement because a pill with a rune had not appeared in the Great Yan Dynasty and only existed in legend.


    After Che Jiayun had verified the method revealed by Liu Wuxie, it had greatly improved the quality of Energy Condensing Pills. But the Energy Condensing Pill was only a first-grade pill. The higher the grade, the harder it was to refine them. So a first-grade pill naturally couldn¡¯t bepared to a third-grade pill.


    Qin Letian finished after Ji Yang and refined ten white pills. He also refined the Energy Consolidating Pill like Ji Yang.


    ¡°It¡¯s a pity that Qin Letian has a pill that didn¡¯t reach mellow!¡± Che Jiajun sighed.


    Qin Letian also produced ten pills, and only nine reached mellow. Nevertheless, it was an achievement that many envied.


    Zuo Hong, Gu Yongshuang, and others followed behind Qin Letian. Some only refined nine pills, while some only managed to refine eight pills, and their pills were of various qualities. Gu Yongshuang refined eight pills, five of which reached mellow while the others were plump.


    Most two-star alchemists refined the Breeze Wind Pill because the Energy Consolidating Pill was way beyond their ability. Aside from a few who failed their first cauldron, the second round had practically ended, and Liu Wuxie was the only one who had started refining not long ago.


    Thus, everyone¡¯s attention fell on Liu Wuxie because he had just started.


    ¡°He¡¯s just messing around. His refining technique is simply an insult to all the alchemists present!¡± Heng Zheng said sarcastically with disdain, drawing many people¡¯s acknowledgement with his words.


    ¡°When this round ends, we should revoke his qualification. He¡¯s only embarrassing the Treasure Pill Pavilion. Why is someone like him here? Did he think anyone could make up for the numbers in thispetition?¡± Mo Shidao concurred, intending to join forces and strip Liu Wuxie of his qualifications.


    ¡°In my view, Bi Gongyu must have crammed him with information about herbs at thest minute. That¡¯s why he scored so well yesterday, but now that we¡¯ve reached the practical round, he¡¯s revealed his true colors,¡± Yun Lan sneered, aiming his criticism at Bi Gongyu. The two had already fallen out, so Yun Lan saw no need to hold back against Bi Gongyu.


    ¡°Cut it out. There is still time, and we¡¯ll see for ourselves soon.¡± Wang Hong interrupted. They did not need to quarrel here when the time was almost up.


    Even those who failed their first cauldron were almost done, but there still wasn¡¯t any aroma from Liu Wuxie¡¯s cauldron. So many people felt that he was just wasting everyone¡¯s time.


    ¡°What is he doing? Is he going to throw all the hundred herbs into the cauldron?¡± Many pavilion masters discussed this among themselves. Although the participants were allowed to mix and match a hundred herbs as they wished, most of them only used half of the herbs, and there hadn¡¯t been anyone who used up all the herbs.


    ¡°See? How can you possibly refine pills using all the hundred herbs? Many of these herbs have conflicting properties, and we should put a stop to this. If we let him continue, it¡¯ll just be a waste of everyone¡¯s time,¡± Yun Lan spoke up, and no one challenged him. In fact, many people nodded in agreement, having verified thatbining a hundred herbs would make it impossible to refine any pills. It was already a miracle that Liu Wuxie¡¯s cauldron hadn¡¯t exploded.


    Ridicule and mockery could be heard from the crowd, making Bi Gongyu frown. He also had no idea what Liu Wuxie was doing, and he began to wonder if pills could be refined with the hundred herbsbined.


    After all the herbs had been added to the cauldron, Liu Wuxie finally began forming seals and injecting strange runes into it. A bizarre scene unfolded as the fire seemed toe alive, dancing around the cauldron and taking on various shapes.


    At times, it would resemble a tiger charging at the cauldron, while at other times, it would take on the form of a peacock enveloping the entire vessel in its colorful plumage. As Liu Wuxie¡¯s hands moved in intricate patterns, everyone watched in amazement, having never seen such a refining method before.


    ¡°This is strange. His movements seem fluid and practiced, as if he has refined pills countless times before,¡± Ke Wen eximed, disbelief evident in his eyes.


    Liu Wuxie moved gracefully around the cauldron, performing the Seven Dipper Steps and making intricate gestures with his hands as he poured a staggering amount of wood essence into the vessel. As the sapling injected a massive surge of wood essence into the cauldron, there was a crisp popping sound, as if the pills were jumping inside.


    ¡°Quick, look!¡± Che Jiajun staggered as he pointed to the sky. As everyone¡¯s attention was on Liu Wuxie, they didn¡¯t notice the sky above him.


    ¡°A natural phenomenon, dense and cloudy!¡± Master Mao stood up from his seat, looking like a madman, as he dashed ten steps away from Liu Wuxie. In his frenzy, he even yanked out a handful of his own beard, but he was too stunned to feel any pain.


    ¡°How is this possible...can the legend be true? Does this mean that spiritual pills are about to be born?!¡± Sang Yan trembled in excitement as the phenomenon before him surpassed hisprehension.


    The phenomenon Ji Yang and Qin Letian created when they were refining pills was misty and scattered, looking like a cloud of mist hovering above the cauldron. On the contrary, the phenomenon that Liu Wuxie had created was thick and ever-changing. At first, it resembled ayer of clouds, but then it suddenly transformed into a tree rooted in the clouds. No one could make sense of what was happening.


    ¡°Look, there are more changes!¡±


    The dense cloud turned into a tiger, releasing a deafening roar at the sky. The roar made many people with low cultivation fall in fright because they couldn¡¯t withstand the pressure the tiger was giving off.


    Suddenly, a rich aroma wafted from the cauldron, overpowering all other scents in the venue. The fragrance was thick and invigorating, quickly intoxicating many of those present.


    ¡°It¡¯s too fragrant!¡± Che Jiajun took a deep breath as though all the pores on his body had opened up to absorb the aroma greedily. Even without him knowing, his cultivation had improved.


    This scene caught Yun Lan and his allies by surprise. After all, they were mocking Liu Wuxie for not knowing how to refine pills earlier, and this scene was a resounding p to their faces.


    ¡°This can¡¯t be real! He¡¯s only eighteen, so how can he possibly refine pills?!¡± Nangong Qiforted himself. This was the same as forging a spiritual weapon, but refining spiritual pills was a thousandfold tougher than forging spiritual weapons.


    Pills typically had no life force, which was what made spiritual pills so valuable and difficult to refine, with only a select few grandmasters capable of producing them.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. This can¡¯t be real!¡± Yun Lan nodded frantically. He refused to believe that trash like Liu Wuxie could refine pills, let alonebine a hundred herbs.


    Everyone had different expressions. Some had anticipation because it was already impressive for Liu Wuxie to create such a phenomenon regardless if it was real. Everyone anxiously awaited the results as there wasn¡¯t much time left.


    Only Liu Wuxie knew why signs of spiritual pills would appear. This was rted to the mysterious sapling in his dantian. The sapling must contain spirituality, and it transformed the pills. After all, he couldn''t refine spiritual pills at his current level and could only achieve mellow pills at best.


    Only pills imbued with runes could contain spiritual essence. If he only managed to produce mellow pills, he would merely be on par with Ji Yang and would not be able to defeat him.


    ¡°The pills are going to condense!¡±


    As the mes became smaller, Liu Wuxie began to condense the pills. This was thest step in the refining process before opening the cauldron. The impacting sound from the cauldron struck everyone¡¯s nerves, and they could hear that there was more than one pill.


    ¡°Hmph, what does it matter if he can refine pills? Can pills made bybining a hundred herbs even be safe to consume? They might be poisonous!¡± Yun Lan refused to give up, clenching his fists and gritting his teeth in frustration. The murderous intent in his eyes grew even stronger.


    Xiao Mingyi and his group huddled together, a sense of foreboding filling their chests. As they looked at each other, they could see the concern etched on each other¡¯s faces.

 Chapter 71 - Golden Spirit Pill

    <h4>Chapter 71 - Golden Spirit Pill</h4>


    The dense aroma intoxicated everyone, and they couldn¡¯t extricate themselves. Master Mao widened his eyes in shock.


    As the fire got smaller, Liu Wuxie pped the cauldron with both hands at thest moment and injected his true essence into it. The pills in the cauldron began to dance around like yful kids as they shuttled inside the vessel.


    Sang Yan, who had been watching Liu Wuxie intently from the start, remarked, ¡°That didn¡¯t look like the refining method of my Great Yan Dynasty.¡± Every dynasty had its unique refining method, and the Great Yan Dynasty mainly focused on the Myriad Flows Unite.


    Zhou Xinsheng added, ¡°I don¡¯t think any of the other dynasties use this technique either.¡± They regrly interacted with neighboring dynasties, particrly in the field of alchemy. Every few years, they would exchange ideas and techniques to improve their own methods. But they had never seen Liu Wuxie¡¯s technique used by any of their neighbors or within their own dynasty. This led them to one conclusion: Liu Wuxie had invented this technique himself.


    ¡°Why even discuss this before examining the pills?¡± They had already evaluated the pills refined by the other participants. Based on their current rankings, Ji Yang was in first ce, followed by Qin Letian in second and Zuo Hong in third. These rankings were simr to those from the previous year.


    The sight of such amotion during the pill refining process was unprecedented. As the cauldron lid was lifted, a thick golden mist rose into the sky, obscuring everyone¡¯s vision. A fragrant aroma wafted through the air, and as they inhaled, they felt a warmth spreading throughout their bodies, bringingfort.


    The crowd gathered around, eager to catch a glimpse of the pills. Shangguan Cai held back, while Yun Lan, Nangong Qi, and others could only watch from a distance as they were not qualified toe closer.


    The three judges stood beside the cauldron, exchanging puzzled nces. Master Mao asked, ¡°Have you seen this pill before?¡±


    Sang Yan and Zhou Xinsheng shook their heads because they¡¯d never seen this pill.


    ¡°What about you guys?¡± Master Mao turned to ask the other alchemists present. He received the same answer that none of them had seen such pills before. The pills were golden in color, which was highly unusual as most pills were either white or green. Golden pills were a rarity.


    The fifteen golden pills continued spinning in the cauldron for a minute before settling down.


    ¡°Look! There are runes on the pills!¡± eximed Ke Wen, losing hisposure as he grabbed his hair in excitement. Despite being a three-star alchemist, he was ovee with emotion and waved his arms around like a child.


    Upon hearing about runes, some people from the observation area couldn¡¯t contain their curiosity and rushed over to see for themselves.


    Yun Lan stumbled at the news and nearly fell to the ground. Runes were the stuff of legends, yet here they were, right before their very eyes.


    The three judges were dumbfounded, while Bi Gongyu began to tremble.


    <strong>......</strong>


    Everyone wore different expressions¡ªshock, disbelief, and horror.


    ¡°Are these really pill runes?¡± The pills seemed sacred to the crowd, and they were afraid to touch them for fear ofmitting sphemy.


    Liu Wuxie rolled his eyes at them because refining pills with runes was the foundation. There were still higher levels to achieve, such as halo, heart, and spirit. If they knew about those, they would surely go insane.


    ¡°This must be it! They¡¯re really runes, and I¡¯ve seen them in ancient records!¡± Sang Yan was a little excited as he said with certainty.


    ¡°But what kind of pills are these? We¡¯ve never seen them before and don¡¯t know their grade,¡± they wondered aloud. While they were thrilled at the appearance of pill runes, they were also troubled by their unfamiliarity with this particr pill. All eyes turned to Liu Wuxie, waiting for his exnation.


    ¡°They¡¯re the Golden Spirit Pills, grade three pills. The main effect is to restore true essence. Not only can it consolidate the foundation, but it can also expand the meridians,¡± Liu Wuxie exined. The Golden Spirit Pillbined the effects of the Energy Condensing Pill, Heart Nourishing Pill, and Energy Consolidating Pill.


    The Energy Condensing Pill could restore true essence, Heart Nourishing Pill could aid cultivation, and the Energy Consolidating Pill could consolidate one¡¯s foundation.


    The fact that Liu Wuxie¡¯s Golden Spirit Pillbined the effects of three different pills was beyond everyone¡¯s understanding. They had never imagined that such a miraculous pill could exist.


    A collective gasp went up from the audience. The fifteen pills, refined from a hundred herbs, had thebined effects of three different pills. It was like getting three pills for the price of one, and even a fool could see the value in that.


    Ji Yang had used seventy herbs to refine ten pills, while Liu Wuxie had used a hundred herbs to refine fifteen pills. In terms of both pill quality and cost efficiency, Liu Wuxie¡¯s pills had a clear advantage.


    ¡°Does the Golden Spirit Pill really have such a powerful effect?¡± Sang Yan asked with uncertainty. This was the first time they had heard of such a miraculous pill as alchemists. So aside from Bi Gongyu, everyone else was skeptical.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t we just have someone try it and see for ourselves?¡± suggested Ke Wen pragmatically. The effectiveness of the pill could easily be determined by having someone test it. However, strangely enough, no one was willing to volunteer¡ªperhaps out of fear that the pill might be poisonous.


    ¡°Is anyone willing to try the pill?¡± Sang Yan looked around hopefully, searching for a volunteer from the observation area to test the pill''s effect.


    But there was only silence in response. It wouldn¡¯t be convincing for Liu Wuxie to test the pill himself, so they needed an outsider to do it. Under normal circumstances, there would have been plenty of volunteers, but these pills were different¡ªthey had runes on them, something that no one had ever seen before. The three judges wouldn¡¯t be satisfied until they had verified their effects.


    ¡°I¡¯ll do it,¡± volunteered a young man in white, pushing his way through the crowd to stand before the cauldron. Upon arriving, he nodded respectfully at Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Young Master Kuang He, you can¡¯t take the risk. What if the pill is poisonous?¡± protested Wen Song. After all, there was a high likelihood that this could be a poisonous pill, as no one had ever seen a golden-colored pill before.


    ¡°I agree. This pill ispletely unknown. It would be safer to test it on demonic beasts first,¡± added Xiao Mingyi, supporting Wen Song¡¯s suggestion. It wasmon practice to use demonic beasts to test new pills before administering them to humans, and everyone nodded in agreement.


    ¡°I appreciate your concern, but I have made up my mind,¡± replied Kuang He firmly, cupping his fists in gratitude towards Xiao Mingyi and Wen Song. ¡°If anything happens to me, it will be my own responsibility and will have nothing to do with Young Master Liu.¡± He had volunteered of his own ord and was willing to ept any consequences that might arise.


    Since Kuang He had made his position clear, no one else felt it appropriate to object further.


    ¡°Patriarch, isn¡¯t this too risky?¡± Kuang Zhan asked nervously.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. He¡¯er knows what he¡¯s doing.¡± Kuang Qiu was satisfied with his son.


    ¡°Wait!¡± Liu Wuxie interrupted just as Kuang He was about to reach for a pill from the cauldron. People were puzzled, wondering why Liu Wuxie would stop someone from testing his pill.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, are you afraid you¡¯ll kill someone with your pill?¡± Wen Song burst intoughter. After all, why would Liu Wuxie stop Kuang He if it was a normal pill?


    Liu Wuxie merely looked at Wen Song as if he were an idiot, which nearly drove Wen Song mad.


    ¡°Young Master Liu, do you have any advice for me?¡± Kuang He asked. He wasn¡¯t a fool like Wen Song.


    ¡°The Golden Spirit Pill is different from other pills,¡± exined Liu Wuxie. ¡°Brother Kuang, I suggest that you exhaust all of your true essence before consuming the pill to verify its apparent effects.¡±


    Everyone nodded after listening to Liu Wuxie¡¯s exnation.


    ¡°Alright,¡± agreed Kuang He, moving to an open space and performing Kuang n¡¯s fist technique. Each punch was vigorous and ferocious, whichsted for fifteen minutes before he exhausted all his true essence.


    ¡°Bravo! Excellent fist technique!¡± Kuang He¡¯s performance was met with enthusiastic apuse from the audience. The Kuang n¡¯s fist technique incorporated elements of their painting style, creating a perfect fusion of artistry and strength.


    ¡°Can I take the pill now?¡± Kuang He asked, walking over to the cauldron.


    Liu Wuxie nodded in assent, indicating that Kuang He could proceed.


    Without hesitation, Kuang He took a pill from the cauldron and swallowed it. This made everyone nervous, especially Xiao Mingyi, Wen Song, and Du Mingze, who had made a bet with Liu Wuxie. If they lost, they would have to kneel and kowtow in submission.


    Xiao Mingyi had already been forced to kneel once before, and the thought of having to do so again was unbearable. If he lost face again, he might as well take his own life.


    Not far away, Yun Lan clenched his fists tightly with the murderous intent brewing in his eyes.


    Meanwhile, Ji Yang stood silently beside Shangguan Cai, ncing at the ten Energy Consolidating Pills he had refined. Neither of them spoke a word. The praise they had received earlier had faded away after Liu Wuxie finished refining his pills. In hindsight, it seemed almost ironic.


    Those from the Kuang n were nervous because Kuang He was the most outstanding younger generation in the n, with high hopes of inheriting Kuang n¡¯s painting techniques.


    As Kuang He swallowed the pill, a surge of pure energy dissolved in his mouth, releasing a fragrant aroma. Overwhelmed by the sensation, he closed his eyes to better focus on the experience.


    ¡°What dense essence, and the taste is also unique with the pill melting in the mouth!¡± Kuang He shared his thoughts. Since he was testing the pill, he naturally had to share every detail of the Golden Spirit Pill.


    ¡°The pill is really fragrant, like a stream of sweetness coursing through my meridians. I can¡¯t describe it exactly, but it feelsfortable with a warmth in my dantian.¡± As soon as Kuang He said that, he suddenly sat on the ground with the surrounding spiritual energy pouring over to him, entering his body through his pores.


    This scene naturally shocked everyone as the true essence of Kuang He¡¯s dantian began to recover at an astounding rate.

 Chapter 72 - Making Use

    <h4>Chapter 72 - Making Use</h4>


    The spiritual energy around Kuang He formed into a small vortex above him, and in just a brief moment, he had fully recovered the true essence of his dantian. But then something even more shocking happened¡ªKuang He¡¯s cultivation began to rapidly increase.


    ¡°Look, he¡¯s going to make a breakthrough in his cultivation!¡± This was simply unbelievable. Not only did the Golden Spirit Pill recover Kuang He¡¯s true essence so quickly, but it even allowed him to make a breakthrough.


    However, this was a pure coincidence because Kuang He had stayed in the fifth level of the Xiantian Realm for a long time and was already on the verge of making a breakthrough. So the Golden Spirit Pill was like a knock on the bottleneck. Even so, this was enough to shock everyone.


    Kuang He opened his eyes, his expression a mix of excitement and gratitude. ck filth had been expelled from his body through his pores¡ªthe impurities that had been cleared from his meridians by the Golden Spirit Pill. Just as Liu Wuxie had said, the pill not only strengthened his foundation but also broadened his meridians.


    When Kuang He¡¯s aura finally settled down, his cultivation had stabilized at the mid-sixth level of the Xiantian Realm. Furthermore, his true essence had increased tenfold¡ªan extraordinary achievement for someone who had just made a breakthrough.


    ¡°He¡¯er, how are you feeling?¡± Kuang Qiu asked in a concerned tone. If there were no issues with the pill, the effects of the Golden Spirit Pill would be too heaven-defying.


    ¡°Father, I¡¯m fine. Not only were my meridians broadened, but my internal organs have also been cleansed. My talent has doubledpared to before!¡± Kuang He smiled happily. When everyone checked Kuang He¡¯s body with their consciousness, they couldn¡¯t discover any toxin, and the effects of the Golden Spirit Pill were the same as what Kuang He had described. The internal structure of his body had been greatly improved after being transformed by the Golden Spirit Pill.


    ¡°Brother Liu, I¡¯m grateful for the pill.¡± Kuang He came over and gave Liu Wuxie a deep bow. A pill like the Golden Spirit Pill couldn¡¯t be found in the market, and it was an opportunity for him to consume one.


    Liu Wuxie nodded in response, indicating that he had a favorable impression of Kuang He. This was likely because Kuang He had not opposed him during their previous encounter at the Thousand Seal Chamber of Commerce.


    ¡°Young Master Liu, I want to buy all the pills. How much do they cost? I won¡¯t haggle, no matter the price,¡± said Ke Wen, rushing forward to grab Liu Wuxie¡¯s attention. He was determined to purchase the remaining fourteen pills before any of the other pavilion masters could make a move.


    ¡°Ke Wen, you¡¯re shameless! How can you buy all fourteen pills?!¡± Che Jiajun rushed over. He grabbed Liu Wuxie¡¯s shoulders and said, ¡°Young Master Liu, I only need one pill. I won¡¯t bargain no matter how much it costs!¡±


    As Ke Wen and Che Jiajun shamelessly fought for the pills, the other pavilion masters looked on in disgust. Chaos soon erupted as they all rushed forward to grab Liu Wuxie, each hoping to obtain a Golden Spirit Pill for themselves. Some grabbed his arms, others his legs, and in themotion, the three judges were pushed out of the way.


    Yun Lan watched in despair as the chaos unfolded. There was no doubt that the Golden Spirit Pill was effective¡ªin fact, its effects far exceeded anyone¡¯s expectations.


    ¡°Why am I born in the same generation as him!¡± Ji Yang smiled bitterly. His alchemy skills had improved greatly over the past year, and he could easily refine third-grade pills. After thispetition, he was nning to head to the Imperial Capital to undertake the test to be a four-star alchemist, but what happened today was a great blow to his confidence.


    ¡°Yang¡¯er, you don¡¯t have to be disheartened. This might be a coincidence, and your alchemy skills are second to none in the Great Yan Dynasty.¡± Shangguan Cai didn¡¯t know how tofort Ji Yang. After all, how could it be a coincidence for Liu Wuxie to refine such a heaven-defying pill with pill runes on them?


    ¡°That¡¯s enough. Look at how you are behaving now! Do you all still look like pavilion masters? Go back to your seats!¡± Master Mao roared, and the venue fell silent. The pavilion masters gathered around Liu Wuxie could only return to their seats helplessly. But before they left, they all gave Liu Wuxie a friendly gaze.


    ¡°Young Master Liu, you must visit Ling City when you¡¯re free!¡± said the pavilion master from Ling City, a woman in her forties. She was pretty good-looking and gave Liu Wuxie a wink. But this only made Liu Wuxie feel goosebumps rising on his skin, as she was old enough to be his mother.


    ¡°Please don¡¯t worry. I will hand the fourteen pills to Pavilion Master Bi, and you can look for him if you want to buy them.¡± Liu Wuxie finally heaved a sigh of relief after everyone left, and he threw the problem to Bi Gongyu. He didn¡¯te to this decision on a momentary impulse but made it after careful consideration.


    The other cities isted Azure Billow City. But with the fourteen pills, this was a good opportunity for them to win the other cities over on their side. If they sold the pills at a low price, those pavilion masters would owe them one, and the number of people who supported Liu Wuxie would increase greatly.


    As for the result of this round, it was undisputed that Liu Wuxie was the first. Ji Yang ranked second, Qin Letian third, Zuo Hong fourth, and so on.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s sharp gaze fell onto Du Mingze, Xiao Mingyi, and Wen Song, causing them to tremble in fright, and they took several steps back instinctively.


    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t the three of you fulfill your bets now?¡± Liu Wuxie said coldly without a hint of emotion in his tone.


    The three men trembled as they looked around, their eyes pleading for support. But no one came to their aid this time. People didn¡¯t want to risk offending a talented alchemist like Liu Wuxie, who was capable of refining pills with runes on them. Even if they couldn¡¯t buy the pills, they still wanted to befriend Liu Wuxie and learn from his alchemy skills.


    Du Mingze turned to look at Mo Shidao, but Mo Shidao turned away. Seeing that his master was unwilling to even look at him, Du Mingze knew that he had been abandoned. If Mo Shidao spoke up now, he would be a public enemy.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, we¡¯ve lost. But it¡¯s still too early to rejoice!¡± Wen Song was the first to go down on his knees. He feared Liu Wuxie¡¯s de that nearly killed Du Mingze the day before.


    ¡°What about the two of you?¡± asked Liu Wuxie, turning his gaze towards Du Mingze and Xiao Mingyi and releasing his soul energy towards them. The two men felt as if they were standing on the edge of a cliff, facing a raging torrent. Their legs buckled involuntarily under the pressure of Liu Wuxie¡¯s golden soul sea, which had grown even stronger. He could easily control the souls of those at the fifth level of the Xiantian Realm, and they were powerless to resist.


    ¡°I¡¯m unconvinced!¡± Xiao Mingyi roared with blood tears rolling down his cheeks. He had clenched his fists so hard that blood dripped down his hands, but no one sympathized with him because he asked for it.


    ¡°Boy, you¡¯re courting death!¡± Yun Lan stepped forward, his palm aimed at Liu Wuxie. Despite being an expert in the Marrow Cleansing Realm, he was willing to attack someone in the Xiantian Realm.


    As Yun Lan unleashed a powerful gale from his palm, Ke Wen reacted faster than Bi Gongyu as he stepped forward and stopped the attack, yelling, ¡°How dare you?!¡±


    When their palms collided, a powerful gust of wind swept outwards, causing the tables and chairs around them to shatter under the force of their attacks.


    ¡°Yun Lan, how dare you? Young Master Liu is a rising star of our Great Yan Dynasty¡¯s alchemy world. Yet, you want to make a move and take his life? Can it be that you¡¯re a spy from other dynasties, wanting to suppress the genius of my Great Yan Dynasty?!¡± Ping Shao, the pavilion master of Eastern Capital, stood up and reprimanded Yun Lan.


    More pavilion masters joined in, condemning Yun Lan for going too far. They had all witnessed the bet and knew that it was only fair to honor it after losing. In an instant, more than twenty pavilion masters had stepped forward to support Liu Wuxie, creating an impressive disy of solidarity.


    Yun Lan was so furious that he wanted to throw out a mouthful of blood in this situation. Because of the Golden Spirit Pills, even the pavilion masters who had a close rtionship with him turned against him.


    ¡°Let everyone here bear witness,¡± dered Che Jiajun, stepping forward. ¡°If anything happens to Young Master Liu in Zen City, we will join forces with the headquarters to ensure that he is punished!¡± Yun Lan trembled at these words as he realized that he had lost.


    Most of the pavilion masters were on Liu Wuxie¡¯s side, and if Yun Lan continued to oppose him, he would have to face theirbined wrath.


    Nangong Qi and Heng Zheng remained silent, their faces pale.


    ¡°I am grateful to all the pavilion masters who have spoken up in my defense,¡± said Liu Wuxie generously. ¡°To show my appreciation, I will give each pavilion master a Golden Spirit Pill.¡± He wasn¡¯t stingy and nned to refine another batch of pills that night. If he could use the support of the pavilion masters to suppress Yun Lan¡¯s faction, why not?


    As for Shangguan Cai and Yun Lan¡¯s faction, there were naturally no Golden Spirit Pills for them, and this made them grit their teeth because Liu Wuxie was too cunning.


    ¡°Then we¡¯ll thank you in advance, Young Master Liu!¡± The twenty-odd pavilion masters cupped their fists with smiles on their faces. They nned to research the Golden Spirit Pill upon receiving it, especially its pill runes. They had a feeling the Golden Spirit Pill could aid them greatly.


    With that, the farce came to an end.


    Before everything was officially over, Ke Wen dragged Bi Gongyu away, saying, ¡°Pavilion Master Bi, it has been a long time since we drank together. I¡¯ll take care of the bill this time. Don¡¯t refuse my offer, or don¡¯t me me for falling out with you.¡± The other pavilion masters followed behind, leaving Shangguan Cai, Li An, and Yun Lan with bitter expressions on their faces.


    In the blink of an eye, everyone was gone.


    When Liu Wuxie left the venue, the sunset shone down on him, making his figure look lonely. The Pill Gathering Pavilion was quiet as everyone had gone out, and only Liu Wuxie returned to the courtyard. Entering his room, he closed his eyes with his consciousness sinking into his dantian.


    Meanwhile, the sapling in Liu Wuxie¡¯s dantian had undergone a drastic transformation after absorbing the wood essence from a hundred herbs. The leaves became more vibrant, and the sapling had grown taller by a huge chunk, giving off dense wood essence.


    Liu Wuxie figured out that the emergence of the pill runes seemed to be closely rted to the sapling. He was intrigued by the sapling, as he had never encountered it before. The Great Deste World had vanished long ago, leaving only a few fragments drifting through the universe. It was astonishing that such a small tree could emit so much wood essence, and Liu Wuxie could only imagine what it would look like when it grew into a towering tree.


    As he circted the Deste Devouring Art, the surrounding spiritual energy poured into his body, and the sapling in his dantian reacted. The leaves slowly spread out to absorb the spiritual energy, which had formed into rain in Liu Wuxie¡¯s dantian.


    After being watered by liquefied spiritual energy, the ground of the world in his dantian exuded an ancient aura, and the purity of Liu Wuxie¡¯s true essence began to rise.

 Chapter 73 - Life-and-Death Match

    <h4>Chapter 73 - Life-and-Death Match</h4>


    The ground in the world in Liu Wuxie¡¯s dantian gave off dense earth element energy, but it was still in the awakening stage.


    Bi Gongyu returnedte at night after distributing the fourteen Golden Spirit Pills. The pavilion masters who didn¡¯t get it stayed outside the courtyard, refusing to leave. Thus, Liu Wuxie had no choice but to refine another cauldron before he managed to send them away.


    In the First Courtyard, more than ten people gritted their teeth in frustration, some even showing signs of despair on their faces. ¡°Pavilion Master Shangguan, you must stand up for us!¡± cried Yun Lan.


    Mo Shidao was seated next to Shangguan Cai, while Nangong Qi and others were seated below them. Du Mingze, Xiao Mingyi, and others sat with their heads bowed in shame, having lost all their dignity that day.


    ¡°You guys are too impatient!¡± Shangguan Cai said after taking a sip of the tea.


    ¡°Pavilion Master Shangguan, stop beating around the bush. Since that kid isn¡¯t tactful and snatched the first spot from Young Master Ji Yang, we must kill him no matter what.¡± Nangong Qi gritted his teeth, looking like he wanted to swallow Liu Wuxie alive.


    They couldn¡¯t act forcefully since most pavilion masters were on Azure Billow City¡¯s side. If they killed Liu Wuxie in public, the three judges would not allow it, let alone the other pavilion masters. They had toe up with a clever n.


    ¡°Tomorrow is the day of his death!¡± Mo Shidao said. Du Mingze was his prized student, but today he had been humiliated by being forced to kneel. This naturally made Mo Shidao feel embarrassed. In the future, he would be aughingstock wherever he went.


    Nangong Qi and Yun Lan¡¯s eyes lit up. Shangguan Cai and Mo Shidao already had a countermeasure to kill Liu Wuxie the next day.


    ¡°That boy is strange. Not only did he receive a perfect score for the first round, but he also managed to refine a heaven-defying pill like the Golden Spirit Pill,plete with pill runes. I¡¯m afraid our odds of winning tomorrow won¡¯t be high.¡± Everyone frowned. After experiencing two consecutive defeats, they knew they had to exercise caution or risk facing a disastrous oue tomorrow.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. I have already nned for tomorrow¡¯s round, and I¡¯ll need their cooperation if I want to kill that boy,¡± said Shangguan Cai with a cruel smile on his lips, gesturing towards Du Mingze, Xiao Mingyi, and Wen Song. In front of others, Shangguan Cai always maintained an ordinary image, and no one would expect him to be such a ruthless person.


    After hearing what Shangguan Cai said, Yun Lan and others stood up. After all, eachpetition segment was strictly controlled, and no one knew any insider information. So the ten pills¡¯ information couldn¡¯t be leaked in advance.


    ¡°Pavilion Master Shangguan, is what you¡¯re saying true?¡± If Shangguan Cai had received the ten pills'' information, they could prepare their answers and catch Liu Wuxie off guard.


    ¡°You guys don¡¯t believe me?¡± Shangguan Cai showed a hint of displeasure. He had long formed a rtionship with the headquarters to ensure that Ji Yang could receive first ce and a fourth-grade pill in thispetition. But Liu Wuxie appeared out of nowhere and disrupted his ns.


    As long as Ji Yang could obtain the fourth-grade pill, he would be able to make a breakthrough and be the youngest four-star alchemist and Marrow Cleansing Realm expert. This would elevate the status of his master, Shangguan Cai, and increase the likelihood of him bing the chief alchemist at the headquarters. However, all of these ns were disrupted by Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°We naturally believe in Pavilion Master Shangguan. Tell us what we must do, and we¡¯ll cooperate fully.¡± Yun Lan patted his chest and gave his assurance. He knew that only Shangguan Cai had a close rtionship with the headquarters. As low-ranking branches, they weren¡¯t particrly weed by the headquarters.


    Their discussion was conducted through voice transmission to prevent their ns from being leaked.


    The next morning, Liu Wuxie¡¯s dantian showed signs of overflowing after an entire night of cultivation. This was a good sign because it meant that Liu Wuxie¡¯s cultivation was infinitely close to the fourth level of the Xiantian Realm. He could use the fourth-grade pill to make a breakthrough in one swoop if he obtained it.


    As Liu Wuxie emerged from the courtyard, he was greeted by many people with a cheerful ¡°Good morning, Young Master Liu!¡± His reception today was vastly different from yesterday. Liu Wuxie calmly returned their greetings, giving the impression that the events of the previous day had not affected him in the slightest. In fact, he had little interest in a low-level alchemypetition like this one. His sole reason for participating was to obtain the fourth-grade pill.


    The group made their way up the stone stairs and hurried to the venue where the final round of thepetition would be held. After thepetition concluded, they would return to Azure Billow City.


    ¡°Brother Liu, wait for me!¡± called Zuo Hong as he caught up and walked alongside Liu Wuxie. The Golden Spirit Pills that Liu Wuxie had refined the previous day had left everyone in shock, and Zuo Hong still found it hard to believe.


    ¡°Is there something you need, Brother Zuo?¡± asked Liu Wuxie, knowing that Zuo Hong wouldn¡¯t have stopped him without a reason.


    ¡°I saw Yun Lan¡¯s group talking for a long time in the First Courtyard, and they¡¯re probablying up with a method to deal with you. You must be careful.¡± Zuo Hong pulled Liu Wuxie to the side and ensured that no one was around before sharing what he had discovered the previous day.


    This made Liu Wuxie frown because those people had not yet learned their lesson. He cupped his fists together. ¡°Thank you, Brother Zuo, for letting me know.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re wee. Your talent is far beyond my reach, and all tricks are nothing before absolute strength,¡± said Zuo Hong, not forgetting to tter Liu Wuxie. He had researched the Golden Spirit Pill the previous night and had greatly benefited from it, significantly improving his skills as an alchemist.


    When they finished speaking, the venue was already packed with people. The audience had arrived two hours early, as this year¡¯spetition was particrly exciting, and news of the Golden Spirit Pill had spread throughout Zen City.


    As everyone took their seats, the three judges exchanged a nce before taking out ten sealed porcin bottles. The contents of the bottles were unknown to them.


    ¡°Today is the final round of thepetition. We have ten types of pills that were not refined by our Treasure Pill Pavilion but by alchemists from other dynasties. We will test you on these pills. All participants must identify the ingredients and effects of these pills,¡± announced one of the judges.


    Participants would be scored based on the uracy of their identification of the ingredients and the effects of the pills.


    Thest round began as Deacon Hua pointed to the ten porcin bottles. Ten tables were ced in the venue with a porcin bottle on each table.


    ¡°Like the previous years, forty participants will line up ording tost year¡¯s rankings. You can only use your eyes and sense of smell to perceive the ingredients of each pill, and everyone is limited to seven minutes.¡±


    Ji Yang was ranked first, and Liu Wuxie was rankedst. Thus, it would take some time before it was his turn. But strangely enough, Ji Yang didn¡¯t head to the first table as though he was waiting for something.


    Suddenly, Yun Lan walked out with a life-and-death waiver.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, I want to sign the life-and-death waiver with you on today¡¯s round. Whoever loses will have to die!¡± Xiao Mingyi said, gritting his teeth. He wanted to use thest round of thispetition to conduct a life-and-death match. This sudden change caught everyone by surprise, including the three judges.


    ¡°Outrageous! You guys are fooling around!¡± Sang Yan roared. The previous day¡¯s bet was aughingstock, and what would others think of thepetition if it progressed into a life-and-death match today? A ce for them to fight?


    ¡°Senior Sang Yan, I believe there is no rule against conducting a life-and-death match in thepetition,¡± argued Yun Lan. ¡°This life-and-death waiver has been approved by Zen City¡¯s City Lord, whose signature is on it. Unless that brat refuses to ept the bet, the waiver is already in effect.¡± Yun Lan hade out today with the intention of killing Liu Wuxie to vent his anger.


    ¡°Yun Lan must¡¯ve gone insane!¡± The other pavilion masters discussed among themselves, but no one intervened this time. It wasn¡¯t because they didn¡¯t want to defend Liu Wuxie, but it was because Yun Lan hade prepared with the life-and-death waiver. If Liu Wuxie refused the bet, the life-and-death waiver would be invalidated. But Liu Wuxie¡¯s reputation would be greatly affected in the future, and everyone would call him a coward.


    ¡°Yun Lan, you¡¯ve gone too far! Why should we sign the life-and-death waiver?!¡± protested Bi Gongyu on behalf of Liu Wuxie. After all, Liu Wuxie could obtain first ce if he performed well in this round.


    ¡°It looks like you guys are afraid. Well, I can give up on the life-and-death match if he goes down on his knees and kowtows,¡± Yun Lan sneered.


    An uproar burst out from the observation area. They thought that they had seen everything in thispetition, but they never expected a life-and-death match to take ce in thepetition.


    The Kuang n was furious when they saw this scene. After all, Kuang He was in seclusion because of the great benefits from the Golden Spirit Pill he had taken yesterday, and his cultivation was rising rapidly.


    ¡°Master Mao, say something. This is an alchemypetition, and someone is deliberately trying to disrupt it. I suggest having him removed!¡± Bi Gongyu turned to Master Mao for support. He was determined to protect Liu Wuxie, as he owed him a great debt. Thanks to the Golden Spirit Pills refined by Liu Wuxie, Bi Gongyu had made many friends among the pavilion masters, allowing Azure Billow City to quickly catch up with Serene Tomb City.


    ¡°Master Mao, what should we do?¡± Sang Yan also felt a headache. They were all pavilion masters from various cities, and they were prideful. So who could ept their disciples going down on their knees twice in a row?


    ¡°There are no rules that forbid a life-and-death match in thepetition, and the decision rests with the parties involved. The life-and-death match wouldn¡¯t take effect if they were unwilling to participate.¡± Master Mao expressed his opinion, which favored Yun Lan¡¯s side. This instantly made everyone wear a weird expression. After all, shouldn¡¯t Liu Wuxie be protected as a genius in alchemy?


    Only Liu Wuxie wore a smile as he nced at Shangguan Cai, who remained calm andposed. He knew all this had something to do with Shangguan Cai, including the change in Master Mao¡¯s attitude.


    ¡°Brat, you hear that? No one says a life-and-death match isn¡¯t allowed in thepetition. If you don¡¯t dare, it¡¯s still not toote to go down on your knees.¡± Yun Lan wore a sinister smile.


    Nangong Qi, Heng Zheng, and others also smiled because they were finally getting revenge for the humiliation they suffered for the past two days.


    ¡°A life-and-death match?¡± Liu Wuxie smacked his lips together and held onto his chin. He wore a harmless smile, but there was murderous intent shing in the depth of his eyes. Since these people were courting death, he would naturally fulfill their wishes. He said, ¡°I don¡¯t mind taking on the bet, but I have one condition.¡±

 Chapter 74 - This Is Impossible!

    <h4>Chapter 74 - This Is Impossible!</h4>


    The entire venue fell into deathly silence as soon as Liu Wuxie finished speaking. Since Yun Lan dared to take out the life-and-death waiver, he must¡¯ve made all the preparations. Although they didn¡¯t know what Yun Lan was nning, his confidence suggested that something must have happened the previous night.


    ¡°Go on. What conditions do you have?¡± Yun Lan smiled. As long as Liu Wuxie agreed to the life-and-death match, he would fulfill whatever condition Liu Wuxie had.


    ¡°Include the two of them along!¡± Liu Wuxie pointed at Du Mingze and Wen Song. ¡°If I win, all three of them have to die.¡±


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s condition was straightforward.


    ¡°Why should we? Who are you to bet on the three of our lives alone?¡± Wen Song interjected. He was naturally the first to disagree because the stakes weren¡¯t fair.


    ¡°You guys don¡¯t dare?¡± Liu Wuxie sneered.


    ¡°I can agree to your condition, but I must add another condition. If we win, not only do you have to die, but you also have to hand over the refining method of the Golden Spirit Pill,¡± Yun Lan said. He had achieved his goal now, killing two birds with one stone.


    Everyone around them finally understood Yun Lan¡¯s n. Not only did he want to kill Liu Wuxie, but he also wanted the refining method for the Golden Spirit Pill. He had anticipated that Liu Wuxie might not agree to a life-and-death match if it was just Xiao Mingyi alone, so he had set this trap and waited for Liu Wuxie to fall into it.


    ¡°Let¡¯s sign the life-and-death waiver then!¡± Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t be bothered to waste time with them as four life-and-death waivers were quickly submitted. Clearly, Yun Lan came prepared.


    Under everyone¡¯s gazes, Liu Wuxie, Xiao Mingyi, Du Mingze, and Wen Song signed the life-and-death waivers. The moment they signed the waivers, they would be in effect, and not even Shangguan Cai could stop it. The losing party would have to die with no way out.


    A mysterious power enveloped the four of them, a result of the life-and-death waivers taking effect.


    When the four returned to their positions, Ji Yang finally stepped forth and walked to the first table. He picked up the porcin bottle, checked the pill, and poured it into his palm. He was trying to analyze the ingredients and effects of this pill, relying on his knowledge.


    Each person was only given seven minutes, but Ji Yang only used three minutes for the first pill and swiftly wrote down his answer before moving on to the following table. After him were Qin Letian, Zuo Hong, Gu Yongshuang, and so on. Even after the first batch was done, it still wasn¡¯t Liu Wuxie¡¯s turn.


    ¡°The third round this year is really tough. I¡¯ve never seen many of them before.¡± The alchemists, who were done analyzing, gathered together to discuss the result among themselves.


    ¡°Yeah. I gave up on four pills,¡± everyone sighed.


    A few hourster, thest ten participants finally got their turn, with Liu Wuxie being thest as they walked to the first table. Everyone else was practically done as they nced at Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie picked up the first porcin bottle and poured the pill out from it. He raised it to his nose and took a whiff before sneering. ¡°As expected, there¡¯s a problem with it!¡±


    As Liu Wuxie¡¯s golden soul sea began to spin, a strange energy flowed from his right eye to the pill in his hand. A peculiar scene unfolded as the pill was analyzed in his hand, and the herbs used to refine it appeared before him, hovering in the air. The effect and portion of each herb was fully revealed to him.


    Through the first and second rounds of thepetition, Liu Wuxie had noticed that his golden soul sea had grown stronger when the mysterious sapling was awakened.


    In his previous life, Liu Wuxie had practiced the Ghost Eye technique, but it did not have this function, and it was a means to unleash a form of soul attack. However, after the mysterious liquid transformed his body from within the cauldron, the Ghost Eye underwent significant changes.


    Liu Wuxie withdrew the Ghost Eye technique, and the hovering herbs disappeared from view. He then began to write down his answer.


    ¡°What is he trying to do? He has written for so long, and he¡¯s still not done with the first pill?¡± came a faint mocking voice from a distance. The first pill should have been the easiest, but Liu Wuxie was still writing after a long time.


    ¡°He¡¯s probably just stalling for time on purpose!¡± came another burst of mockery. But Liu Wuxie remained indifferent, holding his brush and paper as he walked towards the second table. As before, he used the Ghost Eye technique to analyze all the herbs used in the pill, and the herbs used to refine it appeared before him, along with the pill¡¯s name.


    ¡°The Ghost Eye is too powerful. Shangguan Cai could never have imagined that I would possess such a formidable skill!¡± thought Liu Wuxie with a devilish smile on his lips. Even if someone had leaked information about the ten pills, it wouldn¡¯t affect him because they could only know some of the pills¡¯ effects at best.


    As time passed, Liu Wuxie¡¯s speed increased. In just two hours, he had reached thest table, and it was already close to dusk. When he finished writing down the information for thest pill, he put down his brush and paper, indicating that he hadpleted the task.


    ¡°May we have the three judges grade the answers!¡± announced Deacon Hua, intending to collect the answers and have them graded by the three judges, as was customary every year.


    ¡°Hold on!¡± Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t hand over his answers and stopped Deacon Hua. He was practically certain that Shangguan Cai had bribed the three judges.


    ¡°Do you have anything else you want to add on?¡± Deacon Hua asked, looking at Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°I do have a request,¡± said Liu Wuxie. ¡°I ask that the three judges take out the answers and post them on a board along with the participants¡¯ answers below. That way, everyone present can grade them together.¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s request was simple: open scoring. With the standard answers avable, everyone present could participate in the grading process.


    ¡°I support Young Master Liu¡¯s suggestion. It¡¯s fairer this way,¡± said Kuang Qiu, standing up to support Liu Wuxie. ¡°After all, this involves a life-and-death match for four people, and we can¡¯t afford any loopholes.¡±


    Everyone could sense that something was fishy about Yun Lan¡¯s sudden proposal of a life-and-death match, and the Kuang n owed Liu Wuxie one for Kuang He¡¯s breakthrough.


    ¡°I also support Young Master Liu!¡± Ke Wen stood up to support Liu Wuxie. After him, more pavilion masters stood up, requesting public scoring.


    ¡°Are you questioning our integrity as judges?¡± asked Sang Yan, clearly displeased as this was not ording to the rules.


    ¡°Not at all,¡± replied Liu Wuxie. ¡°Since a life-and-death match has been introduced into thispetition, I don¡¯t believe my request is unreasonable.¡± His words were logical. Since the judges had not stopped the life-and-death match, they should not object to his suggestion unless they had something to hide.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. This round involves a life-and-death match, and I agree that public scoring is the fairest option!¡± Bi Gongyu argued in favor of public scoring, so that everyone present could witness it.


    The three judges also didn¡¯t expect so many people to support Liu Wuxie, and they soon decided after a brief discussion. Sang Yan said, ¡°We¡¯ve unanimously decided to conduct public scoring, and everyone present can score the answers together!¡±


    After all, if they didn¡¯t agree to it, they would appear guilty, and they had no choice now but to post the standard answers on the board.


    ¡°Participants, please post your answers on the board,¡± Deacon Hua said. The wooden board was soon covered with answers, with Ji Yang being the first to post his answers. Shortly after, Deacon Hua posted the standard answers at the top of the board; everyone could see them at first nce. The standard answers included the names, forms, and effects of the pills involved in thepetition.


    Xiao Mingyi and Du Mingze couldn¡¯t hide their smiles as they looked at the standard answers, trying their best to contain theirughter.


    As everyone from the observation area came down, thirty-five pavilion masters stood before the wooden board to verify the answers. Some people had simr answers to the standard ones, while some were pretty different.


    ¡°Young Master Ji Yang is impressive. His answers are close to 90% of the standard answers.¡± A burst of exmation came from the crowd. This kind of situation had never happened before in previous years, and it was impressive if someone coulde as close to 70% with the standard answers.


    Many of the pills used in this year¡¯spetition were newly created, and their effects and forms had not yet been made public. The Great Yan Dynasty obtained the forms through exchange with other dynasties, who also held simrpetitions and exchanged forms with the Great Yan Dynasty to promote the exchange of knowledge about pills. Even with the forms, it was impossible to refine the pills without the proper refining technique.


    ¡°Young Master Qin Letian isn¡¯t bad either, achieving 70% uracy,¡± said someone as theypared the answers. Despite the significant difference from Ji Yang¡¯s answers, Qin Letian¡¯s were not bad. As they continued topare, they found that Yan Ruyu¡¯s answers were 50% urate, which gave an idea of how tough this year¡¯spetition was.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on? Why are Du Mingze, Xiao Mingyi, and Wen Song¡¯s answers simr to Ji Yang''s? This is ridiculous!¡± Many people focused on Du Mingze and Xiao Mingyi¡¯s answers as this concerned the life and death of Liu Wuxie. But they were stumped when they saw their answers because the coincidence was too great.


    The pavilion masters began to look at each other with disbelief. Could this be a coincidence?


    The fact that they weren¡¯t together during thepetition and didn¡¯t have the opportunity to exchange answers suggested that there was only one possibility: they knew the answers beforehand. This would exin why their answers were the same, especially for Wen Song, whose standards were well known. If he had obtained 10% uracy on his own, it would have been a heaven-defying feat.


    Thus, everyone couldn¡¯t help turning to look at the three judges. Sang Yan also noticed the serious issue because the answers were divided into three parts. Master Mao held answers to four pills, while Sang Yan and Zhou Xinsheng each held answers to three.


    So there was only one possibility: the headquarters had leaked the answers before thepetition. But pursuing it was no longer important as the round involved the life and death of four participants.


    Bi Gongyu swayed and almost copsed, as it was practically impossible for Liu Wuxie to win, relying on his answers alone. But everyone carried on looking down because it was time to determine Liu Wuxie¡¯s fate.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, prepare to die!¡± shouted Wen Song impatiently, jumping up and eager to trample Liu Wuxie under his feet.


    ¡°You think you can beat me since you have the correct answers? What a joke,¡± Liu Wuxie sneered. Others might not dare to speak out, but he wasn¡¯t one of them. He had no taboos, and it didn¡¯t matter who leaked the answers because these three would be dead people soon enough.


    ¡°Trying to struggle? Let me see how you¡¯ll dieter!¡± Xiao Mingyi sneered. There was no evidence to prove that the answers were leaked to them beforehand. So it didn¡¯t matter, even if someone suspected it. After all, who would offend the headquarters for Liu Wuxie?


    ¡°This is impossible!¡± An exmation interrupted everyone. Yun Lan was the first to look at Liu Wuxie¡¯s answers, and he jumped after seeing them.

 Chapter 75 - Blade Intent

    <h4>Chapter 75 - de Intent</h4>


    Yun Lan¡¯s exmation drew everyone¡¯s attention. When they followed his line of sight, Shangguan Cai squinted his eyes.


    ¡°What exquisite answers. Are the answers really his?¡± Ke Wen asked in disbelief. When theypared Liu Wuxie¡¯s answers with the standard answers, his answers were even more urate and brilliant than the standard ones.


    Che Jiajun was amazed. ¡°Incredible! He not only listed the names of all ten pills correctly, but he even included the years and herbs used to refine them!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s answers were not only brilliant but also incredibly detailed. Compared to Ji Yang¡¯s 90% uracy, Liu Wuxie¡¯s answers were 120% urate, as he even included the refining methods for the pills.


    The standard answers only had the names of the pills and herbs required to refine them. As for the refining method, they wouldn¡¯t be disclosed easily. It was like knowing the recipe for amon snack but needing the technique to create different vors. The same applied to pills.


    The pills originated from surrounding dynasties and were exchanged with the Great Yan Dynasty using their form. Even the three judges were unaware of the refining methods and were unable to produce the pills themselves.


    Everyone¡¯s gazes changed when they looked at Liu Wuxie again. Their eyes showed a hint of awe and a trace of fear. Liu Wuxie was too terrifying, and he made them all feel a chill down their spines.


    Du Mingze¡¯s face was ashen, and he copsed on the ground, sweat soaking his clothes. On the other hand, Xiao Mingyi¡¯s body trembled as he leaned on the nearest table to prevent himself from falling. As for Wen Song, he was so terrified that he nearly peed his pants and found an opportunity to escape.


    ¡°Three judges, what do you think?¡± Ke Wen asked, seeking the three judges¡¯ opinions. Judging from the answers, Liu Wuxie¡¯s answers even surpassed Ji Yang''s. His answers were more detailed, and he even wrote down the names of the pills.


    The three judges wore bitter smiles, as Liu Wuxie had requested public scoring to prevent them from refuting his answers.


    ¡°He must¡¯ve cheated! Even if he knew the names of the pills, how could he know the refining method for those pills? Someone must¡¯ve secretly told him the answers, and he must¡¯ve fabricated the refining method!¡± Yun Lan jumped up and questioned Liu Wuxie¡¯s answers.


    ¡°That¡¯s right! He must¡¯ve cheated!¡± Nangong Qi followed behind. After all, Liu Wuxie¡¯s answers were even more urate than the standard answers, leading to suspicions of cheating.


    ¡°What a joke. You guys use us just because our answers are better than yours? So are you saying that someone from the headquarters leaked the answers to Azure Billow City?¡± Bi Gongyu sneered. He wasn¡¯t afraid of an investigation, as it would be easy to determine which side cheated. Azure Billow City had nothing to fear, but someone would be afraid and doomed if they were investigated.


    ¡°The three of us have unanimously decided that Liu Wuxie¡¯s answers are the most urate among the participants, which means he has won first ce in this round!¡± Master Mao dered the final result. After three days ofpetition, Liu Wuxie won with a crushing advantage.


    Liu Wuxie vanished when the result was announced and reappeared before Du Mingze, Xiao Mingyi, and Wen Song, his de in hand emitting a sharp aura. ¡°So, do you want tomit suicide, or do you need my help?¡± he asked.


    The surrounding atmosphere suddenly became dense, with everyone holding their breaths. After all, there had never been deaths in the pastpetitions, and that record would break today.


    ¡°We¡¯ll go at him together!¡± Du Mingze gritted his teeth and drew his sword. Xiao Mingyi and Wen Song naturally wanted to struggle and joined Du Mingze.


    ¡°Do you think you will stand a chance trying to gang up on me?¡± Liu Wuxie sneered as three afterimages appeared, charging at the three of them. Yun Lan and Nangong Qi wanted to stop Liu Wuxie, but it was toote.


    ¡°Momentous Gleam!¡± Liu Wuxie unleashed a terrifying de aura, enveloping the entire venue with his de aura. His de aura surrounded the three, and he vanished from sight.


    ¡°Shit!¡± Du Mingze began swinging his sword around frantically, losing his reason.


    ¡°Master, save me!¡± Xiao Mingyi cried out for help. He didn¡¯t want to die, but they were unable to move as death approached.


    ¡°Brat, I¡¯ll kill you if you dare to kill them!¡± Yun Lan charged over, wanting to save the three of them. But everything happened quickly, and it was toote for him to stop Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°No one can save those I want to kill!¡± Liu Wuxie dered as he unleashed three de waves. Three heads flew into the air and exploded, blood raining down on the ground.


    Yun Lan lost allposure at the sight of his prized disciple being killed before him. ¡°ARGGGH! I¡¯ll kill you!¡± he roared, charging at Liu Wuxie like a wild lion.


    Bi Gongyu dashed forward, trying to block Yun Lan¡¯s attack on Liu Wuxie. ¡°Yun Lan, how dare you?!¡± he cried. But it was toote, as Yun Lan had already drawn his sword and aimed it at Liu Wuxie¡¯s neck using a tricky sword technique.


    Liu Wuxie remained calm, raising his de to the sky and unleashing a powerful de intent that tore apart the clouds. ¡°No one can kill me!¡± he dered. He had been suppressing his de intent, waiting for a satisfying battle to release it.


    Wang Hongcai stepped back in shock. ¡°de intent! He¡¯sprehended de intent!¡± he eximed. It was unbelievable that someone as young as Liu Wuxie had achieved such a feat, while those of the older generation had struggled for decades without sess. Had the world evolved so they could no longer keep up with it?


    ¡°What terrifying de intent!¡± Ke Wen¡¯s face changed drastically. The aura that Liu Wuxie gave off was so terrifying that it made everyone¡¯s heart tremble. They couldn¡¯t bear the pressure of Liu Wuxie¡¯s de intent and quickly retreated.


    As for Shangguan Cai, a grave look shed across his eyes. After all, it wasn¡¯t hard for anyone to figure out that the leak of the answers had a great connection with him, and he didn¡¯t know if it was a good or a bad thing to offend such a formidable foe. The fact that Liu Wuxie hadprehended de intent meant that there was a high chance he could be a grandmaster in the future.


    On the other hand, Yun Lan was caught in the momentum of his attack, and Liu Wuxie¡¯s de intent firmly locked onto him.


    Lin Wuxie executed Ghost Eye, and he could see every variation in Yun Lan¡¯s movement technique. His attack forced air topress and expand when he swung his de down, causing an air explosion with a shockwave spreading out.


    Yun Lan¡¯s attack was deflected, causing the ground to explode and sending fragments of bs flying in all directions. Everyone scrambled for cover behind the tables, but some were caught off guard as the tables exploded, and those with lower cultivation levels were injured, coughing up blood.


    A dark cloud descended over the venue, and two figures emerged, the sky turning red.


    Liu Wuxie coughed up a mouthful of blood, his face bing pale, and he smashed into the observation area with his sleeves exploding from his true essence.


    Yun Lan didn¡¯t feel good either as he took ten-odd steps back before he managed to regain his stability. He was in the Marrow Cleansing Realm, and his attack earlier was enough to kill an expert in the Spirit Cleansing Realm.


    Nangong Qi showed a hint of panic. ¡°How is it possible that he survived a full-strength attack from a Marrow Cleansing Realm expert?¡± he eximed. Even someone in the Spirit Cleansing Realm would have struggled to withstand Yun Lan¡¯s attack, yet Liu Wuxie had managed to survive, albeit with heavy injuries.


    The pavilion masters present were shocked.


    ¡°de intent, I didn¡¯t expect de intent to be so powerful!¡± In the end, Liu Wuxie¡¯s Ghost Eye and de intent allowed him to avoid the fatal blow of Yun Lan¡¯s attack.


    ¡°A monstrous genius! He¡¯s a monstrous genius! He¡¯s only eighteen, and his alchemy skills far surpassed those of the older generation, not to mention he¡¯s also a genius in martial cultivation. His name would probably spread throughout the Great Yan Dynasty in a few days!¡± Che Jiajun muttered. Such a genius couldn''t conceal himself, and Liu Wuxie would soar to the sky sooner orter.


    Ji Yang stood in the distance, clenching his fists with veins bulging on his forehead. His eyes were filled with murderous intent as he couldn¡¯t bear the thought of anyone surpassing him in the Great Yan Dynasty.


    Liu Wuxie coughed as he clutched his chest. He swallowed a Heavenly Spirit Pill to suppress his injuries. As he circted the Deste Devouring Art, the spiritual energy in the atmosphere began pouring into him. As ten-odd droplets of liquid flowed out from the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron, Liu Wuxie recovered his injuries in the blink of an eye.


    Bi Gongyu¡¯s face darkened as he stepped forward to confront Yun Lan. ¡°How dare you, Yun Lan?! They signed the life-and-death waiver, and Liu Wuxie won fair and square. They deserved their fate, yet you, as a senior, attacked a junior. You are unworthy of being a pavilion master!¡± he dered, standing protectively in front of Liu Wuxie.


    Yun Lan was speechless, his face turning pale with anger. He knew that Bi Gongyu was right¡ªthey had signed the waiver, and their lives were no longer their own.


    Li An, the host of thepetition, stepped in to defuse the situation. ¡°Let¡¯s put an end to this. Young Master Liu is unharmed, and the three have been punished. Let¡¯s leave it at that,¡± he said, addressing everyone with a respectful bow.


    Yun Lan had missed his chance for revenge and knew that if he continued to attack, he would be besieged by everyone present. He could only grit his teeth and wait for another opportunity. The tables and chairs had been destroyed in the chaos, leaving everyone standing amidst the ruins.


    Sang Yan was eager to move on and quickly announced the distribution of rewards for thepetition. ¡°The first ce winner will receive a fourth-grade pill, while the second and third ce winners will each receive a third-grade pill,¡± he said, producing the rewards.


    Ji Yang and Qin Letian were not interested in the third-grade pills as rewards, as they were three-star alchemists who could refine third-grade pills themselves. Only the fourth-grade pill, which was awarded to Liu Wuxie, caught their attention.


    When Liu Wuxie received the porcin bottle containing the fourth-grade pill, he immediately swallowed it. Many people coveted the fourth-grade pill, so the best way to keep it safe was to consume it directly. With the help of the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron, Liu Wuxie could easily refine fourth-grade pills. As soon as he consumed the pill, its energy exploded within him, and Liu Wuxie began to make a breakthrough to the fourth level of the Xiantian Realm.

 Chapter 76 - Fourth Level of the Xiantian Realm

    <h4>Chapter 76 - Fourth Level of the Xiantian Realm</h4>


    After a few days of cultivation, there were already signs of the true essence overflowing from Liu Wuxie¡¯s dantian. As Liu Wuxie¡¯s aura suddenly rose, a violent shockwave swept out, and no one could get close to him.


    ¡°Is he insane? That¡¯s the fourth-grade pill! Isn¡¯t he afraid of killing himself from the energy explosion within his body?!¡± Kuang Zhan eximed in shock.


    Fourth-grade pills could only be refined by alchemists in the Marrow Cleansing Realm, and the energy contained was massive. It could only be consumed after reaching thete phase of the Spirit Cleansing Realm. The fact that Ji Yang had gone so far as to threaten Liu Wuxiete at night showed just how valuable fourth-grade pills were.


    Ke Wen and the others stood at a distance, shocked by the powerful energy fluctuations emanating from Liu Wuxie. ¡°The aura has far exceeded that of the Spirit Cleansing Realm!¡± they eximed.


    Everyone wore simr expressions of disbelief. Only a lunatic would consume a fourth-grade pill while in the Xiantian Realm, but Liu Wuxie had already proven himself over the past three days to be capable of such unbelievable feats.


    As Liu Wuxie released a shockwave, spiritual energy from within tens of thousands of meters began pouring into his body as if a giant beast was devouring it. The Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron quickly converted the energy into a liquid and filled his dantian.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s aura began to climb like a wild horse breaking free from the rein. With his eyes closed, the Deste Devouring Art was like a stormy wave coursing through his meridians with true energy reaching each inch of his skin.


    As the mysterious sapling in his dantian absorbed the condensed spiritual energy from the surrounding atmosphere, it grew taller by several inches and released an even denser wood essence.


    ¡°Break!¡± Liu Wuxie roared, breaking through the shackles in the third level of the Xiantian Realm and reaching the fourth level of the Xiantian Realm. As his aura climbed, more spiritual energy gathered from the surroundings.


    Liu Wuxie swallowed all the Heavenly Spirit Pills on him and the few remaining Golden Spirit Pills. But even after swallowing so many pills, it couldn¡¯t satisfy his need for true essence.


    Looking at Liu Wuxie, Ji Yang¡¯s gaze became grave because an ordinary person¡¯s dantian couldn¡¯t contain so much true essence. So, he began to wonder how Liu Wuxie managed to aplish it.


    ¡°That¡¯s too terrifying. No wonder he can easily fight those with higher cultivation than him!¡± Che Jiajun finally understood that Liu Wuxie¡¯s powerful true essence enabled him to fight those with higher cultivation than them.


    Many people in the Spirit Cleansing Realm were present but couldn¡¯t absorb much spiritual energy. If they did, their bodies would blow apart, and they would die before they could make a breakthrough.


    ¡°What a monster. Not only does he have a monstrous talent in alchemy, but also in martial cultivation. How can ordinary people like us live in the future?¡± Zuo Hong sighed. There was no way they couldpare themselves with Liu Wuxie, and it was frustrating.


    Many people thought they were geniuses in alchemy and couldpensate for theirck of talent in martial cultivation. But Liu Wuxie¡¯s appearance left them feeling bitter. They couldn¡¯t understand how someone could excel in so many professions at once.


    Amid the surrounding discussion, Liu Wuxie spent two hours stabilizing his cultivation. The moment he opened his eyes, two gleams shed in his eyes, causing the surrounding air to fluctuate.


    <i>What a powerful aura!</i> Qin Letian was inwardly shocked by the aura emanating from Liu Wuxie. The entire world seemed to have changed when Liu Wuxie opened his eyes.


    As Liu Wuxie¡¯s aura subsided, he retracted it into his body, appearing like an ordinary person once again. But no one dared to meet his gaze, feeling as if they were being preyed upon by a fearsome beast.


    When the skypletely darkened, everyone began to leave one after another.


    ¡°Young Master Liu, we must take our leave now. We hope to meet again in the future!¡± Some nned to return to their cities overnight, while others decided to stay in Zen City for the night before setting off the next day.


    Liu Wuxie returned their greetings, knowing that befriending so many people would be beneficial for his growth and experience.


    ¡°Young Master Liu, this is the medal of the Treasure Pill Pavilion. If you ever visit Imperial City, you can use it to go anywhere, regardless of purchasing pills or herbs. You will also get a 20% discount.¡± Master Mao took out a medal and gave it to Liu Wuxie. He naturally felt bad for what had happened during thepetition and used the medal aspensation.


    Both parties understood the unspoken meaning behind the gesture and remained silent. Liu Wuxie epted the medal without hesitation, knowing he would eventually have to visit Imperial City. His cultivation required a vast amount of resources, as evidenced by his recent breakthrough, and it was inevitable that he would join the Imperial Academy.


    After bidding farewell to everyone, Bi Gongyu briefly chatted with the other pavilion masters before departing with Liu Wuxie for Azure Billow City. However, this was merely the calm before the storm. The leak of thepetition¡¯s answers before the event was not good news.


    ¡°Pavilion Master, I suspect that Shangguan Cai is behind the leak of the answers. After all, Yun Lan couldn¡¯t have obtained them from headquarters,¡± Lei Tao said as he drove the carriage.


    ¡°Everyone knows about it, but no one said it out loud. This concerned the reputation of the headquarters, and I¡¯ll investigate it if there¡¯s a chance in the future,¡± Bi Gongyu said with a cold light shing across his eyes. He wasn¡¯t a pushover, not to mention they nearly fell into the trap.


    ¡°Since they want to kill me, I will investigate this matter myself,¡± Liu Wuxie said. He would investigate this matter since he nned to go to Imperial City sooner orter. After getting his answers, he wouldn¡¯t let Shangguan Cai go.


    As the carriage sped along the road, they expected to arrive in Azure Billow City by tomorrow afternoon at thetest.


    Bi Gongyu expressed his concern, ¡°Wuxie, are you worried about the Xu n?¡± The Tian and Wan ns had wanted to kill Liu Wuxie back in the colosseum, but Master Huo had bought him one month¡¯s time. With only two days left until the deadline and Liu Wuxie not in Azure Billow City, it was natural for him to be worried about the Xu n.


    Liu Wuxie frowned, ¡°I have a bad feeling.¡± The Tian and Wan ns shouldn¡¯t pose a threat to the Xu n with Xu Yilin around, but the oil mill had caught fire before he left Azure Billow City, which wasn¡¯t good news. Things could be troublesome if the Xue n got involved andunched an attack on the Xu n ahead of time.


    After all, Xu n has already fallen out with the Tian and Wan ns. If they received Xue n¡¯s support, they would destroy the Xu n at all costs.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. Nothing will happen. Before we left Azure Billow City, I told Old Huo to rush over as soon as possible if something were to happen to the Xu n, and we¡¯ll make it back by tomorrow afternoon,¡± Bi Gongyuforted. Azure Billow City had been peaceful for many years, and the two ns wouldn¡¯t dare to act rashly.


    The carriage¡¯s wheels produced a series of noises as it rolled on the ground. Liu Wuxie suddenly felt restless, sensing that a crisis was approaching. ¡°Fuck! Get out of the carriage!¡± he shouted, leaping out of the carriage through the roof, followed by Bi Gongyu, who created arge hole in the process.


    A series of rumbling sounds came from the ground as the four horses flew to the sky and were blown to pieces. But fortunately, Lei Tao reacted quickly and jumped into the bush nearby when the carriage exploded. Even if he reacted fast enough, Lei Tao still suffered injuries to his right arm, with his entire arm covered in blood.


    Someone had buried gunpowder underground. The gunpowder wasn¡¯t powerful enough to kill anyone, but it could inflict serious injuries on an ordinary Xiantian Realm cultivator.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s face was gloomy as he stood on arge tree by the roadside, wondering who had buried gunpowder to target them.


    Bi Gongyu helped Lei Tao up to his feet; his face was terrifyingly dark. He swept his gaze around and heard rustling sounds from the dense forest in the distance.


    ¡°Who is it?! Stop hiding and get out!¡± A terrifying murderous intent swept out from Bi Gongyu. Fortunately, Liu Wuxie had discovered the threat in time, or the consequences would have been disastrous. Even if the explosion wouldn¡¯t have killed them, it was enough to injure them.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect you to be so lucky to discover the gunpowder we buried in advance.¡± Twenty-odd figures emerged from the dense forest, and this voice was familiar. They had heard this voice that day, but they didn¡¯t expect to meet again so soon.


    ¡°Yun Lan! It¡¯s you!¡± Bi Gongyu narrowed his eyes. He didn¡¯t expect Yun Lan to ambush them.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. It¡¯s me. You will die tonight!¡± Yun Lan wore a sinister expression. After all, his disciple was killed, and he was embarrassed back in Zen City. He wouldn¡¯t let this matter go so easily without having Liu Wuxie killed.


    The twenty-odd people came out and surrounded Liu Wuxie, Bi Gongyu, and Lei Tao, blocking all their retreat paths.


    ¡°I¡¯m curious. We left almost simultaneously, so how could you have the extra time to bury the gunpowder here and arrive one step before us?¡± Bi Gongyu asked in a low voice. After thepetition ended, they left immediately without dy because they feared being ambushed along the way. But they didn¡¯t expect that Yun Lan was still one step ahead of them with twenty-odd people waiting for them.


    ¡°Since you¡¯ll die today, I don¡¯t mind telling you. We already sent people to bury gunpowder here yesterday. As for the two of us, there¡¯s a shortcut from Zen City to Azure Billow City, and I have to thank Pavilion Master Shangguan for telling me about it. After all, only very few people know about this shortcut.¡±


    The shortcut was rarely used, and most people wouldn¡¯t know about it. Every time Bi Gongyu came to Zen City, he would take the official path, so he naturally didn¡¯t know about the shortcut.


    ¡°Sure enough, this is all Shangguan Cai¡¯s conspiracy. He¡¯s the one who gave you the answer on thest round, right?¡± Bi Gongyu nodded, and all the mysteries were solved. Even if Liu Wuxie hadn¡¯t won this round, Shangguan Cai had no intentions of letting them return to Azure Billow City alive so that the matter of Shangguan Cai threatening them wouldn¡¯t leak out. Thus, there had already been an ambush here since yesterday.


    ¡°Hmph! You can only me yourselves for seizing the first spot from Pavilion Master Shangguan.¡± Yun Lan let out a sinister smile as his sword emitted a faint radiance in the dark.


    But throughout the process, Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t say a word and only watched their performance quietly.


    Yun Lan and Nangong Qi were in the Marrow Cleansing Realm and in the same cultivation as Bi Gongyu. It was hard for Bi Gongyu to stop the two by himself, not to mention there were also twenty-four men in the Spirit Cleansing Realm. Lei Tao was only in the Xiantian Realm, and there was no way he could face so many enemies alone.


    As long as Bi Gongyu was restrained, these people could easily take Liu Wuxie¡¯s life.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you afraid I¡¯ll escape alive after you¡¯ve told me so much?¡± Bi Gongyu challenged them furiously. ¡°All I have to do is report this to headquarters, and it will be enough to strip you of your position as pavilion master.¡± He was angry at their despicable means of achieving their goals.


    ¡°You won¡¯t have the opportunity. Do you think you can escape alive with the two of us joining hands together?¡± Yun Lan sneered as he approached.


    The twenty-four men made a gesture as they surrounded Liu Wuxie.

 Chapter 77 - Fight

    <h4>Chapter 77 - Fight</h4>


    As Liu Wuxie leaped down from the tree, he was surrounded by twenty-four men dressed in ck clothes. ¡°Boy, do you want to take your life yourself, or do you need us to help you?¡±


    Lei Tao had lost the ability to fight, and he barely stopped his right arm from bleeding. If he fought rashly, his wounds would tear open. Despite this, he held his de with his left hand, ready to join the fight.


    ¡°Are you Shangguan Cai¡¯s men?¡± Liu Wuxie asked coldly. They were masked, and he couldn¡¯t see their facial features.


    ¡°Talking so much even when death is imminent? Die!¡± The ck-clothed men dashed over, drawing their des and unleashing a powerful de aura. As faint moonlight shone down from the sky, the darkness didn¡¯t affect everyone¡¯s sight, although it wasn¡¯t as bright as the day.


    The twenty-four men ranged from the fifth to eighth level of the Xiantian Realm. Even someone in the pinnacle of the Spirit Cleansing Realm would have difficulty putting on defenses facing the barrage of attacks from them.


    Lei Tao held onto his de, prepared to join the battle. But right then, Liu Wuxie¡¯s stern voice sounded, ¡°You stand guard and prevent anyone from escaping.


    After Liu Wuxie finished speaking, he left an afterimage, dodging the iing attack that left a huge crater in the ground with gravel flying around.


    Yun Lan and Nangong Qi had not yet acted, and they surrounded Bi Gongyu, blocking his escape route. They intended to act after Liu Wuxie¡¯s death, but they were shocked by the battle, as Liu Wuxie managed to dodge the lethal attack.


    A bizarre afterimage appeared outside the encirclement, and no one noticed how Liu Wuxie managed to do it.


    ¡°Garbage like you guys want to kill me?¡± Liu Wuxie drew his de and unleashed a sh of light with his de. The Blood Gleam de Art was famed for being unfathomable, with each attack directed at his enemies¡¯ weak spots. In a nutshell, this de technique focused on pushing the speed to the limit.


    Even someone in the Spirit Cleansing Realm couldn¡¯tpete with Liu Wuxie in terms of speed, let alone the fact that Liu Wuxie had achieved greater mastery with the Seven Dipper Steps. Combined with Ghost Eye, the movements of the twenty-odd men appeared slowed down in his vision.


    ¡°Shit!¡± The leader of the ck-clothed men yelled, feeling frustrated with the oue. They had missed their target, and Liu Wuxie¡¯s attack made them feel threatened.


    ¡°Die!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s de intent enveloped the entire road. The ck-clothed men didn¡¯t know that Liu Wuxie hadprehended the de intent. They trembled in fright when they saw it, realizing that Liu Wuxie had locked onto them with his de intent.


    As blood sshed, it formed into a stream, and the force of the blood gushing out pierced through the trees by the side. There was no way the human body could resist the corrosion of de intent as multiple heads flew to the sky and exploded. As for their bodies, they shivered into a pile of skin with their essence devoured by Liu Wuxie. Ten ck-clothed men had disappeared with one exchange.


    The surroundings fell into a dead silence as the remaining fourteen ck-clothed men froze and were at a loss.


    Yun Lan and Nangong Qi exchanged a nce and saw the terror reflected in each other¡¯s eyes. They knew that Liu Wuxie was capable of defeating opponents with higher cultivation levels, having seen him kill someone in the fifth level of the Xiantian Realm with a single blow. However, they did not expect him to be able to easily ughter cultivators in the Spirit Cleansing Realm.


    ¡°Let¡¯s kill Bi Gongyu first before killing that brat!¡± Yun Lan yelled. He didn¡¯t want to wait any longer. They drew out their weapons, releasing their aura in the Marrow Cleansing Realm and charging at Bi Gongyu.


    ¡°Wuxie, find an opportunity to escape if you can. You don¡¯t have to worry about me!¡± Bi Gongyu roared.


    Liu Wuxie was touched by this. After all, they had gone from using each other to forming a friendship. So how could he just leave them to die while he escaped? Bi Gongyu hade to regard Liu Wuxie as a friend after their experiences in Zen City, and Liu Wuxie could sense it.


    ¡°No one can leave today!¡± Yun Lan increased his speed, releasing his aura to the surroundings. But the odds of winning weren¡¯t high for Bi Gongyu because he had to face two opponents alone.


    Simultaneously, the remaining fourteen ck-clothed men moved. As their footsteps changed, they resorted to using a formation. Their leader roared, ¡°Set up the formation!¡±


    They formed an unknown formation in the blink of an eye. But a mocking smile rose on Liu Wuxie¡¯s lips, and he said, ¡°You guys have the cheek to bring out such a garbage formation?!¡±


    As Liu Wuxie moved, he weaved through the formation as he wished, and this scene left the fourteen ck-clothed men in great shock. Not only was Liu Wuxie talented in martial cultivation and alchemy, but he was also knowledgeable in formations. How could there be such a perfect person in the world?


    ¡°Let me show you guys the real power of formations!¡± Liu Wuxie was like a butterfly, and the ck-clothed men had no idea where he would appear next. Even his voice echoed from the surroundings.


    As Liu Wuxie¡¯s de turned into a white sh, it swept towards the ground. The weakness of the formation formed by the ck-clothed men was their legs. Others might not be able to notice it, but Liu Wuxie noticed it at a nce.


    Two ck-clothed men were severed from their legs as they fell to the ground, wailing out in pain. The leader of the ck-clothed men was shocked, with a hint of fear reflected in his eyes, and he took a step back involuntarily. ¡°What fast speed!¡±


    The twelve ck-clothed men who remained standing grew fearful in the face of Liu Wuxie''s de. The chill it released felt like it could pierce their hearts as Liu Wuxie walked towards them with an indifferent expression.


    The battle between Bi Gongyu, Yun Lan, and Nangong Qi had climaxed, with Bi Gongyu retreating to the woods. Liu Wuxie knew that he had to end the battle quickly, and he dashed forth, unleashing his attacks before the ck-clothed men coulde to their senses.


    ¡°Retreat and report this to the pavilion master!¡± the leader of the ck-clothed men ordered, bolting towards the woods in the distance followed by hispanions.


    They were not in the same group as Yun Lan, and they chose to escape at such a critical moment. But who was the ¡®pavilion master¡¯ they were talking about?


    ¡°Want to leave? Did anyone ask me for permission to leave?¡± Liu Wuxie chuckled as he appeared before the remaining ck-clothed men, stopping them from leaving. When he raised his de, his de intent swept out as a light screen, enveloping and immobilizing them. At this moment, the true essence released by Liu Wuxie was even stronger than someone in the pinnacle of the Spirit Cleansing Realm.


    As the mysterious sapling in Liu Wuxie¡¯s dantian released a terrifying amount of wood essence, it poured into Liu Wuxie¡¯s arm, transforming his true essence. His attack was like a barrage of tree branchesshing at his opponents.


    ¡°We can¡¯t escape! Let¡¯s go all out!¡± eximed the twelve men, determined to take Liu Wuxie down alongside them.


    ¡°Futile resistance!¡± Just as the twelve men prepared to advance, a de aura enclosed them, intensifying the oppression they felt. Their cultivation proved insignificant in the face of overwhelming power.


    As explosions sounded out, they began to blow up one after another, with their blood and flesh flying around.


    Lei Tao was seated not far away, shocked by the fight he witnessed. Liu Wuxie¡¯s strength stumped him, and he couldn¡¯t describe his feelings.


    But Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t stop there as he descended from the sky like an agile leopard, swinging three des that formed into a cross-shaped sword ray that took the lives of the remaining five ck-clothed men, turning them into a pile of skin in a pool of blood.


    ¡°It has alreadye to an end?!¡± Lei Tao rubbed his eyes. He initially thought it would be a tough battle and a miserable victory even if Liu Wuxie managed to win. But in reality, it was a one-sided massacre with the twenty-four ck-clothed men butchered before they could actually do anything.


    As Liu Wuxie tapped his foot on the ground, he dove into the woods and swung his sword down. This forced Yun Lan to stop attacking Bi Gongyu and duck to the side. This was because Liu Wuxie¡¯s attack made him feel threatened.


    As the battle was abruptly halted, the four stood in four areas, looking at each other.


    ¡°H-How did you manage to kill them?!¡± Nangong Qi was incoherent as he pointed at Liu Wuxie. After all, those twenty-four men in the Spirit Cleansing Realm were all butchered by Liu Wuxie so quickly.


    Bi Gongyu was also surprised and shocked as he looked at Liu Wuxie. They had all underestimated Liu Wuxie¡¯s strength, which was beyond theirprehension. After all, fighting someone with a higher cultivation wasn''t easy.


    ¡°Is there any problem?¡± Liu Wuxie asked with a mocking smile.


    Yun Lan gritted his teeth and looked at Liu Wuxie. ¡°Brother Nangong, you hold down Bi Gonyu, and I¡¯ll personally kill him,¡± he said pointing at Liu Wuxie.


    He dashed toward Liu Wuxie, seeking vengeance for his disciple, Xiao Mingyi.


    ¡°Okay!¡± Nangong Qi turned back to Bi Gongyu, and a fight started again.


    ¡°Wuxie, you have to be cautious!¡± Bi Gongyu eximed as Nangong Qi held him down, preventing him from getting close to Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°The Marrow Cleansing Realm?¡± Liu Wuxie smiled.


    Yun Lan unleashed a series of strange sword techniques, assaulting with his sword and causing Liu Wuxie to be momentarily confused by the iing attacks.


    Liu Wuxie could easily kill cultivators in the Spirit Cleansing Realm. However, the Marrow Cleansing Realm was different because the marrow was further tempered by true essence, causing the cultivator¡¯s true essence to be like zing mes.


    This was Liu Wuxie¡¯s first fight with someone in the Marrow Cleansing Realm, and he had to be careful. He needed time to adapt to Yun Lan¡¯s pace before he could find his weakness.


    As the golden soul energy in Liu Wuxie¡¯s golden soul sea rumbled, he slowly analyzed Yun Lan¡¯s movements. In the blink of an eye, Yun Lan unleashed twenty-seven sword strikes. When Yun Lan executed the twenty-eighth sword strike, his sword technique changed and he returned to the first strike. The sword technique used by Yun Lan consisted of twenty-seven moves that could be linked together like torrential rain.


    Everyone had their unique martial technique, simr to Liu Wuxie. Liu Wuxie could counter Yun Lan¡¯s attacks as long as he could find the w in his martial technique.


    As the twenty-seven attacks appeared in Liu Wuxie¡¯s mind, he repeatedly analyzed each move with the Ghost Eye in his golden soul sea. He had already discovered eight weaknesses in Yun Lan¡¯s sword technique in just a few breaths.


    <i>How magical! The Ghost Eye can detect the weakness in my opponent¡¯s attacks!</i> Liu Wuxie ducked to the side,nding on a tree branch to avoid the iing attack. Yun Lan followed closely behind him as they fought on the tree¡ªthe sword aura crushing its branches into fragments.


    ¡°Let me see how long you can keep dodging!¡± Yun Lan said with his murderous intent boiling.


    But Liu Wuxie could easily dodge Yun Lan¡¯s attacks with the Seven Dipper Steps, nearly driving Yun Lan insane as he roared.

 Chapter 78 - Killing A Marrow Cleansing Realm

    <h4>Chapter 78 - Killing A Marrow Cleansing Realm</h4>


    This was the sword technique that Yun Lan was famous for, the Chasing Wind Twenty-Seven Sword. Relying on this sword technique, it was rare for anyone to force Yun Lan to perform all twenty-seven swords.


    However, today, an unremarkable figure provoked him repeatedly, dodging all his attacks with a movement technique. This naturally made Yun Lan furious, making him roar furiously. Just like that, Yun Lan chased as Liu Wuxie fled. Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t fight back because he had discovered eight weaknesses in the Chasing Wind Twenty-Seven Sword and needed to exploit those ws.


    ¡°Fatal Chasing Wind!¡± Yun Lan bellowed. The sword in his hand left behind afterimages, and he was on the verge of bing one with the sword. This was also the strongest attack of the Chasing Wind Twenty-Seven Sword.


    ¡°An opportunity!¡± A smile rose on Liu Wuxie¡¯s lips, and he swung his de at an incredible angle, aimed at Yun Lan¡¯s underarm.


    This scared Yun Lan into shuddering because this was the weakness of the Fatal Chasing Wind, but how did Liu Wuxie know about it?


    Yun Lan had no choice but to withdraw his sword hastily, evading the lethal thrust of Liu Wuxie''s de. Failing to do so would have meant his demise, even if he seeded in eliminating Liu Wuxie. With no luxury of time for contemtion and a fierce determination to survive, Yun Lan swiftly opted to dodge to his right, narrowly escaping the potentially fatal strike.


    ¡°Too slow!¡±


    Yun Lan broke out in a cold sweat when the de brushed past him. When he retracted his sword, he realized he had made a mistake. He fell into a disadvantageous position as Liu Wuxie naturally wouldn¡¯t let him catch his breath and unleashed a barrage of attacks.


    ¡°This is impossible! How do you know the ws of my martial technique?!¡± Yun Lan was shocked.


    Each of Liu Wuxie¡¯s attacks targeted the weaknesses of Yun Lan¡¯s attacks, forcing him to retract his sword before he could even swing it, leaving him feeling frustrated.


    Liu Wuxie relied on the Ghost Eye to deal with Yun Lan¡¯s sword techniques. Coupled with his battle instincts as an Immortal Emperor, Liu Wuxie easily resolved Yun Lan¡¯s attacks. But wanting to kill Yun Lan was entirely different, and it was nearly impossible. After all, just breaking Yun Lan¡¯s attacks wasn¡¯t enough because he was in the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    Yun Lan was several levels higher in terms of true essence. He swung his sword down, nning to sh head-on and using his cultivation to tear a hole in Liu Wuxie¡¯s attacks. After all, skills were limited in the face of absolute strength.


    The terrifying true essence released by Yun Lan formed into a gust that made Liu Wuxie stagger. After all, there was a significant disparity between their levels of cultivation, and attempting to bridge the gap in cultivation was more challenging than scaling the heavens.


    Liu Wuxie was biding his time, but his opportunity hadn¡¯t yet arrived. So, he continued to retreat, evading Yun Lan¡¯s attacks and waiting for his chance.


    ¡°Stop dodging. You won¡¯t be able to escape. What does it matter if you can find the weaknesses in my attacks? I¡¯m in the Marrow Cleansing Realm, and I can prolong the battle to exhaust your true essence before crushing you!¡± Yun Lan let out a sinister smile. And so, one fled while the other pursued among the tree branches.


    Lei Tao couldn¡¯t put into words what he was feeling at that moment. Someone at the pinnacle of the Spirit Cleansing Realm wouldn¡¯t be able to withstand more than a hundred moves against someone in the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    ¡°Talk about it when you actually catch up to me!¡± Liu Wuxie used himself as bait to attract Yun Lan to take the bite because he needed an opportunity to kill Yun Lan. There would only be one chance, and he would die if he failed.


    The more Yun Lan fought, the more furious he became. Yun Lan had a fiery temper to begin with, so as Liu Wuxie and his attacks continuously mocked him and failed to connect, this naturally enraged Yun Lan. In the heat of battle, if one participant sumbs to agitation, they frequently resort to irrational actions.


    Liu Wuxie and Yun Lan chased each other like cat and mouse. Yun Lan was pressed for time because someone would take this path during the day, and it would be harder for him to kill Liu Wuxie if he failed. So, Yun Lan had to elerate the battle no matter what.


    They could no longer hear the fight between Bi Gongyu and Nangong Qi as they ran deeper into the woods. The towering trees covered the sky, and the surroundings became darker. Liu Wuxie suddenly stopped as he intentionally lured Yun Lan to this ce. This was so that no one could see him executing the Ghost Eye.


    ¡°Not going to run anymore?¡± Yun Lan stopped. This ce was rather spacious and suitable for them to fight. The two stood facing each other about ten meters apart. Yun Lan¡¯s face turned sinister as murderous intent emanated from him.


    ¡°Pavilion Master Yun, can I ask you a question?¡± Liu Wuxie suddenly smiled as he looked at Yun Lan and lowered his de.


    ¡°Go on. I¡¯ll grant your wish before you die!¡± Yun Lan didn¡¯t want to waste time talking and urged Liu Wuxie to speak quickly.


    ¡°Why is a pavilion master of a branch like you being used by Shangguan Cai willingly? Don¡¯t you know he¡¯s using the two of you to kill me?¡± Liu Wuxie asked with a mocking expression.


    It was clear that Shangguan Cai was using Yun Lan and Nangong Qi to kill him. He didn¡¯te here himself and instigated Yun Lan and Nangong Qi to attack them.


    Mo Shidao¡¯s disciple, Du Mingze, had also died at the hands of Liu Wuxie, but Mo Shidai didn¡¯t fall for it. Even if he wanted revenge, he would do it himself and wouldn¡¯t fall for Shangguan Cai¡¯s instigation.


    ¡°You think I don¡¯t know Shangguan Cai is using me? But what does it matter as long as I can kill you?¡± Yun Lan wasn¡¯t stupid. He and Shangguan Cai were just using each other.


    ¡°Sure enough. Shangguan Cai sent you guys to kill me!¡± Liu Wuxie tried to probe Yun Lan and verify that Shangguan Cai was the mastermind.


    ¡°Are you done with yourst words?¡± Yun Lan looked impatient as he continued, ¡°You can die now.¡±


    When Yun Lan released his aura in the Marrow Cleansing Realm, it felt suffocating and formed into a tidal wave, sending the rocks flying around the ground.


    ¡°This is the strength of the Marrow Cleansing Realm cultivator?!¡± Liu Wuxie licked his lips with a hint of madness in his eyes. As the distance between them closed, a long sword appeared within three meters of Liu Wuxie. If Liu Wuxie hadn¡¯t moved, Yun Lan would in him. Liu Wuxie suddenly roared, ¡°Yun Lan, prepare to die!¡±


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s voice was loud as it contained his true essence, which came from his dantian, sounding like rumbling lightning. The loud voice startled Yun Lan, and he subconsciously raised his head to look at Liu Wuxie.


    However, the moment he looked into Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes, he knew he had made a grave mistake.


    ¡°Ghost Eye, kill!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s golden soul sea rumbled as his soul energy flowed into his right eye and shot out using his right eye as a conduit. The soul energy formed into a torrent and pierced Yun Lan¡¯s eyes.


    This naturally surprised Yun Lan because who could¡¯ve thought that an eye could be used as a weapon? Yun Lan failed to react in time, and it was already toote when he wanted to close his eyes because he felt a stinging pain in his soul sea.


    ¡°ARGHHH!¡± Yun Lan copsed to the ground, clutching his head with his hands as he writhed in agony. He was suffering from an excruciating headache that felt like his soul sea was being torn apart, and the pain was suffocating.


    The pain was unbearable, causing Yun Lan to wish for death because it was inhumane torture. One could endure physical pain, but the pain in the soul sea was intangible and elusive. As Yun Lan gripped his head tighter, the force he exerted tore the skin on his scalp, staining his palm red.


    After three days ofpetition, Liu Wuxie¡¯s soul sea had expanded several times. Generally speaking, Liu Wuxie wouldn¡¯t resort to attacking with his soul energy as it was dangerous. If he wasn¡¯t careful, he might suffer the bacsh of his soul energy, but Liu Wuxie had no choice but to go all out to survive. It was either his death or Yun Lan¡¯s.


    ¡°Momentous Gleam!¡± Liu Wuxie pounced forth and swung his de down. The Ghost Eye could only render Yun Lan immobilized for half a breath¡¯s time, and he would die when Yun Lan¡¯s soul sea recovered.


    Yun Lan¡¯s eyes became bloodshot from the pain in his soul sea, but his consciousness was still clear. When Liu Wuxie swung his de down, Yun Lan raised his sword to block the iing attack, but he rolled on the ground instead to avoid the fatal blow.


    Although Yun Lan managed to avoid the blow to his head, Liu Wuxie¡¯s de still cut through his waist, creating a wound of roughly an inch, exposing his intestines. The pain made Yun Lan take a deep breath, and his facial expression became distorted because of it.


    But Liu Wuxie had no intentions of letting Yun Lan go and followed up with another attack. Aftering this far, Yun Lan no longer wanted to fight and only wanted to escape because he had lost his fighting prowess due to the paining from his soul sea.


    ¡°Die!¡± As Liu Wuxie¡¯s deste true essence gushed out, this was Liu Wuxie¡¯s strongest strike. He didn''t use his full strength when he was in front of Lei Tao and Bi Gongyu earlier. After executing the Ghost Eye, Liu Wuxie¡¯s soul sea would dry up momentarily, and a sense of dizziness assaulted him. If he couldn¡¯t kill Yun Lan anytime soon, his soul sea would dry up, rendering him helpless before Yun Lan.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s de intent swept out, and Yun Lan was immobilized, which was the true power of the de intent. It was normally impossible toprehend the de intent without reaching the level of a grandmaster, and Liu Wuxie was an exception.


    ¡°Don¡¯t kill me!¡± Yun Lan went down on his knees, begging for mercy as he didn¡¯t want to die. But it was toote as Liu Wuxie¡¯s de aura cut through the air and his neck.


    As Yun Lan¡¯s body began to shrivel up, the essence of a Marrow Cleansing Realm expert poured into Liu Wuxie¡¯s body, and the energy was enough for Liu Wuxie to reach thete phase fourth level of the Xiantian Realm. Simultaneously, the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron produced three liquids before flowing into his dantian. Liu Wuxie¡¯s true essence began to rise rapidly with a series of rumbles, reaching thete phase in under three breaths.


    ¡°As expected of a Marrow Cleansing Realm expert, the energy in Yun Lan¡¯s body is too massive.¡± ording to Liu Wuxie¡¯s calctions, it should have taken him at least a month to reach thete phase, but killing an expert in the Marrow Cleansing Realm saved him a month¡¯s worth of hard work.


    But Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t be bothered about the rise of his cultivation and quickly sat down because of the intense paining from his golden soul sea. The bacsh for executing a soul energy attack was too massive. He could only circte the Deste Devouring Art to absorb the surrounding spiritual energy and slowly recover his soul sea. This processsted an incense¡¯s time, and only one-third of his soul sea was recovered. It would take a day or two if Liu Wuxie wanted to recoverpletely.


    The battle far away was still going on, and it had reached a critical stage. Bi Gongyu¡¯s and Nangong Qi¡¯s strengths were evenly matched, and it was tough for them to determine a winner. If they carried on fighting, both sides would lose, and no one could gain any advantage.


    Turning into an afterimage, Liu Wuxie disappeared as he rushed towards the battleground. After tasting the benefit of ying a Marrow Cleansing Realm expert, Liu Wuxie wanted to kill another. At that time, there would be a high chance for him to reach the pinnacle fourth level of the Xiantian Realm, saving him another month¡¯s time.


    But when Liu Wuxie approached the battleground, he took a cold breath because both Nangong Qi and Bi Gonyu were injured. To hold back Bi Gongyu, Nangong Qi had done everything he could, disregarding his own life to fight Bi Gongyu.


    ¡°Wuxie, leave quickly!¡± Bi Gongyu wanted Liu Wuxie to leave upon seeing him.


    ¡°We¡¯ll leave together!¡± Liu Wuxie joined the battle, swinging his de at Nangong Qi.


    This startled Nangong Qi into retreating because he could feel his life being threatened by Liu Wuxie¡¯s de.


    ¡°Yun Lan, where the hell are you? Why isn¡¯t this brat dead?!¡± Nangong Qi roared, seeking Yun Lan toe and reinforce him.


    ¡°He¡¯s already dead. So you don¡¯t have to call for him,¡± Liu Wuxie said coldly.


    Bi Gongyu and Nangong Qi were both stumped when they heard that, and they stopped what they were doing as they looked at Liu Wuxie.

 Chapter 79 - Undercurrent

    <h4>Chapter 79 - Undercurrent</h4>


    After Nangong Qi dodged Liu Wuxie¡¯s attack, he and Bi Gongyu stopped. They were stumped as they looked at Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°What?! Did you say he¡¯s dead?!¡± Nangong Qi was horrified and skeptical of Liu Wuxie¡¯s words. Despite yelling for a long time, he didn¡¯t get any response.


    ¡°Don¡¯t bother making a futile effort. He¡¯s dead, and it¡¯s your turn now!¡± Liu Wuxie interrupted Nangong Qi. Even if Nangong Qi damaged his vocal cords by yelling, Yun Lan wouldn¡¯te back to life.


    ¡°That¡¯s impossible! Brother Yun is in the Marrow Cleansing Realm. How could you have possibly killed him?¡± Nangong Qi¡¯s face became sinister. He was in disbelief that Yun Lan had died, and even Bi Gongyu was taken aback.


    Lei Tao staggered as he fell to the ground because what Liu Wuxie said was too impactful.


    ¡°You talk a lot!¡± Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t want to waste time with Nangong Qi and unleashed another attack with his de. He said, ¡°Pavilion Master Bi, I¡¯ll hold him down, and you kill him.¡±


    As Liu Wuxie raised his de, he shot forth like a cannonball, dragging a long afterimage in his path. His de was enveloped in de intent aimed at Nangong Qi¡¯s neck. This left Nangong Qi in shock, and he could vaguely guess why Yun Lan died in Liu Wuxie¡¯s hands.


    The de intent was like a massive prison trapping Nangong Qi in it, and this wasn¡¯t any inferior to an attack from someone in the pinnacle of the Spirit Cleansing Realm. All Liu Wuxie had to do was hold Nangong Qi down for Bi Gongyu to find an opportunity.


    ¡°Wuxie, help me hold him down for three breaths, and I can take his life!¡± Bi Gongyu wasn¡¯t a soft-hearted person and began brewing his attack.


    ¡°Okay!¡± Liu Wuxie was confident he could aplish his goal. With the help of the Ghost Eye, Nangong Qi¡¯s movements appeared to slow down in his vision as he executed the Blood Gleam de Art, targeting Nangong Qi¡¯s vitals.


    ¡°You think you can hold me back by yourself?¡± Nangong Qi wanted to flee and started to retreat. Yun Lan was dead, and it was practically impossible for him to kill Bi Gongyu, Liu Wuxie, and Lei Tao by himself.


    ¡°You¡¯re far weakerpared to Yun Lan!¡± Liu Wuxie sneered. As he attacked the de in his right hand, he unleashed a fist technique with his left. His simple fist technique carried immense power that caused the surrounding trees to creak from shockwaves alone.


    ¡°What true essence is that? How can it be so strong?!¡± Nangong Qi panicked with fear on his face.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s deste true essence was at least ten times denser than before. As soon as it appeared, both Nangong Qi and Bi Gongyu were shocked. Liu Wuxie¡¯s true essence felt like a beast opening its jaws to bite down on Nangong Qi.


    ¡°Fuck!¡± Nangong Qi immediately realized something wasn¡¯t right and wanted to escape by opening a gap.


    ¡°Nangong Qi, you can die now!¡± But just when Nangong Qi was about to escape, Bi Gongyu¡¯s attack had arrived. A terrifying palm arrived, descending from the sky. This was a rare palm seal technique, which was much stronger than ordinary martial techniques.


    ¡°Y-Youprehended the Mountain Seal?!¡± Nangong Qi was so horrified that he couldn¡¯t speak.


    ¡°At least you have some eyesight!¡± The palm crashed down like a mountain. As Liu Wuxie controlled Nangong Qi, he couldn¡¯t escape, no matter how he tried.


    When the palm descended, Nangong Qi was horrified and didn¡¯t have much time to think. Cracking sounds came from his body, with the Mountain Seal shattering a few of his bones. As Nangong Qi tried to resist the Mountain Seal, he begged, ¡°I surrender! Please don¡¯t kill me!¡±


    Nangong Qi didn¡¯t want to die. He had been persuaded by Shangguan Cai, who had told him and Yun Lan that they could make a fortune by killing Liu Wuxie and forcing him to reveal the refining technique for the Golden Spirit Pill.


    Nangong Qi and Yun Lan naturally took it seriously. They traveled all night before they finally caught up with Azure Billow City¡¯s party, ambushing them. Who could¡¯ve thought that this would be the result? If they knew, they wouldn¡¯t havee no matter what.


    As for taking revenge? Fuck that. If his disciples were killed, he could always take in more. What was most important to them was obtaining the Golden Spirit Pill¡¯s refining method and Liu Wuxie¡¯s alchemy knowledge. Those were fatally alluring to them, so they pursued Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°It¡¯s toote to beg for mercy now!¡± Bi Gongyu sneered. There would be endless troubles in the future if he allowed Nangong Qi to leave, and he had to kill him today, no matter what.


    As rumbling sounds came, Nangong Qi did his best to resist the Mountain Seal, and a terrifying shockwave swept out with them at the center. Nangong Qi suddenly coughed up a mouthful of blood, staining his clothes red. He looked terrifying, covered in blood.


    Liu Wuxie seized this opportunity to make his move. He dashed forward and sliced through Nangong Qi¡¯s neck before he could react, turning him into a pile of skin. No one noticed, not even Bi Gongyu, because the shockwave was still present and obscured their vision.


    However, the Ghost Eye saw everything clearly. This was how Liu Wuxie could find Nangong Qi¡¯s position and take his life.


    When the dust cloud settled, a huge crater appeared, created by the Mountain Seal. But strangely, Nangong Qi had disappeared.


    ¡°What a powerful palm technique that obliterated Nangong Qi,¡± Liu Wuxie ttered, lying straight to Bi Gongyu¡¯s face.


    Bi Gongyu¡¯s forehead creased with wrinkles. He knew his own strength and knew that his attack could only seriously injure Nangong Qi at best, not obliterate him from existence. But if Nangong Qi couldn¡¯t escape, where did he go?


    Bi Gongyu ultimately turned to look at Liu Wuxie because only one possibility was left. Nangong Qi¡¯s disappearance must have something to do with Liu Wuxie, but he had no evidence to back up his spection.


    ¡°Pavilion Master, are you guys alright?¡± Lei Tao came over and asked with concern.


    ¡°We¡¯re fine.¡± Bi Gongyu said, having only suffered minor injuries. Liu Wuxie appeared unharmed, but his soul sea had sustained severe damage and would take more than a day to recover, meaning he couldn¡¯t use his soul energy during that time.


    The carriage was destroyed, and the four horses were killed. So they could only walk back to Azure Billow City now.


    ¡°It looks like we can only travel back on foot now!¡± Lei Tao said helplessly. Traveling on foot would naturally be slower than the carriage, and they could probably return to Azure Billow City the day after tomorrow.


    ¡°I¡¯m in a hurry, so I¡¯ll go ahead,¡± Liu Wuxie said, executing the Seven Dipper Steps and dashing off into the night.


    ¡°Lei Tao, take your time since you¡¯re injured, but I¡¯ll apany Wuxie to avoid any dangers.¡± Bi Gongyu patted Lei Tao¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°Pavilion Master, don¡¯t worry about me. I¡¯m fine. You should hurry up and apany Young Master Liu back first,¡± Lei Tao said. The one-month deadline was approaching, and tensions were likely high in Azure Billow City. Liu Wuxie had dered that he would annihte the Wan n within one month, and if he didn¡¯t return in time, he would break his oath.


    Thus, Bi Gongyu left Lei Tao by himself and rushed back as well. There could be ambushes along the way, and it was safer for him to stay with Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Pavilion Master, there¡¯s no need for you to follow me. We don¡¯t owe each other anything,¡± Liu Wuxie said, slowing his pace. Bi Gongyu¡¯s actions touched him because he didn¡¯t have many friends since he came to the True Martial Continent. Song Ling could be considered one, and Bi Gongyu could be considered another now.


    ¡°What¡¯s there to be polite about between us?¡± Bi Gongyu smiled.


    Liu Wuxie and Bi Gongyu hurried along, no longer dwelling on their previous thoughts. Despite being in the Xiantian Realm, Liu Wuxie¡¯s speed was not slower than Bi Gongyu¡¯s, which greatly surprised thetter. Liu Wuxie ran day and night without slowing down, relying on his deste true essence. On the other hand, Bi Gongyu was already panting from exhaustion.


    ¡°Let¡¯s take a break before continuing our journey!¡± Liu Wuxie suddenly stopped. There was a teahouse ahead, and they both rested briefly.


    ¡°If we continue at this speed, we can return to Azure Billow City tomorrow morning!¡± Bi Gongyu was indeed tired.


    <strong>......</strong>


    In the Xu n back at Azure Billow City, all the higher hierarchy of the n were gathered in the main hall. Even Xu Yishan, responsible for guarding the mine, had rushed back. But strangely, Xu Yilin wasn¡¯t in the main hall, and Xu Yishan presided over the meeting.


    The mantra given by Liu Wuxie must¡¯ve had an effect, and Xu Yilin was likely attempting to make a breakthrough into the Marrow Cleansing Realm now.


    ¡°Second Master, all three of our oil mills caught fire in the past few days, and one of our weaponry workshops was attacked. It must be done by the Wan and Tian ns!¡± Deacon Lan said furiously. The conflict between both sides had increased recently, and all the deacons were summoned back to prepare for an attack from the two ns.


    ¡°Issue the order to strengthen the patrol and report immediately if anything happens!¡± Xu Yishan had no better solution for the time being because the two ns had beenunching sneak attacks, and everyone from the Xu n was exhausted.


    ¡°Roger that!¡± Everyone left the main hall after receiving instructions from Xu Yishan.


    <strong>......</strong>


    In the main hall of the Tian n, a group of people had gathered. Among them were not only high-ranking members of the Tian n but also those from the Wan n. However, everyone¡¯s attention was focused on several middle-aged men seated at the front. These men were not only strong, but one of them was even in the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    It was thought that there were no experts in the Marrow Cleansing Realm in Azure Billow City other than the City Lord, Qi Enshi. So when did another expert in the Marrow Cleansing Realm appear in Azure Billow City?


    ¡°Brother Tian, everything is prepared. The deadline will be tomorrow, and it¡¯ll be the day the Xu n will perish!¡± Wan Rongzhe said viciously.


    Because of Liu Wuxie, the Wan n¡¯s colosseum business had plummeted. As a result, they lost a lot of potential gold coins, and the Wan n could finally take revenge for it.


    ¡°Excellent! After the Xu n is destroyed, we will divide their territory and slowly take over the Song n. At that time, our two ns will have a monopoly over Azure Billow City,¡± said Tian Qisha, his eyes shing with a hint of coldness as he had long awaited this day.


    ¡°We still need to rely on Brother Xue Yang to destroy the Xu n. When they are destroyed, the Xue n can have 70% of the resources obtained,¡± said Wang Rongzhe as he looked at the Marrow Cleansing Realm expert, who was a member of the Xue n.


    ¡°I¡¯m not entirely here for the Xu n¡¯s resources, but revenge. Some of our men disappeared in Azure Billow City, and there¡¯s a high likelihood that the Xu n killed them. So just do your thing tomorrow,¡± Xue Yang waved his hand.


    Xue Yang was not concerned with the resources of a small city like Azure Billow City and did not believe there would be any valuable resources there. However, several men from the Xue n had been sent to Azure Billow City and had all disappeared, which was why Xue Yang hade to investigate. After conducting his investigation, he identified the Xu n as his target.


    The Xue n had their own unique marks, which they would leave in ces they had visited. These marks were found in the three oil mills belonging to the Xu n, indicating that the Xue n members had most likely left them behind before their deaths. Upon his arrival, Xue Yang naturally discovered these marks.

 Chapter 80 - Xu Clans Crisis

    <h4>Chapter 80 - Xu n''s Crisis</h4>


    The next day, Azure Billow City¡¯s gates were opened to the public, weing visitors from everywhere. The shops in the city were open for business as usual, but it was strange because the city was full of destion today.


    As winter approached, snowkes began to fall from the sky. A shop owner removed thest wooden panel from his shop and huddled his neck, shoving his hands into his sleeves as heined, ¡°This damned weather. It looks like the business today won¡¯t be good. I better close up early today and go home to rest with my wife.¡±


    The streets were empty, perhaps due to the weather or because something big was about to happen.


    Suddenly, a loud booming sound echoed from the distance, shaking the ground like an earthquake. Shop owners emerged one by one, looking towards the source of the noise. But within seconds, chaos erupted as every shop quickly shut its doors.


    ¡°It¡¯s the Tian and Wan ns. They¡¯re heading in the Xu n¡¯s direction,¡± several shop owners whispered among themselves.


    ¡°I remember it now! The one-month deadline seems to be today. How could I have forgotten?¡± More people peered out, looking towards the Xu n. As the snowfall grew heavier, the streets were soon covered in ayer of silver and creaked underfoot.


    ¡°Quick, close up the shops, and let¡¯s go see. Something big is going to happen in Azure Billow City!¡± The group followed behind the Tian and Wan ns to the Xu n.


    At Xu n¡¯s main hall, the higher hierarchies of the Xu n were gathered. They had closed all five weaponry workshops and summoned back all the men to protect the Xu n.


    ¡°Second Master, bad news! Everyone from the Tian and Wan ns ising in our direction, and they¡¯re only one mile away!¡± a guard came into the main hall and reported with one knee on the ground.


    ¡°Everyone listen up; prepare to fight!¡± Xu Yishan gave the order as everyone began to arm themselves, from the guards to servants, before rushing out of the Xu n to face the two ns.


    Outside the Xu n, a ten-foot-wide street was lined with people on both sides, though none dared to approach. As the snowfall grew heavier, many were covered in ayer of snow on their heads and clothes. Despite the biting cold wind, no one felt cold; instead, they could feel their blood boiling with excitement.


    Everyone¡¯s eyes were fixed on the other side of the street. The snow stopped ten minutester, and sunlight shone down as time passed. Under the sunlight, the snow on the ground glimmered faintly.


    Suddenly, thousands of people approached from the other side of the street, their footsteps swift and loud as they advanced.


    The members of the Xu n tightened their grip on their weapons, ready for what was toe.


    In the distance, two men stood on a wall.


    ¡°Master, will the two ns seed?¡± the man on the right asked, and this person was the City Lord Mansion¡¯s advisor.


    ¡°Only a miracle could save them now,¡± said Qi Enshi, disdain shing in his eyes. He gritted his teeth as he remembered how Liu Wuxie had threatened him to speak out in defense of the Xu n. If he hadn¡¯t intervened that day, the Xu n would¡¯ve already been taken away by the investigation team, and he wouldn¡¯t have had to wait until today. All of this was because of that brat. But now, Qi Enshi was curious to see how Liu Wuxie would save the Xu n.


    ¡°I¡¯ve received news that Xu Yilin is trying to make a breakthrough into the Marrow Cleansing Realm. If he seeds, the two ns might be in danger instead,¡± the advisor said.


    Qi Enshi fell silent at this news. He nced briefly at the sky above the Xu n before saying, ¡°It¡¯s not that easy to reach the Marrow Cleansing Realm.¡±


    He had spent more than ten-odd years breaking into the Marrow Cleansing Realm and became Azure Billow City¡¯s City Lord.


    ¡°But we have to be prepared for it. We can truly control Azure Billow City if the Xu n is destroyed.¡± Among the four ns, only the Xu n didn¡¯t have a connection with the City Lord Mansion. As for the Wan and Tian ns, they had already joined forces with the City Lord Mansion.


    ¡°Even if Xu Yilin reaches the Marrow Cleansing Realm, the Xu n will still be destroyed today.¡± Qi Enshi sneered, looking like a wise sage.


    The advisor no longer spoke because Qi Enshi never fought an uncertain battle. Since Qi Enshi said that the Xu n would be destroyed today, it would be destroyed today.


    More than a thousand people from the Tian and Wan ns surrounded the gates of the Xu n on both sides.


    ¡°Let Xu Yiline out and die!¡± roared Wan Rongzhe, his voice shaking the snow from the rooftops.


    A month had passed, and they were here as promised.


    Not far away, Master Huo stood uncertainly. The pavilion master had instructed him to take care of the Xu n before leaving but had not told him what to do. Now, with the Xu n in danger, he was unable to stop the Tian and Wan ns on his own. He was not afraid of them, but of the expert from the Xue n.


    ¡°Wan Rongze, my Xu n has no feud with your Wan n, so why are you attacking us?¡± Xu Yishan asked. The two ns had no feud, and he didn¡¯t expect the Wan n to attack them. After all, only someone with a deep feud would want to wipe out the other party.


    ¡°Hmph, hand out that brat who killed the disciples of my Wan n. The feud between us is irreconcble. Is that enough?¡± Back in the colosseum, Liu Wuxie had killed twelve disciples of the Wan n, and word of it had spread throughout Azure Billow City. As for the Tian n, they were already at odds with the Xu n, and only one side could survive.


    ¡°Why waste time with them? Kill them!¡± shouted Tian Qisha, losing patience. He waved his hand, and the experts of the Tian n sprang forward like hyenas, charging towards the Xu n. A fierce battle soon erupted as experts from the Wan n joined in.


    In one exchange, blood and flesh flew around as several Xu n¡¯s guards were hacked to death.


    ¡°Defend the Xu n¡¯s dignity to death!¡± Xu Yishan roared as he joined the battle.


    The battle was indeed brutal. Despite the courageous efforts of the Xu n¡¯s guards, they were unable to prevent the deaths. The difference in strength between the two sides was too great, and if the battle continued, it wouldn¡¯t be long before the Xu n waspletely wiped out.


    At that moment, two figures appeared at the gates of Azure Billow City, gasping for breath after traveling all night without rest.


    ¡°There¡¯s a smell of blood in the air!¡± eximed Liu Wuxie, whose sensitive sense of smell had immediately detected the scent of blood.


    ¡°Shit!¡± He immediately turned into a streak and rushed to the Xu n.


    Ten-odd corpses were lying outside the Xu n, and they were all loyal guards of the n.


    ¡°Xu Yishan, you won¡¯t be able to stop us for long. Get your elder brother out and let him face his death!¡± Even though Wan Rongzhe had not yet taken action, the Xu n had already suffered heavy losses.


    So far, only the disciples of both ns had taken action, while some people stood by and watched the battle.


    As both sides returned to their parties briefly, the Xu n¡¯s guards quickly bandaged their wounds. No one retreated as they vowed to protect the Xu n. The Xu n nurtured the guards since they were young, and they had sworn their unwavering loyalty to the Xu n. Many guards had even changed their surname to Xu to be part of the Xu n.


    ¡°Kill them all! Let¡¯s see how long Xu Yilin can carry on hiding!¡± Tian Qisha released a horrifying aura that swept the snow off the ground.


    ¡°Kill them all!¡± echoed the disciples of the Tian n, their roars spreading for miles as more people gathered from different directions.


    Both parties engaged in another fight as blood sshed around. The Tian and Wan ns also lost ten-odd people, but the two ns soon dragged their corpses away.


    Suddenly, a horrifying aura swept out from the Xu n.


    ¡°This...¡± The few experts from the Xue n narrowed their eyes as they looked towards the Xu n.


    Qi Enshi nearly fell from the wall as he staggered, also looking in the direction of the Xu n. The terrifying aura grew stronger and approached the battlefield, causing the fighting to stop as everyone looked at Xu n¡¯s residence.


    ¡°Marrow Cleansing Realm cultivator¡¯s aura. Did Xu Yilin really make a breakthrough to the Marrow Cleansing Realm?!¡± eximed Wan Rongzhe, beginning to panic. The City Lord¡¯s Mansion was the only ce in Azure Billow City with a Marrow Cleansing Realm expert, and none of the four ns had anyone who had reached that level. This meant that whoever could produce the first Marrow Cleansing Realm expert would have the upper hand in devouring the other ns.


    ¡°It¡¯s the patriarch! The patriarch has reached the Marrow Cleansing Realm!¡± The Xu n¡¯s guards cheered. The Xu n¡¯s crisis would be resolved as long as the patriarch reached the Marrow Cleansing Realm, and they could even take a step further in Azure Billow City.


    A figure flew out of the Xu n¡¯s residence with a whoosh,nding at the Xu n¡¯s gates. This person released an aura in the Marrow Cleansing Realm, and the entire battlefield fell into silence as they looked at Xu Yilin.


    When Xu Yilin looked at the corpses on the ground, a terrifying murderous intent swept out from him that sent all the nearby Tian and Wan ns¡¯ disciples flying ten meters away.


    ¡°All of you deserve to die! Your ns must be erased from Azure Billow City for killing the guards of my n!¡± Xu Yilin said with sadness in his voice. He had nurtured the guards, and they were like family to him. As an expert in the Marrow Cleansing Realm, he was qualified to speak those words.


    Wan Rongzhe and Tian Qisha¡¯s faces were terrifyingly ugly because they didn¡¯t expect Xu Yilin to sessfully reach the Marrow Cleansing Realm just when they were about to win.


    The two ns¡¯ disciples retreated, not daring to step forward.


    ¡°Wan Rongzhe, Tian Qisha, prepare to die!¡± Xu Yilin approached, his aura growing stronger. The fact that he had such a powerful aura after just making a breakthrough was thanks to the mantra that Liu Wuxie had given him.


    It was surprising that Xu Yilin¡¯s aura was so powerful immediately after his breakthrough, as ordinary people would need some time to stabilize their foundation.


    The Song n, who were observing the battle from nearby, were also taken aback by the oue.


    ¡°The Xu n is going to rise!¡± the Song n¡¯s Grand Elder muttered.


    ¡°First, they must survive today¡¯s crisis,¡± replied Song Tianhao, his brows furrowed with concern as he was not optimistic about the Xu n¡¯s chances.


    As Xu Yilin advanced, those from the two ns retreated, unable to withstand the pressure he exerted.


    Wan Rongzhe¡¯s face twisted with frustration as victory had been within their grasp, but Xu Yilin¡¯s breakthrough had disrupted all their ns. He and Tian Qisha were only at the pinnacle of the Spirit Cleansing Realm, and even if they joined forces, they would be no match for Xu Yilin. Things were bing moreplicated.


    ¡°Xu Yilin, do you really think you can turn the tables around after reaching the Marrow Cleansing Realm? Even if you¡¯ve reached the Marrow Cleansing Realm, you still can¡¯t change the fact that the Xu n will be wiped out today!¡± Tian Qisha grinned as he turned to look at the members of the Xue n.

 Chapter 81 - Wuxie鈥檚 Return

    Chapter 81 - Wuxie¡¯s Return


    Tian Qisha stepped forward, fearlessly facing Xu Yilin¡¯s aura head-on. Instead of being intimidated, his murderous intent only grew stronger.


    ¡°Could it be that the Tian n has any trump cards?¡± whispered a few shop owners among themselves.


    After all, anyone could tell that the Xu n already held the advantage in this fight. They might¡¯ve lost ten-odd guards, but it didn¡¯t shake the Xu n¡¯s foundation because none of their higher hierarchies died. So what did Tian Qisha mean by saying that? Everyone was baffled and couldn¡¯t figure out how the Tian and Wan ns could turn the table around unless they also had someone in the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    Tian Qisha wouldn¡¯t have spoken so confidently if he wasn¡¯t sure of himself. This meant that he must have had some reason for his confidence.


    ¡°Brother Xue Yang, please make a move to hold back Xu Yilin while we ughter everyone from the Xu n.¡± Tian Qisha turned to look at the four from the Xue n. Aside from Xue Yang, who was in the Marrow Cleansing Realm, three others were in the Spirit Cleansing Realm.


    Upon hearing Xue Yang¡¯s name, Xu Yilin narrowed his eyes. The Xu n¡¯s oil mills had recentlye under repeated attack, all carried out by the Xue n. They had been hiding in the shadows, and the Xu n had been unable to find them. So it turned out that they had long been in league with the Wan and Tian ns.


    ¡°Xu Yilin, several members of our Xue n have gone missing in Azure Billow City. Did your Xu n have anything to do with it?¡± asked Xue Yang as he stepped forward. The Xue n did not want to get involved in a battle of this level, as the Tian and Wan ns were more than capable of annihting the Xu n on their own. But when Xu Yilin reached the Marrow Cleansing Realm, the situation changed. If Xue Yang didn¡¯t intervene, the Tian and Wan ns would be wiped out by the Xu n instead.


    ¡°The disappearance of your Xue n¡¯s members has nothing to do with my Xu n,¡± replied Xu Yilin. He naturally would deny any involvement. The Xue n had sent several people to set fire to the Xu n¡¯s oil mills, and one of them had been killed by Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Since I said it¡¯s rted to your Xu n, it¡¯s rted,¡± said Xue Yang domineeringly. The four of them stepped forward, their aura shing with Xu Yilin¡¯s. The snow on both sides was swept aside, rising into the sky.


    ¡°Pushing the me on us forcefully. Did you think my Xu n is a pushover?!¡± Xu Yilin was furious.


    The difference between both sides was too great. After the Tian and Wan ns joined forces, even the City Lord Mansion had to be afraid of them. Including those from the Xue n, they now had an expert in the Marrow Cleansing Realm and five experts in the Spirit Cleansing Realm. This sort of foundation was shocking to everyone.


    On the other hand, the Xu n only had Xu Yilin, who had reached the Marrow Cleansing Realm. The deacons of the Xu n, who were only in the Xiantian Realm, would likely not fare well in a fight.


    As a murderous intent filled Azure Billow City, the entire city was enveloped in an endless wave of hostility. Despite the biting cold wind, no one felt the chill. The strong smell of blood filled the air, causing many women to cover their mouths and noses to hold back their nausea.


    ¡°The Xu n is in danger now,¡± sighed the Grand Elder of the Song n. The intervention of the Xue n in this matter disrupted the bnce of Azure Billow City. Once the Xu n was destroyed, their own Song n would likely not fare well either.


    The corner of Qi Enshi¡¯s lips rose into a sneer. He knew of Xue Yang¡¯s arrival in Azure Billow City, so he was calm. Even Xu Yilin¡¯s breakthrough couldn¡¯t cause any fluctuation in his emotions because Xu n would still be doomed.


    Xue Yang had reached the Marrow Cleansing Realm for a long time. He might be in the first level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm, but his fighting prowess was stronger than Xu Yilin, who had just made a breakthrough not long ago.


    ¡°I can spare their lives as long as the Xu n¡¯s guards are willing to lower their weapons and betray the Xu n!¡± Xue Yang said coldly as he gazed through the Xu n¡¯s guards. As long as he turned sides from the Xu n, he wouldn¡¯t mind sparing their lives.


    ¡°We swear to protect the Xu n to death!¡± Deacon Lan roared and was determined not to betray the Xu n.


    The guards behind him raised their weapons and echoed, ¡°We swear to protect the Xu n to death!¡±


    They had long considered themselves part of the Xu n, with many of the guards living in the n¡¯s residence as if it were their own home.


    ¡°Since you¡¯re seeking your own demise, don¡¯t me me for being merciless. You can all die now!¡± As Xue Yang waved his hand, the members of the two ns charged forward. Xue Yang himself dashed forward, throwing a punch at Xu Yilin. Even before he finished speaking, the powerful gust generated by his fist reached Xu Yilin.


    ¡°Fight!¡± Xu Yilin also dashed forward and punched out. As both sides approached, the bs on the ground began to shatter, and the stone walls beside them were blown apart.


    As a powerful shockwave swept out with Xu Yilin and Xue Yang at the center, everyone observing the battle quickly retreated. The shockwave tore apart some people¡¯s clothes as they were sent flying out.


    Shortly after, Xu Yilin and Xue Yang both retreated. Xu Yilin retreated about twenty meters before stabilizing himself, while Xue Yang only retreated about ten meters.


    Xu Yilin suppressed the blood and true essence surging within his body. He had just made a breakthrough not long ago, and his aura wasn¡¯t very stable.


    ¡°Attack them together and wipe them out!¡± Tian Qisha gave his order as everyone charged at the Xu n¡¯s guards.


    As both parties approached, the Xu n was in a crisis, with the Spirit Cleansing Realm experts making a move.


    Master Huo stood nearby, unsure of what to do as he had not received any news from the pavilion master. The two ns had agreed not to touch the Xu n for a month, and the deadline had passed. So, there was no reason for him to stop them.


    As the two sides approached each other, the guards of the Xu n prepared to fight with all their might. They knew that even if they surrendered, they would not be spared. The two ns would kill everyone associated with the Xu n, as they would be considered threats if left alive. Weeds must be removed from their roots.


    The experts in the Spirit Cleansing Realm charged first, releasing their aura and shaping their true essence into various forms. They knocked the guards of the Xu n flying and caused them to spit out blood. The guards were blown away by the aura of the Spirit Cleansing Realm experts before they even made contact.


    ¡°Fight to thest breath!¡± Deacon Lan raised his sword and charged at Tian Qisha.


    ¡°Get lost!¡± Tian Qisha waved his hand, sending Deacon Lan flying away and smashing onto the wall with blood dripping down their lips. Shortly after, more guards were injured, and the scene was brutal. The guards who were struck were lying on the ground, injured with their lives at the mercy of their enemies.


    Xu Yishan and Wan Rongzhe engaged inbat, with Xu Yishan sustaining injuries the moment they shed. He gasped for breath, and if the battle continued, it wouldn¡¯t take long before the Xu n¡¯s guards were all ughtered.


    Several guards struggled back to their feet with their clothes dyed red in their blood. After being struck by the Spirit Cleansing Realm experts¡¯ aura head-on, they were heavily injured even if they were still alive. But the guards would rather die fighting than wait for death.


    The Tian and Wan ns¡¯ disciples were like madmen as they dashed forth with their weapons, ready to ughter the Xu n¡¯s guards.


    Suddenly, a terrifying de aura descended from the sky, splitting the street in two. It halted the advance of the Tian and Wan ns¡¯ disciples, for if they took another step, they would be torn apart. They had no choice but to retreat in the face of the terrifying de aura that contained such powerful de intent.


    As cracking sounds echoed, the bs on the ground exploded, and a ten-odd-meter-long cut was left on the ground. To leave behind such a long cut relying on de aura alone was beyond theprehension of everyone present.


    The guards of the Xu n watched the scene with lingering fear, for they had nearly been massacred by the two ns. The de aura had stopped the advance of the disciples of the two ns, saving their lives.


    Xue Yang and Xu Yilin ceased their fighting and looked towards the other side of the street. Two figures were approaching from that direction, slowly making their way towards the battlefield. With each step they took, the murderous intent emanating from them grew stronger. But what was even more frightening were the ck clouds that followed them, casting a bleak shadow over Azure Billow City. The snow began to fall once again, covering the bloodstains on the ground.


    ¡°Pavilion Master, you¡¯re finally back!¡± Master Huo quickly ran over upon seeing Bi Gongyu. He didn¡¯t know what had happened in Zen City, so he didn¡¯t have a good attitude with Liu Wuxie. He had already recovered from his injuries, and it wouldn¡¯t matter to him even if Liu Wuxie died.


    ¡°Wuxie, do you need me to do anything?¡± Bi Gongyu asked softly, looking at the corpses of the Xu n¡¯s members on the ground. His tone was respectful, and he didn¡¯t look like he was speaking to someone younger than him.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    After the death of Yun Lan and the mysterious demise of Nangong Qi on the night of the ambush, Bi Gongyu grew increasingly fearful of Liu Wuxie. Liu Wuxie had already demonstrated his ability to defeat Marrow Cleansing Realm experts while still in the Xiantian Realm. Bi Gongyu could only imagine how powerful Liu Wuxie would be once he reached the Marrow Cleansing Realm, and he knew he had to befriend him before he grew even stronger.


    He might be the Pavilion Master of the Treasure Pill Pavilion¡¯s branch, but the branch was located in Azure Billow City, so he didn¡¯t have a high status.


    ¡°Help my father-inw hold that person down. Everyone here must die, and you¡¯ll know the consequences if anyone escapes!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s voice was terrifyingly cold. As he approached the battlefield, each step he took caused the ground to crack, leaving footprints behind.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. None of them will escape today!¡± Bi Gongyu grinned.


    This scene shocked Master Huo, who began to wonder what had happened in the past few days for Bi Gongyu¡¯s attitude to change so much towards Liu Wuxie. Wasn¡¯t Liu Wuxie garbage? So why was the pavilion master being so respectful to him?


    ¡°That¡¯s the Xu n¡¯s son-inw. Why is he back?¡± Thousands of gazes fell on Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°So what if he returned? He¡¯ll only die in vain!¡±


    Thebel of being worthless wasn¡¯t easy to shed, and Liu Wuxie¡¯s image as such was deeply ingrained in everyone¡¯s minds.


    Xu Yilin felt relieved upon seeing Liu Wuxie for some reason. He could reach the Marrow Cleansing Realm thanks to the mantra that Liu Wuxie gave him, allowing him to make a breakthrough within half a month.


    Liu Wuxie acknowledged his father-inw with a nod before turning his cold, emotionless gaze towards Wan Rongzhe and Tian Qisha. His gaze then shifted to Xue Yang¡¯s group. If the Xue n hadn¡¯t interfered today, the Xu n wouldn¡¯t have suffered such losses, as the Tian and Wan ns posed no threat to them.


    Xue Yang squinted under Liu Wuxie¡¯s gaze, sensing a hint of threat.


    ¡°Xue Yang, how dare youmit murder in Azure Billow City!¡± Bi Gongyu roared. Having visited Imperial City several times, he was familiar with some of its renowned experts.


    ¡°Bi Gongyu, are you nning to get involved?¡± Xue Yang¡¯s face darkened. He could handle Xu Yilin, but if Bi Gongyu got involved, his chances of winning would be slim, and he would have no choice but to retreat.


    ¡°You killed members of the Xu n and expect to leave this ce alive?¡± Bi Gongyu¡¯s responsibility was only to restrain Xue Yang, as Liu Wuxie had not instructed him to kill him. This was a matter concerning the Xu n, and Liu Wuxie did not want the Treasure Pill Pavilion to be involved.


    ¡°Bi Gongyu, how dare you meddle in the affairs of our Xue n!¡± Xue Yang was outraged. In the Imperial Capital, even the Royal Family showed them respect, let alone the Treasure Pill Pavilion.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I¡¯ve promised Young Master Wuxie to hold you down. No one can leave Azure Billow City today.¡± Bi Gongyu shrugged.

 Chapter 82 - Massacre

    Chapter 82 - Massacre


    Bi Gongyu expressed his stance to help Liu Wuxie and hold everyone down. The Treasure Pill Pailion¡¯s intervention had also interrupted the rhythm of this battle, leaving the Tian and Wan ns baffled.


    ¡°Pavilion Master Bi, isn¡¯t it inappropriate for you to get involved in this matter?¡± A cold voice sounded from afar. Qi Enshi, apanied by his advisor, made his way towards the group.


    Upon seeing Qi Enshi, the murderous intent in Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes intensified. He was not surprised by Qi Enshi¡¯s appearance. If anyone in Azure Billow City wanted him dead, it would be Qi Enshi, who ranked first on that list. After all, Liu Wuxie possessed books that documented Qi Enshi¡¯s misdeeds, which made him uneasy. If these were ever exposed, his reputation would be ruined.


    The best way to keep this information secret was to eliminate Liu Wuxie so that no one else would know.


    ¡°City Lord Qi, do you want to get involved in this matter too?¡± Bi Gongyu asked coldly with displeasure on his face.


    The crowd began to exchange nces as all the influential figures in Azure Billow City, including the Song n, had gathered in one ce. This was an unprecedented event, as it had been decades since all the experts in Azure Billow City hade together in one location.


    The higher-ups of the Xu n were anxious. They had initially been in a crisis, but their fortunes changed when their patriarch made a breakthrough. However, when the Xue n became involved, the Xu n once again found themselves in a precarious situation.


    The situation took another turn when Liu Wuxie returned, and Bi Gongyu stepped forward to support them. But just as things seemed to be going their way, Qi Enshi entered the fray, furtherplicating matters. It was anyone¡¯s guess who would emerge victorious from this battle.


    ¡°The Treasure Pill Pavilion holds a transcendent position and never interferes in anything. But now that you have suddenly stepped forward to support the Xu n, I cannot simply stand by as the City Lord,¡± Qi Enshi stated, aligning himself with the Wan and Tian ns. His response took everyone by surprise. Shouldn¡¯t the City Lord be trying to stop the battle? Why was he supporting it instead?


    ¡°City Lord Qi, your actions confuse me. As the City Lord, you allow things to get worse. Can it be that you¡¯re secretly behind this attack?¡± Bi Gongyu retorted. Along the way, he and Liu Wuxie had discussed many things, including the Terrabreak Army.


    Although Liu Wuxie did not explicitly state it, Bi Gongyu could surmise that there was some animosity between Qi Enshi and Liu Wuxie. The conflict between Liu Wuxie and the City Lord Mansion had already begun when the guards from the City Lord Mansion attempted to purchase the Nine Yang Fruit from the Treasure Pill Pavilion.


    ¡°What audacity! Bi Gongyu, don¡¯t think you can ramble nonsense just because you¡¯re the pavilion master of the Treasure Pill Pavilion. Through my investigation, several members of the Xue n died at the hands of the Xu n. As the City Lord, I naturally have to enforce thew in this city. As long as the Xu n hands over the culprit, the two ns will naturally retreat,¡± Qi Enshi roared, confusing right and wrong as he imposed a crime on the Xu n.


    ¡°That¡¯s right! Hand out the culprit!¡± Tian Qisha echoed along. The situation became rigid, and only Liu Wuxie maintained his silence. Since his arrival, Liu Wuxie had not said a word.


    ¡°Qi Enshi, I will resolve our feud sooner orter. As for now, get lost if you don¡¯t want to die!¡± A terrifying aura swept out from Liu Wuxie. Liu Wuxie called out Qi Enshi¡¯s name directly, tantly telling everyone that there was a feud between them and there was an opportunity for them to resolve it in the future, not now.


    Everyone was stumped with their mouths wide open.


    ¡°I-Is he insane? How dare he talk to the City Lord in this manner?!¡± The shop owners gathered around and looked at Liu Wuxie like they were looking at a madman.


    The Tian and Wan n¡¯s disciplesughed as Liu Wuxie amused them.


    ¡°Is the Xu n insane? They¡¯re on the brink of being wiped out,¡± many people murmured, still siding with the Xu n due to their good reputation. Liu Wuxie¡¯s words naturally sparked discontent among the crowd. In their eyes, the City Lord was an official figure in the city, while the Xu n was merely a local n.


    Liu Wuxie had no intention of exining his feud with Qi Enshi and did not care about the opinions of others. Whether he was ridiculing or insulting Qi Enshi made no difference to him.


    ¡°Boy, I will remember what you said today. We¡¯ll see if you¡¯re still alive to talk about it after this is over!¡± Qi Enshi suppressed his anger, as he considered Liu Wuxie to be as good as dead. The situation became clear when Qi Enshi positioned himself in front of Bi Gongyu, preventing him from intervening.


    Xue Yang faced Xu Yilin while those from the Tian and Wan ns charged at the Xu n, including Liu Wuxie. As long as Bi Gongyu was held down, everyone else from the Xu n wouldn¡¯t be a threat.


    Qi Enshi might be domineering but wouldn¡¯t fall out with the Treasure Pill Pavilion. His only objective was to hold back Bi Gongyu, allowing both sides to fight without intervention.


    Since Qi Enshi wasn¡¯t joining the fight, Bi Gongyu couldn¡¯t join the fight either, and this was Qi Enshi¡¯s true objective.


    Liu Wuxie nodded at Bi Gongyu, indicating that he only needed to restrain Qi Enshi and leave the rest to him. Bi Gongyu understood Liu Wuxie¡¯s intentions and withdrew his aura, facing Qi Enshi. As long as Qi Enshi did not make a move, neither would he, and the two had an unspoken understanding.


    ¡°Uncle, take everyone from the Xu n and retreat to the main gate!¡± Liu Wuxie turned to look at Xu Yishan.


    ¡°Wuxie, I know that you¡¯re strong. But the two ns have too many people, and you alone aren¡¯t enough to deal with them!¡± Xu Yishan still remembered vividly how Liu Wuxie defeated Wolf Fang with three moves back in the mines.


    Wolf Fang was at the fifth level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm. However, the situation today was different, as both Tian Qisha and Wan Rongze were at the peak of the Spirit Cleansing Realm, and there were also three Spirit Cleansing Realm experts from the Xue n. It seemed unlikely that Liu Wuxie could win all by himself.


    ¡°Lan Yu!¡± Liu Wuxie yelled as he didn¡¯t like to exin himself.


    ¡°Master!¡± Deacon Lan suddenly fell down on his knees, covered in wounds.


    ¡°Take them away!¡± Liu Wuxie ordered. He couldn¡¯t issue an order to Xu Yishan, but he could order Deacon Lan. Deacon Lan¡¯s position in the Xu n was even higher than Xu Yishan, and the guards here were all Deacon Lan¡¯s subordinates.


    ¡°Roger that!¡± Deacon Lan retreated with the guards after receiving Liu Wuxie¡¯s orders. With Liu Wuxie present, there was nothing more for them to do.


    ¡°Second Master, let¡¯s leave,¡± Deacon Lan whispered as he approached Xu Yishan.


    Xu Yishan stood there, seething with anger, but he was powerless to do anything. He had always looked down on Liu Wuxie when he was younger, so it was only natural for Liu Wuxie to ridicule him now.


    The street was wide, and the corpses of the Xu n¡¯s guards were carried away.


    ¡°Brat, you want to stop us by yourself? How ignorant!¡± Tian Qisha sneered. It was undeniable that the aura given off by Liu Wuxie was intimidating. But Liu Wuxie was only in the Xiantian Realm, and Tian Qisha did not take him seriously.


    ¡°Don¡¯t kill him so easily. Capture him alive because I want to chop him up and feed the demonic beasts I raised. I can only relieve my anger after seeing himpletely eaten up!¡± An elder of the Wan n said, looking at Liu Wuxie as if he wanted to devour him.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it, Elder Wan. I¡¯ll torture him slowly!¡± The Tian n also hated Liu Wuxie to the core.


    As the disciples of the Tian n approached, Tian Hong and Tian Yequan led the party, harboring strong hatred for Liu Wuxie. That was especially true for Tian Yequan, who had been pped by Liu Wixie back in the colosseum.


    ¡°You guys cane at me together. I don¡¯t want to waste time!¡± Liu Wuxie beckoned everyone from the Wan n. There were only roughly two thousand people, and they weren¡¯t enough for him to butcher. From this day forward, he intended to erase the Wan and Tian ns from Azure Billow City.


    ¡°How cocky. Let me cripple you first, then!¡± Tian Yequan and Tian Hong charged forth.


    They still didn¡¯t know that Liu Wuxie had reached the fourth level of the Xiantian Realm. As they closed in,ing within a few meters of Liu Wuxie, the guards of the Xu n grew anxious, wondering if Liu Wuxie could truly turn the tide.


    Xu Yilin and Xue Yang remained still, waiting to see how things would unfold.


    As Liu Wuxie unsheathed his sword, Tian Yequan and Tian Hong were frozen in ce as if they had been magically immobilized.


    ¡°Trash!¡± Liu Wuxie eximed as he disappeared. His voice echoed, ¡°Since you don¡¯t want toe at me together, then wait to be ughtered by me!¡±


    When Liu Wuxie swung his sword, a terrifying buzzing noise emanated from the de, filling the street. The sound vibrations caused many low-level cultivators to bleed from their noses.


    ¡°Shit!¡± Wan Rongzhe suddenly realized something wasn¡¯t right because Liu Wuxie was too strong.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Liu Wuxie was like a tiger entering a flock of sheep as he dashed into the Tian and Wan n¡¯s party. They were caught off guard because they had not expected Liu Wuxie to be so strong, and he began executing his sword technique within the crowd.


    With every swing of Liu Wuxie¡¯s sword, blood sttered, and more people fell to the ground. In just three breaths, there were already massive casualties among the disciples of the Wan and Tian ns, leaving arge empty space with over a hundred corpses lying on the ground.


    Among them were experts in the Xiantian Realm whom Liu Wuxie slew with one strike of his de. The scene was gruesome, with corpses either decapitated or dismembered.


    This sight caused all the onlookers to gasp in shock, as it was beyond theirprehension. Even though the air they breathed was freezing, they couldn¡¯t feel the cold.


    ¡°How is he so terrifying?!¡± The shop owners who had previously mocked Liu Wuxie now felt their legs give out beneath them as they copsed onto the snow, unable to stand. Those nearby quickly distanced themselves from the shop owners.


    The guards of the Xu n were shocked, rubbing their eyes and wondering if they were hallucinating. But after repeated confirmations, they finally realized that those people were indeed dead, killed by Liu Wuxie alone.


    Bi Gongyu had anticipated this scene, but he couldn¡¯t help but be shocked when he saw it. In the past ten days, he had witnessed countless miracles created by Liu Wuxie and had grown numb to them. But he still couldn¡¯t help being amazed every time he saw Liu Wuxie perform another miracle.


    Qi Enshi narrowed his eyes, a powerful murderous intent emanating from him. Liu Wuxie¡¯s performance had far exceeded his control, and he knew that Liu Wuxie would pose a significant threat in the future.


    Master Huo pulled out a handful of his beard but didn¡¯t feel the pain. The Xue n was the most shocked because they had seriously underestimated Liu Wuxie¡¯s fighting prowess.


    ¡°Y-Young master is too strong!¡± the Xu n¡¯s guards eximed in disbelief as they came to their senses.


    Xu Yishan smiled bitterly when he saw this scene and didn¡¯t know what to say. He now knew why Liu Wuxie called them to back off. They would only get in his way if they stayed around.


    ¡°ARGH!¡± Tian Qisha screamed as he watched the disciples of his n being ughtered by Liu Wuxie, and his voice shook the snow off the houses on both sides.

 Chapter 83 - Chopping

    <h4>Chapter 83 - Chopping</h4>


    Tian Qisha¡¯s eyes zed with fury as he watched many of the Tian n¡¯s disciples die. Many of them were his nephews or rted to him, but he could only watch as Liu Wuxie ughtered them. Their blood flowed out, forming a river that stained the white snow red and melted it with its warmth. This created a crimson stream that flowed along the walls on either side.


    The strong stench of blood assaulted everyone¡¯s nostrils, causing them to tremble with fear and almost faint.


    This scene left Wan Rongzhe speechless as his son was amongst the dead. Seeing his son beheaded by Liu Wuxie caused his mind to go nk. He even forgot to be furious and even breathe. But when Wan Rongzhe came to his senses, he couldn¡¯t describe his current emotions, and he could only use vicious words to express his anger as his hair fluttered by the outburst of aura he released. ¡°Liu Wuxie, I¡¯ll tear you into pieces!¡±


    Wan Rongzhe¡¯s veins bulged as he radiated a terrifying aura of murderous intent, spreading throughout the entire street. As he approached, his aura intensified, causing the corpses on the ground to be flung away.


    The experts of the Wan n followed closely behind him, their eyes fixed on Liu Wuxie as if they wanted to devour him alive. Tian Qisha and the Tian n also moved in, surrounding Liu Wuxie from the other side to prevent him from escaping.


    ¡°You bastard! I swear that I¡¯ll kill you today!¡± Tian Qisha¡¯s voice rose with each word.


    Xu Yilin watched with horror, as Liu Wuxie¡¯s strength had increased greatly over the past ten days. Xue Yang was also taken aback and realized that Liu Wuxie posed a threat that needed to be eliminated before he could grow any stronger.


    ¡°Kill me?¡± A devilish smile rose on Liu Wuxie¡¯s lips. He mocked, ¡°You trash want my life?¡±


    More than a thousand people surrounded him, and a great battle seemed inevitable. This made Xu Yilin nervous, fearing that something might happen to Liu Wuxie. If Liu Wuxie died, how would he exin it to Big Brother Liu when he returned?


    ¡°All of you, kill him together!¡± Xue Yang ordered the three Xue n¡¯s members nearby. He felt that the Tian and Wan ns alone would not be able to defeat Liu Wuxie and that the Xue n needed to get involved as well.


    ¡°Understood!¡± The three members of the Xue n stepped forward and joined the battle. With five experts at the pinnacle of the Spirit Cleansing Realm now fighting against him, what chance did Liu Wuxie have?


    The entire Azure Billow City was enveloped in murderous intent, and everyone could smell the pungent stench of blood, even from ten miles away.


    ¡°I fear that the power dynamics in Azure Billow City will be forever changed after today!¡± Voices could be heard discussing the situation from a distance as more people gathered, but they kept their distance, not wanting to get caught up in the chaos.


    ¡°I¡¯m betting on the Tian n. They¡¯ve been nning for this for a long time and have even formed an alliance with the Xue n from the Imperial Capital. The Xu n is in trouble now.¡± Many people were throwing their support behind the Tian and Wan ns.


    The Xu n was a newly risen aristocrat whose foundation was inferior to the Tian and Wan ns. With the support of the City Lord Mansion and the Xue n, the Tian and Wan ns were like tigers with wings attached to them. There was a huge difference regardless of overallbat strength or the number of experts.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be so sure about that. Didn¡¯t you just see Liu Wuxie killing two hundred disciples by himself?¡± Some supported the Xu n, but there weren¡¯t many.


    After decades of fighting in the shadows, the oue would finally be decided today.


    Liu Wuxie scanned his surroundings, knowing that this was only the beginning of the real massacre. As he raised his de towards the sky, his aura grew even stronger. Though his cultivation was only at the fourth level of the Xiantian Realm, thanks to the deste true essence, his aura wasparable to that of someone at the pinnacle of the Spirit Cleansing Realm.


    Furthermore, Liu Wuxie¡¯s physique had been transformed by the mysterious liquid produced by the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron, allowing him to surpass others at the same level of cultivation. When his de intent descended, it brought with it a suffocating and destructive pressure that threatened to drive everyone mad.


    ¡°de intent! He¡¯s using de intent!¡± someone eximed from the crowd. Those who couldprehend sword intent were considered geniuses, but those who couldprehend de intent were on a whole other level.


    Tian Qisha¡¯s face twisted in difort as he sensed Liu Wuxie¡¯s de intent. Even he felt uneasy facing it, as if he were being stared down by a ferocious beast, causing his body to stiffen. This was the true power of de intent.


    But the ordinary disciples simply looked at each other in confusion, not understanding what de intent was.


    ¡°Quick, kill before he can gather his strength!¡± Wang Rongzhe roared, and the experts of the Wan n charged forward. The elders, all in thete phase of the Xiantian Realm, surged forward like a tidal wave, causing the ground to shake and the bs to fly. The Tian n followed closely behind, and with more than a thousand people attacking at once; even an expert in the Marrow Cleansing Realm would not dare to face them head-on.


    The attacks converged on Liu Wuxie like a steel hurricane, threatening to engulf him if he wasn¡¯t careful.


    As their weapons descended upon Liu Wuxie, the attacks of the Wan and Tian ns reached their peak, fueled by their anger and desire to take Liu Wuxie¡¯s life with a single blow.


    The sound of their attacks was deafening, and the ground where Liu Wuxie stood was heavily damaged. Even an expert in the Marrow Cleansing Realm would have been killed by such a barrage of attacks.


    ¡°Wuxie!¡± Xu Yilin roared and was on the verge of bursting into tears.


    The guards of the Xu n also had tears rolling down their cheeks. They had witnessed Liu Wuxie¡¯s performance for the past year, and they all considered him to be the pir of the Xu n.


    Tian Qishaughed heartily, confident that no one could survive such a barrage of attacks. He was certain that Liu Wuxie was dead, his body torn apart.


    A terrifying shockwave swept outwards, nearly blowing apart the gates of the Xu n even from several hundred meters away.


    ¡°Is that brat dead?¡± Wan Butong asked, still shaken by the fear that Liu Wuxie had instilled in him. If Liu Wuxie were still alive, Wan Butong would never be able to hold his head up again, having been humiliated by him in the colosseum.


    ¡°Hmph, I¡¯ll call him my grandfather if he¡¯s not dead after taking all those attacks!¡± sneered a disciple of the Wan n. As the dust settled, all that remained was a huge crater. There was no sign of Liu Wuxie¡¯s body.


    ¡°Did you ask if I¡¯m willing to have you as my grandson?¡± A sh of de light cut through the air, impossible to avoid as everyone was packed tightly together. The Wan n disciple who had spoken earlier was struck head-on, and it was toote for him to flee as the de reached him.


    ¡°ARGH! I DON¡¯T WANT TO DIE!¡± he screamed as he was sliced in half at the waist. His body fell to the ground, still clinging to life.


    But this was only the beginning. de light bloomed throughout the crowd as Liu Wuxie moved like a killing machine, leaving a trail of blood in his wake.


    ¡°Dammit! Quick, defend!¡± Wan Rongzhe cried out in panic. Despite their numerous attacks seeminglynding on Liu Wuxie, he couldn¡¯t understand how they had all missed and how Liu Wuxie had managed to dodge them before appearing in the crowd. It was a mystery!


    No one, not even the experts in the Marrow Cleansing Realm, knew the answer to that mystery. They also couldn¡¯t see clearly how Liu Wuxie disappeared.


    As Liu Wuxie¡¯s rampage continued, more bodies fell to the ground. He moved with the Seven Dipper Steps, leaving behind afterimages that no one could keep up with.


    ¡°Quick, restrain him!¡± Tian Qisha was on the verge of going insane. He charged forward, but every time he made a move, Liu Wuxie would mysteriously disappear, like a cat toying with a mouse. Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t ready to fight the five Spirit Cleansing Realms yet and wanted to instill fear in them first.


    A Wan n¡¯s disciple suddenly threw his weapon away, yelling, ¡°I don¡¯t want to fight anymore! I want to go home!¡±


    But it was already toote as the ruthless de descended on him. As the number of corpses on the ground increased, they didn¡¯t take long to pile up.


    ¡°Fight back! Fight back!¡± Wan Rongzhe roared. His heart was bleeding as he watched the Wan n¡¯s disciples and elders fall.


    The two ns had been established in Azure Billow City for over a hundred years, growing to their current size. But with so many deaths, even if they survived this day, their ns would be greatly weakened. They were too slow to keep up with Liu Wuxie¡¯s Seven Dipper Steps, not even those in the Marrow Cleansing Realm, let alone those in the Houtian and Xiantian Realms.


    Liu Wuxie looked like he was chopping vegetables as he swung his de, taking multiple lives as he weaved through the crowd.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, I curse you a terrible death!¡± A Tian n¡¯s elder charged forward after witnessing Liu Wuxie behead his son.


    ¡°Hmph! A bunch of scraps!¡± Liu Wuxie continued to swing his de, and as the elder drew near, he froze, and his head was sent flying. As the elder¡¯s head soared into the sky, blood and brain matter sttered everywhere, his eyes popping out of their sockets.


    The shop owners gathered far away were so shocked that their mouths were wide open. As the two eyeballs flew towards them, two of the shopkeepers instinctively swallowed, their stomachs churning as they vomited.


    Those who had been mocking Liu Wuxie earlier had received their just desserts. After all, it was too much of a coincidence that the two eyeballs hadnded in their mouths right after they had ridiculed Liu Wuxie.


    The battlefield was a scene of carnage. What had once been a crowd of over a thousand had been decimated in the blink of an eye. Those who remained were fleeing with no intention of continuing the fight. They didn¡¯t want to die there.


    Liu Wuxie was a force to be reckoned with. They couldn¡¯t match his speed and were being ughtered like livestock.


    ¡°Break through!¡± Xu Yishan ordered, leading the Xu n¡¯s guards in a charge. Those who were fleeing were ordinary people, as Liu Wuxie had already killed all the cultivators in the Xiantian Realm. The remaining ones were in the Houtian Realm.


    The deacons of the Xu n, all in the Xiantian Realm, had been holding back for a long time. Seeing an opportunity, they didn¡¯t hesitate to charge forward. If they didn¡¯t act now, Liu Wuxie might ughter all the members of the Tian and Wan ns on his own.


    With their escape route blocked, another battle ensued. Only a few hundred people were left, and they were being ughtered by the guards led by Xu Yishan.


    Tian Qisha could only watch helplessly as his n¡¯s disciples fell one by one. He could only vent his anger on Liu Wuxie, as he was the cause of all this chaos.


    As everyone else fell, only the five experts in the Spirit Cleansing Realm remained, their eyes bloodshot with rage.

 Chapter 84 - Wiped Out

    <h4>Chapter 84 - Wiped Out</h4>


    The ground was littered with corpses, emitting a foul stench as the walls on either side were stained red with blood. Everyone was stunned by the sudden loss of so many lives.


    Tian Qisha¡¯s chest heaved as he struggled to breathe, each exhale producing a white mist from his mouth.


    ¡°Dead, they¡¯re all dead!¡± Wan Rongzhe''s hair was disheveled, and he looked like a madman. He no longer resembled the patriarch he once was, having just witnessed the death of his kin and being powerless to stop it.


    Xue Yang radiated a murderous aura but remained eerily calm, knowing that this was not the time to lose his temper. As long as he could kill Xu Yilin, he could also destroy the Xu n.


    The fate of the Wan and Tian ns didn¡¯t matter, as the Xue n could always support another n in Azure Billow City. Countless smaller ns were waiting for their chance to rise to power.


    Qi Enshi¡¯s hands were hidden in his sleeves, concealing their trembling. He could no longer maintain hisposure after so many people died.


    In the True Martial Continent, thew of the jungle prevailed, with the strong preying on the weak. But the Great Yan Dynasty wouldn¡¯t interfere in the disputes between ns as long as they didn¡¯t take it too far. They would only intervene if a n betrayed the dynasty or defected to the enemies.


    A chorus of gasps filled the air as everyone took a deep breath. The ground was littered with corpses, blood pooling into a river. It was a true mountain of bodies and a sea of blood, a sight that shook everyone to their core.


    Xu Yilin¡¯s hands had gone numb from clenching his fists tightly, restricting the flow of blood. He was so focused that he didn¡¯t even notice his nails digging into his skin.


    After ughtering the disciples of the two ns, the guards of the Xu n returned to clean up the battlefield, removing the corpses so that the corpses wouldn¡¯t affect the uing battle.


    ¡°A month ago, I said I¡¯d wipe out the Wan n within one month. I have aplished that, and now it¡¯s your turn,¡± Liu Wuxie said calmly. He remembered how he had been ruthlessly suppressed by the Wan n in the colosseum and had sworn to erase them from Azure Billow City within a month.


    Wan Rongzhe was filled with regret as he recalled those events. If only he had killed Liu Wuxie back then, none of this would have happened. But who could expect trash to grow so much in just one month?! But it was a pity that there were no ¡®ifs¡¯ in the world. Things had already happened, and there was no way to turn back time.


    ¡°Boy, I¡¯ll tear you apart for killing all the elites of our two ns!¡± Wan Rongzhe took a deep breath. He could take revenge for those who died by killing Liu Wuxie. After that, they could destroy the Xu n and seize Xu n¡¯s resources. As long as they could aplish that, they would still have a chance to rise again.


    ¡°Let¡¯s all make a move together. Kill him and wipe out the Xu n!¡± Tian Qisha said with a sinister expression. In addition to the three Spirit Cleansing Realm experts from the Xue n, the five Spirit Cleansing Realm experts formed a pentagon surrounding Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Wuxie, you have to be careful!¡± Xu Yilin was torn, knowing that if he made a move, Xue Yang would also act. Neither of them dared to act rashly.


    As for Qi Enshi and Bi Gongyu, they held each other back outside the encirclement, and neither moved.


    ¡°Young Master, kill them all!¡± The guards of the Xu n shouted. Many of the Xu n¡¯s servants emerged from their residence, having been too terrified toe out earlier. But when they learned that Liu Wuxie had ughtered the elites of the two ns, they finally mustered the courage to watch the battle. They cheered for Liu Wuxie, knowing that after today, the status of the Xu n in Azure Billow City would soar.


    Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Liu Wuxie raised his de, his right eye emitting a faint glow as he activated his Ghost Eye technique. The movements of the five Spirit Cleansing Realm experts slowed, and the ws in their martial techniques were revealed to him.


    ¡°All five of you,e at me together!¡± Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t want to waste time and was determined to end the battle quickly.


    ¡°Die!¡± The five Spirit Cleansing Realm experts roared as they charged towards Liu Wuxie. Their terrifying true essence formed a powerful storm that swept towards him, trapping and immobilizing him. Their true essence rained down like a torrential downpour, creating thunderous booms as it struck the ground. If it were to hit a human body, it would leave a mark.


    As the six fought, Liu Wuxie held his own against all five enemies, shocking everyone who watched. Before this, the highest level of cultivation among those Liu Wuxie had killed from the Tian and Wan ns was only in the Xiantian Realm, while these five were in the Spirit Cleansing Realm!


    They weren¡¯t ordinary people, and it wouldn¡¯t be easy even if an expert in the Marrow Cleansing Realm wanted to kill them.


    As their weapons shed, a powerful shockwave spread outwards, feeling like a strong gust of wind that blew away the snow on the nearby ground.


    When the snowkesnded on the warm blood, they melted and mixed with it, forming a slushy mixture of blood and water.


    The longer the three Spirit Cleansing Realm experts from the Xue n fought, the more shocked they became as they realized that Liu Wuxie¡¯s fighting talent was far beyond their own. He seemed to effortlessly deflect their attacks, as if he already knew where they would strike. The more they fought, the more frustrated they became.


    Tian Qisha executed a Fallen Swallow technique, aiming for Liu Wuxie¡¯s lower body. But before he could evenunch his attack, Liu Wuxie had already leaped into the air, rendering Tian Qisha¡¯s attack useless.


    Their attacks wereid bare before Liu Wuxie¡¯s Ghost Eye. He didn¡¯t immediatelyunch a counterattack, not wanting to reveal too much of his talent. Instead, he moved with the Seven Dipper Steps, weaving through their attacks with ease. Whenever one of the five Spirit Cleansing Realm experts¡¯ attacks was about tond on him, it would somehow fall short.


    The difference between both sides was clear to see. Liu Wuxie was like a butterfly as he weaved through the attacks while the five Spirit Cleansing Realm experts were in disarray. After all, this was the first time they had worked together, and it was natural for them to be unfamiliar with each other¡¯s style.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s Ghost Eye suddenly focused on the three experts from the Xue n. They were using the Xue n¡¯s sword technique, and Liu Wuxie had identified seventeen ws in their movements.


    ¡°Time to end this farce!¡± Each w was fatal as Liu Wuxie dashed forth, leaving behind an afterimage, and appeared behind the three experts from the Xue n. They were caught off guard and broke out in a cold sweat.


    ¡°Oh, shit!¡± The three felt as if a viper was staring at them from behind. But it was toote for them to react as Liu Wuxie¡¯s de intent tore through their bodies.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s de sliced through the necks of the three experts from the Xue n, blood spurting from their wounds. Their headless bodies continued to move forward for a brief moment before copsing to the ground.


    Their headsnded on a nearby roof, and for a brief moment, they were still conscious. As the three experts from the Xue n looked down at their headless bodies, their eyes filled with regret. They regretteding to Azure Billow City and getting involved in this conflict before finally closing their eyes and departing from this world.


    Tian Qisha and Wan Rongzhe stood frozen, at a loss for words. Had the three experts from the Xue n really just died like that? It seemed unbelievable that Liu Wuxie had beheaded them so easily.


    ¡°They¡¯re dead?¡± Deacon Qi asked, rubbing his eyes in disbelief.


    ¡°They¡¯re dead! The young master killed them!¡± Deacon Hu said with excitement.


    Liu Wuxie turned to face Tian Qisha and Wan Rongzhe. They had brought roughly two thousand people with them, but now only two of them remained. He asked indifferently, ¡°Do you want to take your own lives, or do you need me to behead you?¡±


    Being beheaded in public was the cruelest way to die. If Wan Rongzhe and Tian Qisha chose tomit suicide, they could at least diefortably. To Liu Wuxie, ughtering over two thousand people seemed like nothing.


    After all, he had once been an Immortal Emperor, controlling the lives of hundreds of millions. The lives of two thousand people were nothing to him.


    ¡°Bastard, so what if you can kill us? The Xue n won¡¯t let you go!¡± Tian Qisha snarled, his expression twisted with rage. He turned to look at Xue Yang, hoping that he could turn the tide of the battle and kill Liu Wuxie because Tian Qisha and Wan Rongzhe didn¡¯t want to die there.


    ¡°The Xue n?¡± Liu Wuxie sneered, ¡°I remember dering that I would erase the Xue n from the Imperial Capital within a year.¡±


    Liu Wuxie clearly remembered Xue Yu¡¯s threat and was determined to wipe out the Xue n within a year.


    ¡°Boy, you¡¯re courting death!¡± Xue Yang roared in fury as he engaged in a fierce battle with Xu Yilin. As the two Marrow Cleansing Realm experts shed, each impact ignited a burst of mes. Xu Yilin, being a cksmith with fire attribute cultivation, was able to unleash potent mes from his palm.


    Meanwhile, Liu Wuxie slowly advanced towards Tian Qisha and Wan Rongzhe with his de. As he drew closer, the two men felt an escting sense of dread and instinctively retreated. With Xu Yilin keeping Xue Yang at bay, theirst glimmer of hope was extinguished.


    Without any warning, Liu Wuxie swung his de and used his Ghost Eye technique to lock onto Wan Rongzhe and Tian Qisha, rendering them immobile.


    ¡°I...I can¡¯t move!¡± Wan Rongzhe was horrified.


    Powerful soul energy gushed out of Liu Wuxie¡¯s golden soul sea to immobilize them. As he stood before Tian Qisha and Wan Rongzhe, he slowly beheaded them, allowing them to experience the full horror of their impending death. As Liu Wuxie¡¯s de sliced into their necks, Wan Rongzhe and Tian Qisha trembled, too terrified to even beg for mercy.


    Tears of regret rolled down their cheeks, but no one sympathized with them as the world of cultivators was brutal.


    With that, the fight that had been ongoing for so many years was finallying to an end. When Wan Rongzhe and Tian Qisha¡¯s heads flew into the sky, they became history.


    After killing Wan Rongzhe and Tian Qisha, Liu Wuxie rxed, a faint sense of resentment dissipating from his body. This resentment had originated from the original owner of his body, who had been framed by the Wan n in a brothel. It had been pent up inside Liu Wuxie for some time.


    But now, after ughtering everyone from the Wan ns along with Wan Rongzhe, the resentment was finally released, and Liu Wuxie could feel his mind clearing up.


    ¡°Feels good!¡± Liu Wuxie could sense his soul perfectly fusing with his body. If he didn¡¯t wipe out the Wan n, the resentment would develop into a demon nted in his heart as time passed.


    As Liu Wuxie took a deep breath, his cultivation began to rise, reaching the pinnacle fourth level of the Xiantian Realm. He was only one step away from reaching the fifth level of the Xiantian Realm now. After resolving the resentment in this body, his future cultivation would be two times faster than usual.


    Liu Wuxie turned to face Xue Yang, who was still locked inbat with his father-inw. However, in terms of actual fighting prowess, Xu Yilin was no match for Xue Yang, who had been in the Marrow Cleansing Realm for a long time.


    The destruction of the Wan and Tian ns greatly impacted Xue Yang, and he no longer had the desire to continue fighting. Every time he made a move, he found himself restrained, and he even considered fleeing.


    ¡°As for the destruction of the Xue n, let¡¯s start with you!¡± Liu Wuxie turned into a streak of light, swinging his de at Xue Yang.


    Since the feud between him and the Xue n couldn¡¯t be resolved, only one side could survive. So, he decided to begin the destruction of the Xue n with Xue Yang, gradually weakening their power.

 Chapter 85 - Skills

    <h4>Chapter 85 - Skills</h4>


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s attack was executed in an unusual manner, following aplex trajectory. He vanished while his foot remained on the ground, a feat only achievable by those highly skilled in movement techniques.


    ¡°Father-inw, finish him off!¡± Liu Wuxie called out, echoing a simr strategy to the other night when he had ambushed Yun Lan and Nangong Qi. Liu Wuxie held Xue Yang in ce while Xu Yilin dealt the killing blow. Having just recovered his golden soul sea, Liu Wuxie was cautious not to recklessly unleash a soul attack, especially with other threats still present. He needed to conserve his strength.


    ¡°Understood!¡± There was a strong understanding between Liu Wuxie and Xu Yilin. Xu Yilin quickly grasped Liu Wuxie¡¯s intentions, and a red spear materialized in his hand. The patriarchs of all four ns carried an interspatial pouch to keep their weapons.


    Like a dragon soaring from the sea, the spear released a chilling radiance directed at Xue Yang¡¯s chest. The Xue n had sent people to burn down three of the Xu n¡¯s oil mills, and the feud between the two ns was irreconcble. So, there was naturally no need for Xu Yilin to show mercy. In the worst scenario, they could just leave Azure Billow City.


    Caught in a pincer attack, Xue Yang¡¯s room for evasion was rapidly shrinking. It was impossible for him to dodge both attacks, especially considering that Liu Wuxie¡¯s de aura was even more lethal than Xu Yilin¡¯s attack. The trajectory of Liu Wuxie¡¯s attack was strange and unpredictable.


    Qi Enshi wanted to make a move because he couldn¡¯t allow Xue Yang to die in Azure Billow City. The Xue n would take their anger out on him if that happened.


    The Xue n, a formidable power in the Imperial Capital, was on apletely different levelpared to Qi Enshi, who was merely the lord of a remote city. Inparison to the Xue n¡¯s five hundred years of existence in the Imperial Capital, Qi Enshi was hardly significant.


    ¡°City Lord Qi, I would advise you not to interfere in this battle,¡± Bi Gongyu warned coldly. Given the current circumstances, he had no choice but to stand with Liu Wuxie till the end. If Azure Billow City¡¯s Treasure Pill Pavilion could secure even one of the pills Liu Wuxie refined in Zen City, his standing in the headquarters would not be inferior to Shangguan Cai¡¯s. At that point, even the Xue n wouldn¡¯t dare to cross him.


    ¡°Bi Gongyu, you will pay the price for your choice!¡± Qi Enshi gritted his teeth with hatred. Bi Gongyu was blocking his path and would counter him if he made a move.


    ¡°City Lord Qi, you don¡¯t have to threaten me. The Treasure Pill Pavilion isn¡¯t affiliated with the Great Yan Dynasty. Liu Wuxie is the chief alchemist of the Treasure Pill Pavilion. If anything happens to him, you¡¯ll face the consequences. So I advise you not to intervene as a friend.¡±


    Qi Enshi was shocked. Since when did Liu Wuxie be the Treasure Pill Pavilion¡¯s chief alchemist? If that were true, it would be troublesome for Qi Enshi to try and kill Liu Wuxie in the future unless it was an assassination. Otherwise, he would be in trouble by offending the Treasure Pill Pavilion. But his weakness was in Liu Wuxie¡¯s hands, and he had to find a way to kill Liu Wuxie even if he had to take the risk.


    All of this happened in the blink of an eye. Liu Wuxie¡¯s de split the air apart, sweeping the snow on the ground and forming a vacuum channel. The snow was directly vaporized into steam and disappeared.


    The de intent that Liu Wuxie released made Xue Yang feel uneasy as rm bells rang loudly in his mind, signaling danger.


    Gritting his teeth, Xue Yang performed a rotation with his sword. He chose to attack Liu Wuxie and gave up on Xu Yilin. In a nutshell, Xue Yang felt that Liu Wuxie was more of a threat than Xu Yilin.


    Xu Yilin was already advanced in age and had nearly reached his potential, so his room for growth was limited. But Liu Wuxie was different. At only eighteen years old, he had a long future ahead of him. It might indeed be possible for him to destroy the Xue n in one year, and Xue Yang knew he had to kill Liu Wuxie before he could grow any stronger. In essence, Liu Wuxie¡¯s threat was greater than Xu Yilin¡¯s.


    ¡°Wuxie, be careful!¡± Xu Yilin hadn¡¯t expected that Xue Yang would shift his target to Liu Wuxie. As Xue Yang swung his sword, he unleashed a powerful sword aura, his strongest attack yet. Xue Yang had decided to kill Liu Wuxie, even if it cost him his own life.


    ¡°You arrived just in time!¡± Liu Wuxie advanced instead of retreating, using his Ghost Eye technique to detect every nuance of Xue Yang¡¯s attack. With the resentment in his body now dissipated, Liu Wuxie¡¯s soul and body had achieved perfect harmony. He rotated 180 degrees in mid-air, facing the sky with his back towards the ground, and his de appeared at Xue Yang¡¯s waist.


    This was aplex maneuver that required great skill and a powerful true essence to execute.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s unusual attack caught Xue Yang off guard. He hadn¡¯t expected Liu Wuxie to be able tounch a counterattack in such a state and was momentarily at a loss for how to respond.


    Cultivation level wasn¡¯t everything, and Liu Wuxie¡¯s true essence was no weaker than that of someone at the pinnacle of the Spirit Cleansing Realm. As such, he wasn¡¯t affected by the suppression of a Marrow Cleansing Realm aura. In this situation, fighting skills yed a crucial role.


    The battle between Liu Wuxie and Xue Yang wasn¡¯t about their cultivation or true essence but their skills. Whoever had a higher fighting talent or understanding of martial techniques would gain the upper hand. So Xue Yang was palepared to Liu Wuxie.


    Faced with Liu Wuxie¡¯s attack, Xue Yang chose to retreat, swinging his sword to force Liu Wuxie tond on the ground. As Xue Yang¡¯s attack neared, Liu Wuxie slid along the ground, his back close to the surface. He did this because if he hadnded normally, Xue Yang might have seized the opportunity to strike.


    Just as Liu Wuxie¡¯s back was about to touch down, he suddenly pushed off the ground with his right foot and soared into the air, executing the maneuver in one fluid motion.


    A round of apuse erupted from the onlookers. Liu Wuxie¡¯s series of actions had left them stunned, and they couldn¡¯t help but p in appreciation of his control over the rhythm of the battle.


    ¡°What frightening fighting instincts!¡± Song Tianhao showed a hint of horror in his eyes.


    The Song n had not intervened this time, unsure if the Xu n would survive this crisis. If they had known how things would turn out, Song Tianhao wouldn¡¯t have hesitated to join the fight with his n and support the Xu n.


    Xue Yang¡¯s sword struck the ground, sending sparks flying. Meanwhile, Liu Wuxie spun mid-air, his sword pointing downwards at Xue Yang¡¯s head.


    Liu Wuxie dazzled everyone with a series of incredible movements. Even Xu Yilin was at a loss for words. In his forty-odd years of life, he had seen hundreds of experts, but he had never encountered anyone like Liu Wuxie.


    He had watched Liu Wuxie grow up and had no idea when he had mastered such an ethereal movement technique that allowed him to glide through the air like an immortal. Even someone in the True Core Realm might not know how to fly, but Liu Wuxie managed to briefly take flight using only his deste true essence.


    As Xue Yang¡¯s attack missed its mark, he raised his sword and charged at Liu Wuxie with renewed determination. But at that moment, Xu Yilin¡¯s spear arrived, preventing Xue Yang from continuing his assault on Liu Wuxie. With Xu Yilin and Liu Wuxie working together, Xue Yang found himself struggling to fend off their attacks. Not only did he have to defend against Xu Yilin¡¯s strikes, but he also had to be wary of Liu Wuxie¡¯s sneak attacks.


    With no choice, Xue Yang could only turn around to fight Xu Yilin.


    ¡°Xue Yang, die!¡± Liu Wuxie roared, swinging his de and creating an intense ripple in the surrounding space. He descended from the sky with his ultimate move, seemingly intent on holding Xue Yang back and creating an opening for Xu Yilin to deliver the killing blow.


    However, Xue Yang didn¡¯t know there was a strong rapport between Liu Wuxie and Xu Yilin. While it may have appeared that Liu Wuxie was responsible for holding Xue Yang back, he was actually waiting for an opportunity. Meanwhile, Xu Yilin¡¯s role had shifted to restraining Xue Yang. This wasn¡¯t a cunning tactic but rather a demonstration of their understanding and cooperation. The battle was constantly changing, and anything could happen. This was also the best strategy for defeating Xue Yang.


    Xu Yilin seized the opportunity and held Xue Yang down firmly, preventing him from escaping.


    As Liu Wuxie swung his de down, his strongest attack left behind ck ripples in the air. He had been waiting for this moment, ready to exploit the weakness that Xue Yang had exposed. If he had been fighting alone, even knowing Xue Yang¡¯s weakness wouldn¡¯t have allowed him to break through his defenses.


    But now, with Xu Yilin holding Xue Yang back, Liu Wuxie was able to target his weak spot¡ªthe top of his forehead. All of his nning had been for this attack, and it scared Xue Yang into retreating. He abandoned his fight with Xu Yilin in an attempt to avoid Liu Wuxie¡¯s attack.


    But it was toote. Liu Wuxie¡¯s de aura had locked onto Xue Yang, and no matter what he did, it followed him closely like a parasite.


    As Qi Enshi watched this unfold, his expression grew serious as he wondered if opposing Liu Wuxie had been the right decision. In that moment, he was torn. Should he humble himself as the City Lord and seek peace with Liu Wuxie? But if he did that, he would never be able to hold his head up again. On the other hand, if he didn¡¯t seek peace, he was frightened by Liu Wuxie¡¯s rapid growth and knew that it wouldn¡¯t be long before he was trampled underfoot. Qi Enshi was caught in a dilemma.


    ¡°Qi Enshi, are you nning to make a move? I suggest you give up on that idea,¡± Bi Gongyu warned as he drew his sword.


    ¡°If someone from the Xue n dies here in Azure Billow City, all of you will be implicated and face the Xue n¡¯s wrath. Don¡¯t say I didn¡¯t warn you¡ªnot even the Treasure Pill Pavilion can protect you,¡± Qi Enshi replied, taking a deep breath as he made up his mind.


    ¡°Hmph, your threats mean nothing to me,¡± Bi Gongyu retorted, unfazed.


    As Liu Wuxie¡¯s de aura approached, a droplet of cold sweat rolled down Xue Yang¡¯s forehead. Liu Wuxie approached from the sky while Xu Yilin was on the ground with a spear aimed at his chest. Liu Wuxie or Xu Yilin could take his life, and he was cornered with no opportunity to turn the tables around.


    Xue Yang, in a fit of rage, shouted, ¡°Whoever defeats them will earn the favor of the Xue n and our support in bing the overlord of Azure Billow City!¡± He hoped that someone would rise to the challenge and defeat Liu Wuxie, even if it meant only stopping this attack. The Xue n¡¯s offer to support a new overlord in Azure Billow City was a rare opportunity, and many were tempted to take action.


    Suddenly, the sound of swords being drawn echoed through the streets as guards from the Xu n rushed out, brandishing their weapons in all directions. Anyone who wanted to step forward would have to get past them. The guards red at the surrounding patriarchs of the smaller ns who were considering making a move. Upon seeing the Xu n¡¯s guards, all the patriarchs retreated, not daring to step forward.


    With his back against the wall and no way out, Xue Yang faced the threat of death and roared as he charged at Xu Yilin. Even if he had to die, he was determined to take someone down with him.


    ¡°Resistance is futile!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s cold voice sounded. He was like the god of death dering Xue Yang¡¯s ending. His de ripped through Xue Yang¡¯s skin, and Xue Yang¡¯s eyes reflected a trace of horror as Xu Yilin¡¯s spear knocked away his sword.

 Chapter 86 - Layout Changes

    <h4>Chapter 86 - Layout Changes</h4>


    As Liu Wuxie¡¯s de aura approached Xue Yang¡¯s head, his eyes reflected a fear of death, and a cloud of death miasma rose from his head. It is said that those who are dying release a cloud of death miasma before their death, signaling the end of their life.


    Without his sword, Xue Yang was powerless and could only await death. With no way out and the wall behind him, he sighed before dying, realizing that Liu Wuxie had found his weakness at the top of his head. His death wasn¡¯t by chance.


    Xue Yang fell before he could even scream as the de aura entered his head and reached his brain. The elites of the Wan and Tian ns were all dead, along with the four experts from the Xue n, all killed by Liu Wuxie.


    The entire street fell into a brief silence as everyone¡¯s brains stopped functioning, not knowing what to say.


    ¡°Is it over just like that?¡± The few shop owners finally regained their senses.


    ¡°It looks like Azure Billow City is going to change. We must return quickly and remove the goods from the Wan and Tian ns and rece them with goods from the Xu n.¡± As more people left the battlefield, they returned to their shops to remove any association with the Wan and Tian ns.


    ¡°Second Brother, lead everyone to the Tian and Wan ns to uproot thempletely. Drive anyone who surrenders out of Azure Billow City and take over the assets of the two ns,¡± ordered Xu Yilin. Although the two ns had been destroyed, their assets remained, and the Xu n needed to quickly take control of them. The Xu n had suffered significant losses, including the burning of three oil mills, and needed to replenish their resources.


    Having killed experts from the Xue n, the Xu n knew that the Xue n would send someone to retaliate. The Xu n would soon face off against the Xue n, making resources extremely important.


    ¡°Roger that!¡± replied Xu Yishan as he led the deacons and several hundred guards with him. They split into two groups and headed towards the Wan and Tian ns.


    The remaining guards began to clean up the streets, moving the corpses into a carriage.


    ¡°Give them a proper burial!¡± Xu Yilin was a person with a clear sense of grudges. They were already dead, and he would naturally do his best to give them a proper funeral.


    The carriages of corpses were transported out with servants cleaning the blood off the street.


    ¡°We¡¯re lucky you arrived when you did, Wuxie, or things could have been much worse!¡± Xu Yilin walked over to Liu Wuxie, patting his shoulder with a sense of relief. He had spent years worrying about Liu Wuxie and was pleased to see him maturing.


    ¡°Father-inw, I¡¯ll go and greet them.¡± Liu Wuxie nodded before heading in Bi Gongyu and Qi Enshi¡¯s direction. The two hadn¡¯t left yet and were waiting. When Liu Wuxie¡¯s gaze met Qi Enshi¡¯s, they simply stared at each other in silence.


    ¡°City Lord Qi, I won¡¯t forget what happened today. We have a long journey ahead of us, so all I can say is good luck,¡± Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t take action against Qi Enshi. As a City Lord representing the government, it wasn¡¯t easy to kill Qi Enshi, especially considering the City Lord Mansion had its own powerful private troops. He could only use his intelligence to defeat Qi Enshi.


    The Xu n was still in a state of crisis, and he couldn¡¯t afford to concern himself with the City Lord Mansion. He nned to address the issue with the City Lord Mansion once everything had calmed down.


    ¡°Young Master Liu, your performance today was truly impressive. As you said, we have a long journey ahead of us, so I wish you good luck as well,¡± said Qi Enshi, taking a deep breath to suppress his anger. After speaking, he turned and headed back to the City Lord Mansion.


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t stop Qi Enshi from leaving. He watched until Qi Enshi¡¯s figure hadpletely disappeared before turning to Bi Gongyu and bowing deeply.


    ¡°I am deeply grateful for the pavilion master¡¯s assistance in restraining Qi Enshi. I will always remember this favor,¡± Liu Wuxie expressed his sincere gratitude. Without Bi Gongyu¡¯s intervention, the Xu n¡¯s chances of victory would have been slim, even with his return. He and his father-inw were already struggling against Xue Yang. If Qi Enshi had joined in, the fate of the Xu n would have been dire.


    ¡°No need for thanks, given our rtionship. Visit the Treasure Pill Pavilion when you have time.¡±


    Liu Wuxie naturally knew that Bi Gongyu helped him because he wanted his alchemy techniques.


    ¡°I¡¯ll pay the Treasure Pill Pavilion a visit after I¡¯m done with everything,¡± Liu Wuxie said and turned around, returning to the Xu n. He was exhausted from rushing back and fighting this battle. He didn¡¯t have much true essence left and needed a good rest.


    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll look forward to hearing your good news!¡± Bi Gongyu said before leaving with Master Huo.


    The battle had finallye to an end, with the Xu n emerging victorious. The news spread like wildfire throughout Azure Billow City, shocking everyone. The bnce of power in Azure Billow City, which had remained unchanged for decades, had beenpletely upended in just one day.


    An hourter, Xu Yishan returned with the deacons and guards of the Xu n, bringing back dozens of carriages filled with resources. This was the umted wealth of the Tian and Wan ns over the past hundred years and was of great value. The colosseum shops belonging to the Tian and Wan ns were also taken over by the Xu n. Liu Wuxie had taught the Xu n a beast-taming technique, so it was expected that their business in the colosseum would thrive.


    The servants of the two ns were willing to submit to the Xu n. As for those who were unwilling to submit, they were given a sum of gold coins and sent away from Azure Billow City. The Xu n had a good reputation in Azure Billow City, built up over time.


    Upon returning to his courtyard, Liu Wuxie found that it was no different from how it had been ten days ago. This was because the servants had been cleaning it regrly over the past few days.


    The entire Xu n was like a well-oiled machine as everyone got busy, but Liu Wuxie¡¯s courtyard remained quiet, with no oneing to disturb him. This was because Xu Yilin had given an order that no one was allowed to approach Liu Wuxie¡¯s courtyard without being summoned.


    As night fell, Liu Wuxie had spent half a day cultivating and replenishing his true essence. After the battle, he felt his bottleneck beginning to loosen.


    Xu n¡¯s main hall was brightly lit as the higher hierarchies of the Xu n were gathered there. All of them had excitement on their faces, but some showed deep sorrow in their eyes. Today was a big victory, and everyone was supposed to be happy, but for some reason, Xu Yilin couldn¡¯t bring himself to feel joy.


    ¡°Patriarch, are you worried about the Xue n¡¯s revenge?¡± Deacon Lan asked, stepping forward.


    Everyone frowned at the mention of the Xue n. Even after the Tian and Wan ns were destroyed, the Xue n was a huge mountain resting on Xu Yilin¡¯s heart.


    They may have survived this crisis, but arger one was on the horizon, and it was uncertain if they could weather it.


    ¡°Patriarch, the Xue n is based in the Imperial Capital, and under normal circumstances, they wouldn¡¯t send their most powerful experts here. If we take precautions, we should be safe,¡± Deacon Qi suggested, expressing his opinion.


    The Xue n¡¯s power was concentrated in the Imperial Capital, and Azure Billow City was rtively insignificant. Therefore, under normal circumstances, they wouldn¡¯t send any overly powerful experts there.


    ¡°But we must remain vignt. The Xue n has many high-level Marrow Cleansing Realm experts. Even if they send someone at random, it would be difficult for the Xu n to resist,¡± Deacon Lan cautioned, emphasizing the need for seriousness. After all, they had killed four experts from the Xue n, and no n would stand by idly in such a situation, which was akin to a p in their face.


    ¡°What should we do then?¡± The deacons looked at each other, their mood of worry overshadowing any joy they might have felt about their victory.


    The main hall fell silent as no one knew what to say. The Xue n was a colossus to the Xu n, an insurmountable mountain.


    Xu Yiling, despite having reached the Marrow Cleansing Realm, was considered an ordinary cultivator in the Imperial Capital. They had a long way to go and were waiting for the patriarch¡¯s decision.


    Just then, Liu Wuxie entered the main hall, drawing everyone¡¯s attention. They suddenly realized that all might not be lost. Everyone had seen Liu Wuxie¡¯s performance that day. Given more time, the Xue n might not be able to shake the Xu n¡¯s position.


    ¡°Wuxie, you¡¯re here!¡± Xu Yilin, still troubled by the Xue n issue, greeted him.


    ¡°These are the materials I require. I don¡¯t care what you guys do, but gather them within ten days. I will use them to set up a defensive spiritual array. Even if Xue n¡¯s experts arrive, they won¡¯t be able to break through the spiritual array,¡± Liu Wuxie stated straightforwardly. He wrote down the required materials and asked everyone to gather them.


    They only had ten days before the Xue n would send someone. Therefore, they had to set up the spiritual array before their arrival.


    Once Liu Wuxie finished speaking, he turned and left, leaving everyone looking at his retreating figure.


    Everyone soon regained theirposure. They were aware of the power of Liu Wuxie¡¯s spiritual arrays, especially Xu Yishan, who had dared to return because a spiritual array protected the mines.


    ¡°I believe there¡¯s no need for me to say anything more about it. Even if we must turn Azure Billow City upside down, I want all these materials gathered no matter what!¡± Xu Yilin ordered. He was well aware of the situation with the mines and knew that a defensive spiritual array fortifying the n could buy them some time.


    Over a dozen deacons hurriedly set out to procure the necessary materials, despite thete hour. The mostmonly required items were demonic beast cores and spirit stones, both essential for a spiritual array.


    Meanwhile, the higher-ups of the Song n were still awake. About a dozen people sat in the main hall, their expressions troubled. The power dynamics in Azure Billow City had changed, which presented both opportunities and challenges for the Song n.


    Previously, the Song n held the top rank among the four ns. But with the Tian and Wan ns now destroyed by the Xu n, the Song n found itself in an awkward position.


    ¡°Patriarch, there is news that the Xu n is plundering materials required for spiritual arrays,¡± an elite disciple came in and reported.


    Hearing that, Song Tianhao¡¯s eyes lit up as he turned to the other elders.


    ¡°Patriarch, make a decision!¡± the Grand Elder urged.


    Soon after, Song Ling was summoned to the main hall, still groggy from sleep. He was currently under confinement and was not allowed to leave the n for three months. ¡°Father, why did you call me sote at night?¡± Song Ling asked casually.


    ¡°The fate of our Song n now rests in your hands. Take these and deliver them to the Xu n...¡± Song Tianhao exined his n to Song Ling.


    Song Ling nodded like a chicken pecking on the ground. He had heard about the day¡¯s events but hadn¡¯t realized how serious they were.


    The gates of the Song n opened to let out a carriageden with goods. Song Ling sat in the carriage, cloaked in fur made from a demonic beast to shield against the cold wind. Typically, at this hour, the restaurants and brothels would still be bustling with activity, but tonight, they were eerily quiet.

 Chapter 87 - Azure Wood Killing Array

    <h4>Chapter 87 - Azure Wood Killing Array</h4>


    As dawn broke, the Song n¡¯s carriage arrived at the Xu n. Azure Billow City was nketed in a silveryyer, with rooftops and streets covered in thick snow, lending an air of tranquility to the city.


    Upon stating his purpose, Song Ling was ushered into the Xu n¡¯s main hall, where Xu Yilin was still awake. As Song Ling entered, he promptly bowed to Xu Yilin.


    ¡°Young Master Song, why did youe so early in the morning?¡± Xu Yilin asked, remaining seated as an elder.


    The goods from the carriage were brought into the main hall. The deacons who had been sent out to procure materials for the spiritual array also returned, as some items could not be found in Azure Billow City.


    ¡°Uncle Xu, my father sent me to deliver these items to you. He said that since the Xu n needs them urgently and the Song n does not, I should bring them over,¡± Song Ling exined, gesturing towards therge chest. When his butler opened it, it was filled with materials needed for spiritual arrays.


    In Azure Billow City, only the Song n could provide such arge quantity of materials for spiritual arrays. Thest time the central control system was damaged, Song Tianhao had purchased arge amount of materials for spiritual arrays from the Imperial Capital, and many were left over.


    ¡°Patriarch, these are the materials that the young master requires!¡± Deacon Lan stepped forward, his eyes gleaming with excitement at the sight of the chest. Despite searching all night, they had found nothing. But now, the Song n solved their problem by delivering these materials. While they might not seem much, they were worth at least tens of millions of gold coins in the market.


    Xu Yilin pondered deeply, understanding the implications of the Song n¡¯s actions. The Xu n had already taken down the Tian and Wan ns, and it wouldn¡¯t be difficult for them to do the same to the Song n. However, the Xu n had no such intentions. The Song n¡¯s gesture of delivering the necessary materials for spiritual arrays overnight clearly indicated their desire to form an alliance with the Xu n.


    ¡°Please convey my thanks to your father, and we will gratefully ept these materials,¡± Xu Yilin decided after a brief consideration. If he declined, the Song n might interpret it as a sign that the Xu n intended to overpower them. epting their offer was the best way to foster a harmonious rtionship between the two ns.


    ¡°Uncle Xu, I¡¯ll look for Big Brother Liu now!¡± Song Ling heaved a breath of relief upon hearing that Xu Yilin was willing to ept the materials. His father had instructed him to stay in the Xu n if they refused, so he was relieved that things were going smoothly.


    ¡°Go on!¡± Xu Yilin waved his hand. He naturally knew about the friendship between Song Ling and Liu Wuxie, including the fact that Liu Wuxie had repaired Song n¡¯s spiritual arrays. Deacon Lan had reported everything to Xu Yilin.


    The Xu n had no intention of dominating Azure Billow City. Their actions were purely defensive. Even if the Song n hadn¡¯t delivered the materials, Xu Yilin wouldn¡¯t have taken action against them. However, since they had sent the materials, Xu Yilin decided to ept them. Ordering them from the Imperial Capital would have taken over ten days, and the Xu n couldn¡¯t afford to wait.


    Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t surprised by Song Ling¡¯s arrival. However, Song Ling became reserved in Liu Wuxie¡¯s presence. He had heard about Liu Wuxie¡¯s day of battle, where he had in thousands like a war god sweeping through his enemies.


    ¡°Big Brother, I won¡¯t hold you back from cultivating. I¡¯lle back again during the day. I might not know other things, but I can more or less help with spiritual arrays,¡± Song Ling offered as dawn broke over the city.


    Setting up arge-scale defensive spiritual array would be a time-consuming task for Liu Wuxie to undertake alone. Song Ling, as the direct descendant of the Song n, had extensive knowledge of spiritual runes. His assistance could significantly reduce the time required for Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie nodded and didn¡¯t refuse Song Ling¡¯s offer. In the Xu n, he didn¡¯t have anyone else capable of helping him besides Deacon Lan, and the only person he could trust was Song Ling.


    As the sun reached its zenith, the entire Xu n mobilized. Xu Yilin exhausted all of the Xu n¡¯s funds to purchase spirit stones, which were essential for setting up a spiritual array.


    Upon learning that Liu Wuxie intended to set up a spiritual array, Bi Gongyu delivered 100 spirit stones to the Xu n free of charge. However, he only stayed briefly at the Xu n before departing.


    ¡°Azure Wood Killing Array!¡± After an entire night of deduction, Liu Wuxie finally figured out the Azure Wood Killing Array. This spiritual array required wood essence to activate and was suitable for the Xu n. The Xu n had several centuries-old trees with deep roots that covered the entire n¡¯s grounds.


    With those trees as the foundation, Liu Wuxie walked around with Lan Yu and Song Ling. The Xu n¡¯s residence was massive, with tens of thousands of square meters. The Azure Wood Killing Array, by its nature, could not epass the entire Xu n. It could only protect the core areas of the n. Even so, it was more than sufficient.


    Over the next few days, Liu Wuxie worked on setting up the array andying down the necessary materials for the spiritual array. Relying on his potent soul energy, hepleted the Azure Wood Killing Array in three days, with only the killing arrays left to be filled.


    Five dayster, Liu Wuxie stood in his courtyard with five exquisitely carved jade tokens in his hands. He asked his father-inw to select five people to fuse their blood essence into the tokens, allowing them to freely enter and exit the array. After they were done, Liu Wuxie ced dozens of spirit stones in the heart of the spiritual array.


    In the next second, a faint mist enveloped the entire Xu n and gradually became thicker. It looked like ayer of green screen enveloping the entire n.


    ¡°This is the spiritual array?¡± Xu Yilin looked at this scene with disbelief on his face. The other deacons were also dumbfounded because it looked differentpared to the Song n¡¯s spiritual arrays.


    However, only Song Ling was aware that the spiritual arrays of the Song n were insignificant. Authentic spiritual arrays harnessed the power of nature. Liu Wuxie utilized a few trees as the core, and as long as these trees were alive, they could provide an endless supply of wood essence to the array, sustaining the operation of the entire spiritual array.


    ¡°From today onwards, we must enforce strict restrictions on entry and exit from the Xu n. The Azure Wood Killing Array canst for about a year.¡± Liu Wuxie swept his gaze through the Xu n¡¯s higher hierarchies. Those who met his gaze quickly lowered their heads, unable to withstand his piercing stare.


    One year was enough for Liu Wuxie to grow stronger. If Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t erase the Xue n within a year, he might as well just give up on his own life.


    Suddenly, two thuds echoed from the sky¡¯s light screen as two birds flew into it. Unaware of the defensive spiritual array, they were killed by the Azure Wood Sword Aura and absorbed by the light screen upon contact.


    ¡°This...¡± Everyone was taken aback. The Song n¡¯s spiritual arrays were primarily used for cultivation and rarely had offensive capabilities. But this spiritual array could attack on its own, which made everyone regard Liu Wuxie with newfound respect. Just as everyone was about to disperse, a tremor suddenly emanated from the spiritual array.


    ¡°Someone is attacking the spiritual array!¡± The rm was raised, and everyone swiftly rushed to the main gate as the spiritual array came under assault. Upon reaching there, they were met with the sight of three middle-aged men brandishing swords and wearing fierce expressions.


    ¡°Who are you, and why are you attacking my Xu n?¡± Xu Yilin bellowed. It was clear that the three men were prevented from entering the Xu n and were repelled by the Azure Wood Sword Aura each time they tried to approach.


    ¡°How dare your Xu n murder members of my Xue n? Today, I¡¯ll send the entire Xu n to join Xue Yang in death!¡± The man in the middle roared.


    They were from the Xue n, as expected. However, everyone was surprised that news of Xue Yang¡¯s death had reached the Xue n so quickly.


    ¡°Hmph, your Xue n falsely used us and paid the price with their lives. They got what they deserved!¡± Xu Yilin retorted defiantly. With things having escted to this point, there was no room for reconciliation, and they could only face what came next.


    After five days, another group of people gathered outside the Xu n. But this time, everyone from the Xu n did not go out.


    ¡°You think the Xu n is safe inside? We¡¯ll keep watch here. Unless you n on hiding inside forever, we¡¯ll kill anyone who steps out!¡± The man in the middle sneered. They had tried attacking the spiritual array several times, but each attempt was met with a counterattack from the array. Thus, they dared not make a move and could only wait outside.


    They didn¡¯t believe the Xu n could hide inside forever, as they would soon run out of food.


    Everyone from the Xu n frowned because they didn¡¯t expect the Xue n to be so unreasonable.


    Xu Yilin had no solution and asked, ¡°Wuxie, what should we do now?¡±


    The three middle-aged men were in the third level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm, and any one of them was enough to wipe out the Xu n. As they pointed out, the Xu n had many members, and their daily food consumption was substantial. Although there were food reserves in the n, they would onlyst for three to five days at most. Without food, they would all starve.


    ¡°Wait!¡± Liu Wuxie responded calmly. Everything was unfolding within his expectations, including the early arrival of the Xue n¡¯s experts. Given that they had arrived a day early, they must¡¯ve traveled overnight.


    <i>What are we waiting for?</i> However, since Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t provide an exnation, Xu Yilin didn¡¯t press further. If Liu Wuxie said they needed to wait, then they would wait together.


    <strong>......</strong>


    A luxurious carriage appeared outside Azure Billow City. The coachman halted and approached the carriage, announcing, ¡°Miss, we¡¯ve arrived at Azure Billow City!¡±


    ¡°Proceed!¡± a pleasant voice responded from inside the carriage.


    As the carriage entered Azure Billow City, it immediately drew attention due to its opulence. Many of the intricate designs adorning the carriage were unfamiliar to the residents of Azure Billow City.


    The four Wildze Scarlet Horses snorted as they pulled the carriage into Azure Billow City. The Wildze Scarlet Horse was a rare breed known for their fiery temperament and difficulty to tame.


    The appearance of a Wildze Scarlet Horse in Azure Billow City was unprecedented. Its arrival caused a stir among the onlookers, who were captivated by the beautiful horses.


    An hourter, the luxurious carriage stopped outside the Treasure Pill Pavilion.


    ¡°Miss, we have arrived in Azure Billow City¡¯s Treasure Pill Pavilion,¡± announced the coachman, bringing the carriage to a halt and cing a small stool beside it to assist the passenger in alighting.


    A woman in her mid-twenties emerged from the carriage as the curtain was drawn back. She was dressed in a dark green gown and stepped onto the stool. Her eyes were slender, her brows thin, her lips like cherries, and her figure was curvaceous.


    ¡°Miss, you have finally arrived!¡± Bi Gongyu Bi Gongyu, who had been waiting outside the Treasure Pill Pavilion, quickly bowed in respect as she approached.


    ¡°Pavilion Master Bi, let the champion of thispetitione and meet me.¡± The woman nced at Bi Gongyu but didn¡¯t see the champion of this year¡¯spetition anywhere. Master Huo and Lei Tao stood far away, seemingly not even qualified to approach.

 Chapter 88 - Driving Away

    <h4>Chapter 88 - Driving Away</h4>


    When news of this year¡¯spetition reached the headquarters, it was clear that an alchemy prodigy had emerged, instantly bing the talk of the Imperial City.


    ¡°Miss, he can¡¯te,¡± Bi Gongyu admitted, his head bowed in respect.


    ¡°He¡¯s not in Azure Billow City?¡± the woman asked. Bi Gongyu¡¯s letter to the headquarters had suggested otherwise. If this year¡¯s champion wasn¡¯t present, it would mean Bi Gongyu had misled them.


    ¡°He¡¯s in Azure Billow City, but he¡¯s in trouble. We have to hurry up, or he¡¯ll be killed!¡± Bi Gongyu reported, but he didn¡¯t exin Liu Wuxie¡¯s situation.


    ¡°He¡¯s going to be killed?¡± The woman frowned. It was rare for a genius alchemist to appear in the Great Yan Dynasty, and she couldn¡¯t allow such a talent to be lost. Over the past decade, the Great Yan Dynasty¡¯s alchemy techniques had stagnated and were gradually being overtaken by neighboring dynasties. This had greatly limited their ability to trade for pills.


    The headquarters had taken great interest when they heard about the genius alchemist, and Bi Gongyu had promptly submitted information about Liu Wuxie upon his return.


    This woman hade from the headquarters to meet this prodigy. If possible, she hoped to nurture and recruit him into the Treasure Pill Pavilion as an alchemist.


    ¡°Yes, indeed. He is likely in danger at this moment, and I implore you to help him out of this predicament!¡± Bi Gongyu pleaded as he bowed.


    Five days prior, Bi Gongyu had a lengthy discussion with Liu Wuxie when he delivered the spirit stones to the Xu n. Everyone was aware of the predicament the Xu n was in, and it was certain that the Xue n would send their experts for retaliation. Given the Xu n¡¯s current state, they were incapable of withstanding the Xue n¡¯s vengeance. However, they devised a n that could potentially deter the Xue n, which they finalized after extensive deliberation.


    As Liu Wuxie set up the defensive spiritual array, Bi Gongyu sent Liu Wuxie¡¯s information to the headquarters.


    ¡°What¡¯s happening?!¡± The woman¡¯s face turned cold as her anger red. She was naturally intuitive and could sense that Bi Gongyu was withholding something from her.


    ¡°Here¡¯s the situation. Liu Wuxie, our chief alchemist at this branch of the Treasure Pill Pavilion, and I traveled to Zen City for apetition a few days ago. Unexpectedly, the Tian and Wan ns from Azure Billow City made a move to take over the Xu n¡¯s assets, with the Xue n and the City Lord Mansion getting involved. When we returned five days ago, a conflict broke out, and Liu Wuxie ended up taking down members of the Tian and Wan ns, as well as some experts from the Xue n,¡± Bi Gongyu summarized and roughly exined the story, which could be easily investigated.


    ¡°Wait a second!¡± The woman cut off Bi Gongyu. ¡°You mentioned Liu Wuxie, but what¡¯s his rtion to the Xu n?¡±


    She was confused. Since the champion of this year¡¯spetition was surnamed Liu, then what was his association with the Xu n?


    ¡°Indeed, Liu Wuxie is the son-inw of the Xu n. He was raised by his father-inw after his parents disappeared when he was a child,¡± Bi Gongyu exined, his forehead creased with wrinkles.


    The term ¡®son-inw¡¯ often carried a negative connotation, as it was typically associated with a lower status.


    ¡°You¡¯re using me and the Treasure Pill Pavilion to resolve his feud with the Xue n, aren¡¯t you?¡± The woman stared at Bi Gongyu in the eyes.


    Caught off guard by her insight, Bi Gongyu stammered, ¡°Miss, I had no other option. I couldn¡¯t stand by and let such a talented alchemist perish. I assure you, my intentions are pure. Everything I¡¯ve done is for the benefit of the Treasure Pill Pavilion!¡±


    Bi Gongyu even swore that all his actions were for the Pavilion¡¯s sake.


    ¡°Hmph. A tiny Xue n dares to touch the alchemist of my Treasure Pill Pavilion?!¡± The woman wasn¡¯t upset, as she had already figured out that Bi Gongyu was leveraging the Pavilion¡¯s influence.


    It was true that any alchemist registered with the headquarters would be protected by them. However, Bi Gongyu had only reported to the headquarters that Liu Wuxie was this branch¡¯s chief alchemist a few days ago.


    ¡°Miss, when shall we depart?¡± Bi Gongyu asked cautiously. He didn¡¯t know if the Xu n¡¯s defensive spiritual array could stop the Xue n¡¯s experts, so he naturally felt anxious as he waited for thedy¡¯s arrival.


    ¡°Lead the way!¡± The woman waved her hand and climbed into the carriage.


    Bi Gongyu took the reins himself, and they quickly set off towards the Xu n.


    <strong>......</strong>


    Outside the Xu n, the three experts from the Xue nunched sessive attacks on the Azure Wood Killing Array, each strike causing a formidable shockwave. Despite causing the spiritual array to tremble, they were unable to destroy it.


    Initially, everyone was filled with apprehension, fearing that the spiritual array might shatter. However, after two hours of relentless assault that not only failed to damage the array but also resulted in injuries from the Azure Wood Sword Aura, the Xue n¡¯s experts could do nothing but sit on the ground in frustration, waiting for the Xu n to emerge.


    ¡°Second Brother, let¡¯s not waste time with them. We can destroy all the Xu n¡¯s assets and see how they will keep hiding inside the spiritual array,¡± suggested a vicious-looking middle-aged man on the left as he rose to his feet. His n was ruthless: if the Xu n refused toe out, they would simply start destroying their assets one by one.


    ¡°Pretty good idea. The two of you go!¡± The leader of the group, a middle-aged man, agreed.


    The higher hierarchies of the Xu n were livid. They hadn¡¯t anticipated that the Xue n would stoop so low as to target their assets when they couldn¡¯t breach the spiritual array.


    ¡°So that¡¯s the best the Xue n can do? What a letdown!¡± Liu Wuxie scoffed. His words caused the two middle-aged men, who were about to depart, to halt and turn their gaze towards him.


    ¡°You¡¯re the one who killed Xue Yang, aren¡¯t you?¡± The leader of the trio, a middle-aged man, asked, his voice heavy with murderous intent.


    ¡°Indeed, it was my de that ended him. And he won¡¯t be thest, as I n to wipe out the entire Xue n in due course,¡± Liu Wuxie openly admitted. His confession of not only killing Xue Yang and his group but also his intention to annihte the entire Xue n left everyone stunned, including those from the Xu n. They hadn¡¯t expected Liu Wuxie to be so audacious.


    Before departing, the three experts from the Marrow Cleansing Realm had conducted an investigation and discovered that Liu Wuxie was responsible for Xue Yang¡¯s death. Initially, they were skeptical, as it seemed imusible for someone in the Xiantian Realm to kill an expert in the Marrow Cleansing Realm. However, theyter found out that Xu Yilin had been restraining Xue Yang at the time.


    Consequently, everyone naturally attributed Liu Wuxie¡¯s ability to kill Xue Yang to Xu Yilin¡¯s assistance, including those from the Xu n.


    ¡°You have sessfully enraged me. From this day forward, I¡¯ll ensure that your Xu n lives in constant fear!¡± The middle-aged man stood up, intending to head towards the Xu n¡¯s assets and initiate a massacre. As he slowly walked away, the higher-ups of the Xu n grew increasingly anxious, but they were powerless to stop him.


    Xu Yilin frowned because the Xu n had many assets. If they lost the assets, it would be a devastating blow to the Xu n. He asked anxiously, ¡°Wuxie, what should we do?¡±


    ¡°Wait!¡± was Liu Wuxie¡¯s immediate response. They had to keep waiting, even if it meant losing all their assets. As long as they were alive, there was always a chance for aeback. But if everyone was dead, what good would those assets do?


    Just then, the sound of carriage wheels rolling over the ground echoed through the air as a luxurious carriage made its way towards the Xu n.


    The three experts from the Xue n halted their actions and turned their attention to the approaching carriage, exchanging puzzled nces.


    ¡°Our saviors are here!¡± Liu Wuxie eximed, pulling out his jade token and stepping out of the spiritual array.


    Seeing this, Xu Yilin quickly followed to ensure Liu Wuxie¡¯s safety. A few deacons also clutched their tokens and stepped out, weapons drawn, ready to protect Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Wuxie, do you think anyone would be willing to help our Xu n?¡± Xu Yilin asked, unable to think of anyone who mighte to their aid. He had considered countless possibilities, even contemting reaching out to Xu Lingxue in hopes that her master might intervene and resolve the crisis facing the Xu n. But he ultimately dismissed the idea. Xu Lingxue¡¯s talent had caught Baili Qing¡¯s attention, and she wouldn¡¯t concern herself with the life and death struggles of the Xu n. Even if he did send a message, it would only serve to worry Xu Lingxue and potentially disrupt her cultivation at the Imperial Academy.


    ¡°We¡¯ll know in a while!¡± Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t too confident about it either. This n was risky and had a low possibility of sess, but it was better than having no hope.


    As the carriage came to a halt, a woman alighted and cast her gaze over the Xu n, her eyes finally resting on Liu Wuxie. At that moment, as Liu Wuxie and the woman locked eyes, they recognized shared traits in each other¡ªpride, arrogance, and dominance.


    The woman then withdrew her gaze from Liu Wuxie and turned towards the three experts from the Xue n, her expression filled with disdain.


    ¡°Mu Yueying...why are you here?¡± The three experts from the Xue n trembled, their eyes filled with a mixture of shock and fear upon seeing Mu Yueying.


    ¡°Why shouldn¡¯t I be here?¡± Mu Yueying responded, her demeanor akin to a lofty saintess, her presence seemingly illuminating the sky.


    ¡°That¡¯s not it...¡± The three didn¡¯t know how to reply.


    ¡°If I hadn¡¯t shown up, your Xue n would have dared to kill an alchemist from my Treasure Pill Pavilion. The audacity!¡± Mu Yueying retorted coldly.


    A sense of dread filled the hearts of the three Xue n experts. They hadn¡¯t anticipated that Mu Yueying woulde to Azure Billow City on behalf of the Xu n.


    ¡°Lady Mu, this young man has taken the lives of members of our Xue n. Even your Treasure Pill Pavilion cannot protect him!¡± The three quickly regained theirposure. Despite their fear of Mu Yueying, they stood tall, reminding her of the Xue n¡¯s strength.


    ¡°I am determined to protect him today. What are you going to do about it?¡± Mu Yueying¡¯s response was assertive andmanding. Her words implied a disregard for the consequences, even if it meant the demise of the Xue n.


    ¡°Lady Mu, I don¡¯t think this is appropriate. He¡¯s merely an alchemist from a minor branch. Is it worth offending our Xue n for his sake?¡± The middle-aged man argued, emphasizing the low status of an alchemist in a branch and theirck of influence within the headquarters.


    ¡°Xue Changnian, it seems you¡¯re not aware. Young Master Liu is this year¡¯spetition champion. Why don¡¯t you tryying a hand on him?¡± Bi Gongyu interjected


    The champions of each year¡¯spetition were considered prodigies in alchemy and were nurtured by the headquarters. There was even a chance they could be recruited into the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    Upon hearing the news, Xue Changnian¡¯s eyes narrowed. His resentment towards Liu Wuxie intensified, as Liu Wuxie not only excelled in cultivation but also in the art of alchemy.

 Chapter 89 - One Year Of Agreement

    <h4>Chapter 89 - One Year Of Agreement</h4>


    It was an explosive piece of information to everyone, including Xu Yilin, that Liu Wuxie was the champion of this year¡¯s alchemypetition. However, upon hearing the news, everyone from the Xu n cheered. Thepetition was a well-known event, as it had been held in Azure Billow City a decade ago. At that time, the four ns were invited to observe, and the Azure Billow City branch had achieved the highest ranking.


    ¡°Mu Yueying, are you truly prepared to defend him?¡± Xue Changnian inhaled deeply. The Xue n¡¯s standing was unshakeable. They had lost four experts in Azure Billow City, and if they didn¡¯t seek retribution, their position in the Imperial Capital would bepromised.


    The power dynamics in the Imperial Capital wereplex, and even a slight misstep could deal a fatal blow to a n. This wasn¡¯t just about revenge; it was about upholding the dignity of a n. The n¡¯s honor was paramount, and they couldn¡¯t tolerate losing their members in a small city like Azure Billow City.


    ¡°Return and inform Xue Dingtian that I will protect him. If he has any objections, he cane and discuss them with me personally,¡± Mu Yueying dered, her domineering aura sweeping across the area.


    A formidable shockwave swept across the ground, lifting all the bs and forcing Xue Changnian¡¯s group to retreat. Mu Yueying had reached the fifth level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm, an impressive feat for someone her age. This disy left not only the three from the Xue n but everyone else present in awe.


    Liu Wuxie narrowed his eyes, realizing he had underestimated Mu Yueying¡¯s power. He hadn¡¯t anticipated that the headquarters would dispatch her to Azure Billow City. He had assumed they would send an ordinary alchemist, but it seemed he had undervalued his standing within the Treasure Pill Pavilion. After all, eachpetition¡¯s champion was highly regarded.


    Ji Yang had been the champion multiple times consecutively. Shangguan Cai¡¯s status made it clear how significant thepetition¡¯s champion was.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s sudden emergence had elevated Azure Billow City¡¯s position, all thanks to thispetition.


    ¡°Lady Mu, you¡¯re going too far! I refuse to believe you¡¯ll stay in Azure Billow City forever. No one can prevent my Xue n from eliminating those we wish to!¡± The experts from the Xue n might fear Mu Yueying, but that didn¡¯t mean they would abandon their intent to kill Liu Wuxie.


    The atmosphere grew tense as one side was determined to protect Liu Wuxie, while the other was hell-bent on his demise, with neither willing to back down.


    ¡°It looks like you guys won¡¯t take me seriously unless I teach you a lesson!¡± Mu Yueying vanished in an instant, only to reappear before the three middle-aged men.


    Liu Wuxie was already fast enough, but his speed was palepared to Mu Yueying. The world was full of extraordinary individuals, and the Imperial Capital was a den of hidden talents.


    A series of ps echoed through the street as the three Xue n experts were struck repeatedly and sent crashing into a wall. The impact caused the wall to shake and crumble.


    ¡°Even Xue Dingtian wouldn¡¯t dare to speak to me like that. Who the hell do you think you are?!¡± Mu Yueying withdrew her palm as if she had just performed a mundane task.


    Xu Yilin was left speechless, and Bi Gongyu took a deep breath at the sight. Everyone else was stunned, unable toprehend what had just happened.


    The three Marrow Cleansing Realm experts crawled out from the rubble. Their lips were covered with blood as they spat out broken teeth. Their eyes zed with fury. They were no match for Mu Yueying, so they could only re viciously at Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Boy, you better hole up in Azure Billow City. I don¡¯t believe you¡¯ll spend the rest of your life here. We¡¯ll be waiting outside the city for you!¡± Xue Changnian gritted his teeth. He had never been so humiliated, pped around by those he considered insignificant. The feud between them was now irreparable, and it woulde down to who could outmaneuver the other.


    Mu Yueying was strong, but she didn¡¯t dare to kill them. However, this also meant they had no choice but to endure her ps.


    ¡°You three are asking for death!¡± Mu Yueying raised her hand, ready to strike down the three middle-aged men from the Xue n.


    ¡°Wait!¡± Liu Wuxie suddenly interrupted Mu Yueying. If she killed them, the situation would escte. The Xue n would then mobilize all their resources to kill him, and the Treasure Pill Pavilion wouldn¡¯t go to war with the Xue n over an alchemist. Everyone understood this, which was why Liu Wuxie interrupted.


    All eyes turned to Liu Wuxie, including Mu Yueying, who gave him a curious look.


    ¡°I am deeply grateful for your assistance, Lady Mu,¡± Liu Wuxie began, bowing respectfully to Mu Yueying. She had publicly humiliated the three experts from the Xue n, and he would forever remember her aid.


    He then turned to the three middle-aged men and proposed, ¡°I understand that you three wish to end my life. So, let¡¯s make a pact. For one year, the Xue n is prohibited from entering Azure Billow City, and I will forego the protection of the Treasure Pill Pavilion. If you have the ability, you cane and take my life. If I die, I will have no regrets.¡± As Liu Wuxie made this deration, tears welled up in the eyes of everyone from the Xu n. His words were tantamount to sacrificing himself for the protection of the Xu n.


    Xu Yilin clenched his fist, wanting to charge forth and fight to the death with the Xue n¡¯s experts.


    The rules were simple. The Xue n was forbidden from entering Azure Billow City and causing harm to his family. In return, Liu Wuxie would renounce the protection of the Treasure Pill Pavilion.


    Liu Wuxie had no desire to live under the shadow of the Treasure Pill Pavilion, as it would impede his growth. His true objective was to use the Treasure Pill Pavilion¡¯s influence to pressure the Xue n and buy himself some time. A year was ample for him to aplish many things.


    Given the heightened tension, it was the perfect moment for him to step in. He could not only offer Mu Yueying a dignified way out but also provide the Xue n with a reason to focus their animosity on him. If the stalemate were to persist, both parties would inevitably suffer.


    A tense silence fell over both sides, but Xue Changnian remained silent. A smile tugged at the corners of Mu Yueying¡¯s lips. She was here for this year¡¯spetition champion and didn¡¯t want to escte the situation further. This was the perfect moment to defuse tensions on both sides.


    ¡°Brat, if you hole up in Azure Billow City, doesn¡¯t that mean we can¡¯t touch you for a year?¡± Xue Changnian sneered after the three middle-aged men discussed among themselves. What he said made sense because if Liu Wuxie hid in Azure Billow City after they agreed to Liu Wuxie¡¯s terms, wouldn¡¯t that mean they would have to wait for a year? The Xue n would naturally not agree to such an unreasonable agreement.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Even if you don¡¯te after me within a year, I¡¯ll go to the Xue n. The Imperial Academy¡¯s next recruitment is ten days away, and I will head to the Imperial Capital. At that time, I will deal with the Xue n at my own pace,¡± Liu Wuxie sneered. As for hiding in Azure Billow City for a year? What joke was that?


    No one doubted Liu Wuxie¡¯s talent. They had all witnessed his remarkable growth over the past month. Liu Wuxie was only eighteen, and he had reached the fourth level of the Xiantian Realm. It was more than enough for him to join the Imperial Academy.


    ¡°Okay, we agree with your terms. The day you leave for the Imperial Capital will be the day you meet your end!¡± Xue Changnian agreed to Liu Wuxie¡¯s terms after a brief consideration. Even if they disagreed, they couldn¡¯t kill Liu Wuxie with Mu Yueying present. But as long as Liu Wuxie left Azure Billow City and was without the protection of the Treasure Pill Pavilion, the Xue n had countless ways to kill him. They didn¡¯t mind waiting for a little over ten days.


    ¡°Get lost!¡± Liu Wuxie dismissed them with a wave of his hand, indicating they should leave Azure Billow City.


    The three middle-aged men from the Xue n gritted their teeth. If Mu Yueying wasn¡¯t around, they would have ughtered Liu Wuxie on the spot.


    ¡°Lady Mu, you¡¯ve heard what he said. The Treasure Pill Pavilion isn''t allowed to interfere in the next year!¡± Xue Changnian reminded Mu Yueying, as if to ensure that the Treasure Pill Pavilion would keep their word.


    ¡°Are you trying to teach me what to do?¡± Mu Yueying looked like she was about to raise her hand again, causing the three middle-aged men to tremble.


    ¡°We dare not!¡± the three middle-aged men said as they quickly left.


    As the experts from the Xue n left, the Xu n finally heaved a sigh of relief because the crisis was resolved. But in reality, the real crisis had just begun. To some extent, the Xu n¡¯s strength depended on Liu Wuxie. Without him, they would revert to their previous state and be swiftly devoured by the City Lord Mansion even if Xu Yilin had reached the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    The Xu n¡¯s survival hinged on Liu Wuxie¡¯s survival. The Treasure Pill Pavilion had stepped in because of Liu Wuxie, not the Xu n. Everyone understood this, so for the safety of the Xu n, Liu Wuxie had to eliminate the Xue n within a year.


    ¡°Do you really not need the Treasure Pill Pavilion¡¯s involvement within the next year?¡± Mu Yueying walked over. Her tone was no longer as cold as before when she asked Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°I¡¯m grateful for Lady Mu¡¯s goodwill. I already owe a significant debt to the Treasure Pill Pavilion, and I don¡¯t wish to be further indebted. After all, what¡¯s the point of life if one has to constantly live under the protection of others?¡± Liu Wuxie stated, his tone neither arrogant nor humble. Without Mu Yueying¡¯s intervention, things would have taken a different turn, and the Xu n¡¯s assets would have been destroyed long ago.


    ¡°When you arrive in the Imperial Capital, be sure to visit me at the Treasure Pill Pavilion!¡± Mu Yueying was a straightforward person who liked to handle matters efficiently. Having aplished her goal, she boarded her carriage and prepared to leave.


    Bi Gongyu quickly followed Mu Yueying, giving Liu Wuxie a meaningful look before departing. As the carriage pulled away, peace returned to the street.


    ¡°Patriarch, we¡¯re finally safe now!¡± Deacon Qi and everyone else stepped forth with tears welling in their eyes. After so many days of worrying, they had finally made it through this crisis, and the Xu n would wee a year of swift development.


    Xu Yilin wanted to say something but found himself at a loss for words. He turned around and headed back to the Xu n. As everyone busied themselves with their tasks, Liu Wuxie returned to his courtyard to focus on his cultivation, preparing for whaty ahead in ten days.


    The Xue n would definitely send experts to ambush him on the road, and he needed to make a detailed n.


    As night fell, Liu Wuxie left the Xu n and headed for the Treasure Pill Pavilion, where Bi Gongyu had been waiting for him. They had both been busy since returning to Azure Billow City and hadn¡¯t had a chance to have a proper conversation.


    ¡°I have the refining techniques for the Heavenly Spirit Pill and Golden Spirit Pill here,¡± Liu Wuxie said, getting straight to the point. He handed over the forms for the two pills along with their refining techniques. Bi Gongyu¡¯s face lit up as if he had discovered a treasure.


    ¡°Wuxie, I¡¯ve prepared the herbs you need and loaded them onto the carriage. I¡¯ll deliver them to youter,¡± Bi Gongyu said, carefully storing away the forms.


    ¡°Thank you, pavilion master!¡± Liu Wuxie said gratefully. Bi Gongyu had contributed greatly so that the Xu n could resolve their crisis.

 Chapter 90 - Overlord Fist

    <h4>Chapter 90 - Overlord Fist</h4>


    Despite Bi Gongyu¡¯s intentions, he had significantly aided Liu Wuxie. Conversely, Liu Wuxie had brought recognition to the branch by winning thepetition, thereby drawing the attention of the headquarters. Therefore, neither party truly owed the other anything. Nevertheless, Liu Wuxie remained grateful for Bi Gongyu¡¯s assistance.


    ¡°Wuxie, are you really nning on heading to the Imperial Capital?¡± Bi Gongyu asked, concern evident in his voice.


    The Xue n would definitely set up an ambush on the road, and it wouldn¡¯t be easy to reach the Imperial Capital safely.


    ¡°Azure Billow City¡¯s scale is too small, and I can only grow faster in the Imperial Capital!¡± Liu Wuxie affirmed.


    A brief silence filled the room following Liu Wuxie¡¯s deration. Bi Gongyu understood that Azure Billow City could no longer cater to Liu Wuxie¡¯s talent and that his departure was inevitable.


    ¡°I¡¯m familiar with the route. Let me apany you; we can look out for each other,¡± Bi Gongyu offered after some thought. Although he couldn¡¯t provide much assistance to Liu Wuxie in the Imperial Capital, he knew the way well.


    ¡°I appreciate your offer. The new pills will be released soon, and I believe the Treasure Pill Pavilion will be quite busy. So, I won¡¯t disturb you any further. Also, when I leave, please don¡¯t see me off; I prefer to depart alone,¡± Liu Wuxie said as he exited the Treasure Pill Pavilion. He had repaid all necessary debts, and from now on, Bi Gongyu would have to rely on himself.


    Liu Wuxie returned to the Xu n with the carriage of herbs, devoting himself to alchemy. There were still ten days before the Imperial Capital¡¯s recruitment, and it would take about five days to travel from Azure Billow City to the Imperial City. This meant that Liu Wuxie still had five days to prepare.


    After three days and nights of diligent work, Liu Wuxie managed to refine thousands of Origin Yang Pills. These third-grade pills were packed with energy. Daily consumption could not only elerate the absorption of spiritual energy but also strengthen one¡¯s foundation.


    The material required for the Golden Spirit Pills was too costly, and Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t collect all the herbs at once. That would have to wait till he reached the Imperial Capital, and the Origin Yang Pills were enough for him to consume for a few months.


    He left behind a thousand pills for his father-inw, aiming to allow him to quickly reach the second level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm so he could face the City Lord Mansion with ease.


    A thick cloud of spiritual energy formed above Liu Wuxie¡¯s head as he ingested ten Heavenly Spirit Pills and ten Origin Yang Pills simultaneously, causing a significant impact on his dantian. His goal was to reach the fifth level of the Xiantian Realm before departing, thereby increasing his chances of survival on the journey to the Imperial Capital.


    The Deste Devouring Art, akin to a ravenous beast, opened its jaws wide to consume the dense spiritual energy in the sky. As the energies converged, they formed a thick mist in the sky, and spiritual energy condensed into rain that fell upon Liu Wuxie.


    After refining the essence from two Marrow Cleansing Realm experts and resolving the resentment in his body, his cultivation was stuck in the pinnacle of the Xiantian Realm, and he could make a breakthrough at any moment.


    The Heavenly Spirit Pills condensed into liquid as they poured out of the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron. Shortly after, Origin Yang Pills dissolved into pure yang energy coursing through his body. With the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron, Liu Wuxie only spent two hours refining the twenty pills.


    If anyone else were in his ce, they would need between ten to fifteen days to fully refine the pills. A remarkable scene unfolded as several hundred liquids flowed into his dantian, causing Liu Wuxie to emit a golden glow from every pore, absorbing spiritual energy and the essence of heaven and earth.


    Each of Liu Wuxie¡¯s muscles and veins greedily devoured the energy in the liquid. As his meridians began to expand, some hidden acupoints began to appear. With 108 acupoints, a human could reach the Marrow Cleansing Realm upon clearing all the acupoints. The Marrow Cleansing Realm was a transformation of the body.


    Liu Wuxie was still in the Xiantian Realm, and his hidden acupoints showed signs of appearing. This was unprecedented as a terrifying aura swept out with Liu Wuxie reaching the fifth level of the Xiantian Realm. But that didn¡¯t stop there as his aura began to climb and showed the tendency to surpass the Spirit Cleansing Realm.


    This naturally shocked Liu Wuxie because the Deste Devouring Art would create a terrifying phenomenon with every breakthrough. He already knew the Deste Devouring Art was extraordinary, but the cons were also obvious. As his cultivation level increased, so too would the resources he required, reaching staggering levels.


    As the cloud in the sky was consumed by the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron, it transformed into a liquid that poured into his dantian, enabling the mysterious sapling within his dantian¡¯s world to grow taller. The spiritual energy above the Xu n had long been absorbed, and everyone was ustomed to it, as this wasn¡¯t the first time such an event had urred.


    The most those from the Xu n would do was nce in the direction of Liu Wuxie¡¯s courtyard before helplessly resuming their activities.


    Liu Wuxie devoted an entire day and night to cultivation. After consuming fifty Origin Yang Pills and ten spirit stones, his cultivation finally stabilized at the intermediate phase of the fifth level of the Xiantian Realm.


    When he opened his eyes, lightning shed across them with a powerful energy rippling out. The expansion speed of Liu Wuxie¡¯s dantian slowed, and the mountains grew taller and wider with the entire world awakening.


    There were still six days left till the recruitment of the Imperial Academy, and the Song n¡¯s party had already departed for the Imperial Capital. The four ns sent their disciples over whenever the Imperial Academy held a recruitment. If lucky, their disciples might be epted into the Imperial Academy, such as Wan n¡¯s Wan Zhuoran. Thetter must¡¯ve known that the Wan n was destroyed.


    <i>It¡¯s toocking to rely on Ghost Eye, and I must practice another powerful martial technique to protect myself.</i> Liu Wuxie made up his mind. This trip to the Imperial Capital was dangerous, and he would die if there were the slightest mistake. The drawbacks of the Ghost Eye were too obvious, and his soul energy would be exhausted whenever he used it. Once his soul energy was exhausted, he would be at his opponent¡¯s mercy.


    However, he couldn¡¯t execute martial techniques that were too powerful either because the power was enough to tear his body apart. After searching through his memory, he found a set of fist techniques.


    ¡°Indeed, the potential for enhancement of this fist technique is immense, and I am only able to execute its rudimentary form,¡± Liu Wuxie acknowledged. A series of fist maneuvers materialized in his soul sea. The full technique was beyond his current capabilities due to its formidable power, but he could gradually refine it in tandem with his cultivation progress.


    ¡°Overlord Fist!¡± Unlike the mboyantly named Blood Gleam de Art, this martial technique was straightforward. It concentrated true essence into the Overlord Fist, enabling a sweeping attack on enemies.


    Liu Wuxie had been diligently practicing the basic fist technique in anticipation of this day. His aim was to condition his physique to withstand the demands of the Overlord Fist. Upon entering the yard, he clenched his right fist, triggering a potent shockwave that radiated around him. His meridians bulged as energy surged into his fist.


    ¡°Shatter!¡± With a forceful punch from Liu Wuxie, a powerful shockwave erupted, causing the courtyard walls to crumble under its might.


    Liu Wuxie had significantly underestimated the power of the Overlord Fist. It proved to be even more potent than the Blood Gleam de Art, and controlling its power posed a considerable challenge for him.


    After expending 30% of his true essence, Liu Wuxie¡¯s attack caused such a disturbance that the entire Xu n was thrown into a state of panic, believing they were under siege. The force of Liu Wuxie¡¯s punch led to the copse of numerous buildings.


    The suddenmotion prompted everyone to rush out of their rooms, under the impression that an earthquake had urred. After all, it was a startling sight to see houses copsing without warning.


    The upheaval drew the attention of many in the Xu n, including Xu Yilin, who was in the main hall. As they emerged, their foreheads creased with worry, at a loss for words at the sight before them. A half-meter-deep ravine had formed along a fifty-meter stretch of pathway, and five courtyardsy in ruins. Fortunately, as it was daytime, no injuries were reported amidst the destruction.


    ¡°Madman!¡±


    ¡°Freak!¡±


    ¡°Monster!¡±


    <strong>......</strong>


    A chorus of reactions echoed from the surroundings. Rather than anger, there was a sense of joy because the stronger Liu Wuxie became, the safer Xu n would be.


    ¡°Wuxie, did you cause all this?¡± Xu Yilin looked at the mess with disbelief as he walked through the ruins. The copse of the houses was not a concern as they could always be rebuilt. The Xu n had a substantial daily ie and was notcking in resources.


    ¡°Ah... I got carried away with my cultivation. I¡¯ll be more careful in the future and avoid practicing within the n,¡± Liu Wuxie responded, appearing somewhat embarrassed.


    Shortly after everyone dispersed, the debris was swiftly cleared away. Liu Wuxie found himself relocating to a new courtyard, a change he didn¡¯t mind given his impending departure from Azure Billow City the following day. He inspected his meridians and detected a tear, apanied by a twinge of pain¡ªlikely a repercussion of the Overlord Fist.


    However, the difort was within his tolerance, and he knew that such injuries would heal after a brief period of rest. This was merely the initial stage of the Overlord Fist. As he advanced to higher levels, he would require a robust physique to wield the Overlord Fist effectively.


    <i>The technique¡¯s power was immense. Even seasoned experts in the Spirit Cleansing Realm or those at its pinnacle might struggle to execute it.</i> Liu Wuxie pondered inwardly.


    Executing the Overlord Fist would exhaust 30% of his true essence. If someone in the pinnacle of the Spirit Cleansing Realm tried to execute it, they would die with their true essence exhausted.


    On thest day, all the higher hierarchies of the Xu n came to send Liu Wuxie off. Xu Yilin had offered to apany Liu Wuxie to the Imperial Capital, but Liu Wuxie declined, preferring to undertake the journey alone.


    ¡°Master...¡± Hu Shi suddenly came over and fell on his knees, bursting into tears.


    Until this point, the identity of Hu Shi¡¯s mentor in forging techniques had remained a mystery. It was now revealed that Liu Wuxie had been secretly instructing Hu Shi, enabling the Xu n to weather numerous crises.


    ¡°Stand up. You¡¯re a man, so why the tears? I¡¯m only leaving for a short while, and it¡¯s not as if I won¡¯t return,¡± Liu Wuxie said, appearing somewhat irate. He disliked farewells and maintained a detached demeanor to avoid feeling sad.


    The previous day, Xu Yilin had presented Liu Wuxie with an interspatial pouch found on Wan Rongzhe. The pouch, offering ten square meters of storage space, was given to Liu Wuxie to facilitate the storage of his belongings upon his arrival in the Imperial Capital.


    Once everything was packed, the entire Xu n congregated at the n¡¯s gates¡ªfrom high-ranking members to ordinary servants. All eyes were on Liu Wuxie; their expressions tinged with a hint of reluctance at his departure.


    Many people wiped their tears quietly because who would¡¯ve thought that the trash they had been ridiculing would be the hero of the Xu n?


    As Liu Wuxie took his leave from the Xu n, he refrained from looking back, fearing that the sight might stir up emotions and cause him to shed tears. He quickened his pace instead. Everyone has a tender side, and Liu Wuxie was no exception.


    The warmth he had experienced over the past month was something he would cherish and remember fondly.

 Chapter 91 - Energy Dispersing Liquid

    <h4>Chapter 91 - Energy Dispersing Liquid</h4>


    Xu Yilin didn¡¯t bid farewell to Liu Wuxie. Instead, he stood on the roof of the Xu n¡¯s residence, looking at Liu Wuxie¡¯s departing figure. Tears rolled down his cheeks, and he muttered, ¡°Child, you have grown up and can only depend on yourself in your future journey.¡±


    It was unusual for a person like Xu Yilin to show vulnerability. He maintained hisposure even when Xu Lingxue departed. However, for some reason, he felt a sense of loss when Liu Wuxie left, as if something precious had been taken from him, leaving him in a mncholic state.


    As Liu Wuxie traversed two streets, a familiar voice echoed from behind him, ¡°Young Master Liu, hold on!¡± Lei Tao ran over, gasping for his breath with a bottle in his hand. He handed it to Liu Wuxie and said, ¡°I made it in time! The pavilion master told me to give this to you. He spent a few days refining ten Golden Spirit Pills and asked me to hand them to you in case you need them.¡±


    Although the ten Golden Spirit Pills were devoid of any pill runes, each was perfectly round, signifying Bi Gongyu¡¯s diligence.


    Bi Gongyu had spent the past five days refining pills, especially the Golden Spirit Pills. He attempted to refine the Golden Spirit Pills ten-odd times before he grasped the technique.


    ¡°Please convey my gratitude to the pavilion master!¡± Liu Wuxie epted the bottle from Lei Tao without any formalities, and with a fist-and-palm salute, he continued his journey. He exited the city, walking towards the sunrise through the gates, his future unknown to all.


    <strong>......</strong>


    A dayter, Liu Wuxie found himself in a nondescript town¡¯s restaurant. After an entire day of traveling, he was famished and parched.


    He didn¡¯t know if the Xue n hadid an ambush for him along his route, so he remained cautious, sticking to the main roads and refraining from traveling after dark.


    Before Liu Wuxie sat down, a waiter came over. The waiter was friendly, with an oil-stained white cloth slung over his shoulder. He asked, ¡°How can I help you?¡±


    As this was a small town, it only had one restaurant. So Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t have many choices and was satisfied as long as he could replenish himself here.


    ¡°A few simple dishes will do. I¡¯m in a hurry.¡± Liu Wuxie sat down and had no baggage on him as he kept everything in his interspatial pouch. When the waiter left, Liu Wuxie began to examine the restaurant. Rather than calling this a restaurant, it would be more appropriate to call it a house with a few tables.


    To his right, an older couple was seated. The man grumbled about the woman¡¯s slow pace, while she wept quietly.


    On his left, three individuals who appeared to be farmers sat, their bags of harvested crops resting beside them.


    Behind him was a young man, his attire rtively clean. However, his pristine shoes suggested he hadn¡¯t been traveling long.


    This was a bizarre scene as the farmers were discussing their harvest this year while the couple mumbled.


    It didn¡¯t take long before the waiter returned with three stir-fried dishes. He also brought a small jar of wine and a bowl of fragrant spiritual rice. When the dishes were ced before Liu Wuxie, they whet his appetite. Spiritual rice was watered with spiritual rain, containing spirituality that could strengthen the body of cultivators.


    ¡°Please enjoy your meal!¡± The waiter left after cing the dishes down.


    Liu Wuxie filled a cup with wine, a frosty smile ying on his lips. Oddly enough, the restaurant fell into silence as he lifted his cup.


    The middle-aged couple stopped their mumble, themoners stopped chatting, and the white-clothed youth behind moved his shoulder slightly. None of those details escaped Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes, and he could capture every single one of their expressions.


    Liu Wuxie brought the cup to his lips but refrained from drinking. As the anticipation grew, the farmers began to grow restless, their conversation bing disjointed and forced. The couple resumed their squabble over trivial matters. The youth in white moved his hand inward, obstructing Liu Wuxie¡¯s view of his actions.


    When Liu Wuxie gulped down the wine, he ced the cup down and roared, ¡°Good wine!¡±


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, we finally have you cornered!¡± The middle-aged couple brandished two des hidden beneath the table and lunged at Liu Wuxie. However, they halted three meters away, their des glinting in the sunlight.


    ¡°What are you guys waiting for? Come at me together!¡± Liu Wuxie ced the cup on the table and said, looking at the group of farmers and the white-clothed youth, tearing their disguises apart.


    ¡°How did you know we¡¯re a team?¡± The three farmers rose, their faces twisted into menacing expressions as they pulled weapons from their crop bags, blocking the exit to prevent Liu Wuxie from fleeing.


    The white-clothed youth behind him drew a sword from underneath the table. After all, not everyone had an interspatial pouch and would usually carry their belongings on them.


    ¡°Are you guys from the Xue n or the City Lord Mansion?¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s gaze swept across the room, finally resting on the middle-aged couple. These two were the leaders here, the oldest and the strongest.


    ¡°Boy, you can ask that question in the underworld! You won¡¯t have a chance to find out!¡± The middle-aged man said eerily as he wore a cruel smile on his lips. The three farmersughed while the white-clothed youth had no expression. They slowly approached Liu Wuxie but didn¡¯t dare to act rashly as though they were waiting for something.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you guys looking down on me to think that a poison of this caliber will work on me?¡± Liu Wuxie wore a harmless smile as he raised the wine cup from the table.


    The smiles on the middle-aged couple¡¯s faces froze, their expressions turning stiff. After all, how did Liu Wuxie know that the wine wasced with poison? The wine, dishes, and rice were allced with poison, ensuring that Liu Wuxie would be affected whether he drank or ate.


    ¡°H-How did you know that the wine is poisoned?!¡± The middle-aged man asked nervously. They were well aware of Liu Wuxie¡¯s strength and knew they couldn''t kill him with their strength, so they resorted to using poison. The three farmers clenched their weapons tightly and looked nervous.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I specially prepared the Energy Dispersing Liquid. Even if someone in the Spirit Cleansing Realm consumes it, they will lose their cultivation in minutes,¡± the white-clothed youth assured them. The name of the poison sounded ominous, but its effects remained unknown as it hadn¡¯t taken effect yet.


    Liu Wuxie was still pouring a cup of wine for himself as he picked up a piece of meat and ced it in his mouth, enjoying his food and ignoring the six people surrounding him. The waiter stood not far away with a kitchen knife, waiting for an opportunity.


    After Liu Wuxie filled his stomach, he burped before standing up.


    ¡°Bai Yun, what¡¯s going on?¡± The middle-aged man looked at the white-clothed youth. This was weird as it had already been a few minutes, but Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t seem to be affected by the poison, looking lively and energetic.


    ¡°He must be feigning wellness to deceive us! Stay alert!¡± The youth in white, Bai Yun, was convinced that Liu Wuxie was merely putting on a show. Despite Liu Wuxie¡¯s apparent well-being, Bai Yun was confident that he had lost his cultivation. After all, he used an entire bottle of Energy Dispersing Liquid in the dishes that even a demonic beast in the Spirit Cleansing Realm would¡¯ve copsed by now.


    ¡°What are you guys waiting for? I will leave if you guys aren¡¯t going to make a move.¡± Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t be bothered to waste time with these people as he walked toward the door where the three farmers stopped him.


    ¡°Ole¡¯ Sixth, test if he has lost his cultivation!¡± The middle-aged man instructed.


    A man wielding a sickle lunged at Liu Wuxie, aiming for his head. If sessful, the attack would sever Liu Wuxie¡¯s neck, even if it didn¡¯t decapitate him. His strike was swift and decisive, leaving no room for Liu Wuxie to react.


    Without their true essence, cultivators were no different from ordinary people. At that point, even someone in the Houtian Realm could easily take Liu Wuxie¡¯s life.


    The sickle tore through the air and reached Liu Wuxie. This man wasn¡¯t weak as he had cultivation in the sixth level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm; he could be considered an expert in the Azure Billow City.


    If the Xue n wanted him dead, they wouldn¡¯t have sent someone in the Spirit Cleansing Realm but someone in the Marrow Cleansing Realm, at the very least. Therefore, Liu Wuxie deduced that these people weren¡¯t sent by the Xue n but by someone else. As for who that might be, he was still uncertain.


    As the man neared, Liu Wuxie could feel a biting cold, yet he remained motionless. Seeing this, the middle-aged man smirked, convinced that Liu Wuxie had lost his cultivation and had been putting on a brave front all along.


    As the sickle approached, Liu Wuxie narrowed his eyes and ced his right hand on the interspatial pouch. A beam of light erupted from the pouch, with a de ready to be unsheathed.


    A sh of light streaked past so swiftly that no one had time to react before it vanished. The man charging at Liu Wuxie suddenly froze as though he had been petrified.


    This baffled the middle-aged man, and he asked, ¡°Ole¡¯ Sixth, what are you doing?¡±


    No one present could keep up with the trajectory of Liu Wuxie¡¯s de; all they saw was a sh of light.


    Blood dripping down the man¡¯s neck painted a red flower on the ground. Despite his efforts, the man was unable to utter a word as Liu Wuxie¡¯s de had slit his throat, rendering him speechless.


    The middle-aged couple exchanged a nce, fear evident in each others¡¯ eyes. They eximed, ¡°Y-You¡¯re not poisoned?!¡±


    Several minutes had passed, and Liu Wuxie was still unscathed, even managing to kill one of them with his de. This only meant that the Energy Dispersing Liquid was ineffective against Liu Wuxie.

 Chapter 92 - Mistakes

    <h4>Chapter 92 - Mistakes</h4>


    The potency of the Energy Dispersing Liquid was well-known to all. Their past sesses with the liquid had emboldened them to lie in wait for Liu Wuxie, confident that he would be at their mercy once he consumed it.


    However, Liu Wuxie had consumed an entire jar of wine and all the dishes on the table, effectively ingesting a whole bottle of Energy Dispersing Liquid. A mere droplet would rob an ordinary person of their cultivation, so it was no surprise that everyone was taken aback, staring at Liu Wuxie as if he were a monster.


    ¡°So you knew the wine was poisoned?¡± Bai Yun asked.


    From Liu Wuxie¡¯s tone, it wasn¡¯t hard to deduce that he was aware of the poison in the wine. So, could it be that he had consumed the antidote beforehand?


    ¡°All I can say is that you need to improve your acting skills. It¡¯s too obvious andcks finesse,¡± Liu Wuxie retorted disdainfully.


    The remaining six exchanged nces. They were all used to ying their roles, so what had gone wrong?


    ¡°Did you figure out our identities the moment you walked in?¡± the middle-aged man asked.


    All eyes, including those of Bai Yun, the two farmers, and the waiter, were fixed on Liu Wuxie, awaiting his response. They had meticulously nned for this day, ounting for every possible error. So, how could there be ws in their n?


    ¡°You sure want an answer from me?¡± Liu Wuxie asked in a mocking tone. He wasn¡¯t in a hurry to kill them.


    ¡°If we¡¯re going to die, we at least want to know why!¡± The middle-aged man knew they stood no chance against Liu Wuxie now. They simply wanted to understand where they had slipped up before meeting their end.


    ¡°Your first mistake was the waiter¡¯s rag. The oil stain on it was fresh, deliberately added to make it look dirty. In ces like this, the rags used for wiping tables are usually a greyish-brown,¡± Liu Wuxie recalled every detail vividly.


    The waiter at the counter held up the rag with a rueful smile. Liu Wuxie was right; the rag was too new, with oil stains smeared to make it appear dirty. It was unlike a rag that had been used for years.


    ¡°Secondly, the three farmers. They might have been discussing farming, but they didn¡¯t even consider the current season. It¡¯s winter, and farmers should be resting at this time. How could you overlook such a ring mistake?¡±


    Upon hearing Liu Wuxie¡¯s words, the two farmers broke out in a cold sweat. They hadn¡¯t considered that detail. They were unaware that farmers didn¡¯t work in winter. Consequently, there was only one exnation: they weren¡¯t real farmers and didn¡¯t know that farmers sow in spring and harvest in autumn. This might seem like a minor detail, but it was enough to expose them when pointed out by Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°And you, do you think you can get away with wearing a white robe and look like you¡¯ve traveled for a long time? Look at how clean your soles are. If I¡¯m not wrong, you must have mysophobia, right? You¡¯re the only one seated at your table, and it¡¯s obvious that you don¡¯t want to be around them.¡± Liu Wuxie turned to look at the white-clothed youth.


    If the white-clothed youth had been traveling long distances, his shoes should have been covered with mud, but the soles were too clean.


    Bai Yun looked like he had seen a ghost and took a huge step back. He did have mysophobia and didn¡¯t like to sit with others, which Liu Wuxie somehow noticed.


    ¡°I could overlook all of that. But the biggest mistake that gave you awayes from the two of you.¡± Liu Wuxie suddenly turned to the middle-aged couple, wearing an expression of disdain. What he had pointed out so far were minor details that most people wouldn¡¯t consider. Who would care if a farmer was drinking in winter? Or perhaps the waiter¡¯s towel was recently changed. Those details could only arouse suspicion at best.


    ¡°Us?¡± The middle-aged man was baffled.


    ¡°That¡¯s right, you two!¡± Liu Wuxie pointed at the middle-aged couple and continued, ¡°Your clothes don¡¯t fit well, suggesting you two must have snatched them recently.¡±


    The moment Liu Wuxie said that, the middle-aged couple staggered and nearly fell down.


    ¡°Most importantly, couldn¡¯t you have chosen a pair of shoes that match your clothes?¡± Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t want to borate further.


    The middle-aged couple lowered their heads. They didn¡¯t have time to change their shoes, and only half of them were visible, which Liu Wuxie noticed. The middle-aged man looked dispirited, ¡°We didn¡¯t fail for nothing.¡±


    They had thought their n was foolproof, only to find it riddled with ws. Liu Wuxie was merely toying with them because he wanted to know if there were more hidden ambushes.


    ¡°How are you unaffected by the Energy Dispersing Liquid?¡± Bai Yun inquired. He was a master of poisons and had orchestrated the entire n, with everyone else ying supporting roles.


    ¡°Do you want to know?¡± Liu Wuxie smiled. When the six people nodded, Liu Wuxie replied, ¡°But you guys won¡¯t have the opportunity to know.¡±


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s body was different from others. The moment he ingested the poison, it was absorbed by the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron. Therefore, even the most potent poison couldn¡¯t harm Liu Wuxie, let alone something as trivial as the Energy Dispersing Liquid.


    Even without the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron, Liu Wuxie could easily force the poison out of his body, and he couldn¡¯t be bothered to tell them about it.


    ¡°Run!¡± the middle-aged man yelled without hesitation as the six bolted out. The white-clothed youth escaped through the window, the two farmers ran towards the door, the waiter ran towards the back of the hall, and the middle-aged couple fled towards another window. They ran in four directions to increase the chance of them escaping. Liu Wuxie was just one person with two legs; he couldn¡¯t split himself into four to chase them all.


    ¡°You guys want to escape?¡± Murderous intent swept out from Liu Wuxie as he drew his de, filling the entire restaurant with his de aura. As he fully released his cultivation in the fifth level of the Xiantian Realm, he swung out a de aura toward the white-clothed youth.


    The white-clothed youth was terrified. As he tried to dodge the attack, the de aura pierced his body, pinning him on a towering tree.


    But Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t stop there as he unleashed a terrifying and suffocating de aura that enveloped a radius of a thousand miles.


    When the two farmers had just run a hundred meters from the restaurant, they were locked onto by Liu Wuxie¡¯s de intent, immobilizing them as a de aura tore apart their chests.


    This frightened the middle-aged couple so badly that they almost wet their pants. They ran towards the distant forest with all their might and even wished they were born with another pair of legs.


    ¡°Hmph!¡± Liu Wuxie raised his de and swung it down, splitting the ground open as the crack chased after the middle-aged couple.


    Just when the middle-aged couple were about to enter the forest, they were severed into two by Liu Wuxie¡¯s de with their blood flowing on the ground.


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t stop there as he left behind an afterimage with a tap on the ground, chasing after the waiter. He had to leave one alive as he wanted to know who was behind this assassination attempt. As he passed through the back hall, he noticed two bodies on the ground, bound together with rags stuffed in their mouths. Their bodies still held a trace of warmth, indicating they had been killed recently. This elderly couple owned the restaurant, and their coats were missing.


    They should have been alive when Liu Wuxie arrived, and the waiter must have killed them after they were done preparing the food.


    ¡°Damn it!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes zed with a terrifying murderous intent. These people had not spared even an innocent elderly couple just to kill him. As he passed through the back of the hall, the waiter had already darted into the forest like a cunning rabbit.


    Pushing his Seven Dipper Steps to the limit, Liu Wuxie was determined to kill them all to vent his fury. After all, innocent people had died because of him, and avenging the old couple by killing their murderers was the least he could do.


    The waiter¡¯s cultivation was in the Spirit Cleansing Realm, but he was much slower than Liu Wuxie. In just a few minutes, they were only ten meters apart when the waiter suddenly stopped running and raised the kitchen knife to his neck.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, I know that you want to know who¡¯s the one after your life. If you take another step, I¡¯ll kill myself!¡± The server, realizing escape was futile, contemted suicide to prevent Liu Wuxie from finding out who wanted to kill him.


    ¡°Suicide is a privilege you don¡¯t have in my presence!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s anger was palpable. He unleashed the Ghost Eye, a soul energy attack that targeted the server¡¯s soul sea, eliciting a scream of agony from him. The kitchen knife slipped from his grasp as he clutched his head, his face contorted in pain.


    Once Liu Wuxie crippled the waiter¡¯s cultivation, thettery like a dead man on the ground. The pain in his soul seasted for ten breaths before it gradually eased, as Liu Wuxie had refrained from directly prating his soul.


    ¡°Speak up. Who¡¯s plotting against me?¡± Liu Wuxie threatened, positioning his de at the server¡¯s head, ready to behead him if he remained silent.


    ¡°Kill me!¡± The waiter showed no fear of death.


    ¡°You won¡¯t be granted such an easy escape. What did the elderly couple do to deserve their fate at your hands?¡± Liu Wuxie pressed a finger into the server¡¯s back, sending waves of excruciating pain through his body. The server writhed on the ground in agony, his body convulsing uncontrobly.


    ¡°I¡¯ll speak! I¡¯ll speak! It¡¯s the City Lord that sent us over!¡± The pain wasn¡¯t something anyone could bear. Back then, Zhou Hu had quickly confessed to this pain. Even amander of the Terrabreak Army couldn¡¯t bear the pain, not to mention an ordinary cultivator.


    Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t surprised when he heard the news. As he had suspected, Qi Enshi was the mastermind. A cold smile rose on the corner of his lips, and he took the waiter¡¯s life. ¡°Qi Enshi, it¡¯s really you!¡±


    Returning to the town, Liu Wuxie buried the old couple. As for the men sent by the City Lord Mansion, Liu Wuxie let their corpsesy in the wilderness to feed demonic beasts.


    It was gettingte, and he had to continue his journey. He could foresee that the journey wouldn''t be peaceful over the next few days. After all, Qi Enshi and the Xue n wanted to kill him.


    ¡°Let me see what other tricks you guys have!¡± Liu Wuxie increased speed and bolted like a meteor, streaking across the ground. Time was of the essence; he needed to reach the Imperial Capital before the Imperial Academy¡¯s recruitment deadline or wait another year for admission.


    He had a one-year pact with the Xue n and needed to join the Imperial Academy to gain ess to more cultivation resources, aiming to reach the Spirit Cleansing Realm or even the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    Shortly after Liu Wuxie¡¯s departure from town, a man in a purple robe emerged from an ordinary house. He retrieved a bamboo tube from his chest and ignited one end, sending a re into the sky visible from dozens of miles away.

 Chapter 93 - Encirclement

    <h4>Chapter 93 - Encirclement</h4>


    As Liu Wuxie continued his journey, the next two days were uneventful. He traversed two major cities, drawing ever closer to the Imperial City. However, the tranquility was unsettling, as Liu Wuxie was well aware that the Xue n wouldn¡¯t miss such a prime opportunity to eliminate him.


    ¡°In two days¡¯ time, I¡¯ll need to navigate through a deste mountain range. Once I cross it, I¡¯ll arrive at the Imperial City,¡± Liu Wuxie mused, standing atop a mountain and surveying the expansive range before him. This route was frequently used by merchants, but they were all currently at rest, spending the winter season with their families as the year drew to a close.


    While it typically took two days to cross the mountain range, Liu Wuxie, in an effort to expedite his journey, chose to travel through the night to reach the Imperial City at the earliest. Once inside the city¡¯s boundaries, he would be in a safe zone; the Xue n wouldn¡¯t risk carrying out a public execution.


    Switching into attire that was snug and ideal for travel, Liu Wuxieunched himself forward with a gentle tap of his foot on the ground, effortlessly covering a distance of over ten meters. He had mastered the Seven Dipper Steps to perfection.


    The night was crystal clear, with the moon casting a bright glow in the sky. The year-end assessment of the Imperial Academy was just half a month away.


    Liu Wuxie streaked past the woods and ran for six hours. When it was close to dawn, he slowed down and consumed several Origin Yang Pills to ensure his true essence remained at its peak to be prepared for any unexpected events.


    He took a seat under a tree, his senses fully alert. Nothing could escape his sharp gaze. A gust of cold wind swept past him, prompting Liu Wuxie to open his eyes. Having circted the Deste Devouring Art and absorbed all the spiritual energy within tens of thousands of meters, there was no point in continuing.


    ¡°This is strange. Even the insects have gone silent.¡± Liu Wuxie executed the Ghost Eye with his vision reaching a kilometer away. The surroundings were eerily silent, which was unusual. After all, even if animals were hibernating, smaller beasts should have been out foraging for food.


    ¡°Murderous intent!¡± Liu Wuxie detected a faint, almost indiscernible aura of malice in the atmosphere with the help of the Ghost Eye. His Ghost Eye carried on to extend as trees ahead of him gradually became invisible and could no longer obstruct his view. After he scanned the area, a chill ran down his spine.


    ¡°What a brilliant setup!¡± Unlike ordinary people who couldn¡¯t see beyond a few kilometers, Liu Wuxie¡¯s Ghost Eye gave him a clear view of the entire mountain range.


    More than a hundred individuals were converging on him from various directions. None of them were weak, with the majority being in the Spirit Cleansing Realm, and even more in the Xiantian Realm. Most notably, there were experts in the Marrow Cleansing Realm among them, blocking his escape route and setting a trap for him.


    ¡°Qi Enshi, you certainly hold me in high regard to deploy the City Lord Mansion¡¯s forces against me,¡± Liu Wuxie sneered. He vanished, unwilling to sit idly by as they encircled him.


    Taking advantage of the night, Liu Wuxie perfectly concealed himself. Paired with the Ghost Eye, he was invincible. His enemies dared not light any fire and could only navigate under the cover of night. Thus, all factors were in Liu Wuxie¡¯s favor.


    ¡°The ckwind Cliff is a pretty good ce!¡± Liu Wuxie scanned the entire mountain using a map and stowed it away, making a beeline for the ckwind Cliff. The ckwind Cliff was nked by cliffs on three sides, preventing them from surrounding himpletely and rendering their n ineffective.


    As the hundred people gradually closed in, Liu Wuxie headed towards the ckwind Cliff. Along his journey, he would run into the troops of the City Lord Mansion. As Liu Wuxie pushed his speed to the limit, he left behind a ck shadow, passing through the woods and only revealing a rough silhouette under the moonlight.


    Liu Wuxie seemed to have an innate understanding of the terrain, knowing where trees were located and where rocks obstructed his path. With the assistance of the Ghost Eye, these obstacles were no hindrance to him.


    ¡°Damn it, that kid is trying to flee!¡± A distant roar echoed. They had been vignt but hadn¡¯t anticipated Liu Wuxie detecting them so swiftly.


    ¡°Stop him! Don¡¯t let him get away!¡± They had mobilized arge force and would be hard-pressed to exin to the city lord if they allowed Liu Wuxie to slip away. Ten-odd people approached quickly, executing their movement techniques. No longer concealing their presence, they exuded a formidable aura as they charged towards Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Momentous Gleam!¡± Liu Wuxie was the first to strike, slicing through arge tree in front of him and enveloping the group of ten. He could easily handle one or two Spirit Cleansing Realm experts, but facing such arge number of them would be challenging; especially considering they were part of the City Lord Mansion¡¯s forces and had been well-trained in teamwork. Individually, they might not be the strongest, but collectively, they posed a significant threat and could eliminate anyone within the same cultivation level if theybined their strengths.


    However, their opponent was Liu Wuxie, and their mission might have been sessful had they been dealing with anyone else.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s de auras shifted direction as he demonstrated his mastery of the Blood Gleam de Art, which had be an extension of himself, albeit at the cost of a significant amount of true essence to counteract the exhaustion.


    ¡°Shit, something¡¯s wrong!¡± The group of ten quickly realized that something was amiss, but it was toote. They had severely underestimated their adversary. All of them were skewered onto arge tree, wounded by the de aura imbued with de intent that instantly extinguished their life force.


    Having carved out a path, Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t linger and bolted to the ckwind Cliff. Being pragmatic, he continued his journey after a swift swing of his de, recognizing that he couldn¡¯t afford to engage in a drawn-out battle at this juncture.


    Liu Wuxie had witnessed formidable warriors fall on the battlefield when heavily outnumbered. Therefore, he knew he couldn¡¯t give his opponents a chance to form an array, a tactic for which the Terrabreak Army was renowned, and their formation was famous throughout the Great Yan Dynasty.


    If the Terrabreak Army managed to form a formation, they could easily wipe out an entire city from the map. Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t confident that he could face a formation, so he resorted to a guerri tactic. This was the best method. If there weren¡¯t any Spirit Cleansing Realm experts around, he might have chosen to face them head-on. However, both in terms of numbers and skill level, he was at a disadvantage.


    ¡°We can¡¯t let him escape! Chase after him!¡± News swiftly spread as the other three groups rushed toward Liu Wuxie¡¯s location. They were over a hundred meters away, and the ground trembled as over a hundred people charged forward, rming countless demonic beasts in the surroundings.


    As Liu Wuxie neared the ckwind Cliff, he quickened his pace due to the pressing time. Utilizing the Seven Dipper Steps, Liu Wuxie was practically gliding just above the ground. His footfall on the dried leaves stirred up a gust of wind, causing the leaves to rustle and flutter in the air.


    Upon reaching the ckwind Cliff within minutes, Liu Wuxie retrieved gs from his interspatial pouch to set up the Azure Wood Killing Array. To prepare for this situation, he had refined ten gs using the remaining materials back in the Xu n.


    Even after mastering the Overlord Fist, Liu Wuxie felt uneasy. So, he had refined these array gs as a precautionary measure and ended up utilizing them. The ckwind Cliff, being nked by cliffs on three sides, was an ideal location for setting up an array. Liu Wuxie had chosen this spot for its strategic advantage.


    When the ten ck gs were nted into the ground, they seemed insignificant, yet unbeknownst to many, this unassuming array could unleash immense power. The gs drew strength from heaven and earth, and the steep terrain here made it an ideal location for the array.


    The City Lord Manion¡¯s troops arrived swiftly. A force of hundred and fifty people formed a wave, charging at the ckwind Cliff, causing the rocks at the cliff''s edge to crack under the pressure. Liu Wuxie stood at the cliff''s edge, de in hand, waiting patiently.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, you can¡¯t escape now!¡± A figure in the Marrow Cleansing Realm stepped forward, his face bing familiar under the moonlight.


    ¡°It¡¯s you?¡± Liu Wuxie wore an expression of surprise. This person was one of the three from the Xue n who wanted to kill him in the Azure Billow City. This implied that Xue Changnian and another person must have returned to the Imperial City, leaving this person behind to execute him. After all, deploying a Marrow Cleansing Realm expert to eliminate someone in the Xiantian Realm seemed excessive.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, I didn¡¯t anticipate our paths crossing so soon!¡± Xue Changqing sneered. The memory of being pped by Mu Yueying in Azure Billow City was still fresh in his mind. This grudge had been simmering in his heart, and all of it was due to Liu Wuxie. If not for Liu Wuxie, he wouldn¡¯t have been humiliated in public.


    ¡°I¡¯m curious. How did you end up with the troops from the City Lord Mansion?¡± Liu Wuxie asked with a smile. However, he had already predicted that the Xue n would join forces with the City Lord Mansion.


    ¡°In this world, everything revolves around interests. Since we sharemon interests, why shouldn¡¯t we form an alliance?¡± His answer was reasonable. After all, they had amon goal, which led them to unite and strengthen their forces to increase their chances of eliminating Liu Wuxie.


    Xue Changqing alone didn¡¯t stand a high chance of killing Liu Wuxie, especially in such an enormous mountain range, as Liu Wuxie could easily evade him. This was why he joined forces with the City Lord Mansion, who had scouts along the way tracking Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°So, how do you guys n on killing me?¡± Liu Wuxie nodded. It was likely that these three didn¡¯t leave the Azure Billow City that day and went to the City Lord Mansion to devise this n.


    ¡°I will skin you alive!¡± Xue Changqing dered, but he quickly retracted his sentence. ¡°No, no, no. That would be an easy death for you. I want to torture you slowly and let you understand the consequences of offending the Xue n!¡±


    Xue Changqing¡¯s words echoed in Liu Wuxie¡¯s ears.


    ¡°Let me see if you have what it takes,¡± Liu Wuxie shrugged nonchntly. They were free to attempt whatever they wished, provided they had the ability to do so. The cliff was just behind him; he could jump off if things went south.


    ¡°Senior Xue, what¡¯s our next move?¡± The leader of the City Lord Mansion¡¯s troops stepped forward. This individual was at the pinnacle of the Spirit Cleansing Realm.


    ¡°Be careful. This brat is crafty. Send a few people to probe him.¡± Xue Changqing had been observing Liu Wuxie for the past month and knew he was dealing with a cunning individual who warranted caution. After all, it wasn¡¯t every day that someone in the Xiantian Realm could kill a Marrow Cleansing Realm expert; they had to ensure there were no traps.


    ¡°You lot, go!¡± The leader of the City Lord Manion¡¯s troops, directed a group of ten on the right.


    ¡°Roger that!¡± The ten men advanced, closing in on Liu Wuxie as a chilly wind swept up the cliff, causing Liu Wuxie¡¯s robe to billow.

 Chapter 94 - Wipe Out

    <h4>Chapter 94 - Wipe Out</h4>


    The ten adversaries cautiously advanced while Liu Wuxie retreated slowly, observing the scene. With numerous individuals outside the formation, his strategy was to entice them in.


    ¡°Brat, die!¡± The group of tenunched their assault, executing a variety of martial arts techniques. Their moves created a vibrant disy of true essence, all aimed at hurling Liu Wuxie off the cliff.


    In response, Liu Wuxie unsheathed his sword. The meeting of the weapons produced a harmonious sh of metal. Then, without warning, Liu Wuxie charged forward. His offensive move, instead of a defensive stance, took everyone by surprise.


    Throughout this, Xue Changqing¡¯s gaze remained fixed on Liu Wuxie. He tracked every shift in Liu¡¯s movement technique. Liu Wuxie was as elusive as an eel, effortlessly dodging the onught from the ten attackers. When the ten attacksnded on the cliff¡¯s edge, it shattered severalrge rocks.


    ¡°Die!¡± With a swift motion, Liu Wuxie brandished his sword. One by one, the ten heads exploded in session. Their headless corpses maintained their lunging posture before tumbling off the cliff and vanishing from sight. In a single move, Liu Wuxie had defeated them all.


    This scene made Xue Changqing¡¯s eyes twitch.


    Themander of the City Lord Mansion¡¯s forces wore a grim expression. The ten individuals were his handpicked elites; losing even one was a significant blow. The rest of the City Lord Mansion¡¯s troops also looked visibly upset, their eyes reflecting a hint of fear. This adversary was simply too formidable.


    ¡°Senior Xue, what should we do?¡± The leader of the City Lord Mansion¡¯s troops turned to look at Xue Changqing. Thetter was the only expert in the Marrow Cleansing Realm here, and he was their only hope of killing Liu Wuxie.


    Xue Changqing was no fool; he wasn¡¯t going to rush into action. Since the City Lord Mansion had sought an alliance with him, he intended to utilize their forces.


    On the day they were set to depart Azure Billow City, the City Lord Mansion¡¯s butler approached them with an invitation to discuss a n to eliminate Liu Wuxie.


    The three members of the Xue n were shrewd. After the discussion, they left Xue Changqing behind to solidify the alliance. The Xue n didn¡¯t want topletely sever ties with the Treasure Pill Pavilion. If the City Lord Mansion seeded in killing Liu Wuxie, the Xue n could distance themselves from it. This was their true objective.


    In a nutshell, both sides were fearful of each other.


    ¡°This brat is relying on his movement technique, and we have the advantage of numbers. Go at him together and force him off the cliff!¡± Xue Changqing proposed his strategy.


    The leader of the City Lord Mansion shot a re at Xue Changqing. In the end, it was evident that Xue Changqing intended for the City Lord Mansion to spearhead the attack, ensuring that only their people would die without the Xue n¡¯s involvement. He discovered that Xue Changqing was a ruthless person, conserving his strength while willing to send others to their deaths.


    ¡°Senior Xue is right, but there¡¯s something peculiar about this person. I suggest Senior Xue strike first and eliminate him while we block his escape routes.¡± Both sides were throwing the ball at each other and didn¡¯t want to make the first move.


    Meanwhile, Liu Wuxie stood by, patiently waiting for them to make a decision. Eventually, he interrupted their discussion with a bright smile, ¡°Are you still nning to fight? If not, I¡¯ll be on my way!¡±


    The situation was unusual because no one had considered this problem when they formed an alliance.


    ¡°Let¡¯s make a move together!¡± Xue Changqing said with murderous intent shing in his eyes.


    ¡°Agreed!¡± The leader of the City Lord Mansion waved his hand as everyone charged forth.


    Seeing this, Liu Wuxie wore a triumphant smile and waited for everyone to enter the array as he wanted to send them to their death.


    Xue Changqing hid in the crowd, nning tounch a sneak attack. After all, he was the only one here who could threaten Liu Wuxie¡¯s life.


    ¡°Attack! Kill him!¡± When the leader of the City Lord Mansion gave the order, over a hundred people charged forth in unison, forming a formidable formation.


    Liu Wuxie had no intentions of shing with the formation right from the start, and he suddenly retreated before everyone could get close.


    Xue Changqian¡¯s eyes didn¡¯t leave Liu Wuxie for a second, and a strong sense of danger spread throughout his body the next moment. He was in the Marrow Cleansing Realm, and he had a better sense of danger than someone in the Spirit Cleansing Realm. Just as he was about to voice his concern, a loud cracking noise echoed around them. The entire ckwind Cliff trembled, leaving everyone stunned and wondering if an earthquake was urring.


    Unexpectedly, spikes erupted from the ground. Martial cultivators in the Xiantian and Spirit Cleansing Realm were unable to fly, and the spikes were like des thrusting upwards from the ground, impaling their chests.


    ¡°ARGHHH!¡± Screams filled the air, reverberating throughout ckwind Cliff.


    The sight nearly made Xue Changqing¡¯s eyes bulge out of their sockets as he hastily retreated, narrowly avoiding the spikes. Each spike was razor-sharp, and as everyone attempted to retreat, they found that their surroundings had transformed. They were no longer on ckwind Cliff; they had been ensnared by the intricacies of a spiritual array.


    As more individuals fell to the ground, impaled by the spikes, chaos ensued among the City Lord Mansion¡¯s troops. Their formation disintegrated as they scrambled to evade the spikes, even trampling over their fallenrades in their desperation.


    But there were too many spikes. They were densely packed, and each was manifested with the power of the earth. This was simr to what Liu Wuxie experienced in the Song n¡¯s Spiritual Array Hall. Despite being formed from elements, they felt incredibly real and lethal.


    In a matter of moments, the ground was carpeted with a thickyer of bodies. Of the original hundred or so individuals, only ten-odd people remained unscathed.


    The leader of the City Lord Mansion¡¯s troops was livid as he watched his subordinates fall. He roared as he lunged at Liu Wuxie, ¡°Liu Wuxie! I¡¯ll kill you!¡±


    The remaining ten-odd people also gritted their teeth andunched at Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°You guys are courting death!¡± Liu Wuxie retorted. Even if they hadn¡¯t attacked, he would have made his move. This was his golden opportunity to eliminate the City Lord Mansion¡¯s troops before confronting Xue Changqing. As he swung his de, the aura he emitted in the fifth-level Xiantian Realm obliterated countless bodies on the ground and targeted the remaining troops. His aura was formidable, illuminating the surroundings with the glow of his de.


    The force emanating from Liu Wuxie¡¯s de seemed capable of obliterating everything in its path. With a single stroke, he dispatched fifteen individuals, their bodies exploding and their essence absorbed by him.


    Fear had been forgotten by the remaining troops, reced by a singr focus: to y Liu Wuxie and avenge their fallenrades. They believed this was the only way they could justify the heavy losses when they returned. Otherwise, they were at a loss as to how they would exin the extensive casualties to the City Lord.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s de aura swept across the battlefield, severing the neck of the City Lord Mansion¡¯s troop leader before he could even brandish his weapon. After eliminating everyone, Liu Wuxie licked his lips and turned his gaze towards Xue Changqing.


    A spiritual array guarded the ckwind Cliff, and Liu Wuxie had sessfully used the spikes to ambush and annihte the City Lord Mansion¡¯s troops.


    ¡°Brat, aren¡¯t you too ruthless to kill so many people?!¡± Xue Changqing took a deep breath. He didn¡¯t consider himself a saint and had taken countless lives in his time. The number of martial cultivators who had fallen by his hand was substantial. However, he suddenly felt insignificantpared to Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°What¡¯s the difference between killing one and ten thousand?¡± Liu Wuxie sneered. Most importantly, he had to kill them if he wanted to live. This was a life-or-death battle, a true test of survival of the fittest.


    ¡°Excellent. Since you¡¯ve conveniently disposed of the trash for me, no one will suspect me after I kill you. If anyone investigates, I can simply im that you perished alongside the City Lord Mansion¡¯s troops,¡± Xue Changqing said with a smile. He stepped over the bodies strewn on the ground and slowly advanced.


    The spiritual array gradually weakened as the spikes manifested by elements gradually disappeared. It had already reached its limit aftersting for so long. This was why Liu Wuxie wanted to lure everyone into the array to ensure no one could escape.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s expression turned serious. His chances of defeating Xue Changqing, a Marrow Cleansing Realm expert, were slim despite his advancement to the fifth level of the Xiantian Realm. After all, experts from the Xue n were notparable to individuals like Liu Wuxie. Yun Lan.


    The gap between their abilities was vast, and battling someone with a higher cultivation level became increasingly difficult as one¡¯s own cultivation level increased. The difference between the Xiantian Realm and the Spirit Cleansing Realm might be likened to a mountain, but the disparity between the Spirit Cleansing Realm and the Marrow Cleansing Realm was as vast as heaven and earth.


    The two stood five meters apart, neither making the first move. Liu Wuxie held his de in his right hand, while Xue Changqing brandished a longsword. A dragon¡¯s roar echoed as Xue Changqing flicked his wrist.


    ¡°A spiritual artifact!¡± Liu Wuxie murmured in surprise. His own de, though it had reached the peak of a mortal artifact and possessed some spirituality, was vastly inferior to a genuine spiritual artifact.


    ¡°Impressive that you recognized my sword as a spiritual artifact!¡± Xue Changqing expressed his surprise. He hadn¡¯t expected someone from a rural area like Azure Billow City to be familiar with spiritual artifacts.


    ¡°It¡¯s just a low-graded spiritual artifact without any spiritual runes engraved!¡± Liu Wuxie was only slightly surprised as a spiritual artifact of this quality couldn¡¯t even catch his eye. This sword was crudely forged, and it was just a level higher than his de.


    However, even a single-level difference meant that spiritual artifacts could easily overpower ordinary weapons. Higher-grade weapons amplified true essence more effectively and were more resilient. An ordinary weapon would shatter upon contact with a spiritual artifact.


    ¡°What arrogance! Let me put an end to you!¡± Xue Changqing trembled with rage at having his weapon dismissed as trash. He had saved for years to purchase this spiritual artifact and treasured it, using it sparingly.


    However, Xue Changqin was shocked after witnessing Liu Wuxie¡¯s performance on the ckwind Cliff and took out the spiritual artifact as a failsafe. The artifact in his hand vibrated, and the sword aura it emitted grew stronger, amplified by the spiritual artifact. His aura was no less potent than Liu Wuxie¡¯s de intent.


    As he pointed his sword forward, the surrounding space began to quiver. This unassuming sword concealed countless variations.


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t dare to take this attack head-on. He performed a mid-air somersault and retreated to open ground. When the sword aura struck, it shattered a massive rock into smithereens.


    This startled Liu Wuxie, who realized he had underestimated Xue Changqing. He felt relieved that he had dealt with the City Lord Mansion¡¯s troops first; if they had joined forces wholeheartedly, he would have been doomed.

 Chapter 95 - Trump Cards

    <h4>Chapter 95 - Trump Cards</h4>


    Xue Changqing, undeterred by his missed strike, increased his speed. His sword ray was akin to a bolt of lightning, and his speed far surpassed that of Lui Wuxie. As expected of someone from a prestigious n, his sword and movement techniques were far superior to those of cultivators from Azure Billow City.


    Liu Wuxie was like a leaf in the wind, evading Xue Changqing¡¯s sword technique.


    The rubble on the ground was swept up by a powerful gust, creating a current that enveloped a radius of several hundred meters and limited Liu Wuxie¡¯s evasion space.


    ¡°Brat, let me see how long you can keep escaping!¡± Xue Changqing carried on with his sword technique. His attacks were like relentless waves, forcing Liu Wuxie into a defensive position. If this continued, he would eventually be overwhelmed.


    Xue Changqing fully exhibited the Thirty-Six Breezespring Sword technique. Having practiced this technique for over a decade, he had achieved high mastery and could unleash powerful strikes with each move.


    Whenever Xue Changqing altered his attack, Liu Wuxie identified a slight weakness and targeted Xue Changqing¡¯s vitals. His attacks were so swift that they left Xue Changqing in a cold sweat.


    The ws in Xue Changqing¡¯s sword technique were revealed in the brief moments between each move,sting only one-thousandth of a second.


    Liu Wuxie was like a venomous viper, waiting for the right opportunity to strike Xue Changqing, and such an opponent was terrifying. He was waiting for Xue Changqing to make a mistake to deal the fatal blow.


    Like everyone else, Xue Changqing wasn¡¯t perfect and made mistakes. With the help of Ghost Eye, Liu Wuxie managed to see through Xue Changqing¡¯s moves, analyzing and searching for the weakness in his sword technique. Despite identifying multiple ws, he didn¡¯t dare to take any risks due to their significant power difference.


    Even if he attacked, Xue Changqing could retaliate, leading to mutual destruction¡ªan oue Liu Wuxie wanted to avoid. As such, he used the Seven Dipper Steps and Blood Gleam de Art, effectivelybining offense and defense. His unpredictable moves made him seem ghost-like, gradually frustrating Xue Changqing. It was humiliating for him that he couldn¡¯t kill what he perceived as an insignificant opponent after such a long time.


    As Xue Changqing lost his patience and let out a roar, Liu Wuxie narrowed his eyes. ¡°I have waited a long time for this moment. Take my de!¡±


    He had finished analyzing Xue Changqing¡¯s Thirty-Six Breezespring Sword. Just as Xue Changqing was transitioning between his sword techniques, Immortal Guidance and Crimson Night Rush, Liu Wuxie identified a fatal w in his technique that was almost imperceptible.


    But Liu Wuxie found it with the help of Ghost Eye. When he shed down with his de, his attack turned into a de ray that appeared before Xue Changqing.


    ¡°Oh, snap!¡± Xue Changqing was rmed.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s aura began to rise like an awakened tiger. He had constantly been evading, so Xue Changqing instantly realized something wasn¡¯t right when Liu Wuxie suddenly went to offense.


    Just as Xue Changqingpleted the execution of Immortal Guidance and was about to transition to another move, Liu Wuxie¡¯s de reached him, disrupting his sword technique. This tactic was dangerous, and not many people dared to try it.


    As the gap between them closed, it was toote for Xue Changqing to alter his attack. Ultimately, Xue Changqing resorted to a brute force approach, shing his sword downward.


    Hisbat experience allowed him to swiftly adapt his move the moment he sensed something was off. A fight shouldn¡¯t be constrained by routines; one must adjust ording to the actual situation.


    Liu Wuxie had already anticipated Xue Changqing¡¯s response and aimed his de at Xue Changqing¡¯s abdomen. They were engaged in closebat, where a slight mistake could cost them their lives.


    Xue Changqing¡¯s Marrow Cleansing Realm aura was useless against Liu Wuxie. If it were an ordinary Xiantian Realm cultivator, they might have struggled to even approach Xue Changqing.


    ¡°Curse it!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s de was like a relentless leech, sticking close to him. As Xue Changqing made a mistake, it was magnified, and he gradually lost his advantage in the fight. Regardless of how Xue Changqing tried to alter his move, Liu Wuxie¡¯s de seemed to always find its way to his abdomen.


    ¡°Get lost!¡± Xue Changqing roared, unleashing a powerful aura like ignited gunpowder that forced Liu Wuxie¡¯s de to shift slightly. The de cut open Xue Changqing¡¯s abdomen with blood gushing out. It wasn¡¯t a fatal injury, but the pain still made Xue Changqing take a deep breath.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s fighting instincts were terrifying, and even a True Core Realm might not have a better fighting instinct than Liu Wuxie. He rolled on the ground to dodge Xue Changqing¡¯s sword and appeared three feet away.


    It might seem that Liu Wuxie had gained the advantage in the fight and had sessfully injured Xue Changqing, but he knew that his attack wasn¡¯t fatal and could be considered a superficial wound. But because of that, he would have to bear Xue Changqing¡¯s rage now.


    ¡°Good! You have enraged me, and I will tear you into pieces!¡± A powerful surge of aura erupted from Xue Changqing, causing the band holding his hair to burst apart. This gave him a menacing appearance, with his hair fluttering wildly as his momentum began to rise.


    The attacks that Xue Changqing released were twice as strong as before. He was furious that he was forced this far by an ant, and it would be humiliating to him even if he managed to kill Liu Wuxie. Thus, he could only try to vent out all his anger by chopping Liu Wuxie into pieces.


    Liu Wuxie wore a grave expression. He might not have feared Xue Changqing¡¯s aura in the Marrow Cleansing Realm, but he knew that technique was useless against sheer power. He could only employ the method once, and any subsequent use would be less effective as his adversary would be prepared.


    Abandoning the Blood Gleam de Art, Liu Wuxie sheathed his sword. Today, one of them would perish as there was no possibility for peaceful coexistence. He raised his right hand, assuming the Overlord Fist stance. He resolved to confront Xue Changqing directly, testing the limits of his Overlord Fist and his ability tobat someone in the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    Both were preparing for their next move when Xue Changqing, with a deep breath, swung his sword down at Liu Wuxie, bellowing, ¡°Die!¡±


    His sword aura covered the sky, enveloping the Bloodwind Cliff. This was Xue Changqing¡¯s strongest attack, which was topress the entire Thirty-Six Breezewind Sword into a single move.


    This gave no room for Liu Wuxie to dodge, and he could only face it head-on as he was enveloped in a powerful sword aura.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be so sure about who will be killed!¡± Liu Wuxie charged forth like an eagle, and he roared, ¡°Overlord Fist!¡±


    His punch was like a loud explosion that resounded, and echoes could be hearding back from the cliff that nearly blew Xue Changqing¡¯s eardrums. Xue Changqing was taken aback by this unexpected move, and before he could react, Liu Wuxie¡¯s attack was already in motion.


    The sh of their powers resulted in a deafening explosion and a fearsome shockwave that radiated several kilometers from their epicenter. The ripple-like shockwaves obliterated the surrounding trees, and even the array gs couldn¡¯t withstand the impact, disintegrating instantly.


    When the array gs were destroyed, the surroundings returned to normal, and they were still standing on the ckwind Cliff.


    Liu Wuxie started to cough up copious amounts of blood. He had only unleashed half of the Overlord Fist¡¯s full power back at the Xue n, which had depleted thirty percent of his true essence. This time, he had pushed the Overlord Fist to its limit, draining eighty percent of his true essence and nearly emptying his dantian.


    Executing the Overlord Fist to this extent not only made the Blood Gleam de Art impossible to perform but also caused him intense pain throughout his body due to the depletion of his true essence.


    Xue Changqing was also far from unscathed. His internal organs had been disced by the impact, causing him to vomit blood and stagger back several steps before regaining his bnce.


    Both of them paused their battle, blood trickling from their lips. If word got out that Liu Wuxie had severely injured a Marrow Cleansing Realm expert with a single punch, it would likely send shockwaves throughout the Great Yan Dynasty.


    The murderous intent in Xue Changqing¡¯s eyes grew even denser because he knew that he couldn¡¯t afford to let Liu Wuxie go. If Liu Wuxie were to grow stronger, he would eventually be the Xue n¡¯s nightmare.


    Despite his severe injuries, Xue Changqing gripped his sword and slowly advanced towards Liu Wuxie. He was resolved to kill Liu Wuxie, even if it meant risking his own life for the sake of the Xue n.


    Liu Wuxie stood still, his hands hanging by his sides. His dantian was severely depleted of true essence, rendering the Blood Gleam de Art useless. As his right eye began to focus, he prepared to use his final trump card, the Ghost Eye. He hoped that,bined with the damage from the Overlord Fist, the Ghost Eye could finish off Xue Changqing.


    ¡°Brat, tell me the name of that fist technique, and I can consider letting you die without suffering!¡± Xue Changqing¡¯s eyes shed with greed as he recalled the fist technique Liu Wuxie had used earlier. If he could learn it, wouldn¡¯t he be able to fight those with higher cultivation than him?


    As Xue Changqing slowly closed in, Liu Wuxie opened his eyes and looked at him, sneering, ¡°You want to know?¡±


    Even Liu Wuxie was shocked by the power of Overlord Fist. The strength of all his martial techniques had transformed when executed with his deste true essence, exceeding his expectations, whether it was the Ghost Eye or the Overlord Fist.


    ¡°Tell me how to practice it, perform a few kowtows on your knees, and cripple your cultivation. I might then spare your life,¡± Xue Changqing coaxed. He wanted to coax Liu Wuxie into teaching him the fist technique before killing him.


    ¡°Don¡¯t waste your effort!¡± Liu Wuxie smiled devilishly, noticing Xue Changqing had let down his guards.


    As Xue Changqing came within three meters of him, intending to ce his sword on Liu Wuxie¡¯s neck to force the fist technique out of him, strange beams of light shot out from Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes. Taken by surprise at such close range, Xue Changqing hadn¡¯t expected that a mere gaze could be lethal. As he looked into Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes, the beams prated his own, charging into his mind.


    ¡°ARGGGH!¡± Xue Changqing screamed as his sword fell to the ground. He clutched his head and began rolling on the floor.


    Once Liu Wuxie reached the fifth level of the Xiantian Realm, his golden soul sea strengthened, allowing him to release his soul energy like a sword, easily tearing apart Xue Changqing¡¯s soul sea. Not giving Xue Changqing a chance to recover, Liu Wuxie brought his de down on Xue Changqing¡¯s head.


    After all, Xue Changqing was in the Marrow Cleansing Realm and could recover quickly. If that happened, Liu Wuxie would be the one in danger.

 Chapter 96 - Two Academies

    <h4>Chapter 96 - Two Academies</h4>


    Everything happened in the blink of an eye, so fast that even thoughts couldn''t keep up.


    Xue Changqing wanted to react but couldn¡¯t control his body as his mind was in chaos. As a result, he could only watch as the de descended, piercing through his skin. The de passed through the gap between his cervical spine. Hearing his blood vessels exploding, he suddenly felt his mind bing clear, and the pain was no longer that intense.


    A head flew to the sky andnded on the patch of grass ten meters away, eyes wide open. Xue Changqing¡¯s eyes bulged, staring at Liu Wuxie as his head slowly shriveled. The energies within his body, characteristic of a Marrow Cleansing Realm expert, were consumed by the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron and converted into a liquid that flowed into Liu Wuxie¡¯s dantian.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s cultivation began to rise as the liquid flowed into his dantian, pushing him to thete phase of the fifth-level Xiantian Realm.


    When everything was over, it was already broad daylight. Liu Wuxie returned to the main road, assuming there would be no more ambushes, and quickened his pace.


    The day of the Imperial Academy¡¯s new enrollment had finally arrived. The entire Imperial City was abuzz with anticipation as countless prodigies from the thirty-six major cities converged, each aspiring to be a student of the prestigious academy.


    Liu Wuxie arrived on the registration day to find a bustling crowd at the registration site. Close to a thousand people participated in this year¡¯s enrollment. However, only a hundred were eligible to join the Imperial Academy each year, signifying that nearly ny percent of participants would ultimately be unsessful in their efforts.


    The registration site was located in a square, ten miles away from the Imperial Academy. Liu Wuxie, visibly fatigued from the journey, hastened toplete his registration as the process neared its end. With a sense of relief, he sighed upon sessfully providing his name and birthce.


    He now had to wait for the Imperial Academy¡¯s assessors to conduct the test. Those who passed would join the Imperial Academy, while those who failed would be directed to leave.


    The square was filled with people, each apanied by their families as they gathered for the test. Few came alone, making Liu Wuxie notably stand out. Despite the vastness of the square, capable of amodating over ten thousand people without feeling crowded, individuals selected their areas¡ªsome seated, some standing, and others engaged in conversation.


    ¡°I¡¯m not interested in joining the Heaven Govern Academy! Please leave!¡± A resounding shout cut through the crowd, grabbing Liu Wuxie''s attention just as he was about to depart. nning to find a quiet spot to wait, he observed themotion originating from roughly ten meters away.


    ¡°The Heaven Govern Academy?¡± Liu Wuxie furrowed his brow, unfamiliar with this institution. Perplexed, he realized that many others in the vicinity were also unaware of the Heaven Govern Academy''s existence.


    ¡°I am familiar with Heaven Govern Academy! It was founded several decades ago and has gained prominence recently. Prince Yongxian established it. But why are they here on the Imperial Academy''s registration day?" A young man in his twenties shared his knowledge, attracting a swift gathering of curious onlookers.


    ¡°You¡¯re talking about the younger brother of the current Emperor? Prince Yongxian, whomands a million-strong army? Many people in the court are leaning towards him, showing a trend of recing the current Emperor.¡± Another youth walked over, lowering his voice to avoid being overheard by others.


    ¡°That¡¯s right, it¡¯s him! He¡¯s ambitious to establish the Heavenly Govern Academy to nurture talents for himself. More people have joined the Heavenly Govern Academy in recent years, and their teaching quality is not inferior to the Imperial Academy¡¯s.¡± The whispers hushed as the topic turned sensitive, with only a few daring to voice their opinions openly.


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m willing to join the Heavenly Govern Academy if I can¡¯t join the Imperial Academy. It¡¯s at least a viable alternative.¡± Many people chose to join the Heavenly Govern Academy if the Imperial Academy rejected them.


    The Imperial Academy symbolized the essence of the Great Yan Dynasty, while the Heavenly Govern Academy operated independently. Distinctions existed between the two institutions, with the Heavenly Govern Academy holding a slightly lower statuspared to the Imperial Academy.


    ¡°Dream on. Do you believe the Heavenly Govern Academy is a catch-all and epts anyone? They have their own set of assessments, though more forgiving criteria," someone scoffed. Both academies exclusively admitted exceptional talents.


    "Enough with the chatter; they''re approaching. They recruit students who didn''t make it through the Imperial Academy''s assessments, favoring those without influential backgrounds. Meanwhile, those with significant connections or those not aligned with Prince Yongxian''s faction, even if highly talented, aren''t their usual picks." As the crowd gradually dispersed, the Great Yan Dynasty found itself divided into several factions¡ªthose supporting the royal family, those recruited by Prince Yongxian, and many who opted for a neutral stance.


    Those adopting a neutral stance became the focus of the Heavenly Govern Academy, aiming to enlist them under Prince Yongxian''s influence. This included various ns from different cities that held no allegiance to the royal family, making them easy targets for recruitment into the Heavenly Govern Academy.


    Everyone dispersed as they didn¡¯t want to be too close to those from the Heavenly Govern Academy, and Liu Wuxie soon found himself isted. After all, the Azure Billow City had a low ranking among the thirty-six cities in the Great Yan Dynasty. It was a city with a small poption and didn¡¯t have much talent. Apart from him, only the Song n probably sent someone to partake in the assessment.


    It was obvious that Prince Yongxian intended to rebel, and many people didn¡¯t want to get involved. Liu Wuxie also wanted to steer clear of this matter, but it was already toote as three people approached him with their sights set on him, capitalizing on his solitary position.


    The assessors from the Imperial Academy hadn¡¯te yet, and many people could only wait here. So, this was a golden opportunity for the Heavenly Govern Academy to recruit students.


    Faced with the fiercepetition to join the Imperial Academy, where only a hundred students gained admission each year, many who recognized their slim chances opted to join the Heavenly Govern Academy when offered the opportunity, forsaking the rigorous Imperial Academy assessment. For those unable to secure a spot in the Imperial Academy, the Heavenly Govern Academy became a viable alternative.


    An old man came with two youths who had been going around to convince more people to join the Heavenly Govern Academy. There were also people from the Heavenly Govern Academy in the other regions.


    ¡°Hello, youngd. How can I address you? Where are you from?¡± The old man with a hawk-like nose came over. From his appearance alone, anyone could tell he was ruthless.


    Liu Wuxie was experienced and always sported a faint smile regardless of facing a good or a bad person. He replied, ¡°I prefer not to reveal my name. I''m nobody from an insignificant city.¡±


    He didn¡¯t want to get too close to the Heavenly Govern Academy nor wanted to offend them. He had no interest in participating in thepetition between the royal families. He was here to join the Imperial Academy for more resources to elerate his cultivation and ascend to the Celestial Realm quickly. So, the power struggle was nothing but ants fighting for territories in his eyes.


    ¡°Brat, an excellent opportunity is in front of you. If you agree, we can exempt you from the assessment and admit you to Heavenly Govern Academy. Not only can you receive a third-grade pill as a reward, but you can also receive abundant resources.¡±


    The young man on the right extended his invitation with an air of indifference. To him, those in the Xiantian Realm were insignificant, mere flies. He felt he was already being generous by personally extending an invitation. He was confident that a solitary figure like Liu Wuxie would sumb to his intimidation.


    However, his arrogance was not entirely unfounded. Despite being only a few years older than Liu Wuxie, he had already ascended to the Spirit Cleansing Realm. This revtion took Liu Wuxie by surprise, forcing him to admit that he had underestimated the students of the Heavenly Govern Academy.


    ¡°And what if I decline?¡± Liu Wuxie inquired, his tone steady. His rejection was not born out of resentment; he bore no ill will towards the Heavenly Govern Academy. His refusal was primarily because Xu Lingxue was part of the Imperial Academy. His father-inw had repeatedly entrusted him with Xu Lingxue¡¯s care in the Imperial Academy before he left Azure Billow City, and he had no intention of breaking his promise.


    Additionally, he was only familiar with the Imperial Academy and knew next to nothing about the Heavenly Govern Academy. It was not in his nature to join an institution about which he had little knowledge. These two reasons were sufficient for him to decline the invitation to the Heavenly Govern Academy.


    ¡°Brat, do you know the consequences of refusing the Heavenly Govern Academy?!¡± The youth on the left roared, his gaze threatening, as if he was ready to strike should Liu Wuxie dare to decline.


    ¡°Uh?¡± Liu Wuxie was briefly stunned. Was the Heavenly Govern Academy so overbearing that they would retaliate if he chose not to join? He responded with a smile, ¡°And what might those consequences be?¡±


    Regardless of whether it was the Imperial Academy or the Heavenly Govern Academy, he didn¡¯t consider them a threat. He was confident that as long as he ascended to the Spirit Cleansing Realm, no one in the Great Yan Dynasty could harm him.


    ¡°Since you¡¯ve chosen to decline, I have no choice but to incapacitate you. This way, you¡¯ll lose your eligibility to join the Imperial Academy,¡± dered Gu Yunpeng, a student from the Heavenly Govern Academy, with a sinister grin. The hawk-nosed elder beside him remained silent, his eyes scanning the surroundings as if searching for something.


    ¡°Are you nning to attack?¡± Liu Wuxie questioned with an icy gaze. This was the Imperial Academy¡¯s territory, and he couldn¡¯t understand why no one from the Imperial Academy had intervened while the Heavenly Govern Academy was causing a disturbance.


    ¡°Since you are adamant to decline our offer, I will cripple your arm,¡± Gu Yunpeng said and threw out a punch at Liu Wuxie¡¯s right arm. The sudden confrontation attracted the attention of everyone nearby, who turned to watch.


    ¡°Another one doomed for refusing the Heavenly Govern Academy¡¯s invitation. His hand will be crippled, and he¡¯s not the first one. Why aren¡¯t the Imperial Academy teachers stepping in?¡± Many onlookers grumbled, their resentment towards the Imperial Academy growing. The teachers¡¯ tardiness on the day of the assessment had allowed the Heavenly Govern Academy to openly intimidate the examinees, tarnishing the reputation of the Imperial Academy.


    Such incidents were umon in previous years, with the Heavenly Govern Academy typically recruiting students discreetly. However, this year marked the first time they had adopted such an aggressive approach, suggesting internal issues within the academy that had dyed the assessment.


    Gu Yunpeng¡¯s aura bore down on Liu Wuxie, who remained unfazed. Despite Gu Yunpeng being at the first level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm, Liu Wuxie had already defeated countless individuals at this level. However, he was reluctant to reveal his true strength prematurely within the Imperial Academy.


    Yet, Gu Yunpeng left Liu Wuxie with no choice. Liu Wuxie, being only at the fifth level of the Xiantian Realm, was considered to have a lower cultivation levelpared to others present, some of whom had already reached the pinnacle of the Xiantian Realm.


    ¡°Stop!¡± Just in the nick of time, a roar echoed as three figures flew over to stop Gu Yunpeng.

 Chapter 97 - Assessment Begins

    <h4>Chapter 97 - Assessment Begins</h4>


    Three figures swiftly emerged from the direction of the Imperial Academy, advancing along a ten-mile path that led straight to the institution. This path was significant, as it was linked to the first assessment of the Academy. Among the trio was an elderly man, nked by a strikingly handsome man and a beautiful woman whose voluptuous figure attracted many admiring nces. Both the man and woman, who appeared to be in their twenties, were in the second level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm.


    ¡°Sikong Nan, aren¡¯t you taking it too far? The elderly man¡¯s voice was icy as he halted ten meters from Liu Wuxie, his chilling aura permeating the entire square. ¡°How dare you attempt to harm someone on the grounds of the Imperial Academy!¡±


    The man and woman behind him shared his indignation. Their anger was palpable, as if the Imperial Academy itself had been pped in the face. Resorting to violence simply because someone refused to join the Heavenly Govern Academy was tantamount to challenging the Imperial Academy.


    ¡°Fan Yeping, I¡¯m helping you to clean up the trash. Someone like him isn¡¯t qualified to join your Imperial Academy, and I can only cripple him. How is that being unreasonable?¡± The old man with a hawk-like nose was called Sikong Nan. In his eyes, there was no hope for Liu Wuxie to join the Imperial Academy. The fifth level of the Xiantian Realm wasn¡¯t low, but the hope of joining the Imperial Academy wasn¡¯t high.


    Liu Wuxie frowned as he was repeatedly mocked when he didn¡¯t offend anyone. The others in the surroundings also turned to look at Liu Wuxie, shaking their heads. Some evenughed at Liu Wuxie because the fifth-level Xiantian Realm was too low.


    When Xu Lingxue joined the Imperial Academy, she was talented and had long reached the seventh-level Xiantian Realm. Over a month had passed, and she had probably reached the eighth-level Xiantian Realm by now.


    ¡°Sikong Nan, get lost! Otherwise, don¡¯t me me for being impolite!¡± Fan Yeping warned, casting a dismissive nce at Liu Wuxie. To him, Liu Wuxie seemed unremarkable; his azure robe faded from frequent washing. Inparison to the others in the square, he appeared rather rustic. It was hardly surprising that Fan Yeping held little hope for Liu Wuxie¡¯s admission into the Imperial Academy. While cultivation wasn¡¯t the sole criterion for admission, Liu Wuxie¡¯s chances were still not promising.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Sikong Nan decided, recognizing that the arrival of an Imperial Academy teacher meant further conflict would benefit neither party. He left the square with the two youths, satisfied with their recruitment of a handful of promising talents. Their efforts hadn¡¯t been in vain.


    ¡°Brat, consider yourself lucky. When the Imperial Academy eliminates you, I¡¯ll settle the score and let you know the consequences of rejecting the Heavenly Govern Academy,¡± Gu Yunpeng sneered before leaving.


    Even after the departure of the Heavenly Govern Academy¡¯s delegation, no one stepped forward to defend Liu Wuxie, not even those from the Imperial Academy. However, the woman standing next to Fan Yeping was taken aback as she observed Liu Wuxie. Most people would exhibit signs of panic when faced with such threats, yet Liu Wuxie remained remarkablyposed. This left her wondering, what was the source of his unwavering calm?


    Fan Yeping led the man and woman towards the heart of the square, where a five-meter-high tform stood. As the trio ascended the tform, a hush fell over the surroundings.


    ¡°The assessment willmence shortly,¡± Fan Yeping announced, his voice resonating across the square, reaching even those standing several kilometers away. ¡°Due to unforeseen circumstances within the academy, my arrival was dyed, inadvertently providing the Heavenly Govern Academy with an opportunity that resulted in some regrettable incidents. On behalf of the Imperial Academy, I apologize. You may now step forward to participate in the first round of assessment.¡±


    Despite his announcement, Liu Wuxie remained at the farthest end of the square, making no move to approach.


    Upon hearing that the assessment was about tomence, a wave of excitement swept over the crowd. They had been waiting for this moment for a long time. The Imperial Academy had stringent age restrictions, disqualifying anyone over the age of twenty-two. For many, this was theirst chance. If they failed to secure admission this year, they would lose the opportunity to join the Imperial Academy forever.


    ¡°The first assessment is the same as the previous years. This is the starting point, and you just have to reach the gate of the Imperial Academy in six hours. Those who pass will naturally proceed to the second round of the assessment. So let us begin now.¡±


    With a nod to hispanions, the man and woman leaped off the tform and positioned themselves on either side of the path. An extraordinary energy enveloped the ten-mile stretch leading to the Imperial Academy, which was not located within the Imperial Capital, but nestled deep within a mountain range.


    ¡°This is interesting...it¡¯s a spiritual array!¡± Liu Wuxie observed with a smile. The entire path was shrouded in a spiritual array. At first, it didn¡¯t seem powerful, but its primary function was to exert steadily increasing pressure. Those who embarked on the path might not notice it initially, but the pressure would gradually intensify. This test was designed to assess an individual¡¯s patience and potential, weeding out those whocked the necessary strength.


    ¡°Oh, I forgot to mention something. The test this year is special. Whoever obtains first ce will receive a special reward from the academy: an opportunity to train in the me Sun Cave for ten days, a fourth-grade pill, and aplete profound-grade martial technique,¡± Fan Yeping said.


    In the True Martial Continent, cultivation and martial techniques were categorized into four grades: heaven, earth, profound, and amber. Heaven represented the highest grade, while amber was the lowest. Typically, the smaller ns in the thirty-six cities practiced amber-grade cultivation techniques. In contrast, therger ns in the Imperial Capital practiced profound-grade martial techniques. Earth-grade martial techniques were exclusive to therger ns, and heaven-grade martial techniques were the stuff of legends.


    An amber-grade cultivation technique could, at best, enable someone to reach the Spirit Cleansing Realm. To reach the Marrow Cleansing Realm, one would need a profound-grade martial technique. The same principle applied to martial techniques: the higher the grade, the greater the power.


    As for the Deste Devouring Art¡¯s grade, even Liu Wuxie was uncertain. It had already far surpassed all the cultivation techniques in Celestial Realm.


    Everyone in the square became chaotic upon hearing what Fan Yeping said, celebrating as though they had already obtained the reward.


    ¡°The reward is incredibly generous. In the past, the first-ce winner only received some pills and martial techniques, but they¡¯re going to include ten days of cultivating time in the me Sun Cave this year. I must secure the first ce, no matter what,¡± someone eximed. The excitement was palpable, with many eager to im first ce. The allure of a fourth-grade pill and a profound-grade martial technique was irresistible, and they could be considered treasures in Azure Billow City.


    ¡°Don¡¯t even think about it. This year''s first ce will undoubtedly go to Bai Yu from Serene Tomb City. He has already reached the Spirit Cleansing Realm, and no one canpete with him.¡± This statement served as a reality check, dampening the crowd¡¯s enthusiasm. Their aspirations were now more modest¡ªthey simply hoped to secure admission into the academy.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be so sure about that,¡± another voice chimed in. Yu Yifan has also reached the Spirit Cleansing Realm.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m going to give it my all, regardless. We¡¯re talking about the me Sun Cave here. It¡¯s brimming with pure yang energy. A single day of cultivation inside is equivalent to a month outside. More importantly, we can absorb the pure yang energy to enhance our physique and increase our aptitude.¡±


    That was the key that drove so many people into a frenzy.


    Liu Wuxie perked his ears to listen to the surrounding discussion. The fourth-grade pill and martial technique were nothing to him, but pure yang energy was important and more efficient than refining Origin Yang Pills.


    He hade to the Imperial Academy in search of resources, and he wasn¡¯t about to let such a golden opportunity slip through his fingers. The practice of the Deste Devouring Art required substantial resources, and cultivating in the me Sun Cave was an excellent opportunity.


    As the crowd engaged in animated discussions, one participant took the initiative and stepped onto the ten-mile-long path. It wasn¡¯t long before thousands of others followed suit, including Liu Wuxie. However, Liu Wuxie was in no rush. He trailed behind the crowd at a leisurely pace. After all, the first round wouldst six hours. He had ample time, and he believed the real test woulde in the final two hours.


    ¡°You two keep an eye on them. I¡¯ll return for the second assessment!¡± Fan Yeping instructed the man and woman before he left.


    ¡°We bid the teacher farewell!¡± The man and woman bowed respectfully as they watched Fan Yeping return to the academy. They would stay behind as assessors for the first round, which was straightforward enough to not require any teachers¡¯ supervision.


    ¡°Princess Leyao, you can take a break. I got it covered here,¡± the man assured the woman with a smile after Fan Yeping had left.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need. The academy has been dealing with various issuestely, and it¡¯s crucial that we identify talented individuals in this round. If we remain passive, the academy¡¯s reputation could suffer,¡± the woman replied before departing, leaving the man standing alone, his smile frozen on his face. However, a cold glint flickered in the depth of his eyes.


    ¡°Young Master Pingzhi, the patriarch ordered me to deliver this letter to you, and you must finish the mission no matter what,¡± a guard hurriedly approached, bowing to the man and producing a letter from his chest.


    ¡°I got it. You can leave now!¡± The man cast a nce at the path, where the first group of participants was already several hundred meters ahead. He then opened the letter, ensuring that no one was in the vicinity.


    ¡°Pingzhi, you must stop someone called Liu Wuxie from entering the Imperial Academy no matter what. If there¡¯s an opportunity, kill him!¡± the letter read.


    The letter was signed by Xue Dingtian, the current patriarch of the Xue n, a man of significant influence. The letter also contained a portrait of Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°It¡¯s him!¡± the man eximed in surprise. He might not have recognized someone else, but he was familiar with this individual, who had narrowly escaped being crippled by a student from the Heavenly Govern Academy, thanks to their timely intervention.


    ¡°Why would a fifth-level Xiantian Realm practitioner rm the patriarch? Who is he, and why has he garnered such attention from the n?¡± The man was unfamiliar with Liu Wuxie, but he was prepared to carry out the patriarch¡¯s orders. He tucked the letter into his chest and followed the woman towards the Imperial Academy.


    Just as Liu Wuxie had predicted, the participants spent the first two hours in light-hearted conversation. However, in the next two hours, many began to pant as the pressure gradually increased without their awareness. In the final two hours, the pressure doubled, increasing the further one walked along the path.


    Unbeknownst to the participants, the pressure had been gradually intensifying. By the time they noticed, it was toote. Their legs felt heavy, and they were drenched in sweat. Each step became aborious task.


    Meanwhile, Liu Wuxie remained calm, trailing behind the crowd at a steady pace. His physique wasparable to a cultivator who had reached the pinnacle of the Spirit Cleansing Realm, and the pressure was nothing to him.


    An hourter, some participants had already copsed, making it impossible for them to reach the academy within the stipted time frame.

 Chapter 98 - Who Instructed You?

    <h4>Chapter 98 - Who Instructed You?</h4>


    As time progressed, the line of participants began to elongate, with many falling behind Liu Wuxie, who maintained a steady pace. Those he surpassed were visibly fatigued and drenched in sweat, while Liu Wuxie remained remarkablyposed and sweat-free, which was unusual.


    Princess Leyao was tasked with observing everyone¡¯s performance and recording the data for the assessment. Initially, Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t catch her attention, but four hours in, she couldn¡¯t help but notice his consistent pace, a feat even she found challenging to achieve.


    After four hours, the participants were divided into several groups. The first group consisted of roughly two hundred people, and they were having an easy time under pressure, with waves ofughter being heard from them. Liu Wuxie was at the tail of the first group, showing signs of overtaking them.


    However, as time progressed, the pressure increased, silencing theughter as they were now bearing nearly five times the pressure. This was equivalent to carrying five times their weight while walking. They might have managed to walk a few hundred meters, but with several miles still ahead and the pressure continuing to increase, the challenge was far from over.


    Along the way, people began stopping to recover their true essence. Liu Wuxie had witnessed many sects¡¯ assessments in the past, and they would usually use a form of crystal to test one¡¯s potential. Only those who met the criteria would pass. This was the first time he encountered such a time-consuming and exhausting assessment method.


    If one traveled at an average pace, it would only take them two hours to travel ten miles. As a result, the participants didn¡¯t find it challenging initially, thinking that the first stage of the assessment was the easiest.


    But as time passed, people began giving up as they sat on the ground, waiting to hit the six-hour mark. Despite this, Liu Wuxie maintained his steady pace. He was determined to secure first ce and earn the opportunity to cultivate in the me Sun Cave. His goal ining to the academy was to obtain more resources to elerate his cultivation pace.


    As the six-hour mark approached, Liu Wuxie managed to catch up with the leading group. The pace of the front-runners, including Bai Yu from Serene Tomb City and Yu Yifan from Manifest City, had significantly slowed. This was due to the pressure, which was now nearly ten times greater. The test was not only a physical challenge but also a test of their determination. The final mile was the most grueling, with many participants clutching their heads as they struggled under the immense pressure.


    <i>This is interesting. I initially didn¡¯t hold much expectation for the Imperial Academy, but I underestimated them.</i> Liu Wuxie mused to himself. The first test might have appeared to be the easiest, but in reality, it was the most challenging. It was not just a test of physical strength but also of the soul. If his soul weren¡¯t strong enough, he wouldn¡¯t be able to endure the final mile, and those with weaker souls could potentially copse under the strain.


    The path of cultivation wasn¡¯t solely about physical prowess and the level of cultivation but also about the heart. Without a strong heart, one¡¯s path would inevitably be limited.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that guy who was threatened by the Heavenly Govern Academy previously? How is he moving so quickly?¡± More people began to take note of Liu Wuxie as he overtook them. With an hour left before the end of the test, it seemed likely that only about five hundred participants would reach the finish line.


    Unfazed by the surrounding chatter and the fingers pointed at him, Liu Wuxie maintained his steady pace. Each step he took caused a ripple to spread across the ground, seamlessly blending with the surrounding area. This meant that Liu Wuxie felt no pressure on this path, as he had be one with the array.


    The number of people ahead of him began to dwindle, with only about ten remaining. They could already see the finish line, where arge que emzoned with ¡®Imperial Academy¡¯ shone brightly, akin to a dazzling sun. Given Liu Wuxie¡¯s current pace, he was likely toplete the first stage within an hour.


    Each step Liu Wuxie took attracted a multitude of curious gazes from the surrounding crowd. He surpassed numerous participants who were at the seventh-level Xiantian Realm, a feat that defiedmon sense. As time progressed, Liu Wuxie also managed to overtake some participants who had reached the ninth-level Xiantian Realm.


    Suddenly, two hostile gazes were cast in Liu Wuxie¡¯s direction. Aside from Bai Yu and Yu Yifan, there was no one else ahead of Liu Wuxie. The two were locked in fiercepetition, neither willing to relinquish the top position in the assessment. ording to past assessments, the first-ce winner could receive numerous rewards and might even be taken in as a disciple by a teacher. Initially, thepetition for the top spot was solely between the two of them, but the unexpected emergence of another contender naturally incited their hostility.


    However, Liu Wuxie remained unfazed by their hostility and continued at his steady pace, catching up to them in just ten breaths.


    ¡°This is impossible! He must be cheating! How can someone who¡¯s only a fifth-level Xiantian Realm possibly be so fast?!¡± someone yelled as several participants who reached the ninth-level Xiantian Realm felt deeply unsettled and humiliated to be surpassed by Liu Wuxie, whose cultivation was lower than theirs.


    ¡°I demand an investigation! How could such a low-level cultivator rank ahead?¡±


    Initially, only one or two individuals expressed discontent, but it soon spread like wildfire, drawing more people¡¯s hatred towards Liu Wuxie. After all, there were a few hundred people that Liu Wuxie overtook who had higher cultivation than him, and they naturally couldn¡¯t ept this oue.


    Princess Leyao continued to record the data, undeterred by the uproar. She didn¡¯t offer any exnation, knowing that Liu Wuxie hadn¡¯t cheated; he had relied solely on his strength to get this far.


    ¡°Look, he surpassed Bai Yu and Yu Yifan! He¡¯s close to the end point!¡± A wave of exmation sounded out, spreading throughout the entire path. Could it be that the first of the assessments was going to be imed by someone who was only at the fifth-level Xiantian Realm?


    The pressure was close to ten times in thest few hundred meters. Liu Wuxie slowed his pace slightly. As for the pressure on his soul, it was non-existent.


    In stark contrast to Liu Wuxie, Bai Yu and Yu Yifan found each step increasingly challenging. The pressure on their souls was so intense that it felt like countless needles stabbing into their minds.


    Xue Pinzhi stood at the finish line, a cold smirk ying on his lips.


    With firm strides, Liu Wuxie finally crossed the finish line, taking a total of five hours. This wasn¡¯t particrly fastpared to previous years, but Liu Wuxie had the lowest cultivation level among them.


    Upon crossing the finish line, Liu Wuxie felt a terrifying murderous intent directed at him, as if someone wanted to devour him. This naturally made Liu Wuxie frown. He hadn¡¯t offended anyone since his arrival, and he wondered who held such a strong animosity towards him.


    While the participants might have harbored hostility, none disyed murderous intent. However, the young man standing before him, Xue Pinzhi, had murderous intent shing in his eyes, making no attempt to conceal it. But Liu Wuxie ignored the murderous intent and stood to the side as the assessment hadn¡¯t ended yet. He sat on the grass, taking out an Origin Yang Pill and Heavenly Spirit Pill to recover his true essence.


    But Xue Pinzhi looked at him as though he was looking at a dead person. In his eyes, Liu Wuxie was as good as dead the moment the assessment ended.


    It didn¡¯t take long before Bai Yu and Yu Yifan crossed the finish line. The sudden disappearance of the pressure made them stagger and nearly fall to the ground as they couldn¡¯t adapt to the sudden change in gravity. After stabilizing themselves, they quickly retreated to the side and sat down.


    This intensified their resentment towards Liu Wuxie. After all, Liu Wuxie looked unaffected when he crossed the finish line and wasn¡¯t impacted by the sudden change in gravity. Naturally, they found it hard to ept this, given that they, too, were considered geniuses.


    As time quietly passed, more people crossed the finish line. Each one cast a nce at Liu Wuxie uponpleting the first test.


    ¡°Unbelievable,¡± a young man muttered, his gaze fixed on Liu Wuxie. ¡°I¡¯ve seen the records of the past assessments. The top rank in the first stage is usually dominated by participants at the pinnacle of the Xiantian Realm or those who have reached the Spirit Cleansing Realm.¡± Major ns often studied the data from past assessments as a reference.


    A few hundred people gathered before the gate of the Imperial Academy, chatting among themselves.


    ¡°Time¡¯s up,¡± announced Princess Leyao, marking the end of the first stage. ¡°Those who have passed the first stage can follow me to the Imperial Academy for the second test tomorrow.¡±


    Those who failed toplete the first stagey on the ground, their cries echoing through the air. This was especially true for those who were only a few steps away from the finish line.


    However, this was the nature of the Imperial Academy¡¯s assessment¡ªharsh and ruthless.


    ¡°Hold up!¡± Xue Pinzhi interrupted Princess Leyao as everyone¡¯s gazes turned towards him.


    ¡°Senior Brother Xue, do you have anything to announce?¡± Princess Leyao asked, her brow furrowed. Both of them had supervised the assessment and hadn¡¯t noticed anything amiss.


    ¡°Junior Sister Leyao, this person dared to cheat on the first test. Hence, I want to revoke his qualification to serve as a warning to others.¡± Xue Pinzhi was still unaware of Liu Wuxie¡¯s true identity, and he just wanted to stop Liu Wuxie from joining the Imperial Academy, or even find an opportunity to kill him, in ordance with the instructions of the patriarch, Xue Dingtian.


    Liu Wuxie suddenly opened his eyes and looked at Xue Pinzhi, finally figuring out what was happening. He had guessed Xue Pinzhi¡¯s identity earlier from Princess Leyao¡¯s form of address.


    ¡°Senior Brother Xue, do you have any evidence to prove that he cheated?¡± Princess Leyao showed displeasure on her face. The path had been in use for hundreds of years, and there had never been any errors.


    Many people looked at Liu Wuxie with a gloating gaze. Even Bai Yu and Yu Yifan exchanged a nce with a hint of smile reflected in their eyes. After all, they would have a chance to obtain the reward if Liu Wuxie was stripped of his qualification to partake in the assessment.


    ¡°Junior Sister Leyao, he¡¯s only in the fifth-level Xiantian Realm. Do you think trash like him can reach the finish line without cheating?¡± Xue Pinzhi sneered with a hint of mockery on his face. His question stumped everyone, including Princess Leyao. After all, it was strange for someone in the fifth-level Xiantian Realm to reach the finish line. But Princess Leyao believed that Liu Wuxie hadn¡¯t cheated.


    ¡°Punish the cheater!¡± Shouts echoed from the surroundings, proposing a severe punishment for Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Expel him from the Imperial Academy! Someone like him should be killed on the spot!¡± Anyone could tell that Liu Wuxie was by himself and didn¡¯t have a background. So, the death of such a person naturally wouldn¡¯t attract much attention. As a result, more people joined the bandwagon, proposing that Liu Wuxie should be punished.


    ¡°Brat, how dare you cheat on the Imperial Academy¡¯s assessment. I bet you are tired of living. If you cripple your own cultivation, I won¡¯t pursue this matter further and will merely strip you of your qualification to participate in the assessment.¡± Xue Pinzhi¡¯s gaze was as venomous as a viper, pressuring Liu Wuxie to cripple his own cultivation and leave.


    Under everyone¡¯s gazes, Liu Wuxie stood up and looked at Xue Pinzhi with a yful gaze. He asked, ¡°You must be from the Xue n, right? I bet Xue Dingtian or Xue Yu instructed you to do this?¡±

 Chapter 99 - Making A Move

    <h4>Chapter 99 - Making A Move</h4>


    Aside from Xue Pinzhi, no one understood what Liu Wuxie was implying. Xue Pinzhi narrowed his eyes, trying to decipher Liu Wuxie¡¯s words. This was an order given to him by the patriarch, Xue Dingtian, so what did it have to do with Xue Yu?


    However, Xue Pinzhi soon made a connection. He remembered Xue Yu sharing his experiences in Azure Billow City over drinks a month ago. Xue Yu had mentioned being humiliated by someone from a small n, but he hadn¡¯t specified who it was.


    ¡°Does this fellow have a grudge with the Xue n?¡± Everyone who passed the first stage was an exceptional genius, and they soon began to analyze Liu Wuxie¡¯s words.


    ¡°Who would offend the Xue n unless they¡¯re tired of living?¡± Laughter erupted from the crowd, eager to see how Liu Wuxie would be ousted. After all, having someone who was a fifth-level Xiantian Realm among them was a thorn in their sides.


    In response to Liu Wuxie¡¯s question, Xue Pinzhi took a deep breath, his expression bing even more menacing, like a ferocious beast eyeing its prey. He naturally wouldn¡¯t dare to defy an order from the patriarch.


    ¡°So, you¡¯re the one who humiliated Xue Yu in the Azure Billow City!¡± Xue Pinzhi¡¯s voice was chillingly cold as he released his Spirit Cleansing Realm aura towards Liu Wuxie. This made all the surrounding participants retreat, not daring to get too close to him.


    The Xue n was a significant n in the Imperial Academy, boasting a multitude of experts. Offending them would undoubtedly lead to dire consequences.


    As for Liu Wuxie, everyone could tell from Xue Pinzhi¡¯s words that he was from a rural area like Azure Billow City. There was no way a firefly like him couldpare to the moon-like Xue n.


    ¡°I humiliated him?¡± Liu Wuxie shook his head, a mocking smile ying on his lips, ¡°Didn¡¯t Xue Dingtian tell you that I vowed to wipe out the Xue n from the Imperial Capital within a year?¡±


    Humiliate Xue Yu? Liu Wuxie never considered someone like Xue Yu worthy of his attention. He could easily kill someone like Xue Yu with a single punch. His only concerns were those in thete phase of the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    But his words were like a bomb that shocked everyone. Even Princess Leyao was shocked and baffled. She couldn¡¯t see any hint of madness in Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes; it was as though he was narrating something ordinary.


    The participants looked at Liu Wuxie with disbelief, as if they were seeing a monster.


    ¡°Is he insane? He wants to wipe out the Xue n within a year? What kind of joke is that?¡± The crowd erupted inughter, finding Liu Wuxie¡¯s deration ludicrous.


    As expected, Xue Pinzhi¡¯s aura turned deadly upon hearing Liu Wuxie¡¯s audacious im. His murderous intent was palpable, aimed squarely at Liu Wuxie. He was resolute in his decision to eliminate Liu Wuxie on the spot, even if it meant facing repercussions from the academy. He would not tolerate any disrespect towards the Xue n, and he was ready to deliver the ultimate punishment to anyone who dared to insult them.


    Suddenly, Xue Pinzhi thrust his palm towards Liu Wuxie, catching everyone off guard. No one had anticipated that Xue Pinzhi would strike. Given their close proximity, Xue Pinzhi reached Liu Wuxie in no time.


    However, Liu Wuxie was prepared for Xue Pinzhi¡¯s attack, his right hand resting on his interspatial pouch. He knew that drawing his de would inevitably lead to bloodshed, but he had no intention of killing anyone at the moment. His primary goal was to gain admission into the Imperial Academy. However, if cornered, he was ready to fight back fiercely.


    Just as Liu Wuxie was about to act, a figure appeared in front of him. Her palm met Xue Pinzhi¡¯s head-on, creating a powerful gust of wind as she sessfully halted Xue Pinzhi¡¯s attack. The collision of their palms forced Xue Pinzhi to step back, while the woman elegantly executed a somersault andnded in front of Liu Wuxie, both of them panting heavily.


    ¡°Xue Pinzhi, that¡¯s enough!¡± Princess Leyao roared with a stern face. She had deduced from their conversation that there was a personal grudge between the Xue n and Liu Wuxie. She suspected that Xue Pinzhi intended to use the name of the Imperial Academy as a cover to kill Liu Wuxie.


    As for whether Liu Wuxie was cheating, they could call a senior instructor from the academy to investigate the matter, and she was unhappy with how Xue Pinzhi wanted to kill Liu Wuxie without any proof that he had cheated.


    ¡°Chen Leyao, what do you mean by this? Why did you stop me from killing him? ording to the rules of the Imperial Academy, cheaters should be expelled!¡± Xue Pinzhi¡¯s tone shifted, and he called Chen Leyao by her name, no longer addressing her as Princess Leyao.


    The atmosphere was tense as the assessors had already fought among themselves before the assessment ended, which had never happened before.


    ¡°Anyone joining the Imperial Academy must be protected no matter what. You said that he¡¯s cheating, but you can¡¯t provide any proof. Do you think the academy''s senior instructors won¡¯t know if he cheated? Don¡¯t forget that the spiritual array is connected to the central control system in the academy.¡± What Chen Leyao said was the truth. The entire Imperial Academy was enveloped in a spiritual array, and the instructors responsible for managing the arrays would¡¯ve intervened if there was an issue with the array.


    Anyone could figure out that Xue Pinzhi was nning to get rid of Liu Wuxie through the assessment due to their feud.


    Liu Wuxie withdrew his hand from the interspatial pouch, taken aback by Chen Leyao¡¯s unexpected intervention.


    ¡°Chen Leyao, you want to oppose me as an outsider?¡± Xue Pinzhi, although not a core member of the Xue n, held a certain standing within the Imperial Academy. The repercussions of crossing the Xue n were well known to all. Despite being a princess, Chen Leyao¡¯s lineage was humble, as her mother was only a maid in the pce. She was conceived when the Emperor was drunk.


    So, regarding status, Chen Leyao naturally couldn¡¯t bepared to Xue Pinzhi. But because of her talent, she was sent to the Imperial Academy at fifteen. Through her hard work, she managed to gain a foothold in the academy.


    ¡°I¡¯m only performing my duty!¡± Chen Leyao said coldly. She had always been fair and impartial, never swayed by her emotions.


    ¡°Fulfilling your duty, is it? Well spoken!¡± Xue Pinzhi¡¯s teeth clenched in anger. His gaze towards Liu Wuxie was filled with lethal intent. However, with Chen Leyao¡¯s intervention, it was no longer suitable for him to attack Liu Wuxie. His only option now was to find a way to hinder Liu Wuxie¡¯s admission into the Imperial Academy in the uing two stages.


    Liu Wuxie looked at Xue Pinzhi as though he was looking at an idiot. Xue Pinzhi should be grateful to Chen Leyao; without her intervention, he would likely be lifeless by now. But this was a secret known only to Liu Wuxie, and it was in his best interest to keep his abilities concealed. He intended to keep a low profile and utilize every resource to enhance his cultivation.


    He was aware that a storm was brewing, and whether he could secure a ce in the Imperial Academy remained uncertain.


    As the day¡¯s assessment ended, the sky gradually darkened. The following day would bring two more stages to determine the hundred individuals who would gain admission into the Imperial Academy.


    When everyone entered the Imperial Academy subsequently, they were brought to a vast field. This was the outer region of the Imperial Academy, with the actual academy located further within.


    ¡°Thanks for stepping in, Lady Chen!¡± After the crowd had dispersed, Liu Wuxie cupped his fists at Chen Leyao, thanking her for her timely intervention. In the True Martial Continent, a world that adhered to thew of the jungle, it was rare to find someone as impartial as her.


    ¡°I¡¯m just performing my duty,¡± Chen Leyao smiled bitterly as they entered the Imperial Academy. She looked at Liu Wuxie curiously, asking, ¡°Do you have a feud with the Xue n?¡±


    Liu Wuxie simply nodded in affirmation, choosing to remain silent. Chen Leyao, not one for idle gossip, did not press further. Upon their arrival at the academy, amodations were promptly arranged for the participants, and dinner was to be delivered to them.


    The tents were ssified into different grades. As Liu Wuxie obtained first in the first stage, he naturally received the best tent. Given the winter season, the field was quite chilly that night. However, Liu Wuxie¡¯s tent was well-protected from the harsh wind, with fires lit around it to provide warmth.


    Preferential treatment was only given to those who were talented. After all, the principle of survival of the fittest was as applicable to the Imperial Academy as it was to the True Martial Continent.


    ¡°Fuck! How can he receive such a good spot when he¡¯s only a fifth-level Xiantian Realm? I¡¯m in the sixth-level Xiantian Realm and stuck in a lousy corner. I can¡¯t ept it!¡± A burly man stomped out of his tent as he furiously headed toward Liu Wuxie.


    His sentiments were echoed by many others. The temptation to seize Liu Wuxie¡¯s tent was strong. After all, it was clear that Liu Wuxie¡¯s cultivation level was inferior. Just because Liu Wuxie had outperformed them in the first stage didn¡¯t necessarily mean they would lose in a real fight.


    Just when Liu Wuxie was about to rest in preparation for the next day¡¯s assessment, a thunderous roar echoed from outside his tent. ¡°Brat,e out!¡±


    The voice sounded like rumbling lightning as a hand reached out, attempting to open Liu Wuxie¡¯s tent.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s rest was interrupted by themotion. He emerged from his tent to find a burly man ring at him, a hint of murderous intent in his eyes. He questioned coldly, ¡°Are you the one causing this ruckus?¡±


    The surrounding temperature seemed to drop even further. Did these people really think he was a pushover who could be easily bullied?


    ¡°Brat, I¡¯ll give you a chance. Get lost from this spot, or don¡¯t me me for what will happen next!¡± The burly man pointed at the tent, demanding Liu Wuxie to relocate.


    ¡°Did Xue Pinzhi send you?¡± Liu Wuxie asked, a smile ying on his lips as he regarded the burly man with amusement. Even if Xue Pinzhi hadn¡¯t bribed this man, it was likely that many were eager to use this situation to curry favor with the Xue n. After all, ingratiating oneself with the powerful was amon practice.


    ¡°Brat, why do you have so much crap? I¡¯ll give you three breaths¡¯ time to get lost from here, or don¡¯t me me for being ruthless.¡± The burly man clenched his fist, producing a cracking sound from his knuckles.


    Themotion attracted a crowd. With the assessment looming the next day, tensions were high. This spectacle provided a wee distraction, and the onlookers began to cheer, ¡°Go for it, Feng Bingquan!¡±


    The burly man was called Feng Bingquan, and he had a decent ranking in the first stage of assessment, thanks to his robust physique.


    ¡°What if I refuse?¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s smile gradually disappeared.


    ¡°I¡¯ll throw you out!¡± Feng Bingquan threatened, reaching for Liu Wuxie¡¯s shoulder. If he managed to grab hold, the force of his grip could potentially fracture Liu Wuxie¡¯s shoulder bones.


    Without any hesitation, heunched his attack, a violent aura emanating from him and hitting Liu Wuxie square in the face.

 Chapter 100 - Killing

    <h4>Chapter 100 - Killing</h4>


    Without any forewarning, Feng Bingquan¡¯s fist rocketed towards Liu Wuxie¡¯s face, the force of it creating a gust of wind. The impact, if it were to connect, would undoubtedly tten anyone¡¯s face. Yet, no one intervened in the escting conflict. Chen Leyao and Xue Pinzhi had already departed to report the day¡¯s assessment results.


    The initial day of the assessment was paradoxically the simplest yet most demanding. It aimed to gather data on all participants and identify the gifted disciples for further scrutiny in the subsequent day¡¯s evaluation.


    As Feng Bingquan¡¯s fist neared Liu Wuxie¡¯s face, the wind it generated caused Liu Wuxie¡¯s hair to billow wildly.


    ¡°Finish him!¡± The crowd egged Feng Bingquan on, encouraging him to end Liu Wuxie. The assessment was still ongoing and they were yet to be official students of the Imperial Academy, making them exempt from the Academy¡¯s rules. Therefore, even if Feng Bingquan were to kill Liu Wuxie, the academy wouldn¡¯t hold those instigating Feng Bingquan to kill Liu Wuxie ountable.


    Only upon receiving the status medal would they officially be recognized as students of the Imperial Academy. Given the Xue n¡¯s style, it was likely they would take every opportunity to hinder Liu Wuxie from joining the Imperial Academy or try to get him kicked from the assessment. This was because if Liu Wuxie became a student of the Imperial Academy, it would be hard for the Xue n to kill him.


    Seeing that Feng Bingquan¡¯s punch was about tond on Liu Wuxie¡¯s face, many women shut their eyes as they couldn¡¯t bear to see such a handsome face being deformed.


    Feng Bingquan also let out a sinisterughter as though he could already see Liu Wuxie being sent flying away. However, just when the punch was about toe in contact with Liu Wuxie¡¯s face, Liu Wuxie swiftly raised his right hand and pped Feng Bingquan. Despite Feng Bingquan¡¯s speed, Liu Wuxie was quicker, his hand making contact with Feng Bingquan¡¯s face before the punch couldnd.


    The resounding p left everyone dumbfounded. Feng Bingquan, a cultivator in the sixth-level Xiantian Realm, was sent flying away before he could even react. His muscr body traced a graceful arc in the air before crashing into a corner of the square, his mouth filled with blood and scattered broken teeth. Liu Wuxie had shown no mercy, using seventy percent of his strength in that p.


    ¡°Uhh...¡± The entire square was in dead silence. Many people were prepared to apud, expecting to see Liu Wuxie flying away. However, it wasn¡¯t Liu Wuxie who was sent flying, but Feng Bingquan.


    Bai Yu narrowed his eyes. The p seemed simple, but the speed and trajectory appeared calcted, as if every move had been meticulously nned. The timing was too perfect for Feng Bingquan to react, resulting in him being sent flying.


    Bai Yifan shared Bai Yu¡¯s sentiments. Even he wasn¡¯t confident of achieving such precision. His approach would have been to retaliate instantly, not giving Feng Bingquan the opportunity to attack. Consequently, everyone assumed it was a fluke and that Liu Wuxie was merely fortunate.


    In terms of age, Liu Wuxie was one of the youngest among everyone, and his cultivation wasn¡¯t high either.


    ¡°You bastard! I¡¯ll kill you!¡± Feng Bingquan got back on his feet with a sinister expression. Without bothering to wipe the blood off his lips, he drew his weapon and charged at Liu Wuxie. He had already lost his rationale at this moment. Terrifying murderous intent swept out from Feng Bingquan as he turned into a blurred shadow, charging at Liu Wuxie.


    Meanwhile, Liu Wuxie stood outside the tent calmly with his right hand resting on the interspatial pouch, waiting. As Feng Bingquan¡¯s sword came within an inch of Liu Wuxie, it was clear to all that the sword was aimed at his heart, intending to end his life.


    With a swift, unadorned movement, Liu Wuxie¡¯s right hand moved in a blur, leaving Feng Bingquan frozen in ce as if time itself had halted, the surrounding air growing icy.


    ¡°Cross this line, and you die!¡± Liu Wuxie dered, drawing a line three meters from his tent with his de. Once done, he disregarded the onlookers and retreated into his tent.


    ¡°What happened? Why isn¡¯t Feng Bingquan moving?¡± Many people were baffled about why Feng Bingquan had stopped at thest moment. Those familiar with Feng Bingquan knew him to be ruthless, with a body count in the double digits. It was inconceivable that such a man would back down after being pped, making his immobility all the more perplexing.


    ¡°He¡¯s dead!¡± a cultivator at the ninth-level Xiantian Realm said. Liu Wuxie¡¯s de strike had been so swift and breathtaking that if not for the de in his hand, no one would have known he had made a move.


    ¡°He¡¯s dead?¡± An uproar broke out from the surrounding area. Even if they weren¡¯t students of the Imperial Academy yet, it was against the academy¡¯s rules to kill within the boundaries of the academy.


    <i>What a fast de!</i> Yu Yifan thought to himself and returned to his tent. He didn¡¯t want to get involved in this matter. Despite being in the Spirit Cleansing Realm, he wasn¡¯t confident he could counter that de without using his full strength.


    Blood began to pool from Feng Bingquan¡¯s neck, soon forming a small stream. The scent of blood filled the square, causing everyone¡¯s hearts to skip a beat. Feng Bingquan was indeed dead.


    Feng Bingquan¡¯s lifeless body copsed to the ground, his eyes reflecting his deep attachment to this world. He had not wanted to die; joining the Imperial Academy had been his dream. Graduating from the academy would have made him a prominent figure, whether he returned to his n or joined the military. But his bright future had been cut short by his impulsiveness.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Someone quickly stopped a person who wanted to approach Liu Wuxie¡¯s tent to avenge Feng Bingquan.


    ¡°How can we let this matter go so easily? We have to kill him and take revenge for Feng Bingquan!¡± More people stepped forward, seeking justice for Feng Bingquan. However, they were only gathered outside the tent, not daring to cross the line.


    Liu Wuxie ignored the voices outside his tent. To him, they were just a disorderly mob incapable of causing him any harm. Even if these people were to join the Imperial Academy, they would merely be a waste of resources.


    They shouted for a while, but no one dared to cross the line, and the matter was left unresolved. Everyone was focused on avoiding trouble and preparing for the next day¡¯s assessment. Since Liu Wuxie hadmitted a murder, it was expected that the Imperial Academy would hold him ountable. Their primary concern, however, was to secure their ce as disciples of the Imperial Academy.


    As night fell, Liu Wuxie refrained from executing the Deste Devouring Art due to the potential uproar it could cause. If he were to circte it, he would consume all the spiritual energy within a few hundred meters radius. If he were to use the cultivation technique at full force, he would likely drain all the spiritual energy in the square.


    Instead, Liu Wuxie ingested a Golden Spirit Pill, feeling the energy surge through his body.


    ¡°The six hours of tempering with the spiritual array have increased thepatibility between my soul and body...¡± Liu Wuxie mused to himself. While others struggled under the pressure, he used it to enhance the harmony between his soul and body. If word of this were to get out, it would undoubtedly incite envy among many.


    The square soon fell silent as everyone rested, maintaining their optimal state to face the uing assessment.


    ¡°Are you prepared?¡± Two men stood in the woods three miles away, one of whom was Xue Pinzhi, the assessor for today¡¯s assessment.


    ¡°Senior Brother Xue, rest assured. Don¡¯t you know my assassination skills? Tonight will be his death.¡± A ck-clothed man patted on his chest as he had assassinated many students over the years.


    ¡°Good. If you can get this done, there will be benefits for you. I will even try and arrange for your transfer to the advanced ss.¡± Xue Pinzhi patted the ck-clothed man¡¯s shoulder, urging him to go quickly as time ran out to avoid missing the best opportunity.


    ¡°Thank you, Senior Brother Xue!¡± Entering the advanced ss was the dream of many students. The Imperial Academy was divided into three grades: Earth, Profound, and Heaven. Each grade was further divided into elementary, advanced, and elite sses. If someone wanted to advance to a higher ss, they would have to undergo multiple tests.


    Some prodigies were ced directly into the advanced ss of the Earth Grade upon joining the academy, but these were few and far between. This implied that the hundred individuals here would be assigned to the Earth Grade and would have to undergo a test in two years, with those failing being eliminated. Those who passed would progress to the Profound Grade.


    This meant that if someone wanted to enter the elite ss, they would also have to undergo tests. However, Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t wait that long as he had to reach the pinnacle of the Spirit Cleansing Realm or even Marrow Cleansing Realm within a year to wipe out the Xue n. After that, he would leave the Great Yan Empire to explore the wider world.


    Every year, the Imperial Academy would only recruit a hundred students. As for the real elites, they were long epted into the Imperial Academy, such as Xu Lingxue. The hundred slots were mainly given to other cultivators, allowing them to climb.


    The prodigies from the thirty-six cities had already been scouted. The hundred students admitted each year were those who hadn¡¯t qualified for an invitation from the Imperial Academy and had to take the assessment instead. In essence, these hundred possessed the least talent in the academy.


    Those who joined the academy through this method naturally couldn¡¯t bepared to those scouted beforehand. From today¡¯s assessment, it was evident that the teacher was merely fulfilling a formality, leaving only two students to handle the assessment.


    The annual assessment targeted the thirty-six cities, not the Imperial Capital. This was due to the Imperial Capital¡¯s poption nearing a billion, serving as the primary talent pool for the Imperial Academy.


    Liu Wuxie only discovered this after entering the Imperial Capital, and the vastness of the Imperial Capital had far exceeded his expectations. The academy housed tens of thousands of students, rivaling the size of a major sect.


    A shadowy figure stealthily approached the square, making no sound and leaving no trace of his presence. A peculiar crossbow materialized in his hand, more formidable than those used by the Terrabreak Army. He positioned himself behind arge rock, aiming the crossbow at Liu Wuxie¡¯s tent, a cruel smile ying on his lips.


    ¡°Brat, you can only me yourself for your bad luck in offending Senior Brother Xue,¡± the ck-clothed youth said and pressed the trigger as an arrow shot out. But weirdly enough, the arrow didn¡¯t produce any sound, and this was enough to show the ck-clothed youth¡¯s top-notch assassination skills.

 Chapter 101 - Scapegoat

    <h4>Chapter 101 - Scapegoat</h4>


    The square was quiet, asionally broken by the intermittent snores. Under the glory of fire, everyone could see a figure seated in each tent, cultivating as the surrounding spiritual energy poured into their tents.


    The arrow traveled across the air from a massive rock towards Liu Wuxie¡¯s tent. It was just ten meters away, and it would only take half a breath for it to pierce into the tent. The tents weren¡¯t huge and could only amodate a person at best, leaving no space for anyone to avoid the iing arrow.


    The arrow punctured a small hole in the tent and struck the person inside. A groan was heard shortly after, followed by the sound of a body slowly copsing to the ground.


    A smile spread across the face of the ck-clothed youth. His crossbow, a spiritual artifact, had never failed him in his numerous assassinations over the years. Havingpleted his mission, he disappeared into the darkness like a cat, reappearing in the woods three miles away.


    ¡°How did it go?¡± Xue Pinzhi asked, having not yet departed. Even without the patriarch¡¯s orders, he would have sought to kill Liu Wuxie based on the offense he had taken earlier in the day. He couldn¡¯t wait until tomorrow and had enlisted the help of a skilled assassin to kill Liu Wuxie, a cunning n indeed.


    ¡°Rest assured. I saw him copse with my own eyes. My arrow was coated with a potent poison, and just a slight scratch guarantees death.¡± The ck-clothed youth reassured Xue Pinzhi. Within ten meters of range, he was confident that his arrow had taken Liu Wuxie¡¯s life.


    ¡°Great! I¡¯ll arrange for you to enter the Profound Grade¡¯s advanced ss tomorrow!¡± Xue Pinzhiughed as he had finallypleted the order given to him by the patriarch. As he had a conflict with Liu Wuxie during the day, it wasn¡¯t convenient for him to make a move. Thus, he could only seek help from someone else.


    After all, he would be investigated if Liu Wuxie died, and he didn¡¯t want to get involved too much. So, he devised the n of getting someone else to do the dirty job.


    ¡°I¡¯ll thank Senior Brother Xue in advance!¡± The ck-clothed youth smiled. His talent wasn¡¯t exceptional, and he had reached the Profound Grade¡¯s elementary ss with great difficulty over the past two years. He had been longing to enter the advanced ss, where he would have ess to more resources than the elementary ss.


    They quickly parted ways, with Xue Pinzhi retracing his steps back to the academy¡¯s dormitory. The ck-clothed youth, on the other hand, took flight in the opposite direction, as their residences were not in the same area.


    Suddenly, a figure walked out from a tree not far away with a cold smirk. He sneered, ¡°Xue Pinzhi, it looks like you haven¡¯t given up yet.¡±


    If Xue Pinzhi had seen his smile, he would have mistaken this person for a ghost. This individual quickly caught up with the ck-clothed man, traversing the woods as they were on the verge of entering the dormitory zone.


    ¡°Who¡¯s there?!¡± The ck-clothed youth suddenly stopped, sensing someone trailing him. He raised his crossbow, aiming at the darkness ahead, ready to fire at the first sight of movement.


    Without warning, a mysterious shadow materialized behind the ck-clothed youth and struck his neck, rendering him unconscious. As the shadow revealed himself, he grabbed the ck-clothed youth by the shoulder and swiftly vacated the area. This ce was patrolled by disciples at night, and he didn¡¯t want to leave any evidence behind.


    Carrying the ck-clothed youth, he passed through the Imperial Academy¡¯s region, entering a deserted mountain range. He tossed the ck-clothed youth on the ground and sealed his dantian, ensuring he couldn¡¯t circte his true essence.


    Roughly fifteen minutester, the ck-clothed youth regained consciousness and caressed the back of his head. Hisst memory was of being struck by something and losing consciousness.


    ¡°Where am I?¡± The ck-clothed youth looked around after waking up and found himself in an unfamiliar ce surrounded by tall trees. He had a feeling that this ce was no longer within the jurisdiction of the Imperial Academy.


    He sat up with a start and tried to circte his true essence. Finding himself unable to muster any strength, he slumped back onto the ground.


    ¡°Who are you?!¡± The ck-clothed youth wasn¡¯t stupid and soon deduced that someone had knocked him unconscious before bringing him here. He quickly regained hisposure, struggled to sit up, and began to survey his surroundings warily. His gaze eventuallynded on arge rock where a figure was seated, legs swinging in the air, a piece of dried grass in his mouth, his face obscured by the darkness.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect you to wake up so quickly!¡± The figure didn¡¯t rise from his perch on the rock. His voice was rather youthful, suggesting he was quite young. However, the ck-clothed youth couldn¡¯t make out the appearance of his abductor, only managing to discern the figure¡¯s legs swinging in the dim light.


    ¡°W-Who are you?! Why did you bring me here? Do you realize this is the Imperial Academy, and I¡¯m a Profound Grade student? If anything happens to me, the academy will investigate this matter!¡± The ck-clothed youth panicked, attempting to use the Imperial Academy¡¯s name to intimidate his abductor into releasing him. After all, this person was so terrifying that he had been knocked unconscious without even realizing it. Only teachers or students of the elite ss might possess such ability.


    ¡°You came to assassinate me at night because Xue Pinzhi promised to try and get you into the advanced ss?¡± This mysterious person was naturally Liu Wuxie. He jumped down from the huge rock and stood before the ck-clothed youth.


    The ck-clothed youth was horrified. He didn¡¯t know who Liu Wuxie was, but he knew who he had assassinated today. With fear on his face, he couldn¡¯t believe that Liu Wuxie was still alive. He screamed, ¡°That¡¯s impossible! Didn¡¯t my arrow kill you? I saw your body copsing onto the ground!¡±


    ¡°Who told you I was in the tent?¡± Liu Wuxie smiled. He had anticipated that the Xue n wouldn¡¯t let this matter rest and might send someone to assassinate him that night. Everything had unfolded as he had predicted. Xue Pinzhi had indeed sent someone to try and assassinate him, but fortunately, he had been prepared. As for the person in the tent, it was Feng Bingquan, whom he had killed earlier that day.


    ¡°Y-You¡¯re still not a student of the Imperial Academy! If you dare kill me, the academy will investigate this matter, and you will be punished! I advise you to let me go, and I won¡¯t tell a soul about what happened today.¡± The ck-clothed youth was right. Liu Wuxie still wasn¡¯t a student of the Imperial Academy as he hadn¡¯t gone through the assessment yet. If Liu Wuxie killed a student of the academy now, he would¡¯ve vited the academy¡¯s rules, with consequences from expulsion from the assessment to having his cultivation crippled.


    It was forbidden to kill in the academy. Fighting wasn¡¯t prohibited, but killing was taboo. However, assassinations were a different matter altogether, as students died every year, and investigating every death would be a lengthy process.


    ¡°What else did Xue Pinzhi n on using against me?¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s gaze hardened. Knowing your enemy is the key to victory, and he was certain that Xue Pinzhi hadid traps for him, which he needed to be wary of. If he failed to join the Imperial Academy, the Xue n would have experts waiting outside the academy to take his life the moment he failed.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. He only asked me to assassinate you tonight and said nothing else,¡± the ck-clothed youth replied.


    Liu Wuxie nodded as he could sense that the ck-clothed youth was telling the truth. He was already dead to Xue Pinzhi. So, he did not need to use any n against him tomorrow.


    ¡°I have already told you everything I know. Can I leave now?¡± The ck-clothed youth pleaded, looking at Liu Wuxie. He didn¡¯t want to die, especially in such a remote area. Even if the Imperial Academy were to avenge him, he would already be dead, rendering it meaningless. He was willing to kneel and kowtow as long as he could live.


    ¡°Let you live?¡± Liu Wuxie raised his brow. He wasn¡¯t naive enough to let this person return and tell Xue Pinzhi that he was still alive.


    With a swift motion of Liu Wuxie¡¯s de, the ck-d youth fell to the ground. His body began to wither until only ayer of skin remained, his life energies absorbed by Liu Wuxie. This was done so cleanly that not a trace was left that could lead the academy to any clues. Liu Wuxie even made sure to incinerate the skin before making his way back to the square.


    As dawn broke, many people woke up from their cultivation and exited their tents, stretching their bodies and preparing for today¡¯s assessment.


    ¡°Strange, where¡¯s Feng Bingquan¡¯s body?¡± As everyone emerged, they noticed only a pool of blood where Feng Bingquan¡¯s body had been, with no sign of the corpse. Everyone began to gather, discussing the previous night¡¯s events.


    ¡°Wait, why is that brat sitting on the rock cultivating?¡± They saw a blue-clothed figure seated on a huge rock, meditating. The density of spiritual energy in the Imperial Academy was several times higher than in the Azure Billow City. Cultivating here for a day was equivalent to a few days in the Azure Billow City, and Liu Wuxie¡¯s true essence grew rapidly.


    If someone else had been cultivating at Liu Wuxie¡¯s rapid pace, they would¡¯ve made a breakthrough long ago. But Liu Wuxie¡¯s dantian could contain much more true essence than others. Thus, he barely made any progress.


    ¡°If he¡¯s cultivating over there, who¡¯s in the tent?¡± Everyone could see a person lying in Liu Wuxie¡¯s tent from the shadows.


    Bai Yu and Yu Yifan emerged from their tents, awakened by themotion. As more individuals exited their tents, they appeared rejuvenated from a night of rest.


    A few of the braver individuals approached Liu Wuxie¡¯s tent and pulled it open, revealing a person lying inside, bloodied with an arrow lodged in the back of his head.


    ¡°Arghh!¡± The man who opened the tent let out a scream and retreated.


    ¡°I-It¡¯s Feng Bingquan! He¡¯s been murdered!¡± The man stuttered and staggered as he took ten steps back before regaining his footing.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that obvious? We all saw him get killed yesterday,¡± the crowd retorted, rolling their eyes at the man¡¯s statement.


    ¡°No, I mean Feng Bingquan was killed by an arrow!¡± The man rified his earlier statement.


    ¡°This is strange. Why is Feng Bingquan in the tent, and how did he end up killed by an arrow?¡± The crowd was puzzled, unable to piece together the events of the previous night.


    ¡°Can it be that someone wanted to kill that brat, and Feng Bingquan ended up as the scapegoat?¡± someone whispered.

 Chapter 102 - Question

    <h4>Chapter 102 - Question</h4>


    Hundreds of people gathered together, discussing what might have happenedst night. Fortunately, the arrow wasn¡¯t directed at their tents, or they would have died by now.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t this too terrifying? There¡¯s someone openly attempting to assassinate us in the academy. If the higher-ups of the academy find out about this, there will surely be an outrage.¡±


    The death of Feng Bingquan wasn¡¯t their primary concern; their own safety was. Their lives had been threatened within the Imperial Academy, even before they had officially joined. This incident alone could significantly tarnish the academy¡¯s reputation.


    The assassination was shrouded in mystery, and no one knew who had carried it out in the dead of night. It certainly wasn¡¯t Liu Wuxie; no one would be foolish enough to orchestrate their own assassination. This led them to believe that someone else was behind it.


    ¡°Could it be Xue Pinzhi?¡±


    Everyone had witnessed Xue Pinzhi¡¯s attempt to kill Liu Wuxie during the assessment the previous day, which was thwarted by Chen Leyao. This could have led to resentment on Xue Pinzhi¡¯s part, prompting him to attempt an assassination at night.


    ¡°That¡¯s impossible. Even if Xue Pinzhi wants to kill Liu Wuxie, he would get someone else to do the dirty job. It doesn¡¯t make sense for him to risk exposure by carrying out the assassination himself in the middle of the night,¡± another person quickly dismissed the spection. It was clear that no one in their right mind would take such a risk if they were in Xue Pinzhi¡¯s position.


    Various spections circted, and no one could figure out who tried to kill Liu Wuxie. This meant that everyone present was a suspect.


    As the sun rose, Fan Yeping, Xue Pinzhi, and Chen Leyao arrived at the square. The lingering scent of blood was still potent in the air, and Feng Bingquan¡¯s corpse had been removed, with all the tents packed away. Feng Bingquan¡¯s neck bore a cut, and an arrow was lodged in the back of his head, piercing through his throat.


    ¡°Who killed him?!¡± Fan Yeping demanded. After all, deaths during the academy¡¯s assessment were unprecedented.


    The surroundings fell into silence, with no one answering. They didn¡¯t know how to respond to that question. After all, Feng Bingquan was assassinated in the middle of the night after he was killed.


    Xue Pinzhi stood at a distance, a smirk appearing on his lips upon hearing news of a death. He was under the impression that Liu Wuxie had died and was oblivious to Feng Bingquan¡¯s demise.


    After a few minutes, someone stepped forward to recount the previous night¡¯s events without any embellishment. After all, many people present had witnessed the incident.


    Chen Leyao had already informed Fan Yeping about Xue Pinzhi¡¯s actions during the previous day¡¯s assessment. However, since they were both students of Fan Yeping, he chose not to pursue the matter unless it escted further.


    Upon hearing the ount of the previous night¡¯s events, Xue Pinzhi staggered. He quickly advanced a few steps, panic shing in his eyes as he saw Feng Bingquan¡¯s lifeless body. There had been conflicts in previous years, but never any deaths.


    Fan Yeping¡¯s gaze shifted to Liu Wuxie, who had descended from therge rock. Anger flickered in his eyes as he questioned, ¡°You killed him?!¡±


    Given that Feng Bingquan met his end within the academy, the academy would be obligated to provide an exnation to Feng Bingquan¡¯s family. They couldn¡¯t simply dismiss his death without justification.


    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Liu Wuxie admitted without any defense or rebuttal.


    Someone sneered while some sighed. After all, admitting to killing Feng Bingquan meant that Liu Wuxie would face the academy¡¯s wrath. They were here to participate in the assessments, and it was the academy¡¯s responsibility to ensure their safety.


    ¡°Why did you kill him?!¡± Fan Yeping asked, struggling to contain his anger. Liu Wuxie might have ranked first in yesterday¡¯s assessment, demonstrating his talent, but that didn¡¯t justify taking another participant¡¯s life.


    ¡°That¡¯s because he wanted to kill me,¡± Liu Wuxie replied calmly. Feng Bingquan had wanted to kill him, and he had only acted in self-defense. He saw no issue with that.


    ¡°Do you realize that I can revoke your participant status for killing another participant and expel you from the academy?¡± Fan Yeping finally lost his temper. It was only right for Liu Wuxie to be expelled for killing another participant.


    However, surprisingly, Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t react angrily to this. Instead, there was a hint of mockery in his eyes. He pointed at the arrow lodged in Feng Bingquan¡¯s neck and sneered, ¡°Then let me ask you a question. Is everyone¡¯s safety here guaranteed? Isn¡¯t this the academy¡¯s fault? Yes, I killed him...but how are you going to exin this?¡±


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s pointed question left Fan Yeping at a loss for words. After all, Liu Wuxie was correct. With over 500 participants present, their safety should be the bare minimum guarantee. If word of a participant¡¯s assassination were to get out, it would severely damage the academy¡¯s reputation.


    As for Liu Wuxie killing Feng Bingquan, that was merely a conflict. But if one were to delve deeper, the academy would also be at fault. The teacher had left during the assessment, and safety measures were not ensured; leaving over 500 participants alone was a significant oversight.


    Everyone here was young, and conflicts were bound to arise easily. If this issue escted, the first person to be held ountable would be Fan Yeping for neglecting his duty. After all, a participant being assassinated was a grave matter, and all the participants were living in fear. They all felt fortunate that the arrow was aimed at Liu Wuxie¡¯s tent. If the arrow had been aimed at their tents, they might be the ones lying on the ground now.


    Discussions erupted among the participants, with many contemting withdrawing from the assessment. After all, the academy seemed tock basic safety measures. The Heavenly Govern Academy had performed better in this regard than the Imperial Academy. Most participants were self-aware that they were unlikely to make it into the Imperial Academy, so they wouldn¡¯t hesitate to voice their concerns and spread the word, potentially damaging the academy¡¯s reputation.


    ¡°I demand a satisfactory exnation from the Imperial Academy. If the safety of the participants isn¡¯t guaranteed, what¡¯s the point of joining the Imperial Academy? What are your thoughts?¡± Liu Wuxie continued to challenge Fan Yeping. This time, he had the backing of more than half the participants. Most of them were likely to be eliminated and felt no loyalty to the academy.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. Who is there to ensure our safety? What if we die inexplicably during the assessment?¡± Many participants voiced their support for Liu Wuxie. They had resented him the previous day because he had secured first ce despite many participants having higher cultivation levels, leading to feelings of jealousy. However, the situation had changed. Someone had attempted to kill them, and they deserved an exnation.


    ¡°Brat, you¡¯re rambling nonsense! In my opinion, you must have upset someone, which is why you were targeted for assassination, not anyone else,¡± Xue Pinzhi interjected, pointing at Liu Wuxie. He attempted to downy the incident as a personal dispute unrted to the academy.


    ¡°Oh? Then, can you tell me who I have offended?¡± Liu Wuxie looked at Xue Pinzhi with a harmless smile.


    The crowd exchanged awkward nces. Xue Pinzhi stepping forward at this moment was akin to admitting his involvement. Everyone knew about his feud with Liu Wuxie from the previous day, making him the prime suspect in the assassination.


    ¡°How would I know who you¡¯ve upset? Maybe someone from the Heavenly Govern Academy wants you dead,¡± Xue Pinzhi quickly tried to correct his mistake, implying that while he wanted Liu Wuxie dead, he wouldn¡¯t resort to assassination.


    ¡°Teacher, I also suspect that this may be the work of the Heavenly Govern Academy. It¡¯s possible they bribed Feng Bingquan to target our academy¡¯s genius. Consideringst night¡¯s assassination, it¡¯s highly likely they¡¯re behind it,¡± Chen Leyao stepped forward, bowing to Fan Yeping and offering a usible exnation.


    Liu Wuxie was ranked first in the previous day¡¯s assessment, and it was only natural that the Heavenly Govern Academy would be reluctant to see such a talented individual join the Imperial Academy. Thus, assassination seemed like the best course of action.


    Given the conflict between Feng Bingquan and Liu Wuxie, many found this exnation usible. However, they knew that Chen Leyao was merely providing Fan Yeping with a way out, as escting the situation would benefit no one.


    Feng Bingquan was already dead, and he had no connection to them. Being investigated by the academy¡¯s higher-ups over a deceased person was not worth it. Fan Yeping, not being a fool, quickly dismissed the matter after a brief inquiry, shifting the me onto the Heavenly Govern Academy.


    In the end, the matter was concluded with the narrative that Feng Bingquan had been bribed by the Heavenly Govern Academy to assassinate the participants of the Imperial Academy¡¯s assessment, leading to his death. With this matter resolved, the assessment resumed.


    Yet, many were puzzled that the issue ended so abruptly. Only a few nced at Liu Wuxie, as everyone knew that the Heavenly Govern Academy had nothing to do with this. They quickly realized that Liu Wuxie¡¯s questioning, which left the teacher speechless, was not as simple as it seemed.


    Xue Pinzhi red at Liu Wuxie fiercely. Since Liu Wuxie was still alive, it meant that his attemptst night had failed, and this matter mustn¡¯t leak out.


    ¡°Thank you for standing up for me. Including yesterday¡¯s incident, I now owe you two favors,¡± Liu Wuxie said to Chen Leyao once the crowd had dispersed to prepare for the day¡¯s assessment. After all, Liu Wuxie¡¯s rebuttals had embarrassed Fan Yeping, and Chen Leyao had stepped forward with a reasonable exnation to resolve the matter, leading to a perfect closure as Xue Pinzhi wouldn''t speak for Liu Wuxie.


    Consequently, Chen Leyao was the only one present who could help Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°I merely stated the truth. Get ready for the second round of assessment.¡± Chen Leyao smiled. She wasn¡¯t overly concerned, as Liu Wuxie was a talent she didn¡¯t want to overlook.


    Regardless of her nonchnce, Liu Wuxie took note of this favor, intending to reciprocate when an opportunity arose. After all, having a friend was never a disadvantage.


    The second round of assessment was straightforward. A massive pir stood in the square, designed to test the participants¡¯ strength and talent. Yesterday¡¯s assessment was basic, with many relying on their robust physique to pass.


    However, today was different, as a powerful physique alone wouldn¡¯t suffice. The pir, known as the Testing Pir, was forged from unique crystals. It was designed to assess not only one¡¯s strength but also various other attributes.

 Chapter 103 - Mockery

    <h4>Chapter 103 - Mockery</h4>


    In the second round, the 500 contenders were split into various groups. Chen Leyao began to document the specifics of this stage by pulling out a book. She pointed out the Testing Pir and exined, ¡°Do you notice the five light beams at the top? Each beam is divided into ten sections. Your task is to deliver a punch with all your might. If you manage to illuminate the fourth section in any of the beams, you advance to the next round!¡±


    The Testing Pir, an oval structure, featured five distinct light beams etched onto it. These beams, colored red, orange, yellow, green, and purple, symbolized five different attributes. There were additional beams on either side, but they were faded, indicating they hadn¡¯t been activated in a while.


    Some participants began rubbing their hands together in anticipation. Many were already acquainted with this evaluation process; some were even repeat participants. Others had participated the previous year but had been eliminated. The rules were straightforward: to qualify for the third round, they needed to light up four sections on the Testing Pir.


    ¡°Wang Shiqi!¡± Chen Leyao began calling out names.


    Participants whose names were announced approached the Testing Pir and delivered their punch. Soon after, the lights on the pir progressively illuminated, halting at the fourth grid.


    ¡°You pass. Next!¡±


    There was a long queue as everyone took their turn. Liu Wuxie was at the back of the queue as he wasn¡¯t in a hurry to take the test since being first had no meaning. Everyone had to take the test, and it would eventually be his turn, even if he were thest one.


    ¡°The second round of assessment is too tough. I didn¡¯t make it past this roundst year,¡± a man standing in front of Liu Wuxiemented.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. Wang Shiqi barely lit up the fourth grid with cultivation in the fourth-level Xiantian Realm, and I¡¯m only in the third-level Xiantian Realm!¡± a youth on the right sighed.


    There were over 500 participants, and it was natural for many to be in the lower levels of the Xiantian Realm. Half of the people were likely to get eliminated in this round.


    ¡°However, it¡¯s not a given,¡± another man whispered, ¡°The Testing Pir measures our talent. There have been instances where individuals at the eighth-level Xiantian Realm were eliminated. They had only reached such high levels in the Xiantian Realm due to pill consumption, thereby depleting all their potential. The Imperial Academy wouldn¡¯t naturally ept such individuals.¡±


    Indeed, this round had nothing to do with the cultivation but innate talent, and even someone in the first-level Xiantian Realm could make it through. Throwing a punch on the Testing Pir would test the participant¡¯s true essence, talent, and attributes on their true essence.


    ¡°Li Mu, three grids, fail!¡±


    ¡°Zhu Cong, four grids, pass!¡±


    ¡°...¡±


    As Chen Leyao announced the result, more than thirty people were eliminated, and only twenty-odd people made it to the next round in a short time. This was how strict the Imperial Academy¡¯s assessment was. As the queue moved, those who passed stood on the right, while those who failed stood on the left. After this round¡¯s assessment, those who failed would have to leave the Imperial Academy.


    As for those who passed and advanced to the next round, they held their heads high. This was because if they could perform well in the next round, they could join the Imperial Academy and bring honor to their families.


    ¡°Lin Xuan, seven grids, pass!¡± A seemingly frail man stepped forth to the Testing Pir, striking it, and lit up seven grids.


    ¡°How is that possible? He¡¯s only at the second-level Xiantian Realm!¡± The crowd erupted into an uproar because most people in the fifth-level Xiantian Realm only managed to light up three grids. But someone in the second-level Xiantian Realm managed to light up seven, thus causing a sensation.


    Only Liu Wuxie maintained hisposure because he knew that this Testing Pir primarily assessed the participants¡¯ talents and not just their cultivation. If this was an assessment of their cultivation, the Imperial Academy might as well pick the top hundred with the highest cultivation. However, the Imperial Academy focused on an individual¡¯s talent, not their cultivation.


    ¡°Do you think that kid can advance to the next round? If he can¡¯t, the Heavenly Govern Academy and Xue n might not let him off.¡± Many people began topare themselves to Liu Wuxie. After all, Liu Wuxie had made a name for himself by ranking first in the initial assessment round. Despite having won the support of the majority earlier, many still harbored resentment towards him.


    Xue Pinzhi was seen mingling with the participants who had advanced to the next round, asionally casting a derisive nce at Liu Wuxie. It was only natural for people to try and curry favor with someone as influential as Xue Pinzhi.


    ¡°The Testing Pir tests talent, but there¡¯s something weird about that kid.¡± The surrounding discussion continued as talent couldn¡¯t be discerned with the eyes. Only experts could perceive an individual¡¯s potential by touching their bones and muscles.


    ¡°I bet this youngster won¡¯t make it to the next round!¡± Feng Bingquan wasn¡¯t the only one who had tried to take Liu Wuxie¡¯s tent the previous day, and the speaker was one of them.


    ¡°Brother Zhang Qing, what do you mean?¡± A young man nearby asked, curious about his reasoning.


    ¡°Perhaps you¡¯re unaware, but he hails from Azure Billow City and is a son-inw of the Xu n. He¡¯s been considered a waste since his youth. I¡¯m not sure what stroke of luck led to his sudden rise. Word from the Xu n is that he consumed some sort of pill.¡± Zhang Qing¡¯s voice carried across the square, ensuring that everyone was privy to Liu Wuxie¡¯s background.


    This information had trickled down from the Xue n to Xue Pinzhi, and from Xue Pinzhi to Zhang Qing. Consequently, Liu Wuxie¡¯s background as a son-inw, an unttering title, spread like wildfire.


    ¡°Hahaha, so he¡¯s just a son-inw? And here I was, thinking he was someone important yesterday.¡± Laughter rippled through the crowd, with the term ¡®son-inw¡¯ being emphasized for all to hear. Ridicule soon followed, and those standing near Liu Wuxie hastily distanced themselves, as if fearing they might catch his supposed bad luck.


    ¡°Only the worthless would stoop to bing a son-inw. He¡¯s quite handsome, so I bet that¡¯s how he caught the Xu n¡¯s eye!¡± Before long, Liu Wuxie was seen as a bad omen by everyone. Even those who had previously supported him switched sides.


    ¡°He¡¯s the lowest of the low. It¡¯s an embarrassment for us to even participate in the same assessment as such trash!¡± Those who had been eliminated chimed in, demanding that Liu Wuxie be expelled to open up a spot for them topete.


    Despite the surrounding ridicule, Liu Wuxie remained calm. He didn¡¯t bother to defend himself against the mockery. The Xu n had never treated him as a mere son-inw; his father-inw regarded him as a son. Even so, a glint of cold light shed in his eyes. His expression remained unchanged, and the mockery couldn¡¯t even cause a ripple in his heart.


    ¡°Brat, how does it feel to be a son-inw? Do you get ridiculed every day that you¡¯re no longer bothered by it?¡± Seeing Liu Wuxie¡¯s calm demeanor, the surrounding mockery escted, with people assuming that he had grown ustomed to such treatment from a young age.


    That was also the truth because he was the object of scorn for everyone in the Azure Billow City.


    When Chen Leyao turned to look at Liu Wuxie, she was surprised. Liu Wuxie appeared to be in histe teens, and she found it hard to believe that he was married.


    However, the truth was that Liu Wuxie and Xu Lingxue were married in name only and had not consummated their marriage. This wasmon knowledge in Azure Billow City, but not in the Imperial Capital.


    Xue Pinzhi wore a sinister smile. Since he couldn¡¯t kill Liu Wuxie, he would find ways to make him infamous, trying to force Liu Wuxie to leave the Imperial Academy.


    The assessment proceeded, and Fan Yeping made no move to halt the mockery directed at Liu Wuxie. Still seething from being rebuffed by Liu Wuxie earlier, he naturally wanted thetter to leave. However, as a teacher, he had to suppress his anger and wait for Liu Wuxie to fail the test before expelling him, leaving him at the mercy of the Heavenly Govern Academy.


    Gradually, those reaching five, six, and seven grids began to appear. But there wasn¡¯t anyone who managed to light up the eighth grid. Most people only lit up four to five grids, with few who lit up six or seven.


    The crowd fell silent when Bai Yu stepped forward as a Spirit Cleansing Realm participant. Everyone expected the round¡¯s top spot to be a contest between him and Yu Yifan. All eyes were on Bai Yu as he raised his right arm and struck the Testing Pir.


    His punch produced a loud impact, drawing apuse from the surroundings.


    ¡°Bravo! Senior Brother Bai!¡±


    Bai Yu came from the Serene Tomb City¡¯s Bai n. Aside from him, a few more disciples had made it to the second round of assessment.


    Fan Yeping opened his eyes slightly as he couldn¡¯t be bothered with the participants here. The participants here couldn¡¯t bepared to those recruited into the Imperial Academy before the assessment. Among everyone here, only Bai Yu and Yu Yifan could catch his interest.


    ¡°Look, he lit up three columns!¡± A wave of astonishment swept through the crowd. Until now, everyone else had only managed to light up one column, and no one had seeded in lighting up two. However, when Bai Yu struck the Testing Pir, he lit up three columns, causing a stir among the spectators.


    ¡°Hahaha! This is great! Three attributes! You¡¯veprehended three attributes!¡± Fan Yeping stood up and held onto Bai Yu¡¯s hands,ughing out loud.


    Most people could onlyprehend one attribute, and only a few couldprehend two. Those who managed toprehend three attributes could be considered prodigies. It was no wonder that Fan Yeping was so emotional.


    As the columns lit up, the red column reached eight grids, the yellow column five, and the purple column seven. Red represented the gold element, suitable for bing a swordsman; yellow represented the earth element, suitable for practicing spiritual arrays; purple represented spiritual runes, suitable for practicing the way of talisman.


    The green column represented alchemy, and the orange column symbolized cksmithing¡ªthe five different attributes covered all the martial paths. Most people only managed to light up the red column out of the five columns, meaning they were suitable to be martial cultivators.


    Alchemists and cksmiths were extremely rare; only one in a hundredth possessed the qualification to take on those professions. As for Spiritualists and the Spiritual Array Masters, they were even rarer, with only one in a thousandth.


    Individuals like Bai Yu, who could activate the columns representing both Spiritual Array Masters and Spiritualists, were a rarity even within the Imperial Academy. However, mastering all skills was a daunting task, and most had to choose one as their main focus, relegating the others to secondary importance. This made Liu Wuxie¡¯s abilities quite extraordinary.


    Bai Yu wore a smile with his head raised to the sky like a proud peacock disying its feathers to draw admiration from the surrounding area.

 Chapter 104 - Nine Stars Illumination

    <h4>Chapter 104 - Nine Stars Illumination</h4>


    People flocked around Bai Yu, showering him with praise and seeking to establish a good rapport with him. Given Bai Yu¡¯s evident talent, it was clear that he would have no trouble securing a ce in the elite ss of the Earth Grade.


    It didn¡¯t take long before Yu Yifan took the test. Like Bai Yu, he punched the Testing Pir, creating a powerful impact that drew everyone¡¯s attention. Given Bai Yu¡¯s impressive performance, expectations were high for Yu Yifan.


    The loud impact echoed throughout the area, and just like Bai Yu, Yu Yifan lit up three columns on the Testing Pir. However, his were different. In addition to the red column, Yu Yifan also illuminated the green and orange columns, signifying his talents as an alchemist and cksmith, represented by the fire and wood attributes.


    Both refining pills and forging weapons required fire and wood attributes, and it was umon for someone to master both simultaneously.


    ¡°Red column, eight grids. Green column, five grids. Orange column, seven grids!¡± Bai Yu and Yu Yifan¡¯s talents were pretty much the same, except they possessed different attributes.


    ¡°This is an eye-opening experience. It¡¯s hard for anyone here to surpass them.¡± An uproar broke out as it was rare for two geniuses to appear in the same year. The academy typically didn¡¯t pay much attention to these assessments, having already recruited the most promising talents. However, they conducted these tests to ensure no potential genius was overlooked. Each year, new talents were unearthed during these assessments and would quickly rise to prominence upon joining the academy.


    Yu Yifan, like Bai Yu, was warmly received by everyone and took his ce on the right, standing alongside Bai Yu.


    The assessment resumed, but the results were no longer that shocking. Most people only managed to light up one column, but there would asionally be a few who managed to light up two columns. Everyone still hadn¡¯t recovered from Bai Yu¡¯s and Yu Yifan¡¯s results.


    As the assessment progressed, fewer than two hundred individuals remained. Liu Wuxie, however, was isted due to the others viewing him as a jinx, and he was naturally thest to be assessed.


    As the second round of assessments neared its end around midday, only a few individuals remained ahead of Liu Wuxie.


    Zhang Qing¡¯s mocking voice broke the silence, ¡°It¡¯s finally his turn. How many grids do you guys think he can light up?¡± His words stirred the crowd, increasing the pressure on Liu Wuxie. This was part of Xue Pinzhi¡¯s n to embarrass Liu Wuxie and force him to leave the assessment.


    ¡°He¡¯s just a piece of trash who relied on pills to attain his current cultivation. It¡¯d be impressive if he could light up one grid!¡± The Xue n¡¯s investigation had revealed that Liu Wuxie had a close rtionship with the Treasure Pill Pavilion. Coupled with information gleaned from the Xu n¡¯s servants, they concluded that Liu Wuxie¡¯s cultivation was the result of pill consumption.


    Xu Yilin had deliberately spread this information to confuse Liu Wuxie¡¯s enemies by mixing truth with lies.


    ¡°Are you all overestimating him? Last year, someone at the eighth-level Xiantian Realm only managed to light up one grid. That person also relied on pills for cultivation,¡± a disdainful scoff echoed.


    But Liu Wuxie calmly walked over to the Testing Pir, ignoring the surrounding voices.


    ¡°Brat, give up and go back to being son-inw. This isn¡¯t the ce for you!¡± Zhang Qing yelled. If he could, he would not hesitate to take action against Liu Wuxie. After all, his cultivation was at the eighth-level Xiantian Realm, which was higher than Liu Wuxie¡¯s.


    ¡°Get lost! The Imperial Academy doesn¡¯t need trash like you!¡± Mockery andughter formed into a wave sweeping toward Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough! Silence!¡± Chen Leyao finally couldn¡¯t hold back any longer and roared. After all, they were conducting an assessment, not a market.


    Everyone could only shut their mouths after hearing Chen Leyao¡¯smand. She might not be a princess with a proper title, but she was still the emperor''s illegitimate daughter, possessing an aloof status. Thus, her words naturally intimidated the other participants.


    ¡°Let¡¯s begin!¡± Chen Leyao signaled Liu Wuxie to proceed.


    Liu Wuxie stood three steps away from the Testing Pir. As he took a step forward, an invisible ripple spread out.


    While others couldn¡¯t sense it, Fan Yeping did. He narrowed his eyes, looking at Liu Wuxie. ¡°There¡¯s something weird about that kid. He seems to have be one with the surroundings.¡±


    It was a unique state, as if with each step Liu Wuxie took, he was stepping on the pulse of heaven and earth. With a gentle exhale, Liu Wuxie raised his right fist. His dantian stirred like a roused beast. The mysterious tree in his dantian began to rustle, with various attributes intertwining together, forming a mighty current that gathered in his right arm.


    After devouring so much of the mysterious liquid and several experts in the Marrow Cleansing Realm, the attributes of Liu Wuxie¡¯s true essence had long be indistinguishable, epassing almost all the attributes.


    Under a few hundred gazes, Liu Wuxie struck the Testing Pir. However, there was nomotion; it was as if he had punched a cotton ball.


    ¡°Hahaha! That brat must fear pain, so he didn¡¯t use his full strength,¡±ughter erupted from the crowd, including Bai Yu and Yu Yifan.


    ¡°What a piece of trash!¡± Many people sneered in disdain. After all, Liu Wuxie was the most handsome out of everyone here, and they considered him to have nothing but a pretty face.


    Even Chen Leyao was stunned. Shouldn¡¯t Liu Wuxie have at least exerted some strength? Why did he strike the Testing Pir so gently?


    ¡°I¡¯ll kneel and address him as ¡®grandfather¡¯ if he can even light up one grid!¡± Zhang Qing dered confidently.


    ¡°Count me in. If he can light up a grid, I¡¯ll kneel and call him my ancestor!¡± More people joined in, believing it would be a miracle if such a gentle punch could light up even one grid.


    Xue Pinzhi smiled as his task was nearlypleted. If he could chase Liu Wuxie out of the Imperial Academy, he could leave everything to the Xue n.


    All eyes were fixed on the Testing Pir. For Liu Wuxie to pass this round of assessment, he would need to light up at least four grids.


    ¡°Look! The columns are lighting up!¡± someone eximed as the columns began to light up rapidly.


    ¡°One column...two columns...three columns...what¡¯s going on? Why did so many columns light up?!¡± The scene erupted into chaos as Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t just light up one column but multiple columns. But the shock that Liu Wuxie brought to everyone hadn¡¯t ended yet. The green and orange columns also lit up, meaning all five columns were illuminated.


    Fan Yeping¡¯s eyes nearly popped out. Bai Yu and Yu Yifan had only lit up three columns, but Liu Wuxie managed to light up five columns, which was unbelievable. But if it had ended here, everyone wouldn¡¯t have been so shocked.


    ¡°Why is there a sixth column?¡± The crowd was left speechless as another column lit up in addition to the initial five. The grids on this new column began to illuminate rapidly, keeping pace with the other five columns.


    ¡°The seventh column!¡± Everyone was taken aback, at a loss for words to describe their feelings. After all, aside from the initial five, the other two columns had never been lit since the establishment of the Imperial Academy. The best record was the illumination of four columns.


    The entire Testing Pir was aglow, making it impossible to discern the number of lit columns. However, only Fan Yeping knew that the full illumination of the pir was known as the Nine Stars Illumination, signifying the lighting up of all nine columns.


    A massive beam of light shot into the sky, outshining even the sun. Deep in the Imperial Academy, many elders were in seclusion, but they were rmed by the Nine Stars Illumination that came out of nowhere.


    ¡°What?! Who lit up the Nine Stars Illumination?!¡± An old man flew over. His presence would have shocked anyone in the Imperial Academy, as he was the former headmaster. But he wasn¡¯t the only one, as more experts also flew out. Even the teachers conducting sses trembled when they saw the Nine Stars Illumination phenomenon.


    ¡°The legend is true? The Nine Stars Illumination exists?!¡± The headmaster put down the book he was holding and looked out of the window with a serious expression.


    Xu Lingxue and Baili Qing, who were in the midst of their cultivation, were disturbed by themotion outside. Baili Qing, captivated by the uproar, roared, ¡°They¡¯re bing more unbearable now. What¡¯s causing such a ruckus?¡±


    However, when she saw the beam of light piercing the clouds, she bounced up from her seat. She eximed emotionally, ¡°The Nine Stars Illumination! The legend is true!¡±


    ¡°Master, what¡¯s the Nine Stars Illumination?¡± Xu Lingxue asked as she opened her eyes.


    She had been cultivating with Baili Qing for over a month, entering the Jade Maiden Heart Sutra¡¯s threshold. This allowed her cultivation to undergo a significant boost in just one month. Her cultivation rose rapidly from the seventh-level Xiantian Realm to the third-level Spirit Cleansing Realm. Her cultivation speed was so fast that not even Liu Wuxie could keep up with her.


    ¡°Long ago, it was said that ten stars hung in the sky, bringing great suffering to all. An ancient deity emerged, wielding a bow and arrows, and shot down nine of these stars. However, legends suggest that these nine stars didn¡¯t vanish but were concealed in a mysterious realm,¡± Baili Qing narrated. This tale is a legend, and its veracity remains unknown.


    ¡°Ten stars?¡± Xu Lingxue looked at Baili Qing with disbelief.


    ¡°The legend might not be true, but the founder of the Imperial Academy coborated with countless craftsmen and created the Testing Pir, infusing nine attributes into it. If anyone could light them all up, it would create the Nine Stars Illumination phenomenon. But over the years, there wasn¡¯t even someone who could light up five columns, not to mention nine.¡±


    Baili Qing regained herposure. The Nine Stars Illumination was merely a metaphor; it didn¡¯t signify the appearance of nine stars in the sky. Instead, it referred to the intense radiance produced when the nine columns reached a certain height, resulting in a burst of light.


    In other words, Liu Wuxie¡¯s talent had exceeded the limit of the Testing Pir, which led to this situation. The square also fell into chaos, with all the participants dumbfounded.


    Fan Yeping also seemed to have lost his mind as he stared at Liu Wuxie nkly. He mumbled to himself incoherently, ¡°Nine Stars Illumination...he lit up nine columns...!¡±


    The book Chen Leyao had been using to record everyone¡¯s results slipped from her hand and fell to the ground. The situation had surpassed herprehension.


    Xue Pinzhi was so frightened that he stumbled and almost fell to the ground with fear reflected in his eyes.


    Liu Wuxie withdrew his fist and wore a bitter smile. He had initially intended to keep a low profile and downy his strength, but the oue had inadvertently thrust him into the limelight.

 Chapter 105 - Severing Leg Tendons

    <h4>Chapter 105 - Severing Leg Tendons</h4>


    The beam of light rmed the entire Imperial Capital, and it was visible even from a few hundred miles away. Countless scouts began to investigate the light beam''s source to find out what had happened.


    The nine columns of light persisted for a minute before gradually fading.


    ¡°Ten grids! Ten grids on each column!¡± A cry of astonishment echoed from the crowd. Bai Yu and Yu Yifan had been stunned when they lit up eight grids, but Liu Wuxie had managed to illuminate ten.


    However, Fan Yeping understood that the eight columns represented eight attributes, indicating that Liu Wuxie¡¯s talent had far exceeded the ten grids, hence the beam of light that shot into the sky.


    Chen Leyao picked up the book that had fallen to the ground and quickly recorded Liu Wuxie¡¯s performance. She even included illustrations in her documentation to ensure that this instance of the Nine Stars Illumination could be passed down through generations and understood by more people.


    Zhang Qing¡¯s mouth hung open wide enough to fit an egg, his face a picture of disbelief. Those who had earlier mocked Liu Wuxie also wore expressions of difort. After all, having derided Liu Wuxie as worthless, they now found themselves in a position worse than that.


    No one would feel anything if there wasn¡¯t aparison. After all, the Nine Stars Illumination was unprecedented, which meant that Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t just an ordinary genius but a monstrous genius. After all, the appearance of a monstrous genius would usually be apanied by a phenomenon, and the Nine Stars Illumination was a phenomenon.


    ¡°So...have I made it to the next round?¡± Liu Wuxie turned to look at Chen Leyao. Everyone was still in shock and hadn¡¯te to their senses.


    ¡°Of course!¡± If Liu Wuxie failed to advance to the next round, it would mean automatic elimination for everyone else. Upon hearing this, Liu Wuxie wore a savage smile as he made his way towards Zhang Qing¡¯s group.


    Xue Pinzhi was a student of the Imperial Academy, and Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t touch him for the time being. However, Zhang Qing¡¯s group was different because they were participants and weren¡¯t considered students of the Imperial Academy.


    As Liu Wuxie approached, Zhang Qing¡¯s face turned pale. After all, he had dered that he would kneel and call Liu Wuxie his grandfather if Liu Wuxie could light up even a single grid.


    ¡°You...and you, do you want to go down on your knees by yourself, or should I help you?¡± Liu Wuxie pointed at Zhang Qing and his group.


    ¡°Is he crazy? He really wants to make them go down on their knees?¡± The surrounding crowd was abuzz, thinking that Liu Wuxie had gone mad. After all, earlier, a group of about ten people had wagered that Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t light up a single grid, and none of them were particrly strong. Yet, no one stepped in to quell themotion, curious to see what Liu Wuxie intended to do.


    Based on Zhang Qing¡¯s personality, kneeling was out of the question as it was no different from humiliation. Each of them was considered a genius, and if they were to kneel, they would be ridiculed upon joining the Imperial Academy.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, I¡¯m standing right here. Let¡¯s see if you have the ability to make us kneel!¡± Zhang Qing taunted, openly challenging Liu Wuxie to make him kneel if he could. The group of people singled out by Liu Wuxie burst intoughter. The weakest among them was in the fourth-level Xiantian Realm, and they naturally weren''t afraid of Liu Wuxie.


    So what if Liu Wuxie managed to cause the Nine Stars Illumination phenomenon? He was only in the fifth-level Xiantian Realm, and it was uncertain whether he would even survive until the next day, given that the Xue n wouldn¡¯t let him off for offending them.


    ¡°Do you all think the same?¡± Liu Wuxie turned to look at the ten-odd people around Zhang Qing.


    The group nodded in agreement with Zhang Qing¡¯s statement. If Liu Wuxie could make him kneel with his ability, they would have nothing to say about it. They wanted to take advantage of their numbers as Liu Wuxie was only in the fifth-level Xiantian Realm, and there were many people with higher cultivation than him. So, how could Liu Wuxie make ten-odd of them kneel when he was alone?


    ¡°Teacher Fan, what do you think?¡± Liu Wuxie turned to look at Fan Yeping. After all, Fan Yeping was the teacher responsible for the assessment, and he naturally needed someone as a scapegoat if the matter blew up.


    After a brief silence, Fan Yeping said, ¡°The academy doesn¡¯t prohibit fights, provided they don¡¯t involve loss of life.¡±


    The first part of Fan Yeping¡¯s words was directed at Liu Wuxie, and the second part was to remind Zhang Qing not to kill Liu Wuxie, or the situation would beplicated. Zhang Qing quickly caught on to Fan Yeping¡¯s words with a sinister smile.


    Chen Leyao also didn¡¯t expect the teacher to be so biased towards Zhang Qing. After all, Liu Wuxie had lit up ten grids on the nine columns. Although he sounded to be on Liu Wuxie¡¯s side, everyone could tell who would win the fight, given the significant difference in numbers. If a fight were to break out, Liu Wuxie would suffer.


    Liu Wuxie nodded and understood what Fan Yeping meant. He strode confidently towards Zhang Qing, intending to use him as an example to silence the crowd.


    ¡°Brat, I¡¯m standing right here. Let me see how you will make me go down on my knees!¡± Zhang Qing taunted, hoping to force Liu Wuxie to make a move so that he could seize the opportunity and cripple him. Xue Pinzhi had just promised him that if he could cripple Liu Wuxie, the Xue n would support him, allowing him to have an easier time in future cultivation.


    However, no one expected Liu Wuxie to strike first. He took a step forward and released his aura. Everything happened so swiftly that Zhang Qing was pped before he could react.


    The force of the p sent Zhang Qing flying. But before he could hit the ground, a de appeared in Liu Wuxie¡¯s hand, tracing an arc through the air and sttering blood.


    ¡°ARRGGGHHHH!¡± Zhang Qing screamed as he crashed onto the ground, kneeling. His kneecaps were shattered with two cuts on his calf as Liu Wuxie had severed his leg tendons. This meant that Zhang Qing could only crawl in the future, and his martial path had ended.


    The scene left everyone in shock, as the turn of events had far exceeded their expectations. Liu Wuxie resolved Zhang Qing with one strike before he could resist.


    Liu Wuxie paid no heed to Zhang Qing¡¯s screams and turned his gaze to the others who were part of Zhang Qing¡¯s group. This sent shivers down their spines, as the de Liu Wuxie had wielded earlier was truly terrifying.


    Fan Yeping was also stumped on the spot. He had hinted at Zhang Qing earlier to teach Liu Wuxie a lesson as long as no lives were taken. However, the tables had turned, and it was Zhang Qing who ended up crippled by Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Are you guys going to kneel on your own, or should I help you like I helped him?¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s cold voice stabbed into the ten-odd people¡¯s hearts like a dagger.


    Those with a lower cultivation were trembling. Zhang Qing was in the eighth-level Xiantian Realm, but Liu Wuxie crippled his legs with a single strike.


    ¡°Why fear him when he¡¯s by himself? Everyone, attack together and cripple him!¡± A person at the seventh-level Xiantian Realm stepped forward to gather everyone together.


    ¡°That¡¯s right, charge at him together!¡± His words soon won everyone¡¯s agreement as they drew their weapons and surrounded Liu Wuxie.


    Fights during the assessment were unheard of, but they had urred repeatedly in the past two days.


    ¡°Teacher, should we stop them? If this continues, it could lead to fatalities!¡± Chen Leyao was anxious and wanted Fan Yeping to put a stop to the chaos.


    ¡°Some people need to be humbled a bit, and there¡¯s nothing wrong with him learning a lesson. It will make it easier for the academy to nurture him into a talent,¡± Fan Yeping said indifferently, believing that Liu Wuxie needed to temper his attitude.


    Seeing that even the teacher wasn¡¯t stepping in gave the ten-odd people more courage as they charged at Liu Wuxie, nning to hack him to death.


    ¡°You people are courting death!¡± A terrifying murderous intent radiated from Liu Wuxie as he disappeared, leaving behind a glowing trail of blood with his de. With another sh, the ten-odd people froze in ce, unable to move. Blood began to gush out of their legs and soon dyed the ground red.


    They began to copse shortly after with their leg tendons severed, and they would only be able to crawl in the future like Zhang Qing.


    ¡°How did this happen?! I refuse to ept this!¡± The group of ten roared as they couldn¡¯t ept this oue. After all, they were geniuses who had made it through the second round, but they were crippled now. With their leg tendons severed, they wouldn¡¯t be able to walk in the future or execute any martial technique. Their legs would gradually degenerate, leading to paralysis.


    Fan Yeping was deeply shocked, as were the others. They couldn¡¯tprehend Liu Wuxie¡¯s strength and found it hard to believe that someone in the fifth-level Xiantian Realm would have such unbelievably highbat prowess. They didn¡¯t doubt that Liu Wuxie had concealed his strength because his cultivation was in the fifth-level Xiantian Realm when he swung his de.


    ¡°Teacher, as you said, I didn¡¯t kill anyone and merely severed their leg tendons. I believe this doesn¡¯t vite your instructions, correct?¡± After sheathing his de, Liu Wuxie walked over to Fan Yeping and bowed.


    Liu Wuxie naturally knew that Fan Yeping had hinted at Zhang Qing to cripple him, but he pretended ignorance. His words left Fan Yeping feeling as though he had been pped in the face.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, how dare you kill one and cripple thirteen people even before you joined the Imperial Academy! You¡¯re no different from a demon. I suggest having him executed to prevent more students from dying at his hands!¡± Xue Pinzhi used, listing Liu Wuxie¡¯s crime and urging Fan Yeping to condemn Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Senior Brother Xue is right. This person¡¯s nature is too cruel, and someone like him doesn¡¯t deserve to enter the Imperial Academy. Teacher, please condemn him!¡± Many people supported Xue Pinzhi¡¯s opinion, advocating punishment for Liu Wuxie.


    A few hundred people joined in, standing on the high moral ground to condemn Liu Wuxie. He etched each of their faces in his mind.


    The situation was increasingly turning against Liu Wuxie. If Fan Yeping gave the order, Liu Wuxie¡¯s life would be in danger.


    ¡°Kill him!¡±


    ¡°Kill him!¡± Echos of condemnation sounded like a wave.


    But facing the surrounding condemnation, Liu Wuxie was calm with a mocking smile.


    At that moment, a group of about ten people arrived, drawn by the Nine Stars Illumination phenomenon.

 Chapter 106 - Three Headmasters

    <h4>Chapter 106 - Three Headmasters</h4>


    They flew almost parallel to the ground; some even gave off a terrifying aura. Their pressure felt like a colossal mountain bearing down, palpable even from kilometers away.


    Everyone held their breath as the suffocating pressure enveloped them. The aura radiating from this group could easily crush anyone in the Xiantian Realm. The square fell into silence, with everyone wearing expressions of awe and respect.


    Fan Yeping trembled as he recognized the neers and quickly stepped forward to greet them. Each of them held an influential position in the Great Yan Dynasty, ¡°Old headmasters, headmasters, and Teacher Zhao...why have you alle?¡±


    The group acknowledged his greeting with a nod. Fan Yeping was only an Earth Grade teacher, the lowest rank among teachers. The arrivals, however, held high positions, with their students scattered throughout the empire. Most notably, the previous headmasters from the past two generations were among them. It had been hundreds of years since theyst made an appearance, and it was unprecedented for headmasters of three generations to appear simultaneously.


    ¡°Who triggered the Nine Stars Illumination?¡± an old man named Fan Zhen asked. He was the current headmaster of the Imperial Academy and had been managing the academy for the past decade. After asking his question, he swept his gaze over all the participants, notmenting on the ten-odd people kneeling on the ground.


    ¡°Headmaster, that person is called Liu Wuxie!¡± Fan Yeping quickly replied. He gestured to Liu Wuxie, indicating him toe forward.


    However, Liu Wuxie disregarded Fan Yeping. After all, Fan Yeping had intended to cripple him earlier. If heplied with Fan Yeping¡¯s request now, what would that make him look like? Hisck of action didn¡¯t mean he had forgotten; he was merely biding his time, suppressing the murderous intent within him.


    Chen Leyao nudged Liu Wuxie, signaling him to go forward. After all, it was unprecedented for headmasters of three generations to be present simultaneously, and they couldn¡¯t afford to show any disrespect.


    In the past, a teacher would handle the assessments as a routine task, but this year was different because Liu Wuxie had triggered the Nine Stars Illumination.


    As Liu Wuxie approached, he scrutinized the seventeen individuals. He had sensed their arrival with his soul before they had even arrived. There wasn¡¯t a hint of fear or awe on his face as he observed each of their faces, pausing for about a breath¡¯s time on each one. Ultimately, he looked at Headmaster Fan and greeted, ¡°Participant Liu Wuxie greets the headmaster!¡±


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s tone was calm, and he further emphasized the word ¡®participant¡¯ as he hadn¡¯t gone through the third round of assessment, meaning that he still wasn¡¯t a student of the Imperial Academy. While it was customary for students to show respect to their teachers, he was not obligated to do so as he was not yet a student. Therefore, they were on equal footing.


    Chen Leyao quickly produced a book containing Liu Wuxie¡¯s information, including his date of birth, cultivation level, and assessment results, and handed it to the headmaster.


    After the headmaster scanned the book, he handed it to the previous headmaster. The previous headmaster was a middle-aged woman who looked to be in her forties. This was because powerful cultivators could halt the aging process in their bodies and even regain a youthful appearance once their cultivation reached a certain level.


    Lao Zhaojun took the book over and scanned it before handing it to the headmaster from two generations ago. Despite his old age, his eyes were bright and alert. This individual was a legend who had led the students of the Imperial Academy to a decisive victory when the Great Yan Dynasty was under attack from three other dynasties, saving the Great Yan Dynasty from a crisis.


    In the entire Great Yan Dynasty, there wasn¡¯t a single person who didn¡¯t know about Zheng Shiqiu. Even though he had retired decades ago, his name was still widely recognized. He was over two hundred years old.


    Only the three headmasters could catch Liu Wuxie¡¯s attention as they were all in the True Core Realm, and those in the True Core Realms were generally called Grandmasters. After bing a Grandmaster, a cultivator¡¯s lifespan would significantly increase, often extending to two to three hundred years.


    The other teachers¡¯ cultivation was in the Marrow Cleansing Realm, but none of them had reached the True Core Realm.


    Zhen Shiqiu looked at the book for ten minutes before he closed his eyes. Meanwhile, everyone present could barely contain their excitement at the sight of the three generations of headmasters. Each headmaster served a term of twenty years, and Fan Zhen had taken over the position from Luo Zhaojun ten years ago. However, in recent years, the Imperial Academy had been in decline, cing immense pressure on Fan Zhen.


    The emergence of the Heavenly Govern Academy dealt a significant blow to the Imperial Academy, as it attracted many geniuses, leading to the Imperial Academy¡¯s decline.


    After contemting, Zheng Shiqiu opened his eyes and looked at Liu Wuxie. He asked, ¡°Was your cultivation slow before you turned eighteen?¡±


    Some teachers seemed to grasp the meaning behind that question, while others remained baffled, not understanding why the former headmaster asked that.


    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Liu Wuxie replied honestly. The information recorded in the book presented by Chen Leyao, especially the mockery he received earlier, made this clear.


    Zheng Shiqiu turned to Luo Zhaojun and Fan Zhen, asking, ¡°What are your thoughts?¡±


    Fan Zhen shared his understanding, ¡°The ¡®Nine Stars Illumination¡¯ signifies the possession of all nine attributes, a unique constitution that we¡¯ve never encountered before. From the manuscripts left by our first headmaster, I¡¯ve learned about the Nine Stars Illumination. Possessing multiple attributes indicates immense innate talent, but it also has a downside¡ªthe cultivation progress is slowerpared to others.¡± He further exined that Liu Wuxie''s slow progress in cultivation before he turned eighteen was likely due to his constitution.


    ¡°My opinion aligns with Lil¡¯ Fan. Nine attributes require a considerable amount of time to refine the true essence. Even if the true essence is refined, the purity of his true essence is also nine times that of others!¡± Luo Zhaojun wasn¡¯t disrespectful by addressing Fan Zhen as Lil¡¯ Fan because Fan Zhen wasn¡¯t even born when she had be famous.


    ¡°There are pros and cons to everything. Given that his true essence is nine times greater than others, he would naturally need nine times more resources. His inability to cultivate before the age of eighteen could be due to insufficient umtion. His sudden breakthrough might be a result of him sessfully refining his true essence.¡± She concurred with Fan Zhen¡¯s viewpoint.


    For example, everyone had a dantian, but their speed of absorbing and refining true essence differed. Liu Wuxie¡¯s dantian was nine times bigger than others, meaning he had to absorb nine different attributes. Some attributes even rejected each other, and he would run amok if he weren¡¯t careful. As a result, the speed of his cultivation was naturally slow.


    It was no wonder why Luo Zhaojun said that there were pros and cons. The pros were that Liu Wuxie could store more true essence in his dantian, but the cons were that his cultivation would be slow.


    However, Liu Wuxie sneered upon hearing their reasoning. Only he knew that the previous owner of this body had meridians as thin as hair. If it weren¡¯t for the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron, it would be impossible for him to possess so many attributes and the deste dantian. It had nothing to do with his umtion.


    Liu Wuxie kept his thoughts to himself, preferring to let them specte inurately. The Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron was a secret he couldn¡¯t reveal to anyone. As for his cultivation progress, it wasn¡¯t slow at all. With sufficient resources, he could quickly advance his cultivation using the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron. But this was a secret he wouldn¡¯t share with anyone, not even his father-inw, as he was well aware of the potential for human greed.


    ¡°He¡¯s a good sapling, but it¡¯s a pity he requires too many attributes. Those who canprehend five attributes are already considered the talent of the millennium,¡± Fan Zhen expressed a tinge of regret with a long sigh.


    Luo Zhaojun turned to Zheng Shiqiu and asked, ¡°Teacher, is there any cultivation technique that can offset this disadvantage and allow him to refine spiritual energy quickly? This is a rare constitution, and if he can ovee this hurdle, his potential is boundless.¡± She believed that if they could find a solution to the cultivation technique, Liu Wuxie¡¯s unique constitution would no longer be a problem.


    ¡°It¡¯s difficult. There¡¯s no solution to this constitution!¡± Zheng Shiqiu shook his head. He had a hint of pity shing in his eyes. The information about Nine Stars Illumination might be recorded, but no one could possess nine attributes. The best result for the past few hundred years was only four attributes, and the Nine Stars Illumination was long forgotten.


    ¡°Three headmasters, you all mean that this constitution is rare, but it¡¯s also wed because he can¡¯t fuse all the attributes no matter how he absorbed?¡± A middle-aged man stepped forward. This man had a high position in the Imperial Academy as a star teacher for teaching the Heaven Grade¡¯s advanced ss.


    There weren¡¯t many star teachers in the Imperial Academy, as most were first-ss teachers or ordinary teachers like Fan Yeping.


    ¡°What Teacher Zhao said is right. This constitution might be rare, but it¡¯s also wed, which makes it a pity,¡± another teacher sighed in pity.


    Upon hearing that Liu Wuxie¡¯s constitution was considered wed, a malicious grin appeared on Xue Pinzhi¡¯s face. Headmaster Fan had suggested that Liu Wuxie¡¯s rapid cultivation progress was due to the umtion of the past eighteen years, implying that his future cultivation would be slow as he needed sufficient umtion for further advancement. But would the Xue n allow Liu Wuxie to live for another eighteen years?


    The so-called nine attributes were merely the energies of heaven and earth devoured by the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron, allowing Liu Wuxie to absorb various attributes from his surroundings. This had nothing to do with any special constitution.


    After all, his dantian had manifested into a world, and the Testing Pir only showed nine attributes. Even if the Testing Pir had more attributes, Liu Wuxie could also light them up.


    ¡°Student Xue Pinzhi has something to report!¡± Xue Pinzhi took a step forth, cupping his fists and bowing.


    ¡°What is it?¡± Fan Zhen frowned as he noticed ten-odd people kneeling on the ground.


    ¡°I would like to report that these people were crippled with their leg tendons severed because they offended Liu Wuxie. If not for this incident, they could have be students of the Imperial Academy. But now, they¡¯ve lost that opportunity because of him. I implore the headmaster to seek justice for them!¡± His words were cloaked in a plea for justice for the ten-odd people, but his underlying murderous intent was well concealed.


    ¡°We request the headmaster to seek justice for us! He killed a participant yesterday and severed our leg tendons today. This means that we can¡¯t walk in the future! If the Imperial Academy doesn¡¯t give us an exnation, we¡¯ll remain kneeling here!¡± Zhang Qing was the first to speak up, demanding Liu Wuxie to be punished.

 Chapter 107 - Stripped of Status

    <h4>Chapter 107 - Stripped of Status</h4>


    The teachers and headmasters turned to look at the ten-odd people kneeling on the ground.


    ¡°What a swift strike, severing all their tendons with a single hit!¡± a first-ss teacher eximed. Such a wless de technique could only be achieved with decades of practice.


    The three headmasters and star teachers all recognized that this was a de technique close to perfection. While others might not discern much from the wounds, these experienced individuals, who had lived for decades to over a hundred years, could appreciate the wlessness of Liu Wuxie¡¯s attack.


    ¡°You did that?¡± Fan Zhen asked.


    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Liu Wuxie admitted to it straightforwardly without any exnation. That was because he couldn¡¯t even be bothered to justify his actions.


    ¡°Give me a reason why you did that!¡± Fan Zhen¡¯s tone turned heavy. If Liu Wuxie had crippled those participants without a valid reason, it was a serious crime. The Imperial Academy would have to provide an exnation to the parents and ns of those affected.


    ¡°No reason!¡± was Liu Wuxie¡¯s response, which took everyone by surprise. Everyone had expected him to provide an exnation, but he bluntly stated that there was none. This was akin to stirring up a ho¡¯s nest.


    Upon hearing Liu Wuxie¡¯s reply, the teachers all wore expressions of anger. After all, Liu Wuxie was only a participant and wasn¡¯t yet a student. Who gave him the audacity to talk to the headmaster in this manner?


    Meanwhile, Xue Pinzhi was inwardly delighted, not expecting Liu Wuxie to be so brazen. This was even better, saving him the effort of fanning the mes.


    ¡°Kid, you seem to think you¡¯re in charge,¡± a teacher reprimanded, ¡°You killed a participant without showing remorse, and you¡¯ve severed the leg tendons of ten-odd people. ording to the rules of the Imperial Academy, you should be executed!¡± Liu Wuxie had noticed him secretlymunicating with Fan Yeping before speaking up. This meant that this teacher had an extraordinary rtionship with Fan Yeping.


    As for the other participants, they allughed, gloating that Liu Wuxie was in trouble. After all, Liu Wuxie had offended a teacher and even dared to talk back to the headmaster. This had never happened before since the establishment of the Imperial Academy.


    ¡°This is the Imperial Academy¡¯s teaching philosophy? Distorting right and wrong!¡± Liu Wuxie sneered with a disdainful look on his face.


    It was clear to everyone that Liu Wuxie held everyone present in contempt, including the three headmasters. This usation of theirs twisting the truth incensed all the teachers present.


    ¡°Kid, how dare you mock the Imperial Academy? Do you think that we wouldn¡¯t dare to kill you?¡± The teacher who had spoken earlier, Dong Yue, stepped forward, ready to confront Liu Wuxie directly.


    ¡°Dong Yue, calm down!¡± Fan Zhen intervened. Dong Yue, who had be a teacher alongside Fan Yeping, had a close rtionship with him. Dong Yue snorted and reluctantly stepped back, but continued to re fiercely at Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Be rest assured. If the Imperial Academy is at fault, I will apologize to you. But if you¡¯re someone who killed innocent participants indiscriminately, I won¡¯t show you any mercy either,¡± Fan Zhen dered, emphasizing hismitment to act justly as a headmaster.


    Liu Wuxie felt somewhat reassured by Fan Zhen¡¯s words. After all, if everyone at the Imperial Academy were like Fan Yeping, the academy would not live up to its reputation.


    Chen Leyao wanted to step forward to rify the situation, but Xue Pinzhi held her back, preventing her from doing so. Fan Yeping, of course, would not intervene, and neither would the other participants. The only person who could vouch for Liu Wuxie¡¯s innocence was Chen Leyao, but she was restrained by Xue Pinzhi.


    ¡°Three headmasters, if I¡¯m not mistaken, there should be a memory crystal on the Testing Pir. You just have to y it to know the details,¡± Liu Wuxie Liu Wuxie suggested, turning to look at the Testing Pir. A memory crystal, more advanced than memory talismans, was installed at the top of the pir to record daily activities.


    Upon hearing about the memory crystal, Fan Yeping shuddered with a hint of unease. After all, he had hinted for Zhang Qing to cripple Liu Wuxie earlier.


    The three headmasters exchanged nces and nodded to each other. The existence of the memory crystal was only known to the headmasters and a select few. They were puzzled as to how Liu Wuxie knew about it when even the teachers present were unaware.


    Each memory crystal was precious, and the Imperial Academy only had one. It was embedded into the Testing Pir when it was forged. The headmasters or teachers could activate the Testing Pir by injecting their true essence into it to y back the earlier happenings around it.


    As for Liu Wuxie¡¯s killing of Feng Bingquan, the details were already mentioned in the book that Chen Leyao recorded. It was due to Feng Bingquan, who was bribed by the Heavenly Govern Academy, intending to kill Liu Wuxie. As a result, Liu Wuxie could only act in self-defense and killed Feng Bingquan.


    The incidents of that day were hard to exin, and only reying the memory crystal could prove Liu Wuxie¡¯s innocence. This was why he was calm andposed, looking confident.


    He had forged countless Testing Pirs in the Celestial Realm but discarded them as trash. They were mainly used to record the information of geniuses during the tests. There were many drawbacks to the Testing Pir, but it was impressive that the Imperial Academy managed to forge such a Testing Pir in this resource-scarce world.


    ¡°There¡¯s a memory crystal? Howe we don¡¯t know about it?¡± Many participants discussed this among themselves, surprised at the revtion of a memory crystal embedded in the Testing Pir.


    ¡°That brat must be bullshitting!¡± Memory crystals were scarce, with even the Great Yan Dynasty possessing only a few. It was a rare crystal found ten thousand meters deep in the sea and forged by inscribing memory runes into the crystals. If activated through a secret technique, the memory runes would appear and rey the memories stored inside.


    ¡°Teacher Zhao, please activate the memory crystal!¡± Given the circumstances, they needed evidence if they were to punish Liu Wuxie. The Imperial Academy had always tried to win people over with virtue. Since Liu Wuxie imed to be innocent, everything would be clear by activating the memory crystal.


    ¡°Yes, headmaster!¡± Zhao Enzhi, who was aware of the memory crystal, responded. He moved swiftly, like a celestial crane spreading its wings,nding on the Testing Pir. He then began to pour his true essence into a transparent crystal embedded in the Testing Pir.


    An unusual scene unfolded, resembling a painting being unrolled and suspended in mid-air. The scroll, about ten meters long and five meters wide, began to rey the assessment. Everyone¡¯s expressions and conversations, as well as their testing results, were clearly visible.


    This immediately caused an uproar among the crowd, particrly among those who had mocked Liu Wuxie earlier with their expressions captured.


    Simultaneously, the faces of the teachers and three headmasters gradually became ugly, especially when Zhang Qing¡¯s group provoked Liu Wuxie. Fan Yeping not only failed to intervene but even subtly encouraged Zhang Qing to cripple Liu Wuxie. Upon witnessing this, Fan Zhen¡¯s expression turned incredibly grim.


    After all, the teacher did nothing to stop the matter from escting and fueled the mes instead. The Imperial Academy¡¯s reputation would be tarnished if this news got out.


    Fan Yeping had been anxiously observing the headmaster¡¯s expression. Seeing the headmaster¡¯s face darken, he felt a jolt of fear and quickly stepped forward, ¡°Headmaster, I was wrong!¡±


    His panic was evident. As a low-ranking teacher, overseeing the assessment was a significant opportunity for him. If he had managed it well, he might have been promoted. But with this incident, he faced the risk of losing his status as a teacher.


    A teacher¡¯s role is to guide and educate. Not only did Fan Yeping vite this principle, but also the dignity of a teacher.


    ¡°From today onwards, your status as a teacher is stripped, and you will be demoted to an elder of the Misceneous Hall.¡± Fan Zhen dered Fan Yeping¡¯s punishment, his face devoid of emotion.


    For a teacher, being stripped of their status and demoted to an elder of the Misceneous Hall was akin to a death sentence. Teachers were respected wherever they went, while the duty of the Misceneous Hall was to serve the students, handling their amodations and meals.


    ¡°Yes!¡± Fan Yeping replied with clenched fists and gritted teeth. He knew that he couldn¡¯t argue with the headmaster right now. As long as he stayed in the Imperial Academy, he would always have a chance to regain his status as a teacher, and he could only endure for now. But when he lowered his head, he nced at Liu Wuxie from the corner of his eyes as if he was responsible for the loss of his status as a teacher.


    Xue Pinzhi showed a hint of panic as he stepped back. But the headmaster turned to look at him, saying, ¡°I hope you can conduct yourself well!¡±


    The headmaster¡¯s words covered Xue Pinzhi in a cold sweat. The group of individuals kneeling on the ground fell into despair as they watched the scenes reyed by the memory crystal.


    ¡°How did ite to this...¡± Zhang Qing muttered to himself. The participants who had earlier mocked Liu Wuxie collectively fell silent, not daring to utter another word. They feared provoking the headmaster¡¯s anger, realizing they had gone too far.


    Bai Yu and Yu Yifan clenched their fists together as the limelight of today¡¯s assessment should¡¯ve belonged to them. After all, they had managed to light up three columns, far exceeding the other students that the Imperial Academy had recruited.


    But despite their performance, no one would remember them, as the Nine Stars Illumination overshadowed them. They harbored resentment but dared not show it.


    However, upon recalling Liu Wuxie¡¯s unique constitution, they unclenched their fists, a smile creeping onto their faces. What did it matter if Liu Wuxie had high talent? Given his constitution, it was already determined that he wouldn¡¯t progress far in his cultivation. They believed that it wouldn¡¯t be long before Liu Wuxie would be forgotten by history, as the Xue n would do everything in their power to eliminate him. Therefore, they didn¡¯t see the point in harboring anger towards someone who was destined to meet such a fate.


    When the rey from the memory crystal ended, Zhao Enzhu descended from the Testing Pir. As he ceased injecting his true essence, the memory crystal shut down and resumed its recording of the surrounding events.


    ¡°You people have lost your bet. Do you all have anything else to say?¡± The headmaster turned his gaze towards Zhang Qing¡¯s group. The Imperial Academy was known for its fairness¡ªit wouldn¡¯t falsely use an innocent person, nor would it let a guilty person go unpunished. The actions of Zhang Qing¡¯s group were utterly reprehensible.


    ¡°We...admit defeat!¡± The ten-odd people gritted their teeth. They understood that any further provocation at this point would be a direct affront to the Imperial Academy. Their only option was to n for a future opportunity to deal with Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Teacher Zhao, you handle the remaining assessment!¡± Fan Zhen said to Zhao Enzhu. After stripping Fan Yeping of his status as a teacher, he naturally had to assign someone else to conduct thest round of assessments.


    ¡°Yes, headmaster!¡± Zhao Enzhu bowed.

 Chapter 108 - Profound Gate Pass

    <h4>Chapter 108 - Profound Gate Pass</h4>


    Themotion concluded as it had begun. There were seventeen of them who came, and there were also seventeen of them who left. Fan Yeping left while Zhao Enzhu stayed.


    ¡°Headmaster, even if we keep someone with his constitution, his growth will be limited. Isn¡¯t it excessive to penalize Teacher Fan for his sake?¡± On the way back, Dong Yue kept close to the headmaster, pleading for Fan Yeping.


    If Liu Wuxie were a prodigy, it would be a different story. However, someone of his constitution would only experience a significant boost after eighteen years of umtion, and there was a risk of cultivation deviation. Hence, Dong Yue felt it unjust to punish Fan Yeping for such a liability.


    ¡°Who informed you that his constitution necessitates eighteen years of umtion?¡± Fan Zhen halted, turning to face Dong Yue. His imposing aura caused Dong Yue to shudder.


    ¡°Headmaster, I¡¯m sorry.¡± Dong Yue quickly bowed after realizing he had overstepped his boundaries by advising the headmaster. Even without considering Liu Wuxie, Fan Zhen had shown leniency towards Fan Yeping by merely demoting him based on his actions.


    The third round of assessment resumed with the remaining participants after Chen Leyao sent over two hundred participants, including Zhang Qing¡¯s group, out of the Imperial Academy.


    As Zhao Enzhu¡¯s gaze swept across the remaining two hundred individuals, he unleashed an aura of formidable power at the Marrow Cleansing Realm level. This aura enveloped everyone, creating a suffocating pressure that was almost tangible.


    Without uttering a single word, he demonstrated his strength. The aura he exuded transformed into an intimidating pressure that caused cold sweat to bead on everyone¡¯s faces, including Bai Yu and Yu Yifan.


    Only Liu Wuxie maintained hisposure while others were forced to bow down under the immense pressure. He was the only exception, standing upright and catching Zhao Enzhu¡¯s attention.


    Upon noticing Liu Wuxie, Zhao Enzhu intensified the aura he was emitting. His aura resembled a ferocious beast lunging at Liu Wuxie. Upon reaching the Marrow Cleansing Realm, one could manipte spiritual energy into various forms to exert psychological impact.


    A participant¡¯s face turned pale from fright, and he crumpled to the ground with a dull thud. A repugnant odor soon wafted from beneath him, eliciting a flicker of annoyance on Zhao Enzhu¡¯s face. However, this youth was not alone in his plight as more individuals began to sumb to the ground, unable to bear the pressure exerted by a Marrow Cleansing Realm expert. Yet, some held on, their teeth gritted in determination, refusing to surrender.


    The youth next to Liu Wuxie swayed precariously and threw up a mouthful of blood, but he held his ground stubbornly, unwilling to give up.


    Bai Yu, on the other hand, was teetering on the brink of his endurance. The formidable strength of Zhao Enzhu, a star teacher, was pushing him to his limits.


    In a mere span of ten minutes, less than fifty individuals managed to remain standing, their bodies drenched in sweat as if they had been dragged out of ake. When the oppressive aura finally dissipated, those who had managed to stay upright drew ragged breaths, their faces etched with residual fear.


    The soul pressure they were experiencing was overwhelming, akin to a sharp sword suspended above their heads, threatening to descend at any moment and im their lives. Amidst this, only Liu Wuxie remained calm. His golden soul sea became more refined and abundant under Zhao Enzhu¡¯s pressure. While others could only endure the pressure, he utilized it to practice the Ghost Eye. Had Zhao Enzhu been aware of this, he might have choked on his own blood.


    ¡°The caliber of participants has been declining year after year. You all can¡¯t even hold out for fifteen minutes!¡± Zhao Enzhu shook his head in disappointment. This year¡¯s batch of participants did not meet his expectations. However, the Imperial Academy didn¡¯t harbor high hopes of recruiting exceptional talent through these annual assessments either.


    After all, they had long recruited exceptional talents from the thirty-six cities beforehand, including the Imperial Capital. But when Zhao Enzhu looked at Liu Wuxie, his eyes showed a hint of admiration. Only Liu Wuxie remained unaffected under his pressure, which was a pleasant surprise.


    ¡°Let¡¯s move on to the third round of assessment!¡± Zhao Enzhumanded as everyone regained their footing. Many were nearing the end of their true essence reserves, and their chances of sess in the assessment were slim.


    ¡°Teacher Zhao, can we recover our true essence before proceeding with the third round of assessment?¡± a participant proposed. They had expended a significant amount of their true essence and soul energy to withstand the immense pressure of a Marrow Cleansing Realm expert, leaving many in a state unfit to continue with the assessment.


    ¡°Are you going to tell your opponent to wait for you to recover before resuming the battle?¡± Zhao Enzhu responded, his tone devoid of emotion. His words elicited a ripple ofughter from those around.


    Zhao Enzhu¡¯s statement held truth; in a battle of life and death, survival often hinged on endurance and the ability to oust the opponent in terms of true essence.


    Leading the group across the square, Zhao Enzhu brought them to a structure resembling a long corridor. Spanning approximately five hundred meters, the building bore threerge characters on its beam¡ªthe Profound Gate Pass.


    Upon sighting the building, many participants gasped in surprise. Those who had depleted their true essence turned pale and slumped to the ground in exhaustion.


    ¡°Everyone will enter the Profound Gate Pass, and those who can endure for fifteen breaths in there will pass the third round of assessment!¡± Chen Leyao announced, picking up a booklet. She didn¡¯t give anyone the time to think or recover their true essence.


    This was the real test. Everyone was subjected to the same pressure, and some had already lost their eligibility to participate in the assessment even before entering the Profound Gate Pass.


    Bai Yu was the first to step into the Profound Gate Pass, with the rest following closely behind. Fifteen breaths wasn¡¯t a long time; many believed they could seed if they just gritted their teeth. Consequently, it didn¡¯t take long for all the participants to enter the Profound Gate Pass.


    Liu Wuxie also entered the Profound Gate Pass, leaving behind an afterimage. As for running out of true essence? That was impossible because the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron could devour arge amount of spiritual energy with a casual inhale, converting it into true essence, filling up his dantian. As a result, his dantian would never run out of true essence.


    In just three breaths after entering, roughly forty to fifty people were sent flying away, indicating their elimination from assessment. Even those in the seventh-level Xiantian Realm couldn¡¯tst for three breaths.


    Previously, they would have stood a good chance of clearing the assessment. However, their prospects had diminished with the change in assessment teachers this year and the depletion of their true essence due to enduring Zhao Enzhu¡¯s pressure. They wailed when they sat on the ground because this was thest chance for many of them.


    ¡°It¡¯s all that brat¡¯s fault! Teacher Fan wouldn¡¯t have been reced if it weren''t for him. I want to ce a bounty on him!¡± Those eliminated gritted their teeth and med it all on Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°That¡¯s right! It¡¯s all his fault! When we leave the Imperial Academy, we can join forces to hire someone from the Assassin Pavilion to kill him!¡± They didn¡¯t bother hiding their conversation from Zhao Enzhu. They were already eliminated and couldn¡¯t be a student of the Imperial Academy. Thus, Zhao Enzhu naturally didn¡¯t have the authority to care about them. Even if they did hire an assassin, the Imperial Academy couldn¡¯t do anything to them without concrete evidence.


    As more participants were eliminated, it wasn¡¯t long before over a hundred of them were disqualified, each sprawled on the ground. Chen Leyao couldn¡¯t help but smile in a bitter-sweet way, realizing that probably fewer than a hundred individuals would be eligible for admission to the Imperial Academy this year.


    When Liu Wuxie entered the Profound Gate Pass, he activated the Ghost Eye. This was thest round of assessment, and he couldn¡¯t afford to fail here.


    In the next instant, a golden bronze figure materialized before him, shing its fists together andunching an attack on Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°The Bronze Men Formation!¡± The sight immediately brought to mind the Bronze Men Formation for Liu Wuxie. The bronze man that charged forth had a strengthparable to the fourth-level Xiantian Realm. While the bronze figure wasn¡¯t particrly powerful, it exerted tremendous pressure even on those at the second level of the Xiantian Realm.


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t draw his de and threw a punch, nning to fight the bronze man head-on to see how powerful the Profound Gate Pass was. He could only receive the opportunity to cultivate in the me Sun Cave if he obtained first ce. He had already obtained first ce in the two previous rounds and couldn¡¯t allow himself to fail in thest round.


    Securing first ce in the first round would earn him a martial technique, while the second round would reward him with pills. The third round offered the opportunity to cultivate in the me Sun Cave. No one had ever imed first ce in all three rounds in the past, but he might be the one to break that record this year.


    The impact of Liu Wuxie¡¯s punch was so powerful that it felt as if the heavens and earth had copsed. The massive bronze figure was sent flying, shattering into pieces with a series of cracking sounds.


    Everyone¡¯s situation was the same when they entered the Profound Gate Pass. They found themselves in a long passage that stretched as far as the eye could see.


    In the next moment, two bronze figures appeared, each at the fifth level of the Xiantian Realm. This development, urring in just three breaths, took Liu Wuxie by surprise.


    ¡°This is interesting...!¡± Liu Wuxie dashed forward, taking the initiative to attack. For most individuals, enduring for fifteen breaths of time and opting to engage inbat would be the most suitable strategy. However, Liu Wuxie was an exception; he was determined to make it through to the other end of the Profound Gate Pass.


    Unleashing a flurry of punches, Liu Wuxie left a trail of afterimages in his wake, generating a potent shockwave in the air as he advanced. Much like the previous bronze figure, these two were sent hurtling into the darkness upon contact, obliterated in an instant.


    A ferocious roar echoed from the darkness. The bronze figures, which took a considerable amount of time to forge, had suffered significant losses today. As Liu Wuxie pressed on, the fifteen breaths were nearly up, and he was on the verge of passing the assessment.


    However, three bronze figures materialized before him, obstructing his path. These figures, equivalent to the sixth-level Xiantian Realm, possessed immense strength. Therefore, defeating them under the same conditions would be no easy feat.


    Meanwhile, Zhao Enzhu made his way into the central control room. An old man was seated there, and the roar from earlier had originated from him.


    ¡°Teacher Zhao, what brings you here?¡± The old man stood up respectfully when he saw Zhao Enzhu.


    ¡°I¡¯m in charge of the assessment!¡± Zhao Enzhu said politely, bowing to the old man as thetter was older than him. There was a crystal wall in front of them, disying everyone¡¯s performance. He asked, ¡°Did anything unusual happen?¡±


    ¡°If there¡¯s anything unusual, it¡¯s the performance of these three. Since entering the Profound Gate Pass, they¡¯ve demonstrated exceptional strength and have already destroyed a significant number of bronze men,¡± the old man replied, pointing at the crystal wall. The images of Bai Yu, Yu Yifan, and Liu Wuxie were erged.


    Zhao Enzhu¡¯s gazended on the trio. Bai Yu and Yu Yifan, both in the Spirit Cleansing Realm, would only find the final part of the Profound Gate Pass challenging.


    However, Liu Wuxie, who was only at the fifth level of the Xiantian Realm, had managed to send three bronze men,parable to the sixth level of the Xiantian Realm, flying. This surprising feat caused Zhao Enzhu to narrow his eyes in astonishment.

 Chapter 109 - Shock

    <h4>Chapter 109 - Shock</h4>


    Liu Wuxie, with a single punch, sent the three bronze men, equivalent to the sixth-level Xiantian Realm, flying. The bronze men were crafted from materials on par with spiritual artifacts, intricately engraved with numerous runes. A skilled cksmith from the Imperial Academy was responsible for their creation.


    The process of refining these bronze men was akin to crafting artifacts. The bronze men had the unique ability to move autonomously, making their construction a moreplex task. These self-moving bronze men were often referred to as mechanical puppets or mechanism art.


    As the elimination process continued, only eighty participants managed to withstand the fifteen breaths. This year¡¯s recruitment fell short of reaching a hundred, marking an unprecedented event.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on? Why isn¡¯t that brat out yet?¡± The eliminated participants gritted their teeth. They were naturally unhappy that they were eliminated but not Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°That¡¯s impossible! He¡¯s merely in the fifth-level Xiantian Realm, so how can he possiblyst this long?!¡± The expression of a participant at the seventh-level Xiantian Realm, who barely endured ten breaths, contorted dramatically. He would have had a high chance of bing a student of the Imperial Academy if not for Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Did the teacher go easy on him? After all, how can he possiblyst this long when so many of us were eliminated?¡± Someone in the crowd began to stir up trouble, nning to confront the teacher as they couldn¡¯t ept their defeat.


    ¡°Silence! Zhao Enzhu is a star teacher at the Imperial Academy, possessing a noble status. Do you know the consequences of doubting a star teacher?¡± Chen Leyao roared, interrupting them. The star teachers were the face of the Imperial Academy and the Great Yan Dynasty.


    Everyone shut their mouths, not daring to say another word. If they persist in questioning the credibility of a distinguished teacher, their tribes could be at risk of being ostracized by the Imperial Academy. This could result in a perpetual loss of the privilege to enroll in the Imperial Academy.


    As the assessment resumed, more students were eliminated towards the end.


    ¡°This is strange. It has been over fifteen minutes. Not only are Bai Yu and Yu Yifan still in the Profound Gate Pass, but that brat hasn¡¯t emerged yet, either. Could it be that he died inside?¡± someone spected in a hushed tone as most participants hadpleted their assessment, leaving only three remaining.


    Xue Pinzhi¡¯s face darkened. He was well aware that the Profound Gate Pass would be progressively more challenging, and it was difficult for anyone to endure fifteen minutes without reaching the Spirit Cleansing Realm. The fact that Liu Wuxie had yet to emerge was causing him unease.


    In the control room, Zhao Enzhu also looked nervous, with a smear of shock in his eyes. The old man in the control system also couldn¡¯t maintain hisposure and muttered, ¡°Another bronze man destroyed.¡±


    The destruction of each bronze man would make the old man tremble.


    Meanwhile, Zhao Enzhu¡¯s eyes sparkled. Even though the bronze men were destroyed, they could always be reformed. However, a genius like this was a rarity, perhaps only appearing once in a century. The images on the crystal wall gradually dwindled as all participants were eliminated, leaving only Bai Yu, Yu Yifan, and Liu Wuxie.


    With a thunderous explosion from the depth of the Profound Gate Pass, Bai Yu was sent flying away by a bronze man who had reached the Spirit Cleansing Realm. He was just one step away from the Profound Gate Pass exit. Yu Yifan was also sent flying out of the Profound Gate Pass shortly after.


    With that, there was only one image left on the crystal wall. Liu Wuxie was up against a bronze man in the Spirit Cleansing Realm. Bai Yu and Yu Yifan were both defeated at this stage.


    If Liu Wuxie could surpass this bronze man, there should be a final stage, but its nature was still a mystery. The bronze man in the Spirit Cleansing Realm stood roughly twice the height of two people, resembling a mountain and radiating intense pressure.


    Liu Wuxie leaped to the sky. He was unaware of the oues for Bai Yu and Yu Yifan. If he wanted to secure the top spot, he would have to strive to pass through the Profound Gate Pass.


    The bronze man moved, throwing out a punch that created a formidable shockwave. When Liu Wuxie and the bronze man shed, their punches were like two meteorites shing together. The entire Profound Gate Pass began to tremble violently, and even those outside the Profound Gate Pass could sense the tremors. Many participants, seated on the ground recovering their true essence, quickly stood up, sensing these tremors.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Everyone was shocked, thinking it was an earthquake, as they looked at the Profound Gate Pass.


    Zhao Enzhu¡¯s gaze never left Liu Wuxie. At the moment of impact between Liu Wuxie and the bronze man, the shockwave they produced wasparable to the third-level Spirit Cleansing Realm, and the bronze man staggered, taking a few steps back.


    ¡°Teacher Zhao, is that kid really in the Xiantian Realm?¡± The old man in charge of the central control system wore a look of disbelief; his face filled with shock.


    ¡°I¡¯m just as curious!¡± Zhao Enzhu responded, his expression one of helplessness. Despite having encountered countless prodigies during his six decades as a star teacher, today¡¯s spectacle left him baffled.


    He couldn¡¯t believe that someone in the fifth-level Xiantian Realm would unleash such immense power. Could it be due to his unique constitution? That was the only possible exnation that Zhao Enzhu could find.


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t retreat and attacked the bronze man head-on. He wanted to find the bronze man¡¯s weakness to defeat him. He used his agility to his advantage, moving like a fox as he spun mid-air before striking the bronze man¡¯s face. Before the bronze man could even react, Liu Wuxie was already behind it, swift as a de.


    ¡°Oh shit!¡± the old man in the central control system eximed. He knew that each bronze man had their weakness. If someone could identify this weakness, defeating them would be a simple task.


    The bronze man¡¯s head exploded, shattering into fragments. This made the old man¡¯s heart bleed, as each puppet was worth over 100,000,000 gold coins.


    ¡°This kid is strange. How did he know that the bronze man¡¯s weakness was the back of its head?¡± Each bronze man had a different weakness that would change at any time, increasing the difficulty of the assessment. The weakness would be adjusted prior to each puppet¡¯s activation.


    Liu Wuxie discovered the weakness in a split second, shocking the old man. After all, the Profound Gate Pass would suffer an immense loss if this continued.


    Zhao Enzhu was also baffled, wearing a wry smile. Liu Wuxie was about to reach the end of the Profound Gate Pass.


    ¡°Teacher Zhao, it¡¯s been nearly half a century since anyone has sessfully navigated the Profound Gate Pass, hasn¡¯t it?¡± The old man took a deep breath to steady himself. Ever since he took over the management of the Profound Gate Pass, no one had made it through. But today, they might witness someone shattering a fifty-year-old record.


    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s been close to fifty years!¡± Zhao Enzhu¡¯s eyes held a depth of reminiscence. Unbeknownst to him, he had spent over sixty years at the Imperial Academy, transitioning from a young man to a centenarian.


    Liu Wuxie moved forward, his posture upright, with the exit just ahead of him. However, after taking about thirty steps, he came to an abrupt halt, sensing a formidable pressure emanating from the darkness.


    ¡°There¡¯s a real person!¡± Liu Wuxie was taken aback. He had anticipated a powerful puppet, not a real person, at the end of the Profound Gate Pass.


    He didn¡¯t dare to be careless. He could defeat those puppets because he could sense their weaknesses. However, facing a real person would be a different challenge altogether, especially if he wanted to keep his trump cards hidden.


    As Liu Wuxie approached, a gray figure appeared five steps away from Liu Wuxie. This person carried a long sword behind him, radiating a potent sword aura.


    <i>What a powerful sword aura!</i> Liu Wuxie pondered to himself. This person didn¡¯t have a high cultivation level and was only in the second-level Spirit Cleansing Realm. But he gave off a powerful sword aura that was endlessly close toprehending sword intent.


    ¡°Draw your weapon. I won¡¯t hold back, and I can only apologize in advance if I kill you,¡± the gray-clothed man said coldly, prompting Liu Wuxie to draw his weapon. After all, it was rare for deaths to ur in the assessment. However, this year was an exception due to Feng Bingquan¡¯s death and the injuries of a dozen others, leading to a change in the assessment¡¯s supervising teacher.


    A de appeared in Liu Wuxie¡¯s hand as he narrowed his eyes. The best method was to take this gray-clothed man¡¯s life with one strike, ending the Profound Gate Pass test. He was aware that every move he made during the assessment would be recorded, and a prolonged fight would reveal too many of his secret techniques.


    ¡°You have a strong desmanship!¡± The gray-clothed man narrowed his eyes when Liu Wuxie drew his de, sensing a potent threat looming.


    Zhao Enzhu couldn¡¯t perceive it clearly as he was observing through the crystal wall. He could only infer from the injuries of the dozen or so crippled participants that Liu Wuxie was a powerful desman.


    ¡°Your swordsmanship isn¡¯t weak either!¡± Liu Wuxie replied as a powerful de aura swept out from him, stirring up the dust on the ground.


    Murderous intent radiated in the eyes of the gray-clothed man, and he was serious about what he said. Anyone who coulde this far would have to experience a brutal battle, and only those who survived were qualified to pass the test.


    The gray-clothed man drew his sword, and his sword aura formed into a powerful storm, raining down and covering every inch of space, leaving Liu Wuxie with nowhere to hide.


    Liu Wuxie also raised his de to the sky. He knew he only had one chance, and they shared the same intention to end the battle with a single strike.


    It had been an hour, and the assessment wasn¡¯t over yet. The long wait made the participants outsidein because Liu Wuxie still hadn¡¯te out after so long.


    As Liu Wuxie began to prepare his attack, a hint of de intent started to form, which took the gray-clothed man by surprise. The gray-clothed man became serious and praised, ¡°You¡¯re quite extraordinary to condense your de intent in the Xiantian Realm!¡±


    After all, anyone who couldprehend de intent could be considered a genius. The gray-clothed man raised his sword as soon as he finished speaking and swung it down, generatingyers of shockwaves that morphed into a soundwave, charging towards Liu Wuxie.


    His cultivation was in the second-level Spirit Cleansing Realm, but the power he unleashed wasparable to the third-level Spirit Cleansing Realm. It was as expected of a genius produced by the Imperial Academy.


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t dare to be careless and swung his de down, producing a violent shockwave in the air. He also activated the Ghost Eye, capturing every trajectory and movement of the gray-clothed man¡¯s swordsmanship.


    The two rapidly closed the distance. Initially five steps apart, they shed in a fraction of a moment, with sparks flying from their colliding weapons, illuminating the entire Profound Gate Pass.


    Only then did Liu Wuxie manage to see the gray-clothed man clearly. This man had a long scar on the left side of his face, stretching from his forehead to his chin, making him look sinister. It was no wonder that this man chose to remain in the Profound Gate Pass, as someone with his appearance might scare many people if he ventured out.

 Chapter 110 - Choosing Class

    <h4>Chapter 110 - Choosing ss</h4>


    The sudden appearance of a fearsome-looking individual would typically instill fear in the average person. However, Liu Wuxie, having encountered a wide array of individuals, remained unfazed by the arrival of the man in grey, much to thetter¡¯s bewilderment.


    The grey-clothed man¡¯s face was disfigured in a battle, resulting in him bing an outcast among his peers, and even those he was close to began to distance themselves from him. Even if he wore a mask, he would still be an outcast wherever he went, putting him in a difficult position in the Imperial Academy as no one was willing to befriend him.


    Even the woman he liked had abandoned him because of his appearance. This resulted in him bing more resentful, which fostered his murderous intent. People would look at him with fear and disgust regardless of whether they were strangers or acquaintances.


    Left with no other options, he sought to guard the final stage of the Profound Gate Pass, where he spent years in solitude. His days were filled with relentless practice of his swordsmanship. As no one had ever reached this far in previous assessments, he led a solitary existence.


    Year after year, he honed his sword aura to the point that he wouldprehend sword intent in three years at most. Liu Wuxie was the only person who treated him as a genuine opponent, his eyes devoid of emotions.


    Before he had a chance to contemte further, Liu Wuxie¡¯s de appeared three inches away from his neck. Everything happened in the blink of an eye, and it was too fast for anyone to respond. It might not be Liu Wuxie¡¯s strongest de, but it was more than enough to deal with typical cultivators in the second-level Spirit Cleansing Realm.


    The grey-clothed man, a peerless genius in the outside world, could exert power beyond his cultivation level. His life¡¯s misfortunes had, regrettably, marred him. Despite his unparalleled swordsmanship among his contemporaries, he found himselfpletely overpowered upon encountering Liu Wuxie.


    The battle concluded with the de already at the grey-clothed man¡¯s neck before he could even respond.


    Zhao Enzhu was taken aback by Liu Wuxie¡¯s attack. He couldn¡¯t keep up with the trajectory of Liu Wuxie¡¯s sword unless he used his cultivation to suppress thetter.


    Stumped, the grey-clothed man raised his hand to touch his neck; the de had left behind a superficial cut on his neck.


    ¡°Thanks for the battle,¡± Liu Wuxie cupped his fists after sheathing his de. With that, the Profound Gate Pass had ended, and the gate ahead gradually began to open.


    Unexpectedly, the grey-clothed man dropped to his knees, bowing deeply to Liu Wuxie. This left Liu Wuxie puzzled, as he had only inflicted a minor wound and had no intention of taking the man¡¯s life.


    ¡°I vowed to be the sword servant of whoever bests me in the Profound Gate Pass!¡± The grey-clothed man lifted his head, his eyes gleaming with resolve. Anyone capable of defeating him was bound to be extraordinary, possessing potential beyond imagination. Thus, bing such a person¡¯s sword servant could be seen as a mark of honor.


    He was willing to be Liu Wuxie¡¯s sword ve even if thetter was only a fifth-level Xiantian Realm expert. After all, even someone in the fourth-level Spirit Cleansing Realm couldn¡¯t get three steps near him, but Liu Wuxie had easily defeated him. A sword ve¡¯s position was no different from that of a ve, and one needed immense courage to make that kind of oath.


    ¡°I don¡¯t need a sword ve!¡± Liu Wuxie shook his head. His personality had undergone significant changes after his transmigration. He aimed to protect his family and return to the Immortal Realm for revenge. He wanted to seek vengeance against those who had ganged up on him, resulting in his death.


    ¡°You despise my appearance!¡± The grey-clothed man wasn¡¯t willing to get back up and raised his sword to his neck. If Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t agree to let him be his sword ve, he would take his life immediately. If he couldn¡¯t even qualify for the role of a sword ve, his life would be meaningless.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to degrade yourself like this!¡± Liu Wuxie waved his hand dismissively. They weren¡¯t rted, and the grey-clothed man¡¯s life and death had nothing to do with him. He walked away, leaving the grey-clothed man seated powerlessly on the ground with Liu Wuxie¡¯s voice rumbling in his mind.


    After all, he was abandoned by everyone ever since he was disfigured, which resulted in a drastic change in his personality, making him more ferocious. However, this was a form of self-degradation, as it was not reflective of his past self. This served as a stark reminder of how one¡¯s environment could alter and even shatter a person.


    Gazing at Liu Wuxie¡¯s silhouette, the grey-clothed man suddenly stood up with determination. He sheathed his sword and walked towards another exit, leaving the Profound Gate Pass.


    Upon exiting the Profound Gate Pass, sunlight bathed Liu Wuxie, casting a long shadow. Zhao Enzhu was waiting outside. Surprisingly, he was the only one there, as the other participants had failed and were waiting at the entrance.


    ¡°Congrattions, you¡¯re the seventh person to pass through the Profound Gate Pass sessfully,¡± Zhao Enzhu sincerely congratted. He had just witnessed the birth of a genius who had broken all the records since the establishment of the Imperial Academy by obtaining first ce in the three rounds of assessments. This unequivocally established Liu Wuxie as the unrivaled top rank.


    ¡°Teacher Zhao, you tter me. I assume you have something to discuss with me since you¡¯re waiting here?¡± Liu Wuxie bowed. He knew there would only be benefits in establishing a good rtionship with a star teacher of the academy.


    Zhao Enzhu¡¯s eyes lit up. He was indeed there to discuss something with Liu Wuxie, and thetter had correctly guessed it.


    ¡°With your talent, you could easily be assigned to the Earth Grade¡¯s elite ss, but I don¡¯t rmend you to join the elite ss!¡± Zhao Enzhu cut straight to the chase, dissuading Liu Wuxie from pursuing the elite ss.


    ¡°I¡¯m all ears, Teacher Zhao!¡± Liu Wuxie initially expressed surprise, then regarded Zhao Enzhu with a touch of curiosity. Zhao Enzhu was not known for being maniptive, and there had to be a reason behind his advice.


    ¡°The Earth Grade¡¯s elite ss is filled with cunning foxes. Joining them might not be advantageous and could even prove detrimental. After all, they¡¯re prideful about their talent and hostile towards neers, especially someone with exceptional talent like yours!¡± Zhao Enzhu candidly outlined the pitfalls of the elite ss.


    Everyone in the elite ss was prideful of their talent, and they often suppressed neers. Therefore, Liu Wuxie¡¯s growth could be stifled if he chose to join. The only distinction between the advanced and elite sses was the resources they had ess to.


    ¡°So, which ss do you believe would be the best fit for me?¡± Liu Wuxie refrained from expressing his opinion. To him, whether it was the elite or elementary sses was irrelevant, as his primary reason for joining the Imperial Academy was to gain ess to more cultivation resources.


    ¡°The elementary ss wouldn¡¯t do justice to your abilities. I have a good friend who instructs the Earth Grade advanced ss, and his standards are on par with those of the elite ss. Despite his tendency to be a bitzy, he takes his responsibilities towards his students seriously, and I would rmend you consider his ss. As for resources, I can assure you they will be sufficient.¡±


    Liu Wuxie could tell that Zhao Enzhu was trying to poach a genius for his friend. The students'' performance was directly linked to the reputation of the teachers; the better the students performed, the higher the teacher¡¯s standing.


    The fact that it took Zhao Enzhu over forty years to attain the status of a star teacher underscored the arduous nature of teacher promotions.


    ¡°I will consider it!¡± Liu Wuxie nodded. He epted it as it was beneficial to have an acquaintance around. He walked out and saw Chen Leyao waiting outside.


    ¡°He teaches the Earth Grade¡¯s Advanced ss Seven. Remember not to go to the wrong ce!¡± Zhao Enzhu¡¯s voice echoed in Liu Wuxie¡¯s ears. With that, the assessment concluded, and the remaining tasks, such as ss and dormitory assignments for the students, were handed over to Chen Leyao.


    Chen Leyao approached with a smile. She was already aware that Liu Wuxie had sessfullypleted the Profound Gate Pass and had meticulously recorded the details. All that remained was for her to organize everything before submitting the performance reports of all the students to the Imperial Academy.


    ¡°What did Teacher Zhao discuss with you?¡± Chen Leyao had arrived early and was waiting outside.


    ¡°He wants me to join the Earth Grade Advanced ss Seven!¡± Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t hide it from Chen Leyao. She had helped him twice, and they had now be closer than before. Therefore, he saw no reason to withhold this information from her. After all, it wasmon for academies or sects to recruit geniuses.


    ¡°Advanced ss Seven?¡± Chen Leyao expressed surprise, her face reflecting her astonishment.


    ¡°Is there a problem with it?¡± Liu Wuxie asked. Could it be that there was a problem with the Advanced ss Seven?


    ¡°I understand Teacher Zhao¡¯s predicament. The Earth Grade elite ss isplex and may not be conducive to your personal growth if you were to join. But Advanced ss Seven...¡± Chen Leyao hesitated, feeling it was inappropriate to criticize an arrangement made by Teacher Zhao behind his back.


    ¡°Lady Chen, you don¡¯t have to worry. You can tell me directly as I haven¡¯t agreed to Teacher Zhao¡¯s suggestion yet.¡± Liu Wuxie hadn¡¯t made amitment, implying he still had the final say in the matter.


    ¡°There¡¯s not much of a problem with the Advanced ss Seven. The teacher¡¯s name is Jin Jianfeng, and his teaching philosophy contradicts that of the other teachers. Most of the time, the students practice independently, and he rarely interferes. He asionally gives guidance once a week, unlike other sses where teachers insist on daily sses.¡±


    Every teacher had their own teaching method, and it couldn¡¯t be said which was better. However, Advanced ss Seven was entirely different because the teaching method was unusual. Students weren¡¯t required to attend daily sses, which was eptable as long as they could pass the tests.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes lit up because that was precisely what he needed. He didn¡¯t require daily sses and didn¡¯t want to be bound by the rules of the Imperial Academy. This meant that the Advanced ss Seven was perfect for him. This would free up much time for him to do more things and earn resources.


    If he was stuck in a monotonous ss daily, Liu Wuxie feared he might lose his sanity. After all, his theoretical knowledge was already more than enough to surpass the entire Imperial Academy.


    The two walked as Liu Wuxie made up his mind after hearing what Chen Leyao said. When they returned, the eliminated participants had already been sent away. This year, only eighty-seven participants made it through to be students of the Imperial Academy.


    Everyone knew that Liu Wuxie had passed the assessment, and their gazes towards him were filled with a mix of emotions. That was especially the case with Xue Pinzhi, as he had failed the task given to him by the patriarch since Liu Wuxie had sessfully joined the Imperial Academy.


    ¡°Everyone, follow me. We will now assign your sses.¡± They all followed a path paved with blue bs and arrived at arge hall. Upon joining the academy, each student would have to choose their ss.

 Chapter 111 - Slap

    <h4>Chapter 111 - p</h4>


    The moment they crossed the threshold into the majestic hall, a wave of excitement washed over everyone¡¯s faces. This was the moment they officially became students of the Imperial Academy.


    The hall was bustling with people, tables scattered throughout, each bearing the name of a ss. The first table wasbeled ¡®Earth Grade Elite ss One¡¯, a ss reserved for the absolute cream of the crop at the Imperial Academy. Following this table were the Elite ss Two and Elite ss Three, rounding out the trio of Earth Grade elite sses that housed the academy¡¯s most gifted individuals.


    Behind them were the advanced sses, which consisted of ten sses. A pair of youths manned each table, presumably ss representatives tasked with recruiting new students.


    As for the elementary sses, there were twenty sses in total. These sses had the highest student poption, with each ss amodating anywhere from fifty to a hundred students. In contrast, an elite ss was much smaller, with only about twenty students.


    Chen Leyao pinned the assessment rankings, which were done every year, on the board. The top five would be guaranteed a spot in the elite sses.


    ¡°First in the three rounds, making it through the Profound Gate Pass, and triggering the Nine Stars Illumination. Holy shit, who¡¯s this Liu Wuxie?¡± Everyone gasped when they saw the result: there was such a monstrous genius this year. Eyes widened in disbelief as everyone was eager to recruit this student into their ss.


    ¡°Those two aren¡¯t bad either. They might not beparable to the first, but they have reached the Spirit Cleansing Realm and received a good score on the three rounds.¡± Going down the list, Bai Yu and Yu Yifan also caught everyone¡¯s attention.


    The top five would be recruited into the elite sses, those ranked sixth to twentieth into the advanced sses, and the remaining students would be distributed into the elementary sses.


    Bai Yu walked to Elite ss One, saying, ¡°Senior Brother Liu, Bai Qiong is my brother.¡±


    The mention of Bai Qiong caused a stir among the crowd. Bai Qiong held a prestigious position within the academy¡¯s Earth Grade, ranking in the top ten and securing the ninth spot. This meant his cultivation was strong, reaching the fourth-level Spirit Cleansing Realm, and had a high hope of advancing into the Profound Grade¡¯s elite ss.


    ¡°Ah, Junior Brother Bai Yu! Your brother has already informed me about your arrival, and I¡¯m here to wee you. Please forgive any shorings on my part,¡± responded the individual Bai Yu addressed as ¡®Senior Brother Liu¡¯, offering a respectful bow and a warm smile.


    ¡°Thank you, Senior Brother Liu!¡± Bai Yu was courteous as his elder brother had already made prior arrangements, and the process was smooth.


    Yu Yifan, much like Bai Yu, had connections within the Imperial Academy and smoothly transitioned into the second elite ss. The students ranked fourth and fifth opted for the third elite ss, leaving only Liu Wuxie yet to make a choice.


    Roughly an hourter, the eighty-seven students had picked their sses. The elite sses recruited four, the advanced sses recruited fifteen, and the rest were distributed among the elementary sses.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Liu Wuxie? He¡¯s not around?¡± It was customary for those in the top five to join the elite sses, but only four were epted this year. That left Liu Wuxie, who had topped the assessment.


    ¡°What¡¯s that fellow doing? Why isn¡¯t he taking his pick? That¡¯s the elite ss we¡¯re talking about! Star teachers will being to give lectures every week, something the other sses can¡¯t receive!¡± Students who joined the elementary sses expressed envy when they looked at Liu Wuxie, urging him to pick quickly.


    The students from the elite sses responsible for recruiting rushed over when they saw Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°You¡¯re Liu Wuxie, right? Join the Elite ss One!¡± Liu Kuo, addressed as ¡®Senior Brother Liu¡¯ by Bai Yu, rushed over with a form, urging Liu Wuxie to fill it out quickly. Many students dreamed of joining the Elite ss One as it was a gathering ce for geniuses of the Imperial Academy.


    ¡°Junior Brother Liu, join the Elite ss Two! We might not beparable to the Elite ss One, but we¡¯re no weaker than them. Our Elite ss Two boasts three geniuses on the Earth Ranking!¡± In terms of overall strength, the Elite ss Two ranked above the Elite ss One.


    ¡°Junior Brother, you shoulde to the Elite ss Three. I guarantee that you will receive the best resources.¡± The recruiters from Elite ss Three also made their pitch. The three students from the elite sses encircled Liu Wuxie, each eager to have him join their ranks. After all, it was a rare urrence to encounter someone who had topped all three rounds.


    ¡°I appreciate the offers, but I¡¯ve decided on Advanced ss Seven,¡± Liu Wuxie responded with a shrug, announcing his choice.


    ¡°What?!¡± Everyone was stumped when they heard Liu Wuxie¡¯s choice. After all, no one expected Liu Wuxie to give up the opportunity to join the elite sses and choose Advanced ss Seven instead.


    ¡°Thatzy Advanced ss Seven?¡± The crowd was perplexed. Advanced ss Seven had only recruited one student this time, fewer than even the elementary sses, and the student in charge of recruitment seemed on the verge of dozing off.


    Advanced ss Seven was notorious within the Imperial Academy, and the lone student who had joined was already moring to switch sses.


    ¡°Is he insane? Wouldn¡¯t he be ruined if someone of his talent joined Advanced ss Seven?¡± Many people, including Xue Pinzhi, were baffled by Liu Wuxie¡¯s choice.


    Xue Pinzhi had anticipated that Liu Wuxie would join Elite ss One and had been strategizing ordingly. However, he couldn¡¯t suppress a smile upon hearing Liu Wuxie¡¯s decision. If Liu Wuxie joined Advanced ss Seven, it would present an opportunity for Xue Pinzhi to eliminate him.


    There was an uproar in the surroundings as everyone was baffled by Liu Wuxie¡¯s choice.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, exin why you¡¯re giving up on Elite ss One!¡± Liu Kuo was furious. In the past, people had vied for a spot in Elite ss One, but this year he had been snubbed. He felt slighted that Liu Wuxie had shown him no respect.


    ¡°No exnation needed!¡± Liu Wuxie shrugged. He had just joined the Imperial Academy and didn¡¯t want to make too many enemies. Furthermore, he never liked exining himself to others.


    ¡°Brat, all three of our elite sses extended an invitation to you. You didn¡¯t just reject one of us, you rejected all three. Are you belittling us?¡± The recruiter for Elite ss Two asked, his expression dark and his tone unfriendly.


    ¡°Uhm...¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s expression stiffened. They were either overly sensitive or had an inted sense of self-importance. Was it really that strange to decline an offer? Who made the rule that the top scorer in the assessment had to join the elite sses?


    ¡°You may not know, but this brat was extremely arrogant during the assessment. He not only took a life but also severed the tendons of more than ten individuals. So, you should exercise caution when considering him for recruitment, lest he wreak havoc on everyone.¡± Xue Pinzhi wasted no time in fanning the mes, revealing Liu Wuxie¡¯s past actions.


    ¡°I see...thank you for the heads up, Senior Brother Xue!¡± Liu Kuo cupped his fists at Xue Pinzhi for the warning.


    As Liu Kuo and Xue Pinzhi conversed, Liu Wuxie noticed that Xue Pinzhi was subtly hinting at Liu Kuo, making things difficult for him with their well-coordinated act.


    ¡°In the history of the Imperial Academy, the top five have always joined the elite sses. If he chooses not to, it¡¯s tantamount to disrespecting the elite sses. In that case, our only option is to incapacitate him.¡± Liu Kuo turned to the students from the other two elite sses, quickly reaching a unanimous decision.


    If they couldn¡¯t recruit Liu Wuxie, they would have to eliminate him. It was a harsh and straightforward approach, as the three elite sses wouldn¡¯t allow students from other sses to outshine them, threatening their elite status.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s talent was extraordinary, and if he joined the advanced sses and surpassed the elite sses, it would be a humiliation to the elite sses. Thus, how could students from elite sses possibly ept being surpassed by mediocre students?


    ¡°So, you¡¯re all nning to make a move?¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s gaze turned icy as he looked at Xue Pinzhi. Thetter had been a constant thorn in his side, unting his connections within the academy to suppress him. This wasrgely due to Xue Pinzhi¡¯s status as a Profound Grade student and a member of the Xue n, which naturally made others eager to curry favor with him.


    ¡°If you¡¯re willing to kneel and confess that you¡¯re nothing more than trash, which is why you forfeited the chance to join the elite sses, we might consider letting you off the hook,¡± Liu Kuo proposed with a smirk. As long as Liu Wuxie was prepared to humble himself, Liu Kuo was willing to let him go.


    ¡°That¡¯s right! Go down on your knees!¡± The students from the other two elite sses chimed in, thrilled at the prospect of seeing the assessment¡¯s top scorer brought to his knees. The thought of witnessing such a spectacle filled them with a sense of superiority.


    There weren¡¯t many people supporting Liu Wuxie among the students present. The unexpected change of teacher had made the assessment significantly more challenging. Although they had managed to pass, they had depleted their true essence, and some had sustained injuries. Consequently, their resentment towards Liu Wuxie was palpable.


    ¡°Brat, kneel!¡± Themand echoed through the crowd of over a hundred people as they had never seen something like this before.


    Xue Pinzhi smirked at this scene. It just so happened that he had some ties with Bai Qiong, who had agreed to lend a hand after Xue Pinzhi exined the situation. If Liu Wuxie were to be incapacitated, the title of the assessment¡¯s top scorer would naturally fall to the next in line, Bai Yu, along with the apanying rewards.


    This was their motive for suppressing Liu Wuxie. Even if Liu Wuxie were to join Elite ss One, they intended to make his life difficult.


    Xue Pinzhi had orchestrated everything from the beginning, and there was no escaping this predicament for Liu Wuxie, regardless of his choice. The rewards this year were too enticing, and Bai Yu¡¯s performance had outshone Yu Yifan¡¯s. If Liu Wuxie were to be eliminated, the rewards from the three rounds would naturally go to Bai Yu.


    There was no reason for Liu Kuo to refuse such a substantial reward. Even if Liu Wuxie was strong, he was only in the fifth-level Xiantian Realm, while the weakest students in the elite sses were in the ninth-level Xiantian Realm.


    ¡°Xue Pinzhi, you¡¯re behind all this, aren¡¯t you?¡± Liu Wuxie asked calmly, his gaze fixed on Xue Pinzhi, who had been targeting him since the first round of the assessment.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, I advise you to leave the Imperial Academy obediently!¡± Xue Pinzhi¡¯s lips curled into a mocking smile, not denying what Liu Wuxie said. In his opinion, Liu Wuxie was too tender to contend with him, and outsiders were oblivious to the deep-rooted influence of the Xue n within the Imperial Academy.


    ¡°What if I refuse?¡± Liu Wuxie responded with a devilish smile, his eyes locked on Xue Pinzhi. He had tolerated Xue Pinzhi¡¯s antics for far too long, and now that his patience had worn thin, he saw no reason to hold back.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have a choice!¡± Xue Pinzhi replied with a smirk.


    In the blink of an eye, Liu Wuxie disappeared, followed by the sound of a resounding p and a cry of pain echoing through the hall.

 Chapter 112 - Joining The Academy Officially

    <h4>Chapter 112 - Joining The Academy Officially</h4>


    Everything unfolded too abruptly. When everyone came to their senses, Xue Pinzhi was like a broken kite mming into a corner of the hall with a miserable scream and buzzing sound produced by the impact.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, I¡¯ll kill you!¡± Xue Pinzhi rose from the ground, half his face swollen. Liu Wuxie¡¯s attack had been sudden and swift, his speed rivaling those in the high echelons of the Spirit Cleansing Realm. It was no wonder Xue Pinzhi had been unable to evade it.


    ¡°I refrained from hitting you earlier because I wasn¡¯t a student of the Imperial Academy then. Now, we¡¯re both students, and the academy doesn¡¯t forbid fights. If you dare to prance around me like a monkey again, do you believe I won¡¯t p you to death?¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s words wereced with a potent murderous intent that filled the hall, causing many Xiantian Realm students to tremble in fear.


    Liu Wuxie was like a god of war, as the murderous intent he gave off was enough to affect someone¡¯s sanity. He had finally exploded after bearing it for two days. Did Xue Pinzhi think that he was a pushover?


    It wasn¡¯t convenient for Liu Wuxie to make a move before he became a student at the Imperial Academy. But now, it was different. Fan Yeping had said that the academy didn¡¯t prohibit fights as long as there weren¡¯t any deaths. Liu Wuxie could easily kill trash like Xue Pinzhi with a p, no matter how many of them came at him.


    Liu Kuo and the other students were stumped, unable toprehend what had happened.


    ¡°Is he insane to p Xue Pinzhi in public? Does he not want to stay in the academy anymore?!¡± An uproar exploded in the hall as Xue Pinzhi wiped the blood off his lips and slowly approached Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Not only did he reject the elite sses, but he even pped Xue Pinzhi. Let¡¯s see how he¡¯ll deal with this situation.¡± Gloating voices came from the crowd as Liu Wuxie had practically offended everyone who had just joined the Imperial Academy as a student.


    Not only did he offend the three elite sses, but he also pped Xue Pinzhi. This was akin to pping the Xue n itself, meaning that his future in the Imperial Academy would be gloomy.


    Chen Leyao covered her mouth in shock at Liu Wuxie¡¯s audacious act of pping Xue Pinzhi. The surrounding crowd spected on how Liu Wuxie would handle this crisis. He had managed to avoid trouble on several asions, but his luck seemed to have run out. Xue Pinzhi was likely to join forces with the elite sses to bring Liu Wuxie down.


    Bai Yu and Liu Kuo were engaged in a covert conversation. Their discussion was unknown to all except Liu Wuxie, who wore a smirk on his face. While others were oblivious to their conversation, Liu Wuxie, skilled in lip reading, was privy to their discussion.


    Liu Kuo nodded and stepped forward, dering, ¡°Brat, you¡¯re dead now. How dare you assault a Profound Grade student and reject the elite sses¡¯ offer. I will cripple you today!¡±


    As expected, Liu Kuo wasn¡¯t going to let Liu Wuxie off the hook easily. If he could cripple Liu Wuxie, the reward for topping the assessment would go to Bai Yu.


    The students from the other two elite sses surrounding Liu Wuxie also stepped forward. They had reached some kind of agreement that each ss would share Liu Wuxie¡¯s rewards. After all, there were three, and each ss could obtain one.


    A murderous smile yed on Liu Wuxie¡¯s lips as he looked at the elite ss students, including Bai Yu. His right hand reached for his interspatial pouch. Since he couldn¡¯t kill them, he decided he would sever their tendons instead, ensuring they would kneel before him in the future.


    ¡°Who dares touch the student from my Advanced ss Seven?!¡± a cold bark echoed, interrupting everyone. Two students, representing Advanced ss Seven, emerged from the crowd. One was tall and hefty, the other short and lean, presenting a stark contrast. Their unkempt appearance was in line with the reputation of Advanced ss Seven.


    ¡°Zhao Cheng, Li Shengsheng, you two think you can stop us?¡± Liu Kuo¡¯s gaze fell on the mismatched pair, hisughter filled with contempt. After all, the performance of Advanced ss Seven was barely above that of the elementary sses, even if they weren¡¯t at the very bottom. The elite ss students were formidable, and Xue Pinzhi was among them. These two students stood no chance against them.


    ¡°We may not be able to stop you, but this can!¡± Li Shengsheng dragged his plump body forward and took out a medal, mming it onto the table.


    ¡°The Teacher Token!¡± Liu Kuo¡¯s expression shifted at the sight of the token. This was the emblem of a first-ss teacher, and its presencemanded the same respect as the teacher himself.


    While ordinary teachers taught the Earth Grade, first-ss teachers taught the Profound Grade, and star teachers taught the Heaven Grade. However, Advanced ss Seven was unique as their teacher, despite being qualified to teach the Profound Grade, Advanced ss Seven was unique as their teacher chose to teach the Earth Grade instead.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. This is the token of our teacher. He¡¯s busy and doesn¡¯t have the time to teach us, and we¡¯re tasked to handle the various affairs of the ss. ording to the academy¡¯s rules, seeing the token was the same as seeing the teacher. Let me see who dares touch the students of our Advanced ss Seven!¡± Li Shengsheng¡¯s voice was loud and prative, with a hint of emotions.


    <i>Bullshit. Busy? I bet he¡¯s taking a nap somewhere! </i>Liu Kuo nearly fell over upon hearing that. He only dared to think about it and not blurt it out.


    ¡°Junior Brother, you don¡¯t have to worry about it. Once you join Advanced ss Seven, we will be one family in the future. With Teacher Jin on our side, we¡¯ll stand up to anyone who dares to bully us!¡± Ignoring Liu Kuo¡¯s fierce re, Li Shengsheng tiptoed to pat Liu Wuxie¡¯s shoulder. Advanced ss Seven was known for their unity andid-back attitude.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s forehead creased as he looked at the rotund figure before him. This person reminded him of Song Ling from Azure Billow City; the resemnce was striking.


    ¡°Thank you, Senior Brother Li!¡± Liu Wuxie was grateful for Li Shengsheng¡¯s support and cupped his fists together to express his gratitude. Meanwhile, Zhao Cheng had already filled out the forms, officially making Liu Wuxie a student of Advanced ss Seven.


    ¡°Junior Brother, let¡¯s go. The rewards will be distributed tomorrow, and I¡¯ll take you to your dormitory!¡± Ignoring the hostile stares from Liu Kuo and Xue Pinzhi, Li Shengsheng took Liu Wuxie by the arm and exited the hall, leaving everyone else in a state of shock.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you intervene, Senior Brother Liu?¡± Bai Yu asked, puzzled. As a new student, it would be problematic for him to confront Liu Wuxie at this point, especially since he had no personal conflict with him. He couldn¡¯t act without a valid reason, but the situation was different for Liu Kuo.


    ¡°Junior Brother Bai, you may not be aware, but the teacher from Advanced ss Seven is notorious for being fiercely protective of his students. He¡¯s a handful because he won¡¯t hesitate to discipline anyone who bullies his students, regardless of their age.¡± This was why Liu Kuo refrained from intervening. As long as they remained in the Imperial Academy, they would find ways to deal with Liu Wuxie in the future andpel him to fight. If they could coerce Liu Wuxie into epting a challenge, even the teachers wouldn¡¯t be able to intervene.


    With that, the ruckus ended, with Xue Pinzhi feeling aggrieved. Just as he was about to take action, Li Shengsheng stepped in and whisked Liu Wuxie away, causing him to grind his teeth in frustration, his cheek still swollen.


    ¡°Senior Brother Xue, we¡¯ll be taking our leave now!¡± Liu Kuo held back hisughter and left with everyone from Elite ss One. Gradually, the hall quieted down as the other students also began to leave, leaving Xue Pinzhi alone in the hall.


    As they navigated through a series of low-rise buildings, Zhao Cheng and Li Shengsheng continued their introduction without pause. They had managed to recruit a student earlier, but that student had requested a ss change after learning about Advanced ss Seven. This meant that Liu Wuxie was the only student they had sessfully recruited.


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t interrupt them as he had executed the Ghost Eye to observe the entire Imperial Academy, which was much bigger than he had imagined.


    ¡°Junior Liu, the Profound Grade is located in that area. It¡¯s best not to venture there unless necessary,¡± they advised as they walked on a tform that provided a view of over half of the Imperial Academy, which was divided into several regions.


    The Earth Grade was located at the outermost region of the academy, with a rtively elegant environment. Towering trees and spacious training grounds allowed students to practice their martial techniques.


    The direction Li Shengsheng pointed to was on the right. This was a massive region with an even better environment. As for the region for Heaven Grade students, Li Shengsheng didn¡¯t mention it, and Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t inquire. Every student who made it to the Heaven Grade was considered a prodigy and a valuable asset to the academy.


    Each semestersted two years. If students of the Earth Grade failed their test, they would be sent back to their hometowns or enter the military.


    They finally reached the dormitory after an hour of walking. The Earth Grade¡¯s dormitories were concentrated together with buildings ranging from high to low. The treatment of students from the elite sses was naturally better than students from elementary sses.


    ¡°Junior Brother Liu, here we are!¡± Pushing open the door to a courtyard, they entered a reasonably sized courtyard with a centuries-old tree nted in the middle.


    ¡°Thanks for your guidance!¡± Liu Wuxie expressed his gratitude, acknowledging that navigating the academy would have been challenging without their help.


    ¡°No need to be so polite with us. It¡¯s gettingte, and you should rest. We¡¯lle to fetch you for dinner,¡± Li Shengsheng responded warmly, having already formed a bond with Liu Wuxie. New students often needed assistance from their seniors to familiarize themselves with the environment.


    After bidding farewell to the two seniors, Liu Wuxie took a moment to survey the courtyard. The area was divided into four sections, with four Advanced ss students sharing a courtyard. For Elementary ss students, eight students shared a courtyard. Elite ss students enjoyed even better amodations, with only two students per courtyard.


    Upon entering the house, Liu Wuxie noted the modest size and simple furnishings, which included a bed, a table, and four chairs. The Imperial Academy¡¯s training grounds were divided into several areas, some of which required gold coins for entry.


    The Imperial Academy wasn¡¯t entirely free. Aside from the spirit stones that would be distributed to the students, there were expenses for the training rooms, and each usage came at a considerable cost. The guidance from teachers was mainly focused on theories, meaning students had torgely rely on self-study, as Li Shengsheng had exined.


    Aside from spending gold coins, students could also earn credits to exchange for resources. The Imperial Academy also boasted a library with books umted over several centuries, which were essible to students.


    Liu Wuxie now realized why people said that joining the Imperial Academy required a strong background. The expenses alone weren¡¯t something ordinary people could bear; just the knowledge taught by the teachers wasn¡¯t enough. The Imperial Academy provided a tform for everyone; the students could only rely on themselves to see how far they could go.

 Chapter 113 - Ill Be The Bad Person

    <h4>Chapter 113 - I''ll Be The Bad Person</h4>


    Liu Wuxie settled himself on the bed, crossing his legs. The environment of the Imperial Academy was vastly superior to that of Azure Billow City, with the density of spiritual energy being ten times greater.


    When Liu Wuxie circted the Deste Devouring Art, he devoured all the spiritual energy in the courtyard. This left him with no choice but to use Origin Yang Pills and Heavenly Spirit Pills to aid in his cultivation. He was concerned that he might draw panic if he continued to devour the surrounding spiritual energy.


    When the sky turned dark, students gradually returned to their residences.


    Deep in the Imperial Academy was a courtyard with two mats on the floor. A breathtakingly beautifuldy immersed in her meditation sat on one of them. She was enveloped in a faint glow that made her shimmer.


    Right then, ady dressed in yellow came in, interrupting the meditation of thedy seated on the mat. When thedy on the mat opened her eyes, her long eyshes were adorned with dew-like droplets that made her look charming as they glittered.


    ¡°Senior Sister Xu, I inquired about the Nine Stars Illumination as you instructed!¡± Thedy dressed in yellow bowed respectfully upon entering the courtyard. Thedy addressed as ¡®Senior Sister Xu¡¯ stood up, her every movement radiating grace and elegance, inciting a sense of admiration in thedy dressed in yellow.


    ¡°You have done well, Junior Sister Yao. Share your findings with me.¡± A melodious voice came from thedy known as ¡®Senior Sister Xu.¡¯


    ¡°Not only did a Nine Star Illumination appear in this year¡¯s assessment, but he even managed to clear the Profound Gate Pass!¡± Thedy in yellow shared what she found out with excitement on her face. Initially skeptical, she had confirmed the information through various means before returning.


    ¡°Was it all done by one person?¡± The beautifuldy raised her head, and each movement exuded charm.


    ¡°Yeah. He got first ce in all three rounds, breaking the academy''s record!¡± Thedy in yellow nodded. Since the establishment of the Imperial Academy, no one had managed to obtain first ce in all three rounds of assessment, making Liu Wuxie the first person to do so.


    A prodigy of such caliber would naturally draw the attention of the academy¡¯s higher-ups, with many teachers eager to take him under their wing. However, strangely enough, since Liu Wuxie¡¯s arrival at the academy, there had been an unusual calm, with no teacher stepping forward.


    The Nine Stars Illumination was too rare; itbeled someone as a genius and trash at the same time. When the teachers in the academy learned about it, they would rather give up on a genius like him than take trash in.


    ¡°Senior Sister, I heard this person also came from Azure Billow City like you.¡± Just when the beautifuldy fell into deep thoughts, thedy in yellow whispered as she came forth. The information about Liu Wuxie had long been spread around in the academy.


    ¡°He¡¯s also from Azure Billow City?¡± The beautifuldy raised her brow. She asked with anticipation, ¡°What¡¯s his name?¡±


    She practically knew all the geniuses in the Azure Billow City. If this person also came from the Azure Billow City, how could she not know about it?


    ¡°I heard his name is Liu Wuxie, the son-inw of the Xu n. I¡¯m not sure about the specifics, but it seems he has a feud with the Xue n. During the assessment, a disciple from the Xue n tried to make things difficult for him multiple times and even attempted to kill him. But he persevered through everything and even pped that disciple from the Xue n. During the assessment, a teacher was even punished because of him, and he crippled over a dozen participants by severing their leg tendons.¡±


    Thedy in yellow didn¡¯t notice that when she mentioned Liu Wuxie, the beautifuldy¡¯s body subtly trembled, her eyes gleaming with joy. She seemed to be filled with an immediate desire to seek out Liu Wuxie.


    As the twodies talked, they were oblivious to the presence of another individual in the courtyard.


    ¡°An arrogant person like him will lose his life sooner orter in the Imperial Academy!¡± A roar interrupted the twodies, especially thedy in yellow, who trembled.


    ¡°I offer my greetings to Headmaster Baili!¡±


    ¡°Master!¡± The twodies paid their respects quickly. The woman who entered the courtyard was Baili Qing, who had also received information about Liu Wuxie. As for the beautifuldy, she was naturally Xu Lingxue, and she had been cultivating in the academy since she was brought away two months ago.


    Thedy in yellow nced at Xu Lingxue and bowed before fleeing the courtyard.


    ¡°Do you want to see him?¡± Baili Qing asked when she was the only one in the courtyard with Xu Lingxue.


    ¡°He¡¯s my husband in name, after all!¡± Xu Lingxue whispered, biting her lips. She was naturally happy that Liu Wuxie was no longer trash.


    ¡°Xue¡¯er, I don¡¯t mean to be harsh, but his future achievements will be limited even if he can cultivate with the Nine Stars Illumination constitution. Perhaps this might already be the highest peak of his life,¡± Baili Qing sighed.


    Xu Lingxue lowered her head in silence upon hearing that.


    ¡°I understand this may seem cruel to you. Since that¡¯s the case, let me be the bad person. With your talent and Jade Maiden Constitution, your cultivation will progress rapidly with the Jade Maiden Heart Sutra in the academy. Even the Great Yan Dynasty might not be able to hold you. I hope you can understand my intentions,¡± Baili Qing said, shouldering all the responsibility herself.


    ¡°Master, don¡¯t say no more. Let things take their natural course!¡± Xu Lingxue¡¯s heart was in turmoil, and she didn¡¯t know what to do now. She hoped that time would prove everything. After all, it remained an unchangeable fact that she was Liu Wuxie¡¯s wife in name.


    As Liu Wuxie departed his home, Zhao Cheng was preupied with urgent matters and couldn¡¯t make it that evening. Only Li Shengsheng arrived as agreed.


    ¡°Junior Brother Liu, let¡¯s go grab dinner!¡± The two walked towards the Imperial Academy¡¯s dining hall. It was mealtime, and many students were on their way.


    ¡°Those in blue are Earth Grade students, those in purple are Profound Grade students, and those in white are Heaven Grade students...¡± Li Shengsheng said, pointing to the students donned in different colored clothes.


    Advanced ss Seven was a distinct entity, characterized by a small student body and an indifferent teacher. In recent years, they had struggled to attract new students, and even fewer showed up for meals. Most would either remain in their courtyards or leave the academy for training.


    The dining hall was vast, capable of amodating over ten thousand individuals at once, and was sectioned into various areas. The students in blue formed the majority, followed by those in purple, while the ones in white were few and far between, often encircled by followers.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go there!¡± Li Shengsheng pointed to the left, where there was an empty spot. Most students had their preferred spots, but those from Advanced ss Seven didn¡¯t, as they rarely frequented the dining hall.


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t want toe initially as he still had many Heavenly Spirit Pills on him and could rely on them to abstain from eating. Cultivators mainly absorbed spiritual energy, and only those who reached the True Core Realm could abstain from eating. The next best choice was to consume pills and absorb the spiritual energy in the pills to sustain their vitality. Consuming food was least desirable as it contained a lot of impurities.


    However, Liu Wuxie had just arrived and needed to get acquainted with his new environment. Li Shengsheng had extended the invitation with good intentions, and it would have been impolite to decline.


    ¡°Fatty, get lost! Who allowed you toe here?¡± A tter of utensils hitting the floor caused a stir, drawing the attention of many.


    Li Shengsheng walked over coincidentally as this ce was rather spacious, but they didn¡¯t expect a conflict to ur.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go there. Fights often happen here,¡± Li Shengsheng remarked, seemingly unfazed by the scene. He was ustomed to the frequent instances of upperssmen bullying their juniors.


    Liu Wuxie nodded, preferring to avoid the conflict, and followed Li Shengsheng to another ce.


    ¡°I¡¯ll leave right away!¡± A voice sounded, causing Liu Wuxie to furrow his brow. His view of the situation was obstructed by the crowd.


    ¡°I said to roll out of here, not walk. Do you understand?¡± In the center of themotion was a chubby individual with food stains on his clothing, surrounded by five young men in blue robes who wereughing heartily.


    Many people took pleasure in bullying the weak. There were tens of thousands of students in the Imperial Academy, and such incidents urred almost daily. However, forcing the chubby student to roll away was a step too far, especially with so many onlookers.


    A burst ofughter came from the surroundings, but no one came forward to stop the ruckus.


    ¡°D-Don¡¯t push it!¡± The chubby student, seething with anger, put down his utensils, his body shaking with rage. He had endured countless humiliations despite only being at the academy for a few days. This wasrgely due to his low cultivation level. He was the first student to be admitted to the academy at the Houtian Realm level since its inception.


    The chubby student was only in the seventh-level Houtian Realm, and even the misceneous staff in the academy had a higher cultivation than him.


    ¡°So what if we¡¯re pushing it? Don¡¯t me us for not being polite if you¡¯re not going to roll on the ground!¡± The five youthsughed, with everyone in the surroundings cheering them on by using their tes as a drum.


    The chubby student¡¯s anger intensified, his body shaking even more. He had been putting up with them as his cultivation was low.


    As themotion escted, Liu Wuxie abruptly halted, prompting Li Shengsheng to do the same.


    ¡°Junior Brother Liu, what¡¯s the matter?¡± Li Shengsheng inquired, subtly hinting that it would be best for Liu Wuxie to avoid getting involved as the instigators were not to be trifled with.


    ¡°I heard a familiar voice. Senior Brother Li, wait here for me,¡± Liu Wuxie responded before making his way towards the crowd. However, the throng of spectators had formedyers of circles, making it difficult to see what was happening.


    Upon squeezing his way through, Liu Wuxie caught sight of a rotund figure with his back turned, confronted by five young men who were demanding that he roll out of the dining hall.


    ¡°Screw you!¡± Unable to contain his anger any longer, the chubby student charged forward, despite the risk of injury.


    ¡°Brat, you¡¯re courting death!¡± The five young men were furious. Upon hearing that the elite sses were provoked, they were in a foul mood today. Thus, they wanted to vent their frustration on this fatty by trampling on him.


    By the time Liu Wuxie attempted to intervene, it was toote. The chubby student was sent flying away with a p by the young man in the center before he could even close in on him. The student drew an arc in mid-air and crashed into the crowd,nding right at Liu Wuxie¡¯s feet with his left cheek swollen, making his already chubby face even bigger.


    As hey on the ground, the chubby student looked up and recognized a familiar face. Thinking he was hallucinating, he struggled to his feet and called out, ¡°Big Brother!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s me.¡± A cold light shot out from Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes as he looked at the five young men across.

 Chapter 114 - Retard

    <h4>Chapter 114 - Retard</h4>


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t expect to encounter Song Ling here under these circumstances. The chubby student lying on the ground was the young master of Azure Billow City¡¯s Song n, Song Ling.


    Liu Wuxie hadn¡¯t seen him during the assessment. Furthermore, it seemed like Song Ling had been in the academy for a few days. He reached out to help Song Ling rise, brushed the dirt off his clothes without a hint of revulsion, and even offered him a reassuring look.


    ¡°Big Brother, they¡¯re strong. Let¡¯s leave this ce!¡± Song Ling was aware of Liu Wuxie¡¯s abilities, but these people were students of the elite sses, which meant they were strong. So, it was best to avoid unnecessary trouble.


    ¡°Senior Brother Hu, this is the brat that refused our invitation to the elite ss. Senior Bai even said that he¡¯ll reward five third-grade pills to whoever cripples this brat today!¡± Among the group of five young men, the one on the far right stepped out. He had been present in the afternoon and recognized Liu Wuxie.


    This revtion incensed them, making them feel as if the elite sses were being challenged, putting their prestige at risk.


    Hu Jihua was initially taken aback, but then a smile spread across his face. He hadn¡¯t expected such a stroke of good fortune. Not long ago, Bai Qiong had put a bounty on crippling Liu Wuxie. If Liu Wuxie were to be crippled, the rewards that were rightfully his would go to Bai Yu. This was because the next day, the rewards would fall into Liu Wuxie¡¯s hands, and there would be nothing Bai Qiong could do about it.


    Thepetition in the academy was far more severe than Liu Wuxie had imagined.


    ¡°Kid, your luck has run out. The heavens are favoring me!¡± Hu Jihuaughed as he and the four other young men encircled Liu Wuxie and Song Ling, blocking any escape routes for Liu Wuxie.


    The crowd around them swelled as word of the Nine Stars Illumination spread across the academy. Liu Wuxie, a prodigy with an imperfect constitution, naturally drew everyone¡¯s attention.


    ¡°Is this the kid who triggered the Nine Stars Illumination and passed the Profound Gate?¡± murmurs rippled through the crowd as all eyes turned to Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°He looks ordinary. He¡¯s just in the fifth-level Xiantian Realm, and many students are in the same cultivation realm as him in the academy.¡± The discussions were unfavorable to Liu Wuxie. After all, it was natural for a genius to incur everyone''s envy.


    Facing the surrounding mockery, Liu Wuxie maintained his indifference and looked at the five young men calmly.


    ¡°Big Brother, go on without me!¡± Song Ling urged Liu Wuxie, not wanting to be a burden to him.


    This naturally moved Liu Wuxie, as Song Ling was his first friend since his transmigration to the True Martial Continent. He couldn¡¯t just stand by while his friend was in trouble.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, nothing will happen to me!¡± Liu Wuxie reassured Song Ling. The Houtian Realm was too insignificant in the Imperial Academy, and it was unclear if Song Ling could survive there. This left Liu Wuxie puzzled about his friend¡¯s admission to the academy, given that Song Ling¡¯s talent might not even get him through the initial assessment round.


    Hu Jihua pressed on as he stepped forth, already three steps away from Liu Wuxie. The five of them were all in the seventh-level Xiantian Realm, and they were like Xu Lingxue, recruited into the academy by teachers in the first half of the year without needing an assessment.


    ¡°Brat, if you cripple your cultivation and be my dog, I might consider sparing your life!¡± Hu Jihua sneered, nning to cripple Liu Wuxie¡¯s cultivation.


    The Imperial Academy wouldn¡¯t ept trash, and if someone¡¯s cultivation was crippled, they could only leave the academy. Given Liu Wuxie¡¯s recent situation, he would be killed before he could even leave the ten-mile-long path.


    Hu Jihua¡¯s arrogance was evident as he spoke about his intention to cripple Liu Wuxie¡¯s cultivation. This was a trait that had be ingrained in his character over time due to his habitual arrogance.


    Right then, Li Shengsheng walked over. He was also in the seventh-level Xiantian Realm, and his chances of sess against the five young men were slim.


    ¡°Senior Brother Li, is there a penalty for crippling someone¡¯s cultivation in the academy?¡± Liu Wuxie asked suddenly, a smile on his face as he turned to Li Shengsheng. The slight curl of his lips was a clear indication of his anger.


    ¡°If it¡¯s a fair fight, only ten credits would be deducted at most,¡± Li Shengsheng replied honestly. The Imperial Academy mainly used credits as fees for the various services in the academy. In a nutshell, the more the credits, the better. One credit was also equivalent to 100,000 gold coins. This meant that crippling someone was equivalent to 1,000,000 gold coins, and this was the only way the academy could prevent a life-and-death battle, as not everyone could fork out 1,000,000 gold coins.


    This was Liu Wuxie¡¯s first day in the Imperial Academy, and he still had no credits. This meant that he had to earn credits as soon as possible. He asked, ¡°Senior Brother Li, how many credits do you have?¡±


    The sudden question left Li Shengsheng baffled. Having spent over a year in the Imperial Academy, he had amassed a considerable amount of credit. He replied, ¡°About sixty.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s enough!¡± Liu Wuxie abruptly vanished, leaving everyone puzzled as to how he disappeared.


    A session of loud crashes echoed as five bodies were hurled out, colliding with the dining hall¡¯s tables and chairs, causing pandemonium among the crowd. Liu Wuxie had acted without any forewarning.


    Liu Wuxie was someone who acted ording to his wishes, and he was never a merciful person. The five young meny on the ground as they wailed in pain. Everything took ce too quickly. Before anyone could even react, Hu Jihua¡¯s group of five had suffered a rupture in their dantian, their true essence seeping out, and their cultivation was crippled.


    Li Shengsheng¡¯s mouth was wide open, and the battle ended before he could even have the chance to speak. He had intended to caution Liu Wuxie against tangling with the elite sses, fearing it wouldplicate his academy life.


    But Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t someone who would listen to such advice. Since his friend was pped, how could he let this matter rest so easily?


    ¡°Senior Brother Li, cover the fifty credits for me first. I will pay you back when I earn credits.¡± Liu Wuxie casually suggested, brushing off his hands as if he had just performed a mundane task. To him, Hu Jihua¡¯s group of five was nothing more than rubbish.


    Li Shengsheng wore a wry smile. He wasn¡¯t particrly concerned about his credits; he could always earn more if he ran out. Besides, he hailed from a prosperous family. The amount was trivial for arge n, though it might be a significant sum for a smaller n in Azure Billow City.


    ¡°Someone¡¯s dead! Students of the elite sses are dead!¡± The surroundings erupted into chaos as students who were dining scattered out and spread the news. It didn¡¯t take long before news of students from elite sses being killed spread throughout the Imperial Academy.


    The hierarchy was strict in the True Martial Continent. Students from elite sses were followed by a crowd wherever they went, and Liu Wuxie had just crippled the cultivation of five students from the elite sses in one go. Thus, everyone naturally felt like the heavens were about to copse.


    ¡°Big Brother, what should we do now?¡± Song Ling panicked, his face bing pale with fright. He wasn¡¯t worried about himself but feared it might implicate Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°I¡¯ll bear the responsibility for it, and it has nothing to do with you!¡± Liu Wuxie assured Song Ling with a signal. If the situation were grave, Li Shengsheng¡¯s expression might have altered, but given his calm demeanor, it seemed unlikely.


    The surrounding students retreated and didn¡¯t dare to get too close to Liu Wuxie, fearing they might be implicated in this mess. Numerous elite ss students were also dining in the vicinity.


    At that moment, a group hurriedly approached, likely alerted by someone.


    ¡°It¡¯s Senior Brother Bai! He¡¯s also dining here, and this brat is finished!¡± An uproar came from the surrounding area as Bai Qiong, a Spirit Cleansing Realm cultivator and a prodigy on the Earth Ranking, was spotted. There were thousands of students in the Earth Grade, and the fact that he could make it into the top ten proved that he was extraordinary.


    Bai Yu trailed behind Bai Qiong, who likely brought his younger brother here to familiarize him with the surroundings. They were quick to respond when they heard about the elite ss students being crippled.


    As Bai Qiong and over a dozen students appeared about ten steps away from Liu Wuxie, everyone automatically made way for them. Their faces darkened as they nced at Hu Jihua¡¯s group of five. Injuring Hu Jihua, who was considered Bai Qiong¡¯s underling, was akin to pping Bai Qiong¡¯s face.


    ¡°Brat, how dare you cripple the students of our elite sses! Why aren¡¯t you on your knees!¡± A youth emerged from behind Bai Qiong, pointing at Liu Wuxie and demanding that he kneel and apologize. If Liu Wuxie had waited for them to act, he would have been in deep trouble.


    While killing might have been forbidden in the academy, the academy wouldn¡¯t sacrifice another prodigy for a deceased one. The perpetrator would only be punished to a certain extent.


    Liu Wuxie paid no heed to the speaker, his focus solely on Bai Qiong. This was likely to be his first significant adversary since joining the academy. This individual was powerful and was due for a promotion in a few days.


    Previously, Hu Jihua had revealed that Bai Qiong had ced a bounty on crippling Liu Wuxie¡¯s cultivation, establishing a conflict between them even before their first encounter.


    ¡°Senior Brother Bai, you¡¯re in the Spirit Cleansing Realm. Surely you¡¯re not considering attacking Junior Brother Liu?¡± Li Shengsheng stepped forward, cautioning Bai Qiong against exploiting his superior cultivation to oppress the less powerful.


    ¡°Li Shengsheng, who do you think you are to speak in my presence?¡± Bai Qiong red at Li Shengsheng with a predatory gaze, effectively silencing him. His domineering attitude made it clear that someone from the advanced ss, like Li Shengsheng, had no right to address him.


    Suddenly, Liu Wuxie started pping, his eyes twinkling with mischief as he looked at Bai Qiong. Given his existing feud with the Xue n, he wouldn¡¯t hesitate to cripple another person. After all, he had already offended the elite sses and was prepared for the ensuing challenges. Adding one more enemy to the list wouldn¡¯t make much of a difference.


    ¡°Brat, what are youughing at?¡± Bai Qiong examined Liu Wuxie. Bai Yu had briefed him about Liu Wuxie earlier in the day, informing him of Liu Wuxie¡¯s agility and how no ordinary Spirit Cleansing Realm experts could match him.


    ¡°I¡¯mughing at a retard like you!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s reply was beyond everyone¡¯s expectations as he was the first person to mock an expert ranked ninth on the Earth Ranking in public.

 Chapter 115 - Get Lost

    <h4>Chapter 115 - Get Lost</h4>


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s response made Li Shengsheng stagger and almost fall over. After all, Liu Wuxie was probably the first person who dared mock someone ranked ninth on the Earth Grade as a retard.


    Oddly enough, Bai Qiong didn¡¯t show any signs of anger. Instead, he wore a savage smile as if he were staring at a corpse, seeing no need to stoop to the level of a dead man.


    ¡°You have sessfully enraged me. Since my admission to the Imperial Academy, no one who has incited my wrath has lived to tell the tale, and you won¡¯t be an exception!¡± Bai Qiong¡¯s response was as everyone had expected, brazenly revealing his murderous deeds within the academy, yet he remained unscathed.


    The surrounding atmosphere became suffocating, with Li Shengsheng growing anxious. He might have been able to intimidate Liu Kuo with the teacher¡¯s token, but it was futile against Bai Qiong, and he didn¡¯t know what to do next.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s ridicule of Bai Qiong wasn¡¯t unfounded. Given that he had the audacity to cripple someone like Hu Jihua, it implied that he could defend himself. So, wasn¡¯t it foolish of Bai Qiong to step forward at this moment? Bai Qiong was only in the fourth-level Spirit Cleansing Realm and had killed countless people in that cultivation.


    If Bai Qiong dared to make a move, Liu Wuxie could take his life easily, making an example out of him so that the Xue n would behave themselves for some time. After all, many descendants of the Xue n were around in the surroundings, waiting for Bai Qiong to make a move.


    The crowd began to swell, particrly as it was the peak dining hour. Numerous students from the elite sses materialized, observing from a safe distance.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± A youth d in a purple robe sauntered in. His demeanor was refined, and it was evident at first nce that he was well-educated. He directed his question to an Earth Grade student.


    The student whom he asked became nervous and excited. After all, the purple-robed youth was a Profound Grade student with no air around him. The student told the purple-robed youth everything that had just happened.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect to hear such news as soon as I returned. That kid is something else,¡± the purple-robed youth chuckled, cupping his fists at the student who exined the situation and walked towards the encirclement.


    The situation became more tense, but Bai Qiong didn¡¯t make a move. He simply gave a signal to the youth beside him. He seemed to believe that this first-level Spirit Cleansing Realm cultivator was more than capable of handling Liu Wuxie, who was in the fifth-level Xiantian Realm.


    As that youth stepped forth, he unleashed a terrifying power crushing down at Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°This brat is finished. Wei Shaodong might only be in the first-level Spirit Cleansing Realm, but he should not be underestimated!¡± Discussion sounded from the surroundings. The advancing youth was Wei Shaodong, a follower of Bai Qiong. While he might not be an expert on the Earth Ranking, he could be ced among the top five hundred Earth Grade students.


    ¡°Brat, you can die now!¡± Wei Shaodong roared.


    Li Shengsheng wanted to stop Wei Shaodong, but Liu Wuxie stopped him. After all, Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t need Li Shengsheng¡¯s help to deal with garbage like Wei Shaodong, and he intended to make an example of him.


    Just as Wei Shaodong¡¯s hand was poised to strike Liu Wuxie, a youth d in a purple robe materialized before Wei Shaodong. A potent aura emanated from him, causing the hundreds of onlookers to instinctively step back. The sight of the purple-robed youth standing at the center of the circle was a clear indication of his status as a Profound Grade student!


    A scream escaped from Wei Shaodong as he was sent hurtling through the air. His collision with the crowd caused an uproar and resulted in several broken bones. Judging by the severity of his injuries, his recovery would take anywhere from six months to a year.


    The unexpected turn of events caught everyone off guard, including Liu Wuxie. He was nning to act when a purple-robed youth appeared before him and sent Wei Shaodong flying away.


    Bai Qiong narrowed his eyes as he looked at the purple-robed youth with a hint of fear. He staggered and asked, ¡°Brother Zuo Hong, w-why are you here?¡±


    Despite his arrogance and ninth rank on the Earth Ranking among the Earth Grade, he was insignificant in the presence of Profound Grade students.


    Zuo Hong paid no heed to Bai Qiong and turned to approach Liu Wuxie. Without uttering a word, they embraced, and Zuo Hong gave Liu Wuxie a friendly pat on the back. With a wry smile, he asked, ¡°Why does trouble seem to follow you wherever you go?¡±


    Back in Zen City, Liu Wuxie had almost wreaked havoc. Now, having arrived at the Imperial Academy, he managed to antagonize the Xue n and engage in open conflict with students from the elite sses.


    After the event in Zen City, Liu Wuxie left in a hurry before they could even interact. That left regret in Zuo Hong¡¯s heart. He rushed to the Azure Billow City to find Liu Wuxie a few days ago to learn alchemy, only to learn that Liu Wuxie had left for the Imperial Academy when he reached the Azure Billow City.


    ¡°Thanks for the help, Brother Zuo!¡± Liu Wuxie smiled. He didn¡¯t regard Bai Qiong and hisckeys as significant threats. But that didn¡¯t mean he wasn¡¯t grateful for Zuo Hong¡¯s intervention.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need to be so polite between us!¡± Zuo Hong hammered Liu Wuxie¡¯s shoulder, telling thetter not to be too formal. They might not have a deep bond, but they admired each other, especially in alchemy.


    Liu Wuxie rubbed his nose and smiled bitterly. He knew his ns to eliminate Bai Qiong couldn¡¯t be executed.


    ¡°Bai Qiong, Liu Wuxie is a brother of mine. Do you think I won¡¯t eliminate you if you darey a finger on him?¡± Zuo Hong¡¯s facial expression changed when he turned around with murderous intent brewing in his eyes, starkly contrasting his earlier elegant appearance.


    No one expected that Zuo Hong would scold someone ranked ninth on the Earth Ranking for someone who had just joined the academy.


    Bai Qiong was so furious that he gritted his teeth, but he could only suck it up as he was weaker than Zuo Hong. He said, ¡°Brother Zuo is right. There are just some misunderstandings between us!¡±


    Bai Qiong was visibly seething as he spoke, his anger palpable to all present. His inability to harm Liu Wuxie with Zuo Hong present didn¡¯t imply that Zuo Hong would always be there to protect Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Get lost!¡± Zuo Hong waved his hand,manding Bai Qiong¡¯s group to leave.


    With that, Bai Qiong left with hisckeys, and the farce ended in a manner that no one had expected. Everyone also began to disperse as there was no longer a show to watch, returning to their tables to continue their meal. But they were discussing what had happened earlier and couldn¡¯t figure out why Zuo Hong wanted to protect Liu Wuxie even at the price of offending Bai Qiong.


    Bai Qiong would soon be promoted to a Profound Grade student, and he had a considerable background in the academy. Based on the humiliation he suffered today, he would take revenge for it. So, even if Zuo Hong would protect Liu Wuxie for the time being, he couldn¡¯t protect thetter for eternity.


    But Liu Wuxie ignored the surrounding discussions because he was confident that there weren¡¯t many people who could threaten his life in the Imperial Academy. Regardless of the circumstances, Zuo Hong had intervened out of goodwill. If Liu Wuxie were to tell Zuo Hong not to interfere, asserting that he could handle the situation himself, it might jeopardize their friendship.


    ¡°There are too many people here. I know a good ce to eat. Since it¡¯s your first day at the Imperial Academy, allow me tomemorate it.¡±


    After themotion, it was no longer conducive for them to remain and dine there. The attention, whether intentional or not, would make them feel uneasy.


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t reject it either. Zuo Hong had an extraordinary status, which Liu Wuxie could tell from the first day they met. He even asked Li Shengsheng about it, but thetter¡¯s information on Zuo Hong was limited. Just like that, the four left the dining hall.


    ¡°This is the region for Profound Grade students?¡± Li Shengsheng asked. This was his first time here, and he looked around like a country bumpkin. As for Song Ling, he was in deep shock with his mouth wide open, wondering if he was dreaming.


    Although the Imperial Academy did not restrict the students, Earth Grade students rarely ventured into the Profound Grade¡¯s region most of the time. There was a strict level of hierarchy, which often led to Earth Grade students being beaten up in the Profound Grade¡¯s region, which was why Earth Grade students wouldn¡¯t dare toe here. Likewise, it was rare for Profound Grade students to venture into the Heaven Grade¡¯s region as well.


    A massive inn appeared before them, built in the Profound Grade¡¯s region. The Profound Grade¡¯s region was evenrger than the Earth Grade, as each grade meant the difference in treatment and resources. If one managed to be a Heaven Grade student, their treatment would be even higher.


    ¡°I never expected an inn in the Profound Grade¡¯s region!¡± Li Shengsheng waved his hands around in excitement. After all, there were only some shops where students could use credits to exchange for daily necessities, but there weren¡¯t any restaurants.


    ¡°Several teachers established this restaurant. Many students dislike eating in the dining hall, which is why the restaurant was set up. It was to provide convenience for everyone,¡± Zuo Hong exined. After all, one would get bored if they ate at the dining hall daily, and it was only natural for students to crave a change in their culinary routine from time to time.


    ¡°Drunken Immortal House, this is a rather elegant name!¡± The group of four could see the four shining words from afar, and this inn seemed extraordinary as it was constructed in the bustling district of the Profound Grade¡¯s region.


    The Imperial City resembled a microcosm of a city; the academy was a one-stop destination for everything, epassing shops, restaurants, and more. Upon entering the Drunken Immortal House, the group of four could see that it was a three-story establishment. The ground floor served as amon hall for regr patrons. The second floor was a tad pricier, with each table ensconced within screen partitions for privacy. The third floorprised private rooms, primarily upied by Heaven Grade students and teachers, and the prices here were significantly steeper.


    Zuo Hong brought the three of them to the second floor, which was packed with people, and it was unexpected for the Drunken Immortal House to be so bustling. A waiter guided them and eventually found an avable table in a secluded spot.


    ¡°Brother Liu, we¡¯ll have to make do as I didn¡¯t make any reservation. I¡¯ll make it up to you in a few days,¡± Zuo Hong apologized in a somewhat embarrassed tone. After all, this spot wasn¡¯t great, with the back facing the door, and they couldn¡¯t enjoy the scenery outside from this table.


    ¡°Brother Zuo, there¡¯s no need to be so polite. This is fine,¡± Liu Wuxie said as he sat down, and he wasn¡¯t being overly courteous with Zuo Hong.


    They ordered a few signature dishes, which were soon served.


    ¡°Song Ling, why did youe to the Imperial Academy?¡± Liu Wuxie asked as he turned to look at Song Ling.


    The ruckus today was because of Song Ling, and Li Shengsheng was also curious why Liu Wuxie would offend Bai Qiong and cripple five students for someone in the Houtian Realm. Only those who were close friends would do something like that.

 Chapter 116 - Transfer

    <h4>Chapter 116 - Transfer</h4>


    Zuo Hong and Li Shengsheng both looked at Song Ling. After all, it was the first time they saw someone joining the Imperial Academy with a cultivation in the Houtian Realm.


    ¡°Half a month ago, the Song n received a recruitment letter from the Imperial Academy. They were seeking prodigies in the field of spiritual arrays, and I was selected,¡± Song Ling exined. The Song n was renowned for its expertise in spiritual arrays, earning them a reputation in the Imperial Capital. While the Great Yan Dynasty was teeming with talent, cksmiths, and masters of spiritual arrays were few and far between.


    Song Ling¡¯s cultivation might be low, but it could be enhanced after joining the Imperial Academy, which recognized his talent in spiritual array.


    Liu Wuxie, Zuo Hong, and Li Shengsheng nodded, finally understanding why Song Ling could join the academy.


    ¡°Which ss are you in?¡± Liu Wuxie asked.


    ¡°Advanced ss Three!¡± Song Ling lowered his head. If he knew he would be bullied because of his low cultivation, he wouldn¡¯t havee to the academy and would rather stay in Azure Billow City. After all, he had a carefree life in Azure Billow City as the young master of the Song n.


    ¡°Senior Brother Li, can we transfer him to our Advanced ss Seven?¡± Liu Wuxie asked, concerned that leaving Song Ling in Advanced ss Three would expose him to bullying, and Liu Wuxie wouldn¡¯t always be there to shield him.


    ¡°It might be a little difficult. Advanced ss Three focuses on spiritual arrays; you know our Advanced ss Seven situation. It will only hinder his progress if he joins our Advanced ss Seven,¡± Li Shengsheng said with a troubled expression as each ss in the academy was tailored for students of different aspects. For example, the Advanced ss Three was meant for spiritual array masters. His talent would be buried if Song Ling were transferred to Advanced ss Seven.


    ¡°The standards of the teacher in Advanced ss Three aren¡¯t evenparable to Big Brother Liu. I can learn about future spiritual arrays from Big Brother Liu,¡± Song Ling stated candidly, leaving Liu Wuxie somewhat taken aback. If others overheard Song Ling¡¯sment, it could potentiallynd him in trouble.


    However, Song Ling was merely stating a fact and wasn¡¯t trying to belittle the teacher. In the past few days, the knowledge he had gained was nowhere near what he had learned from Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Who dares to say that the teacher of our Advanced ss Three is inferiorpared to others?¡± A cold voice sounded from behind a screen. Someone heard their conversation, and several individuals stepped forward, lifting apart the screen and walking towards them.


    ¡°So it¡¯s you!¡± There were six people in total¡ªfour in blue and two in purple robes. The one who spoke was a youth in the center wearing a blue robe.


    When Song Ling saw the six people, he trembled as he had suffered bullying from them ever since he had joined the academy.


    ¡°Senior Brother Jiang Hua, I didn¡¯t mean that.¡± Song Ling didn¡¯t want to cause trouble for Liu Wuxie, and he stood up, admitting his slip of the tongue. He didn¡¯t know that someone from Advanced ss Three was dining here, and he also had no intentions of insulting a teacher.


    When the six approached Liu Wuxie¡¯s table, the two youths in purple robes noticed Zuo Hong, and they narrowed their eyes.


    ¡°It looks like you¡¯ve grown up now. Advanced ss Three is humiliated because we ept you, and you want to change sses?¡± Jiang Hua¡¯s tone was cold, his murderous intent palpable and directed at Song Ling.


    Song Ling couldn¡¯t exin himself and was suppressed by Jiang Hua¡¯s overwhelming aura. No matter what he said, Jiang Hua would use his words to target him.


    Throughout the whole conversation, Liu Wuxie remained silent. This was a matter concerning Advanced ss Three, and he didn¡¯t want to get involved. His goal was to keep Song Ling away from Advanced ss Three. As for the path of a spiritual array master, a little guidance from him could allow Song Ling to surpass most students in the academy.


    ¡°Song Ling,e to our Advanced ss Seven tomorrow!¡± Liu Wuxie said, cing his cup of wine down on the table. He didn¡¯t even bat an eye at Jiang Hua, and his tone was calm without any fluctuation. He wasn¡¯t asking for anyone¡¯s opinion but was announcing a decision.


    ¡°Brat, who do you think you are? Even if he wants to change sses, he must receive the teacher¡¯s approval!¡± Jiang Hua looked at Liu Wuxie coldly, his gaze piercing like twin daggers. His voice echoed throughout the second floor, prompting many to exit their screens and investigate themotion.


    Zuo Hong wore a bitter smile. He was well aware of Liu Wuxie¡¯s short temper. However, he understood that Liu Wuxie¡¯s actions were driven by his concern for his friend, Song Ling. It was an unfortunate coincidence that students from Advanced ss Three were present, misinterpreting Song Ling¡¯s words.


    ¡°Look for the teacher tomorrow and request a transfer then!¡± Liu Wuxie said calmly as though he was speaking to Song Ling and Jiang Hua. Given that students from Advanced ss Three were already aware of the situation, there was no need for secrecy.


    ¡°Brat, who do you think you are? You think you can join and quit Advanced ss Three whenever you like?!¡± Requesting a transfer from the original ss was humiliating to the students and teacher, which was why transfers were rare. This was also why students of the elite sses targeted Liu Wuxie, thinking he was looking down on the elite sses.


    ¡°Get lost while I¡¯m still talking nicely. I will bring Song Ling to request a transfer tomorrow.¡± Liu Wuxie raised his head and looked at Jiang Hua with a suffocating aura sweeping out from him. The aura he gave off made Jiang Hua take a step back in fright because Liu Wuxie¡¯s gaze was too terrifying.


    Li Shengsheng lowered his head, at the loss of words. Liu Wuxie hadn¡¯t even participated in a lesson in Advanced ss Seven and had already caused so much trouble.


    ¡°Zuo Hong, is this arrogant person a friend of yours?¡± One of the two purple-robed youths who came with Jiang Hua spoke out, ignoring Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°He¡¯s my brother!¡± Zuo Hong¡¯s reply surprised everyone. After all, there was a huge difference between a friend and a brother. There were many types of friends: those you could give your back to and those who were just friends on the surface. But a brother was different because they were closepanions, like a family.


    ¡°You guys are arrogant too!¡± This response was unexpected from Zuo Hong. It was unlike him as the Zuo Hong that Liu Wuxie knew was elegant, refined, and polite. But today, he showed anger twice because of Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Are you sure you want to interfere in this matter?¡± the purple-robed youth asked, seeking a definitive answer from Zuo Hong.


    ¡°My brother has made his intentions clear. He will request a transfer tomorrow. If there¡¯s nothing else, please don¡¯t disrupt our meal.¡± Zuo Hong waved his hand, signaling them to leave and not wanting to engage in further conversation to ruin his appetite.


    As Liu Wuxie¡¯s group continued to drink wine, the six onlookers could only grit their teeth in frustration.


    ¡°We will meet tomorrow then!¡± The purple-robed youth left with Jiang Hua and the remaining four. With Zuo Hong present, it was hard for them to fight. This meant that they would have to wait till tomorrow, and he wanted to see what Liu Wuxie would do when the teacher of Advanced ss Three refused the transfer.


    The six went down the stairs, and everyone in the surroundings began to disperse.


    ¡°Senior Brother Sun, why don¡¯t we just cripple them directly?¡± Jiang Hua was baffled and turned to the purple-robed youth who spoke earlier. After all, Liu Wuxie had provoked the advanced ss three¡¯s prestige, disregarding them.


    ¡°There¡¯s no hurry. Zuo Hong will interfere since he¡¯s present. You all go back and prepare, ensuring that they won¡¯t be able to leave tomorrow.¡± The purple-robed youth wore a cruel smile. He, too, came from Advanced ss Three before he was promoted, thus having a special connection with the ss. He had been promotedst year, and today marked a reunion with students from Advanced ss Three. However, he didn¡¯t expect to encounter such an incident today, which he naturally couldn¡¯t let slide as a former student of Advanced ss Three.


    It was already midnight after Liu Wuxie¡¯s group finished their meal, and Zuo Hong personally sent Liu Wuxie back.


    ¡°I won¡¯t send you off then,¡± Liu Wuxie cupped his fists together as he entered his courtyard. Zuo Hong was more familiar with the Imperial Academy than him, and there was no need for him to send Zuo Hong off. He did not need to thank Zuo Hong as that would feel pretentious, but he had remembered this favor in his heart.


    ¡°Do you need me toe tomorrow?¡± Zuo Hong asked before he left. Every man had their dignity, especially someone like Liu Wuxie. Zuo Hong knew about that, which was why he asked.


    ¡°No need. Thank you for your goodwill.¡± Liu Wuxie knew that Zuo Hong asked out of goodwill, fearing that he might be too embarrassed to seek help from him. He was more than enough to deal with something like this.


    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll look for you in a few days!¡± Zuo Hong nodded and left. He believed that Liu Wuxie could deal with the situation the next day and wanted to know how many secrets Liu Wuxie was hiding.


    Song Ling¡¯s words didn¡¯t sound fake. Did that mean Liu Wuxie also had a strong talent in the path of a spiritual array master?


    As Zuo Hong departed, Li Shengsheng lingered, his face etched with worry. His legs started to quiver as he pondered the events of the forting day. After all, the reputation of advanced ss three for causing trouble was well-known.


    ¡°Senior Brother Li, you can go back and rest. I still have some matters to attend to.¡± Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t want to drag Li Shengsheng into this matter, and he couldn¡¯t leave Song Ling by himself since thetter had considered him a big brother.


    Li Shengsheng wanted to say something, but Liu Wuxie stopped him. There was no need for words as they both understood each other. Thus, Li Shengsheng left with a sigh.


    If Song Ling returned, he would definitely be bullied, so he stayed with Liu Wuxie that night.


    ¡°What did you learn in Advanced ss Three?¡± Liu Wuxie, aware of the challenging day ahead, sought more insight into Advanced ss Three. He wanted to resolve Song Ling¡¯s issue quickly so that he could receive his rewards and enter the me Sun Cave.


    He had encountered difficulties during his initial two days at the Imperial Academy, and it was starting to get on his nerves. He wanted to increase his strength quickly, especially knowing that Xue Pingzhi would try to target him, not to mention the presence of another individual, Bai Qiong.


    Song Ling had joined the Imperial Academy for five days and shared everything he had learned with Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°That¡¯s all?¡± Liu Wuxie frowned after hearing what Song Ling said. Those were only bits and pieces of spiritual arrays. Was the Imperial Academygging in terms of spiritual arrays? The arrays in the ten-mile-long path and Profound Gate Pass weren¡¯t insignificant. So, there must be something more advanced in the Imperial Academy.


    But it also made sense to teach the superficial stuff to the Earth Grade students.

 Chapter 117 - Competing In Spiritual Arrays

    <h4>Chapter 117 - Competing In Spiritual Arrays</h4>


    By the next morning, a crowd had assembled outside Advanced ss Three. Word of the previous night¡¯s events had spread, drawing students from various sses to observe. After all, it was unheard of for a student to request a transfer; typically, it was the teachers who advised students to leave. This naturally caused an uproar in the Imperial Academy.


    The students of Advanced ss Three had long arrived with fury on their faces. Upon hearing the news the previous day, they hadn¡¯t slept and mobilized all the students, wanting to teach the traitor, Song Ling, a lesson.


    Over the years, Advanced ss Three had produced many talents, and Sun Shizhou was one of them. He donned a purple robe and had arrived early along with Jiang Hua and others.


    But even when the sun rose to the sky, Liu Wuxie was still nowhere to be seen.


    ¡°Why is he taking so long? Don¡¯t tell me that he¡¯s too scared toe?¡± The students of Advanced ss Three discussed among themselves. A long time had passed, and Song Ling was still nowhere to be seen.


    ¡°He¡¯s probably scared and fled the academy overnight!¡± A burst ofughter erupted from the crowd. After all, who in the right mind would want to challenge the entire ss? Only someone tired of living would do something like that.


    While Advanced ss Three was bustling with people, the courtyard where Liu Wuxie resided was quiet. Liu Wuxie asked Song Ling, ¡°Have you memorized them?¡±


    It would depend on Song Ling¡¯s performance if he wanted to transfer. Liu Wuxie was ultimately an outsider, and there were many things that he couldn¡¯t interfere with.


    ¡°I¡¯ve memorized them!¡± Song Ling affirmed with a nod. His knowledge about spiritual arrays had expanded significantly overnight, surpassing everything he had learned over the past decade or so. The wisdom imparted by the Song n paled inparison to what Liu Wuxie had taught him. Liu Wuxie had not only educated him about spiritual arrays but had also assisted him in refining a set of gs to operate these arrays. Song Ling had etched everything in his memory and was ready to put them into practice.


    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s go!¡± Liu Wuxie nced at the sky, and time was running out. They left the courtyard and headed to Advanced ss Three, passing through the woods and arriving at the ssrooms. There was a crowd ahead with many people waiting for a long time.


    The teacher of Advanced ss Three was a middle-aged man in his fifties with a goatee beard. He had been waiting there for an hour, which made him furious.


    ¡°Teacher Gao, that brat is crossing the line. Do you want me to fetch them?¡± Jiang Hua, unable to contain his irritation any longer, approached the teacher, offering to personally go to Liu Wuxie¡¯s courtyard and bring them over by force.


    ¡°They¡¯re here!¡± Amotion came from the crowd as they all looked at Liu Wuxie, who appeared with Song Ling in the training ground.


    ¡°I was starting to think you twocked the courage to show up!¡± Jiang Hua smiled sinisterly, looking at the two as though he were looking at two corpses. He intended to make them regret challenging Advanced ss Three, and it wasmon for idents to ur during an exchange.


    ¡°Cut the crap. How can he transfer from the ss?¡± Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t be bothered with small talk as the reward for his assessment was about to be handed out, implying that he would soon be upied. Therefore, he didn¡¯t want to waste his time in this ce.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s attitude enraged everyone in Advanced ss Three as they cussed, ring at him as though they wanted to devour him whole.


    Liu Wuxie was already familiar with what Song Ling had learned in Advanced ss Three, and to him, it was all worthless. In the past, he wouldn¡¯t have even bothered to give the teacher of Advanced ss Three a second nce.


    ¡°Brat, you¡¯re too arrogant! Today, I¡¯ll make sure you regret it!¡± Jiang Hua¡¯s gaze turned cold as ten students from advanced ss three stepped forth, surrounding the training ground.


    ¡°I look forward to it!¡± Liu Wuxie replied coldly. On the other hand, Song Ling was so nervous that his palms were covered in sweat.


    ¡°The rules are simple. We¡¯ll set up a spiritual array. He can transfer from Advanced ss Three if you two can leave the spiritual array alive!¡±


    Students of Advanced ss Three studied spiritual arrays, and it was fair for them to determine the oue with spiritual arrays.


    ¡°Sure!¡± Liu Wuxie epted without any hesitation, wanting to end this farce quickly.


    ¡°Where did this brat get his confidence from? Advanced ss Three has been making preparations through the night and received guidance from Teacher Gao. They must¡¯ve prepared a powerful array that will endanger even students of the Profound Grade. So where did he get his confidence from?¡± The other students present had never seen someone so arrogant before.


    Then again, it wasn¡¯t because Liu Wuxie was confident, but he had never considered them his opponent. This was why he wasn¡¯t even willing to say another word to them.


    ¡°Let us show him the strength of Advanced ss Three!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s attitude made many people furious. This was because Liu Wuxie had been aloof since he came, standing with his hands behind him. But in reality, he was only seventeen or eighteen and could be considered the youngest among all the students here.


    Despite the uproar around him, Liu Wuxie remained unaffected, patiently waiting with closed eyes as Advanced ss Three prepared their spiritual array. Who would give their opponent time to set up a spiritual array in an actual battle? The spiritual array had to be set up immediately to have a chance of winning against the opponent.


    Deep in the Imperial Academy, ady in yellow ran into a courtyard, yelling, ¡°Senior Sister Xu, the person you asked me to monitor, got into a fight!¡±


    This was the same courtyard where Xu Lingxue stayed. Her master had gone to teach her ss, and she was the only one left in the courtyard. Without her master¡¯s instructions, she didn¡¯t dare to leave the courtyard. This was why she could only get thedy in yellow to convey information about Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°What happened?¡± Xu Lingxue stood up with a concerned expression. Liu Wuxie had joined the academy a day ago, and it made no sense for him to get into a fight.


    The woman in yellow, panting heavily, recounted the events that unfolded in the dining hall, including the incident at the Drunken Immortal House. This caused Xu Lingxue to furrow her brows. She was familiar with Song Ling, the young master of the Song n. At the Azure Billow City¡¯s colosseum, Song Ling and Liu Wuxie seemed to share a friendly rapport.


    ¡°I want to go and take a look!¡± dered Xu Lingxue, disregarding her master¡¯s orders as she dashed out of the courtyard to witness the unfolding events.


    ¡°But Senior Sister Xu, what if the Vice-Headmaster returns after you leave?¡± Thedy in yellow followed behind Xu Lingxue with concern on her face. After all, Baili Qing was famous for being strict. If she learned that Xu Lingxue ran out on her own, both of them would be punished.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. The Master¡¯s lesson today will take a long time to end, and I will be back after taking a nce.¡± Xu Lingxue wore a veil and left her courtyard. Since her arrival at the Imperial Academy, she had devoted most of her time to cultivation within her courtyard, seldom venturing out.


    It wasn¡¯t long before Advanced ss Three, led by Jiang Hua, had their spiritual array in ce.


    Song Ling was busy making calctions with his hands. Had it been the previous day, he would have been perplexed by this spiritual array. However, thanks to the intensive lesson from the night before, he was now able to decipher the spiritual array set up by Advanced ss Three. This newfound understanding deepened his admiration for Liu Wuxie. Yet when he turned around, he found Liu Wuxie standing there cultivating with his eyes closed.


    ¡°The spiritual array is now ready. If you two can endure within the array for fifteen minutes, consider yourselves victorious,¡± Jiang Hua dered before exiting the array. The array was designed to be potent and deadly, with the intent to eliminate both of them.


    Ten students from Advanced ss Three stood at the nodes of the spiritual array, prepared to activate it at any time.


    ¡°Let¡¯s begin!¡± Liu Wuxie opened his eyes with a hint of impatience.


    Li Shengsheng and Zhao Cheng were already present, their faces etched with worry. They were helpless to intervene, even if they wished to.


    Suddenly, an invisible barrier enveloped the training ground, trapping Liu Wuxie and Song Ling.


    ¡°It¡¯s the Seven Cmity Quicksand Array!¡± someone eximed from the crowd. The deployment of such a lethal spiritual array was not merely an attempt to kill Liu Wuxie and Song Ling, but to annihte them, leaving no room for survival.


    A lightning bolt materialized and shot at Liu Wuxie as a storm erupted from within the array.


    ¡°Song Ling, let¡¯s begin.¡± Liu Wuxie strode the Seven Dipper Steps to dodge the lightning bolt. He retreated to a corner to let Song Ling deal with this array himself. This was a great opportunity for Song Ling to train himself. If Song Ling could break this spiritual array, he would beparable to Profound Grade students.


    ¡°Okay!¡± Song Ling roared. Utilizing the knowledge imparted by Liu Wuxie, he swiftly pinpointed the spiritual array¡¯s vulnerability. He stepped onto the Kun Gate and surged forward, reappearing at the Qian Gate. His speed was so astonishing that it left many spectators in awe.


    Song Ling was only in the Houtian Realm, and it would be even more terrifying if he were in the Xiantian Realm. When he threw out a seemingly ordinary punch, the Qian Gate shook violently as the spiritual array became unstable with cracking sounds.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on? How did he find the spiritual array''s weakness so quickly?¡± Jiang Hua was shocked, looking at Song Ling. After all, he knew from Song Ling¡¯s performance in the past few days that he was talented, but he seemed insignificantpared to seniors like them.


    Teacher Gao narrowed his eyes, acknowledging that even he couldn¡¯t have delivered such a precise punch.


    Song Ling easily caused tremendous pressure on the spiritual array, causing the expressions of the ten students from Advanced ss Three to shift as they swiftly manipted the spiritual array. This was the art of spiritual arrays, allowing spiritual array masters to adjust the formation.


    As the ten students made adjustments, Song Ling adapted in tandem. Meanwhile, Liu Wuxie skillfully evaded iing threats, observing the scene with ease.


    Song Ling practiced a grand fist technique that waspatible with his size. Whenever he threw a punch, he would createyers of ripples.


    ¡°Maintain the Qian Gate and break the Kun Gate!¡± Song Ling muttered as the spiritual array was on the verge of copse, shocking everyone present.


    ¡°How can this be? This guy¡¯s ability in spiritual arrays is this strong?¡± The observers couldn¡¯tprehend what was going on, but students from Advanced ss Three were shocked by Song Ling¡¯s abilities as a spiritual array master.


    The Seven Cmity Quicksand Array they were talking about was a lethal spiritual array. But Song Ling dealt with it easily. This gave everyone the illusion that they were ying a game.


    ¡°Look! What is he doing?!¡± As Song Ling dismantled the spiritual array, gs materialized in his grasp, which he swiftly embedded into the ground. The terrain of Advanced ss Three¡¯s training ground was soft, facilitating the effortless insertion of the gs.

 Chapter 118 - All Dead

    <h4>Chapter 118 - All Dead</h4>


    Song Ling¡¯s sudden actions shocked everyone. After all, even the teacher of Advanced ss Three might not be able to multitask while dealing with the Seven Cmity Quicksand Array.


    ¡°He¡¯s setting up an array!¡± a Profound Grade student eximed. In the blink of an eye, five gs were inserted into the ground, weakening the effects of the Seven Cmity Quicksand Array. As the spiritual array changed quickly, Song Ling strode in bizarre footsteps and maneuvered in the spiritual array.


    ¡°Quick, restrain him! Don¡¯t let him set up his spiritual array!¡± The teacher of Advanced ss Three yelled, urging Jiang Hua and others to kill Song Ling quickly.


    ¡°Change formation!¡± Jiang Hua entered the spiritual array and stabbed his longsword at Song Ling, attempting to kill him. Little did everyone know that Advanced ss Three had be desperate and could only rely on their martial capabilities since their spiritual array was useless against Song Ling.


    As the longsword approached Song Ling, Liu Wuxie still didn¡¯t move, allowing Song Ling to deal with the spiritual array himself.


    ¡°Are they insane? Trying to kill another student openly!¡± The students from other sses were shocked when they saw Jiang Hua¡¯s action.


    Many Profound Grade students watched closely as apetition between spiritual arrays was even more exciting than a battle between martial techniques. At the same time, Advanced ss Three¡¯s act of killing another student under so many watchful eyes had caused an uproar.


    Xu Lingxue turned into a purple shadow appearing in a remote corner with no one noticing her.


    ¡°Senior Sister Xu, they¡¯re in danger!¡± the woman in yellow cried out, witnessing Jiang Hua¡¯s longsword on the verge of impaling Song Ling before targeting Liu Wuxie.


    Xu Lingxue was anxious, but she was helpless. It was toote for her to help as she was far away and knew nothing about spiritual arrays.


    ¡°What is he doing? Is he just going to stand by while his friend is in?¡± News about Liu Wuxie had long spread throughout the Imperial Academy, but few people had seen him before. Song Ling¡¯s life was in danger, yet Liu Wuxie merely stood aside, offering no assistance.


    As the longsword approached Song Ling¡¯s neck, Song Ling ced thest g into the ground. When thest g pierced into the ground, the entire training ground disappeared, and no one could see what was happening inside. The entire spiritual array was enveloped in a faint mist that obstructed everyone¡¯s vision. Along with the spiritual array, Jiang Hua and the other students from Advanced ss Three also disappeared.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on? Why did the spiritual array change? Where did they go?¡± Chaos erupted in the surroundings as this had never happened before. Not only was Advanced ss Three¡¯s spiritual array broken, but it was aplished by someone who had joined the Imperial Academy merely five days ago. If this news were to spread, the reputation of Advanced ss Three would take a heavy blow.


    Xu Lingxue was on the verge of stepping in, but she forcefully held herself back, deciding to observe the situation first.


    ¡°Teacher Gao, what should we do? We¡¯ve lost contact with them!¡± The remaining students of Advanced ss Three turned to Teacher Gao as they didn¡¯t know what to do next.


    Teacher Gao was also ced in a dilemma, and he couldn¡¯t possibly intervene as it would make it even more embarrassing.


    ¡°The few of you enter the spiritual array with me!¡± Sun Shizhou, who had been silent, spoke up. He called out to two youths donned in purple robes and six in blue robes. In addition to himself, a total of nine rushed into the spiritual array, disappearing in the fog.


    As time passed, there wasn¡¯t anymotion from the spiritual array, nor did the fog show any signs of disappearing. Roughly fifteen minutester, Teacher Gao finally couldn¡¯t keep watching as there wasn¡¯t any movement.


    ¡°Do you think they might have died inside?¡± The crowd began to specte as the silence from the spiritual array continued. Theck of activity was concerning, and the oue seemed bleak.


    ¡°Don¡¯t bullshit. Sun Shizhou and the other two are Profound Grade students. They¡¯re formidable in spiritual arrays, and a spiritual array of this level can¡¯t possibly trap them.¡± Given the prolonged silence, the onlookers continued to specte.


    ¡°Teacher Gao, do something!¡± An hourter, the students of Advanced ss Three could no longer hold their patience and appealed to Teacher Gao. As sses ended, the crowd swelled, with over three thousand people gathering.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± The neers asked loudly. After all, not everyone was privy to the day¡¯s match.


    ¡°It has been a long time since we fought spiritual array masters. Which talented spiritual array master challenged Advanced ss Three?¡± The other ss students came over curiously.


    ¡°One who joined the academy five days ago and the other who joined the academy yesterday.¡± Hearing that, the students who had just arrived staggered in shock.


    ¡°Pardon? What did you just say? Someone who joined yesterday challenged Advanced ss Three? Is he out of his mind?¡± Everyone naturally couldn¡¯t believe it as it was the same as courting death for someone to challenge Advanced ss Three without years of training as a spiritual array master.


    The youth gestured with a helpless shrug and continued to watch because Teacher Gao was about to make his move.


    Teacher Gao entered the spiritual array, which was beyond everyone¡¯s expectations.


    As soon as Teacher Gao entered, Liu Wuxie and Song Ling came out from the other side. Everyone was shocked when they saw Liu Wuxie and Song Ling.


    ¡°They¡¯re still alive?!¡±


    The situation was baffling. By all logic, Song Ling and Liu Wuxie should have been defeated, especially considering that Sun Shizhou, a Profound Grade student, had been in the array for an hour. His skills should have been more than sufficient to handle the two.


    Ignoring the stares of the crowd, Liu Wuxie and Song Ling positioned themselves under a tree. Song Ling appeared anxious, his eyes fixed on the training ground.


    ¡°Look, the fog is disappearing!¡± Shortly after Liu Wuxie and Song Ling emerged, the fog nketing the training ground began to clear. The scene within the spiritual array became somewhat visible; numerous figures were seen moving, their weapons shing.


    Ten minutester, when the fog hadpletely cleared, the sight within the spiritual array was revealed to all. The sight sent a shiver down everyone¡¯s spine, causing them to gasp in surprise.


    ¡°Pinch me! I must be dreaming!¡± a Profound Grade student eximed to his junior.


    ¡°Ouch! That hurts! This isn¡¯t a dream!¡± The student winced in pain, realizing from the sting that this was indeed reality.


    With her hand covering her mouth and disbelief in her eyes, Xu Lingxue stared at Liu Wuxie.


    Feeling someone¡¯s gaze on him, Liu Wuxie turned to look but couldn¡¯t spot Xu Lingxue due to the distance and the crowd.


    The ten students who had set up the array, including Jiang Hua and the group led by Sun Shizhou, who entered the spiritual arrayter, were rooted to the spot. Sun Shizhou¡¯s sword was lodged in Jiang Hua¡¯s heart, while the des of the two youths in purple robes had severed Sun Shizhou¡¯s neck.


    It turns out that they had killed each other.


    Teacher Gao¡¯s eyes were bloodshot, veins bulging on his face as he watched his students perish. A potent wave of murderous intent radiated from him. The unusual circumstances of their deaths, marked by evident fear on their faces, suggested they had encountered something horrifying before their demise.


    Anyone could tell that there was something unusual about their deaths. They werepanions, and it made no sense for them to kill each other. This was a mystery that left everyone baffled.


    Only a handful of people were aware that this was an extraordinarily potent spiritual array. Upon entering the array, they would begin to ughter each other, unable to differentiate between friend and foe. While some knew about this, the method of its execution remained a mystery to all present.


    Such an advanced spiritual array was only familiar to the upper echelons of the Imperial Academy. The unprecedented number of fatalities, including three Profound Grade students, was shocking. The fact that so many students had died in front of thousands of spectators, all at the hands of a student who had joined the Imperial Academy less than a day ago, was staggering.


    The other students of Advanced ss Three trembled in fear, not daring to look at the training ground. They felt a sense of relief that they hadn¡¯t entered the spiritual array, or they, too, would have met the same fate.


    ¡°I¡¯ll kill the two of you!¡± Teacher Gao¡¯s roar echoed as he transformed into a beam of light, charging towards Liu Wuxie with murderous intent. He released his aura as a Marrow Cleansing Realm expert when he charged over.


    Just as he was about to reach Liu Wuxie, a gaunt man descended from the sky, halting Teacher Gao with a mere palm. Their sh generated a powerful shockwave, separating them, and the thin old man positioned himself in front of Liu Wuxie.


    This elderly man, with a purple gourd hanging from his waist, disheveled hair, and ragged clothes, bore the appearance of a vagabond.


    ¡°Jin Jianfeng, you dare stop me?!¡± Teacher Gao looked at the skinny old man with a hint of fear in his eyes after stabilizing himself. Jin Jianfeng was the teacher of Advanced ss Seven, a first-ss teacher. He had chosen to remain at the Earth Grade, unwilling to instruct the Profound Grade.


    ¡°Gao Yingzhang, you¡¯re not young yourself, and you have the cheek to make a move against two juniors?¡± Jin Jianfeng took the gourd from his waist and took a few gulps. The moment the gourd popped open, an alcoholic fragrance began to spread.


    ¡°These two dared to kill twenty students of my Advanced ss Three. Am I not allowed to kill him?¡± Gao Yingzhang gritted his teeth, pointing at the corpses of the deceased students. Even Sun Shizhou was dead, and he was a Profound Grade student. Twenty students had died like that, and no teacher could ept it.


    There were numerous teachers in the vicinity, apart from the students, but they were unable to glean any clues from the spiritual array as it had already vanished.


    ¡°Which eye of yours witnessed memitting the murders?¡± Liu Wuxie retorted, a smile ying on his lips.

 Chapter 119 - Retort

    <h4>Chapter 119 - Retort</h4>


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s statements left Gao Yingzhang and the others present at a loss for words. Liu Wuxie¡¯s argument was valid as no one had witnessed him and Song Lingmitting any murders. Furthermore, Liu Wuxie was only in the fifth-level Xiantian Realm, while Song Ling was in the seventh-level Houtian Realm. Even with the two added together, there was no way they could rival the twenty students, not to mention there was also Sun Shizhou among them, who was a Profound Grade student.


    The power difference between the two sides was immense. It was nothing short of a miracle that Liu Wuxie survived, and the idea of him killing twenty experts wasughable. Liu Wuxie¡¯s words stumped Gao Yingzhang. He was confident that Liu Wuxie was responsible for the deaths, but hecked the evidence to prove it.


    The moment the spiritual array was formed, ayer of fog had enveloped it, making it impossible to see the situation inside. Without any evidence, there was nothing the academy could do.


    ¡°Brat, do you dare to im that their deaths have nothing to do with you? I might not have witnessed it with my own eyes, but they died inside while the two of you came out alive. How are you going to exin that, then?¡± Gao Yingzhang was furious. If he couldn¡¯t bring Liu Wuxie to justice, he might as well dissolve Advanced ss Three and resign. After all, such a high death toll was unheard of in the Imperial Academy.


    ¡°What a joke! Who said we couldn¡¯t survive? Since you admit that you didn¡¯t witness us killing them, I can use you of defamation now. Do you really think you can nder us because we¡¯re new students?¡± Liu Wuxie said, and his words made Gao Yingzhang speechless. It was as though they had fallen into Liu Wuxie¡¯s trap right from the start.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s words dumbfounded the surrounding students; they had overlooked a crucial point. What Liu Wuxie said was right, and no one had witnessed themmitting the murder!


    Since there were no witnesses, there wasn¡¯t any evidence. Judging from the state of Jiang Hua and the other students in the spiritual array, they seemed to have killed each other and had nothing to do with Liu Wuxie or Song Ling.


    ¡°You¡¯re still trying to argue. The gs that Song Ling inserted must be a lethal spiritual array, and they died in that spiritual array!¡± Everyone could be sure that Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t kill the twenty students, but they overlooked something. They werepeting in spiritual array, not martial techniques!


    Liu Wuxie erupted intoughter upon hearing Gao Yingzhang¡¯s words, leaving everyone puzzled.


    Jin Jianfeng drank a mouthful of wine through his gourd and maintained his silence. He had been quietly observing after blocking Gao Yingzhang¡¯s attack.


    On the other hand, Song Ling looked nervous but could only stand behind Liu Wuxie obediently, fearing that he might give it away.


    ¡°What are youughing at?!¡± Gao Yingzhang¡¯s face became dark. He felt humiliated after being mocked by someone who had just joined the academy. If not for Jin Jianfeng, he would¡¯ve charged forth and killed Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°I¡¯mughing at an idiot like you. For someone like you to be a teacher is a waste of the academy¡¯s resources and a disservice to the students,¡± Liu Wuxie retorted impolitely, which infuriated Gao Yingzhang, prompting him to lunge at Liu Wuxie again.


    ¡°Gao Yingzhang, are you courting death?¡± Jin Jiangfeng moved when Gao Yingzhang moved. In terms of strength, Gao Yingzhang was only in the third-level Marrow Cleansing Realm, while Jin Jianfeng was in the high levels of the Marrow Cleansing Realm, and he easily sent Gao Yingzhang flying with a p.


    Then again, beingbeled an idiot and used of misleading students was the ultimate insult to a teacher. It was akin toparing an Emperor to a beggar.


    Jin Jiangfeng didn¡¯t anticipate Liu Wuxie¡¯s sharp tongue. He also didn¡¯t dare to reprimand Gao Yingzhang for misleading the students, as it was a severe insult. If Gao Yingzhang couldn¡¯t discipline Liu Wuxie today, his future at the academy would be in jeopardy.


    ¡°Brat, if you don¡¯t give me a reasonable exnation today, I will kill you even if this matter reaches the headmaster!¡± Gao Yingzhang was furious because Jin Jiangfeng stopped him. In the worst scenario, he could blow up the matter to let the headmaster deal with this issue.


    ¡°Exnation?¡± Liu Wuxie smiled calmly, lookingposed right from the beginning. ¡°Since you want an exnation, let me ask you a question. How long have we been enrolled in the academy?¡±


    Liu Wuxie unexpectedly asked Gao Yingzhang a simple question.


    ¡°You joined yesterday, and he joined five days ago,¡± Gao Yingzhang replied truthfully. He had investigated the information about these two in advance, including Liu Wuxie¡¯s involvement in the Nine Stars Illumination.


    ¡°I have another question for you. Do you think someone who joined the academy for less than a week can set up a spiritual array capable of killing students in the Spirit Cleansing Realm?¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s question left Gao Yingzhang speechless again, including all the students and teachers present.


    That was an absurd question. If a new student who joined the academy for less than a week could set up a spiritual array of this level, there would be no need for teachers like them.


    If Gao Yingzhang imed that Liu Wuxie had set up a spiritual array that killed the twenty students, it would reflect his own ipetence and misguidance of the students. But if Gao Yingzhang denied that Liu Wuxie had set up that spiritual array, it would imply that the twenty students didn¡¯t die at Liu Wuxie¡¯s hands. After all, the vast difference in their power levels made it impossible for Liu Wuxie and Song Ling to kill the twenty students.


    This posed a dilemma for Gao Yingzhang as he would fall into Liu Wuxie¡¯s trap regardless of his answer.


    ¡°Why is Teacher Gao hesitating? How could a new student possibly construct a spiritual array capable of killing the twenty students?¡± The surrounding students began to discuss among themselves, finding logic in Liu Wuxie¡¯s words.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be so sure about that. There¡¯s something weird about that brat, and I suspect this is a trap.¡± Some remained skeptical about it. However, there wasn¡¯t any evidence that the twenty students died at Liu Wuxie¡¯s hands.


    ¡°Gao Yingzhang, why aren¡¯t you replying?¡± Jin Jianfeng asked with a smile. He felt good seeing how Liu Wuxie¡¯s question ced Gao Yingzhang in a dilemma because none of the two answers benefited him.


    Song Ling was just sixteen years old. Even if he was talented and had started learning about spiritual arrays at three, he couldn''t set up a spiritual array capable of killing Spirit Cleansing Realm experts. As for Liu Wuxie, he was only eighteen. Given their young age, they were considered novices in the grand scheme of the True Martial Continent¡¯s cultivation path.


    Xu Lingxue was taken aback, her mouth agape and disbelief in her eyes, as Gao Yingzhang fell into Liu Wuxie¡¯s carefullyid trap. It wasmon knowledge that even if Liu Wuxie hadn¡¯t directly killed the twenty students, he must have been involved somehow. Yet, no one could find any concrete evidence.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s calcted series of questions rendered a teacher speechless, a behavior not typically expected from a student. Each move was meticulously nned, which was unnerving.


    ¡°Senior Sister Xu, that¡¯s your useless husband?¡± Thedy in yellow turned to look at Xu Lingxue with disbelief. If Liu Wuxie was deemed useless, what did that imply about them?


    Xu Lingxue remained silent, her feelings towards Liu Wuxie a mix of unfamiliarity and familiarity. This conflicting sentiment clouded her judgment for the time being.


    ¡°Master is going to finish her ss. We have to return!¡± Xu Lingxue chose to leave after seeing Gao Yingzhang ced in a dilemma.


    ¡°Teacher Gao, ording to our agreement, you have to agree to his transfer since he made it out of the spiritual array,¡± Liu Wuxie looked at Gao Yingzhang with a smile.


    Gao Yingzhang clenched his fists together as he had never been pushed to such an extent, especially by a student. His anger was so intense that he wished he could annihte Liu Wuxie on the spot.


    Everyone still had fresh memories of Song Ling setting up the spiritual array earlier, and anyone could tell he had high talent in the path as a spiritual array master. For such a genius to leave Advanced ss Three humiliated the entire ss.


    ¡°Get lost. Advanced ss Three has no ce for you!¡± Gao Yingzhang waved his hand, epting Song Ling¡¯s transfer to Advanced ss Seven. Based on the skills Song Ling had disyed earlier, there wasn¡¯t an issue for him to join the Profound Grade.


    ¡°Thank you, Teacher Gao. I apologize if I¡¯ve caused any offense!¡± Liu Wuxie responded with a bow. To everyone present, Liu Wuxie had maintained a polite demeanor from the start, even in the face of Gao Yingzhang¡¯s hostility, always wearing a smile. This attitude naturally earned him the admiration of many.


    Song Ling slumped to the ground, drenched in sweat, as he was nervous from the tension earlier.


    ¡°Brat, you did well. Your reward has also arrived. This is a fourth-grade pill and a martial technique. As for this medal, you can use it to train in the me Sun Cave for ten days.¡± The rewards were delivered to Advanced ss Seven early that day, and Jin Jianfeng had rushed over after receiving the news.


    It was likely Li Shengsheng who had tipped him off to prevent the students of Advanced ss Three from seizing this chance to harm them. Liu Wuxie shot a grateful nce at Li Shengsheng, knowing that things would have gottenplicated today even if he had managed to eliminate Jiang Hua¡¯s group without Jin Jianfeng¡¯s presence.


    Jin Jiangfeng¡¯s appearance meant that he would handle the ensuing matter.


    ¡°Thank you, Teacher Jin!¡± Liu Wuxie expressed his gratitude and epted the three items. The pill was nothing to him. The martial technique was a sword technique, and it was also useless to him as well. Only the opportunity to cultivate in the me Sun Cave was crucial in his breakthrough to the sixth-level Xiantian Realm.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. You know the situation about Advanced ss Seven, and I will teach every weekend. This is the medal of Advanced ss Seven, and your credits will be recorded in it if you obtain any in the future. You can ask Li Shengsheng if you have any questions about it,¡± Jin Jianfeng said, stretching his back with a yawn before leaving.


    Henceforth, Liu Wuxie officially became a student of Advanced ss Seven.


    ¡°Congrattions, Junior Brother Liu! From today onwards, you¡¯re a member of our Advanced ss Seven!¡± Li Shengsheng came over with a smile. After all, their Advanced ss Seven had long been the subject of mockery in the past.


    ¡°I will not forget the kindness you¡¯ve shown me, and I¡¯m here if you ever need assistance!¡± Liu Wuxie was the type to remember the good deeds others had done for him, and he would reciprocate when the opportunity arose.


    A group of people was on a roof far away, and Xue Pinzhi was among them.


    ¡°Pinzhi, is this the individual who had the audacity to disrespect our Xue n?¡± a tall and robust man asked, rubbing his fist.

 Chapter 120 - Scorpion Brothers

    <h4>Chapter 120 - Scorpion Brothers</h4>


    Liu Wuxie returned to his courtyard with Song Ling and arranged an adjacent courtyard. From this day onwards, Song Ling would also be a student of Advanced ss Seven.


    The death of Jiang Hua¡¯s group spread like wildfire in the academy. When Zuo Hong received the news after his ss ended, he smiled bitterly, ¡°This brat doesn¡¯t know how to keep a low profile!¡±


    The death of three Profound Grade students and seventeen Earth Grade students naturally received the higher-ups¡¯ attention. After all, this was a vile incident to the academy.


    Gao Yingzhang sought out the academy¡¯s higher-ups, demanding Liu Wuxie¡¯s expulsion. However, his pleas fell on deaf ears as the headmaster had gone into seclusion, leaving the three vice-headmasters in charge of the academy¡¯s affairs. This resulted in a game of<i> pass the buck</i> among the vice-headmasters, and the issue was left unresolved.


    This was an unusual situation. Despite Liu Wuxie¡¯s talent, his potential for growth was constrained by his constitution. Yet, for some reason, the academy appeared to be shielding Liu Wuxie.


    After ensuring Song Ling wasfortable, Liu Wuxie handed him several pills to expedite his cultivation, acknowledging that Song Ling¡¯s current cultivation level was insufficient.


    The tranquility of Liu Wuxie¡¯s rest was disrupted by a series of knocks on the door. With ns to visit the me Sun Cave the next day, he had intended to be in peak condition. Opening the door with a hint of annoyance, he found three unfamiliar youths standing outside.


    ¡°Who are you looking for?¡± Liu Wuxie asked politely.


    ¡°We¡¯ve heard that you topped all three assessment rounds. We¡¯re prepared to pay for the pill and martial technique you were awarded,¡± the youth in the center stated their intention directly; they were interested in acquiring Liu Wuxie¡¯s assessment rewards.


    Liu Wuxie hadn¡¯t had the chance to look at the pill and martial technique, but they probably had a high grade, attracting the interest of these people.


    ¡°Really? And what would be your offer?¡± Liu Wuxie asked with a smile. He had nock of pills as he still had ten Golden Spirit Pills and a few hundred Origin Yang Pills. If he could trade them for a substantial amount of gold coins, he could exchange them for credits.


    He needed credits if he wanted to use the various facilities in the Imperial Academy, such as the cksmith or Alchemy Chambers. Since credits were the currency of use, he inquired about their offer, open to the idea of trading them for credits.


    ¡°What do you think about ten gold coins?¡± The youth in the middle sneered, nning to use ten gold coins to buy Liu Wuxie¡¯s rewards¡ªthe pill and martial technique.


    This response caused Liu Wuxie¡¯s smile to stiffen. He had assumed these three hade with genuine intentions to trade. Still, it appeared they were here to take advantage of him. Ten gold coins wouldn¡¯t even cover the cost of an Energy Condensing Pill, let alone a fourth-grade Marrow Cleansing Pill and a profound-graded martial technique. Did they think he was naive?


    ¡°Are you all sure about that?¡± Liu Wuxie queried once more, questioning if his ears had deceived him. After all, a Marrow Cleansing Pill could easily be sold for over a million gold coins, and a profound-graded martial technique could easily go for two million gold coins.


    The pill and martial technique given by the Imperial Academy would only be more valuable than in the market. This was why Liu Wuxie was left wondering if he had misheard their n to purchase his items with just ten gold coins.


    His intention was to sell the pill and martial technique in exchange for credits to repay Li Shengsheng, as he disliked being in debt to others.


    ¡°You heard right, ten gold coins!¡± The youth in the center shed a savage grin. The trio was at the eighth level of the Xiantian Realm, while Liu Wuxie was merely at the fifth level.


    Everyone perceived the incident at the dining hall as a result of Liu Wuxie¡¯s surprise attack. Since these three weren¡¯t present, they didn¡¯t believe that Liu Wuxie could defeat students at the eighth-level Xiantian Realm.


    ¡°What if I refuse?¡± Liu Wuxie inquired, his smile radiant as he eyed the three youths, a glint of lethal intent flickering in his gaze. He had just dispatched twenty students that morning, and he hadn¡¯t anticipated more troublemakers so soon.


    ¡°Brat, we suggest you surrender them willingly and don¡¯tpel us to act,¡± the youth on the right bellowed, causing the students in the nearby courtyards to emerge.


    Their faces had been adorned with smiles just moments ago, but their expressions shifted quicker than turning pages. A dozen or so students appeared, but they weren¡¯t taken aback by the scene as it was a familiar sight. This was the usual state of affairs, hence theck of surprise.


    ¡°It¡¯s the three scorpion brothers! They¡¯re notorious for ruthlessness, and that brat is in danger now.¡± Someone recognized the three youths, secretly known as the three scorpion brothers. Over time, they had left a trail of victims in their wake.


    The one in the middle was called the Red Scorpion, the one on the left was the ck Scorpion, and the one on the right was called the Poison Scorpion. They weren¡¯t rted by blood, but their shared interests had led them to form a tight-knit group, proving that birds of a feather do indeed flock together.


    Poison Scorpion looked at Liu Wuxie viciously with a cold smirk.


    ¡°If I don¡¯t intend to hand it over, are you all nning to cripple me before seizing them forcefully?¡± A murderous intent shed in Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes. He might have needed to strategize to deal with Jiang Hua¡¯s group, but he could simply eliminate these three with a swift de strike. Even if the academy were to investigate, he had ample justifications at his disposal.


    ¡°You¡¯re rather tactful!¡± Red Scorpion didn¡¯t deny what Liu Wuxie said. This meant that they nned to cripple Liu Wuxie if he refused to hand it over, and the surrounding atmosphere suddenly became tense.


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid that you three will be disappointed. I won¡¯t hand them over!¡± Liu Wuxie shrugged, looking helpless as he turned around and walked into the courtyard. He couldn¡¯t be bothered to waste time with these people.


    His attitude naturally made the three scorpion brothers furious as they rushed forward, blocking Liu Wuxie¡¯s path.


    ¡°You three want to start a fight here?¡± Murderous intent swept out from Liu Wuxie and enveloped the three scorpion brothers.


    Unfazed by Liu Wuxie¡¯s words, the Scorpion Brothers were determined to proceed. After all, they were discussing a fourth-grade pill worth over a million gold coins¡ªa sum that would take them a considerable amount of time to umte. As their anger surged, they each brandished a longsword, pointing them menacingly at Liu Wuxie.


    Despite the threat, Liu Wuxie remained calm, a mocking smile ying on his lips as he marveled at the audacity of these lowlifes.


    ¡°Big Brother, should we kill him or cripple his cultivation?¡± Poison Scorpion turned to look at Red Scorpion, seeking his opinion. The longsword in his hand emitted a horrifying stench.


    ¡°Cripple his cultivation and sever his limbs before throwing him to the ten-mile-long street. Someone will take care of it for us.¡± Red Scorpion¡¯s eyes became cold. He took the lead and swung this longsword in a snake-like manner, cutting through the air and heading for Liu Wuxie. It seemed like they hade prepared and weren¡¯t just there to rob Liu Wuxie¡¯s pill.


    From the beginning, Liu Wuxie could guess that someone was manipting them, using them to get rid of him. The moment the three made a move, Liu Wuxie vanished like a ghost with a de in his hand.


    As three sword auras erupted and swept across the courtyard, the massive tree within the yard creaked under the pressure of Liu Wuxi¡¯s de aura. The de aura exuded an oppressive force that immobilized the Scorpion Brothers. Those outside the wall were oblivious to the events unfolding within, their only clue being the trio¡¯s screams.


    The three scorpion brothers were sent flying out, smashing against the wall before they wailed in pain on the ground. Each of them bled from their lower abdomen, a result of Liu Wuxie¡¯s de aura shattering their dantian and inflicting a wound several inches deep. From this day forward, they would be incapable of storing any true essence in their dantian.


    As time passed, true essence escaped from their dantians as theyy on the ground in pain. Living was worse than dying after losing their cultivation in the True Martial Continent.


    ¡°This is impossible! Your cultivation is in the fifth-level Xiantian Realm. How did you manage to defeat us with a single de strike!¡± Red Scorpion howled, unable to reconcile with this reality. Had they engaged in a fierce battle, he might have epted the oue. But the fight concluded before they could even discern Liu Wuxie¡¯s attack, leaving him feeling wronged.


    ¡°I don¡¯t like to waste time talking. Tell me who sent you three here!¡± Liu Wuxie cut straight to the chase, unwilling to waste time. The arrival of these three immediately after his conflict with the Advanced ss Three was too coincidental.


    The Scorpion Brothers red back, their eyes devoid of warmth and filled with malice, tinged with a touch of regret.


    ¡°Brat, even if you crippled our cultivation, it won¡¯t be long before someone avenges us!¡± The three scorpion brothers remained defiant, unwilling to reveal the mastermind.


    ¡°It¡¯s the Xue n, right?¡± Liu Wuxie answered for the three of them. Aside from Xue n, who would act against him so quickly?


    As expected, the three scorpion brothers¡¯ faces changed upon hearing what Liu Wuxie said. This was because Liu Wuxie had guessed correctly.


    ¡°Hmph, so what if you managed to guess it? In less than three days, it will be your death!¡± ck Scorpion gritted his teeth as he struggled to return to his feet with a vicious expression. It seemed the Xue n¡¯s scheme against him extended beyond just sending the Scorpion Brothers.


    ¡°Go back and tell the Xue n to send someone more capable.¡± Liu Wuxie had already formed a feud with the Xue n, and one month had passed from the one-year agreement. This meant that Liu Wuxie had to make the best of his time. He didn¡¯t kill them because he needed them to return the message to the Xue n.


    The three scorpion brothers supported each other as they left Liu Wuxie¡¯s courtyard. The sight of them in such a state left the gathered ten-odd students in shock. After all, the brothers had entered the courtyard in good health but emerged devoid of their cultivation.


    The ruckus had ended quickly, and Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t dwell on it. The Xue n had sent these people to test him, which was expected as they couldn¡¯t gauge his strength.


    Just when he was about to close the door and rest for the day, a familiar figure approached his courtyard. Liu Wuxie was fairly certain this person was there for him, so he decided to wait by the gate.


    ¡°Brother Liu, I¡¯m impressed.¡± Yu Yifan arrived at Liu Wuxie¡¯s courtyard, apanied by two students.


    Liu Wuxie was puzzled by Yu Yifan¡¯s arrival, especially since it urred right after he had dispatched the Scorpion Brothers. He asked, ¡°Did the Xue n send you?¡±


    Liu Wuxie was filled with uncertainty. It seemed imusible that someone as talented as Yu Yifan would serve as ackey for the Xue n.

 Chapter 121 - Storm

    <h4>Chapter 121 - Storm</h4>


    It was only natural for Liu Wuxie to give it some thought, especially since Yu Yifan had stepped forward after Liu Wuxie had dealt with the Scorpion Brothers.


    ¡°Brother Liu, rest assured. I don¡¯t regard the Xue n highly, and I naturally won¡¯t be theirckey,¡± Yu Yifan said confidently. The two students behind him kept everyone at a distance, preventing Liu Wuxie and Yu Yifan¡¯s conversation from being heard by others.


    The fact that Yu Yifan didn¡¯t consider the Xue n as a threat suggested that Yu Yifan had a huge background. At the very least, his background far surpassed the Xue n''s status.


    ¡°Is there something you need, Brother Yu?¡± Liu Wuxie asked, his interest in Yu Yifan¡¯s identity waning since it wasn¡¯t the Xue n who had sent him. Could Yu Yifan be interested in the pill and martial technique? That was even more unlikely. Given that he didn¡¯t regard the Xue n highly, why would someone like himck pills and martial techniques? This meant that Yu Yifan was here for the me Sun Cave!


    ¡°Brother Liu, you¡¯re not curious about my identity?¡± Yu Yifan didn¡¯t state his purpose directly and asked with a smile. They hadn¡¯t interacted much during the assessment and weren¡¯t well-acquainted.


    ¡°No, not interested!¡±


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s response caught Yu Yifan off guard, prompting a wry smile to form on his face. It wasn¡¯t that Liu Wuxie disliked Yu Yifan; he simply had no interest in his identity.


    ¡°Brother Liu, you may not be aware, but I¡¯ve heard about your exploits in Zen City,¡± Yu Yifan said, not lingering on the previous topic. He had done his homework on Liu Wuxie before their meeting. Aside from Zuo Hong, few in the Imperial Academy were privy to Liu Wuxie¡¯s deeds in Zen City.


    ¡°Did youe here just to chat?¡± Liu Wuxie was growing impatient. Yu Yifan was clearly superior to Bai Yu. Bai Yu¡¯s jealousy was evident during the assessment, but Yu Yifan managed to conceal his feelings well. This alone highlighted the stark contrast between them.


    ¡°Truth be told, my father told me about your performance back in Zen City, and I was quite surprised. It was rare to see such a heaven-defying genius in alchemy in this world,¡± Yu Yifan praised. After all, Liu Wuxie even defeated Ji Yang, making him one of the most outstanding young talents in alchemy in the Great Yan Empire.


    ¡°Your father was present then?¡± Liu Wuxie frowned. There were many prominent figures in Zen City at that time, including the Kuang n and other major ns. But he didn¡¯t recall anyone with the surname of ¡®Yu¡¯ in attendance.


    ¡°My father is the city lord of Manifest City and was there for official matters. Thus, he was invited to observe thepetition,¡± Yu Yifan quickly exined.


    This surprised Liu Wuxie because he didn¡¯t expect Yu Yifan to be the son of Manifest City¡¯s city lord. It was no wonder that Yu Yifan didn¡¯t regard the Xue n highly. A city lord had a noble status, which was why the Xue n had to be respectful when facing the Azure Billow City¡¯s city lord, not to mention the Manifest City, which far surpassed the Azure Billow City in terms of status.


    Liu Wuxie nodded, finally understanding why Yu Yifan knew so much about him. During the alchemypetition, Yu Yifan must have been in seclusion to reach the Spirit Cleansing Realm for the Imperial Academy¡¯s assessment, wanting to use it as an opportunity to be famous. Therefore, his father must have ryed Liu Wuxie¡¯s alchemical prowess to him.


    ¡°Brother Yu, are you attempting to pressure me by leveraging your father¡¯s status?¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s gaze darkened. Yu Yifan had been skirting around the issue, seemingly unting his status through his father.


    ¡°Brother Liu, you worry too much. I came to find you to discuss something. As long as you agree, I won¡¯t treat you unfairly,¡± Yu Yifan waved his hand with a hint of cunning light in his eyes as he wore a smug smile.


    Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t sure if Yu Yifan harbored any ill intentions, but his objective was clear. If Liu Wuxie disagreed, it would likely result in a confrontation. He knew Yu Yifan must have an ulterior motive for revealing his father¡¯s status. He asked, ¡°Speak, what¡¯s the matter?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be straightforward with you. I¡¯ve been practicing a fire attribute cultivation technique and recently reached the Spirit Cleansing Realm. I urgently need to enter the me Sun Cave, and I assure you, I''ll give you fair treatment if you¡¯re willing to grant me this opportunity,¡± Yu Yifan stated his purpose. He had revealed his identity first to exert pressure on Liu Wuxie.


    Indeed, Liu Wuxie was merely the son-inw of the Xu n from Azure Billow City, a far cry from the son of a city lord. The disparity in their statuses was akin to the difference between an emperor and amoner.


    Yu Yifan, basking in the superiority of being the city lord¡¯s son, held his head high, a smile gracing his face. Despite the sincerity in his tone, there was an underlying hint of dominance.


    ¡°Oh? How will youpensate me if I give it up?¡± Liu Wuxie nodded. He had already guessed Yu Yifan¡¯s purpose and could tell with a nce that Yu Yifan had cultivated a fire attribute cultivation technique. He was just curious how Yu Yifan nned onpensating him. After all, a cultivating ground like the me Sun Cave wasn¡¯t something anyone had the qualification to enter.


    This reward from the Imperial Academy had surprised many people as this was unprecedented in the past. Perhaps the Imperial Academy had sensed the crisis in the academy, with the Heaven Govern Academy showing signs of catching up to them. Thus, they feltpelled to offer more rewards to attract more geniuses.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s response pleasantly surprised Yu Yifan, and he knew that bringing out his father¡¯s status would be effective. After all, a city lord had a private army, formidable strength, and connections with many officials in the Great Yan Dynasty. This meant that his status far surpassed that of ordinary ns.


    ¡°As long as Brother Liu is willing to give it up, I can write a letter to have my father intervene and mediate the matter between you and the Xue n,¡± Yu Yifan replied confidently and could no longer restrain his smile. He didn¡¯t make any threats, and the effects were surprising.


    ¡°Mediate?¡± Liu Wuxie echoed, a cold light shing in his eyes. He had assumed that Yu Yifan would help him resolve the feud with the Xue n. However, Yu Yifan only offered to mediate the matter, implying that the oue wasn¡¯t guaranteed. This meant that even if he gave up the opportunity to Yu Yifan, he might still be unable to resolve the threat posed by the Xue n. The terms ¡®resolving¡¯ and ¡®mediating¡¯ a feud, while sounding simr, were fundamentally different.


    ¡°Brother Liu, rest assured about it. With my father intervening, the Xue n will show him respect,¡± Yu Yifan continued, reassuring that his father¡¯s influence wouldpel the Xue n to show deference.


    Liu Wuxie chuckled, his gaze fixed on Yu Yifan, ¡°You¡¯ve done your homework on me, but did you know that I¡¯ve killed many members of the Xue n? The animosity between me and the Xue n is irreparable. I appreciate your good intentions, but I must decline.¡±


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s tone carried a hint of mockery. Yu Yifan had investigated him thoroughly, but he didn¡¯t know that Liu Wuxie had killed many people from the Xue n, including Xue Changqing.


    The Xue n had already dispatched someone to investigate, but Xue Changqing¡¯s disappearance remained an unsolved mystery.


    ¡°Brother Liu, are you really unwilling to forfeit the opportunity to cultivate in the me Sun Cave?¡± Yu Yifan¡¯s expression turned cold, a drastic change in his demeanorpared to before. It was as though he had changed into an entirely different person.


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid that you will have to be disappointed!¡± Liu Wuxie realized that Yu Yifan was the same as the three scorpion brothers, and he replied calmly despite facing Yu Yifan¡¯s hidden threats. He had already formed a feud with the Xue n, and he didn¡¯t want to be the enemies of the son of Manifest City¡¯s city lord.


    Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t acting out of fear, but rather a desire to avoid petty squabbles. He hade to the Imperial Academy to cultivate, not to make enemies. His ultimate goal was to return to the Celestial Realm swiftly to exact revenge.


    Even though he had executed the Blood Demon Disintegration Art, he believed many had survived the explosion. They were still atrge, and Liu Wuxie wouldn¡¯t be able to dispel the anger in his heart without killing them. He turned around and returned to his courtyard after he was done, without even having the intention to see him off.


    ¡°Brother Liu, you will regret this!¡± Yu Yifan didn¡¯t conceal his threat, as Liu Wuxie¡¯s reply had offended him. After all, he could swiftly make breakthroughs in his cultivation if he could cultivate in the me Sun Cave, forging a sturdy foundation to be a Profound Grade student. But this opportunity was slipping away, naturally leaving Yu Yifan with a grim expression.


    ¡°Brother Yu, are you threatening me?¡± Liu Wuxie turned around with a hint of mockery in his eyes. He could easily crush someone like Yu Yifan with one hand.


    ¡°I hope that you can consider this carefully. I¡¯m not the only one wanting to enter the me Sun Cave, and whether you can even live till tomorrow is a question. I can guarantee your safety if you¡¯re willing to give me the opportunity.¡± What Yu Yifan said was the truth; he wasn¡¯t the only one wanting to enter the me Sun Cave.


    The three scorpion brothers were the first wave, and he was the second. This meant that there were other waves as well. Their objectives were clear: they were here for the opportunity to cultivate in the me Sun Cave.


    How could they let such a huge opportunity slip away? This was the first time an Earth Grade student was allowed to enter the me Sun Cave, as the opportunity to cultivate in it was mainly meant for Heaven Grade students. The aspects of the me Sun Cave were still unknown to Liu Wuxie. However, judging from their actions, he could discern that the ce was extraordinary. They were willing to go to great lengths just for the opportunity to cultivate there for ten days.


    ¡°You guarantee my safety?¡± Liu Wuxieughed with a hint of mockery and a touch of bitterness. Since when did he fall so far that he needed the protection of someone in the first-level Spirit Cleansing Realm? It would be the greatest joke if this got to the Celestial Realm.


    ¡°Please reconsider. After all, there are no grievances between us, and we can maximize our benefits if we cooperate,¡± Yu Yifan continued to persuade as though he was doing this for Liu Wuxie¡¯s sake that he shouldy low and not make more enemies.


    ¡°It¡¯s gettingte. I won¡¯t see you off!¡± Liu Wuxie closed the gate to the courtyard, leaving Yu Yifan stunned as he narrowly avoided getting his nose hit by the closing door.


    Staring at the gate, Yu Yifan clenched his fists with murderous intent shing in his eyes. He felt the urge to kick the door open, but his rationale told him that he couldn¡¯t do that. After all, he had witnessed Liu Wuxie cripple the three scorpion brothers, making him a formidable foe that he couldn¡¯t underestimate.


    After all, Yun Lan had never returned ever since he had left Zen City. Through various investigations from many parties, there was a possibility that he went to chase after Bi Gongyu and Liu Wuxie. There were also signs of a fight on the main path, but no evidence was left behind.


    Returning to his room, Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t in a hurry to cultivate as Yu Yifan reminded him that he might face more trouble today.

 Chapter 122 - Tie Ying

    <h4>Chapter 122 - Tie Ying</h4>


    Yu Yifan stood outside the courtyard. His facial expression gradually changed, with murderous intent shing in his eyes. From a young age, he had grown up amidst countlesspliments as the son of Manifest City¡¯s city lord. When he was born, all the ns in the city came to celebrate his birth.


    When he was three, he disyed outstanding talent in cultivation, surpassing many of his peers. He had missed several assessments and waited many years to be famous with one shot, but Liu Wuxie ultimately snatched all the glory and honor.


    He could put up with that. But what happened today was a resounding p to his face. After all, even Profound Grade students would cooperate obediently if he demanded.


    ¡°Young Master, why don¡¯t we break the courtyard and teach him a lesson?¡± The twockeys behind Yu Yifan were furious. They were loyal to Manifest City as the city lord nurtured them. Upon seeing the young master humiliated, they naturally felt obliged to step forward.


    ¡°No need. Let¡¯s go!¡± Yu Yifan took a deep breath to suppress his anger. He would¡¯ve acted already if violence could resolve the problem.


    ¡°Are we just going to let this slide, Young Master?¡± The student on the right asked, unable to ept the situation.


    ¡°Let it slide?¡± Chill shed across Yu Yifan¡¯s eyes. He naturally wouldn¡¯t let this go so easily, but only he knew what he was nning. The group of three left, and Liu Wuxie¡¯s courtyard returned to calm.


    As a new year approached in ten-odd days, students started returning to the Imperial Academy to join the celebrations. Within a few days, the academy was bustling with activity and adorned with decorations.


    Liu Wuxie sat in his room, knowing it wouldn¡¯t be peaceful today.


    Right then, the door to the courtyard burst open, scattering wooden debris everywhere. This unexpected event piqued the curiosity of the nearby courtyards, with some even daring to trespass into someone else¡¯s courtyard.


    Liu Wuxie opened his eyes. He was terrifyingly calm andposed. His golden soul sea formed into a golden vortex before him, absorbing the surrounding spiritual energy.


    ¡°They¡¯re here!¡± Liu Wuxie exited the bed and opened the door to see five fierce-looking individuals in the courtyard. There were four men and a woman, all in their mid-twenties. They all donned blue robes, meaning they were Earth Grade students. They appeared travel-weary, suggesting that they had just returned to the academy and had rushed over immediately upon their return.


    ¡°You¡¯re Liu Wuxie?!¡± The man in the middle had a pair of hawk-like eyes, and his gaze locked onto Liu Wuxie the moment thetter appeared. The woman and the other three men were strong, all in the Xiantian Realm''s ninth level.


    ¡°Yes, I am,¡± Liu Wuxie responded, his face devoid of emotion. His icy gaze swept over the five individuals before settling on the man who had spoken. Although a crowd had gathered outside the courtyard, none dared to enter. The destruction of his courtyard door had made the unfolding drama visible to all.


    ¡°My name is Tie Ying. I returned this morning and learned that you killed Jiang Hua. Kneel and apologize. If you do, we might consider giving you a painless death,¡± Tie Ying dered without hesitation. This group of five appeared to be students from the Advanced ss Three. While they imed to seek vengeance for Jiang Hua, it was clear they were acting under the instigation of Gao Yingzhang to eliminate Liu Wuxie. With the academy¡¯s higher-ups not responding to Gao Yingzhang, he had decided to take matters into his own hands.


    ¡°Gao Yingzhang sent you?¡± Liu Wuxie asked without any changes on his face.


    ¡°How dare you call a teacher by his name?! Today, we will teach you a lesson for Teacher Gao!¡± Tie Ying didn¡¯t make a move. Instead, a man standing beside him, known for his t forehead¡ªa sign of misfortune¡ªspoke up.


    That was the truth as well. This man¡¯s name was Yuan Shao. He lost his parents when he was four, and his neighbor raised him. His neighbor had a daughter two years younger than him, and they grew up together with a close rtionship.


    But on one asion, his younger sister got acquainted with a talented young man in the same city, forming a close rtionship with him. Right from the beginning, his younger sister only regarded Yuan Shao as a brother with no romantic feelings involved.


    The young man proposed not long after, to which his foster parents agreed. But the day before the wedding, Yuan Shaomitted a heinous crime against his younger sister after knocking his foster parents unconscious.


    By right, a scumbag like him shouldn¡¯t have been epted into the academy for what he had done. When his foster parents regained consciousness and saw what had happened, they gave Yuan Shao a beating. But things have already happened, and they could only conceal it as they would be humiliated if it was spread out. With no choice, they could only cancel the marriage and betrothed their daughter to Yuan Shao, and this incident gradually spread out after Yuan Shao joined the academy.


    Yuan Shao was like a cheetah as he leaped forth, throwing punches at Liu Wuxie¡¯s face. He was true to his cruel nature, nning to take Liu Wuxie¡¯s life away with a lethal strike. The sheer force of his punches created a ripple spreading to the surroundings with resounding sonic booms.


    As the punches approached, Liu Wuxie remained calm and unmoving, with no intentions of counterattacking. Yuan Shao¡¯s cultivation was in the ninth-level Xiantian Realm, and there was no way Yuan Shao could threaten him.


    He locked onto Yuan Shao with the Ghost Eye and raised his right foot when thetter was about a foot away from him. Liu Wuxie¡¯s sudden move caused amotion among Tie Ying and the other three. Yuan Shao instantly sensed something amiss, but it was toote.


    A perfectly timed kicknded on his lower abdomen, sending him flying backward like a meteor, crashing into the spot where the three scorpion brothers had previouslynded. A cracking sound, akin to an egg breaking, emanated from Yuan Shao¡¯s dantian, signaling the leakage of his true essence.


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t kill Yuan Shao, but he had crippled thetter¡¯s cultivation. From that day onwards, Yuan Shao could only be trash, suffering mockery and enduring endless regret for the rest of his life.


    ¡°My dantian!¡± Yuan Shao let out a scream. In the past year at the Imperial Academy, he had done many despicable things, offending many people. Thus, losing his cultivation meant that those he bullied in the past would take their turns to torment him, making him live a life worse than death.


    Tie Ying¡¯s eyes shed with a hint of chill. He was well aware of Yuan Shao¡¯s strength, and there was no way Yuan Shao could be so easily reduced to a cripple with one kick.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, you have some nerve. How dare you cripple a student of Advanced ss Three! I will deal with you on behalf of the academy!¡± Tie Yuan bellowed, charging at Liu Wuxie along with his threepanions. Their objective was clear and needed no further words: to kill Liu Wuxie and restore the honor of Advanced ss Three.


    Liu Wuxie also had no interest in exining, as the best method was to scare them thoroughly so they would never dare to provoke him again.


    The four surrounded him with an overwhelming momentum sweeping over, blowing the leaves on the ground into a storm. The leaves blocked the spectators¡¯ gazes, and everything happened in the blink of an eye.


    Liu Wuxie stood at the eye of the storm, seemingly on the verge of being swallowed by it any moment.


    A pair of hooks appeared in Tie Ying¡¯s hands, emitting a chilling luster. This sort of weapon was generally used by those who were ruthless, as this hook tended to tear chunks of flesh off the opponent. The other two men held longswords, blocking Liu Wuxie¡¯s path of retreat. As they worked together often, they had built a great rapport over the years, and they could even deal with ordinary opponents in the first level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm.


    Tie Ying attributed Yuan Shao¡¯s defeat to his carelessness, which allowed Liu Wuxie to seize the opportunity to cripple him. The only woman in the group brandished two slender des, executing the Swallow Rain de technique.


    A stifling aura enveloped Liu Wuxie, threatening to tear him apart if he wasn¡¯t careful. ¡°This guy is in serious trouble. Being surrounded by Tie Ying¡¯s group of four spells certain death,¡± the onlooking students murmured among themselves.


    The three scorpion brothers might be strong, but they were palepared to Tie Ying¡¯s group. This was because Tie Ying¡¯s group had a set of formations that went along with their tactic, allowing them to unleash greater power.


    ¡°It¡¯s unbelievable! This kid has only been in the academy for two days, and he¡¯s already in so much trouble. This is unprecedented!¡±


    Liu Wuxie had just joined the Imperial Academy and hadn¡¯t yet availed any resources or facilities, but he was already embroiled in a significant mess.


    As the four attacks were about to hit Liu Wuxie, a peculiar scene unfolded. Liu Wuxie¡¯s figure gradually faded, vanishing from his original position without any warning. This sudden disappearance startled Tie Ying¡¯s group, as Liu Wuxie¡¯s speed was so swift that even cultivators of the Spirit Cleansing Realm would struggle to keep up with him.


    ¡°Go into formation!¡± Tie Yingmanded as the four swiftly took their positions, forming an array to trap Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°The Four Symbols Array!¡± Liu Wuxie grinned devilishly. He found it amusing that these inexperienced individuals were attempting to use such an insignificant array against him.


    ¡°You know the Four Symbols Array?!¡± Tie Ying eximed in surprise. They had stumbled upon the Four Symbols Array in an ancient tomb. The array they discovered was iplete, but after years of research, they managed to develop a version that could just about be called the Four Symbols Array.


    The authentic Four Symbols Array could mimic various phenomena, and these four had barely grasped fragments of it. Strictly speaking, what they had couldn¡¯t even be called the Four Symbols Array. Nevertheless, it was sufficient to deal with ordinary people, demonstrating the power of a spiritual array.


    ¡°Big Brother Tie, there¡¯s no need to waste time talking with him. There¡¯s something strange about him; let¡¯s finish him and take his rewards from the assessment!¡± The woman spoke, her ruthlessness surpassing that of the men.


    ¡°Xiao Yan is right. Let¡¯s kill him first!¡± Our priority should be to kill him!¡± The two other men concurred, eager to dispatch Liu Wuxie and then divide the loot.


    As the array activated, a mysterious vortex appeared and enveloped them. This was the power of array, using the profundity of heaven and earth to empower the array and unleash powerful attacks to deal a lethal blow to the enemy.


    ¡°A bunch of garbage like you want to kill me with this array?¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes shed with a hint of mockery as he left behind an afterimage, leaving the array.

 Chapter 123 - Discuss

    <h4>Chapter 123 - Discuss</h4>


    Using the Seven Dipper Steps, Liu Wuxie left the Four Symbols Array, rendering it useless against him.


    The sudden change in the situation caused a shift in the expressions of Tie Ying¡¯s group of four. They couldn¡¯t keep up with the pace, let alone change their formation in time.


    Instead of drawing his sword, Liu Wuxie relied solely on his physical prowess. With a mere p, he sent the woman flying, making half of her face swell up, exacerbating her already ugly appearance. As for the two men, Liu Wuxie dispatched them with a kick each, sending them crashing against the wall and leaving them unconscious as they fell onto the ground.


    With that, only Tie Ying remained standing. But no matter how he swung the hooks in his hands, he couldn¡¯t even touch the corner of Liu Wuxie¡¯s clothes. His attacks were swift, but Liu Wuxie was too strong.


    All the students gathered outside were scared to the point of retreating while Tie Ying dashed to the gate, wanting to escape.


    ¡°You think you can escape?¡± Liu Wuxie dashed forth, chasing up Tie Ying, raising his foot and stomping it down.


    Sounds of bones cracking echoed as Tie Ying¡¯s body hit the ground, blood spilling from his mouth and his face turning pale. The battle had ended in just a few moves, leaving the spectating students dumbfounded. They had witnessed a fifth-level Xiantian Realm practitioner defeat five ninth-level students. It was a one-sided ughter, a sight too horrifying to behold.


    Liu Wuxie slowly walked toward Tie Ying with a cold expression without a hint of emotion. He raised his right foot and stepped on thetter¡¯s lower abdomen.


    ¡°N-no...don¡¯t cripple my dantian!¡± Tie Ying stuttered in fear. Losing his dantian meant losing his cultivation. He knew his enemies would eventuallye for him, and his strong will to survive made him for mercy.


    No one intervened and pleaded for Tie Ying¡¯s group. They watched as Liu Wuxie emitted a terrifyingly suffocating aura like a fiend god. Liu Wuxie asked, ¡°If I were weaker than you, would you have spared me?¡±


    No one replied to Liu Wuxie, and he stomped his right foot down. Before Tie Ying could even scream out in pain, his dantian cracked, and he fainted. After crippling Tie Ying, Liu Wuxie headed towards the other three.


    ¡°S-Stay away!¡± The three, still recovering and unable to stand, retreated in fear. They could only crawl, leaving a trail of urine behind them as they backed against the wall. Overwhelmed with fear, they began to kowtow in Liu Wuxie¡¯s direction, hoping for mercy.


    But Liu Wuxie lifted his right foot and crippled all of their dantians.


    ¡°Get lost. Go tell Gao Yingzhang not to send a bunch of trash over,¡± Liu Wuxiemanded, shutting the gate and leaving the five cursing on the ground. Right from the start, Liu Wuxie only spoke three sentences.


    ¡°He¡¯s terrifying!¡± The students gathered outside were filled with fear and began to scatter. Soon, Liu Wuxie¡¯s actions began to spread throughout the academy.


    Tie Ying¡¯s group left by crawling on the ground. They didn¡¯t manage to return to Advanced ss Three as they died mysteriously along the way, spewing out ck blood. Over the past year, Tie Ying¡¯s group, especially Yuan Shao, had offended many students by harassing numerous female students. This naturally incited anger among many, but they didn¡¯t dare to voice their discontent. Upon learning that the group was crippled, they seized the opportunity to exact revenge on the five.


    Four hours had passed since the incident with Tie Ying¡¯s group, and no one came again, and Liu Wuxie¡¯s courtyard became quiet. Many students who passed by chose to avoid his courtyard, not wanting to get involved with Liu Wuxie.


    Surprisingly, it was as though the entire academy had be quiet, with everyone staying in their own courtyards quietly. But this was just the calm before the storm.


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t want to be involved in any trouble, but it was unavoidable for there to be people who courted death.


    In the evening, two figures approached Liu Wuxie¡¯s courtyard. Since the gates were destroyed, they entered the courtyard without any hindrance. When they were about a hundred meters away, Liu Wuxie noticed them and frowned.


    ¡°Young Master Liu, my name is Zhao Yuanjia, and I am a teacher. I request an audience with you.¡± The two who came were a man and a woman. The man was roughly in his fifties with a goatee, and the woman had sharp features and looked unpleasant.


    Upon opening the door, Liu Wuxie observed the two individuals. He didn¡¯t recognize the man, but he had already introduced himself as Zhao Yuanjia, a teacher at the academy. However, when his gaze fell on the woman, he found the woman familiar but couldn¡¯t recall where he had seen her.


    ¡°Young Master Liu, do you not know me?¡± The woman spoke out, trying her best to appear bewitching. But she didn¡¯t know that this only made her look more disgusting.


    The atmosphere in the courtyard was heavy as they sought to build a connection, but Liu Wuxie remained indifferent. Their attempt was met with icy disregard, and Liu Wuxie replied, ¡°I don¡¯t.¡±


    Then again, the objective of anyone who came to look for him at this moment was clear, and he couldn''t be friends with any of them. This was because his friends wouldn¡¯te to look for him now.


    The woman looked awkward, but she soonposed herself. She adjusted her hair and said, ¡°Speaking of which, we should¡¯ve grown up together.¡±


    Qi Ningyun tried her best to calm herself down with her chest heaving up and down.


    ¡°Are you Qi Ningyun?¡± Liu Wuxie recalled. This woman shared simrities with Qi Enshi in terms of her appearance. She was older than him and had joined the Imperial Academy two years ago. Her admission to the academy had once stirred up amotion in Azure Billow City. Now, she was a Profound Grade student, distinguished by her purple robe.


    Rumors of her being epted as a student by a teacher at the Imperial Academy weremon in Azure Billow City. So why had she sought him out now?


    Back in Azure Billow City, she had been afflicted with yin poison and needed the Nine Yang Fruit for treatment. When the guards from the City Lord Mansion tried to take it from him, he had taught them a lesson. This meant she had been in Azure Billow City at that time.


    Logically speaking, she should bear a grudge against him. So why was she seeking him out now? A flood of information rushed through Liu Wuxie¡¯s mind in mere moments. Qi Enshi hadn¡¯t yet informed Qi Ningyun about their dispute.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect you to remember me!¡± Qi Ningyun¡¯s eyes shed with a hint of scorn. While others might be ignorant, she was well aware of Liu Wuxie¡¯s past. He had been considered a wastrel since his youth, squandering his time and earning a reputation as a prodigal in Azure Billow City. She hadn¡¯t anticipated that Liu Wuxie would one day turn his fortunes around, gaining admission to the Imperial Academy with exceptional results. This naturally ignited a spark of envy in her heart.


    The jealousy that shed across her eyes couldn¡¯t be hidden from Liu Wuxie. This person¡¯s desire was overwhelming, and she was willing to employ any means to achieve her goals.


    ¡°What do you want?¡± Liu Wuxie went straight into the topic. He had no favorable impression of the City Lord Mansion, and the conflict with Qi Enshi was inevitable. Qi Enshi would find ways to kill him if he didn¡¯t die.


    ¡°I¡¯m here to discuss if you can let me have the me Sun Cave¡¯s qualification,¡± Qi Ningyun said, stating her true purpose.


    Liu Wuxie was taken aback, having anticipated a more subtle approach from her. Even the three scorpion brothers had nned to negotiate with ten gold coins, and Yu Yifan had even proposed a mutually beneficial arrangement.


    On the other hand, Qi Ningyun simply demanded he let her have the qualifications, showcasing a domineering and arrogant attitude. She might have imed to want a discussion, but her actions suggested otherwise. As the daughter of a City Lord, she exuded an air of arrogance and disdain for others.


    ¡°What if I refuse?¡± Liu Wuxie wore a harmless smile instead of getting angry, observing Qi Ningyun¡¯s next move.


    As a first-ss teacher, Zhao Yuanjia wasn¡¯t in a position to speak and could only stand by the side. Even so, his aura as a Marrow Cleansing Realm expert was enough to make others feel tremendous pressure.


    ¡°Young Master Liu, your Xu n has been facing difficulties recently. As long as you¡¯re willing to let me qualify, your Xu n¡¯s status in Azure Billow City will only be second to the City Lord Mansion in the future.¡± Qi Ningyun¡¯s tone contained a threat that the Xu n would be erased if Liu Wuxie dared to refuse. But she didn¡¯t know that the Azure Billow City had already undergone tremendous changes. As she had been in seclusion during this period, she didn¡¯t receive her father¡¯s letter and didn¡¯t know what happened in Azure Billow City.


    ¡°Are you threatening me?¡± With a chill enveloping the entire courtyard, Liu Wuxie¡¯s gaze turned cold. The aura even made Zhao Yuanjia narrow his eyes as the atmosphere made him ufortable.


    ¡°Don¡¯t misconstrue my words. Aren¡¯t we having a discussion?¡± Qi Ningyun¡¯s spoiled tone sent a chill down Liu Wuxie¡¯s spine, finding her audacity appalling. A few spectators were outside the courtyard, but their numbers were limited due to fear of getting involved.


    ¡°And what if there¡¯s no room for negotiation?¡± Liu Wuxie knew that Qi Enshi¡¯s letter about wiping out their ns would soon reach the academy, including the disciples of the Wan and Tian ns. Therefore, there was no possibility of him forming an alliance with Qi Ningyun.


    ¡°Brat, don¡¯t take it too far!¡± Zhao Yuanjia spoke out, releasing his aura and exerting pressure on Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Master, don¡¯t scare him. It¡¯s hard for him to step out of a small ce like Azure Billow City. I¡¯d be a sinner if he gets frightened,¡± Qi Ningyun smirked, ridiculing Liu Wuxie for his humble origins and hisck of exposure to a Marrow Cleansing Realm expert.


    Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t help but smile at the irony of his situation. Once an Immortal Emperor, he was now being threatened by a country he could have effortlessly crushed in the past.


    ¡°Dignity is something we fight to achieve, not something others give you. You two can leave now,¡± Liu Wuxie said, releasing his soul energy to knock back Zhao Yuanjia¡¯s aura, causing thetter to tremble as though a beast had locked onto him. The terrifying aura surged towards his mind, making him feel dizzy and cold sweat rolling down his forehead.

 Chapter 124 - Ashamed

    <h4>Chapter 124 - Ashamed</h4>


    Ignoring Qi Ningyun and Zhao Yuanjia, Liu Wuxie turned around and returned to his room. Liu Wuxie¡¯s disregard was gravely insulting to Qi Ningyun and Zhao Yuanjia. Qi Ningyun had never experienced such treatment before, and this naturally made her infatuated with a chill on her face.


    ¡°Master, why didn¡¯t you make a move earlier?¡± Qi Ningyun was baffled. She wanted to leverage her master¡¯s influence to force Liu Wuxie to yield the qualification to the me Sun Cave. She was a Profound Grade student, and her reputation would be tarnished if she made a move against Liu Wuxie.


    Her n was to use her master¡¯s stature to pressure Liu Wuxie into surrendering the qualification voluntarily, thereby avoiding any potential criticism. After all, there¡¯s a significant difference between willingly giving up the qualification and being forced to do so.


    Zhao Yuanjia found himself in a quandary, unable to reveal to Qi Ningyun the fear he felt when he faced Liu Wuxie. The intensity of Liu Wuxie¡¯s gaze was suffocating, akin to the god of death tightening his grip around his neck.


    ¡°There¡¯s something peculiar about that brat that he¡¯s able to ignore the pressure of my aura.¡± Despite being unwilling to admit it, Zhao Yuanjia still told Qi Ningyun the truth. If it were another student in the Xiantian Realm facing his aura as a Marrow Cleansing Realm expert, they would immediately go down on their knees, begging for mercy. But the gaze from Liu Wuxie made him feel as though needles were poking into every inch of his body.


    ¡°He¡¯s that weird?¡± Qi Ningyun naturally believed her master. After all, the fact that Liu Wuxie could cripple so many students in the ninth-level Xiantian Realm meant that he wasn¡¯t simple. It would be weird to rise in such a manner in one month if there weren¡¯t any special encounters.


    ¡°There¡¯s something off about him. I¡¯ll return tonight,¡± Zhao Yuanjia dered, his tone filled with determination. He found it hard to let go of the intimidation he felt under Liu Wuxie¡¯s gaze. Since he couldn¡¯t confront him during the day, he resolved to return at night topel Liu Wuxie to surrender the qualification, knowing there would be no further opportunities after today.


    When they left, the courtyard fell into silence once more. No one came again, and Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t go to the dining hall till the sky turned dark. He merely took out a few Heavenly Spirit Pills and swallowed them. When he circted the Deste Devouring Art, he devoured all the spiritual energy within a few thousand meters of radius, and he was only one step from reaching the sixth-level Xiantian Realm.


    Liu Wuxie entered his golden soul sea. His days of cultivation had significantly strengthened his soul sea, with golden soul energy transforming into golden threads. These threads intertwined to form multiple bridges within his soul sea.


    When night came, a shadowy figure quietly approached with the moon hanging in the sky.


    ¡°He¡¯s finally here!¡± Liu Wuxie gathered his soul energy with a brutal smile hanging on his lips. He had expected someone toe at night.


    The shadowy figurended in the courtyard silently and approached Liu Wuxie¡¯s room stealthily. The room was shrouded in darkness, with nomp to pierce the ckness. Even so, cultivators in the Marrow Cleansing Realm had a powerful perception, capable of sensing something more than ten meters away. Thus, the figure could hear the sound of breathing emanating from the room.


    ¡°Brat, don¡¯t me me for being ruthless!¡± The figure paused briefly outside the door before bursting inside. Upon entering, he lunged towards the source of the breathing sound, dagger in hand. His movements were swift, his dagger reaching its target in the blink of an eye. Liu Wuxiey on his bed, vulnerable to the impending strike.


    The figureughed cruelly as he closed the distance to Liu Wuxie, now just five steps away. The room was small, barely ten square meters, with only ten steps separating the door from the bed.


    But just when the dagger was about to fall, the figure suddenly froze as he had lost track of Liu Wuxie. The surroundings began to change as the figure found himself in a world of darkness, unable to see anything. No matter where he tried to escape, he would be forced back by an invisible force as if trapped in a cage.


    The figure was still calm, trying to find a way to escape. He knew he had fallen for Liu Wuxie¡¯s trap and wanted to find a way out. But as time passed, he realized that he couldn¡¯t break out of the cage no matter how hard he tried, and this gradually made him lose his patience. In the end, he could only sit on the ground to try and figure a way out.


    asionally, he would rise and attempt to break through, but all his efforts were in vain. It was as if an invisible wall stood before him, imprable no matter how hard he tried. An hour passed in this manner, with the shadowy figure exhausting his true essence significantly. If this continued, he faced only one possible oue: death by entrapment.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, I know you¡¯re responsible for this. Release me, or face the consequences!¡± Zhao Yuanjia¡¯s voice echoed, revealing his identity. His chest heaved heavily from exhaustion, a significant feat for someone in the Marrow Cleansing Realm after such a prolonged attack.


    ¡°So it¡¯s Teacher Zhao. I wonder what business Teacher Zhao has to visit my room sote at night?¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s voice sounded from the surroundings, making it tough to determine his location and making Zhao Yuanjia anxious.


    Zhao Yuanjia had hoped to determine Liu Wuxie¡¯s location based on the origin of his voice and find an exit from this spiritual array. However, he soon realized his miscalction. The spiritual array was not as straightforward as it seemed. It wasn¡¯t dangerous, ruling out the possibility of it being a lethal array. Yet, not many in the academy could construct a spiritual array capable of trapping a Marrow Cleansing Realm expert so wlessly.


    This realization filled Zhao Yuanjia with fear. He wondered if a higher authority within the academy was assisting Liu Wuxie. After all, a spiritual array of this level wasn¡¯t something that a brat like Liu Wuxie could set up, and this only meant a big shot was standing behind Liu Wuxie!


    ¡°Brat, why are you asking so many questions?! Let me out quickly, or don¡¯t me me for what will happen next!¡± Zhao Yuanjia was furious, releasing murderous intent. But it was unfortunate that his aura was locked within the spiritual array. Even the students living in the opposite room couldn¡¯t sense it.


    ¡°I¡¯m intrigued by what Teacher Zhao will do next.¡± The temperature in the room suddenly dropped, causing Zhao Yuanjia to shiver with a sense of danger looming over him. He had never believed that someone in the Xiantian Realm could pose a threat to him, but he believed it now.


    Then again, even if the spiritual arraybined with Ghost Eye couldn¡¯t kill him, it wasn¡¯t an issue to make him suffer.


    ¡°Hmph, let me see how long you can trap me here!¡± Zhao Yuanjia drew his weapon and started attacking the spiritual array, wanting to break it forcibly. The entire spiritual array began to shake violently with signs of copsing, which boosted Zhao Yuanjia¡¯s confidence. He continued to swing his sword as cracks began to appear on the spiritual array. Despite the array¡¯s formidable nature, it could only trap someone one or two levels higher. However, Zhao Yuanjia was a first-ss teacher with strengthparable to Jin Jianfeng.


    Trapping him in Liu Wuxie¡¯s spiritual array was no easy task, and it would be challenging unless Liu Wuxie reached the Spirit Cleansing Realm. Then again, Liu Wuxie also had no intentions of killing Zhao Yuanjia and merely wanted to teach him a lesson.


    Back in the day, he could have killed Gao Yingzhang if he had wanted, but he didn¡¯t do that. Killing students like Jiang Hua was the limit, and it would be troublesome if he killed Gao Yingzhang. Likewise, he could ridicule Yu Yifan and cripple the other students that came for him, but he couldn¡¯t kill a teacher openly.


    Caught by surprise, a de ray tore apart Zhao Yuanjia¡¯s defenses and left a wound on his right arm.


    ¡°What a pity!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s voice sounded. He had nned to leave a serious wound with that attack earlier, but Zhao Yuanjia sensed it in advance and managed to alleviate serious injury.


    ¡°I¡¯ll kill you!¡± Zhao Yuanjia bellowed, his rage echoing like a lion¡¯s roar as he charged at the spiritual array. Each impact he made caused more cracks to appear in the array. His sole intent now was to break the array, find Liu Wuxie, and subject him to a fate worse than death.


    When Zhao Yuanjia turned around, another de ray flew over even faster this time. Zhao Yuanjia wanted to dodge, but the third de ray containing a hint of de intent locked onto him. This time, Zhao Yuanjia suffered injuries on his chest and back, and his blood dyed his ck clothes. The pain made Zhao Yuanjia roar even more furiously, but there was nothing he could do because he couldn¡¯t even catch Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Brat,e and fight me like a man! You¡¯re a coward who only knows how to hide!¡± Zhao Yuanjia taunted, hoping to provoke Liu Wuxie into revealing himself.


    ¡°A first-ss teacher like you tried tounch a sneak attack against an Earth Grade student. Who¡¯s the coward? Aren¡¯t you ashamed of yourself?¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s refute made Zhao Yuanjia¡¯s face turn red. If word of tonight¡¯s events were to spread, Zhao Yuanjia¡¯s reputation would be ruined. This made it imperative for him to eliminate Liu Wuxie tonight, no matter the cost.


    Striding a peculiar movement technique, Liu Wuxie would appear behind Zhao Yuanjia each time, and his de would draw blood. In just ten-odd breaths, Zhao Yuanjia was covered in five to six wounds, each one causing him to wince in pain.


    If this continued, Zhao Yuanjia would bleed to death. Unable to escape, he could only resort to passive defense. Had he known that Liu Wuxie had set a trap in his room, he would have avoideding here, even at the risk of his own life.


    Liu Wuxie had already set up the spiritual array the previous day to prevent a sneak attack at night. He didn¡¯t expect his first ¡®customer¡¯ to be Qi Ningyun¡¯s master. Whenever he unleashed a de ray, Zhao Yuanjia would scream, but his voice couldn¡¯t get out of the spiritual array. Thus, he could only roar towards the sky to express his anger. He was so frustrated that he wanted tomit suicide. After all, a Marrow Cleansing Realm expert like him was being toyed around by someone in the Xiantian Realm.


    It didn¡¯t take long before Zhao Yuanjia was covered with twenty-odd wounds, but none of them were fatal. The most severe one was a gash on the left side of his face, likely to leave him disfigured.


    Zhao Yuanjia roared and unleashed his aura, wanting to drag Liu Wuxie down. Pushed to this point, he wouldn¡¯t be able to dispel the hatred in his heart even if he managed to kill Liu Wuxie.


    Suddenly, the spiritual array disappeared when he swung his sword down.


    ¡°The array is gone?¡± Zhao Yuanjia tried stepping forward before discovering that the spiritual array had disappeared. Without it, he could kill Liu Wuxie now.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t leave now, don¡¯t me me for what happens next!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s icy voice echoed from behind Zhao Yuanjia, sending a chill down his spine and prompting him to flee.

 Chapter 125 - Flame Sun Cave

    <h4>Chapter 125 - me Sun Cave</h4>


    Zhao Yuanjia didn¡¯t dare to stay for another moment and fled from Liu Wuxie¡¯s room, disappearing into the night.


    The entire room was in a mess when themp was lit up in Liu Wuxie¡¯s room.


    <i>That was close. I managed to scare him away!</i> Liu Wuxie thought to himself. His spiritual array was teetering on the brink of copse after containing Zhao Yuanjia for an extended period. If the conflict had persisted, Zhao Yuanjia could have shattered the spiritual array and ended Liu Wuxie¡¯s life.


    Liu Wuxie had only inflicted minor injuries on Zhao Yuanjia, relying on the spiritual array, and none of the injuries posed a threat to his life. Thetter was a low-level Marrow Cleansing Realm cultivator. The fact that he could aplish this was heaven-defying enough. He deactivated the spiritual array, confident that he wouldn¡¯t be disturbed that night, and returned to his bed to absorb spiritual energy.


    As the morning sunlight filtered through the window, Liu Wuxie ceased his cultivation and rose from his bed. He exuded a potent aura, akin to a sheathed de, that permeated the entire courtyard. Anyone who dared to approach him in this state would be torn apart by the de aura he emitted.


    Under the pressure of the de aura, the grand century-old tree began to quiver, its leaves detonating in a flurry, leaving the tree bare. The furniture in the room started to disintegrate, appearing as though it was being eroded. The insides of the furniture were already hollowed out from the corrosion. Through a night of intense cultivation, Liu Wuxie had fully recuperated from his assessment and the long journey to the Imperial Capital.


    ¡°The de intent I¡¯ve mastered is distinct from my previous life. It¡¯s more potent, and I believe this is linked to my unique dantian,¡± Liu Wuxie reflected as the de aura surrounding him began to fade. He found it hard to articte this sensation, but he recognized that his de technique, cultivation method, and soul sea had diverged from his previous life¡¯s cultivation path. The only constant was his knowledge as an Immortal Emperor.


    Walking out of the room, he saw that the courtyard was still in a mess as no one hade to clean up. The doors were broken, which meant he had to spend gold coins to get someone to repair it.


    Over the past few days, he had practically grasped the overallyout of the Imperial Academy. Li Shengsheng also gave him a map of the Imperial Academy to ensure he wouldn¡¯t lose his way. As he traversed the thick woods, he encountered very few students since the sun had just ascended. He would sporadically cross paths with some Profound Grade students who were in a hurry.


    With a swift tap of his foot, Liu Wuxie quickened his pace. He was keen to avoid any unnecessaryplications and didn¡¯t want his entry into the me Sun Cave to be noticed.


    ¡°That brat is heading to the me Sun Cave!¡± Not long after Liu Wuxie left, two figures came out from the woods. They had been watching Liu Wuxie¡¯s courtyard throughout the night.


    ¡°Activate the n and stop him from entering the me Sun Cave!¡± one of the two said, giving the order to stop Liu Wuxie from entering the cave.


    Unaware of this, Lui Wuxie entered the Profound Grade region an hourter. A vast cavey before him, linked to the underground mes. Consequently, the cave emitted substantial amounts of me-yang energy daily, making it a haven for cultivators who practiced fire-attributed cultivation techniques.


    Liu Wuxie possessed the deste dantian, consisting of multiple attributes and elements. This meant that any ce was a paradise to him. He followed a blue b path and arrived at the me Sun Cave. Following the path, it didn¡¯t take long before he arrived before a majestic hall. One needed to register first to enter the me Sun Cave, as not everyone was qualified to enter.


    Entering the hall, the interior was rtively simple. In the hall''s depth, a long passage led directly underground to the me Sun Cave.


    ¡°Who is it?!¡± When Liu Wuxie approached, an old man walked over from the depth of the hall. He was the elder responsible for the me Sun Cave, guarding this ce to prevent anyone from infiltrating. This old man was in his sixties, with half of his hair already turned white. His piercing gaze swept over Liu Wuxie like twin bolts of lightning.


    ¡°I am Liu Wuxie, this year¡¯s assessment champion. My reward is ten days of cultivation in the me Sun Cave,¡± Liu Wuxie responded respectfully, presenting the medal awarded to him by Jin Jianfeng.


    A peculiar smile yed on the old man¡¯s lips as he epted Liu Wuxie¡¯s medal. ¡°The me Sun Cave is currently closed to the public. You may return when it reopens,¡± he stated, pocketing the medal. His insistence on Liu Wuxie¡¯s departure was unusual.


    A chill ran through Liu Wuxie¡¯s gaze as he sensed something amiss. He couldn¡¯t shake off the feeling that the old man was deliberately creating obstacles for him. The coincidence of the me Sun Cave being closed upon his arrival seemed too convenient.


    ¡°Please tell me when the me Sun Cave will be open then,¡± Liu Wuxie said, suppressing the anger in his heart. He still persevered despite knowing that this old man was intentionally making things difficult for him. He could guess that the Xue n was behind it. After all, they held great power in the Imperial Academy, and it was nothing weird for them to bribe an elder.


    ¡°Unsure for now. You can go back first, and I will inform you when it¡¯s open,¡± the old man waved his hand impatiently, signaling Liu Wuxie to leave. He had no intention of giving a precise date. He nned on indefinitely postponing the opening of the me Sun Cave until Liu Wuxie left the Imperial Academy.


    ¡°Elder, what did the Xue n promise you to intentionally make it difficult for an Earth Grade student like me?¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes shed without a hint of emotion. A powerful aura also swept out from him as he was genuinely enraged. If the Xue n targeted him openly, he wouldn¡¯t fear. However, using such an underhanded method made Liu Wuxie look down on the Xue n.


    ¡°Who are you to question my methods? If you don¡¯t leave now, don¡¯t me me for my discourtesy!¡± The old man was incensed, spinning around and releasing his Marrow Cleansing Realm aura at Liu Wuxie. His cultivation was at the first-level Marrow Cleansing Realm, sufficient for his role as the guardian of the me Sun Cave.


    Those whose cultivation was at the high levels of the Marrow Cleansing Realm were teachers in the Imperial Academy. They naturally wouldn¡¯te to this remote ce to guard here. Only elders who didn¡¯t have a high status would be sent here.


    ¡°I¡¯m not going anywhere today and will enter the me Sun Cave!¡± Liu Wuxie stepped forth, releasing an aura no weaker than the old man''s. This naturally startled the old man because he didn¡¯t expect Liu Wuxie to have such a terrifying aura.


    There wasn¡¯t anyone here, and even if they fought here, no one would know about it. This was probably why the Xue n dared to be bold. After all, no one would know even if Liu Wuxie died here.


    However, Liu Wuxie had another option: to seek out the academy¡¯s higher-ups and request an investigation. But this would mean enduring a few days of humiliation, even if he could eventually cultivate in the me Sun Cave, an oue Liu Wuxie did not desire.


    The Xue n exploited this, targeting Liu Wuxie, who was too proud and solitary to seek help from the academy¡¯s higher-ups.


    ¡°Brat, I¡¯ll stand my ground here today. If you can bypass me, consider it your victory.¡± The old man wore a cruel smile. This was as good as telling Liu Wuxie that the me Sun Cave wasn¡¯t closed; he simply didn¡¯t want to let Liu Wuxie in, tantly obstructing him. He was also signaling to Liu Wuxie that he wouldn¡¯t hinder him now or in the future.


    Liu Wuxie reflected on Xue Pinzhi¡¯s words, acknowledging the deep-seated influence of the Xue n within the Imperial Academy. The n had numerous disciples studying at the academy, and several faculty members were also from the Xue n.


    ¡°Well, I apologize for what¡¯s about to happen!¡± Liu Wuxie sneered that someone in the first-level Marrow Cleansing Realm dared to stop him. His short de materialized in his hand as they faced off, a storm brewing around them that caused the nearby stone pirs to shake and rocks to tumble down.


    The old man narrowed his eyes, his expression shifting slightly. He didn¡¯t dare to underestimate Liu Wuxie and took out a smoking pipe. The Xue n had warned him about Liu Wuxie¡¯s prowess and cautioned him not to underestimate the situation.


    A heatwave surged from underground as magma began to spew out, apanied by a dense fire-attribute spiritual energy. With a deep breath, Liu Wuxie could sense an impending breakthrough. He lunged forward, leaving an afterimage in his wake, and swung his de towards the old man¡¯s chest and back.


    Liu Wuxie had no intention of killing the old man, who was responsible for guarding the ce. Any harm to the old man would escte the situation. He understood the difference between crippling a student and killing a teacher.


    Over the past few days, Liu Wuxie had been feeling that someone in the academy was protecting him. If he were an ordinary student, he would either be crippled or expelled from the academy for killing so many people. However, he didn¡¯t know who was backing him up for the time being.


    The old man didn¡¯t dare to be careless as they fought in the hall. The de and smoking pipe shed in the hall, and their shes formed into a powerful air current sweeping out.


    A powerful aura of a Marrow Cleansing Realm expert swept out as the old man was furious to be suppressed by someone in the fifth-level Xiantian Realm. This was humiliating for him, and his murderous intent leaked out.


    Liu Wuxie, on the other hand, exercised caution. While he had the capability to kill someone in the first-level Marrow Cleansing Realm, he couldn¡¯t afford to reveal all his trump cards as this wasn¡¯t a fight to the death. His objective was to gain entry into the me Sun Cave while maintaining a low profile in front of the old man.


    Using the Seven Dipper Steps, Liu Wuxie managed to dodge every moveing from the old man, making thetter furious. The Xue n had tasked him to stop Liu Wuxie no matter what. He was implicated in the Xue n¡¯s underhanded dealings, and failure toplete this task would result in severe punishment from the n.


    The old man¡¯s smoking pipe left a trail of afterimages as it spewed out mes, enveloping Liu Wuxie. The old man, having cultivated here, had a deep understanding of fire attributes.


    With a dismissive snort, Liu Wuxie moved with a speed that was nothing short of astonishing. The longer their battlested, the more the old man was taken aback, as Liu Wuxie¡¯sbat prowess surpassed his own. This seemed imusible, given that he was in the Marrow Cleansing Realm, and hisbat abilities were supposedly inferior to someone in the Xiantian Realm. If word of this got out, it would be met with disbelief.


    Yet, the reality was that Liu Wuxie, relying on his speed, was able to easily confront the old man. Simultaneously, he used the Ghost Eye to identify the old man¡¯s weaknesses.

 Chapter 126 - Mysterious Passage

    <h4>Chapter 126 - Mysterious Passage</h4>


    The old man grew increasingly shocked as the battle progressed, unable to describe his emotions. Despite a few hundred exchanges, Liu Wuxie still looked at ease in the fight, easily fending off the old man¡¯s attacks. It was as if he was trying to gnaw on a tough bone, leading to mounting frustration.


    Thanks to the Ghost Eye, Liu Wuxie could capture each movement of the old man, allowing him to see through each change in his attacks.


    ¡°Brat, let me see how long you can keep running!¡± The old man, seething with rage, unleashed a palm strike that cut through a pir behind Liu Wuxie, causing a significant part of the hall to crumble. The gust generated by his strike tore Liu Wuxie¡¯s garments, nearly ending his life.


    Cold sweat dripped from Liu Wuxie¡¯s forehead as he realized that he had underestimated the strength of the Imperial Academy¡¯s elder. The old man was on a whole new levelpared to Yun Lan.


    ¡°Have a taste of my de!¡± As Liu Wuxie raised his de to the sky, a powerful de aura swept out, releasing a suffocating de intent that stunned the old man.


    ¡°Youprehended the de intent in the Xiantian Realm?!¡± The old man¡¯s eyes were filled with disbelief. He stabbed his smoking pipe at Liu Wuxie¡¯s heart. He couldn¡¯t allow such a genius like Liu Wuxie to live when he had offended thetter so thoroughly today. Liu Wuxie would be his worst nightmare if he lived.


    The de intent locked onto the old man¡¯s body, slowing his movements down significantly. Through Ghost Eye, Liu Wuxie could capture every single movement of the old man. Liu Wuxie swayed to dodge the old man¡¯s smoking pipe before appearing on the old man¡¯s right. The de in his hand radiated a potent heatwave that filled the entire hall.


    <i>Damn it!</i> The old man cursed inwardly as Liu Wuxie¡¯s de aura had locked onto him with no path of retreat. He couldn¡¯t believe that someone in the fifth-level Xiantian Realm forced him to this point. He didn¡¯t hesitate to strike at Liu Wuxie¡¯s lower body, opting for a do-or-die approach. If Liu Wuxie persisted with his attack, the old man¡¯s counterattack wouldnd, forcing Liu Wuxie to retreat.


    When Liu Wuxie and the old man were about to collide, the de intent suddenly disappeared as though it never existed. Liu Wuxie vanished before the old man, as his attack earlier was a feint. His true intention was to force the old man to expose a w earlier so that he could take this opportunity to enter the me Sun Cave.


    In the blink of an eye, it was toote for the old man to react as Liu Wuxie entered the me Sun Cave. He roared, ¡°Damn it! Fuck! That brat fooled me!¡±


    Who would¡¯ve thought that Liu Wuxie¡¯s attack was merely a diversion and his true objective was to force him to retreat?


    Then again, killing the old man would bring no benefit to Liu Wuxie, and this was a trap set up by the Xue n. He could always deal with them one by one once he returned after cultivating.


    Liu Wuxie traversed the passage without pausing, with intense heat radiating from the ground. He walked for approximately fifteen minutes before decelerating as the old man couldn¡¯t keep up with him.


    The interior of the me Sun Cave was a natural underground cave with multiple branches. Through the Imperial Academy¡¯s excavation for the past few hundred years, the interior was much bigger than he had imagined. A main path led to the depths, with many side branches leading to unknown locations.


    Logically speaking, the main path should be the right way. After all, the Imperial Academy must¡¯ve thoroughly explored the underground cave system for the past few hundred years, and wandering around randomly might get him lost.


    Lamps were mounted on both sides of the wall, providing minimal illumination for the path. There was still a considerable distance to the depths, and the intense heat caused Liu Wuxie to sweat heavily.


    What dense energy! Liu Wuxie thought to himself. He activated the Deste Devouring Art and devoured the surrounding fire-attribute spiritual energy. This made Liu Wuxie¡¯s bottleneck shake, but he suppressed it down forcibly as he wanted to find somewhere safe before making a breakthrough.


    Suddenly, Liu Wuxie stopped and no longer delved deeper. He looked to the right, where there was a passage.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on? Why does the mysterious sapling in my dantian want me to go in this direction?¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s consciousness entered his dantian, and he saw the mysterious tree shaking as the leaves pointed to the right passage, beckoning Liu Wuxie to go that way.


    The passage was blocked with chains with a sign beside it, writing, ¡°Danger, do not enter! Trespassers will be killed!¡±


    The sign indicated clear danger in this direction. Yet, Liu Wuxie found himself torn. On one hand, the tunnel seemed a safe choice for uninterrupted cultivation over ten days, promising a breakthrough. On the other hand, the reminder from the enigmatic sapling made him wonder if there was a hidden secret down this tunnel.


    He proceeded along the rocky path, a passage so narrow it could barely amodate one person. A cold breeze swept through the passage, colliding with the intense heat before dissipating.


    ¡°This is peculiar. This is the me Sun Cave, so why is there a cold breeze?¡± Liu Wuxie mused. He reached out and grasped the chain. He noticed that the chain was forged from ten-thousand-year-old cold iron, impervious to ordinary weapons. Even a spiritual weapon would struggle to leave a mark on it. The contrasting hot and cold winds were like yin and yang, two opposites merging.


    <i>Rumor says that extreme yin can be found in ces of extreme yang and vice-versa!</i> Liu Wuxie thought to himself. For instance, in areas inhabited by venomous snakes, antidotes could often be found nearby. This was the naturalw of the world.


    Since this ce was of extreme yang, there was a high chance extreme yin could be found here. Liu Wuxie reached out to grab the chain blocking the passage, producing a rattling sound.


    Suddenly, an eerie sound echoed from the depths of the passage. It sounded like a cry, further piquing Liu Wuxie¡¯s curiosity. He couldn¡¯t sever the chain with his current strength; the only option was to unlock it.


    The lock was forged by a powerful cksmith with spiritual runes engraved on it. Liu Wuxie only had one attempt to unlock this particr lock. If he failed, the lock would be destroyed, sealing it for eternity. The value of this lock was even higher than ordinary spiritual artifacts, igniting Liu Wuxie¡¯s interest even more.


    The spiritual runes on the lock also bore traces of spiritual arrays. It was beyond theprehension of ordinary people to understand the lock and attempt to unlock it. To Liu Wuxie, the spiritual runes appeared like crude brush strokes on the lock.


    Armed with a carving knife, Liu Wuxie began to etch new spiritual runes onto the lock, resembling ayer of flowing mercury on the lock. He easily cracked the first lock core. There were ten lock cores in total, and Liu Wuxie managed to crack them all in no time.


    Once the lock was cracked, Liu Wuxie removed the chains, entered the passage, and repositioned the lock as if nothing had transpired. The surroundings were pitch ck upon entry, and he had to rely on Ghost Eye to barely discern theyout of the passage.


    Two people appeared in the hall: Xue Pinzhi and another youth.


    ¡°Elder Gu, where is he?¡± Xue Pinzhi asked, noticing traces of a fierce battle in the hall.


    ¡°He went in!¡± Elder Gu eximed, his face clouded with disappointment. Despite being an elder in the Marrow Cleansing Realm, his failure to halt a Xiantian Realm practitioner was a source of embarrassment.


    ¡°He went in?¡± Xue Pinzhi exchanged a gaze with the youth beside him. A hint of displeasure shed in his eyes as the Xue n had invested heavily in Elder Gu.


    ¡°Elder Gu, you can¡¯t even handle such a trivial matter?¡± Xue Pinzhi retorted sharply. Despite being in the Spirit Cleansing Realm, he dared to address an elder of the Marrow Cleansing Realm in such a way. If outsiders were present, they would likely be astounded.


    They had already devised a backup n following the failure of yesterday¡¯s strategy, which was to intercept Liu Wuxie outside and incapacitate him.


    Upon hearing that Liu Wuxie had entered the me Sun Cave, the eyes of the youth beside Xue Pinzhi shed with murderous intent. A terrifying aura swept from him, enveloping the entire hall and forcing Elder Gu to take a few steps back.


    When Elder Gu looked at this youth, a hint of fear appeared on his face. This youth was only in the Spirit Cleansing Realm, but Elder Gu could sense dangering from this person.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect that brat to be so cunning, charging into the me Sun Cave relying on a strange movement technique when I wasn¡¯t noticing,¡± Elder Gu said with a bitter expression. He didn¡¯t find an excuse for himself as that was the truth.


    ¡°Garbage!¡± The youth beside Xue Pinzhi snorted disdainfully. He couldn¡¯t be bothered to argue with Elder Gu and boldly walked towards the me Sun Cave. It was against the rules to enter the me Sun Cave without the academy¡¯s arrangement, and he vited them.


    ¡°Young Master Xue Rui, please don¡¯t make things difficult for me. Only those with a unique medal from the academy can enter the me Sun Cave to cultivate.¡± Elder Gu stopped the two of them. The medal that Liu Wuxie took out was handed to him by the academy, which Elder Gu had kept. Every student entering me Sun Cave had to be registered, and the register had to be submitted to the academy for inspection every five days.


    ¡°You dare stop me?¡± Xue Rui¡¯s gaze was like a venomous vipernding on Elder Gu, making thetter tremble and quickly making way for him.


    ¡°Young Master Xue Rui, you can go in, but not him. Furthermore, one hour is the max, and you have toe out within an hour,¡± Elder Gu sighed. Xue Rui could enter, but Xue Pinzhi could only wait outside.


    ¡°An hour is more than enough for me to kill him!¡± Xue Rui said and entered the me Sun Cave, leaving Xue Pinzhi outside. With a sudden burst of speed, he moved as fast as lightning, appearing in areas where Liu Wuxie had been. He knew this ce well and didn¡¯t need to aimlessly wander like Liu Wuxie.


    He passed through the passages without hesitation, and it didn¡¯t take long for him to reach the cave''s depth. After the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, his vision cleared, revealing a cultivation ground before him. This was the cultivating ground of the me Sun Cave, and a few people were cultivating there.


    When they noticed Xue Rui¡¯s arrival, they stopped their cultivation and raised their heads to look at him.


    ¡°Xue Rui, why are you here?¡± a youth asked, recognizing Xue Rui.


    ¡°Where¡¯s the brat who just came in earlier?¡± Xue Rui nodded as a form of acknowledgment. He scanned the area but couldn¡¯t spot Liu Wuxie anywhere.

 Chapter 127 - Three Thousand Droplets

    <h4>Chapter 127 - Three Thousand Droplets</h4>


    Xue Rui scanned the area but couldn¡¯t locate Liu Wuxie. Consequently, he questioned the few students who were cultivating there. The cultivating ground wasn¡¯t big, and it was only a carved-out tform with scorching heat emanating from the ground. The boiling magma was like a ferocious beast breathing. This meant that cultivating here could allow someone to make rapid progress in their cultivation.


    A day of cultivating in the me Sun Cave was equivalent to a month in the outside world, and the dense spiritual energy would flow into the body through the pores. This was a perfect ce for cultivation, and it was no wonder why so many people wanted the qualification to cultivate in the me Sun Cave.


    ¡°Where¡¯s the brat that just came in earlier?¡± Xue Rui inquired of the Profound Grade students present, including a Heaven Grade student among those d in white robes. This student gave off a powerful aura in the Marrow Cleansing Realm, devouring the surrounding yang energy. Anyone could tell that the cultivation technique he practiced wasn¡¯t simple.


    ¡°What are you talking about? We¡¯ve been cultivating here for three days, and you¡¯re the only person who came in.¡± Everyone ignored Xue Rui and continued to cultivate. After all, they had invested significant credits for the opportunity to cultivate here and couldn¡¯t afford to waste a single moment.


    They weren¡¯t lying; they were the only ones cultivating here for three days. If anyone came in, how could they not know about it?


    Xue Rui walked around the tform but couldn¡¯t find Liu Wuxie anywhere. That made him wonder, where was he?


    Xue Rui frowned because aside from this ce, the other passages led to a dead end.


    ¡°Leave this ce. Don¡¯t disrupt our cultivation!¡± The white-robed youth spoke out bluntly, telling Xue Rui to leave. It was clear to everyone that Xue Rui didn¡¯t have the qualification to cultivate here and had intruded to find someone, relying on the Xue n¡¯s disregard for the academy¡¯s rules.


    Xue Rui returned to the surface with reluctance. He stayed in the me Sun Cave for an hour. When he came out, Elder Gu and Xue Pinzhi looked at him in bafflement.


    ¡°Big Brother Xue Rui, did you kill him?¡± Xue Pinzhi asked anxiously, assuming that Xue Rui had eliminated Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Elder Gu, are you certain that he went in?¡± Instead of responding to Xue Pinzhi, Xue Rui turned to Elder Gu. He had checked the other passages on his way out but found no sign of Liu Wuxie. He concluded that they had been tricked.


    ¡°I¡¯m certain of it!¡± Elder Gu insisted. He had seen Liu Wuxie entering the me Sun Cave but couldn¡¯t follow him as he had to guard this ce.


    Xue Rui frowned upon hearing that because Elder Gu didn¡¯t seem to be lying. So where could Liu Wuxie have gone?


    ¡°Big Brother Xue Rui, Liu Wuxie isn¡¯t inside?¡± Xue Pinzhi inquired, surprised to hear that Xue Rui had failed to locate Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°He¡¯s not inside. Keep a close eye on this ce. He¡¯s likely hiding nearby, tricking everyone into thinking he went in. He might be waiting for us to let our guards down before entering,¡± Xue Rui said. He refused to believe that Liu Wuxie could carry on hiding.


    ¡°Got it!¡± Xue Pinzhi nodded as the two left the me Sun Cave, leaving behind Elder Gu. This made all three of them furious that Liu Wuxie had fooled them.


    Meanwhile, in the dark passage, Liu Wuxie had been walking for nearly an hour with no end to the passage in sight. The chilling wind from the passage intensified, making it so cold that Liu Wuxie began to shiver. He had to take out a thick fur coat from his interspatial pouch and put it on to ward off the cold.


    As Liu Wuxie circted the Deste Devouring Art, the surrounding yin energy began pouring into his body through his pores, filling up his dantian after being converted. This discovery surprised Liu Wuxie, but he didn¡¯t know if this was good news. It was so cold here that it could freeze a cultivator in the Marrow Cleansing Realm solid.


    Liu Wuxie barely made it here, relying on his powerful physique and the Deste Devouring Art. He now understood why this passage was blocked with chains to prevent anyone from intruding.


    The cold energy that was absorbed into his body was devoured by the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron and converted into ck liquid. Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t dare to remove it from the cauldron just yet, as he had to wait till he found a safe ce before trying to make a breakthrough.


    The liquid continued umting in the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron, and he nned to reach the high levels of the Xiantian Realm with it. This way, he could face cultivators in the low levels of the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    More than a hundred droplets of the ck liquid umted above the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron, and this absorption speed was shocking. When Liu Wuxie traveled from the Azure Billow City to the Imperial Academy, it took ten-odd days for him to umte ten-odd droplets of liquid. But in the me Sun Cave, it only took him an hour to umte over a hundred droplets, and this naturally filled Liu Wuxie with immense joy.


    Suddenly, his field of view expanded as the passage widened, allowing two people to pass side by side. Naturally, Liu Wuxie increased his pace.


    In the distance, deafening rumbles echoed, sounding like a roar and forming into powerful reverberating sound waves.


    ¡°This is the magma¡¯s roar!¡± Liu Wuxie deduced. The roars were produced when magma shed against the rocks.


    When faint light appeared at the end of the passage, Liu Wuxie quickened his pace. The passage gradually opened up, allowing Liu Wuxie to speed up. He advanced for about ten meters before he came to an abrupt halt, as there was no path ahead. Directly in front of him was a river of magma, fifty meters wide.


    The rumbling sounds came from the river of magma, but Liu Wuxie was baffled where the chilling energy came from. The scalding magma was shing against the cliffs on both sides as waves.


    In the center of the magma river was arge protruding rock that calmed the passing magma.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Liu Wuxie was bewildered. This was the first time he had faced such a situation. Could it be that there was something special about that rock? But after observing it for a long time, he couldn¡¯t find anything wrong with it.


    With no clues, he could only sit down. The tform he was on could fit ten-odd people, and the magma river was just five meters away. Whether yang or yin energy, they had the same effect on Liu Wuxie. He circted the Deste Devouring Art at full force, devouring the surrounding spiritual energy.


    The subterranean spiritual energy from the magma entered into Liu Wuxie, and the liquid in the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron increased rmingly. However, Liu Wuxie did not choose to make a breakthrough immediately, as he had ten days in the me Sun Cave. He nned to use this time to absorb as much spiritual energy as possible.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s absorption of the spiritual energy formed a powerful vortex around him, with the density of spiritual energy forming into spiritual rain. The Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron was like a ck hole, devouring all the spiritual rain and umting it into ck liquid above the cauldron.


    Meanwhile, the students cultivating in the me Sun Cave on the other side suddenly opened their eyes when they noticed decreased spiritual energy. This naturally baffled them, and this was the first time they encountered this situation, as some had been there before.


    Ordinary people might not know, but Liu Wuxie noticed a spiritual vein beneath the me Sun Cave at first nce. The Imperial Academy was built above this spiritual vein, which meant that the density of spiritual energy was the highest here in the Imperial Academy. All the spiritual energy came from this spiritual vein, and the density of spiritual energy increased the deeper one went.


    The spiritual vein produced spiritual stones, and the Imperial Academy controlled more than one spiritual vein. After all, each student could receive five spiritual stones per month, a substantial amount that the Imperial Academy could only back up with spiritual veins.


    ¡°It¡¯s strange... the spiritual energy seems to be vanishing in a certain direction!¡± Liu Wuxie observed, noticing that the spiritual energy was moving upstream of the magma river. This naturally led him to question why so much spiritual energy was being absorbed.


    ¡°Although the spiritual energy has be thinner, it¡¯s still richpared to the outside world. Let¡¯s just focus on my cultivation as there will soon be a year-end assessment, and this is a good opportunity for everyone to shine.¡± There would be an exchange between sses every year, and many geniuses had been waiting for this moment to make a dazzling debut.


    After absorbing the spiritual energy for a day, Liu Wuxie finally stopped as the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron had umted over three thousand droplets, a terrifying amount.


    ¡°ording to my calction, it shouldn¡¯t be an issue for me to reach the eighth-level Xiantian Realm...¡± Liu Wuxie muttered to himself. Unlike others who had to tread carefully in their cultivation, Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t have that concern. Others had to stabilize at each level to temper their foundation before making a breakthrough. Liu Wuxie had the consciousness of an Immortal Emperor, and he could make rapid breakthroughs in his cultivation as long as he had sufficient foundation.


    Liu Wuxie had been eagerly awaiting this day, marking a significant breakthrough after a substantial umtion of his foundation. He took out over a hundred Heavenly Spirit Pills and ingested them. The pills converted into pure spiritual energy the moment he ced them in his mouth, coursing through his meridians. He didn¡¯t just want to make a breakthrough in his cultivation but also wanted to temper his physique while he was at it.


    The physique would naturally strengthen with each breakthrough, but this process was too slow for Liu Wuxie. He needed a robust physique to progress further in his cultivation. If his physique wasn¡¯t strong enough, he risked injuring himself if he executed the Overlord Fist. The Overlord Fist and Ghost Eye were his greatest trump cards now, reserved for life-threatening situations.


    The interspatial pouches of the three scorpion brothers and the students from advanced ss three fell into his hands, and they had quite the umtion of spiritual stones. He took them out, nning to use them to make a series of breakthroughs, as spiritual energy wasn¡¯t enough to satisfy him. After he was done, he began to meditate to calm himself.


    ¡°Let¡¯s start with my breakthrough!¡± Liu Wuxie could finally make a breakthrough after so many days of umtion. He had joined the Imperial Academy to obtain more resources as the Deste Devouring Art required an astronomical sum of resources. Only the Imperial Academy could sustain consumption in the Great Yan Dynasty.


    Liu Wuxie took out all the droplets of ck liquid in the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron in one go. But in the next second, a scream came from Liu Wuxie¡¯s mouth from the tearing of his tendons and meridians. Furthermore, his dantian also showed signs of copse from three thousand droplets of the ck liquid at once. Liu Wuxie had been a little reckless this time, wanting to make a series of breakthroughs at once instead of taking it step by step.

 Chapter 128 - Seventh-Level Xiantian Realm

    <h4>Chapter 128 - Seventh-Level Xiantian Realm</h4>


    Over three thousand droplets of the enigmatic liquid surged into Liu Wuxie¡¯s dantian simultaneously, equivalent to ingesting over a hundred fourth-grade pills at once. Even an individual in the Marrow Cleansing Realm would be torn apart by such energy.


    However, this demonstrated the formidable power of the Deste Devouring Art. It rapidly consumed the energies,pressing them and transforming them into true essence before filling Liu Wuxie¡¯s dantian. Despite this, the agony of his meridians being torn apart was unbearable. Blood began to seep from Liu Wuxie¡¯s pores, drenching him and forming a pool of blood where he sat. The blood then flowed into the magma river like a small stream.


    Liu Wuxie took out the Marrow Cleansing Pill he had received as a reward from the assessment and swallowed it down to speed up the tempering of his physique.


    As the blood entered the magma river, a reaction ensued, causing the massive rock at the river¡¯s center to shake abruptly. If Liu Wuxie had been observing the rock at that moment, he would have been astounded. This was because the rock was devouring his blood.


    However, Liu Wuxie needed to concentrate on his breakthrough and thus overlooked this scene. The sapling within his dantian¡¯s world began to grow rapidly. It had grown to over a meter in just a few minutes, with the leaves bing more lush and bewitching. It gave off a shocking amount of wood-attribute aura coursing through Liu Wuxie¡¯s body.


    Among the five elements, fire represented ferociousness, water represented gentleness, earth represented weight, metal represented sharpness, and wood represented life. Each element had its usage, such as fire being suitable for refining pills, water being suitable for women, earth being suitable for arranging spiritual arrays, metal being suitable for those who practiced swordsmanship, and wood being suitable for refining pills and engraving spiritual runes. But the most significant benefity in its unrivaled healing properties among the five elements.


    The first attribute that Liu Wuxie awakened was the wood element. He depended on wood elements to secure his victory in the alchemypetition. Consequently, he used it to mend his body, and his injuries were rapidly healed, addressing the issue of his body being on the brink of copse. This was the reason why Liu Wuxie was so audacious in his breakthrough.


    The spiritual energy oscited with each of his breaths, giving the impression that Liu Wuxie had integrated with his surroundings. Each of his breaths caused the heavens and the earth to ripple, a sight that would leave any observer in awe. After all, it was remarkable for someone in the Xiantian Realm to grasp the concept of unity with heaven and earth.


    As Liu Wuxie¡¯s dantian began to expand, it rapidly grew due to the influx of the three thousand droplets of mysterious liquid. The mountain range and rivers within his dantian expanded and developed. Suddenly, Liu Wuxie achieved a breakthrough, reaching the seventh-level Xiantian Realm.


    Even after making a breakthrough, Liu Wuxie had no intentions of stopping. He was devouring the surrounding spiritual energy, and his cultivation continued to rise. Spiritual stones exploded as pure spiritual energy flowed into the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron, producing over a hundred droplets before flowing into his dantian.


    ¡°Carry on!¡± Liu Wuxie roared as his aura formed into a tidal wave, sending the surrounding rubbles flying away with the entire cave shaking. If this carried on, the entire me Sun Cave would be destroyed by him. The shockwave that he released upon making a breakthrough was even more terrifying than someone in the Marrow Cleansing Realm making a breakthrough.


    In just one breath, Liu Wuxie reached the seventh-level Xiantian Realm, soon reaching the pinnacle. Even so, he had no intention of stopping as he was refining three thousand droplets of the mysterious liquid. He had umted for so long just for this moment.


    When Liu Wuxie joined the Imperial Academy, he had the potential to reach the sixth-level Xiantian Realm. However, he had been suppressing his breakthrough as he didn¡¯t need to worry about the umtion of his breakthrough. Each breakthrough was smooth, and he didn¡¯t need to stabilize his cultivation before making another breakthrough.


    But his speed gradually slowed at the pinnacle of the seventh-level Xiantian Realm. ording to his spection, reaching the eighth-level Xiantian Realm shouldn¡¯t have been an issue due to his umtion. Could it be that something wascking?


    The density of the surrounding spiritual energy had decreased, and the cirction of the Deste Devouring Art had also slowed down. He could make a breakthrough forcibly, but he didn¡¯t want to do that. He wanted a natural and smooth breakthrough. If he tried making a breakthrough forcibly, he would face an obstacle in the future.


    After spending two days stabilizing his cultivation, Liu Wuxie¡¯s cultivation was finalized at the pinnacle of the seventh-level Xiantian Realm. When he opened his eyes, a powerful shockwave swept out at the surrounding stone walls, causing rubles to fall from above, smashing beside Liu Wuxie before breaking apart.


    A thickyer of rubble was gathered in the passage far away, and Liu Wuxie had to clean it up when he went out. He sank his consciousness into his body. Joy soon appeared on his face when he saw his meridians.


    ¡°These are my meridians?!¡± Liu Wuxie was dumbfounded, looking at his body''s meridians that looked like rivers intertwining. Even if someone consumed heaven-defying pills, there was a limit to how much they could broaden their meridians. After all, there was a limit to everything, and the speed would slow down after being broadened to a specific limit.


    Take a person, for example. Their growth would be the fastest when they were young, gradually slowing down after the age of eighteen. This pattern was simr for trees, demonic beasts, and other races.


    This was also true for the meridians in a person¡¯s body. It was optimal toy the foundation before the age of eighteen. After that, the growth would be limited even with the help of pills.


    Liu Wuxie had dyed for so many years, and his meridians had already solidified, thus making it challenging to broaden them. But the Deste Devouring Artpensated for this shoring. The process might have been painful, but the harvest was plentiful. Bearing the pain and relying on wood attributes to recover allowed his meridians to be broadened beyond his imagination.


    Aside from broadening his meridians, every piece of muscle in his physique began to wriggle. Liu Wuxie could sense an unimaginable power lying beneath his muscles. But his bones were even more terrifying as they began to emit a faint golden radiance as though each had been tempered.


    The strength of his growth had far exceededpared to that of the Xiantian Realm. His entire body had undergone a drastic transformation, and he had grown taller and more mature. When his consciousness sank into his soul sea, his soul sea hadpletely turned golden, looking like a golden world.


    <i>My soul energy is no weaker than someone in the Marrow Cleansing Realm. Relying on Ghost Eye, it should be easy for me to kill someone in the low levels of the Marrow Cleansing Realm. Paired with Overlord Fist, I can even kill someone in the third-level Marrow Cleansing Realm.</i> Liu Wuxie thought that the harvest had far exceeded his expectations.


    Even so, this still didn¡¯t reach Liu Wuxie¡¯s desired expectations. He could only unleash the full power of Overlord Fist by reaching the Spirit Cleansing Realm, which was also required for him to refine high-graded pills. The transition from the Xiantian Realm to the Spirit Cleansing Realm represented a significant threshold, and he needed to cross it swiftly to further his cultivation.


    As he circted his soul energy, his right eye began to transform. The space before his eyes abruptly copsed under the influence of Ghost Eye. This alteration startled Liu Wuxie, as the Ghost Eye had deviated from his understanding. After all, the golden soul sea alone had already diverged from his previous knowledge.


    The deviation wasn¡¯t just the lethality of his soul energy, but it also allowed him to differentiate the grade of a pill and deduce the refining method of a pill. This was too heaven-defying.


    The fluctuation released by the Ghost Eye extended further, prating through the rocks to the depth of the mountain. Even the rocks could no longer block his sight. He had already experienced this prative ability back in Azure Billow City. But it was still somewhat blurred back then and wasn¡¯t this realistic.


    His vision wasn¡¯t as vivid in the past, and he could barely see through a wall. But it was different this time as the fluctuation continued to extend. Even after reaching seventy meters, he still hadn¡¯t reached his limit.


    A surge of dizziness swept over him when the fluctuation extended to ny-nine meters. This should be his limit, meaning nothing could escape him from within a hundred meters of a radius. As long as he performed Ghost Eye, everything would be revealed before his eyes.


    The strength of Liu Wuxie¡¯s consciousness would directly impact his efficiency when forging weapons in the future. In the past, his primary concern was his soul energy and innate talent. After all, he possessed unparalleled knowledge and would find himself in a difficult position if his cultivation couldn¡¯t keep up. This was akin to having a mountain of treasures but being unable to utilize them.


    He was confident his soul energy exceeded those in the Marrow Cleansing Realm. If he continued cultivating, he could fully utilize his knowledge and bring the greatest out of it.


    This attempt exhausted almost all of his soul sea. Liu Wuxie could only close his eyes to rest and recover his soul energy.


    Meanwhile, Elder Gu grew increasingly anxious outside the hall as it had been three days, and there still wasn¡¯t any news about Liu Wuxie. He even sent someone down to search, but Liu Wuxie could not be found in the me Sun Cave. The person Xue Pinzhi sent over hadn¡¯t slept for three days, guarding outside the me Sun Cave.


    Meanwhile, the massive rock emitted a boundless chill after absorbing Liu Wuxie¡¯s blood, rming him. The chill was too freezing, covering the surrounding walls with ayer of ice, and this scene made Liu Wuxie narrow his eyes.


    ¡°Something¡¯s not right,¡± he thought. The ce wasn¡¯t this cold when he first arrived, but now the chill was almost overpowering the heat from the magma. Intrigued by the rock¡¯s sudden and terrifying coldness, he paused his cultivation to investigate. The chill seemed to draw the sapling, indicating something extraordinary about this ce.


    As he stood up, his body crackled like thunder, and his blood roared like mighty rivers in his meridians, creating a thunderous sound with each surge.


    Driven by curiosity, Liu Wuxie advanced to uncover the mystery, covering five steps in an instant. Upon gazing at the magma river, he was so astounded that he nearly lost his footing and retreated hastily.


    ¡°Unbelievable!¡± Liu Wuxie eximed. The sight before him was beyond anyone¡¯sprehension. However, it wasn¡¯t the sight that shocked him, but the realization of finding such a priceless treasure in the True Martial Continent.

 Chapter 129 - Frost Spiritual Bead

    <h4>Chapter 129 - Frost Spiritual Bead</h4>


    Liu Wuxie quickly regained hisposure and turned his attention to the magma river. At its center, on the rock, sat a ck bead that emitted an intense chill, freezing everything within a few meters radius.


    But how was that possible? The temperature of the magma river was over a thousand degrees Celsius, capable of melting everything that fell into it. The fact that the ck bead could freeze the magma was enough to say that it was no ordinary object. Only one thing could aplish this: the power of elements.


    Even though the magma was extremely hot, it didn¡¯t possess any elements unless it could form a me core. The birth of each element required thousands, if not tens of thousands of years. For instance, wood elements required a tree to grow for tens of thousands of years. Water elements could only be found in the ocean depths. Metal elements were only present in metal-rich areas, and earth elements were found in massive mountains.


    The ck bead gave off a terrifying chill that distorted the surrounding space. It possessed a rare chilling yin element. Liu Wuxie quickly sifted through his memories about elements. There were many races in the Celestial Realm capable of wielding elements, which humans referred to as magic. They utilized various elements to unleash different types of magic, and their power was not inferior to martial techniques.


    In contrast, humans preferred to incorporate elements into martial techniques, a stark departure from magic.


    <i>Only the me Sun Cave can give birth to this Frost Spiritual Bead. As the saying goes, Yin and Yang couldbine and reject each other. This is magical... </i>Liu Wuxie pondered to himself as he never expected to find a Frost Spiritual Bead in the me Sun Cave. As for how the Frost Spiritual Bead was born, Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t too sure about it.


    It had been hidden within the rock, devouring the surrounding spiritual energy. Everything in the world was spiritual. Regardless of the demonic beasts or demons, they would give birth to spirituality after evolving to a certain degree. That was especially the case for the demonic spirit ns. After evolving to a certain degree, demonic beasts could take on the humanoid form, making it hard for anyone to detect that they were demonic beasts.


    Some trees and rocks could also give birth to spirituality after absorbing the essence of the sun and moon. To an ordinary person, those were highly precious. Liu Wuxie had witnessed a pill transforming into the humanoid form known as the Pill Immortals. He had also seen weapons, known as artifact spirits, giving birth to spirituality.


    Back in the Celestial Realm, one of the ten Immortal Emperor¡¯s true body was a weapon, possessing unfathomable strength. The Frost Spiritual Bead, too, had begun to manifest a hint of spirituality. Although currently negligible, it might evolve into a humanoid form and roam the world in a hundred thousand years. The increased density of spiritual energy in the surroundings, a result of Liu Wuxie¡¯s recent cultivation breakthrough, had likely drawn out the Frost Chilling Bead.


    ¡°Yin could also be found whenever there was Yang, and they were pr opposites that attracted each other like a ma. A hundred years from now, this ce will give birth to a zing Yang Bead as well...¡± Liu Wuxie muttered, looking at the Frost Spiritual Bead. He naturally couldn¡¯t give up on such a treasure. If he refined this bead, he couldprehend the frost element and reach the eighth-level Xiantian Realm, relying on the energy contained in this Frost Spiritual Bead.


    As the surrounding spiritual energy gradually faded, the Frost Spiritual Bead no longer devoured the surrounding spiritual energy and gradually sank back into the rock. When the Frost Spiritual Bead disappeared, the surrounding chill disappeared shortly after.


    ¡°What should I do? I can¡¯t fly in the Xiantian Realm, and there¡¯s no way I can go over there!¡± Liu Wuxie was about twenty meters away from the rock. It wasn¡¯t a problem for him to reach the rock, buting back up was an issue. Without the Frost Spiritual Bead, the magma¡¯s temperature would return and devour the rock. At that time, Liu Wuxie would be incinerated into ashes even if he had a powerful physique.


    He paced around his current position, unable to find a solution.


    ¡°If Ind on the rock and obtain the Frost Spiritual Bead, I only have two breaths of time before the magma devours me. That doesn¡¯t work...¡± Liu Wuxie ran multiple analyses in his mind, and the probability of sess was low. However, he wasn¡¯t willing to give up just like that. He hade to the Imperial Academy for resources, and such a precious resource was right before him. Giving up would be akin to forfeiting his path forward.


    The Frost Spiritual Bead was a treasure that was hard toe by, and he might not find another one in a thousand years. The Frost Spiritual Bead had absorbed the spiritual energy here for over a thousand years. The longer it was nurtured, the harder it would be to subdue it.


    A day had passed without knowing, and Liu Wuxie was restless, unable to focus on his meditation. Whenever he shut his eyes, the Frost Spiritual Bead would appear in his mind.


    ¡°There¡¯s a way!¡± After thinking for an entire day and night, Liu Wuxie finally found the solution and pped his thigh, standing up.


    ¡°There must be a trajectory to the magma. As long as I can find the trajectory, I can avoid the impact and seize the breath of time!¡± Liu Wuxie rejoiced upon discovering the trajectory. This was akin to a river; one could easily find the river¡¯s flow by observing its changes. Since the Ghost Eye could discover the weakness of its opponents¡¯ attacks, it should be able to discover the trajectory of the magma river.


    Without hesitation, Liu Wuxie activated the Ghost Eye, focusing on the magma river, starting from fifty meters. He noticed that when the first magma wave reached forty meters, it encountered a slight bend. The magma was calm until it passed through that segment, generating a powerful impact with the magma reaching five meters high. This continued till the magma reached the rock, sshing on it.


    This processsted six hours, and Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t dare to bat an eye. He exhausted all his soul energy before finding a pattern in the magma flow: the magma would be ferocious every two hours. This meant there would be a period of calm in between, and the speed would slow down during the impact.


    He could avoid the ferocious moment if he grasped the exact timing. Furthermore, Liu Wuxie also noticed that when the magma crashed on the rock, it formed into a miniature vortex.


    As long as Liu Wuxie obtained the Frost Spiritual Bead, he could escape from the vortex, and the sess rate would be at least fifty percent. However, failure would result in him being swallowed by the magma, leading to his demise in the extreme heat.


    Liu Wuxie took out everything from his interspatial pouch and found a bunch of ropes. He secured them to a massive rock as he nned on using the rope to descend and ascend as a safety measure. After that, he spent another two hours observing the patterns of the magma river before confirming that everything was as he had calcted.


    After ensuring everything was in ce, Liu Wuxie sat down to meditate to bring his state to the peak. Being at the seventh level of the Xiantian Realm, his ability to absorb spiritual energy was significantly enhanced. When the Frost Spiritual Bead sensed spiritual energy gathering, it emerged from the rock again to snatch spiritual energy with Liu Wuxie.


    After recovering all day and night, Liu Wuxie opened his eyes, a terrifying true essence emanating from him that left holes in the surrounding walls.


    When Liu Wuxie stood up, the Frost Spiritual Bead looked somewhat unsatisfied. It was the same as food being taken away from someone mid-meal. After all, such dense spiritual energy was rare. If the Frost Spiritual Bead could continue to devour the spiritual energy, it could shorten the time it required to nurture its spirituality.


    Calcting the time, there was an hour before the next calm period, and Liu Wuxie stood quietly at the cliff''s edge. He tied the rope against his waist and tested if it was sturdy enough.


    An hourter, as the magma¡¯s sshing significantly reduced, Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t hesitate to act upon his decision. In the world of cultivation, indecisiveness was not an option, and once a decision was made, it had to be seen through, even if it meant risking one¡¯s life. This was the heart of a cultivator.


    Liu Wuxie crossed the twenty meters in the blink of an eye, taking advantage of the fact that the Frost Spiritual Bead hadn¡¯t sunk into the rock again.


    This naturally made the Frost Spiritual Bead sense danger, and it darted towards the rock. Before Liu Wuxie even got close, he could sense a terrifying chill sweeping over him, making him tremble from the cold. He circted the Deste Devouring Art to devour the surrounding chill, ensuring that the chill wouldn¡¯t hinder his movement.


    Even if someone in the Marrow Cleansing Realm came, they would be frozen solid by the chill. Liu Wuxie wore a special glove to ensure that he wouldn¡¯t be frozen to death upon direct contact with the bead. He reached out at the Frost Spiritual Bead as he approached it.


    The surrounding magma seemed to have sensed that the underground magma would be even more terrifying without the Frost Spiritual Bead, as a magma wave swept over, trying to engulf Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie performed a mid-air spin as the magma swept beneath his foot, causing him to break out in a cold sweat.


    ¡°That was dangerous!¡± Even if Liu Wuxie had calcted the trajectory of the magma river, he didn¡¯t expect the trajectory of the magma to change because of the Frost Spiritual Bead. But he had alreadye this far, and it was futile for him to regret it now. Behind him, the magma had be a ming dragon charging at him.


    When Liu Wuxie got closer to the Frost Spiritual Bead, the terrifying chill engulfed him, covering his brows with ayer of white frost. This significantly decreased his movement speed, which wasn¡¯t a good sign. If he were frozen solid, he would fall into the magma river.


    Suddenly, the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron began to revolve, devouring the chill in the surroundings and restoring Liu Wuxie¡¯s freedom. He would''ve died by now if he didn¡¯t have the Sky Devouring Art or Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron.


    The Frost Spiritual Bead had retreated to the edge of the rock. If the bead sank back into the rock, Liu Wuxie would have to spend time splitting the rock to retrieve it, which would dy his retrieval process. Recognizing the need for decisive action, he elerated abruptly.


    ¡°Damn it! Let¡¯s go all out!¡± Liu Wuxie was like a celestial crane as he sank like a meteor, shuttling past two lumps of magma. He was putting his life on the line as he brushed past the scalding magma. His calctions with the Ghost Eye were precise, allowing him to pass through the two lumps of magma just before they exploded.


    But it was a pity that no spectators were pping for him. He grabbed onto the Frost Spiritual Bead with his right hand just when his body was suspended mid-air. The moment he came in contact with the Frost Spiritual Bead, a terrifying chill swept over him, covering his body with thick ice. But he didn¡¯t have the luxury to think about that and gently tapped his foot on the rock and flew up the cliff using the rope around his waist.

 Chapter 130 - Eighth Level of the Xiantian Realm

    <h4>Chapter 130 - Eighth Level of the Xiantian Realm</h4>


    In a swift sequence of events, Liu Wuxie managed to secure the Frost Spiritual Bead,tched onto a rope with his left hand, and used the force from his foot tapping the ground to propel himself towards the cliff.


    After losing the Frost Spiritual Bead, the magma beneath let out a roar in protest. The surrounding magma formed into a wave a few meters tall, crashing down at Liu Wuxie. This was the power of nature, and it wasn¡¯t something that flesh and blood could withstand. If the magma engulfed Liu Wuxie, he would be incinerated to death.


    Using the rebound force, Liu Wuxieunched himself upwards. However, the surging magma formed a massive wave, obstructing his escape route.


    ¡°There¡¯s only one chance!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes reflected a calm determination. While an ordinary person would be paralyzed with fear in such a situation, Liu Wuxie remainedposed. He had already mentally rehearsed this scenario dozens of times, including the trajectory of the magma.


    Implementing the Ghost Eye technique, Liu Wuxie¡¯s path took an unexpected turn. As anticipated, a small vortex appeared at the center of the magma wave, akin to the eye of a tornado, the safest spot. The magma, behaving like a cabbage, attempted to envelop him, cing him at its core and surrounding him with molten rock.


    The Frost Spiritual Bead released a terrifying chill that enabled Liu Wuxie to resist the high temperature. Even so, the cold nearly froze him.


    ¡°Overlord Fist!¡± In the nick of time, Liu Wuxie threw out a punch that created a vacuum passage in the magma. Before the second wave of magma came at him, Liu Wuxie exerted force with his left hand and shot out of the magma like aet. The magma behind him crashed down like a waterfall, ready to consume him if he showed any hesitation.


    The magma beneath him suddenly manifested into a ferocious beast, opening its jaws and elerating at Liu Wuxie¡¯s legs.


    ¡°Damn it!¡± There was no way Liu Wuxie could exert force in mid-air as he could only rely on the rope to climb. He could only watch as the huge jaw approached, putting him in a dangerous situation. He didn¡¯t expect the magma river to be so ferocious without the Frost Spiritual Bead.


    He had already performed the Overlord Fist once, exhausting half his true essence. He couldn¡¯t execute the Overlord Fist again, as he would fall without any true essence. With no other alternatives, Liu Wuxie could only watch as the wave of magma approached him while his brain processed rapidly, trying to find a solution to this situation.


    In the critical moment, Liu Wuxie took a long sword from his interspatial pouch and stabbed it into the cliff before using it as leverage. Earlier, he was unable to find leverage in mid-air, but it was different now since he could use the sword as a footing. The sword shattered as he stomped on it with his true essence to increase his speed and propel himself forward.


    The magma arrived simultaneously, and Liu Wuxie could sense the scorching pain on his feet. But he didn¡¯t have the time to think about that right now as he was closer to the cliff. He took out another sword, repeating what he had done earlier. But when his feet came in contact with the sword, he let out a scream from the excruciating pain.


    Gritting his teeth, Liu Wuxie performed a somersault in mid-air andnded on the cliff. When the magma was one meter from the cliff, it lost all the kic energy and returned to the magma river. Everything had calmed down, and the magma was no longer as ferocious as before. As for the rock that the Frost Spiritual Bead previously resided in, it was instantly devoured by the magma in the next moment.


    ¡°That was close!¡± Liu Wuxie was still in lingering fear as he had narrowly escaped death. If he had made the slightest mistake, he would¡¯ve been dead now. Fortunately, he used swords as a footing at the veryst moment, allowing him to escape the fate of being devoured by the magma.


    Stinging pain radiated from his hand as the Frost Spiritual Bead released a terrifying chill, covering the ground and the cliffs on both sides with ayer of frost. But Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t be bothered about that as he quickly took out some herbs to treat the burns on his feet. His injuries were minor and would heal within a few days of rest.


    Furthermore, Liu Wuxie¡¯s robust physique ensured that no scars would remain once his injuries healed. Then again, if presented with an alternative, he would pause to consider whether risking his life again was truly worthwhile. He had been in the me Sun Cave for five days and wanted to reach the eighth-level Xiantian Realm in the remaining five days.


    After resting for half a day to recover from his injuries, Liu Wuxie turned to look at the Frost Spiritual Bead. The entire cave was already turned into an icy world because of it. As he activated the Deste Devouring Art, the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron started to rotate, with the Frost Spiritual Bead floating in front of him, leaving him stunned.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± He recalled a simr incident when he had repurchased the painting. The painting was devoured by the cauldron and transformed into a strand of de intent. Was the cauldron now intending to consume the Frost Spiritual Bead?


    Before Liu Wuxie could do anything, the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron became a ck hole in his dantian and devoured the Frost Spiritual Bead.


    ¡°Holy shit!¡± The Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron snatched the Frost Spiritual Bead before Liu Wuxie could refine it. Over the past two months, Liu Wuxie had discovered that the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron could evolve through devouring treasures. This meant that the mysterious liquid refined by the cauldron would also have a stronger effect.


    The Frost Spiritual Bead vanished after being consumed by the cauldron, leaving Liu Wuxie in a state of shock. He managed a bitter smile, realizing that he still had much to learn about the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron. The fact that it could ingest the Frost Spiritual Bead on its own wasn¡¯t necessarily a bad thing. There had to be a reason why it could consume both the painting and the Frost Spiritual Bead.


    Time slowly passed, and Liu Wuxie waited for the feedback from the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron. Roughly an hourter, a terrifying chill gushed out of the cauldron and filled Liu Wuxie¡¯s dantian.


    ¡°What terrifying ice elements!¡± Before he could think more about it, he quickly circted the Deste Devouring Art. After being refined by the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron, the feedback energy was pure and convenient for Liu Wuxie to absorb.


    Liu Wuxie was in the seventh-level Xiantian Realm for two days, and he was going to make another breakthrough. The feedback energy from the Frost Spiritual Bead was like a torrential wave pouring into his dantian. Furthermore, snow began to fall from the sky, which was a sign that he hadprehended the ice attribute.


    He had grasped the wood attribute and the ice attribute now. His bottleneck loosened up, and he reached the eighth level of the Xiantian Realm. The underground spiritual energy began to gather towards Liu Wuxie at a frightening speed.


    Liu Wuxie had used up all the spiritual stones, and he didn¡¯t have many pills left. He had exhausted almost all his resources to reach the seventh-level Xiantian Realm. Thus, he could only absorb spiritual energy from the surroundings.


    At another location within the me Sun Cave, the cultivating tform saw an increase in the number of people who spent credits to cultivate there.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on? The density of spiritual energy here seemed to have gotten much thinner than before!¡± Everyone cultivating there opened their eyes,ining. They hade there not only to absorb the me yang energy but also the spiritual energy, as the density of spiritual energy was ten-odd times thicker than outside.


    In the next few days, the density of spiritual energy became much thinner. This meant that the credits they had spent for cultivating there were no longer worth it.


    ¡°Someone must be responsible for this! If I find out who it is, they¡¯ll pay dearly!¡± Despite theck of evidence, they were convinced that someone was siphoning off their spiritual energy. Theirints fell on deaf ears for half a day as the density of the spiritual energy continued to decrease.


    ¡°Look, the spiritual energy is flowing in that direction!¡± A purple-robed youth stood up and looked at the entrance. Part of the spiritual energy flowed towards the exit, and they had no idea what was happening.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go and check it out!¡± Several youths stood up and headed in the direction that the spiritual energy flowed in. Roughly fifteen minutester, they stood before a passage and could only see the spiritual energy entering this passage and disappearing.


    ¡°Why is the spiritual energy flowing into this passage?¡± The youths exchanged a look. They knew about this passage as some people had entered it in the past, but no one hade out alive. As time passed, the passage became a forbidden zone in the Imperial Academy.


    ¡°Quick, go and report this to the academy¡¯s higher-ups. Get them to check it out!¡± Someone quickly ran out of the me Sun Cave to inform the higher-ups of the academy, requesting an investigation.


    Meanwhile, Liu Wuxie remained oblivious to these developments, engrossed in the satisfaction of his breakthrough. His cultivation was rapidly advancing towards the pinnacle of the eighth level of the Xiantian Realm, just a step away from reaching the ninth level.


    ¡°It¡¯s a pity I don¡¯t have enough spiritual stones. Otherwise, I could have reached the ninth level of the Xiantian Realm at this rate,¡± Liu Wuxiemented. The resources were a significant issue, and he needed to earn more soon. Not only did he have to earn credits, but also resources to reach the Spiritual Cleansing Realm as soon as possible.


    Since he couldn¡¯t reach the ninth level of the Xiantian Realm, he could only stabilize and umte his foundation. The Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron continued to devour the spiritual energy in the surroundings, soon condensing it into over a hundred droplets of the mysterious liquid. Liu Wuxie nned on umting them for his next breakthrough.


    As everything gradually calmed down, Liu Wuxie nned on refining his cultivation for the next few days. As time passed, the news of spiritual energy flowing into the mysterious passage finally attracted the attention of the higher-ups, who nned to send a teacher to look at the situation.


    As Elder Gu was responsible for this ce, he was naturally in charge of investigating this matter. Thus, he brought several students and appeared at the passage''s entrance.


    ¡°Elder Gu, are we going in now?¡± The key was with Elder Gu, but no one dared to step forth as this passage was famed for devouring people. Entering this passage only meant a one-way trip to hell.


    ¡°There¡¯s no hurry. The flow of spiritual energy has weakened. Let¡¯s wait for a little longer!¡±


    As Liu Wuxie had no intentions of continuing with his breakthrough, he naturally slowed down his speed of devouring the surrounding spiritual energypared to a few days before.


    Unless necessary, Elder Gu didn¡¯t want to take any risks. He nned to wait a few more days to observe the situation. If everything calmed down, he would just report to the higher-ups that there was nothing there.


    The countdown to the tenth day drew near. On the tenth day, Liu Wuxie opened his eyes, his aura reaching a new peak. A powerful shockwave swept from him, causing the ground and surrounding walls to crack as broken stones fell into the magma river, producing a sizzling sound.


    ¡°I¡¯m finally done with my seclusion!¡± Liu Wuxie stretched his body as his harvest in the past ten days had far exceeded his expectations.

 Chapter 131 - Sent Flying With A Slap

    <h4>Chapter 131 - Sent Flying With A p</h4>


    Over the past ten days in the me Sun Cave, Liu Wuxie¡¯s harvest had far exceeded his expectations. His original n was to reach the seventh level of the Xiantian Realm. However, he managed to reach the eighth-level Xiantian Realm and even obtained a heaven-defying treasure like the Frost Spiritual Bead, which he used toprehend ice attributes.


    Extending his finger, he released a cold beam that struck a wall five meters away, leaving behind a small hole about three meters deep.


    <i>Holy shit. It will leave a hole if it hits a person. </i>Liu Wuxie was inwardly shocked. It might not beparable to de aura, but he could use it to catch his opponents off guard. However, it was a pity that hecked a good method to utilize the ice attribute for now, as he didn¡¯t have any memories of it since it was too rare.


    This meant he could only devise a martial technique for it. Then again, thanks to his extensive knowledge as an Immortal Emperor, it wouldn''t take too long.


    ¡°Time to leave this ce.¡± After ten days of cultivation, his aura was significantly stronger than when he had first arrived at the me Sun Cave. The energy within him surged like a herd of galloping horses, causing the surrounding spiritual energy to dissipate with each breath he took.


    This realization made Liu Wuxie smile ruefully. He knew he would have to exercise restraint in the future, or he might be taken away for research, being perceived as a monster. With a firm press of his hand, the rocks in front of him shattered, clearing a path for him to enter the passage again.


    As Liu Wuxie emerged from the entrance of the passage on the other side, he found himself face-to-face with another individual, as they stood just a few inches apart.


    ¡°Wow!¡± A startled cry echoed from the entrance of the passage.


    ¡°Holy shit!¡± Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t help but swear, and they both recoiled a considerable distance before regaining their bnce.


    ¡°What are you doing here?!¡± Elder Gu pointed at Liu Wuxie furiously. It was no wonder they had been unable to locate this youngster despite a lengthy search. As it turned out, he had been secretly cultivating in this passage.


    ¡°Is there a problem?¡± No rules forbid students from entering this passage since it was also part of the me Sun Cave. His question stumped Elder Gu. After all, it wasmon sense not to enter this passage, and everyone would avoid it upon seeing the ¡®No Entry¡¯ sign.


    The chilling aura from this passage deterred many, not to mention that a chain was blocking the entrance. So it was impossible even if someone wanted to enter, and a new question surfaced: How did Liu Wuxie enter this passage?


    Elder Gu had been investigating the situation for the past few days. Just a moment ago, he had run out of patience and wanted to lean over to take a look due to his curiosity, and the sudden appearance of Liu Wuxie startled him.


    The same was true for Liu Wuxie; he was going to open the lock and was startled by the sudden appearance of Elder Gu leaning over the chains.


    ¡°How dare you trespass the forbidden zone?! You¡¯re dead! I¡¯ll administer justice here and now!¡± This passage had long be a forbidden zone, and it wasn¡¯t surprising even if Elder Gu killed Liu Wuxie on the spot.


    Ignoring Elder Gu, Liu Wuxie took out a carving knife and unlocked the door. After exiting the passage and restoring the lock, everything seemed normal, as if Liu Wuxie had been the one to create the lock in the first ce.


    ¡°Y-You can open the lock?!¡± Elder Gu thought that Liu Wuxie carried a key with him, which was why he could enter this passage easily. But he never expected that Liu Wuxie could break the spiritual runes on the lock, and a hint of murderous intent shed across his eyes. This was enough to prove that Liu Wuxie was proficient in spiritual runes, meaning that he couldn¡¯t allow Liu Wuxie to live.


    After restoring the lock, Liu Wuxie stood before the passage, confronting Elder Gu. He said, ¡°I know that the Xue n bribed you. This is a conflict between me and the Xue n, and I advise you not to meddle in it.¡±


    He didn¡¯t want too many people to know he had entered this passage. He hoped Elder Gu would be tactful not to get involved.


    ¡°The way I conduct my affairs is not your concern. Since you¡¯ve vited the restricted area, your life ends here!¡± Elder Gu dered, his eyes filled with murderous intent. After all, Xue Rui had chastised him because of Liu Wuxie, and he had no outlet for his pent-up anger. If he could kill Liu Wuxie, he would be able to resolve the dirt that the Xue n got on him.


    ¡°Do you really intend to prevent me from leaving?¡± Liu Wuxie questioned, with his exit blocked by Elder Gu.


    ¡°Enough chatter, prepare to meet your end!¡± Elder Gu retorted andunched an attack with his palm. Ten days ago, Liu Wuxie had caught him off guard and infiltrated the me Sun Cave, and he wasn¡¯t about to give Liu Wuxie another chance. The moment he struck, his attack was resolute and at full strength, and given the narrowness of the passage, there was little room for Liu Wuxie to dodge. This meant that Liu Wuxie would be trapped here unless he retreated deeper into the me Sun Cave.


    ¡°You think a piece of garbage like you can stop me?¡± Liu Wuxie was furious. He had already given Elder Gu a chance, but thetter thought he could kill him by relying on his cultivation in the first-level Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    Instead of retreating, Liu Wuxie charged forth, disappearing instantly and reappearing before Elder Gu. This made Elder Gu tremble in fear because there was something strange about Liu Wuxie, who was a few hundred times stronger than ten days ago.


    Before Elder Gu could react, Liu Wuxie¡¯s palmnded on his cheek, sending him flying and crashing into the right wall. The impact caused a huge rock to fall from the ceiling, smashing into Elder Gu before he could evade.


    The entire sequence of events unfolded rapidly, leaving Elder Gu spitting out a mouthful of blood. He was taken aback, as he hadn¡¯t anticipated such a significant increase in Liu Wuxie¡¯s strength in a mere ten days.


    Upon reaching the eighth level of the Xiantian Realm, Liu Wuxie¡¯s speed had escted to an incredible extent with the Seven Dipper Steps. Even an individual at the third level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm might struggle to match Liu Wuxie¡¯s pace, let alone Elder Gu, who was only at the first level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm. This exins why Elder Gu was so effortlessly sent flying by Liu Wuxie.


    The only reason Liu Wuxie refrained from killing Elder Gu was due to the potential repercussions of killing an elder within the Imperial Academy.


    Just as Elder Gu attempted to rise, Liu Wuxie abruptlynded on the massive rock, causing it to sink and forcing Elder Gu to cough up another mouthful of blood as if he was on the brink of death. The rock weighed at least five hundred kilograms. While it might not be lethal to someone in the Marrow Cleansing Realm, it was far from pleasant.


    ¡°Bastard, you¡¯re dead! I¡¯ll kill you!¡± Elder Gu roared, but he was helpless beneath the rock.


    As Liu Wuxie positioned himself on the massive rock, a formidable force coursed through it, reaching Elder Gu and nearly causing his internal organs to disce. In the following moment, Liu Wuxie¡¯s gaze met Elder Gu¡¯s, and a potent soul energy infiltrated thetter¡¯s soul sea.


    ¡°I¡¯ll spare your life today, but if there¡¯s a next time, don¡¯t expect mercy!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s soul energy was like a ferocious beast roaring in Elder Gu¡¯s soul sea. This frightened Elder Gu so much that he lost control of his lower body with a stench spreading out.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s gaze was chillingly intense, as if countless skeletons were hovering before him, ready to consume him at any misstep. Such was the formidable power of the Ghost Eye, which shattered Elder Gu¡¯s spirit as a martial cultivator, rendering him essentially useless in the future.


    Even more frightening was that he would never dare to appear before Liu Wuxie again. This was the power of soul energy, which could destroy someone¡¯s mind. Based on Liu Wuxie¡¯s current soul energy, he was fully capable of shattering Elder Gu¡¯s mind and reducing him to a state of mental incapacitation.


    The horrifying illusions of a mountain of corpses and seas of blood caused Elder Gu to scream and lose consciousness.


    ¡°Pathetic!¡± Liu Wuxie hopped down from the rock. He hadn¡¯t anticipated that Elder Gu would be so terrified when he had only utilized thirty percent of his soul energy. After dealing with Elder Gu, Liu Wuxie breathed a sigh of relief. At the very least, he didn¡¯t have to worry about Elder Gu making trouble for him in the future. He didn¡¯t want the news of him entering this passage to spread.


    If Elder Gu were to inform anyone about Liu Wuxie entering the passage, the embarrassing incident of Elder Gu losing control of his dder would also be spread out. At that time, Elder Gu¡¯s life as an elder would be ruined. Furthermore, Liu Wuxie wouldn¡¯t suffer any significant losses.


    Most importantly, Elder Gu would have no intentions of seeing him again. He would involuntarily recall the mountain of corpses and sea of blood if they met again.


    In a matter of minutes, Liu Wuxie emerged from the passage into the hall outside the me Sun Cave, which had since recovered from the damage. Upon his arrival in the hall, he surveyed his surroundings with a cold smirk ying on his lips. He had managed to control his cultivation at the fifth level of the Xiantian Realm, deliberately hiding his true cultivation level. After all, achieving three consecutive breakthroughs in just ten days would undoubtedly create a stir, something Liu Wuxie wished to avoid.


    ¡°Come out!¡± Liu Wuxiemanded indifferently after scanning the hall.


    Ten-odd figures emerged from the various directions, surrounding Liu Wuxie and blocking his path of retreat.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, you wiped out my n, and for that, you will pay!¡± Wan Zhuoran¡¯s face twisted into a menacing scowl. He had received word of his n¡¯s destruction seven days prior, and naturally, he harbored a deep-seated hatred for Liu Wuxie. He hadn¡¯t anticipated that the Xu n could reverse their fortunes even when Wan and Tian ns had the Xue n''s aid, leading to their ns'' obliteration. Only disciples like them, who were studying at the Imperial Academy, were spared from the bloodshed.


    ¡°You demon! How dare you annihte my Tian n!¡± Tian Yi stepped forth. Like Wan Zhuoran, he had joined the Imperial Academy a year ago. When their ns were annihted, they lost their backing in the academy, and their days became difficult because of that, thanks to Liu Wuxie.


    There were other disciples from the Wan and Tian ns present. The Xue n was the puppet master behind this, and Xue Pinzhi was undoubtedly the orchestrator. The Xue n had investigated everything about Liu Wuxie in Azure Billow City, all information gathered by Xue Pinzhi. This was why Xue Pinzhi sought out the Tian and Wan ns, uniting them.


    Xue Pinzhi intended to use them to eliminate Liu Wuxie, a wless scheme concocted by the Xue n. In this way, they could effortlessly eradicate Liu Wuxie without losing a single man.


    ¡°You all have been waiting for me?¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s lips curved into a smile.

 Chapter 132 - All Killed

    <h4>Chapter 132 - All Killed</h4>


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t need to seek them out; they came to him of their own ord. This saved him the hassle of tracking them down. After all, if the remnants of the two ns weren¡¯t eradicated, they could potentially cause problems for the Xu n. Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t a benevolent person; he understood that cultivation was akin to defying the heavens, and if he wanted to eliminate a problem, he had to uproot itpletely.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, today you will die! Surrender quietly, and we will consider sparing you from the torture!¡± Another disciple of the Tian n stepped forward, demanding Liu Wuxie¡¯s surrender. After all, the odds seemed stacked against Liu Wuxie with ten opponents.


    Elder Gu was still within the me Sun Cave, and it was toote to intervene as there wasn¡¯t anyone else in the surroundings besides the ten of them. This meant that the academy wouldn¡¯t find out even if he killed these people.


    ¡°So, you all want to kill me? If you¡¯re brave enough, follow me!¡± Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t want to engage in a fight here, so he darted off towards the mountain behind him. The group of ten, led by Wan Zhuoran, quickly pursued him. They shared Liu Wuxie¡¯s sentiment¡ªit was best to move away from the Imperial Academy¡¯s jurisdiction if they intended to kill him.


    Liu Wuxie slowed down on purpose because ordinary cultivators in the Marrow Cleansing Realm couldn¡¯t keep up with his current Seven Dipper Steps, not to mention that Wan Zhuoran¡¯s group was only in the Xiantian Realm. He maneuvered through the woods for an hour before finally exiting the Imperial Academy¡¯s jurisdiction. He arrived at a deserted area, a ce seldom visited by people. When he halted, it wasn¡¯t long before Wan Zhuoran¡¯s group encircled him again.


    ¡°The scenery here is pretty good, and this ce is perfect to be your grave!¡± Tian Yi sneered. After killing Liu Wuxie, they could receive the backing of the Xue n. A few decades from now, the two ns would be able to rise again.


    The other disciples from the two ns sneered. Liu Wuxie had saved them the trouble bying here.


    ¡°You¡¯re right. The scenery here is pretty good, but it¡¯s a pity you all aren¡¯t qualified to be buried here.¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes shed with murderous intent. He had no intention of giving them a proper burial, and he shot forth.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± Without intending to waste more time, those from the two ns confidently made their move simultaneously, eager to im Liu Wuxie¡¯s life.


    A de appeared in Liu Wuxie¡¯s hand, unleashing a terrifying de aura that formed into a light screen, enveloping the ten in it.


    ¡°Shit!¡± Wan Zhuoran yelled. He didn¡¯t expect Liu Wuxie to be so strong. He clearly remembered that when hest met Liu Wuxie in the Wan n¡¯s colosseum, Liu Wuxie was a mere fly that he could squash with one hand. If it weren¡¯t for Master Huo, Liu Wuxie would¡¯ve died then. Thus, he was taken aback to see Liu Wuxie¡¯s strength far surpassing their expectations.


    Having never met Liu Wuxie before, Tian Yi wasn¡¯t familiar with him. Based on his memories, he only remembered that Liu Wuxie was a cripple and prodigal. But he hadn¡¯t expected someone he once looked down upon to exceed his imagination within two months, reaching a level beyond their grasp.


    Before they could even think, Liu Wuxie¡¯s de was like a reaper¡¯s scythe, iming their lives. Blood began sshing around as the de aura severed five people¡¯s necks. But that wasn¡¯t the end because the bodies of those five began to shrivel, reducing to a pile of skin with everything devoured by Liu Wuxie.


    The terrifying scene had Wan Zhuoran¡¯s group petrified, their desire to turn and flee thwarted by trembling legs that refused to move due to their fear of Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°You¡¯re a demon!¡± Five people died in just one exchange. Didn¡¯t Xue Pinzhi say that Liu Wuxie was only in the fifth-level Xiantian Realm? There were ten of them, and the weakest was in the sixth-level Xiantian Realm.


    ¡°Trash people like you want to kill me? Today, I¡¯ll kill all of you, ensuring that the Wan and Tian ns arepletely erased from this world!¡± The short de in Liu Wuxie¡¯s hand dripped with blood, and each word from him sounded like the whisper of a demon, making Wan Zhuoran shudder involuntarily.


    The remaining five stepped backward. They were intimidated by Liu Wuxie as his methods of killing were too terrifying. The five deceased people had disappeared with a single strike, leaving behind merely a pile of skin. Even if the Imperial Academy came to investigate, they wouldn¡¯t find any news about them.


    ¡°Tian Yi, bring out our spiritual artifacts!¡± Wan Zhuoran¡¯s eyes shed with a hint of madness, wanting to take Liu Wuxie down with them. A spiritual artifact appeared in both their hands. Back then, Xue Yu also had a spiritual artifact.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s de was only an ordinary weapon and couldn¡¯t be considered a spiritual artifact. He had previously battled Xue Changqing, who possessed a spiritual artifact, and Liu Wuxie had narrowly escaped harm. When Wan Zhuoran and Tian Yi unveiled their spiritual artifacts, a potent aura radiated in all directions.


    ¡°It¡¯s a waste to have such weapons in your hands!¡± Liu Wuxie was fearless even if they took out spiritual artifacts. He could easily take their lives with his soul energy if he wanted without using his weapon. If he could sell those spiritual artifacts, he could exchange them for gold coins and credits for him to cultivate in the academy.


    ¡°Enough with the chatter. Let¡¯s get him!¡± Tian Yi bellowed, his sword creating afterimages in the air. This was the power of spiritual artifacts¡ªthey could be amplified with true essence. An ordinary weapon would explode if true essence was infused into it.


    Throughout his battles, Liu Wuxie seldom relied on his true essence to kill. Instead, he depended on his speed and unique de technique to im lives.


    <i>I have to upgrade my de soon!</i> Liu Wuxie pondered to himself. The resources in Azure Billow City were limited, but the Imperial City offered ample resources, provided he had enough spirit stones.


    There were multiple options for obtaining a spiritual artifact in the Imperial Academy. He could either request a master cksmith to refine one using credits or use the forging chamber in the academy to forge a weapon for himself, which cost rtively fewer credits.


    However, if onecked proficiency in the fire attribute, they couldn¡¯t forge a weapon on their own. This was why ny percent of the students would request a master cksmith to forge their spiritual artifact.


    It was a different story for Wan Zhuoran and Tian Yi as their spiritual artifacts were provided to them by the Xue n to ensure Liu Wuxie¡¯s death. However, before the spiritual artifacts could even get close, Liu Wuxie vanished, causing their attacks to miss their mark. They were unable to keep up with Liu Wuxie¡¯s swift movements.


    ¡°Perish!¡± With no desire to prolong the confrontation, Liu Wuxie¡¯s de split into five, striking the remaining five individuals. They were frozen in ce when Liu Wuxie¡¯s de hit them. After all, even a cultivator in the Marrow Cleansing Realm was no match for Liu Wuxie.


    Their bodies began to shrivel, and in just two breaths, the remaining five were dead. Before Wan Zhuoran¡¯s death, he let out a scream, ¡°I can¡¯t ept this!¡±


    Wan Zhuoran¡¯s voice soon stopped. His figure disappeared, leaving behind a pile of skin on the ground.


    After dealing with everyone, Liu Wuxie collected their interspatial pouches. He then reached out and tapped, covering the ten piles of skins on the ground with ayer of frost. As a breeze swept past, the skins gradually disintegrated into the air.


    Liu Wuxie began to sort out the interspatial pouches. Each interspatial pouch was worth 1,000,000 gold coins, making this a lucrative haul for him. There weren¡¯t many spirit stones; he only gathered over two hundred spirit stones after searching through the ten pouches.


    Then again, that wasn¡¯t surprising as they were merely Earth Grade students. The monthly resources they could receive were too meager, especially for Wan Zhuoran and Tian Yi. After losing the backing of their ns, the resources they received each month had significantly dwindled.


    Before the Wan and Tian ns were wiped out, the ns would provide them with arge amount of gold coins monthly. However, because the two ns were erased, they didn¡¯t receive any resources from their ns.


    Ten thousand gold coins were equivalent to a credit. Liu Wuxie could sell ten interspatial pouches, including the eight he had previously obtained, for 18,000,000 gold coins. If he exchanged all the gold coins for credits, he could amass over a hundred credits and repay the credits he owed to Li Shengsheng. He had borrowed 50 credits from Li Shengsheng when he had incapacitated five people in the dining hall.


    After Liu Wuxie was done with everything, he returned to the Imperial Academy. There were only a few days left until the new year, and more students were returning from outside to celebrate the asion.


    At the end of each year, the Imperial Academy would host a banquet where all students had to participate in an inter-ss exchange. To put it bluntly, it was to assess the cultivation of each student.


    Liu Wuxie had just joined the academy, and this exchange had nothing to do with him as it was mainly between the senior students. What he had to do now was to sell all the interspatial pouches and convert them into credits.


    Only with credits could he rent the forging chamber and resources to reforge his de, and he also needed credits to refine pills. He had consumed all of his Origin Yang Pill and Heavenly Spirit Pill. Without the pills, his cultivation speed would slow down. A year might seem long, but it was just the blink of an eye for cultivators.


    The Xue n considered him to be a threat. So, how could they leave him alone for a year? Liu Wuxie anticipated the Xue n would keep attacking him continuously, and he would only be able to protect himself if he could reach the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    For the time being, only those at the higher levels of the Marrow Cleansing Realm posed a threat to him, and they wouldn¡¯t act against him immediately due to concerns about their identities. This would afford him some time to cultivate, preparing for the day when the Xue n would stop at nothing to eliminate him, regardless of the consequences.


    When Liu Wuxie returned to the Imperial Academy, he ran into many people along the way, most of whom he didn¡¯t know. Returning to his courtyard, he checked on Song Ling¡¯s cultivation. In just ten days, Song Ling had rapidly progressed and reached the ninth level of the Houtian Realm.


    Song Ling had been toozy before in Azure Billow City. He had the protection of his n, living in afortable environment. This was why Song Ling didn¡¯t cultivate much. But the recent incident had greatly impacted him, and he knew that he could only be bullied by others if he still didn¡¯t cultivate.


    ¡°Big Brother, my father sent someone to deliver these. He said he couldn¡¯te in person to express his gratitude, so he sent these instead, hoping they would be of use to you.¡± On the day Song Ling withdrew from advanced ss three, Song Ling sent a pigeon to report what happened in the academy to the n.


    Upon receiving Song Ling¡¯s letter, Song Tianhao had immediately mobilized the n''s resources and got someone to deliver many precious herbs. After all, it wasn¡¯t a secret that Liu Wuxie was an alchemist; this was the best way the Song n could assist him.


    Liu Wuxie understood Song Tianhao¡¯s intentions. With such an abundance of herbs, Liu Wuxie would naturally use them to refine pills. He would undoubtedly share some with Song Ling since Song Tianhao had provided the herbs. While Song Tianhao might be giving these herbs to him, he was also doing his utmost to support his son.

 Chapter 133 - Pawnshop

    <h4>Chapter 133 - Pawnshop</h4>


    Liu Wuxie, discerning Song Tianhao¡¯s motives, inwardlymended Song Ling for having a devoted father. The Song n had spared no expense, investing seven to eight million gold coins in herbs.


    The Song n had reaped benefits from the obliteration of the Wan and Tian ns. Lately, they had been fostering a rtionship with the Xu n, aiming for a mutually beneficial coboration. The alliance between the two ns was a win-win proposition.


    Although Xu Yilin had ascended to the Marrow Cleansing Realm, the Xu n couldn¡¯t depend solely on him. Before his departure, Liu Wuxie had an extensive discussion with Xu Yilin. The Xu n needed to progress steadily, one step at a time. Overexpansion could pose a threat to the City Lord Mansion, provoking a desperate counterattack.


    For the Song n, simultaneously deploying such vast resources wasn¡¯t easy, but it was a worthwhile investment to win Liu Wuxie¡¯s favor for Song Ling. If Song Ling could establish himself in the Imperial Academy, it would elevate the Song n¡¯s status in the future. Song Tianhao''s strategic foresight left a deep impression on Liu Wuxie.


    In Azure Billow City, Song Tianhao was the strongest, with Xu Yilin next. This was why the Song n was the strongest among the four ns.


    The herbs were what Liu Wuxie required urgently. He had depleted all his gold coins, not to mention that he also had to exchange gold coins for credits. This was why the timing of Song Tianhao''s delivery of the herbs was perfect.


    Clever people would make it impossible for others to refuse their assistance, like how Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t refuse this gift from Song Tianhao. He kept all the herbs in his interspatial pouch as he was in short supply of pills and didn¡¯t have the time to refine more.


    Starting the pill refinement process in his courtyard was out of the question, especially considering hecked the necessary me. If he wished to refine third-grade pills, an alchemy chamber would be essential due to the high temperatures that could instantly incinerate everything.


    In the Imperial Academy, students were forced to earn credits to cultivate as a form of encouragement for students. This was also a means to force students to cultivate. After all, afortable environment wasn¡¯t suitable for students, and Song Ling was a good example.


    If the students wanted more resources or a better cultivating environment, they had to use credits to obtain them. This was to prevent anyziness among students, as nothing was fair in the world.


    ¡°Song Ling, apany me to the Imperial City!¡± Liu Wuxie called out. It was still early, and he wanted Song Ling to apany him. This was to increase exposure to the outside world and broaden one¡¯s horizon.


    There were many herbs sent by Song Tianhao because he didn¡¯t know what Liu Wuxie required. Thus, he could only buy all kinds of herbs, which needed to be further ssified.


    Liu Wuxie also needed a few more herbs to refine the pills he wanted, so he nned to buy them in the Imperial City before refining them over the next few days. He wanted to rely on pills to umte his foundation so that he could reach the ninth-level Xiantian Realm as soon as possible.


    The breakthrough from the Xiantian Realm to the Marrow Cleansing Realm required an astronomical umtion, and the herbs provided by Song Tianhao weren¡¯t enough.


    ¡°Alright!¡± Song Ling was ted after his recent withdrawal from the advanced ss three. His happiness stemmed from the fact that he was no longer being troubled by anyone.


    They quickly exited the Imperial Academy, embarking on the ten-mile-long street. They encountered numerous students, also, en route to the Imperial City. Liu Wuxie, who had been in a rush upon his initial arrival, hadn¡¯t had the opportunity to appreciate this vast city. It was said to have stood for over a thousand years, witnessing countless wars and the transition of three dynasties.


    Despite the dynastic changes, the image of the Great Yan Dynasty remained constant in everyone¡¯s minds. The only alteration was the individual overseeing the dynasty.


    ¡°Big Brother, where are we going?¡± Song Ling asked with a smile as they reached the Imperial City after crossing the ten-mile-long street.


    ¡°Pawnshop first!¡± Liu Wuxie had to sell the weapons and interspatial pouches he had obtained, exchanging them for gold coins to buy what he wanted.


    ¡°Big Brother, do you need money?¡± Song Ling abruptly halted and produced a stack of cards. These cards, valued at over a million gold coins, were likely given to him by Song Tianhao before he left Azure Billow City. Without hesitation, he offered his entire fortune to Liu Wuxie.


    This gesture deeply moved Liu Wuxie. He needed gold coins, but a million gold coins wasn¡¯t enough. He said, ¡°Keep them for yourselves. I will ask you if I need gold coins.¡±


    Song Ling, too, required gold coins for his cultivation. Selling his treasures could alleviate his need for gold coins.


    ¡°Okay. You can take them anytime if you need money,¡± Song Ling smiled innocently as he put away the cards.


    Upon entering the Imperial City, the sight of the twenty-meter-wide street was striking. However, Liu Wuxie remained emotionally unaffected. Having witnessed various luxuries in his past life as an Immortal Emperor, this expansive street failed to stir any emotions within him.


    On the other hand, Song Ling looked like a country bumpkin entering the city for the first time. This was his first time in the Imperial City, and he looked around as everything looked fascinating.


    Liu Wuxie activated the Ghost Eye, observing the street that was muchrger than he had anticipated. The city was aplex web of power, with formidable forces such as the Xue and Li ns. There were also numerous officials whose stature was on par with these major ns.


    The two walked through several streets before they finally saw arge pawnshop. Liu Wuxie had never seen such a huge shop before. Instead of calling it a shop, it was more like a trading market, as customers made purchases aside from sales, and the pawnshop made a profit through the price difference.


    Liu Wuxie realized an interspatial pouch valued at over 1,000,000 gold coins might not fetch the same amount if sold in a pawnshop. The duo entered the bustling shop, which spanned over five thousand square meters, and were surprised by its thriving business.


    The inside of the pawnshop also had multiple private trading corners. For example, Liu Wuxie could sell his interspatial pouches here, which the pawnshop would take a small fee upon a sessful transaction. Many such trading corners were being used. The pawnshop might take a small fee, but it was more worth it than pawning it away.


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t want to waste too much time. He nned to sell the interspatial pouches before looking around this ce. But just when they were about to step out, a roar sounded from ten-odd meters away, rming and drawing the attention of everyone in the pawnshop.


    ¡°Chen Leyao, don¡¯t push it! You¡¯re only born to a servant. So what qualifications do you have to disregard me!¡±


    Turning his head over, Liu Wuxie saw a familiar figure. It was Chen Leyao who had helped him greatly during the assessment. Three youths were standing before her, and the youth who spoke had a grim expression with a cold smirk. Liu Wuxie frowned because he found this youth familiar. But he couldn¡¯t recall where he had seen this youth before for some reason.


    ¡°Xue Baisheng! How dare you?¡± Chen Leyao was so anxious that she couldn¡¯t speak. She was born to a pce maid, and the emperor didn¡¯t give her the title of a princess. In the eyes of ordinary people, she was the emperor''s daughter. But in the eyes of some, she was merely the shame of the Royal n.


    She was sent to the Imperial Academy when she was young and rarely returned to the pce, fearing that she might implicate her mother. After giving birth to her, her mother¡¯s status had naturally changed. But this also caused her mother to be bullied by the consorts, feeling she had stolen something that belonged to them.


    The consorts would lose theirposure at the sight of Chen Leyao, persistently alienating her. Over the years, Chen Leyao had led a challenging life, having to tread carefully in all her actions. However, it was inevitable that some would set their sights on her, given that she was the emperor¡¯s daughter and carried the royal bloodline.


    ¡°Chen Leyao, it¡¯s your honor that our young master takes a fancy to you to be his concubine.¡± A youth beside Xue Baisheng snickered. He was a guard, and even a lowly guard dared to humiliate Chen Leyao. From that, anyone could see Chen Leyao¡¯s low status, which was already reflected in the assessment.


    ¡°It¡¯s the Vice-Minister of Revenue¡¯s son. I heard he¡¯s a prodigal who indulges in all kinds of vice. No woman he fancies can escape from his clutches. God knows how many women he has ruined over the years!¡± someone whispered beside Liu Wuxie. The voice was soft, but Liu Wuxie heard it.


    ¡°The Vice-Minister of Revenue? Xue Chunyu¡¯s son?¡± Liu Wuxie finally knew why Xue Baisheng looked familiar. In the past, when an investigation team from the Imperial City was dispatched to Azure Billow City, Xue Chunyu, representing the Xue n, had attempted to corner the Xu n. Fortunately, Liu Wuxie was there to intervene and save the Xu n.


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t expect to see Xue Chunyu¡¯s son so quickly, and Xue Baisheng shared a strong resemnce with his father. This was why Liu Wuxie found Xue Baisheng familiar but couldn¡¯t recall where he had seen this person before.


    ¡°Poor Lady Leyao. Herck of status has led to a difficult life over the years, often bing the target of ridicule by wastrels,¡± murmured the crowd, expressing their sympathy for Chen Leyao.


    Liu Wuxie had witnessed countless simr situations before, especially in royal ns. For royalties without any status, their life had been determined from birth.


    ¡°Get out of the way, or don¡¯t me me for being impolite!¡± Chen Leyao gritted her teeth, and her facial expression was cold. Her hand was on her sword, prepared to make a move any moment.


    ¡°Leyao, why must you be like this? I won¡¯t mistreat you. Don¡¯t you understand my feelings for you?¡± Xue Baisheng opened the fan in his hand, looking aloof and prideful. As the Vice-Minister of Revenue¡¯s son, he was qualified to say that and was also a direct descendant of the Xue n.


    It was by chance that Xue Baisheng encountered Chen Leyao in the pawnshop and promptly intercepted her. While Chen Leyao¡¯s beauty might not rival Xu Lingxue¡¯s, she was still attractive, and Xue Baisheng had been drawn to her for a while. However, what Xue Baisheng truly valued was Chen Leyao¡¯s status, as he sought to form a marital alliance with the royal n, which would significantly benefit the Xue n.


    ¡°I¡¯ve made myself clear that there is no possibility between us!¡± Chen Leyao widened her eyes and drew half of her sword.


    ¡°Chen Leyao, do you know the consequences of offending our young master?!¡± a guard beside Xue Baisheng said and reached out, wanting to grab Chen Leyao.


    For the past two years, Xue Baisheng had been attempting to win Chen Leyao¡¯s favor, but she had managed to evade him for various reasons. Running into Chen Leyao today was a rare opportunity, and he was naturally unwilling to let her slip away easily.


    She was practically invincible in the royal n, so Xue Baisheng dared to be bold.


    A terrifying pressure belonging to the Spirit Cleansing Realm came crashing down. Chen Leyao was only in the low-level Spirit Cleansing Realm, and she naturally wasn¡¯t a match with Xue Baisheng¡¯s guards.

 Chapter 134 - Cripple

    <h4>Chapter 134 - Cripple</h4>


    The Xue n was deeply rooted in the Imperial City for hundreds of years, and even the royal n was wary of them. This was because the entire n had over seven thousand branch descendants. In addition to the direct descendants and higher-ups, the n was huge, with over ten thousand people.


    Xue Baisheng was the Ministry of Revenue¡¯s son, a direct descendant of the Xue n. He had developed an arrogant personality because of that from a young age. As a result, even his guards were arrogant, tantly making a move against Chen Leyao. Since Chen Leyao refused, he could only suppress her forcibly.


    This naturally caused an uproar from the surroundings as everyone quickly cleared a spacious area, fearing they might be implicated. After all, the Xue n had a high status in the Imperial City, only second to the royal n.


    A pping sound, which generated a peculiar energy fluctuation that caused the nearby air to solidify, resonated in the area. This caused Xue Baisheng¡¯s guards¡¯ hair to stand on the end as he stepped back.


    The pping sound drew everyone¡¯s attention, including Chen Leyao, to its source.


    ¡°I¡¯m surprised that the Xue n has be so bold that even a mere guard dares toy his hand on Princess Leyao,¡± Liu Wuxie said, taking a step forth with disdain in his eyes. Chen Leyao had helped him thrice during the assessment, and he had made a mental note to return the favor when the opportunity arose.


    ¡°Brat, who are you? How dare you interfere in the affairs of our Xue n!¡± The two guards were infuriated. The guard who made a move earlier took a step forward, throwing his punch at Liu Wuxie without asking for the reason. This was the Xue n¡¯s style, as death awaited anyone who dared to oppose them.


    Song Ling was anxious and wanted to interfere. But Liu Wuxie stopped him because the guard was only in the third-level Spirit Cleansing Realm, and he could ughter a whole group of them with one p.


    ¡°Get lost!¡± Before the guard could even get close, he was sent flying away by Liu Wuxie. Liu Wuxie was so fast that the guard couldn¡¯t even see how he made his move.


    The guard crashed to the ground with his facending first, and his mouth was covered with blood. He had a footprint on his abdomen as he coughed up blood mixed with broken teeth. ¡°You crippled my cultivation!¡±


    When the guard came to his senses, his true essence left his dantian as there were cracks on it. It didn¡¯t take long before he lost his entire cultivation, bing aplete waste, and this scene instantly shocked everyone in the surroundings.


    The higher-ups of the pawnshop were present, but they didn¡¯t intervene as Liu Wuxie donned the uniform of the Imperial Academy, Xue Baisheng was the Xue n¡¯s descendant, and Chen Leyao was royalty. They would be in a tough spot if they helped anyone. Thus, they might as well not help anyone as long as no lives were endangered, not to mention that it was only a guard who was crippled.


    Chen Leyao¡¯s eyes shed with a hint of gratitude and concern. She was grateful for Liu Wuxie''s help but worried that he would offend the Xue n. The Xue n might be domineering, but they wouldn¡¯t dare to kill her. It was entirely different for Liu Wuxie, who had no background. The Xue n killed countless people like Liu Wuxie every year.


    ¡°Brat, who are you? How dare you attack a guard of my Xue n? You¡¯re dead!¡± Xue Baisheng¡¯s eyes shed with ferocity while the other guard unsheathed his weapon and pointed it at Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie had no energy fluctuation as he concealed his cultivation at the fifth level of the Xiantian Realm, the same as when he participated in the assessment.


    ¡°You¡¯re the son of Xue Chunyu?¡± Liu Wuxie disregarded Xue Baisheng¡¯s words and replied with a question instead, wearing a ridiculing smile.


    In Azure Billow City, Xue Chunyu had sought to destroy the Xu n, and Liu Wuxie naturally carried that grudge in his heart. Today, he was nning to collect some interest from his son.


    ¡°How dare you address our master by his name!¡± Suddenly, the guard swiftly swung his de down at Liu Wuxie. In everyone¡¯s opinion, Liu Wuxie had only managed to send the other guard flying with one kick because he had caught him by surprise.


    Chen Leyao was baffled because, judging from what Liu Wuxie said, he seemed to have some grudge against Xue Baisheng¡¯s father.


    ¡°Young Master Liu, watch out!¡± Chen Leyao warned, but she was alreadyte to stop the attack.


    Everything happened in the blink of an eye, and everyone was surprised. Song Ling felt nervous despite knowing that Liu Wuxie was strong and could easily y someone in the ninth-level Spirit Cleansing Realm, as he had done back in Azure Billow City. Someone merely in the third-level Spirit Cleansing Realm was insignificant to him. However, the Xue n was a giant, and they could easily wipe out the entire Azure Billow City by sending out an expert randomly.


    ¡°Where did a piece of trash like youe from?¡± Liu Wuxie deftly executed the Seven Dipper Steps to dodge the iing de, reappearing to the guard''s right and delivering a swift kick.


    Everyone only saw Liu Wuxie bing a blur, vanishing as though he had teleported.


    The seemingly ordinary kick was executed brilliantly at the perfect moment,nding on the remaining guard¡¯s lower abdomen. The guard was sent flying out like the first, drawing an arc in mid-air and falling onto the first guard, suffering the same oue as the first guard with a crack on his dantian. There was a powerful outflow of true essenceing from the two guards as they screamed in agony.


    Xue Baisheng panicked seeing this and retreated by a step. Liu Wuxie had easily crippled the two guards without even giving them a chance to respond.


    Chen Leyao was shocked. There were cases of cultivators in the Xiantian Realm killing those in the Spirit Cleansing Realm, but those were extremely rare. Was Liu Wuxie so powerful because of the Nine Stars Illumination?


    Chen Leyao had delved deeper into the Nine Stars Illumination to enhance her understanding. She deduced that an individual who activated the Nine Stars Illumination possessed a true essence ten times greater than that of ordinary people. For such individuals, challenging someone with a higher cultivation level wasmonce. However, this also posed a disadvantage as they required ten times more resources than ordinary people.


    ¡°Is he insane to cripple the Xue n¡¯s guards? Even the other students of the Imperial Academy wouldn¡¯t dare to do something like that!¡± Outcries of shock echoed from the crowd, stunned by Liu Wuxie¡¯s audacity. After all, it had been years since anyone dared to provoke the Xue n in this manner.


    ¡°Not to mention that he¡¯s a mere Earth Grade student. He¡¯s in big trouble this time.¡± Contemptuous voices filled the air, predicting a grim fate for Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be so sure about that. Chen Leyao might not have the official title of a princess, but she¡¯s still the emperor''s daughter. She had been in the Imperial Academy for many years and must have a wide connection. So, it shouldn¡¯t be an issue for her to protect them.¡± Various discussions and spections sounded, but no one guessed the right answer. From the beginning, Liu Wuxie had never considered the Xue n an opponent.


    The day he reached the Spirit Cleansing Realm would be the Xue n¡¯s nightmare. He would let them live in fear daily and would begin hunting them, starting from their branch descendants until he wiped out the entire n.


    A smile, tinged with mockery, appeared on Liu Wuxie¡¯s lips as he looked at Xue Baisheng. He found it hard to believe that someone like Xue Chunyu could father a wastrel like Xue Baisheng. Judging by his unsteady gait, it was clear that Xue Baisheng led a life of indulgence in alcohol and pleasure. In Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes, Xue Baisheng was nothing more than a paper tiger, roaring but posing no real threat.


    ¡°Brat, you can wash your neck and wait to die. If you dare toy your hand on me, my father won¡¯t let you go!¡± Xue Baisheng was scared. His cultivation might be in the third-level Spirit Cleansing Realm, but his cultivation came entirely from pills, and he couldn¡¯t even bepared to the two guards in terms of strength.


    Thus, Xue Baisheng was so afraid that he staggered and stepped back, bringing out his father¡¯s name when facing Liu Wuxie¡¯s sharp gaze.


    While the Vice-Minister of Revenue was not a first-grade official, he couldn¡¯t be underestimated. Over the years, the Xue n had invested heavily in the imperial court, and their influence could extend to many systems. This same situation mirrored within the Imperial Academy.


    Unexpectedly, Liu Wuxie pped Xue Baisheng, sending him flying away and shocking everyone present.


    This left Chen Leyao stumped with her mouth open. While she could handle Liu Wuxie crippling the two guards, his pping Xue Baisheng was a different matter altogether. This act implied that even the royal n might be unable to protect Liu Wuxie if they wished to.


    ¡°I don¡¯t like being threatened, and you have sessfully enraged me,¡± Liu Wuxie dered, approaching Xue Baisheng. This caused Xue Baisheng to tremble in fear as hey on the ground.


    The p didn¡¯t just leave Xue Baisheng dumbfounded; it also shocked everyone around. Liu Wuxie had not only incapacitated Xue Baisheng¡¯s two guards, but he had also pped Xue Baisheng himself. Was Liu Wuxie courting death?


    ¡°This kid must be insane!¡± Over the years, the Xue n had perpetrated numerous atrocities, yet no one dared to voice their objections. Therefore, when Liu Wuxie stepped forward and pped Xue Baisheng, he won the silent approval of many who secretly apuded his audacity.


    ¡°Someone from the Xue n must be nearby, and this young man is in serious trouble. He should leave quickly!¡±


    Many people secretly transmitted their voices to Liu Wuxie, urging him to leave quickly before it was toote. But Liu Wuxie remained indifferent as he had sworn to do everything possible to annihte the Xue n this year.


    ¡°Brat, what are you trying to do?!¡± Xue Baisheng was petrified as Liu Wuxie approached him, cing his foot on his lower abdomen. This naturally scared him to the point of nearly losing control of his dder, even before Liu Wuxie applied any pressure.


    Chen Leyao nervously clenched her fists. She wanted to intervene and stop Liu Wuxie, but she was unsure how to do so. She was aware that her interference at this moment might upset Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Go back and tell your father that the Xu n¡¯s son-inw has arrived. I will collect some interest today and let your Xue n die slowly, one by one.¡± Liu Wuxie exerted force with his right foot.


    Xue Baisheng felt as though his dantian was about to burst apart, and he screamed in pain. He started panicking, as the destruction of his dantian would lead to a fall in his status within the Xue n, and even his father wouldn¡¯t be able to protect him. He screamed, ¡°Don¡¯t...don¡¯t cripple my dantian. I promise that I won¡¯t oppose you in the future!¡±


    The Xue n was extensive, and power struggles were inevitable among its members. If he lost his cultivation, he would also lose his value to the n and be abandoned.


    In the path of cultivation, it was the survival of the fittest regardless of whether in a sect or n. Resources were always allocated towards the geniuses, and Xue Baisheng held his current position solely because of his father¡¯s status. An ordinary person in his position would have been beaten to death long ago.


    The surrounding crowd grew anxious, wondering if Liu Wuxie would follow through with his threat.


    ¡°You won¡¯t oppose me?¡± Liu Wuxie smiled, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I won¡¯t stop until I wipe out the entire Xue n.¡±


    When Liu Wuxie was done, he ruthlessly pressed down with his right foot.

 Chapter 135 - Regret

    <h4>Chapter 135 - Regret</h4>


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s words reverberated like a death knell, leaving the spectators in a state of shock. After all, it was madness for someone to publicly dere their hostility towards the Xue n and pledge to obliterate the entire n. Yet, such an event was unfolding right before their eyes in broad daylight. Everyone¡¯s faces froze in disbelief, and they were terrified by Liu Wuxie¡¯s action.


    Chen Leyao¡¯s eyshes fluttered as she stared at Liu Wuxie, her hand covering her mouth. She was at a loss for how to react. She was aware of the feud between Liu Wuxie and the Xue n, but she hadn¡¯t anticipated that their conflict would escte to such an extent.


    Only Song Ling was dancing around excitedly to celebrate. In Azure Billow City, Liu Wuxie had dered that he would wipe out the Wan and Tian ns, which he had aplished. Subsequently, under Mu Yueying¡¯s intervention, Liu Wuxie established a one-year agreement with the Xue n, prohibiting anyone from entering Azure Billow City. This agreement also provided Liu Wuxie with a respite.


    When Liu Wuxie was done, he ruthlessly pressed his right foot down.


    ¡°ARGHHH!¡± A heart-wrenching scream erupted from Xue Baisheng¡¯s mouth, and his voice resonated throughout the pawnshop. As for the onlookers, they were so frightened by this scene that they quickly fled the pawnshop. Knowing that the Xue n¡¯s experts would soon arrive, they feared being implicated.


    After shattering Xue Baisheng¡¯s dantian, Liu Wuxie patted his hands as though he had just done something ordinary. He casually kicked Xue Baisheng to the side as though nothing had happened and walked out of the pawnshop.


    Within a short span, the pawnshop was nearly deserted. The remaining spectators, unafraid of the Xue n, stayed to witness the unfolding drama.


    ¡°Young Master Liu, I apologize for dragging you into this incident!¡± Chen Leyao expressed, trailing behind Liu Wuxie. She was aware that if not for her, Liu Wuxie wouldn¡¯t have been embroiled in this situation. She understood that Liu Wuxie¡¯s assistance was his way of repaying her for her help during the assessment.


    ¡°This has nothing to do with you. My feud with the Xue n isplicated, and I wouldn¡¯t have let Xue Baisheng go even without you.¡± Liu Wuxie expressed that there was no need for Chen Leyao to be so polite to him, and his main intention was to intimidate Xue Chunyu. Back then, Xue Chunyu wanted the destruction of the Xu n, and their feud had been formed since then.


    Chen Leyao could sense the sincerity in Liu Wuxie¡¯s words. From her observations of Xue Pinzhi, she deduced that the feud between Liu Wuxie and the Xue n was irreconcble.


    The pawnshop had private rooms for each transaction to protect customers'' privacy. After all, customers asionally brought items that couldn¡¯t be revealed to the public or exchanged into resources through ordinary means.


    There was nothing Liu Wuxie had to hide about what he wanted to sell, but he preferred not to attract unwanted attention if possible. It wasn¡¯t a secret that he took the interspatial pouches from the three scorpion brothers, and it wasn¡¯t surprising if he took them out. But it was a different issue with the interspatial pouches from Wan Zhuoran¡¯s group because no one knew about it yet.


    When Liu Wuxie was in the private room, Song Ling and Chen Leyao waited outside. The eighteen interspatial pouches and two spiritual artifacts were sold for 25,000,000 gold coins, and Liu Wuxie exchanged 20,000,000 gold coins for 200 spirit stones, keeping the remaining gold coins for future use.


    Spirit stones were the universal currency in the cultivating world, recing gold coins. After all, gold coins were only used by ordinary people.


    Afterpleting the transaction, Liu Wuxie walked out of the private room. As for Xue Baisheng, he had already been carried back to the Xue n.


    ¡°Young Master Liu, we should hurry back to the academy. Even if the Xue n is powerful, they won¡¯t dare to kill someone publicly in the academy.¡± Chen Leyao urged Liu Wuxie to return to the academy when he exited the private room. She was anxious as the Xue n¡¯s private troop would soon arrive.


    ¡°Let¡¯s not rush. I still have purchases to make!¡± Liu Wuxie dered, leading Song Ling in a different direction instead of heading back to the academy.


    This naturally made Chen Leyao more anxious, but she couldn¡¯t leave alone since Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t returning. After all, everything had started because of her, and she naturally couldn¡¯t just walk away.


    ¡°You¡¯re familiar with the Imperial City. Bring me to the Treasure Pill Pavilion!¡± Liu Wuxie said. Using Chen Leyao as a guide seemed the most suitable option since he was toozy to ask around. Since he had sold everything he didn¡¯t need, he naturally wanted to buy herbs to refine into pills to reach the Spirit Cleansing Realm as soon as possible.


    With a bitter smile, Chen Leyao had no choice but to lead Liu Wuxie through the city streets towards the renowned Treasure Pill Pavilion. The pavilion was a well-known establishment in the Imperial City, supplying seventy percent of its pills. It was so influential that many alchemy teachers from the Imperial Academy held the position of guest elder there.


    Xue Chunyu was engrossed in his paperwork when a guard¡¯s abrupt entrance disrupted him, causing his displeasure.


    ¡°Milord!¡± The guard, drenched in cold sweat and trembling, knelt outside the study room. He had rushed over to deliver the news without dy, knowing the risk of interrupting Xue Chunyu. In the past, anyone who dared to interrupt Xue Chunyu would have to face the risk of being beheaded. But since someone came to report, something big must¡¯ve happened.


    ¡°What is it?¡± Xue Chunyu asked, his face darkening as he suppressed his anger and rose from his chair.


    ¡°Y-Young master¡¯s dantian has been destroyed! He was carried back!¡± The guard stuck his head on the ground with his clothes drenched in cold sweat. As he spoke, a wave of murderous intent erupted from the study room, so powerful that it shattered the roof. This was a testament to Xue Chunyu¡¯s high-level Marrow Cleansing Realm cultivation.


    The guard exploded under the terrifying aura before he could finish his report. Xue Chunyu had killed him, but this did nothing to quell the rage in his heart.


    In his youth, Xue Chunyu was severely injured in a battle, which impacted his ability to have children. Fortunately, he already had a son, Xue Baisheng, who became his only heir. As a result, Xue Baisheng was doted on from a young age.


    No matter what trouble Xue Baisheng got into throughout the years, he would do his best to appease it. He would get anything his son wanted, as he could only have one son for the rest of his life. Since Xue Baisheng was young, Xue Chunyu had assigned guards to apany him.


    Even Xue Yu, the grandson of Xue Dingtian, didn¡¯t receive such treatment, where he would be followed by guards everywhere. Recently, Xue Chunyu had been longing for a grandson. He was still in his prime and could watch his grandson grow up.


    However, Xue Baisheng disappointed him by losing his yang energy at a young age with a servant. Over the years, Xue Chunyu introduced many beauties to his son, but all his hopes were dashed. Now, with his son¡¯s dantian destroyed, the prospect of having a grandchild seemed even more remote.


    It was no wonder why Xue Chunyu was so furious. He didn¡¯t kill that guard on purpose but identally because of his Marrow Cleansing Realm aura. Falling back to his chair, he clenched on the armrests tightly.


    The armrests were crushed with splinters stabbing into his palm. However, Xue Chunyu felt no pain, with veins popping on his face. His face contorted into a sinister expression as his eyes turned beastly red, and he grasped for his breath to suppress his inner fury.


    ¡°My son¡¯s dantian is ruined! My son is crippled!¡± Xue Chunyu was like a madman, his facial expression alternating betweenughing and crying. It took him five minutes to recover from this state, and he quickly left his study room, heading straight to the Xue n¡¯s main hall without even tidying up his appearance.


    A few hundred people were gathered in the Xue n¡¯s main hall, with three people lying on the ground before them. They were Xue Baisheng and his two guards. They didn¡¯t suffer any heavy injuries, but their dantians were destroyed. This meant they had lost their cultivation as theyy weakly on the ground.


    ¡°Who did this? Who dared cripple the son of a vice-minister?¡± The Xue n¡¯s descendants discussed as they pointed fingers. Despite his mediocre talent, Xue Baisheng still had a high status in the n because of his father.


    ¡°I heard that a student from the Imperial Academy did it.¡± Everyone was waiting for Xue Chunyu to handle this matter. After all, his son was injured, and it wasn¡¯t appropriate for the Xue n¡¯s higher-ups to interfere in this matter.


    When Xue Chunyu approached, the surrounding temperature fell before he even got close. He was still hopeful that the guard had made a mistake while reporting. However, his hopes were shattered as soon as he stepped into the main hall.


    Xue Baisheng¡¯s dantian was destroyed, and even his meridians were shattered. This meant that Xue Baisheng wouldn¡¯t even be qualified to be garbage as he would spend the rest of his life in bed, needing someone to attend to him for everything.


    Since Liu Wuxie had made a move, he naturally didn¡¯t show mercy to Xue Baisheng.


    Xue Baisheng struggled to turn his head as he heard the approaching footsteps, and tears welled up in his eyes at the sight of his father.


    ¡°Father, you must avenge me!¡± Xue Baisheng''s cry was heartbreaking as he tried to sit up. But his meridians were shattered, leaving himpletely paralyzed.


    ¡°Tell me, who did this to you?! I¡¯ll avenge you!¡± Xue Chunyu squatted down and gently stroked Xue Baisheng¡¯s head with tears rolling down his cheeks.


    ¡°Third uncle, someone named Liu Wuxie did this!¡± A Xue n¡¯s descendant stepped forward. They had already investigated what happened in the pawnshop.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie from Azure Billow City?¡± Xue Chunyu¡¯s voice trembled as he stood up, the name stirring up past grievances. Back in Azure Billow City, Liu Wuxie had been a thorn in his side. Despite the investigation team¡¯s initial findings, Liu Wuxie had somehow managed to alter the results.


    The Xue n had already received word from the City Lord Mansion. They were left with no choice but to step in and assist Liu Wuxie, much to their chagrin.


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right. He hails from Azure Billow City and has threatened to annihte our Xue n. I¡¯ve already dispatched someone to monitor him,¡± the speaker confirmed, having assigned someone to keep tabs on Liu Wuxie while awaiting Xue Chunyu¡¯s next course of action.


    ¡°I should have exterminated that pest when I had the chance!¡± Xue Chunyu expressed deep regret. He could have easily eliminated Liu Wuxie with a single blow. However, the intervention of Bi Gongyu and Qi Enshi had forced the investigation team to withdraw from Azure Billow City.

 Chapter 136 - Alchemist Token

    <h4>Chapter 136 - Alchemist Token</h4>


    Xue Chunyu spoke through clenched teeth, his heart aching as he looked at his son¡¯s ruined dantian and shattered meridians. He quicklyposed himself, knowing that this was not the time for sorrow. He still had to exact revenge on Liu Wuxie and the entire Xu n for his son. He demanded, ¡°Tell me, where is he?!¡±


    ¡°He seems to have headed to the Treasure Pill Pavilion.¡±


    The Xue n had dispatched scouts to track Liu Wuxie, periodically sending back updates.


    ¡°Good! Very good! I¡¯ll tear that brat into pieces!¡± Xue Chunyu dered, swiftly rallying his forces with the intent to capture Liu Wuxie alive to vent his fury.


    Meanwhile, Liu Wuxie remained oblivious to these developments. He sensed that he was being followed but chose not to confront the pursuer. About fifteen minutester, the gleaming sign of the ¡®Treasure Pill Pavilion¡¯ came into view, visible even from three miles away.


    Liu Wuxie was taken aback by the opulence of the Treasure Pill Pavilion in the Imperial City. Theplex,prising nine buildings, was as expansive as arge n¡¯s territory. The ce was teeming with people from all walks of life, all there to purchase pills.


    The Treasure Pill Pavilion had a transcendent status, and not even the Great Yan Dynasty could interfere in their business. Compared to the Treasure Pill Pavilion here, the branch in Azure Billow City looked like a dumpster. It was no wonder why Lei Tao and Master Huo wanted to enter the headquarters because this ce was a paradise for alchemists.


    The buildings were designed as tall towers, with thergest first floor. It was roughly over ten thousand square meters, amodating four to five thousand people. This ce was filled with people, and the poprity of pills had far exceeded his imagination.


    In this world where resources were scarce, pills were the only way to improve cultivation rapidly. After thepetition, Master Huo had given Liu Wuxie a token that could allow him to make purchases in any Treasure Pill Pavilions with a discount. It might be a small discount, but the cost of pills could easily go from hundreds of thousands to millions. Thus, a small discount was equivalent to saving tens of thousands of gold coins.


    The Treasure Pill Pavilion¡¯s primary business was selling pills. The first floor mainly sold pills, and the pill counter was ced in the most prominent area. The second floor mainly sold herbs, including some rare varieties. As for the third floor, it was simr to a miniature auction, and only those with a token could enter.


    Liu Wuxie executed the Ghost Eye, scanning the first floor at a nce. The pills for sale here were divided into various regions, ssified by their grades. There were also fourth-grade pills, but only a single counter sold them.


    Each grade was further differentiated into various categories, such as pills meant to restore true essence or treat injuries. Liu Wuxie also saw Heavenly Spirit Pills avable on the counter. It seemed that the Heavenly Spirit Pills from Azure Billow City¡¯s Treasure Pill Pavilion were made widely avable now, and the sales were pretty good.


    Only the best-selling pills were qualified to be ced on the counter for sale. Over the past ten-odd years, merely two pills from Serene Tomb City had made it to the headquarters¡¯ sales counter.


    However, in just ten-odd days, the Heavenly Spirit Pill overshadowed many pills, sweeping through the Imperial City by a storm. In addition to the huge price advantage, it was so popr that it was short in supply.


    Liu Wuxie still held a three-year profit share on the Heavenly Spirit Pill with Azure Billow City¡¯s Treasure Pill Pavilion, and he had long passed the contract to Xu Yilin to represent him. Among all the avable pills here, only a few caught his attention.


    The Origin Yang Pill that he refined might be a third-grade pill, but the quality was even higher than some fourth-grade pills. As for the Marrow Cleansing Pill that he received as a reward for the assessment, the effect was minimal when he ate it. He nned to refine a Marrow Cleansing Pill himself to temper his physique, as the effectiveness of a pill could vary greatly depending on the refiner.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go to the second floor!¡± Liu Wuxie wanted to purchase herbs and led the two to the second floor.


    However, their path was blocked by a servant guarding the floor. ¡°Please present your alchemist token!¡± he demanded, as the token was a prerequisite for entry to the second floor.


    This naturally left Liu Wuxie¡¯s group of three stumped because they weren¡¯t aware of the alchemist token.


    ¡°You¡¯re saying I can¡¯t buy herbs without an alchemist token?¡± Liu Wuxie asked. The first floor sold pills, while the second floor sold herbs. To promote the sale of pills, only alchemists were allowed to enter the second floor. Only those who obtained an alchemist token could be considered a true alchemist. As for Liu Wuxie, he couldn¡¯t even be considered an apprentice as he hadn¡¯t undergone systematic training before.


    ¡°Where can I purchase an alchemist token?¡± Liu Wuxie asked.


    His question naturally drew an eye roll from the servant guarding the door to the second floor. Even Chen Leyao smacked her forehead, not knowing whether she shouldugh or cry.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but a test is required to obtain an alchemist token. One has to be a one-star alchemist to enter the second floor. If you don¡¯t have an alchemist token, please leave,¡± the servant said, not wanting Liu Wuxie to disturb them.


    Hearing that, Liu Wuxie¡¯s group of three could only return to the first floor.


    ¡°Lady Chen, where else can we buy herbs inrge quantities like the Treasure Pill Pavilion?¡± Liu Wuxie was in urgent need of herbs. But as he wasn¡¯t familiar with the Imperial City, he could only ask Chen Leyao about it.


    ¡°I know a few ces, but the rules are the same. Precious herbs are only avable to alchemists, and it¡¯s difficult for ordinary people to buy them except for the big ns. This is because they have their herbal field and do not need to purchase herbs from outside,¡± Chen Leyao exined with a bitter smile.


    Liu Wuxie quickly understood the rationale behind the system. ¡°Got it! The exclusivity of the alchemist token is designed to uphold the prestige of alchemists and protect their interests. If everyone has unrestricted ess to herbs, the market would be chaotic, and prices would inevitably be manipted. As a result, alchemists might struggle to procure quality herbs when needed.¡±


    Without control measures, herbs would be dispersed everywhere, essible to anyone. This could lead to a situation where alchemists couldn¡¯t obtain the herbs they needed. Hence, the herbs were consolidated in one ce, and only alchemists were allowed to purchase them. This prevented the herbs from being widely distributed to the public.


    Liu Wuxie was surprised to discover that the world of alchemy was more well-structured and perfect than he had initially thought.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. A few hundred years ago, the market was chaotic, with inferior and poisonous pills flowing into the market. So, under the suggestion of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, an Alchemy Association was established in every dynasty. Anyone who wants to be an alchemist must undergo a strict assessment. Furthermore, your product can only be ced on the market for sale after that,¡± Chen Leyao exined patiently. This was to prevent others from pretending to be an alchemist or those with inferior skills from trying to take advantage of the situation to make money.


    With the establishment of the Alchemy Association, the previously chaotic market quickly stabilized. Some pills even bore the name of the alchemist who created them, enhancing the alchemist¡¯s reputation.


    Herbs would only be sold to those with an alchemist token, thus preventing fake alchemists from buying them and gradually fading from people¡¯s sight. This was also the main reason for the establishment of the Alchemy Association.


    ¡°Where can I take the assessment?¡± Liu Wuxie asked. He didn¡¯t have a choice because he had to obtain an alchemist token to buy herbs.


    ¡°You want to take the assessment as an alchemist?¡± Chen Leyao looked at Liu Wuxie with disbelief. Given Liu Wuxie¡¯s physical limitations that hindered his cultivation abilities, shifting his focus to alchemy seemed like abandoning the martial path.


    Only Liu Wuxie knew the truth about the ¡®Nine Stars Illumination,¡¯ and he naturally understood what Chen Leyao wanted to say. After all, being a master of something was better than being a jack of all trades but a master of none.


    ¡°Lady Chen, I bet you don¡¯t know that Big Brother Liu is the chief alchemist of our Treasure Pill Pavilion in Azure Billow City,¡± Song Ling interrupted. He didn¡¯t know about the alchemist token but knew his big brother was the best.


    ¡°Since you¡¯re an alchemist, how can you not know about the alchemist token?¡± Chen Leyao was speechless after hearing what Song Ling said. Azure Billow City¡¯s Treasure Pill Pavilion branch was too weird.


    ¡°Well...yeah!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s forehead creased with wrinkles. This was his first encounter with the concept of an alchemist token, and it almost led to a significant misunderstanding.


    ¡°The Treasure Pill Pavilion is one of the assessment venues, and the assessment is free. You can go now if you want to take the assessment.¡± Chen Leyao pointed at the gateway ahead. Upon passing the assessment, an alchemist token would be issued, officially recognizing the individual as an alchemist.


    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll go take the assessment,¡± Liu Wuxie said, walking towards the gateway. Every day, people came to take the assessment, aspiring to be alchemists.


    Chen Leyao¡¯s curiosity about Liu Wuxie grew, and she followed him. Song Ling, on the other hand, remained nonchnt, unperturbed by the unfolding events.


    At the gateway, a small counter was manned by a young woman with slender eyebrows and a flirtatious demeanor. She casually flipped through a book as she sat there.


    ¡°I wish to take the alchemist assessment,¡± Liu Wuxie stated politely, not one to judge a book by its cover.


    The woman set her book aside and assessed Liu Wuxie, Chen Leyao, and Song Ling, who reluctantly followed behind. Chen Leyao, being a woman, was a rarity in the world of alchemy, and shecked fire attribute energy fluctuation. Song Ling, on the other hand, was a robust individual with cultivation only at the ninth level of the Houtian Realm. This made it highly unlikely for him to pass the assessment, as achieving the rank of a first-star alchemist was no easy feat for someone in the Houtian Realm.


    Finally, there was Liu Wuxie. But he was too young, and an 18-year-old alchemist was simply unheard of in the Imperial City as most people were still apprentices at that age. It was no surprise that Yun Lan had ridiculed Liu Wuxie for his age. However, Liu Wuxie¡¯s sessfulpletion of the three tests had served as a resounding rebuttal to Yun Lan¡¯s mockery.


    ¡°Enough with the nonsense. Leave,¡± the woman said irritably, gesturing for the trio to depart promptly so she could resume her reading.


    The alchemist assessment was a sacred matter; not just anyone could participate. If everyone were allowed to participate, the assessors would be overwhelmed to the point of exhaustion.


    Liu Wuxie and hispanions were taken aback by the Treasure Pill Pavilion¡¯s dismissive attitude, denying them even the opportunity to participate in the assessment.


    ¡°Make way! Make way! Don¡¯t stand in the way of our young master!¡±


    Right then, two men approached from behind Liu Wuxie¡¯s group. One, dressed like a servant, asked Liu Wuxie¡¯s group to step aside. The other, a youth d in luxurious attire, strode past Liu Wuxie¡¯s group and approached the counter with an air of arrogance.


    ¡°Young Master Bai, your form is ready. The final round of the assessment is about tomence. Please proceed,¡± the woman at the counter said, her demeanor drastically different from when she interacted with Liu Wuxie¡¯s group. Her obsequious expression was quite off-putting to observe.

 Chapter 137 - Alchemist Assessment

    <h4>Chapter 137 - Alchemist Assessment</h4>


    The alchemist assessment adhered to strict daily schedules, with one session in the morning and another in the afternoon. Given that it was already afternoon, Liu Wuxie would have to wait until the next day if he missed this assessment.


    The woman at the counter seemed overly attentive to the young man, handing him a pre-filled form.


    This caused Liu Wuxie to frown, as he had been denied participation in the assessment while the young man, who only asionally manifested fire attributes, was allowed. Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯tprehend the woman¡¯s ttery towards the young man, who would be considered subpar even if he passed the assessment.


    ¡°Thank you, Lady Lan!¡± The young man took the form and swaggered towards the gateway, with his servant following behind closely.


    The woman looked seductively at the young man, watching him enter the door. After he entered, she took out a mirror to tidy herself. Despite her ordinary appearance and freckled face, she seemed quite self-absorbed.


    ¡°Lady Lan, why can he take the assessment but not me?¡± Liu Wuxie frowned, suppressing his anger.


    ¡°You think you can bepared to him? He¡¯s the young master of the Bai n. Who the hell do you think you are? Hurry up and leave; don¡¯t be a nuisance here,¡± the woman replied. If it weren¡¯t for Liu Wuxie''s decent appearance, she would have spoken more harshly. After dismissing Liu Wuxie, she ignored him and continued with her makeup, a clear case of judging a book by its cover.


    She looked down on Liu Wuxie because he had no status, thus deeming him unworthy of taking the assessment. This was not entirely unfounded, as cultivation, and by extension alchemy, required substantial resources and wealth.


    Alchemy, especially in its early stages, demanded a significant investment in herbs. Coupled with a high failure rate, each unsessful batch of pills represented a considerable loss in gold coins, a risk that most ns could not afford. However, once one became an alchemist, the potential for profit was immense, as each sessful refinement could yield significant returns.


    The woman only dared to make things difficult for them on purpose because of their ordinary clothes, deeming that they didn¡¯t possess the potential to be an alchemist.


    ¡°Are you sure you won¡¯t let us participate in the assessment?¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes shed with a chill as he was furious.


    ¡°Who do you think you are? If you want to be assessed, you must pay a spirit stone. Otherwise, get lost!¡± The woman at the counter, Lan Ruoyu, looked at Liu Wuxie¡¯s group with disdain. As an alchemist apprentice at the Treasure Pill Pavilion, she had been learning alchemy for three years and aspired to be an alchemist. However, despite her efforts, she failed to pass the assessment over the past three years and was relegated to the receptionist role.


    Despite her position, Lan Ruoyu held considerable influence. Anyone seeking assessment had to curry favor with her and offer some form of benefit. Moreover, young masters from prominent ns often came for assessments, and catching the eye of one could significantly elevate her status.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s group didn¡¯t offer any benefits nor try to curry favor with her. It was no wonder that she was so indifferent towards them.


    Liu Wuxie, despite having the required spirit stone, was infuriated by Lan Ruoyu¡¯s attempts to make things difficult for them. The alchemist assessment was supposed to be free, a fact that was well-known. Yet, Lan Ruoyu demanded spirit stones for anyone wishing to be assessed, an act that was clearly unreasonable.


    Chen Leyao felt the need to rify their identities. As a Profound Grade student of the Imperial Academy, she had stepped out due to some tasks, which exined herck of uniform. This, unfortunately, led to them being underestimated.


    ¡°You demanded a spirit stone, assuming our ordinary status, and denied us evaluation because we refused to give you a spirit stone. Did the Imperial City¡¯s Treasure Pill Pavilion give you the authority to look down on others?¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s voice was cold, with his murderous intent sweeping out like freezing winter.


    Everyone on the first floor was instantly rmed as many cultivators were present for shopping.


    Behind the doors, the two assessors were rmed by the uproar just when the assessment was about to begin.


    ¡°How dare you address me in such a manner?!¡± Lan Ruoyu was livid as she leaped from the counter, aiming to p Liu Wuxie across his face. She looked down upon Liu Wuxie, confident in her cultivation in the high level of the Xiantian Realm.


    ¡°I don¡¯t hit women, but I¡¯ll make an exception today!¡± Before Lan Ruoyu¡¯s hand could reach him, she was suddenly sent flying away with a fiery pain on her cheek. Everything unfolded too rapidly for anyone to intervene.


    Lan Ruoyu crashed into the counter with her hair disheveled and blood dripping down her lips. Her appearance looked sinister as she couldn¡¯t ept that a noble apprentice of the Treasure Pill Pavilion like her was pped. She might not beparable to an official alchemist in terms of status, but that didn¡¯t mean her status was low.


    Chen Leyao appeared anxious and was at a loss for words due to Liu Wuxie¡¯s temper. It hadn¡¯t been long, and Liu Wuxie had already struck someone from the Treasure Pill Pavilion. However, she understood that Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t entirely at fault as Lan Ruoyu had intentionally provoked them, thereby inciting his anger.


    Had Lan Ruoyu not made a move, Liu Wuxie wouldn¡¯t have hit a woman. But her rushing out with the intent to p Liu Wuxie was crossing a line.


    ¡°ARRGGGHHHH! I¡¯ll kill you!¡± Lan Ruoyu looked like a mad woman. She red at Liu Wuxie with a vicious look but didn¡¯t dare to approach him. This was because Liu Wuxie¡¯s p had taken her by surprise, and she was sent flying without understanding what had transpired.


    Liu Wuxie remained impassive. He was deliberately causing amotion to send a message to the Treasure Pill Pavilion. He wanted to ascertain if it was just a random person giving him a hard time or if the Treasure Pill Pavilion was indeed that haughty.


    Aside from Bi Gongyu and Mu Yueying, Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t have a favorable impression of the Treasure Pill Pavilion. After all, he had seen the pavilion masters of the branches in thepetition, and even the three judges weren¡¯t any better. Speaking of which, he hadn¡¯t yet addressed the issue of the leaked answers.


    ¡°Is he insane to hit someone from the Treasure Pill Pavilion? Is he tired of living?¡± It didn¡¯t take long for a crowd to gather in the surroundings, pointing their fingers at Liu Wuxie.


    The Treasure Pill Pavilion had a transcendent position and was not subject to anyone¡¯s jurisdiction. Thus, even a lowly alchemist apprentice had an extraordinary status, and pping an alchemist apprentice was no different from pping the Treasure Pill Pavilion. No wonder Chen Leyao wore such a bitter expression because she didn¡¯t know what to do now.


    Chen Leyao was at a loss for a solution, realizing that pping Lan Ruoyu would inevitably provoke the anger of the Treasure Pill Pavilion. The Xue n had yet to make an appearance, and Liu Wuxie¡¯s group had already managed to offend the Treasure Pill Pavilion.


    Everyone looked at Liu Wuxie with sympathy, and some gloated, treating this as entertainment.


    As time passed, Lan Ruoyu still screamed while Liu Wuxie stood there. Roughly fifteen minutester, two people came out from behind the doors with their brows furrowed. Themotion outside had disturbed them, prompting them to investigate.


    The two were in their fifties, and one narrowed his eyes when he saw Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on here?¡± When the two men came out, one of them asked Lan Ruoyu.


    ¡°Senior Sheng, not only did this brat here insult our Treasure Pill Pavilion, but he even hit me. Please uphold justice for me!¡± Lan Ruoyu distorted the truth, pointing her finger maliciously at Liu Wuxie.


    The two men were official alchemists of the Treasure Pill Pavilion and held the status of assessors aside from refining pills. Today was their turn to supervise the assessment.


    ¡°Young Master Liu, why are you here?¡± The other man quickly came over with a passionate expression when he saw Liu Wuxie.


    The matter of the Heavenly Spirit Pill had already been reported to the headquarters by Bi Gongyu, and it was currently the best-selling product in the Treasure Pill Pavilion. The Golden Spirit Pill was still in the experimental stage, and the production was slow for Bi Gongyu. As a result, it was lessmon in the market.


    The Treasure Pill Pavilion had confirmed the authenticity of the four forms that Liu Wuxie had presented during thepetition, and the resulting pills were now avable in the market. This was the reason why Mu Yueying had personally traveled to Azure Billow City, as Bi Gongyu¡¯s status was insufficient to extend an invitation to her.


    Only the higher-ups of the Treasure Pill Pavilions knew about it, and many alchemists were looking forward to meeting Liu Wuxie. They were intrigued by the individual who had penned the four forms, produced the Heavenly Spirit Pill, and deciphered the refining method from another dynasty.


    Liu Wuxie had anticipated that his participation in thepetition would not go unnoticed by the Xue n. As a result, he had devised a strategy to distract one threat with another, akin to using a tiger to chase away a wolf. He intended to use the Treasure Pill Pavilion as a shield, buying himself some time. However, attracting their attention required significant bargaining chips.


    Therefore, Liu Wuxie made a conscious effort to stand out during thepetition, particrly with the four forms. His aim was to catch the eye of the higher-ups in the Treasure Pill Pavilion. Although he did this as a precautionary measure, he didn¡¯t expect it to prove so beneficial.


    ¡°Greetings, Senior Sang!¡± Liu Wuxie bowed slightly. Sang Yan was one of thepetition''s three judges. Having already spotted Sang Yan through Ghost Eye upon his arrival, Liu Wuxie felt fearless.


    Sang Yan, a three-star alchemist of the Treasure Pill Pavilion, held a high-ranking position. Liu Wuxie was confident that Sang Yan recognized his value and believed that the Treasure Pill Pavilion wouldn¡¯t antagonize him unless they were foolish.


    After all, he had already brought such high profits to the Treasure Pill Pavilion in one month, equating to his potential.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Sang Yan was respectful to Liu Wuxie as it wasn¡¯t a secret that Mu Yueying had gone to Azure Billow City for him.


    ¡°You¡¯ll have to ask her about it!¡± Liu Wuxie looked at Lan Ruoyu with a yful gaze. She was still tearfully pleading with the other man,ining and demanding that Liu Wuxie be punished. Coincidentally, they had just finished their conversation and turned their attention towards Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Lan Ruoyu, speak up. What¡¯s going on?¡± Sang Yan¡¯s face sank, and this caught everyone by surprise. Shouldn¡¯t Liu Wuxie be punished? So why was Lan Ruoyu questioned instead? The other man was also baffled, and Sang Yan interrupted him before he could confront Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Senior Sang, he hit me first!¡± Lan Ruoyu said, looking pitiful as she tried using Liu Wuxie of initiating the conflict. Her teary eyes made her look even more innocent and vulnerable.


    ¡°Sang Yan, what¡¯s going on?¡± the other man asked. After all, shouldn¡¯t they punish Liu Wuxie for pping an apprentice of the Treasure Pill Pavilion? The Treasure Pill Pavilion¡¯s reputation would suffer if this issue weren''t resolved.

 Chapter 138 - Jiang Yue

    <h4>Chapter 138 - Jiang Yue</h4>


    ¡°Old Sheng, do you still remember the incident from thepetition?¡± Sang Yan lowered his voice. The other man was Sheng Lian, a three-star alchemist of the Treasure Pill Pavilion.


    ¡°Of course!¡± This year¡¯spetition wasn¡¯t only grand, but many things took ce in it. Many new pills appeared, and another dynasty¡¯s refining method was unraveled.


    ¡°This is Liu Wuxie, the champion!¡± Sang Yan introduced as he pointed at Liu Wuxie. Not many people in the Imperial City knew about the champion of that year¡¯spetition.


    ¡°So young?!¡± Sheng Lian was taken aback and incredulous, considering Liu Wuxie¡¯s youth. They were merely apprentices in alchemy at his age.


    Lan Ruoyu, oblivious to their conversation, could sense an unsettling atmosphere from their expressions, giving her an ominous feeling. An ordinary person would have already faced repercussions for striking an alchemist apprentice from the Treasure Pill Pavilion.


    Strangely, Sang Yan remained indifferent. He not only refrained from reprimanding Liu Wuxie, but he also appeared to maintain a cordial rapport with him.


    ¡°Seniors, please let me exin...¡± Chen Leyao took a step forward and shared what had just happened. Upon hearing Chen Leyao¡¯s exnation, a wave of discontent swept through the crowd. This wasn¡¯t Lan Ruoyu¡¯s first transgression, as many had suffered simr experiences.


    ¡°Just yesterday, this woman insisted on a spirit stone before permitting me toplete the form. I abandoned the assessment out of sheer frustration,¡± a young man in the crowd voiced his anger.


    ¡°Same here! I came for the assessment five days ago, but this woman purposely made things difficult for me. She said that I was too ugly and forced me to leave.¡± Another person among the crowd joined in, sharing his encounter.


    ¡°You all are still fortunate. I came herest month, but she dismissed me due to my height, asking me to leave because I was shorter than the cauldron,¡± a man, just over a meter tall, stood out, pointing at Lan Ruoyu angrily.


    The body and appearance were inherited from the parents, and it wasn¡¯t something anyone could control. But Lan Ruoyu used that to mock them.


    The crowd swelled with more people voicing their condemnation of Lan Ruoyu. Liu Wuxie hadn¡¯t anticipated so many people would step forward without his intervention. Their collective outrage alone was enough to drown Lan Ruoyu metaphorically.


    Lan Ruoyu¡¯s face turned pale and became ugly. She had received benefits over the past year, which made her haughty. As an alchemist apprentice of the Treasure Pill Pavilion, it was normal for her to receive bribes.


    She would put on a fawning expression if it were someone from a big n, but she would put on another face if it were someone without any background. The fear of offending the Treasure Pill Pavilionpelled ordinary people to tolerate her behavior, emboldening her further.


    However, today marked a turning point as Liu Wuxie, who had never regarded the Treasure Pill Pavilion with much importance, challenged her.


    ¡°Lan Ruoyu, your tendency to make things difficult for others has not gone unnoticed. As an apprentice alchemist of the Treasure Pill Pavilion, we overlooked your actions, assuming they were not severe. But your actions today crossed the line!¡± Sang Yan and Sheng Lian were ced in a difficult spot as more people expressed their grievances.


    Sang Yan had been aware of Lan Ruoyu¡¯s actions for quite some time but chose to ignore them. Initially, Lan Ruoyu was somewhat restrained, targeting only those without talent who were merely trying their luck, thereby wasting the resources of the Treasure Pill Pavilion.


    They overlooked her actions because everyone came to take the assessment; the Treasure Pill Pavilion might as well close down its business and focus on holding the assessment. What Lan Ruoyu did could efficiently stop those who wanted to merely try their luck and waste everyone¡¯s time.


    However, they didn¡¯t anticipate that Lan Ruoyu would exploit her position to a greater extent, profiting by denying services to those who refused to offer her benefits.


    ¡°Senior Sang, don¡¯t listen to their one-sided words. As an alchemist apprentice of the Treasure Pill Pavilion, I have been diligent with my work.¡± Lan Ruoyu copsed on the counter, and her face turned pale after facing the usations from so many people.


    ¡°Given that you¡¯re an alchemist apprentice of the Treasure Pill Pavilion, your status is hereby revoked. You are to leave the Treasure Pill Pavilion immediately!¡± Sang Yan, wielding his authority, delivered the verdict without giving Lan Ruoyu an opportunity to defend herself. They had to act today to appease the crowd. Lan Ruoyu¡¯s actions over the past three years had tarnished the reputation of the Treasure Pill Pavilion, and if she continued, their reputation would be irreparably damaged.


    This oue exceeded Liu Wuxie¡¯s expectations as he thought Lan Ruoyu would only be reprimanded at best and not expelled from the Treasure Pill Pavilion. Then again, many people were happy with this verdict, especially those who suffered humiliation from Lan Ruoyu.


    ¡°I won¡¯t ept it! My master is Jiang Yue! How dare you expel me?!¡± Lan Ruoyu¡¯s facial expression became sinister as she reported her master¡¯s name fearlessly.


    Sang Yan and Sheng Lian exchanged a gaze with a hint of disgust, but they could do nothing about it. Jiang Yue was a four-star alchemist, having a high status in the Treasure Pill Pavilion like Master Mao. Even they had to be respectful when they saw Jiang Yue.


    Lan Ruoyu had spent a lot of effort to be Jiang Yue¡¯s disciple, and her n had exhausted countless resources to get her the status of an alchemist apprentice. If she lost this identity, all her hard work over the years would go down the drain, and the gifts she sent out would all be for nothing. Only by bing a true alchemist could her sacrifices be rewarded.


    ¡°Old Sang, it would be best to let the pavilion master deal with this,¡± Sheng Yan suggested, trying to keep the peace. ¡°Since Young Master Liu is here for the assessment, let¡¯s postpone this matter until after it¡¯spleted.¡± He was wary of offending Jiang Yue, knowing it could have negative repercussions down the line.


    Sang Yan¡¯s attitude puzzled Sheng Lian. Even if Liu Wuxie had extraordinary talent, they were three-star alchemists and did not need to curry favor with him. Then again, Sheng Lian couldn¡¯tprehend Liu Wuxie¡¯s talent without witnessing it, unlike Sang Yan, who had witnessed it.


    ¡°Young Master Liu, what¡¯s your opinion?¡± Sang Yan, not wanting to upset Jiang Yue, had already shown Liu Wuxie considerable respect with his previous statements, and he felt it was time to conclude the matter. If things escted, it would be detrimental for everyone involved, and he would find himself in a tricky situation.


    ¡°Let¡¯s put an end to this matter here. I need an alchemist token to buy herbs.¡± Liu Wuxie was indifferent as he wouldn¡¯t let this affect him, and he only wanted to get the alchemist token as soon as possible.


    ¡°Where¡¯s the form?!¡± Sang Yan roared, and Lan Ruoyu unwillingly retrieved a form from the counter.


    Afterpleting the form, Liu Wuxie followed Sang Yan and Sheng Lian through the gateway. Chen Leyao and Song Ling were left waiting outside as they were not participants, despite the young master from the Bai n being allowed to bring his servant into the gateway.


    With that, the registration for that day¡¯s assessment came to a close. Lan Ruoyu swiftly tidied up and departed, heading deeper into the Treasure Pill Pavilion.


    As they passed through the gateway, a courtyard appeared, and there were over ten-odd people waiting there. They were all participants in this round of assessment.


    The assessment was divided into three stages, simr to thepetition with some differences. Liu Wuxie scanned the room, noting twelve participants, including himself. Most appeared to be young masters from influential ns, their opulent attire a clear indicator. Individuals like Liu Wuxie were indeed a rarity. In the realm of alchemy, while financial backing was crucial, talent was equally important.


    ¡°Young Master Liu, the assessment won¡¯t be difficult for you, but you still have to go through the procedure,¡± Sang Yan came over and whispered. Since Liu Wuxie could be thepetition champion, the assessment wasn¡¯t an issue for him. Even so, he had to undergo the procedure to obtain the alchemist token.


    ¡°I understand!¡± Liu Wuxie nodded, not wanting to put Sang Yan in a difficult spot.


    ¡°Alright. Let¡¯s start with the first stage of the assessment, and those who obtain ny points will make it to the next round,¡± Sheng Lian said.


    All participants moved to their respective tables, each spaced three meters apart. Sang Yan started distributing the test papers. The first stage was designed to test the participants¡¯ knowledge. The questions varied each time to prevent anyone from memorizing the answers for future attempts. After all, the world of herbs was vast, and not everyone could identify them all.


    ¡°Hold on!¡± Just as the assessment was about to kick off, an older man and a woman entered the room. The man appeared to be a few years older than Sang Yan, with Lan Ruoyu trailing behind him.


    ¡°Master Jiang, why have youe?¡± Sang Yan and Sheng Lian quickly approached and bowed to Jiang Yue. Given his status as a four-star alchemist, they were obliged to show him respect.


    ¡°My student ims she was struck and that the Treasure Pill Pavilion even intends to expel her. I demand to know who assaulted her!¡± Jiang Yue, with his square face and towering stature, exuded an imposing aura. His mere presence was akin to a formidable tower, emitting powerful energy fluctuations at the high levels of the Marrow Cleansing Realm, causing the papers on the tables to scatter.


    Lan Ruoyu stood behind Jiang Yue, tears streaming down her face, appearing wronged. However, her eyes shed with a murderous glint.


    ¡°Master Jiang, there¡¯s a misunderstanding on this matter. Please listen to me...¡±


    But before Sang Yan could finish, Jiang Yue interrupted him, ¡°Get lost. Tell me, who hit my disciple!¡±


    He dismissed Sang Yan¡¯s words without giving him any consideration, showcasing his arrogance. This was a perfect illustration of the saying: like master, like disciple.


    With such a master, it wasn¡¯t surprising to have such a disciple. Then again, there weren¡¯t many four-star alchemists in the Great Yan Dynasty, and most ns would rush to curry favor with him. Even though there was a difference of only one star between a three-star and four-star alchemist, it was greater than heaven and earth.


    ¡°I am the one who hit her!¡± Liu Wuxie stepped forward, looking at Jiang Yue with a touch of scorn. To him, Jiang Yue¡¯s attainment of the four-star alchemist status through forbidden pills wasughable.


    Jiang Yue¡¯s situation mirrored that of Master Huo, having forcefully achieved the rank of a four-star alchemist by using forbidden pills. The repercussions might not be evident now, but they would manifest in about a year. Not even an immortal could salvage him after it happened.


    Then again, Liu Wuxie had no obligation to tell Jiang Yue about it. If Jiang Yue stopped consuming the forbidden pills and spent a year nurturing his health, it wouldn¡¯t be an issue for him to refine pills in the future. But Jiang Yue was a noble four-star alchemist with countless people looking for him daily, and how could he possibly give that up?


    After all, Jiang Yue couldn¡¯t say no to all the resources pouring into his pocket.


    ¡°Very well. I¡¯m impressed that you have the guts to admit it!¡± Jiang Yue looked at Liu Wuxie like thetter was already dead.

 Chapter 139 - Scribble

    <h4>Chapter 139 - Scribble</h4>


    The other eleven participants cast strange nces at Liu Wuxie. Not a single person present was unfamiliar with Jiang Yue, and Liu Wuxie¡¯s action of striking his disciple was akin to inviting death.


    ¡°Master, it was him who hit me!¡± Lan Ruoyu pointed at Liu Wuxie; her face contorted in an ugly expression.


    ¡°Utter one more word, and I assure you, I¡¯ll personally end your life right here!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s murderous aura began to surge like a tidal wave, instilling fear in Lan Ruoyu to the point where she lost control of her dder, emitting a foul odor.


    Liu Wuxie had managed to achieve this solely with his murderous intent. When he released his murderous intent, Jiang Yue felt as though there was a de on his neck, immobilizing him.


    Everything transpired so rapidly that everyone struggled toprehend the situation. The murderous aura appeared and vanished swiftly, but no one could regain theirposure. Jiang Yue¡¯s disciple was terrified to the point of wetting herself, and if word of this incident spread, it would be a source of embarrassment for Jiang Yue.


    In the future, Lan Ruoyu would be the target of ridicule and wouldn¡¯t be able to lift her head for the rest of her life.


    ¡°Who is he to be so arrogant?¡± the other participants eximed in surprise. After all, not many people in the Great Yan Dynasty dared to insult a four-star alchemist openly. Not only was everyone shocked by his insane act, but they were also afraid.


    ¡°He should be a participant like us!¡± Everyone¡¯s gazes changed when they looked at Liu Wuxie, and they instinctively distanced themselves from him.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s words sent a chill down Sang Yan¡¯s spine, but it was already toote by the time he wanted to intervene.


    ¡°You¡¯re the first person who dared to speak to me in this manner, and you can die now!¡± Jiang Yue¡¯s eyes shed with murderous intent. No matter what, Lan Ruoyu was his disciple, and she wasn¡¯t someone anyone could humiliate.


    As he unleashed his aura at the high levels of the Marrow Cleansing Realm, a buzzing noise filled the surroundings, and a shockwave swept out as he slowly advanced towards Liu Wuxie, intent on personally ending thetter¡¯s life. If he didn¡¯t eliminate Liu Wuxie, his standing in the Treasure Pill Pavilion would bepromised.


    As he approached, Liu Wuxie merely stood there without moving. Seeing this, a mocking sneer rose on Jiang Yue¡¯s lips.


    ¡°Master Jiang, Young Master Liu is currently participating in the alchemist assessment. Attacking him during this time is against the rules. If there are any issues, please wait until the assessment concludes,¡± Sang Yan interjected, stepping forward to block Jiang Yue¡¯s path.


    ¡°How dare you stand in my way?¡± Jiang Yue¡¯s fury was palpable as his murderous aura engulfed Sang Yan, giving the impression that he might strike at any moment.


    ¡°I¡¯m just speaking the truth. ording to the rules, we must protect the safety of every apprentice whoes here to take the assessment. If they die here inexplicably, how are we going to justify it? So please think twice,¡± Sang Yan warned. His words were straightforward, implying that any grievances should be settled after the assessment.


    Sang Yan knew better than anyone about Liu Wuxie¡¯s talent. As long as Liu Wuxie obtained the status of an alchemist, it wouldn¡¯t be easy for Jiang Yue to kill him.


    ¡°Master Jiang, what Old Sang said is right. Young Master Liu is taking the assessment, and it would be troublesome if you attack him here.¡± Sheng Lian also chimed in, taking a neutral stance and merely stating the facts.


    Given the number of people present, silencing everyone would be impossible unless Jiang Yue resorted to killing them all. If he were to attack Liu Wuxie, he would ce the Treasure Pill Pavilion in a difficult position.


    ¡°Very well. I¡¯ll wait here. Does he think that anyone random cane and take the assessment here? I¡¯ll take his life after the assessment, then!¡± Jiang Yue didn¡¯t mind waiting a little longer as the assessment would take two hours at most, and he could afford to wait.


    Liu Wuxie was the youngest among the twelve participants. This also meant that he had the lowest probability of passing the assessment. With Jiang Yue here to supervise, no one could cheat.


    Jiang Yue was still unaware that Liu Wuxie was the champion of that year¡¯spetition. He only knew that some brat had won the championship, and he didn¡¯t associate that youngster with Liu Wuxie. This was also because Sang Yan and Sheng Lian addressed Liu Wuxie as ¡®Young Master¡¯ and didn¡¯t call him by his full name.


    As for Liu Wuxie¡¯s identity, Jiang Yue couldn¡¯t be bothered with that; he had already made up his mind to kill him.


    Sang Yan heaved in relief after sessfully stopping Jiang Yue from killing Liu Wuxie. He walked over to Liu Wuxie and whispered, ¡°Young Master Liu, I can only help you this far. If you want to live, you have to be an official alchemist. The higher the level, the better. If you be a two-star alchemist, Jiang Yue won¡¯t dare to touch you because the Treasure Pill Pavilion protects every alchemist.¡±


    Sang Yan felt indebted to Liu Wuxie as he had greatly benefited from reading Master Qin¡¯s book recently. More importantly, Sang Yan recognized Liu Wuxie¡¯s potential.


    Given Liu Wuxie¡¯s talent, it seemed inevitable that he would eventually be a four-star alchemist, and forming a good rtionship with him would be advantageous without any drawbacks. On the other hand, he and Sheng Lian were aware that Jiang Yue¡¯s potential had reached its limit. It was no secret that Jiang Yue consumed forbidden pills; it was just that the repercussions hadn¡¯t surfaced yet.


    One had limitless potential, while the other had exhausted his potential. Sang Yan wasn¡¯t afraid of Jiang Yue despite thetter being a four-star alchemist.


    ¡°Thank you, Senior Sang!¡± Liu Wuxie expressed his gratitude. He could always abandon the assessment if the situation escted and devise an escape n. As for the idea of him kneeling and pleading for mercy? That was out of the question. Since Sang Yan had secured this opportunity for him, he would naturally appreciate it.


    ¡°Let the assessment begin!¡±


    Liu Wuxie returned to his seat as everyone began to take the assessment.


    Lan Ruoyu stood not far away. She had participated in the assessment three times. The first stage wasn¡¯t difficult, and it was thest one that she kept failing.


    ¡°Hmph, let me see how you¡¯ll dieter for pping me!¡± Lan Ruoyu said and sat on the side, waiting for Liu Wuxie to fail his assessment.


    The assessment paper contained a hundred questions; to pass the first stage, at least ny of them had to be answered correctly.


    Liu Wuxie scanned the paper and promptly began writing his answers. His swift response drew the attention of the other participants.


    ¡°Is he scribbling randomly?¡±


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s speed was unheard of. Before they began, Liu Wuxie had already finished answering half of the questions.


    Upon seeing this, Jiang Yue smirked because the questions were carefully selected for each assessment and screened through several levels. There were some questions that not even veteran alchemists could answer.


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t even have to think to answer the questions, and it was no wonder Jiang Yue would wear a mocking expression.


    Only Sang Yan knew that this level of assessment posed no challenge to Liu Wuxie. In just three minutes, Liu Wuxie was already done answering a hundred questions.


    The time limit for the first stage was fifteen minutes, and answering all the questions in three minutes was unheard of.


    ¡°I¡¯m done!¡± Liu Wuxie put down the brush and stood up, requesting Sang Yan to grade his paper.


    ¡°Hahaha! Brat, you can die now!¡± Jiang Yue stood up, intending to kill Liu Wuxie before Sang Yan could grade his assessment. After all, no one hadpleted the first stage in three minutes, and Liu Wuxie hadn¡¯t paused for a moment after picking up the brush.


    ¡°Master Jiang, please remain calm. Let¡¯s grade the paper first. If Young Master Liu fails the assessment, you can take action then,¡± Sang Yan interjected, even inviting Jiang Yue to join in grading the paper.


    Jiang Yue snorted and halted his actions. After all, Liu Wuxie wouldn¡¯t be able to escape.


    As the assessment continued for the other participants, the assessors went over to Liu Wuxie¡¯s table and began grading the paper. Even though Sang Yan was prepared, he couldn¡¯t help taking a deep breath when he looked at the answers. He eximed, ¡°Brilliant!¡±


    His current mood couldn¡¯t be adequately expressed with words.


    Sheng Lian had been looking forward to Liu Wuxie¡¯s answers and had long heard of his feat in thepetition. Now that he looked at it today, he found that the rumors weren¡¯t exaggerated.


    ¡°This is impossible!¡± Jiang Yue looked like he had seen a ghost with his eyes bulged. He already had the answers to the questions, but Liu Wuxie¡¯s answers were wless, far surpassing the answers provided by Sang Yan. It was like thepetition, as Liu Wuxie¡¯s answers exceeded the standard.


    ¡°Brilliant answers!¡± Sheng Lian praised. He had meticulously selected each question, and this assessment epassed a wealth of alchemical knowledge.


    Theirmotion naturally rmed the other participants. They were equally astonished that Liu Wuxie¡¯s answers could be so remarkable, given that he had only spent three minutes on them. Could it be that Liu Wuxie possessed a natural aptitude for alchemy?


    ¡°The first stage is a test of knowledge, and he probably just got lucky that what he studied is on the paper.¡± The other participants, filled with envy,posed themselves and resumed their assessments.


    Jiang Yue scrutinized the paper multiple times, a chill creeping up his spine. If the paper hadn¡¯t been tampered with, it meant that Liu Wuxie¡¯s alchemical talent was beyond his wildest imagination.


    ¡°Did you two leak the answers to him? Yue¡¯er said that you two are acquainted with him,¡± Jiang Yue said with a dark expression. He was under the impression that Sang Yan had leaked the answers to Liu Wuxie, which was why the answers were so wless.


    ¡°Master Jiang, please respect us. Thest question concerns recing Blue Lily in the Soul Converging Pill. Do you know the answer to that?¡± Sang Yan was furious that Jiang Yue used them of leaking the answers.


    The Blue Lily could only be found in a harsh environment, and the supply was short despite the high demand. The Soul Converging Pill was a fourth-grade pill, and the production was low due to the scarcity of Blue Lily. But if they could find a recement for Blue Lily, they would be able to produce the Soul Converging Pill inrge quantities.


    On thest question, Liu Wuxie¡¯s answer was an ordinary herb people normally overlooked.


    ¡°I don¡¯t, but it¡¯s clear that he is bullshitting. Refining the Soul Converging Pill isplicated, and each herb used is precious. But he wrote a first-grade herb as a recement? How can this kind of garbage possibly refine a fourth-grade pill?¡± What Jiang Yue said made sense because the recement herb that Liu Wuxie answered was an ordinary first-grade herb called the Leaf Vine.


    The final question had remained unanswered correctly in every assessment for centuries, leading many to believe it might be an unsolvable problem.


    ¡°Master Jiang, how can you be certain that Young Master Liu¡¯s answer is mere nonsense and not the correct solution?¡± Sang Yan queried, a smile ying on his lips.

 Chapter 140 - A Hundred Points

    <h4>Chapter 140 - A Hundred Points</h4>


    This question had no established answer as it was an extra question not included in the scoring. It would only impact Liu Wuxie¡¯s total score if he answered it correctly.


    This question, which had been in existence for centuries, was a source of concern as no one had dared to answer it. It was traditionally left unanswered in every evaluation.


    Sang Yan¡¯s words caught Jiang Yue off guard, as he himself didn¡¯t know the answer to that question. If he acknowledged it as the right answer, it would confirm Liu Wuxie¡¯s correctness. However, if he dismissed it as incorrect, and Liu Wuxie turned out to be right, it would be a significant embarrassment for him.


    ¡°Let¡¯s put that question aside and grade the papers!¡± Sheng Lian stepped forward to prevent further esction. If Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t score at least ny marks, he would fail his assessment. This also meant that Jiang Yue would kill Liu Wuxie, and even Sang Yan wouldn¡¯t be able to save him.


    As the three discussed among themselves, fifteen minutes were up, and all the participants put down their brushes.


    Sang Yan began to grade from the first participant. As Liu Wuxie was thest toe in, he would be thest to have his papers graded. Everyone presented their answers on the table, and the grading process took no more than a minute.


    ¡°Xi Le, seventy-eight points, failed!¡± Sang Yan announced.


    The man called Xi Le fell to the ground weakly. This was his tenth attempt this year, and he failed each time. Hecked talent in alchemy.


    The grading continued, and the process of announcing the results was swift.


    ¡°Tang Yan, ny-two points, passed!¡±


    ¡°Niu Li, eighty-nine points, failed!¡±


    ¡°...¡± Those who passed cheered while those who failed lowered their heads in dejection. Everyone followed behind Sang Yan, examining the papers answered by others.


    ¡°Bai Lin, ny points, passed!¡± The man in luxurious clothing wiped the cold sweat off his forehead, looking relieved. This was because he barely passed by hitting the passing mark.


    ¡°Congrattions, young master! You passed the first stage!¡± The servant quickly ttered him. Only three of the twelve people who participated in the assessment managed to pass, leaving Liu Wuxie as thest to be graded.


    Everyone gathered around Liu Wuxie¡¯s papers, curious about his score. Lan Ruoyu came forth with a cold smirk, looking confident that Liu Wuxie would soon die.


    ¡°Lady Lan, don¡¯t worry about it. This brat will surely fail.¡± Bai Lin stood beside Lan Ruoyu with a fawning expression. He wasn¡¯t trying to curry favor with Lan Ruoyu but with Jiang Yue.


    ¡°Hmph. Even if he answers the questions correctly, he still won¡¯t be able to escape his death. The next two stages aren¡¯t that easy,¡± Lan Ruoyu said with her head raised like a proud peacock. After all, she was the disciple of a four-star alchemist, and she would be at the center of attention wherever she went.


    The other participants echoed along, ¡°Lady Lan is right. The next two stages aren¡¯t that easy to pass. He cannot be let off easily for hitting our goddess!¡±


    The praises and ttery from the surroundings made Lan Ruoyu chuckle, enjoying the attention she received.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, a hundred points!¡±


    The sudden announcement made Lan Ruoyu¡¯s smile freeze as if she had been strangled. This feeling was unpleasant, especially for Bai Lin, who had confidently dered that Liu Wuxie would fail. But when the result was announced, Liu Wuxie had obtained a hundred points.


    Scoring ny points was straightforward, but achieving a perfect score was a greater challenge, particrly the final few questions that had remained unanswered correctly for years. For Bai Lin, ny points were his limit, but for Liu Wuxie, the paper¡¯s maximum score was a hundred points. This was the distinction between them!


    ¡°That¡¯s impossible!¡± Lan Ruoyu looked like a madwoman. She had taken the assessment for three years and had seen countless geniuses before. But no one had ever obtained a perfect score. Ji Yang had scored the best in the past three years, only obtaining ny-nine points.


    ¡°Are you doubting us?¡± Sang Yan frowned. He had graded the papers with Sheng Lian. Even when Jiang Yue didn¡¯t object, where did a mere apprentice get the audacity to question a three-star alchemist? If she weren¡¯t Jiang Yue¡¯s disciple, Sang Yan would¡¯ve killed her with a p.


    ¡°I dare not!¡± Lan Ruoyu quickly apologized after seeing that there wasn¡¯t any expression on her master¡¯s face. This was the same as acknowledging Liu Wuxie¡¯s score.


    The Alchemy Association set the papers, and the Treasure Pill Pavilion couldn''t fake it. Not to mention that Liu Wuxie was thest to enter the room, making it even more impossible for the answers to have been leaked in advance.


    ¡°A hundred points? How is that possible?!¡± The other participants looked at Liu Wuxie in disbelief, as if they were seeing a monster. Many of them had taken the assessment multiple times, and they were just hovering around ny points.


    ¡°Those who failed are required to leave. As for those who made it to the next stage, follow me,¡± Sang Yan said. The eight who failed left the courtyard with their leads lowered, leaving Liu Wuxie, Bai Lin, Tang Yan, and Cao Qingli behind.


    They passed through a courtyard and entered an alchemy chamber for the second stage of their assessment. Lan Ruoyu followed behind Jiang Yue, gritting her teeth. This was because her hatred for Liu Wuxie increased as he disyed higher talent.


    ¡°There are five herbs here, and you all must write down their age and effects. Those who manage to answer four questions correctly will pass this stage.¡± Sheng Lian pointed at the five herbs on the table, signaling they could start the assessment, and the four quickly began to recall the information about the five herbs.


    Jiang Yue and Lan Ruoyu stood together as they couldn¡¯t interfere during the assessment.


    ¡°Master, what¡¯s that three-leaf herb called?¡± Lan Ruoyu whispered. She saw a herb she didn¡¯t recognize in the assessment.


    ¡°That¡¯s a new variety cultivated by our Treasure Pill Pavilion, and not many people know about it. I only learned about it yesterday. It¡¯s called the Magnolia''s Heart. It might be a third-grade herb, but it has a strong effect,¡± Jiang Yue exined. He wouldn¡¯t have recognized this herb even if it had been ced before him a few days ago.


    Hearing her master¡¯s words, Lan Ruoyu wore a hint of a smile. Even her master had only learned about this herb the previous day; the four surely didn¡¯t know about it.


    Like the first stage, Liu Wuxie finished writing down his answers in three minutes and handed them to Sang Yan.


    Sang Yan nodded without shock as though he had already predicted this oue.


    Ten minutester, the other three also submitted their answers respectively.


    ¡°Old Sheng, take out the correct answers,¡± Sang Yan said,ying the four papers on the table. Sheng Lian retrieved a box from his robes, tore open the seal, and took out the answer key from within. The results were determined by transparentlyparing the participants'' answers with the answer key.


    Jiang Yue and Lan Ruoyu also approached the table to nce at the participants¡¯ answers.


    ¡°He must¡¯ve cheated! Even my master learned about Magnolia¡¯s Heart yesterday. How can he possibly know about it?! You all must¡¯ve leaked the answers to him!¡± Lan Ruoyu looked as though she had gone insane, pointing at the answers on the table.


    Jiang Yue¡¯s facial expression was dark as he nced at Sang Yan. He needed an exnation because Liu Wuxie¡¯s answers were the same as the answer key. The other three participants'' answers were only close, and two got only three answers correct, failing the second stage.


    ¡°Sang Yan, aren¡¯t you going to exin?¡± Jiang Yue inquired sternly. It was unprecedented in history for the answers to match perfectly with the answer key. This could only suggest one thing¡ªthe answers were leaked in advance.


    ¡°He cheated! I request a retest!¡± Bai Lin protested as he had failed this stage.


    ¡°I also feel that something is off about him. It¡¯s too abnormal to obtain a perfect score for the first stage. So, it turns out that the answers were leaked in advance!¡± Tang Yan echoed along. Everyone¡¯s gazes were scorching as they looked at Sang Yan, waiting for an exnation.


    Among everyone present, only Liu Wuxie had a hint of contempt on his face.


    ¡°Master Jiang, mind your words. All the answers were sealed, and everyone saw us opening it earlier. Even we didn¡¯t know that this herb is called the Magnolia¡¯s Heart,¡± Sang Yan countered. After all, if this were to get out, it would tarnish the reputation of the Treasure Pill Pavilion.


    The alchemists in the Treasure Pill Pavilion weren¡¯t always in harmony, as internal conflicts were also present. The higher the sales of the pills one produced, the higher the status was. As Sang Yan studied Master Qin¡¯s book, he made rapid progress in alchemy, showing signs of surpassing Jiang Yue.


    On the other hand, Jiang Yue¡¯s sales had dropped recently because of consuming forbidden pills. The baleful aura within his body seeped into the pills he refined, causing difort to the people who consumed them. As a result, this naturally caused a fall in the reputation of the pills he refined.


    The Treasure Pill Pavilion naturally practiced survival of the fittest, and the annual alchemypetition was the best proof. Whoever had the highest sales would naturally be promoted, and the Treasure Pill Pavilion had been promoting the Heavenly Spirit Pills recently.


    ¡°If he¡¯s not cheating, how will you exin his answers?¡± Jiang Yue felt his status shaken with a ferocious light shing in his eyes.


    ¡°Young Master Liu is the champion of this year¡¯spetition. Is this exnation satisfying enough for you?¡± Sang Yan said with a hint of mockery in his eyes. He wasn¡¯t polite with his words at all. It wasn¡¯t like they had any friendship to begin with.


    When Sang Yan revealed that, Lan Ruoyu fell to the ground weakly with a pale face. It had long spread out within the Treasure Pill Pavilion that the young missus had personally made a trip to Azure Billow City for Liu Wuxie. There were rumors that the champion was a peerless prodigy.


    ¡°What?!¡± Tang Yan jumped because the person they were mocking half of the day was the champion of that year¡¯s alchemypetition. This instantly made everyone¡¯s faces freeze with a sour expression.


    ¡°He¡¯s Liu Wuxie?!¡± The murderous intent in Jiang Yue¡¯s eyes intensified, enveloping Liu Wuxie. This hostility wasn¡¯t due to Liu Wuxie hitting Lan Ruoyu, but was solely directed at Liu Wuxie himself.


    Liu Wuxie narrowed his eyes because this murderous intent had grown significantly stronger after his identity as the champion of that year¡¯s alchemypetition was revealed. It was as though Jiang Yue had changed into a different person, and his murderous intent was like a tidal wave, sweeping out along with the aura of the Marrow Cleansing Realm expert.


    ¡°Master Jiang, you must have a good rtionship with Shangguan Cai, right?¡± A smile rose on Liu Wuxie¡¯s lips, his gaze piercing Jiang Yue, waiting for his answer.


    Sang Yan froze. He seemed to have guessed something because Jiang Yue had a good rtionship with Shangguan Cai. Jiang Yue was the pavilion master of the Serene Tomb City, while Shangguan Cai was an alchemist of that branch.


    Jiang Yue could be considered a mentor and friend of Shangguan Cai, and their friendship was inseparable.


    Now, Liu Wuxie finally had an idea who had leaked the answers during thepetition. The leaked answers must have something to do with Jiang Yue!


    ¡°Brat, you stole something that belonged to Ji Yang, and you will die today!¡± Jiang Yue didn¡¯t bother to hide his murderous intent, and the atmosphere turned tense due to the unexpected events during the alchemy assessment.

 Chapter 141 - Pill Cloud

    <h4>Chapter 141 - Pill Cloud</h4>


    Just like that, Jiang Yue and Liu Wuxie looked at each other and could see the murderous intent in each other¡¯s eyes. In the final round of the alchemypetition, Liu Wuxie had relied on Ghost Eye to win, not to mention that he had nearly died due to Shangguan Cai¡¯s scheme. Jiang Yue was the one who had leaked the answers.


    ¡°Someone like you wants to kill me?¡± Liu Wuxie sneered. If he wanted to leave, no one here could stop him.


    ¡°No one can stop me from killing the person I want to kill!¡± Jiang Yue stepped forward, releasing a powerful aura that formed into a tidal wave, nearly causing the entire room to copse from the shock.


    The two parties stood in a deadlock, refusing to give in. Lan Ruoyu¡¯s mouth twisted from smiling. She didn¡¯t expect her master to have a grudge against Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Master Jiang, the assessment isn¡¯t over yet! Please restrain yourself!¡± Sang Yan stood between the two, preventing the situation from escting further.


    ¡°Brat, you¡¯re doomed!¡± Jiang Yue withdrew his aura and stood aside for the assessment to end. Regardless of whether Liu Wuxie could be an alchemist or not, he was determined to kill him.


    Tang Yan and Bai Lin failed the second stage but didn¡¯t leave as they wanted to watch the third stage. As for the third stage, Cao Qingli chose to refine the first-grade pill, the Energy Condensing Pill. It was the easiest; he could be a one-star alchemist if he seeded.


    ¡°Wuxie, what pill do you n on refining?¡± Sang Yan asked.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go with the Soul Converging Pill, but change Blue Lily to Leaf Vine,¡± Liu Wuxie said after pondering briefly.


    ¡°Wuxie, you must consider that properly because you only have one chance,¡± Sang Yan warned. If Liu Wuxie failed, he wouldn¡¯t be able to be an official alchemist that day, and Jiang Yue wouldn¡¯t hesitate to kill him.


    ¡°That brat must be insane. The Soul Converging Pill is a fourth-grade pill, not to mention that he modified the form. I¡¯ll kneel and kowtow to him if he seeds,¡± Bai Lin sneered, thinking that Liu Wuxie must¡¯ve gone insane to challenge such a difficult pill.


    Everyone stared at Liu Wuxie like they were looking at a monster, and Jiang Yue also gave a contemptuous chuckle. Even a four-star alchemist wouldn¡¯t dare to do that, not to mention a mere apprentice attempting a modified form. Recing a fourth-grade herb with a first-grade herb was simply unimaginable.


    Lan Ruoyu also sneered, thinking that Liu Wuxie was simply courting death.


    ¡°Thanks for the reminder, Senior Sang. But I have already made up my mind!¡± Liu Wuxie knew Sang Yan meant well, but he wanted to refine a fourth-grade pill to be a four-star alchemist. This was the only way he would receive respect from the Treasure Pill Pavilion.


    He had to restructure the form to refine a fourth-grade pill. He had only mastered the refining method for the Heavenly Spirit Pill, Golden Spirit Pill, and Origin Yang Pill.


    The Golden Spirit Pill had the highest grade among the three, but it was still a third-grade pill. He had many forms in his mind, but the effects were too great. He had to sort them out slowly, and he didn¡¯t have that much time present to find a suitable form.


    The Soul Converging Pill was a readily avable form; the other herbs weren¡¯tcking. The only thing theycked was Blue Lily, which meant that Liu Wuxie had to change the form if he wanted to refine it.


    Sang Yan said nothing else and started to prepare the herbs. Everyone only had one chance as earthly me ignited. Cao Qingli was the first to start refining, and anyone could tell he wasn¡¯t familiar with his technique.


    Liu Wuxie took his time, using Ghost Eye to run through simtions more than a dozen times before approaching the cauldron, confident in his uracy. Sang Yan held his breath and sped his hands, his eyes riveted on Liu Wuxie, afraid of missing any detail that could help him learn from Liu¡¯s techniques.


    That was the same for Sheng Lian as well. He had long heard that Liu Wuxie had summoned a phenomenon when refining the Golden Spirit Pills in thepetition. Thus, his eyes were fixated on Liu Wuxie without blinking.


    When Liu Wuxie tossed the first herb into the cauldron, his technique was skilled. His movements, in contrast to Cao Qingli¡¯s, appeared as though they had been honed through endless repetition, exuding an air of grace and fluidity. Each step of the Seven Dipper Steps was executed artistically as he tossed the herbs into the cauldron one by one. Each time a herbnded in the cauldron, a ripple of fluctuation emanated from it.


    The cauldron was locked with invisible spiritual runes to prevent the spiritual energy from leaking. This made Jiang Yue frown as he was a four-star alchemist. At a nce, he could tell that Liu Wuxie¡¯s refining techniques were profound; this was the first time he had seen it.


    Everyone¡¯s faces transformed as they watched Liu Wuxie,pletely captivated by his refining techniques.


    ¡°What¡¯s the use of having fancy techniques? Does he think it¡¯s easy to be a four-star alchemist?¡± Bai Lin sneered.


    ¡°Silence!¡± Sang Yan roared, releasing a powerful shockwave that sent Bai Lin flying away and coughing up a mouthful of blood as he hit the ground. Seeing this, Tang Yan was too terrified to utter a word.


    Time slowly passed as Cao Qingli refined a first-grade pill. After fifteen minutes, a strong pill fragrance drifted out from the cauldron. He increased the intensity of the mes, and the pills were ready after five minutes. Three pills were sessfully refined, while five were ruined, barely qualifying him as a one-star alchemist.


    ¡°What technique is this? Why haven¡¯t I seen it before?¡± Sheng Lian couldn¡¯tprehend Liu Wuxie¡¯s technique, and he turned to Sang Yan.


    ¡°This is also my first time seeing it. Each of his movements seemed natural.¡± Sang Yan was a three-star alchemist who couldn¡¯tprehend Liu Wuxie¡¯s refining technique. It differed from thest time Liu Wuxie had refined the Golden Spirit Pill.


    Most alchemists could only grasp one or two refining techniques. Liu Wuxie, on the other hand, changed his refining technique each time he refined a pill.


    ¡°No technique can save him. The Blue Lily is the main ingredient of the Soul Converging Pill, and he can¡¯t seed without it.¡± Jiang Yue had the most say in this matter as he was a four-star alchemist. He had also tried refining the Soul Converging Pills five times and only seeded once. The difficulty of refining the Soul Converging Pill was unimaginable.


    The problem had remained unsolved for centuries, leading him to dismiss the idea that a young upstart could answer a question that had stumped the alchemy world for so long.


    Fifteen minutester, a faint mist appeared on Liu Wuxie¡¯s head and grew thicker, gathering from the surroundings and forming a cloud.


    ¡°Pill cloud!¡± Sheng Liang eximed, looking at the mist gathering to form a cloud with disbelief.


    Jiang Yue, who had been ridiculing Liu Wuxie and dering his efforts futile, was taken aback as the pill cloud materialized in an instant. It was as if he had been pped in the face.


    On the ninth floor of the Treasure Pill Pavilion, there was a bizarre cauldron emitting a buzzing noise that sounded with rhythm.


    Mu Yueying, who was in seclusion, suddenly opened her eyes and looked at the cauldron.


    ¡°Who¡¯s refining pills that managed to rm the Myriad Beast Cauldron?!¡± Mu Yueying stood up with a hint of doubt in her eyes. Only those who managed to manifest the pill cloud phenomenon could attract the resonance of the Myriad Beast Cauldron.


    ¡°Servants!¡± Mu Yueying yelled as two maids entered the room. She continued, ¡°Go and check who is refining pills now!¡±


    The maids departed to carry out her orders. The refining area, located on the fourth floor and divided into numerous alchemy chambers, was quickly inspected. They returned in less than fifteen minutes to report, ¡°Missus, everyone has retired for the day. There¡¯s no one refining pills at the moment.¡±


    It was almost dusk, and everyone had gone back to rest. All the alchemy chambers that they went to check were empty.


    Mu Yueying, however, looked puzzled. ¡°Are you certain there¡¯s no one refining pills?¡± she asked. The resonance from the Myriad Beast Cauldron was intensifying, a clear sign that someone was refining pills. Such a resonance couldn¡¯t be mistaken.


    ¡°We have checked the alchemy chambers, and there¡¯s no one. If there¡¯s someone refining pills at this time, it would only be the assessment area,¡± the two maids said with uncertainty. The Treasure Pill Pavilion wasn¡¯t that big, and the alchemy chambers were fixed. Thus, it was easy to check if there was someone refining pills at this moment.


    ¡°I need to freshen up. I¡¯ll step out for a bit,¡± Mu Yueying announced, prompting the maids to prepare her bath immediately.


    As the pill cloud grew thicker, Sang Yan couldn¡¯t describe his feelings at this moment as he felt excited like a child.


    Sheng Lian also eximed as he waspletely intoxicated by it, unable to extricate himself from watching. After all, it would shock the entire Great Yan Dynasty if news of Liu Wuxie refining the Soul Converging Pills without using Blue Lily spread out.


    When the pill cloud phenomenon appeared, Bai Lin and Tang Yan were dumbfounded, staring at it nkly.


    On the other hand, the murderous intent in Jiang Yue¡¯s eyes grew denser. The pill cloud phenomenon was a reminder to him that the Soul Converging Pill was already in the forming stage, and the refining would be done in five minutes at most.


    Everyone¡¯s gazes changed when they looked at Liu Wuxie. Lan Ruoyu had a hint of panic shing across her face because she realized she had offended an alchemy prodigy.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s technique underwent another transformation, his hands moving at a speed that left afterimages in their wake as he circled the cauldron. The precision required in refining the Soul Converging Pill left no room for error, a challenge made even more daunting by the fact that this was his first attempt.


    Sang Yan,pletely engrossed in the process, rubbed his hands together in anticipation. ¡°It¡¯s almost done!¡± he eximed, having lost all sense of his surroundings.


    Suddenly, a biting chill filled the room, emanating from Liu Wuxie¡¯s hands and enveloping the cauldron. The me was instantly snuffed out, reced by ayer of frost that covered the cauldron. This was a refining technique that was unheard of.


    Sheng Lian couldn¡¯t help but exim, ¡°What an exquisite refining technique! Using ice to seal the pill¡¯s energy, ensuring the effects are contained within the pills. This further guarantees that no energy will leak out!¡±


    Indeed, during the formation of pills, a portion of the effect would typically leak out. However, Liu Wuxie ingeniously circumvented this issue by using the chill to seal the entire cauldron, effectively preventing any leakage of effects.


    Once Liu Wuxie hadpleted his process, he approached the cauldron. With a gentle tap, the lid of the cauldron lifted, releasing a rich fragrance that filled the room.


    In the next second, all the herbs in the room began to bloom. Even the herbs grown in the courtyard began to grow violently with pill spirit born.


    Sheng Lian, waving his hands in excitement, eximed, ¡°What a fragrance! My soul energy seems to have grown stronger!¡±


    The primary effect of the Soul Converging Pill was to enhance one¡¯s soul energy, and Sheng Lian could feel a significant increase in his soul energy with just a single inhtion. This indicated that the effect of the Soul Converging Pill, refined by Liu Wuxie, had exceeded his expectations!


    Everyone in the room was drawn towards the cauldron, eager to get a glimpse of the Soul Converging Pills.


    Right then, a group of uninvited guests arrived outside the Treasure Pill Pavilion. The scout guarding outside immediately knelt before Xue Chunyu. ¡°Milord, you have finally arrived!¡±


    ¡°Where¡¯s that brat?¡± Xue Chunyu¡¯s face was terrifyingly dark, with a strong murderous intent sweeping through the first floor of the Treasure Pill Pavilion.


    ¡°He¡¯s currently taking his assessment to be an alchemist, and he¡¯s right inside!¡±

 Chapter 142 - Expelled From The Treasure Pill Pavilion

    <h4>Chapter 142 - Expelled From The Treasure Pill Pavilion</h4>


    The sudden appearance of the Xue n¡¯s troop rmed everyone, prompting them to purchase pills to divert attention and turn their heads.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on? Why did the Minister of Revenue barge into the Treasure Pill Pavilion with the Xue n¡¯s troops?¡± A series of exmations echoed from the surroundings.


    The Xue n was a prestigious n in the Imperial City. Their history could be traced back to five hundred years, and they had tens of thousands of descendants. Whether it was the Imperial Academy or the army, the Xue n¡¯s descendants were present in every sphere. Such a formidable entity wasn¡¯t something to be trifled with.


    ¡°Are they tired of living to wage a war with the Treasure Pill Pavilion?¡± Everyone still had no idea what was happening. The Xue n might be strong, but they were only based in the Great Yan Dynasty. On the contrary, the Treasure Pill Pavilion was a transcendent existence, not subjected to the imperial court¡¯s restriction. No ns in the Imperial City dared to cause trouble in the Treasure Pill Pavilion.


    The managers and attendants in the Treasure Pill Pavilion immediately halted their tasks and hurriedly followed the Xue n¡¯s group. Some even rushed to notify the higher-ups of the Treasure Pill Pavilion.


    In the assessment room, Liu Wuxie held three Soul Converging Pills. The three pills had pill runes on them, and each was perfectly round.


    ¡°T-These are the Soul Converging Pills?!¡± Sheng Lian looked at the pills in Liu Wuxie¡¯s hand with disbelief. It was unimaginable to refine fourth-grade pills so easily.


    ¡°That¡¯s indeed the Soul Converging Pill. It¡¯s even higher quality than those sold by our Treasure Pill Pavilion!¡± Sang Yan confirmed. He wasn¡¯t a four-star alchemist, but he was familiar with the pill. As he had interacted with pills for his entire life, he could naturally recognize it.


    Lan Ruoyu was stumped because she had mocked a noble four-star alchemist and nearly made a move against him. Now, seeing the four-star alchemist, her mind was in turmoil.


    As for Bai Lin, Cao Qingli, and Tang Yan, they sat on the ground, drained of energy. That was especially true for Bai Lin, who had mocked Liu Wuxie earlier. He was so afraid that he retreated outside.


    Jiang Yue¡¯s face, however, was dark and menacing. He resembled a predatory beast selecting its prey, intent on devouring Liu Wuxie. As he slowly advanced towards Liu Wuxie, his murderous intent intensified with each step.


    ¡°Master Jiang, what are you trying to do?¡± Sang Yan stopped Jiang Yue and questioned.


    ¡°Kill him!¡± Jiang Yue said in a cold voice, determined to kill Liu Wuxie. The Treasure Pill Pavilion only had three four-star alchemists: Master Mao, another person, and him. Thus, he wouldn¡¯t allow another four-star alchemist to appear in the Treasure Pill Pavilion.


    He had the lowest status among the three four-star alchemists, as he had relied on pills to be a four-star alchemist. The Treasure Pill Pavilion only had three chambers for four-star alchemists. If Liu Wuxie became a four-star alchemist, there was a high possibility of Liu Wuxie recing him.


    Despite Jiang Yue¡¯s involvement in leaking the answers to Shangguan Cai, Liu Wuxie had won the championship. Due to this, Ji Yang had lost the fourth-grade pill offered as the prize. Given these circumstances, there was no way Jiang Yue could let Liu Wuxie go.


    ¡°Master Jiang, have you gone insane? He has sessfully refined a fourth-grade pill, making him the youngest four-star alchemist in the Great Yan Dynasty! Yet, you want to kill him?¡± Sheng Lian stepped forward and raised his voice.


    ¡°Someone like you wants to stop me?¡± Jiang Yue was enraged, unleashing a powerful aura that sent Sang Yan and Sheng Lian flying away. As he was a high-level Marrow Cleansing Realm expert, there was a huge gap between their strengths.


    After sending Sang Yan and Sheng Lian flying away, Jiang Yue appeared before Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Brat, you¡¯ll die today!¡± Until obtaining his alchemist token, Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t be considered a true alchemist, and Jiang Yue wouldn¡¯t have to bear any consequences for killing him.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s de appeared in his hand as he looked at the exit. With his speed, there was a good chance he could escape unscathed.


    ¡°Master Jiang, you dare disregard the Treasure Pill Pavilion¡¯s reputation and make a move against a four-star alchemist? I will report this matter to the Pavilion Master!¡± Sang Yan got back to his feet angrily.


    ¡°Reputation?¡± Jiang Yue sneered. ¡°Don¡¯t think that I don¡¯t know you two helped him cheat during the assessment. How can a brat possibly refine a fourth-grade pill? Everything must be set up by the two of you!¡±


    Jiang Yue¡¯s facial expression became sinister. He strongly believed that Sang Yan had secretly helped Liu Wuxie, and the Soul Gathering Pill was ced in the cauldron long ago.


    ¡°You...you...¡± Sang Yan was furious. If Jiang Yue were to kill Liu Wuxie, he could im that Liu Wuxie had cheated, and with Liu Wuxie dead, Sang Yan would be powerless to refute it. After all, the notion of an eighteen-year-old alchemist was both unbelievable and unprecedented in the Great Yan Dynasty.


    With a swift motion of his hand, Jiang Yue unleashed a powerful shockwave that sent the cauldrons in the room flying away along with Cao Qingli, Tang Yan, and Bai Lin,nding in the courtyard.


    Liu Wuxie raised his de and went into the Overlord Fist gesture with his left hand, nning to take the attack head-on. But just when Jiang Yue¡¯s palm was about tond on him, a loud boom came from outside as the doors were smashed apart, and arge group of people charged in, filling the courtyard.


    This made Jiang Yue stop and turn to look at the entrance. Simultaneously, there was a powerful murderous intent directed at Liu Wuxie like an arrow.


    ¡°Prepare to meet your end, Liu Wuxie!¡± Xue Chunyu stormed in, sword in hand, his eyes ame with rage¡ªa chilling aura of murderous intent swept across the courtyard.


    This unexpected turn of events left Jiang Yue perplexed, but he saw it as an opportunity to extricate himself from the current predicament with the Xue n stepping in.


    Chen Leyao and Song Ling also entered the room, their faces etched with concern. They hadn¡¯t anticipated that the Xue n would dare to intrude so brazenly into the Treasure Pill Pavilion.


    ¡°Xue Chunyu, it¡¯s been a while!¡± Liu Wuxie greeted with a smile, maintaining his Overlord Fist stance. As he exited the room, Jiang Yue retracted his aura and trailed behind Liu Wuxie, intending to prevent any escape attempts.


    ¡°Brat, I¡¯ll kill you today!¡± Xue Chunyu roared. Liu Wuxie had crippled his beloved son, destroying his meridians. This was akin to severing his lineage, a transgression that fueled an irreconcble hatred.


    Many people gathered around the courtyard, all wearing strange expressions. After all, Xue Chunyu was the Minister of Revenue and was rarely seen in public. So what was going on?


    ¡°I bet you all don¡¯t know yet. I heard that Xue Chunyu¡¯s only son was crippled, and he is probably the one who did it.¡± It had been two hours since Liu Wuxie crippled Xue Baisheng, which meant the news had already spread far and wide.


    ¡°Who is this kid with the audacity to cripple Minister Xue¡¯s son? Is he tired of living?¡± Discussions buzzed around, with everyone staring at Liu Wuxie. Everyone knew that Xue Chunyu doted on his son greatly, and he would worry for half a day even if his son lost a strand of hair.


    Ignoring the surrounding discussions, Liu Wuxie looked at Xue Chunyu and said, ¡°Do you dare to kill me in the Treasure Pill Pavilion?¡±


    His tone held a hint of mockery. They were roughly ten meters apart, with the Xue n¡¯s experts surrounding Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Hmph, not even the Treasure Pill Pavilion can prevent me from killing you!¡± Xue Chunyumanded, prompting all the Xue n¡¯s experts to charge forward, intent on ying Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Who dares to kill in my Treasure Pill Pavilion?!¡± A cold voice echoed from behind Xue Chunyu as a woman dressed in white slowly approached, apanied by two maids and the high-ranking alchemists in the Treasure Pill Pavilion.


    They had been alerted to the disturbance in the Treasure Pill Pavilion and hade to investigate.


    The Xue n¡¯s experts stopped, turning to look at the white-clothed woman as they waited for Xue Chunyu¡¯s next order.


    ¡°We pay our respect to the Missus!¡± Sang Yan quickly stepped forward and bowed to the white-clothed woman.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± The woman was Mu Yueying. When her gazended on Liu Wuxie, there was a hint of surprise in her eyes, as if she remembered something.


    Sang Yan, not daring to hide anything, truthfully exined the situation. He started from the point where Lan Ruoyu had tried to make things difficult for Liu Wuxie and went on to describe the assessment. His exnation took five minutes.


    Hissing sounds came from the surroundings. An eighteen-year-old four-star alchemist? How was it even possible for someone to get a full score in all three stages of the assessment?


    The murderous intent in Xue Chunyu¡¯s eyes grew even denser. He didn¡¯t expect Liu Wuxie¡¯s talent in alchemy to be so high.


    After hearing Sang Yan''s exnation, Mu Yueying¡¯s gaze was like a sharp sword stabbing Lan Ruoyu.


    Liu Wuxie had experienced how decisive and ruthless Mu Yueying could be. Back in Azure Billow City, she had pped the faces of Xue Changnian¡¯s group without any reservation.


    ¡°You, get out of the Treasure Pill Pavilion!¡± Mu Yueying gave her verdict without hesitation, ordering Lan Ruoyu to leave the Treasure Pill Pavilion.


    ¡°Master, please save me!¡± With tears covering her face, Lan Ruoyu suddenly fell to her knees before Jiang Yue. She had worked hard to reach her current status and didn¡¯t want to lose it in this manner.


    But no one spoke a word, and even Xue Chunyu chose to keep his mouth shut.


    ¡°Missus, isn¡¯t this inappropriate?¡± If news of his disciple being expelled from the Treasure Pill Pavilion spread, Jiang Yue would lose respect for being unable to protect his disciple.


    ¡°Master Jiang, are you trying to teach me how to do things?¡± Mu Yueying¡¯s gaze pierced through Jiang Yue, who lowered his head as he was afraid to meet her eyes.


    ¡°I dare not. I¡¯m hoping you can show some mercy,¡± Jiang Yue said.


    ¡°From now on, Jiang Yue is no longer an alchemist of my Treasure Pill Pavilion and will also be expelled!¡± When Mu Yueying gave her verdict, Jiang Yue staggered and felt his entire world spinning. He couldn¡¯t believe he was expelled from the Treasure Pill Pavilion and was no longer an alchemist.


    The disbelief among the other alchemists was palpable as they realized that Jiang Yue was a four-star alchemist.


    Liu Wuxie was equally surprised; he had not anticipated such a firm stance from Mu Yueying. Strangely, no one, including Master Mao, who was standing behind Mu Yueying, attempted to intervene.


    The murderous intent in Jiang Yue¡¯s eyes grew even denser as he red at Liu Wuxie, ming it on him.


    After dealing with Jiang Yue and Lan Ruoyu, Mu Yueying turned to look at Xue Chunyu. She questioned coldly, ¡°Minister Xue, don¡¯t you think you owe me an exnation for bringing people and barging into my Treasure Pill Pavilion?¡±


    No one had ever dared to cause trouble in the Treasure Pill Pavilion, let alone kill someone openly. There was no doubt that Xue Chunyu was the first.


    ¡°Lady Mu, this person crippled my son. I¡¯ll apologize to the Treasure Pill Pavilion after killing him!¡± Xue Chunyu might fear the Treasure Pill Pavilion, but he wouldn¡¯t cower because of that. He could always apologize after killing Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°So what even if that garbage was crippled? It wouldn¡¯t matter even if he was killed!¡± Mu Yueying¡¯s reply choked Xue Chunyu, drawing a burst ofughter from the surroundings.


    After all, Xue Baisheng was notorious in the Imperial City for being a wastrel. This was why everyone found Mu Yueying¡¯sment amusing.


    ¡°Lady Mu, what if I insist on killing him today?¡± Xue Chunyu said with a dark expression.

 Chapter 143 - Four-Star Alchemist

    <h4>Chapter 143 - Four-Star Alchemist</h4>


    Xue Chunyu was consumed by a hatred that could only be quelled by killing Liu Wuxie today, even if it meant offending the Treasure Pill Pavilion.


    The experts of the Xue n surrounded Liu Wuxie, intent on preventing his escape.


    ¡°If anyone dares to touch him, I¡¯ll kill you all!¡± Mu Yueying dered, a small, peculiar cauldron materializing in her hand, radiating a fierce aura.


    This caused Liu Wuxie to narrow his eyes, recognizing it as a magical artifact capable of size maniption.


    Weapons were meticulously ssified ording to the user¡¯s level of cultivation. Common people wielded ordinary weapons; those in the Xiantian Realm utilized spiritual artifacts; individuals in the Spirit Cleansing Realm employed profound artifacts; those in the Marrow Cleansing Realm used vajra artifacts; and those in the True Core Realm operated magical artifacts.


    There weren¡¯t many magical artifacts in the Great Yan Dynasty, and Mu Yueying had one.


    As Xue Chunyu gazed at the cauldron, his expression darkened. He couldn¡¯t identify it as a magical artifact, but he could feel the intense pressure it emitted. Leaving in such a manner would tarnish the Xue n¡¯s reputation in the Imperial City.


    ¡°Since that¡¯s the case, don¡¯t me me for not being polite!¡± Xue Chunyu decided to take the risk. His son was crippled, and there was no meaning in living anymore. He wanted to take the gamble and kill Liu Wuxie first.


    With an order, everyone from the Xue n apanying Xue Chunyu charged forward. Having been nurtured by Xue Chunyu, they obeyed only hismands.


    ¡°You all are courting death!¡± Mu Yueying became furious along with the alchemists behind her. After all, it was no different from pping the Treasure Pill Pavilion¡¯s face to go against Mu Yueying¡¯s wishes and trying to kill someone there.


    A potent shockwave erupted, apanied by a roar as the Myriad Beast Cauldron wasunched from Mu Yueying¡¯s hand. It expanded, encapsting all members of the Xue n within its reach. A fierce gust of wind blew past, and all the Xue n members near Liu Wuxie were swallowed by the cauldron, vanishing without a trace. The cauldron represented the maw of the mythical beast, Taotie.


    In the blink of an eye, the fifty-odd experts from the Xue n had disappeared, leaving only Xue Chunyu standing alone, his eyes filled with boundless terror. Such a horrifying method of mass extermination was unprecedented. Even the surrounding cultivators were so shocked that their eyes nearly popped out of their sockets.


    Among the fifty-odd people that Xue Chunyu had brought with him, there were ten-odd in the low levels of the Marrow Cleansing Realm, but Mu Yueying easily butchered them.


    Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t surprised by this result as he had already anticipated it. The power of a magical artifact was equivalent to an all-out attack on someone in the True Core Realm. This only heightened his curiosity about Mu Yueying¡¯s identity, who managed to wield a magical artifact despite being at the fifth level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm. This was sufficient to suggest that her identity was far from ordinary.


    ¡°Xue Chunyu, do you want me to escort you out?¡± There was a stark difference between annihting the Xue n¡¯s troops and killing Xue Chunyu. Xue Chunyu held the position of Vice-Minister of Revenue and enjoyed high status within the Xue n. While the Treasure Pill Pavilion might not hesitate to kill him, it would certainly invite trouble.


    Xue Chunyu¡¯s hands quivered as he red at Liu Wuxie, his eyes filled with murderous intent, resembling a beast yearning to consume its prey. They had arrived as a group of over fifty, but he was the sole survivor on their return. Grinding his teeth, he spat out, ¡°Brat, stay in the Treasure Pill Pavilion for the rest of your life if you can!¡±


    Xue Chunyu, appearing akin to a forsaken stray dog, exited the crowd. Once the Xue n matter was resolved, the Treasure Pill Pavilion¡¯s higher-ups approached Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°We meet again?¡± Mu Yueying looked at Liu Wuxie with a smile, nodding her head.


    ¡°Nice to see you again, Lady Mu!¡± Liu Wuxie cupped his fists together to express his gratitude. This wasn¡¯t the first time Mu Yueying hade to his aid. He knew that if a conflict had erupted, he could have sustained severe injuries, even if he managed to escape. However, it wouldn¡¯t have been easy for Xue Chunyu to eliminate him.


    The crowd gradually dispersed, including Jiang Yue and Lan Ruoyu, who were expelled from the Treasure Pill Pavilion.


    ¡°I¡¯m aware of your assessment results,¡± Mu Yueying began, ¡°and I formally invite you to be the chief alchemist of our Treasure Pill Pavilion.¡± This position was even more prestigious than Master Mao¡¯s.


    Master Mao held the position as the Treasure Pill Pavilion¡¯s chief disciple. However, Mu Yueying didn¡¯t seek his opinion when she made the offer to Liu Wuxie. This shocked many alchemists. Master Mao, on the other hand, maintained hisposure as he had already reviewed the answers to the three stages of the assessment and had to concede that Liu Wuxie¡¯s alchemical talent surpassed his own.


    He was already old and couldn¡¯t make any more breakthroughs in his lifetime. But it was a different case for Liu Wuxie, who was still young and possessed unimaginable potential.


    ¡°Thank you for your offer, but as an Earth Grade student of the Imperial Academy, wouldn¡¯t this be inappropriate?¡± Liu Wuxie questioned, considering the potential inconvenience of holding the status of the Treasure Pill Pavilion¡¯s chief alchemist.


    Mu Yueying, however, was quick to counter, ¡°As long as you agree, you only need to visit the Treasure Pill Pavilion once a month, and you¡¯ll receive the same treatment as the other alchemists.¡± She straightforwardly presented her offer, leaving no room for Liu Wuxie to refuse. This was an approach Liu Wuxie had never encountered before.


    The two had only met once, but Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t surprised by Mu Yueying¡¯s actions.


    ¡°Then, I¡¯ll respectfully ept!¡± Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t hesitate. He observed that Mu Yueying¡¯s cultivation fluctuated with Ghost Eye, and her cultivation seemed sealed. Her cultivation wasn¡¯t as simple as just being at the fifth-level Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    This made Liu Wuxie even more curious about her identity because that sort of seal wasn¡¯t something an ordinary person could achieve, at least not anyone in the Great Yan Dynasty. However, since Mu Yueying bore no ill will towards him and had even assisted him twice, Liu Wuxie agreed to repay the favor straightforwardly.


    ¡°Congrattions, Master Liu!¡± Despite being old enough to be Liu Wuxie¡¯s grandfathers, Sheng Lian and the other alchemists stepped forward to offer their congrattions. Their respect for capability transcended age.


    Liu Wuxie epted their congrattions with grace, disying neither arrogance nor humility.


    ¡°Wuxie, congrattions!¡± Master Mao came over and cupped his fists together, treating Liu Wuxie as someone equal to himself. After all, they were both four-star alchemists.


    ¡°Greetings, Master Mao!¡± After exchanging pleasantries, an alchemist token for a four-star alchemist was prepared. The token bore the emblem of the Treasure Pill Pavilion at the top and Liu Wuxie¡¯s name at the bottom, along with four stars indicating his rank. The token could be activated by infusing it with soul energy, making it impossible to counterfeit. This token was a testament to the scale of the Alchemy Association, which extended beyond the Great Yan Dynasty.


    ¡°I have other matters to attend to. Master Mao, could I trouble you to escort him back to the Imperial Academy?¡± Mu Yueying requested before taking her leave.


    While Xue Chunyu may have departed, the potential for ambushes along the way remained. Furthermore, it was clear that Jiang Yue, having been expelled from the Treasure Pill Pavilion, would not let this matter rest. Predictably, he would go to any lengths to eliminate Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Understood!¡± Master Mao responded with a bow.


    The other alchemists began to leave one after another. It didn¡¯t take long before Master Mao, Sang Yan, and Sheng Lian were the only ones who remained.


    As they exited the courtyard, Chen Leyao¡¯s gaze was filled with admiration as she looked at Liu Wuxie. Upon their return to the second floor, Liu Wuxie purchased thousands of herbs, filling his interspatial pouch to the brim.


    Relying on his alchemist token as a four-star alchemist, he received a seventy percent discount and saved over a million gold coins. When they passed through the weaponry shop, Liu Wuxie also bought many forging materials, intending to enhance the grade of his de.


    ¡°Master Mao, this is far enough,¡± Liu Wuxie dered as they reached the entrance of the ten-mile-long street. He signaled that he didn¡¯t require further escort. They were already within the Imperial Academy¡¯s territory, where the Xue n wouldn¡¯t dare strike.


    ¡°Very well, we¡¯ll part ways here. See you in a month!¡± Master Mao responded, turning to leave. It was unprecedented for the chief alchemist not to reside in the Treasure Pill Pavilion. He was intrigued by what Mu Yueying saw in Liu Wuxie to extend such a generous offer. However, he didn¡¯t dare to question it and decided to abide by Mu Yueying¡¯s arrangement.


    It was already dusk as the three quickly returned to the Imperial Academy.


    But when they were halfway through the ten-mile-long street, Liu Wuxie suddenly stopped.


    ¡°Big Brother, what¡¯s wrong?¡± Song Ling asked.


    ¡°There¡¯s murderous intent!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s de appeared in his hand. The murderous intent was faint and hard to detect.


    A sword appeared in Chen Leyao¡¯s hand as she went on full alert, scanning the surroundings. The trio instinctively formed a triangr formation, ready to face any potential threat. On either side of them were dense woods, the rustling sounds within adding to the tension. The bushes, towering over a person¡¯s height, swayed ominously in the wind.


    Roughly a minuteter, everything in the surroundings became quiet except the blowing wind.


    ¡°Young Master Liu, is the murderous intent still around?¡± Chen Leyao didn¡¯t sense the murderous intent after looking around.


    The Ghost Eye was like a radar, enveloping and perceiving everything within a radius of a hundred meters.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s gaze abruptly fixed on a tree, sensing a chilling aura emanating from that direction. A figure descended from the sky, lunging towards him. In the blink of an eye, a ck longsword was aimed at Liu Wuxie¡¯s neck. Despite being ten meters apart initially, the distance was closed almost instantly.


    ¡°An assassin!¡± Liu Wuxie identified the threat immediately.


    The ck-clothed assassin¡¯s every movement was slowed down in Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes. He was in the pinnacle of the Spirit Cleansing Realm, and even someone in the Marrow Cleansing Realm might fall victim to him.


    Assassins were known for their ability to conceal themselves and exploit their surroundings to deliver fatal blows to their targets. However, Liu Wuxie had already locked onto him using Ghost Eye, which likely saved his life.


    As the sword came within three inches of him, Liu Wuxie swung his de, causing sparks to fly. The ck-d assassin was knocked back,nding five meters away. Dressed entirely in ck, with only his eyes visible, he blended seamlessly into the darkness, his ck sword aiding his camouge.


    ¡°An assassin from the Assassin Pavilion!¡± Chen Leyao eximed after recognizing the assassin''s attire.


    Liu Wuxie frowned because it would make sense if the Xue n ambushed him along the way. But why would they send an assassin from the Assassin Pavilion?


    ¡°Impressive. But since you know I¡¯m someone from the Assassin Pavilion, all of you will have to die!¡± The assassin disappeared into the bush, waiting for the next opportunity to attack. He had a bizarre movement technique that wasn¡¯t any inferior to Liu Wuxie¡¯s Seven Dipper Steps.


    This instantly made Liu Wuxie realize that the Assassin Pavilion wasn¡¯t simple.


    ¡°The two of you stick close to me!¡± If Liu Wuxie were by himself, he wouldn¡¯t fear this assassin. But he had to be careful since Song Ling and Chen Leyao were apanying him. After all, no one knew how many assassins were hiding in the dark.


    If they split up, they might fall into their plot, allowing them to be taken out individually. They leaned their backs together as they slowly moved toward the Imperial Academy. They would be safe if they made it back to the Imperial Academy.

 Chapter 144 - Exchanging Credits

    <h4>Chapter 144 - Exchanging Credits</h4>


    The sky turnedpletely dark, creating a suitable environment for assassins. The ck-clothed assassin seemed to have disappeared, with his aura blending into the surroundings, making him hard to detect. This was what made assassins terrifying.


    Everything in the surroundings became bright and clear to Liu Wuxie as he used Ghost Eye at full power. Suddenly, he made his move, leaving an afterimage in his wake as he swung his de downwards.


    Simultaneously, a ck figure dashed out from the bush. This assassin had a hint of surprise in his eyes that Liu Wuxie had managed to discover him. Just as he attempted to raise his ck sword, Liu Wuxie¡¯s de had already intercepted its trajectory.


    The assassin, merely a high-level practitioner of the Spirit Cleansing Realm, was no match for Liu Wuxie, who had vanquished countless adversaries of this level. Liu Wuxie¡¯s de intent shattered the assassin¡¯s defenses in an instant.


    Taken aback, the assassin hastily retreated. Despite his proficiency in the art of assassination and an unblemished record, he found himself at a disadvantage.


    Just the previous day, he had been assigned a mission to assassinate an individual at the eighth level of the Xiantian Realm. Initially, he didn¡¯t take it seriously, feeling underestimated to be assigned such a task despite being at the pinnacle of the Spirit Cleansing Realm. However, the issuer of the mission had warned him not to underestimate his target, implying that the task was moreplex than it seemed.


    Now that he looked at it again, this person was extraordinary. The de stuck close to him, following him no matter how he tried to dodge it. In terms of killing technique, there weren¡¯t many people in the world capable of surpassing him.


    Typically, assassins would retreat at the first sign of failure. Years of honing their skills had taught them that failure often equated to death. Had it been any other assassin tasked with eliminating Liu Wuxie, they would have retreated the moment their initial attempt failed.


    But this assassin didn¡¯t want to give up so easily. After all, he had seeded in assassinating a low-leveled Marrow Cleansing Realm expertst year, allowing his fame to spread far and wide in the assassin world. Failure to assassinate a target in the Xiantian Realm would essentially spell the end of his career as an assassin, leaving him with no option to retreat.


    Liu Wuxie strode the Seven Dipper Steps, leaving behind an afterimage, appearing behind the assassin and swinging his de down. When his de sliced into the assassin¡¯s flesh, he didn¡¯t kill the assassin directly as he wanted to know who had sent an assassin after him.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s movements were sudden, executed only after he had ensured there were no other assassins nearby.


    The assassin fell to the ground, kneeling on one knee, a grievous wound piercing through his back, causing his breathing to falter.


    Chen Leyao and Song Ling quickened their steps. Before they fullyprehend the unfolding fight, Liu Wuxie had already subdued the assassin.


    ¡°Young Master Liu, are you alright?¡± Chen Leyao asked, concern evident in her voice. The mere mention of the Assassin Pavilion, known for its wless track record over the years, was enough to alter anyone¡¯s expression.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine!¡± Liu Wuxie assured her, removing the assassin¡¯s mask to reveal a youthful face. Under the starlight, a vague outline of the unfamiliar face was visible. Judging by his appearance, the assassin seemed to be in his mid-tote twenties. His attainment of the pinnacle of the Spirit Cleansing Realm was an impressive feat, even by the standards of the Imperial Academy.


    The assassin¡¯s breathing gradually weakened as his life force rapidly drained away.


    ¡°Speak, who sent you to kill me?¡± Liu Wuxie demanded, his tone indifferent. The fact that someone had hired an assassin indicated that the mastermind was no ordinary individual. After all, the Assassin Pavilion charged ten times the usual fees due to their guaranteed sess rate. The task''spletion was assured as long as the payment was made.


    ¡°Don¡¯t bother asking. You won¡¯t get a word out of me. I failed today, but someone will take over my mission soon.¡± The assassin tilted his head with a smirk and died. He had ingested poison, a chilling testament to the fearlessness of the Assassin Pavilion¡¯s operatives.


    ¡°Young Master Liu, you have to be cautious. The Assassin Pavilion won¡¯t give up so easily, which makes them terrifying. Once they ept the payment, they willplete the mission no matter what. Since they sent an assassin from the Spirit Cleansing Realm this time, I¡¯m worried that they might send one from a Marrow Cleansing Realm next time,¡± Chen Leyao said with a concerned expression. This was unlike dealing with ordinary assassins, where a failed mission would typically signal its end.


    The Assassin Pavilion operated differently; they had a unique system in ce. Their assassins were categorized into several levels, and the size and scope of their operation remained a mystery. The assassin could be anyone¡ªa nearby individual, a waiter, or a passerby on the street, lurking in any corner of the Imperial City, ready to strike when least expected.


    ¡°Understood!¡± Liu Wuxie nodded. He knew that he needed to be careful in theing days and elerate his breakthrough to the Spirit Cleansing Realm.


    He searched the assassin¡¯s corpse and discovered that the assassin had nothing on him besides a longsword. There weren¡¯t any other clues, and he could only give it up. He tossed the corpse into the bush, and the three quickened their steps.


    When Liu Wuxie returned to his courtyard, he sat down and began to analyze who wanted to kill him. He ruled out the Xue n, as they would likely act directly if they intended to kill him. His next suspect was Jiang Yue, who was recently expelled from the Treasure Pill Pavilion. However, considering the timing, Jiang Yue seemed an unlikely candidate. The question remained: who could it be?


    Unable to reach a conclusion, Liu Wuxie decided to set the matter aside. He began organizing the herbs, nning a visit to the alchemy chamber the following day to refine a batch of pills in preparation for his breakthrough to the Spirit Cleansing Realm. He spent the entire night sorting through the thousands of herbs.


    ¡°Not bad. I can refine ten Bone Refining Pills, ten Marrow Refining Pills, and ten Soul Converging Pills...¡± Liu Wuxie used paper and a brush to make a detailed record, nning to convert all the herbs into fourth-grade pills. With such a substantial quantity of pills, he was confident it would be enough for him to reach the Spirit Cleansing Realm.


    When the first gleam of sunlight shone through the horizon, Li Shengsheng appeared before Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Senior Brother Li, do you need something?¡± Liu Wuxie asked. The benefit of being in advanced ss seven was that he didn¡¯t have to attend ss daily, giving him the freedom to do what he wanted.


    ¡°There¡¯s a year-end gathering in five days, and each ss must participate. I¡¯m here to inform you about it, and we¡¯ll go together at that time,¡± Li Shengsheng said. Everyone had to participate, and Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t an exception.


    ¡°Alright!¡± Since everyone had to participate, he had no reason to refuse.


    ¡°Alright, I won¡¯t disturb your cultivation.¡± Li Shengsheng¡¯s attitude towards Liu Wuxie had shifted to one of admiration following Liu Wuxie''s killing of twenty individuals from advanced ss three.


    After bidding farewell to Li Shengsheng, Liu Wuxie returned to his room. He tidied up and stowed all the herbs into his interspatial pouch before heading to the Credits Hall. His next n required a substantial amount of credits.


    Liu Wuxie arrived early, and there weren¡¯t many people there. The deacon in charge of this ce had just started working.


    After stating his purpose, Liu Wuxie took out a hundred spirit stones in order to exchange them for a hundred credits. After returning some of the credits to Li Shengsheng, the remaining fifty-odd credits were enough for his needs.


    It was unusual to witness someone exchanging a hundred credits at once, a sight typically associated with Profound Grade students. However, Liu Wuxie, d in a blue robe, was an Earth Grade student making such a substantial exchange, which drew curious nces from those around him.


    ¡°Present your student token!¡±manded the deacon after securing the hundred spirit stones to record his credits. Liu Wuxieplied, cing his student token in a designated slot. An odd energy coursed into it, and fine words materialized on the token, appearing as if they were engraved.


    Upon inspection, the engraving read ¡®100,¡¯ signifying a hundred credits. With his token safely stowed away, Liu Wuxie departed without further dy.


    However, his departure did not go unnoticed. Three students, who had been nning to exchange credits, began to follow him discreetly. Their path led them through a valley, a necessary passage to reach the alchemy region.


    Liu Wuxie abruptly halted and spun around, confronting his pursuers. ¡°How long do you n on tailing me? What do you three want?¡± he demanded.


    The three stopped as they examined Liu Wuxie with a smile.


    ¡°Brat, hand over your credits. We won¡¯t make things difficult for you,¡± they threatened bluntly, intent on seizing the credits Liu Wuxie had just exchanged. After all, a hundred credits were equivalent to a staggering 10,000,000 gold coins.


    Liu Wuxie remained silent, his eyes radiating a chilling murderous intent. Like him, they were Earth Grade students, but only at the pinnacle of the Xiantian Realm.


    ¡°Senior Brother Deng is addressing you. Are you deaf or just ying dumb?¡± The youth on the right grew impatient, eager for Liu Wuxie to surrender his credits now that they were isted from prying eyes. If anyone found out about this, they believed it would have no repercussions for them.


    ¡°Are you three sure you want to rob my credits?¡± Liu Wuxie wore a harmless smile that sessfully fooled the three of them.


    ¡°Stop wasting our time. It seems you won¡¯t give up until we teach you a lesson!¡± The trio had no interest in wasting time with Liu Wuxie andunched a joint attack, radiating a potent aura towards him. They acted decisively, assaulting Liu Wuxie from three distinct angles, blocking his escape route.


    With a subtle foot tap, Liu Wuxie skillfully dodged their attacks, and his palm hit the ground, creating a shockwave. Undeterred by their initial failure, the trio resumed their onught, their attacks intensifying, morphing into a fearsome wave intent on ensnaring Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes hardened, and a frosty, murderous aura emanated from him. The icy chill immobilized the surrounding trees, significantly impeding the trio¡¯s movements.


    ¡°So cold!¡± The trio found themselves unable to advance as they realized their feet were encased in ice, gradually creeping up their bodies. Having absorbed the Frost Spiritual Bead, Liu Wuxie had mastered the ice attribute, rendering these three incapable of executing their martial techniques in his presence.


    ¡°Please, don¡¯t seal us in ice!¡± The three panicked and began to beg for mercy before the ice enveloped them.


    ¡°Toote!¡± With a point of his finger, a terrifying chill spread out that climbed up the three, freezing the joints in their bodies.


    The trio¡¯s expressions shifted as the ice reached their necks, leaving only their heads exposed, a ratherical sight.

 Chapter 145 - Ridicule

    <h4>Chapter 145 - Ridicule</h4>


    As the ice encased their heads, the trio¡¯s expressions were frozen in that final instant. Their eyes were wide open, disying vivid emotions. They were not dead, but they were also not truly alive.


    Even if they were saved, they would be crippled because the chill had prated their bodies, which would cause them severe pain on windy and rainy days. Their dantians were also destroyed by the chill.


    After leaving behind the three statues, Liu Wuxie appeared in the alchemy region. This area housed multiple alchemy chambers, each established with earthly mes guided from underground.


    Each chamber required a varying amount of credits, with higher-level chambers demanding more. The chambers were designed to cater to one, two, three, and four-star alchemists, with lower-grade chambers being smaller in size.


    Liu Wuxie entered a vast hall. If he wanted to enter an alchemy chamber, he would have to pay a certain amount of credit to take the key and enter. Aside from the few spirit stones given by the Imperial Academy, the use of each facility required credits.


    The hall was massive, with a scale no lesser than a thousand square meters. But when Liu Wuxie stepped into the hall, it was emptier than he had imagined. He hadn¡¯t expected the Imperial Academy to have so few alchemists.


    Approximately sixty individuals, most likely all alchemists, were present in the hall, with the majority being one and two-star alchemists. Anyone who achieved the level of a three-star alchemist could be a teacher, but prodigies like Ji Yang were few and far between.


    As for four-star alchemists, their numbers in the Great Yan Dynasty could be counted on two hands.


    Liu Wuxie, moving through the crowd, didn¡¯t draw much attention as most alchemists were Profound Grade students. Earth Grade students who became alchemists were notmon. There were five counters, and Liu Wuxie approached the closest one.


    ¡°I need a fourth-grade alchemy chamber!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s voice wasn¡¯t loud, but it was heard by many.


    After all, standard alchemy chambers were of no use to him due to the strict categorization of alchemy chambers. If he used a third-grade alchemy chamber, he wouldn¡¯t be able to refine fourth-grade pills.


    The middle-aged elder in charge of the counter was taken aback when he heard Liu Wuxie¡¯s request. The Imperial Academy only had one alchemy chamber for four-star alchemists, and it had been a while since it wasst upied. It would be noteworthy if the third-grade alchemy chamber was used even once or twice a year.


    ¡°Pardon me?¡± The elder asked, unsure if he had heard correctly.


    ¡°I want a fourth-grade alchemy chamber for two days!¡± Liu Wuxie raised his voice. This time, everyone in the hall heard him. His voice was like a bomb that exploded in the crowd, causing everyone to turn and look at Liu Wuxie with puzzled expressions.


    ¡°Nonsense! What do you think this ce is? Hurry up and leave; don¡¯t cause trouble here!¡± The elder roared, thinking that Liu Wuxie was there to stir up trouble.


    The fourth-grade alchemy chamber wasst used by the headmaster a year ago for refining pills; it had been vacant since then.


    ¡°Hahaha!¡± A burst ofughter came from the surroundings.


    ¡°Where did this brate from, dering he wants to use the fourth-grade alchemy chamber? What a joke!¡± A purple-robed man sneered with a cold gleam shing in his eyes.


    ¡°Judging from his appearance, he¡¯s only seventeen. He¡¯s probably barely an apprentice. Does he think that anyone can be an alchemist?¡± Mockery echoed from the surroundings.


    However, Liu Wuxie ignored them. He couldn¡¯t enter the fourth-grade alchemy chamber without the key. He had many fresh herbs on him that couldn¡¯tst long. Thus, he didn¡¯t have much time to waste.


    ¡°Elder, how can I enter the fourth-grade alchemy chamber then?¡± Liu Wuxie suppressed the anger in his heart. The presence of assassins from the Assassin Pavilion prevented him from visiting the Treasure Pill Pavilion to refine the pills, even though it offered superior facilitiespared to the Imperial Academy. A return journey would consume an entire day, a luxury of time he didn¡¯t have.


    ¡°Unfortunately, it¡¯s not possible. The chamber is exclusively for four-star alchemists. You need to demonstrate your status as a four-star alchemist to use it. In addition to being exempted from the credits, you will also receive a bonus reward from the academy,¡± the elder responded, disregarding Liu Wuxie. Anyone wishing to use the alchemy chamber had to present the alchemist token issued by the Alchemy Association.


    The token had the alchemist''s information engraved, and the news of Liu Wuxie bing a four-star alchemist hadn¡¯t reached the Imperial Academy yet.


    Just as Liu Wuxie was about to present his alchemist token, a disturbance erupted behind him, drawing everyone¡¯s attention to a group of about ten people.


    ¡°That¡¯s Senior Brother Ji Yang. He¡¯s actually here!¡± A voice echoed through the hall, sparking a wave of excitement among the crowd. Compliments and ttery filled the air.


    Liu Wuxie turned to see what themotion was about and spotted a familiar face in the crowd. It was Ji Yang, whom he had met back in thepetition. The memory of the threat Liu Wuxie had received from Shangguan Cai that night was still fresh in Liu Wuxie¡¯s mind; Shangguan Cai had vowed to cripple him after he refused his offer.


    After thepetition had concluded, Liu Wuxie found himself the target of an ambush set up by Yun Lan and Nangong Qi, which nearly cost him his life.


    A smirk yed on Ji Yang¡¯s lips as he strolled around with a man and a woman trailing behind him, akin to guards or servants. He wore a prideful smile as he stood there with several female alchemists looking at him with admiration.


    ¡°Congrattions, Senior Brother Ji Yang, on bing a four-star alchemist!¡± Ji Yang had passed the assessment as a four-star alchemist a few days ago.


    Soon after the contest, Ji Yang had made his way back to the academy. He had sessfully advanced to the Marrow Cleansing Realm and proceeded to the Alchemy Association, where he earned the title of a four-star alchemist. Once he had solidified his cultivation, he ventured into the alchemy area with the intention of refining several fourth-grade pills.


    ¡°As expected of the youngest four-star alchemist in the Great Yan Dynasty. With him around, there¡¯s a high chance that the Great Yan Dynasty can be the champion in the nextpetition.¡±


    Cultivation required pills. Due to this, alchemists held a noble status and were highly revered in every dynasty.


    Ji Yang might not be the youngest to reach the Marrow Cleansing Realm, but he was the youngest four-star alchemist in the Great Yan Dynasty. Just this title alone made him stand out among the crowd.


    ¡°Thank you, everyone. I have some matters to attend to, but I¡¯ll host a gathering to discuss alchemy techniques!¡± Ji Yang cupped his fists together at the surrounding crowd while heading to the counter without wasting any time.


    ¡°Senior Brother Ji Yang is truly our model. I have to attend that gathering and seek an improvement in my alchemy technique!¡± Anotherpliment was heard. If it were anyone else proposing to host the alchemy gathering, they might have been overwhelmed by the skepticism of others. However, Ji Yang was an exception due to his credentials as a four-star alchemist.


    He had perfectly executed the method of winning hearts with just a few words before walking to a counter with the man and woman.


    ¡°Young Master Ji, the fourth-grade alchemy chamber has been prepared for you, and you can enter anytime.¡± The elder responsible for the counter wore a ttering expression. He even used an honorific term to address Ji Yang, and his smile spread wide.


    ¡°Thank you, Elder Bi!¡± Ji Yang bowed lightly but without much gratitude, as it was a formality, fully exhibiting his arrogance and pride.


    Elder Bi took out a key from behind the counter. But just when he was about to hand it to Ji Yang, a cold voice interrupted them, ¡°Hold up!¡±


    When everyone turned to look at the source of the voice, they burst intoughter, ¡°What is that brat trying to do by stopping Senior Brother Ji Yang from entering the fourth-grade alchemy chamber?¡±


    Liu Wuxie was the one who interrupted. He was the first to arrive, and there was only one fourth-grade alchemy chamber. Thus, he expected to be given a preference.


    A cold light shed in Ji Yang¡¯s eyes as he turned around and saw Liu Wuxie.


    However, Liu Wuxie ignored him as he stared at Elder Bi.


    ¡°I told you to leave! What are you still doing here?¡± Elder Bi expressed displeasure, prompting Liu Wuxie to leave in order to avoid further humiliation.


    ¡°Why can he be allowed to enter while I can¡¯t?¡± Liu Wuxie questioned with murderous intent shing in his eyes, which made Elder Bi stagger.


    ¡°Is that brat insane? How can he beparable to Senior Brother Ji Yang? Senior Brother Ji Yang is the youngest four-star alchemist in the Great Yan Dynasty, and he was probably still in diapers when Senior Brother Ji Yang started refining pills.¡± A purple-robed man spoke up. Liu Wuxie was familiar with this person as he had mocked him before with Bai Qiong the other day.


    Ji Yang maintained his silence as he smiled at Liu Wuxie. The two weren¡¯t strangers, but they had never spoken. Back in thepetition, Ji Yang rarely spoke and remained silent most of the time, including when Shangguan Cai had threatened Liu Wuxie.


    Despite this, Ji Yang felt humiliated as no one had ever dared to challenge him before. His advancement to the Marrow Cleansing Realm was postponed due to Liu Wuxie. Had it not been for this dy, he would have achieved the status of a four-star alchemist a month earlier. Hence, his resentment towards Liu Wuxie was profound.


    However, Liu Wuxie ignored the surrounding ridicule and waited for Elder Bi¡¯s response.


    ¡°Brat, don¡¯t say I didn¡¯t give you a chance. Only a four-star alchemist can use the fourth-grade alchemy chamber. Are you a four-star alchemist then?¡± Elder Bi asked. There had never been a four-star alchemist under the age of twenty.


    Ji Yang became a four-star alchemist at the age of twenty-four, and that was enough for him to shine brightly in the Great Yan Dynasty. It was no wonder that Elder Bi treated Liu Wuxie with impatience.


    ¡°You¡¯re saying that as long as I can prove I¡¯m a four-star alchemist, I can use the fourth-grade alchemy chamber?¡± Liu Wuxe sneered. He was nning to take out his alchemist token when Ji Yang¡¯s arrival had disrupted him.


    Ji Yang narrowed his eyes upon hearing his response, as he knew that Liu Wuxie possessed an unfathomable alchemy technique. Back in thepetition, Liu Wuxie had refined a third-grade pill with cultivation in the third-level Xiantian Realm.


    It had been a month since thepetition, and Liu Wuxie might have be a four-star alchemist already. But he soon shook his head, as it was impossible to refine fourth-grade pills without reaching the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    ¡°As long as you can prove you¡¯re a four-star alchemist, there¡¯s no reason to stop you.¡± Elder Bi didn¡¯t know Liu Wuxie, and he naturally wouldn¡¯t believe that Liu Wuxie was a four-star alchemist. This was why he ridiculed Liu Wuxie in hopes of ttering Ji Yang.

 Chapter 146 - Mental Blow

    <h4>Chapter 146 - Mental Blow</h4>


    Elder Bi¡¯s rationale was straightforward. If Liu Wuxie could demonstrate his status as a four-star alchemist, he would be granted ess to the alchemy chamber. Not only would he be exempt from credits, but the academy would also reward him. After all, the prestige of a four-star alchemist had long exceeded that of regr teachers, and they were naturally entitled to numerous privileges.


    ¡°Elder Bi, don¡¯t joke around. How can someone like him possibly be a four-star alchemist?¡± The purple-robed man who had spoken earlier began to mock Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. He has not even reached the Marrow Cleansing Realm and is probably here to cause trouble,¡± everyone else chimed in. The prerequisite for bing a four-star alchemist was to reach the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    Even so, someone in the high levels of the Marrow Cleansing Realm might be unable to refine a fourth-grade pill. So, it was no wonder that everyone found it hard to believe.


    ¡°Brat, hear that? Get lost!¡± Elder Bi waved his hand impatiently, unwilling to waste more time talking to Liu Wuxie.


    Ji Yang¡¯s lips curled up, revealing a triumphant expression. Despite Liu Wuxie winning thepetition, Ji Yang felt he was the ultimate victor. Today, he wanted to trample on Liu Wuxie to take revenge. His cultivation level was superior to Liu Wuxie¡¯s, and he had ascended to the rank of a four-star alchemist. With all these des, Liu Wuxie paled inparison, and a sense of supremacy washed over Ji Yang, evident on his face.


    ¡°So, you¡¯re saying I can enter the alchemy chamber as long as I¡¯m a four-star alchemist?¡±


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s unexpected question caused Ji Yang¡¯s expression to stiffen, a glimmer of lethal intent flickering in his eyes. If Liu Wuxie had indeed be a four-star alchemist, the title of the youngest four-star alchemist in the Great Yan Dynasty would inevitably be transferred. This implied that the title would shift to another before Ji Yang even had the opportunity to bask in its glory.


    ¡°Is he insane? Does he believe four-star alchemists aremonce?¡± The crowdughed, finding amusement in Liu Wuxi¡¯s words.


    ¡°He¡¯s not mad, he¡¯s delusional. I believe he should be expelled from this ce and never allowed to set foot here again.¡± Mockery was hurled at Liu Wuxie, but he remained unfazed and awaited Elder Bi¡¯s reaction.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. As long as you can prove you¡¯re a four-star alchemist, the key is yours.¡± Liu Wuxie had arrived first. Therefore, ording to the rules, as long as Liu Wuxie could prove he was a four-star alchemist, he could enter the chamber before Ji Yang, who would have to wait two days for his turn.


    In five days, the inter-ss exchange banquet would take ce, and everyone wanted to utilize this time to increase their cultivation to perform at the banquet. Ji Yang was no exception. He intended to use this period to refine pills, knowing that waiting even two more days would be toote. Thus, neither party was willing to back down.


    Liu Wuxie chimed in, ¡°What a stroke of luck. I had some free time yesterday and managed toplete my alchemist certification. If I remember correctly, I seem to be a four-star alchemist.¡± Liu Wuxie took out his alchemist token that emitted a faint golden glow and ced it on the table.


    One-star alchemist tokens were mostly iron-colored, two-star alchemist tokens were copper-colored, three-star alchemist tokens were crimson-colored, and only four-star alchemist tokens were golden. Each star had a distinct difference; not all four-star alchemists were the same.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s token was unique. It bore additional engravings, signifying that the pills he refined were of superior quality, far surpassing the assessment¡¯s limit. It was akin to a halo surrounding the alchemist, a testament to his exceptional skills.


    Ji Yang¡¯s shoulders shook slightly. It wasn¡¯t very noticeable, but Liu Wuxie caught it. This naturally made Liu Wuxie sneer, as Ji Yang was too tender to think he could trounce him.


    Everyone was drawn to the golden token on the table, especially those who had mocked Liu Wuxie earlier. Their mouths hung open in disbelief, wide enough to fit a duck¡¯s egg. However, as they were a few meters away, they needed to wait for Elder Bi to authenticate the alchemist token.


    ¡°How is this possible?! How old is he? It¡¯s impressive if someone can be a four-star alchemist in their fifties. Is the Great Yan Dynasty going to give birth to another five-star alchemist now?¡± Amotion came from the crowd as such a young four-star alchemist was unprecedented.


    In the past, Master Qin had be a four-star alchemist in his twenties, and Liu Wuxie was a few years younger than him.


    ¡°This is fake! This must be fake! How can he possibly be a four-star alchemist in the Xiantian Realm?¡± The purple-robed man ran over, convinced that Liu Wuxie¡¯s alchemist token was forged.


    ¡°I¡¯ve had enough of you!¡± Liu Wuxie vanished, only to reappear and deliver a swift p to the purple-robed man before he could react, sending him sprawling. Did this man really think he wouldn¡¯t dare to retaliate? If Zuo Hong hadn¡¯t intervened in the canteen, Bai Qiong would have been long gone by now.


    This man was helpless against Liu Wuxie¡¯s attack despite being at the pinnacle of the Xiantian Realm. This disy caused everyone in the hall to regard Liu Wuxie as if he were a monster. After all, the fact that Liu Wuxie could easily defeat someone with higher cultivation proved that he was a genius.


    While there might have been an element of surprise involved, the odds of anyone else in Liu Wuxie¡¯s position achieving the same result were slim due to the distance between them.


    ¡°Brat, how dare you hurt someone in public!¡± Many people stepped forward and pointed their fingers at Liu Wuxie. After all, Liu Wuxie was the first to injure someone with so many people around.


    ¡°Do you all want a taste of it as well?¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s chilling re swept across everyone present, causing even those in the Spirit Cleansing Realm to avert their gaze. His eyes held amanding presence, akin to a sovereign of the heavens and earth; one could easily lose themselves in his gaze.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, How dare you injure another student publicly. You¡¯re simply showing disregard for the academy rules!¡± Ji Yang said, gently knocking his fan on the table.


    ¡°Brother Ji, do you n on standing up for him?¡± Liu Wuxie turned around and looked at Ji Yang with a smile. When their eyes met, sparks flew between them as they had already formed a feud in Zen City.


    ¡°He¡¯s Liu Wuxie, the one who killed twenty people from Advanced ss Three?¡± Everyone had heard about a ruthless person named Liu Wuxie, who had joined the academy recently. When Ji Yang mentioned Liu Wuxie¡¯s name, it sparked a flurry of discussion among the crowd.


    ¡°It appears so!¡± The crowd was uncertain. The academy was abuzz with talk about Liu Wuxie. Rumors of his unique constitution, the Nine Stars Illumination phenomenon he caused, and his refusal to join the elite ss were widespread. There wasn¡¯t a single person in the academy who hadn¡¯t heard of him.


    ¡°Brother Liu is still so domineering, resorting to violence without hesitation. This person merely mocked you a little, and you injured him. Please apologize to him, and we can let this matter rest.¡± Ji Yang¡¯s tone was equally assertive, insisting that Liu Wuxie apologize to the man in the purple robe. Given that Ji Yang was in the Marrow Cleansing Realm and Liu Wuxie was only in the Xiantian Realm, the significant gap in their cultivation levels made Ji Yang¡¯s domineering attitude towards Liu Wuxie seem natural.


    ¡°That¡¯s right, apologize!¡± Everyone in the surroundings echoed along, demanding Liu Wuxie to apologize.


    ¡°And what if I refuse?¡± Liu Wuxie retorted, crossing his arms. He clearly didn¡¯t regard Ji Yang, who had only recently advanced to the Marrow Cleansing Realm, as a threat. Using the Ghost Eye alone was enough to kill Ji Yang, and he didn¡¯t even need to use the Overlord Fist.


    ¡°Don¡¯t me me for being impolite then. It just so happens that I can rid the academy of its pests.¡± Ji Yang stepped forward, and the man and woman behind him drew their weapons as well. A powerful shockwave of a Marrow Cleansing Realm expert swept out, causing the surrounding furniture to creak.


    As they approached, Liu Wuxie stood calmly as though this had nothing to do with him. But the surrounding condemning voices echoed in the hall, with everyone wishing they could devour Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°We can use this opportunity to settle our feud. Perhaps you don¡¯t know, but Jiang Yue, who leaked the answers to you, has been expelled from the Treasure Pill Pavilion.¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s tone suddenly changed, baffling many people. No one was able toprehend what Liu Wuxie said. Who was Jiang Yue? How was this matter rted to the Treasure Pill Pavilion?


    Only Ji Yang understood what Liu Wuxie meant. Jiang Yue could be considered Ji Yang¡¯s mentor, guiding him into alchemy. Back then, Jiang Yue had also given him a lot of guidance in alchemy.


    ¡°What did you say?!¡± Murderous intent swept out from Ji Yang, sending the nearby students flying away from the impact.


    ¡°I believe I have made myself clear. My investigation showed that Jiang Yue leaked the answers to you during thepetition. He was expelled from the Treasure Pill Pavilion after I exposed him, and he is now akin to a homeless stray dog,¡± Liu Wuxie said, and his words were like des stabbing into Ji Yang¡¯s heart. Since the feud between them was irreconcble, he might as well take it even further in the form of a mental blow.


    By provoking Ji Yang, Liu Wuxie ensured that his words would echo in Ji Yang''s mind during his future cultivation sessions. The only way for Ji Yang to quell the resentment brewing within him was to eliminate Liu Wuxie.


    "Excellent! Just excellent! Today marks your end!" Ji Yang managed to keep his fury at bay. He was aware that he mustn''t sumb to Liu Wuxie''s ploy of intentional provocation, which could potentially cause a rift in his cultivator''s heart. He hadn''t anticipated Liu Wuxie resorting to such lowly tactics.


    Then again, Liu Wuxie would never show mercy once he determined that someone was his enemy.


    "Who would have thought that a respected four-star alchemist would stoop to being your minion," Liu Wuxie continued his taunts, causing Ji Yang''s aura to fluctuate wildly. This was a sign that his words had reached the desired effect.


    ¡°Young Master, we can¡¯t fall for his tricks. Once we eliminate him, all will be resolved!" A young man emerged from Ji Yang''s shadow. Since they couldn''t outwit Liu Wuxie verbally, the most effective solution was to silence him permanently.


    "I demand his life!" Ji Yang''s face twisted into a menacing expression. His usual refined demeanor was reced with a look of pure malice, drawing puzzled nces from the onlookers who were clueless about the source of Ji Yang''s rage.


    Ji Yang unfurled his fan, releasing a sharp de aura. It turned out that there was a hidden weapon inside this fan.


    The man and woman nking him also surrounded Liu Wuxie, preventing him from escaping.


    The atmosphere became tense, but no one dared to interfere. After all, Ji Yang was in the Marrow Cleansing Realm, not to mention that he was also a four-star alchemist.


    On the contrary, Liu Wuxie had no status, and no one could help him, offending a four-star alchemist in the process. As the tension in the surroundings escted, Liu Wuxie¡¯s right hand moved to his interspatial pouch, prepared to deliver a lethal strike at a moment¡¯s notice.


    ¡°It¡¯s authentic! This is the highest grade of the four-star alchemist token!¡± An exmation interrupted everyone as Elder Bi ced the golden token on the table, looking at the token, infatuated.

 Chapter 147 - Killing

    <h4>Chapter 147 - Killing</h4>


    Elder Bi¡¯s exmation drew everyone¡¯s attention to him, leaving Ji Yang bewildered.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s alchemist token was the highest attainable four-star alchemist token, and it turned out to be authentic. It was like arge boulder smashing on everyone¡¯s heads, making them dizzy. The ongoing mockery of Liu Wuxie was forgotten as their faces mirrored their astonishment.


    ¡°Elder Bi, are you sure that you¡¯re not mistaken? Is that truly the token of a four-star alchemist?¡± The alchemist token had Liu Wuxie¡¯s name engraved, along with the mark that solely belonged to the Alchemy Association. It was something that no one could forge. Everyone present was an alchemist, and their alchemist tokens also had a corresponding mark to prove their authenticity.


    ¡°A four-star alchemist who¡¯s not even twenty? How is this possible?!¡± The man in the purple robe, who had been flung aside earlier, appeared dumbfounded. He had intended to seek revenge against Liu Wuxie, but this unexpected news took him by surprise.


    Ji Yang clenched his fists in suppressed rage. He was supposed to be celebrated as the youngest four-star alchemist in the Great Yan Dynasty. His aplishment wasn¡¯t widely known yet, but he hadn¡¯t anticipated being overtaken so swiftly. One could only imagine the turmoil he was experiencing.


    He had maintained a gentlemanly image throughout the years. But at this moment, veins bulge on his face, his expression bing ferocious. The title of the youngest four-star alchemist had been his lifelong goal, and he had even neglected his cultivation to focus on alchemy. Now that he had achieved his goal, Liu Wuxie¡¯s revtion was a p in the face, shattering all his dreams. Thus, anyone could imagine the fury he was feeling.


    The one-star alchemists who had earlier ridiculed him now wore forced smiles. They were insignificantpared to Liu Wuxie; they were mere fireflies against the brilliance of the moon. If word got out that one-star alchemists had mocked a four-star alchemist, they would be theughingstock.


    All present reluctantly epted the truth, their heads bowed. Yet, a few individuals, gued by doubt, turned their hopeful gazes towards Elder Bi, wishing for him to confirm the authenticity once more.


    ¡°I have checked it thrice, and this alchemist token is genuine!¡± Elder Bi respectfully handed the alchemist token back to Liu Wuxie with his attitude changed. Then again, that was understandable because Liu Wuxie was the youngest four-star alchemist in the Great Yan Dynasty, and anyone would want to curry favor with such a genius.


    This also meant that Ji Yang¡¯s achievement had be history, with the title of the youngest four-star alchemist going to Liu Wuxie just a few days after Ji Yang had obtained his. Everyone knew that Liu Wuxie¡¯s talent as an alchemist had far surpassed Ji Yang.


    ¡°Since that¡¯s the case, the key belongs to me, right?¡± Liu Wuxie kept his alchemist token and smiled at Elder Bi.


    ¡°Of course!¡± Elder Bi respectfully handed the key to Liu Wuxie, who had arrived first.


    ¡°Thank you, Elder!¡± Liu Wuxie expressed symbolic gratitude before taking the key and heading to the fourth-grade alchemy chamber, leaving everyone else bewildered in the hall.


    ¡°Hold it right there!¡± Ji Yang stepped forward, blocking Liu Wuxie¡¯s path to the fourth-grade alchemy chamber.


    ¡°What do you want? Didn¡¯t you see that I¡¯m also a four-star alchemist? Not to mention that I came here first. If you want to use the alchemy chamber, wait until I¡¯m done.¡± Liu Wuxie looked at Ji Yang in annoyance.


    Other alchemists gathered around, but no one dared to mock or intervene this time. They were not qualified to meddle in the conflict between two four-star alchemists.


    ¡°Surrender the key, and I can spare your life!¡± Ji Yang¡¯s voice was cold. He didn¡¯t have much time and needed to refine fourth-grade pills to stabilize his cultivation in the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    Liu Wuxie had taken the reward for the alchemypetition, and Ji Yang had spent a considerable sum to purchase a fourth-grade pill upon returning to the academy. The pill had enabled him to reach the Marrow Cleansing Realm forcibly, but this came at the cost of his foundation, which required fourth-grade pills to repair. If he missed this chance, it would be tougher for him to repair his foundation. Thus, he had to enter the fourth-grade alchemy chamber today, no matter what!


    ¡°What a joke!¡± Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t be bothered to deal with Ji Yang and continued to the fourth-grade alchemy chamber, increasing his speed.


    ¡°You¡¯re courting death!¡± The man and woman behind Ji Yang made their moves. Their swords unleashed a sharp sword aura at Liu Wuxie¡¯s neck, nning tond a fatal blow. In their eyes, Liu Wuxie was simply courting death by snatching the alchemy chamber from Ji Yang.


    If Liu Wuxie died, the title of the youngest four-star alchemist would fall onto Ji Yang once again. This was the same as killing two birds with one stone. Not only could they kill Liu Wuxie, but they could also restore Ji Yang¡¯s honor.


    The two didn¡¯t have high cultivation as they were Ji Yang¡¯sckeys. They were only in the first-level Spirit Cleansing Realm, but in their eyes, it was more than enough for them to deal with someone in the Xiantian Realm.


    The sword aura was a mere three steps from Liu Wuxie, and his life would be in peril if it wasn¡¯t halted. Yet, no one, including Elder Bi, intervened. After all, both Ji Yang and Liu Wuxie were alchemy prodigies, and aiding one would inevitably offend the other. Hence, they chose neutrality. Whether Liu Wuxie could survive was left to fate.


    The sword aura released a powerful shockwave that formed into a gale, obstructing the sight of many people and causing Liu Wuxie¡¯s clothes to flutter.


    ¡°Hmph!¡± Liu Wuxie was enraged. Did these people assume he was fearful of Ji Yang because he hadn¡¯t retaliated? He simply didn¡¯t want to squander his time on them. Since they believed he was scared, he resolved to eliminate them.


    A de materialized in Liu Wuxie¡¯s hand, emanating a terrifying intent that swept across the hall. The entire space was engulfed in his de intent, the pressure so intense that it left many gasping for breath, their heads bowed under the strain.


    Everyone was surprised that someone in the Xiantian Realm could release this much power, far surpassing someone in the Spirit Cleansing Realm. That was a harsh reality. Ji Yang was standing not far away, and even he couldn¡¯t withstand the suppression of Liu Wuxie¡¯s de intent and took a big step back.


    Consequently, his two subordinates met an unfortunate fate. The de intent engulfed them, disorienting their sense of direction. The floor tiles began to crack and crumble under the force of the de intent.


    Rumbling sounds could be heard, with the entire hall shaking, showing signs of copsing. As for the crowd, they had long retreated from the hall, fearing that they might be implicated.


    ¡°What a powerful de intent! To be a four-star alchemist andprehend de intent at such a young age is simply astounding!¡± Those who couldprehend de intent were considered geniuses among geniuses.


    As a former Immortal Emperor, Liu Wuxie had alreadyprehended de intent in his past life. Soprehending it again was easy, and it had long surpassed the scope of ordinary de intent. When the shockwave swept out, a massive vortex appeared as the man and woman disappeared along with Liu Wuxie.


    Blood sshed on the stone pirs in the hall while the man and woman were sent flying away in Ji Yang¡¯s direction. This gave Ji Yang no choice but to catch them, but they were already lifeless.


    There was a thin wound on their necks with blood flowing out. They weren¡¯t entirely dead yet, and their eyes held a glimmer of life, silently pleading with Ji Yang to avenge them.


    ¡°ARGHHH!¡± Ji Yang¡¯s hair tie snapped as he erupted in fury, letting out a primal roar. He gentlyid the two lifeless bodies on the ground and looked ahead, where Liu Wuxie had vanished.


    The door to the fourth-grade alchemy chamber creaked open as Liu Wuxie stepped in and closed it behind him, cutting off all contact with the outside world. After dispatching Ji Yang¡¯sckeys, Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t stick around to confront Ji Yang. Given his current strength, he could have easily defeated Ji Yang.


    However, Ji Yang was the esteemed disciple of Shangguan Cai, and he likely possessed a treasure that ensured his safety. A sh between them could result in mutual damage, an oue Liu Wuxie wanted to avoid. His goal was to refine pills and elevate his cultivation to the Spirit Cleansing Realm first.


    So, after sending the twockeys flying away, Liu Wuxie left the hall and took the opportunity to enter the fourth-grade alchemy chamber, leaving Ji Yang behind, screaming like a madman.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t he too bold to kill another student openly? Isn¡¯t he afraid of the punishment from the academy?¡± The crowd gathered to look at the two corpses in shock. After all, killing another student in the academy was prohibited, which Liu Wuxie vited openly.


    ¡°In just half a month since joining the academy, nearly thirty students have perished at his hands. He¡¯s nothing short of a fiendgod!¡± Information about Liu Wuxie had been thoroughly unearthed. If they knew that Liu Wuxie was responsible for the recent demise of Wan Zhuoran¡¯s group, their astonishment would likely intensify.


    Ji Yang cast a fleeting nce at the fourth-grade alchemy chamber before departing with the two bodies. Once the alchemy chamber was sealed from the inside, it was imprable, even to those in the advanced stages of the Marrow Cleansing Realm. The only option was to wait for the upant to emerge.


    After entering the alchemy chamber, Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t in a hurry to start refining pills, and he looked around the chamber to familiarize himself with the surroundings first. The entire chamber was massive, roughly over a hundred square meters.


    The third-grade alchemy chamber required five credits a day, and the fourth-grade alchemy chamber was free as a reward from the academy.


    There were neatly arranged shelves on both sides, and Liu Wuxie took out the herbs from his interspatial pouch and arranged them meticulously. This was to ensure convenience for himself when refining pills.


    The center of the chamber was a massive cauldron roughly 1.2 meters tall with a diameter of one meter. Such a massive cauldron was rare, even in the market. At the bottom of the cauldron was a tunnel that drew fire from underground.


    This tunnel was likely linked to the underground magma beneath the me Sun Cave. After all, the Imperial Academy had a massive undergroundva and an entire spiritual vein. Only a ce like this could be considered paradise and suitable for establishing a force.


    After arranging the herbs, Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t in a hurry to start refining. He took an hour to calm himself down from the fight earlier because he couldn¡¯t afford any mistakes when refining pills, especially a fourth-grade pill. He emptied his mind, entering a selfless state before walking towards the cauldron.

 Chapter 148 - Refining Pills

    <h4>Chapter 148 - Refining Pills</h4>


    When Liu Wuxie opened the tunnel, zing mes burst from the ground, enveloping the entire cauldron.


    <i>As expected of a fourth-grade alchemy chamber...such a powerful me!</i> Liu Wuxie was indeed impressed. It was no wonder third-grade alchemy chambers couldn¡¯t refine fourth-grade pills; it was all rted to the me¡¯s intensity.


    The higher the grade of the pill, the more demanding it would be on the me required. Since Liu Wuxie hadn¡¯t awakened fire attributes, he could only rely on the earthly me to refine pills.


    When he began, he didn¡¯t start with fourth-grade pills but Origin Yang Pills. He was more familiar with it and used it as a warm-up before going to the Bone Refining Pill. He refined roughly five cauldrons of Origin Yang Pills in just two hours as time passed. The ground was filled with bottles containing thousands of Origin Yang Pills.


    Meanwhile, the Imperial Academy was busy with the banquet. Regardless of their grades, all students were given holidays and could do whatever they wanted. The banquet each year was grand. Not only were all students required to participate, but some teachers would also be present to exchange their harvest from the past year.


    Amidst all this, Liu Wuxie was engrossed in his alchemy. He looked at the Origin Yang Pills with satisfaction. The mysterious sapling in his dantian had altered each of the herbs, significantly enhancing their grade. This was the reason why the pills he refined had such potent effects.


    He stopped after refining thirty-odd cauldrons, exhausting half of the herbs. The cauldrons were now thoroughly heated, and with a simple wave of his hand, he intensified the fire, significantly raising the temperature within the cauldron.


    Removing his outer clothes, Liu Wuxie was only left with a close-fitting garment, and he began to form seals. The Bone Refining Pills were meant to temper the bones, making them more resilient. Swordsmen were fond of using them to refine <i>sword bones</i>, essentially tempering their bones into weapons.


    As Liu Wuxie used a short de, he had a harsher requirement for his bones. The stronger the bones, the smoother his de techniques would be.


    The Marrow Refining Pills were meant to refine a person¡¯s marrow, which was crucial for the Marrow Cleansing Realm. This was also a transformation process to temper and cleanse the marrow.


    Last but not least were the Soul Refining Pills, meant to temper the soul energy in the soul sea, and they were at a higher grade than Soul Converging Pills. No one in the Great Yan Dynasty knew about this pill, as Liu Wuxie had innovatively derived it from his wide knowledge of other pills.


    The three types of pills couldn¡¯t directly help Liu Wuxie reach the Spirit Cleansing Realm, as his main purpose was to umte his foundation. As he practiced the Deste Devouring Art and possessed the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron, he needed ten-odd times more resourcespared to others. These pills were meant to temper his foundation, allowing him to make a breakthrough if his umtion was sufficient.


    Liu Wuxie could refine many pills to advance his cultivation rapidly, but he didn¡¯t do that because there were many drawbacks to using pills to make a breakthrough. Xue Baisheng was a perfect example of this, as he possessed the cultivation butcked the strength to back it up.


    Liu Wuxie would¡¯ve refined the Spirit Breakthrough Pill if he wanted to reach the Spirit Cleansing Realm, but that would lead to an unstable foundation, likely slowing down his future cultivation. Pills were only meant to assist in cultivation, and one had to rely on themselves to advance their cultivation.


    The pills Liu Wuxie refined were mainly to temper his physique, cleanse his marrow, and strengthen his soul. By progressing in these three paths, reaching the Spirit Cleansing Realm was just a matter of time.


    The first step was to refine the Bone Refining Pills. The ingredients included tiger bones, earth dragon bones, and rare demonic beasts¡¯ bones. He needed to extract the essence from these bones and refine them into pills and herbs.


    The potency of the Bone Refining Pill provided by the academy was too low to have any significant effect when consumed by Liu Wuxie. Even though it might be a simplified version of the Bone Refining Pill, Liu Wuxie was cautious in his approach, knowing that the process of refining fourth-grade pills was delicate and didn¡¯t allow for any errors.


    If the news of someone in the Xiantian Realm attempting to refine a fourth-grade pill were to spread out, no one would believe it.


    The fire roared, engulfing the entire cauldron. A sizzling sound echoed as Liu Wuxie threw the tiger bone into the cauldron. The tiger bone swiftly melted into golden liquid flowing inside the cauldron.


    One after another, Liu Wuxie threw more bones into the cauldron to fuse with the tiger bone. He also added several fourth-grade pills into the cauldron. As they dissolved into liquid, they released a violent aura and began to reject each other.


    Liu Wuxie formed seals with his hands. He didn¡¯t rely on cultivation to refine pills but on his refining technique. As there wasn¡¯t anyone here, Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t afraid that his refining techniques would leak. Through various seals, countless spiritual runes began to form as they hovered around the cauldron, merging into it.


    There was arge basin of liquid in the cauldron, bubbling and emitting various strange roars. The bones contained the memories of the demonic beasts when they were alive, and their ferocity was ignited after being refined, wanting to break free.


    ¡°Hmph, you all have been dead for so long and still want to break free?¡± With a sudden downward press of Liu Wuxie¡¯s hand, a Yin-Yang pattern appeared, enveloping the cauldron as the roars disappeared.


    The earth me grew stronger as Liu Wuxie continued to refine. The liquid in the cauldron began to converge, forming into a pill.


    After two hours, a loud shing sound echoed from the cauldron, reminiscent of marbles colliding. Each pill, though seemingly the size of a soybean, was surprisingly heavy. As time progressed, the shing within the cauldron amplified, resembling thunderous roars. The cauldron began to sway, indicating the high grade of the Bone Refining Pills.


    ¡°Stop!¡± With a swift wave of Liu Wuxie¡¯s palm, the Yin-Yang diagram enveloping the cauldron disappeared as a lump of misty energy formed into a ferocious tiger, pouncing at him. The Bone Refining Pills were highly spiritual, assuming various forms through small markings.


    With a gentle puff, the tiger pounced at him and vanished into the air, forming a strong fragrance that covered the entire alchemy chamber. When Liu Wuxie looked at the cauldron, there were twelve Bone Refining Pills, each inscribed with runes.


    ¡°Done!¡± Liu Wuxie dered, storing the pills in a porcin bottle. He took a two-hour break before resuming his pill refining and used Origin Yang Pills to recuperate from his fatigue. Once recovered, he proceeded to refine Marrow Refining Pills.


    Meanwhile, half a day had passed outside. Liu Wuxie nned to spend two days refining pills and three days in seclusion. The process of creating Marrow Refining Pills was distinct from that of Bone Refining Pills. It demanded stringent control over the me¡ªa robust me for refining and a gentle one for simmering.


    He took out several porcin bottles from his interspatial pouch and poured some red liquid into the cauldron along with ten herbs. Pill refining required patience; Liu Wuxie gently fanned the mes, holding a feather fan in his right hand.


    While refining the Marrow Refining Pill, Liu Wuxie circted the Deste Devouring Art as dense spiritual energy poured through the me tunnel. The me tunnel was connected to the me Sun Cave, and the energy from underground filled the entire alchemy chamber.


    A thinyer of spiritual rain quickly formed above the alchemy chamber. While it wasn¡¯t as potent as the me Sun Cave, it was superior to the outside world. Liu Wuxie was determined not to waste any time while refining pills.


    He took out a Bone Refining Pill and swallowed it. The pill felt heavy, like lead, as it descended into his stomach, producing rumbling sounds. As it dissolved, it released a powerful energy that surged throughout his body.


    His bones felt as if they were encased in mes and being tempered. The excruciating pain caused Liu Wuxie to scream, but he gritted his teeth to suppress it. His limbs stiffened as the energy from the Bone Refining Pill, akin to sharp des, lightly scraped his bones.


    Liu Wuxie trembled with each scrape, enduring agonizing pain. But the scraping wasn¡¯t localized; it urred throughout his entire skeleton. This process expelled ayer of impurities from his skeleton, while the remaining energy seeped into his bones.


    However, what happened next baffled Liu Wuxie even more because inexplicable runes appeared on his skeleton. He had never seen these runes before. It was weird but likely rted to the Bone Refining Pill.


    ¡°The effects of the Bone Refining Pill have far surpassed my expectations!¡± Liu Wuxie eximed, finding sce in this realization. Theyer of runes on his skeleton indicated that his bones were significantly stronger than others.


    Once the effects subsided and he regained control of his body, Liu Wuxie continued to fan the cauldron. The Marrow Refining Pills still required more time. When he consumed another Bone Refining Pill, the effect wasn¡¯t as potent as the first time. This was due to the body¡¯s natural tendency to build resistance against repeated consumption of simr pills.


    Meanwhile, in the region designated for Profound Grade students, the sound of shattering porcin echoed from an exquisite courtyard. Ji Yang, his hair disheveled, looked menacing as he roared, ¡°Damn it!¡±


    Upon returning with the bodies of hisckeys, he sought justice from the headmaster. However, the headmaster stated that since they were the ones who initiated the conflict, knowing full well that Liu Wuxie was a four-star alchemist, they had vited the academy¡¯s rules. Therefore, even if they were killed, they had brought it upon themselves.


    Ji Yang hadn¡¯t anticipated that the headmaster would know Liu Wuxie¡¯s status as a four-star alchemist. He had initially hoped to use the headmaster¡¯s influence to deal with Liu Wuxie, but his n had failed. As for the two bodies, they were in the courtyard. As a four-star alchemist, Ji Yang naturally had a courtyard to himself.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, just wait! I¡¯ll kill you myself!¡± Ji Yang said, gritting his teeth. His eyes were zing with mes of fury, but his rationale told him that he had to calm down and find a way to refine fourth-grade pills first.


    ¡°The Treasure Pill Pavilion! I can head to the Treasure Pill Pavilion! They have fourth-grade alchemy chambers!¡± Ji Yang traveled at night, leaving the Imperial Academy and heading to the Treasure Pill Pavilion. If he couldn¡¯t repair his damaged foundation by making a breakthrough forcibly, his path as a cultivator would end.


    Meanwhile, Liu Wuxie was oblivious to all this, engrossed in his alchemy. He didn¡¯t rest for an entire day and night. The Marrow Refining Pill exuded a strong fragrance when it took form.


    ¡°It¡¯s quicker than I anticipated!¡± Liu Wuxie eximed, standing up and forming seals with both hands. The Marrow Refining Pill was different from the Bone Refining Pill. There was no phenomenon as the me subsided. No fragrance emanated from the cauldron either, giving the impression that it was empty.


    Closing the tunnel, Liu Wuxie unleashed icy true essence to envelop the cauldron, cooling it down. When he peered into the cauldron, he saw ten Marrow Refining Pills emitting an enticing dark-purple sheen.


    Storing the pills in a porcin bottle, Liu Wuxie proceeded to refine the Soul Refining Pills. Time was of the essence, so he rested for only an hour before resuming his cultivation. He took out all the remaining herbs and opened the me tunnel, from which intense mes erupted, reaching over a meter high.

 Chapter 149 - Twin Brothers

    <h4>Chapter 149 - Twin Brothers</h4>


    The refinement of the Soul Refining Pill posed a more stringent demand on the me¡¯s temperature. The me couldn¡¯t be too intense or too weak. This was due to the extreme fragility of the herbs containing soul energy¡ªan overly strong me would destroy them, while a me too weak wouldn¡¯t dissolve them.


    Not even Master Mao could refine a pill of this level. After all, the skills of every four-star alchemist varied. Liu Wuxie could refine ten-odd fourth-grade pills, while Master Mao could only refine three kinds of fourth-grade pills, and that was the difference between them.


    Liu Wuxie tossed the herbs into the cauldron, simultaneously controlling the me and forming seals with his hands. When the profound seals merged with the cauldron, the cauldron became vtile, with the mes morphing into various forms such as a tiger, flowers, and other shapes, each representing a change in the seal.


    There were countless alchemy techniques, and Liu Wuxie had mastered them, turning them into his unique technique. The cultivation of the soul wasplicated because there wasn¡¯t a corresponding cultivation technique. If one practiced it recklessly, it would be easy for them to run amok.


    That was the same for the Soul Refining Pills. If there were a slight mistake, it would cause irreversible damage to the soul. Thus, Liu Wuxie stared at the cauldron with full concentration. This was the first time he had be so serious about refining pills ever since his rebirth.


    He only had enough herbs for one attempt and couldn¡¯t afford any mistakes. The true essence in his dantian was rapidly depleting, and he relied on it to sustain him. This was why only those who reached the Marrow Cleansing Realm could refine fourth-grade pills. The true essence of someone in the Spirit Cleansing Realm simply couldn¡¯t support the entire refining process.


    But Liu Wuxie¡¯s dantian was unlike others. The true essence in his dantian was denser than those in the Spirit Cleansing Realm, thus giving him the confidence to refine fourth-grade pills.


    Only some herbs remained on the shelves, and Liu Wuxie tossed them into the cauldron. As the mes enveloped these herbs, a dense herbal fragrance spread, filling Liu Wuxie¡¯s nostrils.


    ¡°This is it!¡± Liu Wuxie formed a profound seal with his hands, and the cauldron flew up. The two-day deadline he had set for himself was fast approaching, and he couldn¡¯t afford any further dys. After all, he needed to use the remaining time to refine the pills and make a breakthrough in his cultivation.


    Meanwhile, the academy was teeming with activity. All the disciples of the Xue n had returned, setting the stage for an impending storm.


    ¡°Senior Brother Ji, leave this matter to us. When that brates out, we¡¯ll take his life immediately!¡± In Ji Yang¡¯s courtyard, a pair of identical twins stood, each holding a sword¡ªone on the right and the other on the left.


    Both were strong, with cultivation in the third-level Spirit Cleansing Realm. They were Profound Grade students who had joined the Imperial Academy two years ago. They also had an extraordinary rtionship with the Ji n.


    Ji Yang approached them with a task: killing Liu Wuxie.


    The younger twin, Bo Er, questioned Ji Yang, ¡°Senior Brother Ji, didn¡¯t you go to the Treasure Pill Pavilion to refine pills yesterday? Why did you return so quickly?¡± The one who spoke earlier was the elder brother, Bo Yi.


    The mention of this topic caused Ji Yang¡¯s face to sh with a trace of ferocity and murderous intent.


    ¡°The Treasure Pill Pavilion rejected me and refused to let me borrow their alchemy chamber!¡± Ji Yang eximed, his voiceced with indignation. He had been rejected despite being a respected four-star alchemist. Many people had witnessed this incident, which had be a source of embarrassment for him.


    When Ji Yang had ascended to the rank of a four-star alchemist, he was approached by the Treasure Pill Pavilion, who hoped he would join them. However, since the offer wasn¡¯t for the position of the chief alchemist of the Treasure Pill Pavilion, Ji Yang had declined. After all, at the time of his promotion, Ji Yang was the youngest four-star alchemist in the Great Yan Dynasty and had every right to be proud of himself.


    However, he hadn¡¯t expected Liu Wuxie to pass the test smoothly to be a four-star alchemist in just a few days and obtain the title of Treasure Pill Pavilion¡¯s chief disciple.


    The Treasure Pill Pavilion¡¯s refusal to let Ji Yang use their alchemy chamber was straightforward. Jiang Yue had covertly leaked the answers to the alchemypetition, tarnishing the Pavilion¡¯s reputation. To rectify this, the Pavilion had to distance itself from Ji Yang.


    ¡°How is that possible? What is the Treasure Pill Pavilion trying to do?! You¡¯re the youngest four-star alchemist in the Great Yan Dynasty!¡± Bo Yi was baffled that the Treasure Pill Pavilion would reject a four-star alchemist.


    ¡°Calm down, Young Master Ji Yang. The Treasure Pill Pavilion isn¡¯t the only ce you can refine pills, and you can switch to another ce,¡± Bo Er consoled. The Treasure Pill Pavilion monopolized seventy percent of the alchemy market in the Imperial Academy, with the remaining thirty percent in the hands of others.


    As long as Ji Yang spread the news, countless people woulde to invite him.


    ¡°We can discuss thister. The priority now is to eliminate that kid!¡± Ji Yang didn¡¯t want to dwell on this topic any further. He believed that once Liu Wuxie was out of the picture, the Treasure Pill Pavilion would naturally alter their stance towards him.


    He had met with Jiang Yue the previous day toprehend the situation. The Treasure Pill Pavilion had turned him down due to Liu Wuxie, and if Liu Wuxie were to be killed, everything they had lost would be regained, and it was just a matter of time.


    ¡°Alright, it¡¯s gettingte. Let¡¯s head out now!¡± Bo Yi cupped his fists together as the two brothers left Ji Yang¡¯s courtyard for the Alchemy Hall.


    When Ji Yang returned to his room, he took out a massive cauldron and began to refine pills in his courtyard. He initially wanted to kill Liu Wuxie, but the bacsh of making a breakthrough to the Marrow Cleansing Realm forcibly was starting to manifest, and he had to resolve that issue quickly.


    Two days flew by in an instant, and it was already dark outside. However, the academy was brightly lit as if it were daytime. The Alchemy Hall was rtively tranquilpared to other areas in the academy. After all, fewer than a hundred alchemists were in the academy, making them a rare breed.


    When the mes disappeared, Liu Wuxie sat on the ground in exhaustion, with faint soul energy filling the alchemy chamber.


    ¡°What powerful soul energy!¡± Liu Wuxie eximed, taking an Origin Yang Pill and swallowing it. His true essence began to replenish rapidly in no time, enabling him to stand up. He then retrieved a porcin bottle to store the ten Soul Refining Pills from the cauldron.


    Liu Wuxie poured out one of the pills and swallowed it. The relentless pill refining over two days and nights had taken a significant toll on his soul energy and physical strength, leaving him utterly exhausted. Consuming the Soul Refining Pill triggered a powerful surge of soul energy that stormed into his soul sea.


    As Liu Wuxie¡¯s soul sea trembled violently, it felt like an earthquake as he clutched his head and sat on the ground, sping his hands together to practice Ghost Eye. His golden soul sea started to glow even brighter, with the golden threads multiplying to over a thousand, filling up every corner of his soul sea.


    His spiritual sense was like mercury, flowing out from his eyes and easily prating the walls of the alchemy chamber. He could clearly see everything outside the alchemy chamber, with a distance of one hundred and fifty meters, ording to his estimation.


    This meant he could capture everything that happened within one hundred and fifty meters without using his sight. Consuming a Soul Refining Pill had increased his soul energy by ten percent, much higher than his estimation. After all, the cultivation of the soul was meant to be slow to begin with.


    ¡°It¡¯s time to leave!¡± Liu Wuxie took out the key and opened the door to the alchemy chamber, returning to the main hall and handing the key to the elder in charge.


    ¡°Young Master Liu, please wait!¡± The elder came out from behind the counter and called out to Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± Liu Wuxie asked. The hall was quiet, with everyone having retired for the night. After all, who woulde here to refine pills at night?


    ¡°Someone asked me to deliver a message to you to be cautious when you¡¯re outside,¡± the elder ryed before turning to leave.


    Just as Liu Wuxie was about to inquire about the person who had sent the message, the elder closed the doors, leaving him with no choice but to let it go.


    ¡°Could it be Zuo Hong?¡± Liu Wuxie pondered, shaking his head. Zuo Hong wasn¡¯t aware that he hade to refine pills. But then, who could it be? It certainly couldn¡¯t be Song Ling. Among the students, he only knew Zuo Hong and Chen Leyao.


    However, Liu Wuxie soon dismissed these thoughts, deciding to face whatever came his way. He headed back towards his courtyard. It waste at night, and few people were on the road.


    Nestled against a mountain, the Imperial Academy was surrounded by trees and slopes. Patches of small, untouched woods were scattered throughout, a testament to the academy¡¯smitment to preserving the original environment during its construction.


    After ingesting the Soul Refining Pill, Liu Wuxie¡¯s spiritual sense had significantly amplified, enabling him to perceive everything urring within a radius of one hundred fifty meters.


    Suddenly, Liu Wuxie¡¯s ears twitched, and a cold smirk spread across his lips. As he had anticipated, someone was tailing him. Given that he had just emerged from seclusion, it was clear that this person must have been lying in wait for him.


    Intentionally taking a detour, Liu Wuxie ventured into a small, dimly lit grove. Two swift swooshing sounds echoed in the darkness, quickly materializing before Liu Wuxie.


    As his eyes adjusted to the darkness, Liu Wuxie could discern two vague figures in the faint light. Two young men were blocking his path. Strangely enough, they appeared to be identical.


    ¡°Are you both here to assassinate me?¡± Liu Wuxie cut straight to the chase. Theirte-night encampment was hardly an invitation for a social call. Their palpable, murderous aura had already provided him with the answer.


    ¡°That¡¯s right!¡± The two were straightforward with their intentions, admitting that they were there to kill him. The two wielded their swords in different hands, and they were twins who practiced the Left-Right Sword Art. Thisbination technique allowed two people to coordinate seamlessly in their attacks.


    ¡°Did Ji Yang send you?¡± Liu Wuxie, his face devoid of emotion, quickly deduced their patron. The Xue n was likely plotting a fatal strike against him, and they wouldn¡¯t waste their time sending such low-level operatives.


    ¡°A dead man does not need such information. Your time ends now!¡± Bo Yi¡¯s sword emitted a powerful beam, cleaving through the darkness and bearing down on Liu Wuxie. Bo Er¡¯s attack swiftly followed, their strikes tracing aplex path. Their coordination was wless; this was Liu Wuxie¡¯s first encounter with such a tactic.


    The twins were in sync, their hearts connected, enabling them to cover each other¡¯s weaknesses in their attacks. Their sword technique was custom-designed for their unique bond.


    Striding the Seven Dipper Steps, Liu Wuxie dodged an iing attack as two trees blew apart under the sword aura. When the first strike failed, the second strike soon followed. The attacks were continuous and unending, like a tidal wave. Over the years, there hadn¡¯t been anyone capable of withstanding ten attacks from these brothers.


    The twins might not be in the Profound Grade¡¯s elite ss, but they weren¡¯t someone to be underestimated as they had significant fame.


    Liu Wuxie nimbly dodged their attacks, each one barely grazing his clothes but failing to inflict any harm. This gradual failure began to erode the twins¡¯ patience, fueling their anger.


    Their attacks became more frequent, trapping Liu Wuxie in the middle and shrinking his evasion space. If Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t fight back, he would surely fall to their des.


    After consuming the Bone Refining Pill, Liu Wuxie still needed time to adapt to his changes. With such a great and sudden boost in his physique, Liu Wuxie used the two brothers¡¯ relentless attacks to digest the energy of the pill in his body.

 Chapter 150 - Ninth Level of the Xiantian Realm

    <h4>Chapter 150 - Ninth Level of the Xiantian Realm</h4>


    Under the suppression of the two brothers, the energy of the Bone Refining Pill that covered Liu Wuxie¡¯s skeleton gradually prated the marrow. His physique gradually strengthened, and he reached the point where he could kill someone in the high levels of the Spirit Cleansing Realm with one punch.


    Despite enduring hundreds of attacks that left the surrounding forest in disarray, Liu Wuxie remained unscathed. This only served to heighten the twins¡¯ growing impatience.


    ¡°Brother, this brat is too slippery. He¡¯s been evading us for too long using his movement technique. Let¡¯s use our most powerful attack!¡± Losing patience, Bo Er swung his sword, which mirrored the grace of a crane spreading its wings. Using a tree branch as a springboard, heunched a direct assault on Liu Wuxie¡¯s head.


    ¡°Agreed!¡± Bo Yi disappeared, burrowing into the ground, which shocked Liu Wuxie. This was the first time he had seen someone using a ground burrowing technique in a battle.


    The elder twin, Bo Yi, had mastered the properties of the earth and developed a technique to manipte it. On the other hand, the younger twin, Bo Er, hadprehended the characteristics of the wind, enabling him to hover and glide in the air briefly.


    The twins were extraordinary, and it was no wonder Ji Yang sent them, believing it would be hard for Liu Wuxie to defend against their unpredictable attacks even if he was strong.


    ¡°What pitiful tricks!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s lips rose into a smirk. He was more or less done with tempering his physique and didn¡¯t want to waste any more time with the twins. Drawing his de, Liu Wuxie executed Ghost Eye and could see every single movement of the two brothers.


    In an abrupt move, Liu Wuxie swung his de downward, causing blood to spray into the air as a head was severed. The de had found its mark on Bo Yi¡¯s neck, staining the ground red with his blood before he could evenunch his attack.


    ¡°Brother!¡± Bo Er¡¯s scream echoed through the night, filled with anguish. He lunged at Liu Wuxie, ready to risk everything in a desperate attempt to avenge his fallen brother.


    A powerful sword aura tore apart the surrounding trees, expelling the darkness and allowing moonlight to illuminate the surroundings.


    ¡°You¡¯re courting death!¡± Liu Wuxie retorted, unleashing a fierce de aura that tore through the sword aura.


    Bo Er momentarily froze in mid-air before being cleaved in two, his blood sttering onto the ground to join his brother¡¯s. His eyes, filled with unending hatred, gradually lost their light.


    After securing the twins¡¯ interspatial pouches, Liu Wuxie wasted no time and returned to his courtyard. Upon entering his courtyard, he activated the spiritual array, isting his courtyard from the outside world.


    ¡°Let¡¯s see if you can help me reach the ninth level of the Xiantian Realm!¡± Liu Wuxie dered, pulling out three types of pills¡ªBone Refining, Marrow Cleansing, and Soul Refining. After spending ten days in the me Sun Cave, he had amassed over two thousand units of liquid in the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron. Coupled with the pills, this should be sufficient for him to ascend to the ninth level of the Xiantian Realm.


    A vortex formed around Liu Wuxie as he circted the Deste Devouring Art, consuming half of the spiritual energy above the Imperial Academy. Upon ingesting the three pills, he experienced an intense pain, as if his meridians were being ripped apart.


    The Marrow Refining Pill felt like a fireball burrowing into his meridians, forcibly trying to strengthen his blood. The excruciating pain from this process wasn¡¯t something bearable for ordinary people.


    A deep roar came from Liu Wuxie¡¯s mouth. But due to the spiritual array, the roar was trapped in the courtyard. His expression became ferocious, with each vein and bone being tempered repeatedly.


    ¡°I can bear it!¡± Liu Wuxie said, gritting his teeth. He had the will of an Immortal Emperor, and this pain was nothing to him. It wasn¡¯t enough to make him crumble.


    At the same time, impurities flowed out from his pores. He had worked hard to temper his physique in the past few months. But this time, his entire body was undergoing aplete transformation. The stronger his physique, the higher his future achievement would be. It was something that the will of an Immortal Emperor couldn¡¯t provide for him.


    His soul sea also felt like it was being torn apart. After consuming three Soul Refining Pills, the energy from the three pills was like a powerful gale, broadening up his soul sea. The soul sea was like dantian, with the size fixed at birth.


    However, Liu Wuxie¡¯s soul sea was different from others. His soul sea was golden, something he had never heard before. As his soul sea began to expand, this soul energy that was initially dense became thinner. It looked like his soul energy had weakened, but that was the opposite.


    The pain continued for an entire day and night before it gradually subsided. Liu Wuxie¡¯s spiritual sense gradually sank into his body, and the runes covering the surface of his skeleton looked like ayer of membrane protecting it. The blood in his veins felt like flowing magma, with each impact causing a rumbling sound.


    When his consciousness entered his soul sea, he discovered that the scale of his soul sea had increased by one-fold. The golden threads became sparse as they dispersed around in his soul sea. But as he continued cultivating, the golden threads would be dense again.


    His bottleneck also began to shake like a galloping wild horse.


    ¡°Time for my breakthrough!¡± The two thousand droplets from the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron poured out, filling the barren world within his dantian. As a rumbling sound emanated from his dantian, the world within began to expand and stretch. A faint crystalline barrier also materialized around this barren world, making it increasingly resemble aplete world.


    The Origin Yang Pills also melted into a liquid form, further filling his dantian. In an instant, he had consumed over five hundred Origin Yang Pills, a rate that would be intolerable even for someone in the Marrow Cleansing Realm. But that wasn¡¯t all. Liu Wuxie took out ten spirit stones, cing them in his palm. Dense spiritual liquid flowed from the stones, seeping into his body through his pores.


    ¡°This feels incredible!¡± As Liu Wuxie¡¯s cultivation began to rise, he soon broke through his bottleneck, reaching the eighth-level Xiantian Realm and heading straight for the ninth-level Xiantian Realm. Upon his breakthrough, a powerful storm erupted from his surroundings, surging from his pores and sweeping across the area.


    The furniture in the room began to creak before it was reduced to dust by the shockwave. This shocked Liu Wuxie, who couldn¡¯t believe this was the power in the ninth-level Xiantian Realm.


    The Deste Devouring Art was like a beast, devouring all the spiritual liquid formed in the sky. In the next moment, this rmed the entire Imperial Academy.


    ¡°What¡¯s happening? Where has all the spiritual energy gone?¡± Immersed in their cultivation, numerous students opened their eyes as they sensed the thinning of the surrounding spiritual energy. They emerged from their rooms one by one; their gazes turned skyward in confusion.


    ¡°Holy shit, the spiritual energy is all heading towards the Earth Grade district!¡± A Heaven Grade student muttered to himself, bewildered by the individual capable of consuming such vast amounts of spiritual energy. He wondered if that person wasn¡¯t afraid of bursting from ingesting so much spiritual energy.


    Everyone spent the night in uneasiness. After all, the exhaustion of spiritual energy wasn¡¯t a good sign. But fortunately, the disappearance of the spiritual energy gradually stopped after daybreak, and the surrounding spiritual energy was gradually restored.


    Over the next two days, Liu Wuxie stayed in his courtyard to stabilize his cultivation. He gradually stopped after consuming five each of Bone Refining Pills, Marrow Refining Pills, and Soul Refining Pills. His cultivation was stuck at the pinnacle of the ninth-level Xiantian Realm, and any more progress became difficult.


    When knocking sounds echoed from outside, Liu Wuxie opened his eyes. A terrifying light shed in his eyes, producing a buzzing sound in the courtyard as the trees began to sway without wind.


    Li Shengsheng had been waiting outside for a while, and he had just sensed a threat to his life, prompting him to step back.


    Gathering himself and suppressing his aura to the eighth level of the Xiantian Realm, Liu Wuxie emerged and opened the door to find Li Shengsheng standing there.


    ¡°Junior Brother, the banquet is about to begin. Freshen up; we¡¯ll be leaving soon!¡± Li Shengsheng stated his purpose outright. The end-of-year banquet was always a lively affair, with various ssespeting against each other.


    ¡°Alright!¡± Liu Wuxie returned to his room. He was covered with ayer of impurities because of his breakthrough. He cleaned himself and changed into a set of new clothes before exiting the room.


    Li Shengsheng¡¯s mouth dropped when he saw Liu Wuxie again. He teased, ¡°Junior Brother Liu, I¡¯m afraid you¡¯ll charm many junior sisters if you go out with that face of yours.¡±


    Liu Wuxie was handsome, with defined eyebrows and clear pupils. Combined with his tall figure, this made him stand out among the crowd, like a crane among a flock of chickens. He had undergone aplete transformation; those were the only words to describe the current Liu Wuxie.


    The Bone Refining Pills, Marrow Refining Pills, and Soul Refining Pills had transformed his body entirely, making it perfect. His skin was smooth and delicate, which could make any woman jealous.


    Song Ling and the other students from the advanced ss seven had already left for the banquet. Engrossed in his breakthrough, Liu Wuxie would havepletely forgotten about the event without Li Shengsheng¡¯s timely reminder.


    ¡°Senior Brother Li, what are the usual arrangements for these banquets?¡± Liu Wuxie inquired. He was new to the academy and unfamiliar with the annual end-of-year banquet.


    ¡°The banquet primarily involves academic exchanges in martial techniques, alchemy, cksmithing, and spiritual arrays. If you prefer not to participate, you can simply observe. Our Advanced ss Seven typically prefers to keep a low profile,¡± Li Shengsheng exined. The event was akin to a year-end assessment.


    Since the academy didn¡¯t have a ranking system, the banquet allowed everyone to make a name for themselves.


    ¡°Junior Brother, you need to be wary of a few individuals. I¡¯ve heard that the Xue n has set their sights on you for this banquet. However, as long as you ignore them, they won¡¯t be able to touch you,¡± Li Shengsheng cautioned in a hushed tone. It was no secret in the academy that the Xue n nned to use this opportunity to eliminate Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie nodded in understanding. He knew that the Xue n wouldn¡¯t allow him to continue growing and would do everything possible to eliminate him.


    The banquet venue was located at the martial arts field in the academy. The field was vast and could amodate tens of thousands of people. The ce was brightly lit, with everyone waiting. The field was separated into three regions for Earth, Profound, and Heaven Grade students.


    Each region was further subdivided into smaller regions for the elite, advanced, and ordinary sses. The advanced ss seven had the fewest people. Even with Liu Wuxie and Song Ling included, they only had ten people.


    The scene was bustling from a distance, with numerous individuals taking to the arena to disy their skills and prowess. The martial arts field housed several arenas. The banquet was more than just an academic exchange and sparring session among students.


    ¡°Hold on, Young Master Liu!¡± A figure emerged from the nearby woods, obstructing Liu Wuxie¡¯s path.


    ¡°Lady Chen!¡± Chen Leyao appeared to have been waiting for some time.


    ¡°Young Master Liu, you must be careful of the Xue n. They have sent many experts to challenge you at the banquet until they kill you.¡± Chen Leyao, being of royal lineage, had her own sources of information. Having been in the academy for several years, she was well-connected. Upon hearing about the Xue n¡¯s intentions, she promptly sought out Liu Wuxie to warn him.


    ¡°Your information is much appreciated, Lady Chen!¡± Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t need to specte that she had likely alerted the elder in the Alchemy Hall to caution him. After all, he had previously rescued her from Xue Baisheng, which meant she was indebted to him.

 Chapter 151 - Conflict

    <h4>Chapter 151 - Conflict</h4>


    Liu Wuxie remained indifferent and unaffected upon hearing the news.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you worried at all?¡± Chen Leyao asked, stomping her foot in frustration. She hade to warn Liu Wuxie out of goodwill, but he seemed nonchnt.


    ¡°Does worrying solve anything?¡± Liu Wuxie responded with a smile, appreciative of Chen Leyao¡¯s warning.


    The three fell into silence. What Liu Wuxie said was right: worrying wouldn¡¯t resolve the issue. He had to rely on himself to navigate this crisis. If the Xue n dared to make a move against him in the academy, he would just kill whoever came at him.


    He made a deration that he would eradicate every member of the Xue n within a year, and it wouldmence on that day. Once he finished, he walked through the crowd towards the martial arts field, where everyone was gathered. Apart from the arenas, there were several unusual setups on the field that Liu Wuxie had never encountered before.


    ¡°That¡¯s the Solitary Pir meant for practicing movement techniques. Many students who are confident in their movement techniques love to challenge themselves there,¡± Li Shengsheng introduced as they walked, soon arriving at where the Advanced ss Seven was.


    ¡°This is our region. Who do you all think you are to upy it?!¡± Before they even squeezed in, there was amotion up aheading from the Advanced ss Seven¡¯s region.


    Liu Wuxie and Li Shengsheng quickened their pace to see two groups confronting each other, a fight seeming imminent.


    ¡°Advanced ss Seven only has a few people, and you all want to upy such arge area? Our Advanced ss Six has fifty-odd people. So what if we¡¯re taking up your area?¡± The one confronting Advanced ss Seven was from Advanced ss Six, whose numbers far exceeded that of Advanced ss Seven.


    The number of students in each ss typically ranged from fifty to seventy, but Advanced ss Seven was an exception.


    ¡°We have already given up a small portion of the space to you all. You all are pushing it, wanting to upy all of Advanced ss Seven¡¯s region!¡± a student belonging to Advanced ss Seven said furiously. Even though they had already given up a significant amount of space to Advanced ss Six, thetter was unsatisfied and wanted more.


    ¡°Your Advanced ss Seven doesn¡¯t seem to care about this space anyway. Why not let us have it? You all can make do with a single table.¡± As soon as these words were spoken, a wave ofughter swept through the crowd. Advanced ss Seven was notorious for itsck of organization. Their teacher might not even make an appearance for months at a time.


    Most of those who opted for Advanced ss Seven, like Liu Wuxie, did so in pursuit of freedom.


    ¡°Dan Zhong, you¡¯re pushing it too far!¡± Zhao Cheng stood up, his tall figure visible from a distance.


    Li Shengsheng and Zhao Cheng were responsible for most of the affairs of Advanced ss Seven. As seniors in the ss, both at the pinnacle of the Xiantian Realm, they held high positions.


    Dan Zhong was an outstanding student from Advanced ss Six. In recent years, the ranking of Advanced ss Six had been on the rise, nearly rivaling the elite ss.


    ¡°You¡¯re right. So what if I¡¯m pushing it? Leave, or don¡¯t me me for being rude!¡± A powerful Spirit Cleansing Realm aura swept out, suppressing the eight students from Advanced ss Seven.


    ¡°Get lost! You all are an embarrassment in the academy, wasting the academy¡¯s resources.¡± Students from ordinary sses stepped forward to back up Dan Zhong.


    Advanced ss Three students enjoyed seeing Advanced ss Seven in distress. They hadn¡¯t even stepped in, and Advanced ss Six had already helped them deal with Advanced ss Seven.


    ¡°Want a fight? You think I¡¯m scared?¡± A burly man from Advanced ss Seven stepped forward, brandishing arge hammer in his right hand. His towering physique and fiery temper were evident. As he stepped forward, his ssmates from Advanced ss Seven followed suit. They were prepared for a confrontation with Advanced ss Six, and there wasn¡¯t a single coward among them.


    ¡°Chen Qilin, do you think your innate divine strength is enough to face me? Since you¡¯ve dared to step forward, be prepared to meet your end!¡± Dan Zhong retorted,unching a punch at Chen Qilin.


    Chen Qilin was a giant of a man, standing three meters tall and weighing one hundred fifty kilograms. He had been able to lift two hundred fifty kilograms since he was three years old. His birth was aborious process that took his mother three days and nights due to his massive size.


    His enormous appetite was such that his family couldn¡¯t afford to feed him. This was the reason he was sent to the Imperial Academy to cultivate at the age of eighteen.


    Therge hammer in his hand weighed five hundred kilograms and would produce a whooshing sound just from swinging it. If the hammernded on someone, it would turn them into minced meat. With his formidable physique, those at the lower levels of the Spirit Cleansing Realm were powerless against him.


    Zhao Cheng wanted to stop Chen Qilin, but it was toote as he knew Chen Qilin¡¯s fiery temper. The overbearing attitude of Advanced ss Six was intolerable, prompting Chen Qilin to step forward and swing his hammer.


    ¡°Everyone, let¡¯s go!¡± Although Advanced ss Seven had fewer members, they were united. Despite their infrequent interactions, they shared a strong bond. As the saying goes, birds of a feather flock together.


    With a swing of his hammer, Chen Qilin sent Dan Zhong flying backward. The confrontation was evenly matched, considering one was at the ninth level of the Xiantian Realm and the other at the first level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm.


    Everyone from Advanced ss Six stood up and surrounded the eight from Advanced ss Seven. They rubbed their hands together in anticipation of the impending fight.


    Being forced back by someone in the Xiantian Realm made Dan Zhong feel humiliated and enraged. He stepped forth, unleashing an even more powerful shockwave at Chen Qilin. A de also appeared in his hand as he roared, ¡°I want you dead!¡±


    His de was directed at Chen Qilin¡¯s neck. He was vicious, wanting to kill Chen Qilin.


    When Li Shengsheng and Liu Wuxie tried to squeeze their way through the crowd, the roar startled the entire field.


    ¡°This is bad. Chen Qilin is in danger!¡± Li Shengsheng, realizing the gravity of the situation, tried to push his way through the crowd. He was well aware of Chen Qilin¡¯s capabilities. While Chen Qilin could easily handle an opponent at the ninth level of the Xiantian Realm, he would be at a disadvantage against someone in the Spirit Cleansing Realm.


    The students of Advanced ss Seven seemed like a solitary raft about to be swallowed by a wave known as Advanced ss Six.


    Suddenly, a figure leaped into the air, stepping on the heads of the crowd, and charged towards Advanced ss Seven.


    ¡°Who stepped on my head!¡± The spectators began to grumble as they felt the pressure of someone stepping on their heads.


    As Dan Zhong¡¯s de neared Chen Qilin, the tension escted. Such confrontations weremonce in the academy, often serving as the main event of the banquet. However, a sh between these two specific sses was unprecedented.


    Chen Qilin found himself cornered, unable to evade the iing attack due to the surrounding crowd. If he retreated, he risked colliding with another student from Advanced ss Seven while Dan Zhong was closing in on him.


    Even if the de couldn¡¯t pierce through Chen Qilin¡¯s neck, it was enough to inflict heavy injuries. But in the critical moment, a figure descended from the sky just when the de was about to reach him.


    Sparks flew as Dan Zhong was sent flying away, drawing an arc in the sky before smashing into the Advanced ss Six region. Dan Zhong¡¯s body crackled with energy, a sign that Liu Wuxie had held back his full strength, or else Dan Zhong would have been reduced to a lifeless form.


    In the critical moment, Liu Wuxie had made his move. He couldn¡¯t stand idle and watch fellow students of Advanced ss Seven being bullied. As a member of this ss, his duty was to uphold their honor.


    Chen Qilin was dumbfounded. He was prepared to suffer injury, but someone unexpectedly blocked Dan Zhong¡¯s attack.


    As Liu Wuxie touched down, the faces around him were mostly unfamiliar, with the exceptions of Song Ling and Zhao Cheng. Li Shengsheng managed to squeeze through the crowd, sighing in relief upon seeing that no one was injured.


    ¡°Junior Brother Liu, allow me to introduce you. These are fellow students of our Advanced ss Seven.¡± Liu Wuxie had just joined the Imperial Academy and hadn¡¯t even attended Advanced ss Seven.


    When everyone heard that Liu Wuxie was also a student of Advanced ss Seven, they gathered around curiously. They were already familiar with Song Ling, but they weren¡¯t familiar with Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°I heard that a formidable figure joined our Advanced ss Seven, who killed twenty people from Advanced ss Three. We haven¡¯t had a chance to meet until today, and I must say, you¡¯re quite impressive!¡± Wang Yonghao stepped forth. He had azy personality, and it was no wonder he chose Advanced ss Seven.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s forehead creased with wrinkles. He hadn¡¯t expected that his reputation had already begun to spread within Advanced ss Seven.


    ¡°Meet Wang Yonghao, Shi Tiansheng, Shangguan Liang, Yu Chijing, Feng Linlin, and Chen Qilin!¡± Li Shengsheng introduced the group.


    In addition to Liu Wuxie, Zhao Cheng, Li Shengsheng, and Song Ling, all members of Advanced ss Seven were present. Feng Linlin was the only female student of the same age as Chen Leyao.


    Those whose names were called out stepped forward and greeted Liu Wuxie by cupping their fists. There was no need to introduce Liu Wuxie as they had already heard about him.


    ¡°Thank you for helping earlier!¡± Chen Qilin thanked Liu Wuxie in a booming voice, gently patting his shoulder. Given Chen Qilin¡¯s towering stature of over three meters, Liu Wuxie appeared childlike inparison.


    ¡°You¡¯re wee. Greetings, fellow senior brothers and sisters!¡± Liu Wuxie cupped his fists together politely while he greeted everyone.


    Despite his initial concerns about fitting in with the other students of Advanced ss Seven, Liu Wuxie found that his worries were unfounded. His interactions with everyone were smooth, and he had a positive impression of them all, as there was no deceit among them. This was one of the advantages of Advanced ss Seven¡ªthe absence of internal disputes.


    Students of other sses often had internal disputes over resources, but Advanced ss Seven didn¡¯t have that issue.


    ¡°Who attacked me earlier? Step out!¡± Dan Zhong rose from the ground. His face twisted into a fierce snarl as he bellowed at Advanced ss Seven. He hadn¡¯t seen who had sent him flying. His lips bore traces of blood, and he had identally lost two teeth in the fall.


    The students of Advanced ss Seven ceased their chatter and formed a line, arranging themselves in a semi-circle with Liu Wuxie at the forefront. Unbeknownst to all, Liu Wuxie had be the core of Advanced ss Seven due to his formidable reputation, and everyone had been eager to meet him for quite some time.


    This was particrly true after Liu Wuxie had seemingly appeared out of nowhere and sent Dan Zhong flying with a single strike of his de. This act had only served to increase the admiration of the students of Advanced ss Seven towards him.


    When had Advanced ss Six ever suffered such a humiliation? The fifty or so students began to press closer to Advanced ss Seven, showing no signs of backing down today.


    ¡°Dan Zhong, the banquet hasn¡¯t begun yet. Do you want to make a move now?¡± Li Shengsheng stepped forward. He wasn¡¯t afraid of Dan Zhong but knew now wasn¡¯t the time to fight.


    ¡°You think you can attack me and get away with it? Brat, I¡¯ll make sure you die slowly!¡± Unaware of Liu Wuxie¡¯s identity, Dan Zhong slowly advanced, brandishing his de.

 Chapter 152 - Cripple Your Arms

    <h4>Chapter 152 - Cripple Your Arms</h4>


    Li Shengsheng and others stopped chatting as they turned to look at Liu Wuxie, waiting for his instruction.


    Standing before Dan Zhong, the students of Advanced ss Six wore malicious smiles. They had heard tales of a formidable prodigy joining Advanced ss Seven, but uponying eyes on Liu Wuxie, they found him to be nothing special.


    Liu Wuxie had masked his cultivation at the eighth level of the Xiantian Realm, appearing unremarkable and seemingly inferior to Li Shengsheng and others. Only a few people knew about his actual fighting prowess. After all, his feat of killing Ji Yang¡¯sckeys with one de strike was known only to a small circle, and many people were still unaware of it.


    ¡°Are you sure you want to make a move here?¡± Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t want any trouble. He was there mainly to observe without being involved in any conflicts. But since Dan Zhong was so aggressive, he didn¡¯t mind teaching him a lesson to make an example out of him as a deterrent to others.


    ¡°You broke two teeth of mine, and in return, I¡¯ll cripple your arms. That seems fair, right?¡± Dan Zhong stood five steps away from Liu Wuxie with mes enveloping his de, emitting a terrifying fire attribute.


    ¡°Cripple him and make him a dog!¡± Students of Advanced ss Six echoed, joining in the mor. They even suggested crippling Liu Wuxie¡¯s cultivation. They all looked at Liu Wuxie like he was already a dead man, their faces filled with mockery.


    Not far away, the students of Advanced ss Three stood with hatred etched on their faces. After all, what had transpired in the past was a significant blow to them. Since then, Advanced ss Three had declined, with the remaining students being mediocre.


    ¡°Brat, you hear that? They want to turn you into a dog!¡± Dan Zhong sneered and swung his de at Liu Wuxie. He made his move without warning, not giving Liu Wuxie the chance to respond. Just this alone was enough to prove that he was a ruthless person.


    ¡°A mere fly dares to speak with such arrogance?¡± Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t be bothered to waste words on Dan Zhong. The de in his hand left behind an afterimage, its trajectory invisible to all. As he swung his de, the surrounding airflow seemed to halt, as if someone had sucked all the air from the vicinity.


    Only Liu Wuxie could manipte the naturalws of heaven and earth. He had already achieved unity with heaven and earth and needed further cultivation. He didn¡¯t even execute Ghost Eye, simply swinging his de downward.


    An unusual scene urred as Dan Zhong¡¯s de began to shatter, unable to bear the pressure of Liu Wuxie¡¯s de intent. A terrifying de aura formed into a prison that engulfed Dan Zhong, immobilizing him.


    At this moment, Dan Zhong felt his life hanging by a thread, a flicker of fear mirrored in his eyes. While others were oblivious, he could sense Liu Wuxie¡¯s ruthless suppression of his attack.


    ¡°Fire attribute? Not bad. I¡¯ll be taking it!¡± As the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron stirred, the surrounding fire attribute energy vanished into the cauldron, transforming into fresh energy and merging into his dantian.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on? Why isn¡¯t Dan Zhong moving?¡± Students of Advanced ss Six were baffled. The battle had just begun, but Dan Zhong seemed to be frozen in ce. Not to mention that Dan Zhong¡¯s de aura seemed to have disappeared as though it was devoured.


    Without warning, Liu Wuxie swung his de, resulting in two arms dropping to the ground, apanied by a blood-curdling scream.


    Dan Zhong found himself on his knees, everything having transpired too quickly for him to react. Before he knew it, Liu Wuxie¡¯s de was on his arms. It seemed as though he had willingly thrown himself onto Liu Wuxie¡¯s de. Everything appeared to be a coincidence, but there were few coincidences in reality.


    The surroundings fell into dead silence as everyone even forgot to breathe.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Students of Advanced ss Six were baffled, exchanging bewildered looks.


    ¡°Dan Zhong lost so thoroughly!¡± The crowd took in a deep breath. No one was willing to believe the oue that the battle hade to an end before it even began.


    No one could see what was happening besides those who were in close proximity. Only those ten-odd meters away could see the trajectory of Liu Wuxie¡¯s de.


    ¡°Brother, how confident are you in killing him?¡± Bai Qiong, who was roughly two hundred meters from where Liu Wuxie stood, asked. Despite being further away, he could clearly see what had happened as he was a Profound Grade student.


    ¡°Seventy percent!¡± dered Bai Yu with assurance. By the third day of his joining the Imperial Academy, his cultivation had seamlessly ascended to the second level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm. Assisted by his elder brother, he underwent rigorous training for several days, ultimately attaining the pinnacle of the second level.


    ¡°Good. I want you to kill him tonight!¡± Bai Qiong gritted his teeth, recalling how Liu Wuxie had called him a retard. However, it wasn¡¯t convenient for him to make a move against Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Big Brother, don¡¯t worry about it. He¡¯s mine tonight, and no one can snatch him away!¡± Bai Yu licked his lips. His hatred for Liu Wuxie had grown when he couldn¡¯t obtain the qualification to cultivate in the me Sun Cave.


    Liu Wuxie could sense murderous intenting from several regions. The banquet wouldst for a long time, and it was uncertain whether Liu Wuxie would survive until the end.


    ¡°This area belongs to my Advanced ss Seven. If anyone dares to take a step forward, don¡¯t me me for taking your life!¡± Liu Wuxie swung his de, drawing a line on the ground between the two sses. Not only did they retain their space, but they also seized a significant portion of the area belonging to Advanced ss Six.


    The students of Advanced ss Six were furious but didn¡¯t dare to say a word. Dan Zhong had failed, and no one dared to make a move recklessly.


    The space was spacious for Advanced ss Seven, who only had ten people.


    Advanced ss Seven immediately drew attention due to the vast space they upied, despite having only ten members. In contrast, even the elite sses were cramped and didn¡¯t enjoy such a privilege.


    ¡°Damn it! Should we give him a taste of his own medicine?!¡± A student from the elite ss couldn¡¯t contain his anger. Liu Wuxie¡¯s refusal to join the elite ss and mingle with them had indirectly insulted many.


    ¡°There¡¯s no hurry. We¡¯ll have plenty of opportunitiester!¡± Yu Yifan smiled, telling his ssmates to calm down. Countless people were eager to deal with Liu Wuxie tonight, and it wasn¡¯t their turn yet. In his opinion, Liu Wuxie would be dead before they could even make a move.


    When the ruckus ended, no one dared to challenge the Advanced ss Seven again as teachers began to arrive.


    ¡°Teacher, you¡¯re here!¡± A strong stench of alcohol permeated the air, signaling Jin Jianfeng¡¯s arrival even before he was seen. His disheveled appearance, sitting on the ground, was far from the typical image of a teacher. Yet, this was a sight everyone had grown ustomed to.


    ¡°Feel free to sit down!¡± Jin Jianfeng gestured, encouraging everyone to rx. Despite hisck of responsibility over the past two years as a teacher, it was strange that students like Li Shengsheng still respected him.


    ¡°Junior Brother, I bet you don¡¯t know about it. The teacher might not teach us that often, but no one in the academy canpete with him regarding protectiveness. Everyone in the academy knows that Dan Zhong would¡¯ve been a corpse if the teacher had been here earlier,¡± Wang Yonghao whispered.


    Liu Wuxie knew about that because if it weren¡¯t for Jin Jianfeng, it would¡¯ve been troublesome for Liu Wuxie when he killed so many students from Advanced ss Three.


    ¡°Good job, young man. I see great potential in you!¡± Jin Jianfeng said, slightly opening his alcohol-zed eyes to look at Liu Wuxie.


    <i>This person is unfathomable! </i>When their eyes met briefly, Liu Wuxie¡¯s heart skipped a beat. That was Liu Wuxie¡¯s first impression. Jin Jianfeng didn¡¯t look as simple as he seemed, but why was someone with such strength willing to be a first-ss teacher? He could be a star teacher based on his strength if he wanted.


    This left Liu Wuxie pondering about what led Jin Jianfeng to this path.


    A smile graced Jin Jianfeng¡¯s face. A single nce was enough for them to understand a lot about each other. He took a swig from his wine gourd, and his eyes sparkled even brighter.


    Liu Wuxie soon tossed this matter to the back of his mind as everyone had their own secrets.


    ¡°The annual banquet will soon begin as usual. Everyone, feel free to mingle and exchange moves among each other!¡± announced the elder in charge of the banquet before vanishing.


    <i>The banquet started just like that?!</i> Liu Wuxie was taken aback. Wasn¡¯t this too careless?


    However, that was the case every year. Everyone gathered together and did whatever they wanted without the academy interfering. There was no ranking orpetition. Instead, it was more like an academic exchange.


    After all, it was unavoidable for there to be students with feuds, and this was an excellent opportunity for them to resolve that.


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t think too much about it and looked around. Logically speaking, Xu Lingxue should also be attending this gathering, but he couldn¡¯t find her anywhere.


    In the blink of an eye, two hours had psed. As the frequency of challenges dwindled, a hush fell over the venue. It had transformed into an intimate forum where participants exchanged their cultivation insights.


    ¡°Advanced ss Seven¡¯s Liu Wuxie, I heard you have a formidable movement technique. Do you dare topete with me on the Solitary Pir?¡± A roar echoed, interrupting the conversation of many. When everyone raised their heads, they saw a student of the elite ss challenge Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Finally starting, huh?¡± Liu Wuxie slowly stood up and wore a cruel smirk. It seemed inevitable that there would be a bloodbath that night.


    In the highest region, a woman stood up, her gaze fixed on Liu Wuxie. When she saw Liu Wuxie, her delicate body trembled slightly. Her eyes held a mix of anticipation and an unusual emotion, akin to the joy one feels upon seeing a family member.


    Beside the woman sat a man dressed in white. He followed her gaze, which led him to Liu Wuxie in the area designated for Earth Grade students.


    ¡°Junior Sister Xu, what¡¯s the matter?¡± the white-clothed youth asked.


    ¡°Nothing!¡± The woman returned to her seat, looking distracted. The white-clothed man nced at Liu Wuxie discreetly before looking away.


    ¡°Junior Sister Xu, you know him?¡± If others were present, they would undoubtedly recognize this youth. He was Xiao Yanlong, the esteemed disciple of Vice-Headmaster Qin Li, and a Heaven Grade student who had reached the high levels of the Marrow Cleansing Realm at a young age.


    Aside from Fan Zhen, the Imperial Academy had two vice-headmasters, Baili Qing and Qin Li.


    Xiao Yanlong¡¯s eyes shed with a hint of chill. He had heard about Xu Lingxue and knew that Liu Wuxie was her husband.

 Chapter 153 - Solitary Pillar

    <h4>Chapter 153 - Solitary Pir</h4>


    The woman seated across from Xiao Yanlong was Xu Lingxue. She didn¡¯t answer Xiao Yanlong¡¯s question and looked at Liu Wuxie with a hint of concern, waiting for his reply. She had no idea if he would ept the challenge from the elite ss. If he refused, he would never be able to raise his head in the future, bing a target of mockery.


    ¡°Junior Brother Liu, don¡¯t agree to it. This person is Tao Wenbing. He practices a formidable movement technique and participates in the Solitary Pir every year. He has a good grasp of thending points, like the back of his hand. You¡¯ll be at a disadvantage if you were to face him.¡± Li Shengsheng stepped forward, hoping that Liu Wuxie would reconsider.


    Everyone from Advanced ss Seven nodded as this was an unfairpetition. Liu Wuxie had joined the academy less than a month ago and was still unfamiliar with many parts of the academy. So, it was reasonable for him to refuse the challenge.


    ¡°I ept your challenge!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s voice reached every corner of the venue. It was already toote for anyone to stop him, and the only thing they could do was cheer him on.


    ¡°Junior Brother, you have to be careful. Tao Wenbing hase prepared. So don¡¯t fall for their trap.¡± Zhao Cheng warned in a hushed tone. Given that Tao Wenbing was at the pinnacle of the Xiantian Realm and still dared to challenge, he must have some level of confidence.


    ¡°I appreciate your warnings!¡± Liu Wuxie responded, disappearing and reappearing in the region of the Solitary Pirs.


    The Solitary Pirs were different from ordinary pirs used to practice movement techniques. The height and cement of the pirs varied. Beneath the pirs were mud and poisonous thorns. They weren¡¯t ordinary pirs because they were dangerous. A careless misstep could lead to a fatal encounter with the poison.


    Tao Wenbing was already stationed on a pir, a frosty smirk ying at the corners of his mouth. He addressed Liu Wuxie, ¡°You¡¯re quite audacious, Liu Wuxie. I acknowledge your strength, but remember, this is a contest of movement technique, not weapons or martial arts. The first to reach the finish line wins. Are you in agreement with these terms?¡±


    Even a contender at the first level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm might not be a match for Liu Wuxie. Tao Wenbing, who was at the pinnacle of the Xiantian Realm, wouldn¡¯t have dared to challenge Liu Wuxie if he wasn¡¯t confident in his abilities.


    ¡°How despicable! If you two aren¡¯t allowed to use martial techniques, this won¡¯t be fair for Junior Brother Liu!¡± Li Shengsheng was furious because Tao Wenbing was tantly digging a trap for Liu Wuxie to jump in. If Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t use any martial techniques or weapons, he might as well let Liu Wuxiepete with him, having his limbs tied up.


    ¡°I support Senior Brother Tao. Since this is apetition between movement techniques, why should martial techniques or weapons be allowed?¡± Many echoed Tao Wenbing¡¯s sentiments, finding no fault in his argument. If martial arts and weapons were permitted, they might as well have chosen an arena for thepetition.


    Over fifty students from Advanced ss Six rallied behind Tao Wenbing. With Liu Wuxie having stepped forward, there was no turning back for him.


    ¡°Sure!¡± Liu Wuxie replied indifferently, ignoring the surrounding mockery. Nothing could cause a ripple in his heart.


    Tao Wenbing¡¯s smile grew wider after hearing Liu Wuxie¡¯s response. He sneered, ¡°The Solitary Pirs stretch seven hundred meters, and we¡¯ll rely on our ability to reach the end. If anything happens, no one will be held ountable!¡±


    This was tantamount to a death match. The Solitary Pirs were designed for practicing movement techniques, and fatalities were rare. However, today was different. The Solitary Pirs had been modified with poisonous thorns on the ground. This raises the question: Who could have altered the arrangement of the solitary pirs?


    The Xue n had gone to great lengths to eliminate Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie surveyed the three hundred and sixty pirs before him, each varying in size and irregrly ced. The furthest distance between the two pirs was five meters, necessitating a leap to traverse the gap.


    The surroundings gradually fell into silence as everyone held their breath, keen to observe every detail of this contest, hoping to glean valuable insights.


    ¡°Xue Rui, what are the odds of Tao Wenbing winning thispetition?¡± In the Profound Grade region, a group of Xue n disciples had congregated, their gazes fixed on Liu Wuxie with malevolent intent.


    ¡°Ny percent!¡± A murderous intent shed in Xue Rui¡¯s eyes. He had been unable to locate Liu Wuxie in the me Sun Cave, and all the individuals he had dispatched had vanished. It was likely that Liu Wuxie had killed them, but he had no proof.


    ¡°Young Master, please be reassured. This brat will die for sure!¡± Xue Pinzhi said to Xue Yu in a fawning tone. Xue Yu might not have a high cultivation and was barely in the first level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm, but he had a high status in the Xue n that even Xue Rui had to look up to him. After all, Xue Yu was the grandson of Xue Dingtian.


    Xue Yu clenched his teeth, the events of Azure Billow City still fresh in his memory, fueling his desire to crush Liu Wuxie. He had never experienced such disgrace before. However, the person he despised the most was the woman who had repeatedly rejected him.


    ¡°When this brat is dead, I¡¯ll have my grandfather assist me in proposing to Baili Qing for Xu Lingxue¡¯s hand!¡± Xue Yu was smitten with Xu Lingxue from the moment heid eyes on her. Her image distracted him, disrupting his sleep and appetite. While many had heard of Xu Lingxue¡¯s beauty, few had actually seen her.


    Liu Wuxie and Tao Wenbing positioned themselves at the starting line, waiting for the signal tomence. The first two hundred meters consisted of a hundred pirs, the next two hundred meters consisted of a hundred pirs, and the remaining pirs were located at thest few hundred meters.


    Executing Ghost Eye, eachnding point of the pir appeared in Liu Wuxie¡¯s mind as he quickly analyzed the perfectnding point.


    ¡°Start!¡±


    Like arrows released from a bow, Liu Wuxie and Tao Wenbing sprang forward. Tao Wenbing, having mastered a formidable agility technique, moved with a swift whooshing sound, with Liu Wuxie trailing close behind.


    As more pirs were in the first section, the two were evenly matched in speed. The pirs weren¡¯t arranged in a straight line. If it was someone who came for the first time, they might fall if they couldn¡¯t find thending point.


    Tao Wenbing had spent years on the Solitary Pirs, and he could find hisnding with his eyes closed.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie is bound to lose. I¡¯ve heard that Tao Wenbing has been practicing on the Solitary Pirs these past few days, and he knows them like the back of his hand.¡±


    As they picked up speed, Liu Wuxie and Tao Wenbing became mere blurs. Their afterimages flickered on the pirs. In a sh, they had covered a hundred meters and, at this pace, they could quickly reach the finish line. But things weren¡¯t as simple as they seemed.


    Suddenly, a swishing sound echoed, aimed at Liu Wuxie¡¯s legs. After the first hundred meters, the number of pirs diminished, meaning they had to share a pir to proceed.


    As Liu Wuxie was a step behind, Tao Wenbing seized this opportunity to attack Liu Wuxie¡¯s legs, hoping to send him plummeting into the mud below. The mud had many poisonous snakes and insects. Even if someone survived the fall, the snakes and insects were enough to tear down ayer of skin.


    Gasps of surprise rippled through the crowd as Tao Wenbing unexpectedlyunched a covert attack.


    Liu Wuxie was left with no room to evade; there was only one pir ahead, his solending point. Tao Wenbing had meticulously calcted his move, and if Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t dodge, his legs would be severely injured.


    ¡°This brat is finished!¡± Students of Advanced ss Six cheered upon seeing this scene.


    ¡°Kill him! Quick, kill him!¡± Students of Advanced ss Three and elite sses roared as though they could see Liu Wuxie falling into the mud beneath.


    This meant Liu Wuxie only had two choices. The first was to take a step back. But this meant that he would lose, making it harder for him to chase up Tao Wenbing. The second choice was to sh with Tao Wenbing head-on and see who was stronger.


    Tao Wenbing held the initiative, and Liu Wuxie¡¯s odds were low even if he seeded. They couldn¡¯t use weapons or martial techniques, so they could only sh head-on.


    Time was of the essence, and Liu Wuxie had little to spare for decision-making. He was already airborne, making a retreat unfeasible, and his right foot was on the verge of touching down on the pir.


    This elicited a malicious grin from Tao Wenbing, who abruptly amplified his force.


    Xu Lingxue clenched his fist tightly, growing even more concerned. Beside her, Xiao Yanlong¡¯s eyes shed with a hint of viciousness.


    However, a bizarre scene urred as Liu Wuxie spun mid-air before falling to the mud beneath.


    ¡°Haha! That brat gave up!¡± Everyone thought that Liu Wuxie would sh head-on, but they didn¡¯t expect him to dodge and choose to fall into the mud.


    Tao Wenbing was shocked, quickly recollecting himself after his kick missed. He changed tactics and soared to the sky, kicking the second pir before Liu Wuxie. This ensured that Liu Wuxie would fall even if he managed to leap up from the muddy ground.


    Everything happened in the blink of an eye. No one expected Tao Wenbing to be so despicable, severing Liu Wuxie¡¯s path.


    Li Shengsheng and the students of Advanced ss Seven were left gritting their teeth. They had underestimated the intensity of thepetition, not expecting Tao Wenbing to resort to such underhanded tactics to eliminate Liu Wuxie.


    As Liu Wuxie neared the mud, a pungent odor filled his nostrils. Hisnding point was destroyed by Tao Wenbing, but in a surprising turn of events, Liu Wuxie reached out to grab a pir, using it as a pivot to propel himself forward. This unexpected maneuver left the spectators in awe.


    ¡°What an exquisite movement technique!¡± Many people stood up from their seats, shocked by Liu Wuxie¡¯s movement technique. Regardless of whether they were friends or foes of Liu Wuxie, they couldn¡¯t help but marvel at his performance.


    With a 360¡ã rotation, Liu Wuxiended on the third pir and appeared before Tan Wenbing. Everything happened in the blink of an eye, and each movement was perfectly calcted. A single misstep could cost Liu Wuxie his life.


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t use any martial techniques or weapons, relying entirely on his agility.


    This enraged Tao Wenbing, who let out a deep roar andshed a kick on a pir with his left foot. The number of surrounding pirs began to decrease as they fell one after another, reducing Liu Wuxie¡¯s chances of winning.

 Chapter 154 - Shameless

    <h4>Chapter 154 - Shameless</h4>


    In a cunning move, Tao Wenbing demolished all the surrounding pirs, leaving only one for himself to stand on, thereby ensuring that Liu Wuxie would have no ce tond.


    However, Liu Wuxie calcted hisnding on the pir that was on the verge of sinking into the mud. He elegantly glided through the air for five meters beforending his right foot on the pir. His performance was devoid of any shy moves or potent martial techniques but was a pure demonstration of environmental control and meticulous attention to detail.


    This performance drew praise from the crowd.


    ¡°Brilliant! Brilliant! I didn¡¯t expect Junior Brother Liu¡¯s movement technique to be so brilliant!¡± Wang Yonghao and the other students of Advanced ss Seven apuded. Their hearts had been in their mouths earlier, filled with anxiety that Liu Wuxie might fall into the mud.


    But in a critical moment, Liu Wuxie turned the tables and returned to the pir.


    Xue Yu¡¯s eyes were terrifyingly cold. Just when they were about to celebrate, Liu Wuxie¡¯s return to the pir served as a stinging rebuke to the Xue n, plunging the surroundings into stunned silence.


    ¡°Not bad!¡± Tao Wenbing¡¯s eyes shed with a hint of seriousness. He lightly stepped on the pir and soared like a swallow, navigating through several pirs just a meter away from Liu Wuxie. There weren¡¯t many pirs in the surroundings, and each step would be difficult.


    Tao Wenbingunched himself into the air, rising three feet and aiming for a distant pir. His n was clear: if he could destroy the pir first, Liu Wuxie would lose his footing due to the dwindling number of pirs.


    The remaining pirs were few, and Tao Wenbing¡¯s strategy was ruthless. Unable to force Liu Wuxie into the mud, he resorted to demolishing the surrounding pirs to see how Liu Wuxie would keep up.


    The reality was brutal. The pirs were suitable for one person to practice, but the difficulty would increase with two people walking on the pirs simultaneously, not to mention that they had to be on guard against each other.


    ¡°Pitiful tricks!¡± Liu Wuxie scoffed. He ascended into the sky gracefully. Compared to Tao Wenbing, he was on apletely different level.


    ¡°Such a graceful form!¡± Many female disciples stood up with stars shining in their eyes.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s body was like a celestial crane stepping on the clouds. He performed a somersault four times in mid-air beforending on a pir.


    ¡°Show off!¡± Xu Lingxue muttered, but the concern in her eyes had decreasedpared to before.


    Tao Wenbing¡¯s face became cold. He had underestimated Liu Wuxie¡¯s movement technique. His Wind de Step was a profound-grade movement technique. There weren¡¯t many students in the Imperial Academy who had reached greater mastery in it. Having practiced it extensively, he hade to understand the characteristics of the wind, mastering this movement techniquepletely.


    Tao Wenbing¡¯s gaze became cold as he charged at Liu Wuxie, nning to put his life on the line. The Xue n had already warned him that if he failed to kill Liu Wuxie, he needn¡¯t bother returning.


    ¡°You¡¯re courting death!¡± Liu Wuxie retorted. He had initially thought that this was apetition between movement techniques, but it turned out that Tao Wenbing wanted to kill him.


    Tao Wenbing¡¯s legs were like two pincers, forming a scissor closing onto Liu Wuxie¡¯s neck. This proved that Tao Wenbing had trained his legs.


    There was no way to avoid the iing attack because Tao Wenbing had destroyed the surrounding pirs. However, that didn¡¯t mean Liu Wuxie was helpless. Exerting force with his right foot, Liu Wuxie soared to the sky, using his legs to sh with Tao Wenbing¡¯s legs.


    While Liu Wuxie hadn¡¯t specifically trained his lower body, it wasn¡¯t easy for Tao Wenbing to harm him using standard techniques. The two exchanged blows in mid-air, with Liu Wuxie choosing not to use his weapon and relying solely on his physical prowess. Had he chosen to use his de, Tao Wenbing would likely have been defeated already.


    As their feet collided, they were both sent flying backward. The pirs behind them exploded and shattered into pieces as they crashed into them. This further decreased the number of pirs in the surroundings.


    ¡°Die!¡± A cold light shed at Tao Wenbing¡¯s feet, aimed at Liu Wuxie¡¯s chest. It turned out that a weapon was hidden in Tao Wenbing¡¯s shoes, and this scene naturally shocked countless people.


    Liu Wuxie, hovering in the air, began to descend as no footing was avable. He would fall into the muddy ground below if he dodged the hidden weapon. The situation was bing increasingly perilous.


    Xiao Yanlong saw Xu Lingxue suddenly stand up and cover her mouth.


    Every member of Advanced ss Seven rose to their feet, their fists clenched in anger. They were appalled by Tao Wenbing¡¯s despicable tactics, never expecting someone to stoop so low.


    The surrounding pirs were destroyed, and Liu Wuxie was slightly over a meter from the muddy ground.


    Even afterunching the dart, Tao Wenbing didn¡¯t pause but continued thepetition, aiming for the finish line. His goal was not just to kill Liu Wuxie but to win with his movement technique, thereby tarnishing Liu Wuxie¡¯s reputation.


    ¡°Junior Brother Liu, rise!¡± The students of Advanced ss Seven roared, fearing that Liu Wuxie would die if he fell.


    Song Ling was visibly anxious, tears streaming down his cheeks unknowingly. Chen Leyao, too, was observing the situation from the Profound Grade area.


    ¡°Hahaha! This brat is finally done for!¡± The students of Advanced ss Sixughed and cheered at the sight.


    Over ten thousand students and hundreds of teachers quietly watched the development of this matter.


    Jin Jianfeng raised the gourd from his waist, taking a mouthful with a gleam shining in his eyes.


    Just as Liu Wuxie was mere inches from the muddy ground, a venomous snake lunged from the mud, aiming for his neck. The ground teemed with more snakes and insects, their hisses and chirps filling the air.


    Just when everyone had written off Liu Wuxie, the tide turned. Liu Wuxie¡¯s finger touched the muddy ground, and in the next instant, a sculpture materialized. He used it as a stepping stone, propelling himself upwards. The force of his leap sent a shockwave through the ground, exterminating the snakes and insects.


    ¡°This is...¡± Everyone was dumbfounded. But that wasn¡¯t the end, as Liu Wuxie used the sculpture as leverage and soared to the sky, climbing higher and higher. His movement technique, akin to scaling the clouds, required a surge of true essence for support. Once he regained his footing, he transformed into a streak of light, rapidly catching up to Tao Wenbing.


    ¡°What incredible speed!¡± The crowd erupted into an uproar. They had all assumed that Liu Wuxie was doomed, but he had unexpectedly conjured an ice sculpture to use as a foothold. It wouldn''t be considered a failure if he didn¡¯t fall into the muddy ground.


    A chilling wave of murderous intent radiated from Liu Wuxie, who was at the epicenter. Tao Wenbing was already a hundred meters away, making it nearly impossible for Liu Wuxie to catch up.


    Additionally, Tao Wenbing would destroy the pir behind him with each step he took, leaving no foothold for Liu Wuxie. This forced Liu Wuxie to hover in the air, relying solely on his true essence.


    ¡°Is he insane? Is he nning to use true essence to fly a hundred meters?¡± Heaven Grade students stood up. It was impressive enough for someone in the Xiantian Realm to stay airborne for three breaths, let alone hover in the air.


    Liu Wuxie had already traveled ten meters. Seeing this, many teachers stood up because they didn¡¯t know how Liu Wuxie managed to do it.


    ¡°It¡¯s not just because he has a powerful movement technique. It seems he has many secrets on him,¡± several teachers spected among themselves. They, too, could travel ten meters in the air and only a hundred meters if they were gliding from a higher altitude. However, covering a hundred meters horizontally in the air was deemed impossible.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s speed increased with his murderous intent growing. He had no intentions of letting Tao Wenbing off today.


    When Tao Wenbing turned around, he was terrified. He elerated his speed with the pirs behind him exploding.


    The students of Advanced ss Seven became nervous, hoping they could render help. Liu Wuxie had traveled thirty meters and still showed no signs of falling, leaving many people in disbelief.


    ¡°This is impossible! He¡¯s only in the Xiantian Realm! How can he possibly travel over thirty meters in the air?!¡± Xue Pinzhi stood up angrily.


    No one couldprehend this scene, regardless of their cultivation. But that was the reality, as Liu Wuxie was like an eagle soaring in the sky. His arms resembled wings as he tapped his foot in mid-air and left behind ripples, looking like he was walking on the water''s surface.


    ¡°Only a star teacher can control true essence to this degree!¡± a first-ss teacher said with disbelief. They realized that they had underestimated Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°If this kid manages to survive, his future will be unimaginable. No wonder he managed to cause the Nine Stars Illumination phenomenon. The purity of his true essence is unmatched among his peers in the academy.¡±


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s true essence was known to be nine times that of ordinary people, but only he knew that the true essence in his dantian wasn¡¯t merely nine times greater; it could even be as much as ny times!


    ¡°Tao Wenbing, you won¡¯t be able to escape!¡± Liu Wuxie increased his speed. He was like an agile swallow, while Tao Wenbing was like a clumsy bird. The destroyed pirs hadn¡¯t fallenpletely, allowing Liu Wuxie to use them as footing to increase his speed, bringing him closer, and he was only twenty meters away from Tao Wenbing.


    Tao Wenbing was closer to the endpoint. As long as he crossed it, he would still be the one who won thepetition.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie,e and catch me if you can!¡± Tao Wenbing gave it all out. He swung his right hand, throwing out darts at Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Shameless! How despicable!¡± Many students stood up to support Liu Wuxie. They had no grudge against Liu Wuxie and couldn¡¯t bear Tao Wenbing¡¯s shamelessness. What should have been a fairpetition had devolved into this.


    On the other hand, Liu Wuxie followed the rules. He didn¡¯t resort to any martial techniques or weapons, relying solely on his movement technique to outmaneuver Tao Wenbing.


    ¡°No one can escape if I decide to kill them, and I¡¯ll start my killing spree with you tonight!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s voice echoed throughout the venue. He wanted the Xue n to know he would slowly eliminate them that night. As soon as he finished speaking, he vanished, leaving everyone clueless about how he managed to do it.


    Striding the Seven Dipper Steps, Liu Wuxie took seven steps, closing his distance from Tao Wenbing.


    Tao Wenbing could already see the endpoint, and this brought a smile to his face. He would be safe in another two breaths.


    However, a sudden sense of impending danger overcame him, and he was filled with terror when he turned around.

 Chapter 155 - Terranean Sword Art

    <h4>Chapter 155 - Terranean Sword Art</h4>


    When the seven afterimagesbined, Liu Wuxie suddenly appeared mysteriously behind Tao Wenbing.


    ¡°What?!¡± Tao Wenbing eximed. They were over a hundred meters apart, and he couldn¡¯tprehend how Liu Wuxie caught up with him, especially when there weren¡¯t any pirs to use as footing.


    In pastpetitions, Tao Wenbing had defeated opponents in the Spirit Cleansing Realm, and his movement technique was superior to his peers. However, at this moment, Liu Wuxie¡¯s movement technique was like a resounding p to his face.


    ¡°He¡¯s too fast! How did he manage to do it?!¡± A series of exmations came from the crowd, shocked by Liu Wuxie¡¯s performance.


    Students of Advanced ss Six were shocked, their mouths agape, as though they had eaten poop. They struggled to see andprehend Liu Wuxie¡¯s Seven Dipper Steps. Liu Wuxie had long since mastered it, rendering a profound-grade movement technique insignificant inparison.


    When they were merely ten steps away from the finish line, Liu Wuxie positioned himself in Tao Wenbing¡¯s path. With Tao Wenbing having destroyed all the pirs behind him, there was no route for retreat, and Liu Wuxie blocked his way forward.


    Tao Wenbing found himself in a predicament, at a loss for what to do. After all, he was the one who had destroyed the pirs himself.


    Tao Wenbing gasped, ¡°How can you be so fast?!¡± He knew he was now at the mercy of Liu Wuxie¡¯s retaliation and couldn¡¯t help but smile bitterly. Everyone else was equally curious, particrly when Liu Wuxie created seven afterimages with his movement technique, a feat that surpassed everyone¡¯s understanding.


    ¡°Could it be that Liu Wuxie has mastered an earth-grade movement technique?¡± Movement and martial techniques were divided into heaven, earth, profound, and amber grades. Amber was the lowest, and heaven was the highest. Most people practiced amber and profound-grade techniques.


    The Imperial Academy did have earth-grade techniques, but they weren¡¯tplete. It was hard to find earth-grade techniques;plete earth-grade techniques could only be found in the powerful sects.


    Hailing from Azure Billow City, Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t have ess to any powerful forces. Knowing this, everyone wondered how he had managed to learn such a profound movement technique.


    Xu Lingxue was also puzzled. It had only been a few months since theirst encounter, and she found that Liu Wuxie had be an enigma to her.


    ¡°I have to get that movement technique no matter what!¡± Xue Rui said viciously. If he could obtain it, his strength would be greatly boosted, with hisbat power reaching near the high levels of the Spirit Cleansing Realm.


    Everyone had various thoughts, and Xue Rui wasn¡¯t the only person who wanted Liu Wuxie¡¯s movement technique. When they looked at Liu Wuxie, it was like they were looking at prey, eager to rush up and snatch the movement technique from him.


    In response to Tao Wenbing¡¯s question, Liu Wuxie merely smiled. ¡°A dead person doesn¡¯t have to know that.¡±


    As his footsteps swayed, he soared to the sky, leaving behind afterimages. He was more than ten times faster than Tao Wenbing.


    Tao Wenbing wanted to react, but it was toote. He stood frozen on the pir, immobilized by an invisible force.


    When the afterimages ovepped, Liu Wuxieshed a kick out at Tao Wenbing¡¯s chest, breaking his ribs. Tao Wenbing was sent flying like a broken kite, covering a distance of several meters before he began to fall. Hended in thest hundred meters, where the ground was strewn with poisonous thorns.


    When Tao Wenbingnded, the thorns pierced him, taking his life before he could even let out a scream.


    After defeating Tao Wenbing, Liu Wuxie remained stoic, swiftly moving to the final point. His superior movement technique had already secured his victory in this aspect of the battle.


    Upon reaching the tform, Liu Wuxie scanned his surroundings, his piercing gazending on Xue Yu from the Xue n. He lifted his right hand tauntingly, making it clear that their feud was now out in the open. His thumb slid across his neck, a signal that did not go unnoticed by the crowd.


    ¡°Is he insane to challenge the entire Xue n by himself?¡± Chen Leyoao was dumbfounded. She had repeatedly warned Liu Wuxie to be careful tonight. But the gesture Liu Wuxie made earlier had stirred the ho¡¯s nest with an uproar exploding from the Xue n¡¯s side.


    Xu Lingxue covered her mouth. She had long known about the feud between the Xue n and the Xu n. Xu Yilin had sent a letter not long ago but had concealed many things, such as Liu Wuxie killing someone in the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    ¡°Damn it! I want him dead!¡± Xue Yu stood up and waved his hand around to vent his anger. The Xue n was a colossus, and if they did nothing against the provocation of a small fly, it would be a stain on their reputation. They were deeply rooted in the Imperial Academy, but their foundation was shaken today.


    Li Shengsheng and others were dumbfounded, not knowing what was going on. After all, the gesture that Liu Wuxie made was something someone would do against an enemy.


    Zuo Hong wore a bitter expression in the crowd and couldn¡¯t express his emotions.


    ¡°Brother Liu is still as direct as before!¡± Kuang He saw things differently, believing that a man should be brave enough to express his emotions, to love and hate boldly.


    Liu Wuxie has be famous today.


    ¡°Let me go up and kill him!¡± Xue Pinzhi couldn¡¯t bear it any longer. He had smoothly reached the second level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm a few days ago and was confident in dealing with Liu Wuxie. He was about to act when another figure appeared in the arena.


    ¡°Brother Liu, I¡¯ve admired you since you topped the assessment. I¡¯d like to take this opportunity to spar with you,¡± Bai Yu announced, standing on the stage and releasing his first-level Spirit Cleansing Realm aura. His voice wasn¡¯t loud, but everyone heard it. He jumped out before anyone from the Xue n could step forward.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s gazended on Bai Yu. There was no existing feud between them, but Bai Yu¡¯s desire to kill him stemmed from his refusal to give up the me Sun Cave¡¯s entry qualification. He asked coldly, ¡°You want to kill me?¡±


    Someone in the Spirit Cleansing Realm wanted to spar with someone in the Xiantian Realm. No one would think of doing that unless they wanted to kill the other party.


    ¡°You can think of it that way!¡± Bai Yu openly acknowledged his intention to kill Liu Wuxie, leaving many in the crowd puzzled. They couldn¡¯t understand why Liu Wuxie was the target of so many people that day.


    ¡°I ept your challenge!¡± Liu Wuxie unmasked Bai Yu¡¯s motives. He began his slow march towards the arena, each step intensifying his aura of lethal intent, which enveloped him in a palpable, oppressive atmosphere.


    ¡°How many lives has he taken to possess such potent murderous intent?¡± The crowd was taken aback, their eyes fixed on Liu Wuxie, including the most seasoned among them. They had killed people before, but the number of people they had killed was nothingpared to Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s murderous intent wasn¡¯t something that could be condensed just by killing a few people. Only those who tracked a mountain of corpses and sea of blood could possess such dense murderous intent.


    Bai Yu¡¯s palms were sweating. He had never fought Liu Wuxie before, and their contact had only been verbal.


    ¡°Can Junior Brother Liu fight him?¡± Li Shengsheng believed in Liu Wuxie¡¯s strength. He knew that ordinary people in the Spirit Cleansing Realm weren¡¯t Liu Wuxie¡¯s opponents. However, Bai Yu¡¯s audacity in challenging Liu Wuxie suggested he had some level of confidence.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. Bai Yu is dead for sure!¡± Song Ling was not concerned about Liu Wuxie losing in a direct confrontation. He settled down, partaking in the prepared food and wine with the others.


    The other students from Advanced ss Seven weren¡¯t familiar with Liu Wuxie and had no gauge of his strength. Even after hearing what Song Ling said, a trace of concern appeared on their face inadvertently.


    Liu Wuxie took two minutes to walk the hundred-meter distance and finally appeared in the arena. The two stood ten meters apart, their hair fluttering from the breeze. There were a few hours left before the new year.


    ¡°Please!¡± Bai Yu performed a ¡®wee¡¯ gesture and drew out his sword.


    ¡°You only have one chance. Use your strongest move!¡± Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t willing to waste time fighting. He nned to end this farce in one move because garbage like Bai Yu wasn¡¯t worth his time. His target was someone like Xue Rui.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s deration caused a stir among the spectators. A youth stood up and pointed at Liu Wuxie, ¡°Brat, aren¡¯t you too arrogant?¡±


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s demand for Bai Yu, a practitioner in the Spirit Cleansing Realm, to use his full strength and his deration that Bai Yu only had one shot, naturally rubbed many the wrong way. They perceived him as overly arrogant.


    ¡°He¡¯s far too presumptuous! He might start thinking we¡¯re all easy targets if he isn¡¯t put in his ce!¡± Bai Qiong, who held some influence in the Imperial Academy, had rallied many to his side over the years. They rose to their feet, hurling insults at Liu Wuxie.


    Students who were close to the Xue n, as well as those from advanced sses six, three, and the elite sses, joined in the verbal assault on Liu Wuxie. It seemed as though they wanted to overwhelm Liu Wuxie with their harsh words.


    ¡°This brat is arrogant! I like him!¡± Some supported Liu Wuxie, and his arrogance was charming, attracting the respect of many. Since the enemies wanted to kill him, why must he be polite to them?


    He had already given them enough respect by not treating them coldly. If it were someone from the Xue n instead of Bai Yu, he would¡¯ve swung his de by now.


    ¡°Very well! Since that¡¯s the case, I¡¯ll fulfill your request!¡± Bai Yu smiled. He held onto the hilt of his sword with two hands, with a faint ripple brewing around him. A powerful sword aura enveloped half the sky when he gradually lifted his sword.


    ¡°That¡¯s the Terranean Sword Art!¡± An exmation came from the crowd. The spectators were taken aback to see Bai Yu practicing the profound-grade martial technique, the Terranean Sword Art. This sword technique had a high grade and was tough to cultivate. Without at least eight to ten years, reaching greater mastery was impossible.


    Judging from the sword aura that Bai Yu gave off, he had already reached lesser mastery with it. But Bai Yu had only joined the Imperial Academy for less than a month!


    ¡°His elder brother must have guided him. I¡¯ve heard that Bai Qiong also practices this sword technique.¡±


    Upon joining the academy, Bai Qiong spent credits to exchange this martial technique for his younger brother. Under his guidance, Bai Yu had improved by leaps and bounds, entering the threshold in just a few days.


    ¡°The Terranean Sword Art possesses the power of mountains and rivers. Liu Wuxie is in danger now. He might have stood a chance if he had struck first!¡± Not many were optimistic about Liu Wuxie. Didn¡¯t Liu Wuxie know the principle of taking the initiative first? Why did he ask Bai Yu to make a move first and use his strongest attack?


    A mocking smile rose on Liu Wuxie¡¯s lips. He didn¡¯t care about themotion in the surroundings as a de appeared in his hand. He hadn¡¯t had enough time to forge his weapon and nned to upgrade his de into a profound artifact after this banquet.

 Chapter 156 - Profound Artifact

    <h4>Chapter 156 - Profound Artifact</h4>


    Bai Yu¡¯s sword aura enveloped the arena. The Terranean Sword Art could mobilize the power of mountains and rivers. It might be a profound-grade martial technique, but it was undoubtedly in the top tier among profound-grade martial techniques.


    ¡°Fascinating!¡± Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t help but smile. The situation intrigued him, as he believed that killing a weak opponent would only tarnish his hands.


    Once Bai Yu¡¯s sword aura had formed, he swung his sword down, creating a burst of explosion in the air throughpressed air.


    ¡°What a powerful sword technique!¡± The students near the arena rose to their feet, not daring to blink for fear of missing a moment of this high-level battle.


    A heatwave, akin to a sweeping tidal wave, was generated by the rapid explosion. This was Bai Yu¡¯s strongest attack. He didn¡¯t hold back, and his true essence formed into a prison, trapping Liu Wuxie.


    Rumbling sounds could be heard as cracks began to appear around the arena. The blue bs on the ground exploded under the heatwave.


    Liu Wuxie, positioned at the edge of the arena, seemed on the brink of being consumed by the ensuing explosion. The moment Bai Yu swung his sword out, Bai Qiong loosened up his clenched fists with a smile. He believed that no one could survive under this de strike unless they were in the second level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm.


    ¡°That¡¯s too powerful! I can¡¯t even see the fight!¡± The nearby students rubbed their eyes. The arena was enveloped in ck clouds with a sword aura manifesting into a mountain. A mighty sword aura ripped a corner of the arena, exploding beside Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°What is that brat doing?! Why isn¡¯t he retaliating?¡± The crowd was perplexed, watching the approaching sword aura while Liu Wuxie remained motionless. When the sword aura got close, Liu Wuxie looked like he would be devoured by it the next moment.


    No one knew what Liu Wuxie was doing, but they didn¡¯t dare to blink their eyes.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, die!¡± Bai Yu emerged from the ck cloud, his sword aimed at Liu Wuxie¡¯s neck. He let out a maliciousugh as he covered the ten-meter distance in an instant.


    As the sword approached Liu Wuxie, the biting chill released by the sword tore apart a corner of Liu Wuxie¡¯s clothes. Suddenly, Liu Wuxie smiled, ¡°Someone like you wants to kill me?¡±


    Liu Wuxie raised his de, and no one could see how carefully he attacked. This was because Liu Wuxie¡¯s de technique had reached a deep and unfathomable height, making it impossible to follow the trajectory of his de. The surrounding sword aura ripped apart when he swung his de out.


    ¡°This...¡± The students close to the arena were shocked that they couldn¡¯t speak. After all, Liu Wuxie resolved Bai Yu¡¯s attack so easily.


    ¡°de intent! That¡¯s de intent!¡± A stifling de intent tore through the heavens, shredding all iing attacks. But the fact that Liu Wuxie hadprehended de intent at such a young age shocked everyone. After all, seeing such a genius in alchemy and martial path right before their eyes greatly impacted their hearts. They couldn¡¯t ept the fact that Liu Wuxie was so powerful.


    Bai Yu was so terrified that his face transformed. It was already toote for him to change his move as he could sense himself locked on by a terrifying de intent. It felt as though there was a de right above his head and would fall at any moment.


    The ck clouds dissipated as the rumbling noise in the arena subsided. Liu Wuxie¡¯s de technique blew the clouds away like a storm.


    ¡°Don¡¯t kill me!¡± Bai Yu was terrified. His sword dropped to the ground as he lost his will to fight. But in the next second, a de drew a beautiful arc, and his head flew to the sky with blood sshing in the air.


    The sight was so shocking that everyone forgot to breathe as they stared at the arena.


    Liu Wuxie had already exited the arena, leaving behind Bai Yu¡¯s headless body still standing in the arena while his head flew to the edge of the arena. All he did was use one attack to kill someone with a cultivation in the first level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm.


    ¡°What a powerful de technique!¡± Three breathster, everyone came to their senses and took a deep breath. Everyone¡¯s gazes changed when they looked at Liu Wuxie with both respect and fear.


    Xu Lingxue also had a hint of joy shing across her eyes. It turned out that Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t garbage but was stronger than everyone.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, hold it right there!¡± A roar interrupted Liu Wuxie. Liu Wuxie had barely left the arena and was heading towards Advanced ss Seven when he heard someone call out to him. Turning around, he saw a figure soaring from the area designated for Profound Grade students andnding in another arena.


    ¡°Xue Pinzhi, you¡¯ve finally appeared!¡± Liu Wuxie hadn¡¯t forgotten the numerous times Xue Pinzhi had tried to make things difficult for him during the assessment. Atst, an opportunity presented itself as Xue Pinzhi stepped forward just before Liu Wuxie officially issued a challenge to the Xue n.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, I¡¯ve long harbored the desire to end you, and you¡¯ve wished the same for me. Let us resolve this today!¡± Both of them were well aware of their mutual desire for the other¡¯s demise. This time, no one mocked Liu Wuxie because the fact that Liu Wuxie could kill someone in the first level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm was enough to win their respect.


    ¡°Great!¡± Liu Wuxie said indifferently. There was no overflow of murderous intent from him. He was eerily calm as he walked towards the arena.


    Bai Qiong had already carried Bai Yu¡¯s corpse off the arena. But before he left the arena, his eyes were red, wishing that he could charge into the arena and kill Liu Wuxie. But Xue Pinzhi was ahead of him, and he couldn¡¯t possibly chase Xue Pinzhi off the arena.


    When Liu Wuxie and Xue Pinzhi went on the stage, their murderous intent grew stronger as a longsword appeared in Xue Pinzhi¡¯s hand.


    ¡°A profound artifact!¡± When the longsword appeared, it drew an exmation from the surroundings. Although Xue Pinzhi was in the Spirit Cleansing Realm, only those in the high levels of the Spirit Cleansing Realm were qualified to forge profound artifacts. Alternatively, Xue Pinzhi might have used his academy credits to request the sword¡¯s forging.


    Liu Wuxie frowned at this sight. He had encountered spiritual weapons before, but this was his first time fighting someone with a profound artifact. His decked quality and would shatter if it shed with a profound artifact.


    Having wielded his de for several months, Liu Wuxie had developed an attachment to it. His victory over Bai Yu had initially frightened Xue Pinzhi. However, borrowing a profound artifact from Xue Rui had emboldened him. The artifact¡¯s inherent pressure boosted Xue Pinzhi¡¯s confidence, making him believe he stood a good chance against Liu Wuxie¡¯s formidable martial techniques, regardless of their power.


    ¡°This profound artifact is borrowed, right?¡± Liu Wuxie knew that Xue Pinzhi was only a branch descendant of the Xue n, and he couldn''t afford a profound artifact.


    Xue Pinzhi¡¯s face turned red after being exposed. But he had experienced Liu Wuxie¡¯s verbal attacks before and didn¡¯t want to waste time arguing with him. When he raised the longsword in his hand, it caused a faint ripple in the air. He said, ¡°Hmph! So what if it¡¯s borrowed? I can still kill you with it!¡±


    As anticipated, the profound artifact could amplify the true essence tenfoldpared to a spiritual artifact. Given the same circumstances, Xue Pinzhi would remain unbeaten with the profound artifact in his possession. His cultivation level was higher than Bai Yu¡¯s, cing him at the second level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm. Many spected that Liu Wuxie might not be able to withstand even a few of his moves.


    A biting chill swept through the arena, making their clothes flutter from the wind. But this time, Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t draw his sword.


    ¡°Come at me then!¡± Liu Wuxie said, intending to face Xue Pinzhi¡¯s sword bare-handed.


    ¡°Draw your weapon. I don¡¯t kill an unarmed person,¡± Xue Pinzhi retorted with a smirk. The sword in his hand flickered with the surrounding air, exploding as he held onto it.


    ¡°I don¡¯t need a weapon to kill someone like you!¡± Liu Wuxie shook his head. Weapons weren¡¯t necessarily required when it came to killing someone. Even a petal or leaf could be used to kill someone.


    ¡°Since that¡¯s the case, I¡¯ll fulfill your death wish!¡± Xue Pinzhi felt that the odds were on his side as he shot forward, swinging his sword down, producing a terrifying shockwave that swept out in the form of a storm.


    The profound artifact released an overwhelming aura, enveloping the entire arena in sword aura and giving Liu Wuxie no way to evade. He had sealed off all of Liu Wuxie¡¯s retreat paths. Without a weapon to defend himself, it wouldn¡¯t be easy for him to defeat Xue Pinzhi.


    Xu Lingxue frowned anxiously.


    ¡°Junior Sister Xu, are you worried about him? If necessary, I can help resolve their grievance,¡± Xiao Yanlong said with a smile.


    Xu Lingxue recollected her gaze and looked at Xiao Yuanlong. ¡°Thank you for your goodwill, but I understand him well. He won¡¯t let anyone interfere in his affairs.¡±


    Based on her understanding of Liu Wuxie, she knew she would only infuriate him by intervening. More importantly, she didn¡¯t want to get too close to Xiao Yanlong.


    Liu Wuxie was a prideful person. The thought of his wife seeking another man¡¯s help would be more devastating to him than death. Since their wedding, Liu Wuxie had transformed and was no longer the weakling he once was.


    ¡°It seems I was overly worried. Given Brother Liu¡¯s capabilities, dealing with this kind of garbage shouldn¡¯t be an issue for him,¡± Xiao Yanlong remarked, a sharp glint in his eyes.


    As the impending battle drew closer, the students of Advanced ss Seven craned their necks, eager to get a good view of the action.


    ¡°Don¡¯t even bother! That brat is as good as dead!¡± The students of Advanced ss Six taunted. They were ready to seize back their territory and cripple the students of Advanced ss Seven the moment Liu Wuxie fell.


    ¡°Just wait and watch. You all will know how strong Big Brother Liu is in a moment,¡± Song Ling said as he bit into a chicken thigh, covering his lips in grease.


    Even though he hadn¡¯t personally witnessed Liu Wuxie¡¯s victories over Wan Rongzhe and Tian Qisha, he had heard about them from others. Even someone in the ninth-level Spirit Cleansing Realm couldn¡¯t be Liu Wuxie¡¯s opponent, not to mention a piece of garbage like Xue Pinzhi.


    ¡°Carry on boasting!¡± The students of Advanced ss Six dismissed Song Ling¡¯s words and refocused their attention on the arena.


    Sword aura formed into runes that scattered out like spider webs. A profound artifact was different as the power would greatly increase after being empowered with true essence.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, ept your death!¡± Xue Pinzhi roared and dove down. The profound artifact in his hand carved out a vacuum tunnel, with sword rays cascading towards Liu Wuxie. Sword auras rained down like a shower of swords, sizzling as they hit the ground.


    ¡°You¡¯re too weak. You can¡¯t even bring out one-tenth of the profound artifact¡¯s power!¡± Liu Wuxie executed the Seven Dipper Steps and disappeared, raising his right fist and aiming at Xue Pinzhi¡¯s neck.

 Chapter 157 - Kill

    <h4>Chapter 157 - Kill</h4>


    The profound artifact sealed the entire arena, and no one in the Xiantian Realm could break free. But Liu Wuxie moved freely, easily tearing apart the air current formed by the profound artifact. He also released a powerful shockwave and raised his right fist.


    This scene shocked countless people.


    ¡°What a powerful physique! His physique resembles someone in the high levels of the Spirit Cleansing Realm!¡± Ignoring the suppression of a profound artifact could only be done with a powerful physique.


    Liu Wuxie was brimming with ferocity due to the pills he had consumed. He had not been able to release this energy, and in the previous fight, he had used merely a tenth of his strength.


    This was not a physique that an ordinary person could achieve, causing everyone to regard Liu Wuxie with fear. Sensing something amiss, Xue Pinzhi, who had been at the academy for years and had a quick reaction speed, swung his de towards Liu Wuxie¡¯s waist.


    ¡°You¡¯re too weak!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s right hand appeared close to Xue Pinzhi¡¯s neck.


    In an instant, the shockwave that had filled the surroundings vanished as Liu Wuxie seized Xue Pinzhi by the throat. A strangled cry, reminiscent of a duck¡¯s death throes, escaped him. Liu Wuxie hoisted him off the ground, his longsword ttering to the earth. Liu Wuxie also sealed the true essence within Xue Pinzhi, rendering him powerless.


    Despite Xue Pinzhi possessing a profound artifact, Liu Wuxie subdued him effortlessly. His legs thrashed wildly in the air as he struggled to speak, but no words came out. His face turned an rming shade of red from theck of oxygen.


    Xue Rui¡¯s gaze was terrifyingly cold. Since Xue Pinzhi was defeated with one move, they all had a wrong judgment of Liu Wuxie¡¯s strength.


    ¡°Your time is up!¡± Liu Wuxie dered, tightening his grip and breaking Xue Pinzhi¡¯s neck without letting him utter a word. They were enemies, after all, and there was no need for conversation¡ªonly the act of killing.


    With a casual flick of his wrist, Liu Wuxie sent Xue Pinzhi¡¯s body flying into the corner of the arena. Xue Pinzhi¡¯s eyes bulged in terror, reflecting his fear in his final moments.


    After killing Xue Pinzhi, Liu Wuxie turned to look at the Xue n¡¯s party. They exchanged a gaze for three minutes, but not one person from the Xue n dared to look at Liu Wuxie directly and had their heads lowered.


    The entire venue became quiet because even the teachers in the Marrow Cleansing Realm couldn¡¯tprehend how someone in the Xiantian Realm killed another in the Spirit Cleansing Realm so easily.


    Just as Liu Wuxie was about to leave the arena, a figure emerged, shrouded in an aura of murderous intent that filled the space.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, you¡¯re a dead man!¡± Bai Qiong returned after attending to his younger brother¡¯s remains. He didn¡¯t even nce at Xue Pinzhi¡¯s lifeless body, his heart consumed by rage. He vowed to end Liu Wuxie¡¯s life that very day.


    ¡°Likewise!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s facial expression was terrifyingly calm. He showed no anxiety or excitement after killing someone. It was as though he had done something ordinary. Someone like that was terrifying because nothing could arouse his attention.


    With a swift kick from Liu Wuxie, the profound artifact soared through the air,nding before Li Shengsheng. ¡°Brother Li,¡± Liu Wuxie said, ¡°let¡¯s consider this profound artifact as payment for the fifty credits I owe you. I¡¯ve already removed the mark from this weapon.¡±


    Liu Wuxie owed Li Shengsheng fifty credits, and he hadn¡¯t had the opportunity to return them. This profound artifact served as his repayment, as he had other ns for his hundred credits.


    ¡°Thank you, Junior Brother!¡± Li Shengsheng swiftly pocketed the profound artifact. Its value far exceeded fifty credits, closer to five hundred credits, making it a significant windfall for him.


    A trash like that naturally wouldn¡¯t catch Liu Wuxie¡¯s attention. He would forge a genuine, profound artifact possessing profundity if he wanted.


    Countless gazes were directed at Li Shengsheng with envy. On the other hand, Xue Rui gritted his teeth because he had spent a lot of resources to forge that profound artifact, and Liu Wuxie casually gave it to Li Shengsheng.


    ¡°Xue Rui, I can see you¡¯re displeased,¡± Liu Wuxie addressed the Xue n¡¯s party, disregarding Bai Qiong¡¯s murderous aura. ¡°But be patient. Your turn wille after I¡¯ve dealt with him.¡±


    ¡°Talk again if you can live through this fight.¡± Xue Rui¡¯s eyes shed with a hint of murderous intent.


    Turning around, Liu Wuxie looked at Bai Qiong, ¡°One move! Your turn!¡±


    Liu Wuxie was eager to kill the Xue n; he didn¡¯t want to waste too much time on Bai Qiong. This was why he nned on dealing with Bai Qiong in one move. But this time, no one mocked and cursed Liu Wuxie for being arrogant. After all, Liu Wuxie had killed three people by far, all with one move. Tao Wenbing, Bai Yu, and Xue Pinzhi were dead.


    Bai Qiong might have cultivation in the third level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm, but would he win the fight? No one knew about that because no one saw Liu Wuxie using any powerful moves, and the battles were all won with one move.


    ¡°Bai Qiong is ranked ninth on the Earth Ranking, so it¡¯s difficult to tell who will win this fight.¡± murmured the crowd as they considered the previous opponents Liu Wuxie had faced.


    Tao Wenbing was only in the Xiantrian Realm, and his movement technique was the only thing formidable. Bai Yu was a new student who had recently joined the academy and was stillcking. That was more or less the case for Xue Pinzhi, who mainly relied on the profound artifact. But in the end, his neck was crushed by Liu Wuxie.


    It was apparent that the three needed more strength. However, Bai Qiong was different, as he had been in the academy for a long time and was known for his strength. If he was in Liu Wuxie¡¯s position, he could have also killed those three with one move.


    ¡°There¡¯s something weird about that brat. He has a powerful movement technique. His physique and true essence are also superiorpared to his peers. Bai Qiong won¡¯t have much odds of winning this fight.¡± Someone noticed the difference in strength and rubbed their hands together, eager to watch the fight.


    ¡°Junior Brother Song, what are the odds of Junior Brother Liu?¡± Song Ling wasn¡¯t worried about the fight in the past few battles, and everything had panned out as he had predicted. This time, Wang Yonghao and others gathered around to ask Song Ling.


    ¡°One move. All Brother Liu needs is one move to kill him!¡± Over the past few days, Song Ling¡¯s physique had been catching up to Li Shengsheng''s. Under Liu Wuxie¡¯s guidance, Song Ling had made leaps and bounds in spiritual arrays, which Advanced ss Seven greatly weed.


    After hearing Song Ling¡¯s reply, everyone felt relieved and waited for the battle.


    Bai Qiong was furious that Liu Wuxie wanted to kill him in one move and drew his sword. He hade so far because of his strength, climbing to the ninth position on Earth''s ranking.


    ¡°I will offer your head as a tribute to my junior brother,¡± Bai Qiong said as he disappeared and swung his sword down. Having attained higher mastery, Bai Qiong¡¯s Terranean Sword Art was a few hundred times stronger than Bai Yu¡¯s.


    ¡°You could have lived a little longer if you hadn¡¯t challenged me. Do you think that I was afraid of you back in the dining hall? You should be thankful to Brother Zuo Hong because he let you live for an extra month,¡± Liu Wuxie said in disdain. This put a bitter smile on Zuo Hong¡¯s face before he shook his head.


    It had already spread in the academy that Liu Wuxie had called Bai Qiong a retard back in the dining hall. Holding that grudge in his heart, Bai Qiong had asked Bai Yu to challenge Liu Wuxie. However, he had never anticipated that Liu Wuxie would kill Bai Yu in just one strike.


    ¡°I¡¯ll tear you into pieces!¡± Bai Qiong¡¯s expression twisted upon hearing Liu Wuxie¡¯s words, like a furious bull with immense power pouring out of him.


    ¡°Is he sick in mind? Bai Qiong¡¯s attack would only be stronger after being enraged.¡± Several advanced ss students stood up, thinking there was an issue with Liu Wuxie¡¯s head. After all, it was unwise to enrage Bai Qiong at this moment.


    However, they failed to realize that anger easily clouds one¡¯s judgment. Bai Qiong¡¯s sword aura poured out, forming two different streams that looked like a river being split apart, with Liu Wuxie at its center.


    ¡°Sun-Moon Terranean!¡± Bai Qiong didn¡¯t hold back and used his strongest move. The true essence in his dantian began pouring out and gathered to form a. No one could survive this attack, even in the third level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm.


    The surroundings darkened, with Liu Wuxie at the center of the storm, teetering on the brink of engulfment. The arena was no longer visible under the storm of sword aura, producing a sound simr to a beast¡¯s roar. The roar created a powerful shockwave that swept out, destroying the blue bs in the arena.


    ¡°It¡¯s too powerful!¡± The students in the crowd were dumbfounded as this was beyond theirprehension.


    ¡°That brat is finally going to die!¡± Students of Advanced ss Six jumped in excitement, celebrating Liu Wuxie¡¯s impending death. However, most people maintained their silence, waiting to see the end result of this battle. After all, most geniuses had their trump cards.


    Xu Lingxue had been restless ever since Liu Wuxie had appeared. She was the disciple of a vice-headmaster, and they were assigned a region that ordinary people couldn¡¯t ess.


    As the darkness intensified, it swallowed the surroundings of the arena, akin to a rumbling river of darkness. Meanwhile, Liu Wuxie was like a pebble tossed into the river.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, you can die now!¡± Bai Qiong pressed his hands down with even more terrifying power, manifesting into arrows that shot at Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Someone like you wants to kill me? Have a taste of my de technique!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s voice echoed in the darkness. He stood steadfast against Bai Qiong¡¯s attack, leaving those who had previously mocked him in disbelief.


    In the following moment, the darkness was cleaved apart by a thread of white light, appearing as a seemingly insignificant de aura. Shortly after, torrential de intent tore apart the darkness and weed light.


    The de intent enveloped the sky and tore apart the entire world. As the air began topress, the airflow formed into a tornado, lifting Liu Wuxie. This made Liu Wuxie look like a deity, enveloped in ayer of golden light, making all the students feel the urge to go down on their knees.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on? I can¡¯t control myself!¡± The students with lower cultivations struggled to ovee their desire to go down on their knees. Only those in the Marrow Cleansing Realm could barely withstand it, because Liu Wuxie gave off a hint of an Immortal Emperor¡¯s aura. Even though it was only a strand of aura, it wasn¡¯t something ordinary people could withstand.

 Chapter 158 - Music

    <h4>Chapter 158 - Music</h4>


    Elevated by a whirlwind, Liu Wuxie stood in mid-air, radiating a divine golden light. He hadn¡¯t anticipated the massive uproar that would ensue when a trace of his Immortal Emperor¡¯s will seeped out. His short de descended, cleaving through the air with unparalleled might.


    ¡°Oh, shit!¡± Realizing the impending danger, Bai Qiong discarded his longsword and leaped off the arena, desperate to avoid his impending doom.


    ¡°Toote!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s de aura was like lightning, splitting Bai Qiong¡¯s body into two in one-thousandth of a second. But things had not ended as the de aura fell onto the arena after splitting Bai Qiong.


    The impact resulted in a thunderous noise as the arena shattered into countless fragments of blue bs. The nearby students were inevitably caught in the aftermath.


    Screams of agony echoed as hundreds of students suffered severe injuries, leaving them sprawled on the ground, awaiting treatment. Even those with minor injuries bore the painful marks of rock fragments embedded in their skin.


    Bai Qiong¡¯s body was long reduced to ashes, blown away by the wind.


    Liu Wuxiended gently on the arena, witnessing this with a hint of shock in his eyes. He realized that he had underestimated his own strength. This was the first time he had unleashed his full power since consuming the body-strengthening pills, resulting in the arena being torn apart.


    ¡°He¡¯s not human! He must be a monster!¡± Many teachers echoed this sentiment, their eyes wide with shock. In a corner, two elderly men watched, their eyes filled with a murderous intent.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect him to have grown so much in one month. I can¡¯t let him continue to grow! He must die!¡± One of the old men gritted his teeth.


    ¡°Fan Yeping, is this the young man who caused you to be demoted to an elder of the Misceneous Hall?¡± the other old man asked, surprise evident on his face.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. He¡¯s why I was demoted to an elder of the Misceneous Hall!¡± Fan Yeping clenched his fists, wishing he could confront Liu Wuxie himself.


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid it might be toote. The Xue n has set a trap, intending to kill him tonight.¡± After their conversation, the two men disappeared into the darkness.


    ¡°Do we need to send someone from the high ranks of the Spirit Cleansing Realm to defeat him?¡± The Xue n halted their actions, their gaze shifting towards Xue Rui. After all, Xue Rui had dered that he would personally step in if Liu Wuxie survived Bai Qiong¡¯s attack.


    Bai Qiong had died, but Xue Rui still didn¡¯t challenge. Could it be that Xue Rui was afraid?


    ¡°Xue n, is this all you got? Don¡¯t make me look down on you all!¡± Liu Wuxie stood in the rubble, looking at the Xue n¡¯s area. His words incited nearly a hundred disciples from the Xue n to rise in fury.


    The night was destined to be restless, with the air heavy with the stench of blood.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, there¡¯s no ce for your arrogance here. I¡¯m in the fourth level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm, and it would be unfair for me to bully you. Let¡¯spete in music instead. Do you dare to take the bet? Whoever loses will have to die!¡± a person from the Xue n challenged. A member of the Xue n, not Xue Rui, issued this challenge, proposing apetition in music. After all, dao was everywhere: alchemy, painting, talisman, and even music.


    Daos werews, and they could be found everywhere, including nature.


    ¡°It¡¯s Xue Lan! I heard he¡¯s proficient in the zither and has practiced the zither technique. He has used it to kill many people.¡± An exmation sounded in the crowd. Xue Lan wasn¡¯t proficient in martial techniques but in music, and taking the initiative topete with Liu Wuxie in music was despicable.


    A painter would use paint to kill, a spiritual array master would use arrays to kill, a talisman master would use the talisman to kill, and a musician would use each musical note to kill.


    ¡°The Xue n is too despicable, using their forte to challenge others. How low can they go?¡± Li Shengsheng eximed, taking a stand.


    Leveraging his strength against Liu Wuxie¡¯s weakness, Liu Wuxie¡¯s chances of victory seemed slim. Despite his exceptional talent and prowess in alchemy, he couldn¡¯t be expected to excel in everything. Music was a different realm altogether, requiring time to understand and harmonize with it.


    ¡°The Xue n has been plotting Liu Wuxie¡¯s demise for a long time. They won¡¯t rest until he is dead.¡± The Xue n¡¯s intent to kill Liu Wuxie was no secret. Four of their members'' unexpected deaths caught the Xue n off guard, and Liu Wuxie shattered all their preparations.


    Xu Lingxue was filled with anxiety and rose to her feet restlessly. In Azure Billow City, few were well-versed in the zither, and Liu Wuxie had shown a disinterest in music from a young age. Consequently, she could foresee a grim oue for Liu Wuxie in this musical contest.


    The Xue n had initiated the challenge, and it was up to Liu Wuxie if he epted it. If he refused, it would mean that he was afraid. This meant that he would have to take a detour if he ran into the Xue n in the future. But if he epted the challenge, it was still uncertain if he could win against Xue Lan.


    Xue Lan sneered, looking at Liu Wuxie. He wasn¡¯t hurrying to get an answer as he waited patiently.


    ¡°Junior Brother Liu, don¡¯t fall for the Xue n¡¯s trap! He¡¯s in the fourth level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm, and you can refuse. This is an unfair battle to begin with!¡± Students of Advanced ss Seven stood up, imploring Liu Wuxie to reconsider.


    This time, even Song Ling stood up. While he wouldn¡¯t have intervened if it were a martial artspetition, music was entirely a different matter, given his unfamiliarity with Liu Wuxie¡¯s musical abilities.


    Jin Jianfeng also straightened up, his eyes narrowing and his smile widening. He had nearly drained his gourd of wine, so he picked up a student¡¯s wine, remarking, ¡°This is too intriguing!¡±


    Other teachers would stop their students from fighting, but he had no intention of stopping.


    ¡°Teacher, please stop him!¡± Wang Yonghao stood before Jin Jianfeng, begging him to intervene. Only Jin Jianfeng could stop the Xue n, and everyone looked at him expectantly.


    ¡°He might not lose the fight!¡± Jin Jianfeng dismissed them with a wave of his hand, urging them to continue watching. He would intervene if Liu Wuxie were in danger.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, you just have to openly admit that you¡¯re afraid. In the future, you must take a detour whenever you see someone from the Xue n,¡± Xue Lan sneered, his voice reaching every corner of the venue. He was arrogant, knowing that Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t avoid the Xue n¡¯s trap regardless of his decision.


    The Xue n had devised a series of impable ns. Ideally, Liu Wuxie should have fallen at the first challenge, but he managed to gradually dismantle the Xue n¡¯s schemes using his abilities. After all, absolute strength trumps all stratagems.


    ¡°I ept your challenge!¡± Liu Wuxie responded calmly. He didn¡¯t eveny out the rules; his objective for the night was clear: to eliminate everyone from the Xue n.


    ¡°Great! Let¡¯s have a musicpetition. We¡¯ll each y a piece, and the one with the louder music wins. What do you think?¡± Xue Lan proposed, brimming with excitement. Among his peers in the academy, he was confident in his musical abilities and believed he could win this contest.


    ¡°Let¡¯s begin!¡± Liu Wuxie, uninterested in further discussion with Xue Lan, signaled for thepetition tomence. This was yet another life-or-death match.


    Following a few reminders from Xue Rui, Xue Lan moved to another arena where tables and chairs had already been set up. He retrieved a zither from his interspatial pouch and ced it on the table.


    ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, I chanced upon an ancient scorebook in an ancient tomb called Spring Breeze and Autumn Rain. Please forgive any shorings in my performance!¡± Xue Lan cupped his fists at everyone in the surroundings and sat down to y the zither. As he yed, the music resonated with everyone¡¯s hearts, its prating sound no less powerful than the true essence of martial techniques.


    The rhythm was brisk, and each note seemed like a breeze caressing everyone¡¯s faces, soon immersing them all in his music.


    ¡°Such remarkable talent!¡± Even the Heaven Grade students couldn¡¯t help but cheer. Xue Lan¡¯s musical prowess, renowned throughout the academy, left them in awe. Few could match his skill, and no one, teachers included, held much hope for Liu Wuxie in this contest.


    As the music slowed, it felt like a spring breeze was wafting past.


    ¡°Look, the wind is blowing!¡± Above the zither, a gust seemed to stir. The gust felt like a woman¡¯s gentle touch, caressing their hearts. This left everyone entranced by the music, with two exceptions: Liu Wuxie and Xu Lingxue. One remained indifferent, while the other was filled with worry.


    Liu Wuxie closed his eyes, shutting out the world around him, and retreated into his own world.


    ¡°Brilliant! This piece of music is gorgeous! How can there be such a beautiful piece of music in the world?!¡± Intoxicated by the music, countless students held their breaths, forgetting their identities and losing themselves in the enchanting world crafted by Xue Lan¡¯s music.


    A breeze swept across thend, apanied by a gentle autumn rain. When everyone opened their eyes, they found themselves under an unexpected shower, the droplets sprinkling over them.


    ¡°Xue Lan¡¯s music is truly mesmerizing, capable of even altering thews of nature. It¡¯s no surpriseing from a genius of the Profound Grade like us,¡± a voicemented. The academy was not just limited to spiritual array sses; it also offered music, cksmithing, and alchemy.


    As the minutes ticked by, everyone became so engrossed in the music that theypletely forgot about the ongoing duel between Liu Wuxie and Xue Lan.


    Xue Rui observed the captivated expressions of the audience, a cruel smile ying on his lips. He was certain that the Xue n would triumph in this contest. Once Liu Wuxie lost, they would be able to im his life without dy. As the final note of the music faded, everyone reluctantly opened their eyes, yet the melody still echoed in their minds.


    ¡°That was incredibly beautiful! I¡¯ve never heard such a captivating piece of music!¡± Many in the crowd rose to their feet, pping in admiration for Xue Lan.


    The apuse served as a testament to the Xue n¡¯s victory, and surpassing Xue Lan¡¯s performance would indeed be a formidable challenge.

 Chapter 159 - Ambush from Ten Sides

    <h4>Chapter 159 - Ambush from Ten Sides</h4>


    Even after Xue Lan¡¯s performance had concluded, many were still lost in the enchanting melody.


    Xue Lan rose and bowed to the audience, acknowledging their apuse. He then turned to Liu Wuxie with a challenging gaze.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, it¡¯s your turn now!¡± Xue Lan dered coldly. He hadpleted his performance, and it was Liu Wuxie¡¯s turn. If Liu Wuxie¡¯s performance couldn¡¯t resonate with the audience, it would be his victory.


    ¡°Does anyone have a zither I could borrow?¡± Liu Wuxie asked, scanning the crowd. He didn¡¯t have a zither of his own.


    ¡°Hahaha!¡± The Xue n¡¯s disciplesughed. In their mind, Liu Wuxie would lose for sure. How could someone proficient in music not have any musical instrument with them?


    The surrounding area soon filled withughter.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, don¡¯t pretend to be something you¡¯re not, lest you offend our ears,¡± Liu Kuo from the elite ss taunted Liu Wuxie. He had been close to Bai Qiong and harbored a deep resentment towards Liu Wuxie for Bai Qiong¡¯s death.


    ¡°Concede!¡± The students of Advanced ss Six rose in unison, their voices echoing throughout the venue. However,pared to previous rounds, their taunts had significantly toned down.


    ¡°Young Master Liu, if you don¡¯t mind, I have a zither you can use,¡± a familiar voice offered as a woman d in purple made her way through the crowd to stand before Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Thank you, Lady Yan!¡± This woman was none other than Yan Ruyu, the alchemist who had represented Wu City in a past alchemypetition and had briefly interacted with Liu Wuxie. While Yan Ruyu had some knowledge of music, she wasn¡¯t particrly skilled in it. Hence, she treated it as a hobby and always carried a zither with her.


    ¡°Don¡¯t let me down!¡± Yan Ruyu, usually cold towards others, smiled brightly for Liu Wuxie. By standing up to support Liu Wuxie, she was effectively opposing the Xue n. Despite the presence of many others with zithers, only Yan Ruyu stepped forward.


    The Imperial City had five major ns: Xue, Li, Yan, Bai, and Qin. In terms of status, the Yan n wasn¡¯t inferior to the Xue n.


    Without a zither, Liu Wuxie would be helpless, regardless of his talent.


    The Xue n members could only grit their teeth in frustration as they hadn¡¯t anticipated Yan Ruyu¡¯s support for Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°I won¡¯t let your zither down!¡± Liu Wuxie assured, settling himself on a blue rock amidst the ruins of the arena, the zither resting on hisp. The instrument exuded a faint fragrance, a testament to Yan Ruyu¡¯s constantpanionship with it.


    ¡°An excellent zither!¡± Liu Wuxie admired, running his hands over the zither after Yan Ruyu had left. The zither, crafted from rosewood and strung with the tendons of a century-old python, was capable of producing deep, resonating melodies. Inparison, Xue Lan¡¯s zither seemed insignificant.


    However, a music challenge depended more on the yer''s skills than the quality of the zither. Yet, a superior zither could indeed amplify the music¡¯s impact.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, what are you waiting for? Quick, y the zither!¡± Everyone ran out of patience, seeing that there was no movement from Liu Wuxie. After all, this was a pure waste of everyone¡¯s time. The Xue n, in particr, was eager to unsettle Liu Wuxie¡¯s mind.


    Zuo Hong was in the same ss as Yan Ruyu, and they sat together with anticipation on their faces.


    ¡°Today¡¯s events remind me of a song. This song is titled ¡®Ambushes from Ten Sides¡¯. Please enjoy it!¡± Liu Wuxie announced, his hands poised over the zither. The song was apt for the current situation, where the Xue n had woven a web of ns around him.


    ¡°Well put! The arena is akin to a battlefield, surrounded on all sides. Yet, we can all learn from your ability to remain calm andposed,¡± Zuo Hong stood up and apuded, even before Liu Wuxie had begun to y the zither.


    Those who had previously mocked Liu Wuxie fell silent, unable to find a reason to object. After all, who else dared to challenge the entire Xue n single-handedly? They had no right to ridicule him.


    ¡°Brother Liu, I stand with you!¡± Kuang He dered, rising to his feet. He owed Liu Wuxie a favor like Zuo Hong, so he stood up to support Liu Wuxie.


    More and more people began to rally behind Liu Wuxie, the aptly chosen song winning their admiration. Despite the Xue n''s schemes, the fact that Liu Wuxie could remain standing won their respect. The apusested for an entire minute before it gradually died down.


    When the first tune sounded, it felt like the galloping of horses that made everyone¡¯s hearts jump.


    ¡°What a powerful tune!¡± The crowd held their breath, afraid they might miss a single note. Xue Lan remained on the stage, silently observing Liu Wuxie.


    As Liu Wuxie began to y the zither, the music grew louder and stronger, making their blood boil.


    ¡°Sorrowful winds in the night with the rising moon and shining stars...¡± Liu Wuxie began to sing. His voice, more of a powerful roar than a song, resonated through the night.


    Snow began to fall from the sky, with stars decorating it, and this scene dragged everyone into it involuntarily.


    Many in the crowd were moved to tears by Liu Wuxie¡¯s music. After all, who among them hadn¡¯t faced hardships? Who hadn¡¯t been ambushed or wronged at some point in their lives?


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s music was anguage in itself, transporting everyone to an unexplored realm. The melody resonated with them, stirring their hearts.


    As Liu Wuxie¡¯s song progressed, it ignited a fire within everyone, a fire that seemed ready to engulf everything in its path.


    The zither''s rapid rhythm echoed in every academy''s nook and cranny.


    Fan Zhen sat on a mat when the music prated the mountain range and entered his ears, pulling him out of cultivation.


    ¡°Who¡¯s ying the zither?¡± More ancient beings in the academy were rmed by the music; one piece of music had caused such a great uproar.


    Baili Qing was in her room, preparing to rest. But when the melody reached her, she turned to look at the martial arts field.


    One after another, more people left their abode as they appeared in the dark corners of the venue, quietly looking at the youth ying the zither. Each note and rhythm was like a sword piercing into their hearts.


    ¡°It¡¯s him!¡± Baili Qing narrowed her eyes. She already knew that Liu Wuxie had joined the Imperial Academy.


    When Fan Zhen¡¯s gaze fell onto Liu Wuxie, a strange smile rose on his lips.


    ¡°Ten-sided ambush on me, only to run into an elite army.¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s voice conveyed destion and resentment that reached everyone¡¯s hearts. They could all feel the anger within Liu Wuxie. The hatred came from the Xue n¡¯s provocation and everyone¡¯s mockery. As these scenes unfolded in their hearts, a fiery anger was kindled within them.


    At this moment, they found themselves standing with Liu Wuxie, drawn into his inner world by his music. Many women wept quietly, their sympathy for Liu Wuxie fueling their resentment towards the Xue n. Even those who had previously remained neutral were swayed by Liu Wuxie¡¯s captivating song.


    Xu Lingxue covered her mouth, looking at Liu Wuxie with disbelief. She had never heard Liu Wuxie y such a piece of beautiful music before. The music alone was enough for Liu Wuxie to be famous in Azure Billow City.


    ¡°Born a hero and died a hero, oh, the ambush of ten sides!¡± The zither music sounded like ament, brimming with sorrow, expressing his despair at the world¡¯s unfairness. The sound of sobbing grew louder around them, tears falling freely.


    Xue Lan¡¯s music could only pique everyone¡¯s emotions, but Liu Wuxie¡¯s music could control their hearts, drawing them into his music involuntarily. Perhaps even the heavens had sensed Liu Wuxie¡¯s fury, for snow had begun falling.


    ¡°Mourn for the hero in troubled times, mourn for the scarcity of true friends in the world, and mourn for the peerless talent caught in an ambush.¡± A sense of destion filled the air as everyone could perceive the solitude in the music.


    No one could trulyprehend Liu Wuxie¡¯s inner world. The loneliness and bitterness coalesced into a warm current, flowing into their hearts, causing tears to fall spontaneously. They mourned for the hero in troubled times and theck of true friends in the world.


    Xu Lingxue couldn¡¯t bear her tears at this moment as they streamed down her cheeks. She clenched her fists, never having imagined the depth of bitterness in Liu Wuxie¡¯s heart. She muttered, ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me about it?¡±


    After his transmigration to the True Martial Continent, Liu Wuxie had so much he wanted to express, but he didn¡¯t know who to confide in. He knew people might think him mad if he shared his feelings.


    <i>What a sorrowful and domineering song!</i> Fan Zhenmented in his heart. The song released Liu Wuxie¡¯s inner anger, which was incredibly impactful.


    ¡°Scorching sun zed on the vast desert. Running into the Jade Encounter Pavilion and recalling the peace back in the years.¡± Liu Wuxie recalled the Jade Tower where he lived, holding the stars in his grasp and stepping on the sky. He was almighty but was reduced to the point that he could only suffer humiliation now.


    Each word was stirring to the heart. Even in prison, he would clench his fist and open a new world.


    ¡°Dreams end as fire crackles, sighing at the plight. On the boundless sand, the defeated army''s remnants have nowhere to go.¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s mood changed once more as he recalled how he was ganged up upon and lost his life.


    A deathly silence surrounded the venue, and only Liu Wuxie¡¯s music could be heard.


    ¡°A violet gale sweeps the desert, carrying the sounds of war horses galloping. All hope has vanished, the river water has dried up, leaving behind bones of regret.¡± Liu Wuxie continued to sing the tale of an Immortal Emperor who fell on the battlefield.


    Liu Wuxie sank into his own world, forgetting about the challenge or where he was. His sole desire was to express his pent-up emotions.


    ¡°The ambitions of a man remained unclouded through eighteen years of reincarnation. When the war song ends and war horses neigh, generals follow their lord to the end, casting aside their mortal bodies and leaving behind bones of pride.¡± As Liu Wuxie sang the final word, the music ceased and he exhaled a long breath. Through his music, he had unburdened the secrets suppressed in his heart.

 Chapter 160 - Last Fight

    <h4>Chapter 160 - Last Fight</h4>


    Liu Wuxie channeled his anger through his music. After a period of introspection, he felt a newfound rity in his consciousness, sensing that he was on the brink of entering the Spirit Cleansing Realm. However, he decided to postpone this breakthrough until everything was settled, intending to dedicate a few days to transition into the Spirit Cleansing Realm.


    Everyone was still immersed in the music, unable to extricate themselves from it, taking time to savor every note. The more they reflected on the music, the more astounded they became. Every note seemed as if it had been carefully etched onto a piece of precious jade.


    The music affected everyone¡¯s emotions, impacting their souls and shaking their hearts. Liu Wuxie and Xue Lan weren¡¯t on the same level.


    ¡°Has ite to an end?¡± Everyone opened their eyes, unwilling to get out of the mood. They nced at each other, unaware of when tears had started streaming down their faces. The venue fell into silence as no one spoke a word.


    As the initial pping began, it quickly grew into a resonating apuse throughout the venue. ¡°Incredible! This is the most beautiful song I¡¯ve ever experienced!¡± A man rose to his feet, brushing away his tears as he apuded. His hands turned red from the intensity of his pping, but he felt no difort. This was the only way he knew how to convey his overwhelming emotions.


    Yan Ruyu stood up with tears on her cheeks, but a smile hung on her face.


    ¡°Brother Liu¡¯s music has attained the pinnacle of perfection,¡± Zuo Hong remarked with a wistful smile. His encounters with Liu Wuxie had always left him feeling profoundly impacted by each performance.


    The oue was clear, and everyone had an answer. Xue Lan¡¯s face became terrifyingly dark. At a certain point, even he was captivated by Liu Wuxie¡¯s music. However, his rationale told him that he couldn¡¯t sink into it and had to kill Liu Wuxie.


    Silence fell among the Xue n as a deadly aura emanated from them. Liu Wuxie¡¯s music was akin to a thunderous rebuke to their pride. Their borate schemes appeared ludicrous in the face of this.


    ¡°Xue Lan, you have already lost. Why aren¡¯t you taking your own life?¡± Everyone from Advanced ss Seven stood up. The pact was clear: the loser must forfeit his life.


    The agreement resurfaced in everyone¡¯s minds, bringing them back to reality. Their eyes turned to Xue Lan, curious about his decision. But Xue Lan wore a vicious expression, unwilling to admit defeat so easily.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, I¡¯ll kill you!¡± Xue Lan roared as his musical tune turned into sword aura charging at Liu Wuxie. Experts with the zither could use every musical note to kill. Xue Lan couldn¡¯t be considered an expert in music, but he could still use music to kill.


    No one had expected Xue Lan to make a move, unwilling to admit defeat. The contenders sat in two arenas a hundred meters away from each other. Xue Lan¡¯s melody morphed into various shapes before transforming into arrows aimed at Liu Wuxie with lethal intent.


    The arrows were fast, but Xue Lan didn¡¯t stop as he yed a song meant to kill, which he had practiced for a long time.


    ¡°My ears hurt!¡± The piercing sound forced many people to shield their ears. Those in the Xiantian Realm found it unbearable, their ears bleeding from the intense sound.


    When the densely packed arrows flew over, some turned into ferocious tigers running on the ground while others transformed into wild beasts, forming a strange picture.


    Liu Wuxie was at the center of it, with no ce to duck. Xue Lan had locked onto the entire arena, and there was no room for Liu Wuxie to escape.


    ¡°That¡¯s the Annihtion Song!¡± the Profound Grade students eximed. The Annihtion Song was long forbidden because ying it could turn one into a blood-thirsty monster. For the sake of killing Liu Wuxie, Xue Lan didn¡¯t hesitate to expose his secret.


    The distance of a hundred meters was covered instantly, with the arrows closing in on Liu Wuxie, just three meters away. If Liu Wuxie failed to react, these arrows would im his life.


    Xu Lingxue¡¯s heart leaped into her throat, her every instinct urging her to rush to Liu Wuxie¡¯s aid. Zuo Hong and the others felt helpless, their hearts lost to the Xue n¡¯s actions that day.


    ¡°How despicable!¡± Li Shengsheng and others cursed. They had never seen someone so shameless before. Despite his defeat, Xue Lan refused to concede andunched an attack on Liu Wuxie. Such audacity could only be expected from the Xue n.


    A savage tiger bared its fangs aimed to strike at Liu Wuxie¡¯s head. However, a clear note rang out in this crucial moment as Liu Wuxie deftly hooked his right index finger on a zither string and plucked it. The knowledge of the zither and its use as a weapon were two distinct matters.


    While Yan Ruyu was skilled in music, shecked the knowledge to use it as a weapon. Infusing the zither with true essence, the musical notes took on various forms, following a naturalw. However, this required a significant amount of true essence.


    Everyone agreed that Liu Wuxie was in danger this time. Xue Lan has practiced the zither for over a decade andprehended the art of killing with music. Even if Liu Wuxie started practicing from the womb, there was no way he could catch up to Xue Lan, not to mention that he was known as garbage in the past.


    The Annihtion Song was meant to kill, and it had long been prohibited to practice. Only someone in the high levels of the Spirit Cleansing Realm could resolve those musical notes. However, Liu Wuxie was only in the Xiantian Realm; the only way to resolve it was through music.


    When Liu Wuxie strummed the zither, a resonating hum filled the air, causing all the iing arrows to halt in their tracks, hovering just an inch away from him. They appeared frozen in time, unable to advance any further.


    This left everyone in disbelief. Liu Wuxie had managed to stop Xue Lan¡¯s attack with a single musical note.


    ¡°How is this possible?!¡± Xue Lan looked like a madman as he began ying his zither maniacally, unleashing more musical notes that soon filled the surroundings with arrows.


    ¡°Hmph!¡± Liu Wuxie snorted and plucked the string again, causing all the arrows to reverse their course and target Xue Lan. This unexpected turn of events terrified Xue Lan, who couldn¡¯t understand why the arrows were now aimed at him.


    The arrows shot towards Xue Lan''s arena when a musical note appeared in the sky.


    ¡°How can you break the Annihtion Song with one musical note?!¡± Aside from Xue Lan, those who practiced music couldn¡¯t find any solution to the song.


    All Liu Wuxie did was pluck the zither to resolve the iing attacks, not to mention that he used Xue Lan''s own attacks against him. This alone had far exceeded everyone¡¯sprehension.


    Even the teachers in the Marrow Cleansing Realm were baffled, but there was no doubt that Liu Wuxie¡¯s attainment in music was higher than Xue Lan''s. Maybe only the teachers who taught music in the academy could bepared to him.


    As the redirected arrows elerated, they pierced through Xue Lan, staining the ground with his blood. In his final moments, Xue Lan¡¯s eyes were filled with disbelief. He had never imagined that he would meet his end at the hands of his own musical notes.


    There wasn¡¯t any intense battle, but the entire fight made everyone¡¯s heart beat wildly.


    The duel finally ended with Liu Wuxie emerging unscathed and Xue Lan dead. Putting away the zither, Liu Wuxie looked at the Xue n. He took the initiative to speak this time as he didn¡¯t want to waste time with them. He challenged, ¡°Xue Rui, aren¡¯t you going to make a move?¡±


    ¡°Is he really challenging Xue Rui? Xue Rui is at the fifth level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm!¡± A gasp of disbelief echoed around, with many thinking that Liu Wuxie¡¯s decision was unwise. The Xue n had already suffered a significant blow, and challenging them now seemed like walking into their trap.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, today will be your death!¡± Xue Ruiunched himself forward, positioning himself in front of Liu Wuxie even before thetter couldplete his sentence, his aura seething with lethal intent that engulfed Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°A garbage like you wants to kill me?¡± Liu Wuxie sneered with a de appearing in his hand. He didn¡¯t have to use the Overlord Fist against someone like Xue Rui.


    Only Liu Wuxie dared to call someone in the fifth level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm garbage, but strangely, no one mocked him, not even the Advanced ss Six. It might be because of the zither music, but their attitude towards Liu Wuxie had changed.


    ¡°In a short while, we¡¯ll see who the real trash is,¡± Xue Rui retorted, drawing his sword. Having lent his profound artifact to Xue Pinzhi, he was left with only a spiritual artifact forbat. As he initiated the attack, jeers echoed from the crowd, criticizing a fifth-level Spirit Cleansing Realm cultivator for resorting to a surprise attack.


    ¡°The Xue n has no shame. How low will they stoop?¡± Li Shengsheng bellowed, his voice drowned by the powerful shockwave of sword aura that filled the arena, trapping Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Can Liu Wuxie survive an attack from a fifth-level Spirit Cleansing Realm expert?¡± The crowd watched with bated breath, anticipating this to be the Xue n¡¯s ace in the hole. If Xue Rui were to fall, the Xue n would likely hesitate to send out another challenger.


    Liu Wuxie, aware of the stakes, refused to take the situation lightly. He knew that the academy¡¯s prodigy was not to be underestimated like Wan Rongzhe. However, it was precisely this challenge that made the situation intriguing.


    With a lift of his de, a fearsome de aura materialized, slicing through the sword aura. As Liu Wuxie executed the Seven Dipper Steps, he brought his de down in a decisive swing.


    ¡°Momentous Gleam!¡± A zing sun appeared in the sky, radiating with suffocating power, smashing towards Xue Rui. This shocked Xue Rui because he didn¡¯t expect Liu Wuxie to be so strong.


    Xue Rui altered the path of his sword, which moved like a viper, appearing behind Liu Wuxie from aplex angle, making it difficult to evade. ¡°That¡¯s the Spirit Snake Sword Art!¡± someone identified Xue Rui''s sword technique. It was as agile as a snake and not inferior to the Terranean Sword Art.


    Weapons shed with sparks flying around. Liu Wuxie and Xue Rui retreated and were evenly matched in this sh.


    Liu Wuxie had only exerted seventy percent of his strength, not wanting to reveal his full power in front of therge crowd.


    ¡°If that is the best you can do, you can die now!¡± Xue Rui¡¯s sword manifested into countless snakes, and this scene made many people¡¯s scalps go numb with chills running down their spines.


    ¡°Is that so?¡± Liu Wuxieughed, and his cultivation began to rise. When he unleashed an attack in the pinnacle of the Xiantian Realm, he knocked all the iing snakes away.

 Chapter 161 - Teacher Standing Out

    <h4>Chapter 161 - Teacher Standing Out</h4>


    Liu Wuxie had concealed his cultivation in the eighth level of the Xiantian Realm. When he suddenly released his suppression, he instantly became ten times stronger.


    Xue Rui was taken aback while his sword, mimicking a snake, aimed to coil around Liu Wuxie¡¯s waist. If sessful, Liu Wuxie would be in a predicament, losing his bnce.


    Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t in a hurry as his de manifested a mysterious mark, shing down and tearing the snake apart. The speed at which the two shed was fast, leaving the audience surprised and excited.


    The oue of the fight was of less importance; the observing students stood to gain the most. They could glean valuable insights from their duel, particrly Liu Wuxie¡¯s unpredictable de technique. This unpredictability left everyone in awe, as no one could anticipate where Liu Wuxie¡¯s de would strike next.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s attacks were elusive and devoid of fixed patterns, which disadvantaged Xue Rui. The longer the fight went on, the more astonished Xue Rui became. He swung his sword thrice with a grave expression, but it couldn¡¯t even get close to Liu Wuxie, which gradually filled him with anxiety. In response, he altered his attacks to even moreplex angles, manifesting sword auras aimed at Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°If this is the best you can do, you can die now!¡± Liu Wuxie roared, raising his sword, and performed the strongest attack of the Blood Gleam de Art, converging all techniques to deal with a fatal strike. A powerful de intent swept out, making Xue Rui feel suffocated as though his breathing was about to stop.


    This was a suppression of the aura. It was humiliating for Xue Rui to be suppressed by someone in the Xiantian Realm when he was in the fifth level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm.


    With a defiant roar, Xue Rui broke free from Liu Wuxie¡¯s suppression, lunging forward with his sword, tracing an arc aimed at Liu Wuxie¡¯s heart. He had put everything into this attack, knowing that his life would be forfeit if he failed to kill Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Too slow!¡± Liu Wuxie disappeared before Xue Rui¡¯s sword could reach him, leaving Xue Rui stunned. He had underestimated Liu Wuxie¡¯s speed, primarily because Liu Wuxie hadn¡¯t used his full speed in his duel with Tao Wenbing.


    A chilling sensation crept up from behind Xue Rui, causing beads of sweat to roll down his forehead. He roared in frustration, ¡°Damn it!¡±


    A powerful de aura shattered Xue Rui¡¯s defenses, slicing through him. The sword cut across his entire back, but death would not im him immediately. Xue Rui felt his entire body go numb and immobile, and he could sense his life force gradually ebbing away.


    At that moment, disbelief was etched on everyone¡¯s faces as they witnessed Xue Rui, a fifth-level Spirit Cleansing Realm expert, fall at the hands of Liu Wuxie, who was merely in the Xiantian Realm. When their gazes returned to Liu Wuxie, their eyes were filled with terror. The fact that Liu Wuxie had effortlessly in someone of Xue Rui¡¯s caliber was mind-boggling.


    Xue Rui was a genius of the Xue n, nurtured since childhood. He was sent to the academy to improve before taking over the n¡¯s businesses.


    ¡°You bastard, I want you dead!¡± A roar reverberated as a figureunched from the Xue n¡¯s area, hurtling towards Liu Wuxie¡¯s arena. The sudden sneak attack took everyone by surprise.


    ¡°That¡¯s Xue Wushuang! He¡¯s a first-ss teacher!¡± A voice from the crowd identified the neer as the Xue n¡¯s expert finally made his appearance. A formidable aura from the Marrow Cleansing Realm radiated from him, engulfing the entire arena.


    They were a few hundred meters away, and it would only take him two breaths of time to travel. It was also toote by the time Liu Wuxie wanted to respond to the assault.


    There wasn¡¯t a single person in the academy who didn¡¯t know Xue Wushuang. He was still a Heaven Grade student two decades ago and applied to stay in the academy as a teacher. In just two decades, he went from an ordinary teacher to a first-ss teacher, spreading his name throughout the academy.


    ¡°Xue Rui is his nephew, and it¡¯s no wonder he would make a move.¡± Everyone came to their senses. It was rare to see a teacher making a move against a student.


    When Xue Wushuang was in mid-air, he pushed his palm forth, producing a powerful gale that blew toward Liu Wuxie. This was an all-out attack from someone in the Marrow Cleansing Realm, and the odds of Liu Wuxie surviving it weren¡¯t high.


    ¡°He¡¯s in real danger now that someone in the Marrow Cleansing Realm attacked him,¡± students of Advanced ss Six cheered, hoping for Liu Wuxie¡¯s swift demise.


    Li Shengsheng and others clenched their fists; they even forgot to seek help.


    ¡°Trying to kill my student in front of me?! Are you disregarding me?¡± A bone-chilling voice sounded in the venue as Jin Jiangfeng suddenly disappeared. He was so fast that no one could catch up with him. He was twice as fast as Xue Wushuang and had already appeared in the arena the next moment.


    An explosive sh urred as Jin Jianfeng blocked Xue Wushuang¡¯s palm strike, resulting in a powerful shockwave that radiated outward. The full force of a high-level Marrow Cleansing Realm expert was unleashed, causing the entire arena to crumble.


    Panic ensued among the crowd, with students scrambling to escape, fearing they might get caught in the crossfire. The shockwave alone, released by a Marrow Cleansing Realm practitioner, was potent enough to kill students in the Xiantian Realm.


    Xue Wushuang spun mid-air andnded at the other corner of the arena, facing Jin Jianfeng. As for Liu Wuxie, he stood behind Jin Jianfeng and went into the Overlord Fist form.


    ¡°Are you alright?¡± Jin Jianfeng asked, squinting at Liu Wuxie who stood still, seemingly unaffected by the overwhelming aura of a Marrow Cleansing Realm practitioner. Under normal circumstances, anyone in Liu Wuxie¡¯s position would have been sent flying or severely injured.


    However, Liu Wuxie appeared unperturbed.


    ¡°Thank you for helping, but I¡¯m fine!¡± Liu Wuxie expressed his gratitude. If Jin Jianfeng hadn¡¯t blocked this attack for him, he would have been heavily injured if he had done it himself.


    Jin Jianfeng felt relieved and looked at Xue Wushuang coldly. ¡°Since you dared to make a move against my student, I¡¯ll be taking your life.¡±


    Jin Jianfeng disappeared and attacked Xue Wushuang.


    Wrinkles creased Liu Wuxie¡¯s forehead. He had heard of Jin Jianfeng¡¯s protective nature towards his students, but he hadn¡¯t expected it to be to such an extent.


    ¡°Jin Jianfeng, do you think I am afraid of you?¡± Xue Wushuang wasn¡¯t a pushover either, as they shed.


    The students who retreated stopped to observe the fight. After all, it wasn¡¯t every day you could see a fight between two high-level Marrow Cleansing Realm experts.


    The battle between the two teachers escted, with powerful shockwaves radiating out as they exchanged a series of rapid attacks. The force of their sh was so immense that it shattered the nearby arenas.


    The situation spiraled out of control as the area of impact expanded. Liu Wuxie had pulled back to a safe distance of a hundred meters, employing his Ghost Eye technique to scrutinize every aspect of the ongoing battle.


    ¡°Xue Wushuang, let¡¯s see how long you canst!¡± Jin Jianfeng and Xue Wushuang were both in the high levels of the Marrow Cleansing Realm, but it was clear that Jin Jianfeng was stronger, suppressing Xue Wushuang throughout the fight. Xue Wushuang struggled to face every move, and Jin Jianfeng¡¯s attacks were unusual in Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes.


    Liu Wuxie muttered, ¡°Teacher Jin isn¡¯t simple.¡±


    Jin Jianfengunched an attack on Xue Wushuang, his right hand clenched into a fist and his left hand open, demonstrating a unique fighting style.


    Xue Wushuang¡¯s expression shifted, but he held his ground, brandishing his sword towards Jin Jianfeng¡¯s head. They were both fullymitted to the battle.


    ¡°Are you so bold as to disy your average swordsmanship before me?¡± Jin Jianfeng¡¯s presence intensified. Unfazed by the impending assault, he ascended into the sky, gliding for several meters, and crafted enigmatic seals during his descent.


    These cryptic seals shattered Xue Wushuang¡¯s sword energy, surpassing the realm of typical martial arts. It resembled a spell more than a martial technique. When mastered, it even incorporated elements of the dao.


    Jin Jianfeng materialized in front of Xue Wushuang, his right hand descending in a swift motion. This action sent Xue Wushuang hurtling backward; his left cheek puffed up. An attack from someone at the peak of the Marrow Cleansing Realm could shatter his mind, but Jin Jianfeng restrained himself at thest moment.


    All along, Jin Jianfeng had been disregarded by everyone, his peers and students. But today, they realized they had underestimated him because his strength surpassed star teachers. First-ss teachers were nothing before him, and he could send them flying easily.


    Xue Wushuang crashed into the debris, his face smeared with blood. His left cheek was swollen like a steamed bun since Jin Jianfeng had only used half of his strength in that previous palm strike.


    ¡°Jin Jianfeng, you will pay with your life!¡± Xue Wushuang spat out blood and staggered to his feet. As a first-ss teacher, being publicly humiliated was unbearable. If word of this incident spread, he would be too mortified to remain at the academy. He lost all reason and charged at Jin Jianfeng.


    ¡°If it¡¯s death you seek, I shall grant your wish!¡± Jin Jianfeng¡¯s eyes sparkled with an icy glint as he formed seals with both hands. A ck vortex materialized before him, exerting a potent suction force that drew in all the surrounding stone.


    Fan Zhen, who had been observing from the sidelines, knew it was time to intervene. A formidable True Core Realm aura swept across the venue. His aura instantly immobilized those in the Xiantian Realm, as they were incapable of withstanding the aura of someone in the True Core Realm.


    Jin Jianfeng ceased his actions and reverted to his usual nonchnt demeanor, lifting his gourd for a sip.


    Meanwhile, Xue Wushuang¡¯s face was a mask of fury as he sheathed his sword, hatred etched on his features.


    ¡°Headmaster, you must deliver justice! That brat has taken many lives, and ording to the academy¡¯s rules, he should be executed!¡± Xue Wushuang demanded, advocating for Liu Wuxie¡¯s punishment.


    ¡°I am aware of the circumstances and have no furtherments. This year¡¯s banquet is now concluded. Both of you,e with me!¡± Fan Zhen scanned the crowd and dered the end of the banquet.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on? Isn¡¯t the headmaster going to punish Liu Wuxie?¡± Everyone was baffled because Liu Wuxie had killed so many people.


    ¡°Punish him? Today¡¯s events were a trap set by the Xue n, and Liu Wuxie was merely defending himself. If the headmaster were to punish him, it would dishearten everyone.¡± Many were privy to the truth and understood that Liu Wuxie had beenpelled to act.

 Chapter 162 - Five-Layered Golden Pagoda

    <h4>Chapter 162 - Five-Layered Golden Pagoda</h4>


    The farce finally came to an end. At this point, the Xue n had to give up and left the venue.


    As for Jin Jianfeng and Xue Wushuang, they followed behind the headmaster into the core region of the academy. When the first gleam of dawn shone through the horizon, the academy was bustling with excitement as they weed a new year.


    ¡°Sit!¡± Fan Zhen said as he took his seat.


    Jin Jianfeng sat down, leaning against the chair. As for Xue Wushuang, he was still furious, especially when his left cheek was still swollen.


    ¡°Headmaster, I demand an exnation!¡± Xue Wushuang red at Jin Jianfeng before turning his gaze to the headmaster. He was humiliated in front of so many students and teachers, so how could he face them in the future?


    ¡°Rest assured, I will provide a satisfactory resolution,¡± Fan Zhen gestured. He summoned them to address the issue. It wasn¡¯t that conflicts among teachers were non-existent, but fights were rare. Given the annual ranking of teachers,petition was inevitable.


    ¡°I¡¯m clear about what happened tonight; everyone has seen what the Xue n did. Teacher Xue doesn¡¯t need me to go into details, right?¡± Fan Zhen didn¡¯t rush to resolve the dispute between the two teachers.


    ¡°That brat injured people of my Xue n repeatedly. Every battle tonight was a fair challenge. Please uphold justice!¡± Xue Wushuang said nervously. The Xue n had disregarded the academy¡¯s rules and targeted another student. This was the same as disregarding the headmaster and challenging the academy¡¯s prestige.


    ¡°A fair challenge?¡± Jin Jianfeng opened his eyes and looked at Xue Wushuang with a yful gaze. ¡°A fifth-level Spirit Cleansing Realm expert against someone in the Xiantian Realm. You¡¯re telling me that it¡¯s a fair fight?¡±


    Jin Jianfeng¡¯s words left Xue Wushuang speechless. The Xue n had infiltrated the academy, bribing teachers and recruiting students. This naturally incited dissatisfaction among many, as the academy was under the royal n¡¯s jurisdiction. The Xue n¡¯s actions were tantamount to challenging the royal n¡¯s authority.


    Minor conflicts were typically overlooked, but that night¡¯s events had crossed the academy¡¯s line of tolerance.


    ¡°Headmaster, that brat killed so many people. Are you just going to let it go?¡± Xue Wushuang was adamant. Liu Wuxie had to pay with his life, no matter what, to avenge the fallen disciples of the Xue n.


    ¡°What can you do about it? me yourselves for being weak,¡± Jin Jianfeng sneered. The Xue n was the one to set up the trap, and their disciples died instead. The Xue n could only me themselves for it.


    ¡°Enough. Public killings will be penalized, no matter the justification. Now, let¡¯s discuss the two of you,¡± Fan Zhen interjected. If the academy disregarded Liu Wuxie¡¯s public execution of other students, it would set a dangerous precedent, leading to chaos.


    Upon hearing that Liu Wuxie would face punishment, a smug smile spread across Xue Wushuang¡¯s face.


    ¡°If anyone is to be penalized, it should be the Xue n first. Xue Wushuang, if you¡¯re dissatisfied, we can settle this outside,¡± Jin Jianfeng rose from his seat, his face a mask of fury. He bore no resemnce to theid-back figure who had been lounging in his chair earlier.


    ¡°Come on then. You think I¡¯m afraid of you?¡± Xue Wushuang stood up from his seat.


    ¡°What are you two doing? Do you no longer regard me as your headmaster?!¡± A powerful shockwave emanated from Fan Zhen, signaling his genuine anger.


    Jin Jiangfeng and Xue Wushuang lowered their heads and recollected their aura, returning to their seats with a cold snort.


    ¡°I have made my decision on this matter. The punishment will be announced in a few days. As for the two of you brawling in public as teachers, you will be fined half a year¡¯s sry!¡± Fan Zhen dered his verdict outright. Both would face fines for their actions, which had tarnished the academy¡¯s reputation. With a wave of his hand, Fan Zhen continued, ¡°You two may leave now.¡±


    Jin Jianfeng and Xue Wushuang left the hall, ring at each other before they left.


    <strong>......</strong>


    When Liu Wuxie returned to his courtyard, Li Shengsheng and others were still around.


    ¡°Everyone can go back now and let Junior Brother Liu rest.¡± Zhao Cheng stepped forward. After a series of battles, even an ordinary person would be exhausted, and Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t an exception. He only managed to fight for so long, relying on his dantian, but he also exhausted his soul energy when ying the zither.


    ¡°Junior Brother Liu, rest well. We¡¯lle to see you in a couple of days.¡± Li Shengsheng and others left. The courtyard returned to peace, leaving behind Liu Wuxie alone.


    Returning to his room, Liu Wuxie swallowed several Origin Yang Pills and contemted what to do next. He had already fallen out with the Xue n openly, and even the teacher in the Marrow Cleansing Realm had attacked him, which meant he needed to be cautious.


    News of the banquet¡¯s events spread throughout the academy within a day.


    On the second day, Liu Wuxie came out of the room and was greeted by warm sunlight. He walked towards the depth of the academy. His bottleneck was loosening through an entire day and night of cultivation, and he could reach the Spirit Cleansing Realm anytime.


    This was an excellent opportunity for him, but making a breakthrough required immense spiritual energy to support it. The resources on him weren¡¯t enough if he stayed in his courtyard. Thus, there was only one solution, which was to use a cultivation chamber.


    The Imperial Academy had built numerous cultivation chambers, which were typically crowded. If Liu Wuxie arrivedte, he would find no avable space. Hence, he set out at dawn.


    ¡°This is the cultivation pagoda?!¡±


    The Profound Grade region had a fiveyered golden pagoda with over a hundred cultivation chambers. The first floor was rather ordinary, but it had the most numbers, costing five credits for a day.


    The second floor was more expensive, requiring twenty credits for a day. The third floor required fifty credits for a day. The fourth floor was only open to teachers, and the fifth floor only had three chambers meant for the academy''s headmaster and some ancient beings.


    Liu Wuxie, already familiar with the academy¡¯s regtions, passed through the first floor and entered a hall. He observed numerous students, mostly in the Xiantian Realm, entering the cultivation chambers. The second floor housed around twenty chambers, each corresponding to the Spirit Cleansing Realm.


    But Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t stop there and headed to the third floor. The first two floors were cheap, but the environment was naturally worse than the third floor. The third floor only had ten chambers, but the academy had over ten thousand students. As a result, there was a strong contest for the chambers here.


    If Liu Wuxie¡¯s breakthrough hadn¡¯t been imminent and required the use of the chamber, he wouldn¡¯t havee to this ce. He walked towards the counter and could go in as long as there were spare chambers.


    The person responsible for recording was an elder in his forties, who became energized upon seeing someoneing.


    ¡°Are there any avable cultivation chambers?¡± Liu Wuxie asked, taking out his medal. He could only think of another way if there wasn¡¯t any avable chamber.


    ¡°Are you sure you want to use a cultivation chamber on the third floor?¡± The elder was surprised. Most of those who came to the third floor were in the pinnacle of the Spirit Cleansing Realm, and it was the first for someone in the Xiantian Realm toe here.


    ¡°Is there a problem with it?¡± Liu Wuxie knew what the elder was thinking. His cultivation was too low and shouldn¡¯t havee to the third floor. Just the eyes of the elder had given him away.


    ¡°The academy doesn¡¯t have any rules against that, and there¡¯s a cultivation chamber avable. It was reserved by someone yesterday, but it was suddenly canceled. It costs fifty credits a day; how many days do you want?¡± The elder took out a jade token from under the counter, which was the key to the cultivation chamber.


    ¡°One day!¡± Liu Wuxie only had a hundred credits and didn¡¯t want to spend them all. One day was enough for him to make his breakthrough.


    The third-floor cultivation chambers required prior booking, and Liu Wuxie had arrived hoping for a stroke of luck. To his surprise, a chamber was still avable, which brought a smile to his face. He ced his student medal in the designated slot, and fifty credits were deducted.


    ¡°Room 10, you can enter now!¡± The elder returned the medal to Liu Wuxie and sat back down, continuing to doze off.


    Taking up the jade token, Liu Wuxie turned and brushed past a purple-robed man, who gave off a dense blood stench.


    ¡°I want a cultivation chamber!¡± The purple-robed man mmed his palm on the table, startling the elder.


    However, Liu Wuxie ignored him and continued heading to his room.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but thest room was just taken,¡± the elder informed the purple-robed man, looking fearful and helpless.


    The man in the purple robe abruptly turned to look at Liu Wuxie, his eyes devoid of any emotion. It was clear that he didn¡¯t recognize Liu Wuxie. Given his murderous aura, it seemed he had just returned to the academy.


    ¡°Brat, stop right there!¡± A roar echoed, releasing a sound wave that swept toward Liu Wuxie. The roar shook the entire third floor as they were only five meters apart.


    Liu Wuxie halted and spun around, his brows knitted in displeasure. He looked at the man in the purple robe with a hint of annoyance.


    ¡°Are you addressing me?¡± Liu Wuxie inquired. He could feel an aggressive energy emanating from this man, and the young man¡¯s soul energy was far from weak. He even knew how to use his soul energy as a form of intimidation.


    ¡°Give me the cultivation chamber. I, Bai Zhan, will owe you a favor,¡± the man in the purple robe introduced himself. His name alone would send shivers down the spine of those who heard it.


    There was no room for discussion as Bai Zhan spoke in a domineering tone. It was a deration rather than a negotiation.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but no!¡± Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t want to make new enemies. He might not be afraid, but it would affect his cultivation speed. He turned around and headed to the cultivation room, leaving behind Bai Zhan clenching his fists together.


    ¡°No one has ever dared to refuse me, and you¡¯re the first. If you can withstand one punch from me, the cultivation chamber is yours,¡± Bai Zhan dered, mes igniting around him as he released a powerful shockwave, intending to strike Liu Wuxie. If word got out that someone at the pinnacle of the Spirit Cleansing Realm was attacking someone in the Xiantian Realm, it would likely be seen as a joke.


    Liu Wuxie came to a halt, a flicker of murderous intent in his eyes. He wasn¡¯t one to seek conflict, but it seemed people often mistook his restraint for weakness.

 Chapter 163 - Spirit Cleansing Realm

    <h4>Chapter 163 - Spirit Cleansing Realm</h4>


    Bai Zhan didn¡¯t wait for Liu Wuxie¡¯s response andunched a punch, releasing a potent wave that morphed into a storm, resembling a ferocious dragon lunging at Liu Wuxie. The force of this punch was no less than that of anyone in the first level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm, underscoring Bai Zhan¡¯s extraordinary abilities and audacious demeanor.


    Even someone in the high levels of the Spirit Cleansing Realm might be unable to take this attack head-on. Bai Zhan¡¯s goal was simple, which was to kill Liu Wuxie.


    The elder responsible for the third floor hid under the table, preferring to stay out of the fray.


    Bai Zhan¡¯s swift punch left Liu Wuxie with scant time to react. In a fraction of a second, Liu Wuxie retaliated with the Overlord Fist. He had regained half of his strength, as a full-force attack could potentially kill someone in the lower levels of the Marrow Cleansing Realm, and he had no intention of taking a life at the moment.


    Bai Zhan¡¯s origin was unknown, but his audacity tomit murder here suggested he had a formidable backing.


    The third floor''s rumbling and shaking rmed many students from the second floor, who quickly ascended to see what was happening.


    Bai Zhan¡¯s fist, enveloped in mes, forced the nearby students to shield their eyes, preventing them from getting a clear view of the battle.


    The shockwave produced by the punch rocked the fiveyered golden pagoda, which was built to withstand battles even between Marrow Cleansing Realm experts. The students who hade up to watch were sent flying away.


    Both Liu Wuxie and Bai Zhan retreated. Liu Wuxie took ten-odd steps, retreating to the entrance of his cultivation chamber. As for Bai Zhan, he retreated to the counter, and the impact shattered it. The elder who hid beneath the table came out with dust covering his face.


    Bai Zhan¡¯s face was terrifyingly dark. Even though he had not used his full strength in that punch, it should have been enough to kill someone in the Xiantian Realm.


    Liu Wuxie felt as though his arm was electrocuted with a powerful force coursing through his veins. He had underestimated Bai Zhan. This person was a formidable foe and wasn¡¯t as simple as he looked.


    Meanwhile, Bai Zhan¡¯s arm was also shaking lightly with a sharp pain that made him take a deep breath. They didn¡¯t continue to fight; they stood where they were, looking at each other.


    Murderous intent appeared on Bai Zhan¡¯s face, with a blood stench permeating the entire third floor. As for the students from the second floor who were sent flying away, they got back up and looked at the two with horror.


    ¡°It¡¯s Bai Zhan! Who provoked him?¡± a student cried out upon recognizing Bai Zhan.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that Liu Wuxie? Why is he fighting with Bai Zhan?¡± Another student, clinging to a distant pir, noticed Liu Wuxie. The previous night''s events were still fresh in everyone¡¯s minds¡ªhow Liu Wuxie had in Xue Rui with a single strike of his de, earning him instant fame. Discussions about Liu Wuxie had been rampant recently, and his background had been thoroughly investigated.


    Unfazed by the ongoing chatter around him, Liu Wuxie inserted the token into the slot of the cultivation chamber. As the stone gate gradually opened, he stepped in without a moment¡¯s hesitation, leaving behind Bai Zhan, who was gritting his teeth in frustration. Had it not been for the numbness in his arm, Bai Zhan would haveunched an attack to kill Liu Wuxie on the spot.


    As Liu Wuxie entered the cultivation chamber, Bai Zhan, in a fit of rage, kicked a nearby pir, causing it to crumble and sending the second-floor students fleeing in fear.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care who you are, but I¡¯ll tear you apart for hindering my breakthrough to the Marrow Cleansing Realm.¡± Bai Zhan threatened. He had finally found an opportunity to make a breakthrough on this trip, which was why he had immediately headed to the cultivation chamber upon his return, only to find it upied.


    With no other options, Bai Zhan headed to the second floor and entered a cultivation chamber.


    When Liu Wuxie stepped into the cultivation chamber, he could sense dense spiritual energy pouring into his pores.


    ¡°Not bad! The fifty credits are worth it!¡± he eximed. The cost, equivalent to 5,000,000 gold coins, was beyond the reach of an average person. In Azure Billow City, it was the annual ie of a major n, yet they could only afford a single day¡¯s cultivation in the chamber.


    The cultivation chamber was spacious, approximately fifty square meters in size. A mat was centrally ced, emanating a subtle ripple effect around it. The walls, crafted from special materials, were impervious to ordinary weapons, making them a popr choice for those wishing to test their strength post-breakthrough.


    As Liu Wuxie only had one day, he didn¡¯t dare to dy further and sat down on the mat, circting the Deste Devouring Art. The Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron began to devour the surrounding spiritual energy without his control. The spiritual energy here was denserpared to the me Sun Cave.


    Within a moment, the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron generated ten droplets of the enigmatic liquid, and the count kept rapidly increasing. After reaching the ninth level of the Xiantian Realm, Liu Wuxie had nearly depleted all the mysterious liquid. He estimated that he might need at least ten thousand liquid droplets to ascend to the Spirit Cleansing Realm.


    When Liu Wuxie circted the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron at full force, a ck vortex appeared above his head, devouring all the spiritual energy in the cultivation chamber at an rming rate.


    ¡°This won¡¯t do. The spiritual energy in this cultivation chamber isn¡¯t sufficient for me to make a breakthrough!¡± Liu Wuxie opened his eyes and surveyed the cultivation chamber. His gaze, enhanced by the Ghost Eye, prated the walls and observed the central control system.


    The fiveyered golden pagoda was constructed with a massive array, extracting the spiritual energy from underground veins and channeling it into the individual chambers. The chambers on the first floor had the thinnest density of spiritual energy, roughly about three timespared to the outside world, ten times for the second floor, and fifty times for the third floor.


    Despite the high concentration of spiritual energy, it was still insufficient to meet Liu Wuxie¡¯s needs. His dantian couldn¡¯t be measured in the usual way because the purity of his true essence was a hundred times that of others.


    ¡°Alter the array!¡± The first thing Liu Wuxie thought of was to modify the spiritual array and gather the surrounding spiritual energy.


    Removing the blue bs on the ground, Liu Wuxie began forming seals and injecting them into the spiritual array. An unusual scene unfolded as the spiritual energy in the cultivation chamber became denser.


    ¡°That¡¯s more like it!¡± Liu Wuxie pped his hands and returned to the mat to cultivate. His consciousness entered his dantian as the amount of liquid increased in the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron. The liquid had increased to over a hundred droplets in just ten minutes.


    As time passed, Liu Wuxie continued to circte the Deste Devouring Art. The spiritual energy in the chamber had be so dense that it formed into a small river.


    ¡°This feels great!¡± Liu Wuxie eximed, taking out the remaining Bone Refining Pills and swallowing them. They were better than nothing. Half a day had passed unknowingly, and the liquid umted in the cauldron had increased to over five thousand droplets. He even harbored the desire to stay here for ten days and nights. If he did, he might even reach the third level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm.


    In the end, Liu Wuxie could only sigh that he didn¡¯t have that many credits on him.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on? Why is the spiritual energy thinner than usual?¡±In the other chambers on the third floor, everyone was asking the same question as they emerged to investigate the situation. The depletion of spiritual energy was even more noticeable on the second floor, with half of the spiritual energy being drained, and the first floor was roughly the same.


    On the first floor, over a hundred students came out of their chambers because the density of spiritual energy had beparable to the outside world. This naturally rmed the spiritual array masters in the Imperial Academy, who sent people to investigate. However, no matter how they tried, they couldn¡¯t identify the problem.


    Bai Zhan screamed in frustration. He was on the verge of a breakthrough, but the sudden disappearance of spiritual energy led to his failure. This meant he was still stuck at the pinnacle of the Spirit Cleansing Realm. He would have to try another time if he wanted to make a breakthrough.


    Then again, Liu Wuxie knew nothing about that, immersed in his own world. When dusk arrived, the liquid in the cauldron reached a count of ten thousand droplets.


    ¡°Time to make my breakthrough!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s meridians released a roar that flowed in his veins like magma. The ten thousand liquid droplets poured out from the cauldron. A terrifying scene urred as cracks appeared on the ground in the world, manifested within his dantian, and more saplings emerged.


    However, for some reason, only the ancient tree grew taller, while the growth of the other saplings was slow. The nutrients they absorbed were all sent to the ancient tree.


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t know the name of this ancient tree, so he simply referred to it as the ancient tree. Despite scouring many books, he couldn¡¯t find any clues about it.


    The ancient tree began to grow violently, with lush leaves and branches stretching to the void. Shortly after, Liu Wuxie swayed and nearly fell as a branch emerged from his body, absorbing the spiritual energy in the chamber.


    ¡°Could it be that the Deste Devouring Art is evolving?¡± Liu Wuxie was perplexed. This was his first time practicing the Deste Devouring Art, and hecked experience. He could only proceed cautiously, taking one step at a time.


    As the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron evolved, the Deste Devouring Art also evolved as they were interconnected.


    ¡°The speed of the cauldron absorbing spiritual energy has increased.¡± Another tree branch reached into the void and devoured spiritual energy. The liquid in the cauldron also began to grow at a rapid rate.


    Liu Wuxie decided to put his thoughts on hold as his breakthrough was fast approaching. He nned to take his time to analyze the recent changes after he hadpleted his breakthrough. Regardless, he perceived the current changes as beneficial rather than detrimental.


    Each breakthrough of his dantian required a tremendous amount of spiritual energy. Since the branch of that mysterious ancient tree could aid him in devouring spiritual energy, it was only logical to utilize it.


    The process of his breakthrough was like a hammer smashing against the crystal wall, producing a rumbling sound. It felt like a certain acupoint had opened up, with his true essence flowing throughout his body like a tidal wave, soon permeating every corner.


    This feeling was superb. In the past, his body and soul were separated. But after reaching the Spirit Cleansing Realm, his soul and physique had perfectly merged, and he could sense it distinctively. This was a drastic transformation and not just a breakthrough in his cultivation.


    The liquid that had pooled on the ground was entirely absorbed. This is why Liu Wuxie had decided to enter the cultivation chamber. If he were to absorb spiritual energy in the outside world, it would take at least a month to umte such a substantial amount to aid in his breakthrough.


    As Liu Wuxie¡¯s meridians began to expand, his dantian became bigger. Vast chunks of boulders also rose from the ground, a sign that the earth attribute was awakening.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s true essence coursed throughout his body,pleting thirty-six cycles before returning to his dantian. When the true essence returned to his dantian, they were much purer than before.


    The true essence of ordinary people was in the form of mists, but Liu Wuxie¡¯s true essence was in the form of liquid, converging into rivers in his dantian.

 Chapter 164 - Nine Heavenly Crane Dance

    <h4>Chapter 164 - Nine Heavenly Crane Dance</h4>


    Even though it was night, the courtyard designated for the Misceneous Hall was brightly illuminated. The inhabitants of this ce were the elders of the Misceneous Hall.


    ¡°Are you done with the investigation?¡± Fan Yeping asked coldly, emanating a powerful murderous intent.


    ¡°I have looked into the matter. Liu Wuxie is responsible for the deaths of numerous students, and the headmaster intends to penalize him,¡± a young man with a piercing gaze stood before Fan Yeping and reported.


    ¡°Do you have the specific information on the punishment?¡± Fan Yeping asked. Many disciples who were punished would be demoted to the Misceneous Hall to take on the misceneous tasks as a form of punishment. If nothing went wrong, Liu Wuxie would soon be sent to the Misceneous Hall, falling into his hands. This meant that he could torment Liu Wuxie without restraint.


    ¡°I received news that his punishment will be special. He won¡¯t be demoted to the Misceneous Hall; you must be prepared. You won''t get another chance if you don¡¯t kill him now.¡± The youth¡¯s face was concealed in the darkness, with his back facing themp. His face couldn¡¯t be seen except for his sharp eyes.


    ¡°Regardless of how he¡¯s punished, I want him dead! Thank you for delivering the message at night, and I¡¯m grateful for it.¡± Fan Yeping bowed to the young man. It made no sense for an elder to bow to a student, and this only meant that the young man had an extraordinary status.


    ¡°As long as you can kill him, I will help you regain the status as a teacher.¡± The young man disappeared into the night without a trace.


    After the young man¡¯s departure, Fan Yeping was the only one left in his courtyard, clenching his fists tightly. His days in the Misceneous Hall had been filled with humiliation, as he was tasked with the menial job of cleaning up trash and maintaining the toilet. Once a respected teacher, he was reduced to this lowly state, thanks to Liu Wuxie.


    The young man who visited him that night had brought a tantalizing piece of information. If Fan Yeping could eliminate Liu Wuxie, the young man promised to restore his status as a teacher. Under normal circumstances, Fan Yeping would have dismissed such a im. But there was a certain conviction in the young man¡¯s words that made him believe.


    Liu Wuxie was in the process of making a breakthrough throughout the night, reaching the pinnacle of the Spirit Cleansing Realm. He didn¡¯t carry on because hecked spiritual energy and intended to stabilize his foundation.


    The transition from the Xiantian Realm to the Spirit Cleansing Realm was a significant transformation, necessitating Liu Wuxie to strengthen his foundation. As he formed seals with his hands, the Deste Devouring Art advanced to the second stage, leading to visible changes on the surface of the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron.


    During his self-detonation in the Celestial Realm, Liu Wuxie had witnessed the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron shatter into innumerable fragments. The cauldron within his dantian was merely a projection, not the real artifact. He pondered whether the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron would revert to its original state and re-emerge in the world as he progressed in the Deste Devouring Art.


    The branches of the ancient tree, which had grown several meters, returned to his body, continuously absorbing the spiritual energy from the outside world. This meant that Liu Wuxie¡¯s cultivation would continue even during mundane activities like eating or sleeping.


    As his time in the cultivation chamber ended, Liu Wuxie stood up after stabilizing his cultivation. A powerful shockwave of aura swept out from him, crashing against the walls.


    The walls emitted sizzling sounds, akin to arrows striking them. If it were someone in the Xiantian Realm facing him, they would be riddled with holes, but it left no marks on the walls.


    The sound of his bones cracking echoed around, reminiscent of popping beans. The Bone Refining Pills were working their magic, transforming every inch of Liu Wuxie¡¯s body. The runes on his bones intertwined, making his entire skeleton appear as one.


    Liu Wuxie continued to observe his condition, puzzled by the runes. He spected that they were a result of the Deste Devouring Art, which was transforming his body.


    ¡°What a powerful airflow!¡± Liu Wuxie needed time to get used to his cultivation. When he clenched his fists, a powerful airflow appeared in the surroundings.


    ¡°Overlord Fist!¡± Liu Wuxie raised his hand and punched the wall without hesitation. The shockwave he created formed a dragon-shaped true essence, covering a distance of several meters in an instant and reaching the wall.


    He had only used fifty percent of his strength out of concern that he might destroy the fiveyered golden pagoda because he couldn¡¯t control his strength. ording to his estimation, his current strength wasn¡¯t weaker than the fourth level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    With his rising cultivation level, it would be progressively difficult for Liu Wuxie to challenge those with higher cultivation levels than him. While he could challenge those in the Spirit Cleansing Realm with his cultivation in the Xiantian Realm, it didn¡¯t necessarily mean he could take on those in the Marrow Cleansing Realm with cultivation in the Spirit Cleansing Realm. Such a feat had been unheard of since ancient times.


    With a loud bang, a powerful rebound force sent him flying away, crashing against the wall behind him. The impact made him throw up a mouthful of blood from the shock to his internal organs.


    The fiveyered golden pagoda began to shake violently, causing rm among the cultivating students. Many were frightened to the point of wetting their pants, thinking that the pagoda was on the verge of copse. However, the shaking was short-lived and soon subsided, restoring calm.


    A fan-shaped crater appeared on the wall in front of Liu Wuxie. Ever since the fiveyered golden pagoda was forged, no one had been able to damage the walls like this. At the center of the crater was a fist mark left behind by the Overlord Fist.


    ¡°This is my strength?¡± Liu Wuxie looked at his fists with disbelief. He knew the Overlord Fist could be promoted, but he didn¡¯t expect it to be so powerful.


    ¡°Relying on the Overlord Fist, it shouldn¡¯t be an issue for me to kill someone in the fourth level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm.¡± Liu Wuxie took a deep breath and shook his arms with excitement. The surrounding spiritual energy poured into his dantian as the previous attack had consumed half his true essence.


    He was only left with an hour in the cultivation chamber, and he wanted to make full use of it. He didn¡¯t need to practice the Overlord Fist because there was only one move. However, the stronger he grew, the more powerful the Overlord Fist would be. But now that he had reached the Spirit Cleansing Realm, he wanted to cultivate several martial techniques to protect himself better.


    ¡°Time to change my movement technique!¡± Liu Wuxie had already reached the pinnacle with the Seven Dipper Steps. It was more than enough for him in the Xiantian Realm, but the enemies he encountered were increasingly stronger. He searched his memories, and there weren¡¯t many martial techniques suitable for his current cultivation level.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go with this one!¡± A martial technique from the Celestial Realm surfaced in his mind. Although he couldn¡¯t fully utilize it with his current cultivation level, he believed he could modify it to suit his needs. In just fifteen minutes, Liu Wuxie had sessfully adapted the new movement technique.


    Liu Wuxie decided to name his new movement technique the ¡°Nine Heavenly Crane Dance.¡± This simplified technique consisted of nine forms, each corresponding to amon posture of a celestial crane, such as pecking, soaring, and spreading its wings. This allowed him to execute the technique to its fullest potential.


    Thus, he spent his remaining time in the cultivation chamber to practice the Nine Heavenly Crane Dance. His body would alternate between his own form and that of a celestial crane. When he executed the movement technique, he would disappear and leave behind a rough outline shing in the cultivation chamber.


    After spending fifteen minutes, Liu Wuxie finally grasped the movement technique entirely, and next was to use it in actualbat. He was still uncertain about his de technique because he wasn¡¯t satisfied with the modifications he had made to several de techniques, which had decreased their grade.


    For now, Liu Wuxie relied on the Blood Gleam de Art. He could always find one at the academy if he needed a new de technique. With the Ghost Eye and Overlord Fist at his disposal, he was capable of handling experts from the lower levels of the Marrow Cleansing Realm. Even if he couldn¡¯t defeat them, escaping with his movement technique shouldn¡¯t pose a problem.


    ¡°My time is almost up!¡± Liu Wuxie adjusted his clothes and headed out, removing the jade token as the door opened. Upon exiting, he headed to the counter, noticing that the damage from the previous day had been repaired.


    Handing the jade token over, Liu Wuxie went down the pagoda. When he stepped onto the second floor, many people were surprised, pointing fingers at him.


    ¡°That brat is out. There¡¯s a show to watch now,¡± the crowd murmured in hushed voices. Liu Wuxie, having reached the Spirit Cleansing Realm and thus expanded his divine sense, could hear them. He was now able to sense everything within a few hundred meters radius.


    ¡°Bai Zhan is waiting outside. His inability to cultivate on the third floor is because of him, and the sudden disappearance of spiritual energy on the second floor led to his failure to make a breakthrough,¡± they whispered. Bai Zhan had been outside for two hours but hadn¡¯t left, choosing instead to wait.


    A crowd had gathered outside the fiveyered golden pagoda, their eyes frequently darting towards the gate as if anticipating someone¡¯s arrival.


    Liu Wuxie emerged, his brow furrowed in annoyance. He hadn¡¯t expected Bai Zhan to me him for his failed breakthrough, a me as absurd as attributing constipation to gravity. However, he quickly dismissed the thought. Having just achieved a breakthrough, he needed an efficient sparring partner to test his newfound strength, and Bai Zhan seemed to be the perfect candidate.


    As Liu Wuxie stepped out of the pagoda, Bai Zhan¡¯s imposing figure stood in his path, surrounded by a crowd of over a hundred students. ¡°Liu Wuxie is out!¡± someone eximed, drawing attention to his emergence. Bai Zhan¡¯s eyes glinted maliciously as he clenched his fists, ready for the confrontation.


    ¡°Brat, today will be your end. You¡¯re the reason why I failed to make a breakthrough!¡± Bai Zhan said in an eerie tone, unleashing a powerful aura that shattered the blue bs on the ground. He had held back during his sh with Liu Wuxie on the third floor the previous day.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know you, nor do we have any grudges. But since you¡¯re intent on confronting me, go ahead!¡± Liu Wuxie retorted, uninterested in exining himself. If Bai Zhan were determined to kill him, he would simply retaliate.


    When Liu Wuxie and Bai Zhan released their aura, a powerful aura in the Spirit Cleansing Realm enveloped Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Look, Liu Wuxie has reached the Spirit Cleansing Realm!¡± Amotion arose among the onlookers as they realized Liu Wuxie had achieved the Spirit Cleansing Realm. This was unwee news for many who had previously ridiculed him.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t they say he won¡¯t be able to make a breakthrough because of his special constitution? How is his cultivation rising so quickly?¡±


    No one was optimistic about Liu Wuxie when he had triggered the Nine Stars Illumination during the assessment. This had led to no teacher taking him under their wing, leaving him to develop independently. Consequently, everyone was taken aback when Liu Wuxie achieved a breakthrough much faster than most, despite his unique constitution. They could only wonder about the extent of his power if he continued at this pace.


    The students who had enrolled in the academy alongside Liu Wuxie were still stuck at the ninth level of the Xiantian Realm, while Liu Wuxie had advanced to the Spirit Cleansing Realm.


    Bai Zhan¡¯s face was etched with seriousness. He had juste across information about Liu Wuxie, specifically about how he had in someone in the fifth-level Spirit Cleansing Realm with a single de strike. This revtion made Bai Zhan approach this battle with the utmost gravity. Furthermore, he had no room for retreat. He had already made a deration and stood to lose his ce in the academy if he failed to eliminate Liu Wuxie today.

 Chapter 165 - Punishment

    <h4>Chapter 165 - Punishment</h4>


    ¡°Brat, die!¡± Bai Zhanunched himself like a cannonball, his foot leaving a deep crater and sending palm-sized blue bs flying in all directions.


    ¡°ARGGGHHH!¡± The nearby students cried out in pain as the stones struck them.


    The force of Liu Wuxie¡¯s punches created a whooshing sound as Bai Zhan pounced forward like a tiger. His true essence also formed a mysterious energy that resembled a vortex. He was incredibly fast, and the force of his punch was three times stronger than the previous day. This time, Bai Zhan didn¡¯t hold back and unleashed his full power.


    There was no room for Liu Wuxie to evade because the two were only ten meters away, and Bai Zhan appeared before him in the next moment. Liu Wuxie raised his fist, going into the Overlord Fist posture. He knew his de technique wasn¡¯t strong enough to deal with someone like Bai Zhan.


    The force of Bai Zhan¡¯s punch sealed the surrounding space. But everyone watched as Liu Wuxie¡¯s figure charged forward like a gentle breeze. When their punches flew at each other, a buzzing noise was produced in the surroundings, and an explosion could be heard from the rapidpression of air.


    The surrounding students covered their ears helplessly. The two punches collided in one-thousandth of a second, producing a powerful shockwave.


    The blue bs on the ground were swept up into the sky, caught in the vortex formed between Liu Wuxie and Bai Zhan. The force of the vortex was so intense that it reduced the bs to ashes.


    Liu Wuxie and Bai Zhan¡¯s figures disappeared, and everyone could only sense a suffocating powering from the vortex. The shockwave from their sh was akin to a level fifteen tornado, sweeping everything in its path. Even students standing a hundred meters away were caught in the tornado, crying out in pain as they were thrown to the ground.


    The vortex concealed the events within, with only the sounds of collisions and asional bone-cracking noises reaching the ears of the onlookers, sending chills down their spines.


    After a minute, the vortex dissipated. Two figures were ejected from it, blood sttering in the air. With a resounding crash, Bai Zhan¡¯s body mmed into a tree. In contrast, Liu Wuxie¡¯s figure traced an arc in the air, reminiscent of a celestial crane. Hended on the ground after a somersault, taking several steps back. Each step left a footprint on the ground, marking his retreat.


    Liu Wuxie and Bai Zhan stood in disarray, their clothes torn and tattered. A fist mark was visible on Liu Wuxie¡¯s left side of the chest. Bai Zhan was in a simr state, with blood trickling from his lip.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s Overlord Fist was domineering, and it felt like lightning when itnded on Bai Zhan, leaving his body numb.


    The two stood silently, not making any further moves as Bai Zhan¡¯s fighting spirit intensified, his eyes filled with a murderous intent.


    ¡°You¡¯re the first to survive my attack, making you worthy of being my opponent,¡± Bai Zhan dered, a statement he was entitled to make given that no one had ever withstood his punch since he gained fame. He took a deep breath to calm himself, readying for another attack. It had been a while since he had such a thrilling fight.


    Liu Wuxie remained expressionless. He had used seventy percent of his strength earlier, and they were evenly matched. He knew he needed to bring out his full strength to kill Bai Zhan.


    As Bai Zhan approached, mes enveloped him with a powerful shockwave.


    Liu Wuxie began to circte his true essence. Since he couldn¡¯t settle this matter peacefully, he could only kill Bai Zhan. When he unleashed his murderous intent, the surrounding airflow became slow and heavy.


    A man d in a purple robe arrived, his booming voice interrupting the duel between Liu Wuxie and Bai Zhan. ¡°Who¡¯s Liu Wuxie?¡± he demanded.


    ¡°That¡¯s me!¡± Liu Wuxie responded, eyeing the purple-robed man warily, wondering if this was yet another person out to get him.


    The man ryed a message from the headmaster. ¡°You should be expelled for killing six students, but the academy has decided to give you a chance since this is your first offense. This is the punishment book. If you canplete the task within a month, the academy won¡¯t pursue this matter. But if you fail, you will be expelled after a month.¡± He handed the book to Liu Wuxie.


    Upon receiving the book, a devilish smile spread across Liu Wuxie¡¯s face. He had anticipated this oue. The academy had to take action due to the deaths of so many students. Without any punishment, other students might follow his example and instigate a massacre in the academy.


    Liu Wuxie understood the headmaster¡¯s rationale. As long as he wasn¡¯t expelled, no task would be too daunting for him. Having reached the Spirit Cleansing Realm, he saw this as an opportunity to venture out, as staying in the academy wouldn¡¯t contribute to his growth.


    ¡°Thank you, Senior Brother!¡± Liu Wuxie expressed his gratitude. Liu Wuxie had noticed the purple-robed man earlier, but the man had kept his distance until now, likely stepping in to mediate the conflict between Liu Wuxie and Bai Zhan.


    ¡°My name is Gong Ao, and we¡¯ll have plenty of time to get to know each other in the future. You only have one month. Pack up andplete the task as soon as possible,¡± Gong Ao said and left.


    As Gong Ao left, all eyes turned to Liu Wuxie in surprise. In the meantime, Bai Zhan withdrew his aura.


    Upon opening the book, Liu Wuxie found three tasks listed, all to bepleted within a month. Some students nearby approached to take a peek at the book.


    ¡°What? He has to eradicate the Scarlet Dragon Association? How is this a punishment? It¡¯s more like a death sentence!¡± A gasp of disbelief echoed through the crowd as they learned that Liu Wuxie¡¯s first task was to dismantle the Scarlet Dragon Association, a task about which Liu Wuxie knew nothing.


    ¡°The second is to investigate the disappearance of the academy¡¯s students in the Western Breeze Mountain Range. That¡¯s even more challenging given the one-month deadline. It would be impressive if he could evenplete the first task,¡± several studentsmented, rendered speechless by the daunting tasks.


    A month ago, a group of mysterious people had appeared in the Western Breeze Mountain Range, resulting in the disappearance of several students. Despite the academy¡¯s lengthy investigation, no clues had been found.


    Liu Wuxie closed the book, the first two tasks alone were enough to give him a headache, let alone the unseen third task. It was uncertain whether he could evenplete them.


    Stowing the book in his clothes, Liu Wuxie made his exit. This time, Bai Zhan didn¡¯t obstruct him. ¡°Our feud isn¡¯t over. I hope you make it back alive,¡± Bai Zhan said, his eyes still radiating a murderous intent. The earlier battle had presented him with another opportunity for a breakthrough, and he promptly headed to the third floor.


    The news of Liu Wuxie receiving the punishment book spread like a whirlwind in the academy in less than an hour.


    When Liu Wuxie returned to his courtyard, Li Shengsheng came over with the other eight students from Advanced ss Seven.


    ¡°Junior Brother Liu, I would advise against going to Mulberry Town. The Scarlet Dragon Association is moreplex than it appears,¡± Li Shengsheng warned, his expression serious. He exined that investigating the Western Breeze Mountain Range wasn¡¯t dangerous as it merely involved observation. However, eradicating the Scarlet Dragon Association was a far more challenging task.


    ¡°Tell me more about it!¡± Liu Wuxie urged. He had already epted the punishment book and knew that failure toplete the tasks would result in his expulsion. This was contrary to his goal of maintaining ess to the academy¡¯s resources. Moreover, he recognized that he couldn¡¯t remain in the academy indefinitely and saw this as an excellent opportunity to explore the outside world.


    ¡°The Scarlet Dragon Association is led by three incredibly powerful individuals. I¡¯ve heard that the grand leader has reached the second level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm. They once joined forces to kill a fourth-level Marrow Cleansing Realm expert, which made them infamous in Mulberry Town. They¡¯re known formitting various crimes, including murder and looting. The Great Yan Dynasty has sent troops to eradicate them on multiple asions, but they always retreat to the mountains whenever there¡¯s movement. That¡¯s why it¡¯s difficult to eliminate them,¡± Li Shengsheng borated, producing a stack of prepared information.


    ¡°Junior Brother, the Scarlet Dragon Association might be supported by the Heaven Govern Academy in secret. This is because the grand leader was once a student of that academy,¡± Zhao Cheng whispered, stepping forward to avoid his words being overheard.


    The fact that the Scarlet Dragon Association managed to escape each time suggested that they were receiving inside information.


    Upon hearing this, Liu Wuxie¡¯s brow furrowed. If the Heaven Govern Academy was indeed supporting the Scarlet Dragon Association, eliminating them could lead to conflict with the academy. However, he had no choice but to face the situation head-on.


    ¡°Thanks for informing me.¡± Liu Wuxie cupped his fists to express his gratitude. Everyone understood he had to leave the academy since the punishment book was issued.


    ¡°If you find yourself cornered, you can seek help from our teacher and ask him to speak to the headmaster. This punishment seems unfair to you,¡± Wang Yonghao suggested, offering to join Liu Wuxie in seeking Jin Jianfeng¡¯s help to have the punishment revoked.


    The other students nodded in agreement because the punishment was unusually harsh. In the past, punishments typically involved sending students to the Misceneous Hall or, in severe cases, confining them. This was the first time such a punishment had been issued.


    Just then, Jin Jianfeng stormed into the courtyard, his face etched with anger.


    ¡°Greetings, Teacher!¡± The ten students bowed, and Jin Jianfeng waved his hand.


    ¡°Kid,e back alive!¡± Jin Jianfeng knew their concerns and approached Liu Wuxie, patting his shoulder reassuringly.


    <i>Was he pressured?</i> Liu Wuxie was perceptive, and Jin Jianfeng¡¯s attitude told him that the headmaster was likely forced by someone. However, he was unsure who was calling the shots.


    ¡°Don¡¯t overthink it for now. The headmaster didn¡¯t assign the punishment, and your primary task is to survive,¡± Jin Jianfeng advised before departing, taking a few sips from his gourd.


    A silence fell over the courtyard. The fact that even their teacher was powerless in this situation suggested that the instigator behind this was incredibly influential. This led them to wonder who wanted Liu Wuxie dead.


    After bidding them farewell, Liu Wuxie retreated to his room to ponder over the situation. Given that the person was capable of meddling with the academy¡¯s affairs, he concluded that it could only be someone from the royal n.

 Chapter 166 - Forging Artifact

    <h4>Chapter 166 - Forging Artifact</h4>


    After a couple of hours, Liu Wuxie reached the Forging Pavilion. His current weapon was no longer adequate, and he needed to upgrade it to a profound artifact before leaving the academy. If he were to unleash his true essence, his existing de would shatter.


    There were two ways to forge artifacts. One was simr to renting a cultivation chamber, where he would spend credits to use the facility and forge his own weapon. The other was to hire a cksmith from the academy to do the forging, which would cost more credits.


    ¡°I require a Profound Forging Chamber!¡± Liu Wuxie announced, presenting his token to the elder in charge. The rental fee was ten credits, a price he found eptable.


    ¡°What kind of weapon are you nning to forge, young man? I¡¯m a cksmith, and my rates are reasonable,¡± a muscr man inquired, approaching Liu Wuxie after he hadpleted the necessary formalities. Despite the winter chill, the man wore a short shirt, sweat beads trickling down his forehead. It wasmon for cksmiths to seek out potential clients during their free time.


    ¡°Thank you, but I¡¯ll forge my own weapon,¡± Liu Wuxie declined, shaking his head at the burly man. Judging by the man¡¯s skill level, he could only create low-grade spiritual artifacts. However, Liu Wuxie had his sights set on high-grade profound artifacts.


    ¡°Brat, who doesn¡¯t know how to brag? The forging chamber has a high temperature, which ordinary people cannot withstand. If you go in, you¡¯ll only end up getting roasted with your small frame.¡± The burly man looked displeased. He had been waiting for an entire day without any business.


    Most students typically sought the assistance of cksmiths and seldom forged their own weapons. The reason being, if they failed to control the temperature urately, it could result in the destruction of their weapons and a waste of their credits. Hence, the majority of students preferred to hire a cksmith, which saved them both trouble and risk. Even if the weapons were destroyed in the process, the teachers would provide appropriatepensation.


    ¡°Appreciate the offer, but I¡¯ll pass.¡± Liu Wuxie responded, heading towards the forging chamber without further dy.


    A hint of anger surfaced on the burly man¡¯s face. He had been anticipating some business, and it was hard for him to let it slip away. Unlike the cultivation chambers, which were bustling daily, the forging chambers were rarely visited by students these days. Not many students possessed the knowledge to forge weapons.


    ¡°Is there anything else, Sir?¡± Liu Wuxie asked, irritation evident on his face. He was questioning the burly man who was obstructing his path to the forging chamber.


    ¡°If you insist on forging it yourself, you¡¯ll need to pay ten credits to enter the chamber,¡± the burly man retorted, extending his hand, expecting Liu Wuxie to hand over the credits if he wished to proceed.


    ¡°Why should I?¡± Liu Wuxie asked furiously. He had alreadypleted the formalities and paid ten credits.


    ¡°Because I¡¯m in charge of this ce. Every student has to pay a certain amount of credit to enter. Don''t even consider entering if you don¡¯t pay the credits!¡± The burly man had an overbearing attitude. He was often seen bullying ordinary students here, forcing them to hand over credits as a tribute to him if they wanted to use the forging chambers.


    Typically, individuals would forge their weapons only once every few years and often tolerated the burly man¡¯s intimidation. At most, they would avoid visiting this ce in the future, which only seemed to embolden the man further.


    Themotion drew the attention of several students passing by, who turned their heads towards the scene.


    ¡°It¡¯s Guo Zhong. He¡¯s likely trying to exploit new students again.¡± No one got close because they didn¡¯t want to get involved and had already seen this multiple times.


    Guo Zhong could hardly be considered a teacher as he bore no responsibility for educating students. His status in the Forging Pavilion was solely due to his role as a Master cksmith. He assisted students in forging low-grade spiritual artifacts, earning a substantial ie annually.


    In the past month, the number of students forging weapons had dwindled, leading to a decline in Guo Zhong¡¯s earnings. As a result, he resorted to exploiting weaker students topensate for his loss. Liu Wuxie, who appeared unfamiliar andcked high cultivation, became an easy target for Guo Zhong.


    ¡°What if I refuse?¡± Liu Wuxie asked, a smirk ying on his lips. He remained calm andposed. The Imperial Academy was fraught with dangers, and only those without a strong background or power were susceptible to bullying.


    ¡°Nobody dares to defy me, Guo Zhong!¡± Guo Zhong retorted. It was likely that he had a significant influence within the Imperial Academy. After all, it was improbable for a mere cksmith to exhibit such arrogance without substantial backing.


    As he finished speaking, Guo Zhong reached out to grab Liu Wuxie¡¯s shoulder. He was not a weakling, having cultivated to the seventh level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm. His frequent weapon forging had endowed him with formidable wrist strength, making it difficult for Liu Wuxie to evade if caught.


    ¡°How dare you!¡± Liu Wuxie roared. With a swift movement, he vanished, performing the Nine Heavenly Crane Dance and leaving an afterimage in his wake.


    Guo Zhong¡¯s right hand swiped through empty air. A ripple spread in the atmosphere as his hand morphed into a w,unching an attack to the right. The speed of his move was astonishingly quick.


    ¡°Brat, let me see how long you can keep running!¡± Guo Zhong¡¯s assault generated a potent wave, blocking Liu Wuxie¡¯s escape route. The confined space was advantageous for Guo Zhong, a strength-type cultivator. In contrast, a spacious area would hinder him from exerting his full power, so he cornered Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Who said I was running?¡± A chilling aura radiated from behind Guo Zhong, causing him to break out in a cold sweat. He wanted to react, but it was already toote.


    A loud thud echoed as a stump hit Guo Zhong¡¯s back, causing him to stumble forward and fall into a muddy pond. The sight of Liu Wuxie daring to attack a cksmith was unexpected, prompting the nearby students to scatter in fear.


    ¡°Insolent boy, I¡¯ll make you pay!¡± Guo Zhong roared as he emerged from the pond, his body covered in mud, presenting a ratherical sight.


    However, Liu Wuxie ignored Guo Zhong¡¯s roar and entered the forging chamber, leaving Guo Zhong yelling by himself in the main hall.


    Upon entering the forging chamber, Liu Wuxie was greeted by a wave of intense heat. Guo Zhong hadn¡¯t been lying about the high temperature within the chamber. Ordinary people wouldn¡¯t be able to withstand the temperature unless theyprehended fire attributes.


    The forging chamber was massive, roughly about a hundred square meters. Aside from a cauldron, there was also a pond of water. At the center of the chamber was an anvil meant for shaping weapons.


    Liu Wuxie brought out the materials he had purchased in the Imperial Capital. There were hundreds of items, including rare demonic beast bones, precious ores, and various other materials. These materials had cost Liu Wuxie millions of gold coins.


    Liu Wuxie began the process by cing his de into the cauldron, which quickly turned red due to the intense heat. This wasn¡¯t a simple refining process that involved mere hammering; it required the engraving of runes onto the weapon.


    He then threw the demonic beast¡¯s bone into the cauldron and started forming seals with his hands, creating a unique seal that prated the bone, purifying it.


    As Liu Wuxie continued to add more materials into the cauldron, the speed at which he formed the seals increased, filling the air with numerous spiritual runes. These runes were categorized into various types, including those used for refining pills, forging weapons, spiritual arrays, and talismans.


    Liu Wuxie was specifically engraving spiritual runes designed for forging artifacts, which emitted a profound aura that permeated the entire forging chamber.


    After six hours, he managed to purify the hundreds of materials. Once the materials were purified, the next step involved fusing them with his de.


    Using a tong to pick up the de, Liu Wuxie drenched it in the water, producing a sizzling sound as the de swiftly cooled down.


    With a swing of his right hand, a deep groove appeared on the de as the demonic beast¡¯s bone flew over. The bone was soon enveloped in a ball of fire and melted instantly.


    The molten liquid seeped into the de''s groove, merging with it. As more materials flew over, they melted and fused into the de.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s forging technique was indeed exceptional. Any cksmith witnessing this scene might deem him reckless, given the high risk of failure associated with this method. Without substantial soul energy and true essence as support, the forging process could lead to the depletion of true essence and the weapon¡¯s eventual destruction.


    But these weren¡¯t issues for Liu Wuxie. Ever since he reached the Spirit Cleansing Realm, the quantity of his true essence couldn¡¯t be gauged with ordinary scale. Not to mention that Liu Wuxie also practiced Ghost Eye and consumed Bone Refining Pills, which meant that his soul energy even surpassed those in the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    As the materials began to decrease, the de finally began to change as it grew longer, bing even more slender than before. There were strange runes on the de''s surface as it crossed the grade of a spiritual artifact, heading towards a profound artifact.


    Once the materials merged into the de, it was uncertain if they wouldpletely fuse. This required Liu Wuxie to continue to carve and temper.


    Half a dayter, all the materials on the ground disappeared. When Liu Wuxie pointed with his finger, the de was enveloped in mes, producing sizzling and crackling sounds as the de showed signs of melting.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s true essence flowed out from his dantian, manifesting into a giant hand that grasped the de, keeping it suspended in the air.


    ¡°The real forging process begins now!¡± Liu Wuxie dered. The creation of an ordinary weapon involved pouring molten iron into a mold and repeatedly hammering it. However, refining a profound artifact was a different process altogether. It required the cksmith to use spiritual runes to shape the weapon and enhance its quality.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s hands began to form seals as the airflow slowed down, and spiritual runes faintly appeared in the surroundings. These runes moved through the air, enveloping the de and engraving themselves onto it.


    Each spiritual rune represented aw of heaven and earth. Liu Wuxie grasped countless techniques but couldn¡¯t execute them with his current cultivation.


    As the de began to stretch, it looked nothing like a de or a sword. It was a single-edged de with a streamlined body, looking more like a piece of art instead.


    Spiritual runes flowed on the de''s surface like mercury, with terrifying cold air released from the de''s tip, decreasing the temperature in the entire chamber.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s hands stopped forming seals, allowing the de to hover in the air. But that wasn¡¯t the end, as he took out a few spirit stones, extracted their spiritual energy, and injected them into the de.


    This was a method to increase the spirituality of the de, and ordinary cksmith wouldn¡¯t try this. If the spirituality of the weapon was forcibly increased, there was a high chance that it might shatter. This was because the greater the spirituality, the higher the quality required of the artifact.


    After the de had absorbed three spirit stones, it emitted a humming sound, and a small vortex formed within it. Every weapon evolved from ordinary ones. Upon reaching a certain level, it could cultivate an artifact spirit. The weapon Liu Wuxie wielded in his previous life, known as the Blood de, was even capable of assuming a human form.


    Liu Wuxie continued to engrave spiritual runes without resting, and a profound aura filled the entire chamber.


    ¡°Time to engrave the spiritual array now!¡± Spiritual runes hovered in the air before Liu Wuxie injected them into the de.


    Cracking sounds emanated from the de the moment the spiritual runes were injected. This was a sign that the structure of the de was unstable, and it could explode at any moment.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s method was too risky, but he continued to inject spiritual runes into the de. This increased the cracks on the de, which made the de look as though it would blow apart in the next moment.


    ¡°Sess or failure hinges on this moment!¡± Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t give up. He elerated the speed of his rune engraving, and formidable spiritual energy flowed into the de like a liquid, mending the cracks.

 Chapter 167 - Guo Zhong鈥檚 Death

    <h4>Chapter 167 - Guo Zhong¡¯s Death</h4>


    Liu Wuxie could observe each transformation of the de with his Ghost Eye. As the repairing spiritual runes were infused into the de, the cracks swiftly vanished, and a potent de intent permeated the entire chamber.


    The de was three inches longer than before and heavier. The spiritual runes were like spiderwebs covering the entire de¡¯s surface. The de also gave off a profound aura from the de tip. The dense de aura ripped apart space and shot toward the walls on both sides, leaving marks behind.


    ¡°An excellent de! It should have a name now!¡± Liu Wuxie caressed the de as traces of de aura climbed up his shoulders through his hand and coursed through his body. It was an affinitying from the de as though it had acknowledged him as master.


    ¡°Let¡¯s name it Heretic de!¡± The ¡®Xie¡¯ in his name also meant heretic, and ¡®de¡¯ signified blood, befitting a de that would draw blood upon being drawn.


    Liu Wuxie ced his hand on the hilt of the de. The de intent enveloped the de as he focused his gaze on the anvil at the center of the chamber.


    ¡°Cut!¡± With a sh of the de, Liu Wuxie swung it down onto the anvil.


    With a resounding crack, the anvil, crafted from divine iron of exceptional quality, burst into fragments. It was such that an average profound artifact wouldn¡¯t even leave a mark on it.


    Liu Wuxie smiled because the sharpness of the Heretic de far exceeded ordinary profound artifacts.


    ¡°This is great! The Heretic de can even confront ordinary Vajra artifacts!¡± He spent the remaining time to forge a scabbard. By the time he finished, dawn had broken, leaving him with twenty-nine days.


    As Liu Wuxie emerged from the forging chamber, a fist hurtled towards him, giving him no chance to react. ¡°Back off!¡± Liu Wuxie bellowed, countering swiftly with a punch of his own. The collision of the two fists sent a potent shockwave rippling outwards, causing nearby trees to snap under the force.


    A figure stood outside the forging chamber, eyes filled with murderous intent fixed on Liu Wuxie. This individual had set up camp outside the chamber the previous day, lying in wait to ambush Liu Wuxie upon his exit.


    ¡°Guo Zhong, you¡¯re courting death!¡± Liu Wuxie was enraged. The one who attacked him was Guo Zhong.


    When a powerful shockwave swept out, Liu Wuxie and Guo Zhong retreated. Liu Wuxie returned to the safety of the forging chamber while Guo Zhong was thrown ten meters back. This took Guo Zhong by surprise, as Liu Wuxie¡¯s strength had far surpassed his estimations. Had it been anyone else in Liu Wuxie¡¯s position, they would have been killed by his lethal attack.


    His pride was deeply wounded when he was unceremoniously dumped into a mud pond the day before. Though not a teacher, he held a distinguished position as a Master cksmith.


    ¡°Brat, you got lucky and managed to avoid my attack.¡± Guo Zhong wore a sinister smile as he approached Liu Wuxie. He was determined to kill Liu Wuxie to make an example out of him. This was to prevent neers from being disrespectful to him.


    As Liu Wuxie emerged from the forging chamber, the murderous aura around him intensified with each step he took.


    ¡°You¡¯re finished!¡± Liu Wuxie dered, unsheathing his de. Having already imed numerous lives at the Imperial Academy, he had no qualms about adding another to his tally, especially since he had already been penalized for his previous killings.


    ¡°Kid, your arrogance knows no bounds. Allow me to teach you a lesson today. You¡¯re the first to dare disrespect me in this ce,¡± Guo Zhong retorted,unching himself at Liu Wuxie like a shooting star and throwing a punch. His true essence manifested itself as a punch, hurtling towards Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Allow me the privilege of ending your life to rid this ce of vermin,¡± Liu Wuxie retorted, executing the Nine Heavenly Crane Dance and soaring skywards like a divine crane. This sudden move caused Guo Zhong to lose sight of Liu Wuxie, and he instantly realized he was in a precarious situation.


    A de swung down, leaving a huge gash on Guo Zhong¡¯s back that stretched to his waist, covering him in blood.


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t intend to kill Guo Zhong outright, instead opting to slowly torture him to death. He continued to swing his de, inflicting more wounds on Guo Zhong¡¯s body.


    In no time at all, Guo Zhong was covered in dozens of wounds. His back, chest, and arms were all marred by injuries. Blood gushed from the wounds, eliciting screams of agony from Guo Zhong.


    Every time Guo Zhong threw a punch, Liu Wuxie would disappear before it could reach him, pushing the Nine Heavenly Crane Dance to the limit. Despite this, all Guo Zhong could see were Liu Wuxie¡¯s afterimages.


    The scene was a gruesome spectacle of one-sided carnage as the number of wounds on Guo Zhong began to multiply, soon reaching a staggering count of one hundred and fifty. This was part of Liu Wuxie¡¯s n to use Guo Zhong¡¯s blood as a tribute to the de. The creation of a powerful weapon often required blood to awaken the artifact¡¯s spiritual essence.


    Guo Zhong was so severely injured that even his soles were wounded, and his entire body was drenched in blood. His punches gradually lost their speed, and before long, he could barely muster the strength to lift his bloodied hand.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s final strikended on Guo Zhong¡¯s dantian, causing thetter¡¯s true essence to overflow from his dantian, marking the end of his life.


    Liu Wuxie sheathed his de and departed without sparing a nce at Guo Zhong. He didn¡¯t have time to bid farewell to Li Shengsheng and others as he headed straight for the ten-mile-long street, leaving the academy toplete the three tasks assigned to him.


    A month could be long or short, depending on the circumstances. The three tasks might seem simple, butpleting them wouldn¡¯t be easy. The one who assigned the tasks to him had no intention of letting hime back alive.


    The janitor discovered Guo Zhong¡¯s nearly lifeless body. Horrified by the sight of Guo Zhong, he immediately alerted the entire academy, wondering who could be so ruthless as to inflict over two hundred wounds on him.


    When the elder of the Forging Pavilion came, Guo Zhong was barely alive with one breath left.


    ¡°Guo Zhong, who did this to you?¡± The elder of the Forging Pavilion asked, helping Guo Zhong up.


    Since the establishment of the Imperial Academy, there had never been an incident of a Master cksmith being murdered.


    With great difficulty, Guo Zhong pointed at the forging chamber that Liu Wuxie used.


    ¡°Go and check who used that forging chamber!¡± the elder instructed. Within fifteen minutes, he was informed that the individual in question was Liu Wuxie.


    As Guo Zhong drew hisst breath, his eyes were filled with resentment. He found it hard to ept that his end hade at the hands of someone he considered insignificant.


    ¡°Elder, what should we do? Guo Zhong is the nephew of Vice-Headmaster Qin. If we can¡¯t exin his death, we will all be expelled!¡± A deacon, shaking with fear, expressed his concern. He had not anticipated Guo Zhong¡¯s influential connection to Vice-Headmaster Qin.


    ¡°Quick, notify Vice-Headmaster Qin!¡± The elder of the Forging Pavilion, his body stained with blood, managed to rise from the ground. His clothes had been soaked with blood when he had carried Guo Zhong earlier.


    The deacon swiftly ran out, not daring to waste a single moment.


    Qin Shi came out of the room when he received the news. The news of his nephew¡¯s death ignited a fierce rage within him.


    ¡°Master, what¡¯s going on?¡± Xiao Yanlong, who made it a point to greet his master every morning, was taken aback by his master¡¯s fury. It was unusual to see his master in such a state, and the intense aura of anger emanating from him was almost enough to knock him off his feet.


    ¡°Guo Zhong is no more!¡± Qin Shi, seemingly in a state of frenzy, was unable to muster any strength. He alone knew the truth that Guo Zhong was not his nephew but his son, born from a ndestine affair with his sister-inw.


    ¡°How did Big Brother Guo die?¡± Xiao Yanlong was familiar with Guo Zhong. They were not just acquaintances but shared a good rapport. After all, Guo Zhong would pay his respects to Qin Shi every few days.


    ¡°Follow me!¡± Qin Shi, too, was in the dark about the specifics. The deacon who had brought him the news had only urged him to rush to the Forging Pavilion, where he would learn the details.


    Without taking time to freshen up, the master and disciple made haste to the Forging Pavilion, reaching their destination in fifteen minutes.


    Guo Zhong¡¯s body, still warm,y drenched in blood, his face the only part not covered in it.


    Upon seeing Guo Zhong¡¯s lifeless body, Qin Shi swayed on his feet, and Xiao Yanlong quickly moved to steady his master.


    The elder stood to the side, holding his breath in the tense atmosphere. Students who happened to pass by opted to take a detour, not daring to approach the Forging Pavilion.


    The three headmasters, Baili Qing, Qin Shi, and Fan Zhen, each had their distinct characteristics. Baili Qing was aloof and domineering, Qin Shi was ruthless and would stop at nothing to achieve his objectives, while Fan Zhen was just and adored by the students.


    Xiao Yanlong bent down to inspect Guo Zhong¡¯s lifeless body. He counted two hundred and forty wounds, each strategically ced to avoid vital areas. The longest wound stretched over thirty meters, while the shortest was only a few inches. This indicated that Guo Zhong wasn¡¯t merely killed but was slowly tortured and endured excruciating pain until he bled out.


    ¡°What a brutal method!¡± Xiao Yanlong rose, his face twisted in a grim expression. He wondered who Guo Zhong had crossed to warrant such a savage end.


    His fate was sealed when he attacked Liu Wuxie. Had Liu Wuxie not reacted swiftly, it would have been him lying here instead of Guo Zhong. Liu Wuxie was never known to show mercy to those who threatened his life.


    ¡°Who killed him?!¡± Qin Shi asked coldly as he forcibly calmed his anger.


    The elder of the Forging Pavilion, a man in his fifties of average height, quickly rose to his feet. He recounted the events of the previous day, including the conflict between Guo Zhong and Liu Wuxie. They had been resting when Guo Zhong was killed, and thus did not witness the act.


    Before Guo Zhong¡¯s demise, he had pointed towards the forging chamber from which Liu Wuxie had emerged. A quick check of the records confirmed that Liu Wuxie was indeed thest one to use the chamber.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie! Always Liu Wuxie!¡± Qin Shi clenched his teeth in anger. He had been hearing a lot about Liu Wuxie recently, but he never imagined that his son would fall at Liu Wuxie¡¯s hands.


    Xiao Yanlong frowned upon hearing the story. Shouldn¡¯t Liu Wuxie have left the academy after receiving the punishment book? Why did hee to the Forging Pavilion?


    ¡°Where is he right now?¡± Qin Shi couldn¡¯t contain his murderous intent. No matter where Liu Wuxie was, he had to kill him that day to avenge Guo Zhong¡¯s death.


    ¡°Someone has already been dispatched to track him. He departed from the academy two hours ago and is en route to Mulberry Town,¡± the elder reported. He had covertly sent someone to tail Liu Wuxie and had just received word that Liu Wuxie was headed for Mulberry Town.


    ¡°I want that bastard to never return to the Imperial Academy!¡± Qin Shi dered, hoisting Guo Zhong¡¯s body and making his way out. With each step he took, droplets of blood fell to the ground, drawing the gaze of numerous bystanders.


    ¡°Master, I have already sent someone to eliminate him. He won¡¯t be able to return,¡± Xiao Yanlong said, following behind Qin Shi closely.

 Chapter 168 - Perish

    <h4>Chapter 168 - Perish</h4>


    Instead of heading straight to the Imperial City, Liu Wuxie made his way towards Mulberry Town after leaving the ten-mile-long street. His decision to kill Guo Zhong was not a rash one but rather a response to his deep-seated disdain for those who resort to sneak attacks, a line that Guo Zhong had crossed.


    Despite having already punished Guo Zhong the previous day, Liu Wuxie found that Guo Zhong showed no signs of remorse and even attempted another sneak attack. This was the catalyst for Liu Wuxie¡¯s decision to end Guo Zhong¡¯s life. Furthermore, Liu Wuxie needed blood as a tribute for his de. Given that Guo Zhong was the one who attacked him, it was only natural for Liu Wuxie to use Guo Zhong¡¯s blood as an offering.


    The journey from the Imperial Academy to Mulberry Town required three days, but time was essential for Liu Wuxie. Utilizing the Nine Heavenly Crane Dance, he was able to glide through the air, his true essence forming the wings of a celestial crane. With each p of these wings, Liu Wuxie could cover a distance of over ten meters.


    The Seven Dipper Steps couldn¡¯t achieve this feat. Moreover, one could only shape their true essence after reaching the Marrow Cleansing Realm. However, Liu Wuxie was an exception to this rule due to his true essence beingparable to the high levels of the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    During his journey, Liu Wuxie took rest stops in the open air and encountered no threats. In just half a day, he reached the expansive Mulberry Town. Despite its name, the town was vast, spanning several hundred miles. It was situated between the mountain range of the Imperial Academy on the right and the Western Breeze Mountain Range on the left.


    Liu Wuxie had another task to aplish: investigating the mysterious disappearances of students in the Western Breeze Mountain Range, where many had gone missing in the previous month.


    Not long after Liu Wuxie left the Imperial Academy, the Xue n dispatched experts to chase after Liu Wuxie.


    In addition, several assassins from the Assassin Pavilion vanished into the night, their destination being Mulberry Town.


    Thus, an assassination plot against Liu Wuxie gradually began to unfold. Whether Liu Wuxie would return to the Imperial Academy alive remained uncertain.


    An old man had been waiting for two days at the sole entrance of Mulberry Town, marked by a mulberry tree. His patience was wearing thin as the individual he was waiting for had yet to arrive.


    ¡°Could it be that he didn¡¯te to Mulberry Town first but went to the Western Breeze Mountain Range instead?¡± Fan Yeping pondered aloud, munching on the food in his hand. He had learned three days ago that Liu Wuxie would being to Mulberry Town and had set up to wait for him in advance.


    ¡°That¡¯s impossible. If he were to head to the Western Breeze Mountain Range first, he would have to take a detour and waste time. It would make more sense for him toe to Mulberry Town before heading to the Western Breeze Mountain Range,¡± Fan Yeping dismissed his own spection, shaking his head as he continued to eat.


    On the third morning, Liu Wuxie finally saw Mulberry Town. The existence of an organization like the Scarlet Dragon Association in such a ce was not surprising. Mulberry Town served as a vital transit point, linking three major cities. It was a favored rest stop for many traveling merchants.


    The Scarlet Dragon Association held significant influence here, and every merchant caravan passing through the town had to pay a protection fee.


    Mulberry Town was home to over a million martial arts practitioners. It was also known for its rare Mulberry Silkworms. The resilient silk produced by these silkworms was used to craft golden silk armor, a type of armor impervious to ordinary weapons and worn by the Terrabreak Army.


    The robust silk of the Mulberry Silkworms, produced in substantial quantities annually, was a major draw for merchant caravans, especially during winter when the silkworms spun their silk. This was the time when merchant caravans from various regions would flock to Mulberry Town.


    ¡°After crossing this hill, I will reach Mulberry Town!¡± Liu Wuxie ate some food and increased his speed. Traveling through the mountain range required careful conservation of strength. Despite its remoteness, the area saw asional passersby.


    Upon reviewing the information provided by Li Shengsheng, Liu Wuxie was taken aback by the extent of the Scarlet Dragon Association¡¯s tyranny. Justst year, a hundred merchant caravans were massacred for failing to pay sufficient protection fees.


    Several viges nearby that resisted them were also wiped out. Over the years, the Scarlet Dragon Association had stained their hands with the blood of countless victims.


    While Liu Wuxie would never harm the innocent, he considered eliminating the Scarlet Dragon Association as an act of eradicating evil. After all, they hadmitted innumerable heinous crimes, growing stronger through their acts of plunder. They had seized a vast area of the mountain range, iming it as their territory and making it nearly impossible for ordinary people to mount an attack against them.


    In the past, the Great Yan Dynasty had dispatched troops to confront the Scarlet Dragon Association, but the association members would vanish into the depths of the mountain range by the time the troops arrived. Once the troops retreated, the association would reemerge and resume their activities.


    As time passed, the Great Yan Dynasty found it challenging to deal with them, and even sending Marrow Cleansing Realm experts over had little effect. The three leaders rarely showed themselves, and their stronghold was filled with awork of secret passages. When formidable foes came to attack them, they would hide in those secret passages. Relying on the stored supplies was enough for them tost more than a year.


    Armed with this information, Liu Wuxie formted a n in his mind. If he wanted to eradicate the Scarlet Dragon Association, he would have to infiltrate them first.


    The Scarlet Dragon Association¡¯s stronghold was strategically located along the mountain, with a single entrance that made it difficult for others tounch an attack. Infiltration by outsiders was virtually impossible. A direct assault by Liu Wuxie would likely result in his own defeat. Therefore, his best bet was to attempt to infiltrate the association.


    Suddenly, a potent sword aura descended from above. Throughout his journey, Liu Wuxie had remained vignt, always on guard for potential ambushes.


    Leaving the Imperial Academy meant that he was no longer under its protection, making him a target for various factions, particrly the Xue n. He had anticipated that the Xue n would send assassins after him, but he hadn¡¯t expected them to strike so soon.


    Strangely enough, the attacker was not an expert from the Xue n but someone Liu Wuxie recognized. He swiftly drew his de and parried the iing attack.


    The forceful sh sent the sword and its wielder flying into the bushes.


    ¡°Fan Yeping, long time no see!¡± Liu Wuxie, holding his de, looked towards the bushes with a smirk. He hadn¡¯t expected his first adversary to be Fan Yeping, which was quite a surprise.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, we finally meet again!¡± Fan Yeping got up from the bushes with an ugly expression. Not only did his sneak attack fail, but he was sent flying by Liu Wuxie¡¯s counterattack. However, as he was in the Marrow Cleansing Realm, he was confident in his strength and attributed his failure to a momentarypse in concentration.


    ¡°Third-level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm? Impressive! You¡¯re worth killing!¡± Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t angered. If someone was seeking death, he wouldn¡¯t mind obliging. After all, he profited every time he killed someone, and he was currently broke after depleting nearly all his resources.


    Fan Yeping, being in the Marrow Cleansing Realm and a teacher at the Imperial Academy, was likely to be quite wealthy.


    ¡°Still being so arrogant even at the brink of death. Prepare to meet your end!¡± Fan Yeping roared in fury. As an expert at the third level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm, he found it greatly insulting to be ridiculed by someone like Liu Wuxie, who was in the Spirit Cleansing Realm.


    When Fan Yeping swung his sword down, he performed an unpredictable sword technique, a testament to his experience as a veteran teacher.


    Liu Wuxie, aware of the stakes, didn¡¯t dare to let his guard down. His fighting prowess had reached the fourth level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm. Still, his cultivation was only in the first level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm, creating a significant disparity between them.


    Executing the Blood Gleam de Art, a ray of light shed from his de, unsettling Fan Yeping due to the unpredictability of Liu Wuxie¡¯s technique.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s fighting prowess far surpassed Fan Yeping, easily sealing Fan Yeping¡¯s path of retreat in just a few moves.


    ¡°Fan Yeping, bring out your true strength!¡± Liu Wuxie challenged. Fan Yeping initially underestimated the power of the iing de, as it made no sound, slicing through the air. However, upon shing with the sword, he instantly realized his mistake.


    The force behind Liu Wuxie¡¯s strike wasparable to the fourth level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm, and despite raising his sword to block, Fan Yeping found himself slightlygging.


    With a huge collision, a terrifying outburst of true essence swept out from the Heretic de, striking an impact on Fan Yeping¡¯s sword. An unbelievable scene unfolded next as Fan Yeping¡¯s sword let out a cry with cracks appearing on it.


    ¡°How is this possible?! I¡¯m using a profound artifact!¡± Fan Yeping looked at his sword in disbelief. What grade of weapon was that de to exhibit such powers?


    ¡°So what if it¡¯s a profound artifact? I can still destroy it!¡± Liu Wuxie sneered. Even profound artifacts were graded into different levels, and Fan Yeping¡¯s weapon was merely the lowest grade among profound artifacts and couldn¡¯t bepared to his Heretic de.


    Executing the Nine Heavenly Crane Dance, true essence manifested into a pair of wings, lifting Liu Wuxie into the air. This scene shocked Fan Yeping even more; he couldn¡¯t believe someone in the Spirit Cleansing Realm could levitate.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s disy left him puzzled. Recalling back to the assessment, Fan Yeping regretted deeply that he didn¡¯t cripple Liu Wuxie then.


    ¡°Striding the Wind!¡± Fan Yeping gritted his teeth, swinging his sword at Liu Wuxie¡¯s legs.


    In response, Liu Wuxie sprang up, hovering upside down as he swung his de. This straightforward attack caught Fan Yeping off guard. After all, the simpler the attack, the more useful it would be inbat.


    When the de and sword collided, a powerful shockwave swept out. The nearby grass couldn¡¯t withstand the corrosion of de aura, and the ground soon became bare, as though a sickle had harvested it.


    As Liu Wuxie¡¯s true essence continued to shape, Liu Wuxie remained suspended in the air. With a sudden dive, Liu Wuxie aimed his de at Fan Yeping¡¯s head.


    This sudden attack surprised Fan Yeping; he could only pull his sword back to block.


    He had unleashed the full power of the Profound Azure Sword Art perfectly. Ordinary people would have a tough time breaking through his defenses, but unfortunately, he ran into Liu Wuxie. With Ghost Eye, Liu Wuxie could see countless ws in Fan Yeping¡¯s sword technique.


    Liu Wuxie left footprints in the air, altering the path of his de to appear behind Fan Yeping, exploiting a w in thetter¡¯s sword technique.


    This unexpected move shocked Fan Yeping, who couldn¡¯t adjust his move in time. He rolled on the ground to dodge the lethal blow, breaking out in a cold sweat. He had underestimated Liu Wuxie¡¯s strength and nearly paid the ultimate price.


    However, Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t give him the opportunity. The best response to someone who sought his life was to end their life. As the de released a buzzing sound, terrifying sword intent swept out, forming a de aura that locked onto Fan Yeping.


    This de made Fan Yeping sense the threat of death, scaring him greatly as he retreated involuntarily.


    ¡°Fan Yeping, you won¡¯t be able to escape!¡± Performing the Nine Heavenly Crane Dance, Ghost Eye, and Blood Gleam de Art was enough to deal with someone like Fan Yeping.


    Liu Wuxie descended, sealing off Fan Yeping¡¯s path of retreat, and swung his de out. His de still didn¡¯t produce any sound, but Fan Yeping didn¡¯t dare to be careless this time.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, I¡¯ll kill you!¡± Fan Yeping went all out, determined to kill Liu Wuxie even if he had to put his life on the line. If he allowed Liu Wuxie to continue living, it would spell disaster for him. Fan Yeping lost his sense of reason in his desperation to regain his status as a teacher.


    ¡°You¡¯re not worthy!¡± Liu Wuxie sneered. Not everyone was worthy of dying alongside him.

 Chapter 169 - A Lunatic

    <h4>Chapter 169 - A Lunatic</h4>


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t deem Fang Yeping worthy of dying alongside him. The Heretic de sealed off any possible variation in Fan Yeping¡¯s sword technique. Liu Wuxie had fully grasped Fan Yeping¡¯s Profound Azure Sword Art, noticing many ws in his sword technique.


    Fan Yeping had no room to evade as Liu Wuxie¡¯s attacks were like tidal wavesing at him, making him scream in frustration.


    ¡°Profound Azure Spiritual Sword!¡± Fan Yeping executed the strongest attack of the Profound Azure Sword Art. His sword turned into countless swords manifested with sword aura. He had relied on this attack to defeat an opponent in the fourth level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    The ferocious sword aura was overwhelming as it shot out. In response to the onught, Liu Wuxie chose to evade by soaring into the sky, much like a crane.


    ¡°It¡¯s your turn to taste my attack now!¡±


    The failure of Fan Yeping¡¯s attack sent a wave of fear through him, prompting him to flee without a moment¡¯s hesitation, too terrified to continue the fight.


    ¡°Momentous Gleam!¡± Upon reaching the Spirit Cleansing Realm, Liu Wuxie executed this move for the first time. As he unleashed his attack, the sky darkened, shrouded by ayer of ck clouds that enveloped a thousand-meter radius around his de intent.


    The surrounding grass and trees exploded as a powerful shockwave of energy swept out in all directions.


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t expect his attack to be so powerful.


    In the heart of the battle, a vast vortex appeared, trapping Fan Yeping in it.


    Fan Yeping felt as if he were standing on quicksand, his body sinking. As Liu Wuxie¡¯s de aura descended, it inflicted numerous wounds on his body. While the wounds weren¡¯t fatal, they were enough to instill terror in Fan Yeping. Each time he attempted to escape, Liu Wuxie¡¯s de intent would force him back down. As the battle wore on, Fan Yeping¡¯s true essence rapidly depleted, and his resistance weakened.


    When Liu Wuxie swung his de, a powerful de aura tore apart the air resistance and appeared before Fan Yeping.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, I¡¯m not the one who wanted your life but someone else! If you kill me, you won¡¯t be able to find out who it is!¡± Fan Yeping roared. He indeed wanted Liu Wuxie¡¯s life but wouldn¡¯te recklessly to Mulberry Town if it weren¡¯t under someone¡¯s instigation.


    The de aura disappeared as Fan Yeping sat on the ground powerlessly, covered in cold sweat.


    ¡°Speak up. Who wants to kill me?¡±


    Liu Wuxie descended from the sky and looked at Fan Yeping coldly. He was determined to uncover the mastermind behind the unjust punishment he had received after killing the disciples of the Xue n, who now sought to kill him.


    If he couldn¡¯t expose the puppeteer pulling the strings, it would be like a sword hanging over his head, ready to fall at any moment. His enemies were hidden in the shadows while he was exposed. This meant he had to remain vignt to avoid falling into their traps.


    ¡°Xiao Yanlong! He approached me and promised to help me regain my status as a teacher if I could kill you!¡± Fan Yeping confessed bitterly. The fight had left him with severe injuries, and he knew he wouldn¡¯t be able to return to his peak even after recovery.


    ¡°Who¡¯s Xiao Yanlong?¡± Liu Wuxie had no recollection of this person. He had initially thought Fan Yeping would mention the Xue n, and he was surprised that it was someone he didn¡¯t know.


    ¡°You don¡¯t know him?¡± Fan Yeping was taken aback. He had assumed they had a feud, which was why Xiao Yanlong had sought him out.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know him!¡± Liu Wuxie shook his head. He searched his memories and couldn¡¯t recall knowing anyone by that name.


    ¡°There are three headmasters in the Imperial Academy, and Xiao Yanlong is the disciple of Vice-Headmaster Qin Shi. Qin Shi has been teaching him since he was young, and he alsoes from a distinguished family background. He is a Heaven Grade student and is listed as one of the ten core disciples.¡±


    Xiao Yanlong had numerous titles and was an unquestionable genius. With so many titles, any ordinary person would be scared upon hearing his name.


    As one of the ten seeded disciples, he was nurtured to be the future headmaster potentially. The resources of the Imperial Academy were supplied to these ten disciples with the highest priority, all possessing the qualification to be the next headmaster. Regardless of talent, strength, and potential, they far exceeded ordinary disciples.


    Liu Wuxie was baffled as to why someone like that wanted to kill him. He didn¡¯t recall having any conflict with Xiao Yanlong, and someone like that wouldn¡¯t lower himself to curry favors with the Xue n. So, what was the reason?


    Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t figure it out, nor could Fan Yeping, as Xiao Yanlong didn¡¯t tell him why he wanted to kill Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°He didn¡¯t tell you why he wanted to kill me?¡± Liu Wuxie asked, hoping to find some clues.


    ¡°No,¡± Fan Yeping replied.


    Liu Wuxie used the Ghost Eye to confirm that Fan Yeping was telling the truth as the Ghost Eye could urately detect if Fan Yeping were to lie. He swung his sword down, and blood sshed from Fan Yeping¡¯s neck.


    Thetter was dead before he could even scream.


    There was no need for Liu Wuxie to keep Fan Yeping around. Since he couldn¡¯t contribute useful information, he would only report to Xiao Yanlong if Liu Wuxie spared him.


    Using the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron, Fan Yeping¡¯s body began to shrivel, reducing to a piece of skin and disappearing from this world. When drops of liquid flowed into his dantian, Liu Wuxie¡¯s cultivation began to rise, and he was only one step away from reaching the second level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm.


    <i>I must kill more people in the Marrow Cleansing Realm to make a breakthrough.</i> Liu Wuxie thought to himself. He could make a breakthrough if he killed another person in the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    Liu Wuxie smiled when his divine senses prated Fan Yeping¡¯s interspatial pouch.


    ¡°As expected of a teacher to be so rich!¡± Teachers had high sries, not to mention that they also received tributes from students and took on missions asionally. Fan Yeping had some umtion over the years with over a thousand spirit stones and countless herbs.


    Several spiritual weapons were casually tossed aside in the interspatial pouch, along with a few bottles of pills. Liu Wuxie decided to keep them, as they could prove useful in his quest to reach the second level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm.


    Liu Wuxie cleaned the battlefield to prevent any traces from being left behind. If news reached the Imperial Academy that he had killed a teacher, it would be troublesome for him.


    Following the mountain road, Liu Wuxie headed to Mulberry Town. Rather than calling it a town, it was more like arge-scale market. The streets were alive with the hustle and bustle of passing merchant caravans.


    Since it was still early, Liu Wuxie found an inn where he nned to rest for a day. He intended to investigate the Scarlet Dragon Association at night to scout the area. Time was of the essence, and he needed to wrap things up quickly.


    The person who had assigned him the task had a simple motive: to force him to leave the Imperial Academy if he failed. Losing the backing of the Imperial Academy would make his future path challenging.


    As Liu Wuxie sat near the window, a waiter served him some exquisite dishes. He watched the passing merchants with a hint of weariness in his eyes, a reflection of the limited time he had left.


    A breathtaking woman ascended the stairs and sat on the table opposite to him. She was donned in dark green, looking roughly twenty-three or twenty-four years old. She instantly became the center of focus as she entered the inn.


    Liu Wuxie found himself puzzled as he recognized the woman from somewhere but couldn¡¯t ce her. He quickly dismissed the thought, choosing not to dwell on it. He quietly enjoyed his drink and waited until sunset before paying his bill and departing.


    The headquarters of the Scarlet Dragon Association was situated on Dragon Head Mountain, ten miles from Mulberry Town. The location, surrounded by three cliffs with only one path leading up the mountain, was well-guarded, making it difficult for anyone tounch an attack.


    Navigating through several streets, Liu Wuxie found himself on a less crowded street. He maintained a steady pace, ensuring he would reach Dragon Head Mountain before nightfall.


    Suddenly, a figure blocked his path. It was the same woman from the inn, who had somehow managed to get ahead of him.


    ¡°Why have you been following me?¡± she asked, her face cold as she eyed Liu Wuxie warily.


    ¡°What?¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s forehead was covered with wrinkles. This road didn¡¯t belong to anyone; he was simply taking this path. So, how did it turn into him stalking her?


    ¡°Lady, you¡¯re overly suspicious. I¡¯m only taking this path, and I have no intentions of following you,¡± Liu Wuxie exined, wanting to avoid unnecessary trouble. This woman¡¯s cultivation wasn¡¯t low and was in the second level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm, which surprised him.


    ¡°You¡¯re still trying to argue? You¡¯ve been following me since I left the inn. What are you nning, and who sent you after me?¡± A sword appeared in the woman¡¯s hand as she raised it to point at Liu Wuxie, ready to kill him if he couldn¡¯t provide her with a satisfactory answer.


    Liu Wuxie felt unjustly used. It was pure coincidence that they were on the same path. How did that trante into him stalking her? ¡°I¡¯m speaking the truth. If you choose not to believe me, there¡¯s nothing I can do. I have other matters to attend to and will continue on my way!¡± With a respectful bow, Liu Wuxie proceeded forward. He didn¡¯t want to provoke this woman, but that didn¡¯t mean he was afraid of her. His main concern was not to alert the Scarlet Dragon Association.


    ¡°Stop it right there!¡± But the woman didn¡¯t give up and stabbed her sword at Liu Wuxie¡¯s neck, disying high aggression.


    ¡°How dare you?!¡±


    Liu Wuxie was furious, leaving behind an afterimage, and dodged the fatal attack.


    When her attack missed, the woman was surprised that someone in the Spirit Cleansing Realm could block her attack, which meant that this man wasn¡¯t simple. She continued to stab her sword at Liu Wuxie, mistaking him for a member of the Scarlet Dragon Association. ¡°The entirety of your Scarlet Dragon Association are scumbags, and I¡¯ll uphold justice today!¡±


    Liu Wuxie was taken aback. He had no idea how he had been mistaken for a member of the Scarlet Dragon Association. Just as he was about to rify, the womanunched another series of attacks.


    Her fighting prowess was stronger than Fan Yeping''s, making Liu Wuxie wonder who this woman was to attack him for no reason. But judging from her tone, she was filled with hatred for the Scarlet Dragon Association. This path led toward the Scarlet Dragon Association, and it was no wonder she would misunderstand his identity.


    ¡°Lady, don¡¯t me me for retaliating if you¡¯re not going to stop.¡± Liu Wuxie drew his de and knocked the woman¡¯s sword away, forcing her to retreat.


    ¡°You dare retaliate? I¡¯ll kill you today!¡± The woman¡¯s fury was palpable. Their previous sh had sent a shockwave of power through her sword, causing it to be knocked away. As a Marrow Cleansing Realm expert, she had never been pushed back by someone in the Spirit Cleansing Realm before.


    Liu Wuxie was in a dilemma. The woman didn¡¯t seem evil, and he didn¡¯t want to harm an innocent person. However, not defending himself could put his mission at risk.


    Despite the relentless onught, Liu Wuxie chose to remain on the defensive. But no matter what he did, the woman continued her relentless assault.


    ¡°What a lunatic!¡± Liu Wuxie cursed and soared to the sky, disappearing into the woods.

 Chapter 170 - Scarlet Dragon Association

    <h4>Chapter 170 - Scarlet Dragon Association</h4>


    Liu Wuxie had no intention to carry on fighting as it was already nighttime, and he didn¡¯t want to jeopardize his mission. Executing the Nine Heavenly Crane Dance, he left behind an afterimage and disappeared into the woods, leaving the woman stomping her foot on the ground furiously.


    ¡°Brat, don¡¯t let me see you again!¡± The woman sheathed her sword and entered the woods, heading towards the Scarlet Dragon Association¡¯s stronghold.


    Two hourster, Liu Wuxie arrived at Dragon Head Mountain, and he finally knew where the mountain''s name came from. The mountain resembled a dragon¡¯s head, with a massive cave in the center, like a dragon baring its jaws, and this was the only way in.


    The Scarlet Dragon Association would naturally set up heavy defenses at the entrance to prevent anyone from entering. Barging in forcibly definitely wouldn¡¯t work as it would only rm them. But his task would fail if they hid in the mountain for the entire month. He had to strike a fatal blow to them and end the battle quickly.


    Liu Wuxie stealthily neared the entrance, executing his Ghost Eye. The entrance was illuminated by flickering lights, fortified by fences, and nked by watchtowers on both sides. Archers, ready and alert, were stationed atop these towers. Any intruder would be swiftly turned into a pincushion by their arrows.


    ¡°Such formidable defenses!¡± Liu Wuxie frowned, perched on arge tree. He pondered various strategies, but none seemed viable without alerting the guards. Infiltrating the Scarlet Dragon Association¡¯s fortress undetected seemed nearly impossible.


    He observed for two hours and noticed tight defenses even during shift changes. He instantly knew that the Scarlet Dragon Association had a history as they didn¡¯t look like ordinary bandits but well-trained troops.


    Slowly descending from the tree, Liu Wuxie noticed it was impossible to intrude forcibly and decided to return to Mulberry Town to figure out an alternative. But long after Liu Wuxie left, a green figure appeared, lying on another tree observing the entrance of the Dragon Head Mountain.


    When Liu Wuxie returned to Mulberry Town, it was early morning, and he found an inn to rest.


    During the night, Mulberry Town was filled with bandits, and Liu Wuxie encountered three groups of them. One group even tried to rob him, but Liu Wuxie crippled them and threw them away.


    As dawn broke, Mulberry Town came alive with activity. Liu Wuxie awoke to the bustling streets, having made significant progress overnight. He was on the cusp of reaching the second level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm.


    As the sunlight streamed in through the window, Liu Wuxie¡¯s gaze traveled past the buildings andnded on Dragon Head Mountain. Bathed in golden sunlight and shrouded in mist, the mountain resembled a celestial realm. It was hard to believe that such a picturesque ce was home to bandits.


    Suddenly, a cry rang out, ¡°The Scarlet Dragon Association is here! Hide!¡± Panic ensued as shops quickly shut their doors, and the once lively marketce fell eerily silent, save for the asional barking of dogs.


    At the town¡¯s entrance, a group of over a hundred people made their appearance. The two figures leading the group were imposing, their robes billowing in the wind. Liu Wuxie noted their disciplined formation. These were not mere bandits but a well-trained military force.


    As the group swiftly moved through the town, they kicked up a cloud of dust before vanishing as quickly as they had appeared.


    Liu Wuxie, seizing the opportunity, jumped down from the window and discreetly trailed behind them. He couldn¡¯t help but wonder why the Scarlet Dragon Association had left the mountain.


    After the Scarlet Dragon Association left, the Mulberry Town resumed its bustling activity, with shops reopening as if nothing had happened.


    Liu Wuxie trailed the Scarlet Dragon Association¡¯s party from a safe distance, soon arriving at a vige. The troops halted, and their leader, a one-eyed man with a ck cloth covering his missing eye, exuded a potent aura of menace.


    The vige was primitive; men wore nothing on their upper bodies, carrying their prey as they came out from the mountain range. The prey was their food for the day.


    ¡°Third Leader, this is it. The people of this vige killed several of our brothers.¡± Severalckeys stepped forward. Surprisingly, the one-eyed man turned out to be the third leader of the Scarlet Dragon Association.


    ¡°Kill the men and take the women away!¡± The Third Leader gave the order as the troops charged into the vige, killing whoever they saw as chaos descended upon the vige. Cries and roars could be heard as men of the vige wielded weapons to fight those from the Scarlet Dragon Association, and it didn¡¯t take long before the ground was covered with corpses.


    From a distance, Liu Wuxie watched the carnage unfold, his fists clenched in helpless rage. He knew that any intervention on his part would alert the Scarlet Dragon Association.


    In a matter of minutes, the vige lost dozens of its inhabitants, and many women were dragged from their homes along with their valuables.


    Suddenly, a roar echoed from the depths of the vige, ¡°Scarlet Dragon Association, you¡¯ve gone too far!¡± A long spear, trailing mes, shot out towards the Third Leader. The leader swiftly dismounted his warhorse and blocked the spear with his de.


    A figure d in leather armornded on the ground, spear in hand. His muscr build was a testament to his strength.


    The neer and the third leader locked eyes, their shared history evident in their gaze.


    ¡°Lei Nuo, your people killed the brothers of my Scarlet Dragon Association, and today''s attack is a lesson to your vige. The women will serve as thepensation for our losses. Next time, we¡¯ll have a proper fight!¡± The third leader, Lu Huangzhong, dered, making it clear that this was not their first conflict and that they typically retreated after a surprise attack.


    ¡°Lu Huangzhong, you¡¯re courting death!¡± Lei Nuo retorted, his powerful aura radiating murderous intent.


    Lu Huangzhong, undeterred, threatened, ¡°One day, I will annihte your vige. Today, we are here to warn you. If anyone dares to kill members of my Scarlet Dragon Association again, I won¡¯t show mercy!¡± With that, he mounted his horse and left.


    Lei Nuo was no pushover. He and Lu Huangzhong were at the first level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm. A direct confrontation would result in severe injuries on both sides. With dozens of men killed and several women taken, Lu Huangzhong had achieved his objective.


    The vigers were seething with anger. The Scarlet Dragon Association had be increasingly audacious, taking advantage of their speed and superior positioning. Despite numerous battles, the vige always ended up on the losing side.


    Even though Lei Nuo had managed to kill a few members of the Scarlet Dragon Association, he couldn¡¯t help but spit out a mouthful of blood in rage as he helplessly watched them abduct dozens of women from the vige.


    In a sh, Liu Wuxie seized the opportunity to disguise himself. He swiftly grabbed a lifeless member of the Scarlet Dragon Association and relocated to a secluded area. There, he disrobed the corpse and donned its attire before making subtle adjustments to his appearance to resemble the deceased individual closely.


    Liu Wuxie quietly followed behind the Scarlet Dragon Association, returning to Dragon Head Mountain.


    Two hourster, the group appeared on the mountain. When they reached the entrance, they were all checked to prevent spies from infiltrating.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s disguise was impable, making it impossible for ordinary people to see through him. He was allowed in after several questions. When he passed through the checkpoint, he executed Ghost Eye and noticed that the defenses were even tighter on the inside.


    He didn¡¯t rest and followed the path for roughly an hour before the scenery changed. This was the Scarlet Dragon Association¡¯s headquarters, and there was a sentry every dozen steps.


    They stopped at a nearby za, where the captured women were roughly thrown to the ground.


    ¡°Today is Big Brother¡¯s fiftieth birthday, and these women are gifts for him. Bring them to the main hall! I¡¯ll be there shortly after changing my clothes!¡± Lu Huangzhong pointed at Liu Wuxie and severalckeys.


    It turned out that today was the fiftieth birthday of the Scarlet Dragon Association¡¯s leader. This exined why Lu Huangzhong had ventured out of the mountain to raid a vige, capturing their women as gifts for the leader.


    Liu Wuxie, armed with information gathered by Li Shengsheng, knew that the Scarlet Dragon Association leader was a notorious womanizer. Over the years, countless women had fallen victim to his lechery.


    As the otherckeys dispersed, Liu Wuxie escorted one of the women and followed behind, using Ghost Eye to observe the entire stronghold. The stronghold was massive, amodating over a thousand people. Everyone was strong, and it wouldn¡¯t be easy to wipe out the Scarlet Dragon Association.


    As Liu Wuxie extended his divine sense, the walls seemed to fade away, revealing the mountain¡¯s dark passages. His n was clear: if he could eliminate the three leaders, the Scarlet Dragon Association would copse without further action on his part.


    They traversed several caves before arriving at a grand hall. This was a massive cavern, artificially excavated, spanning over a thousand square meters. At the top were three massive thrones carved from jade and draped with tiger skins. Thergest throne in the center presumably belonged to the grand leader of the Scarlet Dragon Associations.


    The walls on either side were adorned with peculiar paintings. Boxes filled with gold coins and plundered fabrics were strewn about casually. The captured women were brought in and told to stay put. Some wept, while others wore expressions of defiance, choosing death over dishonor.


    Once inside the cavern, Liu Wuxie quietly retreated to a corner and concealed himself in the shadows, making it difficult for anyone to detect his presence.


    After about fifteen minutes, food and wine were brought to the table. The arrival of the guests to celebrate the grand leader¡¯s fiftieth birthday was imminent. As time passed, theckeys, who had apanied Liu Wuxie, exited the grand hall. Liu Wuxie was left alone in his hiding spot, waiting for an opportunity to strike at the three leaders.


    ¡°Third Brother, I heard you brought back a batch of new goods for Big Brother. You really understand him best!¡± Two men walked into the cavern. One of them was Lu Huangzhong, who was wearing festive attire.


    The other man was grim-looking, missing his left hand. He was the second leader of the Scarlet Dragon Association, also known as One-Armed Ye Xiao, and he was notorious for being bloodthirsty.


    ¡°Second Brother, you¡¯re not bad yourself. As long as Big Brother consumes this Earth Origin Pill, he¡¯ll be able to reach the third level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm. This would further fortify our Scarlet Dragon Association¡¯s position!¡±


    The two menughed as they passed through the main hall towards the thrones.


    Several women quickly came forth and carefully served them.


    ¡°Big Brother should be arriving soon!¡± Ye Xiao swept a nce at the entrance after sitting down.

 Chapter 171 - Assassination

    <h4>Chapter 171 - Assassination</h4>


    The group leaders also began to enter the main hall, greeting the two leaders before going to their respective seats. The arrival of most group leaders instantly filled the main hall with a lively atmosphere.


    ¡°The Grand Leader has arrived!¡± A promation came from the entrance as the main hall fell silent with all eyes turning over.


    The main hall featured two entrances. The Secondary and the Third Leader usually made their appearance through the main entrance, while the Grand Leader reserved the side entrance for his exclusive use, a privilege no one dared to infringe upon.


    Liu Wuxie, concealed in the shadows, didn¡¯t let his hidden position hinder his scrutiny of the Grand Leader. The man who entered was slender, exuding an air of elegance rather than the expected roughness of a bandit. d in a white robe with a neatly trimmed beard, he was escorted by two guards to his throne.


    Upon turning around, Liu Wuxie got a clear view of his visage. The man had a fairplexion, appeared to be in his forties, and his prominent temples indicated his expertise.


    <i>That¡¯s the Scarlet Dragon Association¡¯s Grand Leader, Thunderbolt Hand Qian Kun?!</i> Liu Wuxie thought to himself. He had long investigated the identity of the Grand Leader.


    The entrance of Qian Kun brought silence to the main hall. It was clear from the respect shown by even Ye Xiao and Lu Huangzhong, who rose to greet him, that Qian Kun held a significant position within the Scarlet Dragon Association.


    ¡°Big Brother!¡± Ye Xiao and Lu Huangzhong stood up to greet Qian Kun, while the group leaders trembled in fear, not daring to speak, and simply bowed.


    ¡°Second Brother and Third Brother, you two must have been waiting!¡± Qian Kun smiled when he saw his sworn brothers. He signaled for them to sit and turned to the group leaders, saying, ¡°Everyone can be more casual today.¡±


    With a wave of his hand, he eased the tension among the group leaders who waited for Qian Kun to seat himself before they resumed their ces.


    ¡°I wish Big Brother longevity and prosperity!¡± Ye Xiao stood up and performed a cupping gesture with one hand. He retrieved a porcin bottle from his side and presented it to Qian Kun.


    ¡°Thank you. You¡¯re thoughtful, Second Brother!¡± Qian Kun received the gift with a trace of a smile.


    ¡°Big Brother, Second Brother has put a lot of effort into this Earth Origin Pill!¡± Lu Huangzhong stood up and ttered.


    The Earth Origin Pill was a top-tier fourth-grade pill, a rarity in the market. Since it couldn¡¯t be purchased, it begs the question: how did Ye Xiao acquire it?


    ¡°If Wu Vige had been more diplomatic, I wouldn¡¯t have had to annihte them before they surrendered this Earth Origin Pill.¡± Ye Xiao licked his lips. He had resorted to extreme measures, such as wiping out an entire vige, for the Earth Origin Pill.


    Liu Wuxie remembered hearing at the inn yesterday about a vige a hundred miles away that had been massacred. The reason was unclear, but it was likely Ye Xiao¡¯s doing.


    The founder of Wu Vige was an alchemist. He had concocted an Earth Origin Pill, which the vige had preserved until now. They intended to use it if a gifted descendant emerged; only a few were privy to this. They were unsure how this information had leaked and reached the Scarlet Dragon Association.


    After waiting for over a century, their vige had finally birthed a prodigy with extraordinary talent, who had reached the Marrow Cleansing Realm at a tender age. However, the news had leaked out before they could use the Earth Origin Pill to solidify his foundation.


    The Scarlet Dragon Association had spies dispersed across viges within a hundred-mile radius. When the prodigy was on the verge of using the Earth Origin Pill, Ye Xiao, leading a troop, had descended upon the vige. In a single night, the vige was obliterated, with five hundred and seventy lives lost.


    ¡°Thanks for your gift, Second Brother!¡± Qian Kun smiled, epting the Earth Origin Pill. With this pill, he could reach the third level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm, increasing his strength significantly.


    ¡°May Big Brother swiftly achieve a breakthrough and guide our Scarlet Dragon Association to rule over hundreds of miles!¡± Lu Huangzhong made a fist salute. The other group leaders joined in, wishing their grand leader a sessful enhancement in his strength.


    Numerous forces in the vicinity posed a threat to the Scarlet Dragon Association. However, if Qian Kun could reach the third level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm, they would have the power to eliminate these forces.


    ¡°Big Brother, I¡¯ve carefully chosen these gifts for you. I assure you, you¡¯ll be pleased!¡± Lu Huangzhong said, gesturing towards the group of women. They were young with decent looks and well-proportioned figures.


    Qian Kun nced at the women and smiled. Over the years, most of the women who were captured were brought to him. It was rumored that he practiced a potent cultivation technique that required the assistance of many women.


    ¡°Third Brother, you¡¯re always so thoughtful!¡± Qian Kun responded with a smile, stroking his beard.


    The two leaders returned to their seats. The next event was the presentation of gifts by the group leaders, which included a variety of unusual and rare items.


    Liu Wuxie was inwardly shocked as he stood in the darkness. He didn¡¯t expect these people to offer so many previous items. They must¡¯ve umted a mountain of wealth over the years. If he could take them all away, wouldn¡¯t he be rich?


    ¡°Don¡¯t be so reserved and eat!¡± Qian Kun waved his hand, and the atmosphere in the hall instantly became lively.


    ¡°Just having wine and no women isn''t enough. Bring a few women over to serve Big Brother,¡± Lu Huangzhong said after downing a few cups. He instructed the guards to bring a few women over to serve them.


    The two guards walked towards the group of women and picked out a few with good looks. The women struggled when the guards grabbed them, but their resistance was futile.


    Lu Huangzhong and Ye Xiao embraced one each while the two with the best looks were presented to Qian Kun.


    ¡°No! Please, no!¡± Lu Huangzhong¡¯s hand reached into the woman¡¯s clothes, and the woman struggled with tears rolling down his cheeks. But there was nothing she could do about it because suicide remained an unattainable luxury.


    A p struck the woman¡¯s face, causing her to expel a mouthful of blood and lose consciousness.


    ¡°Third Brother, you¡¯re still so rough with women.¡± Qian Kun nced at the two women. The face of the woman on the left turned pale; she was terrified that she couldn¡¯t speak.


    There was an uncanny aura about the woman on the right. Despite her face being smeared with blood, her beauty was undeniable and could be recognized by anyone at a single nce.


    ¡°Serve me wine!¡± Qian Kun ordered the two women to pour wine for him.


    The woman on the left didn¡¯t dare to move, but the woman on the right lifted the wine bottle. She drew a dagger from her underarm when she leaned over, and her action was well-concealed.


    Only Liu Wuxie, with his Ghost Eye, was able to detect this. As the hall was filled with the merriment of the celebration, no one else noticed her actions.


    As the woman served wine to Qian Kun, she swiftly drew a dagger with her left hand. The entire sequence unfolded in a split second, with only a glint of cold light visible before the dagger made contact with Qian Kun¡¯s chest.


    However, instead of blood, a metallic sound echoed through the room. Qian Kun had been wearing an inner armor beneath his clothes, rendering him impervious tomon weapons. He felt the impact but was unharmed.


    Caught off guard by the assassination attempt, Qian Kun retaliated by thrusting his palm towards the woman. A potent shockwave erupted from his palm, sending furniture flying and reducing it to dust.


    The woman was strong and faced Qian Kun¡¯s palm head-on. At the same time, a sword hidden in the corner of the main hall flew into her hand.


    ¡°It¡¯s her!¡± Liu Wuxie narrowed his eyes. This was the same woman he had battled the previous day.


    The main hall became chaotic, and no one knew what was happening.


    ¡°Big Brother, are you alright?¡± Lu Huangzhong rushed over, anxiety etched on his face. He had brought this woman here and would be held ountable if anything happened to Qian Kun.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine!¡± Qian Kun reassured him, though his face was dark with fury. The woman who had tried to assassinate him was formidable. His palm strike, capable of killing any ordinary cultivator in the Marrow Cleansing Realm, had left her unscathed. He bellowed, ¡°Who are you?¡±


    It was rare for women in viges to reach the Marrow Cleansing Realm, and this woman¡¯s strength indicated that she was far from ordinary.


    Ye Xiao¡¯s gaze was locked onto the woman, a murderous intent radiating from him. The other group leaders also drew their weapons, encircling the woman.


    ¡°The one who will kill you all!¡± The woman soared into the sky and stabbed Qian Kun. The Scarlet Dragon Association would fall apart if she killed the three leaders.


    ¡°Capture her! I want her alive!¡± Qian Kun said. He wanted to know who had sent her to kill him.


    The group leaders, armed and ready, surged forward. Their attacks were calcted, aimed at capturing rather than killing the woman. Despite their intent, they were no pushovers, each one a formidable cultivator in the Spirit Cleansing Realm.


    ¡°Die!¡± The woman charged into the crowd with her sword. In a mere moment, dozens of group leaders were flung aside, their blood staining the feastid out on the tables.


    A terrifying shockwave swept out from the woman as the number of corpses in the main hall began to increase.


    ¡°You¡¯re courting death!¡± Ye Xiao retaliated, directing a palm strike at the woman.


    ¡°I¡¯ll kill you first before killing everyone else here!¡± The woman retorted, abandoning her assault on the group leaders. She swung her sword, releasing a sword aura aimed at Ye Xiao¡¯s right arm.


    ¡°You must be tired of living to dare intrude on our Scarlet Dragon Association!¡± Ye Xiao scoffed. A strange substance, not quite a glove, covered his palm. His hand shed with the woman¡¯s sword, sending sparks flying. Yet, his palm remained unscathed, startling the woman into retracting her sword.


    However, the sword refused to budge, no matter how hard the woman tugged. It was firmly gripped in Ye Xiao¡¯s hand, causing the woman¡¯s expression to change. She was a second-level cultivator in the Marrow Cleansing Realm, while Ye Xiao was at the first level. Despite the one-level difference, she was outmatched inbat prowess.


    Liu Wuxie stayed put, observing the unfolding chaos as a valuable opportunity. Even within the Imperial Academy, this woman would be considered an elite, capable of holding her own against those of higher cultivation levels.


    However, the three leaders of the Scarlet Dragon Association proved to be stronger than others at their cultivation level.


    The woman¡¯sbat style was straightforward and honorable. However, she was no match for Ye Xiao when it came to underhanded tactics. Seizing this opportunity, Ye Xiaounched a surprise attack.


    ¡°Don¡¯t bother struggling and surrender!¡± Ye Xiao taunted, hisughter echoing ominously in the hall. An iron hook shot out from his empty left arm, aimed directly at the woman¡¯s chest. The hook¡¯s unpredictable trajectory posed a lethal threat, forcing the woman to abandon her longsword and dodge the iing hook.


    But even as she evaded the hook, sheunched herself towards Qian Kun, her original target. Seeing this, Lu Huangzhong stepped forward, eager to prove his loyalty by capturing the woman.


    However, Qian Kun intervened, stopping Lu Huangzhong in his tracks. ¡°You¡¯re not her opponent!¡± he dered, stepping in front of the woman and thrusting his palm forward.

 Chapter 172 - Standing Out

    <h4>Chapter 172 - Standing Out</h4>


    Qian Kun practiced a formidable movement technique. He suddenly disappeared before reappearing beside the woman, pushing his palm forward.


    Qian Kun¡¯s speed was astonishing, leaving the woman little time to react. His strength had far surpassed her expectations, forcing her to swiftly dodge to the left to avoid a lethal attack.


    When Qian Kun¡¯s attack missed its mark and hit the stone wall, arge hole was created, sending rocks flying in all directions.


    ¡°You can¡¯t escape from me!¡± Qian Kun dered, his speed surpassing that of the woman. He vanished and reappeared so quickly that only Liu Wuxie could keep up with his movements. One moment, he was behind her, and the next, he was in front of her, his palming down in a powerful strike.


    Unable to evade this time, the woman had no choice but to channel all her true essence into her palm to meet the attack head-on. The collision of their palms sent a thunderous rumble echoing through the main hall.


    Rocks fell from the ceiling, and the entire main hall was wrecked. The other women had long hidden in a corner, trembling in fear.


    When the woman met Qian Kun¡¯s palm strike head-on, she was sent flying, coughing up blood. It was clear that Qian Kun¡¯s palm strike was more powerful than hers.


    Qian Kun touched down on the ground, his gaze indifferent as he looked at the woman. ¡°You¡¯re from the royal family!¡± he dered. Through their sh, he had recognized the woman¡¯s martial techniques as originating from the royal family of the Great Yan Dynasty


    ¡°That¡¯s right. I¡¯m the third princess of the Great Yan Dynasty, and I¡¯m here to kill you all!¡± The woman retorted, wiping away the stain on her face to reveal a familiar visage. It was the same face Liu Wuxie had seen the day before. He hadn¡¯t expected her to disguise herself and blend in with the captured women.


    She must have known about the Scarlet Dragon Association¡¯s n to capture people and had gone to the vige ahead of time. She had disguised herself and pretended to be one of the captured. While serving wine to Qian Kun, she had seized the opportunity to attempt an assassination. However, her n had failed because she hadn¡¯t known about the inner armor Qian Kun wore.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect Princess Ruoyan toe to a ce like this. Aren¡¯t you afraid of dirtying yourself?¡± Lu Huangzhong asked with an eerie smile. The third princess of the Great Yan Dynasty was called Chen Ruoyan, the daughter of the current emperor.


    ¡°I¡¯m acting on behalf of heaven to purge you people!¡±


    After losing her longsword, Chen Ruoyan took an ordinary sword from the interspatial pouch.


    The revtion of her identity as the third princess of the Great Yan Dynasty sent shockwaves through the main hall, as everyone present held a deep reverence for the dynasty.


    ¡°Princess Ruoyan, as long as you¡¯re willing to leave now and swear never to step foot into the Dragon Head Mountain again, I can spare your life,¡± Qian Kun said. He didn¡¯t kill Chen Ruoyan because he feared the Great Yan Dynasty¡¯s power.


    ¡°Hmph, are you all afraid now? I¡¯ll leave after killing everyone here.¡± Chen Ruoyan dered, showing no signs of backing down.


    <i>What a fool!</i> Liu Wuxie cursed inwardly. Qian Kun¡¯s decision to spare her wasn¡¯t because he couldn¡¯t defeat her but because he wanted to avoid conflict with the Great Yan Dynasty.


    ¡°Since Princess Ruoyan is determined to stay in my Scarlet Dragon Association, I can only apologize in advance,¡± Qian Kun said. ¡°I¡¯ve met many women in my life, and I¡¯ve heard that Princess Ruoyan is as beautiful as a celestial fairy. Today, I must ask Princess Ruoyan to serve me.¡±


    A cold light shed in Qian Kun¡¯s eyes. <i>Does she really think I fear the Great Yan Dynasty to the extent of letting her look down upon me?</i> Despite the dynasty¡¯s numerous attempts to wipe them out over the years, he was still alive and well.


    ¡°I¡¯ll kill you!¡± Chen Ruoyan roared. She was so furious that she began to tremble. Qian Kun¡¯s demand for her to serve him was a direct insult to the royal family. She charged at Qian Kun in retaliation.


    ¡°Big Brother, leave it to me!¡± Ye Xiao tossed the sword away before grabbing Chen Ruoyan¡¯s shoulder. Since his big brother had taken a liking to this woman, he naturally couldn¡¯t injure her.


    With her path blocked by Ye Xiao, Chen Ruoyan could only fight him head-on. They were evenly matched, and no one could defeat the other. However, this time, Chen Ruoyan had learned from her previous encounter and was more cautious in her approach.


    Ye Xiao¡¯s attacks were ruthless, targeting Chen Ruoyan¡¯s private parts. This naturally infuriated Chen Ruoyan, but she was powerless to retaliate. Whenever she prepared to attack, Ye Xiao¡¯s right hand would aim for her chest, forcing her to defend herself.


    As Chen Ruoyan retreated, her space to maneuver dwindled. Despite her higher cultivation level, she was pushed to her limits. In this life-or-death battle, it wasn¡¯t a friendly spar like in the arena, but a contest of who could be more ruthless.


    Chen Ruoyan found herself cornered, a situationrgely influenced by her upbringing. As the third princess, she was not inclined to resort to underhanded tactics.


    ¡°Third Princess, surrender!¡± As he forced Chen Ruoyan to retreat with a palm strike, Ye Xiaounched his hook once more. This time, its trajectory was even more unpredictable, leaving Chen Ruoyan with no room to dodge. If this attack hit Chen Ruoyan, she would undoubtedly sustain severe injuries.


    The hook whistled through the air. With her back against the stone wall and her sword restrained by Ye Xiao, Chen Ruoyan could only watch as the hook aimed for the left side of her chest, covering several meters in an instant.


    However, just when the hook was a few inches away from Chen Ruoyan¡¯s chest, sparks flew with Ye Xiao¡¯s hook flying away, smashing into the stone wall and leaving behind a huge crater.


    This allowed Chen Ruoyan to survive. She was baffled when she opened her eyes, wondering who had saved her.


    ¡°Who is it?!¡± Ye Xiao took a huge step back to prevent sneak attacks.


    Everyone looked at the dark corner on the right. A pebble had shot out from that direction, blocking Ye Xiao¡¯s hook.


    Emerging from the shadows, Liu Wuxie revealed himself. His initial n of remaining hidden was no longer necessary, especially since his objective was to eliminate the three leaders of the Scarlet Dragon Association. However, Chen Ruoyan had acted before him, disrupting his n.


    He had initially nned to wait until they were drunk before striking, but now, with his cover blown and the situation escted, he had no choice but to confront them directly.


    ¡°Lil¡¯ Six, how dare you betray the association!¡± Lu Huangzhong roared, mistaking Liu Wuxie for the deceased goon.


    ¡°I¡¯m not Lil¡¯ Six. He¡¯s already dead!¡± Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t remove his disguise as he didn¡¯t want to reveal his true identity.


    ¡°Another fly who sneaked in. Let me kill you!¡± Lu Huangzhong was furious because he was the reason why these two spies had managed to infiltrate Dragon Head Mountain. This had never happened before, and this was negligent on his part as the third leader.


    This time, Qian Kun didn¡¯t stop Lu Huangzhong from making a move.


    ¡°Appreciate your assistance, but you¡¯re not strong enough. Escape while I hold them back!¡± Surprisingly, Chen Ruoyan was concerned for Liu Wuxie¡¯s safety and urged him to flee while she held off their adversaries.


    This unexpected concern warmed Liu Wuxie¡¯s heart. He hadn¡¯t anticipated such kindness from Chen Ruoyan, given her usually cold exterior. However, he chose to disregard her advice and unsheathed his de.


    Upon seeing the de, Chen Ruoyan¡¯s eyes sparkled with recognition. She remembered the weapon from their duel the previous day and knew that Liu Wuxie was no less formidable than her.


    Performing the Nine Heavenly Crane Dance, Liu Wuxie left behind an afterimage and appeared before Lu Huangzhong.


    ¡°Third Brother, watch out!¡± Qian Kun¡¯s warning rang out, but it was toote. Liu Wuxie¡¯s de had already sliced through Lu Huangzhong¡¯s defenses and was descending upon his head.


    This was precisely the effect Liu Wuxie had intended¡ªcatching his opponent off guard. Given that he was only at the first level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm, Lu Huangzhong had underestimated him, mistaking him for a mere subordinate of Chen Ruoyan.


    But who would have thought that Liu Wuxie was stronger than he appeared, severing Lu Huangzhong¡¯s neck with a single de strike? By the time Lu Huangzhong realized the danger, it was toote. The aura of the de obliterated his head, and his body rapidly withered, reducing to a pile of skin. This was because Liu Wuxie urgently needed to absorb the true essence of a Marrow Cleansing Realm expert to advance in his cultivation.


    After consuming Lu Huangzhong, Liu Wuxie sessfully made a breakthrough. He wasn¡¯tcking in resources after killing Fan Yeping, and the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron had already absorbed the spirit stones.


    As Liu Wuxie¡¯s cultivation began to rise, he swiftly reached the second level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm, but his strength grew more than one-fold. The sudden death of Lu Huangzhong caught everyone by surprise, including Chen Ruoyan.


    Even she couldn¡¯t kill Lu Huangzhong with one sword strike, and this made her wonder who Liu Wuxie was to be so powerful.


    ¡°Third Brother!¡± Ye Xiao roared. He had to watch Lu Huangzhong being killed and was powerless to do anything about it.


    The main hall fell into silence as everyone¡¯s breathing became hurried. When the group leaders looked at Liu Wuxie, their eyes contained a hint of fear.


    ¡°Who are you, and why did you intrude the Scarlet Dragon Association?¡± Qian Kun took a deep breath to suppress his anger. Anyone could tell that this matter wasn¡¯t simple. These two people had managed to infiltrate their stronghold, one of them being a princess.


    ¡°I''m nobody. Even if I tell you, you may not know me,¡± Liu Wuxie said. He was telling the truth because he only had some fame in the Imperial Academy. He couldn¡¯t represent the Great Yan Dynasty, and there weren¡¯t many who knew about him.


    ¡°You were sent here to kill us!¡± Qian Kun deduced, despite being unable to find any clues or determine Liu Wuxie¡¯s identity from his tone and martial techniques.


    ¡°You can think of it that way!¡±


    If Qian Kun knew that Liu Wuxie¡¯s mission was to eliminate the three leaders after having killed members of the Xue n, he would likely be shocked to the point of spitting out blood.


    Qian Kun, well-versed in the affairs of the Great Yan Dynasty, spected on Liu Wuxie¡¯s identity. ¡°The royal family? Military? Or the Imperial Academy?¡± he questioned.


    A smile rose on Liu Wuxie''s lips, but he said nothing. This was because there was no need to exin to a dead person.


    ¡°Big Brother, don¡¯t bother wasting words with him. We can force it out of him after capturing him. I have plenty of ways to pry open his mouth!¡±


    Ye Xiao advanced towards Liu Wuxie, determined not to underestimate him as Lu Huangzhong had done.


    However, Qian Kun intervened, ¡°You¡¯re not his opponent. I¡¯ll handle him!¡± He moved to stand before Liu Wuxie, and as their eyes met, an invisible shockwave of true essence swept out between them. This alone was enough to suggest that Qian Kun was a formidable expert, potentially outmatching even ordinary experts in the fourth level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm. It made one wonder why someone of his caliber would choose to be a bandit.


    Ye Xiao retreated to the side, blocking the exit to prevent Liu Wuxie¡¯s escape.


    Meanwhile, Chen Ruoyan seemed excited rather than worried. She found a clean spot and began to eat and drink heartily, disregarding her royal status. She had been famished, having not eaten for an entire day.


    Liu Wuxie was taken aback by the sight before him. He had never encountered a woman as audacious as Chen Ruoyan, who could maintain herposure and even find the mood to eat amidst such chaos. Despite the unusual circumstances, he found her optimistic attitude admirable.


    Meanwhile, Qian Kun calmly retrieved a pair of gloves from his interspatial pouch and put them on. These gloves were not ordinary; they were the source of his title, ¡®Thunder Hands Qian Kun¡¯.

 Chapter 173 - Thunderstorm Convergence

    <h4>Chapter 173 - Thunderstorm Convergence</h4>


    ¡°Be careful of Qian Kun. His gloves are called the Thunderstorm Gloves and contain the power of thunder. If you¡¯re hit, you will be heavily injured even if you¡¯re not killed,¡± Chen Ruoyan reminded Liu Wuxie as she finished eating her roasted chicken.


    Then again, Liu Wuxie had already noticed how unusual the gloves were. They had reached the level of a top-grade profound artifact, and ordinary weapons couldn''t damage them.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care who sent you, but I¡¯ll rip you into pieces for killing my third brother. I¡¯ll skin you alive and hang you on a gpole for ten days and nights!¡± Qian Kun said with fury filled in his tone that swept through the main hall. The tables and chairs between them exploded under his voice.


    The corpses littered on the ground also flew away, emptying a spacious ground enough for them to fight.


    ¡°Let¡¯s see if you¡¯re capable of doing that!¡± Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t dare to be careless in the fight, raising the Heretic de and releasing his de intent.


    ¡°What an excellent de!¡± Qian Kun praised, his attention drawn to Liu Wuxie¡¯s de. He could tell the de wasn¡¯t an ordinary profound artifact because he was also a cksmith. At a nce, he could tell that Liu Wuxie¡¯s de wasn¡¯t beneath his gloves.


    ¡°Die!¡± Liu Wuxie disliked idle talking and aimed to wipe out the Scarlet Dragon Association before moving on to his next task. When he swung his de down, he released a ten-odd-meter de aura from it, producing a rumbling sound that caused the ground to explode like an earthquake.


    Unleashing his full power, he spared no effort, his true essence rapidly depleting from his dantian.


    Standing by the gate, Ye Xiao¡¯s face changed drastically. He finally understood why Qian Kun had previously restrained him. The young man before them was an enigma. Hisbat abilities were on par with a third-level Marrow Cleansing Realm expert despite his cultivation only being in the Spirit Cleansing Realm.


    Qian Kun was calm as he formed a profound seal with his hands. Traces of thunderstorm energy surrounded him as he raised his right hand to grab at the de aura. There wasn¡¯t any trick behind his move, and he nned to catch the de aura barehandedly.


    Actually, Liu Wuxie¡¯s attack could kill an ordinary cultivator in the second-level Marrow Cleansing Realm. It was not something that could be withstood by the physical body alone.


    As the de aura descended, Qian Kun met it with his hand. The collision resulted in a resounding ng that echoed throughout the main hall. But Qian Kun didn¡¯t stop there. He exerted force with his hand, effectively shattering the de aura.


    This unexpected disy of strength caused Chen Ruoyan¡¯s face to turn pale. She hadn¡¯t anticipated that Qian Kun would be this formidable.


    Meanwhile, Liu Wuxie remained unfazed and continued his assault. His next attack followed an even moreplex trajectory, aimed directly at Qian Kun¡¯s head.


    However, Qian Kun remained steadfast. He extended his right hand towards Liu Wuxie¡¯s de, intending to catch it barehanded.


    The sh of their weapons produced a metallic sound. Their movements were so swift that it was difficult for the onlookers to keep up.


    Liu Wuxie pushed the Nine Heavenly Crane Dance to the limit, but Qian Kun¡¯s movement technique wasn¡¯t weak. The two exchanged several attacks, and no one could determine who held the upper hand in the fight.


    As their battle raged on, Liu Wuxie¡¯s Heretic de struck Qian Kun¡¯s arm but failed to cause any harm. Thanks to the inner armor he wore, Qian Kun was virtually invincible. The Heretic de, known for its ability to split an anvil, could not prate Qian Kun¡¯s armor, which was very unusual.


    The sh of their powers sent powerful shockwaves radiating from the center of their battle, creating a massive vortex in the middle of the hall.


    Liu Wuxie executed the Blood Gleam de Art, but it proved ineffective against Qian Kun. This was the first time since his rebirth that Liu Wuxie had encountered an opponent of equal strength. When he activated the Ghost Eye, Qian Kun¡¯s speed began to decrease, and he aimed the Heretic de at Qian Kun¡¯s underarm, following aplex trajectory.


    This development rmed Qian Kun. His palm technique, wless and superior to ordinary profound-grade martial techniques, was found to have a weakness by Liu Wuxie. Recognizing the danger, Qian Kun quickly retreated to evade the potentially lethal blow.


    Liu Wuxie continued his assault, his de movements bing increasinglyplex and unpredictable. Qian Kun could do nothing but evade, which naturally incited his anger. He roared and struck down with his palm.


    A potent shockwave, apanied by a thunderstorm, surged towards Liu Wuxie. Had Liu Wuxie not evaded this attack, the thunderstorm could have been fatal.


    This forced Liu Wuxie to step back, withdraw the Heretic de, and face the shockwave with his palm. When his true essence poured into his palm, it was akin to roaring beasts; such terrifying true essence was unheard of.


    When the two streams of true essence collided, the resulting impact unleashed a powerful shockwave. Both Liu Wuxie and Qian Kun were sent flying back to their original positions, with a vortex spinning between them. The vortex persisted for a full minute before it began to fade.


    A prickling numbness spread through Liu Wuxie¡¯s arm, but the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron soon devoured the thunderstorm energies. Lightning began to appear in the world within his dantian, looking like silver serpents hovering above it.


    Qian Kun¡¯s face sank as his right hand trembled lightly. Liu Wuxie¡¯s true essence was too destructive. It left fine cracks on his Thunderstorm Glove and nearly destroyed it.


    He squinted as he observed Liu Wuxie. Having been renowned for thirty years, he seldom encountered an equal opponent. Yet, he was pushed to such an extent by someone significantly younger.


    ¡°Who the hell are you? Since when did a monster like you appear in the Great Yan Dynasty?¡± Qian Kun started to falter. After hundreds of exchanges, he couldn¡¯t find any w in Liu Wuxie. He had never encountered such a troublesome opponent before, and this was the first time he began to doubt his strength.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s martial techniques and true essence were something he had never seen before. The de technique might seem simple, but the attacks were fatal and hard to defend against, not to mention that Liu Wuxie¡¯s true essence was highly destructive.


    Chen Ruoyan also looked curious, wanting to know Liu Wuxie¡¯s origin. She knew most of the outstanding geniuses in the Great Yan Dynasty, but she didn¡¯t know someone like Liu Wuxie. His age also didn¡¯t seem fake, and he looked in his twenties, no matter how she looked at it.


    But how could such a monstrous genius remain unknown?


    ¡°I¡¯ve already told you I¡¯m nobody!¡± Liu Wuxie shrugged, not willing to offer any further information. He Sheathed the Heretic de, a n forming in his mind amidst the chaos.


    ¡°Since you refuse to disclose your identity, I¡¯ll just have to kill you and unmask you myself. Then, I¡¯ll know who you are,¡± Qian Kun threatened.


    After taking a moment to adjust his breathing, the difort in Qian Kun¡¯s arm disappeared. Terrifying thunderstorm energies formed into miniature vortexes that slowly condensed as he sped his hands together.


    ¡°Be careful, kid. This old man is not to be underestimated. His move, known as Thunderstorm Convergence, has defeated countless experts in the past,¡± Chen Ruoyan warned Liu Wuxie. She knew Qian Kun¡¯s tactics like the back of her hand and warned in case Liu Wuxie suffered a loss.


    The air around Qian Kun began topress, forming a tornado with lightning shing at its core. As he sped his hands together, the vortex grewrger, threatening to engulf everyone in the hall.


    The surrounding furniture exploded into fragments, drawn into the vortex by the powerful suction. The women present began to scream as they, too, were pulled towards the vortex.


    Seeing this, Chen Ruoyan quickly moved to usher the women to safety, preventing them from being caught up in the vortex¡¯s pull.


    The ck vortex loomed like a monstrous beast, its suction force causing Liu Wuxie¡¯s clothes to billow in the wind. An unseen force seemed to be pulling him towards it, causing him to frown. Compared to Qian Kun, all his opponents in the past few months seemed insignificant.


    Liu Wuxie raised his right hand, preparing to unleash his most potent attack, the Overlord Fist. His dantian began to rumble as a massive amount of wood-attribute energies flooded into his body.


    When the power of the Overlord Fist condensed, there wasn¡¯t any powerful shockwave or an earth-shakingmotion. Instead, it was eerily calm. But this made it more terrifying because it was seemingly ordinary yet formidable, waiting to strike a fatal blow at the enemy.


    Meanwhile, Ye Xiao clenched his fists. He yearned to assist his Qian Kun but refrained from acting rashly for fear of disrupting his focus.


    As the shockwave¡¯s power reverberated, the paintings adorning the walls on either side were obliterated. The main hall echoed with ominous creaking sounds, hinting at an imminent copse. Rocks started to dislodge from the ceiling, causing panic among the guards outside, who hastily fled to avoid being crushed.


    The blue bs started to crack with the ground caving in as water surged out, soaking Liu Wuxie and Qian Kun¡¯s legs. It was surprising that there was an underground river beneath the main hall.


    Chen Ruoyan¡¯s heart raced, and she clenched her fists tightly. A wave of regret washed over her as she remembered her earlier actions.


    ¡°Thunderstorm Convergence!¡± Qian Kun¡¯s roar echoed through the hall, and the vortex behind him expanded, engulfing the entire main hall and trapping Liu Wuxie within its confines. This was Qian Kun¡¯s most formidable attack, a terrifying force that devoured everything in its path, lifting the blue bs from the ground and hurling them at Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Brat, you can die now! No one has ever survived under this attack!¡± Qian Kun sneered from within the vortex. It had been many years since hest used this attack, the very move that had earned him his fame in the Heaven Govern Academy.


    ¡°Not bad, but it¡¯s still not enough to kill me!¡± Liu Wuxie stood firm in the center of the vortex, unscathed by the shockwave. The invisible power around him was weaker than the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron¡¯s devouring force. In a nutshell, Qian Kun was too weak.


    Since the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron hadpletely devoured the thunderstorm''s energies, it couldn¡¯t injure Liu Wuxie. On the contrary, it helped him to perfect the world in his dantian.


    This scene shocked Qian Kun because Liu Wuxie was devouring his thunderstorm energies.


    ¡°Enough of your attacks. Now it¡¯s time for you to face mine,¡± Liu Wuxie dered, stepping out from the vortex and tearing a path through it.


    Chen Ruoyan¡¯s mouth hung open in shock. She was well aware of the potency of Qian Kun¡¯s attack, which was why she had previously resorted to an assassination attempt. She knew she wouldn¡¯t stand a chance against Qian Kun in a direct confrontation.


    The seemingly ordinary Overlord Fist carried immense power, making Liu Wuxie look like a god descending upon this world.


    The vortex formed by the Thunderstorm Convergence exploded as it couldn¡¯t withstand the power of Liu Wuxie¡¯s Overlord Fist.


    ¡°That¡¯s impossible! What fist technique is this?!¡± Qian Kun was afraid as he retreated. The Overlord Fist, performed by Liu Wuxie, had exceeded hisprehension. It wasn¡¯t a martial technique that humans could execute; only gods could.


    The sheer force of the Overlord Fist enveloped Qian Kun, forcing thetter to take this attack head-on.

 Chapter 174 - Underground Palace

    <h4>Chapter 174 - Underground Pce</h4>


    A gust of wind swept through the main hall, forcing the henchmen outside to shield their eyes. This effectively prevented them from witnessing the events unfolding within the hall.


    The punch''s force produced a whooshing sound apanied by shes of lightning. Rocks the size of basins rained from the ceiling, and the entire hall was on the brink of copse.


    A storm appeared at the hall¡¯s center. Liu Wuxie raised his hand and delivered a punch with such immense force that it created a powerful gust of wind. Qian Kun found lifting his head against this wind impossible and had no choice but to meet Liu Wuxie¡¯s Overlord Fist head-on.


    Their true essence took on various shapes, which could only be aplished by those in the higher levels of the Marrow Cleansing Realm. This proved that Liu Wuxie and Qian Kun were extraordinary.


    The impact resulted in a loud boom, sending Qian Kun flying and causing him to spit out a mouthful of blood. The Thunderstorm Glove he wore began to crack and shatter in mid-air.


    The destruction of a high-grade profound artifact clearly demonstrated the power of Liu Wuxie¡¯s Overlord Fist, which would continue increasing with his cultivation level.


    Qian Kun¡¯s palm bone cracked, inflicting excruciating pain. Without the Thunderstorm Glove, he was like a tiger without fangs, and what awaited him was Liu Wuxie¡¯s fury.


    The pain forced Qian Kun to draw a sharp breath, and his face turned pale. He realized that his hands were essentially crippled.


    Liu Wuxie advanced towards Qian Kun. His punch had depleted approximately seventy percent of his true essence, momentarily draining his dantian. Swiftly, he took out a pill and swallowed it to replenish his true essence.


    Simultaneously, the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron absorbed spiritual energy from the environment, transforming it into a liquid that flowed into his dantian. In a matter of seconds, Liu Wuxie had regained fifty percent of his true essence. The speed of his recovery was truly astounding.


    Liu Wuxie drew the Heretic de, wanting to end the battle quickly. The Scarlet Dragon Association still had over a thousand people, and he had to kill Qian Kun to deal a blow to the Scarlet Dragon Association.


    Liu Wuxieunched his de downward, not allowing Qian Kun any time to react. However, before his de couldnd, arge hole appeared in a nearby wall, and a hook snagged Qian Kun by his clothes, dragging him into the cave.


    <i>Fuck!</i> Cursing under his breath, Liu Wuxie realized hispse in vignce against Ye Xiao had allowed Qian Kun to be rescued. He, too, entered the cave, which was pitch dark and filled with countless hidden weapons that fired at him as soon as he stepped in, forcing him to retreat.


    The cave was riddled with traps. The Scarlet Dragon Association had established their stronghold here for years, taking full advantage of the favorable terrain.


    The group leaders had long fled to the foot of the mountain, seeing that even the grand leader wasn¡¯t Liu Wuxie¡¯s opponent.


    ¡°What should we do? Qian Kun has created countless passages here, and they¡¯re all interconnected. There¡¯s even food stored inside. We might not be able to find them even if we search for a year or more,¡± Chen Ruoyan said, approaching with an anxious look on her face. Their efforts would be in vain if they failed to kill Qian Kun.


    ¡°I can find him even if he is hiding underground.¡± Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t wait a year, and his time was limited. Thus, he had to kill Qian Kun as soon as possible. He decided to keep Lu Huangzhong¡¯s head as proof. As for the body, it had long turned into a pile of skin, with everything devoured by him.


    ¡°Can you really locate them?¡± Chen Ruoyan asked, her emotions running high. Their chances seemed promising, with Qian Kun severely injured and Ye Xiao posing no real threat.


    ¡°This is my fight. You need to leave this ce with the others immediately,¡± Liu Wuxie insisted. He was wary of getting too involved with members of the royal family. He urged Chen Ruoyan to evacuate with the rescued women, primarily because he didn¡¯t want to reveal his Ghost Eye.


    Nothing could hide from his Ghost Eye, and he could dig them out even if they hid underground.


    ¡°I refuse to leave! I was the first to stand against them!¡± Chen Ruoyan dered, adamant about staying by Liu Wuxie¡¯s side to confront their enemies.


    Chen Ruoyan was the third princess, and Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t possibly chase her away. Furthermore, he had no right to interfere with her decision as this ce was the Dragon Head Mountain.


    ¡°What about these people?¡± Liu Wuxie asked, pointing at the captured women. They were weak, and they would only be killed if they continued to stay there.


    A maid, who had also been captured by the Scarlet Dragon Association and harbored a deep resentment for them, emerged from the ruins. ¡°Leave them to me. I know a secret passage where they can hide for now,¡± she offered. Liu Wuxie¡¯s defeat of Qian Kun had bolstered her courage.


    After ensuring the women¡¯s safety, Liu Wuxie entered the side door and increased his speed. This was to prevent Qian Kun from escaping. If Qian Kun managed to recover from his injuries, it wouldn¡¯t be easy for Liu Wuxie to kill him as he didn¡¯t know if there were other secret passages leading outside.


    ¡°Wait for me!¡± Chen Ruoyan quickly caught up with him. As they ventured deeper, the number of secret passages multiplied, and they resolved to eliminate any members of the Scarlet Dragon Association they encountered.


    After about fifteen minutes of travel, they reached a cross-section. Chen Ruoyan was panting heavily, unustomed to navigating such narrow paths. Leaning against the wall to catch her breath, she asked, ¡°Have you found their hiding spot?¡±


    Liu Wuxie ignored Chen Ruoyan and executed Ghost Eye. His vision prated through the walls and captured everything within two hundred meters of radius.


    ¡°A rabbit with three burrows!¡± Liu Wuxie smiled and patted the right wall. He didn¡¯t choose any of the paths. The seemingly sturdy wall turned out to be a stone gate that was several inches thick. When he shattered the gate, another passage appeared before him.


    As they ventured into the passage, they found the environment to be rtively drypared to the outside. ¡°There¡¯s blood!¡± Chen Ruoyan eximed, immediately noticing the bloodstains on the wall upon entering.


    Wielding the Heretic de, Liu Wuxie performed the Seven Dipper Steps which was suitable for such a narrow path.


    Chen Ruoyan followed behind, pouting her lips. She knew that Liu Wuxie was still upset about what had happened yesterday. After all, no one would be in a good mood if they were used of being a member of the Scarlet Dragon Association and attacked for no reason.


    However, in reality, Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t talk to her because he didn¡¯t want to get too close to her.


    Traveling for about two hundred meters, they ran into a stone gate that stood in their way.


    ¡°The path ends here!¡± Chen Ruoyan eximed, drawing her sword and striking at the stone gate. However, her efforts only resulted in sparks as the sword made contact with the gate, leaving no marks.


    ¡°Don¡¯t waste your energy. This gate is made of diamond stones. Ordinary weapons can¡¯t break it,¡± Liu Wuxie cautioned, his brow furrowed in concern. Qian Kun was hiding behind this door, and Liu Wuxie knew he had to break it down if he wanted to eliminate him.


    The passage was nked by cliff walls, and digging a new passage would take at least a year. Liu Wuxie activated his Ghost Eye ability, allowing his vision to prate the stone door and reveal everything beyond it.


    ¡°Big Brother, don¡¯t worry. There is plenty of food for you to recuperate here. Once you get better, we can go out together.¡± Ye Xiao supported Qian Kun to a clean chair. Behind the gate was a fully furnished underground pce, well-stocked with food.


    There was also an underground river, ensuring a steady supply of water. It was no wonder the Scarlet Dragon Association had managed to evade eradication.


    ¡°Thank you, Second Brother!¡± Qian Kun¡¯s hands were still trembling. His hands were bloodied from blocking Liu Wuxie¡¯s Overlord Fist, and his Thunderstorm Glove had shattered. If not for Ye Xiao¡¯s timely rescue, he would have met his end at Liu Wuxie¡¯s hands in the main hall.


    ¡°Big Brother, are your hands alright?¡± Ye Xiao asked, looking worried. Without Qian Kun, the Scarlet Dragon Association would swiftly fall apart.


    ¡°Big Brother, are your hands okay?¡± Ye Xiao asked, his worry evident. He knew that without Qian Kun, the Scarlet Dragon Association would quickly fall apart.


    ¡°That brat¡¯s fist technique is weird, containing a destructive force that injured my meridians. It would take at least a month for me to recover.¡± Qian Kun was still lingering in fear, recalling Liu Wuxie¡¯s punch. Even the Thunderstorm Glove couldn¡¯t stop it, and he feared he might have lost his arms if he had taken the full brunt of the attack.


    ¡°Big Brother, something about today¡¯s situation is off. Usually, our superiors would alert us if someone was dispatched to eradicate our Scarlet Dragon Association, but there was no such warning this time,¡± Ye Xiao remarked, pacing the room in confusion. Over the years, they had faced numerous assaults on the Scarlet Dragon Association. If the opposition were too powerful, they would retreat into hiding. If the opposition were weak, they would be consumed. This was their survival strategy.


    This time, even the third princess herself was present, along with a young expert.


    ¡°I suspect that something big has happened in the Imperial City, and they didn¡¯t have enough time to notify us,¡± Qian Kun spected after some thought.


    The two fell into silence and wondered what had happened. In the end, they could only wait till their injuries healed before killing Liu Wuxie and contacting the higher-ups.


    Chen Ruoyan attacked the stone gate with her sword over a dozen times, but it remained immovable, bearing only shallow marks from her efforts. ¡°Hey, why aren¡¯t you doing anything? Are we just going to wait here?¡± she asked, noticing Liu Wuxie deep in thought.


    ¡°The mechanism is behind the gate, and it¡¯s impossible to open it from outside,¡± Liu Wuxie concluded after observing the gate. There was no way to open the gate, meaning their effort would go down the drain.


    ¡°Are we just going to let him live then? If he survives another day, who knows how many people will suffer because of him? He must be eliminated as soon as possible!¡± Chen Ruoyan dered, her face twisted with hatred and her teeth gritted. This made Liu Wuxie wonder what Qian Kun had done to provoke such hatred from her.


    ¡°Rest assured, he won¡¯t survive the day!¡± Liu Wuxie dered with a smirk. After dealing with Qian Kun, he still had to make his way to the Western Breeze Mountain Range toplete the three tasks as swiftly as possible.


    ¡°You have a way to open the gate?!¡± Chen Ruoyan jumped in excitement.


    This left Liu Wuxie speechless. He had been observing everything that transpired behind the gate, including their conversation. As a result, he stumbled upon the shocking revtion that the Scarlet Dragon Association had ties to the higher-ups in the Imperial City.


    The Scarlet Dragon Association must be a force backed by someone powerful, and they were more than mere bandits. They could be mobilized in critical situations. However, their exact objective remained a mystery to him.


    ¡°Step back!¡± Liu Wuxie waited for Chen Ruoyan to retreat to the passage before he formed seals with both hands and injected them into the stone gate.


    This puzzled Chen Ruoyan. As the third princess, she had seen all kinds of people before. However, Liu Wuxie was an enigma to her, a person she found impossible toprehend fully.

 Chapter 175 - Sowing Discord

    <h4>Chapter 175 - Sowing Discord</h4>


    Mysterious seals seeped into the gate effortlessly, much like mercury.


    Chen Ruoyan¡¯s eyes lit up with curiosity, and she wished she could rush forward. She was eager to delve into Liu Wuxie¡¯s mind, intrigued by his knowledge of things she had never encountered.


    Meanwhile, Qian Kun was meditating to heal his injuries. The trembling of the gate startled him, causing him to open his eyes abruptly. ¡°Second Brother, check the gate!¡± hemanded.


    Ye Xiao, who had been resting, opened his eyes at the sound of the gate¡¯s tremor. He quickly got up and dashed towards the gate. ¡°Big Brother, don¡¯t worry. The gate mechanism is inside this underground pce. It can¡¯t be opened from the outside,¡± he reassured Qian Kun as he moved.


    However, just as he finished speaking, a rumble echoed from the stone gate, which then exploded with a loud bang. Ye Xiao, who was closest to the gate and running towards it, was caught off guard by the explosion and couldn¡¯t dodge in time.


    The debris from the gate hit him, leaving him disoriented. He couldn¡¯t defend himself adequately with one hand, and arge rock struck his chest. This caused Ye Xiao to spit out a mouthful of blood, and he copsed on the ground, crying out in pain from his severe injuries.


    Ordinarily, a mere rock wouldn¡¯t harm an expert in the Marrow Cleansing Realm. However, Ye Xiao was unprepared and taken by surprise, which led to his current predicament.


    The center of the gate crumbled, creating an opening just wide enough for a single person to pass through. Liu Wuxie strolled into the underground pce, his hands sped behind him, his gazending on Qian Kun.


    ¡°You...how did you manage to st open the gate?¡± Ye Xiao, covered in blood, managed to pull himself up from the ground, his face etched with disbelief. The gate had thwarted countless experts, but today, it had been destroyed by Liu Wuxie, a fact he struggled toprehend.


    Without a moment¡¯s hesitation, Liu Wuxie drew the Heretic de and swung it, severing Ye Xiao¡¯s head before he could utter a scream. In mere seconds, Ye Xiao¡¯s corpse was reduced to a pile of skin.


    Liu Wuxie was a decisive person and disliked noisy people the most. Along with Lu Huangzhong¡¯s severed head, he also secured Ye Xiao¡¯s head for his report. After killing Ye Xiao, he slowly walked towards Qian Kun.


    Each stride Liu Wuxie took sent tremors of fear through Qian Kun. Once a formidable figure, Qian Kun now quivered in terror. After all, the fear of death is a universal human trait, especially when confronted by someone like Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Found you!¡± Liu Wuxie said, staring at Qian Kun when they were five steps away. Qian Kun had managed to heal some of his palm injuries, but he was far from his prime.


    Chen Ruoyan also made her way into the underground pce. She nced at the spot where Ye Xiao had turned into a pile of skin, before looking at Qian Kun in disbelief. There had been no sounds of a struggle, and yet Ye Xiao was gone. She was beginning to understand just how terrifying the seemingly younger Liu Wuxie could be.


    ¡°Can you tell me your name before I die?¡± Qian Kun wore a bitter smile. He was an expert in the Marrow Cleansing Realm who had forged a notorious fame for himself, but he had fallen to such a state.


    ¡°No!¡± Liu Wuxie replied, and his response almost choked Qian Kun.


    Thetter had never encountered such a stubborn person. But then again, why should Liu Wuxie reveal his identity? He was under no obligation to do so.


    Chen Ruoyan pursed his lips. She, too, was curious about Liu Wuxie¡¯s real name, but every time she asked, she was met with a re from Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°If you¡¯re willing to disclose who sent you to assassinate us, I can share a startling secret with you. You must have noticed the food and weapons here. Doesn¡¯t it pique your curiosity?¡± Qian Kun, aware of his impending doom, was desperate to uncover the identity of the person who had sent Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Would you believe me if I told you that even I don¡¯t know who sent me to kill you all?¡± Liu Wuxie shrugged, looking helpless. He was nning to investigate it after returning to the Imperial Academy.


    The Scarlet Dragon Association hadmitted countless evil, so Liu Wuxie had epted the task. If the task were to kill innocent people, he would have rather left the academy than agree. Many coincidences had led to the current situation.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s answer surprised Qian Kun. He had expected Liu Wuxie to know who had sent him there. It was as though there was a huge conspiracy enveloping them, and Liu Wuxie was unwillingly drawn into it.


    Chen Ruoyan looked at Liu Wuxie with a puzzled look and circled him.


    ¡°Is it the will of the heavens to annihte the Scarlet Dragon Association today?¡± Qian Kun bellowed. He yearned to know who sought his life before his impending death, but it was a luxury he could no longer afford.


    Liu Wuxie lifted the Heretic de. If Qian Kun had nothing more to say, he would take his head andplete his mission. As for the secrets here, he had no interest in them. Once he reached the Marrow Cleansing Realm, he could leave the Great Yan Dynasty for a more expansive world.


    He had been reading recently and had a rough understanding of the True Martial Continent. The Great Yan Dynasty was located northwest of the continent and considered a barrennd. He still had a long way to go if he wanted to return to the Celestial Realm.


    ¡°I bet none of you expected this ce to be a secret base of Prince Yongxian. The food and weapons here are for his rebellion. He has been preparing for it for two decades.¡±


    On the brink of death, Qian Kun managed a sorrowful smile, gesturing towards the mountains of food and weapons. He had lived under Prince Yongxian¡¯s shadow for years. He hadn¡¯t been granted a noble title, or an official position, nor had he gained fame. Instead, he would leave behind a notorious name in history.


    Upon hearing Qian Kun¡¯s revtion, Liu Wuxie¡¯s brow furrowed. He wasn¡¯t particrly interested in the information, but Qian Kun had divulged it nheless. Liu Wuxie was well aware of Prince Yongxian, the puppet master behind the Heaven Govern Academy. As the younger brother of the reigning Emperor and Chen Ruoyan¡¯s uncle, Prince Yongxian wielded considerable power, with half the officials in the Imperial Court siding with him.


    It was surprising that Qian Kun had pledged his allegiance to Prince Yongxian.


    ¡°I was right. You¡¯re apdog of Prince Yongxian,¡± Chen Ruoyan said with a cold face and pointed her sword at Qian Kun. She had already suspected that the Scarlet Dragon Association might be a force under Prince Yongxian, primarily tasked with gathering food and forging weapons.


    After all, Qian Kun was a cksmith, and he had forged countless weapons for Prince Yongxian throughout the years, waiting for the rebellion to take ce. Whenever someone was dispatched to eliminate the Scarlet Dragon Association, Qian Kun would be notified.


    ¡°The current Emperor has no heir, while Prince Yongxian is both talented and wise. He alone is fit to ascend the throne. What would you know?!¡± Qian Kun retorted, feeling a sense of relief after unburdening his secrets. Prince Yongxian held a high ce in his heart, and he would never betray him, no matter the circumstances.


    He knew that news of his death would eventually leak out and be public knowledge. He had shared this information with Liu Wuxie because he didn¡¯t want to die with a secret.


    ¡°What utter nonsense! My father might be old, but both princes have been diligent. It¡¯s just an excuse for your ambition to seize the foundation of my Chen n!¡± Chen Ruoyan furiously ced her sword on Qian Kun¡¯s neck.


    ¡°Your two brothers?¡± Qian Kun sneered, ¡°A retard and a fool. If the Great Yan Dynasty falls into their hands, the surrounding dynasties will destroy us in less than three years. Only Prince Yongxian can lead the dynasty to prosperity!¡±


    There were rumors that the current prince had intellectual issues while the second prince behaved like a fool. There were also rumors among the citizens that the Great Yan Dynasty¡¯s fortune was running out.


    The Emperor was growing old, and this predicament was due to his inability to produce another heir to stabilize the dynasty.


    ¡°Have you finished yourst words?¡± Liu Wuxie asked, his patience wearing thin. He had no interest in the matter at hand.


    ¡°Do you not find it suspicious? This is a plot by the Emperor to have you end my life, thereby weakening Prince Yongxian¡¯s power,¡± Qian Kun retorted with a smirk, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth. He had cut his own artery, choosing to take his own life rather than be killed.


    ¡°How dare you defame my father even in death! How could my father possibly have sent him to assassinate you?¡± Chen Ruoyan was livid. Qian Kun¡¯s final words were intended to drive a wedge between Liu Wuxie and the royal family, causing Liu Wuxie to harbor resentment towards the Emperor.


    If Liu Wuxie became the enemy of the emperor, he would be Prince Yongxian¡¯s friend.


    However, Liu Wuxie was not one to be swayed by mere words. He would conduct his own investigation to uncover the truth.


    ¡°Don¡¯t trust his words. A person like him deserves to die a thousand times over!¡± Chen Ruoyan implored Liu Wuxie. She had no desire to be adversaries with Liu Wuxie, whom she found to be terrifying.


    ¡°Mission aplished. I¡¯ll take my leave now!¡± Having decapitated Qian Kun, Liu Wuxie shrouded the head in a ck cloth and exited the underground pce, leaving the stockpiled food and weapons untouched.


    Watching Liu Wuxie¡¯s retreating figure, Chen Ruoyan stomped her foot in frustration. She had never encountered someone so intractable.


    Upon returning to the surface, Liu Wuxie found that the members of the Scarlet Dragon Association had already fled upon learning of their leader¡¯s injury. The mountain was deserted, save for the asional straggler who crossed paths with Liu Wuxie and met their end.


    Following the path back to Mulberry Town, Liu Wuxie nned to rest for a day before heading to the Western Breeze Mountain Range.


    The news of the Scarlet Dragon Association¡¯s destruction began to spread in just two hours. Those who had a feud with the Scarlet Dragon Association made a move to kill the remnants of the Scarlet Dragon Association.


    Just like that, the Scarlet Dragon Association, which had ruled this region for decades, disappeared in one day.


    Liu Wuxie returned to his room at the inn and shut the door behind him. He then retrieved three interspatial pouches that belonged to Qian Kun, Ye Xiao, and Lu Huangzhong. These pouches concealed their treasures. Ordinary jewelry held no appeal for him, as it was of no use.


    ¡°I¡¯ve hit the jackpot!¡± Liu Wuxie eximed, jumping around in excitement like a child, with no one around to witness his joy.


    The three interspatial pouches were significantlyrger than his own. As he gazed at the resources amassed within the pouches, a broad smile spread across his face, and he felt an urge to cheer.


    ¡°5,000 spirit stones, 10,000 grade-three pills, 30 grade-four pills, an abundance of herbs, and a variety of weapons. They must have plundered these over the years, and now they all serve to benefit me.¡± With such a wealth of pills and spirit stones at his disposal, Liu Wuxie no longer had to worry about gathering the resources needed to reach the fifth level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm.


    The reason why Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t touch the food and weapons in the underground pce was because he didn¡¯t have an interspatial pouchrge enough to contain them. Secondly, those things weren¡¯t useful to him, and they would benefit Chen Ruoyan more as the third princess. She had also helped out in destroying the Scarlet Dragon Association, and it wouldn¡¯t be fair for her if she got nothing for her effort.


    One shouldn¡¯t be too stingy. Since he was having the meat, he naturally had to leave some soup for others.


    ¡°Earth Origin Pill, a treasure!¡± Liu Wuxie took out the Earth Origin Pill from Qian Kun¡¯s interspatial pouch. Ye Xiao had given this fourth-grade pill to Qian Kun. Anyone consuming this pill in the Marrow Cleansing Realm had a fifty percent chance of reaching the next level.

 Chapter 176 - Fourth-Level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm

    <h4>Chapter 176 - Fourth-Level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm</h4>


    Liu Wuxie, having gathered the necessary materials, established a spiritual array to ward off any disturbances. Once everything was in ce, he sat on the bed, retrieved the Earth Origin Pill, and ingested it.


    A powerful energy surged through Liu Wuxie¡¯s body. Consuming this pill would provide a fifty percent probability of achieving a breakthrough for an individual in the Marrow Cleansing Realm. However, the likelihood of a breakthrough was virtually certain for someone like Liu Wuxie, who was in the Spirit Cleansing Realm.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s cultivation had advanced to the second level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm by refining the energies absorbed from Lu Huangzhong.


    Upon consuming the Earth Origin Pill, his cultivation further progressed to the third level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm.


    Experiencing two consecutive breakthroughs in his cultivation was an unprecedented event for Liu Wuxie. It was no surprise that many students preferred venturing out; the limited resources provided by the academy were insufficient for their cultivation needs.


    To prevent the Deste Devouring Art from devouring spiritual energy from the surroundings and causing an unwantedmotion, Liu Wuxie used over 100 spirit stones to fuel the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron. Liquid flowed out from the cauldron and merged into his dantian.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s cultivation began to rise, swiftly reaching the pinnacle of the third-level Spirit Cleansing Realm. He then proceeded to consume over thirty fourth-grade pills. Thanks to the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron, he didn¡¯t have to worry about any adverse effects from consuming such arge quantity of pills.


    As the pills entered his body, they were consumed by the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron, transforming into fresh energy that nourished him without causing any side effects.


    While these were just ordinary fourth-grade pills, their sheer quantity was significant. After consuming more than thirty of them, Liu Wuxie¡¯s cultivation level continued to rise, nearing the fourth level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm.


    As time passed, an unexpected group of ck-clothed men appeared on Dragon Head Mountain.


    ¡°Third Princess, are you alright?¡± They were the third princess''s personal guards, who had somehow lost their way halfway.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine. Handle the matters here quickly. I have to look for someone.¡± Chen Ruoyan had stayed on Dragon Head Mountain to wait for the arrival of her guards. The scarcity of food and weapons in the Great Yan Dynasty made them invaluable assets, which was why Chen Ruoyan was determined to guard this ce and prevent them from falling into the wrong hands.


    After giving instructions to her guards, Chen Ruoyan set off alone, likely in search of Liu Wuxie. ¡°Princess, it¡¯s too dangerous for you to go alone. Allow me to apany you,¡± a man in his thirties offered, stepping forward to ensure her safety.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need. I¡¯ll be in Mulberry Town. You cane find me after you¡¯ve taken care of everything here,¡± Chen Ruoyan responded, leaving an afterimage as she headed towards Mulberry Town before the guard could finish his sentence.


    Mulberry Town wasn¡¯t exceptionally huge. After inquiring briefly, Chen Ruoyan found Liu Wuxie¡¯s whereabouts and settled in the room beside him. She wanted to barge into his room several times, but the spiritual array forced her back. Ultimately, she had no choice but to wait outside for him.


    Inside the room, Liu Wuxie smoothly reached the fourth level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm, with powerful true essence brewing around him. The entire inn would¡¯ve been leveled to the ground without the spiritual array.


    Each breakthrough transformed Liu Wuxie, and it was astounding that he had reached the fourth level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm in just a few days.


    The next step was to stabilize his cultivation. He had already consumed all the pills that could aid him, and the third-grade pills were of little use to him. When he had some free time, he nned to sort through the herbs and refine some fourth-grade pills for himself.


    Liu Wuxie stayed in seclusion all day and night, exhausting over 200 spirit stones before stabilizing his cultivation. When he opened his eyes, a powerful chill froze the entire room. The tables and chairs were turned into ice sculptures, a powerful shockwave reducing them to ice powder on the ground.


    There was nothing left in the room except for the walls.


    When Lui Wuxie stood up, crackling sounds came from his bones. The runes adorning his skeleton multiplied, each bone appearing as though it had been tempered a thousand times over, their strength rivaling that of top-grade profound artifacts.


    In essence, ordinary weapons stood no chance of breaking his bones. His soul had also undergone a transformation, with his soul sea expanding and steadily filling up. His divine sense spread out like liquid mercury.


    When his divine sense prated the wall, Liu Wuxie frowned, ¡°What is she doing here?¡±


    Recollecting his divine sense, Liu Wuxie changed his clothes and restored his true appearance. He was nning to head to the Western Breeze Mountain Range. Ten days had passed, and he had two tasks left.


    When he opened the door to leave, a figure suddenly appeared and blocked his path.


    ¡°Where are you going?¡± Chen Ruoyan stood before Liu Wuxie, tilting her head. She had peerless beauty that wasn¡¯t inferior to Xu Lingxue''s.


    Xu Lingxue was like an orchid in a secluded valley, cold and noble, while Chen Ruoyan was like a rose covered with thorns.


    ¡°I¡¯m not obliged to tell you!¡± Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t be bothered to waste time with her. He pushed her aside and went down the stairs.


    ¡°I¡¯ll stick to you if you don¡¯t tell me your name and identity.¡± Chen Ruoyan waved her tiny fist around. It was unimaginable that the third princess of the Great Yan Dynasty would be so shameless.


    When Liu Wuxie went downstairs, a ck-clothed man brushed past him.


    ¡°Princess, we have settled everything, and the things have been sessfully delivered. After being out for so long, isn¡¯t it time for us to return to the pce?¡± The ck-clothed man reported with a bow.


    ¡°I have matters to attend to. You all return first!¡± As the words left her lips, Liu Wuxie had already vanished. Chen Ruoyan, frustrated, stomped her foot and quickly used her movement technique to catch up with him.


    In less than fifteen minutes, Liu Wuxie had left Mulberry City. Reaching the Western Breeze Mountain Range would take two days if he traveled at full speed.


    The Western Breeze Mountain Range remained in its pristine state, untouched by human habitation. This area was teeming with demonic beasts, making it a popr training ground for cultivators who honed their martial techniques against these creatures.


    The entire body of demonic beasts was a treasure. The beast cores could be refined into pills, and bones could be forged into weapons.


    Most importantly, various spiritual herbs could be found in the mountain range. A hundred-year-old spiritual herb was precious.


    ¡°Wait for me!¡± Chen Ruoyan swiftly caught up as she was in the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    This made Liu Wuxie feel a headache and could only perform the Nine Heavenly Crane Dance, turning into aet and disappearing from her sight.


    ¡°Third Princess, who are you chasing after?¡± The ck-clothed man asked, gasping for his breath. It took all his effort to barely catch up with Chen Ruoyan.


    ¡°Commander Zhao, I don¡¯t need your protection. Go back and report to my father, tell him that I¡¯ll be back by the end of this month, and don¡¯t worry about my safety,¡± Chen Ruoyan said, leaving behind the stumped Commander Zhao.


    After sessfully shaking off Chen Ruoyan, Liu Wuxie deliberately took a roundabout route to ensure he hadpletely lost her before slowing down. He then pulled out the information regarding the disappearances in the Western Breeze Mountain Range, which included details about the ten or so students who had gone there for training.


    The disappearance of these missing students had instantly caught many people¡¯s attention training in the mountain range.


    Initially, it was believed that the missing students had been devoured by demonic beasts. However, investigations revealed no presence of any powerful beasts in the vicinity. The strongest among them were fourth-grade demonic beasts, equivalent to human cultivators at the low-level Marrow Cleansing Realm. The majority of the beasts were of the first and second grade.


    After traveling for an entire day and night, Liu Wuxie finally reached the outskirts of the Western Breeze Mountain Range. From there, it would take another hour to reach the inner region.


    He nned to rest for two hours before resuming his journey. He found arge tree to sit on and meditate. The dense spiritual energy in the surroundings started to flow into his body, rapidly enhancing his true essence. Even without active cultivation, his true essence continued to grow daily.


    Suddenly, he sensed a faint murderous intent slowly drawing near. It was so subtle that he wouldn¡¯t have noticed it prior to his breakthrough. He had previously encountered a simr intent on a ten-mile-long street.


    ¡°Assassin!¡± Liu Wuxie pretended to carry on his meditation as the murderous intent continued to approach.


    ¡°The Assassin Pavilion¡¯s assassin? I was found quickly.¡±


    A few days ago, it was difficult for the Assassin Pavilion to make a move as there were too many people around in Mulberry Town. But it was different this time because Liu Wuxie was alone, making it a great opportunity to assassinate him.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s divine sense spread like mercury, enveloping the surroundings to search for the assassin¡¯s hiding spot. But roughly fifteen minutester, the murderous intent disappeared.


    ¡°Weird, why did the assassin from the Assassin Pavilion retreat?¡± Liu Wuxie opened his eyes with a hint of surprise. Could it be that the assassin was afraid?


    The Assassin Pavilion had a sess rate of one hundred percent. From the moment they took on the task, they wouldn¡¯t stop until the target was killed.


    The rustling sounds from a distance indicated that someone was approaching. No wonder the assassin from the Assassin Pavilion had retreated.


    A group of people, covered in blood, emerged from the depths of the mountain range. ¡°Senior Brother, when did so many bat demonic beasts start appearing in the Western Breeze Mountain Range?¡± one of them asked.


    Liu Wuxie, sitting on a tree trunk fifty meters away, observed the group of five. They were supporting each other, and one of them seemed to be seriously injured.


    ¡°We¡¯ve left the depth of the mountain range and are about to reach the exit. We can take a break now that we¡¯re near the exit. Third Junior Brother¡¯s injuries are serious, and we shouldn¡¯t continue.¡±


    Instead of answering, the Senior Brother told everyone to rest. They had lost several people during their training in the mountain range. The third jenior brother¡¯s injuries were serious, and he could die at any moment.


    ¡°Senior Brother, there¡¯s arge tree there. It¡¯s rtively clean around the tree, so let¡¯s go there to rest!¡±


    The area around the tree where Liu Wuxie rested was the cleanest with soft grass surrounding it. With the tree blocking the sunlight, this was a good ce to rest.


    The group of five quickly approached the tree. The one they referred to as the third Junior Brother was barely clinging to life, a strange w mark visible on his chest that resembled an animal¡¯s scratch.


    Liu Wuxie could roughly see the situation through the leaves, and it was a w mark that he had never seen before. It didn¡¯t seem like the work of a demonic beast.


    ¡°Third Senior Brother, have some water,¡± a woman in the group said, taking a water bag from her waist. She ced it near the unconscious man¡¯s lips and slowly poured water into his mouth.


    The others dispersed to the surroundings and were on high alert. They were strong, all in the high levels of the Spirit Cleansing Realm, and they seemed to be the disciples of a nearby sect.


    Remaining silent, Liu Wuxie continued to observe from his perch in the tree. He had no intention of revealing himself or getting involved. However, he was intrigued by the mention of bat demonic beasts. These creatures were social animals, typically preferring dark, damp environments, which didn¡¯t align with the characteristics of the Western Breeze Mountain Range. Their presence could potentially be linked to the mysterious disappearances in the area.


    When he retracted his arm, his arm brushed past the leaves, producing a rustling sound that rmed the senior brother in the group.


    The senior brother looked up towards the treetop and called out, ¡°Who¡¯s up there hiding?¡±

 Chapter 177 - Western Breeze Mountain Range

    <h4>Chapter 177 - Western Breeze Mountain Range</h4>


    Liu Wuxie smiled bitterly. He didn¡¯t expect these people to be so cautious.


    Then again, they had to be vignt against sneak attacks due to the loss of several junior brothers. The other junior brothers also raised their heads to look at the tree, and they could see Liu Wuxie through theyer of leaves.


    Liu Wuxie gentlynded on the ground, standing outside the encirclement.


    ¡°Who are you, and why are you eavesdropping on our conversation?¡± The senior brother asked with a hint of surprise because he didn¡¯t expect Liu Wuxie to be so young.


    ¡°I was resting here, and you all were the ones to disrupt my rest,¡± Liu Wuxie said, rubbing his nose. He wasn¡¯t willing to offer much exnation and was about to hit the road as he was almost done resting.


    ¡°Hmph, since you¡¯ve been eavesdropping on us, you¡¯ll face the consequences!¡± The other two youths stabbed their swords at Liu Wuxie.


    A cold light shed in Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes as they attempted to stir up trouble, and he was visibly irritated.


    ¡°Both of you, stop! This could be a misunderstanding!¡± The senior brother was reasonable as he stopped his two junior brothers from attacking Liu Wuxie. This single action significantly improved Liu Wuxie¡¯s impression of him.


    The two junior brothers didn¡¯t dare to disregard their senior brother¡¯s words and withdrew their swords. However, they still remained vignt.


    ¡°My name is Wei Dong, the disciple of the Crimson me Manor. How can I address you?¡±


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t expect this person to be a disciple of the Crimson me Manor. He had heard of Crimson me Manor before, and they could be considered a righteous sect with strict restrictions on their disciples.


    Liu Wuxie had read numerous books at the Imperial Academy and was aware of the power distribution in the Great Yan Dynasty. The Crimson me Manor was located roughly five hundred miles from this ce and had hundreds of disciples, and they could be considered a second-tier sect.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, student of the Imperial Academy!¡± Liu Wuxie cupped his fists together. Liu Wuxie, having a decent impression of Wei Dong, chose to disclose his identity.


    Upon learning that Liu Wuxie was a student of the Imperial Academy, the group¡¯s perception of him shifted. The Imperial Academy was the most prestigious institution in the Great Yan Dynasty, and they, due to their aptitude, were not qualified to join.


    They might have reached the high levels of the Spirit Cleansing Realm, but they weren¡¯t young. Wei Dong was close to thirty, and everyone else looked in their mid-twenties.


    Someone of their aptitude could only be considered ordinary in the Imperial City. But in the Crimson me Manor, they were deemed top-tiered disciples.


    ¡°So you¡¯re a student of the Imperial City. My apologies for our rudeness earlier!¡± Wei Dong said in a polite tone. They didn¡¯t belittle Liu Wuxie because his cultivation was lower than theirs. This was the first time they saw someone reaching the fourth level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm at such a young age.


    ¡°Brother Wei, what happened to you all? Why are you all injured?¡±


    After their introductions and the improvement in their rtionship, the two who had initially wanted to attack Liu Wuxie promptly apologized.


    Wei Dong¡¯s expression was one of concern. ¡°This is aplex matter. Brother Liu, are you considering training in the Western Breeze Mountain Range?¡± he asked. Of the eight who had set out to train, only five had survived, and the third junior brother was on the brink of death. Wei Dong was at a loss as to how to exin this to their master upon their return.


    ¡°Yeah, I n to train in the Western Breeze Mountain Range.¡± Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t mention that he was investigating the disappearance case.


    Upon hearing this, Wei Dong quickly rose to his feet, attempting to dissuade Liu Wuxie. ¡°Brother Liu, I strongly advise against it. There¡¯s something strange about the Western Breeze Mountain Range. In the past two months, several cultivators who ventured in have gone missing. We were lucky to make it out alive,¡± he warned.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes sparkled with interest as he realized that these individuals had valuable information about the mountain range. Given their high-level Spirit Cleansing Realm abilities, this group was far from weak and should be safe unless they encountered enemies in the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    ¡°Brother Wei, can you tell me what happened in the mountain range?¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s expression remained unchanged. He was determined to investigate what was happening in the mountain range, even if it was dangerous.


    ¡°I can¡¯t say for certain what happened. The only anomaly was the presence of numerous bat demonic beasts. We were encircled by thousands of them. Three of our junior brothers risked their lives to carve out a safe escape route for us,¡± Wei Dong recounted, his fear palpable as he recalled the previous day¡¯s events.


    ¡°Bat demonic beasts?¡± Liu Wuxie frowned. Bat demonic beasts were rare in the Western Breeze Mountain Range. Could someone have deliberately incited this?


    ¡°Brother Liu, I¡¯m a few years older than you. Heed my advice and leave immediately. Don¡¯t enter the mountain range,¡± Wei Dong said, still trying to dissuade Liu Wuxie from entering.


    ¡°Third junior brother, third junior brother...¡± The woman¡¯s cries echoed as the aura of the unconscious man gradually faded, and his eyes slowly fluttered open, a sign of terminal lucidity.


    Wei Dong got up, providing aforting embrace for the man. Liu Wuxie watched this interaction, surprised by the deep camaraderie among the group.


    ¡°Senior Brother, I can¡¯t make it. Thank you for taking care of me all these years...¡± The man said weakly in Wei Dong¡¯s arms. His face had no regret because he was an orphan, and Wei Dong had helped him enormously over the years.


    ¡°Third junior brother, don¡¯t speak. Nothing will happen to you.¡± Wei Dong hugged his third junior brother tightly. The atmosphere was heavy, and the woman began to sob quietly.


    Liu Wuxie used his Ghost Eye to examine the man¡¯s condition. He noticed the man¡¯s blood had turned a dark green, indicating the bat demonic beasts were venomous.


    ¡°Take this. It should neutralize the poison in his body, and with some rest, he should recover in about half a month,¡± Liu Wuxie said, producing a pill from his interspatial pouch. This was a Detoxification Pill he had prepared for emergencies, and it proved useful now.


    This was no ordinary Detoxification Pill. The ones avable in the market were incapable of treating such potent poison. However, the pill Liu Wuxie had refined could neutralize most toxins.


    ¡°Brother Liu, we can¡¯t thank you enough, and I¡¯m grateful on behalf of my third junior brother.¡± Wei Dong took the pill without any hesitation and gave it to his third junior brother.


    His junior brother was teetering on the brink of death. They had to explore every possible solution, hoping for a miracle.


    Being a student of the Imperial Academy, Liu Wuxie had his own set of survival strategies. He recognized that this Detoxification Pill was exceptional, far superior to the ones they had.


    After ingesting the Detoxification Pill, the third junior brother¡¯splexion improved. Wei Dong immediately channeled his true essence to aid his third junior brother in digesting the pill, and the unconscious man quickly regained consciousness.


    ¡°Third junior brother, you¡¯re awake! This is great!¡± The group hugged each other joyfully while Liu Wuxie quietly left. When they came to their senses, Liu Wuxie was already nowhere to be seen.


    One dayter, Liu Wuxie entered the Western Breeze Mountain Range with the Heretic de. He wasn¡¯t guarding against demonic beasts but the Assassin Pavilion¡¯s assassin. He was certain they were in hiding, waiting to ambush him.


    ¡°This is the Western Breeze Mountain Range?¡± Liu Wuxie sat on a huge rock. The mountain range was massive, and it was impossible to reach the other end even if he walked for ten days and nights straight. Trying to investigate the disappearance case was no different from finding a needle in a haystack.


    ¡°This is weird. I¡¯ve been walking for so long; where are the demonic beasts?¡± Liu Wuxie frowned. ording to his information, the Western Breeze Mountain Range should be filled with demonic beasts. But he couldn¡¯t even see a bird in sight, not to mention demonic beasts. Just when he sat down, the faint murderous intent appeared once more.


    ¡°Show yourself. Don¡¯t bother hiding!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s gazended on arge tree about fifty meters away, where a man dressed in ck was concealed. The moment the man¡¯s murderous intent slipped, Liu Wuxie had him in his sights.


    Caught off guard by Liu Wuxie¡¯s swift detection, the assassin was taken aback. He had been lying in wait for two hours, anticipating Liu Wuxie¡¯s arrival.


    A chilling glint shed in his eyes as heunched a silver dart aimed at Liu Wuxie¡¯s neck. As the dart took flight, the man in ck moved with his sword, zeroing in on Liu Wuxie like a deadly viper, intending to strike a lethal blow.


    He covered the fifty-meter distance in an instant, determined not to give Liu Wuxie a chance to react.


    With a swift swing of the Heretic de, Liu Wuxie deflected the silver dart. Simultaneously, a sword was aimed at his neck. The n was wless, with every move calcted. Even if he could dodge the dart, he couldn¡¯t evade the sword.


    True essence materialized into a pair of wings behind Liu Wuxie as he soared to the sky, dodging the sword that flew past beneath him.


    In the blink of an eye, the assassin changed his tactics, tapping his sword on the rock and soaring to the sky with his sword aimed at Liu Wuxie¡¯s sole.


    When Liu Wuxiended on a tree, he suddenly performed a somersault, shing with the assassin head-on in mid-air.


    They exchanged a few hundred moves in a split second, producing a powerful shockwave that swept out like a hurricane. The surrounding trees exploded under the shockwave, producing a t ground of ten-odd meters.


    When Liu Wuxie and the assassin separated, they stood on a tree separately.


    The assassin was well masked aside from his eyes. He also had a high cultivation in the second-level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm. To kill him, the Assassin Pavilion had even sent out someone in the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    Silence prevailed. Liu Wuxie knew that even if he managed to capture this assassin alive, he wouldn¡¯t be able to extract any useful information. All of them had undergone special training; failure in their mission equated to death.


    Simultaneously, Liu Wuxie and the assassin moved. The shing of the sword and de created a thunderous rumble. The aura of the de and sword left cracks on the ground as they fell.


    The strength of this assassin wasn¡¯t any weaker than Qian Kun, and Liu Wuxie would have to spend some effort to kill him.


    Then again, Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t the same person as before. After reaching the fourth-level Spirit Cleansing Realm, his strength had increased by more than a hundredfold.


    As the Heretic de shifted direction, Liu Wuxie¡¯s de intent sealed every inch of the surrounding space as he executed the Blood Gleam de Art. It seemed virtually impossible for the assassin to prate his defenses.


    ¡°Die!¡± Liu Wuxie roared, vanishing into thin air, transforming into a celestial crane soaring through the clouds. The Heretic de materialized above the assassin¡¯s head, poised to strike.

 Chapter 178 - Bait

    <h4>Chapter 178 - Bait</h4>


    Regarding assassination skills, Liu Wuxie¡¯s abilities surpassed even those of the assassins of the Assassin Pavilion.


    The assassin suddenly descended to avoid the fatal de. He retreated swiftly, but Liu Wuxie¡¯s de technique was even faster.


    Sensing death approaching, the assassin made a bewildering move. His ck robe unfurled with ck poisonous needles flying out, enveloping a radius of ten-odd meters.


    The two were close, and it should be impossible for Liu Wuxie to avoid so many needles. Liu Wuxie also didn¡¯t expect the Assassin Pavilion to go to such an extreme toplete their mission. Then again, these assassins had no emotions, raised from young to be killing machines.


    ¡°You¡¯re courting death!¡± Liu Wuxie flew into a rage when he looked at the barrage of needles. The needles were coated with venom. Even if he had the Detoxification Pills on him, the pills would need time to work. So, the assassin¡¯s actions had aroused Liu Wuxie¡¯s murderous intent.


    ¡°Overlord Fist!¡± A potent force repelled all the poisonous needles, forming a defensive barrier around him and preventing the needles from getting close. However, the force of the fist didn¡¯t stop there; it continued, bearing down on the assassin who was about tond.


    When the force reached the assassin, the assassin¡¯s body blew apart, covering the ground with pieces of flesh and blood. Aside from a sword, the assassin had nothing else on him.


    This was how professional assassins operated. They embarked on every mission prepared for the possibility of death, carrying nothing that could leave behind any traces.


    Suddenly, a squeaking sound echoed as a bat demonic beast flew over Liu Wuxie¡¯s head. When it spread its wings, they were asrge as a basin, significantlyrger than ordinary bats.


    Typically, bat demonic beasts were the size of a fist, with wings spanning no more than half a foot when fully extended. However, this particr bat demonic beast was an anomaly. As it soared through the air, it emitted a peculiar sound, one that even a seasoned individual like Liu Wuxie had never encountered.


    The bat demonic beast vanished into the distant woods, leaving Liu Wuxie with a sense of foreboding. As the sky began to darken, he realized he needed to find a safe ce to rest quickly.


    After cleaning up the battlefield, Liu Wuxie executed the movement technique and headed into the depths of the mountain range.


    Not long after his departure, a figure cloaked in dark green emerged, appearing visibly worn out.


    ¡°You scoundrel! Don¡¯t let me get my hands on you!¡± Chen Ruoyan seethed with anger. She was merely curious about Liu Wuxie¡¯s identity, as she was unaware of when such a formidable individual had surfaced in the Great Yan Dynasty.


    However, Liu Wuxie had vanished and wouldn¡¯t have ended up here if he hadn¡¯t encountered Wei Dong¡¯s group along the way.


    Approximately three miles away, Liu Wuxie discovered a tranquil spot. It was an open area, safe from the attacks of demonic beasts. He unpacked his pre-prepared tent, intending to rest for the night before resuming his investigation into the disappearances the following day.


    Lighting a campfire, Liu Wuxie took out some dry rations to consume. When he nced towards the depth of the woods, the night in the mountain range looked like the jaw of a demonic beast waiting for prey toe in.


    The surroundings were dead silent, devoid of even the chirping of insects or cries of birds.


    Right then, squeaking sounds echoed once more. This time, it wasn¡¯t just one bat demonic beast but dozens of them flying across, looking as if they were patrolling the area.


    ¡°This is bad!¡± Liu Wuxie instantly realized that the previous bat demonic beast must have been a scout and informed itspanions after spotting him. He swiftly packed up his tent and put out the campfire, then took cover under arge tree, clutching the Heretic de tightly.


    The surroundings were quiet as time passed, and the bat demonic beasts seemed to have left. Even so, Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t dare to be careless.


    Bats being nocturnal creatures, hunted for food at night. The sky, nketed with thunderclouds, further reduced the avable light. However, when Liu Wuxie activated Ghost Eye, his surroundings became illuminated.


    Suddenly, a flock of bat demonic beasts pounced at him. They had been lurking in the surroundings, waiting for Liu Wuxie to lower his guard before attacking.


    ¡°Shit!¡± Liu Wuxie swung the Heretic de, causing the bat demonic beasts that swooped down on him to explode. Their numbers were overwhelming, with over ten thousand of them congregating. Their shrill squeaks sent shivers down anyone¡¯s spine.


    Wei Dong¡¯s group had only encountered over a thousand bat demonic beasts and had lost three members in their bid to escape from the mountain range safely. But Liu Wuxie was up against over ten thousand bat demonic beasts, and it was uncertain if he could make it out alive.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s Heretic de formed a barrier that prevented the bat demonic beasts from getting within a meter radius around him. However, if this continued, he would eventually sumb to exhaustion.


    The bat demonic beasts were fearless, continuing to attack Liu Wuxie even as theirrades fell and their bodies piled up on the ground.


    Executing the Nine Heavenly Crane Dance, Liu Wuxie was like a ghost, and none of the bat demonic beasts could catch him.


    Suddenly, a strange flute music echoed from afar. It sounded as if someone was ying the flute or perhaps it was the wind whistling. When the music started, the bat demonic beasts went berserk and lunged at Liu Wuxie.


    That night, Liu Wuxie learned what fearlessness meant. These bat demonic beasts pounced at him without fearing death, and their sharp ws ripped a hundred-year tree into pieces.


    The bat demonic beasts were like a powerful wave because they knew how to use the formation, which shocked Liu Wuxie even more.


    ¡°It¡¯s impossible for bat demonic beasts to be so intelligent. Can it be that someone is behind this, trying to use the bat demonic beasts to kill people?¡±


    Liu Wuxie retreated as he fought. If a bat demonic beast managed to bite him, he would be inflicted with severe poison. His supply of Detoxification Pills was dwindling, and he couldn¡¯t afford to waste them.


    Soon, he found himself backed against a cliff with nowhere else to retreat. The number of bat demonic beasts kept increasing, appearing like a small hill bearing down on him.


    The eerie music persisted, causing an ufortable, numbing sensation in his soul sea. When Liu Wuxie activated Ghost Eye, he spotted a ck figure standing a few hundred meters away, clutching something in their hand. However, due to the distance, Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t see it clearly.


    When a rumble came from his golden soul sea, the difort soon disappeared.


    ¡°Momentous Gleam!¡± Liu Wuxie swung the Heretic de. His de intent formed into a tidal wave, sending all the iing bat demonic beasts flying away. This also created an empty ground within ten-odd meters of radius with piles of dead bat demonic beasts on the ground.


    The bat demonic beasts hovered above Liu Wuxie¡¯s head, preparing to unleash the second wave of attack. Their sharp ws and fangs emitted a luster in the night, looking sinister.


    The bat demonic beasts had all undergone mutation. The disappearance of the nearby demonic beasts must have something to do with them. Some demonic beasts were expelled, while the bat demonic beasts had killed most.


    Liu Wuxie slowly approached that ck figure. He wanted to ensure the ck figure was a human or demonic beast. But perhaps the ck figure detected his approach as it disappeared with the bat demonic beasts.


    Then again, how could Liu Wuxie possibly give up when he finally found some clues? He swiftly caught up with the ck figure. If he weren¡¯t strong enough, he would¡¯ve been killed by those bat demonic beasts. After all, even someone in the low-level Marrow Cleansing Realm would die if they encountered the bat demonic beasts.


    The bat demonic beasts were fast, disappearing into the valley in the blink of an eye, and their destination was unknown. The surroundings fell into darkness once more, with a pile of dead bat demonic beasts on the ground.


    ¡°Get lost! Get lost! You disgusting creatures!¡± Liu Wuxie could hear someone talking a mile away, and there was also the sound of a fight taking ce.


    ¡°Who would enter the Western Breeze Mountain Range sote at night?¡±


    Liu Wuxie had noticed that only a few people had recently ventured into the Western Breeze Mountain Range, and human tracks were scarce.


    He decided to change his course, following the direction of the voice. After about ten breaths, under the soft glow of the moonlight, Liu Wuxie spotted a figure that he recognized.


    ¡°It¡¯s her?!¡± The figure turned out to be the third princess, Chen Ruoyan. She had trailed Liu Wuxie into the Western Breeze Mountain Range and was now under attack from over a thousand bat demonic beasts, leaving her utterly drained.


    The bat demonic beasts were tough to deal with, and Liu Wuxie could only maintain his ground by relying on his movement technique and true essence. However, he was unable to eliminate all the bat demonic beasts.


    Chen Ruoyan wasn¡¯t weak and could gain the upper hand against ordinary opponents. But when confronted with the peculiar bat demonic beasts, she found herself at a disadvantage. As she swung her sword, her clothes were torn in several ces, revealing her skin.


    If this continued, Chen Ruoyan would be exhausted to death because she didn¡¯t have a true essenceparable to Liu Wuxie.


    Wei Dong¡¯s group of eight had faced over a thousand bats and sacrificed three to make it out barely alive. Their third junior brother would have died if it wasn¡¯t for Liu Wuxie.


    The situation was perilous, but Liu Wuxie stood with his feet rooted to the ground. He was hesitating if he should help. After all, they were merely strangers who had met by chance, with no deep ties binding them.


    But Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t possibly watch her die before him. The third princess wasn¡¯t a bad person; she even risked her life to avenge the innocent. But just as he was about to act, severalrge bats swooped down from the sky, seizing Chen Ruoyan by her arms. This caused Chen Ruoyan¡¯s sword to fall to the ground as she was paralyzed by the poison.


    "Insolent beasts! How dare youy your hands on a princess!¡± Chen Ruoyan struggled in vain as over a thousand bat demonic beasts seized her and took flight. This development caused Liu Wuxie to reconsider his initial n, suppressing his instinct to intervene. This was an opportunity he couldn¡¯t pass up.


    <i>I should trail them and see where they¡¯re taking her. I can only hope the third princess can endure a bit longer.</i>


    If Chen Ruoyan knew that Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯ting to her aid, she would likely be furious. However, Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t have any better alternatives. If he wanted to uncover the mastermind behind this, he needed bait, and Chen Ruoyan fit the bill perfectly.


    Given that the bat demonic beasts hadn¡¯t killed her outright, it was clear they wanted her alive. So, Liu Wuxie discreetly followed from behind, ready to intervene if her life was in imminent danger.


    With his ability, it wasn¡¯t an issue for him to save Chen Ruoyan. This confidence allowed him to let the bat demonic beasts carry Chen Ruoyan away.


    Roughly an hourter, a vast valley appeared. The valley was enormous, teeming with bats fluttering about. The sight sent a shiver down Liu Wuxie¡¯s spine, briefly entertaining the idea of retreating before dismissing it.

 Chapter 179 - Old Man

    <h4>Chapter 179 - Old Man</h4>


    The valley was vast, spanning over ten thousand meters in radius. It was encircled by mountains on three sides, leaving only one entrance. The walls were riddled with dens, serving as homes to the bats that ventured out only at night to hunt.


    Relying on Ghost Eye, Liu Wuxie could see that Chen Ruoyan was taken into a vast cave. However, the Ghost Eye¡¯s range was limited to three hundred meters at best, and the depth of the cave soon exceeded its scope.


    <i>I have to find a way to enter. So many people have disappeared in the Western Breeze Mountain Range, and it must be rted to the bat demonic beasts here. As long as I resolve the secrets here, I can find the disappeared people.</i>


    It struck him as odd that the bat demonic beasts had captured Chen Ruoyan alive instead of killing her outright. ¡°Could they intend to eat her alive?¡± he wondered. But bats were known to consume blood primarily and seldom ate meat, which left Liu Wuxie puzzled.


    Most importantly, Liu Wuxie could hear a flute sound when Chen Ruoyan was captured. Someone or something must have been controlling these bat demonic beasts to capture people alive and bring them here.


    Liu Wuxie had more or less pieced together the situation through his observations. If the bat demonic beasts had intended to kill, Chen Ruoyan would have already been drained of blood and her lifeless body discarded. Therefore, the bat demonic beasts¡¯ behavior was peculiar.


    However, Liu Wuxie was confronted with a more significant question: How could he gain entry? The area was swarming with bats patrolling the valley, and if he revealed himself, he would be faced with tens of thousands of bats. Despite his strength, he could only flee when faced with such overwhelming numbers.


    As the time ticked by, each wasted minute increased the danger for Chen Ruoyan, naturally causing him to grow increasingly anxious.


    Even though Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t have a deep connection with Chen Ruoyan, she hade to the Western Breeze Mountain Range in search of him, and he would be wracked with guilt if she were to die here.


    An hour had passed in the blink of an eye, and it was near the early morning hours. Liu Wuxie still hadn¡¯t devised a good n because the bat demonic beasts had excellent night vision, and getting close meant risking being detected.


    ¡°Something¡¯s odd. The number of bat demonic beasts is dwindling!¡± Liu Wuxie, perched on arge tree, observed the valley. He noticed a decrease in the number of bat demonic beasts and descended from the tree.


    ¡°I understand now; it¡¯s because daylight is approaching!¡±


    Bats liked to move at night and rest in their caves in the day. During the day, they would be blind and incapable of flight. He saw thousands of bats flying back into the valley, passing by where Liu Wuxie hid and returning to their caves.


    In the blink of an eye, the bats disappeared in the valley.


    Without a moment¡¯s dy, Liu Wuxie vanished and sprinted towards thergest cave where Chen Ruoyan had been taken. He masked his aura, wary of alerting the bat demonic beasts in the vicinity.


    The cave was colossal, resembling the gaping maw of a monstrous beast. Liu Wuxie pressed on, leaning against the wall as his divine sense spread throughout the cave like liquid mercury.


    A foul odor permeated the ground, emanating from the droppings of the bat demonic beasts. Approximately ten minutester, a skeleton materialized on the ground. The corpse had decayed, its blood drained by the bat demonic beasts.


    ¡°It¡¯s the uniform of the Imperial Academy!¡± Liu Wuxie recognized the clothes after squatting down for a closer look. This was the uniform of a Profound Grade student, and the bats killed him.


    Liu Wuxie unsheathed the Heretic de, ready to engage inbat at any moment. As his divine sense expanded, he detected no immediate danger and quickened his pace, concerned for Chen Ruoyan¡¯s safety.


    The cave was shrouded in darkness, but thanks to Ghost Eye, Liu Wuxie could discern a rough outline of the interior. Anyone else in his position would undoubtedly lose their way.


    Suddenly, Liu Wuxie heard a squeaking sound as a bat flew past him, seemingly oblivious to his presence, and disappeared deeper into the cave.


    Liu Wuxie performed the Seven Dipper Steps and followed behind that bat without hesitation. The stench from the ground was nauseating, and Liu Wuxie practically traveled with his nose covered.


    After navigating through a narrow passage, his vision suddenly broadened as if he had entered an underground world. He came to an abrupt halt, taken aback by the sight before him.


    ¡°This...¡± Liu Wuxie was at a loss for words. Thousands of bats hung from the cave ceiling, and numerous cages were ced on the ground, each housing ten-plus humans and demonic beasts, all appearing exhausted.


    They were restrained as bats had used their venom to seal their cultivation, reducing them to ordinary people.


    ¡°Let me out! Do you know who I am? If I give the order, an army wille to level this ce!¡± A familiar voice sounded, and hearing that voice brought a smirk to Liu Wuxie¡¯s lips.


    Chen Ruoyan was locked up and thrown into a dirty cage like everyone else.


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t make any rash move, fearing that he might rm the bats. At this moment, Liu Wuxie was certain that someone was keeping these bats on purpose. If he killed the mastermind, the bats would lose their master and be easier to deal with.


    Liu Wuxie had spotted a ck figure during the bat attack, which appeared to be human based on its silhouette. However, he couldn¡¯t identify the mastermind clearly due to the distance.


    ¡°Silence! Our ancestor loves to eat tender young beauties the most.¡± A skinny old man walked over from another entrance. He had a bony figure, looking as though a gentle breeze could make him fall to the ground.


    His presence sent the human captives in the cage into a state of fear, causing them to cower in a corner, terrified that they might be next. The demonic beasts also cowered in fear, emitting low growls. This raised the question: What instilled such fear in these demonic beasts?


    ¡°Release me if you dare! Watch as Iy waste to this bat cave!¡± Chen Ruoyan¡¯s voice reverberated throughout the cave, but the old man paid her no heed and opened the cage, letting her out.


    However, when Chen Ruoyan attempted to raise her hand in preparation for battle, she was ovee by a wave of numbness and could only stand there, gritting her teeth. This brought a sigh of relief from the other captives, d that they could live for another day.


    ¡°Are you going to walk by yourself, or do you need me to help you?¡± The old man said, pointing to the front. He gave Chen Ruoyan a choice to either walk on her own or be carried by the bats.


    ¡°No need. I¡¯ll walk on my own!¡± Recalling how those disgusting bats had carried her, Chen Ruoyan walked toward the cave''s depths to see who was nurturing so many bats.


    With a wave of the old man¡¯s hand, the bats returned to their original positions, continuing their vigil to prevent any escapes. For the time being, Liu Wuxie decided against rescuing the captives to avoid alerting the enemies to his presence. He quietly trailed behind the old man and Chen Ruoyan.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s primary goal was to uncover what was happening. The fact that the old man was human was a relief for Liu Wuxie, as he had numerous strategies for dealing with humans.


    Tailing behind, Liu Wuxie observed that the path was clean without any bats dropping. The old man was also strong, cultivating in the third-level Marrow Cleansing Realm. Since that was the case, how strong would his master be?


    The path was filled with twists and turns. Roughly after fifteen minutes of walking, the vision ahead changed, revealing avishly decorated underground pce. The old man walked towards the gate and bowed, ¡°Master, I¡¯ve brought her here.¡±


    After the old man announced his arrival, he retreated to the side. The underground pce was luxurious, with precious luminous pearls on the walls lighting up the cave. In the center of the pce was a massive stone bed with soft bedding, and a faint ck figure sat on it.


    ¡°Come in!¡± It was a sharp voice, sounding neither like a male nor female. The voice was hoarse, like that of a duck, sending shivers down the spine.


    ¡°Go in!¡± The old man shoved Chen Ruoyan forward. She was already under control and had no means of escaping, so the old man left after speaking.


    When the old man passed by Liu Wuxie, he suddenly stopped and sniffed around. Liu Wuxie had concealed himself in the darkness, holding his breath. Even if the old man stood beside him, he couldn¡¯t detect him.


    After finding nothing, the old man left as he had other matters to attend to. There was no sign of life within a hundred meters of radius. The ck figure in the underground pce should be the master of this ce.


    ¡°How dare you! Do you know who I am?!¡± Chen Ruoyan demanded keeping a safe distance from the bed at the center. She suppressed her inner fear and held herself upright, unwilling to lose in terms of demeanor.


    ¡°I know. You already introduced yourself when you came in. You¡¯re the Great Yan Dynasty¡¯s third princess,¡± said the figure seated on the stone bed.


    Liu Wuxie got close but didn¡¯t step into the underground pce, waiting for an opportunity to make a move.


    ¡°Since you know, why aren¡¯t you letting me go obediently?!¡± Chen Ruoyan became bold. Her status as the Great Yan Dynasty¡¯s third princess allowed her to receive respect wherever she went. Even notorious figures like Qian Kun were willing to let her leave and didn¡¯t want to make an enemy out of her upon discovering her identity.


    ¡°Let you go?¡± The ck figure on the stone bed sneered. ¡°No one can leave this ce alive after entering the bat cave, not to mention that you possess the royal bloodline. I bet you will be tasty...¡±


    The sharpughtering from the stone bed made Liu Wuxie''s scalp tingle. After all, even as an Immortal Emperor in his past life, he had never done something like eating humans. But he had met many demon ns who feasted on humans.


    ¡°Y-You want to eat me?!¡± Chen Ruoyan panicked as she retreated, nning to escape when possible. Even if she was bold, she couldn¡¯t help trembling upon hearing that she was about to be eaten. She was a woman, not to mention that she wasn¡¯t old. Even Liu Wuxie could feel his scalps tingle upon hearing it, not to mention a pampered princess like her.


    ¡°Is there an issue? Everyone captured here is my food,¡± the ck figure dered, standing up and reaching out. This caused Chen Ruoyan to fly towards him involuntarily.


    ¡°ARHHHHH!¡± Chen Ruoyan screamed and fainted when she saw the appearance of that ck figure.


    In the dim light, Liu Wuxie could make out a pair of fangs on the ck figure, slowly inching towards Chen Ruoyan¡¯s neck.

 Chapter 180 - Blood Bat

    <h4>Chapter 180 - Blood Bat</h4>


    Under the lumination pearls, Liu Wuxie saw a pair of sharp fangs. When Liu Wuxie saw the fangs, he soon thought of a mysterious n. They were called the Hemovore n, who feasted on human blood. Could the ck figure be a member of the Hemovore n?


    However, this ck figure didn¡¯t seem to belong to the Hemovore n. Typically, members of the Hemovore n would meticulously clean their prey before feasting, adhering to strict standards. On the other hand, this ck figure exuded an aura of malevolence. He likely had cultivated a blood-sucking technique, leading to a drastic transformation in his nature.


    The ck figure¡¯s fangs inched closer to Chen Ruoyan¡¯s neck. Chen Ruoyan, having already lost consciousness, was unable to resist.


    ¡°What fair skin! It would be a pity to consume you just like this.¡± The ck figure hesitated, torn between feasting on Chen Ruoyan and preserving her. However, a strong desire overcame him, and he screamed. Just as he leaned in, his fangs a mere inch away from Chen Ruoyan, a sharp ray whizzed past.


    Liu Wuxie had swung his de, releasing a de ray, hoping to catch the ck figure off guard.


    In the nick of time, the ck figure retreated while the de aura tore apart the curtain, and the scenery was revealed entirely to Liu Wuxie.


    On the stone bed, several dried-up corpses were lying around with their blood sucked dry.


    Next to Chen Ruoyany a young man who appeared to have died recently. His corpse bore an expression of fear, and two puncture wounds on his neck indicated that the ck figure had used his fangs to drain all the blood from his body.


    This horrifying sight shook Liu Wuxie to his core. He found it hard to believe that such a brutal individual could exist. Chen Ruoyan hadn¡¯t lost consciousness due to fear but rather due to the sight of the surrounding corpses.


    Liu Wuxie dashed towards the stone bed, his de aura locking onto the ck figure. He had only one chance, and he couldn¡¯t miss it.


    The ck figure, taken by surprise, felt the imminent death threat from the iing de. In response, he grabbed arge rock and ced it in the path of the Heretic de. The impact caused the underground pce to tremble.


    ¡°Did someone actually manage to infiltrate my bat cave?¡± The ck figure, surprised, looked at Liu Wuxie, who hadnded on the ground. Liu Wuxie¡¯s attempt to kill the ck figure had failed because thetter, who was at the sixth level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm, was too powerful.


    Upon closer inspection, Liu Wuxie finally got a good look at the ck figure. His face was deathly pale, devoid of any trace of blood, and he had two fangs protruding from his mouth.


    ¡°Are you responsible for the disappearances in the Western Breeze Mountain Range?¡± Liu Wuxie was almost certain that this person was behind the mysterious disappearances in the mountain range. He had cultivated a strange technique that allowed him to control the bats outside.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. I¡¯ve eaten those who came in.¡± The ck figure was called Blood Bat, and few people knew about him. He practiced a powerful technique derived from bats.


    The mystery behind the disappearances was finally solved. Blood Bat had discovered this ce for bat demonic beasts to breed and consume anyone who dared to intrude.


    ¡°You¡¯re not from the Great Yan Dynasty!¡± Liu Wuxie searched his memory but found no information on Blood Bat. This meant that he must¡¯ve moved here recently.


    ¡°You¡¯re quite astute to deduce that I¡¯m not from the Great Yan Dynasty.¡± Blood Bat scrutinized Liu Wuxie and felt a certain pressure emanating from this seemingly insignificant young man. Over the years, he had traveled to many ces and had narrowly escaped death on several asions. His actions naturally made him a target of every force, as he brought about widespread death wherever he went.


    Half a year ago, the Blood Bat had entered the Great Yan Dynasty¡¯s region. In the beginning, he didn¡¯t dare to start a massacre. However, in the past month, he would capture the cultivators who came into the Western Breeze Mountain Range to train and suck their blood dry.


    ¡°Die!¡± Now that Liu Wuxie was certain that Blood Bat had caused all the disappearance, he swung the Heretic de down, wanting to end the battle quickly. There was an old man outside and countless bats. If he were to get trapped, he was practically confident that he would be the one dead.


    ¡°I can smell your rich blood essence. As long as I managed to devour you, my Blood Demon Art will reach greater mastery, and it will be a matter of time for me to enter the True Core Realm.¡±


    The Blood Bat took out a weird jade flute, raised it to his lips, and started ying it.


    ¡°Damn!¡± Realizing that the Blood Bat was calling upon the bats, Liu Wuxie understood this wasn¡¯t a simple beast tamer controlling bats through sound. He was a master beast tamer.


    The Blood Bat didn¡¯t have to do anything, and the bats were enough to kill him. Not to mention that this ce was narrow, making it impossible to flee. His only option was to kill Blood Bat and make the bats disperse after losing their master.


    With a dash, Liu Wuxie appeared at the gate of the underground pce. He took out array gs from his interspatial pouches to prevent the bats from entering. He nted the ten gs into the ground, creating a barrier.


    In the next second, thousands of bats appeared at the gate, trying to enter, but the spiritual array blocked them out.


    This relieved Liu Wuxie because the consequences would be dire if he were slightly slower. But the bats didn¡¯t give up as they continued charging at the barrier, leavingyers of corpses on the ground. If this went on, the spiritual array would be destroyed.


    ¡°You¡¯ve surprised me. You even know how to use spiritual arrays,¡± Blood Bat put away his flute as countless bats, including the old man, converged from all directions. However, they were all kept at bay by the barrier.


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t hesitate to perform the Blood Gleam de Art, sealing off all of Blood Bat¡¯s path of retreat. But for some reason, Blood Bat kept retreating and wasn¡¯t willing to fight him, and this naturally made Liu Wuxie curious.


    Using the Ghost Eye technique, Liu Wuxie peered into the Blood Bat¡¯s body and dered, ¡°Ah, I understand now. You¡¯re at a crucial stage in your cultivation and can¡¯t risk using your true essence.¡±


    This presented a golden opportunity. The Blood Bat was engrossed in cultivation and couldn¡¯t mobilize his true essence. The Blood Demon Art was an odd technique. Once activated, it couldn¡¯t be halted until the cultivator had consumed sufficient blood.


    ¡°Hmph. I can still kill you even without using my true essence.¡± Blood Bat was furious upon hearing that. He was in the sixth-level Marrow Cleansing Realm, but he could only be forced to retreat when facing Liu Wuxie.


    A strange blood-colored energy permeated in the underground pce. It wasn¡¯t true essence, but something akin to it¡ªlikely blood energy.


    The Blood Bat¡¯s ck robe fluttered open, revealing a figure that hovered like a bat,plete with bared fangs. His nails, more urately described as ws, were half a foot long, leaving deep gouges in the surrounding walls with each swing of his hands. Their toughness wasparable to weapons, capable of tearing people apart.


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t dare to be careless because there were over a hundred thousand bats outside, biting at the barrier. Judging from the intensity of their attacks, the barrier could onlyst for fifteen minutes. He had to kill Blood Bat within fifteen minutes to leave this ce alive.


    Executing the Nine Heavenly Crane Dance, Liu Wuxie¡¯s true essence materialized into a pair of white wings. The scene was reminiscent of a showdown between an angel and a demon, with Liu Wuxie¡¯s white wings contrasting against the Blood Bat¡¯s ck ones.


    Wielding the Heretic de, Liu Wuxie activated Ghost Eye to identify the Blood Bat¡¯s weakness. His chances of victory were slim against an opponent at the sixth level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm. A single misstep could lead to his demise. However, this was his opportunity, as the Blood Bat couldn¡¯t utilize his full strength.


    He unleashed a powerful de aura, tearing apart Blood Bat¡¯s hands. But Blood Bat¡¯s nails were tougher than Qian Kun¡¯s Thunderstorm Gloves. As sparks flew, both Liu Wuxie and the Blood Bat were sent flying backward.


    Liu Wuxie could sense a shaking in his dantian, and there was something weird about the blood energy that could affect the cirction of his true essence. It was no wonder the Blood Bat could live for so long despite what he did.


    Even someone in the pinnacle of Marrow Cleansing Realm might not be able to kill him, which was the benefit of being a demonic cultivator. The strength of demonic cultivators was stronger than ordinary cultivators.


    Then again, there were also many ws, such as not being epted by everyone and having to resort to extreme means to cultivate.


    The moment Liu Wuxie¡¯s true essence infiltrated the Blood Bat¡¯s body, thetter¡¯s countenance shifted dramatically. The destructive nature of the true essence twisted his features into a sinister grimace.


    ¡°You¡¯re stronger than I gave you credit for,¡± Blood Bat admitted, his hands moving swiftly to form a crimson seal.


    This revtion caused Liu Wuxie to furrow his brows. The Blood Bat¡¯s power was more formidable than he had anticipated. He shuddered at the thought of facing the Blood Bat in his prime instead of when he was cultivating; a single blow could have been fatal.


    Keeping the Heretic de, Liu Wuxie began forming seals. This wasn¡¯t a martial technique but a form of defensive seal. There were many means he couldn¡¯t use as he hadn¡¯t reached the Marrow Cleansing Realm. However, using the seals could allow him to control the energy in heaven and earth.


    The seals Liu Wuxie formed grew increasingly profound, changing Blood Bat¡¯s face. Despite being so young, he didn¡¯t expect Liu Wuxie to have such means. After all, even a spiritual array grandmaster couldn¡¯t set up an array in a breath¡¯s time.


    The crimson seal let out a rumble that echoed in the underground pce.


    Seven minutes had passed, andrge cracks had begun appearing on the barrier, but Liu Wuxie was still calm andposed as the near-transparent seal enveloped him, reducing the effect of blood energy on him.


    Suddenly, Liu Wuxie took on the Overlord Fist¡¯s posture, locking onto Blood Bat, and his true essence shattered the crimson seal.


    ¡°What power is this?! How can it be so terrifying?!¡± Blood Bat began to panic because he felt death looming over him when Liu Wuxie performed Overlord Fist. His body began to tremble, and he felt like a divine beast was looking at him.


    The Overlord Fist alone wouldn¡¯t be enough to defeat the Blood Bat. Liu Wuxie, using Ghost Eye, locked onto the Blood Bat, readying a soul attack. It had been a while since hest used such an attack, but with his life hanging in the bnce, he had no other choice.


    ¡°Blood Bat, your reign of terror ends today!¡± Liu Wuxie dered.


    He unleashed an energy from his eyes that prated into the Blood Bat¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°ARGGGG!¡± Blood Bat was caught by surprise because he didn¡¯t expect Liu Wuxie to be capable of unleashing a soul attack. The attack made his soul sea burn while he clutched his head, letting out a scream.


    Taking advantage of this moment, Liu Wuxie executed the Overlord Fist once more, unleashing a powerful shockwave that reduced all the furniture in the path of his punch into ashes.

 Chapter 181 - Immortal Law

    <h4>Chapter 181 - Immortal Law</h4>


    Caught off guard, the Blood Bat found himself under the assault of Liu Wuxie¡¯s Ghost Eye, leaving him virtually defenseless. Despite this, he managed to retreat swiftly to dodge the iing punch.


    However, Liu Wuxie¡¯s punch was faster, effectively cutting off Blood Bat¡¯s escape route. This situation put a significant strain on both Blood Bat¡¯s physical and soul strength, as Ghost Eye was depleting his soul sea, and he had to deal with Liu Wuxie¡¯s punch.


    Meanwhile, Liu Wuxie, having reached the fourth level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm, relied on his robust physique and soul energy, showing no fear.


    His punch¡¯s force echoed throughout the area, causing rocks to fall from the ceiling and severely damaging the structural integrity of the underground pce, bringing it to the brink of copse.


    Outside, the bats continued their relentless assault on the barrier, their fangs bared. Over ten thousand bats were at the gate, their bodies piling up on the ground as they fell to the de aura released by the spiritual array. Yet, they fearlessly continued their charge,pletely under the control of the Blood Bat.


    Blood Bat couldn¡¯t evade in time and was struck by the punch head-on. But because he was in the sixth-level Marrow Cleansing Realm, he had a powerful physique, and the Overlord Fist failed to kill him.


    As blood sttered, the Blood Bat abandoned his soul sea at the veryst moment, crossing his arms in front of him in a desperate attempt to withstand the impact of the Overlord Fist.


    The impact knocked Blood Bat onto the wall, his clothes dyed in his blood, making him look pathetic. Then again, he was the first to survive taking Liu Wuxie¡¯s Overlord Fist head-on.


    Qian Kun had only managed to survive relying on the Thunderstorm Gloves, but Blood Bat relied entirely on his powerful physique. Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t hesitate to charge forth, as this was an excellent opportunity to follow up on his attacks.


    ¡°Overlord Fist!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s true essence only enabled him to execute the Overlord Fist twice, and he had already reached his limit, unleashing an even more terrifying power on Blood Bat.


    ¡°Brat, you won¡¯t be able to kill me today!¡± The Blood Bat let out a shrillugh and bit into his own arm, drinking his blood. This demonstrated the formidable power of the Blood Demon Art. If one had enough blood, the power the Blood Bat could unleash would increase. This meant that their own blood was also effective.


    Liu Wuxie furrowed his brow because he never expected Blood Bat to be so troublesome. He had already brought out all his trump cards but still failed to kill thetter.


    This was the first time Liu Wuxie ran into such a tenacious opponent. Biting down a huge chunk of flesh, Blood Bat drank his blood. His true essence began to recover and rise; this meant there wasn¡¯t much time left for Liu Wuxie.


    The spiritual array guarding the gate was on the verge of copse and would shatter at any moment. The Overlord Fist flew out with an unstoppable momentum towards Blood Bat, but Liu Wuxie knew that it was tough for him to kill Blood Bat with this punch.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go all out!¡± Liu Wuxie bit on his finger and squeezed a droplet of his blood essence, fusing it into the Overlord Fist. He also formed various profound seals with his right hand, and the power of the Overlord Fist began to rise.


    Seeing this, Blood Bat narrowed his eyes because he could sense a threat approaching him.


    ¡°Prepare to meet your end, now that you¡¯ve forced me to use the secret technique of an Immortal Emperor!¡± Liu Wuxie dered, extracting a droplet of blood essence and merging it with his will as an Immortal Emperor. This act would harm his origin, a risk he wouldn¡¯t take unless absolutely necessary. But with his life hanging in the bnce, he had no other choice.


    Liu Wuxie began to cough up blood as he forcefully inscribed the immortalw within the Spirit Cleansing Realm, his face turning deathly pale. This was the price a mortal had to pay for executing an immortal¡¯s technique, a mistake that could cost him his life if he wasn¡¯t careful. This was the reason why Liu Wuxie dared not practice the martial techniques of the Celestial Realm.


    ¡°What is this power?! Why can¡¯t I move?!¡± Blood Bat eximed in horror, staring at Liu Wuxie in disbelief. When Liu Wuxie executed the secret technique, Blood Bat found that the surrounding space had be restricted.


    The true essence that he had painstakingly recovered was suppressed, causing Blood Bat to tremble in fear. After all, the will of an Immortal Emperor was not something a mortal like him could resist.


    Countless cracks appeared on the spiritual array outside, and bats flew in. They dashed towards Liu Wuxie and wanted to devour him whole.


    The old man guarding outside wore a fierce expression, charging forward the moment the spiritual array shattered, his palm aimed at Liu Wuxie.


    This put Liu Wuxie in a perilous situation, facing both the bats and the old man. Yet, despite the imminent danger, Liu Wuxie remained eerily calm, his face unchanged. It was as if he was engaged in an ordinary task.


    The Overlord Fist¡¯s power had reached its peak, transforming into a potent radiance that swept across the area. Simultaneously, the spiritual arraypletely copsed, allowing tens of thousands of bats to swarm into the underground pce.


    ¡°Prepare to meet your end!¡± Liu Wuxie dered as he unleashed the Overlord Fist. A white light radiated from him, vaporizing all the iing bats. The old man¡¯s palm froze mid-air, and the shockwave gradually melted his palm before engulfing his body. He vanished before he could even scream.


    After delivering the punch, Liu Wuxie felt his soul sea and dantian emptying, particrly due to the forced execution of the immortalw, which inflicted severe damage to his body. If he couldn¡¯t recover, the consequences would be irreversible.


    The light disappeared briefly, and the underground pce returned to normal. When the light enveloped Blood Bat, he could only watch his body stiffen and do nothing about it. He didn¡¯t know what to do because the immortalw could easily kill a mortal, like squashing an ant to death, even if it were the weakestw.


    Liu Wuxie fell from the air and lost consciousness. Executing Ghost Eye had drained the majority of his soul energy. He had also performed Overlord Fist twice, which had practically drained his soul sea. Forcibly engraving the immortalw had further worsened his condition.


    The world in his dantian was also heavily damaged, with cracks covering the ground and true essence exhausted.


    But tree branches burrowed into the void through Liu Wuxie¡¯s body and absorbed spiritual energy to replenish the dantian. The Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron also began to circte and devour the spiritual energy in the underground pce, producing liquid to drip on Liu Wuxie¡¯s dantian to maintain his life.


    The Blood Bat¡¯s corpse turned into a dried husk as ity on the ground. Aside from a small number of bats who managed to escape when the Blood Bat died, most perished.


    The bodies piled outside the gate nearly filled the entire hall. At the center of the underground pce, a young many unconscious on the ground.


    In pain, Chen Ruoyan awoke and struggled to sit up on the stone bed. The bed was destroyed, and all the corpses had been reduced to ashes, leaving only Chen Ruoyan.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on? Am I dead?¡± When Chen Ruoyan woke up, the first thing she did was touch her face. There wasn¡¯t any wound, and she quickly checked her body. When she realized that her clothes were nearly intact, aside from some rips and tears, she sighed in relief.


    When she sat up and looked around, she soon discovered the unconscious youth lying on the ground.


    ¡°It¡¯s him!¡± Chen Ruoyan dashed over and examined Liu Wuxie. But aside from severe depletion of true essence, there weren¡¯t any serious injuries.


    Then again, Liu Wuxie¡¯s main injuries didn¡¯te from the exhaustion of his dantian, but his soul sea. Chen Ruoyan could only examine Liu Wuxie¡¯s body, not his soul sea, so she didn¡¯t notice it.


    After surveying her surroundings, Chen Ruoyan pieced together what had happened. Liu Wuxie had appeared just as she was about to be devoured by the Blood Bat, killing the Blood Bat and all the enemies.


    ¡°Hey, wake up!¡± ¡°Hey, wake up!¡± Chen Ruoyan pleaded, cradling Liu Wuxie. She was so anxious that she was on the verge of tears. She didn¡¯t want to stay in this terrifying ce for another minute, surrounded by the dead bats. But no matter how much she shook Liu Wuxie, he remained unconscious.


    Tears rolled down Chen Ruoyan¡¯s cheeks. This was the first time she had cried in her lifetime, and it was for someone she barely knew. If not for Liu Wuxie, she would¡¯ve been killed by the Blood Bat.


    ¡°Stop shaking. I¡¯m going to die if you keep shaking me!¡± Liu Wuxie opened her eyes with incredible difficulty. Aside from the intense pain from his soul sea, his body was fine, and he managed to survive, relying on his powerful physique.


    ¡°Thank goodness that you¡¯re awake!¡± Chen Ruoyan lost herposure and cried, hugging Liu Wuxie. She looked nothing like a princess now.


    Liu Wuxie felt his face being sandwiched by something soft and fragrant. During the battle, Blood Bat had ripped Chen Ruoyan¡¯s clothes, revealing arge patch of her chest, and Liu Wuxiey in her embrace in that state.


    ¡°Release me! Are you trying to smother me?¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s brow furrowed as he struggled to free himself from Chen Ruoyan¡¯s hold. It was clear that shecked experience in caring for others.


    Chen Ruoyan¡¯s cheeks turned a deep shade of red when she nced down at herself, realizing that her clothes were torn and Liu Wuxie was nestled in her embrace. She quickly released Liu Wuxie. Perhaps out of embarrassment, she turned her back to him, appearing quite flustered.


    ¡°Did you save me?¡± Chen Ruoyan seemed like apletely different person from just a moment ago, nervously adjusting her clothes, resembling a shy young girl.


    ¡°Help me find a clean ce to treat my injuries,¡± Liu Wuxie responded. He didn¡¯t directly answer her question because his primary purpose wasn¡¯t to save her. He was investigating the disappearance cases in the Western Breeze Mountain Range, and saving her was merely a coincidence.


    Chen Ruoyan pouted, unustomed to being disregarded. However, ever since she met Liu Wuxie, things seemed to have changed.


    Liu Wuxie would often ignore her and even speak to her rudely. But for some reason, she wasn¡¯t upset about it and found Liu Wuxie intriguing.


    Finding a clean spot, Liu Wuxie sat down cross-legged. He pulled out arge number of pills from his interspatial pouch and swallowed them. Several of these pills could aid in repairing his soul sea.


    Circting the Deste Devouring Art, the surrounding spiritual energy became so dense that it formed into spiritual rain and was devoured by him. This allowed his dantian to recover to thirty percent, and he was fine for now.


    The process of healing his soul sea was different and required time. However, having resolved the issue in the Western Breeze Mountain Range, Liu Wuxie was in high spirits, which seemed to elerate the healing process.


    Meanwhile, Chen Ruoyan sat beside him, her mind seemingly elsewhere. The memory of how Liu Wuxie hadin in her embrace earlier caused her cheeks to flush with heat.

 Chapter 182 - Blood Crystals

    <h4>Chapter 182 - Blood Crystals</h4>


    An entire day passed, and Liu Wuxie could move around now. Aside from the fact that his soul sea hadn¡¯t been repaired, the true essence in his dantian had more or less recovered.


    He stood up and nned to leave as he had another mission. Half a month was left to the deadline, and he didn¡¯t expect things to go so smoothly.


    ¡°Hey, where are you going?¡±


    After waking up, Liu Wuxie ventured deeper into the cave to rescue those who had been captured. He also wanted to maintain a certain distance from Chen Ruoyan.


    ¡°Go back. You and I aren¡¯t from the same world,¡± Liu Wuxie said. He was speaking the truth and wasn¡¯t looking down on Chen Ruoyan. He would leave the Great Yan Dynasty sooner orter to return to the Celestial Realm.


    ¡°You¡¯ve not told me your name yet!¡± Chen Ruoyan wasn¡¯t angry and continued to follow Liu Wuxie, seemingly having forgotten the danger she was in just the day before.


    ¡°If I tell you my name, will you stop following me?¡± Liu Wuxie halted, expressing his desire to be left alone. He didn¡¯t necessarily dislike Chen Ruoyan, but he wasn¡¯t particrly fond of her either. Mostly, he was ustomed to solitude.


    Chen Ruoyan, the third princess of the Great Yan Dynasty and the most beautiful woman in the Imperial City, had many suitors over the years. However, no one managed to pique her interest until Liu Wuxie came along.


    ¡°Yeah. I won¡¯t follow you as long as you tell me your name,¡± Chen Ruoyan said. After being out for so long, she was starting to miss home. As long as she learned Liu Wuxie¡¯s name, she could quickly investigate everything about him using her resources.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie!¡± he revealed, eager to get rid of Chen Ruoyan as soon as possible. After all, it was unlikely that their paths would cross again in the future.


    ¡°What an unusual name,¡± Chen Ruoyan mused, etching the name into her memory. Upon returning to the Imperial City, she nned to investigate Liu Wuxie¡¯s identity. With his portrait and name, it should be easy for her to learn more about him.


    ¡°Alright. You can leave now!¡± Liu Wuxie waved his hand and disappeared. Chen Ruoyan couldn¡¯t even discover how he had left.


    Returning to the cave''s depths, Liu Wuxie found that the bats guarding the cage had left, and those imprisoned were anxious to know what was happening.


    ¡°You all are safe now. When you all go out, tell everyone that there was a Blood Bat in the Western Breeze Mountain Range that fed on human blood, but it¡¯s dead now.¡± Liu Wuxie covered his face with a ck cloth, unwilling to reveal his identity to avoid unnecessary trouble.


    He had already exined things to Chen Ruoyan, and she had agreed to keep the things that had transpired a secret.


    ¡°Thank you for your help, and we¡¯re deeply grateful!¡± The group of over twenty people, including two students from the Imperial Academy, all knelt down to express their gratitude to Liu Wuxie. Without him, they would have met a grim fate at the hands of the Blood Bat.


    When dawn broke, peace returned to the valley. The group of survivors left the Western Breeze Mountain Range and contacted their rtives toe and get them. Chen Ruoyan kept her promise and stopped following Liu Wuxie, returning to the Imperial City instead.


    ¡°This is weird. There''s been an unknown aura lurking around me for the past fifteen days. Who has been secretly tracking me?¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s divine sense was powerful; he could sense someone following him since he left the Imperial City. Can it be someone from the Assassin Pavilion?


    The aura was faint and hard to detect, but Liu Wuxie was sure this was an expert. This person should be at the pinnacle of the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    The other party didn¡¯t seem to have any ill intentions, or this person would¡¯ve attacked him. Since he couldn¡¯t identify the person, he decided not to dwell on it.


    Liu Wuxie stayed in an uninhabited cave for three days to treat his injuries. If he didn¡¯t recover to his prime, it would be impossible for him toplete the third mission. The ground was piled high with resources, all plundered from the Blood Bat. All of Blood Bat¡¯s fortune that he had amassed over the years ended up benefiting him.


    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡±


    Luxie Wuxie spent half a day sorting out the resources. Over a hundred blood crystals caught his attention. Blood Bat had managed to amass these blood crystals due to his unique identity. Each crystal was transparent, with what seemed like blood flowing inside it. Under the sunlight, the flow seemed to elerate.


    As Liu Wuxie held the crystal in his hand, a stream of pure energy flowed into his body through his palm, creating an odd sensation.


    ¡°The blood energies cultivated by Blood Bat must be rted to these blood crystals,¡± Liu Wuxie spected. Initially, he thought it might be the demonic core of the demon n, but he quickly dismissed this idea. The demonic core of the demon n would have a bloody stench, whereas these crystals appeared pure.


    He concluded that it must have been purified from somewhere. But Blood Bat was dead, and Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t ask him about it.


    Suddenly, the blood crystals in his hand turned into liquid and were devoured by the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron. Three crimson liquid drops hovered above the cauldron shortly after, releasing a powerful aura and a surge of demonic beasts¡¯ power.


    ¡°Could it be that Blood Bat purified this energy from those bats?¡± Liu Wuxie was astonished. His spection was nearly urate, as these crystals did originate from those bats. When the bats went hunting, they would store blood in their bodies, which eventually crystallized into tiny formations.


    Blood Bat would gather and process them into these blood crystals after purifying. The crystals contained powerful blood energy, which was simr to spirit stones.


    While cultivators typically absorbed the spiritual energies in spirit stones to replenish their dantian, Blood Bat would use these blood crystals to restore his blood energy.


    However, Liu Wuxie was puzzled by the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron¡¯s ability to consume everything. He was unsure whether he should absorb the blood energy from the blood crystals.


    Despite his uncertainty, he reasoned that there shouldn¡¯t be any adverse effects since the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron could devour them. Without hesitation, he absorbed the crimson liquids into his dantian.


    The moment he did, violent energy erupted in his dantian, setting it aze like a me. As the blood energy flowed through Liu Wuxie¡¯s meridians, his blood started to boil, and he could feel his body heating up. His blood ignited, leading to its purification.


    Through the transformation of the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron, the impurities and demonic beasts¡¯ aura in the blood crystals were erased and converted into pure blood energy.


    Blood energy could transform Liu Wuxie¡¯s blood, making it more noble. The burning sensationsted for fifteen minutes before it began to settle down. When Liu Wuxie tried circting his true essence, he discovered that the flow had be smoother.


    ¡°Even though my cultivation level hasn¡¯t increased, my body¡¯s coordination has improved,¡± Liu Wuxie marveled. He hadn¡¯t expected the blood crystals to be so beneficial. Seeing over a hundred blood crystals scattered on the ground, he swiftly gathered them up.


    Blood Bat¡¯s umtion over the past few decades had benefited Liu Wuxie. After absorbing over fifty blood crystals, the effects began to diminish. He had likely reached his peak and could only continue absorbing after making a breakthrough in his cultivation.


    Besides his soul sea, the true essence in his dantian had practically recovered, and he began to sort out the herbs. He had scavenged over ten thousand spirit stones and over ten thousand herbs. All of Blood Bat¡¯s umtion over the past few decades was inside the interspatial pouch.


    ¡°Fantastic! There¡¯s a fifth-grade herb, the Azure Soul Grass!¡± While sorting out his harvest, Liu Wuxie discovered a fifth-grade herb. This rare Azure Soul Grass had the primary effect of transforming soul energy, meaning it could also be used to repair the soul sea.


    Liu Wuxie took out the alchemy cauldron and started preparing himself to refine pills. After half a month of consumption, he didn¡¯t have many pills left on him. Time was pressing, and he didn¡¯t dare to dy much because he still had a final mission waiting for him.


    After setting up the cauldron, terrifying mes enveloped the entire cauldron. He had purchased the cauldron from the Treasure Pill Pavilion.


    ¡°It¡¯s a pity I can¡¯t refine it in the Treasure Pill Pavilion¡¯s chamber. The effectiveness of ordinary mes is far inferior to that of the me in the alchemy chamber.¡±


    Liu Wuxie could do nothing about it. He had to refine a few pills to repair his soul sea. As for the rest, he could wait until he returned to the Imperial Academy and use their alchemy chamber to refine more pills.


    Since the me wasn¡¯t strong enough, he could only rely on seals topensate and began throwing herbs into the cauldron.


    ¡°Fourth-grade pill, the Soul Forging Pill. The difficulty is five stars, and I can only rely on this to see if I can seed.¡± Liu Wuxie was nning to refine the Soul Forging Pill. With the help of the Azure Soul Grass, there was a high chance he could seed. If his refining were to seed, the damage to his soul sea would be swiftly repaired.


    After hundreds of herbs were thrown into the cauldron, a dense fragrance spread out in the cave, making Liu Wuxie¡¯s soul sea feelfortable. Pills that could repair the soul sea were rare, and most people could only rely on time to repair, but Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t afford to wait.


    The more he dyed, the higher the risk of incurring residual side effects.


    Two hourster, Liu Wuxie tossed the Azure Soul Grass into the cauldron. As he added the final batch of firewood, he formed seals with his hands, infusing numerous seals into the cauldron.


    Liu Wuxie had only ten days left and couldn¡¯t afford any dy. A rumble sounded in the cauldron, and after continuously refining for a few hours, he was barely holding on.


    Refining pills required strong soul energy to support. Liu Wuxie¡¯s soul sea was already damaged, and he could hear cracksing from it when he forcibly refined the Soul Forging Pill. This was a sign that his soul sea might copse at any moment. If his soul sea were to copse, he would lose his cognitive abilities.


    After injecting the final seal into the cauldron, Liu Wuxie copsed, clutching his head. He took a deep breath and circted the Deste Devouring Art, gradually replenishing his soul sea with a faint soul energy.


    ¡°That was a close call!¡± Liu Wuxie murmured to himself. He was lucky that the damage to his soul sea wasn¡¯t severe. If he had continued for a bit longer, his soul sea would have been on the brink of copse.


    After resting for an hour, Liu Wuxie finally got up and walked towards the cauldron. When he opened the cauldron, a powerful fragrance filled his nostrils.


    He retrieved the scorching Soul Forging Pill from the cauldron, feeling a wave of emotion. This pill was vital for his continued cultivation. If his soul sea couldn¡¯t be repaired, it would signify the end of his journey as a cultivator.


    As he swallowed the Soul Forging Pill, a powerful surge of soul energy rushed to his soul sea like a tidal wave. This was the power of the Soul Forging Pill, and not even Master Mao could refine it. Only a five-star alchemist had the qualification to refine it.


    Despite the five-star difficulty of refining this pill, Liu Wuxie seeded. He quicklyposed himself and began to circte the Deste Devouring Art. His aura started to elevate as his soul energy became more potent. Assisted by the Soul Forging Pill, the fissures in his soul sea rapidly healed.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s soul sea began to expand, and the golden threads also increased. His soul energy was gradually recovering, and his aura soon reached the pinnacle of the fourth-level Spirit Cleansing Realm. The pill had facilitated Liu Wuxie¡¯s growth, both in terms of his heart and cultivation.


    Indeed, experience was the best teacher. While Liu Wuxie was well-versed in fighting techniques and had a wealth of cultivation experience, understanding the world was of paramount importance. Had someone else been in his shoes, they might have fallen prey to Blood Bat.


    To avoid simr situations in the future, Liu Wuxie knew he had to limate to the world as quickly as possible. The restoration of his soul sea took a full day and night. Not only did his soul sea fully recover, but it also became twice as robust as before. His soul sea was now filled with the sound of whistling roars, and his soul energy rumbled like clouds.


    His divine sense was like arrows spreading out, and he could already release his soul energy outside his body.

 Chapter 183 - Prince Ruyang

    <h4>Chapter 183 - Prince Ruyang</h4>


    Releasing divine sense and soul energy were two different concepts. The fact that he could release his soul energy meant that he was capable of more soul attacks, while the divine sense could only serve as perception and detection.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s cultivation ultimately stopped at the pinnacle of the fourth-level Spirit Cleansing Realm. He was only one step away and could make a breakthrough with roughly half a month of seclusion.


    However, he didn¡¯t have the luxury of time. After repairing his soul sea, Liu Wuxie nned to set off for the third mission. He tidied himself and exited the cave. It had been five days since he had killed Blood Bat, and he couldn¡¯t afford any more dy.


    Executing the Nine Heavenly Crane Dance, Liu Wuxie soared and flew close to the ground, disappearing into the Western Breeze Mountain Range.


    Liu Wuxie traveled at full speed, taking brief rests when fatigue set in and sipping the spring water he had brought along when he felt thirsty.


    Three dayster, Liu Wuxie entered a volcanic range.


    ¡°This should be the ce!¡±


    Liu Wuxie stood at the foot of the volcano, looking at the volcanic range and the sky filled with volcanic ashes. His third mission was to obtain the core of an adult Earth Scorch Dragon.


    Mature Earth Scorch Dragon was a pinnacle third-grade demonic beast, at least equivalent to high levels of the Spirit Cleansing Realm. This mission had been assigned to Liu Wuxie with no intention of letting him survive right from the start.


    The location, known as the Dragon Rock Mountain Range, was a remote ce seldom visited by people. The volcano erupted annually, spewing intense mes that nketed the sky. Apart from the Earth Scorch Dragons, which had adapted to this harsh environment, no other organism could survive the extreme heat. They would evaporate before they could even. They would be evaporated before they could even approach.


    Despite the sweltering heat causing beads of sweat to fall from Liu Wuxie¡¯s forehead and sizzle on the ground, the Earth Scorch Dragons thrived in these high-temperature conditions. The hotter it was, the faster they grew. However, the high temperature meant that no vegetation could survive there. This raised a question in Liu Wuxie¡¯s mind: What did the Earth Scorch Dragons eat?


    As the volcano erupted yearly, magma spewed to the ground. As the magma cooled, it transformed into a red liquid known as the Scarlet Demon Heart. This substance served as nourishment for the Earth Scorch Dragons due to its high fire attributes. Consuming the Scarlet Demon Heart would enhance the dragons¡¯ bodies.


    The mes exhaled by an adult Earth Scorch Dragon could extend up to a hundred meters, incinerating everything within that radius. If Liu Wuxie intended to hunt an adult Earth Scorch Dragon, he would have to contend with the challenge of other Earth Scorch Dragons converging on his hunt. If they got too close, their mes would burn him to death.


    The Dragon Rock Volcano was over five thousand meters tall, and the Earth Scorch Dragons could be found at the waist of the mountain. Liu Wuxie took out a ck cloth to cover his mouth to prevent himself from inhaling the volcanic ashes.


    Before embarking on his journey, Liu Wuxie had prepared arge amount of water to avoid dehydration. After drinking several mouthfuls, he immediately strode towards the Dragon Rock Volcano toplete his mission.


    About fifteen minutester, he noticed several individuals about five hundred meters ahead. Liu Wuxie quickly concealed himself and observed them from a distance, ready to face whatever challengesy ahead in his mission.


    ¡°This is weird. Why is there someone else here?¡±


    Liu Wuxie was baffled. Could it be that the Xue n had set up a trap for him? Apart from encountering ambushes by Fan Yeping and the Assassin Pavilion, Liu Wuxie hadn¡¯t run into anyone from the Xue n, which was why he stayed on high alert.


    If the Xue n knew he had left the Imperial Academy, they wouldn¡¯t let go of this opportunity to kill him. But it was weird that they were nowhere to be seen.


    The individuals ahead didn¡¯t appear to be from the Xue n, and they were making their way to the summit of the Dragon Rock Volcano. If they were members of the Xue n, they would likely be lurking in the shadows, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.


    When he nced down the mountain, he noticed another three individuals. These three, each carrying a sword on their back, were also heading towards the summit. This only added to Liu Wuxie¡¯s confusion.


    In the blink of an eye, several more groups of people appeared. They were in a rush, and the two groups nced at him disdainfully. After all, someone in the Spirit Cleansing Realming to the Dragon Rock Mountain Range was no different from courting death, and it was no wonder everyone ignored him.


    ¡°Seniors, what¡¯s going on in the Dragon Rock Mountain Range? Why are there so many people here?¡± Liu Wuxie asked, cupping his fists when he saw a middle-aged couple passing by.


    The man, d in a blue robe, had prominent brows andrge eyes. His aura was one of righteousness, and he was a cultivator at the fifth-level Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    The woman, though simply dressed, was strikingly beautiful. Her youthful beauty was still evident, and her noble demeanor suggested she was not of ordinary birth. She, too, was a cultivator at the fifth level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    ¡°You¡¯re unaware?¡± the woman asked, her head tilted in curiosity. ¡°Then why are you here?¡±


    Liu Wuxie could only respond with a wry smile, as he was genuinely perplexed by the situation. His presence in this location was due to the third mission that had been assigned to him.


    ¡°I¡¯m here on a quest to hunt Earth Scorch Dragons, but I¡¯m uncertain about the current events. I would be grateful if the seniors could shed some light on the situation,¡± Liu Wuxie exined, acknowledging the unusual gathering in the Dragon Rock Mountain Range that was obstructing his original mission.


    ¡°About half a month ago, the Fire Spiritual Bead was discovered here. We received the news and hurried over,¡± the man candidly shared his purpose for being here with Liu Wuxie.


    The Fire Spiritual Bead was simr to the Frost Spiritual Bead that Liu Wuxie had obtained in the past. However, the birth of the Fire Spiritual Bead had a harsher requirement than the Frost Spiritual Bead.


    The world had five main elements: metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. They were also the hardest elements to form, while the Frost Spiritual Bead wasn¡¯t among the five elements.


    There were rumors that among the three thousand daos, the five elements wereprehensive because most techniques were derived from the five elements. For example, the Frost Spiritual Bead was derived from water.


    The Fire Spiritual Bead¡¯s value naturally surpassed the Frost Spiritual Bead, reaching an unimaginable level.


    Liu Wuxie hadn¡¯t awakened the fire attribute mainly because his cultivation technique and fire-attributed treasures were too rare. Many alchemists were fond of practicing fire-attribute cultivation techniques, employing them in refining pills.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s cultivation technique, the Deste Devouring Art, was unique in that it had no inherent attributes but could epass all. To acquire fire attributes, he would need to target the spirits of heaven and earth.


    The world in his dantian was like a nk canvas, devoid of any attributes. However, because Liu Wuxie had absorbed energies from arge number of herbs in the alchemypetition, he had awakened the wood attribute.


    After absorbing Qian Kun¡¯s Thunderstorm Gloves, the world in his dantian now contained hints of lightning. When he refined the Frost Spiritual Bead, it brought a chill to the world in his dantian. This meant that his dantian could contain everything despite having nothing.


    Most cultivators who came to Dragon Rock Volcano cultivated using fire-attribute techniques. Thus, the Fire Spiritual Bead was a fatal temptation to them. Even if they didn¡¯t practice these techniques, the value of the Fire Spiritual Bead was unimaginable.


    Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t believe that such a treasure had appeared in the Dragon Rock Mountain Range.


    ¡°I see...¡± he acknowledged, realizing that the others had different objectives.


    The middle-aged man, in a hurry, warned Liu Wuxie, ¡°Youngd, this ce isn¡¯t safe, and you should leave quickly.¡± He then departed with the elegant woman apanying him, cautioning Liu Wuxie against involvement that could risk his life.


    Liu Wuxie discerned the cautionary tone in the middle-aged man¡¯s words. As the pair departed, Liu Wuxie remained stationary, contemting his predicament. He desired to leave, but his unfinished missions held him back. With only a week left and considering the travel time back to the Imperial Academy, he had a mere five days toplete his final mission.


    His task was straightforward: he had to secure the core of the Earth Scorch Dragon within this limited timeframe, regardless of the circumstances.


    The journey was arduous. Liu Wuxie followed the mountain trail, struggling against the escting heat. The temperature offered little respite even at night.


    As darkness fell, Liu Wuxie ventured down a narrow path, where he observed a multitude of figures on the mountain. In a single day, the mountain had be a gathering spot for over fifty experts.


    He hastened his pace, wanting to take advantage of the darkness to reach a safe area to avoid being assaulted by Earth Scorch Dragons. This was because the Earth Scorch Dragons lived underground, and they would look for food at night.


    In the distance, numerous caves served as entrances to theirs of the Earth Scorch Dragons. Liu Wuxie, being alone, knew he would be in a precarious situation if he were to be surrounded by these dragons.


    As the moon reached its zenith, Liu Wuxie managed to ascend to the midsection of the mountain. Ahead of him was a tform, presumably formed by years of magma flow. Upon his arrival, he found himself the focus of several scrutinizing gazes.


    A derisive voice broke the silence, ¡°It seems anyone dares to join the fun these days.¡± The source was an older man reclining on a mat with a look of disdain on his face. His words naturally stirred anger in Liu Wuxie, his face turning cold.


    The middle-aged couple Liu Wuxie had encountered earlier approached him, the woman asking with concern, ¡°Youngd, why did youe?¡±


    Liu Wuxie responded, ¡°As I¡¯ve mentioned before, I¡¯m here to hunt Earth Scorch Dragons.¡± He had no interest in the Fire Spiritual Bead, knowing that with so many experts present, it would be a daunting task to obtain it.


    Furthermore, it wasn¡¯t easy to subdue the Fire Spiritual Bead either.


    When Liu Wuxie swept his gaze around, he noticed that the strongest among the fifty-odd experts had cultivation in the seventh level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm, while the weakest was in the second level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm. Then again, Liu Wuxie was an exception.


    The woman offered a kind reminder, ¡°Are you aware that Earth Scorch Dragons are adept at breathing fire? Their fire can engulf a radius of a hundred meters. If you wish to hunt them, you must find a way to counter their fire.¡± Hunting the Earth Scorch Dragons would be impossible without a strategy tobat the fire.


    ¡°Thank you for your advice, but I¡¯ll devise my own solution!¡± Liu Wuxie expressed his gratitude with a bow. He appreciated the couple¡¯s kindness and made a mental note of their goodwill.


    ¡°I never thought that the renowned Prince Ruyang and his wife would engage in conversation with a mere nobody. How surprising!¡± The middle-aged man sat up abruptly, squinting at the couple with a scrutinizing gaze.


    Liu Wuxie was familiar with the name Prince Ruyang, who was the cousin of the reigning Emperor. Stationed at the western border, hemanded a massive army, including the formidable Terrabreak Army. His authority was significant, and his sudden appearance in the Dragon Rock Mountain Range was indeed perplexing.

 Chapter 184 - Fire Spiritual Bead

    <h4>Chapter 184 - Fire Spiritual Bead</h4>


    Liu Wuxie was surprised by Prince Ruyang''s and his wife''s amiable demeanor.


    ¡°Xuanyuan Guang, who are you to poke your nose in my business?¡± Prince Ruyang frowned, showing his dislike for Xuanyuan Guang. Anyone could tell that there was a feud between the two.


    Prince Ruyang¡¯s real name was Chen Yusheng, and his wife, who came from a prominent n, was called Qin Biyu. The Imperial City had five major ns, and she was the daughter of Qin n¡¯s patriarch.


    Xuanyuan Guang, on the other hand, held a prestigious position as a first-grade teacher at the Heaven Govern Academy, an institution backed by Prince Yongxian, who aimed to seize the throne.


    Chen Yusheng was known for his aversion to sibling rivalry and fraternal betrayal, so Prince Yongxian¡¯s actions naturally incensed him. However, as merely the Emperor¡¯s cousin, hecked the authority to intervene in this power struggle.


    Xuanyuan Guang, despite his outward appearance as a teacher, was known to engage in underhanded activities such as bribing officials and forming secret factions. This was something Chen Yusheng was well aware of, and Liu Wuxie had also recently learned about it. During his journey, Liu Wuxie had been reading books detailing the geography and various forces of the Great Yan Dynasty, striving to quickly understand the continent.


    Xuanyuan Guang then sneered, ¡°I didn¡¯t expect the two of you toe to the Dragon Rock Mountain Range from so far away. Could you two also want to fight for the Fire Spiritual Bead like ordinary folks?¡± His words wereced with mockery, implying that it would be beneath someone of Prince Ruyang¡¯s status to vie for the Fire Spiritual Bead.


    ¡°Treasures go to worthy people, and we happen to be traveling around here. Is there a problem with that?¡± Qin Biyu retorted. She knew her husband was upright and wasn¡¯t good with words. When she spoke, there was a hint of anger in her eyes.


    The emergence of a treasure would naturally draw a crowd eager to im it. This wasmon. Liu Wuxie had experienced this firsthand when he obtained the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron during his time as an Immortal Emperor. The entire Celestial Realm pursued him, eventually driving him to take his own life.


    The cultivation world was far more brutal than one could imagine, and instances of murder for the sake of treasure were not umon.


    ¡°Everyone, quiet down. The Fire Spiritual Bead prefers tranquility. Let¡¯s not disturb it!¡± a voice rang out, attempting to calm the situation. Prince Ruyang''s presence was indeed strange, but the allure of the Fire Spiritual Bead was irresistible to many.


    As they settled down, Prince Ruyang licked his parched lips. They had rushed here without adequate water supplies.


    ¡°Dear, I still have some water left. You can have it,¡± Qin Biyu offered, pulling out a water bag and handing it to Chen Yusheng. Her lips, too, showed signs of dehydration.


    The intense heat in this area was unbearable. Without sufficient water, dehydration could prove fatal. Even a cultivator in the True Core Realm might struggle to endure these conditions for long.


    ¡°I can still hold on for a little longer. You can have it instead.¡± Chen Yusheng pushed the water bag back to let his wife drink it. Both were willing to share hardships, neither wanting to drink first. This deepened Liu Wuxie¡¯s respect for their rtionship.


    ¡°I have an ample supply of water here. Please, take these,¡± Liu Wuxie offered, cing two water bags before the couple. He hade well-prepared, while the couple, having rushed here,cked sufficient provisions. They couldn¡¯t store more water even if they found a source due to ack of water bags.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t appropriate,¡± Qin Biyu hesitated. It was somewhat embarrassing for them if they took water from someone in the Spirit Cleansing Realm when they were in the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be polite with me. I have plenty with me.¡± Liu Wuxie said, and he wasn¡¯t someone who would put up an act.


    ¡°Thank you, young man. We are in your debt. May we know your name? We would like to express our gratitude properly in the future,¡± Qin Biyu said, epting the water bags. She was genuinely grateful and intended to repay Liu Wuxie¡¯s kindness.


    Both sides introduced themselves. Even though Liu Wuxie was familiar with Prince Ruyang¡¯s reputation, the prince still introduced himself with sincerity.


    ¡°Seniors, why are you two here? Shouldn¡¯t you two be at the west border?¡± Through their introductions, their rtionship became much closer. Knowing that Liu Wuxie was a student of the Imperial Academy, Chen Yusheng had a hint of appreciation in his eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be honest with you. A series of problems urred in the Terrabreak Army, and we¡¯re here to investigate it, but we came across the news of the Fire Spiritual Bead¡¯s birth midway. As my husband practices a fire-attribute cultivation technique, we came here to join the fun.¡± Qin Biyu didn¡¯t conceal anything from Liu Wuxie, and this wasn¡¯t a military secret anyway.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s heart trembled upon hearing that something had happened to the Terrabreak Army. Could it be rted to Zhou Hu?


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s memories of the Phoenix Roost Gorge incident, where he had eliminated the Terrabreak Army, resurfaced. The incident had caused quite a stir.


    ¡°What happened to the Terrabreak Army?¡± Liu Wuxie asked without any changes in his expression.


    ¡°It¡¯s not convenient for me to disclose that information.¡±


    This matter involved multiple secrets that weren¡¯t convenient for outsiders to know about. They wouldn¡¯t hide anything from Liu Wuxie, but they would also tell him nothing he shouldn¡¯t know.


    As Liu Wuxie, Prince Ruyang, and his wife fell into contemtion, Liu Wuxie¡¯s mind raced. The presence of Qi Enshi and Zhou Hu, members of the Heaven Battalion, in this location was puzzling, especially since Chen Yusheng wasn¡¯t expected to be investigating this matter. The investigation had already concluded, and the team had returned to the Imperial City. Yet, the fact that Prince Ruyang was alerted suggested that something unusual was happening.


    Right then, sounds of galloping could be heard as Earth Scorch Dragons emerged from their caves to look for food.


    This was Liu Wuxie¡¯s first time seeing the Earth Scorch Dragons. They were over a meter tall and five meters in length, had a horn, eight hooves, a pointed mouth, and two sharp fangs that allowed them to dig through rocks easily, and were covered in ayer of reddish-brown fish-like scales that were almost impervious to ordinary weapons.


    ¡°So many Earth Scorch Dragons! Their beast cores must contain vast fire attribute elements. Even if we can¡¯t obtain the Fire Spiritual Bead, this trip wouldn¡¯t be in vain if we can hunt a few Earth Scorch Dragons!¡± Everyone was tempted to make a move against the Earth Scorch Dragons.


    The closest Earth Scorch Dragon produced a cracking sound from its mouth and easily dug through the rocks, revealing a palm-sized Scarlet Demon Heart. The Scarlet Demon Heart gave off such dense fire elements that even rmed the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron, wanting to devour that energy.


    The Earth Scorch Dragon swallowed the Scarlet Demon Heart and then breathed fire. Seeing such a small Scarlet Demon Heart containing such dense fire elements was astonishing.


    Hundreds of Earth Scorch Dragons scattered around, and no one dared to move because the Earth Scorch Dragons were highly aggressive. When they approached, some walked towards the tform.


    Liu Wuxie calmly observed the unearthed Scarlet Demon Hearts while the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron trembled in response. As time passed, the Earth Scorch Dragons ceased their search for food and directed their attention towards a specific mountain. The group on the tform followed their gaze.


    A brilliant me emerged from the ground in that direction, hovering about ten meters in the air. It devoured the surrounding fire-attribute energies.


    ¡°Fire Spiritual Bead!¡± an exmation sounded. The sudden appearance of the Fire Spiritual Bead stirred the observers, and Liu Wuxie¡¯s breathing quickened. He struggled to control the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron, which threatened to fly out of his body.


    The Fire Spiritual Bead, known to burrow from the ground and devour energies at night, would continue this process until a spirit was born and assumed a humanoid form.


    Someone finally couldn¡¯t hold back and bolted towards the Fire Spiritual Bead. Soon, more people went over, charging to the mountain¡¯s summit. The temperature at night was barely tolerable, as it wasn¡¯t high.


    The Earth Scorch Dragons, viewing the Fire Spiritual Bead as their guardian spirit, were enraged by this intrusion. The ground shook as hundreds of them charged towards the mountain¡¯s summit, their collective momentum akin to an earth-shattering force.


    ¡°Young man, you stay here!¡± Chen Yusheng, urging Liu Wuxie to stay put, joined the chase with his wife, leaving Liu Wuxie alone.


    The group of fifty or so individuals pursued each other, with the one at the forefront being the highest cultivator at the seventh level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    They quickly caught up with the group and began to breathe fire, enveloping the entire mountain range.


    The zing mes on the ground illuminated half the sky, causing the surrounding temperature to rise rapidly.


    Liu Wuxie released a chilling energy that easily drove away the heatwave. As too many people were present earlier, he didn¡¯t dare reveal too much of his strength.


    When the Earth Scorch Dragons disappeared, Liu Wuxie followed quietly, seeking an opportunity to seize the Fire Spiritual Bead. If he seeded, he could reach the sixth level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm.


    An expert at the seventh level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm roared defiantly, ¡°No one can snatch the Fire Spiritual Bead from me!¡± He soared into the sky, executing a profound movement technique as he reached out to grab the Fire Spiritual Bead.


    However, two experts at the sixth level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm attacked him from both sides, forcing him to retreat. If he didn¡¯t retreat, he would be struck by the two.


    As more experts arrived and made their moves, the Fire Spiritual Bead sensed the impending danger and attempted to burrow back into the ground. If it seeded, it would be impossible for anyone to capture it. This was a one-time opportunity that no one wanted to miss.


    The scene quickly descended into chaos as everyone became rivals. ¡°Cui Shao, how dare you attack me!¡± one of them eximed.


    Cui Shao retorted, ¡°I¡¯m the first person to arrive in the Dragon Rock Mountain Range, and the Fire Spiritual Bead should go to me!¡± He swung his de, forcing everyone to maintain a distance from him.


    Another voice challenged, ¡°Who said that it was on a firste-first-served basis?¡± The battle among the Marrow Cleansing Realm experts intensified, producing powerful shockwaves. The arrival of the Earth Scorch Dragons added to the chaos.


    Liu Wuxie crouched outside the battlefield with the Heretic de in his hand. He wanted toplete his mission beforepeting for the Fire Spiritual Bead. When a powerful Earth Scorch Dragon passed by, Liu Wuxie raised the Heretic de.


    His attack caught the Earth Scorch Dragon by surprise and was killed before it could even react. Liu Wuxie knew that a frontal collision with an Earth Scorch Dragon wouldn¡¯t be easy, so he had to rely on a sneak attack.


    When the scarlet beast core fell into his hand, Liu Wuxie kept it in his interspatial pouch. This also meant that he hadpleted all three missions.


    The Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron spun as the Earth Scorch Dragon¡¯s body started to wither. Frightening fire attributes emerged in his dantian, shaping into a miniature volcano deep within his inner world.

 Chapter 185 - Fifth-Level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm

    <h4>Chapter 185 - Fifth-Level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm</h4>


    As Liu Wuxie sessfully awakened the fire attribute, the more fire elements he consumed, the purer the true essence in his dantian became.


    The battlefield descended into chaos as additional Earth Scorch Dragons joined the fray, encircling the group of about fifty humans and blocking their escape.


    The Fire Spiritual Bead remained suspended in the air, not descending, as everyone awaited an opportune moment.


    A long stream of me erupted, covering a radius of several hundred meters and radiating an intense heat.


    A cultivator at the second level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm failed to evade in time and screamed as the mes consumed his body. This was due to the presence of adult Earth Scorch Dragons on the battlefield, whose power wasparable to that of the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    The situation grew increasingly dire for the humans as the number of Earth Scorch Dragons multiplied. Thousands emerged from underground, transforming a thousand-mile radius into a sea of fire. Even if someone managed to obtain the Fire Spiritual Bead, escaping this ce alive would be nearly impossible.


    Liu Wuxie was hidden in the dark, and several Earth Scorch Dragons pounced on him, wanting to devour him. Two pirs of mes shot toward him, and the terrifying temperature left wrinkles on his skin. The surrounding temperature was incredibly high, as if he were sitting on fire.


    As the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron spun, it absorbed the iing mes, rendering them harmless to Liu Wuxie. Having awakened his fire attribute, he was immune to fire attacks and could use them to refine his true essence.


    ¡°Time for a breakthrough!¡± Liu Wuxie dered. He took out spirit stones and began to absorb them. Thousands of drops of liquid appeared in the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron and poured into his dantian.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s aura began to rise, and it didn¡¯t take long for him to reach the fifth level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm. Hisst breakthrough was only ten-odd days ago.


    Had he remained at the Imperial Academy, he would have only been able to reach the second level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm at most. This trip had proven to be immensely beneficial for him.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s breakthrough and his ability to consume the fire breathed by the Earth Scorch Dragons drew the attention of many, making him an instant target.


    ¡°Catch him! If he can withstand the fire, we can get the Fire Spiritual Bead by capturing him!¡± The group of about fifty people, unable topete for the Fire Spiritual Bead due to the encircling Earth Scorch Dragons, were surprised that someone they had underestimated could resist the fire.


    When Cui Shao let out a roar, an unusual weapon appeared in his hand. It released waves of water that extinguished the surrounding fire. This appeared to be a profound artifact of water elements.


    Everyone had simr treasures on them that could barely withstand the fire attacks. If this continued, they wouldn¡¯tst long and would eventually fall to the Earth Scorch Dragons.


    Cui Shao charged towards Liu Wuxie, intending to control him forcibly. However, Chen Yusheng suddenly intervened, ¡°Cui Shao, as an expert in the Marrow Cleansing Realm, are you not ashamed to attack a junior?¡± He thrust his palm forward, creating a powerful wave and a vacuum passage, forcing Cui Shao to retreat.


    They were both in the fifth level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm, but Chen Yusheng held the upper hand in the sh. Having epted water from Liu Wuxie, he felt indebted to him and naturally came to his aid.


    Liu Wuxie was in the critical moment of a breakthrough and couldn¡¯t afford to be distracted. Unbeknownst to him, he had earned Chen Yusheng¡¯s assistance.


    Unafraid of Chen Yusheng, Cui Shao challenged him, ¡°Chen Yusheng, I¡¯m not afraid of you just because you¡¯re Prince Ruyang. The Great Yan Dynasty is in decline, and there are many factions. It won¡¯t take long before the Great Yan Dynasty changes hands.¡± To cultivators who had long transcended worldly affairs, the status of the Great Yan Dynasty held no intimidation.


    Infuriated by Cui Shao¡¯s words, Chen Yusheng retorted, ¡°Based on what you just said, I¡¯ll kill you!¡± Heunched a series of palm strikes, akin to crashing waves, forcing Cui Shao to retreat.


    Chen Yusheng was slightly stronger, but the small margin of difference meant that killing Cui Shao would be a challenge.


    ¡°Brother Cui, let me help you!¡± Another expert in the fifth level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm rushed over. He had also noticed that Liu Wuxie was immune to the fire of the Earth Scorch Dragons.


    Although they had honed a fire attribute cultivation technique, they could not withstand such fierce mes. They required the aid of artifacts to endure the extreme heat.


    Hence, Liu Wuxie¡¯s ability to absorb the fire was peculiar. This naturally baffled them, and they concluded that the optimal strategy was to apprehend Liu Wuxie and utilize him against the Earth Scorch Dragons.


    As the duounched their attack on Chen Yusheng, the tide of the battle swiftly turned, and Chen Yusheng narrowly escaped their snares on several asions.


    ¡°Darling, allow me to lend a hand!¡± Qin Biyu repelled an Earth Scorch Dragon and rallied to Chen Yusheng¡¯s side, transforming the conflict into a two-versus-two standoff. The battle soon reached a deadlock, with neither side able to gain the upper hand.


    Unbeknownst to all, Liu Wuxie had emerged as a pivotal figure, and their survival against the Earth Scorch Dragons hinged on him.


    ¡°Prince Ruyang, the two of you want to stop us?¡± Xuanyuan Guang let out a roar and joined in.


    With his intervention, the odds turned against Chen Yusheng and Qin Biyu.


    Liu Wuxie, who had been observing the situation, realized that he would have fallen victim to Cui Shao without the aid of Chen Yusheng and his wife.


    The Fire Spiritual Bead continued to hover in the air, looking like a bright moon mocking everyone.


    The battle intensified as Xuanyuan Guang¡¯s palm met with Chen Yusheng¡¯s, causing them to retreat.


    Conversely, Cui Shao and another expertunched a sneak attack on Qin Biyu, sending her flying.


    The sudden assault caused Qin Biyu to spit out blood, herplexion rapidly paling. She was taken aback by their ruthless tactics, especially since they didn¡¯t hesitate to ambush a woman.


    ¡°Biyu!¡± Chen Yusheng, filled with anxiety, rushed to Qin Biyu¡¯s side. Blood was trickling from her lips, indicating her urgent need for medical attention.


    ¡°Darling, I¡¯m okay. Find a way to escape while I hold them off,¡± Qin Biyu, struggling to her feet, urged Chen Yusheng to seize the opportunity to flee.


    ¡°I¡¯m not going anywhere. If we are to leave, we leave together!¡± Chen Yusheng clenched his fists and exuded a powerful aura, his eyes turning red as he looked at Cui Shao and others.


    ¡°Darling, listen to me. You must leave no matter what, or I won¡¯t rest in peace!¡± Qin Biyu clung to Chen Yusheng¡¯s arm, pleading with him to leave immediately and not seek vengeance for her. They had children who shouldn¡¯t lose their father in addition to their mother.


    Chen Yusheng wasn¡¯t a man of many words, but he teared up at this moment as he poured his true essence into Qin Biyu¡¯s body to maintain her life.


    ¡°Neither of you will escape today!¡± Xuanyuan Guang advanced slowly, a cruel smile ying on his lips and a terrifying aura enveloping the couple.


    In the distance, the Earth Scorch Dragons slowed their attacks on the humans. Out of fifty-odd people, only thirty-odd managed to survive, while the others were burned to death by the Earth Scorch Dragons.


    ¡°Attack together and kill them!¡± Xuanyuan Guang said in amanding tone.


    Hearing that, Cui Shao nodded because they could only eradicate the threat at this point. If required, everyone here could take refuge with Prince Yongxian. After all, there were rumors that the Great Yan Dynasty was practically in Prince Yongxian¡¯s hands, and it was a matter of time before he usurped the throne.


    Watching his wife¡¯s vitality grow weaker, Chen Yusheng even forgot to resist. The couple had never quarreled in their marriage and were deeply in love. Even if it meant death, they would die together.


    When a powerful sword aura was about tond on Chen Yusheng, a de aura flew over, blocking the sword.


    ¡°Every single one of you will perish!¡± Liu Wuxie, having sessfully advanced to the fifth level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm, had seen his strength multiply more than tenfold. The de aura he unleashed shattered Xuanyuan Guang¡¯s sword aura.


    ¡°Die!¡± Having shattered Xuanyuan Guang¡¯s sword aura, Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t halt his momentum. He executed the Nine Heavenly Crane Dance, appearing instantly before his adversary.


    Xuanyuan Guang was still dumbfounded and couldn¡¯t believe that someone in the Spirit Cleansing Realm would be so powerful. Before he could even react, Liu Wuxie¡¯s de was already approaching his neck.


    A head was sent flying as Xuanyuan Guang met his end, clueless about how someone from the Spirit Cleansing Realm defeated him.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s surprise attack and subsequent victory over a fifth-level Marrow Cleansing Realm expert like Xuanyuan Guang left everyone present in awe. Xuanyuan Guang¡¯s body began to wither as Liu Wuxie absorbed all the energy within it. Following his breakthrough, Liu Wuxie¡¯s dantian was depleted, necessitating a replenishment of true essence.


    Chen Yusheng was taken aback, not anticipating Liu Wuxie¡¯s formidable strength.


    ¡°Senior Chen, feed this pill to Aunt Qin.¡± Liu Wuxie took out a pill and tossed it to Chen Yusheng. This was a pinnacle fourth-grade pill, capable of reviving the dead.


    After repairing his soul sea, Liu Wuxie had refined a few pills with the herbs he had sorted in case of an emergency that could bring someone back to life as long as they still had a breath.


    ¡°Thank you, Brother Liu!¡±


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s respectful address of Chen Yusheng as ¡®senior¡¯, and Chen Yusheng¡¯s fraternal reference to Liu Wuxie as ¡®brother¡¯, instantly added ayer ofplexity to their rtionship.


    Upon administering the pill to Qin Biyu, it transformed into pure energy that swiftly restored her vitality, pulling her back from the precipice of death.


    ¡°Time to deal with you two!¡± Liu Wuxie pointed his de at Cui Shao¡¯s group of two. Cui Shao had tried tounch a sneak attack on him, and it was thanks to Chen Yusheng, he could make a breakthrough smoothly.


    ¡°Brat, you think you can deal with us just because you managed to ambush Xuanyuan Guang? Let me tell you the difference between someone in the Spirit Cleansing Realm and Marrow Cleansing Realm,¡± Cui Shao sneered and pointed his sword at Liu Wuxie.


    The other expert stood his ground, undeterred by theck of a retreat path, as Liu Wuxie had effectively sealed off their escape route.


    ¡°Brother Liu, let me help you!¡± Seeing that his wife¡¯s injuries had stabilized, Chen Yusheng stood up, wanting to help Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°No need. I¡¯m enough to deal with these two pieces of garbage.¡± Liu Wuxie released his de aura and prepared the Overlord Fist. He no longer held back because Earth Scorching Dragons were in the surroundings, and he had to end the battle quickly before they joined in.


    Liu Wuxie nned to kill them and leave this ce quickly. He held little expectation for the Fire Spiritual Bead, leaving the others to squabble over it.


    ¡°You¡¯re done for, whelp!¡± Cui Sheng was incensed that Liu Wuxie had insulted him, an esteemed expert in the Marrow Cleansing Realm, by calling him trash.


    Their collision resulted in a shockwave that sent rocks flying in all directions. A vacuum formed at the epicenter of the impact, even repelling the surrounding heatwave.


    ¡°Overlord Fist!¡± As they shed, Liu Wuxie unleashed the Overlord Fist, bearing down on Cui Shao like an overwhelming mountain.

 Chapter 186 - Sixth-Level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm

    <h4>Chapter 186 - Sixth-Level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm</h4>


    There weren¡¯t any fancy moves involved as the Overlord Fist crushed down on Cui Shao like a mountain, tearing him into pieces and reducing him to a puddle of blood. The shockwave produced by the impact of Liu Wuxie¡¯s punch extinguished the mes on both sides, forcing the surrounding Earth Scorch Dragons back.


    The punch also created a massive crater at the center of the battlefield, enveloped in a cloud of dust.


    The Earth Scorch Dragons, observing from a distance, exhibited a hint of fear in their eyes, for Liu Wuxie¡¯s power was indeed formidable.


    Chen Yusheng was taken aback. Just as he was about to assist, Cui Shao had been annihted; no trace of him remained intact.


    This spectacle terrified the remaining experts, prompting them to retreat hastily. They had no desire to continue the fight, for Liu Wuxie¡¯s terrifying power was beyond theirprehension. To them, Liu Wuxie seemed less like a human and more like an explosive force of nature.


    ¡°Where do you think you¡¯re going?¡± Liu Wuxie had just reached the fifth level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm, and he wanted a satisfying battle to calm the anger in his dantian.


    The volcano within Liu Wuxie¡¯s dantian continued to erupt, with a fearsome fire-attribute true essence enveloping him. His Overlord Fist, powered by this fire-attribute true essence, was more potent than ever; its strength amplified tenfold.


    True essence morphed into a pair of wings, lifting Liu Wuxie into the air. Grasping the Heretic de with both hands, he unleashed a de ray that swept across the sky, plunging a ten-mile radius into darkness.


    The darknesssted for half a breath before light returned, followed by a scream. Liu Wuxie¡¯s de bisected the other expert who had allied with Cui Shao, and the energies within him flowed into Liu Wuxie, causing his cultivation level to ascend.


    With the three people dead, the battlefield fell silent. Everyone looked at this scene silently; even the Earth Scorch Dragons retreated several steps.


    ¡°Am I hallucinating? How can someone in the Spirit Cleansing Realm effortlessly ughter experts from the Marrow Cleansing Realm?¡± The remaining Marrow Cleansing Realm experts, including the one at the seventh level, exchanged incredulous Looks.


    Chen Yusheng smiled bitterly, recalling how he had warned Liu Wuxie to leave multiple times along the way.


    ¡°Senior Chen, we must make haste!¡± The Earth Scorch Dragons were teetering on the brink of madness, unwilling to let humans seize the Fire Spiritual Bead, their best chance for escape.


    ¡°Agreed! Let¡¯s move!¡± Chen Yusheng was quick to decide. His wife¡¯s injuries might be under control for the moment, but their situation was not conducive tobat, and they risked losing their lives if they lingered.


    Even if they were to secure the treasure, they wouldn¡¯t live to utilize it. Their desire for the Fire Spiritual Bead wasn¡¯t strong; they had merely wanted to partake in the excitement.


    Chen Yusheng, supporting his wife, trailed behind Liu Wuxie, gradually retreating to the battlefield¡¯s periphery. The Earth Scorch Dragons mirrored their movements, stepping back each time they advanced. These dragons didn¡¯t fear the other experts but appeared terrified of Liu Wuxie.


    Upon awakening his fire attribute, Liu Wuxie found something within him that resonated with the dragons. Interestingly, Liu Wuxie discovered that the surrounding heatwave posed no threat to him, with the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron absorbing the mes.


    ¡°He can¡¯t be allowed to leave!¡± A figure obstructed Liu Wuxie¡¯s path.


    If Liu Wuxie were to depart, the thousands of Earth Scorch Dragons would go berserk and assault the remaining individuals. The question wasn¡¯t just whether they could secure the Fire Spiritual Bead but whether they could even escape this ce alive.


    ¡°Wen Li, what are you trying to do?!¡± Chen Yusheng was furious. The old man standing in Liu Wuxie¡¯s way was Wen Li, a cultivator at the seventh level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm. He was strong, and they might not be able to defeat him even if all three of them attacked together.


    ¡°You two can leave, but not him!¡± Wen Li stated without answering.


    The other experts soon came to their senses and stood behind Wen Li. After all, Liu Wuxie was the only person who could restrain the Earth Scorch Dragons. If he left, who would deal with them?


    ¡°Master Wen is right. The two of you can leave, but not him!¡± The ten-odd Marrow Cleansing Realm experts released their aura, forming a powerful shockwave that nearly sent Liu Wuxie¡¯s group of three flying away. The two parties fell into a stalemate, and even Liu Wuxie¡¯s act of killing Xuanyuan Guang¡¯s group of three didn¡¯t intimidate them.


    ¡°Are you certain you wish to obstruct us?¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s expression was ominously dark, his lethal intentions spilling forth. His Heretic de radiated a chilling aura emanating from him as the epicenter.


    The Fire Spiritual Bead hovered in the air and began to jump around as though attracted by something. At the same time, the mes erupting within Liu Wuxie¡¯s body also grew stronger.


    The power of ice and fire formed a unique phenomenon, with fire on the left and ice on the right swirling above Liu Wuxie.


    Historically, fire and water have been at odds, making Liu Wuxie¡¯s ability to manifest both ice and fire simultaneously defy logic. The mes ascended skyward while the ice surged towards the earth.


    Wen Li¡¯s countenance shifted. He realized that Liu Wuxie harbored some hidden secret and that hisbat abilities were moreplex than they initially appeared.


    ¡°Brat, we acknowledge your strength. However, with our numbers, we advise you to stand down. Don¡¯tpel us to take action!¡± A sneer escaped from an expert at the sixth level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    As the tension escted and the onset of a battle seemed imminent, Chen Yusheng made a sudden decision. ¡°Brother Liu, you should escape first. We will hold them off,¡± he proposed, offering himself and his wife as a distraction to allow Liu Wuxie to flee. They owed their lives to Liu Wuxie, having been saved from certain death at the hands of Xuanyuan Guang, and saw this as a way to repay him.


    ¡°We will depart together!¡± Liu Wuxie insisted. Chen Yusheng had saved his life by intercepting Cui Shao during a critical breakthrough, and he could not abandon them now.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s mes intensified because cultivating a fire-attribute technique in this ce could achieve twice the result with half the effort.


    As the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron continued to devour, the surrounding mes gushed over, and the volcano in his dantian expanded. While it may not yet rival the Dragon Rock Mountain Range, its growth rate suggested it would soon.


    Suddenly, the Fire Spiritual Bead jumped and flew toward Liu Wuxie. This scene shocked everyone. It was likely that the me in Liu Wuxie¡¯s body had attracted the Fire Spiritual Bead. In terms of the purity of fire, the fire-attribute energy, after being refined by the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron, was purer.


    As the Fire Spiritual Bead relied on fire to survive, the purer the me, the easier it was to attract it.


    From a distance, the Earth Scorch Dragons roared deeply, approaching Liu Wuxie and signaling him to vacate the area.


    The unexpected turn of events took Liu Wuxie aback, as he hadn¡¯t anticipated the Fire Spiritual Bead to gravitate towards him. As the bead neared, the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron above Liu Wuxie morphed into a ck vortex, swallowing the bead before it could react.


    The sequence of events unfolded rapidly, with the Fire Spiritual Bead vanishing before anyone could fullyprehend what had transpired. Liu Wuxie was equally perplexed, unsure of the unfolding situation.


    Wen Li and the other experts were left agape, utterly bewildered. What was this ck vortex on Liu Wuxie that had the capacity to consume even the Fire Spiritual Bead?


    Soon after, Liu Wuxie erupted in a terrifying ze, forcing Chen Yusheng and his wife to retreat due to the intense heat. Even Wen Li had to withdraw to a distance of fifty steps.


    While the fierce mes would have incinerated anyone else, Liu Wuxie remained unharmed, standing serenely amidst the inferno, seemingly relishing the experience.


    The Fire Spiritual Bead, rich in fire elements, would typically take a Marrow Cleansing Realm practitioner between one to six months to refine slowly. However, Liu Wuxie had managed to consume it directly.


    After the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron devoured the Fire Spiritual Bead, the energy began to weaken, but it wasn¡¯t dissolved. An egg-sized bead flew out from the cauldron and sank into the newly formed volcano within Liu Wuxie¡¯s dantian.


    Suddenly, Liu Wuxie¡¯s aura rose, charging towards the sixth level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm. This shocked everyone because Liu Wuxie had made two breakthroughs within a day.


    They had encountered numerous prodigies, but Liu Wuxie was a first, baffling them all. Spirit stones began to shatter, liquefying and seeping into Liu Wuxie¡¯s dantian. The ground beneath them cracked as dozens of Scarlet Demon Hearts emerged from below. As the fire-attribute energy flooded his body, his cultivation continued to ascend post-breakthrough.


    Liu Wuxie was in no rush to ascend to the seventh level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm, understanding the importance of solidifying his foundation. Two breakthroughs in a single day were his limit; any further advancement could risk destabilizing his foundation.


    He couldn¡¯t afford to be distracted, so he used the energy from the Scarlet Demon Hearts to temper his physique.


    If possible, someone would¡¯ve rushed forward to chop Liu Wuxie into pieces, but no one could get close to him because of the fire. Thus, they could only wait until Liu Wuxie finished his breakthrough before deciding.


    As time passed, the Earth Scorch Dragons became furious and raised their heads to roar, causing the entire Dragon Rock Volcano to tremble.


    Due to the tectonic movement, the volcano was about to erupt, resulting in an early eruption for this year.


    Like an earthquake, the ground began to shake, with fissures spreading across the surface and volcanic ash spewing from the summit.


    ¡°This is bad! The volcano is about to erupt!¡± If the volcano erupted, no one could avoid the magma, necessitating immediate evacuation to avoid being incinerated.


    The Earth Scorch Dragons also began to retreat and return to their caves, hiding underground.


    mes gushed into the air as the rumble continued, followed by magma spewing into the sky.


    At this moment, Liu Wuxie alsopleted his breakthrough and joined up with Chen Yusheng and his wife.


    ¡°Let¡¯s leave this ce quickly!¡± The couple followed behind Liu Wuxie as they ran down the mountain.


    Several Earth Scorch Dragons attempted to block their path, spewing fire. However, Liu Wuxie effortlessly neutralized them by creating a vacuum passage through the fire.


    The magma flowed rapidly, soon engulfing the spot where they had previously stood in an instant.


    Unconcerned with confronting Liu Wuxie at the moment, Wen Li and the others followed the trio, prioritizing their escape. Once they reached a safe location, they nned to confront Liu Wuxie andpel him to surrender the Fire Spiritual Bead.


    Approximately thirty individuals descended the mountain, with Liu Wuxie leading the way. He performed the Nine Heavenly Crane Dance and reached the foot of the mountain withet-like speed.

 Chapter 187 - Resorting to Drastic Measures

    <h4>Chapter 187 - Resorting to Drastic Measures</h4>


    After returning to the mountain¡¯s foot, the group continued to bolt towards the dense forest. The flow of magma had slowed, and the threat was temporarily elevated.


    The group of roughly thirty individuals gasped for breath, having expended every ounce of their energy in their desperate escape. However, before they could fully recover, Wen Li¡¯s group encircled Liu Wuxie and the couple, preventing their escape.


    ¡°Brat, hand over the Fire Spiritual Bead, and we¡¯ll spare your life!¡± Terrifying murderous intent swept out and locked onto Liu Wuxie¡¯s group of three.


    ¡°Shao Dongli, how dare you?! Someone like you dares to say something so arrogant?¡± Chen Yusheng nced at the man who spoke. This person was only in the fourth level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm, and it was ridiculous for him to demand Liu Wuxie to hand over the Fire Spiritual Bead.


    Even the likes of Cui Shao and Xuanyuan Guang were killed by Liu Wuxie. This meant Wen Li was the only one who could threaten the three of them.


    Now that Liu Wuxie had reached the sixth level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm, it shouldn¡¯t be an issue for him to deal with someone in the sixth level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm. As long as they cooperated well, there was a high chance of killing these people.


    The only real threat to Liu Wuxie was Wen Li. As he assessed the situation, he realized that as long as Wen Li was defeated, the others would pose no threat.


    ¡°I won¡¯t make things difficult for you. Hand over the Fire Spiritual Bead, and I promise to let you go,¡± Wen Li proposed, aware that he was the only one capable of intimidating Liu Wuxie. As long as Liu Wuxie surrendered the Fire Spiritual Bead, the others were irrelevant to him.


    The Fire Spiritual Bead was singr in existence, and it was coveted by all. Despite appearing to be on the same side, the group would descend into chaos once Liu Wuxie revealed the Fire Spiritual Bead.


    Wen Li¡¯s words hit the mark, proving his cunningness. As long as he obtained the Fire Spiritual Bead, this matter woulde to a perfect end.


    Everyone¡¯s eyes fell on Liu Wuxie, awaiting his reply.


    ¡°Senior Wen, you won¡¯t be able to withstand it even if I give you the Fire Spiritual Bead,¡± Liu Wuxie smiled, looking at Wen Li.


    ¡°Your arrogance is unbing for someone so young. Once you surrender the Fire Spiritual Bead, I have my methods to refine it,¡± Wen Li retorted, his fury palpable as he advanced, unleashing a formidable aura from the Marrow Cleansing Realm towards Liu Wuxie.


    The shockwave from his aura¡¯s explosion reduced the trees behind Liu Wuxie to ashes, pressuring Liu Wuxie to relinquish the Fire Spiritual Bead.


    ¡°May I pose a few questions, Senior Wen?¡± Liu Wuxie remained unfazed by Wen Li¡¯s aura. Dealing with Wen Li, who was at the seventh level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm, wouldn¡¯t be easy. He could resort to inscribing immortal runes again if necessary, but finding another Azure Soul Grass would be challenging.


    If his soul sea suffered further damage, it could be permanent. Therefore, Liu Wuxie preferred to avoidbat with Wen Li if possible.


    ¡°Go on!¡± Wen Li said impatiently, urging Liu Wuxie to finish his question quickly and hand over the Fire Spiritual Bead to avoid furtherplications and attract more experts.


    ¡°May I inquire if you, Senior Wen, have experienced excruciating pain in your lungs and heart meridians over the past year or two?¡± Liu Wuxie observed that Wen Li¡¯s lungs and heart meridians were riddled with cracks and on the brink of copse.


    Upon hearing Liu Wuxie¡¯s words, Wen Li staggered, nearly toppling over. Even his closest confidants were unaware of this, so how did Liu Wuxiee to know?


    ¡°H-How do you know about it!¡± Wen Li was aghast. The pain had been tormenting him each time it urred. This was a secret he had concealed for years, but the pain had intensified this year.


    ¡°I can¡¯t tell you that. But I can tell you that you will die within a month. You can look at your arms if you don¡¯t believe it. ck spots must¡¯ve started to appear on your arms, and they¡¯re corpse spots. This means that your life is slowly withering,¡± Liu Wuxie said, but he didn¡¯t tell Wen Li the specific reasons.


    Wen Li ripped his clothes apart, revealing his arms. His arms didn¡¯t have a piece of flesh but were left with ayer of skin covering the bones. His arms also hadrge ck spots, giving off a foul stench.


    ¡°It stinks!¡± The cultivators closest to Wen Li retreated from the foul stench. They even covered their noses, fearing that they might get infected.


    Wen Li stared at the ck spots on his arms as if he had been struck by lightning. He was aware of their existence but had dismissed them as a minor health issue, never associating them with the ominous corpse spots that typically appeared on those nearing death.


    ¡°Enough with your nonsense, boy. Do you think your words can intimidate me? Hand over the Fire Spiritual Bead, or face the consequences!¡± Wen Li roared, rolling down his sleeves. He was even prepared to kill Liu Wuxie, convinced that thetter was merely trying to scare him.


    It wasmon for cultivators to experience health issues due to their cultivation practices, and Liu Wuxie could identify these in everyone present. However, he hadn¡¯t anticipated the severity of Wen Li¡¯s condition.


    Even Liu Wuxie¡¯s body had some issues that would require attention as his cultivation progressed.


    ¡°Believe it or not, that¡¯s up to you. Apart from me, no one else can save you or treat your condition,¡± Liu Wuxie shrugged, indifferent to whether Wen Li believed his words.


    In reality, Wen Li had already epted Liu Wuxie¡¯s words. After all, the fact that Liu Wuxie could diagnose his condition with a mere nce indicated that he was no ordinary individual.


    ¡°Hmph, I¡¯ll capture you then. I don¡¯t believe you won¡¯t talk!¡± Wen Li reached out to grab Liu Wuxie, nning to capture and force him to reveal the treatment method.


    ¡°Senior Wen, do you think I said that because I¡¯m trying to force you to leave? Do you think I¡¯m afraid of you?¡± Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t show any signs of weakness. The best way to prove his point was to demonstrate his strength, and he was also curious to see how powerful someone at the seventh level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm could be.


    With his lungs and heart meridians injured, Wen Li¡¯s strength had greatly declined and was no longerparable to his prime. When they shed, they were so fast that no one could keep up with them, and they exchanged over a few hundred moves in a split second.


    Liu Wuxie and Wen Li fought in closebat. The Bone Refining Pills and Blood Crystals had transformed Liu Wuxie¡¯s physique, far exceeding ordinary cultivators. His physique wasparable to someone in the high levels of the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    An explosion resulting from their sh caused Liu Wuxie and Wen Li to retreat. Liu Wuxie appearedposed, while Wen Li¡¯s face was grim. Despite being at the seventh level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm, Wen Li was helpless against someone in the Spirit Cleansing Realm.


    The witnessing cultivators were horrified, their eyes nearly bulging out. They were left dumbfounded by Liu Wuxie¡¯sbat prowess.


    ¡°I concede that I¡¯ve only exerted seventy percent of my power, and it¡¯s likely you haven¡¯t fully unleashed yours either. I admit that it won¡¯t be easy for me to defeat you. If you¡¯re willing to help me resolve the issue with my body, I can leave immediately!¡± Wen Li was in low spirits. The fact that he failed to kill someone in the Spirit Cleansing Realm after a few hundred moves proved that he had failed.


    Compared to his life, the Fire Spiritual Bead was insignificant.


    ¡°Senior Wen, don¡¯t be deceived by him! I know a physician, and I believe he can treat your condition,¡± Shao Dongli interjected. Given his age, he believed that Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t possibly be a physician and must be bluffing.


    Everyone nodded in agreement, thinking that what Shao Dongli said was right.


    ¡°You should take care of yourself first before talking. If I''m not wrong, you must asionally feel a burning pain in your dantian. If this keeps up, you will die within three years,¡± Liu Wuxie said coldly as he looked at Shao Dongli.


    Upon hearing Liu Wuxie¡¯s words, Shao Dongli staggered and nearly fell. Like Wen Li, he also had a health issue, which was his dantian. But he didn¡¯t dare to talk about it, fearing that his enemies would find out; he didn¡¯t expect to be exposed by Liu Wuxie.


    The crowd exploded, and everyone looked at Liu Wuxie like they were looking at a monster.


    ¡°Young man, tell me how I can treat my conditions!¡± Wen Li now believed that Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t just boasting. Not only did Liu Wuxie see through his problems, but he even saw through Shao Dongli¡¯s condition. This meant that Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t an ordinary physician but a Grandmaster Physician!


    ¡°To treat your condition, I can teach you a mantra to alleviate the damage to your lungs and heart meridians. If you don¡¯t use your true essence that often, it should be fine for you to live for a few more decades,¡± Liu Wuxie said, holding onto his chin. He took out a brush and paper before writing down the mantra. If Wen Li adhered to this mantra and cultivated it, he could mitigate the damage to his lungs and heart meridians.


    With Liu Wuxie¡¯s ability, he could address such a minor problem on the spot and resolve Wen Li¡¯s condition thoroughly. But why should he help someone who wanted to kill him just a moment ago? Helping Wen Li suppress his condition was the best he could do.


    While Wen Li might not be able to kill him single-handedly, the situation would be different if they all attacked him together. If Wen Li were forced to leave, their alliance would disintegrate, addressing the problem at its core.


    Upon receiving the mantra written by Liu Wuxie, Wen Li merely nced at it before his hands began to tremble. Each word resonated like the voice of dao, charging through his body. His lung meridians also started trembling as though they were responding to the mantra and began to circte.


    There were only a few hundred words, and Wen Li swiftly grasped it. When he tried to cultivate ording to the mantra, he could feel a warm sensation coursing through his lung meridians, greatly relieving his difort.


    Over the past few years, he had to bear the torture from the lungs and heart meridians in every battle. The pain was an unimaginable torture to him each time, but it was finally resolved that day.


    ¡°Young man, I apologize for what I did earlier. If there¡¯s an opportunity in the future, you can visit my Wen n as a guest,¡± Wen Li said, cupping his hands at Liu Wuxie before leaving without hesitation.


    If he hadn¡¯t met Liu Wuxie that day, he would¡¯ve died a month from now.


    The remaining thirty-one people looked at each other in confusion. They were contemting whether to continue attacking Liu Wuxie.


    Even Wen Li couldn¡¯t take down Liu Wuxie, and they would just be sending themselves to die if they attacked.


    Chen Yusheng and his wife were prepared for a battle. In the worst scenario, they nned to sacrifice themselves to buy time for Liu Wuxie to escape. However, they were taken aback by the oue, watching as Liu Wuxie diffused the situation with just a few words.


    With Wen Li out of the picture, Chen Yusheng and Qin Biyu finally breathed a sigh of relief.


    ¡°You all still want to fight?¡±


    Liu Wuxie looked at the thirty-one people with a yful expression. He didn¡¯t mind ughtering everyone else as they must be filthy rich as Marrow Cleansing Realm experts.


    He had already consumed more than ten thousand spirit stones in a few days, and his spirit stones would deplete if this carried on.


    ¡°Brat, don¡¯t be arrogant. The news of you obtaining the Fire Spiritual Bead will soon spread out.¡± Some still refused to give up. They might not be Liu Wuxie¡¯s opponent, but they could invite the other experts to join them. After all, refining the Fire Spiritual Bead in a day or two was impossible, and they had to seize it before Liu Wuxie refined it entirely.

 Chapter 188 - Xue Clan鈥檚 Ambush

    <h4>Chapter 188 - Xue n¡¯s Ambush</h4>


    The cultivators with low strength had already left to unite with the other experts. As time passed, it didn¡¯t take long before only Liu Wuxie, Chen Yusheng, and Qin Biyu were left.


    ¡°Young Master Liu, thank you for the pill. We will take this favor to heart and bid our farewell here.¡± Chen Yusheng cupped his fists at Liu Wuxie. They still had official duties to attend to and couldn¡¯t linger.


    ¡°Until we meet again!¡± Liu Wuxie cupped his fists together, and they soon parted ways.


    Before leaving, Qin Biyu gave Liu Wuxie a jade pendant. If he needed help, he could use the jade pendant to look for the Qin n. After all, Liu Wuxie, who typically resided in the Imperial City, might face danger.


    Liu Wuxie hadn¡¯t anticipatedpleting the three tasks ahead of schedule. With a few days remaining until the month¡¯s deadline, he nned to spend the extra time honing his skills.


    Five dayster, Liu Wuxie appeared on the official path leading to the Imperial Academy. His cultivation had stabilized in the sixth level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm. However, he restrained the aura he gave off to the second level.


    When he left, he was at the first level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm, and advancing a level in a month was reasonable. However, he preferred to maintain a low profile because disclosing his actual cultivation level might cause amotion in the academy.


    Liu Wuxie muttered to himself, ¡°I¡¯ll be back at the academy in a day. Lady Mu must think I¡¯ve gone missing, given that I promised her monthly visits to the Treasure Pill Pavilion.¡± As the chief alchemist of the Treasure Pill Pavilion, he felt a bit negligent for not visiting even once a month. After finishing his rations, he prepared to set off.


    Suddenly, several vultures flew overhead, emitting strange caws. Shortly after, more bird demonic beasts took flight. Typically, these creatures would only take to the skies if they sensed danger nearby.


    Using the Ghost Eye technique, Liu Wuxie¡¯s gaze prated the trees, revealing a group of people stealthily approaching from a hundred meters away.


    ¡°An ambush!¡± Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t expect an ambush when he returned to the Imperial Academy. A hundred experts wielded bows and encircled him from both sides, leaving no room for escape. When he recollected his gaze, he already knew who they were.


    ¡°Xue n, you all didn¡¯t expect me toe back alive, right?¡± Liu Wuxie said, and the Heretic de appeared in his hand. It was no wonder the Xue n¡¯s experts were nowhere to be seen. They have been guarding here to prevent him from returning.


    In the eyes of the Xue n, Liu Wuxie was doomed either way. If he was determined toplete the tasks, he would meet his end at the hands of the Scarlet Dragon Association. If he chose to return, they were ready and waiting for him. Either way, his fate seemed sealed.


    The Xue n¡¯s experts had been camping here for a month, and they were surprised that Liu Wuxie hadn¡¯t returned. However, as the month-long deadline approached, they finally spotted Liu Wuxie on thest day.


    Over a hundred experts surrounded Liu Wuxie, blocking his escape routes. Among them were several Marrow Cleansing Realm experts, indicating the Xue n¡¯s determination to eliminate him.


    ¡°Indeed, we didn¡¯t expect you to drag it out until thest day to return,¡± Xue Changnian said as he stepped out. Back in Azure Billow City, he had failed to kill Liu Wuxie and was pped by Mu Yueying. Since then, he had harbored a deep hatred for Liu Wuxie.


    Upon learning about Liu Wuxie¡¯s tasks, Xue Changnian immediately sought approval from his n and led the Xue n¡¯s troops to ambush Liu Wuxie. He assumed that Liu Wuxie had been hiding nearby for the past month, considering the three tasks were seemingly impossible even for him.


    ¡°Cut the crap and make your move!¡± Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t want to waste time with these people. He had spent the past month wandering around toplete the three tasks and was eager to return to the academy for some rest.


    Over a hundred bows and crossbows were aimed at Liu Wuxie. If they were to release their arrows, Liu Wuxie would turn into a porcupine.


    ¡°Kill him!¡± Xue Changnianmanded, waving his hand as hundreds of arrows wereunched towards Liu Wuxie. He would be doomed even if Liu Wuxie had three heads and six arms. After all, no one could evade over a hundred arrows at once.


    The arrows were densely packed and covered the sky. Liu Wuxie had no space to dodge, so he could only watch the arrows aimed at him.


    Xue Changnian sneered as the Xue n¡¯s disciples roared before charging at Liu Wuxie. The two were less than ten meters away, and the arrows appeared before Liu Wuxie in the blink of an eye.


    Just as the arrows were on the verge of striking Liu Wuxie, ayer of ice materialized around him, forming a robust barrier that securely shielded him. The arrows that hit the iceyer merely left faint marks and failed to prate it.


    Liu Wuxie stood there calmly. He had recentlyprehended this ice-attribute technique, inspired by magic. Having interacted with the Magic n during his time as an Immortal Emperor, he had some understanding of their magic. This was the result of integrating magic and Taoism.


    The Xue n¡¯s experts stared in disbelief as the iceyer blocked their arrows, which snapped upon hitting the ground. The arrows, forged from the toughest meteorite iron, could easily pierce through someone in the Spirit Cleansing Realm. However, they failed to prate the iceyer.


    ¡°Keep firing!¡± Xue Changnianmanded frantically, initiating a second round of arrows. This time, each arrow was more potent than before. To prevent the arrows from bouncing off, they even maintained a range within five meters, where the arrows¡¯ lethality was at its peak.


    Rounds of arrows were fired, and the umted arrows on the ground began to pile up. After ten rounds, they exhausted all the arrows in their quivers and could only retreat to the side, sheathing their arrows and switching to melee weapons.


    Waving his hand to dismiss theyer of ice, Liu Wuxie smiled at the Xue n¡¯s experts.


    ¡°Kill him!¡± Xue Changnian gave the order as all the Xue n¡¯s experts charged forward, pouncing at Liu Wuxie. They were an elite troop nurtured by the Xue n and were only loyal to them.


    They were all in the Spirit Cleansing Realm, and this was because Liu Wuxie¡¯s act of killing Xue Rui had caused an uproar in the Xue n.


    When Liu Wuxie swung the Heretic de down, the ground began to crack as the de aura enveloped a few hundred meters of radius.


    In just one exchange, the elite troops from the Xue n were sent flying away under the shockwave produced by the de aura. They were all covered in tiny wounds and killed by the de aura.


    Witnessing how Liu Wuxie killed over a hundred people with one move scared Xue Changnian into taking a big step back. Aside from Xue Changnian, the Xue n had also dispatched three experts who had been guarding the side quietly.


    The three experts appeared quite aged, likely elders of the Xue n. They were far from weak, each possessing cultivation at the fifth level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm.


    ¡°Y-You... How are you so powerful?!¡± Xue Changnian stammered, pointing at Liu Wuxie with a look of horror. Over a hundred corpses were strewn about, some even falling into the bushes, filling the entire area with the heavy scent of blood.


    A dead silence swept through the surroundings, and only five people were left standing.


    Blood dripped from the Heretic de¡¯s tip and fell onto the ground.


    The hearts of the three Xue n¡¯s elders twitched. The Xue n spent countless resources to nurture them, but they were all killed by Liu Wuxie. Their hearts were bleeding as their murderous intent locked onto Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°I want you dead!¡± Xue Changnian lost his rationale. The outside world only knew that Liu Wuxie could challenge those with higher cultivation than him, and the highest he had killed was in the high levels of the Spirit Cleansing Realm. But they didn¡¯t know that Liu Wuxie could also kill cultivators in the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    Only Liu Wuxie knew that he had defeated Elder Gu. Elder Gu had been terrified back then and naturally wouldn¡¯t share such an embarrassing experience. As for killing Fan Yeping, it was done without anyone knowing.


    Xue Changnian swung his sword at Liu Wuxie, wanting to tear him into pieces.


    ¡°Die!¡± Liu Wuxie nearly died at Xue Changnian¡¯s hands in Azure Billow City, and it was time for them to resolve their old and new feud. Thetter was only in the third level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm, and he could easily kill someone like that.


    Liu Wuxie vanished as he raised the Heretic de. Before the three Xue n experts could react, a de ray had already ripped through Xue Changnian. The powerful de aura from Liu Wuxie¡¯s attack formed a powerful gust that enveloped Xue Changnian in it.


    Blood sshed from the gust of wind, and Xue Changnian was covered in his blood when he flew out, falling onto the ground with multiple wounds on his body.


    Just like that, Liu Wuxie killed a cultivator in the third level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm with a single strike.


    The remaining three experts from the Xue n exchanged a look and could see the horror in each other¡¯s eyes. They were finally afraid because none of them could kill someone in the third level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm with one strike, but Liu Wuxie could achieve it.


    ¡°Your turn!¡± Liu Wuxie showed no mercy to anyone from the Xue n. One-third of the one-year agreement had passed, and he didn¡¯t have much time left; he had to resolve this feud as soon as possible.


    The tables had turned, and it was Liu Wuxie¡¯s turn to press towards them.


    ¡°You killed so many people of our Xue n. You will die today!¡± The three elders formed a triangr formation, trapping Liu Wuxie within. They were determined to kill Liu Wuxie even if they had to risk their lives. The insignificant fly had grown into a threat to the Xue n in a matter of a few months.


    ¡°You three old farts think you can kill me? What a joke!¡± Liu Wuxie dashed forward. He had to end the battle quickly in case someone else passed by.


    The three elders weren¡¯t weak. They might not have high cultivation, but they were well-experienced, and their cooperation was wless. As a result, Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t find any solution to deal with them quickly.


    If Liu Wuxie faced them individually, he could easily take their lives with one move, but facing three was somewhat challenging.


    Their battle caused the nearby forest to disintegrate, transforming the mountain trail into a slope and leaving a barrenndscape in their wake.


    A terrifying aura swept out, forming ripples that destroyed everything in the surroundings. As they fought, the three elders grew increasingly shocked, realizing that Liu Wuxie¡¯sbat prowess was stronger than theirs.


    Even after exchanging a few hundred moves, they couldn¡¯t find ws in Liu Wuxie¡¯s de technique.


    ¡°You all are too weak. Take my de!¡± Liu Wuxie had detected the ws in the three elders¡¯ attacks with Ghost Eye, and he jumped out from the encirclement, pointing the Heretic de to the sky.


    Upon reaching the sixth level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm, Liu Wuxie had ess to a wider array of techniques. The moment Liu Wuxie lifted his Heretic de, the elders¡¯ expressions shifted, and they felt the chilling sweep of impending doom.

 Chapter 189 - Deep Trouble

    <h4>Chapter 189 - Deep Trouble</h4>


    After training for a month, Liu Wuxie¡¯s de intent had grown swiftly and almost solidified. The de intent locked onto the three old men and fixed them in ce.


    Following the battle at Dragon Rock Volcano, Liu Wuxie¡¯sbat abilities had increased manifold, transforming him into a different individual.


    ¡°Formation!¡± The eldest among the three elders shouted without any dy, and they elerated their pace, circling Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie was clueless about their intentions and patiently waited, curious about their next move. By the third breath, they hadpleted over a hundredps around Liu Wuxie, to the point of dizziness and nausea.


    ¡°Stream Rush!¡± The elders halted and charged at Liu Wuxie like a rushing stream, aiming to knock him off his feet with their powerful momentum.


    ¡°Interesting!¡± This was Liu Wuxie¡¯s first encounter with such a formation, which utilized the air currents generated by their running for an attack.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, you can die now!¡± the three elders roared.


    Liu Wuxie began to spiral along with the current, losing control. Taking this opportunity, the three elders attacked with their weapons, releasing a powerful radiance that enveloped the sky.


    ¡°You think you can kill me with such trivial tricks? The three of you will be the ones dead!¡± Liu Wuxie dered, disappearing from sight and dodging the elders¡¯ attacks.


    ¡°Shit!¡± The elders were taken aback as they struggled to track Liu Wuxie¡¯s swift movements, realizing their lives were now in his hands. When they regained theirposure, Liu Wuxie released a ray of light from his Heretic de.


    The body of the old man standing on the right exploded and was reduced to a piece of skin, falling to the ground. He was devoured entirely by the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron.


    After losing one person, the remaining two were no longer a threat.


    Liu Wuxie could easily take their lives without even having to execute the Overlord Fist.


    ¡°Quick! Quick! Inform the patriarch that this brat has grown stronger!¡± The two old men were horrified and escaped without any hesitation. They knew that only someone in the high levels of the Marrow Cleansing Realm could kill Liu Wuxie now.


    Knowing there would be endless troubles if he allowed these two to return to the mountain, Liu Wuxie performed the Nine Heavenly Crane Dance and appeared before the two elders, preventing them from escaping.


    ¡°Go all out!¡± The two elders gritted their teeth and attacked. They were determined to drag Liu Wuxie down with them even if they had to die.


    If there had been three of them, they could have held their ground slightly. But there were only two of them, and they didn¡¯t even have the qualifications to counterattack.


    ¡°Momentous Gleam!¡± Liu Wuxie swung his de, which destroyed the two elders¡¯ weapons. The weapons used by the two were also profound artifacts, but their swords were naturally iparable to the Heretic de. After losing their swords, they could no longer resist and were forced to retreat.


    ¡°You can die now!¡± The Heretic de shed with a chill as a fireball shot out without warning. This was the fire attribute that Liu Wuxie hadprehended, and not many people knew about it.


    Shao Dongli and the others didn¡¯t know of his identity, and it would take some time for them to investigate.


    The elders were instantly consumed by the mes, not even having the opportunity to cry out. Once the deed was done, Liu Wuxie stood still, staring at his hands in disbelief.


    ¡°Has my fire attribute be this potent after absorbing the Fire Spiritual Bead?¡± The reality was irrefutable, and he had no choice but to ept it. Even if he had consumed heavenly mes, he wouldn¡¯t have reached this level of power. Could it be due to his unique dantian? That was the only usible exnation left.


    Other cultivators could only manifest ordinary mes by practicing fire-attribute cultivation techniques. Then again, they could deal with ordinary cultivators and have no lethality against experts.


    His dantian had changed the quality of the fire, not to mention there was a volcano in the world within his dantian and the Fire Spiritual Bead in it. This resulted in the mutation of Liu Wuxie¡¯s me and increased its temperature significantly.


    The me was so powerful that even the interspatial pouches were incinerated into ashes, making Liu Wuxie feel heartache. He swiftly cleaned up the battlefield and dug a giant pit, throwing all the corpses inside before turning them into ashes with fire.


    After ensuring that there were no clues left behind and even the Xue n wouldn¡¯t be able to find out who killed these people, Liu Wuxie carried on his journey.


    When he returned to the Imperial Academy a dayter, the news of his return spread throughout the academy like wildfire.


    ¡°Junior Brother Liu, you¡¯re finally back! You¡¯re in deep trouble!¡± Li Shengsheng ran into Liu Wuxie¡¯s courtyard after learning of his return.


    Liu Wuxie had intended to retreat to his quarters for some rest, aiming toplete his assignments the next day to avoid expulsion from the academy. However, the unexpected arrival of Li Shengsheng threw a wrench in his ns.


    ¡°I¡¯m in deep trouble?!¡± Liu Wuxie was baffled. Could it be that the Xue n had discovered his actions? But how could that be? Even if the Xue n had found out, it wasn¡¯t a big deal since he was already at odds with them.


    Song Ling and the other students rushed over anxiously, looking at Liu Wuxie with concern.


    ¡°You¡¯ve killed Vice-Headmaster Qin¡¯s nephew. Weren¡¯t you aware?¡± Li Shengsheng inquired.


    Liu Wuxie was taken aback. He had heard of Qin Shi from Fan Yeping and had been nning to settle his grudge with Xiao Yanlong upon his return. After all, Xiao Yanlong had sent Fan Yeping to assassinate him, and he would have been killed if he hadn¡¯t been strong enough.


    Xiao Yanlong was indeed Qin Shi¡¯s disciple, but Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t remember killing anyone with the surname Qin.


    ¡°Who are you talking about?¡± Liu Wuxie asked, looking helpless. After all, he had ended the lives of countless people in the past few months, but he had only targeted those who deserved it and had not taken a single innocent life.


    ¡°Do you recall Guo Zhong?¡± Li Shengsheng asked in a hushed tone, wary of being overheard. Anyone aware of Liu Wuxie¡¯s return would likely inform Qin Shi, who was a high-ranking member of the Marrow Cleansing Realm and beyond Liu Wuxie¡¯s ability to contend with.


    ¡°How could Guo Zhong be Qin Shi¡¯s nephew?¡± Liu Wuxie was further puzzled. The two had different surnames, Qin and Guo, so how could they be rted? While Guo Zhong might have some connection to Qin Shi, Liu Wuxie found it hard to believe that Guo Zhong was Qin Shi¡¯s nephew.


    Li Shengsheng exined, ¡°It¡¯s aplicated story. Everyone in the academy knows that Guo Zhong is Qin Shi¡¯s illegitimate child. Before Qin Shi became the vice-headmaster, he had a sworn brother with the surname Guo who died early. Within a year of his death, Qin Shi seduced his wife and fathered Guo Zhong. He imed that Guo Zhong was his sworn brother¡¯s posthumous child, but in reality, Guo Zhong was his son.¡±


    While many were privy to this information, no one dared to discuss it openly. After all, gossiping about the vice-headmaster, Qin Shi, was risky.


    Liu Wuxie frowned because he hadn¡¯t expected that. Guo Zhong was the one who tried to ambush him, and he was killed with thousands of cuts.


    ¡°Junior Brother Liu, you shouldy low for now. Qin Shi only has one son, and now that his only son is dead, he will be after you,¡± Li Shengsheng advised Liu Wuxie to leave at once. Once things had calmed down, they could seek their teacher¡¯s intervention in the matter.


    ¡°Lay low?¡± Liu Wuxie dismissed the idea with a shake of his head. As an Immortal Emperor, he had never been so frightened as to consider hiding. Qin Shi was merely a vice-headmaster, and Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t regard him highly.


    If he were to hide upon his return, how could he face anyone in the future? Thus, without any hesitation, Liu Wuxie rejected Li Shengsheng¡¯s suggestion.


    ¡°Senior Brother Li, this is bad! Qin Shi ising in this direction with a group of people!¡± Wang Yonghao, who was guarding outside, suddenly ran into the courtyard.


    It had only been an hour since Liu Wuxie¡¯s return to the academy, and everyone already knew about it. Thus, it was natural that Qin Shi would rush over immediately.


    After all, Qin Shi had already dered that no one could prevent him from avenging Guo Zhong¡¯s death. Anyone who dared to oppose him would be treated as an enemy and expelled from the academy. This feud could only be resolved if the headmaster intervened.


    Since morning, Xu Lingxue has been feeling uneasy. Ever since she knew that Liu Wuxie had killed Qin Shi¡¯s son, she wasn¡¯t in the mood to cultivate for the past month. When she came out and heard that Liu Wuxie had returned, she instantly became anxious for him.


    ncing at the room where her master was in seclusion, Xu Lingxue bit her lips and walked out of the courtyard. Baili Qing opened her eyes the moment she left with a hint of disappointment.


    <strong>......</strong>


    A crowd of students had gathered, eager to see how the situation would unfold. Liu Wuxie had gained notoriety for his actions a month ago, when he had killed numerous students, viting the academy¡¯s rules. As a result, he was given tasks toplete or face expulsion.


    However, before Liu Wuxie had left, he had killed the vice-headmaster¡¯s son. Even though Liu Wuxie might have left, the academy was still shrouded in fear, especially when encountering Qin Shi.


    ¡°Junior Brother Liu, leave quickly! Teacher isn¡¯t in the academy, and no one can protect you.¡± Li Shengsheng pulled Liu Wuxie, urging him to leave immediately as there was still time.


    A few days ago, Jin Jianfeng had left the Imperial Academy. No one knew where he went; only Jin Jianfeng could protect Liu Wuxie in the academy.


    ¡°No one can leave this ce alive today!¡± A powerful shockwave tore through Liu Wuxie¡¯s courtyard as Qin Shi appeared.


    Liu Wuxie noticed a young man following behind Qin Shi, who must be Xiao Yanlong, the one who had ordered Fan Yeping to assassinate him.


    When Qin Shi appeared, his murderous intent filled the air, and it was clear that no one could prevent him from killing Liu Wuxie that day.


    Facing Qin Shi, Liu Wuxie wore a faint, fearless smile.


    ¡°It¡¯s my honor to wee the vice-headmaster to my humble abode!¡± Liu Wuxie bowed, leaving everyone speechless to see him so cheerful when facing Qin Shi.


    Qin Shi¡¯s gaze was venomous as he stared at Liu Wuxie, his murderous intent palpable.


    ¡°Speak, how do you want to die today?¡± Qin Shi asked.


    ¡°Why should I die when I¡¯m perfectly alive and well?¡± Liu Wuxie retorted, a smile still on his face as he faced Qin Shi. Thetter was only at the ninth level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm, not someone in the True Core Realm. This was why Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t fear him. The only inconvenience would be if he had to use his Immortal Emperor abilities, which could potentially damage his soul sea again.


    ¡°The reason is simple: because I want you dead!¡± Qin Shi¡¯s justification was as straightforward as that. If he wanted Liu Wuxie dead, then Liu Wuxie would have to die.


    The atmosphere grew tense as four to five thousand students gathered outside, curious to see how Liu Wuxie would handle the situation. However, they all knew that Liu Wuxie¡¯s days in the academy were numbered.


    Some students gloated, others sighed in pity for Liu Wuxie¡¯s impending demise, but most were indifferent, as the death of a student was amon urrence for them.


    ¡°What arrogance. I stand here today, curious to see who can kill me,¡± Liu Wuxie scoffed. If he didn¡¯t want to die, no one in the world could kill him.

 Chapter 190 - Clash

    <h4>Chapter 190 - sh</h4>


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s voice, clear and resonant, echoed throughout the area, earning him the admiration of many. If he survived this day, his reputation would surely spread throughout the Imperial Academy.


    The atmosphere grew tense as Qin Shi¡¯s face darkened and his fists clenched tightly. A powerful gust of wind emanated from him, stirring up the ground and indicating his growing loss of control.


    ¡°Vice-Headmaster Qin, you¡¯re at the pinnacle of the Marrow Cleansing Realm, and you¡¯re nning to attack a student?¡± Li Shengsheng stepped forward. There were no cowards in their Advanced ss Seven, and all ten of them stood in a line.


    Everyone nodded in agreement with his question. It was indeed unreasonable for the vice-headmaster to attack a student. If word of this spread, the Imperial Academy¡¯s reputation would be tarnished and be aughingstock.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need for my master to deal with someone like him. Allow me to handle it!¡± Xiao Yanlong stepped forward from the back, releasing his aura at the high levels of the Marrow Cleansing Realm. His aura was not weaker than Qin Shi¡¯s, which was no surprise given that he was one of the ten core disciples.


    He was a Heaven Grade student with a cultivation at the eighth level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm. As he stepped forward, Liu Wuxie¡¯s murderous intent surged.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, you¡¯ve recklessly killed innocent people, and today, I will rid the academy of this blight. Considering you¡¯re an Earth Grade student, I¡¯ll grant you the advantage of three moves,¡± Xiao Yanlong dered, his eyes shing with murderous intent as he looked at Liu Wuxie, eager to eliminate him immediately.


    Li Shengsheng and the others exchanged nces. They could have intervened with Qin Shi, but they were at a loss now that Xiao Yanlong had stepped forward. After all, Xiao Yanlong was also a student, and his status was far beyond their reach.


    The disparity in strength was too great. Liu Wuxie¡¯s cultivation was only in the Spirit Cleansing Realm, making him no match for Xiao Yanlong.


    The tension was intense, and a battle could break out at any moment. Liu Wuxie remained silent, knowing that a confrontation was inevitable. Defeating this master-disciple pair wouldn¡¯t be easy, and in the worst-case scenario, all three might sustain severe injuries.


    Suddenly, a figure appeared, positioning herself between Liu Wuxie and Xiao Yanlong. As she emerged, a delicate fragrance apanied her.


    ¡°Xiao Yanlong, you cannot kill him.¡± The woman who had appeared was addressing Xiao Yanlong, intervening on Liu Wuxie¡¯s behalf.


    Recognizing the familiar figure and scent, Liu Wuxie¡¯s lips twitched. He hadn¡¯t expected Xu Lingxue to step forward. She had rushed out upon hearing that Qin Shi intended to kill Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°How beautiful. When did such a woman join the academy?¡± The crowd was in an uproar at Xu Lingxue¡¯s appearance, captivated by her exceptional beauty.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you know her? She¡¯s the Vice-Headmaster Baili Qing¡¯s disciple. I heard she was brought back from a small town in the countryside.¡± Not many people were aware of Xu Lingxue¡¯s background, as she rarely ventured out in the academy. She spent most of her time in seclusion, which allowed her cultivation to skyrocket in just a few months, far surpassing her peers.


    ¡°I think I¡¯ve heard of her, and they say she¡¯s a peerless beauty. She¡¯s truly extraordinary now that I see her.¡± The surrounding students were deeply captivated by Xu Lingxue the moment she appeared.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it odd? Xu Lingxue is Vice-Headmaster Baili Qing¡¯s disciple. Why would she risk offending Xiao Yanlong for an ordinary student? This doesn¡¯t make sense!¡± Someone in the crowd voiced their confusion, wondering why Xu Lingxue had chosen to defend Liu Wuxie.


    Despite therge crowd that had gathered, only the students of Advanced ss Seven had stepped forward to support Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°I heard Xiao Yanlong has been pursuing Xu Lingxue. They should be a perfect match. But won¡¯t Xu Lingxue¡¯s intervention wound Xiao Yanlong¡¯s pride?¡± A few Heaven Grade students whispered among themselves, which Liu Wuxie overheard. He finally understood why Xiao Yanlong wanted him dead.


    ¡°Xue¡¯er, are you really nning to be my enemy for him?¡± Xiao Yanlong asked, a hint of pain in his expression. He couldn¡¯t defy his master¡¯s orders. Liu Wuxie had killed his master¡¯s son, and as Qin Shi¡¯s disciple, he was duty-bound to avenge Guo Zhong¡¯s death.


    ¡°Senior Brother Wang, you have no right to call me ¡®Xue¡¯er¡¯.¡± Xu Lingxue¡¯s face was cold. Aside from her parents, no one had ever addressed her in such a familiar manner. Judging from their conversation, it wasn¡¯t hard to tell that everything was Xiao Yanlong¡¯s wishful thinking, and Xu Lingxue had no favorable opinion of him.


    ¡°Who said that they¡¯re a match made in heaven? This doesn¡¯t seem right.¡± As the surrounding discussions grew louder, the voices became iprehensible. There were also many teachers in the surroundings, but they did nothing to stop because they wanted to see how this matter would progress.


    As Baili Qing¡¯s disciple, Xu Lingxue naturally had a high status. This meant that Qin Shi would have to reconsider killing Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°You want to be my enemy because of him?!¡± Xiao Yanlong inhaled sharply, a hint of rage shing across his face. Over the past few months, he had invested a great deal of effort in pursuing Xu Lingxue. However, it seemed that his affections were unrequited, as Xu Lingxue returned all the gifts he sent.


    ¡°That¡¯s right!¡± Xu Lingxue replied, surprising everyone, including Liu Wuxie. Everyone wondered if Xu Lingxue was insane to offend a core disciple on behalf of Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie suddenly smiled. Having grown up with her, he understood her personality well. Although she might appear gentle on the surface, she was stubborn and resolute, unlikely to change her mind once she had made a decision.


    The surroundings fell silent, and everyone was shocked by Xu Lingxue¡¯s reply.


    Xu Lingxue had learned about the events that transpired in Azure Billow City from Song Ling about half a month ago. At the time, the Xu n was in danger, and she was in the Imperial Academy. Liu Wuxie had stepped in and resolved all the issues. This meant that she owed Liu Wuxie a debt of gratitude, as without him, the Xu n would have been annihted, and her parents would have been killed. Not to mention, they were married and would remain husband and wife unless either decided to dissolve the marriage.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie,e out and don¡¯t hide behind a woman if you¡¯re a man! Fight me if you dare, and I¡¯ll even suppress my cultivation!¡± Xiao Yanlong¡¯s words were filled with anger, and he had clearly lost his rationality.


    Xiao Yanlong¡¯s words were particrly harsh, especially towards a man. If Liu Wuxie refused to fight, he would be utterly humiliated when the news spread.


    Xu Lingxue slowly turned around and looked at Liu Wuxie, gritting her teeth. She gently shook her head, signaling Liu Wuxie not to agree to the fight.


    ¡°Thank you for standing up for me, but this is a matter between us men. So let us resolve it in our own way,¡± Liu Wuxie responded. His reply was both expected and surprising. As a man, he naturally wouldn¡¯t hide behind a woman, and he would rather die standing than live on his knees.


    Xu Lingxue¡¯s eyes held a hint of disappointment upon hearing Liu Wuxie¡¯s response. Despite her pleas, Liu Wuxie remained stubborn and unyielding.


    Liu Wuxie ignored the disappointment in her eyes, but he understood her feelings all too well.


    ¡°Xiao Yanlong, even without the Guo Xiong incident, I would still be after your life!¡± Liu Wuxie dered, his voice filled with a terrifying murderous intent. This left many bystanders puzzled, as they were unaware of any previous feud between the two.


    Xiao Yanlong narrowed his eyes. Fan Yeping had not returned, which meant he must have failed. However, he couldn¡¯t figure out how Liu Wuxie had evaded an assassination attempt from someone in the Marrow Cleansing Realm. ¡°I¡¯m curious how you managed to make it back alive,¡± he said.


    No one could understand what Liu Wuxie and Xiao Yanlong were discussing, but they knew something must¡¯ve happened between them.


    As the tension grew, the Heretic de appeared in Liu Wuxie¡¯s hand with murderous intent sweeping out. Xu Lingxue was no longer able to intervene.


    ¡°You must be disappointed that I made it back alive!¡± Liu Wuxie taunted with a smirk.


    Xu Lingxue frowned as she overheard the surrounding discussions. Could Xiao Yanlong have attempted to assassinate Liu Wuxie and failed? If that was the case, Xiao Yanlong¡¯s actions were exceedingly ruthless for a core disciple. This revtion only deepened Xu Lingxue¡¯s disdain for him.


    ¡°Make your move. I will suppress my cultivation to the Spirit Cleansing Realm and won¡¯t take advantage of you,¡± Xiao Yanlong dered, his sword radiating a chilling aura. He was clearly impatient to begin the fight.


    The crowd retreated, forming a circle around the twobatants, fearful of being caught in the shockwave of their impending battle.


    Xu Lingxue bit her lip, her eyes filled with deep concern. If she had intervened to stop the fight, it would have been tantamount to embarrassing Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie and Xiao Yanlong disappeared like twoets. A mighty gale swept out, unleashing a powerful shockwave whenever they shed. When Xiao Yanlong unleashed a powerful sword aura, Liu Wuxie raised the Heretic de and unleashed a de intent, tearing the sword aura apart.


    They exchanged over a few hundred moves in the blink of an eye. Ordinary disciples couldn¡¯t keep up with them, and only Heaven Grade students could barely see the fight.


    ¡°How is this possible? Even if Senior Brother Xiao suppressed his cultivation to the pinnacle of the Spirit Cleansing Realm, it doesn¡¯t make sense that Liu Wuxie isn¡¯t dead yet.¡± The students supporting Xiao Yanlong were in disbelief at the scene unfolding before them.


    The sh of sword and de created a powerful shockwave that swept out, shattering numerous nearby houses. The force of their battle sent them flying backward, crashing into a wall.


    The fight was surprisingly evenly matched, and their formidablebat power left everyone in awe.


    Xiao Yanlong¡¯s face was grim. Each sh made his arm numb, indicating that Liu Wuxie¡¯s strength was not as straightforward as it seemed. However, he couldn¡¯t increase his cultivation because he had already promised to suppress it.


    ¡°It seems I¡¯ve underestimated you!¡± Xiao Yanlong eximed, raising his sword and releasing sparks of lightning. This was unexpected, as it revealed that Xiao Yanlong had mastered the attribute of lightning.


    Lightning was highly destructive, making such an opponent formidable. As boundless lightning gathered around Xiao Yanlong, it formed a sea of electricity.


    Liu Wuxie remained indifferent because his dantian didn¡¯t fear any attribute. He raised the Heretic de and pointed it at the sky.


    <strong>......</strong>


    A stunning woman appeared at the gate of the Imperial Academy.


    ¡°Third Sister, why have youe?¡± Chen Leyao asked as she greeted the woman.


    ¡°Take me to Liu Wuxie,¡± Chen Ruoyan requested, holding onto Chen Leyao¡¯s hand. Upon her return to the Imperial Academy, she had quickly investigated Liu Wuxie¡¯s background and had arrived as soon as possible.


    In the royal n, only Chen Ruoyan treated Chen Leyao not as an outsider but as a sister. As a result, the two shared a close rtionship.

 Chapter 191 - Protect

    <h4>Chapter 191 - Protect</h4>


    Lightning shed across the sky, forming a of electricity. Xiao Yanlong, like a meteorite, brandished his sword, gathering the sky¡¯s lightning to create a formidable sword screen that shed down at Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Great Thunder Sword Art!¡± As Xiao Yanlong executed his sword technique, the sky transformed, and darkness swallowed the surroundings. The lightning formed a that sealed off the sky, leaving Liu Wuxie with no choice but to face the sword attack head-on.


    The center of the battlefield was enveloped in lightning, and no one could see what was going on.


    ¡°I heard the Great Thunder Sword Art is an earth-grade martial technique. It¡¯s truly extraordinary to witness it!¡± Several Heaven Grade students muttered to themselves. They were clueless about where Xiao Yanlong had acquired the Great Thunder Sword Art, as an ordinary profound-grade martial technique couldn¡¯t possibly be this terrifying.


    Then again, even if Xiao Yanlong won today, there would be no glory in his victory as he was forced to execute an earth-grade martial technique against an Earth Grade student.


    Qin Shi maintained his indifference as he observed quietly. His son had died, and he now pinned all his hopes on Xiao Yanlong, whom he treated as his son.


    As lightning crackled, a bolt struck the trees on both sides, producing a sizzling sound and filling the air with the scent of charred wood.


    Under immense pressure, Liu Wuxie found himself at the heart of the battlefield. If he wasn¡¯t careful, the lightning could strike him down. The situation was dangerous, with no one helping him; he could only rely on himself to break this move.


    Xu Lingxue¡¯s fists were clenched, her eyes filled with deep concern. Despite knowing that Liu Wuxie was capable of defeating cultivators at the pinnacle of the Spirit Cleansing Realm, Xiao Yanlong was no ordinary opponent. His strength far surpassed those of the same cultivation level.


    When everyone felt that Liu Wuxie was doomed, a terrifying force tore through the lightning that enveloped him. The lightning around him exploded into mes and scattered out.


    A blue figure shot out from the mes, throwing a punch imbued with fire. This figure moved so swiftly that the naked eye couldn¡¯t keep up, and in an instant, this blurred figure appeared before Xiao Yanlong.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s resilience in the face of the terrifying lightning was unexpected. He not only withstood the attack but also managed to tear it apart. His counterattacks were swift and smooth. Before anyone could react, his punchnded on Xiao Yanlong¡¯s sword.


    This punch was heavy and powerful, shocking everyone in the surroundings. No one knew what fist technique this was to be so powerful that it was even more domineering than earth-grade martial techniques.


    In just two months, Liu Wuxie¡¯s growth rate had surpassed theirprehension. However, Liu Wuxie was still suppressing his cultivation to be in the second level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm and was not bringing out his full strength.


    Suddenly, countless swords appeared around Xiao Yanlong and shed down at Liu Wuxie. That was the manifestation of true essence, and it could only be achieved after reaching the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    Sensing the imminent threat of death, Xiao Yanlong began unleashing the seal on his cultivation, allowing it to rise.


    ¡°Toote!¡± He wasn¡¯t about to allow Xiao Yanlong to unleash his power fully. His primary goal upon returning was to settle the score with Xiao Yanlong.


    As Liu Wuxie moved rapidly, he executed the Nine Heavenly Crane Dance. This forced Xiao Yanlong to confront him directly, leaving him no room to evade the attack.


    Having no choice, Xiao Yanlong poured his true essence into the sword, forming a vortex, and faced Liu Wuxie¡¯s punch head-on.


    With an explosion, a mushroom cloud rose from the ground and covered the sun in the sky. A powerful shockwave also swept out, sending all the nearby students flying away and smashing into the houses.


    A silhouette burst forth from the vortex, the sound of bones cracking echoing in the air, and a spray of blood painted the sky.


    ¡°Long¡¯er!¡± Qin Shi dashed out and caught onto Xiao Yanlong.


    The defeat of one of the top ten core disciples at the hands of Liu Wuxie was unexpected. Despite Xiao Yanlong¡¯s self-imposed cultivation suppression, it was still shocking, given that Liu Wuxie was merely at the Spirit Cleansing Realm.


    The punch that had been thrown carried a deadly threat that many felt. It was not a punch a human could throw, but rather, one of a deity.


    Xiao Yanlong¡¯splexion turned ashen, his body riddled with broken bones. Liu Wuxie had also shattered his sword, his arm gruesomely exposed with bone.


    Xu Lingxue gasped in shock, her hand covering her mouth. She had been ready to aid Liu Wuxie, but the tables had turned unexpectedly.


    As the dust settled and the battlefield quieted, no one could keep calm. ¡°This youngster is too cunning, hiding his true cultivation level! If he can defeat someone at the pinnacle of the Spirit Cleansing Realm, why didn¡¯t he reveal it?!¡± Many were enraged, suspecting that Liu Wuxie had intentionally concealed his cultivation level. This suspicion arose when Liu Wuxie executed the Overlord Fist, his aura reaching the sixth level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm.


    Some people defended Liu Wuxie, saying, ¡°Xiao Yanlong wanted to kill him, so there¡¯s nothing wrong and unfair with Liu Wuxie concealing his actual cultivation.¡± If me were to be assigned, it should fall on Xiao Yanlong for his excessive confidence in suppressing his cultivation. Amidst various discussions, it became clear that there was no absolute right or wrong. In a life-and-death battle, anything could happen.


    Even if Xiao Yanlong brought out his full strength, Liu Wuxie also had the means to defeat him. He just couldn¡¯t be bothered to tell them.


    Qin Shi took a pill and fed it to Xiao Yanlong to stabilize his heart pulse. This meant that there was no immediate danger to Xiao Yanlong¡¯s life, but he needed a long period to recuperate from his injuries.


    ¡°Brat, not only did you kill my son, but you also severely injured my disciple. I want you dead!¡±


    Several disciples came forward to carry Xiao Yanlong. After resting briefly, Xiao Yanlong opened his eyes with malice reflected in his eyes.


    Liu Wuxie merely stood proudly with a hint of a disdainful smile hanging on his lips. He had executed that punch to kill Xiao Yanlong, but thetter had released his Marrow Cleansing Realm aura at the veryst moment and barely survived.


    Xu Lingxue moved and stood before Liu Wuxie after hearing what Qin Shi said.


    ¡°Xu Lingxue, I¡¯ve been tolerating you since earlier, given that you¡¯re Baili Qing¡¯s disciple. Don¡¯t me me for killing you as well if you continue to stand in my way!¡± Qin Shi was on the verge of exploding and determined to kill whoever dared to interfere.


    The atmosphere was tense as everyone held their breath. Even Li Shengsheng and his group were at a loss for words. It wasmon knowledge that Liu Wuxie had used the strategy of hiding his cultivation to ovee Xiao Yanlong, who had lowered his cultivation for the battle. This implied that Liu Wuxie¡¯s chances of victory in a fair fight were slim.


    ¡°Vice-Headmaster Qin, as an elder, aren¡¯t you ashamed to attack a junior?¡±


    Xu Lingxue¡¯s steadfast decision to protect Liu Wuxie puzzled everyone. Her continuous defense of him led to spection about their rtionship, especially considering her stunning beauty. This caused a wave of discontent among many, whobeled Liu Wuxie as a coward.


    In the crowd, Xue Yu stood with his fists clenched. He was aware that the two were a married couple, and he also knew that Liu Wuxie had surpassed him in a matter of months. Reflecting on his past visit to Azure Billow City, Xue Yu questioned whether he had made a mistake by provoking such a formidable adversary.


    ¡°If you wish to perish alongside him, then so be it!¡± A violent shockwave erupted from Qin Shi, encapsting the entire area and creating a barrier.


    As Liu Wuxie watched Xu Lingxue, he was filled withplex emotions that he couldn¡¯t articte. Their rtionship was a delicate bnce, akin to both friendship and kinship.


    Standing on a far-away roof, Baili Qing waved the Taoist fly-whisk in her hand and was prepared to rescue Xu Lingxue at any moment. She was indifferent to Liu Wuxie¡¯s fate and hoped for his swift demise, believing that it would allow Xu Lingxue to let go of her worldly attachments and concentrate on her cultivation. Having cut off her own worldly emotions, Baili Qing naturally wished the same for her disciple.


    ¡°You can leave. This is my affair,¡± Liu Wuxie said, asking Xu Lingxue to leave and not get involved.


    Xu Lingxue turned around and looked into Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes for a minute before she responded, ¡°You defended the Xu n, and now that you¡¯re in danger, I will protect you.¡±


    Xu Lingxue wanted to protect Liu Wuxie; she was that straightforward.


    Liu Wuxie was ovee with a wave of emotion that left him speechless. He felt a lump in his throat, as no one had ever offered to protect him before. As a former Immortal Emperor, he was always the protector, not the protected. The sudden role reversal left him feeling disoriented. Xu Lingxue had found a ce in his heart from the very beginning.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t meet my end here,¡± Liu Wuxie assured her, his smile as bright as it was back in Azure Billow City when he faced challenges from the Wan and Tian ns.


    ¡°Have you two finished? If so, prepare to meet your end!¡± Qin Shi grew impatient. He raised his hand, releasing a massive palm made of pure essence. As a cultivator at the peak of the Marrow Cleansing Realm, he could mold his true essence into any form.


    His palm, resembling a tiger ready to strike, lunged at Liu Wuxie. The force of the attack caused the ground to shake and a violet wind to blow, snapping Liu Wuxie¡¯s hairband and letting his hair fly freely in the wind.


    ¡°Leave! He won¡¯t dare to kill me!¡± Xu Lingxue drew her sword and faced the iing palm attack head-on. She was confident that her master wouldn¡¯t stand by and let her be killed.


    Seeing the delicate figure standing before him, Liu Wuxie was taken aback. Then, a surge of energy erupted from his dantian, and he roared, ¡°Old fool, if you dare harm a single hair on her head, I¡¯ll annihte your entire n!¡±


    Liu Wuxie was engulfed in mes, and an overwhelming fire energy illuminated the battlefield. He was seething with anger as he executed the Overlord Fist; his true essence formed a pair of wings, lifting him into the air.


    The true essence Liu Wuxie released was no weaker than Qin Shi¡¯s. This surprised everyone, as they hadn¡¯t expected Liu Wuxie to be still hiding his strength. Perhaps this was his true power.


    ¡°The two of you will die today!¡± Qin Shi lost his patience. He was shocked by Liu Wuxie¡¯s strength and couldn¡¯t imagine how strong thetter would be if he continued to grow. Perhaps only someone in the True Core Realm could kill him then.


    ¡°Who dares to kill Liu Wuxie?!¡± A green figure rushed into the battlefield, disrupting everyone¡¯s rhythm.


    Qin Shi and Liu Wuxie were about to fight, but the sudden appearance of this individual forced them to stop, demanding their attention.

 Chapter 192 - Dumbfounded

    <h4>Chapter 192 - Dumbfounded</h4>


    Liu Wuxie was prepared to use all the fire energy to engrave immortal runes and kill Qin Shi, even if he might be heavily injured.


    The abrupt arrival of a stranger halted the ongoing battle between Liu Wuxie and Qin Shi, causing them to shift their attention towards him. When recognizing this person, Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t help but disy a peculiar expression.


    Rest assured, no one can harm you while I¡¯m here!¡± Chen Ruoyan had returned to the Imperial City ten days prior and immediately began looking into Liu Wuxie¡¯s background.


    She had fortuitously left the pce and arrived at the Imperial Academy just in time. Had Liu Wuxie not been present in the Scarlet Dragon Association, she would have fallen victim to Qian Kun, let alone the fact that Liu Wuxie had risked his life to rescue her from Blood Bat. He had saved her life twice, and she was yet to repay him.


    Chen Ruoyan moved to stand beside Liu Wuxie, their proximity giving the impression of a couple, which left the crowd in a state of surprise. The presence of Xu Lingxue alone had been enough to stir them, but now there was another woman, equally beautiful. They wondered what Liu Wuxie had done to earn the support of two such stunning women.


    ¡°Why are you here?¡± Liu Wuxie asked with a touch of surprise in his voice. He hadn¡¯t expected Chen Ruoyan to seek him out at the Imperial Academy.


    ¡°Why can¡¯t Ie here?¡± Chen Ruoyan retorted yfully. Despite being a few years older than Liu Wuxie, she was behaving quite childishly.


    Liu Wuxie suddenly felt a fiery gaze directed at him, making his heart drop. He noticed Xu Lingxue looking at him with a hint of anger in her eyes. He quickly stepped back, maintaining a distance from Chen Ruoyan in case Xu Lingxue misunderstood.


    When Chen Ruoyan¡¯s gaze met Xu Lingxue¡¯s, both women were taken aback by each other¡¯s beauty. Xu Lingxue had an air of nobility about her that was impossible to replicate. Her demeanor was akin to an orchid, aloof and noble, almost fairy-like.


    In contrast, Chen Ruoyan was like a rose, fragrant but covered in thorns. As the two women stood on either side of Liu Wuxie, many people couldn¡¯t help but feel envious of him.


    ¡°Who is she?¡± Both women echoed the question simultaneously. Xu Lingxue was curious about Chen Ruoyan¡¯s identity, and the same was true for Chen Ruoyan about Xu Lingxue. Women have a keen sense of intuition, and Xu Lingxue immediately sensed that the rtionship between Liu Wuxie and Chen Ruoyan was not simple.


    Chen Ruoyan, who carried herself with the pride of a peacock, also questioned Liu Wuxie about Xu Lingxue¡¯s identity. This sudden turn of events gave Liu Wuxie a headache as he struggled to find the right words to exin the situation. Sensing Xu Lingxue¡¯s intense gaze, he gathered his courage and introduced Chen Ruoyan, ¡°This is the third princess of the Great Yan Dynasty, Chen Ruoyan.¡±


    Although their marriage had not been consummated, they were legally married. Therefore, Xu Lingxue had every right to question the sudden appearance of another woman in Liu Wuxie¡¯s life.


    ¡°I see. Lady Chen, it¡¯s a pleasure to meet you!¡± Xu Lingxue greeted, cupping her fists together in a traditional gesture. She then moved to Liu Wuxie¡¯s side and took his arm, causing a stir among the onlookers.


    The sight of such a beauty clinging to Liu Wuxie¡¯s arm caused an uproar among the crowd, driving many Heaven Grade students to the brink of insanity. Xu Lingxue¡¯s unexpected action left Chen Ruoyan at a loss for words.


    ¡°Big Brother Liu, aren¡¯t you going to introduce me to this woman?¡± Chen Ruoyan asked, her voice coquettish despite being a few years older than Liu Wuxie. As she spoke, she took Liu Wuxie¡¯s other arm.


    Just as Liu Wuxie was about to introduce Xu Lingxue, she interjected, ¡°I¡¯m his wife. Lady Chen, I would appreciate it if you could maintain some distance.¡±


    Xu Lingxue¡¯s words left everyone dumbfounded, including Liu Wuxie. Chen Ruoyan¡¯s arms froze mid-air, uncertain how she should respond to this situation. Since she had investigated Liu Wuxie¡¯s background, she naturally knew that Liu Wuxie was married. But she didn¡¯t expect Liu Wuxie¡¯s wife to be so beautiful and bold to announce their rtionship publicly.


    Baili Qing sighed, ncing at Xu Lingxue before leaving.


    ¡°I know who you are. Your name is Xu Lingxue, and you¡¯re betrothed to him. But on your wedding night, you nearly beat him to death outside the wedding chamber. In reality, you haven¡¯t consummated your marriage, and you two are only married in name. You¡¯ve looked down on Big Brother Liu since you were young. Am I right about that?¡± Chen Ruoyan wore a cunning smile, as she had investigated everything about Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Since you know he¡¯s my husband, you should maintain your distance from him,¡± Xu Lingxue responded, and her reply surprised Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°You two haven¡¯t consummated your marriage yet, and you dislike Big Brother Liu. How about you hand him over to me?¡± Chen Ruoyan was the only one bold enough to make such a public deration. To utter such words as a woman, how would she secure a marriage in the future?


    ¡°Firstly, this is our business, and we don¡¯t owe you an exnation. Secondly, he¡¯s a human being, not a possession. So, I can¡¯t just casually hand him over to you,¡± Xu Lingxue responded. Her reply might have seemed weak, but Chen Ruoyan couldn¡¯t refute it.


    If they had an issue, it was their affair, and outsiders had no right to interfere.


    Just as Chen Ruoyan was about to speak again, Liu Wuxie interjected, ¡°Lady Chen, there might be some misunderstanding between us. If there¡¯s nothing else, please leave.¡± Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t want to involve more people in this matter, and his words implied that they were merely friends.


    ¡°The more you want me to leave, the more I want to stay.¡± Chen Ruoyan pouted and stood by the side. From a young age, she had been ustomed to everyone yielding to her, and no one dared to oppose her.


    Letting go of Liu Wuxie¡¯s arm, Xu Lingxue stood by the side with a slight smile. The atmosphere was a little stiff with the appearance of the third princess.


    ¡°Third Princess, please step aside. This person killed my son, and I want to avenge him,¡± Qin Shi said, suppressing his murderous intent. His palm was still brewing, and he was determined to kill Liu Wuxie, no matter what.


    ¡°Old man, this person is under my protection from now on. If you dare touch a hair on him, see what will happen!¡±


    Chen Ruoyan was fuming, and Qin Shi¡¯s words fueled the fire. She drew her sword and dashed towards Qin Shi.


    Liu Wuxie wanted to stop her, but it was toote.


    Qin Shi naturally didn¡¯t dare to fight back and could only keep dodging. The emperor doted on her even more than the two princes. He would soon face the royal n''s wrath if he dared to touch a strand of her hair.


    ¡°Third Princess, don¡¯t me me for being rude if you¡¯re still not going to stop!¡± Qin Shi was genuinely furious. If the Third Princess wouldn¡¯t stop, he could only restrain her before killing Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°I¡¯m not stopping today. If you dare to touch him, I¡¯ll fight you to the death!¡± Chen Ruoyan performed an entire set of sword technique that looked like a hurricane sweeping through. Her recent experience had helped her grow, and her strength had improved tremendously.


    When the two fought, Qin Shi could only dodge while Chen Ruoyan attacked fearlessly. This made Liu Wuxie and Xu Lingxue exchange a nce because none of them had expected this oue.


    ¡°Qin Shi, I know that you want to kill me. How about this: we¡¯ll set a date and sign a deathmatch contract. How about it?¡± Liu Wuxie stepped forward and roared, interrupting the fight between Qin Shi and Chen Ruoyan.


    There was no end to this fight if it continued, and no one would benefit. So, they might as well set a date and engage in a deathmatch until one side fell.


    ¡°Brat, you¡¯re trying to buy time!¡±


    Qin Shi was furious because he would¡¯ve killed Liu Wuxie without Chen Ruoyan¡¯s interference. He couldn¡¯t wait for revenge, but if Liu Wuxie set an indefinite date, wouldn¡¯t that mean he would never be able to kill him?


    ¡°Let¡¯s make it one month from now on the Deathmatch Stage. With so many students as witnesses, I believe Vice-Headmaster Qin won¡¯t refuse,¡± Liu Wuxie smiled. One month was enough for him to do many things, and there was a high chance of surviving even if he couldn¡¯t kill Qin Shi.


    One month was neither long nor short. Liu Wuxie¡¯s talent was evident to everyone, and who knew how powerful he would be in a month?


    The students who had joined the academy with him were struggling in the Xiantian Realm, while Liu Wuxie was already in the Spirit Cleansing Realm.


    ¡°Vice-Headmaster Qin, are you telling me you don¡¯t dare to wait a month?¡± Li Shengsheng taunted with a smirk. Liu Wuxie¡¯s suggestion of a month implied that he was confident handling Qin Shi after that period.


    Liu Wuxie had issued the challenge, and many teachers were watching. They were eager to see if Qin Shi would ept it. A refusal would make him appear petty, especially given his position as Vice-Headmaster. However, eptance would y right into Liu Wuxie¡¯s hands.


    As for the prospect of killing Liu Wuxie today, Chen Ruoyan was clearly not going to stand by, putting Qin Shi in a difficult position.


    ¡°Ten days! I¡¯ll only give you ten days!¡± Qin Shi dered, reducing the time to ten days after some thought, wary of any potential tricks from Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Let¡¯s take one step back and set it to twenty days from now,¡± Liu Wuxie said after pondering briefly. Killing someone in the pinnacle of the Marrow Cleansing Realm required strength and powerful martial techniques.


    In just twenty days, he couldn''t reach the Marrow Cleansing Realm. If he managed to reach the Marrow Cleansing Realm, no one could do anything to him besides cultivators in the True Core Realm.


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll give you twenty days!¡±


    Qin Shi agreed to Liu Wuxie¡¯s conditions to engage in a deathmatch twenty days from now.


    Since the establishment of the Imperial Academy, there had never been a fight between a student and a vice-headmaster. Liu Wuxie broke yet another record in the academy.


    The farce finally ended as Qin Shi left with Xiao Yanlong. The surrounding students began to leave and privately discussed what they had just witnessed.


    ¡°Return, or she might reprimand you again,¡± Liu Wuxie suggested, approaching Xu Lingxue. Ever since his admission to the academy, he had refrained from seeking her out. His avoidance was not due to ack of desire to see her but rather his unwillingness to witness Xu Lingxue being scolded by Baili Qing.


    Xu Lingxue hesitated, biting her lip. She had observed Liu Wuxie¡¯s transformation over the past few months, and he was no longer the wastrel he once was.


    ¡°I may return home in a few days. When do you n to go back?¡± Xu Lingxue inquired. She had been away for several months and wished to visit her parents.

 Chapter 193 - Invitation

    <h4>Chapter 193 - Invitation</h4>


    The Xu n was on the brink of extinction, but Xu Yilin had kept this from Xu Lingxue to avoid disrupting her cultivation. ¡°I¡¯ll apany you back to Azure Billow City in five days once I¡¯ve taken care of some matters,¡± Liu Wuxie decided after some thought.


    ¡°Okay. I¡¯lle find you in five days,¡± Xu Lingxue replied.


    After Xu Lingxue returned, Liu Wuxie and Chen Ruoyan left.


    ¡°Thanks for your help,¡± Liu Wuxie said gratefully. If not for her, the situation could have unfolded differently. He might have been able to defeat Qin Shi, but at a significant cost that could potentially obstruct his cultivation path.


    ¡°You¡¯ve saved me twice, and I¡¯ve only helped you once. So, I still owe you one. But don¡¯t worry, that old man won¡¯t be able toy a finger on you as long as I¡¯m here,¡± Chen Ruoyan assured him, her carefree demeanor intact. Liu Wuxie could tell she was sincere.


    Liu Wuxie merely smiled and said nothing about it. The feud between him and Qin Shi had to be resolved eventually, and he didn¡¯t want anyone to interfere.


    After a brief chat, Chen Ruoyan left with Chen Leyao.


    With his home in disarray and no other ce to go, Liu Wuxie decided to visit the Treasure Pill Pavilion. He knew he could not afford any errors in the uing battle in twenty days and needed to prepare thoroughly.


    The news of the death match between Liu Wuxie and Vice-Headmaster Qin spread throughout the Imperial City within an hour. However, the general sentiment was not in his favor, as absolute power often overshadowed raw talent.


    The battle between someone in the Spirit Cleansing Realm and someone in the pinnacle Marrow Cleansing Realm was a fantasy. Not to mention that Liu Wuxie only had twenty days to make aeback.


    All the inns and taverns were filled with discussions about this matter. Some people even set up a bet for it, and Liu Wuxie¡¯s odds of winning were less than ten percent.


    This did not affect Liu Wuxie. He entered the Imperial City, heading towards the Treasure Pill Pavilion. It wasn¡¯t impossible to kill Qin Shi, and he was pondering the most suitable and effective method.


    Liu Wuxie was acutely aware that a direct, brute-force confrontation with Qin Shi would not result in victory. However, he wondered if he could leverage opportunities to his advantage.


    In terms of skills, Liu Wuxie was unmatched. He was adept at alchemy, cksmithing, talisman crafting, and martial arts. Given that there were no shortcuts on the path of martial arts, he had to consider alternative strategies.


    While on his way, Liu Wuxie was intercepted by a young man who respectfully informed him that their headmaster requested his presence.


    ¡°Your headmaster?¡± Liu Wuxie queried, his brow furrowed in confusion.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. Vice-Headmaster Zhang Shuli of our Heavenly Govern Academy,¡± the youth said proudly. The Heavenly Govern Academy was now on par with the Imperial Academy, and their students received respect wherever they went.


    Liu Wuxiemanded, changing his initial inclination to decline the invitation. He reasoned that even if he declined now, the Heavenly Govern Academy would find another way to bring him to the Vice-Headmaster.


    Being in the Imperial City, he was not worried about the Heavenly Govern Academy causing him any public harm. Moreover, he was confident that his reputation would deter anyone from making things difficult for him.


    Moreover, Liu Wuxie¡¯s fame was a deterrent, preventing anyone from causing him trouble.


    Deep within the Imperial Academy, Fan Zhen sat at a table, his index finger tapping rhythmically. In front of him was a package containing several heads and the core of an Earth Scorch Dragon. These items were delivered by Li Shengsheng, acting on Liu Wuxie¡¯s instructions. Liu Wuxie had sessfullypleted the three tasks assigned to him.


    ¡°Headmaster!¡± Gong Ao walked in and bowed. He was a Profound Grade student, and it was unknown to others that he was the headmaster''s confidant. He was also the one who had delivered Liu Wuxie¡¯s punishment to him.


    ¡°Has the Heavenly Govern Academy sought him out?¡± Fan Zhen asked, having a rough idea of why Gong Ao hade to see him. Given the recent events at the academy, it was only natural for the Heavenly Govern Academy to seize the opportunity to recruit Liu Wuxie.


    Now that Liu Wuxie had a deathmatch with the Imperial Academy¡¯s vice-headmaster, it would be hard for him to stay in the academy. Thus, joining the Heavenly Govern Academy was the best option.


    The mistreatment Liu Wuxie experienced during his two-month tenure at the Imperial Academy was gradually brought to light, and the Heavenly Govern Academy was poised to capitalize on this situation.


    ¡°That¡¯s right!¡± Gong Ao has been tailing behind Liu Wuxie since he left the academy, and he had thetter¡¯s whereabouts like the back of his hand.


    ¡°Who approached him?¡± Fan Zhen inquired.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s rapid rise to prominence in just two months, culminating in the Nine Stars Illumination phenomenon, was undeniable proof of his extraordinary genius. A talent of his magnitude would undoubtedly shine anywhere, and the Heavenly Govern Academy would leave no stone unturned in their efforts to recruit him.


    ¡°Zhang Shuli!¡± Gong Ao replied.


    The room fell into a hushed silence, broken only by the rhythmic tapping of Fan Zhen¡¯s finger on the table as he furrowed his brows in thought.


    ¡°Headmaster, should we intervene? The audacity of the Heavenly Govern Academy to openly poach our students is uneptable!¡± Gong Ao suggested, his gaze fixed on the headmaster.


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing we can do if he¡¯s truly disappointed in the Imperial Academy. Just let it be,¡± Fan Zhen dismissed the suggestion with a wave of his hand after a moment of contemtion. Acknowledging this, Gong Ao bowed and exited the room.


    Fan Zhen was the only one sitting there when the hall returned to tranquility. He muttered, ¡°Kid, I hope you can persevere till the end and don¡¯t lose faith.¡±


    <strong>......</strong>


    The Supreme Pavilion, a renowned restaurant within the Imperial Academy, catered primarily to the nobility and was seldom open tomoners. This was due to the exorbitant prices of their dishes, which could bankrupt amoner with just a single meal.


    A pot of finely brewed Red Daughter Wine [1] cost ten spirit stones, equivalent to two months'' worth of resources for an ordinary student. It was no wonder that ordinary people couldn¡¯t afford this ce.


    Each dish was meticulously selected and finely prepared, with superb colors, taste, and fragranceparable to the food used in the pce. There were rumors that the owner behind the Supreme Pavilion had a huge background, and no one dared to cause trouble when dining here.


    A middle-aged man sat in an elegant private room, exuding refinement from his attire to his grooming. The room was adorned with exquisite dishes, creating a scene of sophistication. This man was Zhang Shuli, who had meticulously prepared for his meeting with Liu Wuxie, demonstrating the seriousness with which he approached their encounter.


    ¡°Young Master Liu, please!¡± As the door opened, a representative from the Heavenly Govern Academy ushered Liu Wuxie inside with a polite gesture. Once Liu Wuxie entered, the door was gently closed behind him. In addition to Zhang Shuli, a woman, dressed provocatively yet tastefully, was present to serve wine.


    Upon entering, Liu Wuxie¡¯s gaze immediately fell on Zhang Shuli, taking in his polished appearance. ¡°Young Master Liu, please have a seat!¡± Zhang Shuli rose to invite Liu Wuxie to sit. Without any hesitation, Liu Wuxie took a seat directly across from Zhang Shuli. The woman poured wine for both of them before stepping aside, ensuring a private conversation without the risk of eavesdropping.


    ¡°Come, let me toast to you. I¡¯ve long heard of your aplishments, and seeing you now, you truly live up to your reputation,¡± Zhang Shuli initiated a toast, raising his cup to Liu Wuxie. If word got out that the Vice-Headmaster of the Heavenly Govern Academy was toasting an ordinary student, it would undoubtedly cause a sensation.


    The two clinked their cups together and downed their drinks in one gulp. ¡°Hahaha! You¡¯re quite audacious. Aren¡¯t you afraid I might have poisoned the wine?¡± Zhang Shuliughed heartily, setting his cup down. Most people would be nervous in his presence, but Liu Wuxie remained calm andposed from the moment he entered. Zhang Shuli could tell this wasn¡¯t an act - Liu Wuxie was genuinely self-assured to his core.


    ¡°If you wanted to kill me, there would have been no need for such borate measures. You would have simply sent an assassin,¡± Liu Wuxie responded with a smile. He understood that the Heavenly Govern Academy had invited him with the intention of recruiting him, and they wouldn¡¯t resort to killing him before achieving their objective.


    ¡°Your maturity and perspective at such a young age are truly admirable. Allow me to propose a toast,¡± Zhang Shuli said. He had anticipated needing to persuade Liu Wuxie, but he was pleasantly surprised to find that Liu Wuxie had a clearer understanding of the situation than he did. This was why he found conversing with intelligent individuals so enjoyable.


    After three rounds of drinks, the conversation remained light and casual, avoiding the main subject. ¡°Vice-Principal Zhang, let¡¯s get down to business,¡± Liu Wuxie suggested, lifting his gaze and narrowing his eyes slightly. He had already shown respect to Zhang Shuli by partaking in three rounds of drinks.


    His interest did not lie in the conflict between the Imperial Academy and the Heavenly Govern Academy. As long as it didn¡¯t pose a threat to him, he wouldn¡¯t intervene. His primary focus was on his cultivation. His presence was due to the fact that the Heavenly Govern Academy had not wronged him.


    For instance, if a notorious viin who had caused numerous deaths treated him as a brother, would he kill this brother? Even if the Heavenly Govern Academy hadmitted countless atrocities and caused many deaths, what did it have to do with him?


    Their rtionship was currently peaceful, but the future was uncertain. ¡°You¡¯re a sharp one, so I¡¯ll cut to the chase. I¡¯m aware of your history at the Imperial Academy. If you¡¯re open to transferring to our Heavenly Govern Academy, I can help settle your dispute with Qin Shi,¡± Zhang Shuli stated, getting straight to the point.


    ¡°Do you believe I¡¯ll fall at the hands of Qin Shi?¡± Liu Wuxie asked with a smile. It seemed that everyone had already written off his chances of survival.


    ¡°You¡¯ve misunderstood. I trust that you have a strategy since you dared to challenge him. I¡¯m merely pointing out that Qin Shi is moreplex than he appears. However, I can mediate the conflict between you two,¡± Zhang Shuli rified, hoping Liu Wuxie would reconsider, given the life-or-death stakes.


    ¡°Interesting!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyesnded on Zhang Shuli, seeking answers in his expression. ¡°Settle the dispute between Qin Shi and me with just a word from you? If I¡¯m not mistaken, the Heavenly Govern Academy has influenced Qin Shi, correct?¡±


    Zhang Shuli narrowed his eyes as Liu Wuxie deduced the situation from his tone. This young man, who appeared to be only seventeen or eighteen, had the cunning of a seasoned strategist to infer so much from a mere tone or nce. ¡°That¡¯s not your concern!¡± Zhang Shuli rallied hisposure. He had anticipated a cordial meeting but had underestimated Liu Wuxie. It seemed everyone had underestimated Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Let¡¯s discuss the advantages!¡± Liu Wuxie expressed, showing disinterest in the other issues. Whether Qin Shi was affiliated with the Imperial Academy or influenced by the Heavenly Govern Academy was irrelevant to him. He had no authority to question it, and frankly, he didn¡¯t care.


    1. This wine is known as N¨¹ Er Hong, and it¡¯s a speciality of Shaoxing ?

 Chapter 194 - Fall Out

    <h4>Chapter 194 - Fall Out</h4>


    Liu Wuxie had other matters to attend to and didn¡¯t want to waste too much time here. Now that they had drunk the wine, it was time for them to get down to business.


    ¡°As long as you transfer to our Heavenly Govern Academy, you will be promoted to a Heaven Grade student and can enjoy the treatment of a core disciple.¡±


    The terms were generous, skipping to the Profound Grade and bing a Heaven Grade student.


    Liu Wuxie was in urgent need of resources. If the Heavenly Govern Academy could provide him with ample resources, he could reach the higher levels of the Marrow Cleansing Realm in half a year at most.


    ¡°It¡¯s hard for me to refuse your offer!¡± Liu Wuxie rubbed his nose and smiled yfully.


    ¡°Consider this as just an initial investment, not a measure of your potential. I hope you¡¯ll think it over,¡± Zhang Shuli said, sensing Liu Wuxie¡¯s interest and quickly adding that more benefits would follow if his performance was up to par.


    ¡°Thanks for the offer, and I¡¯m grateful for it. I¡¯ve had enough wine; I have other matters to attend to. I¡¯ll be taking my leave now.¡± Liu Wuxie stood up and bowed to Zhang Shuli, neither epting nor rejecting the offer. His attitude indicated that he acknowledged the goodwill, but he had some matters to attend to, and there were some things he couldn¡¯t agree with.


    If hecked resources, he could earn them. But he wouldn¡¯t betray the Imperial Academy as his feud with Qin Shi had nothing to do with the academy. He had shown respect to Zhang Shuli by not outright rejecting the offer and epting the goodwill. This wasn¡¯t out of fear but to avoid unnecessaryplications that could hinder his cultivation.


    Above all, Liu Wuxie was determined not to be manipted. If he epted Zhang Shuli¡¯s conditions, he would be at the mercy of the Heavenly Govern Academy in the future. He understood that the resources weren¡¯t free, and he would have wasted his life if he didn¡¯t grasp this simple logic.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, do you know the consequences of leaving this room?¡± Zhang Shuli stood up. His smile disappeared, reced with a sneer. Even his tone changed.


    Liu Wuxie paused and turned to face Zhang Shuli. Their eyes met, sparks flying, creating shockwaves that shed in the air. The intensity of their confrontation caused the tes on the table to start cracking.


    ¡°Bring it on. I¡¯m ready for whateveres,¡± Liu Wuxie dered, leaving the room without any hesitation. As a cultivator, he had always followed his heart. If the Heavenly Govern Academy chose to target him simply because he declined their offer, it would only reflect poorly on them, and his decision to refuse would be justified.


    As he opened the door, he noticed two students from the Heavenly Govern Academy standing outside, watching him leave the restaurant.


    ¡°Vice-Headmaster, did he agree to it?¡± The two students asked, walking into the room.


    ¡°Proceed as nned. Since he has refused us, we cannot let him live,¡± Zhang Shulimanded, standing with his hands sped behind his back.


    ¡°Roger that!¡± The two students left quickly, closing the door behind them.


    ¡°You¡¯re the first to dare to refuse my invitation, Liu Wuxie. Therefore, you must die!¡± he muttered to himself.


    <strong>......</strong>


    When Liu Wuxie emerged from the Supreme Pavilion, he went straight to the Treasure Pill Pavilion because he had little time left. He had to defeat Qin Shi in twenty days, so he had to be fully prepared.


    He had barely walked a hundred meters when he stopped abruptly. ¡°Is this the way the Heavenly Govern Academy operates? Killing those who decline their offers?¡± he sneered.


    Liu Wuxie found himself surrounded by students of the Heavenly Govern Academy, both in front and behind him. Their uniforms bore the ¡®Yong¡¯ emblem, a symbol of Prince Yongxian.


    ¡°Prepare to meet your end for rejecting our Heavenly Govern Academy!¡± they threatened. Ten students blocked his path, with another ten behind him. Shops on either side of the street quickly shut their doors, fearing involvement in the impending conflict.


    Bystanders swiftly cleared the area, leaving a wide space for the looming confrontation. Among the crowd were a few students who had previously invited Liu Wuxie to join the Heavenly Govern Academy. Their eyes turned red at the sight of him.


    ¡°You declined our invitation before, and now you will pay the price!¡± Gu Yunhe sneered. Despite being only at the high level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm, he seemed confident. This was surprising, considering Liu Wuxie had defeated Xiao Yanlong with a single punch just four hours earlier.


    During the Imperial Academy¡¯s assessment day, Sikong Nan and two students had attempted to recruit Liu Wuxie for the Heavenly Govern Academy. When Liu Wuxie had declined, Gu Yunhe had threatened to cripple one of his arms. Fan Yeping had intervened, and Gu Yunhe had vowed to kill Liu Wuxie someday. Now, two monthster, they were face to face again.


    ¡°Face me all at once!¡± Liu Wuxie challenged, his expression unchanging. He didn¡¯t bother to argue with their threats.


    Fighting in the Supreme Pavilion was forbidden. Zhang Shuli wasn¡¯t an exception either, and he dared not break the rules. He waited till Liu Wuxie left the Supreme Pavilion before making a move.


    There were twenty people here, fifteen in the high levels of the Spirit Cleansing Realm and five in the first level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm. This was a formidable lineup, more than capable of dealing with someone in the low levels of the Spirit Cleansing Realm.


    ¡°Has this youngster lost his mind? Why doesn¡¯t he flee? He¡¯s outnumbered and can¡¯t possibly survive on his own!¡± The spectators withdrew to a safe distance, murmuring amongst themselves. Many had heard of Liu Wuxie, but few had actually seen him in person.


    ¡°Attack together!¡± The Heavenly Govern Academy¡¯s party didn¡¯t dare be careless, as Vice-Headmaster Zhang had ordered them to kill Liu Wuxie no matter what.


    As twenty individualsunched their attack simultaneously from all directions, it created a formidable wave of force that sent nearby tables and chairs flying and shattering.


    Caught between these two waves of attack, Liu Wuxie was in danger of being crushed if he wasn¡¯t careful. The waves'' wind billowed his clothes, and the swords'' energy threatened to tear him apart if he remained still.


    His Heretic de materialized in his hand. With a gentle lift, he released the de¡¯s intent, which cleaved through the oing waves.


    The two groups were only a dozen meters apart, a distance closed instantly. Engulfed by the waves formed by the twenty attackers, Liu Wuxie¡¯s figure was swallowed up.


    ¡°I was hoping for a battle, but I didn¡¯t expect it to be over so soon.¡± The assembled experts showed a touch of disappointment. Some began to depart, considering this a one-sided ughter and presuming Liu Wuxie to be dead.


    Suddenly, a thunderous rumble echoed through the street, causing everyone¡¯s ears to ring. A fearsome vortex emerged, with Liu Wuxie at its epicenter.


    In the next moment, an overwhelming de intent unfurled, nketing the entire street. Blood sttered against the walls on either side before mes surged forth, engulfing the twenty individuals. Before they could even utter a scream, they were obliterated by the fire.


    The street plunged into an eerie silence as the battle concluded before they could fullyprehend it. Those leaving hastily spun around, rubbing their eyes in disbelief at the sight before them.


    Twenty students of the Heavenly Govern Academy had vanished instantly as though they never existed in the first ce.


    It was characteristic of Liu Wuxie to leave no trace behind. He sheathed his de, his face devoid of emotion, having lost count of the number of adversaries he had dispatched.


    The street was deserted, and a chilly breeze swept across, rustling the leaves on the ground. Liu Wuxie strode towards the Treasure Pill Pavilion with unwavering determination.


    It wasn¡¯t long before the news of the annihtion of twenty students from the Heavenly Govern Academy spread to every corner.


    Zhang Shuli was still in the Supreme Pavilion, waiting for news. But there wasn¡¯t any news even after an hour, and no one returned.


    At the gate of the Treasure Pill Pavilion, Liu Wuxie¡¯s arrival caused an uproar, as all the alchemists came out to wee him. This was because Liu Wuxie was the chief alchemist with a higher status than Master Mao.


    ¡°Master Liu, pleasee in. The youngdy has been waiting for you.¡± The news of Liu Wuxie killing the students of Heavenly Govern Academy had reached the Treasure Pill Pavilion, and they already sent someone out here waiting for him.


    ¡°Thank you!¡± Liu Wuxie followed behind and entered the core region of the Treasure Pill Pavilion for the first time. Climbing the stairs, he finally arrived on the ninth floor, where Mu Yueying stayed. It was forbidden for anyone to step foot without Mu Yueying¡¯s summon.


    Mu Yueyingyzily on a couch in the middle of the hall. She wore very minimal, lightweight attire, barely covering her private parts and exposing her legs. As sunlight streamed through the window, it cast a faint green sheen on her skin, making it appear as smooth and lustrous as jade.


    Although Mu Yueying¡¯s appearance was not as stunning as Xu Lingxue¡¯s, she was still an outstanding beauty.


    Upon reaching the ninth floor, the deacon departed, leaving a maid to guide him into the hall.


    ¡°Greetings, Lady Mu!¡± Liu Wuxie greeted, his face devoid of emotion. His eyes were clear, and he cupped his fists in greeting.


    Mu Yueying was taken aback when she saw Liu Wuxie. She had dressed in this manner intentionally, hoping to test Liu Wuxie. However, to her surprise, he remained unaffected by her appearance.


    Quickly, she picked up a cloak lying nearby and draped it over herself. ¡°You¡¯ve be quite the celebrity,¡± she remarked.


    Mu Yueying rose from the couch, her eyes sparkling. In just two hours, she had heard more than a dozen pieces of news about Liu Wuxie, each piece shocking enough to rock the entire Imperial City.


    ¡°Did you summon me for something important?¡± Liu Wuxie asked with a bitter smile. After lighting the incense, he took a seat opposite Mu Yueying. The maid exited the room, leaving them alone on the ninth floor.


    ¡°Indeed, it¡¯s a matter of great importance. Our Treasure Pill Pavilion is facing a crisis,¡± Mu Yueying confessed, her yful smile fading to reveal a hint of seriousness.


    It was indeed a rare urrence for the Treasure Pill Pavilion to face any trouble.


    ¡°What can I do to help?¡± Liu Wuxie asked, prompting a smile from Mu Yueying. Having been assisted by Mu Yueying twice before, he felt indebted to the Treasure Pill Pavilion. Now that the Pavilion was facing difficulties, it was only natural for him, as the chief alchemist, to step forward.

 Chapter 195 - Fifth-Grade Talisman Paper

    <h4>Chapter 195 - Fifth-Grade Talisman Paper</h4>


    It wasn''t trivial since it even troubled the Treasure Pill Pavilion.


    Indeed, the Treasure Pill Pavilion was not under the jurisdiction of the Great Yan Dynasty. In fact, the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, a renowned sect in the cultivation world, considered both the Pavilion and the Dynasty insignificant.


    If Liu Wuxie wished to return to the Celestial Realm swiftly, he would need to leave the mundane world behind and immerse himself in the cultivation world to elerate his cultivation progress.


    Mu Yueying rose from the couch and retrieved a porcin bottle from her chest, presenting it to Liu Wuxie. ¡°Examine this pill,¡± she instructed.


    After setting the pill down, she rxed into the chair next to Liu Wuxie and sipped her tea. Liu Wuxie opened the porcin bottle to reveal a brown pill, a color he had never seen before in a pill.


    ¡°The Treasure Pill Pavilion doesn¡¯t refine this.¡± Liu Wuxie remarked. He had practically seen all the pills sold by the Treasure Pill Pavilion, and he didn¡¯t recognize this one.


    ¡°The Cloud Xing Pavilion recently sold this. It¡¯s cheap and has decent effects, surpassing Golden Spirit Pill.¡±


    Just a month ago, the Golden Spirit Pill was all the rage, especially after Bi Gongyu began selling them to the Imperial Academy at a reasonable price. However, within a mere ten days or so, the Cloud Xing Pavilion introduced a pill that not only reced but also surpassed the Golden Spirit Pill.


    ¡°The Treasure Pill Pavilion holds a monopoly over seventy percent of the alchemy market in the Imperial City, while the Cloud Xing Pavilion only has a twenty percent share. How could they possibly pose a threat to the Treasure Pill Pavilion?¡± Liu Wuxie queried, setting the pill down.


    He had already analyzed theponents of this pill, but he was curious how the Cloud Xing Pavilion managed to catch up with a colossus like the Treasure Pill Pavilion.


    ¡°Do you know the Cloud Xing Pavilion¡¯s origin?¡± Mu Yueying ced the cup down and looked at Liu Wuxie with a hint of admiration in her eyes.


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t understand much about theyout of the True Martial Continent, and he shook his head at Mu Yueying¡¯s question. He didn¡¯t know the Cloud Xing Pavilion¡¯s origin and signaled Mu Yueying to continue.


    ¡°The True Martial Continent is divided into various regions: the Eastern Domain, Southern Province, Western Barren, Northern City, and Central ins. The Great Yan Dynasty is only a tiny dynasty in the mundane world located at the Southern Province''s border. I was dispatched here a year ago to manage the Treasure Pill Pavilion,¡± Mu Yueying said and paused briefly.


    This information was crucial to Liu Wuxie, who was determined to leave the Great Yan Dynasty sooner rather thanter.


    ¡°You¡¯re saying the Cloud Xing Pavilion belongs to another sect?¡± Liu Wuxie understood what Mu Yueying was trying to say. There was a possibility that someone formidable was dispatched to the Cloud Xing Pavilion, allowing them to surpass the Treasure Pill Pavilion in a short time.


    ¡°Within the Southern Province, there are ten prominent sects, and the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion is one of them. It holds the top rank in alchemy but only the fifth in martial arts. This ces the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion as a first-tier sect. However, there has been a longstanding rivalry with another alchemy sect,¡± exined Mu Yueying.


    Liu Wuxie was taken aback by the vastness of the Southern Province, realizing that the Great Yan Dynasty was merely a small offshoot of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    ¡°Continue,¡± Liu Wuxie urged after processing the information provided by Mu Yueying.


    ¡°I¡¯m aware that the Great Yan Dynasty won¡¯t be able to contain you, and you¡¯ll eventuallye across this information. As for the Cloud Xing Pavilion, they¡¯re part of the Azure Crimson Gate. They¡¯re also one of the ten major sects, and their alchemy prowess is on par with our Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. A month ago, a team of expert alchemists arrived at the Cloud Xing Pavilion. They refined arge number of pills, capturing half of our market share in just over a week.¡±


    Major sects naturally consumed a lot of resources, necessitating numerous branches to generate spirit stones. These were then transported back to the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion to aid their disciples¡¯ cultivation.


    The Treasure Pill Pavilion served as a resource collection tool for the main sect. As a former Immortal Emperor, Liu Wuxie quickly understood this. It exined why the Treasure Pill Pavilion seemed so deserted when he first arrived¡ªthe Cloud Xing Pavilion had usurped their business.


    ¡°The Treasure Pill Pavilion has dominated the market share in the Great Yan Dynasty for over ten years, and the Cloud Xing Pavilion couldn¡¯t hold a cradle to us. So, why did they suddenly dispatch people over?¡± Liu Wuxie remembered that since he transmigrated to this body, the Treasure Pill Pavilion had been deeply rooted in the Great Yan Dynasty, and the Cloud Xing Pavilion had little presence. Thus, it was weird that they suddenly emerged.


    ¡°The Great Yan Dynasty¡¯s rule has reached a critical state, and our Treasure Pill Pavilion has always supported the royal family. I suspect that someone must be behind the rise of the Cloud Xing Pavilion to confront us and sever our support to the royal family,¡± Mu Yueying said with a hint of murderous intent shing in her eyes.


    ¡°Did Prince Yongxian approach you?¡± Liu Wuxie inferred the situation from their conversation and asked. Mu Yueying looked at him with disbelief, as if she was looking at a monster.


    ¡°Are you truly only eighteen?¡± Mu Yueying began questioning whether Liu Wuxie was an ancient being residing in a young body.


    ¡°Absolutely!¡± Age couldn¡¯t be falsified, and he was indeed only eighteen.


    ¡°A month ago, Prince Yongxian came to look for me, hoping that the Treasure Pill Pavilion could supply them with 5,000 pills monthly, which I refused.¡± Since Liu Wuxie had already guessed what had likely happened, Mu Yueying didn¡¯t hide anything from him.


    The Treasure Pill Pavilion would sell about 5,000 to 7,000 pills monthly. If they were to supply 5,000 pills to Prince Yongxian, it would mean that many ordinary cultivators would no longer be able to purchase pills from them.


    The Treasure Pill Pavilion¡¯s main business was selling pills, and it didn¡¯t matter who they sold them to. This should have been a good thing since Prince Yongxian wanted 5,000 pills monthly.


    ¡°Why did you refuse?¡± Liu Wuxie asked. Since Mu Yueying refused Prince Yongxian, there must have been a reason behind it.


    ¡°He wanted us to refine the ck Shell Pill!¡± Mu Yueying said furiously, unable to contain her anger.


    Liu Wuxie fell silent. He would''ve also refused if he were in Mu Yueying¡¯s position. The ck Shell Pill was a forbidden pill mainly used to nurture killing machines as one would gradually lose their rationale and consciousness upon taking it.


    Most importantly, those killing machines wouldn¡¯t fear death, and they wouldn¡¯t die even if their heads were severed.


    The thought of him possessing 5,000 of these pills, enough to create an army of mindless killers, is indeed terrifying. Even the strongest of warriors would eventually sumb to such a relentless force.


    As the Great Yan Dynasty controlled the Terrabreak Army, Prince Yongxian would have to face it sooner orter if he wanted to rebel. This meant that this troop of killing machines would be his trump card.


    ¡°The Cloud Xing Pavilion rose shortly after you rejected Prince Yongxian¡¯s request. So, do you suspect that Prince Yongxian was behind its rise?¡± Everything became clear now.


    Prince Yongxian needed many ck Shell Pills monthly to nurture and sustain his troops. Thus, he could only look for the Cloud Xing Pavilion since the Treasure Pill Pavilion refused his request.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go back to the topic. Can you discern the profundity of this pill? All the cultivators in the Imperial City are crazy about it to the point of obsession.¡±


    Despite this, Prince Yongxian had refrained from acting against the Treasure Pill Pavilion. After all, in the eyes of the Heavenly Treasure Pill, he was but an insignificant country bumpkin who could be easily dismissed with a mere wave of their hand.


    Mu Yueying¡¯s only concern was the Cloud Xing Pavilion. If the Cloud Xing Pavilion continued to develop, the Treasure Pill Pavilion would lose its market share in the Great Yan Dynasty, and she wouldn¡¯t be able to exin this to the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s higher-ups.


    She had even consulted with the alchemists in the Treasure Pill Pavilion, but they were unable to devise a solution. Although the pill in question appeared ordinary, its effects were potent, surpassing even those of the Golden Spirit Pil.


    ¡°This pill is known as the Blood Mirage Pill, and it contains the Snake Demon Flower. Consumption will lead to addiction, causing difort if not taken regrly. The primary effects stem from the Snake Demon Flower, which stimtes blood flow. This gives the impression of the pill¡¯s potency, but over time, it gradually corrodes and weakens the veins,¡± Liu Wuxie exined, picking up the brown pill. He quickly analyzed itsponents using his Ghost Eye.


    Upon hearing this, Mu Yueying¡¯s eyes lit up. This meant that the problem that had been troubling them for the past month was now solved. Having identified the problem, the next step was to resolve it. However, this wouldn¡¯t be easy as they needed to inform the cultivators that this pill was toxic and that consuming it could put their lives at risk rather than benefiting them.


    The Azure Crimson Gate had always acted without caring about the consequences as long as they achieved their desired results. In their eyes, ordinary people were no different from flies.


    ¡°Wuxie, do you have a way to stop the Cloud Xing Pavilion from refining these pills? I¡¯m not worried about the Treasure Pill Pavilion¡¯s business. I¡¯m afraid that these pills might result in a dire consequence,¡± Mu Yueying frowned because this didn¡¯t just involve the Treasure Pill Pavilion but the lives of countless people.


    ¡°It¡¯s easy to resolve it!¡± Liu Wuxie wore a mysterious smile but didn¡¯t reveal the solution directly. Instead, he took out a paper and wrote down the method.


    As Mu Yueying nced at the paper, she cast a yful look at Liu Wuxie. ¡°I¡¯m a bit too old for you. If I were a few years younger, I might have fallen for you.¡± After carefully storing the paper, her mood seemed to lift.¡±


    ¡°Lady Mu, I need some materials.¡± After resolving the Treasure Pill Pavilion¡¯s problem, it was time to resolve his own.


    ¡°Take this medal. You have free ess to the Treasure Pill Pavilion¡¯s warehouse from today onwards. You can take as many herbs as you want, and there¡¯s no need for my approval.¡± Mu Yueying took out a medal and threw it before Liu Wuxie.


    It was fine even if Liu Wuxie emptied the warehouse with the medal. This exception was the first since the Treasure Pill Pavilion was established, and Liu Wuxie was the first to receive such a treatment.


    ¡°Thank you, Lady Mu!¡± Liu Wuxie gratefully epted the medal. He was in urgent need of a batch of herbs, and only the Treasure Pill Pavilion could meet his requirements.


    ¡°Stop calling me Lady Mu; it¡¯s too formal. You can call me Big Sister Mu. Feel free to tell me if you have any other requests.¡± Mu Yueying was in a good mood now that the problem troubling them for the past month was resolved.


    ¡°I wonder if Lady Mu can help me obtain a fifth-grade talisman paper?¡± Liu Wuxie asked. If he wanted to engrave runes, he would need special talisman papers, which were also graded. For example, one couldn¡¯t use a first-grade paper to make a third-grade talisman.


    Refining a talisman paper within twenty days was difficult as raw materials were limited. The best solution would be to go for those ready-made papers. This meant he would only need to be responsible for engraving runes on the papers.


    It would be challenging to kill Qin Shi relying on his strength, and the only method was to resort to talismans. This was because setting up a spiritual array on the stage wasn''t convenient, and Qin Shi wouldn¡¯t give him the opportunity either.


    ¡°If we were in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, fifth-grade talisman papers would be asmon as dirt. However, they are rare in the Great Yan Dynasty. I have some fourth-grade talisman papers on hand, but fifth-grade would be a little tricky.¡± Mu Yueying didn¡¯t even ask why Liu Wuxie wanted the papers; she was already thinking of ways to help him obtain them.

 Chapter 196 - Sneer

    <h4>Chapter 196 - Sneer</h4>


    Talisman papers were the same as pills with strict gradings. The fifth-grade talisman paper could only be refined by those with cultivation in the True Core Realm, which was the same for fifth-grade pills.


    If Liu Wuxie had enough materials, refining fifth-grade talisman papers wouldn¡¯t have been a problem. However, due to the scarcity of resources in the Great Yan Dynasty, he couldn''t gather them anytime soon.


    Fifth-grade talisman papers were asmon as dirt, like garbage, in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. However, it was a different story in the Great Yan Dynasty, and they could be considered treasures.


    ¡°If you can¡¯t find one, you can also prepare some fourth-grade talisman papers for me.¡± Liu Wuxie had no other option but to settle for the second best. If required, he would just use fourth-grade talismans to smash Qin Shi to death. But this meant it would be hard for him to catch Qin Shi by surprise, and the odds of killing thetter wouldn¡¯t be high.


    So if Liu Wuxie wanted to catch Qin Shi by surprise, he could only rely on fifth-grade talisman papers, as fifth-grade talismans wereparable to an attack from someone in the True Core Realm. Even if Qin Shi were in the Quasi-True Core Realm, only death would await him.


    ¡°Rest assured, I¡¯ll handle this. I¡¯ll secure a fifth-grade talisman paper for you in as little as ten days, or at most, half a month,¡± Mu Yueying stated after a moment of consideration. She must have devised a n, albeit a potentially challenging one. However, given that Liu Wuxie had helped her, she was willing to take the risk to help him as a token of gratitude.


    ¡°Thank you, Lady Mu!¡± Liu Wuxie expressed his gratitude and took his leave, allowing Mu Yueying to rest.


    Mu Yueying personally escorted Liu Wuxie out of the ninth floor and instructed a maid to guide him around the Treasure Pill Pavilion to familiarize him with the ce.


    As the chief alchemist of the Treasure Pill Pavilion, Liu Wuxie naturally had his independent alchemy chamber.


    ¡°Master Liu!¡± When Liu Wuxie came to the fourth floor, Master Mao greeted Liu Wuxie. The Treasure Pill Pavilion had been facing troubles recently, and Liu Wuxie¡¯s return brought them hope.


    ¡°Master Mao, you¡¯re being too courteous. In the future, just call me Wuxie; it feels morefortable to me that way.¡± Liu Wuxie replied promptly with a bow. At the headquarters of the Treasure Pill Pavilion, most alchemists generally treated him with respect, and none of them showed any signs of rejection.


    Despite Liu Wuxie taking over his position as the chief alchemist, Master Mao harbored no resentment towards him. Instead, he showed genuine respect, which Liu Wuxie could sense was heartfelt. This respect was further solidified when Master Mao learned about Liu Wuxie¡¯s sessful refinement of the fourth-grade Soul Converging Pill after struggling with the Golden Spirit Pill himself.


    In the realm of alchemy, precedence didn¡¯t matter; it was all about skill. Given Liu Wuxie¡¯s evident alchemy skills, Master Mao didn¡¯t find it embarrassing to address him with the honorific ¡®Master¡¯.


    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll be honored to address you as Wuxie in the future.¡± Master Mao was understanding and wore a hearty smile. The two looked like friends despite their age as they walked towards the alchemy chambers. The quality of the alchemy chambers in the Treasure Pill Pavilion far exceeded the Imperial Academy. After all, they had to refinerge quantities of pills daily.


    ¡°Master Mao, I must visit the warehouse to pick some herbs. I¡¯ll have to trouble you to lead the way.¡±


    After Mu Yueying¡¯s maid had escorted Liu Wuxie, she left, knowing that he could ask around to find the warehouse. With Master Mao present, he was the best guide.


    ¡°My pleasure!¡± They ventured deeper into the fourth level, where the warehouse was situated. This warehouse stored herbs that the Treasure Pill Pavilion had umted over a century.


    The Treasure Pill Pavilion had humble beginnings as a small herbal store over a hundred years ago. Its current status was a testament to the efforts of their predecessors.


    The person guarding the warehouse was an old man who sat on a rattan chair with his eyes closed. When he sensed someone¡¯s arrival, he opened his eyes slightly and nced at Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Old Mao, you¡¯re here for herbs again. I remember that you already came once in the morning,¡± the old man addressed Master Mao as Old Mao. From this alone, anyone could see they had a good rtionship.


    ¡°Elder Wen, let me introduce you. This is our newly appointed four-star alchemist in the Treasure Pill Pavilion, Liu Wuxie...I mean Master Liu.¡± Master Mao introduced. Since Liu Wuxie would visit the Treasure Pill Pavilion frequently in the future, he had to understand this ce well. That was especially the case for the elder guarding the warehouse because Liu Wuxie might have to interact with him daily.


    ¡°I¡¯ve heard of him. I didn¡¯t expect our new four-star alchemist to be so young. Old Mao, are you really ready to hand over the chief alchemist¡¯s position to him?¡± Elder Wen asked, his close rtionship with Master Mao allowing him to speak freely in front of Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Elder Wen, we¡¯ve been friends for decades. Let¡¯s not bring this up again, or I won¡¯t be so cordial next time. Now, let me take Master Liu into the warehouse to select some herbs,¡± Master Mao responded, his irritation clear. While he could tolerate Elder Wen¡¯sment once, he wouldn¡¯t stand for it being repeated, as it could affect his rtionship with Liu Wuxie.


    Throughout the exchange, Liu Wuxie remained silent, offering only a faint smile.


    "Elder Wen said, ¡°You¡¯re wee to select herbs, but you¡¯ll need thedy¡¯s approval first.¡± He didn¡¯t unlock the warehouse. Every alchemist needed authorization from Mu Yueying to retrieve herbs from the warehouse, a strict protocol to prevent wastage.


    This was mainly because Mu Yueying needed a grasp on the daily production of pills.


    ¡°Wuxie, do you have thedy¡¯s authorization?¡± Master Mao asked, looking at Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Is this sufficient for authorization?¡± Liu Wuxie asked, presenting the medal he had received from Mu Yueying to the two men.


    Upon seeing the medal, Master Mao nearly lost his bnce, while Elder Wen¡¯s face contorted as if he had swallowed a fly. The usual authorization only allowed for limited ess to the herbs in the warehouse. However, this medal granted Liu Wuxie unrestricted ess to any herb in the store, bypassing the need for higher-up approval.


    ¡°This is the General Medal of the Treasure Pill Pavilion. Its presence is equivalent to the presence of the pavilion master. With this medal, you have unrestricted ess to any herb in the warehouse,¡± Master Mao exined, a bitter smile on his face. He appeared to age significantly in that moment, as he hadn¡¯t anticipated Mu Yueying cing such high value on Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°May I proceed now?¡± Liu Wuxie asked, eager to expedite the process. His goal was to refine fifth-grade pills and ascend to the seventh level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm in one attempt.


    This would increase the sess rate of his engraving fifth-grade spiritual runes. After all, a fifth-grade talisman paper was precious, and he couldn¡¯t afford any failure.


    ¡°Please!¡± Elder Wen opened the gate to the warehouse, weing Liu Wuxie inside.


    As the three went in, Master Mao and Elder Wen followed behind Liu Wuxie, eager to see what herb he would pick. Master Mao had a learning attitude, while Elder Wen had a supervising attitude.


    The warehouse wasrger than Liu Wuxie had anticipated, housing a vast array of herbs from first to fourth grade, all neatly arranged. There were also dried herbs, and without guidance, it could take days to locate specific herbs.


    In the Treasure Pill Pavilion, the pill sales were fixed. For instance, Master Mao only refined fourth-grade pills, and the required herbs were almost identical, allowing for easy daily collection.


    If Liu Wuxie were to continue to search for herbs without assistance, he might not have found the herbs he needed in a day. As a result, he employed the Ghost Eye technique to expedite the process.


    With the Ghost Eye, Liu Wuxie¡¯s gaze prated the herbal shelves, bringing all the herbs into view for swift analysis. The effects andponents of each herb wereid bare before his eyes, ready for evaluation.


    Neither Master Mao nor Elder Wen disturbed Liu Wuxie, understanding the challenge of selecting from the vast array of herbs. Elder Wen, who was in charge of organizing the herb warehouse, would himself require half a day to make such a selection.


    As the minutes ticked by, Master Mao found himself on the verge of speaking several times, but he held his tongue. Liu Wuxie remained stationary, seemingly deep in thought.


    An hourter, Liu Wuxie let out a long breath.


    ¡°Wuxie, have you decided on the herbs?¡± Master Mao asked eagerly.


    ¡°I¡¯ve made my decision!¡± Liu Wuxie dered, striding towards the shelves that housed the fourth-grade herbs. Over the next few days, he would need to concoct several types of pills. His earlier analysis of the herbponents was also a consideration for which pills would expedite his attainment of the seventh level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm.


    The shelves were brimming with tens of thousands of fourth-grade pills, meticulously sorted by type. Some types boasted hundreds of samples, while others had only one or two.


    Liu Wuxie seized this golden opportunity, swiftly transferring the herbs into his interspatial pouch.


    Elder Wen watched with a pang of regret, as typically only Master Mao was permitted to use these fourth-grade herbs daily, while the other alchemists were tasked with refining third-grade pills.


    In a sh, Liu Wuxie had gathered thousands of these valuable fourth-grade herbs, showing no signs of stopping.


    This gradually made Master Mao impatient, who feared Liu Wuxie might deplete the entire stock of fourth-grade herbs.


    Elder Wen, armed with paper and brush, diligently recorded the herbs that Liu Wuxie was taking.


    Fifteen minutester, Liu Wuxie finally paused after collecting neen thousand herbs, yet his expression suggested he was far from satisfied.


    This sight made Elder Wen¡¯s lips twitch and his heart ache. After all, the Treasure Pill Pavilion¡¯s herb collection, painstakingly umted over a century, had been halved in an instant.


    ¡°How much are the herbs worth?¡± Liu Wuxie turned to ask Elder Wen. The herbs could no longer be valued with gold coins.


    Elder Wen didn¡¯t take long to calcte, and he said, ¡°20,000 spirit stones.¡±


    Liu Wuxie was taken aback by the high value of the herbs. He hadn¡¯t anticipated that they would be worth twice the amount that Blood Bat had managed to umte over half a century. The realization exined the grim expressions on Master Mao¡¯s and Elder Wen¡¯s faces earlier.


    ¡°Master Mao, how many fourth-grade pills are required to offset the 20,000 spirit stones?¡± Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t want to owe the Treasure Pill Pavilion any favor. Since he had taken half of the fourth-grade herbs from their warehouse, this would be a significant blow to the Treasure Pill Pavilion, and the best way was to fill up the gap.


    ¡°About five thousand!¡± Fourth-grade pills were rare in the market, and Master Mao could only refine ten-odd pills daily. He would need at least a year to refine five thousand spirit stones.


    ¡°That¡¯s about right. I¡¯ll help you all refine five thousand fourth-grade pills for free to offset the losses of the herbs.¡± Liu Wuxie calcted briefly, and the herbs could be used to barely refine seven thousand pills. If he handed five thousand pills to the Treasure Pill Pavilion, he would still have two thousand for himself. He didn¡¯tck fourth-grade pills, but he required fifth-grade pills to increase his cultivation.


    Elder Wen couldn¡¯t contain his skepticism any longer, scoffing, ¡°Who doesn¡¯t know how to boast? I doubt you could refine five thousand fourth-grade pills even in three years.¡± He had never encountered such audacity before.


    Master Mao also wore an expression of disbelief. After all, Liu Wuxie was scheduled for a death match in twenty days. Where would he find the time to refine fourth-grade pills?


    ¡°Who said that I¡¯ll need three years? One day is enough for me!¡±

 Chapter 197 - Ten Cauldrons

    <h4>Chapter 197 - Ten Cauldrons</h4>


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s bold im left Master Mao and Elder Wen nearly toppling over in disbelief. Elder Wen, inmed like a provoked bull,ughed mockingly. ¡°I¡¯ve never seen such arrogance. This is truly an eye-opener,¡± he sneered, itching to eject Liu Wuxie from the warehouse. He had reached his limit, unable to tolerate Liu Wuxie¡¯s audacious ims, especially when he was exploiting the medal given by Mu Yueying.


    ¡°Wuxie, you mustn¡¯t make such reckless statements!¡± Master Mao cautioned anxiously, reminding him that the Treasure Pill Pavilion could withstand a loss of 20,000 spirit stones.


    Dismissing them with a wave of his hand, Liu Wuxie exited the warehouse, unwilling to waste any more time arguing. Without fifth-grade pills, he had to abandon the idea of refining them, which meant his advancement to the seventh level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm would be dyed.


    As Liu Wuxie¡¯s Ghost Eye swept over the herbal shelves, his gaze narrowed when itnded on the area storing third-grade herbs. He quickened his pace, bypassing the fourth-grade herb section to reach therger area housing the third-grade herbs, where over a hundred thousand herbs were stacked like a mountain.


    Liu Wuxie pushed aside the pile of herbs and started searching for something among the third-grade herbs.


    This puzzled Master Mao while Elder Wen sneered, waiting to see Liu Wuxie embarrass himself. Elder Wen had decided toin to thedy in a while.


    ¡°Found it!¡± Liu Wuxie found a nearly withered herb among the pile. This herb only had a few leaves, looking insignificant as though it hadn¡¯t matured fully.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t this the Seedcore Grass?¡± Master Mao recognized the herb that Liu Wuxie was holding. This was amon herb that could be found everywhere, and it was an ordinary third-grade herb.


    ¡°The Seedcore Grass?¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s lips curled into an almost crooked smile.


    ¡°Wuxie, isn¡¯t this the Seedcore Grass?¡± Master Mao asked softly with uncertainty.


    ¡°The Seedcore Grass has triangr rhizome. But look at this one,¡± Liu Wuxie handed the herb over to Master Mao for him to take a closer look at it. t bore a resemnce to the Seedcore Grass, but something felt off.


    ¡°You¡¯re right. The Seedcore Grass has a triangr-shaped rhizome, and the roots should be red. It¡¯s hard to discern this from Seedcore Grass without looking at it closely. The rhizome is round with pale yellow roots.¡± This revtion sent a tremor through Master Mao, who realized that this might not be a Seedcore Grass.


    Elder Wen scoffed, ¡°Young man, don¡¯t speak nonsense. This is a Seedcore Grass. A batch came in today at a meager price,¡± his voiceced with disappointment that the newly appointed chief alchemist couldn¡¯t even identify the herbs correctly. He was determined to report this to thedy and expose this deception.


    ¡°Do you still have any more?¡± Liu Wuxie asked, ignoring Elder Wen¡¯s words. He knew that refining fifth-grade pills with just one herb was impossible, but if he had more, andbined them with fourth-grade herbs, he could potentially refine fifth-grade pills.


    ¡°Over here. They¡¯re freshly delivered.¡± Elder Wen pointed to a pile of herbs at the entrance that had just arrived. He hadn¡¯t had the chance to sort them before Liu Wuxie¡¯s arrival.


    Liu Wuxie quickly approached the pile. Using his Ghost Eye, he soon identified more fifth-grade herbs simr to the one he had previously found.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t these Seedcore Grass?¡± Elder Wen was stumped. These were fresh herbs, but they were Seedcore Grass, even if the color of their roots wasn¡¯t apparent.


    ¡°You two should have a record of herbs, right?¡± Liu Wuxie asked, suggesting that they should have reference books on herbs, which some alchemists typically carry. He proposed that Master Mao could use such a book forparison.


    Master Mao took out a book from his interspatial pouch and soon flipped to the page that introduced the Seedcore Grass. The herb recorded on it differed entirely from the one in Liu Wuxie¡¯s hands.


    ¡°This is weird...why is this Seedcore Grass different from the one in the book?¡± Master Mao was briefly stunned. Hepared for a long time, and there were some differences even if they looked close to identical.


    ¡°Wuxie, stop messing with us. What herb is this?¡± Master Mao asked anxiously, scratching his head in embarrassment. He feared bing aughingstock if he misidentified the Seedcore Grass, especially given his age.


    Meanwhile, Elder Wen looked on with disdain, convinced that Liu Wuxie was merely putting on a show. In his eyes, the herb was undoubtedly a Seedcore Grass, regardless of how it appeared.


    ¡°This is the Dragon Whisker Grass. It takes ten years to mature, and these are at least fifty years old. They might not beparable to hundred-year-old herbs, but they¡¯re still valuable,¡± Liu Wuxie said.


    Elder Wen nearly fell to the ground upon hearing that. The Dragon Whisker Grass was a fifth-grade herb and highly valuable. They would be aughingstock if they mistook a fifth-grade herb for a third-grade herb, as it was a tremendous waste.


    ¡°Old Wen, quick! Bring the book that introduces fifth-grade herbs!¡± Master Mao said anxiously. His book didn¡¯t include the introduction of fifth-grade herbs, and there was no way he couldpare them. Thus, he could only turn to Elder Wen.


    Elder Wen retrieved a worn-out book from an old cab and carefully turned the pages until he found the section on Dragon Whisker Grass. He was taken aback when he realized that the description matched exactly with the herb in Liu Wuxie¡¯s hand.


    ¡°H-How is this possible!¡± Elder Wen eximed, his forehead breaking out in a cold sweat as he realized the magnitude of his mistake.


    Master Mao was also dumbfounded because fifth-grade herbs were highly precious. Even if the fifth-grade herbs were given to him, it would be impossible for him to refine them into pills. But that didn¡¯t mean that he couldn¡¯t sell them to fetch a hefty price.


    ¡°Elder Wen, where were these herbs harvested?¡± Liu Wuxie inquired. The Dragon Whisker Grass must have been harvested from somewhere, and the person who had done so had mistaken the Dragon Whisker Grass for Seedcore Grass, selling them to the Treasure Pill Pavilion.


    ¡°These were collected from the Western Breeze Mountain Range by a mercenary group. They were gathered unintentionally,¡± Elder Wen confessed, his forehead slick with sweat. Remembering his earlier mocking remarks towards Liu Wuxie, he couldn¡¯t help but feel embarrassed.


    ¡°What a pity!¡± Mercenary groups typically wandered aimlessly around the mountain, making them difficult to locate as they primarily hunted demonic beasts. Moreover, Dragon Whisker Grass was only found in severe environments, and with so many harvested, they were likely now extinct.


    Liu Wuxie stowed all the Dragon Whisker Herbs into his interspatial pouch, with no intention of removing them. After all, these herbs were vital for his advancement to the Spirit Cleansing Realm.


    Neither of them attempted to stop Liu Wuxie, recognizing that without his intervention, the herbs would have been sold as mere third-grade ones.


    ¡°Master Mao, I¡¯ll trouble you to bring me to an alchemy chamber. Help me prepare ten cauldrons while you¡¯re at it; I want to refine pills.¡±


    As the Treasure Pill Pavilion¡¯s chief alchemist, he naturally had to help the Treasure Pill Pavilion. Not to mention that Mu Yueying had helped him multiple times, and he would feel guilty if something happened to the Treasure Pill Pavilion.


    Most importantly, Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t want to owe the Treasure Pill Pavilion any favors. He was a person who was clear about the debts and favors. He would repay those people who treated him well tenfold, and he would pay back a thousandfold to those who wanted to kill him.


    ¡°Y-you want to refine using ten cauldrons at the same time?¡± Master Mao was speechless, unable to find words to describe his feelings. Ordinary alchemists would refine using one cauldron at a time, which was the limit. It was unimaginable for someone to refine ten cauldrons at the same time.


    ¡°Just follow my instructions. Time is limited, and I have to start refining pills quickly.¡± Liu Wuxie was in a rush because he would visit Azure Billow City in five days.


    Master Mao didn¡¯t dare to dy. The three came out from the warehouse together, and Elder Wen locked the gate, nning to take a look as well. After all, it was unprecedented for someone to refine pills using ten cauldrons simultaneously.


    Sang Yan and the other alchemists, including Sheng Lian, were refining pills. But they were suddenly interrupted by Master Mao, who asked them to vacate and move their cauldrons to the four-star alchemist chamber.


    The Treasure Pill Pavilion had over twenty alchemists, and no one knew what was happening when they came out.


    They all had disbelief when they learned that Liu Wuxie was nning to refine pills using ten cauldrons at once. Some even had a hint of sneer as many people were unhappy with Liu Wuxie¡¯s status as the chief alchemist.


    This was because Jiang Yue had formed awork of connections throughout the years. Many people med and held a grudge against Liu Wuxie when Jiang Yue was kicked out of the Treasure Pill Pavilion. After all, Liu Wuxie was the reason why Jiang Yue was kicked out.


    Ten cauldrons were swiftly moved to thergest alchemy chamber in the Treasure Pill Pavilion. This chamber was used by Master Mao in the past. A crowd had already gathered outside the chamber by the time Liu Wuxie arrived.


    ¡°Have you all heard? Our newly promoted chief alchemist ns to refine ten cauldrons of fourth-grade pills simultaneously.¡± Two two-star alchemists chatted softly, who were taught by Jiang Yue throughout the years.


    Following Jiang Yue¡¯s expulsion, numerous alchemists sought out Mu Yueying, hoping she would rescind her decision. However, all their pleas were dismissed.


    ¡°This is ridiculous! I must let thedy know this man is just a show-off. This person isn¡¯t qualified to be our chief alchemist!¡±


    The position of a chief alchemist was highly esteemed, akin to a teacher, and all alchemists were expected to follow his directives. Many sects had a Pill Pavilion structure, with an elder responsible for selling the herbs refined by the alchemists and overseeing the entire Pill Pavilion. In the Treasure Pill Pavilion, Liu Wuxie¡¯s position was second only to Mu Yueying.


    ¡°Let¡¯s watch him make a fool of himself. We only have two hands, and I refuse to believe that he can refine ten cauldrons of pills at once.¡± Most of the people were scornful of Liu Wuxie, viewing him as overly arrogant.


    The youngest alchemist here was in his thirties, while Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t even twenty. So, how could they bear a youngster bing their superior?


    No one had any opinion when Master Mao was the chief alchemist as he was highly respected. However, when Liu Wuxie took this position, many people became unhappy. Many of them had even waited for Liu Wuxie toe to the Treasure Pill Pavilion, eager to make trouble for him.


    However, they did not anticipate that Liu Wuxie would stir up such a significantmotion upon his arrival after a month.


    ¡°If he can refine pills using ten cauldrons simultaneously, I will quit bing an alchemist!¡± A three-star alchemist spat angrily, and his phlegm nearlynded on Master Mao¡¯s face.


    ¡°Remember your words!¡± Liu Wuxie and his group of three emerged, their gaze fixed on the middle-aged man who had spoken. This man was nearing fifty, yet he was merely a three-star alchemist. What gave him the audacity to utter such words?


    Liu Wuxie was already well-informed about these alchemists, thanks to information provided by Master Mao not long ago. The middle-aged man who had spoken was named Geng Ye. He had been an alchemist at the Treasure Pill Pavilion for two decades, gradually progressing from a one-star alchemist.

 Chapter 198 - Fair Bet

    <h4>Chapter 198 - Fair Bet</h4>


    The role of a chief alchemist carried immense authority, even extending to the life and death of other alchemists. Along the way, Master Mao provided Liu Wuxie with information to consider, particrly regarding those with a unique rtionship with Jiang Yue.


    These individuals med Liu Wuxie entirely for Jiang Yue¡¯s expulsion and were naturally poised to seize the opportunity to oust him and reinstate Jiang Yue.


    Liu Wuxie surveyed the twenty alchemists present. Among them, Sang Yan and Sheng Lian offered him friendly smiles.


    Upon entering the spacious alchemy chamber, he found ten cauldrons already prepared and relocated from nearby chambers.


    ¡°Wuxie, are you nning to refine pills using ten cauldrons simultaneously?¡± Sang Yan walked over and whispered, urging Liu Wuxie to reconsider his choice. They didn¡¯t doubt Liu Wuxie¡¯s skills as an alchemist because they had witnessed it twice. But refining using ten cauldrons simultaneously was a bit of a stretch, even for them.


    ¡°Time is limited, and I can only try it.¡± Liu Wuxie understood that it was Sang Yan¡¯s well-intentioned reminder. He believed that since his fire attribute was activated, it should be fine for him to refine twenty cauldrons of pills with his skills. He just didn¡¯t expect it to cause such a hugemotion.


    ¡°He¡¯s nothing more than a show-off. Does he believe his four-star alchemist status gives him the right to squander the resources of the Treasure Pill Pavilion? I wager none of you are aware that he¡¯s taken over ten thousand herbs from the warehouse,¡± Geng Ye retorted, refusing to back down.


    The few people around him were likely part of his group. His voice resonated in the spacious alchemy chamber, a room farrger than the average, designed for the chief alchemist. Even with over twenty people present, it didn¡¯t feel cramped.


    ¡°Geng Ye, why do you persist in belittling the chief alchemist?¡± The crowd was divided into several groups. Geng Ye and his faction of five stood to the right, while Sang Yan and Sheng Lian positioned themselves to the left. A few chose neutrality, opting out of the dispute.


    The one who posed the question was Gao Hong, a two-star alchemist. Despite his lower rank, he had been mentored by Sang Yan over the years, forming a bond that was part mentorship, part friendship.


    Sang Yan¡¯s position was unequivocal¡ªhe was in Liu Wuxie¡¯s corner.


    ¡°Gao Hong, who do you think you are to speak here? Don¡¯t forget, you¡¯re merely a two-star alchemist.¡± The two factions were locked in a heated debate, hurling insults at each other.


    ¡°Geng Ye, weren¡¯t you once a two-star alchemist yourself?¡± Gao Hong, who was younger, retorted, his face turning pale with anger. To belittle someone based on their lower rank was a clear sign of hostility. After all, everyone starts from the bottom and gradually climbs up.


    ¡°We stand with Master Mao as the chief disciple. Those in agreement, raise your hands!¡± Geng Ye smirked, raising his hand first. His four allies quickly followed suit, showing their support for Master Mao as the chief alchemist.


    The eight alchemists who had chosen to remain neutral merely exchanged nces before deciding to stay silent.


    This left Geng Ye and his group looking foolish, raising their hands without any support from the others. When Liu Wuxie was undergoing his alchemist assessment, only Sang Yan and Sheng Lian were present. The other alchemists had only heard rumors about it; they hadn¡¯t witnessed Liu Wuxie¡¯s rumored alchemy skills firsthand.


    After all, it wasmon for rumors to be exaggerated, and they still doubted Liu Wuxie¡¯s alchemy skills.


    Elder Wen remained silent, a subtle smirk ying on his lips. He was aware that Liu Wuxie had taken more than ten thousand herbs from the Treasure Pill Pavilion. If Liu Wuxie failed to produce 5,000 pills today, Elder Wen was prepared to challenge hispetence as the chief alchemist.


    Liu Wuxie, for his part, remained unperturbed despite the tension in the room. He understood that Geng Ye was merely trying to provoke him. After all, pills crafted in a state of anger could contain a trace of hostility, potentially causing harm to those who consumed them.


    Geng Ye¡¯s words were a calcted attempt to set Liu Wuxie up for failure. If Liu Wuxie were to fail, it would provide them with a pretext to oppose him.


    ¡°Geng Ye cut it out. Master Liu is worthy of his position, and I¡¯m the first to support him as the chief alchemist. Are you questioning thedy¡¯s decision?¡± Master Mao intervened. After all, Geng Ye had mentioned him multiple times, attempting to pull him on their side to target Liu Wuxie.


    If Master Mao were to oppose Liu Wuxie openly, it could sway the alchemists who had so far chosen to remain neutral.


    The individuals present were significantly older and held higher positions within the Treasure Pill Pavilion. It was undeniable that Liu Wuxie was considerably younger, a fact that didn¡¯t sit well with those ustomed to their high-ranking positions.


    ¡°Master Mao, you¡¯ve been misled by him. Only you are deserving of the title of chief alchemist in our eyes. He is not!¡± Geng Ye dered, his four allies echoing his sentiment.


    The neutral alchemists nodded in agreement. Geng Ye¡¯s words resonated with them. Master Mao had served as the chief alchemist for many years, demonstrating consistent diligence. The sudden removal of Master Mao from his position was something they found hard to ept.


    ¡°And how might I prove myself worthy of the title of chief alchemist?¡± Liu Wuxie asked, a smirk on his face as he nced at Geng Ye after inspecting the cauldron.


    ¡°As long as you earn our respect, we will naturally acknowledge you as the chief disciple.¡± They would naturally cease causing trouble for Liu Wuxie if his performance demonstrated his worthiness of the position.


    ¡°And how might I aplish that?¡± Liu Wuxie inquired, maintaining a calm demeanor and a bright smile.


    ¡°I¡¯ve heard from Elder Wen that you aim to refine 5,000 fourth-grade pills in a single day. If you can achieve this, I¡¯ll leave immediately and never refine pills again. But if you fail...¡± Geng Ye sneered, recalling Elder Wen¡¯s vague reference to the situation in the warehouse.


    ¡°And what if I don¡¯t seed?¡± Liu Wuxie asked, his smile broadening as he anticipated Geng Ye¡¯s response.


    ¡°If you fail, you must leave the Treasure Pill Pavilion and never practice alchemy again.¡± The terms were fair: if Liu Wuxie seeded, Geng Ye would leave, and vice versa. Geng Ye was adamant about not epting Liu Wuxie as their chief alchemist.


    ¡°And does this apply to the rest of you as well?¡± Liu Wuxie turned his gaze to the alchemists standing behind Geng Ye¡ªZhang Dejun, Zou Tao, Yu Zhong, and Xiao Li, who were also supporters of Jiang Yue.


    The four exchanged a look and reached a consensus.


    ¡°Indeed. If you can refine 5,000 fourth-grade pills in a day, we will surrender our alchemist medals and never practice alchemy again.¡± To them, giving up alchemy was akin to a cultivator being forbidden from using true essence¡ªit was equivalent to crippling their cultivation.


    In the True Martial Continent, a cultivator would be considered crippled if their dantian was damaged, and an alchemist would be crippled if they were barred from practicing alchemy. In this context, cripples were deemed less valuable than dogs.


    ¡°Very well, let everyone here bear witness. This wager is fair to both parties. If I manage to refine 5,000 fourth-grade pills in a day, these five will renounce their titles as alchemists and be expelled from the Treasure Pill Pavilion. If I fail, I will leave the Treasure Pill Pavilion and never practice alchemy again.¡± Liu Wuxie agreed to Geng Ye¡¯s wager, sweeping his gaze over the other alchemists.


    It was already toote for Sang Yan to intervene, and this was Geng Ye¡¯s plot. After all, how could someone possibly refine 5,000 fourth-grade pills in a day? They believed in Liu Wuxie¡¯s alchemy skills, but the quantity was insane.


    ¡°Wuxie, don¡¯t agree to it!¡± Master Mao, Sang Yan, and Sheng Lian stepped forward, attempting to dissuade Liu Wuxie.


    Mu Yueying had appointed Liu Wuxie as the chief alchemist, and Geng Ye had no right to make such demands.


    ¡°Thank you all for your goodwill, but I¡¯ve made up my mind!¡± Liu Wuxie stopped them from speaking any further. He was newly appointed as the chief alchemist, and even those who maintained neutrality wouldn¡¯t be convinced if he didn¡¯t demonstrate his skills.


    Even if they wouldn¡¯t publicly say anything because of Mu Yueying, they would ridicule him behind his back. If he wanted to make them submit entirely, the best way was to disy his strength and crush them, forcing them to shut their mouths. Since it had alreadye this far, it was toote to go back on the bet.


    ¡°Gao Hong, Senior Sang, and Senior Sheng, please process the herbs ording to this form.¡± The process of refining the herbs was time-consuming and wasn¡¯t included in the pill-refining timeframe.


    He provided them with five forms in total. This act of sharing the intricacies of refining fifth-grade pills was a generous gesture that took many by surprise.


    While most pill forms were publicly avable, there were a few that remained exclusive to a select few. For instance, the form for the Golden Spirit Pill from the Treasure Pill Pavilion was known only to Bi Gongyu, with even Master Mao being unaware of its specifics.


    ¡°Alright!¡± The trio responded in unison. They followed Liu Wuxie¡¯s instructions on the forms, spending an hour refining the herbs. The resulting pills were ced near the chambers for Liu Wuxie¡¯s convenience.


    ¡°Wuxie, are these fourth-grade pills?¡± Sang Yan asked, wiping the sweat from his forehead. This was his first encounter with this particr pill form.


    ¡°Yeah. Each has a different effect, such as body-refining, improving the aptitude, cleansing the impurities, and strengthening the soul.¡± He didn¡¯t withhold any information, revealing that the forms included those for the Bone Refining Pill, Marrow Refining Pill, Soul Refining Pill, and others.


    However, the potency of these pills was halved, making them weaker than the pills he usually consumed. Despite this, their quality surpassed that of the pills avable in the market.


    Liu Wuxie then opened the fire vents and lit the ten cauldrons,mencing the pill refining process. The sight of someone refining in ten cauldrons simultaneously was unprecedented, causing everyone present to watch intently, not wanting to miss a single detail.


    Approaching the first cauldron, Liu Wuxie tossed in a pile of herbs and began forming seals.

 Chapter 199 - Excellent Pills

    <h4>Chapter 199 - Excellent Pills</h4>


    There was nothing unusual in the preliminary stages. The keyy in condensing and forming the pills. Time was limited, and no one could control ten cauldrons at once.


    ¡°Master Mao, can we possibly produce 5,000 pills from fewer than 20,000 herbs?¡± Sang Yan inquired, her face etched with worry. Theoretically, if one could maintain a perfect sess rate, there would be a 90% likelihood of producing 5,000 pills.


    However, even Master Mao could only guarantee an 80% sess rate, leading to a daily urrence of failed pills. Typically, each cauldron would yield between ten to fifteen pills, with the quality left to chance. In the most favorable circumstances, fifteen high-quality pills would be produced. But in less ideal situations, only ten high-quality pills would be made, with the remainder being of inferior quality.


    In the worst-case scenarios, half of the fifteen pills would be spoiled and would have to be thrown away. As a result, the Treasure Pill Pavilion discarded a vast number of pills each year.


    Elder Wen was attempting to put Liu Wuxie in a difficult position by misrepresenting the value of the herbs, leaving even Master Mao uninformed. These herbs were priced at 20,000 spirit stones, assuming a 100% sess rate, a feat that was realistically unattainable.


    The data could only serve as a guideline, as there would inevitably be a discrepancy with the actual results. If Liu Wuxie could produce 2,000 pills, it would suffice topensate for the value of the herbs. However, nobody was aware that Liu Wuxie intended to refine 7,000 pills with these herbs, a revtion that would likely drive them to madness if they found out.


    It was no wonder Geng Ye was so confident in challenging Liu Wuxie. In everyone¡¯s eyes, no one could refine 5,000 pills with these herbs.


    Most importantly, Liu Wuxie had to refine pills in multiple cauldrons simultaneously, and Geng Ye thought that he would win this bet no matter what.


    The herbs that Liu Wuxie had selected were originally purchased by the Treasure Pill Pavilion for less than 3,000 spirit stones. However, Elder Wen had inurately assigned them a value of 20,000 spirit stones, which was significantly higher than their actual cost.


    This was all part of a scheme. They had likely conspired with Elder Wen to reveal the events that had urred in the warehouse while Liu Wuxie was busy inspecting the cauldrons. This was why Geng Ye had appeared so confident about the bet. After all, the stakes were high¡ªthe loser would have to renounce their status as an alchemist for life.


    ¡°It will be tough, but I believe in him,¡± Master Mao said after briefly pondering and expressing his viewpoint. After all, Liu Wuxie was very mysterious; he could even recognize the Dragon Whisker Grass at first nce.


    Since the matter had progressed, they could only hope for a miracle. If it came to holding Elder Wen ountable for overpricing, had calcted the value based on a hundred percent sess rate, and there was nothing inherently wrong with that.


    As for the usations of Geng Ye intentionally stirring up trouble; his words held merit because if Liu Wuxie aspired to be the chief alchemist, it was only natural that he had to prove his alchemy skills.


    Regardless of his decision, Liu Wuxie had to surmount this obstacle. After all, Master Mao had faced simr skepticism when he was the chief alchemist. Since Liu Wuxie had taken over the position of Master Mao, it was only natural that he had to convince all the present alchemists of his abilities.


    As they conversed, herbs were tossed into the ten cauldrons. Liu Wuxie performed the Seven Dipper Steps because the Nine Heavenly Crane Dance wasn¡¯t suitable for pill refining. He left behind afterimages, and no one could keep pace with him. Multiple seals were stamped onto the ground, appearing systematic despite the apparent chaos.


    When Mu Yueying came out of her cultivation chamber, a maid poured her a cup of tea. As she sipped tea, she asked, ¡°What is Young Master Liu doing now?¡±


    ¡°Young Master Liu made a bet with Geng Ye. Whoever loses would have to leave the Treasure Pill Pavilion.¡± The maid dared not hide anything from Mu Yueying and shared everything that had happened. After all, this incident had spread throughout the Treasure Pill Pavilion.


    Due to the recent downturn in the Treasure Pill Pavilion¡¯s business, a crowd had gathered around the alchemy chamber. The rest of the Pavilion¡¯s staff could only wait outside for the oue.


    Mu Yueying¡¯s brow furrowed, a sh of anger crossing her eyes. She had personally appointed Liu Wuxie as the chief alchemist, and now, someone dared to challenge her decision.


    Upon grasping the situation, Mu Yueying rose and made her way to the alchemy chamber. The incident was utterly despicable, particrly Elder Wen¡¯s deliberate overpricing of the herbs to pressure Liu Wuxie.


    How could she not be aware that Liu Wuxie¡¯s intention to refine such arge number of pills was because he didn¡¯t want to owe anything to the Treasure Pill Pavilion and thereby maintain a certain distance in their rtionship?


    She had invested considerable effort to bring on board a top-tier alchemist like Liu Wuxie, only for it all to be sabotaged by Geng Ye. This hardened her resolve to deal with them. She had hoped for Liu Wuxie to be as indebted to the Treasure Pill Pavilion as possible, but they had thwarted her n.


    Others didn¡¯t know, but she knew what a top-tiered alchemist meant in the cultivating world. It had been long since the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion had a top-tiered alchemist, and Liu Wuxie¡¯s appearance gave her hope. She even wanted to send him to the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion immediately because such a talented individual would be wasted in the Great Yan Dynasty. Only the cultivating world could fully excavate his potential.


    When Mu Yueying rushed to the alchemy chamber, Liu Wuxie¡¯s first batch of pills had already reached the condensing stage, and she stood by the side with a cold expression.


    This caused Geng Ye and the others to smirk, as they believed that Liu Wuxie would be ousted from the Treasure Pill Pavilion by the end of the day.


    ¡°How is he going to manage condensing pills using ten cauldrons simultaneously?¡± Sheng Lian anxiously scratched his head, wishing he could lend a hand to Liu Wuxie. As a three-star alchemist, he stood to gain a lot from observing a four-star alchemist refine pills.


    Everyone was looking eagerly, including Mu Yueying. She quietly stood by the side to avoid disrupting Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Look, what is he trying to do?!¡± The temperature in the alchemy chamber increased as a fireball appeared in Liu Wuxie¡¯s hands. That wasn¡¯t an earthly me but a spiritual me.


    ¡°Indeed, that¡¯s a spiritual me!¡± Master Mao and everyone else were taken aback as Liu Wuxie had managed to grasp the Fire Spiritual Bead and understand the fire attribute. They were perhaps on the verge of witnessing a miracle.


    Earthly me only had an eighty percent chance of sess, but the sess rate would increase with spiritual me.


    Liu Wuxie formed profound seals and injected them into the fireball, causing it to expand until it was about the size of a water barrel.


    Many people¡¯s sweat evaporated under the intense heat, and Mu Yueying¡¯s eyes shone with amazement. She even forgot about the bet between Liu Wuxie and Geng Ye.


    To be a powerful alchemist, the alchemy skill was only one factor because it only meant you had enough theoretical knowledge. But even with vast knowledge, it was impossible to refine high-grade pills without powerful me. Without powerful me, bing a four-star alchemist was the limit.


    Alchemy skills were like the boat, and me was the oar. This meant that both were required to make the ship sail.


    Not only did Liu Wuxie possess extraordinary alchemy skills, but he also possessed a powerful me that could make countless people envious of him. Even Master Mao revealed a hint of envy when he saw this scene.


    In his youth, Master Mao had cultivated a fire-attribute technique, awakening the pill me. However, it paled inparison to the spiritual me. The spiritual me had the potential to continually grow as one¡¯s cultivation level increased, while Master Mao¡¯s potential had reached its limit.


    Geng Ye¡¯s expression turned grim, as he hadn¡¯t anticipated that Liu Wuxie would master the spiritual me. This detail had been omitted when he had gathered information on Liu Wuxie.


    Everyone¡¯s expression varied, with some being jealous. They couldn¡¯t believe that Liu Wuxie had found a treasure like the Fire Spiritual Bead at such a young age.


    All eyes were on the fireball floating in the air. After absorbing sufficient seals, the fireball split into ten and darted towards the ten cauldrons. The ensuing events not only stunned everyone present but also left Mu Yueying, who covered her mouth in shock, as even she hadn¡¯t witnessed such an extraordinary refining technique before.


    Coming from the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, there were few in the Great Yan Dynasty whom she respected, aside from Master Mao. This was the first time she had looked at Liu Wuxie¡¯s alchemy skills with such surprise on her face. It was as if she had discovered a treasure, bringing a radiant smile to her face.


    After the ten fireballs flew to the ten cauldrons, they began taking the form of a palm, looking like real hands refining pills.


    ¡°Manifesting true essence! Is he really in the Spirit Cleansing Realm?¡± Everyone was dumbfounded because manifesting true essence could only be achieved after reaching the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    Liu Wuxie was only in the Spirit Cleansing Realm, but he could manifest his true essence, not to mention that the hands looked so vivid. Even someone in the high levels of the Marrow Cleansing Realm might be unable to achieve what he did, which made Master Mao smile bitterly.


    The mes manifested Liu Wuxie¡¯s true essence, containing his will as they controlled the ten cauldrons. With the Ghost Eye¡¯s ability to see through everything, Liu Wuxie could perceive everything in his sight.


    Upon reaching the sixth level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm, Liu Wuxie¡¯s soul sea was on par with the pinnacle of the Marrow Cleansing Realm, possessing a purity of soul energy that even left him in awe. His potent soul energy was divided into ten wills, each corresponding to a cauldron that exuded a rich aroma.


    What was truly terrifying was that the ten cauldrons were not refining the same type of pill, but five different kinds. This revtion further shocked everyone present.


    Gao Hong nearly went down on his knees to kowtow to Liu Wuxie. He hadpletely forgotten his age, and this seemingly insignificant youth had far exceeded everyone present.


    As the condensing stage concluded, the process swiftly transitioned into the forming stage. The sounds of pills colliding resonated within the chamber. Yet, no one uttered a word, choosing instead to observe in silence.


    Geng Ye¡¯s expression became progressively more severe as he realized that Liu Wuxie was likely to seed, given his current pace.


    <i>He will fail for sure! A person¡¯s true essence is limited, and he can¡¯t possiblyst for an entire day and night.</i> Geng Ye could only console himself with this thought, beads of sweat trickling down his forehead.


    The first cauldron opened in less than fifteen minutes, and the speed far exceeded Mu Yueying''s. This was thanks to spiritual me because the powerful me and spirituality sped up the forming process.


    As the me on the first cauldron died out, Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t rush to open it, choosing instead to wait until the mes on all ten cauldrons had extinguished.


    Everyone was still in shock and couldn¡¯t calm themselves down as the alchemy chamber fell silent. This was because Liu Wuxie had seeded with all ten cauldrons. Even if he couldn¡¯t refine 5,000 pills in a day, this was enough for him to be recorded in history.


    Such abilities were godlike. Multitasking wasn¡¯t difficult, but was Liu Wuxie not akin to a god to be able to split his mind into ten?


    When everyone regained theirposure, their faces reflected a mix of anticipation and anxiety, all of which Liu Wuxie took in.


    ¡°I¡¯ll have to trouble the three alchemists to retrieve the pills for me.¡± Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t want to waste time and left collecting pills to Sang Yan¡¯s group of three.


    The trio quickly fetched a porcin bottle from the alchemy chamber and hurried towards the cauldrons.


    Master Mao, filled with envy, also wished to approach, but his status held him back, leaving him no choice but to stand aside and await the oue.


    Several alchemists noticed Mu Yueying¡¯s arrival, and they quickly went up to bow to her as a greeting.


    When the cauldrons were opened, a potent fragrance permeated the air, sending everyone present into a state of euphoria.


    ¡°Excellent pills!¡± Sang Yan roared in excitement.

 Chapter 200 - Mist Flowers

    <h4>Chapter 200 - Mist Flowers</h4>


    As each cauldron was opened, a mist flower blossomed in the air, a spectacle that repeated itself with the opening of every cauldron, creating a stunning disy of ethereal mist flowers.


    These mist flowers, believed not to exist in the real world, were now vividly present before their eyes, captivating everyone and drawing them towards their mesmerizing beauty.


    The absence of pill clouds or mist initially led Sang Yan to worry about the potential low quality of the pills. However, his concerns were dispelled when he opened the cauldron to find a mist flower, a phenomenon only known in legends, appearing before them as if they were in a dream.


    Master Mao, finally setting aside his pride, rushed over, picked up a pill from the cauldron, and held it up to his nose for a sniff. ¡°Excellent pill!¡± he eximed, his excitement causing him to dance around like a child, despite his advanced age.


    ¡°They¡¯re perfectly round and ample; some even bear pill runes on them!¡± Sheng Lian inspected the pills and praised them. His lips curled into a proud smile, thrilled to be part of such an extraordinary event. He could now boast to his descendants that he once had the honor of collecting pills for a Pill God.


    In his heart, Liu Wuxie was akin to a Pill God.


    ¡°Twenty-seven pills! There are twenty-seven pills in my cauldron, and not one failed!¡± Gao Hong was so excited that his hands were trembling. He found it hard to believe that this was all real, and he even pped himself to see if he was dreaming.


    A palm mark was visible on his left cheek, but he didn¡¯t find it embarrassing. On the contrary, he considered it an honor.


    The alchemy chamber regained tranquility once all ten cauldrons were opened and the ten mist flowers dissipated. A pile of porcin bottles was arranged on the table.


    ¡°A total of 260 fourth-grade pills.¡± Sang Yan reported after organizing all the pills obtained from the cauldrons. This meant each cauldron yielded twenty-six pills on average.


    Even with a hundred percent sess rate, there would only be a maximum of fifteen pills for each cauldron. But Liu Wuxie shattered the record, reaching twenty-six pills, the highest yield for each cauldron.


    Gazing at the pills arrayed on the table, Geng Ye was drenched in a cold sweat. The others standing behind him were on the verge of copsing. Given Liu Wuxie¡¯s current pace and output, he wouldn¡¯t even need a full day to produce 5,000 pills.


    Regret flickered in Xiao Li¡¯s eyes. If his status as an alchemist were to be revoked, he would be rendered helpless, unable to refine any more pills in the future. At that point, the Treasure Pill Pavilion would inform the Alchemy Association to revoke their status. Once that happens, they wouldn¡¯t be able to apply for another token.


    Even if they were to move to other dynasties, they would need an alchemist token to practice alchemy. Without an alchemist token, purchasing herbs would pose a problem, a situation that Liu Wuxie had personally experienced.


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t even have time to exchange pleasantries with Mu Yueying and promptlymenced the second round of refining. The pile of herbs on the ground started to dwindle, causing Elder Wen¡¯s hands to tremble. When he had greeted Mu Yueying earlier, he realized he was in hot water upon seeing her icy stare.


    As before, Liu Wuxie¡¯s proficiency had improved. He had analyzed using the Ghost Eye multiple times and finally let go of his reservations once he became familiar with it. His true essence seemed limitless as another sphere of spiritual fire floated in the air.


    The mysterious tree in his dantian had extended and drawn true essence from the air. Strangely enough, no one else could see the roots. Could it be that only Liu Wuxie was capable of seeing them?


    As the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron began to spin, the earthly me was consumed, thereby enhancing the spiritual me. As time passed, the second roundmenced. This time, the number of pills reached two hundred and seventy.


    Each cauldron yielded twenty-seven pills, filling the table with a heap of porcin bottles. The Treasure Pill Pavilion would typically sell five thousand pills monthly, but they would only sell a maximum of three hundred fourth-grade pills.


    If Liu Wuxie managed to refine five thousand pills in a day, they would have plenty of pills to sell for an entire year.


    As the process repeated, porcin bottles piled up like a mountain, producing over a thousand pills. But only less than one-third of the herbs were used up. The sess rate continued to increase because each cauldron produced thirty pills in the fifth batch. The quality of the pills was increasing as well.


    ¡°Geng Ye, what are we going to do? If this continues, we¡¯re done for!¡± Xiao Li¡¯s face was etched with worry. Losing their status as alchemists would render them as good as incapacitated.


    ¡°Don¡¯t fret. His true essence won¡¯t sustain him to refine five thousand pills!¡± Geng Ye¡¯s eyes turned red, his expression manic, resembling a gambler who had lost everything. It had only been two hours, and at this rate, Liu Wuxie would take about half a day to finish refining the pills.


    The other three wore frowns, as Geng Ye¡¯s words made sense. True essence was finite, and there was no way Liu Wuxie could continue refining indefinitely. However, as time passed, the growing pile of pills on the table served as a stark rebuttal to their faces, with over three thousand pills already produced.


    This time, even Geng Ye couldn¡¯t hold on anymore. His legs began to tremble because Liu Wuxie¡¯s true essence showed no signs of exhaustion. Moreover, his sess rate was stuck at thirty pills per cauldron, and that was the limit because Liu Wuxie had already made full use of the herbs.


    Increasing the quantity meant that the quality of the pills would decrease. Under the same circumstances, pills with a lower quality would naturally have poorer sales, as most people would prefer those with higher quality.


    As the sky gradually darkened, the alchemy chamber was still brightly lit. No one could feel the passing of time and could only hear numbers echoing in their ears.


    ¡°Four thousand! Wuxie, do you need to rest?¡± Half a day had passed, and Sang Yan suggested that Liu Wuxie take a break while they were collecting the pills.


    Everyone was already numb from Liu Wuxie¡¯s performance. Four thousand might seem like mere numbers to others, but to them, these numbers were like daggers stabbing into their hearts.


    ¡°No, there¡¯s no need. I want to expedite the process as I have other pills I intend to refine,¡± Liu Wuxie responded, showing no signs of stopping. His goal wasn¡¯t merely to stop at five thousand pills but to reach seven thousand. More importantly, he also aimed to refine fifth-grade pills.


    By the time the fifteenth batch concluded, the total number of pills had reached four thousand four hundred. This indicated that Liu Wuxie would reach the five thousand mark in just two more batches.


    ¡°Please forgive me, Liu Wuxie! I was wrong. It was Geng Ye who incited me to question you!¡± Zhang Dejun pleaded, falling to his knees. He sought Liu Wuxie¡¯s forgiveness while the situation was still unfolding.


    Zou Tao and Yu Zhong were also trembling. They had contemted kneeling down several times to beg for forgiveness, but their pride told them that even if they received Liu Wuxie¡¯s forgiveness, they would only live like dogs in the Treasure Pill Pavilion.


    ¡°Zhang Dejun, I didn¡¯t see you holding back when you were mocking Master Liu earlier,¡± Gao Hong pointed out, stepping forward. It was a pitiful sight to see an alchemist on his knees like a dog.


    No one uttered a word as they all looked at Liu Wuxie. Zhang Dejun was like a condemned prisoner, awaiting his sentence.


    ¡°Continue kneeling if you wish!¡± Liu Wuxie responded, his emotions remaining steady. Zhang Dejun¡¯s legs were his own, and Liu Wuxie had no right to interfere. Zhang Dejun could kneel for as long as he wanted.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, do you really want to push it this far?!¡± Zhang Dejun¡¯s eyes turned red, a murderous intent brewing within them. He suddenly lunged forward, his sword aimed at Liu Wuxie¡¯s chest. As long as Liu Wuxie was injured and couldn¡¯t continue refining pills, they would be the ones winning the bet.


    Zhang Dejun was in the high levels of the Marrow Cleansing Realm, and he had already given up his dignity byunching a sneak attack against someone in the Spirit Cleansing Realm.


    Geng Ye wore a smile, believing that Liu Wuxie would be severely injured, if not killed, facing Zhang Dejun¡¯s attack. As long as Liu Wuxie failed to refine five thousand pills, he would still have to leave the Treasure Pill Pavilion.


    No one anticipated that Zhang Dejun would dare tounch a surprise attack under Mu Yueying¡¯s watch. Regardless of whether he could seed, he would have to face Mu Yueying¡¯s fury. But it was already toote for anyone to intervene because Zhang Dejun was too close to Liu Wuxie, with less than five meters separating them.


    Facing the oing sword, Liu Wuxie remained calm, looking at Zhang Dejun with a derisive smile.


    In the next second, a powerful gust of wind swept out as arge mouth devoured Zhang Dejun. This was the magical artifact, Myriad Beast Cauldron. Mu Yueying released it and easily killed Zhang Dejun with it.


    No one looked surprised by it, and Geng Ye¡¯s smile froze, his facial expression bing grim. He had anticipated Mu Yueying making a move to intervene, but he didn¡¯t expect her to use a magical weapon.


    Mu Yueying didn¡¯t hesitate to kill a three-star alchemist for Liu Wuxie¡¯s sake, regardless of the fact that Zhang Dejun¡¯s sword might not have been lethal but merely injurious to Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°This is the consequence for anyone who dares to attack him!¡± Mu Yueying dered, her cold gaze sweeping over everyone present.


    <i>Why didn¡¯t Zhang Dejun seed?!</i> Geng Ye lowered his head with a heavy heart.


    Elder Wen suddenly seemed to age significantly, a hint of cloudiness appearing in his eyes. He knew they were doomed to fail, regardless of whether thest two batches could seed. After all, the fact that Liu Wuxie could refine over four thousand pills in half a day wasn¡¯t just a record-breaking feat, but an unprecedented achievement since the founding of the Great Yan Dynasty.


    After Zhang Dejun was dealt with, Liu Wuxie continued refining pills, seemingly unaffected by Zhang Dejun¡¯s actions. Through the fifteen batches, Liu Wuxie had gained ample experience, and his control over the spiritual me had reached perfection.


    When the sixteenth batch was sessful, the total number of refined pills exceeded four thousand seven hundred, indicating that Liu Wuxie was just one batch away from reaching five thousand.


    But Liu Wuxie¡¯splexion was still rosy and didn¡¯t look like his true essence had decreased. This made everyone wonder if his true essence was inexhaustible because even someone at the pinnacle of the Marrow Cleansing Realm would die of exhaustion if they refined so many pills nonstop.


    Whenever Master Mao refined a cauldron of pills, he would have to rest for an hour to recover his true essence. But Liu Wuxie overturned their understanding, proving to them that someone¡¯s true essence could be so abundant.


    ¡°Nine Stars Illumination...Can it be that his true essence is nine times greater than that of ordinary people?¡±


    It was no secret that Liu Wuxie had caused the Nine Stars Illumination, but such a constitution was too rare. Those with such a constitution could be considered a monstrous genius and trash at the same time. The cultivation speed of those with this constitution would be nine times slowerpared to ordinary people, but the purity of their true essence was over nine times if they managed to make a breakthrough.


    When Liu Wuxie started to refine the seventeenth batch, Geng Ye¡¯s face grew paler as he prayed in his heart for Liu Wuxie to fail.


    There were still six hours before an entire day was up, and everyone¡¯s heartstrings were stretched. If Liu Wuxie seeded with this batch, the entire Treasure Pill Pavilion would undergo a drastic change, and thework formed by Jiang Yue over the years would copse instantly.

 Chapter 201 - Dragon Origin Pill

    <h4>Chapter 201 - Dragon Origin Pill</h4>


    Geng Ye copsed onto the ground as the me died out, his face ashen. A potent fragrance filled the entire chamber as all ten cauldrons were sessful.


    Sang Yan rushed over anxiously and opened the cauldrons while Sheng Lian and Gao Hong collected the pills. When three hundred pills were ced into the porcin bottles, it was revealed that Liu Wuxie had refined 5,080 fourth-grade pills through seventeen batches.


    Most importantly, there were still four hours till the next day.


    ¡°He seeded?¡± The alchemists who had remained neutral snapped back to reality, looking at Liu Wuxie with a mix of respect and a hint of fear.


    ¡°It¡¯s beyond words. I bet even a monstrous genius couldn¡¯t achieve this!¡± Everyone was unable to calm their hearts as they looked at the pile of porcin bottles.


    ¡°Elder Wen, can these pillspensate for the losses of the herbs?¡± Liu Wuxie asked with a sneer. There were still enough herbs to refine about two thousand pills.


    ¡°O-Of course!¡± Elder Wen responded, his smile bright and his attitude quickly changing.


    When Mu Yueying killed Zhang Dejun, it was as if she was sending a message to everyone that anyone who dared to question Liu Wuxie would be going against her, and their only oue would be death.


    Geng Ye¡¯s group was reduced to just four people after Zhang Dejun¡¯s demise. Geng Ye was in a daze, and Xiao Li found it hard to ept that someone could refine 5,000 pills in a single day.


    ¡°Young Lady, please don¡¯t expel us!¡± Geng Ye suddenly ran over to Mu Yueying and begged for forgiveness.


    ¡°We were wrong! Please give us another chance!¡± Yu Zhong was on the brink of tears, nearly falling to his knees.


    ¡°You all are on your own!¡± Mu Yueying retorted, her eyes shing with disgust. Their actions had gone too far in provoking the chief alchemist she had personally appointed.


    ¡°Young Master Liu, Master Liu, please forgive us! We won¡¯t dare to go against you again!¡± Zou Tao prostrated himself before Liu Wuxie, his voice trembling with fear.


    ¡°Master Liu, please grant us another opportunity!¡± Xiao Li also set aside his pride and implored Liu Wuxie for mercy. The four of them were akin to dogs, begging for their master¡¯s forgiveness.


    Everyone else remained silent, none stepping forward, merely observing quietly.


    ¡°Give you all another chance?¡± Liu Wuxie scoffed, ¡°Would any of you have given me a chance had I failed today?¡±


    No one could respond to that question, for they knew that if Liu Wuxie had failed today and been expelled from the Treasure Pill Pavilion, he would have faced attacks from Geng Ye¡¯s group.


    If Liu Wuxie allowed them to stay, they might stir up trouble in the future. It wasn¡¯t that he was ruthless, but such was the harsh reality of the cultivation world. Once a feud was established, it would only end with the demise of one party.


    ¡°Master Mao, confiscate their alchemist tokens, and henceforth, these four will no longer be alchemists of my Treasure Pill Pavilion,¡± Mu Yueying dered. Upon her judgment, Geng Ye¡¯s group of four copsed onto the cold ground. Having their alchemist tokens confiscated would be a lifelong disgrace to them.


    However, no one dared to defy her and obediently handed over their alchemist tokens. They knew they would meet the same fate as Zhang Dejun if they dared to resist, given how resolute Mu Yueying was in executing him.


    ¡°Leave!¡± Master Mao didn¡¯t take advantage of their downfall. They were former colleagues, and he wished for them to look after themselves well.


    Dejected, the four left the Treasure Pill Pavilion. A crowd had gathered outside, parting to let them pass, oblivious to the events that had transpired. As the four stood on the streets, the warm sunlight bathed them, but they felt no warmth.


    ¡°Geng Ye, what should we do now?!¡± Xiao Li¡¯s face was a mask of grim despair. Even though their status as alchemists had been revoked, they still had their cultivation skills to earn a living.


    ¡°Let¡¯s seek out Jiang Yue. He¡¯s currently the chief alchemist of the Cloud Xing Pavilion, and I¡¯m confident he¡¯ll wee us!¡± Geng Ye cast a cold nce at the Treasure Pill Pavilion before departing with the other three.


    <strong>......</strong>


    Inside the alchemy chamber, Mu Yueying surveyed everyone present. She sternly warned, ¡°Keep today¡¯s events to yourselves. Don¡¯t hold me ountable for being harsh if anyone dares to divulge it!¡±


    The remarkable feat of Liu Wuxie refining five thousand pills in a single day was best kept under wraps. Geng Ye¡¯s group, humiliated by the event, would naturally keep silent, not wanting to rub salt into their own wounds.


    ¡°Rest assured, our lips are sealed!¡± Sang Yan was the first to assure them, and others quickly echoed his words.


    ¡°You can all leave now!¡± Mu Yueying, satisfied, dismissed the crowd, leaving only herself and Liu Wuxie in the alchemy chamber.


    As Master Mao exitedst and closed the door behind him, the alchemy chamber became isted from the outside world.


    Mu Yueying¡¯s gaze upon Liu Wuxie revealed nothing, his eyes appearing as unfathomable as an abyss.


    ¡°I apologize for what happened today on behalf of the Treasure Pill Pavilion.¡± Mu Yueying bowed deeply. As the pavilion master, she had to be responsible for that day¡¯s events.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t your fault. I foresaw this when I arrived at the Treasure Pill Pavilion yesterday,¡± Liu Wuxie responded nonchntly, sorting through the herbs without a care.


    As an Immortal Emperor, he had experienced all sorts of things. He knew he would have to convince everyone of his qualifications to be the chief alchemist because of his young age. It was natural for him to be outcasted and suppressed.


    ¡°I¡¯ll leave you to your work. Don¡¯t hesitate to call on me if you need anything,¡± Mu Yueying offered with a smile before exiting the alchemy chamber.


    In the vast alchemy chamber, Liu Wuxie was the only one left behind. The multitude of pills he had refined was enough to keep the Treasure Pill Pavilion in business for some time.


    Liu Wuxie brought out spiritual me directly, giving up using earthly me since there wasn¡¯t anyone around. He directly used the me from his dantian to refine pills.


    The terrifying me engulfed the ten cauldrons, and the herbs on the ground began to dwindle. His refining speed was significantly faster than before, showcasing his true alchemical skills.


    Within two hours, Liu Wuxie had sessfully refined two thousand fourth-grade pills, their potency surpassing those he had previously refined for his own use.


    After extinguishing the me, Liu Wuxie ingested three pills. A wave of potent energy surged through his body, a necessary boost as he was left with only thirty percent of his true essence after a day of pill refining.


    This was crucial as he was about to undertake the task of refining a fifth-grade pill, a process that demanded the alchemist¡¯s cultivation to be at the True Core Realm. Despite the risks, Liu Wuxie was determined to proceed. With only neen days remaining until his death match with Qin Shi, he was acutely aware that time was of the essence, and he needed to seize every opportunity to advance his cultivation.


    Six hourster, having recovered to his peak condition, Liu Wuxie¡¯s cultivation was on the brink of reaching the seventh level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm.


    The first three levels were ssified as the initial phase, the next three as the intermediate phase, and thest three as thete phase. This meant he would soon step into thete phase of the Spirit Cleansing Realm, and reaching the pinnacle was just a matter of time for him.


    Approaching thergest cauldron, Liu Wuxie took out the Dragon Whisker Grass and other herbs.


    ¡°Dragon Origin Pill...I¡¯ll depend on you to see if I can reach the seventh level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm,¡± Liu Wuxie pondered to himself.


    The Dragon Origin Pill was a fifth-grade pill, and it wasn¡¯t avable in the market. He had obtained the form from Master Mao, but it wasn¡¯tplete because some herbs were blurred.


    But through Ghost Eye and his ample knowledge in alchemy, Liu Wuxie soon restored the Dragon Origin Pill¡¯s form. The Dragon Whisker Grass was the main ingredient for refining the Dragon Origin Pill.


    He brought out the me from his dantian. The me was like two hands engulfing the entire cauldron. As the temperature increased, Liu Wuxie concentrated and was prepared to start the refinement.


    As he ced the initial Dragon Whisker Grass into the cauldron, Liu Wuxie felt a surge of tension. He quickly formed hand seals to secure the cauldron, ensuring no leakage would ur.


    ¡°Seven Yang Grass, Misty Dew, Aquawood Essence...¡± Liu Wuxie began tossing herbs into the cauldron. The herbs swiftly dissolved and merged with the Dragon Whisker Grass. They looked like a liquid but were mist as they rumbled in the cauldron.


    Fifteen minutester, Liu Wuxie tossed the second Dragon Whisker Grass into the cauldron, and a roar came from within the cauldron.


    This was an ordinary cauldron, and it had never been used to refine a fifth-grade pill before. Thus, it was a question of whether the cauldron could withstand it.


    Fine cracks began appearing on the cauldron, which would¡¯ve blown apart if it hadn¡¯t been supported with profound seals.


    A mere ten minutester, as Liu Wuxie introduced the third Dragon Whisker Grass into the cauldron, delicate cracking sounds could be heard emanating from the cauldron. This allowed a formidable energy to seep out.


    Not long after Mu Yueying returned to her residence, the Myriad Beast Cauldron roared. This brought a bitter smile to Mu Yueying¡¯s lips, and she gentlyforted the cauldron. She muttered, ¡°What a monster. What pill are you refining that even the Myriad Beast Cauldron feels pressured?¡±


    Two hourster, Liu Wuxie tossed the fifth Dragon Whisker Grass into the cauldron, leaving everything to fate. He strode an unusual footwork with mes enveloping the cauldron through his hands.


    A foot-long fissure ran along the edge of the cauldron, reaching its abdomen as the energy inside began to seep out. This meant that the effects of the Dragon Origin Pill would be significantly weakened.


    But Liu Wuxie remained calm as he formed multiple golden seals that lifted the cauldron to the sky. If someone else had seen this scene, they would have fainted from the fright.


    The cauldron was engulfed in mes when it flew to the sky. As it spun, a powerful gust of wind formed, sending the herbal shelves on two sides flying away.


    The cauldron flew off the ground, and the pills were refined in mid-air, which was an incredible sight.


    Fifth-grade pills couldn¡¯t be handled through conventional methods. The cauldron wouldn¡¯tst long, and Liu Wuxie had to resort to other methods, directly bypassing the condensing stage and going straight to the forming stage.


    Dragon roars came from the cauldron as the Dragon Origin Pill started forming. More cracks also began to appear on the cauldron''s surface, which was on the verge of copse.


    Time was running out, and Liu Wuxie resorted to multitasking, refining pills, and controlling the me. Dragon aura seeped out from the cracks, forming countless golden dragons wandering in the air, and those were pill spirits.


    Fifth-grade pills contained intense spirituality. As the dragon''s roar grew louder, cracking sounds echoed in the entire alchemy chamber. Cracks began to appear on the walls as they could not withstand the pill''s impact.


    ¡°Form!¡± Liu Wuxie roared, and a golden beam shot into the sky. The cauldron also burst into countless fragments, scattering around.

 Chapter 202 - Spirituality Awakening

    <h4>Chapter 202 - Spirituality Awakening</h4>


    Cauldron fragments, countless in number, were propelled in all directions, creating sparks upon collision with the walls. The fragments, akin to arrows, left a dense pattern of marks on the walls.


    A golden pill hovered in mid-air. Encircling this pill were dragons, their faint roars emanating from within the pill itself.


    ¡°It¡¯s a sess!¡± Liu Wuxie copsed on the ground in exhaustion. After refining fourth-grade pills for an entire day, he only had thirty percent of his true essence left. But refining a fifth-grade pill exhausted all his true essence. There was a vast difference between the fourth and fifth-grade pills.


    Liu Wuxie swallowed ten fourth-grade pills and circted the Deste Devouring Art. Terrifying spiritual energy began pouring into his body from various directions.


    Within a matter of minutes, the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron was filled with liquid, which then flowed into his dantian. The speed at which the mysterious tree drew spiritual energy from the surroundings was no less than that of the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron. In less than two hours, he had managed to recover most of his true essence.


    Regaining his footing, Liu Wuxie extended his hand to seize the Dragon Origin Pill. ¡°A superior pill!¡± he eximed as he grasped the Dragon Origin Pill, and a surge of boundless energy flooded his body, invigorating every cell.


    The Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron began to tremble, eager to devour the Dragon Origin Pill.


    The violent energy nearly tore his body apart when Liu Wuxie devoured the Dragon Origin Pill. The Dragon Origin Pill was like a dragon, charging into his body and causing cracks on his skin from the overflowing energy. Even if Liu Wuxie had a powerful physique, there was no way his physique could bepared to a cauldron.


    Even the cauldron had exploded directly, not to mention Liu Wuxie¡¯s body. He was putting his life on the line: he would make a breakthrough if he seeded, and he would die if he failed.


    When Liu Wuxie circted the Deste Devouring Art, the violent energy charging within his body was alleviated. However, blood continued to seep from his pores, soon drenching him in a crimson hue, as his physique showed signs of imminent copse.


    Even those at the advanced stages of the Marrow Cleansing Realm had to exercise caution when consuming a fifth-grade pill. Liu Wuxie, whose cultivation was at the Spirit Cleansing Realm, was arguably reckless in consuming one directly. However, with the impending battle against Qin Shi, he feltpelled to take this risk.


    The Dragon Origin Pill turned into a golden dragon and struck Liu Wuxie¡¯s chest, making him throw up blood and dye the ground red; his face also became terrifyingly pale. Cracks appeared on his chest and back, but the runes on his skeleton gave off a faint radiance to absorb the energy within the Dragon Origin Pill.


    ¡°I must seed!¡± Liu Wuxie dered. Cultivation was a defiance of the heavens, fraught with danger at every step. As one of the ten Immortal Emperors in his previous life, he had witnessed the demise of countless formidable experts.


    The pill, once again taking the form of a dragon, surged through Liu Wuxie¡¯s meridians, wreaking havoc along its path. If this continued, it would only be a matter of time before Liu Wuxie¡¯s physique would give way.


    It wasn¡¯t long before the sound of cracking emanated from his skeleton, signaling imminent danger. Liu Wuxie¡¯s expression turned grim as he continuously formed seals with his hands, applying them to his body to alleviate the mounting pressure.


    As Liu Wuxie¡¯s cultivation ascended, he swiftly reached the seventh level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm. Dragon roars echoed from his body as the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron morphed into a ck hole, swallowing the golden dragon within it. This action provided immediate relief to his body, which was on the brink of disintegration.


    Without the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron, Liu Wuxie wouldn¡¯t dare to consume the Dragon Origin Pill. However, he was gambling on the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron¡¯s ability to aid him in refining the pill. If the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron failed to refine the pill, death would be his only fate.


    The golden dragon, now hovering above the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron, roared in an attempt to escape. But once Liu Wuxie reached the seventh level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm, his bodily damage began to heal rapidly, and his cultivation continued to ascend.


    Surrounded by numerous spirit stones, Liu Wuxie pushed himself to the limit. The spirit stones exploded, and liquefied spiritual energy poured into his dantian, creating a storm that surged throughout his body. As more acupoints were awakened, he would grow stronger upon reaching the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s cultivation continued to climb, soon reaching the eighth level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm. His cultivation halted at thete phase of the eighth-level Spirit Cleansing Realm, marking two sessful breakthroughs achieved with a Dragon Origin Pill.


    The golden dragon above the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron also became docile. It flew out from the cauldron and entered the world in Liu Wuxie¡¯s dantian, dissolving into light and nourishing this world.


    ¡°It¡¯s strange... I¡¯ve only absorbed less than a third of the Dragon Origin Pill,¡± Liu Wuxie mused, puzzled. The Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron typically provided feedback to enhance his cultivation. Having reached the eighth level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm by absorbing less than a third of the energies, he couldn¡¯t fathom the strength he would attain after absorbing the entirety.


    Suddenly, a spark of spirituality emerged in his mind, startling him. His spirituality, also known as the spiritual root, which was crucial for cultivating immortality had awakened.


    Spiritual roots came in various forms. These included themon spiritual roots, the more advanced high-grade spiritual roots, and at the pinnacle, the exceedingly rare immortal spiritual roots, which were found in only one out of every ten thousand individuals.


    Before this moment, Liu Wuxie was aware that he couldn¡¯t reach the Immortal Realm easily, despite his extensive knowledge of cultivation. This was due to the spiritual root which was an innate attribute. Unfortunately, his current body was severelycking, devoid of any spiritual root.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s progress thus far was thanks to his knowledge and the Deste Devouring Art.


    His eyes welled up with tears as he contemted his n to nurture his spiritual root after reaching the Marrow Cleansing Realm. After all, without a spiritual root, he couldn¡¯t return to the Celestial Realm.


    This implied that Liu Wuxie had only one option left to return to the Celestial Realm: to take over the body of someone who possessed a spiritual root and use it for cultivation.


    However, the entry of the Dragon Origin Pill into the world within his dantian sparked a glimmer of spirituality. This was a positive development for Liu Wuxie, as his spirituality would gradually intensify with the progression of his cultivation.


    The spiritual root determined how high they could go in the Celestial Realm. Those with ordinary spiritual roots were at the bottom of the food chain, and those with high-grade spiritual roots could only be considered ordinary people. Only those with immortal spiritual roots could join the immortal sects.


    He had heard of divine spiritual roots, but they were considered a myth. Then again, spirituality still couldn¡¯t be considered spiritual root. It could only be considered an initial awakening of the spiritual roots, and this was the first time he had seen a growth-type spiritual root.


    Spiritual roots, once established, remain unchanged until death. An ordinary spiritual root will persist as such throughout one¡¯s lifetime, without spontaneously transforming into an immortal spiritual root.


    But Liu Wuxie¡¯s dantian seemed alive, and his spirituality would strengthen. When the mysterious tree sensed the changes brought by spirituality, it gave off wood-attribute energy that contained spirituality.


    True essence coursed through Liu Wuxie¡¯s body and took on various shapes through his thoughts, and this was spirituality. When he stood up from the ground, a rumble echoed around him, forming into a tornado that swept out.


    The entire alchemy chamber was in a mess; the remaining nine cauldrons were pushed to the corner, the herbal shelves were destroyed, and cracks covered the walls.


    ¡°It feels great!¡± After awakening his spirituality, Liu Wuxie could sense that his body had be lighter, and his soul sea clearer. His divine sense could stretch to five hundred meters away.


    Checking the time, Liu Wuxie realized that four days had psed in the Treasure Pill Pavilion. He remembered his promise to Xu Lingxue to apany her back to Azure Billow City the next day.


    Upon opening the door of the alchemy chamber, he found the refining region deserted, even though it was afternoon.


    ¡°Master Liu, you¡¯re finally out. Thedy asked me to give you this before she left,¡± Gao Hong rushed over to hand him a letter as he emerged.


    Unfolding the letter, Liu Wuxie found a message written in delicate handwriting: ¡°Wuxie, I¡¯m going out for a while. I will return in ten days, regardless of whether I can obtain a fifth-grade talisman paper. I¡¯ve entrusted the affairs of the Cloud Xing Pavilion to Master Mao and instructed him to seek you out if there¡¯s any issue.¡±


    Liu Wuxie fell into deep thought as he put away the letter. He would remember Mu Yueying¡¯s favor of helping him search for a fifth-grade talisman paper. However, if the issues with the Cloud Xing Pavilion weren¡¯t resolved, the Treasure Pill Pavilion¡¯s business would continue to decline.


    The Treasure Pill Pavilion had been empty for twenty-odd days, and it would close down if this continued.


    In Mu Yueying¡¯s absence, all the responsibility fell onto Liu Wuxie. With the pavilion master¡¯s medal, Liu Wuxie had the power to mobilize all resources within the Treasure Pill Pavilion.


    ¡°How long has Lady Mu been gone for?¡± Liu Wuxie asked.


    ¡°She left after making arrangements the morning before yesterday,¡± Gao Hong answered truthfully. After witnessing Liu Wuxie¡¯s aplishments in the alchemy chamber, Gao Hong was filled with awe for him.


    The Treasure Pill Pavilion couldn¡¯t be without a decision-maker for a day, especially considering Liu Wuxie was due to return to the Azure Billow City the next day. Thus, he nned to meet Master Mao and hand the Treasure Pill Pavilion¡¯s matters to him.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Master Mao?¡± Liu Wuxie turned to look at Gao Hong after his divine sense enveloped the entire Treasure Pill Pavilion but failed to find Master Mao anywhere.


    Just when Gao Hong was about to reply, a young alchemist hurriedly ran over.


    After losing five alchemists, Mu Yueying had transferred a few young alchemists to fill in the gaps.


    ¡°Teacher Gao, this is bad. Master Mao has shed with the Cloud Xing Pavilion!¡± The young alchemist didn¡¯t recognize Liu Wuxie and went straight to Gao Hong. After all, there wasn¡¯t any business in the Treasure Pill Pavilion, and most staff had taken a break, leaving only Gao Hong there.


    Liu Wuxie frowned as he wondered why Master Mao had suddenly gone to the Cloud Xing Pavilion.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Liu Wuxie had a spection, but he still wasn¡¯t sure about it.


    The Blood Mirage Pill, a product of the Cloud Xing Pavilion, had been affecting the business of the Treasure Pill Pavilion. Liu Wuxie had already devised a solution. Therefore, it was likely that Master Mao¡¯s efforts to reveal the Cloud Xing Pavilion¡¯s scheme had sparked a dispute between the two entities.


    Before her departure, Mu Yueying had provided Master Mao with a strategy to mitigate the crisis.


    ¡°Master Liu, I¡¯m not sure about the exact situation. Master Mao led a group of alchemists to the Cloud Xing Pavilion in the morning.¡±


    There weren¡¯t many people who knew about the Blood Mirage Pill.


    ¡°Take me to the Cloud Xing Pavilion!¡± Mu Yueying had gone to procure a fifth-grade talisman paper for him, and he couldn¡¯t just stand by when the Treasure Pill Pavilion was facing such a significant event.


    Above all, if anything were to happen to Master Mao¡¯s team, he wouldn¡¯t be able to justify it to Mu Yueying. After all, she had left the Treasure Pill Pavilion to assist him.


    Upon hearing Gao Hong refer to Liu Wuxie as ¡®Master Liu,¡¯ the young alchemist was filled with fear. He hadn¡¯t anticipated that this young man, who was much younger than him, would be the famous chief alchemist.


    Liu Wuxie and Gao Hong hastened their pace, leaving the Treasure Pill Pavilion. They observed that many people were also heading towards the Cloud Xing Pavilion.

 Chapter 203 - Cloud Xing Pavilion

    <h4>Chapter 203 - Cloud Xing Pavilion</h4>


    The Cloud Xing Pavilion, located a little over ten miles from the Treasure Pill Pavilion, was a manageable distance away, requiring approximately fifteen minutes of travel time. Upon their arrival, they found that over a thousand people had already assembled outside the Cloud Xing Pavilion, forming a dense, nearly imprable crowd.


    The Cloud Xing Pavilion was a subsidiary of the Azure Crimson Gate. However, because of the poor development in recent years, they didn¡¯t have many alchemists. This was why they only had twenty percent of the market share.


    However, a month ago, their fortunes changed dramatically when they weed a mysterious individual. This led to the release of the Blood Mirage Pill within just three days, which quickly became the top-selling product in the Imperial City. Priced lower than the Golden Spirit Pills and with demand outstripping supply, the sales records were broken daily.


    However, an ongoing argument inside the Cloud Xing Pavilion could be heard from the streets. When Liu Wuxie released his aura in the high levels of the Spirit Cleansing Realm, he cleared a passage forcibly and entered the Cloud Xing Pavilion.


    The interior of the Cloud Xing Pavilion was more opulent than the Treasure Pill Pavilion. They had also expanded significantly, purchasing nearby shops to increase their size in less than a month. Their main hall alone spanned over two thousand square meters.


    Two parties confronted each other in the main hall, and over five hundred cultivators surrounded them and pointed fingers at them.


    ¡°Master Mao, what are you trying to do bying to the Cloud Xing Pavilion and iming that there¡¯s a problem with our pill?¡± Jiang Yue was now the Cloud Xing Pavilion¡¯s chief alchemist, possessing a high status, questioning Master Mao.


    Lan Ruoyu, who had also be an alchemist in the Cloud Xing Pavilion, stood behind him. With the alchemist token disyed on her chest, she held her head high with pride.


    ¡°If the Treasure Pill Pavilion doesn¡¯t provide an exnation, you won¡¯t be allowed to leave!¡± Geng Ye, who had also joined the Cloud Xing Pavilion, interjected. Although he was no longer an alchemist, he was secretly refining pills for the Cloud Xing Pavilion. He and his aplices kept this a secret for fear of retribution from the Alchemist Association.


    ¡°Everyone, please listen! The Blood Mirage Pill contains the Snake Demon Flower, which is addictive and will gradually corrode your meridians. If you consume it for a prolonged period, your meridians will weaken!¡± Master Mao earnestly addressed the cultivators present, who were there to purchase the Blood Mirage Pills, urging them to stop consuming it.


    ¡°Old man, what are you bbering about? I¡¯ve been taking it for a month, and I¡¯ve had no issues. In fact, my cultivation has even improved!¡± A cultivator who had bought ten Blood Mirage Pills in one go retorted.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. I¡¯ve been taking it for over ten days, and I¡¯ve felt no difort. In fact, it feels good to consume it. I don¡¯t feel any weakening of my meridians as you im.¡± Over five hundred people, loyal customers of the Blood Mirage Pills, echoed simr sentiments in the main hall.


    Many people who had gathered outside also consumed the Blood Mirage Pills. The pills had be a trend in the Imperial City, and it would be embarrassing not to partake in it.


    ¡°That¡¯s because it has only been a short time, and the symptoms haven¡¯t appeared yet. Everyone, believe me, and stop taking the Blood Mirage Pills. Only the Spiritual Rhyme Pill sold by the Treasure Pill Pavilion can resolve the toxin in your bodies!¡± Master Mao took out a porcin bottle and poured out a pill. It was the pill that Mu Yueying had given him before she left.


    The form for this pill was written on the paper that Liu Wuxie had given to Mu Yueying. Apart from Liu Wuxie, only Mu Yueying knew how to refine this pill.


    ¡°Such a farce. We¡¯re not poisoned, so why would we need an antidote? You all should leave this ce immediately,¡± the crowd erupted inughter upon hearing Master Mao¡¯s words.


    ¡°They must be unable to sell their pills, and they¡¯re intentionally causing trouble by using the Cloud Xing Pavilion¡¯s pills.¡±


    After all, the Treasure Pill Pavilion¡¯s sales had dropped rapidly in the past month, and the herbs shipped from the various cities had piled up. If they couldn¡¯t increase their sales, they would suffer greatly if this continued.


    Master Mao attempted to exin multiple times, but no one paid him any heed and even ridiculed him. They believed that Master Mao was framing the Cloud Xing Pavilion because they were unable to sell their pills.


    ¡°So, you all are here to frame us because you can¡¯t sell your pills. None of you will be able to leave this ce alive!¡± Jiang Yue scoffed. Geng Ye¡¯s group were his supporters, and they all had their alchemist status revoked, not to mention the death of Zhang Dejun.


    He believed that since his followers were mistreated, he naturally needed to avenge Zhang Dejun¡¯s death.


    A fierce-looking group came out from the depths of the Cloud Xing Pavilion. Each of them was strong, and they surrounded Master Mao¡¯s group without giving them a chance to exin themselves, seemingly ready to wipe out Master Mao¡¯s group.


    Sang Yan was filled with anxiety. They hade fully prepared, but no one believed their words. After all, the mystery surrounding the Blood Mirage Pill would be resolved if even one person believed them and took the Spiritual Rhyme Pill on the spot.


    They had underestimated the influence of the Blood Mirage Pills and didn¡¯t anticipate that the Cloud Xing Pavilion would attempt to silence them.


    In the Cloud Xing Pavilion''s depths was an eerie-looking middle-aged man. This man donned a ck robe, overlooking the whole incident from above.


    Deep within the Cloud Xing Pavilion, a sinister-looking middle-aged man in a ck robe was observing the entire incident from above. ¡°Deacon Lu, are we going to eliminate them all? The Treasure Pill Pavilion is a subsidiary of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. They may not be directly affiliated, but killing them would be akin to pping the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion¡¯s face,¡± a grey-robed old man standing beside the ck-robed man questioned. It was an odd sight to see the pavilion master of the Cloud Xing Pavilion showing such deference to the man in the ck robe.


    The man in the ck robe was likely a representative sent by the Azure Crimson Gate. He possessed high cultivation and bore a seal, simr to Mu Yueying, to limit his true cultivation. This was due to an agreement that those from the cultivation world had to seal their actual cultivation when they entered the mortal world to prevent disruption of the mortal world¡¯s order.


    ¡°Eliminate them!¡± the ck-robed middle-aged man ordered. As an immortal cultivator, he viewed ordinary people as insignificant as ants, and their deaths meant nothing to him.


    ¡°How do we exin when Mu Yueyinges back?¡± The grey-robed old man was a little afraid. After all, Mu Yueying had an extraordinary status, and they knew it better than anyone else.


    The ck-robed middle-aged man frowned, seemingly unhappy to hear Mu Yueying¡¯s name.


    ¡°What does it matter if they¡¯re dead when she returns?¡± The ck-robed man soon made a decision. If they managed to kill Master Mao, they would monopolize the market in the Imperial City.


    The Cloud Xing Pavilion had already received news of Mu Yueying¡¯s departure, so they dared to target the Treasure Pill Pavilion fearlessly.


    A battle was imminent. The surrounding cultivators retreated, fearing they might get caught in the crossfire.


    ¡°Master Mao, what should we do?¡± Sang Yan was a little nervous. He and Sheng Lian were only in the seventh-level Marrow Cleansing Realm, while Master Mao was in the ninth level. They would be in trouble if they faced so many experts.


    ¡°I¡¯ll hold them off. You all find a way to return to the Treasure Pill Pavilion and wait for thedy¡¯s return before making any decisions.¡± Master Mao quickly made a decision. He was the strongest among them and had lived for over a hundred years. Even if he died now, he had lived a full life.


    ¡°No, the two of us will hold them off while you find an opportunity to escape. The Treasure Pill Pavilion will still need you in the future!¡± Sang Yan knew that the Treasure Pill Pavilion was too small for someone like Liu Wuxie, and it wouldn¡¯t be long before Master Mao would reim his status as the chief alchemist.


    If they lost a fourth-grade alchemist, it would be a severe blow to the Treasure Pill Pavilion, even if they managed to regain their market share.


    ¡°None of you will leave this ce alive!¡± A grey-robed old man, Li Wuhai, the pavilion master of the Cloud Xing Pavilion, emerged from the depths of the pavilion, striding big steps.


    With the pavilion master¡¯smand, Jiang Yue grew more confident. He had been trying to intimidate Master Mao¡¯s group earlier, but with Li Wuhai¡¯s words, he boldly signaled the group of experts to advance towards Master Mao¡¯s party.


    These individuals were not experts cultivated by the Cloud Xing Pavilion. The Cloud Xing Pavilion was a shop, and it wouldn¡¯t make sense for them to train experts. This raises the question: who was truly backing the Cloud Xing Pavilion?


    There were fifteen experts, each wielding identical long des, all forged by the same cksmith. Most notably, military insignias were engraved on the handles of the des.


    ¡°Kill them all!¡± At themand, the fifteen des formed a torrent as the fifteen experts instantly arranged themselves into formation, all at the sixth level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    Individually, they might not have been a match for Master Mao. However, their auras linked together when they formed their formation, releasing an overwhelming pressure that made Master Mao¡¯s group of three feel suffocated.


    ¡°Kill!¡± The roars from the fifteen formed into a wave, sweeping towards Master Mao.


    The three were alchemists who rarely fought due to their noble status. It had been fifty years since Master Mao had fought someone; he didn¡¯t even bring a weapon.


    Sang Yan and Sheng Lian weren¡¯t any better. They spent most of their time in the Treasure Pill Pavilion and rarely fought with others. Thus, they didn¡¯t expect the Cloud Xing Pavilion to try to kill them.


    Once the formation was established, it became challenging for Master Mao¡¯s group of three to escape the encirclement. As the experts closed in, the space avable for Master Mao¡¯s group to maneuver was furtherpressed.


    When the fifteen experts swung their des, it was apanied by a suffocating pressure that sent the surrounding tables and chairs over to the heart of the battlefield.


    ¡°Break out!¡± Master Mao, though unarmed, pushed his palms forward, creating a powerful gust of wind that ripped open a gap. However, the fifteen experts easily neutralized Master Mao¡¯s attack, demonstrating the power of their formation.


    Sang Yan and Sheng Lian drew their weapons and charged in two different directions, attempting to find a weakness in the formation. But as soon as theyunched their attack, their weapons were knocked away.


    Disarmed, Sang Yan and Sheng Lian were at the mercy of their opponents, and the surrounding crowd fell silent. No one had expected the Cloud Xing Pavilion to attack Master Mao¡¯s group so ruthlessly.


    In the eyes of everyone, the Treasure Pill Pavilion held a position of reverence, one that even the royal n respected. Thus, no one had anticipated such a turn of events.


    Fifteen long des formed into a tide of steel, causing the ink-green cobblestonesid on the ground to explode under the wave.


    ¡°Shit!¡± Liu Wuxie, having made his way through the crowd and into the Cloud Xing Pavilion, found Master Mao¡¯s group of three in a dire situation. He considered the three as friends, and Sang Yan had always treated him well whenever they met.


    Transforming into a streak of light, Liu Wuxie charged forward. Having reached the eighth level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm, his strength had increased manifold. Even if he were to face someone at the seventh level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm, he could defeat his opponent with a single strike.


    When the Heretic de appeared in his hand, Liu Wuxie swung it out. With just one exchange, Liu Wuxie instantly found the w in the formation.

 Chapter 204 - Well Plotted

    <h4>Chapter 204 - Well Plotted</h4>


    Just when the formation was about to threaten the lives of Master Mao¡¯s group, a de ray descended from the sky, tearing apart the formation with a thunderous rumble.


    The fifteen long des shattered because their quality couldn¡¯t bepared to the Heretic de''s. When the wave disappeared, a powerful shockwave swept out, causing the cabs on both sides of the main hall to explode. It looked like a hurricane had passed through the main hall.


    The hall fell silent as a young man appeared on the battlefield, wielding a de. His gaze swept over everyone before settling on Jiang Yue.


    Lan Ruoyu, upon seeing Liu Wuxie, reacted as if a cat whose tail had been stepped on. It was Liu Wuxie who had caused her expulsion from the Treasure Pill Pavilion.


    Now an official alchemist, she still harbored resentment for the past humiliation he had caused her. Her eyes filled with murderous intent at his sight. She was determined that Liu Wuxie, who dared to step into the Cloud Xing Pavilion, would meet his end that day.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, it¡¯s you!¡± Jiang Yue¡¯s face darkened. He, too, held a grudge against Liu Wuxie for his expulsion from the Treasure Pill Pavilion. He had been preupied with refining pills for the Cloud Xing Pavilion and hadn¡¯t had the chance to seek revenge. But now, Liu Wuxie had presented himself.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect you to be an alchemist of the Cloud Xing Pavilion!¡± Liu Wuxie retorted coldly, ignoring Geng Ye¡¯s group standing behind him.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, since you daree to the Cloud Xing Pavilion, you won¡¯t leave here alive!¡± Xiao Li spat out through gritted teeth. Their hatred for Liu Wuxie was even more profound than Jiang Yue¡¯s.


    While Jiang Yue¡¯s expulsion had led to his rise as the chief alchemist in the Cloud Xing Pavilion, others lost their status as alchemists, resulting in a drop in their standing.


    ¡°Master Mao, what¡¯s happening?¡± Liu Wuxie asked, ignoring Xiao Li and turning his attention to Master Mao. Seeing that they were unharmed, he breathed a sigh of relief.


    After Master Mao exined the situation in detail, Liu Wuxie finally understood. Master Mao hade to the Cloud Xing Pavilion with the Spiritual Rhyme Pill, intending to expose the truth about the Blood Mirage Pills. Their intentions were noble, but their approach was somewhat misguided.


    Telling a drug addict to quit drugs is an uphill battle. The same logic applied here, as these people were already addicted to the Blood Mirage Pills. Therefore, it was no surprise that everyone thought Master Mao¡¯s group was out of their minds for iming that the Blood Mirage Pills were poisonous.


    Indeed, Master Mao¡¯s n had a significant w from the start. To make matters worse, they went directly to the Cloud Xing Pavilion to expose the toxicity of the Blood Mirage Pills. Naturally, the Cloud Xing Pavilion wouldn¡¯t allow anyone to reveal that their pills were poisonous.


    ¡°Wuxie, what should we do now? They don¡¯t believe that the Blood Mirage Pills are poisonous!¡± As long as they could prove that the Blood Mirage Pills were poisonous, the Cloud Xing Pavilion would instantly be the public enemy. Not only would the Treasure Pill Pavilion restore its market share, but it would also be a fatal strike to the Cloud Xing Pavilion.


    However, with Liu Wuxie¡¯s appearance, the Cloud Xing Pavilion would be even less likely to let them leave. They would undoubtedly seize this opportunity to eliminate everyone.


    ¡°Leave it to me!¡± With the way things had progressed, Liu Wuxie had no choice but to step forward. He signaled Master Mao¡¯s group of three to remain silent and stand aside.


    The Cloud Xing Pavilion didn¡¯t continue to make a move because both sides would suffer enormous casualties if they fought. Liu Wuxie had already intimidated them by ripping apart the formation earlier, causing the fifteen experts to be stunned and standing still in their tracks.


    ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, you heard what Master Mao said earlier, right?¡± Liu Wuxie asked as he swept his gaze around.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, stop spouting nonsense here. There¡¯s no problem with our Blood Mirage Pills!¡± Jiang Yue took a step forward. He didn¡¯t know whether there was an issue with the Blood Mirage Pills because he was in the high levels of the Marrow Cleansing Realm and didn¡¯t need them.


    ¡°We¡¯ll soon find out if we¡¯re spouting nonsense. Don¡¯t tell me that the Cloud Xing Pavilion is afraid to let us prove it.¡± Liu Wuxie sneered and took the initiative.


    It would imply their guilt if the Cloud Xing Pavilion refused to allow him to prove it. However, if they permitted him to prove it, their deceptions and falsehoods would be unveiled.


    ¡°Why should we listen to you? You have no right to question whether there¡¯s an issue with the Blood Mirage Pills!¡± Geng Ye retorted. Geng Ye countered. Regardless of whether there was an issue with the Blood Mirage Pills, Liu Wuxie had no jurisdiction to question it.


    Liu Wuxie, maintaining hisposure, smiled, ¡°If you¡¯re all so confident that there¡¯s no issue with the Blood Mirage Pills, why are you scared? Could it be that the Blood Mirage Pills are poisonous, and you don¡¯t dare let me prove it on the spot?¡± His question seemed reasonable. Why would the Cloud Xing Pavilion fear him proving it if there was no issue with the Blood Mirage Pills?


    ¡°We¡¯ve been consuming the Blood Mirage Pills for an extended period, and we¡¯ve experienced no adverse effects. The Cloud Xing Pavilion has nothing to fear, so let him prove his point so he can concede.¡± Numerous cultivators stood by the Cloud Xing Pavilion, convinced that the Blood Mirage Pills were harmless. However, they were unaware that their statements inadvertently aided Liu Wuxie¡¯s strategy.


    ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, it¡¯s not that we¡¯re not letting them prove their words, but the Cloud Xing Pavilion has its own rules. How can we break our rules because of an outsider¡¯s words?¡± Li Wuhai, the pavilion master, stepped forward and addressed the crowd. He knew something that others might not¡ªthe Blood Mirage Pills had powerful side effects that hadn¡¯t yet surfaced.


    After Prince Yongxian¡¯s power was firmly established in the Great Yan Dynasty, no one would be able to do anything to them, even if the side effects of the Blood Mirage Pills surfaced. They had produced arge quantity of Blood Mirage Pills, earning vast resources to purchase ingredients for the ck Shell Pills. All of this was to pave the way for Prince Yongxian.


    The words of the Cloud Xing Pavilion¡¯s pavilion master made the questioning voices disappear. The cultivators who had bought the Blood Mirage Pills no longer said a word because what Li Wuhai said was right.


    Master Mao¡¯s group of three became anxious, seeing that the little hope they had was quickly extinguished.


    ¡°Wuxie, what should we do now?¡± Sang Yan asked anxiously.


    ¡°Wait!¡± Liu Wuxie interjected. He had already achieved his objective of nting seeds of doubt in the crowd¡¯s minds. Even though Li Wuhai quickly quelled these doubts, this hint of uncertainty would make things easier for Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, if you have nothing else to say, you can meet your end now!¡± Jiang Yue did not want to waste words with Liu Wuxie and nned to personally exact his revenge. The situation reverted to how it was moments ago, except now there was an additional person, and the Cloud Xing Pavilion encircled them.


    ¡°The likes of you want to kill me?¡± Liu Wuxie sneered. Liu Wuxie sneered, showing no fear of Jiang Yue.


    ¡°Such arrogance, even when facing death. Let me deal with you!¡± Geng Ye, eager to kill Liu Wuxie, drew his weapon and charged.


    Just then, a roar echoed from outside, ¡°Everyone, stop!¡±


    The voice belonged to Gao Hong, reverberating throughout the main hall like a wave.


    ¡°We¡¯ll soon find out whether there¡¯s an issue with the Blood Mirage Pills!¡± Gao Hong entered the main hall, dragging arge metal box behind him.


    When Liu Wuxie was on his way to the Cloud Xing Pavilion, he had instructed Gao Hong and another alchemist to go elsewhere while he went to the main hall to rescue Master Mao¡¯s group.


    The iron box, over three meters tall, was dragged into the main hall as it couldn¡¯t be stored in an interspatial pouch.


    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± The crowd began to murmur, curious about what the Treasure Pill Pavilion was nning to do.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on? Why is my heart beating too fast, like I¡¯m facing a predator?¡± Amotion came from the crowd, with many people clutching their chests, feeling suffocated. It was as if an invisible pressure was weighing on their souls.


    ¡°It¡¯s easy to prove if there¡¯s an issue with the Blood Mirage Pills, and the answer lies in this box,¡± Liu Wuxie said, pointing to therge box.


    ¡°Brat, if you dare to spout nonsense again, don¡¯t me me for being impolite!¡± Li Wuhai couldn¡¯t restrain himself any longer. He was well aware of what was inside the box. If the box were opened, the Cloud Xing Pavilion¡¯s efforts over the past month would be wasted. If the Blood Mirage Pills lost their market, their n to rely on it to purchase ingredients for the Blood Shell Pills would be ruined.


    ¡°You all are afraid now?¡± Liu Wuxie wore a harmless smile. Li Wuhai¡¯s reaction only piqued everyone¡¯s interest in the contents of the box.


    ¡°Kill them!¡± Li Wuhai ordered, intending to eliminate Liu Wuxie¡¯s group to prevent the secret of the Blood Mirage Pills from being revealed.


    ¡°You want to silence us?¡± Liu Wuxie wore a mocking smile without a hint of fear.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. We want to kill you today!¡± Li Wuhai looked at Jiang Yue, hinting that he should act immediately and not drag this matter any longer.


    Upon receiving the order, Jiang Yue charged Liu Wuxie directly.


    ¡°All of you, stop!¡± Another group entered the main hall, interrupting Jiang Yue.


    ¡°Is that... the patriarch of the Qin n?¡± The crowd recognized an elderly man in his seventies who had just entered the main hall. With each step he took, his aura intensified. He was indeed the patriarch of the Qin n, one of the five major ns in the Imperial City, and also the father of Qin Biyu.


    The Cloud Xing Pavilion had weed a mysterious expert that only Mu Yueying could handle. However, since she had left Imperial City, Liu Wuxie had to resort to an alternative solution as he couldn¡¯t deal with that mysterious expert with his current strength.


    There weren¡¯t many people he could rely on for help in the Imperial City. That¡¯s when he thought of someone who wasn¡¯t afraid of the Cloud Xing Pavilion, the Qin n.


    When Liu Wuxie had parted ways with Prince Ruyang and his wife, Qin Biyu had given him a jade pendant as a token of gratitude. She had told him that if he encountered any trouble in the Imperial City, he could seek her father¡¯s help with the jade pendant.


    ¡°Patriarch Qin, are you going to get involved in the internal affairs of our Cloud Xing Pavilion?¡±


    Each of the five major ns in the Imperial City had an ancestor in the True Core Realm, and no one could afford to offend them. Evidently, Li Wuhai hadn¡¯t expected the Qin n¡¯s patriarch to turn up in the Cloud Xing Pavilion.


    ¡°I have no interest in meddling in your affairs. My only concern is whether the Blood Mirage Pills are poisonous, as many disciples from my Qin n have been consuming them recently. Therefore, I must investigate this matter!¡± The words of Patriarch Qin were reasonable, and he even subtly acknowledged Liu Wuxie with a nod. He was already aware of Liu Wuxie¡¯s role in saving Prince Ruyang and his wife.

 Chapter 205 - Losing Control Of Bowels

    <h4>Chapter 205 - Losing Control Of Bowels</h4>


    Upon arriving at the Cloud Xing Pavilion, Liu Wuxie immediately grasped the gravity of the situation. Consequently, he directed Gao Hong to proceed to the Demonic Beast Hall, while another alchemist, armed with the jade pendant, was sent to the Qin n for assistance. This ensured that Liu Wuxie had control over the unfolding events.


    Qin Tian was the current patriarch of the Qin n. Despite his age, he had a robust figure and still exuded a powerful aura, which formed into a heatwave sweeping out.


    The crowd exploded into an uproar upon seeing Qin Tian¡¯s arrival. While the Blood Mirage Pills might have bewitched the present cultivators, they hadn¡¯tpletely lost their rationality.


    Thus, Qin Tian¡¯s arrival nted doubts in their hearts, and they began to wonder if the Blood Mirage Pills had an issue with it.


    ¡°Patriarch Qin, the Cloud Xing Pavilion is honored by your presence. However, due to therge crowd here, may I suggest we move inside for our discussion?¡± Li Wuhai extended an invitation to Qin Tian to move deeper into the Cloud Xing Pavilion, citing the crowd as a reason for the inconvenience.


    ¡°No need. Let¡¯s discuss it here. Since someone has raised concerns about the Blood Mirage Pills, shouldn¡¯t the Cloud Xing Pavilion cooperate with the investigation?¡± Qin Tian¡¯s words carried weight. After all, it was only natural to investigate a matter when questions were raised, especially since the Cloud Xing Pavilion was open for business.


    ¡°Patriarch Qin, if everyone starts questioning us daily, does that mean the Cloud Xing Pavilion should just shut down?¡± Li Wuhai retorted, pointing at Liu Wuxie¡¯s group with a hint of frost in his eyes.


    What both sides said made sense.


    ¡°Are you afraid, Pavilion Master Li?¡± Liu Wuxie asked, looking at Li Wuhai with a teasing smile. It was clear to everyone that the Cloud Xing Pavilion was hiding something. The more they tried to hide, the more doubts arose among the crowd. They might as well let Liu Wuxie point out the problem in the Blood Mirage Pills straightforwardly.


    After all, why should the Cloud Xing Pavilion be afraid if there was no issue with the Blood Mirage Pills, and what was Li Wuhai trying to hide?


    This made everyone question whether the Cloud Xing Pavilion would increase the price. They were already addicted to the Blood Mirage Pills, and Liu Wuxie¡¯s words shook their trust.


    ¡°I¡¯m not afraid!¡± Li Wuhai retorted, gritting his teeth, wishing he could tear Liu Wuxie apart on the spot.


    ¡°Since you¡¯re not afraid, why are you trying to stop me from proving that the Blood Mirage Pills are poisonous?¡± Liu Wuxie retorted. None of them were willing to step back, and the standoff continued. If Qin Tian hadn¡¯t been present, Li Wuhai would probably have made a move to take Liu Wuxie¡¯s life by now.


    Qin Tian¡¯s positioning was intriguing as he stood between Liu Wuxie and Li Wuhai. If Li Wuhai wanted to confront Liu Wuxie, he would have to bypass Qin Tian. It was clear to everyone that Qin Tian was siding with Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Pavilion Master Li, just let them conduct their investigation. We¡¯ll see what they can uncover!¡± The cultivators backing the Cloud Xing Pavilion stepped forward, suggesting that the Treasure Pill Pavilion should investigate the Blood Mirage Pills. If there were no issues with the pills, they could deal with themter.


    ¡°We¡¯ve been consuming the Blood Mirage Pills for a long time, and we¡¯re still healthy. But the Treasure Pill Pavilion insists that they are poisonous. The Treasure Pill Pavilion needs to exin this, or we won¡¯t purchase more pills from them in the future!¡± The crowd erupted, criticizing the Treasure Pill Pavilion.


    Yet, for some reason, Liu Wuxie responded with a smile instead of anger.


    Seeing so many people supporting the Cloud Xing Pavilion, Jiang Yue also felt a sense of pride. This was the perfect opportunity to deal with Liu Wuxie. Jiang Yue challenged, ¡°Liu Wuxie, what if you can¡¯t find anything wrong with the Blood Mirage Pills?¡±


    ¡°Idiot!¡± Li Wuhai red at him furiously before Jiang Yue could finish. If they insisted that there was no issue with the Blood Mirage Pills and prevented the Treasure Pill Pavilion from proving, this matter would eventually end. But what Jiang Yue said gave the Treasure Pill Pavilion a perfect excuse.


    ¡°If we can¡¯t prove what we said about the Blood Mirage Pills being poisonous, we¡¯ll take our lives immediately on the spot. Are you all satisfied with this answer?¡± Liu Wuxie replied with a devilish smile as he had been waiting for Jiang Yue to say that. Even if Jiang Yue hadn¡¯t said it, Liu Wuxie would have forced him to say that.


    Hearing what Liu Wuxie said, even the supporters of the Blood Mirage Pills began to sway. More people were swayed this time because this matter involved their lives and safety.


    ¡°I support the Treasure Pill Pavilion¡¯s investigation!¡± The first person voiced their opinion. They were determined to uncover the truth and ascertain whether the Blood Mirage Pills were poisonous, as imed by the Treasure Pill Pavilion.


    ¡°I also agree with the investigation. I¡¯ve been taking it for a month, and I noticed that aside from thefort from eating it, my cultivation increases very slowly.¡± More people stepped forward to support the Treasure Pill Pavilion.


    ¡°Pavilion Master Li, since everyone insists on investigating the Blood Mirage Pills, what is the Cloud Xing Pavilion¡¯s stance on this?¡± Qin Tian asked, smiling as he stroked his beard.


    This ced the Cloud Xing Pavilion in a difficult position. If they insisted on preventing the investigation, it would probably spark public anger among the crowd, and their position would plummet.


    Li Wuhai nced at the higher floors of the pavilion, but he didn¡¯t receive any indication. He could only grit his teeth and say, ¡°If there¡¯s no issue with the Blood Mirage Pills, all of you will have to die today!¡±


    Both sides already had a feud between them. If Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t prove that the Blood Mirage Pills were poisonous, he would have to die today.


    ¡°Master Mao has already revealed the ingredients used in the Blood Mirage Pills. It contains the Snake Demon Flower, which is highly corrosive and addictive. Most importantly, it continues to umte within the body until death,¡± Liu Wuxie stated, scanning the crowd.


    ¡°Stop talking nonsense and present the proof!¡± Without evidence, Liu Wuxie¡¯s words were mere allegations to everyone. This meant that the Treasure Pill Pavilion had to produce evidence that could convince everyone.


    ¡°Before presenting the evidence, I have a question for everyone. What do snake demonic beasts fear the most?¡± Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t in a hurry to present the evidence.


    ¡°Apart from feline demonic beasts, they should fear avian demonic beasts the most.¡± Nature maintains bnce, and everything in the world has its natural enemy. The same principle applied to demonic beasts.


    The Snake Demon Flower could be found in snake dens, and the flowers were a source of food for them. If humans took pills with Snake Demon Flowers as the ingredient, snake genes would form within their bodies.


    ¡°Those who fear these two types of demonic beasts, move to the left. Those who don¡¯t, move to the right.¡± Liu Wuxie instructed the crowd, which consisted of over five hundred people, all of whom had a considerable level of cultivation.


    ¡°What kind of joke is this? How could we possibly fear feline or avian demonic beasts?¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s words were met with ridicule from the crowd. Everyone moved to the right, indicating that no one feared the two types of demonic beasts.


    ¡°Gao Hong, open the box!¡± Once everyone had chosen their sides, Liu Wuxie gave Gao Hong themand.


    Qin Tian watched Liu Wuxie curiously, eager to see what he was nning. He was puzzled about how the Blood Mirage Pills could be connected to demonic beasts.


    ¡°Roger that!¡± Gao Hong positioned himself in front of the box and opened it, releasing a terrifying demonic energy into the main hall. It was a mature Head-Hunting Eagle, a second-grade demonic beast equivalent to the Xiantian Realm.


    The Head-Hunting Eagle was confined in the box, but as the box was sealed earlier when it was brought in, its aura couldn¡¯t spread out. But the moment the seal was removed, the demonic energy of the Head-Hunting Eagle spread throughout the main hall.


    ¡°Arghhhh!¡± A series of screams echoed in the main hall as hundreds of cultivators clutched their heads, crouching on the ground and trembling in fear. They even gave off a foul stench that filled the hall.


    The unfolding scene took everyone aback. The cultivators, who had previously imed they harbored no fear, were now sprawled on the ground, terrified to the point of losing control of their bodily functions. The presence of the Head-Hunting Eagle suppressed their souls and bloodlines, bing their nemesis.


    While metal may melt under high temperatures, it¡¯s far from useless. Metal can be utilized to forge weapons, and a sharp sword made of metal can slice through a tree. Moreover, wood can be used to ignite a fire. Interestingly, both metal and wood share amon weakness¡ªfire. This forms a cycle where each element has its strengths and vulnerabilities. This is a fundamental principle that governs the world.


    Just as in nature, the cultivators had encountered their ¡®fire¡¯ in the form of the Head-Hunting Eagle.


    Jiang Yue was dumbfounded when he saw this scene, as it overturned his understanding of the world. He couldn¡¯tprehend how these people could fear such a tiny demonic beast.


    Only Li Wuhai¡¯s face was terrifyingly grim. This was the suppression of the bloodline that disregarded cultivation.


    Qin Tian had a hint of shock in his eyes, which confirmed an issue with the Blood Mirage Pills.


    ¡°Quick...close the box! I can¡¯t hold it any longer!¡± A cultivator in the pinnacle Spirit Cleansing Realm roared as hey on the ground, begging Gao Hong to seal the box to iste the demonic energy.


    Gao Hong turned to look at Liu Wuxie, who waved his hand and signaled that the box could be closed. He quickly sealed the box, isting the demonic energy.


    Just a moment ago, many cultivators felt the fear of death as though there was a dagger on their necks that would stab through their souls. This suppression rendered them helpless as it came from their bloodline.


    Gradually, hundreds of people managed to rise from the crowd. However, half of them had lost control of their bodily functions due to fear, resulting in a foul stench permeating the air. Yet, no one ridiculed them, as everyone was more or less in the same state of fear.


    ¡°What is happening? Someone needs to exin this!¡± The crowd was furious. They were certain they weren¡¯t afraid of avian demonic beasts, which implied that there was indeed a problem with the Blood Mirage Pills.


    They considered themselves lucky not to have ventured into the mountain range for training. Otherwise, they could have been killed if they encountered avian demonic beasts.


    All eyes turned to Liu Wuxie, awaiting his exnation. After all, he was the one who had brought in the Head-Hunting Eagle, and he must know the secret behind the Blood Mirage Pills.


    Qin Tian also turned his gaze towards Liu Wuxie. Many disciples of the Qin n had consumed the Blood Mirage Pills over the past month. If this issue couldn¡¯t be resolved, it would be a significant setback for the Qin n.


    Master Mao and Sang Yan shared a look, both aware of the Blood Mirage Pills¡¯ defect. Their recklessness andck of a sound n had nearly cost them their lives. If not for Liu Wuxie¡¯s intervention, they would have met their end.


    Lan Ruoyu was gripped by fear, having ingested the Blood Mirage Pills herself. However, her distance from the box lessened the intensity of her difort.


    The members of the Cloud Xing Pavilion were on edge. If there was indeed a problem with the Blood Mirage Pills, they would be pursued by all the cultivators in the Imperial City, and their pills would no longer find buyers.


    Liu Wuxie found himself the target of hundreds of intense stares. Anyone else in his position would undoubtedly be flustered, but Liu Wuxie, for some reason, maintained an eerie calm.


    "I''ve already given the answer, and if you carefully recall my words, you''ll understand why."

 Chapter 206 - Truth Revealed

    <h4>Chapter 206 - Truth Revealed</h4>


    Liu Wuxie, with a sweeping gaze, refrained from further boration, allowing everyone to ponder his previous words.


    ¡°Youngd, what¡¯s the issue with the Blood Mirage Pills?¡± Even Qin Tian, a cultivator at the pinnacle of the Spirit Cleansing Realm and patriarch of the Qin n, was taken aback by the earlier events.


    After all, it would be embarrassing if news got out that so many cultivators were scared to the point of wetting themselves due to a confined demonic beast. Nheless, that day¡¯s incident was destined to be a historical event.


    This was because, regardless of their cultivation, no one could withstand the demonic energy of the Head Hunting Eagle.


    ¡°I rified earlier,¡± Liu Wuxie began his exnation, revealing the secret behind the Blood Mirage Pills, ¡°The Snake Demon Flower is the main ingredient for the Blood Mirage Pills, the primary food source for snake-type demonic beasts. When humans consume it inrge quantities, it produces snake demon essence in the body, damaging meridians. As the Head Hunting Eagle is the bane of all snake-type demonic beasts, you feared it. However, if you can eliminate the snake demon essence from your body, you can naturally neutralize the poison.¡±


    The fear of the Head-Hunting Eagle among these individuals was due to their consumption of the Snake Demon Flowers inrge quantities, which led to an umtion of snake demon essence within their bodies.


    ¡°We¡¯ve been consuming the Blood Mirage Pills for a month, and we¡¯ve felt no difort in our meridians. Are you sure you¡¯re not overstating things?¡± They knew they couldn¡¯t venture into the mountain range if they feared the Head-Hunting Eagle. However, if their meridians were indeedpromised, the repercussions would be severe, potentially leading to a loss of their cultivation abilities.


    ¡°Verifying the state of your meridians is simple,¡± Liu Wuxie responded. ¡°Just make a small incision on your arm, and you can check if it¡¯s as fragile and damaged as I¡¯ve mentioned.¡± Liu Wuxie had already used his Ghost Eye to see through their bodies, and he knew their meridians were severely damaged.


    It might seem fine on the surface, and the cirction of their true essence was smooth. However, that was an illusion because the walls of their meridians were already corroded.


    ¡°I¡¯ll do it!¡± A man in his thirties stepped forward, unsheathing a dagger and making a cut on his left arm, revealing several meridians. Strangely, no blood flowed out, and the exposed meridians were shriveled, resembling those of a deceased person.


    All eyes were drawn to it as he lifted a meridian with the dagger. A bizarre sight unfolded as numerous red spots appeared on the inner walls of the meridians, indicating rapid corrosion.


    ¡°What¡¯s happening?!¡± The crowd was in shock. After all, who would willingly cut open their body to inspect their meridians? Only a lunatic would do such a thing.


    A trace of anger appeared on Qin Tian¡¯s face. Hundreds of disciples from the Qin n, who represented the Qin n''s future and hope, had consumed the Blood Mirage Pills.


    If their meridians werepromised, it would mean the end of their cultivation journey. The Qin n couldn¡¯t afford to lose them.


    The man who had made the incision on his arm suddenly copsed to his knees. His wound, although shallow, wasn¡¯t healing on its own, which was highly unusual.


    ¡°Please save me! How did my meridians end up like this?!¡± The man kowtowed, begging Liu Wuxie to save him. His meridians were in severe corrosion, and he only had roughly a month to live.


    Even if he were to die, the actual cause of his death would remain a mystery. After all, who would suspect that a cultivator¡¯s demise was due to the pills they consumed?


    ¡°This is the Spiritual Rhyme Pill produced by our Treasure Pill Pavilion. It¡¯s cheap and can neutralize the snake demon essence in your bodies!¡± Liu Wuxie left the remaining matter to Master Mao, who took the Spiritual Rhyme Pill and handed it to the man.


    Upon swallowing the Spiritual Rhyme Pill, the man soon felt a numbing sensation in his arm. His damaged meridians began to heal rapidly, a sight so extraordinary that no one had ever witnessed such an effective pill before.


    ¡°This is incredible! My meridians are healed!¡± The man eximed, standing up in excitement. He hadn¡¯t expected the Spiritual Rhyme Pill to be so miraculously potent.


    ¡°To confirm the efficacy of our Spiritual Rhyme Pill, please open the box,¡± Master Mao instructed the man, asking him to unseal the Head-Hunting Eagle.


    Initially, the man was reluctant due to lingering fear. However, under Master Mao¡¯s persistent urging, he finally approached the box. The crowd, still shaken by the earlier events, had retreated to a safe distance.


    When the man opened the box, he was no longer afraid when he faced the demonic energy released by the Head-Hunting Eagle. Anyone could tell that he wasn¡¯t pretending to be calm.


    ¡°I also want to buy the Spiritual Rhyme Pill!¡±The crowd erupted into chaos as everyone surged forward, eager to secure a pill for themselves.


    ¡°I only brought two Spiritual Rhyme Pills with me. All of you can go to the Treasure Pill Pavilion if you want to buy them! Firste, first serve!¡± The crowd surrounded Master Mao, and thest Spiritual Rhyme Pill was snatched away. This meant that everyone could only give up for now.


    ¡°Cloud Xing Pavilion, how dare you use a poisonous pill to harm us! Today, we will dismantle the Cloud Xing Pavilion!¡± The thousand people gathered outside charged into the Cloud Xing Pavilion, causing destruction wherever they went.


    In just a few minutes, the Cloud Xing Pavilion was heavily damaged, and all the pills on the counter were scattered on the ground. But no one dared to snatch the pills because they were poisonous. There were too many people, so the Cloud Xing Pavilion couldn¡¯t stop them.


    Taking advantage of the chaos, Liu Wuxie had already left with Master Mao.


    Jiang Yue was the chief alchemist, and everyone naturally targeted him. He was given a beating to the point that his face became bruised. Geng Ye¡¯s group was also targeted, and none were spared.


    Two hourster, Liu Wuxie appeared on the ten-mile-long street. He had handed the Treasure Pill Pavilion¡¯s affairs to Master Mao for the time being and also given him the form to refine the Spiritual Rhyme Pill.


    ¡°Wuxie, thank you for today. Without you, the three of us might have been doomed,¡± Master Mao expressed his gratitude as he saw Liu Wuxie off.


    ¡°As the chief alchemist of the Treasure Pill Pavilion, I couldn¡¯t just stand by and do nothing. Go back; the business of the Treasure Pill Pavilion will bounce back soon,¡± Liu Wuxie reassured him.


    Given that Mu Yueying had risked obtaining a fifth-grade talisman paper for him, it was only natural for Liu Wuxie to lend a helping hand to the Treasure Pill Pavilion. After bidding everyone farewell, Liu Wuxie returned to the Imperial Academy.


    <strong>......</strong>


    In the Cloud Xing Pavilion, the ck-robed man¡¯s face was terrifyingly grim while Li Wuhai trembled in fear beside him. The ck-robed man asked without a hint of emotion in his tone, ¡°What¡¯s his name?¡±


    ¡°Deacon Lu, the individual in question is Liu Wuxie. He serves as the chief alchemist for the Treasure Pill Pavilion and is also a student at the Imperial Academy,¡± Li Wuhai promptly ryed all the information he had gathered about Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Good. Since he dares to stand in the way of our Azure Crimson Gate, find a way to kill him.¡± The ck-robed man was furious because he was the one who had prepared the Blood Mirage Pill, bringing in a hefty profit in just one month. However, all his efforts were thwarted by Liu Wuxie.


    <strong>......</strong>


    Two men and a woman appeared at the gate of the Imperial City.


    ¡°Are you three here in search of Liu Wuxie?¡± Bai Zhan, who had just returned from outside, inquired. His face hardened instantly upon hearing that they were looking for Liu Wuxie, and the murderous intent within him hadn¡¯t yet subsided.


    Wei Dong dared not meet Bai Zhan¡¯s gaze, for he perceived him as an executioner due to the palpable murderous intent he exuded.


    ¡°Senior Brother, Liu Wuxie has been of great help to us, and we are here today to express our gratitude,¡± Wei Dong revealed. It turned out that they hade to thank Liu Wuxie for his assistance in the Western Breeze Mountain Range. Since Liu Wuxie had departed abruptly, they hadn¡¯t had the opportunity to express their gratitude earlier.


    Wei Dong, who was nearing forty, showed respect to Bai Zhan by addressing him as ¡®senior brother.¡¯ This was their respect for the Imperial City from the depth of their hearts.


    If they were looking for someone else, Bai Zhan would have considered bringing them in and helping them find the person they were looking for. But when he heard Liu Wuxie¡¯s name, he became furious. Because of Liu Wuxie, he had failed to make his breakthrough into the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    After spending fifty credits to ess the third floor of the Golden Pagoda, he had sessfully advanced to the Marrow Cleansing Realm. Following his breakthrough, he had been training outside to solidify his cultivation and had returned that day, where he encountered Wei Don.


    ¡°There¡¯s no one by the name of Liu Wuxie here. Get lost!¡± Bai Zhan¡¯s hostility was evident as he demanded that Wei Dong and hispanions leave immediately, clearly not wanting to entertain them any further.


    ¡°Brother Liu told us that he¡¯s a student of the Imperial Academy. Could you please guide us to him?¡± Wei Dong, unaware of the animosity between Liu Wuxie and Bai Zhan, even offered a spirit stone to Bai Zhan as a gesture of goodwill.


    ¡°Do you take me for a beggar?!¡± Bai Zhan retorted, tossing the spirit stone back. As a prodigy of the Bai n and a Profound Grade student of the Imperial Academy, he had high aspirations, including ns for promotion to a Heaven Grade student upon his return.


    ¡°You said Liu Wuxie assisted you?¡± Bai Zhan inquired, clenching his fists. The Bai n was known for theirbative nature, a trait ingrained in their genes. Consequently, the Bai n boasted numerous military officials in the Great Yan Dynasty.


    ¡°Brother Liu¡¯s assistance saved my third junior brother. We¡¯vee to express our gratitude, and I¡¯ve brought my third junior brother for that purpose,¡± Wei Dong exined. His third junior brother, having recovered after a month, stepped forward.


    ¡°Since you three are friends of Liu Wuxie, I¡¯ll vent my anger on you,¡± Bai Zhan dered, appearing before Wei Dong and pping him across the face without warning. Caught off guard, Wei Dong was sent flying, utterly bewildered by the sudden attack from an Imperial Academy student.


    ¡°How dare you harm our senior brother?!¡± The third junior brother and the woman drew their weapons, positioning themselves between Bai Zhan and Wei Dong. They knew they were no match for Bai Zhan but refused to let him disrespect their senior brother.


    ¡°You two weaklings think you can stop me?¡± Bai Zhan sneered, waving his hand and releasing his Marrow Cleansing Realm aura, forcing the two to back off.


    ¡°Second junior sister, third junior brother, leave this ce quickly!¡± Wei Dong got back up from the ground with blood dripping from the corner of his lips. He knew that even if an Imperial City student killed him, their master wouldn¡¯t dare seek revenge and would have to ept it as a misfortune.


    ¡°None of you will escape today! I¡¯ll kill the three of you to settle some scores!¡± Bai Zhan¡¯s face twisted into a sinister smile, his intent to strike the two clear. If his attacknded, their heads would likely burst like watermelons.


    The disparity in their cultivation levels was evident, and Bai Zhan, being a prodigy, was a formidable opponent even for those at the lower levels of the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    The force behind his impending p was immense, generating a powerful wave that swept outwards. However, just as his palm was about to connect with the two, a potent de ray descended,pelling Bai Zhan to withdraw his hand. Had he not done so, his hand would be severed by the de ray.

 Chapter 207 - Crippling Bai Zhan

    <h4>Chapter 207 - Crippling Bai Zhan</h4>


    Bai Zhan was taken aback by the sudden descent of the de ray, retracting his hand in the nick of time to avoid injury. The de ray split arge rock at the gate of the Imperial Academy, sending fragments flying into the sky like arrows before they vanished from sight.


    Bai Zhan was inwardly shaken, realizing that had he not withdrawn his hand promptly, it would have been crippled.


    A man wielding a de approached slowly from fifty meters away. With each step he took, the murderous intent he radiated intensified.


    ¡°It¡¯s Brother Liu!¡± Wei Dong eximed emotionally upon recognizing Liu Wuxie.


    Bai Zhan, wearing a sinister smile, was confident that no one could hinder him this time, unlike the previous asion when Gong Ao had intervened, allowing Liu Wuxie to escape.


    Liu Wuxie asked coldly, his gaze falling on the wound on Wei Dong¡¯s face. Arge gash marred Wei Dong¡¯s left cheek, from which blood was still flowing. Liu Wuxie had overheard their conversation but couldn¡¯t intervene in time to prevent Wei Dong from being sent flying by Bai Zhan.


    ¡°Brother Liu, it¡¯s fine!¡± Wei Dong reassured him, not wanting to cause any more trouble. He knew his face would heal in a few days and didn¡¯t want to drag Liu Wuxie into further conflict.


    ¡°If you won¡¯t tell me, I¡¯ll just cripple both his hands,¡± Liu Wuxie dered, turning to face Bai Zhan. Did Bai Zhan really think he was afraid of him?


    As the two faced off, a potent aura began to emanate. Liu Wuxie had ascended to the eighth level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm, demonstrating a significant increase in strength since his departure from the academy.


    During their previous encounter, Bai Zhan had underestimated Liu Wuxie, who was then at the lower levels of the Spirit Cleansing Realm. However, Liu Wuxie¡¯s rapid progression to the eighth level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm in such a short span was nothing short of astonishing.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, you may have evaded me once, but today will mark your end!¡± Bai Zhan dered, clenching his fists in determination to eliminate Liu Wuxie that day. Unaware of the duel between Liu Wuxie and Qin Shi, Bai Zhan would likely have retreated in fear had he known about it.


    ¡°Intending to kill me, are you?¡± Liu Wuxie had initially nned to merely teach Bai Zhan a lesson andpel him to apologize to Wei Dong. He hadn¡¯t anticipated that Bai Zhan harbored intentions of killing him.


    ¡°Enough talk, take my punch!¡± Bai Zhan, a battle maniac, preferred action over words. He unleashed a powerful aura that surged towards Liu Wuxie, its intensity tenfold stronger than before.


    An ordinary person would have been paralyzed with fear under such circumstances. However, Liu Wuxie remained unfazed, sheathing his Heretic de and preparing to engage in hand-to-handbat.


    The formidable sh between Liu Wuxie and Bai Zhan forced Wei Dong and hispanions to retreat. They couldn¡¯t approach the battlefield and had to withdraw to a distance of fifty meters.


    Both Liu Wuxie and Bai Zhan opted for a straightforward punch, intending to conclude the battle swiftly. They closed the five-meter gap between them in an instant.


    When their punches collided, Liu Wuxie¡¯s fist, half the size of Bai Zhan¡¯s, unleashed a powerful shockwave. The surrounding trees exploded under the impact.


    Blood dyed the entire sky red as a figure was sent flying away. The echoing sounds of bones shattering inch by inch into fragments made everyone feel a chill down their spines.


    Bai Zhan fell a hundred meters away with his entire right arm turned into blood mist before dissipating in the air.


    Wei Dong and hispanions were left in shock at the sight, rendered speechless by the turn of events. They hade to express their gratitude to Liu Wuxie, but it seemed they had inadvertently caused him trouble instead.


    Themotion naturally drew the attention of passing students, who emerged from the gate to witness Bai Zhan being flung away.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, I¡¯ll kill you!¡± Bai Zhan was furious that his entire arm was crippled and turned into blood mist. This meant that he would be a one-armed cripple in the future.


    As he picked himself up from the ground, Bai Zhan¡¯s blood-soaked white robe gave him the appearance of a terrifying demon emerging from the depths of hell.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on? Why did Bai Zhan suddenly end up fighting someone?¡± A group of students from the Imperial Academy rushed out, taken aback by the sight of Bai Zhan engaged inbat. They found it hard to believe that the academy¡¯s renowned ¡®war god¡¯ had been defeated.


    ¡°It¡¯s Liu Wuxie!¡± Liu Wuxie stood firm as the ground beneath him cracked from the force of the impact. After consuming the Dragon Origin Pill, he had acquired the strength of a dragon, making his physique far superior to that of an average person.


    Bai Zhan had a powerful physique, and ordinary people weren¡¯t his match. But today, he was defeated in terms of pure strength that he was proud of.


    ¡°This kid is a troublemaker. He has caused another incident in just a few days.¡± Since joining the Imperial Academy, Liu Wuxie had been constantly embroiled in conflicts, even resulting in the deaths of several students. It had been only a few days, and he was now engaged in a fight with Bai Zhan at the academy gate.


    After regaining his breath, Bai Zhan brandished a spear and charged at Liu Wuxie, resolute in his decision to kill him that day. He unleashed a powerful aura characteristic of the Marrow Cleansing Realm, having learned his lesson from his previous defeat in a test of brute strength. This time, Bai Zhan decided to leverage his cultivation.


    ¡°Since you¡¯re courting death, I¡¯ll fulfill your wish!¡± Liu Wuxie had already taught Bai Zhan a lesson on behalf of Wei Dong by crippling one of his arms. But since Bai Zhan insisted on continuing the fight, Liu Wuxie decided not to hold back. Drawing the Heretic de, he unleashed a powerful de ray that swept towards Bai Zhan.


    Bai Zhan¡¯s face changed as he quickly retreated, unable to find any w in Liu Wuxie¡¯s de. He couldn¡¯t understand how Liu Wuxie could be so powerful. Even in a scenario where Liu Wuxie had begun cultivating since he was in the womb, his skill level appeared inexplicable.


    ¡°You¡¯re too slow!¡±


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s voice echoed like a death knell, and his de aura sliced through Bai Zhan¡¯s lower abdomen. To prevent Bai Zhan from seeking revenge on Wei Dong¡¯s group, Liu Wuxie decided to resolve this issue once and for all.


    Coughing up a mouthful of blood, Bai Zhan copsed onto the ground. His dantian was severed by Liu Wuxie, causing his true essence to leak out.


    The loss of a dantian for a cultivator signified a future as a cripple. Since Liu Wuxie had alreadymitted to a death match with Qin Shi, the rules of the Imperial Academy held no meaning for him anymore.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, you will die a horrible death!¡± Bai Zhan spewed vicious words as hey on the ground. He couldn¡¯t believe that Liu Wuxie had defeated him.


    Wei Dong and hispanions were left in shock. They hadn¡¯t expected that the Imperial Academy could be so formidable that even a cultivator in the Marrow Cleansing Realm could be casually crippled.


    ¡°Bai Zhan, I am the one who crippled you today. I wee your attempts at revenge in the future,¡± Liu Wuxie dered, taking full responsibility to avoid implicating Wei Dong¡¯s group. This naturally earned him their gratitude. They could tell that Bai Zhan was no ordinary individual and must have a significant background.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, I will remember this! The Bai n will not let you go unpunished!¡± Bai Zhan vowed, gritting his teeth against the pain. As a prodigy of the Bai n, he was confident that the n¡¯s higher-ups would seek retribution on his behalf.


    ¡°Come at me then!¡± Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t afraid of the Bai n since he had already offended the Xue n. He hoped they wouldn¡¯t bother him, or he wouldn¡¯t mind wiping out the Bai n.


    In his past life, Liu Wuxie was an Immortal Emperor, holding billions of lives in his hands. He could effortlessly obliterate ten Great Yan Dynasties with a mere wave of his hand. So, why would he concern himself with someone like Bai Zhan? He then turned and approached Wei Dong¡¯s group.


    ¡°Brother Liu, we apologize for causing you trouble,¡± Wei Dong expressed, guilt evident on his face. He felt responsible for the incident, which he believed wouldn¡¯t have urred had they not sought out Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°This has nothing to do with you. I already had a feud with him. This battle was inevitable, regardless of whether you came or not,¡± Liu Wuxie reassured him, aware that Bai Zhan wouldn¡¯t let him go due to his personality. Despite this, Wei Dong still felt guilty.


    ¡°Brother Liu, we¡¯ve brought these gifts for you. Please ept them!¡± Wei Dong presented some gifts from his interspatial pouch. The Crimson me Manor was known for its Profound me Beast, a demonic beast whose flesh was tender and rich in powerful fire energy, making it an excellent supplement for cultivators who practiced fire attribute martial techniques.


    Wei Dong brought a few hundred kilograms of it to express his gratitude to Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie graciously epted the gifts. He invited them into the Imperial Academy, informing them, ¡°I will be leaving tomorrow, and I can only spend another day with you all.¡±


    ¡°We won¡¯t impose on you any further now that you¡¯ve epted our gifts. If there¡¯s an opportunity in the future, pleasee to the Crimson me Manor as a guest.¡± Wei Dong cupped his fists at Liu Wuxie. Liu Wuxie had crippled Bai Zhan because of them, and they didn¡¯t dare to enter the Imperial Academy with Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t insist on them staying, as he was leaving the next day. He understood the risks they would face if they stayed in the Imperial Academy, so he didn¡¯t pressure them to remain.


    ¡°Farewell!¡± The three cupped their fists at Liu Wuxie and left.


    Watching them leave, Liu Wuxie turned around and entered the Imperial Academy, leaving Bai Zhan behind without a second nce.


    News of Bai Zhan being crippled by Liu Wuxie quickly spread throughout the Imperial Academy. Despite only a few days passing, Liu Wuxie¡¯s growth had surpassed everyone¡¯s expectations, causing many to feel threatened, including Ji Yang.


    Ji Yang had previously been humiliated by Liu Wuxie in the alchemy chambers, and his anger had yet to subside. Moreover, Qin Shi had managed to get one step ahead of him.


    ¡°Damn it! Even Bai Zhan couldn¡¯t defeat him!¡± Ji Yang eximed, smashing the porcin bottles on the table in frustration. His face turned pale as he realized that hisbat prowess was inferior to Bai Zhan¡¯s. Did this mean he would never be able to exact his revenge?


    ¡°Young Master Ji, I¡¯ve heard that he¡¯s nning to return to the Azure Billow City tomorrow. We might find an opportunity to eliminate him,¡± an Earth Grade student suggested, a sinister smile ying on his lips.


    Upon hearing that Liu Wuxie was nning to return to Azure Billow City, Ji Yang¡¯s eyes narrowed. He knew he couldn¡¯t harm Liu Wuxie within the Imperial Academy, but the situation would be different in Azure Billow City. He could potentially use his master¡¯s influence to achieve his goal.


    After all, both he and his master had been thoroughly humiliated in the alchemypetition, and he naturally sought revenge.


    When Liu Wuxie returned to his courtyard, he found that the damages had already been repaired.


    Upon hearing the news of Liu Wuxie crippling Bai Zhan, Li Shengsheng and the others could only wear expressions of helplessness. They had grown somewhat ustomed to such incidents, particrly Li Shengsheng. Ever since he hade to know Liu Wuxie, it seemed that trouble was never far behind. However, it was also true that Liu Wuxie was never the one to instigate these troubles; they always seemed to find him instead.

 Chapter 208 - Tear Into Pieces

    <h4>Chapter 208 - Tear Into Pieces</h4>


    Several mysterious people appeared on the main road leading to Azure Billow City.


    ¡°Shao Dongli, why don¡¯t we go to the Imperial City to apprehend him? What are we doing in Azure Billow City?¡± a middle-aged voiced his confusion.


    ¡°Brother Hu Yang, that brat is a student of the Imperial Academy. Do you expect us to go there to catch him? The best way is to seize his family and force him to hand over the Fire Spiritual Bead,¡± Shao Dongli responded with a sinister smile.


    They had failed to secure the Fire Spiritual Bead after Liu Wuxie had frightened Wen Li away, and they had been harboring resentment ever since. Upon their return, they spent several days thoroughly investigating Liu Wuxie before inviting a few friends and setting off for Azure Billow City.


    ¡°Brother Shao is right. If we take his family, he can only obediently hand over the Fire Spiritual Bead.¡± The one who spoke was a man in his thirties, the youngest of the seven.


    ¡°Since we¡¯ve reached an agreement, let¡¯s depart quickly in case he refines the Fire Spiritual Bead,¡± Hu Yang urged.


    Azure Billow City was still the same as before, but they were unaware that a storm was brewing.


    <strong>......</strong>


    The next day, Xu Lingxue donned a white dress that entuated her beauty. Having been promoted to a Heaven Grade student a few days prior, she stood before Liu Wuxie, appearing as ethereal as a celestial fairy.


    The sight of her left Li Shengsheng and the others in awe; they could hardly believe that such a beautiful person existed in the world.


    ¡°Let¡¯s depart!¡± Xu Lingxue announced, her presence attracting butterflies and causing the courtyard flowers to bloom spontaneously. As she and Liu Wuxie stood together, they resembled a heavenly-matched couple.


    When they left the Imperial City, they hastened their speed. This was Xu Lingxue¡¯s first time traveling so far away, and she was eager to return to Azure Billow City.


    A dayter, Liu Wuxie and Xu Lingxue found an inn to rest. Wherever Xu Lingxue went, she would attract countless gazes, forcing her to wear a veil to cover her beauty.


    ¡°How confident are you in the death match with Qin Shi?¡± Xu Lingxue inquired, sipping her tea. Throughout their journey, Liu Wuxie had been mostly silent, and they had traveled in quietpanionship.


    ¡°Fifty percent!¡± Liu Wuxie ced the cup down and gave a figure. That was one of Mu Yueying¡¯s prerequisites for obtaining a fifth-grade talisman paper.


    ¡°I can get my master to intervene and resolve your grievances.¡± Xu Lingxue bit on her lips. She feared she would hurt Liu Wuxie¡¯s dignity, as her master had torn up their engagement paper in Xu n.


    ¡°I¡¯m capable of managing my own affairs,¡± Liu Wuxie responded. He understood Xu Lingxue¡¯s good intentions and held no resentment towards her. He continued to drink his tea under this tense atmosphere.


    ¡°Why do you have to be so stubborn?¡± Xu Lingxue¡¯s gaze turned cold.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it; I won¡¯t die.¡±


    There was a subtle change in their rtionship, and Xu Lingxue couldn¡¯t describe it. The person she hated so much in the past had changed, bing decisive and aloof, especially his eyes, which exuded a sense of vicissitude. He didn¡¯t look like a youth but someone who had lived for centuries.


    After settling their bill, the two departed from the inn.


    ¡°Guess what news I picked up on my return from Azure Billow City?¡± A middle-aged man, dressed in the attire of a merchant shared with hispanions as he took a seat.


    Upon hearing about the mention of Azure Billow City, Liu Wuxie paused in his tracks.


    ¡°What did you hear?¡± The merchant across from him was clearly itching for some news. These merchants, with their frequent travels, often brought back fresh tidbits of information.


    ¡°I had a stomachache yesterday and went to the nearby woods to relieve myself. But seven experts suddenly appeared, and each of them gave off a powerful aura. Can you guess what they said?¡± The middle-aged man paused on purpose, piquing the curiosity of hispanions.


    ¡°Quit stalling and spill it. We don¡¯t have all day,¡± hispanions grumbled impatiently.


    ¡°The seven individuals were apparently heading to Azure Billow City to apprehend someone for the Fire Spiritual Bead. That¡¯s all I managed to overhear as they were quite distant.¡± The middle-aged man¡¯s words were cut short as a gust of wind swept through the inn, and he found himself hoisted off the ground.


    ¡°Tell me, what else did those seven say?¡± Liu Wuxie lifted the merchant with one hand and exuded a powerful murderous intent that sent all the furniture in the inn flying away. It seemed the seven were nning to capture his inws to coerce him into surrendering the Fire Spiritual Bead.


    ¡°T-That¡¯s all I know. Please, don¡¯t harm me!¡± The middle-aged man, a small business owner without any guards, was terrified by Liu Wuxie¡¯s murderous intent. He lost control of his dder, a warm stream trickling down his pants.


    After setting the middle-aged man down, Liu Wuxie vanished from the inn. Xu Lingxue was left in confusion, but she hastened to follow him.


    ¡°Wuxie, what¡¯s going on?¡± Xu Lingxue asked, concern etched on her face as she caught up with Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°The Xu n may be in danger. We need to move quickly.¡±


    Upon hearing that the Xu n might be in danger, Xu Lingxue quickened her pace, pushing herself to the limit.


    The average journey from the Imperial City to Azure Billow City would take three days. However, Liu Wuxie took five days due to frequent stops.


    Over the past few months, the Xu n had been thriving. Despite this, their growth was slow as they prioritized investing resources in the development of the younger generation.


    When a new day came, seven mysterious people appeared at the gates of Azure Billow City, causing an uproar when they entered the city.


    Bi Gongyu ced the pill in his hand and frowned. The powerful energy fluctuation indicated that there were experts there.


    The powerful aura instantly sent the Azure Billow City into chaos. Many shops closed down as people hid in their homes, not daring toe out.


    <strong>......</strong>


    Liu Wuxie and Xu Lingxue had been journeying non-stop along the mountain path for two days and nights. Xu Lingxue was panting heavily, barely managing to keep going with the help of pills supplied by Liu Wuxie. They had consumed over fifty fourth-grade pills, and even Liu Wuxie¡¯s true essence was nearing depletion.


    ¡°What¡¯s happening, Wuxie?¡± Xu Lingxue asked, taking a seat. They were only half a day away from Azure Billow City, and she was anxious about her parents¡¯ safety.


    ¡°It¡¯s a long story,¡± Liu Wuxie replied. It wasn¡¯t something he could exin quickly. He summoned the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron and began to absorb the surrounding spiritual energy.


    Xu Lingxue watched in astonishment. This was the first time they had cultivated together. The spiritual liquid that flowed from the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron quickly replenished Liu Wuxie¡¯s depleted true essence. If anything were to happen, Liu Wuxie would be able to return to Azure Billow City swiftly.


    Suddenly, several powerful auras approached, signaling an impending ambush. The rustling sounds from the woods indicated someone wasing, and Liu Wuxie immediately rose to his feet.


    ¡°Could it be someone from the Assassin Pavilion?¡± Liu Wuxie wondered aloud. He had already encountered two ambushes from the Assassin Pavilion in recent days. They were masters of stealth and surprise attacks.


    A sword appeared in Xu Lingxue¡¯s hand, her eyes turning icy. She was in a bad mood since she knew the Xu n was in danger.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, we meet again!¡± A familiar voice echoed as four figures emerged from the woods, a mere ten meters away.


    Recognizing one of them, Liu Wuxie lowered the Heretic de he held in his hand.


    ¡°Pavilion Master Shangguan, what a surprise to find you here,¡± Liu Wuxie responded with a sneer. Besides Shangguan Cai, the others were familiar faces too¡ªCong Jun from Bnce City and Heng Zheng from Plum City. However, the presence of Ji Yang in this group was the most unexpected.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, you didn¡¯t anticipate our encounter here, did you?¡± Shangguan Cai retorted with a smirk. After all, Liu Wuxie had taken something that belonged to Ji Yang during an alchemypetition.


    In the past month, Liu Wuxie had publicly humiliated Ji Yang at the Imperial Academy. It was only natural for Shangguan Cai, as Ji Yang¡¯s master, to seek retribution.


    ¡°Ji Yang tipped you off, didn¡¯t he?¡± Liu Wuxie spected. Ji Yang must have felt threatened after Liu Wuxie had crippled Bai Zhan and was likely eager to eliminate Liu Wuxie as soon as possible.


    If Liu Wuxie died, Ji Yang would take on the title of the youngest four-star alchemist in the Great Yan Dynasty.


    Ji Yang had set off a day earlier, journeying day and night to alert his master and two pavilion masters to set up an ambush.


    ¡°Brat, I never thought you¡¯d progress this far in just a few months, but today will be your end!¡± Heng Zheng scoffed. Xue Chou was a representative of Plum City, and his close ties with the Xue n were evident. He had hurried over upon receiving Shangguan Cai¡¯s pigeon post.


    ¡°Are you four trash really nning to kill me?¡± Liu Wuxie retorted. Shangguan Cai was only at the third level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm, while Cong Jun and Heng Zheng were at the second level, and Ji Yang at the first. They were nothing more than trash that Liu Wuxie could easily eliminate with a single strike.


    ¡°Just because you dared to call us trash, we won¡¯t let you die easily. We¡¯ll cripple you and torment your wife in front of you!¡± Heng Zheng¡¯s face twisted with rage. Despite being older than Xu Yilin, he couldn¡¯t contain himself when he heard Liu Wuxie utter such words.


    Xu Lingxue was furious to the point that she began to tremble. She hadn¡¯t expected the pavilion master of a Treasure Pill Pavilion¡¯s branch to be so despicable.


    ¡°I¡¯ll tear you all into pieces!¡± Murderous intent exuded from Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes. He had already given them death sentences since they dared humiliate his wife. His boundless rage enveloped a few hundred meters of radius, and this was the first time Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t wait to kill someone.


    At this moment, he realized that Xu Lingxue held an irreceable ce in his heart.


    The boundless murderous intent made Shangguan Cai frown because Liu Wuxie exuded a powerful aura. He wondered if he really was in the Spirit Cleansing Realm.


    Xu Lingxue wanted to join the fight, but Liu Wuxie stopped her. Her cultivation was at the first level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm, but it would only sully her hands. He said, ¡°Don¡¯t soil your hands with these people!¡±


    Xu Lingxue nodded obediently and sheathed her sword.


    ¡°Attack together and kill him! If thedy knows what we did, all of us will be finished!¡± They knew that Liu Wuxie was the Treasure Pill Pavilion¡¯s chief alchemist, and it was a serious matter for them to try to kill their superior.


    Four powerful auras swept out from four directions, targeting Liu Wuxie. The four were experts, each grasping a powerful martial technique.


    Xu Lingxue looked worried as she watched. This ensured she could render help immediately if Liu Wuxie was in danger.


    ¡°I will let you all die in agony!¡± Liu Wuxie would do as he said, and he vowed that he would tear them into pieces before killing them.

 Chapter 209 - Forcing You Out

    <h4>Chapter 209 - Forcing You Out</h4>


    No man could stand by while his wife was insulted, and Liu Wuxie was determined to make these people suffer the most agonizing death possible.


    Brandishing the Heretic de, Liu Wuxie created a flurry of de afterimages, effectively blocking the four¡¯s path. His de''s overwhelming intent caused Heng Zheng to tremble in fear.


    The four instantly realized that they had underestimated Liu Wuxie¡¯s strength. During the alchemypetition, Liu Wuxie was merely in the Xiantian Realm, and they could have easily defeated him then.


    But in just a few months, Liu Wuxie had undergone a drastic transformation, growing to a height beyond their reach.


    ¡°Use the formation!¡± Shangguan Cai was calm andposed as they had rehearsed some formations beforeing. They took four positions, forming the Four Symbols Array, instantly boosting theirbat power.


    ¡°You dare to use such a worthless formation against me?¡± Liu Wuxie vanished, only to reappear behind Heng Zheng, intending to inflict excruciating pain by tearing him to pieces. By the time he disappeared, it was toote for the four to evade his attack.


    Two pieces of flesh the size of an infant¡¯s fist flew out from Heng Zheng¡¯s back. The pain elicited a scream from Heng Zheng. Although the injury was minor and not life-threatening, if such minor injuries were to umte, they could eventually lead to Heng Zheng¡¯s death from pain.


    With a sh of the de ray, Liu Wuxie appeared behind Cong Jun, slicing two pieces of flesh off the same spot.


    Seeing Liu Wuxie¡¯s calm andposed demeanor in the face of their Four Symbols Array left Shangguan Cai and Ji Yang in shock. They couldn¡¯tprehend how Liu Wuxie had be so formidable.


    ¡°Your turn!¡± Liu Wuxie dered, moving with the agility of the Seven Dipper Steps. He didn¡¯t even need to resort to the Nine Heavenly Crane Dance when dealing with them. His Heretic de transformed into a multitude of afterimages, weaving through the four adversaries.


    Flesh rained down like snowkes, apanied by a shower of blood. The gruesome scene forced Xu Lingxue to avert her gaze. It was too violent. However, given Heng Zheng''s earlier remarks, she knew these individuals deserved their fate, which had ignited Liu Wuxie¡¯s fury.


    Liu Wuxie hastened his steps, knowing he had to reach Azure Billow City as quickly as possible. With over fifty swift shes, the ground was soon littered with chunks of flesh, all within the span of a few breaths.


    Shangguan Cai was reduced to a near-skeletal state, writhing in pain on the ground. The other three were in no better condition, but Ji Yang managed to endure the pain, his eyes turning bloodshot.


    ¡°HOW! HOW ARE YOU STRONGER THAN ME WHEN I¡¯M A GENIUS!¡± Ji Yang roared. He was nurtured with countless resources since he was young, while Liu Wuxie was merely garbage. How could Liu Wuxie possibly surpass him in just a few months?


    He couldn¡¯t ept it and wanted to retaliate, but Liu Wuxie swung his de ruthlessly, slicing Ji Yang¡¯s flesh down.


    ¡°You? A genius?¡± Liu Wuxie sneered. ¡°In my eyes, you¡¯re not even worthy of being called trash.¡±


    That was the truth because Liu Wuxie hadn¡¯t found anyone in the Great Yan Dynasty capable of impressing him. Ji Yang could only be considered arger piece of trash, but he was still trash.


    After all, Ji Yang had only managed to reach the first level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm by consuming a lot of pills and resources. How could he not be considered trash?


    Ji Yang clenched his teeth in hatred, but the relentless pain served as a stark reminder that his impending death was a reality.


    Five minutester, there weren¡¯t any intact pieces of flesh on the four of them aside from their heads. They were only left with a skeleton, and it wouldn¡¯t take long before they died.


    Despite their grievous injuries, their organs were still functioning, and none of their internal organs were damaged, all thanks to Liu Wuxie¡¯s precise techniques. The four could hardly fathom the pain they were experiencing.


    Liu Wuxie had been suppressing his murderous intent ever since he learned about the danger facing the Xu n. The four''s ambush and provocative words ignited the anger he had been holding back,pelling him to vent his fury.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, you¡¯re a demon!¡± Heng Zheng, who hadmitted numerous evil deeds over the years, eximed. Upon reflection, he found Liu Wuxie to be far more terrifying than himself. To him, Liu Wuxie was a demon who had crawled out from the depths of hell.


    The four were reduced to mere skeletons, their fleshpletely stripped away. However, Liu Wuxie¡¯s Heretic de had severed their nerves, rendering them incapable of feeling any pain.


    ¡°Ji Yang, I bet you didn¡¯t expect this oue when you schemed to kill me!¡± Liu Wuxie ignored Heng Zheng. It didn¡¯t matter to him if he was a demon or an immortal. After all, the path as an immortal was filled with thorns, to begin with.


    Ji Yang¡¯s face contorted in disbelief. He hadn¡¯t anticipated this oue. When he learned that Liu Wuxie had crippled Bai Zhan, his first thought was of his master. After all, two tigers couldn¡¯t coexist on the same mountain, and he couldn¡¯t allow himself to be overshadowed by Liu Wuxie.


    s, he hadn¡¯t expected this turn of events. Even Liu Wuxie hadn¡¯t expected Ji Yang to seek him out, and he had no interest in hunting down and killing Ji Yang. In his eyes, Ji Yang was no different from a mere fly. But since Ji Yang hade looking for him, he might as well kill him.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect this, but don¡¯t get cocky because of it. Qin Shi will soon kill you!¡± Ji Yang¡¯s gentlemanly facade crumbled, reced by raw fury.


    This was his true self, having put on a pretense for years. After all, he had to present a perfect image to others if he wanted to be a leader among his generation.


    Since his childhood, he had harbored the ambition to be the youngest four-star alchemist in the Great Yan Dynasty, dedicating immeasurable effort to realize this dream. However, just as he attained his goal, Liu Wuxie emerged unexpectedly, shattering the fruits of his decade-longbor.


    ¡°You think Qin Shi can kill me?¡± Liu Wuxie scoffed, offering no further exnation. He naturally wouldn¡¯t tell them that no one in the world could kill him so easily. With a hint of mockery and aloofness in his gaze, he looked at Ji Yang. Having achieved his goal of tearing them to pieces, it was time for him to send Ji Yang on his way.


    Four heads soared into the sky as the Heretic de released a ray of light. All four heads bore expressions of regret as their eyes closed for thest time. After executing the four, the anger simmering in Liu Wuxie¡¯s chest subsided slightly. He collected their interspatial pouches and resumed his journey to Azure Billow City.


    The two hurried their journey silently. But weirdly, Xu Lingxue said nothing, nor did she stop Liu Wuxie from killing them.


    <strong>......</strong>


    With a thunderous explosion, the defensive array of the Xu n vibrated violently, andrge cracks appeared on its surface. Seven experts were jointly attacking the defensive array, theirbined assault highly destructive.


    The array, set up by Liu Wuxie, could easily resist the attacks of ordinary Marrow Cleansing Realm experts. However, with seven of them attacking simultaneously, it was uncertain whether the array could withstand the onught.


    The higher-ups and guards of the Xu n emerged as their n was under attack again, disrupting the peace they had enjoyed for several months.


    ¡°Who dares to attack the Xu n?!¡± Xu Yilin came out from the main hall and stood at the gate, looking at the seven experts who had suddenly appeared outside the Xu n.


    ¡°Listen well, Xu n! My name is Shao Dongli, and my objective is not to annihte you all. As long as you cooperate and open the defensive array, I assure you that no one will be harmed,¡± Shao Dongli dered, stepping forward.


    ¡°Our Xu n doesn¡¯t know any of you. So why are you all attacking the array?¡± Xu Yilin naturally didn¡¯t trust Shao Dongli¡¯s words. The moment they opened the array, they would lose control of their lives and deaths.


    ¡°You all have fifteen minutes. If the array still isn¡¯t opened by then, I will kill everyone here.¡± Shao Dongli smiled sinisterly and signaled to the two experts who came with him to head to the Xu n¡¯s businesses, wanting to capture people to force Xu Yilin to open the array.


    Xu Yilin was furious because the Xu n had just settled down, and they had to face another crisis again. Although he had reached the Marrow Cleansing Realm, there was a significant gap between his abilities and those of the attackers.


    It was already evening, and the Xu n¡¯s deacons had already returned home after work. However, someone suddenly barged in and captured them, forcing them to kneel before the Xu n.


    Over a dozen deacons and around twenty guards were subdued in a matter of minutes. The incident sent shockwaves throughout Azure Billow City, akin to an earthquake.


    Upon hearing about the situation at the Xu n, Qi Enshi immediately rushed over. He stood a thousand meters away, sneering at the unfolding chaos.


    ¡°Xu Yilin, I won¡¯t make things difficult for your Xu n. As long as you surrender yourself and be our hostage, I will let everyone go. Otherwise, I will start killing one person every ten breaths.¡± Shao Dongli said, cing his sword on the neck of a guard. He wanted to force Xu Yilin toe out of the array and be his hostage to threaten Liu Wuxie.


    More people began gathering on the streets, but none dared to get close. Just the aura released by the seven was enough to make them tremble in fear.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on? Why are they targeting the Xu n?¡± Many people were baffled. They couldn¡¯t remember who the Xu n had offended in the past few months to have so many experts attacking them.


    ¡°Most likely, it¡¯s that troublemaker who brought this upon us.¡± The first person everyone thought of was Liu Wuxie, who had implicated the Xu n in the past.


    ¡°It has been ten breaths!¡± Shao Dongli raised his sword, beheading a guard that couldn¡¯t even put up any resistance.


    This made everyone from the Xu n furious, including the higher-ups. After all, each guard was like family to Xu Yilin, which made him furious. He clenched his fists, itching to charge out of the array.


    ¡°Patriarch, don¡¯te out! We¡¯re not afraid of death!¡± The guards kneeling outside yelled, telling Xu Yilin not toe out because of them. They would rather die than drag the n down.


    ¡°Kill all of us if you have the guts! We won¡¯t even frown!¡± The deacons raised their heads with unwavering determination in their eyes.


    ¡°I will slowly torture you all and make you all die a miserable death!¡± Shao Dongli swung his sword down, cutting the arms of three guards. The pain made the guards break out in cold sweat, but not a single one of them screamed.


    Xu Yilin¡¯s heart ached. The other higher-ups beside him gritted their teeth when they saw this scene.


    ¡°Patriarch, let us go out and fight them!¡± Deacon Lan¡¯s grip on his weapon tightened as he prepared to charge out. He would rather die a noble death than perish like a coward.


    Xu Yilin remained silent. He had nurtured these people, and seeing them in pain was more agonizing for him than anyone else.


    ¡°Let¡¯s see how long you all can keep hiding!¡± Shao Dongli taunted, raising his sword and severing the legs of three guards. Despite the scene''s brutality, the guards didn¡¯t scream.


    But Shao Dongli didn¡¯t stop there. He continued to swing his sword, aiming for the arms of the remaining guards, hoping to force Xu Yilin to emerge.

 Chapter 210 - Die Protecting

    <h4>Chapter 210 - Die Protecting</h4>


    The Xu n¡¯s fearlessness only further provoked Shao Dongli¡¯s group. Shao Dongli continued his brutal torture of the captives, swinging his sword relentlessly.


    The surrounding cultivators could no longer bear to watch the ruthless actions of Shao Dongli¡¯s group.


    ¡°Stop!¡± Xu Yilin roared, attempting to halt Shao Dongli. ¡°I will be your hostage. They¡¯re innocent, please don¡¯t hurt them!¡±


    As Xu Yilin spoke, he took out the jade pendant and walked out from the array.


    ¡°Patriarch, no!¡± Deacon Lan and others tried to stop Xu Yilin. They didn¡¯t know Shao Dongli¡¯s group''s objective, and it was dangerous to leave the array recklessly. No one could harm them as long as they hid in the array.


    ¡°Patriarch, what will we do if something happens to you!¡± The other deacons lined up, expressing their concerns. The Xu n hade a long way and couldn¡¯t afford any mishaps.


    ¡°If my life is important, aren¡¯t their lives important too? Get out of my way!¡± Xu Yilin, releasing his Marrow Cleansing Realm aura, pushed back the crowd as he pointed at the guards.


    Every life was a precious gift from their parents, and he couldn¡¯t bear the thought of innocent lives being lost because of him. The guards kneeling outside were moved to tears, witnessing their patriarch¡¯s willingness to be a hostage for their sake.


    ¡°Patriarch, don¡¯te outside! We would rather die!¡± A guard stood up and smashed his head against a stone pir. He would rather die than be a captive of Shao Dongli¡¯s group and use them to threaten Xu Yilin.


    ¡°Death is a luxury in my presence.¡± A wave of pressure descended, immobilizing the guard on the spot. When the guard copsed to the ground, his knees were shattered, leaving him incapacitated.


    Xu Yilin was filled with self-loathing for his inability to protect his people. He wept tears of blood as he stepped out of the spiritual array. With each step he took, the murderous intent he radiated intensified.


    Shao Dongli smiled, knowing that capturing Xu Yilin as a hostage would enable them to send a message to Liu Wuxie, demanding the return of the Fire Spiritual Bead.


    ¡°Who are you people, and why are you all attacking the Xu n?!¡± Bi Gongyu stood before the Xu n¡¯s gate and stopped Xu Yilin, preventing thetter from falling into their trap. If Xu Yilin fell into their hands, his life and death would be beyond his control. He didn¡¯t recognize these people and had no idea why they were targeting the Xu n.


    ¡°Who are you?! Get lost!¡± Shao Dongli swung his sword, unleashing a powerful sword aura that forced Bi Gongyu to retreat. After all, Shao Dongli was in the sixth level of the Marrow Cleansing Rm, and there was a massive gap in their cultivation.


    ¡°I am the pavilion master of Azure Billow City¡¯s Treasure Pill Pavilion, and the Xu n has a partnership with the Treasure Pill Pavilion. Are you sure you want to make yourselves enemies of the Treasure Pill Pavilion?¡± Bi Gongyu disclosed his identity, hoping to intimidate the attackers.


    ¡°We might have been fearful if you were the pavilion master of the Treasure Pill Pavilion in the Imperial City, but you¡¯re merely the pavilion master of a branch. How dare you stand in our way? Don¡¯t think that I won¡¯t kill you.¡± These people had some backing and weren¡¯t intimidated by the Treasure Pill Pavilion. Shao Dongli even brandished his sword at Bi Gongyu, confident that no one could thwart his objective.


    Bi Gongyu had no way to dodge and could only draw his sword to take Shao Dongli¡¯s attack head-on. A powerful shockwave was produced when their swords shed, and the loud impact made many people cover their ears. The reverberation felt as though their eardrums were about to burst.


    The force of the impact pushed Bi Gongyu several steps back, a trace of blood trickling down his lips. He had been injured in the sh.


    ¡°Pavilion Master Bi, I appreciate your goodwill. But this is a matter concerning my Xu n, and we should handle it ourselves,¡± Xu Yilin intervened, stopping Bi Gongyu, who wanted to continue the fight. This issue had nothing to do with the Treasure Pill Pavilion, and there was no need for Bi Gongyu to continue battling.


    Xu Yilin slowly walked towards Shao Dongli¡¯s group. The enemies were formidable, and Bi Gongyu would only die if he carried on fighting. Xu Yilin didn¡¯t want to involve too many people in this matter. He found it worth it if he could use his life in exchange for everyone¡¯s safety.


    The guards kneeling on the ground yelled out at Xu Yilin, but he ignored them and stood before Shao Dongli.


    Without any warning, Shao Dongli struck Xu Yilin in the chest with his palm, causing him to cough up blood. The scene caught everyone by surprise. Didn¡¯t Shao Dongli say that he wanted to use Xu Yilin as a hostage? So why did he suddenly attack Xu Yilin?


    ¡°I¡¯ll kill you all!¡± Yang Zi lost her rationale and charged out upon seeing her husband injured. She swung her sword at Shao Dongli and was ready to sacrifice herself to drag him down with her.


    ¡°You¡¯re courting death!¡± Shao Dongli was furious and pushed his palm forward. Yang Zi was only in the Xiantian Realm, and there was no way she could withstand an attack from Shao Dongli.


    In the nick of time, Xu Yilin rushed forward, taking Yang Zi¡¯s palm strike on his back. His blood stained his clothes a deep red.


    Shao Dongli had controlled his strength well because he didn¡¯t want to kill Xu Yilin. He still wanted to use Xu Yilin and Yang Zi as hostages to threaten Liu Wuxie, and it would be pointless if they died.


    Xu Yilin and Yang Ziy at the gate of the Xu n. Blood dripped from Xu Yilin¡¯s lips, painting a pitiful picture. He was only at the first level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm and could barely put up any resistance.


    ¡°Patriarch...¡± The Xu n¡¯s deacons and guards charged out from the Xu n and formed a protective circle around Xu Yilin. Even if they were to die, they would rather die together.


    ¡°Protect the patriarch with our lives!¡± Deacon Lan yelled as hundreds of guards took a formation.


    Before leaving, Liu Wuxie had imparted knowledge about spiritual arrays to Deacon Lan. After several months of diligent study, Deacon Lan had made significant progress in understanding spiritual arrays and could even set up a formation.


    ¡°Since you¡¯re all so eager to die, I¡¯ll oblige!¡± Shao Dongli left an afterimage in his wake as he plunged into the crowd, his sword swinging wildly. Deacon Lan and the other guards at the front were repeatedly sent flying. Some had their limbs severed, while others were in by Shao Dongli¡¯s sword aura.


    In just one exchange, the Xu n suffered heavy losses, with over twenty people dead.


    ¡°All of you, retreat!¡± Xu Yilinmanded as he struggled to his feet. All the guards obeyed his order and withdrew, not daring to defy him.


    Looking at the corpses on the ground, Xu Yilin¡¯s gaze became terrifyingly calm as he etched the seven of their faces into his heart.


    ¡°What grudge do you have with the Xu n that you¡¯re doing this?!¡± Xu Yilin practically spat out the words through gritted teeth. The Xu n was known for its peaceful resolution of conflicts and avoidance of unnecessary fights. They wouldn¡¯t harm innocents, and the events of today had earned them the sympathy of all.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be generous and tell you. As long as we capture you all as hostages, we will be able to force Liu Wuxie to hand over the Fire Spiritual Bead. It¡¯s that simple.¡± Shao Dongli smiled and gave hispanions a signal as two of them charged toward Xu Yilin.


    As long as they managed to capture Xu Yilin and his wife, they would have aplished half of their n. All they would need to do was wait for Liu Wuxie to fall into their trap.


    Everyone finally understood why Shao Dongli¡¯s group had attacked the Xu n. It turned out that they were unable to do anything to Liu Wuxie directly and had decided to target his family instead.


    ¡°I see!¡± Xu Yilin finally understood why these people wanted to take him hostage. They intended to use him and his wife to threaten Liu Wuxie. He watched as the two experts approached to capture them.


    ¡°Surrender obediently because no one wille to save you!¡± Hu Yangughed sinisterly and reached out to grab Xu Yilin. He was in the fifth level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm, and his w easily tore apart Xu Yilin¡¯s defenses, reaching his shoulder.


    But all of a sudden, a powerful de aura descended from the sky. Hu Yang¡¯s arm was severed before he could even react, and his blood sshed on Xu Yilin¡¯s clothes.


    ¡°ARGHHH!¡± A scream echoed as Hu Yang¡¯spanion swiftly retreated and went on high alert. Their n was disrupted just as they were about to achieve their goal, naturally infuriating Shao Dongli.


    ¡°Who is it?!¡± Shao Dongli scanned the area where the de aura had originated from. He saw a man and a woman rushing over in their direction.


    ¡°Seize them both!¡± Shao Dongli bellowed, eager to capture Xu Yilin and his wife before they could retreat into the array. After all, they had expended considerable effort to force them out of the array, and it would all be for naught if they managed to retreat back into it.


    ¡°Protect the patriarch!¡± Deacon Lan ordered as the guards rushed forward, attempting to thwart Shao Dongli¡¯s group.


    ¡°Get lost!¡± An expert at the sixth level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm took action, sending the Xu n¡¯s guards flying with a sweep of his palm, instantly killing more than ten people. The Xu n¡¯s guards were risking their lives to protect their dignity, and in an instant, they lost over forty people, causing Xu Yilin immense grief.


    But the Xu n¡¯s guards didn¡¯t stop. The second wave charged forward, prepared to use their bodies to shield Xu Yilin.


    Right then, two streaks descended from the sky along with a boundless de aura. The two Marrow Cleansing Realm experts who had charged forward were forced to retreat, giving the Xu n time to catch their breath.


    At that moment, a woman dressed in white descended from the sky. Tears welled up in her eyes as she stood before Xu Yilin.


    ¡°Father! Mother!¡± Xu Lingxue threw herself into her parents¡¯ embrace. Her eyes were radiating with murderous intent when she looked at their injuries. She had never wished to kill someone so fervently in her life.


    She was about to take action when she swept her gaze over Shao Dongli¡¯s group. However, Liu Wuxie stood in front of her, wielding the Heretic de, his eyes bloodshot.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s timely arrival had potentially averted a disastrous oue. The guards of the Xu n had risked their lives to buy him time, and any dy could have had severe consequences.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, I didn¡¯t expect you to return to Azure Billow City!¡± Shao Dongli narrowed his eyes. Their initial n was to capture Xu Yilin as a hostage to force Liu Wuxie to return. However, Liu Wuxie¡¯s unexpected return had taken them all by surprise.


    ¡°How dare you harm my father-inw and mother-inw, let alone kill the guards of my Xu n. I will use your blood to wash away the humiliation that the Xu n has suffered today.¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s tone was calm, but the calmer he appeared, the more intense his fury seemed. He was like a volcano on the brink of eruption.

 Chapter 211 - Overlord Fist

    <h4>Chapter 211 - Overlord Fist</h4>


    ¡°You¡¯re Liu Wuxie!¡± An elderly man with a long beard, appearing to be in his seventies or eighties, stepped forward from behind Shao Dongli. It was surprising that he had involved himself in this matter. This old man was known as Yuan Jun, renowned for his mastery of a formidable de technique.


    ¡°You all want to threaten me using my inws? All of you will die today!¡± Liu Wuxie, not bothering to waste words with them, raised the Heretic de. Hu Yang had lost an arm, significantly reducing his strength, but the remaining six were not to be underestimated.


    ¡°How dare you cut off my arm! I want you dead!¡± Hu Yang, behaving like a madman, threw a punch with his left arm, aiming at Liu Wuxie. After all, he was a respected expert in the fifth level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm and had suffered such humiliation at Liu Wuxie¡¯s hands.


    ¡°Die!¡± Liu Wuxie moved with the agility of the Seven Dipper Steps and disappeared. Killing one of them would alleviate the pressure of facing the remaining six rather than all seven.


    ¡°Hu Yang, stand down!¡± Only Shao Dongli knew how powerful Liu Wuxie was, and his cultivation couldn¡¯t gauge his strength. In the Dragon Rock Mountain Range, Liu Wuxie had killed Xuanguan Guang and Cui Shao while in the fifth-level Spirit Cleansing Realm.


    Now that his cultivation was at the eighth level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm, he would only be more potent than before. Thus, Shao Dongli felt they would only stand a chance of winning if they joined forces.


    But it was already toote because Hu Yang had lost his rationale. When he came to his senses, it was already toote as the Heretic de tore apart space and created a rift.


    The ferocious gust of wind in the surroundings was like the ocean being split into two. Hu Yang¡¯s face changed, and he retreated to avoid this fatal attack.


    But the de ray was unusual because he was locked on by it no matter how he tried to dodge it.


    Blood sshed, and Liu Wuxie used the most brutal way possible to end Hu Yang¡¯s life. Hu Yang¡¯s body exploded into a bloody rain, and the energy within his body was devoured by the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron, replenishing Liu Wuxie¡¯s dantian.


    The more Liu Wuxie devoured, the faster he would make a breakthrough in his cultivation. If he could kill all seven of them, he could reach the ninth-level Spirit Cleansing Realm.


    The events unfolded rapidly, and Hu Yang was in before anyone could react. Bi Gongyu¡¯s eyes nearly popped out of his sockets at the sight. After all, Liu Wuxie had ascended to a level in just three months that Bi Gongyu could only dream of reaching. This left everyone questioning if this was the same person they once dismissed as worthless.


    Xu Lingxue was also taken aback, and she finally understood why Liu Wuxie had the audacity to challenge Qin Shi.


    ¡°Take care of father-inw and mother-inw. Leave the rest to me while everyone else retreats to the array,¡± Liu Wuxie instructed Xu Lingxue after killing Hu Yang. He spoke in amanding tone, leaving no room for argument.


    ¡°I¡¯ll help you!¡± Xu Lingxue bit her lips, wanting to stay behind and fight with Liu Wuxie. After all, these people had hurt her parents, and she couldn¡¯t stand by to watch.


    ¡°You¡¯re not their opponent. Go in!¡± Liu Wuxie waved his hand dismissively. Xu Lingxue¡¯s presence would only serve as a distraction.


    Deacon Lan had already sprung into action, following Liu Wuxie¡¯s orders and leading the injured guards into the array.


    ¡°Xue¡¯er, listen to Wuxie!¡± Xu Yilin gave the word. He could tell his daughter was starting to care for Liu Wuxie, which was a good sign.


    Xu Lingxue stomped her foot on the ground in frustration, but she could only listen to her father and entered the array with her parents.


    Liu Wuxie stood alone in the street, facing Shao Dongli¡¯s group. They had allowed the Xu n to retreat into the array, leaving Liu Wuxie by himself. The sight of Liu Wuxie killing Hu Yang with a single strike had left them intimidated and unsure of their next move.


    ¡°Brat, I can consider sparing your life if you hand over your cultivation technique,¡± Yuan Jun proposed. He believed that the formidable strength Liu Wuxie had demonstrated earlier was undoubtedly due to a powerful cultivation technique. The value of such a technique would certainly surpass that of the Fire Spiritual Bead.


    ¡°Make your move!¡± Liu Wuxie retorted. The Heretic de in his hand emitted a powerful de aura, causing a wave of energy to sweep out. The bs on the ground exploded, the shockwave spreading towards the six before him.


    ¡°Attack together and capture him! He will inevitably disclose his secrets!¡± The six had thoroughly researched Liu Wuxie and were aware of his exceptional alchemical abilities and remarkablebat strength, each of which was sufficient to stun the Great Yan Dynasty.


    The sixunched their attack, led by Shao Dongli, with Yuan Jun as backup. The other four were not weak either. Shao Dongli and Yuan Jun were at the sixth level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm, while the others varied between the fourth and fifth levels.


    Liu Wuxie nned on picking them off individually, not giving them the chance to unite. Executing the Ghost Eye, the six of their moves became clear in his eyes. But the Blood Gleam de Art wasn¡¯t enough to kill them, and he had to rely on the Overlord Fist.


    The attacks from the six were like six ferocious beasts, with their roars echoing in Azure Billow City. The ground trembled, cracks spreading out, and the street outside the Xu n was destroyed.


    The buildings on both sides copsed from the impact, destroying ten-odd houses in the blink of an eye.


    True essence erupted from Liu Wuxie¡¯s body, forming fiery wings that lifted him into the air, causing the six attackers¡¯ strikes to miss.


    Upon awakening his spirituality, Liu Wuxie gained superior control over his true essence, allowing him to manipte it at will. This me originated from the world within his dantian, and it was several times more potent than ordinary true essence, enabling Liu Wuxie to remain airborne for an extended period.


    Executing the Nine Heavenly Crane Dance, Liu Wuxie created a series of afterimages that left Shao Dongli and his team in awe. This was their first encounter with someone in the Spirit Cleansing Realm who could manipte their true essence, a feat they themselves were unable to achieve.


    ¡°Overlord Fist!¡± Seizing their moment of hesitation, Liu Wuxie made his move, aiming to bring the conflict to a swift conclusion. After all, these individuals were not truly allied but hade together out of mutual interest.


    ¡°Quick, defend!¡± Shao Dongli¡¯s roar urged everyone to put up their strongest defense. The power emanating from Liu Wuxie was so intense that it surpassed the Marrow Cleansing Realm, making it difficult for them to breathe.


    ¡°A bunch of scraps like you want to capture my inws? None of you will leave Azure Billow City alive!¡± Liu Wuxie had only managed to rush back in time because they had bumped into the merchant at the inn. If they had been even slightlyter, it could have led toplications.


    A giant vortex appeared in the sky, manifested from the Overlord Fist that drained all the spiritual energy within a few thousand meters of radius, forming a vacuum world.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on? Why can¡¯t I move my body!¡± Two fourth-level Marrow Cleansing Realm experts were immobilized as they were pulled to the sky.


    At the entrance of the Xu n, Xu Yilin ingested the pills provided by his daughter, stabilizing his injuries for the time being. The guards who had lost their limbs also received timely treatment, and their lives were no longer in danger. They raised their heads and looked at the battlefield.


    ¡°Young master is really powerful. I didn¡¯t expect him to be so strong in just a few months!¡± Deacon Qi danced in excitement. For some reason, everyone felt relieved after seeing Liu Wuxie. After all, whenever the Xu n had gone through multiple ups and downs, Liu Wuxie had resolved many of those troubles. Without him, the Xu n would¡¯ve been wiped out long ago.


    ¡°I knew that master wasn¡¯t an ordinary person. He must be the reincarnation of an immortal! Only an immortal could be so powerful like him!¡± Hu Shi rubbed his fists together, wishing he could fight alongside Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°That¡¯s for sure. Young Master isn¡¯t someone ordinary people canpare to, and he¡¯s a peerless expert,¡± Deacon Lan echoed along in agreement. He had only grasped one-tenth of the knowledge on spiritual arrays imparted to him by Liu Wuxie, and it was sufficient to benefit him for a lifetime.


    The introduction of spiritual arrays had significantly transformed the Xu n, as their shops and oil mills were now safeguarded by these arrays.


    Xu Lingxue¡¯s eyes remained fixed on Liu Wuxie, a hint of worry visible in her gaze.


    As the mes scattered, the Overlord Fist, aze, engulfed the six. A vast crater, at least ten meters deep, formed on the ground, and the entire street was obliterated.


    The spectators retreated to a few thousand meters away, not daring to get too close. This was because the fire released by Liu Wuxie could easily vaporize them instantly.


    Screams came from the center of the battlefield as the Overlord Fist killed the four with the lowest cultivation. The energies in their bodies were devoured by the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron, bringing Liu Wuxie¡¯s cultivation closer to the ninth level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm.


    If Liu Wuxie were to ascend to the Marrow Cleansing Realm, he could eliminate Qin Shi with a mere p. However, a fifth-grade talisman would be necessary as a safeguard in case Qin Shi possessed any treasures.


    As Liu Wuxie descended from the sky, there wasn¡¯t a hint of emotion on his face. The death of the four was just the beginning. After all, Shao Dongli and Yuan Jun were the strongest, and he had to spend some effort to kill them.


    Upon seeing their fourpanions vanish in the pit, Shao Dongli was shocked, and a hint of fear creeped up his heart. Was this the power of someone in the Spirit Cleansing Realm? He could no longer differentiate if Liu Wuxie were a man or an immortal.


    Liu Wuxie took out fourth-grade pills and swallowed them to replenish his true essence. The earlier punch had drained fifty percent of his true essence, but these two couldn¡¯t pose any threat to him.


    The surrounding spiritual energy was drawn over to him, pouring into the world in his dantian, replenishing his true essence.


    ¡°Senior Yuan, attack while his true essence hasn¡¯t recovered!¡± How could Shao Dongli not tell that Liu Wuxie was waiting to recover his true essence?


    A de appeared in Yuan Jun¡¯s hand. He practiced a powerful de technique that was as powerful as Liu Wuxie¡¯s Blood Gleam de Art. His de was peculiar, its red hue casting a crimson tint over the surroundings upon its appearance.


    There was an issue with Yuan Jun¡¯s de, which appeared to be a demonic de. The crimson de darted towards Liu Wuxie, and a strange phenomenon urred. Liu Wuxie felt a heaviness in his head as if something was attempting to extract his soul. This caused him to remain stationary, allowing Yuan Jun¡¯s crimson de to descend upon him.

 Chapter 212 - Reaching the Ninth-Level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm

    <h4>Chapter 212 - Reaching the Ninth-Level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm</h4>


    This scene caught everyone by surprise.


    ¡°Wuxie, duck!¡± Xu Yilin¡¯s scream echoed as he watched the crimson de close in on Liu Wuxie, less than ten meters away. If Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t retaliate, the de would kill him.


    ¡°Master, duck!¡± Deacon Lan¡¯s anxiety was palpable. He was clueless as to why Liu Wuxie had frozen in ce. Could it be that Liu Wuxie was wounded?


    Everyone in the surroundings was dumbfounded because Liu Wuxie was like a war god previously.


    The Xu n¡¯s guards clenched their fists so tightly that their nails dug into their palms. Yet, they felt no pain and bellowed, hoping to rouse Liu Wuxie.


    Yuan Jun sported a savage grin, for none had survived his de over the years. The crimson de radiated a chilling aura, hovering just three meters from Liu Wuxie¡¯s head.


    In the nick of time, a white figure appeared before Liu Wuxie just when the crimson de was about to descend. A powerful shockwave swept toward Liu Wuxie when the sword blocked the de.


    Sensing the heatwave, Liu Wuxie regained consciousness and saw a white figure smashing against him. He didn¡¯t hesitate to catch the white figure.


    Blood dripped out from Xu Lingxue¡¯s lips as she was heavily injured, taking a full-blown attack from someone in the sixth-level Marrow Cleansing Realm. Xu Lingxue had made her move and blocked the de, seeing that Liu Wuxie was about to be killed by the crimson de.


    ¡°Why are you so silly?¡± Liu Wuxie took out a pill and fed it to Xu Lingxue. He even poured his true essence into her body to help her digest the pill. The impact from the crimson de nearly destroyed Xu Lingxue¡¯s internal organs.


    Thanks to the Jade Maiden Heart Sutra, Xu Lingxue had a powerful physique and was only heavily injured. If someone else were in her position, the de would¡¯ve killed them.


    ¡°I also have the responsibility to protect the Xu n.¡± Xu Lingxue smiled as she exited Liu Wuxie¡¯s embrace with incredible difficulty.


    Bi Gongyu hurried over and supported Xu Lingxue.


    ¡°Pavilion Master, take her inside the array!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s gaze became colder. If it weren¡¯t for Xu Lingxue, Yuan Jun would¡¯ve killed him earlier.


    ¡°Wuxie, you have to be careful. There¡¯s something weird about that crimson de, and it can affect your mind,¡± Bi Gongyu said softly, warning Liu Wuxie to be careful.


    Liu Wuxie nodded because he was nearly killed by it. His vision prated through the crimson de when he executed the Ghost Eye, and his face became colder.


    ¡°You soaked your de in the blood of newly born babies, extracting the strand of xiantian energy from their bodies. How dare you?!¡± Liu Wuxie said with boundless anger, reaching every corner.


    ¡°What?! Did he soak his de in newborn babies¡¯ blood? How many babies did he kill for that sword?!¡± The crowd exploded into an uproar. They had seen crooks and viins, but they had never seen someone so evil to use the blood of babies to soak their weapons. Yuan Jun was no longer a human but a demon in their eyes.


    Each newborn would carry a strand of xiantian energy with them, and Yuan Jun had killed at least ten thousand babies for the sake of his sword over the years. This was how his de had turned crimson by absorbing blood.


    The crimson de contained a powerful soul energy, and each strike could intimidate the soul. This was the reason why he caught Liu Wuxie by surprise earlier. After all, who could have anticipated that someone would resort to such a heinous act of killing countless innocent infants to forge a weapon?


    ¡°Interesting, you¡¯ve discovered that my de is steeped in the blood of infants. Had she not intercepted that blow for you, you would already be dead,¡± Yuan Jun said, a look of pity on his face. He only had one opportunity for that surprise attack. It wouldn¡¯t be easy for him to attempt it again now that Liu Wuxie was prepared.


    ¡°Today, I¡¯ll act on behalf of heaven to kill you and take revenge for all the babies that died!¡± Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t a benevolent person, but he had his bottom line. He wouldn¡¯t go against his heart and do something so evil.


    ¡°You want to kill me? Hahaha! Die!¡± Yuan Jun swung his crimson de again, and the mysterious power appeared again.


    Everyone grew tense as Liu Wuxie had only survived due to Xu Lingxue¡¯s intervention. Who could step in for him this time?


    Xu Yilin and everyone became anxious, praying for Liu Wuxie¡¯s safety.


    When Liu Wuxie executed the Ghost Eye, the mysterious power disappeared. It was in the form of a soul attack, which was why Liu Wuxie had lost consciousness for a moment earlier.


    ¡°Hmph, you want topete with me regarding soul energy? Let me show you how soul energy is used!¡± Liu Wuxie stood in the same spot and couldn¡¯t even be bothered to raise the Heretic de. His eyes were locked onto Yuan Jun¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Wuxie, fight back!¡± Bi Gongyu was anxious when he saw this, thinking that Liu Wuxie had lost consciousness again.


    Xu Lingxue sat on the ground to treat her injuries. She couldn¡¯t do anything this time and only watched as the crimson de approached Liu Wuxie.


    But Liu Wuxie ignored everyone and wore a sneer on his lips.


    ¡°Ghost Eye!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s soul energy manifested. After ingesting so many Soul Refining Pills, he could already release his divine sense out of his body.


    Yuan Jun suddenly felt something wasn¡¯t right and let out a scream, clutching his head as he rolled on the ground. It felt as though a sharp needle had pierced his brain, making him lose consciousness. The pain was excruciating, like nothing he had experienced before.


    ¡°Die!¡± When Liu Wuxie attacked Yuan Jun¡¯s soul sea with Ghost Eye, he swung the Heretic de down and decapitated Yuan Jun.


    The Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron appeared again, absorbing all the energies in Yuan Jun¡¯s body to strengthen himself. Liu Wuxie was one step away from reaching the ninth-level Spirit Cleansing Realm.


    From the beginning until the end, Shao Dongli didn¡¯t move. He stared nkly, watching how Yuan Jun disappeared before him. There wasn¡¯t even a corpse left behind, and it was as if Yuan Jun had vanished into thin air.


    Shao Dongli was the only one remaining, which brought relief to Xu Yilin. The guards of the Xu n also cheered, for Liu Wuxie had avenged the fallen guards.


    When Liu Wuxie slowly approached Shao Dongli, thetter retreated in fear because he knew he couldn¡¯t be Liu Wuxie¡¯s opponent by himself.


    ¡°Do you want to take your own life, or do you want me to help you with it?¡± Liu Wuxie asked as he stood before Shao Dongli.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I shouldn¡¯t have used your inws to threaten you. Please spare my life!¡± Shao Dongli suddenly went down on his knees, kowtowing before Liu Wuxie. No one had expected this oue. They had arrived ferociously, killed ten-odd guards, and forced Xu Yilin to surrender himself. However, everything had changed drastically after Liu Wuxie¡¯s appearance.


    ¡°You¡¯re wrong?¡± Liu Wuxie sneered and pointed at the corpses of the guards lying on the ground, ¡°Can theye back to life if I spare you?¡±


    The surroundings fell silent as they looked at the corpses on the ground. They were also someone¡¯s son and father, but they were all killed. Shao Dongli¡¯s apology couldn¡¯t bring them to life, and it wouldn¡¯t appease everyone¡¯s fury as long as Shao Dongli wasn¡¯t killed.


    ¡°Kill him, tear him into pieces!¡± A woman ran out, crying as she knelt before her deceased husband. The other guards also cried silently because their brothers and friends had left them.


    Shao Dongli had despair on his face because he knew that he had no chance.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect an expert in the sixth-level Marrow Cleansing Realm like me to die in the countryside like Azure Billow City.¡± Shao Dongli wore a deste smile. His n was wless, but it all turned out to be a joke.


    No one pitied Shao Dongli because he wouldn¡¯t have died withouting to Azure Billow City. Since he chose this path, he could only me himself for it.


    When Liu Wuxie swung the Heretic de down, Shao Dongli¡¯s corpse was reduced to a pile of skin. mes swept out and incinerated it. Shao Dongli¡¯s corpse and soul had disappeared without a chance to reincarnate because Liu Wuxie took everything from him.


    After devouring so many experts, over ten thousand mysterious droplets of liquid umted in the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron. These droplets then flowed into Liu Wuxie¡¯s dantian, triggering a surge of violent energy and causing his aura to ascend.


    Merely three months prior, Liu Wuxie was regarded as insignificant. However, in the span of those three months, he had ascended to a level that many could only aspire to reach.


    Large quantities of spirit stones exploded, and Liu Wuxie also consumed over a hundred fourth-grade pills. It took fifteen minutes before the aura he radiated calmed down.


    As the members of the Xu n emerged from the array, their faces were not marked by excitement or cheer. Instead, they silently went about the grim task of cleaning up the corpses.


    ¡°From this day forward, I will take the descendants of the fallen guards as my adopted children and their families will be well cared for,¡± Xu Yilin¡¯s voice echoed throughout the Xu n.


    Suddenly, a cry rang out as someone knelt before the entrance of the Xu n. With a patriarch like Xu Yilin, those who had died had done so with honor.


    Liu Wuxie returned to his courtyard, leaving everything else to his father-inw. He greeted Bi Gongyu and told him to visit the next day as he had some matters to discuss.


    He also didn¡¯t join the dinner, and the atmosphere was tense as Xu Yilin, Yang Zi, and Xu Lingxue sat together. Since the establishment of the Xu n, they had never suffered so many casualties.


    ¡°Xue¡¯er, how¡¯s your rtionship with Wuxie?¡± Xu Yilin asked, setting down his chopsticks, his appetite gone.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. He has many secrets that he doesn¡¯t want anyone to know.¡± Xu Lingxue didn¡¯t know how to describe it, but Liu Wuxie was unlike other men. She couldn¡¯t sense any desire for her in Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes; it was as though Liu Wuxie had no desire at all.


    During their journey to Azure Billow City together, she had tried to understand him. But for some reason, Liu Wuxie seemed distant, and she couldn¡¯t prate his heart. He didn¡¯t seem to want anyone to get close to him, which was unusual.


    ¡°Wuxie has grown up, and you two will have to resolve this yourselves. He¡¯s a good kid, but he probably became like this because of what he endured when he was young,¡± Xu Yilinforted. There were many things that he wasn¡¯t in a position to interfere with.


    The kids have grown up, and he could only respect their wishes as a parent.

 Chapter 213 - Birth Origin

    <h4>Chapter 213 - Birth Origin</h4>


    As Liu Wuxie sat on the bed, he observed that his room was spotless. Despite being away for so long, nothing had changed. Even the flowers and grass in the courtyard were frequently tended to.


    The tree in his courtyard had grown taller than when he had left, and it was a ce filled with memories for him. He knew that his time to return here in the future would be limited, and he might even have to say goodbye, leaving the Great Yan Dynasty. After the conclusion of his death match with Qin Shi, he would need to n his future.


    ¡°Wuxie, I¡¯ve brought some wine. Come, let¡¯s share a few cups,¡± Xu Yilin¡¯s voice echoed outside the courtyard, pulling Liu Wuxie out of his reverie and restoring calm to his eyes.


    Opening the gate to the courtyard, Xu Yilin carried a jar of wine in one hand and a roasted chicken in the other.


    ¡°Father-inw, how are your injuries?¡± Liu Wuxie invited Xu Yilin to sit down. Winter had passed, and the tree leaves formed a canopy against the sky, with only a faint moonlight filtering through. The wine and roasted chicken were ced on the table.


    Just as Xu Yilin was about to pour the wine for Liu Wuxie, thetter took over the jar, saying, ¡°Allow me!¡± After pouring two cups, they both drank the wine.


    ¡°Wuxie, if I¡¯m not mistaken, this is our first time drinking together, isn¡¯t it?¡± Xu Yilin asked, refilling the cups with the jar of wine.


    ¡°I was immature in the past and caused you to worry,¡± Liu Wuxie admitted. Due to his past self''s actions, Liu Wuxie always felt awkward around Xu Yilin, like a mouse encountering a cat. So, how could they have shared a drink together?


    ¡°You¡¯ve matured now. Azure Billow City and even the Great Yan Dynasty are too small for you. You¡¯re a dragon that will eventually soar into the sky. The only thing I can do is not hold you back. Your stage isn¡¯t in the Great Yan Dynasty but in the wider world.¡± Xu Yilin¡¯s voice suddenly seemed to carry the weight of age as he sipped his wine somberly.


    ¡°No matter how vast the world outside may be, there is only one ce I call home,¡± Liu Wuxie echoed, sipping his wine as a fiery sensation trailed down his throat.


    ¡°That¡¯s reassuring. With your words, I can entrust Xue¡¯er to you without any reservations,¡± Xu Yilin responded, standing up alongside Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie was uncertain about how to navigate his rtionship with Xu Lingxue and decided to let things unfold naturally. After all, the chasm between them was profound. Even though Xu Lingxue¡¯s attitude towards him had evolved over the years, there was still a long way to go before she could fully ept him.


    ¡°Father-inw, you didn¡¯t juste here to say that, did you?¡± Liu Wuxie inquired. As they sat together, the atmosphere grew tense. Liu Wuxie sensed that Xu Yilin had more to discuss, something of significance.


    ¡°Wuxie, I initially nned on telling you this after you married Xue¡¯er. But because of what happened after that, I didn¡¯t have the opportunity to do so. You have the right to know now that you¡¯ve grown up.¡± Xu Yilin¡¯s facial expression was grave as he spoke.


    This revtion piqued Liu Wuxie¡¯s curiosity even further, making him wonder what could have caused Xu Yilin to be so serious. He circted his true essence, sobering up and focusing on what Xu Yilin was about to say.


    ¡°Please go on!¡± Liu Wuxie could only guess that it must be something important.


    ¡°Your parents didn¡¯t abandon you out of their own volition; they were captured,¡± Xu Yilin disclosed. At this, Liu Wuxie abruptly rose from his seat.


    ¡°What did you say?!¡± As a young boy, Liu Wuxie had believed that his parents had abandoned him, which had led to a significant shift in his personality. The news that his parents had been captured was unexpected.


    ¡°The day before your parents were taken, your father entrusted you to me. He instructed me to tell you when you turned eighteen. He also asked us to advise you not to search for them and to remain in Azure Billow City,¡± Xu Yilin exined.


    On the day Liu Wuxie¡¯s parents were taken away, it was pouring rain, and a group of mysterious individuals had whisked them away. Liu Wuxie was fortunate because his parents had entrusted him to the Xu n a day before.


    Liu Wuxie suddenly understood why Xu Yilin had tolerated his misbehavior in the past. He had even betrothed his beloved daughter to him and only wanted him to lead a simple life in Azure Billow City.


    ¡°Who took them away?¡± Since Liu Wuxie had epted this body, he had also inherited its emotions. When he heard that his parents were captured, his heart throbbed with an urge to rescue them immediately. After all, they were his parents, and their blood flowed through him.


    ¡°Those individuals are far too formidable, their strength surpassing today¡¯s group by a thousandfold. They can even traverse the skies, transcending the realm of mortals,¡± Xu Yilin recounted, still haunted by the memory of that night. The group that had abducted Liu Wuxie¡¯s father had taken to the skies and flown away.


    After all, flight was unimaginable for humans. Even the manifestation of true essence could barely support their body, but flying was impossible.


    ¡°Father-inw, you just have to tell me who they are.¡± Liu Wuxie knew flying wasn¡¯t impossible after the cultivation reached a certain height. After leaving the Great Yan Dynasty, he nned to seek his parents¡¯ whereabouts.


    ¡°I¡¯m uncertain, but your parents left this for you. They instructed me to give it to you once you turned eighteen, but recent events prevented me from doing so,¡± Xu Yilin said, cing a box from his interspatial pouch before Liu Wuxie. This was the sole item that Liu Wuxie¡¯s parents had left behind for him.


    On the wedding night, Liu Wuxie had nearly died in the brothel, not to mention the Xu n had to face the Wan and Tian ns after that. Because of all the matters, Xu Yilin had almost forgotten about it.


    Xu Yilin stood up and left after cing the box down. When he left, his back seemed more hunched than before.


    Watching his father-inw leave, Liu Wuxie was filled with mixed emotions. His father-inw had been amodating him in repaying the debt to his parents, and Liu Wuxie would never forget his kindness.


    Without Xu Yilin¡¯s watchful care over the years, Liu Wuxie might not have survived. Xu Yilin owed a debt of gratitude to Liu Wuxie¡¯s parents, a debt he repaid over a lifetime, a debt more profound than the heavens.


    Entering the room with the box, Liu Wuxie sat on his bed, gently caressing the surface of the box. The box was adorned with intricate patterns, and spiritual runes that didn¡¯t seem to originate from the Great Yan Dynasty.


    Xu Yilin had always kept the box with him, never opening it.


    Upon gently opening the box, Liu Wuxie found a purple jade pendant, a book, and a handkerchief inscribed with words. As he unfolded the handkerchief andid it t on his palm, he could see that the handwriting belonged to a woman, embroidered in a way that could endure for decades without fading. If it had been written on paper, the writing would have smudged, or the paper would have decayed long ago.


    ¡°Wuxie, you must be grown up by the time you see this handkerchief. We¡¯re sorry for leaving you alone in Azure Billow City at such a young age, but we¡¯ve entrusted you to Brother Xu. He will take care of you on our behalf. Remember not to seek us out and live a simple life. Be dutiful to your father-inw. We were honorable men when we met in Azure Billow City. There¡¯s not much time left, and I love you. Take care of yourself!¡± The lines of thest few words were hastily written, indicating they were done in a rush.


    As he put the handkerchief down, Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes welled up. He carefully folded the handkerchief and ced it back into the box.


    Upon examining the jade pendant, Liu Wuxie noted its exquisite design, adorned with unfamiliar patterns that resembled either a bird or a me. It seemed to be the emblem of an organization or a symbol of something he was yet to understand. On the reverse side, the word ¡®Liu¡¯ was engraved. This pendant likely belonged to his father and served as an identification token.


    After scrutinizing it for a considerable amount of time, Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t glean any additional information and decided to return it to the box. He then picked up thest item, a book, and flipped it open to reveal a martial technique.


    ¡°Fatality de Art!¡± It was a de technique, and Liu Wuxie began perusing the book with growing interest.


    ¡°Could this be a de technique that my father practiced?¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s childhood memories were fragmented, but he could vaguely recall his father practicing a de technique. However, the memories were too blurred to remember much.


    The Xu n kept a portrait of his parents, and he had ingrained the appearance of his parents in his mind.


    ¡°What an exquisite de technique!¡± Liu Wuxie was increasingly astonished the more he looked at the book. This de technique was stronger than the Terranean Sword Art. It wasn¡¯t a profound-grade martial technique; it might even be heaven-grade.


    ¡°This is great! I have long reached the pinnacle of the Blood Gleam de Art, and I need a de technique suitable for me. This Fatality de Art is overbearing and suitable for me.¡± Closing the book, Liu Wuxie shut his eyes and began sorting the information in his mind.


    Learning that his parents were captured had a significant impact on him, and he didn¡¯t have much information about his parents. Even his father-inw didn¡¯t know why his parents were captured. Attempting to find his parents was no different than searching for a needle in a haystack.


    Well, at least it was better than having no clues. The jade pendant could be considered a clue about his father.


    When he came out of the house, Liu Wuxie¡¯s brain began to process. The Fatality de Art had nine forms in total, and each form was highly lethal. This de technique was meant to kill, honing the art of killing to the pinnacle.


    This de technique was fast and required powerful true essence, which was highly suitable for him. Drawing the Heretic de, Liu Wuxie raised it to the sky at forty-five degrees; this was the starting posture of the first form.


    An invisible wave of energy began to brew around him, and the tiles on the roof began to crack under the pressure of his de intent. Even before he swung his sword, his de intent already possessed an offensive trait.


    ¡°First Fatality Form!¡± Liu Wuxie swung the Heretic de down and only used about ten percent of his true essence in this strike. His true essence was like a current pouring into the Heretic de through his arm.


    In the aftermath, a long chasm formed on the ground. Liu Wuxie¡¯s courtyard had been specially fortified due to his previous practice of the Overlord Fist there.


    Arge rock detonated into countless fragments, which were then further reduced to ashes. When the de intent dissipated, a gulf ten meters long and three meters wide was left on the ground. This was the result of Liu Wuxie using only ten percent of his true essence.


    If Liu Wuxie used his full strength, didn¡¯t that mean that he would destroy half the Xu n?


    ¡°What a domineering de technique!¡± Liu Wuxie realized that he had underestimated the True Martial Continent, and the Great Yan Dynasty was nothingpared to the entire continent.


    Sheathing his de, Liu Wuxie wore a bitter smile as he surveyed the damage he had caused.

 Chapter 214 - Fatality Blade Art

    <h4>Chapter 214 - Fatality de Art</h4>


    As dawn broke, Bi Gongyu appeared. Upon his entrance, he respectfully bowed to Liu Wuxie and said, ¡°Chief, I offer you my greetings!¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no need for formalities. Please, take a seat!¡± Liu Wuxie extended an invitation for Bi Gongyu to sit. He harbored a sense of gratitude towards Bi Gongyu, who had stood up against Shao Dongli¡¯s group the previous day. This intervention had bought Liu Wuxie enough time to arrive, a gesture that had etched itself in his memory.


    Bi Gongyu was somewhat reticent. In a mere few years, Liu Wuxie¡¯s rapid ascension to the position of Chief Alchemist at the Treasure Pill Pavilion had surpassed his wildest expectations.


    ¡°Pavilion Master, what are your ns for the future?¡± Liu Wuxie broached the topic. His departure from the Great Yan Dynasty was on the horizon, and he intended to lend a helping hand to those who had shown him kindness rather than leave any loose ends.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have many ns. I¡¯m aging and content in Azure Billow City,¡± Bi Gongyu admitted. His words were steeped in sincerity. He was aware that his position as pavilion master would be lost within a year without Liu Wuxie¡¯s presence, and he might even be reassigned to a remote location to serve as a regr alchemist.


    ¡°Would you like to be a four-star alchemist and seed me as the chief alchemist in the Treasure Pill Pavilion?¡± Liu Wuxie posed the question. Bi Gongyu, inparison to Master Mao, was still in his prime, being in his forties. However, he had reached a teau in his progress and could not advance further.


    ¡°You¡¯re nning to leave?¡± Bi Gongyu picked up on the subtle hint in Liu Wuxie¡¯s words. Liu Wuxie had only been the chief alchemist for a year, but his words suggested a departure was in the near future.


    It wasmon knowledge that Liu Wuxie¡¯s talent was unparalleled, and the Great Yan Dynasty simply couldn¡¯t retain him. ¡°I n to leave in no more than half a year. If you¡¯re interested, I can guide you to be a four-star alchemist,¡± Liu Wuxie offered. The title of Chief Alchemist, unattainable for most, held little significance for him.


    ¡°Master, please ept my respects!¡± Bi Gongyu knelt and bowed deeply. His greatest aspiration was to be a four-star alchemist, and he knew that every alchemist held a position of high esteem.


    ¡°Rise. I will guide you, but we do not share a master-disciple rtionship. Your future aplishments will depend entirely on your efforts. Here is an alchemy manual. With it, you should be able to be a four-star alchemist within a month at most. In five days, apany me and hand over Azure Billow City¡¯s Treasure Pill Pavilion to Master Mao,¡± Liu Wuxie instructed. He had already prepared and documented some of his alchemical insights for Bi Gongyu to study.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s approach to guiding Bi Gongyu was simr to his guidance for Deacon Lan; he provided direction, but their future achievements were up to them.


    ¡°Thank you. Even if you do not recognize me as your disciple, I have already epted you as my master in my heart,¡± Bi Gongyu responded, kneeling to ept the manual. He treated it like a precious treasure, carefully storing it away.


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t press the matter, as Bi Gongyu¡¯s sentiment was enough. After providing some instructions, Bi Gongyu departed in a state of excitement. He still had to make arrangements and transfer the Treasure Pill Pavilion to Master Mao. At that point, the headquarters would send a new alchemist to take over Master Mao¡¯s current position.


    In the ensuing two days, Liu Wuxie dedicated himself to the study of the Fatality de Art. He had managed to reach the initial stage of the first form but struggled to attain lesser mastery, despite his best efforts. The second form proved even more challenging; he could only imitate the form, failing to capture its essence.


    His attempts to execute the second formcked the intended lethality, likely due to his insufficient cultivation level. This de technique required one to have reached the Marrow Cleansing Realm, but Liu Wuxie was only in the Spirit Cleansing Realm. The fact that he could execute the first form was already amendable achievement.


    ¡°Young Master, the Master is requesting your presence!¡± A servant, bowing respectfully and wearing a smile, greeted Liu Wuxie outside the courtyard. Liu Wuxie¡¯s disy of strength a few days prior had earned him the admiration of many, with some even regarding him as a god.


    When they turned the corner, a white figure was walking in their direction, and they nearly bumped into each other. The white figure was Xu Lingxue, who was also heading to the main hall. The two nodded as a form of greeting.


    Since their return to the n, the two hadn¡¯t interacted much, which was typical. ¡°Did Father summon you as well?¡± Xu Lingxue inquired as they walked side by side, her gaze studying Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Yeah!¡± Liu Wuxie replied, and they fell into silence again. No one spoke this time as they entered the main hall.


    ¡°I offer my respects to Father!¡± Xu Lingxue announced.


    ¡°I offer my respects to my Father-inw!¡± Liu Wuxie echoed.


    Together, they bowed in greeting to Xu Yilin, whoseplexion had improved after a few days of rest. After attending to the n¡¯s affairs, Xu Yilin took some time to meet with them.


    ¡°There¡¯s a spring festival in the city¡¯s east today, and I have reserved seats at the Emerald Fragrance Pavilion. The two of you only know how to cultivate and stay home the entire time. The weather is nice today, and you two should go out. There is no need to return in a hurry at night.¡± Xu Yilin walked over and patted Liu Wuxie¡¯s shoulder. He even gave Liu Wuxie a signal to grasp this opportunity.


    There might have been conflict between Liu Wuxie and Xu Lingxue throughout the years, but there wasn¡¯t any feud between them. As long as they interacted well, it was a matter of time before they could resolve their conflict.


    ¡°Father, I still need to apany Mother,¡± Xu Lingxue said. It wasn¡¯t easy for her to return, and she wished to spend more time with her mother.


    ¡°I have other arrangements for your mother. Go on; there should be a bnce between work and rest. You have to rx appropriately.¡± Xu Yilin dismissed their objections and ushered them out of the Xu n, insisting they spend the day together.


    Unable to defy Xu Yilin¡¯s arrangement, Liu Wuxie and Xu Lingxue headed towards the city¡¯s east. The annual spring festival was in full swing, drawing arge crowd from Azure Billow City.


    Walking almost shoulder to shoulder, they initially maintained a certain distance. However, as they continued, their shoulders began to brush against each other.


    Each time Xu Lingxue bumped into Liu Wuxie, she would lower her head with a hint of bashfulness.


    A faint, refreshing fragrance wafted from Xu Lingxue, which Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t mind. His heart had been stirred ever since Xu Lingxue had stood up for him against Qin Shi. However, due to past events, Liu Wuxie found himself unable to ask if Xu Lingxue was merely obeying her parents¡¯ orders or if she had begun to ept him. He remained uncertain.


    This uncertainty was particrly pronounced after hearing Xu Lingxue¡¯s final words. Since Liu Wuxie had protected the Xu n, she would now protect him in his time of trouble. From that moment on, Liu Wuxie vowed to protect her for the rest of his life.


    The streets were alive with people, snacks for sale, and various entertainment performances. This lively atmosphere quickly caught Xu Lingxue¡¯s attention, and she found herself intrigued by everything around her.


    When they passed a jewelry store, Xu Lingxue paused to browse the selection. After all, like all women, she was drawn to beautiful things, especially jewelry. As a human, it was natural for her to be attracted to worldly desires.


    ¡°Lady, this jade hairpinplements your beauty perfectly and costs only five gold coins,¡± a vendor pitched.


    Xu Lingxue¡¯s beauty and unique temperament shone through, regardless of the jewelry she adorned. Any essories she wore merely served as embellishments to her natural allure.


    Upon hearing that a simple piece of jade cost five gold coins, Xu Lingxue promptly set it back down. It was clear she was fond of it, but not because she couldn¡¯t afford it; she simply didn¡¯t believe it was worth the price. She stood up and continued on her way.


    ¡°Wrap it up for me. I¡¯ll take it!¡± Liu Wuxie took out five gold coins and ced them on the stall before picking up the wrapped hairpin. He quickly followed Xu Lingxue and saw a crowd ahead, enjoying the acrobatics performance. This made Liu Wuxie and Xu Lingxue feel rxed as they watched together.


    Having spent most of her life within the confines of the Xu n and her courtyard at the Imperial Academy, Xu Lingxue was naturally curious about the outside world.


    ¡°Here, this is for you!¡± Liu Wuxie gave the wrapped hairpin to Xu Lingxue, who raised her head with a hint of surprise.


    ¡°Why are you giving me things?¡± Xu Lingxue asked, curious about his intentions.


    ¡°It¡¯s a token of my gratitude for you blocking the de for me back then!¡± Liu Wuxie exined. If Xu Lingxue had not blocked Yuan Jun¡¯s de, he would have lost his life. In essence, he owed his life to Xu Lingxue.


    ¡°Good! I¡¯ll ept your gift!¡± Xu Lingxue responded with a yful smile, epting and storing the hairpin. This gesture significantly eased the tension between them.


    On the stage, a monkey was performing various unusual tricks under the crack of a whip, including somersaults and even a human-like bow. This instantly drewughter from the crowd.


    This atmosphere made Liu Wuxie feel rxed. At times, he needed a bnce between cultivating and rest because nothing could be aplished overnight, and Liu Wuxie already knew the principle long ago.


    If he returned to the n, there was nothing he could do besides cultivating.


    Suddenly, Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes narrowed as he spotted a ck figure blending into the crowd, discreetly moving towards them. The figure exuded a familiar aura, and a faint murderous intent was directed at him. Without his Ghost Eye practice, he would have been oblivious to this threat.


    ¡°Let¡¯s move!¡± Liu Wuxie abruptly grabbed Xu Lingxue¡¯s hand, pulling her away from the crowd.


    He had spotted assassins from the Assassin Pavilion who had tracked him to Azure Billow City. Engaging them in a crowded area would limit his mobility, and if they blended into the crowd tounch a surprise attack, it would be difficult for him to evade.


    Once they turned a corner and found themselves in a less popted area, Xu Lingxue forcefully pulled her hand back. ¡°What¡¯s the meaning of this?!¡± she demanded, assuming that Liu Wuxie was taking liberties. Just as she was beginning to ept him, his actions had sparked her anger. She red at Liu Wuxie, awaiting his exnation.


    ¡°We¡¯re being followed by assassins!¡± Liu Wuxie dered, his senses on high alert. He activated his Ghost Eye ability, scanning their surroundings through the walls.


    ¡°Assassins?¡± Xu Lingxue¡¯s expression turned serious as she noted the gravity in Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes. He only wore such a look when faced with formidable opponents.


    ¡°He¡¯s after me. You should leave first.¡± The assassins were significantly more powerful than the ones he had encountered before.

 Chapter 215 - Assassins

    <h4>Chapter 215 - Assassins</h4>


    It was the first time the Assassin Pavilion had suffered multiple failures. This time, they were determined to kill Liu Wuxie no matter what, so they sent out their most elite assassins.


    ¡°Who wants to kill you?¡± Xu Lingxue asked instead of leaving. It would be too heartless of her to go now, not to mention that they were husband and wife. She couldn¡¯t possibly abandon him in this critical moment.


    ¡°I suspect someone, but I can¡¯t be certain.¡± The first assassination attempt on Liu Wuxie was on the ten-mile-long street outside the Imperial Academy, which ended with him capturing the assassin. But the assassin chose suicide the moment he was captured, refusing to disclose any details.


    The second assassination attempt was in the Western Breeze Mountain Range, in which Liu Wuxie had killed the assassin.


    ¡°What¡¯s our next move?¡± The streets were teeming with people, and the assassins could easily blend in, posing as ordinary citizens, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.


    ¡°We should head to a more secluded area and draw them out,¡± Liu Wuxie suggested after some contemtion, deciding to use a remote location as a trap.


    ¡°The outskirts!¡± Xu Lingxue thought of a remote enough ce. Most people had gathered in Azure Billow City to participate in the festival.


    ¡°Let¡¯s move!¡± Liu Wuxie was a step ahead, unsheathing the Heretic de and activating his Ghost Eye ability. He detected no immediate danger within a hundred-meter radius. They walked briskly for about fifteen minutes, picking up the pace as the crowd thinned.


    ¡°They¡¯re here!¡± Liu Wuxie sensed the presence of three auras trailing them. Despite their deliberate detours, the three auras continued to tail them closely. He quickened his pace to avoid involving innocent bystanders.


    The Assassin Pavilion would solely target their mark and wouldn¡¯t resort to tactics like Shao Dongli¡¯s group, who threatened him using the Xu n. The rules of the assassination world strictly prohibited involving family members. Who would dare to hire assassins from the Assassin Pavilion if they broke these rules?


    They passed through the gate and headed to the outskirts. An hourter, Liu Wuxie and Xu Lingxue stopped in the woods. Xu Lingxue drew her weapon and was prepared for a fight.


    ¡°Come out!¡± Liu Wuxie had already locked onto the three with Ghost Eye. They were like ghosts, exhibiting remarkable agility, and managed to keep up with them.


    Upon being discovered, the three ck-robed men exchanged a look with a hint of surprise in their eyes. They were like meteors, forming a triangr formation with Liu Wuxie and Xu Lingxue at the center.


    ¡°Seventh level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm. The Assassin Pavilion must hold me in high regard,¡± Liu Wuxie mused, surprised as he observed the trio. He wondered who would invest such a substantial sum to target an expert of the Spirit Cleansing Realm like himself.


    His initial suspicion fell on Zhang Qing¡¯s group, whom he had crippled at the Imperial Academy, and who might have hired the Assassin Pavilion to retaliate. However, this didn¡¯t seem usible as they were incapacitated, and their ns wouldn¡¯t risk offending a talented student of the Imperial Academy for their sake.


    However, Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t figure out who would pay such a great price to assassinate him. He did have a suspect in mind, but he needed verification.


    ¡°We didn¡¯t anticipate that someone in the Spirit Cleansing Realm could eliminate two of our assassins,¡± the ck-robed man on the right stated, his tone devoid of emotion.


    ¡°You three are after me. She has nothing to do with this. I hope you can let her go,¡± Liu Wuxie said, pointing to Xu Lingxue. He wasn¡¯t confident about surviving this encounter and didn¡¯t want to involve the innocent Xu Lingxue.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. We only target our mark,¡± the ck-robed man responded coldly. Liu Wuxie was their target, and they would depart once they had eliminated him.


    ¡°Go back first!¡± Liu Wuxie turned to Xu Lingxue, urging her to evacuate the area.


    ¡°I¡¯m not going anywhere!¡± She was determined not to abandon Liu Wuxie in the face of danger.


    Liu Wuxie sighed, recognizing the stubborn streak in Xu Lingxue. Once she made up her mind, it was nearly impossible to sway her. Having grown up together, he understood her well.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s hand appeared behind Xu Lingxue¡¯s neck. With a gentle caress, Xu Lingxue felt a surge of dizziness assaulting her mind.


    ¡°You...¡± Xu Lingxue tried to speak, but her strength failed her, and she copsed into his arms. As she lost consciousness, two tears trickled down her cheeks.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I can¡¯t let you risk your life with me!¡± Liu Wuxie gently carried Xu Lingxue andid her down on a distant patch of grass. He even took off his coat to cover her.


    Weirdly enough, the three assassins didn¡¯t stop him and were generous enough to wait for him before surrounding him.


    ¡°Make your move!¡± Liu Wuxiemanded, unsheathing the Heretic de. A sharp aura radiated from him, filling the sky and generating a powerful gust of wind.


    The three assassins didn¡¯t dare to underestimate him. They had arrived in Azure Billow City the previous day. Although they hadn¡¯t witnessed Liu Wuxie¡¯s confrontation with Shao Dongli¡¯s group, they had heard about it. They had waited an entire day before deciding to strike after Liu Wuxie left the Xu n.


    If Liu Wuxie hadn¡¯t reached the ninth level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm, he wouldn¡¯t even stand a chance against three assassins in the seventh level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± The three assassins moved, and the four shed together.


    Liu Wuxie unleashed a powerful de aura that tore apart the three swords, and he exhibited outstanding agility with the Nine Heavenly Crane Dance. For a moment, the three assassins couldn¡¯t find any weakness in Liu Wuxie¡¯s attacks.


    Assassins, being experts in the art of assassination, excelled in ambushes. However, they might not be a match for Liu Wuxie in a direct confrontation. That said, these three assassins were formidable, their strength surpassing Shao Dongli¡¯s group by more than tenfold.


    The difference between the sixth and seventh levels of the Marrow Cleansing Realm might seem minor, but one represented the intermediate phase while the other signified thete phase. Reaching the seventh level meant they were just a step away from the True Core Realm.


    No one was more skilled in the art of assassination than Liu Wuxie. After all, his friend was the most potent assassin in the Celestial Realm, and it was Liu Wuxie who had taught him several assassination techniques.


    The three assassins were powerful, but nothing was impressive about their assassination art. It wouldn¡¯t be easy for them to kill Liu Wuxie, and the four exchanged over a few hundred moves in two breaths, with Liu Wuxie dodging all the attacks.


    If it were someone else in Liu Wuxie¡¯s position, they would¡¯ve died under the barrage of attacks. This was why Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t want to drag Xu Lingxue into this matter. If she joined the fight, she would only be a burden.


    After all, battling an assassin was entirely different from fighting other experts. This was why the mere mention of assassins caused everyone¡¯s faces to change. Assassins were adept at killing those with higher cultivation levels than themselves through the art of assassination.


    This was because every assassin thoroughly studied their target and even ran simtions to ensure they had a hundred percent chance of sess before making a move.


    The three assassins had studied all avable information on Liu Wuxie beforeing to Azure Billow City. They knew they would have a high chance of killing him as long as they could dodge his Overlord Fist.


    After a prolonged battle, the assassins realized their miscalction. Liu Wuxie was without a discernible weakness and could adapt to anybat strategy. Through his Ghost Eye ability, Liu Wuxie identified a fatal w in the assassins¡¯ attacks. Despite their sword techniques appearing formidable, there was a brief pause of one-thousandth of a breath whenever they retracted their swords.


    This was amon problem for the Assassin Pavilion¡¯s assassins and all the assassins. Because assassins aimed for a fatal blow, they would put all their strength into the first strike to assassinate their target. If they fail, they would retreat without any hesitation.


    This was the first time these three had engaged in a direct confrontation. They couldn¡¯t afford to wait any longer, given the rapid pace of Liu Wuxie¡¯s growth.


    The nearby trees were reduced to ashes under their swords, while Liu Wuxie moved through them like lightning. However, the assassins¡¯ anxiety grew as they failed to even graze Liu Wuxie¡¯s clothes after numerous attacks, realizing that their chances of sess were dwindling the longer the fight dragged on.


    Even if they managed to return to the Assassin Pavilion after failing the mission, they would still be dead.


    ¡°Your assassination techniques are too simple. Take my de!¡± Liu Wuxie raised the Heretic de and took the posture of First Fatality Form. He had practiced it for days and wanted to know how powerful the Fatality de Art was. After all, this should be the de technique his father was famous for.


    Not giving the three assassins time to react, a sonic boom echoed from the rapidpression of air when Liu Wuxie swung his de, startling the three assassins. When Liu Wuxie swung his sword, the three wondered what de technique that was.


    In the courtyard, Liu Wuxie had only utilized ten percent of his true essence. However, this time was different as he put his all into this strike. His true essence surged like a tidal wave, coursing through his meridians and erupting from his body.


    As the images of the Heretic de swept out, the woods, including the three assassins, were enveloped by it. The power of this de was beyond imagination.


    Liu Wuxie squinted, surprised by the power of his attack. It might have seemed like a single sh, but it contained thousands of variations. He had only reached the entry stage of the first form, and he hadn¡¯t even achieved lesser mastery. If he managed to reach lesser mastery, the power of this strike would be even more formidable.


    The three assassins were caught by surprise because Liu Wuxie¡¯s true essence wasparable to a cultivator in the pinnacle of the Marrow Cleansing Realm. Even when they joined forces, they couldn¡¯t restrain Liu Wuxie¡¯s de intent.


    The assassins immediately resorted to a perishing tactic, giving up their defenses, and they pounced at Liu Wuxie. Even if they had to die, they would drag Liu Wuxie down with them.


    ¡°Toote. If you had chosen the desperate tactic right from the start, you might have stood a chance,¡± Liu Wuxie taunted. After exchanging hundreds of moves, Liu Wuxie, through his Ghost Eye, had already seen through their weaknesses.


    ¡°First Fatality Form!¡± Liu Wuxie roared as the Heretic de released a dazzling radiance. It was already dusk, and a bolt of lightning shed across the sky. It was Liu Wuxie¡¯s de ray that even tore the sky apart.


    The de ray enveloped the entire woods, creating a terrifying vortex that descended from the sky, covering a radius of ten-odd meters. The three assassins were trapped within it, with no escape.


    As the de aura whirled around, the entire woods vanished, reced by an empty ground covered with rocks. The powerful suction even lifted Liu Wuxie off the ground, and just the first form of the Fatality de Art had drained half of his true essence.


    The power of this strike wasn¡¯t inferior to the Overlord Fist. However, the Overlord Fist was different because it would be stronger as his cultivation rose.

 Chapter 216 - Mastermind

    <h4>Chapter 216 - Mastermind</h4>


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t expect the Fatality de Art to be so powerful. True to its name, this de technique was designed to kill, aiming to inflict fatal wounds on enemies.


    The vortex was like a quicksand, and cracks began to appear on the three assassins¡¯ bodies. The relentless de technique mercilessly ripped them apart.


    ¡°The Detonation Talisman!¡± Before they died, the assassins ignited the Detonation Talisman in their bodies, nning to use their remaining true essence to drag Liu Wuxie down with them.


    The Detonation Talisman was activated by pouring all the true essence into the talisman and causing an explosion, forming a powerful shockwave that could kill any opponent.


    The detonation of three assassins with cultivation in the seventh level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm was unimaginable, and the explosive power could even kill someone in the ninth level.


    Liu Wuxie, being at the center of the explosion, couldn¡¯t avoid the impact. But he had already expected this and executed Overlord Fist without hesitation, creating a storm around him.


    As mes appeared, they lifted Liu Wuxie¡¯s body higher into the sky to avoid the explosion. The explosion was so loud that it could be heard in Azure Billow City, and everyone could see mes soaring into the sky.


    Liu Wuxie was lifted thirty meters into the sky, but he could still sense a heatwave blowing on him, tearing his clothes apart. The explosion caused by the three assassins wasparable to an all-out attack by someone in the ninth level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    Blood gushed out of Liu Wuxie¡¯s mouth as he descended from the sky, and the impact nearly shattered his internal organs. But the explosion''s shockwave hadn¡¯t ended yet, and Liu Wuxie soon took a second impact.


    ¡°Nine Heavenly Crane Dance!¡± Liu Wuxie moved five meters away, avoiding the impact from the second shockwave beforending near Xu Lingxue. He coughed up a mouthful of blood when hended on the ground. Even though he had killed the three assassins, he was also heavily injured in the process.


    When Liu Wuxie fell onto the ground, he instantly lost consciousness. The three assassins had disappeared, vaporized by the explosion they had caused.


    Time passed, and darkness enveloped the outskirts of the city. The chirping of insects and birds sounded asionally.


    The world in Liu Wuxie¡¯s dantian was in chaos, and the mysterious tree reached the void to absorb spiritual energy.


    Xu Lingxue felt like she had just awakened from sleep, her head still spinning. She struggled to open her eyes and noticed a coat draped over her. Sitting up, she scanned her surroundings and spotted a figure lying not too far away. Guided by the dim light, she quickly rose to her feet.


    ¡°Wuxie! Wuxie! Wake up!¡± Xu Lingxue rushed over and knelt beside Liu Wuxie¡¯s body. His internal organs were severely injured, and he would need a long period of recuperation to recover. This realization sent Xu Lingxue into a panic. She didn¡¯t know how to treat injuries and felt helpless, on the verge of tears.


    ¡°Cough...cough...¡± Liu Wuxie slowly regained consciousness upon hearing someone calling his name. He struggled to open his eyes and managed a bitter smile, surprised by the extent of his injuries.


    ¡°Don¡¯t scare me. Are you okay?¡± Xu Lingxue¡¯s face was full of concern. Seeing Liu Wuxie injured made her feel heartache, and she couldn¡¯t describe it. She just felt an urge to cry.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine. I won¡¯t die anytime soon!¡± Liu Wuxie struggled to sit up and took out several pills from his interspatial pouch. While refining the Dragon Origin Pill, he had also refined several life-saving pills.


    As he circted the Deste Devouring Art, the surrounding spiritual energy flowed and condensed into a mysterious liquid in the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron. As the liquid poured out of the cauldron, it rapidly healed his injuries. His swift recovery left Xu Lingxue in awe.


    Two hourster, Liu Wuxie¡¯s injuries were practically under control. But he couldn¡¯t fight for the next few days to prevent the worsening of his injuries.


    ¡°Are you alright?¡± Xu Lingxue asked uncertainly. Aside from the blood stains, Liu Wuxie looked perfectly fine to her.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine. ¡°I¡¯m okay. Please don¡¯t mention today¡¯s events to father-inw; I don¡¯t want him to worry.¡± Liu Wuxie managed a smile, pulling out a coat to cover his blood-stained clothes.


    Xu Lingxue bit her lip, quietly trailing behind Liu Wuxie. She couldn¡¯t understand why he insisted on shouldering everything alone.


    It waste at night when they returned to Azure Billow City, and the festival had already ended.


    ¡°The Assassin Pavilion won¡¯t let this go. What are your ns for the future?¡± Xu Lingxue asked as they neared the Xu n. The Assassin Pavilion was relentless in their pursuit, and they would continue to send increasingly powerful assassins after him. It would be difficult for Liu Wuxie to defend against them since they operated from the shadows.


    ¡°I already have a suspect in mind who wants me dead, and I n to resolve this when I return to the Imperial City,¡± Liu Wuxie said,ing to a halt. Through the recent battle and other events, he had a strong suspicion of who had hired the Assassin Pavilion to target him.


    ¡°Who is it?¡± Xu Lingxue also stopped, looking at Liu Wuxie in anticipation of his answer


    ¡°I¡¯ll handle my own affairs; you don¡¯t need to get involved. We¡¯ll return to the Imperial City the day after tomorrow,¡± Liu Wuxie said, entering the Xu n and leaving Xu Lingxue alone outside, her frustration evident as she stomped her foot on the ground.


    Xu Lingxue observed that Liu Wuxie had a tendency to keep everything to himself, as if he were locked in a self-imposed cage.


    Upon their return, they reported back to Xu Yilin. Xu Yilin greeted them with a smile, asking, ¡°How was it? Did you two enjoy yourselves today?¡±


    Xu Lingxue hesitated, ncing at Liu Wuxie, but his expression remained unchanged.


    ¡°Father-inw, the festival was quite enjoyable, and we n to return the day after tomorrow to carry on with our cultivation.¡±


    Since Liu Wuxie had no intention of mentioning the assassination attempt, Xu Lingxue had no choice but to let it go. After bidding her father farewell, she returned to her room.


    Back in his courtyard, Liu Wuxie removed his coat, revealing his blood-stained clothes. He fetched water from the well to clean himself and burned his clothes to prevent his father-inw from discovering them.


    After Liu Wuxie cleaned up, he returned to his room to meditate and recover from his injuries. There was still half a month before his fight with Qin Shi, and he couldn¡¯t afford any mishaps.


    The next day, Liu Wuxie rose early and instructed the butler to deliver a letter to the City Lord Mansion. Upon receiving Liu Wuxie¡¯s letter, Qi Enshi¡¯s face turned grim. He wasn¡¯t in a rush to open it, as the letter was proof that the assassination attempt had failed and Liu Wuxie was still alive and well.


    Dismissing the guards around him, Qi Enshi slowly opened the letter. Three months ago, he had sent over a hundred elite guards after Liu Wuxie, but none had returned alive. That¡¯s when Qi Enshi realized that their feud was irreconcble, and he had to eliminate Liu Wuxie at all costs. If Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t dead, then his own life would be in danger.


    ¡°City Lord Qi, it¡¯s been three months since ourst encounter. I bet you didn¡¯t expect me to still be alive and well. Once my affairs in the Imperial City are settled, I¡¯ll gradually resolve our feud.¡±


    The letter was brief, but it was filled with a murderous intent. Clearly, Liu Wuxie suspected Qi Enshi, who seemed to want him dead more than anyone else.


    In the beginning, Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t suspect Qi Enshi was behind the assassination attempts. However, after meeting with Prince Ruyang, he began to consider Qi Enshi as a potential suspect. At that time, there were many who wanted him dead. In the Imperial Academy, the only person he could think of was Xue Chunyu.


    However, given the strength of the Xue n, they wouldn¡¯t need to hire assassins from the Assassin Pavilion. This left Qi Enshi as the most likely suspect. While Liu Wuxie might not be aware of the results of Prince Ruyang¡¯s investigation into the Terrabreak Army, it was likely to involve many people, including Qi Enshi.


    To protect his status, Qi Enshi wouldn¡¯t want his past actions to be exposed. With Zhou Hu dead, only Liu Wuxie knew about Qi Enshi¡¯s deeds. This was further confirmed when assassins targeted Liu Wuxie upon his return to Azure Billow City, indicating that someone must have leaked his whereabouts. Piecing together all these clues, Qi Enshi emerged as the prime suspect.


    Qi Enshi was filled with rage, crumpling up the letter in his hand and tossing it to the ground. His chest felt like it was aze as he mmed his palm onto the table, causing it to creak and shatter into pieces.


    ¡°Brat, I have underestimated you. Do you think that you can return after going to the Imperial City? Qin Shi will kill you!¡± Qi Enshi had already learned about the events at the Imperial Academy through letters from Qi Ningyun.


    A dayter, it was time for them to part ways. Xu Lingxue was ovee with sorrow, weeping bitterly. She didn¡¯t know when she would be able to return after this farewell. Among their group, Bi Gongyu also prepared to depart for the Imperial City.


    ¡°Chief, I can¡¯t express my gratitude enough. Please ept my deepest bow!¡± Master Huo bowed deeply, appearing to have shed a decade off his age. He never imagined that he would be the pavilion master.


    ¡°Manage the Treasure Pill Pavilion well. This is a fourth-grade pill, and it can help you reach the Marrow Cleansing Realm.¡± The Xu n still needed the Treasure Pill Pavilion¡¯s help, and Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t stingy.


    ¡°Thank you! Thank you!¡± Master Huo nearly went on his knees because reaching the Marrow Cleansing Realm was his lifelong dream.


    Song Tianhao also led the Song n¡¯s higher-ups to send them off.


    ¡°I won¡¯t hold you back. Come back when you¡¯re free, and I¡¯ll entrust Xue¡¯er to you. Don¡¯t let us down!¡± Xu Yilin said, patting Liu Wuxie¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°Father-inw, take this cultivation technique. This is a cultivation technique specially designed for you. If you put in the effort, you can reach the True Core Realm in five years at most.¡± Liu Wuxie handed over a cultivation technique. He had prepared one not only for his father-inw but also for his mother-inw. He also left behind an interspatial pouch filled with many pills.


    Xu Yilin was so moved that his hands trembled. The True Core Realm was beyond his wildest dreams. There was a saying that one couldn¡¯t truly step into the world of cultivation without reaching the True Core Realm. This was because those beneath the True Core Realm were considered mere ants.


    Deacon Lan and Hu Shi cried because their master was leaving again.


    ¡°Cultivate well!¡± Liu Wuxie addressed them as a senior would address a junior. The knowledge he left behind was enough for them to study for the rest of their lives, and he didn¡¯t have to worry about the Xu n with them around.


    ¡°Master, remember to visit us.¡± Hu Shi knelt and kowtowed to Liu Wuxie, with many people wiping away their tears. They hadn¡¯t been this sad even when Xu Lingxue left, but they cried seeing that Liu Wuxie was leaving.


    It was only after the trio vanished from sight at the end of the road that the members of the Xu n were able to stop crying.

 Chapter 217 - Fifth-Grade Talisman

    <h4>Chapter 217 - Fifth-Grade Talisman</h4>


    After a journey of four days, the trio arrived in the Imperial City. With only three days remaining until Liu Wuxie¡¯s death match with Qin Shi, he realized that reaching the Marrow Cleansing Realm anytime soon was unlikely, as he needed sufficient umtion before attempting such a breakthrough.


    ¡°Lingxue, you should head back first. I need to go to the Treasure Pill Pavilion with Pavilion Master Bi,¡± Liu Wuxie suggested. The three of them parted ways on the ten-mile-long street. Xu Lingxue returned to the Imperial Academy, while Liu Wuxie and Bi Gongyu made their way to the Treasure Pill Pavilion.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s return caused quite a stir in the Treasure Pill Pavilion. After all, news of his exposure of the Cloud Xing Pavilion¡¯s scheme and his role in saving the Treasure Pill Pavilion from a crisis had already spread throughout the Imperial City.


    A group of ten-odd deacons stepped forward and bowed in respect, acknowledging Liu Wuxie as the hero of the Treasure Pill Pavilion. Upon learning of Liu Wuxie¡¯s return, Master Mao immediately ceased his activities and, followed by other alchemists, rushed out to wee Liu Wuxie.


    Bi Gongyu hadn¡¯t expected Liu Wuxie to hold such a high position in the Treasure Pill Pavilion, and he noticed that all the alchemists present looked at Liu Wuxie with reverence in their eyes.


    ¡°Wuxie, thedy left instructions for you to find her when you return,¡± Master Mao ryed, ensuring he didn¡¯t forget.


    ¡°Very well, I will meet with thedy,¡± Liu Wuxie dered. He added, ¡°Pavilion Master Bi will soon be an alchemist here. It would be beneficial for all of you to interact regrly.¡± With that, he made his way towards the ninth floor.


    Upon his arrival, a maid requested him to wait in the main hall. She excused herself to inform Mu Yueying of his presence.


    Approximately fifteen minutester, Mu Yueying emerged from behind a curtain. Herplexion was pallid, suggesting she had recently been ill. She was so weak that she required the maid¡¯s assistance to recline on the couch.


    Liu Wuxie immediately rose from his seat upon seeing her condition. ¡°Big Sister Mu, you¡¯re hurt!¡± he eximed. He activated his Ghost Eye to inspect Mu Yueying more closely. His gaze prated her meridians, revealing a disturbing discement in her internal organs. To his horror, he also discovered a palm print on her back that had nearly ruptured her heart pulses.


    ¡°I won¡¯t die anytime soon!¡± Mu Yueying dered, a hint of pain crossing her face as she settled down. Her movements suggested that her injuries were being aggravated.


    Liu Wuxie was taken aback by the severity of Mu Yueying¡¯s injuries. While others might be oblivious to her strength, he was well aware that her cultivation had long surpassed the True Core Realm. This led him to wonder who could possibly have the power to harm her.


    ¡°Who did this to you?¡± Liu Wuxie asked, a sense of realization dawning on him. It wasn¡¯t difficult to surmise that she must have sustained these injuries during her journey to procure the fifth-grade talisman paper for him.


    ¡°We can discuss thatter,¡± Mu Yueying responded, diverting the conversation back to the talisman paper. ¡°This is the fifth-grade talisman paper you requested. Unfortunately, this is all I have. You¡¯ll have to make do with it.¡± She presented a damaged talisman paper, its edge torn off, likely during a struggle.


    The talisman paper, slightlyrger than a palm and golden in color, was adorned with ayer of spiritual runes. Crafting such a paper was no easy task, making each one incredibly valuable. A fifth-grade talisman paper couldmand an astronomical price in the Great Yan Dynasty.


    Upon receiving the talisman paper, Liu Wuxie noticed traces of blood on it. The paper felt as heavy as a mountain in his hands, not due to its physical weight, but because of the knowledge that Mu Yueying had nearly lost her life to obtain it for him. He vowed to remember her kindness and sacrifice.


    ¡°Big Sister Mu, there¡¯s no need for you to invest so much in me,¡± Liu Wuxie stated as he took a seat. He had already discerned that Mu Yueying was making efforts to nurture him.


    ¡°You¡¯re worth the investment,¡± Mu Yueying responded, her demeanor casual as she managed to sit up. Herplexion seemed to improve as she conversed with Liu Wuxie. ¡°There¡¯s a piece missing from the talisman paper. See if you can still use it.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not a problem,¡± Liu Wuxie reassured her. While a missing corner might render a fifth-grade talisman paper useless to others, he was confident in his ability topensate for it. He believed he could still harness the power of a fifth-grade talisman.


    ¡°Thanks for helping with the Cloud Xing Pavilion¡¯s incident and recovering the Treasure Pill Pavilion¡¯s losses. But you have also attracted the attention of the emissary from the Azure Crimson Gate. I¡¯ll help you get rid of that emissary once I¡¯ve recovered,¡± Mu Yueying said with a hint of murderous intent in her eyes. She didn¡¯t expect the Treasure Pill Pavilion¡¯s alchemists to nearly die in the Cloud Xing Pavilion while she wasn¡¯t around.


    Liu Wuxie was not taken aback by the prospect of retaliation from the Cloud Xing Pavilion, given that he had thwarted their ns. While he held no fear for the Cloud Xing Pavilion, he recognized the emissary from the Azure Crimson Gate as a significant threat. He surmised that the emissary¡¯s power was likely on par with Mu Yueying¡¯s, and he knew he needed to tread carefully.


    Intrigued, Liu Wuxie asked, ¡°Big Sister Mu, who exactly is this emissary?¡± He had previously noticed an expert lurking in the shadows of the Cloud Xing Pavilion using his Ghost Eye, but this individual had remained hidden throughout the entire incident.


    The response was nonchnt. ¡°He¡¯s merely a deacon of the Azure Crimson Gate. There¡¯s no need to worry about him.


    However, Liu Wuxie knew that a deacon of the Azure Crimson Gate could be a formidable figure in the Great Yan Dynasty, someone even the royal n would hesitate to cross.


    Deciding not to impose further, Liu Wuxie stood up, ready to depart. ¡°I won¡¯t disturb your rest any longer. I¡¯lle to visit you after my duel with Qin Shi.¡± He was mindful of the task ahead¡ªhe had to craft a fifth-grade talisman, and he only had three days left to do so.


    ¡°Remember what I said: you must survive the battle no matter what. I¡¯m injured and won¡¯t be able to support you on that day.¡± Mu Yueying said, telling Liu Wuxie to survive no matter what.


    Liu Wuxie left the ninth floor with a heavy heart. Mu Yueying had done so much for him, and she didn¡¯t ask for anything in return. It wasn¡¯t hard to guess that she was trying to recruit him into the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    Sects in the cultivating world habitually recruited talented individuals from the mortal world.


    Upon his return to the alchemy region, a weing ceremony was held by Master Mao and the other alchemists. They expressed their gratitude towards Liu Wuxie before extending a warm wee to Bi Gongyu at the headquarters.


    Following a brief exchange, everyone was made aware of Liu Wuxie¡¯s impending death match in three days. Out of respect for his situation, they refrained from taking up any more of his time.


    Liu Wuxie then retreated to an alchemy chamber, sealing himself inside with the intention of spending the next three days there. The task of inscribing a fifth-grade talisman was delicate and allowed no room for error. Given the number of people in the Imperial Academy, it was crucial to maintain the element of surprise. Any leak of information regarding the fifth-grade talisman could prove detrimental.


    Seated on a mat with his legs crossed, Liu Wuxie embarked on a meditative journey. His goal was to reach an ethereal state of peak condition, a prerequisite for inscribing the talisman. This process was distinct from forging weapons or refining pills.


    In the case of weapon forging and pill refining, the spiritual runes he inscribed were artifact runes and pill runes, respectively. These runes wererger and thus easier to inscribe. However, the spiritual runes for a talisman were much finer, significantly increasing the task''s difficulty.


    Liu Wuxie rested for an entire day and night to recover all the remaining injuries in his body.


    <strong>......</strong>


    Meanwhile, the Imperial Academy was buzzing with anticipation. News of the uing duel between Liu Wuxie and Qin Shi had spread throughout the Great Yan Dynasty, attracting the attention of the five major ns and various experts. The academy, overwhelmed by the number of spectators, had no choice but to send out invitations to various prominent figures in the dynasty.


    Disciples who were training outside returned, not wanting to miss this grand event. Even those who were in seclusion emerged to witness the battle. After all, it was the first time someone had challenged the Vice-Headmaster of the Imperial Academy.


    On the day of the battle, the Imperial Academy suspended all the sses to make it convenient for students to watch the battle. It was unbeknownst to Liu Wuxie, who was still secluded in his world.


    In his secluded world, a fifth-grade talisman hovered before Liu Wuxie, lifted off the ground by a mysterious force. As he formed seals with his hands and swiped his right index finger, a ripple in space urred, imprinting a peculiar spiritual rune on the talisman paper.


    The spiritual runes could only be contained within a talisman paper. Faint runes, resembling veins, appeared on the golden talisman. Just as water requires a container, spiritual runes required a talisman paper to contain them. This was the essence of talisman creation.


    Creating talismans was no easy task. A first-grade talisman required ten spiritual runes, with no room for error. A fifth-grade talisman required hundreds of spiritual runes, and the structure of the spiritual runes couldn¡¯t have any rejections. For instance, using water-attribute spiritual runes to inscribe a Fire Spiritual Talisman would result in the talisman being destroyed or causing injury to the user due to the conflicting elements.


    There were many variations of talismans, such as talismans used for escaping, teleportation, purification, and so on. Many Spiritualists only grasped the creation method of one or two talismans in their lifetime. That was the same for alchemists, as most only knew the refining method for several pills.


    The talisman Liu Wuxie inscribed was called the Pentabolt Talisman. Upon activation, it would summon five thunders to bombard the enemy. No one could withstand the onught of five thunders, and Liu Wuxie had to catch Qin Shi by surprise to kill him.


    In just half a day, Liu Wuxie had inscribed over a hundred spiritual runes on the talisman. The speed of his inscribing the spiritual runes decreased, and the talisman paper was practically covered with runes, each having its trajectory.


    Liu Wuxie started off somewhat rusty, but as time passed, he became more proficient, and his speed increased.


    Due to a missing edge, the talisman paper couldn¡¯t contain all the spiritual runes. To resolve this issue, Liu Wuxie inscribed fifty heaven expansion spiritual runes that filled up the edge like cobwebs, a type of spiritual rune unknown to others.


    With only one day left until the death match, many people arrived early to secure the best seats. While guests had exclusive seats, the students of the Imperial Academy had topete for the best spots.


    In just one day, several brutal incidents urred, with high-grade disciples snatching spots from low-grade disciples. Ultimately, the academy¡¯s higher-ups had to intervene, dividing the area into several regions and constructing numerous tforms for everyone¡¯s convenience, even though some spots might be a bit far away.


    A square arena, over a hundred meters in length, was situated in the center. The arena was further expanded from its foundation to amodate the battle between Liu Wuxie and Qin Shi.


    With just a few hours left until the deadline, the venue was already teeming with people. The surrounding discussions could be heard even from a distance.


    <strong>......</strong>


    In the tranquility of Qin Shi¡¯s courtyard, Xiao Yanlong arrived to pay his usual respects to his master. After twenty days of recovery, he had not only fully recuperated but also used this opportunity to ascend to the ninth level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    ¡°Master, it¡¯s almost time!¡± Xiao Yanlong reminded him. The impending battle was not just about Qin Shi¡¯s dignity as the Vice-Headmaster but also about avenging Guo Zhong¡¯s death.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± Qin Shi said calmly, tidying up his clothes and setting off with Xiao Yanlong to the arena.


    <strong>......</strong>


    Meanwhile, at the Treasure Pill Pavilion, Liu Wuxie remained secluded in the alchemy chamber. A crowd had gathered outside, eagerly awaiting his emergence. Master Mao, who had also been invited to watch the battle, chose to wait outside Liu Wuxie¡¯s alchemy chamber instead of heading to the Imperial Academy.


    As Liu Wuxie inscribed thest spiritual rune on the talisman paper, rumbling sounds echoed in the alchemy chamber, originating from the talisman.

 Chapter 218 - Death Match

    <h4>Chapter 218 - Death Match</h4>


    After three days of meticulous work, Liu Wuxie finallypleted the inscription of the Pentabolt Talisman. Each spiritual rune on the talisman resembled a snake, coiling and intertwining in aplex pattern.


    The shockwave radiated by the talisman caused the surrounding space to copse, looking as though an ancient divine beast was slowly awakening. When the ancient divine beast let out a roar, it could even shake the mountains and cause the sky to change.


    Even Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t approach the energy radiated by the talisman. This was the power of a fifth-grade talisman,parable to a cultivator''s attack in the True Core Realm.


    Only Liu Wuxie would be so bold to draw thunder from heaven. After all, Liu Wuxie would also perish in the bombardment if he wasn¡¯t careful.


    Eventually, the energy released by the Pentabolt Talisman subsided, transforming into an ordinary-looking talisman thatnded in Liu Wuxie¡¯s hand. Despite its ordinary appearance, a thunderbolt was visible at its center, with asional flickers of lightning. Holding the talisman induced a numbing sensation in Liu Wuxie¡¯s hand, a testament to its potent power.


    ¡°It¡¯s almost time!¡± Liu Wuxie stored the Pentabolt Talisman and swallowed a pill to recover his true essence.


    <strong>......</strong>


    An hourter, Liu Wuxie had fully recovered his true essence, which was now purer than it had been three days prior. This was one of the benefits of inscribing talismans¡ªit not only allowed the spiritualist toprehend dao, but also purified their true essence.


    When Liu Wuxie opened the chamber and came out, he saw Master Mao waiting outside anxiously along with other alchemists. However, only Master Mao had received an invitation and the other alchemists weren¡¯t qualified to watch the battle.


    ¡°Wuxie, you¡¯re finally out. There¡¯s only an hour left until the death match.¡± Master Mao informed him, emphasizing the urgency of their departure for the Imperial Academy as it would take them an hour to reach there.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get going!¡± Liu Wuxie said and vanished. By the time everyone came to their senses, Liu Wuxie had already left the Treasure Pill Pavilion.


    <strong>......</strong>


    Qin Shi had been waiting in the arena for an hour now.


    The headmasters of the past three generations were seated at the center, overlooking the entire arena. The guests were arranged on both sides. Many higher-ups from the five major ns, including the royal n, were present.


    The Imperial Academy students were dispersed around the area, strategically positioned at a safe distance to avoid being affected by the shockwave from the impending battle.


    ¡°Why isn¡¯t that brat here? Is he too afraid to show up?¡± Many people began to discuss this among themselves. Liu Wuxie had rarely been seen in the past twenty days, and everyone suspected he had gone into hiding.


    Qin Shi, having garnered support over the years, held a high position in the Imperial Academy. Especially among the students he had taught, there was a strong sentiment against Liu Wuxie, with many believing he should be expelled from the academy.


    ¡°He must be scared, probably hiding somewhere,¡± came the mockingughter from the crowd. After all, an expert at the ninth level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm was considered a pinnacle figure in the Great Yan Dynasty, practically invincible unless challenged by someone from the True Core Realm.


    ¡°Not surprising. Who isn¡¯t afraid of death?¡± More people joined the discussion and mocked Liu Wuxie.


    Meanwhile, the students from advanced ss seven sat quietly in a corner. As Earth Grade students, they weren¡¯t even qualified to sit close to the arena. With so many people around, they could barely see the arena.


    There were over a thousand Heaven Grade students, all elites. The criteria to be a Heaven Grade student wasn¡¯t just reaching the Marrow Cleansing Realm; they also had to be tested.


    Xu Lingxue was seated among the other Heaven Grade students, looking uneasy. Despite knowing that Liu Wuxie could kill assassins at the seventh level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm, she was aware that Qin Shi was no ordinary person but someone at the pinnacle of the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    The fact that she was Liu Wuxie¡¯s wife had also spread throughout the Imperial Academy, and her appearance attracted attention from the surroundings.


    Luo Zhaojun, who had been in seclusion for the past three months, was taken aback by the developments at the Imperial Academy. ¡°Lil¡¯ Fan, is Lil¡¯ Qin¡¯s opponent the same young man who caused the Nine Stars Illumination?¡± he asked.


    ¡°That¡¯s him, Headmaster Luo!¡± confirmed Fan Zhen, who, despite being over a hundred years old, didn¡¯t mind being addressed as ¡®Lil¡¯ by Luo Zhaojun. After all, during Luo Zhaojun¡¯s tenure as Headmaster, Fan Zhen was just an ordinary student at the academy.


    Luo Zhaojun found the situation intriguing. ¡°This is interesting! It seems he has many secrets. He caused the Nine Stars Illumination and climbed from the Xiantian Realm to the high levels of the Spirit Cleansing Realm in just three months.¡± His excitement was palpable, making him seem childlike.


    Zheng Shiqiu, sitting beside Luo Zhaojun, rolled his eyes at thetter¡¯s childlike behavior. It was already midday, and the agreed-upon time for the death match had been reached. But Qin Shi wasn¡¯t in a hurry and closed his eyes after ascending the stage.


    Qin Biyu, concerned for Liu Wuxie, implored her father, ¡°Father, you must save him if he¡¯s in danger!¡±


    Prince Ruyang and his wife were also present, seated next to Qin Tian. Upon learning about Liu Wuxie¡¯s battle with Qin Shi, they had hurried to the Imperial Academy.


    ¡°Your assessment of him is too low. I don¡¯t foresee a victory for Qin Shi in this battle,¡± Qin Tian stated, a smile ying on his lips. Prior to his encounter with Liu Wuxie, he would never have uttered such words. The events at the Cloud Xing Pavilion were still vivid in his memory. He had witnessed Liu Wuxie¡¯s strategic brilliance and strength, turning a dire situation around. Moreover, they had managed to survive and thrive in such a challenging environment.


    Not only did Liu Wuxie manage to survive, but he also dealt a devastating blow to the Cloud Xing Pavilion. As a result, Qin Tian found it hard to identify anyone among the younger generation who could match Liu Wuxie¡¯s intelligence and mindset. Given that Liu Wuxie consented to the death match, he must have been confident in his abilities. Otherwise, he wouldn¡¯t have agreed to such a high-stakes battle.


    ¡°I also believe in him. He might not be Qin Shi¡¯s opponent in terms of strength, but he has wits. Remember how he managed to scare off Wen Li with a few words back then?¡± Prince Ruyang agreed with his father-inw. Wisdom was also crucial in a death match, not just strength.


    The five major ns were divided into five regions, each engaged in their own discussions.


    In the area designated for the Xue n, Xue Dingtian made his appearance, with Xue Yu, his most cherished grandson, by his side. Xue Yu was there to witness the downfall of Liu Wuxie, who had not only killed numerous members of the Xue n but also crossed paths with him.


    ¡°Grandfather, we must speak with Vice-Headmaster Baili once that young man meets his end!¡± Xue Yu dered, his gaze shifting towards Xu Lingxue. Over the past few months, he had been unable to erase her image from his mind.


    Xue Dingtian was also curious about what woman could charm his grandson into this state. But when he saw Xu Lingxue, he was also taken aback by her beauty.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. With me here, he will die no matter what.¡± Xue Dingtian had murderous intent reflected in the depth of his eyes.


    While the other three ns chose to remain neutral in this matter, the Bai n harbored resentment towards Liu Wuxie. His act of crippling Bai Zhan was perceived as a direct insult to their n.


    The Yan and Li ns held neither a grudge against Liu Wuxie nor any particr admiration for him.


    Suddenly, a voice rang out from the crowd, ¡°He¡¯s here!¡± Liu Wuxie had arrived, darting through the woods like aet andnding on the arena. His arrival caused a stir among the spectators, as most had assumed he wouldn¡¯t show up and had merely set the battle date twenty dayster as an excuse to hide.


    Liu Wuxie maintained hisposure as hended ten meters away from Qin Shi. His calm demeanor alone was enough to earn the respect of many, as any other student in his position would likely be trembling with fear. After all, Liu Wuxie was about to face Qin Shi, a Vice-Headmaster with cultivation at the pinnacle of the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, I didn¡¯t expect you to have the courage to show up,¡± Qin Shi remarked, opening his eyes to reveal a sh of murderous intent. He had been prepared to head to Azure Billow City and wipe out the Xu n to force Liu Wuxie to reveal himself if he hadn¡¯t turned up.


    ¡°Make your move!¡± Liu Wuxie responded, showing no interest in prolonging the conversation. To him, Qin Shi was merely a stepping stone on his path to immortality.


    The journey to immortality was fraught with challenges, and the future was uncertain. The surroundings fell into a hushed silence as the chatter ceased. Everyone held their breath, their attention riveted on the arena.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s words took many by surprise, leading them to believe he was putting on a brave front. However, in a death match, cunning ns were useless; one¡¯s strength was the only thing that mattered.


    ¡°He¡¯s too arrogant! Vice-Headmaster Qin, kill him quickly!¡± A Profound Grade student couldn¡¯t contain his disdain for Liu Wuxie, who seemed indifferent to everything around him.


    Despite his youthful age, Liu Wuxie maintained a calm andposed demeanor since his arrival, a stark contrast to the nervousness one would expect from someone about to face Qin Shi, a Vice-Headmaster at the pinnacle of the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s gaze swept across the tform, eventuallynding on Xu Lingxue. Their eyes met, but neither of them spoke.


    Xu Lingxue¡¯s lips moved as she whispered, ¡°You have to be careful, and you must survive no matter what.¡±


    Sensing Xu Lingxue¡¯s concern, Liu Wuxie offered her a reassuring look, silentlymunicating that he would be unharmed.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, you can die now if you have no other final words!¡± A profound artifact appeared in Qin Shi¡¯s hands: a sword.


    The Heretic de also appeared in Liu Wuxie¡¯s hands. It was also a profound artifact, in no way inferior to Qin Shi¡¯s sword.


    As the atmosphere between Liu Wuxie and Qin Shi became tense, everyone held their breaths, not daring to make a sound, fearing they might miss out on something.


    ¡°Are you certain that I¡¯ll be the one to die?¡± Liu Wuxie retorted, a devilish smile ying on his lips, which looked peculiar under the sunlight.


    ¡°Such arrogance, even in the face of death. Your time ends now!¡± Qin Shi retorted, no longer interested in exchanging words with Liu Wuxie. He swung his sword, executing aplex sword technique that unleashed a boundless sword aura, filling the entire arena.


    ¡°That¡¯s the Astral Sword Art!¡± An uproar broke out in the surroundings because the Astral Sword Art was rumored to be close to an earth-grade martial technique. His sword aura was like stars descending from the sky, sweeping towards Liu Wuxie along with his aura in the pinnacle of the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    Liu Wuxie was under the most intense pressure he had felt since his transmigration into this body. Even when he faced the three assassins from the Assassin Pavilion, he hadn¡¯t experienced such overwhelming pressure.


    It felt as if a mountain was bearing down on him. In response, Liu Wuxie brandished the Heretic de and executed the Seven Dipper Steps, choosing to charge forward rather than retreat.


    His actions prompted exmations from several star teachers. ¡°What is he trying to do? Is he nning to engage in a direct confrontation with someone at the pinnacle of the Marrow Cleansing Realm?¡± they questioned, rising from their seats. They had initially assumed that Liu Wuxie would avoid a head-on fight with Qin Shi and wait for an opportune moment to strike. If he had chosen that strategy, he might have stood a chance. However, a direct confrontation with Qin Shi was akin to courting death.


    No one understood why Liu Wuxie made that decision, including Fan Zhen.

 Chapter 219 - Despicable

    <h4>Chapter 219 - Despicable</h4>


    The entire arena was enveloped in stars that resembled descending meteors. Liu Wuxie found himself in the midst of this star storm, where any meteor could potentially be lethal.


    The logical course of action would have been to escape the range of the meteors, but Liu Wuxie chose the most extreme path. He charged forward with the Heretic de, deciding to confront Qin Shi directly.


    This unexpected move naturally stirred the spectators, many of whom believed he had lost his mind. ¡°He must¡¯ve gone mad!¡± Thousands of people from the Profound Grade region stood up, craning their necks to not miss a single moment.


    Qin Shi, too, hadn¡¯t anticipated a head-on sh with Liu Wuxie. The element of surprise was precisely what Liu Wuxie was aiming for, hoping to catch his opponent off guard in this death match. Whoever seized the initiative would have the upper hand, and Liu Wuxie had no intention of handing over this advantage to Qin Shi.


    As Liu Wuxie approached, he executed the Blood Gleam de Art, as it wasn¡¯t the right time to perform the Fatality de Art. He tore through the meteors, creating a long passage in the arena.


    ¡°Look, he has reached the ninth level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm!¡± When Liu Wuxie attacked, his aura in the pinnacle of the Spirit Cleansing Realm swept out, shocking everyone.


    Just twenty days ago, Liu Wuxie was only in the seventh level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm. Even the Heaven Grade students hadn¡¯t reached the pinnacle of the Spirit Cleansing Realm so quickly in the past.


    A series of explosions echoed in the arena, which was specially fortified by ten elders for this battle.


    As sword aura wreaked havoc on the arena, Liu Wuxie and Qin Shi stepped back. Liu Wuxie was forced to perform a somersault and dragged his feet on the ground before reaching the arena''s edge. His clothes were ripped apart, proving how powerful Qin Shi¡¯s sword aura was.


    The oue of the sh was determined with one move, and Qin Shi truly deserved his position as the Vice-Headmaster based on hisbat prowess.


    Qin Shi¡¯s sword released a brilliance, and he shot toward Liu Wuxie, not wanting to give him time to catch his breath. Since it was a death match, there was no room for mercy. Only one of them could leave this ce alive.


    Xu Lingxue clenched her fists tightly, looking nervous. Her master, Baili Qing, was not far away and cast several nces in her direction, but she acted as if she hadn¡¯t noticed.


    Li Shengsheng and the other students of Advanced ss Seven sat far away, secretly cheering for Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, stop struggling. Kneel and ept your fate!¡± the Earth Grade students, Advanced ss Six students, and Xue n¡¯s disciples demanded. Their mockery filled the surroundings. An ordinary person would¡¯ve lost theirposure long ago, facing the condemnation of over ten thousand people.


    Yet, Liu Wuxie remained unfazed. His face was devoid of emotion, his entire focus on the battle at hand, unaffected by their words.


    They were over ten-odd meters away, and Qin Shi¡¯s sword reached him in the blink of an eye. Sword aura tore apart the air current and arrived before Liu Wuxie, drawing countless flowers that bloomed in the air with his sword.


    However, Liu Wuxie stood his ground, not charging forward this time. Instead, he was gathering his strength for an attack. The surrounding mockery faded into the background, reced by his heavy breathing. The fact that he could withstand an attack from someone at the pinnacle of the Marrow Cleansing Realm was nothing short of miraculous.


    ¡°What is he doing? Dodge it quickly!¡±


    Standing there and waiting for Qin Shi¡¯s attack wasn¡¯t different from courting death. No one knew what Liu Wuxie was trying to do because standard cultivators couldn¡¯t gauge Qin Shi¡¯sbat prowess.


    Xiao Yanlong, seated among the Heaven Grade students, watched Liu Wuxie with eyes filled with unending fury. The memory of his past defeat at the hands of Liu Wuxie, who was then at a simr level in the Marrow Cleansing Realm, still stung.


    He had been one of the ten core disciples, but that incident had caused his status to plummet. His ranking fell from the fifth-ranking core disciple to the eighth. All his hard work seemed to have been in vain because of Liu Wuxie, and his hopes of contending for the next headmaster¡¯s position seemed to be fading away.


    In a split second, Liu Wuxie moved with a lightning bolt''s speed, disappearing and reappearing with the Heretic de raised. As he raised his de, the sky transformed, and a violent gust of wind swept across the arena, signaling the execution of the Fatality de Art. This attack practically drained all the spiritual energy in the vicinity.


    Qin Shi¡¯s Astral Sword Art was shocking enough. But when Liu Wuxie performed the Fatality de Art, the sky changed, and the ground began to tremble. This de technique had far exceeded theirprehension and wasn¡¯t a mere profound-grade martial technique.


    de aura rampaged as all the iing sword aura was ruthlessly ripped apart. Aside from his cultivation, Liu Wuxie¡¯s martial and movement techniques far exceeded Qin Shi''s.


    Many teachers were shocked as they watched. They didn¡¯t expect a new student to be so powerful, and he had far surpassed the strength of most teachers present. They might have a higher cultivation than Liu Wuxie, but it was just a matter of time before Liu Wuxie surpassed them.


    The students who had previously mocked Liu Wuxie now wore expressions of deep hatred. Yu Yifan¡¯s face was particrly grim, haunted by the memory of witnessing Liu Wuxie kill Bai Yu. Recalling his past threats against Liu Wuxie, a flicker of murderous intent shed in his eyes.


    Meanwhile, Qi Ningyun was hidden among the crowd. She had already received a message from her father, instructing her to kill Liu Wuxie at all costs.


    Qin Shi was the most taken aback. He couldn¡¯t believe that his attack had been thwarted by Liu Wuxie, an Earth Grade student. The fact that he had been pushed to this extent was beyond hisprehension.


    Liu Wuxue¡¯s true essence coursed through his arm into the Heretic de. The de ray he created was massive, and it wasn¡¯t something someone in the Spirit Cleansing Realm could achieve.


    ¡°Astral Sea!¡± Qin Shi¡¯s attack changed. Liu Wuxie had resolved his sword aura, forcing him to change his tactic. A massive ster sea descended, trapping Liu Wuxie like quicksand.


    Everyone watched with fascination because they could learn many things from their attacks.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s words were filled with scorn. ¡°Is this the best a Vice-Headmaster has?¡± he sneered, beforeunching himself into the sky. Performing the Nine Heavenly Crane Dance, he resembled a celestial crane soaring high. His true essence propelled him off the ground, and his mastery over his true essence had reached perfection.


    The Heaven Grade students watched in awe. Despite being Marrow Cleansing Realm experts capable of manifesting their true essence outside their bodies, their control over true essence paled inparison to Liu Wuxie¡¯s.


    Qin Shi was also shocked when he realized he had underestimated Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, no matter what you do, it won¡¯t change anything!¡± Qin Shi retorted. Stars began to surge around him, forming a towering mountain that lifted him towards Liu Wuxie.


    Qin Shi¡¯s and Liu Wuxie¡¯s manifestation of their true essence had reached the pinnacle.


    Liu Wuxie was over thirty meters in the sky, swinging the Heretic de down, executing the Fatality de Art. This unleashed a surging heatwave towards the ground, covering a radius of tens of thousands of meters.


    Everyone knew that Liu Wuxie hadprehended the fire attribute, and a ck rift appeared in the sky.


    ¡°This is impossible! Only earth-grade martial techniques can tear apart space!¡± Ten-odd teachers stood up in disbelief as they looked at the sky. Even if the ck rift was small, it wasn¡¯t something achievable in the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s de aura transformed into a golden dragon, its fangs bared menacingly. He intended to use the pressure exerted by Qin Shi as a catalyst to push his own limits. Being at the pinnacle of the Spirit Cleansing Realm, he needed this pressure to further refine his abilities.


    Qin Shi¡¯s expression shifted as he noticed signs of space copsing. This caused the stars he had released to hurtle back towards him.


    With a firm resolve, a trace of murderous intent appeared on Qin Shi¡¯s face as he swung his sword to face the Fatality de Art, not daring to be careless. When the ster sea disappeared, it was reced by meteors descending towards Liu Wuxie, manifested with true essence.


    The golden dragon let out a roar in the sky, releasing a powerful soundwave to the surroundings. The students with lower cultivation were forced to cover their ears because they couldn¡¯t withstand the roar. Even so, the soundwave still prated their ears, instantly causing hundreds of students to faint as they bled from their orifices.


    Liu Wuxie looked like a war god at this moment, stepping on the clouds with golden radiance shining behind him. This instantly left everyone dumbfounded, and they wondered if he was still human.


    ¡°What a powerful martial technique. He¡¯s not simple!¡± Luo Zhaojun stood up excitedly.


    At the same time, a trace of a smile could be seen on Fan Zhen¡¯s face as he observed the scene.


    Rumbling sounds could be heard as two different heatwaves shed together like the collision of twos, producing a powerful shockwave.


    True essence exploded, rumbling towards the surroundings like a massive vortex with the two at the center.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, so what if your martial technique is powerful? It still can¡¯t make up for the difference in our cultivation! You can die now!¡±


    Using this opportunity, Qin Shi left behind an afterimage and dashed towards Liu Wuxie.


    The sh was intense. The meteor shattered the golden dragon, highlighting the difference between the two. Despite possessing a powerful martial technique and a higher purity of true essence than Qin Shi, Liu Wuxie was at a disadvantage due to his cultivation level. This only made Qin Shi more determined to kill him, as he would be trouble if allowed to grow.


    Qin Biyu couldn¡¯t stand to watch any longer. She eximed, ¡°How despicable! Not only is Qin Shi bullying Liu Wuxie with his cultivation, but he even resorted to a sneak attack!¡± She hadn¡¯t expected the Vice-Headmaster of the Imperial Academy to stoop so low.


    Several star teachers turned their heads away, unable to continue watching. Even if Qin Shi won this battle, his victory wasn¡¯t honorable, and this would make the Imperial Academy aughingstock.


    Liu Wuxie, retreating, let his voice echo in every corner, ¡°Qin Shi, you¡¯re despicable and colluded with outsiders to harm the Imperial Academy¡¯s students. Heaven will punish you for that!¡±


    In this world of cultivators, the concept of heavenly retribution was met with skepticism. After all, those with high cultivation could even attract thunder and lightning for their cultivation.


    Qin Shi¡¯s sword approached Liu Wuxie, and there was no room for retreat.


    Liu Wuxie roared, ¡°Overlord Fist!¡± With Qin Shi too close forfort, Liu Wuxie resorted to the Overlord Fist. He also brought out the Pentabolt Talisman, hoping to catch Qin Shi off guard.

 Chapter 220 - Kill The Old Bastard

    <h4>Chapter 220 - Kill The Old Bastard</h4>


    As Qin Shi hovered in midair, a terrifying shockwave swept across, causing the entire sky to tremble.


    As Liu Wuxie executed the Overlord Fist, the distance between them was less than three meters. Surprisingly, Liu Wuxie chose to counterattack rather than withdraw. Moreover, Liu Wuxie¡¯s unwavering stance throughout the battle, refusing to retreat, earned him the admiration of many spectators, who rose to their feet in apuse.


    Qin Shi, however, sneered at Liu Wuxie¡¯s efforts. ¡°Liu Wuxie, your fist technique is useless against me!¡± he dered. Ever since Liu Wuxie had injured Xiao Yanlong with the Overlord Fist, Qin Shi had been wary of it.


    In response, Qin Shi¡¯s sword vanished as he began forming seals with both hands. A massive vortex materialized before him, causing the iing impact of the Overlord Fist to crumble.


    It was revealed that Qin Shi had learned this martial technique, known as the Fist-Breaking Form, specifically to counter Liu Wuxie¡¯s Overlord Fist in the past twenty days.


    ¡°This is the Fist-Breaking Form. When did Vice-Headmaster Qin learn it?¡± Zhao Enzhu stood up with a puzzled look. He knew Qin Shi well, and he didn¡¯t recall Qin Shi practicing the Fist-Breaking Form.


    The other teachers also looked at each other, finding it embarrassing for Qin Shi to practice the Fist-Breaking Form to deal with an Earth Grade student.


    The Fist Breaking Form was created by a predecessor of the Great Yan Dynasty, mainly to deal with fist techniques. Those who practiced a fist technique would be significantly weakened when facing the Fist-Breaking Form and might even be restrained.


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t expect Qin Shi to be so despicable, throwing his pride away just to kill him.


    ¡°Qin Shi is too despicable!¡± Luo Zhaojun couldn¡¯t continue watching, seeing how despicable Qin Shi was.


    Everyone knew what kind of person Guo Zhong was. He bullied most students in the Imperial Academy, but no one dared say a word because Qin Shi was behind him. He was like a pest leeching off the students in the academy.


    As the power of the Overlord Fist began to weaken, the vortex in front of Qin Shi absorbed the power of his punch. This was the first time Liu Wuxie had encountered this situation.


    After all, there were various martial techniques in the world, and Liu Wuxie couldn''t grasp all of them. There were martial techniques that countered each other.


    Stripped of his Overlord Fist, Liu Wuxie found himself exposed to Qin Shi¡¯s onught.


    ¡°Die!¡± Qin Shi bellowed, channeling all the energy he had absorbed from the Fist-Breaking Form into a formidable attack. It surged forward like a tidal wave, aimed directly at Liu Wuxie¡¯s chest.


    If Liu Wuxie had a little more time, he would have been able to resolve the profundity of the Fist-Breaking Form, but Qin Shi wasn¡¯t about to grant him that opportunity.


    Taking the impact head-on, Liu Wuxie was like a broken kite falling from the sky. This caused an uproar in the surroundings; even if they had predicted it, they were still surprised by this oue.


    However, everyone knew that Qin Shi¡¯s victory wasn¡¯t honorable. Even the students who condemned Liu Wuxie earlier were silent about how despicable Qin Shi was.


    As Liu Wuxie plummeted towards the ground, Xu Lingxue rose to her feet, ready to intervene. She was prepared to step in the moment Liu Wuxie was defeated.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s descent was rapid, and without some form of intervention, he would be smashed to death upon impact. Even if he survived the fall, he would be severely injured and at the mercy of Qin Shi.


    As Liu Wuxie circted his true essence, mes sprang up beneath his feet, cushioning his fall like a cloud and slowing his descent.


    Qin Shi narrowed his eyes because he didn¡¯t expect Liu Wuxie¡¯s true essence to be so abundant after executing two powerful attacks.


    The onlookers were also dumbfounded because if it were another person in the Spirit Cleansing Realm in Liu Wuxie¡¯s position, they would¡¯ve long exhausted their true essence.


    Zhao Enzhu praised Liu Wuxie, ¡°The Nine Stars Illumination is genuinely extraordinary. As long as you can resolve the issue of slow cultivation, the true essence will be ten times greater than that of ordinary people.¡±


    Contrary to expectations, Liu Wuxie¡¯s cultivation speed was even faster than that of ordinary people.


    As Liu Wuxie continued to fall, he couldn¡¯t help but spit out a mouthful of blood due to the impact he had taken.


    ¡°Let me see how long you can carry on!¡± Qin Shi swung his sword and descended even faster than Liu Wuxie. In the blink of an eye, the sword aura he unleashed was above Liu Wuxie.


    <i>Damn it!</i> Liu Wuxie cursed inwardly. There was a vast difference between them that couldn¡¯t bepensated with martial techniques alone. He executed Ghost Eye, managing to keep up with the trajectory of Qin Shi¡¯s sword. But then, he suddenly wore a puzzled expression.


    ¡°What is he trying to do? Why did he stop here?¡± A star teacher eximed. Qin Shi¡¯s sword was about to reach Liu Wuxie, and he would die if he didn¡¯t dodge.


    Speeding up his descent might have offered him a chance at survival, but his sudden halt seemed to only hasten his demise.


    The crowd, including Fan Zhen, was at a loss, unable to decipher Liu Wuxie¡¯s intentions. Their understanding of him was limited to the past three months.


    As they watched in bewilderment, the Heretic de materialized in Liu Wuxie¡¯s hand, with Qin Shi¡¯s sword looming just five meters away.


    ¡°Break!¡± Liu Wuxie roared as he shed with Qin Shi. He had identified several weaknesses in the Astral Sword Art, one of which was its reliance on offense as defense. This strategy would typically lure opponents into evading the attack, thereby falling into Qin Shi¡¯s trap and facing a relentless onught of attacks.


    However, Liu Wuxie, having discovered this w, was able to efficiently neutralize it, instantly dispelling the sword aura Qin Shi had unleashed.


    Zhao Enzhu, rubbing his eyes in disbelief, muttered, ¡°That works?¡± He was astounded at how Liu Wuxie had effortlessly identified and exploited the weakness in Qin Shi¡¯s attack.


    Qin Shi, on the other hand, was seething. Over the years, he had relied on this sword technique to secure victory in all his battles, never once tasting defeat. But today, the sword technique he took such pride in was effortlessly neutralized by a young brat. So, how could he not be furious?


    He retracted his sword and changed his move, resorting to the most potent attack in the Astral Sword Art. He roared, ¡°Astral Fall!¡±


    The sky suddenly became dark, and countless meteors fell from it, causing cracks and craters to appear in the arena. But Qin Shi didn¡¯t stop there. He increased his speed, not wanting to let Liu Wuxie catch his breath.


    Meanwhile, Liu Wuxie was waiting for the right opportunity to use the Pentabolt Talisman.


    As thunderclouds began to increase in the sky, Liu Wuxie wore a smile. Even if he used the Pentabolt Talisman now, no one would notice it due to the thunderclouds.


    The speed of the falling meteors increased, making Liu Wuxie feel tremendous pressure. The meteors descended in patches, and there was no room for Liu Wuxie to dodge.


    When several basin-sized meteors descended, Liu Wuxie was struck by them. The impact made him throw up a mouthful of blood, and Qin Shi¡¯s trump card severely wounded him.


    Liu Wuxie performed several somersaults and took a few steps back as hended on the ground to stabilize himself. His blood had dyed his robe red.


    On the other hand, Qin Shinded on the ground firmly as he slowly walked toward Liu Wuxie. The turbulence in the sky had subsided, but the thunderclouds were still around.


    Anyone could tell that Qin Shi held the upper hand in this fight, which made everyone nervous because there would finally be an oue to this battle.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s face was calm as he lowered the Heretic de. The fight had almost depleted his true essence, and he could no longer execute any powerful attacks.


    As the gazes of tens of thousands fell upon Liu Wuxie, anxiety gripped Master Mao. This was a death match, and he was powerless to intervene. Fan Zhen also showed signs of worry, and even Prince Ruyang and his wife found themselves unable to remain seated, taken aback by the unexpected turn of events.


    Qin Biyu, unable to bear the sight of Liu Wuxie¡¯s impending doom, turned to her father and pleaded, ¡°What should we do now? I can¡¯t see him die like that!¡± Being members of the royal n, they could intervene in the fight without facing any bacsh.


    ¡°Wait a little longer!¡± Qin Tian couldn¡¯t describe it, but something didn¡¯t feel right. His gaze remained fixed on Liu Wuxie, who, despite the dire circumstances, wore a smile throughout the entire fight. He didn¡¯t seem like a man on the brink of defeat.


    Among everyone present, only the five major ns and the academy¡¯s headmaster could save Liu Wuxie. The Xue n wished for Liu Wuxie¡¯s death, and there was no way they would intervene.


    When Qin Shi was seven steps away from Liu Wuxie, he wore a brutal smile. He said, ¡°Liu Wuxie, I¡¯ll kill you today and avenge my son!¡± he dered, finally admitting publicly that Guo Zhong was his son. He raised his sword, releasing a suffocating sword aura that enveloped Liu Wuxie, leaving him defenseless.


    In response, Liu Wuxie pointed at the sky, his face contorted in anger. ¡°You and your son havemitted countless sins over the years, and heaven won¡¯t forgive you even if you kill me.¡± This outburst baffled everyone. Liu Wuxie, who was usually calm even in the face of death, was now openly predicting Qin Shi¡¯s heavenly retribution.


    ¡°Still spouting nonsense even when death is imminent. You can die now!¡± Qin Shi didn¡¯t want to wait any longer, and his sword aura began to tear Liu Wuxie apart. It didn¡¯t take long before Liu Wuxie was covered in his blood, and this was because Qin Shi wanted to torture him to death instead of giving him a straightforward death.


    Xu Lingxue cried and turned to look at her master, but her master stopped her.


    As Liu Wuxie¡¯s wounds increased, Qin Shiughed, ¡°Liu Wuxie, you didn¡¯t expect this day, did you?¡±


    Qin Shi, feeling a sense of revenge, was at ease. To everyone present, Liu Wuxie¡¯s death seemed inevitable. His true essence was depleted, and he was severely injured¡ªdeath seemed to be the only oue.


    Qin Tian, on the other hand, was torn. He wanted to intervene several times, but something told him to wait.


    Xiao Yanlong, with a sinister smile, was already nning his next move. Once Liu Wuxie was out of the picture, he intended to slowly torment Xu Lingxue until she sumbed to him.


    Xue Yu burst intoughter as he looked at Xu Lingxue fearlessly.


    At this moment, everyone had different expressions: excitement, indifference, disappointment, jealousy, and so on.


    As Qin Shi¡¯s sword aura continued its relentless descent, a grimace of agony twisted Liu Wuxie¡¯s face. The more intense Liu Wuxie¡¯s pain, the more Qin Shi¡¯s face contorted in a perverse disy of delight.


    ¡°Qin Shi, you want to kill me? You¡¯ll have to ask if heaven agrees to it!¡± Liu Wuxie wore a devilish smile. Pointing to the sky with his right hand, Liu Wuxie yelled, ¡°Oh, heaven, kill this old bastard for me!¡±


    Thunderbolts began to gather in the sky.

 Chapter 221 - Thunderbolt

    <h4>Chapter 221 - Thunderbolt</h4>


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s actions were a mystery to all. As he faced imminent death, he seemed to be praying to the heavens to strike down Qin Shi.


    The Advanced ss Six students stood up andughed heartily, ¡°Hahaha! That brat is finally going to die!¡±


    Meanwhile, Qin Shi¡¯s relentless sword aura continued to inflict wounds on Liu Wuxie, who was now drenched in his own blood. His blood pooled on the ground, forming a small stream.


    Zhao Enzhu sighed at this sight,menting the impending fall of such a prodigious talent.


    Suddenly, the scene was interrupted by the rumbling of thunder. A golden lightning dragon materialized in the thunderclouds, sending shockwaves through the crowd and giving Qin Shi an ominous feeling. It was as if a mysterious force had locked onto him.


    Everyone looked up, their eyes wide with confusion and awe. They couldn¡¯t understand why thunder would appear on a clear day, let alone the appearance of the golden lightning dragon.


    In a dramatic turn of events, Liu Wuxie dered, ¡°Qin Shi, I shall represent heaven to destroy you!¡± Unnoticed by all, a beam shot out from Liu Wuxie¡¯s index finger, soaring into the cloud. As he spoke, five thunderbolts converged, forming a dragon made of lightning that descended from the sky.


    Qin Shi attempted to dodge, but it was toote. The sudden, massive thunderbolt struck him directly in a shocking twist of fate.


    Arcs of lightning enveloped Qin Shi, and the resulting shockwave sent Liu Wuxie, who was ten meters away, flying. Swiftly, Liu Wuxie swallowed a pill to suppress his injuries.


    The terrifying shockwave radiated from the arena, sending the Heaven Grade students nearest to the arena flying. Even some teachers were caught off guard and sent flying.


    Chaos ensued as the sudden thunderbolt took everyone by surprise. Lightning continued to spread across the arena, encircling a few hundred meters radius and transforming the surroundings into a sea of lightning.


    Tragically, some individuals in the lower levels of the Spirit Cleansing Realm couldn¡¯t react in time and were reduced to char.


    Even Liu Wuxie hadn¡¯t anticipated the immense power of the Pentabolt Talisman. As the lightning danced across the sky, it resembled a disy of silver fireworks, casting a beautiful yet terrifying glow over the entire arena.


    The lightningsted for fifteen minutes and began to weaken gradually. When everyone got back on their feet, most people still had smoke emitting from their heads. Only those in the high levels of the Marrow Cleansing Realm barely managed to escape the disaster.


    This was the might of heaven and earth, a force beyond human resistance. The thunderbolt had reduced the once bustling arena to rubble. Amidst the destruction, Liu Wuxie stood on a pile of debris; his bleeding had now ceased.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Qin Shi?¡± Everyone came to their senses and tried to search for Qin Shi. But aside from Liu Wuxie, there wasn¡¯t anyone else in the arena. This puzzled everyone as they looked at each other at a loss.


    ¡°The thunderbolt probably destroyed him!¡± Although it was an oue no one could ept, it was the truth.


    ¡°Holy shit! Why did lightning appear all of a sudden?¡± The surroundings fell into chaos. Everyone wanted to know what was going on and how Qin Shi died.


    ¡°Such terrifying lightning hadn¡¯t appeared for centuries!¡± The patriarchs of the five major ns looked at each other with a hint of shock and disbelief in their eyes. They suspected that the thunder was no coincidence and must have something to do with Liu Wuxie.


    However, none of them had any solid proof that Liu Wuxie was the instigator. With Qin Shi¡¯s death, everything was shrouded in mystery.


    Xu Lingxue, her hand covering her mouth, was taken aback by the terrifying thunderbolt. It was a force that no one could resist unless they had reached the True Core Realm in their cultivation.


    Baili Qing¡¯s eyes turned icy. She hadn¡¯t anticipated Liu Wuxie¡¯s rapid growth, to the point where even a vice-headmaster fell at his hands. Despite theck of evidence, everyone attributed Qin Shi¡¯s demise to Liu Wuxie. They believed that if the death match hadn¡¯t taken ce, Qin Shi wouldn¡¯t have been struck by lightning.


    ¡°Was this a coincidence?¡± The Heaven Grade students tidied their clothes and refused to believe that Liu Wuxie could kill someone in the ninth level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm. After all, he was suppressed by Qin Shi right from the start, and the mysterious thunderbolt had appeared just when Liu Wuxie was going to die.


    ¡°This must be a coincidence. Do you believe that he¡¯s capable of summoning lightning? If he could do that, wouldn¡¯t he be invincible?¡± Another Heaven Grade student stepped forward and sneered in disdain.


    ¡°He¡¯s too lucky!¡± The crowd was in disbelief, unable to ept the oue. Yet, the reality was clear¡ªQin Shi had vanished, and Liu Wuxie had survived. The truth of what had transpired seemed less important in the face of these facts.


    Fan Zhen wore a smile and rxed his clenched fists.


    The students of advanced ss seven became ecstatic and embraced each other in celebration.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, I want to kill you to avenge my master!¡± A roar disrupted everyone¡¯s thoughts and brought them back from shock.


    Xiao Yanlong had dashed down from the tform, charging towards Liu Wuxie. No one had expected Xiao Yanlong to suddenly attack Liu Wuxie. However, considering his master¡¯s death and the humiliation he had suffered at Liu Wuxie¡¯s hands, his desire for revenge was understandable. Without it, he would never be able to hold his head high again.


    Liu Wuxie narrowed his eyes because he had already reached his limit after fighting Qin Shi. He no longer had the strength to deal with Xiao Yanlong and was still injured.


    Xiao Yanlong had executed his strongest move, nning to kill Liu Wuxie in one strike.


    Qin Tian wanted to intervene, but it was already toote because Xiao Yanlong grasped the right time, not giving anyone the chance to react.


    The crowd gasped in disbelief. They hadn¡¯t anticipated Liu Wuxie to be killed by Xiao Yanlong after surviving his fight with Qin Shi.


    The events unfolded rapidly. Xiao Yanlong had strategically approached Liu Wuxie beforeunching his attack. His sword, swift and deadly like aet, was already within striking distance of Liu Wuxie.


    There was no way Liu Wuxie could dodge this attack, and could only wait to be killed. He had already employed all means to kill Qin Shi, and his true essence was depleted.


    But in a fraction of a breath, Liu Wuxie saw a figure appear before him, blocking Xiao Yanlong¡¯s sword with a gentle move. The impact sent sparks flying in all directions. Xiao Yanlong was sent flying, spitting out a mouthful of blood as he crashed into a pile of rubble.


    ¡°It¡¯s the Headmaster!¡± The crowd was taken aback. The Headmaster had intervened to prevent Xiao Yanlong from killing Liu Wuxie. It made sense, considering the death match had ended, and Xiao Yanlong¡¯s attempt to kill an injured Liu Wuxie was seen as dishonorable.


    Fan Zhen turned to Liu Wuxie; concern etched on his face. ¡°Are you alright?¡± he asked. Liu Wuxie, grateful for the rescue, responded, ¡°Thank you for the rescue. I¡¯m fine.¡± He hadn¡¯t expected the Headmaster to intervene, especially since the Headmaster had previously assigned him a harsh punishment. This naturally led to some resentment towards the Headmaster.


    Nodding, Fan Zhen turned to look at Xiao Yanlong.


    ¡°Qin Shi colluded with the Heavenly Govern Academy and assassinated fifteen talented students of the Imperial Academy. So he deserved to be killed.¡± He produced a stack of documents detailing Qin Shi¡¯s actions over the past year. Several star teachers quickly stepped forward to receive the documents. Each incident recorded was a brutal actmitted by Qin Shi.


    The revtion of the evidence collected by Fan Zhen took everyone aback.


    Liu Wuxie, who might have been aware of Qin Shi¡¯s collusion with the Heavenly Govern Academy, was surprised to learn that the Headmaster had been gathering evidence of Qin Shi¡¯s misdeeds for quite some time.


    Zhao Enzhu was visibly upset, gritting his teeth as he eximed, ¡°Qin Shi assassinated so many of our talented students!¡± He was appalled to discover that the Vice-Headmaster, who had always presented himself as righteous, had been secretlymitting such heinous acts.


    Many teachers, fond of Liu Wuxie, questioned the Headmaster¡¯s decision. ¡°Headmaster, since the evidence is conclusive, why didn¡¯t you expose him sooner? He nearly caused the loss of another talented student!¡± They reflected on Liu Wuxie¡¯s actions since joining the academy, realizing that he had always acted in self-defense and never instigated trouble.


    Fan Zhen merely smiled and didn¡¯t reply.


    Zhao Enzhu¡¯s sudden understanding of the situation led him to believe that the Headmaster, Fan Zhen, had intended to intervene when Qin Shi was about to kill Liu Wuxie. However, the unexpected thunderbolt that killed Qin Shi had preempted his intervention.


    Liu Wuxie frowned and wondered if Fan Zhen was nning on nurturing him. If so, why did he give him such harsh punishment? The three missions were close to impossible, which contradicted his actions. Could it be that there was something he didn¡¯t know?


    In a decisive move, Fan Zhen announced without any hint of emotion, ¡°Xiao Yanlong, you are no longer a student of the Imperial Academy starting today. Leave now!¡± This meant that Xiao Yanlong was being expelled from the Imperial Academy.


    Xiao Yanlong was left dumbfounded upon hearing that his master, Qin Shi, had colluded with the Heavenly Govern Academy¡ªa fact that Qin Shi had never disclosed to him. As he prepared to leave, he cast a vicious look at Liu Wuxie and hurried away, fearing that the headmaster might change his mind and decide to cripple his cultivation.


    As long as Xiao Yanlong still had his cultivation, he could make aeback with his ability and be the overlord of a region.


    Zhao Enzhu, puzzled, asked the Headmaster, ¡°Why didn¡¯t you cripple his cultivation?¡± He was baffled as to why the Headmaster had allowed Xiao Yanlong to remain a potential threat to the academy.


    Fan Zhen, pointing at Liu Wuxie, responded cryptically, ¡°Xiao Yanlong¡¯s life belongs to him!¡± His mysterious smile left everyone guessing his intentions.


    The death match concluded unexpectedly with Qin Shi¡¯s death and Xiao Yanlong¡¯s expulsion from the academy.


    As everyone began to disperse, they continued discussing the day¡¯s shocking events. The news of the mysterious thunderbolt and Qin Shi¡¯s betrayal of the academy quickly spread to every corner.


    Before leaving, Fan Zhen turned to Liu Wuxie and said, ¡°Work hard on your cultivation!¡± These words sparked a surge of determination in Liu Wuxie¡¯s heart. He could sense that the Headmaster wanted him to progress quickly, but he was still unsure of the exact expectations.


    Deciding to put his uncertainties aside for the time being, Liu Wuxie believed that the mystery surrounding the Headmaster¡¯s intentions would eventually be revealed.


    ¡°You have given me a surprise today!¡± Prince Ruyang, known for his usually stoic demeanor, walked over and heartily patted Liu Wuxie¡¯s shoulder with a smile.

 Chapter 222 - Chaos

    <h4>Chapter 222 - Chaos</h4>


    Liu Wuxie was puzzled by Prince Ruyang and his wife''s presence in the Imperial City, given their duty to investigate the Terrabreak Army matter.


    He turned to Senior Chen, asking, ¡°When did you two return to the Imperial City?¡± He remembered that Chen Yusheng and his wife were assigned to guard the west border and rarely returned to the Imperial City. It had been over a month since they parted ways in the Dragon Rock Mountain Range.


    As the crowd gradually dispersed, leaving Liu Wuxie, Chen Yusheng, and Qin Biyu behind, Chen Yusheng revealed, ¡°Well, we returned mainly because there has been a major upheaval in the royal n.¡± This was the first time he had shared such information with someone outside his close circle.


    Over the past few years, Prince Yongxian had been gradually eroding the imperial authority of the emperor, seizing half of the military power. It seemed only a matter of time before he would attempt to usurp the throne, a move that would undoubtedly cause an uproar.


    Intrigued, Liu Wuxie asked, ¡°What¡¯s the upheaval about?¡± He felt it would be rude not to inquire further since Chen Yusheng had brought it up.


    Chen Yusheng lowered his voice and said, ¡°This is a long story. There¡¯s an upheaval in the royal n, which has something to do with you.¡± He hadn¡¯t expected that the upheaval in the Great Yan Dynasty would somehow be connected to Liu Wuxie.


    This made Liu Wuxie frown, and he soon guessed something. He said, ¡°This isn¡¯t the ce to talk. Let¡¯s discuss it at my ce.¡±


    Liu Wuxie extended an invitation to prevent eavesdropping.


    <strong>......</strong>


    Liu Wuxie closed the door, and with a wave of his hand, he set up a spiritual array in the courtyard. He inserted four gs into the corners, creating an invisible barrier that prevented anyone from eavesdropping on their conversation, even if they used their divine sense. This array didn¡¯t restrict anyone¡¯s freedom; its primary purpose was to ensure privacy.


    Chen Yusheng and Qin Biyu exchanged surprised nces. Liu Wuxie¡¯s proficiency in spiritual arrays, in addition to his talent in alchemy, was impressive, especially considering his young age. As they sat down, Qin Biyu personally poured tea for the two of them.


    In the eyes of Chen Yusheng and his wife, Liu Wuxie was more than just a young man. Despite their higher cultivation levels, they acknowledged that they couldn¡¯t match hisbat prowess. They remembered how Liu Wuxie had easily defeated Xuanyuan Guang and Cui Shao on the Dragon Rock Mountain Range.


    With no outsiders present, they could speak freely. Liu Wuxie, having some guesses about the situation, still wanted to hear it from Chen Yusheng. He was surprised that his actions had caused such amotion.


    ¡°Do you still remember the matter of the Cloud Xing Pavilion?¡± Chen Yusheng asked, taking a sip of tea. Upon his return to the Imperial City, he had learned about the events at the Cloud Xing Pavilion and was surprised by the stir Liu Wuxie had caused.


    Liu Wuxie nodded in response, indicating that his understanding was more or less in line with what he had guessed.


    Chen Yusheng then exined, ¡°After the conspiracy of the Blood Mirage Pills was exposed, Prince Yongxian lost his source of ie and could no longer maintain his troops. Without the ck Shell Pills, the troops would gradually lose control and fight among themselves.¡± He knew that Prince Yongxian had been nurturing a troop of killing machines with ck Shell Pills, but he didn¡¯t have a solution yet.


    Liu Wuxie acknowledged this. He knew that to contain their ferocity, everyone in the troop had to consume a ck Shell Pill daily. After the Blood Mirage Pills lost their market, the Cloud Xing Pavilion struggled to make ends meet.


    Thus, Prince Yongxian found himself in a predicament. He was forced to spend money to procure ingredients for the ck Shell Pills, but this was not a sustainable solution. Within a mere span of twenty days, Prince Yongxian had already hit his limit.


    ¡°So, are you suggesting that Prince Yongxian is nning to seize the throne sooner than he initially intended?¡± The situation was clear. Prince Yongxian nned to act when the time was right, but Liu Wuxie¡¯s appearance had disrupted his ns, prompting him tounch his scheme in advance. Thus, this ced the Great Yan Dynasty in a civil war crisis.


    ¡°It¡¯s not just a simple rebellion now but impeachment.¡± If it were just a simple rebellion, it wouldn¡¯t be as big of a deal as it was just a fight. The emperor had the support of the Terrabreak Army, a formidable force. Overthrowing the throne wouldn¡¯t be an easy task for Prince Yongxian.


    ¡°What are you implying?¡± Liu Wuxie was perplexed. He had an inkling about Prince Yongxian¡¯s dilemma, but his years of hard work would be in vain if the issue with the troops nurtured on ck Shell Pills wasn¡¯t addressed.


    ¡°My royal cousin is gravely ill, and Prince Yongxian is seizing this chance to lobby for a new monarch among the other officials. As for my two inept nephews, onecks intelligence, and the other is as dense as a log. Persuading anyone to let them ascend the throne won¡¯t be a simple task, and it¡¯s causing turmoil in the imperial court.¡± Chen Yusheng¡¯s anger was palpable as he discussed this. After all, most of the court officials were already favoring Prince Yongxian.


    ¡°Has anyone proposed that Prince Yongxian should seed to the throne?¡± Liu Wuxie grasped the royal family¡¯s predicament. The Emperor was sick, and his sons were unfit to inherit the throne.


    Certainly, Prince Yongxian, as the younger sibling of the Emperor and a member of the royal lineage, it was only natural for him to step forward in light of his elder brother¡¯s illness.


    ¡°Xue Chunyu, the Vice-Minister of Revenue, suggested it.¡±


    Liu Wuxie narrowed his eyes. He hadn¡¯t anticipated that the Xue n would so openly align with Prince Yongxian and even propose that he take control of the imperial court.


    ¡°I see. Prince Yongxian hasid his scheme bare, aiming to ascend the throne.¡± Liu Wuxie had a clear understanding of the situation. A country cannot be without a leader for a day. With the Emperor¡¯s health failing, it was only natural for a new monarch to be selected to guide everyone, and even the neutral officials couldn¡¯t object.


    The courtyard fell into silence as Liu Wuxie had no desire to meddle in the affairs of the Great Yan Dynasty. Having in Qin Shi, he nned to leave the Great Yan Dynasty within half a year at most and didn¡¯t wish to entangle himself in suchplexity.


    Moreover, Liu Wuxie abhorred the power struggles of the mortal world and wished to dedicate his time to cultivation, hoping to return to the Celestial Realm as soon as possible.


    Only an Immortal Emperor could live as long as heaven, and a mortal only had a hundred years of lifespan at best.


    ¡°Wuxie, I have a favor to ask!¡± Chen Yusheng suddenly stood up and bowed.


    ¡°Senior Chen, what¡¯s the matter? You can speak freely.¡± Liu Wuxie responded. He hadn¡¯t forgotten that Chen Yusheng had saved his life in the Dragon Rock Mountain Range. Even though he had returned the favor, he still felt indebted to Chen Yusheng. If it weren¡¯t for Chen Yusheng¡¯s intervention, he would have fallen victim to Cui Shao long ago.


    ¡°I¡¯m aware of your medical expertise, given how quickly you diagnosed Wen Li¡¯s condition. I was hoping you could examine my royal cousin.¡± Chen Yusheng looked ufortable making this request, knowing it was a lot to ask. But he was out of options and had to explore every possibility.


    ¡°Even the pce¡¯s imperial physician can¡¯t find a solution?¡± Liu Wuxie furrowed his brow. He hadn¡¯t anticipated this request from Chen Yusheng. If the imperial physicians were at a loss, what could he possibly do?


    ¡°I¡¯m left with no other choice. The imperial physicians can¡¯t identify his ailment, and I hope you¡¯ll apany me to the pce. Regardless of whether you can cure him, I¡¯ll be deeply grateful.¡± Chen Yusheng wouldn¡¯t have turned to Liu Wuxie if he had any other options.


    ¡°Allow me some time to think it over.¡± Liu Wuxie pondered deeply and didn¡¯t immediately agree. After all, if he consented, he would be drawn into a power struggle, which would be a hassle for him.


    ¡°Have you given thought to the countless lives that would be lost in a civil war if my royal cousin were to die? The Great Yan Dynasty would crumble instantly, and themon folk would bear the brunt of the ensuing chaos.¡± Chen Yusheng implored Liu Wuxie, hoping to convince him to examine his royal cousin for the sake of the innocent popce.


    At this juncture, if Liu Wuxie refused, he would be a sinner. The moment war erupted, it would be the ordinary people who would suffer the most.


    ¡°When do we leave?¡± Liu Wuxie had no choice but to agree with it.


    ¡°Excellent. It¡¯s still early, and we can head to the pce now!¡± Chen Yusheng rarely spoke and always wore a stern expression. He had to lead soldiers in battles, and it would be hard for him tomand his troops if he was too friendly.


    His habit was formed through the years, but he looked like an entirely different person today. The three left the courtyard and headed to the royal pce. Before they left the Imperial Academy, a military officer rushed in.


    ¡°Lord, it¡¯s critical! The Emperor¡¯s health has taken a sudden turn for the worse, and he¡¯s now in a deepa.¡± Chen Yusheng had dispatched the officer to keep watch at the pce and report any developments.


    He hadn¡¯t anticipated that the Emperor¡¯s condition would deteriorate so rapidly in just a day. When he had visited his royal cousin the previous day, thetter was still somewhat lucid.


    ¡°We can¡¯t afford to waste time; we must hurry!¡± Liu Wuxie also grasped the gravity of the situation. If the Emperor were to pass away, Prince Yongxian could ascend the throne. In such a scenario, he would naturally be the prime target, having thwarted Prince Yongxian¡¯s ns on multiple asions.


    Therefore, whether out of a sense of duty or self-interest, Liu Wuxie waspelled to save the Emperor.


    The four executed a movement technique to speed through the streets swiftly, arriving outside the pce in less than two hours.


    ¡°Halt! Identify yourselves!¡± Five soldiers emerged from the gate, obstructing their path.


    ¡°How dare you obstruct me! Don¡¯t you recognize who I am?!¡± Chen Yusheng was livid. While others might need to announce their arrival before entering, he, being of royal blood, should have unrestricted ess to the pce.


    ¡°Prince Ruyang, please don¡¯t make things difficult for us. We can¡¯t let anyone enter the pce without the Emperor''s decree.¡± The five guards stood firm, denying them entry.


    Chen Yusheng hesitated to force his way in, wary that it might provide others with a pretext to use him and strip him of his military authority. However, if he couldn¡¯t gain entry, he wouldn¡¯t be able to attend to his royal cousin. This put Chen Yusheng in a predicament.


    ¡°Senior Chen, you should be familiar with the head of the royal guards, correct?¡± Liu Wuxie cast a nce over the five guards and smirked.


    ¡°I can identify most of them!¡± Chen Yusheng responded. He might not be able to recognize every guard, but he was familiar with most of theirmanding officers.


    ¡°Ask them who theirmanding officer is!¡± Liu Wuxie instructed.


    A thought dawned on Chen Yusheng, and he fixed the five guards with a gaze filled with lethal intent. He demanded, ¡°Who is yourmanding officer? Speak the truth!¡±


    Confronted with Chen Yusheng¡¯s thunderous demand, the five guards recoiled. However, they didn¡¯t back down and instead advanced, dering, ¡°Prince Ruyang, you dare to trespass into the pce! This is a capital crime!¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re not the royal guards. If my guess is correct, the actual guards must have been killed by now.¡± Liu Wuxie was reluctant to ept it, but the unfolding events aligned with his conjectures.


    ¡°I remember now! They weren¡¯t on duty when I departed from the pce!¡± The officer who hade to ry the news to Chen Yusheng chimed in after hearing Liu Wuxie¡¯s words.

 Chapter 223 - Argument

    <h4>Chapter 223 - Argument</h4>


    The implications of Liu Wuxie¡¯s words caused a shift in the expressions of Prince Ruyang and his wife. Could it be that Prince Yongxian had begun usurping the throne?


    ¡°Kill them all!¡± Chen Yusheng, having a grasp over the Terrabreak Army, issued themand without hesitation. The officer behind them lunged forward, his de aimed at the five guards. The officer was no pushover, possessing cultivation at the lower levels of the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    The five guards shared a nce, their eyes zing with ferocity. They unsheathed their swords and released their Marrow Cleansing Realm aura.


    ¡°Sixth level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm!¡± Qin Biyu was shocked. At best, the pce guards'' cultivation was limited to the Spirit Cleansing Realm. So, why were there five guards in the Marrow Cleansing Realm here?


    The objective was clear: to stop anyone from entering the pce.


    Chen Yusheng¡¯s military officer was sent flying away in just one move. Their strength was massively different, and they weren¡¯t on the same level.


    The countenances of Chen Yusheng and Qin Biyu turned grim as the situation spiraled beyond their control.


    ¡°Prince Ruyang, our apologies!¡± The five guards turned their weapons towards Prince Ruyang, intending to kill him first and then frame him for attempting to breach the pce. Even if Prince Ruyang were to die, his death would be meaningless.


    The situation was unfavorable for Prince Ruyang and his wife, and their chances of victory were slim against the five guards. These guards were likely experts trained by Prince Yongxian.


    However, before Prince Ruyang could act, Liu Wuxie intervened. They were in a hurry and needed to enter the pce quickly, or it might be toote.


    Prince Ruyang and his wife could protect themselves with no issue because the five guards¡¯ main objective was to buy time and stop them from entering the pce. It was best if they could kill Prince Ruyang and his wife. If they couldn¡¯t, they just had to buy time.


    The five guards froze as Liu Wuxie unseathed and swung his Heratic de. A cut appeared on their necks, and they were killed instantly.


    The group of four hurried into the pce and found five corpses behind the gate. It had already been some time since the death of these actual guards.


    ¡°You stay here and mobilize the army to guard the gate. Don¡¯t let anyone enter!¡± Chen Yusheng took out a medal and handed it to the officer behind him, instructing him to mobilize the nearby army to station at the gate in case Prince Yongxian suddenly rebelled.


    ¡°Roger that!¡± The military officer fired a signal arrow visible in the entire Imperial City.


    This was Liu Wuxie¡¯s first time in the pce, and the construction was magnificent, but it was palepared to the Jade Encounter Pavilion he lived in his past life. The pce was eerily quiet, exuding an unsettling aura. Chen Yusheng was filled with a sense of dread.


    ¡°Everything will be fine!¡± Qin Biyu reassured Chen Yusheng as the tension mounted with each step they took.


    After all, if Prince Yongxian were sessful in his coup, he would be the first to be purged and stripped of his military power. Those who had opposed Prince Yongxian over the years would also face a bloodbath, and the Imperial City would be transformed into a sea of blood and bodies.


    Navigating through numerous halls, they finally reached the Emperor¡¯s chambers. A multitude of officials were gathered outside the room, all anxiously awaiting news.


    When they saw Prince Ruyang¡¯s arrival, some came over to greet him, but most remained in ce.


    ¡°How¡¯s the situation?¡± Chen Yushang asked an old man. This old man was Minister Wen, known for his integrity, and had served in the Imperial Court for three generations. Thus, he wouldn¡¯t do anything against the Great Yan Dynasty¡¯s interest.


    ¡°The situation is bad. The imperial physicians are doing their best inside!¡± Minister Wen shook his head with concern. Officials like them weren¡¯t allowed to enter in case they disrupted the imperial physicians, so they could only wait outside for news.


    Upon Liu Wuxie¡¯s arrival, he could feel numerous hostile stares aimed at him, most of them unfamiliar. However, one person stood out: the Vice-Minister of Revenue, Xue Chunyu.


    Liu Wuxie had crippled his son, Xue Baisheng, leading Xue Chunyu to storm the Treasure Pill Pavilion with over a hundred men, all of whom were in by Mu Yueying. It was clear that Xue Chunyu harbored a deep-seated grudge against Liu Wuxie.


    The moment Liu Wuxie made his appearance, Xue Chunyu unleashed a chilling, murderous intent towards him, not expecting Chen Yusheng to bring Liu Wuxie along.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go take a look!¡± Chen Yusheng said and entered the bedroom. As Qin Biyu didn¡¯t have the qualifications to enter, she could only wait outside.


    Liu Wuxie also stepped forward but was immediately stopped and forbidden to enter.


    ¡°Who are you? Why are you attempting to intrude on the Emperor¡¯s bedroom?¡± A burly man, towering over Liu Wuxie by two heads and bearing a resemnce to Bai Zhan, stood in Liu Wuxie¡¯s path.


    ¡°Bai Lin, his name is Liu Wuxie. He¡¯s someone I brought over to treat the Emperor. Let him through!¡± Chen Yusheng reprimanded. It turned out that Bai Lin was from the Bai n, just like Bai Zhan.


    The Bai n boasted numerous military officials in the Imperial Court, and Bai Lin was no ordinary figure,manding the Terrabreak Army¡¯s Earth Battalion. His rank might not match Prince Ruyang¡¯s, but it was not to be underestimated.


    ¡°Prince Ruyang, you dare to bring just anyone here. Can you shoulder the consequences if the Emperor¡¯s condition deteriorates?¡± Xue Chunyu stepped forward, his tone dripping with sarcasm.


    This was the imperial pce, and Liu Wuxie wouldn¡¯t resort to killing there. If he were to act rashly, he would merely fall into Prince Yongxian¡¯s trap, providing thetter with a pretext to mobilize the army and eliminate him.


    ¡°Men! Cast this man into the dungeon!¡± Bai Linmanded sternly as two guards advanced, positioning themselves behind Liu Wuxie, ready to act.


    ¡°How dare youy a hand on him! Try it if you dare!¡± Chen Yusheng was incensed, aware that every second wasted could further endanger his royal cousin.


    The situation was peculiar, and all the neutral officials withdrew to the sidelines, not wishing to get embroiled. After all, the identity of the monarch was of no consequence to them.


    ¡°Yusheng, are you suggesting that this individual can treat the Emperor?¡± Minister Wen inquired


    ¡°I can¡¯t make any guarantees, but he possesses exceptional medical skills. He should be capable of treating the Emperor.¡± Chen Yusheng refrained from expressing too much confidence, given that Liu Wuxie hadn¡¯t yet examined the Emperor.


    ¡°Chen Yusheng, who isn¡¯t prone to exaggeration? There are numerous imperial physicians inside, yet they¡¯re all at a loss regarding the Emperor¡¯s condition. What¡¯s your intention in letting a youngster in? Are you trying to hasten the Emperor¡¯s demise?¡± Xue Chunyu used.


    ¡°Indeed. Allowing a stranger in could exacerbate the Emperor¡¯s condition, and who will bear the consequences? I propose we have him removed!¡± Several officials stepped forward in support of Xue Chunyu.


    The situation was increasingly turning against Liu Wuxie. Forcing his way in wasn¡¯t an option given the numerous experts present, and any rash action could lead to his death. Moreover, it would also implicate Prince Ruyang.


    Themotion outside had alerted everyone in the bedroom, but Liu Wuxie remained silent.


    He had already anticipated that gaining ess to the Emperor wouldn¡¯t be easy, especially with someone like Xue Chunyu attempting to block their entry and seize this opportunity to eliminate him.


    Chen Yusheng was anxious about Liu Wuxie being stopped, but he was powerless to intervene. He could gain entry, but not Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°I¡¯ll bear the responsibility if anything happens!¡± Chen Yusheng said with a determined look. He was willing to take full responsibility if something happened to the Emperor because of his decision.


    ¡°Hmph, who are you to take responsibility? He¡¯s an outsider, and it¡¯s against the rules to let him enter the Emperor¡¯s chamber. You can give up on that!¡±


    There was no precedent about letting an outsider enter the Emperor¡¯s bedroom. Aside from the imperial physicians, even court officials weren¡¯t allowed to enter and could only wait ten meters away.


    Liu Wuxie could only enter if the Emperor summoned him. But the Emperor was unconscious and couldn¡¯t summon Liu Wuxie into the bedroom.


    Many people were in the bedroom, with over ten-odd imperial physicians surrounding the bed to examine the Emperor¡¯s condition.


    A frail old many on the bed, his eyes shut as if in severe difort. Alongside the imperial physicians, several individuals were present, including the Emperor¡¯s children. Chen Ruoyan¡¯s eyes were swollen from crying, and the Emperor¡¯s two sons stood by her side, one with a foolish grin and the other expressionless.


    ¡°Who¡¯s causing a ruckus outside!¡± An old man in his fifties stepped out. He looked dignified, and anyone could tell he wasn¡¯t ordinary. Just by standing there, he gave off a strong sense of superiority, making those around him feel pressured.


    Chen Ruoyan stopped crying because themotion outside had also rmed her.


    ¡°Xue Chunyu, are you trying to rebel by stopping me from treating the Emperor?¡± Liu Wuxie smiled at Xue Chunyu, questioning Xue Chunyu¡¯s motives for stopping him from seeing the Emperor.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, what nonsense are you talking about? How dare you spout nonsense here! Do you think I won¡¯t kill you on the spot?¡± Xue Chunyu was livid. He had been present when Qin Shi was killed and refused to believe that Liu Wuxie could have been the killer. He attributed it to Liu Wuxie¡¯s extraordinary luck, which allowed him to summon lightning at the opportune moment.


    Upon hearing about the Emperor¡¯s unconscious state, all the officials had hurried to the pce. Chen Yusheng, having spent an hour in Liu Wuxie¡¯s courtyard, arrivedte.


    ¡°Then what are you afraid of, and why are you stopping me from entering?¡± Liu Wuxie questioned, asking Xue Chunyu to exin.


    ¡°Brat, you can¡¯t enter the bedroom no matter what you say. You might as well give up!¡± Xue Chunyu, having previously experienced Liu Wuxie¡¯s cunning, knew he would be at a disadvantage if the argument continued.


    With Bai Lin guarding the entrance, Chen Yusheng was helpless. Liu Wuxie also didn¡¯t dare to make a move, knowing that it would provide Xue Chunyu with a perfect excuse against him.


    Just then, the bedroom door opened, and a frail figure emerged. Upon seeing Liu Wuxie, a smile graced her face. ¡°Third Princess!¡± Everyone bowed upon seeing this woman. The Third Princess was the only one among the Emperor¡¯s children who was considered normal, not to mention her exceptional talents.


    After all, the crown prince was mentally disabled, the second prince was as unresponsive as a log, and Chen Leyao¡¯s status was low, being the daughter of a pce maid.


    ¡°Why are you here?¡± Chen Ruoyan inquired as she approached Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°I¡¯m here to examine the Emperor¡¯s condition and see if I can provide treatment!¡± Liu Wuxie responded with a sneer upon seeing Chen Ruoyan. His sneer was a taunt aimed at Xue Chunyu because his divine sense had already prated the bedroom. He had remained silent earlier to fullyprehend the situation.


    Once he had a clear understanding of the circumstances, he raised his voice just enough for Chen Ruoyan to hear him.

 Chapter 224 - Handing Over The Military Seal

    <h4>Chapter 224 - Handing Over The Military Seal</h4>


    While Chen Ruoyan wasn¡¯t certain if Liu Wuxie could heal her father, she believed he must have some n since he had the audacity to mention it. Otherwise, he wouldn¡¯t have risked entering the pce.


    ¡°Come with me quickly!¡± Chen Ruoyan swiftly grabbed Liu Wuxie¡¯s hand and dragged him towards the Emperor¡¯s chamber.


    ¡°Third Princess, this individual has hidden intentions and must not be allowed to enter for fear of disturbing the Emperor!¡± Xue Chunyu stepped forward to halt Chen Ruoyan. Bai Lin and other officials also moved forward, forming a human barrier.


    ¡°How dare you stop me!¡± Chen Ruoyan was furious. She was the third princess, but these people dared to obstruct her path.


    ¡°We certainly wouldn¡¯t dare to hinder the third princess, but this man must not be permitted entry.¡± Xue Chunyu retorted with a smirk. Once the Emperor passed away, Prince Yongxian would ascend to the throne. At that point, the Great Yan Dynasty would undergo a significant transformation, and the first to perish would be the children of the previous monarch.


    ¡°Minister Xue, how dare you? Don¡¯t think I¡¯m oblivious to your intentions. You¡¯re all waiting for my father¡¯s demise so you can stage a rebellion!¡± Chen Ruoyan¡¯s tone was biting, showing no respect for Xue Chunyu. Her words sent a shiver down the spines of many present, rendering them speechless.


    Everyone was aware of the truth in their hearts, but hearing it spoken aloud, especially from the third princess, was a different matter.


    ¡°Third Princess, I urge you to be mindful of your words. I have always been loyal to the Great Yan Dynasty, and heaven can bear witness to my loyalty!¡± Xue Chunyu defended himself, feigning innocence and trying to buy time. His main goal was to keep Liu Wuxie at bay.


    The situation became increasingly tense, with neither side willing to take a step back, and this naturally enraged Chen Ruoyan to the point of drawing her sword.


    ¡°How audacious! Are you all nning to rebel now?!¡± Chen Ruoyan brandished her sword at Xue Chunyu, ready to resort to violence if there were no other options.


    ¡°I¡¯m prioritizing the Emperor¡¯s safety. This person is just a youngster who might disturb the Emperor by barging in recklessly. Who will bear the consequences if anything happens? Third Princess, please exercise caution!¡± Xue Chunyu maintained his moral high ground, appearing as though he wouldn¡¯t yield even if the third princess threatened to kill him.


    ¡°I will take responsibility! If anything happens to the Emperor, I will surrender the military seal and retreat into seclusion!¡± Chen Yusheng took out the military seal and handed it to Minister Wen.


    Surrendering the military seal was tantamount to surrendering the Great Yan Dynasty. The Terrabreak Army was an elite force of the Great Yan Dynasty, and one could only imagine the repercussions if it were to be handed over.


    Even if the Emperor were to recover, his empire would be destabilized after losing his army. It was only a matter of time before Prince Yongxian seized control of the Great Yan Dynasty.


    ¡°Prince Ruyang, you mustn¡¯t!¡± Minister Wen objected. The transfer of the military seal would necessitate the Emperor¡¯s approval.


    ¡°It¡¯s urgent, and I don¡¯t have a choice. As long as my royal cousin can be saved, I will do anything, even if it costs me my life!¡± Chen Yusheng was determined. He only wanted to save his royal cousin and nothing else.


    ¡°Prince Ruyang, are you certain about this? If anything were to happen to the Emperor, you would surrender the military seal!¡± Xue Chunyu couldn¡¯t contain his excitement andughed. This was a golden opportunity. The Great Yan Dynasty would plunge into chaos upon the current Emperor¡¯s death, and Prince Yongxian would have to contend with Prince Ruyang if he wished to stabilize the dynasty.


    Given Prince Ruyang¡¯s character, he wouldn¡¯t surrender the military seal, which meant that a civil war was inevitable. It was uncertain who would emerge victorious in the end.


    Now that Prince Ruyang was willing to hand over the military seal, this was equivalent to seizing the entire Great Yan Dynasty without a single casualty. This was why Xue Chunyu couldn¡¯t helpughing aloud.


    ¡°Hmph, since when have I gone against my word?¡± Chen Yusheng entrusted the military seal to Minister Wen for the time being and waited till they were done taking care of the Emperor¡¯s condition.


    If Liu Wuxie could sessfully treat the Emperor, Chen Yusheng would reim the military seal. However, if the Emperor were to pass away, the military seal would be handed over to Xue Chunyu.


    ¡°Let everyone bear witness to today¡¯s events to prevent anyone from reneging on their words!¡± Xue Chunyu¡¯s gaze swept over the surrounding officials. The Terrabreak Army would fall into Prince Yongxian¡¯s hands within an hour.


    The Terrabreak Army was the most elite army in the Great Yan Dynasty. Even if Bai Lin controlled the Earth Battalion, it couldn¡¯t bepared to the Heaven Battalion as there was a huge difference.


    ¡°Let us go in!¡± Chen Ruoyan dragged Liu Wuxie, with Chen Yusheng following behind as they entered the chamber. By the time Minister Wen wanted to intervene, it was already toote, and the military seal felt heavy in his hand.


    Upon entering the bedroom, Liu Wuxie detected a faint fragrance that made him frown. They passed through the outer hall, where numerous maids and eunuchs were lined up on both sides.


    Ahead was a curtain, which two maids lifted. They walked into a massive room. In the center of the room was a bed, surrounded by veils to shield against the wind.


    Twelve imperial physicians were around the bed. Some were checking the Emperor¡¯s pulse, while others were shaking their heads in despair.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s appearance sparked suspicion among everyone, especially an old man with an aura of authority. Liu Wuxie¡¯s gaze, however, was not on the bedridden Emperor but on the others in the room.


    ¡°Headmaster?¡± Liu Wuxie questioned, puzzled by the presence of the headmaster, a figure in the True Core Realm. Could it be that even he was unable to save the Emperor?


    Fan Zhen was equally taken aback by Liu Wuxie¡¯s appearance. After all, it was not long ago that Liu Wuxie had in Qin Shi, and his presence in the pce was unexpected.


    ¡°Prince Ruyang, is this your doing?¡± The old man¡¯s intense gazended on Liu Wuxie, exerting a pressure that was unmistakably from a True Core Realm expert like Fan Zhen. This man was none other than Prince Yongxian.


    ¡°Indeed. He is a remarkable healer, and I have brought him here to assess the Emperor¡¯s condition,¡± Chen Yusheng confirmed. Despite his outward calm, his body was taut with tension.


    Upon hearing of Liu Wuxie¡¯s exceptional medical skills, Fan Zhen couldn¡¯t hide his surprise.


    Prince Yongxian¡¯s gaze met Liu Wuxie¡¯s for the first time. They locked eyes, and it was clear that Prince Yongxian was already familiar with Liu Wuxie. He had recognized Liu Wuxie the moment he stepped in, but he was taken aback by Liu Wuxie¡¯s youth.


    Prince Yongxian had been the unseen supporter of the Cloud Xing Pavilion, which had suffered significant losses due to Liu Wuxie. As their eyes shed, Liu Wuxie narrowed his own, sensing a murderous intent seeping into his skin.


    ¡°Are you...Liu Wuxie?¡± Prince Yongxian held his gaze for a moment longer before the pressure he was exerting vanished. This alleviated the pressure on Liu Wuxie, who was not yet capable of resisting the True Core Realm, where he could be easily defeated.


    ¡°I offer my respects to Prince Yongxian!¡± Liu Wuxie responded, his fists sped together in a formal salute. It was clear to both of them that they were not allies, and there was no need for pretense.


    ¡°You are quite impressive!¡± Prince Yongxian¡¯s words wereyered with various implications, both praise and scorn. Once he had spoken, he dismissed Liu Wuxie from his attention.


    Liu Wuxie had used mere tactics to shut down the Cloud Xing Pavilion, but that did not pose a threat to Prince Yongxian. The room fell into silence, all eyes turning to the bed.


    ¡°Cough...cough...¡± The Emperor coughed violently with blood spewing from his mouth, staining the bedding red. His face was yellow, and he was losing his breath. He was already on the brink of death.


    The twelve imperial physicians stood up and nced at the bed before retreating.


    ¡°How¡¯s the Emperor?¡± Prince Yongxian asked, grabbing an imperial physician.


    ¡°We have done our best. We should prepare for the funeral now!¡± The imperial physician whom Prince Yongxian grabbed said in agony.


    ¡°Trash! All of you are trash!¡± Prince Yongxian threw that imperial physician out furiously, showing a touching scene. The Emperor was his elder brother, and it was natural for him to be furious that his brother was about to die.


    ¡°Prince Yongxian, please calm down! If the Emperor dies, the Great Yan Dynasty still needs you to stabilize the situation.¡± An eunuch came over with a ttering expression on his face.


    It became apparent that the eunuch, who had served the Emperor for years, was in fact aligned with Prince Yongxian¡¯s faction.


    This made Chen Yusheng grit his teeth. He didn¡¯t expect Prince Yongxian to be so despicable even to bribe the eunuch in the pce.


    ¡°How much longer does my royal brother have?¡± Prince Yongxian asked, turning to the imperial physicians.


    ¡°Fifteen minutes at most!¡± The imperial physician on the right lowered his head with agony on his face.


    This grim prognosis caused Chen Ruoyan to crumble to the floor, tears streaming down her face. The maids and eunuchs on either side immediately knelt, their heads bowed in despair.


    Liu Wuxie observed everyone¡¯s reactions, including those of the twelve imperial physicians, maids, and eunuchs. A smile crept onto his face as he realized that ten out of the twelve physicians were aligned with Prince Yongxian; only two had not been swayed by his influence. It was clear that Prince Yongxian had his tendrils in every corner of the Great Yan Dynasty.


    ¡°Prepare the edict and announce it to the world!¡± Prince Yongxianmanded, his hand waving weakly. He suddenly seemed much older, but a cold glint shed in his eyes.


    The eunuch didn¡¯t dare to disobey Prince Yongxian. He went over to the table and began drafting the edict.


    ¡°Hold up!¡± Liu Wuxie interrupted everyone.


    At that moment, everyone remembered the presence of an outsider in the room. Hope flickered across Chen Yusheng¡¯s face as he heard Liu Wuxie¡¯s words. All their hopes now rested on Liu Wuxie.


    Chen Ruoyan rose, tears streaming down her face. She might have been headstrong, but she was far from foolish. She understood that if her father were to die, her siblings and she would be next, as Prince Yongxian would not let them live.


    The twelve imperial physicians turned their doubtful gazes towards Liu Wuxie. They were unaware of when this outsider had entered the room.


    ¡°It¡¯s still too early to draft the edict now, not to mention that the Emperor¡¯s illness isn¡¯t incurable. Who said that he only has fifteen minutes left?¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s words echoed in the room like a stone, causing ripples in a pond. Everyone present was shaken, particrly the twelve physicians who had been striving to save the Emperor.


    ¡°Brat, who are you? How dare you spout nonsense here!¡± An imperial physician stepped forward, pointing usingly at Liu Wuxie. His words were so vehement that his saliva sprayed onto Liu Wuxie¡¯s face.


    ¡°Does it matter who I am?¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s tone was calm and indifferent. Facing the imperial physician¡¯s murderous gaze, he continued, ¡°What matters is that I can treat the emperor.¡±


    While his words might have been a harsh reality for some, to Chen Yusheng, they were as soothing as a melodious symphony.

 Chapter 225 - Heaven-Defying Ten Needles

    <h4>Chapter 225 - Heaven-Defying Ten Needles</h4>


    The Emperor¡¯s breaths were bing increasingly irregr as half the time estimated by the imperial physician had psed. Another physician, bristling with hostility, warned Liu Wuxie, ¡°This is the royal pce, boy. A single misstep in your words could cost you your life!¡±


    An elderly man, frail and thin but with a piercing gaze, scoffed at Liu Wuxie¡¯s presence. This man, Guo Buqiu, was a renowned physician who had served two generations of emperors in the Great Yan Dynasty. ¡°Ridiculous! Who allowed him in? Out with him! We, seasoned physicians, are unable to cure the Emperor, and this youngster dares to im he can? Preposterous!¡±


    Chen Yusheng, however, defended Liu Wuxie. ¡°Physician Guo, please, let¡¯s remain calm. I have faith in his medical abilities. Just because we can¡¯t treat the Emperor doesn¡¯t mean he can¡¯t.¡±


    Despite Chen Yusheng¡¯s plea, more physicians joined in, denying Liu Wuxie the opportunity to treat the Emperor. ¡°How can we allow just anyone to examine the Emperor? Remove him from the pce at once!¡± they demanded.


    The physicians¡¯ obstruction was only worsening the Emperor¡¯s condition by dying treatment. Although there was no precedent for an outsider treating the Emperor, exceptions could be made in dire circumstances.


    ¡°Young man, can you treat the emperor?¡± An old man in his fifties came over to Liu Wuxie with a hint of sorrow in his eyes. His attitude towards Liu Wuxie differed from that of other physicians, and the sorrow came from the bottom of his heart, which wasn¡¯t an act.


    ¡°I can,¡± Liu Wuxie responded, meeting the old man¡¯s gaze with unwavering determination. ¡°I can wake the Emperor in fifteen minutes, have him walking in two hours, and fully restore his health in three days.¡± His deration was met with stunned silence, the gathered physicians staring at him as if he were a creature from another world.


    Fan Zhen wanted to stop Liu Wuxie multiple times, but it was already toote because Liu Wuxie had given his word. Had the Emperor¡¯s condition not been so dire, his audacious im would likely have been met withughter and dismissive calls of madness.


    The Emperor¡¯s health had been deteriorating for years, each day worse than thest. Yet here was Liu Wuxie, promising a full recovery in a mere three days. The im was so extraordinary that even Chen Ruoyan found it hard to believe.


    ¡°Are you serious?¡± The old man asked, grabbing Liu Wuxie¡¯s hands eagerly.


    ¡°Senior Yan, don¡¯t be swayed by his absurd ims. He¡¯s a madman! He should be immediately incarcerated!¡± Guo Buqiu, wary of the old man who had spoken, was known as the best physician in the Great Yan Dynasty. However, it wasmon knowledge that the old man, who had dedicated his life to medicine without seeking fame or fortune, was the true master of medical skills.


    ¡°The Emperor¡¯s condition is critical. Why not give him a chance? Even if there¡¯s a slim chance of sess, it¡¯s a glimmer of hope we can¡¯t afford to dismiss. Don¡¯t you all agree?¡± The old man turned to Guo Buqiu, his gaze questioning. Was Guo Buqiu afraid that the Emperor might recover?


    The old man didn¡¯t make himself clear, but his intentions were clear. The Emperor was in a critical condition, so why not let Liu Wuxie try it? Why was everyone trying to stop Liu Wuxie? Only one exnation made sense: these people didn¡¯t want the Emperor to wake up and even hoped for the Emperor¡¯s death.


    ¡°If he fails, it would be tantamount to deceiving the monarch, a crime punishable by death. I hope he considers his actions carefully,¡± Guo Buqiu retorted, his expression growing colder. If Liu Wuxie failed to cure the Emperor, it would be seen as deceiving the monarch, and no one could save him then.


    The old man turned to look at Liu Wuxie because he didn¡¯t dare to decide for Liu Wuxie since it involved thetter¡¯s life.


    ¡°I will take my own life if the Emperor can¡¯t regain his consciousness in fifteen minutes!¡± Liu Wuxie said in a firm tone. He looked at Guo Buqiu and asked, ¡°If I managed to treat him, what would Physician Guo do then?¡±


    Guo Buqiu had been trying to interfere with him, and his intentions were obvious.


    ¡°If the Emperor can regain consciousness in fifteen minutes, I will give myself ten ps!¡± Guo Buqiu¡¯s gaze was terrifyingly grim with murderous intent when he looked at Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°I trust you will honor your words!¡± Liu Wuxie dered, striding towards the bed.


    Prince Yongxian¡¯s eyes shed with a murderous intent, an invisible force materializing into a giant palm aimed at Liu Wuxie. He couldn¡¯t afford any interference with his ns for the Great Yan Dynasty, especially now when it was within his grasp. If the Emperor were to regain consciousness, all his efforts would be in vain.


    ¡°Prince Yongxian, please restrain yourself!¡± Fan Zhen waved his hand, and another invisible hand blocked Prince Yongxian. The invisible shockwave shattered all the veils in the bedroom, reducing them into ashes.


    A powerful force surged behind Liu Wuxie, causing him to sway slightly. He had sensed Prince Yongxian¡¯s move but chose not to react, confident that Fan Zhen would intervene. Approaching the bed, he activated his Ghost Eye technique, allowing him to see through the Emperor¡¯s body and receive feedback.


    Everyone held their breaths. Some were nervous, and some sneered because the Emperor looked like he would take hisst breath at any moment. They were confident that not even an immortal could save him.


    Liu Wuxie took out ten silver needles andid them before him. When his hand touched the needles, they buzzed. His hands were swift as he inserted the first needle into the Emperor¡¯s philtrum above the lips before anyone could react.


    Chen Yusheng¡¯s fists clenched tightly, cold sweat trickling down his forehead. The fate of countless lives was in Liu Wuxie¡¯s hands. If the Emperor were to die, the Great Yan Dynasty would plunge into chaos, and countless families would be torn apart.


    More needles found their way into the Emperor¡¯s temples, forehead, and sr plexus. Each of these acupoints was lethal, and even the slightest error could result in the Emperor¡¯s immediate death.


    Senior Yan maintained his position on the other side of the bed, the only one brave enough to watch Liu Wuxie¡¯s mystical performance up close. Even after ten needles had been inserted, the Emperor showed no signs of response.


    Liu Wuxie, his face growing pale, stepped back from the bed, patting his hands together.


    <i>It has been long since Ist used the Heaven-Defying Ten Needles, and I¡¯m getting rusty. But it shouldn¡¯t be an issue to treat the Emperor.</i> Liu Wuxie thought to himself.


    ¡°Is it over?¡± Guo Buqiu approached, skepticism etched on his face. He had only seen Liu Wuxie insert a few needles and found itughable to think that such a simple act could cure the Emperor.


    ¡°What do you think?¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s lips curled into a cold smile. The Heaven-Defying Ten Needles was an unrivaled technique in the Celestial Realm.


    ¡°Someone, light the incense!¡± Prince Yongxian ordered as the old eunuch took out an incense and lit it.


    Time quietly passed, and everyone¡¯s faces began to change aside from Liu Wuxie. Fan Zhen showed a hint of worry on his face. He wanted to speak several times, but he ultimately restrained himself.


    ¡°Brat, let me see how long you can keep up with your act! The incense is almost burnt out, and there¡¯s still no sign of the Emperor waking up.¡± Guo Buqiu sneered because only one-third incense was left, and it would soon burn out.


    Liu Wuxie raised his head with a sharp gaze piercing into Guo Buqiu¡¯s eyes.


    The terrifying gaze from Liu Wuxie forced Guo Buqiu to take several steps back, shocking everyone else.


    After all, Guo Buqiu had mocked him repeatedly and even tried to kill him. It was evident that Guo Buqiu had long be Prince Yongxian¡¯s man.


    ¡°You¡¯re a crook yourself, and what qualifications do you have to doubt others?¡± Liu Wuxie said, and his words made Guo Buqiu furious.


    After all, Guo Buqiu was the best physician in the Great Yan Dynasty. Being called a crook was no different from pping his face.


    Guo Buqiu seethed with anger, itching to confront Liu Wuxie right then and there.


    ¡°Outraged, are you?¡± Liu Wuxie retorted, unfazed by Guo Buqiu¡¯s fury. ¡°You can¡¯t even cure a minor ailment, yet you dare to deny being a fraud?¡± He didn¡¯t bother to mince words with Guo Buqiu, especially when his life was already under threat.


    Several imperial physicians rallied around Guo Buqiu, echoing his sentiments. ¡°Physician Guo, don¡¯t stoop to his level. There are only thirty breaths left. Let¡¯s see how he justifies himself when the Emperor doesn¡¯t wake up.¡±


    Guo Buqiu regained hisposure, dismissing Liu Wuxie as a lost cause. ¡°Indeed, there¡¯s no need for me to stoop to his level. We¡¯ll see how he exins himselfter!¡±


    Chen Yusheng wanted to interject several times, but Liu Wuxie¡¯s stern gaze silenced him. This wasn¡¯t the time for discussion. If Liu Wuxie had the audacity to make such a im, he must have had the confidence to back it up.


    ¡°There are only ten breaths left!¡± The youngest imperial physician counted the time, but the Emperor still showed no signs of waking up. This made Chen Yusheng nervous, not knowing whether to sit or stand.


    As thest five breaths approached, a cold smirk spread across Prince Yongxian¡¯s face. ¡°Guards!¡± Guo Buqiu summoned two pce guards. ¡°Take him to the prison and await his sentence!¡±


    With only two breaths left, the incense was on the verge of burning out. As thest wisp of smoke faded, Chen Yusheng let out a sigh. Perhaps he had ced too much hope in Liu Wuxie, especially when even Senior Yan couldn¡¯t treat the Emperor¡¯s condition.


    ¡°Brat, what do you have to say for yourself? The incense has already burned out!¡± Guo Buqiu said with an eerie expression.


    Just as Guo Buqiu was about to order Liu Wuxie¡¯s arrest, amanding voice echoed from the bed, ¡°Who gave you the audacity to order an arrest in my presence?¡± The Emperor had awakened when the incense was halfway burnt, but he had chosen to remain silent, listening to the unfolding drama.


    Hearing the Emperor¡¯s voice, all the imperial physicians fell to their knees, trembling in fear. Only Liu Wuxie, Fan Zhen, Chen Yusheng, and Prince Yongxian remained standing.


    ¡°Assist me,¡± the Emperormanded. Chen Ruoyan rushed to help her father sit up, cing a cushion behind him for support. Despite his pallor, the Emperor¡¯s gaze was sharp as it swept over everyone present. When his eyes met Prince Yongxian¡¯s, they held each other¡¯s gaze for three breaths.


    ¡°Are you all surprised that I woke up?¡± The Emperor¡¯s gaze fell onto the twelve imperial physicians this time, and none dared to breathe loudly under his gaze. As the emperor was ustomed to his position, he had an air of superiority around him.


    ¡°God bless the Great Yan Dynasty! It¡¯s the dynasty¡¯s fortune that the Emperor has awakened!¡± Guo Buqiu eximed.


    Ignoring Guo Buqiu, the Emperor turned to Prince Yongxian. ¡°My dear brother, are you disappointed by my recovery?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m naturally overjoyed that my royal brother has recovered. Why would I be disappointed?¡± Prince Yongxian quickly masked his emotions, showing no signs of resentment.

 Chapter 226 - Battle of Hundred Nations

    <h4>Chapter 226 - Battle of Hundred Nations</h4>


    The Emperor¡¯s sudden recovery took everyone by surprise. Despite his pallor, he seemed otherwise normal, and it was clear this wasn¡¯t a case of terminal lucidity.


    ¡°I¡¯m somewhat tired. Everyone, except for Fan Zhen and Chen Yusheng, may leave,¡± the Emperormanded, dismissing everyone but Fan Zhen, Chen Yusheng, and Liu Wuxie. Even Chen Ruoyan and the two princes were asked to depart, with the Emperor forbidding anyone from entering his chambers without his permission.


    ¡°We will take our leave!¡± The imperial physicians bowed and left.


    ¡°Wait!¡± Chen Yusheng halted the physicians¡¯ departure. ¡°Guo Buqiu, do you recall your earlier statement?¡± He reminded Guo Buqiu of his agreement with Liu Wuxie¡ªthat Guo Buqiu would p himself ten times if the Emperor woke up within the time it took for the incense to burn.


    Once the Emperor had awakened, everyone conveniently forgot about this agreement, but Chen Yusheng hadn¡¯t. He knew that if Liu Wuxie hadn¡¯t boldly staked his life, these people would have certainly prevented him from treating the Emperor. He wasn¡¯t about to let this matter slide so easily.


    ¡°Chen Yusheng, you...¡± Guo Buqiu had the title of the Great Yan Dynasty¡¯s best physician. If he gave himself ten ps, it would be a lifelong disgrace.


    ¡°And what about me?¡± Chen Yusheng interrupted. ¡°You repeatedly tried to prevent Liu Wuxie from saving the Emperor. What were your intentions? Now that the Emperor has awakened, isn¡¯t it time for you to fulfill your promise?¡± Chen Yusheng¡¯s anger was palpable. They had faced numerous obstacles since entering the pce, even narrowly escaping death at the gate. He suspected that Guo Buqiu had already aligned himself with Prince Yongxian.


    Liu Wuxie remained silent, a cold smile on his lips. All eyes turned to Guo Buqiu, awaiting his decision.


    Guo Buqiu found himself involuntarily ncing at Prince Yongxian, hoping for some form of assistance.


    However, Prince Yongxian simply stated, ¡°Since you¡¯ve lost the wager, it¡¯s only right that you fulfill your promise!¡± With the Emperor¡¯s unexpected recovery, Prince Yongxian¡¯s ns had been thwarted, and he needed to reassess his strategies. He couldn¡¯t afford any furtherplications at this point.


    The room was filled with surprise as no one had anticipated Prince Yongxian¡¯s decision to leave Guo Buqiu to his fate.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes hardened, realizing he had underestimated Prince Yongxian. The prince was a formidable adversary, ruthless and calcting. In his eyes, there were no friendships, only interests. He was even willing to abandon his pawns at critical moments.


    Prince Yongxian¡¯s words caused Guo Buqiu¡¯s heart to plummet. He pped himself ten times on the spot, his cheeks swelling from the impact. Once done, he shot a venomous re at Liu Wuxie before exiting the room.


    It didn¡¯t take long before only four people remained in the room.


    ¡°Royal brother, how are you feeling now?¡± Chen Yusheng asked, concern etched on his face.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine for now. Why don¡¯t you introduce this talented young man to me?¡± The Emperor asked, a look of satisfaction on his face. Among all his brothers, only Chen Yusheng treated him like family.


    ¡°He¡¯s Liu Wuxie!¡± Fan Zhen spoke before Chen Yusheng could respond.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, the one Ruoyan mentioned?¡± The Emperor seemed taken aback. He had heard of Liu Wuxie before, but he didn¡¯t expect him to be so young. He looked at Liu Wuxie with a hint of disbelief.


    Liu Wuxie was also shocked that the Emperor knew of him.


    ¡°It looks like I was right about you,¡± the Emperor suddenlyughed. But perhaps because heughed too loudly, he began coughing violently. Even so, anyone could see that he was happy.


    ¡°Wuxie, aren¡¯t you curious how the Emperor knows you?¡± Fan Zhen looked at Liu Wuxie with an amicable expression.


    Liu Wuxie nodded, his curiosity piqued. After all, there were countless prodigies in the Great Yan Dynasty, and he was only in the Spirit Cleansing Realm. It didn¡¯t make sense for him to have caught the Emperor¡¯s attention.


    ¡°Please enlighten me, headmaster!¡± There were too many things he was still puzzled about, and he hoped the headmaster could exin them.


    Chen Yusheng was also dumbfounded but merely stood by the side and waited.


    ¡°Do you still remember the three tasks given to you?¡± Fan Zhen asked after organizing his thoughts. It was time for Liu Wuxie to learn some things.


    ¡°I naturally do!¡± The three near-impossible tasks had nearly cost him his life. If Fan Zhen hadn¡¯t given him a reasonable exnation, Liu Wuxie wouldn¡¯t have bothered to ask.


    ¡°We determine the tasks after careful discussion,¡± the Emperor said, interrupting them.


    This revtion left Liu Wuxie even more perplexed. Qian Kun had suggested that the Emperor had orchestrated a scheme to send him to dismantle the Scarlet Dragon Association, thereby clipping Prince Yongxian¡¯s wings and using the association to eliminate him.


    ¡°Wuxie, I understand that you must be angry and bear resentment towards us for sending you to destroy the Scarlet Dragon Association. However, we had no choice. You were the ideal candidate,¡± Fan Zhen exined. There were many secrets about this matter that Liu Wuxie was unaware of.


    ¡°I was the ideal candidate?¡± Liu Wuxie scoffed. ¡°Are you all aware that I nearly lost my life there? Has anyone considered how I felt at that time?¡±


    Liu Wuxie was so furious that his murderous intent began to seep out. Since he could heal the Emperor, he could also destroy him. He had no sense of belonging to the Great Yan Dynasty. The life and death of others didn¡¯t matter to him, except for the Xu n.


    ¡°Wuxie, please calm down and listen to my exnation.¡± Fan Zhen knew Liu Wuxie was furious. Then again, anyone in Liu Wuxie¡¯s position would be furious.


    ¡°I¡¯m curious to see how you all will provide a satisfactory exnation,¡± Liu Wuxie retorted, his expression grim. He was ready to leave the Imperial Academy at a moment¡¯s notice if they failed to exin. With his abilities, he could go anywhere he pleased.


    ¡°Wuxie, do you believe it was mere coincidence that the third princess appeared in Mulberry Town?¡± Fan Zhen countered with a question. After all, Chen Ruoyan had shown up in Mulberry Town shortly after Liu Wuxie¡¯s arrival, and they had both infiltrated the Scarlet Dragon Association that day. It seemed far-fetched to chalk it up to coincidence.


    Everyone knew the third princess was the Emperor¡¯s most beloved child, and letting her take risks was like ripping off the Emperor¡¯s flesh.


    ¡°Go on!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s facial expression improved, signaling Fan Zhen to continue.


    ¡°I was the one who sent Ruoyan over to assist you and also to temper her,¡± the Emperor spoke out.


    Liu Wuxie was surprised that the Emperor had sent Chen Ruoyan to Mulberry Town. But there was still something Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t figure out, and he asked, ¡°I want to know why me?¡±


    The Emperor exined, ¡°The Scarlet Dragon Association has been supplying Prince Yongxian with arge quantity of weapons and rations. Over the years, we¡¯ve sent numerous people to dismantle the association, but to little effect due to their extensive infiltration into the Imperial Academy. Any move we make would be leaked to the association.¡±


    Even Qin Shi had been bribed by Prince Yongxian, and sending anyone over would rm the Scarlet Dragon Association.


    ¡°So, because I was a new student and wouldn¡¯t draw Prince Yongxian¡¯s attention, and because of my lower cultivation level, no one would have suspected that I could seed in eradicating the Scarlet Dragon Association. This was mainly to catch the Scarlet Dragon Association off guard?¡± Liu Wuxie finally understood the situation. Being a neer to the Imperial Academy and having no connection to Prince Yongxian, he was the perfect candidate to deceive everyone.


    ¡°I understand that we haven¡¯t been fair to you, but we had no choice. We needed to keep the news under wraps,¡± Fan Zhen admitted, his expression one of regret. He had felt remorse when he had assigned the tasks.


    ¡°Is that the most satisfactory exnation you can offer? All of this is meaningless because I could have lost my life there.¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s expression turned even more frigid, unable to ept such a justification.


    ¡°Wuxie, you¡¯ve misunderstood Fan Zhen. Did you know that he was with you throughout the three tasks, ensuring your safety and fearing that you might be in danger? Otherwise, do you think I would have sent Ruoyan to the Scarlet Dragon Association?¡± The Emperor feltpelled to reveal a secret to prevent the conflict from escting. Fan Zhen had initially chosen not to exin this matter as long as his actions were justified in his conscience.


    The third princess was the Emperor¡¯s beloved child, and sending her to the Scarlet Dragon Association was the same as sending her to death. So, it turned out that an expert, the Imperial Academy¡¯s headmaster, was apanying them.


    Liu Wuxie fell silent because he had vaguely sensed someone tailing him that month. He had initially suspected it to be someone from the Assassin Pavilion, but he didn¡¯t expect it to be the headmaster.


    The entire room fell silent, with no one speaking up.


    After a full minute of silence, Liu Wuxie asked, ¡°I¡¯m curious. Why did you think I couldplete the tasks and didn¡¯t send someone else instead of me?¡±


    ¡°We knew from the moment you defeated twenty students from Advanced ss Three that you were the only one capable ofpleting this task,¡± Fan Zhen exined honestly. He knew he had to rify everything, or Liu Wuxie might harbor resentment against them.


    ¡°I see... So, you tolerated me killing so many students in the Imperial Academy because of this. If it were someone else in my position, they would¡¯ve been punished long ago for killing so many students, right?¡± Liu Wuxie deduced.


    In his first month at the Imperial Academy, he had crippled the three Scorpion brothers and killed numerous students. It was impossible for him to conceal the fact that he had killed disciples from the Wan and Tian ns from Fan Zhen.


    Over the past few months, many teachers had been displeased with his actions, and more than one had approached Fan Zhen to have Liu Wuxie expelled.


    Everything became clear to Liu Wuxie then. Fan Zhen wanted to nurture him but didn¡¯t dare to openly provide him with too many resources. He could only use an alternative method. The three tasks were designed to temper him and elerate his growth, not to send him to his death.


    Fan Zhen couldn¡¯t be too biased in his actions as the headmaster. If he had supported Liu Wuxie openly, he would have faced opposition. Thus, he could only use this method to encourage his growth under pressure.


    ¡°There¡¯s still something I don¡¯t understand. There are countless geniuses in the Imperial Academy, but why did you pick me? Aren¡¯t you afraid that I¡¯ll turn against you?¡± Liu Wuxie asked hisst question.


    ¡°You¡¯re right. The academy has countless geniuses, but they¡¯re different from you. Many people have exhausted their potential, and the Battle of Hundred Nations is imminent. We don¡¯t have much time left. This is why we can only resort to such an unconventional measure.¡±


    Fan Zhen and the Emperor valued Liu Wuxie¡¯s future potential more.


    ¡°Battle of Hundred Nations?¡± Liu Wuxie was baffled because this was the first time he heard of it.


    When the Emperor mentioned the Battle of Hundred Nations, Chen Yusheng sighed, and his face showed a hint of pain. This was a scar that couldn¡¯t be healed, and it hurt every time it was mentioned.


    ¡°Let¡¯s talk about it another time. Can the Emperor recover in three days?¡±


    Prince Yongxian would make a new arrangement. They could only turn the tables and stabilize the situation if the Emperor recovered. Fan Zhen was more concerned about the Emperor¡¯s health at that moment, and he could talk about the Battle of Hundred Nations again when they returned to the academy.


    ¡°Yes!¡± With his doubts resolved, Liu Wuxie¡¯s brows rxed. He had killed so many students in the academy, and he would¡¯ve sparked a public outrage if it wasn¡¯t for the headmaster.


    ¡°Wuxie, do you know my royal brother¡¯s condition? What¡¯s the matter with him?¡± Chen Yusheng couldn¡¯t help asking. He was unaware of the Emperor¡¯s illness, especially considering the Emperor¡¯s high cultivation level. The Emperor was at the pinnacle of the Marrow Cleansing Realm and was immune to most poisons. How then, could he fall ill?


    ¡°It¡¯s not an illness but a rare poison,¡± Liu Wuxie said.

 Chapter 227 - Entering the Vault

    <h4>Chapter 227 - Entering the Vault</h4>


    Upon hearing Liu Wuxie¡¯s revtion, the expressions of the three men in the room changed dramatically.


    ¡°Poison?¡± The Emperor was taken aback. His food was always tested by specialized personnel before being served to him, so how could it be poisoned?


    ¡°That¡¯s right. Poison!¡± Liu Wuxie verified. This type of poison was rare, and no one could resolve it in the Great Yan Dynasty aside from him. He had identified the problem as soon as he entered the room.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, can you borate on the poison?¡± Chen Yusheng asked anxiously, eager to find out who was trying to harm his royal brother.


    Fan Zhen was also surprised because he had yet to notice the problem. So, how did Liu Wuxie discover that the Emperor had been poisoned?


    ¡°Do you all know what this scent is called?¡± Liu Wuxie walked over to an incense holder. It gave off a faint, pleasant fragrance that permeated the entire room.


    ¡°It¡¯s called the Soothing Incense, which has a calming effect.¡± Chen Yusheng frowned. Could there be an issue with the Soothing Incense?


    The Soothing Incense was produced by the Heavenly Fragrance Dynasty in limited quantities each year. It was exclusively supplied to the royal ns of the neighboring countries, making it quite expensive.


    When Liu Wuxie covered the incense holder, the fragrance gradually faded until it disappeared.


    The revtion left the three men even more perplexed. They had been in the room for a long time, along with maids and eunuchs. These individuals were exposed to the fragrance daily but showed no signs of poisoning.


    ¡°It¡¯s not inherently poisonous, but the issue arises when these two elementsbine. They produce a potent Cottonsilk Poison. This poison behaves like tiny worms, entangling and slowly corroding the meridians. As time progresses, the affected person will fall into aa and eventually die,¡± Liu Wuxie exined, pointing to a snow-white box by the bed and a beautiful cup on the table.


    ¡°I see! Even those around me have been bribed,¡± the Emperor said slowly. The box ced by the bedside was called the Seven Music Box, which yed a beautiful piece of music when opened. Craftsmen from the Sky Mansion Dynasty had created it as a birthday gift for the royal n.


    The music box had been stored in the warehouse until a few months ago when the eunuch responsible for the Emperor¡¯s daily care had brought it up, suggesting that it could aid the Emperor¡¯s sleep. Given the Emperor¡¯s struggle with severe insomnia, he had epted the eunuch¡¯s suggestion. As a result, the Emperor¡¯s sleep quality had significantly improved when he started listening to the music box regrly.


    However, someone couldn''t be poisoned just by those two items because the maids and eunuchs would alsoe in contact with the Soothing Incense and Seven Music Box. If there were a problem, they would¡¯ve been exposed long ago.


    Chen Yusheng lifted an unassuming yet finely crafted cup from the table, scrutinizing it for any anomalies.


    ¡°This is known as the Life-Death Cup. Inspect the base for two distinct designs,¡± Liu Wuxie instructed, his knowledge of the cup¡¯s origin not requiring him to hold it. Fan Zhen also leaned in for a better view.


    ¡°Two designs are present. They resemble a pair of fish, one scarlet and the other ebony,¡± Chen Yusheng reported, his face reflecting terror as he realized the intricate nning behind it all. Without Liu Wuxie¡¯s insight, the Emperor¡¯s poisoning would have remained undetected.


    ¡°Wuxie, can these three poison someone ifbined?¡± Fan Zhen took a deep breath, but he still couldn¡¯t figure out how could these three items poison someone.


    ¡°I¡¯m also puzzled. This isn¡¯t something an ordinary person cane up with.¡± Liu Wuxie was curious because Prince Yongxian didn¡¯t have this capability. There must have been a mastermind who had given Prince Yongxian the idea.


    ¡°Advisor Kuang!¡± Fan Zhen and Chen Yusheng eximed simultaneously. This was the first person who came to their minds. The secret advisor to Prince Yongxian, he was reputed for his vast knowledge.


    ¡°Thebination of Soothing Incense and Heavenly Snow Wood can induce a rare poison. Under normal circumstances, it¡¯s not fatal. However, if someone were to consume water infused with Poison Runes, the situation could escte dangerously,¡± Liu Wuxie exined.


    The Seven Music Box, crafted from Heavenly Snow Wood, when paired with Soothing Incense, could generate the Cottonsilk Poison. However, this poison was insufficient to kill someone in the Marrow Cleansing Realm. This is where the cup came into y.


    The two poisonous runes at the bottom of the cup were highly toxic. It wasn¡¯t difficult to investigate who had engraved these runes. It was most likely an eunuch in the pce with free ess to the Emperor¡¯s chamber. Someone must¡¯ve taught him to engrave the runes secretly.


    The entire n was wless because no one would suspect an inconspicuous cup. Even if they saw it, they wouldn¡¯t pay attention to the two patterns beneath it.


    ¡°Men, summon Wang Zuo here!¡± The Emperor roared furiously. The guards guarding the bedroom quickly ran out. Wang Zuo was also responsible for the Emperor¡¯s daily life.


    ¡°It¡¯s toote. He should have been silenced by now!¡± Liu Wuxie stated. Once the Emperor regained consciousness, Prince Yongxian would erase all evidence that could trace back to him, which meant Wang Zuo couldn¡¯t be left alive.


    Shortly after, the guards returned and reported that Wang Zuo had hanged himself and was found dead in his room.


    This meant that all the clues were severed. They might¡¯ve found the cause, but there was no evidence. The Emperor couldn¡¯t convict Prince Yongxian of a crime solely on Liu Wuxie¡¯s spection.


    ¡°Fan Zhen, I believe there are still many things in the academy for you to tend to. You should leave.¡± The Emperor was still weak. The Heaven-Defying Ten Needles might¡¯ve allowed him to regain his consciousness, but the poison wasn¡¯tpletely cleared from his system.


    ¡°Wuxie, I¡¯ll entrust the Emperor¡¯s health to you. Come and look for me when you return to the academy.¡± Fan Zhen did have many things to tend to. He still had to deal with Qin Shi¡¯s matter because Qin Shi had nurtured many confidants over the years.


    ¡°I need a quiet ce to refine the antidote.¡± Just the Heaven-Defying Ten Needles wasn¡¯t enough to treat the Emperor. Since Liu Wuxie had given his word to Chen Yusheng, he would fulfill his promise.


    ¡°Starting today, the royal vault is at your disposal. You are free to take whatever you need.¡± The royal vault of the Great Yan Dynasty was unparalleled in terms of treasures. After all, it housed the dynasty¡¯s umted wealth over centuries.


    There were countless treasures and herbs avable for Liu Wuxie to pick.


    A smile rose on Liu Wuxie¡¯s lips. He was stuck in the ninth level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm, and there was a long way to reach the Marrow Cleansing Realm. However, with the help of some treasures, it could save him the effort.


    Given that the Xue n and Prince Yongxian were likely to target him after that day, it was imperative for him to ascend to the Marrow Cleansing Realm as soon as possible.


    Liu Wuxie left the chamber with Chen Yusheng. Wen Xiang hadn¡¯t left and teared up when he heard that the Emperor had regained consciousness. He waited for Chen Yusheng to hand the military seal over before leaving the pce.


    ¡°Senior Chen, are you investigating the disappearance of the Terrabreak Army?¡± Liu Wuxie probed. They were walking together as Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t familiar with the pce and needed Chen Yusheng to guide him.


    ¡°Not quite. A few months ago, a man in his thirties rushed into the Terrabreak Army¡¯s camp. He imed that the Terrabreak Army wiped out his town, killing over ten thousand people, and he came to seek justice.¡±


    The Terrabreak Army¡¯s massacre of over ten thousand innocent civilians was an unprecedented event, causing a significant uproar. Chen Yusheng personally visited the town mentioned by the man to ascertain the veracity of his ims.


    Sure enough, there were traces of people residing there, but they had all disappeared in one night.


    ¡°How did that man know that the Terrabreak Army massacred the town?¡± Liu Wuxie asked. Could it be the same town that Qi Enshi had decimated? Zhou Hu had mentioned that Qi Enshi had made sure no one survived.


    He imed to have hidden in a haystack and witnessed the entire event. He was only seven at the time and didn¡¯t realize it was the work of the Terrabreak Army. He waited until he was strong enough to confront the Terrabreak Army,¡± Chen Yusheng shared openly with Liu Wuxie, their bond having strengthened over this issue.


    ¡°Is the town you are referring to located ten miles from Eternal City?¡± Liu Wuxie paused. He had read the book, and the town Qi Enshi had wiped out was ten miles from Eternal City.


    ¡°How did you find out?!¡± Chen Yusheng was taken aback. He had only mentioned it in passing without specifying the location. How could Liu Wuxie have known? Especially considering the event took ce over two decades ago, before Liu Wuxie was even born.


    ¡°I¡¯ll give you an address; you¡¯ll know after you go to this address.¡± Since Qi Enshi had engaged the Assassin Pavilion to target him, Liu Wuxie decided to seize this opportunity to eliminate him.


    However, he couldn¡¯t possibly approach Chen Yusheng with the record. That would be tantamount to confessing to Zhou Hu¡¯s murder.


    The time was ripe now. The book was hidden in Zhou Hu¡¯s concubine¡¯s home. As long as Chen Yusheng could find it, everything would be revealed. This also meant that Liu Wuxie could use this opportunity to eliminate Qi Enshi.


    Chen Yusheng was baffled, but he took the address and kept it. He nned to send someone to inspect the address provided by Liu Wuxie shortly.


    Passing through numerous halls, the news of the Emperor¡¯s recovery had long spread, apanied by Liu Wuxie¡¯s name. Wherever they went, the maids and eunuchs bowed in respect.


    ¡°This is the royal vault. You can take whatever you need. I¡¯ll leave my royal brother to you. I must leave and prepare if Prince Yongxian resorts to usurp by force.¡± Chen Yusheng naturally had to prepare if Prince Yongxian acted impulsively and sent his troops.


    ¡°Farewell, Senior Chen!¡± Liu Wuxie sent Chen Yusheng away before entering the royal vault. The Emperor¡¯s decree, granting him ess, had long since arrived at the vault.


    The vault was massive and filled with treasures, ranging from exquisite porcin to herbs and weapons.


    Liu Wuxie executed Ghost Eye and began searching for fifth-grade herbs. After all, ordinary herbs couldn¡¯t satisfy his request.


    ¡°Good stuff! This is a Divine Meteorite Iron!¡± Liu Wuxie passed by a weapon rack and found a ck metal the size of a fist weighing over five hundred kilograms.


    ¡°With the Divine Meteorite Iron, it¡¯s just a matter of time before the Heretic de bes a vajra artifact.¡± The Heretic de still had vast room for improvement, and he could start refining it after treating the Emperor.


    After walking for about ten minutes, piles of herbs appeared before him, moreprehensive than the Treasure Pill Pavilion. The other cities had contributed these herbs, which were casually piled on the ground.


    ¡°This is a fifth-grade herb, the Spiritual Crown Grass!¡± Liu Wuxie eximed when he saw a fifth-grade herb casually lying in a corner. This was also because the Great Yan Dynasty didn¡¯t have a five-star alchemist, and fifth-grade herbs could only be stored away.


    As time passed, Liu Wuxie found dozens of fifth-grade herbs.


    In the past, Dragon Whisker Grass from the Treasure Pill Pavilion had helped him advance his cultivation. Now, with so many fifth-grade herbs, he could refine arge variety of pills, and it was more than enough for him to reach the Marrow Cleansing Realm. After reaching the Marrow Cleansing Realm, he would have ess to the means of an immortal.

 Chapter 228 - Spiritual Trees Fragment

    <h4>Chapter 228 - Spiritual Tree''s Fragment</h4>


    The vault was massive, and this was just the tip of the iceberg. After spending about six hours, Liu Wuxie found seventeen fifth-grade herbs.


    Deeper inside the vault, the treasures, which had been umted for centuries, were covered in ayer of dust.


    Suddenly, there was a reaction from Liu Wuxie¡¯s dantian as the mysterious tree guided him somewhere.


    ¡°Can it be some sort of treasure?¡± Liu Wuxie quickened his footsteps. Thest time the mysterious tree had reacted, he had obtained the Frost Spiritual Bead and made multiple breakthroughs in his cultivation.


    Liu Wuxie ultimately found an azure wood in a pile of items. The wood felt cold butfortable when he held it in his hand.


    ¡°What is this?¡± Liu Wuxie carried it under the light to inspect it and clean up the dust.


    The mysterious tree in his dantian violently reacted as the branches reached out to wrap around the azure wood. Shortly after, traces of chill pierced Liu Wuxie¡¯s body through his pores.


    ¡°This is a piece of a spiritual tree!¡± Liu Wuxie was shocked. Trees were categorized into multiple varieties, and most were just ordinary trees. However, there was a variety of trees called spiritual trees. These trees contained high spirituality, umted through time, simr to the Fire Spiritual Bead.


    <i>It¡¯s a pity there¡¯s only a piece of it. If it wererger, it could¡¯ve helped me reach the Marrow Cleansing Realm.</i> Liu Wuxie felt a sense of regret. Although it might not facilitate his ascension to the Marrow Cleansing Realm, it could fortify his foundation and further purify his wood attribute.


    The Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron appeared and devoured the piece of azure wood. In the blink of an eye, it was refined into over five thousand mysterious liquid droplets flowing into the world in his dantian.


    The mysterious tree within his dantian¡¯s world began to expand, sprouting more branches.


    Wood also served as fuel for the fire. The absorption of a substantial amount of wood elements triggered an eruption in the volcano within this world, leading to a surge in fire elements.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s cultivation began to rise and was extremely close to the Marrow Cleansing Realm. The stronger his foundation, the more powerful his explosive power would be.


    As Liu Wuxie continued to search in the vault, ordinary herbs couldn¡¯t catch his attention, and he only picked the ones he needed. Aside from the Divine Meteorite Iron, he still needed more materials to upgrade the Heretic de, and all the materials could be found in the vault.


    By the time Liu Wuxie had finished searching through countless herbs and materials, the sky had turned dark. As he exited the vault, he saw a figure rushing toward him.


    ¡°I have been waiting for you! What took you so long?¡± Chen Ruoyan¡¯s mood had brightened upon hearing that her father¡¯s condition had improved. She had been waiting outside the royal vault for an entire day.


    Liu Wuxie wore a frown, wordlessly expressing his difort. He had gone to great lengths to distance himself from her in the Western Breeze Mountain Range and had no desire to get too close.


    Chen Ruoyan had previously saved his life. Had she not intervened with Qin Shi that day, the death match twenty dayster would not have urred.


    ¡°Is there something you need?¡± Liu Wuxie queried.


    ¡°Can¡¯t I seek you out if there¡¯s nothing in particr?¡± Chen Ruoyan attempted to grasp Liu Wuxie¡¯s arm, but he deftly sidestepped her, causing her to pout.


    ¡°I need an alchemy chamber to refine an antidote for your father¡¯s poison.¡± Liu Wuxie could only change the topic. After treating the Emperor¡¯s poison, Liu Wuxie nned to go into seclusion.


    ¡°Follow me!¡± Upon hearing that Liu Wuxie wished to create an antidote, Chen Ruoyan didn¡¯t hesitate. They traversed several halls, and a vast alchemy chamber came into view for Liu Wuxie. The setting was superior to the alchemy chamber in the Treasure Pill Pavilion.


    ¡°I prefer not to be disturbed while refining pills. Ensure no one approaches the alchemy chamber for the next two days. If I fail to create the antidote, there¡¯s nothing more I can do about your father¡¯s poison,¡± Liu Wuxie stated dramatically, startling Chen Ruoyan into nodding repeatedly. She promptly ordered everyone to steer clear of the alchemy chamber.


    Liu Wuxie had no other choice but to maintain his distance from Chen Ruoyan, as he could clearly see her feelings for him. The more she expressed her affection, the more he felt the need to keep his distance. He knew he would eventually leave the Great Yan Dynasty.


    Over the next day, Liu Wuxie dedicated himself to refining pills.


    Meanwhile, in Prince Yongxian¡¯s Mansion, Prince Yongxian was seething with rage, mming his palm onto the desk. ¡°How could this happen? Our n was perfect, yet he managed to thwart it and awaken the Emperor in just fifteen minutes,¡± he fumed. Standing beside him was Advisor Kuang, a middle-aged schr with a fairplexion and dark, intense eyes.


    ¡°Men!¡± Prince Yongxian roared as two guards swiftly entered the hall.


    ¡°Deploy some elites to assassinate him!¡± he ordered. The thought of Liu Wuxie still being alive was unbearable to him, and he was determined to eliminate him at all costs.


    ¡°No, you can¡¯t do that!¡± Advisor Kuang intervened.


    ¡°Advisor, what do you mean by this? He has repeatedly sabotaged my ns, and I can¡¯t just sit back and do nothing!¡± Prince Yongxian questioned Advisor Kuang, his brow furrowed in confusion.


    ¡°Your Highness, have you ever considered recruiting him? If we can recruit him, it will greatly help Your Highness¡¯s grand n.¡± Advisor Kuang gave an unexpected suggestion to recruit Liu Wuxie.


    Prince Yongxian¡¯s eyes lit up upon hearing that. He had witnessed Liu Wuxie¡¯s ability, and it would greatly help his grand n if he could recruit thetter.


    ¡°However, he has repeatedly sabotaged my ns, and there¡¯s already bad blood between us. Would he be willing to join us?¡± Prince Yongxian had previously sent Zhang Shuli to recruit Liu Wuxie but to no avail.


    ¡°Nothing in this world cannot be resolved with the right incentives. As long as the reward is enticing enough, I don¡¯t believe he can resist,¡± Advisor Kuang confidently stated, waving his feather fan and wearing a cryptic smile. They could manipte him intopliance if they could identify Liu Wuxie¡¯s weakness.


    ¡°My royal brother can offer anything we can. It won¡¯t be easy to lure him with mere incentives,¡± Prince Yongxian countered, shaking his head. It wasn¡¯t as if he hadn¡¯t considered this approach before.


    ¡°Let¡¯s target his family!¡± Advisor Kuang suggested in a hushed tone to Prince Yongxian. It didn¡¯t take long for a smile to form on Prince Yongxian¡¯s face, and he dismissed the guards in the hall with a wave.


    <strong>......</strong>


    Fast forward a day, and the antidote was finally ready. However, Liu Wuxie was in no rush as he intended to use the alchemy chamber to refine pills for his own use.


    The Dragon Whisker Grass he had previously acquired had enabled him to refine a Dragon Origin Pill and make a significant leap in his cultivation.


    His n for the day was to refine six fifth-grade pills, which, depending on their efficacy, could help him reach the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    Another day passed, and Chen Yusheng returned just as Liu Wuxie emerged from the alchemy chamber.


    ¡°Wuxie, can you guess what I discovered?¡± Chen Yusheng asked, not inquiring about the antidote upon seeing Liu Wuxie. He had faith in Liu Wuxie¡¯s ability to neutralize the poison afflicting his royal brother.


    ¡°What did you discover?¡± Liu Wuxie asked, suspecting that Chen Yusheng might have uncovered Qi Enshi¡¯s wrongdoings, but he feigned ignorance.


    ¡°I identified the individual responsible for the town¡¯s massacre. Can you guess who it is?¡± Chen Yusheng yfully asked.


    Shaking his head, Liu Wuxie maintained a neutral expression. Pretending to be unaware was challenging, and he responded, ¡°Senior Chen, you can just tell me directly.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the city lord of your Azure Billow City, Qi Enshi. I didn¡¯t expect him to have massacred an entire town back then.¡±


    As for the evidence Liu Wuxie had provided, Chen Yusheng intentionally overlooked it. Despite his straightforward nature, he wasn¡¯t naive. He understood that further probing into Liu Wuxie¡¯s information source couldplicate matters, but he was content with identifying the culprit.


    ¡°And what are your ns for dealing with him?¡± Liu Wuxie asked, his primary concern being the fate of Qi Enshi. If Qi Enshi were to die, the Assassin Pavilion would undoubtedly cease their attempts on his life. After all, with the employer dead, they wouldn¡¯t be able to collect their fees even if they seeded in killing Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°I have already sent men to Azure Billow City. ording to militaryw, he is to be executed immediately. The Terrabreak Army never takes an innocent life, and that¡¯s the irondw.¡±


    Upon hearing this, Liu Wuxie breathed a sigh of relief. The death of Qi Enshi would resolve one of his problems.


    As long as the Emperor ingests it, he should be able to purge the poison from his body within a day. I¡¯ll take my leave now,¡± Liu Wuxie said, handing over two antidotes to Chen Yusheng before making his way out of the academy.


    ¡°Wuxie, please be mindful of your safety!¡± Chen Yusheng cautioned. His words carried an unspoken implication, as he could foresee the challenges that Liu Wuxie might face.


    Liu Wuxie was in high spirits as he left the pce. He touched the porcin bottle in his pocket, a smile spreading across his face. His visit to the pce had been fruitful. Not only had he gathered all the materials needed to upgrade the Heretic de, but he had also managed to refine six fifth-grade pills and a fragment of a spiritual tree.


    Despite sensing several watchful eyes in the shadows, he continued on his way, feigning ignorance. Upon reaching the Imperial Academy, he didn¡¯t return to his courtyard as Fan Zhen had instructed him to meet upon his return.


    Fan Zhen had been waiting for Liu Wuxie for the past few days, and a grey-robed old man brought Liu Wuxie into an ordinary courtyard.


    It was surprising that the headmaster lived in such a humble abode. When Liu Wuxie entered the main hall, Fan Zhen was already waiting there.


    ¡°I greet you, Headmaster!¡± With the tension between them now resolved, Liu Wuxie¡¯s demeanor towards the headmaster had significantly softened.


    ¡°Come, take a seat!¡± Fan Zhen gestured for Liu Wuxie to sit down, and he had no air around him.


    As the two sat facing each other, the grey-robed old man left, leaving the two in the main hall.


    ¡°This is the token of a Heaven Grade student. From today onwards, you are a Heaven Grade student.¡± Fan Zhen retrieved a token from his pocket and handed it to Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie had bypassed the Profound Grade entirely and was promoted directly to a Heaven Grade student. This was an unprecedented achievement, and Liu Wuxie had shattered numerous academy records in the process.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯sck of deference towards Fan Zhen was due to his own formidable strength. The area designated for Heaven Grade students was ideal for his breakthrough.


    ¡°Why did you summon me, Headmaster?¡± Liu Wuxie inquired after pocketing the token, aware that the headmaster¡¯s summons wasn¡¯t merely to present him with the token.


    ¡°You must be wondering why I¡¯ve been discreetly fostering your growth without letting anyone else in on it,¡± Fan Zhen observed, looking at Liu Wuxie. He could feel a subtle pressure emanating from the young man before him, a sensation he had never experienced before. Despite being a headmaster with a cultivation in the True Core Realm, he found himself unable to fullyprehend this young man.

 Chapter 229 - Picking Abode

    <h4>Chapter 229 - Picking Abode</h4>


    It had indeed puzzled Liu Wuxie. He couldn¡¯tprehend why Fan Zhen had to nurture him secretly when he could do it openly.


    ¡°Headmaster, please rify!¡± If it were someone else facing the headmaster, they would surely feel uneasy. But there wasn¡¯t a hint of a ripple on Liu Wuxie¡¯s face, and he was a little too calm.


    ¡°That¡¯s because we need a trump card for the Battle of the Hundred Nations, and you perfectly fit that role.¡± Fan Zhen revealed, mentioning the Battle of Hundred Nations once again.


    However, what did it have to do with Liu Wuxie? He would leave the Great Yan Dynasty in half a year at most, and the Great Yan Dynasty would have nothing to do with him then. He would have no more concerns after eradicating the Xue n.


    ¡°Battle of the Hundred Nations?¡± Liu Wuxie frowned, hoping that the headmaster could further rify it.


    ¡°How much do you know about theyout of the True Martial continent?¡± Fan Zhen asked. He wasn¡¯t sure how much Liu Wuxie knew about the continent.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know much. I¡¯m aware that the True Martial Continent is divided into five regions, and the Great Yan Dynasty is a minor nation in the mortal world¡¯s Southern Province,¡± Liu Wuxie responded. He had learned this from Mu Yueying. He knew that the Southern Province was home to ten major sects and several hundred nations simr to the Great Yan Dynasty.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. The Great Yan Dynasty is small, and we can¡¯t even bepared to an intermediate nation.¡± Fan Zhen smiled bitterly. There was much information that Mu Yueying hadn¡¯t mentioned.


    ¡°What does this have to do with the Battle of the Hundred Nations?¡± Liu Wuxie asked, unable to understand and uninterested in the conflicts of the mortal world. His only desire was to head to the cultivation world quickly.


    ¡°The Battle of Hundred Nations is conducted once every decade. Its purpose is to preventrge-scale wars and alleviate the suffering of civilians. Each nation sends their elite warriors to the battlefield topete, thereby determining the rankings of the various nations. Nations with higher rankings gain more territory. However, the Great Yan Dynasty has lost several cities over the past century,¡± Fan Zhen exined. So, it turns out that the Battle of the Hundred Nations was designed to resolve territorial disputes.


    ¡°So, you¡¯re nurturing me because you want me to participate?¡± Liu Wuxie finally understood why Fan Zhen wanted to nurture him.


    ¡°There are strict rules about the Battle of the Hundred Nations. Those participating can not be over twenty-five, and there aren¡¯t many geniuses under twenty-five in the Great Yan Dynasty. Coincidentally, the Battle of the Hundred Nations is being held this year, and your appearance gave me hope,¡± Fan Zhen exined. This was because the Great Yan Dynasty couldn¡¯t afford to lose again.


    Since Liu Wuxie was a citizen of the Great Yan Dynasty, it was proper for him to contribute.


    ¡°Why is there an age limit?¡± Liu Wuxie asked, appreciating the purpose of the Battle of Hundred Nations as it could prevent wars due to territorial disputes. This seemed like an excellent solution for the distribution of territories.


    ¡°The Battle of Hundred Nations isn¡¯t as simple as it seems. The ten major sects will send their envoys to recruit talented disciples,¡± Fan Zhen exined, a hint of longing in his voice when he mentioned the cultivation world. One couldn¡¯t enter the cultivation world without reaching the True Core Realm.


    He might¡¯ve reached the True Core Realm but was a mere ant in the cultivation world.


    If anyone could enter the ten major sects, it would be akin to soaring to the sky. Those sects were considered sacred grounds, and ordinary people couldn''t enter. One could only join through the guidance of envoys.


    The Battle of Hundred Nations was an excellent opportunity to leap in status. Geniuses would do their best to perform well in it, hoping to be epted by the ten major ns.


    Liu Wuxie fell silent. He might¡¯ve nned to leave the Great Yan Dynasty in half a year but still had no clue where to go. The cultivation world was elusive, and he couldn¡¯t possibly search aimlessly for it.


    Relying on Mu Yueying, his talent was enough for him to join the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, but he didn¡¯t want to owe Mu Yueying another favor. He knew that joining a sect was the best choice if he wanted to return to the Celestial Realm quickly.


    Indeed, there were several benefits to this approach. It would provide a means to gather resources, allow for interaction with a broader range of individuals, and only the cultivation world had the ability tomunicate with the Immortal Realm. Given these factors, it was only a matter of time before he ventured into the cultivation world.


    ¡°When will it begin?¡± Liu Wuxie inquired, his eyes gleaming with resolve.


    ¡°Two months from now!¡± Fan Zhen said with a hint of joy in his eyes.


    ¡°If there¡¯s nothing else, I¡¯ll take my leave now!¡± Liu Wuxie stood up and respectfully bowed to Fan Zhen. Upon returning to his courtyard, he was immediately greeted by Li Shengsheng and the others. Word of Liu Wuxie¡¯s promotion to a Heaven Grade student had already spread throughout the academy.


    ¡°From this day forward, we must refer to you as Senior Brother. It¡¯s astonishing that you¡¯ve ascended to such heights in just four months,¡± Zhao Cheng and the others expressed their awe. They were always taken aback whenever they encountered Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°These are some pills, and I hope you all can be a Profound Grade student soon.¡± Liu Wuxie took out some pills. These pills weren¡¯t of much use to him now. But since they were fellow ssmates, he would help if he could.


    As everyone reluctantly bid him farewell, Liu Wuxie headed to the region meant for Heaven Grade students.


    There were just over a thousand Heaven Grade students, and their surroundings were naturally superior to those of the Earth Grade students.


    After about an hour¡¯s walk, Liu Wuxie arrived at a vast canyon filled with towering ancient trees and a central arena. This area, equipped with various facilities, resembled a miniature cultivation world.


    The cliff was dotted with caves, serving as residences for the Heaven Grade students.


    Anyone who entered this region was required to register. The elder who received Liu Wuxie merely nced at him. It wasn¡¯t surprising for someone of Liu Wuxie¡¯s age to be a Heaven Grade student. However, the elder was curious about what Liu Wuxie had aplished in the past few months.


    ¡°Choose a cave for yourself!¡± The elder instructed, presenting a map marked with various symbols.


    ¡°What do these symbols represent?¡± Liu Wuxie inquired, referring to the markings on the map.


    ¡°These symbols indicate which caves are already upied. Only this region has some vacant caves,¡± the elder exined casually, pointing to the bottom right of the map.


    It was hard for spiritual energy to gather in this region, and an abode like this couldn¡¯t even bepared to the Profound Grade region.


    This naturally made Liu Wuxie displeased. He didn¡¯t care about the grade, but he cared about the cultivation environment.


    Upon ncing at the top of the map, he noticed a region at the top left with two unupied residences. Between these two caves was another cave, presumably the best region of the Heaven Grade region. Strangely enough, the caves on either side were vacant. While these two caves might not be as good as the middle one, they were certainly better than the others.


    ¡°I chose this cave!¡± Liu Wuxie pointed at one of the empty caves.


    ¡°I advise you to give up on this cave,¡± the elder said with a hint of fury. He reminded Liu Wuxie that he was new to the Heaven Grade region.


    ¡°Give me a reason!¡± Liu Wuxie wore a yful smile. Could it be that someone had upied the two caves?


    ¡°Mo Chong doesn¡¯t appreciate any disturbances during his cultivation,¡± the elder warned. The mere mention of Mo Chong¡¯s name was enough to instill fear in many, as he was the top-ranked among the core disciples. Rumors were circting that he was on the verge of reaching the True Core Realm, which would position him to seed Fan Zhen.


    Liu Wuxie finally knew why the two caves were unupied. It wasn¡¯t because no one picked them, but they didn¡¯t dare to offend Mo Chong. Then again, it was overbearing for Mo Chong to upy three caves by himself.


    ¡°Thanks for the reminder, but I¡¯ll take this one. Give me the key to it.¡± Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t be bothered about that, as he needed an excellent cave to make a breakthrough in the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    The Five-Layered Golden Pagoda was suitable, but no one went there after bing a Heaven Grade student. This was because this environment was even better than the Five-Layered Golden Pagoda.


    ¡°Are you sure about that?¡± The elder was unhappy, but he had no authority to interfere in Liu Wuxie¡¯s choice. Over the years, many people had made the same choice as Liu Wuxie, but they ended up either dead or crippled.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure,¡± Liu Wuxie replied decisively.


    ¡°I hope that you can survive when Mo Chong returns.¡± The elder took out the key to the cave and handed it to Liu Wuxie. Judging from his words, Mo Chong wasn¡¯t in the academy at that moment.


    After receiving the key, Liu Wuxie left the registration area and headed towards his new dwelling. As he passed through the arena, he asionally encountered Heaven Grade students who were either whispering among themselves or engrossed in their cultivation. Upon seeing him, they paused their activities and turned their attention towards him.


    ¡°It¡¯s him?¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s appearance was engraved in everyone¡¯s mind. After all, most of the Heaven Grade students had witnessed Liu Wuxie¡¯s death match with Qin Shi, so they naturally recognized him.


    ¡°He¡¯s only lucky to have killed the Vice-Headmaster and been promoted to a Heaven Grade student. His cultivation doesn¡¯t even warrant his status.¡± Mockery echoed from the surroundings as no one believed that Liu Wuxie could have killed Qin Shi with his own abilities. They attributed everything to his luck.


    This was the first time someone in the Spirit Cleansing Realm had be a Heaven Grade student.


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t stop and continued walking. He paid no heed to the surrounding mockery, considering these people beneath him. He followed the path and headed to the southern region, which caused the expressions of six Heaven Grade students in the woods to change.


    ¡°What is he doing? There are no empty abodes in the southern region aside from those two. Did he pick one of them?¡± an exmation broke out in the crowd as it had been two years since someone picked one of those abodes.


    ¡°He must be insane. That¡¯s Senior Brother Mo¡¯s territory. Is he tired of living?¡± The six students grew increasingly agitated. In their eyes, Mo Chong was already on par with the headmaster. Even though he wasn¡¯t the headmaster yet, it was practically certain he would be in the future.


    Thus, trying to curry favor and form a good rtionship with Mo Cheng beforehand was not disadvantageous.


    ¡°We have to stop him! We can¡¯t let him go in!¡± The six quickened their footsteps, nning to stop Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie increased speed and appeared before the abode in less than fifteen minutes. Before the entrance, there was a vast tform spanning over fifty meters, providing ample space for cultivation or other activities.


    It was as expected of the Heaven Grade region. The environment was a few hundred times better than the Earth Grade region, and the density of spiritual energy here was on a whole new level.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, how dare you pick this abode! Don¡¯t you know that no one is allowed near a hundred meters of Senior Brother Mo¡¯s abode?!¡± The six men chased over, and the man in the middle yelled.


    His cultivation was at the fourth level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm, but he was palepared to core disciple.

 Chapter 230 - Second-Level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm

    <h4>Chapter 230 - Second-Level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm</h4>


    The six students converged on the tform, encircling Liu Wuxie in an attempt to prevent him from iming the dwelling.


    ¡°This is my territory, and the academy won¡¯t intervene even if I cripple all six of you for trespassing,¡± Liu Wuxie dered, his fearlessness growing upon realizing that Fan Zhen was nurturing him. What did it matter if he took down all six of them?


    Since Liu Wuxie had chosen this dwelling, anyone wishing to approach would need his permission. These six students had intruded on his territory without his consent. ording to the rules, he was within his rights to cripple them and cast them out.


    ¡°Senior Brother Wang, why waste time with him? We should just cripple him!¡± the other students instigated their leader, who had yelled at Liu Wuxie earlier. This was because Wang Quansheng had the strongest cultivation among the six.


    The other five were only in the low levels of the Marrow Cleansing Realm, and they didn¡¯t dare to make a move against Liu Wuxie.


    They were still unaware of Liu Wuxie killing Shao Dongli. In their eyes, Liu Wuxie could only deal with those in the third level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm at best.


    Pressured by everyone to intervene, Wang Quansheng felt the need to assert himself. He advanced and addressed Liu Wuxie, ¡°Don¡¯t im that I didn¡¯t offer you an opportunity. If you kneel and express regret now, I might intercede for you when Senior Brother Moes back. If not, you¡¯re well aware of the fallout.¡± A wicked grin spread across Wang Quansheng¡¯s face as he hoped to see Liu Wuxie bow in submission.


    Thepetition among Heaven Grade students was even more brutal than that of Earth Grade students.


    ¡°I¡¯m unaware of the consequences you¡¯re referring to, but I¡¯m well aware of yours. All six of you will be incapacitated by me and expelled from the mountain,¡± Liu Wuxie retorted, his eyes gleaming with a deadly determination. He knew he had to set a precedent to deter future harassment from other students. Therefore, making an example out of these individuals was his best course of action.


    The disturbance caught the attention of the other students, who turned their heads to see what was happening.


    ¡°Look, someone picked one of those two abodes.¡± The students were still far away and couldn¡¯t recognize Liu Wuxie from so far away.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, don¡¯t think you can do whatever you want just because you killed the vice-headmaster. You only got lucky!¡±


    The consensus among everyone was that Liu Wuxie¡¯s victory over Qin Shi was due to a fortunate turn of events. Had it not been for the thunder, Liu Wuxie would have met his end.


    ¡°Enough with the nonsense!¡± Liu Wuxie had no patience for their chatter and disappeared in an instant. His speed was such that no one could track his movements. In a blink, he was in front of Wang Quansheng, hoisting him off the ground by his neck. This sudden action caused a stir among the onlookers.


    The reason for their shock was Liu Wuxie¡¯s incredible speed. Before they couldprehend what was happening, Liu Wuxie had already subdued Wang Quansheng.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, let Senior Brother Wang go, or don¡¯t me us for being impolite!¡± The other five students took out their weapons and surrounded Liu Wuxie, prepared to attack at any moment. This was the first time Heaven Grade students ganged up on someone.


    ¡°Garbage!¡± Liu Wuxie said coldly and kicked Wang Quansheng¡¯s lower abdomen, shattering his dantian.


    Wang Quansheng spat out a mouthful of blood as his body went limp. Liu Wuxie then gave him another kick, sending him tumbling down the mountain.


    The ten-odd students rushing over immediately stopped, not daring to take another step forward. They were only slightly stronger than Wang Quansheng, but even Wang Quansheng wasn¡¯t Liu Wuxie¡¯s opponent, and they wouldn¡¯t make much difference.


    ¡°Are you all going to cripple your cultivation, or do you need my help?¡± Liu Wuxie dusted his hands and looked at the five remaining students without a hint of emotion in his eyes.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, we¡¯ll act on behalf of heaven today!¡± Despite what the five students said, they gritted their teeth and attacked Liu Wuxie together, wanting to find an opportunity to escape through offense. They quickly grasped the opportunity and turned around, running down the mountain.


    ¡°You all think you can escape?¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s voice was like the voice of a demon, causing the five students to tremble and increase their speed.


    Liu Wuxie drew the Heretic de, unleashing a five-de aura that shot at the lower abdomens of the five students. Blood gushed out from their abdomen from the cut as their true essence started gushing out from their bodies. It merely took ten-odd breaths before these five students were crippled.


    Everything happened in the blink of an eye. After crippling the six students, Liu Wuxie swept his gaze at the ten-odd students at the waist of the mountain. None of them dared to look Liu Wuxie directly in the eyes and fled without even caring for Wang Quansheng¡¯s group.


    After the trouble was resolved, Liu Wuxie opened the gate to the cave and noticed that the interior was more spacious than he had imagined. He entered the cave, and the stone gate slowly closed.


    The walls were decorated with precious luminous pearls that illuminated the entire cave. He walked for roughly a minute and arrived before a massive hall. The interior was luxurious, and this ce was equipped with everything. It was roughly a few hundred square meters.


    The bedroom was on the left, which was convenient for him to rest in. On the right was the cultivating chamber, and the density of spiritual energy inside was more concentrated than that of the Five-Layered Golden Pagoda. Further inside were the alchemy chamber, forging chamber, and many other facilities. This cave wasn¡¯t just luxurious, but it also had everything he needed.


    <i>It¡¯s no surprise that everyone aspires to be a Heaven Grade student. The resources they have ess to are unparalleled</i>, Liu Wuxie mused.


    Earth Grade and Profound Grade students had to do their best to earn credits to use the cultivating chamber, but it was different for Heaven Grade students because it was included in their abode.


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t waste time resting and entered the cultivating chamber. When he went into meditation, a terrifying amount of spiritual energy poured into the chamber, condensing into liquid and entering his body.


    ¡°It feels great!¡± Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t in a hurry to make a breakthrough. He needed time to adjust his condition. He wanted to stabilize his cultivation in the pinnacle of the Spirit Cleansing Realm before making a breakthrough.


    It didn¡¯t take long before the news of Liu Wuxie crippling Wang Quansheng¡¯s group of six spread throughout the Heaven Grade region. Some people were furious, but some were also unbothered by it. Most people wore a gloating expression because Mo Cheng would soon return to the academy, and there would be a show to watch.


    Unbeknownst to Liu Wuxie, two days had psed, and his condition had peaked. He had hit a teau in his cultivation, reaching a bottleneck.


    ¡°It¡¯s time for a breakthrough!¡± With the six fifth-grade pills in hand, Liu Wuxie intended to use them to unlock the gate to the Marrow Cleansing Realm. However, the sess of the breakthrough ultimately depended on him.


    Swallowing the first pill felt like a warm stream flowing throughout his body. He could sense each cell devouring the energy, and the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron also poured thousands of mysterious liquid droplets into his dantian.


    The mysterious liquid turned into a mighty wave coursing through his body. The first pillsted an hour, and his cultivation rose a little. Even so, he couldn¡¯t pry open the gate to the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    Swallowing the second fifth-grade pill, it turned into thousands of mysterious liquid droplets like the first, causing a rumble in the world in his dantian. This was a sign that he was going to make a breakthrough.


    Taking this opportunity, Liu Wuxie swallowed the remaining four pills. The pills were converted into over ten thousand mysterious liquid droplets that formed into spiritual rain in his dantian.


    It felt as though a mysterious gate had opened up in his body. It started from his soles, which felt like a shackle had been opened with boundless spiritual energy pouring into his dantian.


    The Marrow Cleansing Realm was the process of washing the marrow. As more acupoints opened up, Liu Wuxie¡¯s cultivation began to rise along with his strength. For ordinary people, unlocking ten acupoints was already the limit when making a breakthrough into the Marrow Cleansing Realm. Talented geniuses could unlock fifty acupoints, and monstrous geniuses could unlock a hundred.


    While Liu Wuxie was still in the Spirit Cleansing Realm, he had already unlocked more than ten acupoints. So, when he progressed into the Marrow Cleansing Realm, his acupoints emitted cracking sounds, each forming a miniature vortex, absorbing the true essence in his meridians.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s strength began to increase, especially his physique, which was transforming. Even the acupoints in his brain were unlocked, instantly clearing up his mind. It felt as though he had suddenly entered a whole new world.


    When the acupoint on his temple was unlocked, he felt connected to heaven and earth. A surge of mysterious energy descended and poured into his body.


    A strange phenomenon appeared above Liu Wuxie¡¯s abode, with clouds gathering and taking on various shapes: a de, a sword, a dragon, an elephant, a tiger, and many other forms.


    This phenomenon naturally rmed many people, but Liu Wuxie was immersed in his cultivation. He didn¡¯t know what was happening in the outside world because it felt like his soul was wandering in space with meteorites streaking before him.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s true essence had soared to the sky with all three hundred and sixty-five acupoints unlocked, including the hidden acupoints. This was unprecedented because no one had unlocked so many acupoints in the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    This was because everyone would slowly unlock more acupoints as their cultivation advanced. But Liu Wuxie unlocked all his acupoints in the first level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm. This meant that his true essence wasn¡¯t weaker than those in the pinnacle of the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    This signified that he was unmatched upon reaching the Marrow Cleansing Realm, except for those in the True Core Realm. If he were to confront Qin Shi again now, the battle would inevitably conclude in one way: Qin Shi¡¯s demise.


    As Liu Wuxie¡¯s divine sense returned, it formed a powerful shockwave that swept out into the cave. But that wasn¡¯t the end because Liu Wuxie¡¯s umtion was too terrifying. Not to mention that he had absorbed a fragment of a spiritual tree. The energy was umted in the world in his dantian, and it hadn¡¯t been refined yet.


    Upon reaching the Marrow Cleansing Realm, Liu Wuxie¡¯s refining speed increased. His cultivation continued to increase as he consumed energy through his acupoints, the cauldron, and the mysterious tree.


    In an instant, Liu Wuxie had consumed all the spiritual energy within a radius of tens of thousands of meters.


    The other Heaven Grade students, who were in the midst of their cultivation, noticed the disappearance of spiritual energy. They emerged from their abodes, looking towards the direction where the spiritual energy had vanished.


    ¡°Has Senior Brother Mo returned?¡± There was a formidable amount of spiritual energy near Mo Cheng¡¯s abode, and many were still unaware that the abode to the right of Mo Cheng¡¯s had been imed.


    ¡°Senior Brother Mo hasn¡¯t returned. It¡¯s someone else cultivating. I didn¡¯t expect him to cause such a terrifying scene.¡± The news of Liu Wuxie being promoted to Heaven Grade student soon spread, and no one had expected him to be neighbors with Mo Cheng.


    As Liu Wuxie continued to devour spiritual energy, his cultivation rose. Over ten thousand mysterious liquid droplets poured out from the cauldron into his dantian again, bringing Liu Wuxie¡¯s cultivation to the second level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm.

 Chapter 231 - Upgraded Cultivation Technique

    <h4>Chapter 231 - Upgraded Cultivation Technique</h4>


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s cultivation ascent gradually decelerated, eventually halting at the pinnacle of the second level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    His dantian was filled with boundless true essence, brewing like a storm with lightning shing, mes gushing out, and the towering mysterious tree covering the sky, depicting aplete world!


    Liu Wuxie was still in seclusion, stabilizing his cultivation to umte more foundation. This breakthrough had exhausted all of his umtion, which meant his future breakthroughs would be more difficult.


    The ck words hovering in his mind began to split, startling Liu Wuxie. Shocked, He eximed, ¡°The Deste Devouring Art is upgraded!¡±


    When Liu Wuxie reached the Marrow Cleansing Realm, the words representing the Deste Devouring Art began to split, and new words began to appear, bing more profound.


    ¡°What a profound cultivation technique. Could it really have been created by someone?¡± Liu Wuxie questioned whether anyone could devise such a profound cultivation technique. It was on an entirely different levelpared to the Primal Heavenly Dao Art.


    ¡°Heaven picks saints and devours everything for one¡¯s benefit to reach supremacy!¡± Each word sounded like celestial music in Liu Wuxie¡¯s ears, making his heart tremble.


    Liu Wuxie followed the guidance of the cultivation technique and circted the Deste Devouring Art.


    In the next second, a powerful suction force devoured all the spiritual energy in the chamber, and the surrounding spiritual energy began to disappear. But that wasn¡¯t all. There was also a change in the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron. Like the Deste Devouring Art, the cauldron began to transform as well.


    The cauldron had transformed from an ordinary one into a purgatory cauldron, with demonic mes erupting from it. The spiritual energy absorbed by Liu Wuxie was refined by the cauldron, purifying the liquid even further.


    The liquid was no longer just spiritual liquid. After absorbing a significant amount of spiritual energy, Liu Wuxie could condense over ten thousand droplets of liquid. However, after being tempered by the demonic mes, the quantity of liquid was reduced to a mere ten-odd droplets.


    Despite this reduction, the density of these droplets was several hundred times greater than before, leaving Liu Wuxie, who was an Immortal Emperor in his past life, baffled. The Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron and Deste Devouring Art were beyond hisprehension.


    ck words also appeared on the surface of the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron, looking like demonic runes letting out terrifying soundwaves striking Liu Wuxie¡¯s heart.


    As all the spiritual energy in the cave was exhausted, Liu Wuxie could only draw spiritual energy from the surroundings. As all the spiritual energy gathered above Liu Wuxie¡¯s cave, the range soon spread to tens of thousands of meters.


    This naturally rmed the entire Heaven Grade region and the academy. Many students came out and looked at the sky, where spiritual energy was gathering in a single direction.


    ¡°Could someone be attempting to break into the True Core Realm?¡± A star teacher emerged from his ss, disbelief evident in his eyes. Only a breakthrough to the True Core Realm would necessitate such a vast amount of spiritual energy, as ordinary individuals making a breakthrough to the Marrow Cleansing Realm wouldn¡¯t cause such a formidable phenomenon.


    Following the upgrade of the Deste Devouring Art, its cirction speed amplified significantly, with Liu Wuxie consuming the surrounding spiritual energy at an rming rate with each breath.


    The Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron underwent a transformation as well. Its form altered from a square to an oval.


    When Liu Wuxie extended his divine sense towards the cauldron, it was nearly scorched by the outburst of demonic mes.


    ¡°How terrifying!¡± The cauldron resembled a bottomless abyss, and Liu Wuxie was unable to see its depths. It gave the impression that the interior of the cauldron was an entirely separate universe.


    This further verified his spection that the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron didn¡¯t belong to the Celestial Realm but a higher realm.


    As the cauldron devoured a substantial amount of spiritual energy, it condensed into ten-odd droplets of liquids. Liu Wuxie was curious about the changes after upgrading the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron and Deste Devouring Art.


    When twenty-odd liquid droplets poured out from the cauldron, Liu Wuxie began to tremble. It felt as though his muscles were being torn apart as the droplets rampaged within his body.


    Intense pain spread throughout Liu Wuxie¡¯s body, prompting him to take a deep breath. He couldn¡¯t improve his current cultivation but could use the spiritual liquid droplets to transform his physique.


    The intense pain was like des coursing through his meridians and bones, cleansing his body of impurities. These impurities were residues from the pills he had consumed over the past few months.


    As the adage went, pills contain toxins, a fact that Liu Wuxie was well aware of. While pills could expedite his cultivation progress, the residues would umte and corrode his body if he ingested too many.


    The Deste Devouring Art could disregard the impurities in his body, forcing them out of his body in the form of ck sludge oozing out of his pores. The spiritual liquid droplets weren¡¯t just transforming his physique but also strengthening his meridians. His meridians became as resilient as dragon tendons, impervious to ordinary weapons.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s internal organs also felt as if they were being sliced by knives, particrly his heart, which throbbed intensely.


    The world within his dantian also underwent a significant transformation. Previously blurred and seemingly shrouded in mist, it became clearer when the mysterious tree grew taller after refining the fragment of the spiritual tree. The roots burrowed deep into the world, firmly anchoring the entire world. This meant that no one could shatter his dantian, let alone cripple his cultivation.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s golden soul sea also transformed. After consuming the Soul Refining Pill, it expanded several times. The stronger the soul, the higher the future achievement. The golden threads increased and looked like golden dragons roaring in his soul sea.


    The three hundred and sixty-five acupoints were like independent worlds with vast true essence umted in them. This allowed him to release his true essence from the acupoint on his soul to levitate without the need to manifest a pair of wings with true essence.


    Unbeknownst to Liu Wuxie, he had been in seclusion for eight days. This was his longest seclusion yet, and his cultivation underwent a dramatic transformation.


    Upon opening his eyes, Liu Wuxie was met with a violent gust of wind in the cultivation chamber. The mighty gale caused the surrounding walls to creak under the intense pressure.


    ¡°It stinks!¡± Liu Wuxie eximed. He had finally stepped into the Marrow Cleansing Realm, a stage of cultivation that involved purifying the marrow.


    Liu Wuxie proceeded to clean himself in the washroom, noticing that his skin had be fairer than before. His skin was as soft and pure as that of a newborn baby, even surpassing the fairness of many women.


    While his facial structure remained unchanged, his features had be more defined, and his eyes sparkled like two precious gems.


    In the past eight days, everyone in the academy was specting who was making a breakthrough that depleted the surrounding spiritual energy. As a result of this incident, many people couldn¡¯t cultivate.


    Naturally, this led to resentment towards Liu Wuxie. Many individuals in the Heaven Grade region even nned to teach Liu Wuxie a lesson once he emerged from seclusion. After all, several Heaven Grade students had failed to make a breakthrough at a critical moment due to the sudden disappearance of spiritual energy, leading to their fury.


    However, Liu Wuxie did not leave the cave even after making his breakthrough. With only two months left until the Battle of the Hundred Nations, he needed to focus on his cultivation.


    The Great Yan Dynasty couldn¡¯t evenpare to an intermediate nation. This implied that the higher nations were even stronger. It wouldn¡¯t be surprising to encounter geniuses in the True Core Realm during the Battle of the Hundred Nations.


    He might¡¯ve reached the Marrow Cleansing Realm, but facing experts in the True Core Realm would be challenging. Only those in the True Core Realm could be considered true cultivators.


    The Houtian Realm nurtured the physique, the Xiantian Realm strengthened it, the Spirit Cleansing Realm tempered it, and the Marrow Cleansing Realm washed the marrow. Everything was toy down a good foundation.


    But after reaching the True Core Realm, the physique and cultivation would undergo tremendous transformationpared to the four previous realms. This was because one could practice divine arts after reaching the True Core Realm.


    An example of divine art was manipting something ten meters away to fly toward him. In a nutshell, it was telekinesis. Then again, that was the most basic form of divine art. Upon reaching a high level, one could even manipte a sword to kill enemies from a hundred miles away.


    The Marrow Cleansing Realm still required closebat, while someone in the True Core Realm could kill you from ten meters away. How can the two bepared when the two weren¡¯t on the same level, regardless of cultivation or strength? It wasn¡¯t something that could beplemented with true essence.


    Liu Wuxie still had a considerable journey ahead. The Xue n had an ancestor in the True Core Realm, making the eradication of the Xue n a daunting task. While it may seem impossible to others, remember that there was ack of optimism when he confronted Qin Shi as well.


    Then again, plot and schemes were also part of strength, and Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t necessarily have to rely on brute strength to kill someone in the True Core Realm.


    ¡°Now that I¡¯ve reached the Marrow Cleansing Realm, I can employ some of the methods of an immortal!¡± This was Liu Wuxie¡¯s most significant advantage. Although he might not be able to practice martial techniques that belonged to an immortal at that point, he could utilize certain powers that were characteristic of an immortal, such as immortal runes.


    He had engraved an immortal rune during his fight with Blood Bat, which had caused him to lose consciousness and nearly die. The immortal runes were his greatest trump card, but he didn¡¯t dare to try again recklessly because the aftermath was still fresh in his mind. He was lucky to obtain an Azure Soul Grass, or the consequences might have been unimaginable.


    As Liu Wuxie¡¯s fingers swiped across the air, a strange mark appeared before him, and it was an irregr immortal rune. When the rune was drawn, an intense rumble came from the surroundings, and the cave showed signs of copsing.


    The soul energy in Liu Wuxie¡¯s soul sea was rapidly depleting. Before the immortal rune could be fully inscribed, only one-third of his soul energy remained. When a sudden bacsh surged from his chest, Liu Wuxie hastily ceased the inscription of the immortal rune.


    Liu Wuxie was shocked and eximed, ¡°What¡¯s going on? Why did inscribing the immortal rune cause a bacsh?¡±


    He was puzzled because he couldn¡¯t inscribe the immortal rune. However, after a brief contemtion, Liu Wuxie finally grasped the reason. He murmured, ¡°I see now! Immortal runes are forbidden in the mortal world to prevent its destruction.¡±


    Immortal runes could only exist in the Celestial Realm because thews of the Mortal Realm couldn¡¯t withstand the power of immortal runes. Liu Wuxie had only attempted to draw a small part, and the cave was already on the brink of copsing. If he were to inscribe the entire rune, the Heaven Grade region might be destroyed.


    Liu Wuxie dared not attempt recklessly because the bacsh from heaven and earth was terrifying and could destroy his foundation.


    ¡°Since I can¡¯t inscribe the entire immortal rune, I can inscribe an iplete one.¡± This wasn¡¯t a problem because the immortal rune that Liu Wuxie had inscribed in his fight with Blood Bat was iplete, and its power was immense.


    It was still unclear whether he could use it to kill someone in the True Core Realm because it would require actualbat.

 Chapter 232 - Divine Dragon

    <h4>Chapter 232 - Divine Dragon</h4>


    Half a monthter, Liu Wuxie came out from the cultivation chamber. His cultivation had stabilized at the pinnacle of the second level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm. He had also made significant progress in the Overlord Fist and Fatality de Art.


    He was just about able to execute the second form of the Fatality de Art, and he had already achieved lesser mastery in the first form.


    Standing on the tform, Liu Wuxie unsheathed the Heretic de, which emitted a bone-chilling gleam.


    ¡°What an excellent de!¡± In thest seven days, Liu Wuxie had reforged the Heretic de, upgrading it to a vajra artifact. The de released a powerful de aura that left behind marks on the surrounding walls.


    Merely standing there, Liu Wuxie resembled a peerless de. However, he didn¡¯t swing the de down but pointed it towards the sky. It was as if he had merged with the de.


    In the end, Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t swing his de down because a group of people had gathered at the foot of the mountain.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, you¡¯re finally out! Because of you, I failed to break into the seventh level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm! Today will be the day of your demise!¡± A group of about twenty Heaven Grade students charged towards Liu Wuxie, led by an individual radiating a terrifying murderous intent.


    Seeing this caused Liu Wuxie to frown, a chill shing in his eyes. Someone hade to cause trouble for him less than ten minutes after he had emerged from his seclusion.


    ¡°Is there a feud between us?¡± Liu Wuxie was sure he had no enmity with these twenty-odd people.


    ¡°You stole the spiritual energy belonging to us. If I don¡¯t kill you today, I won¡¯t be able to resolve the hatred in my heart!¡± The man who spoke was called Yang Shuotian. He was promoted to Heaven Gradest year and was already twenty-five this year. His aptitude wasn¡¯t bad, and he hoped to reach the pinnacle of the Marrow Cleansing Realm before the age of forty.


    After training outside for a month, he had finally reached the seventh level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm¡¯s threshold. However, midway through his breakthrough, the sudden disappearance of spiritual energy led to his failure. Thus, it was no wonder he harbored so much resentment towards Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°What a joke. Spiritual energy belongs to no one, and you can take it if you want,¡± Liu Wuxie sneered. Spiritual energy belonged to nature and not any individual, and how much one could absorb depended on one''s ability.


    ¡°Hmph. The Heaven Grade¡¯s first region had been peaceful until you came. You first crippled Wang Quansheng¡¯s group and plundered our spiritual energy. You¡¯re the tumor of the Imperial Academy, and we will eradicate you today!¡± The other students used Liu Wuxie.


    Yang Shuotian wore a sinister smile at this sight.


    ¡°Did you all receive a lot of favors from Qin Shi in the past?¡± Liu Wuxie asked with a smile. Fan Zhen¡¯s words had reminded him that Qin Shi had nurtured many loyalists in the academy over the years, and these people would surely seek to avenge him.


    These people had arrived just as he had finished his seclusion, using the excuse of him plundering their spiritual energy.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, stop your nonsense and prepare to die!¡± Qin Shi had betrayed the Imperial Academy, and no one wanted to admit that they had received favors from him. Otherwise, they might be treated as traitors as well.


    Yang Shuotian drew his sword and attacked, unleashing his aura in the sixth level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm that released a shockwave. He was worthy of being a Heaven Grade student because his control over the true essence was stronger than other cultivators in the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    ¡°Come at me together, and don¡¯t waste my time.¡± A light shield manifested around Liu Wuxie, stopping these twenty-odd people from approaching. He drew the Heretic de, which excitedly buzzed as it needed a battle.


    ¡°Such audacity! If he¡¯s seeking death, we¡¯ll grant his wish!¡± All these individuals had received favors from Qin Shi in the past, and they had long harbored intentions to kill Liu Wuxie. However, they hadn¡¯t found an opportunity until now.


    Among the twenty-four, the weakest were at the fourth level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm, and Yang Shuotian was the strongest. As all twenty-plus individuals joined forces, theirbined aura created a powerful wave that caused the entire tform to tremble and cracks to form.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s true essence manifested in various shapes around him. There was a vast difference in their true essence, and Liu Wuxie looked at the twenty-odd students coldly. ¡°Let me show you all what true essence manifestation is!¡±


    Unimaginable true essence gushed from three hundred and sixty-five acupoints that rumbled like thunder in everyone¡¯s ears. A golden dragon suddenly appeared in the sky, looking vivid.


    When a mighty dragon¡¯s aura came crashing down, the twenty-four students fell onto their knees. Divine dragons were the most noble and mysterious race in the world.


    Many legends in the True Martial Continent involved divine dragons, but no one had ever seen a dragon before. Even the best painter couldn¡¯t capture even one-tenth of the divine dragon¡¯s spirit.


    However, it was different for Liu Wuxie because he had seen divine dragons before and had a good rtionship with them. When his true essence manifested into a divine dragon, the sky changed as the dragon breathed out a me that enveloped the entire tform.


    This scene could be seen from a hundred miles away. Whether students were from Earth or Profound Grades, they ran out of their sses to witness the breathtaking scene of the almighty divine dragon.


    The dragon was over a hundred feet long, filling the entire sky. Its golden scales looked vivid and were moving individually.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on? Why is there a divine dragon?!¡±


    Yang Shaotian and others could manifest their true essence but couldn¡¯t mimic the spirit of whatever they mimicked.


    As the divine dragon let out a roar in the sky, countless houses began to crumble, with shockwaves spreading out in the form of ripples.


    ¡°Quick, kneel! We can¡¯t show any disrespect to the divine dragon¡¯s will!¡± Many students went down on their knees, fearing that they mightmit sphemy and offend the dragon.


    Those with weak wills were terrified to the point of wetting their pants and lying on the ground trembling. Even those with stronger wills had their legs shaking under the divine dragon¡¯s presence.


    As for Yang Shaotian and his group, they were so scared that they lost control of their bowels. They discarded their weapons, having lost their will to resist.


    Fan Zhen came out of his courtyard and smiled at the divine dragon.


    ¡°It looks like I have underestimated you!¡± Once Fan Zhen finished his statement, he no longer concerned himself with the matter. He wouldn¡¯t interfere with anything Liu Wuxie did unless it got out of hand.


    ¡°Do you think it¡¯s Senior Brother Liu who caused this?¡± The students from Advanced ss Seven returned to their ss and began to discuss excitedly among themselves.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need to guess. It has to be Senior Brother Liu!¡± Song Ling said confidently because he had already regarded Liu Wuxie as a god over the past few months.


    Everyone in the academy was discussing this matter. It was a pity that no one knew who had caused the appearance of the divine dragon, as it hadsted for only three breaths before disappearing.


    With a swift swing of the Heretic de, Liu Wuxie severed the heads of the twenty-odd students, instantly killing them. It wasn¡¯t long before all that remained were their skinless corpses, with demonic mes flickering over them.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s expression remained unchanged. This was just the beginning because the Xue n, Cloud Xing Pavilion, and Prince Yongxian¡¯s faction were next.


    The news of him ending his seclusion spread like wildfire the next day. The appearance of the divine dragon soon became a hot topic in the Imperial Academy.


    The subsequent two days were peaceful, with no one disturbing him. Liu Wuxie spent each day cultivating and practicing the inscription of immortal runes.


    ¡°Senior Brother Liu, are you there?¡± a voice sounded outside the cave.


    When Liu Wuxie emerged from his abode, he was greeted by a familiar youth. He asked, ¡°Senior Brother Gong, is there something you need?¡±


    The young man was Ao Gong, who had previously delivered the punishment to him. He was also Fan Zhen¡¯s confidante.


    ¡°Prince Ruyang told me to give this to you.¡± Ao Gong said with a hint of reverence in his eyes. In just half a year, Liu Wuxie had surpassed everyone else.


    ¡°Thank you, Senior Brother Liu!¡± Liu Wuxie pulled out a pill and ced it in Ao Gong¡¯s hand. After all, establishing a good rtionship with him was beneficial. Given that Ao Gong was Fan Zhen¡¯s confidant, Liu Wuxie might need to seek his help in the future.


    ¡°Thank you, Junior Brother Liu!¡± Ao Gong epted the pill happily. He was only in the Spirit Cleansing Realm, and this pill was essential to him.


    After seeing Ao Gong off, Liu Wuxie returned to his abode and opened the letter sent by Chen Yusheng.


    ¡°Wuxie, my royal brother has prepared a banquet to thank you three days from now, and you have to be around. I will send someone to fetch you.¡±


    The letter was simple and short. It had been half a month, and the Emperor must¡¯ve recovered by now. Now that it was resolved, the Imperial City was calmer than before.


    Liu Wuxie folded the letter and rubbed his forehead. He wasn¡¯t fond of public appearances, especially now that he finally had some peace to cultivate. His goal was to try and reach the higher levels of the Marrow Cleansing Realm as soon as possible.


    However, he couldn¡¯t refuse Prince Ruyang because he had used thetter to kill Qi Enshi. He tidied himself before leaving his abode and heading in a certain direction.


    This was the first time Liu Wuxie visited the courtyard where Xu Lingxue stayed. Xu Lingxue might be a Heaven Grade student, but she lived with Baili Qing.


    When he knocked on the door, Xu Lingxue came out in a white dress. Compared to ten-odd days ago, she had gotten prettier and reached the third level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    ¡°What brings you here?¡± she asked.


    She was surprised by Liu Wuxie¡¯s sudden visit, but a hint of joy shed across her eyes when she saw him.


    ¡°Well, I have something to discuss with you.¡± Liu Wuxie replied, standing outside the courtyard while she was inside, maintaining a distance of about three steps.


    ¡°What is it?¡± Xu Lingxue closed the doors and came out, fearing that she might rm her master.


    ¡°There¡¯s a banquet three days from now, and I wish you to attend with me.¡±


    Prince Ruyang hadn¡¯t mentioned that he couldn¡¯t bring anyone along. Since they were husband and wife, it was only natural for him to invite her.


    ¡°You¡¯re afraid that I¡¯ll be upset!¡± Xu Lingxue rolled her eyes. After all, allowing Liu Wuxie to go to the pce alone was akin to giving him space with Chen Ruoyan. This was why Liu Wuxie nned to invite her along to avoid any misunderstandings.


    ¡°So, do you have time?¡± Liu Wuxie rubbed his nose, acknowledging what she said.


    ¡°I do!¡± Their rtionship had improved over the past few months, but there were still some barriers that needed to be broken down. However,pared to the beginning, Xu Lingxue didn¡¯t loathe him as much anymore.


    The atmosphere was tense as they stood together. Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t proficient in interacting with women, the same for Xu Lingxue, who rarely interacted with men.


    ¡°Who allowed you toe!¡± A piercing chill swept toward Liu Wuxie. Baili Qing was standing on the wall, her face filled with murderous intent.

 Chapter 233 - Tempting Offer

    <h4>Chapter 233 - Tempting Offer</h4>


    Liu Wuxie and Xu Lingxue were so engrossed in their conversation that they didn¡¯t notice Baili Qing¡¯s arrival. Her expression was cold, and her gaze pierced Liu Wuxie like two sharp swords.


    ¡°Master!¡± Xu Lingxue quickly greeted Baili Qing, fearing that she might be furious.


    ¡°You have the cheek to call me master? Have you forgotten what I told you?! There isn¡¯t a single good man!¡± Baili Qing was furious. No matter what Liu Wuxie aplished or how high his cultivation progressed, she loathed him.


    ¡°I came to find her, and it has nothing to do with her.¡± Liu Wuxie looked unhappy. If it weren¡¯t for Xu Lingxue¡¯s sake, he would¡¯ve pped Baili Qing across her face. He had killed Qin Shi, and he wouldn¡¯t hesitate to kill another Vice-Headmaster.


    Killing Baili Qing was easy, but Xu Lingxue might never forgive him for the rest of her life. No matter what, it was undeniable that she was Xu Lingxue¡¯s master.


    ¡°Don¡¯t me me for being impolite in the future if you dare step a foot here.¡± Baili Qing¡¯s face was gloomy, and murderous intent shed in her eyes. The taoist fly-whisk in her hand also became straight and sharp. Judging from her reaction, she must¡¯ve suffered something that made her be like this, severing her emotions and desires.


    ¡°What a joke! I can go anywhere, and no one can stop me!¡± Liu Wuxie sneered. Just because he didn¡¯t make a move against her, that didn¡¯t mean he feared her.


    He still remembered how she had torn apart their marriage certificate and nearly killed him. He would never forget that insult, but the time wasn¡¯t right to take revenge.


    Liu Wuxie, despite his character of not holding grudges against women, saw Baili Qing not as a woman but as an old witch.


    ¡°You think you¡¯re invincible after killing Qin Shi? I¡¯ll teach you a lesson today!¡± Baili Qing became furious. She leaped down the wall and charged toward Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie knew that if he retaliated against the old witch, it would put Xu Lingxue in a difficult position. Thus, he had been waiting for Baili Qing to make the first move, allowing him to teach her a lesson.


    However, just as Liu Wuxie was about to act, Xu Lingxue suddenly stepped in front of him, spreading her arms to block Baili Qing.


    ¡°Get lost!¡± Baili Qing was furious as she raised the taoist fly-whisk, looking like she would strike down the next moment.


    ¡°Leave quickly! I¡¯ll stop my master!¡± Xu Lingxue urged Liu Wuxie to leave. She also believed that it was a mere coincidence that Liu Wuxie had managed to kill Qin Shi.


    Liu Wuxie gritted his teeth with his power brewing. He was confident that no one could be his opponent unless it were someone in the True Core Realm. He could kill Baili Qing with one palm strike using his full strength.


    ¡°Leave!¡± Xu Lingxue yelled. Her face had turned red, and she stood before Liu Wuxie to block Baili Qing.


    ¡°Old witch, I will remember this. I won¡¯t kill you for Xu Lingxue¡¯s sake, but don¡¯t think that I can¡¯t kill you?¡± Liu Wuxie warned. He knew Xu Lingxue would be heartbroken if he made a move against the old witch at that moment, and he didn¡¯t want to hurt her feelings. He would rather swallow this insult down and leave.


    Considering Liu Wuxie¡¯s background, Xu Lingxue felt like something had stabbed into her heart.


    Baili Qing was naturally furious for being called an old witch repeatedly. However, just when she stepped forward and wanted to chase after Liu Wuxie, she was stopped by Xu Lingxue.


    ¡°Master, spare him!¡± Xu Lingxue, who had never disobeyed her master¡¯s words in the past year, repeatedly defended Liu Wuxie and pleaded on his behalf.


    ¡°Good! Very good! You have forgotten your master¡¯s words!¡± Baili Qingughed out of anger. She was so furious that her body was trembling with rage.


    ¡°I don¡¯t dare!¡± Xu Lingxue lowered her head like a child who had made a mistake. She merely stood by the side quietly.


    ¡°What is good about him? He¡¯s stirring trouble everywhere and has offended so many people. He won¡¯t live for long. Don¡¯t me me for being ruthless because it¡¯s for your good. It¡¯s better to sever emotional ties early.¡± Baili Qing¡¯s tone softened. She sounded like a concerned elder, advising Xu Lingxue to forget Liu Wuxie quickly.


    Baili Qing was aware that Liu Wuxie had killed many people over the past few months, making numerous enemies in the process. She believed that he would eventually meet his end at the hands of these enemies, and Baili Qing didn¡¯t want Xu Lingxue to jeopardize her future because of her feelings.


    ¡°He was forced!¡± Xu Lingxue¡¯s tone was soft, and only she could hear it.


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t return to his abode and took a trip to the Earth Grade region as he wasn¡¯t in a good mood.


    ¡°Fatty,e and drink with me!¡± Liu Wuxie dragged Song Ling out of the ss and left the academy.


    This naturally left everyone puzzled, not knowing what had happened to Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie brought Song Ling to the Imperial City Supreme Pavilion. This was his second time here, and he had previously visited this ce under Zhang Shuli¡¯s invitation. However, they had gone their separate ways when Zhang Shuli¡¯s recruitment attempt had failed.


    ¡°Big Brother, what¡¯s wrong with you?¡±


    Song Ling could be considered his only true friend, and they could talk about everything.


    ¡°Drink!¡± Liu Wuxie raised his cup and downed it in one gulp.


    Song Ling didn¡¯t ask anymore and just apanied Liu Wuxie to drink. Nobody spoke, and they drank more than ten jars of wine in just fifteen minutes. If someone else drank so much, they might not be able to afford it. But Liu Wuxie didn¡¯tck resources and had plenty of spirit stones on him.


    ¡°Big Brother, who bullied you?¡± Song Ling rolled up his sleeves, looking like he wanted to avenge Liu Wuxie. He might not have a high cultivation, but he had a strong sense of loyalty.


    Liu Wuxie raised his head, and his gaze turned to the stairs just as he was about to speak. They hadn¡¯t chosen a private room but a table in the lobby, sitting among the crowd.


    An ordinary-looking middle-aged man ascended the stairs, causing Liu Wuxie¡¯s intoxication to instantly dissipate upon seeing him.


    Liu Wuxie was always on guard when encountering an expert. The middle-aged man might not appear to have a high level of cultivation, but Liu Wuxie felt a chill run down his spine upon seeing him, as if he were being watched by a venomous snake, making him ufortable.


    The man held a feather fan, looking like a schrly middle-aged man with a faint smile on his lips. He moved through the crowd and stood before Liu Wuxie.


    When this man appeared, it wasn¡¯t just Liu Wuxie who felt ufortable; Song Ling also felt pins and needles.


    ¡°Song Ling, wait for me on the first floor!¡± Liu Wuxie said.


    Song Ling heaved a sigh of relief and quickly ran out. He didn¡¯t want to stay there for another second because the middle-aged man¡¯s presence felt like a slimy snake coiling around his neck.


    After Song Ling left, the middle-aged man took Song Ling¡¯s seat. He picked up the jar and poured a cup of wine for Liu Wuxie. He didn¡¯t mind using the cup that Song Ling had used, and he raised it in the air, saying, ¡°Allow me to give you a toast!¡±


    The middle-aged man downed the cup in one gulp after speaking, flipping it to indicate that he had finished it.


    ¡°Prince Yongxian sent you!¡± Liu Wuxie raised and downed his cup, flipping it upside down after he was done, reciprocating the courtesy.


    ¡°I have long heard that Young Master Liu is exceptionally intelligent, and I¡¯m truly impressed seeing you in person.¡± The middle-aged manughed and cupped his hands together. He carried on, ¡°Let me introduce myself. My name is Kuang Ni, and peoplemonly know me as Advisor Kuang!¡±


    While Liu Wuxie had foreseen that Prince Yongxian would dispatch a representative to liaise with him, he was surprised to find out it was Advisor Kuang.


    The Emperor¡¯s appreciation banquet was scheduled in three days, implying they had a mere three days to persuade him to join their faction.


    Kuang Ni had initially nned to chat with Liu Wuxie before thetter entered the pce. However, when he learned that Liu Wuxie was drinking in the Supreme Pavilion, he immediately rushed over.


    ¡°Looks like Prince Yongxian thinks highly of me to send his advisor to recruit me. I have to say that I¡¯m ttered.¡± Liu Wuxie maintained his manners.


    Kuang Ni¡¯s eyes shed with a trace of admiration. If he hadn¡¯te personally today and seen Liu Wuxie with his own eyes, he might have thought that Liu Wuxie was an old fossil that had lived for decades. This was because Liu Wuxie was too meticulous in his actions and words, not giving him room to exploit.


    ¡°His Highness initially nned toe personality. But as you know, he¡¯s busy with state affairs and couldn¡¯t spare the time. This is why he sent me to handle it.¡± Kuang Ni continued pouring wine for Liu Wuxie. They looked like old friends.


    ¡°We¡¯re both smart people. Let¡¯s not beat around the bush and get straight into the topic. I still have other matters to attend to.¡± Song Ling was waiting downstairs, and Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t want to make him wait too long. To Liu Wuxie, brotherhood was more important than anything else.


    ¡°Excellent! I love dealing with straightforward people the most.¡± Kuang Ni said, lowering his feathered fan and lightly tapping the table. He realized that his prepared speech had be redundant.


    Even without Kuang Ni uttering a word, Liu Wuxie understood his intentions. He bypassed the unnecessary embellishments as he had no taste for ttery.


    ¡°I wonder what Prince Yongxian has to offer me,¡± Liu Wuxie mused, smiling at Kuang Ni. If Prince Yongxian wished to recruit him, he would have to make an effort. After all, Liu Wuxie had previously saved the Emperor¡¯s life, and the Emperor could grant him any wish.


    ¡°I suspect ordinary offerings won¡¯t interest Young Master Liu. If you agree not to meddle in our dealings with the royal family, we can rmend you to join the Azure Crimson Gate as a disciple,¡± Kuang Ni proposed. He had done his homework before arriving and discovered that Liu Wuxie was uninterested in worldly affairs and solely focused on cultivation.


    Many mortal world cultivators aspired to enter the cultivation world butcked the necessary rmendations. This was a golden opportunity for Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°I have to admit that the offer is very tempting!¡± Liu Wuxie had to admit that no one could refuse this offer if it were someone else in his position.


    After all, entering the cultivation world meant gaining ess to more profound cultivation techniques and the opportunity to seek immortality, which was the dream of countless people.


    This opportunity nowy before Liu Wuxie, and it was up to him to decide whether to seize it.


    ¡°This is a unique opportunity. It¡¯s a shame for someone of your talent to remain confined to the mortal world. I hope you¡¯ll give it serious consideration,¡± Kuang Ni said, unhurriedly pouring wine for Liu Wuxie, stealing nces at him.


    However, Kuang Ni soon noticed that Liu Wuxie¡¯s expression remained unchanged, and his calmness was almost eerie.


    This was because Liu Wuxie would rather stay in the mortal world for the rest of his life if he had to rely on such a transaction to enter the cultivation world. This was his principle, and it had nothing to do with whether or not he helped the Great Yan Dynasty.


    ¡°What if I refuse?¡± Liu Wuxie smiled brightly after a brief ponder.


    Kuang Ni¡¯s eye twitched at the corner, realizing he had underestimated Liu Wuxie¡¯s capacity to reject such an enticing proposition. After all, they were discussing the cultivation world, the dreand of all cultivators.


    Having said that, Liu Wuxie rose from his seat and began descending the stairs. He had consumed a fair amount of alcohol, and his spirits were high.


    ¡°Young Master Liu, do you know the consequences of refusing Prince Yongxian? Aren¡¯t you going to consider the safety of your family?¡± Kuang Ni inquired, his tone now grave.


    Upon hearing this, Liu Wuxie abruptly halted. A chilling wind swept through the Supreme Pavilion, causing the temperature to drop sharply.

 Chapter 234 - Killing Geng Ye

    <h4>Chapter 234 - Killing Geng Ye</h4>


    If there was one thing that Liu Wuxie held dear in the Great Yan Dynasty, it was undoubtedly the Xu n. Being an orphan without the knowledge of his parents, he was raised by the Xu n, a kindness he would never forget.


    Thus, threatening the Xu n was Liu Wuxie¡¯s Achilles heel.


    ¡°I¡¯ll remember what you said today. I¡¯ll hold Prince Yongxian¡¯s Mansion liable if anyone in the Xu n dies.¡± Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t agitated and stated calmly.


    He then descended the stairs without a backward nce. As he stepped out of the Supreme Pavilion, the chill that had enveloped him dissipated, and he reverted to his usual cheerful, youthful self.


    Observing Liu Wuxie¡¯s silence, Song Ling chose not to question him and simply apanied him to the Treasure Pill Pavilion.


    Liu Wuxie was concerned about Mu Yueying, who had been injured because of him, and wanted to check on her condition. Although herplexion had improved when he saw her again, she was still not fully recovered.


    ¡°Big Sister Mu, this is a healing pill that I refined, and it should be able to help out with your injuries.¡± He had procured numerous herbs from the royal vault and had refined not just the six fifth-grade pills intended for his breakthrough but also several healing pills.


    ¡°Thank you!¡± Mu Yueying epted the pill, her eyes narrowing as she examined it closely. Her reaction wouldn¡¯t have been so intense if it were just an ordinary fourth-grade pill. But upon recognizing the pill Liu Wuxie had given her, she sat up straight.


    ¡°You refined this?¡± Mu Yueying¡¯s eyes lit up like she had discovered a new world. This was a fifth-grade pill, and there were no five-star alchemists in the Great Yan Dynasty.


    ¡°I hope you can keep this a secret for me, Big Sister Mu,¡± Liu Wuxie requested, aware that he could no longer hide his ability to refine fifth-grade pills once he revealed this one, but every day was crucial.


    ¡°You¡¯ve truly surprised me!¡± Mu Yueying¡¯s eyes sparkled. She was curious to know how Liu Wuxie, at such a young age, could achieve this. Even in the cultivation world, Liu Wuxie would be considered a prodigy for bing a five-star alchemist at such a young age.


    Following a short conversation, Liu Wuxie made his exit. He discovered that the envoy at the Cloud Xing Pavilion was named Lu Fei, an outer disciple of the Azure Crimson Gate. Rumors suggested that he was an elder¡¯s nephew and wielded some influence.


    By the time Liu Wuxie left the Treasure Pill Pavilion, it waste, and the streets were nearly empty, with only a few figures hurrying by.


    Liu Wuxie hurried back to the Imperial Academy with Song Ling. Shortly after they left the Treasure Pill Pavilion, a few figures emerged from the darkness.


    ¡°Can¡¯t wait any longer?¡± Liu Wuxie wore a cold smirk and quickened his pace.


    Song Ling also noticed something wasn¡¯t right, as rustling sounds came from behind. This was a sign someone was tailing them.


    When the two reached the ten-mile-long street an hourter, Liu Wuxie said, ¡°Song Ling, you return to the academy first.¡±


    These people came for him, and it would be perilous for Song Ling to remain. To prevent Song Ling from being seized and used as leverage against him, Liu Wuxie needed Song Ling to depart.


    ¡°Big Brother, I¡¯m not afraid of death!¡± Song Ling dered resolutely, eager to stand by Liu Wuxie¡¯s side.


    ¡°I understand, but they¡¯re not ordinary people. Your presence here will onlyplicate things. Leave quickly!¡± Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t question Song Ling¡¯s loyalty, but he didn¡¯t want to put him in danger because of his own issues.


    Song Ling didn¡¯t dare disobey Liu Wuxie¡¯s instructions and reluctantly ran towards the Imperial Academy. He didn¡¯t want to be a burden to Liu Wuxie.


    When Song Ling entered the Imperial Academy, Liu Wuxie slowed his speed as the rustling sounds behind him disappeared. Shortly after, twenty-odd experts leaped out from the darkness.


    They were all strong; even someone in the pinnacle Marrow Cleansing Realm would run facing them. Most importantly, someone in the ninth level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm was among them.


    This was why Liu Wuxie asked Song Ling to leave first. If captured, Song Ling could be used as a hostage against him.


    ¡°Jiang Yue, it¡¯s been a while!¡± Liu Wuxie scanned the crowd, recognizing a few faces. Among the group of about twenty people was Jiang Yue, the chief alchemist of the Cloud Xing Pavilion.


    Twenty-seven people formed a formation and surrounded him, blocking his escape. They had been waiting for this opportunity and were determined not to let Liu Wuxie return to the Imperial Academy unscathed.


    ¡°Your downfall is imminent, Liu Wuxie!¡± Jiang Yue proimed, his jaw set in determination. Liu Wuxie had caused his disgraceful expulsion from the Treasure Pill Pavilion. Adding insult to injury, Liu Wuxie had also tarnished his name within a month of assuming the role of head alchemist at the Cloud Xing Pavilion.


    ¡°Come with me if you all want to kill me!¡± Liu Wuxie vanished as he didn¡¯t want to rm anyone else. He coulde and go as he wished even when twenty-seven experts surrounded him.


    ¡°After him!¡± Jiang Yue gave the order and led everyone to chase Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie and Jiang Yue¡¯s party passed through the woods, leaving the Imperial Academy and entering a mountain range.


    Roughly fifteen minutester, Liu Wuxie stopped in a canyon. If they fought there, themotion wouldn¡¯t reach the Imperial Academy.


    Jiang Yue¡¯s group of twenty-seven followed behind and surrounded Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, there¡¯s no way you can escape today. Surrender!¡± Geng Ye let out a sinisterughter. He, Zuo Tao, and others were stripped of their status as alchemists. Thus, Geng Ye naturally harbored a deep hatred for Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Do you all want toe at me together or take turns?¡± Liu Wuxie asked calmly. This was an excellent opportunity to gauge his strength. Aside from the Cloud Xing Pavilion¡¯s alchemists, the other experts were likely Prince Yongxian¡¯s men.


    ¡°I alone am sufficient to end you!¡± Geng Ye advanced, his desire to eliminate Liu Wuxie surpassing all others. His sword emitted a frosty beam, despite his cultivation being merely at the sixth level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    ¡°Be careful!¡± Jiang Yue cautioned. They were still unaware of Liu Wuxie¡¯s recent achievement of killing Yang Shuotian and others.


    The Heretic de appeared in Liu Wuxie¡¯s hand, releasing a powerful de intent and enveloping the surroundings.


    ¡°A vajra artifact!¡± Geng Ye narrowed his eyes when he saw the Heretic de. He didn¡¯t expect Liu Wuxie to forge a vajra artifact, but he had no path of retreat and could only swing his sword towards Liu Wuxie. They might have been alchemists, but that didn¡¯t mean that they couldn¡¯t put up a fight.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, die!¡± Geng Ye roared, unleashing a sword ray that manifested into a rhino with his true essence.


    ¡°Hmph!¡± Liu Wuxie raised the Heretic de and swung it down. The de severed the rhino into two and reached Geng Ye. Everything happened quickly, and the Heretic de descended before anyone could respond.


    Geng Ye couldn¡¯t even let out a scream and was severed into two before he was reduced to a pile of skin on the ground. The Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron had devoured the energies within his corpse.


    When demonic mes gushed from the cauldron, all the energies were absorbed and refined into three liquid droplets.


    ¡°He¡¯s dead?¡± Jiang Yue showed a hint of fear on his face. He couldn¡¯t believe that someone in the sixth level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm couldn¡¯t even take an attack from Liu Wuxie.


    Zuo Tao and the other alchemists¡¯ faces turned pale in fright. They weren¡¯t much stronger than Geng Ye. It wasn¡¯t long since theirst encounter, and they realized that they were no longer qualified to look up to Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Go at him together!¡± Jiang Yue didn¡¯t hesitate and instructed, fearing more casualties if they went individually. With a wave of his hand, he and the remaining twenty-six people charged towards Liu Wuxie.


    They formed into a tidal wave sweeping towards Liu Wuxie. Facing all of them, even Liu Wuxie was under immense pressure. It was uncertain if he coulde out unscathed.


    Liu Wuxie looked like a raft in the storm and would be devoured by the wave at any moment.


    The ground trembled with powerful explosions caused by the rapidpression of air, with multiple martial techniques directed at Liu Wuxie.


    A stunning amount of true essence gushed out from the acupoint at Liu Wuxie¡¯s feet, lifting him off the ground. He was like a nimble crane as he raised the Heretic de, causing storms to gather in the sky.


    Executing the first form of the Fatality de Art, the sky was covered with endless mes mixed with lightning. This scene shocked Jiang Yue¡¯s group, who couldn¡¯tprehend this power. This level of true essence maniption wasn¡¯t at the level ordinary people in the Marrow Cleansing Realm could achieve.


    ¡°Perish, all of you!¡± Liu Wuxie was determined to conclude the battle swiftly to prevent reinforcements from arriving. His onught resembled a tempest, sweeping across the area with a multitude of detonations akin to thunderous shockwaves.


    ¡°Shit!¡± Everyone¡¯s faces changed at this sight. Aside from Jiang Yue, ordinary cultivators in the Marrow Cleansing Realm couldn¡¯t be Liu Wuxie¡¯s opponents, and they couldn¡¯t even resist or dodge the attack.


    The storm had enveloped a few thousand meters of radius, and there was no room for them to dodge the attack.


    Liu Wuxie used Ghost Eye to scan everyone; their martial techniques and movements appeared in his mind.


    ¡°Die!¡± Liu Wuxie finally swung the Heretic de, enveloped in a boundless de aura down. The de aura divided into thousands of des, which was the Fatality de Art¡¯s true power.


    The Fatality de Art¡¯s first form was unmatched after reaching lesser mastery.


    ¡°Disperse quickly!¡± Jiang Yue bellowed, directing everyone to scatter, as clustering would hasten their demise.


    Their protective essence barriers shattered under the corrosive onught of the de aura, leading to casualties in no time.


    As blood gushed and sprayed, dying the sky red, the storm continued to rampage, with rocks falling and smashing onto the corpses on the ground.


    The de ray unleashed by Liu Wuxie was like a gxy reaching the depth of the universe. This was a strike that couldn¡¯t be resisted.


    Even Jiang Yue¡¯s initial instinct was to evade, unable to discern a weakness to confront this assault directly.


    The ground began to cave in, forming a bottomless crater. Of the original twenty-six, only a handful remained upright, their garments in tatters. The rest had been obliterated under Liu Wuxie¡¯s relentless attack.


    It was an incredible sight to kill so many people with one strike, and even Liu Wuxie was shocked by the power.


    Jiang Yue was a sight of ruin, his clothes in shreds, his face smeared with dust, and his weapon shattered. The remaining four were in no better state, their faces etched with terror. They could scarcely believe that such power could be wielded by a human.


    ¡°What ruthless tactics!¡± Jiang Yue seethed, his teeth gritted. The heavy toll of casualties meant that even if they seeded in killing Liu Wuxie, he would have a hard time exining to Prince Yongxian.


    ¡°Likewise!¡± Liu Wuxie retorted, his expression unchanging as he slowly descended to the ground, his murderous intent looming over the remaining five.


    Jiang Yue¡¯s weapon was destroyed. His eyes turned red with terrifying murderous intent, and his aura rose. He hadn¡¯t used his full strength earlier.


    ¡°I¡¯ll kill you even if it costs me my life!¡± Jiang Yue dered, throwing caution to the wind and vowing to kill Liu Wuxie.


    The remaining four were formidable experts dispatched by Prince Yongxian, and they were far from weak. All were at the eighth level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm, and they joined the battle, weapons in hand.

 Chapter 235 - Black Shell Pill

    <h4>Chapter 235 - ck Shell Pill</h4>


    A fierce confrontation was imminent, and Liu Wuxie dared not underestimate the situation. The demise of the twenty-odd individuals did not guarantee an easy victory over Jiang Yue.


    Liu Wuxie raised the Heretic de with a boundless de aura gushing out. A terrifying aura umted above Liu Wuxie¡¯s head, manifesting into a dracophant, letting out a roar.


    A boundless pressure descended, making Jiang Yue feel uneasy. The fourpanions in the eighth level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm were on the verge of copsing, their eyes filled with disbelief.


    ¡°Strike!¡± Jiang Yue could wait no longer. His confidence had already begun to falter, a cardinal sin for cultivators. His sword transformed into sparks, flickering in the darkness and emitting green mes as it lunged towards Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Shatter!¡± With a swing of the Heretic de, the sweeping green mes detonated under the de aura.


    ¡°This is nothingpared to my me!¡± Liu Wuxie shattered Jiang Yue¡¯s attack and advanced rather than retreating. The most significant threat was not Jiang Yue, but those dispatched by Prince Yongxian.


    They might not beparable to Jiang Yue in terms of cultivation, but Liu Wuxie felt more threatened by them instead of Jiang Yue.


    A surge of zing energy erupted from all three hundred and sixty-five acupoints of Liu Wuxie, causing the surroundings to crystallize in a freeze. This resulted in a noticeable slowdown in Jiang Yue¡¯s speed, his face reflecting the change.


    Some kind of power had frozen space, and this was unbelievable. If one cultivated to a high level, they could control and create space, and also manipte rules of time.


    Shortly after, towering mes descended from the sky, catching Jiang Yue by surprise and enveloping him. Those weren¡¯t ordinary mes but demonic mes from the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron.


    ¡°ARGGGHHH!¡± Jiang Yue screamed out in pain as he was enveloped in the demonic me that couldn¡¯t be extinguished.


    Seeing this, the four experts sent by Prince Yongxian exchanged a look before taking out a ck pill and swallowing it.


    Liu Wuxie narrowed his eyes when he saw the ck pill, and his expression became grave.


    ¡°The ck Shell Pill!¡± The pills they swallowed were the ck Shell Pills. Could it be that they were killing machines nurtured with ck Shell Pills? But they didn¡¯t seem like it because they still had their rationale.


    Jiang Yue continued to scream in agony as his body progressively shriveled, its energy being siphoned and consumed by the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron.


    A sinister ck mist began to rise from the feet of the remaining four, who inhaled deeply, drawing the mist into themselves. A horrifying transformation ensued as their faces contorted and scales, akin to those of fish, surfaced on their bodies, particrly their arms.


    Once enveloped in these fish-like scales, they resembled beings d in a thick, imprable armor, impervious tomon weaponry. What was even more rming was the surge in their cultivation levels, reaching the zenith of the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    While Liu Wuxie could handle Jiang Yue, dealing with these four posed a significant challenge.


    The four let out a deep, beast-like roar as they lumbered towards Liu Wuxie with heavy steps. Discarding the des they held, they drew ck longspears from their interspatial pouches.


    ¡°Abyssal spears!¡± Liu Wuxie frowned. The spears they were wielding contained a dense abyssal aura, and he wondered how many unorthodox people Prince Yongxian conspired with.


    In the True Martial Continent, the abyssal race existed alongside the human race. Their bodies housed a formidable abyssal aura, and they sustained themselves by feasting on human blood.


    The demon race was incredibly powerful, standing twice the height of humans, making them formidable opponents even at the same cultivation level. Most notably, the demon race possessed a robust physique, nearly immune to ordinary weapons.


    Liu Wuxie chose to strike first, executing the Nine Heavenly Crane Dance. Leaving behind an afterimage, he cleaved down with the Heretic de, creating a long vacuum path ahead of him.


    The four didn¡¯t choose to dodge and charged toward Liu Wuxie with their abyssal spears.


    When both parties shed, sparks flew from the point of collision, and Liu Wuxie felt his arm going numb from the rebound force.


    No trace was left on the abyssal spears, which proved that the spears were not inferior to vajra weapons in terms of toughness.


    A powerful shockwave swept out like a strong gale. Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t even catch his breath as true essence gushed out of his body. He had no path of retreat, and it was tough for him to break free with the four surrounding him.


    Liu Wuxie performed the Blood Gleam de Art, striking through various tricky trajectories that made it hard for the four opponents to defend.


    When the Heretic de fell onto them, sparks flew around, and nging sounds were produced. The Heretic de failed to inflict any damage on them.


    Liu Wuxie retreated swiftly the moment his attack failed. These four were impervious to weapons after taking the ck Shell Pills.


    Seizing the moment, the four lunged their abyssal spears towards Liu Wuxie. Confronted with the imminent attack, Liu Wuxie stomped on the ground and ascended into the sky, causing the four spears to miss their mark and hit the ground.


    A massive crater appeared on the ground, and the four spears, apanied by explosions, struck it. Liu Wuxie was fortunate to have evaded in time, or the consequences could have been severe.


    Liu Wuxie could no longer dodge as he was in mid-air, and the four abyssal spears followed him swiftly.


    ¡°Damn it!¡± Liu Wuxie was furious as it was tough dealing with four opponents in the pinnacle of the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    Liu Wuxie raised his hand, intending to execute the Overlord Fist. The Fatality de Art was potent and ideal for one-on-onebat, capable of delivering a lethal blow with a single strike.


    On the other hand, the Overlord Fist was suitable for group battles due to wide-ranged movements.


    Taking a deep breath, Liu Wuxie devoured all the spiritual energy within several kilometers of radius, and his true essence manifested into a ferocious beast charging out of his body.


    ¡°Overlord Fist!¡± A powerful wave swept out, and the four couldn¡¯t take another step forward under the shockwave. Even their abyssal spears emitted a creaking sound.


    ¡°Shatter!¡± Liu Wuxie used one-third of his true essence in this punch. If he couldn¡¯t kill these four with it, the battle would progress in a dangerous direction.


    The sky changed with space shattering while the force of Liu Wuxie¡¯s punch was divided into four, assaulting the four experts.


    Creaking sounds echoed as the force of Liu Wuxie¡¯s punch struck the four of their chests, forcing them to stagger backward. If it were an ordinary expert in the ninth-level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm, this punch would have been enough to tear them apart.


    However, in the face of his punch, the four experts merely retreated, shedding a patch of scales from their chests.


    ¡°How can this be?!¡± Disbelief was etched on Liu Wuxie¡¯s face. He had never faced such resilient adversaries in the past six months who could withstand his attacks. When the Heretic de struck them, it failed to breach their defenses, let alone kill them.


    After using the Overlord Fist that merely shattered a few scales on their chests, Liu Wuxie realized how terrifying they would be if they were to form an army. Even the Terrabreak Army couldn¡¯t bepared to them.


    After stabilizing themselves, the four experts charged forward, throwing their spears at Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie knew that he had to find their weaknesses to kill them. They wouldn¡¯t die even with their limbs severed; they could carry on fighting tirelessly until their opponents were exhausted and killed.


    Executing the Seven Dipper Steps, Liu Wuxie disappeared, causing the four spears to embed themselves into the ground.


    The four experts continued to charge forward, shrinking the space for Liu Wuxie to maneuver.


    When Liu Wuxie executed the Ghost Eye, his divine sense flowed into their bodies like mercury, and he was deeply shocked by what he saw.


    Their internal organs and meridians were injected withrge amounts of poison, and the poison could harden their bodies to an incredible degree when they circted their true essence.


    This was the most brutal method of puppet refinement Liu Wuxie had seen. This required hollowing someone¡¯s body and injecting arge amount of materials. This ensured that they looked like ordinary people on the outside, and no one could distinguish them.


    The ck Shell Pill contained high toxicity. Consuming one per month resulted in a high umtion of poison in their bodies.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s divine sense flowed like liquid mercury, tracing the path of the poison to uncover their weakness. Every puppet had its vulnerabilities, which, if identified, could be exploited for an easy kill.


    He dodged the iing attacks while searching for their weaknesses. This ced him in a dangerous position, and there were multiple asions when the abyssal spears nearly stabbed him.


    Ultimately, his divine sense halted three inches below the neck of one of the experts. The flow of poison seemed to slow down at this point.


    ¡°There¡¯s really a weakness!¡± Liu Wuxie executed the Seven Dipper Steps to dodge the fifth wave of attack and appeared behind one of the experts, swinging the Heretic de down.


    His de struck three inches below the neck like a lightning bolt. A bizarre scene urred as a fine slit appeared with ck poison gushing out of the wound.


    ¡°RWARRR!¡± The expert struck by Liu Wuxie let out a furious howl, which sounded like a desperate cry before death.


    Liu Wuxie retreated as poison fell onto the ground, emitting a hissing sound as rocks swiftly corroded. In the blink of an eye, a basin-sized rock vanished.


    The poison was too corrosive, and it would be disastrous if it were sshed onto the human body.


    The roarsted for three breaths before the expert copsed. The remaining three looked like they had lost their rationale and pounced at Liu Wuxie. They even threw away their abyssal spear and resorted to tackling by pouncing at Liu Wuxie¡¯s waist.


    ¡°You three are courting death!¡± Liu Wuxie snorted and soared to the sky like a celestial crane, splitting into three afterimages and pouncing at the three of them.


    The three afterimages resembled three shooting stars, colliding with the three adversaries. The de¡¯s ray hit the same spot, causing ck poison to spurt from the back of their necks.


    The poison quickly dispersed like a fog, causing all life in the vicinity to wilt. It wasn¡¯t long before the entire canyon transformed into a barren wastnd.


    ¡°I¡¯m lucky that only four were sent tonight!¡± Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t imagine the consequences if Prince Yongxian had sent a troop of these killing machines after him. If that were the case, he would undoubtedly have met his end that night.


    The moment he stabilized himself, the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron flew out of his dantian and appeared above the four corpses. What happened next nearly caused Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyeballs to fall out.

 Chapter 236 - Poisonous True Essence

    <h4>Chapter 236 - Poisonous True Essence</h4>


    This matter wasn¡¯t over yet, even with the death of the four killing machines. Their corpses were so highly poisonous that even Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t dare toe in contact with them carelessly.


    This was why Liu Wuxie was dumbfounded when the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron flew above the four corpses and devoured them. Given the extreme toxicity of the bodies, Liu Wuxie¡¯s shock was understandable.


    He was worried that there would be a bacsh refining the energy. If what was refined contained poison, wouldn¡¯t he poison himself to death? But there was nothing he could do to stop as the four corpses vanished when demonic mes surged.


    The Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron returned to the world in his dantian, and four ck liquid droplets hovered above it. These droplets were ipatible with the liquified spiritual energy, and they rejected each other.


    After refining the energies devoured from Jiang Yue''s and others'' corpses, over a hundred liquid droplets of spiritual energy were left. Liu Wuxie nned to keep them and waited until he would make a breakthrough to the third level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    But what were the four liquid droplets that suddenly appeared?


    ¡°Did the cauldron refine them or give up?¡± Liu Wuxie was bewildered. He didn¡¯t know if the four liquid droplets were poisonous and harmful if he fused them into his dantian.


    ¡°Since the cauldron devoured it, it should be fine!¡± Over the past six months, the cauldron had devoured many things besides spiritual energy, but there wasn¡¯t any bacsh by far.


    ¡°Out!¡± Liu Wuxie no longer hesitated to fuse the four liquid droplets into his dantian.


    Liu Wuxie began to tremble violently, and he felt like he had fallen into ice. He was paralyzed and could only use his mind to think.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on? Why can¡¯t I move?¡± Liu Wuxie cursed and prayed that the cauldron would not mess with him.


    Once the ck liquid droplets were dispensed, they transformed into a ck mist, vanishing within the realm of his dantian. Subsequently, Liu Wuxie gradually regainedmand over his body.


    Liu Wuxie began examining his body. He couldn¡¯t find anything wrong, and his cultivation remained unchanged.


    ¡°There¡¯s no effect?¡± Liu Wuxie was puzzled because there was no reaction after refining the four liquid droplets, like pebbles thrown into the ocean.


    However, Liu Wuxie was relieved to find that his body was unaffected. He decided to set aside the question of the whereabouts of the four liquid droplets for the time being.


    It was already night, and he left behind an afterimage, hurrying back to the Imperial Academy without cleaning up the battlefield.


    After an exhaustive search for the four liquid droplets within his dwelling, Liu Wuxie came up empty-handed, leaving him with lingering concerns about a potential hidden threat. Despite his efforts, he found no clues throughout the night.


    Left with no other options, he emerged from his abode andmenced practicing the Fatality de Art on the tform. The Fatality de Art was straightforward, emphasizing the speed of unsheathing the de. He aimed to be a hundred times faster in drawing his depared to the Blood Gleam de Art.


    The second requirement was explosive power, meaning he had to focus on the unity of his waist to unleash more power when releasing his true essence.


    In a nutshell, it required thebination of form, power, and spirit to unleash a perfect de strike. The form was the Heretic de; power was his true essence; and the spirit was his soul energy. Otherwise, the power of the Fatality de Art would significantly decrease.


    As for spirit, he wouldn¡¯t be able to hit the target if his soul energy couldn¡¯t keep up.


    Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t just practicing the form but also thebination of form, power, and spirit.


    After practicing for an entire day, Liu Wuxie was covered in sweat as he came to the corner of the tform. He hadn¡¯t used true essence in his earlier practice, and he nned on trying thebination between the three for the first time.


    When he raised the Heretic de to the sky, a powerful de intent enveloped the sky above his abode. The birds flying over, cried and fell from the sky under the pressure of his de aura.


    His target was a small hill fifty meters away to test his de technique.


    When he swung his sword, his seemingly ordinary move contained the profundity of dao. There was no trajectory or w in this attack. The sky was filled with de intent, enveloping a few hundred meters of radius.


    When his de aura descended, a long ravine was created on the small hill, causing the entire mountain to tremble.


    Most of the caves were linked to the mountain. When Liu Wuxie swung his de, several caves nearly copsed. Even the caves far away could feel the tremor caused by the de.


    Liu Wuxie sheathed his de and lifted his gaze to the hill. A ck mist was emanating from the ravine, which took Liu Wuxie by surprise. He vanished and reappeared at the ravine.


    Several of the exposed rocks were corroded, bearing a striking resemnce to the damage inflicted by the poison the previous night.


    ¡°This is...¡± Liu Wuxie was shocked because his true essence contained poison. But how was that possible? Didn¡¯t that mean that his opponents would die if his attack struck them, and there was no possibility of treatment?


    This discovery naturally made Liu Wuxie rejoice. He had seen many types of true essence; this was the first time he saw true essence containing high toxicity.


    Liu Wuxie immediately focused his consciousness on his dantian to sense the changes in his true essence.


    ¡°My true essence contains a wisp of poison!¡± It was weak, and he wouldn¡¯t notice it if he didn¡¯t look at it closely.


    <i>The poison is weak, and I can only poison ordinary cultivators. But as long as I umte enough poison, I can even poison powerful experts to death.</i> Liu Wuxie thought to himself.


    The four ck liquid droplets enabled his true essence to carry poison, but it wasn¡¯t strong nor was it useful to him.


    He began to circte his true essence, trying to extract the poison. It didn¡¯t take long before a wisp of ck mist gathered on his finger, and this was thanks to the four ck liquid droplets.


    Liu Wuxie felt relieved after finding out the reason. The world in his dantian could contain everything, regardless of the various elements or poison.


    Just when Liu Wuxie wanted to return to the tform, he noticed a man and woman approaching him. He didn¡¯t recognize the man, but he immediately identified the woman. She was Qi Ningyun, the daughter of Qi Enshi.


    However, it was unusual to see her in the Heaven Grade region. Moreover, who was that man?


    He wasn¡¯t concerned as they might have just been passing by, and he didn¡¯t give them much thought. However, when he returned to the tform and was about to enter his cave, the sound of footsteps echoed behind him.


    This left Liu Wuxie with no choice but to halt and turn around, only to see Qi Ningyun approaching the tform with the man in tow.


    Liu Wuxie frowned as the pair exuded an air of hostility.


    He had few friends in the Imperial Academy, and no one would seek him out for a social gathering. Those who came looking for him were likely to be his adversaries.


    Upon seeing Liu Wuxie, Qi Ningyun¡¯s face twisted with hatred.


    ¡°How can I help you?¡± Liu Wuxie inquired, unsure of why the two had sought him out.


    ¡°You¡¯re Liu Wuxie?¡± the man beside Qi Ningyun asked. He donned a white robe and was a Heaven Grade student, but Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t recall seeing this person before.


    This person was highly cultivated in the eighth level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm. Since when did Qi Ningyun have a connection with a Heaven Grade student?


    ¡°Indeed, I am,¡± Liu Wuxie confirmed, seeing no reason to deny it with Qi Ningyun present.


    ¡°Kneel and apologize to my woman. Perhaps, I might consider sparing your life if you do so!¡± The man said without a hint of emotion in his tone, straightforwardly demanding Liu Wuxie to apologize to Qi Ningyun, which left thetter dumbfounded.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s face turned grim as he had killed cultivators in the ninth level of the Marrow Cleansing Realmst night. However, was someone in the eighth level unting in front of him? Did this person take him as a pushover who could be ordered around?


    Themotion naturally attracted many people¡¯s attention as several flew over from their caves. They stood in a corner of the tform and had no intention of interfering, and were only there to watch


    ¡°It¡¯s Wang Xinming. Why is he causing trouble here?¡± The man who demanded Liu Wuxie to kneel was called Wang Xinming, a veteran Heaven Grade student.


    He might not be a core disciple, but he couldn¡¯t be underestimated, considering his cultivation. To be a core disciple, the test wasn¡¯t just in cultivation but also in potential.


    Wang Xinming had reached his limit after reaching the eighth level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    ¡°What¡¯s the reason?¡± Liu Wuxie looked at Wang Xinming, hoping for an exnation.


    ¡°No reason, other than my woman wants you dead!¡± Wang Xinming¡¯s response was domineering, expressing a desire to kill Liu Wuxie simply because his woman wished it so.


    Qi Ningyun, who had been standing silently by the side since her arrival, didn¡¯t utter a word. However, her gaze alone conveyed to Liu Wuxie that she wanted him dead.


    Liu Wuxie suddenly wore a harmless smile as he had a rough spection.


    ¡°Qi Ningyun, your father must have told you that he met his end because of me, right? That¡¯s why you¡¯re willing to use your body in exchange for my life,¡± Liu Wuxie surmised.


    When Liu Wuxie had left Azure Billow City, he had sent a letter to Qi Enshi. At that time, Qi Enshi probably sensed that something was amiss and that he would eventually fall at Liu Wuxie¡¯s hands. This was likely why he had sent Qi Ningyun a letter before his death, hoping his daughter would seek revenge on his behalf.


    However, there was no way Qi Ningyun could kill Liu Wuxie with her ability, and she wanted to avenge her father. Hence, her only option was to offer herself as a bargaining chip to a Heaven Grade student in exchange for avenging her father.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, you are the reason my father is dead! I want to drink your blood and consume your flesh today!¡± Qi Ningyun dered, her voice filled with hatred. Over the years, her charm had attracted many suitors at the academy. None had ever stirred her heart, but she was willing to sacrifice her dignity and offer her body in exchange for revenge for her father.


    ¡°Like father, like daughter!¡± Liu Wuxie shook his head. He had already taken vengeance by killing Qi Enshi and had no intention of wiping out Qi Enshi¡¯s family. After all, Qi Ningyun didn¡¯t have much feud with him, and he wasn¡¯t a bloodthirsty person who would kill indiscriminately.


    However, once someone crossed his bottom line, Liu Wuxie would do anything to drag that person down, even if he was the Emperor himself.


    ¡°Senior Brother Wang, kill him for me, and I¡¯ll serve you for the rest of my life!¡± Qi Ningyun said viciously, wanting Wang Xinming to kill Liu Wuxie quickly.


    Qi Ningyun felt that her life would lose its purpose once she avenged her father. However, as the partner of a Heaven Grade student, she would still hold some status. In her quest for revenge, she had approached many Heaven Grade students, all of whom had turned her down, except for Wang Xinming.


    This was because Wang Xinming was known to be swayed by his desires, and Qi Ningyun was undeniably attractive. As such, they quickly came to an agreement.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, did you hear that? My woman wants you dead. Do you want to take your own life, or do you want me to help you with it?¡± Wang Xinming caressed Qi Ningyun¡¯s cheek. He had never once considered Liu Wuxie to be a threat.


    ¡°Neither. I choose the third option instead, which is to kill you two and throw your corpses down the mountain,¡± Liu Wuxie said with his murderous intent permeating the air.

 Chapter 237 - Killing

    <h4>Chapter 237 - Killing</h4>


    In the past six months, Liu Wuxie had faced numerous adversaries, but this was the first time he encountered such a presumptuous foe who audaciously demanded that he take his own life.


    ¡°Neither. I choose the third option instead, which is to kill you two and throw your corpses down the mountain,¡± Liu Wuxie said with murderous intent, sweeping out as the Heretic de appeared in his hand.


    Wang Xinming was furious because no one had dared to speak to him in this manner over the years in the Imperial Academy, and Liu Wuxie was the first.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, you have sessfully enraged me. I will make you regret being alive!¡± Wang Xinming felt humiliated that someone dared to oppose him in the presence of so many people.


    The atmosphere around them grew tense, and a group of about ten people ascended the mountain, curious about themotion.


    ¡°Why is Wang Xinming picking a fight with Liu Wuxie?¡± The newly arrived students were perplexed. It wasmon knowledge that while Liu Wuxie could be ruthless, he was not known to be bloodthirsty.


    Wang Xinming¡¯s decision to confront Liu Wuxie and stir up trouble on his territory was unjustifiable from any perspective.


    ¡°It¡¯s all because of that woman¡¯s provocation. She approached me a few days ago, asking me to help her kill Liu Wuxie. If I agreed, she would be my maid, but I turned her down.¡± The surrounding chatter revealed that Wang Xinming wasn¡¯t the first person Qi Ningyun had approached.


    ¡°I see!¡± Everyone finally grasped the situation. As for whether it was a mistake for Wang Xinming to antagonize Liu Wuxie over a woman? The answer would soon be revealed.


    ¡°Make your move. I still have other matters to attend to!¡± Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t be bothered to waste time with Wang Xinming. He was anyways being too impulsive to challenge Liu Wuxie for the sake of a woman he had just met.


    This infuriated Wang Xinming, but Liu Wuxie had dismissed him. Liu Wuxie had never once considered him an adversary, which was akin to telling everyone that Wang Xinming wasn¡¯t worth his time.


    This form of ridicule was lethal, and this drove Wang Xinming to the edge of insanity. A longsword materialized in his hand, and he lunged forward, intending to behead Liu Wuxie in a fit of rage.


    The sword was fast and soon reached Liu Wuxie. This brought a smile to Qi Ningyun¡¯s face. She wanted this oue, and it was best if they both perished. This way, she could avenge her father and break free from Wang Xinming.


    Liu Wuxie remained stationary, allowing the sword to thrust towards his head. This shocked many onlookers because Wang Xinming was at the eighth level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm, unlike Yang Shuotian. If Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t retaliate soon, it might be toote.


    No one interfered and merely watched.


    A cruel smile spread across Wang Xinming¡¯s lips. The sword was mere inches from Liu Wuxie¡¯s neck, and in his eyes, thetter was nothing more than a fly he could easily squash.


    After all, Liu Wuxie was only in the second level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm, and he couldn¡¯t recall how many people he had crushed in the same cultivation over the years.


    When the sword was only a few inches away from his neck, he suddenly raised the Heretic de.


    No one managed to keep up with the trajectory of his de. It was as though Liu Wuxie merely raised his de and waited for Wang Xinming to charge over.


    The speed of Liu Wuxie swinging his de was faster than lightning, a perfect fusion of form, power, and spirit. This was a formidable attack without any weaknesses.


    Even if someone at the ninth level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm were to confront him, they would only meet their demise, let alone someone at the eighth level.


    This was because Wang Xinming had underestimated Liu Wuxie from the very beginning, and by the time he realized his mistake, it was already toote. The aura of the de sliced through his neck as he stood frozen in ce.


    Wang Xinming¡¯s energy began to disappear, and he was reduced to a dried-up corpse in less than three breaths. This was brutal because the battle ended before Wang Xinming could let out a scream.


    Recalling what Liu Wuxie had said earlier, everyone felt a chill. It wasn¡¯t because Liu Wuxie was arrogant, but he genuinely didn¡¯t take Wang Xinming as an opponent.


    This was how an expert should look like, doing what they wanted without needing to exin or for anyone to ept.


    Qi Ningyun¡¯s smile froze on her face just when she wanted to burst outughing. It was as though someone had choked her with her voice stuck.


    After all, Wang Xinming was killed by Liu Wuxie with one strike.


    The Heaven Grade students gathered nearby were also shocked and quickly ran away, fearing that Liu Wuxie might start a massacre. They no longer wanted to have anything to do with this matter.


    ¡°Qi Ningyun, your father deserved it, and he should have been dead a long time ago. To be honest, I had no intentions of killing you as it had nothing to do with you. But since you¡¯re courting death, I¡¯ll fulfill your wish.¡± Liu Wuxie said without a hint of emotion.


    Ultimately, Qi Ningyun¡¯s ability to locate Wang Xinming today suggested the possibility of someone else keeping out Liu Wuxie tomorrow. This would be nothing more than a nuisance. The most effective solution was to eliminate her, thereby addressing the issue at its core.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, my brothers won¡¯t let you go! They¡¯re significant figures in the army, wielding authority. You¡¯re doomed!¡± Qi Ningyun¡¯s face distorted as she roared like a mad woman.


    Knowing that she couldn¡¯t escape, Qi Ningyun took out a dagger and stabbed herself in her heart. She would rather take her own life than die at Liu Wuxie¡¯s hands.


    As Qi Ningyun¡¯s body gradually stiffened, Liu Wuxie remained expressionless. If Qi Ningyun¡¯s brothers sought vengeance, he wouldn¡¯t hesitate to eliminate them.


    Tossing the two corpses down the mountain, Liu Wuxie returned to his cave.


    Three days shed by in an instant. Liu Wuxie rose early, donned fresh clothes, and made his way to Xu Lingxue¡¯s courtyard.


    To prevent unnecessaryplications, Xu Lingxue arose early and left the courtyard. By the time Liu Wuxie arrived, she had been waiting for a while. After all, her master discovering Liu Wuxie¡¯s visit could potentially spark another conflict.


    Xu Lingxue looked stunning that day, causing Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes to light up at the sight of her. He was momentarily spellbound, admiring the light purple dress that entuated her beauty.


    Her skin was so fair that describing it as snowy white seemed inadequate; her faint smile revealed subtle dimples, adding a mix of allure and adorability.


    Her rosy lips made the surroundings pale inparison, and she looked like the center of the world just by standing there.


    Retracting his gaze, Liu Wuxie wore a bitter smile. What was there to ask to have a wife like her? On the contrary, having such beauty as a wife would only attract wolves, and he didn¡¯t know if this was good or bad.


    ¡°Have I kept you waiting?¡± Liu Wuxie rubbed his nose.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    The pair strolled alongside to the academy¡¯s exit, drawing numerous nces. Everyone was mesmerized by this ideal couple, who seemed like a divine pairing.


    But neither spoke as they hurried along and left the Imperial Academy. When they came out, Prince Ruyang¡¯s men were already waiting outside.


    Avish carriage, nked by proficient escorts, awaited them. Given the recent unrest in the Imperial City, Prince Ruyang had arranged for escorts to prevent potential assassination attempts.


    ¡°Young Master Liu, please!¡± A burly man approached and bowed in respect. He didn¡¯t recognize Xu Lingxue but also gave her a bow, which pleased Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Let¡¯s move on!¡± Liu Wuxie and Xu Lingxue boarded the carriage, which swiftly left the academy grounds and sped towards the pce.


    The journey was somewhat bumpy as Liu Wuxie and Xu Lingxue sat facing each other. This made Xu Lingxue feel somewhat uneasy as this was their first time sitting in such proximity.


    Two hourster, the carriage halted at the pce gates, and they had toplete the rest of the journey on foot.


    Liu Wuxie descended from the carriage and extended his hand to assist Xu Lingxue, who was wearing a form-fitting dress, in alighting from the carriage.


    Many people gathered at the pce gate, waiting for the summons. They all looked over curiously when Liu Wuxie and Xu Lingxue arrived, wondering who could be personally escorted by this renowned general of the Great Yan Dynasty.


    As the curtain was drawn back, a breathtaking beauty emerged. Instead of taking Liu Wuxie¡¯s arm, she reached for his hand to steady herself as she stepped down from the carriage.


    The softness of Xu Lingxue¡¯s hand and the subtle warmth it radiated caused Liu Wuxie¡¯s heart to flutter. This was the first time he had held her hand.


    ¡°What a beauty! Since when did such stunning beauty exist in the Great Yan Dynasty?¡± There was amotion among the officials when Xu Lingxue appeared. They were all attracted to her regardless of their age.


    This unwanted attention caused Xu Lingxue¡¯s expression to frost over, clearly disliking the scrutiny.


    In addition to the officials, young heirs of noble families were also present. Some were the progeny of generals, representing their fathers who were stationed at the borders.


    Upon alighting from the carriage, Liu Wuxie and Xu Lingxue moved to a less crowded area where others were awaiting their summons.


    Suddenly, a young man approached them. He was dressed in opulent attire, a jade pendant swaying at his waist, and a gem-studded headband signifying his wealth. At a single nce, it was evident that he was of extraordinary standing.


    He ignored Liu Wuxie and approached Xu Lingxue. He introduced himself, ¡°I am the son of the Minister of Justice, Yang Junxuan. May I know your name?¡±


    The young man was the son of the Minister of Justice, a position of considerable importance, especially whenpared to Xue Chunyu¡¯s role as the Vice-Minister of Revenue. An individual of his stature wouldmand respect, even from the five major ns.


    Liu Wuxie stood by the side with a sneer because Yang Junxuan hadn¡¯t taken a bat at him since he came,pletely disregarding him.


    ¡°I already have a husband, and it¡¯s inconvenient for me to tell you that.¡± Xue Lingxue didn¡¯t have an overbearing personality and spoke tactfully, grabbing Liu Wuxie¡¯s arm. She was trying to reject Yang Junxuan through her actions and didn¡¯t want to embarrass him.


    For the first time, the man turned to examine Liu Wuxie with a cruel smile.

 Chapter 238 - Highest Seat

    <h4>Chapter 238 - Highest Seat</h4>


    As their eyes locked, a derisive smile graced Liu Wuxie¡¯s lips. He had anticipated that Xu Lingxue¡¯s beauty would draw out an arrogant fool.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, you two might be married but haven¡¯t consummated your marriage. If you¡¯re willing to dissolve the marriage, I can protect you from now on in the Imperial City.¡± Yang Junxuan had long recognized Liu Wuxie and had recently heard about what had happened in Imperial City.


    He did hear that Liu Wuxie¡¯s wife was gorgeous, but he didn¡¯t expect Xu Lingxue to be so beautiful.


    ¡°You, protect me?¡± Liu Wuxie chuckled. This was the first time anyone had dared to utter such words in his presence. Even the current Emperor might hesitate to make such a im. Who did this fool think he was?


    ¡°I¡¯m aware of your conflict with Prince Yongxian. Given my father¡¯s alliance with Prince Yongxian, I can mediate and resolve the feud between you two, provided you¡¯re willing to dissolve your marriage,¡± Yang Junxuan confidently stated, his father¡¯s affiliation with Prince Yongxian¡¯s faction bolstering his assurance. His influence in the Imperial City was indeed substantial.


    It wasn¡¯t an understatement to say he held great power in Imperial City.


    ¡°You have three breaths¡¯ time to disappear from my sight!¡± Liu Wuxiemanded, rubbing his temples. He had no desire to waste words on Yang Junxun any longer. Dispatching such a fool would only sully his hand.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, you have quite the nerve to speak to Young Master Yang in this manner. Are you tired of living?!¡± Another scion of a prestigious n came out, pointing at Liu Wuxie¡¯s nose. In his eyes, Liu Wuxie was merely an ordinary student of the Imperial Academy, and there was no way he couldpare to descendants of prestigious ns like them.


    ¡°There¡¯s one breath left!¡± Liu Wuxie ignored the fool, with the chill in his eyes growing stronger, and Xu Lingxue didn¡¯t do anything to stop him.


    Themotion naturally attracted many people¡¯s attention as they looked over.


    Many people had only heard rumors about Liu Wuxie¡¯s superior strength, but they hadn¡¯t witnessed it themselves. This was because everyone who had witnessed Liu Wuxie¡¯s strength was dead, as they had underestimated him.


    ¡°Is he the one who treated the Emperor?¡± Several officials gathered and whispered among themselves, inadvertently sweeping their gazes at him.


    When their gazes shifted to Xu Lingxue, there was a hint of amazement and shock on their faces.


    ¡°He appears to be nothing more than an ordinary man. I wonder if he was born with three heads and six arms!¡± The officials¡¯ discussion wasced with sarcasm, as half of them were aligned with Prince Yongxian.


    Yang Junxuan stood unmoving, facing Liu Wuxie¡¯s threat. Several young masters came over to support Yang Junxuan.


    Suddenly, Liu Wuxie raised his right hand and swung it, sending Yang Junxuan flying. A spray of blood and a dozen broken teeth stained the blue bs on the ground.


    No one had anticipated that Liu Wuxie would strike precisely after three breaths. This left everyone stunned, questioning if Liu Wuxie was too audacious to assault someone in the presence of so many officials.


    When Yang Junxuan hit the ground, he was dumbfounded and screamed, with half of his face swollen.


    ¡°Young Master!¡± The guard apanying Yang Junxuan rushed over to help him up. Yang Junxuan looked pitiful, his mouth twisted from Liu Wuxie¡¯s unreserved p.


    ¡°Kill him!¡± Yang Junxuan roared hysterically. He had lost his rationale after being pped in front of so many people. How would he be able to show his face in the future after this incident?


    The guards didn¡¯t dare to disobey Yang Junxuan¡¯s order and charged toward Liu Wuxie with their weapons drawn.


    ¡°You all are courting death!¡± Liu Wuxie initially wanted to end this matter after teaching Yang Junxuan a lesson. But since these people courted death, he would grant their wish. He drew the Heretic de and unleashed a de ray.


    The five guards froze. They couldn¡¯t take another step forward with a slit appearing on their necks. The five of them were killed with one strike.


    Nearly a hundred people gathered at the pce gate were dumbfounded when they saw Liu Wuxie killing someone in public, disregarding the royal authority.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, how dare you kill in public! Guards, seize him!¡± Xue Chunyu stepped out and roared. The heavily armed troop that came with him surrounded Liu Wuxie, wanting to seize him.


    Xue Chunyu¡¯s timely appearance, just after Liu Wuxie had in Yang Junxuan¡¯s guards, seemed too coincidental.


    ¡°All of you, stop! Who dares to touch him?!¡± Footsteps sounded as another heavily armed troop rushed over and stood behind Liu Wuxie, confronting the troops brought by Xue Chunyu.


    ¡°Prince Ruyang, you intend to shelter him? He killed people in public,pletely disregarding the imperial authority. ording to thew, he should be executed!¡±


    Chen Yusheng had just arrived when the conflict broke out, even before he could alight from his carriage. However, his timely arrival was fortunate.


    The officials and young masters present retreated, wary of getting entangled in the dispute. After all, one party represented Prince Yongxian, and the other represented the monarch. Not wanting to offend either side, they chose neutrality, standing aside to observe the unfolding drama.


    ¡°Xue Chunyu, you¡¯re the one disregarding the imperial authority. They¡¯re the ones who started it, and Liu Wuxie merely acted in self-defense. Who are you to speak here?¡± Chen Yusheng sneered in disdain. Xue Chunyu was merely a vice-minister, and Chen Yusheng could kill him with one p if it weren¡¯t for Prince Yongxian.


    Everyone witnessed what had happened earlier, and Yang Junxuan was the one who had provoked Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Prince Ruyang, I won¡¯t argue with you. Liu Wuxie has injured the son of the Minister of Justice and even killed several guards. This is iron-d evidence, and no one can refute it.¡± Xue Chunyu wore a grim expression, showing no fear for Prince Ruyang. From this alone, anyone could tell that this banquet wouldn¡¯t be simple.


    There was already tension between the two parties before the banquet started. After all, Liu Wuxie¡¯s appearance disrupted the bnce, causing the conflict to surface.


    ¡°Vice-Minister Xue, what is it that you seek?¡± Liu Wuxie questioned, speaking before Prince Ruyang. He was curious about Xue Chunyu¡¯s intentions. He didn¡¯t regard thetter as a threat, given his ability to easily eliminate those beneath the True Core Realm.


    ¡°By thew, you should be imprisoned and await your punishment, considering this is your first offense.¡± Xue Chunyu spoke righteously as though he embodied justice, dering he wanted to imprison Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t surprised by this reply, as Xue Chunyu had already stated that earlier.


    ¡°Vice-Minister Xue, I wonder how your son is doing now?¡± Liu Wuxie suddenly changed the topic.


    When Liu Wuxie said that, murderous intent shed in Xue Chunyu¡¯s eyes. That had be his lifelong pain because he only had one son, and Liu Wuxie had crippled him. This meant that his family line hade to an end.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, I want you dead!¡± Xue Chunyu was so furious that he began to tremble with his face distorted. What Liu Wuxie said was the same as rubbing salt into his wound.


    The discord between the two was already intense, so what was Liu Wuxie¡¯s aim? Wasn¡¯t this akin to adding fuel to the fire? What could he gain by provoking Xue Chunyu? It was unclear who would bear the brunt if a conflict erupted, given the numerous hidden experts lurking in the shadows.


    ¡°You want to kill me?¡± Mockery shed on Liu Wuxie¡¯s face, and he asked, ¡°A piece of trash like you?¡±


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s taunts were sharp and cutting, so much so that even ten Xue Chunyus would not measure up to him. The art of mockery was akin to a dagger to the heart, causing the other party to lose their rationality and providing an opportunity.


    Everyone present was a prominent figure in the Imperial City, and it was humiliating to call them trash in front of so many people.


    Xue Chunyu finally lost it and drew his sword to cleave Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Vice-Minister Xue, how dare you resort to violence at the pce gate! Byw, you should be executed!¡± Chen Yusheng bellowed, echoing Xue Chunyu¡¯s earlier words. The same words, but now spoken by Chen Yusheng.


    This made everyone¡¯s faces change because they knew that Xue Chunyu had fallen into Liu Wuxie¡¯s trap with just a few words, triggering Xue Chunyu into viting thew.


    ¡°Vice-Minister Xue, you hear that? You¡¯ve also vited thew, and we¡¯re even. Do you still want to seize me and throw me into prison?¡± Liu Wuxie asked with a hint of sarcasm. Xue Chunyu was too tender to fight him.


    No one expected the matter to develop in this manner. Both sides had vited thew, and neither were qualified to arrest the other.


    Chen Yusheng¡¯s response was swift to yell the moment Xue Chunyu made a move to attack Liu Wuxie. Having experienced Liu Wuxie¡¯s cunning, he had anticipated that Liu Wuxie was setting a trap for Xue Chunyu.


    Xue Chunyu¡¯s re at Liu Wuxie was filled with such fury that, if looks could kill, Liu Wuxie would have perished a thousand times over.


    Right then, the pce gate was opened.


    ¡°His Majesty summons everyone to the main hall!¡± announced an eunuch. This promation snapped everyone back to reality, prompting them to quickly adjust their attire before proceeding to the main hall.


    Thus, the farcical episode concluded. Five guards had lost their lives in vain, and Yang Junxuan, with his swollen left cheek, was left in pain. He hissed and shot a venomous re at Liu Wuxie as he rose to his feet.


    ¡°Wuxie, let us go in!¡± Chen Yusheng came over and whispered, nodding at Xu Lingxue as a greeting.


    Following the stone steps, the three entered the pce. Liu Wuxie had been in the pce before, so he knew the way well. On the other hand, Xu Lingxue remained silent throughout the journey.


    Everyone crossed the threshold and entered the Divine Martial Hall. The other guards walked to the sides of the hall and soon found their seats.


    ¡°Young Master Liu, pleasee this way!¡± This was Liu Wuxie¡¯s first time participating, and he didn¡¯t have a fixed seat. A young eunuch came over and gestured for him to follow.


    ¡°Go on!¡± Prince Ruyang nodded because Liu Wuxie was the protagonist today.


    Guided by the young eunuch, Liu Wuxie and Xu Lingxue were led to the highest position, where a separate table had been set up at the same level as the Emperor¡¯s. This was an unprecedented honor.


    Even Prince Yongxian didn¡¯t have that qualification and could only sit beneath the Emperor.


    ¡°Is there a mistake? How can amoner like him sit at the same level as His Majesty?¡± Many officials rose to their feet, their faces etched with discontent. They all felt that Liu Wuxiecked the qualifications to upy such a position.

 Chapter 239 - Storm

    <h4>Chapter 239 - Storm</h4>


    Since ancient times, there had been a strict distinction between the ruler and his subjects. By sitting at the same level as the Emperor, Liu Wuxie had vited the etiquette between a ruler and a subject.


    But as the Emperor had arranged this, they didn¡¯t dare to criticize Liu Wuxie openly and could only mutter among themselves.


    To them, the Emperor''s and the subject''s etiquette was paramount, but in Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes, everyone was ordinary.


    ¡°I can¡¯t take this lying down! I have to report him when His Majestyes. How dare he disregard the etiquette towards the monarch!¡± A robust old man stood up furiously.


    ¡°Minister Bai, you don¡¯t have to lower yourself to a child¡¯s level.¡± The Great Yan Dynasty had two prime ministers, Minister Bai and Minister Wen.


    In their eyes, Liu Wuxie was a brat, and it was just a matter of time before he was killed in Imperial City.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. He¡¯s a brat who relied on unorthodox art to gain His Majesty¡¯s favor. His true colors will be revealed sooner orter.¡± The majority of the officials present leaned towards Minister Bai.


    Speaking of Minister Bai, Liu Wuxie had heard of him before. He had heard that Minister Bai was the younger brother of Bai n¡¯s patriarch, and Bai Zhan was his nephew. It was no wonder he held such hostility against him. After all, Bai Zhan was crippled, and it was natural for him to hate him.


    Facing the usations below, Liu Wuxie remained indifferent as he chatted with Xu Lingxue.


    Seeing how Liu Wuxie turned a deaf ear to them infuriated everyone. They purposely tried to provoke Liu Wuxie, hoping to find an opportunity to target him.


    However, they didn¡¯t expect Liu Wuxie to disregard them entirely, regardless of what they said.


    Liu Wuxie was unfazed by the potential threats. He knew that mere words wouldn¡¯t harm him, as he had never heard of anyone being killed by words alone.


    Liu Wuxie nced at the main hall out of the corner of his eye. The people on the left were less than those on the right.


    The faction on the left was headed by Chen Yusheng, with Minister Wen sitting among them. Prince Yongxian¡¯s faction, headed by Minister Bai, was on the right.


    Xue Chunyu sat in the middle on the right, looking at him viciously.


    ¡°Wuxie, I feel that many people will target you today.¡± Xu Lingxue said with a concerned face because Liu Wuxie was confronted before they could even enter the pce. It was evident that someone had tasked Yang Junxuan to provoke Liu Wuxie and force him to make a mistake.


    No one had anticipated that Liu Wuxie would be able to defuse a crisis aimed at him so effortlessly. Whaty ahead for him were more confrontations until his eventual demise.


    ¡°I was concerned they wouldn¡¯t dare to show up, and I can seize this chance to eliminate them all!¡± Liu Wuxie dered, a cold glint in his eyes.


    Seated beside him, Xu Lingxue could sense the surrounding temperature plummeting from Liu Wuxie¡¯s murderous intent.


    Liu Wuxie had already predicted this beforeing and wanted to use this opportunity to end everything.


    Roughly fifteen minutester, an old eunuch came from the passage and announced, ¡°His Majesty has arrived!¡±


    The chatter in the Divine Martial Hall ceased as everyone turned their attention towards the passage.


    A sturdy man was seen approaching, with Chen Ruoyan and Chen Leyao trailing behind him. The two princes also followed, maintaining a respectful distance of three steps.


    After being treated by Liu Wuxie and discovering that Liu Wuxie had some connection with Chen Leyao, the Emperor officially bestowed upon Chen Leyao the title of Princess Lingyao. Consequently, Chen Leyao finally gained status in the pce, and her mother was conferred as a consort.


    This was all thanks to Liu Wuxie.


    Everyone, including Liu Wuxie, rose to their feet. There was no requirement for subjects to kneel in the presence of the monarch; a bow sufficed.


    ¡°We pay our respect to Your Majesty!¡±


    ¡°Have a seat! This is a gratitude banquet, and there¡¯s no need to be so formal today.¡± The Emperor¡¯splexion had improved, and he looked like a different person. The pill given by Liu Wuxie had resolved the poison in his body.


    When the Emperor took his seat, Chen Ruoyan, Chen Leyao, and the two princes sat on both sides.


    Chen Ruoyan nced in Liu Wuxie¡¯s direction and pursed her lips upon seeing Xu Lingxue.


    Xu Lingxue, exuding elegance and grace, acknowledged Chen Ruoyan with a nod.


    Once everyone was seated, the Emperor turned to look at Liu Wuxie and nodded.


    ¡°Your Majesty, I have something to report before the banquet begins!¡± Minister Bai stood up, cupping his fists together at the Emperor.


    ¡°Minister Bai, please speak!¡± There was no displeasure on the Emperor¡¯s face as he allowed Minister Bai to speak.


    ¡°There¡¯s something that baffles me. This brat might¡¯ve treated Your Majesty, but he should be seated beneath you ording to etiquette. Why is he seated at the same level as Your Majesty?¡± Minister Bai questioned, his sentiments echoed by several officials on his side.


    ¡°Your Majesty, since Minister Bai has raised this issue, allow me to add my thoughts. What merits and abilities does this man possess to warrant a seat at the same level as Your Majesty? What impression does this give?¡± The Minister of Personnel chimed in, supporting Minister Bai.


    Minister Bai and the Minister of Personnel wielded substantial authority in the court, and they were influential figures that others dared not interfere with.


    ¡°Does anyone else share this viewpoint?¡± The Emperor inquired, his gaze sweeping over the other officials.


    ¡°Your Majesty, if we are talking about saving lives, haven¡¯t we, the imperial physicians, saved the most over the years? Or is he seated at the top just because he saved Your Majesty¡¯s life? How can that convince everyone?¡± Guo Buqiu voiced his objections, still harboring resentment against Liu Wuxie for a previous humiliation.


    If Minister Bai¡¯s words weren¡¯t convincing enough, Guo Buqiu''s words made everyone nod in acknowledgment. After all, the imperial physicians had saved more people over the years, and they should be seated at the top if that was the case.


    ¡°Is that all?¡± The Emperor asked, a smile ying on his lips as he turned his gaze to Minister Bai.


    ¡°Your Majesty, please enlighten us!¡± The situation was heading towards a point where the officials were pressuring the Emperor to provide an answer.


    Such a demand was unprecedented, as subjects had no right to question the Emperor.


    Throughout this exchange, Prince Yongxian didn¡¯t say a word and merely sat at his table as though this had nothing to do with him. But a faint smile was hanging on his lips.


    ¡°Do you believe that he only saved my life?¡± The Emperor retorted, ¡°What he saved is the Great Yan Dynasty, the lives of countless people. Do you still question his qualifications to sit here now?¡±


    The Emperor¡¯s words echoed through the hall like a thunderous roar, instilling fear in the officials. The potential demise of the Emperor signified the descent of the Great Yan Dynasty into chaos, with countless families facing the horrors of war.


    The Divine Martial Hall fell into a hushed silence, and Minister Bai dared not utter another word. If the dispute continued, it could lead to an irreparable rift.


    All eyes turned to Prince Yongxian.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it just a spot? It¡¯s the same everywhere. Or is the wine he drinks different from us?¡± Prince Yongxianughed and dissolved the tense atmosphere.


    ¡°Indeed, it¡¯s merely a seat. There¡¯s no need to take it to heart!¡± Many neutral officials chimed in, aiming to lighten the mood, as no one stood to gain from the conflict escting.


    ¡°Any further objections?¡± The Emperor¡¯s voice was noticeably colder this time. He had turned a blind eye in the past due to their brotherly bond. But upon discovering that he had been poisoned, he realized that he was the only one who had treated Prince Yongxian as a brother, which had restrained him in his dealings with thetter.


    The hall fell silent, with no one speaking further, and they returned to their seat.


    On the contrary, Liu Wuxie had be an outsider and had nothing to do with this matter.


    Although Liu Wuxie had anticipated this oue, the Emperor¡¯s dominance still surprised him.


    The banquet resumed, and the earlier debate was merely an appetizer. There was still a storm brewing that awaited Liu Wuxie.


    Food and drinks were served one after another, and everyone ate with their heads lowered, waiting for what woulde next.


    ¡°Master Liu, I understand you have a knack for healing. I¡¯ve been grappling with a puzzling health issue for some time now, and I see this as a perfect chance to seek your advice.¡± Guo Buqiu rose to his feet, offering a respectful salute towards Liu Wuxie.


    The feast had barely started, andplications had already arisen. The Emperor was on the verge of stepping in, but Liu Wuxie held him back. After all, he couldn¡¯t rely on the Emperor to solve all his problems. Even if the Emperor could intervene at the moment, he wouldn¡¯t be able to do so indefinitely, and these individuals would persistently seek to stir up trouble.


    Thus, the best way was to counterattack, one by one.


    ¡°I am indeed curious about the ailment that troubles Physician Guo, and I¡¯m ready to listen.¡± Liu Wuxie set down his cup. He was aware that if he declined, Guo Buqiu wouldunch a second round of defamation, using him of being all rhetoric and no substance. This was a typical ploy, and Liu Wuxie preemptively eliminated any chance of it being used.


    ¡°There¡¯s someone who wakes up feeling lethargic in the morning but bes energized in the evening. I can¡¯t detect the problem, and they would gradually lose weight by the day. Do you know what the problem is?¡± Guo Buqiu described the symptoms.


    Those weremon symptoms for those who stayed upte, and how could it be considered an illness? This was an attempt to try to make things difficult for Liu Wuxie. If Liu Wuxie said that it wasn¡¯t an illness, it would mean that his skills in medicine were ordinary.


    But if Liu Wuxie said it was an illness, Guo Buqiu would say this was a typical case of a reversed sleep cycle. This meant that Liu Wuxie would fall into Guo Buqiu¡¯s trap regardless of what he said.


    Everyone noticed the trap in the question and didn¡¯t expect Guo Buqiu to prepare such a tricky question.


    ¡°Young Master Liu, please give your diagnosis!¡± Guo Buqiu looked at Liu Wuxie with a smile, awaiting his reply.


    Xu Lingxue revealed a hint of concern in her eyes because this wasn¡¯t an interaction of medical study but an attempt to embarrass Liu Wuxie. The symptoms were vague, and there was no correct answer because it depended on Guo Buqiu¡¯s words.


    ¡°May I ask if the patient is male or female?¡± Liu Wuxie asked after a brief pondering.


    ¡°Male, and he has just reached the age of twenty!¡± Guo Buqiu replied, not wanting to waste a minute.


    ¡°This illness generally falls into two categories. One is a paleplexion and purple lips when waking up, often apanied by convulsions. The second is due to consuming Golden Snow Grass,¡± Liu Wuxie said. He asked, ¡°May I know which category the patient fell into?¡±


    Guo Buqiu narrowed his eyes with a hint of seriousness in them.


    ¡°How can Young Master Liu be certain that it falls into one of the two categories?¡± Guo Buqiu said, but his facial expression had betrayed him.


    ¡°Physician Guo, we¡¯re not three-year-old children. Since you dare to question me, I believe you must¡¯ve brought the patient here. If I answer wrongly, the patient will stand out to prove my mistake. Am I right about that?¡± Liu Wuxie looked at Guo Buqiu with a squinted smile, causing thetter to stagger.

 Chapter 240 - Bet

    <h4>Chapter 240 - Bet</h4>


    Everyone stared at Liu Wuxie like they were looking at a monster, particrly the imperial physicians who were in league with Guo Buqiu.


    They had hatched a scheme to discredit him should he answer incorrectly. However, when Liu Wuxie retorted that no one present was a three-year-old child, it was a stinging rebuke to Guo Buqiu.


    Guo Buqiu was still too naive to y games with him. An average person would undoubtedly have fallen into the trap. Unfortunately for him, he had crossed paths with Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie had urately identified two possible illnesses simply by stating the symptoms, which was unbelievable. They began to wonder if Liu Wuxie was a monster.


    Those were Guo Buqiu¡¯s actual thoughts at the moment.


    ¡°Physician Guo, is it true that you¡¯ve brought the patient here, as Master Liu mentioned?¡± Physician Yan stepped forward to challenge Guo Buqiu, deeming his tactics utterly disgraceful.


    ¡°Indeed, I have brought the patient along, and he¡¯s currently outside the pce. Since Master Liu has diagnosed the illness, I presume you must have a remedy for it, correct? Your Majesty, I request permission to bring the patient into the hall.¡± With the situation having escted to this point, Guo Buqiu had no choice but to see it through. This was the same as falling out with Liu Wuxie openly.


    The Emperor turned to look at Liu Wuxie, seeking his opinion. If the patient came in and the condition differed from what Liu Wuxie imed, the other imperial physicians would seize him.


    Even if Liu Wuxie had guessed correctly, he would face the mockery of the imperial physicians if he couldn¡¯t treat the illness.


    It was a well-devised scheme with multipleyers and traps for Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie nodded, signaling that the Emperor didn¡¯t have to worry because this little trickery couldn¡¯t pose any trouble to him.


    ¡°Bring him in!¡± The Emperor said after receiving Liu Wuxie¡¯s acknowledgment.


    The other officials began to discuss this among themselves.


    ¡°Do you believe Liu Wuxie made an urate diagnosis? Isn¡¯t it somewhat fantastical to identify a disease based solely on symptoms?¡± The officials from the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of War engaged in a discussion. The majority of them were aligned with Prince Yongxian, and those seated on the right were high-ranking officials.


    ¡°So what if he was right? If he can''te up with a treatment, it won¡¯t change the fact that he¡¯s a fraud.¡± Xue Chunyu sneered as though he could already see Liu Wuxie¡¯s demise. He was still furious from what thetter had said earlier.


    ¡°I¡¯ve heard that Guo Buqiu brought the patient from a remote tribe, where many have experienced simr symptoms for generations. Yet, no one has been able to find a cure. It results in numerous deaths each year.¡± A military official spoke up, his voice resonating throughout the room. It was no secret that this was part of Guo Buqiu¡¯s strategy to challenge Liu Wuxie.


    Fifteen minutester, a man donning a ck robe entered the Divine Martial Hall. His head was wrapped in a ck cloth, covering his appearance.


    When everyone looked at the man, they were baffled as to why he didn¡¯t dare to show his appearance.


    Guo Buqiu stepped forward and brought the man to the hall¡¯s center.


    Upon seeing the man, Liu Wuxie smiled. With his Ghost Eye, he could see through the man¡¯s body, leaving nothing hidden from his view.


    ¡°Guo Buqiu, why is he masked?¡± Physician Yan asked.


    ¡°Everyone might be rmed if he doesn¡¯t wear a mask!¡± Guo Buqiu said with a cryptic smile, scanning the room.


    ¡°Stop wasting time. What haven¡¯t we seen before? Get on with it and reveal his face!¡± The military officials were impatient with Guo Buqiu¡¯s dawdling.


    Being veterans of war, they were ustomed to the sight of the dead. How could they be scared of a living person?


    Alright, I¡¯ll proceed with the unmasking. Brace yourselves!¡± Guo Buqiu warned, signaling the man to remove his mask.


    ¡°Turn away!¡± Liu Wuxie instructed Xu Lingxue, asking her to avert her gaze. Xu Lingxueplied and quietly turned her back.


    As the man began to remove his mask, a palpable tension filled the room. However, when the mask was finally off, the sight caused everyone in the hall to start retching.


    Most people felt turmoil in their stomachs as they endured the disgust to turn their heads away.


    ¡°Quick, cover him back on!¡± The military officials could still withstand it, but the civil officials couldn¡¯t stand it any longer.


    Chen Ruoyan and Chen Leyao also exchanged a nce before they vomited.


    When the man removed his mask, his eyes were nearly rotten as he looked at Liu Wuxie. His facial features were no longer discernible, and white worms crawled out of his nose and ears. His mouth was so rotten that it nearly fell off.


    The most frightening part was his half-rotten eyes, which could no longer move.


    Even the experienced military officials were shocked that the man wasn¡¯t dead despite having most of his body rotten.


    The man¡¯s face was pale, and his lips were purple like what Liu Wuxie had stated in the first category, but the condition was a hundred times more severe.


    ¡°Guo Buqiu, you said that he¡¯s restless in the morning and energetic at night. But this patient¡¯s condition differs entirely from what you¡¯ve described.¡± Physician Yan was furious as Guo Buqiu had lied.


    ¡°I was talking about the early stages of the illness. This is after the illness develops into thete stage.¡± Guo Buqiu sneered. No one had asked him if had described the symptoms from the early orte stages of the illness.


    Guo Buqiu was indeed ruthless, presenting symptoms of the early stages but bringing forth a patient in thete stage. Many onlookers sneered, for even Guo Buqiu was powerless against such a severe illness. They were curious to see how Liu Wuxie would handle it.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, since you¡¯ve identified the condition, you must have a treatment for it. This disease has spread to a major city in the north, and it would be a significant achievement if you could cure it,¡± the Minister of War remarked sarcastically, urging Liu Wuxie to treat the man.


    All eyes were on Liu Wuxie, waiting for his response and to see how he would navigate this predicament. Physician Yan also wore a look of concern, as he was already familiar with this disease but had found no solution. Liu Wuxie may have diagnosed the disease, but whether he could treat it was another matter.


    ¡°Physician Guo, you¡¯ve gone to great lengths to challenge me. If I were to decline, it would appear as though I fear death. But there should be stakes on both sides. What would you do if I managed to cure him?¡± Liu Wuxie asked Guo Buqiu coldly.


    Guo Buqiu had issued the challenge, which Liu Wuxie had epted. Now, they needed to discuss the stakes for both parties. Guo Buqiu nced at Prince Yongxian, who gave him a nod. They hadn¡¯t expected Liu Wuxie to fall into their trap so swiftly.


    ¡°If Young Master Liu can treat him, I will give up my position as an imperial physician and retire,¡± Guo Buqiu sneered. ¡°But if you can¡¯t treat him, you must admit you¡¯re a fraud and get lost from the Imperial City.¡±


    Guo Buqiu was vicious in wanting to force Liu Wuxie to leave the Imperial City.


    Chen Ruoyan wanted to stand up and stop, as it wasn¡¯t fair for Liu Wuxie, but the Emperor stopped her.


    ¡°Why continue with this charade? You wish for my death, yet you suggest I leave the Imperial City? Here¡¯s my proposition: I will cure him in fifteen minutes. If I seed, you die! If I fail, I die!¡± Liu Wuxie retorted, sneering at their hypocrisy. They desired his death, yet they maintained a facade.


    The moment the battle lines were drawn, it was clear that it would culminate in the demise of one party and no other oue. Liu Wuxie¡¯s words filled the hall with a lethal aura, and it was evident to all that this banquet wouldn¡¯t conclude peacefully. The food on the table had turned cold, as no one was in the mood to eat.


    This was a showdown between the Emperor and Prince Yongxian. The victor would seize control of the ensuing conflict. If one party were to lose, they might lose the entire dynasty.


    ¡°Okay, I agree!¡± Guo Buqiu said, agreeing to Liu Wuxie¡¯s terms.


    Chen Yusheng and Physician Yan wanted to intervene, but it was toote. Physician Yan had dedicated half his life to studying this disease, yet he hadn¡¯t found a cure. And now, Liu Wuxie intended to treat it in just fifteen minutes? It seemed impossible.


    After both sides signed the agreement, Liu Wuxie called, ¡°Bring me a brazier!¡±


    Next would be Liu Wuxie¡¯s performance, and Xu Lingxue looked at him worriedly.


    The man had put his mask back on, but no one could erase the memory of his earlier appearance.


    It didn¡¯t take long before two eunuchs came in with a massive brazier and ced it at the hall¡¯s center. This baffled everyone as they had no idea what Liu Wuxie was trying to do.


    They were expecting him to put on a performance of extraordinary medical skills or refine a pill. But what was he trying to do by bringing in a brazier?


    ¡°ce these in the brazier!¡± Liu Wuxiemanded, taking out a selection of herbs from his pouch. He chose a few and reluctantlyid them on the table.


    An eunuch, not daring to hesitate since the Emperor had decreed that Liu Wuxie could act on his behalf that day, tossed five herbs into the brazier. This action resulted in a plume of green smoke that filled the entire hall.


    There were still no changes as time passed, and the smile on Guo Buqiu¡¯s face became wider.


    Did he really think he could cure such a severe illness by simply throwing a few herbs into a brazier?¡± The imperial physicians, gathered around Guo Buqiu, sneered. They seemed to already envision Liu Wuxie¡¯s downfall.


    Chen Yusheng was nervous as time passed because failing meant Liu Wuxie¡¯s death.


    ¡°Will he be sessful?¡± Xu Lingxue asked, her fists clenched in apprehension. She sat next to Liu Wuxie, her worry palpable.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it!¡± Liu Wuxieforted her, signaling that such a small problem couldn¡¯t trouble him.


    However, with only five minutes remaining, the man emitted a strange noise before copsing and convulsing on the ground.

 Chapter 241 - Poisonous Insect

    <h4>Chapter 241 - Poisonous Insect</h4>


    Everyone looked confused as they couldn¡¯t understand what was happening. They watched as the man emitted a chilling sound, reminiscent of the death cries of insects.


    The soundsted for roughly a minute before the man stopped convulsing and merely sat on the ground, unmoving.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, you¡¯ve killed him!¡± Guo Buqiu used, standing up as he noted the man¡¯s weak breathing, indistinguishable from that of a corpse.


    With a loud mor, the imperial physicians stood together, led by Guo Buqiu. ¡°Liu Wuxie, how vicious can you get? Irrespective of this being a duel, how could you kill the patient? Do you think you can get away with this?¡± Another imperial physician stood up and condemned.


    More voices joined in the condemnation of Liu Wuxie, plunging the hall into chaos. After all, killing the patient during treatment was tantamount to losing the wager.


    ¡°Bunch of clowns!¡± Liu Wuxie retorted, his words nearly choking the imperial physicians. This provoked them into ring at him fiercely. His insult was akin to a p in their faces.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, how dare you call us clowns! Time is almost up, and we¡¯ll see how you meet your end!¡± Eight imperial physicians took a step forward, unleashing their aura, and they were prepared to kill Liu Wuxie in the presence of the Emperor.


    ¡°You people are worse than trash in my eyes. You all have the cheek to call yourself imperial physicians when you can¡¯t even differentiate between the living and the dead,¡± Liu Wuxie said with a hint of disgust. Time wasn¡¯t up yet, and they were already eager to pounce.


    ¡°He¡¯s not dead?¡± Guo Buqiu muttered as he stepped forward, scanning the man with his divine sense. He eventually sensed faint breathing, which could be easily neglected without careful observation.


    ¡°Apply this on his face, and new flesh will soon grow out on the rotten area.¡± Liu Wuxie took out a bottle of medicinal ointment. If used on wounds, it could aid healing, and Liu Wuxie hadn¡¯t expected to use it here.


    An eunuch stepped forward, took the medicinal ointment, and approached the man. He then proceeded to remove the man¡¯s mask, prompting everyone to rise and crane their necks for a better view.


    ¡°It¡¯s strange. Where did the bugs on his face go?¡± The crowd murmured among themselves. When the mask had been removed earlier, the man¡¯s face had been crawling with white worms. But now, the worms had vanished, leaving behind a face marred with wounds.


    The eunuch took a peacock feather and applied the ointment on the man¡¯s face. In less than a minute of applying the ointment, new flesh quickly grew on the man¡¯s face.


    ¡°How is this possible? What ointment is this, and how can it be so potent?¡± Guo Buqiu looked like he had seen a ghost. Every physician could refine ointment for wounds, but this was the first time he had seen an ointment with such powerful effects.


    Even when using potent herbs and medicines, recovery would typically take some time.


    Physician Yan quickly moved forward and took the ointment from the eunuch. There wasn¡¯t much ointment left in the bottle, just a dozen drops or so.


    ¡°Young Master Liu, can you give me this bottle?¡± Physician Yan said agitatedly as he carried the ointment bottle.


    He was immersed in medicine and had no interest in wealth or fame. This was why Guo Buqiu had obtained the title of the best physician in the Great Yan Dynasty.


    Liu Wuxie offered, his forehead creased as he pulled out another bottle from his pouch. He always kept the ointment handy for emergencies, and it wasn¡¯t something that could be bought in the market. After all, not all external injuries could be healed with pills.


    Yan Ruyu, who was Physician Yan¡¯s niece, had once lent Liu Wuxie a zither when he was facing suppression from the Xue n at the academy. Therefore, giving Physician Yan a bottle of the ointment could be seen as returning the favor.


    ¡°Thank you, Young Master Liu!¡± Physician Yan gratefully epted the ointment and stored it away, nning to examine it further when he returned.


    A crowd had gathered around the patient, pointing andmenting. The decayed flesh on his face hadpletely disappeared, reced by fresh skin. Only his eyes were still in the process of healing.


    ¡°Look, his breathing is recovering!¡± The officials from the Ministry of Rites eximed. The Ministry of Justice, War, Personnel, and Finance had practically joined Prince Yongxian¡¯s faction.


    Only the Ministries of Rites and Labor were still in the Emperor¡¯s faction, but these two ministries had the least authority.


    When the patient slowly opened his eyes, he looked around nkly before returning to his feet. When he touched his face, his cracked lips had recovered, and his eyes no longer hurt as much as before.


    When the eunuch took out a bronze mirror and ced it before the patient, the patient cried out after looking at his reflection.


    The patient fell to his knees and gave Liu Wuxie three kowtows. He said, ¡°Please save the rest of my tribe!¡±


    The man¡¯s action was the best proof that his illness had been treated.


    Guo Buqiu and the other imperial physicians exchanged looks of disbelief. They were astounded that Liu Wuxie had managed to treat a condition in fifteen minutes that had baffled them for decades.


    ¡°Get up first. Since Young Master Liu has treated you, I believe he has a way to treat your tribe.¡± Physician Yan supported the man back on his feet.


    A hush fell over the Divine Martial Hall. The sound of a cup cracking echoed through the silence as the cup in Prince Yongxian¡¯s hand crumbled to dust and fell onto the table.


    ¡°This is impossible! There¡¯s no way it can be treated; he must have used witchcraft!¡± Guo Buqiu screamed hysterically, his headband torn and his hair disheveled. He appeared like a madman.


    Throughout the process, Liu Wuxie remained seated at the table, merely giving instructions that an eunuch carried out. He had simply thrown some herbs into a brazier and used some ointment to treat a disease that had confounded all the imperial physicians for decades.


    ¡°How dare you!¡± Chen Yusheng roared in response to the outrageous ims being made in the Divine Martial Hall.


    ¡°Guo Buqiu, you have already lost! Surrender yourself now!¡± The Vice-Minister of Rites stepped forward, signaling their counterattack.


    This might seem like an ordinary celebration banquet, but it was a life-and-death confrontation.


    ¡°I refuse to ept this unless he tells me what the disease is and how it¡¯s cured! Who knows if this is an illusion, and the disease will rpse in a few days!¡± Guo Buqiu said, refusing to be convinced by the result.


    ¡°Physician Guo is right! Don¡¯t be fooled by him!¡± The officials in Prince Yongxian¡¯s faction intervened to support Guo Buqiu.


    ¡°How shameless can you get? I¡¯ll let you die fully convinced then.¡± A devilish smile rose on Liu Wuxie¡¯s lips. He appeared harmless, but it made everyone tremble in fear, and no one dared look him in the eye.


    Over a hundred pairs of eyes turned to Liu Wuxie, awaiting his response.


    ¡°Stop beating around the bush!¡± Xue Chunyu said impatiently.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s icy gaze swept over Xue Chunyu, causing him to shudder. Liu Wuxie¡¯s stare seemed as if it could prate his soul.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t a disease but a form of poison. More precisely, it¡¯s due to poisonous insects!¡± Liu Wuxie dropped this bombshell, revealing that the issue wasn¡¯t a disease but poison. His words immediately caused amotion in the hall.


    ¡°Wuxie, what exactly are these poisonous insects you speak of?¡± Chen Yusheng asked, clearly perplexed. Physician Yan asked uncertainly. If it was poison, why couldn¡¯t they find any clues about it over the years?


    ¡°Wuxie, what kind of poison are poisonous insects?¡± Chen Yusheng asked in confusion.


    This was the first time everyone, including the twelve imperial physicians present, had heard of it. Some were experts in poison, but even they were perplexed by what Liu Wuxie said.


    ¡°Poisonous insects differ greatly from other types of poisons. These insects are living organisms that parasitize the human body or nts. Their omnipresence makes them difficult to defend against. If my conjecture is correct, the tribe he hails from is likely surrounded by vast marsnds,¡± Liu Wuxie elucidated without going into further detail.


    ¡°How do you know that there are marshes near the tribe?¡± This time, the patient spoke.


    Their tribe was nestled deep within the mountains and had minimal contact with the outside world. This wasrgely due to the fact that a majority of the tribe members were afflicted by the ¡®disease¡¯ and had chosen to iste themselves.


    ¡°The venomous insect residing in your body is known as the Dark Spirit Insect, and marsnds are its natural dwelling ce,¡± Liu Wuxie revealed.


    This was the first time everyone had heard of these poisonous insects, and they began looking at each other in confusion.


    ¡°Oh, I forgot to mention one thing. Once they infect a person, they spread rapidly in the crowd as they¡¯re highly contagious. Given how close you are, I reckon you¡¯ve all been infected by it.¡±


    When Liu Wuxie said that, the Divine Martial Hall became chaotic as everyone distanced themselves from the patient.


    After all, the poison was contagious, and no one in the Great Yan Dynasty could treat it except Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, don¡¯t try to scare us. How can poison be possibly transmitted to others?¡± The Vice-Minister of Justice sneered. He was standing beside Guo Buqiu earlier and wasn¡¯t far from the patient.


    Even Physician Yan and Chen Yusheng had been near the patient.


    ¡°You¡¯ll soon find out if I¡¯m making things up. In five minutes at most, your abdomens will start to itch terribly, gradually spreading until it reaches your brain. The insects will slowly devour your brain, and you will die in agony.¡± Liu Wuxie was indifferent as their life and death had nothing to do with him.


    Five minutes passed in the blink of an eye.


    ¡°It¡¯s itchy!¡± Guo Buqiu suddenly scratched his lower abdomen; he was the first person toe in contact with the patient. Next were the imperial physicians standing behind him. They were all scratching their lower abdomens, leaving behind red marks.


    ¡°I can¡¯t take it any longer! It¡¯s too itchy!¡± An imperial physician suddenly fell on his knees, scratching his lower abdomen with all his might. Shortly after, he began scratching his chest before moving to his head.


    A few minutester, a white worm emerged from his nose, sending everyone nearby into a state of panic. ¡°Liu Wuxie, please save me! I don¡¯t want to die!¡± Apart from Guo Buqiu, the other imperial physicians fell to their knees, begging desperately for treatment.


    All eight imperial physicians were known to be aligned with Prince Yongxian¡¯s faction. The other officials, who had maintained their distance and thus were not infected, quickly retreated upon witnessing this scene, fearing they might contract the infection.


    In addition to Guo Buqiu, the faces of the nine imperial physicians began to show signs of decay.


    ¡°Wuxie, why are we fine?¡± Chen Yusheng was baffled because he and Physician Yan had alsoe in contact with the patient, but they were fine.


    ¡°That¡¯s because I smeared insect repent on the bottle I gave Physician Yan, and those poisonous insects won¡¯t dare to get close,¡± Liu Wuxie said.


    Since Chen Yusheng was standing next to Physician Yan, he wasn¡¯t infected by the poisonous insects either.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, you¡¯re despicable! Why aren¡¯t you treating them?!¡± The Vice-Minister of Justice roared, urging Liu Wuxie to treat the imperial physicians quickly.

 Chapter 242 - Layers Upon Layers

    <h4>Chapter 242 - Layers Upon Layers</h4>


    The white worm crawled out of Guo Buqiu¡¯s mouth, and the sight was gruesome to watch.


    Guo Buqiu fell to his knees, and his face was distorted in pain. When he tried to scratch his face, he ripped off a piece of flesh from it.


    The officials gathered in the distance couldn¡¯t bear to watch this any longer and became nauseated. Even Xu Lingxue turned her head away, not wanting to continue watching.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, I was in the wrong. Please, save me!¡± Guo Buqiu fell to his knees and begged for mercy.


    It hadn¡¯t been long, and the tables were turned in just fifteen minutes with Guo Buqiu on his knees, kowtowing and begging to be saved.


    ¡°Why should I save you?¡± Liu Wuxie asked without any expression on his face. There wasn¡¯t a hint of pity on his face, and he never showed mercy for someone who tried to kill him.


    Even when facing the Vice-Minister of Justice¡¯s threats and the imperial physicians begging him, there was no ripple in his heart. This was the brutality of the cultivating world. After all, showing kindness to the enemy meant being cruel to oneself.


    ¡°I was under the orders of Prince Yongxian, and it wasn¡¯t my intention. If you¡¯re willing to save me, I will pledge my loyalty to His Majesty from now on!¡± Guo Buqiu lost his rationale before death. To survive, he admitted that Prince Yongxian was the mastermind who wanted to harm Liu Wuxie.


    As soon as Guo Buqiu finished speaking, a shard sliced through his neck, causing blood to spurt out and stain a pir in the hall red. The attack was made by Prince Yongxian, who had a broken piece of a te in front of him.


    Guo Buqiu¡¯s eyes bulged as he slowly turned around to look at Prince Yongxian with endless regret reflected in his eyes. It didn¡¯t take long before he fell to the ground, taking hisst breath with his eyes wide open.


    The Emperor sneered, observing that Prince Yongxian no longer regarded him with respect, having killed someone right in front of him.


    ¡°Guo Buqiu is guilty of trying to frame Young Master Liu, and I have punished him on the spot. Your Majesty, I apologize for rming you!¡± Prince Yongxian stood up and cupped his fists at the Emperor.


    ¡°Guo Buqiu deserved his fate. Why would I hold you ountable for his death?¡± The Emperor chuckled, but everyone understood that this incident was far from over.


    Prince Yongxian, being in the True Core Realm, was capable enough to handle everyone present single-handedly. Liu Wuxie sensed that there must be experts secretly protecting the Emperor, as he could feel several powerful auras concealed around them.


    The remaining eight imperial physicians were lying on the ground, wailing in fear. Guo Buqiu¡¯s death had terrified them to the point of trembling and losing control of their bowels.


    ¡°Take them out and burn them!¡± The Emperormanded. A group of guards entered the hall, but they hesitated, fearing infection. After all, they had witnessed firsthand how the poisonous insects had infected the nine imperial physicians.


    ¡°You¡¯ll be safe after applying this!¡± Liu Wuxie reassured them, tossing an herb to a guard. The guards quickly expressed their gratitude to Liu Wuxie and squeezed some juice from the herb, applying it to their hands. This way, they no longer had to worry about the infection.


    The farcical spectacle came to an end. The other officials returned to their seats, but they felt as if they were sitting on a bed of needles.


    Guo Buqiu¡¯s death was a signal and warning to them that Prince Yongxian wouldn¡¯t show mercy even to those in his faction for his objective; he wouldn¡¯t bat an eye to sacrifice anyone.


    The atmosphere was heavy, and no one spoke. Butpared to before, they all had a hint of reverence when they looked at Liu Wuxie again.


    ¡°Your Majesty, General Qi is waiting outside to be summoned.¡± An eunuch came in and whispered in the Emperor¡¯s ears. The voice wasn¡¯t loud, but everyone heard it.


    Chen Yusheng frowned slightly upon hearing General Qi¡¯s name. He might have been themander of the Terrabreak Army, but he wasn¡¯t highly cultivated. He was only in the sixth level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm. On the contrary, many generals in the army had higher cultivation than him.


    General Qi was one of such generals, who controlled the Earth Battalion and wielded actual authority like Bai Lin.


    ¡°Summon him!¡± General Qi was already waiting outside the pce, and it would be inappropriate not to summon him.


    The eunuch went out, and it didn¡¯t take long before two robust men walked into the Divine Martial Hall. The two men bore a striking resemnce to each other, indicating that they were likely brothers.


    The man in front was d in general¡¯s armor, and the man behind him, presumably his deputy, was also armored.


    As they stepped into the Divine Martial Hall, a strong smell of blood filled the air. This was a sign that they had recently been in battle, and they had entered the pce before the aura of bloodshed around them had dissipated.


    Ignoring the officials on both sides, they stood before the Emperor and cupped their hands together, ¡°Qi Ningshan and Qi Ninghai, pay our respect to Your Majesty!¡±


    The arrival of the Qi brothers brought a smile to Liu Wuxie¡¯s face. Qi Ninghai, Qi Ningshan, and Qi Ningyun were the children of Qi Enshi, a fact made evident by the simrity in their names.


    ¡°Have a seat, generals!¡± The Emperor rose to his feet, showing respect for his subjects. Two eunuchs promptly brought out two chairs from behind a curtain.


    ¡°Your Majesty, this humble servant has a question!¡± Qi Ningshan remained standing, his posture rigid. From the moment he entered, his attention was solely on the Emperor.


    ¡°Please speak!¡± The Emperor said. He had no reason to refuse Qi Ningshan, even though he suspected the question might be ufortable.


    ¡°As sons, it would be unfilial of us not to seek revenge for our father and sister,¡± Qi Ningshan stated. Even though the Emperor had anticipated what he wanted to say, he let him speak, filling the entire hall with a palpable tension.


    This made Xue Chunyu and the officials of the Ministry of Justice smile. No one spoke as their attention was focused on the Emperor.


    ¡°It¡¯s only natural to seek revenge for your father¡¯s death!¡± This response was akin to giving Qi Ningshan a justification to kill Liu Wuxie, but the Emperor had no other choice. If the Emperor had disagreed and imed that Qi Enshi deserved his fate, all the officials would likely have used him of favoring Liu Wuxie. This was a checkmate situation that the Emperor had no choice but to step into.


    No one spoke as the murderous intent in the hall grew denser.


    ¡°Thank you for your guidance, Your Majesty. We came together to avenge our brother and sister, and we apologize in advance if it goes against the principles of the royal n.¡± Qi Ningshan cupped his fists together and turned to look at Liu Wuxie, regardless of the Emperor¡¯s opinion. The brothers nned to kill Liu Wuxie in front of the Emperor and avenge their father.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, you framed our father and killed our sister. We will kill you today and get rid of an evil like you.¡± Qi Ningshan drew his sword and pointed it at Liu Wuxie, releasing his aura in the ninth level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    The two brothers were experts, and the surrounding tables and chairs began to creak when they drew their swords.


    ¡°How dare you both? This is a banquet hosted by the royal family. How could you challenge the Emperor¡¯s authority here?¡± Chen Ruoyan could no longer remain silent and stood up to confront the two brothers.


    The banquet was held in honor of Liu Wuxie, but Guo Buqiu was the first to provoke, and now the Qi brothers had appeared out of nowhere. If this continued, what would be of the royal family¡¯s prestige?


    ¡°We have the Emperor¡¯s consent, and besides, we are only seeking to avenge our father as dutiful sons. We will ept our punishment from the Emperor after we have dealt with him!¡± Qi Ningshan retorted dismissively, ignoring Chen Ruoyan and focusing his gaze on Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, you¡¯re not afraid to fight, are you? Where¡¯s the courage you showed when you framed our father and killed our sister?¡± Qi Ninghai¡¯s eyes shed with a murderous intent. After all, if Liu Wuxie refused their challenge, his reputation would be tarnished.


    Xu Lingxue looked on with concern. The brothers were formidable, and she worried that Liu Wuxie might not be their match.


    The Emperor was inclined to intervene on Liu Wuxie¡¯s behalf. While seeking revenge for their father was understandable, the significant disparity in their strengths made it an unfair fight. However, just as he was about to voice his concerns, Liu Wuxie stopped him.


    ¡°I ept the two of your challenges,¡± Liu Wuxie said calmly. This stumped everyone because no one was optimistic about Liu Wuxie winning the fight.


    ¡°At least you have some courage. Let¡¯s go to the arena!¡± The hall was too small, so the two brothers nned to leave the Divine Martial Hall.


    ¡°No need. This ce is enough to kill you two.¡± Liu Wuxie said and vanished, reappearing in the hall¡¯s center.


    The officials on both sides retreated, emptying a region for their fight.


    Qi Ningshan stood on Liu Wuxie¡¯s right, while Qi Ninghai stood on his left, sandwiching him and preventing him from escaping.


    The Qi brothers were the main course if Guo Buqiu¡¯s provocation was an appetizer. This was a carefully designed scheme; only one person could set it up¡ªAdvisor Kuang.


    Chen Yusheng was worried. Liu Wuxie might be strong, but the two brothers were in the ninth level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    Prince Ruyang wore a grave expression. There still wasn¡¯t any news on the experts he had sent after Liu Wuxie. Logically speaking, there should have been news, but it was as though they had vanished.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, you will perish today!¡± Qi Ningshan shook his sword, unleashing a sword aura. The martial officials on the sides looked excited.


    On the other hand, the civil officials hid behind the pirs to avoid getting hurt.


    ¡°There¡¯s no one else in the Qi n besides you two, right?¡± Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t like endless trouble. If there was someone else in the Qi n, they could juste together for him to resolve it altogether.


    ¡°Such arrogance, even when facing death. Die!¡± Fearing that the Emperor would go back on his word, Qi Ninghai made the first move. His sword was a vajra artifact, and it caused an intense fluctuation when he swung it down, unleashing a gust of wind at Liu Wuxie.


    Qi Ningyun didn¡¯t fall behind and swung his sword at Liu Wuxie¡¯s neck.


    The two brothers often fought together on the battlefield and had built a strong rapport. They were practically invincible in the same cultivation level and were confident in killing Liu Wuxie as they joined forces.


    No wonder Qi Ningyun had warned that Liu Wuxie would die when her brothers returned.

 Chapter 243 - Frog in a Well

    <h4>Chapter 243 - Frog in a Well</h4>


    Thisbined attack was targeted at Liu Wuxie¡¯s vitals. Qi Ninghai¡¯s sword technique was elusive, while Qi Ningshan¡¯s was peculiar.


    They had experienced countless battles, and this sword technique was tempered throughbat. No one understood a human¡¯s weakness more than they did.


    When they performed their sword techniques, a thunderstorm raged, and the hall was enveloped in countless sword rays shuttling around.


    Liu Wuxie was in the storm''s center and would be swept away any moment. The sword ray was like a viper, reaching him in the blink of an eye.


    Chen Yusheng was nervous because it would be toote if Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t retaliate.


    The Heretic de appeared in Liu Wuxie¡¯s hand, and an even more powerful de intent swept out, shattering the iing sword aura.


    The Qi brothers were initially calm andposed, thinking that Liu Wuxie was already in the bag. But this scene shocked them, and they instantly discovered they were wrong.


    When Liu Wuxie raised the Heretic de, it felt like space in the Divine Martial Hall had frozen, and their movements slowed.


    ¡°You two are too weak!¡± Liu Wuxie raised the Heretic de. After killing Jiang Yue¡¯s group, his strength had drastically transformed. He might not have reached the third level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm yet, but he wasn¡¯t far away¡ªit would only take a day or two at most.


    When Liu Wuxie performed the Fatality de Art, his de had no w and trajectory. The moment he swung his sword, the surroundings became dark. His de was so fast that it reached the Qi brothers before they could respond.


    Along with two shes of blood, all the sword aura in the Divine Martial Hall disappeared as everyone fell silent.


    The only sound that filled the air was the heavy panting, as the previous events hadpletely shattered everyone¡¯sprehension.


    Prince Yongxian narrowed his eyes with a strong sense of crisis upon seeing how Liu Wuxie easily killed two experts in the ninth level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm. He realized that even a True Core Realm expert might not be able to suppress Liu Wuxie if he was allowed to carry on growing.


    This was also a pleasant surprise for the Emperor, who held more hope for the uing Battle of the Hundred Nations. If someone from the Great Yan Dynasty could enter the cultivation world, it would be great news to them.


    Just as Xue Chunyu was on the verge ofughter, anticipating Liu Wuxie¡¯s demise at the hands of the Qi brothers, he found himself inhaling sharply at the sight before him. The earlier swing of the de felt as if it had struck him instead.


    All the officials widened their eyes in disbelief. Chen Yusheng was also dumbfounded, rubbing his eyes and eximing after taking a better look.


    ¡°They¡¯re dead?¡±


    The Qi brothers appeared to be standing in their spots, maintaining an attacking posture, but their aura had disappeared. There were only fine wounds on their necks, and their vitality swiftly left their bodies.


    Xu Lingxue covered her mouth. In just six months, Liu Wuxie had grown from trash to this height, and this meant that no one in the Great Yan Dynasty could threaten him unless they were someone in the True Core Realm.


    Liu Wuxie sheathed the Heretic de and returned to his table as if nothing had happened. This oue wasforting and helped stabilize the morale of the Emperor¡¯s faction.


    After all, Prince Yongxian''s scheme was to get rid of Liu Wuxie at the banquet. However, Liu Wuxie had overturned the oue, pping his face instead.


    The first round involved medical skills, in which Prince Yongxian¡¯s faction lost nine imperial physicians. When they tried to get rid of Liu Wuxie through martial arts, the Qi brothers couldn¡¯t even put up any decent resistance before they were killed.


    This depended on what other means they had left. There wasn¡¯t much meaning to carrying on sending people to provoke Liu Wuxie as they would only send themselves to death.


    The Divine Martial Hall fell into silence as the Qi brothers¡¯ corpses were dragged out. A few maids came in with water to clean the blood stains on the pir. Even after the blood was washed, a strong reeking of blood still made everyone¡¯s hearts heavy.


    Despite the odds, Liu Wuxie had survived, while Prince Yongxian¡¯s group had suffered the loss of eleven members, signifying a clear defeat for Prince Yongxian.


    ¡°It¡¯s gettingte, and I¡¯m exhausted. Let¡¯s end the banquet here!¡± The Emperor swept his gaze around, announcing the end of the banquet in case Prince Yongxian tried anything else.


    Liu Wuxie had sessfully dodged his plots twice. While fortune may have yed a role, it was also a proof of Liu Wuxie¡¯s abilities. If Prince Yongxian were to bypass these two instances, would Liu Wuxie still stand a chance of victory?


    ¡°Your Majesty, this humble subject has something to report!¡± The Minister of War stood up, interrupting the Emperor. The banquet had just undergone halfway, so how could it end like this?


    ¡°Speak!¡± The Emperor responded, his mood sour. He was open to the idea of purging and punishing these deceitful officials right then and there if necessary.


    Everyone held their breaths because the real confrontation had just begun.


    ¡°Your Majesty, what this subject is about to speak may be disrespectful, so please forgive me in advance.¡± The Minister of War looked determined. They knew they would have no chance to impeach if they missed this banquet.


    ¡°At least you are aware that it¡¯s disrespectful.¡± The Emperor sneered, ¡°Go on!¡±


    In their eyes, his status as the Emperor could be overlooked.


    ¡°This subject will proceed then. ording to the rules of the dynasty, if the Emperor doesn¡¯t have any heir to the throne, the officials have the right to interfere with the dynasty and pick a new monarch!¡± As soon as the War Minister voiced those words, the hall immediately erupted into chaos. The open call for the Emperor¡¯s impeachment and forced abdication sent shockwaves through the banquet.


    This would have been a full feast if Guo Buqiu had been the appetizer and the Qi brothers had been the main course.


    Of the dynasty''s two princes, one was mentally challenged, and the other was dull; neither was qualified to inherit the throne. Wouldn¡¯t that mean the dynasty wouldn¡¯t have a ruler after the current Emperor died? Thus, the best option was to pick a new monarch while the current Emperor was around by forcing him to abdicate and select a new monarch to inherit the throne.


    ¡°Hahaha!¡± The Emperorughed, but no one knew what the Emperor wasughing about.


    After a full minute ofughter, the Emperor stopped and looked at the Minister of War coldly, ¡°Very good! How dare you force me to abdicate?!¡±


    Did these people think he was a pushover after being ill for so long?


    ¡°Your Majesty, I¡¯m only stating the facts, and I apologize if there¡¯s any disrespect!¡± The Minister of War said. There was no path of retreat for him, and this was an excellent opportunity to pick a new monarch.


    ¡°You¡¯re naturally guilty, and it¡¯s a capital offense. How dare youmit sphemy against the royal n, ndering that there¡¯s no one capable of seeding to the throne. ording to thew, it¡¯s punishable by the execution of nine bloodlines!¡± The Emperor said without a hint of emotion, with murderous intent filling his eyes. It seemed like it would be impossible to quell the fury in his heart if there weren¡¯t a massacre today.


    ¡°Your Majesty, although the Minister of War¡¯s words might be disrespectful, he meant well. A nation cannot go a day without a sessor, and it hasn''t had an heir for the past twenty years,¡± the Minister of Justice stepped forward.


    Every nation had a spot for their heir, the crown prince. However, the Minister of War aimed to force the Emperor to pick a new monarch to inherit his throne.


    ¡°Well then, tell me. Who¡¯s qualified to be this heir?¡± The monarch smiled. All the anger disappeared from his face as he released an invisible pressure and enveloped the Divine Martial Hall.


    The aura he gave off was in the Quasi-True Core Realm. After his illness was treated, he had made a breakthrough in his cultivation. He might not have entered the True Core Realm, but he already had one foot in it. With more time, he would cross that threshold.


    The hall fell silent, with no one daring to speak.


    ¡°Your Majesty, I have a candidate!¡± Xue Chunyu stood up, standing together with the Ministers of War and Justice. Three major departments had never turned against the Emperor before.


    The Minister of Personnel also seemed eager to stand in support.


    ¡°Speak up!¡± Everyone already knew the answer, and this was just formality.


    ¡°As everyone knows, there¡¯s another person besides Your Majesty who excels in both civil and martial arts. Thus, I rmend Prince Yongxian as the next heir,¡± Xue Chunyu said. After bing the heir to the throne, managing everyone would be a simpler task, and Prince Yongxian could exert influence over the imperial court.


    He could seize more power and sideline the current Emperor, smoothly taking control of the Great Yan Dynasty.


    No one was surprised; it was an expected oue, and Xue Chunyu was merely voicing the collective thoughts.


    ¡°Xue Chunyu, you have quite the nerves! If the current Emperor doesn¡¯t have an heir, a new one will be chosen. The two princes are here, and you dare force the Emperor to pick a new heir for the throne? What are your intentions? Are you nning tomit treason?¡± Chen Yusheng couldn¡¯t bear watching any longer and interrupted Xue Chunyu.


    What was once a covert plot had now beenid bare, ripping away the final shroud of deception.


    Two princes?¡± Xue Chunyu scoffed, ¡°If the two princes can demonstrate their ability to rule the nation, I am prepared to face any repercussions for my previous statements. But if the two princes fail to do so...¡± A sneer yed on Xue Chunyu¡¯s lips as he left his sentence hanging in the air.


    The two princes were mentally challenged, and they couldn¡¯t even understand the book of war, let alone the art of governing a nation. This weakness was exploited, using the princes¡¯ limitations as leverage to pressure the Emperor into choosing a new sessor.


    ¡°Vice-Minister Xue is right. As long as the two princes can articte the way to govern the nation, we¡¯re willing to ept any punishment!¡± The Minister of War and Justice echoed this sentiment, feeling that Xue Chunyu was right.


    The Emperor¡¯s gaze hardened. He was well aware of his sons¡¯ mental limitations and had invested considerable effort in educating them, insisting they learn the principles of governance and the strategies of war.


    Chen Ruoyan anxiously turned her gaze towards Liu Wuxie, silently pleading for him to intervene and assist her father. This time, the plot was not aimed at Liu Wuxie, but at the royal family. Liu Wuxie had the option to remain uninvolved, given his minimal ties with the royal family.


    However, Liu Wuxie and the royal family were allies. If the royal family were to fall and Prince Yongxian ascended to power, Liu Wuxie would be the first target for elimination, with the Xu n following closely behind.


    The two princes were no longer in their youth. The elder prince, nearing his thirties, was mentally impaired and still reliant on others for feeding. The younger prince, though not impaired, was perceived as dull, often found sitting idly with a vacant chuckle.


    It was unlikely that anyone would endorse either of them as the rightful heir to the throne. Xue Chunyu¡¯s statement was tantamount to a challenge, expressing his readiness to face any consequences, provided the two princes could demonstrate their understanding of state governance.


    The officials from the Ministry of War looked at Liu Wuxie with mockery on their faces, wanting to see how thetter would resolve this issue. After all, the two princes were born mentally challenged, and only a god could reverse this situation.


    The Emperor also turned to look at Liu Wuxie with hope shining in his eyes.


    ¡°What a group of short-sighted people. The two princes are sagacious, merely feigning ignorance. Yet, youbel them as mentally challenged. In my perspective, it is you who are truly mentally challenged.¡± Liu Wuxie abruptly straightened his posture, a sight that led many onlookers to clench their teeth in frustration.

 Chapter 244 - Treating

    <h4>Chapter 244 - Treating</h4>


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s words caused a hint of joy in the Emperor¡¯s eyes.


    Chen Yusheng and the other officials on the Emperor¡¯s side were anxious. After all, there were many rumors that the Emperor didn¡¯t pick an heir because the two princes were mentally challenged.


    The Emperor had been suppressing this issue for years until it exploded.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, you can¡¯t change reality no matter what you say. I¡¯m intrigued to see how the two princes can articte the way of governing the nation,¡± Xue Chunyu mocked. This couldn¡¯t be resolved with medical skills and martial arts.


    Intelligence is an innate trait, not something that can be altered by external influences.


    ¡°This is why I say you two are frogs in a well,¡± Liu Wuxie mocked. This drove Xue Chunyu to the brink of madness, and he would have challenged Liu Wuxie if he stood any chance against him.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, stop beating around the bush. Since you im that the two princes are wise despite appearing foolish, prove it to us,¡± the Minister of War demanded evidence.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. If you can¡¯t present evidence, you¡¯ll deceive the Emperor!¡± the Minister of Justice echoed, urging Liu Wuxie to stop wasting time and prove it.


    ¡°Since you all are anxious to die, let me fulfill all your wishes.¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes shed with disdain. He continued, ¡°You all must be aware of my background, right? I was publicly regarded as trash half a year ago, but what about now?¡±


    Xue Chunyu trembled upon hearing Liu Wuxie¡¯s words. There wasn¡¯t a single person who didn¡¯t know about Liu Wuxie¡¯s background. He was a piece of trash half a year ago. However in just six months, he had made swift progress in his cultivation. Could it be that the two princes were the same as him?


    Xu Lingxue was curious and wanted to know what made Liu Wuxie change.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, we¡¯re not interested in your story. If you can¡¯t make the two princes articte how to govern the nation, shut your mouth!¡± Xue Chunyu reprimanded.


    ¡°Let¡¯s set aside my situation for a moment and consider the case of Senior Huangfu Yi. In his youth, he was seen as nothing more than a profligate, a good-for-nothing in the eyes of all, incapable of even writing a single character. He was considered mentally impaired, yet who would have predicted that he would rise to be the first schr of the Great Yan Dynasty in ten years? I¡¯m sure everyone present is familiar with the tale of Senior Huangfu Yi, correct?¡±


    A hundred years ago, Huangfu Yi was a genius in the Great Yan Dynasty, versed in astronomy and geography. It was rumored that he was often called a fool when he was younger. But who could¡¯ve thought that he would suddenly be a martial arts and astronomy grandmaster?


    Half a century ago, Huangfu Yi embarked on a global journey and disappeared, yet his tale continued to inspire subsequent generations. When children misbehaved, their parents would warn them that they might be the next Huangfu Yi, and numerous instances bore a resemnce to Huangfu Yi¡¯s story.


    A glimmer of hope appeared in the Emperor¡¯s eyes. If the two princes could restore their intelligence, Liu Wuxie would be the greatest benefactor of the royal n.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, all those are things of the past, regardless of what you say. The focus now is on the two princes!¡± Xue Chunyu scoffed, asserting that Liu Wuxie¡¯s words wouldn¡¯t alter the oue.


    All eyes turned to Liu Wuxie, eager to see how he would navigate this predicament.


    ¡°Grant me an hour, and I will introduce you to apletely transformed prince,¡± Liu Wuxie dered. Before entering the pce, he had examined the two princes and found that several meridians in their brains were blocked, leading to their intellectual impairment.


    The two princes had a vast brain capacity, and as long as the meridians were cleared, they could surpass half of the people here.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, are you merely attempting to dy? Do you genuinely believe that will resolve the issue?¡± Xue Chunyu, feeling cornered, used Liu Wuxie of procrastination.


    ¡°Do youck confidence so much that you don¡¯t dare to wait for an hour? Do you want to rebel to this extent? It looks like I have thought too highly of you people by calling you all frogs in a well,¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s vicious words also made Prince Yongxian furious.


    If Prince Yongxian refused to wait for an hour, this would mean that they were guilty. With this breadth of mind, how could he be worthy of bing the next monarch?


    All eyes turned to Prince Yongxian, the one who had orchestrated everything. Irrespective of whether they were from the Ministry of War, Justice, or Personnel, all officials had pledged their loyalty to him.


    In the end, Prince Yongxian nodded, indicating that he would give Liu Wuxie an hour.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, do your words carry the Emperor¡¯s authority? If the two princes fail to demonstrate their understanding of governance, does that imply the need for a new heir?¡± If there were no consequences, wouldn¡¯t that simply mean allowing Liu Wuxie to squander an hour?


    ¡°What Young Master Liu says represents the royal n!¡± The Emperor said he would ept everything, regardless of whether it was good or bad. After all, he no longer had a path of retreat.


    ¡°Curtains!¡±manded Liu Wuxie, as a group of maids and eunuchs brought forth curtains, creating a barrier that secluded everyone in the hall.


    The two princes, who had been obliviously eating, rose from their seats upon realizing there was nothing left to observe.


    ¡°Sister, why did the fight stop?¡± The eldest prince grabbed Chen Ruoyan by the sleeve and shook her hand.


    ¡°Wuxie, can you treat them?¡± The Emperor came over with a grave expression. He didn¡¯t care about his position as the monarch, but he didn¡¯t want to see countless people suffer because of it.


    Xu Lingxue also came over curiously. After all, intelligence is something we are born with, and how could it change? However, when she recalled everything that had happened to Liu Wuxie, it seemed like his intelligence could have been altered.


    ¡°Who was present at the birth of the two princes?¡± Instead of answering the previous question, Liu Wuxie posed this question to the Emperor. Since they were isted in the hall, their conversation was audible only to each other.


    ¡°The imperial physician and pce midwife!¡± the emperor replied without any hesitation.


    ¡°The two princes were tampered with. Their soul sea was stimted externally when they were born, resulting in the clogging of their meridians. This is why they became mentally challenged,¡± Liu Wuxie revealed. His reply made the Emperor tremble with murderous intent seeping out of him.


    ¡°I understand now... I never anticipated that the nning began three thousand years ago,¡± the Emperor said, a bitter smile on his face. He had only recently taken the throne back then and was caught off guard by Prince Yongxian¡¯s early machinations against his rule, which had resulted in the mental impairment of the two princes.


    Chen Ruoyan and Chen Leyao only escaped the same fate because they were girls.


    ¡°Big Brother Liu, can you treat my two brothers?¡± Chen Ruoyan asked with hope and anticipation in her eyes. The royal n couldn¡¯t afford any more turmoil.


    ¡°I can!¡± Liu Wuxie had to make the most of his time since he only had an hour. When he reached out and tapped at the necks of the two princes, the two princes slowly closed their eyes andy t on the carpet.


    ¡°No mishaps are allowed in the next hour, and you must guard this ce no matter what. Don¡¯t let anyone disturb me,¡± Liu Wuxie said with a grave expression.


    Treating the soul sea was no joke, and the slightest mistake might cost the two princes their lives and a bacsh against him.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I have already arranged for two elders to guard this ce. If anyone dares to attack, they will be immediately eliminated,¡± the Emperor clenched his fists. To ensure that nothing went wrong, he had even mobilized two elders.


    Liu Wuxie approached the eldest prince and executed Ghost Eye using his silver needles. Awork of meridians soon appeared before Liu Wuxie, looking like cobwebs.


    If there were a slight mistake, he would fail to treat the two princes, and they might even be mentally disabled.


    Lifting a silver needle, Liu Wuxie inserted it into the eldest prince¡¯s eye, paired with his true essence. Aside from the emperor, everyone turned their heads away.


    Wood attributed energy was perfect for treating wounds, and Liu Wuxie could inject it into the eldest prince¡¯s soul sea through the needle and clear the blood clot.


    This was a lengthy process because too many impurities were clogged in the two princes¡¯ soul sea, and they were tampered with when they were young. Thus, the blood clots were tough to clean up.


    Everyone gradually became anxious because an hour was neither long nor short.


    Beads of sweat rolled down Liu Wuxie¡¯s forehead because treating the soul sea was a great test on his soul energy. Then again, his golden soul sea was mighty, surpassing ordinary True Core Realm cultivators.


    Xu Lingxue took a handkerchief and gently wiped the sweat off Liu Wuxie¡¯s forehead. Because they stood close together, Liu Wuxie could smell Xu Lingxue''s fragrance.


    Fifteen minutester, the second needle was inserted into the top of the eldest prince¡¯s head. When the needle was inserted, the prince trembled and nearly copsed as the acupoint at the top of the head was a lethal acupoint.


    However, all hopes rested on Liu Wuxie, and there was no room for regret. Even if Liu Wuxie identally killed the two princes, the Emperor would still protect Liu Wuxie no matter what.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s golden soul energy formed into a gust pouring into the eldest prince¡¯s meridians, speeding up the unclogging process. More meridians were cleared, and the eldest prince¡¯s soul sea was awakened. A surge of energy poured out from the depths of the eldest prince¡¯s soul sea and began clearing up the blood clots in the meridians with Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°It depends on the eldest prince¡¯s fate now!¡± Liu Wuxie removed the two needles. As for those fine meridians, the eldest prince would have to clear them himself.


    Liu Wuxie walked over to the second prince and repeated the process. He only dared to attempt the treatment because of Ghost Eye. This was because the slightest mistake would paralyze the patient¡¯s brain.


    There were only ten minutes left to an hour. Chen Ruoyan and Chen Leyao were hugging each other because the fate of the royal n rested on Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°It¡¯s done. They should be waking up soon!¡± Liu Wuxie was so exhausted that he fell to the ground. The treatment was even more dangerous than fighting the Qi brothers.


    He had consumed ny percent of his soul energy, and he required ten days to half a month to recover it. This meant that he couldn¡¯t fight in this period.


    As the hour neared its end, with only five minutes remaining, the eldest prince opened his eyes. His eyes sparkled brightly, and his gaze was piercing.


    All the knowledge the Emperor had forced them to memorize over the years was stored in their soul sea. After their meridians were unclogged, their soul energy surged like a dragon returning to the ocean, undergoing a drastic transformation.


    ¡°I pay my respects to father!¡± The eldest prince went down on his knees. All the memories had returned to him.

 Chapter 245 - Killing the Emperor

    <h4>Chapter 245 - Killing the Emperor</h4>


    Tears streamed down Chen Ruoyan¡¯s face, while Chen Leyao was on the verge of tears. Even the Emperor was moved as he supported the eldest prince with both hands. In that moment, he was not the Emperor, but a father, repeatedly expressing his joy with the words, ¡°Good! Good! Good!¡±


    ¡°Father, I remember everything. Despite the confusion over the years, I have never forgotten the knowledge I acquired,¡± the eldest prince dered, standing tall with a newfound sharpness in his eyes.


    For many, awakening from a state of mental impairment would necessitate relearning everything. However, the two princes were an exception. Their meridians were clear, with only those in their brains having been blocked.


    The soul sea of the two princes was like ake. After being unclogged, the water would immediately gush out.


    Clearing the clogged meridians was like water flowing back into the ocean, forming a cycle. They would also be normal in the future.


    ¡°Young Master Liu, please ept my gratitude!¡± The eldest prince suddenly fell on his knees because Liu Wuxie had given them a new life; he would remember this in his heart.


    The second prince also gradually woke up. Upon regaining consciousness, he kneeled before the Emperor like the eldest prince before giving Liu Wuxie a kowtow.


    ¡°Rise. We¡¯re running out of time. We¡¯ve prepared this for you to memorize, so do your best to remember it!¡± Liu Wuxie said, pulling out a piece of paper. The two princes looked at it with a hint of reverence in their eyes.


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t treat the two princes because he was benevolent but because of the current situation. In this situation, protecting the royal n was the same as protecting himself and the Xu n.


    Everyone acted in their interest in this world, and there would be no conflict if their interests didn¡¯t sh.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, an hour is up. Shouldn¡¯t the curtain be opened up now?¡± Xue Chunyu¡¯s voice interrupted everyone as the two princes exchanged a look with murderous intent shing in their eyes. They already knew that they were tampered with at birth.


    When the curtain was slowly opened, everyone returned to their seats as though nothing had happened.


    Chen Yusheng and everyone were nervous, wondering if there would be a miracle in an hour.


    The officials from the Ministries of Justice, War, Revenue, and Personnel rose to their feet, recognizing the significance of this moment for Prince Yongxian.


    ¡°An hour has passed. If the two princes can demonstrate their understanding of state governance, they will be deemed fit to seed the throne,¡± Xue Chunyu dered, determined not to afford Liu Wuxie any leeway. His tone was assertive and unyielding.


    All eyes turned to the two princes, awaiting their response.


    ¡°Throughout this time, my brother and I have maintained a low profile, dedicating ourselves to learning the art of governance. It seems our humility has been misconstrued as mental impairment, leading to unwarranted insults. Today, I stand before you to assert that my brother and I are not only of sound mind but also well-versed in astronomy, geography, and governance,¡± proimed the Crown Prince, stepping forward with an aura of authority that left everyone in the hall taken aback.


    This shocked everyone because the crown prince had changed. His gaze had be sharp, and he was giving off the pressure. The eldest prince¡¯s change surprised everyone; even Chen Yusheng was shocked with his mouth wide open.


    Xue Chunyu was also stumped with his mouth open. Did the eldest prince really just say those words?


    ¡°My brother and I have been studying throughout the years and paid no attention to everything else. We didn¡¯t expect this would lead to everyone misunderstanding us, framing us as mentally challenged.¡± The second prince took a step forward, and his pressure wasn¡¯t weaker than the eldest.


    This incident had indeed brought the two princes closer as brothers. In royal families, it was not umon to see siblings vying for the throne, as exemplified by the current Emperor and Prince Yongxian.


    Prince Yongxian¡¯s hand trembled. What the two princes said was heard by everyone, and they all knew that the two princes were bullshitting. One could pretend to be mentally challenged for a day or a year, but how could someone pretend for close to thirty years?


    Everyone turned to look at Liu Wuxie, wondering what kind of monster he was to treat retardedness.


    ¡°Since the two princes im to be fine in intelligence, please articte the way of governance.¡± Xue Chunyu took a deep breath. It had only been an hour, and it was toote even if the two princes started learning now.


    Prince Yongxian¡¯s faction had to make him the heir no matter what, or the consequences would be dire.


    The two princes exchanged a look with a hint of disdain in their eyes.


    The eldest prince stepped forward, his aura of authority intensifying. He began, ¡°Let me enlighten you on the art of governance! Governance mustmence with enriching the popce. It¡¯s simpler to govern those who leadfortable lives, and more challenging if they live in poverty. Affluent individuals, having more to lose, are more likely to respect thew. Conversely, those in poverty, with nothing to lose, are harder to govern. Therefore, the governance of a nation is often tied to its wealth and poverty. Hence, those who aspire to govern effectively must first ensure the prosperity of their people.¡±


    Everyone in the hall fell silent upon hearing what the eldest prince said. Was this still the mentally challenged prince they knew?


    But it hadn¡¯t ended yet as the eldest prince came to the entrance of the Divine Martial Hall. Turning around, he continued, ¡°When people are poor, they won¡¯t pay much importance to their assets. As they have fewer things or nothing to lose, they wouldn¡¯t mind viting thew, thus making it challenging to govern them. Peace is about enriching the people because those chaotic nations tend to have poorer citizens. Thus, enriching the people is the start of governing the nation...do you still need me to continue?¡±


    When the eldest prince was done, the Divine Martial Hall fell silent. Xue Chunyu staggered and nearly fell to the ground.


    The Emperor was left agape, astounded by the eloquence of the eldest prince¡¯s discourse on governance. He quickly connected this to the paper Liu Wuxie had handed to the princes and turned to regard Liu Wuxie with a puzzled look. He couldn¡¯tprehend how someone as young as Liu Wuxie could possess such profound understanding of statecraft.


    The eldest prince, too, was deeply moved when he read Liu Wuxie¡¯s paper. Leveraging his remarkable memory, hemitted to memory all the content on the paper in mere minutes.


    ¡°Brilliant! This is the most brilliant art of governing the nation I¡¯ve heard as a politician in the past few decades.¡± Minister Wen pped his thigh when he came to his senses.


    However, they were unaware that the source of this wisdom was Liu Wuxie. If they were to discover this, one can only wonder what their reactions would be.


    ¡°Xue Chunyu, why aren¡¯t you all kneeling and admitting your crimes now?!¡± Chen Yusheng stood up and roared. A few hundred guards suddenly rushed into the hall, surrounding Xue Chunyu¡¯s group.


    It was made clear that if the two princes could articte the way of governing the nation, these people would admit their crimes.


    The guards were highly skilled, and Xue Chunyu¡¯s group couldn¡¯t escape.


    ¡°Prince Yongxian, save us!¡± Xue Chunyu panicked and sought help from Prince Yongxian.


    All eyes turned to Prince Yongxian. These individuals had put their lives on the line to support him. If Prince Yongxian didn¡¯t step forward now, it would dishearten everyone, and who would then pledge their loyalty to him in the future?


    Prince Yongxian rosezily, his sharp gaze sweeping over the Emperor before resting on the two princes. He remarked, ¡°I am genuinely astounded by the performance of my two royal nephews today.¡± That day¡¯s events had upended everyone¡¯s understanding. What had initially seemed like a perfect scheme targeting the Emperor¡¯s faction had beenpletely reversed.


    ¡°Thanks to our royal uncle¡¯s blessing, we didn¡¯t dare to ck off.¡± The two princes cupped their fists together as they stood unyielding, facing Prince Yongxian.


    ¡°Royal brother, could you do me the honor of sparing them today?¡± Xue Chunyu and the others hadmitted grave offenses against the Emperor, and Prince Yongxian feltpelled to intervene. He didn¡¯t plead for mercy but instead exerted pressure on the Emperor. If the Emperor insisted on executing them, it could strain their rtionship and potentially escte into full-blown conflict.


    ¡°Spare them?¡± The Emperor scoffed. ¡°Did you intervene when they were challenging my authority as the Emperor earlier?¡±


    The Emperor¡¯s tonecked sympathy, as he was determined to regain his rightful power this time around.


    ¡°Royal brother, do you want to resort to violence?¡± A powerful aura swept out from Prince Yongxian, enveloping the entire hall in his True Core Realm¡¯s aura. It felt as though a battle would break out the next moment.


    ¡°Hahah!¡± The Emperorughed as two people walked out from the depths of the Divine Martial Hall.


    ¡°The Yin and Yang Elders!¡± Prince Yongxian eximed. He didn¡¯t expect these two to pledge allegiance to the Emperor.


    Seeing these two old men, Liu Wuxie narrowed his eyes, as they were both in the True Core Realm.


    ¡°Royal brother, I advise you to back down!¡± If a battle breaks out, innocent people will be implicated. If they managed to force Prince Yongxian to back down, this would be theirplete victory today.


    ¡°Great! This is great!¡± A cruel smile appeared on Prince Yongxian¡¯s face.


    Chen Yusheng drew his weapon and roared, ¡°Prince Yongxian, His Majesty has ordered you to leave. What are you still doing here?!¡±


    As long as they could force Prince Yongxian to back down, these people would pose no threat.


    ¡°Kill him!¡± Prince Yongxian ordered, and all the officials in his faction charged toward Liu Wuxie. This was Prince Yongxian¡¯s actual goal. Since they had fallen outpletely, he might as well take it even further.


    Liu Wuxie had ruined his well-nned scheme, and Prince Yongxian wanted to kill him the most. He only wanted Liu Wuxie¡¯s death at this moment.


    Fifty-odd experts all charged towards Liu Wuxie while Prince Yongxian went after the Emperor, aiming for his life.


    ¡°Protect His Majesty!¡± All the guards came forward to stop Prince Yongxian.


    ¡°All of you, get lost!¡± Prince Yongxian pushed his palm forward, causing the ten-odd guards to vanish before they could even scream, and this was the power of a True Core Realm expert.


    The Yin and Yang Elders appeared before Prince Yongxian, pushing their palms forward to form a gust of wind and push Prince Yongxian back.


    On the other side, Xu Lingxue drew her weapon to face the iing fifty-odd experts.


    ¡°All of you, back down!¡± Liu Wuxie embraced Xu Lingxue¡¯s waist and gently sent her out before standing with the princes and princesses. They didn¡¯t have a high cultivation, and there was no way they could fend off the iing experts.


    When Liu Wuxie drew the Heretic de, his de ray formed into a de aura, filling the entire Divine Martial Hall. This was Liu Wuxie¡¯s true power; the iing people were in under his de. In the process, Liu Wuxie also extracted the energies in their bodies, converting them into liquid with the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron.


    There were ten-odd droplets of liquid umted in the cauldron that Liu Wuxie was reluctant to use. However, at this moment, he didn¡¯t hesitate to make a breakthrough in his cultivation, unleashing a powerful aura that sent the surrounding tables and chairs flying away along with the fifty-odd people charging at him.

 Chapter 246 - Spirit Bamboo Shoot

    <h4>Chapter 246 - Spirit Bamboo Shoot</h4>


    Liu Wuxie chose to make a breakthrough in the critical moment. When he made his choice, he unleashed a powerful shockwave that sent the fifty-odd experts charging at him flying away.


    Upon achieving a breakthrough with the Deste Devouring Art, the pace of his advancement quickened. He consumed all the spiritual energy within a radius of tens of thousands of meters in a mere instant.


    As Liu Wuxie¡¯s cultivation began to rise, it didn¡¯t take long before he reached the pinnacle of the third level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm. He was only one step away from reaching the fourth level.


    ¡°This doesn¡¯t look good. Quick, kill him!¡± Xue Chunyu roared and charged first, wanting to kill Liu Wuxie before he could finish with his breakthrough.


    They morphed into a formidable wave, surging towards Liu Wuxie. Even an individual at the pinnacle of the Marrow Cleansing Realm might struggle to fend off such arge number of experts.


    ¡°Fatality de Art!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s de transformed into a curtain that enveloped all fifty-odd experts. This was the first form of the Fatality de Art, a technique he had mastered to a greater degree. As his de aura darted out, it passed through all fifty-odd individuals.


    In the next second, blood sshed on the two pirs.


    The spectacle startled the three True Core Realm experts who were engaged inbat, causing them to divert their attention. The energy fluctuations they sensed were on par with those of the True Core Realm.


    The terrifying shockwave sent everything in the surroundings flying away with a loud rumble. The maids and eunuchs were frightened to the point that they quickly retreated. As for the guards, they could only hide under the table as there was nowhere to hide.


    The power of the de attack defied their understanding. It was inconceivable to them that someone in the Marrow Cleansing Realm could unleash such a formidable move.


    Blood and internal organs soon covered the ground as the fifty-odd corpses exploded with the energies in their bodies devoured by the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron. In less than a breath¡¯s time, all fifty-odd corpses had vanished.


    The two princes stood far away with deep shock in their eyes. Chen Yusheng and everyone else from the Emperor¡¯s faction could only retreat out of the hall as they couldn¡¯t interfere in a fight of this level. However, seeing all the familiar faces vanishing set off huge waves in their hearts.


    Witnessing this scene, Prince Yongxian felt as if his heart was bleeding. He had devoted half of his life to earning the loyalty of so many people, only for them to be in by Liu Wuxie in a matter of hours.


    He realized that his n for that day had failed, and he had lost everything in the process. His animosity towards Liu Wuxie escted to unprecedented levels, but he was powerless to act with the Yin and Yang Elders restraining him. He could only watch helplessly as his allies were ughtered.


    Liu Wuxie had used just a single de strike to eliminate the majority of his faction, leaving only a few standing.


    Everyone present gasped at the sight, witnessing the disappearance of so many people and the ensuing chaos in the hall.


    After dispatching the fifty-odd individuals, Liu Wuxie remained expressionless. Fifty-odd interspatial pouches fell into his possession, the wealth within sufficient for him to cultivate to the fifth level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, I want to kill you!¡± Prince Yongxian said, gritting his teeth as he gave off terrifying murderous intent directed at Liu Wuxie. Who could stop the wrath of a True Core Realm expert?


    ¡°Prince Yongxian, do you still have no remorse after this?!¡± Chen Yusheng roared.


    Prince Yongxian¡¯s n had indeed failed, with the majority of the officials he had bribed now dead.


    The hall fell into a deadlock, and Xu Lingxue looked at Liu Wuxie with a concerned expression. She was worried that Prince Yongxian would try to kill Liu Wuxie, disregarding everything.


    ¡°No one can stop me from killing him!¡± Prince Yongxian dered, advancing towards Liu Wuxie. With each step he took, the murderous intent he radiated intensified.


    The tiles on the roof exploded as sunlight shone into the hall. The Divine Martial Hall was already heavily damaged.


    ¡°Yin and Yang Elders, stop him!¡± The Emperormanded as the two elders moved and stood before Prince Yongxian, stopping him from approaching Liu Wuxie any further.


    ¡°Prince Yongxian, we don¡¯t want to kill you. Leave this ce immediately!¡± The Yin and Yang Elders spoke. The one who spoke was the Yang Elder. It wasn¡¯t easy for them to kill Prince Yongxian, but it wasn¡¯t easy for Prince Yongxian to break through their blockade either.


    Thus, it was better for Prince Yongxian to retreat than continue this stalemate.


    Liu Wuxie sheathed his de with a hint of disdain in his eyes. He had already raised his right hand and would engrave immortal runes if Prince Yongxian dared to make a move.


    Then again, he wouldn¡¯t engrave an immortal rune unless the situation was dangerous because he would also suffer the bacsh.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, I¡¯ll make you wish you were dead and live in fear!¡± Prince Yongxian took a deep breath to calm his anger. He knew that continuing to fight would only result in mutual destruction, and it was best to withdraw and make further ns.


    When he finished, he turned into a meteor and left the Divine Martial Hall. With Prince Yongxian''s departure, everything became calm again as everyone entered the hall.


    ¡°Your Majesty, a battle will be inevitable with Prince Yongxian¡¯s departure, and we must be prepared!¡± The Minister of Rites stepped forward. Prince Yongxian had suffered a significant loss today and would try to counterattack. Thus, they had to be fully prepared in case they were caught off guard.


    ¡°Senior Yang, I¡¯ll have to trouble you to send Young Master Liu back to the Imperial Academy.¡± What were to happen next would be for the imperial court to handle, and the Emperor didn¡¯t want to drag Liu Wuxie into this matter. After all, Liu Wuxie had already helped him too much.


    One of the True Core Realm experts stepped forward to escort Liu Wuxie back to the Imperial Academy.


    ¡°Senior Chen, this might be of help to you!¡± Liu Wuxie shoved something into Chen Yusheng¡¯s hand before leaving with Xu Lingxue.


    After they left, Chen Yusheng opened the paper that Liu Wuxie had shoved into his hand. Seeing what was on the paper, he became emotional because it stated the weakness of the killing machines nurtured with the ck Shell Pills.


    Two hourster, Liu Wuxie returned to the Imperial Academy. This was the safest ce because even Prince Yongxian wouldn¡¯t dare to intrude on the Imperial Academy to kill someone.


    After all, there were headmasters of three generations here, and Prince Yongxian would be courting death if he dared toe.


    ¡°What are your ns moving forward?¡± Xu Lingxue inquired, stopping Liu Wuxie. While the day¡¯s events might have bolstered Liu Wuxie¡¯s reputation, they had also earned him the ire of Prince Yongxian.


    ¡°No idea. I¡¯ll n as I go!¡± Liu Wuxie replied. He didn¡¯t feel much pressure about this matter and left after seeing Xu Lingxue enter her courtyard.


    Upon returning to his dwelling, Liu Wuxie began by opening the fifty-odd interspatial pouches and emptying their contents. The room quickly filled with an assortment of items, ranging from weapons and spiritual herbs to spirit stones. It took him a considerable amount of time to sort through everything, and by the time he finished, it was alreadyte into the night.


    Liu Wuxie set the weapons aside, as he didn¡¯t use them often and nned to trade them for spirit stones. The herbs avable to him were limited, mostly consisting of third and fourth-grade herbs, with not a single fifth-grade herb among them. He had only found a handful of herbs in the royal vault, which had been umting for centuries.


    There were 5 million spirit stones, which was a hefty harvest. There were also countless third and fourth-grade pills.


    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± Liu Wuxie wondered, examining an oval stone he had found in the Minister of Justice¡¯s interspatial pouch. The stone appeared ordinary, with small craters on its surface. It seemed strange for the Minister of Justice to carry such arge rock.


    He investigated for half a day and couldn¡¯t find any clues. He eventually took a sword and hacked it into the rock, but he only managed to cleave a few inches into it with sparks flying around and failed to break it open.


    ¡°What a tough stone!¡± Liu Wuxie eximed. An ordinary rock would have shattered under the force of the sword, but this one merely bore a faint mark.


    ¡°This is weird. This isn¡¯t a meteorite, so how can it be so tough?¡± Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t figure out the origin of this rock, even considering how knowledgeable he was. He circled the rock and couldn¡¯t find any clues about it.


    Left with no other alternatives, Liu Wuxie resorted to using the Ghost Eye. His divine sense spread out, permeating the rock like liquid mercury. As he peered into the interior, it appeared different, resembling the meridians of a human body.


    A few minutester, the Ghost Eye finally prated through the rock¡¯s core.


    ¡°What is this...¡± Liu Wuxie stared in disbelief at an object resembling a bamboo shoot, over a foot in length and as thick as an infant¡¯s arm. The bamboo shoot was white and emitted a potent spiritual energy fluctuation.


    ¡°This is a Spirit Bamboo Shoot, a herb found within a rock. It¡¯s extremely valuable and can be consumed directly,¡± Liu Wuxie eximed excitedly. In terms of grade, the Spirit Bamboo Shoot far exceeded fifth-grade herbs.


    Fifth-grade herbs had to be refined to bring the medicinal effect, but the Spirit Bamboo Shoot was different. It was a treasure that could be consumed directly, enabling one¡¯s cultivation to advance unconditionally by one level within the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    The Minister of Justice had somehow obtained it but was unable to break through it and had kept it until now, inadvertently benefiting Liu Wuxie.


    A smile rose on Liu Wuxie¡¯s lips as he dismissed the Ghost Eye. He could reach the fourth-level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm with the Spirit Bamboo Shoot. At that time, he would have more confidence in facing opponents in the True Core Realm.


    But one problem was before him: to break open the rock. The Spirit Bamboo Shoot was inside, and breaking it forcibly might damage it, causing it to lose its spirituality.


    ¡°I wonder if the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron can refine it directly!¡± The Heretic de was sharp, but there was still some difficulty in trying to break open the rock. The best method was to refine the Spirit Bamboo Shoot with the rock as a whole.


    But he wasn¡¯t hurrying to refine the rock and nned to rest for a few days. He had just reached the third level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm that day and needed time to stabilize his cultivation.


    As time passed, severalrge-scale fights erupted in the Imperial City as Prince Yongxian mobilized his army, nning to revolt.


    However, all these matters were unrted to Liu Wuxie as he had already informed Chen Yusheng about how to counteract Prince Yongxian¡¯s secret weapon - the troops nurtured with ck Shell Pills.


    If these troops were eradicated, it would be equivalent to disabling Prince Yongxian¡¯s power.


    Liu Wuxie then retreated into seclusion for seven days, after which he emerged and retrieved the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron....

 Chapter 247 - Fourth-level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm

    <h4>Chapter 247 - Fourth-level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm</h4>


    Over the course of seven days, Liu Wuxie managed to elevate his state to its peak. His true essence transformed into a liquid state after depleting over ten thousand spirit stones, indicating its transition towards the True Core Realm.


    He retrieved the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron and threw the rock into it. As demonic mes gushed from the cauldron, the stone''s surface began to melt, and it didn¡¯t take long before the Spirit Bamboo Shoot appeared above the cauldron.


    Liu Wuxie was taken aback by the speed at which the demonic mes dissolved the rock, a feat even weapons couldn¡¯t achieve.


    ¡°Prepare to make a breakthrough!¡± Liu Wuxie circted the Deste Devouring Art, controlling his true essence to course in his meridians. All three hundred and sixty-five meridians in his body let out a roar and began to devour the surrounding spiritual energy.


    As the Spirit Bamboo Shoot dissolved, the spirituality fused into the world in his dantian.


    ¡°What pure spirituality!¡± Liu Wuxie marveled. He had already awakened some of his spirituality, but there was still a considerable gap in reaching the level of an immortal spiritual root.


    Approximately ten breathster, the Spirit Bamboo Shoot transformed into over a thousand droplets of liquid and flowed into his dantian. This influx of violent energy made Liu Wuxie feel as if his body was on the verge of disintegration.


    In a mere fraction of a second, numerous hidden acupoints were unblocked. As more acupoints were cleared, Liu Wuxie¡¯s chances of reaching the True Core Realm increased.


    The aura Liu Wuxie gave off became even more powerful; it formed into a powerful storm mixed with lightning, devouring all the spiritual energy within a radius of tens of thousands of meters.


    ¡°Here¡¯s Liu Wuxie again! He¡¯s devouring all the spiritual energy once more!¡± Angry roars echoed from hundreds of nearby caves. Yang Shuotian had previously sought out Liu Wuxie due to this issue but had ended up being crippled by him.


    The academy was already aware of the events that transpired at the pce banquet. It was no secret that Liu Wuxie had the ability to eliminate cultivators at the ninth level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    As Liu Wuxie¡¯s speed of devouring the surrounding spiritual energy increased, he started to devour spiritual energy beneath the me Sun Cave.


    However, no one dared to say a word about it because Liu Wuxie was incredibly strong.


    As the days passed, the absorption of spiritual energy continued unabated for three days, to the point where everyone had grown ustomed to it.


    A cataclysmic battle erupted on the tenth day of Liu Wuxie¡¯s seclusion in the Great Yan Dynasty. Prince Yongxian finally instigated a rebellion, leading an army of ten thousand soldiers, nurtured with ck Shell Pills and numerous experts to usurp the throne. He even covertly enlisted the aid of three True Core Realm experts.


    However, at the crucial juncture, Chen Yusheng led an army of ten thousand from the Terrabreak Army and shed with Prince Yongxian¡¯s forces in the southwest of the Imperial City.


    The battle raged on for five days and nights, resulting in countless casualties and a fierce confrontation among the True Core Realm experts.


    However, before Prince Yongxian¡¯s army could unleash their power, they were wiped out by the Terrabreak Army led by Chen Yusheng, and this was the final blow that shattered Prince Yongxian¡¯s ambition.


    Seven True Core Realm experts participated in the battle, which ended inconclusively. Prince Yongxian¡¯s whereabouts remained unknown.


    After losing Prince Yongxian¡¯s support, students began to leave the Heavenly Govern Academy, and the Great Yan Dynasty regained stability after this battle.


    A massacre also took ce in the Imperial City against Prince Yongxian¡¯s faction, littering the ground with corpses. This was a heated topic in the Imperial City, but there was one person who remained oblivious. It was Liu Wuxie who was focused on cultivating.


    Twenty dayster, Liu Wuxie¡¯s cultivation stopped after reaching the pinnacle of the fourth level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    When he opened his eyes, lightning shot out from them and left two deep marks on the wall.


    There was a highly destructive power brewing around Liu Wuxie. Twenty days had passed in the blink of an eye when he came out of the cave, and he still didn¡¯t know what was happening in the outside world.


    Stepping out in the sunlight, Liu Wuxie was filled with positivity. His spiritual energy surged, bing more potent than before. The refinement of the Spirit Bamboo Shoot had brought him more advantages than just enabling his breakthrough.


    He drew out the Heretic de and began performing the Fatality de Art on the tform. He did this because his skills would be rusty if he didn¡¯t practice.


    Gong Ao arrived less than an hour after Liu Wuxie ended his seclusion. When he saw Liu Wuxie, he spoke respectfully, ¡°Wuxie, the Headmaster is requesting your presence.¡±


    ¡°Hold up. Let me go and clean myself up!¡± After cultivating for so long, Liu Wuxie was drenched in sweat.


    When he came out, he had changed into a set of blue robes. The robe looked ordinary, and he didn¡¯t look like a Heaven Grade student.


    ¡°Wuxie, you¡¯ve be famous now!¡± Gong Ao said with awe and a hint of envy on his face.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Liu Wuxie asked with a smile.


    ¡°Many things happened in the past twenty days and are all rted to you.¡± Gong Ao said with excitement. Liu Wuxie was the first person to change the fate of a nation by himself.


    The Great Yan Dynasty would¡¯ve fallen into Prince Yongxian¡¯s hands without his appearance.


    ¡°Oh? Enlighten me!¡± After twenty days of seclusion, Liu Wuxie also wanted to know what was happening outside.


    The Xu n had an array protecting them, and he wasn¡¯t too worried about it. As long as they were alive, they could quickly recover asset losses.


    ¡°Prince Yongxian waged a war, and the Heaven Govern Academy was dismissed,¡± Gong Ao stated, not borating further. These events were significant and had some rtion to him. After all, Liu Wuxie had eliminated over fifty of Prince Yongxian¡¯s close allies, prompting his premature rebellion.


    ¡°So...Prince Yongxian failed?¡± Liu Wuxie muttered. Dismissing the Heavenly Govern Academy meant that Prince Yongxian had lost thoroughly.


    As they conversed, they arrived at the headmaster¡¯s courtyard. Fan Zhen was already there, having instructed Gong Ao to summon Liu Wuxie upon learning that he had concluded his seclusion.


    There was only one month left till the Battle of the Hundred Nations.


    ¡°Headmaster!¡± Liu Wuxie cupped his fists when he came in.


    ¡°Please, have a seat!¡± Fan Zhen gestured for Liu Wuxie to sit down. Like thest time, an elderly attendant came to serve tea before backing down.


    ¡°Wuxie, Gong Ao must have told you about Prince Yongxian¡¯s defeat and disappearance, right?¡± Fan Zhen asked, his brow furrowed. If Prince Yongxian was still alive, it was only a matter of time before he attempted aeback.


    Liu Wuxie nodded in acknowledgment. Although Gong Ao hadn¡¯t provided the specifics, he could infer them. He queried, ¡°Headmaster, are you concerned that he might strike me from the shadows?¡±


    After all, one was concealed in darkness while the other was exposed in the light. He was the primary target of Prince Yongxian¡¯s wrath, which was difficult to defend against, given Prince Yongxian¡¯s ndestine position.


    ¡°With his defeat, Prince Yongxian no longer has the opportunity to reverse his fortunes. I¡¯m concerned that he might be lurking somewhere in the Imperial City, waiting for a chance to ambush you when you least expect it,¡± Fan Zhen confirmed. It was only natural that Prince Yongxian would find it hard to swallow his defeat, given that Liu Wuxie had thwarted all his ns.


    ¡°Thank you for your concern. I will be careful,¡± Liu Wuxie said gratefully. Now that he had reached the fourth level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm, his strength had drastically transformed. Prince Yongxian would be courting death if he dared appear before Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°I called you here this time regarding the Battle of the Hundred Nations. There¡¯s only one month left. How are your preparations?¡± Fan Zhen gave Liu Wuxie a deep look, and he was shocked to see how calm Liu Wuxie was upon hearing Prince Yongxian¡¯s news.


    ¡°I¡¯m almost ready!¡± Liu Wuxie said. He didn¡¯t even have to make any preparations as he was already prepared from the start.


    ¡°The Python Mountain Battlefield will open three days from now, and all the geniuses in the dynasty will head there. Consider it a rehearsal before the Battle of the Hundred Nations.¡±


    The Battle of Hundred Nations was a high-stakes event, with the destiny of the Great Yan Dynasty and its prodigies hanging in the bnce.


    Python Mountain, an ancient battlefield, was steeped in legend. It was said that a cataclysmic battle took ce there thousands of years ago, leaving behind numerous treasures.


    Before each Battle of the Hundred Nations began, geniuses would head to the Python Mountain Battlefield to train. The Python Mountain Battlefield was weird as it was shrouded in fog throughout the year, and the fog would only dissipate once every decade, eachsting about twenty days.


    ¡°When do we depart?¡± Liu Wuxie asked. Now that he had reached the fourth level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm, he needed training to digest his gains over the past month.


    ¡°We leave tomorrow!¡± came the reply. Liu Wuxie had concluded his seclusion just in time; had he emerged a dayter, he would have missed the departure.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take my leave then!¡± With ns to depart the next day, Liu Wuxie excused himself. He intended to visit the Treasure Pill Pavilion, suspecting that Mu Yueying might have information about Prince Yongxian¡¯s whereabouts.


    Fan Zhen didn¡¯t hold Liu Wuxie around and watched him leave.


    Performing the Seven Dipper Steps, Liu Wuxie only took an hour to reach the Treasure Pill Pavilion, and there wasn¡¯t any ambush along the way.


    Upon arrival, he greeted Master Mao and the other alchemists before heading to the level where Mu Yueying stayed.


    Mu Yueying wasn¡¯t surprised by Liu Wuxie¡¯s arrival and had recovered from her injuries.


    ¡°Let me guess what you¡¯re thinking right now.¡± Mu Yueying looked at Liu Wuxie with a smile. ¡°There should be two things, the Python Mountain Battlefield and Prince Yongxian¡¯s whereabouts. Am I right?¡±


    Liu Wuxie, sitting across from Mu Yueying, was not taken aback by her urate guess.


    ¡°Since Big Sister Mu knows the reason for my visit, I hope you can enlighten me!¡± He felt that there was more to the Python Mountain Battlefield than met the eye, and that Fan Zhen had withheld information from him. He needed to understand it better to avoid potential pitfalls.


    ¡°You must be careful when going to the Python Mountain Battlefield. I received word that Xue n will set up a trap for you there.¡± Mu Yueying furrowed her brows lightly with a hint of solemnness.


    As Liu Wuxie became stronger, the Xue n also felt increasingly pressured. The one-year agreement was approaching, and they had to kill Liu Wuxie as soon as possible.


    Liu Wuxie acknowledged the potential threat from the Xue n with a nod, having anticipated their attempt to eliminate him.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Prince Yongxian?¡± Liu Wuxie voiced his doubts after a brief pondering.


    ¡°He suffered a disastrous defeat in the battle ten days ago and fled to the Cloud Xing Pavilion with heavy injuries. He left together with the Azure Crimson Gate¡¯s envoy. If I¡¯m not mistaken, Lu Fei must¡¯ve left the Great Yan Dynasty with him, returning to the Azure Crimson Gate.¡± Mu Yueying briefly recounted the events of that day.


    ¡°He entered the cultivation world?¡± Liu Wuxie frowned as that wasn¡¯t good news. With Prince Yongxian¡¯s ambitions, he wouldn¡¯t give up easily after entering the cultivation world.


    ¡°Most likely. The Great Yan Dynasty has lost its appeal to the Azure Crimson Gate. All their alchemists are deceased, and there¡¯s no reason for their envoy to remain,¡± Liu Wuxie spected. After all, the reputation of the Cloud Xing Pavilion was tarnished, and they couldn¡¯t even sell a pill now due to their infamy.

 Chapter 248 - Golden Fruit

    <h4>Chapter 248 - Golden Fruit</h4>


    The information Liu Wuxie had gathered was of vital importance. He was well aware that the Python Mountain Battlefield would be fraught with danger, with numerous individuals seeking his demise.


    As for Prince Yongxian, Liu Wuxie hadn¡¯t been overly concerned since his departure. His only worry was that Prince Yongxian could return for revenge after achieving a breakthrough in his cultivation, potentially involving the royal n as well.


    The best course of action was for Liu Wuxie to enter the cultivation world as soon as possible to kill Prince Yongxian.


    The sky was already dark when Liu Wuxie left the Treasure Pill Pavilion.


    Upon his return to the Heaven Grade region, he noticed a distinct quietness, a change he had observed upon ending his seclusion. Many Heaven Grade students had already ventured into the Python Mountain Battlefield.


    Even if they couldn¡¯t participate in the Battle of the Hundred Nations, it wouldn¡¯t hurt to use this opportunity to hone their skills. Most importantly, the Python Mountain Battlefield opened once every decade, and various treasures could be found there. If someone could find a few fifth-grade herbs, it would be an excellent harvest for them.


    Liu Wuxie initially nned to visit Xu Lingxue, but he gave up on that idea at the thought of the old witch, Baili Qing.


    When dawn came, Liu Wuxie set out early. The Python Mountain Battlefield was about a two-day journey from the academy and wasn¡¯t too far away.


    The Python Mountain Battlefield was covered in fog throughout the year, and the fog would only dissipate once every decade for roughly twenty days.


    Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t in a hurry. He traveled at an average speed and smoothly reached the Python Mountain Battlefield two dayster.


    When he arrived, he finally understood why this ce was called the Python Mountain Battlefield. The entire mountain range was like a giant python. Many people were gathered at the entrance, waiting for the fog to dissipate before entering.


    Only those who came back alive from the Python Mountain Battlefield could participate in the Battle of the Hundred Nations. Likewise, only those with outstanding results could attract the attention of powers in the cultivation world and earn the opportunity to be recruited by them as disciples.


    At this moment, Liu Wuxie finally understood the meaning of ¡®sharpening one¡¯s sword for a decade.¡¯


    The Great Yan Dynasty was home to an innumerable number of prodigies, and the arrival of over five thousand such talents was a sight that took him by surprise. All of them were at the Marrow Cleansing Realm, with the least advanced being at the second level.


    Many elders were present but weren¡¯t qualified to participate in the Battle of the Hundred Nations. They had only one objective: to plunder treasures and seek opportunities.


    ¡°Brother Liu, it¡¯s been a while since west met!¡± A group of familiar faces, including Zuo Hong and Yan Ruyu, approached him. They were all now Heaven Grade students, though their cultivation levels were not particrly high and were roughly on par with Ji Yang.


    ¡°Brother Zuo, Lady Yan!¡± Liu Wuxie cupped his fists in response. They were all familiar faces, and they quickly engaged in conversation.


    ¡°Brother Liu, we thought you might note since you¡¯ve been in seclusion. That¡¯s why we arrived early,¡± Zuo Hong said, looking up to Liu Wuxie. They had parted ways in Zen City and since then, their paths had diverged significantly.


    Liu Wuxie merely smiled as he scanned the surroundings with his divine sense. He saw many familiar faces, experts from the Xue and Bai ns, and students of the Imperial Academy.


    A group of people also stood out: students of the Heavenly Govern Academy.


    Although the Heavenly Govern Academy might have been dismissed, the students were still present and naturally harbored resentment toward Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Brother Liu, you have to beware of the Xue n.¡± Yan Ruyu warned in a hushed voice, audible only to their group. She was the youngdy of the Yan n, and she had received news that the Xue n wanted to use this opportunity to kill Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Thanks for the warning!¡± Liu Wuxie already knew that the Xue n hadid a trap for him, but he still thanked Yan Ruyu, who advised him with kind intentions.


    As their conversation continued, they gradually neared the entrance.


    Zuo Hong inquired, ¡°Brother Liu, how familiar are you with the Python Mountain Battlefield?¡± Given that it was their first time entering the Python Mountain Battlefield, they were unfamiliar with the environment inside.


    ¡°I have no knowledge of it!¡± Liu Wuxie admitted. Sinceing out of seclusion, he had been constantly on the move and hadn¡¯t had the time to learn about the Python Mountain Battlefield.


    Zuo Hong offered, ¡°Here¡¯s some information and a detailed map. I¡¯ve alreadymitted it to memory, so you can have it. I hope it can be of help to you. Given our strength, we can only navigate the outer region, and I¡¯ve heard that adult draco-pythons are on par with the True Core Realm.¡± Zuo Hong was aware that they would only be able to roam around the outer region as they were only at the lower levels of the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    They might be unparalleled in alchemy, except for Liu Wuxie, but their martial arts skills were average.


    ¡°Thank you!¡± The information on the Python Mountain Battlefield was important to Liu Wuxie because he might lose his way inside if he knew nothing about it. It would be even more dangerous if he wandered into a forbidden zone.


    ¡°Why so formal, given our rtionship? Just remember not to venture into the areas marked in red,¡± Zuo Hong reminded him, referring to the clearly marked danger zones on the map.


    Liu Wuxie scanned the map, taking in the vast andplex terrain of the Python Mountain Battlefield. He was taken aback by its sheer size andplexity, realizing that it would be impossible to explore every corner within twenty days.


    ¡°Brother Zuo, what are these blue markings?¡± Liu Wuxie asked as there were blue markings aside from the red ones.


    ¡°These are ces that might have treasures. Many saw spiritual herbs and fruits growing in these ces a decade ago. Since it has been a decade, they might be ripe now.¡± Those who had ventured into the battlefield a decade ago had brought back this information, aiding those who were entering now in their search for treasures.


    ¡°There must be many creatures in the Python Mountain Battlefield besides draco-pythons, right?¡± Liu Wuxie asked, seeking more information to avoid being caught off guard.


    ¡°Aside from the draco-python, there are many demonic beasts residing inside. But the most terrifying ones are the ancient war souls.¡± Yan Ruyu spoke this time, which was why they didn¡¯t dare go too deep into the mountain range.


    The power of an adult draco-python was said to be on par with the True Core Realm. Coupled with the presence of war souls, venturing too deep into the battlefield could lead toplete annihtion.


    ¡°War souls!¡± Liu Wuxie eximed, taken aback as this was his first encounter with such a term.


    ¡°It¡¯s open! Let¡¯s go in!¡± Amotion came from the entrance as everyone entered the Python Mountain Battlefield in batches.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go as well!¡± Gu Yongshuang said excitedly, hoping to find treasures in the outer region. They had to depend on this opportunity in the Python Mountain Battlefield to reach the high levels of the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    The best years to cultivate were between the ages of fifteen and thirty-five, and they would pass their prime in another decade.


    There was only one entrance to the Python Mountain Battlefield, and it was a canyon from which everyone entered. Thousands of people entered the mountain range in less than fifteen minutes.


    Despite the opening of the battlefield, the fog hadn¡¯t cleared, and the surroundings remained shrouded in mist even after they had entered.


    ¡°Brother Liu, good luck! We¡¯ll be staying around here!¡± After entering the mountain range, Zuo Hong stopped. They were weak, and they would only court death if they went any further in. They didn¡¯t want to be a burden to Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Alright. Let¡¯s part here!¡± Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t insist because it was genuinely inconvenient to bring them along. Time was limited, and he had to reach the high levels of the Marrow Cleansing Realm in twenty days.


    Now, Liu Wuxie was more capable of confronting enemies in the True Core Realm and was confident of defeating them without the need to inscribe immortal runes. He transformed into a meteorite and delved deeper into the Python Mountain Battlefield.


    Over five thousand individuals had entered, akin to pouring a cup of water into ake. Some moved in groups, while others ventured alone, dispersing in all directions.


    Everyone had their goal ining here, which was the same for Liu Wuxie.


    An hourter, Liu Wuxie took out the map andpared his position. The closest blue marking on the map was about fifteen minutes away from him.


    Along the way, Liu Wuxie noticed someone tailing him, but he didn¡¯t pay much attention to them. He couldn¡¯t be bothered to kill them if they didn¡¯t make a move against him, and his utmost importance was to advance in his cultivation.


    Stowing away the map, Liu Wuxie executed the Nine Heavenly Crane Dance. He was like a celestial crane as he flew in the sky.


    It didn¡¯t take long before a small valley appeared, with some small-sized demonic beasts wandering around.


    Liu Wuxie noticed several figures descending from the sky who weren¡¯t weak. They looked at each other and remained vignt.


    More people descended from the sky in just a few minutes, and more than twenty people gathered in this valley.


    ¡°This is the ce! There¡¯s a Golden Fruit inside. May the best man win!¡± A young man in his thirties dered from Liu Wuxie¡¯s right, his gaze lingering on Liu Wuxie as he surveyed the crowd.


    ¡°Wu He is right. May the best man win!¡± Everyone echoed along.


    The one who spoke earlier was Wu He, a powerful cultivator in the ninth level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm. He wasn¡¯t qualified to participate in the Battle of the Hundred Nations, so he nned on using this opportunity in the Python Mountain Battlefield to reach the True Core Realm.


    Everyone scattered out to search for the Golden Fruit after a brief discussion.


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t move and remained standing in ce. When he executed Ghost Eye, his divine sense enveloped the entire valley, and every inch of thend was visible.


    But for some reason, he couldn¡¯t find the Golden Fruit anywhere. Could it be that someone had taken it?


    Suddenly, Liu Wuxie squinted as he could sense a dangerous aura from a small cave on the valley''s right. Several youths were approaching the cave, and it was toote for Liu Wuxie to stop them.


    A roar shook the mountain, causing rocks to slide down from above. The roar ruptured the eardrums of those nearby, causing them to lose their hearing.


    Shortly after, a golden head emerged from the cave.


    ¡°A Golden Python!¡± Everyone¡¯s faces changed. This was an adult Golden Python, infinitely close to the True Core Realm. It also had a massive body reaching over a hundred meters in length.


    The human scent had alerted the Golden Python. Every time people came to the Python Mountain Battlefield, many people would be food for these pythons.


    ¡°This is an adult Golden Python. Even if there¡¯s no Golden Fruit, the core of the Golden Python is enough to help me reach the True Core Realm!¡± Wu He roared in excitement because the entire body of the Golden Python was a treasure. The beast core contained a hint of the dragon¡¯s aura, which would significantly benefit him by refining it.


    The Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron was trembling in excitement, looking eager to fly out and devour the Golden Python.


    The Ghost Eye continued to prate the cave, and a small golden tree inside the cave attracted Liu Wuxie¡¯s attention.


    ¡°The Golden Fruit!¡± Liu Wuxie eximed softly as the Golden Fruit was about to ripen soon.

 Chapter 249 - Seizing

    <h4>Chapter 249 - Seizing</h4>


    Spiritual fruits could be used to make a breakthrough in the cultivation. Not only did humans know about their benefits, but demonic beasts also knew that consuming spiritual fruits could enhance their cultivation.


    The Golden Fruit was about to mature and emitted an enticing fragrance. Demonic beasts guarded many treasures found in nature, and it wouldn¡¯t be easy to retrieve them.


    This Golden Python was infinitely close to the True Core Realm. It could make a breakthrough if it consumed the Golden Fruit.


    However, the appearance of humans had disrupted the Golden Python. After reaching the True Core Realm, a demonic beast evolved into a spiritual beast.


    The difference between demonic beasts and spiritual beasts was their intelligence. Demonic beasts had low intelligence, while spiritual beasts had high intelligence.


    Even if the Golden Python hadn¡¯t reached the True Core Realm, it was highly intelligent. The Golden Python opened its jaws and bit down at the few experts charging over.


    Since these experts couldn¡¯t find the Golden Fruit, they targeted the Golden Python.


    The intense demonic aura stirred excitement among Wu He and the others, as the worth of an adult Golden Python was immeasurable. They unsheathed their weapons without hesitation and engaged the Golden Python inbat.


    Humans were proficient in adapting to their surroundings and used their movement techniques against the Golden Python. On the other hand, the body of a demonic beast was massive, and it didn¡¯t fear attacks from humans. The demonic aura swept up a wave of rocks towards Wu He¡¯s group.


    The Golden Python swept its tail out, causing all the flowers and grass to vanish in the valley. A youth couldn¡¯t avoid in time and was struck by the tail; his body blew up, and pieces of his flesh flew everywhere. This was a brutal scene, with the youth killed in one exchange.


    Liu Wuxie was shocked because he didn¡¯t expect the Golden Python to be so powerful that even ordinary experts in the ninth-level Marrow Cleansing Realm couldn¡¯t contend with it.


    The battle continued with Wu He joining hands with five others to attack the Golden Python¡¯s weakness. As for the other group, they retreated to a distance, waiting for both sides to suffer injuries before taking advantage of the situation.


    The Golden Python became increasingly furious as it fought. It let out a roar and raised its body upright, unleashing a terrifying lump of liquid at Wu He¡¯s group.


    Seizing this opportunity, Liu Wuxie disappeared and charged towards the cave where the Golden Python was.


    The Golden Fruit was about to ripen and would fall to the ground if it wasn¡¯t harvested. Its juice would seep into the ground, and this fifth-grade spiritual fruit would be wasted.


    The moment Liu Wuxie entered the cave, the Golden Python let out a roar. It quickly lost interest in Wu He¡¯s group and darted into the cave.


    ¡°The Golden Fruit must be here!¡± Wu He cried out. He quickened his pace and dashed into the cave.


    The cave was deep, extending about a hundred meters. However, this distance was trivial for Liu Wuxie; he could traverse it in a single breath.


    A golden-colored fruit roughly the size of an adult human¡¯s fist appeared before Liu Wuxie. The fruit gave off a dense fragrance, and he could sense his pores opening when he took a deep breath.


    The Golden Fruit was on the verge of falling. He didn¡¯t hesitate to pluck it and ced it in the box he had prepared to prevent spiritual energy from leaking.


    Wu He was one stepte and could only watch as Liu Wuxie plucked the Golden Fruit. Seeing this, he charged at Liu Wuxie with murderous intent. When Liu Wuxie plucked the Golden Fruit, he took the opportunity tounch a sneak attack, unleashing a powerful sword aura toward thetter.


    After all, the Golden Fruit was Wu He¡¯s ticket into the True Core Realm, and he had to seize it even at the expense of putting his life at risk.


    ¡°You¡¯re courting death!¡± Liu Wuxie was furious. Before they entered, Wu He had dered that the Golden Fruit would go to the one who obtained it.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, you¡¯re only in the low levels of the Marrow Cleansing Realm, and the Golden Fruit is of no use to you. If you¡¯re willing to surrender it, I can offer you a fair trade,¡± Wu He, who was familiar with Liu Wuxie, proposed. Despite his words, he didn¡¯t slow his sword attack.


    The terrifying sword aura tore apart the walls on both sides, and Liu Wuxie had little room to dodge.


    ¡°What a joke!¡± Liu Wuxie mocked. He retrieved the Heretic de and executed the Fatality de Art. His de ray unleashed a ripple that shattered Wu He¡¯s sword, causing Wu He¡¯s expression to shift dramatically.


    ¡°How is this possible?!¡± Despite hearing that Liu Wuxie could kill cultivators in the ninth level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm, he didn¡¯t expect Liu Wuxie to be so strong that he couldn¡¯t even resist. This scared Wu He into retreating.


    ¡°Toote!¡± Liu Wuxie unleashed a de aura that cleaved down, tearing Wu He¡¯s body apart.


    A few figures entered the cave and witnessed this scene, but they were frightened to the point they quickly retreated.


    After killing Wu He and devouring the energies in his body, Liu Wuxie turned into a meteorite and shot out of the cave. However, when he left the cave, a dense stench of blood wafted towards him.


    The Golden Python had managed to break free from the human cultivators, but it was one step toote, as Liu Wuxie had already obtained the Golden Fruit.


    Droplets dripped down the Golden Python¡¯s jaws, emitting an unbearable stench.


    ¡°Get lost!¡± Liu Wuxie was still in mid-air, and he had no foothold. He shed the Heretic de diagonally, aimed at the Golden Python¡¯s right eye.


    Everything happened in the blink of an eye. If someone else were in Liu Wuxie¡¯s position, they would¡¯ve been gobbled up by the Golden Python at such a close distance.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s true essence gushed out of his body and formed into two fireballs behind him, manifesting into a pair of wings, lifting him to the sky.


    The Golden Python missed its bite and bit down on the wall instead, its fangs easily piercing through the rocks. Its jaws could tear a human cultivator apart.


    The Golden Python, having missed its attack, was seething with rage. The aura of the Golden Fruit had vanished, leading it to conclude that this human must have taken it. In its fury, the Golden Python let out a thunderous roar that made the entire valley quake. The few demonic beasts that had been foraging for food in the vicinity had long since fled.


    As for human cultivators, they had all retreated, not daring to get close. Demonic beasts were terrifying because of their bloodline, not their physique. If a demonic beast went into the demonification state, it would be strengthened by severalfold.


    The Golden Python was thoroughly enraged as golden scales covered its body, and it began to growrger. The demonic aura it gave off formed red clouds looming over the valley.


    ¡°We must retreat quickly; the Golden Python has lost its rationale!¡± After demonification, the intelligence of demonic beasts would plummet. Their brains would be filled with murderous intent to kill their opponent.


    Liu Wuxie was still in mid-air, relying on his powerful true essence to remain suspended. However, he knew that this wasn¡¯t a long-term solution.


    After ayer of scales covered the Golden Python, its defensive ability became stronger, and ordinary weapons wouldn¡¯t even be able to leave any marks on its body.


    Close to four hundred acupoints opened as boundless true essence formed into an ocean pouring down from the sky. This shocked everyone gathered in the surroundings. The power Liu Wuxie unleashed wasparable to the pinnacle of the Marrow Cleansing Realm despite being at the fourth level, but how was this even possible?


    Liu Wuxie sheathed the Heretic de because he knew breaking through the Golden Python¡¯s defenses with his de would be tough. He raised his right fist and went into the Overlord Fist posture.


    Executing a 180-degree turn in mid-air, Liu Wuxie dove headfirst, his fist enveloped in mes and slicing through the air. The sheer force of his punch generated tremendous pressure, bearing down on the Golden Python just as it reared its body upright.


    As Liu Wuxie descended, creaking sounds could be heard in the valley. Countless rocks were swept off the ground and shot in all directions like arrows. They were only ten meters apart, and the power umted in Liu Wuxie¡¯s punch had reached the limit.


    ¡°Overlord Fist!¡± After reaching the fourth level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm, the power of the Overlord Fist had be unparalleled, achieving perfection. Then again, the limit would be until he reached the True Core Realm.


    Every martial technique had a limit, and the True Core Realm was a dividing line. Cultivators would have to make changes regardless of martial or cultivation techniques.


    However, Liu Wuxie was fortunate because the Deste Devouring Art wasprehensive, and he didn¡¯t have to worry about his current cultivation technique.


    The Golden Python couldn¡¯t dodge in time and was struck in the head by Liu Wuxie¡¯s punch. A terrifying shockwave spread out from the point of collision, and the force caused the Golden Python to sink, with blood gushing from its head. Liu Wuxie¡¯s punch created a hole in its head.


    The massive body of the Golden Python smashed onto the ground with blood dyeing the valley like a small creek.


    Liu Wuxie took this opportunity to attack, drawing the Heretic de. He swung his de at the Golden Python¡¯s eyes, as they were its only weakness.


    The attack was fast mainly because Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t want to give the Golden Python time to react. He might be able to kill cultivators in the pinnacle of the Marrow Cleansing Realm, but his odds of winning weren¡¯t high facing such a formidable demonic beast.


    Liu Wuxie had merely capitalized on his aerial advantage to strike the Golden Python¡¯s skull, inducing a state of disorientation in the beast. However, should the Golden Python regain its senses, it would introduce an element of unpredictability to the oue of the battle.


    With a swing of the Heretic de, the Golden Python let out a piercing roar as its body coiled tightly. Blinded and surrounded by darkness, the Golden Python thrashed about wildly.


    The Golden Python¡¯s head collided with the wall on the left, causing a shower of rocks and blood. The sight terrified the group of onlookers who were standing at a safe distance, prompting them to flee without a second thought.


    ¡°Quick, run! The Golden Python is going berserk. Spread the word that Liu Wuxie has obtained the Golden Fruit! Since we can¡¯t get it, we can¡¯t let him have an easy time!¡± The ten-odd people fled the valley towards the next location.


    The battle in the valley continued with Liu Wuxie dodging. The Golden Python had lost sight and could only catch Liu Wuxie¡¯s scent. It rolled on the ground, attempting to suppress Liu Wuxie.


    But Liu Wuxie easily dodged the iing attacks, relying on the Nine Heavenly Crane Dance. As time passed, the demonic aura released by the Golden Python began to decrease.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s goal was to exhaust the Golden Python and win without a fight.


    The stalematested another fifteen minutes, and the Golden Python was already grasping heavily, slowing down significantly. Now that there were many openings, this was an excellent opportunity.


    Liu Wuxie thrust with the Heretic de, leaving behind a few hundred wounds on the Golden Python with blood gushing out.


    An hourter, the Golden Pythony motionless on the ground and barely breathed. It was on the verge of death.


    The Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron immediately flew out, releasing an overwhelming devouring force.

 Chapter 250 - Refining the Golden Fruit

    <h4>Chapter 250 - Refining the Golden Fruit</h4>


    Before Liu Wuxie could react, the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron soared into the air, unleashing a formidable devouring force. A ck hole materialized above the valley, obscuring the entire sky.


    In a startling turn of events, the Golden Python lying on the ground was suddenly lifted into the sky. A potent suction force emanated from the ck hole, swallowing the Golden Python whole until it disappeared.


    Even those who were ten-odd miles away could see this. The ck hole soon disappeared and returned to the world in his dantian, as though what had happened earlier was an illusion.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s mouth was wide open. He knew that the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron could devour demonic beasts. But it was unbelievable to watch the massive Golden Python being devoured by the cauldron so effortlessly.


    Demonic mes gushed out from the cauldron and enveloped the Golden Python, producing sizzling sounds. It didn¡¯t take long before spiritual liquid droplets began to form as they were energies refined from the Golden Python¡¯s corpse.


    The speed of refining the Golden Python¡¯s corpse increased, and the corpse disappeared in less than five minutes with over a thousand spiritual liquid droplets hovering above the cauldron.


    ¡°So much spiritual liquid!¡± Liu Wuxie was shocked because refining someone in the pinnacle of the Marrow Cleansing Realm only produced ten-odd spiritual liquid droplets.


    The spiritual liquid flowed into the world within Liu Wuxie¡¯s dantian, and a potent aura permeated the entire valley. A strong gust of wind, with Liu Wuxie at its epicenter, swept across the area, causing loose rocks to scatter.


    In less than a breath, the bottleneck to the fifth level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm broke open forcibly. This was the first time Liu Wuxie had made such an easy breakthrough before he could react.


    Liu Wuxie knew he had to strike while the iron was hot. He swallowed the Golden Fruit and nned to reach the sixth level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm in one go. He had plundered many spirit stones, and there was no need to worry about resources.


    The Golden Fruit dissolved the moment he ced it in his mouth. The dissolved energy coursed through his limbs, causing a storm even more significant than the Golden Python¡¯s corpse.


    With another forceful breakthrough, Liu Wuxie¡¯s cultivation reached the pinnacle sixth level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm. He had never made two consecutive breakthroughs so smoothly.


    Numerous battles erupted in various ces. The discovery of spiritual fruits and herbs resulted in many people''s breakthroughs.


    Liu Wuxie sat down because he needed time to consolidate his cultivation. The surrounding spiritual energy was already devoured when he circted the Deste Devouring Art. Even the spiritual energies within the surrounding flowers and grasses were extracted, reducing the valley into a deadnd.


    Two dayster, the speed of Liu Wuxie¡¯s advancement slowed down. When he stood up, rumbling sounds echoed from every inch of his body.


    When Liu Wuxie clenched his hand, his action caused an explosion from the rapidpression of air, producing a violent ripple spreading out.


    He retracted his aura and concealed his cultivation in the fourth level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm. He took out the map and looked at the surrounding regions.


    Others must have plundered a few hundred miles in the surroundings. His objective was simple: reach the pinnacle of the Marrow Cleansing Realm in twenty days if he wanted to obtain good results in the Battle of Hundred Nations.


    As the one-year agreement drew closer, Liu Wuxie knew that his pursuit of the Dao would not beplete until the Xue n was eradicated.


    ¡°Let¡¯s head here!¡± Liu Wuxie decided, setting his sights on a region approximately three days¡¯ journey from his current location.


    Performing the Nine Heavenly Crane Dance, Liu Wuxie ascended to the sky, resembling a celestial crane in flight. He would asionally slow his pace, often encountering remnants of battles along the way. As he had anticipated, the surrounding area had been thoroughly looted, and numerous corpses littered the path.


    Three dayster, a vastke appeared before Liu Wuxie. This was called the Mountain Seeking Lake. It was rumored that someone had found traces of the Blood me Devil Blue here.


    The Blood me Devil Blue was a rare treasure found only in harsh environments, and it had to absorb demonic aura to grow.


    Liu Wuxie attracted countless gazes when he descended.


    ¡°That¡¯s Liu Wuxie! I heard that he obtained the Golden Fruit!¡± When Liu Wuxie arrived, hundreds of eyes turned towards him. The value of a Golden fruit was priceless, and there was a high chance that someone at the pinnacle of the Marrow Cleansing Realm would reach the True Core Realm by consuming it.


    Those who had been with Wu He weren''t strong enough topete for the Golden Fruit. Thus, they purposely spread the news, nning to use others to get rid of Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°He¡¯s still in the fourth level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm, and he probably hasn¡¯t refined that Golden Fruit.¡± Everyone looked at Liu Wuxie with a gloating expression.


    Upon hearing about the Golden Fruit, the crowd exploded into an uproar, and they gathered towards Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, I¡¯ve heard that you took the Golden Fruit?¡± Five people came over to Liu Wuxie. They were all in the pinnacle Marrow Cleansing Realm, and the oldest was in his fifties.


    Liu Wuxie frowned upon hearing their voices and looked at them coldly. Zhang Shuli was among them; he didn¡¯t expect the Heavenly Govern Academy¡¯s Vice-Headmaster to be here.


    When Prince Yongxian was defeated, the Heavenly Govern Academy was dismissed, and its students had left. However, the teachers and vice-headmaster stayed in the Imperial City, and Zhang Shuli was in the pinnacle Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    As long as Zhanf Shuli could obtain the Golden Fruit, he could reach the True Core Realm and stand at the top of the pyramid in the Great Yan Dynasty. He had arrived with a few people after learning that Liu Wuxie possessed a Golden Fruit.


    ¡°Vice-Headmaster Zhang, you want to snatch the Golden Fruit from me?¡± Liu Wuxie smiled. There was a hint of disdain in his eyes, and he couldn¡¯t remember how many experts in the pinnacle Marrow Cleansing Realm he had already killed. These people were just courting death, in his opinion.


    Then again, anyone would take the risk if the potential harvest was more significant than their lives. If someone could reach the True Core Realm, they would step into the threshold of cultivation, extending their lifespan.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, we held some grudges in the past, but it doesn¡¯t matter anymore. As long as you¡¯re willing to hand the Golden Fruit to me, I¡¯m willing to buy it for 50,000 spirit stones.¡±


    In the past, Zhang Shuli and Liu Wuxie had their differences, but that was history. In this world, there were no perpetual grudges, only shifting interests. The Golden Fruit, capable of aiding someone in the Marrow Cleansing Realm to advance a level, was valued far less than 50,000 spirit stones.


    ¡°Not interested!¡± Liu Wuxie replied coldly. He had already refined the Golden Fruit, and he wouldn¡¯t sell it to Zhang Shuli even if he hadn''t. The moment Zhang Shuli reached the True Core Realm, the first person he would go after would be him, and Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t out of his mind to help his enemy.


    The atmosphere became tense after Liu Wuxie¡¯s response, and Zhang Shuli¡¯s face turned grim.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, don¡¯t push it! Do you think we¡¯re afraid of you because you can kill cultivators in the pinnacle Marrow Cleansing Realm?¡± A Star Teacher of the Heavenly Govern Academy stepped forward, releasing his aura infinitely close to the Quasi-True Core Realm.


    As for the crowd gathered in the surroundings, they merely tugged their hands together and watched with smiles.


    ¡°If you want a fight, I¡¯ll give you a fight. Otherwise, don¡¯t bother me!¡± Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t be bothered with these people.


    ¡°Vice-Headmaster Zhang, why waste time with him? Let¡¯s attack him together; I don¡¯t think he can deal with all five of us.¡± Everyone knew it was impossible for both sides to be friends, and Zhang Shuli¡¯s party couldn¡¯t be bothered to waste time with Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, I¡¯ll fulfill your wish since you¡¯re courting death!¡± Zhang Shuli''s face revealed a hint of murderous intent, and he took out a small and weird bell.


    Upon spotting the bell, Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes narrowed. It seemed to be the source of their newfound confidence. They must have believed they could handle him, given they had the audacity to provoke him despite knowing his ability to effortlessly eliminate experts at the peak of the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    His alertness spiked instantly. It wasn¡¯t the group of five that concerned him, but the bell in Zhang Shuli¡¯s possession. He had once fallen victim to Yuan Jun, and Xu Lingxue had risked her life for his rescue. He was determined not to repeat the same mistake.


    ¡°Attack!¡± With Zhang Shuli¡¯s order, all five drew their weapons and charged at Liu Wuxie, causing five water geysers to rise on theke.


    It was five against one, and no one knew Liu Wuxie''s odds of winning. However, no one in the surroundings was interested in interfering.


    ¡°Is Liu Wuxie really capable of killing experts in the ninth-level Marrow Cleansing Realm?¡± Ny-nine percent of the people here had never seen Liu Wuxie before. Some had only seen his portrait and heard his stories.


    ¡°It¡¯s probably a rumor. Do you think it¡¯s easy to fight someone with a higher cultivation? He¡¯s only in the fourth level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm. I reckon that he seeded by relying on sneak attacks. He won¡¯tst more than ten moves in a real life-and-death battle.¡± People generally tend to trust their own eyes more than rumors.


    The six people shed together, but Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t draw the Heretic de. He used his movement technique to evade the iing attacks easily, and he remained unscathed after a few hundreds of exchanges.


    Liu Wuxie was waiting for an opportunity. After all, there was no need for him to expose his trump card with so many eyes around, and he would be able to fool these people if he pretended to win with incredible difficulty.


    ¡°I see...he relied on his movement technique to face experts in the ninth-level Marrow Cleansing Realm!¡± Mockery sounded from the surroundings, and everyone now had a clear gauge of Liu Wuxie¡¯s strength.


    ¡°Let¡¯s see how long he can hold on!¡± A youth emerged from the crowd, his face disying murderous intent.


    ¡°Xue Shihong, I heard that the Xue n ns to take this opportunity to kill him. Why aren¡¯t there any movements after so many days?¡±


    The youth who spoke earlier was Xue Shihong of the Xue n, who had a powerful cultivation at the pinnacle of the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    ¡°Hmph, he¡¯s dead for sure!¡± Xue Shihong didn¡¯t bother exining the Xue n¡¯s ns.


    As the battle intensified, Zhang Shuli and his fourparisons became anxious because they realized they couldn¡¯t do anything to Liu Wuxie even after attacking with such high intensity.


    The five suddenly entered a pentagon formation, with each person holding onto a palm-sized bell identical to Zhang Shuli¡¯s.


    ¡°Form the formation!¡± Zhang Shulimanded. As the five individuals began to rotate, the bells in their hands chimed, creating a sonic field that enveloped Liu Wuxie. The shrill sound prated Liu Wuxie¡¯s soul sea, causing him difort and distorting his vision. As expected, the bells had the power to ensnare the soul.


    ¡°Those are the Soul Captivating Bells. He¡¯s finished now!¡± Xue Shihong sneered as the Xue n had a close rtionship with the Heavenly Govern Academy.


    The Xue n had disciples in the Imperial Academy and Heavenly Govern Academy. Coincidentally, Xue Shihong was a Heaven Grade student of the Heavenly Govern Academy.

 Chapter 251 - Play Along

    <h4>Chapter 251 - y Along</h4>


    As the name implies, the Soul Captivating Bell could affect the enemies'' souls. Liu Wuxie had encountered the Summoning Bell and Soul Stabilizing Bell before. He might not know the effects of the Soul Captivating Bell, but the effects were simr.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes gradually blurred, and his movement slowed down. This made Zhang Shuli¡¯s group to smile brutally because they knew that the Soul Captivating Bells had taken effect.


    The chimes affected the soul, even causing those in the surroundings to feel muddle-headed. But the effects weren¡¯t that strong as they were somewhat far away.


    ¡°Don¡¯t kill him. I want to extract his soul. He must have a secret since his cultivation improved so much in six months,¡± Zhang Shuli ordered.


    After all, Liu Wuxie¡¯s rise could be considered legendary. There were rumors that he was possessed by an old monster, allowing him to make rapid progress in his cultivation.


    ¡°Alright, let us speed up!¡± The few teachers waved their hands around in excitement. They began to dance, which further strengthened the chimes produced by the Soul Captivating Bells.


    Liu Wuxie looked as though he was drunk, with his body swaying around and his eyes gradually closing. When he stopped moving, Zhang Shuli stopped and stored the Soul Captivating Bell.


    This technique was taxing to the soul, and the five of their soul energies were heavily exhausted.


    ¡°His soul energy is powerful. If it were someone else in the Marrow Cleansing Realm, they wouldn¡¯t havested for ten breaths under the Soul Captivating Bell.¡± They had relied on the Soul Captivating Bells to kill countless experts in the past, and no one hadsted over ten breaths before.


    Liu Wuxiested for fifteen minutes, and this was exhausting for them.


    ¡°Is it over just like that?¡± The crowd drew closer, curious about the unfolding events. Liu Wuxie stood motionless, eyes closed, seemingly oblivious to the murmurs around him.


    ¡°The Soul Captivating Bells are formidable. They¡¯ve managed to subdue an expert in the Quasi-True Core Realm,¡± Xue Shihong asserted, standing apart from the crowd. No one had a better understanding of the Soul Captivating Bell than him. If even a Quasi-True Core Realm expert couldn¡¯t resist it, Liu Wuxie stood little chance.


    ¡°He won¡¯t wake up, right?¡± Everyone was still feeling uneasy because the Soul Captivating Bell affected the soul, and one would recover from it sooner orter. Thus, everyone was baffled, but they dared not get too close and stopped ten meters away from Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Hmph! The Soul Captivating Bells, refined by me, has never failed before. Without an entire day and night, he won¡¯t wake up from it!¡± Zhang Shuli snorted, unhappy with the doubts surrounding him. He continued, ¡°An entire day and night is enough for us to search his soul and dig his secrets out.¡±


    The teachers moved closer, all of them practitioners of soul art, akin to Liu Wuxie¡¯s Ghost Eye. This allowed them to delve into others¡¯ souls and explore their memories.


    Such techniques, known as soul-searching arts in the Celestial Realm, were a brutal method that inflicted immense pain on the victim and could even obliterate their chances of reincarnation.


    Only those who practiced unorthodox arts would resort to such a ruthless technique. It was scorned by the orthodox path, and only the most irredeemable viins would employ the soul-searching art.


    ¡°Hold on. First, seize his interspatial pouch!¡± Zhang Shuli was not in a rush to probe Liu Wuxie¡¯s soul. His initial aim was to secure the Golden Fruit, which would aid him in reaching the True Core Realm.


    Even if Liu Wuxie regained consciousness, Zhang Shuli thought that he could easily kill him, relying on his cultivation in the True Core Realm. The four teachers were naturally unwilling but didn¡¯t dare disobey Zhang Shuli.


    If they were to uncover Liu Wuxie¡¯s secrets, they could distribute them among themselves. However, the Golden Fruit held little value for the four of them, as reaching the True Core Realm was a formidable challenge. Only Zhang Shuli, with his profound foundation, had the greatest potential to ascend to the True Core Realm. For the others, the Golden Fruit would be squandered.


    Liu Wuxie head was bowed, and no one could see his face. Despite the passage of time, he remained motionless. If one were to lie on the ground, one might catch a glimpse of the derisive smile ying on his lips.


    As the four teachers walked towards Liu Wuxie, one reached out for Liu Wuxie¡¯s interspatial pouch. However, something unexpected urred when he was about toe into contact with it.


    ¡°Fatality de Art!¡± A wave of terrifying de intent swept out with Liu Wuxie in the center. It was toote for the four teachers to stop, as everything happened so fast that no one could react in time.


    No one noticed when the Heretic de appeared in Liu Wuxie¡¯s hand as he raised his head with murderous intent sweeping out. Violent ripples also began to appear on theke due to his murderous intent, causing waves to crash towards the shores.


    Onlookers, standing a mere ten meters away, scattered in fear of being caught in the de¡¯s aura.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s movement was too fast. Before anyone could respond, four heads flew to the sky and fell into theke, dyeing theke red with blood.


    Four headless corpses fell to the ground and began to wither with the energies in their bodies absorbed by the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron. The entire process was only one-thousandth of a second.


    Zhang Shuli, standing just five steps away, was powerless to intervene. It was toote for him to act. Blood dripped from the Heretic de onto the ground, and in an instant, the crowd had vanished. Only Liu Wuxie and Zhang Shuli remained, standing amidst the eerie silence.


    Everyone retreated to the opposite side of theke. They just wanted to distance themselves from Liu Wuxie as thetter was too terrifying to kill four pinnacle Marrow Cleansing Realm experts with one de. There might be aspects of sneak attacks, but this wasn¡¯t something ordinary people could aplish.


    Most importantly, Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t affected by the Soul Captivating Bells. He pretended to be affected and attacked when their guards were down, catching everyone by surprise. This was Liu Wuxie¡¯s n to y along with them.


    Xue Shihong¡¯s face took on a frighteningly stern expression. Having witnessed the effects of the Soul Captivating Bells, he had initially assumed Liu Wuxie was done for. As he gazed at Liu Wuxie, a murderous glint began to seep into his eyes.


    ¡°You¡¯re...you¡¯re not affected?!¡± Zhang Shuli stammered, pointing at Liu Wuxie as if he had seen a specter. He had never experienced failure with the Soul Captivating Bells he had refined, but today, they had failed against Liu Wuxie, leaving him utterly bewildered.


    ¡°It¡¯s just trivial trickery!¡± Liu Wuxie mocked. The Soul Captivating Bells were the same as Yuan Jun¡¯s de, which was meant to affect the opponent¡¯s soul. He had previously fallen for it because he wasn¡¯t on guard against it and wouldn¡¯t make the same mistake twice. When executing Ghost Eye, all forms of soul energy attacks were useless against him.


    Zhang Shuli was in a state of panic, his hand trembling as he brandished his sword. He was thest one standing, and he was no match for Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Apologies, Liu Wuxie. I was wrong to have conspired against you. I hope you can overlook our past, considering I once extended an invitation to you,¡± Zhang Shuli implored, his voice softening, hoping Liu Wuxie would let bygones be bygones.


    He had once invited Liu Wuxie to join the esteemed Heavenly Govern Academy in the Imperial City. However, when his recruitment efforts had failed, he had dispatched a group of experts to ambush Liu Wuxie, only for them to be defeated instead.


    This incident had fueled Zhang Shuli¡¯s resentment towards Liu Wuxie and ignited his desire for revenge. Unfortunately, he never got the opportunity.


    ¡°Vice-Headmaster Zhang, you were a dignified vice-headmaster. Why bother pretending when we both know that only one can live?¡± Liu Wuxie mocked coldly. There was no way they could resolve their feud peacefully.


    ¡°You want to push it?!¡± Zhang Shuli¡¯s eyes shed with a ferocious gleam, and his sword emitted a terrifying sword ray.


    Liu Wuxie remained silent, but his expression spoke volumes. A peaceful resolution was impossible. He had previously dealt with numerous experts in the pinnacle Marrow Cleansing Realm. Now, with Zhang Shuli standing alone, eliminating him would require just a single strike.


    Zhang Shuli made his move. His sword was like a viper, manifesting in various afterimages, and he shot towards Liu Wuxie. He resorted to his strongest attack immediately because he knew he only had one chance. Pouring all his true essence into his sword, he unleashed two energy streams at two sides.


    As the sword auras began to expand, Liu Wuxie raised the Heretic de, which looked like the antlers of a deer with no discernible trajectory. This was the strength of the Fatality de Art, as it didn¡¯t have a fixed move.


    When the sword was a meter away from Liu Wuxie, he moved. He left behind an afterimage and vanished before he reappeared behind Zhang Shuli.


    Since everyone had spected that he relied on his movement technique to kill experts in the ninth-level Marrow Cleansing Realm, he did not need to expose his strength further. It was best to let them misunderstand his strength, as this would allow him to catch his enemies by surprise.


    As Liu Wuxie brought down the Heretic de, Zhang Shuli stumbled forward a few steps before copsing into theke, his blood tinging the water a gruesome red. His lifeless body floated on the surface, untouched by anyone. Thus, the Vice-Headmaster of the Heavenly Govern Academy met his end.


    After killing Zhang Shuli, Liu Wuxie turned to look at Xue Shihong. Thetter was a descendant of the Xue n, and he couldn¡¯t let him go. He could also discover what traps the Xue n had set up for him.


    In a sh, Liu Wuxie materialized before Xue Shihong, startling him. His de was already poised to strike before Xue Shihong could react. The crowd dispersed once again, particrly after witnessing Liu Wuxie¡¯s ruthless elimination of numerous individuals. A chill ran down everyone¡¯s spine.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, how dare you?!¡± Xue Shihong was furious as he retreated. But the Heretic de stuck close to him, and he couldn¡¯t break free no matter how he tried.


    ¡°And what can you do about it?¡± Liu Wuxie retorted, showing no mercy towards any member of the Xue n. Remembering the Xue n¡¯s actions over the past six months, Liu Wuxie¡¯s murderous intent intensified. His de was now just an inch away from Xue Shihong¡¯s neck.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, even if you kill me, you won¡¯t survive the Python Mountain Battlefield!¡± Xue Shihong dered, fear evident in his voice. Yet, a fierce light shed in his eyes as he lunged at Liu Wuxie, a radiant aura emanating from him.


    <i>Shit!</i> Liu Wuxie eximed inwardly and retreated, performing the Nine Heavenly Crane Dance and soaring to the sky like a celestial crane.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, you can¡¯t escape! If I can¡¯t kill you, I¡¯ll take you down with me!¡± Xue Shihong vowed. Unable to defeat Liu Wuxie, he decided to use a spiritual talisman to obliterate him. As it turned out, Xue Shihong possessed such a talisman.


    In the past, Liu Wuxie had used a spiritual talisman to eliminate Qin Shi. The thunderbolt that day was rumored to be a mere coincidence.


    The spiritual talisman turned into a streak and caught up to Liu Wuxie. When it was a few meters away, it exploded. The shockwave from the explosion caused Liu Wuxie to fall from the sky, blood gushing out of his mouth.


    An even more powerful force surged from the ground as Xue Shihong took the explosion head-on, and he was sent flying away.

 Chapter 252 - Blood Flame Devil Blue

    <h4>Chapter 252 - Blood me Devil Blue</h4>


    A spiritual talisman contained the runes of heaven and earth. One could infuse one''s cultivation andw of nature into the talisman to form a powerful strike.


    Liu Wuxie knew the Xue n had no spiritualists, so where did this spiritual talismane from? There weren¡¯t many spiritualists in the Great Yan Dynasty. The one used by Xue Shihong was a fourth-grade talisman.


    A ck hole materialized in the sky as Liu Wuxie descended, his chest stained red with his own blood. The shockwave from the explosion rippled from the sky to the ground, stirring up waves on theke.


    Executing a somersault, Liu Wuxiended on the ground, his face pale and blood trickling from his lips. His physique was on par with those in the True Core Realm, and he could withstand the blow from someone at the pinnacle of the Marrow Cleansing Realm without sustaining severe injuries.


    However, the explosion of the fourth-grade talisman had injured him. He quickly took out a pill and swallowed it, his injuries not being serious. Brandishing the Heretic de, he approached Xue Shihong with a stern expression.


    ¡°Speak, where did the fourth-grade talismane from?!¡± Liu Wuxie ced his de on Xue Shihong¡¯s neck.


    Since Xue Shihong could take out a fourth-grade talisman, the Xue n might have more, and this wasn¡¯t good news to him.


    Despite his suspicions, Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t certain. Considering the close rtionship between the Xue n and Prince Yongxian, and the fact that the envoy from the Azure Crimson Gate had taken Prince Yongxian away, it was probable that the fourth-grade talisman hade from that envoy.


    Fourth-grade talismans were considered garbage in the cultivation world, but they were treasures in the Great Yan Dynasty. Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t afraid of fourth-grade talismans, but fifth-grade talismans were different.


    If the Xue n had fifth-grade talismans, they could easily kill him with a single punch, regardless of his abilities.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, don¡¯t think of prying my mouth open! Wait to die!¡± Xue Shihong sneered and stabbed his own heart with a dagger. He would rather end his own life than say a word.


    The surroundings fell silent because six experts in the pinnacle Marrow Cleansing Realm were swiftly eliminated.


    Liu Wuxie took Xue Shihong¡¯s interspatial pouch and, extending his divine sense, discovered two more fourth-grade talismans that hadn¡¯t been detonated in time.


    Theke roared with waves, prompting bitter smiles from everyone present. They dared not meet Liu Wuxie¡¯s gaze.


    Rustling sounds could be heard that dragged everyone back to reality. A crimson flower emerged from theke, devouring the blood around it.


    ¡°The Blood me Devil Blue!¡± An exmation could be hearding from the crowd.


    ¡°I understand now! It was drawn by the blood in theke! I¡¯ve heard that the Blood me Devil Blue feeds on blood, which seems to be true!¡± The crowd¡¯s attention shifted from the earlier conflict to the excitement of the moment. After all, the value of the Blood me Devil Blue was no less than that of the Golden Fruit.


    The Python Mountain Battlefield, an ancient battleground that opened once every decade, was known for its abundance of ancient herbs, including the Blood me Devil Blue.


    This herb carried a hint of an abyssal trait, which was difficult to dispel. Direct refinement yielded low effects unless it was processed into a fifth-grade pill. While the Blood me Devil Blue was indeed a treasure, not everyone was qualified to utilize it.


    Even if they obtained it, its abyssal trait would destroy their mentality unless it was refined into a pill by a five-star alchemist.


    ¡°The Great Yan Dynasty doesn¡¯t have a five-star alchemist, but that doesn¡¯t mean the other nations don¡¯t have one. If I can obtain the Blood me Devil Blue, I can naturally turn it into a fifth-grade pill!¡± An expert in the pinnacle Marrow Cleansing Realm stepped forward, his aura rising. In terms of strength, he was even stronger than Zhang Shuli.


    The Marrow Cleansing Realm couldn¡¯t be ssified by the levels but by acupoints. Those who cleared more acupoints would naturally be strongerpared to others. For instance, someone who had cleared two hundred acupoints would have drastically differentbat prowesspared to someone who had only cleared one hundred.


    ¡°Look, it¡¯s Xuanyuan Li. I¡¯ve heard he¡¯s already a four-star alchemist and has connections with alchemists from neighboring dynasties. He must know a five-star alchemist!¡± The crowd was abuzz, recognizing Xuanyuan Li¡¯s dual status as a pinnacle Marrow Cleansing Realm expert and a four-star alchemist.


    Xuanyuan Li offered a smile. At just twenty-seven, he was among the few of his generation to reach the level of a four-star alchemist, earning him respect wherever he went.


    His gaze naturally fell on Liu Wuxie. He had heard that Liu Wuxie was the chief alchemist of the Treasure Pill Pavilion and the youngest four-star alchemist in the Great Yan Dynasty.


    Liu Wuxie, too, was familiar with Xuanyuan Li. The Treasure Pill Pavilion kept records of all four-star alchemists in the Great Yan Dynasty. Xuanyuan Li had once been a strong contender for the position of chief alchemist at the Pavilion, but differences in opinion led them down separate paths.


    The Great Yan Dynasty, being a small nation,cked a five-star alchemist. However, that didn¡¯t meanrger nations were without them.


    Xuanyuan Li had a wide circle of friends and knew several five-star alchemists, so refining the Blood me Devil Blue into a pill wasn¡¯t tough for him.


    ¡°Everyone, I believe you all know that the Blood me Devil Blue contains arge amount of abyssal aura, which will bring more harm than benefits if consumed directly. If anyone manages to obtain it, I¡¯m willing to exchange it for a fifth-grade pill.¡± Xuanyuan Li suddenly cupped his fists to everyone in the surroundings, including Liu Wuxie.


    The outside world had no idea that Liu Wuxie had long be a five-star alchemist. The Blood me Devil Blue might be useless for others, but it was a treasure for five-star alchemists. Exchanging it with a fifth-grade pill wasn¡¯t a bad deal for Xuanyuan Li.


    As a fifth-grade herb, Blood me Devil Blue¡¯s value surpassed that of ordinary fifth-grade herbs. Most fifth-grade herbs served merely as supplements in pill refinement, and it was challenging to achieve a cultivation breakthrough with such a pill. However, if the Blood me Devil Blue was refined into a pill, there was a seventy percent chance of advancing to the True Core Realm.


    Many individuals voiced their support for Xuanyuan Li, promising to exchange the Blood me Devil Blue if they managed to obtain it. The allure of a fifth-grade pill was far greater to them.


    ¡°Thank you, everyone!¡± Xuanyuan Li cupped his fists to the surroundings. Most people were willing to exchange if they obtained it, but some weren¡¯t because they also knew five-star alchemists.


    The Blood me Devil Blue continued to consume the blood in theke, emitting a faint glow and causing ripples to spread across the water¡¯s surface.


    ¡°Why do I feel dizzy all of a sudden?¡± Those cultivators who were nearby clutched their heads as they fell into theke. In the blink of an eye, several cultivators fell into theke, and some were in the high levels of the Marrow Cleansing Realm. However, even they couldn¡¯t put up any resistance to the sudden assault of dizziness.


    ¡°The abyssal aura released by the Blood me Devil Blue can charm a person¡¯s mind and turn them into food once they fall into theke.¡± Those standing around theke retreated and only stopped after they were ten meters away.


    The eight bodies that fell into theke swiftly moved closer to the Blood me Devil Blue. Chopstick-width roots shot out from the Blood me Devil Blue, burrowing into their bodies.


    Everyone could see the eight bodies withering rapidly with their blood and energies absorbed by the Blood me Devil Blue. After absorbing much blood, the Blood me Devil Blue looked even more enchanting and gave off a mesmerizing fragrance.


    ¡°Everyone, close off your five senses! The fragrance released by the Blood me Devil Blue is toxic and can cause unconsciousness!¡± As the fragrance spread, the crowd retreated further to avoid its reach.


    However, Liu Wuxie remained unmoved and continued to observe theke. After all, poison was utterly ineffective against him. The poison in the bodies of the killing machines nurtured with ck Shell Pills was no weaker than that of the Blood me Devil Blue, but they were absorbed into his dantian¡¯s world, adding a hint of poison to his true essence.


    ¡°Is he insane? He¡¯s way too close to theke!¡± A voice sounded from the crowd, thinking that Liu Wuxie had lost his mind.


    ¡°The Blood me Devil Blue¡¯s poison willst roughly fifteen minutes, and we can harvest it afterward. He¡¯s not thinking of seizing it forcibly, right?¡± Everyone waited for the poison to dissipate before snatching the Blood me Devil Blue.


    Ignoring the surrounding mockery, Liu Wuxie walked towards theke. If the Blood me Devil Blue felt threatened or finished feasting and sank into theke, it would be difficult to harvest it. This was the best opportunity while the Blood me Devil Blue was devouring the blood from the eight corpses.


    Liu Wuxie vanished, executing the Nine Heavenly Crane Dance, and he appeared above theke.


    ¡°What is he trying to do? Does he n to seize the Blood me Devil Blue before we can even get a chance?¡± Those gathered in the surroundings let out furious roars but didn¡¯t dare to approach as the poison was still around.


    The Blood me Devil Blue felt threatened and sank into theke to avoid danger.


    Sensing danger, the Blood me Devil Blue sank into theke. ¡°Hmph, you¡¯re too slow!¡± Liu Wuxie, having observed every change of the Blood me Devil Blue with his Ghost Eye, dove into theke.


    In an instant, both the Blood me Devil Blue and Liu Wuxie disappeared into theke, leaving behind a few desated corpses. Time passed, and theke remained calm, leading everyone to wonder if the Blood me Devil Blue had killed Liu Wuxie.


    However, after ten breaths, a water geyser erupted, and Liu Wuxie emerged mid-air, holding something in his hand. ¡°The Blood me Devil Blue!¡± The crowd eximed in unison, recognizing the Blood me Devil Blue in Liu Wuxie¡¯s hand.


    The Blood me Devil Blue, with itsrge roots firmly anchored in theke, was severed from its roots by a sh of Liu Wuxie¡¯s de aura. Performing a mid-air somersault, Liu Wuxiended solidly on the ground, the Blood me Devil Blue in his hand emitting a poisonous gas.


    Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Liu Wuxie ced the Blood me Devil Blue into his interspatial pouch. This left everyone in disbelief, as they had initially thought it wouldn¡¯t be easy for Liu Wuxie to obtain the Blood me Devil Blue.


    The Blood me Devil Blue needed to be refined into a pill and couldn¡¯t be ingested directly. Since there weren¡¯t any more treasures, Liu Wuxie hurried to another location.


    However, just as he was about to move, over a hundred people surrounded him, including Xuanyuan Li, whose eyes hinted at murderous intent.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, hand over the Blood me Devil Blue!¡±


    Having his path blocked, Liu Wuxie could only stop unhappily.


    ¡°The treasure goes to those who are capable. Do you all want to snatch it from me?¡± Liu Wuxie said, his cold gaze sweeping through the crowd.

 Chapter 253 - Joining Forces

    <h4>Chapter 253 - Joining Forces</h4>


    Boundless murderous intent swept out from Liu Wuxie. Since ancient times, treasures belonged to those capable of obtaining them.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, I¡¯m willing to exchange the Blood me Devil Blue for a fifth-grade pill,¡± Xuanyuan Li said, taking out a porcin bottle. After all, the Blood me Devil Blue was useless in most people''s hands.


    ¡°Not interested!¡± Liu Wuxie replied, and his reply nearly choked Xuanyuan Li to death. He thought he could suppress a mere student of the Imperial Academy like Liu Wuxie with his identity.


    Xuanyuan Li¡¯s face became cold because Liu Wuxie¡¯s refusal had embarrassed him. With murderous intent shing in his eyes, he said, ¡°Liu Wuxie, do you know the consequences of refusing me?¡±


    With the Blood me Devil Blue, he could use his connection to refine it into a fifth-grade pill. If he could make a breakthrough into the True Core Realm with it, he would be known as a genius in the Great Yan Dynasty at the tender age of twenty-seven.


    ¡°You want to kill me?¡± A mocking smile rose on Liu Wuxie¡¯s lips. Xuanyuan Li was only slightly stronger than Zhang Shuli. As for Liu Wuxie, he was practically invincible if no one in the True Core Realm challenged him.


    ¡°Anyone who kills him and seizes the Blood me Devil Blue for me will receive three fifth-grade pills and 10,000 spirit stones!¡± Xuanyuan Li announced, aware that he couldn¡¯t confront Liu Wuxie alone. His best strategy was to rally everyone¡¯s strength against him.


    After all, someone couldn''t face so many experts. Even if Liu Wuxie was strong, he was alone. With so many experts, they could quickly exhaust him to death.


    Even Liu Wuxie was tempted by a generous reward of three fifth-grade pills and 10,000 spirit stones. It turned out to be true that alchemists didn¡¯tck resources.


    ¡°What are you all waiting for? Kill him and split up the spirit stones!¡± Spirit stones were scarce resources, and Liu Wuxie only had over 70,000 spirit stones after killing so many people.


    In the next second, everyone roared in excitement. However, after ten breaths, no one stepped forward because they didn¡¯t want to be the sacrificialmb.


    A mocking smile rose on Liu Wuxie¡¯s lips. These people weren¡¯t united, and they still wanted to kill him. What a joke!


    ¡°A bunch of garbage!¡± Liu Wuxie moved while everyone hesitated; he charged into the crowd and unleashed de aura with the Heretic de. This de contained Liu Wuxie¡¯s will as an Immortal Emperor, catching everyone by surprise. The cultivators nearby were sent flying away with blood sshing around in one exchange.


    Blood sttered everywhere, falling into theke and filling the air with a pungent stench. Corpses exploded, raining down blood and internal organs.


    Cries and roars filled the air as chaos ensued, with people trampling over each other. They didn¡¯t originate from the same ce and had merely united for mutual benefits.


    Xuanyuan Li was shocked at the sight of this scene.


    ¡°Everyone calm down! Don¡¯t lose yourposure!¡± Xuanyuan Li roared, wanting to let everyone scatter out and slowly exhaust Liu Wuxie¡¯s true essence.


    Those who were further away quickly retreated and maintained a safe distance, allowing them to avoid Liu Wuxie¡¯s de.


    Terrifying fluctuations spread out, with body pieces littering the ground while some were still alive. The battle expanded as Liu Wuxie stood in the center with thirty-odd corpses around him.


    It was a terrifying scene to see how Liu Wuxie slew thirty-odd people with one de strike. When everyone looked at Liu Wuxie again, they all had horror in their eyes. The Heretic de had turned into a bloody de in the massacre.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, you murdered my younger brother! I demand your life!¡± Among the crowd, many had arrived in groups, some even with their families. The speaker was a man in his thirties, veins bulging on his face in anger. His features twisted in rage, he looked as if he wanted to devour Liu Wuxie whole.


    Liu Wuxie ignored that man and his gaze shifted to Xuanyuan Li, the mastermind.


    ¡°Xuanyuan Li, you¡¯re courting death!¡± Liu Wuxie walked towards Xuanyuan Li. If he didn¡¯t kill thetter, he wouldn¡¯t be able to resolve the grudge in his heart.


    Whenever he took a step forward, his aura increased. His cultivation was still restrained in the fourth level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm, and he did not need to release his actual cultivation. It was more than enough to deal with these pieces of garbage with his cultivation in the fourth level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    ¡°Let¡¯s join forces to kill this demon! He has lost his rationale!¡± Xuanyuan Li drew his sword, calling everyone to join forces against Liu Wuxie. However, weirdly enough, no one spoke this time, and most of them retreated because they feared Liu Wuxie.


    They didn¡¯t want to be the sacrificialmb. Treasures might be tempting, but that was under the condition that they had to be alive to use them.


    Only twenty-odd people were left standing with Xuanyuan Li as they pressed towards Liu Wuxie.


    A ridiculing smile rose on Liu Wuxie¡¯s lips after being called a demon. A demon or an immortal didn¡¯t matter because the path converged at the end.


    ¡°Die!¡± Striding the Seven Dipper Steps, Liu Wuxie left behind seven afterimages, pushing his speed to the limit and charging towards Xuanyuan Li¡¯s group.


    After eliminating them, Liu Wuxie nned to find a secure location to refine the Blood me Devil Blue into the Marrow Boosting Pill. This would enable him to ascend to the seventh level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    There were only twenty days, and Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t afford to waste time. It was already the eighth day, and nearly half the time had passed.


    After facing Xue Shihong¡¯s fourth-grade talisman, Liu Wuxie felt threatened; he could resolve all threats as long as he was strong enough.


    Before the twenty-odd people could respond, Liu Wuxie¡¯s de had arrived before them. The first person exploded, with his body blown apart into pieces by the de aura. The Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron devoured the energies in his body.


    The remaining hundred people had retreated a safe distance of a hundred meters and watched the unfolding massacre. It was a one-sided ughter, with no one capable of halting Liu Wuxie¡¯s onught.


    An overwhelming pressure crushed down on the twenty-odd people, and they couldn¡¯t even put up a resistance.


    ¡°This is impossible! How are you so powerful!¡± Xuanyuan Li began to regret it. The sword in his hand danced, but he couldn¡¯t tear apart Liu Wuxie¡¯s de aura no matter how hard he tried due to the drastic difference in their strength.


    The massacre continued, with more people dying. Every time an afterimagebined, a life was imed.


    ¡°Overlord Fist!¡± Liu Wuxie dered, finding that the Fatality de Art alone was insufficient. An oppressive force descended from the sky, creating a potent shockwave that crushed the corpses on the ground. This punch drained all the spiritual energy within a vast radius, signifying the pinnacle of the Overlord Fist.


    Screams echoed as the Overlord Fist crushed the five iing men before they could respond. The shockwave created by the Overlord Fist made the spectators stagger.


    A series of explosions echoed in the sky, and in the blink of an eye, several more people were killed. Of the twenty people who had surrounded him, more than half were now dead. The remaining individuals turned and fled in fear. They didn¡¯t want to stay a moment longer in the presence of Liu Wuxie, who was proving to be terrifyingly powerful. They had never encountered such a formidable opponent. The blood from the corpses formed a river that flowed into theke.


    Xuanyuan Li retreated, on the verge of falling into theke if he moved any further back.


    Swinging the Heretic de, Liu Wuxie unleashed a de aura that severed a few people at their waists, leaving Xuanyuan Li dazed by thekeside.


    Xuanyuan Li trembled in fear as Liu Wuxie¡¯s piercing gaze fell upon him. As Liu Wuxie slowly approached, Xuanyuan Li avoided eye contact and retreated further, his legs now in theke.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, don¡¯te any closer!¡± Xuanyuan Li pleaded in panic, fearing for his life. No one could maintain theirposure in the face of death; fear was a natural response.


    ¡°Those people would have lived if not for your words; you¡¯re the mastermind,¡± Liu Wuxie retorted, plunging the Heretic de into Xuanyuan Li¡¯s body.


    Onlookers fell into a hushed silence, acknowledging the truth in Liu Wuxie¡¯s words. Their own greed had made them pawns in Xuanyuan Li¡¯s game, leading them to confront Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, I¡¯m sorry! Please don¡¯t kill me!¡± Xuanyuan Li suddenly dropped to his knees. It was unbelievable to see a four-star alchemist and someone in the pinnacle Marrow Cleansing Realm beg for mercy on their knees, making him a joke.


    ¡°How will you exin to them if you¡¯re not dead?¡± Liu Wuxie pointed at the pieces of corpses on the ground. Xuanyuan Li was responsible for their deaths.


    Xuanyuan Li¡¯s face turned pale. He had arrived at the Python Mountain Battlefield full of ambition, hoping to ascend to the True Core Realm if he came across a rare spiritual fruit.


    Every opening of the Python Mountain Battlefield would end in arge quantity of True Core Realm experts, but it was a pity that he no longer had that qualification.


    ¡°Cut your hypocrisy! The Blood me Devil Blue is useless in your hands, and their deaths are because of you since you refused to hand it over!¡± Xuanyuan Li¡¯s face became distorted and sinister. This was despair when facing death, and he roared like a wild beast.


    However, no one would take pity on him as this was the norm in the cultivation world, and reality was harsh.


    ¡°You¡¯re truly pathetic!¡± Liu Wuxie shook his head with a hint of pity on his face.


    Xuanyuan Li had decent talent. If he had focused on cultivating, reaching the True Core Realm before the age of forty wouldn''t have been an issue, but he just had to take the risk.


    Then again, if Xuanyuan Li could reach the True Core Realm, he could be promoted to a five-star alchemist and be a dazzling figure in the Great Yan Dynasty. It was Xuanyuan Li who sealed his fate.


    For many, bing a five-star alchemist was an unattainable dream. But Liu Wuxie had long since achieved the status of a five-star alchemist, so he derided Xuanyuan Li as pathetic, oblivious to the fact that there¡¯s always someone better out there.


    ¡°Hahaha! What rights do you have to call me pathetic? Do you think you can leave this ce alive? Stop dreaming! Even if you obtained the Blood me Devil Fruit, only death awaits you!¡± Xuanyuan Li had gone insane.


    ¡°It¡¯s a pity you won¡¯t live to see that day!¡± Whether he could leave the Python Mountain Battlefield alive was uncertain, but at least Xuanyuan Li wouldn¡¯t live to see that day as Liu Wuxie wouldn¡¯t spare him.

 Chapter 254 - Divine Art

    <h4>Chapter 254 - Divine Art</h4>


    As Liu Wuxie raised the Heretic de, Xuanyuan Li¡¯s head flew to the sky while his headless corpse fell into theke. When the head fell into theke, the eyes were wide open.


    After killing Xuanyuan Li, Liu Wuxie ignored everyone in the surroundings and left, turning into a streak of light. When everyone ensured he had left, an uproar broke out among the crowd.


    ¡°His luck is too outrageous. Not only did he obtain the Golden Fruit, but he also obtained the Blood me Devil Blue!¡± Any of those treasures could result in an expert¡¯s advancement, and Liu Wuxie had obtained both. This naturally sparked unhappiness among many people, but they could do nothing about it.


    ¡°Stopining. We still have more than ten days left, and we still have a chance!¡± Treasures were limited, and not everyone could obtain them. There were only twenty days, and everyone only had a few days to search for treasures after spending most of their time traveling.


    After a day of journey, Liu Wuxie stood on a mountain peak. This ce was deste, and there were no treasures, so he chose it.


    ¡°This is it!¡± Liu Wuxie found a secluded cave and nned to refine the Blood me Devil Blue. After all, the medicinal effect would weaken with the passing of time.


    He had countless herbs on him, not to mention he had awakened the fire attribute. This meant that he could refine pills wherever he wanted. He took outrge amounts of fourth-grade pills to use as supplementary materials.


    ¡°The Marrow Boosting Pill!¡± The Marrow Boosting Pill was a fifth-grade pill, and it could help someone in the pinnacle of the Marrow Cleansing Realm with a seventy percent chance of reaching the True Core Realm.


    He took out the alchemy cauldron with his true essence manifesting into mes and enveloped the cauldron. Shortly after, he started throwing herbs into the cauldron and formed seals with his hands.


    After reaching the sixth level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm, Liu Wuxie''s pill refining speed increased. In just two hours, he tossed thousands of spiritual herbs into the cauldron.


    He removed the Blood me Devil Blue and tossed it into the cauldron along with the roots. When he removed it, the flower released a powerful abyssal aura, but it couldn¡¯t threaten him. The iing abyssal aura was devoured by the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron.


    Half a dayter, Liu Wuxie¡¯s refining process went into the forming stage. Despite the Marrow Boosting Pill being devoid of any scent, a subtle blood odor emanated from the cauldron. This was attributed to Blood me Devil Blue¡¯s extensive blood consumption, which had caused the blood smell to deeply infuse the flower, making it impossible to remove.


    Liu Wuxie elerated his seal formation, demonstrating an astonishing rate of refinement. A dayter, the Marrow-Boosting Pill was finally formed. It was a purple pill, about the size of a quail egg, with peculiar patterns on its surface resembling human meridians.


    After an entire day and night, Liu Wuxie had exhausted most of his true essence. He sat down and took out several pills, tossing them into the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron along with 1,000 spirit stones. Those items were swiftly dissolved into ten-odd spiritual liquid droplets before flowing into the world in his dantian, and he recovered all his true essence in two hours.


    Since there were only ten more days remaining, Liu Wuxie could only go to another location. There were many treasures there, but time was limited, and it was impossible for Liu Wuxie to visit all the ces.


    As Liu Wuxie swallowed the Marrow Boosting Pill, it dissolved into violent energy charging at his acupoints. The energies formed into waves coursing through his body.


    His aura began to rise, and Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t worried about his swift breakthrough. Beneath the Immortal Emperor Realm, there were no bottlenecks as long as the umtion was enough.


    Others might have to temper for a long time during each breakthrough, but that wasn¡¯t required for Liu Wuxie.


    The world in his dantian underwent a tremendous transformation as a faint abyssal aura covered the sky and prated the ground. It didn¡¯t take long before his bottleneck to the seventh-level Marrow Cleansing Realm was forcibly opened.


    An even more violent energy began to brew in Liu Wuxie¡¯s body. The seventh level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm was thete phase, which meant he was one step into the True Core Realm.


    But that didn¡¯t stop there as Liu Wuxie tossed 20,000 spirit stones into the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron. The spirit stones were soon converted into 2,000 spiritual liquid droplets and flowed into his dantian. His aura rose and sped towards the pinnacle seventh level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    The speed of his breakthrough was shocking, and even Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t believe that he had climbed from a piece of garbage to the seventh level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm in six months. Knowledge might be essential, but it was also because he was hard-working.


    Two dayster, when Liu Wuxie¡¯s cultivation stabilized, he was at the pinnacle of the seventh-level Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    The true essence in his meridians rumbled like waves, and his bones produced crackling sounds when he moved. Ayer of crystal barrier also appeared in his soul sea, further fortifying it.


    ¡°This is...the divine bridge!¡± Liu Wuxie was shocked when his consciousness sank into his soul sea. As an Immortal Emperor, there weren¡¯t many things that could shock him.


    The True Core Realm was a threshold, and only those in it could be considered actual cultivators. For now, he could only be regarded as a martial artist.


    Upon reaching the True Core Realm, the bridge to divine abilities would be established, enabling the practice of divine arts such as telekinesis. Only with this bridge in ce could one engage in the practice of divine arts.


    Despite being at the seventh level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm, Liu Wuxie had already connected the first divine bridge. This seemingly insignificant bridge was of paramount importance, which exined his astonishment.


    ¡°With the first divine bridge, I should be able to practice divine arts now. But what should I practice?¡± Liu Wuxie quickly regained hisposure, recognizing this as merely an early milestone in his cultivation journey. The divine bridge would inevitably be cleared when he ascended to the True Core Realm.


    He knew many divine arts, and each was incredibly powerful. But the divine bridge was delicate, and it couldn¡¯t even support ordinary divine arts, not to mention those powerful ones.


    ¡°The Fire Maniption Art!¡± Liu Wuxie pondered for a long time before he decided on Fire Maniption Art. This divine art enables one to manipte fire into different forms. It could allow me to leave his body, but the distance would rely on his soul energy. The stronger his soul energy, the easier it was to manipte fire. Likewise, the divine art would weaken if his soul energy was weak.


    Liu Wuxie controlled his will to connect the divine art as mes surged in the world in his dantian. A fireball appeared in his palm that shed and changed constantly on his palm.


    ¡°Tiger!¡± The fireball flew out and manifested into a ferocious tiger. He could also shape his true essence ording to his will, but he couldn¡¯t make it look so vivid like an actual tiger. Moreover, he could shape his true essence for a short duration only, and mostly reserved it for battles.


    ¡°Bird!¡± Liu Wuxie continued to control the tiger with his will. He didn¡¯t even use his hands to shape the tiger into a bird as it flew around in the cave, chirping.


    The mes kept changing shapes, and Liu Wuxie was having fun with it as though he had returned to the Celestial Realm. Just the Fire Maniption Art was enough to make him so happy.


    ¡°Come back!¡± The fire dissipated and returned to his body. This was divine art; allowing one to achieve anything with one''s will alone and manipting items from a distance wasn¡¯t tough.


    Several days passed in the blink of an eye, and Liu Wuxie left after he graspedplete control of the Fire Maniption Art. He took out the map and scanned the entire Python Mountain Battlefield.


    ¡°Most of these ces have likely been explored already, except for one.¡± Liu Wuxie deduced, spreading the map out on the ground. He observed that the regions within a thousand-mile radius, marked in blue, had already been visited.


    There was one location that stood out, marked in blue, but it was situated in a perilous area, surrounded by three red-marked zones. Even the slightest misstep could lead to danger.


    While Liu Wuxie was not fearful of the beasts in True Core Realm, he preferred not to antagonize the formidable draco-pythons. He performed a movement technique and set off towards Glory Sun Mountain. It was a vast mountain, and Liu Wuxie was uncertain about the treasures it held.


    Since it was marked with a significant blue symbol, something valuable was likely inside. Thus, many people were heading over there.


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t rest throughout the journey, spending three days and nights before finally arriving at Glory Sun Mountain. As he had spected, there were many people here.


    Five to six hundred people were gathered at the base of the mountain, yet oddly, none had ventured to ascend. To avoid unnecessaryplications, Liu Wuxie opted for a slight disguise this time. Given that his acquisition of the Golden Fruit and Blood me Devil Blue was nowmon knowledge, it was inevitable that he would be a target of others¡¯ greed. Therefore, a disguise seemed the most prudent course of action.


    ¡°It¡¯s here. I¡¯ve heard that this is an ancient tomb filled with numerous treasures.¡± Overheard discussions filled the air as Liu Wuxie descended, providing him with a clear understanding of the situation without needing to inquire further.


    An entrance to what was believed to be an ancient tomb had been discovered. If a mythical artifact could be found within, it would indeed be a significant find.


    ¡°An ancient tomb?¡± Liu Wuxie furrowed his brow. Had he known it was an ancient tomb, he might have chosen a different location. However, it was toote to change course now. The fog was due to return to the Python Mountain Battlefield in a few days, and his survival would be uncertain if he failed to exit in time.


    The crowd continued to swell, with even experts from the Quasi-True Core Realm joining. Following the throng, Liu Wuxie spotted an entrance to a tomb halfway up the mountain. A few hundred people had gathered there, all attempting to find a way to breach the entrance.


    Liu Wuxie hid among the crowd and restricted his cultivation to the fourth level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm so that no one would notice his presence.


    ¡°Everyone, make way! The descendants of the Murong n have arrived, and they¡¯re proficient in the art of mechanism!¡± A cry sounded in the crowd as a group of five passed through, walking to the tomb¡¯s entrance.


    The crowd at the entrance respectfully parted to make way for the arrival of the Murong n, renowned for their expertise in mechanism art. They were expected to find a way into the tomb.


    Liu Wuxie looked at the group of five curiously. There were four men and a woman; the oldest was a man in his forties, while the youngest was a woman in her twenties.


    ¡°Second Uncle, this is a seal, but this doesn¡¯t seem like an ancient tomb.¡± When the five squatted down, a young man in his twenties frowned after observing the patterns on the tomb. This was no ordinary tomb.


    ¡°Lil¡¯ Seven, you¡¯re right that this is a seal. Who the hell sealed this ce?¡± The oldest man looked at the young man, who spoke with a hint of praise in his eyes.


    The party of five circled the seal multiple times, but none of them made the move. They still had to inspect carefully in case they released a powerful creature by mistake.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect Murong Qi to be here. He¡¯s the most talented young genius in mechanism art from the Murong n.¡± The surrounding people discussed among themselves. The Murong n was famed for their mechanism art in the Great Yan Dynasty.

 Chapter 255 - Scalps Tingle

    <h4>Chapter 255 - Scalps Tingle</h4>


    The Murong n members hesitated and didn¡¯t dare act rashly after discovering the seal.


    ¡°Murong n, what are you guys waiting for? Hurry up and open it!¡± The surrounding people began to lose patience and urged the Murong n to open the entrance quickly.


    It had been nearly half a month since they had entered the Python Mountain Battlefield, and they would have to leave in a few days. Many people still hadn¡¯t seen any treasures, making this theirst chance. They would have to wait for another decade if they missed this tomb.


    Ten years was too long, and they only fought for the present.


    The crowd began to pressure the Murong n to unlock the entrance. If the n continued to resist, they risked being forced by experts present, potentially earning the crowd''s ire.


    ¡°Everyone, please heed my words. This could be an ancient seal, and we are uncertain of what lies within if we were to unseal it. The repercussions could be severe!¡± A middle-aged man from the Murong n stepped forward, pleading with the crowd to reconsider their demands.


    No one knew what was sealed inside, but if they were lucky, it might be an ancient tomb. If they weren¡¯t lucky, a monster might be sealed in there.


    ¡°Murong Shan, is your Murong n nning to monopolize this tomb? It¡¯s been thousands of years since the ancient battle; any creature sealed within would have long perished.¡± A piercing voice rang out, using the Murong n of attempting to hoard the treasures within.


    This usation incensed the five members of the Murong n. They had spoken out of concern for everyone¡¯s safety, yet found themselves being used of selfish motives.


    ¡°Brother Zhao is right. Even if creatures were sealed in there, they would have perished by now, after so many years. Hurry up and undo the seal!¡± Everyone echoed along, cing the Murong n in a difficult position.


    It might offend everyone present if they didn¡¯t open up the seal. But if they undid the seal, they might unleash a formidable monster that no one could handle.


    ¡°Second Uncle, let¡¯s open it. I¡¯m also curious to know what¡¯s inside,¡± Murong Qi said. Young and curious, he wanted to see what was inside.


    Under everyone''s persuasion, Murong Shan had no choice but to approach the seal.


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t say a word throughout this ordeal. The seal was blurred, and it was impossible to see it. He took out some weird items and engraved them on the huge rock.


    This made Liu Wuxie narrow his eyes as Murong Shan was drawing a spiritual array. The entire tomb was a natural spiritual array, and they could enter by opening the entrance.


    The surroundingrge rocks began to creak, and the rocks below started to separate, revealing a small gap. The seal had been in ce for too long, and Murong Shan was unable to break it with his current skill level.


    The surrounding people rubbed their palms together excitedly, eager to rush in.


    ¡°Second Uncle, let me help you!¡± Murong Qi stepped forward and used a shovel to pry open the two rocks, expanding the slit.


    A decayed air seeped out from the slit, and everyone quickly covered their noses in case it was poisonous. Time slowly passed, and the slit gradually expanded, and this made everyone feel nervous by the minute.


    When thest rock was moved, a one-meter width entrance was exposed. The insides were dark, apanied by a moldy and damp smell.


    ¡°Senior Murong, ording to your spection, there¡¯s something imprisoned inside?¡± Several youths came over to ask Murong Shan.


    ¡°That seems to be the case judging from the seal!¡± Murong Shan replied, but he wasn¡¯t entirely sure about it. It was merely his spection.


    ¡°Who cares about what¡¯s sealed inside? It must¡¯ve died after so many years.¡± Some couldn¡¯t contain themselves and wanted to enter the cave.


    More people gathered from the surroundings, and no one was willing to go down first in case there might be danger.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go first!¡± A robust man stepped forward and jumped into the cave, instantly devoured by the darkness. No one knew what was happening inside.


    ¡°Lu Cheng, what¡¯s it like down there?¡± someone yelled.


    ¡°It¡¯s damp, but it¡¯s safe. It seems to be an underground pce!¡± Lu Cheng replied. He couldn¡¯t feel any difort even after being inside for so long.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± One after another, more people jumped into the cave. But the entrance was only so broad, and those who didn¡¯t have high cultivation didn¡¯t even have the qualification to get close.


    Liu Wuxie frowned as he stood on the outer region.


    <i>There¡¯s something weird about the seal. Even after so many years, the seal still exists, meaning that whatever is imprisoned inside is still alive,</i> Liu Wuxie thought to himself. As for what was imprisoned inside, no one knew.


    Fifteen minutester, there weren¡¯t many people outside, as everyone had entered the cave. Looking around, Liu Wuxie noticed that he was the only one standing outside. Seeing this, he took a deep breath and nned to go down and take a look.


    Since he hade this far, he couldn¡¯t just turn back. Besides, he had already disguised himself, and no one knew his true identity.


    As Lu Cheng had described, the interior was damp. Liu Wuxie grabbed a handful of soil and rubbed it in his palm. He could smell a faint stenching from the soil.


    ¡°Wait, the soil indicates that this ce wasn¡¯t sealed for thousands of years. There must be other entrances because the soil is fresh.¡± Liu Wuxie frowned. Where was the other entrance if this ce wasn¡¯t entirely sealed? This left Liu Wuxie baffled, and it was a question he couldn¡¯t resolve anytime soon.


    Suddenly, cracking sounds came from above as the entrance slowly closed up, with the surroundings plunging into darkness.


    ¡°Shit!¡± Liu Wuxie executed the Nine Heavenly Crane Dance and tried to open the entrance. But the rocks wouldn¡¯t budge no matter how hard he tried. There was a seal outside, and it couldn¡¯t be opened with human strength.


    This meant that they were all in trouble now with the entrance sealed. Since they couldn¡¯t leave, were they going to be buried alive?


    Those who had entered first were already deep in the underground world, exploring and unaware of the sealed entrance.


    ¡°It looks like I¡¯ll have to find another way out with the entrance sealed!¡± Liu Wuxieposed himself quickly, knowing he couldn¡¯t panic now.


    Since the soil was fresh, there must be another exit. He followed the tracks on the ground and hurried on.


    As Liu Wuxie ventured deeper, he realized that this subterranean world was far more expansive than he had initially thought. The passage was lined with blue bricks on both sides, remarkably undamaged despite the passage of time, save for some moss.


    After approximately fifteen minutes of walking, he encountered a three-way fork in the path, marked by footprints on the ground. Nearly a thousand people had entered and dispersed at this junction.


    Liu Wuxie stopped briefly before picking the middle path. The ground began to dry up, and strange patterns appeared on the walls on both sides. The stench in the air also grew stronger as he walked.


    The overpowering stench, reminiscent of urine, caused Liu Wuxie to frown and shut off his sense of smell. The underground world was shrouded in darkness, limiting visibility to a mere three meters. However, by relying on his Ghost Eye, Liu Wuxie could perceive his surroundings as clearly as if it were broad daylight.


    ¡°What is this?¡± Liu Wuxie abruptly stooped down upon spotting a groove about the width of a human arm. It was curved as if something had slithered past. As he progressed, he noticed more simr markings on the ground.


    ¡°Draco-pythons!¡± Liu Wuxie eximed. Could these marks have been left by draco-pythons slithering across the ground? This realization sent a chill down Liu Wuxie¡¯s spine. He began to suspect that they might have inadvertently entered a draco-python¡¯sir.


    If that were the case, their fate would be sealed. Draco-pythons lived in colonies, and their nests could house tens of thousands of them. Each one was a formidable creature, and the number of humans present wouldn¡¯t even suffice as a snack for them.


    A Golden Python was already so tough to deal with, and Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t imagine running into a group of them.


    ¡°ARGH!¡± A scream jolted Liu Wuxie from his thoughts. The source of the scream wasn¡¯t far off, approximately a hundred meters away.


    Liu Wuxie quickened his pace and knew it was safer to stick with the crowd. If he traveled alone, the snakes would easily make him their prey.


    He didn¡¯t dare to increase his speed and wielded the Heretic de in his hand. The Ghost Eye pierced through the walls, and the scene fifty meters away became visible. There were three massive pythons, each over ten-odd feet in length.


    The pythons had ensnared five men, three of whom were being slowly devoured after being bitten. The remaining two were trapped in the pythons¡¯ grip, their screams echoing as their bones were crushed. Liu Wuxie dared not approach, knowing that even if he attempted a rescue, these five were already doomed.


    The trio of pythons detected another human presence and turned their cold gaze towards Liu Wuxie. Despite the darkness impairing humans¡¯ vision, it did not affect the pythons, who were well-adapted to the subterranean environment.


    The three pythons hissed, warning Liu Wuxie to stay away. This made Liu Wuxie curious, and he wondered if there was something about him that the pythons feared.


    Both sides fell into a deadlock. Liu Wuxie couldn''t retreat because he could only press forward to find the exit. Thissted five minutes before the pythons burrowed into a massive cave and disappeared with the five men.


    Liu Wuxie finally understood why Zuo Hong and the others didn¡¯t dare venture too deep into the Python Mountain Battlefield. Even experts in the high levels of the Marrow Cleansing Realm would turn into food for these pythons.


    The Ghost Eye enabled him to see five hundred meters away, and he felt a chill down his spine when he heard the hissing voices in the surroundings. Even someone as experienced and knowledgeable as him couldn¡¯t help feeling a lingering fear.


    Liu Wuxie observed the same scenario in various regions: the human cultivators who ventured in were swiftly turned into meals for the pythons. Merely an hour after their entry, they had suffered substantial losses, and the sheer number of pythons sent shivers down Liu Wuxie¡¯s spine.


    ¡°The exit! I have to find the exit quickly!¡± Liu Wuxie executed his movement technique and delved deeper. As the passage began to widen, an underground world appeared before him with a massive underground pce.


    ¡°Who the hell built such a colossal underground pce?¡± However the pce was heavily damaged, with many buildings copsed.


    There were also marks of pythons everywhere. This underground pce had long be a nest for the pythons.

 Chapter 256 - Python Nest

    <h4>Chapter 256 - Python Nest</h4>


    More individuals began to emerge from the other passages, but they were in a dire state. They had entered full of vitality, but their conditions had drastically deteriorated in a short span.


    ¡°I want to leave!¡± Some were on the verge of copsing and wanted to leave.


    ¡°The entrance is sealed; we¡¯re trapped here!¡± Others who had attempted to retrace their steps discovered the exit was sealed, confirming their entrapment.


    Many women, overwhelmed by fear¡ªamon reaction to snakes¡ªbroke down in tears.


    ¡°Brother Zhao, what should we do? We¡¯re all trapped here now!¡± Everyone automatically grouped. They had no choice but to band together to find their way out.


    Of the over a thousand people who had entered, slightly less than half had perished. Only about seven hundred remained, forming roughly ten groups.


    Liu Wuxie remained still, silently observing the unfolding chaos.


    ¡°Have you all considered this? Since the pythons can survive here, they must venture out to hunt for food. They can¡¯t possibly live underground their entire lives,¡± Zhao Chen proposed after a moment of contemtion.


    Liu Wuxie gave a nod of approval. Zhao Chen¡¯s ability to think clearly amidst the panic set him apart from the rest.


    ¡°Brother Zhao is right. These pythons need to hunt for food, so where do they go out from? We only have to find the cave to leave this ce!¡± Everyone wasn¡¯t thinking about treasures but surviving.


    The same conclusion was reached in the other areas. However, since the underground pce was so huge, no one knew where the exit was.


    Everyone rested for fifteen minutes before standing up and searching for the exit, relying on luck.


    The Ghost Eye could only see seven to eight hundred meters away, and Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t find the exit within eight hundred meters of a radius. He didn¡¯t dare to keep using Ghost Eye as it would exhaust his soul energy. The underground pce was dangerous, and he had to be prepared to fight.


    With unhindered vision, Liu Wuxie stopped executing the Ghost Eye and headed southwest. If he remembered correctly, the map marked the southwest region as dangerous.


    But why was he heading towards a dangerous region? A decade ago, someone had discovered many pythons in the southwest region, so where did the pythonse from? There was only one possibility: they came from underground.


    Apart from him, several groups also headed in the southwest direction, sharing the same thoughts as Liu Wuxie.


    Rustling sounds could be heard ahead, and everyone stopped in their tracks. Liu Wuxie also stopped when they were fifty-odd meters apart.


    The air was filled with the chilling hisses of numerous pythons, causing everyone to shudder in fear. This was particrly true for the female cultivators, whose legs turned to jelly in terror.


    ¡°Prepare for battle!¡± Zhao Chen, who had unwittingly be the group¡¯s leader,manded. At his instruction, everyone promptly drew their weapons.


    ¡°Look above!¡± A woman cried out as she felt droplets falling on her head while sitting on the ground. She instinctively looked up, only to see dozens of pythons on the ceiling.


    Humans were a delicacy to them, and they were getting impatient with more pythons hurrying over, opening their mouths, and biting down on the woman.


    With a sickening crunch, the woman was swallowed by the python from her waist up. A nauseating smell of blood permeated the underground pce.


    The pythons were fast, and each one was formidable. They were all adult pythons with strengthparable to the pinnacle Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    The cultivators present, who were only at the fifth or sixth level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm, were no match for these pythons.


    Liu Wuxie found himself isted, with three pythons slithering towards him, effectively blocking his path. His only option was to fight his way through. He swung the Heretic de, emitting a fearsome glow.


    Having connected the divine bridge, Liu Wuxie had ascended to the seventh level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm. His strength had surged to an extraordinary level, rendering him a formidable opponent even for typical experts in the True Core Realm.


    With a resounding crack, Liu Wuxie severed the head of the attacking python. A foul odor permeated the air as the pythons on either side opened their jaws wide, aiming for his neck.


    ¡°Die!¡± Liu Wuxie eximed. Now was not the time for him to hold back his strength, for even the slightest error could cost him his life. He executed the Fatality Sword Art, releasing two de auras that decapitated the two pythons. However, being cold-blooded creatures, the pythons¡¯ bodies continued to move towards him, despite their severed heads.


    The Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron appeared and devoured the corpses of the three pythons, converting them into over a hundred spiritual liquid droplets. Their bloodline was too weak and couldn¡¯t bepared to the Golden Python he had faced, but it was better than nothing.


    This spiritual liquid was far from enough for him to reach the eighth level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm. This shocked the cultivators at the front, as it was unbelievable that Liu Wuxie killed three pythons so easily.


    This also angered more pythons as more gathered towards Liu Wuxie, wanting to kill him. However, when they got close, they hesitated because Liu Wuxie was giving off an aura they were afraid of.


    ¡°Let¡¯s move quickly!¡± Breaking free from the pythons, Zhao Chen led the group swiftly towards the southwest, leaving Liu Wuxie alone, watching them depart.


    ¡°Hmph, you all might survive if you stay behind. Rushing in will only lead to your deaths,¡± Liu Wuxie snorted. Not only were they ungrateful for his efforts in diverting the pythons¡¯ attention, but they also abandoned him and fled on their own.


    Then again, this was human nature. When facing a life-threatening crisis, most people would only care about themselves, and it wasn¡¯t surprising for someone to abandon their brothers.


    Thirty-odd pythons hissed as they slowly approached Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Perfect! All of you can be nutrients for me to grow!¡± Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t even have to make a move as the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron flew out. The cauldron had previously only released small ck hole as Liu Wuxie wanted to avoid causing a stir among the others present.


    Now that he was alone, he could unleash the full power of the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron. The cauldron, akin to the mouth of Taotie, exerted a powerful suction force, drawing all the nearby pythons into it.


    As demonic mes gushed out from the cauldron, it didn¡¯t take a breath before they were all converted into spiritual liquid. The higher his cultivation, the more spiritual liquid he required for the next breakthrough.


    He had relied on the Blood me Devil Blue and thousands of spiritual liquid droplets to barely reach the seventh level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm. This meant that the resources he required in each breakthrough would increase along with his cultivation level.


    The pythons further away attempted to flee, struggling with all their might. However, the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron devoured everything within a radius of several hundred meters, and its powerful suction force immobilized them all.


    ¡°They¡¯re afraid of the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron?¡± A glint of realization shed in Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes. Demonic beasts had a strong sense of danger, and they must¡¯ve sensed the threat from the cauldron, which was why they hesitated to approach him.


    In the span of a few dozen breaths, around thirty pythons werepletely consumed by the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron. The surroundings returned to a state of calm as Zhao Chen¡¯s group had long since fled. However, after eliminating all the pythons, Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t hasten but instead slowed his pace.


    Echoes of roars and screams could be heard from other regions, with the death toll rising as time passed. More than half of the thousand individuals who had entered were now dead.


    Approximately three hundred people managed to escape towards the southwest, with fewer survivors in the other areas.


    As Liu Wuxie ventured further, the path began to widen. He would asionallye across blood stains and python corpses. After roughly two hours of walking, a massive stone gate came into view.


    Strangely, the stone gate had the same seal as the outside entrance. At the lower right corner of the stone gate was a one-foot-wide hole, but it was too small for humans to enter. The pythons must¡¯vee from this hole.


    The walls on both sides were tough, and the weapons couldn¡¯t even leave any marks.


    ¡°The exit should be behind this stone gate!¡± The few hundred survivors had reached there with incredible difficulty. As long as they could open the gate, they would be able to leave this ce.


    Five individuals from the Murong n had embarked on this journey, but midway, they had suffered the loss of two members. Only Murong Shan, Murong Qi, and a female member were left standing.


    ¡°Senior Murong, hurry up and open the stone gate!¡± The geniuses, who were usually prideful, practically begged Murong Shan to open the stone gate.


    ¡°The seal on the stone gate is peculiar. I¡¯ll need some time.¡± Murong Shan also wanted to leave this ce. He had already warned everyone that this might not be a tomb, which was true. This ce wasn¡¯t a tomb but a python nest.


    However, his warnings were now futile as he began to examine the seal with his tools. As time ticked away, more individuals started to congregate from other areas, having reached dead ends and left with no choice but to return.


    Approximately three hundred people had gathered, their spirits dampened. Some attempted to force the stone gate open with their weapons, only to create sparks against the unyielding gate.


    A day passed, and Murong Shan¡¯s forehead was slick with sweat, but the stone gate remained as steadfast as ever.


    ¡°Look, there¡¯s something seeping out from behind the stone gate!¡± A cry of rm echoed as a red fluid began to trickle from the cracks beneath the stone gate. This sudden development sent waves of panic through the crowd as they struggled toprehend why blood was oozing from the stone gate.


    Liu Wuxie maintained a safe distance, choosing not to intervene. The situation was graver than he had anticipated. Even though he couldn¡¯t see what was trapped behind the stone gate, he had never encountered this seal before and was clueless about how to break it.


    The stone gate began to creak open, lifting upwards in the same manner as their entrance. Upon seeing this, the crowd of three hundred swiftly retreated, fearing the unknown that might lurk behind the gate.


    The stone gate stopped after rising three meters. Behind it, nothing appeared except a massive hall.


    ¡°There¡¯s the exit!¡± someone eximed as there was an exit behind the stone gate.


    ¡°Quick, hurry up!¡± The three hundred people swiftly ran into the hall, heading towards the exit. But there were too many of them and only one exit.


    Realizing that he couldn¡¯t fit through the exit, Liu Wuxie was caught in a moment of hesitation. Just then, the mysterious tree within his dantian stirred, seemingly guiding him in a certain direction.


    ¡°Could there be a treasure in that direction?¡± Liu Wuxie wondered.


    The underground pce was so peculiar that even as an Immortal Emperor, he was unable to decipher any clues about it. However, given the reaction from the mysterious tree, he decided to explore in the indicated direction, hoping that it might lead to unforeseen opportunities.

 Chapter 257 - Demons Head

    <h4>Chapter 257 - Demon''s Head</h4>


    The hall was spacious and could fit thousands of people. Most people were inside searching for something.


    ¡°ARGH!¡± Suddenly, screams pierced the air, apanied by a gush of blood flowing into the hall from the hole. The stone gate that had been rising abruptly fell. Everything transpired in the blink of an eye.


    The stone gate had closed before Liu Wuxie could even react. Screams still echoed in the hall as the ten people who had entered the exit crawled back out, covered in blood.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on? Why are you all back?¡± everyone asked.


    ¡°T-There are many pythons inside! Those who went ahead were all eaten!¡± Some fifty-odd people had entered the hall, but only ten survived while the others were eaten.


    Many pythons were guarding the exit, and trying to leave through it was the same as walking right into the trap and the pythons¡¯ mouths.


    ¡°How could this happen?¡± Fear quickly spread across the faces of everyone in the hall. Over a thousand people had entered, but only two hundred remained alive. The death toll was horrifying, an unprecedented event.


    In the past, safety was assured as long as everyone steered clear of the forbidden areas. But now, they found themselves in a dire situation with over two hundred people trapped. Even though cultivators could survive for a year without food and water, being trapped here was a death sentence.


    Liu Wuxie stood in a corner of the hall and had calmed down. Pythons guarded the exit while the stone gate blocked the way back. It was clear that the architect of this underground pce had no intention of allowing anyone to enter.


    He surmised that the true mystery must lie within this hall. The stone gate¡¯s peculiar behavior¡ªrising upon contact with blood and then abruptly falling¡ªwas not part of the designer¡¯s n.


    He devoted an entire day to meticulously exploring every nook and cranny of the hall.


    ¡°Behind this stone gate, there could be another world,¡± Liu Wuxie contemted. ¡°As for what it¡¯s sealing off, that remains unknown. Two worlds, divided by a gate.¡±


    The underground pce was vast. Although many structures might have copsed, signs of previous habitation were evident.


    The stone gate separated the two worlds with a seal he had never seen before. This meant that the person who sealed this ce was no ordinary person.


    Upon touching the wall, Liu Wuxie noticed its unusual texture. The walls didn¡¯t resemblemon stones that could be found in any market. The blood that had pooled on the ground had vanished, absorbed into the crevices.


    ¡°Look at the patterns on the wall! They appear to be shifting,¡± someone eximed from behind Liu Wuxie. Turning his attention to the walls, he observed that the patterns were indeed in motion.


    This attracted everyone¡¯s attention as they approached the walls and observed the patterns.


    Liu Wuxie had already noticed the changes on the walls but was unsure of their significance or what the patterns symbolized.


    The walls suddenly emitted cracking sounds, scaring everyone into retreating to the hall¡¯s center.


    ¡°These are demonic runes!¡± Liu Wuxie eximed as he finally recognized the runes. They were demon runes. This baffled Liu Wuxie because the True Martial Continent was a lesser realm, so how could demonic runes be found here?


    The Celestial Realm had immortal runes, the Demonic Realm had demonic runes, and the Abyssal Realm had abyssal runes.


    Demonic runes were not inferior to immortal runes, and the cultivation requirements among the demonic beast n were high, often rivaling or even surpassing those of immortals.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s face showed a grave expression. The appearance of demonic runes meant that there must be a great demon nearby, and this situation was more severe than he had initially thought.


    As the demonic runes on the walls began to change, they looked like tiny worms tangling together. A worm might not be significant, but millions would look like a small mountain.


    The demonic runes on the walls were like worms gathering and forming into a terrifying head of the demon n.


    ¡°This is...¡± The massive head looked like a python and a worm.


    ¡°Kakaka...¡± An even more terrifying scene urred as the head let out a burst of sinisterughter with pitch-ck pupils seemingly capable of piercing through souls.


    Everyone felt ufortable when the head stared at them. Some people were so frightened that they lost control of their bowels.


    ¡°How many years has it been? Finally, there is someone here!¡± The head spoke in humannguage. His voice might not be clear, but it was still understandable.


    Over two hundred people were gathered together, and some bold ones stepped forward and drew their weapons, releasing a sword aura at the head.


    Liu Wuxie also drew a strange inscription with his right hand and was ready to act at any moment.


    ¡°W-Who are you?! Let us out!¡± Lu Cheng, despite his courage, trembled in fear. Those behind him were paralyzed with fear, with some even wetting themselves.


    ¡°A bunch of children have no right to know who I am. Once I consume your blood, I can revive!¡± A terrifying demonic aura spread throughout the hall.


    ¡°My body...¡± As demonic aura prated their bodies, many people began to grow scales on their skin. They were undergoing demonization.


    Even those in the ninth-level Marrow Cleansing Realm couldn¡¯t avoid it. When demonic aura prated their bodies, it forcibly altered their bloodline, turning them into half-human and half-demon.


    Piercing screams could be heard in the entire hall. Some had horns growing on their heads, and the sight was horrifying.


    The dense demonic aura also rushed into Liu Wuxie¡¯s body. But when the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron revolved, the demonic aura was devoured and condensed into a dark-purple spiritual liquid. The sight of this spiritual liquid even surprised Liu Wuxie.


    The ordinary spiritual liquid was ink-green, while the poisonous spiritual liquid was ck. So what was with this dark-purple spiritual liquid?


    The demon¡¯s head abruptly swiveled to fix its gaze on Liu Wuxie, sensing a portion of the demonic aura it had released had vanished.


    Among the two hundred people present, the weaker ones had alreadypleted their transformation, baring their teeth to bite those nearby. Those with higher cultivation levels were barely resisting, while Liu Wuxie remained unaffected, his body unchanged.


    The head opened its mouth, releasing a denser demonic aura that materialized into snakes lunging at Liu Wuxie. This sight shocked everyone. Despite most undergoing transformation, they hadn¡¯t lost their rationality and turned their attention to Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie snorted and unleashed the inscription on his right hand. The inscription was like a golden beam tearing apart the iing snakes. In an instant, all the snakes vanished, leaving behind the floating head, which let out an enraged roar. The loss of demonic aura had significantly impacted the head.


    ¡°Y-You! Who are you? Why do you know spiritual runes?¡± The rune that Liu Wuxie had inscribed wasn¡¯t an immortal rune, but a type of spiritual rune that was the nemesis of the demon n. It countered the demon n and proved effective in this critical moment.


    The head¡¯s voice carried a hint of fear, and he attempted to hide in the wall.


    Seeing that the spiritual rune was effective, a smirk rose on Liu Wuxie¡¯s lips.


    He began to form seals with his hands. Since this head could be sealed, he nned to use the seal to revert it to its original form and eliminate it. Intricate seals were being engraved, intertwining, and weaving into a spider web. The head was like an illusion, impervious to martial techniques. Only spiritual runes could harm it.


    ¡°You¡¯re nothing more than a remnant soul, and you dare be so audacious?¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s voice didn¡¯t carry a hint of emotions. He wondered if this was the war soul Zuo Hong spoke of.


    The War Soul was a mere legend, unseen by anyone. It was believed that when one¡¯s cultivation reached a certain pinnacle, one would leave behind a strand of consciousness after death, seeking opportunities for reincarnation.


    That was the same for the demon n. They would have a strand of soul left after death. If they could absorb enough energy, they could be reborn. Humans were said to have three souls and seven spirits, while demons had one soul and three spirits.


    The head¡¯s soul was long destroyed, and the body rotten. He was only left with a strand of soul.


    When Liu Wuxie sped his hands together, he engraved a shield that flew swiftly toward the head. The head wanted to dodge, but it was toote and was struck by the shield.


    The head let out a painful scream and heart-wrenching roar. The bodies of those who had transformed began to recover gradually due to the weakening of the demonic aura. This instantly earned Liu Wuxie the respect of everyone present. If not for him, they all would have be food for the demon¡¯s head.


    ¡°You damned humans! I won¡¯t let you all off!¡± The demon¡¯s head gradually faded after being severely injured by the shield. It was heavily injured and turned into countless worms, returning to the walls.


    As spiritual runes vanished, the hall was restored, and the head disappeared. Only about ten corpsesy on the ground. The demonic aura had transformed so many people in just a few minutes that they had fought among themselves.


    A violent rumble, akin to an earthquake, emanated from the hall. The right wall split open, revealing an exit. But everyone¡¯s hearts tightened because they didn¡¯t know what would happen next.


    The stone walls copsed entirely, and a pungent stench assaulted everyone¡¯s sense of smell. This immediately made everyone, including Liu Wuxie, feel nauseated.


    A dark and damp cave filled with thousands of pythons appeared before everyone, causing everyone to take a deep breath.


    Attracted by the scent of human blood, the thousands of pythons slithered into the hall.


    When Liu Wuxie executed Ghost Eye, he looked at the cave, where he saw the exit. Not only did Liu Wuxie see it, but many people also saw it, relying on the faint light from the passage.


    ¡°This is the exit! If we make it through the pythons, we can escape!¡± Zhao Chen took a deep breath to calm his nervousness. There were so many pythons, and escaping wouldn¡¯t be easy.


    ¡°Holy shit, I don¡¯t want to die!¡± Before the battle began, everyone had already lost their rationale and cried on the ground.


    The women¡¯s faces turned pale with fright. Don¡¯t even mention fighting; even walking was a problem for them.


    As the pythons approached, a pungent stench made everyone ufortable. They were in a sealed underground environment with little spiritual energy, and prolongedbat would put them in an unfavorable position.

 Chapter 258 - Python King

    <h4>Chapter 258 - Python King</h4>


    The pythons were getting closer, and there was no more room for retreat. If they didn¡¯t fight, they would be food for these pythons.


    ¡°Calm down, everyone! Let¡¯s band together and carve out a path for escape!¡± Zhao Chen roared, urging everyone to unite and leave the ce alive.


    His words had some effect on uniting everyone into forming a battle formation.


    However, some individuals chose to act independently, intending to use their agility to seize an opportunity to escape. Among them was Liu Wuxie. His concern was not the pythons but the demon¡¯s head, which he anticipated would return for revenge.


    After all, the demon¡¯s head had finally found an opportunity to revive, so it was unlikely to relinquish this chance easily. Most crucially, the mysterious tree had hinted at the presence of a treasure here. Since it wasn¡¯t in the hall, it must have been concealed within the python¡¯s nest. However, its identity remained a mystery for now.


    After going through numerous difficulties, Liu Wuxie had finally reached this point, and he wouldn¡¯t give up without retrieving the treasure.


    The ughter began as several mighty pythons charged over and were as thick as barrels. Only small pythons could enter the underground pce, not therger ones.


    These pythons were cultivated for centuries, each possessing formidable strength. Even though they were not in the True Core Realm, they couldn¡¯t be underestimated.


    Blood sttered as several giant pythons were severed into two, dyeing the hall with their blood. The blood sshed on the pants of human cultivators, but that didn¡¯t hinder their fight. They forgot where they were and fought with blood on their faces as well.


    Everyone used their full strength without holding back. If they made a slight mistake, the pythons would gobble them up.


    In a few breaths¡¯ time, the pythons killed some ten-odd people.


    The party continued to push forward, leaving the hall and entering deeper into the python¡¯s nest. The exit was still about fifty meters away.


    The worms began to converge on the stone wall once more, with the demon¡¯s head appearing. When demonic aura gushed out, the green eyes of the pythons turned red as the pythons dashed forward fearlessly, and the death toll would rise with each charge.


    As the death toll increased, the ground was littered with broken limbs and blood.


    Everyone could still maintain their formation and teamwork in the beginning. However, as they approached the exit, those at the front quickly executed their movement technique and charged forward.


    ¡°Come back!¡± Zhao Chen roared. If the formation broke up, the death toll would increase.


    However, before Zhao Chen couldplete his sentence, a massive head emerged at the exit. The head, asrge as a water tank, bared its fangs. Those who had charged forward found themselves plunging straight into the python¡¯s mouth before they could react.


    Over two hundred people had managed to survive earlier, but arge portion of them were dead now.


    Ten-odd pythons slithered over to Liu Wuxie, but he quickly decapitated them after swinging the Heretic de, turning them into headless corpses. The Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron also devoured the energies in their bodies.


    This brutal massacre naturally sparked the fury of the surrounding pythons. They had their intelligence unlocked. They might not have reached adulthood, but weren¡¯t far from it.


    The demon¡¯s head on the wall released a torrential demonic aura into the pythons'' bodies, causing them to be fearless as hundreds charged toward Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Quick, run!¡± Seizing the opportunity while all the pythons charged at Liu Wuxie, Zhao Chen¡¯s group quickly ran towards the exit. But ten-odd meterster, a torrential demonic aura swept out as an even more frightening python appeared.


    ¡°Quasi-True Core Realm!¡± This python was infinitely close to a fifth-grade demonic beast,parable to the Quasi-True Core Realm for humans. It was way more potent than those in the pinnacle Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t in a hurry and swung down the Heretic de, striding the Seven Dipper Steps. There would be another python skin on the ground whenever he stepped forward.


    Liu Wuxie released a formidable aura befitting a seventh-level Marrow Cleansing Realm expert as he cut a swath through the pythons. The umted python skins had piled up to the height of an average person, creating a terrifying spectacle.


    Zhao Chen¡¯s group, who had fled earlier, was quickly driven back by the colossal python. They had no choice but to continue their battle.


    The massive python ignored Zhao Chen¡¯s group and headed toward Liu Wuxie. Its goal was Liu Wuxie and not the others.


    ¡°Overlord Fist!¡± Seeing more pythons gathering in the surroundings, Liu Wuxie executed the Overlord Fist. A powerful ripple spread, decimating countless pythons and covering the ground in blood and internal organs.


    ¡°He¡¯s Liu Wuxie!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s identity was recognized the moment he performed the Overlord Fist. Not many people knew of his de technique, but no one could mimic the Overlord Fist. Only he knew of this martial technique in the Great Yan Dynasty.


    Zhao Chen narrowed his eyes upon hearing that. He had long heard of Liu Wuxie¡¯s name but didn¡¯t expect thetter to be so ordinary.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t his real appearance. He¡¯s using a disguise!¡± Some people present had seen Liu Wuxie before, and they instantly recognized him. They immediately figured that Liu Wuxie must be wearing a disguise.


    Having decimated the surrounding pythons, Liu Wuxie turned his attention to the demon¡¯s head. Therge gathering of pythons was undoubtedly linked to the demon¡¯s head, which had released a demonic aura to attract them.


    Knowing that he had to eliminate the demon¡¯s head to escape, Liu Wuxie began forming seals. The seal he crafted this time was even more formidable, causing the massive python to keep its distance.


    A suffocating energy fluctuation appeared, and all the spiritual energy in the underground pce was devoured.


    ¡°Y-You! Why do you know so many spiritual runes?!¡± The demon¡¯s head eximed. He was shocked by Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie was young and in the Marrow Cleansing Realm. So, how could he be proficient in spiritual runes? But no one bothered about him as that wasn¡¯t important.


    When a rune appeared before Liu Wuxie, it scared the demon¡¯s head into hiding. But the soul of the demon¡¯s head was sealed in this hall, and it couldn''t dodge.


    ¡°T-This is a demonic rune! How can a human like you possibly know demonic runes?!¡± The demon¡¯s head was dumbfounded as this human had surpassed all his understandings.


    Zhao Chen and others were baffled when they heard ¡®demonic runes¡¯ because Liu Wuxie had too many secrets about him.


    ¡°You can die now!¡± Liu Wuxie said without a hint of emotion, and the demonic rune was like a shackle spreading throughout the hall. When the shackle flew out, it locked onto the demon¡¯s head. No matter how it struggled, the demon¡¯s head couldn¡¯t break free.


    ck miasma rose from the demon¡¯s head as it let out a heart-wrenching scream.


    Liu Wuxie remained expressionless as he continued to form seals with his hands. He said, ¡°If you were in your prime, you could have easily killed me with a breath. However, it¡¯s a pity that you¡¯re only a remnant soul.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t ept the fact that I, the Demon Emperor, am going to die at your hands!¡± The demon¡¯s head roared, but it could do nothing as the demonic rune Liu Wuxie used hadpletely countered it.


    After all, there was a bane to everything in the world. Spiritual runes represented the world''sw, and each stroke bore the engravement of heaven and earth.


    As the demon¡¯s head gradually faded and weakened amidst its screams, the surrounding pythons retreated, recognizing the authority of the demon¡¯s head over them.


    ¡°Break!¡± Liu Wuxie swung the Heretic de down. The demon¡¯s head stopped struggling, and the walls exploded. The wall was meant to seal the demon¡¯s head, and shattering the walls meant the demon¡¯s head would have nowhere to go.


    After the demon¡¯s head disappeared, the walls began to crumble as though they were damaged from the root, with rocks flying around, covering the entire hall in rubble.


    Zhao Chen and the others were dumbfounded because they couldn¡¯tprehend what had happened. The demon¡¯s head was dead just like that?


    The hall disappeared with over a hundred people standing in the center of the python¡¯s nest.


    A series of earth-shattering roars brought everyone back to reality, including Liu Wuxie.


    As the three-sided walls copsed, another python¡¯s nest appeared, housing a massive python. This python had a width reaching three meters, and it could no longer be called a python but a draco-python.


    The head was the size of a house, with emerald eyes emitting an eerie glow.


    ¡°T-The python king!¡± Zhao Chen¡¯s lips became dry, and he couldn¡¯t believe a python king resided there. Its massive body filled the underground world. It was so long that the end of its tail was nowhere in sight.


    Beneath the python king was something golden that attracted everyone¡¯s attention.


    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± The other pythons retreated at the appearance of the python king, not daring to get close. But Zhao Chen¡¯s group wasn¡¯t in a hurry to leave as their attention was caught by the golden object.


    ¡°That¡¯s Golden Marrow!¡± An exmation was heard.


    ¡°Golden Marrow?! I¡¯ve heard that it takes five thousand years to cultivate one!¡± Everyone became ecstatic.


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t expect the mysterious tree to guide him to a Golden Marrow. This python king had started to refine it but was disrupted by them.


    The python king opened its mouth, unleashing a suffocating power that swept toward Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°A fifth-grade demonic beast! This is a fifth-grade demonic beast!¡± Everyone was stumped to discover that this python king was a fifth-grade demonic beastparable to the True Core Realm for humans.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s face also turned grave as this ce was too narrow for him to fight. He might be capable of killing enemies in the True Core Realm, but fighting there wasn¡¯t a wise decision.


    Most importantly, python kings usually came in pairs. So where was the other python king? The other python king was mostly slumbering, or it wasn¡¯t there. However, it would be troublesome if the other python king returned, as facing one True Core Realm Python King at a time was Liu Wuxie¡¯s limit.


    His gaze fell onto the Golden Marrow. This was a treasure, and this would bring metal-attributes to the world in his dantian if he could refine it. Furthermore, it could bring his cultivation to the eighth-level Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    Havinge this far, Liu Wuxie was naturally unwilling to leave without securing the treasure. As his cultivation continued progressing, the pace of his breakthroughs would slow down. Therefore, his current task was to continue umting. The more he umted, the better his chances of achieving a breakthrough.


    The python king saw through Liu Wuxie¡¯s intentions and let out a furious roar as a warning, urging Liu Wuxie to leave. Out of the many humans present, only Liu Wuxie posed a threat to him.


    The others were of no consequence, as thousands of pythons were outside, and they were sufficient to handle Zhao Chen¡¯s group. When Liu Wuxie swung down the Heretic de, everyone was taken aback. They couldn¡¯t believe that Liu Wuxie dared to confront a fifth-grade demonic beast, leading them to question if he had lost his sanity.


    Many people coveted the Golden Marrow but didn¡¯t dare to seize it from a fifth-grade demonic beast.

 Chapter 259 - Golden Marrow

    <h4>Chapter 259 - Golden Marrow</h4>


    Everything happened in the blink of an eye. Liu Wuxie analyzed his mind multiple times before concluding he had a great chance of obtaining the Golden Marrow.


    This was the underground world, where his speed was greatly hindered. However, the python king''s massive size meant it would be restrained, creating a perfect opportunity for Liu Wuxie.


    Long-range attacks were ineffective in dealing with the python king, and the best method was closebat. This was because the surrounding space restricted the python king''s movement. Thus, the python king could only move his head to attack, and Liu Wuxie would be safe if he avoided the head.


    Should the python king venture outside, Liu Wuxie would face a formidable challenge in approaching it. Fifth-grade demonic beasts, akin to human cultivators, had awakened their divine bridge.


    Humans could learn divine art, while demonic beasts would awaken their innate divine art. It was simr to elements, like how some demonic beasts could breathe fire, ice, etc.


    Once, Liu Wuxie had faced a rare demonic beast capable of mirroring martial techniques. However, such divine art was a rarity. His goal was straightforward: to reach the Golden Marrow swiftly.


    As Liu Wuxie swung the Heretic de, sparks flew when it came in contact with the head of the python king. The strike didn¡¯t even leave a scratch. This was the power of a fifth-grade demonic beast; their defenses were impervious to weapons.


    If Liu Wuxie wanted to kill him with one strike, he would have to reach the True Core Realm.


    The python king was furious and roared. The pythons behind him charged forward to stop Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Get lost!¡± Liu Wuxie unleashed the Overlord Fist once more, conjuring a vacuum passage that sent the iing pythons flying, some exploding mid-air.


    As Liu Wuxie approached the Golden Marrow, the python king''s green pupils were filled with torrential anger. He opened its mouth and spat out venom, which meant Liu Wuxie would have to bypass the venom if he wanted to get close.


    No one could get close if they were in his position. The venom was highly poisonous; anyoneing in contact with it would only end up dead.


    However, the venom posed no danger to Liu Wuxie. On the contrary, it would further perfect the world in his dantian. He summoned the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron and devoured all the venom directly.


    This unusual scene naturally shocked everyone present. They were still around, standing near the exit so that they could escape immediately if something went wrong.


    ¡°What¡¯s that ck goo?¡± A youth beside Zhao Chen asked. He saw a pitch-ck hole but didn¡¯t know what it was.


    ¡°I have no idea, but it¡¯s terrifying. It feels like my soul is about to be pulled out of my body.¡± Everyone was loomed in fear. When Liu Wuxie brought out the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron, their bodies were uncontrobly drawn to it.


    However, they were fortunate as it onlysted for a breath. All the venom vanished when the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron disappeared.


    When Liu Wuxie brought out the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron, the python king looked afraid.


    ¡°Hmph!¡± Liu Wuxie snorted and began inscribing runes with his right hand. The moment he started, the python king¡¯s eyes were filled with fear.


    Now that he had reached the seventh level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm, his speed of inscribing immortal runes increased. The python king also retreated upon sensing the danger caused by fear in his soul. An iplete immortal rune was enough to scare the python king into retreating.


    Zhao Chen and everyone else were baffled when they saw this scene. They had no idea what was happening and why the python king retreated.


    With the Golden Marrow revealed, Liu Wuxie stopped inscribing the immortal rune because the entire underground world would copse if he continued. If that happened, he would also be buried underground with the rest. His goal was simple: to scare the python king.


    ¡°Rise!¡± mes manifested under Liu Wuxie''smand, encircling the Golden Marrow and bringing it into his grasp. This was the mastery of divine art, eliminating the need for him to retrieve it manually.


    All was aplished stealthily, leaving Zhao Chen''s group unaware of the unfolding events. First, the python king retreated as Liu Wuxie secured the Golden Marrow, all in one seamless motion.


    Upon grabbing the Golden Marrow, Liu Wuxie retreated, not allowing the python king to respond.


    The python king roared angrily after realizing he was deceived when he saw Liu Wuxie taking the Golden Marrow. He had realized that Liu Wuxie¡¯s purpose in inscribing an iplete immortal rune was to force him to retreat.


    As the python king stirred, the earth trembled, sending rocks cascading from above. The entire underground chamber shook violently, instilling fear in Zhao Chen''s group. Their expressions changed in rm, and they hastily made for the exit, unwilling to linger for even a moment longer.


    Liu Wuxie performed the Seven Dipper Steps and appeared behind Zhao Chen¡¯s group.


    The python king was still roaring furiously. Right then, a group of people appeared outside the mountain. They also found this ce and tried to break the seal to the underground pce. But the rumble from the underground pce scared them into fleeing.


    When everyone left the cave, Liu Wuxie headed straight toward the safe zone at the base of the mountain.


    Zhao Chen¡¯s group wished they had another pair of legs asrge rocks rolled down. If the rock struck them, they would be heavily injured even if they managed to survive.


    The waist of the mountain exploded, and a massive head burrowed out from the underground world, releasing an overwhelming demonic aura. This left everyone outside dumbfounded.


    ¡°F-Fifth-grade demonic beast?!¡± All the cultivators in the surroundings were frightened out of their wits, scrambling to catch up with Zhao Chen and the others.


    The python king''s head emerged while its body remained trapped. He couldn¡¯t control his size freely until he underwent another evolution.


    Liu Wuxie stopped after running over a hundred miles away, gasping for his breath with lingering fear. That was too risky; he had almost died for the Golden Marrow.


    When Liu Wuxie stabilized himself, Zhao Chen¡¯s group also caught up. They exchanged a gaze before fifty-odd of them surrounded Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s gaze became cold with a hint of anger. His gaze pierced Zhao Chen because fifty-three others were acting under Zhao Chen¡¯s instigation. He questioned, ¡°You all want the Golden Marrow?¡±


    As for everyone else, they merely observed from the side, as they weren¡¯t familiar with Zhao Chen.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, you already obtained the Golden Fruit and Blood me Devil Blue. Now, you even obtained the Golden Marrow. Why don¡¯t you take one of it out and share it with everyone?¡± Zhao Chen said with a hint of greed shing in his eyes.


    His experience in the Python Mountain Battlefield wasn¡¯t smooth. He had visited multiple locations, but others had gotten ahead of him, or he had failed to find any treasures there. Now that he had managed to enter this ancient tomb with great difficulty, Liu Wuxie had obtained the Golden Marrow.


    They were in the ancient tomb for seventeen days, meaning there was no time to head to another location. This was why Zhao Chen could only go after Liu Wuxie.


    Those who had joined the groupte were baffled when they heard Liu Wuxie¡¯s name. After all, this inconspicuous man looked nothing like Liu Wuxie.


    Having his identity exposed, Liu Wuxie removed his disguise, revealing his actual appearance.


    ¡°How is this possible?! ording to calctions from previous years, a person can only obtain two treasures at best, and most people can¡¯t even obtain anything. He obtained three treasures?!¡± Even those in the surroundings began to show greed in their eyes. That was especially the case for those in the pinnacle of the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    After all, any of the three treasures could help them reach the True Core Realm, and Liu Wuxie had three. So, how could everyone not be envious?


    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect him to be so lucky.¡± Envious voices sounded in the surroundings. At times, fortune was also necessary. Those fortunate would encounter treasures, while those without fortune would find nothing.


    ¡°You want them? Ask my de if it agrees!¡± Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t be bothered to waste words with these people. He would give them a fight since they yearned for one.


    Liu Wuxie had only revealed one percent of his strength inside the python cave. Even if he had to fight the Python King for real, Liu Wuxie still would have won. Yet, did these people think they could take the Golden Marrow from him?


    ¡°Brother Zhao, we¡¯ll follow your lead. What should we do?¡± Lu Cheng took a step forward to heed Zhao Chen¡¯s call.


    "We''ll follow Brother Zhao''s lead, just don''t forget about us when you im the treasures!" Zhao Chen''s prowess made him the leader among them, and everyone who survived owed him their gratitude.


    Being praised by so many people made Zhao Chen wear a smug face.


    In the cave, Liu Wuxie had ughtered countless pythons, but those pythons were demonic beasts, characterized by their slower reaction speeds. The situation outside was vastly different, as fifty-four experts held the power to suppress anything.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, you¡¯ve heard it. So, are you willing to hand the treasures over?¡± Zhao Chen sneered, his confidence bolstered by the numerous allies standing by his side. Ordinary people couldn¡¯t aplish this; someone with prestige and leadership was required.


    ¡°Cut the crap!¡± Liu Wuxie mocked. These people were no different from garbage in his eyes.


    ¡°Why waste time talking to him? We can just kill him!¡± Zhao Chen and the others hadn¡¯t witnessed Liu Wuxie¡¯s performance at the Mountain Seeking Lake and merely heard rumors about it. If they had seen Liu Wuxie kill Xue Shihong and the others with one de strike, they wouldn¡¯t be so arrogant.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± Zhao Chen ordered, and fifty-four people attacked. Their attacks formed a torrential wave because no one dared to hold back, unleashing their strongest attacks immediately.


    Various martial techniques intertwined and formed into a powerful wave, with Liu Wuxie in the middle. At any moment, they would be swept away by it.


    ¡°Trash!¡± Bone-chilling frost swept out from Liu Wuxie.


    Zhao Chen was enraged by Liu Wuxie¡¯s taunt, and his sword split into three. All experts present were geniuses from various ces. There were also students from the Imperial Academy; they pretended to be unfamiliar with Liu Wuxie when they attacked.


    Since these people had taken it so far, Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t mind being ruthless. He raised the Heretic de with faint de intent spreading out. As the de aura began to form, this perfect move drained fifty percent of his true essence. He had already mastered the Fatality de Art¡¯s first form.


    Before Liu Wuxie swung his de, countless des were manifested, enveloping the fifty-four people.


    ¡°What a powerful de aura!¡± The spectators¡¯ expressions changed at this sight as they quickly retreated.


    Zhao Chen¡¯s group was blinded by greed and forgot what fear was. When death descended, they finally realized the terrible mistake they had made.

 Chapter 260 - Despicable

    <h4>Chapter 260 - Despicable</h4>


    Zhao Chen¡¯s group was tempted to take the risk. They would reach the peak of their lives if they seeded, while failure spelled certain death.


    They were full of confidence when they attacked, thinking that it wouldn¡¯t be a problem for them to escape even if they were no match for Liu Wuxie. In the worst scenario, both sides would be evenly matched.


    However, when Liu Wuxie swung his de down, everyone instantly realized they were wrong. The disparity between the two was beyondparison, like the difference between heaven and earth.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s de was like a gust of tornado that converged into one. When the de aura descended from the sky, the fifty-four people realized that they could not dodge this iing attack.


    As blood sprayed out, those with weaker strength couldn¡¯t resist; Liu Wuxie¡¯s true strength was beyond their expectations.


    Zhao Chen was shocked and trembled when he sensed the seventh-level Marrow Cleansing Realm expert¡¯s auraing from Liu Wuxie.


    He didn¡¯t expect Liu Wuxie to hide so much of his strength. When entering the Python Mountain Battlefield, Liu Wuxie¡¯s cultivation was only at the fourth level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm. So, how did Liu Wuxie make so many breakthroughs in such a short time?


    There was only one possibility: he had refined the Golden Fruit and Blood me Devil Blue.


    The fifty-four people fell like wheat before the scythe. Liu Wuxie couldn''t spare their lives. If one person¡¯s life weren¡¯t enough as a warning for others, Liu Wuxie wouldn¡¯t mind killing a hundred or a thousand people until no one dared to provoke him.


    Liu Wuxie swung the Heretic de, sweeping through everyone in the surroundings, and this was his most potent attack. It felt as though each move and form were perfectly tempered. Rather, Liu Wuxie¡¯s de technique had no form, which was the terrifying aspect of Fatality de Art.


    He had connected the divine bridge with a powerful soul, and his strength couldn¡¯t bepared with ordinary people.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to die here!¡± people cried as their waists were severed. But no one took pity on them because these people deserved it. If one wanted to kill, one had to be prepared to be killed. This had always been the case since ancient times.


    Since these people wanted to kill Liu Wuxie, they would have to be prepared to die. If they didn¡¯t have suchprehension, they wouldn¡¯t be worthy to be called cultivators.


    Sounds of breaking bones echoed in the surroundings.


    If Liu Wuxie¡¯s cultivation were still in the fourth level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm, he wouldn¡¯t have such an easy time. His strength had undergone a drastic transformationpared to half a month ago.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, I¡¯m sorry! Don¡¯t kill me!¡± Zhao Chen instantly realized his mistake. He realized that Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t consider them as worthy opponents. No wonder Liu Wuxie looked at them like he was looking at a bunch of clowns.


    Ignoring Zhao Chen¡¯s pitiful pleas, Liu Wuxie swung the Heretic de, iming lives.


    ¡°Screw you!¡± Lu Cheng roared and charged towards Liu Wuxie, intending to perish together.


    ¡°Rubbish!¡± Liu Wuxie retorted, his demeanor unchanging. With a swift motion of his right hand, he conjured a fireball.


    ¡°ARGGGGHHH!¡± Lu Cheng was rooted to the spot as the mes swallowed him whole. Despite his frantic attempts to roll onto the ground, the fire refused to be quelled. His agonizing screams echoed through the air, sending shivers down the spines of the onlookers. It was their first encounter with such a savage execution method.


    His once sturdy physique began to wither rapidly as the water and fat in his body evaporated at an rming rate. He was soon nothing more than a desated husk on the ground, which turned into ashes and was carried away by a gentle gust of wind.


    This scared Zhao Chen into abandoning his party and fleeing for his life. He didn¡¯t want to see Liu Wuxie for another second.


    ¡°Hmph, you want to run? Dream on!¡± Liu Wuxie snorted as the Heretic de flew out from his hand, piercing through Zhao Chen¡¯s back.


    After killing everyone, Liu Wuxie collected their interspatial pouches as if nothing had happened. Liu Wuxie¡¯s cold gaze swept through the spectators, causing everyone to lower their eyes in fright.


    They immediately fled as it was gettingte. Since they couldn¡¯t head to the next location, they might as well leave early.


    With the Golden Marrow, Liu Wuxie could reach the eighth level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm, and his harvest during this trip was unimaginable.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, wait!¡± A voice sounded just when he was about to leave.


    When he turned around, a hint of anger appeared on his face. He asked, " Do you also want to seize my treasures?¡±


    The one who had called out to Liu Wuxie was a young man in his twenties. This young man didn¡¯t have high cultivation, and it was baffling how this person dared to covet his treasure.


    ¡°Don¡¯t misunderstand. I have something to tell you.¡± The young man''s eyes were clear and without greed. He even lowered his voice to prevent others from overhearing his words.


    ¡°Speak!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s face was cold, and he wasn¡¯t interested in idle talk.


    ¡°My name is Qin Li, nephew of Qin Biyu. I pay my greetings to Big Brother Liu.¡± This young man turned out to be a descendant of the Qin n.


    This surprised Liu Wuxie, and his facial expression eased up. After all, he had some rtionship with the Qin n. Back in the Cloud Xing Pavilion, Qin Tian¡¯s appearance had allowed him to turn the tables around, and he also had a good rtionship with Qin Biyu and Chen Yusheng.


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± Hearing that this young man was Qin Biyu¡¯s nephew, Liu Wuxie smiled faintly.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you find it weird that you didn¡¯te across any of the Xue n¡¯s disciples along the way?¡± Qin Li lowered his voice. The surrounding people were gradually leaving, spreading the news about what had happened earlier.


    Liu Wuxie frowned because Qin Li''s words were right. Weirdly, he had only encountered Xue Shihong along the way.


    ¡°Speak up!¡± Qin Li might be Qin Biyu¡¯s nephew, but that didn¡¯t mean Liu Wuxie had to be friendly and fawn over him. He was in a rush and didn¡¯t want to waste much time.


    ¡°The Xue n¡¯s disciples didn¡¯t even enter the Python King Mountain and are guarding the exit. They caught Brother Zuo Hong, Yan Ruyu, and my elder sister to threaten you,¡± Qin Li said with a concerned expression. He had been looking for Liu Wuxie¡¯s whereabouts since he had entered the Python King Battlefield.


    Torrential murderous intent swept out from Liu Wuxie. He didn¡¯t expect the Xue n to be so despicable, capturing his friends to threaten him.


    ¡°Where are they?¡± Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t contain the murderous intent in his heart. The Xue n had already crossed his bottom line.


    Those who were still lingering around fled without a second thought, fearing Liu Wuxie¡¯s wrath.


    ¡°They¡¯re at the entrance of the Python King Mountain. I have already notified the Qin and Yan n¡¯s disciples. We¡¯re finding ways to save them.¡± Qin Li didn¡¯t dare to hide anything from Liu Wuxie and shared everything he knew.


    ¡°You go notify the others. I¡¯ll go ahead!¡± Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t wait any longer. Even a moment¡¯s dy meant more danger for Zuo Hong and others.


    Based on Xue n¡¯s actions, what other despicable things they couldn¡¯t do?


    Zuo Hong, Yan Ruyu, and Qin Li¡¯s elder sister had helped Liu Wuxie before. Thus, Liu Wuxie remembered their favor in his heart and felt guilty that he had dragged them down.


    ¡°Big Brother Liu, this must be the Xue n¡¯s trap. It¡¯s too dangerous for you to go alone. It¡¯s best to gather more people to save them,¡± Qin Li cautioned Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°It would be toote!¡± Liu Wuxie disappeared without bidding farewell to Qin Li, heading towards the entrance.


    Watching Liu Wuxie¡¯s silhouette, Qin Li gritted his teeth before heading in another direction to seek the ns¡¯ disciples.


    The twenty-day deadline was approaching, and many people gradually left to avoid being trapped in the Python King Battlefield.


    A temporary tform was built at the entrance, and several logs were erected. Zuo Hong and everyone were tied to the logs, and their cultivation was sealed.


    Seven individuals, apanied by over a hundred others, congregated in the vicinity. Each one was an expert, all adorned in the distinctive attire of the Xue n.


    ¡°Xue Shichou, stop wasting your time! Brother Liu won¡¯te!¡± Zuo Hong sneered. His lips had dried up as he had been tied to the logs for five days without being given any water. His consciousness was gradually blurring, and he had lost all sensation in his body.


    It was inevitable that Liu Wuxie would pass by there unless he died in the Python King Battlefield. With Liu Wuxie¡¯s personality, he wouldn¡¯t stand by if he knew his friends were captured.


    The cultivators who were leaving stopped in their tracks far away to watch. After all, the Xue n had already said they would kill Liu Wuxie, meaning they must be confident.


    ¡°Brother Shichou, do you think Liu Wuxie wille?¡± They had been waiting for so many days, but Liu Wuxie was nowhere to be seen. As time passed, the disciples of the Xue n gradually became impatient.


    This time, the Xue n sent its elites to kill Liu Wuxie. Along with young geniuses, experts with formidable cultivation in their forties or fifties were also present. Such a strong lineup was assembled just to kill Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. He will surelye!¡± Xue Shichou was a man in his mid-thirties with a long scar on the left side of his face that made him look sinister.


    Speaking of Xue Shichou, everyone in the Imperial City knew he was ruthless. Over the years, he had killed countless cultivators. It was rumored that he was nominated to be the next patriarch to inherit Xue Dingtian¡¯s position.


    Xue Shihong, whom Liu Wuxie had killed, was his younger brother, and he had already received news of his demise. But this news didn¡¯t make Xue Shichou lose his rationale.


    He had initially nned on killing Zuo Hong¡¯s group to vent his anger, but he had swiftly calmed down. Killing them outright would have been too merciful for Liu Wuxie; he desired to prolong their suffering before his very eyes.


    When the sun hung high in the sky, Zuo Hong¡¯s group was barely alive, and they would die at this rate before Liu Wuxie arrived.


    Liu Wuxie pushed his speed to the limit along the way, covering the two-day journey in just one and a half days. He gradually slowed down upon reaching his destination.


    That day was different as a sudden strong wind blew, and a blue figure appeared in the distance.


    ¡°Someone ising!¡± Everyone struggled to open their eyes and saw a blue figure slowly approaching.


    ¡°It¡¯s Liu Wuxie!¡± someone eximed as everyone managed to see Liu Wuxie¡¯s appearance once he was over a hundred meters away.


    The Xue n¡¯s disciples stood up, and only Xue Shichou remained seated. There wasn¡¯t any ripple on his face as though he had already predicted Liu Wuxie¡¯s arrival.


    Hearing Liu Wuxie¡¯s name, a bitter smile rose on Zuo Hong¡¯s lips.

 Chapter 261 - Spiritual Talismans

    <h4>Chapter 261 - Spiritual Talismans</h4>


    In a few minutes, Liu Wuxie covered over a hundred meters. The Xue n¡¯s experts assembled a formation and surrounded him to prevent his escape.


    Liu Wuxie ignored them all and slowly walked toward the tform. With each step he took, his murderous intent increased.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, today will be yourst day since you¡¯re courting death!¡± Xue Qiongyuughed. He was also a Heaven Grade student of the Imperial Academy.


    Hearing those words, Liu Wuxie stopped and looked at Xue Qiongyu, ¡°I will make you wish you were dead!¡±


    His sharp gaze stabbed into Xue Qiongyu¡¯s soul sea, frightening him into letting out a shrill scream. This was an attack containing soul energy.


    With just a single nce, Liu Wuxie scared someone in the high level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm into screaming. At that moment, everyone realized how strong Liu Wuxie had be in such a short time.


    Liu Wuxie ignored Xue Qiongyu and continued walking toward the tform. His first objective was to save Zuo Hong and others before settling the score with the Xue n.


    He nned to wipe out the Xue n before the Battle of the Hundred Nations. Following that, he aimed to obtain a good result in the Battle of the Hundred Nations and enter the cultivation world.


    In the future, the Great Yan Dynasty would have nothing to do with him, and he would have no lingering emotions left aside from the Xu n. This meant that he would have to resolve all the grudges before leaving.


    ¡°Brother Liu, don¡¯te! This is a trap!¡± Zuo Hong bit his tongue to clear his mind, with blood dripping down his lips.


    Yan Ruyu and others raised their heads with incredible difficulty. Their faces were pale, and their eyes were dull. They were tied to the logs for six days, and they had only managed to endure through sheer willpower.


    Liu Wuxie knew this was a trap but still jumped into it. This was his sense of righteousness. Because of him, these people were tied to the logs, and he would lose all his dignity if he escaped.


    As he drew closer to the tform, none of the Xue n¡¯s disciples stopped him. More people began to gather in the surroundings. The fog would return to the Python King Mountain the next day, so everyone began toe out. When they saw the colossal formation outside, this naturally caught their attention.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Those who arrivedter stood at a distance and inquired.


    In this unprecedented event, more than a hundred people from the Xue n were present, meaning their n had sent more than half of their elites.


    Of the five major ns in the Imperial City, the Bai n had only a few dozen people, which was about the same as the other ns.


    ¡°The Xue n captured Liu Wuxie¡¯s friends, imprisoning them here to force him to step into their trap,¡± someone exined to those who arrivedter.


    ¡°There¡¯s no way these people from the Xue n can stop him. Don¡¯t you all know? Liu Wuxie killed fifty-four people with one move two days ago, including Zhao Chen.¡± Those who cameter weren¡¯t optimistic about the Xue n despite the advantage in numbers.


    When facing absolute strength, numbers meant nothing except buying time.


    ¡°What?! He killed fifty-four people with one de strike?!¡± An exmation came from the surroundings. Many people suspected that it was exaggerated because they couldn¡¯t imagine the strength one had to possess to aplish it.


    Everyone knew that Zhao Chen was strong, given that his cultivation was at the pinnacle of the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    ¡°That¡¯s nothing. I heard he obtained a Golden Fruit, a Blood me Devil Blue, and a Golden Marrow. Not to mention that he managed toe out unscathed against a fifth-grade demonic beast. The Xue n is merely courting death!¡± More information on Liu Wuxie was uncovered.


    The Xue n¡¯s disciple¡¯s faces gradually became ugly when they heard the surrounding discussion. As the spectators chatted, Liu Wuxie had already reached the tform and slowly ascended the stairs.


    The hundred-odd Xue n¡¯s disciples began to close around the tform, preventing Liu Wuxie from escaping.


    As Liu Wuxie approached, he swung the Heretic de to sever the ropes, freeing Zuo Hong¡¯s group of seven. But as their true essence was restricted, they couldn¡¯t move and could only sit on the ground to recover.


    ¡°Brother Liu, leave!¡± When Zuo Hong was freed, he shoved Liu Wuxie and urged him to leave quickly.


    Yan Ruyu struggled to get back on her feet but staggered as her body was numb.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. I will be fine!¡± Liu Wuxie assured them as he waved his hand. An invisible force entered their bodies and removed the seals, allowing their true essence to recover.


    The Xue n¡¯s disciples didn¡¯t do anything to stop because Zuo Hong¡¯s group of seven was no different from mere flies to them. Killing and not killing them didn¡¯t matter to them because they had already achieved their goal by trapping Liu Wuxie there.


    The seven would need time to recover their true essence, and they did their best, wanting to join the fight.


    After freeing the seven, Liu Wuxie finally turned to look at the Xue n¡¯s disciples. He captured everyone¡¯s faces in his eyes before his gaze ultimately fell onto Xue Shichou.


    ¡°Use all of your strength!¡± Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t be bothered to waste words with these people as the Heretic de gave off a terrifying gleam.


    Without a word, over a hundred people took out a talisman. But weirdly, Liu Wuxie had no changes on his face. He was terrifyingly calm even when facing over a hundred fourth-grade talismans.


    If all the talismans were ignited, even someone in the True Core Realm would die. This was equivalent to over a hundred experts in the pinnacle of the Marrow Cleansing Realm detonating themselves, and the shockwave formed by true essence was ten times stronger than martial techniques.


    ¡°S-so many spiritual talismans!¡± Those standing over a hundred meters away were so terrified that they retreated, fearing they might be implicated.


    Spiritual talismans could be found in the Great Yan Dynasty, but there weren¡¯t many, and most were low-graded. This was the first time they saw so many talismans simultaneously.


    Zuo Hong already knew that this was a trap. When he saw so many talismans, his facial expression froze before he wore a bitter smile. He gave up trying to recover his true essence because they would still die even if they had recovered all their true essence. He stood up, supporting himself against the log. Since they were doomed to die, he would fight with Liu Wuxie side-by-side.


    ¡°Is this all you got? Relying on the talismans Lu Fei gave you? Do you all think you can kill me with those?¡± Liu Wuxie sneered with disdain, and his mocking tone changed the expressions of the Xue n¡¯s elites. Could it be that Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t afraid of spiritual talismans?


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, you¡¯re finished! Even if you have the body of steel, you won¡¯t escape death today!¡± Xue Qiongyu sneered, and the fourth-grade talisman in his hand began to light up. Spiritual talismans could be ignited by activating it with true essence.


    ¡°Kill me?¡± Liu Wuxie sneered, ¡°You all are too tender.¡±


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s words nearly choked everyone to death because he was merely eighteen years old and the youngest of them all. Everyone there was older than him, and there were also experts in their fifties. Yet, Liu Wuxie said that they were too tender.


    Those standing far away had their brows furrowed.


    ¡°Shichou, when are we going to make a move?!¡± Some of Xue n¡¯s disciples couldn¡¯t contain themselves any longer as they turned to look at Xue Shichou. Thetter was the leader, and everyone had to listen to him.


    ¡°Prepare!¡± Xue Shichou gave the order as over a hundred spiritual talismans were activated with true essence and hovered in the air. With so many spiritual talismans, Liu Wuxie could only die regardless of his ability.


    The surrounding atmosphere became tense, with everyone¡¯s breathing bing heavy. The Xue n¡¯s experts were also nervous because they weren¡¯t sure if they could kill Liu Wuxie with all the spiritual talismans.


    Typically speaking, even someone in the True Core Realm would be killed under the detonation. But Liu Wuxie had too many secrets on him, and he could turn the tables around each time.


    As the fluctuation from the spiritual talismans grew stronger, a terrifying wave of energy was unleashed, causing the surrounding space to tremble.


    The tform began to tremble under the intense fluctuation and would shatter at any moment. But Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t in a hurry as ten ck gs appeared in his hand that shot to the surroundings like ten arrows, guarding the entire tform.


    When Qin Li had told him the news, he had guessed Xue n¡¯s scheme. They knew that it was difficult to kill him through a frontal confrontation, and this meant that they could only rely on spiritual talismans.


    With Liu Wuxie¡¯s current physique, he could withstand the power of ordinary spiritual talismans. But he would be killed facing over a hundred spiritual talismans.


    After killing so many people and obtaining their treasures, Liu Wuxie had spent some time along the way to refine ten array gs. This spiritual array had no other special functions except for defense.


    Xue Shichou narrowed his eyes, sensing something was amiss. He had long heard that Liu Wuxie was proficient in spiritual arrays, but only a few had witnessed it before. Everyone only knew that Liu Wuxie was talented in alchemy. But they weren¡¯t aware that Liu Wuxie¡¯s attainment in spiritual arrays was even higher than alchemy; he had simply avoided their frequent use against the enemies he had faced so far.


    ¡°Ignite it!¡± there was no time left, and Xue Shichou yelled.


    Everyone began pouring their true essence into the spiritual talismans, causing spatial rifts to appear in the surrounding space.


    A suffocating aura swept out that felt like a typhoon sweeping through.


    The tform Liu Wuxie was standing on flew to the sky, and cracks appeared on the ground. Over a hundred spiritual talismans converged, forming a massive spiritual talisman.


    This made Liu Wuxie realize how extraordinary Lu Fei was, using spiritual talismans to form another spiritual talisman.


    All the spiritual talismans converged to form a and enveloped downwards. A terrifying aura began to sweep out with cracking soundsing from the bodies of Zuo Hong and others. Their bodies couldn¡¯t withstand the power and were on the brink of being reduced to ashes.


    Then again, this was because their cultivation was in the low levels of the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    Liu Wuxie calmly formed seals and injected the spiritual runes into the gs. Like an overturned pot, an invisible barrier gradually formed, enveloping Liu Wuxie¡¯s group. No matter how the spiritual talismans¡¯ power wreaked havoc, it couldn¡¯t tear apart the defenses.


    This scene shocked all the spectators; they couldn¡¯t figure out what spiritual array could withstand an enhanced spiritual talisman attack.


    Even if the Imperial Academy¡¯s headmaster stood there, he would be vaporized by the power of the spiritual talismans.


    Liu Wuxie continued to form seals because the spiritual talismans hadn¡¯t exploded yet. They were still in the brewing stage, and Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t dare be careless when facing destructive power. He was trying to perfect the spiritual array as much as possible.


    With a loud rumble, a few hundred meters of radius began to tremble violently as the power formed by the spiritual talismans swept toward Liu Wuxie; countless spiritual runes manifested into a massive palm.


    Liu Wuxie furrowed his brows as Lu Fei had even gone as far as injecting True Core Realm¡¯sw into the spiritual talismans just to kill him. This meant that these talismans might seem to be fourth-grade talismans on the surface, but they contained the intent of the True Core Realm expert.


    It wasn¡¯t as powerful as fifth-grade talismans, but the power far surpassed that of fourth-grade talismans.


    Cracking sounds could be heard from the defensive array as if it would copse at any moment.

 Chapter 262 - Massacre Begins

    <h4>Chapter 262 - Massacre Begins</h4>


    The colossal palm expanded, its shadow nketing the heavens and swallowing a radius of several hundred meters, resembling ominous thunderclouds.


    The ten array gs teetered on the brink of destruction. Fear flickered in the eyes of Zuo Hong and hispanions, for thebined power of all the spiritual talismans was akin to a full-strength attack in the True Core Realm.


    The defensive array began to fracture, with cracks spreading like spider webs.


    Xue Shichou¡¯s face was terrifyingly sinister because there was a time limit to the spiritual talismans. With the energies inside constantly exhausted, the power would gradually decrease until the talismans were reduced to ashes.


    ¡°Everyone, channel your true essence!¡± There was no room for retreat, and they had to kill Liu Wuxie no matter what. With Xue Shichou taking the lead, everyone poured their true essence into the giant palm.


    ¡°Hmph, is that all you got?¡± Liu Wuxie smiled sinisterly. This was just the beginning of his spiritual array; they were already reaching their limit.


    A hundred spirit stones hovered in the sky and scattered around the ten array gs. As terrifying spiritual energy poured into the spiritual array, the cracks on the barrier swiftly recovered.


    This shocked everyone from the Xue n. Both sides fell into a stalemate. No matter how the giant palm descended, it couldn¡¯t tear Liu Wuxie¡¯s spiritual array apart, but this couldn¡¯t go on indefinitely.


    ¡°Xue Shichou, what should we do?¡± Everyone panicked because the energy in the spiritual talismans was rapidly depleting. The spiritual array could onlyst for ten breaths at most. Not to mention that this was already their trump card.


    With a determined look, Xue Shichou reached for his chest. This made everyone hold their breaths, and even spectators didn¡¯t dare to get too close.


    ¡°He¡¯s too powerful! He held his ground against over a hundred spiritual talismans?!¡± Everyone had disbelief on their faces. Qin Li and the experts from the Qin n and Yan n arrived, but they were toote because the Xue n had alreadyunched their attack.


    ¡°Let¡¯s observe if he can withstand this! I wager the Xue n hasn¡¯t yed all their cards yet. There must be additional aces up their sleeve.¡±


    News had already spread that the Xue n nned to kill Liu Wuxie in the Python Mountain Battlefield.


    ¡°Unless they can take out a fifth-grade talisman, it won¡¯t be easy for them to kill Liu Wuxie.¡± The fourth-grade talismans were blocked and Xue n would only stand a chance with a fifth-grade talisman.


    Everyone held their breaths, as it had been a long time since such an earth-shattering battle had urred in the Great Yan Dynasty.


    Xue Shichou retrieved a palm-sized talisman from his robe. As he unveiled it, Liu Wuxie narrowed his eyes, sensing an impending threat. It was a fifth-grade talisman.


    Liu Wuxie instantly realized that the Xue n still had a trick up their sleeve. Only Xue Shichou knew about the fifth-grade talisman and wouldn¡¯t use it unless absolutely necessary. After all, the value of a fifth-grade talisman was unimaginable, and it could be kept as a heirloom treasure in the Xue n.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, I want you dead for killing my younger brother!¡± For the first time, Xue Shichou addressed Liu Wuxie directly, his eyes brimming with lethal intent. The fifth-grade talisman soared from his hand, merging with the fourth-grade talismans in the air.


    A thunderous explosion echoed, and an immense gale surged from all directions, merging into the spiritual talisman. The huge palm swelled in size, transforming into a de that descended with a swift swing.


    ¡°Such power! Is this the power of a fifth-grade talisman!?!¡± Everyone was shocked because this was their first time seeing a fifth-grade talisman.


    As for the Pentabolt Talisman that Liu Wuxie had used in his fight with Qin Shi, only Liu Wuxie knew about it. Everyone else only felt that it was a coincidence that Qin Shi was killed by thunder.


    The de left behind arge crack in the barrier, releasing a powerful shockwave to the surroundings. The shockwave uncontrobly blew away Zuo Hong and others.


    If this carried on, the powerful energy would tear them apart.


    Liu Wuxie positioned himself at the heart of the tform, his face etched with solemnity. As he traced patterns in the air with his finger, an unseen rune materialized, representing an unfinished immortal rune.


    ¡°Go!¡± The iplete rune fused into the spiritual array, rapidly healing the crack.


    Forcibly inscribing an iplete immortal rune caused Liu Wuxie to suffer a bacsh. He threw up a mouthful of blood, his face bing pale.


    Liu Wuxie took out a few pills and swallowed them. It didn¡¯t take long before his injuries no longer affected him. He circted the Deste Devouring Art, devouring the energies from the spiritual talismans seeping through the crack before merging into the world in his dantian.


    The Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron could devour everything in the world.


    Everyone was left stunned by the battle. There may have been many True Core Realm experts in the Great Yan Dynasty, but they rarely fought. The intensity of Liu Wuxie¡¯s battle with the Xue n had far exceeded the scope of True Core Realm experts.


    ¡°Xue Shichou, do you think you can obliterate me with a fifth-grade talisman?¡± Liu Wuxie, emanating a deadly aura, wiped the blood from his lips. He deemed using an immortal rune to counter the force of a fifth-grade talisman a worthy trade-off.


    His true essence manifested into a pair of wings, lifting him from the ground.


    ¡°What is he trying to do? Does he intend to confront the fifth-grade talisman directly?¡± Everyone was astounded, as it seemed more prudent to take refuge within the barrier and wait for the spiritual talismans¡¯ energies to deplete.


    Liu Wuxie was not one to remain passive. He established a spiritual array to safeguard Zuo Hong and the others.


    ¡°Fatality de Art!¡± With a downward swing of his de, the heavens quaked as a de ray shattered the barrier and shed with the gigantic palm.


    The world shuddered as the Fatality de Art made contact with the giant palm, triggering a potent shockwave. The Xue n¡¯s experts, who were gathered around the tform, were hurled into the air by the shockwave.


    The experts of the Xue n spat out blood, with at least half of them being hurled away, crashing onto the ground, and crying out in torment.


    With a single move that sent over seventy individuals soaring through the air, Liu Wuxie¡¯s formidable power left everyone in awe yet again.


    Xue Shichou¡¯s face changed upon seeing Liu Wuxie break through the fifth-grade talisman and appear outside the spiritual array.


    Emerging like a tiger among sheep, Liu Wuxie began his ruthless onught. His first target was Xue Qiongyu, whom he had vowed to subject to a fate worse than death.


    In a sh, Liu Wuxie materialized before Xue Qiongyu. Thetter attempted to resist, but it was futile. Liu Wuxie¡¯s hand mped onto Xue Qiongyu¡¯s neck, hoisting him off the ground.


    The events unfolded in an instant, with Xue Qiongyu unable to react before Liu Wuxie seized him. He tried to speak, but Liu Wuxie¡¯s chokehold silenced him, and theck of oxygen turned his face crimson.


    However, Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t kill Xue Qiongyu outright. He first incapacitated him, then brandished the Heretic de, unleashing hundreds of strikes. In the blink of an eye, Xue Qiongyu¡¯s body vanished, leaving only his skeletal frame behind.


    Aside from Xue Qiongyu¡¯s head, there wasn¡¯t a piece of him intact. This was a brutal method of killing someone because Xue Qiongyu wouldn¡¯t die immediately. Then again, Liu Wuxie would only use such means against his enemy when his anger peaked.


    The Xue n¡¯s actions had enraged him thoroughly.


    The sight of Liu Wuxie¡¯s onught turned the faces of the remaining Xue n experts ashen. Some even contemted fleeing. The spiritual talismans continued to hover in the air, but it was futile as Liu Wuxie had already vacated the tform. The energy of the spiritual talisman kept colliding with the barrier, but Zuo Hong and the others were safe.


    ¡°Kill!¡± A massacre unfolded as Liu Wuxie hacked his de down at the Xue n¡¯s experts. His de was ruthless, reaping lives.


    Screams could be heard echoing in the sky as ten-odd corpses appeared on the ground.


    Seeing how Liu Wuxie killed so many Xue n experts with just one strike left everyone dumbfounded.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie is too strong. Has he already reached the True Core Realm?¡± The spectators could feel their blood boiling and were dumbstruck.


    ¡°That¡¯s impossible. He hasn¡¯t reached the True Core Realm, but his true essence and martial techniques far exceed ordinary people.¡± Everyone soon denied that possibility. As for Liu Wuxie¡¯s secrets, everyone only knew that he had caused the Nine Stars Illumination phenomenon and nothing else.


    The massacre continued as chaos descended on the Xue n¡¯s party. After losing the supply of true essence, the power of the spiritual talismans gradually weakened.


    ¡°How is this possible?!¡± A Xue n¡¯s elder smiled despairingly as he looked at hispanions dying.


    Everyone¡¯s hearts were heavy as they saw Liu Wuxie reap the lives of the Xue n¡¯s experts.


    ¡°Attack together!¡± Xue Shihong roared and charged over first, with others following suit, disregarding the danger.


    If they couldn¡¯t kill Liu Wuxie today, he would be the Xue n¡¯s nightmare when he returned to the Imperial City.


    ¡°All of you are too weak!¡± Whenever Liu Wuxie took a life, the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron devoured the energies from their bodies and converted them into spiritual liquid. After returning to the Imperial City, he could use the Golden Marrow to reach the eighth level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    The Xue n had a True Core Realm expert, so Liu Wuxie had to do everything he could to raise his cultivation.


    The massacre continued as Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t choose to fight Xue Shichou head-on. He used his movement technique to pick on the weaker ones first. Whenever he swung his de, he would take a few lives.


    The spiritual talismans hovering in the air gradually became dim as time passed. When energypletely depleted, they culminated into a shockwave.


    Liu Wuxie, akin to a shooting star, evaded the epicenter of the explosion.


    ¡°No!¡± The other Xue n elites weren¡¯t that fortunate. They were swept by the shockwave and sent flying away.


    The explosion vaporized several individuals, leaving not a trace of blood behind. Only a handful of Xue n¡¯s elites remained, as Liu Wuxie had swiftly dispatched most of them.


    Blood dripped down from Liu Wuxie¡¯s de, and the ground was long dyed in blood.


    The spectators were all left dumbfounded by this scene.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, you demon!¡± A Xue n¡¯s elder roared; he couldn¡¯t describe his feelings. These people were all the Xue n¡¯s elites, and this was a fatal blow to the Xue n.


    The other ns could surpass the Xue n.


    Liu Wuxie slowly walked towards the other remaining elites. He didn¡¯t waste time talking to them. Whenever he took a step forward, his murderous intent became denser.


    ¡°Self-detonate to kill him!¡± Several elders came forward with their bodies swelling up. They poured their true essence into their acupoints. When their bodies exploded, they formed a shockwave to kill Liu Wuxie.

 Chapter 263 - Eighth-Level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm

    <h4>Chapter 263 - Eighth-Level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm</h4>


    The self-detonation was simr to spiritual talismans. The shockwave formed could sweep through everyone in the same cultivation level.


    Under normal circumstances, no one would resort to self-detonation unless they had no hope because it was the same as perishing with the enemy.


    However, spiritual talismans were limited, and avoiding them would increase one''s chances of survival. However, it was hard to dodge self-detonation.


    The three elders chose a drastic course of action, sacrificing their lives.


    ¡°Hmph, you three have no chance of self-detonating in front of me!¡± Liu Wuxie sneered, and a ck demonic cauldron appeared, devouring the three elders. Before the three could scream, their bodies were converted into spiritual liquid.


    The spectators staggered when they saw this scene.


    ¡°What the hell is that? Is that a mythical artifact?¡± Only a mythical artifact could possess such power to kill experts quickly in the ninth level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    As the number of Xue n¡¯s elites dwindled, only a few remained. Xue Shichou¡¯s face was a mask of grim determination, his sword radiating a potent sword ray.


    The spiritual talismans in the air had vanished, having exhausted all their energy. This meant that Zuo Hong and the others were safe for the time being. The Xue n couldn¡¯t harm them as long as the barrier held.


    ¡°Now, it¡¯s your turn!¡± After killing the three elders, Liu Wuxie slowly walked towards Xue Shichou and the remaining elites. There were only twenty people left.


    Each step Liu Wuxie took forward sent a wave of fear through them, causing them to retreat. Despite their numbers and a fifth-grade talisman, they had failed to kill Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Attack him!¡± The remaining twenty or so individuals lunged forward. With fewer numbers, their coordination improved significantly. However, the crowd around them greatly limited their attacks, preventing them from unleashing their full potential.


    Their concerted efforts sent waves of attacks towards Liu Wuxie, with Xue Shichou¡¯s sword being particrly fierce, always on the lookout for an opening.


    Executing Ghost Eye, Liu Wuxie was able to observe their every movement.


    ¡°Die!¡± Executing the Nine Heavenly Crane Dance, Liu Wuxie transformed into nine celestial cranes, swooping down on everyone. The Heretic de released a barrage of de rays, blocking all possible escape routes. After all, he had already discerned everyone¡¯s weaknesses and vulnerabilities.


    Blood sshed as a few heads flew to the sky before exploding. This was a one-sided massacre, and no one could put up any resistance.


    Three breathster, only Xue Shichou remained standing. He lowered the sword in his hand and looked at the corpses around him.


    ¡°Do you know why I didn¡¯t kill you?¡± With Liu Wuxie¡¯s current strength, killing Xue Shichou was no different from crushing an ant, but he didn¡¯t target thetter immediately.


    ¡°You want me to pass the message to the Xue n?¡± Xue Shichou wasn¡¯t stupid. He had already deduced why Liu Wuxie had spared him.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. Tell the Xue n they will meet their doomsday when I return to the Imperial City. I will uproot you all. So wash your necks and wait for me.¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s words were devoid of emotion. He intended to resolve the grudge before the Battle of the Hundred Nations.


    ¡°I will remember those words!¡± Xue Shichou gritted his teeth. He nced at Zuo Hong and the others before leaving the Python Mountain Battlefield.


    With the battle''s conclusion, Liu Wuxie emerged victorious, annihting all the elites of the Xue n and ascending to the zenith of the Great Yan Dynasty.


    When Liu Wuxie dismissed the spiritual array, Zuo Hong and others were more or less recovered.


    ¡°Brother Liu, thank you for saving us!¡± Zuo Hong and the others bowed, thanking Liu Wuxie for saving their lives.


    ¡°I should be the one apologizing,¡± Liu Wuxie said with a hint of guilt on his face. He knew he was the reason the Xue n had captured Zuo Hong and the others. Thus, it was natural for him to save them.


    As friends, there was no need for much formalities because they understood each other well. If Liu Wuxie were in captivity, Zuo Hong wouldn¡¯t stand idly by.


    The Python Mountain Battlefield had reached the end, with fog emerging and covering the entire mountain range.


    Everyone gradually emerged from the Python Mountain Battlefield. Over five thousand people had entered, but less than half came out. Such a high fatality rate was unprecedented. The news of the python den shocked everyone.


    ¡°Brother Zuo, I¡¯ll go ahead!¡± Liu Wuxie was in a hurry to return and refine the Golden Marrow to reach the eighth level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm. Thus, he wasn¡¯t willing to waste any time.


    ¡°Brother Liu, please go ahead!¡±


    Upon Liu Wuxie¡¯s departure, the Yan and Qin ns experts hastened their pace, eager to return to the Imperial City swiftly. They needed to warn their ns to be wary of the Xue n.


    Two dayster, Liu Wuxie returned to the Imperial Academy. He went straight to his abode without even greeting Fan Zhen. With only half a month left until the Battle of the Hundred Nations, time was of the essence.


    Having plundered the resources from over a hundred Xue n elites, Liu Wuxie had more than two hundred thousand spirit stones and countless spiritual herbs.


    ¡°Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron, refine!¡± Liu Wuxiemanded, tossing the Golden Marrow into the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron, which was then engulfed in demonic mes.


    The Golden Marrow began to dissolve into a golden liquid that hovered above the cauldron, representing the essence of metal.


    Liu Wuxie had already grasped ice, water, and fire attributes. Thebined ink-green, pitch-ck, purple, and golden liquid was poured into the world in his dantian.


    In the next second, a terrifying fluctuation came from the world in his dantian. Even the mysterious tree began to sway around. Wood was weak against metal, and wood essence naturally suffered a significant impact after metal essence was added into this world.


    The most significant advantage of his battle with the Xue n was the stabilization of his cultivation. After all, he had made multiple breakthroughs in the Python Mountain Battlefield, which had naturally rendered his foundation somewhat unstable. However, this allowed him to temper his cultivation through actualbat, reaching the pinnacle of the seventh level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    ¡°Break!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s cultivation soared, reaching the pinnacle of the eighth level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm. All the spiritual energy within tens of thousands of meters of radius was rapidly devoured. Then again, everyone in the Heaven Grade region was already used to it.


    ¡°This is going to be interesting. Senior Brother Mo Chong returned a few days ago and is on the verge of making a breakthrough. With the surrounding spiritual energy being devoured, he will surely be furious.¡± Ten-odd disciples came out of their caves with a gloating expression.


    Torrential murderous intent suddenly swept out from the cave fifty-odd meters away from Liu Wuxie¡¯s. The cave''s owner was in the critical moment of making a breakthrough, but the surrounding spiritual energy had disappeared.


    ¡°Damn it, I have already condensed the core and was just a step away from making a breakthrough, but it stopped abruptly!¡± Mo Chong stood up with his murderous intent enveloping the Heaven Grade region.


    Condensing the core was a process to reach the True Core Realm, but it was forcibly disrupted, so it was natural for him to be furious.


    His sharp gazended on Liu Wuxie¡¯s cave as he exited his cave. He could sense all the surrounding spiritual energy pouring towards that cave. The density of the spiritual energy was so high that it condensed into a liquid form and flowed into the cave.


    Such a significant disturbance would be impossible even for someone making a breakthrough to the True Core Realm, which stunned Mo Chong.


    A group of disciples approached from a distance and stood before Mo Chong.


    ¡°Who upies that cave?!¡± Mo Chong¡¯s icy gaze swept over them, his murderous intent simmering as if he was ready to storm into Liu Wuxie¡¯s cave at any moment.


    ¡°Senior Brother Mo, that person is named Liu Wuxie. He joined the Imperial Academy only about six months ago and has recently gained fame. He must have just returned from the Python Mountain Battlefield.¡± A few disciples stepped forward, their expressions a mix of obsequiousness and gloating as they nced at Liu Wuxie¡¯s dwelling.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie? I¡¯ve encountered his name numerous times while on the frontlines,¡± Mo Chong pondered, his brow furrowed. He had repeatedly encountered Liu Wuxie¡¯s name over the past few months but hadn¡¯t given it much thought.


    He had ventured to the frontlines to hunt demonic beasts and hone himself for a breakthrough to the True Core Realm. If he could reach the True Core Realm, his chances of participating in the Battle of Hundred Nations would significantly increase. This was a rare opportunity, and his aspiration was to enter the world of cultivation.


    However, just as he was about to reach the True Core Realm, Liu Wuxie disrupted his breakthrough, so it was no wonder he was so furious.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie is oppressive and ruthless. Senior Brother Mo, you have to help us eliminate him.¡± These Heaven Grade students didn¡¯t dare to express their anger towards Liu Wuxie directly and could only seek help from Mo Chong.


    Mo Chong could naturally tell that these people were trying to instigate him, using him to take revenge on Liu Wuxie. But he had no reason to refuse because Mo Chong wouldn¡¯t let Liu Wuxie off, even if they didn¡¯t mention it. This was because his next breakthrough to the True Core Realm would be dyed for a few days because of Liu Wuxie¡¯s interruption.


    Liu Wuxie was naturally unaware of what was happening outside as he was fully immersed in his cultivation. This breakthrough cost him a staggering expenditure of fifty thousand spirit stones.


    The world in his dantian began to expand, and the true essence stored in his dantian was like an inexhaustible ocean.


    An ordinary person¡¯s true essence could only support them in fighting for two hours, but Liu Wuxie could easily fight for three days and three nights.


    As time wore on, five days had passed since the conclusion of the Python Mountain Battlefield. These days had been a period of torment for the Xue n. The loss of numerous elites dealt a crippling blow to the Xue n, even rousing their secluded ancestor to contemte the assassination of Liu Wuxie.


    When Prince Yongxian disappeared, most of his remnants were constantly eliminated, and the Imperial City underwent drastic changes.


    Because the Xue n had colluded with Prince Yongxian, the recent days had been difficult for them. Many of their businesses were affected, causing them to plummet.


    Liu Wuxie dedicated three full days to solidify his cultivation. Upon opening his eyes, a potent shockwave radiated outwards, obliterating everything in the cultivation chamber except for the mat he was seated on. The surrounding walls bore the scars of sword marks.


    His golden soul sea began to rumble, and his soul energy had surpassed ordinary experts in the True Core Realm. Even his divine bridge became wider, meaning his divine art''s power would strengthen.


    As he stood up, rumbling sounds came from within his body that caused the entire cultivation chamber to tremble.


    ¡°What power! Is this the eighth level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm?¡± Liu Wuxie clenched his fists together, which caused a series of explosions from the rapidpression of air.


    When Liu Wuxie came out from the cultivation chamber, there were ten days left until the Battle of the Thousand Nations, and he had many things to do.

 Chapter 264 - Coward

    <h4>Chapter 264 - Coward</h4>


    When Liu Wuxie exited the cultivation chamber, ten-odd figures charged towards him. These people had been waiting for a long time and hurried over the moment Liu Wuxie came out.


    Liu Wuxie narrowed his eyes, sensing an oppressive aura sweeping toward him. He quickly stopped and looked at the twelve peopleing over.


    His gaze ultimately settled on Mo Chong. He led the other eleven, and Liu Wuxie could tell he was a formidable foe.


    ¡°Are you Liu Wuxie?¡± Mo Chong¡¯s eyes narrowed as he saw Liu Wuxie for the first time. He was taken aback by the fact that someone as young as Liu Wuxie had already reached the high level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    ¡°What brings you all here?¡± Instead of responding to Mo Chong¡¯s question, Liu Wuxie countered with his own. After all, it was obvious that they knew who he was since they had sought him out.


    This was why Liu Wuxie went straight into the topic without beating around the bush. Ever since he had moved to the Heaven Grade region, trouble hadn¡¯t stopped.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, what audacity! Senior Brother Mo is talking to you, and you dare to be disrespectful?!¡± Some students stepped forward with murderous intent brewing in their eyes.


    ¡°Who the hell do you all think you are? Why should I be polite when you all came to my abode to stir up trouble?¡± Liu Wuxie retorted, his anger evident. He was well acquainted with Mo Chong''s reputation; warnings about him had been issued when Liu Wuxie had selected his residence. Nevertheless, Liu Wuxie had swiftly handled any troublemakers who dared to cross his path.


    He naturally wouldn¡¯t care about their identity. Since they dared to cause trouble for him, there would only be one oue that awaited them: to have their cultivation crippled before being thrown down the mountain.


    This was the first time Mo Chong was disrespected since he was born, which naturally infuriated him.


    ¡°Senior Brother Mo, you must teach this impudent brat a lesson! Let him know that the Heaven Grade region isn¡¯t a ce to act recklessly!¡± The other students felt indignant, wishing they could p Liu Wuxie¡¯s face. However, they knew they were no match for him, so they pinned their hopes on Mo Chong.


    These students were adept at stirring up trouble, skillfully pushing Mo Chong into the spotlight to confront Liu Wuxie. If Mo Chong were to retreat without taking action, his reputation would suffer a significant blow.


    ¡°Garbage, get lost if you all aren¡¯t going to make a move!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s tone held a hint of disdain, as he couldn¡¯t be bothered to waste time speaking with these people.


    Except for Mo Chong, who could threaten him, he could easily kill the rest with one p.


    Being called garbage, Mo Chong couldn¡¯t hold back his anger. His face was terrifyingly grim, and his murderous intent enveloped the entire Heaven Grade region. More students gathered from the surroundings, wanting to see what was happening.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, you have sessfully enraged me, and I will tear you apart today!¡± Mo Chong took a deep breath, but the anger in his chest had reached its peak and could no longer be contained.


    As the top disciple, Mo Chong was well-known within the academy. It was expected that he would be promoted to acting headmaster upon reaching the True Core Realm, gradually taking over Fan Zhen¡¯s position.


    However, Mo Chong was more interested in focusing on his cultivation and had no desire for the headmaster¡¯s position. Being humiliated by Liu Wuxie was a different matter altogether, akin to being thrown into a dung pit.


    The atmosphere grew tense, and the eleven students behind Mo Chong couldn¡¯t help but gloat.


    ¡°Enrage you?¡± Liu Wuxie asked with a hint of disdain. ¡°You think too highly of yourself. To me, you¡¯re nothing more than a pathetic worm, easily manipted by a few words from others.¡±


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s words held some truth. While Mo Chong was indeed talented, his character had set his limits. Without the provocation of the eleven, his conflict with Liu Wuxie wouldn¡¯t have escted to such an extent.


    ¡°What happened? Why did Mo Chong start a conflict with Liu Wuxie?¡± Many people rushed over, but they weren¡¯t sure what was happening. Thus, they merely stood far away and dared note close.


    After all, Liu Wuxie¡¯s notorious reputation had long taken root in everyone¡¯s hearts.


    Before long, over a hundred spectators, including several teachers, had gathered.


    Humiliated and called a pitiful worm by Liu Wuxie, Mo Chong unsheathed his sword, his murderous intent spiraling out of control.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, I want you dead!¡± he roared, his rationality lost in his rage. His sword, aimed at Liu Wuxie¡¯s head, moved with such speed that it stirred a powerful gust of wind in its wake.


    ¡°Quasi-True Core Realm, interesting!¡± A sneer appeared on Liu Wuxie¡¯s lips as he strode the Seven Dipper Steps to avoid the iing sword.


    He was unafraid, even if his opponents were in the True Core Realm. In his eyes, Mo Chong was only slightly stronger than those at the peak of the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    The Quasi-True Core Realm referred to those who had found the gate to the divine bridge but hadn¡¯t yet opened it.


    On the contrary, Liu Wuxie¡¯s strength had undergone a drastic transformation after reaching the eighth level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm. That was especially the case now that his true essence contained a metal attribute after refining the Golden Marrow.


    In terms of the sharpest element, metal could destroy anything.


    As Liu Wuxie drew the Heretic de, the terrifying metal attribute spread out with the release of the de aura and tore everything apart. Liu Wuxie already had the advantage in the fight before unleashing his attack.


    ¡°What dense metal attribute? I heard he obtained a Golden Marrow in the Python Mountain Battlefield. How did he refine it so quickly?¡± Everyone in the surroundings pointed fingers as they heard the news of Liu Wuxie¡¯s deeds in the Python Mountain Battlefield.


    Even if it were someone in the True Core Realm, it would take at least a month to refine the Golden Marrow. However, it had only been a few days since Liu Wuxie¡¯s return, and he had already grasped the metal attribute.


    Mo Chong unleashed forty-seven attacks, using the sword technique he was famed for. However, soon, his expression turned grave, as no matter how hard he tried, he couldn¡¯t even touch the corner of Liu Wuxie¡¯s clothes.


    ¡°Since you¡¯ve unleashed so many strikes, why don¡¯t you taste one of mine?¡± Liu Wuxie swung down the Heretic de, unleashing torrential de aura.


    When he swung his sword, the sky began to change. The spectating teachers staggered and nearly fell to their knees at the sight, as this strike was on par with that of a True Core Realm expert.


    As Liu Wuxie¡¯s de aura descended, Mo Chong was pushed to his limits. His sword aura waspressed to the brink, and he was forced to retreat swiftly. The pressure was suffocating, and he found it hard to believe that he was pushed to such extremes despite his cultivation in the Quasi-True Core Realm.


    ¡°What a terrifying de aura!¡± When Zhao Enzhu arrived, he was shocked. No one present could withstand this de strike unless it were an expert in the True Core Realm.


    The blue bs on the ground began to crack under the immense pressure.


    In the center of it all, cracks began to appear on Mo Chong¡¯s body as if this attack would tear him apart. The eleven disciples who had apanied Mo Chong turned pale with fright.


    In a desperate attempt to counter Liu Wuxie¡¯s de aura, Mo Chong executed the ¡°Sky Breaking Sword,¡± a technique he had justprehended. Both were experts, and the Sky Breaking Sword initially managed to turn the tables. However, they soon found themselves locked in a stalemate, and neither were able to gain the upper hand.


    ¡°Hmph, this is the best you can do? Yet, you want to withstand my Fatality de Art?¡± Liu Wuxie roared as golden true essence coursed through his meridians, pouring into the Heretic de.


    Most importantly, his true essence contained a hint of poison. Killing so many pythons in the Python Mountain Battlefield had enhanced the poison in his true essence.


    ¡°Second Fatality Form!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s de aura shed down. He had only grasped bits and pieces of the Second Fatality Form, but it was a few hundred times stronger than the First Fatality Form.


    Along with Liu Wuxie¡¯s progress in the Fatality Sword Art, its power would continue to increase.


    Mo Chong panicked because his Sky Breaking Sword was slowly shattering while Liu Wuxie¡¯s attack felt like a mountain crushing down on him, causing cracks to appear on the bones in his legs.


    Flee! That was the only thought in Mo Chong¡¯s mind. Liu Wuxie¡¯s terrifying power left him with no other option. He could not find a solution to counter Liu Wuxie¡¯s de or identify any ws in his attack. Without a moment¡¯s hesitation, he fled down the mountain, abandoning all resistance.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, I¡¯ll return to im your life once I¡¯ve reached the True Core Realm!¡± Mo Chong vowed. His unexpected retreat before the end of the battle left everyone in shock. Zhao Enzhu and the other teachers frowned at this development, which resulted in Mo Chong losing his status as a core disciple.


    ¡°You want to leave? Not so fast!¡± Liu Wuxie swung the Heretic de down, which flew like a thunderbolt and tore Mo Chong¡¯s defenses apart.


    The de aura struck Mo Chong¡¯s back, causing him to stagger. Arge wound appeared on his back, drenching his clothes in blood. With no time to tend to his injuries, he continued his desperate escape, a pitiful sight for a disciple once considered a genius.


    The other students spectating the battle burst intoughter, and it didn¡¯t take long before Mo Chong fled back to his abode.


    Seeing this, Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t carry on attacking. This was because Mo Chong had lost the qualification to be his opponent, and thetter would only be a piece of garbage even if he managed to reach the True Core Realm.


    The eleven students who had apanied Mo Chong were left dumbstruck. They couldn¡¯t believe that the respected Mo Chong had turned out to be a coward who fled at a critical moment. This was a surprise to everyone, including the teachers.


    Mo Chong was ranked first among the core disciples and received everyone¡¯s respect. This scene overturned everyone¡¯s view of Mo Chong.


    The eleven disciples, unable to escape in time, were met with Liu Wuxie¡¯s seemingly innocent smile.


    ¡°Run!¡± The eleven disciples quickly fled for their lives in various directions.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s notorious fame had long permeated the Imperial City, and those who opposed him often met with dire consequences. If they were even a step slower, they risked having their cultivation crippled by him.


    ¡°You all don¡¯t take me seriously, do you?¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s Heretic de manifested into eleven de auras flying out likeets.


    ¡°ARGGHHHH!¡± Screams echoed from their mouths as everyone had a fine wound on their lower abdomen with their dantian destroyed.


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t kill them and merely crippled their cultivation.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, you¡¯ll suffer a miserable end!¡± The eleven disciples wailed as theyy on the ground. They would rather have their limbs severed because it wouldn¡¯t affect their cultivation. With their dantian destroyed, they would live a pitiful life worse than beggars in the future.


    Liu Wuxie ignored them and headed to Xu Lingxue¡¯s courtyard.


    An hourter, Liu Wuxie stood outside Xu Lingxue¡¯s courtyard. But weirdly enough, the courtyard was terrifyingly quiet.


    A yellow-robed woman came over, whom Liu Wuxie had seen before. He recalled Xu Lingxue addressing this woman as ¡®Junior Sister Yao.¡¯


    ¡°Are you looking for Senior Sister Xu?¡± The yellow-robed woman asked, tilting her head to the side.

 Chapter 265 - Slap

    <h4>Chapter 265 - p</h4>


    The yellow-robed woman tilted her head nervously. After all, Liu Wuxie¡¯s notorious reputation had spread far and wide in the Imperial City. Everyone already knew he had killed over a hundred elites from the Xue n at the Python Mountain Battlefield.


    ¡°She¡¯s not in the courtyard?!¡± Liu Wuxie frowned. Judging from this woman¡¯s tone, Xu Lingxue wasn¡¯t around. Could it be that she was visiting Azure Billow City? But she had just returned a month ago, and it made no sense for her to visit again.


    ¡°Come with me!¡± The woman looked around and dragged Liu Wuxie to a corner. After making sure they were alone, she sighed in relief.


    ¡°Speak up, what¡¯s going on?¡± Liu Wuxie looked unhappy as he was straightforward and didn¡¯t like to beat around the bush.


    ¡°Senior Sister Xu was sent away. I heard that she was sent to a faraway ce,¡± the yellow-robed woman said with a hint of sadness; not many people knew about this.


    ¡°She was sent away?¡± Liu Wuxie frowned. Who had the authority to send Xu Lingxue away? This was uneptable to him because Xu Lingxue had left without saying a word.


    ¡°A few unexpected guests arrived in the academy half a month ago. I heard they¡¯re from the cultivation world, and Vice-Headmaster Baili rmended Senior Sister Xu. Senior Sister Xu didn¡¯t want to leave and wanted to wait for your return, but Vice-Headmaster Baili forcibly sent her away.¡± The woman shared everything she knew. Before leaving, Xu Lingxue had requested that she tell Liu Wuxie about everything personally.


    Murderous intent swept out from Liu Wuxie. As his fists clenched, his veins popped out on his forehead.


    The overwhelming murderous intent he gave off made the woman a little afraid, and she took a step back.


    Liu Wuxie had finally improved his rtionship with Xu Lingxue over the past few months, but Baili Qing had sent her away to the cultivation world. She had even robbed him of his right to meet Xue Lingxue thest time.


    ¡°Baili Qing, you old witch! Get the hell out!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s voice spread throughout the Imperial Academy.


    Fan Zhen was discussing matters with a few teachers when the sudden roar rmed them. Liu Wuxie¡¯s murderous intent even spread to the ten-mile-long street, enveloping the entire academy in boundless murderous intent.


    All along, he had put up with that old witch for Xu Lingxue¡¯s sake, but she had taken it even further to separate them. That day, he was determined to p her.


    Baili Qing was in seclusion, but Liu Wuxie¡¯s voice was prative and reached her.


    The students, who were attending sses, rushed out to watch what was happening. Over ten thousand people gathered in the blink of an eye as though time had returned to when Liu Wuxie had fought Qin Shi.


    ¡°Brat, you called me?¡± Baili Qing came out from her courtyard without a hint of irritation on her face. Anyone who looked at her face would feel an urge to p her.


    ¡°You old witch, what right do you have to meddle in Xu Lingxue¡¯s affairs?¡± Liu Wuxie was furious; this was the first time he was so angered.


    Throughout the preceding six months, Liu Wuxie had steadfastly maintained hisposure, even in the face of peril or death, seldom sumbing to anger.


    But at this moment, Liu Wuxie was like a roaring lion with murderous intent gushing out of him.


    After being called an old witch repeatedly, murderous intent shed in Baili Qing¡¯s eyes as she waved her fly-whisk, aiming to kill Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Who do you think you are? Why don¡¯t you take a look at yourself in the mirror? I sent Xue¡¯er away just to get her away from you, and a garbage like you is unworthy of her.¡± Baili Qing¡¯s anger made herugh, and her facial expression was distorted.


    Her words had sessfully enraged Liu Wuxie.


    Many people in the crowd rolled their eyes. If Liu Wuxie was garbage, what would that make them? Wouldn¡¯t they be worse than garbage?


    Many had arrived from the Heaven Grade region. News of Liu Wuxie making Mo Chong flee with one strike still hadn¡¯t spread out. People would probably go crazy if they knew.


    ¡°Today, I will let this garbage experience the strength of the dignified Vice-Headmaster,¡± Baili Qing dered. Liu Wuxie smiled, and his murderous intent disappeared. This was because his anger had peaked, like a volcano that would erupt in the next moment.


    As Baili Qing finished speaking, Liu Wuxie charged at her like aet.


    Baili Qing was prepared to strike, and the fly-whisk in her hand shot toward Liu Wuxie in the form of needles. This wasn¡¯t an ordinary fly-whisk but was forged with silkworm silk. Each silk was tough, making the entire fly-whiskparable to a mythical artifact.


    If struck by it, it could easily tear someone apart.


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t dodge and allowed the fly-whisk to hit him. He suddenly raised his right hand and pped downwards.


    A resounding p echoed throughout the Imperial Academy, sending Baili Qing flying out and throwing up blood.


    ¡°You called me garbage?¡± Liu Wuxie lunged forward, pping Baili Qing again before shended on the ground.


    The sky was dyed red with blood as Baili Qing descended like a broken kite.


    ¡°You old witch. You practiced a cultivation technique that istes your emotions, making you no different from a stone. What do you know about emotions?¡± Liu Wuxie roared as he gave Baili Qing another p.


    Half of Baili Qing¡¯s face became swollen with her blood and broken teeth all over the ground. Whenever Baili Qing¡¯s body was about to touch the ground, Liu Wuxie would send her back in the air with a p.


    Baili Qing continued to be flung outward, soaring beyond the courtyard and into the Profound Grade region. The spectacle left the surrounding students utterly speechless.


    All eyes turned to Liu Wuxie, who effortlessly sent the Vice-Headmaster hurtling without the slightest resistance.


    ¡°Today, I¡¯ll wake you up. This p is for the humiliation back in the Xu n!¡± Liu Wuxie gave Baili Qing another p just when she wanted to speak, not allowing her to say a word.


    ¡°Am I dreaming?¡± Many students rubbed their eyes and couldn¡¯t believe what they saw.


    ¡°This is too satisfying! I¡¯ve been unhappy with Baili Qing for a long time!¡± Many students cheered because Baili Qing wasn¡¯t well-liked among them. It wasmon for her to humiliate students relying on her status, but no one dared say a word. This was why everyone felt satisfied to see her being pped by Liu Wuxie.


    "You old witch, who gave you the authority to decide for Xu Lingxue? With your mediocre skills? If it weren''t for Xue''er, I would''ve crippled you long ago!" Liu Wuxie would¡¯ve pped Baili Qing¡¯s face if Xu Lingxue hadn¡¯t stopped him.


    However, Baili Qing couldn¡¯t discern her position. She thought she could do whatever she wanted just because she was at the pinnacle of the Marrow Cleansing Realm. Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t recall how many Marrow Cleansing Realm experts he had killed over the past few months.


    Baili Qing gave up resisting because Liu Wuxie¡¯s p wouldnd on her face no matter how hard she tried to dodge.


    As Liu Wuxie spoke, he gave Baili Qing seven to eight ps. This turned Baili Qing¡¯s face horrifyingly unrecognizable.


    ¡°You old witch, you taught a talented student for half a year and couldn¡¯t reach the True Core Realm? If I were in your position, I would be ashamed of myself to carry on living in this world!¡± Liu Wuxie mocked, and the spectators were amused by his words.


    ¡°Reaching the True Core Realm in six months? That was unheard of in the Great Yan Dynasty, and such a genius might not appear in a thousand years.¡± Several teachers were speechless. Compared to Liu Wuxie, they felt they had wasted all their time.


    Liu Wuxie used both hands and gave ten-odd repeated ps. Baili Qing wanted to faint because Liu Wuxie wouldn¡¯t give her a chance to speak, and she had already lost her fly-whisk. Her blood also dyed her clothes red.


    When Fan Zhen arrived, he was baffled as he watched this scene. He didn¡¯t expect this matter to develop to this point, and it was already toote for him to intervene. He wasn¡¯t confident enough to stop Liu Wuxie.


    With a thunderous crash, Baili Qing hit the ground hard, her body drenched in blood. Even though she was still breathing, she was barely hanging on to life. Liu Wuxie had beaten her to within an inch of her life, and it would take at least a year and a half for her to recover.


    Descending from the sky, Liu Wuxie stood before Baili Qing. His murderous intent subsided, and the anger in her chest also settled down.


    He was now worried about Xu Lingxue¡¯s safety, and no one knew better than him about the cruelty of the cultivation world. It was a world that practiced thew of the jungle.


    Xu Lingxue was too naive and would be devoured alive if she didn¡¯t know how to protect herself. It was no wonder Liu Wuxie was so furious.


    He had initially dismissed Baili Qing¡¯s humiliation, considering her no more significant than an ant, and felt that killing her would only sully his hands. However, the situation had changed now that Baili Qing had crossed Liu Wuxie¡¯s bottom line.


    Xu Lingxue was his wife, and Baili Qing had sent her away without seeking his agreement. He drew the Heretic de, and Baili Qing¡¯s head would be severed as long as he swung his de down.


    Baili Qing struggled to open her eyes. Her face was already disfigured, and no one could tell what expression she was making.


    ¡°You...bastard...kill me if you have the guts!¡± Baili Qing¡¯s words were slurred and barely intelligible.


    ¡°Killing you would be letting you off too easily. I will make you suffer worse than death!¡± Liu Wuxie swung the Heretic de down, creating a wound on Baili Qing¡¯s body.


    Many people turned their heads away as this was too brutal to watch, but no one dared to step out, fearing that they might incur Liu Wuxie¡¯s wrath.


    Baili Qing didn¡¯t say a word and gritted her teeth with tears rolling down her cheeks. She was filled with regret at this moment, regret that she didn¡¯t kill Liu Wuxie back in Azure Billow City when he was still weak, and she also regretted what she did throughout the years.


    What Liu Wuxie said might be right; she had be a monster by isting her emotions, like a walking corpse.


    Liu Wuxie raised the Heretic de. Baili Qing was Xu Lingxue¡¯s master, no matter what. He had already vented his anger by pping her, so he nned to take one of her arms as punishment.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, that¡¯s enough!¡± Fan Zhen stopped Liu Wuxie because this matter would get out of hand if it continued. Liu Wuxie had more or less vented his anger, and there was no need to take it too far. There was no need to cripple Baili Qing because the Imperial Academy wouldn¡¯t be able to exin to others if that happened.


    After all, Baili Qing didn¡¯t betray the Imperial Academy, and there was no death match between them.

 Chapter 266 - Immortal Burial Array

    <h4>Chapter 266 - Immortal Burial Array</h4>


    Regardless of sentiment or reason, Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t kill Baili Qing. He had already vented his anger, and things had happened. Xu Lingxue wouldn¡¯t return even if he killed Baili Qing.


    ¡°Are you trying to stop me?¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s sharp gaze turned to Fan Zhen. Thetter might have nurtured him secretly, but that didn¡¯t mean he could control him. He didn¡¯t owe the Imperial Academy, but the Imperial Academy owed him.


    ¡°Listen to me. I agreed to send Xu Lingxue to the cultivation world, and this is a rare opportunity in a century. The cultivation world will only pick geniuses from the mundane world once every century.¡± Fan Zhen exined, trying to calm Liu Wuxie down. It turns out he was also involved in this matter.


    ¡°Is the ce she was sent to reliable?¡± Now that it was done, the best way for him was to enter the cultivation world and find Xu Lingxue to keep her safe. As Fan Zhen said, there was nothing he could change even if he killed Baili Qing now.


    ¡°Everyone disperse!¡± Fan Zhen ordered several teachers to take Baili Qing for treatment.


    Seeing that there was nothing left to watch, the other students left and continued their lessons.


    This time, Liu Wuxie allowed the teachers to take Baili Qing away.


    Liu Wuxie and Fan Zhen were the only ones left as the crowd dispersed.


    ¡°Let¡¯s talk at my ce!¡± Fan Zhen invited Liu Wuxie to his courtyard as it wasn¡¯t convenient to talk there.


    When they sat in the main hall, Liu Wuxie¡¯s face remained grim, hoping for a reasonable exnation from Fan Zhen.


    ¡°Where did you send her?¡± Liu Wuxie went straight into the topic, demanding Xu Lingxue¡¯s location.


    ¡°The Misty Sect!¡± Fan Zhen said without concealing anything.


    ¡°The sect that is known only to recruit female disciples?¡± Liu Wuxie frowned. ording to the information he had received from Mu Yueying, the Misty Sect¡¯s disciples were primarily female, and they rarely had any male disciples. It was also ranked in the middle among the ten major sects.


    ¡°The Misty Sect is an orthodox sect. Xu Lingxue is highly talented, and the Jade Maiden Heart Sutra she practices originates from the Misty Sect. There has been an agreement to inform them if we find anyone suitable with the Jade Maiden Heart Sutra, and they would send someone to pick up that disciple.¡±


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t expect the Imperial Academy to have a connection with the cultivation world. However, it was expected because the cultivation world needed constant fresh blood, and many seedlings could be found in the mundane world.


    It was troublesome to identify those seedlings individually, and the best way was to give them a cultivation technique. If someone werepatible with the cultivation technique, that person would naturally be the genius they sought.


    The other sects also had simr initiatives, establishing branches in some nations to identify geniuses.


    Mu Yueying did so many things for Liu Wuxie, intending to recruit him for the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    ¡°You¡¯re the one who notified the Misty Sect?¡± Liu Wuxie asked with his brows furrowed.


    Fan Zhen smiled bitterly and shook his head. He said, ¡°I initially intended to let her participate in the Battle for the Hundred Nations and let the Misty Sect discover her talent. Butst month, Baili Qing acted on her own ord and contacted the envoy of the Misty Sect.¡±


    Baili Qing had kept Fan Zhen in the dark regarding this matter. She had strongly rmended that Xu Lingxue join the Misty Sect to separate her from Liu Wuxie.


    Everything was clear now. Since Xu Lingxue had joined the Misty Sect, her safety wasn¡¯t a concern for the time being. With her talent, it was a matter of time before she rose in the cultivation world.


    ¡°Since that¡¯s the case, I¡¯ll take my leave!¡± With less than ten days until the Battle of the Hundred Nations, Liu Wuxie had many things to attend to.


    ¡°Wuxie, are you nning to avenge the Xue n?¡± Fan Zhen rose to his feet. He could sense that Liu Wuxie¡¯s murderous intent hadn¡¯t faded after he had pped Baili Qing, and he felt it lurking within him.


    ¡°Some debts have to be settled!¡± Liu Wuxie said. He wanted to resolve his feud with the Xue n immediately.


    ¡°It¡¯s too dangerous for you to go by yourself. The Xue n has an ancestor in the True Core Realm. I¡¯lle with you!¡± Fan Zhen was determined to protect Liu Wuxie and wouldn¡¯t allow mishaps. After all, it had been long since the Great Yan Dynasty had obtained a decent result in the Battle of the Hundred Nations.


    If the ten major sects chose Liu Wuxie, the Great Yan Dynasty, and the Imperial Academy would have a ster reputation.


    ¡°Thank you for your goodwill, but I am fine by myself. I don¡¯t wish anyone else to interfere in my feud with the Xue n.¡± Liu Wuxie shook his head and expressed his gratitude. He had to be the one to wipe out the Xue n.


    Performing the Nine Heavenly Crane Dance, Liu Wuxie soared to the sky like a celestial crane and headed towards the Imperial City.


    Just when the Xue n was discussing significant matters, the news of Liu Wuxie pping Baili Qing reached them, which scared Xue Yu. He was so frightened that he found it difficult to breathe as he sat in the main hall.


    He was the cause of this as he had provoked such a formidable opponent against the Xue n.


    ¡°Report!¡± A Xue n¡¯s disciple came into the main hall with a challenge letter.


    When Xue Dingtian took the letter, he opened it and saw the words written with blood: ¡°Life and death, tomorrow!¡±


    Liu Wuxie had signed this letter, and he was straightforward with it.


    The feud between the two had reached a point of no reconciliation. Liu Wuxie wanted to wipe out the Xue n openly, not resorting to assault or sneak attacks.


    In less than two hours, the news of Liu Wuxie issuing a challenge to the Xue n spread throughout the Imperial City.


    The Xue n¡¯s experts swiftly hurried back because this concerned the survival of the entire n. However, it wasforting to learn that this was between Liu Wuxie and the Xue n, with no involvement from the Imperial Academy.


    People found the day to be seemingly endless, and they couldn¡¯t help but yearn for the arrival of the next day.


    The Bai n was on edge, fearing that this might affect them. After all, Liu Wuxie¡¯s rise could no longer be stopped.


    The night was quiet, and the lights in the Xue n were brightly lit. Thousands of elites were gathered in the Xue n¡¯s main hall, discussing the day¡¯s battle.


    A ck figure quietly appeared outside the Xue n, wielding multiple ck gs. This figure was like a ghost with hundreds of array gs in his hand, surrounding the Xue n. When a faint barrier enveloped the entire Xue n, the Xue n was still unaware of it.


    ¡°The Immortal Burial Array; even an immortal won¡¯t be able to escape alive!¡± After setting up the array, the ck figure stood on the wall not far away with a cruel smile. When he removed his mask, it turned out to be Liu Wuxie.


    He had nned the battle for the following day, giving the Xue n time to summon all their elite members. This would allow him to eradicate the entire Xue n in one fell swoop, sparing him the hassle of hunting down any stragglers.


    Once all the elites had returned, he established a barrier to seal off the entire n, ensuring that no one could escape.


    As the night deepened, a period of darkness ensued before the break of dawn. As the sky gradually brightened, tens of thousands of people congregated around the Xue n. The fate of the Xue n would be determined that day.


    The Imperial Academy had suspended all its sses for the day. Both students and teachers had gathered early to witness the event.


    The Xue n¡¯s higher hierarchy didn¡¯t sleep all night and was discussing a strategy for facing Liu Wuxie.


    An old man was seated on the main seat, holding a cane in his right hand and emitting a powerful aura.


    ¡°You imbecile brats! You summoned me to deal with an ant?¡± This old man was the Xue n¡¯s True Core Realm ancestor, Xue Shixiong. He had reached the True Core Realm a century ago and secluded himself. This also meant that his strength had be even more unfathomable.


    ¡°Ancestor, please calm down. This youngster is not as simple as he seems. He was capable of defeating enemies in the high levels of the Marrow Cleansing Realm when he was only in the lower levels. Now that he has reached the eighth level, none of us can stand against him except for you,¡± Xue Dingtian pleaded, standing before the old man, trembling with fear.


    The n''s higher hierarchy didn¡¯t dare say a word, as they were all enveloped in the ancestor¡¯s aura.


    ¡°Interesting!¡± Xue Shixiong¡¯s eyes shed with a yful smile. He had lived for centuries and hadn¡¯t seen such a genius before. This was the first time he heard of someone capable of killing experts in the high levels of the Marrow Cleansing Realm while in the low levels.


    This only meant that Liu Wuxie had a major secret on him. As long as the Xue n could uncover the secret, it was only a matter of time before they became the strongest n in the Great Yan dynasty and even reced the royal family.


    ¡°Ancestor, the sun has risen. Shouldn¡¯t we make preparations to counterattack?¡± Xue Dingtian asked, not daring to decide by himself. This concerned the life and death of the entire n, but the whole Xue n¡¯s morale rose when they heard that the Imperial Academy wasn¡¯t getting involved.


    After all, the three headmasters were incredibly powerful, and the Xue n would be destroyed if they made a move against them.


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t seek Fan Zhen¡¯s assistance because he didn¡¯t want help from others and also wanted to avoid putting Fan Zhen in a difficult position.


    The Imperial Academy represented the Great Yan Dynasty, and the members of the Xue n were its subjects. The academy didn¡¯t have a reason to attack as long as the Xue n didn¡¯tmit treason against the dynasty.


    This was a personal feud that could only be resolved privately. Even Chen Yusheng had no right to intervene.


    ¡°Let me face that brat!¡± Since high levels of the Marrow Cleansing Realm couldn¡¯t defeat Liu Wuxie, he had to make a move.


    When Xue Shixiong stood up, a violent energy swept out, making the surrounding buildings creak.


    His presence served to bolster the morale of the Xue n. Despite Liu Wuxie¡¯s strength, he was only in the Marrow Cleansing Realm. An expert in the True Core Realm, like Xue Shixiong, had opened his divine bridge and possessed mysterious and unpredictable abilities that were beyond the reach of the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    ¡°This is bad! The n is enveloped in a barrier, and no one can leave!¡± Amander of the Xue n rushed into the main hall with fear on his face.


    ¡°Look at the panic on your face right now!¡± Xue Dingtian was furious as he reprimanded themander.


    ¡°Patriarch, we tried to attack the barrier, but we couldn¡¯t break it no matter how hard we tried. The rebound force killed everyone who tried.¡± Themander carried on exining with fear etched on his face because that was a brutal scene.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go out and take a look!¡± Xue Dingtian instantly realized something was amiss and led everyone out of the main hall.


    Over a thousand people stood on the field of the Xue n, looking at the sky. Sure enough, a thick light barrier enveloped the entire n, and not even birds could fly out.


    However, the other disciples didn¡¯t pay much heed and carried on with their cultivation. After all, the Xue n had weathered numerous challenges over the nearly thousand years they had resided in the Imperial City.

 Chapter 267 - Massacre Begins

    <h4>Chapter 267 - Massacre Begins</h4>


    ¡°Bow and arrows!¡± Xue Dingtian¡¯s roar echoed as a deacon hastily brought over a bow and arrows crafted from fine iron.


    Xue Dingtian drew the bow and aimed skyward. Upon release, the arrow soared like aet, capturing the attention of tens of thousands of onlookers. However, when the arrow made contact with the barrier, it merely sizzled before falling to the ground, failing to breach the defenses.


    Xue Dingtian, being in the Quasi-True Core Realm and on the cusp of divine art, could have killed anyone in the pinnacle Marrow Cleansing Realm with that arrow.


    ¡°How is this possible?!¡± The members of the Xue n stared at the barrier in disbelief. The barrier encasing the entire n was akin to a cage, preventing anyone from entering or leaving.


    ¡°He thinks he can trap us with such pitiful tricks?¡± Xue Shixiong sneered as he walked to the entrance, and everyone outside could witness what was happening in the Xue n.


    Everyone outside saw the Xue n¡¯s elites and troops trying to tear the barrier apart.


    ¡°Ancestor...Ancestor...¡± When Xue Shixiong¡¯s aura in the True Core Realm swept out, everyone gave way to him with reverence in their tone.


    ¡°Fourth Elder, have you found the reason?¡± Xue Dingtian asked with his brows frowned.


    The Fourth Elder was well-versed in spiritual arrays and well-known in the Imperial City. If the Fourth Elder couldn¡¯t do anything about the spiritual array, this meant this array had surpassed their understanding.


    ¡°Patriarch, this is the most intricate array I¡¯ve ever encountered. It incorporates elements I¡¯ve never seen before, and it¡¯s wless,¡± the Fourth Elder admitted, shaking his head with a bitter smile. His words plunged the Xue n into despair.


    Could it be that Liu Wuxie intended to trap them there until they perished, waiting for them to run out of supplies and lose their sanity?


    Everyone outside could hear the conversation within the Xue n, as the barrier didn¡¯t prevent sound from passing through.


    ¡°Let me try!¡± Xue Shixiong stepped forward, nning to forcefully break the barrier by swinging his cane at it. His true essence transformed into a powerful wave, materializing into swords, spears, and even lions charging towards the barrier.


    The true essence collided with the barrier with a loud impact, producing an earth-shattering sound. But the barrier stood firmly while Xue Shixiong staggered and stepped back.


    ¡°Ancestor!¡± Xue Dingtian quickly stepped forward to support Xue Shixiong. He wondered who had created this spiritual array that even their ancestor couldn¡¯t destroy.


    A powerful ripple spread out to the surroundings. Those who stood closer to the barrier were caught by surprise and sent flying away by the shockwave, wailing in pain when they fell to the ground.


    Those who were swept away threw up blood. After all, a True Core Realm expert could easily ughter Marrow Cleansing Realm cultivators with their aura alone. Even before Liu Wuxie began his attack, the Xue n suffered significant casualties.


    ¡°Who created such a massive spiritual array in just one night?¡± The experts gathered in the surroundings included the patriarchs of the Bai, Qin, Yan, and Li ns.


    ¡°Who else aside from him?¡± Everyone knew who ¡®him¡¯ referred to.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t he only eighteen?¡± Everyone felt ufortable when Liu Wuxie¡¯s age was mentioned. They realized that they were no different from garbagepared to him.


    ¡°Do you think he obtained any extraordinary opportunity to achieve such aplishments?¡± Even the older generation joined in the chat. It was not unheard of for someone who had encountered a peerless cultivation technique under simr circumstances and rapidly risen to prominence.


    Xue Shixiong¡¯s face darkened with humiliation. He had confidently dered that the spiritual array was nothing to him, yet his full strength had failed to break it apart, which infuriated him.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, how long are you going to keep hiding? Come out and fight us if you have the guts!¡± Xue Dingtian roared to the sky.


    The surrounding spectators were also curious because there was no trace of Liu Wuxie. It was as though he had disappeared, and no one knew where he was.


    ¡°Since you all are hurrying to die, I¡¯ll fulfill all your wishes.¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s voice echoed in the surroundings, but no one could find him from his voice.


    Shortly after, a person descended from the sky, ignoring the barrier and entering the Xue n¡¯s perimeters.


    ¡°What is he doing? Is he nning to ughter tens of thousands of Xue n¡¯s experts by himself?¡± Zhao Enzhu nearly bit his tongue because of Liu Wuxie¡¯s boldness.


    The Xue n¡¯s strength was deep and unfathomable, and they had a True Core Realm expert. Going in recklessly would only result in Liu Wuxie¡¯s death.


    No one could help him because the spiritual array isted them.


    ¡°Such audacity to challenge a thousand-year-old n by himself!¡± Many people cheered. Regardless of the oue, they could witness a battle that would be recorded in history.


    Many people had lived their entire lives without seeing a True Core Realm expert. This was why they were thrilled to witness a battle involving such an expert.


    When Liu Wuxie descended, all the Xue n¡¯s disciples on the field panicked and began fleeing in various directions. The calm andposed expressions they once wore were reced with fear.


    However, in less than a breath, over a thousand experts from the Xue n surrounded the field, forming a massive battle formation.


    Liu Wuxie stood his ground, seemingly unaffected by the chaos around him. To him, the onught of opponents was inconsequential; they were nothing more than trash in his eyes. His sole focus was on Xue Shixiong.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, what audacity for you to enter the Xue n. Today will be yourst day!¡± Xue Shiqiu sneered and pointed his sword at Liu Wuxie. He refused to believe that they couldn¡¯t kill someone in the Marrow Cleansing Realm with the full strength of the entire n. They were even confident enough to confront their ancestor head-on using their ultimate formation.


    ¡°Cut the crap and let¡¯s start the fight!¡± Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t be bothered to waste time talking to them and wanted to end the battle quickly. If he could refine the energies of over a thousand Marrow Cleansing Realm and a True Core Realm expert, he would reach the ninth level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    ¡°Patriarch, please give the order!¡± The Xue n¡¯s elders could no longer hold back, especially Xue Shichou¡¯s grandfather, who wished he could swallow Liu Wuxie alive. After all, Liu Wuxie had killed both of his grandsons, and anyone would want to kill thetter if they were in his position.


    Xue Dingtian turned to look at Xue Shixiong, awaiting his order.


    Xue Shixiong¡¯s gaze turned to Liu Wuxie, and he could sense a hint of abnormal pressure. His eyes shed ruthlessly.


    ¡°Kill him!¡± Xue Dingtian understood Xue Shixiong¡¯s will and ordered the Xue n¡¯s elites to attack.


    In the next moment, the attacks from the Xue n¡¯s elites coalesced into a tidal wave, surging towards Liu Wuxie. This was the Xue n¡¯s battle formation, deployed only in times of crisis, andprised of fifteen hundred elite members.


    As he faced this massive battle formation, a cold smirk rose on Liu Wuxie¡¯s lips, and he slowly drew the Heretic de. When the battle formation was activated, the entire Imperial City trembled, with cracks spreading across the field and its surroundings.


    ¡°Interesting...you all know the Heavenly Dipper Battle Array!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s smile became denser because no one understood this array better than him.


    Striding the Seven Dipper Steps, Liu Wuxiended on the Heavenly Dipper Battle Array, resolving the iing attacks. Liu Wuxie coincidentally stepped on the northern dipper position of the formation. However, each change in the battle formation was apparent in Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes.


    When the first wave of attacks failed, the second wave soon followed. The power of over a thousand people manifested into a divine dragon, opening its jaw and biting down.


    Liu Wuxie had nowhere to dodge, and he could only take this attack head-on.


    ¡°You wasted such a powerful Heavenly Dipper Battle Array!¡± Liu Wuxie shook his head and vanished, leaving behind an afterimage.


    When the attack from over a thousand people descended, a long ravine appeared on the ground that stretched for a few thousand meters. The entire field and surrounding buildings were destroyed, leaving the Xue n in ruins.


    The servants hiding in the buildings fled to prevent themselves from being crushed by the copsing buildings.


    Xue Dingtian¡¯s face became terrifyingly grim. The Xue n had used this battle formation for countless years and had never failed.


    Whenever the Xue n had a generation without an expert in the True Core Realm, they would rely on this battle formation to protect their assets. Over the past thousand years, they had faced the assault of True Core Realm experts multiple times and relied on this battle formation to fend off their enemies.


    However, that day, the battle formation failed as though it did not affect Liu Wuxie. It was the same as using a butcher knife to kill an ant. They all had strength but were of no use. Every attack felt like hitting on cotton. Their attack couldn¡¯t reach Liu Wuxie, but it ended up destroying more than half of the surrounding buildings.


    The Xue n¡¯s disciples gathered in the surroundings were feeling a heartache. Even if the Xue n managed to win, they would be severely weakened.


    Xue Shixiong was still recovering from the bacsh, feeling pain in his internal organs.


    ¡°How is this possible? The Xue n¡¯s battle formation can¡¯t inflict harm on him?!¡± The Bai n¡¯s experts wore grim expressions. The stronger Liu Wuxie became, the more their fury grew, as it signified their dwindling chances of revenge.


    ¡°This kid is truly heaven-defying!¡± Qin Tian stroked his beard. He was thankful that he wasn¡¯t at odds with Liu Wuxie. Upon hearing that Liu Wuxie had challenged the Xue n, the Qin and Yan ns had mobilized many experts to assist. However, none of them could enter the Xue n and could only observe from outside.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, is dodging all you can do?¡± The Xue n¡¯s elders were furious. If this carried on, they would die of exhaustion before they could even kill Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°What a joke! Do you want me to stand here and take the attack head-on? Are you all stupid?¡± Liu Wuxie chuckled disdainfully.


    This was a death match; anything was allowed as long as it was effective. There was no right or wrong because the victor would be the one left standing.


    ¡°Change the formation!¡± Xue Dingtian gave the order. He had already noticed that Liu Wuxie was familiar with the Heavenly Dipper Battle Array.


    The elites of the Xue n began to shift their formation, guided by experts well-versed in spiritual arrays.


    Liu Wuxie watched this with a sneer. He held back from counterattacking, intending to gauge the Xue n¡¯s limits. He wanted to assess their strength, including that of their ancestors, beforemencing his onught.


    Over a thousand people were divided into several regions, with one hundred forming a team. Their strategy seemed to involve a tagging tactic, where they would take turns tobat him.


    ¡°Is this all you¡¯ve got? Since that¡¯s the case, let me send you all on your way.¡± Liu Wuxie raised the Heretic de as he soared to the sky and unleashed his murderous intent. This disy of power frightened some of the weaker Xue n disciples, causing them to copse in fear.

 Chapter 268 - Fighting True Core Realm (1)

    <h4>Chapter 268 - Fighting True Core Realm (1)</h4>


    Now that Liu Wuxie had grasped the limits of the Xue n, he nned to wipe out all the elites before dealing with the True Core Realm expert. This was because the others could no longer pose a threat to him.


    Boundless de intent filled the sky, forming terrifying waves enveloping all the elites.


    ¡°Fatality de Art¡ªFirst Fatality Form!¡± Liu Wuxie had reached perfect mastery of the first form. Empowering it with metal attributes further fortified the power of the de aura.


    The path of the de aura was marked by exploding heads. To Liu Wuxie, the Xue n¡¯s formation was nothing more than a child¡¯s game, posing no real threat. As the death toll rose, the Xue n¡¯s elites fell like wheat before a scythe.


    Xue Shixiong and Xue Dingtian felt as if their hearts were bleeding. This was the foundation of the Xue n, nurtured over centuries, and yet so many were falling in the blink of an eye.


    The Xue n¡¯s disciples trembled in fear as they watched this scene from afar, and horror filled their eyes.


    ¡°Ancestor, stop him!¡± Xue Dingtian roared. The Xue n couldn¡¯t afford any more losses; they wouldn¡¯t be able to recover.


    In a n, having one or two experts standing at the top of the pyramid was enough. The keyy in the intermediate forces. If all of them died, the Xue n would gradually decline.


    Xue Shixiong took a step forward. He didn¡¯t need Xue Dingtian to remind him because he knew this was a critical moment for the Xue n.


    When he swept out with his cane, the rapid airpression produced an explosion in the surroundings, with ripples of shockwaves sweeping toward Liu Wuxie.


    The power of an expert in the True Core Realm was terrifying as it contained divine power. But it was a pity that Xue Shixiong didn¡¯t practice any divine art and had merely awakened a hint of divine power. He could only use it crudely and didn¡¯t know how to use it efficiently.


    This was because the method of cultivating divine arts could only be found in the cultivation world.


    ¡°Hmph, I¡¯ll deal with youter!¡± Liu Wuxie snorted in disdain and vanished. When he dodged Xue Shixiong¡¯s attack, the attack continued to head towards the Xue n¡¯s elites.


    ¡°Quick, retreat!¡± Xue Dingtian roared, ordering the Xue n¡¯s elites to retreat. Their ancestors'' strength would kill them if they continued to stay behind.


    However, the elites were a step toote. Who could have predicted that even an expert in the True Core Realm would be unable to keep up with Liu Wuxie¡¯s movement technique?


    The shockwave swept through dozens of people, causing them to explode and blood to stter on the ground. This brutal scene was beyond anyone¡¯s anticipation.


    Fan Zhen initially had some worries, but as the battle progressed, he realized his concern was unnecessary. He couldn''t help either way because no one could enter the Immortal Burial Array.


    Liu Wuxie was determined to go all out with no room for retreat. It was either victory or death with no third option.


    ¡°He¡¯s a monstrous genius!¡± The Treasure Pill Pavilion¡¯s higher hierarchy was also present to cheer on Liu Wuxie.


    Only Mu Yueying watched by the side quietly, but the shock in her eyes grew as the battle progressed. She knew someone in the Marrow Cleansing Realm couldn''t face someone in the True Core Realm.


    Even if someone in the Marrow Cleansing Realm had countless umtions, they couldn¡¯t be considered a genuine cultivator without reaching the True Core Realm. It was like the difference between immortals and mortals; the difference was even more significant than the moon and a firefly.


    This gap couldn¡¯t be bridged even without powerful cultivation or martial techniques.


    However, Liu Wuxie had broken this rule, easily avoiding the attack from an expert in the True Core Realm. So much so that he even set up a spiritual array that Xue Shixiong couldn¡¯t resolve.


    She came from the world of cultivation and naturally had vast experiences, yet she was genuinely shocked at this moment.


    Xu Yilin and Yang Zi stood among the spectators, tears welling in their eyes.


    A few days ago, they had travelled to Imperial City to handle some matters. Upon arrivalst night, they had received news of Liu Wuxie challenging the Xue n.


    Their attempts to locate Liu Wuxie had proven futile, despite scouring half of the Imperial City. They had even sought help from Bi Gongyu.


    ¡°Big Brother Liu has produced an outstanding son!¡± Xu Yilin¡¯s hands trembled with excitement and concern. He was worried about Liu Wuxie¡¯s safety.


    As the battle raged, Liu Wuxie had no time to care about anything else. Being fully immersed in this fight, he had isted himself from all distractions.


    Every move emerged in his mind, and the death count continued. Liu Wuxie would leave behind a bloody trail wherever he went.


    More than half of the Xue n¡¯s elites were dead, and this made Xue Shixiong¡¯s eyes bulge. He didn¡¯t dare to act rashly now, fearing that his attack might kill the Xue n¡¯s elites instead. But he could only watch Liu Wuxie butcher the Xue n¡¯s elites if he didn''t act.


    The people gathered in the surroundings couldn¡¯t flee because of the spiritual array enveloping the entire Xue n. Their only chance of survival was to kill Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, you little bastard! Fight me if you have the guts!¡± Xue Shixiong chased behind Liu Wuxie, but he couldn¡¯t catch up. He could only roar furiously and use thirty percent of his strength, which couldn¡¯t threaten Liu Wuxie.


    Xue Shixiong¡¯s earlier attack had identally killed dozens of the Xue n¡¯s elites, so he didn¡¯t dare attack at full strength.


    ¡°Old bastard, I¡¯ll deal with you after killing them all. I¡¯ll let you live for a little longer.¡± Liu Wuxie increased the speed of his hunting. The entire field was covered in blood as the remaining Xue n¡¯s elites fled in various directions. They were terrified of Liu Wuxie.


    "Don''t scatter into the crowd!" Xue Dingtian''s voice boomed. If these individuals dispersed among the throng, Xue Shixiong would have no opportunity to confront Liu Wuxie without resorting to eliminating all other Xue n members to clear the space for battle.


    However, it was toote because those people had lost their rationale and only wanted to survive. The remaining Xue n¡¯s elites ran into the crowd, using the low-level members to buy time for them to escape.


    ¡°Garbage!¡± Liu Wuxie despised these people the most, using the lives of the weak to buy time for themselves.


    Performing the Overlord Fist, Liu Wuxie unleashed a vast wave of fire containing demonic me that swept toward the crowd. Everything in the path of the fire disappeared and was devoured by the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron.


    Liu Wuxie was determined to wipe out the Xue n to push himself to a higher realm. The massacre resumed, and not a single one was spared except the old, weak, sick, and disabled. Women and children weren¡¯t his targets, as he wasn¡¯t a monster.


    His goal today was to wipe out all thebatants in the Xue n.


    In just fifteen minutes, the Xue n lost over a thousand members and had fewbatants left.


    Xue Yu was hidden in the crowd, copsed on the ground with his face pale. Half a year had passed, and he had only reached the pinnacle of the Spirit Cleansing Realm. He wasn¡¯t even in the Marrow Cleansing Realm and was nothingpared to Liu Wuxie.


    The Xue n''s death count increased as spiritual liquid increased in the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron.


    Xue Dingtian had reached a state of numbness, his eyes bloodshot, harboring a voracious desire to annihte Liu Wuxie.


    With so many casualties, space had been cleared, and the surroundings were empty. This made it convenient for Liu Wuxie to fight Xue Shixiong now. Not a single elite from the Xue n remained.


    The Bai n¡¯s ancestor and patriarch looked at each other with deep fear. If Liu Wuxie survived that battle, they would do anything to resolve their feud, even at the expense of offering resources to seek Liu Wuxie¡¯s forgiveness.


    ¡°Old bastard, it¡¯s your turn now!¡± The Heretic de was covered in blood, and Liu Wuxie¡¯s white robe was dyed red. When Liu Wuxie returned to the field, the ground was heavily damaged, with craters everywhere. Almost all of the Xue n¡¯s buildings were destroyed.


    Through this incident, the Xue n had suffered a fatal blow.


    Xue Shixiong slowly walked toward Liu Wuxie, his murderous intent manifesting in various forms. This was divine art, letting even murderous intent take form.


    His murderous intent would alternate between a sword and de, meaning that Xue Shixiong wanted to tear Liu Wuxie apart.


    ¡°Little bastard, I¡¯ll rip you to shreds! I¡¯ll make everyone dear to you pay the price, ughtering the men and condemning the women to a life of servitude at brothels, enved for generations!¡±


    The fact that someone from the True Core Realm uttered such words could only hint at the boiling rage within Xue Shixiong at that moment.


    ¡°You old mutt, based on your earlier words, I¡¯ll ensure your entire Xue n is buried alongside you!¡± Xue Shixiong¡¯s earlier remarks had crossed Liu Wuxie¡¯s line of tolerance, and he was prepared to eliminate anyone who dared to overstep it.


    Liu Wuxie pointed the Heretic de at the Xue n, and a battle would unfold at any moment. The people he had killed earlier were just the beginning because the real fight was about to begin.


    If Xue Shixiong weren¡¯t killed, the Xue n wouldn¡¯t be wiped out. In the worst scenario, they would be reduced to a second-tier n and could make aeback if given a century.


    However, if the Xue n lost their True Core Realm expert, the Xue n would instantly be the target for many people. After all, the Xue n had offended many people throughout the years when they were in power.


    Liu Wuxie and Xue Shixiong stood ten meters apart, looking at each other. They could see the murderous intent in each other¡¯s eyes.


    Those outside the spiritual array held their breaths and didn¡¯t dare to say a word, fearing they might miss out on things.


    ¡°Do you all think he can hold his ground against Xue Shixiong?¡± Many Imperial Academy¡¯s teachers discussed this among themselves. While they may not have been fond of Liu Wuxie, his performance that day had left them in awe. It was an inherent human trait to admire strength.


    ¡°It won¡¯t be easy, but I believe him!¡± an intermediate teacher said with a longing expression.


    Experts would not only receive respect but also jealousy. After all, Liu Wuxie had reached such heights at such a young age, and it was natural that everyone couldn¡¯t ept it.


    Even the headmasters from the previous two generations had arrived. They were both in the True Core Realm and hade out of their seclusion.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on? It has been over a century since there was a battle that involved True Core Realm experts,¡± Luo Zhaojun asked with her brows furrowed.


    When Fan Zhen exined everything, Luo Zhaojun staggered upon hearing it was Liu Wuxie again. She had also witnessed Liu Wuxie¡¯s death match with Qin Shi, but that wasn¡¯t long ago, and he was now challenging an expert in the True Core Realm.

 Chapter 269 - Fighting True Core Realm (2)

    <h4>Chapter 269 - Fighting True Core Realm (2)</h4>


    All the True Core Realm experts in the Great Yan Dynasty had arrived, as this was a rare and momentous asion in a century. But because of the spiritual array, no one could go in to watch and only stand far away.


    They could merely discern the vague silhouettes of Liu Wuxie and Xue Shixiong, a sensation akin to an itch they longed to scratch by dismantling the spiritual array and venturing inside for a closer look.


    Lifting the Heretic de, Liu Wuxie aimed it at Xue Shixiong, whose true essence emerged as a ck war god resembling a demon emerging from the abyss of hell.


    Witnessing Liu Wuxie''s mastery over his true essence at this level, Xue Shixiong''s expression turned grave. He found it incredulous that hismand over true essence paledpared to someone in the Marrow Cleansing Realm, despite his cultivation being in the True Core Realm.


    However, that was a reality that he had no choice but to ept. Furthermore, the attributes of wood, fire, metal, and icebined into an unimaginable fusion.


    When Liu Wuxie¡¯s de tip was aimed at the sky, it looked like a crescent moon with suffocating power gushing down. The remaining buildings left in the surroundings couldn¡¯t withstand the force and were reduced to ashes. With that, the entire Xue n was leveled to the ground.


    The spectators outside finally had an unobstructed view, albeit from a distance. They could now see the battle.


    Xue Shixiong¡¯s cane was a rare weaponparable to mythical artifacts but slightly inferior to actual mythical artifacts. It was a semi-finished product.


    Forging a mythical artifact required enormous resources, and the resources in the Great Yan Dynasty were limited. Xue Shixiong had spent half his life collecting resources but could only forge a semi-mythical artifact.


    A hint of unusual true essence fluctuation spread out from the cane. This was the first time Liu Wuxie encountered something like this, seemingly earthly and wood yet not quite. It was like a fusion of true essence.


    There were various types of true essence, and the five elements weremonly seen.


    Two different flows of true essence collided, forming a powerful wave that swept across the surroundings.


    ¡°Back down!¡± Xue Dingtian ordered, urging everyone to retreat to the edge. After all, the momentum caused by an expert in the True Core Realm was terrifying and could easily affect ordinary people.


    However, before he could finish, rumbling sounds came from the sky that sounded like lightning, shaking everyone¡¯s eardrums.


    The two flows of true essence continued to sh, but neither of them moved as theypeted solely on their true essence.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s four-colored true essence would asionally manifest into a dragon or a dracophant, carrying the unstoppable momentum of an Immortal Emperor.


    On the other hand, Xue Shixiong¡¯s true essence was fused with earth attributes that could strengthen his defenses, and he included the power of divine art in it. Most importantly, the energy released by someone in the True Core Realm was highly destructive.


    This was why Mo Chong had failed when the surrounding spiritual energy had vanished when he was making his breakthrough. The Marrow Cleansing Realm to the True Core Realm was a tremendous transformation,pressing the true essence within the dantian into a core. This was how the True Core Realm got its name.


    The bigger, purer, and brighter the core, the more powerful and talented one would be.


    Some people¡¯s core was the size of a pea, while others was the size of a fist. Thus, true cores were also divided into various grades.


    Among the True Core Realm experts, Xue Shixiong stood out as one of the weakest. Liu Wuxie had previously glimpsed his core nestled within his dantian, a mere bean in size. This diminutive core was the culmination of a century of cultivation. Upon reaching the True Core Realm, Xue Shixiong''s core had only been the size of a pea.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s dantian had a vast world; his true essence could be described as an ocean. If all his true essence condensed into a core, Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t imagine the size. It might even reach the size of a human¡¯s head. If he released his core''s power, he could probably suppress opponents at the same level as him.


    As the two flows of true essence diverged, they formed into a potent shockwave that rippled outward. Despite retreating a thousand meters away, many of the disciples from the Xue n couldn''t evade the force of the shockwave.


    Xue Dingtian could only watch helplessly as the Xue n¡¯s disciples vaporized under the shockwave.


    The shockwave created at the center of the sh sent Liu Wuxie and Xue Shixiong flying away. Liu Wuxie staggered back a few hundred steps before stabilizing himself, while Xue Shixiong retreated fifty meters away with his chest heaving heavily.


    In their first exchange, they were evenly matched, and neither obtained the upper hand. In thepetition of true essence, Liu Wuxie had proven himself no weaker than an expert in the True Core Realm.


    Upon attaining the ninth level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm, Liu Wuxie would possess the capability to effortlessly dispatch individuals at the lower levels of the True Core Realm.


    ¡°You managed to neutralize my primal true essence?!¡± Xue Shixiong finally showed a hint of emotion, and he no longer dared to look down on Liu Wuxie.


    He was confident that only a few people in the Great Yan Dynasty could neutralize his true essence. He had even shed with experts in the nearby nations, who were evenly matched in strength. As for cultivators in the Marrow Cleansing Realm, he couldn¡¯t recall how many he had killed.


    ¡°Fusion true essence?¡± Liu Wuxie was briefly stunned before he broke out intoughter, ¡°That¡¯s the weakest fusion true essence I¡¯ve seen!¡±


    Liu Wuxie''s unbridled mockery caused Xue Shixiong''s face to flush with embarrassment. He hadn''t anticipated that the primal true essence, a source of pride for him, would be the target of Liu Wuxie''s ridicule.


    No wonder Liu Wuxie found Xue Shixiong¡¯s true essence somewhat familiar. Primal true essence focused on defenses and possessed formidable offensive capabilities. Upon reaching a high level, cultivators could even form a barrier around them, making themselves impervious to weapons.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, I¡¯ll kill you!¡± Enraged by the mockery of his primal true essence before a sizable audience, Xue Shixiong unleashed a furious roar and swung his cane at Liu Wuxie.


    His true essence formed into a tidal wave, sweeping up the rocks from the ground and cascading like a ck waterfall over Liu Wuxie. With no means of evasion, Liu Wuxie braced himself to confront it head-on. Such was the might of primal true essence, wielding both offensive and defensive prowess simultaneously.


    When the Heretic de descended, Liu Wuxie tore apart the ck waterfall from the center. But the shockwave didn¡¯t end there and rumbled, scaring the Xue n¡¯s disciples into fleeing in all directions.


    This made Xue Shixiong furious, as he was forced to hold back a little whenever he attacked. He feared that his attacks mightnd on his fellow nsmen if he went all out. The Xue n was isted from the outside world due to the spiritual array.


    Liu Wuxie continued to swing the Heretic de down, creating a massive crater over ten meters wide in front of him. Water gushed out from underground and soon formed into a miniature pond.


    The terror of the situation was beyond everyone¡¯s imagination.


    ¡°Old mongrel, is this the best you can do?¡± Liu Wuxie was unscathed as he walked out of the ruins with a mocking smile. Each of his words was like a de stabbing into Xue Shixiong¡¯s heart.


    Xue Shichou stood in the corner with his face ashen. He even contemtedmitting suicide. This was because his younger brother, grandfather, and parents were dead.


    His grandfather had died in the fight with Liu Wuxie, while his parents were identally killed by their ancestor. The aftermath of the battle had imed the lives of hundreds of fellow n members.


    ¡°Little bastard, let¡¯s see how long you can keep hiding!¡±


    Throughout the confrontation, Liu Wuxie predominantly assumed a defensive stance, rarely initiating attacks. This cautious approach stemmed from his adaptation to facing an opponent in the True Core Realm. It marked the first encounter with such a formidable adversary, prompting him to withhold his trump card initially.


    The Fatality de Art was unlikely to kill Xue Shixiong, and the Overlord Fist would result in mutual perish at best. Thus, Liu Wuxie was waiting for an opportunity.


    He waited for Xue Shixiong to let down his guard before using Ghost Eye to catch thetter by surprise. The duel between two experts was often hung by a thread, and the one who could endure till the end would be the true victor.


    Xue Shixiong gradually lost his rationale, witnessing his kin copsing individually. His anger had peaked, his hair fluttering around like a lion¡¯s mane, and his facial expression became sinister.


    He vanished like aet, charging straight at Liu Wuxie. As he approached, he swung his cane, executing the Xue n¡¯s strongest martial technique: the Heavenly Tyrant Cane!


    This martial technique was created by the Xue n¡¯s first ancestor and honed over generations. Through meticulous refinement spanning a millennium, it had evolved to near perfection, attaining the status of an earth-grade martial technique.


    The cane descended upon Liu Wuxie akin to a halberd''s strike, showcasing the true might of the Heavenly Tyrant Cane. While it outwardly appeared as a simple cane, its construction mirrored that of a halberd in weight and shared certain simrities in shape, magnifying its formidable power.


    Liu Wuxie struck with the Heretic de in a tricky trajectory as a counterattack. When their weapons shed, sparks flew as the Heretic de was a weapon close to bing a mythical artifact.


    When the de and cane collided, a powerful gust formed at the point of contact, sending Liu Wuxie and Xue Shixiong flying away.


    Liu Wuxie performed a somersault in mid-air and pounced forward instead of retreating.


    ¡°What is he trying to do? He should¡¯ve focused on defense and relied on his movement technique to find the opportunity to strike. Choosing to sh with Xue Shixiong head-on was exactly what thetter wanted.¡± Fan Zhen grew anxious because Liu Wuxie should¡¯ve yed it safe.


    Fan Zhen was baffled, and no one couldprehend what Liu Wuxie was trying to do. Then again, everyone was already ustomed to how unpredictable Liu Wuxie could be in a fight.


    Performing the Nine Heavenly Crane Dance, Liu Wuxie soared to the sky like a celestial crane. His movements became unpredictable, and even Xue Shixiong couldn¡¯t adapt to his rhythm. This was because Liu Wuxie had surpassed Xue Shixiong in terms of speed.


    ¡°You want to break through my defenses relying on your movement technique? You¡¯ve underestimated me!¡± Xue Shixiong¡¯s cane manifested into countless afterimages, hacking at Liu Wuxie with his true essence.


    The sky became a flurry of Xue Shixiong''s afterimages, initially numbering three and steadily multiplying to dozens. Notably, each afterimage appeared strikingly lifelike, resembling actual individuals in their vividness.


    The room for Liu Wuxie to dodge began to shrink. He performed the Seven Dipper Steps, dividing himself into three, and pounced at Xue Shixiong.


    The Heretic de ripped apart the Afterimages, and the afterimages formed by true essence caused a series of explosions. This was because the density of Liu Wuxie¡¯s true essence wasn¡¯t inferior to someone in the True Core Realm.


    As true essence gushed out from them, the two were like ferocious beasts churning up torrential waves. They could no longer be seen in the field as their blurred figures intertwined with explosions echoing in the Imperial City caused by a series of rapid airpressions.


    Liu Wuxie attacked with the Fatality de Art. There weren¡¯t any fancy moves, but each strike was deadly.


    ¡°The fight is too intense, not to mention that Liu Wuxie managed to hold his ground with an expert in the True Core Realm!¡± The spectators outside were excited as they watched the fight.


    That was especially the case for those in the pinnacle Marrow Cleansing Realm because they benefited greatly from this battle, which provided valuable experience for them to learn from.

 Chapter 270 - Killing Xue Shixiong

    <h4>Chapter 270 - Killing Xue Shixiong</h4>


    Both sides gave it their all in the fight.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s golden soul sea rippled with terrifying soul energy that enveloped Xue Shixiong like mercury, perceiving each of his moments. He was waiting for Xue Shixiong to make a mistake beforeunching a soul attack.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s movements were stunning, and he would garner apuse from the spectators because of his outstanding performance. He had brought every factor in a fight to the limit.


    Xue Shixiong gradually became anxious because he couldn¡¯t gain the upper hand in the fight after so long. He knew it would be unfavorable for him if he failed to turn the tables.


    He had already executed the Heavenly Tyrant Cane technique but had failed to kill Liu Wuxie.


    Regardless of martial techniques or true essence, he was inferior to Liu Wuxie. His only advantage over thetter was his higher cultivation.


    ¡°Xue Shixiong, is this the best you can do?¡± Liu Wuxie mocked, driving Xue Shixiong even more furious. But Xue Shixiong could do nothing, no matter how hard he tried.


    ¡°Little bastard, I¡¯ll devour you alive!¡± Xue Shixiong¡¯s eyes shed with a hint of eerieness. He abandoned the cane and began forming seals with his hands, gradually forming a mark in front of him that looked sinister. It looked like countless ck branches were intertwining together.


    ¡°Xue Shixiong practices the Profound Abyssal Art?!¡± the spectators eximed, as those from the older generations recognized the abyssal race martial technique used by Xue Shixiong.


    Abyssal race martial techniques differed significantly from martial techniques used by humans because their martial techniques exacted a toll on the user, which was the user¡¯s blood essence. The more blood essence was exhausted, the more influential the martial technique would be.


    Xue Shixiong wouldn¡¯t use the Profound Abyssal Art unless it were a matter of life and death because exhausting a drop of blood essence would seriously harm his body.


    ¡°Abyssal race martial techniques? This is starting to get interesting!¡± Liu Wuxie narrowed his eyes because abyssal race martial techniques were known to be bizarre, and he had to be careful.


    As the ck branches intertwined into a dark, the expanded and covered half of the Xue n.


    ¡°Little bastard, you can die now!¡± Xue Shixiong roared. As he executed the Profound Abyssal Art, he was enveloped in an abyssal aura, and the sky turnedpletely dark with nothing visible.


    The ground cracked when the dark descended, and the entire Xue n sank a few meters.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s feet dug into the ground without room to dodge. If the managed to close in on him, he would be severed into countless pieces.


    After exhausting ten-odd drops of blood essence, Xue Shixiong¡¯s face became terrifyingly pale. It had drained a tremendous amount of his true essence.


    ¡°You want to kill me with this garbage technique? What a joke!¡± Liu Wuxie sneered. When the Profound Abyssal Art was executed, he could sense a trembleing from the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron. The demonic me began to gush out of the cauldron, eager to devour the abyssal aura.


    As the dark began to close, the worry on Xu Yilin¡¯s face grew denser. The branch formed by an abyssal aura was extremely sharp and could even tear apart the body of someone in the pinnacle Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie is going to die!¡± Many Qin n¡¯s disciples sighed in pity. The Profound Abyssal Art could only be resolved by someone who had reached the True Core Realm using their divine art, and Liu Wuxie¡¯s strength was ultimately limited.


    ¡°This is impossible! He must have a way!¡± The students of Advanced ss Seven were also present among the spectators, and they had faith in Liu Wuxie to kill Xue Shixiong.


    Everyone wore different expressions on their faces. There was excitement, jealousy, and joy because they could finally see Liu Wuxie¡¯s death.


    Fan Zhen nced at the two older-generation headmasters. The headmaster from two generations ago had no expression, while Luo Zhaojun was excited, wishing she was the one fighting on the field.


    When everyone felt that Liu Wuxie would die, a demonic cauldron appeared, with a demonic me gushing out, devouring the dark. It didn¡¯t take long before light returned to the field, as though the Profound Abyssal Art had never been used.


    ¡°How could this be?!¡± Xue Yu copsed on the ground. Just when he thought he could witness Liu Wuxie¡¯s death at the hands of Xue Shixiong, the Profound Abyssal Art vanished.


    No one from the Xue n could ept this oue, and Xue Dingtian was so shocked that he pulled out his beard and took a deep breath.


    ¡°This is impossible! This must be an illusion! An illusion!¡± Xue Dingtian lost his rationale and yelled.


    The patriarchs of the four other ns looked at Xue Dingtian with pity as he behaved like a madman.


    The spectators also went insane, especially the Treasure Pill Pavilion¡¯s alchemists, who cheered.


    ¡°He keeps surprising us!¡± Master Mao was cheering like a child. Ever since he had met Liu Wuxie, it was as though his heart had be younger.


    Mu Yueying had a hint of shock in her eyes because she had already decided to intervene without hesitation to save Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Did you all see that? What is that ck hole? The Profound Abyssal Art was devoured by it!¡± Many people were more concerned about the ck hole summoned by Liu Wuxie. It looked like a ck demonic cauldron, but everyone couldn¡¯t see it clearly as it only appeared briefly.


    It was a spectacr scene to have hundreds of thousands of people discussing.


    ¡°Can it be that the rumors are true that an old monster had possessed his body? That ck hole looked like a monster.¡± Various spections arose among the crowd.


    Xue Shixiong was stumped as the Profound Abyssal Art had vanished. He pointed at Liu Wuxie and stuttered in fear, ¡°A-Are you a human or a member of the abyssal race?!¡±


    ¡°What difference does it make?¡± Liu Wuxie naturally wouldn¡¯t waste time exining to Xue Shixiong. Races made no difference because everyone sought immortality and eternal life. Everything in the world has a definition.


    Xue Shixiong couldn¡¯tprehend Liu Wuxie¡¯s words, as he wasn¡¯t an immortal but a mortal.


    Stepping on the gravel, Liu Wuxie approached Xue Shixiong. With each step he took, his aura increased.


    After refining the Profound Abyssal Art, Liu Wuxie¡¯s cultivation was infinitely close to the ninth level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    As Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes shed, Xue Shixiong lost his rationale, trying toprehend what had just happened. He couldn¡¯t figure out why the Profound Abyssal Art was useless against Liu Wuxie.


    When they were ten meters apart, Liu Wuxie was already brewing the Ghost Eye. With a cold sh from the depth of his eyes, it shot into Xue Shixiong¡¯s mind. He roared, ¡°Xue Shixiong, you can die now!¡±


    Xue Shixiong initially thought that Liu Wuxie would use a martial technique and reached out for his cane. But he didn¡¯t know that Liu Wuxie deliberately yelled to disrupt his concentration.


    ¡°ARGH!¡± Xue Shixiong screamed from the paining from his soul sea. It felt as though des were hacking at his soul. Dropping the cane, he crouched, clutched his head, and rolled on the ground.


    This scene shocked all the spectators.


    Liu Wuxie had used the power of divine art to manifest Ghost Eye into a spear, which was over a thousand times stronger than his past soul attacks.


    Taking this opportunity, Liu Wuxie swung the Heretic de down.


    Xue Shixiong¡¯s soul sea might have been damaged, but he still had consciousness. He instinctively rolled away when he sensed the danger, trying to avoid the fatal blow.


    He was fast, but it was a pity because Liu Wuxie¡¯s de was faster. He managed to avoid the attack directed at his head, but his entire right arm was severed, with blood gushing out.


    The agony swiftly shifted as the torment of losing an arm overshadowed the pain in his soul sea, effectively numbing it. As his blood spurted out, it wasn¡¯t long before Xue Shixiong was soaked in his own blood.


    The sight of Xue Shixiong, now one-armed, left the onlookers in a state of shock.


    ¡°You bastard!¡± Bereft of his right arm, Xue Shixiong bellowed like a furious lion. The pain had robbed him of his rationality, and he lunged at Liu Wuxie.


    An expert in the True Core Realm had strong vitality, and his movement speed didn¡¯t diminish even after losing his arm.


    Xue Dingtian, standing at a distance, could barely contain his shock at the sight of Xue Shixiong¡¯s severed arm.


    ¡°Old mutt, let¡¯s start my journey of killing True Core Realm cultivators with you!¡± Xue Shixiong was barely holding on, and Liu Wuxie wanted to devour his energy to reach the ninth level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    Raising the Heretic de, Liu Wuxie charged forward and performed the Fatality de Art¡¯s Second Fatality Form. The second form brought speed and strength to the limit.


    Before Xue Shixiong could dodge, he lost his left arm. The Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron flew out and devoured the two arms, refining the energies contained in them.


    The remaining Xue n disciples and servants rubbed their eyes and muttered, ¡°I must be dreaming. This is an illusion!¡±


    When they closed and opened their eyes, nothing had changed. Xue Shixiong was still covered in his blood.


    ¡°I can¡¯t ept this! I¡¯m a dignified cultivator in the True Core Realm, possessing divine art!¡± Xue Shixiong screamed. After losing both his arms, he was at Liu Wuxie¡¯s mercy.


    ¡°A firefly cannotprehend the glory of the moon. The True Core Realm is no different from an ant in the cultivation world!¡± Liu Wuxie said coldly. He still had a long way to go in cultivating, and the True Core Realm was just the beginning.


    The Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron flew out and manifested into a giant mouth devouring Xue Shixiong whole. Thetter died before he could even let out a scream.


    This scene left the entire Xue n in an eerie silence. The spectators also froze in disbelief. An expert in the Marrow Cleansing Realm had killed a dignified expert in the True Core Realm in front of their very own eyes.


    Shortly after, exmations sounded from the surroundings.


    ¡°He¡¯s a genius beyondprehension!¡± Zhao Enzhu pped his hands together. He was a star teacher who taught countless geniuses at the Imperial Academy. Even Mo Chong had attended his ss.


    However, ever since he had met Liu Wuxie, he couldn¡¯t find any geniusesparable to Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Hahaha! This is a glory of the Imperial Academy!¡± Luo Zhaojun jumped excitedly. Ever since she had retired as the headmaster, her personality had changed, restoring to that of a youngdy.


    She had to keep a stern face as the headmaster, but that wasn¡¯t her genuine personality.


    Fan Zhen wanted to say something, but he was speechless.

 Chapter 271 - Ninth-Level Marrow Cleansing Realm

    <h4>Chapter 271 - Ninth-Level Marrow Cleansing Realm</h4>


    The reality of Xue Shixiong¡¯s demise was not a dream. The Xue n descended into a profound silence, from the servants to the descendants. A mirror of fear was reflected in their eyes.


    If Xue Shixiong were used as aparison, he would be the foundation of a house. The elites would be the beams and pirs, and the ordinary descendants would be the bricks and tiles.


    A house would ultimately copse after losing the foundation, no matter how luxurious the bricks and tiles were.


    Thousands of spiritual liquid droplets flowed into the world in Liu Wuxie¡¯s dantian. A bean-sized core hovered above the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron. There was a figure on the core that looked precisely like Xue Shixiong; this was thetter¡¯s remnant soul.


    Though Xue Shixiong might¡¯ve lost his physique, his soul remained. This was like the demon¡¯s head Liu Wuxie had encountered back in the Python King Battlefield. The demon''s head had managed to kill many cultivators in the Marrow Cleansing Realm, even if it was just a strand of remnant soul.


    Xue Shixiong¡¯s soul strand hovered above the cauldron, spewing all kinds of nasty words.


    Demonic me gushed and enveloped the core, refining it with Xue Shixiong¡¯s remnant soul. Screams could be hearding from the remnant soul, and it didn¡¯t take long before it dissipated.


    As the spiritual liquid flowed into the world within Liu Wuxie''s dantian, it fortified it with energies imbued with the essence of a True Core Realm expert''sw.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s cultivation began to rise shortly after, swiftly heading towards the ninth-level Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    Witnessing this, members of the Xue n relinquished their weapons and sumbed to despair. With their elite warriors defeated, it wouldn''t be long before the ordinary descendants faced inevitable annihtion.


    Liu Wuxie extracted thirty thousand spirit stones and cast them into the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron. The stones disintegrated into thousands of droplets of spiritual liquid, replenishing the depleted energy.


    The mysterious tree began to flourish, with more branches spreading to the universe, drawing spiritual energy from heaven and earth.


    Potent shockwaves radiated from Liu Wuxie, propelling all nearby rocks into the air. The intensity of the shockwave prevented anyone from approaching within a hundred-meter radius. A subtle true core intent began to permeate the spiritual array.


    ¡°True core intent! He cleared his divine bridge?!¡± Luo Zhaojun was shocked. No one knew what it meant for someone in the Marrow Cleansing Realm to clear their divine bridge.


    Many people were bewildered because they didn¡¯t know about the divine bridge.


    Mu Yueying¡¯s eyes shimmered with splendor and surprise. She finally understood why Liu Wuxie was so strong and capable of killing an expert in the True Core Realm. It turned out he had already cleared his divine bridge.


    Fan Zhen was taken aback, realizing that his previous estimations of Liu Wuxie had fallen short.


    The True Core Realm spectators were taken aback. They had devoted over a hundred years to clear their divine bridge, yet Liu Wuxie was still so young. They didn¡¯t dare to imagine what height Liu Wuxie would reach when he had already reached such heights at his age. Perhaps only the cultivation world was suitable for him.


    Liu Wuxie spent fifteen minutes finishing his breakthrough to the pinnacle of the Marrow Cleansing Realm and stabilized his cultivation. He was only one step away from the True Core Realm.


    A powerful True Core Realm aura swept out when he reached out and clenched his fist. He hadn¡¯t reached the True Core Realm, but he could already manipte the power of True Core.


    After his cultivation stabilized, Liu Wuxie raised his head to look at Xue Dingtian. The Xue n¡¯s higher hierarchy was practically dead, and the remaining were only in the higher levels of the Spirit Cleansing Realm.


    Feeling Liu Wuxie¡¯s gaze, Xue Dingtian shivered and finally came out of his stupor. He realized that with Xue Shixiong¡¯s demise, the Xue n was doomed.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, do you intend to annihte us all?¡± Xue Dingtian asked through gritted teeth. If the conflict ended with Xue Shixiong¡¯s death, Xue Dingtian could still gather the remaining n members to recover. There might still be a chance for them to rise again in the future.


    ¡°That¡¯s right!¡± Liu Wuxie said, pronouncing the Xue n¡¯s fate. Some ordinary descendants copsed to the ground, their hopes shattered, and their will to live extinguished.


    For a cultivator, losing one¡¯s will meant forfeiting any chance of bing an expert.


    ¡°Hahaha!¡± ¡°Hahaha!¡± Xue Dingtianughed, tears streaming down his face. He had never anticipated the downfall of the Xue n.


    A montage of memories flooded his mind, and he was acutely aware of Liu Wuxie¡¯s grudge against the Xue n. Once hisughter subsided, his gaze hardened, and he turned to Xue Yu, who had already copsed on the ground.


    ¡°Bring that scoundrel here!¡± Xue Dingtianmanded through gritted teeth. He had lost his sons, and Xue Yu was his only remaining kin.


    Two Xue n¡¯s descendants carried Xue Yu over to Xue Dingtian.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, everything started because of him. Can you give the Xue n a chance if I kill him with my own hands?¡± Xue Dingtian raised his head and nned to kill his most beloved grandson to save the Xue n.


    His decision stirred a wave of admiration among many. It was expected of Xue Dingtian to make such a harsh choice for the welfare of the n. There¡¯s a saying that a tiger wouldn¡¯t eat its cubs, but for Xue Dingtian, it was worth it if he could trade Xue Yu¡¯s life for the survival of the entire Xue n.


    ¡°Grandfather, don¡¯t kill me!¡± Hearing that Xue Dingtian wanted to kill him, Xue Yu was scared out of his wits, losing control of his bowls. A pungent stench came from his pants as he grabbed onto his grandfather¡¯s legs because he didn¡¯t want to die.


    Tears rolled down Xue Dingtian¡¯s cheeks as he sighed. Liu Wuxie and Xue Yu belonged to the same generation, but no one in the Xue n¡¯s younger generation could surpass Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Child, I¡¯m sorry. But I have no choice but to sacrifice you for the entire Xue n.¡± Not everyone dared to take the life of their bloodline. Xue Dingtian raised his hand but hesitated, awaiting Liu Wuxie¡¯s response.


    ¡°I can promise not to take another life!¡± Liu Wuxie agreed after a brief pondering. Xue Yu was the cause of everything, and their feud would end with Xue Yu¡¯s death.


    Upon receiving Liu Wuxie¡¯s response, Xue Dingtian let out augh. However, his figure appeared forlorn, as he had hoped for Liu Wuxie to refuse his proposition, thereby sparing him the agony of taking his grandson¡¯s life.


    ¡°My child, my feelings for you are a mix of love and resentment. I despise your ipetence and uselessness...¡± Xue Dingtian closed his eyes, and his right hand came down on Xue Yu¡¯s head, ending his life.


    Xue Yu¡¯s eyes were filled with fear before his death. He was still young, and his life had just begun. But his life hade to an end at the hands of his well-respected grandfather.


    His eyes remained wide open as he fell to the ground, gazing at his surroundings as if expressing his unfulfilled desires and longing for the world.


    The surroundings fell into silence. Everyone had mixed emotions and couldn¡¯t express the difort they were feeling.


    Perhaps, in the eyes of many, it should have been Liu Wuxie who met his end. This unexpected turn of events, with the sudden reversal of fate, took everyone by surprise.


    Even those who supported Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t think he coulde out unscathed and win the fight. Xue Shixiong¡¯s death had never crossed anyone¡¯s mind.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, I have taken his life myself. Shouldn¡¯t our grievancee to an end now?¡± Xue Dingtian took a deep breath. He concealed all the pain and hatred for his losses in the depths of his heart to ensure the Xue n could make it through this crisis.


    ¡°I said that I won¡¯t take another life, but I didn¡¯t say I won¡¯t cripple all of your cultivation.¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s tone didn¡¯t contain a hint of emotion, and he drew out the Heretic de, swinging it down and unleashing countless de auras to the surroundings.


    He knew how many experts were left in the Xue n because of Ghost Eye.


    Screams and cries could be hearding from the surroundings as all the Xue n¡¯s members had their dantian destroyed. Only the old, sick, young, and disabled were spared.


    Even Xue Dingtian wasn¡¯t exempt; his dantian shattered, rendering him crippled.


    ¡°Hahaha! I knew it! I knew it wouldn¡¯t end so easily!¡± Xue Dingtian suddenly went insane and looked pitiful. ¡°My beloved grandson, your grandfather wille and join you.¡±


    Xue Dingtian took out a dagger from his interspatial pouch and stabbed himself in the heart before copsing beside Xue Yu.


    ¡°Patriarch!¡± All the servants and descendants went on their knees, and the Xue n was utterly destroyed from that moment onward.


    Sheathing the Heretic de, Liu Wuxie slowly exited the Xue n. Everyone made way for him, and he formed a seal to dismiss the Immortal Burial Array when he was at the entrance.


    With the spiritual array lifted, everyone coulde and go now.


    Liu Wuxie continued to walk out without excitement, even after destroying the Xue n. He was calm andposed because the Xue n was only a stumbling block in his life, and he had to carry on his journey after kicking it away.


    The crowd made way for Liu Wuxie, and even the True Core Realm experts had fear reflected in their eyes. Everyone¡¯s assessment of Liu Wuxie was his cruelty. Once he made up his mind, he would spare no effort to aplish it.


    ¡°Wuxie!¡± Xu Yilin squeezed his way through the crowd and yelled.


    Upon hearing Xu Yilin¡¯s voice, a radiant smile spread across Liu Wuxie¡¯s face. In that instant, his emotions surged back, making him feel like a young man again, a stark contrast to the formidable warrior he had been moments before.


    ¡°Father-inw, mother-inw!¡± Liu Wuxie bowed at the sight of Xu Yilin and Yang Zi.


    ¡°It has been a month since west met, and even I have to look up to you now!¡± Xu Yilin patted Liu Wuxie¡¯s shoulders heavily.


    Depending on the pills and cultivation technique that Liu Wuxie had previously left behind during hisst visit to Azure Billow City, Xu Yilin had managed to reach the advanced stages of the Marrow Cleansing Realm. However, just when he believed he had caught up to Liu Wuxie, he discovered that the gap between them had widened rather than narrowed.


    As the streets were crowded, Liu Wuxie brought Xu Yilin and Yang Zi to the Treasure Pill Pavilion instead of the Imperial Academy.


    Upon learning that Xu Lingxue had left the academy and entered the cultivation world, Liu Wuxie no longer had any sense of belonging to the Imperial Academy.


    He had joined the Imperial Academy with two objectives: to acquire resources and to look after Xu Lingxue. Now that he had already achieved his goals, it no longer mattered to him if he stayed in the Imperial Academy.


    The three came to the Treasure Pill Pavilion because this ce made Liu Wuxie feel more at ease, and everyone here was his friend.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s arrival was greeted with utmost enthusiasm, and they spared a courtyard for Xu Yilin and Yang Zi. After all, as the chief alchemist, Liu Wuxie had a courtyard to himself, but he never stayed there.


    The aftermath of the earlier battle still lingered in everyone¡¯s minds. Following the downfall of the Xue n, the remaining four ns quickly seized the Xue n¡¯s assets within a mere span of two hours.

 Chapter 272 - Arrangements

    <h4>Chapter 272 - Arrangements</h4>


    After ensuring Xu Yilin and Yang Zi werefortably settled in the courtyard, Liu Wuxie chose not to join them. Instead, he decided to take a two-hour rest to regain hisposure.


    This was due to the fierce aura that had built up in his heart after taking so many lives, which could potentially give rise to inner demons if not addressed.


    He didn¡¯t want to turn into a monster that only knew how to kill. Thus, he nned to meditate to resolve the ferocity in his heart.


    Two hourster, Liu Wuxie opened his eyes, and the turmoil within his heart had vanished. The murderous aura that had previously enveloped him had also faded away.


    Meanwhile, Xu Yilin was in the main hall, engaged in a conversation with Master Mao and Bi Gongyu. They were discussing the possibility of relocating to Imperial City.


    Azure Billow City had be too constricting for them as they expanded, and this presented an excellent opportunity to transfer their assets to the Imperial City. With the backing of the Treasure Pill Pavilion, who would dare to cross them?


    Xu Yilin had contemted this move long ago, but the right opportunity had eluded him until now. His visit to the Imperial City was primarily to discuss this matter with Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Father-inw, Master Mao!¡± Liu Wuxie came into the main hall and greeted the two.


    Bi Gongyu, who was also present, could be considered Liu Wuxie¡¯s disciple, and no master would bow to his disciple.


    ¡°Wuxie, you¡¯re making me ufortable. Just call me Old Mao; I¡¯m morefortable that way.¡± Master Mao stood up and waved his hands.


    After defeating an expert in the True Core Realm, Liu Wuxie¡¯s status had ascended beyond that realm. In the Great Yan Dynasty, he was virtually unmatched.


    Liu Wuxie smiled and brushed it off. He was nning to leave soon, as the Battle of Hundred Nations was just around the corner. With Xu Yilin¡¯s arrival in the Imperial City, it was the perfect opportunity for him to say his goodbyes.


    ¡°Brother Xu, Master, please continue your conversation while we excuse ourselves,¡± Bi Gongyu announced, no longer concealing his rtionship with Liu Wuxie as his master. In fact, it was a matter of pride, and many envied him for this opportunity.


    After Bi Gongyu and Master Mao left, Liu Wuxie, Xu Yilin, and Yang Zi were the only people left in the main hall.


    ¡°Wuxie, I heard that Xue¡¯er has entered the cultivation world.¡± Xu Yilin intended to have a family reunion on this trip, but he was informed that Xu Lingxue had been sent to the cultivation world. He didn¡¯t know when he would be able to see her again.


    ¡°That¡¯s right!¡± Liu Wuxie nodded. He didn¡¯t hide it, as Xu Yilin should know about it. It must be hard for them to ept Xu Lingxue¡¯s departure, especially for Yang Zi, who had been crying non-stop.


    They knew that the cultivation world was cruel, where killing and plundering were the norm. With Xu Lingxue¡¯s outstanding appearance, she was bound to attract unnecessary trouble after entering the cultivation world, which they were most worried about.


    As for whether Xu Lingxue could be immortal, they weren¡¯t concerned about that.


    ¡°Wuxie, I heard from Master Mao that you¡¯re going to participate in the Battle of the Hundred Nations, and you can enter the cultivation world as long as you perform well. Is that true?¡± Xu Yilin looked at Liu Wuxie excitedly.


    If Liu Wuxie could enter the cultivation world, he and Xu Lingxue would be able to look after each other.


    Liu Wuxie naturally knew what Xu Yilin was thinking. Xu Lingxue was too innocent, and thetter feared that she might be bullied in the cultivation world. But with Liu Wuxie looking after her, he would feel more at ease.


    ¡°Father-inw, mother-inw, please rest assured about Xue¡¯er¡¯s safety. I n to enter the cultivation world during the Battle of Hundred Nations, which is just five days away. I will ensure that news is sent back if there are any updates,¡± Liu Wuxie stated solemnly, making a firm promise.


    Xu Yilin and Yang Zi¡¯s facial expressions improved upon hearing Liu Wuxie¡¯s promise.


    Over the past six months, Liu Wuxie¡¯s achievements had transformed him in Xu Yilin¡¯s eyes; he no longer saw Liu Wuxie as a child.


    Subsequently, they engaged in a discussion about the future growth of the Xu n, with Xu Yilin suggesting a move to the Imperial City.


    Liu Wuxie had no objection because Azure Billow City was too small. In the Imperial City, the Qin and Yan ns could look after the Xu n for him, not to mention the royal family and Treasure Pill Pavilion. With their help, the Xu n¡¯s development would be rapid.


    After some casual chat, Liu Wuxie returned early to n the future development of the Xu n. Xu Yilin still needed to improve in growing into arge n, and Liu Wuxie could write his n down to prevent Xu Yilin from taking the wrong path.


    Xu Yilin was dumbfounded when Liu Wuxie ced down a stack of papers that he had spent an entire day preparing. The papers recorded the n''s arrangement and allocation of resources.


    Xu Yilin gazed at Liu Wuxie, his eyes wide with astonishment. He was aware that Liu Wuxie¡¯s ability to provide such intricate details was an indication of his extensive experience. Despite this, Xu Yilin had be familiar with Liu Wuxie¡¯s methods, and he found the information Liu Wuxie provided to be quite useful.


    ¡°Chief, thedy of the house wishes to see you!¡± Sang Yan approached Liu Wuxie as he exited the main hall.


    ¡°Got it!¡± Liu Wuxie bade farewell to Xu Yilin before heading to the floor where Mu Yueying resided. The Battle of the Hundred Nations would soon begin, and he initially nned to visit Mu Yueying after dealing with the Xu n¡¯s matters.


    The pavilion was quiet as Mu Yueying was formally dressed that day.


    ¡°I¡¯m leaving the Great Yan Dynasty!¡± Mu Yueying cut straight to the chase. Liu Wuxie had anticipated this, so he wasn¡¯t taken aback.


    ¡°Back to the cultivation world?¡± Liu Wuxie might¡¯ve anticipated it, but he didn¡¯t expect it to happen so quickly.


    ¡°The sect has summoned me and asked me to return as soon as possible.¡± Mu Yueying seemed reluctant to return. Liu Wuxie had this feeling ever since he got acquainted with her.


    Typically, only disciples who exhausted their potential or had no status would be dispatched to the mortal world to manage the assets there. No geniuses woulde to such a remote ce when they could stay in the cultivation world.


    Liu Wuxie could guess that Mu Yueying¡¯s background wasn¡¯t straightforward because even the envoy of the Cloud Xing Pavilion was fearful of her. But that brings the question: why did she give up her promising future toe to such a remote ce like the Great Yan Dynasty?


    ¡°When are you leaving?¡± The Battle of the Hundred Nations was in three days, and Liu Wuxie might not have the time to send her off.


    ¡°After settling the affairs at the Treasure Pill Pavilion!¡± Mu Yueying¡¯s voice held a trace of sadness. Returning to the cultivation world meant giving up thefortable life she had in the Great Yan Dynasty.


    The room fell into a brief silence, with no one speaking. Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t know how tofort her.


    ¡°You called me over just to tell me this?¡± Liu Wuxie asked. He had a feeling that there must be another reason why Mu Yueying called him over.


    ¡°There¡¯s one more thing I want to discuss with you!¡± Mu Yueying raised her head with a hint of hope and anticipation in her eyes.


    ¡°Proceed. I can assure you that as long as it¡¯s within my power, I will fulfill your request.¡± Liu Wuxie had received considerable assistance from Mu Yueying over the past six months. Without her help, he might have fallen at the hands of the Xue n long ago. He was willing to agree to her request as long as it didn¡¯t conflict with his principles.


    ¡°I hope you can join the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion after the Battle of the Hundred Nations.¡± Mu Yueying finally said it. The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion would suffer a significant loss if they missed out on a talent like him.


    ¡°I¡¯ll give it some thought!¡± Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t make a promise because he didn¡¯t know much about the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. He couldn¡¯t possiblymit to something based solely on Mu Yueying¡¯s words.


    Mu Yueying didn¡¯t press Liu Wuxie for an answer. As long as he kept her request in mind, that was enough for her. His choice was his own to make, and no one had the right to interfere.


    Liu Wuxie and Mu Yueying engaged in a wide-ranging discussion, covering topics such as the Battle of the Hundred Nations and the state of the cultivation world. They discussed the ten major sects and the significant ns within the cultivation world, all of which was crucial information for Liu Wuxie.


    Their conversation extended until sunset, after which Liu Wuxie departed from the Treasure Pill Pavilion and returned to the Imperial Academy. Fan Zhen awaited him along the way, and they returned to the Academy together.


    ¡°The Battle of Hundred Nations is about tomence, and this might be our final conversation,¡± Fan Zhen said, his tone tinged with mncholy. The Battle of Hundred Nations was a significant event for both the Imperial Academy and the Great Yan Dynasty.


    ¡°If you have something to say, then say it,¡± Liu Wuxie responded, his face devoid of any expression. Many students they passed along the way looked on with envy.


    ¡°I have but one request: you must secure a ce in the top ten, no matter what. This way, the Great Yan Dynasty can ascend to an intermediate nation and reim our lost territories,¡± Fan Zhen stated, stopping to look at Liu Wuxie with a serious expression.


    The Great Yan Dynasty had suffered losses in the Battle of the Hundred Nations, resulting in the loss of more and more territories. They couldn¡¯t afford another defeat, but Liu Wuxie¡¯s emergence brought a glimmer of hope to Fan Zhen and the nation.


    ¡°I¡¯ll do my best,¡± Liu Wuxie responded, not making any promises. He wasmitted to giving his best effort but refrained from making any overconfident ims.


    ¡°Alright, we will set off tomorrow. Headmaster Luo and I will apany you.¡± Fan Zhen¡¯s facial expression improved. He understood Liu Wuxie¡¯s personality and knew thetter would do his best.


    When Liu Wuxie returned to his abode, he cleared his mind and cultivated. However, not long after he began cultivating, a berserk True Core Realm expert¡¯s aura spread out and enveloped the Heaven Grade region, even spreading to the Imperial City.


    ¡°Hahaha! I have finally reached the True Core Realm! Liu Wuxie, I want you dead!¡± Mo Chong finally reached the True Core Realm after a few days of cultivation. The first thing he wanted to do after exiting his abode was to seek revenge.


    But just when he stepped out of his abode, he was intercepted by ten-odd students.


    ¡°Senior Brother Mo, don¡¯t be rash!¡± The students forcibly stopped Mo Chong, preventing him from seeking revenge.


    ¡°What are you all doing? Why are you stopping me? I won¡¯t rest until I kill Liu Wuxie today!¡± Mo Chong trembled, releasing his aura in the True Core Realm, sending the ten-odd students flying away.


    After all, Liu Wuxie had humiliated him previously, and he was determined to take revenge.


    Mo Chong headed straight to Liu Wuxie¡¯s abode. Their abodes were close, and he reached Liu Wuxie¡¯s abode in a few breaths.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie,e out and die!¡± Mo Chong¡¯s voice was loud, spreading throughout the Heaven Grade region. He wanted everyone to know that he had reached the True Core Realm.


    Many students stumbled and nearly burst intoughter.


    Liu Wuxie was in seclusion, and there was a hint of murderous intent on his face after being interrupted. When he opened the gate, there was a hint of disgust in the depth of his eyes when he saw Mo Chong.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, you will die today!¡± Mo Chong fearlessly released his aura in the True Core Realm.


    However, he saw no change in Liu Wuxie¡¯s expressions. On the contrary, Liu Wuxie looked at him like he was looking at a clown.


    The students who tried to stop Mo Chong earlier rushed over and dragged thetter.

 Chapter 273 - Sky Tyrant Eagle

    <h4>Chapter 273 - Sky Tyrant Eagle</h4>


    While many people were present in the vicinity, they kept their distance and did not approach.


    ¡°What are you all doing? Get lost! I want to kill Liu Wuxie!¡± Mo Chong roared furiously.


    The spectators burst intoughter when they heard Mo Chong''s words. Since he had been in seclusion for the past few days, he didn¡¯t know what had happened outside.


    ¡°Senior Brother Mo, you need to calm down. You can¡¯t defeat him.¡± The students stopped Mo Chong by clinging onto his waist, with two hugging his legs. They knew that Mo Chong would only die if he acted recklessly.


    Liu Wuxie shrugged and looked at Mo Chong with a smile. Thews of a True Core Realm expert were vital to him. The more he absorbed, the stronger his foundation would be.


    ¡°No, I must kill him today, no matter what!¡± Mo Chong was adamant. He believed that his status could be elevated to the level of the headmaster after reaching the True Core Realm, and he was not willing to swallow the humiliation inflicted by Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Senior Brother Mo, please listen to us and leave quickly!¡± The ten-odd students clinging onto Mo Chong were on the verge of tearing up. They even wanted to bite Mo Chong because they had never seen such a foolish person.


    The waves ofughter in the surroundings grew even louder. Many were present to witness Liu Wuxie¡¯s fight with the Xue n. However, they couldn¡¯t see Liu Wuxie¡¯s fight with Xue Shixiong clearly as they were too far away, and this was an opportunity they didn¡¯t want to miss.


    ¡°Get lost! Get out of my way!¡± Mo Chong pushed away the two students clinging onto his arms and walked towards Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Go ahead if you want to die!¡± The ten-odd students gave up trying to stop Mo Chong. Since Mo Chong wasn¡¯t willing to listen to them, they couldn¡¯t be bothered anymore.


    They turned around and left, not wanting to get involved in this matter any further. They had already done their best as friends, but there was nothing they could do since Mo Chong wanted to court death.


    Mo Chong was stumped. What did they mean by those words? He would die if he went ahead?


    A burst ofughter came from the surroundings, and many people teared up.


    There were only two people left on the tform. Liu Wuxie stood there quietly while Mo Chong was ced in a dilemma. Thetter couldn¡¯tprehend what was happening and why everyone wasughing at him.


    He had reached the True Core Realm, but why wasn¡¯t anyone afraid of him and was more fearful of Liu Wuxie instead?


    ¡°Senior Brother Mo,e back. Just three days ago, Senior Brother Liu killed the True Core Realm expert of the Xue n and wiped out the n.¡± The ten-odd students who had stopped Mo Chong earlier yelled from afar.


    ¡°What?!¡± Mo Chong staggered and nearly fell to the ground facet. <i>Liu Wuxie killed the Xue n¡¯s True Core Realm expert three days ago?</i>


    He had just made his breakthrough and was so eager to seek revenge that he didn¡¯t have time to stabilize his foundation. His strength couldn¡¯t bepared to the Xue n¡¯s True Core Realm expert, who had reached the True Core Realm a century ago.


    This news hit Mo Chong hard, and his facial expression became stiff.


    Liu Wuxie looked at Mo Chong with a mocking smile. The atmosphere was strange, and Mo Chong was caught in a dilemma. After all, he had publicly dered his intent to kill Liu Wuxie that very day.


    His words, spoken not too long ago, now seemed to echo back at him like a stinging p to his face.


    ¡°What are you waiting for? Make your move!¡± Liu Wuxie taunted, wearing a yful smirk.


    Mo Chong¡¯s heart was filled with hatred. If his friends hadn¡¯t reminded him, he would¡¯ve challenged Liu Wuxie blindly and gotten himself killed. He had reached the True Core Realm with great difficulty and didn¡¯t want to die.


    ¡°Uh...Brother Liu, this is a misunderstanding!¡± Mo Chong¡¯s attitude changedpletely, trying to brush the matter off as a misunderstanding.


    This scene shocked all the spectators. Was this still the strongest core disciple they knew? Mo Chong was terrified when he heard that Xue n¡¯s True Core Realm expert was killed.


    ¡°A misunderstanding?¡± Liu Wuxie wore a harmless smile, but a hint of murderous intent shed in the depth of his eyes. He continued, ¡°What do you take this ce for? Somewhere you cane and go as you wish?¡±


    A terrifying chill enveloped the entire tform, and Mo Chong took a huge step back.


    ¡°Brother Liu, don¡¯t push it! I¡¯m in the True Core Realm, and no one can stop me from leaving!¡± Mo Chong had already admitted his mistake. He knew he couldn¡¯t beat Liu Wuxie, but no one could stop him if he wanted to leave.


    ¡°Feel free to try!¡± Liu Wuxie vanished and appeared before Mo Chong, scaring thetter into screaming.


    After reaching the ninth-level Marrow Cleansing Realm and refining the energies of a True Core Realm cultivator, Liu Wuxie¡¯s strength had undergone a drastic transformation. He was a few hundred times strongerpared to when he was in the eighth-level Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    He could even kill ordinary cultivators in the True Core Realm with a single p.


    Mo Chong was scared out of his wits and quickly retreated, nning an escape. But before he could move, Liu Wuxie sent him flying with a p.


    When Mo Chong fell, he rolled down the mountain and crashed into the crowd. His face was bruised, and it was pathetic that a True Core Realm expert was sent flying with a p.


    Everyone had anticipated Mo Chong to retaliate, especially after the humiliation he suffered at the hands of Liu Wuxie, now that he was in the True Core Realm. However, before anyone could react, Mo Chong fled without a second thought, as if wishing for an extra pair of legs to aid his escape.


    This stumped everyone because no one had expected Mo Chong to flee without hesitation. Even Liu Wuxie was shocked by this scene.


    However, since Mo Chong had chosen to flee, Liu Wuxie decided not to concern himself with him any longer. They no longer belonged to the same realm; the True Core Realm was the limit for Mo Chong.


    Liu Wuxie returned to his abode, and it was almost time for him to leave. Mo Chong would also participate in the Battle of the Hundred Nations if there were no surprises. This was likely the reason he had emerged after reaching the True Core Realm.


    Two hourster, Fan Zhen arrived as scheduled. The Battle of the Hundred Nations was finally about to begin.


    In addition to Liu Wuxie and Mo Chong, a group of ten or so disciples from the Imperial Academy would also participate in the Battle of Hundred Nations. This event was not only a matter of honor for the Great Yan Dynasty, but it could also serve as a stepping stone for the participants.


    Twenty people gathered in the Heavenly Grade region¡¯s field. When Mo Chong saw Liu Wuxie again, he didn¡¯t even dare to get too close.


    Luo Zhaojun was filled with excitement, a stark contrast to the past when it was a painful task for her to lead disciples to participate in the Battle of Hundred Nations. This year was different because they had Liu Wuxie.


    Only Mo Chong had reached the True Core Realm among the eighteen students, while the others were at the pinnacle of the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    ¡°We havepiled eighteen sets of information regarding the Battle of the Hundred Nations. You all can look at it along the way, and we also included information on the geniuses of other nations in recent years.¡± Fan Zhen took out eighteen booklets and handed them to everyone.


    The other nations had also investigated the geniuses of their Imperial Academy. After all, information was crucial to victory.


    ¡°There is only information on fifteen nations. Isn¡¯t it called the Battle of the Hundred Nations?¡± a student voiced his doubt because only about a hundred people were recorded in the booklet.


    ¡°These fifteen nations are in close proximity to the Great Yan Dynasty, and they fiercelypete over territories. The other nations are located further away, making it inconvenient for us to gather information,¡± Fan Zhen rified.


    It might be called the Battle of the Hundred Nations, but it was exaggerated because there would be only fifty-odd nations. Some declining nations might still need to send out representatives.


    Liu Wuxie scanned the booklet and remembered all the information before throwing the booklet into the interspatial pouch.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get going. It will take roughly ten days for us to reach our destination!¡± The battlefield was far from the Great Yan Dynasty, requiring ten days to travel. In the process, they had to pass by multiple nations.


    ¡°Ten days? Can we reach there in time?¡± The youth who sounded his doubt earlier spoke out. The Great Yan Dynasty might not be an intermediate nation, but it would take a few days to travel.


    ¡°You speak a lot!¡± Luo Zhaojun looked unhappy. No one questioned because, judging from Fan Zhen¡¯s words, there must be an arrangement.


    ¡°Bai Fan, shut up and just listen to the arrangement!¡± The other students showed a hint of unhappiness.


    Over ten thousand students gathered around the field with a yearning expression, but it was a pity that they weren¡¯t qualified to participate.


    The Battle of the Hundred Nations wasn¡¯t easy; one would lose their life if they weren¡¯t careful. Not many people coulde back alive.


    Fan Zhen blew a whistle, producing a weird and prative sound that spread out of the Imperial Academy, reaching the mountain range.


    This baffled everyone; they had yet to learn what Fan Zhen was doing. However, roughly fifteen minutester, the sky darkened as the sunlight was blocked.


    Sounds simr to the whistle could be heard as a massive aerial demonic beast flew out from the mountain range. This demonic beast had a wingspan of over a hundred meters.


    The appearance of such a colossal demonic beast was a rare sight. Its powerful gust and aura were enough to terrify ordinary students.


    ¡°That¡¯s the Sky Tyrant Eagle!¡± A cry of exmation could be hearding from the surroundings. Sky Tyrant Eagles were extremely rare and were said to be on the verge of extinction. So, how did the headmastere to control such a creature?


    As Sky Tyrant Eagles wererge, it was difficult for them to find a suitable habitat. Despite theirrge size, they possessed a gentle temperament, contrasting with other ferocious demonic beasts.


    Liu Wuxie showed a hint of confusion in his eyes because this Sky Tyrant Eagle was mighty and a fifth-grade demonic beast.


    ¡°A century ago, we discovered a young Sky Tyrant Eagle in the mountain range and tamed it. We usually don¡¯t interfere but will summon it when needed,¡± exined some of the older-generation teachers who were familiar with this.


    During the previous Battle of Hundred Nations a decade ago, the participants were transported to the battlefield by the Sky Tyrant Eagle. Ten yearster, the Sky Tyrant Eagle made its appearance again, but this time, all the students were new faces.


    The Sky Tyrant Eagle circled the Imperial Academy, causing a violent gust that blew some roofs away.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go. This ce is too small for it tond!¡± Fan Zhen led everyone out of the Imperial Academy and into the mountain range.


    Roughly fifteen minutester, they arrived in a vast open area as the Sky Tyrant Eagle descended, unleashing a powerful gust. Itsnding caused the entire valley to tremble as if an earthquake had struck.


    The Sky Tyrant Eagle looked like a hill with beautiful purplish-brown feathers. The female students couldn¡¯t contain their excitement when they saw it close up.


    As the students were led towards the Sky Tyrant Eagle, it raised its head in disdain, seemingly ignoring the humans on the ground. It exhibited a hint of fear only towards Luo Zhaojun and Fan Zhen, paying no heed to the other students.


    Demonic beasts had their pride, especially fifth-grade demonic beasts. Fifth-grade demonic beasts were highly intelligent, and they could discern between strong and weak.

 Chapter 274 - Dragon Battlefield

    <h4>Chapter 274 - Dragon Battlefield</h4>


    Fan Zhen caressed the Sky Tyrant Eagle, signaling it not to show any hostility.


    The Sky Tyrant Eagle lowered its head and swept its gaze through the eighteen students. When it saw Liu Wuxie, it showed a hint of fear in its eyes. This was weird because the Sky Tyrant Eagle showed no reaction when it saw Mo Chong but trembled at the sight of Liu Wuxie.


    Shaking its head, the Sky Tyrant Eagle restored its prideful demeanor.


    ¡°Everyone, get on!¡±


    The Sky Tyrant Eagle lowered its body, making it convenient for everyone to climb on it.


    Luo Zhaojun was the first to ascend the Sky Tyrant Eagle, taking a seat at the front, near the neck. Mo Chong, along with the other students, followed suit. As they sat on the Sky Tyrant Eagle¡¯s back, they ran their hands through its feathers, which felt as soft as sinking into a pile of cotton. They werepletely enveloped in the soft, fluffy feathers.


    The hard ridges on either side of the eagle¡¯s back, resembling two hills, provided perfect protection for them in the middle, preventing them from being swept away by the wind.


    When the Sky Tyrant Eagle soared at high speeds, the powerful airflow could easily shred the bodies of True Core Realm cultivators like sharp des. Ordinary cultivators in the Marrow Cleansing Realm couldn¡¯t withstand it, unlike demonic beasts who could resist the powerful airflow with their bodies.


    Fan Zhen was thest to mount the Sky Tyrant Eagle¡¯s back. With Luo Zhaojun at the front and Fan Zhen at the rear, they safeguarded the eighteen students nestled between them.


    ¡°The front has a better view. Let¡¯s go over to the front!¡± Mo Chong was excited and headed to the front, sitting behind Luo Zhaojun.


    Everyone else quickly followed suit, eager to enjoy the view from the front. Interestingly, Liu Wuxie chose to move to the back instead of joining the others at the front, opting to sit in front of Fan Zhen.


    ¡°Senior Brother Liu, why aren¡¯t you going to the front?¡± one of the three female students asked curiously.


    ¡°I suggest you all sit at the back,¡± Liu Wuxie said. He closed his eyes and isted himself from the outside world after he was done, and he couldn¡¯t be bothered to exin the reason.


    ¡°Junior Sister Xing, don¡¯t listen to him. Come over here quickly! The view is fantastic from here!¡± Bai Fan beckoned, inviting the three female students to sit at the front. Having theirpany would certainly make the journey less monotonous.


    After all, the journey would take ten days, meaning they would spend the next ten days on the Sky Tyrant Eagle. It would be too lonely to sit at the back alone.


    The student named Xing Lian nced at Liu Wuxie before walking to the front. Two male students stood up and made room for Xing Lan to sit between them.


    ¡°Senior Sister Qin, let¡¯s sit at the back!¡± The other two women didn¡¯t move and chose to sit behind, roughly a meter away from Liu Wuxie.


    Senior Sister Qin nodded as the two sat down.


    After everyone settled down, Fan Zhen nced at Liu Wuxie and nodded in satisfaction with a hint of praise in his eyes.


    ¡°This is everyone¡¯s first time riding an aerial demonic beast. You might feel nauseous at the beginning, and these bags are for when you need to throw up.¡± Fan Zhen distributed eighteen bags among the students.


    Some students threw them into their interspatial pouch. They were geniuses and could even handle low-altitude flights with no issues. How could they possibly feel nauseous and throw up?


    Fan Zhen didn¡¯t bother with them and blew the whistle once everyone had settled down.


    Upon receiving themand, the Sky Tyrant Eagle spread its wings wide, a sight that thrilled the students at the front. After all, even cultivators at the True Core Realm were incapable of flight.


    Even Liu Wuxie could only levitate a few dozen meters off the ground at best. The Sky Tyrant Eagle would be tens of thousands of meters off the ground, a different experience from low-altitude flights.


    Gently pping its wings, the Sky Tyrant Eagle slowly ascended to the sky.


    Mo Chong and everyone felt the urge to roar excitedly as they watched the terrain shrink. But their excitement was cut short when the Sky Tyrant Eagle suddenly flew with tremendous speed.


    Whenever the Sky Tyrant Eagle pped its wings, a powerful gust would explode as the speed increased.


    Luo Zhaojun put on the prepared headgear, but Mo Chong and everyone else weren¡¯t so lucky. The wind was like knives, slicing their faces and bodies.


    Just opening their mouths posed a great difficulty, not to mention speaking. The wind would rush into their mouths whenever they tried to talk, almost choking them.


    Theirughter disappeared as no one dared to move when the Sky Tyrant Eagle flew. This was because the wind would blow them away if they stood up.


    They had no choice but to wait for the Sky Tyrant Eagle to cease its flight before they could rise.


    The two women turned to look at Liu Wuxie, shocked.


    ¡°Junior Brother Liu, thank you for your warning,¡± Senior Sister Qin said. The wind had little effect on them as they were seated at the back, shielded by the two ridges, and they could even converse.


    Liu Wuxie merely nodded his head and carried on cultivating. He didn¡¯t even open his eyes.


    ¡°Senior Sister Qin, how did Junior Brother Liu know where to sit?¡± the woman beside her asked. Could it be that Liu Wuxie had previously ridden an aerial demonic beast?


    The elder of the two women was Qin Lei, and the younger was Li Nanxiang. They hailed from the Qin and Li ns, respectively, two of the five major ns.


    Junior Brother Liu is shrouded in many mysteries, and I find it hard to articte,¡± Qin Lei confessed with a wry smile. ¡°Perhaps he possesses greater wisdom and experience than us!¡±


    Being part of the younger generation, their curiosity was only natural. It wasn¡¯t strange for Mo Chong and the others to sit in the front, but Liu Wuxie¡¯s behavior belied his age.


    As the Sky Tyrant Eagle soared past numerousrge cities, the wind intensified.


    Mo Chong and the others at the front bore the brunt of the wind, their faces stained with blood, a stark reminder of the harshness of the elements.


    They could not be bothered by it as they were men, but it felt like dying for Xing Lian. She regretted that she didn¡¯t heed Liu Wuxie¡¯s advice with bloodstains on her delicate face, which looked terrifying.


    A dayter, Fan Zhen signaled the Sky Tyrant Eagle to rest as everyone was exhausted and needed supplies.


    Mo Chong and the others were stiff when they descended into an uninhabited mountain range. It took them fifteen minutes to recover before getting off the Sky Tyrant Eagle.


    The moment they got off the Sky Tyrant Eagle, they began throwing up, and everyone had over a hundred cuts on their faces.


    It wasn¡¯t severe for Mo Chong, who had the strong physique of a True Core Realm cultivator. However, the other students weren¡¯t fortunate, as they were still in the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    ¡°My face!¡± Xing Lian screamed when she looked at her reflection in her bronze mirror. She couldn¡¯t believe it was her reflection because her hair was messy, and she looked like a ghost from hell.


    ¡°Wuxie, how are you?¡± Fan Zhen came over and asked with concern.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine!¡± Liu Wuxie sat in a corner and continued cultivating, not wanting to waste his time. He aimed to reach the True Core Realm before the Battle of the Hundred Nations. His divine bridge would be broader and stronger as he cultivated.


    ¡°No wonder Junior Brother Liu is so powerful. He¡¯s a maniac when ites to cultivating!¡± Li Nanxiang said with admiration on her face because Liu Wuxie never stopped cultivating for a moment throughout the journey.


    Following a two-hour respite, everyone ascended the Sky Tyrant Eagle. This time, having learned their lesson, all chose to sit at the back. However, no one dared to take Liu Wuxi¡¯s spot.


    The next few days were rtively peaceful. After an entire day of flight, they rested for two hours. In the blink of an eye, a vast in appeared before them after traversing billions of miles.


    Everyone could also see simr aerial demonic beasts approaching.


    ¡°Everyone, we¡¯re preparing to descend.¡± Fan Zhen said, and everyone opened their eyes with excitement.


    The Battle of the Hundred Nations was held once every decade, and sects would recruit those with outstanding performance to join the cultivation world.


    If anyone managed to enter the cultivation world, it would be an honor to their n. They could even rmend members of their ns to join the cultivation world.


    Only Liu Wuxie showed no emotions on his face, as though nothing could affect him.


    The Sky Tyrant Eagle descended andnded on the in. When theynded fifteen minutester, a deste aura engulfed everyone.


    The deste aura here was heavier than the Great Yan Dynasty, making their breathing somewhat hurried. All twenty people descended and stood by the side to sense the environment.


    ¡°Do you all know what this ce is called?¡± Fan Zhen would exin each time he brought students here; this time wasn¡¯t an exception.


    Everyone shook their heads, including Liu Wuxie. Mu Yueying didn¡¯t know much about the Battle of the Hundred Nations and had only shared information about the cultivation world with him.


    ¡°This is called the Dragon Battlefield!¡± Fan Zhen said with a grave expression as if he was showing reverence for this ce.


    ¡°Dragon Battlefield?¡±


    ¡°This name is weird!¡± This was the first time everyone heard of this name because this ce was far from the Great Yan Dynasty. They had to traverse multiple nations to arrive here.


    ¡°Do you all know why this ce is called Dragon Battlefield?¡±


    The Sky Tyrant Eagle spread its wings and took off to forage for food in the adjacent mountain range. It was set to return after the conclusion of the Battle of the Hundred Nations to pick everyone up.


    ¡°Headmaster, stop keeping us in suspense!¡± Bai Fan was a little impatient, urging the headmaster to hurry up with his exnation.


    Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t too interested because he had already sensed a familiar aura when they arrived.


    ¡°The reason is that dragons once battled here. Their blood and bones remain interred in this battlefield, which is how this ce earned its name.¡±


    In summary, this ce was irrigated with dragon¡¯s blood, their bones nourishing the surrounding mountains and forests, and their tendons shaping the earth.


    ¡°Are there dragons in this world?¡± Everyone showed longing on their faces. After all, dragons were only recorded in legends, and no one had seen them before.


    ¡°You will all discover in due time. It¡¯s not just dragons, but also other races unknown to you. The True Martial Continent is far more expansive than you can fathom, and humans are merely one among countless races.¡± Fan Zhen would not have divulged this information had they not arrived here.


    But that was something they had to know since they were here.

 Chapter 275 - Frogs In A Well

    <h4>Chapter 275 - Frogs In A Well</h4>


    Apart from Liu Wuxie, everyone showed longing on their faces. More demonic beasts descended on the Dragon Battlefield, and they were all representatives from the other nations.


    This was the first time everyone saw geniuses from other nations and became wary of each other. After all, the rtionship between the various nations has been tense in recent years.


    The Battle of the Hundred Nations involved the fate of a nation, and no one dared to be careless.


    ¡°Fan Zhen, it¡¯s surprising to see ack of promising talents from your Great Yan Dynasty this time.¡± A colossal demonic beastnded fifty meters away, and they approached the gathering of the Great Yan Dynasty.


    The one who spoke was an old man about the same age as Fan Zhen. He was roughly a hundred years old, a True Core Realm expert with formidable strength.


    ¡°Tan Wenxiong, what brings you here?¡± Fan Zhen¡¯s expression was one of displeasure, indicating their familiarity with each other.


    ¡°I¡¯m just curious. Can¡¯t you find any geniuses in your Great Yan Dynasty? Look at them! There¡¯s only one in the True Core Realm, and he probably made his breakthrough recently, judging from the purity of his true essence,¡± Tan Wenxiong said in a mocking tone as he stroked his beard.


    To mock right from the beginning meant they weren¡¯t friends but enemies.


    The other party had twenty-one people, seven of whom were in the True Core Realm. Everyone else was in the Quasi-True Core Realm, and they were much stronger inparison.


    Looking back at the Great Yan Dynasty¡¯s party, everyone else was at the pinnacle of the Marrow Cleansing Realm aside from Mo Chong.


    Faced with mockery, the eighteen students naturally became unhappy. They didn¡¯t provoke the other party, but the other party came to mock them. What were they up to?


    ¡°Headmaster, who are they?¡± Ma Zhuoyu asked.


    Mo Chong and the other students also looked over curiously.


    ¡°They¡¯re from the Sky Mansion Dynasty!¡± Fan Zhen didn¡¯t conceal anything. The Battle of the Hundred Nations was starting soon, and the students had to understand their opponents.


    ¡°The Sky Mansion Dynasty that has been viting our borders constantly?¡±


    Everyone showed a hint of anger when the Sky Mansion Dynasty was mentioned. Only Liu Wuxie could keep hisposure and nce at the representatives of the Sky Mansion Dynasty.


    ¡°During the previous Battle of the Hundred Nations, we lost two major cities, and one was lost to the Sky Mansion Dynasty. The Sky Mansion Dynasty still enves many citizens living in that city.¡± The citizens living in the conquered cities were at the bottom of the pyramid and no different from ves.


    This incident brought great disgrace to the Great Yan Dynasty, igniting a wave of anger in everyone.


    ¡°Tan Wenxiong, don¡¯t get ahead of yourself. The Battle of the Hundred Nations hasn¡¯t even begun,¡± Fan Zhen retorted with a smirk. In the past, he would have had no choice but to swallow his pride due to their rtive weakness.


    However, this year was different because they had Liu Wuxie, who was bound to make a mark in the Battle of the Hundred Nations.


    ¡°Hahaha! What a joke! Are you nning to depend on these weaklings? I fear they¡¯ll all perish here before the Battle of Hundred Nations concludes,¡± one of the Sky Mansion Dynasty¡¯s students taunted.


    ¡°Damn it! I want to fight them!¡± Ma Zhuoyu couldn¡¯t stand the provocation and wanted to fight, but he was held back by the other students, who shook their heads. They knew none of them were strong enough to fight the Sky Mansion Dynasty¡¯s students besides Liu Wuxie.


    Unless Liu Wuxie gave the signal, they would be marching towards certain death if they stepped forward.


    ¡°What a bunch of cowards. Aren¡¯t you all going to say anything facing my ridicule?¡± The student became even more arrogant and drewughter from the surroundings.


    A few more groups arrived, representing other nations. They began gathering when they noticed themotion.


    The Great Yan Dynasty¡¯s party tolerated the taunting, but the other party further insulted them.


    ¡°Senior Brother Li, why bother wasting time with garbage like them? They won¡¯t live long anyway; they will be the first ones wiped out when the Battle of Hundred Nations begins.


    ¡°This is too much! Senior Brother Liu, are you going to take this lying down?¡± Ma Zhuoyu walked over to Liu Wuxie because only he could teach them a lesson.


    If this carried on, the Great Yan Dynasty would be significantly humiliated.


    However, Liu Wuxie seemed unbothered and merely nced at Ma Zhuoyu. He didn¡¯t have any sense of belonging to the Great Yan Dynasty and was simply a passerby. Thus, he didn¡¯t want to get involved in these unnecessary conflicts.


    His goal was to enter the cultivation world to obtain more resources; the others weren¡¯t on his mind.


    ¡°Senior Brother Liu, Junior Brother Ma is are right. You have to teach these people a lesson!¡± Everyone banded together because they were from the same nation.


    ¡°Hahaha! What a joke! This garbage wants someone in the ninth-level Marrow Cleansing Realm to teach us a lesson?!¡± A burst ofughter erupted from the Sky Mansion Dynasty¡¯s party, and they looked at the Great Yan Dynasty¡¯s party with contempt.


    ¡°Senior Brother Liu...¡± The Great Yan Dynasty¡¯s students all turned to Liu Wuxie, hoping that he would say something and intimidate these bastards.


    ¡°Why bother with a bunch of frogs in a well?¡± Liu Wuxie found himselfpelled to respond after being pushed forward by everyone. Moreover, he was also a target when they ridiculed the Great Yan Dynasty.


    ¡°What did you say?! How dare you call us frogs in a well! I¡¯ll kill you!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s words had sessfully enraged the Sky Mansion Dynasty¡¯s party, who drew their weapons.


    When they saw this scene, Ma Zhuoyu and everyone were emotional. They believed Liu Wuxie wouldn''t have a problem with the Sky Mansion Dynasty.


    ¡°Are you all certain you wish to engage in a battle here?¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s demeanor was non-threatening. He didn¡¯t appear menacing, yet he exuded an uncanny aura, particrly his eyes, which resembled unfathomable abysses.


    Liu Wuxie had always adhered to a principle: he wouldn¡¯t instigate trouble unless provoked. However, if they sought conflict, he wouldn¡¯t shy away; he was fully capable of eliminating them.


    ¡°Headmaster, this brat is too arrogant. I¡¯m requesting permission to kill him!¡± A Quasi-True Core Realm student stepped forward from the Sky Mansion Dynasty¡¯s party, asking Tan Wenxiong¡¯s permission to take action.


    ¡°Granted!¡± Tan Wenxiong agreed.


    Upon receiving the headmaster¡¯s consent, the youth unleashed a violent aura that formed into rumbling waves.


    This person¡¯s information was included in the booklets Fan Zhen had handed out earlier. His name was Liu Guangpeng, and he possessed ordinary strength among the Sky Mansion Dynasty¡¯s party.


    Since reaching the ninth-level Marrow Cleansing Realm, Liu Wuxie hadn¡¯t had a chance to engage inbat. He was capable of defeating low-leveled True Core Realm cultivators with a single move. One could only imagine the fate of a Quasi-True Core Realm cultivator.


    ¡°Wuxie, be careful!¡± Fan Zhen warned despite knowing that Liu Wuxie was strong. This was the Dragon Battlefield, a ce constantly filled with dangers, and the slightest mistake could lead to death.


    In previous years, many True Core Realm cultivators had lost their lives. The Battle of the Hundred Nations was a path paved with blood, and one would have to step on the corpses of others if they wanted to join the cultivation world.


    Liu Wuxie nodded because he never took his opponents lightly and would fight with all his strength regardless of who he faced.


    The Great Yan Dynasty¡¯s party cheered excitedly and quickly retreated to a distance, clearing space for the fight.


    More people began to gather from the surroundings, and most parties had thirty people, while the smallest group consisted of five. Those small groups belonged to the smaller nations that were even weaker than the Great Yan Dynasty.


    ¡°Brat, you dare to belittle us bybeling us as ¡®frogs in a well¡¯?! Today, on behalf of the Sky Mansion Dynasty, I will teach you a lesson and show you that you cannot speak without consequence!¡± Liu Guangpeng, filled with indignation,unched a punch towards Liu Wuxie¡¯s face.


    He was incredibly quick, and his strength wasparable to that of cultivators in the True Core Realm despite being in the Quasi-True Core Realm.


    The Sky Mansion Dynasty had been developing rapidly, producing countless geniuses. Given their national power and talents, they were stronger than the Great Yan Dynasty.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on? Why are they fighting?¡± Those who arrivedter were curious about the situation, with only a day remaining until the Battle of the Hundred Nations.


    The Sky Mansion Dynasty and the Great Yan Dynasty were rivals, and a battle was inevitable when they met.


    Another nation arrived and came over. They belonged to the Heavenly Fragrance Dynasty and were known for producing various incense. The two nations were ambitious and had tried to poison the Great Yan Dynasty¡¯s Emperor with the Soothing Incense and Seven Music Box.


    However, Liu Wuxie had exposed their plot and thwarted their ns. There was a high possibility that Prince Yongxian had conspired with the two nations.


    As the punch got closer, Liu Guangpeng didn¡¯t take Liu Wuxie seriously. The information that they had received didn¡¯t have Liu Wuxie¡¯s name on it.


    After all, Liu Wuxie¡¯s rise was in recent months, and news about him hadn¡¯t reached the two nations. Strangely enough, Liu Wuxie stood quietly, allowing Liu Guangpeng¡¯s punch to approach.


    ¡°See that? He must be terrified to resist.¡± The other Sky Mansion Dynasty studentsughed and spewed vicious words.


    ¡°Someone in the Marrow Cleansing Realm dares humiliate us? Let Senior Brother Liu teach him a lesson and show him the might of our Sky Mansion Dynasty!¡± Everyone could see that Liu Guangpeng¡¯s punch was just a few inches away from Liu Wuxie¡¯s face.


    ¡°Brat, prepare to die! I¡¯ll let you know the consequences of offending the Sky Mansion Dynasty!¡± Liu Guangpeng chuckled sinisterly, envisioning Liu Wuxie¡¯s head being smashed apart by his punch. His punch also produced a series of rumbling sounds, and he had used his full strength.


    ¡°A fly like you dares to buzz around in front of me? Killing you will only dirty my hands.¡± Violent and murderous intent swept out from Liu Wuxie, causing the surrounding space to tremble.


    ¡°What a powerful shockwave!¡± The faces of those in the surroundings changed because this didn¡¯t seem like the power of someone in the Marrow Cleansing Realm but a cultivator in the True Core Realm.


    The cultivation couldn¡¯t be faked, and Liu Wuxie was clearly in the ninth-level Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    When the shockwave swept out, Liu Guangpeng instantly realized something was amiss. He instinctively moved sideways, but it was toote because Liu Wuxie was ten times faster.

 Chapter 276 - Dragon Aura

    <h4>Chapter 276 - Dragon Aura</h4>


    No one expected Liu Wuxie to be so fast. They only saw a blur as Liu Wuxie vanished, evading Liu Guangpeng¡¯s punch.


    Liu Guangpeng instantly realized that something was amiss and chose to duck sideways. Ducking sideways was faster than retreating backward.


    ¡°You¡¯re too slow!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s voice sounded like a reaper, which made Liu Guangpeng shiver.


    With a resounding p, Liu Guangpeng was sent flying away and smashing into the ground.


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t take Liu Guangpeng¡¯s life because it wasn¡¯t the right time. The Battle of the Hundred Nations hadn¡¯t begun yet, and if he revealed his strength, he would be everyone¡¯s target. Liu Wuxie chose to maintain a low profile.


    The surroundings fell silent, and everyone even held their breaths. They were stumped as they looked at Liu Guangpeng.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on? Why was Senior Brother Liu sent flying?¡± The other Sky Mansion Dynasty¡¯s disciples were puzzled.


    ¡°His movement technique! There¡¯s something weird about it!¡± Someone discovered that Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t send Liu Guangpeng flying with his strength but with his movement technique.


    This meant that Liu Wuxie wouldn¡¯t be able to do anything to them as long as they restrained his movement technique, and this was what everyone thought except for those from the Great Yan Dynasty.


    ¡°How dare you hurt our Sky Mansion Dynasty¡¯s disciple?¡± The other Sky Mansion Dynasty students dashed forward and wanted to kill Liu Wuxie.


    The Great Yan Dynasty¡¯s party also came to Liu Wuxie¡¯s side. They might have some grudges and feud internally, but it was nothingpared to the feud between nations.


    ¡°Tan Wenxiong, can¡¯t ept a loss? The Battle of the Hundred Nations hasn¡¯t begun yet. If you have the guts, wait till the Battle of the Hundred Nations to settle our scores!¡± Fan Zhen stepped forward and interrupted them. Their goal was to strike at the Sky Mansion Dynasty¡¯s arrogance, and they had achieved it. Thus, there was no need to reveal Liu Wuxie¡¯s true strength and let him shock everyone in the Battle of the Hundred Nations.


    Fan Zhen was clever with his words because continuing to pursue this matter would make the Sky Mansion Dynasty seem petty. After all, Liu Wuxie had sent Liu Guangpeng flying with a p upon Sky Mansion Dynasty¡¯s provocation.


    ¡°Very well. Tomorrow is the Battle of Hundred Nations, and I will ensure you regret being born!¡± Tan Wenxiong said, viciously ring at Liu Wuxie before he left.


    Liu Wuxie naturally ignored Tan Wenxiong¡¯s arrogance and merely smiled.


    By the time the farce ended, almost all fifty-seven nations had arrived. They gathered outside the Dragon Battlefield, unable to enter as the Battle of the Hundred Nations had yet tomence.


    The Great Yan Dynasty was not the only one to face provocation. Simr incidents had urred among various nations. After all, feuds between nations, deeply ingrained over centuries, were bound to ignite conflicts when they encountered each other.


    These feuds even extended to the cultivation world. After all, many nations¡¯ representatives would be members of the cultivation world, and their conflict would continue.


    In the previous Battle of the Hundred Nations, only one person from the Great Yan Dynasty had entered the cultivation world, which was insignificantpared to the other nations.


    Over the years, the other nations had effectively solidified their presence in the cultivation world, bolstering their strength and exhibiting indications of exerting dominance and unification over the others.


    ¡°Look over there!¡± Ma Zhuoyu eximed as he pointed to the sky. A fire dragon appeared, breathing fire and soaring through the clouds before descending in the distance. This rmed everyone, who raised their heads to look at the sky.


    ¡°They¡¯re from the Glory me Empire, a high-grade nation. They¡¯re mighty and beyond our reach.¡± Fan Zhen reminded everyone not to provoke the high-grade nations.


    The strong would continue to grow stronger. Over the years, most spots in the cultivation world were divided among the high-grade nations, leaving little opportunity for the weaker nations.


    Then again, this was unavoidable because the stronger nations could produce more geniuses.


    Among the fifty-seven nations, there were several other high-grade nations besides the Glory me Empire, including the Dark Tide Empire, Azure Lion Empire, Blue Wind Empire, and ck Chu Empire.


    These were high-grade nations with over ten timesrger territories than the Great Yan Dynasty. They upied the most prosperous region of the Southern Province. As they were closer to the cultivation world, the cultivation world would send people to those nations to recruit talents.


    The high-grade nations had an advantage in terrain and resources, so it was no wonder they became the high-grade nations.


    The Glory me Empire¡¯s party slowly descended under countless envious gazes because they were riding an earth dragon. The earth dragon possessed the dragon¡¯s bloodline, albeit being heavily diluted.


    Earth dragons were a level above serpentine dragons but still far inferior to divine dragons. They were merely hybrid descendants of the dragon race with thin bloodlines.


    However, in the eyes of ordinary people, earth dragons were beyond their reach because they possessed the dragon¡¯s bloodline.


    ¡°What terrifying aura! There¡¯s someone in the third-level True Core Realm!?!¡± an exmation could be heard from the crowd, as it was terrifying for someone under the age of twenty-five to reach the third-level True Core Realm.


    ¡°Look! Even the weakest among them is in the first-level True Core Realm!¡± The Glory me Empire had sent thirty-one representatives. Aside from one leader, the others were outstanding geniuses, and anyone could easily suppress the representatives from low-grade nations.


    It was nearly impossible for the Great Yan Dynasty to distinguish itself, especially amidst several other nations on par with the Glory me Empire. Competing for a share of the pie seemed all but impossible.


    ¡°We¡¯re fortunate that the Great Yan Dynasty isn¡¯t close to these high-grade nations, or we would¡¯ve been destroyed long ago,¡± Chen Nanxiang muttered.


    In the beginning, the Battle of the Hundred Nations used to be a genuine battle among a hundred nations. However, as more nations were eliminated throughpetition, they became vassals to the stronger empires or merged with them. As a result, there were only fifty-seven nations left.


    When the representatives of the empires descended, they swept their sharp gazes around, making everyone ufortable.


    ¡°This is boring. These people are too weak and will only die if they enter the cultivation world,¡± a youth from the Glory me Empire said afternding on the ground. He didn¡¯t hold back with his mockery, fully disying his arrogance.


    However, no one dared to speak up to him because this young man was in the third-level True Core Realm. Even Luo Zhaojun might not be the young man¡¯s opponent if she went against him.


    ¡°Senior Brother Zhai is right. These people are garbagepared to us, and it¡¯s a waste of time to participate in the Battle of the Hundred Nations with them.¡± Many people in the surroundings echoed with ttering voices.


    The intermediate-grade nations, let alone low-grade nations, didn¡¯t dare to express any unhappiness. After all, the Glory me Empire could wipe them out at any moment.


    ¡°Wuxie, there¡¯s a change in the situation this year. Don¡¯t aim for the rankings mindlessly; survival is more important. These high-grade nations won¡¯t make things easy for low-grade nations like us,¡± Fan Zhen whispered, advising Liu Wuxie to avoid a conflict with those from the high-grade nations.


    Liu Wuxie nodded because he knew Fan Zhen meant well, as these people were strong. With his current strength, he might be able to kill a cultivator in the third-level True Core Realm, but he would have some difficulties facing multiple of them unless he could reach the True Core Realm himself.


    These people were geniuses. Even if he could make a breakthrough, these people could also use the Dragon Battlefield to make a breakthrough in their cultivation.


    Shortly after, the ck Chu Empire arrived on a Kunpeng. [1], and this was a horrifying sight.


    When darkness fell, all fifty-seven nations had arrived, waiting for the cultivation world¡¯s envoy to arrive the following day to open the Dragon Battlefield.


    Deep in the in, ten massive stone monuments, shaped like towering mountains, formed a row, stopping anyone from entering the Dragon Battlefield.


    Everyone rested in their tents, conserving their energy for the next day. In the tent, Fan Zhen gathered everyone and exined some rules that needed to be rified in advance.


    Luo Zhaojun was only responsible for their safety and didn¡¯t participate in any activities. She mainly patrolled the surroundings to avoid any ambushes.


    ¡°Any questions on the rules?¡± Fan Zhen scanned everyone¡¯s faces after exining the rules.


    Aside from Liu Wuxie, everyone had some understanding of the Dragon Battlefield because their ancestors had participated in the Battle of the Hundred Nations.


    ¡°Headmaster, can dragon auras really be found in the Dragon Battlefield?¡± Xing Lian asked curiously, as this was the first time she had heard of it.


    Everyone looked hopeful upon hearing that except for Liu Wuxie, who maintained hisposure. The dragon aura was released after the death of divine dragons. If someone could absorb it, it would also bring significant benefits.


    ¡°Dragon aura has decreased over the years, and this year¡¯spetition might be intense. A strand of dragon aura can enhance your cultivation and allow you all to possess the strength of a dracophant. It will benefit you all in the future even if you fail to enter the cultivation world,¡± Fan Zhen emphasized.


    ¡°Headmaster, I heard you also participated in the Battle of the Hundred Nations. Did you manage to absorb any dragon aura?¡± Ma Zhuoyu asked, drawing everyone¡¯s attention because they wanted to know about the effects.


    Fan Zhen sighed upon hearing that, seeming reluctant to bring up the past.


    ¡°Headmaster, please tell us!¡± Li Nanxiang urged.


    ¡°I obtained two strands of dragon aura in the past and barely reached the final ranking. However, my dragon aura was forcibly taken away from me.¡± Fan Zhen¡¯s lifelong pain made him clench his fists and grit his teeth.


    The rules of the Battle of the Hundred Nations were simple. Everyone would enter the Dragon Battlefield to search for dragon auras for seven days.


    Seven dayster, those who could obtain two strands of dragon aura would have the qualification to participate in the final ranking battle, and only those in the top hundred had the opportunity to be chosen by the major sects.


    Another option was to give up the final ranking battle and return to the nation to live as an ordinary person after obtaining the dragon aura.


    Fan Zhen wanted to attempt the final ranking battle but ran into a formidable enemy. Not only was his dragon aura seized from him, but he was nearly crippled before he returned to the Great Yan Dynasty.


    The dragon aura was the key to entering the cultivation world. However, even if one managed to obtain the key, one couldn¡¯t enter the cultivation world if one didn¡¯t get into the top hundred. Conflicts and battles over dragon auras would be expected in the next seven days.


    Then again, many people wouldn¡¯t even get to partake in the final battle ranking as they would die in the Dragon Battlefield.


    There was a saying in the cultivation world that cultivating didn¡¯t just require talent but also fortune. The more dragon auras one collected, the better luck one would have. Only those who reached the top hundred and obtained more dragon auras could be chosen to enter the cultivation world.


    Even so, this cruel selection continued to attract people like moths to a me.


    Everyone fell silent and contemted whether they should partake in the final ranking battle after obtaining dragon auras or return to the Great Yan Dynasty and live as ordinary people.


    The Battle of the Hundred Nations was held once a decade, and everyone only had one chance in their lifetime.


    As the night grew deeper, everyone lost interest in cultivating.


    1. In Chinese mythology, Kunpeng is arge, solitary beast that looks like a cross between a fish and a bird. ?

 Chapter 277 - Ten Major Sects

    <h4>Chapter 277 - Ten Major Sects</h4>


    The night was a torturous wait due to the excitement.


    When dawn came, everyone exited their tents to participate in the Battle of the Hundred Nations.


    Liu Wuxie slowly opened his eyes as a cold light shed in them. As he had been cultivating throughout their journey, he had made some progress and was closer to reaching the True Core Realm.


    He deliberately didn¡¯t cultivate the Deste Devouring Art in the past few days because it would attract too much attention. Instead, Liu Wuxie focused on expanding his divine bridge.


    Divine power came from the celestial realm. The more one came in contact with it, the more powerful the divine art they couldprehend in the future.


    It was lively outside the tent. When Liu Wuxie came out, he faced the sun and looked at the depth of the Dragon Battlefield. The ten stone monuments looked like they hade to life and shone with golden brilliance.


    ¡°Look! There are words on those monuments!¡± Everyone could roughly see words inscribed on those monuments, even from a few thousand meters away. The words seemed to be engraved by someone because they didn¡¯t look natural.


    ¡°The ten monuments represent the ten major sects, arranged ording to their ranks.¡± Liu Wuxie executed Ghost Eye to look through the fog.


    ¡°Heaven as one, earth as origin. Origin unified as one!¡± This belonged to the Heavenly Origin Sect, ranked first among the ten major sects.


    Mu Yueying had provided him with information on the ten major sects, including how the cultivation realms were categorized.


    ¡°Feathers manifesting the heaven and soaring to the sky!¡± This belonged to the Transcending Plume Gate, and these words were ambitious.


    ¡°Origin of all evil and the heart returns to nothingness!¡± This belonged to the Demonic Heart Pce, which was rumored to be a demonic sect. They were strong, and not even the Heavenly Origin Sect was willing to provoke them.


    Liu Wuxie continued to read the monuments.


    ¡°Pills as the dome and treasures returning to origin!¡± The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion was ranked fifth.


    Liu Wuxie kept reading till thest monument, which represented the Divine Sun Pce.


    However, these rankings didn¡¯t necessarily represent the final rankings of the ten major sects. Over the years, some sects had declined while others had grown stronger.


    Take the Demonic Heart Pce, for example. They showed trends of catching up with the Transcending Plume Gate. In terms of strength, they could already rece the second-ranking sect.


    The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion might be ranked fifth, but its actual ranking was seventh because the Azure Crimson Gate surpassed them.


    There was also the Misty Sect. As they rarely engaged in conflicts with the outside world, their strength was a mystery, and no one was willing to provoke them.


    The ten major sects were the Heavenly Origin Sect, Transcendent Plume Gate, Demonic Heart Pce, Indigo Cloud Gate, Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, Azure Crimson Gate, Misty Sect, Sky Rift Valley, Dugu n, and the Divine Sun Pce.


    The Dugu n was unique because it was a n. It might ept external disciples to join it and provide them with a channel to obtain resources, but the status of external disciples couldn¡¯t bepared to that of the n''s descendants. Then again, the Dugu n would spare no expense to nurture someone who disyed enough talent.


    They would even arrange marriages with their outstanding women, converting these geniuses into their n members. These marriage alliances ensured a continuous flow of fresh talent in the n.


    These were all first-rate forces in the cultivation world. There were also second-rate forces, but the ten major sects held a significant presence and upied seventy percent of resources in the Southern Province¡¯s cultivation world, leaving only thirty percent for the remaining sects and ns to share.


    Liu Wuxie also had a basic understanding of the cultivation realms that followed the True Core Realm. They were the Heavenly Dipper Realm, the Heavenly Phase Realm, the Astral River Realm, the Nascent Transformation Realm, the True Profound Realm, and the Spirit Profound Realm.


    Mu Yueying had only provided him with this much information. The Southern Province was remote, and reaching the Spirit Profound Realm meant bing an overlord.


    The Spirit Profound Realm experts had already transcended ordinary people, possessing unfathomable strength. Mu Yueying had never seen one before and had only heard about them from others.


    Beyond the True Core Realmy the Heavenly Dipper Realm, where one harnessed the might of heaven through the manifestation of the heavenly dipper.


    Above the Heavenly Dipper Realm was the Heavenly Phase Realm, where individuals materialized their dao principles through true essence.


    The Astral River Realm was even more formidable because one could connect with the stars and draw power from heaven and earth, unleashing devastating power with a wave of one¡¯s hand.


    The Nascent Soul Realm entailed condensing the true core into a nascent soul, thereby cultivating a second soul. Hence, it was no surprise that people imed one couldn''t truly enter the cultivation world without reaching the True Core Realm. Even those in the True Core Realm were regarded as insignificant in the grand scheme of the cultivation world.


    As the sun rose from the east, everyone gradually grew impatient because the envoys of the ten major sects had yet to arrive.


    ¡°They should be here soon!¡± Fan Zhen checked the time. He might be over a hundred years old, but couldn¡¯t contain his excitement.


    Sonic booms reverberated as the air tore apart, drawing the attention of thousands who looked up to witness golden figures approaching.


    ¡°Flying swords! They¡¯re standing on flying swords!¡± The crowd cheered.


    Observing ten figures perched on a flying sword from a distance of ten thousand meters, Liu Wuxie finally understood Fan Zhen''s emotional response. After all, countless individuals had dreamed of soaring on a sword.


    Even the high-grade nations couldn¡¯t contain the excitement and the longing in their eyes. Only Liu Wuxie kept hisposure and nced at them before withdrawing his gaze.


    These individuals were likely in the Heavenly Dipper Realm, where flying on a sword was necessary. After all, true flight without relying on external objects was achievable only upon reaching the Heavenly Phase Realm.


    An ordinary cultivator in the Heavenly Dipper Realm was over ten million times stronger than someone in the True Core Realm.


    ¡°Spiritual treasures! Those swords must be spiritual treasures!¡±


    The Heretic de was at the level of a vajra artifact and couldn¡¯t even be considered a mythical artifact. Only those in the Heavenly Dipper Realm could refine spiritual treasures.


    After reaching the level of a spiritual treasure, the weapon would possess spirituality and could heed the owner¡¯s call. Even if the spiritual treasure was a few hundred meters away, one could control their weapons to kill enemies with their thoughts alone.


    After reaching the Heavenly Dipper Realm, it was no longer about the true essence in a fight but also about divine energy. If someone¡¯s divine energy could manipte their flying sword from a thousand meters away while their enemy could only control it within a hundred meters, it was apparent who was superior at first nce.


    Ten thousand meters were instantly crossed in the blink of an eye. There were ten people, a mixture of male and female, as theynded on the ten monuments.


    When they descended, they released an overwhelming aura that made everyone feel suffocated. This was the heavenly dipper¡¯s power.


    Liu Wuxie could sense the tremendous pressure, and upon arrival, these people exerted dominance without saying a word. Those with weaker cultivation fell on their knees from the suppression.


    Among the other seventeen students of the Great Yan Dynasty, only a few resisted the pressure, and most people already felt the urge to kneel.


    The suppressionsted for three breaths before disappearing. If they had continued exerting pressure, more than half of the people would have lost their confidence.


    ¡°Hahaha! This batch of talents is pretty decent. Only one-tenth of them went down on their knees!¡± A burst ofughter came from the monuments. It was already a tradition to exert their dominance upon arrival.


    Fan Zhen had informed everyone about it, but they were still surprised when the pressure fell on them.


    The voice emanated from the monument representing the Indigo Cloud Gate, belonging to a young man garbed in a purple robe. Despite his youthful appearance, he exuded an air of maturity, suggesting a cultivation level in the higher level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm, a feat remarkable even in the mundane world.


    ¡°Let¡¯s cut the crap and begin. This year, my Azure Crimson Gate will pick the top ten!¡± The Azure Crimson Gate¡¯s envoy ran out of patience.


    Only those in the top hundred could join the ten major sects. Each sect could recruit ten people on average, but the reality differed.


    If multiple sects chose a person, that person would have the choice. The top-ranking sects naturally had an advantage, taking one-third of the participants every time.


    For example, the Heavenly Origin Sect monopolized the top ten each time. After all, who wouldn¡¯t want to join the first-ranked sect?


    As for the Divine Sun Pce, ranked at the bottom, they could only pick whatever was left.


    The geniuses from fifty-seven nations swiftly gathered towards the monument. When they got close, they could see the faces of the ten envoys.


    When they discovered that these ten were even younger than some of them, this was a massive blow to their confidence, but this also made them yearn for the cultivation world even more.


    ¡°Let us introduce ourselves!¡± Everyone only knew the rough information of the ten major sects, and the ten envoys would introduce themselves to help everyone understand them better.


    The surrounding discussions ceased, with everyone focusing on the ten envoys.


    ¡°My name is Yu Tianyi from the Heavenly Origin Sect...¡± Yu Tianyi introduced himself.


    ¡°I¡¯m Xi Jian from the Transcendent Plume Gate...¡± Everyone introduced their sects briefly because not everyone was suited for all sects.


    ¡°Xiang Rongjun from the Demonic Heart Pce. We would be the best choice if you want to grow stronger quickly.¡± After speaking, Xiang Rongjun revealed his crimson teeth, which made him look somewhat terrifying.


    ¡°I¡¯m Song Junbao from the Indigo Cloud Gate...¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m Fan Lin from the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion...¡± When the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion¡¯s envoy introduced himself, Liu Wuxie paid some attention to him. He noticed Fan Lin had integrated his martial path into one with alchemy, making him suitable for martial cultivation and alchemy.


    The other sects had alchemists but were lessprehensive than the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    ¡°Azure Crimson Gate¡¯s Guo Hanfei...¡±


    ¡°Misty Sect¡¯s Ruan Bingzhi...¡± The Misty Sect mainly consisted of female disciples and rarely epted male disciples.


    ¡°Sky Rift Valley¡¯s Luo Chudie...¡±


    ¡°Dugu n¡¯s Dugu Yang...¡±


    ¡°Divine Sun Pce¡¯s Jiang Kaicheng...¡±


    The ten envoys came representing their respective sects to recruit disciples. After they had finished their introductions, most of the participants had made up their minds.


    ¡°Let¡¯s cut the crap and open the Dragon Battlefield!¡± Xu Tianyi began forming profound seals with his hands and injecting them into the monument beneath him.


    The others followed suit, conjuring seals with their hands and injecting them into the monuments they were standing on. A passage appeared in the middle as the stone monuments produced crackling sounds.


    Everyone could enter the Dragon Battlefield through this passage.


    Roughly fifteen minutester, the ten monuments stopped moving and revealed a monumental entrance.


    ¡°All of you can go in now. Enter at your own risk!¡± Dugu Yang said without a hint of emotion.


    The lives and deaths of these people didn¡¯t matter to the ten of them.


    Everyone was already getting impatient, and someone rushed in, trying to seize the initiative.


    No one knew where the dragon auras could be found, but entering first would have an advantage. More people began to hurry up and entered the Dragon Battlefield.


    ¡°Wuxie, you have to be careful!¡± Mo Chong and others went first, leaving behind Liu Wuxie. Fan Zhen came over to pat Liu Wuxie¡¯s shoulder because thetter could only rely on himself in the Dragon Battlefield.

 Chapter 278 - First Strand of Dragon Aura

    <h4>Chapter 278 - First Strand of Dragon Aura</h4>


    The Battle of the Hundred Nations had a strict age restriction, and those over twenty-five weren¡¯t eligible to participate.


    Some people had attempted to mask their age in the past, but they were all killed and eliminated from thepetition.


    Liu Wuxie nodded and vanished into the Dragon Battlefield. The moment he stepped in, an ancient and deste aura swept toward him, and it felt like he had returned to the ancient battlefield.


    ¡°Let¡¯s hope that this year won¡¯t be a disappointment!¡± Song Junbao smiled and closed his eyes.


    The ten envoys sat on the monuments to wait for seven days to pass.


    Fan Zhen and others weren¡¯t idle either, as they had seven days to build an arena to determine the top hundred ranks.


    After entering the Dragon Battlefield, Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t in a hurry because he had seven days. He spent some time to familiarize himself with the surroundings. Everyone had the map to the Dragon Battlefield, and the appearance of the dragon aura was random. No one knew when the dragon aura would appear because it was by luck.


    The five thousand participants had disappeared, some forming groups while some moved alone. The few women chose to form a group with Mo Chong and others.


    After walking for roughly a few hundred meters, demonic me gushed out from the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron, wanting to break free.


    Liu Wuxie had no choice but to suppress the cauldron forcibly because he knew it would be unfavorable for him to expose the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron¡¯s secret in the presence of the ten envoys.


    After all, it would be troublesome if they disregarded their status and wanted to seize the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron. Based on his current strength, he couldn''t face cultivators in the Heavenly Dipper Realm, and it was better to be cautious.


    The demonic me wouldn¡¯t surge for no reason. It must¡¯ve detected something, but it was up to him to verify whether it was dragon aura.


    The Dragon Battlefield was a in with some mountains decorating this ce, and forests were rare. Whenever a dragon aura appeared, it would be visible from tens of thousands of meters away.


    Following the indication of the demonic me, Liu Wuxie performed the Seven Dipper Steps, moving towards the southwest.


    A small hill appeared before him, covered with rocks. A battle must have urred there a decade ago, which is why the traces of the battle still existed even after so many years.


    A thousand meters away from Liu Wuxie, several groups of people were searching for something. Dragon auras would appear once every decade, and dragon auras would appear daily from that day onwards.


    On the seventh day, the dragon auras would erupt massively before disappearingpletely on the eighth day. After the eighth day, the subsequent appearance of the dragon auras would be a decade away.


    There weren¡¯t many dragon auras a few days ago, and there would only be over a hundred strands at most.


    ¡°It should be here!¡± Liu Wuxie stopped after the demonic me became increasingly restless. This meant that there was something hidden beneath.


    After executing Ghost Eye, Liu Wuxie¡¯s vision pierced through the ground and saw a dense aura beneath the earth.


    ¡°There¡¯s dragon aura!¡± Others might have been uncertain, but Liu Wuxie had many interactions with the divine dragon n. Thus, he was familiar with dragon aura. But the dragon aura he saw underground was feeble and almost undetectable.


    After all, the divine dragon was dead for so long, and the dragon aura was running out.


    As time passed, a strand of golden aura flew out from the ground roughly an hourter. The moment the golden aura appeared, it hovered about ten meters off the ground and was visible even from far away.


    ¡°Dragon aura!¡± An exmation sounded as people quickly gathered over it, wanting to seize it.


    Liu Wuxie stood beneath the dragon aura and didn¡¯t retrieve it. Instead, he frowned, ¡°What weak dragon aura.¡±


    The dragon aura hovering in the air was too faint, and Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t hurrying to collect it. But it was better than nothing. He could only go for quantity since he couldn¡¯t hope for quality. If one strand wouldn¡¯t do, then ten, hundred, or even a thousand strands couldpensate for the quality.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s true essence manifested in a hand that reached for the dragon aura. When he tried to collect it, the dragon aura struggled mid-air, unwilling to be restricted. Even after the divine dragon had been dead for so many years, the dragon aura still contained a strand of the divine dragon¡¯s will.


    ¡°Come!¡± Liu Wuxie grabbed the dragon aura and absorbed it into his body. Shortly after, a golden halo appeared behind him, signifying that he obtained one strand of dragon aura.


    Back then, Fan Zhen had obtained two strands of dragon aura, but others had seized one before he could refine them both.


    As mes zed on the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron, the dragon aura began to dissolve into a liquid droplet the size of a sesame seed, leaving Liu Wuxie speechless. Refining a strand of dragon aura in less than a breath''s time was a feat achievable only by Liu Wuxie.


    The golden halo was still behind him and didn¡¯t disappear. This was because it would take half a month to fuse the dragon aura into the bodypletely.


    As Liu Wuxie refined the dragon aura, ten-odd people arrived and surrounded him.


    ¡°Brat, hand over the dragon aura!¡± There were thirteen people, with the strongest one being the Quasi-True Core Realm expert. These people were all representatives of low-grade nations.


    The experts had long entered the depths of the Dragon Battlefield, where the probability of encountering dragon aura was higher.


    Liu Wuxie was stunned by their audacity. Let¡¯s not mention that he had already refined the dragon aura, but he wouldn¡¯t hand it over even if he hadn¡¯t refined it. The more dragon auras he collected, the more benefits there would be. He could reach the True Core Realm if he collected enough dragon auras.


    The ten envoys opened their eyes and looked in Liu Wuxie¡¯s direction. It was weird that the dragon aura had appeared in the outer region so quickly.


    ¡°This is weird. This brat waited here for an hour as though he had expected it. Did he know that the dragon aura would appear there?¡± The Indigo Cloud Gate¡¯s Song Junbao was surprised. Everyone relied on luck to find dragon aura, and not many people waited in one ce.


    Unless it was someone with heaven-defying luck, the odds of dragon aura appearing were too low.


    ¡°This is interesting!¡± The Transcendent Plume Gate¡¯s Xi Jian praised.


    Among everyone in the Dragon Battlefield, Liu Wuxie was certainly one of the youngest.


    ¡°He¡¯s just lucky!¡± The Azure Crimson Gate¡¯s Guo Hanfei mocked, thinking that Liu Wuxie had gotten lucky with that strand of dragon aura. They were all in the Heavenly Dipper Realm, and they could see what was going on in the Dragon Battlefield.


    ¡°So what if he managed to obtain a strand of dragon aura? He will soon be killed and have his dragon aura robbed due to his low cultivation,¡± Dugu Yang said coldly.


    Faced with thirteen people, Liu Wuxie had only one choice: to hand over the dragon aura. This was the prevailing thought among the ten envoys at the moment.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be so sure about that. I¡¯m optimistic about this kid!¡± The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion¡¯s Fan Lin said with a greasy chicken drumstick in his hand. He had a fat belly. The flying swords used by others were slim, but the one used by Fan Lin was a sword with the width of an average palm. After all, the flying sword couldn¡¯t support his weight if it was too slim.


    ¡°Fan Lin, I¡¯ve heard your Heavenly Treasure Pavilion has declined over the years. Have you all be so desperate that you¡¯re unwilling to let go of trash like him?¡± Song Junbao said, causingughter among the other envoys except for the Misty Sect¡¯s Ruan Bingzhi, who remained quiet.


    All along, the ten major sects only chose cultivators in the True Core Realm, while those in the Marrow Cleansing Realm were just there to participate for fun. As a result, they wouldn¡¯t be picked by the ten major sects even if they made it into the top hundred.


    Liu Wuxie was only in the Marrow Cleansing Realm, and it was no wonder they mocked him.


    Fan Lin didn¡¯t bother exining and continued to gnaw on the drumstick. The youngdy had sent him a long-distance message to invite Liu Wuxie into the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion regardless of his ranking.


    As the thirteen people closed in, Liu Wuxie found himself with no path of retreat, prompting the appearance of the Heretic de in his hand.


    ¡°Are you all sure you want to snatch my dragon aura?¡± Liu Wuxie verified again. He didn¡¯t want to start a massacre, but he would be left with no choice if these people didn¡¯t back down.


    ¡°Kid, stop wasting our time and hand over the dragon aura. Otherwise, don¡¯t me us for what we will do next!¡± The only Quasi-True Core Realm expert among the thirteen roared.


    ¡°There are so many of you, but only one dragon aura. Who should I give it to?¡± Liu Wuxie smiled devilishly because he could tell these thirteen people weren¡¯t on the same side. They were divided into four factions, posing a dilemma as to whom to give it, even if he were willing.


    The question stumped the thirteen because what Liu Wuxie said was a problem.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it obvious? Of course, our Fire Rock Dynasty!¡± The one who spoke was the Quasi-True Core Realm cultivator. He came from the Fire Rock Dynasty, an intermediate-grade nation. In terms of their national strength, they were stronger than the Great Yan Dynasty.


    ¡°Bullshit. It should go to our Martial Heritance Dynasty! We were the first to arrive!¡± An argument broke out among the thirteen. Everyone coveted the dragon aura, and the Martial Heritance Dynasty held the numerical advantage with four individuals.


    However, the Fire Rock Dynasty had a cultivator in the Quasi-True Core Realm.


    On the other hand, Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t in a hurry and merely stood there, waiting for them to finish their argument.


    ¡°Senior Brother Mo, don¡¯t waste time with them. Just kill them all!¡± The other participants of the Fire Rock Dynasty ran out of patience and didn¡¯t want to waste time arguing, preferring to settle the conflict with strength.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± The man known as Senior Brother Mo gave the order and swung his sword at the representatives of the Martial Heritance Dynasty.


    As for the other two nations, they retreated to the side and didn¡¯t get involved in the conflict.


    The Fire Rock Dynasty¡¯s objective was simple. The Martial Heritance Dynasty had the most people, and only they could pose some threat to the Fire Rock Dynasty. As long as they wiped out the Martial Heritance Dynasty¡¯s participants, the other two nations wouldn¡¯t be able to pose a threat.


    The battle became intense as Senior Brother Mo performed a Meteorite Sword. This sword technique was powerful, and it was no wonder he had such confidence.


    Relying on his cultivation in the Quasi-True Core Realm, he easily suppressed three people while hispanions ganged up on thest person from the Martial Heritance Dynasty.


    Someone from the Martial Heritance Dynasty had his arm severed a hundred movester.


    Losing one person, the attacks from Fire Rock Dynasty¡¯s representatives became even more intense, forcing the Martial Heritance Dynasty to retreat, backing off to ten-odd meters away.


    The Fire Rock Dynasty didn¡¯t pursue their advantage and turned around to surround Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Brat, you can hand over the dragon aura now!¡± The other three nations didn¡¯t leave and waited in the surroundings for an opportunity.


    ¡°I was expecting you all to fight among yourselves. This way, I wouldn¡¯t have to make a move, but I didn¡¯t expect you to be so weak.¡± A yful smile rose on Liu Wudxie¡¯s lips. He initially wanted to see them fight among themselves while he reaped the benefits. However, it turned out that they weren¡¯t foolish enough to fight to the death.


    ¡°What arrogance! I¡¯ll give you a slow death!¡± The three representatives from the Fire Rock Dynasty had a fiery temper, and Liu Wuxie¡¯s contemptuous words enraged them.


    ¡°Kill him!¡± Senior Brother Mo didn¡¯t dare to be careless and ordered them to attack together.

 Chapter 279 - Second Strand of Dragon Aura

    <h4>Chapter 279 - Second Strand of Dragon Aura</h4>


    As the triounched theirbined attack, it resembled a thunderstorm hurtling towards Liu Wuxie. The formidable shockwave sent rocks scattering in all directions, creating a dramatic spectacle.


    Meanwhile, the other representatives stood on the sidelines, biding their time and waiting for the opportune moment to strike once the dragon aura was drawn out from Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Garbage!¡± Liu Wuxie scoffed, brandishing the Heretic de and effectively blocking the path of the iing trio. His simple de swing had a profound impact, drastically altering the expressions of the Fire Rock Dynasty trio.


    The trio lost control of their bodies and headed towards the Heretic de as though everything had been calcted in advance.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s attack could only be described as brilliant. Three heads flew into the sky in the next second, dyeing the surrounding ground red.


    Three lives were taken with one strike. Those gathered in the surroundings thought there would be an intense fight, and they didn¡¯t expect a one-sided massacre.


    Liu Wuxie had to end the battle quickly because people were heading in his direction. After all, news must¡¯ve spread within tens of thousands of miles about the appearance of the dragon aura.


    After dispatching the three adversaries, Liu Wuxie cast a sweeping nce over the crowd gathered around. His gaze was so intense that everyone trembled upon meeting his eyes, and they didn¡¯t dare to look at him directly. This was because Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes were too terrifying, and they couldn¡¯t describe their feelings. It felt as though Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes could pierce into their souls.


    Seeing that none of these people dared to make a move, Liu Wuxie vanished and headed to another region.


    The envoys sitting on the stone monuments had disbelief on their faces, aside from Fan Lin.


    ¡°There¡¯s something unusual about this kid for him to kill three people with one strike.¡± The Divine Sun Pce¡¯s Jiang Kaicheng had a hint of surprise on his face. But that was all because it was nothing too shocking.


    It wasn¡¯t umon to see someone challenging another with higher cultivation in the cultivation world, and it wasn¡¯t tough for Liu Wuxie to kill someone who was only half a level above him. It could be aplished by anyone who practiced a powerful martial technique.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you all feel that his de technique is strong?¡± The Sky Rift Valley¡¯s Luo Chudie spoke in a soft voice. Among the ten major sects, the Misty Sect and Sky Rift Valley only recruited female disciples, while the other eight mainly consisted of male disciples.


    Challenging someone with higher cultivation wasn''t difficult, but what perplexed them was their inability to find any w in Liu Wuxie''s de technique. If they were the ones facing Liu Wuxie''s technique, their only recourse would be to leverage their advantage to counter it forcefully. Yet, they couldn''t ovee Liu Wuxie''s de technique, which relied on martial skill.


    ¡°What¡¯s the use of having a powerful martial technique? It doesn¡¯t change that he¡¯s only in the Marrow Cleansing Realm. Let¡¯s discuss it again if he survives for seven days!¡± The Demonic Heart Pce¡¯s Xiang Rongjun sneered because the cultivation realm mattered the most.


    Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t enter the cultivation world without reaching the True Core Realm. That was the reality.


    ¡°Don¡¯t belittle him. He¡¯s not simple!¡± Yu Tianyi said, and the other nine turned their heads over.


    After all, Yu Tianyi was the strongest among the ten envoys with one step into the Heavenly Phase Realm. Not only was he strong, but he was also a talented disciple of the Heavenly Origin Sect.


    ¡°Senior Brother Yu, why don¡¯t you tell us how special he is?¡± The Azure Crimson Gate¡¯s Guo Hanfei was somewhat unconvinced. After all, he had just mocked Liu Wuxie earlier, and Yu Tianyi¡¯s words were no different from a p on his face.


    ¡°Let¡¯s just keep watching!¡± Yu Tianyi ignored Guo Hanfei and continued to look at the Dragon Battlefield.


    Guo Hanfei¡¯s face turned red after being ignored, making him feel awkward.


    Not long after Liu Wuxie left, thirty-odd people descended. They were one step toote because Liu Wuxie had already left. Even cultivators in the True Core Realm might be slower than him.


    ¡°Who killed the representatives of my Fire Rock Dynasty?!¡± A terrifying True Core Realm aura swept out. The Fire Rock Dynasty was an intermediate-grade nation with over twenty-odd people participating in the Battle of the Hundred Nations. It was natural for them to be furious after losing three people in the first two hours.


    Those in the surroundings trembled under the aura of a True Core Realm cultivator. The pressure was so intense that crackling sounds came from the ground.


    The corpses of the three Fire Rock Nation representatives were lying on the ground with their heads ten meters away.


    ¡°Senior Brother Gong, it was an eighteen or neen-year-old youth who killed them. Furthermore, he only has a cultivation in the ninth-level Marrow Cleansing Realm.¡± A Southern Gold Dynasty participant stood out. He was also present earlier, but he didn¡¯t make any move.


    It was a coincidence that the Southern Gold Dynasty and Fire Rock Dynasty were bordering nations and interacted frequently.


    ¡°I need more descriptions. What does he look like?¡± Gong Xing¡¯s face was grim because one of the three was his younger cousin, which exined his fury.


    The three representatives of the Southern Gold Dynasty quickly sketched Liu Wuxie¡¯s appearance and presented it to everyone.


    Gong Xing¡¯s expression turned grim, radiating terrifying murderous intent. He vowed, ¡°I hope he doesn¡¯t die because I¡¯ll twist his head off myself!¡± After leaving the three corpses on the ground, Gong Xing followed the other Fire Rock Nation representatives in the direction Liu Wuxie had gone.


    As dragon aura emerged, severalrge-scale battles were triggered in just a few hours. Those in the Marrow Cleansing Realm weren¡¯t qualified topete for the dragon aura.


    Even if they managed to obtain a dragon aura, they couldn¡¯t keep it because they were either robbed or killed.


    Liu Wuxie walked for roughly six hours. He entered a forest and sat on the soft grass. The cauldron had guided him in there, indicating that the dragon aura was likely present in that area.


    Conflicts arose in other ces whenever dragon auras appeared, but Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t participate in thepetition, nor did he snatch dragon auras from others.


    ¡°It should be nearby!¡± Demonic me churned as Liu Wuxie circted the Deste Devouring Art, devouring all the spiritual energy in the forest. As a result of plundering the surrounding spiritual energy, the trees wilted.


    Standing up, Liu Wuxie walked to a huge tree and executed the Ghost Eye to see through it.


    ¡°This is weird. The dragon aura is in the tree?!¡± The dragon aura had appeared. However, it wasn¡¯t in mid-air but inside the tree. He wouldn¡¯t have discovered it if not for the Ghost Eye.


    The Heretic de cleaved apart the tree, revealing a thick strand of dragon aura, much denser than the first strand he had obtained.


    When the dragon aura appeared, a group of people entered the forest with astonishing speed. Even Liu Wuxie hadn¡¯t expected the dragon aura to attract so many people when it appeared.


    Liu Wuxie grabbed the dragon aura and allowed it to be devoured by the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron. The dragon aura swirled, liquifying into arger pool than before and forming a droplet.


    In the past few days, he had been condensing his true essence with the goal of reaching the True Core Realm. However, this required tremendous resources.


    Another golden halo appeared behind him, signifying that he had obtained two strands of dragon aura. Without wasting time, Liu Wuxie disappeared after retrieving the dragon aura.


    ¡°Brat, where do you think you¡¯re going!¡± A True Core Realm expert made a move, unleashing a powerful sword aura shing down.


    Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t evade the iing sword aura and could only go in defense. This allowed the people behind to catch up while he stopped momentarily.


    Seeing that he couldn¡¯t get away, Liu Wuxie could only choose to retaliate.


    As sparks flew, the impact formed a powerful shockwave that swept out, causing the surrounding trees to copse.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s arm went numb from the impact, which was a sign that his opponent wasn¡¯t ordinary.


    Seizing the opportunity when Liu Wuxie was held up, a group of seven arrived, forming a triangr formation and trapping Liu Wuxie inside. This group had two experts in the True Core Realm, while the remaining five were in the Quasi-True Core Realm.


    This was a terrifying team, and even ordinary cultivators in the True Core Realm would be helpless against so many experts.


    ¡°Brat, my name is Wu Kang from the Azure Lion Empire. I¡¯ll not beat around the bush; hand over your dragon aura!¡± Wu Kang was direct, skipping the unnecessary chatter, and demanded Liu Wuxie to hand over the dragon aura.


    Liu Wuxie frowned because he didn¡¯t expect to run into the Azure Lion Empire. Fan Zhen had reminded him not to provoke anyone from the empire because their forces were too powerful. They even had cultivators in the third-level True Core Realm. Most importantly, the empires had formed a connection with the cultivation world, supplying a steady flow of geniuses to the various sects annually. They were on a whole new levelpared to the low-grade nations.


    ¡°Not bad! You have two strands of dragon aura. We can split them between our two empires!¡± The other True Core Realm cultivator from the other empire said excitedly.


    The seven had been searching for dragon auras for half a day without any luck. They were initially worried that they might have to fight among each other for the strand of dragon aura. However, the two golden halos behind Liu Wuxie signified that he had two strands of dragon aura.


    ¡°What if I refuse?¡± Liu Wuxie remained vignt. Handing over his dragon auras was out of the question because he had already refined them, and he couldn¡¯t expose the secret of the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron. He knew better than anyone about the principle that it was guilty for the weak to possess a treasure.


    ¡°You refuse?¡± Wu Kang sneered, ¡°I¡¯m afraid you don¡¯t have a choice!¡±


    Without any hesitation, Wu Kang swung his sword at Liu Wuxie, and his attack was stronger than before. He didn¡¯t hesitate to act, and it was clear that these people were undoubtedly ruthless.


    Then again, Wu Kang wanted to obtain the dragon auras quickly in case more people came. If that happens, the odds of them obtaining the dragon auras would decrease.


    Since Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t evade, he had no choice but to fight back. Raising the Heretic de, a terrifying de intent permeated the sky.


    The battle here instantly attracted the attention of the ten envoys. Although multiple battles were ongoing in the Dragon Battlefield, they paid attention to Liu Wuxie because of what Yu Tianyi had said. They wanted to see what was so special about Liu Wuxie.


    After all, even a garbage like Fan Lin was optimistic about Liu Wuxie, and this was baffling.


    ¡°What is that kid thinking? Is he going to fight someone in the True Core Realm?¡± Song Junbao sneered.


    The difference between the Marrow Cleansing Realm and the True Core Realm might not seem significant, but it was a gulf like the distance between heaven and earth.


    Upon reaching the True Core Realm, one''s divine bridge was cleared, and one could utilize divine power. A cultivator in the Marrow Cleansing Realm was merely an ordinary martial artist.


    ¡°There¡¯s a show to watch now!¡± Xiang Rongjun sneered. The more intense the fight, the more excited he became. After all, the Demonic Heart Pce focused on ughtering, and their disciples naturally liked killing.


    When Wu Kang¡¯s sword cleaved down, Liu Wuxie took the attack head-on and managed to hold his ground. But the surrounding trees were devastated and vanished, leaving behind an open space.


    Wu Kang and Liu Wuxie were evenly matched in their fight, which surprised the former. After all, Wu Kang was in the True Core Realm and was confident that he could easily kill someone in the ninth-level Marrow Cleansing Realm. Realizing that Liu Wuxie could hold his ground against him, Wu Kang wore a hint of graveness.


    The six people in the surroundings narrowed their eyes at this sight.


    ¡°Wu Kang, I didn¡¯t expect you to be so weak that you can¡¯t even kill someone in the Marrow Cleansing Realm.¡± The other cultivator in the True Core Realm mocked, thinking that Wu Kang held back in the fight.


    ¡°Lian Yuanzhou, shut your mouth!¡± Wu Kang roared with displeasure on his face.

 Chapter 280 - Killed

    <h4>Chapter 280 - Killed</h4>


    Wu Kang¡¯s furious roar echoed through the forest as his strike failed to end Liu Wuxie¡¯s life. The mockingughter of onlookers fueled his rage.


    ¡°Kill him then!¡± Lian Yuanzhou sneered. More people were gathering, and it would be troublesome if Wu Kang still couldn¡¯t kill Liu Wuxie.


    There were only two strands of dragon auras; it would be hard to split if more people came.


    ording to the number of dragon auras in the past, the number wouldn¡¯t exceed three thousand.


    There were nearly six thousand people, which meant there wasn¡¯t enough for everyone. Not to mention, two strands were required to participate in the final ranking battle. Thus, the intensity of thepetition could be imagined.


    Wu Kang was furious, and his aura began to rise. He had chosen to go all out, turning into aet and appearing three meters from Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Searing Wind sh!¡± A suffocating force swept out, which made Liu Wuxie feel tremendous pressure.


    In the past, even after using Ghost Eye, Liu Wuxie had barely managed to kill Xue Shixiong. He could send Mo Chong flying because thetter had just reached the True Core Realm, and his cultivation still wasn¡¯t stable.


    Wu Kang hailed from the Azure Lion Empire and had reached the True Core Realm a year ago. His strength was on a whole new levelpared to Xue Shixiong.


    A zing heatwave spread out, covering the sky with a boundless sword aura trapping Liu Wuxie. The six people gathered in the surroundings retreated with a hint of shock in their eyes.


    ¡°This is Senior Brother Wu¡¯s strongest attack. He¡¯s finished!¡± The Azure Lion Empire¡¯s weakest participants were in the True Core Realm, and Wu Kang¡¯s strength was rtively lowpared to the other participants.


    The few who came along were vassals to the Azure Lion Empire and had chosen to follow Wu Kang. They would be content if they could have some leftovers.


    ¡°Fatality de Art!¡± Facing the iing attack, Liu Wuxie had no chance to evade. Wu Kang¡¯s divine power was strong enough to control the entire Searing Wind sh, enabling him to unleash attacks from various angles ording to his will.


    When Liu Wuxie cleaved down with the Heretic de, his de aura enveloped a few hundred meters of radius.


    <i>Shit!</i> Wu Kang cursed inwardly as his sword aura swiftly dissolved and dissipated in the blink of an eye. But it didn¡¯t stop there as a powerful de aura produced a deafening roar with unmatched power.


    Even Lian Yuanzhou''s face changed upon seeing the power of Liu Wuxie¡¯s de technique.


    The de and sword¡¯s impact created a powerful shockwave that swept out. Those in the Quasi-True Core Realm couldn¡¯t withstand the shockwave and were sent flying out, throwing up blood.


    When a terrifying de ray swept through Wu Kang¡¯s body, it caused a rain of blood. Liu Wuxie used seventy percent of his true essence in this strike, intending to make it fatal.


    ¡°How could this be?!¡± Wu Kang roared furiously as he was a dignified expert in the True Core Realm from the Azure Lion Empire. As he retreated, the Fatality de Art followed, locked onto his neck no matter how hard he tried to dodge it. This meant the slightest distraction would result in being beheaded.


    ¡°Lian Yuanzhou, how long are you going to keep watching?! Help!¡± Wu Kang called for help because he would die if Lian Yuanzhou didn¡¯t make a move soon. If that were to happen, no one would obtain the dragon auras.


    Lian Yuanzhou also realized how serious this situation was. He wasn¡¯t confident in facing Liu Wuxie by himself if Wu Kang died. He wielded his sword and attacked Liu Wuxie¡¯s back, sandwiching thetter with Wu Kang.


    If Liu Wuxie carried on his attack on Wu Kang, he would have to take Lian Yuanzhou¡¯s attack with his back. This gave Liu Wuxie no choice but to withdraw the Heretic de.


    When Liu Wuxie withdrew his de, Lian Yuanzhou¡¯s sword left a huge ten-meter-deep crater on the ground. This sword strike saved Wu Kang¡¯s life, allowing Wu Kang to escape death narrowly with a hint of surprise and horror in his eyes.


    If Lian Yuanzhou hadn¡¯t attacked earlier, he would¡¯ve been dead.


    The faces of the ten envoys changed, including Yu Tianyi. They had considered that Liu Wuxie was capable of contending with the True Core Realm, but they didn¡¯t expect to see Liu Wuxie almost killing one.


    Killing someone in the True Core Realm was nothing special, but it was abnormal for someone in the Marrow Cleansing Realm to do it. After all, trying to kill someone whose cultivation was one realm higher was unimaginable.


    ¡°Lian Yuanzhou, his true essence is stronger than ordinary cultivators in the True Core Realm, and his martial techniques areparable to earth-grade martial technique. We have to be careful!¡± Wu Kang said in trembling fear. They had to end the battle quickly as people were approaching.


    Lian Yuanzhou nodded and realized that Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t be underestimated. They attacked Liu Wuxie from the front and back. The pressure of facing two was utterly different from facing one person.


    They wanted to end the battle quickly, but that was the same for Liu Wuxie.


    By executing Ghost Eye, Liu Wuxie tracked each of their movements and identified weaknesses in their martial techniques. He could easily end the battle within two hours if they fought conventionally.


    Liu Wuxie stabbed the Heretic de at Wu Kang. Perhaps Wu Kang was still affected by the previous attack and was still lingering in fear. He didn¡¯t dare to sh with Liu Wuxie head-on, choosing to evade instead.


    This brought a smirk to Liu Wuxie¡¯s face because this was what he wanted. It was easier to deal with him now that Wu Kang had fear in his heart.


    Relying on the Nine Heavenly Crane Dance, Liu Wuxie dodged Lian Yuanzhou¡¯s attacks and chose not to engage with him in a frontal confrontation. The best method was to take them out individually.


    The Heretic de followed Wu Kang no matter where he went, gradually making Wu Kang furious. It was frustrating that Liu Wuxie solely targeted him.


    ¡°Brat, do you think I¡¯m afraid of you?!¡± Wu Kang mustered his courage. With Lian Yuanzhou holding Liu Wuxie back, he no longer had any concern and charged toward Liu Wuxie.


    Simultaneously, Lian Yuanzhou¡¯s attack was a meter away from Liu Wuxie¡¯s back, rapidly closing in. As Wu Kang and Lian Yuanzhou cooperated often, they had formed a rapport.


    ¡°All of you are garbage. Do you think I¡¯ll need you all to fear me?¡± Liu Wuxie''s cruel smile rose on his lips as he passed the Heretic de to the other hand, and a violent fist intent erupted from him, forming a massive vortex.


    ¡°Fuck!¡± Wu Kang was terrified. He had already suffered a loss the previous day, and he didn¡¯t want to suffer another loss that day. He initially thought that Liu Wuxie¡¯s de technique was powerful and that it would be easy to kill him if they could restrain his technique.


    But reality was a harsh p on his face. The Fatality de Art might be strong, but the Overlord Fist wasn¡¯t any weaker inparison.


    Like a rumbling heatwave, the Overlord Fist¡¯s power peaked, manifesting into a roaring jaw.


    Wu Kang screamed and was devoured by the massive jaw manifested by the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron. Liu Wuxie used the Overlord Fist as a disguise to release the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron. In the eyes of others, it only looked like the power of the fist technique, and no one would connect it with the cauldron.


    Everything happened too quickly, and Lian Yuanzhou couldn¡¯t react in time. After killing Wu Kang, Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t stop there and flipped around in mid-air.


    ¡°Fatality de Art¡ªSecond Fatality Form!¡± A suffocating pressure of de intent swept out, producing a powerful shockwave that engulfed Lian Yuanzhou. It was much easier now that Liu Wuxie had to face only one person, and it was a one-sided battle with an overwhelming advantage for Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Brat, I¡¯ll kill you!¡± Lian Yuanzhou found himself with no path of retreat, so he unleashed his strongest sword technique to tear open an escape route forcibly. Despite his words, he was clearly looking for an opportunity to flee.


    ¡°Hmph, you can die now!¡± Engulfed by the shockwave, Lian Yuanzhou lost his path of retreat as the de aura tore apart his defenses, covering him in countless wounds with blood gushing out.


    The Heretic de flew out from Liu Wuxie¡¯s hand as he poured all his divine power into it. The de began to spin in mid-air and beheaded Lian Yuanzhou.


    This scene even shocked the ten envoys as they looked around in disbelief.


    ¡°Divine power in the Marrow Cleansing Realm?¡± Xi Jian muttered.


    This was beyond theirprehension. Since when could someone in the Marrow Cleansing Realm clear their divine bridge?


    ¡°He has given all of us a surprise. He¡¯s getting interesting now!¡± Xiang Rongjun smiled devilishly and licked his lips, fighting spirits gushing out of him.


    The battle continued because Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t stop after killing Wu Kang and Lian Yuanzhou. His figure suddenly divided into three, decapitating the heads of the five Quasi-True Core Realm cultivators in the surroundings.


    After collecting their interspatial pouches, Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t hesitate to leave.


    The Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron devoured Wu Kang and Lian Yuanzhou¡¯s bodies and converted them into spiritual liquid. The more True Core Realm cultivators he killed, the faster he would step into the True Core Realm.


    ording to his estimation, he would have to kill at least ten cultivators in the True Core Realm or absorb ten strands of dragon aura if he wanted to make a breakthrough.


    Not long after Liu Wuxie left, a group of people appeared at the scene. Their brows furrowed as they looked at the five headless corpses on the ground.


    ¡°This is weird. There are traces of a battle between True Core Realm experts, but why aren¡¯t there corpses of those in the True Core Realm?¡± Those people who arrived were baffled. No one couldprehend what was going on, including the ten envoys.


    A day passed in the blink of an eye. Many people managed to obtain dragon auras, and the fighting was ongoing, even at night. Those who managed to obtain dragon auras instantly became targets for everyone.


    Liu Wuxie sat on the vast rock and gazed into the distance.


    Even in the darkness, the two golden halos on his back made him stand out, even from ten thousand meters away.


    As soon as he sat down, he heard a gust of wind rushing in his direction.


    ¡°Damn it!¡± Liu Wuxieined as he couldn''t take a rest. And so, Liu Wuxie spent the entire night being pursued.


    He relied on his speed to escape when he encounteredrge groups of True Core Realm cultivators. If he encountered True Core Realm cultivators by themselves, he would kill them.


    By the time it dawned, Liu Wuxie had killed five True Core Realm cultivators; over twenty thousand spiritual liquid droplets were umted in the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron.


    Liu Wuxie had entered the depths of the Dragon Battlefield unknowingly. The geographical environment here was different from the outer regions. All Liu Wuxie could see were craters on the ground as if meteorites had struck this ce.


    Thergest crater was over ten thousand meters, and the smallest was a few meters.


    This was a spectacr scene, and the demonic me began to rumble when Liu Wuxie arrived as each crater was left behind in the ancient war.

 Chapter 281 - True Core Realm

    <h4>Chapter 281 - True Core Realm</h4>


    The demonic me¡¯s reaction wasn''t due to a single dragon aura but was drawn to three different regions.


    As Liu Wuxie observed from afar, he saw thousands of people wandering around, searching for targets to strike. Being alone, Liu Wuxie made an easy target.


    Suddenly, dozens of dragon auras erupted from severalrge craters, one just fifty meters away from Liu Wuxie.


    When the dragon auras emerged, they hovered roughly thirty meters in mid-air, making collecting them challenging for Marrow Cleansing Realm cultivators.


    ¡°Quick, seize the dragon auras!¡± Hundreds of people rushed towards the auras. It was the first time twelve strands of dragon auras had appeared simultaneously. ording to their experience, the limit was five to six dragon auras appearing at once.


    Liu Wuxie was the closest, roughly fifty meters away. But many people were heading over, and they were approximately seventy meters away. This meant that whoever was faster could seize the dragon auras.


    ¡°Brat, how dare you?!¡±


    Liu Wuxie was like a celestial crane, soaring to the sky to save time on the journey. Surprisingly, he was faster than the cultivators in the True Core Realm.


    Within a day, many cultivators had made a breakthrough in their cultivation, and there were more cultivators in the True Core Realm.


    This meant that Liu Wuxie had to reach the True Core Realm quickly if he wanted to survive. The twelve strands of dragon auras were an excellent opportunity for him, and he couldn¡¯t miss it.


    Ignoring the yellsing from behind, Liu Wuxie soared to the sky with his true essence manifesting into a pair of wings, lifting him off the ground.


    This shocked the ten envoys, and they realized that they couldn¡¯t treat Liu Wuxie normally.


    He traveled a distance of fifty meters in the blink of an eye, and dragon auras appeared before Liu Wuxie. However, he didn¡¯t have time to collect them individually as he could hear gusts of wind behind him.


    He controlled his true essence to manifest a hand and formed a ck vortex, engulfing the twelve strands of dragon auras, secretly bringing out the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron again. All twelve strands of dragon auras disappeared instantly.


    The closer he was to the depth of the Dragon Battlefield, the higher the density of the dragon auras. The dragon auras formed into twelve droplets of liquid, which meant he had thirteen, including the one from before.


    ¡°Brat, die!¡± Dozens of attacks appeared behind Liu Wuxie simultaneously, and those who rushed over had gone insane.


    Liu Wuxie was in mid-air with no foothold, meaning that he couldn¡¯t make any effective counterattacks.


    At the first opportunity, Liu Wuxie chose to descend. He descended like a meteorite, dodging all the iing attacks.


    ¡°Damn it!¡± The dozen people who had caught up with him also chose to descend. There were over thirty cultivators in total, fifteen of whom were in the True Core Realm. After facing such a horrifying formation, it would be tough for Liu Wuxie toe out unscathed.


    When Liu Wuxie was in mid-air earlier, he didn¡¯t hesitate to pour all of the mysterious liquid into the world in his dantian. In this life-threatening situation, Liu Wuxie chose to make a breakthrough in his cultivation.


    If he still didn¡¯t make a breakthrough, these people would undoubtedly tear him alive.


    Twelve golden halos appeared behind him in addition to the previous two. Thus, Liu Wuxie had fourteen strands of dragon auras in total.


    The moment Liu Wuxie chose to make a breakthrough, all the spiritual energy within tens of thousands of meters vanished. The rate at which Liu Wuxie devoured spiritual energy was terrifying.


    This scene caused shock in the depth of Yu Tianyi¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°What kind of cultivation technique does he practice? Even those from the Kunpeng n can¡¯t match him when devouring spiritual energy.¡± Dugu Yang was shocked with disbelief.


    Within his dantian, a violent gust arose as all the true essence converged into a single point, emitting a golden radiance. This was the formation of the true core.


    The true core rotated violently, reaching thousands of rotations in a second, with true essence suppressed and absorbed by the true core. In less than a breath, the golden true core grew to the size of a broad bean, which was still rotating rapidly to devour true essence.


    When ordinary people reached the True Core Realm, the size of their true core would be the size of a mung bean at best, and for geniuses it would be the size of a broad bean.


    However, Liu Wuxie¡¯s true core was visibly growing in size. When Liu Wuxie descended to the ground, a vast crater appeared, and his true core reached the size of an infant¡¯s fist.


    Even Liu Wuxie was surprised at the growth of his true core, with disbelief on his face. He took out a hundred thousand spirit stones and tossed them into the cauldron to speed up the process of forming his true core.


    When the other experts descended, they surrounded Liu Wuxie but didn¡¯t dare to get close.


    ¡°He¡¯s making a breakthrough to the True Core Realm!¡± a man on the right eximed.


    ¡°What a terrifying energy fluctuation! I can¡¯t get close to him at all!¡± Everyone looked at him in disbelief. Generally speaking, cultivators were at their weakest when making a breakthrough, and this was the best opportunity for them to kill Liu Wuxie.


    However, the reality was quite the opposite: as soon as they got close to him, there was a powerful suction force that forcibly extracted the true essence from their bodies. At this rate, they would be wholly sucked dry of their true essence even before they got close to him.


    This made everyone furious, and they could only stand ten meters away, waiting for Liu Wuxie to finish his breakthrough before acting.


    Dragon auras continued to emerge in the other regions, and their appearance would trigger an intense fight.


    The hundred thousand spirit stones onlysted a breath and weren¡¯t enough to make any difference. Liu Wuxie took out all the interspatial pouches he had obtained from killing in the Dragon Battlefield as he didn¡¯t have time to sort through them.


    ¡°I¡¯m rich!¡± Liu Wuxie grinned. He discovered hundreds of thousands of spirit stones from Wu Kang and Lian Yuanzhou¡¯s interspatial pouches. These geniuses from high-grade nations were filthy rich, as expected.


    Scavenging through the interspatial pouches, Liu Wuxie obtained four hundred thousand spirit stones, which he didn¡¯t hesitate to dump into the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron.


    The cauldron swiftly converted the spirit stones into spiritual liquid and poured it into the world in his dantian. This further increased the speed at which his true core was forming.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s true core had already reached the size of a basketball, but it still showed no signs of stopping, leaving Liu Wuxie speechless. It would be troublesome if his true core weren¡¯t done forming soon because he had practically exhausted all the pills and spirit stones on him.


    The rotation speed slowed down a little, along with the growth of the true core.


    As Liu Wuxie circted the Deste Devouring Art, all the spiritual energy in the Dragon Battlefield was rapidly drawn toward him. Themotion naturally caught the attention of countless people, who turned to see what was happening.


    ¡°Who¡¯s making a breakthrough? Why is spiritual energy being drained so rapidly?¡± Geniuses of high-grade nations were shocked but couldn¡¯t see Liu Wuxie from a distance.


    The ten envoys were speechless when they saw this scene.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you all guess the size of his true core?¡± someone suggested, noting that Liu Wuxie¡¯s true core had be more substantial than that of ordinary cultivators after absorbing so much spiritual energy.


    ¡°It won¡¯t exceed the size of an infant¡¯s fist!¡± Jiang Kaicheng said, sharing his opinion.


    ¡°Are you kidding? His true core will only be the size of a mung bean at best,¡± Guo Hanfei sneered. When he had reached the True Core Realm, his true core had barely reached the size of a mung bean. While his aura back then might not have been as formidable as Liu Wuxie¡¯s, it hadn¡¯t been weak either.


    After arguing for half a day, everyone couldn¡¯t decide. Furthermore, Liu Wuxie¡¯s dantian was enveloped in ayer of crystal wall that prevented any divine sense from prating.


    The wood, fire, metal, and ice attributed true essence inside the world within Lui Wuxie¡¯s dantian poured into his true core. From the size of a basketball, the true core gradually became oval, and the speed at which it was growing slowed down.


    When ordinary people reached the True Core Realm, their true cores would be grayish-brown. However, Liu Wuxie¡¯s true core sparkled in golden, emitting boundless radiance that illuminated the world in his dantian.


    The mysterious tree''s roots extended deep underground, and the faint dragon aura was extracted to infuse into the true core.


    A bizarre scene urred as images of divine dragons appeared on the true core. This astonished Liu Wuxie, and he couldn¡¯tprehend what was happening anymore. He realized that his experiences as an Immortal Emperor were utterly useless.


    However, therger his true core, the more challenging his breakthrough would be.


    In his dantian, all the true essence in the world was exhausted and infused into the true core. As the true core''s rotation speed slowed, Liu Wuxie¡¯s cultivation stabilized in the pinnacle of the first level of True Core Realm.


    Even after fifteen minutes had passed, the true core still didn¡¯t show any signs of stopping.


    ¡°This is unusual. When ordinary pepople reach the True Core Realm, their true cores remain stationary even duringbat. But why is my true core still rotating?¡± Liu Wuxie frowned. The rotation of his true core was slow, and it looked like a celestial body floating in the universe with its orbit.


    However, he soon threw the thought to the back of his mind after studying his core for half a day without finding any clues. He would just let it be as long as there weren¡¯t any side effects.


    The powerful suction force gradually weakened, and the thirty-odd people gathered in the surroundings noticed it. They raised their weapons and gradually approached Liu Wuxie.


    The fourteen golden halos on him were too conspicuous. As Liu Wuxie opened his eyes, two terrifying rays shot into the distance.


    Liu Wuxie swept his gaze across all thirty-four people¡¯s faces. Fifteen were in the True Core Realm, and the rest were in the Quasi-True Core Realm. Five of the fifteen had obtained a strand of dragon aura.


    ¡°Brat, hand over the dragon auras, and we¡¯ll spare your life!¡± The fifteen True Core Realm cultivators gathered and approached Liu Wuxie.


    Suddenly, the world in his dantian began to revolve, suppressing all the aura sweeping towards him.


    ¡°Don¡¯t just stand there! He just made a breakthrough, so it¡¯s a great opportunity to kill him and seize his dragon auras.¡± All thirty-four people attacked simultaneously, unleashing various martial techniques.


    The ground rumbled like an earthquake, with countless rocks exploding.


    The Heretic de appeared in Liu Wuxie¡¯s hand, and his golden true core began to rotate with a surge of violent true essence coursing through his body. A suffocating aura began to spread out of Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°This is bad!¡± Those who had charged over instantly realized that something was amiss. But it was already toote for them to retreat.


    After reaching the True Core Realm, Liu Wuxie deeplyprehended the Fatality de Art. His de was like a reaper¡¯s scythe mowing down lives.


    When Liu Wuxie swung his de, the de ray divided into countless de rays that enveloped the thirty-four people like a storm.


    Those in the Quasi-True Core Realm couldn¡¯t move because the aura Liu Wuxie gave off felt like a towering mountain, suffocating them.


    ¡°Die!¡± Now that Liu Wuxie had reached the True Core Realm, he needed a battle to stabilize his foundation. All the Quasi-True Core Realm cultivators, except those in the True Core Realm, were killed in one exchange. Their bodies were chopped into pieces, and the scene was gruesome.


    The remaining fifteen True Core Realm cultivators took deep breaths when they saw this scene.


    It was expected of the Fatality de Art that every move was fatal. Looking at the corpses on the ground, Liu Wuxie was shocked and muttered to himself, ¡°I did this?¡±


    Before his breakthrough, it was difficult for him to kill so many Quasi-True Core Realm cultivators with one strike.

 Chapter 282 - Massacre

    <h4>Chapter 282 - Massacre</h4>


    The surrounding atmosphere was tense while Liu Wuxie turned to look at the fifteen True Core Realm cultivators.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid. He has just reached the True Core Realm and must be putting on a strong front to intimidate us. Don¡¯t be frightened by him!¡± A True Core Realm expert dressed in the Spirit Tiger Dynasty¡¯s clothes said confidently.


    The Spirit Tiger Dynasty was an intermediate-grade nation. It might not have been as powerful as the Azure Lion Empire, but it couldn¡¯t be underestimated.


    ¡°Wei Hao is right. He¡¯s merely putting on a strong front. There are fifteen of us; we do not need to fear him!¡± A True Core Realm cultivator from the Eastern Zhou Dynasty agreed with the Spirit Tiger Dynasty¡¯s expert.


    The intermediate-grade nations often engaged in martial exchanges. Therefore, they were familiar with each other.


    The two of their words made many people nod in agreement.


    Liu Wuxie smirked because he wasn¡¯t putting on a strong front. He knew better than anyone that after reaching the True Core Realm, his true essence was still in a violent stage. This was why he needed a battle to resolve the ferocity. His true core far exceededmon understanding and couldn''t be approached with conventional wisdom.


    ¡°Since that¡¯s the case, what are you all still daydreaming about?¡± Liu Wuxie said coldly. The more True Core Realm cultivators he killed, the more powerful his cultivation would be. He wanted his cultivation to reach as high as possible before entering the cultivation world.


    He knew how cruel the cultivation world was and would be enved if he didn¡¯t have the strength to protect himself.


    ¡°What cockiness!¡± The fifteen True Core Realm cultivators had their own ns and were divided into several factions. They couldn''t unite, wishing each other¡¯s death so that they could monopolize all the dragon auras for themselves.


    This allowed Liu Wuxie to find their weakness and exploit them.


    Raising the Heretic de, Liu Wuxie poured all his true essence into it, unleashing a de aura that stretched ten thousand feet. As the de aura took shape, the weather began to change dramatically.


    Upon facing this unrivaled de aura, no one was willing to step forward to be the scapegoat. Thus, they all executed their martial techniques to block it.


    Liu Wuxie sneered upon seeing this scene. These people were disorganized, but wanted to kill him?!


    His golden true core began to rotate rapidly, devouring the surrounding spiritual energy. The divine bridge in his soul sea had expanded by a hundred times, and rumbling divine power poured in.


    His true essence took various forms, manifesting into ferocious tigers pouncing at the fifteen True Core Realm cultivators.


    An ordinary person¡¯s divine bridge only had the width of a chopstick, while Liu Wuxie¡¯s divine bridge was filled with an ancient aura and was the width of a bucket.


    Because the fifteen True Core Realm cultivators fought individually, they couldn¡¯t unleash any effective attacks.


    Liu Wuxie strode the Seven Dipper Steps and vanished, rushing to the right side, where the three True Core Realm cultivators were rtively weak. They must have reached the True Core Realm recently.


    ¡°Retreat!¡± The three realized the danger and quickly retreated to avoid this fatal strike.


    ¡°Die!¡± After reaching the True Core Realm, Liu Wuxie¡¯s speed increased more than ten times. With a sh, the three True Core Realm cultivators were beheaded, and the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron devoured their bodies.


    Everything happened so quickly that no one could respond in time. After killing the three, Liu Wuxie was like a ferocious tiger pouncing at the others.


    ¡°Why is everyone still fighting individually now?!¡± Wei Hao roared, urging everyone to abandon their petty schemes. Liu Wuxie had fourteen strands of dragon auras, enough for everyone to share. So, there was no need for them to y such schemes.


    Wei Hao¡¯s words were adequate, instantly strengthening the rapport between everyone. This made it more difficult for Liu Wuxie to find their weaknesses individually.


    The intensity of the battle increased. Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t in a hurry to kill them and was using them to hone his cultivation. He still hadn¡¯t grasped the second form of the Fatality de Art and could barely execute it.


    Fifteen minutester, Liu Wuxie gradually became more familiar with the Fatality de Art¡¯s second form. As Liu Wuxie honed himself through the battle, the lethality of his attacks increased, making the twelve people anxious.


    The longer their fightsted, the more unfavorable it would be for them. This was because they discovered that Liu Wuxie¡¯s aura was increasing, and this wasn¡¯t a good sign for them.


    ¡°Don¡¯t hesitate anymore! This brat is using us to hone his cultivation and refine his de technique!¡± Wei Hao¡¯s facial expression became grave. He no longer had the arrogance from before because he could tell that Liu Wuxie''s true essence was more terrifying than they had imagined.


    With a true core the size of a basketball and the massive world in his dantian, it wasn¡¯t an exaggeration to say that Liu Wuxie¡¯s true essence was inexhaustible.


    By the time everyone realized it, it was already toote for them because Liu Wuxie¡¯s aura had peaked.


    After hundreds of exchanges, Liu Wuxie finally reached greater mastery in the Fatality de Art¡¯s second form.


    As he raised the Heretic de to the sky, hints of de rays hung in the sky that left everyone baffled. It looked like a crescent moon hanging in the sky.


    When Liu Wuxie raised the Heretic de, a torrential wave of de aura descended from the sky.


    ¡°Die!¡± Liu Wuxie was practically invincible in the same cultivation level as he unleashed a highly destructive heatwave.


    The de ray formed a barrier, preventing the twelve people from escaping. Liu Wuxie nned to kill them lest they give him trouble in the future. Furthermore, each person still hadpanions in the Dragon Battlefield, and killing them could save him from future troubles.


    The battles in several distant regions were ending, and the intensity of those battles wasn¡¯t inferior to that of this side.


    The geniuses who couldn¡¯t obtain any dragon auras began gathering in this direction. Thus, Liu Wuxie had to end the battle quickly in case more people came.


    ¡°Run!¡± Everyone only had the thought to escape. They all felt powerless facing this earth-shattering strike. But they couldn¡¯t find any w in Liu Wuxie¡¯s attack because his de ray sealed all their path of retreat.


    The first person exploded, with blood flowing on the ground. The de aura soon formed into a vortex, devouring that person¡¯s corpse. This was because Liu Wuxie required manyws in the True Core Realm to reach the second level as soon as possible.


    The number of casualties soon increased, turning this into a one-sided massacre.


    The Heretic de suddenly flew out, bing a powerful ray that shuttled through everyone. Liu Wuxie could change the attacking direction as he wished. A terrifying divine power also enveloped a radius of a few hundred meters.


    ¡°Please don¡¯t kill me!¡± Some people began to beg for their lives. They had finally managed to participate in the Battle of the Hundred Nations and didn¡¯t want to die aftering this far. That was especially true for the geniuses who had already obtained a strand of dragon aura. If they died, their dragon auras would leave their bodies and be absorbed by Liu Wuxie without hesitation.


    The numbers dwindled from twelve to just a few in less than a breath. Simultaneously, five more golden halos appeared around Liu Wuxie.


    Only three people were left, and they were all trembling in fear.


    ¡°Run!¡± The three didn¡¯t hesitate to run, wishing they were born with another pair of legs for running.


    ¡°All of you stay behind!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s figure split into three and hacked down with the Heretic de.


    Three heads flew to the sky, and with that, all of the thirty-four people who had surrounded him were killed. After killing them, Liu Wuxie collected their interspatial pouches before heading deeper into the Dragon Battlefield.


    Not long after Liu Wuxie left, a few hundred people appeared, and a series of exmations erupted after they saw the bloodstains on the ground.


    ¡°So many auras in the True Core Realm? Can it be that they¡¯re all dead?¡± A True Core Realm cultivator from the Heavenly Fragrance Dynasty couldn¡¯t hide the shock on his face.


    ¡°Was it done by someone from the empire?¡± The Sky Mansion Dynasty¡¯s students approached with deep shock in their eyes.


    Only several high-grade nations had geniuses in the third level of the True Core Realm who were capable of killing cultivators in the first level True Core Realm so easily.


    ¡°It¡¯s impossible. The representatives from the high-grade nations have long entered the depths of the Dragon Battlefield to search for Dragon Bones.¡± Some people shook their heads, denying that those from the high-grade nations were responsible and suggesting it was someone else instead.


    There were various discussions, but no one had a clue. Dragon auras continued to erupt from the ground, and it was already the third day.


    Relying on the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron, Liu Wuxie plundered all the dragon auras along the way and umted over thirty strands of dragon auras. It was a spectacr scene of him enveloped inyers of golden halos, and he would draw attention wherever he went.


    After killing thest person, Liu Wuxie sheathed the Heretic de. This was the 150th person he had killed in the Dragon Battlefield, and he left after collecting his dragon auras.


    The refined liquid from the dragon aura poured into the world within his dantian, gradually increasing his cultivation. Despite this, his cultivation remained stuck at the pinnacle of the first-level True Core Realm.


    Suddenly, gusts of wind could be heard approaching from the distance, making Liu Wuxie frown. After all, Liu Wuxie had spent thest few days in constant battles and was getting a little annoyed.


    "Senior Brother Liu, save us!" Exmations echoed from behind,pelling Liu Wuxie to halt his steps. When he turned around, he saw Qin Lei and Li Nanxiang approaching, their hair disheveled and bloodstains marking their bodies.


    Five men emitted lewdughter from behind them and were about to catch up with the two.


    When Qin Lei and Li Nanxiang came before Liu Wuxie, they had exhausted theirst ounce of strength and sat down, gasping for breath.


    Before they could speak, the five men caught up. When they saw Liu Wuxie, they were shocked before bing ecstatic.


    ¡°Hahaha! It¡¯s you! I didn¡¯t expect you to collect so many dragon auras!¡± These five were students of the Sky Mansion Dynasty.


    On the first day, when Liu Wuxie had arrived at the Dragon Battlefield, he had a conflict with the Sky Mansion Nation. He had even sent Liu Guangpeng flying with a p. He hadn¡¯t expected Liu Guangpeng to reach the True Core Realm in three days, and he had a strand of dragon aura behind him. He must¡¯ve used the dragon aura to get to the True Core realm.


    ¡°Hehe, this is excellent! Brat, you¡¯re finished now!¡± Liu Guangpeng¡¯s eyes were terrifyingly grim. No one had pped him since he was young, and Liu Wuxie was the first. He wouldn¡¯t be able to resolve the hatred in his heart if he didn¡¯t kill thetter.


    ¡°Are you two alright?¡± Liu Wuxie ignored Liu Guangpeng and turned to Qin Lei. After all, this person was from the Qin n, and Liu Wuxie wouldn¡¯t mind rendering because of Qin Biyu.


    ¡°We¡¯re fine. Senior Brother Liu, you have to be careful. The Sky Mansion Dynasty has been hunting representatives from the Great Yan Dynasty in the past few days. They have killed several people.¡± After Qin Lei caught her breath, she stood up with a pale face.


    Hearing these people were hunting the Great Yan Dynasty¡¯s representatives, murderous intent swept out of Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes. He might not have had much attachment to the Great Yan Dynasty, but it was where this body was born and raised. So, how could he allow someone to trample on it?


    ¡°Brat, I¡¯m talking to you. Do you think you can get away by ying dumb?¡± Liu Guangpeng burst intoughter. The five of them were in the True Core Realm, and they had been plundering dragon auras in the past few days. One even had two strands of dragon auras, all plundered from others.


    ¡°You will all die!¡± Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t be bothered to waste time talking with these people.


    ¡°Hahaha!¡± The five from the Sky Mansion Dynasty burst intoughter, amused by Liu Wuxie¡¯s words.

 Chapter 283 - Discovery of Dragon Bone

    <h4>Chapter 283 - Discovery of Dragon Bone</h4>


    The five students from Sky Mansion Dynastyughed, amused by what Liu Wuxie said.


    ¡°Is it that funny?¡± Liu Wuxie vanished with the Heretic de manifesting into a de ray.


    Liu Guangpeng felt a chill on his neck before he lost consciousness. Warm blood gushed out from his neck, sshing onto the faces of the four other representatives. This terrified them into screaming, and they couldn¡¯tprehend what was going on.


    Qin Lei and Li Nanxiang were dumbfounded with disbelief. It had only been three days, and Liu Wuxie had gotten so powerful that even cultivators in the True Core Realm were no match for him.


    ¡°Your turn next!¡± After killing Liu Guangpeng, Liu Wuxie looked at the remaining four without a hint of emotion.


    ¡°Let¡¯s attack him together!¡± The remaining four exchanged nces with a ruthless gaze. They drew their swords and attacked Liu Wuxie altogether.


    ¡°Garbage! I¡¯ll show you all what real power is!¡± Liu Wuxie sneered. These people¡¯s strength couldn¡¯t even bepared to the likes of Wei Hao and others he had killed.


    The Fatality de Art carried a massive shockwave, sweeping up the rocks on the ground and engulfing the four before they could respond. When the shockwave settled down, the four had disappeared.


    Liu Wuxie might not have made much progress in his cultivation over the past few days, but hisbat power had rapidly increased. His golden true core had expanded, allowing him to store more true essence.


    But the greatest transformation was his divine power, which far exceeded those at the same level. Empowering the Fatality de Art with divine power brought the power of this de technique to a whole new level.


    ¡°Senior Brother Liu, have you reached the True Core Realm?¡± Li Nanxiang¡¯s eyes sparkled. Although they had no harvest in the Dragon Battlefield, Liu Wuxie had reached the True Core Realm and collected fifty dragon auras.


    ¡°It won¡¯t be easy for you two to linger in the depths of the Dragon Battlefield. Head to the outer region!¡± Liu Wuxie said and vanished, making Li Nanxiang stomp her foot on the ground furiously.


    Looking in the direction Liu Wuxie had left, Qin Lei smiled bitterly. She was a Heaven Grade student at the Imperial Academy. When she was in the Imperial Academy, many talented youths had tried to pursue her, but she didn¡¯t even take a look at them.


    Now that she looked at it, her so-called ¡®pride¡¯ was nothing before Liu Wuxie. Right from the beginning, Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t even look at her; he had merely saved her because they came from the same dynasty.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go. We¡¯re not from the same world as him. He will enter the cultivation world in a few days.¡± Qin Lei smiled bitterly, shaking her head. After she was done, she headed to the outer region without hesitation. It no longer mattered if she could obtain any dragon aura; survival was more important.


    Ten miles away, Liu Wuxie found arge tree hollow and decided to rest there for a day. After several days of intensebat, he needed a proper rest. The frequent killings were starting to be detrimental to his cultivation.


    He had already acquired enough dragon auras and needed time to digest them.


    Liu Wuxie knew what Li Nanxiang was nning when she looked at him. After all, it was human instinct to rely on the strong. But Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t want to get involved in any unnecessary rtionship because he already had Xu Lingxue.


    Moreover, Qin Lei''s words were right because they were destined to belong to two different worlds. They did not need to interact further since they would be parting ways soon.


    Sitting cross-legged in the tree hollow, Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t circte the Deste Devouring Art but the Heart Calming Mantra instead. Now, it wasn¡¯t just about absorbing spiritual energy to make a breakthrough in his cultivation; he had encountered his first bottleneck.


    ording to his understanding, he shouldn¡¯t have any bottlenecks as he was the reincarnation of an Immortal Emperor. But he ran into a bottleneck after reaching the pinnacle of the first-level True Core Realm. Insufficient umtion was one aspect, but there was also ack ofprehension of the current realm.


    This was why Liu Wuxie chose to go into seclusion to hone his cultivation.


    Two days passed in a sh, marking the fifth day in the Dragon Battlefield. With only two days left until its closure, time was running out.


    In the past few days, dragon auras had been gushing out from the ground, and almost everyone had managed to obtain one.


    However, the death counts were also rising, with almost a thousand people dead. But everyone knew that thest day would be when the ughter would begin.


    Only those who obtained a minimum of two strands of dragon auras could participate in the final ranking. There were only a hundred spots avable, and it was apparent that thepetition would be intense.


    Opening his eyes, Liu Wuxie exuded a peaceful and serene aura. After two days of calming down, he finally found the problem.


    His murderous intent was too high, and he had refined dozens of True Core Realm cultivators. As a result, his murderous intent was mixed with his true essence, thus causing a conflict.


    Spending two days to cleanse the murderous intent from his true essence allowed his true essence to transform entirely. As a result, his bottleneck broke naturally.


    When he stepped out of the tree hollow, he noticed many people heading in a single direction. Coincidentally, two people passed by Liu Wuxie. When they saw the golden halos behind him, a hint of fear appeared in their eyes.


    After all, anyone capable of collecting nearly fifty strands of dragon aura demonstrated significant strength.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on ahead?¡± Liu Wuxie nced at the two. They were only in the Quasi-True Core Realm, and it was no wonder they feared him.


    "I heard that a dragon bone has appeared up ahead, and we n to try our luck," one of them said. Neither dared to conceal anything from Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie had heard that the high-grade nations were searching deep for dragon bones, but he didn¡¯t expect them to actually find any.


    ¡°You two may go!¡± Liu Wuxie waved his hand, indicating that the two could leave. After all, he wasn¡¯t a demon who would kill whoever he saw.


    The two quickly departed, leaving Liu Wuxie standing there, hesitating about whether he should go and take a look.


    Dragon bones were treasures, and his golden true core had a divine dragon image. If he could refine a segment of the dragon bone, he could reach the second level of the True Core Realm.


    However, with fifty strands of dragon auras on him, he would be everyone¡¯s target the moment he showed himself, which was why he was in a dilemma.


    As the golden true core began to revolve, it seemed to have sensed the direction of the dragon bone. Even the demonic me in the cauldron surged restlessly.


    ¡°Fortune and risk are equivalent. If I just focus on cultivating, who knows how long it will take me to return to the Celestial Realm.¡± Liu Wuxie made up his mind. He had to collect resources to make swift breakthroughs in his cultivation.


    Concealing his aura, Liu Wuxie turned into aet and followed behind the crowd. His presence stood out with fifty golden rays, making him the center of attention wherever he went.


    But he was fortunate that the dragon bone attracted everyone¡¯s attention, and no one paid attention to him. Dragon bone was more precious than dragon auras.


    Many people had already obtained two strands of dragon auras, so they did not need to take the risk. They just had to wait until the time ran out beforepeting for the final ranking.


    Roughly an hourter, a massive canyon appeared ahead. It was a mountain that had been severed into two forcibly. The walls on the interior of the two peaks were smooth like mirrors, instantly making everyone curious about what had caused a mountain to be split into two.


    Furthermore, a crowd had gathered beneath the canyon, puzzling over how a dragon bone could be here.


    The rotation of the golden true core increased upon sensing the presence of dragon bone.


    There were at least two thousand experts in the surroundings. Most importantly, there were also experts from the various empires who were in the fourth-level True Core Realm.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s appearance instantly became the center of attention, and the fifty golden halos on him made him stand out.


    After all, there weren¡¯t many present with fifty golden halos. Only the geniuses of the various empires had dozens of golden halos on them.


    Greedy gazes fell onto Liu Wuxie, but he remained indifferent. He had used the Ghost Eye to inspect the two halves of the mountain.


    ¡°Brat, you¡¯re the one who killed the representatives of my Fire Rock Dynasty?¡± A roar came behind Liu Wuxie as a group of seven came over.


    When Liu Wuxie turned around, he didn¡¯t recognize these people. So, how did these people know him?


    He immediately recalled that he had run into three Fire Rock Dynasty¡¯s representatives when he had collected his first strand of dragon aura, but he had mercilessly butchered them.


    There were some people present at that time, but Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t kill them. Now that he thought about it, they must¡¯ve leaked his portrait.


    Looking at the seven people, the strongest was only in the first level of the True Core Realm. Lui Wuxie asked coldly, ¡°What do you want?¡±


    ¡°You killed the representatives of my Fire Rock Dynasty. If you hand over all your dragon auras, I can spare your life!¡± Gong Xing smirked, greedily eyeing the fifty golden halos behind Liu Wuxie.


    It was as Liu Wuxie had expected. These people wanted his dragon auras under the guise of avenging the representatives of the Fire Rock Dynasty.


    ¡°That will depend on if you can take them from me!¡± Liu Wuxie wore a harmless smile, and this was an excellent opportunity. He could use the lives of these seven to intimidate everyone in the surroundings. After all, many people were in the surroundings, eyeing his dragon auras.


    Among the seven, three had recently reached the True Core Realm, aside from Gong Xing, and the remaining three were only in the Quasi-True Core Realm.


    ¡°What arrogance!¡± A True Core Realm cultivator took a step forward and released his aura.


    Everyone in the surroundings retreated, clearing an area for them to fight.


    ¡°Who¡¯s that kid? He looks unfamiliar and doesn¡¯t seem to be from any intermediate-grade nations!¡± The representatives of the Southern Gold Dynasty gathered to discuss.


    Everyone gathered in the surroundings was divided into dozens of factions representing their nation.


    ¡°He¡¯s from the Great Yan Dynasty.¡± A representative from the Sky Mansion Dynasty recognized Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°The Great Yan Dynasty? Where¡¯s that?¡± The ck Chu Empire¡¯s representatives looked baffled; this was the first time they had heard of this nation. The same was true for the other empires; no one had heard of the Great Yan Dynasty before.


    ¡°They¡¯re small and located in a remote area. They¡¯re only a low-grade nation, and it¡¯s natural that not many people know about them.¡± Someone found the Great Yan Dynasty¡¯s location on the map, which was more remote than they had imagined.


    When everyone chatted among themselves, the seven representatives from the Fire Rock Dynasty surrounded Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Brat, don¡¯t me us for being ruthless!¡± Gong Xing drew his sword and unleashed his sword aura to suppress Liu Wuxie. It was as expected of someone who had reached the True Core Realm before entering the Battle of the Hundred Nations. His strength wasn''t to be underestimated; he was even stronger than Wei Hao and the others.


    ¡°Make your move!¡± Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t be bothered to waste time with these people. Using Ghost Eye, he had already found the location of the dragon bone, which was in the depth of the cliff on the right side of the mountain. This segment of the divine dragon¡¯s spine was roughly a meter long.


    The dragon bone contained thew of the deceased divine dragon, which was too crucial for Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Senior Brother Gong, this fellow is too arrogant. Let us attack altogether and suppress him!¡± The other Fire Rock Dynasty¡¯s representatives couldn¡¯t bear to keep watching and wanted to kill Liu Wuxie in case someone intervened.


    ¡°Attack!¡± Gong Xing gave the order, and all seven attacked, bolting towards Liu Wuxie.

 Chapter 284 - Climbing The Cliff

    <h4>Chapter 284 - Climbing The Cliff</h4>


    The seven people attacked together, carrying an overwhelming aura that crushed down on Liu Wuxie. They even raised a cloud of dust that covered half the sky.


    Liu Wuxie was in the center of the storm and was on the verge of copsing, as though he would be killed the next moment.


    With so many experts present, Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t want to reveal too much of his strength. Striding the Seven Dipper Steps, Liu Wuxie vanished mysteriously.


    With his current strength, he could kill all of them with one strike, but he chose not to do so. The Heretic de shed at the neck of a Quasi-True Core Realm cultivator, beheading him.


    Everything happened too quickly, and no one noticed how Liu Wuxie appeared behind that Quasi-True Core Realm cultivator.


    ¡°Everyone, unite and restrain his movement technique!¡± Gong Xing roared. The remaining six people began to converge, not giving Liu Wuxie the chance tounch a sneak attack.


    In the eyes of outsiders, Liu Wuxie had only managed to kill one person, relying on his movement technique. As long as they could restrain his movement, it would be easy for them to capture him.


    The encirclement began to shrink, restricting movement space for Liu Wuxie.


    However, Liu Wuxie merely wore a mocking smirk and increased his speed, appearing behind two Quasi-True Core Realm cultivators and killing them.


    As blood sshed, Liu Wuxie had killed three cultivators in the Quasi-True Core Realm in two breaths.


    ¡°Brat, you can die now!¡± Gong Xing roared. It was disgraceful to the Fire Rock Dynasty that Liu Wuxie could kill their cultivators so calmly in the encirclement. The four attacks were like a violent storm intertwining, causing the surrounding space to tremble violently.


    Liu Wuxie was like a slippery loach facing the iing attacks. Despite the attacks, he could always find a gap and slip away, naturally making Gong Xing and hispanions furious.


    ¡°Brat, fight us head-on if you have the guts! Is running all you know?¡± The other three cultivators roared, and their speed was far inferior to Liu Wuxie''s.


    ¡°Talk if you all can catch me!¡± Liu Wuxie provoked, and his words drew a burst ofughter from the crowd.


    The four gradually became exhausted trying to catch up to Liu Wuxie, but they couldn¡¯t even touch the corner of his clothes. His speed was practically unparalleled at the same cultivation level.


    Drawing the Heretic de, Liu Wuxie drew an arc and appeared behind a True Core Realm cultivator as he cleaved down the de.


    An arm was severed with blood sshing out. With one lesser person to restrain Liu Wuxie, his speed increased, and Gong Xing was already struggling to keep up with him. This caused ws in their formation, let alone killing Liu Wuxie.


    Another two people¡¯s arms were severed, and Gong Xing was the only one left, barely holding on.


    ¡°How is this possible?! We¡¯re all in the True Core Realm, and how can you be so powerful?!¡± Gong Xing was afraid and retreated as he fought. The other three were rolling on the ground, wailing in pain, and the energies in their bodies were swiftly being extracted.


    They would only die even if Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t kill them. After all, Liu Wuxie¡¯s true essence contained a hint of poison attribute, and the poison would slowly corrode their heart pulse till their death.


    ¡°You all are a bunch of frogs in a well!¡± Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t want to waste any more time with Gong Xing and swung his de at his back. His de¡¯s trajectory was tricky, but it had no ws.


    When the Heretic de swung down, Gong Xing screamed and ran, abandoning hispanions.


    However, he was one step toote as a de aura tore apart his back. Blood gushed out from his wound, and dyed his clothes red. Gong Xing staggered before copsing to the ground.


    With that, Liu Wuxie had killed three people and injured four in merely five breaths.


    Everyone in the surroundings took a cold breath and looked at this scene with disbelief.


    ¡°There¡¯s something weird about that kid. It¡¯s unbelievable that he relied on a movement technique to kill so many people.¡± The other nations¡¯ representatives discussed among themselves.


    ¡°Are you kidding me? Do you think he relied on his movement technique to win? He has deceived us, and his strength cannot be underestimated,¡± a Blue Wind Empire¡¯s representative said with a meaningful smile.


    ¡°Senior Brother Wen Li, is this person really that powerful?¡± the few people around him asked. Wen Li was a genius of the Blue Wind Empire, with cultivation reaching the third level of the True Core Realm.


    ¡°To y seven people so easily, do you think he aplished that relying on his movement technique?¡± Wen Li asked, and his question left everyone silent.


    Movement techniques could only be used to evade battles and merely add a touch of elegance. It was unheard of for anyone to defeat their opponents by relying on movement techniques.


    Gong Xing and others were still wailing in pain, but Liu Wuxie ignored them and collected their interspatial pouches before heading to the cliff¡¯s right side.


    There was already someone taking the lead and trying to ascend the mountain. But the cliff''s surface was smooth, and flying in the True Core Realm was impossible. This meant it wouldn¡¯t be easy to retrieve the dragon bone.


    It used to be a mountain, but some unknown power had split it into two, creating a canyon in the middle. The walls on the two sides were smooth like mirrors, with nowhere to step on.


    The divine dragon¡¯s spine was on the right side of the mountain''s waist. Liu Wuxie wasn''t the only one who discovered it; many other experts also found the divine dragon''s spine through various means.


    Retrieving the divine dragon¡¯s spine wouldn''t be easy because they would have to resolve the issue of ascending the mountain.


    Someone took out suction cups. They stuck themselves to the wall like lizards and slowly climbed up. However, more people took out daggers and stabbed them into the wall to ascend the cliff.


    Everyone used various means, but the waist of the mountain was a few hundred meters high. If someone in the True Core Realm went up and lost control, falling would result in inevitable deaths.


    ¡°This is too dangerous. If a fight urs, the consequences would be unimaginable.¡± Many people backed down and left to search for more dragon auras.


    The golden true core rotated even faster, looking eager to absorb thews in the divine dragon¡¯s spine.


    <i>Divine dragon¡¯sw...if I can grasp it, the bacsh when inscribing immortal runes will significantly weaken.</i> Liu Wuxie thought to himself. The divine dragon¡¯sws weren¡¯t inferior to immortal runes and even surpassed them in some aspects.


    Liu Wuxie took out two daggers and swiftly climbed up the cliff. His speed was fast because he utilized the Nine Heavenly Crane Dance, allowing him to cover two meters with each climb. He caught up with the first group in less than fifteen minutes.


    ¡°Who¡¯s that person? He¡¯s fast!¡± Exmations came from behind Liu Wuxie because only a madman would use their movement technique while climbing the cliff.


    Liu Wuxie ignored the discussions and increased his speed. A faint dragon''s aura poured down when he approached the divine dragon¡¯s spine. This slowed everyone¡¯s ascending speed, and some couldn¡¯t withstand the pressure.


    ¡°Brat, get lost! This isn¡¯t somewhere you shoulde!¡± Just when Liu Wuxie wanted to climb, a foot descended towards his head.


    A conflict already broke out even before the dragon bone was seen. To Liu Wuxie¡¯s left, there was already a fight, with several people losing control and falling to the ground, squashed to minced meat from the impact.


    Liu Wuxie suddenly shifted to the side to avoid the iing foot. The foot stomping towards Liu Wuxie had seemingly guessed his next move and continued to stomp at him, wanting to force him to jump down.


    If Liu Wuxie lost his footing, his only oue would be death.


    This made Liu Wuxie furious because he hadn''t provoked this person. He had tried to avoid any potential conflicts, but he didn''t expect to still encounter someone trying to start a fight with him.


    ¡°You¡¯re courting death!¡± Liu Wuxie pulled out his daggers and left the cliff, soaring into the sky. His sudden departure drew attention because the higher one went, the stronger the wind became. Only those in the Heavenly Dipper Realm could withstand such wind, making it too dangerous for Liu Wuxie to leave the cliff abruptly.


    This was too dangerous because the wind could carry him away. Even the man who stomped his foot at Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t expect thetter to react in this manner. Taking advantage of Liu Wuxie, who had not yet reached him, he swung his sword down to strike him.


    If he could prevent Liu Wuxie from approaching, Liu Wuxie would lose his footing and fall to his death.


    ¡°What pathetic tricks!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s murderous intent grew, and a dagger shot towards the left underarm of the assant, forcing him to evade to the side.


    In one fluid movement, Liu Wuxie began to fall from the wind blowing on his right side. In the nick of time, he performed a flip. Like a celestial crane, he stomped his foot at the man who attacked him.


    Everything waspleted in the blink of an eye, with Liu Wuxie calcting each movement meticulously.


    The man who attacked Liu Wuxie had a look of shock on his face, but his body was firmly pressed against the wall, and he didn''t have any spare hands to make a move.


    Losing his advantage from a higher spot, Liu Wuxie¡¯s feet were like a crane¡¯s beak with murderous intent spreading out. Liu Wuxie might not be a bloodthirsty person, but he wouldn¡¯t spare anyone who tried to kill him, regardless of their identity.


    ¡°How dare you?! I¡¯m a representative of the ck Chu Empire!¡± The man was afraid and disclosed his identity, which was surprising because he was from the ck Chu Empire.


    ¡°Hmph, I don¡¯t care who you are. No one can save you!¡±


    Facing Liu Wuxie¡¯s attack, the man only had two options: to take Liu Wuxie¡¯s attack head-on or descend. If he chose the second option, only death would await him. But he would also die even if he took the first option.


    No one expected Liu Wuxie¡¯s attack to be so ferocious.


    ¡°Damn it!¡± The man was furious and suddenly left the cliff, unleashing an attack towards Liu Wuxie with his palm. They were both experts, and their sh was swift.


    ¡°Trash!¡± Liu Wuxie said, his legs like scissors, sealing off the man¡¯s path of retreat. When he descended, his right hand grabbed onto the sole dagger left on the cliff, and his body swayed.


    ¡°Brat, you dare kill Junior Brother He? I want you dead!¡± A roar came from above, from someone in the second level of the True Core Realm. He was also a representative of the ck Chu Empire.


    Ignoring the threat, Liu Wuxie stomped his foot down, causing the man who attacked him to scream and throw up a mouthful of blood.


    When the man let go of the cliff, he lost control and fell before smashing into minced meat. The entire fight onlysted two breaths.


    After the fight, Liu Wuxie stepped with his right foot on the dagger that was deep in the cliff and stood on it.

 Chapter 285 - Refining the Dragon Bone

    <h4>Chapter 285 - Refining the Dragon Bone</h4>


    Liu Wuxie stood firmly against the powerful gust, remaining unmoving. The higher he went, the stronger the wind became, causing more people to give up. His act of killing someone from the ck Chu Empire naturally drew a lot of hatred towards him.


    The various empires, particrly the ck Chu Empire and the Azure Lion Empire, had a close rtionship. The two empires could be considered brothers and were practically indistinguishable from each other.


    Liu Wuxie had killed Wu Kang of the Azure Lion Empire and someone from the ck Chu Empire. It wasn¡¯t an exaggeration to say that he became a target from all sides.


    While Liu Wuxie was engaged inbat, dozens of people were nearing the divine dragon''s spine. The dragon bone would be revealed as long as they could break apart the cliff.


    Alternating his hands, Liu Wuxie effortlessly inserted his daggers into the cliff and began to climb.


    ¡°Brat, you are going to die for killing someone from the ck Chu Empire!¡± A terrifying chill came from above Liu Wuxie, and it was the person who had tried to stop Liu Wuxie earlier.


    ¡°Consider your strength carefully if you want to take revenge.¡± Liu Wuxie ignored the threat and continued to climb. The gap between them was only ten steps away.


    Executing Ghost Eye, Liu Wuxie¡¯s vision prated through the stone, and the divine dragon¡¯s spine appeared before him. He gently tapped his feet on the wall and soared five meters high. He was even faster than those experts in the fourth level of the True Core Realm.


    This was now a race; whoever got to the dragon bone first would own it.


    ¡°Stop him!¡± Several representatives of the ck Chu Empire joined forces to form a defensive line, trying to stop Liu Wuxie from ascending first. They sealed off Liu Wuxie¡¯s path, and Liu Wuxie would have to get past them if he wanted to carry on climbing.


    Taking this opportunity, the other empires took one step ahead to get close to the dragon bone¡¯s location.


    ¡°We can¡¯t let the Glory me Empire seed!¡± The five from the Azure Lion Empire quickly joined forces to block the representatives from the Azure me Empire.


    They were divided into various regions, and the representatives of these empires were strong. This meant everyone had to depend on luck now. Taking the opportunity, the Dark Tide Empire swiftly caught up from another angle.


    Liu Wuxie paid no attention to anyone, but the five experts from the ck Chu Empire were closing in on him. However, this wasn¡¯t the time to fight the ck Chu Empire¡¯s experts, and he had plenty of time to deal with them after obtaining the dragon bone.


    When Liu Wuxie threw the dagger, it flew like a meteorite and plunged into the cliff roughly ten meters away. This action instantly puzzled everyone because losing a dagger meant giving up a foothold, and it would be hard for Liu Wuxie to climb with one dagger.


    ¡°You all want to catch me?¡± Liu Wuxie jumped off the cliff as terrifying divine power gushed out with his true essence, forming into a pair of ck wings and lifting him up.


    The geniuses climbing the cliff had considered using their true essence to fly, but their true essence couldn¡¯tst long. Even if they managed to hold out, they would be swept away after reaching a hundred meters.


    The terrain here was unique because of the violent gusts of wind, and Liu Wuxie was risking his life. This caused the ten envoys on the monuments to show disbelief.


    ¡°He must be insane!¡± Jiang Kaicheng could only describe Liu Wuxie as insane, who was willing to make such an unexpected move.


    ¡°I am starting to like him. He¡¯s suitable for our Demonic Heart Pce!¡± Xiang Rongjun¡¯s eyes shed because Liu Wuxie¡¯s personality fit the Demonic Heart Pce.


    The five ck Chu Empire geniuses trying to block Liu Wuxie were shocked.


    When the pair of wings unfolded, Liu Wuxie soared to the sky and appeared ten meters above. Using Ghost Eye¡¯s calction, he noticed that the violent gust would weaken every ten minutes,sting for ten breaths.


    Thus, Liu Wuxie took the opportunity while the wind weakened and firmlynded on the dagger ten meters above. Even someone in the fourth-level True Core Realm might not dare to cross such distance.


    After avoiding those from the ck Chu Empire, Liu Wuxie elerated because the Dark Tide Empire would soon reach the dragon bone. His true essence gushed out once again, forming a pair of wings on his back. He was like a celestial crane as he soared into the sky.


    ¡°What is he trying to do? Is he trying to snatch the dragon bone from the four empires? Is he tired of living?¡± eximed those who were standing at the foot of the cliff. Liu Wuxie¡¯s action had stumped everyone.


    When Liu Wuxie increased his speed, the Azure Lion Empire¡¯s group of four tried to stop him by swinging their weapons at him. But Liu Wuxie dodged left and right, relying on the wings to avoid the iing attacks.


    The iing attacks left marks on the cliff, and the dragon bone was only five meters away from Liu Wuxie. He could already see the top of the divine dragon¡¯s spine.


    This small detail, along with the imposing pressure emanating from the dragon, captivated everyone''s attention. On the other side, facing Liu Wuxie, was the Dark Tide Empire, which charged towards the dragon bone.


    The ck Chu Empire and Azure Lion Empire were one step behind as they tried to catch up from beneath.


    Liu Wuxie knew he had to retrieve the dragon bone, especially since the five experts from the Dark Tide Empire included someone in the fourth-level True Core Realm.


    They were roughly the same distance away, and it took a lot of work for Liu Wuxie to obtain it. When they got closer, those from the Dark Tide Empire sneered, with two charging toward Liu Wuxie and the remaining three heading toward the dragon bone.


    Liu Wuxie had already anticipated the Dark Tide Empire''s strategy of using two people to hold back the other empires while the rest headed for the dragon bone.


    Liu Wuxie swung down with the Heretic de at the cliff without hesitation.


    ¡°Brat, you¡¯re courting death!¡± Those from the Dark Tide Empire were furious. Cleaving the cliff meant that the dragon bone would fall, raising doubts about whether they could even obtain it, as none of them could fly.


    With Liu Wuxie in the center, the surrounding walls ruptured, andrge stones slid down. This instantly caused those from the Azure Lion Empire and ck Chu Empire to suffer. If they couldn''t dodge in time, the rocks would strike them, meaning they would lose the right topete for the dragon bone.


    A stone the size of a basin struck the head of a ck Chu Empire¡¯s genius. The stone shattered upon contact, but blood also began to flow down from that genius¡¯ head, covering his face red.


    ¡°Damn it!¡± The ck Chu Empire¡¯s genius roared, but he could do nothing because the speed at which the cliff was copsing was elerating.


    ¡°Look! The dragon bone has appeared!¡± When the cliff exploded, the dragon bone was revealed before everyone. It was two meters long, but that wasn¡¯t the entire dragon bone because it wasn¡¯t fully revealed yet.


    ¡°Quick, retrieve it!¡± The Dark Tide Empire¡¯s representatives roared. The cliff was not covered with craters, giving everyone a foothold to reach for the dragon bone.


    ¡°Hmph!¡± Liu Wuxie snorted and struck the cliff with his right fist using the Overlord Fist, and the entire mountain trembled.


    ¡°Shit!¡± Countless stones rumbled like an earthquake and slid down the cliff. Everyone knew they had to retreat, or the rocks would strike them.


    A crack reaching tens of meters in length opened up with the dragon bone revealed and fell.


    Those below instantly went wild at the sight of the dragon bone. They didn¡¯t expect such an excellent opportunity to fall into their hands.


    The representatives from the ck Chu Empire howled in anger as they watched the dragon bone streak past them, and there was nothing they could do about it.


    Just as the dragon bone was about tond on the ground, a ck hole appeared and devoured it. It was the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron that appeared at the critical moment.


    ¡°Brat, I¡¯ll kill you!¡± The representatives from the ck Chu Empire, Azure Lion Empire, Glory me Empire, and Dark Tide Empire joined forces and charged towards Liu Wuxie, wanting to tear him apart.


    They were like four hurricanes sweeping toward Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s true essence manifested into a pair of wings and lifted him off the ground, causing him to evade all the iing attacks from the four empires. This only caused more rocks to fall from the cliff, and they had no choice but to return to the ground.


    Liu Wuxie didn''t descend to the ground. Instead, he executed the Nine Heavenly Crane Dance to leave the canyon, with people closely following him from the ground.


    When Liu Wuxie¡¯s feet touched the ground, he could hear wind gustsing from behind. He didn¡¯t dare stay for another moment because there were too many experts in the surroundings. If he wanted to face so many experts, he would have to reach the second level of the True Core Realm.


    Like a meteorite, Liu Wuxie pushed his speed to the limit to shake off the pursuit. The pursuitsted for two hours, which Liu Wuxie routed through several mountains before he managed to shake off everyone.


    He quickly looked for a safe area to enter because the energy in his body was erupting like a volcano. When the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron devoured the dragon bone, the dragon bone dissolved into massive energy in the form of golden liquid hovering above the cauldron.


    Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t suppress his cultivation any longer, and it would be troublesome if he still didn¡¯t find a ce to make his breakthrough. He didn¡¯t even have to control the cauldron as the golden liquid poured into the world in his dantian.


    A terrifying scene unfolded as his golden true core manifested into a golden divine dragon, swallowing all the golden liquid.


    Liu Wuxie stood still and waspletely stumped, but everything was beyond his control.


    The Deste Devouring Art began to circte because the golden true core was closely rted to this cultivation technique, including all the changes in his body. But the Deste Devouring Art had stemmed from the cauldron andplemented each other.


    After killing Gong Xing and the other geniuses, Liu Wuxie had obtained many spirit stones. This meant he didn¡¯t have to worry about resources for now.


    As his spiritual energy began to rumble, Liu Wuxie¡¯s cultivation rose. Soon, he broke through the first level of the True Core Realm and reached the second level. In just seven days, Liu Wuxie went from the ninth-level Marrow Cleansing Realm to the second-level True Core Realm, which made him feel like he was dreaming.


    He finally knew why many people wanted to participate in the Battle of the Hundred Nations. If he made it out alive, he would soar to the sky. Even if he didn¡¯t enter the cultivation world and returned to the mundane world, he could be an overlord with his cultivation, enjoying endless glory and wealth. Both oues were the dreams of countless people.


    As the seven-day deadline approached, some left the Dragon Battlefield to prepare for the final ranking.


    On the final day, the battle for dragon auras further intensified, but Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t participate in the battles and focused entirely on his breakthrough.


    On the seventh day, at dusk, Liu Wuxie¡¯s cultivation stabilized, and the Battle of the Hundred Nations ended. Next would be thepetition to fight for the qualification to enter the cultivation world. After all, only the top hundred would qualify to join the ten major sects.

 Chapter 286 - Second Level of the True Core Realm

    <h4>Chapter 286 - Second Level of the True Core Realm</h4>


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s true core soon settled down, slowly revolving with a faint divine dragon¡¯s image. He tried mobilizing the power of his true core, and an unparalleled energy coursed through his arms and surged to the walls on both sides.


    The cave was soon submerged in countless rocks, and Liu Wuxie escaped when it copsed.


    ¡°This is dragon power!¡± Liu Wuxie was secretly shocked because he had unexpectedlyprehended dragon power. If he infused the dragon power with true essence, his strength would reach a new height.


    After all, divine dragons were highly destructive. Liu Wuxie might¡¯ve just reached the second level of the True Core Realm, but his actual strength wasparable to the fifth level or even higher.


    ¡°The Overlord Fist¡¯s power has reached the limit, and I need to find a new martial technique as soon as possible.¡± The Fatality de Art still had much room for improvement because each move was stronger than the previous. However, he had reached the limit with Overlord Fist as his cultivation rose.


    It would be best if he could find a martial technique that could manipte divine power. These techniques might be rare in the mundane world, but the cultivation world¡¯s sects shouldn¡¯tck earth-grade martial techniques.


    In the blink of an eye, there wasn¡¯t much time left until the seven-day deadline. As Liu Wuxie raised his head, he saw many dragon auras rising from the ground, apanied bybined yells.


    ¡°Kill!¡± Roars could be heard nearby, and over thirty strands of dragon auras were in the sky. This instantly attracted a hundred more people to fight for them.


    Blood dyed the ground red, and the scene was gruesome. Ultimately, only thirty-odd people obtained the dragon auras, while the others died.


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t intervene because he couldn¡¯t reach the third level of the True Core Realm even with a hundred strands of dragon auras, so he wasn¡¯t in a hurry.


    Performing his movement technique, Liu Wuxie walked towards the Dragon Battlefield''s exit to participate in the final ranking.


    He exited the Dragon Battlefield six hourster, and three thousand people stood outside. Over six thousand people had entered the battlefield, but only half exited.


    Over seventy percent of the people had obtained dragon auras. The few who hadn¡¯t obtained any were naturally disheartened because this meant they had to bid farewell to the cultivation world.


    When Liu Wuxie swept his gaze around, he found someone who had obtained over three hundred strands of dragon auras, while most only received one or two strands.


    In the ins'' center were ten-odd arenas meant for the final ranking. This was a brutal elimination match, and only one hundred people would be left.


    When Liu Wuxie returned to the Great Yan Dynasty¡¯s region, Fan Zhen had long waited. In addition to Liu Wuxie, seventeen people had participated in the Battle of the Hundred Nations, but only four had survived.


    Fan Zhen was slightly excited when he saw Liu Wuxie. He had learned from Qin Lei that Liu Wuxie had obtained over fifty dragon auras, and he couldn¡¯t help but be shocked even after seeing it himself.


    When Liu Wuxie came out, he concealed his cultivation in the first level of the True Core Realm so as not to cause an uproar.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, it¡¯s great as long as you¡¯re fine!¡± Fan Zhen came up and excitedly patted Liu Wuxie¡¯s shoulder.


    Luo Zhaojun was like a little girl, admiring the halos behind Liu Wuxie. Thetter had broken all the records in the Great Yan Dynasty.


    Liu Wuxie might not have obtained the most, but his achievement was heaven-defying, considering he came from a low-grade nation.


    ¡°Only a few of you made it back?¡± Liu Wuxie frowned as he looked at Qin Lai, Li Nanxiang, and two men. Aside from them, no one else returned.


    ¡°Senior Brother Liu, we¡¯re not too sure ourselves. However, in the past two days, Mo Chong and Bai Fan died at the hands of the ck Chu Empire, who dered that they wanted to kill everyone from the Great Yan Dynasty. We were fortunate because we came out early while some students were killed because they were stillpeting for dragon auras.¡± Qin Lei answered truthfully, still not knowing that Liu Wuxie had obtained a dragon bone.


    A faint murderous intent emanated from Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Wuxie, did something happen?¡± The mortality rate wasn¡¯t badpared to the previous years because at least five students had survived. To top it off, Qin Lei and a male student had reached the True Core Realm.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing!¡± Liu Wuxie clenched his fists with the murderous intent in his eyes growing stronger. The ck Chu Empire wanted to target him, and Mo Chong and Bai Fan ended up bing scapegoats.


    Then again, Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t too affected by it because those two held hostility toward him, and it didn¡¯t matter if they died.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie,e out!¡± A roar rmed everyone as a group swiftly gathered over, making Fan Zhen go on guard.


    Luo Zhaojun also drew her weapon and stood before Liu Wuxie. She was determined not to let anything happen to him.


    Qin Lei and the male disciple also stepped forward. Now that they had reached the True Core Realm, it was natural for them to step out.


    The parties of the Sky Mansion Dynasty and Heavenly Fragrance Dynasty rushed over. With the two dynasties joining forces, they were much stronger than the Great Yan Dynasty in terms of strength or numbers.


    The two headmasters of the Great Yan Dynasty were only in the first level of the True Core Realm. Qin Lei and the other students had just made their breakthrough recently, and their fighting strength wasn¡¯t evenparable to that of Quasi-True Core Realm cultivators.


    Liu Wuxie thought that the ck Chu Empire and Azure Lion Empire woulde for him, but he didn¡¯t expect it to be the Heavenly Fragrance Dynasty and Sky Mansion Dynasty.


    ¡°Zhu Hongye, what are you trying to do here?!¡± Fan Zhen roared.


    The leader of the Sky Mansion Dynasty was Tan Wenxiong, an old acquaintance of Fan Zhen. The Heavenly Fragrance Dynasty was led by Zhu Hongye, with whom Fan Zhen had a conflict a decade ago. Over the years, the Great Yan Dynasty had also suffered greatly.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, how dare you kill the representatives of my Sky Mansion Dynasty. I want you all dead!¡± Tan Wenxiong roared and red at Liu Wuxie.


    Fan Zhen stepped forward while Liu Wuxie wore a cold smirk.


    ¡°Cut the hypocrisy. You all want to kill me for the dragon bone, right?¡± Liu Wuxie said coldly. It wasn¡¯t hard to guess that these people were instigated by the ck Chu Empire and sent here to probe his strength, wanting to find out if he had refined the dragon bone.


    Logically speaking, refining the dragon bone in one day was impossible. But the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron could devour and refine anything. After the cauldron swallowed the dragon bone, it waspletely refined in a few breaths.


    ¡°Dragon bone!¡± Fan Zhen and Luo Zhaojun¡¯s faces changed. They didn¡¯t expect Liu Wuxie to obtain a segment of a dragon bone and were still unaware of it.


    They had heard many people discussing the dragon bone earlier, but no one had mentioned anyone seizing it. Thus, it was only now that they realized Liu Wuxie had obtained the dragon bone.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. Hand over the dragon bone, and I will consider sparing your life!¡± Tan Wenxiong didn¡¯t conceal his intention.


    Before confronting Liu Wuxie, the Sky Mansion Dynasty and Heavenly Fragrance Dynasty had made a deal. The Heavenly Fragrance Dynasty would obtain the dragon bone, while the Sky Mansion Dynasty would take the fifty-odd strands of dragon auras on Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°That depends on whether you all can take it from me.¡± The Heretic de appeared in Liu Wuxie¡¯s hand, and he knew that a battle was inevitable.


    The Sky Mansion Dynasty still had six students left, all in the True Core Realm, with two reaching the second level. The Heavenly Fragrance Dynasty had five in the True Core Realm, with one in the second level.


    With such a lineup, it was no wonder they were so confident. If Liu Wxuie hadn¡¯t participated in the Battle of the Hundred Nations this year, the Great Yan Dynasty would have lost a few more cities.


    The borders of each nation would change every decade due to the Battle of the Hundred Nations.


    For example, the Great Yan Dynasty had five people left, while the Sky Mansion Dynasty had six. This meant the Great Yan Dynasty would have to give one city to the Sky Mansion Dynasty.


    The Heavenly Fragrance Dynasty also had five, which was evenly matched with the Great Yan Dynasty. This meant no one would have to give any city to each other.


    The rules were that simple, and it was good enough if the Great Yan Dynasty had two or three people surviving. Likewise, if everyone died, the Sky Mansion Dynasty would have to give five cities to the Great Yan Dynasty.


    Many people gathered, curious about what was happening.


    ¡°Headmaster, why waste time talking when we can kill them?¡± The Sky Mansion Dynasty¡¯s students ran out of patience and wanted to kill Liu Wuxie for revenge.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. Just kill them!¡± The Heavenly Fragrance Dynasty¡¯s students echoed along, surrounding everyone from the Great Yan Dynasty to prevent anyone from escaping.


    Fan Zhen¡¯s face was ugly, and he exchanged looks with Luo Zhaojun.


    ¡°Old Headmaster, you leave with them while I cover for you!¡± Fan Zhen immediately decided to let Luo Zhaojun leave with everyone and return to the Great Yan Dynasty first.


    Luo Zhaojun nodded and realized the seriousness of this situation. Entering the cultivation world was out of the question, and they had to focus on surviving first.


    ¡°Kill them! Don¡¯t let anyone escape!¡± Tan Wenxiong gave the order as everyoneunched their attacks.


    ¡°Headmasters, you two protect everyone else!¡± Liu Wuxie roared and dashed out. He no longer hid his strength because he knew he had to make an example out of someone if he wanted to intimidate the rest.


    If he killed everyone from the two dynasties, the other dynasties would be intimidated to challenge the Great Yan Dynasty.


    ¡°Wuxie!¡± It was already toote when Fan Zhen wanted to stop because Liu Wuxie had already shed with the Sky Mansion Dynasty.


    The battle broke out instantly, and no one had expected Liu Wuxie to attack first because they thought he would escape.


    When Liu Wuxie released his de aura, a powerful shockwave spread out, enveloping a few hundred meters in radius. It might not have been Liu Wuxie¡¯s strongest attack, but it was enough to kill ordinary cultivators in the True Core Realm.


    ¡°Trouble!¡± The Sky Mansion Dynasty¡¯s cultivators instantly noticed something wasn¡¯t right because the shockwave had far exceeded their imagination. This didn¡¯t look like an attack from someone in the first level of the True Core Realm but someone in the higher levels of the True Core Realm.


    ¡°Die!¡± Liu Wuxie was enraged as thunder shed in the sky with a violent gust blowing. Not only had Liu Wuxie¡¯s cultivation reached the second level of the True Core Realm during his seclusion, but the Heretic de had also advanced to be a mythical artifact.


    Heads began to burst one after another with blood sttering around. However, the massacre continued because Liu Wuxie wanted to create a gruesome scene to intimidate everyone else.


    Fan Zhen was stumped and forgot to act. Even Luo Zhaojun had a trace of shock in her eyes. As for the four students, their brains had short-circuited with a dumbfounded expression.


    The massacre carried on as the Sky Mansion Dynasty¡¯s students began to copse. In less than half a breath¡¯s time, there were already three students who were killed.


    The Heavenly Fragrance Dynasty wasn¡¯t any better because those in the first level of the True Core Realm couldn¡¯t withstand the corrosion of de aura and copsed.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on? How can he be so powerful?!¡± Exmations came from the surroundings because Liu Wuxie¡¯s strength had overturned their understanding. They were also in the first level of the True Core Realm, but they couldn¡¯t bepared to Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°He¡¯s too strong!¡± Envious voices came from the surroundings. Liu Wuxie had suppressed his cultivation at the first level of the True Core Realm and didn¡¯t release his aura at the second level. This was why he seemed no different from everyone.


    But there was a drastic difference in their strength.


    The ck Chu Empire¡¯s experts stood not far away, quietly watching this scene with a grave expression.

 Chapter 287 - Number Plate

    <h4>Chapter 287 - Number te</h4>


    The representatives from the other empires all had fighting spirit on their faces.


    ¡°Dragon power! He has refined the dragon bone!¡± A ck Chu Empire genius in the fourth level of the True Core Realm was grim. He had sensed a hint of dragon power in Liu Wuxie¡¯s true essence.


    ¡°Feng Ye, that¡¯s impossible! It has only been a day since he obtained the dragon bone!¡± The youth beside him frowned. When they had fought for the dragon bone, Feng Ye wasn¡¯t around. If he were around, Liu Wuxie wouldn¡¯t have seeded.


    Feng Ye was the strongest genius in their ck Chu Empire, reaching the fourth level of the True Core Realm at a young age.


    ¡°There are many things in the world that we don¡¯t understand, and it¡¯s not impossible for him to refine the dragon bone in one day.¡± Feng Ye''s words were not just a statement but a humble acknowledgment. He wasn¡¯t arrogant, and he knew there were all sorts of wonders in the world, including those they couldn¡¯tprehend.


    The ck Chu Empire¡¯s party fell silent. Liu Wuxie''s ability to refine the dragon bone in one day proved that he was a formidable enemy.


    ¡°Senior Brother Ye, why don¡¯t we take this opportunity to kill him?¡± A youth suggested.


    ¡°It won¡¯t be difficult for him to enter the cultivation world with his strength. If he has proven that our ck Chu Empire can¡¯t use him, then kill him.¡± Ye Feng had be the spokesperson for the ck Chu Empire, and many students respected him more than their headmaster.


    The other empires shared thoughts simr to those of the ck Chu Empire. Since the dragon bone had been refined, it wouldn¡¯t serve much purpose even if they killed Liu Wuxie now. Thus, the only option was to recruit him to join them.


    After entering the cultivation world, they naturally needed people to serve them, and Liu Wuxie was an excellent choice.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, you don¡¯t have a good ending!¡± Wang Sichen roared.


    Only two cultivators were left in the second level of the True Core Realm for the Sky Mansion Dynasty and one for the Heavenly Fragrance Dynasty.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, I¡¯ll kill you no matter what! Even if I have to risk my life!¡± As the Heavenly Fragrance Dynasty¡¯s only remaining student, Li Jiahao was overwhelmed with sorrow.


    ¡°Those who want to kill should be prepared to be killed. You¡¯re saying that you all are allowed to kill me, and I¡¯m not allowed to do the same? What a childish thought!¡± Liu Wuxie sneered.


    The Heretic de was dyed red, and blood dripped down it, forming a puddle beside Liu Wuxie¡¯s feet.


    ¡°Big Brother, kill him and avenge the dead!¡± The two remaining cultivators from the Sky Mansion Dynasty were twin brothers. The eldest brother was called Wang Sichen, and the younger was called Wang Sishuo.


    As the three exchanged a nce with Li Jiahao, they looked determined. After all, they wouldn¡¯t be able to face the dead if they couldn¡¯t kill Liu Wuxie that day.


    The surrounding atmosphere suddenly became increasingly oppressed. Qin Lei and others were concerned because these three were in the second level of the True Core Realm.


    ¡°Wuxie, be careful!¡± Fan Zhen reminded, urging Liu Wuxie to be cautious.


    After half a year of interaction with Liu Wuxie, he knew that Liu Wuxie was practically invincible at the same cultivation level, so he wasn¡¯t too worried.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± Wang Sichen ordered, and the three pounced at Liu Wuxie. The three formed a simple formation, allowing them to attack and defend easily.


    They employed their strongest martial technique right from the start. The Wang brothers performed a union sword technique, showing excellent coordination.


    Their swordsmanship was continuous and highly profound, which was expected of the top geniuses of their respective dynasties.


    Li Jiahao wielded a three-foot-long de, and each strike produced a lightning rumble that caused space to tremble.


    Facing the three-pronged attack, Liu Wuxie performed a mysterious movement technique and easily dodged the iing attacks.


    When their attacksnded on the ground, they left behind deep ravines.


    Liu Wuxie was like a butterfly, weaving through the three and dodging their attacks effortlessly.


    ¡°What profound movement technique!¡± The representatives from the Northern Rise Empire imagined themselves facing Liu Wuxie and wondered if they could kill thetter. This was a question no one dared to answer.


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter how profound his movement technique is because it¡¯s a dead-end in the face of absolute strength!¡± The other intermediate-grade nation¡¯s geniuses sneered, thinking that Liu Wuxie only managed to hold his ground by relying on his movement technique.


    They were confident they would kill Liu Wuxie if they fought for real.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, I want you dead!¡± Wang Sichen roared, and his sword took an unexpected trajectory. His younger brother also cooperated well and merged their attacks.


    This was the first time Liu Wuxie encountered such a movement technique, not to mention Li Jiahaounched a sneak attack from the side, aiming his de at Liu Wuxie¡¯s legs. The coordination of the three was seamless.


    ¡°Hmph, you want to kill me with these pitiful tricks?¡± After dozens of exchanges, Liu Wuxie had a rough gauge of their attacks, and his de suddenly changed direction into a descending moon.


    When the Heretic de swung down, the world suddenly became dark, as though plunged into chaos. This was Liu Wuxie¡¯s strongest attack.


    Wang Sichen felt his body being torn apart, and his sword was on the verge of flying out of his hand. This was because he couldn¡¯t withstand the aura released by Liu Wuxie, which felt like knives slicing through his body.


    Li Jiahao suddenly jumped out of the battle and fled without any hesitation, leaving the Wang brothers to fend for themselves.


    ¡°You want to run? Did you receive my permission?¡± Liu Wuxie wore a cruel smile and threw a dagger at him. Being equipped with divine power, the dagger could change direction at his will, streaking across the sky like a meteorite.


    The dagger plunged into Li Jiahao¡¯s back, causing blood to gush out, and his body froze in ce.


    ¡°How could this be?¡± Li Jiahao smiled bitterly and chuckled before he copsed on the ground and took hisst breath.


    Everyone in the surroundings took a deep breath, horror etched on their faces. Liu Wuxie¡¯s method of killing was too horrifying.


    With the loss of Li Jiahao, the Wang brothers'' faces changed. They exchanged a look and then intensified their attacks.


    ¡°Your turn!¡± Liu Wuxie swung the Heretic de, performing the Fatality de Art¡¯s Second Fatality Form. When it was unleashedpletely, the attack was like a storm raining down on the Wang brothers. This made the Wang brothers lose their sense of direction as if they were lost in the sea.


    Shortly after, the de ray tore apart their necks with blood spraying out. Until their deaths, they couldn¡¯tprehend how they were weaker than someone in the first level of the True Core Realm.


    ¡°I can¡¯t ept this loss!¡± Wang Sichen roared with tears rolling down his cheeks. His eyes were filled with deep regret.


    ¡°Big Brother, I don¡¯t want to die yet!¡± Wang Sishuo cried. He was in the second level of the True Core Realm, but he lost the chance to enter the cultivation world. He regretted the decision to act against Liu Wuxie.


    The reality was cruel, and the oue was already determined when they chose to take the step.


    With that, everyone from the Sky Mansion Dynasty and Heavenly Fragrance Dynasty died.


    ¡°Is this real?¡± Qin Lei rubbed her eyes, unable to believe what she was seeing. She had just witnessed the death of so many True Core Realm cultivators.


    The surroundings fell into a deathly silence. Even the empire¡¯s prodigies couldn¡¯t keep theirposure because Liu Wuxie was too ruthless. Every strike was fatal, leaving no chance for a counterattack.


    None of the ten envoys said a word and merely watched from the beginning to the end.


    ¡°Brother Yu, aren¡¯t we going to start the final ranking?¡± Fan Lin asked, throwing the chicken bone away. He had eaten ten drumsticks over the past seven days.


    The other eight envoys turned to look at Yu Tianyi, waiting for his reply.


    ¡°The Dugu n will take him. No one is allowed topete with us!¡± Dugu Yang grinned, indicating his optimism about Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Bullshit. Your Dugu n is only ranked ninth. What qualification do you have to pick first? This brat has good talent and should join our Indigo Cloud Gate.¡±


    Everyone began to fight over Liu Wuxie. The cultivation realm couldn¡¯t represent everything, and they valued Liu Wuxie¡¯s future potential more.


    The ten envoys represented a force to recruit fresh blood into their forces, and they would be rewarded handsomely if they did a good job.


    ¡°Let¡¯s start the final ranking!¡± Yu Tianyi said, interrupting the fight.


    Everyone restrained their expressions because the uing battle would be intense. There were only a hundred spots, and more than a thousand people had obtained two strands of dragon auras.


    On average, one out of ten people could make it into the top hundred.


    Many people would give up and return to the mundane world to enjoy fame and riches.


    ¡°Everyone, calm down. Those willing to participate in the final ranking move to the right, and those who wish to give up move to the left.¡± The Transcendent Plume Gate¡¯s Xi Jian announced.


    The final ranking was about to start, and everyone forgot about what had happened earlier.


    Over a thousand people stood on the right, while the remaining two thousand stood on the left.


    ¡°Wuxie, have you made up your mind?¡± Fan Zhen looked at Liu Wuxie with a fiery gaze. After that day, they might belong to two different worlds.


    ¡°Thank you for nurturing me for the past six months!¡± Liu Wuxie bowed and determinedly headed to the right.


    Everyone else from the Great Yan Dynasty looked at Liu Wuxie¡¯s back with envy and hope in their eyes.


    ¡°Let¡¯s hope that he can go as far as he can. The outside world is more suitable for him.¡± Fan Zhen¡¯s eyes became watery, and no one felt good about Liu Wuxie¡¯s departure.


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t walk into the crowd but stood in a corner.


    After the division, Jiang Kaicheng jumped from the monument and stood before everyone.


    ¡°1,200 people, six hundred pairs. Your opponent will be the person who draws the corresponding number. Those who drew number one would fight each other, and so on.¡± Jiang Kaicheng briefly exined the rules. The final ranking was random, and no one knew who they would face.


    Everyone was eager and cracked their knuckles.


    ¡°These are the number tes. Come forward to take one each!¡± Jiang Kaicheng took out a box, and only one arm could be inserted. No one could see the number on each te and rely only on their luck.


    Everyone came forward to draw a number from the box one by one.


    ¡°What number did you draw?¡± Those who drew asked theirpanions.


    ¡°I got number thirty!¡± Everyone whispered to each other and searched for their opponent.


    As the number tes dwindled in the box, more than half of the people had obtained their numbers.


    ¡°I¡¯m number one! Who¡¯s my opponent?¡± The prodigy who drew number one yelled. He should be the first to fight. The winner would advance to the next round while the loser would leave.

 Chapter 288 - Kick

    <h4>Chapter 288 - Kick</h4>


    Liu Wuxie wasn''t in a hurry to pick his number te. He queued up at the end, waiting patiently. When he finally reached into the box, he pulled out a te. Each te had an engraved number, and drawing the same number as another participant meant they were opponents.


    Just as Liu Wuxie prepared to depart, a chilling voice pierced the air. It was a threat, a promise of impending danger, from a third-level True Core Realm cultivator of the Azure Lion Empire.


    ¡°I¡¯m waiting!¡± Liu Wuxie replied without any expression on his face.


    In the final ranking, there was no restriction, and one would die if defeated.


    After taking a number te, everyone returned to their regions. There were ten arenas in total, enough to amodate twentybatants simultaneously.


    The first round matched up participants with numbers one through ten. The second round paired numbers eleven through twenty, and so on.


    After ncing at the number te in his hand, Liu Wuxie saw he was number five hundred and ny. Realizing he was in thest round, he moved to the back, waiting for everyone else to finish.


    Twenty representatives stood on the ten arenas and started their fight. Everyone drew their weapons, even if they ran into those from the same nation. After all, there was only one opportunity to enter the cultivation world, and no one wanted to miss it.


    The battles were intense, with people rolling down the stage or being severely injured by their opponents. No one was in the Quasi-True Core Realm; everyone was in the True Core Realm. Even so, being in the True Core Realm wasn¡¯t a direct ticket to the cultivation world.


    The first round ended quickly, and the high-grade nations deserved their reputations. Their representatives swept through their opponents with no effort.


    Only a few representatives of the low-grade nations remained because many of them had either given up or died. Hence, this gradually developed into a battle mainly between the intermediate-grade nations and high-grade nations.


    One battle followed by another without time to rest.


    However, Liu Wuxie was an exception. He joined the final ranking as someone from a low-grade nation. He spent most of his time cultivating and did not care about the battles on the stage.


    After dozens of rounds, it was finally Liu Wuxie¡¯s turn to take the stage. By then, it was already the next afternoon.


    After more than a half day of fighting, out of the one thousand and two hundred people, only half remained, with the other half losing their qualification to enter the cultivation world.


    Liu Wuxie swayed as hended on the tenth arena, still not knowing who his opponent was.


    When he stood on the stage, a terrifying aura descended andnded ten meters away from Liu Wuxie. This was a cultivator in the second level of the True Core Realm.


    ¡°Brat, hand over the dragon bone, and I¡¯ll spare your life!¡± the man roared at Liu Wuxie the moment he went on the stage.


    It was genuinelyughable that someone was still after Liu Wuxie¡¯s dragon bone after he had killed so many people the previous day, including three cultivators in the second level of the True Core Realm.


    Many people gathered around the arena. Even those who were eliminated weren¡¯t hurrying to leave and stayed around.


    ¡°It¡¯s Jin Gongyu. He might be in the second level of the True Core Realm, but his strength is close to the third level. I witnessed him sending someone in the third level flying whenpeting for the dragon auras and killing five in the second level.¡± Exmations came from the surroundings, and it was no wonder Jin Gongyu was arrogant.


    ¡°I¡¯ve also heard of him before. He might be from an intermediate-grade nation, but he was nurtured from a young age, and his talent isn¡¯t inferior to those from the high-grade nations.¡± Various discussions filled the surroundings, entering Liu Wuxie¡¯s ears.


    Jin Gongyu felt proud after hearing the surrounding discussions, and a hint of disdain shed in his eyes.


    ¡°Make your move!¡± Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t want to waste time walking, urging the other party to start the fight. He heard too many meaningless words and wanted to end the battle quickly and rest for the next round.


    ¡°You¡¯re courting death!¡± It felt unpleasant being ignored, making Jin Gongyu furious. A colossal axe appeared in his hand, and he chopped it down. He created an even more terrifying shockwavepared to Wang Sichen¡¯s group of three, and it was no wonder he dared to say such arrogant words.


    The experts from the various empires gathered over to watch.


    With explosions from the rapid airpression, Jin Gongyu¡¯s axe felt like it could split the sky and swept towards Liu Wuxie. It looked as though Liu Wuxie would be swept away in the next moment, which proved how extraordinary Jin Gongyu was.


    Jin Gongyu¡¯s chop created a vacuum passage, causing Liu Wuxie¡¯s hairband to explode from the impact.


    Liu Wuxie raised the Heretic de, his eyes fixed on Jin Gongyu¡¯s every movement. He felt like a lone wolf eyeing his prey.


    With a loud explosion produced by the axe, it was already descending on Liu Wuxie¡¯s head, and it would be toote if Liu Wuxie still didn¡¯t make his move.


    ¡°You can die now!¡± Jin Gongyu roared and leaped three meters into the sky.


    ¡°A trash like you wants to kill me?¡± Liu Wuxie sneered. His figure blurred, and he vanished. Shortly after, a powerful de ray shed, and blood sttered.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s body gradually reappeared behind Jin Gongyu, and everyone saw this scene with disbelief.


    ¡°H-How is this possible?¡± Jin Gongyu maintained his attacking posture and descended from the sky with his shoulders drooping. Blood sprayed from his mouth and dripped on the ground.


    The surroundings fell into silence as everyone held their breaths. They were expecting to see an earth-shattering battle, but it ended in one move.


    Over thirty dragon auras flew out from Jin Gongyu. Liu Wuxie collected them with a grasp before throwing them into the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron, converting them into over thirty droplets pouring into the world in his dantian. This instantly added over thirty halos behind Liu Wuxie.


    After refining the dragon auras, Liu Wuxie sheathed the Heretic de and walked down the stage as though his actions were insignificant.


    Fan Zhen and everyone stood far away in anticipation. They swung their fists around excitedly when they saw Liu Wuxie¡¯s victory.


    The crowd made way for Liu Wuxie when he came down the stage. There was still another battle till the second round.


    ¡°He¡¯s not simple!¡± The Glory me Empire¡¯s representatives gathered and whispered among themselves, discussing how to kill Liu Wuxie. After all, they were so close to the dragon bone before Liu Wuxie had seized it out of nowhere. Just thinking about it was enough to make them grit their teeth.


    Liu Wuxie returned to his spot and sat down to meditate, isting himself from the outside world. Private battles weren¡¯t allowed in the final ranking, and the envoys would kill anyone attacking other participants.


    Thest battlested for an hour. Everyone rested briefly before they proceeded to draw their number tes again.


    Aside from those severely injured who couldn¡¯t participate in the next round, about 570 people proceeded to the next round.


    ¡°Let¡¯s begin the drawing for the next round!¡± Jiang Kaicheng collected all the number tes, picked out the number tes for the next round, and threw them into the box.


    Fifteen minutester, everyone held another number te, and Liu Wuxie got the number twenty. This meant he would be up on the next round.


    Everyone who could pass the first round was an elite, but they also had to factor in luck. If someone in the first level ran into someone in the third level of the True Core Realm, the oue could be expected. But if one was lucky enough, they might run into opponents weaker than them. This practically became a stage for high-grade nations because the intermediate-grade nations were losing.


    Three groups perished when the first round ended, and only seven people were promoted to the next round. The fight became increasingly intense, even if they were facing their fellowpanions from the same dynasty.


    When the second round arrived, Liu Wuxie went to thest stage. His opponent was already on the stage, shing murderous intent in his eyes.


    ¡°This is such a coincidence. How did he run into someone from the Azure Lion Dynasty? Not to mention that¡¯s the Maniac Butcher Wu Zheng!¡± Exmations came from the crowd.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s opponent was Wu Zheng from the Azure Lion Dynasty, who was nicknamed Maniac Butcher because he had taken countless lives.


    When Wu Zheng went on the stage, he released his aura in the third-level True Core Realm, nning to intimidate Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°There¡¯s a show to watch now. Everyone knew that Liu Wuxie had killed several representatives from the Azure Lion Empire!¡± Everyone wore a gloating expression on their faces.


    Not only had Liu Wuxie obtained over eighty strands of dragon auras, but he had also acquired a dragon bone. This naturally sparked everyone''s unhappiness because he hailed from a low-grade nation at the bottom, repeatedly embarrassing them.


    That was especially the case for representatives from the Azure Lion Empire, and everyone was filled with hatred for Liu Wuxie. After all, Liu Wuxie had killed Wu Kang and seized the dragon bone from them.


    ¡°This is getting interesting now. Let¡¯s see how he dies!¡± A chuckle came from the ck Chu Empire''s party. Despite their desire to recruit Liu Wuxie, they were even more eager to see him meet his end.


    Wu Zheng exploded with boundless murderous intent, and his eyes became bloodshot. He deserved his nickname, Maniac Butcher, and his murderous intent was incredibly dense.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, hear that? As long as you¡¯re willing to be a dog of our Azure Lion Empire, I will consider sparing your life!¡± Wu Zheng licked his lips with a sinister smile.


    ¡°Make your move!¡± That was Liu Wuxie¡¯s only response, no matter who he faced. He didn''t waste words; the oue would be decided by the fight. With this round, he would be one step closer to the top hundred.


    The faint sense of disregard made Wu Zheng furious, and he let out a crazedugh. His robust figure shot forward like a meteorite, disying a surprising speed that matched Liu Wuxie¡¯s. Wu Zheng was in the third level, instantly putting Liu Wuxie in danger.


    After losing his speed advantage, no one was optimistic about Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie narrowed his eyes, a mocking smile rising on his lips. He merely stood his ground with his hands leaning forward, puzzling many spectators.


    In the blink of an eye, Wu Zheng¡¯s palms descended, leaving Liu Wuxie with no time to dodge. But just in the nick of time, Liu Wuxie raised one foot, kicking at Wu Zheng¡¯s head. The move was so swift that it outpaced everyone¡¯s thoughts. He looked like a celestial crane hunting for food, with the bottom of his foot heading straight for Wu Zheng.


    Wu Zheng fell into a disadvantageous position just when he attacked. Liu Wuxie sealed off his attack and could only go into defense, rapidly retreating to evade this kick.

 Chapter 289 - Straightforward

    <h4>Chapter 289 - Straightforward</h4>


    In terms ofbat experience, ten Wu Zhengs couldn¡¯tpare to a single attack from Liu Wuxie¡¯s finger. Even without using Ghost Eye, Liu Wuxie could keep up with each variation of Wu Zheng¡¯s movements.


    Wu Zheng retreated swiftly, but Liu Wuxie''s leg was faster, shadowing his head with a barrage of kicks. Wu Zheng had no choice but to cross his arms in front of his chest, bracing himself for the impact.


    He was sent flying when he took the kick head-on and threw up blood, as his internal organs were nearly crushed.


    Wu Zheng was like a broken kite as he fell into a corner of the arena, his blood dyeing his clothes red. This was an oue that no one had expected.


    The Azure Lion Empire¡¯s party had already started cheering and could foresee Liu Wuxie being killed and his dragon auras seized. But no one expected this oue. The entire arena trembled violently from Wu Zheng¡¯s fall.


    ¡°How is this possible? Wu Zheng is in the third level of the True Core Realm!¡± Someone pounded their chest, unable to ept this oue. They couldn¡¯t believe that Wu Zheng wasn¡¯t Liu Wuxie¡¯s match despite his cultivation in the third level of the True Core Realm.


    It was harsher for those from the Azure Lion Empire to ept. Wu Zheng might not be their strongest, but was ranked at the top. Could it be that only someone in the fourth level could kill Liu Wuxie?


    ¡°This kid has been hiding his strength. I suspect that he has reached the second level of the True Core Realm!¡± Ye Feng¡¯s face became grave, and he considered Liu Wuxie a formidable opponent.


    Since his debut, there weren¡¯t many who could receive Ye Feng¡¯s attention.


    ¡°We have underestimated him. His movement and de techniques are exceptional, but we overlooked his fighting instinct. He identified Wu Zheng¡¯s weakness in a fraction of a moment,¡± remarked Ji Xinghe, the strongest genius of the Dark Tide Empire. ¡°His skills aren''t based on technique alone.¡±


    These geniuses from the various empires gathered together, and it was already determined that they would enter the cultivation world. But Liu Wuxie¡¯s rise was like an underdog, sweeping through his opponents.


    It was shocking for someone in the first level of any realm to send someone in the third level of that realm flying with a kick, even for those on the stone monuments.


    ¡°Senior Sister Ruan, what do you think of him?¡± Luo Chudie asked softly.


    ¡°I can¡¯t see through him!¡± eximed Ruan Bingzhi, a woman of few words. She hadn¡¯t originally been assigned to this Battle of the Hundred Nations, but her senior sister''s other engagements had necessitated her stepping in to fill the role.


    ¡°Such a low-grade nation has never produced such a monster before.¡± Luo Chudie also couldn¡¯t see through Liu Wuxie. Their divine sense was powerful, but they couldn¡¯t see through Liu Wuxie¡¯s cultivation.


    He might seem like a first-level True Core Realm expert, but he gave everyone a feeling that he was a lurking beast capable of devouring the sky.


    Wu Zheng rose and roared, ¡°Liu Wuxie, I¡¯ll kill you!¡±


    He had lost his rationale and could only let out hysterical roars, drawing his weapon. He thrusted his longspear straight towards Liu Wuxie¡¯s chest.


    Like an enraged lion, Wu Zheng¡¯s hair stood on the end. If he couldn¡¯t kill Liu Wuxie, he wouldn¡¯t be able to face anyone.


    ¡°Hmph, a garbage like you wants to kill me?¡± The Heretic de appeared on Liu Wuxie¡¯s hand, blocking and diverting the spear away.


    When the two shed, Liu Wuxie relied on the Fatality de Art to contend with Wu Zheng.


    Wu Zheng had disyed the power of the Wind Chasing Spear to the limit, fully unleashing his cultivation throughout the years.


    After exchanging for a few hundred moves, Liu Wuxie easily resolved all the iing attacks, leaving Wu Zheng gasping for breath in exhaustion.


    Liu Wuxie had no change on his face, nor did he gasp for breath. This made everyone look at him with admiration.


    ¡°What terrifyingbat talent!¡± Yuwen Tianqian from the Northern Rise Empire muttered to himself. If he were in Liu Wuxie¡¯s shoes, he could only face Wu Zheng¡¯s Wind Chasing Spear by releasing his cultivation in the fourth level. Everyone was astonished to see Liu Wuxie easily fending Wu Zheng¡¯s attacks with his cultivation in the first level of the True Core Realm.


    ¡°Did he start cultivating in the womb?¡± A voice came from the Blue Wind Empire. Liu Wuxie was the youngest, with most people being close to the mid-twenties.


    ¡°Senior Brother Shui, do you have the confidence to defeat him?¡± a representative from the Blue Wind Empire asked Shui Huan.


    The surrounding geniuses all turned to look at Shui Huan. Thetter was the strongest talent in the Blue Wind Empire. Together with the Northern Rise Empire¡¯s Yuwen Tianqian, Azure Lion Empire¡¯s Xiao Wei, and ck Chu Empire¡¯s Ye Feng, they were the four geniuses.


    The Dark Tide Empire was rtively distant. Ji Xinghe, who spoke earlier, and Mu Hongyang were top-notch experts. Undoubtedly, they would rise rapidly after entering the ten major sects.


    Cultivators from the mundane world would use whatever resources they could obtain to increase their cultivation the moment they entered the cultivation world. This was because they knew the hardships of climbing from the bottom.


    This was also why the ten major sects were fond of recruiting fresh blood from the mundane world. Rather than their current achievements, the ten sects valued their potential even more.


    ¡°Thirty percent!¡± Shui Huan said, and his words shocked everyone in the surroundings. If Shui Huan only had thirty percent odds of winning with his cultivation in the fourth level of the True Core Realm, wouldn¡¯t that mean it was dangerous for Wu Zheng?


    The battle became increasingly intense, with everyone¡¯s gazes focused on the arena.


    Liu Wuxie only focused on defending, using his de technique to resolve Wu Zheng¡¯s attacks. As time passed, Wu Zheng revealed more ws in his attacks, showing signs of defeat.


    ¡°Senior Brother Liu is too strong. He brought glory to the Great Yan Dynasty,¡± Li Nanxiang said with admiration in her eyes. Unfortunately, they couldn¡¯t see Liu Wuxie for one more day.


    Wu Zheng performed the ultimate attack of the Wind Chasing Spear, Lethal Strike. This move had killed countless cultivators and had never failed him.


    When Wu Zheng performed it, everyone from the Azure Lion Empire fell silent. No one dared even to blink, afraid of missing something.


    The long spear manifested into countless spears, sealing off every inch of space around Liu Wuxie. The arena was enveloped in spearheads, and anyone could imagine the power of this spear technique.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, die!¡± Wu Zheng roared, and his voice made the eardrums of everyone in the surroundings rumble in pain.


    ¡°You want to kill me with this? Are you looking down on me?¡± Liu Wuxie sneered and left the ground. His figure was divided into several afterimages, and it was impossible to discern which was his actual body.


    Such a profound movement technique required powerful true essence to execute, and it wasn¡¯t something anyone could aplish. Lifting the Heretic de, Liu Wuxie executed the Fatality de Art¡¯s Second Fatality Form.


    However, for some reason, the Second Fatality Form was different each time Liu Wuxie performed it. This was also why the Fatality de Art was so powerful: there were no fixed moves. He could adjust the angle of his de ording to the opponent he faced.


    This meant no one knew where his next strike woulde from, and only those who faced Liu Wuxie personally knew how terrifying his de technique was. After all, everyone who had faced Liu Wuxie¡¯s de technique was dead, and no one could have resolved the Fatality de Art.


    This move wasn¡¯t a trick. It was simple enough for even a three-year-old child to execute. When the Heretic de tore through the air, the surroundings eximed.


    ¡°This is impossible! I¡¯ve faced Wu Zheng¡¯s Lethal Strike before, and it¡¯s wless!¡± Many representatives from the Azure Lion Empire eximed.


    ¡°This is brilliant! This strike is aimed at the weakness of Wu Zheng¡¯s spear!¡± Shui Huan pped his thigh with a hint of shock on his face.


    There was a weakness to everything in the world, and the same was true for martial techniques.


    Liu Wuxie relied on his fighting instinct and Ghost Eye to find the weakness in Wu Zheng¡¯s spear. When most people encountered formidable enemies, they were fond of usingplicated moves to resolve their opponents'' attacks.


    But dao was that simple, and not everyone couldprehend it. Wu Zheng¡¯s attack was fast, urate, fierce, and tricky, making it difficult for others to defend.


    The best solution was to go straight and disrupt Wu Zheng¡¯s rhythm. Liu Wuxie used his movement technique to avoid the iing strike before locking onto Wu Zheng¡¯s neck with the Heretic de.


    Wu Zheng¡¯s spear technique had an advantage in range, but when Liu Wuxie got close, even the most straightforward attack could threaten Wu Zheng.


    This was why many people were helpless against Wu Zheng¡¯s spear technique, and countless souls had perished to his spear.


    Today, however, Liu Wuxie used a simple move to break through the mystery of Wu Zheng¡¯s spear technique.


    Wu Zheng retreated in fear with a hint of horror reflected in his eyes. He couldn¡¯t believe that his spear technique was countered.


    He wanted to pull back his spear tounch new attacks, but Liu Wuxie wouldn¡¯t give him a chance. The Heretic de split into two, manifesting into two de auras that deflected the spear, nearly causing the spear to slip from Wu Zheng¡¯s hands.


    ¡°Wu Zheng is in danger!¡± The elites of the other empires eximed that someone in the third-level True Core Realm was no match for someone in the first level. If news spread, no one would believe it.


    ¡°This kid is a monster. If Wu Zheng dies at his hand, only someone in the fourth level can kill him.¡±


    Liu Wuxie aroused public anger without his knowledge, and Wu Zheng was an elite from the Azure Lion Dynasty. Many intermediate-grade nations depended on the Azure Lion Dynasty, making them almost indistinguishable.


    ¡°Let¡¯s see if Wu Zheng can counter this move!¡± The ck Chu Empire¡¯s geniuses held a glimmer of hope, hoping for a miracle.


    The other arenas had finished their battles, and everyone was directed to Liu Wuxie¡¯s arena. Everyone held their breaths and analyzed their odds of winning if they were in Wu Zheng¡¯s position.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, I¡¯ll drag you down even if I die!¡± The Heretic de was approaching Wu Zheng¡¯s neck and was only a few inches away. Wu Zheng gave up defending and thrust his spear at Liu Wuxie¡¯s chest.


    This was a move to drag Liu Wuxie down with him even if he had to risk his life.


    ¡°Garbage like you wants me to perish with you?¡± Liu Wuxie mocked. His mockery made Wu Zheng throw up a mouthful of blood, and his retreating speed slowed.


    With a tilt, Wu Zheng¡¯s spear brushed past Liu Wuxie¡¯s body and flew out. After losing his spear, Wu Zheng was like amb waiting to be ughtered. A hint of fear appeared on his face because he didn¡¯t want to die.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, don¡¯t kill me!¡± Wu Zheng was afraid and could feel the de''s edge prating his skin. He even went so far as to beg for mercy in front of everyone, leaving them stunned.


    ¡°Toote!¡± Liu Wuxie responded coldly, and the Heretic de swung down, sttering Wu Zheng¡¯s blood.

 Chapter 290 - Offer

    <h4>Chapter 290 - Offer</h4>


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s cold voice pronounced Wu Zheng¡¯s death as he swung his de down; Wu Zheng¡¯s blood sprayed into the sky with his head decapitated.


    However, Wu Zheng¡¯s body didn¡¯t die immediately and continued to retreat until he reached the edge of the arena and fell before his headnded on the ground.


    When the battle ended, the surroundings fell silent, and no one dared speak. They had just witnessed something that seemed like a legend: someone with lower cultivation defeating someone with higher cultivation.


    Regardless of martial techniques, true essence, or the usage of divine power, Liu Wuxie had practically suppressed anyone in the third level of the True Core Realm.


    ¡°Damn it!¡± Ye Feng brandished his fist. No one could kill Liu Wuxie; even Wu Zheng was dead.


    The faces of all the representatives from the Azure Lion Empire were filled with murderous intent. Only fifteen remained standing out of the thirty-odd who had joined the Battle of the Hundred Nations. Nine were eliminated, leaving just six to advance to the next round.


    ¡°Senior Brother Xiao, this kid has gone too far by killing several members of our Azure Lion Dynasty!¡± All eyes turned to Xiao Wei, the strongest member of their group.


    ¡°He won¡¯t live long!¡± Xiao Wei said. He was also furious and would try everything to prevent Liu Wuxie from entering the cultivation world.


    The room fell silent as everyone anticipated that Xiao Wei''s involvement would seal Liu Wuxie''s fate.


    After leaving the stage, Liu Wuxie walked to his area to continue his cultivation, ignoring the surrounding discussion. He submerged into the world in his dantian, circting the Deste Devouring Art to devour the surrounding spiritual energy.


    His cultivation finally consolidated a little after two battles. After all, his foundation had be unstable after making two breakthroughs in seven days. Thus, using battles was the best way to temper his cultivation.


    The battle resumed, and the number of casualties increased. In severe cases, everyone in the ten arenas was heavily injured, losing the qualification to enter the cultivation world.


    The scene was brutal, with everyone putting their lives on the line.


    The battle ended at sunset, and everyone rested for a night before continuing the next day.


    It was the same as Liu Wuxie had guessed, and only 240 people made it to the next round. For the next round, everyone wouldpete for the top hundred ranks.


    This was the critical round, as sess meant entering the cultivation world, while failure meant bidding farewell to the path of immortality. Everyone braced themselves for the next day¡¯s battle.


    This battle was destined to be intense, and casualties would continue to increase.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, you have to seize the opportunity tomorrow. As long as you don¡¯t run into opponents in the fourth level of the True Core Realm, entering the cultivation world won¡¯t be an issue,¡± Fan Zhen whispered.


    Securing an entry ticket to the cultivation world was important, and the rankings were secondary. After all, ranking first was almost the same as ranking one hundredth.


    ¡°It won¡¯t be easy!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s concern wasn¡¯t just about entering the top hundred. He knew that the Azure Lion Empire wouldn¡¯t let it slide after killing Wu Zheng.


    ¡°You¡¯re worried that the Azure Lion Empire might target you?¡± Fan Zhen frowned. There were so many people from the Azure Lion Empire, and they wouldn¡¯t let it slide easily.


    ¡°We¡¯ll know tomorrow!¡± Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t say much and closed his eyes to cultivate.


    Fan Zhen departed, leaving Liu Wuxie to rest before the next day''s battle.


    The following day, everyone awoke from their cultivation sessions with anticipation etched on their faces. They had waited for this day for too long, and nervous energy permeated the atmosphere.


    ¡°The procedure will be the same as yesterday. Everyone will draw lots to determine your opponent!¡± Jiang Kaicheng said coldly, sweeping his gaze around. The box was prepared the previous night, and everyone received their number te in less than fifteen minutes. Liu Wuxie was no exception either.


    ¡°Number eight!¡± Liu Wuxie took number eight, meaning he would be up for the first round. But he didn¡¯t hurry to the arena and looked around for his opponent. With the Azure Lion Empire¡¯s vengeful nature, he wondered if they would send experts to target him, aiming to sabotage his entry into the cultivation world.


    Thus, Liu Wuxie waited till his number was called before going on the stage. This was to prevent those from the Azure Lion Empire from exchanging numbers secretly.


    As Liu Wuxiended steadily on the stage, he found himself facing a youth in his twenties whose cultivation was in the first level of the True Core Realm.


    The youth smiled bitterly upon seeing Liu Wuxie. Knowing that Liu Wuxie had even defeated Wu Zheng and considering his own cultivation at the first level of the True Core Realm, he realized he wouldn''t stand a chance against Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, I¡¯m Mo Yongfeng, the crown prince of the Southern Gold Dynasty. If you¡¯re willing to give up your spot, I will appoint you as the next heir, allowing you to enjoy endless riches and glory,¡± Mo Yongfengid out his terms.


    He knew his strength was no match for Liu Wuxie, so he made an irresistible offer: a nation¡¯s throne.


    ¡°Is the Southern Gold Dynasty¡¯s crown prince insane? He wants to give the throne away?¡± The crowd erupted into an uproar. Liu Wuxie was from the Great Yan Dynasty, and it was unthinkable for him to be the ruler of the Southern Gold Dynasty.


    Mo Yongfeng hadid everything on the table just to enter the cultivation world. After all, the mour of the mundane world was fleeting, and only in the cultivation world could one seek the path of immortality.


    ¡°I refuse!¡± Liu Wuxie replied. Even if someone offered him the entire mundane world, he would refuse the opportunity to enter the cultivation world. His goal wasn¡¯t just the cultivation world but the celestial realm.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, have you ever considered that even if you manage to defeat me and obtain the opportunity to enter the cultivation world, the Azure Lion Empire will let you go? They will surely try to kill you in the subsequent battles. Why notpromise to ensure mutual benefit?¡± Mo Yongfeng was blunt with his words.


    Even if Liu Wuxie could defeat Mo Yongfeng, he would have to face the Azure Lion Empire. So, why not take a step back and take the throne of a mundane world? Not only could it benefit Mo Yongfeng, but it would also ensure Liu Wuxie¡¯s life, an act of killing two birds with one stone.


    It was no wonder Mo Yongfeng looked so confident. He had already nned out his words long ago. This was his offer regardless of who he had faced today.


    ¡°That¡¯s my business, none of yours!¡± The Heretic de appeared in Liu Wuxie¡¯s hands. He didn¡¯t want to waste time chatting with Mo Yongfeng.


    His reply naturally angered Mo Yongfeng, but he could do nothing because he couldn¡¯t defeat Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, you should give it a thought. There are countless beauties in the Southern Gold Dynasty. As long as you be the ruler, you can take your pick on whichever beauties you want.¡± Mo Yongfeng gritted his teeth and even spoke shameless words, drawing ridicule from the surroundings.


    The Southern Gold Dynasty was an intermediate-grade nation that was way stronger than the Great Yan Dynasty. Giving up the spot of a ruler required great courage.


    No one was stupid. If Mo Yongfeng could enter the cultivation world, it would take a few years for him to achieve some aplishments. By then, the throne would still revert to the Mo n when he returned to the Southern Gold Dynasty.


    It was no wonder why everyone in the surroundings sneered. Who was Mo Yongfeng trying to fool with his trickery? A three-year-old child?


    The terms might sound tempting, but what if one could take the throne without the strength to back it up? In the end, the throne would still return to Mo Yongfeng.


    Liu Wuxie was in disdain to exin and expose Mo Yongfeng¡¯s pitiful trickery. With a grim face, he asked, ¡°Are you done? You can get down now once you¡¯re done!¡±


    Putting away the Heretic de, Liu Wuxie unleashed a gust of wind with a palm strike. Mo Yongfeng couldn¡¯t withstand any longer and was swept away by the gust, falling off the arena. With that, Liu Wuxie was the first to advance.


    The envoys of the ten major sects looked at Liu Wuxie eagerly, wanting to recruit him.


    ¡°Kid, you¡¯re strong. Join my Divine Sun Pce!¡± Jiang Kaicheng was the closest to Liu Wuxie and extended an invitation.


    The ten major sects might vary in strength, but the differences were negligible. No one could threaten their position as long as their upper hierarchy remained intact. Even if they lost many lower-level disciples, it wouldn¡¯t be enough to shake the foundation of their sect.


    Everyone''s face from the Azure Lion Empire changed. If Liu Wuxie epted Jiang Kaicheng¡¯s invitation, he would be a disciple of the Divine Sun Pce. This meant they would antagonize the Divine Sun Pce if they killed Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Thanks for the invitation, but I need to consider!¡± Liu Wuxie cupped his fists together in gratitude. It required consideration on which sect to join, and he didn¡¯t want to rush into it.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s answer surprised everyone because everyone expected Liu Wuxie to ept the invitation immediately. After all, the representatives from the various empires would try to kill him otherwise.


    No one here would dare to touch him if he epted the Divine Sun Pce¡¯s invitation.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s direct invitation left Jiang Kaicheng at a loss for words. He hadn''t anticipated such straightforwardness from Liu Wuxie and mistakenly thought that Liu Wuxie looked down on the Divine Sun Pce for being rankedst.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, you dare reject my invitation?¡± Jiang Kaicheng felt humiliated upon being rejected, making his face grim.


    Liu Wuxie stopped with a look of confusion. Didn¡¯t he say he would consider it? So what was with Jiang Kaicheng¡¯s hostility? Well, it was as expected of the cultivation world¡¯s cruelty.


    ¡°Jiang Kaicheng, the ranking hasn¡¯t ended yet. Aren¡¯t you too anxious to extend your invitation? Or are you worried that your Divine Sun Pce won¡¯t be able to get any good disciples?¡± A mocking voice came from afar as a chubby man walked over with a drumstick.


    Liu Wuxie smiled at the sight of the chubby man. Over the past six months, he seemed to have a strong fate with chubby people.


    Song Ling was chubby and ran into Li Shengsheng after joining the Imperial Academy, who was also chubby. Now, even the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion¡¯s envoy was chubby.


    ¡°Fan Lin, what did you say?¡± Jiang Kaicheng roared. Fan Lin was right because few people would pick the Divine Sun Pce in each Battle of the Hundred Nations. The sects ranked at the forefront picked the talented fresh blood.


    ¡°Did I not make myself clear enough? He already made it clear he needed to consider. Yet, you want to threaten him? Man, I look down on you.¡± Fan Lin came to Liu Wuxie¡¯s side and gave thetter an appreciative look as though they were acquaintances. This instantly left Liu Wuxie baffled.


    He didn''t recognize any of the ten envoys, so why did Fan Lin speak up for him? While everyone else remained indifferent, only Fan Lin spoke up for him.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, I¡¯ll remember you. I hope that you can make it to the end!¡± Jiang Kaicheng said, looking wary of Fan Lin. Could it be that this fatty possessed extraordinary strength?

 Chapter 291 - Swastika

    <h4>Chapter 291 - Swastika</h4>


    Jiang Kaicheng left, and the representatives of the Azure Lion Empire smiled. This meant they still had a chance to kill Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Thank you for your help!¡± Liu Wuxie sped his fists together in Fan Lin¡¯s direction but still didn¡¯t know thetter¡¯s name.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing!¡± Fan Lin grinned, patting Liu Wuxie¡¯s shoulder with his greasy hand. His robe was dirty and messy, looking ragged, but he had clear eyes. As the saying went, the eyes were the window to the heart.


    Liu Wuxie returned to his area to continue cultivating; the battles in the arenas had nothing to do with him.


    The battles became increasingly intense, with representatives from the various empires shing, and the death toll continued to rise. At this rate, there might be a few people left.


    ¡°Look, Ye Feng is going on the stage!¡± The appearance of those top-tiered geniuses naturally attracted more attention than Liu Wuxie, and countless gazes turned to Ye Feng.


    ¡°I surrender!¡± Ye Feng¡¯s opponent admitted retreat before the battle even began. This was to prevent humiliation, and everyone was gambling on luck now.


    For example, someone in the third level of the True Core Realm ran into Ji Xinghe and was brutally eliminated. A third-level True Core Realm expert could have made it into the top hundred, but unfortunately, he ran into Ye Feng.


    If there weren¡¯t a hundred people left, the envoys would pick from the eliminated participants to make up for the numbers.


    Mu Hongyang, Shui Huan, Yuwen Tianqian, and Xiao Wei took turns to go to the arena, but their opponents surrendered without any hesitation.


    All the battles finally ended at sunset, and only ny people were left. There were some whose lives were left behind in the arena forever.


    Those who advanced danced around excitedly while those who failed lowered their heads. They were only one step away from entering the cultivation world.


    The ten envoys came down to the monuments and picked some elites to fill the hundred slots.


    ¡°Next would be the ranking match. Like in previous years, those who make it into the top ten would be rewarded with an earth-grade martial technique, and the top three would receive an earth-grade martial technique along with a cultivation technique of simr grade. The second would receive both, including a spiritual treasure. As for the first ce, he would receive an additional Evesting Pill aside from the three.¡± This time, it was Xi Jian who spoke instead of Jiang Kaicheng.


    The rewards rotated among the ten major sects, and it was the Transcendent Plume Gate this year. This was to encourage everyone topete for a good ranking. Simultaneously, this was to determine who had the higher ranking.


    ¡°Evesting Pill? The Evesting Pill? It was rumored that it could allow one to advance one realm unconditionally!¡± The crowd erupted. An earth-grade martial technique, a cultivation technique, and a spiritual treasure were enough to drive everyone insane. However, they hadn¡¯t expected there to be an Evesting Pill.


    Liu Wuxie narrowed his eyes with a faint smile rising on his lips. The two techniques weren¡¯t essential, but the Evesting Pill was crucial. After all, it would be a fresh start in the cultivation world. The higher his starting point, the more resources he would receive.


    Someone in the second level of the True Core Realm was too low in the cultivation world.


    Ye Feng, Ji Xinghe, and everyone had excitement in their eyes. They were stuck in the fourth-level True Core Realm. If they could obtain the Evesting Pill, they could use it to reach the fifth level, which also meant they would have a higher authority in the cultivation world.


    ¡°Draw lots! The rules are the same: determining the top fifty, top twenty, and top ten!¡± Jiang Kaicheng took out a box for everyone to draw lots.


    When a hundred people ascended, they couldn''t contain their excitement, knowing this was crucial for obtaining the Evesting Pill.


    Liu Wuxie was ranked at thest, and only one number te was left in the box.


    ¡°Number one!¡± Liu Wuxie was surprised to see the number te, and this was too coincidental. However, having reached this point, there was no room for retreat, and he went straight to the first arena.


    When Liu Wuxiended in the arena, a figurended before him. When their eyes met, fighting spirits burst out from them.


    ¡°It¡¯s the ck Chu Empire¡¯s Thousand Hands Buddha Gong Gaomiao!¡± Exmations came from the surroundings because Liu Wuxie ran into a formidable opponent in the first round.


    Gong Gaomiao might not be the strongest in the ck Chu Empire, but he was only secondpared to Ye Feng. He was also in the fourth-level True Core Realm.


    His fame might be slightly inferior to Ye Feng, but that didn¡¯t mean he was a pushover.


    Gong Gaomiao received the nickname Thousand Hands Buddha because he practiced a palm technique resembling a barrage of attacks.


    Even Ye Feng would find him a formidable opponent, and Ye Feng won narrowly in their fights. Thus, one could imagine Gong Gaomiao''s power; he wasn¡¯t ordinary.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, you can die now!¡± Gong Gaomiao said. His words weren¡¯t mockery or threat but a in deration of Liu Wuxie¡¯s death.


    The ck Chu Empire was one step away from the dragon bone, but Liu Wuxie had seized it. Thus, they had been holding resentment in their hearts.


    ¡°Likewise!¡± Liu Wuxie had already anticipated this oue when Gong Gaomiao went on stage. He nced out of the corner of his eye at Jiang Kaicheng, a chill radiating from him. After all, it was too much of a coincidence for his first opponent to be someone from the ck Chu Empire. He was confident that Jiang Kaicheng had yed some tricks.


    Murderous intent enveloped the entire arena, with thousands of people in the surroundings focused on the stage. They were curious if Liu Wuxie would die in this battle.


    After killing Wu Zheng and obtaining over a hundred strands of dragon auras, Liu Wuxie now had over two hundred strands.


    ¡°Eat my palm!¡± Gong Gaomiao shot out like a stallion, sping his hands together to form seals. A bizarre scene urred next as his hands manifested into a Buddha sping its hands with chants capable of disrupting people¡¯s thoughts.


    The iing attack was imbued with soul energy, and this was Liu Wuxie¡¯s first time encountering something like this. The crimson de and Soul Captivating Bell he had previously encountered weren¡¯t considered martial techniques.


    Gong Gaomiao appeared a meter away from Liu Wuxie in a fraction of a second, striking down with his palm. He roared, ¡°Assembly of Myriad Buddhas!¡±


    Countless Buddhas appeared, sping their hands with chants burrowing into Liu Wuxie¡¯s mind.


    However, the difort was soon alleviated when Liu Wuxie circted his soul energy. His gaze pierced through all the iing attacks when he executed Ghost Eye.


    ¡°Overlord Fist!¡± Liu Wuxie threw a punch without any warning. He might¡¯ve reached the limit with the Overlord Fist, but the power was horrifying after being executed by his true essence, which contained a strand of dragon aura.


    All the iing palms exploded from the Overlord Fist¡¯s impact. This time, Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t use his de but engaged in bare-handedbat.


    The impact produced a powerful shockwave that separated Liu Wuxie and Gong Gaomiao. When they retreated, the shockwave began to spread, causing creaking sounds in the arena.


    ¡°This is impossible!¡± Exmations came from the surroundings because Gong Gaomiao was in the fourth-level True Core Realm. No one could ept it when they saw he and Liu Wuxie were evenly matched.


    Ye Feng¡¯s face changed, and he finally realized the direness of the situation. Liu Wuxie¡¯s strength might exceed their imagination.


    Only Fan Lin retrieved a drumstick from his interspatial pouch and began to gnaw on it. No one understood Liu Wuxie¡¯s talent better than him, and he didn¡¯t dare to go against the arrangement with the young missy.


    ¡°Fourth-level True Core Realm? Is this the best you got?¡± Liu Wuxie asked, already having a rough gauge of Gong Gaomiao¡¯s strength from the previous sh.


    His mockery made Gong Gaomiao furious, and he sped his hands together to unleash even more ferocious attacks. His palms enveloped the sky, forming a thickyer of thunderclouds.


    The clouds began to change and manifested into a giant Buddha, descending like a mountain.


    The arena finally couldn¡¯t withstand the pressure and showed signs of breaking apart. Liu Wuxie stood in the center of the arena, and anyone could imagine the pressure he felt.


    ¡°I know this move! It¡¯s called World Annihtion Buddha!¡± Those gathered around the arena waved their hands in excitement to witness this formidable technique. This should be Gong Gaomiao¡¯s strongest attack. But if he couldn¡¯t kill Liu Wuxie with it, he would have to bear Liu Wuxie¡¯s wrath next.


    Destructive shockwaves spread out, sending those close to the arena flying away and preventing them from getting closer.


    A series of rumbles and thunder shed from the sky. A giant ¡®…d¡¯ representing the Buddhist Race¡¯s swastika appeared in the sky.


    In the Celestial Realm, there were many races besides humans. There were Buddhist, Dragon, Abyssal, Demon Races, and many more.


    Each race had its own culture, and ¡®…d¡¯ represented the highest spirit of the Buddhist Race.


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t dare to be careless and sped his hands together if he failed. He didn¡¯t practice any palm techniques, but that didn¡¯t mean he didn¡¯t know how palm techniques worked.


    Based on his experience, every palm technique could produce a miraculous effect. Each rune hovered in the sky, changing the ten envoys¡¯ faces.


    ¡°Spiritual rune!¡± Xi Jian eximed. The aura of the spiritual runes was far stronger than they had imagined. No one could contain theirposure, not even Fan Lin.


    Not only was Gong Gaomiao talented in the martial path, but he also knew the art of spiritual runes. Was there such an all-rounded genius in the world?


    As the spiritual runes converged, they formed a palm that looked in and ordinary. However, if the Buddhist race used it, it would be on a whole new level.


    This seemingly in palm made everyone¡¯s hearts tremble. Gong Gaomiao felt a strong threat of danger because Liu Wuxie''s ability to maintain hisposure showed he wasn¡¯t simple.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, die!¡± Gong Gaomiao controlled the Buddha to descend without any hesitation. Facing this move would be certain death, even for someone in the fourth level of the True Core Realm.


    The entire arena began to copse under the pressure.


    ¡°That brat is finally going to die!¡± Those from the ck Chu Empire gloated, relieved to see Liu Wuxie¡¯s demise.


    Countless ¡®…d¡¯ symbols converged into golden radiance enveloping the arena. Liu Wuxie was like a raft on the vast ocean, and the golden radiance represented seawater that would engulf him at any moment.


    ¡°Kill me? This isn¡¯t enough!¡± Hundreds of spiritual runes converged to form a hovering before Liu Wuxie, pressing towards the Buddha.

 Chapter 292 - Killing a Fourth-Level True Core Realm

    <h4>Chapter 292 - Killing a Fourth-Level True Core Realm</h4>


    All the spiritual runes converged into a enveloping the golden Buddha.


    "Kill me? This isn¡¯t enough!" Liu Wuxie''s voice echoed like a death sentence, enveloping the Buddha and rendering it immobile.


    Right then, a palm engulfed in demonic me flew out from the and shed with the golden Buddha.


    zing mes enveloped the sky with explosions, reducing a few hundred meters of radius into a sea of fire. Seeing the two in the arena through the me was impossible, and everyone had to wait for the me to dissipate.


    The shock on the faces of the ten envoys had yet to dissipate. Crafting a with spiritual runes was a feat beyond their capabilities, yet Liu Wuxie effortlessly achieved it before their eyes.


    The golden Buddha began to explode, and golden radiance spread out, forming powerful shockwaves that sent the nearby people flying.


    ¡°What power! Do you think Liu Wuxie can survive?¡± Everyone in the surroundings began to discuss among themselves. If someone in the fourth level of the True Core Realm was so strong, what about the Heavenly Dipper Realm? Wouldn¡¯t that mean they could kill cultivators in the True Core Realm with a flick of the hand?


    ¡°That¡¯s highly unlikely. After all, Gong Gaomiao is in the fourth level of the True Core Realm!¡± The ck Chu Empire¡¯s prodigies sneered. Ye Feng was their strongest, and Gong Gaomiao was second.


    Violent shockwaves continued to sweep out, and the battles in the other arenas had ended.


    Thunderclouds rumbled in the sky and dispersed the mes in the arena, revealing Liu Wuxie and Gong Gaomiao. The golden Buddha and spiritual runes had all disappeared.


    Liu Wuxie vanished with the Heretic de, charging towards Gong Gaomiao. Who would¡¯ve expected Liu Wuxie to still have the strength to follow up an attack after executing such a powerful move? This had overturned everyone¡¯s understanding.


    ¡°What a monster! His true essence remains abundant even after inscribing so many spiritual runes!¡± Xi Jian couldn¡¯t describe his current feelings. If he were in Liu Wuxie¡¯s position, he would¡¯ve exhausted at least half his true essence to inscribe so many spiritual runes.


    To a certain degree, the density of Liu Wuxie¡¯s true essence wasn¡¯t any weaker than that of someone in the first level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    The difference in cultivation couldn¡¯t bepensated with true essence. As one progressed in cultivation, it became increasingly difficult to challenge someone with a higher cultivation. Fighting someone in the fifth level of the True Core Realm should be Liu Wuxie¡¯s limit.


    ¡°What kind of dantian does he have? He already showed multiple attributes in his true essence, and ordinary people can¡¯t aplish it.¡± Song Junbao suppressed the shock on his face with a bitter smile. They hailed from noble backgrounds and had encountered numerous geniuses, yet Liu Wuxie''s presence utterly reshaped their perception of ¡®genius¡¯.


    ¡°Have you all taken a look at his dantian? It felt like something was blocking our divine sense from prating.¡± Guo Hanfei tried to examine Liu Wuxie¡¯s dantian with his divine sense multiple times, but he failed every time.


    ¡°I have never seen such a bizarre dantian before. His dantian is unbelievablyrge, like aplete world with its crystal barrier.¡± Dugu Yang nodded, agreeing with Guo Hanfei¡¯s words.


    Liu Wuxie appeared within three meters of Gong Gaomiao in the blink of an eye. He might meet his end under Liu Wuxie¡¯s de if he didn''t respond.


    Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t relying on his cultivation but his fighting instinct. When the shockwaves dissipated, Gong Gaomiao was still recovering his true essence, and this was the perfect moment for Liu Wuxie to act.


    ¡°Senior Brother Gong, dodge!¡± The ck Chu Empire¡¯s prodigies yelled because Liu Wuxie¡¯s de had already reached him. If he couldn¡¯t evade in time, only death would await Gong Gaomiao.


    ¡°Damn it, why is Senior Brother Gong just standing there?¡± The other empires¡¯ prodigies couldn¡¯tprehend the situation. Could it be that Liu Wuxie employed some sort of witchcraft?


    Ye Feng¡¯s face was grim, and he instantly noticed the changes in the arena. They might have seemed evenly matched during the earlier sh, but they knew that Liu Wuxie¡¯s attainment of spiritual runes had surpassed Gong Gaomiao. Thetter might have won if he could¡¯ve suppressed Liu Wuxie¡¯s spiritual runes right from the start.


    The initiative was crucial in an intensebat between experts, and Gong Gaomiao had underestimated his opponent. If Gong Gaomiao had unleashed a barrage of attacks right from the beginning, he might still have had a chance at winning.


    A hint of fear shed across Gong Gaomiao¡¯s eyes, and the Heretic de had already prated his skin, with death approaching. As he practiced the Thousand Hands Buddha Palm, he rarely used weapons, and he could only retreat in an attempt to evade.


    ¡°Too slow!¡± Gong Gaomiao reacted a little toote and the Heretic de had locked onto him.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, I¡¯ll take you down with me even if I die!¡± Gong Gaomiao realized he couldn¡¯t dodge Liu Wuxie¡¯s de and could only go all out, opening his arms wide at Liu Wuxie¡¯s waist.


    The hearts of everyone from the ck Chu Empire were clenched. Liu Wuxie was the first to force Gong Gaomiao to such an extent.


    Fan Zhen looked nervous, with his fists clenched in the distance, wishing he could join the fight.


    Qin Lei and others were shocked with their mouths open. They knew that Liu Wuxie was strong but had never witnessed his strength before.


    After all, those that Liu Wuxie had killed so far weren¡¯t strong, like the Sky Mansion Dynasty¡¯s and Heavenly Fragrance Dynasty¡¯s experts. Thus, the visual impact wasn¡¯t that significant.


    ¡°Die!¡± A cold voice came from Liu Wuxie. He divided himself into three and disappeared. He then appeared on Gong Gaomiao¡¯s sides and back.


    Gong Gaomiao failed to grab Liu Wuxie by his waist and nearly fell into the ruins. But in the next moment, the Heretic de locked onto his neck.


    When the Heretic de flew past, a head flew into the air. Shortly after, Gong Gaomiao¡¯s body began to wither. He was a cultivator in the fourth level of the True Core Realm, and Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t want to let this opportunity go. He secretly absorbed the energies from Gong Gaomiao¡¯s body, pushing his cultivation closer to the third level.


    "See, his true essence is poisonous!" To prevent stirring up amotion, Liu Wuxie utilized the poison in his true essence to mask the absorption of Gong Gaomiao''s energies. Consequently, it appeared outwardly as though Gong Gaomiao''s body was being corroded by poison.


    However, in reality, the poison in Liu Wuxie¡¯s true essence wasn¡¯t enough to poison a cultivator in the fourth level of the True Core Realm. He used it to deceive the ten envoys.


    The battle ended with Gong Gaomiao dead, and he didn¡¯t even have aplete corpse left aside from his head.


    Liu Wuxie retained Gong Gaomiao¡¯s interspatial pouch out of urgent necessity for resources. Recognizing the challenges he would face upon entering the cultivation world, he understood the importance of umting resources to weather the difficulties ahead.


    Sheathing the Heretic de, Liu Wuxie walked out from the ruins, ignoring the murderous intent of the ck Chu Empire¡¯s party.


    After he left, someone came forth to clean up the arena and restore it to its original state.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, you have some guts to kill a prodigy of my ck Chu Empire!¡± The ck Chu Empire¡¯s party came over and stood before Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie squinted and released a powerful murderous intent from his body.


    ¡°You all want toe at me together?¡± Liu Wuxie said with a hint of disdain. Even with Ye Feng, killing him wouldn¡¯t be easy.


    Ye Feng slowly walked over and stood five steps away from Liu Wuxie, but he did not show any anger.


    ¡°All of you, go back!¡± He roared, making everyone from the ck Chu Empire step back and look at Ye Feng with confusion. After all, Liu Wuxie had just killed Gong Gaomiao.


    ¡°Senior Brother Ye, we can¡¯t let him off!¡± A prodigy in the third level of the True Core Realm stomped his foot furiously. If they allowed Liu Wuxie to leave alive, it would significantly humiliate the ck Chu Empire.


    ¡°I will personally kill him! All of you back down! Since when did our ck Chu Empire resort to outnumbering our enemy?¡± Ye Feng said, genuinely furious this time. No one dared to defy him and backed off.


    Before they backed down, they gave Liu Wuxie a ferocious re.


    With Liu Wuxie and Ye Feng remaining, the two merely looked at each other quietly without exchanging words.


    Liu Wuxie narrowed his eyes because he sensed powerful pressure from Ye Feng. His instincts told him that Ye Feng was incredibly powerful and on a whole new levelpared to Gong Gaomiao. The two weren¡¯t on the same level, and Ye Feng didn¡¯t look as simple as he looked.


    ¡°There will be a battle between us sooner orter. I hope you can stay alive till then!¡± Ye Feng said, his gazepelling. This was a sign he had practiced a powerful soul technique.


    ¡°Likewise!¡± Liu Wuxie said and left. There was no need for further conversation because the oue would be determined in the arena.


    Liu Wuxie returned to his designated area and seated himself, patiently awaiting the conclusion of the round. With the top ten positions to be decided that day, Liu Wuxie was determined not to relinquish the enticing rewards that awaited the victors.


    The intensity of the battle died down because everyone had already obtained a ticket into the cultivation world. Thus, they did not need to fight with their lives on the line, and the rewards didn¡¯t matter to most.


    Four hourster, the top fifty were determined, and only forty-four managed to be promoted to the next round.


    Gong Gaomiao was killed, and several people suffered heavy exhaustion and injuries. To prevent leaving behind hidden injuries, some decided to give uppeting for the top twenty.


    After resting for an hour, all forty-four people stood up to continue drawing lots.


    When Liu Wuxie stood before the box, he nced at Jiang Kaicheng and smirked. He reached into the box and took a number te with ¡®10¡¯ written on it. This meant he was still in the first batch. He didn¡¯t care who his opponent was and headed to the tenth arena.


    ¡°Spirit Tiger Dynasty¡¯s Lu Hongzhi. I pay my greetings, Brother Liu!¡± Someone bowed in the tenth arena when Liu Wuxie went up.


    ¡°Likewise!¡± Liu Wuxie exchanged perfunctory formalities, but it was weird that Lu Hongzhi showed no signs of acting despite being in the third level of the True Core Realm.


    ¡°Brother Liu, I know I¡¯m not your match. We don''t need to fight; save your true essence!¡± Lu Hongzhi said, wearing a ttering expression.


    ¡°Stop beating around the bush!¡± Liu Wuxie said with impatience on his face. Since Lu Hongzhi wasn¡¯t willing to fight, he could admit defeat and not waste time chattering in the arena.


    ¡°I happen to have a question bothering me, and I hope Brother Liu can help me with it.¡± Lu Hongzhi was polite in his tone.


    ¡°Speak!¡± Liu Wuxie wouldn''t mind answering as long as it didn¡¯t involve any secrets. Aside from the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron, he had nothing to hide.

 Chapter 293 - Immortal

    <h4>Chapter 293 - Immortal</h4>


    Everyone beneath the stage looked curious, wanting to know what Lu Hongzhu wanted to ask.


    ¡°Brother Liu, may I ask what an immortal is?¡± The moment Lu Hongzhi asked his question, the surroundings fell silent. They were mere mortals, but Lu Hongzhi asked what an immortal was.


    Even the ten envoys were stumped by Lu Hongzhi¡¯s question. As they were born in the cultivation world, they had been exposed to vast knowledge since they were young. Even so, they didn¡¯t have an answer to Lu Hongzhi¡¯s question.


    Even the ten major sects¡¯ sect masters couldn¡¯t answer that question. Everyone cultivated to be immortal, but what was the purpose? Or were they simply seeking immortality?


    Lu Hongzhi¡¯s question stumped everyone, and he asked it to embarrass Liu Wuxie. He naturally wouldn¡¯t concede the battle easily. If Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t answer that question, wouldn¡¯t it be like a p to his face?


    The Spirit Tiger Dynasty was a vassal of the Dark Tide Empire. The Dark Tide Empire wanted to kill Liu Wuxie, and they naturally wouldn¡¯t miss such a great opportunity.


    Since Lu Hongzhi couldn¡¯t kill Liu Wuxie, he could only use this method to embarrass him.


    ¡°Lu Hongzhi, how despicable! Who the hell here can answer that question?¡± The other empires, such as the Blue Wind Empire, couldn''t bear it anymore. They had no enmity with Liu Wuxie and even showed a friendly expression instead.


    The ck Chu Empire and the Blue Wind Empire had a hostile rtionship. Thus, the enemy of the enemy was naturally a friend.


    ¡°Brother Liu is talented, and I believe he can answer this question!¡± Lu Hongzhi smiled at Liu Wuxie and waited for his answer.


    Everyone looked at Liu Wuxie anxiously, wondering how he would respond to this question. If Liu Wuxie refused to answer, he would fall into Lu Hongzhi¡¯s trap. Since Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t know what an immortal was, why was he seeking to be immortal?


    If Liu Wuxie made a random guess, he would draw mockery from the surroundings.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes became cold. Lu Hongzhi¡¯s scheme was well-nned, and he would fall for Lu Hongzhi¡¯s trap if he killed thetter now. Lu Hongzhi had admitted he wasn¡¯t Liu Wuxie¡¯s match right from the beginning.


    ¡°Humans, immortals, and gods can be summarized into two sentences!¡± Liu Wuxie said with a smile. No one understood immortals better than him, and he did not need to exin too much because he could summarize it into a sentence.


    ¡°What? He wants to summarize humans, immortals, and gods into three sentences. Is he insane?¡± A discussion broke out from the surroundings, feeling that Liu Wuxie was too arrogant. However, few held anticipation, wanting to know what the two sentences were.


    ¡°Brother Liu, please enlighten me!¡± Lu Hongzhi smiled, inviting Liu Wuxie to answer.


    Thousands of eyes fell on Liu Wuxie. There was disdain and mockery because no one believed he could answer that question.


    ¡°Humans can be defined with humanity and wisdom while being benevolent to an extreme makes one a god.¡± Liu Wuxie paused after mentioning mortals and gods.


    ¡°This is a brilliant answer!¡± the crowd eximed. Liu Wuxie¡¯s reply was brilliant, and the more they thought about it, the more they contemted.


    After all, not many people could embody humanity and wisdom. From a certain sense, many people couldn¡¯t be considered humans. How many people could aplish being benevolent to an extreme? Gods only existed in legends.


    Doing a good deed was easy, but doing it throughout one¡¯s life was difficult. Moreover, one must possess a saintly heart; not many present could achieve that.


    ¡°Brother Liu, you haven¡¯t answered my question.¡± Lu Hongzhi was surprised because those words had a significant impact on him.


    All eyes turned to Liu Wuxie once more. This time, all the mockery had disappeared, reced with anticipation.


    "When desires fade, and peace is sought, one bes immortal!" As Liu Wuxie concluded, heaven and earth quaked as if resonating with his words. Infinite golden radiance descended upon him, enveloping him like a deity. It was a divine blessing from the heavens.


    ¡°Hahaha! I finally understand it now! We¡¯re all wrong!¡± Shui Huan suddenlyughed like a madman because what Liu Wuxie had said earlier significantly impacted him.


    ¡°What a brilliant answer! I didn¡¯t expect cultivators like us to be enlightened by someone from the mundane world!¡± Xi Jian nced at Yu Tianyi, noticing the solemnity and surprise in his eyes.


    None of the ten envoys were stupid, and Liu Wuxie¡¯s words were profound.


    ¡°We always believed that cultivation was everything, so we mainly focused on our cultivation. But we don¡¯t know if we can break free from the constraints and enter a higher realm only by having no desires and seeking peace. In the end, we¡¯re no different from the mundane world!¡± Luo Chudie smiled bitterly, realizing they were trapped by worldly constraints and neglected the fundamentals.


    Everyone was without desire and grew up happily when they were born. They were carefree when they were young, and they were no different from immortals in the eyes of others.


    But as they grew older, their hearts became darker, filled with hatred and violence. What Liu Wuxie said earlier was a wake-up call that enlightened them.


    This time, everyone looked at Liu Wuxie with respect. However, they didn¡¯t know Liu Wuxie had shared only half of the knowledge.


    <i>Having no desires and seeking peace makes one immortal, and not defying your heart is the way to achieve immortality</i>.


    The path to bing an immortal was filled with thorns, to begin with. It was fine to seek peace and have no desires, but one would never be able to find the path to bing immortal if one only emphasized happiness. Then again, the prerequisite was not to defy their heart.


    To recognize one''s shorings, one must introspect deeply into one''s heart in all matters.


    Less than ten people couldprehend what Liu Wuxie said, and Yu Tianyi was one of them. His eyes shone, and he deciphered the second half from the first.


    The other envoys were pondering, but they wouldn''t have difficultyprehending if they were given some time.


    ¡°Brother Liu is truly talented, and I concede defeat. You have won. Congrattions on making it into the top twenty!¡± Lu Hongzhi couldn¡¯t stay in the arena any longer because of the surroundings. He quickly cupped his fists together, wanting to leave to avoid any further embarrassment.


    ¡°Hold up!¡± Liu Wuxie called out to Lu Hongzhi, and thetter¡¯s face became ugly.


    ¡°You want to leave like that?¡± Liu Wuxie asked, murderous intent shing through his eyes. It was fine if it was an ordinary question; he wouldn¡¯t pursue it. But Lu Hongzhi had asked that question intending to embarrass him, which was a different story.


    ¡°Brother Liu, what can I do for you?¡± Lu Hongzhi asked cautiously. He could sense Liu Wuxie''s murderous intent. He had asked the question under the instructions of the Dark Tide Empire, not his own will.


    ¡°Since you asked me a question, I¡¯ll also ask you a question. If you fail to answer it...you¡¯ll have to face the consequences!¡± Liu Wuxie snorted to signal his anger. How would he let Lu Hongzhi leave so easily?


    Lu Hongzhi¡¯s face became grim as he looked toward the Dark Tide Empire, and Liu Wuxie naturally observed this.


    The Dark Tide Empire¡¯s Ji Xinghe nodded, indicating that Lu Hongzhi would agree.


    Lu Hongzhi had already admitted defeat, and Liu Wuxie could only embarrass him in the worst case. So he didn¡¯t need to fear losing his life.


    ¡°Brother Liu, what question do you have?¡± Lu Hongzhi gestured for Liu Wuxie to ask his question.


    ¡°What is Dao?¡± Liu Wuxie also asked Lu Hongzhi a tricky question. After all, immortal and dao might seem unrted, but they were closely rted.


    Everyone was baffled because what question was that? It was a thousand times tougher than Lu Hongzhi¡¯s question. After all, dao existed but was invisible.


    Lu Hongzhi was stumped with his mouth open.


    ¡°Brother Lu, answer the question!¡± Liu Wuxie asked, and his piercing gaze fell onto Lu Hongzhi. This made thetter ufortable, and he avoided Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes.


    Time passed, and Lu Hongzhi was soon covered in sweat. He kept turning to look in the Dark Tide Empire¡¯s direction. They were also baffled and didn¡¯t know the answer to this question.


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter? You can¡¯t answer it?¡± Liu Wuxie sneered. The surrounding atmosphere suddenly became tense, and murderous intent enveloped the arena.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have an answer!¡± Lu Hongzhi was direct. He had already conceded defeat and knew that Liu Wuxie wouldn¡¯t kill him.


    Liu Wuxie left an afterimage and vanished, sending Lu Hongzhi flying out of the arena with a p, leaving behind a red mark on his cheek.


    ¡°This is to teach you a lesson. Since you want to be a dog, you should be prepared to be treated like one.¡± Liu Wuxie was straightforward with his action and left the arena after pping Lu Hongzhi.


    No one expected Liu Wuxie to be so decisive. Lu Hongzhi was already sent flying out before anyone could react.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, you asked a random question with no answer! Why did you p him?!¡± The Spirit Tiger Dynasty¡¯s prodigies couldn¡¯t stand it and questioned Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. It¡¯s a question no one can answer, and you¡¯re doing it purposefully. I didn¡¯t expect you to be so petty. Brother Lu merely asked you for guidance, and you sent him flying out of the arena?¡± Those from the Dark Tide Empire echoed along in support.


    ¡°You all aren¡¯t convinced by it?¡± Liu Wuxie stopped with murderous intent surging towards those from the Spirit Tiger Dynasty, scaring them into taking a step back. Everyone knew that Liu Wuxie was someone who wouldn¡¯t hesitate to kill, as he had killed so many people in the past few days.


    ¡°We¡¯re not unconvinced. We¡¯re just unhappy that he fell for the trickery of a scum like you!¡± The other prodigies of the Spirit Tiger Dynasty sneered. They knew they couldn¡¯t beat Liu Wuxie and could only resort to verbal insults.


    However, little did they know that insults did not affect Liu Wuxie. He had already achieved the state of no desire, and the difference between him and an immortal wasn¡¯t his mentality but cultivation.


    ¡°What do you all want then?¡± Liu Wuxie asked, wanting to know what these people were nning.


    ¡°That¡¯s simple. We¡¯ll admit defeat if you can answer your own question!¡± A genius from the Spirit Tiger Dynasty stepped forward, wanting Liu Wuxie to answer his own question so they would stop bothering him.


    ¡°Who do you all think you are?¡± Liu Wuxie waved his hand, sending the Spirit Tiger Dynasty¡¯s prodigies flying away. Who did they treat him as? If he did whatever they said, it would be no different from being manipted by them.

 Chapter 294 - Top Ten

    <h4>Chapter 294 - Top Ten</h4>


    Liu Wuxie showed everyone his dominance. Did they take him for a pushover?


    Those from the Spirit Tiger Dynasty were stumped. They didn¡¯t expect Liu Wuxie to make a move directly, and they were sent flying from the wind produced by his p, even without direct contact, utterly embarrassing them.


    Silence descended upon the surroundings. Even after Liu Wuxie had in Gong Gaomiao, someone dared to step forward. The ck Chu Empire remained silent, and none of the smaller nations dared to speak up.


    "Liu Wuxie, since you dared to harm him, you must have an answer to your question. Are you not going to provide an exnation?" Ji Xinghe advanced, aware that his silence would send chills through the hearts of those from the Spirit Tiger Dynasty if he didn''t speak up.


    ¡°Who do you think you are, and why should I give you an exnation?¡± Liu Wuxie looked at Ji Xinghe with a mocking gaze. The so-called geniuses held no significance for him. Throughout, Liu Wuxie followed his heart, refusing to offer exnations to anyone.


    The path of immortality required unwavering determination. If fear took hold, it would be a stumbling block, jeopardizing one''s destiny on the immortal path.


    Once Liu Wuxie was done speaking, he ignored Ji Xinghe and returned to his region. He knew better than anyone what ¡®dao¡¯ meant, and there was no need to lower himself to the level of these people.


    Where would his dignity be if he had to answer whenever someone asked him a question?


    Ji Xinghe¡¯s face became grim as he was ced in a difficult position. He didn¡¯t expect Liu Wuxieto to be so unyielding. They had exhausted whatever means they had only to find little effect and be repeatedly counterattacked by Liu Wuxie.


    The battle continued; five were already in the top ten while the others were still fighting. After two hours ofpetition, the top twenty were finally determined.


    There were forty-four people, meaning there were twenty-two matches. Some were heavily injured and had no choice but to withdraw from thepetition. Ultimately, only twenty were left topete for the top ten.


    ¡°The top ten will be determined after fifteen minutes of rest!¡± Jiang Kaicheng stepped forward and encouraged everyone to rest while he prepared twenty tes and ced them in the box.


    When twenty people stood together, Liu Wuxie stood out because he was only in the first level of the True Core Realm. There were eight in the fourth level, ten in the third level, and one in the second level. In addition to Liu Wuxie, there were a total of twenty people.


    As he walked over to the box, Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t in a hurry and was thest to pick while everyone drew their numbers. He drew seven, and he wondered who his opponent was.


    After everyone got their tes, they went to their respective arenas, and Liu Wuxie also walked to the seventh arena. Someone was already standing in the arena because Liu Wuxie was thest to draw.


    ¡°This is weird. Did you all notice? None of those in the fourth level ran into each other.¡± The crowdmotioned because the eight participants in the fourth level avoided each other and only faced opponents in the third level.


    ¡°Brother Liu, I admit defeat!¡± When Liu Wuxie walked over to the seventh arena, his opponent conceded. This meant Liu Wuxie was the first to enter the top ten, securing the reward of at least an earth-grade martial technique.


    ¡°Do we know each other?¡± Liu Wuxie frowned. He didn¡¯t seem to know this person, but why did this person concede? Furthermore, this person showed no hostility against him and waspletely different from Lu Hongzhi.


    ¡°I¡¯m Weng Li of the Blue Wind Empire. Please enlighten me in the future.¡± Weng Li was polite and cupped his fists at Liu Wuxie before walking down the arena without hesitation.


    As he came from the Blue Wind Empire, he didn¡¯tck earth-grade martial techniques to practice. It was already enough for him to enter the top hundred, and the tenth and hundredth ce was no different to him.


    He conceded that he wanted to form a good rtionship with Liu Wuxie, and there were no disadvantages. With Liu Wuxie¡¯s talent, there was no doubt he would skyrocket upon entering the cultivation world.


    ¡°Thank you!¡± Liu Wuxie cupped his fists back politely. He noticed that Weng Li was expressing his goodwill. He had no enmity with the Blue Wind Empire, and they did not take any drastic actions against him. Even the Blue Wind Empire¡¯s strongest genius, Shui Huan, had shown his support for him.


    Stepping down the arena, Liu Wuxie nced at the other nine arenas. The opponents of the eight in the fourth level conceded without any hesitation. Thest battle was between two in the third level, and they exchanged a few hundred moves before the Eastern Zhou Dynasty¡¯s Yi Kang won.


    With the top five determined, the next round would determine the top three before the conclusion of the Battle of the Hundred Nations.


    ¡°Top ten, please step over!¡± Jiang Kaicheng said, and the top ten formed a row. From Liu Wuxie onwards, they were Shui Huan, Yuwen Tianqian, Ye Feng, Ji Xinghe, Xiao Wei, Yi Kang, Jia Fengmao, TAn Yan, and Mu Hongyang.


    Jia Fengmao and Xiao Wei came from the Azure Lion Empire. Gong Gaomiao initially had a high chance of making it into the top ten, but Liu Wuxie killed him. As a result, Yi Kang reced his position.


    Liu Wuxie became even more desirable now, as only he was in the first level of the True Core Realm, appearing out of ce.


    Tan Yan and Shui Huan were from the Blue Wind Empire. The Blue Wind Empire had a great harvest this year, upying two spots in the top ten. At least eight people obtained the qualification to enter the cultivation world this year.


    The Dark Tide Empire and ck Chu Empire suffered heavy losses, with several experts killed by Liu Wuxie. They were almost wiped out beyond the top twenty.


    As for the Glory me Empire and Northern Rise Empire, losses were rtively minor, and they only had a few top-notch geniuses.


    ¡°The rules are simple. Everyone must engage with each other, meaning everyone had to fight nine battles¡ªone point for one win, zero for a loss, and half a point for a draw. The final ranking will be determined with the points,¡± Jiang Kaicheng stated the rules. There were ten people, and everyone had to fight nine battles.


    The same applied to others. The Azure Lion Empire and Blue Wind Empire naturally held an advantage because they had two representatives in the top ten.


    With the exception of Yi Kang, each contestant had emerged victorious as their opponents had conceded, preserving their true essence for future battles.


    ¡°Let¡¯s begin and pick your opponent. Everyone will fight with each other, but the order is up to you all!¡± Jiang Kaicheng said, no longer paying attention to the ten as he walked to the side to watch.


    Five people went up the arenas to wait for their opponents.


    ¡°Ye Feng, I¡¯ve heard that you haveprehended the highest profundity of the Horizon Sentient de. Let me experience it today!¡± Jia Fengmao vanished and chose Ye Feng as his first opponent.


    The Evesting Pill was too tempting, and no one was willing to give it up, including someone like Ye Feng. The eight were in the fourth level of the True Core Realm, and it would be tough for them to determine an oue among themselves. Most battles would end in a draw because no one would put their lives on the line at this moment.


    This was because it would be a significant loss if they lost the opportunity to enter the cultivation world because of heavy injuries.


    Everyone took turns to go to the arena, leaving the fifth arena.


    Liu Wuxie vanished and appeared before Yi Kang.


    ¡°Brother Liu, let us determine the oue in one move. I¡¯m not your opponent, but I don¡¯t want to give up easily.¡± Yi Kang was satisfied he could make it into the top ten and would be rankedst if there was no miracle.


    Everyone else had higher cultivation than him, except Liu Wuxie, but his cultivation couldn¡¯t determine thetter¡¯s strength.


    After all, Liu Wuxie had killed Gong Gaomiao, who was in the fourth level.


    ¡°Make your move!¡± Liu Wuxie drew the Heretic de and treated this as a sparring match.


    ¡°Please!¡± Yi Kang¡¯s longsword manifested into an afterimage, and he chose a frontal sh with a learning attitude.


    When the longsword was three meters from Liu Wuxie, he drew the Heretic de and resolved Yi Kang¡¯s attack.


    In the next second, Yi Kang felt moisture on his neck. When he reached out to touch his neck, he noticed a droplet of blood on his finger. Yi Kang would be decapitated if the Heretic de went in any further.


    ¡°Thanks for the battle!¡± Liu Wuxie sheathed the Heretic de and went down the stage, leaving Yi Kang alone.


    ¡°Thank you for sparing my life!¡± Yi Kang finally came to his senses after Liu Wuxie left and quickly went up to express his gratitude.


    Upon exiting the arena, Liu Wuxie eschewed rest and instead turned his attention to the four remaining arenas, where the battles raged with intense fervor.


    Ye Feng¡¯s opponent was Jia Fengmao, Shui Huan¡¯s opponent was Mu Hongyang, Yuwen Tianqian¡¯s opponent was Tan Yan, and Ji Xinghe¡¯s opponent was Xiao Wei.


    However, the first and third arenas held no suspense, and everything went as Liu Wuxie expected; Ye Feng defeated Jia Fengmao within three moves. They were both in the fourth level, proving that Ye Feng¡¯s strength was unfathomable.


    Yuwen Tianqian performed the Judgement Sword, knocking Tan Yan¡¯s weapon out of his hands with one strike and obtaining his victory.


    The battle between Shui Huan and Mu Hongyang took time to determine. It was more or less the same for Ji Xinghe and Xiao Wei as they were close in strength.


    Shui Huan¡¯s trump card was Void Eye. It wasn¡¯t the same as Liu Wuxie¡¯s Ghost Eye, aside from the fact that both eye techniques could unleash soul attacks.


    Mu Hongyang¡¯s strongest skill was Samsara Spear. This spear technique was extremely powerful, making it hard for Shui Huan to break his defenses. They had already exchanged over a few thousand moves.


    As Ji Xinghe and Xiao Wei battled, Ji Xinghe''s most potent technique was the Nine Frost Astral Sword. This technique had the power to unleash a formidable chill akin to a divine sword descending from the heavens.


    Xiao Wei wasn¡¯t any weaker inparison. He practiced the Thunder Tyrant Sword. Whenever he attacked, his attacks would be apanied by rumbling lightning, and he even drew thunder from the sky to empower his sword technique.


    If the two wanted to determine a victor, they would have to fight all day and night. ording to the rules, the battle would end in a draw if the victor couldn¡¯t be determined in an hour.


    Both Xiao Wei and Ji Xinghe retained their trump cards because this wasn¡¯t a fight to the death. Thus, there was no need for them to be heavily injured.


    Ye Feng and Yuwen Tianqian went down the arenas. Like Liu Wuxie, they each obtained a point and were tied for the first ce.


    ¡°Ji Xinghe¡¯s Nine Frost Astral Sword is bing increasingly powerful, and it evenprehends the intent of Nine Frost Astral,¡± Yuwen Tianqian praised after stepping down from the arena.


    ¡°Xiao Wei wasn¡¯t weak either. He had already mastered the profundity of divine thunder in the Thunder Tyrant Sword, and it won¡¯t be easy for them to determine an oue.¡± Ye Feng rallied behind Xiao Wei, his face filled with determination. He remained unsatisfied with his own battle against Jia Fengmao.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect Brother Shui¡¯s eye technique to be so powerful. Mu Hongyang might suffer a disadvantage.¡± Yuwen Tianqian pointed to the other arena with a hint of wariness towards Shui Huan¡¯s Void Eye.


    ¡°Yeah. Only Shui Huan can put pressure on everyone.¡± Ye Feng agreed with Yuwen Tianqian because the Void Eye was tough to guard against.


    If this continued, Mu Hongyang would show a w, allowing Shui Huan to end the battle.

 Chapter 295 - Victory

    <h4>Chapter 295 - Victory</h4>


    Until now, Ye Feng had never considered Liu Wuxie a worthy opponent and only Shui Huan could draw his attention.


    Among the ten geniuses lined up, Ye Feng stood out as the strongest. Following him were Shui Huan, Yuwen Tianqian, Ji Xinghe, Xiao Wei, Mu Hongyang, Jia Fengmao, Tan Yan, and Yi Kang. As for Liu Wuxie, people needed to figure out where to ce him.


    Liu Wuxie quietly executed Ghost Eye, and a mysterious energy appeared in the arena. Shui Huan executed Void Eye. There were faint energy fluctuations that locked onto Mu Hongyang.


    Shui Huan wasn¡¯t weak and also practiced a powerful sword technique. When he raised his sword to the sky, his sword drew a circr arc and sealed off Mu Hongyang¡¯s path of retreat.


    ¡°Samsara Strike!¡± Mu Hongyang performed his strongest attack, the Samsara Spear. Turning his body, Mu Hongyang changed the direction of the spear and thrust it at Shui Huan¡¯s chest, destroying the iing attack.


    A powerful shockwave swept out, producing a violent rumble. But Shui Huan was calm andposed as though he had already anticipated this.


    After all, geniuses like them often sparred and had a rough gauge of each other¡¯s strength.


    Everything happened in the blink of an eye, and Shui Huan cleaved down with his longsword at an unexpected angle.


    ¡°This is bad! Mu Hongyang fell for it!¡± Yuwen Tianqian eximed, and everyone also noticed it. The oue was often determined in a split second in a battle between experts.


    They were too familiar with each other, and the slightest opening could result in a loss.


    Liu Wuxie squinted because Shui Huan gave him a familiar feeling. This person¡¯s fighting instinct was incredibly high, and his personality was too calm andposed for someone his age.


    Before the Samsara Spear¡¯s full power could be released, Shui Huan¡¯s sword ripped through the air and drew a flower with the sword tip, emitting a faint radiance that looked like flowing water.


    With a violent tremor in space, Mu Hongyang¡¯s spear was diverted to the side. Taking this opportunity, Shui Huan dashed over and struck his palm on Mu Hongyang¡¯s left shoulder.


    With a loud collision, Mu Hongyang was sent flying away. Fortunately, he enveloped his left shoulder with true essence at thest moment, and there were no serious injuries.


    It was tough for anyone on the same level to kill their opponent unless they could crush them entirely.


    ¡°Thanks for the battle!¡± Shui Huan sped his hands together. The victory had been determined, and they did not need to fight to the death.


    Mu Hongyang¡¯s face became ashen, and he was unwilling to ept this result. But he still sped his hands together in response before leaving the arena.


    After resting for ten minutes, the second round began. The battle would continue as this wasn¡¯t a test of everyone¡¯s fighting instincts but their capacity of true essence.


    Many people¡¯s true essence couldn¡¯t keep up with their exhaustion. As time passed, everyone went to the arena and picked their opponent.


    Liu Wuxie ascended the fifth arena like before, and his opponent this time was Tan Yan.


    ¡°No need to fight. I concede!¡± Tan Yan was the only female who had made it into the top ten. She was straightforward to concede when she came up the stage.


    ¡°Thank you!¡± Liu Wuxie still expressed his gratitude. After all, Tan Yan could have chosen to fight and exhausted his true essence. But she didn¡¯t do that and conceded the fight to save Liu Wuxie¡¯s true essence.


    ¡°Perform well and aim to get a good result!¡± Tan Yan leaped down the stage after she was done. Although she got no points in the two matches, she wasn¡¯t discouraged because she had already proven her strength by making it into the top ten.


    Liu Wuxie won the two battles easily and obtained two points.


    In the second round, Ye Feng¡¯s opponent was Yi Kang, who surrendered. This meant he and Liu Wuxie were temporarily tied for the first ce.


    The battles were intense, but Liu Wuxie only paid attention to two people, Shui Huan and Yuwen Tianqian. Aside from Ye Feng, only these two could threaten him because the others weren¡¯t a threat to him.


    Liu Wuxie spected that Ye Feng and Shui Huan weren¡¯t at the fourth level of the True Core Realm. There was a high possibility they had reached the fifth level, but they concealed their cultivation like him.


    An hourter, Shui Huan defeated Xiao Wei and won the battle. As for the fight between Yuwen Tianqian and Mu Hongyang, thetter seemed still affected by the previous loss and lost the fight, making him even more frustrated. Last but not least, Ji Xinghe easily won his battle against Jia Fengmao.


    Everyone¡¯s blood boiled as they watched the fight. After all, there weren¡¯t many battles because Liu Wuxie and Ye Feng easily won their fights.


    The climax of the event centered around the final matches. Liu Wuxie''s third bout against Jia Fengmao garnered significant attention. Hailing from the Azure Lion Empire and boasting cultivation in the fourth level of the True Core Realm, Jia Fengmao was considerably stronger than Mo Yongfeng.


    ¡°Who do you think will win this fight?¡± Judging from the rankings, only Liu Wuxie, Ye Feng, and Shui Huan had obtained three points, while Jia Fengmao had none.


    Looking at the points, Liu Wuxie should have higher odds of winning. But everyone knew that Liu Wuxie had won the two battles because his opponents had conceded. Thus, this could be considered Liu Wuxie¡¯s first fight.


    ¡°I¡¯m putting my bet on Jia Fengmao. Liu Wuxie isn¡¯t weak, but he¡¯s only in the first level of the True Core Realm. It was only a stroke of luck that he defeated Mo Yongfeng and others.¡±


    More people were supporting Jia Fengmao than Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Not necessarily true. I¡¯m cing my bet on Liu Wuxie. He¡¯s the biggest underdog this year. I dare say he¡¯ll secure a spot in the top three!¡± The prodigies from the smaller nations supported Liu Wuxie.


    It was impressive that Liu Wuxie coulde this far, relying on his cultivation in the first level of the True Core Realm. Even if he were to lose the remaining matches, he wouldn¡¯t end up at the bottom of the rankings.


    ¡°Are you kidding me? If he can reach the top three, I¡¯ll kneel and call him Grandpa!¡± the Azure Lion Dynasty and ck Chu Empire¡¯s prodigies mocked.


    ¡°Senior Brother Jia, kill that bastard and avenge those from the Azure Lion Empire who died at his hands!¡± The remaining prodigies of the Azure Lion Empire yelled, wishing they could kill Liu Wuxie personally.


    The atmosphere in the arena became tense, and Jia Fengmao¡¯s eyes shed with a hint of seriousness. Despite Liu Wuxie''s cultivation, he didn¡¯t dare be careless or underestimate his opponent.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, prepare to die!¡± Jia Fengmao extended his right fist. He was well-known for his fist technique, the Berserk Fist.


    Jia Fengmao¡¯s punches were like a raging storm, aiming to suppress his opponents. Having lost two matches, he couldn¡¯t afford to lose another battle. If he carried on losing, his points might be the lowest.


    As he threw a punch, shockwaves began to sweep out on the arena with countless fists enveloping the sky. This was enough to prove that Jia Fengmao wasn¡¯t weak. After all, none of those who made it into the top ten were weak.


    He could sweep through his opponents by relying on the Berserk Fist alone. It wasn¡¯t easy for him toe this far, and he wouldn¡¯t allow himself to lose to Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°This is interesting!¡± While facing the Berserk Fist, Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t draw his de and fought with the Overlord Fist. Metal attributes began pouring into his fist, and he wanted to fight Jia Fengmao with the Overlord Fist.


    As true essence filled his acupoints, Liu Wuxie looked like an enraged lion with overwhelming energy that needed to be released.


    A violent gust of wind appeared in the arena, blowing rocks into the air and reducing them to ashes.


    ¡°What a powerful fist technique!¡± All the spectators were shocked because Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t use the Overlord Fist often. No one expected Liu Wuxie¡¯s fist technique to be on par with Jia Fengmao.


    Even those who supported Jia Fengmao couldn¡¯t help feeling shocked, which made everyone curious about who would emerge victorious.


    Jia Fengmao burst forward and punched like two ferocious dragons, with roars echoing through the sky. They were only ten meters apart, and he closed in on Liu Wuxie in the blink of an eye.


    His punches sounded like rumbling thunder, scrapingyers off the arena.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, I want you dead!¡± Jia Fengmao¡¯s voice rumbled like thunder.


    Everyone from the Great Yan Dynasty became nervous as they quietly looked at the arena. Their concern wasn¡¯t if Liu Wuxie could make it into the top three but if he could survive.


    ¡°A garbage like you wants to kill me?¡± Liu Wuxie roared when the Berserk Fist was five meters away. He released overwhelming power from all his acupoints, and the strongest move of the Overlord Fist manifested into a rune.


    ¡°This is bad!¡± Everyone realized something was amiss because the power of Liu Wuxie¡¯s punch surpassed Jia Fengmao¡¯s Berserk Fist. Most importantly, his momentum, coupled with his metal attributes, made him unstoppable.


    When the two fists came in contact, the point of impact produced a powerful shockwave that swept out. Thunderclouds appeared and covered the sky, plunging the arena into darkness.


    Only powerful shockwaves swept out of the arena. Roughly half a breathter, a figure flew out from the thunderclouds, drawing an arc in mid-air and falling onto the arena.


    Many gathered around the arena, looking at the person falling from the sky. But no one dared get close and fled instead to avoid being hit. If this figure hit them, they would be heavily injured even if they weren¡¯t killed.


    The figure fell to the ground with a loud impact, raising a dust cloud.


    ¡°How could this be?¡± Everyone hurried forward in disbelief and looked at the figure lying on the ground. The prodigies of the Azure Lion Empire were terrified and stumped.


    ¡°This is impossible! Impossible! How could Senior Brother Jia lose?¡± A cry of disbelief came from the crowd. The one thrown out of the arena was Jia Fengmao, not Liu Wuxie.


    More people gathered in the surroundings and looked at the unconscious Jia Fengmao. Thetter had suffered severe internal injuries.


    Lying on the ground, Jia Fengmao let out a series of coughs, spitting out the congested blood from his chest and feeling much better.


    ¡°Senior Brother Jia, are you alright?¡± Several representatives from the Azure Lion Empire stepped forward to help Jia Fengmao to his feet.


    Jia Fengmao¡¯s face was pale with malice in the depth of his eyes. There was still blood dripping from his lips. It was fine if he lost the battle, but he was sent flying from the arena with one punch from Liu Wuxie.

 Chapter 296 - Four Consecutive Victories

    <h4>Chapter 296 - Four Consecutive Victories</h4>


    Everyone from the Azure Lion Empire looked concerned. When Jia Fengmao regained consciousness, his face became pale, with blood dripping down the corner of his mouth.


    It was fine if he merely lost. When he examined himself with his divine sense, he screamed.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, how could you be so ruthless!¡± Jia Fengmao appeared enraged as he fought to rise to his feet. His contorted face bore a sinister and malevolent expression.


    ¡°Look at Jia Fengmao¡¯s dantian! His dantian is covered with fine cracks, and his body seems to have suffered heavy injuries. His cultivation will probably stagnate for the rest of his life now.¡± Everyone was stumped and shocked when their divine sense entered Jia Fengmao¡¯s body.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s punch didn¡¯t just defeat Jia Fengmao but also ended thetter¡¯s path of cultivation.


    Even if Jia Fengmao could enter the cultivation world, only some of the ten major sects would ept a disabled person. It was no wonder Jia Fengmao was so furious. With cracks on his dantian, his true essence would leak no matter how hard he tried cultivating. It was like a funnel that would be hard to fill once it cracked.


    ¡°Damn it! Our Azure Lion Empire finally got two spots in the top ten, but Liu Wuxie ruined it.¡± The Azure Lion Empire¡¯s representatives looked at Liu Wuxie with hatred. The cloud of dust had already settled down on the arena, and Liu Wuxie slowly walked down the arena. He had won three battles, securing three points.


    Xiao Wei¡¯s opponent was Yi Kang, and he easily obtained a point. When he witnessed how Jia Fengmao was sent flying away, a hint of murderous intent shed in his eyes.


    ¡°Crippling someone in the fourth level of the True Core Realm with one punch. Is he only in the first level?¡± Everyone in the surroundings fell silent and tried to recall the punch from earlier.


    It was unprecedented for someone in the first level to defeat someone in the fourth level. But the Battle of the Hundred Nations this year overturned everyone¡¯s understanding.


    After all, fighting and winning against someone with higher cultivation was only limited to legends in the past. Perhaps cultivation wasn¡¯t as important as everyone thought, but every aspect, such as cultivation, talent, knowledge, and so on, was crucial.


    ¡°There will be a good show to watch now. The opponents will be stronger, and I wonder if Liu Wuxie can continue to create miracles and secure a spot in the top three.¡±


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s poprity soared after defeating Jia Fengmao, faintly cing him on the same level as Ye Feng and Shui Huan, surpassing Mu Hongyang and Yuwen Tianqian.


    This time, no one stepped forward to refute it because defeating Jia Fengmao was only the beginning. Ye Feng and others returned to their respective areas, and a shadow loomed over everyone¡¯s hearts after seeing how Liu Wuxie had crippled Jia Fengmao with one punch.


    They got only fifteen minutes of rest time. Jia Fengmao didn¡¯t step onto the stage this time. He knew he would be humiliated if he went up, allowing his opponent to get a point for free.


    Thus, Jia Fengmao conceded each of the following battles and sat down to try to treat his injuries. This time, Liu Wuxie went to the fourth arena with Mu Hongyang as his opponent.


    When he entered the arena, murderous intent began to surge toward Liu Wuxie. The Glory me Empire didn¡¯t have much enmity with Liu Wuxie; everything originated because of the dragon bone.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, I admit that you¡¯re formidable, but this will be your limit. I vow to ensure your expulsion from this ce after our battle!¡± Mu Hongyang had only earned one point so far. Shui Huan and Ye Feng would leave him behind if he continued to lose.


    ¡°Make your move!¡± Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t want to waste time talking. Only Ye Feng and Shui Huan were worthy of his attention among the nine.


    After defeating Jia Fengmao, Liu Wuxie¡¯s confidence was boosted, and even someone in the fourth level of the True Core Realm wasn¡¯t as strong as he thought.


    During Shui Huan''s duel with Hong Yang, Liu Wuxie had discerned the depth of Shui Huan''s Void Eye technique, which would allow him to counter it effortlessly with a single move.


    Mu Hongyang retrieved his spear and performed a spin. His strength was much strongerpared to Jia Fengmao.


    ¡°Samsara Strike!¡± Mu Hongyang unleashed his strongest attack right from the start. He knew it would be hard to defeat Liu Wuxie if he relied on ordinary moves. The best way was to determine the victory with one move.


    Liu Wuxie resolved the Samsara Strike, and Mu Hongyang had already rectified the ws in his technique since thest defeat. He was confident it wouldn¡¯t be easy for Liu Wuxie to break his move.


    Jia Fengmao sat for ten minutes and gritted his teeth in hatred when the cracks on his dantian showed no signs of recovery or expansion.


    Executing the Samsara Spear, Mu Hongyang''s spear shimmered with ayer of true essence. As he drew an arc with his weapon, the spear tip surged forward, seeming to stop a meter from Liu Wuxie.


    Facing the iing attack, Liu Wuxie drew the Heretic de and left behind an afterimage. Performing the Seven Dipper Steps, Liu Wuxie vanished and unleashed a sh of his de. No one saw how Liu Wuxie attacked.


    The de''s trajectory, direction, and movement flowed naturally. This was a terrifying and ruthless strike.


    When the Heretic de struck down, Mu Hongyang instantly noticed something was amiss, but it was toote for him to react. He was the strongest genius of the Glory me Empire. Was he going to be defeated by Liu Wuxie in one strike?


    If word got out, he would be ashamed to meet anyone. Even the Glory me Empire would be utterly humiliated.


    Mu Hongyang made his decision in a split second. It was toote to withdraw the spear because Liu Wuxie¡¯s de had sealed his next step. He could only take the risk and resort to a perishing tactic.


    He was indeed worthy of being the genius of the Glory me Empire, and his reaction speed was jaw-dropping. If someone else were in his position, they would¡¯ve lost theirposure, not knowing how to react.


    ¡°Toote!¡± Facing Mu Hongyang¡¯s counterattack, Liu Wuxie¡¯s voice didn¡¯t contain a hint of emotion, and he swung his de down at Mu Hongyang¡¯s right arm. Mu Hongyang would lose his arm if he didn¡¯t choose to evade.


    ¡°How is this possible? Liu Wuxie was able to perfectly counter Mu Hongyang¡¯s attack!¡± This was no longer a contest in martial technique or true essence. It was as though Liu Wuxie had calcted all of Mu Hongyang¡¯s movements.


    An uproar erupted from the Glory me Empire¡¯s area. After losing to Shui Huan, was Mu Hongyang also going to lose to Liu Wuxie? It would be too humiliating if that happened.


    ¡°Monster! He¡¯s a monster to be able to detect the w in Mu Hongyang¡¯s attack.¡± The headmasters eximed among themselves. The one who spoke was the headmaster of the Martial Heritance Dynasty¡¯s academy, Tao Bi.


    The other headmasters discussed privately to guess who would be this year¡¯s champion.


    Mu Hongyang had no room to evade in a fraction of a second, and his tactic failed with his right arm exposed to Liu Wuxie¡¯s de.


    With no choice, Mu Hongyang could only retreat. His failure was marked the moment he chose to retreat.


    Blood sshed because Liu Wuxie¡¯s de aura was faster than Mu Hongyang as it tore apart his defenses and left a long wound on his right arm. The injury wasn¡¯t deep, and his foundation wasn¡¯t injured; this was just a superficial wound.


    Shui Huan had found a w in his spear technique in the first fight and struck his right arm. It hadn¡¯t been long, and he was hit in the same spot. At this moment, Mu Hongyang felt the urge to die, as his weakness was exposed twice.


    After striking Mu Hongyang, Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t pursue any further and returned to his original position. This was because the top ten battles weren¡¯t battles of life and death.


    ¡°I¡¯ve lost!¡± Mu Hongyang looked depressed and plunged his spear into the ground, which emitted a mournful cry.


    But no one sympathized with him, and the Battle of the Hundred Nations was often crueler than they imagined in reality.


    Obtaining his fourth victory, Liu Wuxie was ahead of everyone. Not long after Liu Wuxie ended his battle, Ye Feng defeated his opponent smoothly and scored four points.


    Shui Huan¡¯s battle was tough as his opponent was Yuwen Tianqian. In the critical moment, Shui Huan revealed his cultivation in the fifth-level True Core Realm to defeat Yuwen Tianqian, obtaining four consecutive wins.


    Yuwen Tianqian didn¡¯t lose because of his martial techniques, true essence, or divine art. He lost due to his cultivation. After all, not everyone was qualified to challenge someone with a higher cultivation like Liu Wuxie, and his loss wasn¡¯t unjust.


    After four battles, only three people managed to remain undefeated. Yi Kang and Tan Yan still had zero points, and everyone returned to the resting area, awaiting the fifth round.


    Everyone discussed how Liu Wuxie had defeated Mu Hongyang with one move. It might not have been the most intense fight, but it left the deepest impression.


    After a ten-minute break, the ten participants stood up. When they exchanged nces, they found their respective opponents. Liu Wuxie looked at the third arena, and someone was already on it. This was an interesting round because everyone avoided Xiao Wei.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, I want you dead!¡± Xiao Wei said. He had a good rtionship with Jia Fengmao, and the cracks in Jia Fengmao¡¯s dantian were a huge blow to the Azure Lion Empire.


    The Azure Lion Empire¡¯s headmaster secretly transmitted his voice and asked Xiao Wei to kill Liu Wuxie at all costs.


    ¡°You want to avenge Jia Fengmao? Let¡¯s see if you have the ability!¡± Liu Wuxie shrugged nonchntly.


    Xiao Wei¡¯s strength was on the same level as Mu Hongyang. He couldn''t kill Liu Wuxie, so where did he get the confidence to boast?


    Many assumed that Liu Wuxie''s victory over Mu Hongyang was attributed to Shui Huan, who had previously defeated Mu Hongyang and seemingly disrupted his spear technique, which Liu Wuxie then capitalized on. However, was that truly the underlying truth?


    Of course, Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t be bothered to exin.


    Murderous intent enveloped the entire arena, and a longsword appeared in Xiao Wei¡¯s hand. The Thunder Berserk Sword was a sword technique capable of summoning lightning from the nine heavens.


    Relying on this sword technique, Xiao Wei had defeated Tan Yan earlier. Thus, one could imagine how powerful this sword technique was.


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t dare to be careless and would give his all to whoever he faced. He raised the Heretic de and pointed it towards the sky.


    His attacks had no fixed moves and would change ording to his opponent''s martial techniques. This was the terrifying aspect of the Fatality de Art, and each strike was fatal.


    ¡°Divine Thunder Guidance!¡± Xiao Wei made his move, unleashing a powerful strike immediately.


    Lightning began to sh on the sword, which formed into a waterfall. At first nce, it looked like a grand avenue, and the remarkable aspect of this move was the ability to draw thunder from heaven.


    The lightning engulfed Liu Wuxie, leaving no room for him to escape. The entire arena was turned into an ocean of lightning centering around Xiao Wei.


    This was a formidable attack, and it was no wonder he initially looked down on Liu Wuxie. His strength even surpassed Mu Hongyang''s.


    Suffocating lightning manifested into serpents pouncing towards Liu Wuxie.

 Chapter 297 - Youre Not Worthy

    <h4>Chapter 297 - You''re Not Worthy</h4>


    Regardless of whether this attack could kill Liu Wuxie, the sheer skill and prowess it demonstrated was stunning. Judging from the aura alone, it was clear that Xiao Wei had surpassed Liu Wuxie in martial arts mastery.


    However, this was a battle, and victory depended not on aura but on the ability to defeat the opponent. There was no doubt that Xiao Wei¡¯s strength was extraordinary. Even against an opponent with equal cultivation, few could gain any advantage over him.


    While performing Ghost Eye, Liu Wuxie was fixed on every change in Xiao Wei¡¯s movement, including all the lightning serpents in the air. No movement could escape Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°As expected of the Azure Lion Empire¡¯s geniuses. Senior Brother Xiao is really strong!¡± Discussions came from the crowd, and everyone felt that Liu Wuxie would die in this battle.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be so sure about that. Mu Hongyang isn¡¯t weak, but Liu Wuxie still defeated him.¡± Through the four battles, everyone¡¯s impression of Liu Wuxie had changed.


    Liu Wuxie was in a dire situation because Xiao Wei¡¯s sword would kill him if this continued. He was trapped in an ocean of lightning, which made his situation challenging.


    Just when everyone felt that Liu Wuxie would die, the situation changed. Liu Wuxie ignored the lightning, weaving his way through the lightning serpents. Sparks flew around as lightning made contact with Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on? He¡¯s ignoring the lightning?¡± Everyone from the Azure Lion Empire was dumbfounded because the Thunder Berserk Sword could summon lightning from the nine heavens.


    Losing lightning suppression would significantly reduce Xiao Wei¡¯s strength. This made everyone panic, especially Xiao Wei, who had a hint of fear in his eyes.


    ¡°The lightning you summoned is too weak!¡± Liu Wuxie mocked. When the lightning fell onto him, it was devoured by the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron and merged into the world in his dantian.


    Whenever he took a step, the surrounding lightning would weaken, and this scene shocked everyone.


    ¡°How is this possible?! How did you break my Nine Heavenly Thunder?¡± Xiao Wei roared hysterically and brandished the Thunder Berserk Sword, unleashing numerous thunderbolts, each as thick as a barrel.


    There were hundreds of thunderbolts; one could imagine the consequences if they hit a single person. The victim probably wouldn¡¯t even leave a corpse behind.


    ¡°Hmph. You call this Nine Heavenly Thunder?¡± Liu Wuxie mocked in disdain. Changing the direction of the Heretic de, he roared, ¡°Second Fatality Form!¡±


    The surrounding thunderbolts exploded into fireworks. Liu Wuxie¡¯s de tore through the Nine Heavenly Thunder and went straight towards Xiao Wei¡¯s neck.


    Xiao Wei''s heart sank as he watched the thunderbolts being torn apart. He retreated as he realized he couldn¡¯t mount an effective counterattack.


    ¡°Not good! Senior Brother Xiao is in danger!¡± The hearts of everyone from the Azure Lion Empire tightened. Xiao Wei was theirst hope, and no one could face Liu Wuxie if Xiao Wei lost.


    Whenever Xiao Wei stepped back, the lighting in the arena would weaken, while Liu Wuxie¡¯s de intent locked onto him firmly.


    ¡°Get lost!¡± Liu Wuxie swept the Heretic de, creating a shockwave that scraped off the arena''syers and sent Xiao Wei flying away.


    Hundreds of stone fragments hit Xiao Wei, and he fell from the arena in the same manner as Jia Fengmao, with his face towards the ground.


    Luckily, his true essence protected his dantian at this critical moment. The dantian was a cultivator''s most precious location, and any damage to it would sever their path of cultivation.


    The thunderbolts vanished from the arena while Liu Wuxie stood upright like a war god.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t this too powerful for him to defeat Xiao Wei with one move?¡± Bitterness tinged everyone¡¯s lips, and no one could describe their feelings. They were deeply shocked by Liu Wuxie.


    With that, Liu Wuxie obtained five consecutive victories. It was unprecedented in the Battle of the Hundred Nations for him to achieve such an achievement with his cultivation.


    The ten envoys exchanged a look of shock.


    ¡°He¡¯s a monster!¡± Xi Jian waved his fist. He could only describe Liu Wuxie as a ¡®monster¡¯ and couldn¡¯t find any better word.


    ¡°I have no idea if having such a monster join the sect is good or bad,¡± Jiang Kaicheng muttered to himself. Liu Wuxie¡¯s talent was too strong, and he would soon surpass them after entering the sect. From the bottom of their hearts, they didn¡¯t wish to be surpassed by newly joined disciples.


    No one answered Jiang Kaicheng because they also didn¡¯t know how they felt themselves.


    Liu Wuxie exited the arena and returned to his designated area, gazing at the four other arenas. Ye Feng was facing Yuwen Tianqian, and the battle was intense. He even had to unleash his cultivation in the fifth level to defeat his opponent.


    Until now, there had been two participants in the fifth level of the True Core Realm. After five battles, the three had maintained their perfect record, leading by a wide margin.


    Those behind them had practically given uppeting for the top three spots. Since they could not reach the top ten, they could retain their strength to avoid injuries.


    For example, Tan Yan and Yi Kang went through the motions without engaging in a life-and-death battle. As for Jia Fengmao, he had forfeited two matches, allowing his opponents to obtain free points.


    If there were no surprises, Liu Wuxie¡¯s uing opponents would be Ji Xinghe, Yuwen Tianqian, and Shui Huan. His final battle would likely be against Ye Feng.


    There was an understanding between them because only Ye Feng sought to kill him, while the others did not. Ji Xinghe, from the Dark Tide Empire, had conflicts with Liu Wuxie but no deep-seated enmity. Simrly, Yuwen Tianqian had no grudge against Liu Wuxie, as he hadn''t harmed anyone from the Glory me Empire. Liu Wuxie had only killed people from the Azure Lion Empire and ck Chu Empire, making their feud irreconcble.


    After a ten-minute break, everyone began to go up on the arenas. The third arena was empty, with Ji Xinghe standing in it.


    As Liu Wuxie walked over, his aura rose with every step. When their eyes met, Ji Xinghe¡¯s eyes shed with a hint of murderous intent.


    Although Liu Wuxie hadn''t killed anyone from the Dark Tide Empire, he had delivered a resounding p to Lu Hongzhi of the Spirit Tiger Dynasty. This act was tantamount to pping the face of the Dark Tide Empire itself.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, I didn¡¯t expect you toe this far. I know winning this fight won¡¯t be easy, but I will give it my all to exhaust your true essence,¡± Ji Xinghe stated his intention directly.


    Each battle would be more difficult than thest, and everyone had to rely on their true essence. Some were already close toplete exhaustion, and even if they consumed pills, they couldn¡¯t replenish their true essence anytime soon.


    The fightsted all day and night; even someone in the fifth level of the True Core Realm couldn¡¯t handle the exhaustion. From the moment Liu Wuxie defeated Xiao Wei, everyone knew that no one could stop Liu Wuxie aside from Shui Huan and Ye Feng.


    ¡°You¡¯re unworthy!¡± Liu Wuxie wore a cold smirk. His true essence was beyond theprehension of ordinary people. The world in his dantian was like an inexhaustible ocean and wouldn¡¯t dry up even after three days and nights of battle.


    ¡°You¡¯ll know if I¡¯m worthy after fighting!¡± Ji Xinghe¡¯s hand trembled as he unleashed the Nine Frost Astral Sword. His swordsmanship was steady and endless. The battle wouldn¡¯t end if his opponent didn¡¯t admit defeat.


    ording to him, an hour was enough for him to exhaust all of Liu Wuxie¡¯s true essence. Since he could not make it into the top three, he might as well do Ye Feng a favor. The Nine Frost Astral Sword was a sword technique containing both offense and defense, and Ji Xinghe¡¯s action was a little too shameless.


    ¡°Ji Xinghe, don¡¯t you feel ashamed to use a defensive sword technique to fight? This isn¡¯t fitting of your status!¡± Many smaller nations¡¯ prodigies mocked. This was because Ji Xinghe¡¯s actions drew many people¡¯s dissatisfaction.


    When Ji Xinghe went on stage, he had already stated his intentions. Thus, he naturally ignored the surrounding mockery. His sword technique had a tight-sealed defense, and it wouldn¡¯t be easy for Liu Wuxie to prate through his defenses.


    If he could drag for an hour and obtain a draw, it was the best oue for Ji Xinghe instead of getting a draw.


    However, Liu Wuxie naturally wouldn¡¯t give him a chance.


    "Do you think I can''t get to you just because you''re hiding in a turtle shell?" Liu Wuxie roared.


    Hearing Ji Xinghe being called a turtle instantly sparkedughter from those around.


    Liu Wuxie executed the Ghost Eye and easily detected the w in Ji Xinghe¡¯s Nine Frost Astral Sword: his speed. As long as Liu Wuxie¡¯s speed reached a certain height, he could tear through Ji Xinghe¡¯s defenses.


    Aside from the ten envoys, Liu Wuxie was confident that no one could surpass him in speed. Raising the Heretic de to the sky, he shot upward like an afterimage and charged toward Ji Xinghe.


    This sudden scene caught Ji Xinghe off guard, and Liu Wuxie was no different from putting his life on the line to fight.


    Ji Xinghe increased the speed of his swordsmanship as Nine Frost Astrals descended and formed multiple curtains in the sky to block Liu Wuxie¡¯s path.


    He resorted to defending, nning to hold his ground firmly and not sh with Liu Wuxie head-on. He knew that Liu Wuxie¡¯s strength wasn¡¯t any weaker than someone in the fourth level of the True Core Realm, and he would only lose if he chose to fight head-on.


    ¡°A garbage like you wants to stop me?¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s voice was filled with mockery, infuriating Ji Xinghe. However, there was nothing thetter could do.


    This was a psychological attack, and Ji Xinghe knew Liu Wuxie was trying to provoke him. As a result, Ji Xinghe didn¡¯t fall for it and continued to drag the battle.


    As afterimages began to increase, ten-odd Liu Wuxies appeared. This phenomenon urred after pushing the speed to the limit, and it was a cloning technique of the Nine Heavenly Crane Dance. This was relying on divine power to create afterimages simr to himself.


    Upon reaching a higher level, the afterimages could also possess high lethality. Judging from the present performance, the afterimages could only be used to fool others, making Ji Xinghe lose his sense of judgment.


    After shing for ten-odd moves, Ji Xinghe mistakenly took an afterimage for Liu Wuxie. As a result, he nearly lost his life because of Liu Wuxie¡¯s sneak attack.


    ¡°What speed! He has already surpassed those in the fourth level of the True Core Realm!¡± Envious voices came from the surroundings because Liu Wuxie had given them a disy of extreme speed.


    ¡°I wonder what his dantian is made of to hold so much true essence,¡± Ji Xinghe thought, as utilizing his movement technique required a strong reservoir of true essence.


    Cold sweat began to roll down Ji Xinghe¡¯s forehead. He had already used the strongest move in the Nine Frost Astral Sword, but he couldn¡¯t trap Liu Wuxie. This was a bad sign, and he instantly realized the danger.


    ¡°Ji Xinghe, it¡¯s time to end this!¡± Liu Wuxie had been waiting. He waited for Ji Xinghe to perform the entire Nine Frost Astral Sword and found thirty-odd ws, each capable of defeating Ji Xinghe.

 Chapter 298 - Fighting Shui Huan

    <h4>Chapter 298 - Fighting Shui Huan</h4>


    After waiting so long, it was finally Liu Wuxie¡¯s turn to retaliate. The Heretic de swung at an unbelievable angle, with the de tip pointing towards the sky. Liu Wuxie had never used this move.


    Ji Xinghe instantly realized something was amiss, and no one knew better than him that the w of his next move would be the lower body.


    ¡°Get lost!¡± A powerful shockwave swept out from the arena. After multiple battles, Liu Wuxie had finally consolidated his cultivation and even showed signs of reaching the third level of the True Core Realm.


    Mysterious power surged from the ground, sending countless rocks and Ji Xinghe flying away. Rocks the size of basins flew around and smashed into Ji Xinghe.


    Ji Xinghe spat out blood as his face turned pale, and he was hurled out of the arena. Everything happened too quickly; the battle ended before anyone could react.


    However, surprisingly, everyone was terrifyingly calm, as though they had expected this oue.


    Struggling to rise from the ground, Ji Xinghe''s face contorted with pain and frustration. Even the prodigies from the smaller nations, who hadn¡¯t made it into the top hundred, mocked him.


    ¡°Damn it! Damn it!¡± Ji Xinghe waved his hand around furiously, gritting his teeth. But he could do nothing about it because a loss was a loss.


    With that, Liu Wuxie obtained six consecutive victories and shattered countless myths. He relied on his cultivation in the first level of the True Core Realm to sweep through so many experts.


    The battles in the other arenas were still in progress. After the sixth round, only the same three remained undefeated. If there weren¡¯t any surprises, Jia Fengmao would be rankedst.


    Tan Yan and Yi Kang were tied in the previous battle, ranking eighth and ninth. This was only because Jia Fengmao couldn¡¯t obtain a single point.


    In the next battle, Liu Wuxie''s opponent would be Yuwen Tianqian. With resting periods growing shorter, they needed to conclude the fight swiftly before their true essence waspletely depleted.


    ¡°Yuwen Tianqian,e up!¡± When thetter finished his battle, Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t even go down the stage and called out to Yuwen Tianqian.


    Yuwen Tianqian went from the first arena to face Liu Wuxie. He had been paying attention to Liu Wuxie¡¯s arena after he defeated Ji Xinghe. He initially thought Liu Wuxie would wait the entire hour, but they had all underestimated Liu Wuxie¡¯s strength.


    ¡°My ultimate sword move is called World Judgment. I will concede if you can resolve this move!¡± Yuwen Tianqian¡¯s sword emitted a terrifying sword ray. Unlike Ji Xinghe, he chose to determine the oue with one move.


    If he couldn¡¯t defeat Liu Wuxie with his strongest attack, there would be no point in continuing the fight. Otherwise, he risked being humiliated like Xiao Wei and Ji Xinghe, who were knocked out of the arena.


    Everyone¡¯s goal was to enter the cultivation world, and there was no need for a life-and-death battle.


    ¡°Alright!¡± Liu Wuxie agreed and raised the Heretic de. He had seen Yuwen Tianqian perform the World Judgment multiple times, which was formidable¡ªeven stronger than Xiao Wei¡¯s strongest attack.


    Before the other battles concluded, Liu Wuxie began his fight with Yuwen Tianqian. Perhaps feeling challenged, Shui Huan leaped forward andnded in front of Ye Feng.


    Shui Huan still had three opponents: Liu Wuxie, Ye Feng, and Jia Fengmao.


    If he had chosen to fight Jia Fengmao now and then Liu Wuxie in the next round, Liu Wuxie might have been too exhausted to face Ye Feng. To ensure the anticipated sh between Liu Wuxie and Ye Feng, Shui Huan opted to confront Ye Feng in the seventh match instead.


    Liu Wuxie also had three opponents left: Yuwen Tianqian, Shui Huan, and Ye Feng.


    Everyone maintained a high degree of rapport.


    ¡°I initially thought we would have our battlest, but I didn¡¯t expect to run into you for the seventh round.¡± Ye Feng¡¯s de emitted a ferocious de ray, forming a powerful shockwave with his fighting spirits rising.


    ¡°There will be a battle between us sooner orter, and the sequence isn¡¯t important.¡± Shui Huan smiled casually.


    Initially, they had thought the two of them would bepeting for first ce, not expecting Liu Wuxie to be their opponent for the top spot.


    The two battles took ce simultaneously, with Liu Wuxie against Yuwen Tianqian and Ye Feng against Shui Huan. The battle was intense, and Ye Feng¡¯s Horizon Sentient de was mighty.


    Shui Huan¡¯s Void Eye wasn¡¯t any weaker inparison and easily resolved the crisis. Their battles were intense and couldn¡¯t conclude anytime soon.


    Liu Wuxie and Yuwen Tianqian moved simultaneously, nning to end the fight in one move.


    ¡°World Judgment!¡± Yuwen Tianqian¡¯s sword was divided into two, demonstrating the profundity of this move, which he had used for the first time.


    He hadn¡¯t used this move against Shui Huan and was defeated after thetter released his aura in the fifth level. It wasn¡¯t hard to guess that Yuwen Tianqian had prepared this move for Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Excellent move!¡± Liu Wuxie emitted a dragon¡¯s roar because this move made him feel tremendous pressure. He cleaved the Heretic de down. His attacks had no fixed pattern, but they were mighty.


    Suddenly, the two figures in the arena vanished, transforming into two intertwining dragons. Their true essence manifestations were evenly matched.


    Whenever they shed, it would form into a powerful shockwave sweeping out, sending the spectators in the surroundings flying away.


    ¡°Judgment!¡±


    ¡°Fatality!¡± The sword and de shed, causing sparks to fly around. Shortly after, the two figures separated and flipped in mid-air before returning to their position.


    A shockwave swept out, and Yuwen Tianqian swayed with blood dripping down his lips.


    ¡°I¡¯ve lost!¡± Yuwen Tianqian conceded defeat, and this left many people puzzled.


    After all, Liu Wuxie hadn¡¯t obtained any upper hand moments ago, and they were evenly matched. But why did Yuwen Tianqian concede?


    ¡°Thanks for the battle!¡± Liu Wuxie replied. They couldn''t be friends, but they wouldn¡¯t be enemies either.


    ¡°I lost to your true essence, not your martial technique!¡± Yuwen Tianqian was confident in his World Judgment, and it was invincible.


    Liu Wuxie smiled and didn¡¯t offer any exnation. Did it matter whether Yuwen Tianqian lost to his true essence or martial technique?


    The fight between Shui Huan and Ye Feng continued, meaning that Liu Wuxie could only wait for an oue between their fight before engaging in the eighth round.


    After this battle, there would be a change in the points ranking. Liu Wuxie had obtained seven victories and was ahead of everyone.


    Shui Huan and Ye Feng had six points each, and the loser would bid farewell to the champion position. As time passed, their fight intensified, and no one could differentiate between them.


    ¡°They¡¯re too powerful. Are they really in the fifth level of the True Core Realm?¡± Those in the surroundings danced excitedly and were utterly absorbed in their fight.


    After Liu Wuxie defeated Yuwen Tianqian, he didn¡¯t leave the arena.


    ¡°Sentient Overlord de!¡± Ye Feng¡¯s aura began to rise, and he unleashed a terrifying de aura. When he swung out his de, a grave expression appeared on Liu Wuxie¡¯s face because Ye Feng was stronger than he had imagined.


    Shui Huan remained calm andposed, repeatedly executing the Void Eye toplement his sword technique. His aura might not have beenparable to Ye Feng''s, but he chose to fight steadily, and it wouldn¡¯t be easy for Ye Feng to defeat him.


    A terrifying de intent descended and caused the arena to shatter into pieces. Shortly after, the two were sent flying away.


    ¡°Brother Ye¡¯s Horizon Sentient de is truly powerful!¡± Shui Huan¡¯s chest heaved. The sh produced a powerful storm that ripped the airflow apart before sweeping out.


    ¡°Brother Shui¡¯s Void Eye paired with your Autumn-Spring Sword Art is equally astonishing.¡± The admiration in Ye Feng was genuine, and he wasn¡¯t feigned.


    Among everyone present, only Shui Huan could make him take the fight seriously.


    ¡°It¡¯s impossible for us to determine the winner if we carry on fighting for an hour. Why don¡¯t we end in a tie to preserve our true essence?¡± Shui Huan suggested a tie. If they continued fighting, they would be severely injured.


    ¡°Agreed!¡± Ye Feng didn¡¯t hesitate to ept the suggestion. He still had to preserve his true essence to fight Liu Wuxie. With this, Liu Wuxie had the highest points after seven rounds and was ranked first.


    Two battles were left, and no one knew who could remain thest one standing.


    Liu Wuxie''s next opponent was Shui Huan, and everyone wondered if he could maintain his winning streak. After resting for ten minutes, everyone¡¯s true essence was still severely exhausted through a series of battles.


    About fifteen minutester, Shui Huan stood and walked towards Liu Wuxie¡¯s arena. The long-awaited battle was finally about to begin.


    ¡°Brother Liu, please!¡± After stepping onto the tform, Shui Huan made an inviting gesture.


    ¡°Please!¡± Liu Wuxie responded, and he could sense fighting spiritsing from Shui Huan. Likewise, Shui Huan also felt pressureing from Liu Wuxie.


    They drew their weapons simultaneously, their auras rising, but no one made the first move. They looked at each other quietly.


    A thickyer of thunderclouds appeared in the sky as if a storm was about toe.


    Ye Feng¡¯s opponent for this round was Jia Fengmao, who conceded without fighting. He didn¡¯t even go to the arena because his gaze was on Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Who do you all think will win the fight? Will Shui Huan be able to defeat Liu Wuxie and break his seven-winning streak?¡± The crowd erupted into an uproar as though injected with adrenaline.


    This was the long-awaited battle, and everyone¡¯s anticipation exceeded the fight between Shui Huan and Ye Feng. They wanted to know who could end Liu Wuxie¡¯s winning streak. After all, Liu Wuxie¡¯s journey so far was unstoppable, with no one capable of stopping Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°It¡¯s already impressive that he cane this far. If there¡¯s no surprise, he¡¯ll secure a spot in the top three. With such a record, he can overlook the other nations.¡± Liu Wuxie had obtained seven points and would be ranked third even if he were to lose the two remaining battles.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be so sure about that. It might not be as easy as everyone thinks.¡± More people supported Liu Wuxie, especially those from the smaller nations. They all hoped that Liu Wuxie could rise and give a wake-up call to the empires so they could hold their heads high.


    ¡°Break!¡± Shui Huan''s first move was swift and precise, his sword descending with the profoundness of the Spring-Autumn Sword Art. This technique, unique to him, was a testament to his skill and was in no way inferior to Yuwen Tianqian¡¯s Judgment Sword. The two techniques, though different, shared amon thread of mastery and power.

 Chapter 299 - Final Battle

    <h4>Chapter 299 - Final Battle</h4>


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t dare to be careless and executed Ghost Eye, observing all the profundities of Shui Huan¡¯s sword technique. Shortly after, a mysterious force pierced through Liu Wuxie¡¯s Ghost Eye to examine his Fatality Sword Art. This was the first collision between the two eye techniques.


    Shui Huan squinted because he didn¡¯t expect Liu Wuxie to execute such a formidable eye technique that was far superior to his Void Eye.


    ¡°No wonder Brother Liu can create miracles repeatedly. Today, let us determine the victor based on our eye techniques!¡± Shui Huanughed. He knew it was tough to defeat Liu Wuxie, relying on his martial techniques alone.


    Hisughter was hearty and could be heard even from a few kilometers away.


    ¡°Eye techniques?¡± the crowd murmured in the discussion, puzzled because they hadn¡¯t seen Liu Wuxie perform any eye technique. When Shui Huan executed Void Eye, the changes in his eyes were evident to everyone.


    The Ghost Eye differed from ordinary eye techniques, and ordinary people couldn''t detect it. Only those who also practiced an eye technique could sense a faint trace of it.


    ¡°No wonder he won repeatedly. So he¡¯s relying on his eye technique.¡± The remaining prodigies of the Azure Lion Empire finally realized why Xiao Wei lost to Liu Wuxie.


    Eye techniques were unpredictable and hard to detect. Most importantly, they could see through the weakness of their opponent¡¯s attacks.


    Out of the six thousand people who participated in the Battle of the Hundred Nations, Shui Huan was the only one who practiced an eye technique.


    This proved how rare eye techniques were. Not only would it have to be suitable to oneself, but it also required the support of powerful soul energy.


    Most importantly, eye techniques were scarce, and Shui Huan had chanced upon the Void Eye by luck, but it was iplete. However, an iplete eye technique was still powerful; it was no wonder Ye Feng was wary of him.


    ¡°Alright. Let me experience Brother Shui¡¯s Void Eye today!¡± Liu Wuxie agreed, sheathing the Heretic de and nning topete using eye techniques.


    This was the best way to duel, saving true essence and avoiding a life-and-death fight.


    Faint ripples only visible to Liu Wuxie and Shui Huan enveloped the entire arena, and they were the manifestation of soul energy.


    ¡°What powerful soul energy fluctuation!¡± Xi Jian was shocked. They had been monitoring the arena closely with their divine sense.


    The other nine envoys shook their heads with a bitter smile, and some fell silent.


    ¡° Quick, look at Liu Wuxie¡¯s soul energy! It¡¯s faintly golden!¡± Luo Chudie almost eximed. The sh between soul energy was dangerous, and the slightest mistake could affect the soul sea.


    They seemed to be standing still, but the sh had already begun. The slightest mistake could cost them their lives.


    ¡°What an unusual soul energy. I¡¯ve never seen this before.¡± Song Junbao stepped forward, wanting to take a closer look. As they talked, the sh in soul energy began as Void Eye¡¯s illusion manifested into a tiger, biting down at Liu Wuxie. This was the manifestation of soul energy.


    Liu Wuxie smiled and executed Ghost Eye, unleashing a powerful shockwave of soul energy that scraped ayer off the arena, causing a change in Shui Huan¡¯s expression.


    He quickly recalled his soul energy to prevent himself from suffering severe injuries. Liu Wuxie¡¯s soul energy wasn¡¯t weaker than someone in the Heavenly Dipper Realm, and it was natural that Shui Huan couldn¡¯t be his opponent.


    If he were to fight Shui Huan in an actual fight, he would have to spend some time. But in thepetition of soul energy, Liu Wuxie could easily crush him.


    His golden soul energy manifested into a golden divine dragon that devoured Shui Huan¡¯s soul energy. The Ghost Eye wasn¡¯t just used to observe; it could also devour and evolve.


    Shui Huan¡¯s face changed, and he could sense that he was swiftly losing connection to the soul energy he released.


    ¡°Brother Liu, I have lost. Please restrain your soul energy.¡± Before Liu Wuxie could unleash the second wave of attack, Shui Huan admitted defeat because he knew his soul sea would be damaged if he carried on fighting.


    The damage to the soul sea was no different from the shattering of the dantian. The consequences were dire, and this meant severing the path of cultivating.


    As Liu Wuxie retrieved the Ghost Eye, the pressure on Shui Huan dropped, and his clothes were covered in cold sweat.


    ¡°Thanks for the battle!¡± Liu Wuxie sped his fists together. He had obtained nine points now and was in the lead. Ye Feng had seven and a half points, and Shui Huan had six points...


    This meant that the battle for the champion would be between Liu Wuxie and Ye Feng. Even if Liu Wuxie were to obtain a tie, he could still be the champion. However, if Ye Feng wanted to be the champion, he would have to defeat Liu Wuxie.


    The other fights were dull because the rewards were the same unless they could get into the top three.


    ¡°Ye Feng, I know you want to kill me. Come up to the arena!¡± Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t go down the arena.


    Everyone stared at Liu Wuxie, never anticipating he woulde this far. Despite so many people wanting to kill him, Liu Wuxie had fought his way through and reached this point.


    Ye Feng slowly walked into the arena, and each step he took would leave behind a shallow footprint. Murderous intent began to sweep out from him and engulfed Liu Wuxie.


    Swinging the Heretic de, Liu Wuxie severed the iing murderous intent. There was already a sh before the actual fight even began.


    The arena was tattered, but it wouldn¡¯t affect their battle. No one wasted words, and Ye Feng raised his de, performing the Horizon Sentient de, wanting to tear the sky apart.


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t hesitate to raise his de to the sky either, and they were both experts in using the de. The sword was a gentleman among weapons, while the de was the king of weapons.


    ¡°What terrifying de intent!¡± Everyone widened their eyes, afraid to miss a single detail.


    Shui Huan¡¯s gaze locked onto Liu Wuxie. He had experienced Ye Feng¡¯s strength but couldn¡¯t see through Liu Wuxie.


    In the next second, Liu Wuxie and Ye Feng dashed forward, leaving behind countless afterimages as they shed, unleashing a powerful de aura.


    ¡°What a powerful de aura, reaching even a hundred meters away!¡± Despite their age and experience, many headmasters showed a hint of fear as they recognized the significance of the battle.


    de aura continued to wreak havoc on the arena, forcing the spectators to retreat.


    When the des collided, a teeth-itching sound reverberated, causing many people to cover their ears. Yet, even with their ears covered, they couldn¡¯t block out the piercing ring of the sh.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, prepare to meet your end if this is all you got!¡± Ye Feng shot out like a wild crane, gliding through the air.


    ¡°This is the highest state of the Horizon Sentient de!¡± the crowd eximed because Ye Feng had held back in his fight with Shui Huan and had not unleashed his full strength.


    ¡°What a powerful move!¡± The de intent manifested into a mountain crushing down. Liu Wuxie was ced in a passive situation and would be crushed to death if this carried on.


    This attack unleashed cultivation in the fifth level of the True Core Realm, forming a powerful gust of wind. The wind crushed down, causing the bs beneath Liu Wuxie to crack and soon create a crater with thetter standing on it.


    Liu Wuxie found himself in a dangerous situation. If he didn¡¯t react soon, the shockwave would kill him.


    de intent continued to descend, and Liu Wuxie¡¯s hairband exploded. The bulging veins on his arm were revealed, making him look ferocious.


    ¡°Break!¡± Liu Wuxie soared to the sky, and a pair of wings manifested behind him. Gripping the Heretic de with two hands, Liu Wuxie swung it down, creating violent fluctuations in the air with explosions of shockwaves.


    It was like heaven and earth had copsed with a ferocious gust tearing through the sky, and the two figures vanished.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, it¡¯s futile. No one can break my move!¡± Ye Feng¡¯s voice carried a hint of contempt. This was the third time he had unleashed this move since his debut, and he had sessfully killed his opponents in the two previous instances. This was a powerful move with an overwhelming murderous intent.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing but a trivial trick!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s voice echoed in the clouds with brimming power gushing out. His aura began to rise and broke through his restriction. The aura he gave off soon reached the pinnacle of the second level of the True Core Realm.


    ¡°Look, Liu Wuxie made a breakthrough!¡± a wave of exmations came from the crowd.


    ¡°How cunning! He must¡¯ve reached the second level of the True Core Realm, but he concealed his cultivation deliberately.¡± Those from the Azure Lion Empire gritted their teeth, and Xiao Wei¡¯s face became grim.


    A bitter smile rose on Shui Huan¡¯s lips. He might have been severely injured if Liu Wuxie had released his cultivation in their fight.


    Ye Feng¡¯s attack began to crumble and was forcibly torn apart by Liu Wuxie. A powerful energy fluctuation erupted in the sky, spreading a circr shockwave.


    Shortly after, two figures flew out from the clouds and rapidly descended,nding at a corner of the arena. When they descended, they were both covered in dust.


    ¡°Fifth level of the True Core Realm? Doesn¡¯t seem so impressive at all!¡± Liu Wuxie wore a faint mockery on the corner of his lips. He had figured out Ye Feng¡¯s strength through the earlier sh.


    A cold wind swept through and made everyone feel a chill down their spines.


    Ye Feng¡¯s face was ugly because this was his strongest attack. Who would¡¯ve expected Liu Wuxie to have concealed his cultivation?


    ¡°Hmph. Do you think you can kill me with your cultivation in the second level of the True Core Realm?¡± Ye Feng left behind an afterimage and cleaved down with his de, creating a long ravine on the ground.


    The aura he gave off was powerful, and it was clear that Ye Feng had held back earlier.


    Liu Wuxie and Ye Feng exchanged a few hundred moves, and the oue of the battle remained unclear. They fought from the sky to the ground and the ground to the sky.


    Each change of the Heretic de was profound,pletely restraining Ye Feng¡¯s Horizon Sentient de. They had already exchanged close to a thousand moves, and neither could gain the upper hand.


    ¡°Yu Tianyi, should we stop them? If either of them dies, it would be a great loss to us.¡± Xi Jian hoped to stop Liu Wuxie and Ye Feng¡¯s battles lest they suffer heavy injuries.


    Xiao Wei wasn¡¯t injured, but his heart as a cultivator was affected. Jia Fengmao¡¯s dantian was crippled, and the talent of the others couldn¡¯t bepared to Liu Wuxie and Ye Feng.

 Chapter 300 - Champion

    <h4>Chapter 300 - Champion</h4>


    Xi Jian¡¯s words drew much agreement from the other envoys.


    ¡°Let¡¯s wait a little longer. They will be able to determine a victor between them!¡± Yu Tianyi said. There was still some time left to an hour mark.


    Heat waves swept out from the arena, and not even those at the second level of the True Core Realm could withstand it.


    As the two des continued to sh, the sounds produced by the collision echoed in the sky. After the Heretic de, now a mythical artifact, was unleashed, its power surged, shaking the very foundation of the arena.


    ¡°Look, Senior Brother Ye hasprehended the profundity of the Horizon Sentient de!¡± Exmations came from the audience as a powerful de swung down.


    A powerful force seeped from the depths of the earth and empowered his de. Ye Feng¡¯s de technique reached a new height in this critical moment.


    ¡°That kid is in danger now!¡± Liu Wuxie had executed the Fatality de Art to the limit, but it would be difficult to resolve Ye Feng¡¯s Horizon Sentient de.


    A scorching wave swept out, forcing Liu Wuxie to retreat over ten meters away from Ye Feng. The immense power from the depth of the earth was like a towering mountain, manifesting into a gigantic palm crushing down at Liu Wuxie.


    If this palm struck Liu Wuxie, he would be crushed to death. Ye Feng attacked without the intention of showing mercy.


    ¡°This is too terrifying! Perhaps only someone in the higher levels of the True Core Realm could resolve this attack.¡± Everyone had disbelief on their faces and was deeply captivated by this sword technique.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, you can die now!¡± Ye Feng¡¯s voice sounded like a grim reaper¡¯s, announcing Liu Wuxie¡¯s death sentence. The giant palm descended on Liu Wuxie¡¯s head, leaving him breathless.


    ¡°Ye Feng, is this the strongest attack you got?¡± Liu Wuxie remained indifferent and raised the Heretic de. His eyes emitted an eerie gleam that shot toward Ye Feng¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Ghost Eye, kill!¡± Since the feud between them was irreconcble, there was no need for Liu Wuxie to hold back.


    ¡°ARGH!¡± Ye Feng was caught off guard and let out a miserable cry. However, he was fortunate that he protected his soul in thest moment and didn¡¯t suffer any severe injuries. He only felt a piercing pain in his soul sea.


    After Liu Wuxie¡¯s battle with Shui Huan, his Ghost Eye no longer remained a secret. However, that wasn¡¯t the end, as Liu Wuxie began inscribing with his right hand, drawing a spiritual rune and imbuing it into his de technique.


    ¡°Cut!¡± An iplete immortal rune merged into the de without anyone noticing, not even the ten envoys. They only saw a cold sh before the power in Liu Wuxie¡¯s de technique increased.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s de was unbelievably fast, and no one could keep up. The sword descended.


    ¡°Ye Feng, dodge quickly!¡± A middle-aged man from the ck Chu Empire roared. His name was Yu Qiong. He was the brother-inw of the current emperor, the headmaster of the ck Chu Empire, and Ye Feng¡¯s master.


    He never said a word throughout Ye Feng¡¯s battles, but this battle made him fearful. He was afraid something might happen to Ye Feng.


    When Ye Feng felt the stinging pain in his soul sea, he instantly realized something was wrong. He chose to retreat without any hesitation to avoid this deadly strike.


    ¡°You want to run? Dream on!¡± Liu Wuxie attacked, intending to kill. He knew that if he couldn¡¯t get rid of Ye Feng that day, thetter would cause him trouble in the future.


    The Heretic de cleaved down, and there was no room to avoid Ye Feng. After all, Liu Wuxie¡¯s de was further fortified with immortal runes.


    A series of explosions urred in the air, forming shockwaves that swept through Ye Feng. This destroyed Ye Feng¡¯s attack, leaving him feeling like a small rift in a roaring ocean, on the verge of being devoured in the next second.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s de aura appeared three meters from Ye Feng, and thetter would die if this attack reached him. However, in the nick of time, a figure appeared in mid-air, swiping his hand and unleashing an invisible shockwave to resolve Liu Wuxie¡¯s de aura.


    Even so, the shockwave still sent Ye Feng flying away, and he threw up blood.


    Liu Wuxie squinted when he saw that someone had saved Ye Feng. He shifted his eyes to Yu Tianyi and was surprised that the Heavenly Origin Sect¡¯s envoy had interfered.


    ¡°You have won this battle. Let¡¯s end it here!¡± Yu Tianyi announced the oue of the battle, with Liu Wuxie bing the champion with nine undefeated victories.


    When Ye Fengnded on the ground, he retreated ten-odd steps before he regained his footing, but his face was terrifyingly grim. Liu Wuxie would have killed him if Yu Tianyi hadn¡¯t saved him.


    ¡°Why did you stop me from killing him?¡± Liu Wuxie questioned Yu Tianyi. This was his feud with Ye Feng, and no one should have intervened, not even the envoys. His tone was unfriendly because no one could stop him from killing Ye Feng, not even an envoy.


    ¡°Are you teaching me how to do things?¡± Yu Tianyi¡¯s face became grim, and he released his aura towards Liu Wuxie. The terrifying aura he gave off made Liu Wuxie¡¯s body creak, with blood dripping down his lips.


    ¡°Hahaha! You think the Heavenly Dipper Realm is powerful?¡± Liu Wuxie circted the Deste Devouring Art, alleviating the surrounding pressure with a hint of madness shing in his eyes.


    ¡°It¡¯s not powerful, but more than enough to kill you.¡± A hint of murderous intent shed in Yu Tianyi¡¯s eyes, and he wanted to act against Liu Wuxie.


    The sudden turn of events caught everyone by surprise. Everyone was baffled, seeing the envoys intervening in the fight.


    ¡°Yu Tianyi, aren¡¯t you taking it too far?¡± Fan Lin appeared before Liu Wuxie. When he appeared, the pressureing from Yu Tianyi disappeared.


    ¡°Fan Lin, you want to intervene as well?¡± Yu Tianyi was furious. He was a disciple of the Heavenly Origin Sect and was used to his high status.


    The other envoys came over because they were baffled by Yu Tianyi¡¯s actions.


    ¡°ording to the rules, the envoys aren¡¯t allowed to intervene, and you have vited the rules!¡± Fan Lin argued. His plump body felt like a wall, preventing Yu Tianyi from acting against Liu Wuxie again.


    ¡°Who do you think you are to talk to me about rules? The Battle of the Hundred Nations has ended, and it¡¯s time to pick disciples now!¡± Yu Tianyi sneered, disregarding Fan Lin. It didn¡¯t matter if others agreed because no one could do anything to him.


    Yu Tianyi didn¡¯t even bat an eye at Liu Wuxie, disregarding him from start to finish.


    Liu Wuxie clenched his fists with murderous intent surging. After all, Yu Tianyi was unreasonable to intervene when he was about to kill Ye Feng.


    ¡°Wuxie, endure it. There will be plenty of opportunities to take revenge in the future!¡± Fan Lin patted Liu Wuxie¡¯s shoulder to calm him down, forcibly suppressing his murderous intent.


    Yu Tianyi was strong and had used his strength to change the rules forcibly.


    Only those from the ck Chu Empire sneered. Only they knew that the ck Chu Empire had many disciples joining the Heavenly Origin Sect.


    Yu Tianyi had an extraordinary rtionship with the ck Chu Empire because the Heavenly Origin Sect had several powerful disciples from the empire.


    He could use the fact that he saved Ye Feng to form a good rtionship with those disciples from the ck Chu Empire, and there wasn¡¯t any disadvantage in it.


    A hundred people were qualified to enter the cultivation world, and they stood out to be picked by the ten major sects.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, join our Demonic Heart Pce!¡± Xiang Rongjun stepped forward to invite Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Thanks for the offer, but I have already chosen!¡± Liu Wuxie replied calmly. He was initially hesitating to join the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion but was thankful for Fan Lin¡¯s support. If not for Fan Lin, Yu Tianyi wouldn¡¯t have let him off so easily and may have even embarrassed him.


    ¡°The martial techniques you practiced are domineering, not to mention your unique personality. You¡¯re suitable for the Demonic Heart Pce and can even look at our strongest cultivation technique. It will belong to you if you¡¯re willing.¡± Xiang Rongjun didn¡¯t give up and took out a cultivation technique, trying to tempt Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie smiled bitterly because there were rumors that the Demonic Heart Pce was a demonic sect. But to him, good and evil resided in the hearts of people and sects. Every sect had good and evil, depending on how oneprehended them.


    Over the years as an Immortal Emperor, he had seen plenty of righteous sects secretly engaging in countless dirty deeds.


    ¡°Take your useless book away. Brother Liu should join our Transcending Plume Gate with his talent!¡± Xi Jian stepped forward with a smile. If there were no surprise, Ye Feng would join the Heavenly Origin Sect.


    Everyone would fight for the champion of each batch, wanting to recruit them.


    ¡°Wuxie, the young missy tasked me to give this to you!¡± Fan Lin chuckled. The other sects tried to invite Liu Wuxie to their sect aside from the Heavenly Origin Sect.


    Everyone in the Misty Sect was female, so it was natural that they didn¡¯t invite Liu Wuxie. As for Yu Tianyi, he couldn''t invite Liu Wuxie when they had nearly fought earlier.


    ¡°Young missy?¡± Liu Wuxie was baffled as he took the book from Fan Lin. After reading Mu Yueying¡¯s message, he gently closed the book.


    ¡°What exactly is Lady Mu¡¯s background, and why would she have you invite me?¡± Liu Wuxie frowned as he returned the book to Fan Lin. He had already suspected that Mu Yueying¡¯s identity wasn¡¯t simple, but he didn¡¯t expect her to be capable of instructing the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion¡¯s envoy.


    ¡°You¡¯ll know when you arrive at the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.¡± Fan Lin gave a mysterious smile and did not exin.


    ¡°Since Lady Mu has done so much, it would be rude for me to refuse.¡± Liu Wuxie agreed straightforwardly, deciding to join the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. This choice baffled many people because the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion specialized in alchemy. As a result, their martial cultivation was slightly inferior to that of the other sects.


    ¡°Wuxie, join our Azure Crimson Gate. We¡¯re also a sect that specializes in alchemy.¡± Guo Hanfei walked over, still unwilling to give up. Regarding alchemy, the Azure Crimson Gate wasn¡¯t inferior to the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I have already chosen the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion!¡± The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion rivaled the Azure Crimson Gate, and it was clear observing the rtionship between Fan Lin and Guo Hanfei.


    Liu Wuxie had already decided, leaving others with no choice but to give up. They all showed a hint of pity on their faces because they were hopeful Liu Wuxie could join them.

 Chapter 301 - Intercept

    <h4>Chapter 301 - Intercept</h4>


    Next would be the distribution of rewards. Xi Jian took out ten martial techniques, three cultivation techniques, and a porcin bottle.


    Liu Wuxie epted the martial and cultivation techniques, throwing them into his interspatial pouch before carefully receiving the Evesting Pill. There were too many people here, and consuming it right away was inconvenient for him.


    After distributing rewards, it was time for the other nine to pick a sect to join. Feng Ye picked the Heavenly Origin Sect, Yuwen Tianqian picked the Transcendant Plume Gate, Mu Hongyang picked the Demonic Heart Pce, Ji Xinghe picked the Indigo Cloud Gate, Tan Yan picked the Misty Sect, Xiao Wei picked the Dugu n, and Yi Kang chose the Divine Sun Pce as the weakest among the ten.


    As for Jia Fengmao, he joined the Azure Crimson Gate as he possessed talents for alchemy. Anyone who opposed the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion joined the Azure Crimson Gate, and this was an unspoken acknowledgment.


    The only surprise was Shui Huan, who chose to join the Sky Rift Valley. This sect was mysterious and rarely appeared in the outside world.


    As for the remaining ny people, the majority joined the Heavenly Origin Sect, and the other sects didn¡¯t have many left. The Divine Sun Pce only managed to recruit five disciples. The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion didn¡¯t manage to recruit many disciples either.


    This was because the majority focused on their cultivation and had no interest in alchemy. Compared to the Divine Sun Pce, the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion only managed to recruit twelve people, including Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°All of you have fifteen minutes to say farewell before returning to the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion with me!¡± Fan Lin looked at the twelve disciples and gave them time to say goodbye. This was because they might not be able to return anytime soon.


    It was a rule that no one was allowed to leave the cultivation world without reaching the Heavenly Phase Realm. This meant that Mu Yueying¡¯s cultivation was in the Heavenly Phase Realm at the very least.


    The twelve disciples quickly left for their respective dynasties and bid farewell to theirpanions.


    Fan Zhen and others couldn¡¯t wait and rushed over. When they came over, they hugged Liu Wuxie because the Great Yan Dynasty had won immense glory that day, bing the champion. Even Luo Zhaojun also gave Liu Wuxie a big hug.


    ¡°Wuxie, just let us know if there is anything we can do for you.¡± Setting Liu Wuxie free from his embrace, Fan Zhen restored his dignified demeanor, but the excitement in his eyes couldn¡¯t be concealed.


    ¡°Take care of my family!¡± That was Liu Wuxie¡¯s only request, and he wasn¡¯t concerned with anything else. They began to chat about other matters, and fifteen minutes passed quickly.


    Waving goodbye to Fan Zhen and others, Liu Wuxie walked towards Fan Lin without hesitation.


    In the next second, the Dragon Battlefield was covered in tears. Even Fan Zhen had two streaks of tears rolling down his cheeks. Qin Lai and Li Nanxiang were brawling because no one knew when they could see Liu Wuxie again after this farewell. In the future, they would be people of two different worlds.


    Fan Lin retrieved a flying carpet from his interspatial ring, which expanded into a giant rug hovering in the air.


    That was the same for the other envoys; only Yu Tianyi took out a warship. It wasn¡¯t massive, but it was a ship that sailed in the air.


    The Heavenly Origin Sect had a vast harvest and recruited twenty-eight students. The Demonic Heart Pce¡¯s envoy took out a crimson pagoda, and all the eighteen disciples entered.


    Flying Treasures came in many sizes and were much higher quality than Fan Lin¡¯s flying carpet. At the very least, the others didn¡¯t have to worry about the weather conditions.


    This proved that the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion was inferior to the Divine Sun Pce. The Divine Sun Pce¡¯s envoy retrieved a massive feather, and it wasfortable sitting on it.


    However, everyone¡¯s hearts were in the cultivation world, and they weren¡¯t too bothered by what they would be riding on.


    The Heavenly Origin Sect¡¯s party was the first to leave. The warship turned into a streak of light, disappearing into the horizon. The Demonic Heart Pce and Transcendant Plume Gate followed closely behind, leaving the Dragon Battlefield.


    The next time they woulde back would be ten years from now.


    Fan Lin gestured with his hands, and the flying carpet ascended from the ground. The twelve disciples boarded the carpet alongside Fan Lin, with him being thest to step onto it.


    ¡°Everyone, sit firmly. We will take ten days and nights to reach the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, and we won¡¯t be taking any rest. Will you all be fine with it?¡± Fan Lin sat at the front to block the wind for them.


    ¡°We¡¯ll be fine.¡± It wasn¡¯t an issue for them to go without food for ten days and nights.


    ¡°Alright. Let us get going!¡± Pointing his right hand forward, the flying carpet flew out. Sitting on the carpet wasfortable, and there wasn¡¯t much turbulence.


    After Liu Wuxie went on the carpet, he began to meditate. With enough materials, he could forge such a low-grade flying treasure, so he wasn¡¯t as excited as everyone else.


    ¡°Brother Liu!¡±


    When Liu Wuxie opened his eyes, he saw a familiar figure. The person who greeted him was Wen Li, who had chosen to join the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    Wen Li initially wanted to join the Sky Rift Valley but was rejected by Luo Chudie. He could only enter the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion with no choice, mainly because of Liu Wuxie. After all, he only knew Liu Wuxie among everyone.


    Liu Wuxie nodded in response and had a favorable impression of Wen Li, who had conceded in their battle to save his true essence. This meant Liu Wuxie owed him a favor. He naturally wouldn¡¯t mind befriending someone like that.


    They might all be from different dynasties but were neers to the cultivation world. Thus, it was no disadvantage for them to help each other out.


    Before leaving, Shui Huan had instructed him to learn from Liu Wuxie.


    When everyone flew for a day and night, the flying carpet slowed down, and the twelve disciples looked at Fan Lin in perplexity.


    ¡°Senior Brother Fan, why did you slow down?¡± A man on the right of Liu Wuxie asked. This man was called Luo Xinde, from the Northern Zhou Dynasty.


    ¡°Everyone, hold on!¡± Fan Lin instructed everyone. Before he could finish speaking, a warship appeared from the clouds with the intention of crashing into them.


    ¡°It¡¯s the Heavenly Origin Sect¡¯s warship!¡± Lu Xinde eximed, and everyone held onto the carpet tightly.


    Surprisingly, the Heavenly Origin Sect¡¯s party hadn¡¯t left yet and was waiting for them, wanting to knock them out of the sky. Flying in the True Core realm was impossible; everyone would die if they fell from this height.


    Yu Tianyi stood in front of the warship, holding his hands behind him, and Ye Feng stood beside him with a cruel smile. The warship quickly closed the distance and would soon crash onto the flying carpet.


    In a perilous situation, Fan Lin''s forehead beaded with cold sweat as he maneuvered the flying carpet to veer to the side. However, it was not a permanent solution, as the warship loomed farrger than the flying carpet and possessed offensive capabilities.


    ¡°Knock them out!¡± Yu Tianyi said without a hint of emotion in his eyes. He aimed to kill Liu Wuxie, and Fan Lin could leave his flying sword.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to die!¡± Everyone panicked on the flying carpet aside from Liu Wuxie. The flying carpet was on the verge of falling, like a lone rift in the raging ocean.


    It wasn¡¯t surprising that everyone would be afraid because they would die if they fell from this height.


    Under Fan Lin¡¯s control, the flying carpet could not bepared to the warship, and they were five meters apart.


    Terrifying wind blew onto everyone as the flying carpet nted by forty-five degrees, nearly causing a few disciples to fall.


    ¡°Hold onto them!¡± Fan Lin was furious. Several youths quickly caught onto the two falling and dragged them back to the carpet, but their faces were pale.


    When the carpet and warship were about to crash, a profound seal was injected into the carpet, causing the carpet to speed up. When the carpet elerated, the warship brushed past it, and they were only a few inches apart.


    Everyone on the carpet was so close to dying. The warship was a high-grade spiritual treasure, possessing high spirituality. The impact wasn¡¯t something the human body could withstand.


    Everyone still did not understand what was happening or why the flying carpet suddenly elerated. When everyone turned around to ensure they were safe, they finally sighed in relief.


    ¡°Yu Tianyi, what are you trying to do?!¡± Fan Lin roared, seeing the warship stopping and preparing for the second attack.


    "Sorry about that. I lost my way earlier and nearly crashed into you guys," Yu Tianyi shrugged, causing Fan Lin''s face to pale. This excuse was flimsy because high-grade spiritual treasures had mapping abilities, making it unlikely for someone to lose their way. It was evident that Yu Tianyi had been waiting for them there.


    Liu Wuxie looked at Yu Tianyi with murderous intent on his face. They had no feud, and Yu Tianyi wanted to kill him just because he wanted to kill Ye Feng.


    ¡°This is the way to the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. Move!¡± There was nothing Fan Lin could do to Yu Tianyi, and he could only suck it up. However, the warship was in front of the flying carpet, and they had to evade it if they wanted to fly over.


    Taking a detour was not only an act of humiliation for the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, but it also risked tarnishing Fan Lin''s reputation if news of it spread. He couldn¡¯t afford to bear the responsibility and had no choice but topel the warship to make way.


    ¡°We¡¯re resting here. If you guys are in a hurry, fly beneath us.¡± Yu Tianyi¡¯s attitude made those on the flying carpet furious, and he didn¡¯t look like a disciple from the strongest sect.


    ¡°Senior Brother Fan, does the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion have any enmity with the Heavenly Origin Sect?¡± Liu Wuxie asked.


    Fan Lin smiled bitterly upon hearing that.


    ¡°It''s a long story. You¡¯ll know when we arrive at the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. But the utmost importance is returning to the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.¡±


    Liu Wuxie could guess it even if Fan Lin said nothing. The rtionship between the ten major sects wasn¡¯t amicable, and they had beenpeting throughout the years. For example, the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion and Azure Crimson Gate were in a hostile rtionship for generations, and their hostility couldn¡¯t be easily resolved.


    Waves ofughter echoed from the warship, a situation that would be unfavorable for the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion if it persisted. While the warship could block the wind, everyone on the flying carpet remained exposed. If they allowed the situation to drag on, it would only worsen the predicament for the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s party. This highlighted the disadvantage of relying on the flying carpet.

 Chapter 302 - Controlling The Flying Sword

    <h4>Chapter 302 - Controlling The Flying Sword</h4>


    Time passed by the minute. Everyone in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion¡¯s faction wore a bitter expression on their faces. Some of them already began to regret joining the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. They were already subjected to such humiliation before they even entered the sect.


    ¡°Senior Brother Fan, you protect them and hand the control of the flying carpet to me.¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes shed with a hint of ferocity. Since the Heavenly Origin Sect wanted to kill him, he would teach them a lesson. Did they think he was a pushover?


    ¡°Wuxie, are you absolutely sure about this?¡± Fan Lin¡¯s eyes flickered with hope and worry as he rose to his feet on the flying carpet. The situation''s gravity was dire; if Liu Wuxie failed, they would all perish except him.


    ¡°Is there any better way? The Heavenly Origin Sect has no intention of letting us go and wants to wear us down slowly.¡± Liu Wuxie had already figured it out. Yu Tianyi had no intentions of letting them go. He nned to trap them and slowly wear them down.


    Fan Lin¡¯s eyes shone with a glimmer of hope as he recalled the sudden eleration of the flying carpet. It wasn¡¯t hard to guess that Liu Wuxie had helped out earlier.


    Furthermore, the young missy had emphasized that he shouldn¡¯t underestimate Liu Wuxie and avoid treating him as an ordinary person. Fan Lin kept that in mind and didn¡¯t dare to forget it.


    ¡°Everyone, sit tight!¡± Fan Lin sat between them and released his aura to protect everyone, as there would be severe turbulence. After everyone was seated, Liu Wuxie walked to the front of the flying carpet and began forming seals with his hands.


    ¡°Brother Liu, be careful!¡± Weng Li said. Apart from him, no one showed their concern for Liu Wuxie.


    As mysterious seals were injected into the flying carpet, the flying carpet was calm and remained hovering in the air, with everyone puzzled.


    ¡°What is he doing? He¡¯s going to take over the flying carpet¡¯s control?¡± Lu Xingde looked puzzled and couldn¡¯tprehend what Liu Wuxie was trying to do.


    The others also had distrust on their faces to ce their safety in Liu Wuxie¡¯s hands. But they didn¡¯t dare to say anything about it because Fan Lin had agreed.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, don¡¯t waste your effort!¡± The ck Chu Empire¡¯s prodigies mocked as many had joined the Heavenly Origin Sect. As their distance wasn¡¯t far, their voices were clearly audible.


    ¡°Senior Brother Yu, thanks for helping out. Upon entering the Heavenly Origin Sect, I will let my uncle thank you,¡± Ye Feng said politely as he stood beside Yu Tianyi.


    ¡°I still need Junior Brother Ye to speak some good words for me before the Seventh Elder.¡± In the eyes of ordinary people, Yu Tianyi was a representative of the Heavenly Origin Sect.


    However, in the Heavenly Origin Sect, he was merely an ordinary disciple who had to curry favor with the higher-ups.


    Over the years, many of the ck Chu Empire¡¯s prodigies had joined the Heavenly Origin Sect and established a firm footing. Ye Feng¡¯s uncle, possessing a high status, had be the Heavenly Origin Sect¡¯s Seventh Elder.


    Beforeing, Ye Feng¡¯s uncle had reminded Yu Tianyi to care for the ck Chu Empire¡¯s prodigies.


    ¡°Senior Brother Yu, please rest assured. I will tell my uncle truthfully when we return to the Heavenly Origin Sect.¡± Ye Feng didn¡¯t put on any airs because his uncle was the Seventh Elder. On the contrary, he was low-key, which Yu Tianyi admired.


    As they chatted on the warship, Liu Wuxie injected hundreds of runes into the flying carpet. His hands were like two masts pointing towards the warship when he spread his arms apart.


    ¡°Hold on tight!¡± Liu Wuxie said, and the flying carpet dashed out, charging towards the warship.


    The speed was breakneck, but it was fortunate that Fan Lin had braced himself. Even so, he felt a strong force pushing him backward, nearly sending him off the flying carpet.


    ¡°Quick, look! The flying carpet ising!¡± the warship''s crew eximed. Was the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion nning to drag them down? After all, they would also fall from the sky if the warship was damaged.


    ¡°Everyone, please be rest assured. I spent 500,000 mid-grade spirit stones to buy this warship from the Profound Spiritual Pavilion. The base is made of meteorites with countless rare materials. Even the full-force attack of someone in the Heavenly Phase Realm won¡¯t be able to damage it.¡± Yu Tianyi signaled everyone to calm down, reassuring everyone.


    The warship returned to peace, and everyone looked at Liu Wuxie with a gloating expression. This was because the flying carpet would be the one to perish if they collided head-on.


    ¡°They were only ten-odd meters away, and the distance was crossed in barely a breath¡¯s time. The flying carpet appeared at the side of the warship.


    Suddenly, the flying carpet performed ateral movement, and everyone was nted to the side. It was fortunate that Fan Lin grabbed onto the flying carpet. He even made everyone hold hands to prevent them from falling off.


    It was daring for Liu Wuxie to fly sideways because everyone would fall off if they weren¡¯t careful.


    Right then, Liu Wuxie drew the Heretic de.


    ¡°Break!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s objective wasn¡¯t just flying alongside the warship. Since Yu Tianyi wanted to kill him, he did not need to be polite with the Heavenly Origin Sect.


    This scene infuriated Yu Tianyi. He thought Liu Wuxie would try to escape, but he didn¡¯t expect thetter¡¯s true objective to be to destroy his warship.


    A powerful de aura was unleashed, empowered with an iplete immortal rune. When the de shed against the warship, it left behind a long crack.


    It was astonishing that Liu Wuxie''s attack had the potency to harm someone in the lower echelons of the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    The entire warship shook violently and tilted to the side, scaring those on the nk. With one side attacked, the warship¡¯s bnce was ruined, making it tough to fly normally. There was a possibility the warship would be destroyed and fall from the sky.


    "Damn it!" Yu Tianyi anguished. He had invested half of his lifetime savings to purchase this warship, and any damage incurred would require a significant amount of resources to repair.


    Yu Tianyi appeared at the side of the warship and used resources from his interspatial ring to repair and prevent further damage.


    Upon damaging Yu Tianyi¡¯s warship, Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t hesitate to leave with the flying carpet, heading straight for the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    After spending a significant amount of resources to repair the warship, the damage was temporarily contained, and stability returned. However, systematic repairs would still be necessary once they returned.


    Yu Tianyi red in the direction the flying carpet had departed, murderous intent radiating from him.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, I swear I¡¯ll kill you!¡± Yu Tianyi controlled the warship, and it disappeared like aet, chasing after Liu Wuxie.


    Everyone cheered when the flying carpet¡¯s speed returned to normal because they had finally shaken off the Heavenly Origin Sect¡¯s pursuit.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, how did you do that?¡± Fan Lin walked over eagerly. His flying carpet was only a low-grade flying treasure and couldn¡¯t bepared to the warship. But the earlier outburst of speed was even faster than a high-grade flying treasure.


    Liu Wuxie smiled and didn¡¯t bother exining. He knew Fan Lin wouldn¡¯t understand even if he did. Too many factors were involved, and the runes he inscribed were flying spiritual runes. It was heaven-defying that he could aplish what he did with his cultivation.


    He had to wait till he reached the Heavenly Dipper Realm before he could refine some low-grade flying treasures.


    Everyone gradually calmed down after flying for fifteen minutes.


    ¡°They¡¯re catching up!¡± the young man seated behind yelled as the Heavenly Origin Sect¡¯s warship swiftly approached. On the contrary, the runes Liu Wuxie had inscribed on the flying carpet were more or less exhausted, and the speed gradually slowed.


    Everyone¡¯s nerves became tense because the warship¡¯s speed was twicepared to theirs, and they would catch up in less than fifteen minutes. Yu Tianyi wouldn¡¯t let them go this time, which worried everyone.


    ¡°Wuxie, what should we do?¡± Fan Lin panicked. He didn¡¯t have a solution, and it was tough for the flying carpet to break free from the warship.


    Liu Wuxie frowned with a hint of determination on his face. Since they wanted to y, he wouldn¡¯t mind ying big with them.


    ¡°Senior Brother Fan, can you let me control your flying sword?¡± A bold thought appeared in Liu Wuxie¡¯s heart. He nned to control Fan Lin¡¯s flying sword to face Yu Tianyi¡¯s warship.


    There was no doubt that this was an insane decision. Not to mention Fan Lin, even the other eleven disciples were dumbstruck.


    ¡°Wuxie, have you ever controlled a flying sword before? You¡¯ll fall if you can¡¯t bnce yourself,¡± Fan Lin warned. He recalled how he had flown at low altitudes when he first learned to control a flying sword, keeping the height to roughly three to five meters.


    He had practiced for a month before controlling his bnce and daring to fly at high altitudes.


    Liu Wuxie knew Fan Lin was warning him out of goodwill because everyone started at a low altitude when learning to fly on the flying sword. However, there was no time because the flying carpet would be destroyed if he took time to familiarize himself with the flying sword.


    ¡°I can¡¯t worry about that right now. Senior Brother Fan, summon your flying sword!¡± Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t have time to exin. He had long mastered the art of flying, but he couldn¡¯t fly because of his low cultivation. Thus, controlling a flying sword was an easy task for him.


    Fan Lin gritted his teeth and summoned his broad sword on the flying carpet.


    ¡°Drip a drop of your blood on it. I¡¯ll let you control the flying sword temporarily.¡± Since Fan Lin had made up his mind, he would naturally give his fullest support.


    Liu Wuxie bit his finger without hesitation and let a drop of blood fall onto the broad sword. A strange scene unfolded as Liu Wuxie and the broad sword formed a mental connection.


    Using divine power, Liu Wuxie could control the broad sword however he wished. After gaining control of the sword, Liu Wuxie tested it briefly before he finally stepped on it.


    Fan Lin was dumbfounded and couldn¡¯t believe this was Liu Wuxie¡¯s first time controlling a flying sword. The others were even more shocked because controlling a flying sword with divine power required strong control that had to be umted through time.


    In less than two breaths, Liu Wuxie had fully grasped the flying sword. His divine power circted when he stepped on it, and the sword flew out like aet.


    Fan Lin''s heart leaped to his throat; if Liu Wuxie fell, he would die, and Fan Lin had no idea how he would exin it to the young missy.


    The moment the flying sword left the flying carpet, it trembled. This was Liu Wuxie¡¯s first time controlling a flying sword since his rebirth, and he was a little nervous. But the nervousness onlysted briefly before dissipating.

 Chapter 303 - Entering the Cultivation World

    <h4>Chapter 303 - Entering the Cultivation World</h4>


    After adapting to the flying sword, Liu Wuxie returned to the flying carpet.


    ¡°Senior Brother Fan, I suggest you leave with them first. I¡¯ll be right behind you.¡± The flying sword was a formidable advantage, its speed far surpassing the flying carpet. Once he had dealt with the treacherous Heavenly Origin Sect, catching up with them would be child''s y.


    Liu Wuxie turned and flew towards the Heavenly Origin Sect¡¯s warship.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s actions shocked everyone; even those on the warship were dumbstruck because this was too bold and reckless.


    Like aet, Liu Wuxie streaked across the horizon and got closer to the Heavenly Origin Sect¡¯s warship.


    ¡°Senior Brother Yu, what is he trying to do?¡± The ten-odd people standing on the deck looked at Yu Tianyi with a hint of shock. Liu Wuxie seemed too familiar with the flying sword, as if he had honed it for a long time.


    ¡°Hmph, what a pathetic struggle!¡± Yu Tianyi snorted and steered the warship to crash towards Liu Wuxie.


    Fan Lin took control of the flying carpet and continued flying away, asionally looking back.


    Liu Wuxie got closer to the warship and was only five meters away. The flying sword suddenly flew upward while he tilted his body. He stepped on the flying sword with his feet and quickly ascended.


    Without hesitation, Liu Wuxie swung the Heretic de down, unleashing a powerful de aura that flew toward the warship.


    The warship was inferior in terms of mobility and could notpare with a flying sword, which was more flexible.


    Sparks flew from the warship, but it wasn¡¯t destroyed as it could withstand the attack of cultivators in the Heavenly Phase Realm. After all, Liu Wuxie was only in the True Core Realm, and even if he was strong, there was no way he could tear apart the warship¡¯s defenses.


    However, that was enough because Liu Wuxie¡¯s goal was to hinder them and let Fan Lin¡¯s group escape. His action enraged Yu Tianyi thoroughly, with his murderous intent sweeping out.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, I want you dead!¡± Yu Tianyi said, gritting his teeth. Liu Wuxie was merely an ant in his eyes. However, he had managed to provoke him; Yu Tianyi could only quell his anger by killing Liu Wuxie.


    The warship elerated, and there was an offensive weapon on it. A mighty sword aura flew out of the warship and aimed at Liu Wuxie¡¯s legs.


    The sword aura reached the extreme speed in an instant. If Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t react, he would be struck by the sword aura and fall from the sky.


    The flying sword performed a 180-degree rotation, and the sword aura brushed past Liu Wuxie¡¯s legs.


    ¡°That¡¯s impossible. How can he be so familiar with the flying sword?!¡± Ye Feng¡¯s eyes became grim. He had the privilege of seeing his uncle riding a flying sword and sharing much knowledge about it with him.


    It would take at least ten days to half a month for someone to get familiar with the flying sword. It had only been a few minutes, and Liu Wuxie flew through the air gracefully.


    Liu Wuxie glided through the air and appeared at the bottom of the warship. He executed Ghost Eye and saw through the materials used to construct the warship.


    ¡°Hmph, it¡¯s slightly more advanced than the flying carpet, and I¡¯ll destroy your warship today!¡± The depth of the warship was filled with flying spiritual runes, and the warship required spirit stones to fly.


    The energy from the spirit stones would flow into the warship, activating the flying spiritual runes to fly. The sword aura was also energy from the spirit stone. The warship had an offensive spiritual array, converting the spirit stones¡¯ energies into sword aura to attack.


    Not only could spiritual runes be inscribed on the ground, but they could also be inscribed in armor, weapons, and even flying treasures.


    ¡°Where¡¯s he?¡± Everyone on the warship looked around, but they didn¡¯t notice Liu Wuxie was at the bottom of the warship.


    Maintaining the same speed as the warship, Liu Wuxie sheathed the Heretic de. He began forming seals with his hands and injected them into the warship. His goal was to destroy the warship and cause the entire warship to fall from the sky.


    Since the Heavenly Origin Sect wanted to take it so far, he did not need to show any mercy. Time passed by the second, and the warship showed no movement.


    Suddenly, cracking sounds came from inside the warship, and fissures began to appear on the deck. This sight caused everyone''s expressions to change as they quickly retreated.


    What goes aroundes around. Since they nearly crashed onto the flying carpet, Liu Wuxie would destroy their warship as revenge.


    ¡°Shit! We are in trouble!¡± Yu Tianyi screamed. He finally understood what Liu Wuxie nned to do: destroy his warship. If he lost his warship, who knew when they could return to the Heavenly Origin Sect? If they traveled by foot, they wouldn¡¯t be able to reach the Heavenly Origin Sect even if they took three to five years.


    Was he going to abandon everyone and return by himself on the flying sword?


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, damn you!¡± Yu Tianyi was furious and took out his flying sword. He opened the defensive barrier and flew towards Liu Wuxie.


    In the next moment, Liu Wuxie sped up and bolted into the distance to chase after Fan Lin and others.


    This ced Yu Tianyi in a difficult position. If he went after Liu Wuxie, the warship would be wholly scraped, and everyone on it would die. This left him no choice but to give up chasing after Liu Wuxie.


    Gritting his teeth, Yu Tianyi felt a deep ache in his heart, having invested so much effort into the warship.


    ¡°Just you wait! I will kill you even if you escape into the cultivation world!¡± After weighing his options, Yu Tianyi suppressed his murderous intent and returned to the warship. When he returned, the cracks on the warship had grown bigger.


    ¡°Senior Brother Yu, what happened? Why is the warship shaking even more violently?¡± The ten-odd people on the deck trembled in fear.


    Looking at the expanding cracks on the warship, Yu Tianyi clenched his fists. He had failed to kill Liu Wuxie and even paid a significant price with his warship.


    ¡°There¡¯s arge city around here. We¡¯ll go there first to fix the warship before we continue our journey!¡± Yu Tianyi had no choice but to make this decision.


    Yu Tianyi controlled the warship and headed to the nearestrge city he had passed by on the way there.


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t go far and hovered deep in the clouds. He finally heaved a sigh of relief after the warship left. What he had done earlier was dangerous, and Yu Tianyi could have killed him if he hadn¡¯t been careful.


    This was ultimately because he was too weak. Yu Tianyi was in the Heavenly Dipper Realm; the only oue would be death if they shed.


    Vanishing into the clouds, Liu Wuxie finally caught up with Fan Lin and others a dayter. When Fan Lin saw his return, he heaved a sigh of relief. This time, everyone looked at Liu Wuxie with reverence.


    ¡°Wuxie, did they catch up?¡± Fan Lin asked.


    ¡°They won¡¯t be able to catch up!¡± Liu Wuxie said, but he didn¡¯t exin much as there wasn¡¯t a need to. The others didn¡¯t ask as they weren¡¯t qualified. The rest of the journey was tedious and dry.


    Returning to the flying carpet, everyone made room for Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie took out the Evesting Pill to reach the third level of the True Core Realm before reaching the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    Under everyone¡¯s envious gazes, Liu Wuxie swallowed the Evesting Pill. The Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron soon devoured the violent energy released by the pill.


    For some time, he was stuck in the pinnacle of the second level of the True Core Realm, and the Evesting Pill¡¯s effect was to raise one level unconditionally.


    As he circted the Deste Devouring Art, the surrounding spiritual energy was devoured into the world in his dantian. The phenomenon he created naturally shocked everyone on the flying carpet with horrified expressions.


    ¡°What a terrifying cultivation technique. His speed of devouring spiritual energy is a hundred timespared to mine.¡± Lu Xinde opened his mouth with disbelief.


    Almost everyone felt the same way because they had never seen such a terrifying phenomenon. They also knew nothing about Liu Wuxie because they didn¡¯te from the same dynasty.


    Three days passed in the blink of an eye, and everyone had be ustomed to flying.


    ¡°We¡¯ll enter the cultivation world after crossing this mountain range.¡± Fan Lin lowered the altitude. A massive mountain range looked like a barrier, isting the mundane and cultivation worlds.


    ¡°This is the legendary Heavenly Gorge?¡± Everyone¡¯s attention was focused on the towering mountain range. Crossing it was tough for those in the True Core Realm; the only way across was to fly through it.


    ¡°The world might seem vast to you now, but you will soon realize that empires are insignificantpared to the cultivation world. The scale of an empire is not evenparable to that of a single city.¡± As they neared their entry into the cultivation world, Fan Lin shared thismon knowledge with everyone to ensure they wouldn¡¯t be clueless upon their arrival.


    Liu Wuxie spent three days examining the ground before stabilizing his cultivation in the pinnacle of the third-level True Core Realm.


    The Heavenly Gorge was massive. Not only were there towering mountains, but many powerful demonic beasts resided in the mountain range, making it impossible for ordinary people to cross.


    The mountain range seemed endless, and the mountains became shorter after crossing it because this ce was only the cultivation world¡¯s outer region. The Heavenly Phase Realm was the prerequisite to cross the mountain range, as only they could fly.


    ¡°It¡¯s weird...the spatialws here are more fortified than in the mundane world.¡± Upon entering the cultivation world, everyone soon noticed something was amiss.


    Liu Wuxie had long noticed it, but he said nothing. It was normal forws to be stronger in higher nes, making them more suitable for cultivation.


    Regardless of spatialws or the purity of spiritual energy, the cultivation world was tens of times stronger than the mundane world.


    In the same realm, one could unleash a punch weighing 5,000 kilograms in the outside world, but throwing out a punch carrying 500 kilograms in the cultivation world would be impressive. This was because space in the cultivation world was stronger.


    ¡°This is only the outer region. The environment is a thousand times better when we reach the inner region.¡± Fan Lin chuckled. He didn¡¯t look down on them. He was born in the cultivation world and knew how fresh it was for these cultivators from the mundane world.


    Everyone was excited to hear that the environment in the inner region was even better. In the blink of an eye, all of the ten-odd people made a breakthrough in their cultivation.


    Due to the change of space, the true essence in their bodies began to be suppressed, smoothly allowing them to make a breakthrough. Some in the third-level True Core Realm easily reached the fourth level.


    As Liu Wuxie had just made a breakthrough not long ago, his cultivation did not change much. This meant his cultivation was still the lowest among everyone.


    However, everyone knew they couldn¡¯t gauge Liu Wuxie¡¯s strength based on his cultivation.


    As they flew over the mountains and rivers, celestial cranes flew side by side with them and showed no fear for humans.


    ¡°This is the cultivation world?¡± Lu Xinde danced excitedly, wishing he had wings so he could soar in the sky.

 Chapter 304 - Bully

    <h4>Chapter 304 - Bully</h4>


    Everyone looked excited.


    A hint of a smile rose on Liu Wuxie¡¯s lips because entering the cultivation world meant getting one step closer to the celestial realm. He had been cultivating tirelessly for six months, hoping to return for revenge.


    The speed of the flying carpet slowed significantly. They made detours when they passed throughrge cities because many cities in the cultivation world prohibited flying. Everyone could only travel on foot, with no exceptions.


    After another five days of traveling on the flying carpet, they entered a paradise filled with spiritual energy. Just taking a deep breath made everyone feelfortable throughout their bodies.


    ¡°The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion is up ahead. Prepare tond!¡± It was prohibited to fly in any sects, and some would even set up offensive spiritual arrays. If one flew recklessly into a sect, there was a possibility the spiritual array might kill them.


    The flying carpet slowed down at the foot of a mountain. When everyone raised their heads, they saw birds chirping, fragrant flowers, towering ancient trees that reached the sky, and several towering mountains that made this ce look like a paradise.


    In the mountain range''s depths was a massive waterfall resembling the Milky Way. Profound beasts yed around in the mountains, showing no fear for humans.


    After reaching the True Core Realm, beasts could no longer be called demonic but profound beasts. This was because they possessed a certain level of intelligence.


    This was a paradise for cultivators; only the ten major sects could have such a ce as their base. Weng Li and everyone looked around, looking excited before they even entered the sect.


    ¡°Wuxie, what do you think of this ce?¡± Fan Lin couldn¡¯t see any fluctuation in Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes, as if nothing could stir his heart. He had been paying attention to Liu Wuxie since they entered the cultivation world.


    Liu Wuxie maintained hisposure when hearing what Fan Lin said, which was surprising given the former¡¯s age.


    ¡°Not bad!¡± Liu Wuxie nodded. Compared to the mundane world, the cultivation world was undoubtedly a paradise.


    ¡°Senior Brother Fan, when will we ascend the mountain?¡± Lu Xinde and everyone looked impatient. They had been waiting at the foot of the mountain for a long time.


    That was the same for others. But they weren¡¯t bothered initially, thinking that it was to let them familiarize themselves with the environment.


    However, even after fifteen minutes, Fan Lin still showed no intention of bringing them into the sect, which surprised Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Well, in addition to recruiting disciples from the mundane world every decade, we also recruit disciples from the cultivation world annually. The test should start today, and many people will join the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion like you guys,¡± Fan Lin exined.


    A powerful sect naturally had a tiered ranking system, and they would enroll new recruits into the sect. Every decade, just ten-odd people from the mundane world weren¡¯t enough to support the sect''s development.


    After all, the poption of a small n would skyrocket in ten years of development. Putting it bluntly, the Battle of the Hundred Nations was a way to take care of the mundane world, picking some good seedlings every decade.


    The core of the ten major sects was still the cultivation world. The cultivators from a decade ago had long been forgotten from the mundane world. Most disappeared, and only a few established footing in the cultivation world.


    Fan Lin naturally wouldn¡¯t tell them that, but he couldn¡¯t hide it from Liu Wuxie. From when they stepped into the cultivation world, the density of the poption was higher than in the mundane world. Fan Lin said that even a nation in the mundane world couldn¡¯t bepared to arge city in the cultivation world.


    The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion had over a hundred thousand disciples, with fifty to sixty thousand as outer disciples. There were also inner, core, and many other disciples.


    Only disciples would be recorded in books, and there were also misceneous disciples and others who weren¡¯t in the record.


    Thus, twelve weren¡¯t even a fraction of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion¡¯s poption. Only true dragons could cause waves while many would be engulfed.


    Everyone understood the meaning of Fan Lin¡¯s words and waited for the other disciples¡¯ assessment to conclude before entering the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion together.


    ¡°So, do we just wait here?¡± Lu Xinde asked, eager to enter the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    ¡°No. We will go up the mountain now!¡± Fan Lin led everyone up the stairs. Over ten thousand steps reached into the clouds because the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion was deep in the mountain range.


    After roughly an hour of walking, a massive gate appeared before everyone. Towering over a hundred feet tall, it looked majestic.


    ¡°The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion!¡± Three words appeared before everyone, emanating a solemn and majestic presence.


    It had been ten thousand years since the founding of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. Their inheritance was never broken, and they had thousands of sect masters.


    Two youths donned the uniform of misceneous disciples outside the stone gate, holding brooms to clean the dried leaves on the ground. When they saw someone approaching, they put the brooms down and looked at the ten-odd people.


    ¡°Who are they? Why did theye to the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion?¡± The youth on the left frowned. He had strength in the pinnacle Marrow Cleansing Realm, but he could only be a janitor in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    Weng Li and others were inwardly shocked because cultivators in the pinnacle Marrow Cleansing Realm could be an overlord in the mundane world. But they couldn¡¯t even be an official disciple in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. Only those who reached the True Core Realm could be promoted as outer disciples.


    ¡°It has been ten years, so they must be trash from the mundane world.¡± The youth on the right sneered. They came from the cultivation world and were only unfortunate for now. They were confident in reaching the True Core Realm as long as they were given the opportunity.


    ¡°You can¡¯t put it that way. They must be talented to reach their current cultivation in the mundane world.¡± The youth on the left didn¡¯t share the same thought. Even if they themselves were born in the cultivation world, not everyone born there was a genius. Trashy talent existed everywhere.


    The twelve people heard their conversation, and Weng Li¡¯s expression became ugly. However, he quickly suppressed his anger after seeing no fluctuation on Liu Wuxie¡¯s face. They had just arrived and should keep a low profile for the time being.


    It was best for them not to offend anyone because who knew if a misceneous disciple might have someone backing them up, and this was only a transition to them.


    They appeared before a massive field when they passed through the stone gate. The Imperial Academy¡¯s field was nothingpared to this; just calling it significant wasn¡¯t enough to describe this ce.


    As they passed through the field, they could see buildings in the depths of the mountain. Those buildings should be the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion¡¯s residence area.


    ¡°You¡¯re all free to look around. But don¡¯t leave this field because we won¡¯t be responsible if anything happens to you. Before obtaining the disciple medal, no one will stand up for you if you all are killed here. Keep that in mind!¡± Fan Lin had to go back to report and reminded everyone repeatedly not to cause any trouble.


    Strictly speaking, they still couldn¡¯t be considered disciples of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion without obtaining the medal representing their identity.


    ¡°Yes!¡± Everyone bowed carefully.


    Everyone knew that the cultivation world followed thew of the jungle and was aware of this logic very well.


    After Fan Lin left, he signaled Liu Wuxie to suppress himself if anything happened and not act rashly.


    Liu Wuxie naturally understood the look and wouldn¡¯t cause any trouble as long as he wasn¡¯t provoked.


    After Fan Lin left, everyone¡¯s nerves loosened. Some sat on the ground to rest while others looked around, curious about this ce.


    Liu Wuxie found a clean ce to sit and didn¡¯t look to be in a hurry.


    The two youths cleaning the gate walked over with a mocking smile hanging on their lips.


    ¡°Get up and clean this ce!¡± The youth on the right was roughly older, in his mid-twenties. He had a somewhat eerie face with deep eyes that made him look sinister.


    The youth on the left merely smiled and said nothing. The two were responsible for cleaning up the gate and the leaves on the field.


    After speaking, they threw the brooms before Liu Wuxie¡¯s group, instructing them to clean up the leaves.


    ¡°Why should we sweep the floor?¡± Lu Xinde was the first to object. He was in the True Core Realm, while these two were misceneous disciples.


    ¡°Because of this!¡± The youth on the right said, and a golden ray shot out of his hand, striking Lu Xinde in the chest like aet.


    Lu Xinde was sent flying out and threw up a mouthful of blood. He was in the fourth level of the True Core Realm, but he couldn¡¯t even take an attack from someone in the pinnacle of the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    Everyone instantly became nervous at this scene.


    ¡°Spiritual treasure!¡± Weng Li recognized the golden ray in the hands of the youth. It was a spiritual treasure that only someone in the Heavenly Dipper Realm could refine.


    But how could someone in the Marrow Cleansing Realm possibly control a spiritual treasure?


    Spiritual treasures were divided into two types: ordinary spiritual treasures corresponding with the Heavenly Dipper Realm and inherent spiritual treasures corresponding with the Heavenly Phase Realm.


    Even an ordinary spiritual treasure wasn¡¯t something someone in the True Core Realm could withstand.


    Liu Wuxie narrowed his eyes as these two youths had cleared their divine bridge at the pinnacle of the Marrow Cleansing Realm, proving that the cultivation world differed.


    Lu Xindey on the ground, coughing up blood. His chest was dyed red, and this scene made everyone else take a huge step back.


    ¡°Now, do we qualify to make you all sweep the floor?¡± the youth on the right asked with disdain in his eyes, then kicked the broom over to Liu Wuxie. After all, Liu Wuxie was the weakest among the twelve and naturally stood out the most.


    Weng Li and others looked at Liu Wuxie, wanting to see how he would deal with this situation.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want trouble. You two shouldn¡¯t provoke me.¡± Liu Wuxie stood up. He didn¡¯t care about the life and death of others as long as no one troubled him.


    But as he took a few steps, the two youths stepped forward to stand in Liu Wuxie¡¯s path.


    ¡°What arrogance. You¡¯re the first to talk to me, Mei Zizheng, in this manner. I¡¯ll knock your teeth out.¡± The youth on the right was called Mei Zizheng, and the youth on the left was called Zhai Gaofang. They had joined the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion half a year ago and could only sweep the floor as they had yet to reach the True Core Realm. Thus, it was natural for them to have resentment pent up in their chests.


    When they saw Liu Wuxie, the idea of using spiritual treasure to bully them came to their minds. After all, trash like them wouldn¡¯t even take a few months to die.


    Even if they had joined the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, they would die if they didn¡¯t have any background or pledge their allegiance to an expert.


    ¡°This spiritual treasure doesn¡¯t belong to you, right?¡± Liu Wuxie gazed at the spiritual treasure in Mei Zizheng¡¯s hand. It was an unusual medal that emanated a powerful spiritual treasure aura.


    Mei Zizheng narrowed his eyes because this medal didn¡¯t belong to him, and he was holding it temporarily for someone. This was why he dared to use the spiritual treasure to bully Liu Wuxie¡¯s group.


    However, Liu Wuxie saw through him at a nce. He noticed that Mei Zizheng had to exert a lot of force when controlling the medal with his divine power. After all, the spiritual treasure would have been deeply linked to Mei Zizheng if it belonged to him.

 Chapter 305 - Seizing the Spiritual Treasure

    <h4>Chapter 305 - Seizing the Spiritual Treasure</h4>


    The atmosphere became tense, with a hint of murderous intent emanating from Mei Zizheng.


    ¡°Brat, are you going to sweep the floor or not?!¡± Mei Zizheng naturally wouldn¡¯t deny that this spiritual treasure didn¡¯t belong to him and red at Liu Wuxie fiercely. If Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t sweep the floor soon, he wouldn¡¯t mind teaching him a lesson.


    ¡°Let me do it!¡± Weng Li ran over and picked up the broom. He didn¡¯t want this matter to escte, and sweeping the floor was nothing much.


    ¡°Who told you to pick up the broom? He must clean the entire field today, or don¡¯t me us for being impolite!¡± Mei Zizheng red at Weng Li. He wouldn¡¯t hesitate to throw the spiritual treasure over if thetter dared to help.


    ¡°It has nothing to do with you. Step aside!¡± Liu Wuxie was touched that Weng Li had stepped in, unlike others who distanced themselves. Some even started ttering the two misceneous disciples, which filled Liu Wuxie with sorrow.


    ¡°Senior brothers, these are some specialties from my hometown. Please ept them!¡± Chen Xinchang and Yang Songyue took out some specialties from their interspatial pouches. They might not be worth much, but it was a sincere gesture from them.


    This instantly left Mei Zizheng and Zhai Gaofang grinning with crooked smiles. After all, they had been the targets of bullies and finally got the chance to be ¡®senior brothers¡¯ today.


    ¡°Not bad. Go there to rest!¡± Mei Zizheng waved his hand for the two to rest by the side.


    It didn¡¯t take long for everyone else to mimic and take out gifts they had prepared beforehand, giving them to Mei Zizheng. Their friends and rtives had prepared gifts for them to build rtionships with fellow disciples. But they surely didn¡¯t expect to use them so quickly.


    In just a few minutes, only Liu Wuxie and Weng Li, aside from the injured Lu Xinde, were left standing. In everyone¡¯s eyes, this was the end of Liu Wuxie¡¯s dominance because this was the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, and these two youths had a spiritual treasure on them. If Liu Wuxie dared to resist, it would only result in his death.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, you better pick up the broom. There won¡¯t be any benefits to opposing Senior Brother Mei!¡± Yang Songyue came from the Martial Heritance Dynasty. Liu Wuxie remembered that he hadn¡¯t spared the geniuses from the Martial Heritance Dynasty in the Battle of the Hundred Nations.


    He pretended to be humble along the way and didn¡¯t dare to offend Liu Wuxie, but he immediately changed his attitude when he found a backer.


    Seeing these people so eager to see him embarrassed, Liu Wuxie knew he was wrong about them. He had thought they would support each other since they were new disciples of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. However, apart from Weng Li, everyone hoped for his demise.


    ¡°Brat, what are you staring at? Hurry up and sweep the field!¡± Mei Zizheng was running out of patience, and the spiritual treasure in his hand began to spin rapidly, ready to strike at any moment.


    ¡°Get lost!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s voice sounded like rumbling lightning. At first, he wasn¡¯t this furious, but Yang Songyue and others'' reactions annoyed him.


    After all, he had risked his life holding back Yu Tianyi to let everyone escape. He didn¡¯t expect their gratitude, but he certainly didn¡¯t expect them to turn on him now.


    A powerful aura swept out, nearly sending Mei Zizheng flying away. This naturally made thetter furious.


    ¡°Interesting! Do you dare tell me to get lost? You¡¯re still not a disciple of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion yet, and no one will do anything to me even if I kill you here.¡± Mei Zizheng threw the golden ray towards Liu Wuxie, intending to teach him a lesson using the spiritual treasure. He wanted to see if thetter would still dare to talk back to him.


    ¡°Nice spiritual treasure, but it¡¯s mine now!¡± Liu Wuxie had just entered the cultivation world and required resources. This might be a low-grade spiritual treasure, but it was higher than the Heretic de.


    He could strip the spiritual properties of this spiritual treasure and integrate them into the Heretic de.


    When the golden ray flew over, Liu Wuxie waved his hand, and the spiritual treasure disappeared mysteriously as though it had never existed.


    This sudden turn of events caught Mei Zizheng off guard, and he lost contact with the spiritual treasure.


    ¡°Brat, how dare you seize my spiritual treasure. Hand it over!¡± Mei Zizheng panicked. The spiritual treasure was his lifeline, and losing it was like a tiger losing its fangs.


    Yang Songyue and others were dumbfounded. They couldn¡¯t believe that even the spiritual treasure couldn¡¯t do anything to Liu Wuxie.


    The power of the spiritual treasure might not beparable to an attack from someone in the Heavenly Dipper Realm, but it was formidable and was equivalent to an attack from someone in the higher levels of the True Core Realm.


    No one could see Liu Wuxie¡¯s actions when the spiritual treasure disappeared, leaving everyone in disbelief.


    ¡°Spiritual treasure? What are you talking about?¡± Liu Wuxie looked confused and shrugged. How would he give it back since it hade into his possession?


    Weng Li smiled wryly. Perhaps only Liu Wuxie could do something so insane. If someone else were in his position, they would¡¯ve swept the floor obediently, choosing to put up with it and take revenge in the future. This was something that others couldn¡¯t imitate.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s reply nearly drove Mei Zizheng insane. That spiritual treasure belonged to a senior brother, and he had given it to Mei Zizheng for safekeeping as he couldn¡¯t take it to the ce he was visiting.


    Mei Zizheng had been swaggering around for the past few days with the spiritual treasure, which had made many outer disciples treat him politely. The spiritual treasure gave him the confidence to hold his head high.


    But who would¡¯ve thought he would suffer such a massive loss at Liu Wuxie¡¯s hands? Not only did he fail to suppress Liu Wuxie, but he also lost the spiritual treasure given to him for safekeeping.


    ¡°You have quite the guts! You have three breaths to return it, or don¡¯t me me for being impolite!¡± Mei Zizheng panicked. He wouldn¡¯t be able to exin to the senior brother who had entrusted him with the spiritual treasure, and there was no doubt that he would be killed for losing it.


    Misceneous disciples weren¡¯t in records, and no one would investigate if they died.


    Yang Songyue and others were dumbfounded because all of this happened too quickly. When they remembered what they had done earlier, their faces turned red.


    ¡°You want the spiritual treasure back? Dream on! Get lost!¡± Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t be bothered to waste any more time with them. In his opinion, these two were no different from garbage. Even if someone in the higher levels of the True Core Realm were to challenge him, he wouldn¡¯t hesitate to send them flying with a p.


    Then again, only Liu Wuxie dared to be so oppressive.


    ¡°Senior Brother Mei, think of a solution! It¡¯s a serious offense to lose the spiritual treasure!¡± Zhao Gaofang became anxious. They would both be held responsible if they couldn¡¯t return the spiritual treasure. After all, each spiritual treasure was priceless.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± Mei Zizheng knew they were no match for Liu Wuxie, and the only solution was seeking help. He left without any hesitation, abandoning the broom and dashing away.


    ¡°Brother Liu, will your action cause unnecessary trouble?¡± Weng Li reminded out of goodwill. They were neers to the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion and needed to be cautious. Being so high-profile would only draw unwanted attention to them.


    Yang Songyue and others had distanced themselves, not daring to get too close to Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Do you think there won¡¯t be trouble if I return the spiritual treasure?¡± Liu Wuxie nced at Weng Li. He knew that thetter was advising him out of goodwill, and he had no intentions of ming him.


    Only Weng Li stood in support when Liu Wuxie faced the bullies, further strengthening their friendship.


    Returning the spiritual treasure would only feed Mei Zizheng¡¯s arrogance, encouraging him to take it further to humiliate them. Since that was the case, Liu Wuxie decided to seize the spiritual treasure since he had already offended them.


    Liu Wuxie returned to his spot to sit down and meditate, isting himself from the outside world.


    Yang Songyue and others stood by the side, distancing themselves from Liu Wuxie.


    Time passed quickly, and Fan Lin was still nowhere to be seen. ording to him, the newly recruited disciples would arrive the following day.


    As the sky turned dark, many outer disciples returned from outside. When they passed by the field, some had disdain and contempt on their faces, but most didn¡¯t bother with them.


    Suddenly, four figures rushed over from the distance. Mei Zizheng and Zhai Gaofang were among them, with two people following closely behind.


    This made everyone tense up, especially Yang Songyue and others who gloated. What was bound to happen couldn¡¯t be evaded.


    ¡°Senior Brother Hou, it¡¯s him! He snatched my spiritual treasure!¡± Mei Zizheng stood five steps away from Liu Wuxie and pointed at him.


    Two powerful auras came crashing down on Liu Wuxie. Hou Li had a powerful cultivation in the fifth level of the True Core Realm. He should be an outer disciple, as Mei Zizheng couldn''t invite high-ranking disciples with his status.


    Hou Li stepped forward and swept his cold gaze at everyone before fixating on Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°A mere cultivator from the mundane world dares to cause trouble in the cultivation world? Is he tired of living?!¡± Hou Li released his aura right from the start, suppressing Liu Wuxie.


    He didn¡¯t bother to find out who was in the wrong because cultivators from the mundane world were no different from ants to them.


    A cold smirk appeared in Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes as he opened them, unleashing two icy beams that made Hou Li shudder in fear.


    ¡°Get lost!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s voice echoed. He was cultivating as he still hadn¡¯t refined all the energy from the Evesting Pill. If he was given some time, he could even reach the fourth level of the True Core Realm. Thus, it was natural for Liu Wuxie to be furious after being interrupted.


    ¡°How dare you be disrespectful! Don¡¯t you know where you are? You all are mere ants from the mundane world. It looks like you need to be taught a lesson today!¡± Hou Li reached out with his palm, striking towards Liu Wuxie.


    In the mundane world, the strike from someone in the fifth level of the True Core Realm was highly destructive. But in the cultivation world, the strike could only cause a light breeze and couldn¡¯t even sweep up the rocks from the ground. This was because space in the cultivation world was stronger than the mundane world.


    ¡°What did Mei Zizheng promise you toe here and seek humiliation?¡± Liu Wuxie vanished, and no one could see where he went.


    After all, Mei Zizheng had sought out Hou Li not long after the spiritual treasure was seized. He had offered a hundred mid-grade spirit stones to invite Hou Li and another expert to help him regain the spiritual treasure.


    Hou Li was stuck in the fifth level of the True Core Realm for a long time and urgently needed mid-grade spirit stones. He agreed to Mei Zizheng¡¯s request, especially after hearing that he only had to punish a few cultivators from the mundane world.


    Low-grade spirit stones were rare in the cultivation world; most were mid-grade spirit stones. The exchange ratio of a mid-grade spirit stone to low-grade spirit stones was 1:1000, and the exchange rate was the same for high to mid-grade spirit stones.


    However, low-grade spirit stones contained too many impurities, which were unsuitable for cultivators to absorb.


    Mei Zizheng had offered a hefty price of a hundred mid-grade spirit stones. Spirit stones were the mostmonly used currency in the cultivation world because gold and silver were nothing but trash.

 Chapter 306 - Get Lost

    <h4>Chapter 306 - Get Lost</h4>


    Before everyone recovered from their shock, an afterimage appeared before Hou Li.


    After receiving a p from Liu Wuxie, Hou Li flew out like a loose kite. He drew a beautiful trajectory across the sky and fell into the flowerbed, smashing a few rocks.


    When Hou Li got back to his feet, his face was covered in bruises, and his nose was swollen. Murderous intent swept out from him as he charged at Liu Wuxie.


    This left Mei Zizheng stumped, unable toprehend what had just happened. He couldn¡¯t believe someone in the fifth level of the True Core Realm was sent flying with a p.


    Weng Li felt his mind buzzing. It was toote for him to stop because Liu Wuxie¡¯s speed was too fast.


    Hou Li would have humiliated Liu Wuxie even if he hadn¡¯t retaliated. Liu Wuxie had already seen through everything, so he acted first.


    Mei Zizheng¡¯s heart nearly jumped out of his chest, and he took a big step back.


    ¡°How dare you?!¡± The other man who came with Hou Li was Sha Qizhi, who was also in the fifth level of the True Core Realm.


    Everyone believed that Liu Wuxie managed to send Hou Li flying, relying on a sneak attack. They were confident in crushing Liu Wuxie in one strike if they shed head-on.


    ¡°I advise you to think twice before acting!¡± Liu Wuxie gazed at Sha Qizhi like a vicious viper. He stopped in his tracks, his right hand stopping in mid-air. He was ced in a dilemma, not knowing whether to strike.


    ¡°I¡¯ll kill you!¡± Hou Li cleaved his weapon down at Liu Wuxie.


    A fifth-level True Core Realm expert was no different from someone in the Xiantian Realm in the mundane world. In the cultivation world, one would only possess some authority of speech after reaching the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    In the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, disciples were divided into four categories. Those in the True Core Realm were outer disciples, and one could only be an inner disciple after reaching the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    Above that were the core disciples, who were required to reach the Heavenly Phase Realm. The number of core disciples in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion was only half that of the inner disciples.


    As for true disciples, each of them would be treated as treasures to nurture in every sect, requiring disciples to reach the Astral River Realm. The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion didn¡¯t have many true disciples.


    Next would be those in the Nascent Transformation Realm, most of whom held the position of an elder in a sect.


    Only one in a thousand could reach the Heavenly Dipper Realm, and those who could reach the Heavenly Phase Realm were one in ten thousand.


    As mentioned, few disciples reached the Astral River Realm in the sect. Thus, one could imagine how tough cultivating was as one¡¯s cultivation increased.


    Hou Li and Sha Qizhi were garbage in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, so Liu Wuxie dared to retaliate fearlessly.


    Facing Hou Li¡¯s attack, Liu Wuxie remained indifferent and stood quietly in ce, allowing Hou Li to approach him. As the distance between them closed rapidly, Hou Li came within a meter of Liu Wuxie.


    Right then, Liu Wuxie kicked with his right leg.


    Hou Li flew out again, this time even further. After flying out thirty-odd meters, he smashed into the field and threw up blood. As he fell facing the ground, his entire face scraped the ground with a few teeth hanging from the corners of his mouth, making him look miserable.


    If the first time was a coincidence and everyone felt that Liu Wuxie had only achieved it byunching a sneak attack, the second time was different. Liu Wuxie attacked Hou Li, easily sending thetter flying away. This made Mei Zizheng¡¯s group of three feel a chill running down their spines.


    After all, Liu Wuxie was only in the third level of the True Core Realm, possessing a bizarre movement technique with incredible speed.


    Sha Qizhi stopped in his tracks, not daring to take another step forward when he saw this scene.


    Mei Zihua and Zhai Gaofang opened their mouths wide open in shock.


    ¡°You bastard! I¡¯ll kill you!¡± After Hou Li got back on his feet, he took out another weapon from his interspatial pouch and cleaved it down towards Liu Wuxie.


    Not everyone qualified to use an interspatial ring, and most outer disciples used interspatial pouches instead. Although an interspatial ring was convenient and had arger space capacity, only inner disciples were eligible to purchase one.


    ¡°You¡¯re courting death!¡± Liu Wuxie became furious. He had already shown Hou Li mercy by sparing his dantian. If he had kicked Hou Li¡¯s dantian, thetter would¡¯ve been crippled by now.


    Yet, Hou Li showed no remorse and wanted toe at him again. Since that was the case, he wouldn¡¯t mind being ruthless and cripple him directly.


    When Liu Wuxie drew the Heretic de, he unleashed a de ray that flew toward Hou Li¡¯s neck to kill him.


    Hou Li¡¯s face changed, and he quickly dodged to the side. It felt as though he was being preyed upon by a ferocious beast, and he would be devoured the next moment.


    ¡°Junior Brother Sha, attack together!¡± Hou Li roared, urging Sha Qizhi to join in. They would be thoroughly embarrassed if they couldn¡¯t kill Liu Wuxie.


    After all, how would they be able to show their faces among the outer disciples if they couldn¡¯t even deal with someone from the mundane world?


    Sha Qizhi retrieved his battle and joined the fray without any hesitation. This instantly ced Liu Wuxie in a passive position after facing the two fifth-level True Core Realm experts¡¯ attacks from both sides.


    Then again, with his current fighting prowess, Liu Wuxie could kill enemies in the sixth level of the True Core Realm. The Heretic de continued to cleave down, dividing into two afterimages: one went after Hou Li, and the other went after Sha Qizhi.


    In the next second, two crimson rays sshed out on the field. The two were sent flying away with Liu Wuxie¡¯s true essence corroding their bodies. It wasn¡¯t a good feeling because the terrifying chill in Liu Wuxie¡¯s true essence made them tremble.


    ¡°This is a lesson for you two. If you two still don¡¯t get lost, don¡¯t me me for what will happen next!¡± Liu Wuxie believed that this should be enough to teach these two a lesson. They both had a long gnash on their arm with blood dripping down.


    Everything happened too quickly. Mei Zizheng and Zhai Gaofang watched with dumbfounded expressions.


    When Hou Li got back up from the ground, he wasn¡¯t as arrogant as before, and a hint of horror shed across his eyes. He knew that Liu Wuxie could¡¯ve ended their lives with that strike earlier.


    ¡°Get lost!¡± Liu Wuxie sheathed the Heretic de and roared without a hint of emotion in his tone, scaring Hou Li into scrambling away.


    Hou Li and Sha Qizhi left Mai Zizheng and Zhai Gaofang behind, both still in shock. They had believed that inviting two experts would be enough to kill Liu Wuxie, but instead, they ended up losing a hundred mid-grade spirit stones along with the spiritual treasure.


    ¡°Why are you two still here?¡± Liu Wuxie gazed at Mei Zizheng and Zhai Gaofang.


    ¡°Just you wait! This spiritual treasure was entrusted to me by Senior Brother Zhang Yuanxun. Since you dare to take something belonging to him, just wait for him toe after you! I advise you to hand it over now obediently!¡± Mei Zizheng gritted his teeth in hatred, but he could do nothing.


    If he continued to stay there, he would only be further humiliated by Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie was tired of empty threats. He knew that Mei Zizheng would nder him even if he returned the spiritual treasure and use Zhang Yuanxun to kill him.


    Filled with boundless resentment and humiliation, Mei Zizheng left with Zhai Gaofang. They were merely low-ranking disciples in the sect; no one would pay attention to them. Not to mention, they did¡¯t have many resources to hire experts to help them. Thus, they could only wait for Zhang Yuanxun to return before seeking vengeance against Liu Wuxie.


    Everything became peaceful once more, and Mei Zizheng didn¡¯t return anymore this time. The sky in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion was brightly lit as daylight, illuminated by countless stars. But the field looked somewhat lonely in contrast.


    The night resembled the water as Liu Wuxie lost himself in thought, looking at the sky.


    ¡°Brother Liu, what happened today might bring trouble in the future.¡± Hou Li came over with concern on his face.


    ¡°I never expected it to be peaceful after entering the cultivation world.¡± Liu Wuxie had learned many things from Mu Yueying and was already mentally prepared.


    The night passed quickly, and everyone was excited the following day. This was because they would finally be disciples of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion that day.


    When Fan Lin returned at midday, he apologized, ¡°I¡¯m sorry for the wait. The deacon responsible for enrollment had some unexpected matters to attend to yesterday. I have already reported all your names, and you will all enter the Enrollment Hall with the other new disciples to receive your identity medals. Someone will also arrange your amodations after that.¡±


    He was expected toest night, but other matters kept him busy. Unaware of Liu Wuxie''s conflict with Mei Zizheng, he didn''t inquire, and Liu Wuxie had no intention of telling him either.


    Fan Lin''s task wasplete, and the enrollment deacon would take over next. Roughly two hourster, a few hundred people arrived, each radiating a powerful aura.


    ¡°Everyone, calm down. After today, you will all be disciples of my Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, and you are expected to abide by the rules. The enrollment deacon will soon arrive to pick everyone up, so behave yourself!¡±


    The field suddenly became bustling with so many people. However, some held hostile gazes when they looked in Liu Wuxie¡¯s direction.


    ¡°I wonder how many people will enter the Heavenly Trigram Peak this year.¡± The crowd began to discuss, and these people were more familiar with the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion than Liu Wuxie¡¯s group.


    Fan Lin exined the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion¡¯s information along the way. The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion was divided into six regions: the Heavenly Trigram Peak, Earth Force Peak, Profound Inscription Peak, Terrain Summit Peak, Mortal Plume Peak, and Treasure Pill Peak.


    The Heavenly Trigram Peak was the strongest, followed by the Treasure Pill Peak. The following rankings were the Earth Force Peak, Profound Inscription Peak, Terrain Summit Peak, and Mortal Plume Peak.


    The deacons from the six peaks woulde to pick disciples to join them. Those who could enter the Heavenly Trigram Peak were absolute elites, and the Treasure Pill Peak wasn¡¯t bad either, but their disciples were required to possess alchemy talents.


    ¡°I heard the resources in the Heavenly Trigram Peak are several times higher than those in the other peaks, but they also have a harsh requirement.¡± The discussion was loud, but Yang Songyue and others had to get close to obtain some helpful information.


    ¡°I hope my luck will be good this year to be selected by the Heavenly Trigram Peak.¡± A sigh could be heard because it was everyone¡¯s dream to enter the Heavenly Trigram Peak.


    ¡°I would be satisfied with the Earth Force Peak. The resources might not beparable to the Heavenly Trigram Peak, but it¡¯sfortablepared to the other peaks.¡± Various discussions were held in the field, but Liu Wuxie remained indifferent and showed no interest.

 Chapter 307 - Heavily Nurture

    <h4>Chapter 307 - Heavily Nurture</h4>


    Aside from a few individuals, most people had to draw lots to ensure fairness. After all, the other peaks would be empty if everyone chose to join the Heavenly Trigram Peak.


    It wasn¡¯t until midday before six middle-aged men appeared, riding their flying swords at low altitudes and arriving in the field. The six represented the six peaks, giving off an imposing aura upon their arrival, forcing everyone to lower their heads.


    ¡°Heavenly Phase Realm experts!¡± Exmations could be heard from the crowd. Many disciples could only be deacons when they had no hope of advancing after reaching middle age. If one couldn¡¯t reach the Astral River Realm by forty, they would have no more hope in their lifetime.


    The six wore robes of different colors that represented the various peaks.


    The Heavenly Trigram Peak was white, the Earth Force Peak was brown, the Profound Inscription Peak was green, the Terrain Summit Peak was dark yellow, the Mortal Plume Peak was purple, and only the Treasure Pill Peak was unique with a dark green robe.


    The six deacons stood like towering mountains; no one dared to look at them directly.


    Through Ghost Eye, Liu Wuxie could see their actual appearances, while others could only see six silhouettes with their appearances concealed.


    Experts in the Heavenly Phase Realm could conjure illusions, forming ayer of faint true essence to block others'' view. These illusions were only effective against cultivators of lower realms and had no effect if they encountered someone with higher cultivation.


    The Earth Force Peak¡¯s deacon retrieved a box from his interspatial ring. Inside were six colored papers, each corresponding to a different peak.


    ¡°I won¡¯t waste time exining the rules, as you should be familiar with them by now. The students I call out next won¡¯t have to draw lots; the sect will greatly nurture you all as priority disciples.¡± The deacon swept his gaze around calmly.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on? Some people don¡¯t have to draw lots and will be chosen as priority disciples?!¡± Exmations could be heard in the crowd. In the past, everyone had to draw lots regardless of their cultivation, and only those who were lucky could join the Heavenly Trigram Peak. Those unfortunate to pick the Mortal Plume Peak could only resign to their fate.


    The six peaks had alwayspeted, but the difference wasn¡¯t noticeable. The Heavenly Trigram Peak was stricter than the Mortal Plume Peak. However, cultivation relied more on talent, and most people didn¡¯t take it too seriously.


    But they were surprised some didn¡¯t have to draw lots this year, which was strange.


    The management of the ten major sects was simr, promoting internalpetition to stimte the disciples'' improvement.


    ¡°There wasn¡¯t this rule in the past years. What¡¯s wrong?¡± Many people discussed among themselves, trying to figure out what was happening.


    "Isn''t it obvious? The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s development has been uneven and shows signs of decline in recent years. They''re nning to nurture a new batch of talents," someone murmured. Liu Wuxie overheard the discussion.


    ¡°Can I ask what it means to be priority disciples?¡± A man walked out from the crowd and cupped his fists together at the six deacons. Everyone looked at the six deacons curiously, wanting to know what it meant.


    ¡°That means those chosen will receive double the resources monthly and double the points forpleting missions. They¡¯ll be allowed ess to the Book Collection Hall once a week, along with the opportunity for guidance by an elder...¡± The deacon in brown listed dozens of benefits, which excited everyone.


    Even Liu Wuxie was surprised. The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion¡¯s points were simr to the Imperial Academy¡¯s credits. The disciples could use points to exchange for many resources, and the fact he could receive double the resources would undoubtedly benefit him.


    Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t particrly interested in an elder''s guidance. However, it wouldn¡¯t hurt to listen, as his cultivation had changed drastically, and he required continuous new knowledge.


    Most importantly, ess to the library was crucial because it would enable him to understand the world better. But he didn¡¯t know if he could receive this opportunity.


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid this opportunity is reserved for the geniuses, and we can give up on it.¡± Those with a lower cultivation smiled bitterly, not daring to hope for it.


    Standing in the first row were seven youths in the sixth level of the True Core Realm. They all raised their heads high like peacocks because they would be chosen if there were no surprises.


    Resources were essential in cultivation. If they cultivated vigorously when they had high talents, they would be able to rise quickly, and it was no wonder they would show such excitement.


    The twelve from the mundane world stood by the side, looking conspicuous as they had the lowest cultivation among everyone.


    Those recruited from the cultivation world were strong. Even the one with the lowest cultivation was in the fourth level of the True Core Realm, with eighty percent in the fifth level.


    Theypletely outssed the cultivation of the twelve from the mundane world.


    A ferocious aura came crashing down, silencing everyone. The deacon in brown took out a parchment with several names written on it.


    ¡°Xing Yun, the Earth Force Peak!¡± When the name was called, everyone was baffled as it wasn¡¯t the Heavenly Trigram Peak.


    A young man stepped out from the first row with a cultivation in the sixth level of the True Core Realm. This person was handsome with a clean face, and joining the Earth Force Peak was a good choice.


    Most importantly, he received the opportunity to be nurtured by the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, which was crucial.


    There had been precedents in the past years with disciples rising quickly, but the reward this year was far more generouspared to the past.


    ¡°Yin Yu, the Profound Inscription Peak!¡±


    A woman with a cultivation in the sixth level of the True Core Realm stepped forward. She gave the deacon a bow to express her gratitude and said, ¡°Thank you, deacon!¡±


    ¡°Cai Shiyun, the Terrain Summit Peak!¡±


    Another youth in the sixth-level True Core Realm was called out. But he didn¡¯t seem happy with his cement because his objective was to join the Heavenly Trigram Peak.


    ¡°Chu Wenkang, the Mortal Plume Peak!¡±


    Four out of seven in the sixth level of the True Core Realm were selected, leaving the remaining three anxious. Someone would be skipped if there was no surprise because there were six peaks and seven of them.


    ¡°Dong Yizhuo, the Treasure Pill Peak!¡± Another youth from the remaining three stepped forward. He didn¡¯t have a robust figure but emanated a powerful wood attribute energy. It turns out that he was an alchemist.


    The remaining two became nervous as the Heavenly Trigram Peak was the only one left. The deacon in brown swept his gaze around and frowned. He purposely skipped the first person, curious about who this individual from the mundane world could be, chosen by the Heavenly Trigram Peak for special nurturing by the sect.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, the Heavenly Trigram Peak!¡± the deacon announced.


    Weng Li jumped upon hearing that and grabbed Liu Wuxie¡¯s arm. He was genuinely happy for thetter and said, ¡°Brother Liu, congrattions! I am excited for you!¡±


    Everyone in the field was left dumbfounded after hearing what the deacon said.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie? Who¡¯s this person?¡± Everyone began to search for this person, and their gazes ultimately stopped on Liu Wuxie, whose cultivation was only in the third level of the True Core Realm.


    The six deacons were also looking around to search for Liu Wuxie. They were also curious when they received the list that someone in the third level of the True Core Realm was chosen to be a priority disciple by the sect. When they first received the list, they thought that it was a mistake made by the higher-ups.


    However, since the higher-ups had made this decision, they didn¡¯t dare to oppose it. After searching for some time, everyone¡¯s gazes fell on Liu Wuxie.


    If it had been someone else, they would have panicked under the scrutiny of so many people. But Liu Wuxie''s expression remained calm. This was because he had already known about it from the book given to him by Fan Lin back during the Battle of the Hundred Nations.


    Fan Lin was also curious about this decision back then until he witnessed Liu Wuxie¡¯s performance in the Battle of the Hundred Nations.


    Yang Songyue and others stood by the side, their faces filled with disbelief and a hint of malice in their eyes.


    ¡°Is there a mistake?¡± The two other experts in the sixth level of the True Core Realm stepped forward. After all, they believed one of them should have been picked, not someone who was only at the third level.


    ¡°I also think there¡¯s a mistake!¡± The deacon in brown didn¡¯t seem to like Liu Wuxie, holding a skeptical attitude towards this arrangement.


    "I might not care about this opportunity, but I can''t understand why the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion would give such a valuable spot to someone like him!" The two who weren''t chosen were Lin Mingxu and Gongsun Zhen. Lin Mingxu, his face filled with anger, was the one who spoke.


    Gongsun Zhen didn¡¯t say anything, but his expression made it clear to everyone that he wasn¡¯t happy with this arrangement. Even if he couldn¡¯t receive the spot, it shouldn¡¯t have been given to someone who was only in the third-level True Core Realm.


    The five individuals who were chosen looked at Liu Wuxie curiously. They weren¡¯t surprised that they were selected because they had the best performance on the assessment.


    ¡°This is an arrangement from the sect. We will now draw lots to determine which peak you¡¯re going to!¡± The deacon in brown couldn¡¯t be bothered to waste more time and took out the box for everyone to draw lots.


    ¡°Brat, you have three breaths to give up the spot!¡± Lin Mingxu was furious and stepped forward, releasing his aura in the sixth level of the True Core Realm, wanting to force Liu Wuxie to give up the spot.


    Gongsun Zhen stood by the side with a sneer. They wouldn¡¯t interfere since it was a decision made by the sect, but it would be another story if Liu Wuxie gave it up himself. This was an excellent opportunity that no one was willing to give up on.


    Liu Wuxie sneered and swept his cold gaze at the two. He asked, ¡°Are you two nning to act against me here if I refuse?¡±


    This opportunity might have been necessary for the two of them, but it was even more critical for Liu Wuxie.


    These two wouldn¡¯t dare act in front of the deacons, but it would be a different story after they joined the sect.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, are you sure you want to refuse?¡± Gongsun Zhen said without a hint of emotion, as though he was looking at a dead person.


    It was unexpected for Liu Wuxie to provoke so many troubles when he had just joined the sect.


    Weng Li didn¡¯t try to persuade Liu Wuxie this time because he also wouldn¡¯t give up on this opportunity if he were in thetter¡¯s position. After all, this was a decision by the sect, and Liu Wuxie had no reason to give it up.


    ¡°Who do you think you two are?¡± Liu Wuxie was enraged. He had already made himself clear, and these two wanted to use their cultivation to bully him.


    Why didn¡¯t they go after the other five instead of him? Did these two think he was a pushover?

 Chapter 308 - Lower Region

    <h4>Chapter 308 - Lower Region</h4>


    Everyone knew Lin Mingxu and Gongsun Zhen were picking on Liu Wuxie because of his low cultivation and didn¡¯t dare to go after the other five. Not to mention, Liu Wuxie came from the mundane world and had no backing.


    After all, these people were the easiest to bully, and they wouldn¡¯t resist no matter what they were asked to do. But it was unfortunate that they were destined to be disappointed this time.


    Humiliated in public, terrifying murderous intent swept out from Lin Mingxu and Gongsun Zhen as they clenched their fists and gritted their teeth.


    ¡°Very good. I will remember you!¡± Lin Mingxuughed instead of getting angry, a brutal smile hanging on the corner of his lips. After joining the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, he nned to settle the score with Liu Wuxie slowly.


    With that, the farce ended with Liu Wuxie¡¯s name remembered by everyone. After all, Liu Wuxie was the only one chosen among the six who was in the third level of the True Core Realm.


    Liu Wuxie walked out from the crowd and stood with the other five. Aside from Yin Yu, everyone maintained their distance from him, not wanting to get too close.


    After all, those from the mundane world were trash, in their opinion.


    ¡°I¡¯m Yin Yu!¡± Yin Yu walked over proactively, extending her hand in a gesture of goodwill.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie!¡± Liu Wuxie replied.


    The remaining disciples went to the box to draw lots, randomly picking their colors.


    Lin Mingxu and Gongsun Zhen were the first to draw and were both lucky. They both drew white, representing the Heavenly Trigram Peak.


    ¡°Hahaha! What a stroke of luck! Brat, you¡¯re dead now!¡± Lin Mingxu burst intoughter because they had joined the Heavenly Trigram Peak. This meant they would have plenty of opportunities to deal with Liu Wuxie.


    A bold idea rose in their minds. Even if Liu Wuxie could receive double the resources, the resources would still fall into their hands if he couldn¡¯t protect them.


    The other disciples followed next, spending an hour to divide into six factions, each with a roughly simr number of disciples.


    ¡°Brother Liu, I¡¯ll visit you when I can!¡± Weng Li drew dark yellow, joining the Terrain Summit Peak. This meant they wouldn¡¯t have many chances to meet in the future.


    Liu Wuxie nodded in response. Out of everyone, only Weng Li had a rtively good rtionship with him, and he wouldn¡¯t mind helping if he could. After all, they all came from the mundane world.


    When all the disciples were divided into six factions, they followed the six deacons to enter the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    The deacon in white brought forty people with them to the Heavenly Trigram Peak¡¯s Registration Hall. Everyone would receive their first batch of resources, uniforms, and disciple medals. The items were long prepared for them and arranged into boxes, with Liu Wuxie obtaining thergest.


    Meanwhile, the decon who had escorted them took his leave.


    "The information you need is inside the box. Open it up and take a look," said the Registration Hall deacon. There was no hint of emotion in his tone; he was already ustomed to this process, as the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion recruited disciples inrge numbers annually.


    When Liu Wuxie opened the box, he saw a cultivation technique, a martial technique, and a white medal aside from two uniforms. The medal would have to be activated by dripping blood on it. The medals were forged with special materials that couldn¡¯t be faked. This was because the medal would be destroyed if the disciple died.


    In addition, 500 mid-grade spirit stones were distributed, while others probably received only 200 spirit stones. This was because Liu Wuxie could enjoy double resources.


    On top of the spirit stones was a jade slip containing the information of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, including the rules.


    ¡°There is also information on your residence. You can now leave with your items!¡± Everyone dripped blood on the medals to activate them. The medals emitted a faint radiance, establishing a mental connection with the disciples.


    If the disciple died, the mark they left behind on the medal would be destroyed, and the sect would receive a notification about it. The sect would know when their disciple died no matter how far away they were. The misceneous disciples didn¡¯t have this because no one would care about their death.


    Keeping the box in the interspatial pouch, everyone left the Registration Hall. ording to the jade slip, outer disciples were divided into lower, mid, and upper regions.


    For example, those in the first to the third level of the True Core Realm were assigned to the lower region, those in the fourth to the sixth level were assigned to the middle region, and those in the seventh to the ninth level were assigned to the upper region.


    As Liu Wuxie was only in the third level of the True Core Realm, he could only stay in the lower region. He would have to reach the fourth level of the True Core Realm if he wanted to move to the middle region.


    This was to encouragepetition between disciples. If someone wanted to receive more resources and have a better living environment, the only way would be to make a cultivation breakthrough. Otherwise, they could only stay in the lower region for the rest of their lives.


    Thepetition began when everyone stepped into the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. After leaving the Registration Hall, the group of forty-odd people separated, most heading to the middle region while the remaining few headed to the lower region, and Liu Wuxie was one of them.


    The lower region had the poorest environment and was the most chaotic, which Liu Wuxie had a clearer understanding of upon arrival.


    Everyone who stayed there was an old-timer with no hope of advancement. They had been in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion for five to six years and could only bully new disciples.


    It was the same for the Heavenly Trigram Peak and the other peaks. If they wanted to leave this ce, they would have to work hard to advance their cultivation and be promoted.


    The lower region was massive, residing over thousands of disciples. There were rows of houses lined on both sides of the streets, and disciples were passing by with hostile gazes.


    After walking for roughly fifteen minutes, Liu Wuxie stopped in front of a courtyard marked with the number seventy. When he pushed open the gate, a rotten smell wafted into his nose, making him frown as he walked in.


    The courtyard wasn¡¯trge and could only amodate four people. There were two main rooms, one on each side. When Liu Wuxie came in, three youths were seated in the courtyard, picking at their toes, and the stench came from their feet.


    When they saw someoneing in, they stood up, and the man in the middle was the most conspicuous. He was in his thirties, and he had probably joined the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion for seven to eight years.


    ¡°It looks like we''ve got a neer!¡± The three men smiled as they walked towards Liu Wuxie, and the youth on the left reached out to pat Liu Wuxie¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°Get your filthy hands off me!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s icy words echoed. He had joined the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion to cultivate, not waste time engaging with troublesome people. He wouldn¡¯t provoke any trouble as long as no one provoked him.


    Staying in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion was only temporary because the resources issued each month weren¡¯t even enough for him to return to the Celestial Realm in a thousand years. But he had no choice but to make do for now.


    As time passed, the monthly resources received by these old disciples would decrease, and they were barely making ends meet. If they couldn''t achieve anything by the age of forty, they would either be assigned menial tasks or handle misceneous matters. And these three weren''t young anymore.


    After all, the sect wouldn¡¯t keep garbage around, and the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion was generous enough. In the other sects, everyone would be sent out of the sect to manage the sect¡¯s businesses if they couldn¡¯t advance for three years.


    The man¡¯s hand hung in mid-air, with his expression bing stiff. He didn¡¯t expect the neer to have such a temper.


    "Senior Brother Zhang Lin, our neer, seems to have quite the temper!" The youth withdrew his hand, casting an eerie gaze. Zhang Lin stood in the middle, nked by Zhu You and Wu He. It was Zhu You who spoke, his smile freezing on his face, reced by a brutal grin.


    Zhang Lin began to chuckle sinisterly, sending shivers down everyone¡¯s spines. He said, ¡°Well, we specialize in dealing with fiery tempers. Kneel and lick our toes!¡±


    The moment he said that, the other two burst intoughter.


    ¡°Kid, did you hear that? If you want to stay here, kneel and lick our toes.¡± Wu He chimed in and deliberately removed his shoes to release a foul odor, demanding Liu Wuxie to go down to his knees and lick their toes.


    ¡°You all have one breath to leave. If you dare appear before me in the future, don¡¯t me me for being impolite!¡± Liu Wuxie was enraged. He wanted to maintain a low profile, but trouble tended toe knocking on his door like a curse.


    ¡°Hahaha!¡± The three burst intoughter after hearing what Liu Wuxie said. Theyughed so hard that they began tearing up. The three might be stuck in the third level of the True Core Realm, but they had tempered their cultivation for seven to eight years. Even ordinary people in the fourth level might not be their match.


    But today, a neer mocked them, and they naturally wouldn¡¯t take this lying down.


    ¡°Brat, you¡¯re finished just because of what you said earlier. Deathmatch is barred in the sect, but we will ensure you live in fear daily!¡± After Zhang Lin was done speaking, he punched Liu Wuxie without hesitation.


    They were all ruthless and had bullied countless neers over the years. But it was special this year because there weren¡¯t many who were assigned to the lower region.


    Lin Mingxu and Gongsun Zhen were assigned to the middle region, meaning they would soon be promoted to the upper region.


    Zhang Lin¡¯s punch was powerful, as expected of an old-timer. Someone who had just reached the third level of the True Core Realm might not be his opponent, and the density of his true essence was even higherpared to those in the fourth level.


    Most importantly, they had spent a lot of time honing their martial technique, and even the most ordinary attack could unleash incredible power. This was why many neers weren¡¯t willing to offend old-timers and would evenpromise as much as possible.


    Zhu You and Wu He stood on both sides to prevent Liu Wuxie from escaping.


    However, Liu Wuxie had no intention of running because he wanted to establish his authority. In the future, he would call shots in this courtyard.


    The punch swiftly approached Liu Wuxie, who lifted his leg and kicked right before the punch was about to reach him. Furthermore, his kick was aimed at Zhang Lin¡¯s lower abdomen.

 Chapter 309 - Intimidation

    <h4>Chapter 309 - Intimidation</h4>


    Liu Wuxie extended his right foot before the punch reached him, and everything took ce swiftly. Zhang Lin flew out, falling in the center of the courtyard with his face smashing into the ground.


    Zhu You and Wu He didn''t even get the chance to react. Zhang Lin was already lying on the ground when they came to their senses.


    Liu Wuxie had resolved the punch in one move, not wasting any moment. This was the cultivation world where thew of the jungle was practiced.


    If Liu Wuxie wanted to survive in the cultivation world, he would have to disy means far beyond ordinary people and suppress his enemies.


    "Kill him!" Zhang Lin got up from the ground with a bloodied face. Liu Wuxie had held back, or he would leave behind a bad reputation for killing someone on his first day there.


    However, since these people showed no remorse, he wouldn''t have to be polite to them.


    Zhu You and Wu He swayed, unleashing their attacks. They had joined the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion for years, and their strength couldn''t be underestimated.


    They could easily deal with ordinary neers, but it was a pity they ran into Liu Wuxie. With another two kicks, Zhu You and Wu He were also sent flying away.


    The two screamed in pain as they clutched their stomach, rolling on the ground. Liu Wuxie didn''t destroy their dantian, but merely left a crack on them. This meant their cultivation would be stagnant for the rest of their lives.


    If they couldn''t repair the crack, their cultivation would decline over time. Roughly estimating, they had about three years before their cultivation dropped below the True Core Realm.


    Zhang Lin stood there like an idiot. His hand stopped in mid-air, and he did not know what to do, which made his position difficult.


    "Remember what I said. Don''t let me see any of you ever again, or I will beat you three up every time. Now, clean up this courtyard!" Liu Wuxie said, entering his room and ignoring them.


    He had achieved his purpose of intimidation and did not need to lower himself to their level.


    The room wasn''trge¡ªonly about twenty square meters. It had a bed, a cushion, a table, and four chairs. The table was on the verge of falling, and the room was dusty. It seemed no one had lived there for a long time.


    Liu Wuxie took out the Cleansing Talisman and tossed it into the air. The Cleansing Talisman became a drizzle, cleaning the room inside and out.


    The entire room soon became spotless. Liu Wuxie was there to cultivate, not to enjoy his life. It didn''t matter to him if the room was luxurious or simple.


    His objective was to increase his cultivation to the higher levels of the True Core Realm if he wanted to survive in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    After all, he had already offended many people before gaining a footing in the sect. He might not fear them, but it would be annoying and would only waste unnecessary time when he could use it for cultivating.


    Zhang Lin and the others¡¯ faces were grim as they stood outside the courtyard. Over the years, they had been the ones bullying others, but the roles were reversed now. They couldn''t take this humiliation sitting down, and murderous intent shed in Zhang Lin¡¯s eyes.


    "Senior Brother Zhang, will we just let this matter slide?" Zhu You gritted his teeth, and the three backed away from Liu Wuxie''s courtyard, ensuring no one could hear their conversation.


    "Are we going to just let it slide?!" Zhang Lin practically roared. "When have I suffered such a loss?"


    His face was grim, and a hint of brutality shed in his eyes.


    "Senior Brother Zhang, what ns do you have?" Wu He lowered his voice and nced at Liu Wuxie''s house with torrential hatred.


    "Tidy up first, then we''ll find Senior Brother Zhao!" Zhang Lin said, picking up the broom to sweep the courtyard clean before leaving in a hurry.


    Liu Wuxie stood by the window. He might not have heard their entire conversation, but he could see the murderous intent in their eyes. He spected that they must have gone to seek reinforcements.


    Since they had joined the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion years ago, they naturally knew many people. But Liu Wuxie had no fear as long as it wasn''t someone in the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    In fact, as long as it wasn''t someone in the Heavenly Dipper Realm, the more people came, the better it was for Liu Wuxie because he urgently needed mid-grade spirit stones.


    With each breakthrough, his demand for resources became increasingly daunting, and the spiritual energy in the air couldn''t sustain the Deste Devouring Art.


    After throwing this matter to the back of his mind, Liu Wuxie opened the box and changed into the outer disciple''s uniform. He kept all the spirit stones in his interspatial pouch before taking out the cultivation and martial techniques given to him by Xi Jian.


    The cultivation technique given to him was called the Azure Mist Divine Art. This was a decent cultivation technique, although it could be different from Deste Devouring Art. Then again, it was natural that Xi Jian wouldn''t take out any powerful techniques since they were meant to be given away.


    The martial technique was a sword technique. Although he could switch to using a sword, there was no need, as both sword and de were instruments of death.


    As for the cultivation technique given by the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, almost all the outer disciples had practiced it. This was the Lesser Phaseless Art, created by the first sect master, and only those who be a core disciple could learn the Greater Phaseless Art.


    After all, the highest level of the Lesser Phaseless Art could only enable one to reach the pinnacle of the Heavenly Dipper Realm. But Liu Wuxie had the Deste Devouring Art and had yet to make ns to change his cultivation technique anytime soon.


    The other martial technique was another sword technique, but it was inferiorpared to the one given by Xi Jian. Then again, he couldn''t receive anything too precious when he had just joined the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    If he wanted to obtain powerful martial techniques, he could only use points to exchange for them. This meant he could obtain heaven-grade martial techniques if he had enough points.


    The only helpful things he had were the spirit stones. He kept everything away and sat down to circte the Deste Devouring Art. The moment he circted his cultivation technique, the surrounding spiritual energy began pouring over like a tidal wave, forming into thick clouds above Liu Wuxie.


    This scene naturally attracted the attention of many, leaving them wondering who possessed such an ability to absorb so much spiritual energy. However, their curiosity was fleeting, as this lower region was designated for outer disciples, and few paid attention to it.


    Disciples from upper regions wouldn''t pay any attention to the lower region, and inner disciples wouldn''t be bothered with outer disciples. This was the hierarchical category, clearly divided.


    When the sky gradually darkened, Liu Wuxie opened his eyes. After an entire day of cultivating, he had made some progress.


    "The environment here is much better than the Great Yan Dynasty. A day of cultivation here is equivalent to more than a month in the mundane world," Liu Wuxie muttered to himself, feeling a little hungry.


    Even cultivators had to eat unless they reached the Astral River Realm. After reaching the Astral River Realm, one could absorb energy from the universe to replenish themselves.


    He could consume Fasting Pill, which would allow him to go without eating and drinking for months. The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion would only distribute two Fasting Pills each month, but Liu Wuxie''s physique was different from that of ordinary people, and his energy consumption was terrifying.


    Liu Wuxie consumed a fasting pill, and his hunger vanished. He began to practice a set of fist techniques in the courtyard with all his veins opening up.


    He had long be one with all of the dragon auras. This meant each strand of his true essence now contained the power of the divine dragon.


    "As a priority disciple, I can listen to the elder''s lecture once a month and gain ess to the Book Collection Hall weekly. I''ll go to the Book Collection Hall tomorrow and familiarize myself with the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''syout." Liu Wuxie recollected his fist and returned to his room.


    Through the jade slip, he had a rough understanding of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, and there were many things he had to explore. The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion had six peaks, which had already been introduced previously. He was now the disciple of the Heavenly Trigram Peak.


    There were also many facilities, such as the Book Collection Hall, Mission Hall, Martial Arts Pavilion, Promotion Hall, Law Enforcement Hall, etc.


    They were essential institutions in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. For example, the Mission Hall had subsidiaries such as the cksmith Pavilion and Alchemy Pavilion. Everyone could use their points to forge weapons or refine pills. Furthermore, it was also possible to exchange points for pills, which was very convenient.


    Missions were issued at the beginning of each month, and those were the two bustling days of the month. The sect didn''t keepzy people, and everyone had to submit ten points monthly to receive spirit stones.


    This meant Liu Wuxie would have to submit ten points if he wanted to carry on receiving five hundred spirit stones next month.


    In addition to these institutions, there were ces such as the Lecture Hall and Guidance Hall. As long as one had enough points, one could even be taught by someone in the Nascent Transformation Realm.


    Auxiliary institutions included the Sparring Hall and Cultivation Hall, which were well-equipped with chambers to aid cultivation.


    In summary, a major sect was like aplete world; everyone had to contribute to survive there. The sect offeredprehensive services to support cultivation, but these services weren''t provided for free to discourage idleness.


    However, having a powerful backing was different. With a powerful sect as backing, everyone''s status would be different when they went out, especially disciples of the ten major sects. Everyone would be courteous and respectful to them wherever they went.


    In summary, it heavily depended on an individual''s strength and how far they could go in their path as a cultivator.


    When the sky brightened, Liu Wuxie came out from his courtyard. The roads felt unfamiliar, and the Heavenly Trigram Peak wasrger than he had imagined.


    This wasn''t just a mountain but an entire mountain range. There were over a hundred thousand outer disciples, and it was customary for everyone not to be acquainted with each other.


    After asking several disciples, he finally found his way to the Library. Knowledge was the best medium for improvement.


    This was his first day here, and he was quick to cultivate. On the contrary, he wanted to brush up his knowledge. After all, he needed to be more familiar with the True Martial Continent because he had only heard bits and pieces from Mu Yueying.


    The Book Collection Hall was a massive building, reaching up to ten floors. This ce wasn''t just for the Heavenly Trigram Peak¡¯s disciples but also for disciples from the other peaks.


    As it was morning, countless disciples were visiting the library. There were roughly five to six thousand disciples, and Liu Wuxie wasn''t the only one seeking knowledge.


    This building was divided into four entrances. The north was for outer disciples, the west for inner disciples, the south for core disciples, and the east for true disciples. This was mainly to facilitate crowd control.


    Liu Wuxie followed the crowd and waited two hours before it was his turn. A checkpoint was at the entrance; only some were eligible to enter because it required five points.


    Arge pir stood beside the gate, adorned with countless spiritual runes. Whenever a disciple arrived, they were required to scan their medal on the pir to deduct the points.


    "Please enter your points." The deacon in charge of the Book Collection Hall nced at Liu Wuxie and instructed him to pay the points at the stone pir.


    Everyone''s points would be recorded in their medal, and Liu Wuxie had no points in his medal. However, as a priority disciple, he could enter the Book Collection Hall once a week for free.


    "I have no points!" Liu Wuxie rubbed his nose, looking awkward. But just when he wanted to exin that he was a priority disciple, the deacon interrupted him.


    "No points?" The deacon stood up unhappily upon hearing that Liu Wuxie had no points.

 Chapter 310 - Tough Position

    <h4>Chapter 310 - Tough Position</h4>


    There was a long queue, and no one lingered when they passed by the pir. They would present their points directly and enter the Book Collection Hall.


    However, when it was Liu Wuxie''s turn, the queue suddenly stopped, drawing disgruntled voices from behind.


    "What''s going on? Why is he here when he doesn''t have any points? Get lost!" a youth roared not far away from Liu Wuxie.


    The third level of the True Core Realm was insignificant in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. It was only barely higher than misceneous disciples. The one who spoke was in the fifth level, and it was no wonder he was arrogant.


    The deacon red at Liu Wuxie furiously with malice because someone dared to cause trouble for him.


    "Take your medal and get lost!" The deacon said without ncing at Liu Wuxie, ordering him to leave and stop holding everyone up.


    A hint of anger shed on Liu Wuxie''s face because he wasn''t done speaking, and the deacon didn''t even bat an eye at his medal.


    "Take a look at it closely. I qualify to enter the Book Collection Hall without paying any points!" Liu Wuxie mmed the medal on the table, and his voice caused an uproar in the crowd.


    The news of the six priority students had long spread out, unprecedented in the past. They were qualified to receive double resources and points and didn''t have to pay any points to enter the Book Collection Hall. Furthermore, they could receive a lecture from an elder once a month.


    The deacon frowned upon hearing that. He had received news that six disciples wouldn''t need to pay any points to enter the Book Collection Hall. But he hadn''t expected a priority disciple¡¯s cultivation to be so low.


    "Brat, are you sane? I heard that the priority disciples are all powerful and are in the sixth level of the True Core Realm. But you''re only in the third level." Jeering voices came from the surroundings. They all thought that Liu Wuxie was trying to bluff his way through. Everyone gloated as they looked at Liu Wuxie because trying to deceive a deacon was a big crime.


    "I''ve seen bold people, but I''ve never seen someone as bold as you. How dare you try to deceive the deacon of the Book Collection Hall!" Among the Book Collection Hall''s deacons, Deacon Kou was the toughest and sternest to deal with.


    Everyone waited eagerly, unwilling to miss a moment of the spectacle. Hundreds of gazes fixed upon Liu Wuxie, each harboring a hint of malice.


    Deacon Kou mmed his palm on the desk, causing Liu Wuxie''s medal to fly. His face became cold, and he nned to inform the Law Enforcement Hall to arrest Liu Wuxie for viting the sect''s rules. He asked in an unfriendly tone, "Brat, which peak are you from, and what''s your name?"


    Liu Wuxie initially intended to resolve this matter peacefully as long as this deacon allowed him in. But he didn''t expect Deacon Kou to try to make things difficult for him, not even giving him the chance to speak.


    Ultimately, it was because Liu Wuxie''s cultivation was too low, and no one would believe someone in the third level of the True Core Realm to be a priority disciple.


    "My name is Liu Wuxie, an outer disciple of the Heavenly Trigram Peak. I joined the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion yesterday. You can investigate my identity!" Liu Wuxie said, and his smile became colder, making Deacon Kou''s face unsightly.


    He didn''t dare look at Liu Wuxie''s eyes because it felt like a poisonous viper was looking at him, and he would be devoured if he wasn''t careful. This made Deacon Kou ufortable, not to mention he felt a hint of pressureing from someone who was only in the third level of the True Core Realm.


    "Wait, I seem to have heard of this name before. I recall Liu Wuxie''s name was among the priority disciples. Could it be him?" A cry of surprise came from the crowd because the names of the six priority disciples had long spread out. But everyone only knew their names and not their appearances.


    "It might be a coincidence. After all, how can the sect possibly give such a precious spot to someone in the third level?" Everyone still had difficulty epting that Liu Wuxie was a priority disciple. After all, many disciples were in the third-level True Core Realm and could be seen everywhere among the outer disciples. This was the first time they heard that a priority disciple was someone from the lower region.


    This instantly made many people envious because they all had higher cultivation than Liu Wuxie, and they felt it was unfair that Liu Wuxie received preferential treatment.


    "Are there any disciples from the Law Enforcement Hall?" Deacon Kou yelled, not wanting to waste time with Liu Wuxie. Every peak selected some disciples to join the Law Enforcement Hall each year.


    "I''m Zhu Sheng of the Law Enforcement Hall. What''s going on?" A young man came over. He was in histe twenties, with cultivation in the pinnacle True Core Realm. He was only one step away from the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    However, he was merely an outer disciple of the Law Enforcement Hall. Only the core disciples in the Law Enforcement Hall had authority over the life and death of other disciples.


    After bing a core disciple, the sect wouldn''t pursue it even if they killed an outer disciple. After all, the cultivation world was where only the strong were respected.


    "This person tried to deceive his identity as a priority disciple to enter the Book Collection Hall. Take him away!" Deacon Kou said and sat back down, not wanting to bother about Liu Wuxie anymore.


    Liu Wuxie only wanted to enter the Book Collection Hall and didn''t expect to get into so much trouble.


    "Brat,e with me!" Zhu Sheng said eerily. If Liu Wuxie were taken to the Law Enforcement Hall, things would be different because Liu Wuxie would have had to bribe them if he didn''t want to suffer.


    This was why so many disciples wanted to join the Law Enforcement Hall. After all, the benefits of the Law Enforcement Hall were widely known to everyone.


    After all, who wouldn''t make a mistake? They would suffer if they fell into the hands of the Law Enforcement Hall, and they would have to bribe the Law Enforcement Hall''s disciples to get them to look the other way.


    Zhu Sheng moved quickly, reaching out to grab Liu Wuxie''s shoulder in an attempt to forcefully detain him.


    "Get your filthy hands off me!" With a swift movement, Liu Wuxie shifted his left shoulder, causing Zhu Sheng''s hand to brush past him.


    This naturally made Zhu Sheng furious because no one dared to defy his will as a Law Enforcement Hall''s disciple.


    "Brat, you''re courting death!" Zhu Sheng reached out with his right hand like a w, reaching for Liu Wuxie''s neck.


    Seeing this, everyone quickly stepped back because they didn''t want to get involved.


    "Hmph, you think the pinnacle of the True Core Realm is powerful?" Liu Wuxie snorted. He might be unable to kill someone in the pinnacle of the True Core Realm, but it wouldn''t be easy for them to kill him. With agile steps, Liu Wuxie easily avoided Zhu Sheng''s attack.


    Having his attack dodged repeatedly naturally made Zhu Sheng furious.


    The surrounding outer disciples were stumped because Zhu Sheng had failed to detain Liu Wuxie.


    Deacon Kou was cultivating in the Heavenly Phase Realm when he noticed something unusual with Liu Wuxie''s footsteps. The first time might have been a coincidence, but the second time wasn''t.


    "Die!" Zhu Sheng became even more furious as he felt humiliated that he couldn''t detain Liu Wuxie with so many people watching.


    Zhu Sheng''s attack became even more ferocious. This was because Law Enforcement Hall''s disciples were known for brutality. After all, anyone with a soft heart wasn''t suited to join the Law Enforcement Hall.


    "Only listening to one side of the story without distinguishing right from wrong. How disappointing." Liu Wuxie had already anticipated facing troubles in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, but he didn''t expect to encounter this situation on his first day, which naturally made him furious.


    "Disciples of the Law Enforcement Hall don''t need a reason to act!" The ferocity in Zhu Sheng''s eyes grew even stronger with his right hand changing its trajectory. But he couldn''t detain Liu Wuxie no matter how hard he tried, and this made him release his murderous intent.


    As they went back and forth, Zhu Sheng''s right hand left behind multiple afterimages, reaching for Liu Wuxie''s chest. His moves were swift, and he was truly worthy of being a genius in the cultivation world.


    Having experienced countless battles, Liu Wuxie naturally honed his strength to the fullest. He was like a celestial crane, soaring through the sky and gliding to appear behind Zhu Sheng, resolving thetter''s attacks.


    The two stood still, and Zhu Sheng''s face was so ugly that he failed to detain Liu Wuxie with so many people around.


    "Liu Wuxie, you''re here! Hand over the spot into the Book Collection Hall!" Lin Mingxu and Gongsun Zhen came over from the crowd.


    Although they had missed the opportunity to be a priority disciple, it was quite a coincidence that they managed to join the Heavenly Trigram Peak.


    But that incident had a huge impact on them. They had lost to someone in the third level of the True Core Realm. How could they possibly ept it? They were nning to seize Liu Wuxie''s resources for themselves.


    But as neers to the sect, they didn''t dare take it too far. They nned to wait a few days before going after Liu Wuxie. So, when they saw Liu Wuxie here, they quickly stepped out, wanting to let Liu Wuxie hand over his spot to the Book Collection Hall.


    "What''s going on? He really has a spot in the Book Collection Hall?" Things started to get messier because Lin Mingxu implied that Liu Wuxie had the qualifications to enter the Book Collection Hall.


    This naturally made Deacon Kou frown.


    "Do you all want a spot in the Book Collection Hall?" Liu Wuxie said with a mysterious and mocking smile.


    "You think everything will be fine after bing a priority disciple? Let me tell you that you won''t be able to enjoy any benefits without the strength to back it up." Gongsun Zhen sneered, telling everyone that Liu Wuxie was a priority disciple.


    The situation was aplete mess. Zhu Sheng stood still at a loss, and Deacon Kou''s facial expression turned ugly. They were making trouble for a priority disciple who had received these privileges from the sect; they were expected to support him unconditionally.


    "My medal is right here. Come and seize it from me if you two have the guts!" Liu Wuxie turned to look at the medal on the table.


    Lin Mingxu and Gongsun Zhen exchanged a gaze with a hint of surprise. They strode towards the table, ignoring the surrounding gazes.


    However, as they approached the table, Liu Wuxie''s voice echoed, "Zhu Sheng, as a Law Enforcement Hall''s disciple, are you turning a blind eye to someone trying to snatch my medal? Don''t forget that I''m a priority disciple."


    Liu Wuxie smiled because Zhu Sheng would vite the rules as a Law Enforcement Hall disciple if he did nothing, cing thetter in a tough position.

 Chapter 311 - Provoked

    <h4>Chapter 311 - Provoked</h4>


    Liu Wuxie''s words were brilliant as he dragged Zhu Sheng out, using his identity as a Law Enforcement Hall''s disciple to resolve this crisis.


    If Zhu Sheng did nothing, it would be a dereliction of duty. But if he intervened, it would be equivalent to helping Liu Wuxie.


    Naturally, this frustrated Zhu Sheng and thoughts of killing Liu Wuxie crossed his mind.


    "Hold it right there!" Zhu Sheng didn''t dare act too outrageously in front of so many people. As a disciple of Law Enforcement Hall, he couldn''t sit by and watch someone snatching others'' possessions.


    Lin Mingxu stopped, no longer daring to pick up Liu Wuxie''s medal. The situation turned bizarre, and it was puzzling why Zhu Sheng would help Liu Wuxie.


    However, only some understood that Liu Wuxie''s move was perfect for resolving the situation.


    "Are you a priority disciple?" Zhu Sheng turned to look at Liu Wuxie with his sharp gaze.


    "Absolutely!" Liu Wuxie smiled with a hint of mockery hanging on his lips. No one doubted his words this time because Lin Mingxu and Gongsun Zhen had confirmed his identity as a priority disciple.


    "All the best to you!" Zhu Sheng waved his hand. Not only did he fail to detain Liu Wuxie, but he was manipted by him. Naturally, it frustrated him, but now wasn''t the moment for him to make trouble for Liu Wuxie. There would be plenty of chances for him to deal with Liu Wuxie.


    He was inexplicably swept into this matter and had be a tool in Liu Wuxie''s hand. It was natural that Zhu Sheng couldn''t take this lying down.


    "Deacon, can I go in now?" Liu Wuxie didn''t know that Zhu Sheng was already holding a grudge against him, so he turned to look at Deacon Kou.


    Deacon Kou didn''t dare make things difficult for Liu Wuxie with so many people around. He took out a brush and paper to register before ring at Liu Wuxie fiercely.


    "Go in!" Deacon Kou said reluctantly, with a myriad of thoughts crossing his mind. He naturally couldn''t take it down to be embarrassed by Liu Wuxie with so many people present.


    Liu Wuxie entered the Book Collection Hall under countless, watchful gazes. He first saw a huge arched hall designed like a tower, with a giant pir in the center supporting the entire hall.


    The Book Collection Hall had eight stairs, allowing simultaneous ess to the top, and the entire building had ten floors.


    The first and second floors were open to outer disciples, the third and fourth floors to inner disciples, the fifth and sixth floors to core disciples, the seventh and eighth floors to true disciples, and the final two floors held the secrets of the sect.


    True disciples had to pay points to ess knowledge in the Book Collection Hall. The higher the floor, the fewer the books. The first to fourth floors had the most books, with their numbers decreasing exponentially on the upper floors.


    Liu Wuxie was an outer disciple who could only stay on the first and second floors. Time was also limited, and Liu Wuxie plunged into the sea of books when he came in.


    The first floor had tens of thousands of books, which wouldmonly take months to read. But with Ghost Eye, Liu Wuxie could absorb knowledge rapidly like a sponge.


    When he picked up a book, he began flipping through it rapidly with words pouring into his soul sea. If someone read books this way, their soul sea would burst in less than two hours.


    However, Liu Wuxie''s soul sea was extraordinary, and even someone in the Heavenly Dipper Realm might be unable topete with him in terms of soul sea.


    While others read books individually, Liu Wuxie had already read over a dozen in the blink of an eye. It only took him three breaths to read a book, and he stored the knowledge he read forter digestion when he returned to his courtyard.


    Countless words appeared in his soul sea, converging and merging simr knowledge while filtering out useless information.


    <i>What a mighty soul sea! This should be Ghost Eye''s hidden function,</i> Liu Wuxie thought. Upon reaching a higher level, Ghost Eye would possess unpredictable means.


    Liu Wuxie''s actions naturally drew the attention of countless people. They had never seen anyone scanning so many books. He had already read over a few hundred books in fifteen minutes.


    If this continued, Liu Wuxie could read tens of thousands of books daily. Even if he couldn''t read all the books on the first floor, he could finish at least one-third of the books here.


    As time passed, Liu Wuxie''s speed in flipping through the books increased. This was because most of the knowledge ovepped with what he had already read.


    "What is he doing? Is he just flipping through the books?" News began to spread, and a group soon followed behind Liu Wuxie, who was watching from a distance.


    But Liu Wuxie ignored those behind him and was immersed in the world of books. His soul sea still had no signs of swelling, and this meant he could carry on absorbing knowledge from books.


    "I have no idea what the sect was thinking about choosing a fool like him as a priority disciple." A mocking voice came from behind, originating from Lin Mingxu. He was intentionally trying to provoke Liu Wuxie.


    If he acted first, he would leave behind evidence to be used against him. But the sect wouldn''t interfere if both parties fought willingly.


    Liu Wuxie was already used to such pointless provocations, so he carried on reading. Four hours passed, and news of a ''book maniac'' spread.


    Liu Wuxie spent the entire morning reading over ten thousand books on the first floor but still wanted more. Looking at the remaining books, he raised his head to the second floor.


    The books on the first floor mainly covered unusual events, geographical magazines, cultivation rankings, grades of spiritual herbs, and shallow knowledge of alchemy and cksmithing.


    Through an entire morning of reading, Liu Wuxie had a rough understanding of the True Martial Continent. As for alchemy and cksmithing knowledge, Liu Wuxie mostly skimmed through them.


    Liu Wuxie headed towards the second floor, where the books contained more advanced knowledge. Many people followed behind him, heading towards the second floor with him.


    The second level was smaller than the first, with only a few people present. ess to the third floor was restricted, with only inner disciples permitted to enter through the west entrance.


    Liu Wuxie entered the second floor without resting and began flipping through the books, instantly causing an uproar as everyone put down their books.


    Those following behind Liu Wuxie were constantly making records, and Liu Wuxie had flipped through over twenty thousand books since entering.


    An ordinary person might not be able to read so many books in three years. After all, the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion had umted these books throughout the years.


    Many disciples had spent decades at the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion and still hadn''t read half the books. Yet, Liu Wuxie managed to read ten years'' worth of books in less than a day.


    Time passed quickly, and Liu Wuxie had read over ten thousand books on the second floor. He also felt a faint swelling sensation in his mind. This was a sign that his soul sea had reached the limit, and he would injure it if he continued reading.


    Liu Wuxie''s action had finally angered everyone, especially the disciples on the second floor. Most of them were in the higher levels of the True Core Realm and resided in the upper region.


    Liu Wuxie had interrupted their desire to read, and a few of them were filled with murderous intent.


    Liu Wuxie stretched his back and massaged his head. His soul sea was still filled with countless words ovepping together. He nned to return in a week to finish reading the remaining books.


    "Brat, are you tired of living to disturb the order of the Book Collection Hall?" a disciple in the seventh level of the True Core Realm roared and looked at Liu Wuxie viciously.


    The sound of Liu Wuxie flipping through the books might have affected others, but most people ignored it because it wasn''t serious. However, some took the lead and caused trouble for Liu Wuxie, making everyone gloat.


    Liu Wuxie''s name had long spread in a small circle. They had learned that he had offended Deacon Kou and a Law Enforcement Hall disciple, which meant his future in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion would be difficult.


    Hearing their remarks, Liu Wuxie frowned with a hint of anger. He had minimized the noise of flipping through books so that only those close to him could hear.


    But if they were fully immersed in the world of books, they wouldn''t be affected by him. They were the ones who needed to be more focused. Otherwise, they wouldn¡¯t have been bothered by his actions.


    In the end, it was because he stood out too much. After all, who could believe he read tens of thousands of books in half a day?


    "What do you all want?" Liu Wuxie asked impatiently. He needed to digest the knowledge in his mind and didn''t want to waste time with these people.


    "I heard you''re a priority disciple. You must have a lot of spirit stones. You joined the sect yesterday, right? Take it out andpensate our losses." A disciple in the seventh level smiled, demanding Liu Wuxie to hand over his spirit stones.


    "Senior Brother Su Ji is right. Since you affected us, it''s only right for you topensate us," everyone chimed in, agreeing with Su Ji''s suggestion to have Liu Wuxiepensate them.


    More people joined in, and over a hundred people tried to force Liu Wuxie topensate them. But more people weren''t bothered and merely watched from a distance.


    "What a joke. I''m reading normally, and how am I affecting you all?" Liu Wuxie didn''t want to escte this matter because he wanted to focus on cultivating and not get involved in countless troubles.


    In others'' eyes, Liu Wuxie was merely flipping through the books. So how could he possibly remember their contents? Even someone in the Heavenly Phase Realm couldn''t remember tens of thousands of books at once.


    A burst ofughter came from the surroundings.


    "Liu Wuxie, are you trying to make meugh to death? You''re telling me you finished reading a book in three breaths?" A man stepped forward with mockery on his face, believing Liu Wuxie was being too arrogant.


    Everyone''s faces were filled with mockery.


    "Liu Wuxie, cut the crap. The sect might have chosen you as a priority disciple, but I highly doubt you deserve it. Hand it over!" Lin Mingxu interrupted, still unable to ept that Liu Wuxie had been chosen as a priority disciple.


    "That''s right. He''s unworthy. He''s simply a disgrace to all the outer disciples!" More people chimed in. They all felt that Liu Wuxie was merely messing around earlier.


    "A bunch of garbage. Because you all read too slowly, you can''t ept others reading faster than you? It just shows what garbage you people are!" A powerful aura swept out from Liu Wuxie. He knew it wouldn''t be the solution if he kept backing off.

 Chapter 312 - Digging A Trap

    <h4>Chapter 312 - Digging A Trap</h4>


    After calling hundreds of people garbage, Liu Wuxie had stirred the ho''s nest.


    The crowd exploded, especially Su Ji, who was shaking with anger. He lived in the upper region and was a genius, but someone in the lower region called him garbage. How could he possibly swallow the insult?


    "Liu Wuxie, you''re finished. How dare you call us garbage? Today, I''ll let you know who''s the garbage!" Su Ji took a step forward, releasing his aura in the seventh level, causing the bookshelves on both sides to tremble.


    Everyone''s gazes were filled with anger when they looked at Liu Wuxie.


    "You''re nning to make a move now?" Liu Wuxie narrowed his eyes. This ce was the Book Collection Hall, and anyone wanting to act here would be courting death.


    Right at that moment, Deacon Kou entered. It was time for rotation, and his shift would resume the following week.


    "What''s going on?" Deacon Kou''s face sank when he saw Liu Wuxie. He didn''t expect Liu Wuxie to cause trouble again in just half a day.


    "Deacon Kou, this brat is causing disruption in the Book Collection Hall, flipping through the books rapidly since he came in. In just one day, he flipped through thirty-seven thousand books." Someone following Liu Wuxie provided an urate number, perhaps even more precise than Liu Wuxie himself could recall.


    Deacon Kou stumbled, as this was the first time he had heard of someone reading over thirty thousand books in a single day during his decades-long tenure.


    "Is that true?" Deacon Kou was furious. He had been wondering how to find an opportunity to trouble Liu Wuxie, but he didn''t expect it to present itself so quickly.


    "Absolutely! I''ve been following behind him since he came in, and he has been flipping through books randomly instead of reading quietly." Another person stepped forward to join the condemnation of Liu Wuxie.


    Everyone in the surroundings nodded in agreement because Liu Wuxie had only been flipping through books rapidly since he came in.


    "Liu Wuxie, what do you have to say now?!" Deacon Kou looked at Liu Wuxie. This was an excellent opportunity for him to teach Liu Wuxie a lesson. He could forcibly punish Liu Wuxie for affecting everyone else.


    "How are they so sure that I''m not seriously reading?" Liu Wuxie wore a mocking smile, sweeping his gaze through the crowd. They were just a bunch of frogs in a well, so how could they know the vastness of the world?


    After a day of reading, Liu Wuxie had a rough understanding of the True Martial Continent. However, the cultivation environment was important, and he had yet to have the opportunity toe in contact with it.


    The other regions were more prosperous than the Southern Province. From one book, Liu Wuxie had even learned about the existence of the Quasi-Immortal Realm, which was infinitely close to immortality.


    This meant immortals could be born in the True Martial Continent. The world was more significant than many could imagine, and the True Martial Continent was just one of them.


    If it were impossible to reach the Immortal Realm, Liu Wuxie wouldn''t be able to return to the Celestial Realm even if he reached the pinnacle.


    "Liu Wuxie, you''re still trying to argue? You flipped through thirty-seven thousand books, and I have a record of each one. Do you dare to say you remember every book by heart?" A person stepped forward with a thick book that recorded all the books Liu Wuxie had flipped through.


    "What are you going to do if I remember them all?" Liu Wuxie suddenly smiled. His smile was mysterious as he swept his gaze over this person. This person had been jumping around, coborating with Su Ji to suppress him. He naturally would only let it go with teaching this person a proper lesson.


    "I''ll kneel and kowtow to you if you remember half of them!" The man pointed his hand to the sky. He refused to believe Liu Wuxie remembered all the contents of the books he had scanned.


    "You''re not my grandson, so why should you kneel to me? Why don''t we make a bet instead?" Liu Wuxie smiled and nced around. He urgently needed spirit stones as he had just joined the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, and this was a great opportunity.


    "Alright. How do you want to bet?" Su Ji took a step forward as he was the mastermind.


    To everyone''s surprise, Deacon Kou did not intervene and let the situation develop. He was a deacon and couldn''t exin to the sect if a fight urred here. But a private gamble was eptable since it wouldn''t damage anything.


    "Since you all know that I''ve read through thirty-seven thousand books, how about this: one spirit stone for each question I can answer. If I lose, I''ll pay one spirit stone. Fair deal, isn''t it?" Liu Wuxie proposed this, keeping his terms reasonable. After all, these people only had about nine to ten thousand mid-grade spirit stones at best, and only a few might be willing to participate in the gamble.


    Liu Wuxie''s demands were fair. Since these people wanted his mid-grade spirit stones, he also wanted their spirit stones. But only thest one standing would get thestugh.


    "Alright, I''ll bet!" Su Ji said without any hesitation.


    "It''s boring, just the two of us. I have many spirit stones on me, and everyone here can participate in the bet." Liu Wuxie purposely released a hint of his spirit stones'' aura. He had obtained an astronomical sum of low-grade spirit stones during the Battle of the Hundred Nations, which would give everyone an illusion that he had tens of thousands of mid-grade spirit stones on him.


    Everyone pounded their chests upon hearing the bet because Su Ji had seized such a good opportunity. But when they listened to what Liu Wuxie said, they all became eager to participate.


    "Count me in!" Lin Mingxu and Gongsun Zhen stepped forward, willing to gamble with Liu Wuxie.


    Nobody believed that Liu Wuxie could remember the contents of over thirty thousand books in just one day.


    These books were inessible to the outside world, and no one would bet with him if he were an old-timer in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. But he had just joined the sect the previous day, and this was his first time in the Book Collection Hall. So it was natural that they wouldn''t believe what Liu Wuxie said when even a deity might be unable to remember it all.


    "Count me in!"


    "Count me in!"


    In just a few minutes, a few hundred people joined in because this was an excellent opportunity to get rich, and no one wanted to miss it. Even if they only won one spirit stone, they would gain.


    Two white-clothed youths stood in the depth of the second floor, but they didn''t approach.


    "This is interesting. I''m starting to like this kid!" The youth on the right held onto his chin with a devilish smile.


    "Brother Yun Lan, you also want to try it?" The youth on the left nced at the one on the right with a hint of curiosity.


    The two stood in a corner, and few people paid attention to them as Liu Wuxie drew everyone''s attention away.


    The two were no ordinary people because they were among the top ten outer disciples of the Heavenly Trigram Peak. The one on the right was Yun Lan, and the one on the left was Fan Xi. They were just one step away from the Heavenly Dipper Realm, and it was just a matter of time for them.


    Some time ago, they had even defeated inner disciples as outer disciples, and this practice had long spread among the outer disciples.


    An hourter, over six hundred people joined to gamble with Liu Wuxie.


    "Deacon Kou, aren''t you going to join in?" Liu Wuxie smiled. The outer disciples'' resources were limited, and Deacon Kou must be filthy rich. Deacon Kou was his primary target because the outer disciples were not fun.


    "Hmph, how can I, a deacon, stoop to your level?" Deacon Kou was tempted because hecked mid-grade spirit stones as someone in the Heavenly Phase Realm. But he just felt too embarrassed to speak out.


    "It''s just a small gamble for fun. Feel free to join in!" Liu Wuxie was determined to pull Deacon Kou in to avenge the trouble he had caused in the morning.


    Liu Wuxie didn''t consider himself virtuous, so he wouldn''t let Deacon Kou off so easily.


    "Deacon Kou,e and join in. This brat is a priority disciple and must have many spirit stones on him. Are you afraid of him? How can he possibly remember information from so many books?" The other disciples instigated, stirring Deacon Kou''s heart.


    After all, the sect didn''t have many channels to obtain resources, and plundering from others was undoubtedly the best way.


    "Alright, I''ll join in!" Deacon Kou took out a spirit stone to join the gamble.


    A smile rose on Liu Wuxie''s lips because this was his true objective.


    "Words alone aren''t enough, and we need a witness. After all, what happens if you all renege on the bet? I suggest we put the spirit stones aside and entrust them to one person for safekeeping." Liu Wuxie had already seen through these people''s ugly faces, and they would resort to desperate means. Thus, it was best to find a witness for the bet.


    Everyone looked at each other because they hadn''t considered that before. The thought of Liu Wuxie winning the bet had never crossed their minds.


    "Where are we going to find a witness? With Deacon Kou here, are you saying you don''t trust him?" Su Ji was getting impatient, thinking that Liu Wuxie was trying to dy on purpose. After all, someone had already gathered and piled the books Liu Wuxie had scanned.


    "Why don''t we act as witnesses and safe-keep all the spirit stones?" a voice sounded as two figures approached. They gave off a faint ripple that synchronized with heaven and earth whenever they took a step.


    Liu Wuxie narrowed his eyes and could tell that these two were experts. Their eyes were clear, unlike the others in the surroundings. Having observed countless people, Liu Wuxie could tell these two were open-hearted.


    "So, it''s Senior Brother Yun Lan and Senior Brother Fan Xi. Having you two as witnesses is appropriate, and we feel assured to let you two keep the spirit stones." The moment the two appeared, a chorus of ttery came from the surroundings.


    "Young friend, what do you think of my suggestion?" Yun Lan smiled.


    "Sure. I''ll have to trouble you two!" Liu Wuxie nodded without hesitation, entrusting the two of them with all the spirit stones from Su Ji and others. Over six hundred spirit stones were piled up together.


    "Let''s begin!" Deacon Kou waved his hand with displeasure on his face. He was already dragged in, and there was no way he could withdraw now. If news of this spread, he''d be ridiculed for gambling with an outer disciple while holding the position of a deacon.


    However, recalling how Liu Wuxie had disregarded him in the morning, Deacon Kou gritted his teeth in hatred.


    "Liu Wuxie, where is the Fengshui Slope recorded in this Misceneous Record?" Su Ji casually picked up a book and flipped it to the middle.

 Chapter 313 - A Bunch of Fools

    <h4>Chapter 313 - A Bunch of Fools</h4>


    There were too many images and words in the book, and Su Ji randomly picked it out.


    No one paid much attention to it because they felt they would win regardless of the book.


    Over a thousand pairs of eyes fixated on Liu Wuxie, eagerly awaiting his response.


    Yun Lan and Fan Xi were also curious because they couldn''t imagine anyone reading over thirty-seven thousand books daily.


    They were all geniuses and had been members of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion for over a year. Even so, they had barely read half of the books in the Book Collection Hall.


    "This Misceneous Record,piled by a Nascent Transformation Realm expert five hundred years ago, catalogs various peculiar phenomena. It doesn''t delve into cultivation knowledge. The Fengshui Slope, more urately named the Strange Slope, appears uphill but descends. It''s situated in the west mountain range of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, perpetually enshrouded in mist," Liu Wuxie recited, his tone confident and precise.


    No one knew if Liu Wuxie''s words were correct, so they could only turn to look at Su Ji. They all saw Su Ji''s mouth open, his eyes bulging in astonishment.


    Liu Wuxie identified the location and provided a detailed description of the Fengshui Slope, including its appearance and geographical features.


    "I''m done!" Liu Wuxie said, and the surroundings fell into a brief silence after he was done.


    "Su Ji, say something! Is he right or wrong?" Lin Mingxu and the others ran out of patience and urged Su Ji.


    Deacon Kou''s face became grim. He had practically read all the books meant for outer disciples, and the information about Fengshui Slope was fresh in his mind.


    "He''s right, and I have read this bookst week." The one who spoke wasn''t Su Ji but Fan Xi. He had coincidentally read the bookst week, and Liu Wuxie''s answer was correct.


    Gongsun Zhen snatched the Misceneous Record from Su Ji and began checking the book. But as he checked, his face grew increasingly grim.


    The group gathered behind him could see the text in the book.


    "It''s impossible! How could this be? How could he possibly remember the contents!" Losing one spirit stone was trivial, but they couldn''tprehend how Liu Wuxie memorized the book''s contents.


    "Don''t panic. He must''ve just finished reading this book. Let''s carry on and find the books he read in the morning. He must''ve forgotten all of it!" Many maintained theirposure because they could afford to lose a spirit stone.


    "That''s right. This book was on the second floor; he must''ve just seen it!" Everyone came to their senses as gambling addiction was a strange thing. Once entangled, it became irresistible for anyone to control themselves once they fell into it.


    "Congrattions. These spirit stones are now yours!" Yun Lan handed over six hundred spirit stones to Liu Wuxie with a hint of envy. After all, no one could maintain theirposure for someone to win over six hundred spirit stones with one question.


    A faint smile rose on Liu Wuxie''s lips after winning over six hundred mid-grade spirit stones with a few words.


    "Liu Wuxie, do you dare to carry on betting?" The disciples who lost the bet were resentful and wanted to bet again to regain their losses.


    "Since everyone is so eager, I''ll apany you all to the end. What do you think about betting two spirit stones now?" Liu Wuxie raised the stakes, wanting to tempt everyone into betting. The best method was to give them hope before crushing it.


    After hearing Liu Wuxie''s speech, everyone smiled. This was because Liu Wuxie''s idea resonated with them. If they won this round, they would win a spirit stone on top of what they lost, so why wouldn''t they take the bet?


    Everyone reached a consensus with no objections, including Deacon Kou.


    Yun Lan and Fan Xi exchanged a nce, their eyes filled with profound shock. As keen observers, they could discern Liu Wuxie''s intentions clearly¡ªit seemed he had orchestrated a trap for everyone present.


    Over 1,200 spirit stones were piled up together and kept by Yun Lan and Fan Xi once again.


    "Let me pick the book this time!" Lin Mingxu removed a book from the pile, and no one objected. After all, there were so many books, and no one could guarantee that Liu Wuxie could answer correctly.


    Lin Mingxu wasn''t hurrying to ask and spent time flipping through the books before closing it.


    "This book mentioned a peculiar fragrance while refining the Heavenly Heart Pill. Why is that?"


    This was a tricky question, and everyone smiled upon hearing it.


    In their eyes, Liu Wuxie knew nothing about alchemy and couldn''t answer this question. Moreover, the book had no correct answer, and it was ambiguous. Lin Mingxu''s malicious intentions were clear to everyone.


    Yun Lan furrowed his brows slightly because the Heavenly Heart Pill wasmon. But when refined, it produced a peculiar fragrance, and no one knew why.


    Deacon Kou had read most of the books but hadn''t found the specific reason.


    "Liu Wuxie, what are you waiting for? Answer quickly!" Everyone urged Liu Wuxie to answer the question. If Liu Wuxie failed to answer this question, he would lose.


    "This question is too difficult, and I doubt if anyone knows the answer," some disciples murmured from a distance. After all, the fragrance when refining the Heavenly Heart Pill wasn''t something new, and everyone was already ustomed to it.


    This question was like asking someone why they used chopsticks to eat daily.


    "There are three answers to this question. Which one do you want to know?" After a brief pondering, Liu Wuxie looked at Lin Mingxu and came up with three answers.


    "Three answers!" Astonished voices came from the surroundings, and even Deacon Kou didn''t know the answer to this question. But Liu Wuxie said he had three answers.


    "Liu Wuxie, do I look like a fool to you? Three answers? Are you trying to deceive everyone here? Let me tell you that there are disciples of the Treasure Pill Peak here. They can discern whether your answer is right or wrong!" The surroundingsughed, thinking that Liu Wuxie was rambling nonsense.


    Facing their mockery, Liu Wuxie remained indifferent. He organized his memory briefly and said, "The first answer is mentioned in a book."


    Liu Wuxie walked over to the pile of books and picked one out.


    "The answer is here, exined in detail on page fifty-seven on why the fragrance is produced when refining the Heavenly Heart Pill."


    Deacon Kou snatched the book from Liu Wuxie. He had also read this book before, but why didn''t he remember the mention of the fragrance?


    As he swiftly flipped to page fifty-seven, Yun Lan and Fan Xi came over, wanting to see what was recorded in the book. But after searching for a while, Deacon Kou was still baffled.


    "Liu Wuxie, where are the answers you mentioned?" Deacon Kou said unhappily. He read everything on page fifty-seven, but nothing was mentioned about the fragrance produced by the Heavenly Heart Pill.


    "Liu Wuxie, hand over the spirit stones! You''ve lost!" The surroundings became noisy, urging Liu Wuxie to hand over the spirit stones.


    "Fools!" Liu Wuxie sneered. Yun Lan and Fan Xi smiled bitterly because they hadn''t found the answer either.


    "Junior Brother Liu, stop keeping us in suspense. Where''s the answer?" Fan Xi asked curiously.


    "If you string together the first word in each sentence, you''ll get the answer." The answer was hidden in the text as an acrostic poem.


    Deacon Kou swiftly read through the first word in each sentence, "Spirit of heaven and earth, flower of fragrance. The fragrance of cardamom, caused by Frost Dew!"


    Everyone was still bewildered after hearing Deacon Kou''s answer. What kind of answer was that? They couldn''t find any connection to the Heavenly Heart Pill.


    Many herbs were recorded in this book, along with some phenomena caused when refining certain pills.


    "Liu Wuxie, what nonsense are you spouting? Do you think you can deceive us by making something up? You''ve lost this round!" Gongsun Zhen naturally wouldn''t believe what Liu Wuxie said. He knew nothing about alchemy and couldn''tprehend what Deacon Kou said.


    "That''s right! It''s utter bullshit!" More people condemned Liu Wuxie, thinking he was spouting nonsense.


    However, only Yun Lan and Fan Xi remained silent, pondering the meaning behind those words.


    "The Heavenly Heart Pill contains the Heavenly Fragrance Cardamom, which emits a faint fragrance. If it''sbined with Frost Dew, it will produce a fragrance. This is why a fragrance is produced when refining the Heavenly Heart Pill. If you want to prevent the fragrance, you can rece Frost Dew with the blood of Silver-Circlet Emerald Dragon. At the same time, the grade of the Heavenly Heart Pill will improve significantly," Liu Wuxie exined.


    The Silver-Circlet Emerald Dragon was a yin-attribute demonic beast, and its blood possessed simr effects to Frost Dew.


    This was the first method. It could improve the Heavenly Heart Pill and remove the fragrance.


    Liu Wuxie naturally would keep the other two methods secret because he just had to prove the source of the fragrance. There were countless ways to refine pills, and many herbs contradicted each other. Changing a herb or two could greatly improve the quality of the pill, but Liu Wuxie didn''t want to appear too monstrous.


    "Nonsense! Absolutely nonsense!" Deacon Kou finally exploded.


    "You''ll find out if I''m speaking nonsense once you attempt to refine the pill. Weren''t there disciples from the Heavenly Treasure Peak among you? The Heavenly Heart Pill is merely a fifth-grade pill, and I trust most of you are capable of refining it." Liu Wuxie''s demeanor remainedposed as a crowd gathered around, eager to understand the unfolding situation.


    "Let me give it a try. I killed a Silver-Circlet Emerald Dragon a few days ago, and I have some blood essence on me." A youth donning a dark green robe came out. He was an outer disciple of the Treasure Pill Peak.


    "He''s Wen Ling, distinguished among the outer disciples in the Treasure Pill Pavilion. I''ve heard he''s ascended to the rank of a six-star alchemist."


    The youth''s identity was quickly recognized, and the surroundings eximed. After all, only some people from the Treasure Pill Pavilion were alchemists because most people still focused on their cultivation rather than alchemy.


    An ample space was immediately cleared to make it convenient for Wen Ling to refine the Heavenly Heart Pill.


    Wen Ling took out a cauldron and some ingredients and ced them around him. Liu Wuxie also took a few steps back because this was his first time seeing an alchemist from the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    Liu Wuxie was unsure of his current alchemist level. He likely had reached the level of a six-star alchemist long ago, but he needed ingredients to refine sixth-grade pills.

 Chapter 314 - Winning Consecutively

    <h4>Chapter 314 - Winning Consecutively</h4>


    After summoning a cauldron, a ball of fire burst out of Wen Ling''s body.


    "Heavenly me!" Exmations could be heard from the surroundings. Heavenly mes were extremely rare, and even the spiritual me from the Fire Spiritual Bead couldn''t be considered a heavenly me.


    The most significant benefit of the spiritual me was the ability to keep evolving, bing purer over time.


    Wen Ling began taking out ingredients and slowly tossing them into the cauldron. Everyone held their breaths at this scene, afraid to interrupt. Fifteen minutes passed without them knowing, and a bean appeared in Wen Ling''s hand.


    "It''s the Heavenly Fragrance Cardamom!" When Wen Ling picked the bean, a dense fragrance began spreading and filling Book Collection Hall''s second level.


    "It smells nice!" The fragrance was faint and different from the Heavenly Heart Pills.


    When Wen Ling tossed the Heavenly Fragrance Cardamom into the cauldron, he elerated his refining speed and reached thest step. He took out a porcin bottle and hesitated briefly before pouring the Silver-Circlet Emerald Dragon'' ¡¯s blood from the bottle into the cauldron.


    ording to themonly known refining method, Frost Dew had to be added, but he had swapped it with the Silver-Circlet Emerald Dragon''s blood.


    Wen Ling was fully prepared for the cauldron to explode and ready to extinguish the fire at the slightest sign of trouble. Yet, strangely, the refining process proceeded to the forming stage without incident. The cauldron remained eerily calm, with no signs of an explosion.


    "What''s going on? Shouldn''t there be a rich fragrance by now?" Aside from Wen Ling, many disciples from the Treasure Pill Pavilion were present and expressed their doubts.


    There was only a faint fragrance in the air, quite different from the strong aroma typically released during the refinement of the Heavenly Heart Pill.


    "This is very unusual. The Silver-Circlet Emerald Dragon''s blood can rece Frost Dew!" Dozens of Treasure Pill Peak''s disciples eximed.


    "Rise!" When the cauldron opened up, ten golden-yellow pills appeared before everyone. The pills gave off a strong fragrance, causing everyone in the surroundings to absorb the energies emitted from the pills greedily.


    "Exceptional grade pills!" Wen Ling took a huge step back, unable to believe that he had refined these Heavenly Heart Pills.


    Looking at the Heavenly Heart Pills, Deacon Kou fell into deep thoughts with a hint of shock in his eyes. Was it a coincidence that the fragrance had vanished?


    The Heavenly Heart Pill had existed in the True Martial Continent for tens of thousands of years, and no one had ever thought to modify the form. Everyone was ustomed to the strong fragrance released during refinement, making this faint aroma unusual and difficult for everyone to ept.


    "Junior Brother Liu, allow me to bow to you!" Wen Ling said, bowing to Liu Wuxie. He couldn''t believe he had just refined pills of exceptional quality. The oue made Liu Wuxie''s victory clear.


    The author of the book had deliberately hidden the answer in the form of an acrostic poem. However, Liu Wuxie was the only one capable of finding the answer after so many years.


    Lin Mingxu looked bewildered by the mystery unveiled and stood there at a loss. It wasn''t because he couldn''t afford to ept his loss; each person only lost two spirit stones in the bet. But he couldn''t take the blow to his dignity.


    That was especially the case for Deacon Kou and others. They would be ashamed to show their faces in the future because they were inferior to someone who had just joined the sect. If news of this got out, they would be a subject of ridicule, not to mention that a cultivator''s dignity and reputation were sometimes more important than their lives.


    With that, 1,200 spirit stones entered Liu Wuxie''s pocket without surprise. In addition to the spirit stones he had won earlier, he now had nearly two thousand spirit stones, even causing Yun Lan to look at him with envy.


    The atmosphere became somewhat awkward, and they needed to decide whether to continue. They weren''t afraid of losing spirit stones, but they feared losing their dignity.


    "I know you all aren''t willing to ept the loss like that. Why don''t we carry on betting? Three spirit stones this time?" Liu Wuxie was slowly digging a trap for everyone to fall into. If these people wanted to take back their losses, they would indeed carry on betting with him. After all, they would win one spirit stone on top of everything they had lost if they won.


    Like that, the numbers gradually went from one spirit stone to ten spirit stones, and everyone''s faces turned red with frustration from the losses.


    No questions could stump Liu Wuxie, and the trickiest question by far was Su Ji, who asked him what thest line of the sentence was on the Celestial Record''s hundredth page. It was a question that tested Liu Wuxie¡¯s memory.


    The Celestial Record was a misceneous book over half a foot thick, containing knowledge of astronomy, physiognomy, and other bizarre subjects.


    The bet began with one spirit stone, increasing to two for the second round, three for the third, five for the fourth, and eight for the sixth. Though the increments seemed small, the cumtive effect caused everyone to run out of spirit stones before they realized it.


    This was a subtle process that gradually made everyone sink deeper. After all, it would deter many people from joining if Liu Wuxie had started with a considerable sum right from the start. He slowly let everyone catch a glimpse of hope each time, only to end up in despair.


    "Again! I want to raise it to one hundred spirit stones this time!" Su Ji''s eyes turned bloodshot. He had lost too much and wanted to turn the tide in one bold move, raising the bet to one hundred spirit stones.


    Many people followed suit, taking out their spirit stones to go big. But some withdraw from the bet. They noticed that Liu Wuxie purposely maintained this tense atmosphere to make them feel there was an opportunity to exploit.


    "Brother Fan, do you believe there''s something like a photographic memory in this world?" Yun Lan asked Fan Xi with his arms tugged together. After all, Yun Lan couldn''t find another word to describe how Liu Wuxie could memorize over thirty thousand books.


    "I''m afraid just having a photographic memory won''t be enough. There are many things I can''t understand about him." Fan Xi shook his head. After reaching their cultivation level, they could easily speed-read, but wanting to achieve Liu Wuxie''s level of proficiency was another story.


    "It''s gettingte. How about this: we''ll decide the winner in thest round. There''s only one chance left, and I hope you all can seize it." Liu Wuxie grinned. After winning ten-odd rounds, tens of thousands of mid-grade spirit stones entered his pocket, bringing a bright smile to his face.


    This was his n, which was to gradually raise the stake like boiling a frog.


    "I''ll bet one thousand!" A disciple in the eighth-level True Core Realm took out his remaining spirit stones and bet them all.


    Su Ji also gritted his teeth and took out all his spirit stones to bet.


    In just a few minutes, Liu Wuxie amassed over fifty thousand spirit stones, likely representing everyone''s entire assets.


    Liu Wuxie''s gazed at Deacon Kou. After all, Su Ji and others didn''t mean much because Deacon Kou was his primary target.


    "Deacon Kou, it''s your turn now," Liu Wuxie saidzily. Deacon Kou was the wealthiest among them, and Liu Wuxie aimed to go big, needing many spirit stones to break through to the fourth level.


    Thousands of eyes turned to Deacon Kou, who was in a dilemma. Giving up now would be like giving up over a thousand mid-grade spirit stones he lost to Liu Wuxie earlier.


    Deacon Kou wasn''t willing to give up yet but wasn''t confident after Liu Wuxie''s performance. Everyone had sunken deep into the trap and could not extricate themselves.


    "Five thousand spirit stones!" Deacon Kou gritted his teeth and took out five thousand mid-grade spirit stones from his interspatial ring.


    When he took out all the spirit stones, the Book Collection Hall was enveloped in a radiance because no outer disciple had seen so many spirit stones in their lives.


    Deacon Kou intended to win back all the spirit stones he had lost and drain Liu Wuxie of all his resources. This meant the final round would determine the winner.


    "This time, I''ll pick the topic!" Deacon Kou walked over to the books and began flipping through them. But no one came to stop him because they knew they had to change their approach since Liu Wuxie could remember the contents of the books each time.


    An ancient-looking book appeared in Deacon Kou''s hand, and he brushed the dust off the cover. This book had been sitting in a corner, seldom read, because most of its content had little to do with cultivation.


    "Night Talks? What kind of book is that?" Everyone was baffled when they saw the two characters on the book''s cover. They couldn''tprehend why Deacon Kou picked this book.


    Then again, Deacon Kou had wagered five thousand mid-grade spirit stones, and no one dared to speak up. After all, Deacon Kou would lose all his assets if he lost this round.


    As he gently flipped through the book, everyone in the surroundings backed away to avoid revealing the book''s contents.


    "There''s a question mentioned in this book. What is the definition of inscription runes?" Deacon Kou asked after stopping on a page and closing the book.


    Night Talks recorded many things that couldn''t be verified. This question left everyone in the room dumbfounded because this question had no correct answer. Even if Liu Wuxie answered correctly, Deacon Kou could easily im that Liu Wuxie''s answers were wrong, and no one could prove it otherwise.


    Liu Wuxie needed to provide convincing evidence to persuade everyone with his answer. After all, inscription runes existed in heaven and earth. They were undeniably real despite being unseeable or touchable.


    Yun Lan and Fan Xi were also lost in their thoughts, pondering what inscription runes were. All eyes were on Liu Wuxie, quietly waiting for his answer.


    Deacon Kou deliberately made it difficult for Liu Wuxie, and thetter would lose if he couldn''t answer. Not only would he have to return all the spirit stones he had won through betting, but he would also lose everything. From this alone, anyone could tell how malicious Deacon Kou was.


    "Deacon Kou, the bet between us is if I can remember the contents in a book. Even the book where you picked the question from has no answer provided," Liu Wuxie sneered as he questioned Deacon Kou.


    "Liu Wuxie, are you afraid? Since this question is mentioned in this book, there must be an answer. It''s just that you don''t know it." Lin Mingxumented.


    "Since it''s mentioned in the book, there must be an answer. Hurry up and answer!" Hundreds of people chimed in, throwing their dignity aside. Their words were filled with malice, and it looked as if they would resort to violence in the next moment.


    If Liu Wuxie couldn''t answer the question, they would immediately seize his resources and trample on him.


    Deaon Kou sneered because even he couldn''t answer this question. After all, inscription runes wereprehensive, containing thews of the natural world. Only someone who had reached the Astral River Realm could possiblyprehend the profundity.


    "Liu Wuxie, hurry up and admit defeat. Don''t waste our time!" Gongsun Zhen sneered, urging Liu Wuxie to admit defeat.


    "Since you all are in such a hurry to lose the bet, I''ll fulfill your wishes." A cold light shed from Liu Wuxie''s eyes. This question might stump ordinary people because inscription runes wereprehensive. They would be used in alchemy, cksmithing, spiritual arrays, etc.


    One could only learn some of the runes. For example, an alchemist would only learn runes rted to alchemy, while a cksmith would only learn runes rted to forging.


    "Hurry up! Don''t waste our time!" Su Ji looked impatient.


    "Inscription runes are divided into two parts, with inscription representing heaven and runes representing dao. If youbine them, it would be Heavenly Dao!" Liu Wuxie said. As soon as he was done, the Book Collection Hall shook violently as though it had connected to something in the world.

 Chapter 315 - Heavenly Dao Book

    <h4>Chapter 315 - Heavenly Dao Book</h4>


    Countless people were dumbfounded as tremors came from beneath their feet. The books on the shelves fell to the ground, unable to withstand the weight of the two words: Heavenly Dao.


    Liu Wuxie was about to carry on with his exnation. However, he stopped abruptly because discussing Heavenly Dao would be disrespectful, and he would suffer the bacsh from Heavenly Dao if he weren''t careful.


    The tremorssted for several breaths before calming down, and everyone was shocked.


    "What did just happen?" Everyone was puzzled, unable to figure out what had caused the Book Collection Hall to tremble violently.


    "Liu Wuxie, hand over the spirit stones. You''ve lost this round. We can''t even understand what you said." Su Ji reached out, demanding Liu Wuxie to hand over all the spirit stones. After all, he had wagered all his assets on thest round.


    "Hand over the spirit stones!" everyone else said and advanced towards Liu Wuxie.


    Yun Lan and Fan Xi exchanged a look, noticing the hint of shock in each others'' eyes.


    "Ignorant fools!" Liu Wuxie reached out and kept all the spirit stones in his interspatial pouch. He had already answered, and it was not his concern if they couldprehend what he said.


    Seeing Liu Wuxie keeping all the spirit stones instantly drove everyone insane.


    "Liu Wuxie, you''re courting death!" Lin Mingxu and Gongsun Zhen rushed forward to stop Liu Wuxie. After all, they had lost all the spirit stones they had received the previous day. This meant they would have to tighten their belts for the next few months if they couldn''t regain their spirit stones.


    "You two n to rob openly?" Liu Wuxie was enraged. So many people were present, and leaving unscathed would be challenging for him.


    The situation was on the brink of losing control, with everyone blinded by rage. They no longer cared if the answer was correct and only wanted to take back their spirit stones from Liu Wuxie.


    "Deacon Kou, please help us and seize him!" Su Ji gritted his teeth in hatred. Deacon Kou had lost five thousand mid-grade spirit stones in this bet, nearly his entire annual sry. Thus, Su Ji wanted to use Deacon Kou''s hands to deal with Liu Wuxie.


    There was no need for Su Ji''s reminder because Deacon Kou slowly approached Liu Wuxie, with each footstep emitting an even more powerful murderous intent.


    When he released his aura in the Heavenly Phase Realm, an overwhelming pressure descended, causing the floor to creak. It felt like a mountain crushing down on Liu Wuxie, making his breathing hurried.


    "Hahaha...this is truly eye-opening. I didn''t expect the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s deacon to be so shameless." Liu Wuxie burst intoughter with murderous intent shing in his eyes.


    "I would have conceded if you''d answered correctly. But you''re just spouting nonsense and giving a random answer. Considering you''re a new disciple, I''ll let it go if you hand over the spirit stones," Deacon Kou retorted.


    "You will pardon me if I hand you the spirit stones? I didn''t expect the standards of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s deacon to stoop so low!" Liu Wuxie was enraged and released a powerful aura that dispelled the pressure from Deacon Kou, causing the surrounding books to fall.


    This situation made Yun Lan and Fan Xi anxious, but they were only outer disciples with limited status.


    Liu Wuxie was greatly disappointed that the phenomenon he had caused when mentioning ''Heavenly Dao'' had gone unnoticed by a deacon.


    "Well said!" A rumbling voice came from the top of the Book Collection Hall, causing everyone''s eardrums to tremble.


    "I-It''s the elder responsible for guarding the Book Collection Hall!" Everyone panicked upon hearing the voice. It was public knowledge that an elder in the Book Collection Hall was tasked with preventing the theft of the books. After all, there had been instances where disciples had leaked the sect''s secrets, losing precious alchemy forms.


    Investigations had revealed that the disciple who had stolen the forms was a spy from the Azure Crimson Gate who had stayed in the sect for over thirty years.


    Since then, an elder had been dispatched to the Book Collection Hall. Every elder possessed a Nascent Transformation Realm cultivation and was incredibly strong.


    Nothing that urred in the Book Collection Hall could escape the ears of such a powerhouse. The restrictions on each floor were useless in front of someone in the Nascent Transformation Realm.


    Deacon Kou swayed, and his face became pale. He hadn''t expected their actions to rm the elder.


    "Young man, well said! The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion has done nothing in recent years other than producing a bunch of mediocrity. Starting today, you are no longer a deacon of the Book Collection Hall!" the elder said boomingly, causing the surrounding books to fall even more.


    Only a powerhouse in the Nascent Transformation Realm would dare to berate a deacon in this manner.


    Deacon Kou copsed upon hearing the elder''s words. He knew losing his position as the Book Collection Hall''s deacon meant being sent either tobor in the mines or to the mundane world to manage the sect''s assets. Either oue would mean bidding farewell to his path of cultivation.


    "Young man, was what you said a casual remark, or was it something you pondered deeply?" the elder asked with a hint of humility.


    "Senior, it was in a book I found when I was young, but I''m not sure of its authenticity either," Liu Wuxie replied. He wasn''t foolish and found a random excuse to brush it off. After all, who would dare toment on Heavenly Dao?


    Deacon Kou was the best example. His question caused a bacsh, which resulted in him being demoted.


    "Is this book still in your possession?" the elder asked hurriedly. He knew that if he could unravel the mysteries of Heavenly Dao, he would be able to reach a higher realm in his cultivation.


    Everyone in the surroundings was dumbfounded. It wasn''t hard to understand what the elder said. The book seemed to be incredibly important, even containing thews of the natural world.


    "I was poor when I was young, and I used the book as a toilet paper." Liu Wuxie shrugged helplessly.


    Yun Lan choked on his saliva upon hearing that. He couldn''t believe that Liu Wuxie had used such a precious book as toilet paper.


    The surrounding disciples wanted to kill Liu Wuxie, wishing they could tear him apart.


    "s... what a pity. Perhaps my fate with immortality isn''t meant to be. You may all leave now," the elder said destely. If only he had encountered Liu Wuxie earlier and read the book, everything might have been different.


    "Elder, don''t be disheartened. Immortality fate contains both immortality and fate. I believe you can find your path to immortality." Liu Wuxie''s words intended to enlighten the elder, considering it a repayment for standing up for him earlier. Liu Wuxie was also capable of enlightening someone in the Nascent Transformation Realm.


    The surrounding space began to tremble, and the Book Collection Hall trembled again. This caused everyone to sway around as if they were drunk.


    "Immortality fate...well said. I owe you a favor, and I''m going into seclusion now." The Book Collection Hall returned to calmness once more with the elder''s departure, as though he had received enlightenment from Liu Wuxie''s words.


    This left everyone dumbfounded, and they couldn''tprehend what had just happened.


    Fan Xi looked at Liu Wuxie with aplicated gaze. What Liu Wuxie had said earlier might not have sounded profound, but it carried a deeper meaning.


    Liu Wuxie left without hesitation and was already gone by the time everyone came to their senses.


    After leaving the Book Collection Hall, Liu Wuxie returned to his courtyard. Zhang Lin''s group of three had yet to return, and he didn''t know where they had gone.


    Upon returning, he sat down immediately to digest the books he had read that day. Most of the knowledge was stored in his soul sea, requiring him to organize it.


    <i>There are two primary tasks now: to reach the fourth level of the True Core Realm and find a suitable martial technique.</i> Liu Wuxie thought to himself. The Fatality de Art was too limited, and he had reached the limit with the Overlord Fist.


    If he kept using the Fatality de Art, it was a matter of time before the vulnerabilities of his martial technique were exposed. Thus, it was best for him to practice a martial technique from the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    However, Liu Wuxie didn''t have any points on him for now, meaning he couldn''t exchange for any martial technique. This meant he could only find another way to obtain a martial technique.


    When Liu Wuxie closed his eyes, his divine sense sank into his soul sea, and countless words appeared before him. But a bizarre scene unfolded as the words began to ovep and merge, bing richer in content.


    This left Liu Wuxiepletely stunned, a rare urrence given how little could shock him. Six hourster, the words had nearly formed a golden scripture, hovering above his soul sea.


    "Was Ghost Eye promoted again?" Liu Wuxie muttered to himself. Due to the influence of Deste Devouring Art, Ghost Eye underwent multiple changespared to the version he knew. Now, it even created a golden scripture on his soul sea.


    Looking at the golden scripture, there were many runes on it, but there weren''t any words.


    "I understand now. Can this possibly be thews of heaven and earth, which I need to fill myself?"


    There were rumors that a divine book existed in heaven and earth that recorded everything in the world. But everyone treated it as a legend, and no one knew whether such a book truly existed.


    After all, everything in the world hadws and sequences, whether human dao, demon dao, or abyssal dao; they each had theirws and sequences.


    "What should I fill it with?" Liu Wuxie fell into deep thoughts. He only had to write down the content for theplete Heavenly Dao Book to appear in heaven and earth. Furthermore, he wouldpletely master what he wrote.


    However, Liu Wuxie was only in the True Core Realm and couldn''t record anything too profound. Logically, the Heavenly Dao Book should evolve as his cultivation advanced. As he absorbed more knowledge, the book''s content would also expand.


    "I''ll begin with the essence of the Deste Devouring Art and observe any changes." Since the Deste Devouring Art had initiated this phenomenon, it might be connected to the Heavenly Dao Book.


    <i>Everything in the world can be devoured and refined.</i>


    Golden words began appearing in the Heavenly Dao Book, which looked like golden tadpoles that formed into runes.


    As the exhaustion in Liu Wuxie''s soul sea increased, he spent four hours before finally writing the Deste Devouring Art into the Heavenly Dao Book.


    The next second, the Heavenly Dao Book suddenly contracted into a scroll and shone brightly above Liu Wuxie''s soul sea.


    Simultaneously, a violent rumble came from a certain ce in the Celestial Realm, with cracks appearing as boundless immortal aura poured into countless worlds, including the True Martial Continent. The entire Celestial Realm was soon rmed by themotion.


    The Heavenly Dao Book absorbed a strand of immortal aura, and Liu Wuxie remained oblivious and immersed in his own world. His thoughts suddenly became clear, like he had be one with heaven.

 Chapter 316 - Fourth-Level of the True Core Realm

    <h4>Chapter 316 - Fourth-Level of the True Core Realm</h4>


    When Liu Wuxie opened his eyes, he observed the changes in his soul sea. The Heavenly Dao Book hovered above his soul sea like a towering pir.


    What surprised Liu Wuxie was that his cultivation reached the fourth level of the True Core Realm, and his spirit stones didn¡¯t decrease at all. He couldn¡¯tprehend what was going on because there were no signs of his breakthrough.


    ¡°Enlightenment! It must be enlightenment!¡± Liu Wuxie clenched his fists. Others would be at a loss of what to do if a golden scripture suddenly appeared in their soul sea. Only Liu Wuxie would be so bold to inscribe the essence of the Deste Devouring Art in it.


    With a thought, the Heavenly Dao Book opened up, and the Deste Devouring Art was like a general outline inscribed at the very top.


    In the future, as Liu Wuxie continued to write down the book''s contents, he could only write beneath the Deste Devouring Art. This was because the Deste Devouring Art was first in the sequence, listed at the pinnacle of the Dao. Even he had no idea what it would progress into in the future.


    The night had passed without knowing, and it was dawn by the time he was done with the Heavenly Dao Book. He nned to visit the Book Collection Hall again in the future when he had time. If he wanted the Heavenly Dao Book to carry on growing, he would have to absorb more knowledge.


    As for the Heavenly Dao Book¡¯s function, he was still in the process of exploring. When his divine sense entered his dantian, space trembled violently as though the world in his dantian had changed. It felt as though this world hade to life with trees bing more vivid and earth seeming denser.


    Boundless true essence gushed throughout his body like tidal waves, possessing endless power.


    When Liu Wuxie circted the Deste Devouring Art, the Heavenly Dao Book in his soul sea opened up and began absorbing spiritual energy from the surroundings. This further increased his cultivation speed by several times, instantly devouring the spiritual energy in the surroundings.


    ¡°I see...after the Deste Devouring Art was inscribed onto the Heavenly Dao Book, it became morepatible with heaven and earth. This allows me to achieve twice the result with half the effort. I wonder if I can inscribe the Fatality de Art onto the Heavenly Dao Book.¡± Another bold idea emerged in Liu Wuxie¡¯s mind. He nned to inscribe the Fatality de Art onto the Heavenly Dao Book to enhance it.


    Once Liu Wuxie made up his mind, he didn''t hesitate. He opened the Heavenly Dao Book and began inscribing the Fatality de Art into its pages.


    However, even after inscribing it for half a day, there wasn¡¯t any reaction from the Heavenly Dao Book. This was weird, and he wondered if there was an issue with the Fatality de Art. Since the Fatality de Art failed, Liu Wuxie attempted to inscribe the Overlord Fist, but there wasn¡¯t any effect.


    ¡°Could it be that I can only inscribe the techniques I create in the Heavenly Dao Book? The Fatality de Art was left behind by my father, and the Overlord Fist wasn¡¯t created by me either. This is the reason why I can¡¯t inscribe it into the Heavenly Dao Book,¡± Liu Wuxie frowned and muttered to himself. After all, this was the only possible answer he came up with.


    Constructing a new sequence meant creating a new world, and each sequence required careful crafting. However, Liu Wuxie knew he had more time to explore and understand the depths of the Heavenly Dao Book in the future.


    ¡°Let¡¯s put that aside for now and take one step at a time!¡± Liu Wuxie gave up on inscribing in the Heavenly Dao Book. After all, he couldn''t create anything with his current cultivation, and he would have to reach the Astral River Realm at least toprehend dao.


    When Liu Wuxie circted the Deste Devouring Art, all the spiritual energy within tens of thousands of meters was devoured, which made many people unhappy.


    When the sun rose high in the sky, Liu Wuxie¡¯s cultivation finally stabilized in the fourth level of the True Core Realm¡¯ste phase. The Deste Devouring Art inscribed in the Heavenly Dao Book grew brighter with the words bing clearer.


    ¡°This is weird. The runes in the Heavenly Dao Book are getting clearer. Can it be because I used Deste Devouring Art to devour spiritual energy?¡± Liu Wuxie muttered to himself, and the runes in the Heavenly Dao Book became clearer.


    Taking out dozens of pills, Liu Wuxie tossed them into the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron, converting them into spiritual energy and poured into the world in his dantian. Changes soon began to appear in the Heavenly Dao Book with faint alchemy runes appearing in it.


    ¡°Hahaha! I understand now. The Heavenly Dao Book represents heaven and earth, while the Deste Devouring Art is capable of devouring everything.¡±


    Devouring everything and converting it back into energy was a cycle, and this was theplete Deste Devouring Art. The world in his dantian was only a visual world, and the world became clearer when the Heavenly Dao Book appeared.


    Alchemy was also a perfect construct of heaven and earth, meaning Liu Wuxie¡¯s body was akin to a world. The Deste Devouring Art wasn¡¯t just a cultivation technique, but it could be used to create an entire world.


    After entering the cultivation world, the Deste Devouring Art finally went on the right path.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie,e out!¡± a yell came from outside, interrupting Liu Wuxie¡¯s cultivation. A hint of chill shed in his eyes. Zhang Lin¡¯s group of three had returned, arrogantly calling out Liu Wuxie¡¯s name directly.


    Liu Wuxie had no idea where they had been the previous day, but they sought him out the moment he emerged. As he stepped outside, he saw Zhang Lin''s group of three along with another youth, all ring at him with malice.


    ¡°Zhang Lin, are you seeking death?¡± Liu Wuxie was enraged. Even though he had made a breakthrough, his cultivation needed tempering. So, how could he not be furious to have his cultivation interrupted?


    Zhu You and Wu He followed behind with a hint of amusement in their eyes.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, why aren¡¯t youing over to pay your respect to Senior Brother Zhao?¡± Zhang Lin stood with his chest puffed up and pointed to the young man beside him. The youth he pointed to had cultivation in the fifth level of the True Core Realm and resided in the mid-region.


    After being kicked by Liu Wuxie, Zhang Lin harbored resentment and had sought out Zhao Yihai. As the two had joined the sect together, they had an extraordinary friendship.


    This was why Zhao Yihai had agreed toe after hearing that Zhang Lin was bullied by a neer. The had sought him out that day because he had just returned to the sect the previous day.


    ¡°Kneel and kowtow while I¡¯m still talking to you peacefully. Otherwise, I will let you all know what¡¯s worse than death!¡± Liu Wuxie had realized something through what had happened the previous day. He needed to maintain a strong front if he wanted others to fear and respect him. On the contrary, others would try to pick on him if he kept a low profile.


    ¡°Hahaha!¡± Zhu Youughed. Liu Wuxie wanted them to go down on their knees when they had Zhao Yihai with them. Wu He was also amused by what Liu Wuxie said.


    ¡°Senior Brother Zhao, this person is clearly disregarding you. You should cripple his cultivation in my opinion.¡± It wasmon for disciples to suffer heavy injuries in a fight, and the sect couldn¡¯t be bothered as it was impossible for them to supervise every corner of the sect.


    Zhao Yihai took a step forward, releasing his aura in the fifth level of the True Core Realm that came crashing down on Liu Wuxie. The dried leaves on the ground flew under his aura, forming a vortex.


    ¡°Brat, I¡¯ll also give you a chance. Kneel, kowtow to us three times, and hand over all your spirit stones. If you do that, I can consider sparing your pathetic life.¡± Zhao Yihai said, unaware of what happened in the Book Collection Hall yesterday.


    After all, the events in the Book Collection Hall the previous day had only spread within a small circle. There were over a hundred thousand outer disciples in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, and it was difficult for the news to spread to every corner.


    ¡°How noisy. Let¡¯s get this over with!¡± Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t want to waste his time with these people. He pushed his palm forward, causing the four to retreat under the pressure caused by his true essence.


    This changed Zhao Yihai¡¯s expression because he felt a strong sense of crisising from Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Senior Brother Zhao, cripple him! What are you waiting for?¡± Zhang Lin¡¯s eyes became bloodshot, and his facial expression became distorted with resentment after recalling Lui Wuxie¡¯s kick from the previous day.


    With thingsing to this point, Zhao Yihai had no room for retreat and threw out a punch at Liu Wuxie¡¯s face.


    ¡°Great!¡± Liu Wuxie stepped forward instead of retreating. He had just reached the fourth level of the True Core Realm, and this was an excellent opportunity for him to gauge his strength. Leaving behind an afterimage, a resounding p was heard before Zhao Yihai could react.


    Zhao Yihai flew out like a broken kite, smashing into the wall and coughing up blood. With just one p from Liu Wuxie, he was sent flying, which disyed Liu Wuxie¡¯s strength.


    Zhang Lin¡¯s group of three was dumbfounded and couldn¡¯t believe what they had just seen. They even doubted if they were dreaming.


    ¡°Senior Brother Zhao, are you alright?¡± Zhang Lin came forward to help Zhao Yihai back on his feet.


    ¡°I¡¯ll kill you!¡± Pushing Zhang Lin aside, Zhao Yihao took out a longsword from his interspatial pouch and cleaved it down at Liu Wuxie. His sword unleashed a powerful sword aura that created a vacuum passage, heading towards Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°I¡¯ll fulfill your wish since you¡¯re courting death!¡± Liu Wuxie narrowed his eyes with his murderous intent, reaching every corner of the courtyard.


    He appeared before Zhao Yihai like a shadow, interrupting thetter before he could cleave his sword down. With a kick, Zhao Yihai was sent flying even further away this time.


    When Zhao Yihai hit the ground, he threw up a mouthful of blood with cracking soundsing from his dantian.


    ¡°Y-You crippled my cultivation?! Damn you!¡± Zhao Yihai roared like a wild beast. Losing his cultivation meant he could only be a cripple in the future.


    Zhang Lin¡¯s group of three was stumped because everything was done in one move.


    ¡°This...¡± Wu He began to tremble, forgetting to breathe. They had spent a great effort to invite Zhao Yihai to help them, but Liu Wuxie had easily crippled him.


    When Liu Wuxie looked at Zhang Lin¡¯s group of three coldly, Zhang Lin went down on his knees without any hesitation. After all, thetter didn¡¯t want to die, let alone be a cripple.


    Wu He and Zhu You also went down on their knees shortly after and began kowtowing to Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°You all deserve to die!¡± Liu Wuxie said coldly. Previously, he had only punished them slightly, but they had dared toe back with someone else to seek revenge. Thus, it was fine, even if he killed them.


    ¡°Yes, we all deserve to die, but please spare our lives!¡± Zhang Lin kowtowed continuously. He was filled with regret as he kowtowed to someone much younger than him.


    ¡°I have already given you all a chance, but you three didn¡¯t cherish it!¡± Liu Wuxie raised his right foot and sent Zhang Lin¡¯s group of three flying. Like Zhao Yihai, their dantians were also shattered.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, I curse you!¡± Zhang Lin roared, but no one paid any attention to them. With their cultivation lost, it wouldn¡¯t be long before they would be kicked out from the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    Zhu You and Wu He sat weakly on the ground with an empty look in their eyes.

 Chapter 317 - Marketplace

    <h4>Chapter 317 - Marketce</h4>


    The four meny on the ground wailing, but they were only met with indifference and not sympathy.


    "Get lost!" Liu Wuxie said, returning to his room and ignoring the four.


    The four struggled to their feet and exited the courtyard, leaning on each other for support. Before Zhao Yihai departed, he shot a menacing re towards Liu Wuxie''s courtyard.


    "Senior Brother Zhao, this is all my fault, and I''ve implicated you," Zhang Lin apologized after they left the courtyard. If he hadn''t looked for Zhao Yihai, thetter wouldn''t have been crippled.


    Zhao Yihai''s heart brimmed with hatred, yet he felt powerless. His cultivation remained crippled unless he could procure a Restoration Pill to mend his dantian, a feat only achievable by someone in the True Profound Realm.


    It was impossible for them to evene in contact with someone in the Astral River Realm, not to mention the True Profound Realm.


    "I want him dead!" Zhao Yihai said, gritting his teeth. He wouldn''t let this matter rest so easily and would take revenge no matter what.


    Hearing Zhao Yihai¡¯s words, a hint of joy shed in Zhang Lin''s eyes. They would be able to take their revenge if Liu Wuxie''s cultivation was crippled.


    "Senior Brother Zhao, do you have a n?" Zhu You whispered, preventing himself from being heard by Liu Wuxie.


    "Let''s go and look for Senior Brother Du Sha!" Zhao Yihai said in a menacing tone.


    "The Bloodlust Tyrant Du Sha?" Zhang Lin shuddered and was afraid of this name.


    "That''s right. How many resources do you all have? Take them all out! It''ll cost at least a thousand mid-grade spirit stones to ask him for help." Zhao Yihai urged the three to gather enough spirit stones because they had caused this, and he was a victim.


    Zhao Yihai was determined to take revenge no matter what.


    Liu Wuxie was utterly unaware of this development and was still consolidating his cultivation. He only came out in the afternoon after feeling hungry to buy Fasting Pills.


    Since the appearance of the Heavenly Dao Book in his soul sea, Liu Wuxie''s cultivation had advanced rapidlypared to before. Both his dantian and soul sea were different from those of ordinary people, and his energy consumption was enormous.


    Liu Wuxie closed the gate to his courtyard and guessed that Zhang Lin''s group would not return for the next few days.


    Logically speaking, he could move to the middle region after reaching the fourth level of the True Core Realm, but he had yet to make ns to move anytime soon.


    Living alone here was rtively quiet, and if he moved to the mid-region, he would inevitably encounter someone like Zhang Lin, hindering his cultivation.


    There was a marketce at the foot of the Heavenly Dao Sect''s mountain, where people tried to exchange unusable items for something useful.


    For example, if Liu Wuxie had spiritual herbs he didn''t need, he could exchange them with others for something he could use.


    The sect had a few hundred thousand disciples, and the trading volume was high.


    Following the road down the mountain, Liu Wuxie could see the marketce bustling with people.


    However, shortly after Liu Wuxie left his courtyard, a few people quietly followed behind him. After all, Liu Wuxie had won over eighty thousand spirit stones the previous day, making him even richer than those top outer disciples.


    Spirit stones were themon currency used in the world of cultivation. Liu Wuxie went to the marketce to look for Fasting Pills and see if he could buy some herbs to advance his alchemy.


    Liu Wuxie stopped at a tree. The four people had followed him for quite some time, and this ce was the perfect opportunity to make a move. He yelled, "Come out! Don''t bother hiding anymore!"


    Upon hearing his voice, four figures dashed out from the bush behind Liu Wuxie. They surrounded him from all four directions.


    Liu Wuxie had seen them in the Book Collection Hall. But as there were too many people, he couldn''t remember everyone and vaguely remembered their faces.


    "Liu Wuxie, hand over all your spirit stones or die!" A man shook his sword, demanding Liu Wuxie to hand over his spirit stones. The four weren''t weak and were all in the sixth level of the True Core Realm. There wasn''t anyone in the surroundings either, meaning no one would know even if they killed Liu Wuxie here.


    "You four want to kill me if I refuse?!" Liu Wuxie''s gaze became cold. The man who spoke earlier had lost six hundred spirit stones to him yesterday.


    He had been camping around Liu Wuxie''s courtyard, waiting for an opportunity to make his move. But Zhao Yihai''s appearance had disrupted their ns, and they could only wait until now.


    "Hmph, so what if we kill you? There''s no one here anyways!" Yu Zishi sneered. After all, over eighty thousand spirit stones were a colossal sum.


    Liu Wuxie scanned his surroundings with Ghost Eye to verify that no one was there because most disciples were at the marketce.


    "Thanks for the reminder. This means I can kill you four now!" The Heretic de appeared in Liu Wuxie''s hands, and he had no intentions of showing mercy.


    "Hahaha! What a joke! You''re only garbage, and you reside in the lower region. You can die now!" Yu Zishi waved his hand, signaling hispanions to attack together.


    They unleashed ferocious attacks right from the start in case someone came. It wasmon for robbery and murders to take ce in the sect, and ordinary people might not be able to adapt to this environment.


    Liu Wuxie had anticipated this before stepping into the cultivation world. The moment the four attacked, they were swiftly repelled by a surging force. Then, he swung his de, unleashing the Fatality de Art.


    After the Deste Devouring Art was inscribed into the Heavenly Dao Book, Liu Wuxie''s true essence had be even stronger than before, and each strand contained the mark of Heavenly Dao.


    "This is bad!" Yu Zishi''s group of four was in the sixth level of the True Core Realm, but Liu Wuxie thoroughly suppressed them, which was unbelievable.


    It was already toote to retreat because Liu Wuxie wouldn''t give them the opportunity. The reason why he hadn''t killed Zhang Lin''s group was because they were in his courtyard when the fight had urred, and he didn''t want to leave any evidence behind.


    However, this ce was different as this was the wilderness, and no one would know if these people died.


    Blood dyed the leaves in the surroundings, and Yu Zishi was soon reduced to a pile of skin by the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron. The remaining three were terrified because this scene was too horrifying.


    Everyone was scared out of their wits and ran in three directions, hoping to escape.


    "Die, all of you!" Liu Wuxie naturally wouldn''t let them off and unleashed countless afterimages with the Heretic de, covering them in holes like ho nests.


    When mes burned, the four piles of skins were reduced to ashes. This way, even the remaining evidence was erased, and even someone in the Nascent Transformation Realm wouldn''t find any trace.


    Four cultivators in the sixth level of the True Core Realm were converted into over a thousand droplets of liquids, pouring into the world in his dantian.


    When the Heavenly Dao Book slowly opened, a few more runes appeared.


    "They''re human runes!" Liu Wuxie was shocked because the Heavenly Dao Book would record everything refined by the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron. As the number of runes increased, Liu Wuxie''s strength would increase. This meant he could devour treasures to enhance his cultivation.


    Liu Wuxie didn''t linger after killing the four. An hourter, he arrived at a sprawling marketce. The air was filled with the calls of vendors pitching their goods, echoing through the valley.


    Most people held something by the roadside, waiting to exchange it for something they could use.


    Liu Wuxie plunged into the marketce to search for what he wanted.


    "How much for this Sky Dragon Spirit?" Liu Wuxie asked after seeing a strange horn in the hands of a youth. This was from a sixth-grade demonic beast, equivalent to the Heavenly Dipper Realm for human cultivators. This made Liu Wuxie curious about where this youth got this horn from.


    "If you''re interested, you can exchange it for a Starpole Grass." The youth looked at Liu Wuxie. He had no intentions of selling the Sky Dragon Spirit but wanted to exchange it for the Starpole Grass, which he needed urgently.


    The Starpole Grass was also a sixth-tier herb, and this was considered an equal exchange that made sense.


    However, as Liu Wuxie didn''t have any Starpole Grass on him, he could only shake his head and walk away. Before leaving, he had a hint of regret because the Sky Dragon Spirit was an excellent material for forging spiritual treasures.


    The Heretic de had already reached the peak of a mythical artifact, requiring many materials to forge it into a spiritual treasure. His spiritual treasure from Mei Zizheng wasn''t enough to satisfy the need for the Heretic de, and he still required more materials.


    "Junior Brother, I can make do with an Azure Leaf Silk if you don''t have any Starpole Grass." The youth stopped Liu Wuxie, and the Azure Leaf Silk was one tier lower than the Starpole Grass. It was also a sixth-tier herb, but the Starpole Grass was more expensive and had a moreprehensive range of usage, while the Azure Leaf Silk could only be used for healing and couldn''t be refined into pills.


    "You''re injured?" Liu Wuxie frowned. He didn''t have the Starpole Grass or Azure Leaf Silk on him as he had just joined the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. Aside from eighty thousand spirit stones, he was practically penniless.


    "It''s not for me, but a friend of mine!" The young man''s eyes shed with a hint of mncholy. His friend was injured saving him, and he needed herb for his friend''s treatment.


    He had managed to kill a sixth-grade demonic beast by chance and preserved this Sky Dragon Spirit till now.


    "If I''m not mistaken, your friend must''ve been bitten by a Scale-Horned Snake, right?" Liu Wuxie had a spection judging from the two herbs. The Starpole Grass and Azure Leaf Silk were mainly used to detoxify the Scale-Horned Snake''s poison.


    "How did you know? Are you versed in medical art?" The youth asked, grabbing Liu Wuxie''s arm with a glimmer of hope in his eyes. If his friend hadn''t reached his limit, he wouldn''t have taken out the Sky Dragon Spirit for exchange.


    "How long has it been since he was bitten?" Liu Wuxie asked. He could see the deep concern in this young man''s eyes, and this man cherished his friendship.


    "Three days!" He was practically in the marketce daily for the past three days, hoping for exchange for the Starpole Grass. But the Starpole Grass was too rare, and the sect was temporarily out of stock. He had spent all his points in exchange for a few Detoxification Pills to sustain his friend''s life.


    "It has already been that long? It won''t be easy to remove the poison even if you managed to exchange for a Starpole Grass." Liu Wuxie shook his head. The dy was too long, and the Scale-Horned Snake was so poisonous that even someone in the Heavenly Dipper Realm could be poisoned to death.


    This youth was only in the eighth level of the True Core Realm, and his friend should be about the same cultivation. It was already his friend''s limit to hold on for three days, and he probably wouldn''tst another day.


    But how could the youth not know? Even so, he wouldn''t give up as long as there was hope.


    "Thanks for your reminder. I''ll try my luck over there!" The youth said, heading towards the more crowded region. He wouldn''t give up as long as there was hope.


    "Hold on!" Liu Wuxie called out.


    "Is there anything else?" The marketce was closing soon, and the youth didn''t want to dy any longer.


    "I do have a way if you want to save your friend." Since this youth was willing to give anything to save his friend, such a person was worth befriending. After all, he couldn''t rely on himself alone in the future, and having more friends meant having more paths.

 Chapter 318 - Mysterious Jade Slip

    <h4>Chapter 318 - Mysterious Jade Slip</h4>


    Liu Wuxie had just joined the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion and was by himself. There was no harm in befriending more people if he wanted to gain a footing in the sect swiftly.


    "Do you have a way?" The youth grabbed onto Liu Wuxie''s arm, pleading with his eyes.


    Three agonizing days had passed, and the herb he needed remained elusive. The youth''s friend was slipping away, and he could not stop it. But Liu Wuxie''s words, like a beacon in the darkness, offered a glimmer of hope.


    "These are three Detoxification Pills. It won''t be able to eliminate the poison from his body, but it can sustain his life for the time being. You can take me to him tonight, and I''ll treat his poison." Liu Wuxie took out three pills and handed them to the youth.


    The youth was skeptical as he took the pills from Liu Wuxie. Then again, he didn''t have any better options for now.


    Liu Wuxie also didn''t expect the youth to believe him entirely, and the three Detoxification Pills weren''t precious.


    When the two parted ways, Liu Wuxie continued through the marketce, heading to another region. He wanted to try his luck and see if he could find anything else.


    The marketce was wide enough for three carriages to pass, and most people either stood, squatted, orid out cloth on the ground to disy their items.


    Most of the people here were outer disciples, but there were asionally inner disciples who received respect wherever they went.


    Core disciples couldn''t be seen in the marketce because they rarely frequented the market after reaching their level. Items that could be found in the marketce weremon finds, with few being rare.


    Although cultivation techniques could be found here, most were iplete and useless. Damaged weapons were also scattered by the roadside.


    Liu Wuxie used Ghost Eye to scan through each item meticulously, ensuring he wouldn''t miss any hidden treasures. He had heard stories of others making remarkable discoveries in this marketce, like finding an iplete heaven-grade martial technique.


    "How much for Fasting Pills?" Liu Wuxie asked as he approached a stall with a wide selection of them.


    "One mid-grade spirit stone for ten pills!" the seller replied. He looked like a brute, casually dressed in animal hide covering his upper body, with ragged cloth covering the essential parts of his lower body, suitable for the warm summer weather.


    "I''ll take all the Fasting Pills!" Liu Wuxie retrieved ten mid-grade spirit stones to buy all one hundred Fasting Pills. He nned to go into a few days of seclusion, meaning he couldn''t afford to run out of Fasting Pills.


    One hundred Fasting Pills couldst him for a month, relieving him of any worries about food during this period. After he walked for roughly half a mile, the crowd thinned, and his view expanded. He bought all the spiritual herbs he came across.


    As he walked, he scanned each item with Ghost Eye to prevent missing out on treasures.


    The mysterious tree inside his dantian began to tremble as though it had sensed something. Liu Wuxie was ted as it indicated the presence of a treasure.


    He followed the guidance of the mysterious tree and arrived before a stall with a few broken jade slips and some fragmented tiles on disy.


    This shop didn''t stand out because the jade slips were severely damaged. But he could discern the words inside when he scanned them with Ghost Eye. They weren''t records of cultivation techniques but diaries.


    He scanned through the items on disy multiple times and found nothing. This puzzled him, and he wondered if the mysterious tree had sensed it wrongly.


    However, when Ghost Eye scanned a jade slip in a corner, he felt a faint fluctuation of spiritual energy.


    "There''s something unusual!" Several words were engraved on the surface of the jade slip, but the true secretsy deep within, and it was imprable even to the divine sense.


    "How much for this jade slip?" Liu Wuxie asked the vendor after retrieving the Ghost Eye. The vendor was an inner disciple, which surprised Liu Wuxie.


    "One hundred mid-grade spirit stones!" The vendor said in azy voice. The jade slip was heavily damaged, but he priced it high¡ªone hundred mid-grade spirit stones were equivalent to a hundred thousand low-grade spirit stones.


    Spending one hundred mid-grade spirit stones for a damaged jade slip was a luxury for an ordinary outer disciple. Judging from the jade slip¡¯s outer appearance, it was trash with no apparent value.


    However, only those who practiced an eye technique could glimpse something deeper inside.


    Liu Wuxie took out one hundred mid-grade spirit stones without hesitation and handed them to the vendor before picking up the jade slip.


    However, right then, a hand reached out to grab the other end of the jade slip.


    This made Liu Wuxie frown, as he hadn''t noticed the three people who had appeared beside him. Dressed in brown clothes, they were clearly outer disciples of the Earth Force Peak.


    One of them was grabbing the other end of the jade slip, unwilling to let go. Seeing this, Liu Wuxie unleashed his true essence, which forced this person back. A hint of murderous intent shed in this person''s eyes because Liu Wuxie dared to shake him off.


    "Brat, you''re courting death!" Luo Mingyang roared, enraged. He reached for Liu Wuxie''s shoulder, disying his overbearing nature by attacking without a word.


    Then again, it was no wonder he was so overbearing because he had a cultivation in the ninth level of the True Core Realm.


    On the other hand, Liu Wuxie was only in the fourth level of the True Core Realm, and he had just made his breakthrough recently. Thus, he was naturally insignificant in the eyes of these high-level outer disciples.


    Liu Wuxie avoided Luo Mingyang''s palm with a sway because he didn''t want any trouble for now. He stowed the jade slip into his interspatial pouch because he had noticed a dark sh in Luo Mingyang''s left eye earlier, meaning Luo Mingyang also practiced an eye technique.


    Luo Mingyang was passing by earlier and noticed the fluctuation in the jade slip, but Liu Wuxie had bought it beforehand. When he tried to snatch it away, he was forced back by thetter''s true essence. This was the reason why he was enraged and acted against Liu Wuxie.


    Seeing how Liu Wuxie avoided his palm strike, Luo Mingyang narrowed his eyes. He might''ve only used fifty percent of his strength, but it wasn''t something someone in the fourth level of the True Core Realm could dodge so easily.


    "Why did you attack me all of a sudden?" Liu Wuxie''s face became grim. He had bought the jade slip with spirit stones. However, Luo Mingyang had tried to snatch it away from him without saying anything, and anyone would be furious if they were in Liu Wuxie¡¯s position.


    "Hand the jade slip over, and I can let bygones be bygones!" Luo Mingyang had no intention of exining himself, demanding Liu Wuxie to hand over the jade slip.


    Neither Liu Wuxie nor Luo Mingyang knew what was inside the jade slip. But the fact that there were spiritual energy fluctuations inside was a sign that the jade slip wasn''t ordinary.


    The vendor opened his eyes to look at the two who were fighting over a damaged jade slip.


    "I was the one who bought it, so why should I hand it over?" Liu Wuxie sneered with disdain in his tone. Ever sinceprehending the Heavenly Dao Book, his strength had undergone a drastic transformation. Even if he couldn''t kill someone in the ninth level of the True Core Realm, it wouldn''t be easy for Luo Mingyang to kill him.


    "Just because my name is Luo Mingyang!" His voice boomed, carrying several hundred meters. This instantly drew countless eyes, especially when they heard Luo Mingyang''s name.


    "What''s going on? Who offended Luo Mingyang?" A crowd soon gathered in the surroundings, wanting to see what was happening. The surroundings were quickly filled with people, forming multipleyers.


    "Who''s that brat standing opposite Luo Mingyang?" A few of Mortal Plume Peak''s disciples sneered because Luo Mingyang was famous among the outer disciples. Not only did he have a high ranking in the Earth Force Peak, but he was also renowned among the other peaks.


    "See that? How dare you oppose our Senior Brother Luo. Do you know how ''death'' is written?" The two other disciples that came with Luo Mingyang weren''t weak and were both in the eighth level of the True Core Realm. The one who spoke was standing on the right and looked at Liu Wuxie with ridicule.


    "What a joke! I bought the jade slip first. Yet, you tried to snatch it and even attacked me. This is the marketce where free trade is practiced!" Liu Wuxie secretly umted his strength, prepared to resort to drastic measures if necessary.


    "How much did you spend on it? I''ll buy it from you." With so many people gathered around, Luo Mingyang couldn''t go too far, as it would tarnish his reputation and brand him as a bully.


    Luo Mingyang was willing to buy the jade slip with spirit stones if the price was suitable. After all, he detected a hint of spiritual energy in it even from so far away, proving that the jade slip was extraordinary.


    "Not for sale!" Liu Wuxie replied tantly. He wouldn''t hand the jade slip over to such a person, even if it was garbage.


    "Brat, are you courting death? Senior Brother Luo has shown you enough respect and is willing to buy it from you. Don''t push it!" The youth on the left stepped forward and pped Liu Wuxie on the left cheek, not giving Liu Wuxie the chance to respond.


    This p would¡¯ve definitelynded if it were someone else in the fourth level of the True Core Realm.


    "Get lost!" a roar echoed, and violent, murderous intent poured out from Liu Wuxie. The murderous intent formed into a powerful shockwave that blew everything away in the shops on both sides.


    Forming a fist with his right hand, Liu Wuxie made a strange posture and attacked the youth''s underarm, catching him off guard. Everything happened quickly, and it was toote for Luo Mingyang to respond.


    The youth was sent flying out and smashing into the ruins. He was in the eighth level of the True Core Realm, but he was sent flying by someone in the fourth level.


    "He must have been careless. After all, there''s a four-level difference between them." Those gathered in the surroundings discussed among themselves. They all felt that Liu Wuxie''s attack only managed tond because of his sneak attack.


    Luo Mingyang''s face was terrifyingly grim because the two junior brothers who followed him were hisckeys. Hitting hisckey in front of him was the same as pping his face, and Luo Mingyang would lose his footing among the outer disciples if he did nothing.


    Liu Wuxie had already taken a defensive stance. When Luo Mingyang made his move, he would execute the Fatality de Art to kill.


    Even if the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion were to investigate, the worst they could do was dock him a few months'' worth of spirit stones. With tens of thousands of mid-grade spirit stones in his possession, he didn''t care about losing the few hundred issued monthly.


    "Brat, I want you dead!" Luo Mingyang said, gritting his teeth. He released his aura in the pinnacle of the True Core Realm that swept towards Liu Wuxie like a tidal wave.


    Everyone in the surroundings quickly retreated, not wanting to get involved. The atmosphere between Liu Wuxie and Luo Mingyang became tense, as though a deathmatch would erupt the next moment.


    The youth who had fallen into the ruins got back up with blood dripping from his lips, and he looked at Liu Wuxie viciously.


    With things developing this way, there was no path of retreat for Liu Wuxie, and the Heretic de appeared in his hand.


    "Luo Mingyang, is bullying neers the only thing you know? Don''t make me look down on you!" Azy voice sounded when a fight was about to erupt between Liu Wuxie and Luo Mingyang.

 Chapter 319 - Saving

    <h4>Chapter 319 - Saving</h4>


    When everyone looked in the direction of the voice, they saw a white-robed person approaching. But after taking a closer glimpse of this person, an exmation came from the surroundings.


    ¡°It¡¯s the Heavenly Trigram Peak¡¯s Yun Lan!¡± He walked over in azy demeanor, with his hair loose.


    ¡°Yun Lan, don¡¯t meddle in this!¡± Luo Mingyang frowned. They were both at the pinnacle of the True Core Realm, but Yun Lan was slightly superior in strength.


    Only two months were left until the inner disciple assessment, and they would have to wait another year if they couldn¡¯t reach the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    ¡°You¡¯re right. I¡¯m meddling in this matter. I don¡¯t care if you bully disciples of other peaks, but not the disciples of my Heavenly Trigram Peak.¡± Yun Lan approached Liu Wuxie with a bright smile.


    They were both disciples of the Heavenly Trigram Peak. So, it was understandable for Yun Lan to step forward and stand up for him, and no one could say anything about it. Then again, it didn¡¯t seem wise for Yun Lan to offend Luo Mingyang on behalf of someone who had just joined the sect.


    ¡°This is between him and me. Please step aside.¡± The aura released by Luo Mingyang became even stronger, and he was prepared to act against Liu Wuxie at any moment.


    However, even after hearing what he said, Yun Lan stood before Liu Wuxie. Luo Mingyang would have to get past Yun Lan to get to Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°I witnessed what happened earlier. Junior Brother Liu bought it first, and you tried to snatch it, disregarding your status. So, you¡¯re the one in the wrong here.¡± Yun Lan didn¡¯t want to offend Luo Mingyang thoroughly either, so his tone was rather polite when he talked to thetter. He hoped that Luo Mingyang would grant him some respect and drop the issue.


    But if things became unpleasant, Yun Lan wasn¡¯t afraid either.


    ¡°I¡¯m willing to offer double the spirit stones for that jade slip!¡± Luo Mingyang could tell that Yun Lan was giving him a step-down, and they both had their dignity. Furthermore, it wouldn¡¯t benefit anyone if they carried on their confrontation.


    Yun Lan turned to look at Liu Wuxie, seeking his opinion.


    ¡°I already made myself clear that I won¡¯t sell it!¡± Liu Wuxie replied in a resolute tone.


    ¡°Brat, you think you can get away with Yun Lan protecting you? I¡¯ll tell you honestly that I have plenty of ways to make you hand it over obediently even if you returned to the Heavenly Trigram Peak.¡± Luo Mingyang wore a cruel smile.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be waiting then!¡± Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t afraid at all. There were many people present, and he had reservations about fighting under their watchful eyes. But Liu Wuxie had ten thousand ways to kill him if they were to fight with their lives on the line.


    Luo Mingyang left furiously after failing to acquire the jade slip. Before leaving, the youth sent flying by Liu Wuxie made a swiping action on his neck, indicating they wouldn¡¯t let this matter rest so easily.


    Only Liu Wuxie and Yun Lan were left behind as the crowd gradually dispersed.


    ¡°Thanks for standing up, Senior Brother Yun!¡± No matter what, Liu Wuxie was grateful that Yun Lan had his back. He might not fear Luo Mingyang, but the fact that someone was willing to stand up for him meant a lot to him, and he would remember it in his heart.


    ¡°This is nothing, but I have to say I¡¯m impressed that you managed to reach the fourth-level True Core Realm in a day.¡± Yun Lan wasn¡¯t particrly concerned and was merely stating a fact.


    They chatted briefly before they went their separate ways, with Liu Wuxie carrying on his search for treasures.


    Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t find any more treasures even after the sky turned dark. He bought dozens of herbs before returning to the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, and the sky had darkened entirely when he returned to his courtyard.


    After Zhang Lin and others had left during the day, they had yet to return, and Liu Wuxie was left alone in the quiet courtyard. But he heard someone knocking on the door when he was about to rest.


    As Liu Wuxie rose to answer the door, he found two figures waiting outside. One was the youth he had encountered earlier in the marketce, while the other, dressed in ck attire, had a pallidplexion and seemed to be struggling to breathe.


    ¡°Come in!¡± Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t hesitate to let them in.


    As the ck-clothed youth wasid on the bed, his breathing was faint, hisplexion tinged with ck¡ªa clear indication that the poison had reached his heart. The fact that he had held on until now was nothing short of miraculous.


    ¡°Junior brother, I beg you to save my brother. My life belongs to you as long as you can save him!¡± In the afternoon, the youth with the Sky Dragon Spirit had gone down on his knees to beg Liu Wuxie.


    After parting ways with Liu Wuxie, Bai Lin had failed to find any Starpole Grass and had hurried back to the sect, only to see his friend on the brink of death.


    He had fed his friend the Detoxification Pills Liu Wuxie had given him. The Detoxification Pills couldn¡¯t treat his friend¡¯s poison, but they allowed him to regain consciousness and have a much betterplexion. This was enough to prove that the Detoxification Pills were effective.


    Bai Lin had carried his friend to Liu Wuxie¡¯s courtyard immediately upon seeing that, and he wouldn¡¯t give up as long as there was still hope.


    Liu Wuxie turned to look at the youth on the bed, who was frowning in pain. He had fallen into a deepa once again.


    If Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t act now, the poison would soon seep into this person¡¯s soul sea. At that time, this youth would be a cripple even if the poison was treated.


    ¡°You stand guard outside, and don¡¯t let anyone interrupt me.¡± Time was running out, and Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t overthink because saving this youth was the priority.


    Upon hearing that, Bai Lin quickly ran to the courtyard to stand guard, preventing anyone from entering.


    The room fell silent as Liu Wuxie took out a row of silver needles. He swiftly inserted a silver needle into the youth¡¯s head, preventing the poison from entering the soul sea.


    Liu Wuxie began inserting more silver needles into the youth¡¯s acupoints to block the poison from spreading any further. After the acupoints were sealed, the poison started to gather towards the chest.


    As more poison gathered towards the chest, it formed into a ck vortex, trying to break free from Liu Wuxie¡¯s seal.


    ¡°What a powerful poison! I wonder if the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron can absorb it!¡± Thest time Liu Wuxie had attempted to absorb poison using the cauldron, it had left a trace of poison in his true essence. This trace wasn''t sufficient to poison any expert.


    Liu Wuxie summoned the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron without hesitation and devoured all the ck haze, which converted into dozens of drops of ck liquid.


    The ck liquid poured into the world in his dantian, and the Heavenly Dao Book in his soul sea also opened up, with ck runes representing poison appearing in it.


    Liu Wuxie tried moving a bit and couldn¡¯t find any difort. He also realized the poison in his true essence was much stronger than before. It could catch his opponent by surprise now, but it was far from enough to kill an expert.


    Taking out a few pills, Liu Wuxie stuffed them into the ck-clothed youth¡¯s mouth. It wouldn¡¯t take long before this youth regained his consciousness.


    Opening the door, Liu Wuxie looked a little exhausted because his true essence was incredibly exhausted after executing the Heaven-Defying Ten Needles. Not to mention, Liu Wuxie had to seal off all 360 acupoints and gather the poison in one spot. No one could aplish that without powerful, true essence as support.


    ¡°How¡¯s my friend?¡± Bai Lin rushed forward after seeing Liu Wuxieing out. He grabbed Liu Wuxie¡¯s arm with a look of anxiety on his face.


    ¡°The poison is removed, and he will soon regain his consciousness. He¡¯ll be fine after a few days of rest.¡± Liu Wuxie said, walking out to the courtyard and raising his head to look at the stars.


    So many things had happened in the past few days, and Liu Wuxie hadn¡¯t made many friends. Instead, he had made a bunch of enemies.


    Hearing that his friend would be fine, Bai Lin rushed into the room and finally felt relieved after seeing that the poison had disappeared. He gently shut the doors and came out to the courtyard.


    ¡°Sorry about that, but I still don¡¯t know your name. How should I address you?¡± Bai Lin asked respectfully, bowing so deeply that his head nearly touched the ground.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie!¡±


    Bai Lin was worth befriending because he could give up everything for his friend. Liu Wuxie had done nothing but offend many people in the past few days, and he was in a much better mood after befriending Bai Lin.


    ¡°Junior Brother Liu, you seem unfamiliar, and I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve met you before in the Heavenly Trigram Peak.¡± The two sat on a stone bench in the courtyard. Bai Lin¡¯s character was originally cheerful, but when he had met Liu Wuxi in the market, he had appeared anxious because his friend¡¯s situation.


    Now that his friend was okay, Bai Lin became cheerful again.


    ¡°Ie from the mundane world and just joined the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion the day before yesterday,¡± Liu Wuxie said with a bitter smile, not hiding his identity.


    ¡°I see...I¡¯m thoroughly impressed by your medical skills.¡± There wasn¡¯t any contempt in Bai Lin¡¯s eyes, but he was very respectful towards Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie had impressed him with his medical skills. Over the past few days, he had tried many things and even asked other senior brothers for help, but it didn¡¯t have much effect.


    As they continued talking, it felt as though they had known each other for a long time. Bai Lin, being older and having joined the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion earlier, was more knowledgeable about the pavilion and the Southern Province than Liu Wuxie.


    Most of the time, Liu Wuxie asked questions while Bai Lin answered. He exined everything in detail about whatever question Liu Wuxie had and even emphasized several parts for Liu Wuxie to pay more attention to in the future.


    Take the Earth Force Peak, for example. The disciples of the Earth Force Peak were known to be overbearing.


    With Zhang Lin¡¯s group of three gone, many houses were vacant, so Bai Lin stayed for the night in case his friend woke up while he wasn¡¯t around. Bai Lin returned to his friend¡¯s room and carried him to the room beside him.


    Sitting with his legs crossed, Liu Wuxie took out the jade slip he had obtained in the afternoon and finally got the time to look at it.


    When he gently opened it, the words on the jade slip were blurred and unclear. The jade slip looked ordinary from the outside, and no one would bother picking it up if it were thrown into the garbage.


    When Liu Wuxie tried to prate the jade slip with his divine sense, it wasn¡¯t very effective as there seemed to be a restriction on it that prevented his divine sense from entering. But he couldn¡¯t smash the jade slip apart, which was troublesome.


    With no choice, Liu Wuxie could only execute Ghost Eye to prate the jade slip. The faint spiritual energy appeared once more as the Ghost Eye passed through an endless dark world as though the jade slip had formed its own world inside.


    Because the surroundings were dark, Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t know where this ce was.


    ¡°Where is this ce?¡± Liu Wuxie muttered to himself. This dark world looked massive, and he continued to prate with the Ghost Eye, wanting to reach the end of this world.


    A white dot suddenly appeared in the darkness and looked conspicuous. Shortly after, more white dots began to appear and illuminated the darkness.


    This revtion shocked Liu Wuxie, leaving him speechless. As he had suspected, the jade slip contained a vast secret. Inside the jade slip was a formed space, something only someone in the True Profound Realm could achieve.


    However, considering therge space inside such a tiny jade slip, could someone in the True Profound Realm have left this behind?


    If that was the case, Liu Wuxie was about to make a fortune because regardless of the secrets hidden inside this jade slip, it must be invaluable since someone in the True Profound Realm had left it behind.


    The white dots began connecting, forming profound pictures that shocked Liu Wuxie even more.


    ¡°T-This is...¡± Liu Wuxie was so excited that he began waving his hands and nearly jumped off the bed.

 Chapter 320 - Primordial Astral Fist

    <h4>Chapter 320 - Primordial Astral Fist</h4>


    Liu Wuxie was so excited that he couldn¡¯t speak, still immersed within the jade slip through the Ghost Eye.


    ¡°T-This is the Primordial Astral Fist?¡± Countless starlights formed into a scripture and pictures before him. This was the Primordial Astral Fist, which turned out to be an ancient fist technique, and the words were imprinted into Liu Wuxie¡¯s soul sea.


    ¡°What a profound fist technique, capable of harnessing the power of the stars to empower oneself.¡± Liu Wuxie was inwardly shocked and was still digesting the fist technique. This fist technique had five moves in total, and the most terrifying aspect of the Primordial Astral Fist was the ability to merge five elements.


    It was unclear how much time had passed before Liu Wuxie emerged from the jade slip. Shortly after his exit, it shattered into pieces, reduced to powder, and drifted away.


    ¡°This...¡± Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t affected as he had already grasped the Primordial Astral Fist. He closed his eyes and began toprehend this technique. With his talent, it wasn¡¯t tough for him to practice this technique.


    However, as heprehended further, he soon discovered the Primordial Astral Fist wasn¡¯t as simple as it seemed. ording to the ranking system of the True Martial Continent, this technique was at least a heaven-grade martial technique.


    The crucial part of the Primordial Astral Fist was the ability to exhibit its profundity. Liu Wuxie spent the entire nightprehending it. The Primordial Astral Fist was extremely powerful, requiring a rtively quiet environment to practice.


    The courtyard was too small, and recklessly practicing there might destroy the entire courtyard.


    At dawn, Bai Lin and the ck-clothed youth exited one of the houses. The moment the ck-clothed youth came out, he went down on his knees and kowtowed three times to thank Liu Wuxie for saving his life.


    It was toote for Liu Wuxie to stop him, and he could only step forward quickly to help him up.


    ¡°Thank you for saving my life. No words can express my gratitude, and I can only express it this way.¡± The ck-clothed youth had recovered well, aside from having a slightly paleplexion. He would recoverpletely after a few days of rest.


    ¡°Junior Brother, don¡¯t mind it. Junior Brother Tang Tian repays those who treat him well a hundredfold.¡± Bai Lin stepped forward to introduce Tang Tian to Liu Wuxie.


    Through their conversation, Liu Wuxie had learned the whole story. Ten days ago, they had gone on a mission to hunt a profound beast in the mountain range, but they were attacked by a Scale-Horned Snake. Tang Tian was bitten by the Scale-Horned Snake while trying to save Bai Lin.


    Upon returning to the sect, Bai Lin had sought help from many people, but it had little effect. He could only watch as Bai Lin¡¯s body deteriorated day by day until he had met Liu Wuxie the previous day, who brought a turning point.


    As they talked, the courtyard¡¯s doors suddenly opened as Lin Mingxu strode in with Gongsun Zhen.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, hand over all your spirit stones!¡± The two harbored deep resentment towards Liu Wuxie. He had not only taken the spot they believed was rightfully theirs but also won all their spirit stones. They hade the previous afternoon, but Liu Wuxie was nowhere to be found as he had gone to the marketce.


    They returned early that day determined to make Liu Wuxie hand over his spirit stones.


    Bai Lin and Tang Tian exchanged nces with a trace of anger in their eyes. These two, who were only in the sixth level of the True Core Realm, dare talk to their benefactor in this manner?!


    ¡°Who gave you the guts to cause trouble in my courtyard?¡± Liu Wuxie frowned with a hint of murderous intent shing through his eyes.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, I¡¯ll make myself clear again. Hand over your spirit stones, or don¡¯t me us for what will happen next.¡± Gongsun Zhen took a step forward, mistakenly thinking that Bai Lin and Tang Tian were disciples living in this courtyard, unaware of their rtionship.


    If they knew these two were friends with Liu Wuxie, they would probably flee in horror. Even though they were experts at the sixth level of the True Core Realm in the middle region, they were pale inparison to those in the upper region. Bai Lin, for instance, was at the eighth level of the True Core Realm.


    ¡°You want my spirit stones? That will depend on if you can take them from me!¡± Liu Wuxie sneered. These two thought too highly of themselves. If possible, he wouldn¡¯t mind killing them there.


    ¡°Brother Gongsun, why waste time with him? Let¡¯s act directly and talk after we take his spirit stones before someone else does,¡± Lin Mingxu said, and the two lunged at Liu Wuxie, intending to strike first.


    After all, there were countless people envious of Liu Wuxie after he had won more than eighty thousand mid-grade spirit stones.


    Bai Lin appeared before them when they lunged forward, blocking their way.


    Tang Tian hadn¡¯t healed from his injuriespletely, and he could only stand by the side.


    ¡°Get lost!¡± Bai Lin roared, unleashing a powerful shockwave that formed into a hurricane, sting Lin Mingxu and Gongsun Zhen flying away.


    When his aura in the eighth-level True Core Realm swept out, Lin Mingxu and Gongsun Zhen were sent out of the courtyard.


    ¡°Who are you? This feud is between us and Liu Wuxie. Please don¡¯t interfere!¡± Gongsun Zhen got back on his feet with a hint of horror in his eyes. This was because they would¡¯ve died if Bai Lin had wanted to kill them earlier.


    ¡°Junior Brother Liu, do you want me to kill them for you?¡± Bai Lin was also decisive, intending to kill Lin Mingxu and Gongsun Zhen for Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Senior Brother Bai, thank you for your goodwill. But this is between us, and I can handle them myself.¡± Liu Wuxie shook his head. Lin Mingxu and Gongsun Zhen were no different from clowns in their eyes, and he could kill them with a p if he wanted.


    Hearing what Liu Wuxie said, Bai Lin couldn¡¯t say much and stepped aside. If these two weren¡¯t tactful, he wouldn¡¯t mind killing them, even if he would enrage Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, just you wait. Do you think having someone at the eighth level of the True Core Realm backing you will protect you? I¡¯ll make sure you regret offending me!¡± Lin Mingxu left, fearing that Bai Lin might kill them.


    With that, Lin Mingxu and Gongsun Zhen came and left swiftly. This was only a minor incident, and there would be more simr incidents. After all, Liu Wuxie had won eighty thousand spirit stones, making him a prime target.


    The courtyard returned to peace, and Bai Lin proposed to leave as it was gettingte.


    ¡°Junior Brother Liu, let us know if you need help. As long as it¡¯s something within our power, we won¡¯t even bat an eye to help. We¡¯ll take our leave and not disturb you any longer. You can have this Sky Dragon Spirit.¡± Bai Lin cupped his fists together. He had noticed Liu Wuxie practicing a fist technique when he hade out earlier, and he didn¡¯t want to waste thetter¡¯s time.


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t decline because the Sky Dragon Spirit was incredibly useful to him. Refusing it would only make Bai Lin uneasy, as it was his way of expressing gratitude for saving Tang Tian¡¯s life.


    ¡°I won¡¯t see you two off!¡± Liu Wuxie needed time toprehend the Primordial Astral Fist. Time was tight, and Liu Wuxie was hurrying to increase his strength.


    Since his cultivation was stuck, he could only focus on his martial technique and master the Primordial Astral Fist as soon as possible.


    After Bai Lin and Tang Tian left, the courtyard returned to peace. Liu Wuxie tidied his clothes and exited his courtyard.


    This ce was too small to practice the Primordial Astral Fist, and he needed to find a spacious area. The field was a good option, but it was too conspicuous, and he would draw onlookers if he practiced there.


    Since he needed a big and quiet ce, Liu Wuxie''s only option was to go to the back mountain of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    The back mountain was vast with mountain ranges and upied caves.


    Performing the Seven Dipper Steps, Liu Wuxie passed through the outer disciples¡¯ region and headed straight to the back mountain. He ran into several disciples along the way, and they also shared simr thoughts to him.


    As Liu Wuxie entered the back mountain, a slight chill brushed against him, and he found the environment to be excellent. The surroundings showed signs of artificial excavation, with many trees having been chopped down to create a spacious area.


    Most ces were upied, and it wasn¡¯t easy for Liu Wuxie to find a suitable spot. But the deeper he went, the more thorns he encountered. Many undeveloped ces were overgrown with brush, making them unsuitable to practice martial techniques.


    Liu Wuxie finally stopped fifteen minutester. A canyon stretched ahead, with dense woods behind him. This ce was rtively quiet, but the only drawback was the overgrown brush and weeds that needed clearing.


    Others might have found it difficult because clearing the brush required a lot of manpower and resources. However, Liu Wuxie summoned the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron and used the demonic mes to get rid of the thorns and scrub.


    Therge trees vanished, devoured by the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron. In the blink of an eye, a spacious ground of over a hundred meters in radius appeared, enough for Liu Wuxie to practice the Primordial Astral Fist.


    Liu Wuxie rested briefly before he stood in the center and closed his eyes. A star diagram appeared in Liu Wuxie¡¯s soul sea, and this was the cirction route of the Primordial Astral Fist. As Liu Wuxie¡¯s body began to move, he raised his right fist and his left hand pointed to the ground.


    His posture was unusual as threads of astral energy descended from the distant sky and poured into Liu Wuxie¡¯s body. Liu Wuxie had to form a bridge to connect with the stars to practice the Primordial Astral Fist. This meant he could mobilize astral energy when performing the Primordial Astral Fist in the future.


    Initially, themunication process proved challenging, with the astral energy swiftly dissipating upon entering his body, incapable of being stored.


    As the world in his dantian revolved, the absorbed astral energy floated above his dantian. It was even thinner than a hair. But the power would be highly destructive if it were unleashed.


    As time passed, Liu Wuxie maintained his meditative posture, his right fist extended toward the sky, channeling astral energy that flowed into his dantian from the world through his fist.


    Unbeknownst to him, Liu Wuxie became immersed in his world for half a day, entering a state of selflessness. He had strategically ced ten array gs around him, ensuring that he could focus without any disturbance.


    A light source suddenly shed in Liu Wuxie¡¯s soul sea, resembling a star that hovered above the soul sea. This was the trajectory of the stars, and Liu Wuxie was attempting to build a bridge with the stars, simr to the divine bridge.


    The divine bridge connected the cultivator with heaven and earth, while the astral bridge connected with the cosmos. It was theoretically feasible, and mastering them was necessary for learning the Primordial Astral Fist.


    This posed a grave danger because failure would subject Liu Wuxie to a devastating bacsh, capable of shattering his soul and leaving him mentally incapacitated.


    The stronger the fist technique, the more dangerous it would be. That''s why it''s often said that within danger lies opportunity.


    Another four hourster, the astral energy umted within Liu Wuxie¡¯s dantian grew stronger. The light began to merge into a passageway leading to the depth of the universe.


    Suddenly, a sharp pain came from Liu Wuxie¡¯s soul sea. It felt like he had formed a connection with something, and a powerful surge of energy poured into his mind.


    ¡°ARGH!¡± Liu Wuxie screamed and threw up a mouthful of blood. The intense pain from his soul sea made him close his eyes as he tried to calm down.


    When his divine sense entered his soul sea, it was in a mess. Even so, the Heavenly Dao Book hovered in the center to guard it.


    ¡°I¡¯m lucky that I have the Heavenly Dao Book. Otherwise, the consequences would¡¯ve been unimaginable.¡± Liu Wuxie broke out in a cold sweat.

 Chapter 321 - Constructing Stars

    <h4>Chapter 321 - Constructing Stars</h4>


    Forcibly establishing a bridge with the stars was too dangerous. If there was a slight mistake, the power from the stars could destroy his soul sea.


    The Heavenly Dao Book had protected his soul sea from shattering at thest moment. His golden soul sea swiftly repaired itself, and a new bridge appeared beside the divine bridge. This bridge was glittered with starlights, looking like it was built with countless stars that connected heaven and earth.


    Even if Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t use the Primordial Astral Fist in the future, he could still continue to draw astral energy to empower his physique.


    Sitting cross-legged, Liu Wuxie began to circte the Deste Devouring Art and devoured all the spiritual energy within tens of thousands of meters in radius at an incredible speed.


    In the blink of an eye, the spiritual energy from the entire back mountain vanished without a trace. The back mountain was massive, and many people cultivated here besides Liu Wuxie.


    As the spiritual energy dissipated, numerous individuals emerged discontentedly from their caves, their gazes fixed in the direction where the energy had been converging.


    "Who seized all the spiritual energy, causing me to miss my opportunity to break through?!" A roar echoed in the back mountain, causing countless leaves to fall to the ground.


    More people gathered towards Liu Wuxie. Ayer of spiritual cloud had gathered above him, pouring down spiritual rain. A ck vortex appeared above Liu Wuxie, devouring and fusing all the spiritual rain into his dantian.


    After establishing the astral bridge, Liu Wuxie''s speed of absorbing astral energy increased, and so did hisprehension of the Primordial Astral Fist. However, many aspects were just theories, and Liu Wuxie needed time to execute them.


    After absorbing tremendous spiritual energy, Liu Wuxie''s cultivation improved. Even so, he was still far from making a breakthrough.


    The astral energy gathered in the world in Liu Wuxie''s dantian also increased to a few hundred threads, but he was still far from being able to perform the Primordial Astral Fist.


    He would need enormous astral energy to perform the Primordial Astral Fist.


    Through the astral bridge, astral energy began pouring into Liu Wuxie''s body. Rumbling sounds soon came from the world in his dantian, which felt like an earthquake, causing the entire world to tremble and revolve.


    "This..." Liu Wuxie was shocked because this world already had trees, ake, mountains,nd, and even a volcano. It was no different from a miniature world, but the sky was dark without any light.


    When the first star was born, the world in his dantian became brighter. It might look like a star the size of a fist, but it could revolve by itself and form a resonance with the astral bridge in his soul sea.


    This meant Liu Wuxie didn''t even have to cultivate to draw astral energy. Astral energy would keep pouring into his dantian even if he did nothing.


    As astral energy increased, the star above the world in his dantian slowly grew bigger and gradually evolved into a giant.


    "This is the ce where all the spiritual energy is gathered!" Rustling sounds of footsteps came from the distance.


    Liu Wuxie''s ears twitched, but he paid no attention to the surrounding noise and continued cultivating. He was in a critical moment and had yet to grasp the first form of the Primordial Astral Fist.


    "Since when was this ce excavated?" Dozens of disciples walked up the mountain path. They appeared outside the spiritual array but didn''t enter.


    They were all outer disciples with varying strengths. The treatment of an inner disciple was over a dozen times better than that of an outer disciple because inner disciples had a spacious courtyard and wouldn''te to cultivate in the back mountain.


    "He''s only in the fourth-level True Core Realm. Does he have a Spiritual Storage Pearl to absorb so much spiritual energy?" A disciple in the sixth-level True Core Realm muttered to himself.


    A Spiritual Storage Pearl could store spiritual energy for use when needed, making it convenient.


    Yet, the cost of a Spiritual Storage Pearl was steep, making it unattainable for most outer disciples. Moreover, its scarcity added to its allure. After all, a Spiritual Storage Pearl could prove invaluable inbat scenarios, enablingbatants to draw upon stored spiritual energy to vanquish their adversaries once both parties were depleted.


    Furthermore, the speed of absorbing spirit stones was far slower than absorbing from a Spiritual Storage Pearl.


    Upon hearing about the Spiritual Storage Pearl, everyone''s eyes shone brightly because it was a treasure.


    Various noises filled Liu Wuxie''s ears, making it tough for him to concentrate on his cultivation. This naturally annoyed him as he opened his eyes with a ferocious aura sweeping out from him, causing the surrounding trees to shake.


    "He''s awake!" The surrounding noises disappeared as over a dozen pairs of eyes focused on Liu Wuxie, but none could recognize him.


    "He looks unfamiliar. I don''t think I''ve seen him before." Despite therge number of outer disciples, everyone had seen each other over the years they spent in the sect.


    Liu Wuxie stepped forward and swept his gaze around.


    "Why are you all disturbing my cultivation?" Liu Wuxie asked coldly. If they hadn''t interrupted him, he would''ve alreadyprehended the essence of the Primordial Astral Fist''s first form.


    There were fourteen people with a mix of genders. The strongest was only in the sixth-level True Core Realm, while the lowest was in the third level.


    They were all ordinary outer disciples because the top-tier outer disciples had plenty of points and would choose cultivation chambers over the back mountain. The environment in the cultivation chambers was ten thousand times better than the back mountain.


    Only those outer disciples with no points would try to use this environment.


    "Brat, hand over the Spiritual Storage Pearl!" an outer disciple in the sixth-level True Core Realm roared, demanding Liu Wuxie to hand over the Spiritual Storage Pearl.


    "Spiritual Storage Pearl?" Liu Wuxie frowned, but he quickly pieced together what was happening. The Deste Devouring Art had consumed all the surrounding spiritual energy, leading them to assume he possessed a Spiritual Storage Pearl capable of absorbing it all. He now understood why these people hade.


    "Get lost!" Liu Wuxie didn''t have any Spiritual Storage Pearl, and he roared for them to leave and stop disturbing his cultivation.


    Since entering the cultivation world, Liu Wuxie''s personality had be more ferocious. His voice, like rumbling thunder, caused the eardrums of the fourteen outer disciples to sting. Those with weaker cultivation even copsed to the ground under the force of his roar.


    "You''re courting death!" The fourteen people became furious and pointed at Liu Wuxie, but they didn''t dare to enter the spiritual array. Someone had tried to step in earlier but was nearly killed by a powerful de aura. This was a lethal spiritual array that prevented anyone from getting close.


    Liu Wuxie vanished and reappeared before the one who had spoken earlier, delivering a powerful p. The impact sent the disciple flying through the air, crashing into a distant bush with several teeth flying out.


    "What annoyance!" Liu Wuxie''s tone didn''t contain a hint of emotion as he looked at the remaining outer disciples. The weaker ones took a few steps back under his gaze, not daring to approach.


    "Senior Brother Gu Quan, cripple him!" Those who had retreated shouted, urging the only one among them at the sixth level of the True Core Realm to take action.


    "You dare attack us? You''re courting death!" Gu Quan roared and threw a punch, unleashing his aura on the sixth level of the True Core Realm, which caused countless cracks to appear on the ground. He naturally possessed extraordinary strength since he could join the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    "You all are the ones courting death!" Liu Wuxie roared. Astral energy gushed out from him and poured into his fist through his meridians. This was an excellent opportunity to test the Primordial Astral Fist to see if it was as powerful as the legend mentioned.


    With a shift of his footstep, Liu Wuxie appeared before Gu Quan. Thetter couldn''t even react when Liu Wuxie''s punch descended. Someone in the sixth level of the True Core Realm was no different from an ant before him, and this person dared to roar at him?!


    With a loud rumble, Gu Quan flew out with his blood dyeing the sky red. Cracking sounds could be heard, and Gu Quan didn''t know how many of his bones were broken.


    But before Gu Quan could let out a scream, he fell onto the ground and lost consciousness. His chest had caved in with his ribs exposed, which was horrifying to watch.


    The other outer disciples in the surroundings trembled from the fright and took a deep breath. They could feel a threat of death from this fist, and they would be corpses if that punchnded on them. Gu Quan was only injured heavily because of his cultivation at the sixth level of the True Core Realm.


    Liu Wuxie retrieved his fist with a hint of shock shing through his eyes. He had only used thirty percent of the astral energy. He could probably pulverize Gu Quan with one punch if he used all the astral energy.


    Most importantly, he hadn''t grasped the Primordial Astral Fist yet and onlyprehended a small part. Even so, the lethality of the Primordial Astral Fist had far surpassed the Fatality de Art.


    Lowering his head to look at his fist, Liu Wuxie was still in disbelief that he did that.


    "Run!" The remaining outer disciples chose to escape without any hesitation. Even Gu Quan was sent flying with one punch, and they would only court death if they remained.


    In the blink of an eye, everyone gathered in the surroundings fled, no one paying attention to Gu Quan.


    Returning to the spacious ground, Liu Wuxie didn''t rush to practice. Instead, he focused onprehending the punch he had thrown earlier. He felt an aching pain in his meridians, likely due to the astral energy being too violent to control.


    "It looks like I still have to strengthen my physique." The tenacity of Liu Wuxie''s physique had far surpassed his peers, and even someone in the low levels of the Heavenly Dipper Realm may not be able topare to him in terms of physique.


    His true essence was much stronger than that of ordinary people, necessitating a powerful physique. This requirement, coupled with the challenge of controlling astral energies, posed a significant strain on his body.


    Liu Wuxie took out a few pills and swallowed them. It didn''t take long before the aching in his body gradually faded away.


    However, Liu Wuxie wasn''t in a hurry to practice the Primordial Astral Fist after his meridians recovered. He began throwing punches slowly and felt every punch. As time passed, astral energies rumbled, and the world in his dantian also became brighter.


    Each of his punches would cause a tremble in the air, and the first form wasn''t veryplicated. It was a simple punch that focused on power. ording to the Primordial Astral Fist''s exnation, he could even infuse his attributes into this attack to bring the power to the next level. He immediately attempted to infuse wood-attribute into his fist technique.


    The surroundings could hear rumbling sounds, and shockwaves spread in the air.


    When Gu Quan regained consciousness, he was utterly frightened by this scene and fled without any hesitation, disregarding his injuries.


    The Primordial Astral Fist seemed simple, but each change was filled with profundity.

 Chapter 322 - Du Sha

    <h4>Chapter 322 - Du Sha</h4>


    Each move was filled with ancient power, and whenever he threw a punch, ripples in the surrounding space produced a series of explosions.


    "What a profound technique. Despite seeming ordinary, it contains the profundity of heaven and earth!" Liu Wuxie thought to himself. As he practiced the Primordial Astral Fist, his understanding of this fist technique became increasingly profound.


    When four hours passed, Liu Wuxie was still probing the first form. The Primordial Astral Fist was a heaven-grade martial technique far surpassing ordinary earth-grade martial techniques.


    It wasn''t until sunset that Liu Wuxie withdrew his fists. He took out a Fasting Pill and swallowed it before resting.


    As Liu Wuxie circted the Deste Devouring Art, he continuously devoured the spiritual energy from the back mountain, eventually drawing it from the mountain''s depths.


    Thousands of spiritual liquid droplets formed within the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron. However, instead of absorbing them into his dantian, Liu Wuxie directed them into his meridians, using the spiritual energy to cleanse and strengthen his body.


    Spiritual energy took the form of des and coursed through his meridians, making Liu Wuxie hiss from the pain.


    Liu Wuxie endured the intense pain, determined to master the Primordial Astral Fist. He gave it his all, pushing himself to the limit.


    The body''s tempering was a long process that couldn''t be achieved overnight. This time-consuming process required Liu Wuxie to temper himself daily.


    After absorbing a few hundred strands of dragon aura, Liu Wuxie''s physique was stronger than ordinary people''s. After all, his bones were further fortified with dragon runes.


    He stayed in the back mountain untilte at night. Time passed unnoticed, and Liu Wuxie ended up remaining there for three days. During this time, he absorbed astral energy and eventually mastered the first form of the Primordial Astral Fist.


    The spiritual energy transformed his body, allowing it to handle the astral energy without strain. Even the soreness caused by the astral energy flowing through his body diminished significantly.


    In the past few days, some people had tried to cause trouble for Liu Wuxie, but he had sent them flying with palm strikes. Only disciples in the higher levels of the True Core Realm could threaten him because even if someone in the seventh-level True Core Realm came, Liu Wuxie could send them flying with one palm strike.


    When news spread that there was a ferocious person in the back mountain, no one dared toe and provoke him anymore.


    Liu Wuxie leaped into the sky like aet and traversed the woods. Up ahead was a tree with the width of a barrel.


    As Liu Wuxie executed the Primordial Astral Fist, his true essence was fortified by astral energy, which tore through the air. The tree was easily disintegrated into dust by the punch and faded away.


    "What a powerful fist technique!" Liu Wuxie stood on the spot with disbelief on his face. Although he expected the Primordial Astral Fist to be extraordinary, he didn''t expect it to be so powerful.


    "This punch can easily inflict heavy injuries on someone in the ninth level of the True Core Realm, even if it can''t kill them." A cold smirk rose on Liu Wuxie''s lips. His true essence and soul energy had long reached the pinnacle of the True Core Realm. Paired with immortal runes, even someone in the lower levels of the Heavenly Dipper Realm couldn¡¯t be his opponent.


    "Over here!" A rustling sound came from behind, and several figures approached.


    Liu Wuxie frowned upon hearing the noise. He had been bothered by people over the past few days, which left him feeling annoyed. Moreover, the voices sounded familiar to him.


    When Liu Wuxie turned around, he saw Zhang Lin, Zhao Yihai, and a few others bringing a burly man over.


    "They''re starting to get on my nerves!" Torrential murderous intent shot out from Liu Wuxie''s eyes. He had already spared their lives and merely crippled their cultivation, but they still didn''t give up and brought more helpers.


    Since that was the case, Liu Wuxie would kill them lest they keeping to bother him.


    In addition to Zhang Lin, Zhu You, Wu He, and Zhao Yihai, a burly man came with them. Even from a distance, Liu Wuxie could sense a terrifying aura filled with bloodlust blowing towards him.


    With just a nce, Liu Wuxie knew this would be a formidable enemy.


    Killing one person was a crime, but killing ten thousand made one a hero. The burly man brought over by Zhang Lin''s group had killed at least hundreds of people judging from the aura he gave off, and this was the reason why he could umte his massacre intent.


    Massacre intent would only appear in those who cultivate through killing, and Liu Wuxie had encountered such people in the past. But this was the first time he ran into one in the True Martial Continent.


    The burly man held a broad axe that was stained with blood. He must''ve just killed a powerful beast recently because the blood gave off a strong aura of a profound beast.


    With each step the burly man took, ripples appeared in the surrounding air. His indigo eyes signaled the presence of inner demons, a clear sign that he struggled to control his murderous intent. It was only a matter of time before he lost his true nature and became a monster driven solely by the urge to kill.


    "You all invited me over to kill him?" Du Sha''s voice rumbled like thunder, causing the trees on both sides to shake and explode. His voice alone was enough to create a powerful soundwave, and his eyes were filled with contempt.


    A few days ago, Zhao Yihai had taken Zhang Lin''s group of three to find him, offering all the spirit stones they had to kill someone.


    Du Sha easily agreed because he practiced the way of the massacre, and he was already looking for an opponent.


    Zhang Lin''s group paid Du Sha three thousand spirit stones, which was all their wealth. They were already crippled, and it was useless for them to keep any spirit stones on them. This was why they wanted to use their spirit stones to kill Liu Wuxie to avenge themselves.


    After standing still, Du Sha''s broad axe smashed into the ground, causing cracks to spread in all directions. His cultivation was in the seventh-level True Core Realm, but he was even stronger than ordinary cultivators in the eighth level.


    Even Bai Lin would die if he encountered Du Sha.


    "I spared your lives, but you all chose death. All of you can die today!" Liu Wuxie was furious. He didn''t want to kill, but these people kepting to cause trouble for him.


    With cultivation in the fourth level of the True Core Realm and practicing the Primordial Astral Fist, Liu Wuxie wondered where to find an opponent to gauge his strength. Du Sha emerged as a worthy adversary, someone he could spar with to refine his fist technique further.


    "Liu Wuxie, still trying to be stubborn even when facing death?" Zhu You gritted his teeth. His true essence had disappeared in the past few days, making him no different from an ordinary person.


    "You think you can kill me by hiring an expert? What a joke!" A mocking smile rose on Liu Wuxie''s lips. He didn''t deny that Du Sha was strong, but that waspared to ordinary cultivators.


    "I''ll see how you dieter!" Zhang Lin sneered, wanting to see Liu Wuxie''s despair before death.


    A gentle wind blew, causing the surrounding leaves to rustle under his murderous intent.


    "You''re strong!" Du Sha said. He didn''t notice it initially because Liu Wuxie was only in the fourth level of the True Core Realm. This was why he showed contempt in his eyes.


    However, when Du Sha used his divine sense to scan Liu Wuxie, a powerful fighting spirit burst out, making Du Sha feel pressured.


    "You''re not weak either!" Liu Wuxie and Du Sha looked at each other like two lightning bolts shing in the air. The shockwave formed by the sh sent Zhang Lin and others flying away.


    No extra words were needed because a battle was inevitable. Since Du Sha had taken all of Zhang Lin''s spirit stones, he had to fulfill his promise.


    "Draw your weapon!" Du Sha raised his broad axe, unleashing a terrifying aura filled with bloodlust that blew towards Liu Wuxie.


    "I don''t need a weapon to kill you!" Liu Wuxie leaped to the sky, nning to use Du Sha to temper the Primordial Astral Fist with no intentions of using the Fatality de Art.


    This was the first time hebined the Primordial Astral Fist with the Nine Heavenly Crane Dance, and he still needed time to hone them together.


    Taking a step forward, Du Sha shed down with his broad axe with an unmatched momentum. The surrounding space resonated with explosions; this axe could kill someone in the eighth-level True Core Realm.


    Liu Wuxie twisted in mid-air to avoid Du Sha''s deadly axe. When he was in mid-air, he raised his right fist and descended with terrifying astral energy.


    ¡°Primordial Astral Fist!¡± A massive vortex appeared in the sky with a roar, causing the surrounding trees to explode, and more cracks appeared on the ground. Simultaneously, Du Sha''s clothes shattered under the sheer power of the Primordial Astral Fist.


    Zhang Lin and others stood in the distance, their mouths wide open. They were in disbelief that Liu Wuxie''s strength had increased to such a terrifying level in just a few days.


    Du Sha lived up to his reputation as a notorious killer, opting to press forward rather than retreat, swinging his broad axe towards Liu Wuxie''s punch.


    When the two forces collided, powerful ripples began to spread out in the surroundings.


    Zhao Yihai stood nearby and was swept away. He mmed into arge tree and threw up blood.


    A giant pit appeared at the center of the battlefield, and Liu Wuxie and Du Sha were sent flying away.


    Liu Wuxie performed a somersault in mid-air andnded firmly on the ground. He shook his arm to ease the soreness. He had used only fifty percent of his true essence in that punch.


    On the contrary, Du Sha took ten-odd steps back before stabilizing himself. His right hand visibly trembled, and he barely held onto the broad axe.


    Du Sha, renowned for his strength, was defeated that day in a contest of strength. This made Du Sha''s face terrifyingly grim. Even though he knew Liu Wuxie was strong, he was utterly shocked after their sh.


    "What fist technique is that? Why is it so powerful?" Du Sha had fought countless battles and encountered numerous experts. But he could feel a threat of death from Liu Wuxie''s fist technique.


    "A fist technique meant for killing!" Liu Wuxie couldn''t be bothered to exin to Du Sha. He swayed and threw another punch out. But this punch was more powerfulpared to the previous one.


    As Liu Wuxie gradually adapted to the Primordial Astral Fist, the power of this fist technique also increased. As Liu Wuxiebined the Primordial Astral Fist and Nine Heavenly Crane Dance, Du Sha struggled to cope with the iing attacks, and his Berserk Demon Axe proved futile.


    Regarding speed, even two of Du Sha couldn''tpete with Liu Wuxie. As for strength, Liu Wuxie''s strength far exceeded Du Sha after practicing the Primordial Astral Fist. Lastly, the Primordial Astral Fist was a heaven-grade martial technique capable of suppressing any earth-grade martial techniques.


    As Liu Wuxie and Du Sha increased their speed, Du Sha could barely feel any pain as he practiced the path of massacre. He still held on even after taking two punches from Liu Wuxie and throwing up blood.


    Liu Wuxie continued to increase his strength and mobilized about eighty percent of his astral energy. When he threw his punch, a powerful surge of torrent swept out in the surroundings.


    "Zhang Lin, what''s going on? Why hasn''t Du Sha killed him yet?" Zhu You''s face was grim. They had already lost their cultivation, and they had spent all the resources they had just to have Liu Wuxie killed.


    They would not know what to do if even Du Sha couldn''t kill Liu Wuxie.


    "Don''t worry. Do you know Du Sha''s strength? This brat merely relies on his agile movement technique, and he will soon die under Du Sha''s axe." Zhang Lin was also not confident, but he could onlyfort himself in this manner.

 Chapter 323 - Mission

    <h4>Chapter 323 - Mission</h4>


    The four stood at a distance, looking worried.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s punches were tricky, and he didn¡¯tnd any hit on Du Sha on purpose. He was using Du Sha to temper the Primordial Astral Fist.


    Zhu You and others weren¡¯t stupid; they noticed signs of Du Sha falling into a disadvantageous position.


    ¡°Berserk Demon Chop!¡± Du Sha was furious. He had never suffered such frustration in his life. He had always been the one toying with others, but Liu Wuxie mercilessly toyed with him today.


    As the saying goes, "What goes aroundes around." Du Sha, who had always denied his opponents any chance to fight back, now found himself in a simr predicament.


    Liu Wuxie had integrated the Primordial Astral Fist and Nine Heavenly Crane Dance into one; bothplemented each other.


    The Berserk Demon Chop was Du Sha¡¯s strongest attack. When he executed it, the broad axe flew out of his hand, shing at Liu Wuxie. But that wasn¡¯t all as he sprang forward, striking Liu Wuxie with his palms.


    It was surprising that Du Sha had practiced such a bizarre palm technique with his burly figure.


    ¡°It¡¯s useless!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes were devoid of any emotions. Since his goal had been achieved, his true essence began gushing out as a torrential wave, and Liu Wuxie¡¯s fist manifested into a massive star descending from the sky.


    This was the ultimate essence of the Primordial Astral Fist, creating the phenomenon of a star. Even if it was only a phenomenon, it was enough to crush anyone in the pinnacle of the True Core Realm.


    The broad axe was knocked away by the force released by the punch, heading towards Zhang Lin¡¯s group of four.


    Zhang Lin¡¯s group of four were unlucky to be severed from their waists. Their blood mixed with intestines flowed out from their wounds, and this was a gruesome scene.


    ¡°How could this be?¡± Zhang Lin looked at his lower body and smiled bitterly. He hadn¡¯t anticipated to die in this manner.


    Zhu You regretted not heeding Liu Wuxie¡¯s first warning. If they hadn¡¯t bullied Liu Wuxie back then, they wouldn¡¯t have faced this situation now, nor would they have died here.


    Wu He let out a painful cry because he didn¡¯t die immediately even if he was severed from his waist. Death in itself wasn¡¯t terrifying, but waiting for it was scary.


    The unluckiest one was Zhao Yihai. Zhang Lin had invited him to help him, and he had gotten involved inexplicably. When he was facing death now, his eyes were filled with regret that he had agreed to help Zhang Lin.


    After knocking the broad axe away, Liu Wuxie¡¯s fist technique carried on forward, and the sheer force released by the punch created a violent gale that blew so hard that Du Sha couldn¡¯t open his eyes. He could only wait helplessly as Liu Wuxie¡¯s punch descended.


    This was Liu Wuxie¡¯s strongest punch since their fight had started, and Liu Wuxie exhausted all his astral energy in this attack. When his punchnded on Du Sha, thetter¡¯s body was blown into pieces in the form of a blood mist.


    Zhang Lin¡¯s group of four, still alive, was scared to death as they witnessed this scene. If news got out that Du Sha was blown to smithereens with one punch, it would probably shock the entire sect.


    But it was a pity no one would know because the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron devoured everything without leaving any traces.


    Liu Wuxie pped his hands after collecting Du Sha¡¯s interspatial pouch as if he had done something insignificant. He turned around and left the dense forest, returning to the training ground he had created.


    After ncing around, he knew it would be a while before anyone came there.


    ¡°Tomorrow is the beginning of the month, and many missions will be avable. I can take this opportunity to do a few missions to earn points and exchange them for necessary resources.¡± Liu Wuxie left for his courtyard after he finished muttering to himself.


    He decided to rest for a day before heading for the Mission Hall at dawn. If he wanted to gain a foothold in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, he couldn¡¯t solely rely on the resources the sect gave him every month.


    At the beginning of every month, new missions were posted in the Mission Hall. For example, elders who needed a specific spiritual herb but had no time to collect themselves would create missions for disciples to collect to earn points or rewards directly from the elders.


    Some of the rewards came from the sect, while some came from the person who issued the mission. For instance, some ns were limited in strength, and they couldn¡¯t afford to hire guards if they had to travel far away. Thus, they could offer a batch of resources to have Heavenly Treasure Pavilion¡¯s disciples escort them.


    The tasks were rtively simple, such as harvesting spiritual herbs, finding profound beasts, helping to transport goods, or killing someone.


    There were a variety of missions, and points would be awarded based on their difficulty.


    If the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion¡¯s disciples wanted more resources, they would have to earn points to exchange. For example, a cultivation chamber required one hundred points for one day, and a standard mission only awarded ten points.


    The other facilities in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion also required points, which included exchanging for martial techniques and pills.


    At the beginning of each month, when the missions were renewed, fights often broke out to contest for the best missions, while dangerous missions were generally ignored. After all, everyone¡¯s objective was to earn points, not put their lives at risk.


    Liu Wuxie followed the path and arrived before the Mission Hall two hourster. This building was more significant than he had imagined. It wasn¡¯t built on the Heavenly Trigram Peak but on another peak, and many disciples had gathered early in the morning.


    Missions were refreshed bi-monthly, and the onset of each month saw a flurry of activity, as thousands of disciples convened. Within the Mission Hall, distinct zones were designated for outer, inner, core, and true disciples, each offering tailored missions.


    Core disciples wouldn¡¯tpete for missions with outer disciples, and outer disciples didn¡¯t qualify toplete missions designated for inner disciples.


    Liu Wuxie arrived early, and despite the fact that the hall had yet to open, arge crowd had already gathered outside.


    When Liu Wuxie had joined the sect, the jade slip he had received on the first day clearly stated that missions were divided into four categories, represented by four colors¡ªyellow, red, purple, and ck.


    Yellow missions were the easiest, but they also offered the fewest points. Red tasks were slightly more dangerous inparison, but the probability of suffering fatal injuries wasn¡¯t high. As for purple missions, they were more challenging with a chance of death, but they also offered more points and were highly sought after. Last but not least, ck missions were rarely undertaken because they only had a one percent rate ofpletion that was tallied through ten thousand years.


    Only one of the one hundred ck missions would bepleted. The remaining ny-nine had failed because the disciples who had taken those missions were dead.


    This resulted in two extremes for missions. No one would pick yellow and ck missions, while red and purple missions were limited. Thus, the missions would go to those who were capable.


    Furthermore, missions varied because some required multiple people toplete them, and others only needed one person.


    The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion would ensure the fairness of each mission, and the difficulty wouldn¡¯t differ much as long as they were in the same category.


    ¡°I wonder what missions will be posted this time. I prefer going to hunt the abyssal devils. It might be dangerous, but each head is worth ten points.¡±


    Discussions could be heard everywhere as Liu Wuxie stood in a secluded corner by himself.


    ¡°I prefer harvesting spiritual herbs. They¡¯re rtively safepared to hunting the abyssal devils.¡± Everyone had different preferences. Some preferred the safer route, while some preferred an adventure.


    Liu Wuxie was calcting in his mind. He urgently needed points to exchange for precious spiritual herbs to refine them into pills. After all, his cultivation speed was still too slow, relying on the Deste Devouring Art.


    As the Mission Hall opened its four gates, a throng of eager disciples surged inside. Despite Liu Wuxie''s preparedness, he found himself taken aback by the overwhelming scene. He hadn''t anticipated such a frenzied atmosphere at the start of each month.


    When he followed the crowd into the Mission Hall, the interior was more prominent than he had imagined. The ground floor was thergest and catered to outer disciples. The second, third, and fourth floors were meant for inner, core, and true disciples.


    But even though so many people swarmed into the Mission Hall, it didn¡¯t feel crowded at all. Tens of thousands of missions, neatly organized ording to their categories, were pasted on the surrounding walls.


    Missions like hunting profound beasts and harvesting spiritual herbs were posted on the east wall. Escorting missions were on the south wall. All the missions rted to killing were on the west wall. Lastly, the north wall had the fewest missions, and they were mostly ck missions.


    Executing the Ghost Eye, Liu Wuxie¡¯s mind was flooded with texts. Each mission had a specificpletion time, which ranged from three days to six months. If they surpassed thepletion time, their mission would be deemed a failure.


    Liu Wuxie swiftly analyzed the missions with his soul sea, and the points awarded in most missions ranged from ten to thirty.


    When he shifted his gaze to the ck missions, many missions had been posted for over a year and remained untouched. Few were untouched for over three years, and the awarded points ranged from two hundred to one thousand.


    Those were hazardous missions; one needed to be alive to enjoy the points. Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t rashly take one and looked at the purple missions instead, which were more suitable for him.


    Yellow missions targeted those ranging from the first to the third level of the True Core Realm. The red missions were meant for those in the fourth to sixth level, while the purple missions were for those in the seventh to ninth level.


    Liu Wuxie was mixed among those in the higher levels of the True Core Realm, making him look conspicuous.


    ¡°Harvest a Snow Lotus Root: thirty points reward!¡± This was a pretty good mission with decent points, which Liu Wuxie took off the wall without hesitation.


    But the moment Liu Wuxie took down the mission, another hand appeared. Then again, it wasmon for two people to choose the same mission. This was why fights usually broke out, but everyone had grown ustomed.


    ¡°Brat, get lost! This isn¡¯t a ce for you. Go to the yellow region!¡± A violent outburst of energy swept toward Liu Wuxie. Collecting the Snow Lotus Root was a decent mission with no strict time limit as long as it was submitted within a month.


    The mission clearly stated that a core disciple wanted to refine a seventh-grade pill and urgently needed the Snow Lotus Root. But that core disciple had no time to gather and had posted the mission, offering thirty points in exchange.


    When Liu Wuxie tore down the mission, a violent outburst of energy blew toward him.


    ¡°You should be the one to get lost instead!¡± Liu Wuxie unleashed his astral energy. But he didn¡¯t perform the Primordial Astral Fist. Even so, the outburst of astral energy unleashed a powerful impact.


    When the two fists collided in mid-air, a powerful shockwave was unleashed from the point of collision, sending the nearby disciples who didn¡¯t have enough strength flying away.

 Chapter 324 - Are You Insane?

    <h4>Chapter 324 - Are You Insane?</h4>


    Many people who couldn¡¯t react in time were sent flying away under the shockwave.


    Liu Wuxie took a few steps back with a ferocious gaze. The one who attacked him was an outer disciple in the eighth level of the True Core Realm, donning a green robe, signifying that he was from the Profound Inscription Peak.


    ¡°You dare fight back?¡± the opposing outer disciple snarled in rage. He hadn''t used his full strength in the earlier strike and felt humiliated that he couldn''t suppress someone merely at the fourth level.


    ¡°Is there a problem?¡± Liu Wuxie said without a hint of emotion in his tone as he kept the mission in his pocket. This person was only in the eighth-level True Core Realm, and Liu Wuxie could easily kill him with one strike using the Primordial Astral Fist.


    He ignored the man and headed in another direction, nning to pick a few more missions to further his training outside.


    ¡°You want to leave? Hand the mission over first!¡± The man sprang up, charging towards Liu Wuxie with stronger momentum.


    The earlier sh had cleared ample space for their duel. Simr conflicts over missions erupted in various locations.


    Liu Wuxie became furious at this scene. Did everyone think he was a pushover because his cultivation was in the fourth-level True Core Realm?


    ¡°Get lost!¡± Liu Wuxie roared, and the suffocating astral energy manifested into a massive star. He didn¡¯t hold back this time and mobilized seventy percent of his true essence.


    As fights often took ce in the Mission Hall, the surrounding walls were constructed with unique materials capable of absorbing the impact of true essence.


    A powerful outburst of energy swept out from Liu Wuxie and his opponent. The outer disciples with lower strength were all sent flying from the shockwave, losing their bnce.


    Facing the suppression of astral energy, Liu Wuxie¡¯s opponent kept retreating with a grim expression. He felt humiliated for failing to take down Liu Wuxie twice in a row.


    ¡°There¡¯s something unusual about this brat. He¡¯s fine even after taking two attacks from someone in the eighth-level True Core Realm.¡± Those in the surroundings looked at Liu Wuxie with surprise. Even if someone in the eighth level only used half of their strength, it wasn¡¯t something someone in the fourth level could withstand.


    ¡°His true essence is much stronger than a typical cultivator in the True Core Realm.¡± Someone noticed that Liu Wuxie¡¯s true essence was unbelievably powerful.


    ¡°His name is Liu Wuxie. I bet you all still don¡¯t know about it. He won tens of thousands of spirit stones from Su Ji and others in the Book Collection Hall a few days ago. Even Deacon Kou lost his position as a deacon because of him.¡± Someone recognized Liu Wuxie as many people were in the Book Collection Hall.


    ¡°I¡¯ve also heard of him. I heard that he¡¯s a priority disciple who joined this year.¡± More people began to recall Liu Wuxie¡¯s information because of his status as a priority student and the incident in the Book Collection Hall.


    After learning that Liu Wuxie had won over eighty thousand spirit stones in the Book Collection Hall, many people gloated, some with ill intentions.


    Even the wealthiest outer disciple only had a little over ten thousand spirit stones, so how could everyone not envy Liu Wuxie¡¯s wealth when he had just joined the sect?


    ¡°So what if his true essence is strong? Let¡¯s see how long he can hold his ground. Cao Wenkang is notorious for his brutality, and Liu Wuxie won¡¯t get away easily.¡± The disciples of the Earth Force Peak were filled with hatred for Liu Wuxie. Many had lost their spirit stones to Liu Wuxie in the Book Collection Hall.


    The man attacking Liu Wuxie was called Cao Wenkang, a Profound Inscription Peak¡¯s disciple. He had been in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion for over two years, with a deep establishment in the sect.


    ¡°Brat, hand over all your spirit stones, and I¡¯ll let this matter go!¡± Cao Wenkang approached Liu Wuxie with a sinister smile, demanding Liu Wuxie to hand over all his spirit stones domineeringly.


    Many people gathered in the surroundings, but no one stood up for Liu Wuxie, and instead, they added fuel to the fire.


    ¡°Let¡¯s see if you have the strength to aplish that!¡± Faint murderous intent swept out from Liu Wuxie. He wouldn¡¯t mind killing someone to intimidate everyone froming after him.


    When Cao Wenkang was going to make a move, two figures suddenly appeared before him.


    ¡°Cao Wenkang, who do you think you are to go after Junior Brother Liu?¡± Bai Lin and Tang Tian arrived. They were in another region but came over upon hearing themotion. When they saw that one of the parties was Liu Wuxie, they didn¡¯t hesitate to stand up against Cao Wenkang.


    Most importantly, they were all in the eighth-level True Core Realm, evenly matched with Cao Wenkang. Two against one, Cao Wenkang would be in a disadvantageous position. If he persisted in acting against Liu Wuxie, he would have to face Bai Lin and Tang Tian.


    ¡°Bai Lin, you two are disciples of the upper region, but you two mingle with someone from the lower region? You two are pathetic!¡± Cao Wenkang sneered with contempt on his face.


    ¡°Junior Brother Liu, are you alright?¡± Bai Lin and Tang Tian ignored Cao Wenkang¡¯s mockery and turned to look at Liu Wuxie with concern.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine!¡± Liu Wuxie knew that Bai Lin and Tang Tian were standing up for him out of goodwill and considered him a friend.


    ¡°Junior Brother Liu, are you nning to take missions?¡± Tang Tian asked respectfully.


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Liu Wuxie nodded. He needed points to exchange for spiritual herbs and nned to leave the sect for some time.


    ¡°Junior Brother Liu, we¡¯ve taken a few missions and stillck people. Why don¡¯t you join us?¡± Bai Lin asked.


    Liu Wuxie felt a warmth in his heart, knowing that Bai Lin wanted to look out for him beyond the confines of the sect.


    Many Mission Hall members also chose to form teams toplete missions. They would mostly choose fellow disciples with the same cultivation as them, and no one would find someone with a much lower cultivation than those like Bai Lin and Tang Tian.


    After all, having a team member with low cultivation was bound to be a burden, and no one was willing to let someone with low cultivation join them.


    ¡°What mission did you two take on?¡± Liu Wuxie had no objections and wanted to know what missions these two had taken. He would instead choose to act alone if the points were too low.


    Bai Lin and Tang Tian took out the three missions they had chosen. Two were to hunt profound beasts, while the remaining was to deliver a letter. The missions weren¡¯t challenging, and they rewarded one hundred points in total. If one hundred points were divided into three, each would obtain thirty-three points.


    ¡°These missions can bepleted in five days at most, but I n to leave the sect for a month. So I n to take on several missions.¡± Liu Wuxie shared his thoughts. This was because he wanted to reach the fifth-level True Core Realm within a month.


    ¡°But the good missions are already taken, and the remaining missions are either too dangerous or too difficult.¡± Most good missions were taken by disciples in the ninth-level True Core Realm, while yellow missions rewarded too few points.


    As the number of missions on the walls decreased, people gradually left the Mission Hall.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s gaze fell onto the purple wall. There were about a hundred missions left, but they were tough. Several missions offered high points.


    Scanning through the wall rapidly, Liu Wuxie¡¯s gaze locked onto five missions offering six hundred points. With a sh, he took the five mission slips into his hand.


    ¡°Junior Brother Liu, are you insane?!¡± Bai Lin eximed anxiously. He had spoken out of concern for their friendship; if it had been anyone else, he wouldn''t have bothered to intervene.


    ¡°Hahaha! I thought you were a genius, but you¡¯re an idiot!¡± Cao Wenkang hadn¡¯t left yet, and heughed at this sight. The five missions Liu Wuxie took were purple, and their difficulty wasn¡¯t inferior to ck missions.


    Even those in the ninth level of the True Core Realm showed a hint of disdain in their eyes. Moments ago, they had held Liu Wuxie in high regard, but now they saw him as nothing more than a reckless fool.


    ¡°I have my ns!¡± Liu Wuxie waved his hand, signaling Bai Lin to stop persuading him. Since he had chosen these missions, he naturally had a way toplete them.


    Bai Lin couldn¡¯t say anything more after listening to what Liu Wuxie said. The three passed through the crowd and left the Mission Hall.


    ¡°Brat, you bettere back alive because our feud has yet to be resolved!¡± Cao Wenkang sneered. Bai Lin¡¯s appearance had disrupted their fight. This meant the issue between him and Liu Wuxie was still unresolved.


    Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t be bothered with Cao Wenkang. If there weren¡¯t so many people around, he would¡¯ve pped thetter to death.


    The three stopped in a secluded spot, and Bai Lin and Tang Tian looked at Liu Wuxie with concern.


    ¡°I understand your worries, but I¡¯ll find a way toplete them since I¡¯ve taken the missions. Thanks for standing up for me earlier.¡± Liu Wuxie cupped his fists at the two before heading down the mountain. These missions were too dangerous, and he didn¡¯t want to drag these two into them.


    Bai Lin and Tang Tian looked at Liu Wuxie¡¯s silhouette before exchanging a gaze with a hint of determination in their eyes.


    ¡°Junior Brother Liu, wait for us!¡± Bai Lin called out to Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Junior Brother Liu, I can¡¯t see you put yourself in danger when you saved my life. We¡¯ve decided to join you in your mission.¡± Tang Tian said in a determined tone, willing to put his life at risk for Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Have you two thought it through? There¡¯s a high possibility that the five missions might be a one-way trip for us.¡± Liu Wuxie asked solemnly. He knew the difficulty of the five missions because even outer disciples in the ninth-level True Core Realm wouldn¡¯t dare to take them casually.


    ¡°We¡¯ve thought it through!¡± Bai Lin and Tang Tian replied, showing their determination and willingness to risk their lives for Liu Wuxie.


    The two were even ready to die if it meant bringing a smile to Liu Wuxie¡¯s face. His strength was beyond theprehension of others, and even ck missions weren¡¯t too challenging for him.


    However, since he had just joined the sect, he didn''t want to stand out too much.


    ¡°Which missions should we start with?¡± Since they had decided to team up, theybined all the missions to pick a time-saving route.


    Bai Lin and Tang Tian were more familiar with the terrain than Liu Wuxie, and the two naturally took charge of their schedule.


    After a brief discussion, they decided to head to the Scarlet Sun Mountain Range first to harvest the Snow Lotus Root and another spiritual herb before hunting demonic beasts. As for the five missions Liu Wuxie had taken, they hadn¡¯t figured out how to proceed yet.


    ¡°This trip will roughly take a month, and we must gather supplies.¡± Bai Lin took on the responsibility of gathering supplies, and they headed to a big city a hundred miles away after leaving the sect.


    This city thrived because of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, and the powerful ns that inhabited it had intricate connections with it.


    The trio reached the city before dark. They nned to rest for the night before continuing their journey the next day. They spent over a thousand spirit stones on tents, food, rations, and medicine.


    ¡°Junior Brother Liu, why did you buy so many things?¡± Bai Lin asked when they left the shop because Liu Wuxie bought too many supplies that couldst more than a month.

 Chapter 325 - Massacre

    <h4>Chapter 325 - Massacre</h4>


    Besides some ordinary medicine, Liu Wuxie bought many strange items that puzzled Bai Lin and Tang Tian.


    Liu Wuxie merely smiled and didn¡¯t exin in detail¡ªtwo of the five missions he had chosen required infiltrating underground abyssal caves, which was dangerous.


    The trio found an inn to rest for a night and left the following day. They walked along the main road and asionally ran into other disciples from the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    The beginning of each month was the busiest, with many disciples leaving the sect.


    Throughout the journey, Bai Lin handled most of their arrangements. To maintain their stamina, they traveled for six hours and rested for an hour.


    After a day, the trio finally reached the Scarlet Sun Mountain Range. This was the most extensive mountain range in the Southern Province, connecting the east of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. The south was connected to the Azure Crimson Gate, the west to the Dugu n, and the north to a barrennd.


    ¡°Junior Brother Liu, our top priorities upon entering the Scarlet Sun Mountain Range are to guard against profound beasts and to be wary of disciples from the Azure Crimson Gate,¡± Bai Lin advised, sharing his knowledge with Liu Wuxie along the way.


    Knowing that thetter meant well, Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t interrupt Bai Lin¡¯s exnation. He was already familiar with most of the information, but his understanding of the True Martial Continent¡¯syout couldn¡¯t bepared to Bai Lin¡¯s.


    Aside from the Azure Crimson Gate and the Dugu n, several nearby cities were home to numerous powerful ns. Although these ns didn''t rival the ten major sects, they couldn''t be underestimated, as each boasted ancestors in the Nascent Transformation Realm.


    Before nightfall, the three entered the Scarlet Sun Mountain Range and were greeted by a primitive aura.


    ¡°We have to be careful now!¡± Bai Lin asserted, taking on the role of senior brother and looking after everyone. He was particrly cautious, having nearly lost his life on their previous visit.


    Liu Wuxie executed Ghost Eye and captured everything within a radius of a few thousand meters. Nothing could escape his eyes.


    Under Bai Lin¡¯s guidance, they found a rtively safe ce after two hours. They nned to rest there till dawn because the Scarlet Sun Mountain Range was dangerous at night.


    The trio set up tents and took turns keeping watch. At Bai Lin¡¯s insistence, he was responsible for keeping watch the first night, and Tang Tian kept watch the second night, leaving Liu Wuxie with nothing to do.


    Unable to win the argument, Liu Wuxie reluctantly agreed. They had regarded him as their savior ever since he saved Tang Tian¡¯s life.


    The chilling roars of profound beasts could be hearding from the depths of the Scarlet Sun Mountain Range when the night fell.


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t rest and sat in his tent with his legs crossed. This was because practicing the Primordial Astral Fist at night was twice as effective.


    Massive amounts of astral energy poured into the world within his dantian through the astral bridge. In just one hour, his cultivation efficiency was equivalent to an entire day of regr practice.


    When Liu Wuxie circted the Deste Devouring Art, the surrounding spiritual energy gathered rapidly towards Liu Wuxie¡¯s tent, causing Bai Lin to narrow his eyes in shock.


    This was because the phenomenon created by Liu Wuxie was too terrifying. He had no idea what cultivation technique Liu Wuxie practiced for the speed at which he devoured spiritual energy to be so terrifying.


    While Liu Wuxie cultivated, his divine sense scanned the surroundings continuously. This was because he detected several people secretly following behind them.


    After all, many people harbored a strong murderous intent toward him upon learning that he possessed over eighty thousand mid-grade spirit stones.


    The Scarlet Sun Mountain Range was quiet, not to mention it waste at night. No one would know, even if he was killed there.


    His brows twitched suddenly as he sensed several auras approaching through Ghost Eye. Opening his eyes, a chill shed within them, for he realized they were being followed.


    When he exited his tent, Bai Lin jumped up because his heightened vignce detected a trace of murderous intent. But it waste at night, and he couldn¡¯t figure out where the murderous intent came from.


    ¡°Prepare for battle!¡± Liu Wuxie could detect everything within two thousand meters of a radius with his divine sense through Ghost Eye.


    Upon hearing what Liu Wuxie said, Tang Tian came out of his tent and drew his weapon.


    The murderous intent got closer from two directions to block their escape route.


    ¡°Senior Brother Bai, Senior Brother Tang, they¡¯re here for me. You two escape through the west!¡± Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t want to drag Bai Lin and Tang Tian into this because these people were targeting him.


    ¡°That won¡¯t do. Since we¡¯ve decided to form a team, how can we abandon you and leave?¡± Bai Lin firmly refused. Besides, they weren¡¯t cowards who would leave theirpanions to escape.


    Seeing their firm resolution, Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t insist. He wouldn¡¯t fear anyone who came at him as long as there wasn¡¯t anyone in the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    After absorbing arge amount of astral energy, Liu Wuxie was itching for a battle to gauge his strength, and these people came at the right time to die.


    Rustling sounds could be heard from the distant grass produced by approaching footsteps.


    Shadows flickered as twelve people split into two groups and surrounded Liu Wuxie''s trio.


    ¡°Cao Wenkang, it¡¯s you!¡± They had shed in the Mission Hall the previous day, but they hadn''t expected Cao Wenkang to secretly follow them and even team up with others.


    ¡°Haha! Hand over all your spirit stones, and I will consider letting you die a painless death.¡± Cao Wenkang didn¡¯t conceal his murderous intent. It wasn¡¯t a secret that conflicts were allowed in the sect. There would be many disciples who died mysteriously every year.


    Besides Cao Wenkang, the other eleven were formidable as well. They were all in the eighth level of the True Core Realm and appeared to be two separate teams who had coincidentallye to the Scarlet Sun Mountain Range for their missions.


    They had likely discussed among themselves and decided to rob Liu Wuxie before continuing their missions.


    When facing twelve experts in the eighth-level True Core Realm, even someone in the ninth level would need help to escape. Bai Lin and Tang Tian¡¯s face turned grim when they saw the twelve people.


    ¡°The sect forbids killing among disciples. Aren¡¯t you all afraid of punishment?¡± Tang Tian roared and drew his de.


    The sect¡¯s rules were clear, but how many people followed the rules?


    "Who would know if we kill you three?" Cao Wenkang sneered, his eyes fixed on Liu Wuxie with fury. The previous day''s failure to crush Liu Wuxie in just two moves had left him humiliated, and the anger still burned within him.


    Eighty thousand spirit stones were enough for all twelve to share and livefortably for the next year or so. The harvest from their missions couldn¡¯t even bepared to Liu Wuxie¡¯s gamble in one day.


    ¡°Why waste time talking to them? Just kill them!¡± A person from the other team stepped forward with contempt in his eyes. The one who spoke came from the Earth Force Peak, Pang Tie. He was known for his cruelty.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. We can rest here after killing them.¡± His teammatesughed because the camp was already set up for them, saving them the trouble.


    The twelve quickly closed in, shrinking the space avable for Liu Wuxie and hispanions. Their chance to escape had vanished.


    ¡°Junior Brother Liu, let¡¯s find a way to break through the encirclement.¡± Bai Lin drew his longsword and began searching for an opportunity to break through.


    shing head-on wasn¡¯t an option because they were outnumbered.


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t answer Bai Lin, and the Heretic de appeared in his hand; he was prepared to start a massacre.


    Since entering the cultivation world, he hadn¡¯t engaged in anyrge-scale ughter apart from killing a few people along the way to the market. The Heretic de was already thirsty for blood.


    ¡°None of you can leave here today. Let¡¯s go!¡±


    When Pang Tie gave the order, the twelve people unleashed their attacks, which formed a tidal wave and engulfed the three.


    ¡°Brother Bai, Brother Tang, focus on defense, and don¡¯t worry about me,¡± Liu Wuxie said quickly. He vanished after saying that and joined the battle with an astonishing speed.


    Since Liu Wuxie had reached the fourth level of the True Core Realm, this was the first time he used his full strength. He had held back even in his fight with Du Sha.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s true essence formed into a vortex like a giant jaw, and the aura he released caught everyone by surprise. He had already lunged forward before Bai Lin and Tang Tian could react.


    ¡°You guys are the one to die instead!¡± He naturally wouldn¡¯t mind killing them since these people came after him.


    When they performed the Second Fatality Form of the Fatality de Art, a suffocating de aura swept out and shed down like a lightning bolt. This caught the twelve by surprise. They had underestimated Liu Wuxie and were under the impression that only Bai Lin and Tang Tian would pose a threat to them.


    After all, no one would believe someone in the fourth-level True Core Realm could unleash powerparable to the ninth level.


    ¡°Not good!¡± Cao Wenkang and the others realized their mistake, but it was already toote because Liu Wuxie seized the initiative to strike first.


    ¡°Stop him!¡± Pang Tie yelled, ordering those nearby to stop Liu Wuxie from approaching. The twelve were geniuses and had a quick grasp of the situation.


    ¡°Too slow!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s voice sounded like a reaper as the Heretic de drew a beautiful arc in the air, and heads began flying. Cultivators in the eighth level of the True Core Realm were ughtered like livestock.


    The massacre continued with Liu Wuxie transforming into a celestial crane and soaring to the sky, letting out a cry. He held onto the Heretic de with his left hand and formed a fist with his right hand.


    ¡°Primordial Astral Fist!¡± Astral energy empowered Liu Wuxie¡¯s fist while he descended like a star. Even someone in the Heavenly Dipper Realm would die facing this attack.


    Everyone was battle-hardened, yet they couldn''t find any ws in his movements. Their techniques proved redundant against absolute strength.


    The ground couldn¡¯t withstand the tremendous pressure, so a huge crater was formed.


    Bai Lin and Tang Tian stood in the distance, both dumbfounded.


    ¡°What power! It looks like we¡¯ve underestimated Junior Brother Liu!¡± Tang Tian was excited. He finally understood why Liu Wuxie dared to take on those five missions. With Liu Wuxie¡¯s strength, there was a possibility he might really aplish them.


    Bai Lin was equally shocked, his mouth agape, but he maintained his vignce. With his long sword at the ready, he prepared to assist at any moment.


    The Primordial Astral Fist had evolved to Liu Wuxie¡¯s ultimate attack. When infused with the wood attribute, it would be gentle. But when infused with fire attribute, his fist would be enveloped in mes, tripling its power.


    ¡°ARGH!¡± Many screamed in despair before their deaths. They were blown to smithereens by Liu Wuxie¡¯s punch, and the scene was horrifying. Their entire bodies were blown into blood mist except for his head.


    Cao Wenkang trembled in fear and nearly wet his pants. He retreated with the thought of fleeing. He realized they weren¡¯t on the same level as Liu Wuxie, and thetter could easily crush them. That was especially the case for Liu Wuxie¡¯s true essence, which was indestructible.


    ¡°No one can escape!¡± Executing Ghost Eye, Liu Wuxie captured everyone¡¯s movement and attack trajectory in his eyes.

 Chapter 326 - Snow Lotus Essence

    <h4>Chapter 326 - Snow Lotus Essence</h4>


    In the blink of an eye, many attackers had fallen, leaving only four struggling to hold on. But the Primordial Astral Fist continued its onught, now infused with the metal attribute.


    It felt that the space around them was about to explode, and two more bodies were turned into blood mist before Liu Wuxie''s punch evennded.


    Even Liu Wuxie was shocked by the power of his punch, and he realized he had underestimated the power of the Primordial Astral Fist.


    When he had fought Du Sha, he was still in the integration phase with the Primordial Astral Fist. Through his continuous refinement over the past few days, he finally showed signs of entering the initial mastery of this fist technique, grasping some profundities.


    "Holy shit!" Cao Wenkang didn''t hesitate to flee, abandoning Pang Tie without a second thought. He even lost one of his shoes when he ran. Liu Wuxie was no longer a human in his eyes but a monster.


    Even someone in the ninth-level True Core Realm couldn''t kill so many people with one punch. Yet, it was aplished by someone at the fourth level. Reflecting on what had transpired in the Mission Hall, Cao Wenkang deeply regretted his actions.


    "Die!" Liu Wuxie''s punch descended like a meteorite.


    Heavens seemed to crack, and it felt as though the entire mountain range was shaking. Bai Lin and Tang Tian couldn''t withstand the shockwave and were swept away.


    Cao Wenkang and Pang Tie had long been obliterated from this world. This was a one-sided massacre that took ce in three breaths when everyone had expected it to be a fierce battle.


    Even Liu Wuxie couldn''t believe that this was all done by him. He had already overestimated the Primordial Astral Fist. But he realized this fist technique was more profound than he had imagined, and he had onlyprehended a tiny fraction.


    When hended, his face was expressionless as he surveyed the scattered pieces of flesh. He had vented all the ferocity from his heart.


    After all, he had nearly died at the hands of Yu Tianyi when he had entered the cultivation world. Even before entering the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, he was humiliated by someone like Mei Zizheng and was forced to retaliate.


    Upon bing an outer disciple, he was provoked by Zhang Lin''s group, and they kepting at him even after he crippled them. They even sought experts like Zhao Yihai and Du Sha to kill him.


    In the Book Collection Pavilion, he was provoked by Su Ji, and Deacon Kou had purposely made things difficult for him.


    All these events over the past ten days had been weighing on his heart, and he finally felt alleviated now that he released all the emotions.


    "Junior Brother Liu, you''ve given us a huge surprise!" Bai Lin and Tang Tian ran over excitedly without a hint of jealousy. They wouldn''t have formed a team with him to venture together if they were jealous of him.


    "Sorry, but I didn''t purposely hide my strength," Liu Wuxie apologized. The cultivation world was brutal, and no one would reveal all their trump cards.


    "We understand. Let''s clean up the battlefield. It might attract powerful profound beasts if the blood stench is too strong." Bai Lin assured Liu Wuxie that there was no need for an exnation. Everyone had their secrets, and so did they. As long as those secrets didn''t harm their rtionship, it was fine.


    The three cleaned up the battlefield quickly. The energy from the twelve corpses was already devoured by the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron, bing Liu Wuxie''s nourishment.


    When liquified spiritual energy poured into the world in his dantian, Liu Wuxie''s cultivation began to rise, and he was only one step away from the fifth-level True Core Realm.


    Bai Lin and Tang Tian exchanged a look and could see the shock in each other''s eyes.


    This battle had significantly boosted Liu Wuxie''s strength, and he could reach the fifth-level True Core Realm within three days. After all, the energy from twelve cultivators in the eighth level was terrifying, and Liu Wuxie should''ve reached the fifth level by night.


    However, because Liu Wuxie practiced the Primordial Astral Fist, his physique was tempered with a star appearing in his dantian. This meant the amount of resources he required would grow to a terrifying height.


    This was also a headache for Liu Wuxie because his cultivation only increased after absorbing the energy from so many people, but he couldn''t make a breakthrough.


    The trio returned to the campsite after tidying up.


    "Junior Brother Liu, we obtained eighty-thousand spirit stones, three thousand spiritual herbs, and numerous pills. They''re all your spoils." Bai Lin handed over the interspatial pouches they had collected. He had already sorted out the resources and gave them to Liu Wuxie.


    "Thirty thousand spirit stones for each of us. I have other uses for the spiritual herbs, so I won''t share them with you." Liu Wuxie was straightforward to take out sixty thousand spirit stones and split them between Bai Lin and Tang Tian.


    "This isn''t appropriate because we didn''t help. You killed them, and the spoils should be yours." Bai Lin waved his hand, and he wasn''t shameless enough to take a share when they didn''t contribute to the fight.


    "There''s no need to be polite with me unless you two don''t consider me as a brother." Bai Lin and Tang Tian had risked their lives to form a team with him, and Liu Wuxie naturally wouldn''t be stingy with just some spirit stones.


    Since they had decided to form a team, they naturally had to share both the good and the bad.


    Under Liu Wuxie''s insistence, the two finally epted the spirit stones and were excited. After all, killing others was the best way to umte wealth.


    The trio rested for a night before continuing their journey the next day.


    The change in Bai Lin and Tang Tian''s attitude towards Liu Wuxie was palpable.


    The Snow Lotus Root could only be found in one location: the Azure Mountain Lake bordering the Azure Crimson Gate.


    "Junior Brother Liu, we need to proceed carefully," Bai Lin cautioned, slowing down. "That area isn''t controlled by the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion or the Azure Crimson Gate. It''s a neutral zone with many mercenaries."


    A hundred miles east belonged to the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s territory, which was rtively safe. The Scarlet Sun Mountain Range was vast, and a thousand miles was just one-tenth of it.


    Liu Wuxie nodded and executed Ghost Eye while the three traversed through the woods, approaching Azure Mountain Lake. With Bai Lin leading the way, they saved a lot of time.


    The Azure Mountain Lake appeared before them after a day, and it was massive. Thekewater was azure, hence the name.


    Opposite theke was a towering peak that formed theplete scenery of the Azure Mountain Lake.


    "The Snow Lotus Root is usually found at the bottom of theke. I''m good at swimming, so let me dive down and fetch it." Tang Tian volunteered to dive into theke and retrieve the Snow Lotus Root.


    Since they hadbined their missions to form a team, they could work together.


    "There are dangers at the bottom of theke. You two stay here to guard against ambushes." Liu Wuxie sensed several powerful presences beneath theke through Ghost Eye.


    Those must be powerful aquatic beasts, and they were stronger than humans. In water, they were close to invincible.


    However, as long as one was adequately prepared for the mission, it would be rtively safe if they avoided the beasts.


    The two followed Liu Wuxie''s instructions and patrolled thekeside to prevent ambushes while Liu Wuxie was underwater. Ambushes weremon, with cultivators often attacked by others when they emerged from theke. This resulted in hundreds of deaths in the Azure Mountain Lake each year.


    Furthermore, Liu Wuxie had another reason for diving into theke. The Snow Lotus Root was a sixth-grade spiritual herb, and he nned on gathering more.


    Removing his outer garment, Liu Wuxie dove into theke and swam agilely like a fish, venturing deeper into theke.


    Bai Lin and Tang Tian patrolled thekeside, ready to help if there was any danger.


    Icy water poured down Liu Wuxie''s neck, but it didn''t affect his vision. The depth of the Azure Mountain Lake reached more than three hundred meters, which ordinary people couldn''t reach through diving.


    Even the best swimmers could barely reach thirty meters deep. This was because the water pressure would increase as the depth increased. The pressure wasn''t something the average body could withstand.


    Liu Wuxie''s body was far stronger than ordinary people''s. When he dove thirty meters down, he struggled to dive deeper due to the strong buoyancy that constantly pushed his body upward.


    He took out arge meteorite iron from his interspatial pouch and used its weight to carry on diving. He hade prepared and had thought every step through.


    Thekeside was peaceful, but Tang Tian and Bai Lin didn''t dare to rx as they scanned the surroundings.


    Suddenly, footsteps and voices could be hearding from another direction.


    "Quick, hide!" Bai Lin whispered as he hid behind arge rock with Tang Tian. They did this to avoid being discovered, as they didn''t know who was approaching.


    Five young men and women dressed in red robes with Azure Crimson Gate''s insignia approach. The Azure Crimson Gate''s attire was red, and every disciple wore a red robe.


    "Senior Brother Qian Zhou, is what you said true? The bottom of the Azure Mountain Lake has given birth to a Snow Lotus Essence?"


    Among the five, the man leading the party was the strongest, with cultivation in the ninth-level True Core Realm. The other four were in the eighth level, and this lineup shocked Bai Lin and Tang Tian.


    "I''m sure. If a Snow Lotus Root grows for a thousand years, it will produce a strand of Snow Lotus Essence. If I refine it, I can reach the Heavenly Dipper Realm," Qian Zhou said with his eyes shining brightly. He couldn''t wait to obtain the Snow Lotus Essence.


    "Don''t worry about it. The Snow Lotus Essence will surely be yours, Senior Brother Qian. After all, we''ll be depending on you to look after us once you be an inner disciple." The two men and women spoke in a ttering tone, eager to curry favor with Qian Zhou. Their status in the sect would rise alongside his advancement.


    "Rest assured, guard this ce for me. Make sure no one approaches." Qian Zhou patted his chest and removed his outer clothing before jumping into Azure Mountain Lake and diving down.


    Bai Lin paced back and forth anxiously. He was fearless of the four in the eighth level of the True Core Realm, but they were no match for Qian Zhou, who was in the ninth level.


    Qian Zhou had entered theke, and they would alert the other four if they went down. This was the same as telling them they had apanion in theke.


    "Senior Brother Bai, what should we do? We need to notify Junior Brother Liu quickly and warn him about Qian Zhou," Tang Tian said, anxiety evident in his voice as he worried about Liu Wuxie, who was alone at theke.


    "I''m also anxious, but what can we do now?" Even if they could deal with the four onnd, they could do nothing to Qian Zhou, who was in theke. It was all up to Liu Wuxie''s luck now.


    Thekewater grew colder as Liu Wuxie dived over a hundred meters deep, and the surroundings were enveloped in darkness. But relying on Ghost Eye, he could roughly see underwater.


    Liu Wuxie suddenly stopped when a faint ripple traveled to the bottom of theke.


    <i>Did someonee down? Could it be Bai Lin and Tang Tian?</i> Liu Wuxie wondered to himself. He soon saw someone diving down quickly, exuding a powerful aura.


    "A disciple from the Azure Crimson Gate!" Liu Wuxie murmured, quickening his pace. He was determined to retrieve the Snow Lotus Root as quickly as possible.


    He had already dove more than a hundred meters deep, and he would inevitably have to confront Qian Zhou when he went up, which would lead to a battle.

 Chapter 327 - Underwater Battle

    <h4>Chapter 327 - Underwater Battle</h4>


    When Liu Wuxie increased his speed, his movement created ripples, moving toward the surface.


    Qian Zhou was diving, and his face changed when he sensed the ripples. This meant someone had entered the Azure Mountain Lake before him.


    A powerful aquatic beast swam past Liu Wuxie from a distance, but it didn''t approach him. He was still about a hundred meters from theke bottom, which would take roughly ten breaths to reach.


    The immense water pressure made Liu Wuxie feel ufortable. It felt as though he was being crushed from all directions.


    Through Ghost Eye, Liu Wuxie could see the bottom of theke. Many areas were excavated as Snow Lotus Roots were also food for aquatic beasts. Aside from human harvesting, part of the Snow Lotus Roots were eaten by the aquatic beasts.


    "What''s that?" Liu Wuxie''s eyes narrowed as he caught sight of a radiant white light in a distant region. The light was ethereal, its brilliance captivating, and a cluster of Snow Lotus Roots surrounded it, adding to its allure.


    Liu Wuxie elerated his descent. Fifty meters from theke''s bottom, he finally caught a clear glimpse of the light source, which looked like a fist-sized essence.


    "This is the Snow Lotus Essence?!" Liu Wuxie eximed. A Snow Lotus Root took a thousand years to produce a Snow Lotus Essence, which he had chanced upon.


    The Snow Lotus Essence was about to mature, and Qian Zhou had somehow gotten the wind of it, rushing towards the Azure Mountain Lake as soon as he had heard the news.


    "The birth of the Snow Lotus Essence will surely attract the attention of many aquatic beasts. The situation was urgent, and Liu Wuxie had to get the Snow Lotus Root quickly. As for the Snow Lotus Essence, it was best if he could obtain it." Liu Wuxie made a swift decision as he prioritized caution in his actions.


    The Snow Lotus Essence''s value was unmeasurable, but he had to ensure his safety before attempting to harvest it. ording to his current speed, he would reach the fifth-level True Core Realm in two days at most. He could reach the sixth level if he could acquire the Snow Lotus Essence.


    As Liu Wuxie had predicted, the Snow Lotus Essence''s maturing attracted many aquatic beasts. If anyone dared topete for the Snow Lotus Essence with them, it would be no different from snatching food from a tiger''s mouth.


    The aquatic beasts were powerful, each reaching the pinnacle of fifth-grade demonic beast. If they consumed the Snow Lotus Essence, they could reach the sixth grade, equivalent to the Heavenly Dipper Realm for human cultivators.


    Liu Wuxie crossed thest fifty meters in the blink of an eye, carefully maneuvering toward the Snow Lotus Essence. He cautiously reached out to pick a Snow Lotus Root as thick as an infant''s arm and stored it in his interspatial pouch.


    He needed to ensure thepletion of this mission before attempting to do anything else. He didn''t stop there but dug out a few more Snow Lotus Roots before stopping. This was because the surrounding Snow Lotus Roots weren''t mature yet.


    Right then, an aquatic beast bared its jaws and lunged at Liu Wuxie with incredible speed.


    "Not good!" Liu Wuxie swiftly spun around. But his movement speed underwater was much slower than onnd.


    He didn''t dare to sh with the aquatic beast head-on. When he swung the Heretic de, his movement was slow, like a snail, due to the water resistance, rendering his strike ineffective.


    He swam to the side and dodged the aquatic beast''s attack. This naturally angered the aquatic beast, which swept its tail to create a giant whirlpool.


    This aquatic beast was a matured Catfish Demon, notorious for being hard to deal with due to its slippery body. But that wasn''t the bad news because the Catfish Demon wasn''t alone.


    Several other Catfish Beasts were swimming over from different areas, each about ten meters long. If they bared their jaws, they could easily swallow a human.


    Other aquatic beasts were attacking from all directions, leaving Liu Wuxie with no path of retreat but to duck in the direction of the Snow Lotus Essence.


    Right then, Qian Zhou sessfully reached theke''s bottom. He could vaguely see underwater due to the faint lighting, but he wasn''t in a hurry to make a move when he looked at Liu Wuxie.


    The Snow Lotus Essence emitted a dazzling radiance that illuminated theke''s bottom.


    A chill ran up Liu Wuxie''s spine because thousands of aquatic beasts were approaching, attracted by the Snow Lotus Essence''s fragrance.


    Qian Zhou first scanned his surroundings before moving towards the Snow Lotus Essence. He knew it was crucial to strike first because they would all die when the aquatic beasts gathered over.


    His actions infuriated the aquatic beasts as he had darede underwater to steal their treasure.


    Fifth-grade demonic beasts had high intelligence and were not inferior to humans. They couldn¡¯t speak like humans, but they could think independently.


    Torrential water swept towards Qian Zhou, and Liu Wuxie was also implicated.


    Liu Wuxie escaped the aquatic beasts with great difficulty, hiding in one corner to wait for an opportunity. He hadn''t expected to get implicated.


    The violent water current formed into multiple whirlpools, and Liu Wuxie tumbled as he lost control underwater.


    "Die!" Qian Zhou was strong. He drew his longsword and shed down, splitting the water current apart and pushing the aquatic beasts back.


    Ripples began to spread on the water''s surface, causing the patrolling Azure Crimson Gate''s disciples to stop in their tracks. Bai Lin and Tang Tian hid behind arge rock and observed theke''s surface.


    As the underwater whirlpool grew bigger, it began affecting theke''s surface.


    Powerful water currents exploded underwater, sending the nearby aquatic beasts, along with Liu Wuxie and Qian Zhou, flying away.


    Perhaps due to the water current''s influence, the Snow Lotus Essence drifted towards the center of the whirlpool.


    Everyone instantly focused on the Snow Lotus Essence.


    "Let''s go for it!" With no hesitation, Liu Wuxie sprang into action. After all, how could he possibly miss out on a treasure like the Snow Lotus Essence? It was crucial for him to reach the sixth level of the True Core Realm.


    Being cautious didn''t mean Liu Wuxie would give up. After ensuring his safety, Liu Wuxie would do whatever it took to retrieve the Snow Lotus Essence.


    The aquatic beasts were about thirty meters from him, while Qian Zhou was about twenty meters away. The Snow Lotus Essence was fifteen meters away from him, creating a rtively safe zone.


    As Liu Wuxie approached the Snow Lotus Essence, intense murderous intent appeared on Qian Zhou''s face. He made a threatening gesture toward Liu Wuxie, warning him from taking the Snow Lotus Essence.


    Ignoring Qian Zhou''s threat, Liu Wuxie increased his speed. He had been concealing his strength because he knew someone hade down. This was why he hadn''t unleashed his full strength, opting instead to toy with the aquatic beasts.


    A water stream appeared behind Liu Wuxie, closing in the distance of fifteen meters in two breaths. If he were onnd, he would have crossed the distance in less time.


    Liu Wuxie took the Snow Lotus Essence and put it into his interspatial pouch. Everything happened in the blink of an eye, and he was lucky that the three-way battle had pulled the Snow Lotus Essence into the whirlpool.


    Coincidentally, Liu Wuxie was the first down and closest to the Snow Lotus Essence.


    Hundreds of aquatic beasts roared furiously, causing the entire Azure Mountain Lake to tremble. Thekewater began to flow backward towards theke''s surface.


    After obtaining the Snow Lotus Essence, Liu Wuxie chose to swim upwards immediately. This was because he couldn''t utilize his full strength underwater. He discarded the meteorite in his hand and pulled out a bag that began inting.


    Liu Wuxie had bought many items while passing through arge city. When Bai Lin had inquired about these items, he had merely told him they were useless.


    This was a water balloon filled with air that could help him rise to the surface quickly. He hugged the balloon and began rising to the surface like an arrow.


    This naturally made Qian Zhou furious, but he couldn''t speak underwater.


    Liu Wuxie was fast, but the aquatic beasts weren''t slow either. They gave up chasing after Qian Zhou and swung their tails, leaping underwater.


    This naturally shocked Liu Wuxie, and he was fortunate to have prepared the water balloon in advance. Otherwise, the consequences would have been dire.


    As the surrounding water pressure decreased, Liu Wuxie ascended like a meteorite and was only about a hundred meters away from the surface.


    The aquatic beasts relentlessly pursued Liu Wuxie, baring their jaws and snapping at his legs. This was a spectacr scene, with hundreds of aquatic beasts chasing after one person. But it was a pity no one was there to witness it besides Qian Zhou.


    When Liu Wuxie was close to the surface, a powerful suction force slowed down his ascent. The aquatic beasts were sucking water, creating a whirlpool that slowed Liu Wuxie down.


    The aquatic beasts were highly intelligent, sucking water through their mouth and pumping it out through their gills to control Liu Wuxie''s speed.


    "Damn it!" Liu Wuxie muttered. There was no time to think because the aquatic beasts were swiftly closing in.


    ¡°Primordial Astral Fist!¡± With no other options, Liu Wuxie performed the Primordial Astral Fist that split the Azure Mountain Lake into two with a fissure in the middle.


    With nothing left to control him, Liu Wuxie performed the Nine Heavenly Crane Dance to ascend swiftly. The people on the shore saw this, and Bai Lin''s heart was lifted to his throat.


    The aquatic beasts snapped their jaws in the air, a few inches away from Liu Wuxie''s legs. This immediately made Liu Wuxie break out in a cold sweat because he was a few inches away from being eaten.


    The aquatic beasts continued to rise, jumping out of the water through a water stream, not wanting to give up on chasing after Liu Wuxie.


    It was a spectacr scene to have several giant aquatic beasts in mid-air.


    Bai Lin and Tang Tian were shocked, and their mouths agape. The four from the Azure Crimson Gate were shocked to see an unfamiliar face instead of their senior brother, Qian Zhou.


    Just as they were about to intercept Liu Wuxie, Bai Lin swiftly blocked the four Azure Crimson Gate''s disciples.


    As Liu Wuxie soared higher, the aquatic beasts were still pursuing him mid-air, snapping their jaws at Liu Wuxie''s legs.


    "Hmph, you all still want to chase after me outside theke?" Liu Wuxie roared and performed a somersault before swinging the Heretic de down. The powerful de aura he unleashed tore apart the air and shattered the iing water streams.


    The aquatic beasts immediately realized the danger and were taken aback by Liu Wuxie''s power. But they were in mid-air without support. This meant they could only watch helplessly as the de aura descended on them.


    The aquatic beasts in mid-air were torn apart, and blood gushed out, dyeing theke red. The other aquatic beasts floated on theke''s surface, not daring to leap into mid-air.


    Qian Zhou was frustrated and could only crawl back to the shore from another corner of the Azure Mountain Lake.


    Liu Wuxie continued to swing the Heretic de, killing five aquatic beasts and devouring their energies. This instantly pushed his cultivation up, which was stuck at the pinnacle fourth level of the True Core Realm.

 Chapter 328 - Fifth-Level of the True Core Realm

    <h4>Chapter 328 - Fifth-Level of the True Core Realm</h4>


    In front of everyone, Liu Wuxie''s cultivation rose to the fifth level of the True Core Realm. Over ten thousand mid-grade spirit stones were utterly devoured, converted into pure liquified spiritual energy that poured into the world in his dantian.


    As the Heavenly Dao Book opened up, a few more runes appeared, representing Liu Wuxie''s breakthrough to the fifth level of the True Core Realm.


    Despite the vast influx of spiritual energy, it wasn''t enough to satisfy Liu Wuxie''s dantian. With no choice, he could only take out a Snow Lotus Root and throw it into the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron.


    Then again, only Liu Wuxie would dare to refine a sixth-grade spiritual herb this way. In just a few breaths, Liu Wuxie''s cultivation was finally stabilized. Such a terrifying speed of breakthrough was unheard of.


    There were dozens of aquatic beasts hovering on theke''s surface, but they no longer dared to advance. Most aquatic beasts could only return to theke''s bottom with reluctance.


    After all, Liu Wuxie had already obtained the Snow Lotus Essence. Unless the aquatic beast could take on humanoid form, they had no way of traveling onnd.


    Liu Wuxie gently descended onto the grassynd, where Bai Lin and Tang Tian quickly joined him to prevent idents.


    When Qian Zhou got out from the Azure Mountain Lake, he was in a pathetic state. He was furious that he failed to retrieve the Snow Lotus Essence with his cultivation in the ninth level of the True Core Realm.


    His gaze fixed on Liu Wuxie because he had the Snow Lotus Essence. As long as he could obtain it, he would be able to reach the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    Without hesitation, Qian Zhou''s figure shed and appeared before Liu Wuxie, blocking his exit.


    When Liu Wuxie''s aura gradually calmed down, Liu Wuxie looked at Qian Zhou''s group of five coldly. He didn''t want any trouble as long as Qian Zhou''s group didn''t provoke him. After all, there was no need for him to linger there any longer after obtaining the Snow Lotus Root.


    "Hand over the Snow Lotus Essence!" Qian Zhou was straightforward, demanding Liu Wuxie to hand over the Snow Lotus Essence.


    Bai Lin and Tang Tian were shocked to hear about the Snow Lotus Essence''s appearance in Azure Mountain Lake.


    The Azure Crimson Gate''s disciples were aware of the existence of a Snow Lotus Essence in the Azure Mountain Lake, but it was only their spection that needed to be confirmed.


    This was why Qian Zhou''s words shocked everyone.


    "Get lost!" After reaching the fifth level of the True Core Realm, Liu Wuxie''s strength was significantly boosted. Even if he faced someone at the first level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm, he could easily kill his opponent with one p.


    "Hand over the Snow Lotus Essence, or don''t me us for what will happen next!" The four disciples of the Azure Crimson Gate drew their weapons, pointing them at Liu Wuxie. They surrounded Liu Wuxie''s group from all directions.


    The Azure Crimson Gate''s group of five had an absolute advantage in terms of their overall strength, not to mention Qian Zhou was in the ninth level of the True Core Realm.


    However, for some reason, Bai Lin and Tang Tian had a hint of mockery instead of fear on their faces.


    "Let me see what you will do," Liu Wuxie muttered. He didn¡¯t have a good impression of the Azure Crimson Gate, having nearly died at their hands.


    With a cold sh, the Heretic de appeared in Liu Wuxie''s hand, and his gaze was firmly locked on Qian Zhou. Aside from Qian Zhou, who posed some threat, he could easily kill the four with one strike.


    "What arrogance. You''re only in the fifth level of the True Core Realm and dare to boast before me? Die!" Qian Zhou said, attacking Liu Wuxie with his palm, not wanting to waste any time.


    His main objective was to obtain the Snow Lotus Essence and make a breakthrough as soon as possible before more people came.


    The other disciples of the Azure Crimson Gate fought with Bai Lin and Tang Tian. A wave of energy soared to the sky, causing ripples to spread on theke''s surface before crashing back to the ground.


    Facing Qian Zhou''s palm strike, Liu Wuxie didn''t dare to be careless. There was a difference between someone in the eighth and ninth level of the True Core Realm. He might''ve reached the fifth level but didn''t dare to be careless.


    When Liu Wuxie swung down with the Heretic de, an overwhelming de aura engulfed Qian Zhou''s palm, which formed a massive wave that swept out to the surroundings.


    Liu Wuxie and Qian Zhou were sent flying away in just one exchange. No one had expected Liu Wuxie to be capable of withstanding Qian Zhou''s fatal attack, shocking the four disciples of the Azure Crimson Gate.


    Qian Zhou''s face was terrifyingly grim. He was in the ninth level of the True Core Realm but couldn''t kill someone in the fifth level.


    "Since when is there such a powerful outer disciple in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion?" The two sects were familiar with each other, and their disciples often shed.


    "First Fatality Form!" Liu Wuxie couldn''t be bothered to waste more time speaking and swung the Heretic de down. There was no room for retreat, and words would only waste saliva.


    de aura covered the sky like rumbling waves crashing down. Qian Zhou frowned. He was experienced in battles and had faced numerous opponents in the past. However, someone like Liu Wuxie was definitely the first for him.


    It was already impossible for him to gauge Liu Wuxie by his cultivation. The de aura was like rumbling tidal waves engulfing Qian Zhou.


    The shockwave of their battle spread out in all directions. Bai Lin, Tang Tian, and the Azure Crimson Gate''s disciples stopped to watch the fight. They stood at a distance, not daring to get too close because they could get caught in the crossfire.


    Scattered stones shot out in all directions, riddling the surrounding trees with holes. The aquatic beasts in theke weren''t spared either, their bodies covered in blood. The remaining aquatic beasts were frightened back into the depths, not daring to emerge again.


    "Who is this kid? Why is he so powerful?" The two male disciples from the Azure Crimson Gate exchanged a look and could see the dense shock in each other''s eyes. This was beyond theirprehension.


    "Don''t worry about it. He''s only in the fifth level of the True Core Realm despite his strength, while Senior Brother Qian Zhou hasn''t even used his full strength." The two female disciples had great confidence in Qian Zhou, believing it was only a matter of time before Liu Wuxie was killed.


    However, as time passed, they realized things were moreplex than they had anticipated because Liu Wuxie''s aura showed signs of surpassing Qian Zhou, and each of his strikes was deadly.


    Every de strike felt calcted, sealing off Qian Zhou''s attacks, which made him feel aggrieved.


    "Brat, you''ve taken it too far!" Qian Zhou let out a furious roar, and a longsword appeared in his hand. The longsword surprised Liu Wuxie because it was a spiritual treasure.


    Only those in the Heavenly Dipper Realm could forge spiritual treasures, but Qian Zhou was only in the True Core Realm. It was unusual for him to possess a spiritual treasure.


    Qian Zhou was an important disciple in the Azure Crimson Gate, and it wasn''t surprising that he possessed a spiritual treasure.


    As Qian Zhou shed down with the longsword, Liu Wuxie''s de aura began to shatter under the spiritual treasure''s attack. After all, the spiritual treasure corresponded with the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    "Junior Brother Liu is in danger now!" Bai Lin eximed, anxiety evident in his voice. He felt helpless as the two of them couldn''t assist at all. Just as he was about to intervene, the four disciples from the Azure Crimson Gate blocked his path.


    A terrifying wave of energy swept out, leaving Azure Mountain Lake in ruins and requiring months of recovery.


    "A spiritual treasure? Interesting!" Liu Wuxie smiled. He had obtained a spiritual treasure from Mei Zizheng, and he could reforge the Heretic de if he could get another one.


    A spiritual treasure could be used for flight, the dream of countless cultivators. But typically speaking, only those who reached the Heavenly Dipper Realm could forge their own spiritual treasure. Then again, Liu Wuxie couldn''t be considered ordinary.


    "You can die now after forcing me to use my spiritual treasure!" Qian Zhou was enraged because controlling a spiritual treasure forcibly harmed him.


    This was because divine power was limited without reaching the Heavenly Dipper Realm. Since Qian Zhou had controlled his spiritual treasure forcibly, it would likely lead to a bacsh. This meant Qian Zhou went all out just to kill Liu Wuxie.


    "This spiritual treasure is good. I''ll be taking it!" Liu Wuxie was rejoicing inwardly.


    Not only had he obtained a Snow Lotus Essence, but he could also obtain a spiritual treasure, making this trip''s harvest rewarding.


    Typically speaking, others couldn''t fly in the True Core Realm, even if they had a flying sword. This was because controlling a flying sword required immense true essence, and they would fall to their death if they ran out of true essence in the air.


    However, before joining the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, Liu Wuxie had controlled a flying sword to face Yu Tianyi''s attack, which had surprised Fan Lin.


    True essence was never a problem for Liu Wuxie. His true essence was even more powerful than ordinary experts in the Heavenly Dipper Realm, and he would never run out of true essence.


    "How dare you!" Hearing that Liu Wuxie wanted to take his spiritual treasure made Qian Zhou furious, and he swung his longsword, causing ripples to spread out in space.


    As expected of a spiritual treasure, it was truly powerful. Liu Wuxie didn''t dare sh with the spiritual treasure head-on because fighting would damage the Heretic de.


    There was no way a mythical artifact couldpare with a spiritual treasure. This meant he could only fight Qian Zhou bare-handedly.


    Performing the Nine Heavenly Crane Dance, Liu Wuxie''s every dodge made it difficult for Qian Zhou tond any hit. Whenever Qian Zhou swung his sword, he would leave behind deep ravines on the ground and further increase his speed.


    Liu Wuxie and Qian Zhou''s figures became blurred, and Liu Wuxie continuously dodged Qian Zhou''s attacks.


    "This brat is really a monster to be able to hold out until now." The Azure Crimson Gate''s disciples grew impatient, finding it unusual that Qian Zhou couldn''t kill Liu Wuxie even after hundreds of moves.


    Qian Zhou should have been anxious and frustrated because he was in the ninth level of the True Core Realm. Even with a spiritual treasure in hand, he still couldn''t kill Liu Wuxie, which infuriated him.


    Every time he wielded a spiritual treasure, his true essence would surge when he attacked, and his true essence would run out in a few attacks.


    This was the oue Liu Wuxie wanted, as he waited to kill Qian Zhou when his true essence was exhausted.


    "Die!" Drawing out all his true essence, Qian Zhou converged it into his sword and unleashed a terrifying sword aura, sealing off all of Liu Wuxie''s escape routes. This meant Liu Wuxie would have no way to dodge and could only take the attack head-on.


    "Time to end this!" Liu Wuxie dodged because he wanted to use Qian Zhou to stabilize his cultivation. He had just made a breakthrough, and his cultivation wasn''t stable. However, his cultivation would finally stabilize after this battle.


    Liu Wuxie raised his right fist, assuming the Primordial Astral Fist stance. As his fist ascended, the sky darkened, and the entire Azure Mountain Lake trembled violently. Water poured from theke, filling the craters formed by their battles.


    Qian Zhou''s face changed as he felt his life threatened by this punch.


    A massive vortex appeared above Liu Wuxie''s head, drawing all the spiritual energy within tens of thousands of meters to empower his punch. But that wasn''t all, as Liu Wuxie also poured his astral energy into this punch.


    "What a powerful fist technique!" The Azure Crimson Gate''s four disciples covered their mouths and looked at this scene with disbelief.

 Chapter 329 - Bloodline Soul Summon

    <h4>Chapter 329 - Bloodline Soul Summon</h4>


    When Liu Wuxie threw his punch, it transformed into a gigantic star that eclipsed the sun. It seemed as if the sky would shatter, unable to withstand the immense power of his strike.


    A series of explosions urred on the ground, and even the trees a hundred meters away weren¡¯t spared.


    Qian Zhou''s attack, empowered by a spiritual treasure, was formidable enough to force even low-level Heavenly Dipper Realm cultivators to evade. Yet, his sword aura crumbled under the force of Liu Wuxie''s punch.


    ¡°Time to end this!¡± Liu Wuxie remained expressionless, maintaining hisposure.


    The gigantic star descended on Qian Zhou, making it tough for him to breathe and causing difort throughout his body. He did his best to break free, but an invisible force locked his feet in ce, rendering him immobile and leaving him to be crushed by the descending star.


    ¡°This is impossible! You¡¯re only in the fifth level of the True Core Realm. How can you possibly unleash such power?!¡± Qian Zhou roared like a wild beast as the sword aura released by his spiritual treasure gradually faded.


    Shortly after, a mighty tidal wave slowly engulfed him. The faces of the four Azure Crimson Gate disciples standing far away turned pale because theirprehension had been overturned.


    ¡°How can mere firefliespare to the light of the bright moon?¡± Liu Wuxie sneered, and the Primordial Astral Fist descended.


    It felt like heaven and earth were going to copse with a powerful shockwave spreading out. The surroundings within a few hundred meters of radius were leveled to the ground.


    The heart of the battlefield exploded like a scorching sun, blinding everyone with a powerful heatwave evaporating thekewater in the surrounding craters, causing steam to rise into the air.


    The longsword in Qian Zhou¡¯s hand fell to the ground, and he was blown to smithereens by Liu Wuxie¡¯s punch. He was killed before he could even let out a scream.


    After killing Qian Zhou, Liu Wuxie descended from mid-air and stood in the ruins. When he picked up the longsword, it was filled with spirituality, and Liu Wuxie observed that a master had forged it. Regardless of the material used or the quality, it was top-notch.


    ¡°Brat, you¡¯re dead! Do you know who Senior Brother Qian is? He¡¯s the illegitimate son of the Azure Crimson Gate¡¯s outer grand elder!¡± The Azure Crimson Gate¡¯s disciples screamed as if their tails had been stepped on.


    Liu Wuxie had killed Qian Zhou, but the four forgot to run for their lives because they couldn¡¯t ept this oue.


    ¡°All of you will also die!¡± Liu Wuxie swept out with the spiritual treasure longsword, decapitating the four Azure Crimson Gate¡¯s disciples. After he was done, he kept the longsword in his interspatial pouch.


    ¡°Junior Brother, are you alright?¡± Bai Lin and Tang Tian ran over with concern.


    ¡°This ce isn¡¯t safe. We must leave quickly!¡± The earlier battle had caused a considerablemotion, and several auras were approaching from afar. Thus, they had to leave quickly to avoid unnecessary trouble.


    Performing their movement techniques, the group of three ran for an hour before stopping after they left the perimeter of Azure Mountain Lake.


    Bai Lin and Tang Tian panted heavily, still shocked.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect Qian Zhou to be the illegitimate son of the Azure Crimson Gate¡¯s outer grand elder. This is going to be troublesome.¡± Tang Tian frowned. The cultivation of this outer grand elder was at least in the Heavenly Phase Realm, which was frightening.


    ¡°What are you afraid of? Who will know if we don¡¯t say a thing?¡± Bai Lin was somewhat optimistic. He believed no one would disclose the truth about Qian Zhou¡¯s death.


    ¡°Have you forgotten that the Azure Crimson Gate has a secret technique?¡± The concern on Tang Tian¡¯s face grew deeper. He wasn¡¯t worried about himself but Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°The Bloodline Soul Summon!¡± Bai Lin eximed. He had indeed forgotten about it because using this secret technique came at a significant cost.


    ¡°What¡¯s the Bloodline Soul Summon?¡± This was Liu Wuxie¡¯s first time hearing about it. They found a cave to rest for the day. There were so many missions; these couldn¡¯t bepleted within a day or two.


    There were two array gs outside the cave to prevent anyone from intruding.


    ¡°This ancient secret technique can only be performed between those with the same bloodline,¡± Tang Tian exined. The Azure Crimson Gate possessed this secret technique, but the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion disdained practicing such insidious techniques that defied the natural order.


    ¡°The Bloodline Soul Summon requires three items: the blood of a virgin, the heart of an infant, and a wisp of the soul. Whenbined, this technique can summon the soul of the kin to learn who killed them.¡± Just the first two items were evil enough.


    Liu Wuxie frowned because he detested such evil techniques. This process required collecting a virgin¡¯s blood and an infant¡¯s heart, cing them in a special container, and extracting a wisp of the soul to perform the secret technique.


    After all, there were simrities between those who shared the same bloodline. To a certain degree, parents¡¯ souls had a mysterious connection with their children.


    Although Qian Zhou was dead, his father could use this secret technique to find out who killed him.


    ¡°Junior Brother Tang, stop scaring yourself. The price of performing this secret technique is too high, and it¡¯s unlikely anyone would be willing to pay a hundred years of their cultivation for it.¡± Bai Lin interrupted Tang Tian because he didn¡¯t want to put any pressure on Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t think much about it after learning about the principles of the Bloodline Soul Summon. After all, Qian Zhou¡¯s father was the Azure Crimson Gate¡¯s outer grand elder. He might not even find the time to spare toe after him.


    If Qian Zhou¡¯s father sent someone ordinary, he would have nothing to fear because it wouldn¡¯t be easy to kill him.


    ¡°Senior Brothers, here are two Snow Lotus Roots, one for each of you.¡± Liu Wuxie took out two Snow Lotus Roots from his interspatial pouch. The Snow Lotus Roots were priceless; Liu Wuxie had collected dozens of them on this trip.


    Obtaining one Snow Lotus Root was the limit if it was someone else.


    ¡°How can we ept it? We did nothing to help!¡± Bai Lin and Tang Tian refused.


    ¡°Listen to me!¡± Since Liu Wuxie had offered them the roots, there must have been a good reason for it.


    ¡°Junior Brother, please speak!¡± The two sat upright with a solemn expression.


    ¡°I believe you two already know I¡¯ve obtained the Snow Lotus Essence, but there¡¯s only one, and it can¡¯t be shared. These two Spring Lotus Roots are for you two.¡± Liu Wuxie was honest because there was only one Snow Lotus Essence, and he couldn¡¯t share it with them.


    He nned to enter seclusion, which meant he required someone to protect him. The Scarlet Sun Mountain Range was dangerous, and he was at risk of being killed during his breakthrough.


    Thus, the two Snow Lotus Roots were his token of appreciation.


    ¡°Junior Brother, you¡¯re being too formal with us. Only someone like you deserves the Snow Lotus Essence. Keep the Snow Lotus Roots, and it¡¯s our honor to protect you.¡± Bai Lin stood up with an unhappy expression. He was upset that Liu Wuxie still considered them as outsiders.


    With how Liu Wuxie could easily kill someone in the ninth level of the True Core Realm, he was destined to shine brightly in the future.


    Bai Lin and Tang Tian had only ordinary talents, and their limit was bing an inner disciple. They were already satisfied that Liu Wuxie considered them brothers.


    ¡°It¡¯s precisely because I consider you two brothers, which is why I¡¯m saying this. The Snow Lotus Roots aren¡¯t anything special; I have collected many of them. I¡¯ll leave you two to protect me during my seclusion.¡± Regardless if they agreed, Liu Wuxie shoved the Snow Lotus Roots into their hands.


    Bai Lin and Tang Tian couldn¡¯t refuse Liu Wuxie and had no choice but to ept. After that, they went outside the cave to stand guard for Liu Wuxie.


    They took several array gs and set them in the surroundings. After all, it would be troublesome if someone more powerful than them came.


    After making all the preparations, Liu Wuxie took out the Snow Lotus Essence. It was only the size of a fist, emitting a gentle glow, releasing rich energy seeping into Liu Wuxie¡¯s body through his pores.


    ¡°What a treasure!¡± Liu Wuxie thought to himself. The Snow Lotus Essence was a treasure that required a thousand years to grow.


    Liu Wuxie tossed the Snow Lotus Essence into the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron, and demonic mes swiftly dissolved it. This refining speed was astonishing because an ordinary person would take ten days to half a month to refine it, but Liu Wuxie only took three breaths.


    The pale green liquid flowed into the world in his dantian, and each drop weighed over five hundred kilograms.


    The mysterious tree began to grow rapidly when the liquid was poured into the world in Liu Wuxie¡¯s dantian. This was because the Snow Lotus Essence contained powerful wood-attribute energy. When absorbed into his dantian, it made the world greener.


    Liu Wuxie had just made a breakthrough recently and was already going to make another breakthrough. The energies devoured from Qian Zhou were stored in the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron for Liu Wuxie to make his breakthrough to the sixth level.


    Intense pain came from Liu Wuxie¡¯s meridians because they were being cleansed with true essence. The Deste Devouring Art circted by itself to devour the surrounding spiritual energy.


    Bai Lin and Tang Tian raised their heads abruptly and could see spiritual energy forming into a cloud above them.


    ¡°Junior Brother Liu created such a terrifying phenomenon during his breakthrough?!¡±


    The phenomenon Liu Wuxie had created back at Azure Mountain Lake was not as terrifying as this, and his breakthrough had been smooth.


    ¡°Junior Brother Liu¡¯s talent is beyond ourprehension. We must stand guard for him and hope he gets promoted to an inner disciple in two months,¡± Bai Lin said quietly, careful not to disturb Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°The assessment to be an inner disciple is too difficult. Only the top ten outer disciples are eligible unless we reach the Heavenly Dipper Realm and advance to the inner sect automatically.¡± Tang Tian smiled bitterly. They had joined the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion two years ago, and their scores in the previous two assessments were poor, resulting in terrible cements.


    If they still couldn¡¯t advance into the inner sect, their chances of reaching the Heavenly Dipper Realm would decrease as they aged.


    Liu Wuxie heard their conversation, as he wasn¡¯t fully immersed in his cultivation. He kept a wisp of consciousness and was alert to monitor his surroundings. It wasn¡¯t because he didn¡¯t trust Bai Lin and Tang Tian, but caution was necessary no matter what.


    Spiritual energy condensed into spiritual rain and fell into the cave. A vortex appeared above Liu Wuxie to devour the spiritual rain, and Liu Wuxie¡¯s cultivation continued to rise. He had already reached the mid-phase of the sixth-level True Core Realm.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s true essence began to rise rapidly, and the Heavenly Dao Book unfolded in Liu Wuxie¡¯s soul sea to record thews of the sixth level, and the content on it became even clearer.


    It didn¡¯t take long before all the spiritual energy within ten thousand meters of radius vanished. As Liu Wuxie continued to devour, all the spiritual energy within tens of thousands of meters gradually dried up.


    This rmed many people in the Scarlet Sun Mountain Range, who rushed over, believing that a treasure had emerged.

 Chapter 330 - Sixth-Level of the True Core Realm

    <h4>Chapter 330 - Sixth-Level of the True Core Realm</h4>


    The terrifying speed of devouring spiritual energy was shocking, and even Liu Wuxie was surprised.


    This was only his breakthrough to the sixth-level True Core Realm. He couldn''t imagine what would happen if he reached the Heavenly Dipper, Heavenly Phase, or Astral River Realms. Wouldn''t that mean he would devour all the spiritual energy in the mountain range?


    Not to mention, the amount of resources he needed to reach the Nascent Transformation Realm would be terrifying.


    Many precious herbs were hidden in the Scarlet Sun Mountain Range, but they grew on ces like cliffs, making them hard to discover.


    These herbs contained powerful spiritual energy. It just so happened that the Deste Devouring Art could draw spiritual energy from the surroundings, including that in spiritual herbs.


    A youth in the ninth level of the True Core Realm was harvesting a hundred-year-old herb. As he dug it out, its spirituality diminished rapidly, reducing it to the potency of a ten-year-old herb in need of cultivation. Although the herb didn''t die, it lost much of its spiritual essence.


    "Who is it?! Who seized the medicinal properties from this herb?!" The youth roared furiously and raised his head toward the spiritual cloud.


    Simr events happened in many other ces at the same time. Not only did the medicinal properties of the herbs people were harvesting disappeared, but Liu Wuxie also devoured the wood-attribute energy from trees.


    The Deste Devouring Art had be even more terrifying since the appearance of the Heavenly Dao Book in Liu Wuxie''s soul sea. His inhtion and exhtion could be described as plundering the surrounding resources.


    The divine bridge connected heaven and earth, and endless divine power poured into Liu Wuxie''s soul sea. This made Liu Wuxie''s divine powerparable to cultivators in the low levels of the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    Liu Wuxie''s cultivation surged thanks to the pure energy from the Snow Lotus Essence. This propelled him to the pinnacle of the sixth-level True Core Realm in one fell swoop.


    After consuming over thirty thousand spirit stones, Liu Wuxie''s spirit stones were already running low.


    Ten thousand spirit stones would sustain an ordinary outer disciple''s cultivation for a year. However, Liu Wuxie needed tens of thousands of spirit stones for a single breakthrough. In return, the density of his true essence was a hundred times greater than that of others at the same cultivation level.


    As time passed silently, the phenomenon created by Liu Wuxie drew the attention of countless people, who began swiftly approaching.


    A mercenary group was nearby and had just killed a tiger. But not long after, the tiger''s energy was drained swiftly, and even its beast core was emptied.


    This instantly enraged everyone in the mercenary group, prompting them to swiftly converge at the source of the spiritual cloud.


    Liu Wuxie was still in seclusion because his cultivation hadn''t stabilized yet.


    "Over here!" Footsteps sounded from the distant woods.


    Bai Lin and Tang Tian swiftly drew their weapons upon hearing themotion. They wouldn''t allow anyone to disturb Liu Wuxie''s seclusion.


    The eight approaching individuals emitted a strong scent of blood even before they drew near. They had recently in a pinnacle fifth-grade demonic beast, equivalent to a ninth-level True Core Realm cultivator among humans. Hence, the lingering odor of blood clung to them.


    "Stop right there!" Bai Lin stepped forward to prevent the eight from disturbing Liu Wuxie.


    "Get lost!"


    Due to the spiritual cloud gathered in the sky, the surrounding trees and nts grew rapidly. This was an indication that a treasure was about to emerge.


    The one that charged over was a robust man with powerful cultivation in the ninth level of the True Core Realm. Just relying on the aura he gave off, Bai Lin was sent flying away.


    After all, Bai Lincked Liu Wuxie''s formidable martial techniques and true essence. With a one-level difference between them, Bai Lin had to exert considerable effort to prevail against someone of higher cultivation.


    "Captain, there must be a treasure inside the cave!" The other mercenaries were also strong, with the weakest being in the sixth level of the True Core Realm.


    Only the captain was in the ninth-level True Core Realm, and they were likely a mercenary group from the nearby city. After all, most powerful mercenary groups had a cultivator in the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    "Let''s go in!" The captain ignored Bai Lin and Tang Tian and headed directly to the cave.


    "Dream on!" Bai Lin and Tang Tian joined forces to swing their sword, forcing the mercenaries to take a few steps back, and this naturally enraged the mercenary group''s captain.


    "Are you two courting death? How dare you stop the Crimson Tiger Mercenary Group''s captain!" The other mercenary members yelled. The captain''s right arm had a tattoo of a crimson tiger, symbolizing the Crimson Tiger Mercenary Group.


    "We''re disciples of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, and there are no treasures inside. Please leave immediately!" Bai Lin and Tang Tian asserted their identities. The esteemed status of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion was meant to deter the group.


    Upon hearing that Bai Lin and Tang Tian were disciples of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, the Crimson Tiger Mercenary Group began to hesitate.


    They barely made a living in the Scarlet Sun Mountain Range, and they naturally didn''t dare to provoke the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion unless they didn''t want to rely on this mountain range to make a living.


    "Captain, there isn''t anyone in the surroundings, and no one will know that we killed them. If you can reach the Heavenly Dipper Realm, our mercenary group won''t have to fear anyone!" A mercenary tried to incite the captain, not wanting to miss the treasure here.


    As mercenaries, they often lived on the edge of life and death. Their hands were dyed in blood as they often killed and plundered others.


    "Captain, he''s right. No one will know who killed them. We can''t carry on waiting, or more people might arrive." The other mercenaries added fuel to the fire.


    A fierce glint shed in the captain''s eye. The treasure was before them, and they naturally couldn''t miss it.


    Bai Lin was anxious, knowing that their only hopey in the intimidating reputation of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. If their name failed to deter the intruders, they would have no choice but to fight and buy time for Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie naturally heard themotion outside. His cultivation gradually stabilized, but the spiritual cloud hadn''t dissipated yet. He watched the development quietly from inside the cave.


    "If you two want to me anyone, me yourself for being here. Die!" The captain swung his de down at Bai Lin and Tang Tian.


    As the captain of a mercenary group, he naturally possessed formidable strength and was even slightly stronger than Qian Zhou. This was mainly because they had rich experience from years of fighting humans and profound beasts.


    "Hold him off!" Bai Lin gritted his teeth and chose to hold back the captain. They attacked from both sides, making it more difficult for the captain to kill them.


    The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s martial techniques were profound. Bai Lin performed a sword technique called the Azure Cloud Thirty-Seven Forms, while Tang Tian executed a de technique called the Quicksand sh.


    Their wless coordination made breaking through their defenses tough for the captain.


    As the sh of weapons echoed, Bai Lin and Tang Tian were sent flying away under the impact of a cultivator in the ninth level of the True Core Realm.


    However, the captain didn''t stop there; he increased his attacks. His martial techniques were notparable to Bai Lin¡¯s and Tang Tian¡¯s, but his rich experience gave him an advantage.


    In just a few breaths, both parties exchanged over a dozen moves. When Bai Lin and Tang Tian were knocked back again, they both had blood trickling down their lips.


    They only managed to hold on for so long, relying on their powerful martial techniques. But they could only hold on for a few more breaths before dying at the captain''s hands.


    "You three go and see what''s inside the cave!" To prevent others from getting ahead, the captain ordered his team to enter the cave while he killed Bai Lin and Tang Tian.


    "Roger that!" Three mercenaries rushed into the cave.


    "Junior Brother Tang, stop them!" Bai Lin yelled and fought desperately. After all, Liu Wuxie was likely in a critical moment and couldn¡¯t be disturbed.


    "Understood!" Tang Tian gritted his teeth. Their ability to hold out for so long was due to their teamwork; neither could match the captain individually. If Tang Tian left, Bai Lin would be at risk.


    "You dare to be distracted while fighting me? Die!" The captain licked his lips and swung his de.


    Tang Tian was forced back after barely taking a few steps, which meant that he wouldn''t be able to stop the three mercenaries.


    "Let''s go!" The two nned to kill the captain. If they did, the other mercenaries would leave, giving Liu Wuxie more time.


    As the fight continued, the three mercenaries reached the cave only to find two array gs outside, but they couldn''t hinder their entry.


    When they stepped into the cave, the rich spiritual energy made them groan. They felt their pores open up and devour the surrounding spiritual energy.


    "Quick, go inside!" The three soon snapped out of their trance and proceeded with caution.


    The cave was only about ten meters deep, so their view was unobstructed. After taking ten-odd steps, they saw a golden figure seated in the cave''s center.


    "It''s a treasure! Quick, let''s go!"


    No one could see him because Liu Wuxie was enveloped in spiritual energy. When the three mercenaries got closer, their faces turned into greedy smiles.


    But when they were five steps away from Liu Wuxie, three-de auras shot forward and slit their throats before they could even scream. The eyes of the three mercenaries bulged, and they didn''t even know how they died.


    The battle continued outside, with Bai Lin and Tang Tian resorting to a desperate fighting style, pouring all their true essence into their attacks. The true essence depleted from their dantians as they mustered all their strength.


    This was a risky move because they would die if they failed to kill the captain. It was terrifying to have two cultivators in the eighth-level True Core Realm fight with their lives on the line, and the captain didn''t dare to be careless. The captain stepped back and blocked the iing attacks with his de.


    This proved that the captain was a formidable opponent with tremendous control over the battle. At the very least, Liu Wuxie couldn''t find anyone withbat talent better than the captain in the same cultivation.


    Then again, the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion was filled with countless geniuses, and Liu Wuxie only knew a few people as he had just joined recently.


    "Do you think you can kill me this way? What a joke! The two of you can die now!" The captain retreated to a safe distance while exhausting Bai Lin and Tang Tian''s true essence. He let out a sinisterugh while swinging his de down.


    The trajectory of his attack was tricky, which was almost impossible to defend against.


    Bai Lin and Tang Tian couldn''t even resist because they had nearly exhausted all their true essence. They had no true essence left to retaliate, which meant they could only watch the captain''s de heading for their legs.


    Their fate would be determined if they lost their legs. The situation was dangerous, but no one paid attention to the cave as their attention was on the captain''s de.


    As the captain''s de neared, Bai Lin and Tang Tian showed no fear except for a hint of regret that they failed to guard the ce for Liu Wuxie.


    "Die!" The captain''s true essence manifested into a de over three meters long. But a powerful aura burst out from the cave when the de aura was a few inches away from Bai Lin and Tang Tian.

 Chapter 331 - Collective Breakthrough

    <h4>Chapter 331 - Collective Breakthrough</h4>


    Just when Bai Lin and Tang Tian were about to lose their lives, a powerful aura bursting out of the cave abruptly changed the situation.


    The captain''s de was knocked away and embedded into a tree a hundred meters away. It was buried so deep that only the hilt was exposed. This caught everyone off guard.


    Bai Lin and Tang Tian looked cheerful.


    "It''s Junior Brother Liu!" Tang Tian''s eyes gleamed with joy. They had already resigned to death, but Liu Wuxie had saved them.


    "Who is it?!" The captain was somewhat afraid because the outburst of aura was enough to knock his de away. This indicated that the other party was at least in the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    The captain slowly retreated. The three mercenaries he had sent into the cave also did not respond, and they were probably dead.


    "You dare hurt my brothers? You all deserve to die!" Liu Wuxie''s voice was devoid of emotion.


    Liu Wuxie stood outside the cave, emitting a terrifying murderous intent that locked onto the five remaining mercenaries.


    His chilling, murderous intent swept over the remaining mercenaries like a cold wind, causing them to shudder involuntarily and nearly lose control. They took a frightened step back from Liu Wuxie''s piercing gaze.


    "Who the hell are you? Stop ying tricks with me!" The captain took a deep breath to calm his nerves. Liu Wuxie was only in the sixth-level True Core Realm, and the captain naturally wouldn''t fear him.


    The captain retrieved a de from his interspatial pouch and pointed it at Liu Wuxie.


    "Junior Brother Liu, you find a way to leave while we hold him back!" Bai Lin thought Liu Wuxie had forcibly stopped his seclusion because they would die if he didn''t act.


    Liu Wuxie naturally saw how they tried to protect him, and this incident brought their rtionship closer than before.


    "Take these two pills and rest to recover while I avenge you two." Liu Wuxie threw out two pills, whichnded in Bai Lin¡¯s and Tang Tian¡¯s hands.


    The two swallowed the pills without any hesitation and felt refreshed, especially since their injuries were healing rapidly. During the life-and-death battle, their bottleneck had shaken, and they could reach the ninth level of the True Core Realm at any moment.


    Many people were fond of training outside, walking on the edge of life and death to seek an opportunity to make a breakthrough. They didn''t expect to benefit from this misfortune. They finally touched the ninth-level True Core Realm threshold when they put their lives on the line and exhausted their true essence.


    Liu Wuxie was happy for them. He noticed they had been cultivating in afortable environment and hadn''t experienced any life-and-death battles. Their cultivation was stuck in the eighth level of the True Core Realm.


    He had nned their breakthrough. He didn''te out earlier on purpose because he wanted to see how strong they were and help them make a breakthrough in their cultivation.


    He would remember how they were willing to sacrifice their lives to protect him.


    He appeared before the captain, releasing a tremendous aura that made him feel suffocated. The captain hadn''t realized how terrifying Liu Wuxie was, as they had been far away.


    "Do you want to end your life yourself, or do you need me to help you with it?" Liu Wuxie announced the death sentence of the mercenary group, giving them two choices.


    "What arrogance! You''re only in the sixth level of the True Core Realm!" Furious, the captain swung his de down at Liu Wuxie with unmatched momentum. He attacked to kill Liu Wuxie in one strike.


    He saw a demonic trait in Liu Wuxie and knew that thetter wasn''t simple, but he couldn''t describe it with words.


    "You''re courting death!" The Heretic de appeared in Liu Wuxie''s hand. He hardly moved, and the captain was decapitated with a cold sh.


    He could kill someone in the ninth level of the True Core Realm in one strike because of his breakthrough. He was over a dozen times stronger than before, and he could kill Qian Zhou in one strike if they fought again.


    The remaining four mercenaries were scared out of their wits and fled in various directions. They knew it was a dead-end for them with their captain''s death.


    "Die!" Liu Wuxie swung the Heretic de out horizontally, killing the four mercenaries and extracting the energies in their bodies, including the captain.


    However, Liu Wuxie didn''t absorb the energies this time and injected the refined energies into Bai Lin and Tang Tian. After they absorbed the energy, their cultivation soared, and they stepped into the ninth level of the True Core Realm.


    The surrounding spiritual energy was rich, and they smoothly made a breakthrough without needing any spirit stones. After all, they didn''t have a terrifying dantian like Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie sat by the side after cleaning up the battlefield. It was his turn to guard them this time, and the spiritual cloud in the sky hadn''t dissipated yet.


    An hour had passed since the mercenary group''s death, with Bai Lin and Tang Tian still in seclusion. Because they didn''t have a powerful cultivation technique or a unique dantian, their breakthrough had to proceed step by step, and they would need at least three days to stabilize their cultivation.


    Right then, a green-clothed youthnded before Liu Wuxie and looked around with murderous intent emanating from him. This person was a disciple of the Profound Inscription Peak.


    "You guys are disciples of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion?" After the mannded, his gaze fell on Liu Wuxie. Bai Lin and Tang Tian were immersed in their world because they were reassured that Liu Wuxie was protecting them.


    For safety reasons, Liu Wuxie had set up a spiritual array around them.


    "That''s right," Liu Wuxie replied indifferently. He remained seated, continuously absorbing the spiritual energy from the spiritual cloud hovering in the sky.


    The youth squinted with a light shing through his eyes. He was shocked by Liu Wuxie''s devouring speed of spiritual energy, and he hadn''t heard of such a powerful cultivation technique in the sect.


    "Did you create the spiritual cloud?" the youth asked, a hint of greed shing through his eyes.


    "What are you trying to say?" Liu Wuxie looked displeased. He naturally noticed this youth''s greed. It was normal for people to covet his cultivation technique, which was capable of causing such a terrifying phenomenon.


    "I wonder if junior brother can let me look at your cultivation technique? I mean no harm, and I just want to look." The youth smiled. He was in the ninth level of the True Core Realm, looking prideful.


    Bai Lin and Tang Tian were in the crucial moment of their breakthrough and couldn''t afford to be distracted. As for Liu Wuxie, the youth didn''t take him seriously.


    "No." Liu Wuxie''s reply was cold and direct. Let''s not mention that the Deste Devouring Art was a heaven-defying cultivation technique, and he wouldn''t fulfill such a request even if it weren''t. After all, the cultivation technique was everyone''s secret, and no one would show it to someone else.


    "Do you know who I am?" The youth''s face turned cold. He didn''t expect Liu Wuxie to refuse him so bluntly.


    "I have no interest in knowing who you are. I advise you to leave immediately; this isn''t where you should be." Liu Wuxie closed his eyes after speaking. He had just made a breakthrough in his cultivation and still needed to temper it to adapt.


    Each rise in the cultivation would bring new changes, which Liu Wuxie needed to explore.


    "I''m not afraid to tell you that I''m one of the top ten outer disciples of the Profound Inscription Peak, known as the Jade-Faced Gentleman Zhuo Bufan. I can consider sparing your life if you hand over your cultivation technique."


    If other outer disciples had heard what he said, they would have handed over their cultivation techniques by now. After all, each peak''s top ten outer disciples possessed extraordinary strength.


    "Get lost!" Liu Wuxie roared, unleashing a powerful aura that caused the surrounding trees to explode and forced Zhuo Bufan to take a few steps back. He was already tired of listening to such useless threats.


    "You dare tell me to get lost? You''re dead!" Zhuo Bufanughed instead of getting angry. He stepped forward and released his powerful aura in the ninth level of the True Core Realm.


    Earlier, he had been collecting spiritual herbs on a cliff, only to find their medicinal properties had vanished the moment he harvested them. This led him to follow the direction of the spiritual cloud to this ce.


    He was initially under the impression that a treasure had appeared like the Red Tiger Mercenary Group. But it had turned out that themotion was caused by someone making a breakthrough.


    Zhuo Bufan soared to the sky with his palm striking at Liu Wuxie. The cultivation world was crueler than Liu Wuxie had imagined, and the slightest mistake could result in death.


    "I already gave you a chance to leave. Don''t me me since you''re courting death!" A powerful outburst of aura swept out of Liu Wuxie, which felt like an awakening tiger.


    Zhuo Bufan was shocked because he hadn''t expected Liu Wuxie to be so powerful. But there was no turning back now because he already made his move. His only option was to kill Liu Wuxie and seize his cultivation technique.


    His palm manifested into a gigantic palm descending and shed with Liu Wuxie. With an outburst, the shockwave sent Liu Wuxie and Zhuo Bufan flying backward, causing countless trees to shatter.


    It was a tie, with neither gaining an upper hand. This made Liu Wuxie narrow his eyes because Zhuo Bufan was stronger than the Red Tiger Mercenary Group''s captain.


    It was as expected of someone who was ranked in the Profound Inscription Peak''s top ten.


    Zhuo Bufan looked at Liu Wuxie with disbelief. He couldn''t believe someone in the sixth level of the True Core Realm had blocked his strike.


    As the two stared at each other, murderous intent began to brew in their eyes.


    Zhuo Bufan drew his sword and was determined to kill Liu Wuxie. To eliminate potential threats, he needed to kill all three, no matter what.


    He soared to the sky and stabbed his sword at Liu Wuxie''s neck with extreme precision. As an experienced outer disciple, he had encountered many martial techniques, which meant he had rich fighting experience.


    Liu Wuxie drew the Heretic de and swung it horizontally with no fancy moves, efficiently resolving Zhuo Bufan''s attack. The two fought back and forth ferociously.


    Even after exchanging blows for over a dozen moves, Zhuo Bufan couldn''t gain any advantage over Liu Wuxie. This left Zhuo Bufan increasingly shocked and even more curious about Liu Wuxie''s cultivation technique.


    The two exchanged over fifty moves and were still evenly matched. Liu Wuxie controlled his strength at about seventy percent. He had just made his breakthrough and still needed time to adapt, and this was an excellent opportunity for him to temper himself.


    The pace of the battle quickened as they fought. Zhuo Bufan practiced the Great Sr Sword Art, which consisted of bold moves like the zing sun.


    Many outer disciples had practiced this sword technique, but only a few could reach Zhuo Bufan''s level of mastery. Thetter''s attacks were like a zing sun enveloping Liu Wuxie.


    The most significant advantage of this sword technique was its ability to release a blinding light that affected the opponent''s vision.


    Liu Wuxie resorted to using Ghost Eye because nothing could hide from this eye technique, and the blinding light posed no threat to him.

 Chapter 332 - Azurethunder Ape

    <h4>Chapter 332 - Azurethunder Ape</h4>


    The pace of the battle increased with Zhuo Bufan executing the Great Sr Sword Art to its full potential.


    Liu Wuxie maintained a steady pace with every sh, firmly holding his ground despite the ferocious attacks.


    This made Zhuo Bufan feel as though his strikes were hitting cotton, gradually frustrating him. His sword technique had never failed him before, and he finally understood that there was always someone stronger in the world.


    Although Liu Wuxie''s de technique appeared ordinary, each attack was imbued with deep profundity. Martial techniques, even when executed casually, could possess immense power.


    "Day Selection Sword!" Zhuo Bufan roared and pointed his sword at the sky, unleashing a powerful sword aura that crashed like a waterfall.


    The pressure Liu Wuxie felt increased drastically, and he was almost done tempering his cultivation. Facing the iing sword aura, Liu Wuxie didn''t perform the Primordial Astral Fist but the Fatality de Art''s third form.


    Although Liu Wuxie couldn''t master the Fatality de Art''s third form before reaching the Heavenly Dipper Realm, he could execute it slightly at his current level. He raised his right hand at a forty-five-degree angle with the Heretic de aimed toward the sky, unleashing a faint radiance that caused the surrounding space to ripple.


    When Liu Wuxie swung his sword, Zhuo Bufan instantly realized something was amiss, and it was toote for him to retreat now. This was because the trajectory of Liu Wuxie''s de technique was tricky and fast.


    Zhuo Bufan thought he could kill his opponent with one strike, relying on his sword technique. At the very least, he was confident that only a few people could surpass him in speed.


    However, Zhuo Bufan finally realized he was wrong at this moment. His sword technique was at a different level than Liu Wuxie''s.


    Even though the Fatality de Art was a heaven-grade martial technique, it had a tricky trajectory. Each move was designed to kill.


    Sparks flew around in all directions when the de and sword shed with a powerful shockwave rumbling out. The tree fragments and rocks on the ground flew away, clearing arge area.


    "Die!" Liu Wuxie performed the Fatality de Art''s third form, carrying immense power and raising a cloud of dust.


    The sky changed when Liu Wuxie swung his sword with explosions on the ground. The surroundings were engulfed in de strikes, and Liu Wuxie''s figure vanished.


    At this moment, he had be one with the de. The powerful de aura he unleashed tore through the air and ripped Zhuo Bufan''s defenses apart.


    "Don''t kill me! I''m sorry! Please spare my life!" Zhuo Bufan was terrified. He didn''t know who Liu Wuxie was, and he felt too humiliated to die there.


    "Toote!" Liu Wuxie replied coldly. His de aura enveloped the sky, engulfing a thousand meters of radius.


    When the de aura descended, it carved a hundred-meter-long ravine into the ground, reaching into the forest and plunging five meters deep.


    Such a terrifying strike left even Liu Wuxie shocked. In the cultivation world, space was resilient, and creating such an aftermath there was truly astonishing.


    Zhuo Bufan was split into two from the middle. Blood trickled down his forehead, and his eyes were wide open even at his death.


    When the wind blew, Zhuo Bufan floated into the air. This was because Liu Wuxie had devoured his energy, leaving behind his skin.


    Liu Wuxie returned to his original position and sat with his legs crossed. The rest of the day was rtively quiet. Two mercenary groups came, but they left quickly after ncing there.


    The aura Liu Wuxie gave off was too terrifying because he hadn''t fully refined the energy he had absorbed from Zhuo Bufan.


    Three dayster, Bai Lin was the first to wake up, and his aura became stable in the ninth level of the True Core Realm. Tang Tian woke up soon after and walked over to Liu Wuxie.


    "Junior Brother Liu, thank you for protecting us during our breakthrough." Bai Lin and Tang Tian cupped their fists together. They were so grateful that they nearly fell to their knees.


    "Congrattions on your breakthrough!" Liu Wuxie smiled. After three days of dy, they had less time toplete their tasks now and would probably have to travel through the night.


    Bai Lin and Tang Tian''s faces changed drastically when they saw the ravine. They hadn''t expected an expert toe there during their breakthrough, and they were fortunate to have Liu Wuxie to protect them.


    There was no time to talk, and the three headed deeper into the Scarlet Sun Mountain Range. They had two missions left in the mountain range.


    "Junior Brother Liu, if this continues, I''m afraid it will be tough for us toplete all the missions within a month." Bai Lin felt a little anxious. They didn''t mind, but they were worried it might affect Liu Wuxie.


    They had done many missions in the past two years and had barely enough points. But Liu Wuxie had just joined the sect, and he had no points on him.


    "How about this? We''ll split up. You two hunt the Blood me Wolf while I go after the Azurethunder Ape," Liu Wuxie said after a brief pondering. Since Bai Lin and Tang Tian had reached the ninth-level True Core Realm, they might as well split up to save time.


    The two agreed because they had to temper their cultivation after their breakthrough. Through this incident, they had learned a lesson; it was hard for them to grow in afortable environment.


    If they hadn''t experienced that life-and-death battle, they would still be hovering in the eighth level of the True Core Realm.


    "Alright. We''ll gather in this valley three days from now!" Bai Lin agreed to Liu Wuxie''s suggestion. If they split up, it would shorten the time needed toplete the missions.


    After making arrangements, the three parted ways, with Liu Wuxie heading straight for the Azurethunder Ape''sir, which would take about a day''s journey. This meant a round trip would take two days, and his speed increased since he traveled alone.


    Bai Lin chose three missions. Two involved hunting profound beasts, while the remaining involved letter delivery.


    The Azurethunder Ape lived in a canyon in the Scarlet Sun Mountain Range, and Liu Wuxie had a map with him. Most apes lived in groups, but it was a different case for the Azurethunder Ape.


    The Azurethunder Ape lived in solitude except during mating seasons, making it difficult to find.


    "I have obtained two spiritual treasures but stillck some materials to reforge the Heretic de. I can fly with it once it bes a spiritual treasure," Liu Wuxie stopped and muttered to himself.


    Traveling this way was too slow, and he wouldn''t have to rely on his legs to travel once the Heretic de advanced to a spiritual treasure. He could see swords flying across the sky, and those were inner disciples flying on their swords.


    One dayter, arge canyon appeared before Liu Wuxie. The Azurethunder Ape was frequently found there, and he would run into it soon if he were lucky.


    If he weren''t lucky, he would have to wait for the Azurethunder Ape to hunt for food. A type of azure fruit grew in the canyon, which was food for the Azurethunder Ape.


    The Azurethunder Apes woulde there daily for food at dusk before returning to their caves to rest.


    Liu Wuxie sneaked into the canyon with agility like a monkey. He sat on a tform on a cliff and scanned the surroundings. A hundred meters away, he could hear rustling soundsing from a cliff, which sounded like something was tugging at the vines.


    A three-meter-tall Azurethunder Ape blended perfectly with the vines on the cliff. If it wasn''t for the rustling sounds, Liu Wuxie wouldn''t have discovered it, and this Azurethunder Ape was feasting on the fruits.


    The Azurethunder Ape''s color was close to the vines and leaves, providing perfect camouge. It plucked a fist-sized fruit and stuffed it into its mouth, chewing it briefly before swallowing.


    Despite itsrge size, it moved swiftly on the cliff, like walking on t ground. The Azurethunder Ape had long arms and sharp ws, allowing it to pierce them into the cliff like swords.


    It grabbed the vines and leaped, moving into the distance as it was almost done eating.


    There was no way Liu Wuxie would let it go since he had encountered it. With a leap, Liu Wuxie grabbed the vines on the cliff and traveled at a speed not any slower than the Azurethunder Ape.


    The Azurethunder Ape let out a roar upon sensing Liu Wuxie''s presence. Frequent hunts had caused their poption to dwindle significantly.


    A shockwave formed by its roar swept out, causing the vines on the cliff to fly around. Liu Wuxie grabbed onto one vine and performed a 360-degree spin before returning to the cliff.


    Liu Wuxie nearly fell because the Azurethunder Ape''s strength was between the eighth and ninth-level True Core Realm. Bai Lin had taken this mission with the mindset of trying their luck.


    They had nned to give up immediately if they were to run into an Azurethunder Ape in the ninth-level True Core Realm. But if they were to run into a low-leveled Azurethunder Ape, they would have a high chance of hunting it.


    Liu Wuxie wasn''t hurrying to strike as they were too far apart. If Liu Wuxie had acted now, he might have allowed the Azurethunder Ape to escape instead.


    The two raced along the cliff, covering a distance of a few hundred meters in the blink of an eye.


    They reached the depth of the canyon. It was rumored that powerful, profound beasts resided there. There were even sixth-grade demonic beasts, which wereparable to the Heavenly Dipper Realm for human cultivators.


    Liu Wuxie didn''t dare to take the risk and had to stop the Azurethunder Ape as soon as possible. He couldn''t afford to let the Azurethunder Ape go deeper.


    Drawing the Heretic de, Liu Wuxie swung it down to block the Azurethunder Ape''s path, forcing it to move upwards and give him a chance.


    "This is strange. Why didn''t the Azurethunder Ape fight me?" Liu Wuxie wondered, frowning as he pursued it. This behavior was unusual for the Azurethunder Ape, which was known to be hostile towards humans.


    Furthermore, it made no sense that the Azurethunder Ape fled when it had a higher cultivation than him. But he didn''t have time to analyze and elerated when the Azurethunder Ape ascended.


    Liu Wuxie hovered in the air using the Nine Heavenly Crane Dance, with terrifying mes manifesting into giant wings. When the wings pped, it carried him a distance of ten-odd meters.


    When roughly a hundred meters apart, Liu Wuxie swiftly caught up to the Azurethunder Ape, still running instead of fighting.


    "Blood scent!" There were bloodstains left on the cliff. This was a sign that the Azurethunder Ape would likely be injured from its previous fight with a wound on its lower abdomen.


    This made Liu Wuxie wonder who had injured the Azurethunder Ape and if that person was nearby. A chill went down Liu Wuxie''s spine. The cliff was covered with vines and leaves, making it easy for a few people to hide within them.


    As Liu Wuxie approached the Azurethunder Ape, he decided to kill it first in case of an ident.

 Chapter 333 - Triangular Darts

    <h4>Chapter 333 - Triangr Darts</h4>


    A distance of hundred meters was covered in the blink of an eye.


    When the Azurethunder Ape realized it couldn''t shake off Liu Wuxie, it turned around and swung its palm down at him.


    The iing palm was fast, but Liu Wuxie had already anticipated it. He had read tens of thousands of books in the Book Collection Hall, and many of them introduced profound beasts, spiritual herbs, and their gradings.


    The formidable aspect of the Azurethunder Apes, which also gave them their name, was their ability to release lightning. They could nurture lightning in their beast core to release in times of danger, paralyzing and rendering their opponents unconscious.


    However, lightning was ineffective against Liu Wuxie, so he dared to attack confidently. The massive palm descended, and Liu Wuxie could only receive this attack head-on.


    Astral energy surged out, and Liu Wuxie threw a punch at the iing palm. When the palm and fist collided, the impact caused a powerful shockwave that caused the surrounding walls on both sides to copse.


    Whenrge rocks hit the ground, they produced a deafening sound, creating dozens of craters that scared the smaller demonic beasts into fleeing.


    A numbing sensation spread throughout Liu Wuxie''s body from the lightning released by the Azurethunder Ape. He shook his arm to dissipate the numbness while he shot toward the top of the Azurethunder Ape with great agility.


    The Azurethunder Ape failed to knock Liu Wuxie away in one strike, and its eyes showed a trace of astonishment. After all, the Azurethunder Ape was confident it could kill ordinary cultivators in the eighth-level True Core Realm with that strike, but Liu Wuxie came out unharmed. Without hesitation, the Azurethunder Ape quickly fled, not daring to linger around.


    Liu Wuxie locked onto the Azurethunder Ape''s path with Ghost Eye, precisely calcting each leap and nextnding spot. He performed the Nine Heavenly Crane Dance, anticipating that the Azurethunder Ape would soon descend.


    The vines decreased on the cliff ahead, forcing the Azurethunder Ape to descend after having no ce tond. Just as Liu Wuxie had predicted, the Azurethunder Ape descended two breathster.


    ¡°Primordial Astral Fist!¡± Liu Wuxie didn''t want to drag the battle because he could sense potential danger lurking in the surroundings, but he couldn''t find anyone despite looking around with Ghost Eye for so long.


    He would need to stay vignt if he couldn''t eliminate the threat. Thus, Liu Wuxie wanted to kill the Azurethunder Ape quickly and leave.


    Liu Wuxie''s fist technique enveloped the sky, which caused fear to sh in the Azurethunder Ape''s eyes. It descended as it didn''t dare to confront Liu Wuxie head-on.


    Terrifying astral energy swept out, sealing off all the Azurethunder Ape''s escape routes. Through the past few days of honing the Primordial Astral Fist, it was much stronger than before.


    Rocks continued to fall from the cliff, forming a high pile of rubble at the bottom. This left the Azurethunder Ape no choice but to fight.


    As blood flowed from the Azurethunder Ape''s lower abdomen, Liu Wuxie''s Ghost Eye prated through the fur and saw the wound.


    "This is an old wound, and it was cut open repeatedly." Liu Wuxie was shocked. This wound had never healed because it was cut open each time it was about to heal. This made him wonder who could be so cruel.


    Even if humans and demonic beasts were in a hostile rtionship, Liu Wuxie couldn''t bring himself to do something so cruel.


    As blood gushed from the Azurethunder Ape''s wound, it let out a roar in pain, and its strength diminished significantly.


    The Primordial Astral Fist struck the Azurethunder Ape''s chest, and it was sent flying away, falling down the canyon.


    Liu Wuxie also lost his bnce and began to fall. The cliff was already a mess, with rocks falling. He didn''t darend recklessly due to the falling rocks and could only move to a somewhat safer spot.


    After all, it could be dangerous if he lost his footing at this moment, and it would be difficult to defend if someone ambushed him.


    As Liu Wuxie descended, he found himselfnding on a heap of debris. The Azurethunder Ape, already wounded, seemed unlikely to pull through.


    Right then, a cold ray shot toward Liu Wuxie''s neck without warning and appeared out of nowhere.


    Liu Wuxie had scanned his surroundings multiple times, covering a radius of a few thousand meters. But he couldn''t find anyone hidden, making him curious about how the other party hid from his Ghost Eye.


    When the cold ray was ten meters away from Liu Wuxie, he finally noticed that it was a triangr dart that whistled through the air. But it was already ten meters away, and there was no time left for Liu Wuxie to dodge.


    The triangr dart contained divine power, and the user must be an expert. To be capable of controlling a dart to kill, this person was at least in the pinnacle True Core Realm. The other party may even be in the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    There was no way to evade mid-air, and his mind processed rapidly. Even though he was an Immortal Emperor in his past life, he couldn''t find a solution to deal with this situation because the other party chose a perfect moment to attack when he was falling.


    As the triangr dart was two meters away, Liu Wuxie knew he had to act, or he would be killed. He swung the Heretic de down toote because the dart had reached his neck.


    In the critical moment, Liu Wuxie made a bold move to lean backward, allowing the dart to brush past his face and cause blood to ssh.


    He felt a cooling sensation on his forehead, and blood flowed out. Unprecedented anger surged within him, and he had never allowed himself to lose control in the past six months, regardless of his hardships. But Liu Wuxie was filled with overwhelming anger to kill right now.


    His forehead had a few-inches-long wound, and the dart had only grazed the skin. With his special topical ointment, this wound wouldn''t leave behind any scar after it was healed.


    The Deste Devouring Art was tyrannical with immense regenerative abilities, andbined with the mysterious tree, there wouldn¡¯t be any scar left on him. This was likely the first injury he had sustained in the past six months.


    A gray-clothed figure emerged from behind arge rock just as Liu Wuxie continued to fall. This allowed the gray figure to camouge perfectly and conceal himself from Liu Wuxie''s Ghost Eye.


    The Ghost Eye had prating ability, but Liu Wuxie seldom used it. After all, the canyon was too vast for him to scan every spot.


    The grey-clothed figure was shocked because his fatal strike had failed to kill Liu Wuxie. He shot more darts aimed at Liu Wuxie''s upper, middle, and lower body.


    Liu Wuxie had already anticipated this attack and performed the Nine Heavenly Crane Dance to dodge the iing darts.


    But the gray-clothed man didn''t give up and shot out more darts as he descended, forming a triangr formation. This time, the darts flew at an even more significant speed.


    When Liu Wuxie neared the ground, he performed a somersault andnded firmly on the ground after dodging the darts. As for the Azurethunder Ape, it was lying nearby, pleading for a quick death with its eyes.


    It had suffered too much in the past year because of the gray-clothed man, who had wounded its lower abdomen repeatedly to lure cultivators in for an ambush.


    In the past six months, more than fifty cultivators had fallen at the hands of the gray-clothed man, who had used the Azurethunder Ape as bait. He would cut the ape''s abdomen to keep it under control.


    In order to survive, the Azurethunder Ape has endured hardship for the past year. It has been forced to kill weaker cultivators, while the man in gray wouldy in wait to ambush the more powerful ones with his darts. Most importantly, he never missed his darts.


    Liu Wuxie instantly figured everything out through the Azurethunder Ape''s eyes. He ended the ape''s suffering with a swing of the Heretic de, causing its eyes to shine with relief.


    He stored the Azurethunder Ape''s corpse in the interspatial pouch because he needed its beast core. By the time he was done, the gray-clothed mannded on the ground.


    Liu Wuxie finally had a good look at this man and observed that this person was in his thirties with a gloomy appearance. He wasn''t a disciple from the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion and was likely a rogue cultivator. He was strong, with a cultivation in the Quasi-Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    "Interesting... you''re the first person who survived my dart," The gray-clothed man said with a glint of curiosity shining in his eyes. Liu Wuxie didn''t have high cultivation, but it was an impressive feat he could dodge the darts.


    "Who are you, and why did you attack me?" Liu Wuxie asked despite having some spections.


    "I will tell you since you''re going to die. I''m Yu Huai, a rogue cultivator from a nearby city. I''ve been hiding here, using the Azurethunder Ape to lure cultivators before ambushing them and seizing their resources." The gray-clothed man revealed this because he was confident in his strength.


    As a Quasi-Heavenly Dipper Realm cultivator, killing Liu Wuxie was no different from crushing an ant for him.


    The truth was as Liu Wuxie had spected. This man used the Azurethunder Ape as bait to kill other cultivators. This was also what rogue cultivators loved to do because they didn''t have a powerful sect behind them. Thus, their channel to obtain resources were limited, and robbing others was the easiest method.


    The cultivators who fell into his trap were a diverse group, including disciples from the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion and the Azure Crimson Gate, cultivators from the neighboring city, members of various mercenary groups, and even disciples from the Dugu n. Tragically, all of them had met their end at the hands of Yu Huai, without a single exception.


    After plundering their resources, he took refuge in that ce to cultivate. His n was to remain there until he had amassed enough resources to ascend to the Heavenly Dipper Realm. However, he was just a bit short of his goal when he crossed paths with Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie took out his special topical ointment and applied it to his forehead. The pain disappeared, and the scar would vanish in two days.


    This medicine was highly precious. He had used the same one in the Great Yan Dynasty''s imperial court and even gifted one to Physician Yan.


    ¡°Applying medicine is futile when death is inevitable,¡± Yu Huai taunted with a sneer. Despite Liu Wuxie only being at the sixth level of the True Core Realm, the fist technique he demonstrated earlier had stirred a sense of envy in Yu Huai.


    This was why he loved hunting disciples from major sects. Not only were they wealthy, but they also carried martial technique manuals.


    "You''re the one who will end up dead!" Liu Wuxie raised his head and looked at Yu Huai coldly. Wielding the Heretic de, he unleashed a cold ray directed at thetter with his murderous intent enveloping the entire canyon.


    "What arrogance. You''re merely in the sixth-level True Core Realm and want to kill me? I forgot to tell you I killed someone in the ninth-level True Core Realm yesterday!" Yu Huai mocked.

 Chapter 334 - Great Harvest

    <h4>Chapter 334 - Great Harvest</h4>


    Yu Huai curled his lips into a sneer, teased by what Liu Wuxie said. In the past six months alone, he had killed over fifty cultivators ranging from the third to the ninth-level True Core Realm.


    Liu Wuxie heaved a sigh of relief because if he had gone after the Crimson me Wolf instead, Bai Lin and Tang Tian would¡¯ve faced this gray-clothed man.


    "Make your move!" Liu Wuxie didn''t want to waste words because he wanted to move on to the next mission soon. After all, time was limited, and every dy meant less time for the subsequent missions.


    These few missions had to bepleted within one month, while Liu Wuxie''s few missions, especially thest two, were more generous regarding the timeframe. The two missions required him to hunt the abyssal n, and the timeframe was six months.


    Afterpleting the urgent missions, he nned to let Bai Lin and Tang Tian return to the sect and submit the missions on his behalf.


    "I''ll fulfill your wish since you''re so eager to die." Yu Huai swung his longsword diagonally at Liu Wuxie''s left arm.


    This was the first time Liu Wuxie encountered such a tricky attack.


    As Yu Huai had killed many people over the years, his martial techniques had beplicated. He had created his sword technique, which had a different style than other sword techniques, and focused on catching his opponent off guard.


    But it was a pity that he ran into Liu Wuxie, who had encountered countless experts in his life as an Immortal Emperor. Thus, he easily dodged Yu Huai''s attack with a sidestep.


    This scene briefly shocked Yu Huai because he didn''t expect Liu Wuxie to resolve his attack so easily. If it were someone else in Liu Wuxie''s shoes, they would hesitate momentarily.


    After his attack failed, Yu Huai changed his tactics. His longsword moved like a whirlwind that unleashed a barrage of attacks. This sword technique was smooth and fatal.


    The sword technique might have been tricky in others'' eyes, but it was nothing more than ordinary to Liu Wuxie. This sword technique was wed because Yu Huai hadbined moves from various martial techniques.


    Liu Wuxie didn''t even draw his de and performed the Seven Dipper Steps, leaving behind afterimages to dodge Yu Huai''s attacks.


    Yu Huai''s face became grave as time passed because Liu Wuxie''s movement technique was too unpredictable. No matter how he attacked, his attack couldn''t even brush on the corner of Liu Wuxie''s clothes.


    He resorted to releasing his aura in the Quasi-Heavenly Dipper Realm to empower his sword technique.


    "This is getting interesting!" Liu Wuxie mocked and continued to dodge the iing attacks. He wanted to gauge Yu Huai''s strength in avoiding mishaps.


    As the battle intensified, Yu Huai unleashed over a hundred moves belonging to various weapons. But Liu Wuxie easily dodged his attack each time, gradually leaving Yu Huai exhausted.


    There was no way Yu Huai couldpete with Liu Wuxie in terms of true essence, and his true essence was severely exhausted after his barrage of attacks.


    "Brat, do only know how to dodge?" Yu Huai taunted. He had never obtained a single movement technique despite obtaining many martial techniques.


    On the contrary, the Seven Dipper Steps and Nine Heavenly Crane Dance were derived from martial techniques from the Celestial Realm. They were on a whole new levelpared to martial techniques from the Mortal Realm.


    "Talk if you can evennd a hit on me!" Liu Wuxie continued with the Seven Dipper Steps and created three afterimages to confuse Yu Huai.


    Yu Huai''s longsword swung down on the afterimage on the right, but that wasn''t the real Liu Wuxie.


    "This is bad!" Yu Huai quickly retreated.


    "Too slow!" Liu Wuxie''s Heretic de struck down, unleashing a powerful de aura that left a gash on Yu Huai''s chest as he failed to dodge in time.


    When Liu Wuxie continued to strike, he found a w in Yu Huai''s attack after ten-odd moves and inflicted heavy injuries on thetter.


    Yu Huai''s blood dyed his chest red, which made him gasp in pain.


    "This is impossible! You''re only in the sixth level of the True Core Realm. How could you possibly injure me?!" Yu Huai eximed with disbelief, but the pain reminded him this was real. He found himself bested by a brat after killing so many people in the past six months without fail.


    "I''ll kill you today to avenge those who died unjustly!"


    There was no doubt Yu Huai had killed countless people who were either in training or taking on missions.


    With a flick of the Heretic de, Liu Wuxie unleashed a terrifying de intent that formed into a screen, enveloping a few hundred meters of radius. This left Yu Huai with no space to dodge.


    This was the Fatality de Art''s third form. It was Liu Wuxie¡¯s second time using it, and the power was more significant than before.


    Yu Huai was ced under immense pressure, and he retreated with blood gushing out of his chest. This was because Liu Wuxie''s true essence was poisonous.


    Even if the poison couldn''t kill Yu Huai, it could devour his vitality. This left Yu Huai horrified, realizing that he had provoked a monster. But there was no room for retreat because Liu Wuxie had already sealed his escape routes. This meant he could only choose to sh with Liu Wuxie head-on.


    Yu Huai''s sword formed a strange mark, and a wisp of spiritual rune fused into it, surprising Liu Wuxie.


    This was because Yu Huai''s martial techniques were messy. There were some powerful techniques, but they were wasted in his hands. After all, mastering a martial technique required time and dedication, not just blending them without grasping the essence.


    "Die!"


    There were too many ws in Yu Huai''s attacks, and Liu Wuxie picked the most fatal one and struck. The Heretic de reached Yu Huai before he could react.


    Yu Huai''s head flew out with blood gushing out. Even in his final moments, he couldn''t believe Liu Wuxie had killed him.


    After killing Yu Huai, Liu Wuxie devoured all of his energy. The former was a rogue cultivator, but his cultivation in the Quasi-Heavenly Dipper Realm was genuine.


    Yu Huai''s life force was converted into liquified spiritual energy, which poured into Liu Wuxie''s dantian, bringing him closer to the seventh level of the True Core Realm.


    After scanning Yu Huai''s interspatial pouch, Liu Wuxie was shocked.


    "How many people did he kill in the past six months to gather so many resources?" Liu Wuxie saw a mountain of spirit stones, materials, and spiritual herbs. But this brought a smile to Liu Wuxie''s face because it belonged to him now.


    "What an excellent timing! I have almost gathered all the materials required to reforge the Heretic de. I need to find the time to do it now." Liu Wuxie sorted out the items in the interspatial pouch.


    Most importantly, there were four hundred thousand spirit stones, instantly making him more wealthy than ordinary inner disciples. He didn''t know how many people Yu Huai had killed to umte so many spirit stones.


    With so many mid-grade spirit stones, he could probably pile them into a mountain if he converted them all into low-grade spirit stones.


    But Liu Wuxie didn''t have the luxury of time to sort them out now and returned to where he had agreed to meet Tang Tian and Bai Lin. They arrived slightlyter than him afterpleting their missions.


    After reaching the ninth-level True Core Realm, Tang Tian and Bai Lin were much stronger than before. A mission of this level couldn''t even pose a challenge to them.


    Liu Wuxie didn''t mention Yu Huai to them because the cultivation world was dangerous, and the slightest mistake could lead to death.


    The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion would recruit many disciples annually, but the casualties they suffered were staggering.


    With their missions in the Scarlet Sun Mountain Rangepleted, they were prepared to leave for the next destination to deliver the letter, which was far away.


    Traversing through the vast Scarlet Sun Mountain Range, the trio arrived in arge city five dayster.


    As Fan Lin had introduced, arge-scale city in the cultivation world was even bigger than a nation in the mundane world.


    "Junior Brother, this is Fan City, one of the nine major cities in the Southern Province," Bai Lin introduced when they stepped into the city.


    The Fan City was close to the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion and would only take a seven to eight-day journey. The furthest city would take months to travel or half a month through flight.


    With all the books he had read in the Book Collection Hall, Liu Wuxie knew more about the geography of the Southern Province than Bai Lin and Tang Tian.


    The Fan City wasplete and home to several powerful existences. In addition to the ten major sects, there were countless ns in the Southern Province, with the Dugu n being the most prominent.


    Each major city had a n like the Dugu n. They might not have anyone in the True Profound Realm, but they had ancestors in the Nascent Transformation Realm. They were only slightly inferiorpared to the ten major sects.


    The three entered the city and found a restaurant where they nned to rest. They were exhausted from days of travel and had been relying on the Fasting Pill in the Scarlet Sun Mountain Range.


    The restaurant was bustling with people, and the three found a rtively quiet spot and ordered food.


    "Brother Bai, Brother Tang, you two return to the sect afterpleting this mission. The remaining missions are far away, and I n to go alone," Liu Wuxie said when they entered the restaurant.


    The remaining missions were scattered, requiring a lot of traveling time.


    "Junior Brother, I know you''re strong. But having more people means having more strength, and it''s too dangerous for you to go alone." Bai Lin ced the cup down on the table. Since they had decided to form a team, they wanted to help Liu Wuxie.


    "I appreciate your good intentions but n to stay in Fan City for a few days to forge a spiritual treasure. I can use it to fly, which will greatly reduce the time needed to travel." Liu Wuxie''s words were clear; the spiritual treasure could only carry him.


    With the help of a spiritual treasure, Liu Wuxie couldplete the remaining missions in three to five days, using the time he saved to forge his spiritual treasure.


    If they traveled on foot, they would have to go without sleep or rest for a chance toplete the missions within twenty days.


    Bai Lin and Tang Tian fell into deep thoughts. This was the first time they heard someone in the True Core Realm nning to refine a spiritual treasure.


    They would''ve scoffed at the idea in the past, but they had seen too many miracles on Liu Wuxie. For some reason, they felt it was possible for Liu Wuxie.


    "Alright. We''ll go with that arrangement since it''s your decision!" Bai Lin said after a brief pondering. They knew they would only be a burden to Liu Wuxie if they stayed behind.


    The three rxed and indulged in a hearty meal. After their meal, they got up and headed east to Fan City.


    An hourter, the three stood before the estate belonging to a n. Two guards stood at the entrance with swords hanging on their waists, which made them look imposing.

 Chapter 335 - Baffling

    <h4>Chapter 335 - Baffling</h4>


    After passing through several streets, the three arrived before an estate¡¯s colossal gate.


    ¡°This is the ce!¡± Bai Lin verified the address given in the mission description.


    ¡°The Yu n!¡± Liu Wuxie muttered, looking at the words on the que.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. It¡¯s the Yu n. The mission specifically stated to deliver the letter directly to the recipient.¡± Bai Lin took out the letter. He didn¡¯t know what was written inside, with only the recipient¡¯s name on the outside.


    ¡°Yu Jiayin, this sounds like a woman¡¯s name!¡± Tang Tian muttered, looking at the recipient¡¯s name on the letter.


    They kept the letter away and stepped forward but were soon stopped by the two guards.


    ¡°Who goes there!¡± The guard on the right roared, cing his hand on the sword at his waist. They weren¡¯t familiar with the clothing donned by Liu Wuxie¡¯s group of three, and these three weren¡¯t Yu n¡¯s members either.


    ¡°We¡¯re disciples of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, and we¡¯ve received a mission to deliver a letter to the Yu n. Please inform the recipient,¡± Bai Lin said. After all, the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion¡¯s disciples were respected wherever they went.


    Upon hearing that they were disciples of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, the two guards¡¯ attitudes softened, and they showed more respect.


    ¡°May I ask who the letter is addressed to?¡± a guard asked. The Yu n had many members for them to ask around.


    ¡°Yu Jiayin!¡± Bai Lin said without any hesitation.


    ¡°A letter for the eldest missy?¡± The two guards didn¡¯t dare to dy.


    ¡°Please wait while I inform the eldest missy right away.¡± The guard on the left opened the gate and ran inside, but he didn¡¯t invite the three to enter. Outsiders weren¡¯t allowed into the n without the patriarch¡¯s summon. This was the rule for every n to prevent their secrets from being leaked.


    Only those with permission could enter. After hearing the conversation between the three and the two guards, a white figure approached the Yu n.


    The three could only wait but weren¡¯t in a hurry because this was likely an easy mission. This mission didn¡¯t offer many points because it was almost risk-free, apart from the distance they had to travel.


    ¡°Who mentioned Yu Jiayin earlier?¡± The white-clothed youth hurried over. But he didn¡¯t get close and released a faint aura in the Heavenly Dipper Realm at Liu Wuxie¡¯s group of three.


    He was in his mid-twenties. To reach the Heavenly Dipper Realm at such a young age, he could be considered a talent even in the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    Bai Lin nced at Liu Wuxie, who stood calmly by the side without any expression.


    ¡°Greetings, Young Master Hou!¡± Upon seeing the white-clothed youth, the remaining guard came forward with respect.


    ¡°Here, this is for you!¡± The white-clothed youth took out ten mid-grade spirit stones and threw them to the guard as if he were dismissing a beggar.


    The guard couldn¡¯t stop smiling. They might have low status as guards, but there were also perks. This was because they generally received benefits whenever someone visited the Yu n.


    ¡°What are these three doing here?¡± The white-clothed youth scanned Liu Wuxie¡¯s group of three with contempt. That was especially true for Liu Wuxie, who was only in the sixth-level True Core Realm. Someone like Liu Wuxie was no different from an ant in his eyes, and he had already surpassed that level at the age of fifteen.


    ¡°Young Master Hou, they¡¯re here to deliver a letter to the eldest missy.¡± The guard didn¡¯t dare to conceal anything from the youth.


    Hearing it was a letter for the eldest missy, the white-clothed youth¡¯s face turned cold. He said, ¡°You three are disciples of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion?¡±


    A bone-chilling cold swept through Liu Wuxie¡¯s group of three.


    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Bai Lin stepped forward, but he was still polite in his tone.


    The three were baffled by the white-clothed youth¡¯s sudden hostility. They didn¡¯t know what was happening and chose to take a courteous approach first.


    ¡°Hand over the letter, and I¡¯ll deliver it to her. The three of you can leave now!¡± the youth said, extending his hand to Bai Lin.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but the mission stated to hand it over to the recipient personally.¡± Bai Lin cupped his fists together respectfully, hinting that he would follow the instructions.


    ¡°You dare reject me?¡± His response angered the white-clothed youth, who unleashed murderous intent that came crashing down on the three.


    The atmosphere became tense, and the Yu n¡¯s guard panicked.


    ¡°He¡¯s Young Master Hou Chi and grew up with the eldest missy. Handing the letter to him and saving your time is fine.¡± Since the guard had received benefits from Hou Chi, he naturally stood on thetter¡¯s side. But since Liu Wuxie¡¯s group of three were disciples of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, he said it more politely.


    Hearing Hou Chi¡¯s name, Bai Lin narrowed his eyes because there was a Hou n in Fan City besides Yu n. The two ns were deeply rooted in Fan City, and even the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion had to show respect to them.


    ¡°Sorry, but the mission stated clearly to hand it to the recipient personally.¡± Bai Lin remained firm and didn¡¯t fear the Hou n as Heavenly Treasure Pavilion¡¯s disciple. This was a matter of principle; no one could force him to vite his principles regardless of their identity.


    ¡°You dare refuse me?¡± Hou Chi¡¯s eyes turned cold with murderous intent crashing down on Bai Lin.


    Although Bai Lin had reached the ninth level of the True Core Realm, he was still forced to take a few steps back under the pressure and stopped before Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°How dare you attack a disciple of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion!¡± Tang Tian stepped forward angrily.


    ¡°Hmph, you three are just outer disciples, a bunch of garbage. Even the inner disciples need to show me respect. You all have three breaths to hand the letter over, or don¡¯t me me for being impolite!¡± Hou Chi snorted and urged Bai Lin to hand over the letter, threatening to take it himself if they refused.


    Bai Lin looked at Liu Wuxie, seeking thetter¡¯s opinion. What he had initially anticipated to be a straightforward mission had unexpectedly evolved into their most perilous undertaking yet.


    If they handed over the letter, they would fail the mission and embarrass the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. But if they insisted, it was a question of whether they could face someone in the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    ¡°What arrogance. I want to see how you¡¯ll be impolite to us!¡± Liu Wuxie stepped forward, neutralizing Hou Chi¡¯s aura with an invisible force. He had always wanted to experience the power of someone in the Heavenly Dipper Realm, and this was an excellent opportunity.


    After all, Liu Wuxie had only faced opponents in the True Core Realm since he had stepped into the cultivation world and knew nothing about those in the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    ¡°I¡¯ll fulfill your wish if you want to die!¡± Murderous intent gushed out of Hou Chi¡¯s eyes, which formed a terrifying aura that came crashing down on the three. This scared the Yu n¡¯s guard into retreating, not daring to get close.


    ¡°Junior Brother Liu, be careful!¡± Bai Lin took a step backward. He and Tang Tian were no match for Liu Wuxie, and thetter had be their core at this moment.


    ¡°This is interesting. Two in the ninth level of the True Core Realm didn¡¯t dare to step forward, but someone in the sixth level like you stepped out against me? Is everyone from the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion a coward? I¡¯m d I didn¡¯t join the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion and chose the Azure Crimson Gate back then.¡± Hou Chi was a disciple of the Azure Crimson Gate and a member of the Hou n. No wonder he had such deep hostility towards Liu Wuxie¡¯s group of three.


    A fight would break out at any moment, but Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t draw his weapon.


    ¡°You talk a lot.¡± Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t a man of many words. Hou Chi had been bbering like a baboon and jumping around since his appearance.


    A few hundred people gathered in the surroundings in the blink of an eye to watch.


    ¡°Who¡¯s that brat to talk back to Hou Chi? Doesn¡¯t he know Hou Chi is the young overlord of Fan City?¡± Discussions came from the surroundings.


    Bai Lin and Tang Tian felt worried after realizing Hou Chi had a high reputation.


    ¡°Brat, you¡¯re the first to speak to me in this manner. I won¡¯t kill you, but I will cripple your legs and make you crawl for the rest of your life,¡± Hou Chi said with murderous intent, gushing towards Liu Wuxie.


    The murderous intent radiating from Hou Chi engulfed the entire street. A growing crowd began to gather, murmuring among themselves about Liu Wuxie.


    Hou Chi sped his hands and struck Liu Wuxie¡¯s legs with his palm without warning.


    Everyone gathered around was still unclear about the reason for the fight, including Bai Lin and Liu Wuxie. They only knew that Hou Chi''s reaction had turned aggressive upon learning they were there to deliver a letter to Yu Jiayin. Could it be the letter that sparked Hou Chi''s hostility? Only Hou Chi knew the answer.


    When Hou Chi¡¯s palm approached, Liu Wuxie had no room to retreat. Despite Hou Chi¡¯s motives, Liu Wuxie could only retaliate since the other party had attacked. Perhaps they would know the reason why when Yu Jiayin arrived.


    A powerful aura in the Heavenly Dipper Realm swept out with a de aura formed around Hou Chi¡¯s palm. His true essence was powerful and capable of tearing through any defenses.


    Since ancient times, there hadn¡¯t been many instances of a True Core Realm cultivator capable of defeating someone in the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    It was expected to see a fight between two in the same cultivation, but winning against someone with higher cultivation was rare.


    Liu Wuxie remained calm and began forming seals with his hands. When his true essence gushed out, a suffocating aura began to spread as Liu Wuxie¡¯s true essence formed into a giant palm.


    The two weren¡¯t far apart, and a powerful shockwave spread when their attacks collided. They were both forced to take ten-odd steps back before they stabilized themselves.


    The shockwave swept out like a hurricane, enveloping a few hundred meters of radius. The spectators gathered in the surroundings were caught by surprise and were sent flying.


    Those who didn¡¯t have high cultivation threw up a mouthful of blood, with their faces bing pale. This was the power of the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    Hou Chi¡¯s face changed. He might not have used his full strength, but he was confident his attack earlier could kill a cultivator in the ninth level of the True Core Realm. Thus, he was shocked that Liu Wuxie managed to withstand his attack.


    As for Liu Wuxie, he briefly circted his true essence throughout his body. He suffered no injuries and had a rough understanding of the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    The Heavenly Dipper Realm wasn¡¯t as strong as he had imagined, not to mention Hou Chi was only in the first level. In terms of the purity of their true essence, Liu Wuxie was even stronger than Hou Chi.


    ¡°It is interesting that you managed to withstand my attack.¡± Hou Chi¡¯s face was terrifyingly grim. It would be embarrassing if he couldn¡¯t defeat someone in the True Core Realm with his cultivation in the Heavenly Dipper Realm. He would be reduced to aughingstock if his fellow martial brothers knew.

 Chapter 336 - Roaring Hou Chi

    <h4>Chapter 336 - Roaring Hou Chi</h4>


    Hou Chi¡¯s face became terrifyingly grim that he failed to cripple Liu Wuxie with one strike. He was in the Heavenly Dipper Realm, a direct descendant of the Hou n, and a disciple of the Azure Crimson Gate.


    He had various halos surrounding him and had received excellent training since childhood. How could an outer disciple of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion possiblypete with him?


    He released an even more terrifying murderous intent and enveloped the entire street, causing the spectators gathered in the surroundings to retreat further.


    ¡°Junior Brother Liu, be careful!¡± Bai Lin looked worried.


    Hou Chi slowly approached Liu Wuxie, his murderous intent intensifying.


    Right then, the Yu n¡¯s gates opened up, and several of Yu n¡¯s members stepped out to find out what was going on. It was toote for them to stop the fight because Hou Chi had formed seals with his hands, unleashing an even more terrifying aura capable of destroying everything.


    ¡°Brat, I want you dead!¡± Hou Chi roared and lunged forward like a tiger, releasing a powerful shockwave that swept all the blue bs on the ground flying. The suffocating aura he released sealed off the street to prevent Liu Wuxie from escaping.


    ¡°You think you can kill me? What a joke!¡± Liu Wuxie wore a mocking smile with astral energy coursing throughout his body. He looked like a war god, with cracks spreading across the blue bs on the ground, reaching toward Liu Wuxie.


    Fire and wood-attributed energies merged into the Primordial Astral Fist. He threw a punch that felt like aet. Whenever Liu Wuxie performed the Primordial Astral Fist, the power increasedpared to the previous time.


    ¡°What a powerful fist technique, capable of unleashing such terrifying power.¡± There were many among the spectators who were experienced. They didn¡¯t know Liu Wuxie¡¯s fist technique, but they could judge by the aura he gave off.


    Liu Wuxie stood like a deity, unleashing an overwhelming aura with constant astral energy supplying him through the astral bridge.


    Hou Chi¡¯s face changed because he felt tremendous pressure from Liu Wuxie¡¯s punch. But there was no path of retreat, and he would lose to Liu Wuxie in terms of momentum if he didn¡¯t strike back.


    He was a distinguished expert in the Heavenly Dipper Realm, and he would lose all dignity if he lost to Liu Wuxie. Not only would he embarrass the Azure Crimson Gate, but even his n would be shamed.


    This was Fan City, and he was the master there. How could he possibly allow himself to be disgraced by Liu Wuxie? He began pouring his energy into his palm.


    Violent fluctuations came from the surrounding air, unable to withstand Liu Wuxie and Hou Chi¡¯s true essence. Even the buildings on both sides of the street began to copse.


    The stars in the sky released a blinding brilliance, making it impossible for everyone to keep their eyes open.


    ¡°Four Divine Symbol Palm!¡± Hou Chi roared, his palm divided into four to attack Liu Wuxie from four directions. The thunderous rumble produced by his palm shook the spectators¡¯ eardrums, who had to cover their eyes and ears.


    ¡°What a terrifying palm technique. He¡¯s doomed now!¡± Some had higher cultivation among the spectators, and their eyes were fixed on Liu Wuxie and Hou Chi.


    Liu Wuxie was trapped as if caught in a whirlpool and would die if he couldn¡¯t escape. This made Bai Lin and Tang Tian anxious, but their strength was insufficient to help. Moreover, they were blown away when Hou Chi released his aura in the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    Facing Hou Chi¡¯s deadly strike, Liu Wuxie had no fluctuation in his eyes, and his right hand descended like aet. The sky plunged into darkness with all the light source absorbed by the stars, making it impossible to see the battle.


    Half of Fan City could feel the impact when the two attacks collided with a terrifying outburst of energy sweeping out.


    The spectators standing a hundred meters away were caught in the shockwave and sent flying away. Those in the low levels of the True Core Realm even threw up blood.


    From a distance away, it looked like ayer of ripple was spreading out from the center of the battlefield. Shortly after, a white figure flew out from the darkness with blood dyeing his chest.


    The darknesssted for five breaths, and the center of the battlefield was in ruins, with a crater reaching five to six meters deep.


    Liu Wuxie stood in the rubble, his face slightly flushed and his chest heaving lightly. But hisplexion returned to normal after he took a deep breath.


    Hou Chi stood outside the battlefield with a grim face and blood dripping down the corner of his lips, injured from the previous sh. He felt humiliated that someone in the sixth level of the True Core Realm had injured him.


    ¡°I¡¯ll kill you!¡± Hou Chi roared. This was a massive blow to his pride, and it was natural he couldn¡¯t swallow this humiliation down.


    But Liu Wuxie stood quietly in ce with murderous intent shing through his eyes. This was Fan City, and Hou Chi would be dead by now if they were anywhere else. He held back one-third of his strength in the critical moment.


    Killing Hou Chi was easy, but the three would have no hope of leaving Fan City afterward.


    It wasn¡¯t because Liu Wuxie feared trouble, but he didn¡¯t want to implicate Bai Lin and Tang Tian in this mess. He had many ways to escape Fan City, but Bai Lin and Tang Tian couldn¡¯t.


    An enraged Heavenly Dipper Realm cultivator was terrifying, and a serious look shed in Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes. He knew that a battle was inevitable.


    ¡°Hou Chi, stop right there!¡± A delicate shout interrupted just when a battle was about to erupt, causing Hou Chi to stop in his tracks.


    A young woman emerged from the Yu n, donning a light yellow skirt that exuded elegance. Two maids followed behind her as they quickly approached.


    ¡°Jiayin, you want to stop me from killing him?¡± Hou Chi¡¯s face became ugly. This woman was none other than Yu Jiayin, the eldest daughter of the Yu n.


    The letter Bai Lin carried was for her.


    ¡°They came to deliver a letter to me, but you attacked them indiscriminately. This is the Yu n¡¯s territory, and this isn¡¯t somewhere you can do what you want.¡± Yu Jiayin was unhappy, with a hint of anger in her tone. She even revealed a trace of disgust toward Hou Chi.


    This was the Yu n¡¯s front gate, and Hou Chi was unreasonable in attacking someone who came to deliver a letter to her. Then again, only Yu Jiayin dared to speak this way because the other Yu n members did not dare to interfere and could only stand in a corner.


    ¡°Don¡¯t think I don¡¯t know. Did that pretty boy send them to deliver a letter to you?¡± Hou Chi¡¯s face became ugly, and his tone was icy.


    Yu Jiayin frowned upon hearing what Hou Chi said, and this also left Liu Wuxie¡¯s group of three baffled, wondering who the ¡®pretty boy¡¯ was.


    ¡°Hou Chi, please show some respect in your words!¡± Seeing Yu Jiayin biting her lips, the maids behind her red at Hou Chi furiously because he was crossing the line.


    ¡°Am I wrong? We¡¯re engaged, and you¡¯re still flirting with other men. Did you show any respect for me?¡± Hou Chi sneered.


    This matter wasplicated, and Liu Wuxie¡¯s group of three was innocently dragged into this matter.


    ¡°Who said I must marry you? I have already informed my father to annul our engagement.¡± Yu Jiayin¡¯s voice was devoid of emotions, tantly showing her dislike for Hou Chi.


    ¡°Hahaha! I knew it! It must be because of that pretty boy!¡± Murderous intent shot out from Hou Chi¡¯s eyes upon hearing what Yu Jiayin said, especially when he looked at Liu Wuxie. He had made up his mind that he wouldn¡¯t rest until he killed Liu Wuxie for embarrassing him.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough! This is the Yu n¡¯s territory! Leave!¡± Yu Jiayin interrupted Hou Chi, asking him to leave, but he wasn¡¯t wee there.


    The sudden change in the situation caught everyone off guard, and many Yu n¡¯s members urged Hou Chi to leave.


    ¡°Young missy, Hou Chi is the grandson of Hou n¡¯s grand elder. Your words might spark a conflict between the two ns,¡± a Yu n member whispered, hoping Yu Jiayin could consider Hou Chi¡¯s status.


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter with my tone?¡± Despite looking elegant and gentle, Yu Jiayin had a ferocious personality. She continued, ¡°He¡¯s an outsider, and he wants to kill someone freely as he wants right outside the Yu n¡¯s gates. This clearly disregards the Yu n, so why should I treat him nicely?¡±


    What Yu Jiayin said was reasonable because Hou Chi acted recklessly and only knew how to rely on his status.


    The Yu n¡¯s members couldn¡¯t say anything more. Hou Chi was of noble status, while Liu Wuxie¡¯s group of three were merely outer disciples of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. There was no way the two parties could be equal in their status.


    It was no wonder the Yu n¡¯s members weren¡¯t willing to step out because Liu Wuxie¡¯s group of three was insignificant in their eyes. After all, the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion would have outer disciples dying daily, and losing a few didn¡¯t matter.


    "Jiayin, do you really want to stop me from killing them?" Hou Chi took a deep breath to suppress his anger. While he could respect Yu Jiayin¡¯s wishes, he was reluctant to let Liu Wuxie go, yearning to reim his lost pride.


    ¡°I¡¯ve made myself clear. This is the Yu n¡¯s territory, and please leave if you want to kill someone!¡± Yu Jiayin¡¯s tone held a deeper meaning. She could ignore Hou Chi killing people, but not before the Yu n¡¯s gate, as it would only tarnish the Yu n¡¯s reputation, making them look ipetent.


    After hearing that, Liu Wuxie nced at Yu Jiayin because this woman wasn¡¯t simple. Then again, there were no fools among the descendants of prominent ns.


    ¡°Brat, just you wait! You¡¯re dead!¡± Hou Chi looked at Liu Wuxie as if he was looking at a dead man. He ignored Bai Lin and Tang Tian because his target was Liu Wuxie.


    Then again, Liu Wuxie remained unfazed under such an insignificant threat.


    Hou Chi left after he was done speaking. He had plenty of ways to kill Liu Wuxie as long as he stayed in Fan City.


    With Hou n¡¯s influence, they could easily trap Liu Wuxie¡¯s group of three in Fan City and kill them once the opportunity arrived.


    The crowd gradually dispersed, leaving Liu Wuxie¡¯s group of three standing.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for the trouble.¡± Yu Jiayin approached somewhat apologetically for the unwarranted disaster Liu Wuxie¡¯s group of three had faced.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Bai Lin took out the letter with displeasure on his face. He had taken this mission with Tang Tian, but they had dragged Liu Wuxie into this unwanted trouble by offending Hou Chi.


    ¡°This matter isplicated. You three must be tired from your journey; why don¡¯t you three rest for the night in the Yu n, and I¡¯ll exin everything?¡± Yu Jiayin invited them to stay at the Yu n for the night as some matters couldn¡¯t be discussed outside.

 Chapter 337 - Story

    <h4>Chapter 337 - Story</h4>


    Yu Jiayin invited Liu Wuxie''s group of three to stay for the night to thank them for delivering the letter.


    "Junior Brother Liu, what do you think?" Bai Lin asked, seeking Liu Wuxie''s opinion. After all, staying in the Yu n was safer as Hou Chi hadn''t gone far away, and they could find a way to leave the next day.


    After all, there was a possibility that Hou Chi would attack them if they stayed at an inn, and Yu Jiayin had suggested out of goodwill.


    If Liu Wuxie''s group of three were killed for delivering a letter in Fan City, no one would dare to deliver any letters to the Yu n in the future.


    "We will trouble Lady Yu then." Liu Wuxie agreed after a brief pondering. He decided to stay in the Yu n for the night before getting Bai Lin and Tang Tian to leave the next morning while he stayed behind to reforge the Heretic de.


    If he could reforge the Heretic de into a spiritual treasure, he would be able to fly with it, making it difficult for Hou Chi to catch up with him.


    The group entered the Yu n, passing through the front courtyard and entering a side hall meant for receiving less important guests. As for important guests, they were usually received at the main entrance.


    However, the trio didn''t mind that because they had no favorable opinion of the Yu n. They were just staying for the night.


    When they sat down, Yu Jiayin instructed her maid to prepare tea for the guests.


    "Aren''t you three curious about Hou Chi''s sudden hostility?" Yu Jiayin broke the silence, feeling the need to exin the situation when Liu Wuxie''s group of three had narrowly escaped death.


    "Lady Yu, go on!" Bai Lin prompted her to carry on. Liu Wuxie maintained his silence and only used Ghost Eye to scan most of the Yu n.


    He was surprised because the Yu n''s foundation was deeper than he had imagined. They had multiple ancestors in the Nascent Transformation Realm and even more experts in the Astral River, Heavenly Phase, and Heavenly Dipper Realms.


    This further intensified Liu Wuxie''s intention to be stronger. He knew his current strength couldn''t even deal with a third-rate n.


    "The story begins five years ago." Yu Jiayin began her story. Bai Lin didn''t interrupt and allowed her to continue.


    "Five years ago, I met Big Brother Qin You at an outing. He joined the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion three years ago and is now an inner disciple. The letter you three delivered came from him," Yu Jiayin exined.


    Liu Wuxie''s group of three only knew that an inner disciple had issued this mission, but they were unaware of his identity.


    "We fell in love at first sight and promised to marry. But three years ago, the Hou n proposed an alliance through marriage."


    The story was clear now. Yu Jiayin and Qin You fell in love and promised to marry, but the Hou n came and promised an alliance through marriage.


    Qin You was merely a member of a small n in Fan City, and there was no way his status couldpete with Hou Chi, the grandson of Hou n''s grand elder.


    In every n, the status of a grand elder was secondary to the patriarch, which proved Hou Chi''s high status. At that time, Yu Jiayin''s father hadn''t known that his daughter loved someone. Thus, he had agreed to the marriage proposal.


    By the time Yu Jiayin''s father learned of it, it was toote. All he could do was dy the marriage.


    The Hou n learned of it and located Qin You, threatening him to leave Yu Jiayin and even killing several Qin n members in the process.


    Coincidentally, the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion recruited disciples, and Qin You was selected three years ago. He now had some status in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion as an inner disciple, and it was harder for Hou Chi to kill him.


    That was the story. The Hou n wanted to form an alliance through marriage with the Yu n to strengthen their power, but Yu Jiayin had someone she loved, so she found various reasons to refuse.


    They hadmunicated through letters for the past few years, and Bai Lin had received the mission this time. This was why Liu Wuxie''s group of three was dragged into this matter.


    The three were innocent, and Hou Chi''s anger came from Qin You sending letters to Yu Jiayin, which humiliated him. Before their engagement was dissolved, Yu Jiayin held the title of Hou Chi''s fianc¨¦e. Thus, the fact that she had an unclear rtionship with another man naturally enraged him.


    Bai Lin sighed because they had offended the Hou n for a mission. He wouldn''t have epted this mission if he had known beforehand, but things had already happened, and there was nothing they could do now.


    This mission was ced in the red region, signaling that it was slightly dangerous. But he didn''t expect it to be so dangerous.


    After understanding the storypletely, Bai Lin was left with mixed emotions. Ultimately, it was because Hou Chi was too oppressive to attack them for no reason, and he even disregarded them.


    This was a matter between the Yu and Hou ns, yet Hou Chi hadshed out at an outsider because of his family affair, which was an act of cowardice. Hou Chi only knew how to rely on his status to do whatever he wanted in Fan City.


    "I have arranged guest rooms for you three. Someone will take you thereter. I have other matters to attend to and must leave now." Yu Jiayin stood up, excusing herself, and left the side hall with the letter in her hand.


    The three were left alone in the side hall. When Liu Wuxie recalled Ghost Eye, he noticed Bai Lin and Tang Tian looking at him.


    "Junior Brother Liu, I am to me for this unnecessary trouble." Bai Lin said with guilt, ming himself for inviting Liu Wuxie and dragging thetter into trouble.


    "Things have already happened, so there''s no need for apologies. Rest early tonight and leave Fan City at dawn. I will lure the Hou n''s attention away from you two." Liu Wuxie waved his hand, as Bai Lin couldn''t be med for something he wasn¡¯t aware of.


    Furthermore, given their close rtionship, this incident couldn¡¯t create a barrier between them.


    Bai Lin and Tang Tian had nothing to say after listening to what Liu Wuxie said.


    A maid came in and led the three to their guest rooms. This was only the outer region of the Yu n, far from the core region.


    Liu Wuxie sat on a meditation mat and took out an array of gs to ce them in the room''s four corners, which isted the room from the outside world.


    This was because Liu Wuxie sensed several powerful presences scanning him with their divine senses, and they were likely the Yu n''s experts.


    Liu Wuxie took out all the interspacial pouches and began to organize them, cing the materials meant for cksmithing aside and noting any shortages.


    With Fan City''s scale, he believed he should be able to gather the materials he needed.


    At nightfall, Liu Wuxie sorted over three hundred materials that could be used for forging spiritual treasures.


    Yu Huai had prepared these because he had reached the Quasi-Heavenly Dipper Realm, which was only one step away. He nned to use these materials to forge his spiritual treasure.


    However, everything now belonged to Liu Wuxie. To acquire them otherwise, he would have had to visit many ces, which would have consumed a lot of time.


    "These materials are enough to forge an ordinary spiritual treasure, but it would be better with Earth Essence. With it, the spiritual treasure I forge would have a greater growth potential," Liu Wuxie muttered.


    His ambition wasn''t just to upgrade the Heretic de to a spiritual treasure but a dao or celestial artifact.


    "I''ll look around Fan City tomorrow and see if I can find Earth Essence." Liu Wuxie stored the materials. Ordinary spiritual treasures were powerful, but that wasn''t Liu Wuxie''s objective. Since he wanted to forge a spiritual treasure, he naturally had to forge the best one.


    Liu Wuxie shut his eyes and circted the Deste Devouring Art. But he held back because he didn''t want to rm the Nascent Transformation Realm ancestors in the Yu n.


    Astral energy began pouring into Liu Wuxie''s soul sea when the astral bridge opened up, further enhancing the Primordial Astral Fist.


    Meanwhile, in a grand study room in the Yu n...


    "Master, here''s the report for today''s events. The three are still staying in the guest rooms." An old man stood at the side of the room. This was the Yu n''s steward who had served the Yu n for over thirty years. The person he was reporting to was Yu Jiayin''s father, the current Yu n''s patriarch.


    "Are you certain he''s only in the sixth level of the True Core Realm?" The patriarch said with disbelief. He was skeptical of someone in the sixth level of the True Core Realm being capable of injuring someone in the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    "I also doubted it initially, but I have verified it with many people. He practiced a weird fist technique, which enabled him to face Hou Chi," the steward confirmed. He would report the daily affairs to the patriarch at night, which was part of his job.


    "I got it. You can leave now!" The middle-aged man waved his hand to dismiss the steward from the study room. He soon unleashed his divine sense, passing through multiple buildings and reaching Liu Wuxie''s room.


    "Mhm?" The patriarch eximed because he was in the Quasi-Nascent Transformation Realm. He could step into the Nascent Transformation Realm in fifty years at most, but he was surprised when his divine sense couldn''t prate Liu Wuxie''s room.


    Liu Wuxie sensed a powerful divine sense scanning through his room. With a wave of his hand, the array g on the left copsed, dismissing the spiritual array and allowing that divine sense to enter.


    He quickly masked his aura and the Deste Devouring Art, making it seem like he was meditating. He did it on purpose because it would rm the Yu n''s experts if the divine sense of someone in the Quasi-Nascent Transformation Realm couldn''t prate through the spiritual array he had set up, and it would draw unwanted attention.


    Liu Wuxie was a cautious person who kept a low profile when necessary. He understood the importance of staying inconspicuous without absolute strength.


    When the divine sense scanned through the room, Liu Wuxie felt naked standing before it.


    The Heavenly Dao Book unfolded to shield his secrets. There was also a mysterious crystal wall around the world in his dantian, blocking any divine sense from prating. Liu Wuxie even simted a fake dantian and only made his true essence appear stronger than ordinary people.


    The divine sense departed after scanning the room for fifteen minutes. As it left, beads of sweat trickled down Liu Wuxie''s forehead. If the divine sense had continued to scrutinize him, his secrets might have been uncovered, as he was still too weak to conceal them fully.


    With a cautious expression, he stored the array gs. He hadn''t anticipated that the afternoon''s events would rm the Yu n''s higher-ups.


    The night passed, and it was rtively peaceful. Aside from that powerful divine sense, no one else examined him.


    The group of three left the Yu n at dawn, and someone was waiting outside their rooms as if their departure was anticipated.


    When the trio left the Yu n, they mobilized their movement technique to leave.


    A figure appeared shortly after they left; they had been keeping a watch throughout the night.


    The trio came to a stop as a fork in the road appeared before them.


    "Brother Bai, Brother Tang, you two leave first. I will head back to the sect as soon as possible." Liu Wuxie didn''t waste any words because it was too dangerous for Bai Lin and Tang Tian to stay around. He had plenty of ways to leave if he was on his own.


    "Junior Brother Liu, let us stay behind. We''re not afraid of death," Bai Lin insisted because it was too dangerous to let Liu Wuxie stay alone in Fan City.


    "I know you''re not afraid, but the two of you are only a burden to me. Leave immediately!" Liu Wuxie''s tone was a little heavy, but that was true. Bai Lin and Tang Tian also knew they would only be a burden if they stayed behind.


    "Alright, we''ll leave. But we won''t be able to forgive ourselves if anything happens to you!" Tang Tian cupped his fists together, and they headed out of the city using their movement technique.

 Chapter 338 - Xuanyu Auction House

    <h4>Chapter 338 - Xuanyu Auction House</h4>


    The two resolved that they wouldn''t live in disgrace if anything happened to Liu Wuxie. They felt guilty because they were the cause of this incident.


    Watching them leave, Liu Wuxie turned and darted in another direction. When the person tailing behind them saw the three had split up, he hesitated briefly before choosing to follow Liu Wuxie.


    This was because Hou Chi had explicitly instructed this person to closely watch Liu Wuxie and had mentioned nothing about the other two.


    As the street grew busier, a sneer crept onto Liu Wuxie''s lips. With a sudden burst of speed, hepelled his pursuer to match his pace.


    When faced with a fork in the road ahead, Liu Wuxie executed the Seven Dipper Steps, creating three afterimages that darted into each of the diverging paths.


    No one could tell which was his actual body, and this ced the youth tailing him in a difficult position, unsure of which one to pursue.


    Stomping his foot on the ground, the youth chose the path on the right. But he could only roar in frustration when the afterimage gradually faded through his pursuit.


    Liu Wuxie emerged from a corner, donning a bamboo hat to conceal himself. After shaking off his tail, he found a shop to enquire where he could find Earth Essence.


    The youth following Liu Wuxie gave up and left helplessly, returning to the Hou n to report the situation.


    Hou Chi had just awakened and was being attended to by two maids¡ªone assisting with his dressing and the other with washing his face.


    "Why have you returned?" Hou Chi came out to see the youth. This youth was his trusted aide, known for his cautiousness.


    "Young Master, I''ve made a mistake and lost him." The youth fell onto his knees. He had never encountered someone so cunning before, and his tracking skills had only failed him when he met Liu Wuxie.


    "Trash!" Hou Chi sent the youth flying with one kick, who threw up blood but didn''t dare toin.


    "Young Master, please be rest assured that I will find him!" The youth continued to kneel in the courtyard, not daring to wipe the blood off his lips. This was enough to prove how terrifying Hou Chi was in their eyes.


    "Hmph, do you think that I only sent you?" Hou Chi sneered. How could he possibly send one person to tail Liu Wuxie? He still had a chess piece in the dark, just that it was unknown to anyone else.


    There are many ways to track someone; the most foolish method was to tail behind someone, which would be easily noticed.


    The highest level of tracking someone was to hide in the crowd. The tracker might be a coachman ormoner, and they were indistinguishable from ordinary people.


    "Young Master is wise!" the young master ttered like apdog.


    "Get lost! The auction is about to start. Once it''s over, it will be the end of him!" Hou Chi roared, and the youth scurried away.


    After losing the pursuer, Liu Wuxie entered arge shop with many disyed items. There was even a counter that sold low-grade spiritual treasures. Pills, weapons, talismans, and talisman papers were also on sale.


    "Hello, how can I help you? I believe our shop can fulfill your needs." An old man in his fifties approached Liu Wuxie.


    The shop spanned thousands of square meters, thergest Liu Wuxie had ever seen, and it showcased a dazzling array of goods.


    When Liu Wuxie came in, he had scanned through every item with Ghost Eye, and there weren''t many things that caught his eye except for some sixth-grade pills. After all, most spiritual treasures were too weak for him.


    "I wish to buy some Earth Essence. Do you have it?" Liu Wuxie asked. The Earth Essence was precious; each grain was worth a few hundred spirit stones. Liu Wuxie estimated that he needed a few thousand grains to reforge the Heretic de, costing tens of thousands of spirit stones.


    Most people couldn''t afford it except for experts in the Heavenly Phase Realm.


    Then again, Liu Wuxie was well-stocked in spirit stones soon after obtaining over four hundred thousand from Yu Huai and tens of thousands on him.


    "Young Master, please don''t joke around. How can something as precious as Earth Essence be sold in our shop?" The old man said helplessly. This shop was huge, but they also didn¡¯t have treasures like Earth Essence for sale.


    This was because ordinary spiritual treasures wouldn''t need Earth Essences. Once the cost was too high, a spiritual treasure would cost over a hundred thousand mid-grade spirit stones even if they were forged, and this wasn''t something affordable for those in the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    Those in the Heavenly Phase Realm could refine the Xiantian Spirit, which was on a higher grade than spiritual treasures. So, it was impossible for someone to spend over a hundred thousand mid-grade spirit stones to buy a low-grade spiritual treasure.


    After all, most spiritual treasures were priced around tens of thousands of spirit stones.


    Secondly, most cksmiths couldn''t melt the Earth''s essence, making it impossible to forge a perfect spiritual treasure even if they had it.


    But it was different for Liu Wuxie. In the long run, Liu Wuxie would rather spend more resources to allow the Heretic de to grow with him.


    A few thousand grains of Earth Essences could buy several spiritual treasures, so they weren''t avable here.


    "Then, where can I buy Earth Essence?" Liu Wuxie asked. He could only settle for the second best if he couldn''t find any. But he wouldn''t give up as long as there was a glimmer of hope.


    "There''s an auction in Fan City today, and it should start soon. You can try your luck there, but I''m unsure if there will be any for sale," the old man said and left to attend to the other customers.


    Coming out of the shop, Liu Wuxie went on the street to ask a passerby for the auction''s location. Auctions had been passed down since ancient times.


    Most treasures would be sold through auctions, and if Liu Wuxie had something he didn''t need, he could pass it to the auction to sell for him. For the service, they would only draw amission from the proceeds.


    Themission rates varied, but the average rate was three percent. Selling an item for a hundred thousand spirit stones resulted in amission fee of three thousand spirit stones, which ensured the auction house made a profit.


    In addition to treasures assigned by others to sell, the auctioneers also sold their own treasures, with the highest bidder winning. In an auction, the price of an item generally exceeded its market value because of its rarity.


    The auction houses were like beasts devouring money, but people still flocked to them to buy items.


    Liu Wuxie had attended massive auctions in the past as an Immortal Emperor, and each item could cause a sensation in the Celestial Realm.


    He had once assigned the auction to sell a rare spiritual pill, which was sold for a trillion immortal crystals.


    After finding out the auction house''s location, Liu Wuxie sped up. Not long after he left, a peddler quietly followed behind him, blending into the crowd with a load on his shoulder.


    Liu Wuxie walked for roughly an hour before a majestic building appeared.


    "Xuanyu Auction House!" The three golden words emitted a faint pressure, and an expert in the True Profound Realm had written these words.


    The entrance was packed with people, all gathered for the auction. Liu Wuxie arrived rtivelyte and suspected that few seats would remain avable.


    "To enter the auction house, you must pay a thousand mid-grade spirit stones as an entry fee," said the two burly guards at the entrance. This was the other way for the auction house to make money.


    Arge-scale auction house could amodate tens of thousands of people, while a smaller one could amodate seven to eight thousand.


    A powerful force backed every auction house, and they often had close ties with the ten major sects.


    When the sect acquired treasures they had no use for and found inconvenient to sell themselves, they wouldmission the auction house to handle their sale.


    The entry fee deterred many people, and Liu Wuxie blended into the crowd while moving closer to the entrance. However, several people were still ahead of him.


    "Hurry up! The seats are running out! Get lost if you don''t have any spirit stones to pay the entry fee!" The two guards yelled while collecting spirit stones.


    Few would genuinely benefit from an auction, and most people spent a thousand mid-grade spirit stones to join the fun.


    "There aren''t any more seats. All of you can leave!" The auction house ran out of seats when it was Liu Wuxie''s turn.


    "Here are a thousand spirit stones. Please make an exception for me." Liu Wuxie said, holding onto the spirit stones. Even if he couldn''t buy Earth Essence, he still nned to take a look.


    "I''m sorry, but we''re out of seats." The two burly guards looked helpless. The auction was about to start, and they also wanted to watch.


    However, a figure flew out from the auction house when they were about to close the gate.


    "How dare you cause trouble in Xuanyu Auction House! Don''t you know the meaning of death?!" The figure crashed onto the street, and he was probably thrown out for causing trouble. After all, every auction house had an unwritten rule, and fighting was prohibited.


    If someone bought a treasure and someone attacked him to seize it, the auction house would fall into chaos. However, that was only limited to the auction, and individuals were responsible for themselves once they left.


    "There should be a vacant seat now that someone was thrown out!" Liu Wuxie said, taking out a hundred more spirit stones and handing them to the guards.


    The guards smiled as they epted the spirit stones and reopened the door. "Go on in!"


    As Liu Wuxie entered the auction house, he felt like he had entered a new world. The auction house was majestic, like an upside-down dome with seats all around, and was densely packed with people.


    The bottom of the dome had several tables, and items were being transported there for auction.


    When Liu Wuxie came in, he soon found his seat. It was decent, as it was very close to the front.


    Beside him sat a youth who still had anger on his face. If Liu Wuxie hadn''t been mistaken, the man thrown out earlier must have had a conflict with this person.


    To his right was a beautiful woman. She might not beparable to Xu Lingxue, but she was still a rare beauty who only appeared slightly older than Liu Wuxie. When she saw Liu Wuxie, she nodded her head gently.


    After entering, Liu Wuxie removed his bamboo hat because no one would recognize him there.

 Chapter 339 - Heavenly Artifacts Fragment

    <h4>Chapter 339 - Heavenly Artifact''s Fragment</h4>


    After everyone sat down, the surrounding lights dimmed, making seeing each other''s faces barely possible.


    All the lights were focused in the center, where an elderly man walked to the stage. There were a few women behind him, and they were all beauties dressed in revealing outfits. Their appearance instantly elicited whistles from the audience.


    "It''s the day for the auction again, and I would like to thank everyone for your support," the elder said courteously, cupping his fists at the audience.


    An auction was held once a month there, which was the norm in Fan City. Even so, the elder still needed to thank everyone.


    "Stop wasting time and start the auction already!" someone urged, getting impatient.


    "I see many new faces, so let me introduce myself along with the auction house''s rules in case someone vites them," the old man said and swept his gaze around, releasing a powerful aura in the Nascent Transformation Realm that silenced the audience.


    No one expected this unassuming old man to be an expert in the Nascent Transformation Realm. Liu Wuxie had to activate the Heavenly Dao Book to resist the pressure.


    But the young man on his left trembled slightly under the pressure, while the woman on his right was calm andposed. This instantly made Liu Wuxie realize this woman wasn''t simple.


    "My surname is Tai, and you can all call me Elder Tai. The rules are simple: the highest bidder wins. The item will be marked as sold if there aren''t any further bids after the call. Fighting and arguments are prohibited, and vitors will either be expelled or executed on the spot regardless of status. So please follow the rules while you''re all in Xuanyu Auction House." Elder Tai''s words were infused with his true essence, exuding an overwhelming pressure that few could withstand.


    The auction house was so quiet that a pin drop could be heard. This was the intimidation of someone in the Nascent Transformation Realm.


    The old man was satisfied with the reaction from the audiance. When he recalled his aura, everyone felt relieved.


    "Let''s cut the chit-chat and start with the first item. This is an item assigned to us for auction, and it''s a scroll from ancient times. The seller has set the price at ten thousand mid-grade spirit stones; each increment must not exceed a thousand. Let us start the bidding now!"


    When the old man said that, a woman came forward and took an ancient scroll from the pile of items; the writings were blurred with age.


    Despite being tattered, this ancient scroll was priced ridiculously high, with a starting bid of ten thousand mid-grade spirit stones. Because no one knew if this scroll would be worth the price, no one ced a bid on it.


    A smile rose on Liu Wuxie''s lips. Since this was an item assigned to the auction house for sale, the owner must''ve studied it for a long time and wanted to sell it after it was no longer valuable.


    After all, no one would take it out to sell if it was a treasure. Thus, there was a possibility that this scroll had little value, and no one might buy it even if the price was reduced to a thousand mid-grade spirit stones.


    Everyone here wasn''t stupid, and no one was willing to be taken advantage of. Thus, it was natural that no one would bid for the ancient scroll.


    After a long wait without any bids, the ancient scroll was ultimately passed over. Elder Tai''s expression remained unchanged as if he had already anticipated this oue.


    This ancient scroll had been in the Xuanyuan Auction House for a year and was still unsold.


    The initial price was fifty thousand spirit stones, which waster reduced to ten thousand. Even so, no one was interested in the ancient scroll.


    "Next up is the second item, a high earth-grade martial technique, the Sun Chasing Sword. The starting bid will be at thirty thousand mid-grade spirit stones, and each bid must not be less than a thousand spirit stones."


    Before Elder Tai could finish, someone had already called out a bid, "Thirty-five thousand!"


    A high earth-grade martial technique was rare and only owned by the ten major sects and prominent ns. Many smaller ns needed help to evene in contact with a martial technique of this level.


    This was an opportunity, and many people were determined to buy it even if they had to go broke.


    "Forty thousand!" Another person raised the bid. The bidding wasn''t intense because there were few bidders. After all, the poor couldn''t afford it, and those with a background like Hou Chi didn''t need it.


    In the end, the martial technique was bought by a small n for fifty-four thousand spirit stones.


    This shocked Liu Wuxie inwardly, and he had underestimated the value of martial techniques for one to be sold at such a high price.


    "The third item is a spiritual treasure, with a starting bid of thirty thousand. Each bid must not be any lesser than one thousand!" An average spiritual treasure was priced at a hundred thousand spirit stones.


    The spiritual treasure was sold to a prominent n member through intensepetitions for ny thousand spirit stones.


    "This spiritual treasure has a noticeable w and will need to be repaired, which would at least cost fifty to sixty thousand spirit stones. It''s not worth it," the youth on the left said. The spiritual treasure had a crack, so it was sold cheaply.


    Liu Wuxie also noticed that the longsword had a fine crack on it.


    "He might not intend to repair it but to extract the spirituality inside and infuse it into his spiritual treasure," the woman on the rightmented. After all, buying a spiritual treasure didn''t necessarily mean using it. They could also extract the spirituality to strengthen their own, aiming for an early advancement of the xiantian spirit.


    Liu Wuxie''s eyes lit up because he also noticed that the man who bought it had a spiritual treasure of his own. He now knew why this person spent so many spirit stones to buy a wed one.


    Spiritual treasures could devour each other to strengthen spirituality, allowing it to advance more quickly.


    Items were auctioned off one after another, and eight items had already been sold. They included weapons, martial technique manuals, forging materials, and pills.


    "The item next will be somewhat special. After much discussion, we knew nothing about the material and set the price at twenty thousand spirit stones. Each bid must not be any lesser than a thousand." A maid came forward with a tray covered in a red cloth, which Elder Tai uncovered to expose a dark-brown iron fragment. This fragment was about the size of an adult''s palm and didn''t give off any aura.


    "What''s that?" A discussion came from the surroundings, and many experts in the Astral River Realm were present. But they couldn''t tell what this iron fragment was.


    "Could they be trying to fool us with a useless iron fragment? There were simr cases in the past where the treasure had turned out to be trash." There was a possibility that the auction house tried to sell something unidentifiable at a high price, but it was worthless in reality.


    "Whatever it is, I won''t spend spirit stones to buy something useless." There wasn''t a single bid because this iron fragment had no spiritual energy or runes. It was a piece of garbage, no matter how anyone looked at it.


    "We''ve tested this iron fragment with various mes, but we couldn''t melt it no matter how hard we tried. I suspect that it''s a divine iron from beyond our realm." Elder Tai didn''t give up. This iron fragment was auctioned multiple times but couldn''t be sold.


    Elder Tai conducted a live experiment to earn the audience''s trust by enveloping the iron fragment with me. A strange scene soon unfolded because the iron fragment remained unscathed despite burning for a long time. Oddly, it even felt cold to touch.


    Despite this exhibition, the desire to buy wasn''t strong. After all, it was trash if it couldn''t be refined, and this iron fragment had no research value.


    No one would be interested in a piece of iron unless it had spiritual runes or spiritual energy fluctuations. But if it contained spiritual runes or energy fluctuations, it would''ve been snatched up long ago.


    Elder Tai smiled bitterly after waiting for a long time, and no one called for a bid. The maid beside him was about to leave with the tray and proceed with the next item.


    "Elder Tai, since no one is interested in this iron fragment, do you think you can sell it to me at a lower price?" Liu Wuxie spoke up. The price of twenty thousand spirit stones was high. He might notck spiritual stones, but that didn''t mean he could waste them.


    Others couldn''t see the value, but he could tell this iron fragment was extraordinary with Ghost Eye. It wasn''t just an iron fragment but a fragment of a heavenly artifact, which corresponded with the True Profound Realm.


    There were few experts in the True Profound Realm in the Southern Province, and how would they possiblye to such an auction?


    Even Elder Tai couldn''t recognize it because he hadn''t seen a heavenly artifact before.


    Experts in the Nascent Transformation Realm used origin artifacts, and even someone in the True Profound Realm might not be able to forge a genuine heavenly artifact in their lifetime. This proved the rarity of heavenly artifacts.


    Countless gazes fell on Liu Wuxie because bargaining was forbidden in the auction house, and Liu Wuxie was the first to ask Elder Tai to lower the price.


    "Hahaha! Brat, don''te and join the fun if you can''t afford it." Laughter erupted from the surroundings, amused by Liu Wuxie''s words. It wasn''t because they couldn''t afford it, but they weren''t interested in this iron fragment.


    Seated in the VIP section, Hou Chi narrowed his eyes as he overlooked the auction house, his gaze falling on Liu Wuxie. Since Liu Wuxie had removed his bamboo hat, Hou Chi recognized him instantly.


    "It''s him! Hahaha, you''re simply courting death! It will be your death once the auction ends!" Hou Chi said.


    "Brother Hou, who made you so furious?" There were several youths besides Hou Chi, all young masters in Fan City, who often hung out together.


    "A nobody!" Hou Chi was too embarrassed to mention yesterday''s incident and how he had suffered at Liu Wuxie''s hands.


    "He''s merely someone in the sixth level of the True Core Realm. Brother Hou can easily kill someone like him with a p, so why bother getting angry?" The young masters didn''t think highly of Liu Wuxie after checking his cultivation.


    The auction continued, and Elder Tai hesitated as he looked at Liu Wuxie. He knew the price would be even lower if it couldn''t be sold today. It was set at twenty thousand this time, and it might be ten thousand next time or even sold at a loss if they couldn''t take back the price they had paid for it.


    "How much are you willing to pay for it?" They had acquired this iron fragment from a rogue cultivator, spending three thousand spirit stones. As long as the price Liu Wuxie offered was higher, Elder Tai wouldn''t mind selling it to Liu Wuxie. After all, they had no harvest, even after studying it for years.


    "How about five thousand spirit stones?" Liu Wuxie estimated that the Xuanyu Auction House probably had bought it for three to five thousand spirit stones, and his offer was reasonable.


    If everyone knew this was a heavenly artifact''s fragment, they would probably go insane over it, even if they had to pay a million mid-grade spirit stones.


    If someone in the True Core Realm knew, they wouldn''t mind exhausting all their resources to buy it.

 Chapter 340 - Talisman Paper

    <h4>Chapter 340 - Talisman Paper</h4>


    Liu Wuxie''s offer was reasonable. It was within his budget and ensured that the Xuanyu Auction House wouldn''t lose money; it was a win-win situation.


    "Are you sure you want to buy this fragment?" The woman on the right asked. Many experts in the Astral River Realm were present, but they couldn''t even determine the value of this iron fragment.


    Although she might be in the Heavenly Dipper Realm and had plenty of spirit stones, she wouldn''t dare to spend five thousand spirit stones on something useless.


    "Thank you for your reminder, but I believe this iron fragment must have its value." Liu Wuxie knew the woman had warned him out of goodwill, and he expressed his gratitude.


    Liu Wuxie wasn''t interested in the value of this mysterious heavenly artifact''s fragment, but something else. This proved that heavenly artifacts had appeared in the Southern Province or someone in the True Profound Realm had died here. The value of this information alone was far more valuable than that of this fragment.


    The True Profound Realm might seem unattainable in the eyes of ordinary people, and only the sect masters of the ten major sects had such a cultivation. But was that the case?


    Coming in contact with that level was impossible if you couldn''t reach it. It was the same as the poor people being unable to understand the world of the rich.


    Through this fragment, Liu Wuxie could learn more information about experts, which was more important.


    Five thousand spirit stones was an insignificant amount for Liu Wuxie, not to mention that this fragment''s value could even be sold for fifty million if everyone knew what it was.


    However, to avoid attracting unwanted attention, Liu Wuxie pretended to hesitate while feeling anxious inside, fearing that Elder Tai wouldn''t sell it to him.


    He could''ve offered twenty thousand, but it would lose its purpose and attract unwanted attention. This would only lead to otherspeting for this fragment, not to mention he wasn''t the only one with many spirit stones.


    Cultivators in the Heavenly Dipper Realm might not be wealthier than him, but what about those in the Heavenly Phase and Astral River Realms? They wouldn''t be interested in Earth Essence because it was useless to them, but a heavenly artifact''s fragments differed. Even someone in the Nascent Transformation Realm would scramble for it.


    This tiny-looking fragment involved many things he had to consider, including human nature. He also had to avoid arousing the curiosity of others, making itplicated.


    Lowering the price would give everyone a message that he was simply interested and couldn''t find anything valuable about it.


    Furthermore, he had to pretend to hesitate to signal that he was starting to regret it. This would further reduce the interest of others in it.


    Hou Chi initially wanted to bid for the fragment, but heughed at Liu Wuxie''s hesitation. He knew he would be a fool if he bid for this item, and Liu Wuxie withdrew.


    "Since this young master is so interested and sincere in his offer, I''ll sell it to him." Elder Tai said with some hesitation and signaled the maid to hand the item to Liu Wuxie before he changed his mind.


    "Bullshit. You probably can''t wait to sell it..." Someone in the crowd sneered, seeing through Elder Tai''s facade, who looked hesitant but wore a smile on his face.


    To everyone present, it appeared that the Xuanyu Auction House had finally sold the fragment without losing its worth and even earned a few thousand spirit stones. However, only Liu Wuxie knew he had benefited the greatest.


    It had always been Liu Wuxie''s principle to benefit without anyone knowing and to keep a low profile. As he stored the fragment, he handed five thousand spirit stones to the maid andpleted the transaction.


    There was no fear of being robbed inside the auction house, but outside was another story. Every year, there would be people dying mysteriously after leaving the auction house, and they were killed for their treasures.


    Liu Wuxie kept the fragment in his interspatial pouch and didn''t have time to check it. His true essence was unique, and activating the spiritual runes inside the fragment was going to be troublesome.


    There was a fifteen-minute short break before the auction resumed. Each auction typically featured about thirty items, and at least thirty were auctioned. There were already sixteen items auctioned, and a few items were left.


    "Next is a batch of sixth-grade talisman papers. A master has crafted them, and the runes on the talisman papers are better than those sold in the market." After a short break, the auction resumed, and a maid took out about fifty talisman papers.


    Liu Wuxie''s eyes lit up at the mention of precious talisman papers. Sixth-grade talisman papers were on par with the Heavenly Dipper Realm, capable of unleashing an attack equivalent to that level of power.


    Until now, most auction items were targeted at those in the Heavenly Dipper Realm. That was natural because the Heavenly Dipper Realm was the mainstream in Fan City, with over half the cultivators in that cultivation. The remaining thirty percent were in the True Core Realm, while the remaining twenty were in the Heavenly Phase and Astral River Realms.


    Those in the Heavenly Phase and Astral River Realms were here for the grand finale of the auction. In each auction, the grand finale would reach a sky-high price.


    "The starting bid is twenty thousand spirit stones, with one thousand as the minimum increment!" Talisman papers were priced rtively low due to the scarcity of spiritualists.


    Alchemists were already rare enough, but cksmiths, spiritual array masters, and spiritualists were even fewer in numbers. So it was futile even if they bought the talisman papers if they needed to learn how to inscribe runes on them.


    "The price is too high, and I don''t need that many. I only need five." The woman on the right sighed because very few could buy fifty talisman papers in one batch. But she would consider buying ten if they were sold individually.


    Using talismans was the same as throwing spirit stones at enemies because the price could reach a hundred thousand. Throwing so many spirit stones at once, even someone in the Heavenly Phase Realm would be in trouble.


    Liu Wuxie shared the same thought as the woman on his right. He might need talisman papers, but buying fifty at once was too extravagant. He only needed five to six for emergencies; any more would be a waste.


    "Elder Tai, you might be unable to sell them this way. Why not split them up? I only need ten, and any more would be useless." A voice sounded from the crowd who shared the same thought as the woman on Liu Wuxie''s right.


    "That''s right. We''re in the Heavenly Dipper Realm and don''t have that many spirit stones. I''m afraid not many can buy fifty at once." Another cultivator in the Heavenly Dipper Realm chimed in.


    Sixth-grade talisman papers were equivalent to the strike of someone in the Heavenly Dipper Realm, and they were useless for someone in the Heavenly Phase Realm. But it was too costly for those in the Heavenly Dipper Realm, thus creating an awkward situation.


    As for those in the True Core Realm, they could only watch helplessly because they couldn''t inscribe sixth-grade spiritual runes.


    Several others expressed the same sentiment, and Elder Tai was convinced.


    "Very well, I''ll split them up then. We''ll go with five talisman papers a batch, and the starting bid will be at two thousand spirit stones with a minimum increment of one hundred." This meant the fifty talisman papers were divided into ten batches, igniting everyone''s purchasing desire.


    "Two thousand five hundred!" The first who suggested splitting the talisman papers into batches stood up, and two thousand five hundred spirit stones wasn''t a low bid.


    No one else called for a bid, and he bought the first batch smoothly. As there were forty-five more talisman papers, everyone wasn''t in a hurry to bid.


    The talisman papers were sold in batches, with the price hovering around two thousand five hundred spirit stones. Talisman papers weren''t popr, and there were few buyers.


    On the seventh batch, the woman on the right finally called for a bid, and this batch was ultimately settled for 2,400 spirit stones.


    When the eighth batch came up, the price remained unchanged, but no one bid for it. After all, spiritualists were scarce.


    "Two thousand one hundred!" Liu Wuxie finally called out his bid.


    Upon hearing his bid, the woman on the right turned to look at Liu Wuxie. She asked, "You''re also buying talisman papers?"


    "Yeah," Liu Wuxie replied. He knew what she meant because he was only in the sixth level of the True Core Realm, and buying sixth-grade talisman papers seemed wasteful.


    Generally speaking, there was a strict division for each realm. Those in the sixth-level True Core Realm could only inscribe fifth-grade talismans at best and couldn''t inscribe sixth-grade talismans.


    The woman shook her head and said nothing else because it was Liu Wuxie''s freedom to buy whatever he wanted. No one elsepeted, and Liu Wuxie ultimately bought this batch at the lowest price.


    Not a single talisman paper would have sold if the batch of fifty hadn''t been divided. The auction resumed, and a giant vat was brought in with four men struggling to ce it on the stage. This proved the vat was incredibly heavy, whatever it was.


    As soon as they ced the giant vat down, the entire auction hall was enveloped in a demonic aura. Those with weaker cultivation couldn''t withstand the pressure and trembled in fear.


    "Seventh-grade demonic beast!" The man on the left eximed as he trembled.


    Seventh-grade demonic beasts were equivalent to human cultivators in the Heavenly Phase Realm. Some stronger demonic beasts in that grade could even speak the human tongue.


    As for eighth-grade demonic beasts, they could take on the human form.


    Lastly, ninth-grade demonic beasts were equivalent to human cultivators in the Nascent Transformation Realm, and they could easily conceal themselves in the crowd undetected.


    "I won''t waste time introducing much since you all know what this is. This is the beast core of a seventh-grade demonic beast, the Scarlet Cloud Bull. Not only can it be refined into pills, forged into weapons, but the demonic aura can also be extracted to cultivate." Elder Tai opened the vat and revealed a crimson pulsating ball inside.


    To preserve the energy in the beast core, all of Scarlet Cloud Bull''s internal organs were extracted and soaked in a special liquid in the vat to prevent excessive loss of demonic aura.


    The rampant demonic aura continued to wreak havoc in the auction hall. Those in the True Core Realm were on the verge of copse, and even those in the Heavenly Dipper Realm were barely holding on.


    Liu Wuxie sat still and unaffected by the demonic aura. This made the woman on the right curious because even some in the low levels of the Heavenly Dipper Realm had their faces turning pale.


    However, Liu Wuxie¡¯s expression remained calm. The beast core of a seventh-grade demonic beast was precious, but it was too expensive.


    He sighed in resignation because Earth Essence was his goal, and he couldn''t afford to be distracted. Seventh-grade demonic beasts were useless to him now because he couldn''t refine them. The world in his dantian would blow apart from the influx of energy if he tried to refine it.


    It would be a different story if he could reach the Heavenly Dipper Realm, but cultivation was gradual. Those in the Heavenly Phase Realm wouldn''t just sit by and participate in thepetition.


    With the atmosphere almost built up, Elder Tai covered the vat. The demonic aura soon dispersed, and the pressure lifted. This instantly made many people heave a sigh of relief.


    Some were drenched in sweat like they had been fished out of water.

 Chapter 341 - Earth Essence

    <h4>Chapter 341 - Earth Essence</h4>


    More than a hundred people were in the Heavenly Phase Realm, and an intensepetition was about to unfold.


    In addition to the Yu and Hou ns, some medium-sized ns would also participate in the bidding.


    Cultivators passing through Fan City would take advantage of this grand event. Seventh-grade demonic beasts were rare, and they could only be found in the deepest parts of the mountain range, which was dangerous, and no ordinary people would venture so deep.


    "The starting price is one hundred thousand mid-grade spirit stones, with a minimum increment of five thousand!" The exorbitant price instantly filtered out ny percent of the attendees.


    Those in the Heavenly Dipper Realm couldn''t afford it, and those in the True Core Realm couldn''t withstand the demonic aura even if given to them.


    "110,000!"


    "150,000!"


    "200,000!" Bids were called, and the price was doubled in a split second, reaching two hundred thousand. The atmosphere was heated, and this ce looked more like an auction now.


    Each bid would be followed with apuses, and the price continued to climb.


    "350,000!" A few breathster, more people joined the bid, and the price soared. A seventh-grade demonic beast''s actual value was 200,000 to 300,000 spirit stones.


    The Scarlet Cloud Bull wasn''t a rare demonic beast, with a value of at most 250,000 spirit stones. The current price was already one hundred thousand mid-grade spirit stones above the market value, reaching its limit as bids began to decrease.


    No one would spend another one hundred thousand spirit stones for a seventh-grade demonic beast unless they needed it urgently. Someone probably needed it to refine a pill, which was why the high price.


    In the end, an elder from the Hou n bought the seventh-grade beast core, and Hou Chi even congratted the elder.


    Yu Chan was at a disadvantage in this round of bidding. When the beast core was removed, the demonic aura disappeared except for a faint smell of blood, almost undetectable.


    The price of a beast core was close to all the items added together, and the bids would increase as the auction continued.


    As more items were being sold, this aroused everyone''s enthusiasm.


    Furthermore, the price would continue to climb as the auction continued.


    After the seventh-grade beast core, the next item threw the audience into a frenzy again.


    "Coming up next is a xiantian treasure infused with powerful xiantian spirit. The starting bid is one hundred thousand spirit stones, with a minimum increment of five thousand."


    The xiantian treasure corresponded with the Heavenly Phase Realm. It was also called treasure, but those in the Heavenly Dipper Realm could only forge ordinary spiritual treasure, and the spirituality wasn''t high, barely capable of supporting human flight.


    If someone in the Heavenly Phase Realm could gather enough xiantian spirit, they would be able to refine a xiantian treasure. The value of a xiantian treasure was also much higher than ordinary spiritual treasures.


    Xiantian spirit was like an embryo that needed to be nurtured in the spiritual treasure before gaining its spirituality. It was also known as artifact spirit in the cultivation world, which was the true power of xiantian treasures.


    Ordinary spiritual treasures were dead objects that required divine power to activate. However, once the xiantian spirit developed spirituality, it resembled a newborn baby bing an artifact spirit capable of thinking independently.


    One of the ten Immortal Emperors in the Celestial Realm was a manifestation of artifact spirit. After cultivating for tens of thousands of years and devouring other spirituality, it had slowly grown to be an Immortal Emperor.


    Elder Tai took out a longsword and infused his divine sense into it. There was a white spot deep in the sword, which was an embryo that was still being nurtured.


    By absorbing more spirituality, the embryo would gradually mature. This was to ensure the master of the artifact could use it more skillfully, and the artifact spirit could sense the master''s next movement.


    Many Heavenly Phase Realm experts who had missed the seventh-grade beast core showed regret on their faces, but the sudden appearance of the xiantian treasure made them excited.


    Most Heavenly Phase Realm experts would forge their xiantian treasure, but some needed to gather more materials. If they could buy a ready-made one, it would save them a lot of time.


    As for those who already had a xiantian treasure, it didn''t matter because they could use the xiantian spirit in the longsword to nurture their xiantian treasure.


    Liu Wuxie smiled bitterly because he wanted to buy this xiantian treasure. Even if there wasn''t any Earth Essence, just extracting the spirituality in this xiantian treasure was plentiful enough.


    "200,000!"


    "250,000!" Elder Tai hadn''t even announced the start of the bidding, but there were already people who couldn''t wait any longer. Thepetition was even more intense than the seventh-grade beast core, with the price rising continuously, reaching 350,000 spirit stones.


    "400,000!" a Yu n elder bid. Having missed out on the seventh-grade beast core earlier, he didn''t want to miss this opportunity.


    Perhaps to maintain the bnce between the two ns, no one from the Hou n bid for the xiantian treasure. The Yu n''s elder ultimately bought this longsword.


    Liu Wuxie wanted to make a move several times but ultimately held back. A xiantian treasure was good, but it might not bepatible since he hadn''t forged it.


    The prices kept increasing for the remaining items, but those in the Heavenly Dipper and True Core Realms were practically ignored, bing mere spectators.


    In the early stages of the auction, most items were contested by the True Core and Heavenly Dipper Realms. The remaining items were contested by those in the Heavenly Dipper and Astral River Realms.


    "The next item is somewhat special after selling the seventh-grade beast core and xiantian spirit. It''s neither a pill, a beast core, nor a weapon. It''s Earth Essence, and someone found it in an ancient tomb, entrusting it to our auction house to sell. There are about two thousand grains in total!"


    Before Elder Tai could finish, Liu Wuxie had already leaned forward, unable to contain his excitement upon hearing about the Earth Essence.


    The woman beside him clearly saw his movements. Since Liu Wuxie''s appearance, the woman had found many unusual aspects about him because he didn''t seem like someone in the sixth level of the True Core Realm.


    "Earth Essence? Does it really exist? I¡¯ve heard it can only be found in ancient tombs that are at least thousands of years old," the man on the left said with contempt. Earth Essence was so tough that not even someone in the Heavenly Phase Realm could refine it.


    This was because Earth Essence contained powerful earth-attributed energy. It was especially useful for cultivators of earth-attributed cultivation techniques, enabling them to advance several levels in their cultivation.


    "This is great! I have reached the eighth level in the Earth Origin Art. If I refine this Earth Essence, I can reach the highest level and the Heavenly Phase Realm!" a cultivator in the pinnacle Heavenly Dipper Realm said he was determined to buy it.


    Many people also expressed their interest in participating in the bidding. Even those in the Heavenly Phase Realm weren''t an exception because Earth Essence was useful for anyone who practiced an earth-attributed cultivation technique.


    Not only could Earth Essence be used to forge weapons, but it could also be used to forge armors. Furthermore, they could even be infused into warships, making them indestructible.


    Everyone had a different purpose for the Earth Essence, but their desire to buy was the same. The atmosphere was more heated than the auction for the seventh-grade beast core and xiantian treasure, pushing the auction to the peak.


    "The starting price for Earth Essence is one hundred thousand spirit stones, with a minimum increment of ten thousand." Though the increment had doubled from five thousand to ten thousand, it ultimately didn''t matter as only the final price counted.


    "150,000!" The cultivator who practiced the Earth Origin Art called out.


    "200,000!" Hou Chi was the second to bid. His cultivation technique was not rted to earth element, but he believed his master could use it. Thus, he nned to buy it for his master.


    Liu Wuxie felt anxious because he had underestimated the value of the Earth Essence. This was just the beginning, and the price had already soared to 200,000. This meant the final cost might reach a terrifying number.


    "250,000!"


    "300,000!" Hou Chi bid again. He was the grandson of Hou n''s grand elder and an inner disciple of the Azure Crimson Gate. His status couldn''t be measured with his cultivation. Just because something was beyond the reach of ordinary cultivators in the Heavenly Dipper Realm didn''t mean it was beyond his.


    The first bidder gave up because 300,000 spirit stones were his limit.


    The Yu n remained silent. It was as Liu Wuxie had expected: few in the Heavenly Phase Realm were bidding for it because it wasn''t beneficial for them, and most gave up after some time. They still had to save their spirit stones for the final item.


    "310,000!" Liu Wuxie bid after a brief silence from the surroundings.


    When he called out the bid, the woman on his right looked at him like she was looking at a madman. She couldn''t tell what Liu Wuxie was thinking about spending 310,000 spirit stones for Earth Essence when he was still in the True Core Realm.


    A xiantian treasure was priced at about three hundred thousand, the same price as two thousand grains of Earth Essence. However, if anyone learned that Liu Wuxie was spending so many spirit stones for forging a spiritual treasure, they would probably think he had gone insane.


    After all, most people would instead buy one if they could afford it, and it was more worthwhile.


    Not only the woman on his right but everyone in the auction hall looked at Liu Wuxie. Many people had reached their limit after buying one item, and even someone like Hou Chi hadn''t dared to bid on the previous items, afraid he would run out of spirit stones.


    Liu Wuxie instantly became the most dazzling presence in the auction house, spending five thousand on a piece of junk and two thousand for five talisman papers. These things didn''t match his identity at all.


    The fragment was eptable, but it was weird for someone in the sixth-level True Core Realm to buy sixth-grade talisman papers.


    "Is he insane? Does he think he can bid anyhow he likes in the auction house? He will be executed on the spot if he''s found maliciously bidding." There were instances where auction houses hired people to raise the bid whenever it stagnated in the past.


    After all, who would be so irrational to buy a useless fragment and five talisman papers in the True Core Realm?


    "Hahaha! Let''s see how he embarrasses himself. That''s 310,000 spirit stones we''re talking about, and many people in the Heavenly Phase Realm didn''t even have this much wealth." Everyone gloated as they looked at Liu Wuxie, waiting to see him in trouble.


    Yu Huai had killed many cultivators to gather more than four hundred thousand spirit stones. Not everyone could kill many people like Yu Huai in just over a year, and collecting so many spirit stones through normal means was impossible. Thus, it was understandable that everyone would think Liu Wuxie didn''t have that many spirit stones on him.


    Elder Tai looked at Liu Wuxie with suspicion, wondering if Liu Wuxie was hired by the auction house to bid maliciously. But he knew better than anyone that he didn''t recognize Liu Wuxie.


    "Brat, you darepete with me for the Earth Essence? I''ll let you know the meaning of death!" Hou Chi was enraged. It was fine if someone elsepeted with him, but it had to be Liu Wuxie.


    "Young Master Hou, are you only capable of making useless threats?" Liu Wuxie wore a harmless smile, showing no regard for Hou Chi. As long as he could get the Earth Essence, he would be able to upgrade the Heretic de into a spiritual treasure, and no one could stop him from leaving then.

 Chapter 342 - Profound Spirit Pavilion

    <h4>Chapter 342 - Profound Spirit Pavilion</h4>


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s sarcasm caused an uproar because even those in the Heavenly Phase Realm didn¡¯t dare to mock Hou Chi. So, who gave Liu Wuxie the guts to mock him?


    ¡°Brat, you want topete with me in wealth? I¡¯ll make sure you give up!¡± Hou Chi¡¯s face was grim. His desire to buy wasn¡¯t that strong initially. It would be good if he got it, but he wouldn¡¯t regret it if he couldn¡¯t. After all, the Earth Essence wasn¡¯t particrly useful to him, and he only wanted to buy it to give it to his master as a gift.


    However, since Liu Wuxie had ced the highest bid on it, Hou Chi wouldn¡¯t mind humiliating him. As the grandson of the Hou n¡¯s grand elder, spirit stones were thest thing hecked. At the very least, three to four hundred thousand was within his power.


    It wasn¡¯t just for his pride, but also the hatred of being injured by Liu Wuxie yesterday.


    ¡°330,000!¡± Hou Chi bid. Many cultivators in the Heavenly Phase Realm wanted to join in, but they gave up, seeing thepetition between Liu Wuxie and Hou Chi.


    ¡°350,000!¡± Liu Wuxie raised the bid without hesitation, which wasn¡¯t a tiny amount. This instantly made those around him look at him like they were looking at a monster.


    They began to wonder if he was really in the True Core Realm. Throughout history, only those who came from prominent ns were rich in the True Core Realm, like Hou Chi.


    ¡°Have you thought it through? This isn¡¯t a joke.¡± This wasn¡¯t the first time the woman on the right warned Liu Wuxie out of goodwill. After all, 350,000 spirit stones weren¡¯t a small sum, and even those in the Heavenly Phase Realm might be unable to afford it.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll give up when I reach my limit!¡± Liu Wuxie smiled. He was determined to get the Earth Essence, even if it meant going bankrupt.


    Seeing that Liu Wuxie wouldn¡¯t listen to her, the woman gave up trying to persuade him.


    ¡°370,000!¡± Hou Chi carried on bidding, but his speed slowed as he approached his limit.


    Elder Tai wasn¡¯t in a hurry and allowed the two to bid, with most gazes falling on Liu Wuxie, who was waiting for his bid.


    ¡°400,000!¡± Liu Wuxie added thirty thousand at once, which was close to his limit. He would consider whether he should continue if the price were any higher.


    Hou Chi hesitated because he wasn¡¯t sure if Liu Wuxie would follow. If he kept adding and Liu Wuxie suddenly gave up, he would have to pay an astronomical sum for a pile of useless Earth Essence.


    However, Hou Chi was reluctant to give up as this involved his pride when he had confidently dered that Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯tpete with him regarding wealth.


    He didn¡¯t care if it was three hundred thousand, but over four hundred thousand required serious consideration.


    ¡°Young Master Hou, what are you hesitating for? Are you afraid to bid, or you don¡¯t have enough spirit stones?¡± Liu Wuxie mocked, making Hou Chi grit his teeth in anger.


    His rationale told him to maintain hisposure and not to fall for Liu Wuxie¡¯s trap.


    ¡°Brother Hou, there¡¯s no need to bother with him. Let him buy it first and kill him for it once he leaves the auction house. That way, you can get the Earth Essence without spending a single spirit stone,¡± a young master from a prominent n consoled Hou Chi.


    ¡°That makes sense. Let him have his way for now, and it will be his death once he leaves the auction house.¡± Hou Chi went along after hearing that because he only had 420,000 spirit stones, and the bid was already close to his limit.


    They didn¡¯t lower their voices either, and Liu Wuxie had be Hou Chi¡¯s prey in everyone¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°That brat is only in the True Core Realm. Is he insane? Even if he managed to bid it, how will he leave Fan City alive?¡± Many people shook their heads and sighed because Liu Wuxie was too shy.


    It wasn¡¯t just Hou Chi eyeing him; even some cultivators in the Heavenly Phase Realm grew interested.


    In the end, Liu Wuxie sessfully bought the Earth Essence for 400,000 spirit stones, which he paid on the spot.


    "Who the hell is he? From his demeanor, it¡¯s clear that 400,000 spirit stones are just the tip of the iceberg for him. Could he be the son of one of the ten major sect masters?¡± Only their descendants could be this wealthy.


    ¡°This is impossible. The youngest son of the ten major sects is already thirty, while this person only looks to be eighteen or neen. He can¡¯t possibly be the son of one of the ten major sects¡¯ sect master.¡± That spection was soon rejected because Liu Wuxie was too young.


    Liu Wuxie kept the Earth Essence in his interspatial pouch in front of countless people.


    "Where in Fan City can one go into seclusion without being disturbed?" Liu Wuxie asked the woman on his right, seeking a quiet, undisturbed ce.


    ¡°In terms of safety, only the Profound Spirit Pavilion is suitable. If you have enough spirit stones, you can hire experts to be your bodyguards, including the Nascent Transformation Realm experts. They also provide many cultivation chambers, but they¡¯re all expensive,¡± the woman replied without any hesitation.


    The Profound Spirit Pavilion was not one of the ten major sects, but their status wasn¡¯t inferior. They focused on businesses and not recruiting disciples.


    They had branches in nine major cities, including Fan City.


    ¡°Thank you!¡± Liu Wuxie cupped his fists and left. There was no longer a reason for him to stay, even if the auction was ongoing. The remaining items had nothing to do with him, so he left decisively.


    As soon as he left, several people quietly followed behind, nning to assassinate him.


    ¡°Brother Hou, you¡¯re not going to wait till the end of the auction?¡±


    Not long after Liu Wuxie left, Hou Chi also stood up and left.


    ¡°I can¡¯t take this lying down without killing him!¡± Compared to the auction, Hou Chi found killing Liu Wuxie more important, and he vanished.


    When Liu Wuxie left the auction house, he darted into the crowd, using his movement technique straight for the Profound Spirit Pavilion.


    When he had arrived in Fan City, he had already bought a detailed map, and the Profound Spirit Pavilion was roughly fifteen minutes away. This period was most dangerous, and he would only be safe after reaching the Profound Spirit Pavilion.


    Ten figures closely followed behind, all in the pinnacle True Core Realm. Those in the Heavenly Phase Realm had to stay in the auction hall because the grand finale hadn¡¯t appeared yet, and they were unwilling to leave now.


    Moreover, killing Liu Wuxie would only tarnish their reputation as experts in the Heavenly Phase Realm.


    Liu Wuxie performed the Nine Heavenly Crane Dance and left behind afterimages on the street. But the ten people followed behind him closely, and he couldn¡¯t shake them off no matter how hard he tried.


    Hou Chi came out one stepter but wasn¡¯t in a hurry because he had eyes around. He was confident that Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t escape from him as long as he was in Fan City.


    Making a sharp turn, Liu Wuxie veered away from the Profound Spirit Pavilion, heading towards ruins. A battle must¡¯ve urred there, leaving behind this devastatedndscape.


    ¡°Brat, let me see how you¡¯re going to keep on running!¡± The ten people formed a circle and surrounded Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Do you all think I¡¯m running away from you guys?¡± Liu Wuxie nned to end the battle quickly in case Hou Chi caught up. He performed the third form of Fatality de Art when he drew the Heretic de.


    Before the ten people could be prepared, Liu Wuxie¡¯s de descended on them. They were all enveloped by the powerful de aura.


    Heads flew to the sky, and they didn¡¯t even know how they had died or how Liu Wuxie could have been so powerful. Liu Wuxie absorbed their energy, bringing him just one step away from reaching the seventh level.


    After looting their interspatial pouches, Liu Wuxie wasted no time and headed straight for the Profound Spirit Pavilion.


    When Hou Chi arrived, his eyes became serious when he looked at the aftermath.


    Liu Wuxie finally appeared before the Profound Spirit Pavilion after fifteen minutes. The ten people gave him five hundred thousand spirit stones, filling up the gap for buying the Earth Essence, and he even made a profit of one hundred thousand.


    These people were rich, and each had forty to fifty thousand spirit stones, which benefited Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°I need a top-grade cultivation chamber and the best forging chamber.¡± Liu Wuxie stated his request when approaching the counter.


    The Profound Spirit Pavilion had a business that covered the entire True Martial Continent.


    ¡°Do you need time eleration?¡± the attendant asked. Cultivation chambers were divided into multiple types, one with ordinary time flow and others that elerated the speed inside the chambers.


    ¡°What are the options?¡± Liu Wuxie asked quickly.


    ¡°There are three options. The first is three times, the second is five times, and the third is ten times eleration.¡± It wasn¡¯t hard to understand, with the first option being three times the eleration of time. This meant one day outside was equivalent to three days inside.


    ¡°The third option!¡± Liu Wuxie picked the third option without any hesitation.


    ¡°It costs fifty thousand spirit stones for a day!¡±


    Liu Wuxie was shocked to hear the cost but still went with it.


    ¡°Give me three days!¡± Liu Wuxie took out 150,000 spirit stones, and three days in the chamber was equivalent to a month outside. There was more than enough time for him to reforge the Heretic de.


    Ordinary cultivators in the True Core Realm couldn¡¯t afford the expensive fees, so they could only choose the first option.


    After paying the spirit stones, a staff member led him to the cultivation chamber. They passed through a courtyard, and many smaller courtyards appeared ahead. The design was very luxurious, with flowers, trees, and even halls.


    The cultivation chamber was deep in the hall, made of unique materials to set up a time spiritual array to aid cultivation.


    One could only change the flow of time after reaching the Nascent Transformation Realm, and Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t do it because his cultivation was too low.


    After entering the courtyard, Liu Wuxie secluded himself from the outside world, feeling like he had entered another world.


    As the woman had mentioned, the Profound Spirit Pavilion assured safety. As there was plenty of time, Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t in a hurry to reforge the Heretic de and spent time meditating.


    One day outside was equivalent to ten days inside, and he had enough time to spendvishly.

 Chapter 343 - Refining the Heavenly Artifacts Fragment

    <h4>Chapter 343 - Refining the Heavenly Artifact''s Fragment</h4>


    Liu Wuxie took out the ten interspatial pouches he had recently obtained and sorted them out. He spent an entire day organizing them. Then, he threw the pills into the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron, converting them into liquified spiritual energy and storing it.


    This seclusion wasn¡¯t just to reforge the Heretic de, but he was finding ways to reach the seventh-level True Core Realm.


    Only by reaching the seventh-level True Core Realm could he enter the upper region in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    After organizing everything, Liu Wuxie took out the fragment of the heavenly artifact. It might seem insignificant, but it was cumbersome. He tried to engulf it in me but couldn¡¯t refine it, no matter how he tried.


    ¡°This is a heavenly artifact¡¯s fragment; ordinary me can¡¯t melt it. But what about immortal runes?¡± Liu Wuxie smiled and stood up, preparing to reforge the Heretic de.


    He nned on using Earth Essence and the two spiritual treasures to reforge the Heretic de before dissolving the heavenly artifact¡¯s fragment into it.


    Merging the fragment of the heavenly artifact into it meant that the Heretic de would have the potential to grow into a heavenly artifact.


    He took out thousands of materials and filled half the cultivation chamber with them. With a wave of his hand, terrifying mes appeared. The forging of this Profound Spirit Pavilion was extremely advanced.


    The room was filled with spiritual energy, and he could also mobilize fire energy. Most martial artists came here to make a breakthrough in their cultivation, forge artifacts, and refine pills.


    All these activities required fire, so many cultivation rooms were equipped with fire-attributed spiritual arrays.


    Liu Wuxie divided his mind into two and used his hands to refine it. He wasn¡¯t willing to waste time even if time was ample.


    The Heretic de hovered in the air, apanied by a palm-sized medal and a longsword, emanating the power of spiritual treasures. The surrounding materials began to dissolve into liquid and flow into the sky.


    With a single gesture, the liquid prated the Heretic de. The de emitted a scorching glow, and the intense heat formed by the me enveloped the entire de.


    ¡°Let¡¯s start forging!¡± Liu Wuxie began forming seals and runes and integrating them into the Heretic de, and a faint spiritual aura filled the entire chamber.


    Time slowly passed, and Liu Wuxie remained calm andposed. When Hou Chi arrived at the Profound Spirit Pavilion, Liu Wuxie had already entered the cultivation chamber.


    ¡°You think you can escape by hiding in the Profound Spirit Pavilion?¡± Hou Chi did not linger any longer and deployed many experts to guard this ce. They would notify him immediately as soon as Liu Wuxie exited.


    Half a day had passed outside, and five days had passed in the cultivation chamber. Hundreds of materials were refined, making the Heretic de longer and more beautiful than before.


    Most ordinary materials were refined, and the next step was infusing spiritual treasurews.


    One by one, golden runes were injected into the palm-sized medal, and the medal began to dissolve. Liu Wuxie was in the True Core Realm, but his refining skills were unparalleledpared to many experienced cksmiths.


    A youth was in seclusion in a mysterious hall. Since this forbidden zone prohibited spiritual treasures, he had entrusted his spiritual treasure to Mei Zizheng.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on? The aura of my spiritual treasure is weakening. Who dares to refine my spiritual treasure?¡± The youth stood up, and his murderous intent filled the hall. He was enraged because each spiritual treasure bore the owner¡¯s imprint by blood.


    The moment a spiritual treasure perished, the owner could sense it immediately.


    Liu Wuxie easily erased the imprint in the spiritual treasure and sped up the forging process. One day had already passed outside, equivalent to ten days in the cultivation chamber.


    The palm-sized medal vanished, and the spiritual treasure¡¯sws were injected into the Heretic de. Ever since he had started forging the Heretic de, he had incorporated numerous treasures and inscribed runes in it. The power of the de far exceeded that of ordinary weapons, indicating that future upgrades would require tremendous resources.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s gaze turned to the longsword, and it began dissolving it. The speed was faster this time because the owner of this longsword had already died.


    Another day passed in the blink of an eye, and a terrifying aura belonging to a spiritual treasure swept throughout the cultivation chamber.


    At this moment, the Heretic de had finally advanced to an ordinary spiritual artifact.


    ¡°It¡¯s your turn now, Earth Essence!¡± Liu Wuxie had bought the Earth Essence for 400,000 spirit stones, and the purpose was to raise the Heretic de to an unbelievable height.


    Spiritual treasures were ranked low to high, and Liu Wuxie aimed to forge a super spiritual treasure.


    More than two thousand grains of Earth Essence hovered in the air. Ordinary people couldn¡¯t refine them, but that didn¡¯t mean Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t, and he integrated an iplete immortal rune into the Earth Essence.


    A spatial ripple spread, and the Earth Essence dissolved into golden liquid. This was a spectacr scene that looked like a golden river moving slowly.


    If news got out on how easily Liu Wuxie had refined Earth Essence, it would shock the entire world. After all, it wasn¡¯t surprising for someone in the Astral River Realm to refine it, but Liu Wuxie was in the True Core Realm.


    ¡°Let¡¯s start forging!¡± The Heretic de sank into the golden river, cleansed by Earth Essence, gradually purifying the Heretic de. With each cleanse, the Heretic de¡¯s quality would increase slightly.


    After cleansing the surface, the Earth Essence began to prate the Heretic de, transforming into boundless energy and fusing with it.


    With thunderous roars, lightning began to appear on the Heretic de. This was because the Heretic de was reforged using the lightning-forging technique.


    More impurities seeped out of the Heretic de and dripped onto the ground. These were ck grime from merging thousands of materials, thus causing impurities to umte.


    Even if Liu Wuxie had a superb forging technique, it wasn¡¯t easy to remove the impurities. But the Earth Essence solved this problem. The Heretic de¡¯s spirituality was growing stronger and approaching the level of the xiantian spirit.


    A faint milky white light resembling a tiny spot appeared deep within the Heretic de. This was a form of xiantian spirit that was slowly developing.


    When it grew to the size of a broad bean, it would make the advancement of the Heretic de into a xiantian treasure. Spirituality wasn¡¯t something that could be achieved overnight. No matter how many treasures were added to the Heretic de, it was futile without absorbing more spirituality.


    There weren¡¯t many treasures that contained spirituality, and they were hard to find.


    Earth Essence transformed into a colossal mountain entrenching within the Heretic de, dramatically increasing its weight. This was because the Heretic de¡¯s weight could no longer satisfy his need as his cultivation rose.


    However, the Earth Essence could perfectly resolve this issue. Only the fragment of the heavenly artifact remained, floating in the air.


    Liu Wuxie hesitated and wasn¡¯t sure if he should merge it into the Heretic de. It had now been advanced to a spiritual treasure, even stronger than ordinary xiantian treasures. This meant Liu Wuxie wouldn¡¯t suffer a loss even if he faced an actual xiantian treasure.


    The fragment of the heavenly artifact contained terrifyingw, and the consequences would be disastrous if the Heretic de couldn¡¯t withstand it. The worst oue would be the Heretic de shattering into countless pieces.


    He had spent five thousand spirit stones for this fragment, and keeping it aside was a waste.


    ¡°Let¡¯s give it a try. Perhaps there might be a surprise!¡± Liu Wuxie had already made up his mind. Ordinary mes couldn¡¯t dissolve the fragment, but perhaps the immortal rune could.


    The heavenly artifact¡¯s surface had no runes and looked ordinary. But a few strands of its spiritual runes were deep within, and spiritual runes were the actual value of this fragment.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s cultivation was limited, and the Heretic de had already reached the limit in inscribing spiritual runes meant for spiritual artifacts. He could only inscribe spiritual runes meant for heavenly artifacts by reaching the Nascent Transformation Realm.


    However, there was an opportunity right before him, and he didn¡¯t want to miss it. Without hesitation, he injected the immortal rune into the heavenly artifact¡¯s fragment.


    The fragment didn¡¯t crack, but cracks began to appear in the surrounding walls because they couldn¡¯t withstand the fragment¡¯s energy.


    This shocked Liu Wuxie, and he realized he had underestimated the power of this fragment. Just a fragment could unleash such terrifying power, and he couldn¡¯t imagine what would happen if it was aplete heavenly artifact. It might even be able to split the sky and sea.


    He couldn¡¯t imagine what would happen if that was the case. This was because the True Profound Realm was infinitely close to bing immortal.


    A crisp cracking sound came from within when another iplete immortal rune fused into the heavenly artifact¡¯s fragment. It sounded like egg cracking that echoed throughout the chamber.


    ¡°It¡¯s really effective!¡± After inscribing multiple iplete immortal runes, Liu Wuxie was severely exhausted since his soul sea was nearly depleted.


    The Heavenly Dao Book unfolded to protect Liu Wuxie¡¯s soul sea, preventing him from losing consciousness.


    More cracks began to appear on the fragment, and this was the third crack. A terrifying aura swept out from the cracks and engulfed the entire chamber.


    Liu Wuxie was sent flying away by the shockwave, unable to withstand the aura released by the fragment. When cracks appeared on the fragment, the heavenly artifact¡¯s spiritual runes were visible. If Elder Tai had known about this, he would have regretted selling it as garbage.


    Then again, Elder Tai¡¯s cultivation was too low, and his divine sense couldn¡¯t prate the heavenly artifact¡¯s fragment. This was why Elder Tai couldn¡¯t find the actual value of this fragment.


    ¡°Heretic de, are you prepared?¡± After advancing to a spiritual treasure, the Heretic de''s spirituality had increased significantly, and it could understand what Liu Wuxie said.


    The Heretic de flew around in the air to respond to Liu Wuxie''s suggestion that it was prepared. As its spirituality strengthened, it became even more powerful, and he could better control it during flight.


    An iplete spiritual rune flew out from the fragment, and it was only the size of a fingernail. But even such a small piece emanated a powerful aura.


    Liu Wuxie had no time to wipe the blood off his mouth, and he was still feeling pain in his internal organs from the impact earlier. But those injuries weren¡¯t worrisome because his physique was stronger than his peers, and such minor injuries would heal quickly.


    He didn¡¯t dare to strip too much of the spiritual runes at once, or the Heretic de might shatter. The spiritual rune floated in the air and gradually approached the Heretic de, making Liu Wuxie¡¯s heart race.


    This was his first attempt, and he didn¡¯t know the oue. The de began to tremble slightly when the spiritual rune got close to a few inches from it. This was because the Heretic de could not withstand the pressure of the spiritual rune.


    The Heretic de was like amoner at this moment, while the spiritual rune was an emperor; they were on apletely different level.


    If Liu Wuxie forcibly infused the spiritual rune into the Heretic de, it would only cause the Heretic de to shatter.


    Golden runes began to envelop the spiritual rune, making it gentler.


    ¡°This is the moment!¡± Liu Wuxie had done everything he could, and he could only grit his teeth and fuse the spiritual rune into the Heretic de. This action also caused the entire cultivation chamber to tremble violently.

 Chapter 344 - Seventh-Level of the True Core Realm

    <h4>Chapter 344 - Seventh-Level of the True Core Realm</h4>


    Liu Wuxie''s action rmed the higher-ups of the Profound Spirit Pavilion, who walked out of their rooms and looked at the depth of the courtyard.


    "Who''s forging a weapon to create such a terrifying phenomenon?"


    Liu Wuxie was unaware of everything happening outside because he was in the cultivation chamber. A thickyer of thunderclouds appeared above his cultivation chamber. Lightning shed, a sign that a tribtion was descending.


    "The tribtion only appears when forging an origin artifact. Could there be a Nascent Transformation Realm expert attempting such a feat?" An old man in the Astral River Realm gazed at the sky, his expression filled with horror.


    More higher-ups of the Profound Spirit Pavilion gathered with disbelief on their faces.


    "Have you investigated who''s in the seventh courtyard?" asked the old man who spoke earlier.


    "It''s a junior in the sixth-level True Core Realm." The deacon in charge of the counter took out a book detailing a young man who had entered the seventh courtyard.


    He had a deep impression of Liu Wuxie, who had paid 150,000 spirit stones without hesitation. He was surprised back then because this amount wasn''t something ordinary cultivators in the True Core Realm coulde up with.


    "Sixth level of the True Core Realm?" Everyone looked at each other with shock because this wasn''t something ordinary cultivators in the sixth level could achieve.


    Thunder dragons began shuttling in the thunderclouds, opening their mouths and spitting countless lightning bolts.


    When the first strand of spiritual rune entered the Heretic de, it caused the entire cultivation chamber to tremble violently.


    Cracks began to appear on the surface of the Heretic de because the spiritual rune was too powerful, while the Heretic de''s grade was too low. This was the same as trying to squeeze a giant meteorite into a bowl.


    There was no way a bowl could fit a giant meteorite. The Heretic de was the bowl, while the spiritual rune was a massive meteorite. The slightest mistake could destroy the Heretic de.


    "Array gs!" Liu Wuxie inserted ten array gs into the surroundings, causing a gust of wind in the cultivation chamber. Spiritual energy began to be drawn from underground to replenish his dantian.


    "Repair spiritual rune!" A golden spiritual rune was like a tadpole seeping into the cracks on the Heretic de.


    This spiritual rune began to repair the cracks on the Heretic de, but the spiritual rune continued to impact the de''s interior, destroying countless spiritual runes inside.


    Beads of sweat rolled down Liu Wuxie''s forehead as he began inscribing spiritual runes meant to repair, but this was risky. Injecting spirituality could stimte the xiantian spirit, allowing it to awaken quickly.


    This was a dangerous approach because the Heretic de was just upgraded to a spiritual treasure, and forcing the xiantian spirit to awaken would lead to its death and the disappearance of spirituality.


    However, Liu Wuxie didn''t have a choice but to make this move, and he poured all the liquified spiritual energy from the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron into the Heretic de.


    The xiantian spirit pulsated and expanded. It hadn''t awakened yet, but its spirituality was significantly strengthened. Liu Wuxie suppressed the heavenly artifact''s spiritual rune, and the Heretic de''s repairing speed increased.


    "Fire!" Boundless mes engulfed the heavenly artifact''s spiritual rune, slowly erasing the imprint and causing the spiritual rune to be transparent.


    The heavenly artifact''s spiritual rune began to melt under the me and burrowed into that wisp of spirituality through a liquid form. But right then, a terrifying thunderbolt descended from the sky and struck the Heretic de, leaving a crack in it.


    "Shit! It''s a tribtion!" Liu Wuxie eximed because tribtions would only appear when forging an origin artifact. He was only forging a spiritual treasure, and it made no sense for a tribtion to appear.


    "It must be because of infusing the heavenly artifact''s spiritual rune into it, causing it to be rejected by heaven and earth," Liu Wuxie muttered.


    This was the only exnation because he had taken a significant risk by integrating a spiritual rune from a heavenly artifact into it.


    "Extinguish!" Liu Wuxie brought out the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron to devour all the thunderbolts. The Heretic de was about to advance, and he couldn''t afford any mistake.


    After all, it wasn''t easy for him to merge the heavenly artifact''s spiritual rune into the Heretic de, and he couldn''t allow it to fail.


    When the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron devoured the thunderbolts, this seemed to anger the heavens. Thunderbolts began to descend from the sky, traversing through the void and entering the cultivation chamber.


    "How is this possible? That''s the me of Destruction!" The tribtion rmed the entire Profound Spirit Pavilion, and it could be felt throughout Fan City.


    Using the Profound Spirit Pavilion was advantageous because the customers'' identities would be kept secret. This ce provided excellent resources and ensured personal safety and secret-keeping.


    The tribtion''s destructive power increased, and the cultivation chamber was in ruins. The surrounding walls were covered in cracks and were on the verge of copse.


    "Hmph, a mere tribtion wants to destroy me? You''re underestimating me!" A terrifying handprint enveloped the Heretic de, isting the surrounding thunderbolts and preventing their approach.


    Using this situation, Liu Wuxie extracted all the spiritual runes from the fragment and injected them into the Heretic de.


    This caused the surrounding space to be unstable, and it wasn''t just thunderbolts but a thunderstorm. The terrifying thunderstorm whipped up powerful shockwaves, and golden thunderdragons were visibly seen in the void, circling and intending to destroy the Heretic de.


    This was because heaven wouldn''t allow such a monstrous weapon to be born, and it would only be a disaster for humanity.


    After absorbing five spiritual runes, the Heretic de couldn''t contain anymore, and the spiritual runes could only return to the fragment.


    "Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron, devour!" Liu Wuxie showed a hint of madness in his eyes. He nned on using the heavenly artifact''s spiritual runes to reach the seventh-level True Core Realm.


    He could only take the risk because he had no path of retreat. He had to reach the seventh-level True Core Realm to ovee the tribtion.


    After devouring the spiritual runes, the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron began to tremble violently. This instantly made Liu Wuxie nervous; he feared the cauldron might explode.


    The Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron had be one with him, and his dantian would be affected if the cauldron was destroyed. The Heavenly Dao Book would also be affected like a chain reaction, leading to disaster.


    Liu Wuxie''s cultivation was stuck in the pinnacle of the sixth-level True Core Realm, and the spiritual runes'' energy poured into his dantian.


    "My body is about to blow apart!" Liu Wuxie felt like he had eaten a mountain, and his body was on the verge of exploding. But the aura he gave off began to climb, instantly reaching the seventh-level True Core Realm.


    Two hundred thousand spirit stones disappeared, transforming into liquefied spiritual energy that flowed into his dantian. Liu Wuxie then activated the Deste Devouring Art, absorbing all the spiritual energy emanating from the underground.


    "Elder, we will make a great loss if this continues. The spiritual energy is rapidly disappearing, and the consumption of spirit stones has already exceeded 150,000!"


    The Profound Spirit Pavilion''s higher-ups were shocked by this scene. Each courtyard wasposed of spiritual arrays, requiring spirit stones to maintain the operation.


    In just one breath, Liu Wuxie had devoured over a hundred thousand spirit stones, and the Profound Spirit Pavilion would suffer a huge loss if this carried on. In addition to the two hundred thousand spirit stones he had taken out, this breakthrough consumed over three hundred thousand.


    This meant the resources Liu Wuxie required when reaching the ninth-level True Core Realm or Heavenly Dipper Realm would reach an astronomical sum.


    "We can still afford this loss. Let''s keep watching." A hundred thousand spirit stones were a negligible sum for the Profound Spirit Pavilion.


    The seventh level of the True Core Realm was a whole new world, with true essence and soul energy reaching a whole new level.


    Thunderbolts suddenly surged in, wanting to destroy Liu Wuxie as well.


    "How dare you!" Liu Wuxie grabbed the thunderbolts in his palm, rendering them immobile. If someone saw this scene, they would probably be scared to death.


    After all, lightning manifested heaven''s might, and no mortal would dare tomit sphemy against it.


    But lightning couldn¡¯t harm Liu Wuxie, and he threw it into the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron, further increasing the lightning in the world in his dantian.


    After losing the suppression of lightning, the Heretic de''s advancement elerated. Even so, it was still maintained at the level of an ordinary spiritual treasure, but the spirituality was even stronger than the xiantian spirit.


    This naturally left Liu Wuxie puzzled. The xiantian spirit might not have awakened, but the spirituality was stronger than the ordinary xiantian spirit. Even the xiantian treasure sold in the auction couldn''t bepared to the Heretic de.


    This meant that spirituality would reach a horrifying height when the Heretic de advanced to a xiantian treasure.


    The crack created by lightning was repaired, and the Heretic de grew longer. It now looked like a longsword with an edge on one side.


    No one had seen a single-edged longsword before, and the Heretic de deviated from the de''s category, while it couldn''t be considered a sword either. It possessed the dominance of a de and the sharpness of a sword, bing a unique existence.


    In addition to spiritual runes from the heavenly artifact''s fragment, the Heretic de became indestructible. It released a faint ripple, and the surrounding space couldn''t withstand the Heretic de''s aura.


    The thunderclouds began to disperse because the Heretic de was formed, which was impossible to destroy now.


    "Thunder tempering!" Liu Wuxie didn''t give up this excellent opportunity to temper the Heretic de with lightning. He grabbed a few thunderbolts and struck the Heretic de with them.


    Lightning arcs danced on the Heretic de, etching ayer of intricate snowke patterns onto its surface. Each snowke appeared meticulously tempered, though the thunderbolts might have felt aggrieved if they possessed consciousness.


    The purpose of the thunderbolts was to destroy the Heretic de, but Liu Wuxie used them to temper his de instead. This made the thunderclouds disperse in the sky even faster.


    After the thunderclouds dispersed, the thunderbolts Liu Wuxie had captured significantly weakened. The cultivation chamber gradually regained calm, and Liu Wuxie settled down, crossing his legs.


    Liu Wuxie threw up a mouthful of blood because he had to endure the consecutive thunderbolts while refining the heavenly artifact''s spiritual runes forcibly. This process inflicted severe injuries on his body, and he needed time to heal them.


    His body was severely ravaged, and he waited till the thunderclouds dispersed before regting his breathing. The Deste Devouring Art continued to devour spiritual energy while he took out pills from his interspatial pouch.


    He had prepared a lot of pills beforeing out on the missions, and the mysterious tree also released wood-attributed energy into his body. This instantly allowed him to heal his injuries.


    Only two days had passed in the outside world, which equated to twenty days in the cultivation chamber. Liu Wuxie nned to use the remaining time to consolidate his cultivation.

 Chapter 345 - Killing A Heavenly Dipper Realm

    <h4>Chapter 345 - Killing A Heavenly Dipper Realm</h4>


    When the thunderclouds in the sky dispersed, the Profound Spirit Pavilion''s higher-ups left one after another. Everything returned to calm as if nothing had happened earlier.


    The Heretic de continued hovering in the air, its aura slowly retracting. Even the snowke patterns were hidden in the de, making it seem ordinary. But the de''s rich spirituality couldn''t be hidden.


    With a point of Liu Wuxi¡¯s finger, the Heretic de began flying around within the cultivation chamber, and he could control it as he wished, relying on his divine power.


    "I can fly with the Heretic de in the future, no longer needing to travel on foot." Liu Wuxie sighed. He had finallypleted a major task after half a month.


    He allowed the Heretic de to fly around and closed his eyes toprehend his cultivation in the seventh level of the True Core Realm.


    This was because Liu Wuxie''s foundation was somewhat unstable. He had used the heavenly artifact''s spiritual runes to make a breakthrough and had to temper his foundation.


    Another half-dayter, Hou Chi had be anxious because he had not received any news about Liu Wuxie, which made hime over personally.


    The three-day deadline was approaching, and Liu Wuxie''s cultivation had reached the pinnacle of the seventh-level True Core Realm. He was over a hundred times stronger than before entering the cultivation chamber.


    If Hou Chi stood before him again, he could kill the former with a p. This was the seventh level of the True Core Realm, and he was one step away from the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    When he stood up, crackling sounds came from within his body, and there was a faint lightning rune on every joint. These lightning runes made Liu Wuxie''s bones incredibly tough. Even cultivators in the Heavenly Dipper Realm would have difficulty destroying his body.


    "It feelsfortable!" Impurities were being expelled from his body through his pores. Using lightning to temper his body was like a cleansing process.


    "Time to adapt to my new cultivation!" When Liu Wuxie came out of the cultivation chamber, he didn''t leave and stayed in the courtyard to practice his martial techniques.


    He needed to adapt to his current strength, as each advancement in cultivation brought a significant increase in power. Even taking a single step might propel him several meters forward if he didn''t limate.


    A basic fist technique was perfect for him to hone his cultivation. After he finished, his coordination improved significantly, and he adapted to the changes brought by his cultivation.


    "de!" Liu Wuxie roared, and the Heretic de flew over. It hovered before him and gave out an affectionate feeling.


    He felt a connection with the de when he grabbed onto the hilt. This meant the Heretic de could understand his intention with a single thought.


    Simrly, Liu Wuxie could sense the changes in the Heretic de. He stood on the de, which slowly lifted him off the ground. But he didn''t fly out of the courtyard and stayed roughly five meters off the ground.


    He was somewhat unustomed to it in the beginning. This differed from his battle with Yu Tianyi because he only had to focus on flying back then.


    To control the Heretic de, Liu Wuxie had to reach unity with it. This requirement was high because he couldn''t afford any mistakes in each detail.


    After flying for roughly two hours, Liu Wuxie dismounted from the Heretic de once he had grown ustomed to it. The Heretic de returned to his interspatial pouch, as a tacit understanding had formed between them.


    "Not bad. This trip to Fan City was a fruitful one!" Liu Wuxie smiled and had to elerate thepletion of the missions in the next ten-odd days.


    His breakthrough and the advancement of the Heretic de were sessful, making the subsequent missions easier. He looked at the time and noticed that it was gettingte. He left Fan City before nightfall and headed to the Abyssal Underground World.


    When he stepped out of the cultivation chamber, he headed straight to the counter to return the key,pleting the transaction.


    "I look forward to your next visit!" The deacon in charge personally sent Liu Wuxie out and only returned after thetter left.


    When Liu Wuxie left the Profound Spirit Pavilion, he quickened his pace. Although the auction had ended three days ago, and most people had quickly forgotten about him, Hou Chi had not.


    "Young Master, that brat has appeared!" Hou Chi was having tea with a few friends in a teahouse nearby, and he jumped upon hearing his subordinate''s report.


    "He finally dared toe out. Let''s go!" Hou Chi dashed out of the teahouse without further ado, heading in Liu Wuxie''s direction. As there were scouts along the way, this made their pursuit easy.


    Two friends were worried for Hou Chi''s safety and followed behind. They were all in the Heavenly Dipper Realm and weren''t afraid of Liu Wuxie, who was merely in the True Core Realm.


    The pursuitsted for an hour, and Liu Wuxie had already left Fan City. Once he left the city, he could go wherever he wanted because flying was forbidden in the nine major cities.


    Rustling sounds could be heard from behind, and Liu Wuxie turned around and smiled cruelly.


    "Since you all are courting death,e and catch up!" Liu Wuxie was cautious about killing Hou Chi inside Fan City because of the Hou n, but it was another story outside Fan City.


    As night fell, Fan City disappeared from view two hourster. Liu Wuxie had already entered the mountain range and came to a stop.


    The rustling sounds rapidly approached from behind, and Liu Wuxie faintly saw four figures approaching, relying on the dim light.


    Within a few moments, Hou Chi''s group arrived and positioned themselves in a square formation, taking up the four corners to trap Liu Wuxie.


    "Brat, why aren''t you running anymore?" Hou Chi''s face flushed from the exertion of consuming much of his true essence in the rush over. The other three weren¡¯t faring well either, as their true essence was less potent than Liu Wuxie''s.


    "Waiting for you guys!" Liu Wuxie said honestly. He would''ve fled by now if he wanted.


    "Brother Hou, this brat is the one who angered you? Let me take revenge for you!" The young man on the right was a ruthless individual who wielded a longsword and swung it down at Liu Wuxie, not allowing thetter to finish his words.


    The sword was aimed at Liu Wuxie''s neck, proving that this person''s cultivation wasn''t any weaker than Hou Chi.


    However, Liu Wuxie remained unmoved, allowing the sword to approach him with a trace of disdain in his eyes. The Heretic de appeared in his hand, drawing a beautiful arc without warning. Though no borate technique was behind this strike, it was nearly impossible to defend against, as the surroundings were sealed with de intent.


    "Shit!" The attacker instantly sensed something was amiss, but it was toote to retreat as the Heretic de was already at his neck.


    "Die!" The Heretic de sliced through the man''s neck, and his blood began gushing out of the wound. Even someone in the first level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm couldn''t withstand Liu Wuxie¡¯s attack and was decapitated.


    The Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron devoured the energies in the corpse as the rich Heavenly Dipper Realm''sw filled the world in his dantian. This instantly caused the world in his dantian to start expanding.


    The Heavenly Dao Book opened, and there was an extra Heavenly Dipper Realm''sw.


    This scene left Hou Chi dumbfounded, watching helplessly as his friend died. The other three screamed in horror, "H-How are you so powerful?"


    Hou Chi was speechless because he wasn''t much stronger than his friend. Since his friend was killed in one strike, this meant he could only meet the same fate.


    "I spared your life outside the Yu n a few days ago, but you didn''t appreciate it and kept sending people to follow me. I will kill you today." Each word Liu Wuxie spoke was filled with terrifying, murderous intent.


    Liu Wuxie couldn''t quell the hatred in his heart without killing Hou Chi. After all, Hou Chi had forced him to spend more spirit stones than he had originally nned; he could have obtained the Earth Essence for 350,000 spirit stones.


    "Brother Hou, let''s attack together!" urged the remaining friend and the scout as they drew their weapons, knowing their only chance at victoryy inbining their efforts.


    "Okay!" Hou Chi gritted his teeth, and his longsword exuded a powerful sword ray. They attacked from three directions, and each was an expert.


    That was especially the case for Hou Chi. Not only was he the prodigy of the Hou n, but he was also an inner disciple of the Azure Crimson Gate. This was a testament to his exceptional talent.


    His friend wasn''t simple either; only the scout was rtively weaker. Even so, he still couldn''t be underestimated.


    "Do you three think that trash like you can kill me? What a joke!" Having reached the seventh level of the True Core Realm and upgraded the Heretic de, Liu Wuxie''s strength had reached a new height.


    With the world in his dantian expanding, the true essence Liu Wuxie could contain became even more terrifying. He swung the Heretic de down, causing a strong vibration to spread in the air.


    He didn''t intend to kill them in one strike and nned to use them to hone hisbat skills. When the weapons shed, Liu Wuxie dodged and asionally unleashed a strike to neutralize the iing attacks.


    Hou Chi''s face became more severe as the battle progressed, and a foreboding filled his heart. How could he not tell that Liu Wuxie was toying with him like a cat toying with mice? If he wanted to kill them, he would''ve done so already.


    In about fifteen minutes, they exchanged over a few hundred blows, leveling the area within a few kilometers. This resulted in a series of powerful shockwaves destroying all the surrounding trees. Even the surrounding rocks exploded, unable to withstand the power of cultivators in the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    "How is this possible? You''re only in the True Core Realm, and how can you fight us to a standstill?" Hou Chi yelled angrily, and the longsword in his hand elerated.


    Liu Wuxie naturally wouldn''t answer Hou Chi, and he elerated his attacks. This ced the three in danger as they narrowly escaped death several times.


    "Hou Chi, find a way! You should have some life-saving items on you, right?" Hou Chi''s friend panicked because they would die if this carried on. Thoughts of escaping rose in their minds because they didn''t want to die.


    Hou Chi gritted his teeth and took out a strange talisman from his breast pocket.


    "A seventh-grade talisman!" Liu Wuxie narrowed his eyes. He didn''t expect Hou Chi to carry a seventh-grade talisman with him, which was equivalent to a strike from the Heavenly Phase Realm. This was most likely given to Hou Chi by his grandfather for protection.


    This was because eighth-grade talismans were useless. After all, Hou Chi couldn''t activate it with his true essence. Thus, a seventh-grade talisman was just right.


    Hou Chi would be helpless if he faced someone in the Astral River Realm, even with an eighth-grade talisman.


    Hou Chi endured the pain and injected his true essence into the seventh-grade talisman. A brilliance of light exploded like a zing sun, illuminated the entire mountain range, and lit up the night with a sudden brightness that could be seen from hundreds of miles away.


    All of Hou Chi''s true essence was depleted as he infused it into the seventh-grade talisman.


    "Brat, I want you dead!" Hou Chi''s heart felt heavy when someone in the True Core Realm had forced him to waste a seventh-grade talisman. But he could only go all out to survive, and losing a seventh-grade talisman was nothingpared to killing Liu Wuxie.


    In the market, the price of a seventh-grade talisman was no less than that of xiantian treasures. Consuming a seventh-grade talisman was equivalent to throwing out hundreds of thousands of spirit stones, and it was no wonder Hou Chi felt heartache.


    "Do you think the seventh-grade talisman can kill me? What a joke!" Liu Wuxie had anticipated this and vanished, stepping on the Heretic de and distancing himself from the battlefield.

 Chapter 346 - All Killed

    <h4>Chapter 346 - All Killed</h4>


    The Heretic de lifted Liu Wuxie and vanished. When he disappeared, a powerful fluctuation came from the ground, which felt like an earthquake of magnitude 15.


    A mushroom cloud rose from the ground, and the power of a seventh-grade talisman could destroy an entire mountain.


    The shockwave spread, sending Hou Chi''s group of three flying away. The cloud of duststed for fifteen minutes before it dissipated, leaving behind a massive crater on the battlefield.


    The surrounding trees had disappeared, leaving behind the heavily damaged ground.


    Hou Chi and his twopanions were in tattered clothes, with blood trickling from the corners of their mouths. The powerful impact nearly killed them as it was an attack equivalent to the Heavenly Phase Realm.


    "He should be dead by now!" The scout who had been tailing Liu Wuxie was filled with fear. Suffering the heaviest injury among the three, he quickly took out a pill and swallowed it.


    "He''s dead for sure. He''s only in the True Core Realm, so how can he withstand a strike in the Heavenly Phase Realm?" Hou Chi''s true essence was severely depleted, and he didn''t have enough time to treat his injuries. When he looked at the crater, a vicious smile rose on his lips.


    No one noticed Liu Wuxie''s disappearance when the seventh-grade talisman flew toward him. Consequently, they all assumed he had perished under its power.


    "Something feels off. I didn''t hear any screams," Hou Chi''s friend remarked, frowning as he sensed something was amiss but couldn''t quite pinpoint what it was.


    "Perhaps he didn''t even have the time to let out a scream." The horror on the scout''s face gradually calmed down. This meant there was only one possibility: Liu Wuxie was obliterated and died before he could even let out a scream.


    Time slowly passed, and the tense atmosphere gradually died down.


    "A bunch of frogs in a well. Do you all think a seventh-grade talisman can kill me?" A cold voice came from the sky, causing Hou Chi and his twopanions to shudder. The scout was so terrified that he fell to the ground in shock.


    Hou Chi raised his head to look at the sky and saw Liu Wuxie hovering mid-air with the Heretic de under his feet, exuding an overwhelming murderous intent.


    "This is impossible! You''re only in the True Core Realm, so how can you control a spiritual treasure?" Hou Chi had lost his rationale. Ever since he had met Liu Wuxie, his understanding of cultivation had been overturned.


    Not only had Liu Wuxie defeated him with one punch, but he had even killed his friend in the Heavenly Dipper Realm. Most importantly, Liu Wuxie remained unscathed before a seventh-grade talisman. This was all aplished by Liu Wuxie, whose cultivation was in the True Core Realm.


    The most terrifying part was Liu Wuxie''s ability to control a spiritual treasure; it didn''t seem like Liu Wuxie was doing it for the first time. In terms of proficiency, even Hou Chi had to admit defeat before Liu Wuxie.


    "You all can die now!" Liu Wuxie couldn''t be bothered by wasting more time because he had missions toplete after killing them. The remaining five missions were challenging; one required him to find a Demonic Dragon''s egg.


    He dove towards the ground like a fireball, unleashing an overwhelming shockwave that forced the three to close their eyes under the pressure.


    "Run!" Hou Chi''s friend fled without hesitation. He was innocent and had no grudge against Liu Wuxie. He hade there because of Hou Chi.


    "Young master, run!" The scout yelled while he risked his life to buy time for Hou Chi.


    Hou Chi forgot to run with a trace of madness in his eyes. This was because he knew escape was futile. He was severely injured, and his true essence was depleted. The only option was to drag Liu Wuxie down with them.


    "Grandfather, remember to avenge me!" Hou Chi crushed amunication talisman, injecting all the necessary information, including the recent events.


    Liu Wuxie frowned, but it was toote to stop. He already knew he would offend the Hou n by killing Hou Chi. However, given the circumstances, the Hou n wouldn''t let him go either way, even if he spared Hou Chi. Thus, he decided to be thorough with it.


    ¡°Primordial Astral Fist!¡± Liu Wuxie''s punch descended, unleashing a powerful impact capable of killing experts in the third level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    The scout was pulverized before he could even get close, and his body was blown into a mass of writhing flesh. Next was Hou Chi''s friend, who was immobilized and couldn''t struggle even if he wanted to as the punch descended.


    Hou Chi''s friend was also blown to smithereens, and the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron devoured energy from his body. The energy was converted into liquified spiritual energy to expand the world in his dantian.


    With the friend andckey dead, Hou Chi was the only one left standing.


    "It''s your turn now!" The Primordial Astral Fist was much more powerful than before, and the power was nearly equivalent to a seventh-grade talisman''s explosion.


    Hou Chi didn''t even scream as he watched himself engulfed in mes before turning into ashes. The moment he died, an enraged roar echoed from the Hou n.


    "Who killed my grandson?!" The Hou n''s grand elder came out of his seclusion chamber with his enraged roar echoing throughout half of Fan City.


    The news of Hou Chi''s death soon spread throughout the Hou n. After a brief investigation, Liu Wuxie''s information was brought to the grand elder, and details of his appearance, the auction encounter, and escape out of Fan City were recorded.


    From the gathered information, it wasn''t hard to deduce that Liu Wuxie had killed Hou Chi.


    "Very good! A Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s disciple dared to kill my grandson?! I will make you all pay the price!" Hou Mosheng said, gritting his teeth. His son''s talent had been limited, and he had died at the hands of the abyssal devils. Consequently, all his hopes had been pinned on his grandson.


    His son and treasured grandson were dead, so how could he not be furious?


    "Grand elder, should we pursue him now?" A few of Hou n''s higher-ups came out. They were all in the Heavenly Phase Realm, wanting to catch up with Liu Wuxie to kill him and avenge Hou Chi.


    The grand elder held a high status only beneath the patriarch. At times, even the patriarch had to heed his advice.


    "Chase him down and bring me his head!" Hou Mosheng couldn''t leave the Hou n as he wished. He was the grand elder responsible for guarding the Hou n and had many responsibilities to deal with in the patriarch''s absence.


    Liu Wuxie knew nothing of that. He kept the four interspatial pouches before leaving on the Heretic de.


    Two hours after Liu Wuxie left, a few figures appeared on the battlefield, shocked by the destruction and lingering energy.


    "Even after using the seventh-grade talisman, Hou Chi had still died. Could it be an expert in the Heavenly Phase Realm?" A Heavenly Phase Realm expert from the Hou n was shocked. ording to their information, Liu Wuxie was alone and had no help. So, who killed Hou Chi?


    No one believed it was Liu Wuxie who killed Hou Chi and suspected that there was an expert hidden behind him who assisted him in killing thetter.


    "The aura has disappeared, and there are no clues!" The other two searched around and found no clues about Liu Wuxie.


    The Heavenly Dao Book had erased all of Liu Wuxie''s aura as though he had vanished.


    "Search in three directions!" The three decided to split up to search for Liu Wuxie, hoping to find him regardless of where he had fled.


    They never could have imagined that Liu Wuxie would head straight for the Abyssal Underground World instead of another city.


    The abyssal devils was unique and different from humans, living underground. They had sharp fangs and were fond of eating human flesh and drinking human blood.


    Most abyssal devils lived deep underground, relying on unique abyssal fruit to fill their stomachs and rarely venturing to the surface. Unlike humans, they feared light and preferred to hunt humans at night.


    Humans and the abyssal devils had been at war for tens of thousands of years since ancient times. While the abyssal devils remained elusive to most, it was different for Liu Wuxie.


    In addition to the Celestial Realm, there was the Abyssal Realm, where the abyssal devils lived. They were at odds with the Celestial Realm and often engaged inrge-scale wars.


    As a result, countless immortals died each year. But the True Martial Continent was still undeveloped and had low intelligence.


    Only fifth-grade abyssal devils were powerful with enhanced intelligence upon opening their spiritual orifice. A fifth-grade abyssal devil was equivalent to the True Core Realm, and their intelligence would rise with each grade. Most importantly, they had powerful physiques and were resistant to ordinary weapons.


    One dayter, Liu Wuxie appeared in the abyssal race''s territory. The surroundings were covered in yellow sand with no nts in sight.


    Tens of thousands of miles were covered in an endless sea of yellow sand, creating a sandstorm that blocked the sun. Many caves were entrances to the Abyssal Underground World.


    After years of battle, the humans had found several rtively safe spots to enter without encountering any abyssal race.


    Several figures were in the distance, like Liu Wuxie, who had entered the caves. No one paid attention to Liu Wuxie, who was hovering in the sky.


    Liu Wuxie descended from the sky and scanned the surroundings with Ghost Eye.


    "What a deste ce!" Liu Wuxie remarked. He mobilized his movement technique and moved towards the nearest cave.


    The cave seemed small from a distance, but up close, it was enormous, capable of amodating ten war horses galloping side by side. It resembled a bottomless abyss, ready to swallow any intruders.


    Liu Wuxie tidied himself and entered the Abyssal Underground World with the Heretic de. Through a day''s journey, Liu Wuxie sorted the four interspatial pouches and found nearly seven hundred thousand spirit stones, which was a huge surprise.


    In addition to the spirit stones he already had, he possessed over one million spirit stones. This meant he didn''t have to worry about resources for now, and the spirit stones were enough even if he wanted to make a breakthrough to the eighth-level True Core Realm.


    After walking for about fifteen minutes, the surroundings plunged into darkness, imprable by the light from outside. However, a type of luminous nt grew in the underground world, emitting a faint glow. This subtle illumination was sufficient and didn''t impair his vision.


    "This is the Abyssal Underground World?" Liu Wuxie murmured as he looked at the vast in.


    There was information regarding the True Martial Continent in the Book Collection Hall, including this underground world.


    The underground world was divided into threeyers, with the firstyer mainly inhabiting ordinary abyssal races ranging from the first to the fourth level.


    The second was mostly home to fifth and seventh-grade abyssal races. The third level was where the abyssal race''s leaders resided, ranging from eighth to tenth grade.


    A tenth-grade abyssal race was equivalent to the Profound True Realm for human cultivators.


    Liu Wuxie''s first mission was to kill ten fifth-grade abyssal race individuals and take their heads.

 Chapter 347 - Save Or Not To Save

    <h4>Chapter 347 - Save Or Not To Save</h4>


    Liu Wuxie entered the vast in using his movement technique and noticed that the low-graded abyssal devils mostly lived in the most primitive way.


    They formed into small tribes and lived in clusters. If any human came, they would all swarm and attack.


    Looking up, Liu Wuxie realized that the firstyer wasn''t as oppressive as he had imagined. The firstyer was high, reaching over a few hundred meters, and the underground world had many gigantic trees, some reaching dozens of feet.


    Most trees were ck, some bearing fruits and others covered in vines. These were all nts that Liu Wuxie had never seen before.


    In addition to the abyssal devils, many demonic beasts coexisted in the underground world. These beasts differed from those on the surface, which absorbed the essence of the sun and moon to cultivate. The demonic beasts in the Abyssal Underground World cultivated by absorbing the abyssal energy.


    To the abyssal devils and demonic beasts, human food was considered poison. If humans ingested too much abyssal energy, they would lose their sanity, gradually undergoing an abyssal transformation and bing part of the abyssal race.


    Liu Wuxie wasn''t worried because as the abyssal energy poured in, it was instantly absorbed by the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron, converting it into new energy. When the abyssal energy in the cauldron exploded and formed into a storm, it naturally startled Liu Wuxie.


    "What''s going on? Devouring abyssal energy can strengthen the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron?! It allowed the demonic me to be purer." Liu Wuxie was shocked by this discovery. Could it be that the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron was demonic?


    Liu Wuxie soon dismissed that possibility because the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron wasn''t just a demonic cauldron since it could also refine spiritual energy. But since the abyssal energy wouldn''t cause him any harm, Liu Wuxie felt free to devour. After all, it could enhance the demonic me in the cauldron. This meant his future refining speed would increase.


    As he went deeper into the ins, he saw a group of abyssal devils searching for food. He had no interest in hunting these low-grade abyssal devils because his target was fifth-grade abyssal devils.


    Increasing his speed, Liu Wuxie performed the Nine Heavenly Crane Dance and vanished. Not a single abyssal devil discovered him; they only felt a breeze blowing by.


    Along the way, some ignorant abyssal devil tried to stop him, thinking he was ordinary. But the Heretic de cut them all down. The Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron absorbed their blood, turning it into ck liquid and pouring it into the world in his dantian.


    As the Heavenly Dao Book opened, a ck spiritual rune, symbolizing the abyssal path, materialized.


    After a day of searching, Liu Wuxie finally located the entrance to the second level. This level was predominantly inhabited by fifth to seventh-grade abyssal devils, indicating that he needed to proceed cautiously. The power of these races wasparable to human cultivators in the True Core Realm, the Heavenly Dipper Realm, and the Heavenly Phase Realm, respectively.


    The ordinary abyssal devil in the fifth grade couldn''t threaten him, but the sixth and seventh grades differed. If he ran into a seventh-grade abyssal devil, his first action would be to flee.


    He was powerful, but he didn''t dare to sh with beings in the Heavenly Phase Realm. The second level wasrger, with abyssal energy seeping from the ground, but there were fewer abyssal devils present.


    Interestingly, the second level had uneven ground with many passages, like abyrinth, and Liu Wuxie could only proceed carefully with his vision obstructed.


    He chose a passage and delved in, using Ghost Eye to capture everything within a thousand meters of radius. Even rocks couldn''t hinder Liu Wuxie''s view.


    Despite increasing his speed, Liu Wuxie avoided the central region, which had the best environment and was long upied by seventh-grade abyssal devils.


    All of a sudden, a ck shadow lunged at Liu Wuxie without any warning. Despite using Ghost Eye, there were many blind spots because Liu Wuxie could only lock onto an area.


    The shadow emerged from the lower right, which the Ghost Eye couldn''t detect.


    Swinging the Heretic de down, ck blood sshed on the walls on both sides, and the demonic beast copsed on the ground with its throat slit.


    "An Obsidian Rhino!" This demonic beast liked hiding in the dark, camouging itself as a rock to ambush humans passing by.


    Summoning out the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron, Liu Wuxie devoured the Obsidian Rhino, converting the corpse into thousands of ck liquid droplets. This added a hint of abyssal nature to Liu Wuxie''s true essence.


    He continued his journey with more caution, slowing down his pace. After roughly fifteen minutes of walking, Liu Wuxie''s vision cleared up, and he emerged from a passage into a small in with a wide underground river.


    Several abyssal devils were drinking by the river, and some powerful demonic beasts were ying downstream.


    Liu Wuxie''s eyes locked onto the three abyssal devils in the fifth grade. After all, one of his missions was to kill five abyssal devils in the fifth grade.


    He approached quietly to avoid rming them. This ce was full of danger, and he had to be cautious. Under normal circumstances, seventh-grade abyssal devils lived in the central region and rarely ventured to the outer region.


    This was because the central region had the entrance to the third level, and the abyssal energy was also the strongest. If Liu Wuxie had stayed in the outer region, his safety wouldn''t have been a problem.


    Like a hunting leopard, Liu Wuxie moved through the dense ck grass and stopped when he was thirty meters away from the abyssal devils.


    The three abyssal devils seemed to have sensed something and began looking around before resuming drinking after ensuring there was no danger around.


    Right then, Liu Wuxie lunged forward like a leopard, crossing the thirty-meter distance in the blink of an eye. The Heretic de also shed through the air and cut down the three abyssal devils before they could respond, dyeing the river with their blood.


    Liu Wuxie flung a ck cloth to wrap the three heads and kept them in his interspatial pouch. The Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron also flew out and refined the remaining corpses, converting them into ck liquid.


    Not long after their death, roars could be hearding from nearby, and this was because there were many abyssal devils lurking around the river.


    "Shit!" Liu Wuxie had only focused on the ground and hadn''t expected there to be abyssal devils in the river. Ten-odd abyssal devils emerged from the river, and there was one in the sixth grade.


    The abyssal devils pounced at Liu Wuxie. Faced with an abyssal devil in the sixth grade, Liu Wuxie didn''t dare to confront it head-on and chose to flee.


    It was important to never linger in battle because the abyssal devils were everywhere in the Abyssal Underground World. The moment he was entangled, the horde would quickly surround him.


    Most importantly, there was a sixth-grade abyssal devilparable to the fifth-level Heavenly Dipper Realm for human cultivators.


    Even if Liu Wuxie was strong, he didn''t dare to face an expert in the fifth level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    The abyssal devils hadrge bodies but moved slowerpared to humans. The ceiling in the second level was lower than in the first, making Liu Wuxie reluctant to fly here.


    "That was dangerous!" Liu Wuxie entered a passage and traveled till he reached a safe spot. It was no wonder the Abyssal Underground World was so dangerous.


    Liu Wuxie found a clean ce to rest because the Abyssal Underground World continuously tested his mental state and true essence.


    He took out the five missions and began to study them. All the missions had to bepleted in the Abyssal Underground World, which meant he would connect them.


    The five missions were to kill fifth-grade abyssal devils, obtain a Demonic Dragon''s egg, harvest a Demon me Grass, a Blood Jade Beast''s beast core, and a Profound Yin Butterfly.


    Each mission was incredibly tough, and Liu Wuxie needed half a month toplete them. ording to the difficulty, the Demonic Dragon''s egg was the harvest, and the second was to capture a Profound Yin Butterfly.


    The remaining three missions were rtively more straightforward because finding the Demon me Grass relied on luck, while the Blood Jade Beast was cunning, with its blood possessing medicinal properties.


    After resting, he ventured into thebyrinth, killing abyssal devils while searching for a Demon me Grass.


    The underground world had no day or night, which meant time could only be calcted with an hourss. It had already been a day since Liu Wuxie had entered the underground world.


    Sounds of weapons shing could be heard from ahead, likely caused by someone fighting with the abyssal devils. As the underground world wasplex, Liu Wuxie could only approach it carefully.


    He routed through a stone wall and saw a woman besieged by ten-odd abyssal devils in the sixth grade. The woman''s back looked familiar to Liu Wuxie.


    The woman was slowly being cornered while the thirteen abyssal devilsughed.


    "It has been long since we''ve seen a human woman. Let me torture you today before eating you!" An abyssal devilughed and scanned the woman.


    The woman roared and turned around, allowing Liu Wuxie to see her face.


    "It''s her!" Liu Wuxie recognized the woman. She had sat to his right at the Xuanyu Auction House, offering him multiple reminders out of goodwill. She was the only one who had done so while everyone else watched at the auction house.


    "Should I save her?" Liu Wuxie fell into a dilemma. Rationally speaking, there was no need to save her when there was a risk he would die at the hands of the abyssal devils. But he couldn''t just turn away because she had shown goodwill towards him during the auction.


    Liu Wuxie clearly understood right and wrong and decided after three breaths.


    "Save her!" Liu Wuxie knew he would feel guilty for the rest of his life if he left now. He would imagine what would happen if the woman fell into the hands of the abyssal devils.


    But saving her required skill because there was no way he could face the abyssal devils with his current strength. He took out a talisman paper and inscribed sixth-grade spiritual runes with both hands.


    He nned to use a spiritual talisman to st the abyssal devils away and save the woman.


    The woman''s space to maneuver was shrinking, and she also suffered several injuries at the hands of the abyssal devils. If she weren''t treated in time, the abyssal energy in her wound would gradually corrode her body.


    The talisman was ready after three breaths, and if anyone knew Liu Wuxie only took three breaths to inscribe a sixth-grade talisman, they would be utterly shocked.


    This was because even a seventh-grade spiritualist would require at least ten breaths to inscribe a sixth-grade talisman.

 Chapter 348 - Jian Xing鈥檈r

    <h4>Chapter 348 - Jian Xing¡¯er</h4>


    The talisman in Liu Wuxie¡¯s hand gradually flew into the sky after being infused with divine power. He slowly approached because the abyssal devils would be alerted and evade it in advance if he was too far away.


    The woman¡¯s condition was dire, with her injuries worsening by the second.


    When Liu Wuxie was ten meters away from the abyssal devils, the talisman hovering in the air flew out.


    The thirteen abyssal devils¡¯ attention was focused entirely on the woman, and they were oblivious to his presence.


    When the talisman flew out, Liu Wuxie swung the Heretic de down to grab the woman¡¯s hand and pull her out of the battle.


    Shortly after, a loud explosion echoed in the underground world, causing rocks to fall. The abyssal devils were caught off guard and were sent flying away. Five abyssal devils stood the closest to the talisman and were covered in blood from the explosion.


    Three abyssal devils had their arms blown off and screamed in pain. Only those who stood further away remained mildly or unaffected by the explosion.


    ¡°Damn it! There¡¯s another human!¡± The less injured abyssal devils chased Liu Wuxie.


    After Liu Wuxie grabbed the woman, he performed the Nine Heavenly Crane Dance to traverse the underground world, evading the pursuing abyssal devils. In terms of speed, the abyssal devils were no match for him.


    An hourter, after Liu Wuxie finally shook off the abyssal devils, he entered a cave and inserted array gs in the surroundings to prevent anyone from intruding.


    The woman was heavily injured, and she quickly sat down to heal.


    "Take this. It can help neutralize the poison in your body," Liu Wuxie said, offering the woman an Antidote Pill. He had noticed her wounds beginning to rot, knowing that timely treatment was crucial to preserving her foundation.


    ¡°Thank you!¡± The woman raised her head to look at Liu Wuxie with a hint of curiosity. When Liu Wuxie had left the auction house, she had stayed until the auction ended.


    ¡°You saved me!¡± The woman smiled bitterly. She had thought that Hou Chi would¡¯ve surely killed Liu Wuxie and was surprised to see him again in the Abyssal Underground World.


    "I should have died in Fan City in your eyes," Liu Wuxie said in a self-deprecating tone. It was both surprising and miraculous that he had managed to leave Fan City at all.


    "Why did youe to the Abyssal Underground World?" The woman swallowed the Antidote Pill, bringing her injuries under control. She needed only a few hours of rest to fully recover.


    ¡°Mission!¡± Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t hide it. Most people who came to the Abyssal Underground World did it for missions because the treasures here were useless to humans.


    ¡°Which sect are you from?¡± the woman asked.


    Liu Wuxie had changed his clothes when he had left the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, which is why the woman couldn¡¯t recognize his sect.


    ¡°The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion!¡± Liu Wuxie said and sat three meters away from the woman. After all, they had no significant ties. He had saved her as a gesture of gratitude for the reminders she had given him back in the auction house, and now they were even.


    ¡°You¡¯re also a disciple from the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion?¡± The woman¡¯s eyes lit up upon hearing what Liu Wuxie said, and her tone became more amicable.


    ¡°You¡¯re also a Heavenly Treasure Pavilion¡¯s disciple?¡± Liu Wuxie asked, looking at the woman.


    ¡°Yeah. My name is Jian Xing¡¯er, a Mortal Plume Peak¡¯s inner disciple,¡± Jian Xing¡¯er introduced herself, instantly deepening their rtionship.


    ¡°Nice to meet you, Senior Sister Jian!¡± Liu Wuxie cupped his fists together. Most of Heavenly Treasure Pavilion¡¯s disciples were decent. Not everyone was like Su Ji and others.


    ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡± Jian Xing¡¯er asked.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, a Heavenly Trigram Peak¡¯s outer disciple!¡± The two chatted a lot more after that, with Jian Xing¡¯er sharing a wealth of information.


    She was also on a mission and had decided to join the fun after hearing about Fan City¡¯s auction. After the auction, she had stayed in Fan City for another day before entering the Abyssal Underground World.


    It had been three days since she had entered, and the abyssal devils had besieged her while she had failed toplete her mission.


    ¡°Junior Brother Liu, what mission are you on? Let me help you once I¡¯m done healing.¡± Jian Xing¡¯er was still unaware of Liu Wuxie¡¯s strength. Liu Wuxie had saved her life, and this meant she owed him one. Thus, she nned to help him with his mission.


    ¡°Thank you for your goodwill. I have five missions, but they¡¯re not particrly tough,¡± Liu Wuxie said gratefully because the missions weren¡¯t challenging. Then again, ordinary cultivators in the True Core Realm couldn''tplete them.


    ¡°You saved my life, so it¡¯s settled then.¡± Jian Xing¡¯er had a straightforward and open-hearted personality. She had been genuine with her offer.


    Seeing Jian Xing¡¯er¡¯s insistence, Liu Wuxie could only smile wryly and ept her offer. He also knew it would increase his sess rate this way.


    After they agreed, they fell silent as Jian Xing¡¯er focused on healing her injuries.


    ¡°These are some ointments, and they should help with your external injuries.¡± Liu Wuxie offered. Jian Xing¡¯er was not a stunning beauty, but having scars left behind could affect her psychologically.


    ¡°I have already applied some ointment. Thanks for your goodwill.¡± Jian Xing¡¯er declined, as the ointment she used was expensive and effective.


    "My ointment can prevent any scarring," Liu Wuxie offered. Whether Jian Xing''er epted it was entirely her choice.


    Upon hearing that it would prevent scarring, Jian Xing''er changed her mind and quickly took the ointment, fearing that Liu Wuxie might retract his offer. After all, no woman wanted scars on her body as it could evoke feelings of inferiority.


    Jian Xing¡¯er¡¯s wounds began healing rapidly after applying Liu Wuxie¡¯s ointment. In less than fifteen minutes, scabs were forming on her wound, and no scars were left after the scabs fell off. There were just faint marks that would disappear in a few days.


    ¡°What high-quality ointment. Where did you buy it from?¡± Jian Xing¡¯er asked with shock on her face. She was experienced and was also an alchemist herself. But the ointment Liu Wuxie offered was beyond herprehension.


    ¡°You can have this bottle. You can¡¯t find it anywhere in the market.¡± A bottle of ointment could be used for a long time, and Liu Wuxie gave it to Jian Xing¡¯er directly.


    ¡°Y-You refined it?¡± Jian Xing¡¯er opened her eyes wide. It wasn¡¯t hard to deduce that Liu Wuxie had refined the ointment himself.


    After applying Liu Wuxie¡¯s ointment, she fully recovered from her injuries within two hours, and they no longer hindered her ability to fight.


    "Junior Brother Liu, I won''t forget you saving me. My mission isn¡¯t urgent, so I can assist you with yours first. I''ve ventured into the Abyssal Underground World multiple times and am quite familiar with it," Jian Xing¡¯er said, understanding that Liu Wuxie had recently joined the sect and might be unfamiliar with the underground realm.


    When Liu Wuxie revealed his five missions, Jian Xing¡¯er was shocked.


    ¡°Junior brother, don¡¯t tell me you n toplete them by yourself?¡± Aside from the first mission to kill fifth-grade abyssal devils, the remaining four weren¡¯t simple, especially the one retrieving a Demonic Dragon¡¯s egg. Even she wasn¡¯t confident inpleting it.


    Demonic Dragons were powerful, and snatching their eggs would result in their endless pursuit. Not to mention capturing a Profound Yin Butterfly because it could only be found in the central region.


    Liu Wuxie merely smiled upon hearing that because his strength couldn¡¯t be gauged normally. He knew that Jian Xing¡¯er¡¯s mission would be more difficult as an inner disciple, and he asked, ¡°Senior sister, what¡¯s your mission?¡±


    ¡°My mission is to kill a Frost Demon Ape,¡± Jian Xing¡¯er replied. The Frost Demon Ape was powerful and hostile against humans. The ice they breathed out could even freeze an expert in the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    ¡°Have you found any clues on your mission?¡± The Frost Demon Apes were cunning and had no fixed location. It was hard to find their whereabouts, and one could only rely on luck.


    ¡°Not yet, and I can only rely on my luck. Let¡¯s focus on your missions first.¡± Jian Xing¡¯er said. Her mission was optional because she wouldn¡¯t lose anything even if she couldn¡¯tplete it.


    With the help of an expert in the Heavenly Dipper Realm, Liu Wuxie¡¯s mission became smoother. They ran into several fifth-grade abyssal devils along the way, and they were all killed toplete the first mission.


    ¡°Junior brother, I know where the Demon me Grass can be found. Let me bring you there!¡± With Jian Xing¡¯er leading the way, it saved Liu Wuxie a lot of time.


    They traveled swiftly; three days had passed since Liu Wuxie had entered the underground world.


    "This is the ce!" The duo arrived at a small canyon teeming with abyssal devils, particrly evident from the presence of traces of sixth-grade ones. Harvesting the Demon me Grass here wouldn''t be straightforward.


    ¡°So many abyssal devils!¡± Liu Wuxie said with a grave expression. This meant it wouldn¡¯t be easy to retrieve the Demon me Grass.


    ¡°Junior brother, I¡¯ll lure the abyssal devils away while you harvest the Demon me Grass.¡± The two could only work together if they wanted toplete this mission.


    ¡°I¡¯ll do it while you harvest instead. We¡¯ll meet over there in two hours!¡± Liu Wuxie decided to take on the job of luring the abyssal devils away instead.


    ¡°No! The abyssal devils are powerful and will be dangerous for you.¡± Jian Xing¡¯er rejected it because the task of harvesting a Demon me Grass was safer.


    ¡°I know you mean it out of goodwill, but please do as I say,¡± Liu Wuxie said and vanished, reappearing before the canyon. With a slight provocation, over a hundred abyssal devils turned to look at him.


    The abyssal devils were furious after being provoked by a human and charged at Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie nced at Jian Xing¡¯er before performing the Seven Dipper Steps, maintaining a decent speed to ensure the abyssal devils couldn¡¯t catch up.


    In the blink of an eye, all the abyssal devils in the canyon were lured away as Jian Xing¡¯er swiftly entered the canyon.


    It was a spectacr scene to see hundreds of abyssal devils chasing after a human, and tremors could be felting from the ground.


    The abyssal devils started to encircle Liu Wuxie, wanting to prevent him from running.


    After Jian Xian¡¯er obtained the Demon me Grass and left the canyon, Liu Wuxie was already a thousand meters away.


    ¡°Let¡¯s hope Junior Brother will be fine!¡± Jian Xian¡¯er looked worried and swiftly headed to the meeting location.


    On the other hand, Liu Wuxie drew the Heretic de and cut down the abyssal devils, blocking his way to tear open a hole in the encirclement.

 Chapter 349 - Demonic Dragon

    <h4>Chapter 349 - Demonic Dragon</h4>


    One by one, the heads of the abyssal devils exploded with the energies in their bodies devoured. This slowly strengthened Liu Wuxie¡¯s true essence, and he could reach the eighth level of the True Core Realm if he absorbed enough abyssal energy.


    Jian Xing¡¯er retreated to the safe region and watched from a few thousand meters away.


    ¡°Junior Brother Liu is really strong. Even ordinary sixth-grade abyssal devils are no match for him. When did someone so monstrous appear among the outer disciples?¡± Liu Wuxie carved a bloody path through hundreds of abyssal devils, and she might have made a considerable effort if she had been in his position.


    As Liu Wuxie performed the Fatality de Art, each attack would reap a bunch of abyssal devils, dyeing the ck grasnd in blood.


    A dense, blood-tinged, abyssal energy permeated the underground world, stirring more abyssal devils to converge on the area.


    ¡°Go!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s objective wasn¡¯t to kill the abyssal devils but to leave the battlefield as quickly as possible to escape. Performing the Fatality de Art¡¯s third form, he created a circr de aura that swept through the abyssal devils.


    Thirty-odd abyssal devils were sent flying away with their bodies exploding in mid-air. It was horrible to witness, and this shocked Jian Xing¡¯er. She finally understood why Liu Wuxie chose to face the abyssal devils instead.


    After Liu Wuxie tore apart an opening, he performed the Nine Heavenly Crane Dance and soared to the sky like a celestial crane, vanishing in the blink of an eye.


    Two hourster, the two appeared at the rendezvous point.


    ¡°Junior Brother Liu, you have given me a huge surprise.¡± Jian Xing¡¯er had no jealousy in her eyes but only admiration.


    ¡°I¡¯m just lucky.¡± Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t exin much. He knew he couldn''t conceal his strength forever, and Jian Xing¡¯er had proven worthy of befriending. Thus, he did not intend to hide certain things from her.


    ¡°This is the Demon me Grass!¡± Jian Xing¡¯er took out three stalks of Demon me Grass from her interspatial ring. They were roughly half a foot tall, with ck flowers blooming. But interestingly enough, the flowers looked like mes, and this was where the Demon me Grass got its name.


    Liu Wuxie put them into his interspatial pouch, meaning he hadpleted the second mission. Up next would be the third mission.


    ¡°Thank you, senior sister. I could retrieve the Demon me Grasses smoothly because of you,¡± Liu Wuxie said politely. The two had a great rapport when they worked together.


    ¡°No need to thank me. I discovered a Demonic Dragon¡¯sir when I entered the second floor. We can go and try our luck there to see if there are any eggs,¡± Jian Xing¡¯er suggested, waving her hand. She felt that she hadn¡¯t contributed much.


    The two continued their journey, and as they got closer to the central region, they encountered more abyssal devils. However, relying on Ghost Eye, they were able to avoid several groups of them.


    One dayter, they appeared before arge cave that resembled the abyss, with a terrifying aura gushing out.


    ¡°This is the ce!¡± Jian Xing¡¯er pointed to the cave entrance. She had passed it when she had entered the second level but hadn¡¯t gone in.


    ¡°There¡¯s someone nearby. Let¡¯s go over there!¡± A cold smirk rose on Liu Wuxie¡¯s lips when he swept his gaze around.


    Jian Xing¡¯er instantly touched her sword, getting ready forbat. After all, humans were more terrifying than the abyssal devils in the Abyssal Underground World, especially when a fellow human backstabbed another.


    ¡°Junior brother, are we their targets?¡± Jian Xing¡¯er had already experienced Liu Wuxie¡¯s keen perception. With his help, they had managed to avoid the abyssal devils each time, as though Liu Wuxie could predict the future.


    ¡°No, they were here first!¡± Liu Wuxie swept a nce at arge ck rock ten meters away. Three people hid behind that rock but couldn¡¯t hide themselves from his Ghost Eye.


    Just when Jian Xing¡¯er was about to look in that direction, Liu Wuxie stopped her. The other party still didn¡¯t know they were discovered. If Jian Xing¡¯er looked in their direction, it was equivalent to telling them they had been found.


    Jian Xing¡¯er naturally couldn¡¯t bepared to Liu Wuxie in terms of experience. The two retreated to a hundred meters away before stopping.


    ¡°Without a doubt, they¡¯re also here for the Demonic Dragon¡¯s egg,¡± Jian Xing¡¯ermunicated through her divine sense, and only the two could hear.


    Liu Wuxie nodded because he also had the same spection.


    Roughly fifteen minutester, the three emerged from therge rock and took out a cluster of strange herbs, cing them outside the Demonic Dragon¡¯sir.


    ¡°What are they trying to do?¡± Jian Xing¡¯er was puzzled by their actions.


    "That''s the Orchid Hut Incense. It attracts Demonic Dragons, luring them out of theirirs," Liu Wuxie exined. He had also purchased some Orchid Hut Incense before arriving and intended to use it for the same purpose against the Demonic Dragon.


    However, with someone taking the lead, Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t mind watching before making any decisions.


    One took out a fan to blow the smoke into their, and the strong scent permeated a hundred meters away.


    ¡°Is this effective?¡± Jian Xing¡¯er found it hard to believe because this method was too risky.


    ¡°They¡¯re courting death!¡± Liu Wuxie sneered. The Orchid Hut Incense could lure the Demonic Dragon out of their, but they forgot that the scent would also enrage it. The smell would drive the Demonic Dragon violent unless herbs with calming medicinal properties were added, which they didn¡¯t.


    Five minutester, an enraged roar came from their belonging to the Demonic Dragon.


    ¡°Let¡¯s retreat!¡± Liu Wuxie retreated further away and used Ghost Eye to peer into their. Shock soon appeared on his face because the Demonic Dragon¡¯s strength was more terrifying than he had expected.


    Before they could retreat far enough, a massive and pitch-ck head emerged from the cave with a torrential abyssal energy that formed into illusory images. This indicated the Demonic Dragon was a powerful sixth-grade demonic beast.


    This Demonic Dragon wasparable to the third level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm in terms of cultivation.


    The three men outside the cave drew their swords and swung them at the Demonic Dragon¡¯s head.


    But the Demonic Dragon had incredibly tough scales, which produced a series of sparks and suffered no injuries.


    This shocked the three, and they quickly retreated because they were only in the second level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm. They didn¡¯t hesitate to retreat the moment they failed.


    s, when it crawled out, the Demonic Dragon was enraged and bit down at the three. The abyssal energy it released formed a powerful shockwave that sent the three flying away.


    ¡°Quick, leave! This Demonic Dragon is too powerful!¡± The man in the middle roared and fled without any hesitation.


    "There are two people over there! Let''s lure the Demonic Dragon over and make them fight each other!" The man on the right devised a malicious n. Having already spotted Liu Wuxie and Jian Xing''er, they intended to distract the Demonic Dragon and have it battle them to the death while they capitalized on the situation.


    This naturally enraged Liu Wuxie because they had already left the battlefield, but he didn¡¯t expect the three to be so vicious. The Demonic Dragon naturally wouldn¡¯t differentiate the two parties because all humans were its enemies.


    Liu Wuxie had no time to react as the three approached. The battle broke out in a split second, and Liu Wuxie could only fight as he had no path of retreat.


    After the three diverted the Demonic Dragon¡¯s attention, they retreated to a distance to watch.


    ¡°You three are too despicable!¡± Jian Xing¡¯er drew her sword and swung it down, forcing the Demonic Dragon to take a step back.


    The Demonic Dragon ensnared the two, leaving them unable to break free unless they defeated it. This was a dire situation for Liu Wuxie and Jian Xing''er, as the Demonic Dragon was a formidable sixth-grade, third-level demonic beast.


    ¡°Senior sister, how long can you hold on by yourself?¡± Liu Wuxie nned to venture into their to retrieve the egg while Jian Xing¡¯er held off the Demonic Dragon.


    ¡°Three minutes at most!¡± After several days of fighting together, the two had formed a strong rapport. Jian Xing¡¯er instantly realized what Liu Wuxie nned to do.


    ¡°Okay. Leave immediately if I don¡¯te out after three minutes!¡± Liu Wuxie believed Jian Xing¡¯er could find a way to escape. It might be tough killing the Demonic Dragon, but escaping wasn¡¯t.


    The reason why her life was in danger was because she had to face ten-odd abyssal devils by herself.


    ¡°Okay!¡± Jian Xing¡¯er agreed to Liu Wuxie¡¯s n.


    "Third Fatality Form!" Liu Wuxie eximed as he swung the Heretic de downward. The Demonic Dragon,pelled to retreat, was struck by the unleashed de aura on its back, leaving a long gash from which blood flowed freely.


    This scene delighted the three men, with greed shing in their eyes.


    ¡°What a fast spiritual treasure.¡± The threemented, itching to seize Liu Wuxie¡¯s de. Their weapons couldn¡¯t break through the Demonic Dragon¡¯s defenses, while the Heretic de could. Thus, they naturally coveted it.


    The Demonic Dragon backed off several meters as Liu Wuxie disappeared and reappeared at the entrance of itsir, swiftly entering it.


    Dense abyssal energy seeped from the ground, and Liu Wuxie executed Ghost Eye in case another Demonic Dragon was in their.


    After traversing several hundred meters, Liu Wuxie finally reached the depth, and this ce was spacious enough not to hinder his speed.


    The Demonic Dragon was enraged. Demonic Dragons were an intellectual species, and the dragon had likely guessed that Liu Wuxie had entered itsir to steal its offspring.


    The Demonic Dragon roared furiously, but Jian Xing¡¯er¡¯s task was to hold it off and prevent it from returning to their, which would endanger Liu Wuxie.


    The Demonic Dragon breathed out terrifying mes, which Jian Xing¡¯er failed to dodge and got her right arm burned. There was no time to heal her injuries as she swung her sword to stop the Demonic Dragon from retreating.


    One minuteter, the Demonic Dragon grew stronger, possibly influenced by the Orchid Hut Incense, making it more berserk.


    ¡°Big Brother, what should we do now? Should we join in or wait till they¡¯re both exhausted?¡± The three men didn¡¯t leave and were secretly waiting for an opportunity.


    ¡°No rush. Let¡¯s wait till they¡¯re both exhausted before acting,¡± the man in the middle said with a lewd smile as his eyes roamed around Jian Xing¡¯er¡¯s body.


    Meanwhile, Liu Wuxie soon found the Demonic Dragon¡¯s nest, which wasid with dry grass. He saw several eggs in it. With a wave, three eggs flew into his hand, which he quickly ced into the interspatial pouch.


    With no time to look around, Liu Wuxie turned and dashed upwards. The three-minute mark was approaching, and he knew Jian Xing¡¯er wouldn¡¯t escape alone. She would likely fight the Demonic Dragon and continue to buy time for him.


    The st of abyssal energy sent Jian Xing¡¯er flying, blood spurting from her mouth. Simultaneously, the Demonic Dragon received a sixth-grade talisman on its back, dealing severe injuries.


    It was a mutual destruction, as Liu Wuxie had expected. Jian Xing¡¯er had bought five talisman papers in the auction house, and she didn¡¯t have the skill like Liu Wuxie to inscribe a spiritual talisman in three breaths.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± Seeing the Demonic Dragon injured, the three men moved because it was time for them to reap the harvest.

 Chapter 350 - Despicable

    <h4>Chapter 350 - Despicable</h4>


    The Demonic Dragon had already suffered heavy injuries when taking Liu Wuxie¡¯s attack, and Jian Xing¡¯er¡¯s talisman further increased its injuries.


    After killing the Demonic Dragon, the three men slowly approached Jian Xing¡¯er. Thetter had only managed to inflict heavy injuries on the Demonic Dragon by using up all of her true essence, and this left her standing in ce with a hint of anger on her face.


    ¡°What are you three doing?!¡± The three men surrounded Jian Xing¡¯er, cutting off her path of retreat.


    ¡°You¡¯re quite pretty, and there¡¯s no one here. Why don¡¯t you have some fun with us?¡± the man in the middle said with a lewd expression, scanning Jian Xing¡¯er.


    She may not have been a peerless beauty, but she was a rare find¡ªone in ten thousand. Coupled with her voluptuous figure, this naturally sparked wicked thoughts in the minds of the three.


    This was the Abyssal Underground World, a ce rarely visited by humans, and they had already dismissed Liu Wuxie. After all, Liu Wuxie was only in the True Core Realm, and they naturally disregarded him.


    ¡°You bastards!¡± Jian Xing¡¯er was furious, trembling angrily at such despicable and shameless people.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. We¡¯re bastards, but do you have a choice?¡± The man on the right smirked and almost drooled. They had been in the Abyssal Underground World for days without any gains.


    ¡°Don¡¯t me me for being impolite if any of you take another step!¡± Jian Xing¡¯er raised her sword. She was determined that she wouldn¡¯t allow them to defile her even if it cost her life.


    ¡°Big brother, who knew this chick would have such a fiery temper.¡± The man on the left sneered and drew his de, ready to strike. After all, Jian Xing¡¯er may not have been their match, even if she was at her prime.


    ¡°I happen to like fiery chicks.¡± The man in the middle slowly approached while Jian Xing¡¯er retreated.


    Filthy words spewed from their mouths, and they had done something simr a few days ago. A pair of brothers and sisters hade to train a few days ago; they had killed the men and defiled the women.


    After Liu Wuxie retrieved the eggs, he swiftly left their in case Jian Xing¡¯er was in danger. But when he heard themotion above, he instantly knew Jian Xing¡¯er was in danger.


    He shot out from their like aet, capturing everything in his eyes. Without any hesitation, he swung the Heretic de down with overwhelming force without any words. He could guess what they intended to do.


    The three men were shocked and drew their weapons to block, but they had underestimated Liu Wuxie¡¯s strength.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s objective wasn¡¯t to kill them but to save Jian Xing¡¯er first in case anything happened. If Jian Xing¡¯er fell into their hands, she could be used to threaten him.


    A series of powerful shockwaves swept out, forming into a hurricane, rming the abyssal races far away.


    After tearing an opening, Liu Wuxie vanished and brought Jian Xing¡¯er out.


    ¡°Senior sister, I¡¯m sorry for dragging you down!¡± Looking at Jian Xing¡¯er covered in blood and humiliated made Liu Wuxie feel guilty as he handed her a pill.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine. You need to escape because they¡¯re powerful!¡± Jian Xing¡¯er urged, worried about Liu Wuxie instead of herself.


    ¡°Not yet!¡± Liu Wuxie said coldly. Even without what had happened earlier, he had no intentions of ending this matter so easily when the three had lured the Demonic Dragon over to them. He wouldn¡¯t be able to ease his anger without killing them.


    Liu Wuxie and Jian Xing¡¯er had only managed to repel the Demonic Dragon, relying on their strength, and anyone else in their position would¡¯ve died.


    ¡°Senior sister, you stay here to rest.¡± Liu Wuxie inserted ten array gs into the surroundings to protect Jian Xing¡¯er while walking towards the group of three. Whenever he took a step forward, the murderous intent he gave off increased, sweeping out like an unstoppable wave.


    ¡°Brat, how dare you ruin our fun! I¡¯ll torment her in front of you!¡± The three assumed Jian Xing¡¯er to be Liu Wuxie¡¯s woman.


    ¡°All of you deserve to die!¡± Violent true essence gushed out from Liu Wuxie, and he never wanted to kill someone so badly.


    Sensing his anger, the Heretic de emitted terrifying shes with waves of energy spreading out.


    ¡°Big brother, why waste time speaking with him? Let me handle him!¡± The man on the left didn¡¯t take Liu Wuxie seriously because they had killed many cultivators in the True Core Realm.


    ¡°Third brother, be careful!¡± The man in the middle frowned because he felt something wasn¡¯t right, but he couldn¡¯t describe it.


    ¡°I can kill trash like him with one strike!¡± The man on the left swung his sword toward Liu Wuxie, unleashing a powerful aura in the second level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    Jian Xing¡¯er sat in the distance and was worried, unable to focus on healing her injuries.


    ¡°You¡¯ll soon know who¡¯s the trash!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s voice was biting cold, causing the surrounding temperature to drop. Striding the Seven Dipper Steps, Liu Wuxie vanished and swung the Heretic de in a tricky trajectory.


    ¡°Fourth Fatality Form!¡± A powerful aura swept out the moment Liu Wuxie took on a stance. Ever since he had reached the seventh-level True Core Realm, he could execute the initial form of the Fourth Fatality Form.


    Fatality de Art had a strict cultivation requirement. The Fourth Fatality Form couldn¡¯t bepletely unleashed without reaching the Heavenly Phase Realm, but Liu Wuxie¡¯sprehension and true essence far exceeded ordinary people.


    The man charging over instantly sensed the danger when Liu Wuxie performed the Fourth Fatality Form. But it was toote for him to respond because the Heretic de was highly spiritual. Their weapons were still at the level of mythical artifacts and not even spiritual treasures.


    ¡°Die!¡± The Heretic de broke apart the man¡¯s defenses with his blood dyeing the ground red. A head also flew into the sky, and Liu Wuxie sought a quick victory to kill one first because the remaining two couldn¡¯t threaten him that way.


    After all, his odds of winning were low if he had to face all three of them.


    ¡°Third brother!¡± the remaining two roared in sorrow. Their hearts were bleeding to see their third brother in before them.


    Jian Xing''er was once again astonished by Liu Wuxie''s strength. The second level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm meant little to him.


    ¡°Big brother, kill him to avenge the third brother!¡± The man on the right was enraged and attacked Liu Wuxie, unleashing power in the second level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    The man in the middle was even stronger and swung his sword, which felt like ten thousand mountains crushing down on Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie instantly felt suffocated, and the pressure was high, facing two cultivators in the second-level Heavenly Dipper Realm. He might¡¯ve reached the seventh level of the True Core Realm, but the world in his dantian needed to be filled up.


    This was why each breakthrough would be increasingly terrifying in the future.


    Performing the Nine Heavenly Crane Dance, Liu Wuxie flew like a celestial crane, and the two couldn¡¯t even catch him. This naturally made the two furious because Liu Wuxie was too slippery.


    After executing Ghost Eye, Liu Wuxie could see the changes in their moves, and he nned to take them out individually. Their speed slowed as if they were moving slow-mo, but this was because Ghost Eye was more powerful.


    ¡°Die!¡± The Heretic de was aimed at the man on the right, and Liu Wuxie shot out like an arrow.


    It was toote for the man to react. The Fatality Third Form was inferior to the fourth, but it could catch the man off guard.


    ¡°Second brother, retreat!¡± The man in the middle sensed the danger and hurried his brother to retreat. But it was toote as the Heretic de was locked on the other person¡¯s neck, not to mention Liu Wuxie was incredibly fast.


    When blood sshed, a thin cut appeared on the other man with blood flowing down.


    ¡°Second brother!¡± the man in the middle roared. They had been the ones killing others over the years, but they didn¡¯t expect they would be killed in the Abyssal Underground World today.


    After absorbing the energies from the two bodies, the aura Liu Wuxie gave off was much stronger than before.


    ¡°It¡¯s your turn!¡± Liu Wuxie had nothing to fear since only one was left, perfectly disying his movement and de technique.


    Jian Xing¡¯er was thoroughly captivated by Liu Wuxie¡¯s de technique. This was no ordinary earth-grade martial technique and was infinitely close to a heavenly-grade martial technique.


    As the de and sword shed, Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t in a hurry to kill but used the fight to hone his skills. He was in a hurry to kill Hou Chi¡¯s group of three after reaching the seventh level of the True Core Realm and didn¡¯t have an opportunity to hone his skills after his breakthrough.


    A hundred movester, the man was increasingly shocked and considered escaping. He even abandoned avenging his two brothers and retreated while fighting.


    However, Liu Wuxie had already noticed this man¡¯s intentions, and he naturally wouldn¡¯t let thetter go. If he devoured the energy from thest person, he had a seventy percent chance of reaching the eighth-level True Core Realm.


    The Demonic Dragon¡¯s strength wasparable to the third level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm, and its body contained immense energies.


    ¡°Primordial Star Fist!¡± Liu Wuxie stowed the Heretic de and performed the Primordial Star Fist. This instantly scared his opponent because his opponent had never seen such a frightening fist technique before. It felt as though there was a punch descending from the sky.


    Several abyssal races observed from a distance, hesitant to approach, also intimidated by Liu Wuxie''s Primordial Astral Fist.


    The man¡¯s sword began to shatter under the punch. Shortly after, he exploded and only left behind arge crater on the ground.


    After dispatching the final foe, Liu Wuxie produced the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron, into which the enormous corpse of the Demonic Dragon vanished. Within the cauldron, demonic mes surged and refined over five thousand liquid droplets.


    However, Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t in a hurry to absorb the droplets into his dantian because this ce was too dangerous to make a breakthrough. He had to find a safe ce and get Jian Xing¡¯er to guard him.


    Liu Wuxie walked towards Jian Xing¡¯er and stored the array gs.


    ¡°Junior Brother Liu, you have given me a huge surprise!¡± Jian Xing¡¯er smiled bitterly, recalling how she had suggested helping Liu Wuxie toplete his missions.


    ¡°Senior sister, don¡¯t underestimate yourself. It¡¯s no simple feat that you can injure the Demonic Dragon!¡± Liu Wuxie knew what Jian Xing¡¯er was thinking. Everyone had their trump cards, which was the same for Jian Xing¡¯er.


    ¡°Junior brother, did you retrieve the eggs?¡± Jian Xing¡¯er changed the topic. Her injuries were under control, but recoveringpletely would be a little troublesome.

 Chapter 351 - Eighth-Level of the True Core Realm

    <h4>Chapter 351 - Eighth-Level of the True Core Realm</h4>


    They didn''t linger and left swiftly after Jian Xing''er''s injuries were under control. They found a rtively clean cave, and Liu Wuxie took out the array gs to set them up in the surroundings before standing guard outside the cave.


    "Senior sister, you focus on treating your injuries while I guard you!" Liu Wuxie scanned Jian Xing''er''s body with his divine sense and found that her injuries were severe. The shockwave from the talisman''s explosion had injured her internal organs, and it would affect her future cultivation if they weren''t treated.


    "I know. These injuries won''t heal in just a day or two. I''ll be fine after resting for a day." Jian Xing''er was optimistic because she knew her injuries well, and it would be hard to treat them without sixth-grade pills.


    "Don''t worry about it. These injuries are nothing with me around!" Liu Wuxie began sorting through the spoils from the three and found many spirit stones and herbs.


    He stored the spirit stones and ced the herbs on the ground. He didn''t stop there and took out more herbs from his interspatial pouch.


    "Junior brother, what are you trying to do?" Jian Xing''er widened her eyes. Was Liu Wuxie nning to refine pills here?


    "Refine pills to treat your injuries," Liu Wuxie said as he continued to sort through the herbs.


    Jian Xing''er had suffered heavy injuries to help him, and Liu Wuxie would feel guilty if her injuries weren''tpletely healed. He would naturally remember that favor in his heart.


    A lot of liquified spiritual energy had umted in the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron. Relying on it, he had an eighty percent chance of reaching the eighth level of the True Core Realm. But to be safe, Liu Wuxie nned to refine a sixth-grade pill to aid his breakthrough.


    After killing so many people and umting so many herbs, Liu Wuxie nned on refining two sixth-grade pills.


    "Junior brother...what did you say? You want to refine sixth-grade pills?" Jian Xing''er thought she had misheard. Only those in the Heavenly Dipper Realm could refine sixth-grade pills, and Liu Wuxie was only in the True Core Realm. So, how could he possibly aplish it?


    Recalling the previous scene, Jian Xing''er was shocked. It was a miracle that someone in the True Core Realm could easily kill experts in the second-level Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    Ignoring Jian Xing''er, Liu Wuxie continued to sort through the spiritual herbs and ced them aside. He then took out arge cauldron from his interspatial pouch.


    Ordinary cauldrons couldn''t refine sixth-grade pills, and Liu Wuxie had found this cauldron in Hou Chi''s interspatial pouch. He didn''t use his me but the demonic me instead.


    When the demonic me appeared, the temperature in the cave increased, and Jian Xing''er couldn''t describe her current feelings.


    "W-What kind of me is that?" Jian Xing''er muttered to herself and retreated. She didn''t dare to get too close because she could sense that the demonic me could incinerate ordinary cultivators in the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    Liu Wuxie was also feeling uncertain as this was his first time refining pills with demonic mes. But sixth-grade pills required heavenly mes, and his me was too weak, unable to support him to refine sixth-grade pills.


    The demonic mes took on various shapes, looking terrifying. The entire cauldron was enveloped in the mes, and Liu Wuxie was somewhat nervous as this was his first time refining a sixth-grade pill in this lifetime.


    When the first herb was thrown into the cauldron, it dissolved instantly upon contact with the demonic mes. This proved that the demonic mes were a few hundred times stronger than ordinary heavenly mes.


    "It works! It''s more effective than ordinary heavenly mes!" Liu Wuxie could sense that the herbs were more purified after being refined by the demonic mes, thus increasing his sess rate.


    Liu Wuxie threw more herbs into the cauldron individually. He nned to refine a pill for Jian Xing''er''s injuries first before the pill for his breakthrough.


    The pill he nned to refine was intended to boost his chances of a breakthrough when facing difficulties. However, due to the limited herbs avable, the sixth-grade pills he refined couldn''t achieve the highest potency.


    Time passed quickly, and several abyssal devils passed by, but they were all stopped by the spiritual array and could only leave.


    Half a day passed, and a rich fragrance came from the cauldron. The refining process was nearlypleted. Liu Wuxie began forming seals, injecting profound runes into the cauldron, causing the pill to rotate rapidly.


    Who did Junior Brother learn his alchemy skills from? These skills aren''t techniques from the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. Jian Xing''er thought to herself, not daring to interrupt Liu Wuxie.


    The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion specialized in alchemy, but Liu Wuxie''s techniques were from outside the sect. Each sect had unique techniques, and the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion focused on unification techniques.


    As the demonic me gradually dissipated, the surrounding temperature began to fall. Jian Xing''er wiped her forehead, heaving a sigh of relief.


    While refining the pill, Liu Wuxie exuded a formidable aura. This aura, coupled with his suppression of the demonic mes, would overwhelm an ordinary cultivator in the True Core Realm.


    A golden pill flew into Liu Wuxie''s hand as the cauldron opened.


    "Senior sister, take it quickly!" The effect was greatest when consumed directly after refining.


    Jian Xing''er didn''t hesitate to swallow the pill. Surprisingly, it wasn''t hot and even gave off a cooling sensation that coursed through her body. The pill''s energy began to heal her injuries, and she quickly circted her cultivation technique to aid digestion.


    Now that Jian Xing''er''s injuries were resolved, Liu Wuxie continued his alchemy. The Breakthrough Pill he refined this time was simple and was done after two hours.


    Jian Xing''er''s injuries healed more or less with a sixth-grade pill, and her cultivation rose significantly. If everything went well, she could make a breakthrough to the second level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm in three days.


    This should be considered a blessing in disguise. The value of a sixth-grade pill was invaluable, and she even had to spend many points to buy one as an inner disciple.


    "Junior brother, thank you for your pill!" Jian Xing''er stood up and bowed to Liu Wuxie after her condition improved.


    "Senior sister, you''re too polite. You were injured because of me, and I can''t receive your gratitude," Liu Wuxie replied hurriedly.


    Jian Xing''er felt somewhat awkward to be alone with Liu Wuxie in a cave. She even blushed when she looked at Liu Wuxie''s handsome face.


    She might not be a peerless beauty, but she was still considered outstanding in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. As her cultivation rose, her appearance also changed, and it was normal for her to be a peerless beauty.


    If one reached the Astral River Realm, their appearance wouldn''t change regardless of age, maintaining their youthful appearance. Some cultivators in the Astral River Realm appeared to be in their thirties, but they were over a hundred years old.


    Liu Wuxie naturally noticed Jian Xing''er''s expression, but he pretended not to see it. His goal was to reach the Profound True Realm and find the path back to the Celestial Realm. As for love, that wasn''t his priority.


    "Junior brother, what''s our next n?" Jian Xing''er began to treat Liu Wuxie as the leader among them. After all, Liu Wuxie had surpassed her in strength and other aspects.


    "I need to go into seclusion for two days. I''ll have to trouble you to guard me!" After refining the Breakthrough Pill, Liu Wuxie wanted to save time and reach the eighth level of the True Core Realm. This would provide more security in the Abyssal Underground World.


    After all, the encounter with the Demonic Dragon had nearly killed them, and who knew if there would be a more formidable foe in the future?


    "Okay!" Jian Xing''er agreed and went out of the cave to stand guard.


    Cultivating was private, and her action increased Liu Wuxie''s favorable impression of her.


    Sitting with his legs crossed, Liu Wuxie began to circte the Deste Devouring Art. The spiritual energy in the Abyssal Underground World was limited, and he could only absorb abyssal energy.


    Then again, abyssal energy and spiritual energy were no different to Liu Wuxie since they could be devoured by the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron and converted into energy for the world in his dantian.


    Terrifying abyssal energy gushed out from the ground, startling Jian Xing''er, who thought a powerful abyssal race wasing. However, when she looked at the cave, she muttered, "There are so many secrets on Junior Brother Liu. Can it be that he''s of the abyssal race?"


    But no matter how she looked at it, Liu Wuxie was no different from the abyssal race. After all, the demonic me and absorbing abyssal energy were signs of the abyssal race.


    She soon dismissed that thought because Liu Wuxie was undoubtedly human, given his appearance, true essence, and martial techniques. However, it was unprecedented for humans to absorb abyssal energy.


    Liu Wuxie was immersed in his world, unaware of Jian Xing''er''s thoughts. The liquified spiritual energy poured out of the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron, and the world in his dantian underwent a drastic transformation with the appearance of a new region. But this new region was filled with abyssal energy instead of spiritual energy.


    "What''s happening? How can there be an abyssal realm in this world?" Liu Wuxie was shocked as he scanned the world within his dantian using his divine sense. This new region resembled the creation of the volcano when he had absorbed the me Spiritual Bead.


    After investigating for half a day and finding nothing amiss, Liu Wuxie pushed the matter aside and focused on his breakthrough. His cultivation started to ascend, bringing him to the brink of the eighth level of the True Core Realm.


    Suffocating abyssal energy formed a cloud outside the cave, naturally attracting countless abyssal devils'' attention.


    In just an hour, hundreds of abyssal devils rushed over, with most being fifth and sixth grade.


    Jian Xing''er naturally grew concerned outside the cave. abyssal devils thrived on abyssal energy, and the dense concentration in this area naturally attracted their attention, potentially enabling them to advance by a grade through its influence.


    Liu Wuxie was unaware of this and felt he was short of a breakthrough no matter how much abyssal energy he absorbed.


    "Breakthrough Pill, it''s up to you now!" Liu Wuxie took out the Breakthrough Pill and swallowed it. After the pill was swallowed, it felt like a hammer striking his bottleneck.


    A rumble echoed in his ears, shaking his eardrums and nearly causing him to spit blood.


    "Deste Devouring Art, devour!" The abyssal realm in his dantian had expanded, and it needed more energy. The abyssal energy was like a ck ocean pouring into the cave, and this naturally frightened Jian Xing''er into dodging.


    The ck ocean poured into Liu Wuxie''s dantian, manifesting into a hammer to strike his bottleneck again. The force was stronger this time, and Liu Wuxie instantly felt as though the world had brightened.


    The Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron devoured all the abyssal energy, allowing Liu Wuxie to reach the eighth level of the True Core Realm. He also spent three hundred thousand spirit stones to stabilize his cultivation.


    More abyssal devils were gathered outside the cave to devour the abyssal energy. Several powerful existences in the fifth grade were transforming, evolving to the sixth grade.


    Aside from abyssal devils, demonic beasts had also gathered outside to devour abyssal energy.

 Chapter 352 - Massacre

    <h4>Chapter 352 - Massacre</h4>


    Jian Xing¡¯er stood outside with her face filled with worry. The abyssal devils couldn¡¯t get close to the spiritual array, but this meant it wouldn¡¯t be easy for the two of them to leave either.


    A day passed in the blink of an eye, and Liu Wuxie¡¯s cultivation stabilized in the pinnacle of the eighth-level True Core Realm.


    Terrifying waves swept out, causing a violent gale in the cave and rocks to fall from the ceiling.


    ¡°What power!¡± Liu Wuxie was shocked because he hadn¡¯t expected such a significant rise in strength after the breakthrough of one level. ording to his estimation, he shouldn¡¯t have be so powerful. So, what was the reason for his sudden boost?


    ¡°I got it! It must be because of the expansion of the world in my dantian!¡± His strength had increased since the world in his dantian had be bigger. The addition of the abyssal realm allowed his strength to undergo a drastic transformation, and he now possessed some traits of the abyssal devil.


    He was astonished to discover that his true essence could mimic abyssal energy. As he adapted to his new power, he gradually made his way out of the cave.


    Rumbling sounds came from outside the cave as abyssal devils charged at the spiritual array. The spiritual array was damaged, and more abyssal devils gathered outside, forcing Jian Xing¡¯er to wield her sword, ready for battle.


    "Senior Sister, are you alright?" The spiritual array was on the verge of copsing. If it fell, Jian Xing¡¯er would take the brunt of the impact, and Liu Wuxie wouldn''t escape unscathed either.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine. You made a breakthrough?!¡± Jian Xing¡¯er could feel a surging pressure gradually pressing over. The aura Liu Wuxie gave off was even stronger than her, exceeding the limits of the True Core Realm. Even those in the third level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm might not beparable to the aura he gave off.


    ¡°Why are there so many abyssal devils?¡± Liu Wuxie frowned and saw thousands of abyssal devils gathered outside. This didn¡¯t include the demonic beasts far away, which meant it would be tough for them to leave.


    Jian Xing¡¯er pouted as if she was saying that he was the case. The abyssal devils were here because of the abyssal energy Liu Wuxie had gathered.


    ¡°Junior brother, what should we do now?¡± Jian Xing¡¯er couldn¡¯t think of a way to escape.


    The sight of humans ignited the ferocity of the abyssal devils, prompting them to brandish their ws at the spiritual array.


    "Fight our way out!" There was no other option in this underground world. If they were above ground, they could have escaped by flying, as these low-graded abyssal devils couldn''t fly.


    ¡°Okay!¡± Jian Xing¡¯er nodded, deciding to take the risk. She held onto a spiritual talisman with one hand, nning to blow the abyssal devils if there was danger.


    ¡°Senior sister, are these spiritual talismans inscribed by you?¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes lit up. If they had spiritual talismans, the odds of them making out alive would increase. There were a few hundred sixth-grade abyssal devils here, and the odds of them escaping were too low.


    If they stayed here, they would be waiting for death and might as well take the risk of charging out.


    ¡°Junior brother, you also know how to use spiritual talismans?¡± Jian Xing¡¯er recalled that Liu Wuxie had bought five talisman papers in the auction house.


    ¡°I do know a thing or two!¡± Liu Wuxie looked at the spiritual talisman in Jian Xing¡¯er¡¯s hand. Compared to the one he had inscribed, the spiritual runes inscribed by Jian Xing¡¯er weren¡¯t clear, and the power was significantly reduced. If the spiritual runes were perfected, their power would dramatically increase.


    ¡°Junior brother, what are you thinking?¡± Jian Xing¡¯er asked, seeing Liu Wuxie falling into deep thoughts.


    ¡°Senior sister, give me your spiritual talismans!¡±


    Jian Xing¡¯er didn¡¯t hesitate to hand her spiritual talisman to Liu Wuxie. They had interacted for days, building a strong trust between them.


    After receiving Jian Xing¡¯er¡¯s spiritual talisman, Liu Wuxie inscribed new spiritual runes. A miraculous scene soon appeared as the light released by the spiritual talisman grew stronger.


    The spiritual talisman advanced from a low to high sixth-grade level, equivalent to raising it from level one to three, then five to seven. While it remained a sixth-grade talisman, its power had significantly increased.


    ¡°Junior brother, you can change the runes in a talisman?!¡± Jian Xing¡¯er was shocked. It was easy to inscribe a spiritual talisman, but adding and altering it was different. There weren¡¯t many people in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion capable of doing that.


    Even Spiritualist Grandmasters wouldn¡¯t dare to attempt it lightly because the spiritual runes could easily conflict.


    ¡°The talisman¡¯s power has greatly increased, and I¡¯ll signal you to throw it.¡± Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t exin and returned the talisman to Jian Xing¡¯er.


    Jian Xing¡¯er nodded and held the talisman in her left hand with her sword in her right.


    ¡°Stay close to me!¡± Liu Wuxie wielded the Heretic de and retrieved the array gs. The abyssal devils charged at Liu Wuxie when the spiritual array vanished, roaring in anger.


    ¡°Kill!¡± Liu Wuxie swung the Heretic de out, killing all the iing abyssal devils.


    ¡°Junior brother, try to keep their heads intact. Each fifth-grade abyssal race is worth ten points.¡± Jian Xing¡¯er reminded Liu Wuxie from the side. The heads of these abyssal devils were highly valuable.


    Hunting the abyssal devils came with hefty rewards from the ten major sects. This was because the abyssal devils reproduced rapidly. The ten major sects issued policies of hunting them to control their poption, putting a reward on their heads.


    Hunting fifth-grade abyssal devils was the limit for ordinary disciples in the True Core Realm. They could only flee as far as possible if they ran into sixth-grade abyssal devils.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes lit up upon hearing that. He didn¡¯t expect to receive points for killing the abyssal devils, and this instantly made him excited, charging into the abyssal devils madly.


    Jian Xing''er¡¯s forehead furrowed with worry. Anyone witnessing this scene would be confused, unsure whether the abyssal devils were there to hunt them or if Liu Wuxie was the one hunting the abyssal devils.


    The abyssal devils were ughtered with their heads intact, and Liu Wuxie kept the heads in his interspatial pouch. He had killed over fifty abyssal devils in the blink of an eye, and this hunting speed was terrifying.


    Jian Xing¡¯er followed behind Liu Wuxie with the shock on her face growing denser. She didn¡¯t expect Liu Wuxie to be so terrifying after reaching the eighth level of the True Core Realm.


    When he executed the Fatality de Art, each strike was fatal. As for Jian Xing¡¯er, she could only clean up what was left. Like that, one attacked while the other defended, and the two cooperated seamlessly.


    Their actions enraged the sixth-grade abyssal devils, who charged at Liu Wuxie with heavy steps. The abyssal devils hadrge bodies and were twice the height of humans. After reaching the sixth grade, they would have horns growing from their heads.


    The most frightening aspect was their appearance. They had eyes and noses, but they were different from humans because they had enormous eyes and mouths but small noses.


    Their faces were grotesque, dominated byrge mouths and marked by noses that were merely two holes.


    They had disgusting appearances, and only their heads were pitch-ck with ck scales on their bodies. The scales acted as ayer of defense that made them impervious to ordinary weapons.


    The Heretic de was a top-tier spiritual treasure capable of tearing apart the bodies of the abyssal devils. ck blood dyed the ground, forming small creeks around it.


    ¡°Junior brother, be careful!¡± Jian Xing¡¯er yelled upon seeing sixth-grade abyssal devils pouncing at Liu Wuxie, and it was toote for her to help.


    ¡°Great timing!¡± After reaching the eighth level of the True Core Realm, Liu Wuxie needed a battle to solidify his foundation.


    The Heretic de moved in an incredible trajectory, with Liu Wuxie shooting out like an arrow. The three abyssal devils didn¡¯t have time to react before their heads were severed.


    ¡°Not bad! Three hundred points!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s missions only awarded two hundred points, but killing three sixth-grade abyssal devils earned him three hundred points.


    Usually, only inner disciples could receive missions to kill sixth-grade abyssal devils.


    ¡°A true monster! Junior brother will probably shine in this year¡¯s outer disciplepetition.¡± Jian Xing¡¯er couldn¡¯t describe her feelings and stuck close to Liu Wuxie, fearing she might fall behind.


    If she fell into the encirclement of the abyssal devils, it would be impossible for her to break out.


    The massacre continued, and abyssal devils fell in groups. This was because they were all points in Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes. With so many points, he could aplish a lot in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, such as exchanging them for desired resources like a superior alchemy cauldron.


    Furthermore, there were also many things he wanted to exchange, such as pills and the use of chambers.


    His frenzied massacre finally angered the abyssal devils as more sixth-grade abyssal devils attacked. Their strength could rival the sixth level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm, and the abyssal energy they released sent the weaker abyssal devils flying away.


    After fighting for so long, they were now near the edge of the battlefield, just a few meters away from breaking through the encirclement.


    ¡°Senior sister, prepare to use the talisman!¡± Liu Wuxie roared. He wasn¡¯t confident dealing with so many sixth-grade abyssal devils, and they had to escape quickly.


    ¡°Alright!¡± Jian Xing¡¯er activated the spiritual talisman, infusing it with her true essence before tossing the talisman into the weak point of the encirclement.


    With a loud explosion, the abyssal devils in that direction were blown into pieces, tearing an opening.


    When the opening appeared, Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t linger because killing so many abyssal devils had earned him thousands of points, enough for him to spend for a while.


    The two executed their movement techniques and disappeared, leaving the abyssal devils behind, roaring furiously. Despite their anger, the abyssal devils were powerless against Liu Wuxie and Jian Xing¡¯er, who had in so many of their kin.


    ¡°Notify everyone of a man and woman killing our kind in great numbers! Mobilize the army! I want them ripped into pieces!¡± A sixth-grade abyssal devilmanded, ordering the capture of Liu Wuxie and Jian Xing¡¯er.


    The entire underworld world began searching for the man and the woman. The other cultivators were unaware of what was happening, and the frenzied abyssal devils attacked them.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on? Why do these abyssal devils seem to have gone mad?¡± There was a group of cultivators in a canyon, attacked by arge number of abyssal devils. They barely managed to escape, but they were all injured.


    Simr scenes unfolded throughout the underground world. If there was a pair of a man and a woman, they would be attacked by frenzied abyssal devils.


    In just one day, a few humans were killed by the abyssal devils.


    After breaking through the encirclement of the abyssal devils, Liu Wuxie and Jian Xing¡¯er found a safe ce to rest.


    ¡°That was really close!¡± Jian Xing¡¯er was still palpitating with fear. They had almost died inside the encirclement of abyssal devils and had only managed to escape by using a spiritual talisman to tear an opening.


    ¡°We¡¯ve been underground for days and must speed up.¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s true essence was still abundant, and he took a deep breath to absorb abyssal energy into his body.


    "Okay. Let¡¯s search for the Blood Jade Beast next,¡± Jian Xing¡¯er nodded. It had been ten days since she entered the underground world, and the abyssal energy would assimte her if she stayed much longer, converting her into an abyssal devil. Humans could only endure this environment for about half a month before needing to return to the surface.

 Chapter 353 - Blood Jade Beast

    <h4>Chapter 353 - Blood Jade Beast</h4>


    Liu Wuxie would be fine even if he stayed in the Abyssal Underground World for a year, but Jian Xing''er couldn''t do the same. The abyssal energy was extremely harmful to her body.


    If she stayed in the Abyssal Underground World for over half a month, she would gradually lose her will and be an abyssal devil.


    Every year, many humans would turn into the abyssal devils and join forces with the local abyssal devils to lure humans in to kill.


    Humans were forbidden to enter the Abyssal Underground World again within a month after their exit. This was because they had to clear the abyssal energy from their bodies.


    The Blood Jade Beasts were cunning like Frost Demon Apes. They would roam around without a fixed location. Furthermore, the Frost Demon Ape would assault anyone they saw, regardless of humans or the abyssal devils. They liked to eat the flesh of humans and drink the blood of abyssal devils.


    "Senior sister, where do the Blood Jade Beasts usually appear?" The two embarked on a journey, but they only had a little time left if they wandered around aimlessly.


    "By the river!" The Blood Jade Beasts had a unique characteristic. They liked to stay in ces with water, meaning ces without water sources could be ignored. The Frost Demon Ape could be found as long as there was a water source.


    "Alright. Let''s head to the underground river." The underground river stretched from the first to the third level. The first level was rtively wide, making it troublesome to search. But the second level differed because the underground river was only one hundred meters long, stretching to the third level.


    This meant the Blood Jade Beasts could be found in the hundred-meter-long section of the river.


    They sped up and arrived before the river after half a day.


    "We''ll split up. I''ll search upwards while you search downwards." Liu Wuxie decided to save time and split up.


    Jian Xing''er agreed with that idea. After all, they would be fine if they didn''t encounter abyssal devils inrge groups.


    When they split up, Liu Wuxie performed the Seven Dipper Steps and headed downstream. He executed Ghost Eye to capture the entire river in his eyes, and even the smallest corners and grass patches couldn''t escape his vision.


    Suddenly, a rustling sound emanated from the bush fifty meters away, apanied by the sound of water sshing. It was an adult Blood Jade Beast relieving itself in the bush.


    "An adult Blood Jade Beast!" Liu Wuxie muttered to himself, not daring to alert the Blood Jade Beast. This was because they were cunning and would flee immediately if they sensed someone around them.


    The Blood Jade Beasts weren''t very powerful but were hard to catch because they had no fixed territory and would flee upon encountering humans.


    After the Blood Jade Beast was done peeing, it raised its head to look around. It was about the size of a fox with a pointed mouth and a pair of green eyes that gave off a cold luster.


    The most valuable part of the Blood Jade Beast was its blood. The blood could be used for alchemy and other purposes.


    Jian Xing''er approached, and Liu Wuxie quickly signaled her to halt. He knew the Blood Jade Beast would flee at the sound of human footsteps.


    The Blood Jade Beasts were swift, and Liu Wuxie needed to move swiftly to keep up. This mission had been neglected for a month not because it was perilous, but due to its challenging nature.


    Taking out array gs, Liu Wuxie threw them toward the two sides of the river. He nned on using the spiritual array to trap the Blood Jade Beast, and this was the best option.


    Five array gs sealed the river''s sides, leaving only one exit. This meant Liu Wuxie just had to wait there to catch it.


    Afterpleting his preparations, he swiftly approached the Blood Jade Beast. Each step on the ck grass emitted a soft rustling noise, causing the Blood Jade Beast to immediately raise its head and scan its surroundings.


    Upon spotting Liu Wuxie, the Blood Jade Beast attempted to dart towards the river, only to be repelled by an unseen force that left it momentarily disoriented. After regaining itsposure, it staggered to its feet and hastily fled in a different direction.


    However, it didn''t take long before it bounced back again like earlier. This time, it hit the barrier even harder and began to bleed from its head.


    The Blood Jade Beast finally panicked because it had never experienced this situation before. It felt as though an invisible wall was blocking its path.


    It didn''t take long for the Blood Jade Beast to be covered in blood after crashing left and right, letting out roars of distress.


    When Jian Xing''er arrived from a distance, a smile rose on her lips when she saw this scene. She didn''t expect the mission to go so smoothly and to catch a Blood Jade Beast so quickly.


    "Junior brother, great skills!" Jian Xing''er was filled with admiration for Liu Wuxie. Not only was he talented in the martial path, but he was also well-versed in spiritual arrays, alchemy, and spiritual runes. If there was no surprise, Liu Wuxie should also know how to forge weapons. It made no sense that someone could learn so many things.


    "Prepare to capture it!" Liu Wuxie took out a and ced it at the exit, waiting for the Blood Jade Beast to enter.


    The Blood Jade Beast wrestled desperately before charging towards Liu Wuxie. Yet, as it dashed forward, it was ensnared in a and began thrashing furiously. This had been crafted from special materials meticulously prepared by Liu Wuxie beforehand.


    With a wave of his hand, all the array gs vanished, and Liu Wuxie was left with only the final mission.


    "Brat, hand over the Blood Jade Beast!" Just when Liu Wuxie and Jian Xing''er were about to leave, a cold voice came behind them, sending chills down their spines.


    Liu Wuxie and Jian Xing''er were startled to discover someone had slipped behind them unnoticed. They feared they might''ve met an unknown fate if this mysterious figure had intended to ambush them.


    When they turned around, they saw a skinny face before them.


    "Senior Brother Mu!" Jian Xing''er eximed, recognizing this youth.


    Once the youth was identified, a displeased expression crossed his face, apanied by a fleeting hint of hesitation in his eyes.


    Liu Wuxie began to examine this person. This person was powerful and cultivated in the fourth level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm. There was no question he was an elite, and judging from Jian Xing''er''s admiration, he held a high status in the sect.


    "You know me?" The youth frowned.


    "You might''ve forgotten, but we joined the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion together." Jian Xing''er had joined the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion simultaneously with this youth. But there were too many people then, and only those with high talents were remembered.


    "Oh!" The man nodded, but he still couldn''t recall Jian Xing''er.


    "Senior Brother Mu, this is Junior Brother Liu Wuxie. He''s an outer disciple of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion." Jian Xing''er soon introduced the two. The youth was called Mu Yongyuan, an Earth Force Peak''s disciple. He had reached the fourth level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm in just two years, proving his extraordinary talent.


    "I need the Blood Jade Beast. Can you let me have it? I can buy it with spirit stones." Mu Yongyuan looked at Liu Wuxie. He urgently needed the Blood Jade Beast and hoped Liu Wuxie could give it to him.


    Liu Wuxie showed displeasure because Mu Yongyuan had kept an aloof attitude since his appearance, even ignoring Jian Xing''er''s greetings.


    "How many spirit stones are you offering then?" Liu Wuxie showed a hint of disdain in his eyes. Was the fourth level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm powerful? Ever since he had reached the eighth level of the True Core Realm, even those in the fifth level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm couldn''t pose any threat to him.


    "I only have five thousand spirit stones on me, and I can give them all to you." Mu Yongyuan took out all the spirit stones he had on him, intending to exchange them for the Blood Jade Beast.


    While five thousand spirit stones could be substantial for other outer disciples, to Liu Wuxie, it was insignificant.


    Jian Xing''er frowned because she knew Liu Wuxie had used three hundred thousand spirit stones in his breakthrough. Why would he care about five thousand?


    "I''m sorry, but I have no intention of selling." Liu Wuxie shook his head. He had no intention of selling even if Mu Yongyuan offered a hundred thousand spirit stones.


    His reply naturally made Mu Yongyuan displeased. He was only willing to negotiate since they were fellow disciples of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. He would''ve snatched the Blood Jade Beast over if they weren''t disciples of the same sect.


    "Senior sister, let''s go!" Liu Wuxie wanted to leave with Jian Xing''er for thest mission, which was to capture a Profound Yin Butterfly.


    Jian Xing''er nced at Mu Yongyuan before following behind Liu Wuxie. Before meeting Liu Wuxie, Mu Yongyuan was her target of admiration, but everything had changed now.


    "Stop right there!" Mu Yongyuan roared just when Liu Wuxie and Jian Xing''er took a few steps.


    "Senior Brother Mu, what else can I do for you?" Liu Wuxie sneered. Was Mu Yongyuan nning on snatching it from him?


    "I require the Blood Jade Beast, and I must obtain it at any cost," Mu Yongyuan dered in a tone devoid of emotion. He had no intention of allowing Liu Wuxie to depart without surrendering the creature today.


    "What a joke. The Blood Jade Beast is also important to me!" Liu Wuxie sneered. This mission might¡¯ve only been worth thirty points, but he didn''t care. But he loathed Mu Yongyuan''s high-and-mighty attitude.


    Since Mu Yongyuan''s arrival, he had maintained a haughty demeanor and exhibited a cold attitude, even when greeted by Jian Xing''er. Did he truly consider himself above others?


    "Are you really not willing to let me have it?" Mu Yongyuan''s voice became cold, causing the surrounding atmosphere to be tense. This meant that a battle was inevitable.


    "We''re fellow disciples of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion; let''s negotiate. There are multiple Blood Jade Beasts here, and I''m confident Senior Brother Mu can capture one himself," Jian Xing''er intervened, siding with Liu Wuxie to prevent the situation from escting further.


    "Since there are others avable, you can capture another while I take this one," Mu Yongyuan''s voice hardened, dismissing Jian Xing''er''s suggestion outright.


    "If I have no intention of giving it to you, are you going to snatch it from us?" Liu Wuxie handed the Blood Jade Beast over to Jian Xing''er. It was impossible to store living things in the interspatial pouch, and the Blood Jade Beast would die if he did. He needed a beast pouch if he wanted to store living things.


    "Do you have a choice?" Mu Yongyuan finally dropped hisst pretense. He was in the fourth level of the heavenly Dipper Realm and hadn''t taken Liu Wuxie seriously from the start. He had talked to them because they were from the same sect.


    "Since that''s the case, let''s cut the crap and fight!" Liu Wuxie couldn''t be bothered to waste time with Mu Yongyuan anymore.


    "You want to fight me?" Mu Yongyuanughed as though he had heard the funniest joke. Someone in the True Core Realm dared to challenge him?


    "Is there a problem with that?" Lu Wuxie replied and vanished, swinging his de towards Mu Yongyuan. When his de descended, Mu Yongyuan finally knew he had misjudged Liu Wuxie''s strength.

 Chapter 354 - Frost Yin Canyon

    <h4>Chapter 354 - Frost Yin Canyon</h4>


    A terrifying hurricane swept the stones on the ground toward Mu Yongyuan. The water also surged from the river, sshing like a waterfall.


    In just a breath, Liu Wuxie and Mu Yongyuan were drenched. The de ripped through the air and went straight for Mu Yongyuan. Since a fight was inevitable, Liu Wuxie had no intentions of holding back.


    Yesterday''s battle with thousands of abyssal devils had greatly enhanced his strength. A suffocating de aura swept out, and Liu Wuxie''s true essence showed no signs of rejection in the Abyssal Underground World.


    Typically, when using true essence, there is a natural resistance from abyssal energy, which could lead to impurities in the true essence.


    Liu Wuxie was different because his true essence was like a tidal wave without any restrictions. Due to the emergence of the abyssal realm in his dantian, the abyssal energy gushing out could destroy everything.


    Mu Yongyuan''s face changed because he had severely underestimated Liu Wuxie''s strength. Thetter''s strength could not be measured in the True Core Realm. He drew his sword and shed with the iing de aura, shattering it with brute strength.


    Two conflicting forces shed violently, sending out turbulent ripples. The very fabric of space seemed on the brink of rupture, while the surrounding flora¡ªflowers, grass, and trees¡ªwere devastated in the aftermath.


    A few abyssal devils were looking for food far away, and they fled immediately upon sensing the shockwave.


    When the shockwave swept out, Liu Wuxie and Mu Yongyuan took ten-odd steps back before stabilizing themselves.


    Mu Yongyuan''s face was terrifyingly grim, and his heart was pounding in fear. It felt like he was facing a ferocious beast instead of a human.


    An even more powerful fighting spirit erupted from Liu Wuxie. His strength would be significantly boosted if he could devour Mu Yongyuan''s energy.


    "Fight!" Liu Wuxie vanished without any hesitation and continued his sh with Mu Yongyuan. The Fatality de Art flowed like water, and each strike brought unexpected effects.


    Mu Yongyuan had never encountered such an opponent before and was somewhat unustomed to it. Liu Wuxie''s terrifying aspect wasn''t his de technique but his true essence, which wasn''t inferior to Mu Yongyuan and even surpassed him.


    This meant his martial technique and true essence were inferior to Liu Wuxie''s under the same conditions. Apart from his cultivation, he had no other advantage in this fight. But there was no room for distraction in a life-and-death battle.


    During his brief distraction, the Heretic de closed in on Mu Yongyuan, targeting his neck. The situation quickly turned dire for Mu Yongyuan, as one misstep led to another.


    After finding an opening, Liu Wuxie attacked with full force, each strike perfectly capturing the changes in Mu Yongyuan''s moves.


    Liu Wuxie was invincible with Ghost Eye. Regardless of the changes in Mu Yongyuan''s moves, the Heretic de could find the w and allow him to gain an advantage in the fight.


    He had fused with the Heretic de. Though the union wasn''t perfect, they were nearly inseparable. In this moment, he was the de, and the de was him.


    The sky was filled with des and Liu Wuxie''s figures. They had merged, leaving Mu Yongyuan with no path of retreat.


    Jian Xing''er covered her mouth not far away, watching this with disbelief. This was because Mu Yongyuan was a genius in her eyes. Two years ago, he ranked in the top three in the assessment and became an inner disciple within six months of joining Earth Force Peak.


    However, the genius she once admired looked so pathetic in front of Liu Wuxie, whose cultivation was only in the eighth-level True Core Realm.


    "Liu Wuxie, you deserve to die!" Mu Yongyuan roared, and his aura exploded with his sword transforming into countless swords.


    "Junior brother, be careful. That''s the Heavenly Sunflower Sword!" Jian Xing''er warned Liu Wuxie to be careful of this sword technique.


    "I''ll deal with you after killing him!" Mu Yongyuan looked deranged. For an esteemed inner disciple like him, being pushed to this extent by an outer disciple was utterly humiliating. In his mind, the only solution was to eliminate them both, including Jian Xing''er.


    "You''re shameless!" Jian Xing''er frowned upon hearing what Mu Yongyuan said. She didn''t expect Mu Yongyuan to be such a shameless person.


    Ayer of blooming Heavenly Sunflowers appeared in the air.


    <i>This is interesting!</i> Liu Wuxie thought to himself, raised the Heretic de, and performed the Fourth Fatality Form.


    A sword aura shot out from the blooming Heavenly Sunflowers, descending from the sky. The sword aura weaved into a, wanting to trap and kill Liu Wuxie.


    "Die!" Mu Yongyuan roared. When the Heavenly Sunflowers bloomedpletely, one-third of the river''s water evaporated under the power of this strike.


    "You want to kill me with this sword technique? What a joke!" Everything wasid bare before Liu Wuxie''s eyes under Ghost Eye. When he swung the Heretic de down, the Heavenly Flowers in the sky exploded. This was because the demonic me, once empowered, significantly enhanced his true essence.


    Most importantly, the sharpness of his de was invincible, tearing apart all the surrounding sword rays.


    This made Mu Yongyuan''s expression grimmer because Liu Wuxie''sbat power had exceeded his expectations.


    When Liu Wuxie''s de aura descended, it felt like a deity had descended with a powerful de intent unleashed.


    "Break!" A suffocating explosion urred at the point of impact, unleashing a powerful shockwave. This sent Liu Wuxie and Mu Yongyuan flying away.


    Mu Yongyuan spat out a mouthful of blood. His injuries were severe, exacerbated by the bacsh from his own sword technique. Moreover, Liu Wuxie''s true essence was not only poisonous but also carried a trace of abyssal energy.


    Those energies were corroding Mu Yongyuan''s body, causing immense difort. If the poison and abyssal traits weren''t removed promptly, his cultivation would suffer significantly, potentially preventing him from ever achieving another breakthrough.


    However, the battle hadn''t ended yet. Liu Wuxie performed a somersault in mid-air and mustered the astral energy. There was no room for mercy since this was a fight to the death. He roared, ¡°Primordial Astral Fist!¡±


    Liu Wuxie knew Mu Yongyuan would try to target him if he wasn''t killed today.


    When Liu Wuxie threw out a punch, Mu Yongyuan''s face changed in horror. He didn''t dare to carry on fighting after realizing the danger, not to mention he had already suffered heavy injuries.


    "Run!" Mu Yongyuan chose to flee first instead of fighting.


    "You want to run!?" The Primordial Astral Fist formed a powerful impact, rumbling toward Mu Yongyuan.


    "Protection Talisman!" Mu Yongyuan threw out a Protection Talisman in the nick of time to block the Primordial Astral Fist. The impact caused the entire second level to rumble, with countless abyssal devils rmed.


    An enormous crater appeared on the ground as Mu Yongyuan threw up a mouthful of blood. He didn''t dare to linger for another moment and fled.


    The odds of Liu Wuxie catching up to him were low if someone in the fourth level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm focused on running. Liu Wuxie also knew it wasn''t wise to pursue a desperate enemy, and he stood still with his face gloomy.


    "Junior brother, are you alright?" Jian Xing''er ran over with concern written all over her face.


    "I''m fine!" Mu Yongyuan had already fled, and it was toote to chase after him. The utmost importance now was toplete the mission and leave the underground world.


    "I didn''t expect Senior Brother Mu to be like this. I have misjudged him." Jian Xing''er stomped her foot on the ground in anger, but it was a relief to see Liu Wuxie fine.


    They didn''t have time to clean up the battlefield and left quickly because themotion from the battle had attracted many abyssal devils. Most importantly, the abyssal devils had been hunting for them for two days.


    The abyssal devils they encountered would be more powerful when they got closer to the central region. They nearly ran into a seventh-grade abyssal devil, but they managed to avoid it thanks to Ghost Eye.


    "Senior sister, where can we find the Profound Yin Butterfly?" Liu Wuxie asked because it was a waste of time for them to wander around aimlessly. He hadn¡¯t been lucky in gathering a lot of information on the Profound Yin Butterfly in the Book Collection Hall, so he turned to Jian Xing''er for help.


    "The Frost Yin Canyon!" Jian Xing''er said.


    "That ce sounds cold!" Liu Wuxie shivered. Judging from the name, that ce was filled with boundless yin energy.


    "That''s right. That ce is filled with yin energy all year round, and Frost Demon Apes can often be seen there." Jian Xing''er nodded. Most people avoided that ce.


    Aside from the abyssal devils, the yin energy posed another danger because ordinary people couldn''t withstand the corrosion.


    "Alright, let''s go then!" Liu Wuxie said without any hesitation. He had awakened the ice attribute, and yin energy wasn''t a problem.


    Jian Xing''er hesitated briefly and followed behind Liu Wuxie.


    The second level was massive, stretching across several canyons.


    "The Frost Yin Canyon is up ahead!" Jian Xing''er pointed to a pitch-ck canyon with a hint of fear on her face. She had only been here once before meeting Liu Wuxie and nearly lost her life there. Judging from her expression, she still hadn''t ovee her fear yet.


    "What dense yin energy!" Liu Wuxie circted the Deste Devouring Art before entering, devouring the surrounding yin energy into his dantian.


    "Junior brother, we have to be careful. abyssal devils are often seen here and fond of ambushing here." Jian Xing''er drew her sword as they walked together, ready to support each other if danger arose.


    Liu Wuxie nodded and activated the Ghost Eye, capturing everything within a kilometer radius in his eyes. He couldn''t sense time because it was dark underground, but it had been over ten-odd days.


    When they approached the Frost Yin Canyon, Jian Xing''er shivered and could only protect herself with her true essence.


    "Senior sister, you wait here for me and don''t leave. The yin energy is too strong, and you will be in danger if you go in." Liu Wuxie took out array gs and set up a spiritual array for Jian Xing''er to stay inside.


    "No, it''s too dangerous for you to go alone!" Jian Xing''er insisted on apanying Liu Wuxie into the Frost Yin Canyon, worried for his safety.


    "Do as I say. The yin energy can¡¯t hurt me." Liu Wuxie trapped Jian Xing''er in the spiritual array regardless of whether she agreed. No abyssal devils could enter, but this also meant she couldn''te out.


    "Senior sister, the spiritual array will dissolve on its own in a day. If I don¡¯t return by then, leave quickly and don''t look for me," Liu Wuxie said and vanished, entering the Frost Yin Canyon.

 Chapter 355 - Ice Energy

    <h4>Chapter 355 - Ice Energy</h4>


    Two drops of tears ran down Jian Xing''er''s cheeks. Looking at Liu Wuxie''s silhouette, she bit her lips and said, "Junior Brother Liu, I won''t live either if you can''te out alive."


    After Liu Wuxie ensured Jian Xing''er¡¯s safety, he increased his speed and approached the Frost Yin Canyon.


    Strange trees appeared before Liu Wuxie, and each bore white fruits resembling ice balls. Liu Wuxie didn''t dare to touch them, fearing the potential danger.


    The Frost Yin Canyon was small and spanned a few kilometers. Manyrge trees were growing inside, and seeing clusters of white fruits before him was a spectacr scene.


    An adult Frost Demon Ape plucked a white fruit off a tree and started chewing on it, producing a crisp sound. Dense cold air began to spread from the Frost Demon Ape''s mouth, permeating the surroundings.


    "So...I ran into a Frost Demon Ape instead of a Profound Yin Butterfly," Liu Wuxie muttered. Jian Xing''er had been helping him with his missions for the past few days, neglecting her own. Now that he ran into a Frost Demon Ape, he decided to kill this ape toplete her mission.


    He didn''t dare to startle the Frost Demon Ape, as it was busy eating, unaware of its surroundings. Liu Wuxie stopped after he was ten meters away from the Frost Demon Ape.


    The Frost Demon Ape seemed to have sensed his presence and stopped chewing on the white fruit. Instead, it turned around abruptly with its ferocious gaze directed at Liu Wuxie.


    The Frost Demon Ape''s eyes released a chilling aura. This was no ordinary Frost Demon Ape, but a sixth-grade demonic beast with a strengthparable to the third level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    The Frost Demon Ape''s white fur, antenna, and nails were covered with ayer of frost. Whenever it moved, faint ripples spread in the surroundings.


    Jian Xing''er had undertaken this mission in hopes of running into a less powerful Frost Demon Ape. She knew she had no chance of facing an adult Frost Demon Ape.


    However, a demonic beast in the third-level Heavenly Dipper Realm couldn''t threaten Liu Wuxie. His only concern was the terrifying ice energy.


    As soon as it spotted the approaching human, the Frost Demon Ape unleashed ice arrows from its mouth.


    "Elemental attack?!" Liu Wuxie''s eyes shed with a hint of shock. This was a sign the Frost Demon Ape had awakened a wisp of elemental bloodline.


    It could harness elemental power, like how fire-elemental demonic beasts could breathe fire. However, it was hard for most demonic beasts to awaken their element, and most only fought by relying on their powerful physique.


    Liu Wuxie continuously dodged the ice arrows. When the arrowsnded on the surrounding trees, the trees began to snap, with hundreds of white fruits falling. This caught Liu Wuxie by surprise as a white fruit struck him.


    The white fruitnded on his left arm, but he felt no pain as his arm had gone numb, covered in ayer of frost.


    "What fruit is this? What powerful ice energy!" Liu Wuxie was shocked by the energy of the ice. He couldn''t imagine what would happen if he could use it. He could mimic the Frost Demon Ape and shoot ice arrows to kill his opponents.


    Elemental attacks required a technique, and the Frost Demon Ape''s usage was crude, simply manifesting it into arrows to attack the enemy. For example, ice arrows could also take the form of shields.


    As he circted the fire attribute energy, the numbness in Liu Wuxie''s right shoulder vanished.


    The Frost Demon Ape was surprised at this scene. This human was different. Not only could this human dodge its attacks, but he could also neutralize the energy of the Spiritual Yin Fruit. This was enough to prove he was extraordinary.


    The Frost Demon Ape wouldn''t be so surprised if someone in the Heavenly Dipper Realm aplished it, but Liu Wuxie was merely in the True Core Realm.


    The Frost Demon Ape became enraged, baring its fangs and hammering the ground with white gas sprayed from its mouth.


    Liu Wuxie leaned his body forward slightly with the Heretic de in his hand, ready to strike. He was prepared to use the Fourth Fatality Form.


    The man and the beast stood still, and neither made the first move. The atmosphere was tense, and Liu Wuxie''s aura continued to rise. When the Frost Demon Ape finally couldn''t keep watching, it leaped forth, baring its fangs and biting at Liu Wuxie''s neck.


    When it leaped into the air, it shot ice arrows out from its mouth, nearly covering the sky with arrows. This would result in sure death if the Frost Demon Ape faced anyone else.


    However, relying on Ghost Eye and Seven Dipper Steps, Liu Wuxie vanished and left behind afterimages in his tracks. He weaved through the barrage of ice arrows, creating a scene where the arrows barely brushed past him without causing any harm.


    As the distance between Liu Wuxie and the Frost Demon Ape closed in, they traveled through the ten meters in the blink of an eye.


    When they got within each other''s range, Liu Wuxie swung the Heretic de down with all the afterimages ovepping to seek the Frost Demon Ape''s weakness. Liu Wuxie could kill the Frost Demon Ape if he could resolve the Frost Demon Ape''s elemental attack.


    The Frost Demon Ape did not have a powerful physiquepared to other demonic beasts, and it mainly relied on their ice-attribute energy.


    The de ray sealed the Frost Demon Ape''s path. It looked as though the Frost Demon Ape crashed into the Heretic de, and its purple blood dyed the ck ground as it copsed onto the ground.


    When the de shed, a scalding ck core appeared in Liu Wuxie''s hand,pleting Jian Xing''er''s mission. After storing the beast core, the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron appeared and devoured the corpse, converting it into white liquified spiritual energy above the cauldron.


    "What dense ice energy!" Before infusing the spiritual energy into his dantian, Liu Wuxie could sense the dense cold energy through the cauldron.


    "Let''s try infusing it!" Although he could not make a breakthrough with this little energy, it could strengthen his ice-attribute energy.


    When the liquified spiritual energy flowed into his dantian, fluctuations came from the world in his dantian. A surge of ice energy was sent back and coursed through Liu Wuxie''s body.


    The ice energy instantly numbed Liu Wuxie''s entire body. Apart from his soul sea, he couldn''t sense any changes within himself as he was transformed into an ice statue, encased in thick ice.


    Liu Wuxie could only move his eyes, and the thickyer of ice was like armor sealing him within.


    "How did this happen?" Liu Wuxie''s face shed with a hint of solemnity. If he was trapped here, didn''t that mean any passing abyssal devil could easily kill him?


    He was fortunate that the temperature here was low, and abyssal devils did not like this ce. But as time ticked by, theyer of ice enveloping him showed no signs of thawing.


    Moreover, the ice energy in the surroundings showed signs of thickening theyer of ice around his body, making Liu Wuxie feel despair.


    "Wait, why don''t I feel cold despite being covered in ice?" Liu Wuxie soon calmed down and noticed a strange situation. Logically speaking, he should be frozen to death after being covered by ayer of ice.


    But that wasn''t the case because he didn''t feel cold other than immobilized. His internal organs were fine, and his limbs were frozen.


    "It must be because my body hasn''t adapted to it yet!" Liu Wuxie immediately circted the Deste Devouring Art and absorbed the surrounding ice energy.


    He didn''t use his fire-attribute energy because his meridians were frozen, and using fire could cause his meridians to shrink. There was no way his meridians could withstand the alternating cold and heat.


    The only solution was to wait for his body to adapt to the ice energy. Since it wouldn''t melt, he had to absorb it entirely.


    The ice energy in this dantian began to increase, converting the iceyer on his body''s surface.


    Two hours passed in a sh, and the ice on his body finally showed signs of melting. Most importantly, a snow mountain appeared in the world in his dantian, and another realm began to emerge.


    Unfortunately, that wasn''t enough for Liu Wuxie to reach the ninth level of the True Core Realm. But it still pushed his cultivation to the pinnacle of the eighth level.


    When Liu Wuxie''s hands finally regained feeling and could move slightly, he shattered theyer of ice encasing his arm, then the one on his body. Upon breaking free, he copsed to the ground.


    The first thing Liu Wuxie did was circte his true essence, and he finally felt relieved after feeling no difort in his body.


    Simultaneously, the Heavenly Dao Book opened up with the addition of a white rune.


    Liu Wuxie mobilized the ice energy, directing it through his meridians and into his right index finger. When he pointed, he shot out a sword ray that flew ten meters away.


    The sword ray left a mark on a ck tree ten meters away, which looked as though a sword had left it.


    "Attacking from a distance; is this an elemental attack?" Liu Wuxie rejoiced, and only he dared to attempt this. Even if others could refine the ice energy, it was impossible for them to mobilize it so quickly.


    "This won''t do; the usage of ice energy is too simple. It looks like I have to find a way toprehend a dao technique." Ordinary arrows could hardly kill anyone, and it was best for him toe up with a technique for it.


    Ordinary techniques were called martial techniques, and the more advanced ones were called dao techniques. Dao techniques weren''t limited to forms like martial techniques; they could change ording to one''s wishes.


    Only those who had reached the Astral River Realm were qualified toprehend their dao technique. If others knew that Liu Wuxie sought to understand his dao technique in the True Core Realm, he would likely face ridicule.


    The more advanced version of dao techniques was called dao principles


    But Liu Wuxie wasn''t in a hurry becauseprehending dao technique wasn''t something he could aplish overnight. After all, even the most powerful martial technique was nothing before a dao technique.


    For example, a Heavenly Phase Realm cultivator was no different from an ant before someone in the Astral River Realm, no matter how strong they were.


    "These fruits contain powerful ice energy. If I can refine them all and store all the ice energy, I can strengthen the ice attribute in my true essence. At that time, I can use the ice energy to freeze my enemies to death even if I can''tprehend a dao technique."


    A bold idea formed in Liu Wuxie''s mind. Since the Frost Demon Ape could absorb the ice energy from the white fruits, he should be able to refine them as well since he had refined the Frost Demon Ape''s corpse.


    He decided to attempt refining the white fruits using the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron. However, cautious of their effects, he refrained from picking them by hand and instead summoned them with a swing of the Heretic de before consuming them with the cauldron.

 Chapter 356 - Profound Yin Butterfly

    <h4>Chapter 356 - Profound Yin Butterfly</h4>


    Devoured by the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron, the white fruit was swiftly converted into thirty-odd droplets of liquid, which were then infused into Liu Wuxie¡¯s dantian. When the liquid from refining the white fruits was infused, it caused the snow mountain to grow, and his ice energy strengthened.


    ¡°It works!¡± Liu Wuxie rejoiced. The ice energy in the white fruit was much stronger and purer. It was a pleasant surprise because the white fruits didn¡¯t contain a wisp of abyssal energy but pure ice energy. There was no flesh in the fruit but ayer of white skin encapsting the ice energy.


    Liu Wuxie began shing with the Heretic de, severing dozens of white fruits from the tree. The fruits were swiftly converted into liquified energy and infused into his dantian.


    He had refined over a thousand white fruits without realizing it, and his body began to release waves of chill. This was a sign he was reaching his limit, so he didn¡¯t dare to refine anymore. Even the air he exhaled turned into ice shards falling to the ground.


    ¡°Hahaha! If I attack with ice energy now, I can even freeze someone in the fourth level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm to death,¡± Liu Wuxieughed. Although he hadn¡¯t found a Profound Yin Butterfly yet, he had managed to hunt a Frost Demon Ape and obtained so much ice energy, which was a great harvest.


    He went deeper into the canyon with the Heretic de to search for a Profound Yin Butterly. The Profound Yin Butterflies thrived in cold ces, and he could only give up on this mission if he couldn¡¯t find any here. He increased his speed since the cold air couldn¡¯t affect him.


    The Profound Yin Canyon was not particrly vast, stretching only a few thousand meters. It would take just fifteen minutes to circle the entire canyon.


    ¡°There¡¯s no Profound Yin Butterfly?!¡± After walking through most of the Profound Yin Canyon, Liu Wuxie encountered no Profound Yin Butterfly.


    ¡°I¡¯ll search for another hour. If I still can¡¯t find any, I can only give up to avoid putting senior sister in danger.¡±


    It was dangerous for Jian Xing¡¯er to stay outside alone, and she would die if any high-grade abyssal devil passed by.


    Liu Wuxie activated Ghost Eye and scanned a few thousand meters of radius, nning to investigate thoroughly. He decided to leave immediately if he still couldn¡¯t find any Profound Yin Butterly.


    Suddenly, a series of strange rhythms sounded in Liu Wuxie¡¯s ears.


    ¡°This is weird. Where did the sounde from?¡± Liu Wuxie scanned his surroundings with Ghost Eye and found nothing besides ck trees and white fruits. Where did the pping soundse from?


    He shut his eyes and tried to track the sound. It seemed to being from about fifty meters to the left, and the pping sound was faint, almost undetectable.


    After locking onto that area with his divine sense, Liu Wuxie opened his eyes and walked over. He soon saw a butterfly the size of an infant¡¯s palm resting on a tree branch. This butterfly was ck, so it blended perfectly with the tree.


    If the butterfly hadn''t been pping its wings, Liu Wuxie wouldn''t have noticed it. After all, who could have guessed that the Profound Yin Butterfly resembled a leaf so perfectly that it was impossible to spot with the naked eye alone?


    The Profound Yin Butterfly pped its wings infrequently, only a few times every few minutes. Like the Blood Jade Beast, the Profound Yin Butterfly was weak, but its body contained a type of poison that was the primary ingredient for refining the Poison Pill.


    Aside from being highly poisonous, the Profound Yin Butterfly¡¯s blood could also be used to detoxify. Perhaps someone was deeply poisoned and needed the Profound Yin Butterfly¡¯s blood to detoxify.


    Liu Wuxie slowly approached the tree, fearing that he might rm the Profound Yin Butterfly. When he was five meters away, the Profound Yin Butterfly stopped pping its wings and had probably sensed his presence.


    The canyon wasn¡¯t big, but the Profound Yin Butterfly could perfectly blend with the tree. This meant it would be hard for Liu Wuxie to find another if it flew away.


    Thus, Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t dare to act rashly and tried to conceal his aura.


    Even so, the Profound Yin Butterfly still detected his presence and pped its wings to fly away.


    ¡°Not good!¡± Liu Wuxie knew if he allowed this Profound Yin Butterfly to escape, he would miss this opportunity and have to return.


    He lunged forward like a shooting star. Though the Profound Yin Butterfly was swift, he was even swifter. He realized he couldn''t employ the same tactics he had used against the Blood Jade Beast, as the Profound Yin Butterfly was a different type of demonic beast altogether.


    The Profound Yin Butterfly was fragile, and it was easy to injure it if he set up a spiritual array in the surroundings. If the Profound Yin Butterfly crashed onto the spiritual array, it would shatter and lose its medicinal value.


    He retrieved the he had prepared, reminiscent of the one he used in his youth to catch small insects. He hadn''t anticipated it woulde in handy today. Before they had departed, Bai Lin had even questioned why he had bothered to acquire something seemingly useless.


    Liu Wuxie soared like a celestial crane performing the Nine Heavenly Crane Dance. The surrounding ice energy couldn¡¯t affect him, so he increased his speed.


    The Ghost Eye had firmly locked onto the Profound Yin Butterfly, which meant Liu Wuxie could easily find it no matter how far it flew or camouged with the surrounding trees. Once locked on with Ghost Eye, there was no escape for the Profound Yin Butterfly.


    Liu Wuxie rapidly closed in on the Profound Yin Butterfly, now only three meters away. The Profound Yin Butterfly wasrger than ordinary butterflies, entirely ck, with strange patterns on its wings that resembled demonic runes.


    Suddenly, ten-odd Profound Yin Butterflies pped their wings, concealed in the surroundings.


    "So many of them?" Liu Wuxie eximed as he looked around, seeing numerous Profound Yin Butterflies flying towards him. Their wings released a ck mistced with potent poison, a deadly toxin capable of killing cultivators in the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    Upon sensing danger, the first Profound Yin Butterfly called for itspanions to deal with Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°This poison can¡¯t do anything to me!¡± Liu Wuxie snorted and allowed the ck mist to approach him. The moment the ck mist came in contact with him, it was converted into ck liquid and infused into his dantian.


    If anyone else were in Liu Wuxie¡¯s position, they would be poisoned to death by now. None of the five missions Liu Wuxie took were simple other than the first one.


    Pouncing forth like a meteorite, Liu Wuxie dropped the and captured the closest Profound Yin Butterfly. He swiftly retrieved the prepared bag and ced the Profound Yin Butterfly inside.


    But he didn¡¯t stop after capturing one and went for the other Profound Yin Butterflies. After all, they were treasures essential for refining many sixth-grade pills.


    The remaining Profound Yin Butterflies fled, not daring to stay and fight.


    Right then, a tremor came from the ground, apanied by the roars of the abyssal devils.


    ¡°This is bad! Senior sister must be under the attack of abyssal devils!¡± Liu Wuxie immediately gave up capturing more Profound Yin Butterflies and flew towards the exit after catching three.


    When he emerged from the Profound Yin Canyon, Liu Wuxie took a deep breath, seeing numerous abyssal devils surrounding the area with Jian Xing''er trapped among them. Fortunately, she was safe for the moment, protected by the spiritual array.


    ¡°What should I do? I can¡¯t possibly leave senior sister here!¡± Liu Wuxie paced around anxiously. There were too many abyssal devils, and it was dangerous for him to charge out like that.


    Most importantly, many humans had been transformed into abyssal devils, yet they retained their intelligence and knew how to set up formations.


    Many human cultivators who had absorbed excessive abyssal energy and turned increasingly demonic chose to remain here and convert to practicing abyssal arts.


    As humans, they could lure other humans in to help the abyssal devils to kill human cultivators.


    Liu Wuxie scanned the surroundings and saw a few humans standing outside the spiritual array. They had disabled a few array gs.


    Jian Xing¡¯er stood in the spiritual array, and her heart sank into despair, looking at the abyssal devils in the surroundings. Even someone in the high level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm couldn¡¯t save her from this situation.


    All of a sudden, a smile crossed Liu Wuxie''s face.


    ¡°Since there¡¯s an abyssal realm in my dantian, I can pretend to be one of them to get close and find an opportunity to save senior sister.¡± A bold idea sprouted in Liu Wuxie¡¯s mind.


    After absorbing so much abyssal energy and the abyssal realm in his dantian, he could conceal his true essence by masking himself with abyssal energy. It should be enough to deceive the abyssal devils.


    Liu Wuxie acted swiftly, releasing the abyssal energy from his dantian to cloak himself. This transformed his appearance, making him resemble the abyssal devil more closely than even the fallen humans among them.


    ¡°This should be good enough.¡± Liu Wuxie cautiously approached the abyssal devils as he wasn¡¯t too sure. Hemunicated with the Heretic de through his consciousness, ready to strike if necessary.


    But strangely enough, the surrounding abyssal devils ignored him, and they even made way for him. This made Liu Wuxie feel relieved, and he made his way towards the center.


    The further he went, the more nervous he became because there were abyssal devils in the seventh grade, equivalent to the Heavenly Phase Realm for human cultivators. There was no doubt he would die if he tried to save Jian Xing¡¯er forcibly.


    As they saw another human approaching, the few seventh-grade abyssal devils showed disdain on their faces. They were already used to seeing fallen humans joining their ranks.


    ¡°Emperors, I¡¯m versed in spiritual arrays. Let me handle it!¡± Liu Wuxie walked over to the three seventh-grade abyssal devils. Emperors were the highest honorific for the abyssal devils.


    Only tenth-grade abyssal devils could be called kings, and emperors were akin to immortals.


    The three abyssal devils were ttered by Liu Wuxie¡¯s title, and ttery also worked on the abyssal devils.


    ¡°Go ahead!¡± Seventh-grade abyssal devils were highly intelligent, not inferior to humans. They learned humannguage, knowledge, and martial techniques from the humans they hunted. Apart from their appearance, their knowledge matched that of humans.


    When Liu Wuxie approached the spiritual array, Jian Xing¡¯er also turned to look at him.


    ¡°Senior sister, don¡¯t speak!¡± Liu Wuxie transmitted his voice to Jian Xing¡¯er, asking her not to reveal his disguise. If the abyssal devils realized he wasn¡¯t one of them, they both would die here.


    Jian Xing¡¯er was nervous, and she had consideredmitting suicide to avoid bing a burden to Liu Wuxie.


    "Get lost!" Liu Wuxie roared as he approached the spiritual array, forcefully driving away the other humans to clear his path. The more aggressive he appeared, the more fittingly he resembled an abyssal devil.

 Chapter 357 - Plan

    <h4>Chapter 357 - n</h4>


    Liu Wuxie''s roar drew cheers from the surrounding abyssal devils. The abyssal devils were fond of seeing humans fight among themselves, hoping for mutual destruction.


    "Brat, where did youe from?" The few human cultivators dealing with the spiritual array turned to look at Liu Wuxie. There were five of them, and three were in the pinnacle True Core Realm, while the other two were in the low levels of the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    Liu Wuxie was inwardly surprised because he didn''t expect cultivators in the Heavenly Dipper Realm to face the risk of being assimted into an abyssal devil.


    Jian Xing''er was in the Abyssal Underground World for nearly half a month, and the abyssal energy would assimte her if she stayed any longer.


    "Garbage! Get lost if you can''t break the spiritual array. Don''t waste the abyssal emperors'' time!" Liu Wuxie said arrogantly, showing no respect for the five human cultivators.


    The obvious sign of being assimted into an abyssal devil was the fiery temperament, filled with an inner desire to kill at all times.


    "You dare call us garbage? You''re courting death!" The three in the pinnacle True Core Realm were enraged and attacked Liu Wuxie with their swords.


    But oddly enough, the surrounding abyssal devils didn''t stop and even cheered in excitement, urging them to fight.


    The abyssal devils loved human blood, and they could drink blood if someone died from the fight.


    "Garbage!" Liu Wuxie struck with his palm at the tree, unleashing an overwhelming abyssal energy. He didn''t even use his weapon to fight. His abyssal energy was mixed with ice energy, which made his attack more terrifying.


    This shocked the surrounding abyssal devils because Liu Wuxie''s abyssal energy was purer and stronger than theirs in terms of quality.


    Even the three seventh-grade abyssal devils wore a hint of grave expression. They were high-grade abyssal devils, thus possessing stronger abyssal energy. However, they realized their abyssal energy was inferior to Liu Wuxie''s in terms of quality.


    But despite their high intelligence, they couldn''t tell that Liu Wuxie was pretending.


    The three cultivators froze in ce and were blown to smithereens by Liu Wuxie''s palm strike, not giving the surrounding abyssal devils a chance to feed on human blood.


    This terrifying sight was too much for Jian Xing''er. But the surrounding abyssal devils weren''t furious and looked even more excited. They were stimted by the sight of blood and roared in excitement.


    The remaining two human cultivators in the Heavenly Dipper Realm had a hint of fear in their eyes when they looked at Liu Wuxie. They were left unsettled by Liu Wuxie''s disy of strength.


    "You two go!" A seventh-grade abyssal devil spoke,manding the two human cultivators to fight Liu Wuxie.


    The two human cultivators hesitated and were reluctant to fight Liu Wuxie.


    "Either he dies, or you two die!" The seventh-grade abyssal devil threatened to kill the two cultivators if they refused.


    Faced with no choice, the two human cultivators exchanged nces and drew their weapons to attack Liu Wuxie from both sides.


    Although they might be assimted by abyssal energy, they still retained their consciousness, which meant they were as skilled as ordinary human cultivators.


    Their attacks unleashed sword aura, proving that they weren''t weak. But they were inferiorpared to Mu Yongyuan.


    Liu Wuxie could even send a cultivator in the fourth level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm flying, not to mention two cultivators in the second level.


    Liu Wuxie drew the Heretic de, performing the Fourth Fatality Form. The Fatality de Art was deadly and unpredictable, instantly beheading the two human cultivators.


    An even more terrifying scene soon unfolded as the two corpses shriveled as Liu Wuxie absorbed their blood and energy.


    This was even more befitting to the nature of the abyssal devils, and even Jian Xing''er began to hesitate because Liu Wuxie looked no different from an actual abyssal devil.


    The surrounding abyssal devils cheered and roared as though they were the ones winning the fight.


    Humans assimted by abyssal energy could be considered one of the abyssal devils, but they couldn''t absorb human blood essence, let alone refine abyssal devils.


    Not only could Liu Wuxie absorb abyssal energy, but he could even refine abyssal devils. This further confirmed his identity as one of the abyssal devils.


    The three seventh-grade abyssal devils had doubts earlier and wanted to let the two human cultivators test Liu Wuxie. But seeing how Liu Wuxie refined abyssal energy dispelled their misgivingspletely.


    After killing them, Liu Wuxie was the only human left other than Jian Xing''er. He walked towards the spiritual array but didn''t store the array gs directly. He spent roughly fifteen minutes before breaking the spiritual array.


    The moment the spiritual array broke, the surrounding abyssal devils charged frantically, wanting to devour Jian Xing''er.


    Jian Xing''er was utterly stunned and terrified. After all, anyone would be scared to see thousands of abyssal devils charging at them.


    However, Jian Xing''er was able to calm down due to Liu Wuxie''s presence. Even if she had to die, she would at least die with Liu Wuxie.


    "Hold on!" Liu Wuxie stood before the abyssal devils, preventing them from taking another step forward.


    "Human, get lost! She''s mine!" Several sixth-grade abyssal devils roared, demanding Liu Wuxie to step aside and not obstruct them.


    The fifth-grade abyssal devils had no opportunity to intervene, while the seventh-grade abyssal devils merely observed from the sidelines, finding low-level humans unappealing.


    They preferred human cultivators who were in the Heavenly Phase Realm, who were more vorful.


    "Honorable Abyssal Emperors, I have an ingenious idea that I hope the abyssal emperors can consider." Liu Wuxie suddenly bowed to the three seventh-grade abyssal devils. This was because he needed their approval for his n.


    "Go on!" The seventh-grade abyssal devil in the middle said coldly, exuding a chilling aura. If Jian Xing''er hadn''t had such a low cultivation, she would''ve long be their food.


    "I''ve already been corrupted by abyssal energy while she''s still normal. I wonder what kind of child I will produce with her. Would it be a child with the traits of abyssal devils or spirituality of humans?" Liu Wuxie was too desperate toe up with such an idea. This was because he had encountered many hybrid children who were neither human nor abyssal devil.


    While some appeared human, some became abyssal devils. Many inherited traits from humans, and the abyssal devils, and they were often referred to as monsters.


    Upon hearing Liu Wuxie''s idea, Jian Xing''er''s eyes widened in shock.


    "That''s a good idea. Do as you say, and you two will be together tonight," The seventh-grade abyssal devil agreed to Liu Wuxie''s proposal after a brief thought. He was also curious about what kind of offspring would be born between a fallen human and an ordinary human.


    Then again, that was only Liu Wuxie''s tactic to buy time.


    The surrounding abyssal devils began to disperse, escorting Liu Wuxie and Jian Xing''er into the depths of the second level. This was to prevent their escape.


    The two walked side by side, and neither resisted.


    "Senior sister, I apologize for what happened earlier. This is just a temporary measure," Liu Wuxie secretlymunicated with Jian Xing''er.


    "Junior brother, you don''t have to feel guilty. I know you mean well." Jian Xing''er wasn''t angry with him. After all, desperate times called for desperate measures.


    After passing through several mountain ranges, arge settlement appeared ahead where countless abyssal devils resided. Before they even got close, Jian Xing''er''s body began to tremble, and fear loomed over her heart like a shadow.


    This was the same as an abyssal devil entering a human city, which would evoke fear naturally.


    "Senior sister, don''t worry. I will find a way to save you even if it costs me my life." Liu Wuxie promised, ensuring he would keep Jian Xing''er safe.


    There were only two days left until the half-month deadline. If Jian Xing''er couldn''t escape by then, she would sumb to the assimtion of the abyssal energy, bing a mindless killing machine even in death.


    Time was running out, and Liu Wuxie had to devise a n quickly.


    The abyssal devils mainly resided in stone houses without roofs. However, more abyssal devils preferred to live in open areas, and male abyssal devils tried to attract the attention of females with their bodies.


    Jian Xing''er covered her eyes and followed closely behind Liu Wuxie. The abyssal devils maintained a barbaric lifestyle, ruled by high-grade abyssal devils. Their hierarchy had a distinct ssification.


    A seventh-grade abyssal devil governed a thousand sixth-grade abyssal devils, a sixth-grade devil would govern a thousand fifth-grade ones, and so on. As for the strongest tenth-grade abyssal devils, they would rule the entire Abyssal Underground World.


    The two were led to a stone house on the verge of copsing. With no choice, Liu Wuxie and Jian Xing''er could only swallow their pride and go in. The seventh-grade abyssal devil wouldn''t give Liu Wuxie the chance to speak whenever he wanted.


    "You two will mate ording to your human customs tonight!" The seventh-grade abyssal devil said coldly to Liu Wuxie.


    "Abyssal emperor, isn''t this a little too hasty? Humans value emotions, and we need time to develop them." Liu Wuxie lowered his voice and bowed to suppress his murderous intent.


    "You''re already part of the abyssal devil. Those rules can be ignored, or you will be tied up there if you don''tply." The seventh-grade abyssal devil pointed to a blood pool up ahead.


    Several pirs were at the center of the pool, each with a human bound to it. Their thighs were cut open to drain their blood into the pool. They wouldn''t die immediately and would be periodically fed with herbs to recover, only to repeat the cycle.


    Thousands of abyssal devils surrounded the pool, feeding on the blood. This made Liu Wuxie''s scalp tingle, as the abyssal devilcked any shred of humanity.


    Everything they did could be considered an abomination by humans. The cultivators bound on the pirs ranged from the Heavenly Phase Realm to the True Core Realm. But the majority were in the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    Whenever they lost too much blood, the extraction process would be paused. This method was crueler than any execution. It would be kinder to kill them outright, but their blood would nourish the demons, who would grow up to hunt humans and let this cycle repeat.


    No wonder humans and abyssal devils had irreconcble feuds, with the ten major sects offering a bounty for their heads.


    "Yes, I got it..." Liu Wuxie could only suppress his murderous intent to avoid angering the seventh-grade abyssal devil. But he vowed inwardly to return to the underground world one day to wipe out the Abyssal Underground World.

 Chapter 358 - Placed In A Difficult Position

    <h4>Chapter 358 - ced In A Difficult Position</h4>


    The two had no choice but to enter the stone house. The interior was simple, with only one stone bed. The floor was cold, and there wasn''t even a nket.


    "Keep an eye on them. If they don''t consummate tonight, kill them without mercy!" The seventh-grade abyssal devil ordered two sixth-grade abyssal devils to stand guard outside. If Liu Wuxie didn''tply, the two sixth-grade abyssal devils would kill them immediately.


    "Roger that!" The two sixth-grade abyssal devils stood guard outside the stone house.


    The stone house fell silent, and the two were unsure what to do next. That was especially the case for Jian Xing''er, who blushed. She wondered if she would have to consummate with Liu Wuxie that night.


    She couldn''t deny that she had developed some good feelings for Liu Wuxie after spending the past few days together. Jian Xing''er, a beauty with many suitors over the years, found herself drawn to him.


    "Junior brother, what should we do next?" Jian Xing''er walked around the stone house. The walls were built withrge stone blocks, which meant it would be hard to push them apart. But if they forced their way out, it would surely draw the attention of the abyssal devils outside.


    This was the abyssal devil''s tribe, and they would die if they made a mistake.


    "The abyssal devil also has a resting time. They will sleep in an hour, and we can find a way to escape then," Liu Wuxie said, sitting on the stone bed and closing his eyes to meditate. As this ce was filled with abyssal energy, Liu Wuxie circted the Deste Devouring Art and absorbed it without restraint.


    The more abyssal energy he refined, the stronger the abyssal realm would be in the world in his dantian.


    Jian Xing''er sat on the other side, but she couldn''t calm down and would asionally nce at Liu Wuxie''s handsome face.


    When Liu Wuxie opened his eyes, this startled Jian Xing''er, who quickly looked away. But her heart pounded like a galloping horse, and her face flushed.


    "Senior sister, I''m sorry about today. I''m married, and my wife is cultivating in the Misty Sect." Liu Wuxie spoke calmly, and his goal was to return to the Celestial Realm as soon as possible. He had no time for romantic rtionships, nor did he want to think about it now.


    Secr constraints didn''t bind the cultivation world, and it was normal for powerful individuals to have many women. But Liu Wuxie had no ns for that because he didn''t have that much time to waste.


    "I didn''t take it to heart, so don''t worry. Why don''t you tell me more about your wife?" Jian Xing''er took a deep breath with a trace of disappointment shing in her eyes.


    With nothing to do, Liu Wuxie briefly talked about Xu Lingxue to Jian Xing''er, who listened attentively.


    Fifteen minutes passed, and the entire settlement became quiet. Many abyssal devils began to rest as they also had to recuperate.


    Liu Wuxie used Ghost Eye to peer through the stone blocks and observe outside. Aside from a few abyssal devils wandering outside, the others had fallen asleep.


    "Senior sister, follow me closely when we make our escape. I''ll find a way for us to leave." The two abyssal devils outside didn''t leave and stood guard when the door was suddenly pushed open.


    "Themander has ordered us to supervise you two personally," an abyssal devil member dered. With a swift motion, he swept his hand towards Liu Wuxie, forcing him to retreat from the overwhelming abyssal aura. This sixth-grade abyssal devil wasparable to the pinnacle of the Heavenly Dipper Realm, and Liu Wuxie was no match for him.


    Liu Wuxie rolled backward and staggered briefly before stabilizing.


    When the room was filled with abyssal energy, Jian Xing''er inadvertently inhaled arge amount of it, causing a wave of abyssal nature to surge within her, making her restless.


    "Senior Sister, are you alright?" Liu Wuxie quickly realized something was amiss, noticing a trace of crimson in Jian Xing''er''s eyes. She had been in the Abyssal Underground World for fifteen days, constantly fighting and fleeing, allowing the abyssal energy to invade her soul sea.


    "I-I''m fine!" Jian Xing''er said, gritting her teeth and not wanting Liu Wuxie to worry about her.


    "You two, get on the stone bed and start. We will personally supervise you two." The two abyssal devils forced them to the stone bed, not giving Liu Wuxie a chance to object when a powerful wave of abyssal energy pushed them onto the bed.


    "Junior brother, what should we do now??" Jian Xing''er panicked as she curled behind Liu Wuxie, trembling in fear.


    "Milord, how can we do the deed with you two here?" Liu Wuxie''s face was terrifyingly grim. He would resort to using the immortal rune if worse came to worst.


    He was determined to escape even if he had to put his life at risk to kill them. After all, Jian Xing''er couldn''tst any longer. If they dy any further, even he wouldn¡¯t be able to remove the abyssal nature from her body.


    "We have no interest in it. Hurry up, or we won''t be polite. Themander gave the order to kill you two immediately if you don''tply." The abyssal devil on the left stepped forward, unleashing an even more overwhelming aura at the two.


    "You two can wait outside. I can''t escape and won''t be in the mood with you two here." Liu Wuxie needed time to inscribe immortal runes, and he had to lure the two abyssal devils out. It would be best if he could kill the two without alerting anyone.


    As he spoke, he removed some bedding and ced it on the stone bed, with the two lying on it.


    "The two of you strip, and we''ll leave!" The abyssal devils were cunning, demanding them to strip before leaving.


    "Senior sister, I''m sorry, but we must cooperate. I''ll find a way to kill them after they leave." Given the situation, Liu Wuxie had to take one step at a time.


    Time was running out for Liu Wuxie, and he had been thinking of a solution in the past fifteen minutes. But the abyssal devils didn''t give him enough time, and he had to speed things up.


    "Okay!" Jian Xing''er bit her lips and removed her outer coat, leaving only her undergarments covering her private parts. She then slipped into the bed like a slippery eel with her exquisite body exposed to Liu Wuxie.


    A faint fragrance filled Liu Wuxie''s nose, and he could feel Jian Xing''er trembling. Her body was curled in his arm like a frightened rabbit.


    "Your turn. Take off your clothes, and you two only have two hours. If you continue to disobey themander, don''t me us for being merciless and eat you both." The two abyssal devils continued to force Liu Wuxie to strip, and they were ready to strike if he didn''tply.


    Liu Wuxie had no choice but to remove his outer clothing, revealing his muscr chest, and he stayed close to Jian Xing''er.


    Seeing this, the two abyssal devils were finally satisfied and left to stand guard outside.


    When the abyssal devils left, Liu Wuxie put on his clothes.


    "Senior sister, I meant no disrespect!" Liu Wuxie turned his back to Jian Xing''er after getting dressed. Thetter also dressed herself quickly, and the clothes rustled.


    "I don''t me you; I should be thanking you instead. You wouldn''t have had to force yourself into this situation if it weren''t for me. I believe you would have escaped on your own." Tears rolled down Jian Xing''er''s cheeks.


    Liu Wuxie smiled bitterly and didn''t know what to say. He could only maintain his silence and took out two talisman papers to start inscribing on them. He nned on inscribing a super talismanparable to high sixth-grade talismans. Combined with immortal runes, it could kill the two abyssal devils outside.


    His action of inscribing spiritual runes soon captivated Jian Xing''er, who quickly forgot about the awkwardness from before.


    "What profound inscribing techniques!" Jian Xing''er was shocked after witnessing Liu Wuxie inscribing spiritual runes for the first time.


    The two talismans were prepared in just five breaths, leaving Jian Xing''er in a daze.


    "Junior Brother, did you inscribe these?!" Jian Xing''er asked as she approached, the earlier awkwardness forgotten. This moment unknowingly brought them closer together.


    "I can teach you if you want to learn," Liu Wuxie offered generously. He felt indebted to Jian Xing''er and sought to repay her kindness. After all, crafting these talismans was effortless for him.


    "Thank you!" Jian Xing''er was so excited that she almost grabbed Liu Wuxie by the arm. This could be a sign that the abyssal nature was starting to take over her.


    After all, the abyssal devils weren''t bound by morals or shame, acting without inhibition.


    Liu Wuxie knew he had to act quickly and escape, or Jian Xing''er would sumb to the abyssal nature after tonight. He proceeded to take out array gs and insert them in the corner of the house, inscribing runes with his hands. He only had two hours, and he had to hurry.


    "Why is it so quiet in there? Do you want us to help?" Lewdughter came from outside, and the quietness inside made the two abyssal devils suspicious.


    After hearing that, Liu Wuxie and Jian Xing''er exchanged nces, and thetter blushed.


    "Junior brother, you focus on setting up the spiritual array," Jian Xing''er said, taking a deep breath before making seductive sounds.


    Several times, Liu Wuxie nearly lost his focus, but he managed to maintain it to speed up the spiritual array.


    The two abyssal devils finally gave up after hearing the alluring sounds inside the house.


    Jian Xing''er blushed like a ripe apple. After all, it was too embarrassing for her to make such indecent sounds in front of others.


    After spending over an hour and many spirit stones, Liu Wuxie finished his setup.


    "I''m done!" Liu Wuxie said, signaling for Jian XIng''er to stop.


    It wasn''t veryfortable for Jian Xing''er, and she dared not look Liu Wuxie in the eyes. Her head was so low that it was nearly buried in her chest, clutching the hem of her clothes. She was utterly mortified after thinking about what she had just done.


    "Junior brother, what do we do next?" Jian Xing''er asked.


    "I''ll lure them in, and you retreat to the southeast corner. That''s the safe zone." Liu Wuxie said with a hint of ferocity in his eyes. He was an immortal emperor who was forced into this situation. It would be a disgrace to his name if he couldn''t kill the two abyssal devils.


    He was too weak and could wipe out the entire Abyssal Underground World if strong enough.


    Jian Xing''er quickly retreated to the southeast corner, entering the core of this spiritual array.


    Taking a deep breath, Liu Wuxie walked towards the door with the talismans. With each step he took, his murderous intent intensified.


    The two abyssal devils came in first before Liu Wuxie could open the stone door. The sudden disappearance of the sound in the room had attracted them.


    "Who allowed you to get up?" Seeing Liu Wuxie walking towards them, the two abyssal devils were furious with their abyssal energy released towards him.


    Taking this opportunity, Liu Wuxie inserted thest array g, and the entire room was isted from the outside world. Even if they fought to the death here, no one outside would notice themotion.


    Spatial confinement was a powerful spiritual array, and Liu Wuxie would only use it if absolutely necessary. After all, it didn''t only consume spirit stones but also his soul energy.


    "You''re courting death!" The two abyssal devils roared in anger and attacked Liu Wuxie together.


    "You should be the one to die! I won''t be able to quench the hatred in my heart without killing you two!" Liu Wuxie said as a terrifying wave of murderous intent swept out from him.

 Chapter 359 - Successful Escape

    <h4>Chapter 359 - Sessful Escape</h4>


    The two abyssal devils didn¡¯t expect Liu Wuxie to attack, and their abyssal energy filled the entire house. Fortunately, Jian Xing¡¯er had retreated to the safe zone because the terrifying abyssal energy would¡¯ve corrupted her entirely.


    Facing the simultaneous attack from two abyssal devils, Liu Wuxie collected himself and didn¡¯t dare to be careless. This was because he knew the slightestpse in attention could lead to their death.


    Jian Xing¡¯er looked worried, wanting to rush out several times to fight alongside Liu Wuxie.


    Two energy waves exploded in the stone house, but a miraculous scene urred because the surrounding walls rapidly absorbed the shockwaves. As a result, the abyssal devils outside couldn¡¯t hear what was happening inside.


    "Human, what have you done? Why is there no reaction from outside?" The stone house should have copsed under the powerful shockwave. However, contrary to the expectations of the two abyssal devils, the stone house remained intact.


    As a result, the battle in the stone house couldn¡¯t be heard outside.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need for a dead person to know so much. Prepare to die!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s murderous intent gushed out as he attacked. He needed to find an opportunity because throwing out the two talismans directly didn¡¯t have a high chance of killing them.


    Relying on the Seven Dipper Steps, Liu Wuxie maneuvered left and right inside the house. The two abyssal devils roared in anger because speed was their disadvantage.


    abyssal devils possessed abyssal nature, while humans possessed spirituality. Regarding spirituality, the abyssal devils were far inferiorpared to humans.


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t choose to sh head-on and relied on his speed to avoid iing attacks with great agility. The two abyssal devils gradually lost their patience, and their attacks became chaotic.


    Liu Wuxie aimed to exhaust their patience and make them fall into his trap.


    The punches thrown by the two abyssal devils unleashed terrifying shockwaves, and Liu Wuxie had to reach the fifth or sixth level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm if he wanted to kill someone in the pinnacle Heavenly Dipper Realm. This meant he needed to be stronger.


    "Human, there''s no escape for you. The abyssal devils areing to rece us, and you''re done for!" An abyssal devil warned Liu Wuxie, catching him off guard with the information about their recement. Realizing the urgency, he knew he had to conclude the battle swiftly.


    Two talismans appeared in his hand, but he wasn¡¯t in a hurry to throw them out.


    Suddenly, the temperature in the stone house began to plummet, andyers of ice covered the surroundings. An even more terrifying scene urred, with thick ice forming around the feet of the two abyssal devils, restricting their speed.


    The ice energy wasn¡¯t enough to kill them, but it wasn¡¯t a problem to limit their speed.


    The entire stone house turned into an icy ocean as the icy aura continued to spread, covering the two abyssal devils in ice and further restricting their movement.


    ¡°You two can die now!¡± Taking advantage of this moment, Liu Wuxie leaped into the air, and the two talismans descended like two meteors and shot into their mouths.


    These two abyssal devils were powerful, so Liu Wuxie could only send the talismans into their mouths if he wanted to kill them.


    The two abyssal devils couldn¡¯t react in time, and the two talismans dissolved into countless spiritual runes, drilling into their bodies. This was a wless n because sending the talismans into their mouths would¡¯ve been impossible if their movement wasn¡¯t restricted.


    Liu Wuxie vanished and reappeared in the southeast corner, standing beside Jian Xing¡¯er.


    A terrifying explosion urred in the stone house, unleashing a powerful impact that struck the surrounding walls but was repelled by an invisible force.


    The two abyssal devils were blown into smithereens in mid-air, and Jian Xing¡¯er covered her eyes as this scene was too gruesome. The aftermathsted for fifteen minutes before settling down, and the walls were covered with blood and pieces of flesh.


    ¡°We need to leave quickly!¡±


    The spiritual array¡¯s energy would deplete soon, and the shockwave would continue to spread.


    Liu Wuxie approached the door and activated Ghost Eye to confirm that most abyssal devils were resting and that the battle had gone unnoticed.


    ¡°Stay close to me!¡± Liu Wuxie took the lead and ran towards the outskirts with the Heretic de.


    Jian Xing¡¯er followed closely behind, and they covered a few thousand meters in a single breath. They would be safe once they escaped the tribe.


    Roars were heard because the abyssal devils supposed to rece the two saw the blood and flesh in the room. They immediately let out terrifying roars to alert the other sleeping abyssal devils.


    The entire tribe fell into chaos, and arge number of abyssal devils rushed towards them. The three seventh-grade abyssal devils looked at the blood and flesh in the room with grim expressions and released chilling abyssal energy released.


    ¡°Kill them!¡± Turning to look at the exit, a seventh-grade abyssal devil gave the order as tens of thousands of abyssal devils were mobilized to chase after the two.


    Weird sounds were heard, and this was a signal from the abyssal devil. This signal was to gather the members outside to intercept Liu Wuxie and Jian Xing¡¯er.


    ¡°This is bad. This is the abyssal devil summoning the entire tribe.¡± Aside from this tribe, there were many tribes in other ces. If all the abyssal devils formed an encirclement, it would be impossible for them to escape.


    ¡°Senior sister, leave first and wait for me on the surface. I¡¯ll lure them away.¡± Dozens of abyssal devils appeared before them, nning to block their way.


    ¡°If we are to leave, we will leave together!¡± Jian Xing¡¯er refused to leave by herself and wanted to stay to fight with Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°We¡¯ll both die if you stay here. The abyssal energy in your body is overwhelming you. I have ways to leave, and no one can kill me.¡± Liu Wuxie grabbed Jian Xing¡¯er and threw her out of the encirclement.


    Meanwhile, Liu Wuxie charged into the abyssal devils, and a fight broke out.


    As for Jian Xing¡¯er, she stood outside the encirclement with tears streaming down her face.


    ¡°Go!¡± Liu Wuxie yelled, urging Jian Xing¡¯er to leave immediately. After all, he had a better chance to escape by himself.


    ¡°Junior brother, I¡¯m sorry. I won¡¯t continue to live if anything happens to you.¡± Jian Xing¡¯er wiped her tears. She knew Liu Wuxie meant well because she was having a hard time suppressing the abyssal energy in her body, not to mention joining the fight.


    If she fought, the abyssal energy would re up as her true essence depleted. Her best option was to return to the surface immediately. She turned around and left, heading straight for the exit.


    Liu Wuxie was besieged by dozens of abyssal devils, each with powerful strength. With no one else around, Liu Wuxie could unleash his martial techniques freely, and his true essence began gushing out like a tide.


    ¡°Ice energy!¡± When Liu Wuxie tapped out with his finger, a terrifying chill spread in all directions, freezing the abyssal devils charging at him.


    ¡°Cut!¡± Liu Wuxie swung the Heretic de and beheaded over thirty abyssal devils, which he collected into his interspatial pouch. After killing the abyssal devils, he didn¡¯t stop momentarily and fled to give Jian Xing¡¯er more time by drawing attention to himself.


    He didn¡¯t head to the exit but circled to distract the abyssal devils. After all, the abyssal devils were inferior to him in speed, and he hadn¡¯t used his full speed earlier because Jian Xing¡¯er was following him.


    Without her as a burden, Liu Wuxie¡¯s speed and fighting prowess soared to a terrifying level. But this did nothing to the abyssal devils who were snowballing in numbers.


    Tens of thousands of abyssal devils formed into a ck wave, scaring all the cultivators training in the Abyssal Underground World into fleeing.


    ¡°Senior sister should¡¯ve left the Abyssal Underground World by now!¡± Liu Wuxie changed his direction. It would be toote if he didn¡¯t leave now because he could sense several seventh-grade abyssal devils approaching swiftly.


    The seventh-grade abyssal devils were swift, covering dozens of meters with each stride.


    As he approached the exit, the abyssal devils flooding in from the first level weren¡¯t strong because they were mainly in the first to fourth grade. Their purpose was simple¡ªto hinder Liu Wuxie and buy time for the stronger abyssal devils to catch up.


    ¡°All of you, die!¡± Liu Wuxie performed the Primordial Astral Fist. He unleashed a terrifying shockwave that blew the abyssal devils standing in his way to smithereens. They were dead before they could even attack.


    The destructive power Liu Wuxie disyed made him seem like a different personpared to before. This was the first time someone forced him to do something he didn¡¯t want to, and his heart was filled with boundless murderous intent.


    The murderous intent would affect his heart as a cultivator if he couldn¡¯t vent his anger. Most of his anger had dissipated after killing so many abyssal devils, and it was time to leave.


    When he crossed the exit, three roars came from behind from the seventh-grade abyssal devils.


    ¡°Ice Shield!¡± Liu Wuxie thought of a technique used by the Magic n. They would shape elemental energy into various forms, and Ice Shield was one of them.


    Apart from humans, the Celestial Realm also had the Magic n, who were proficient in casting spells.


    A thick Ice Shield that looked like a crystal wall descended from the sky, sealing the second level''s entrance. This caught the three seventh-grade abyssal devils by surprise, and they crashed onto the crystal wall, feeling dizzy. This brief dy bought Liu Wuxie the time to escape.


    ¡°It¡¯s now or never!¡± Liu Wuxie wlessly calcted everything. Relying on Ghost Eye, he nned every detail, and the slightest mistake would mean death.


    The first level was an endless in with a high ceiling. The moment he stepped into the first level, he summoned the Heretic de, lifting him off the ground and swiftly heading towards the exit.


    It took a moment for the three seventh-grade abyssal devils to destroy the Ice Shield, but it was toote because Liu Wuxie had already flown away on the Heretic de. As the abyssal devils couldn¡¯t fly, their speed was far inferior to Liu Wuxie''s.


    ¡°Human!¡± The three seventh-grade abyssal devils roared angrily as they watched Liu Wuxie disappear. How could they not be angry when they had lost so many abyssal devils and allowed Liu Wuxie to escape?


    But what angered them the most was that Liu Wuxie had deceived them. He wasn¡¯t assimted by the abyssal energy and had been stalling them, waiting for them to rest before nning his escape.


    The Heretic de burst from the exit like aet, and Liu Wuxie was greeted by the light of day once more. Outside, it was daytime, and since abyssal devils typically emerged at night, they would be resting during the day.

 Chapter 360 - Exchanging Points

    <h4>Chapter 360 - Exchanging Points</h4>


    When Liu Wuxie flew out from the Abyssal Underground World, he found Jian Xing''er standing on a distant hill. He hadn''t gone far, so he swooped andnded before her.


    Jian Xing''er burst into tears at the sight of Liu Wuxie, throwing herself into his arms and pounding his chest.


    "I thought you would die in there!" Jian Xing''er had thought of ending her life at that moment, unwilling to live by herself.


    "It''s fine now!" Liu Wuxie patted Jian Xing''er''s back. They had been through too much recently; narrowly escaping death multiple times allowed them to form a deeper rtionship.


    When Jian Xing''er left Liu Wuxie''s chest, her face was red. She had lost control of her emotions earlier and just wanted to cry her heart out. This made the atmosphere awkward, and neither of them spoke.


    "Senior sister, what are your ns now?" Liu Wuxie broke the silence. Having been away for over a month, his cultivation had advanced to the eighth level of the True Core Realm. He intended to return to the sect and enter seclusion, striving to attain the ninth level as quickly as possible.


    "What about you?" Jian Xing''er asked. She had no specific ns for now.


    "I n to return to the sect and seclude for a few days!" Liu Wuxie answered honestly.


    "Let''s go then!" Jian Xing''er didn''t have a spiritual treasure, as she had just reached the Heavenly Dipper Realm two months ago. She was still gathering materials to forge her spiritual treasure.


    "I''ve acquired these spiritual treasures. Take your pick!" Liu Wuxie presented four of them to Jian Xing''er. Having a spiritual treasure would significantly expedite their travels.


    "Junior brother, you want to give me a spiritual treasure? Don''t you know the value of a spiritual treasure?" Jian Xing''er covered her mouth, looking at the four spiritual treasures with disbelief.


    A cracked spiritual treasure was sold for three hundred thousand spirit stones at the Xuanyu Auction, and aplete spiritual treasure was worth at least four hundred thousand in value. No wonder Jian Xing''er was shocked when Liu Wuxie nned to give her one.


    "Does senior sister think our friendship isn''t worth a small spiritual treasure?" Liu Wuxie already had the Heretic de, and the other spiritual treasures were useless to him. At most, he could only let the Heretic de absorb their spirituality.


    Jian Xing''er quickly stepped forward and picked up a longsword.


    "Thank you, junior brother!" Jian Xing''er said with a red face, and her heart was sweet as honey. This was Liu Wuxie''s first gift to her, so she naturally cherished it.


    Liu Wuxie didn''t have many thoughts and wanted to give her a spiritual treasure to thank her for her help. He had already erased the imprint on the spiritual treasure, and Jian Xing''er only had to drip her blood on it to be the owner.


    She squeezed out a droplet of blood and dripped it on the longsword, instantly forming a connection between the two.


    Jian Xing''er wasn''t used to it when she stood on the longsword for the first time. She fell many times and was caught by Liu Wuxie each time. In the process, they inevitably had some physical contact, and she blushed each time.


    Two hourster, after Liu Wuxie''s thorough exnation, she had mastered flying on the longsword. While others might¡¯ve required three to five days to achieve the same level of proficiency, she learned it in just two hours under Liu Wuxie''s tutge.


    After all, no one understood flying better than Liu Wuxie. The two quickly soared to the sky, heading for the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    They finally arrived near the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion three dayster. If they had traveled on foot, the journey would have taken them at least ten days.


    They descended from the sky and entered the sect together.


    "Senior sister, this is where we part," said Liu Wuxie. He was an outer disciple, while Jian Xing''er was an inner disciple. This meant they would go their separate ways upon entering the gate.


    "Junior brother, I''ll find you in a couple of days. The outer disciplepetition ising up soon, and you must secure a good ranking to advance and be an inner disciple." Jian Xing''er reminded earnestly upon parting, hoping Liu Wuxie could perform well in the uingpetition.


    Along the way, she exined to Liu Wuxie how things worked in the sect. The outer disciplepetition at the end of each year was a grand event.


    With that, Liu Wuxie finally returned to the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion after over a month.


    Liu Wuxie didn''t go back to his residence but instead went to the Mission Hall to submit his missions for points.


    Perhaps because it was nearing the end of the year, many outer disciples returned to the sect to participate in thepetition. If they secured a good ranking in thepetition, they could be promoted to an inner disciple even without reaching the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    This also meant intensepetition. The outer and inner sects operated differently. Advancing to the inner sect promised ess to abundant resources and better treatment.


    As a result, countless disciplespeted fiercely to enter the inner sect. Most importantly, the top ten would receive generous rewards that even inner disciples coveted.


    Liu Wuxie urgently needed resources, especially the sect''s reward. He heard rare pills and various powerful techniques were avable in the Book Collection Hall, which the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion had collected over the years.


    The Book Collection Hall was open to the public and consisted of ordinary books. This was because cultivation and martial techniques were stored in the Scripture Collection Hall, which was heavily guarded and only essible with special permission.


    Passing through several peaks, Liu Wuxie arrived at the Mission Hall for the second time, and it was still as crowded as the first time he had arrived. Most disciples returned from outside, and each counter was busy with disciples handing their missions for points.


    Liu Wuxie began to wonder if Bai Lin and Tang Tian had returned. He waited for a while before it was finally his turn. After handing over the missions, the person attending him was expressionless, having grown numb from dealing with many people daily.


    There were a total of five missions, which earned him two hundred points.


    "Where are the items?" The deacon asked after checking the mission scrolls.


    Liu Wuxie ced five fifth-grade abyssal devils'' heads on the counter. When he took them out, a wave of immense abyssal energy filled the hall, attracting attention from the surroundings.


    The deacon wrapped the heads in a ck cloth to cover the abyssal energy spreading in the air.


    Shortly after, Liu Wuxie ced a Demonic Dragon''s egg, a Demon me Grass, the Blood Jade Beast, and a Profound Yin Butterfly on the counter.


    Gasps of astonishment came from the surroundings. While killing fifth-grade abyssal devils wasn''t that remarkable, the Demon Dragon''s egg, Blood Jade Beast, and Profound Yin Butterfly were an entirely different story.


    These missions could be considered red missions even if they were posted in the missions for inner disciples butpleted by an outer disciple.


    "Who''s he? He looks new here!" Three young men were ten meters away from Liu Wuxie, each radiating a powerful aura. They had just handed over their mission and had yet to leave.


    "Senior Brother Luo, this person is from the mundane world. I heard he was arrogant when he joined the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion a month ago. Furthermore, he won over eighty thousand spirit stones in the Book Collection Hall," a skinny man ran out from the crowd and spoke fawningly.


    The one who asked was Luo Qiu in Quasi-Heavenly Dipper Realm from the Earth Origin Peak, and he also had high hopes of advancing into the inner sect.


    "Does a mere mortal dare to be so arrogant?" Luo Qiu''s face turned cold, his disdain for cultivators from the mundane world evident.


    Then again, Liu Wuxie had suppressed his cultivation to the sixth level of the True Core Realm after returning to the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. After all, he knew it would draw unwanted attention if news got out about his breakthrough.


    Thus, it was no wonder he faced Luo Qiu''s ridicule as his cultivation seemed ordinary.


    "That''s true. If he had encountered Senior Brother Luo earlier, I''m sure Senior Brother Luo would''ve pped him to death for his arrogance." Mocking voices echoed from the surroundings.


    This was because Liu Wuxie had earned two hundred points from the five missions. His points were even higher than those of many veteran disciples, causing jealousy to spark in the hall.


    Liu Wuxie maintained indifference when facing the surrounding mockery. This was because they were insignificant in his eyes, and he could crush them easily.


    He had killed so many abyssal devils in the Heavenly Dipper Realm in the Abyssal Underground World, and even Mu Yongyuan was forced to flee in a fight with him.


    "Aren''t you curious how someone in the True Core Realm like him managed toplete so many missions?" Someone voiced their doubts. Only the top-tier outer disciples dared to take on the five missions Liu Wuxie hadpleted.


    But who was Liu Wuxie? He was someone who had just joined the sect, but he dared to take on such missions.


    "He''s just lucky. Aside from the Demonic Dragon''s egg, which might be somewhat dangerous, the other missions weren''t that difficult." More sneers came from the surroundings. The Blood Jade Beast could be easily captured as long as it was well-nned. The Profound Yin Butterfly relied mainly on luck, and the Demon me Grass was the easiest.


    When Liu Wuxie presented his medal, the deacon recorded two hundred points for him. With these points, Liu Wuxie could exchange them for a variety of treasures, including heaven-grade martial techniques, if he umted enough points.


    The points required for heaven-grade martial techniques were staggering, often exceeding a million points for even a basic one. Such costs were beyond the means of ordinary disciples and could only be afforded by elite or true disciples.


    After bing a true disciple, one wouldn''tck techniques. This was because the sect would reward them and even grant them ess to the Scripture Collection Hall.


    "I have some abyssal devils'' heads on me. Can I exchange them for points as well?" Two hundred points were too little for Liu Wuxie because he had many things he wanted to exchange.


    "You can, but the heads can''t be any lower than your cultivation," the deacon exined.


    For instance, Liu Wuxie couldn''t earn any points if he killed abyssal devils in the Marrow Cleansing Realm with his cultivation in the True Core Realm.


    If that were the case, the Heavenly Dipper Realm disciples could just hunt fifth-grade abyssal devils and be rich.


    Liu Wuxie just wanted to confirm, and Jian Xing''er had already exined it to him while they were on their way. Because of that, he hadn''t collected any heads below the fifth grade.


    "I need a bigger ce. This counter isn''t enough to put the heads." Liu Wuxie wasn''t sure how many abyssal devils he had killed and needed to sort the heads out. After all, fifth and sixth-grade abyssal devils held different points and had to be distinguished.


    "Hahaha! He''s funny! I remember Senior Brother Luo had once killed over a hundred abyssal devils, and even he wasn''t this arrogant. This brat said the counter can''t hold all the heads?!" Waves ofughter broke out from the surroundings, amused by Liu Wuxie''s words.


    The counter was big enough to hold one to two hundred abyssal devils'' heads. Most importantly, that was under the condition the abyssal devils Liu Wuxie had killed far exceeded that number.

 Chapter 361 - Shocked

    <h4>Chapter 361 - Shocked</h4>


    Fifty to sixty people were in the Mission Hall, and everyoneughed upon hearing what Liu Wuxie said. This naturally made the deacon look displeased.


    The counter was specially crafted, and since the establishment of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, the highest record was set centuries ago when an outer disciple hunted five hundred abyssal devils. That discipleter rose to be a respected elder in the sect.


    The sect had various types of elders. The mostmon were the outer elders, who held the lowest rank. Inner elders were slightly higher, while elite elders wielded significant authority. For example, the elder of the Book Collection Hallmanded such respect that even the sect master deferred to them.


    ¡°Leave if you have nothing else. The next person,e forward!¡± The deacon ran out of patience and urged Liu Wuxie not to waste time, as there were many people waiting in line.


    With no choice, Liu Wuxie could only take out an interspatial pouch and throw it on the counter.


    ¡°See it for yourself!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s tone didn¡¯t contain a hint of emotion. The interspatial pouch was filled with abyssal devils¡¯ heads, and there were at least two thousand.


    The deacon was shocked when his consciousness seeped into the pouch. His face turned pale, and he stepped back in fright, quickly cing the interspatial pouch back on the counter.


    Rows of abyssal devils¡¯ heads, with their eyes open and seemingly alive, emitted an overwhelming abyssal energy. Over two thousand heads were neatly arranged in the pouch, and this had a powerful impact, nearly terrifying the elder to death.


    ¡°Did you kill them all?¡± the deacon stuttered and had still yet to recover from the shock.


    The sudden change in atmosphere silenced the surroundings as everyone looked over curiously.


    ¡°Could there be so many abyssal devils¡¯ heads inside?¡± Several disciples whispered among themselves, finding it hard to believe. After all, fifth-grade abyssal devils weren¡¯t worth many points.


    One head only worthed ten points, and a thousand for a hundred heads. It had been many years since anyone exceeded the number of five hundred.


    ¡°There are no rules in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion that state the abyssal devils must be personally killed,¡± Liu Wuxie replied. The scary part wasn¡¯t the number of heads but the presence of many sixth-grade abyssal devils¡¯ heads among them.


    No one would believe it if he imed he had killed all of them in his current cultivation. The rule was that as long as one brought the heads of abyssal devils, points could be exchanged, regardless of who killed them.


    The ten major sects had established this rule to curb the development of the abyssal devils.


    ¡°Indeed, there¡¯s no such rule. I¡¯ll start counting them now!¡± The deacon was only asking it casually. Perhaps Liu Wuxie had found this interspatial pouch from an inner disciple who had died in the Abyssal Underground World. After all, there had been simr incidents in the past.


    When disciples trained in the Abyssal Underground World, they would asionally perish, and others would find the heads they hunted.


    Then again, whatever the deacon felt had nothing to do with Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Bring another counter over!¡± The deacon called out to the adjacent window. Another deacon walked over, and his face changed when he took a peek into the interspatial pouch.


    Two counters were set up side by side. When the interspatial pouch was opened, heads began rolling out of it and filled up two counters.


    The appearance of those heads immediately caused an overwhelming abyssal energy to form into a ck vortex above the Mission Hall.


    ¡°S-So many heads?!¡± The disciples in the surroundings were dumbfounded and couldn¡¯t believe their eyes.


    Luo Qiu¡¯s jaw dropped in shock as he had mocked Liu Wuxie earlier. The appearance of the heads instantly felt like a p in his face.


    ¡°H-How is this possible?¡± The disciples who had ridiculed Liu Wuxie were in disbelief. After all, even inner disciples couldn¡¯t achieve this feat.


    ¡°Look closely! There are many sixth-grade abyssal devils¡¯ heads!¡± Someone pointed out the heads on the counters. But that wasn¡¯t the end, as more heads began rolling out on the counters, piling into a small mountain before everyone.


    Themotion naturally drew the attention of disciples passing by, who stopped to watch and were unsure of what was going on.


    ¡°He must be lucky to have found an elite disciple¡¯s interspatial pouch,¡± a True Core Realm disciple suggested.


    ¡°That must be it! That could be the only exnation! He must¡¯ve found this interspatial pouch by luck!¡± Like the deacon, no one believed that Liu Wuxie had killed so many abyssal devils.


    Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t be bothered to exin, and there was no need to. The entire processsted three minutes before the heads poured out of the interspatial pouch.


    The next step was to sort and count the heads before tallying the total points. In front of hundreds of disciples, the two deacons spent an hour before they were done sorting through the heads.


    ¡°We¡¯re done tallying the points. There are two thousand four hundred fifth-grade and one hundred twenty sixth-grade abyssal devils¡¯ heads.¡± The first deacon reported the numbers to Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie nodded. He hadn¡¯t counted them, but the deacons shouldn¡¯t have made any mistakes.


    ¡°Thank you!¡± Liu Wuxie expressed his gratitude courteously.


    A sixth-grade head valued at one hundred points, and one hundred and twenty heads would tally to a staggering amount. Even inner disciples couldn¡¯t get so many points in one go. Just the points from fifth-grade abyssal devils¡¯ heads alone would amount to a massive number.


    ¡°A fifth-grade abyssal devil¡¯s head is worth ten points, and there are two thousand four hundred in total. This means you¡¯ll get twenty-four thousand points,¡± the deacon announced in shock. This was the first time an outer disciple had earned over twenty thousand points at once since the establishment of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    ¡°As for the heads of sixth-grade abyssal devils, each head is worth one hundred and twenty points since you obtained them with your cultivation in the True Core Realm,¡± the deacon continued.


    Inner disciples could only earn one hundred points for each sixth-grade abyssal devil, but Liu Wuxie received an extra twenty points per head as an outer disciple.


    ¡°They tally up to 38,400 points. Shall I credit them all in your medal?¡± The deacon said. He was covered in sweat because the Mission Hall might not be able to gather so many points on short notice, and they would have to collect points from elsewhere.


    The monthly allocation of points to the outer sect was only one hundred thousand, and most had been exchanged. This meant there weren¡¯t many points left.


    Liu Wuxie had already anticipated this because he had earned more points than most inner disciples as an outer disciple. It would be a considerable sum for most outer disciples to obtain one or two hundred points. Many disciples onlypleted one task, earning thirty to forty points.


    Gasps sounded from the surroundings upon hearing this number. Over thirty thousand points were equivalent to one-third of the points allocated to the outer disciples.


    The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion had fifty to sixty thousand outer disciples, and Liu Wuxie¡¯s harvest was one-third of the points. This was simply unimaginable.


    ¡°Am I dreaming?¡± The disciples who had mocked Liu Wuxie were in disbelief. Some even pped themselves to ensure they weren¡¯t dreaming.


    This was because thirty thousand points could be exchanged for immense resources.


    ¡°This brat is insane. To exchange for so many points, I¡¯m afraid he won¡¯t live to use them all,¡± someone in the crowd muttered, and many were ready to rob Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie naturally heard the surrounding discussions, but he remained unbothered. It was fine if no one provoked him. But if they did, he wouldn¡¯t mind showing them who wouldn¡¯t live to enjoy the points.


    ¡°I¡¯m a priority disciple, and the points I earned should be doubled ording to the rules,¡± Liu Wuxie suddenly smiled. His smile was wicked because his earned points would be doubled as a priority disciple. In addition, he would have weekly ess to the Book Collection Hall and receive guidance from an elder once.


    ¡°This...¡± The two deacons were dumbfounded. They couldn¡¯t even gather thirty thousand points, not to mention double that.


    ¡°This is a serious matter, and I must report it to the higher-ups. The additional points will be decided at ater date. Is that okay with you?¡± The deacon appeared flustered because he had never encountered this situation before, and this required approval from the higher-ups.


    ¡°Is that so?¡± Liu Wuxie rubbed his nose. He also didn¡¯t expect to receive so many points.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be honest with you. We can¡¯t gather that many points now, even if it¡¯s not doubled,¡± another deacon said helplessly. They couldn¡¯t even gather thirty thousand points, not to mention double that. This was why they had to wait for the higher-ups¡¯ approval.


    ¡°How many points can the Mission Hall give out now? As for the double points, I¡¯ll wait for the higher-ups¡¯ approval.¡± Liu Wuxie knew pressing them any further was futile, and it was already good enough if he could get half of it. As for the other half, it would be good to have, and he wouldn¡¯t be bothered even if he couldn¡¯t. It was of utmost importance to get the thirty-eight thousand points first.


    The deacon turned to look at the pir behind them. The points were still reducing because points were constantly being drawn from the other counters.


    ¡°There are only twenty-three thousand left,¡± the deacon said honestly.


    ¡°How about this: credit twenty thousand points to my medal, and I¡¯ll use the remaining points to exchange for items,¡± Liu Wuxie said after a brief pondering. Twenty thousand points were enough for him to use the cultivation chamber, and the rest could be exchanged for resources.


    "Alright!" The deacon responded, apprehensive that Liu Wuxie might demand all the points immediately. Such a request would pose a problem, as they couldn''t gather that many points on short notice. If word got out that they were unable to fulfill the payout, it would turn the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion into aughingstock among the other sects.


    If that were the case, no disciples would want to hunt the abyssal devils in the future.


    When twenty thousand points were credited to Liu Wuxie¡¯s medal, he now had 20,200 points in addition to the two hundred from before. This also meant he had 18,400 points ready to exchange for items.


    ¡°Do you have a list of items for exchange?¡± Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t know what items there were up for exchange.


    Under normal circumstances, no one would be qualified to ask that, but it was a different story for Liu Wuxie. After all, he had over ten thousand points that needed to be exchanged, and the Mission Hall was naturally d Liu Wuxie would exchange his points for items.


    The deacon swiftly took out a booklet from behind the counter with all the items up for exchange.


    Liu Wuxie was secretly shocked when he scanned the booklet. It contained many treasures, and he spent an hour scanning it with Ghost Eye before memorizing everything on it.

 Chapter 362 - Bunch of Cowards

    <h4>Chapter 362 - Bunch of Cowards</h4>


    Everyone was baffled to see Liu Wuxie lowering the booklet.


    "He''s done looking?" It would be impressive if Liu Wuxie could see ten-odd items in one minute, but Liu Wuxie flipped through the entire thick booklet rapidly.


    "He''s not in his right mind. Does he think he''s genius, or is he showing off just because he found an interspatial pouch filled with abyssal devils'' heads?" Some couldn''t hold back and felt that Liu Wuxie was too pretentious.


    "Let''s wait and see how he embarrasses himself. Don''t tell me he will exchange all the points into spirit stones!" A burst ofughter erupted from the crowd.


    They were correct in their assumption, as Liu Wuxie was indeed in urgent need of spirit stones. Despite having over a million spirit stones, he had spent more than three hundred thousand to reach the eighth level of the True Core Realm.


    This meant he would need five to six hundred thousand spirit stones for his next breakthrough, let alone reaching the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    "Exchange five thousand points for spirit stones," Liu Wuxie instructed. With one point equating to a hundred spirit stones, he spent five thousand points to receive five hundred thousand spirit stones.


    Ordinary outer disciples could only obtain ten-odd points at best, barely enough for them to exchange for a few hundred spirit stones. As for the remaining points, they were usually exchanged for other items.


    Most outer disciples had only a few thousand spirit stones at best, with few possessing more than ten thousand. Liu Wuxie had already observed this during his time in the Book Collection Hall.


    The deacon soon took out an interspatial pouch with five hundred thousand spirit stones. When Liu Wuxie opened it, dense spiritual energy wafted out and filled the entire Mission Hall.


    Liu Wuxie took the interspatial pouch and still had over ten thousand points left.


    "Give me a pen and paper. I''ll list the things I want!" Reporting each item was too troublesome, and Liu Wuxie had already memorized all the items and the required points.


    Arge piece of paper was soon ced before Liu Wuxie.


    Picking up the pen, Liu Wuxie paused briefly before writing down the list. Initially, the two deacons were disdainful, believing Liu Wuxie couldn''t possibly memorize all the items so quickly.


    For example, there weren''t any high-grade spirit stones or seventh-grade pills for exchange in the outer sect. This meant Liu Wuxie could only write down items from the booklet, and he had to be an elite disciple if he wanted to exchange for high-grade spirit stones and seventh-grade pills.


    Spirit stones were categorized into four grades: low, mid, high, and supreme. In the mundane world, low-grade spirit stones were primarily used. Mid-grade and high-grade spirit stones were more valuable, but the supreme-grade stones were the most precious of all. It was rumored that a single supreme-grade spirit stone could be exchanged for millions of high-grade spirit stones, highlighting its immense value.


    The difference in value between the various grades of spirit stones couldn''t be quantified simply by numbers. A supreme-grade spirit stone contained extremely pure energy that mid and high-grade spirit stonescked, making its worth iparable.


    Fifteen minutester, Liu Wuxie ced the pen on the table and handed the list to the two deacons.


    The two deacons exchanged a nce and were deeply shocked. Liu Wuxie had only written down over a hundred items, which were easy to find. But they found it unbelievable that the booklet listed the items.


    "Did you memorize everything in the booklet?" one deacon asked, his face etched with shock. Over ten thousand items were listed in the booklet, and even they couldn''t remember them all. They couldn''t fathom how Liu Wuxie had memorized them all in just one minute.


    "Is that important?" Liu Wuxie asked with a smile. He didn''t provide any exnation, nor was there a need. He only wanted to exchange the items and find a cultivation chamber to go into seclusion.


    His goal was to reach the ninth level of the True Core Realm and make preparation for thepetition.


    After all, he would receive better treatment if he could enter the inner sect.


    The deacon smiled bitterly and no longer asked any further questions.


    "There are many items on this list; it will take us about an hour to gather them," said the deacons before heading into the warehouse to retrieve the items Liu Wuxie had listed. As soon as the deacons departed, the Mission Hall erupted into chaos.


    "He''s a priority student? That means the points he received will be doubled...that means seventy-six thousand points. I''m afraid even the top-tier inner disciples don''t have so many points."


    All the disciples began to look at Liu Wuxie with ill intentions and greed.


    "Junior brother, I''m short on points. Can you lend me one thousand points?" A seventh-level True Core Realm disciple approached Liu Wuxie with a fawning expression.


    After all, Liu Wuxie''s medal contained twenty thousand points, and this naturally made everyone envious. It wasn''t unusual to borrow points in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, and it wasmon across the ten major sects.


    Then again, only those with a close rtionship could lend points to each other. Liu Wuxie didn''t even know this person, let alone have any rtionship with him.


    "Damn it! Zhang Liang got one step ahead, that cunning bastard!" Many were regretful, having missed the chance to ask first and let Zhang Liang take the lead.


    "I would borrow more if I were him. That brat is only in the sixth level of the True Core Realm, and he can''t protect so many points." Many people were eager to take a share of Liu Wuxie''s points.


    "What if I refuse?" Liu Wuxie looked at Zhang Liang with a smile. This person was courting death, and he could make an example out of this person.


    "Brat, I live in the upper region. I''m doing you a favor by asking to borrow points from you." As long as you''re willing to lend me one thousand points, I''ll look after you in the outer sect from now on." Zhang Liang was shameless and looked confident.


    The upper region had always looked down on the mid and lower regions, fostering a sense of superiority in Zhang Ling.


    "Should I thank you?" Liu Wuxie smiled mockingly, his eyes turning cold.


    More people began gathering from the surroundings, fearing they might miss out on a share of the points.


    "Liu Wuxie, stop resisting and hand over your points." A familiar voice sounded,ing from Lin Mingxu and Gongsun Zhen. They were genuinely relentless.


    Over the past month, they had relied on their talent and hard work to reach the eighth level of the True Core Realm. They were born in the cultivation world and had favorable circumstances.


    After entering the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, it wasn''t surprising that their cultivation would undergo an explosive period. But after this period, their cultivation speed returned to normal.


    "That''s right. Hand over your points. You don''t deserve so many points as someone from the mundane world." More people began to join in, wanting to devour Liu Wuxie''s points.


    Looking at these ugly faces, the smile on Liu Wuxie''s face grew brighter.


    "That will depend on how capable you people are!" A powerful aura swept out from Liu Wuxie.


    Zhang Liang bore the brunt as he was the closest. When the powerful aura swept through him, it forced him to take a few steps back, naturally making him furious.


    "Liu Wuxie, you''re courting death!" Zhang Liang had learned Liu Wuxie''s name from Lin Mingxu, and he reached out for thetter''s throat. He couldn''t be bothered with words anymore since it didn''t work.


    "You''re the one who will die!" Liu Wuxie knew these people wouldn''t give up if he didn''t kill a few.


    Zhang Liang was fast, but Liu Wuxie was faster. His palm was like a sword that reached Zhang Liang''s chest. Someone who was merely in the seventh level of the True Core Realm dared to act with such arrogance before him?! That was no different from courting death.


    With a loud booming sound, Zhang Liang''s hand froze in mid-air as he flew out with his chest struck by Liu Wuxie. The sounds of bones cracking could be heard echoing in the Mission Hall.


    Everyone was in disbelief because Zhang Liang was sent flying even when he had taken the initiative in the fight.


    Blood sshed on the ground as Zhang Liangy on the ground. He was barely breathing, and he was on the verge of death.


    "Since you tried to rob me of my points, the sect won''t hold me ountable even if I kill you ording to the rules," Liu Wuxie said coldly.


    The sect permitted private fights without interference unless they resulted in death. Since Zhang Liang attempted to rob Liu Wuxie, killing him was deemed self-defense and did not breach the rules.


    After hearing what Liu Wuxie said, Zhang Liang was furious and spat out another mouthful of blood. His face became pale because Liu Wuxie had injected a trace of abyssal energy into his heart pulse to erode him to death slowly. He wouldn''t die immediately, but he would be dead within three days.


    The Mission Hall fell silent, with the sudden events catching everyone off guard. Was Liu Wuxie just in the sixth level of the True Core Realm, where even Zhang Liang was sent flying with one strike?


    No one could find out because the disciples with lower cultivation didn''t dare to provoke Liu Wuxie. They wouldn''t mind instigating, but none dared to confront Liu Wuxie directly.


    Luo Qiu''s expression turned ominously grim. Despite being in the Heavenly Dipper Realm, he hadn''t witnessed Liu Wuxie''s swift retaliation earlier. The speed of the events left him questioning whether Liu Wuxie was merely at the sixth level of the True Core Realm.


    Lin Mingxu''s gaze grew even colder, fueled by resentment towards Liu Wuxie''s status as a priority disciple, which remained a constant source of bitterness in their hearts.


    He had obtained close to two hundred points with Gongsun Zhen, and if he had been a priority disciple, he could''ve obtained four hundred.


    They exchanged a nce and halted their footsteps. Aware of their slim chances against Liu Wuxie, who had sent Zhang Liang flying with a single palm, they hesitated to take the risk.


    "Anyone else?" Liu Wuxie had achieved his goal of intimidating everyone after sending Zhang Liang flying away, and even Luo Qiu kept silent.


    Even if Luo Qiu wanted to attack, he would find a ce where there were fewer people around.


    No one dared to take a step forward, albeit to the dense murderous intent in their eyes.


    "Cowards!" Liu Wuxie said, sessfully enraging everyone into gritting their teeth.


    "Liu Wuxie, how dare you call us cowards!" A disciple in the eighth level of the True Core Realm stepped forward, unleashing an even more powerful aura than Zhang Liang.


    "It''s Senior Brother Wang Tie. He finally made a move!" Cheers of excitement came from the surroundings.

 Chapter 363 - Slap Faces

    <h4>Chapter 363 - p Faces</h4>


    Wang Tie stood before Liu Wuxie like a tower. He had a tall build with bulging muscles. Anyone could tell he was a strength-type cultivator, and ordinary disciples in the ninth level wouldn''t dare to fight him.


    It was evident that Wang Tie was formidable, and his appearance drew the admiration of many, who cheered for him.


    "Are you sure you want to join in?" Liu Wuxie asked again. Judging from his size, Wang Tie''s strength was even more terrifyingpared to the abyssal devils.


    "Liu Wuxie, are you afraid? Hand over your points if you''re afraid!" A person in the crowd thought Liu Wuxie was afraid of Wang Tie, who had a powerful physique and cultivation in the eighth level. How could Liu Wuxie possibly contend with him?


    "How noisy!" Liu Wuxie vanished. The one who spoke had been jumping around since he had entered the Mission Hall, and this person had even incited a conflict between Luo Qiu and LIu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie had tolerated him for a long time, but he kept buzzing around Liu Wuxie like a fly.


    With a p on his face, the youth was sent flying out, performing a 180 rotation in mid-air. He sprayed out blood from his mouth and dyed a pir in red.


    The youth crashed onto the wall and fell to the ground. He felt as though his head was about to explode. This was because Liu Wuxie didn''t show mercy in that p.


    Even if he had only used fifty percent of his strength, it wasn''t something this youth in the eighth-level True Core Realm could withstand. This youth would also be a cripple even if he weren''t dead, and this was because Liu Wuxie had shattered his soul sea.


    Everyone in the surroundings was dumbfounded because Liu Wuxie was too overbearing. That youth had only said a few words, and Liu Wuxie had injured him. This naturally angered the crowd, and everyone red at Liu Wuxie.


    "Let''s go at him together! Kill this demon! Does he think we''re afraid of him?" Everyone was feeling indignant and wanted to rip Liu Wxuie''s head off.


    "That''s right, kill him!" More people joined in to denounce Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie remained indifferent to the surrounding provocations, but it had aroused his inner bloodlust. He had already made up his mind to start a killing spree if these people wouldn''t give up.


    "Liu Wuxie, you''ve be a public enemy, and I''ll deal with you on behalf of the heavens!" Wang Tie''s palm swept towards Liu Wuxie with an unmatched momentum, releasing his aura in the eighth level of the True Core Realm.


    "Who do you think you are to speak?" Liu Wuxie mocked and vanished with the Seven Dipper Steps. When he appeared before Wang Tie, he raised his foot and delivered an unpredictable kick between Wang Tie''s legs.


    A heart-wrenching scream soon followed with Wang Tie bent over. He spun in mid-air, crashed onto the side of the hall, and rolled on the ground in pain.


    When the kicknded on Wang Tie, everyone heard a sound like cracking eggs.


    This made everyone feel a chill running down their spines, and they clutched their crotches instinctively.


    "That''s too ruthless!" Sounds of people inhaling cold breath could be heard because Wang Tie was crippled. This was because Wang Tie practiced a powerful body-refining technique, making him almost impervious to weapons.


    But this technique had a significant w with arge weakness, his crotch. If someonended an attack on his crotch, it would instantly cripple his cultivation.


    As for how did Liu Wuxie discover that weakness? It was all thanks to Ghost Eye, which allowed him to see the weakness in Wang Tie''s body-refining technique with one nce.


    This instantly extinguished the me in everyone''s hearts. If Zhang Liang being sent flying was a coincidence, then what about Wang Tie? After all, Wang Tie was in the eighth level of the True Core Realm!


    Even Wang Tie wasn''t Liu Wuxie''s opponent, and this meant they would be courting death if they attacked Liu Wuxie. Thus, they were helpless against Liu Wuxie unless someone at the pinnacle of the True Core Realm stepped forward.


    Those who could reach the pinnacle of the True Core Realm were considered geniuses and weren''t foolish enough to be manipted by others. There were no benefits in killing Liu Wuxie there because everyone would take a share of his points.


    Thus, why would they coborate with so many people when they could kill Liu Wuxie in the darkter and take all his points for themselves? That was the thought Luo Qiu was having. Why would he act now when everyone would benefit from him killing Liu Wuxie?


    An hour passed quickly, and the two deacons returned with ten-odd interspatial pouches, each filled with numerous items. This was because interspatial pouches had low grades and limited space, and Liu Wuxie had spent a thousand points on an interspatial ring.


    An ordinary interspatial ring only cost one to two hundred points, but the space inside was slightly bigger than interspatial pouches. The only advantage to them was the convenience.


    A better interspatial pouch could cost from five to six hundred points.


    Liu Wuxie had bought an interspatial ring with massive space, which he wore on his left finger. It had a space of a few thousand square meters. Even ten interspatial pouches couldn''tpare to this ring.


    "Thank you. Please keep track of my remaining points!" Liu Wuxie said as he left the Mission Hall with a dozen interspatial pouches. No one dared to stop him, especially after seeing what had happened to Wang Tie and Zhang Liang.


    No one dared to take the risk and could only watch Liu Wuxie leave.


    "Senior Brother Luo, why didn''t you act earlier?" Everyone was baffled and turned to Luo Qiu.


    "There¡¯s no hurry!" Luo Qiu said and left the Mission Hall, but no one knew what he was thinking.


    As everyone left the Mission Halls, news of Liu Wuxie obtaining thirty thousand points soon spread throughout the sect within fifteen minutes.


    The six peaks received the news first, and many people began investigating Liu Wuxie''s whereabouts and information.


    Even some inner disciples were rmed as it was abnormal for an outer disciple to obtain thirty thousand points. But themotion gradually subsided when theyter discovered that Liu Wuxie had found an interspatial pouch with abyssal devils¡¯ heads rather than killing them himself.


    The attention on Liu Wuxie began to decrease, with most people thinking he got lucky. But that didn''t stop their greed over those points.


    When Bai Lin and Tang Tian learned of Liu Wuxie''s return, they immediately rushed over.


    "Brother Liu, you''re finally back!" Bai Lin stepped forward to hug Liu Wuxie. Since parting ways in Fan City, Bai Lin and Tang Tian had felt guilty and had trouble focusing on their cultivation. They spent the past few days anxiously waiting for news of Liu Wuxie, fearing he might have perished in Fan City. When he finally returned, they were filled with excitement and relief.


    "Junior brother, is the news about you earning thirty-eight thousand points true?" Liu Wuxie''s courtyard was only inhabited by him, and Tang Tian asked when they walked in.


    "That''s right!" Liu Wuxie rubbed his nose, and he couldn''t be bothered to exin. Then again, he didn''t care about the rumors to begin with. His priority now was to reach the Heavenly Dipper Realm as soon as possible.


    "Brother Liu, you have to be careful. We heard many people nned to target you secretly." Bai Lin looked worried because they had heard many unfavorable rumors about Liu Wuxie.


    "I''ll deal with them when theye. Let everything take ce naturally," Liu Wuxie smiled.He had already anticipated that many people would covet his points.


    "Junior brother, what are your ns next?" Tang Tian looked worried. If there was no way out, Liu Wuxie could only seek help from the higher-ups. After all, he was a priority disciple, and he naturally received the sect''s protection.


    "Do you two know where I can find the best cultivation chamber?" Liu Wuxie didn''t dwell on that topic. He knew he should take things one step at a time because unnecessary worries would only bring him trouble.


    "The outer sect''s ck region has the best cultivation chambers we can ess as long as you have enough points." Bai Lin knew what Liu Wuxie wanted to do.


    The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion had built many cultivation chambers simr to the Profound Spirit Pavilion, but using them required points.


    However, Liu Wuxie had an abundance of points, so this was the least of his concerns. What he truly needed was the best cultivation chamber, ideally one with tenfold speed eleration.


    The cultivation chambers were divided into multiple areas meant for outer, inner, elite, and true disciples.


    As an outer disciple, Liu Wuxie couldn''t use the cultivation chambers meant for elite disciples. This was also why Liu Wuxie was eager to be promoted to the inner sect.


    Moreover, the resources avable in the inner sect were far superior, and with his points, he could surpass his peers effortlessly.


    "What''s the time multiplier there?" Liu Wuxie had many things to learn, and this was an excellent opportunity since Bai Lin and Tang Tian had been here for a long time.


    "The cultivation chambers there have tenfold time eleration. But they''re usually upied, and ordinary people can''t use them. You''ll be kicked out if you don''t have the strength to back it up," Bai Lin shared everything he knew.


    Slightly inferior cultivation chambers had seven to eightfold multiplication. The worst ones only had twofold, and they were also the cheapest. But Liu Wuxie naturally disregarded them.


    Liu Wuxie asked about cultivation chambers and the training grounds. He needed fights to hone himself, and finding an opportunity to make a breakthrough amid battles was easier.


    Bai Lin and Tang Tian also introduced Liu Wuxie to the other facilities in the sect. By sunset, Liu Wuxie had a rough grasp of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    "Junior brother, these are the points from thebined mission. I''ll transfer them to you now." Tang Tian took out his medal as he spoke. They had submitted the missions, and it was only proper for them to divide the points equally.


    "You two can keep them!" Liu Wuxie shook his head. He had over twenty thousand points on him, and he didn''t care about a few hundred. On the contrary, Bai Lin and Tang Tian had few points.


    Taking out his medal, Liu Wuxie transferred two thousand points to Tang Tian and Bai Lin''s medals. He said, "Thanks for sharing so much with me. This is a token of my gratitude."

 Chapter 364 - Battle of Spiritual Arrays (1)

    <h4>Chapter 364 - Battle of Spiritual Arrays (1)</h4>


    ¡°Junior Brother Liu, it¡¯s a lot of points!¡± Bai Lin waved his hand repeatedly. They would need six months to earn one thousand points each, and Liu Wuxie just gave them away.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need for formality between us. You two sought me out at this moment and shared so much information with me. The points are well worth it,¡± Liu Wuxie said, patting Bai Lin¡¯s shoulder. After all, the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion was filled with people harboring malice against him, but Bai Lin and Tang Tian took the risk to find him.


    Furthermore, they had experienced life and death together and were brothers.


    ¡°Alright, we won¡¯t be polite then. From now on, our lives belong to you.¡± The two might¡¯ve reached the ninth-level True Core Realm, but they still looked up to Liu Wuxie. After all, Liu Wuxie had ughtered those in the ninth level, like cutting down weeds back in the Scarlet Sun Mountain Range. After so long, they believed Liu Wuxie¡¯s strength must¡¯ve undergone shocking changes.


    Liu Wuxie returned to his room after sending off Bai Lin and Tang Tian. He set up array gs and nned to go to the cultivation chamber the next day to go into seclusion.


    He set up a spiritual array to iste the entire courtyard from the outside world. This was because he was expecting many people to visit him that night.


    Liu Wuxie sat on the mat and took out the interspatial ring and ten-odd interspatial pouches. He cut his finger with the Heretic de and dripped his blood on the interspatial ring.


    In the next second, a burst of radiance came from the interspatial ring, and a vast space appeared in Liu Wuxie¡¯s mind. This was the internal space of the interspatial ring, which was on a new levelpared to interspatial pouches.


    If it was an interspatial pouch, he could only check the space inside with his divine sense. But for the interspatial ring, each item would be imprinted in his mind, and he could summon them with a thought.


    When he took out everything from the interspatial pouches, the room was filled with items. He moved the spirit stones into the interspatial ring, which contained 1,300,000 spirit stones. This amount was enough for him to reach the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    As the night deepened, rustling sounds came from footsteps outside the window, but they couldn¡¯t enter the courtyard.


    ¡°He¡¯s too cunning. He set up a Confusion Array, and we¡¯ve been wandering in circles.¡± An enraged roar came from outside the courtyard. This was because Liu Wuxie had set up a massive Confusion Array. Once inside, everyone would lose their sense of direction and couldn¡¯t even leave.


    Over a hundred people gathered outside the courtyard in just two hours, all trapped in the Confusion Array. This was a spectacr scene. As a result, those who cameter didn¡¯t dare to enter and merely stood quietly outside the courtyard.


    Liu Wuxie naturally observed everything happening outside but pretended not to hear them.


    ¡°Not bad. This alchemy cauldron is better than Hou Chi¡¯s!¡± Arge cauldron appeared before Liu Wuxie. He nned to refine pills sometime soon. His cultivation speed would slow down after the initial explosive period.


    If he could consume pills daily, he could rely on them to shorten his cultivation time. There were tens of thousands of spirit stones ced before him. A portion were from those he had killed, while the others were exchanged from the Mission Hall.


    There were thousands of porcin bottles containing various fifth-grade pills. In the outer sect, it was impossible to exchange them for sixth-grade pills. Most bottles contained spiritual liquid meant to nourish the meridians.


    This was because Liu Wuxie could sense a tearing sensation from his meridians when he used the ice-attribute energy, which meant his physique still needed strengthening.


    There were also materials designated for cksmithing, spiritual arrays, and talismans.


    It wasn¡¯t until midnight that Liu Wuxie was done organizing everything, so he didn¡¯t have to worry about resources anytime soon. ncing outside the window, a cold smirk rose on his lips.


    ¡°They¡¯re courting death in wanting to break my spiritual array.¡± Liu Wuxie snorted coldly and infused more spiritual runes into the spiritual array.


    There was no shortage of spiritual array masters in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, and some were invited to break the array. Many inner disciples were also present, including experts beyond the fourth level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    As for those in the low-level Heavenly Dipper Realms, hundreds of them looked greedily.


    Two men in the southeast corner wielded apass, trying to find the spiritual array¡¯s core. They had resolved the firstyer of the Confusion Array and had entered the core region. If they were given two more hours, they would be able to break the spiritual array.


    They didn¡¯t dare toe in the day, fearing they might attract the sect¡¯s attention if they caused too muchmotion. Everyone cared for their reputation; it would be terrible if word got out about their actions.


    But at night, no one would recognize anyone and rely on their abilities to rob Liu Wuxie¡¯s points.


    The two men immediately felt uneasy when a gust of wind rose in the Confusion Array.


    ¡°The spiritual array is changing! Retreat!¡± The youth on the right retreated, not daring to take another step in.


    ¡°What are you afraid of? He¡¯s just an outer disciple. What high-level spiritual array do you think he can set up?¡± The one on the left remained indifferent without any intention to leave.


    There were hundreds of people gathered outside the spiritual array with their eyes fixed on it.


    ¡°Do you all think Senior Brother Han Xing and Kong Yan can break the spiritual array?¡± Those outside stood in rows and could roughly see into the spiritual array.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. They¡¯re both experts in spiritual arrays, not to mention they are inner disciples. I¡¯ll kneel and call Liu Wuxie ¡®grandpa¡¯ if they can¡¯t break the spiritual array,¡± a person in the pinnacle of the True Core Realm said. That was a vicious vow he took without hesitation.


    ¡°I also believe in them. They are disciples of Elder Wu Yang. I believe everyone knows Elder Wu Yang¡¯s status in the sect. He¡¯s an elite elder who has long reached the pinnacle of the Astral River Realm. He¡¯s only one step away from the Nascent Transformation Realm,¡± another person agreed with the previous speaker.


    Elder Wu Yang personally taught Han Xing and Kong Yan, and their skills in spiritual arrays wereparable to those of elite disciples.


    Everyone had different opinions, and the spiritual array remained intact as time passed, preventing anyone from entering the courtyard.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on? Why is the temperature dropping?¡± Han Xing suggested retreating, while Kong Yan insisted on pushing forward. Trapped inside the spiritual array, they were isted from the outside world.


    Oddly enough, those waiting outside could see what was happening inside the spiritual array. Even so, no one dared to enter.


    The first hundred people were still wandering in the spiritual array and couldn¡¯t find their way out.


    ¡°The temperature is still falling. We need to force our way in!¡± Kong Yan said with a hint of sinister expression. They knew they would freeze to death if they failed to break the spiritual array.


    The two quickened their pace, delving deeper into the spiritual array. Dense fog obscured their vision, causing them to lose their sense of direction and wander aimlessly like the rest.


    ¡°Quick, look inside!¡± A man pointed at Han Xing and Kong Yan. Like others, they had also be disorientated within the spiritual array.


    ¡°How is this possible? Even Han Xing and Kong Yan can¡¯t break through the spiritual array? What kind of monster is that brat?¡± The crowd outside burst into an uproar and forgot why they were there.


    Many people began reconsidering their approach after seeing inner disciples trapped inside the spiritual array. Things were far moreplicated than they had imagined.


    The facial expression of the youth who had sworn earlier became grim. After all, he had vowed to call Liu Wuxie ¡®grandpa¡¯ if Han Xing and Kong Yan failed to break the spiritual array.


    ¡°The grandson outside, why aren¡¯t you kowtowing to your grandpa?¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s voice came from his room, and everyone heard it.


    Hearing Liu Wuxie¡¯s words, the youth stumbled.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, I¡¯ll kneel and kowtow to you if you dare toe out. I, Lu Liang, am a man of my word!¡± The youth stood firm and resolute.


    ¡°Making you kneel is easy!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s voice was devoid of emotions as two beams shot out from the spiritual array. This wasn¡¯t an ordinary spiritual array but a fusion with lethal arrays.


    A scream came from Lu Liang as he fell onto his knees with blood flowing out from his kneecaps.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± An uproar erupted from the surroundings as many people retreated, not daring to stay another moment.


    "My knees! My kneecaps!" Lu Liang clutched his knees, attempting to rise. However, his kneecaps were shattered into countless pieces, meaning he would only be able to walk on his knees in the future.


    ¡°How is this possible? How could he have injured Lu Liang from inside?¡± Everyone had disbelief on their faces. Divine power could control flying swords and kill from a hundred meters away, but they couldn¡¯t sense any divine power from what Liu Wuxie had done earlier. It felt as though the two beams had appeared out of nowhere.


    ¡°This is the power of spiritual arrays, filled with endless possibilities. I didn¡¯t expect his attainment in spiritual arrays to surpass ordinary inner disciples,¡± a fifth-level Heavenly Dipper Realm inner disciple spoke with a hint of fear in his tone.


    He left without hesitation, ignoring everyone else. More people began to leave after him. After all, even Kong Yan and Han Xing were trapped in the spiritual array and would only court humiliation if they entered it.


    Lu Liang was carried away. He spewed vicious words before leaving.


    ¡°It¡¯s so cold! I can¡¯t take it anymore!¡± Those trapped in the spiritual array were covered in frost and shivered uncontrobly.


    Han Xing and Kong Yan weren¡¯t faring much better, either. Their eyebrows were covered in ayer of frost, and their teeth chattered.


    ¡°Senior brother, what should we do? We won¡¯tst till dawn if this carries on!¡± Han Xing said, his speech slurred.


    ¡°We have no choice but to use our trump card now!¡± Kong Yan¡¯s eyes turned cold, and murderous intent was released from him.


    ¡°Senior brother, you n to break this spiritual array forcibly?¡± Han Xing was shocked. Their master had given them an array-breaking technique capable of breaking spiritual arrays forcibly within a short time.


    However, the bacsh was severe if they failed to break through the spiritual array.


    ¡°Do you think we have another option? Or do you want us to sit and wait to die, damaging our master¡¯s reputation?¡± Kong Yan¡¯s eyes shed with a hint of madness. They never had the chance to use this technique since it was taught to them by their master, and it would finallye into y today.


    Han Xing couldn¡¯t refute what his senior brother said, so he took out g arrays from his interspatial pouch, preparing for a battle in spiritual arrays.

 Chapter 365 - Battle of Spiritual Arrays (2)

    <h4>Chapter 365 - Battle of Spiritual Arrays (2)</h4>


    The battle of spiritual arrays was extremely dangerous because the slightest mistake could lead to their death. The moment the battle began, it won''t stop until one side lost.


    During Liu Wuxie''s days in the Great Yan Dynasty''s Imperial Academy, there was once a battle of spiritual arrays against advanced ss three. This had resulted in Liu Wuxie¡¯s party¡¯splete victory, with their opponents dead inside the spiritual array.


    Strictly speaking, that couldn''t be counted as an actual battle of spiritual arrays. This was because Liu Wuxie hadn''t participated and merely guided Song Ling to kill them.


    However, it was different this time because Han Xing and Kong Yan were experts in spiritual arrays, and Liu Wuxie would suffer a crushing defeat if he were careless.


    Battle in spiritual arrays was akin to martial duels. In martial duels, two people would face each other directly. However, in spiritual arrays, both parties would use various spiritual runes to determine who had a higher understanding of spiritual runes.


    "Interesting!" Liu Wuxie sat on the mat quietly and could sense everything going on outside. His gaze fell on Han Xing and Kong Yan. A cold smirk rose on his lips, and he said, "Since you two want to fight in spiritual arrays, I''ll make sure you two losepletely and never touch spiritual arrays ever again."


    Liu Wuxie was never a benevolent person and would show no mercy to those who sought to kill him. Even if he didn''t kill them, he would make sure they received a harsh lesson and make this night their lifelong nightmare.


    "I''ll take the Qian position!" Kong Yan gave the order and stepped onto the Qian position, inserting an array g into the ground.


    "Okay. I''ll take the Kan position!"


    One represented the gate of life, and the other represented the gate of death. The twoplemented each other, forming a stream of Yin and Yang''s energy into the spiritual array.


    "You want to break my spiritual array with such meager skills?" Liu Wuxie wasn''t in a hurry. If it weren''t for the restriction in his cultivation, he would''ve wiped them out with a wave of his hand.


    Most people had left, but still close to a hundred people remained.


    "Look, they''re starting a battle of spiritual arrays!" All eyes were drawn to Han Xing and Kong Yan, wanting to see who would win.


    "Let''s see how Liu Wuxie dies now. Once the battle begins, it cannot be stopped." Those who wanted to kill Liu Wuxie gloated as though they could foresee thetter''s death.


    Two masses of Yin and Yang energies passed through the spiritual array and manifested into two swords aimed at Liu Wuxie''s neck.


    Han Xing and Kong Yan could see Liu Wuxie''s face through the Yin and Yang energies and saw thetter calmly seated.


    "Liu Wuxie, die!" Kong Yan grinned cruelly, his hands moving rapidly. The Yin and Yang swordsbined to form an endless surge that swept through the room, overturning the furniture.


    "A mere trash dares to unt in front of me?" Liu Wuxie''s eyes turned cold. An array g appeared in his hand, and the entire spiritual array was activated with two taps in the air.


    An invisible shockwave shot towards the Yin and Yang swords, ensnaring them like quicksand. Han Xing and Kong Yan''s expressions turned grim as the swords came to a halt. This was their first attempt at using the technique taught by their master, and failure was not an option.


    "Junior brother, help me!" Kong Yan''s eyes turned sinister, and he bit his finger to start inscribing spiritual runes on the array g.


    "Senior brother, stop!" It was toote for Han Xing to prevent Liu Wuxie''s counterattack as he hurriedly waved the array g. An invisible shockwave surged outward, further chilling the surrounding air and severely impeding their movements.


    "You think using blood to control the spiritual array will work? What a joke!" Liu Wuxie waved his hand, absorbing the Yin and Yang swords into the world in his dantian.


    When the Yin and Yang swords disappeared, Elder Wu Yang, meditating in a cave, opened his eyes and frowned. He had forged the array gs wielded by Han Xing and Kong Yan, and he sensed their activation the moment they were used.


    "What are they doing at thiste hour instead of resting?" Elder Wu Yang didn''t think much because who would imagine his two disciples would engage in a battle of spiritual arrays with Liu Wuxie in the dead of night?


    Worm-like runes began to appear on Kong Yan''s array g, and he inserted it into the ground after inscribing it.


    A violent gale arose with countless shadows flying out from the array gs, heading straight for Liu Wuxie''s room.


    Liu Wuxie''s eyes showed a hint of severity because Kong Yan had desperately used his blood essence to inscribe spiritual runes. The bacsh would be severe, and their cultivation might fall even if they managed to kill Liu Wuxie due to the damage to their foundation. This meant they wouldn''t stop till Liu Wuxie was dead.


    Putting down the array g in his hand, Liu Wuxie began forming spiritual runes around him like tadpoles and fusing them into the spiritual array.


    The iing Yin-attribute wind was stopped from approaching him. This instantly made Han Xing realize they were in trouble because they had encountered a true master.


    However, retreating wasn''t an option as the chilling wind grew stronger. Most importantly, their true essence couldn''t withstand the chilling aura.


    "Senior brother, I can''t hold on any longer!" Han Xing was on the verge of copse. The spiritual runes looked like a tidal wave that could overwhelm him.


    "Use our blood essence!" Kong Yan had lost his rationale and shed the artery in his wrist with a dagger, causing blood to gush out.


    When the array g absorbed the blood, it began to glow brightly in the dark that it was even visible from a few thousand meters away. The crimson radiance that illuminated the sky shocked the disciples who were still around.


    Themotion also rmed the sect''s higher-ups. Many elders and deacons had arrived and were watching from a distance.


    "Peak Master Yu, what do you think?" Even the peak masters had arrived and were shocked by this scene.


    "This young man is extraordinary," remarked the peak master of Mortal Plume Peak, appearing to be in his forties despite being over a hundred years old.


    "What about the other peak masters?" The one who asked was a true elder. They were all in the Nascent Transformation Realm, and no one could detect their presence.


    "He''s strong, but that''s not all," the Profound Inscription Peak''s peak master stroked his beard and said in a deep tone.


    They were all in the Nascent Transformation Realm, and they could see the changes in the spiritual array. This allowed them to realize Liu Wuxie''s terrifying potential further.


    After all, this wasn''t something achievable by an outer disciple. After reaching the Nascent Transformation Realm, they would be versed in alchemy, cksmithing, spiritual arrays, and talismans. This was because the opponents they encountered would also be versed in various methods.


    "Is he really from the mundane world?" the Heavenly Trigram Peak''s peak master muttered to himself. Over the years, the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion had recruited many cultivators from the mundane world, and he was aware of their performance.


    However, Liu Wuxie''s emergence challenged their prejudice against the mundane world because he was a perfect showcase of a genius. This proved that geniuses could also be found in the mundane world.


    "I suspect he might have had some fortuitous encounter or guidance from an expert." The Earth Force Peak''s peak master shared a different opinion


    There waspetition between the Heavenly Trigram and Earth Force Peaks. Their disciples would secretly engage in rivalry because the Earth Force Peak wanted to surpass the Heavenly Trigram Peak.


    As the elders and deacons discussed among themselves, many inner elders couldn''tprehend the spiritual array Liu Wuxie had set up. This was because it only seemed like an ordinary Confusion Array from the outside.


    In reality, the spiritual array held deeper mysteries andplexities. Beyond creating illusions, it possessed both offensive and defensive capabilities, effectivelybining three spiritual arrays into one.


    This was the main reason for their shock. It wasn''t something ordinary people could aplish. Even masters of spiritual arrays would have difficulty setting up such a profound spiritual array in one night.


    ¡°Look, Han Xing and Kong Yan are in danger!¡± Exmations came from the surroundings because Han Xing was covered in ice, slowly turning into an ice statue. Kong Yan wasn''t faring any better because he couldn''t break Liu Wuxie''s spiritual array even after using his blood essence.


    "This is unbelievable. Han Xing and Kong Yan are both in the fifth level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm, but they can''t even resolve a Confusion Array set up by an outer disciple?" The disciples standing outside the courtyard were all shocked.


    "Hmph, spiritual arrays are minor tactics. Against a true expert, one attack is enough to kill him." Many sneered at Liu Wuxie, believing that the spiritual array was defensive and not offensive.


    "Well said! Relying on this spiritual array, he can only hide in his courtyard. He''s doomed as long as we guard the exit." Most spiritual arrays were defensive because offensive arrays were rare.


    When Liu Wuxie heard all of their conversations, a cold smirk rose on his lips.


    "A bunch of frogs in a well!" Liu Wuxie''s voice was low and was only audible to himself. He ignored themotion outside. Han Xing and Kong Yan''s fate would depend on their fortune.


    The spiritual runes he had inscribed were infused with ice energy, turning the entire spiritual array into a world of white. Many people who had barged into the spiritual array were frozen and immobilized.


    Only those with a higher cultivation could barely withstand the chill. As for ordinary outer disciples, they were already turned into ice sculptures.


    Time slowly passed, and Kong Yan''s body stiffened. He stood there with bulging eyes filled with boundless anger.


    "Shouldn''t we intervene now? If this continues, the casualties will escte." Watching any longer would result in everyone inside the spiritual array losing their lives. Some of the higher-ups couldn''t bear to watch any longer as the situation spun further out of control.


    "Hurry up and stop this farce. You all know Elder Wu Yang''s temper and he won''t let it slide if his two prized disciples are harmed," the other elders said with a gloating expression.


    Liu Wuxie suddenly felt a surge of energy from above, powerful enough to tear through the spiritual array and enter his room. For someone to bypass his spiritual array so effortlessly, the intruder had to be at least in the Astral River Realm. Even those in the Heavenly Phase Realm would find it challenging to achieve such a feat.

 Chapter 366 - Elder Tian Xing

    <h4>Chapter 366 - Elder Tian Xing</h4>


    An ordinary-looking person walked into the room, and the sight of this person made Liu Wuxie narrow his eyes because he could sense immense dangering from this person.


    "Who are you?!" Liu Wuxie questioned, the Heretic de appearing in his hand. He could tell this person was dangerous because the surrounding spiritual arrays had parted without resistance since his arrival.


    This wasn''t veryforting because this was a sign this old man was in the Nascent Transformation Realm.


    "Young man, you''ve truly made me see you in a new light!" The old man sat before Liu Wuxie, and there was no hostility on his face, which put Liu Wuxie at ease.


    "Senior, how do I address you?" Since this old man wasn''t here to cause trouble for him, Liu Wuxie rxed his guard. After all, an expert in the Nascent Transformation Realm could easily kill him without using any tricks. This old man could''ve taken his life with one palm strike upon entering the room if he wanted.


    "Everyone calls me Elder Tian Xing," the old man introduced himself.


    "Liu Wuxie pays his respect to Elder Tian Xing." Liu Wuxie quickly got up and bowed to the old man. It had been two months since he had joined the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, and he now had a rough understanding of the situation in the sect. But the person who left the deepest impression was no other than Elder Tian Xing, this old man who sat before him.


    Elder Tian Xing was in charge of the Law Enforcement Hall. He was known for his impartiality and dislike of those who bullied the weak. Because of his upright character and formidable strength, he held great prestige in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, and even the sect master had to treat him with respect.


    Liu Wuxie didn''t expect Elder Tian Xing to seem so friendly, contrary to the rumors. After all, everyone would shiver in fear whenever they heard about the Law Enforcement Hall. This was because life and death were beyond one''s control the moment they entered the Law Enforcement Hall.


    Moreover, Elder Tian Xing was known for being strict. He wouldn''t show mercy to anyone who vited the rules and fell into his hands.


    "Sit down and talk!" Elder Tian Xing had no airs on him and waved his hand.


    "Thank you, elder!" Liu Wuxie was only briefly shocked before he regained hisposure. He had already guessed the purpose of Elder Tian Xing''s visit.


    "You''re pretty impressive. Few among the younger generation can earn my praise, and you''re one of them." Elder Tian Xing''s face became stern once more, but his tone was filled with appreciation for Liu Wuxie.


    Having been in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion for two centuries, he had seen countless geniuses. But only a few garnered his praise.


    "I''m ttered," Liu Wuxie replied, lowering his attitude as much as possible. He knew Elder Tian Xing''s visit wasn''t just to praise him.


    After all, it was likely for him to face some punishment for crippling a few people in the Mission Hall, even if he didn''t break any rules. Not to mention, he had set up a spiritual array here and trapped over a hundred people, rming the higher-ups of the sect.


    "There''s no need to be nervous because I''m not here to question you but to have a heart-to-heart talk," Elder Tian Xing said, and his expression softened to a typical old man¡¯s.


    Liu Wuxie felt relieved upon hearing what Elder Tian Xing said. It was fine as long as Elder Tian Xing wasn''t visiting to punish him.


    "I''ll speak openly if the elder has any questions!" Liu Wuxie knew he had to show respect and maintain good rtionships with the higher-ups, especially the elders who wielded real authority, as he still needed to stay in the sect.


    After all, if they built a good rtionship, the elder might overlook a small mistake. Liu Wuxie could afford to offend anyone in the sect except for the Law Enforcement Hall.


    "Could you show some leniency and release those outside? If you continue to trap them, they will lose their cultivation." Elder Tian Xing, despite having the power to forcibly dissolve the spiritual array, chose to negotiate with Liu Wuxie instead. This gesture alone earned Liu Wuxie''s respect.


    "I have no intentions of harming anyone, but can Elder Tian Xing guarantee they won''t rush over here when I dissolve the spiritual array?" Liu Wuxie asked, and this was a reasonable question.


    Elder Tian Xing nodded, seeing Liu Wuxie''s actions as mere self-protection rather than an intention to pick a fight. Liu Wuxie had no objection to dissolving the array, as long as Elder Tian Xing could guarantee his safety.


    Shortly after, Elder Tian Xing gave Liu Wuxie a meaningful look. Reflecting on it, he realized that Liu Wuxie had cleverly used him as a shield by securing his promise. With Elder Tian Xing''s assurance, who would dare cause trouble for Liu Wuxie?


    This seemingly simple conversation was filled with intricacies, making Elder Tian Xing view Liu Wuxie in a new light. After all, most disciples, including true disciples, would be nervous when facing him. However, Liu Wuxie didn''t look nervous and was terrifyingly calm, with wisdom shining in his eyes.


    In a nutshell, Liu Wuxie didn''t mind dissolving the spiritual array, but who would ensure his safety afterward? Given Elder Tian Xing''s personality, he wouldn''t forcibly tear apart the array because the faulty with those outside, not with Liu Wuxie.


    "I can only guarantee that no one will trouble you tonight." Elder Tian Xing smiled bitterly. He had lived for a few hundred years and didn''t expect to be outwitted by a young man today.


    Another disciple in Liu Wuxie''s position would haveplied immediately and removed the spiritual array; only Liu Wuxie dared to speak such words.


    Liu Wuxie was disappointed because Elder Tian Xing was cunning and wouldn''t fall into his trap. If Elder Tian Xing had a single slip in his words, Liu Wuxie would seize the opportunity immediately.


    "I''ll naturallyply since the elder asks for it!" Liu Wuxie dissolved the spiritual array after he was done.


    Everyone trapped within the spiritual array copsed, drenched in water. If Liu Wuxie had been a tad slower, they would''ve lost all their cultivation.


    Han Xing and Kong Yan were the most pitiful ones. In their attempt to break through the spiritual array by force, they suffered a severe bacsh. Their foundations were damaged, and their cultivation was crippled.


    Aside from them, the others would recover after half a month of resting. Those trapped didn''t dare to linger for another moment and fled quickly.


    "Everyone, leave!" Elder Tian Xing''s voice sounded above Liu Wuxie''s courtyard.


    The surrounding disciples dispersed immediately, not daring to stay for another moment. With that, peace returned to the courtyard once more.


    "You''re a priority student, and the points owed to you will be settled in a few days at the Mission Hall," Elder Tian Xing assured Liu Wuxie. His visit served not only to resolve the current crisis but also to ensure Liu Wuxie collected his owed points.


    "Thank you, Elder!" Liu Wuxie smiled gratefully, knowing that an additional over thirty thousand points would allow him to aplish many things. However, he didn''t n to use them immediately; instead, he intended to save them until he became an inner disciple. After all, he had already exchanged most of the treasures avable to outer disciples and was left with only those that were of little use to him.


    "Do you know I was initially nning to take you in as my disciple? However, I dismissed that thought based on what you said earlier," Elder Tian Xing remarked before leaving, leaving Liu Wuxie shocked. "Relying on schemes isn''t a permanent solution; cultivation is the only path," he concluded.


    After reflecting on their conversation, Liu Wuxie seemed too mature for an outer disciple. He didn''t look like a young man, and it was no wonder Elder Tian Xing would dismiss the thought of taking him as a disciple.


    This was because Liu Wuxie had no fear when facing Elder Tian Xing, and thetter could tell that Liu Wuxie wasn''t acting. Only those with a strong inner heart could maintain suchposure.


    Thus, Elder Tian Xing was genuinely tempted to take Liu Wuxie as his disciple. However, he ultimately decided against it because he disliked those who relied on schemes. Liu Wuxie''s actions were carefully nned, making his true thoughts difficult to discern. This uncertainty was the primary reason Elder Tian Xing abandoned the idea; he feared being ridiculed if he couldn''t understand the true intentions of his disciple.


    Before leaving, Elder Tian Xing had a hint of regret for missing out on such a good disciple. He emphasized that spiritual arrays and other skills were minor paths because cultivation was more important. Without reaching the Heavenly Dipper Realm, one would have no actual status in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    After seeing Elder Tian Xing off, Liu Wuxie returned to his room and thought deeply. He muttered, "This isn''t scheming but strategy!"


    Since his debut, Liu Wuxie had maintained the heart of an Immortal Emperor, which conflicted with his age and cultivation. This was why many people saw him as an anomaly.


    After all, unlike other youngsters, he focused solely on cultivation and had no hobbies. He led a simple life with a few friends, spending most of his time reading or cultivating.


    He soon tossed the matter with Elder Tian Xing to the back of his mind. After all, he didn''t need any guidance, and no one in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion was worthy of bing his master.


    The night passed quickly, and no one came for Liu Wuxie again. He left the courtyard early because the cultivation chambers were in high demand with thepetition nearing, and he wanted to secure a spot early.


    After leaving his courtyard, Liu Wuxie performed his movement technique and headed for the cultivation chambers. Bai Lin had already told him there was only one ck cultivation chamber with the highest time multiplier.


    In less than an hour, rows of cultivation chambers appeared before Liu Wuxie. There were over five thousand of them, creating a grand spectacle. By inserting the medal into a cultivation chamber, the points would be automatically deducted.


    When Liu Wuxie arrived, this ce was crowded. He scanned the five thousand cultivation chambers with Ghost Eye. His gaze soon locked onto a cultivation chamber that was precisely the one Bai Lin had described.


    However, oddly enough, there was no one near it, and they avoided it altogether.


    He performed his movement technique and reached the ck cultivation chamber in three breaths. The slot disyed green, indicating that the chamber was unupied.


    "Looks like I''m pretty lucky!" If someone were inside the cultivation chamber, the sign would be red, indicating that it was upied.


    Among the cultivation chambers in the outer sect, the deduction of points varied by level. Ordinary chambers only required ten points daily, while higher-level chambers required one hundred points daily. Meanwhile, the ck cultivation chamber required five hundred points daily, and only a few people could afford it.

 Chapter 367 - Competition for the Cultivation Chamber

    <h4>Chapter 367 - Competition for the Cultivation Chamber</h4>


    The price was something ny-nine percent of outer disciples couldn''t afford. No wonder there wasn''t even a shadow around this cultivation chamber.


    It wasn''t because they didn''t want to use it, but because they couldn''t afford it. It would take them six months to earn five hundred points, not to mention that they still had to exchange for resources to cultivate. As a result, they could only use ordinary cultivation chambers.


    They couldn''t afford it, but that didn''t mean Liu Wuxie wasn''t qualified. He took out his medal and inserted it into the slot.


    The stone gate slowly opened with terrifying spiritual energy gushing out, rming everyone in the surroundings.


    "What is he trying to do?" People soon gathered from the surroundings and didn''t know who Liu Wuxie was. Only about one hundred people were in the Mission Hall the previous, while there were tens of thousands of outer disciples. It was natural they hadn''t seen Liu Wuxie before.


    "He''s bold to upy the ck cultivation chamber. Doesn''t he know that a select few have always reserved it and are the only ones qualified to use it in turns?" Many powerful individuals were among the outer disciples, and the six peaks had exceptionally talented disciples. These were the ones who typically shared the ck cultivation chamber.


    "I remember it''s Senior Brother Duan Hong''s turn today. He''s notorious for being ruthless. This kid is courting death to dare snatch his spot."


    Today was Duan Hong''s turn to use the ck cultivation chamber, but he hadn''t arrived yet.


    "His name is Liu Wuxie. Do you all remember what happened in the Mission Hall yesterday? He''s the one who obtained 38,400 points at once." Someone recognized Liu Wuxie.


    Upon hearing that, amotion broke out in the surroundings, with many people directing malicious gazes at Liu Wuxie.


    "It''s him? This is a great opportunity!" A youth walked towards Liu Wuxie with a cold smirk. He hadn''t gone to Liu Wuxie''s courtyardst night, so he didn''t know what had happened. Even if he had, he wouldn''t have considered Liu Wuxie a threat.


    After all, Liu Wuxie had relied on a spiritual array to trap everyone, and he couldn''t set up a spiritual array now.


    The youth approached Liu Wuxie with a cruel smile, not expecting such fortune to fall into hisp today. With a sinister expression, he said, "Brat, my name is Gong Pengtian. Hand over all your points and kneel. I might consider letting you off easy if you be myckey."


    Many people gathered in the surroundings, but he had the highest cultivation in the ninth level of the True Core Realm. The others didn''t dare to step forward because there was an example of Wang Tie, who Liu Wuxie had crippled with one kick.


    A hint of murderous intent shed in Liu Wuxie''s eyes, and he was losing his patience because these people didn¡¯t know when to give up. Did they think he was a pushover?


    "Get lost!" Liu Wuxie snapped, not in the mood to fight. The cultivation chamber was already open, and he didn''t want to waste his time on someone insignificant.


    "You''re courting death!" Gong Pengtian roared, furious at being disregarded by Liu Wuxie, and didn''t hesitate to throw a punch. It wasmon to see the strong pick on the weak and rob their points in this area. After all, with enough stolen points, they could extend their use of the cultivation chamber.


    "You''re the one courting death!" Liu Wuxie was enraged and shot out like an arrow, performing a palm strike on Gong Pengtian''s chest. The trajectory of his attack was tricky, catching Gong Pengtian off guard, and it was toote for him to retreat.


    Liu Wuxie might''ve concealed his cultivation in the sixth level of the True Core Realm, but that didn''t mean his strength was limited to the sixth level. Even someone in the fifth-level Heavenly Dipper Realm would only die when facing him.


    "What speed! How did he train his movement technique to this level?" Exmations came from the surroundings, and they were shocked by Liu Wuxie''s speed. This speed was unattainable by ordinary experts in the True Core Realm.


    Before anyone could blink, Liu Wuxie''s palm struck Gong Pengtian¡¯s chest, staining his clothes red with blood and sending him flying.


    Gong Pengtian spat out blood mid-air and flew twenty meters before crashing to the ground. The impact left him dizzy and disoriented.


    He felt the threat of death at that moment, and he thought he had died when Liu Wuxie''s palm struck his chest. But it was weird because he couldn''t find any injuries after falling.


    "Liu Wuxie, you crippled my cultivation?!" Gong Pengtian wasn''t injured, but his dantian was shattered.


    This was the best option for Liu Wuxie since killing in the sect was forbidden. Even if the sect questioned him, he could say he was merely acting in self-defense when someone attacked him out of nowhere.


    Gasps of shock echoed from the surroundings. Everyone was stunned by Liu Wuxie''s swift and powerful action. It was astonishing that even someone in the ninth level of the True Core Realm couldn''t withstand a single blow from him.


    People hurriedly withdrew, wary of getting entangled in the situation.


    "How is this possible? How could he be so strong when his cultivation is only in the sixth level of the True Core Realm?" Everyone wondered and couldn''t fathom why Liu Wuxie was so formidable.


    "Did he conceal his true cultivation?" Spections arose from the surroundings, but there was yet to be a definitive answer. Liu Wuxie also ignored them and turned towards the cultivation chamber.


    Right then, a group of people came from the distance. The leader of this group was treated like a revered figure, and praises echoed from the surroundings upon his arrival.


    "Senior Brother Duan Hong will reach the second level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm with this breakthrough. He will shine brightly and take the first ce in the uingpetition."


    Even those following behind Duan Hong had formidable cultivation, but they were mereckeys in front of Duan Hong, singing his praises.


    "What nonsense are you talking about? Even if Senior Brother Duan Hong can''t reach the second-level Heavenly Dipper Realm, he will still take the first ce." Someone came out to retort.


    Many disciples participated in the annualpetition, and Duan Hong had reached the Heavenly Dipper Realm a few months ago. He was holding back for thepetition, choosing not to advance to the inner sect just yet. After all, there would be no immediate benefits in advancing now.


    If he could achieve a good ranking in thepetition, it would bring him substantial rewards. Therefore, waiting for a few more months was worth it for him. Many disciples from the six peaks shared the same mindset and chose to stay in the outer sect even after reaching the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    "Senior Brother Duan Hong, your cultivation chamber was upied by someone else!" A figure ran over, gasping for his breath.


    "Who dares to upy Senior Brother Duan Hong''s cultivation chamber?" Theckeys behind Duan Hong roared. The experts among outer disciples had already agreed upon the ck cultivation chamber, and there was a schedule for it. That had always been the case for the past year, and there were hardly any cases of someone else upying the chamber.


    They initially brushed it off as a joke upon hearing someone else had upied the ck cultivation chamber. However, when they saw Liu Wuxie walking towards the cultivation chamber, they realized it was no joke at all.


    "You dare?!" Duan Hong vanished and descended like an eagle, charging towards Liu Wuxie. Twenty days were left until thepetition, and Duan Hong couldn''t afford to miss this turn to use the ck cultivation chamber.


    Some geniuses had already reached the second-level Heavenly Dipper Realm while he was still at the first level. His hope of reaching the second level would be dashed if he missed this chance to use the ck cultivation chamber. This was why he couldn''t let Liu Wuxie upy it instead.


    Just as Liu Wuxie was about to enter the cultivation chamber, a zing wave of energy swept toward him, nearly knocking him off bnce. Duan Hong''s timing seemed too coincidental, which furrowed Liu Wuxie''s brow in suspicion.


    If Duan Hong had arrived slightlyter, Liu Wuxie would have entered the cultivation chamber, and there was nothing Duan Hong could do about it. Once closed, the cultivation chamber would be shut off from the inside.


    "Get lost!" Liu Wuxie was enraged. He only wanted to cultivate without any disturbance, but these people kept jumping out at him like flies. First, it was Gong Pengtian, and now it was Duan Hong.


    Raising his hand, Liu Wuxie unleashed a powerful wave that formed into a powerful gale to block Duan Hong''s energy. When the two opposing energies collided, it formed a dark cloud that soared into the sky.


    A powerful shockwave swept out within a radius of a few thousand meters. Duan Hong performed a somersault andnded on the ground, taking a few steps back before stabilizing himself.


    "This..." The crowd was shocked to see Liu Wuxie only taking one step back when facing Duan Hong''s attack.


    "How shocking for someone in the True Core Realm to withstand an attack from the Heavenly Dipper Realm ande out unscathed. Is he a monster?" Everyone still looked shocked.


    Duan Hong''s face was terrifyingly grim. He might not have used his full strength, but he was confident of killing any cultivator in the ninth-level True Core Realm with that strike. He had attacked to kill Liu Wuxie in a fit of rage, but he was forced back instead.


    This humiliated Duan Hong. He was in the Heavenly Dipper Realm with a noble status in the outer sect. Everyone had to respect him, and no one dared oppose him.


    What Liu Wuxie did was no different from a p to his face. When hended on the ground, he didn''t leave and walked towards Liu Wuxie, his murderous intent growing with each step.


    "Kid, if you step into that cultivation chamber today, I''ll make you regret ever setting foot in this world!" Duan Hong''s voice carried a threat as he stood a short distance from Liu Wuxie, who hovered at the entrance of the cultivation chamber. Once Liu Wuxie stepped inside, not even the sect master of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion could open it from the outside.


    He was trying to force Liu Wuxie to give up the ck cultivation chamber with threats.


    Theckeys behind Duan Hong also stepped forward. One of them even pointed at Liu Wuxie and yelled, "Liu Wuxie, why are you everywhere? Get lost and hand the cultivation chamber to Senior Brother Duan Hong!"


    The voice belonged to Su Ji, who had been holding a deep grudge against Liu Wuxie ever since he had lost all his spirit stones to Liu Wuxie in the Book Collection Hall. It was surprising that he was Duan Hong''sckey.

 Chapter 368 - Seclusion

    <h4>Chapter 368 - Seclusion</h4>


    Condemnation came from the surroundings to target Liu Wuxie. But Liu Wuxie had grown tired of the meaningless threats. He ignored Su Ji''s threats and looked directly at Duan Hong.


    "I''ll remember what you just said. I''m intrigued to see how you''ll make me regreting to this world!" Liu Wuxie said and entered the cultivation chamber. He didn''t want to waste any more time and needed to reach the ninth-level True Core Realm first.


    Reaching the Heavenly Dipper Realm wasn''t merely about umting resources; it was a monumental task, a challenge that required grasping its profound and unimaginable power.


    The ck cultivation chamber slowly closed before everyone, leaving Duan Hong stunned.


    "Damn it! I''ll kill him!" Duan Hong roared angrily, shattering a boulder by the side with his palm. Those around him were silent, not daring to utter a word. No one wanted to incur his wrath at this moment.


    "Senior Brother Duan Hong, don''t worry about it. He won''t stay there long as the ck cultivation chamber costs five hundred points daily. It''s not something most people can afford." Duan Hong''sckeys came forward tofort him.


    Duan Hong visibly rxed upon hearing this. He had five days, and he was in no rush. However, after five days, he would have to yield the ck cultivation chamber to the next person in line.


    Five hundred points wasn''t something everyone could afford, and Liu Wuxie probably couldn''tst two hours.


    "H-He has twenty thousand points on him, and it''s more than enough for him to use the cultivation chamber for an entire month," a youth said timidly. He had witnessed Liu Wuxie exchanging the abyssal devils'' heads for points.


    "What?!" Duan Hong staggered upon hearing that and nearly fell over.


    Su Ji trembled because he had also heard about an outer disciple who had exchanged over thirty thousand points the previous day. But he didn''t expect it to be Liu Wuxie.


    Duan Hong refused to believe it because he could only afford five days each time, even with his cultivation in the first level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm. Sometimes, he only stayed for three days because he needed more points.


    Many times, he had to rob other disciples to umte enough points. But Liu Wuxie had just joined the sect and already had over thirty thousand points.


    It would be problematic if Liu Wuxie stayed in the cultivation chamber until thepetition because he would monopolize the remaining time. After all, Liu Wuxie had plenty of points and still had thirty-eight thousand points to im.


    Points were invaluable for ordinary disciples, but for Liu Wuxie, they were merely a means to enhance his cultivation. He wouldn''t hesitate to use them, even if it meant spending ten thousand points daily to boost his progress.


    "Senior Brother Duan Hong, calm down," Su Ji said, attempting to soothe him. "We''ll wait for him here. When hees out, we''ll kill him, split his points, andpensate for the lost dayster." His words drew agreement from those behind him.


    The cultivation chamber was going nowhere, and making a breakthrough now orter made little difference. Points were more important because they could obtain any resources they desired with them.


    "Alright. You all wait here while I go to another cultivation chamber. Call me as soon as hees out," Duan Hong said, nodding. He walked into a nearby cultivation chamber. This cultivation chamber was not as good as the ck cultivation chamber, but it still had a time multiplier of five times.


    The crowd gradually dispersed, leaving behind Su Ji and a few others to wait for Liu Wuxie.


    Upon entering the cultivation chamber, dense spiritual energy blew towards Liu Wuxie, bringing a smile to his face. "This cultivation chamber is pretty good andparable to the one in the Profound Spirit Pavilion."


    He naturally heard the conversation outside but didn''t take it to heart. Those people were simply garbage to him.


    This cultivation chamber had ten times the time multiplier, and each chamber had a spiritual vein beneath it to provide spiritual energy.


    The ck cultivation chamber was built at the center of the spiritual vein, where spiritual energy was the most concentrated. It was also the only cultivation chamber in the outer sect with a ten-times time multiplier.


    The cultivation chamber was smaller than Liu Wuxie had imagined. The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s cultivation chamber was meant for seclusion and making a breakthrough in cultivation, not for alchemy or training martial techniques.


    For alchemy, it was rmendable to head to the Treasure Pill Peak instead. There were many alchemy chambers, but each chamber also required points.


    The best alchemy chambers were also equipped with a time multiplier, including alchemy spiritual runes, to increase the sess rate.


    In addition to alchemy chambers, there were ces to practice martial techniques, which simted various scenarios to make the experience as urate as possible.


    Casting distractions aside, Liu Wuxie sat with his legs crossed. He was determined to reach the ninth-level True Core Realm in this breakthrough. As for reaching the Heavenly Dipper Realm, it would have to depend on luck.


    He took out a handful of pills. Those were the herbs he had exchanged with points and refined them into pills after Elder Tian Xing had left.


    "Fifth-grade pills, Azure Origin Pill!" An Azure Origin Pill was worth ten spirit stones, and Liu Wuxie swallowed them like beans.


    "This is the benefit of having arge number of points. If I have had to umte them slowly, who knows how long it would have taken me."


    Liu Wuxie stopped after taking ten-odd Azure Origin Pills before circting the Deste Devouring Art. Dense spiritual energy formed into a spiritual rain and showered down on him.


    A massive vortex was slowly formed above his head to devour the spiritual rain. In addition to the energy from the Azure Origin Pills, Liu Wuxie''s cultivation began to rise, getting closer to the ninth-level True Core Realm.


    The world in his dantian was vast, and an ordinary person would be blown apart from devouring so much spiritual energy, but Liu Wuxie''s body showed no signs of reaching the limit.


    With ten times time multiplier, one day had passed outside, equivalent to ten days inside. His cultivation continued to rise steadily, and he wasn''t in a hurry.


    After training outside for more than a month, his foundation had be unstable after he had made multiple breakthroughs in a row. Thus, he nned to use this seclusion to temper himself.


    He carefully reconstructed each vein and acupoint in his body. During his time in the Scarlet Sun Mountain Range and Abyssal Underground World, his breakthroughs were done hastily, with little time to consolidate himself.


    Two days had passed outside, making Su Ji and others anxious.


    "Are we just going to wait here if that brat doesn''te out?" Su Ji fumed. This year''spetition promised to be the most spectacr in a decade. He didn''t want to miss it, especially given his considerable cultivation. Even if he couldn''t be an inner disciple through thepetition, it was a valuable opportunity to temper himself.


    However, he dared not disobey Duan Hong''s order and could only wait outside obediently.


    Everyone else had gone to the cultivation rooms to consolidate their cultivation, leaving him alone, standing there like a fool.


    At the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s main peak, a pce at the summit stretched into the clouds, with two people seated in the pce.


    "Sect master, that boy''s information is all here." Elder Tian Xing handed a stack of documents to a middle-aged man. This man was the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s sect master, Mu Tianli.


    He had been in charge of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion for fifty years, and the sect had prospered under his management with significant improvements.


    The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s decline was caused by the previous sect master, who had suffered heavy injuries and didn''t have time to manage the sect.


    After receiving the documents from Elder Tian Xing, Mu Tianli carefully read through them, but not much was recorded.


    "Although Yueying rmended this person to me several times, I didn''t expect him to be so exceptional." Mu Tianli put the documents down and rubbed his temples.


    "Sect Master, you already know him?" Elder Tian Xing stood up abruptly, surprised that the Sect Master was aware of Liu Wuxie''s existence. Typically, the Sect Master only remembered the names of true disciples, considering the other disciples insignificant in the eyes of a True Profound Realm expert unless they became true disciples themselves.


    "Yueying kept pestering me upon her return about giving him a spot as a priority student. I reluctantly agreed to it back then, but I underestimated him. This boy isn''t as simple as he appears." Mu Tianli didn''t hide it from Elder Tian Xing. After all, the news of Mu Yueying leaving the cultivation world for the mundane world wasn''t a secret from the higher-ups.


    "Sect Master, since the youngdy holds him in such high regard, should we allocate more resources to him?" Elder Tian Xing asked tentatively. He had used all avable resources to gather information about Liu Wuxie, including details from the mundane world.


    It was unbelievable that Liu Wuxie had ascended from being considered a piece of trash to his current status within just one year.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need. This boy is proud and doesn''t like to be restrained. Let''s observe him for a while. We should give him what he deserves and avoid imposing anything he doesn¡¯t want.¡± Mu Tianli raised his hand to stop Elder Tian Xing.


    "I understand!" Elder Tian Xing bowed and left. The sect master intended to let things take their course.


    When Mu Tianli was the only one left in the pce, he smiled bitterly and vanished. "Yueying, just what kind of monster did you bring back? Is this a blessing or curse for the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion? He caused so much trouble in just two months and obtained over thirty thousand points as an outer disciple. This makes me look forward to his future!"


    Liu Wuxie was utterly unaware of all that. The news of him obtaining thirty-eight thousand points had reached every corner of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, and even the sect master had heard of it.


    As thepetition date drew closer, the various peaks began to make preparations. Even the peak masters visited the outer sect to encourage disciples to obtain good results. This concerned the status of each peak; the higher the result, the higher the status.


    Five days psed, with fifty spent in the cultivation chamber. Liu Wuxie''s true essence finally brimmed to capacity, propelling him to the pinnacle of the eighth level in the True Core Realm. Now, he stood on the cusp of reaching the ninth level.


    "I can finally attempt my breakthrough now!" Liu Wuxie took a deep breath and elerated the cirction of the Deste Devouring Art. An even more powerful suction force exploded, devouring all the spiritual energy from the surroundings.


    The Heavenly Dao Book slowly unfolded, and morews were recorded. He also controlled the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron to absorb all the liquified spiritual energy into the world in his dantian.


    All the abyssal energy he had devoured in the Abyssal Underground World was stored in the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron, waiting to be refined. Liu Wuxie also took out two hundred thousand spirit stones and ced them around him as a precaution.


    The spiritual energy in the cultivation chamber was sufficient for most people in their breakthrough, but Liu Wuxie''s demand was too terrifying. Even the spiritual energy in the cultivation chamber couldn''t satisfy his requirements.

 Chapter 369 - Threaten

    <h4>Chapter 369 - Threaten</h4>


    Blood surged in each meridian like a rushing river, producing a robust rustling sound. Through fifty days of tempering, Liu Wuxie''s body had reached a wless state. He focused on using spiritual energy to transform his body, tempering even the smallest meridian.


    Cracking sounds came from the world in his dantian as it began to expand rapidly. The abyssal realm, snowy mountain, and volcano had doubled in size.


    The mysterious tree covered the sky, firmly upying the center of this world. The Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron had long be one with this world, an inseparable part of it.


    "Prepare to make a breakthrough!" Liu Wuxie''s true essence was like a stallion rushing through his strengthened meridians with a forceparable to the pinnacle of the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    The Heavenly Dao Book shed within his golden soul sea, and the Ghost Eye had evolved to an incredible level. Liquefied spiritual energy began to flow underground, filling the ck cultivation chamber.


    "What''s going on? Why does it seem that the spiritual energy has be thin?" Comints echoed from the other cultivation chambers. The underground spiritual vein had limited spiritual energy, and Liu Wuxie''s excessive absorption left less for everyone else.


    Enraged roars could be hearding from the surroundings. Many people were in the critical moment of making a breakthrough and had no choice but to make up for the decreased spiritual energy with spirit stones.


    Liu Wuxie was immersed in his world, and his divine sense sank into his body to examine every inch of his bones, which were covered in spiritual runes.


    "What terrifying bones. When I reach an immortal level, each bone of mine can probably be forged into a peerless, immortal artifact," Liu Wuxie muttered.


    His body had transcended the category of ordinary humans, resembling a formidable weapon or even an entire world unto itself. Even his hair was etched with spiritual runes.


    Everything seemed normal outside, but Liu Wuxie discovered small passages deep within his hair, filled with his true essence. His hair had formed its own space, a phenomenon he had never encountered before.


    As the aura he gave off grew stronger, a crack appeared on the bottleneck to the ninth level of the True Core Realm.


    His true essence manifested into a golden dragon, charging at his bottleneck. The gate shattered, with his true essence pouring into the new world. His true essence began to purify, increasing the speed of drawing spiritual energy from underground.


    The two hundred thousand spirit stones around him exploded, converted into pure liquified spiritual energy, and poured into his body. His cultivation began to rise, heading straight for the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    The world in Liu Wuxie''s dantian began to transform with traces of heavenly dipper power pouring into the world in his dantian.


    Converting his true essence into heavenly dipper power was a gradual process, something that could be aplished over time.


    Thanks to the Deste Devouring Art, Liu Wuxie''s conversation speed was breakneck. In the blink of an eye, the world in his dantian began to be filled with heavenly dipper power, and it was a few hundred times stronger than ordinary true essence.


    This was the power of the Heavenly Dipper Realm that the True Core Realm couldn''tpete with.


    The two hundred thousand spirit stones were exhausted but couldn''t satisfy his need. He took out another hundred thousand spirit stones and converted them into spiritual energy to fill his dantian.


    The speed of Liu Wuxie''s ascension gradually slowed down. He spent three days before stopping in the pinnacle True Core Realm, just one step away from the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    Although he hadn''t yet reached the Heavenly Dipper Realm, his true essence had already been nurtured into Heavenly Dipper power.


    Even an ordinary fifth-level Heavenly Dipper Realm cultivator''s heavenly dipper power might not be as powerful as Liu Wuxie''s, and his true essence was a few hundred times stronger than others.


    Ordinary people had a normal dantian, but Liu Wuxie''s dantian was an entire world.


    Liu Wuxie''s speed of absorbing spiritual energy gradually slowed down, but he wasn''t in a hurry to leave his seclusion because he was still converting heavenly dipper power.


    Ten days passed in a sh, and Su Ji stomped his foot in anger outside.


    Duan Hong came out twice during this period and raged at the sight of the closed cultivation chamber. In addition to Duan Hong, there was another young man beside him.


    The strongest batch of outer disciples had a five-day rotation, but it had already been ten days. This meant it was long past Duan Hong''s turn.


    "What''s going on? Why are you two waiting outside? Who''s inside the cultivation chamber?" A white-clothed man came over from the distance. Today was his turn to use the ck cultivation chamber, and this also meant Liu Wuxie had been in the cultivation chamber for eleven days.


    Hearing his voice, Duan Hong and the youth beside him turned around to see the white-clothed youth with respect on their faces.


    "Senior Brother Shao Wendong, I''m afraid you''vee in vain today. The ck cultivation chamber has been continuously upied, and we''ve been waiting for ten days. Yet, the person inside still hasn''te out," the other youth said. His name was Wen Haoran, a disciple of the Profound Inscription Peak who had been waiting here for five days after Duan Hong.


    "Who''s inside?" Shao Wendong demanded, a hint of murderous intent in his voice. It was his turn to use the cultivation chamber, and with only ten days left until thepetition, this seclusion was supposed to be his final training session before thepetition.


    "A person called Liu Wuxie!" Duan Hong stepped forward, and the murderous intent on his face had yet to dissipate.


    "The one who earned thirty-eight thousand points?" Even Shao Wendong knew of Liu Wuxie''s existence, as his feat was widely known to everyone in the sect. With so many points, it was enough for him to stay in the cultivation chamber for a month.


    "That''s him!" Wen Haoran nodded. He had only heard of Liu Wuxie''s name recently. He was out training until recently when he noticed many people discussing Liu Wuxie, which he learned after some inquiry.


    "How long has he been inside?" Shao Wendong''s voice grew colder. Duan Hong was usually domineering, but he stood obediently beside Shao Wendong.


    "Today is the eleventh day!" Duan Hong replied honestly.


    Su Ji and others had long retreated to the distance, unable to withstand the suppression of Shao Wendong''s aura.


    "Can you contact him?" Shao Wendong continued to ask. Typically speaking, there were ways to contact the person inside the cultivation chamber, such as knocking or using divine sense.


    "We tried, but he ignored us!" Wen Haoran smiled bitterly. They had tried multiple methods over the past few days, but Liu Wuxie remained unresponsive.


    "Everyone has a weakness, and he''s no exception. Haven''t you two considered another way?" Shao Wendong''s face showed clear displeasure. These people were unworthy to be alongside him; after so many days, they were still helpless against Liu Wuxie.


    "Are you suggesting we capture someone close to him and force him to leave the cultivation chamber?" Duan Hong''s eyes lit up as he asked tentatively.


    "How you do it is your business, but I want this cultivation chamber emptied tomorrow," Shao Wendong said and left. Such matters were beneath him as he had reached the third level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm. He had made two breakthroughs in a row, and there were rumors that he had an extraordinary encounter on his trip outside.


    It was rare to see someone in the third level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm among outer disciples. Shao Wendong would''ve already advanced to an inner disciple if not for thepetition.


    He was the top contender for thepetition, with a high chance of winning and advancing into the inner sect as the champion.


    Duan Hong and Wen Haoran stood there, exchanging nces, seeing the same answer in each other''s eyes.


    "You,e here!" Duan Hong called out. Su Ji and his otherckeys ran over quickly.


    "Senior Brother Duan Hong, what orders do you have?" Su Ji said with a ttering expression. Duan Hong would be an inner disciple in a few days, so he naturally had to get on his good side.


    "Go investigate who has a close rtionship with Liu Wuxie and bring him here. If Liu Wuxie refuses to leave the cultivation chamber, kill his friend." Duan Hong''s eyes shone with murderous intent. He was convinced that Liu Wuxie had at least a few friends in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, and he could threaten Liu Wuxie as long as they captured one.


    "Leave it to us. We''ll ensure it''s properly done!" Su Ji was already losing his patience and wanted to get Liu Wuxie out so he could find a cultivation chamber for himself.


    After making arrangements, Duan Hong and Wen Haoran left for the other cultivation chambers. Such minor matters didn''t require their concern, and it was better to let Duan Hong¡¯sckey handle them.


    Weng Li was cultivating in a certain courtyard in the Terrain Summit Peak. He had been in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion for two months and finally reached the sixth-level True Core Realm.


    He came from the mundane world with scarce resources and had not received any systematic training since childhood, so he had a slim chance of standing out in the cultivation world.


    Suddenly, the door opened, and Su Ji and three youths barged in. They had found this courtyard after learning that Liu Wuxie had a close rtionship with another cultivator from the mundane world.


    "Who are you guys? Why did youe here?" Weng Li red at Su Ji''s party.


    "Do you know Liu Wuxie?" Su Ji asked coldly. Su Ji didn''t regard Weng Li highly, considering he was only at the sixth level of the True Core Realm.


    "You guys are friends with Brother Liu?" Weng Li asked with a frown. Even if they were friends with Liu Wuxie, it wasn''t pleasant for them to barge into his courtyard by breaking the door.


    Weng Li already knew Liu Wuxie had managed to obtain over thirty thousand points, but he never sought thetter out. After all, despite being from the mundane world, they didn''t have much rtionship.


    "You''re the one we''re looking for then. Take him!" Su Ji gave the order. The three people behind him grabbed Weng Li by his shoulders and carried him out.


    Weng Li couldn''t resist as the four were in the pinnacle True Core Realm. This meant Weng Li could only be forcibly taken away.


    The four carried Weng Li through the mountain paths and reached the cultivation chamber area. Weng Li had no right to be here because he had onlypleted one mission in the past two days, thus earning twenty points, which he had exchanged for spirit stones.


    Weng Li was thrown in front of the cultivation chamber. Blood trickled down his forehead, and Su Ji kicked him before he could wipe it. It didn''t stop there because Su Ji stepped on his chest, rendering him immobile.


    "You go inform Senior Brother Duan Hong while I force Liu Wuxie out," Su Ji ordered another person to notify Duan Hong. He turned to the ck cultivation chamber and yelled, "Liu Wuxie, I know you can hear me. Your friend is in my hands, and you have ten breaths toe out, or I''ll kill him!"


    Su Ji''s voice echoed loudly. Although the cultivation chamber was sealed, sounds could still be heard from inside when they reached a certain volume.


    Liu Wuxie''s ears twitched, catching sounds from outside. The Ghost Eye prated through the gate, and he captured everything outside.

 Chapter 370 - Kill

    <h4>Chapter 370 - Kill</h4>


    A torrent of murderous intent burst forth from Liu Wuxie, forming a powerful gale thatshed against the surrounding walls.


    Each shockwave emitted a dull echo in the chamber, and anyone could imagine how furious Liu Wuxie was, judging from the impact he released.


    Liu Wuxie despised nothing more than being threatened by his family and friends. This wasn''t the first time he had encountered this situation in the past year. His murderous intent gradually subsided as he stood up.


    Twelve days had passed outside, equivalent to one hundred and twenty days inside the cultivation chamber. After stabilizing his cultivation, he had sessfully stepped into the Quasi-Heavenly Dipper Realm. This meant he was only one step away from entering the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    Two-thirds of his true essence was converted into heavenly dipper power, which was far more terrifying than those in the higher levels of the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    This meant there wasn''t much use for him to stay in the cultivation chamber because reaching the Heavenly Dipper Realm required an opportunity. That opportunity could be tomorrow, the day after, or even one month from now, and Liu Wuxie needed to figure out when.


    "Since you are courting death, I''ll fulfill your wish!" Liu Wuxie walked over to the door and pressed the switch to open it.


    After a single breath, the stone gate swung open, revealing Liu Wuxie to everyone. He retrieved his medal from the slot, noting that six thousand points had been deducted over the past twelve days. This wasn¡¯t much, as he still had over ten thousand points remaining.


    "Liu Wuxie, you''ve finally decided toe out!" Su Ji sneered. Duan Hong hadn''te out yet and must have been in the critical moment of his breakthrough.


    Their party had four people, and they weren''t afraid of Liu Wuxie. Even if they couldn''t kill him, they were confident of holding him off.


    "You are all courting death!" Liu Wuxie''s voice was devoid of emotion, and his icy gaze sent a chill down Su Ji''s spine.


    "Brother Liu, don''t worry about me. Leave quickly!" Weng Liy on the ground with blood trickling down his lips, but he urged Liu Wuxie to leave.


    "You want to leave? No way!" The other three youths formed a formation and surrounded Liu Wuxie. After all, Liu Wuxie had twenty thousand points, and he should have a considerable amount left after spending six thousand, enough for them to divide among themselves.


    "Brother Weng, I''m sorry for involving you in this matter. I''ll kill them to avenge you." Liu Wuxie felt deeply apologetic. He hadn''t sought out Weng Li since joining the sect to avoid causing trouble for him, but he didn''t expect that Weng Li would still be dragged into this mess.


    "Liu Wuxie, you can''t even protect yourself, let alone others. Die!" Aside from Su Ji, the other three youths attacked together. Their longswords enveloped Liu Wuxie as they unleashed their strongest attacks.


    "You think garbage like you three can kill me? What a joke!" Liu Wuxie appeared motionless, but three afterimages charged at the three youths.


    The three were sent flying, blood spilling into the air. The sound of bones cracking echoed, causing many onlookers to retreat in fear. It was unimaginable to cripple three people with a single move.


    Su Ji trembled in fear and nearly ran away. As for the three, they hit the ground and wailed in pain. Their bones were utterly shattered, and they couldn''t heal from such injuries. Their dantians were also destroyed, leaving thempletely crippled.


    Liu Wuxie had also injected a hint of poison-attribute energy into their bodies, meaning they would die within three days.


    Liu Wuxie naturally wouldn''t kill them outright because waiting for death was ten thousand times more cruel than an immediate death.


    "He''s too terrifying. Is he a primordial beast?" Those gathered in the surroundings kept a safe distance of about fifty meters. Just the murderous intent of Liu Wuxie was enough to tear open the skin of an ordinary True Core Realm cultivator.


    "Your turn!" After crippling the three, Liu Wuxie looked at Su Ji, his murderous intent piercing his brain.


    "L-Liu Wuxie, I''ll kill your friend if you dare take another step forward!" Su Ji was frantic, unable to leave without Duan Hong''s orders, hoping to threaten Liu Wuxie by holding Weng Li hostage.


    "You have sessfully angered me!" Liu Wuxie clenched his fist, and a violent wave of energy surging forward swept all the stones on the ground toward him.


    Right then, the gate to Duan Hong''s cultivation chamber opened up.


    "Senior Brother Duan Hong, save me!" Su Ji cried for help. He knew he would die even if he killed Weng Li, and he only wanted to live.


    "No one can save you today!" Liu Wuxie''s voice was like a de stabbing into Su Ji''s heart, and he vanished with his palm striking thetter.


    "Liu Wuxie, you dare?" Duan Hong roared. He would be humiliated if Liu Wuxie killed hisckey right in front of his eyes.


    "There''s nothing in the world I don¡¯t dare to do!" With a hint of mockery, Liu Wuxie''s palm was unstoppable, and it was toote for Duan Hong to save Su Ji now.


    "Liu Wuxie, I''ll take someone with me, even if I have to die!" Su Ji realized his fate. His true essence was sealed, and he couldn''t breathe. He exerted force with his foot, aiming to stomp down on Weng Li''s chest.


    "It''s futile. You can''t even lift a finger before me." A more terrifying energy manifested, forming into a de that shed down at Su Ji''s right leg.


    Su Ji''s right leg was severed with a crack and turned to ashes. Su Ji let out a painful scream and lost his bnce, causing him to fall backward.


    Right then, Liu Wuxie''s palm descended and obliterated Su Ji''s body, not even leaving his corpse behind.


    Duan Hong arrived right after Liu Wuxie had killed Su Ji, but it was already toote.


    "Liu Wuxie, you dare kill my men? I''ll kill you!" Duan Hong was enraged. To have hisckey killed before him would be a fatal blow to his reputation and status in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    After all, Su Ji was Duan Hong''sckey, loyal to him. Thus, Liu Wuxie''s act of killing him was unforgivable.


    "I advise you to be rational. Do you think you can kill me? There are still ten days until thepetition, and we can settle this then." Liu Wuxie lifted Weng Li, ignoring Duan Hong''s threat.


    Killing Duan Hong was no different from squashing an ant, but Liu Wuxie didn''t want to reveal too much of his strength. He nned to use thepetition to make a name for himself, and killing Duan Hong now wasn''t beneficial for his development.


    The better he performed in thepetition, the more attention he would attract from the sect.


    "You want to leave so easily after killing someone? Dream on!" Duan Hong naturally wouldn''t listen to Liu Wuxie''s advice and lunged forward with his palm aimed at Liu Wuxie''s head.


    "How stubborn!" Liu Wuxie was enraged and released an even more violent shockwave with a suffocating icy energy sealing the surroundings.


    Duan Hong was hurled backward by a colossal ice fist, crashing onto the ground. His chest heaved with ragged breaths as a surge of blood rose in his throat, which he swallowed back down forcefully.


    "Do you still want to fight?" Liu Wuxie looked at Duan Hong with a yful expression. The oue was decided, and he would have no choice but to start a massacre if Duan Hong persisted.


    Duan Hong''s face turned red and blue. His face was ugly, with a mouthful of blood stuck in his chest. If he couldn''t expel it, his foundation would be damaged, and this wasn''t the right time to fight.


    "Liu Wuxie, mark my words! I''ll make sure you will beg for death during thepetition!" Duan Hong said. Since Liu Wuxie was out, Duan Hong hurried into the ck cultivation chamber because he would leave behind injuries if he didn''t treat himself in time.


    Liu Wuxie had already grown tired of empty threats, so he ignored Duan Hong and helped Weng Li to a resting ce.


    "Take it!" Liu Wuxie took out a pill and fed it to Weng Li. Thetter didn''t refuse, knowing Liu Wuxie was wealthy and didn''tck resources.


    After consuming the pills, Weng Li began to recover from his injuries quickly.


    "Brother Liu, I''m sorry for hindering your cultivation." Weng Li was apologetic. If it weren''t for him, Liu Wuxie would still be making a breakthrough in the ck cultivation chamber.


    "This had nothing to do with you. Give me your medal!" Liu Wuxie shook his head. Thetter was innocent and had been implicated because of him.


    These people couldn''t do anything to him and tried to threaten him with his friend through all means necessary.


    Weng Li handed his medal over, wondering what Liu Wuxie intended to do.


    Liu Wuxie transferred two thousand points from his medal to Weng Li''s.


    "Junior Brother Liu, you can''t do that!" Weng Li stood up in a hurry. With his current strength, it would take him a year to earn two thousand points, but Liu Wuxie gave it so easily, leaving him stunned.


    "You''re too weak now, and these points are meant for you to improve your cultivation quickly. The cultivation chambers here are good, and you should stay here to cultivate for a while." Liu Wuxie patted Weng Li''s shoulder before taking out ten thousand spirit stones and some Azure Orgin Pills, cing them into an interspatial pouch, and handing them to Weng Li.


    These werepensation for Weng Li, who was dragged into this matter because of him.


    "Brother Liu, I don''t know how I can ever repay you," Weng Li said, his voice thick with emotion. Since entering the cultivation world, he hade to understand its harsh realities. It was far from the morous picture they had imagined, and Weng Li found himself contemting a return to the mundane world.


    However, he couldn''t return to the mundane world without reaching the Heavenly Phase Realm, and leaving without permission would mark him as a traitor.


    These points and resources were invaluable to Liu Wuxie, yet they presented a crucial opportunity for Weng Li to rapidly advance and establish himself within the sect.


    "Just focus on your cultivation!" Liu Wuxie patted Weng Li''s shoulders and sent him to the cultivation chamber before leaving.


    After leaving this area, Liu Wuxie headed to the Mission Hall to receive 38,400 points. But he didn''t exchange anything this time and returned to his courtyard.


    Before getting close to his courtyard, he saw a familiar figure standing outside. It was Jian Xing''er, and she was joyful upon seeing him.


    She had visited several times during Liu Wuxie''s seclusion, only to find the doors closed each time.

 Chapter 371 - Disappointed

    <h4>Chapter 371 - Disappointed</h4>


    The two walked into the courtyard after the gate opened. Jian Xing''er looked a little shy, and unlike her mature self in the Abyssal Underground World, she showed a different demeanor after seeing Liu Wuxie again.


    "Senior sister, why have youe?" Liu Wuxie didn''t invite her into the room, but they sat on a stone bench outside.


    "I have to meet someone in the city. Junior brother, can you apany me?" Jian Xing''er hesitated in her tone, keeping her head down because she was afraid Liu Wuxie might refuse her.


    Originally intending to go alone, she found herself inexplicably at Heavenly Trigram Peak and in Liu Wuxie''s courtyard.


    Liu Wuxie frowned upon hearing that. He had just made a breakthrough and didn''t want to go anywhere. Moreover, the Hou n would certainly send experts to kill him after he had killed Hou Chi. However, since this was a request from Jian Xing''er, Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t refuse.


    "When do we leave?" Liu Wuxie agreed after a brief hesitation. He knew hiding in the sect wasn''t a solution, and the Hou n''s influence would soon extend into the sect.


    After all, there were many Hou n''s disciples in the sect, and they woulde for him sooner orter. Instead of hiding in his courtyard, it was better to face them openly.


    One needed to follow their heart in the path of cultivation, or their dao heart would shatter.


    "It''s gettingte, so let''s meet at the foot of the mountain tomorrow morning," Jian Xing''er said, leaving the courtyard, embarrassed to stay with Liu Wuxie.


    They had only stayed together in the Abyssal Underground World due to circumstances, and they were on missions. However, after returning to the sect, being seen together could cause unnecessary misunderstandings.


    Liu Wuxie had nothing more to say, and Jian Xing''er had already left. He muttered, "Who is she meeting in the city?"


    But he soon shook his head and returned to his room to rest. Twelve days had passed outside, and he had spent one hundred and twenty days in the cultivation chamber. Thus, he naturally felt somewhat fatigued.


    Cultivation required a bnce of work and rest. But just when he was about to lie on the bed, footsteps could be heard from outside. It was surprisingly quick; someone hade looking for him right after he returned, much faster than he had anticipated.


    Reluctantly, Liu Wuxie emerged to find Luo Qiu entering and closing the gate behind him. He had intended to arrive earlier but refrained from joining Jian Xing''er. Only after she had departed did he decide to enter.


    "Luo Qiu, you finally came!" Liu Wuxie''s eyes fixed on Luo Qiu''s face.


    Luo Qiu had refrained from retaliating back in the Mission Hall, biding his time. He had waited patiently for seven days until Liu Wuxie finally emerged from seclusion.


    "You know why I''m here. I don''t want to waste time, so hand over half of your points," Luo Qiu stated bluntly, not wasting any words.


    "Are you sure you want my points?" Liu Wuxie and Luo Qiu were the only ones in the courtyard; no one would know even if thetter died.


    Liu Wuxie had killed Su Ji, and he wouldn''t mind killing Luo Qiu as well. Su Ji had died because he had threatened him, and even the sect couldn''t punish him for it. He would only be punished if he killed without a reason.


    "I know you''re capable of defeating those in the ninth-level True Core Realm, and ordinary people aren''t your match," Luo Qiu said calmly, aware of Liu Wuxie''s strength.


    "You still dared toe!" Liu Wuxie sneered, incredulous that Luo Qiu would confront him despite knowing his strength. It seemed Luo Qiu had a death wish.


    "I forgot to tell you that I reached the Heavenly Dipper Realm a month ago, and I''ve been hiding my true strength," Luo Qiu revealed, releasing his full power in the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    Liu Wuxie hadn''t expected Luo Qiu to hide his strength so deeply and only disclosed his cultivation in the Quasi-Heavenly Dipper Realm to others. But he had already reached the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    "So what?" Liu Wuxie had already noticed it in Mission Hall but had yet to expose Luo Qiu.


    "Liu Wuxie, stop wasting time. We both know the gap between the True Core Realm and the Heavenly Dipper Realm, and it is insurmountable. Hand over your points!" Luo Qiu took a step forward, releasing his aura without restraints. He knew he had to finish this quickly if someone else was in the surroundings.


    "You talk a lot. Come if you''re going to attack. Don''t waste my time," Liu Wuxie replied impatiently. He didn''t want to waste time on Luo Qiu.


    "I''ll fulfill your death wish since you''re courting death!" Luo Qiu was enraged and unleashed his aura in the Heavenly Dipper Realm. Liu Wuxie''s disdainful attitude had sessfully angered him.


    With that, Luo Qiu struck Liu Wuxie with an overwhelming force. He had spent the past month tempering his cultivation in the Heavenly Dipper Realm; even those close to him were unaware of it. Today was the first time he unleashed it.


    "A mere fly in the first-level Heavenly Dipper Realm dares to jump around in front of me? I''ll show you the meaning of death!" Liu Wuxie didn''t bother moving and allowed Luo Qiu''s palm to arrive. But right before Luo Qiu''s strike was about to reach, he raised his right hand.


    Luo Qiu''s voice was abruptly cut off, with Liu Wuxie grabbing him by the neck, immobilizing him. Luo Qiu''s aura in the Heavenly Dipper Realm posed no threat to Liu Wuxie, akin to an infant wielding a knife against an adult. But before Liu Wuxie, Luo Qiu couldn''t even be considered an infant; he was more like an ant.


    Liu Wuxie lifted Luo Qiu off the ground, allowing thetter''s legs to il around in the air with his true essence sealed, rendering him helpless.


    "You thought I didn''t know you were hiding your true cultivation? Let me enlighten you: I personally vanquished every abyssal devil whose head I delivered to the Mission Hall. I can effortlessly send fourth-level Heavenly Dipper Realm experts flying with a single blow, and I''ve even in two sixth-grade abyssal devils. Yet, a nobody like you dares to challenge me?!" Liu Wuxie''s words cut through the air as he revealed these truths to Luo Qiu, as thetter was soon going to be a dead man.


    Luo Qiu was so frightened by Liu Wuxie¡¯s revtion that he wet his pants. He was only in the first level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm, and even someone in the fourth level couldn''t rival Liu Wuxie.


    After so many days of seclusion, Liu Wuxie''s strength must''ve significantly improved. Even those in the sixth-level Heavenly Dipper Realm were no match for Liu Wuxie.


    "Liu Wuxie, I was wrong. Please spare me! I guarantee I''ll be your loyalckey in the future," Luo Qiu pleaded in fear. He could still speak even with his true essence sealed.


    "Spare you?" Liu Wuxie sneered. "I already spared you once in the Mission Hall by crippling Wang Tie with one punch. Yet, you didn''t give up, and this is your punishment."


    Liu Wuxie exerted force with his hand and snapped Luo Qiu''s neck. Thetter''s corpse began to wither rapidly, with the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron absorbing his energy. When mes zed, Luo Qiu''s skin, which was the only proof of his existence, vanished.


    With that, Luo Qiu hadpletely vanished from the world, leaving no trace. Even if the sect investigated, they wouldn''t find anything.


    After dealing with Luo Qiu, Liu Wuxie returned to his room. The night passed peacefully because all the outer disciples were preparing for thepetition, and they had no time to pursue Liu Wuxie.


    Due to the swift dissemination of news about Liu Wuxie''s confrontation with Su Ji, even those in the True Core Realm hesitated to pursue him, fearing the consequences.


    On an unnamed small peak, an elder stood, nked by two kneeling youths: Han Xing and Kong Yan.


    "Tell me, what transpired? What befell your cultivations?" Elder Wu Yang''s unease had grown over the past days as he had lost connection with the array g he had painstakingly refined. Today, he cut short his seclusion to seek out his two prized disciples.


    But upon seeing their wretched state, Elder Wu Yang was enraged. Han Xing and Kong Yan looked like defeated dogs with their cultivation gone. They were just two cripples now.


    "Master, we failed and brought shame to your name." Kong Yan kowtowed with blood dripping from his forehead. As for Han Xing, he knelt by the side and said nothing.


    Han Xing knew Liu Wuxie wasn''t at fault because they wouldn''t be in this state if they hadn''t coveted his points. But Kong Yan didn''t understand it, and hatred filled his chest.


    "Tell me, who crippled your cultivations?" Elder Wu Yang''s face was grim. He was an elite elder, and he had high hopes for his two disciples. So how could he not be enraged to see them lose their cultivation?


    The two smiled bitterly and were too embarrassed to say anything. What were they going to say? Two inner disciples and disciples of an elite elder had lost to an outer disciple? However, they didn''t dare conceal anything, with Kong Yan recounting the night''s events.


    Elder Wu Yang fell silent upon hearing that his two prized disciples had lost to an outer disciple, and he didn''t let anger cloud his judgment.


    "Are you certain he defeated you in a contest of spiritual arrays and not through some other means?" Elder Wu Yang sought rification. A defeat in spiritual arrays would be eptable, but any underhanded tactics from Liu Wuxie would not be tolerated.


    "Master, that boy is cunning and must''ve used some despicable means. Please avenge us!" Kong Yan pleaded, desperate for revenge.


    "Han Xing, exin why you and Kong Yan initiated a battle of spiritual arrays with him without cause," Elder Wu Yang asked, knowing his disciples'' tendencies well. Aware of Kong Yan''s tendency to embellish, he turned to Han Xing for a clearer ount.


    Han Xing had no choice but to recount everything truthfully. Upon hearing that his two disciples had coveted Liu Wuxie''s points, Elder Wu Yang was enraged. He stomped his feet and red at his two disciples with disappointment and fury.


    "Master, we were wrong to attempt to rob his points, but he crippled our cultivation. This is akin to pping your face, so how can we let it go?" Kong Yan said ferociously, clutching Elder Wu Yang''s leg.


    "Hmph, I''m curious to see who he is. You two stand up. I''ll get the sect master to refine a Spirit Continuance Pill to help you two repair your dantians." Elder Wu Yang got the two to stand up, and he naturally wouldn''t let this matter go so easily.


    If he didn''t stand up for his disciples who were crippled, it would dishearten them.


    "Thank you, Master!" The two knelt again at the mention of the Spirit Continuance Pill. This pill, capable of repairing dantians, could only be refined by those in the True Profound Realm. However, Spirit Continuance Pills were exceedingly rare, and few dared to refine them.


    Even for a true disciple with a damaged dantian, obtaining a Spirit Continuance Pill would demand an exorbitant price. The two disciples naturally had no entitlement to such a valuable resource, given its immense cost and scarcity.


    Furthermore, even if their dantians were repaired, their cultivation would still be inferior to others.


    Elder Wu Yang valued their talent in spiritual arrays, and their martial strength was secondary.

 Chapter 372 - Negotiation

    <h4>Chapter 372 - Negotiation</h4>


    Liu Wuxie got up at dawn and left the courtyard after washing up. Given his current cultivation, he could move to the upper region if he wanted to.


    If it weren''t for the uingpetition, his current strength would have made it easy for him to advance to the inner sect.


    He descended the mountain at a leisurely pace, following the mountain path. After walking for about an hour, he exited the mountain gate and found Jian Xing''er waiting.


    She had deliberately changed into new clothes that perfectly outlined her delicate figure. It was clear at a nce that she had spent a lot of effort dolling up, and even Liu Wuxie was briefly stunned.


    Perhaps due to the Abyssal Underground Pce''s conditions, Liu Wuxie couldn''t clearly see Jian Xing''er''s beauty. She appeared worn and surrounded by abyssal energy.


    After returning to the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion and resting, Jian Xing''er had fully recovered, revealing her true appearance. There was no doubt about her beauty. If Xu Lingxue were a perfect ten, Jian Xing''er would easily be a nine.


    Jian Xing''er was pleased and puffed her chest out upon seeing Liu Wuxie stunned.


    Upon noticing Jian Xing''er''s pleased expression, Liu Wuxie quickly averted his gaze to avoid any misunderstandings. The dim lighting at the auction had only allowed him a side view of her, and he didn''t want her to think he was staring inappropriately.


    "Sorry to keep you waiting, Senior Sister!" Liu Wuxie rubbed his nose, not expecting Jian Xing''er to have arrived so early. There wasn''t a soul on the mountain path, and she must''ve left her residence before daylight since she came so quickly.


    "No worries. I just got here. Let''s go!" Jian Xing''er was cheerful. Since returning from the Abyssal Underground World, she had advanced to the second level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm. Liu Wuxie had given her the Frost Demon Ape''s beast core before they had parted ways, helping her aplish her mission.


    The two walked side by side, and there was arge city about five hundred miles away from the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. It was a prosperous city that Liu Wuxie had once visited with Bai Lin and Tang Tian. But they had only stopped by to buy the necessary items before leaving.


    Since entering the cultivation world, Liu Wuxie had dedicated all his time to cultivation and needed a break now. This was a rare chance for him to explore the cultivation world more fully, knowing that reaching the Immortal Realm required significant time¡ªpossibly anywhere from one hundred to one thousand years, or perhaps never.


    He needed to understand and adapt to this world to find his path to immortality.


    "Senior sister, you still haven''t told me why you want me to apany you," Liu Wuxie asked and turned his head to Jian Xing''er. The night before, she had simply requested hispany without specifying their ns or who they would meet.


    "You''ll know when we get there!" Jian Xing''er didn''t say much, with a hint of sorrow on her face. This made the atmosphere somewhat oppressive, and neither spoke further.


    Liu Wuxie could tell from her face she had no choice but to leave the sect. But since Jian Xing''er didn''t want to discuss it, Liu Wuxie decided not to press further.


    Their rtionship had deepened significantly. Their time in the Abyssal Underground World had forged a bond richer than months of ordinary interaction. Facing life and death together had solidified their closeness. While they hadn''t crossed a certain line, Jian Xing''er had been nearly naked, lying in Liu Wuxie''s arms.


    They finally arrived in Hong City half a dayter. When they entered the city, Liu Wuxie noticed Jian Xing''er had grown even more nervous.


    On the other hand, Liu Wuxie was utterly rxed. But he kept using Ghost Eye to scan the surroundings and observe every detail.


    Hong City''syout and size were far inferior to Fan City''s, and it was not one of the nine major cities. At best, it could be considered a second-rate city.


    Hong City was only half the size of Fan City in terms of poption or area. Even so, it resembled a small nation in the mundane world. The streets were also wide enough to amodate eight carriages at once.


    The sides were lined with shops selling pills, herbs, weapons, cosmetics, and other goods. The streets were bustling with people, especially in the more prosperous regions.


    "Senior sister, where are we headed?" Liu Wuxie withdrew his gaze and asked Jian Xing''er.


    "To the Clearcross Inn!" Jian Xing''er was familiar with Hong City and led Liu Wuxie through several streets before they reached the inn. But there was a hint of hesitation on Jian Xing''er''s face before entering.


    "Senior sister, what''s the matter?" Liu Wuxie wondered if there was any danger inside to see Jian Xing''er hesitate at the entrance. He scanned the Clearcross Inn with Ghost Eye and couldn''t find any threat. This made him wonder what business she had here.


    "Junior Brother, whatever happens next, please remain silent," Jian Xing''er pleaded with hope in her eyes as she looked at Liu Wuxie.


    "Okay!" Liu Wuxie agreed. He was only here to apany Jian Xing''er and wouldn''t intervene unnecessarily. He could guess that Jian Xing''er was here to meet someone who strongly influenced her.


    The inn was bustling with people when they stepped in.


    "Junior brother, you wait here while I go upstairs," Jian Xing''er said before leading Liu Wuxie to a quiet corner. She headed upstairs after that, leaving Liu Wuxie alone.


    Liu Wuxie ordered a pot of tea and quietly enjoyed it while looking at the streets. Some had smiles on their faces, while others looked worried, reflecting the facets of life.


    He was once an Immortal Emperor and had never experienced life. But over the past year, he had experienced joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness, which made his dao heart moreplete.


    Even as an Immortal Emperor, his dao heart wasn''tplete, and he could feel something wascking. He now understood that hecked the experience of life.


    Cultivation didn''t mean isting from the outside world or severing all his emotions. Many saints had a habit of experiencing the world, tasting all the bitterness and sweetness like others would experience toplete their dao heart further and achieve transcendence.


    Suddenly, the surroundings seemed to freeze, and Liu Wuxie entered a state of selflessness. The transformation of mental state was ten thousand times harder than the cultivation.


    Cultivation could be achieved through hard work and resources, but the mental state requiredprehension. Some people wouldn''t even be able to find the direction to improve their mental state in their lifetime.


    "Junior brother, junior brother..." a voice called Liu Wuxie back to reality. He saw Jian Xing''er standing before him, waving her hand and looking worried.


    Two people stood behind her: a middle-aged man who bore a resemnce to Jian Xing''er and a young man with an aloof expression.


    "Sorry, I was lost in thought," Liu Wuxie smiled to dissolve the awkwardness. He had entered a state of selflessness without knowing, which wasmonly known as enlightenment.


    This was a rare opportunity, and Liu Wuxie had seized it. Even his cultivation rose significantly, and morews appeared like tiny figures walking in the Heavenly Dao Book.


    This shocked Liu Wuxie because it was the scene of the mortal world. Even his soul had be clearer and his thoughts lucid. He felt that he could break into the Heavenly Dipper Realm anytime.


    However, as there were outsiders around, it wasn''t convenient for him to make his breakthrough. He wouldn''t hesitate to return to the sect if possible to make the breakthrough.


    The middle-aged man behind Jian Xing''er furrowed his brows and looked at Liu Wuxie with a displeased expression while the young man beside him gazed at Liu Wuxie with disdain. He had reason to be proud, given his cultivation in the fifth level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    "Father, let me introduce you. This is Junior Brother Liu, and it was thanks to him I survived in the Abyssal Underground World." Jian Xing''er looked at the middle-aged man behind her.


    Liu Wuxie was slightly puzzled that this man was Jian Xing''er''s father. He quickly stood up and cupped his fists together, "I pay my greetings to Uncle!"


    "I''m grateful to Young Master Liu for saving my daughter. Today is our family reunion, so feel free to leave if you have other matters to attend to," Jian Botong said courteously. However, his wordscked sincerity and subtly hinted that Liu Wuxie''s presence wasn''t wee at their family gathering.


    Liu Wuxie turned to look at Jian Xing''er, seeking her opinion. He didn''t say much, as he couldn''t understand the reason for the hostilitying from Jian Xing''er''s father.


    "If you want to talk, talk here, or I''ll leave immediately!" Jian Xing''er''s attitude suddenly became firm, as though she had changed into a different person.


    Jian Botong''s face became ugly, and they turned to look at the youth beside him.


    "Young Master Liu, Jian Xing''er is my fianc¨¦e, and we''re here to discuss our marriage today. I believe it''s inappropriate for an outsider like you to stay here." The youth spoke with a hint of provocation in his tone. He was furious that Jian Xing''er had brought a man here with her. He restrained himself fromshing out out of courtesy, but that didn''t stop him from holding back his mockery.


    "Who''s your fianc¨¦e? I''ve never agreed to it; it''s just your imagination," Jian Xing''er interrupted the youth.


    "Xing''er, cut the nonsense!" Jian Botong scolded.


    "If you want to talk, sit down and talk. Otherwise, we''ll be leaving." Jian Xing''er was ready to leave with Liu Wuxie, not wanting to continue this conversation.


    Liu Wuxie was still baffled and had yet to process everything. Judging from this conversation, it felt more like a negotiation rather than a marriage.


    "Alright! You can stay, but don''t interfere in our discussion." Jian Botong warned Liu Wuxie.


    Jian Xing''er''s face improved, and she sat down with Liu Wuxie. Jian Botong sat down with the youth beside him, and the four looked at each other.


    "Speak, why did you two look for me!" Jian Xing''er said coldly without a hint of emotion.


    "I''ll get straight to the point. You''re not young anymore, and it''s time to consider your marriage. Young Master Teng sent the betrothal gifts to the Jian n a year ago, and we can''t drag it on any longer," Jian Botong went straight into the topic.


    The young man beside him was Teng Zijun, who had sent the betrothal gifts to the Jian n a year ago. Did this mean they were engaged?

 Chapter 373 - Death Over Submission

    <h4>Chapter 373 - Death Over Submission</h4>


    Judging from Jian Botong¡¯s expression, it wasn¡¯t hard to tell that Teng Zijun had an extraordinary status. After all, Jian Botong had sought Teng Zijun¡¯s opinion multiple times since they had appeared, and his ttery was tant.


    Although Liu Wuxie had an extraordinary rtionship with Jian Xing¡¯er, he had never inquired about her family background.


    ¡°That¡¯s all your wishful thinking without my consent.¡± Jian Xing¡¯er maintained her stance firmly. She wasn¡¯t home when the betrothal gifts were sent, and this was all done without her knowledge.


    Although marriage could be decided with parental orders, her opinion also had to be considered at the very least.


    "A woman should marry when shees of age. After raising you, is it too much to ask for you to marry? Besides, Young Master Tenges from a prominent n with excellent character. You won''t find someone like him anywhere else. What more could you be unhappy about?" Jian Botong was furious and regretted letting Jian Xing¡¯er join the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. This matter would have been resolved long ago if she hadn''t joined the sect.


    "Since Young Master Teng is so great, I¡¯m afraid I¡¯m unworthy of him. So please take back the betrothal gifts," Jian Xing¡¯er replied, a hint of sarcasm shing in her eyes. It was one thing for her father to praise Teng Zijun''s background, but praising his character was like calling atrine fragrant.


    ¡°The betrothal gifts have been received, so how can it be returned?!¡± Jian Botong mmed his palm on the table. He felt his dignity as a father was challenged when Jian Xing¡¯er rebuked him.


    "Uncle, please calm down. I believe Xing¡¯er is just misled and will understand with a little guidance," Teng Zijun said, speaking for only the second time since his arrival. His words clearly implied that Liu Wuxie had misled Jian Xing¡¯er.


    ¡°You¡¯re the one misled. I¡¯ve made myself clear that we can¡¯t be together. Please stop harassing me in the future, and I¡¯ll take my leave if there¡¯s nothing else.¡± Jian Xing¡¯er didn¡¯t want to stay there for another second and stood up, ready to leave.


    ¡°Miss Jian, there¡¯s no need to be angry because I meant well. Even if you don¡¯t think for yourself, you should think about the Jian n.¡± Teng Zijun stood up with a hint of threat in his tone.


    Was the Jian n in trouble? The Jian n wasn¡¯t a big n, with only a few hundred people, but it was self-sufficient.


    The n had even produced several talents over the years, and Jian Xing¡¯er was one of them. As long as she gained a footing in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion and became an elite disciple, the n¡¯s status would rise along with her.


    ¡°What do you want to say?¡± Jian Xing¡¯er sat back down furiously. She had been away from the n for years; could something have happened to the n while she was away?


    ¡°Let uncle exin it to you!¡± Teng Zijun sat back down and didn¡¯t continue. After all, it was more convenient for Jian Botong to exin, given their rtionship.


    Jian Xing¡¯er¡¯s gaze fell onto her father, waiting for an exnation.


    Liu Wuxie kept silent throughout their conversation, quietly sipping tea and listening to them.


    ¡°What happened?¡± Jian Xing¡¯er asked nervously, but Liu Wuxie gently grasped her hand beneath the table, signaling her not to fear as he was around.


    Jian Xing¡¯er trembled slightly as her hand was held, but she quicklyposed herself. It was apparent that Jian Xing¡¯er had beenpletely unaware of this marriage arrangement, with her father having decided on it and even epting the betrothal gifts on her behalf.


    This was a family affair, and Liu Wuxie had no right to intervene. As a friend, he could onlyfort Jian Xing¡¯er and assure her he would stand by her side. This was most likely the reason Jian Xing¡¯er brought him with her.


    Jian Botong suddenly sighed and looked helpless. No one spoke and waited for him to exin.


    Teng Zijun also ordered a pot of tea and sipped it by himself. But unlike Liu Wuxie, who was looking out the window as he sipped the tea, Teng Zijun wore a yful expression with a hint of triumph on his face. He had coveted Jian Xing¡¯er¡¯s beauty for a long time, and he was finally going to achieve his wish.


    Jian Xing¡¯er''s heart raced as she suspected something had befallen the n. Her father bore the responsibility of overseeing the n''s affairs and the livelihoods of several hundred people. Meeting the monthly expenses required vast resources.


    ¡°Is it Little Yi again?¡± Jian Xing¡¯er gritted her teeth, hoping it wasn¡¯t as she feared.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Jian Botong nodded.


    "Please, go ahead. Tell me what trouble he caused this time and how you ended up epting the Teng n¡¯s betrothal gifts.¡± Jian Xing¡¯er''s bitter smile betrayed her understanding of the situation. She inferred that her n had encountered trouble and sought assistance from the Teng n, who had agreed to help under the condition of the marriage.


    The Teng and Jian ns lived in the same city, and Jian Xing¡¯er had known Teng Zijun since they were young. Her attitude was sufficient to exin everything about Teng Zijun¡¯s character.


    It was fine if Teng Zijun was a gentleman, but he had ruined the lives of countless women, using the Teng n¡¯s influence tomit many heinous acts. Thus, Jian Xing¡¯er would rather die than marry such a man.


    ¡°A year ago, after you left the n, Little Yi became addicted to gambling, losing over a million spirit stones in less than a month. I had no choice but to sell some assets, but it was still impossible for me toe up with the sum he owed,¡± Jian Botong sighed helplessly.


    ¡°Who¡¯s this Little Yi?¡± Liu Wuxie asked.


    ¡°He¡¯s my half-brother.¡± When Jian Xing¡¯er was three, her mother had died of an illness. Her father had remarried and had Little Yi, whom he pampered like a treasure.


    Over the years, Little Yi had caused a lot of trouble, which her father had resolved. But as her brother grew older, he became even more reckless. At fifteen, he had even peeked at Jian Xing¡¯er bathing and harassed the maids.


    Such incidents urred frequently, but her father did nothing to correct his behavior and let her brother do whatever he wanted. Whenever Jian Xing¡¯er gave her brother a beating, her stepmother would cry to Jian Botong about it, resulting in Jian Xing¡¯er being scolded for not showing care for her brother.


    ¡°So, you sold me to the Teng n?¡± Jian Xing¡¯er questioned her father.


    The Jian n was only a third-rate n, and losing over a million spirit stones would severely affect their resources. The n still had hundreds of people to feed, and the Teng n hade to their rescue.


    They had proposed to help the Jian n ovee the crisis on the condition of the marriage.


    This was because Teng Zijun had be obsessed with Jian Xing¡¯er since he had met her once when he was sixteen. But despite pestering her constantly, he was repeatedly rejected.


    Ultimately, Jian Xing¡¯er had joined the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion after she couldn¡¯t bear his harassment.


    ¡°How can you say that? Young Master Teng is the Divine Sun Pce¡¯s disciple, and the Teng n is prominent. It¡¯s your blessing to marry into the Teng n,¡± Jian Botong disliked how Jian Xing¡¯er phrased her question despite being the reality. After all, he would be humiliated if news spread out that he had to sell his daughter to save the n.


    ¡°Have you cared for me since my mother passed away? Do you know how I felt? All you know is to protect your beloved son, and you remember me now that the n is in trouble? What do you take me for? An object that could be sold however you liked?¡± Jian Xing¡¯er began sobbing with tears rolling down her cheeks.


    "How could you have grown up safely without me? Do you dare defy me and show ingratitude? Do you think I won''t forcibly take you back now?" Jian Botong mmed his hand on the table, rising to his feet, his demeanor far from fatherly in that moment.


    ¡°I grew up not on the Jian n¡¯s rice. Ever since my mother passed away, do you know how my stepmother fed me? She fed me with leftovers from the previous day, spoiled food that even pigs and dogs would eat, and I survived doing odd jobs and feeding myself,¡± Jian Xing¡¯er stood up and roared, venting all the pent-up emotions over the years.


    Everyone in the inn looked over, not knowing what was happening and why there was an argument.


    Liu Wuxie nced at the two and finally understood why Jian Xing¡¯er had asked him to apany her. She likely couldn''t face her father''s threats alone and needed someone to support her through it.


    Jian Botong was stumped because this was the first time he had heard about it. Ever since he had a son, he had neglected Jian Xing¡¯er and didn¡¯t realize her hardships.


    ¡°It¡¯s my fault. But the n is in trouble, and only you can help us. Consider this a plea from your father, ande home with me,¡± Jian Botong said guiltily.


    He was unfit as a father, and it was no wonder Jian Xing¡¯er told Liu Wuxie not to say a word. Liu Wuxie wanted to punch someone now to see such a disgraceful father.


    ¡°Haha...¡± Jian Xing¡¯er smiled bitterly, her heart dead from sorrow. She never intended to return the moment she had left the n.


    ¡°I don¡¯t wish to know or care what happened, and I won¡¯t return with you.¡± Jian Xing¡¯er sat back down weakly after saying that.


    Liu Wuxie hadn¡¯t noticed it in the Abyssal Underground World. He didn''t realize she had been harboring such grievances, keeping them pent up inside.


    "That''s not for you to decide. You have toe back with me today, no matter what!" Jian Botong''s face turned grim, knowing the Jian n would soon be ruined without the Teng n''s assistance.


    ¡°Are you nning to use force?¡± Jian Xing¡¯er was enraged. The father in her heart had already died, and this person standing before her was a stranger.


    ¡°Miss Xing¡¯er, why be like this? The marriage between us isn¡¯t urgent, and you¡¯ve been away from home for over a year. Don¡¯t you want to go home and take a look?¡± Teng Zijun stood up and said earnestly.


    ¡°Shut up!¡± Jian Xing¡¯er was fuming, and Teng Zijun¡¯s words fueled the fire.


    ¡°Insolent!¡± Jian Botong yelled. The Teng n was hisst lifeline, and he had to hold onto it no matter what. Thus, offending the Teng n meant disaster to him.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be insolent today. Kill me if you dare!¡± Jian Xing¡¯er looked as if she was ready to die. She would rather die than submit.

 Chapter 374 - Pregnant

    <h4>Chapter 374 - Pregnant</h4>


    Everything that happened today overturned Liu Wuxie''s view of the world. He had been solely focused on cultivation and rarely involved in worldly affairs. Besides his knowledge of cultivation, he knew little about the secr world.


    He didn''t expect there to be such a father in the world who would sell his daughter for personal gain.


    "Good. Since you''re unwilling toe home with me, I must take you back by force!" Jian Botong''s anger gradually faded from his face, and he reached out for Jian Xing''er''s shoulder. He had no intention of leaving empty-handed since Jian Xing''er was there.


    "Take your dirty hands off her!" A cold ray shed, forcing Jian Botong to withdraw his hand.


    "Boy, this has nothing to do with you. Get lost!" Jian Botong was enraged. This was their family affair and had nothing to do with outsiders.


    "I have no interest in your affairs, nor do I want to know them. But youck the simplest human decency. Unless Senior Sister Jian is willing to go with you, you won''t be able to take her anywhere," Liu Wuxie said righteously.


    He spoke out of his principles because letting Jian Xing''er be taken away before his eyes would be the same as pushing her into the fire pit. So how could he stand by and let that happen?


    "Boy, don''t think you can stop me just because you''re a disciple of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. Don''t me me for what will happen next if you carry on standing in my way." Jian Botong''s voice grew colder. He was formidable and in the higher levels of the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    "Junior brother, you should leave, and don''t worry about me." Jian Xing''er looked at Liu Wuxie with a face full of guilt. She hadn''t expected things to escte in this manner.


    She had sensed something wasn''t right when her father had suddenly reached out to her. Therefore, she had dyed the meeting until Liu Wuxie had exited the seclusion and brought him with her just in case something went wrong. However, things had progressed beyond her expectations because they weren''t here to see her but to force her to marry into the Teng n.


    Jian Xing''er was prepared to die by asking Liu Wuxie to leave. The moment Liu Wuxie left, she would take her own life.


    "Since we came down together, we will also return together. How can I possibly leave you here?" Liu Wuxie shook his head, unconcerned with Jian Botong''s cultivation.


    His earlier enlightenment had taught him many things, especially the importance of adhering to his principles if he wished to pursue the pinnacle path of cultivation. Leaving today would betray his will and divert him from that path.


    "Boy, who are you, and why did Jian Xing''er bring you here with her? Did you bewitch her?" Jian Botong had lost his rationale and looked at Liu Wuxie with a vicious gaze.


    Liu Wuxie''s eyes turned cold, and a hint of murderous intent shed in them. If this person weren''t Jian Xing''er''s father, Liu Wuxie would''ve attacked earlier. Did Jian Botong think he could speak arrogantly because of his cultivation in Heavenly Dipper Realm?


    "You''re right. He did bewitch me, and I''m already pregnant with his child. You two can give up now." Jian Xing''er was afraid Liu Wuxie would suffer and didn''t know he could kill someone in the pinnacle of the Heavenly Dipper Realm. Thus, she decided to tarnish her reputation rather than let Liu Wuxie be harmed.


    A woman''s reputation would be destroyed if she was pregnant with another man''s child before she got married.


    Everyone was stumped upon hearing that, and Teng Zijun''s eyes shed with a hint of murderous intent.


    The three stared at Jian Xing''er, stunned by the explosive news. Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t help but smile bitterly upon hearing it. He realized that Jian Xing''er said it to protect him, hoping to avoid a confrontation between him and Jian Botong, knowing he would suffer if he fought her father.


    "Is what she said true?!" Jian Botong looked at Liu Wuxie like a madman, his eyes zing with rage.


    "That''s right!" Liu Wuxie could only grit his teeth and agree with how things had progressed. This was to make Jian Botong give up and take revenge for letting his daughter eat leftovers daily. A smile rose on his lips when he saw Jian Botong and Teng Zijun''s frantic expressions.


    Jian Botong sat in the chair weakly, his face pale in contrast to his previous demeanor.


    Teng Zijun nced subtly at Jian Xing''er before sitting down and was lost in thoughts.


    "Uncle, since Miss Xing''er already has someone in her heart, let''s not force her. We should go back now," Teng Zijun said after a moment of thought.


    "Young Master Teng, I..." Jian Botong faltered, unsure of what to say. He had confidently assured him that he would bring Jian Xing''er back today to marry him, but no one had anticipated this unexpected turn of events.


    "Let''s discuss thister. Since I promised to help the Jian n through this crisis, I will keep my word. We can still be friends even without a marriage alliance," Teng Zijun said, his words filling Jian Botong with gratitude.


    "Young Master Teng ismendable. I will personally visit you to thank you when we return," Jian Botong said, feeling a sense of relief after hearing Teng Zijun''s words. If the Jian n could weather this crisis, it didn¡¯t matter to him if he had to sacrifice his daughter''s happiness.


    Teng Zijun nced at Liu Wuxie. Their eyes met for ten seconds, and he asked, "What''s your name?"


    "The name is Liu Wuxie. Come if you want to kill me," Liu Wuxie spoke bluntly, exposing Teng Zijun''s hypocrisy. It was apparent why Teng Zijun asked him for his name, which was to send someone to kill himter.


    "Young Master Liu knows how to joke around. Since that''s the case, we''ll take our leave now." Teng Zijun stood up and walked out of the inn.


    Jian Botong looked at Jian Xing''er, wanting to say something, but no words came out. As he turned to leave, a hint of guilt shed through his eyes. He knew he owed Jian Xing''er too much.


    After Jian Botong and Teng Zijun left, Jian Xing''er copsed in Liu Wuxie''s arms.


    "Cry it out. You''ll feel better that way." Liu Wuxie didn''t know how tofort Jian Xing''er, and it would harm her to have everything bottled up.


    Jian Xing''er burst into tears and cried for a full minute, drenching Liu Wuxie''s clothes before sitting upright and lowering her head, not daring to look at him.


    Liu Wuxie remained silent and waited for her to finish crying.


    "Junior Brother Liu, I apologize for my embarrassing performance earlier!" After wiping her tears, Jian Xing''er felt much better, and years of pent-up emotions were finally released.


    "Everyone has sad moments, so why would Iugh at you?" Liu Wuxie shook his head. He, too, harbored simr emotions but managed them well and never spoke of them to anyone.


    "I''m sorry about earlier, and I said that out of desperation. Please don''t get mad at me." Jian Xing''er was afraid Liu Wuxie would get angry. After all, she had dragged him into this matter, forming a grudge between him and Teng Zijun.


    She hadn''t thought about it then and only wanted to protect Liu Wuxie from her father.


    "I know!" Liu Wuxie rubbed his nose. He understood Jian Xing''er''s difficulties and naturally wouldn''t me her for it.


    The two got up to leave after chatting briefly. With Jian Xing''er''s matter resolved, Liu Wuxie nned to explore the city and familiarize with its environment.


    Now that Jian Xing''er was free from her burdens, she smiled more, a stark contrast to how she had appeared when she left the sect. They wandered through the city until nightfall before setting off for the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    They rode on their spiritual treasures for four hours before arriving at the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion and climbing the stairs.


    "That''s him! He''s the one who took Senior Brother Zhang''s spiritual treasure!" Before they entered the sect, three figures descended from above. Among them were Mei Zizheng and Zhai Gaofang, apanied by a youth.


    If there were no surprises, this was likely the ''Senior Brother Zhang'' Mei Zizheng had mentioned. He had entrusted his spiritual treasure to Mei Zizheng for safekeeping, but Liu Wuxie had taken it and refined it into the Heretic de.


    It waste at night, and no one was in the surroundings. Mei Zizheng and Zhai Gaofang were again on duty this month, sweeping the fallen leaves at the gate.


    They had seen Liu Wuxie leave the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion in the morning and had waited there for his return.


    Jian Xing''er was baffled and had no idea what was going on, so she naturally turned to look at Liu Wuxie. The one called ''Senior Brother Zhang'' was strong with his cultivation in the third level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    "Zhang Zihui, why are you standing in our way for no reason?" Jian Xing''er recognized this person and called him out by his name. Jian Xing''er knew most inner disciples, and Zhang Zihui was from the same peak as her.


    "Jian Xing''er, this has nothing to do with you. This brat took my spiritual treasure; I will kill him right now." Zhang Zihui waved his hand for Jian Xing''er to leave. He wasn¡¯t aware of the rtionship between her and Liu Wuxie and thought it was a coincidence that they had returned together.


    Jian Xing''er wanted to say something, but Liu Wuxie stopped her and ced his hand on her shoulder.


    Given this situation, Zhang Zihui had no intentions of letting this matter rest, and it appeared a fight was inevitable.


    This subtle action made Zhang Zihui narrow his eyes because Jian Xing''er was an inner disciple, but she listened to an outer disciple like Liu Wuxie. This was simply unbelievable to him.


    "I''ll be honest with you. I can''t return it to you because I have already refined it. As for why I did it, you should ask the two by your side," Liu Wuxie said bluntly. He had long dissolved the spiritual treasure, and he wasn''t afraid to tell Zhang Zihui about it.


    "What? You refined my spiritual treasure?" Zhang Zihui jumped like a cat whose tail was stepped on. He had spent years refining his spiritual treasure but hadn''t dared to make it too big for fear of theck of materials. Thus, he was furious upon hearing that Liu Wuxie had refined it, and a terrifying murderous intent swept out from him like a shockwave at Liu Wuxie.


    "Brat, can''t you find a better excuse? An outer disciple like you refined my spiritual treasure?! Hand it over immediately!" Zhang Zihui soon calmed down. Someone in the True Core Realm couldn''t refine a spiritual treasure. Thus, he concluded that Liu Wuxie had lied.


    Only Jian Xing''er knew Liu Wuxie wasn''t lying because his Heretic de possessed unimaginable spiritualityparable to a xiantian treasure.


    "Believe what you want!" Liu Wuxie shrugged and couldn''t be bothered to exin any further. He wouldn''t mind fighting and wouldn''t want to waste time if Zhang Zihui only ran his mouth.


    "Brat, you''re asking for it! It looks like I''ll have to kill you and get my spiritual treasure back!" Zhang Zihui didn''t want to waste words either and struck Liu Wuxie with immense force.

 Chapter 375 - Heavenly Dipper Realm

    <h4>Chapter 375 - Heavenly Dipper Realm</h4>


    The powerful shockwaves caused the trees and flowers on both sides to rustle loudly.


    Jian Xing''er wanted to help, but Liu Wuxie held her back once more. With Zhang Zihui''s cultivation at the third level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm, she would only end up suffering if she confronted him.


    Reaching the Quasi-Heavenly Dipper Realm was an excellent opportunity for Liu Wuxie to test his strength.


    After achieving enlightenment at the inn, his mental state had undergone a tremendous transformation. He was confident that if he went into seclusion, he would reach the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    With thepetition approaching, Liu Wuxie needed to seize every moment to make a breakthrough. He had to obtain a good result.


    Besides Duan Hong and others, there were many formidable foes in thepetition, and he couldn''t risk cking off. He had to give it his all.


    Since Luo Qiu could conceal his true strength, other disciples could do the same, waiting to reveal their full potential in thepetition.


    The punch approached, and Zhang Zihui could only rely on his fists after losing his spiritual treasure.


    Jian Xing''er looked worried despite knowing Liu Wuxie could defeat someone in the third level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    "Brat, you will regret taking my spiritual treasure. Die!" There were no outsiders present, and no one would know if he killed Liu Wuxie.


    The rumbling shockwaves roared like thunder and appeared a meter away from Liu Wuxie.


    "A mere ant trying to shake the tree!" Liu Wuxie said, raising his palm to create an ice shield before him, covering a radius of ten-odd meters.


    A bizarre scene unfolded, with Zhang Zihui''s body stiffening. He froze in ce and couldn''t move, turning into an ice sculpture in less than one breath.


    Mei Zizheng and Zhai Gaofang exchanged a look with endless fear in each other''s eyes.


    "Oh my god!" The two screamed and fled, not daring to stay for another moment. They couldn''t believe that Zhang Zihui, who was at the third level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm, stood no chance against Liu Wuxie. They realized the danger and knew they had to flee to avoid the same fate.


    "Did I say you could leave?" Liu Wuxie asked coldly. Knowing he had to eliminate all threats to avoid future trouble, he waved his hand, creating a pitch-ck hole that devoured the two instantly, leaving no trace of their existence.


    After killing Mei Zizheng and Zhai Gaofang, Liu Wuxie walked over to Zhang Zihui. But weirdly enough, Zhang Zihui wasn''t dead and was only frozen in ce. This meant he could still process his thoughts.


    Liu Wuxie gently tapped on the ice sculpture, which began to shatter into pieces along with Zhang Zihui''s body. The surroundings returned to calm as though nothing had happened.


    "Junior brother, I haven''t seen you for a few days, and your strength has be even more unfathomable." Jian Xing''er walked over, the concern on her face fading away.


    "How is your progress with the spiritual runes I taught you earlier?" Liu Wuxie changed the topic. Even he didn''t have a precise gauge of his strength, he was confident of killing someone in the low levels of the Heavenly Phase Realm with the help of immortal runes. But he wouldn''t inscribe an immortal rune unless necessary, as the bacsh was too powerful.


    "There are still a few parts I don''t understand!" Jian Xing''er answered truthfully. She had tried to inscribe the spiritual runes Liu Wuxie had taught her after returning, but there were several parts she couldn''t grasp.


    "Come, see me when you have time. I''ll guide you further." After talking, the two hurried back into the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    Upon returning to his courtyard, Liu Wuxie set up a spiritual array and entered a state of cultivation. A cultivation chamber was unnecessary for his current needs; he requiredprehension to approach the threshold of the Heavenly Dipper Realm, something that couldn''t be achieved through spiritual energy alone.


    His divine sense sank into his soul sea, and the Heavenly Dao Book slowly opened. Tiny, vivid figures appeared on its pages, moving around and sketching aplete world.


    Each figure and scene represented aw recorded by the heavens in the book.


    Liu Wuxie''s divine sense becamew and entered the Heavenly Dao Book. A bizarre scene urred as he turned into a young man walking through the streets with countless people passing by.


    Everyone had different expressions, which formed aplete world.


    Closing his eyes, Liu Wuxie emptied his mind to sense the changes in this world. A vast starry sky appeared before him, and he felt like a star roaming in the sky, overlooking the earth and witnessing the sun''s and moon''s rotation.


    A profound aura enveloped Liu Wuxie, and his entire being entered a deeper state as time passed. It felt like an invisible substance cocooned him, lifting his body to float in the universe, immersed in the gxy.


    He didn''t know how much time had passed when the cocoon surrounding him suddenly cracked. The Heavenly Dao Book pulsed, and Liu Wuxie''s consciousness returned, waking him up.


    It felt as though he had just awoken to a new world. His consciousness was clearer, almost as if he were a newborn experiencing the world for the first time. He had undergone the cycle of life.


    Liu Wuxie''s eyes snapped open with a powerful gust of wind sweeping out, reducing the surrounding furniture to ashes.


    "Heavenly Dipper Realm!" Liu Wuxie showed little emotion on his face. He maintained hisposure as his mental state had transformed like he had been reborn, and his eyes shone with wisdom.


    Each strand of his true essence was filled with heavenly dipper power, which was highly destructive if gathered together. Most cultivators relied on their predecessors'' experiences toprehend this power.


    It was different for Liu Wuxie because he had witnessed the birth of the heavenly dipper. He had forged each strand of heavenly dipper power in his dantian, relying on enlightenment rather than tempering his cultivation.


    Urgent knocking sounds could be heard, dragging Liu Wuxie back to reality. He kept his aura and concealed his cultivation to the eighth level of the True Core Realm.


    When he opened the door, he found Jian Xing''er looking anxious. Concerned she might be in trouble, Liu Wuxie asked, "What''s the matter?"


    "What have you been up to these past few days? Thepetition is about to begin, and you''re still holed up in your room!" Jian Xing''er eximed, frustration evident as she stomped her foot. She had tried knocking several times before, receiving no response.


    Liu Wuxie had secluded himself within a spiritual array, isting himself from the outside world and barring anyone from entering.


    "What? Thepetition is starting soon?" Liu Wuxie was shocked. He remembered thepetition was seven days away. Could it be that seven days had passed during his seclusion? It only felt like an hour, but seven days had passed in reality.


    Jian Xing''er rolled her eyes because Liu Wuxie had probably lost track of time while cultivating.


    "I had Bai Lin sign up on your behalf; there''s no time to lose. We must leave immediately, or you''ll have to wait till next year." Jian Xing''er dragged Liu Wuxie and left the courtyard quickly. After all, Liu Wuxie would miss thepetition if they werete.


    The two performed their movement techniques and moved like twoets, shuttling through the courtyard. Along the way, they saw many people heading to the martial field.


    "Over twenty thousand outer disciples have participated in thispetition..." Along the way, Jian Xing''er shared everything she knew.


    In less than fifteen minutes, the two appeared at the martial field. This was as far as Jian Xing''er could go because she was an inner disciple and could only watch thepetition.


    "Thanks for the timely reminder!" Liu Wuxie stopped and thanked Jian Xing''er. After all, he would''ve missed thepetition if it wasn''t for her reminder.


    After attaining the Heavenly Dipper Realm, he could ascend directly to the inner sect. However, enticed by rumors of generous rewards this year, Liu Wuxie was resolute in securing victory.


    "Make sure you survive!" Jian Xing''er''s sudden emotional plea left Liu Wuxie bewildered. It seemed she wasn''t just concerned about his performance but his safety¡ªdid she know something he didn''t?


    Liu Wuxie knew Jian Xing''er had developed feelings for him, but he pretended not to notice.


    "Don''t worry. I''ll survive!" Liu Wuxie patted Jian Xing''er''s head and sped to the Heavenly Trigram Peak''s region.


    The martial field was massive and divided into ten regions. Six peaks upied six areas, while the remaining four were for spectators.


    There were many outer disciples mixed with some inner disciples. Since joining the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, Liu Wuxie had not seen elite and true disciples.


    After all, elite disciples lived in the core areas of Heavenly Treasure Pavilion and were unlikely to appear in the outer sect.


    This time, four thousand disciples from the Heavenly Trigram Peak participated. The other five peaks also had simr numbers of disciples participating, totaling twenty thousand.


    This meant that multiple rounds would be held before deciding the top ten. Hundreds of arenas were avable to amodate the simultaneous battles of hundreds of participants.


    Hundreds of deacons moved around the martial field, each assigned to an arena as a judge to ensure fairness.


    The central area had a tform with ten-odd chairs for the sect''s higher-ups. Some elite elders would be present to oversee thepetition.


    Arrivingte, Liu Wuxie found no space avable around him. He had to stand aside and wait for thepetition to start.


    "He''s here. I thought he had given up on thepetition," Lin Mingxu''s voice rang out. He, too, had joined thepetition after reaching the pinnacle of the True Core Realm in thest few days.


    Even if he couldn''t be an inner disciple, thispetition allowed him to temper and refine his cultivation. Most importantly, many geniuses ascended to the Heavenly Dipper Realm by facing the pressure of stronger opponents, which was his ultimate goal.


    "This brat is lucky. Senior Brother Duan Hong has been looking for him the past few days, but he went into hiding."


    Liu Wuxie had long be famous among the outer sect, and everyone knew him. He ignored the surrounding discussion and kept his calm. After reaching the Heavenly Dipper Realm, his heart had became more perfect, and idle talks couldn''t affect him.


    After waiting for about fifteen minutes, ten people descended from the sky, all experts in the Nascent Transformation Realm.


    Elder Tian Xing was also present; he was the only elder Liu Wuxie recognized. The suppression of the elders'' auras cast a solemn silence over the entire martial field.


    "The annualpetition is about to begin. The old disciples should know the rules by now, and the new disciples had the time to learn them. But I want to emphasize the purpose of thispetition is to spar and not engage in life-and-death battles." Elder Tian Xing took a step forward and swept his gaze around. His voice carried an irresistible force, reaching every corner.

 Chapter 376 - Insane Rewards

    <h4>Chapter 376 - Insane Rewards</h4>


    The rules were fixed, but people could be flexible. Despite the rules, countless deaths urred each year in thepetition. Once one stepped onto the arena, they would have to fight until one side conceded voluntarily.


    ¡°Next, I will announce the rewards for this year!¡± That was what everyone cared about. After all, the rewards for each year drove the disciples topete fiercely.


    Liu Wuxie''s gaze shifted to the stage. Rumors had circted about the extravagant rewards this year, and he was eager to see what was being offered.


    "One thousand points await those who reach the top one hundred!" This indicated that every participant making it into the top one hundred would receive one thousand points, a truly generous reward.


    Roars could be heard from the surroundings. After all, most people couldn¡¯t make it into the top ten, but they still had a chance to reach the top one hundred.


    "Two thousand points await those in the top fifty!" Elder Tian Xing''s voice drowned out themotion. Those achieving this rank would earn two thousand additional points, on top of the initial one thousand.


    Points held the same value as treasures; with sufficient points, participants could exchange them for any desired treasure. Upon entering the inner sect, even more valuable items such as sixth-grade pills, spiritual talismans, and guidance from elders became avable for exchange.


    ¡°The top thirty will be rewarded with five thousand points!¡± The points increased exponentially. The top thirty would receive five thousand points, equivalent to several years of earnings for outer disciples.


    ¡°Ah, it''s tough for us to crack the top thirty with our current strength. It''s almost like taking a year off," sighed voices from the crowd.


    ¡°Don¡¯t bother vexing about it. Those who can make it into the top thirty will be inner disciples. The points are meant to help them quickly gain a foothold in the inner sect, or do you think the points are given for nothing?¡± There were still many sensible people in the surroundings.


    After all, the foundation of outer disciples was inferior to that of inner disciples when they advanced to the inner sect. The points were meant for them to develop quickly.


    Those who reached the top thirty were experts in the outer sect but often found themselves at the bottom upon advancing to the inner sect. They needed substantial points to navigate this transition, and the rewards served to expedite their growth during this critical period.


    Liu Wuxie nodded, grasping the significance of the rewards. The pivotal moment had arrived; historically, those who managed to break into the top ten were guaranteed at least ten thousand points.


    ¡°Ten thousand points for those who make it into the top ten!¡± Elder Xing Tian announced the reward for the top ten as expected. Points were one aspect, but there were additional rewards for the top ten, especially the champion.


    The surroundings erupted because ten thousand points were something many disciples couldn¡¯t umte even if they spent several years. Even Liu Wuxie was tempted by the reward.


    Although Liu Wuxie still had forty thousand points on him, who wouldin about having more points?


    It seemed like a lot, but sixth-grade pills cost one thousand points, while fifth-grade pills required just one hundred points, creating a tenfold disparity.


    ¡°I wonder what the reward is for the champion and runner-up. They shouldn¡¯t be worse thanst year.¡± The surrounding discussion grew louder. Everyone was most concerned about the top three rewards; ten thousand points only caused a minor stir.


    ¡°I believe everyone is getting impatient. After all, the rewards for the top three have always been highly anticipated, and this year is no exception.¡± Elder Tian Xing looked around, slowing his speech and making everyone hold their breath.


    ¡°The third ce will receive an additional ten thousand points, two hours in the Scripture Collection Hall, a guidance session with an elder, and one day of cultivation in the Celestial Spirit Cave,¡± Elder Xing Tian said, and gasps could be heard from the surroundings.


    "The rewards are overly generous. In previous years, the reward of cultivating in the Celestial Spirit Cave wasn''t offered!" An uproar erupted around Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie was bewildered upon hearing about the Celestial Spirit Cave. He hadn''t known about it because neither Jian Xing''er nor Bai Lin had shared that information with him.


    "The Celestial Spirit Cave! I''ve heard that one can absorb a faint immortal aura inside. Just cultivating there for two hours can yield tremendous benefits, potentially paving the way to immortality." The six peaks were in chaos.


    ¡°Senior brother, can you tell me more about the Celestial Spirit Cave?¡± Liu Wuxie had read many books but had never seen any record of this cave. Thus, he turned to ask the youth beside him.


    ¡°You don¡¯t know about the Celestial Spirit Cave?¡± The youth looked at Liu Wuxie with a hint of disdain as though he was looking at a country bumpkining to the city for the first time. After all, the Celestial Spirit Cave was the only sacrednd in the sect.


    Typically, only the sect¡¯s higher-ups had the authority to enter because even true disciples couldn¡¯t cultivate inside. No one had expected it to be part of the rewards for this year¡¯spetition.


    ¡°Please enlighten me!¡± Liu Wuxie asked humbly and showed no emotion on his face.


    Seeing how polite Liu Wuxie was, the youth didn¡¯t conceal anything and exined, ¡°The Celestial Spirit Cave is the only sacrednd in the sect. Only the patriarchs and grand elders are allowed to cultivate there.¡±


    The title of the only sacrednd was enough to drive countless people insane.


    ¡°What about true disciples?¡± Liu Wuxie asked.


    After all, those in the top three would advance into the inner sect. This meant inner disciples were allowed to cultivate inside, which should also be possible for elite and true disciples.


    "Entry is reserved for those who make substantial contributions to the sect; it''s not essible to the public."


    Liu Wuxie learned from the youth that the Celestial Spirit Cave wasn''t a typical sect benefit, and entry couldn''t be purchased with any amount of points.


    One could only be allowed to cultivate inside the Celestial Spirit Cave by making significant contributions to the sect.


    "What makes the Celestial Spirit Cave so special? Why is everyone so excited about it?" It was evident from the expressions of those around him that the Celestial Spirit Cave held legendary status among them.


    Ny-nine percent of the disciples only knew the name of the Celestial Spirit Cave; they had no idea of its location, let alone how to gain entry.


    "I don¡¯t know all the details, but any disciple who enters the Celestial Spirit Cave experiences a profound transformation, often achieving breakthroughs across several levels. More importantly, their talents are said to multiply. Legend has it that a decade ago, an elite disciple spent three days in the Celestial Spirit Cave and ascended to the Nascent Transformation Realm within three years." After sharing this, the youth fell silent, and Elder Tian Xing proceeded to announce the runner-up reward.


    Liu Wuxie was fascinated by the Celestial Spirit Cave''s potential to facilitate advancement from the Heavenly Phase Realm to the Nascent Transformation Realm. Its restricted ess suggested one thing: the cave''s energy required substantial time to replenish after each opening. This limitation prevented the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion from operating the cave year-round and mass-producing experts.


    ¡°On top of the base rewards, the second ce will receive an additional twenty thousand points, four hours in the Scripture Collection Hall, one guidance session, and two days in the Celestial Spirit Cave.¡±


    Amotion erupted among the crowd as Elder Tian Xing announced the reward. While the difference between second and third ce wasn''t substantial in terms of additional hours in the Scripture Collection Hall¡ªjust two more hours¡ªthe opportunity to peruse numerous books within that timeframe was highly coveted.


    Two hours might not be enough to study a martial technique thoroughly, but four hours could be sufficient. In contrast, those in third ce could only manage to skim through a few basic techniques.


    However, four hours were barely enough to finish reading aplete martial technique. Then again, that was secondary because the second ce would receive twenty thousand points, sufficient to exchange for a decent martial technique. The main prize was the opportunity to enter the Celestial Spirit Cave.


    Second ce meant obtaining an additional day in the Celestial Spirit Cavepared to third. Since the establishment of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, the highest reward given was seven days in the Celestial Spirit Cave, and it was given to a true disciple who had saved the lives of several hundred other disciples.


    Thepetition hadn¡¯t even started yet, but everyone was already excited as if the rewards were theirs. That was especially the case for disciples who had reached the Heavenly Dipper Realm. Everyone was secretly gathering their strength and ensuring they were in top condition.


    ¡°What do you think the champion¡¯s reward will be?¡± The champion¡¯s reward hadn¡¯t been announced yet, but it would be even more generous, judging from the second and third-ce rewards.


    Everyone craned their necks, eyes fixed on the stage where the elders stood. Elder Tian Xing swept his sharp gaze across the crowd before speaking slowly, ¡°As for the champion, fifty thousand points on top of the base rewards...¡±


    Before Elder Tian Xing even finished speaking, gasps echoed through the crowd. After all, the second ce would only get twenty thousand points, but the champion would receive fifty thousand points.


    Including the base rewards for the top ten, the champion would receive a total of sixty thousand points, enough to exchange for an iplete heaven-grade martial technique.


    Elder Tian Xing frowned, displeased by the surroundingmotion. He released his Nascent Transformation Realm aura, instantly silencing the crowd. Everyone held their breath, filled with anticipation for the forting rewards.


    ¡°In addition to the points, the champion will also receive six hours in the Scripture Collection Hall, a guidance session from an elder, and three days in the Celestial Spirit Cave...¡± Elder Tian Xing paused intentionally, building suspense and reminding everyone that the rewards didn''t end there.


    ¡°In addition to the points, the champion will also receive six hours in the Scripture Collection Hall, a guidance session from an elder, and three days in the Celestial Spirit Cave...¡± Elder Tian Xing paused intentionally, building suspense and reminding everyone that the rewards didn''t end there.


    "Senior Brother Shao Wendong will surely be this year¡¯s champion!" came the ttery from a group within a fifty-meter radius. A man in a white robe stood out from the crowd, surrounded by admiration and respect. Though he appeared to be at the third level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm, his actual cultivation was much higher.


    ¡°Quiet, Elder Tian Xing hasn¡¯t finished speaking. There should be additional rewards,¡± someone quickly interjected, urging everyone to listen. The crowd quieted down, eager to hear what else was in store.


    ¡°Elder Tian Xing, are there still more rewards? Don¡¯t keep us in suspense; tell us everything at once,¡± the crowd urged, their curiosity piqued.


    Elder Tian Xing smiled and said, ¡°Besides the rewards already mentioned, the higher-ups have decided to raise the stakes even further after careful discussion.¡± His gaze unintentionally fell on Liu Wuxie.


    The rewards were already enough to drive everyone crazy, and the thought of more was almost too much to bear.


    ¡°More rewards! How exciting!¡± The crowd buzzed with excitement. Even if they couldn¡¯t obtain the rewards themselves, witnessing such a grand event was thrilling.


    ¡°In addition to the original rewards, we will add a supreme sixth-grade pill, the Meridians Purifying Pill, and ten high-grade spirit stones,¡± Elder Tian Xing announced; even the six peaks¡¯ masters and deacons were stunned.


    Such generous rewards had never been offered in the history of the sect''s outerpetition.

 Chapter 377 - Competition

    <h4>Chapter 377 - Competition</h4>


    The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s status had been declining in recent years, far from what it used to be. So, to motivate the disciples, the sect offered generous rewards for thepetition.


    However, the rewards were too generous because only the Nascent Transformation Realm experts could refine the Meridian Purifying Pill. Most importantly, it was a supreme-tier pill, not just top or high-tier, thus making it extremely precious.


    Liu Wuxie''s alchemy skills were formidable, but he could only refine top-tier pills consistently. Producing a supreme-tier pill was a matter of luck, as it required not just skill but a fortunate alignment of conditions. He often had to refine a few hundred pills before achieving a single supreme-tier pill.


    Furthermore, ten high-grade spirit stones were offered as a reward. One high-grade spirit stone was equivalent to one million mid-grade spirit stones.


    Whoever became the champion would be able to gain a foothold in the inner sect swiftly. With such generous rewards, even a pig could advance several levels in cultivation.


    However, this might not be the case for Liu Wuxie, as the world within his dantian was exceptionally vast. The resources he needed were exponentially greater, ranging from ten to hundreds of times more than what others required. Despite this, these resources could only help him advance about two levels at best.


    Gasps could be hearding from the surroundings, and no one spoke. The rewards were enough to drive inner disciples insane, and even elite disciples would be tempted by the high-grade spirit stones.


    Shao Wendong''s lips curled into a smile upon hearing the rewards, solidifying his determination to win.


    Duan Hong also sneered. Even if he couldn''t im the championship, he was determined to secure at least third ce to earn the opportunity to train in the Celestial Spirit Cave.


    The masters of the six peaks quickly sought out their most promising disciples and gathered them to discuss strategies.


    On the Heavenly Trigram Peak''s side, Liu Wuxie wasn''t considered as one of the strongest disciples. The ten disciples summoned were all in the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    Liu Wuxie seemed unremarkable as he concealed his cultivation in the eighth level of the True Core Realm. He rubbed his chin with a devilish smile.


    ¡°The rewards are alright. The Meridian Purifying Pill can strengthen my meridians, and the energy contained in the high-grade spirit stones is much purer. These are all things I need,¡± Liu Wuxie muttered to himself.


    He didn''t consider the opportunity to read in the Scripture Collection Hall or receive guidance from an elder valuable, as he believed no one in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion was qualified to teach him.


    The points were excellent, but they were just icing on the cake. If he wanted points, he could earn as many as he wished with time. Since he didn''t know what the Celestial Spirit Cave was, he couldn''t make a judgment on its value yet.


    The Meridian Purifying Pill and high-grade spirit stones were the only valuable items to him. After absorbing so much ice and abyssal energy, his meridians were under strain, and he felt them tearing whenever he executed the Primordial Astral Fist.


    Although the tearing sensation had lessened after transforming his body multiple times, his meridians would still have problems over time. However, he could resolve this issue with the Meridian Purifying Pill and freely use the Primordial Astral Fist.


    "We need to ensure that someone from the Heavenly Trigram Peak reaches the top three, with at least three others securing spots in the top ten," dered the middle-aged peak master, eyeing the ten disciples he had gathered.


    "Rest assured, we will give it our best," pledged the ten disciples, Shao Wendong among them.


    "Those who make it into the top ten will receive additional rewards from me. They may not be asvish as the sect''s rewards, but they''re still significant," the peak master of Heavenly Trigram Peak announced, scanning the gathered disciples and hoping to spur more of them to excel.


    Only the strongest batch of disciples couldpete for the top three, and entering the top ten was enough for them to prove their strength.


    "Peak master, may we ask about the rewards?" They were all curious about the rewards the sect master would offer.


    "If anyone makes it into the top ten, I will give you a quota to invite a friend or rtive to join the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion." This was a good reward because everyone had rtives or friends with mediocre aptitude who couldn''t join the sect.


    This reward would allow them to join the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    Liu Wuxie''s eyes lit up upon hearing that. He had many friends in the mundane world and didn''t mind bringing them to the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    It was too exhausting to handle everything by himself. His friends and family were his strongest supporters, and it would be easier for him in the future with their help, such as collecting information and handling some chores that required trustworthy people.


    Bai Lin and Tang Tian were busy cultivating and had little time. It was no wonder Duan Hong liked to take inckeys and have them run errands for him.


    "Peak master, isn''t a quota too little?" An expert in the third level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm chuckled. For him, getting into the top ten wasn''t an issue.


    "If you can make it into the top ten, I''ll offer three quotas. If you be the champion, I''ll extend it to five," the peak master dered, showing his resolve to uphold Heavenly Trigram Peak''s standing and outshine the other peaks.


    Apart from the Heavenly Trigram Peak, the other peaks also offered corresponding rewards to encourage their disciples to achieve good results. After all, whoever could be the champion had a high chance of bing a true disciple.


    Establishing a good rtionship with such talent early on was not disadvantageous because even some peak masters would have to tter the true disciples.


    "As in previous years, thepetition will span five days until the champion is decided. Battles will be assigned through a lottery system, with each bout limited to fifteen minutes for the first two days."


    It was time for the lottery after announcing the rewards. The deacons brought the lottery boxes to the six peaks, making drawing lots convenient for the disciples.


    "There will be five thousand battles on the first day, and over twenty thousand numbers are in the lottery box. But only ten thousand will take the stage, and the next batch will be conducted tomorrow."


    The rules were simple and rtively fair,monly used by most sects. The ten envoys had copied and used the same method in the Dragon Battlefield to save time. The Battle of Hundred Nations seemed like child''s ypared to thispetition, where tens of thousands of people participated.


    Everyone followed the order and took a number from the lottery box. Since Liu Wuxie had arrivedte and stood towards the edge, he was the first to draw his number.


    "Number 77!" As Liu Wuxie scanned the number te, he turned to look at arena seventy-seven, wondering who his opponent would be.


    Two hourster, everyone had drawn lots. Besides Liu Wuxie and a few others, most participants were old disciples, already familiar with the rules, and required no exnation from Elder Tian Xing.


    There were three thousand arenas, each marked with a number. tform one was on the left, and tform three hundred was on the far right.


    The disciple who drew number one would stand on arena one, and so on. In the next round, the one who drew 301 would stand on arena one, and so forth. This process ensured there would be five thousand battles, spread over fifteen rounds.


    People went to their arenas individually; some even stood on their spiritual artifacts. The three hundred arenas were filled with people in the blink of an eye, and the deacon activated the formations to prevent the fights from affecting other tforms.


    Each tform had a corresponding spiritual array to block the surrounding shockwave.


    Striding the Seven Dipper Steps, Liu Wuxie quietlynded on Arena 77 like a celestial crane. The youth standing before him was an old disciple with a cultivation at the pinnacle of the eighth level of the True Core Realm.


    This youth had participated in thepetition multiple times but had not achieved a good result. The youth frowned at the sight of Liu Wuxie as if he recognized thetter. He asked, "Are you a new disciple who joined recently?"


    "That''s right!" Liu Wuxie responded without a hint of emotion and stood with his hands behind his back. He was like an emperor standing there, exerting powerful psychological pressure on his opponent.


    Elder Tian Xing''s gaze never left Liu Wuxie for a moment since he went to the arena, observing his every move. He also wanted to know what was so special about Liu Wuxie that the youngdy could praise him so much.


    If he had known Liu Wuxie was someone rmended into the sect by the youngdy, he would''ve taken him as a disciple that night. But it was a pity that he missed the opportunity.


    "You''re not bad, but you''re just a new disciple. Come back next year!" the youth said and swung his sword down at Liu Wuxie''s chest, aiming to kill right from the start. After all, the generous rewards alone were enough to drive everyone insane.


    Liu Wuxie''s eyes turned cold with murderous intent. Despite his fierce demeanor, he had no desire to harm anyone; his only goal was to secure first ce smoothly. After all, this was a friendlypetition, not a deathmatch.


    As the sword approached and was about to reach Liu Wuxie''s neck, he vanished and pushed his palm forward, unleashing a wind de. The wind de drew an arc in the air and struck the youth''s chest, sending him flying away.


    With that, Liu Wuxie defeated his opponent with one strike and was the first to advance.


    The deacon raised the g, signaling the end of the match. The loser had to leave and go to the spectator region while Liu Wuxie waited for the next round after his victory.


    However, instead of returning to the Heavenly Trigram Peak''s region, Liu Wuxie headed to his courtyard. Jian Xing''er followed him as he left the martial field.


    "Senior Sister, do you know about the Celestial Spirit Cave?" Liu Wuxie asked. As everyone spected, he was most curious about its connection to the Immortal Realm.


    As for the other resources, he had plenty of ways to obtain them if he wanted.


    "I don''t know the specifics, but some senior disciples mentioned that the Celestial Spirit Cave is connected to the Celestial Realm, acting as a bridge. I''m not sure if it''s true, and only those who have entered will know," Jian Xing''er shared everything she knew.


    Liu Wuxie suddenly stopped. He knew he had to go to the Celestial Spirit Cave if that was true. As a bridge connected to the Celestial Realm, it could draw energy from the Celestial Realm.


    Others didn''t understand the Celestial Realm and were hesitant to absorb its energy, fearing their bodies couldn''t withstand it. However, it was different for Liu Wuxie. Being familiar with the Celestial Realm meant he could refine any substance with ease.

 Chapter 378 - 77

    <h4>Chapter 378 - 77</h4>


    Liu Wuxie carried on with his seclusion after returning to his courtyard. To ensure he wouldn¡¯t miss thepetition, Jian Xing¡¯er moved to the neighboring room to take care of him.


    Seeing this, Liu Wuxie could only smile bitterly because he would¡¯ve missed it without her reminder. He had just reached the Heavenly Dipper Realm and still needed time to adapt to it, as he had left in a hurry to participate in thepetition.


    Thus, he decided to use the remaining time to settle down. His consciousness sank into the Heavenly Dao Book, where hundreds of neatly arrangedws represented the order of the world.


    Performing the Deste Devouring Art, the surrounding spiritual energy gathered above Liu Wuxie, forming a thickyer of spiritual cloud.


    Jian Xing¡¯er was already ustomed to it as she sat in a daze in the courtyard.


    Time passed by the minute, and thepetition¡¯s first day came to an end. Many people were reluctant to leave after finishing their matches and sat in ce, waiting for the next day to arrive.


    When the door creaked open, Bai Lin and Tang Tian came in. They had also participated in thepetition and rushed over after finishing their matches.


    They were both taken aback when they saw Jian Xing¡¯er. They couldn¡¯t process why there was an inner disciple, who was such a beauty, in Liu Wuxie¡¯s courtyard.


    ¡°Greetings, senior sister. We¡¯re here to look for Junior Brother Liu!¡± Bai Lin quickly came forward and bowed.


    ¡°He¡¯s in seclusion!¡± Jian Xing¡¯er pointed to the room. She had been sitting here all day, but Liu Wuxie hadn¡¯t evene out.


    After a day of seclusion, the door to Liu Wuxie¡¯s room suddenly opened. Having gained a better understanding of the Heavenly Dipper Realm, he finally emerged at dusk.


    ¡°Junior brother, why did you leave so early? Theter matches were intense, and you should¡¯ve stayed to learn more about your opponents.¡± They had a close rtionship, and they spoke without reservation.


    Bai Lin hoped Liu Wuxie would achieve a good result and believed he should have stayed to observe the battles of potential opponents.


    ¡°What experts are there?¡± Liu Wuxie invited everyone to sit down and listen to Bai Lin recounting the details, but there weren¡¯t many outer disciples who could attract his attention.


    Bai Lin and Tang Tian didn¡¯t dare to hide anything and shared everything they knew in detail. They spoke while Liu Wuxie listened without interrupting them.


    ¡°Junior brother, there are six popr contenders for the championship. They¡¯re the Heavenly Trigram Peak¡¯s Shao Wendong, Profound Inscription Peak¡¯s Wen Haoran, Earth Force Peaks¡¯ Chen Lin, Terrain Summit Peak¡¯s Tu Yue, Mortal Plume Peak¡¯s He Lan, and Treasure Pill Peak¡¯s Zhao Yi.¡± Tang Tian ced a list on the stone table containing detailed information about the six contenders. They had invested significant effort inpiling the data.


    "The popr candidates were Wen Shaodong and Chen Lin," Bai Lin emphasized, as they had a high chance of bing the champion. "Despite being a woman, Chen Lin¡¯s strength cannot be underestimated. She reached the third level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm six months ago but dyed her promotion for thispetition."


    Many spected privately about who would emerge victorious between them. Each year, thepetition primarily centered around the Heavenly Trigram Peak and Earth Force Peak, and this year was no different.


    ¡°Thank you, senior brothers, for telling me this. You two have worked hard today, so rest early and prepare for tomorrow¡¯s battles.¡± Liu Wuxie stood up and was genuinely grateful for their efforts.


    ¡°Junior brother, we¡¯ll be heading back now. Don¡¯t bete tomorrow!¡± Bai Lin cupped his fists together and left Liu Wuxie¡¯s courtyard to rest.


    As the sky darkened, peace returned to the courtyard, yet the entire Heavenly Trigram Peak remained abuzz with discussions about the day''spetition.


    ¡°Junior brother, these six shouldn¡¯t be a threat to you based on your strength.¡± Only Jian Xing¡¯er knew Liu Wuxie¡¯s true strength in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, and she knew that the six were far inferiorpared to him.


    ¡°I can¡¯t be careless. The fact they concealed their strength for six months proves they cannot be underestimated.¡± Liu Wuxie would never treat his opponent lightly.


    They talked about other matters, primarily those among the inner disciples.


    The night passed peacefully. When Liu Wuxie finished his morning routine the following day, he took a Fasting Pill and headed straight to the martial field with Jian Xing¡¯er.


    The martial field bustled with spectators, many of whom had stayed overnight. Today''s matches did not involve Liu Wuxie, as they were reserved for participants numbered from 10,001 to thest number.


    The two days ofpetition would eliminate over ten thousand people. After that, thepetition would be more intense.


    Match after match, more contenders were swiftly eliminated while Liu Wuxie remained in deep meditation,pletely indifferent to the unfolding battles.


    By the end of thest round, only about 10,100 people advanced to the next segment.


    Like the previous day, Bai Lin and Tang Tian brought detailed information they had collected to Liu Wuxie. They had already decided to follow Liu Wuxie and handle these misceneous matters for him.


    The truepetition had justmenced, and the number of disciples from the six peaks had been drastically reduced, with half eliminated. Despite this, Liu Wuxie continued to linger on the periphery.


    ¡°I believe there¡¯s no need for me to exin the rules. We will continue with the lottery!¡± Elder Tian Xing¡¯s voice sounded with a hint of authority.


    Over ten thousand disciples approached the lottery box,pleting the draw in under two hours.


    Liu Wuxie was surprised when he looked at his number because he got the same number again, which was too much of a coincidence. But he didn¡¯t overthink about it and moved to Arena 77.


    But before he could steady himself, a ferocious shockwave swept towards him. This came from his opponent, who attacked when hended in the arena.


    ¡°You¡¯re courting death!¡± Liu Wuxie was enraged by his opponent¡¯s action. This was because most people would introduce themselves when stepping into the arena, but this person attacked without saying a word.


    With a diagonal palm chop, Liu Wuxie unleashed a powerful shockwave that drove his opponent to the arena''s edge. As he got a clear look at his opponent, he saw a young man in his mid-twenties, possessing cultivation at the pinnacle True Core Realm and a pair of sinister eyes.


    Overwhelming murderous intent swept toward Liu Wuxie like a river. Despite failing tond his first strike on Liu Wuxie, his opponent wasn¡¯t discouraged and looked at him with a hint of mockery in his eyes. Instead, his fighting spirits zed even more ferociously. He said, ¡°Interesting...you managed to dodge my attack!¡±


    Judging from his words, it wasn¡¯t hard to detect his dense, murderous intent for Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°I don¡¯t seem to know you!¡± Liu Wuxie was puzzled. This young man was a stranger to him, and he had never seen this person before, let alone having any grievance. Thus, he was curious where this young man¡¯s murderous intent against him came from.


    ¡°You don¡¯t know me, but I know you. Someone paid a high price for your head, and I will still profit even if I don¡¯t get the sect¡¯s reward as long as I kill you.¡± As a pinnacle True Core Realm cultivator, he wasn¡¯t even qualified to make it into the top hundred, but he could make a fortune by killing Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie was baffled. Too many people wanted him dead, and whose order was this person following? He asked, ¡°Who sent you to kill me?¡±


    "Ask when you''re in hell. Dying by my hands is a worthy end." The youth, named Deng Chong, did not disclose which peak he hailed from.


    The deacons typically ignored the fatalities, as over thirty deaths had already urred in the past two days. As thepetition advanced, the death toll was expected to rise, just as it had in previous years.


    ¡°I have over ten thousand ways to make you speak!¡± Liu Wuxie needed to know the mastermind to feel at ease. Furthermore, he wanted to know if there were others besides Deng Chong.


    If one were in the open and one in the dark, this would put him in a disadvantageous position. When Deng Chong drew a damaged spiritual treasure from his interspatial pouch, no one said a word.


    Despite its iplete state, the spiritual treasure was not to be underestimated. Furthermore, aside from Jian Xing''er, no one knew that Liu Wuxie also possessed spiritual treasures.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, die!¡± Deng Chong roared and released his de intent, tearing through the air and appearing before Liu Wuxie.


    The arena howled ferociously, but a spiritual array prevented the shockwave from spreading out. Themotion naturally drew much attention, and many turned their eyes to Arena 77.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on there? Why did it progress into a deathmatch?¡± After all, deathmatch was rare in thepetition, but there were always exceptions, such as the long-standing feud between two disciples. They would generally settle their scores in the arena if that were the case.


    There was also another possibility for a battle to progress into a deathmatch when no one was willing to admit defeat. Just the previous day alone, half of the thirty-odd people who died ended up in mutual destruction, perishing together.


    ¡°It¡¯s Liu Wuxie! That brat is still alive?!¡± Exmations came from many regions, and many hoped for Liu Wuxie¡¯s demise.


    ¡°He will die today. A new disciple dares to participate in thepetition?¡± Disdainful voices could be heard, but no one supported Liu Wuxie. Many disciples were familiar with Liu Wuxie, and only a few didn¡¯t know him. However, through this incident, Liu Wuxie became famous in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion¡¯s outer sect.


    ¡°I heard he killed someone in the pinnacle True Core Realm with one palm strike, so Senior Brother Deng Chong might not be his match!¡± The discussion on the Profound Inscription Peak was the most intense because several disciples had died at Liu Wuxie¡¯s hands. Thus, it was natural for them to hate him to the bone.


    ¡°So what? Senior Brother Deng Chong isn¡¯t your ordinary pinnacle True Core Realm expert. He has a damaged spiritual treasure, and he can even fight with someone at the first level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm.¡± Another round of ridicule was sparked, with many people believing Liu Wuxie was doomed.


    Ignoring the surrounding discussion, Liu Wuxie moved like lightning and appeared before Deng Chong. When Deng Chong missed his attack, his heart tightened, but it was toote for him to retreat.


    Liu Wuxie moved with incredible speed, reaching for Deng Chong''s neck as thetter retreated. The entire exchange happened in the blink of an eye, leaving many onlookers in disbelief.


    Before anyone could blink, Liu Wuxie¡¯s right hand tore through Deng Chong¡¯s defenses, tearing the de aura around him.


    ¡°What speed!¡± The deacon standing at the side of the stage narrowed his eyes, shocked by Liu Wuxie¡¯s speed.


    When the de aura disappeared, the arena calmed down, and Liu Wuxie lifted Deng Chong by his neck. No one saw how Liu Wuxie aplished this feat.

 Chapter 379 - Retards

    <h4>Chapter 379 - Retards</h4>


    Only those in the Astral River Realm and Nascent Transformation Realm could see Liu Wuxie¡¯s actions. Those in the Heavenly Phase Realm could barely see a rough outline.


    As for those in the Heavenly Dipper Realm, they couldn¡¯t even see Liu Wuxie¡¯s shadows, and Deng Chong fell into Liu Wuxie¡¯s hands.


    Deng Chong¡¯s neck was choked, and he couldn¡¯t speak. He could only make strange sounds as if something was stuck in his throat.


    Defeating an opponent in one move was nothing, but capturing an opponent in one move was another question. This could only be done if one had overwhelming strength against the other.


    ¡°Now, can you tell me who sent you to kill me?¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s voice was like an ice de stabbing Deng Chong, making thetter tremble uncontrobly. The ice energy injected into his body was unbearable.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, you¡¯ll never know who wants to kill you, even if you kill me.¡± Deng Chong was stubborn and refused to reveal who had given him the bounty to kill Liu Wuxie.


    Ignoring the surrounding enraged stares, Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes shed with murderous intent. He said, ¡°I told you I have ten thousand ways to pry your mouth open.¡±


    Liu Wuxie injected a strange energy into Deng Chong, causing him to scream in agony, his cries echoing across the martial field.


    Deng Chong curled up in agony with his limbs twisted, making his body look unbearably gruesome. His meridians were reversed, and his blood flew without any order. This pain was unbearable for anyone.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, how dare you try to kill a fellow disciple in public! Release Senior Brother Deng Chong!¡± Angry yells could be heard from beneath the stage, urging Liu Wuxie to release Deng Chong.


    ¡°He¡¯s a demon! I suggest disqualifying him from thepetition and having him expelled!¡± More people stood up and condemned Liu Wuxie from the surroundings.


    Jian Xing¡¯er was feeling anxious because killing a fellow disciple publically in front of the sect¡¯s higher-ups was entirely different from those who perished together in a fight. This was the same as challenging the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion¡¯s bottom line.


    Elder Tian Xing frowned but didn¡¯t intervene. He wanted to see what would happen next, and he was especially surprised when he saw Liu Wuxie¡¯s method.


    Deng Chong gradually hunched over like a deted balloon, his hands and feet bing a ball. Deng Chong could no longer let out any more screams.


    ¡°I¡¯ll ask you one more time: who sent you to kill me?¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s voice was like the Reaper, with his voice piercing into Deng Chong¡¯s mind.


    "I''ll talk! I''ll talk! Please don''t kill me!" Deng Chong cried out in terror, his resolve shattered. A foul stench emanated from his lower body.


    The surrounding condemnation quieted significantly because they wanted to know who wished to take Liu Wuxie¡¯s life. The higher-ups also didn¡¯t intervene and merely watched.


    ¡°Speak!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes were like des stabbing into Deng Chong¡¯s eyes, causing thetter to tremble violently.


    ¡°I-It¡¯s Hou Yue. He sent me to kill you. He said as long as I kill you, I will receive a reward of five hundred thousand spirit stones from the Hou n.¡± Deng Chong admitted in front of everyone that Hou Yue had hired him to kill Liu Wuxie in the arena.


    ¡°The Hou n!¡± The Hou n¡¯s influence had reached the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion as Liu Wuxie had expected.


    Hou Yue''s name swiftly circted through the crowd, leaving everyone curious about his identity.


    ¡°I know him! He seems to be an inner disciple with powerful strength, but why would he send Deng Chong to kill Liu Wuxie? What¡¯s the grudge between them?¡± A pinnacle True Core Realm disciple wondered.


    The other disciples wanted to kill Liu Wuxie for his points, but why would an inner disciple want to kill Liu Wuxie?


    When everyone pondered about Hou Yue, Liu Wuxie exerted force and snapped Deng Chong¡¯s neck. Everyone was shocked by Liu Wuxie¡¯s boldness to kill another disciple in front of Elder Tian Xing.


    ¡°Elder Tian Xing, this brat disregarded the sect¡¯s rules and killed a fellow disciple. ording to the rules, his cultivation should be abolished.¡± More than five disciples of the Profound Inscription Peak stood up to question Elder Tian Xing.


    ¡°That¡¯s right! This kind of madman should be killed!¡± More people stood up and condemned Liu Wuxie. Over a thousand people condemned one person, which was a spectacr scene.


    Everyone was feeling indignant, as though they wanted to kill Liu Wuxie themselves. That was especially the case for the Terrain Summit Peak because Deng Chong was one of theirs.


    Strangely enough, Elder Tian Xing didn¡¯t make a move or take any action against Liu Wuxie, which further enraged everyone.


    ¡°What a bunch of retards!¡± Liu Wuxie said as the surrounding voices grew louder.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, who are you calling retards? I will kill you for your arrogance?!¡± Many people felt offended by Liu Wuxie¡¯sment.


    Since these people wanted him dead, Liu Wuxie saw no reason to be polite to them. He sneered, ¡°Those who¡¯re behaving like retards!¡±


    Many people in the surroundings spat out their drinks, astounded by Liu Wuxie¡¯s words. They didn¡¯t know if he was crazy or just stupid. But how could he set up such a powerful spiritual array if he was stupid?


    ¡°I can¡¯t take it any longer; I want to kill him!¡± Hundreds of Terrain Summit Peak¡¯s disciples charged forward. More people joined in, believing the sect wouldn¡¯t punish them, given their numbers.


    ¡°The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion is one of the ten major sects, yet it¡¯s filled with garbage and retards. Based on all of your intelligence, it would be a miracle if any of you could reach the Heavenly Dipper Realm in your lifetime,¡± Liu Wuxie said with disdain, and this further enraged the crowd.


    Only those with high cultivation had strong control and weren¡¯t affected by Liu Wuxie¡¯s words.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, don¡¯t think you¡¯ll leave here alive if you don¡¯t exin yourself today!¡± Hundreds of people went into the arena, ready to attack Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°You bunch of garbage? If you all have the guts,e at me. I¡¯ll take all of you on.¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s goal was to be the champion; he wouldn¡¯t hold back when it was time to shine. He would stay humble in life but bold in his actions.


    The ten-odd elders nearly choked on their saliva because they had never seen such an arrogant person before wanting to challenge a few hundred people by himself.


    Jian Xing¡¯er¡¯s heart nearly leaped out of her chest. She knew Liu Wuxie¡¯s personality well, and asking him to lower his head was worse than killing him. Moreover, Liu Wuxie was not at fault in this matter.


    ¡°Elder Tian Xing, you have witnessed this yourself. Since he requested it, we¡¯ll go and kill him together!¡± More than three hundred people surged towards the arena and were prepared to fight.


    ¡°Stop!¡± A thunderous roar echoed, causing the three hundred people to stagger and fall from the arena. Looking deeply at Liu Wuxie, Elder Tian Xing said, ¡°Liu Wuxie, you killed a fellow disciple. If there¡¯s no reasonable exnation, you will be dealt with ording to the sect¡¯s rules.¡±


    He had never seen an outer disciple so calm, even after killing someone in front of him. But since Liu Wuxie dared to kill Deng Chong, he must¡¯ve thought of a reason, and Elder Tian Xing was curious to see what was so special about Liu Wuxie that the youngdy was filled with praise for him.


    ¡°Elder Tian Xing, can I ask what Deng Chong said before he died?¡± Liu Wuxie asked Elder Tian Xing in return. Since thetter was in the Nascent Transformation Realm, he could naturally recall what everyone said, including Deng Chong¡¯s words before his death.


    Elder Tian Xing frowned and recalled Deng Chong¡¯s words, and a hint of anger soon appeared on his face.


    Aside from Elder Tian Xing, the higher-ups, deacons, and disciples also began to recall Deng Chong¡¯sst words. Many clever people were among the crowd and had already guessed something from those words.


    ¡°This matter wille to an end here. Everyone go back and resume thepetition!¡± Elder Tian Xing announced, not nning to hold Liu Wuxie ountable for Deng Chong¡¯s death.


    However, the three hundred people refused to leave. A disciple at the pinnacle of the True Core Realm, showing no fear of Elder Tian Xing, taunted, "Elder Tian Xing, are you being biased? You''re an elder of the Law-Enforcement Hall!"


    "That''s right. Elder Tian Xing, are you nning to cover for this brat?" The crowd directed their usations at Elder Tian Xing.


    "What a bunch of fools. You should be the ones expelled! Keeping you around is a waste of food and spiritual energy for the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion!" Elder Tian Xing had already pieced everything together and decided to let Liu Wuxie go.


    "That''s right. Elder Tian Xing, are you nning to cover for this brat?" The crowd directed their usations at Elder Tian Xing.


    "What a bunch of fools. You should be the ones expelled! Keeping you around is a waste of food and spiritual energy for the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion!" Elder Tian Xing had already pieced everything together and decided to let Liu Wuxie go.


    "Liu Wuxie, since you called us garbage, you''d better exin yourself. Otherwise, don''t me us for not being polite!" A Heavenly Dipper Realm disciple stepped forward from the crowd, ring at Liu Wuxie with a vicious look.


    ¡°Senior Brother Liu Guidong is right. If you don¡¯t give us an exnation today, we¡¯ll kill you even if it gets us expelled.¡± Hundreds of people echoed along with Liu Guidong, demanding an exnation from Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Who do you think you are? Why should I exin just because you demand it?¡± Liu Wuxie maintained a firm stance, making many people look at him in a new light. After all, most people knew little about him and had only heard of him through word of mouth. But they had officially met him today.


    Liu Wuxie might be domineering, but he was undeniably courageous. Liu Guidong was seething with anger at Liu Wuxie''s words.


    ¡°Y-Y-You!¡± Liu Guidong was so angry that he couldn¡¯t speak. As an expert in the Heavenly Dipper Realm, there was no way he could take it lying down after being called garbage.


    ¡°I¡¯ve given you all a chance. Come at me now, or I¡¯ll be leaving!¡± Liu Wuxie said with a mocking smile. He didn¡¯t take the three hundred people seriously at all. Even if they dared to attack him, he believed Elder Tian Xing would stop them.


    The three hundred people gnashed their teeth in fury. They had never encountered someone like Liu Wuxie, impervious to threats and coercion, calmly epting their provocations and insults.


    ¡°Let me exin!¡± The deacon stepped forward to exin why Liu Wuxie had killed Deng Chong.


    Everyone turned to look at the deacon. Elder Tian Xing naturally wouldn¡¯t bother exining something as trivial as this, so the deacon took the initiative after seeing the elder¡¯s grim expression.

 Chapter 380 - Do I Know You?

    <h4>Chapter 380 - Do I Know You?</h4>


    Over three hundred people turned to look at the deacon.


    "This matter is straightforward. Deng Chong colluded with the Hou n and intended to kill a disciple of our Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. The Hou n has no rights to interfere with the internal affairs of the sect, but a small Hou n dares to extend their reach into the sect," the deacon went straight into the topic without any unnecessary words.


    Everyone began to recall what Deng Chong had said. He had mentioned that Hou Yue had sent him and promised him a reward of 500,000 spirit stones for killing Liu Wuxie, which was a significant amount of resources.


    Many people nodded in acknowledgment, finally understanding why Liu Wuxie had dared to kill Deng Chong publicly. Despite the intense internal conflicts, this was a matter within the sect, and a second-rate n had no right to interfere.


    Thus, the Hou n had vited the sect''s bottom line by offering a bounty for the head of an outer disciple. This was equivalent to insulting the sect.


    Everyone finally realized what was going on. Regardless of whatever Liu Wuxie did in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, it was up to the sect to deal with him, and the Hou n had no right to interfere.


    The three hundred people fell silent and were regretful of their actions. They were only focused on killing Liu Wuxie and had disregarded Deng Chong''sst words¡ªa small sentence containing many secrets.


    Among the tens of thousands present, many failed to understand the situation. Those who were confused lowered their heads, knowing they had no right to mock Liu Wuxie.


    Elder Tian Xing had already pieced together the truth, so he chose not to punish Liu Wuxie. He realized that if they killed Liu Wuxie, they would be ying into the Hou n''s hands. This was the primary source of Elder Tian Xing''s anger.


    The Hou n''s action infuriated the higher-ups of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. This was an ingenious n because the Hou n wouldn''t suffer a loss regardless of whether Deng Chong could kill Liu Wuxie.


    It was best if Deng Chong could kill Liu Wuxie, but it didn''t matter even if he failed because they wouldn¡¯t lose anything. If Deng Chong were killed by Liu Wuxie, the sect''s higher-ups would be forced to punish Liu Wuxie.


    Another disciple could have fallen for Hou n''s trap, so Liu Wuxie made Deng Chong admit who sent him to kill him.


    Many people took a deep breath, realizing that many things were hidden in the outer sect''spetition.


    "Everyone,e back!" The Terrain Summit Peak''s peak master roared because these people had embarrassed themselves.


    Many people lowered their heads and left. A hint of guilt appeared on many of their faces as they realized they had unwittingly be aplices of the Hou n. But there were still a few who cast vicious gazes at Liu Wuxie.


    Thepetition continued, but the battles in the other arenas had already ended.


    Liu Wuxie returned to the Heavenly Trigram Peak''s area, and many disciples in the surroundings began to look at him differently.


    By the time ten rounds werepleted, it was already afternoon, and more than three thousand people had been eliminated, significantly reducing the number of participants in thepetition.


    The few disciples in the seventh level of the True Core Realm, who had participated in thepetition, were eliminated, and those who remained were at least in the eighth level.


    As dusk fell, thepetition concluded, promoting five thousand participants to the next segment. They spent the night in their designated regions before resuming thepetition the following day, which would continue until a champion emerged.


    After returning to Liu Wuxie¡¯s courtyard, Jian Xing''er had tears streaming down her face.


    "What''s wrong?" Liu Wuxie was puzzled. When he left the martial field, Jian Xing''er had already returned to the courtyard, and he couldn''t find her.


    "Do you have any idea how terrified your actions made me?" Jian Xing''er stood beside Liu Wuxie, her anger evident as tears streamed down her cheeks. She turned away from him and sank to the ground.


    Liu Wuxie felt a lingering fear as he recalled the morning''s events. If Elder Tian Xing had acted against him under pressure, he would have had no chance to resist. However, letting Deng Chong go was not an option either.


    Thus, Liu Wuxie had to take a risk. Ever since he had met Elder Tian Xing, he had realized that thetter wasn¡¯t a pushover, which was why he had dared to kill Deng Chong.


    He had provoked many people by calling them retard, and he would¡¯ve lost his life if there were a mistake. Anyone in his position would¡¯ve been scared stiff.


    However, Liu Wuxie had maintained hisposure till the end, facing over three hundred people.


    "Thanks for your concern, and I will be more careful in the future!" Liu Wuxie chuckled. He knew Jian Xing''er was worried for his safety.


    "You must promise me not to be so reckless in the future!" Jian Xing''er turned around with her eyes red. She had returned an hour earlier than Liu Wuxie and seemed to have been crying for a long time.


    Despite their numerous encounters with danger in the Abyssal Underground World, Jian Xing''er had never been as worried as she was now. That morning, she genuinely feared something might happen to Liu Wuxie.


    "Alright, I''ll promise you!" Liu Wuxie scratched his head. He waspletely inexperienced when it came to rtionships. He had also been the only single one among the ten Immortal Emperors.


    Apart from Xu Lingxue, Mu Yueying was his only close female friend. He wanted to refuse, but he feared hurting Jian Xing''er''s feelings. After all, she hadn''t expressed her feelings for him.


    "Don''t get the wrong idea. I only consider you as my younger brother, and I would be heartbroken as your sister if you died." Jian Xing''er smiled upon hearing Liu Wuxie''s promise.


    In the afternoon, people discussed Liu Wuxie''s actions, as it was a spectacr scene to see one person take on three hundred people.


    Even though he could have failed, his action would¡¯ve still be a legendary tale passed down through generations.


    After resting for the night, Jian Xing''er summoned Liu Wuxie at dawn because the day''spetition promised to be more intense. From then on, the battles would continue without respite.


    When Liu Wuxie emerged from his courtyard, he took his time and surveyed his surroundings.


    "I''m afraid I won''t being back again after this departure!"


    Although it hadn''t lived in this ce for a long time, he had developed some attachment to it. The two left the courtyard and closed the gate before heading straight for the martial field.


    The martial field was already bustling with people even before their arrival. Strictly speaking, the truepetition would officiallymence that day.


    The preceding two days had been dedicated to eliminating lower-level disciples, and those who advanced to the third day had the opportunity to reach the top hundred.


    When Liu Wuxie arrived and stepped into the Heavenly Trigram Peak''s area, a few youths walked in his direction.


    "What do you all want?" Liu Wuxie frowned. Having joined the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion only a few months ago, he had no close rtionships with Heavenly Trigram Peak''s disciples, nor did he know anyone among them.


    "Senior Brother Shao Wendong is looking for you. Come with us!" One man stepped forward, his eyes betraying a hint of fear. Everyone''s attitude toward Liu Wuxie had shifted after his confrontation with Deng Chong.


    In the cultivation world, the strong were respected, and the weak were often bullied.


    "Not interested." Liu Wuxie shook his head decisively. Bai Lin had already warned him about Wen Shaodong''s character, including his involvement in Weng Li''s capture as leverage against him¡ªa matter thoroughly investigated by Bai Lin and Tang Tian.


    Together with Wen Haoran and Duan Hong, Wen Shaodong had monopolized the ck cultivation chamber for years.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, how dare you refuse Senior Brother Shao Wendong''s invitation?!" The youth was furious. Shao Wendong had consistently ranked first among Heavenly Trigram Peak''s outer disciples, and even within the inner sect, his strength was formidable, earning him a mid-tier ranking.


    "If he wants to see me, let hime here himself," Liu Wuxie said, no longer bothered by the group. If Shao Wendong wanted to find him, he shoulde himself. Sending others to look for him only showed his sense of superiority.


    Others would''ve hurried over if they heard Shao Wendong was looking for them. Although Liu Wuxie had resolved Weng Li''s trouble and killed Su Ji, he hadn''tpletely let out the anger in his heart.


    "Liu Wuxie, just you wait! Do you know the consequences of rejecting Senior Brother Shao Wendong?!" The three youths who came over were furious and left, seething. But they didn''t dare to do anything to Liu Wuxie.


    Even someone as skilled as Deng Chong was killed by Liu Wuxie, and they would only court humiliation if they acted against thetter.


    Shao Wendong stood like a star, surrounded by many disciples from the Heavenly Trigram Peak, ttering him.


    "Senior brother, congrattions in advance on bing the champion and cultivating in the Celestial Spirit Cave. Please remember us outer disciples in the future!" Shao Wendong was the clear favorite to win, boasting an eighty percent chance of iming the championship.


    The next in line was Chen Lin from Earth Force Peak, who also had a higher chance. The other peaks also had contenders for the championship but were rather palepared to the two.


    Shao Wendong smiled faintly, unaffected by the ttery, and maintained hisposure.


    Several disciples stood at a distance, unwilling to mingle with the crowd. They were akin to Liu Wuxie, who kept his distance from Shao Wendong.


    The three youths who had been rebuffed by Liu Wuxie returned, seething with anger.


    "Senior Brother Shao, Liu Wuxie refused toe and even said if you want to see him, you should go over yourself." They exaggerated Liu Wuxie''s attitude, making him seem arrogant and disrespectful towards Shao Wendong.


    "Who does he think he is? Just because he killed Deng Chong, does he think he can disrespect Senior Brother Shao however he likes? Looks like we''ll have to teach him a lesson!" Those gathered around Shao Wendong seethed with anger, determined to impart a lesson to Liu Wuxie.


    "It''s fine. I''ll go over myself!" Shao Wendong had no anger and walked through the crowd toward Liu Wuxie with a group of people following behind him.


    This puzzled many people, and half of Heavenly Trigram Peak''s disciples followed behind, wanting to see what was happening.


    Liu Wuxie watched the approaching crowd with a cold glint in his eyes.


    "Junior Brother Liu, is there a misunderstanding between us?" Shao Wendong had no air around him when he came. He cupped his fists at Liu Wuxie politely as if greeting a fellow disciple, showing no hostility.


    This move confused many people, and they wondered if Shao Wendong was afraid of Liu Wuxie.


    "Do I know you?" Liu Wuxie replied, leaving everyone stunned, including Shao Wendong.


    In everyone''s eyes, Shao Wendong should be known throughout the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion as the strongest outer disciple of the Heavenly Trigram Peak. After all, even inner disciples knew of Shao Wendong, thus indicating his status.


    However, Liu Wuxie''s response was like a resounding p to Shao Wendong''s face. Those present could easily grasp its significance, even though Liu Wuxie himself was unfamiliar with Shao Wendong.


    This was what Liu Wuxie wanted to convey, suggesting that Shao Wendong was overthinking things.

 Chapter 381 - Take Care

    <h4>Chapter 381 - Take Care</h4>


    Liu Wuxie was well aware of who Shao Wendong was, but his words were intended to provoke him. Everyone present understood that Liu Wuxie was deliberately trying to embarrass Shao Wendong.


    ¡°Since my junior brother doesn¡¯t know me, let me introduce myself. My name is Shao Wendong, a disciple of the Heavenly Trigream Peak. Let¡¯s be friends.¡± Shao Wendong had a deep scheming nature and wasn¡¯t angry. Instead, he extended his hand with a smile.


    Shao Wendong effortlessly defused the crisis caused by Liu Wuxie, making Liu Wuxie realize Shao Wendong was a formidable opponent. Liu Wuxie had intentionally spoken those words to provoke Shao Wendong as part of his n to seek revenge for what had happened to Weng Li.


    ¡°Senior Brother Shao has many friends, and I¡¯m just a new disciple. I¡¯m unworthy of befriending you.¡± Liu Wuxie continued to provoke Shao Wendong, wanting to see what thetter was trying to do. He didn¡¯t show malice or ttery and only mocked subtly with his words.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, don¡¯t push it! Senior Brother Shao has already lowered himself by showing you respect!¡± Those behind Shao Wendong couldn''t contain their anger and pointed furiously at Liu Wuxie.


    "Oh? Should I be overwhelmed with honor, then?" Liu Wuxie feigned fear, a hint of mockery ying on his lips. He continued, "I apologize if I''ve offended Senior Brother Shao in any way."


    Liu Wuxie cupped his fists together after saying that and ignored them.


    ¡°Junior Brother Liu, I believe there must have been some misunderstanding. I apologize if I have done anything in the past to offend you. I hope you don¡¯t take it to heart, and we can be friends in the future,¡± Shao Wendong said with a smile, fully aware of Liu Wuxie¡¯s mockery.


    Those behind Shao Wendong wanted to intervene, but he stopped them.


    ¡°Since Senior Brother Shao is here to find me, something must be important. We¡¯re all smart people, so let¡¯s not beat around the bush,¡± Liu Wuxie said, not wanting to y any more games with Shao Wendong.


    ¡°My intention is simple. Since we¡¯re all Heavenly Trigram Pavilion¡¯s disciples, I hope junior brother can help me fend off the disciples from the other peaks and help me win the championship. I will reward you generously if you do so,¡± Shao Wendong stated his intention, hoping Liu Wuxie could help him deal with the other disciples and secure the championship.


    Aside from the Heavenly Trigram Peak, the other peaks also made simr arrangements, recruiting disciples to help them fend off potential opponents. Even if those disciples couldn¡¯t defeat their opponents, they could at least exhaust their opponents¡¯ true essence.


    There wouldn¡¯t be a break for thepetition that day, and consumption of true essence would be harsh.


    "In other words, if I were to aim for the championship, would Senior Brother Shao assist me in fending off the others? I would generously reward you as well," Liu Wuxie smiled, throwing the same question back.


    No one expected this response from Liu Wuxie; they thought he would reject Shao Wendong outright.


    ¡°Hahaha!¡± A burst ofughter came from the surroundings. They were under the impression that Liu Wuxie had gone insane.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, you must be out of your mind. Do you want to aim for the championship with your skills? I¡¯ll kneel and kowtow to you if you can even get into the top hundred!¡± Everyone had disdain on their faces.


    ¡°Such blind confidence. I¡¯ve never seen someone unaware of their limits like him.¡± Mockery came from the surroundings, but Liu Wuxie had already anticipated this reaction.


    Liu Wuxie knew Shao Wendong wanted to kill him, so he tried using his identity to force Liu Wuxie to help him eliminate the potential enemies and clear a path for him.


    No one took Liu Wuxie seriously because there were no records of a new disciple winning thepetition. The best result was reaching the top hundred, not even the top ten.


    Shao Wendong¡¯s face gradually became grim, displeased by Liu Wuxie¡¯s attitude. He was ranked first among outer disciples, and everyone respected him.


    But Liu Wuxie¡¯s words were like a resounding p to Shao Wendong¡¯s face, making him feel insulted.


    ¡°I understand your meaning. I hope you can take care of yourself!¡± Shao Wendong left with the crowd. Before leaving, over a hundred people looked at Liu Wuxie with malice and mockery.


    Suddenly, Liu Wuxie realized no one was in the surroundings, and he waspletely isted. He could see the Heavenly Trigram Peak divided into two, with Liu Wuxie alone in one corner and the rest in another.


    But this suited Liu Wuxie better because he could enjoy the peace.


    When the ten elders arrived, they sat on the stage, and the martial field quieted down. The remaining five thousand participants radiated with strong fighting spirits.


    ording to this segment, half of the people would leave during each round, and everyone had to fight ten-odd battles. The lottery box was moved to the Heavenly Trigram Peak, and Liu Wuxie was the first to draw the lot.


    ¡°Number 99!¡± Liu Wuxie was chosen to take the arena again. He performed the Nine Heavenly Crane Dance and appeared on Arena 99 like a celestial crane. His elegant movement naturally drew countless people¡¯s apuse, impressed by his technique.


    ¡°What a brilliant movement technique!¡± Many from the Mortal Plume Peak apuded. After the previous day''s events, no one was a stranger to Liu Wuxie, and his poprity even showed signs of overshadowing Shao Wendong.


    ¡°Hmph, only his movement technique is impressive. The uing battle won¡¯t be between cultivation but whose true essence canst longer.¡± Cold snorts came from Earth Force Peak because they were embarrassed by yesterday¡¯s events.


    If they were favored by luck, they would face someone much weaker than them, allowing them to conserve their true essence. But if they were unlucky, they would deplete their true essence significantly.


    This meant their next match would be disadvantageous, and they would have a low chance of winning even if they encountered an opponent at the same level. After all, luck was also a factor in cultivation.


    When Liu Wuxiended in the arena, his opponent also arrived.


    ¡°Greetings, Senior Brother Liu!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s opponent was a woman who greeted him upon arrival. Judging from her purple robe, she was a disciple of the Mortal Plume Peak.


    ¡°Likewise!¡± Liu Wuxie returned the greeting. Since the other party showed respect, he would naturally reciprocate.


    ¡°I know I¡¯m no match for you, and I admit defeat to save your true essence,¡± the woman said, leaving the arena after cupping her fists. Her strength was only in the ninth level of the True Core Realm,parable to Deng Chong. Even Deng Chong was killed by Liu Wuxie with one strike, and she would only court humiliation by fighting him.


    Thus, it was better for her to concede and form a good rtionship with Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Thank you!¡± Liu Wuxie said politely and stepped off the arena, returning to his spot.


    "He''s lucky his opponent conceded." Many people were disgruntled, viewing Liu Wuxie as excessively fortunate. Some spected that the disciple from Mortal Plume Peak intentionally conceded to allow Liu Wuxie to conserve his true essence, suggesting a possible familiarity between them.


    Simr situations urred in many arenas when the gap in strength between two people was too broad. But the battles were mostly ferocious in other arenas because no one wanted to give up.


    Liu Wuxie sat alone in a corner and quietly cultivated. As the Deste Devouring Art would cause a greatmotion, Liu Wuxie could only practice the Primordial Astral Fist.


    Faint astral energy poured into Liu Wuxie¡¯s body from the distant sky, increasing the power of the Primordial Astral Fist. It had been long since Liu Wuxiest used it, and he wondered how powerful it had be. He wondered if it could kill someone in the fifth level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm in one strike.


    Time flew by, and four hours passed in the blink of an eye with over a thousand people eliminated. Many were injured, some crippled, and some were eliminated in a mutual defeat.


    ¡°Look, it¡¯s the Earth Force Peak¡¯s Chen Lin!¡± The martial field suddenly erupted with cheers, and countless disciples roared.


    Liu Wuxie opened his eyes and gazed towards Arena 9. Chen Lin, alongside Shao Wendong, was a favorite for the championship, and Liu Wuxie was curious to discover what set this person apart.


    Chen Lin was a woman with a slightly plump figure and short hair. She even had a few moles on her face. She looked unremarkable from her appearance, but Liu Wuxie could see a faint earth-yellow barrier around her with Ghost Eye after his divine sense couldn¡¯t reach her.


    ¡°Interesting...she grasped the earth element!¡± Liu Wuxie was amazed. Most womenprehended water elements, with fewprehending earth elements. But if theyprehended earth elements, their fighting power would surpass men.


    Chen Lin exerted force with her right foot, causing cracks to spread out on the ground. This instantly scared her opponent into surrendering.


    The crowd was somewhat disappointed because they were looking forward to seeing Chen Lin fight, but her opponent turned out to be a coward.


    Liu Wuxie retracted his gaze and continued cultivating. The Ghost Eye might not have seen through Chen Lin¡¯s secrets, but he already had a rough understanding.


    Whenever there was a popr candidate in the arena, it would draw cheers from the surroundings.


    When Shao Wendong took the arena, an uproar emerged in the martial field.


    Six hourster, only 2,400 people had advanced to the next round. Fifty disciples had perished, thirty were injured, and twenty had lost limbs.


    There was no time to rest as the lottery continued for the next round. After each round, the arenas were dyed in blood, and the martial field gave off a faint blood stench.


    The Heavenly Trigram Peak¡¯s area became sparse, with one-third of the people eliminated. This time, Liu Wuxie was still the first to draw a number.


    ¡°Number 88!¡± Liu Wuxie put his number te away and waited for the lottery to end. Roughly fifteen minutester, people began to take the stage.


    Liu Wuxie used the Seven Dipper Steps this time and vanished before reappearing on Arena 88. His opponent arrived a momentter, and Liu Wuxie stood firm with a blue figure that appeared five steps away from him.


    His opponent was a disciple of Profound Inscription Peak. He wasn¡¯t unfamiliar with this person either because he was among the three hundred people yesterday, mocking him and trying to have Elder Tian Xing punish him.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, you will die today!¡± The youth slowly drew his sword and pointed it at Liu Wuxie.


    In the morning, the Profound Inscription Peak had decided to eliminate Liu Wuxie at any cost, while also obstructing disciples from other peaks to bolster Wen Haoran''s chances at the championship.


    Even if the Profound Inscription Peak couldn¡¯t get the championship, they had to get second ce at least.

 Chapter 382 - Seven Sword Art

    <h4>Chapter 382 - Seven Sword Art</h4>


    A wave of murderous intent swept towards Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Senior Brother Ju Lin, kill him and avenge us!¡± The Profound Inscription Peak¡¯s disciples stood up collectively and yelled, regardless of whether they were eliminated from thepetition.


    The youth standing before Liu Wuxie was called Ju Lin, with cultivation in the pinnacle True Core Realm. But Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t know where this person got the confidence to say such arrogant words.


    Liu Wuxie had recently set an example by killing Deng Chong in a single move. Ju Lin''s strength was, at best,parable to Deng Chong''s.


    "Elder Tian Xing, can we sign a life-and-death waiver?" Liu Wuxie asked. In thest round, over fifty people had died, many from mutual destruction rather than intentional killing. Liu Wuxie posed this question with the intention of killing Ju Lin.


    ¡°It¡¯s allowed as long as both parties agree to it!¡± Elder Tian Xing replied coldly. It was evident he didn¡¯t like the current atmosphere in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    Internal strife in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion was too serious, and unity was the key to determining whether a sect was powerful.


    ¡°You and I, only one of us can walk away alive!¡± Liu Wuxie dered.


    Ju Lin showed a hint of hesitation because he had made a bold statement earlier but nned to exhaust Liu Wuxie¡¯s true essence.


    ¡°Are you afraid?¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s lips curled into a sneer. ¡°If you¡¯re afraid, kneel and kowtow three times, then get lost from here and never show yourself in front of me again.


    His boundless murderous intent formed into an abyssal god behind him, releasing an overwhelming abyssal intent. With an abyssal realm in his dantian, Liu Wuxie was like an abyssal emperor at this moment.


    This scene naturally shocked countless people, who couldn¡¯tprehend how Liu Wuxie¡¯s body contained such abyssal energy.


    ¡°He¡¯s a devil! Senior Brother Ju Lin, kill him!¡± The Profound Inscription Peak¡¯s disciples weren¡¯t afraid of causing trouble and urged Ju Lin to act without hesitation.


    In the worst scenario, Liu Wuxie would perish together with Ju Lin.


    Elder Tian Xing narrowed his eyes, and the nine elders sat together with shock in their eyes.


    ¡°This is weird. He¡¯s not a devil, so how can he exude such powerful abyssal intent?¡± An elite elder was puzzled. After all, if Liu Wuxie were a devil, they would destroy Liu Wuxie themselves without needing anyone to take action.


    But the fact wasn¡¯t as they thought because Liu Wuxie was still human. The abyssal god behind him was just a manifestation of his will.


    "Outstanding! He must have ventured into the Abyssal Underground World. His future achievements are limitless, judging by his ability to simte abyssalws!" a true elder eximed, his eyes gleaming with excitement. He looked as if he wanted to capture Liu Wuxie and study him immediately.


    Ju Lin was ced in a dilemma and suppressed by Liu Wuxie¡¯s aura. If he didn¡¯t take action, he would have to kneel and kowtow to Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, I¡¯ll fight you to the death!¡± Ju Lin fell into a frenzy and lost his sanity, possibly influenced by abyssal energy.


    Liu Wuxie suddenly smiled because releasing abyssal energy was to influence Ju Lin into making an irrational decision. This was because Liu Wuxie would never show mercy to anyone who wanted to kill him.


    Ju Lin created a powerful curtain of sword aura with his sword, tearing through the abyssal energy, and appeared before Liu Wuxie. But Liu Wuxie merely dodged the sword with a slight shift of his body.


    Like a cat toying around with a mouse, Ju Lin¡¯s attacks couldn¡¯t even brush the corner of Liu Wuxie¡¯s clothes, making him frustrated.


    The surroundings fell into a deep silence, with everyone watching the changes on the battlefield quietly. Ju Lin had lost his rationale and charged around the arena like a blind bat. This scene naturally made the Profound Inscription Peak¡¯s disciples grit their teeth in hatred.


    ¡°Trash like you dares to challenge me?¡± Liu Wuxie suddenly vanished and appeared behind Ju Lin, kicking out.


    Ju Lin flew high into the sky before falling off the arena and hitting the ground. His face was twisted with his internal organs all ruptured, and he was killed with a single kick.


    In front of everyone, Liu Wuxie had killed another cultivator in the pinnacle True Core Realm once more. This meant Liu Wuxie had killed two people in thepetition.


    Everyone in the surroundings took a deep breath and couldn¡¯t believe Liu Wuxie was so ruthless.


    After killing Ju Lin, Liu Wuxie walked off the arena and sessfully advanced to the top 1,200. As battles were ongoing in the other arenas, Liu Wuxie returned to his spot in the Heavenly Trigram Peak¡¯s region.


    Most disciples were still fighting in the arenas, and only a dozen people were waiting their turn.


    A gaze suddenly swept through Liu Wuxie, which he sensed even if it was a hundred meters away. The Heavenly Trigram Peak¡¯s peak master walked towards Liu Wuxie, covering a hundred meters in the blink of an eye.


    ¡°Greetings, peak master!¡± Liu Wuxie bowed, but there wasn¡¯t much respect in his words. After all, the peak master must¡¯ve known when Shao Wendong had threatened him, but he hadn¡¯t stepped in to stop him.


    This was probably because the peak master anticipated Shao Wendong to win the championship. At the same time, Liu Wuxie was just a slightlyrger grasshopper who would eventually die in thepetition.


    However, the peak master¡¯s attitude changed after Liu Wuxie killed Deng Chong and Ju Lin.


    ¡°No need for the formalities!¡± The peak master waved his hand, indicating Liu Wuxie was not to be restrained.


    From the sect¡¯s records, he already knew the names of the six peak masters. The real name of the Heavenly Trigram Peak¡¯s peak master was Song Yuanqiu, a cultivator who had reached the pinnacle of the Nascent Transformation Realm.


    ¡°What business does the peak master have with me?¡± Liu Wuxie asked tentatively.


    ¡°Nothing much. I¡¯m just here for a casual chat,¡± Song Yuanqiu said without pretense. He wasn¡¯t a stranger to Liu Wuxie because he was present when Liu Wuxie had trapped over a hundred disciples with his spiritual array.


    ¡°What does the peak master wish to discuss then?¡± Liu Wuxie collected himself and looked Song Yuanqiu in the eyes without fear.


    Most people were drawn to the battles in the arenas and paid no attention to Liu Wuxie¡¯s side.


    ¡°How confident are you in winning the championship?¡±


    Liu Wuxie was stunned because he hadn¡¯t expected Song Yuanqiu to ask this question. He replied, ¡°Seventy percent!¡±


    He would naturally give his all to obtain the championship, and his strength would be revealed sooner orter. Thus, there was no need for him to hide it. But ording to his estimation, he had a seventy percent chance of winning if there were no idents. Then again, it was best for him not to be overconfident.


    ¡°Seventy percent is quite a lot. Go andpete for it confidently. I¡¯ll back you up if anything happens!¡± Song Yuanqiu signaled that he would take responsibility for whatever happened in the uing battles and that Liu Wuxie could act freely.


    Most of Heavenly Trigram Peak¡¯s resources were concentrated on Shao Wendong, and Song Yuanqiu¡¯s intentions puzzled Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Liu Wuxie voiced his doubt.


    "You''ll understand in due time. Just do what you want; there''s no need to worry about Shao Wendong. If a conflict arises between you two, I guarantee I''ll stay neutral and won''t favor either side." Song Yuanqiu''s words provided the greatest assurance to Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Thank you, peak master!¡± Liu Wuxie seemed to understand a little and was grateful for his words.


    Peak masters seldom paid attention to outer disciples, preferring to focus on elite and true disciples. His saying such words to Liu Wuxie demonstrated his high regard for him.


    More disciples gradually returned to the Heavenly Trigram Peak¡¯s area, and Song Yuanqiu ended his conversation with Liu Wuxie, returning to his ce.


    Liu Wuxie sat with his legs crossed, pondering about Song Yuanqiu¡¯s words.


    Logically speaking, it made no sense for him to receive the peak master¡¯s attention as a new disciple. On the contrary, Shao Wendong was an old disciple with powerful strength. He had participated in two rounds of the outer sect¡¯spetition and was famous.


    Thus, there was no way Liu Wuxie couldpare to Shao Wendong in terms of strength or reputation. But Song Yuanqiu¡¯s words showed he didn¡¯t favor Shao Wendong.


    Liu Wuxie shook his head and tossed it aside before cultivating the Primordial Astral Fist. Different perspectives lead to other views. From a peak master¡¯s position, he was naturally more concerned about the bigger picture rather than personal gains.


    The round concluded with 1,100 people advancing to the next stage, but casualties had increased. In this round, twenty people died, fifty were severely injured, and twenty escaped with minor injuries. Somepetitors, despite winning, lost limbs and couldn''t continue to the next round, forcing them to withdraw from thepetition with resentment.


    As the battles progressed, the fight became increasingly brutal. More than one-third of the participants were injured, but they didn¡¯t even have time to bandage their wounds because they had to rest to restore their true essence.


    After a brief rest, the lottery continued for the remaining 1,100 people topete. Out of twenty thousand participants, only slightly over a thousand people were left, and they were all elites among outer disciples.


    The lottery process was even faster this time and was done in less than fifteen minutes.


    ncing at the bamboo slip in his hand, a faint smile rose on Liu Wuxie¡¯s lips. This was because he got number 77 again and seemed to have a special fate with this number.


    With a sh, Liu Wuxiended on Arena 77, and a white figure followed shortly after him. Upon seeing this person, a smile rose on Liu Wuxie¡¯s lips.


    "Greetings, Junior Brother Liu!" Yun Lan smiled wryly, not expecting to face Liu Wuxie in this round.


    "Greetings, Senior Brother Yun!" Liu Wuxie responded politely. Yun Lan, along with Fan Xi, had supported him when he faced Su Ji and Deacon Kou, helping him secure his first fortune in the cultivation world.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect Junior Brother Liu to have grown so much in just over two months, and I must admit I¡¯m envious of you. I initially wanted to give up, but I¡¯m unwilling to lose like that. I mastered a sword technique three days ago and haven¡¯t had a chance to use it. Today, I wish to take this opportunity to seek guidance from Junior Brother Liu.¡± Yun Lan was courteous with his tone and admitted he couldn¡¯t beat Liu Wuxie.


    He wanted to use this opportunity to temper his sword technique further and seek the imperfection in his technique.


    ¡°You¡¯re ttering me if you put it that way. Let¡¯s have a friendly spar!¡± Liu Wuxie gave an inviting gesture. He was also curious about the sword technique Yun Lan had mastered.


    ¡°Junior brother, you have to be careful. The powerful aspect of my sword technique is the ability to manifest seven sword auras simultaneously.¡± Yun Lan revealed his sword technique openly to Liu Wuxie, which earned thetter¡¯s respect.


    ¡°Manifest seven sword auras simultaneously? Could it be that Senior Brother Yun Lan has mastered the Seven Sword Art?¡± Liu Wuxie recalled reading about this formidable technique in a book. This was a powerful technique recorded in the Scripture Collection Hall.

 Chapter 383 - Yun Lan鈥檚 Enlightenment

    <h4>Chapter 383 - Yun Lan¡¯s Enlightenment</h4>


    Liu Wuxie was inwardly shocked because only inner disciples could learn the Seven Sword Art, and he wondered how Yun Lan had obtained it.


    "That''s right. It''s indeed the Seven Sword Art. Junior brother, you''re truly knowledgeable." Yun Lan''s sword shed, drawing a flower with his sword in mid-air.


    "What? He practices the Seven Sword Art and can manifest seven sword auras?" Exmations came from the surroundings. This was because even inner disciples couldn''t manifest seven sword auras, but Yun Lan had achieved it.


    The seven sword auras were extraordinary, each radiating a different color: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. Whenbined, their power became terrifying.


    Most people could only achieve five sword auras at best, which was already impressive. So, how did Yun Lan manage to achieve seven?


    "That''s impossible! He''s only an outer disciple, so how can he manifest seven sword auras? In the sect''s history, only one person has ever manifested seven sword auras, and that person was an elite disciple." Many people couldn''t believe it and thought Yun Lan was exaggerating.


    Even the elders and deacons looked skeptical.


    The Seven Sword Art was a profound sword technique that most gave up halfway through, and only a few persisted. For Yun Lan toprehend the essence of the Seven Sword Art at his age made many deacons look at him in a different light.


    "He must be boasting. How could an outer disciple possibly gain ess to the Seven Sword Art? He''s lying!" Someone spoke up to debunk Yun Lan''s im. After all, outer disciples weren''t qualified toe in contact with the Seven Sword Art.


    "You can also practice the Seven Sword Art if you have a true disciple as an elder brother," a cold voice echoed, silencing themotion.


    Liu Wuxie was shocked because he didn''t expect Yun Lan to have an elder brother who was a true disciple of the sect. That exined everything because true disciples had great authority and could bestow treasures to outer disciples.


    The disparity seemed too great¡ªYun Lan was merely an outer disciple, while his elder brother was a true disciple. However, only a few people knew that Yun Lan and his brother were more than twenty years apart in age.


    "Junior brother, you have to be careful now!" Yun Lan pointed his sword at the sky and released his sword aura, which manifested into seven sword auras.


    "Look, he managed to manifest seven sword auras!" The seven colors formed a powerful pressure above Liu Wuxie, pressing down.


    Liu Wuxie knew he couldn''t afford to be careless even if Yun Lan''s cultivation was only in the pinnacle True Core Realm. Hisbat power wasparable to the first level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    "Excellent swordsmanship!" Liu Wuxie couldn''t help but praise. This sword technique was the most formidable one he had seen thus far.


    "Junior brother, are you going to face my sword barehanded?" Yun Lan said, fearing his sword technique might put Liu Wuxie in danger.


    "Thank you for your reminder, Senior Brother Yun. I''ll use my weapon when necessary," Liu Wuxie replied. The Fatality de Art was immensely powerful, and he seldom resorted to using it.


    This was because the Fatality de Art was lethal upon activation, and Yun Lan was neither his enemy nor a viinous person. Liu Wuxie even owed him a favor, so using such a deadly technique against Yun Lan was out of the question.


    Yun Lan didn''t insist and swung his sword down. Seven figures appeared in the arena, all looking identical to Yun Lan. They held a long sword and attacked from seven directions without leaving space for Liu Wuxie to evade.


    A terrifying whirlwind resembling a seven-colored cage was formed, trapping Liu Wuxie within.


    "Liu Wuxie is in danger now. He''ll lose for sure! The Seven Sword Art is almost at the level of a heaven-grade martial technique!" The Profound Inscription Peak and Terrain Summit Peak spewed vicious words, hoping for Liu Wuxie''s death.


    "It''s a pity he is only in the True Core Realm. If he had reached the Heavenly Dipper Realm, he surely would¡¯ve been in the top ten," remarked many experts with sympathy on their faces.


    When the seven sword auras descended, there was no way Liu Wuxie could dodge this attack. Like a violent storm, the visibility in the arena was greatly hindered.


    Liu Wuxie didn''t use Ghost Eye because he wanted to use his strength to resolve this attack. However, each iing attack was wless, and it was no wonder Yun Lan wasn''t willing to give up like that unless his attack failed to defeat Liu Wuxie.


    In the blink of an eye, Liu Wuxie had thought of three ways to resolve this attack. None of the people present, including Elder Tian Xing, could surpass him inbat talent.


    "The sword auras are stable, and this move has reached the state of perfection." Even the deacons stood up with excitement in their eyes.


    "Liu Wuxie hasn''t used his weapon yet, and his chance of resolving this attack isn''t high." The voices of condemnation targeting Liu Wuxie disappeared, reced with discussions about the oue of this battle.


    Rumbling sounds came from the sky and enveloped the entire arena. The sword auras manifested into seven gigantic swords, which intertwined around the arena to form a cage. This was aplete sword array!


    If separated, it was a sword technique, but upon reaching great mastery, it could manifest into the Seven-Colored Sword Array with a sea of sword auras.


    Liu Wuxie was deep in this sea and would be devoured by the seven-colored sword aura at any moment. He was no longer visible and was deep within the spiritual array.


    "Senior Brother Yun, I''m going to break your move now!" Just when everyone thought Liu Wuxie was bound to lose, his voice came from the arena''s center. He wasn''t affected by the Seven-Colored Sword Array.


    When Liu Wuxie walked out from the Seven-Colored Sword Array, he wasn''t affected by any sword aura, shocking many people.


    "How did he walk out of the Seven-Colored Sword Array unscathed?" Even the outer deacons couldn''tprehend what was happening; they didn''t see how Liu Wuxie appeared outside the spiritual array.


    Regardless of spiritual arrays or martial techniques, only cultivators in the Heavenly Phase Realm could pose a threat to Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie threw an ordinary punch and didn''t use the Primordial Astral Fist. This was because the Primordial Astral Fist was too powerful, and he didn''t want to cause Yun Lan many injuries.


    Explosions rumbled, and countless cracks appeared on the Seven-Colored Sword Array, riddling it with holes.


    Yun Lan was shocked but didn''t dare to be careless and began changing his attack. He had alreadyprehended a hint of an even more powerful sword intent, which was purer than ordinary sword intent.


    The violent gale created by the punch swept through the arena, causing explosions and tearing apart the sword array. There was nothing fancy about Liu Wuxie''s attack, and it was just an ordinary punch.


    "I''ve lost! Junior brother, please spare me!" Yun Lan''s voice held a touch of despair. He hadn''t anticipated such a thorough defeat; the Seven-Colored Sword Array was capable of easily oveing opponents at his cultivation level, yet he couldn''t muster a decent defense against Liu Wuxie.


    When the force behind Liu Wuxie''s punch dissipated, the Seven-Colored Sword Array gradually shattered, revealing the two in the arena.


    "There''s something I don''t know if I should say!" Liu Wuxie retracted his fist and looked at Yun Lan. Since thetter had admitted defeat, he had sessfully advanced to the next round.


    "Junior brother, please speak!" Yun Lan sheathed his sword and looked at Liu Wuxie with anticipation. Through the battle, he understood that Liu Wuxie''sbat talent had surpassed him.


    "The sword focuses on the limit, but you''re too focused on the technique itself. In a nutshell, you''ve confined yourself within techniques. I advise you to abandon these techniques altogether, as formlessness represents the pinnacle of swordsmanship, not the variation of techniques."


    Liu Wuxie''s words confused everyone because the essence of sword techniques was the variation of moves to defeat opponents. So, how would they fight if they forgot the techniques?


    Only those with sharp minds fell silent while most disciples mocked.


    "Liu Wuxie, an outer disciple like you dares to guide someone? The sect''s ancestors created the Seven Sword Art, and the essence of this sword technique isn''t something someone as insignificant as you canprehend!" Mockeries echoed from the surroundings, and more people joined in.


    Yun Lan suddenly closed his eyes and contemted what Liu Wuxie said. This meant Yun Lan and Liu Wuxie remained in the arena even after deciding the oue.


    Suddenly, a violent aura swept out above Yun Lan, forming a colorful mist that lingered for a long time. Moreover, the fog grew increasingly dense, with sword auras radiating out without restraint.


    But when those sword auras got close to Liu Wuxie, they automatically retreated because Liu Wuxie brought out his de intent to contend with the sword intent.


    With that, a silent confrontation between the two began.


    "Look, Yun Lan has made a breakthrough and stepped into the Heavenly Dipper Realm!" Exmations came from the surroundings because Yun Lan seemed to have entered a profound state, simr to when Liu Wuxie made his breakthrough into the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    "He has attained enlightenment!" The higher-ups couldn''t remain seated when they saw this scene. After all, many people spent their whole lives and couldn''t even enter the state of enlightenment, but Yun Lan had achieved it. Could it be because of Liu Wuxie''s words?


    "What a powerful sword aura! Yun Lan''s swordsmanship seemed to have improved tenfold!" Many people were shocked as they watched the seven-colored sword aura around Yun Lan manifesting. It was on a new levelpared to when he previously fought Liu Wuxie.


    Yun Lan''s aura continued to rise and was infinitely close to the limit of the first-level Heavenly Dipper Realm, heading straight for the second level.


    This was the benefit of enlightenment, allowing one to make a breakthrough naturally without any resources. The surrounding spiritual energy gathered above the arena before entering Yun Lan¡¯s and Liu Wuxie''s bodies.


    Everyone had envy on their faces. Not only did Yun Lan make a breakthrough in his cultivation smoothly through Liu Wuxie''s guidance, but he alsoprehended an even more powerful version of the sword intent. This meant he was the biggest winner, even if he was eliminated.


    No one interrupted Yun Lan, and this processsted for ten minutes. Yun Lan slowly opened his eyes, and the surrounding sword aura gradually dimmed and entered his body.


    When Yun Lan opened his eyes, countless tiny sword auras appeared around him and shot out, producing whooshing sounds as they hit the spiritual array around the arena.


    A hint of sword aura shed in the depth of Yun Lan''s eyes as his expression returned to normal after waking up from enlightenment. He was utterly detached from the outside world and couldn''t perceive anything during his enlightenment. It felt as though time had stopped for him.


    Liu Wuxie was the closest to Yun Lan, and the faint aura he released during his breakthrough entered Liu Wuxie''s soul sea. Inspired by Yun Lan''s sword intent, Liu Wuxie''s de intent improved significantly.


    "Congrattions, Senior Brother Yun, for reaching the Heavenly Dipper Realm!" Liu Wuxie said in a teasing tone and a faint smile. He only gave Yun Lan a pointer because Yun Lan was too focused on the technique, trapping himself in a circle.

 Chapter 384 - Shi Chui

    <h4>Chapter 384 - Shi Chui</h4>


    Liu Wuxie cupped his fists to congratte Yun Lan.


    When Yun Lan¡¯s consciousness returned to his body, his face was grateful as he remembered what had just happened.


    He knew this enlightenment would influence him throughout his life. He said from the bottom of his heart, ¡°Junior Brother, I will always remember this favor, and words can''t express my gratitude. I''ve just made a breakthrough and need toprehend it. Let''s have a drink after thepetition.¡±


    Based on his original talent, bing an elite disciple was his limit, and he might¡¯ve been trapped in the Heavenly Dipper Realm till his death. But through the enlightenment, a new door had opened for him, allowing him to experience the broader world.


    ¡°Alright!¡± Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t pretentious because Yun Lan was worth befriending.


    Yun Lan departed for his residence to enter seclusion. Uponpleting his seclusion, he would advance to the rank of inner disciple.


    After Liu Wuxie returned to his area in the Heavenly Trigram Peak, everyone looked at him with mixed emotions. Even those who had previously mocked him now lowered their heads and avoided eye contact.


    They had ridiculed Liu Wuxie for attempting to guide Yun Lan, but Yun Lan''s enlightenment and breakthrough were a resounding p to their faces.


    Liu Wuxie sat alone like before, closing his eyes to meditate. This was because Yun Lan¡¯s breakthrough had inspired him, and he needed time to settle down.


    Elder Tian Xing gave Liu Wuxie a deep look before sighing. He regretted not taking Liu Wuxie as his disciple, realizing he had missed a significant opportunity. He could see that Liu Wuxie''s talent was far greater than it appeared.


    Thepetition resumed, involving over a thousand participants, and stretched into thete night before ending with five hundred people advancing to the next round.


    Although the number of casualties decreased this time, the number of injuries increased. Many participants gritted their teeth and endured severe injuries to defeat their opponents.


    "Rest for fifteen minutes before proceeding to the lottery!" Elder Tian Xing announced, giving everyone a break to recover from the exhausting night.


    Dozens of strange beads hovered above the martial field, emitting a faint radiance that illuminated the entire area. The white radiance wasfortable, although it wasn¡¯t as bright as the day.


    Those weren¡¯t ordinary beads but wereparable to Nascent Transformation Realm expert¡¯s origin artifacts. The light they released could envelop a few hundred miles of radius.


    The remaining participants did their best to recover their true essence, swallowing pills inrge quantities.


    Fifteen minutes passed quickly, and the fourth day finally arrived. The champion would be crowned tomorrow.


    The lottery box was set before the participants. Some were nervous, others excited, while a few maintained theirposure.


    Havinge this far, no one wanted to lose, and everyone strove to reach the top two hundred. Each participant drew their lot and then stepped aside.


    Fifteen minutes passed, and the deacons reconstructed the arenas. Three hundred arenas were merged into one hundred, and each arena was much bigger.


    ncing at his number te, Liu Wuxie wore a yful smile. He had drawn the number 66, continuing his streak of unusual, identical two-digit numbers. Moreover, he was consistently among the first batch to head to the arena.


    Liu Wuxie made his way to Arena 66, noting that it was significantlyrger than before. It took him half a minute to reach the stage.


    When Liu Wuxie stood in the arena, a mighty gale swept, lifting the dust off the ground. A burly figure appeared, and the arena shook when he descended.


    This person was a giantpared to Liu Wuxie, standing three meters tall. An ordinary person would barely reach his waist, and his legs were like two massive pirs rooted to the ground, giving him an intimidating presence.


    Liu Wuxie had to tilt his head back to see the face of the towering figure before him. The person resembled a solid wall with bulging muscles, gripping arge hammer in each hand. The fierce gale was caused by these hammers.


    ¡°It¡¯s Shi Chui the Tower!¡± eximed voices from the crowd, recognizing Liu Wuxie''s opponent as Shi Chui. It was rumored that Shi Chui was already over a meter tall at the age of three, and by the age of ten, his strength had surpassed that of adults.


    Upon reaching adulthood, Shi Chui exhibited extraordinary strength and could lift a thousand-pound elephant with one hand. Moreover, his strength had increased after joining the sect and undergoing systematic training, making him almost invincible among his peers.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie is in danger now. I heard Shi Chui killed someone in the Heavenly Dipper Realm with one strike recently.¡± An uproar broke out among the crowd after a brief silence. The students from Profound Inscription and Terrain Summit Peaks were particrly eager to witness Liu Wuxie''s demise onstage.


    ¡°Shi Chui, finish him!" Roars erupted from the disciples of Terrain Summit Peak, urging on their fellow disciple. Among the various peaks, there was a consensus that those without hopes of reaching the top ten should obstruct other contenders by any means necessary.


    Shi Chui served as Terrain Summit Peak''s frontline, clearing obstacles to pave the way for Dong Yan. Even if he couldn''t secure a kill, his formidable strength could deplete his opponent''s energy reserves significantly, giving Terrain Summit Peak an advantageous position.


    Terrifying murderous intent formed into a powerful gale swirling around Liu Wuxie, kicking up dust in its wake.


    Liu Wuxie''s expression turned serious; opponents relying purely on strength like Shi Chui posed a formidable challenge. Shi Chui could shrug off an opponent''s strike as if it were a mere scratch, while a blow from Shi Chui had the potential to inflict severe injury or even death upon his adversaries.


    Liu Wuxie possessed formidable strength, matching Shi Chui''s power when augmented by his true essence. Yet, confronting Shi Chui was difficult due to his massive stature.


    ¡°You...die!¡± Shi Chui raised his hammer and pointed it at Liu Wuxie with infinite murderous intent filled in his words. He suddenly lifted his right foot and stomped in Liu Wuxie¡¯s direction.


    He might seem clumsy, but he was swift. Being born with superhuman strength wasn¡¯t terrifying, but Shi Chui¡¯s cultivation technique and true essence amplified his strength, making him a fearsome opponent.


    A massive crater was formed with a stomp, creating a one-meter-long crack on the ground.


    There was no doubt Shi Chui was strong, ten times stronger than Liu Wuxie had anticipated. Someone like him even had a chance to make it into the top ten, and even Shao Wendong would have a tough time dealing with him if he could reach the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    Then again, heaven was fair. Due to Shi Chui¡¯srge physique, he had tougher breakthroughs. After all, no one could have it all. In a nutshell, heaven granted him an ability and closed off another.


    Shi Chui had superhuman strength, but it came at the cost of his cultivation. He was over thirty years old and still in the True Core Realm after staying in the outer sect for over a decade.


    The arena trembled when Shi Chui¡¯s footnded on the ground.


    Suddenly, Liu Wuxie disappeared and reappeared behind Shi Chui. He recognized he couldn''t match Shi Chui''s strength, so he relied solely on his skill.


    Even so, using the Primordial Astral Fist against Shi Chui was unnecessary. He was afraid Shi Chui might be blown to smithereens if he did. Furthermore, Liu Wuxie wouldn¡¯t reveal his trump card easily until thest moment.


    Liu Wuxie struck with his right leg on Shi Chui''s back and generated powerful shockwaves that propelled thetter forward, leaving a footprint on his back. This kick, lethal to those at the pinnacle of the True Core Realm, didn¡¯t even create a wound.


    He frowned and twisted mid-air before retreating. Just as he moved back, Shi Chui¡¯s hammers smashed down where he had been. He barely escaped in time, or he would have been turned into a pile of minced meat if he had been a momentter.


    The hammer ripped through the air, creating a mighty gale in the arena, with energy rippling like waves. A sonic boom also followed soon after, and Liu Wuxie had already retreated far away when the hammer descended.


    When Shi Chui failed tond a hit on Liu Wuxie, he charged at thetter again. He charged recklessly, relying on his powerful physique, making it impossible for Liu Wuxie to get close. His hammer would strike if Liu Wuxie got within three meters of him.


    The giant hammers were half a person¡¯s height and looked terrifying. This meant Liu Wuxie had finally encountered a formidable opponent in thepetition, and he had to take it seriously, or Shi Chui might kill him if he was careless.


    Elder Tian Xing¡¯s facial expression became grave, and he hoped that such a good seedling like Liu Wuxie wouldn¡¯t die in the arena.


    Shao Wendong wore a sinister expression because if Liu Wuxie died, there would be one lesspetitor, bringing him one step closer to the championship.


    Everyone held their breaths and watched the battle. When Shi Chui swung the hammers, the sheer force created sonic booms, causing many people to cover their ears.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, is hiding all you can do? Fight Senior Brother Shi Chui if you have the guts!¡± Disciples of Profound Inscription Peak stood up and roared with their mockery.


    Ignoring the surrounding voices, Liu Wuxie performed the Seven Dipper Steps to maneuver around Shi Chui, which was undoubtedly the bestbat strategy.


    ¡°Shi Chui, exhaust his true essence! Someone will kill him in the next fight!¡± someone from the Terrain Summit Peak roared. They weren¡¯t expecting Shi Chui to kill Liu Wuxie but to deplete his true essence so someone else could finish him off in the next fight.


    Shi Chui swung his hammers even faster, like two meteorites streaking through the arena, leaving behind afterimages. Each impact of the hammers riddled the arena with craters.


    Liu Wuxie was waiting for an opportunity and had ten thousand ways to kill Shi Chui. Killing thetter easily wasn¡¯t the oue he wanted. He wanted to give everyone a feeling he was doomed before suddenly killing Shi Chui. After all, it would be more interesting this way.


    Cheers, roars, and yells came from the surroundings, all hoping Liu Wuxie would die because there weren¡¯t many people supporting him. The dark side of human nature was fully disyed at this moment.


    It was because Liu Wuxie was a new disciple who had received massive points, sparking jealousy among others. Jealousy could make one lose their rationale and bottom line.


    Only a few people supported Liu Wuxie in defeating Shi Chui.


    After Shi Chui¡¯s 104th attack, Liu Wuxie finally made his move.

 Chapter 385 - Killed In One Strike

    <h4>Chapter 385 - Killed In One Strike</h4>


    Shi Chui missed again, unable tond his attack as his hammer couldn''t keep up with Liu Wuxie''s speed. Liu Wuxie''s agility rivaled that of those in the higher levels of the Heavenly Dipper Realm. After 104 failed attacks from Shi Chui, Liu Wuxie finally made his move, determined to end it swiftly. He soared into the sky like a celestial crane.


    "Time to end this!" Liu Wuxie''s voice echoed throughout the martial field, attracting everyone''s attention from the other fights.


    Shao Wendong''s eyes were fixed on Liu Wuxie, wanting to see how thetter would deal with Shi Chui''s attacks.


    After Liu Wuxie soared into the sky, he surprised everyone by positioning his head downwards, leaving his defense fully exposed to Shi Chui. No one understood this unusual attack form, and many believed Shi Chui could easily kill him if he managed to defend himself properly.


    "What is he trying to do? Is he trying tomit suicide through this method?" The crowd exploded into an uproar, thinking that Liu Wuxie wasmitting suicide.


    But only a few wore a grave expression, not daring to blink because they feared they might miss out on something.


    Shi Chui raised his head and crossed his hammers to protect his head. If Liu Wuxie continued to fall, he would be ripped apart by the hammers.


    When Liu Wuxie was closer to Shi Chui, he raised his right hand and channeled his true essence with metal elements to fortify his hand.


    "Do you think I had no way to kill you and can only dodge?" Liu Wuxie''s chilling voice came from above, and only Shi Chui could hear him. He then punched like a thunderbolt that struck Shi Chui''s hammers.


    A terrifying aura swept out from the two, and the next scene overturned everyone''s perception. Shi Chui''s hammers sank and smashed into his head.


    Shi Chui''s head burst apart when the giant hammers descended. After all, even an iron would be ttened under the weight.


    But that wasn''t all. Shi Chui''s body began to shrink from his head, shoulders, and chest, finally stopping at his thighs. When the shockwave finally settled down, only his legs remained in the arena. As for Liu Wuxie and Shi Chui, they had both vanished.


    When everyone came to their senses, Liu Wuxie had already returned to the Heavenly Trigram Peak''s area, sitting with his legs crossed like nothing had happened earlier.


    Shi Chui was killed by Liu Wuxie''s punch and his own hammers. His body was blown apart, only leaving his legs intact. Before his death, Shi Chui didn''t even have the opportunity to let out a scream.


    Everyone in the surroundings took in a deep breath with disbelief in their eyes.


    "How did this happen?" Everyone was still in disbelief that Liu Wuxie managed to kill Shi Chui, despite thetter''s superhuman strength. It defied all logic and seemed iprehensible.


    Liu Wuxie''s final punch not only broke through Shi Chui''s defense but also blew him apart. This was only aplishable if one had at least ten times the strength of his opponent.


    Shi Chui, known for his superhuman power, lost in the very area he excelled in, suffering a humiliating death at Liu Wuxie''s hands in a direct power confrontation.


    "He''s too powerful to have killed Shi Chui with a single punch. With his ability, it''s practically certain he''ll make it into the top ten." Liu Wuxie became the seventh participant to advance to the top two hundred. One more victory would secure him a spot in the top hundred, but each subsequent opponent would be more formidable than Shi Chui.


    After Shi Chui''s death, no one stepped forward, and the martial field fell into a brief silence. The spectators were still processing Liu Wuxie''s earlier punch, which seemed tobine multiple energies: metal elements, wood elements, ice elements, and most notably, rumbling abyssalws.


    It was difficult to fathom how someone could possess so many elements, and no one could exin it. Even Elder Tian Xing couldn''t see through Liu Wuxie, who was shrouded in mystery.


    Thousands of eyes were focused on Liu Wuxie. They couldn''t believe how someone with a frail-looking body could exhibit such formidable strength, but this was the undeniable truth.


    When Song Yuanqiu looked at Liu Wuxie, his eyes reflected a mix of hope and shock. He realized that Liu Wuxie had the potential to secure a ce in the top ten, a feat that would break the sect''s record held for tens of thousands of years.


    After all, it was unprecedented for a new disciple to make it into the top ten since the sect''s establishment, and he wondered if Liu Wuxie could create a miracle.


    The battles in the arena continued with the death toll rising, and many arenas were covered in blood.


    Perhaps spurred by Liu Wuxie''s performance, Shao Wendong snapped his opponent''s neck. He knew that killing would draw more attention, and Liu Wuxie had stolen his spotlight. The best way to reim it was to disy even more power than Liu Wuxie.


    That was the same for the geniuses of the other peaks, and everyone disyed their ferocity to the fullest.


    When the death toll rose, many people admitted defeat even before they fought. They didn''t want to die and would rather stay as an outer disciple for the rest of their life. Even if they would be exiled to the mundane world in the future, at least they were still alive.


    After this round ended, less than two hundred people progressed to the next round due to the heavy casualties. Those who were injured in the precious rounds were all eliminated.


    But there weren''t many celebrations, and the martial field fell silent. This was because the fallen disciples were friends and brothers to many others. They had fought desperately to get a good result in thepetition and soar to greater heights.


    Thepetition continued as noon approached. The remaining participants gathered to draw lots again, with the number of lottery boxes reduced from six to one. This signified that fewer than two hundred contestants remained from the original twenty thousand.


    Only the participants knew what they had gone through; no one could be underestimated aftering this far. Cultivators in the pinnacle True Core Realm were no longer formidable foes.


    Most participants were in the Heavenly Dipper Realm, and Luo Qiu wasn''t the only one who hid his actual cultivation.


    Only Liu Wuxie stood out among the crowd with cultivation in the eighth level of the True Core Realm. Most importantly, he hadn''t drawn his weapon yet.


    No one was surprised that Shao Wendong and Chen Lin didn''t use their weapons, but they couldn''t believe Liu Wuxie swept through his opponents barehandedly.


    Those who won the next round would advance to the top hundred and receive two thousand points. The lottery process took only five minutes before everyone had a number.


    Nervousness filled the air as participants hoped for an easy opponent to secure their spot in the top hundred. However, the unlucky ones who had to face formidable opponents like Shao Wendong could only ept their fate.


    Those who won the next round would advance to the top hundred and receive two thousand points. The lottery process took only five minutes before everyone had a number. Nervousness filled the air as participants hoped for an easy opponent to secure their spot in the top hundred. However, the unlucky ones who had to face formidable opponents like Shao Wendong could only ept their fate.


    Liu Wuxie looked at his number and couldn''t shake the feeling that someone was manipting the draw. After all, Shao Wendong had yet to encounter opponents like Dong Yan or Chen Lin.


    The disciples in the Heavenly Dipper Realm avoided facing each other, while weaker disciples were quickly eliminated. If Shao Wendong met Chen Lin early, thepetition might lose its suspense. Popr disciples were strategically arranged to keep the suspense alive until the end. Early shes between strong candidates would make theter fightsckluster.


    Liu Wuxie wasn''t the only one suspecting the draw, but no one said anything about it as it had been an unspoken rule.


    "Number 55!" Liu Wuxie headed to Arena 55 and didn''t care who his opponent was. His final goal was to take first ce, get the rewards, and advance in his cultivation. This was why he had joined the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion in the first ce.


    Even Liu Wuxie was skeptical about the protection from the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. The sect could only provide him with resources.


    Some might wonder why the sect invested so much in nurturing disciples when it seemed like a losing deal. However, a sect operated like a nation, requiring unity against external threats.


    If a sect wanted to develop and obtain more resources, they would need the strength to back it up. This meant they required continuous expansion while the higher-ups held the authority and disciples helped them with minor tasks to protect the sect.


    It was like how a nation''s higher-ups enjoyed supreme authority while themoners worked. The sect''s higher-ups controlled resources vital to cultivators, and the two had no conflict.


    Liu Wuxie had seen through this clearly and knew he was only a passerby in the sect. The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion was only a temporary stop on his journey because he would leave this ce sooner orter to reach higher levels.


    Emotional ties were mutual, and Liu Wuxie''s current and emotional rtions were limited to Mu Yueying. But he hadn''t seen Mu Yueying once since joining the sect nearly three months ago.


    He even asked Bai Lin, but thetter didn''t know where Mu Yueying was. They only knew the sect had a youngdy, but her appearance and location were unknown to everyone else.


    When Liu Wuxie arrived at Arena 55, his opponent was already waiting for him.


    Upon spotting Liu Wuxie, a cruel smile spread across Liu Guidong''s lips. He had won his previous match effortlessly, expending barely ten percent of his true essence.


    Compared to Liu Wuxie, his battles were easy due to his cultivation being in the first level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm. He was also standing at the forefront of the three hundred people who wanted to kill Liu Wuxie that day.


    Liu Guidong still harbored resentment from the resounding defeat inflicted by Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie also smiled when he saw Liu Guidong. Did thetter think the Heavenly Dipper Realm was impressive?


    "Liu Wuxie, you''ve finally fallen into my grasp!" Liu Guidong''s tone carried a sinister edge. Many coveted Liu Wuxie''s demise, and now he had the opportunity to fulfill that desire.


    "A deathmatch!" Liu Wuxie said, stating his intent.


    "Deathmatch!" Liu Guidong replied.


    The arena was soon filled with a chilling atmosphere, and there was no mockery or jeers this time because Liu Wuxie had earned some respect with his strength.

 Chapter 386 - One Blade

    <h4>Chapter 386 - One de</h4>


    As Liu Wuxie progressed step by step, reaching this point, human nature dictated reverence for the strong. Even those who had once ridiculed him nowcked the courage to repeat such words.


    After all, they were mere ants in front of Liu Wuxie. They could only look up to him and suppress the jealousy in their hearts. This was because they no longer had the right to be jealous of Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Guidong pointed his sword at Liu Wuxie, but in Liu Wuxie''s eyes, he was nothing but garbage.


    Since a fly dared to buzz around before him, he naturally wouldn¡¯t mind smacking it to death. He had smacked many flies to death in the four days, and his ears were much quieter now.


    After killing Shi Chui, his objective of intimidating everyone was a sess, aplished in the most brutal and primitive way.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, hand over your points, and perhaps I can consider letting you die afortable death!¡± Liu Guidong was still coveting Liu Wuxie¡¯s points even at this moment.


    ¡°Kill me, and the points will be yours!¡± Liu Wuxie said calmly because he knew it wasn¡¯t worth it to be angry with a man who was about to die.


    ¡°Do you think you can look down on everyone just because you killed someone in the pinnacle True Core Realm? Today, I¡¯ll show you the difference between the True Core Realm and the Heavenly Dipper Realm!¡± Liu Guidong shook his sword and unleashed a sword aura at Liu Wuxie¡¯s face.


    The sword gave off a cold aura, and this was a decent spiritual treasure. But the sword was trashpared to Liu Wuxie¡¯s Heretic de.


    This meant Liu Guidong and his sword were trash, and he only had a vicious mouth.


    ¡°I¡¯ll wait and see!¡± Liu Wuxie finished speaking and said no more, feeling he had said enough because speaking further would be a waste of his breath.


    Two auras brewed around the two. The disciples of Profound Inscription Peak and Terrain Summit Peak were focused on Arena 55.


    Elder Tian Xing raised his two sharp brows because he was also concerned about this battle.


    Although the sect master didn¡¯t explicitly say to protect Liu Wuxie, he was someone invited by the youngdy. Thus, Elder Tian Xing naturally had to ensure nothing happened to him.


    Liu Guidong shook his sword and released an overwhelming sword aura, sweeping the bs off the ground, which shot at Liu Wuxie like projectiles.


    He performed the strongest attack right from the start because Liu Guidong knew that Liu Wuxie was strong, and there was no room for error. After all, he would be a hero in everyone¡¯s eyes if he managed to kill Liu Wuxie.


    If he could obtain Liu Wuxie¡¯s forty thousand points, it would be enough to secure his ce in the inner sect, even if he couldn¡¯t reach the top three.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, die!¡± Liu Guidong¡¯s voice echoed throughout the martial field, and everyone¡¯s eyes turned to Arena 55 in unison.


    Shao Wendong¡¯s opponent was someone in the Quasi-Heavenly Dipper Realm who chose to give up. This allowed Shao Wendong to win without expending any true essence. His gaze was also directed at Arena 55, wanting to see how Liu Wuxie would face this sword attack.


    That was the case for Chen Lin as well, who effortlessly advanced through the round. They all anticipated the final showdown, viewing the remaining participants as potential obstacles in their path.


    This was why they had to observe every battle and absorb experiences from those battles.


    The sword aura drew nearer, closing in on Liu Wuxie. Yet, he stood unperturbed, as if oblivious to the fact he was in the midst of the arena.


    Many were baffled because Liu Guidong¡¯s sword would decapitate Liu Wuxie if he didn¡¯t retaliate.


    Liu Guidong smiled, convinced that Liu Wuxie was intimidated. This was the power disparity between the Heavenly Dipper Realm and the True Core Realm¡ªa gulf Liu Wuxie couldn''t bridge. It seemed inevitable that Liu Wuxie would capitte under this overwhelming force.


    Seeing that Liu Wuxie was about to be killed, Liu Guidong could see forty thousand points waving their hands at him. The Terrain Summit Peak and Profound Inscription Peak showed signs of agitation, and mockeries could be heard.


    ¡°What¡¯s Liu Wuxie doing? Has he given up on thepetition?¡± This time, it wasn¡¯t a mockery because Liu Wuxie had easily defeated his opponents, and people were baffled as to why he chose to be silent.


    ¡°Giving up when it¡¯s impossible to resist is the best way!¡± The Profound Inscription Peak¡¯s disciples answered. After all, why force it if it wasn¡¯t feasible?


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s right hand suddenly moved as the sword aura got closer and was half an inch away from his neck. A cold sh flickered, and the sword stopped half an inch from Liu Wuxie, just a finger¡¯s length away from cutting his neck.


    Liu Guidong froze, his body tensed with an entranced look on his face. A bizarre scene unfolded as his sword came to a halt just inches from Liu Wuxie''s neck.


    Throughout the encounter, Liu Wuxie remained expressionless, maintaining the same demeanor since Liu Guidong had appeared. It was clear he wasn''t intimidated by the attack, nor did he take it seriously. This unwavering calm mirrored his approach when facing Shi Chui.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on? Why isn¡¯t Liu Guidong killing Liu Wuxie?¡± Everyone was baffled because it was such an excellent opportunity to kill Liu Wuxie. So, why did Liu Guidong give up? Did he be soft-hearted?


    Most spectators were outer disciples, mixed with a few inner disciples. But they didn¡¯t see that sh.


    ¡°Liu Guidong is already dead!¡± This voice came seemingly from the Earth Force Peak¡¯s peak master, which sounded like rumbling lightning amidst the crowd.


    ¡°What?!¡± Everyone was stunned. Only elders in the Astral River Realm and Nascent Transformation Realm had no expression because they had seen the sh. That sh was caused when Liu Wuxie drew his de.


    Only less than twenty people knew how Liu Wuxie had attacked, while the others were puzzled.


    ¡°That¡¯s impossible! This kid must¡¯ve used some evil technique. Liu Guidong is someone in the Heavenly Dipper Realm! How could he be killed with one de?¡± No one could ept this oue; it was simply too baffling toprehend, and they resorted to believing it was due to some malevolent technique.


    Liu Wuxie did not exin and stepped off the ring, bing the first to advance into the top hundred. Blood dripped down from Liu Guidong¡¯s neck, staining the ground red.


    It didn¡¯t take long before a puddle of blood formed in the arena, and everyone finally realized Liu Guidong was genuinely dead. Liu Wuxie had killed him with a strike to the throat.


    Gasps could be heard from the surroundings, which echoed throughout the arena. Liu Wuxie once again proved to the world that he couldpete for the top ten or an even higher ranking. Despite being in the eighth level of the True Core Realm, Liu Wuxie continued to showcase his remarkable prowess through his aplishments.


    ¡°Do you think Liu Wuxie is also hiding his cultivation?¡± A bold thought rose in everyone¡¯s minds. After all, most of the people remaining had concealed their actual cultivation, including Shao Wendong and Chen Lin. Each of them was saving their trump card for thest moment.


    ¡°That¡¯s impossible! I remember he was only in the third level of the True Core Realm when he joined the sect. It¡¯s heaven-defying that he could reach the eighth level in such a short time.¡± There was no doubt Liu Wuxie was strong, but no one believed he was also hiding his actual cultivation.


    They had cultivated diligently for years, yet in just three months, Liu Wuxie had surpassed their achievements, which was humiliating.


    Shao Wendong witnessed Liu Wuxie''s swift defeat of Liu Guidong, unable to track the de''s movements, which furrowed his brow.


    This time, Liu Wuxie finally became a formidable opponent in everyone¡¯s minds, and they finally took him seriously. They no longer considered Liu Wuxie a new disciple but an opponent on the same level as them.


    Until now, Shao Wendong had never considered Liu Wuxie a formidable foe. But he changed his mind, with Liu Wuxie bing his greatest obstacle.


    Thepetition continued with more people being eliminated, but only eighty advanced to the next round. There were many dead, and many were severely injured.


    The battles continued until dusk before finallying to an end. Many gave up fighting after reaching the top hundred because they reached their limit.


    Seventy participants advanced to the next round, excluding those who were injured or forfeited, vying for positions in the top fifty, top thirty, top ten, and ultimately, the champion.


    The seventy participants seemed pitifully small in numberpared to the initial twenty thousand, signaling that the real battle was now set to begin.


    ¡°Rest for an hour before thepetition resumes!¡± Elder Tian Xing let the participants rest for an hour to recover their true essence.


    After a long and intense battle, one hour was enough for everyone to recover seventy percent of their true essence, and it was sufficient for the uing fights.


    However, most had barely consumed true essence, such as Liu Wuxie, Shao Wendong, and Chen Lin.


    Time passed by the minute, and the most exciting part was about to begin. Each one of the uing matches would be exciting to watch because many people had the potential to win the championship.


    The remaining seventy participants scattered in the surroundings and sat down. Even if they hadn¡¯t exhausted their true essence, they did their best to maintain their top condition.


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t practice the Deste Devouring Art but continued to devour astral energy instead. The Primordial Astral Fist kept growing stronger with the power of astral energy coursing through his meridians, causing a faint tearing sensation.


    If he could secure the championship, he would acquire the Meridians Purifying Pill to address this problem.


    ¡°Time¡¯s up!¡± An hour passed in the blink of an eye, but many people had only recovered half of their true essence, and their fighting strength was far from their top condition.


    The lottery box was brought out again and ced before seventy people. Everyone stood in a row and drew a number te each.


    This time, Liu Wuxie wasst, and after everyone had finished, there was only one number te left in the box. Liu Wuxie was stunned when he held it in his hand because he ended up drawing the number 1.


    Since that was the case, Liu Wuxie could only head to Arena 1. The seventy people were divided into thirty-five arenas, and the winners would advance into the top thirty.


    When Liu Wuxie appeared on Arena 1, his opponent soon followed. Their eyes met, and boundless murderous intent burst out.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, you escaped from the cultivation chamberst time, but you will die today!¡± Duan Hong said sinisterly.

 Chapter 387 - Primordial Star

    <h4>Chapter 387 - Primordial Star</h4>


    The feud from back at the cultivation chambers hadn''t settled down yet. After killing Su Ji, Liu Wuxie had only repelled Duan Hong without killing him.


    After Liu Wuxie had left, Duan Hong had entered the ck cultivation chamber and sessfully reached the second level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm. His strength had significantly increased, and he could finally kill Liu Wuxie to avenge his humiliation.


    A few had always monopolized the ck cultivation chamber, and Liu Wuxie''s upation of it for twelve days had naturally enraged Duan Hong.


    Because of that, he was scolded by Shao Wendong, which further intensified his hatred for Liu Wuxie. He gritted his teeth because he hadn''t encountered Liu Wuxie in thepetition, but his wish was finally fulfilled.


    Liu Wuxie''s act of killing Liu Guidong didn''t make Duan Hong feel pressured. After all, Liu Guidong was only in the first level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm, while Duan Hong was at the second level and was far stronger than Liu Guidong.


    "I thought you woulde to your senses after I spared your life. Since that isn¡¯t the case, let''s have a deathmatch!" Liu Wuxie said coldly. He could only vent all the anger of what had happened to Weng Li by killing Duan Hong, Wen Haoran, and Shao Wendong.


    "Great, a deathmatch!" Duan Hong agreed without hesitation.


    It was toote for anyone to stop Duan Hong. After all, Liu Wuxie''s strength wasn''t as simple as it appeared with how he had killed Liu Guidong so easily.


    Duan Hong was blinded by hatred, and he wouldn''t listen to any advice. He couldn''t admit defeat because he had to win this fight to enter the top thirty.


    The top thirty would be rewarded with five thousand points, and this could allow him to gain his foothold swiftly after entering the inner sect.


    "Make your move!" Liu Wuxie stood bare-handed without using any weapons as a cold sneer shed in his eyes.


    "Draw your weapon. I won''t kill an unarmed opponent!" Duan Hong wanted to know what weapon Liu Wuxie used, and he pointed his sword at thetter.


    "You''re not qualified to make me draw my weapon!" Liu Wuxie sneered. Duan Hong was only in the second level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm, and he could kill someone like that with one punch.


    "What arrogance! I''ll make you regret your words!" Duan Hong roared and thrust his longsword at Liu Wuxie with a tricky trajectory to attack three vital points on Liu Wuxie''s body.


    "This is the Divine Spirit Sword! No wonder Senior Brother Duan Hong is so confident! He must''ve grasped the essence of this sword technique." Exmations came from the surroundings, and they stood up to observe Duan Hong''s sword technique.


    "This is a sword technique on par with the Seven Sword Art!"


    The Divine Spirit Sword was equivalent to a heaven-grade martial technique. Yun Lan couldn''t unleash the true power of the Seven Sword Art due to his cultivation in the pinnacle True Core Realm. The true power could only be revealed after reaching the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    Empowered by divine energy and paired with the Divine Spirit Sword, this technique''s power was greatly enhanced. Liu Wuxie didn''t dare to be careless; Duan Hong''s confidence indicated that he could back up his boastful words. With a gentle step, Liu Wuxie easily dodged Duan Hong''s initial attack.


    The second sword strike soon followed like a relentless tidal wave, showcasing the true power of the Divine Spirit Sword. Once unleashed, there was no retreat until the opponent was killed.


    A mighty gale infused with sword intent swept through the arena, shrinking the space Liu Wuxie could maneuver. The sword aura brushed past him, threatening to take his life with the next strike.


    The ridicule that had momentarily ceased echoed once more from the surroundings.


    "There''s nothing special about this brat aside from his movement technique. Liu Guidong must have been careless to allow him to strike, but he will only die facing Senior Brother Duan Hong."


    Mocking jeers erupted from the Profound Inscription Peak and Terrain Summit Peak. They had fallen silent briefly after witnessing Liu Wuxie kill Liu Guidong, but now their scornful voices filled the air once more.


    "Senior Brother Duan Hong, kill him to avenge Senior Brother Liu and Senior Brother Shi!" Many disciples stood up to cheer for Duan Hong.


    "Junior Brother Liu, we support you!" Bai Lin and Tang Tian were eliminated in the previous round and had gone to the spectator region. But they stood up at this moment to cheer for Liu Wuxie.


    "Junior Brother Liu, we also support you!" With someone taking the lead, more people joined to support Liu Wuxie.


    After all, everyone in the outer sect knew Duan Hong''s group was monopolizing the ck cultivation chamber, but they didn''t dare to say anything about it out of fear. Today, Liu Wuxie stood up to settle this score for them.


    Over a thousand people supported Liu Wuxie in just one minute, and their voices began to overpower those from the two peaks. This was because Liu Wuxie had earned the respect of many after fighting for so long.


    Liu Wuxie continued to dodge while Duan Hong increased the speed of his sword technique. But he couldn''t catch Liu Wuxie no matter how he tried, which naturally frustrated him.


    "Liu Wuxie, is dodging all you can do? Are you a rabbit?" Duan Hong tried to provoke Liu Wuxie into fighting back. This was because he would have a chance to kill Liu Wuxie if he fought back.


    After all, it wasn''t a solution for him to have Liu Wuxie keep dodging his attacks.


    "Talk after you catch me!" Liu Wuxie knew he only needed one move to kill Duan Hong, but he didn''t want to expose too much of his strength.


    It wasn''t time to unleash his full strength yet, which he saved for the final moment. Thus, Duan Hong kept chasing after Liu Wuxie, and everyone could only see the two shing around in the arena.


    No matter how Duan Hong attacked, Liu Wuxie could find a slight gap in his attacks and slip through it effortlessly. There was no doubt the Divine Spirit Sword was powerful, and it wasn''t any inferior to the Seven Sword Art. But it was a pity Duan Hong''s mastery of it was terrible.


    Like Yun Lan, Duan Hong pursued the techniques more and neglected the essence of the martial technique. It was also impossible for Liu Wuxie to guide Duan Hong because only one could walk off the arena alive.


    Just like that, aical scene unfolded with Duan Hong chasing Liu Wuxie around the arena. Five minutes passed, and Duan Hong performed the Divine Spirit Sword twice but couldn''t even touch Liu Wuxie''s clothes.


    "Liu Wuxie, how shameless can you be? Are you going to win by dodging?" Mocking jeers echoed once more, attempting to provoke Liu Wuxie into retaliating.


    Liu Wuxie''s formidable movement technique was no longer a secret; everyone had witnessed it from the first fight.


    The crowd grew even more agitated, using Liu Wuxie ofcking martial spirit.


    But Liu Wuxie remained unmoved, facing the surrounding jeers. It was only satisfying after killing his opponent when they were excited, like when everyone thought Shi Chui would kill him, and he blew thetter''s head with one punch. This feeling of falling from heaven to hell was unbearable.


    The same had happened with Liu Guidong. No one was optimistic about Liu Wuxie surviving, but the oue was Liu Guidong''s death with one strike.


    Liu Wuxie intended the same this time, wanting to raise everyone''s hopes before crushing them.


    Duan Hong continued to increase the speed of his attacks. The most significant advantage of the Divine Spirit Sword was the ability to keep elerating in speed, which would consume an enormous amount of true essence.


    "Liu Wuxie, go to hell!" Duan Hong''s sword manifested into a curtain like an entire gxy falling from the sky. Sword auras formed into raindrops, hitting the arena and producing crisp sounds, leaving numerous marks on the ground.


    "What a brilliant move! Liu Wuxie is in danger now!" Several Heavenly Dipper Realm experts praised and were fascinated by Duan Hong''s move.


    This should be the most powerful move in the Divine Spirit Sword, capable of covering a few hundred meters of radius. This gave Liu Wuxie no space to dodge and forced him to fight back.


    "Kill him!" Disciples of Terrain Summit Peak stood up and roared in excitement as though they could already see Liu Wuxie''s death by the sword.


    Countless people stood up with their emotions ignited, wishing they could join the fight.


    Bai Lin stood up and roared with over a thousand supporters, and the two different voices formed into two waves shing together.


    Duan Hong''s sword began to approach, leaving no room for Liu Wuxie to dodge. Right then, Liu Wuxie raised his right fist with faint astral energy condensing in the sky.


    He only used about thirty percent of the astral energy, not daring to draw too much to avoid causing a hugemotion. He estimated that thirty percent could even kill someone in the third level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    The sky above the arena changed when Liu Wuxie raised his fist, covering the sun and moon. It felt like a giant star falling from the sky, which shocked everyone.


    "What terrifying power!" The voices in the surroundings vanished like everyone was choked and couldn''t utter a word. They were deeply captivated by the scene before them and couldn''t describe their feelings.


    "Quick, look! What''s that?" Everyone''s eyes were focused on the sky, where the stars shone and slid towards the arena like meteors.


    It might have seemed like a simple punch, but it contained unimaginable power. Duan Hong''s sword aura began to shatter under the crushing power of astral energy.


    Liu Wuxie hadn''t had a chance to use the Primordial Astral Fist since his breakthrough, so he was uncertain of its current power.


    At this moment, Liu Wuxie looked like a deity, emitting divine radiance throughout his body. Boundless golden radiance enveloped him, covering his figure.


    Duan Hong''s eyes shed with shock and fear. The power emanating from Liu Wuxie made him feel suffocated and brought the crisis of death to his mind.


    After Shao Wendong had defeated his opponent and returned to his resting area, his gaze had stayed glued to Arena 1. He squinted upon seeing the power Liu Wuxie unleashed, making him feel a chill down his spine.


    In contrast, Chen Lin reacted differently, with a fighting spirit erupting from her. She cultivated earth elements, known for their power, and loved using brute strength.


    Like a mighty gale blowing past, the sword auras in the surroundings were ruthlessly torn apart, creating openings for Liu Wuxie. In front of him, the Divine Spirit Sword was torn to shreds like a piece of paper.


    Duan Hong retreated, and the mighty gale stopped him from opening his eyes. He felt as though a golden deity was standing before him, causing his legs to tremble violently under the pressure with an urge to kneel.


    Elder Tian Xing and the other higher-ups stood up with their eyes locked on Liu Wuxie.


    "What power is that? Have any of you seen it before?" The surrounding elders began to ask each other because they were unfamiliar with this power


    Everyone shook their heads because they had never seen astral power before, and this was too strange.


    Thunder rumbled in the sky as thick clouds formed, and a terrifying star descended, crashing onto the arena.


    It felt as though heaven and earth had copsed, with the arena exploding and leaving a massive crater at its center.

 Chapter 388 - Vaporized

    <h4>Chapter 388 - Vaporized</h4>


    The sky was dust-covered as a mushroom cloud rose from the center of the arena. The deacon standing below the arena was sent flying away by the shockwave and spat out a mouthful of blood.


    No one knew what was happening on the stage, and they had to wait for the cloud of dust to settle down. However, judging from the current situation, Duan Hong had little chance of winning the fight.


    Elder Tian Xing''s eye twitched, recognizing that the punch had exceeded the power of the True Core Realm,parable to the third level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    "This must be Liu Wuxie''s strongest fighting strength, right?" Discussions arose even before the dust had settled.


    The aftermathsted for five minutes before the cloud of dust finally settled. The arena was riddled with craters, revealing the martial field beneath.


    Only one person remained standing on a stone the size of arge water jar, his clothes fluttering in the wind.


    "Where''s Duan Hong?" Everyone was bewildered because they could only see Liu Wuxie, with Duan Hong nowhere to be seen. They were all in a daze, as someone in the second-level Heavenly Dipper Realm was vaporized. They couldn''t imagine the power required to achieve this feat.


    "Duan Hong is dead!" An uproar came from the surroundings because it was confirmed now that Duan Hong had died without any corpse left behind.


    The vast martial field suddenly fell into a deathly silence. Killing Duan Hong was even more impactful to everyone than Liu Wuxie killing Shao Wendong.


    Everyone looked at Liu Wuxie with fear in their eyes. He swept his cold gaze around, and a chilling light shed in his eyes when they settled on the regions of Terrain Summit Peak and Profound Inscription Peak.


    The disciples who met Liu Wuxie''s gaze lowered their heads, unable to look him in the eye. With Arena 1 destroyed, the next match couldn''t proceed.


    As thepetition neared its end, only about thirty participants remained in the next round. After returning to his rest area, Liu Wuxie observed the ongoing battles in the other arenas, including those featuring Shao Wendong, Chen Lin, and others.


    The fights were intense because the remaining participants were evenly matched in strength. After all, the stronger disciples had already defeated their opponents and advanced to the next round.


    "You have truly impressed me!" Liu Wuxie was just about to sit down when Chen Lin suddenly walked over. She came over with a smile without any hostility.


    She might be a disciple of the Earth Force Peak, but not everyone was hostile to Liu Wuxie. That was the same for the Terran Summit Peak and Profound Inscription Peak. Only a few held grudges against Liu Wuxie, while most were neutral.


    "You tter me!" Liu Wuxie smiled and didn''t give much exnation.


    "You''ve broken the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s record to make it into the top thirty at your age. I believe the sect will nurture you greatly after thispetition," Chen Lin said with a hint of envy in her eyes.


    She had spent over two years in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion to achieve her current aplishments. Shao Wendong, Duan Hong, and others were all seasoned disciples. Liu Wuxie, on the other hand, had risen in cultivation so quickly in just a few months, proving himself a monstrous genius.


    "I''m just lucky!" Liu Wuxie replied humbly.


    "No rush. I believe you will achieve great things in the future. I heard you have no master and have been cultivating on your own. Is that true?" Chen Lin asked curiously.


    Four days passed, and ny percent of the people had investigated Liu Wuxie''s background. He came from the mundane world with no background or a master. He only had himself to rely on toe this far.


    "I guess so..." Liu Wuxie rubbed his nose. He had no master; his mentor was the vast knowledge he possessed, which allowed him to outpace others and create miracles.


    With the Deste Devouring Art, it was like adding wings to a tiger. Even Liu Wuxie couldn''t fully exin it, but he felt his future achievements might surpass those of his past life if he continued on this path.


    "Only those with great talent can achieve what others cannot. Junior brother, you must be one of those exceptional individuals." Chen Lin spoke warmly, sitting beside Liu Wuxie without any pretense.


    "Senior sister, you tter me. Many things are due to coincidences, and it''s not a problem for you to be a true disciple with your talent." Liu Wuxie returned apliment, which brought smiles to Chen Lin''s face.


    Other disciples were nervous at the sight of her, but Liu Wuxie looked calm andposed. They exchangedpliments and began meditating because the uing battles might be even more brutal.


    The fifth day finally arrived, marking the day the champion would be determined. Those who made it into the top thirty would also be promoted to inner disciples. Everyone who reached the top thirty was in the Heavenly Dipper Realm, qualifying them for this promotion.


    Only thirty-two people advanced to the next round. Some died, some were severely injured, and one had minor injuries but chose to forfeit to avoid further damage to their foundation. Continuing to fight could ruin their future prospects, even if they managed to reach the top ten.


    The death toll was expected to decrease in the uing battles because the gap in strength among the remaining participants was small. They no longer needed to fight to the death for rewards.


    "The remaining thirty-two participants will be divided into eight groups, each with four people," announced Elder Tian Xing, his gaze sweeping over the contenders. "Winning a match earns one point, and zero points for losing. The top two in each group will advance, while the two with the fewest points will be eliminated." This system was implemented to ensure fairness in thepetition.


    This system ensured that Shao Wendong wouldn''t face Chen Lin early on. Even if they did, both could still advance to the next round.


    "There are eight colors, and those who drew the same color will be ced in the same group." A deacon ced a lottery box before everyone, and the thirty-two participants stepped forward to draw a wooden token.


    Liu Wuxie reached into the lottery box and drew a token with ''Red'' engraved on it. The drawing process took less than two minutes, and everyone had a token in their hands.


    The thirty-two people were divided into eight groups, and Liu Wuxie noticed an odd phenomenon. The disciples with the most chance to fight for the championship were all separated into eight groups.


    Shao Wendong''s group consisted of three others with cultivation in the first level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm. Shao Wendong could easily advance, with the remaining three fighting for one spot.


    The same could be said for Chen Lin''s group. The strength in Dong Yan, He Lan, Zhao Yi, and Wen Haoran''s groups was rtively low, with the strongest only at the second level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    Liu Wuxie''s group, however, could be called the group of death. The three others in his group were all close in strength, each at the second level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    Liu Wuxie was somewhat surprised to see someone familiar. This person was Luo Mingyang, who hadpeted with him for the jade slip at the market.


    Luo Mingyang had dered he would kill Liu Wuxie and had advanced from the pinnacle of the True Core Realm to the second level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm in just three months, proving his considerable talent.


    Upon seeing Liu Wuxie, Luo Mingyang''s expression became awkward. After all, Liu Wuxie had killed Duan Hong, and provoking him now was akin to courting death.


    However, when he recalled what had happened at the market, Luo Mingyang gritted his teeth in hatred.


    Liu Wuxie ignored Luo Mingyang and nodded at the other two as a greeting. The strongest in thest group was in the third level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm, with a high chance of advancing.


    A ridiculous scene unfolded because Liu Wuxie was the only one in the True Core Realm among the remaining thirty-two participants.


    "You may begin fighting on the stage now!" announced Elder Tian Xing. One group was assigned three matches to keep thepetition flowing.


    Everyone had to fight eventually, and who went first didn''t matter.


    Luo Mingyang chose to fight with another person first, while Liu Wuxie''s opponent was Gao Jie. After entering the arena, Gao Jie cupped his fists toward Liu Wuxie.


    "Junior Brother Liu, please guide me!" Gao Jie said politely, as Liu Wuxie''s act of killing Duan Hong had left a strong impression.


    "Please!" Liu Wuxie returned the gesture.


    "Junior brother, please show mercy!" Gao Jie said with a bitter smile because no one wanted to die in the arena. After many battles, Liu Wuxie had killed the most, and people started calling him a Demon Butcher.


    "Let''s have a friendly spar then!" Liu Wuxie wasn''t a mad killer, and he only killed those who deserved it.


    Gao Jie used an earth-grade sword technique, which was inferior to Duan Hong''s. After seven strikes, Liu Wuxie found the w in his sword technique and easily defeated him.


    He didn''t feel discouraged after losing to Liu Wuxie because he still stood a chance to advance as long as he won the remaining two rounds.


    Shao Wendong''s opponents chose to concede voluntarily, conserving their energy for their remaining matches. It was pragmatic not to squander their true essence in a futile effort.


    That was the same for Chen Lin¡¯s and Wen Haoran''s opponents, who chose to forfeit.


    Luo Mingyang''s fight with another person was still ongoing ferociously.


    If there were no surprises, Liu Wuxie would advance, leaving the other three to fight for the remaining spot.


    After a grueling exchange of hundreds of moves, Luo Mingyang narrowly defeated his opponent by a narrow margin, sustaining several wounds but pressing on to face Gao Jie.


    The disciple who had previously lost to Liu Wuxie approached him.


    "I had nned to concede, but I can''t afford another loss after the first. Junior Brother Liu, please guide me!" The youth, unwilling to give up, attacked Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie remained expressionless, dismissing the oing sword with a wave of his hand, conjuring a powerful gust that sent his opponent flying. He held particr disdain for those who overestimated themselves.


    This youth had to find a way to defeat Luo Mingyang and dare to challenge him.


    The youth was swept off the arena and fell to the ground, struggling to rise a few times before managing to stand. Though he still had a match with Gao Jie, his chances of progressing further were slim.


    If Gao Jie could defeat Luo Mingyang, he would advance. If Liu Wuxie lost to Luo Mingyang, they would have to fight again until one was eliminated.


    After over five hundred moves, Luo Mingyang narrowly defeated Gao Jie, meaning thest match was unnecessary. Even if Gao Jie won thest fight, he would still be eliminated.


    "Liu Wuxie, I acknowledge your strength. I forfeit," Luo Mingyang dered straightforwardly. "You''ve won three matches, and I''ve won two. Let''s advance together."


    Liu Wuxie didn''t insist since his opponent had forfeited. After all, he couldn''t possibly drag Luo Mingyang to the arena to kill him.


    The initial group concluded before others, followed shortly by Shao Wendong''s group. This phase spanned six hours, as the eight groups saw sixteen participants move forward, leaving sixteen eliminated.


    "The remaining sixteen will continue to draw lots to determine the top eight!" Sixteen people stood before the lottery box because this determined if they could enter the top ten.


    Liu Wuxie drew number two, but he needed to find out who his opponent was. A voice came behind him, "Who''s number two?"

 Chapter 389 - Yin-Yang Union

    <h4>Chapter 389 - Yin-Yang Union</h4>


    A voice came from behind Liu Wuxie. Anyone who had made it into the top sixteen was formidable, and the stronger they were, the more arrogant they seemed.


    Without a word, Liu Wuxie and his opponent headed to the nearest arena, while the other participants dispersed to their respective battlegrounds.


    There was another unexpected sight: Shao Wendong, Chen Lin, and the other geniuses from the six peaks deliberately avoided facing each other.


    "This must be rigged! It''s cheating!" protested Chen Lin''s opponent, raising objections and suggesting that the sect had arranged the matchups. After so many rounds, it seemed improbable that the top contenders wouldn''t face each other naturally.


    While the audience might anticipate a thrilling final between Shao Wendong and Chen Lin, leaving the suspense till the end, other contestants secretly hoped they would eliminate each other, providing opportunities for themselves to advance.


    However, there was no evidence of an arrangement during the draw because the participants drew the number tes with no interference. This was just a protest, which everyone understood.


    ¡°My name is Nie Xing. Junior Brother Liu, please guide me!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s opponent had cultivation in the third-level Heavenly Dipper Realm. Aside from a hint of arrogance on his face, there was no hostility from him. After all, everyone had no personal grudges aftering this far and were purelypeting for the championship.


    "Please," replied Liu Wuxie politely. As they prepared for their match, Nie Xing pulled out a brush, a rare and unconventional weaponpared to the swordsmonly used by other disciples.


    However, the brush had multiple advantages, such as thrusting like a sword or swinging like a spear. It could also be used as a whip, making it a versatile weapon.


    ¡°Junior brother, be careful. My Yin-Yang Judgement Brush is no weaker than the Divine Spirit Sword,¡± Nie Xing reminded. He was confident in securing a victory with his cultivation in the third-level Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    ¡°Thanks for the reminder!¡± Liu Wuxie appreciated the warning. Revealing one¡¯s trump cards to the opponent made this an honorable duel.


    The martial techniques Liu Wuxie practiced didn¡¯te from the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, and it was useless even if he told Nie Xing. He was still exploring with the Primordial Astral Fist, and the Fatality de Art couldn¡¯t be easily used.


    In legends, the Judgement Brush was divided into Yin and Yang. The Yang Judgement Brush could control life and death, while the Yin Judgement Brush could control all Yin spirits in heaven and earth.


    Yin and Yang could also represent many things. For example, heaven was Yang, and earth was Yin. The right was Yang, and the left was Yin.


    Nie Xing held a brush in his right hand, and his left hand was empty. Since he said he practiced the Yin-Yang Judgement Brush, where was the other brush?


    The brush sliced through the air and appeared at Liu Wuxie¡¯s left nk with incredible speed. It was truly powerful, especially when used by someone in the third-level Heavenly Dipper Realm. This was on a whole new levelpared to Duan Hong.


    Liu Wuxie dodged sideways, and the brush missed him. But ripples were left behind in the path of the brush, spreading out like cotton fluff.


    Nie Xing lifted his feet from the ground after his missed attack, swiftly executing several strikes with his right hand akin to a dragonfly skimming over water, each strike creating ripples through the air.


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t dare to be careless because the Yin-Yang Judgement Brush was extraordinary. It didn¡¯t have an overwhelming aura, but it was extremely tough.


    Nie Xing''s attacks flowed seamlessly into the next, relentless and continuous. He remained calm and unhurried, each strike as smooth as flowing water.


    "Care to guess how long Liu Wuxie can hold out against Nie Xing?" The spectators started discussing, specting on the number of moves Liu Wuxie could withstand before being defeated.


    Even now, many were still struggling to ept that Liu Wuxie had made it into the top sixteen.


    ¡°Thirty moves!¡± Someone answered, believing Liu Wuxie wouldst no more than thirty moves against Nie Xing.


    "Don''t underestimate him!" Liu Wuxie''s supporters retorted, showing confidence in his abilities to win the fight.


    "Winning relying on his movement technique?" A mocking voice interjected from the Terrain Summit Peak, spoken by a disciple who had been close to Duan Hong. Since Duan Hong''s death, animosity toward Liu Wuxie had grown among the disciples of the Terrain Summit Peak.


    ¡°Senior Brother Nie¡¯s Yin-Yang Judgement Brush has a total of 180 moves, with the most powerful move being the Yin-Yang Union, which is invincible.¡± The majority of the people supported Nie Xing.


    No one doubted Liu Wuxie¡¯s strength, as his feat of killing someone in the second-level Heavenly Dipper Realm was already enough to make him famous.


    Each time the brush moved, stars would appear in the sky and converge. It was like a dense, shrinking and trapping Liu Wuxie within.


    ¡°An excellent martial technique!¡± Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t help praising because Nie Xing¡¯s Yin-Yang Judgement Brush was much stronger than Duan Hong¡¯s Divine Spirit Sword. It was no wonder Nie Xing warned him before their match.


    The brush¡¯s movements focused on thrusting, swinging, and stabbing, all of which Nie Xing perfectly executed.


    ¡°Junior brother¡¯s movement technique isn¡¯t bad either!¡± Nie Xing increased his speed to match Liu Wuxie¡¯s speed. The two chased after each other, and two blurs could be seen shing around in the arena.


    It was hard to determine the winner at this rate. By far, Liu Wuxie hadn¡¯t used Ghost Eye, and he found several ws in the Yin-Yang Judgement Brush with his powerful talent. But he was still waiting because defeating Nie Xing in a few moves would significantly affect his confidence.


    ¡°Senior brother, be careful now!¡± Liu Wuxie warned and leaped into the sky like a celestial crane. When he raised his right fist, dense astral energy poured into his fist, which descended like a powerful storm, knocking Nie Xing¡¯s brush as his fist continued to descend.


    A terrifying neb formed in the arena, and its power was stronger than when Liu Wuxie had faced Duan Hong. This shocked Nie Xing, fear shing across his face because this power had far exceeded his expectations.


    The neb exploded like a giant star, causing an explosion simr to Arena 1. If Nie Xing couldn¡¯t respond in time, he would be dead unless Liu Wuxie pulled back his punch.


    ¡°What a powerful punch! It¡¯s much stronger than before!¡± Countless people stood up and were captivated by Liu Wuxie¡¯s punch.


    Elder Tian Xing¡¯s eyes locked onto Liu Wuxie because he had never seen this fist technique before. He couldn¡¯tprehend how someone from the mundane world possessed such a powerful fist technique.


    There weren¡¯t many fist techniques in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, and he practically knew all of them.


    Nie Xing¡¯s facial expression became grim, and another brush appeared on his left hand.


    ¡°Yin-Yang Union¡ªHeaven and Earth Reversal!¡± The two brushes manifested into two dragons, roaring furiously and charging at the sky, shattering the power of Liu Wuxie¡¯s punch.


    After deflecting Liu Wuxie¡¯s punch, Nie Xing seamlessly transitioned,unching attacks from both sides with swift precision.


    Liu Wuxie wasn''t surprised that his punch was deflected; it was all within his expectations. He had only used forty percent of his true essence, withholding his full strength. If he had gone all out, Nie Xing would be dead.


    Facing the attacks from the two brushes, a smile rose on Liu Wuxie¡¯s lips. He split into three afterimages and vanished.


    His hands formed seals resembling chains that took the shape of a triangle, causing the brushes to lose uracy and stab in another direction.


    ¡°Not good!¡± Nie Xing was horrified to see how Liu Wuxie controlled thews of heaven and earth. It felt as though he had lost connection with the two brushes, and he quickly retreated.


    Liu Wuxie took seven steps and appeared behind Nie Xing, gently striking out with his palm. Everything happened so fast that the audience couldn¡¯t keep up with his speed.


    ¡°Junior brother, show mercy!¡± Nie Xing pleaded. He knew he would die if Liu Wuxie¡¯s palm struck him.


    The force behind Liu Wuxie¡¯s palm vanished, and it only felt like a breeze blowing past Nie Xing. But Nie Xing¡¯s back was drenched in cold sweat because if he hadn¡¯t pleaded at thest moment, he would¡¯ve been severely injured even if he managed to block the palm.


    With no expression, Liu Wuxie gentlynded on the side of the arena.


    ¡°Thank you, junior brother, for sparing my life!¡± Nie Xing was drenched in cold sweat and quickly stored his brushes before cupping his fists together. He still lingered in fear, recalling the palm strike from a moment ago.


    ¡°You¡¯re strong, and I only won because of luck!¡± Liu Wuxie told the truth because Nie Xing would easily make it into the top ten if he faced someone else.


    He was unlucky when he ran into a monstrous genius like Liu Wuxie, who saw through the ws in his Yin-Yang Judgement Brush.


    ¡°I¡¯m still too weakpared to you, junior brother!¡± Nie Xing was disheartened and left the arena in despair. Failing to make it into the top ten greatly impacted him.


    ¡°He won?¡± Many still couldn¡¯t ept that Liu Wuxie made it into the top ten, breaking the sect¡¯s records.


    Bai Lin and Liu Wuxie¡¯s supporters stood up and cheered in excitement. Jian Xing¡¯er smiled and looked relieved.


    On the contrary, the Terrain Summit Peak and Profound Inscription Peak fell silent. Liu Wuxie¡¯s repeated striking performances were like a series of resounding ps on their faces, leaving them with a bitter taste.


    When Liu Wuxie returned to the resting area, fights were still ongoing. The fights only concluded in thete morning, with eight people advancing smoothly.


    The eight were Liu Wuxie, Shao Wendong, Chen Lin, Dong Yan, Zhao Yi, He Fan, Wen Haoran, and Luo Mingyang.


    The Heavenly Trigram Peak and Earth Force Peak had two representatives, while the others only had one.


    The quarterfinals were next, and the battles were expected to be even more intense. Thus, no one spoke and focused on recovering their true essence when they returned to their resting area.


    When Wen Haoran looked at Liu Wuxie, there was a hint of graveness in his eyes.


    ¡°It¡¯s finally time!¡± The previous rounds were exciting, but the audiences still weren¡¯t satisfied.


    ¡°The next lottery will determine your rankings. Are you all prepared?¡± Elder Tian Xing¡¯s gaze swept through the remaining eight, releasing the pressure that made the participants feel like a massive boulder on their shoulders.


    ¡°We¡¯re ready!¡± The eight responded in unison.


    ¡°Good, let us start with the drawing process!¡± It wasn¡¯t a lottery box this time but bamboo slips in a bamboo tube. Those who drew the same number would face each other, and the deacons would deliver the bamboo slips to them so they didn¡¯t have to step forward to draw.


    Liu Wuxie was the fifth to draw, and he casually drew one from the bamboo tube. The tube was sealed with a spiritual array, and Liu Wuxie¡¯s divine sense couldn¡¯t prate, no matter how he tried.


    Looking at the bamboo slip in his hand, Liu Wuxie noticed the number ''Four'' engraved on it. It wasn''t exactly an auspicious number. [1]


    The eight participants looked at their numbers before exchanging a look, trying to find their opponent.


    ¡°I¡¯m number one!¡± Wen Haoran raised his bamboo slip, and He Lan stepped forward reluctantly.


    ¡°I¡¯m number two!¡± Zhao Yi raised his bamboo slip, and his opponent was Shao Wendong. It was inevitable because the odds of running into strong opponents were higher now in the quarterfinals.


    Chen Lin¡¯s opponent was Dong Yan, while Liu Wuxie¡¯s opponent was Luo Mingyang.


    The eight participants selected four arenas and stepped onto them without exchanging words. Victory would secure a ce in the semifinals, bringing the championship within reach.


    ¡°He''s lucky to have drawn the weakest opponent," several spectators grumbled, doubting Luo Mingyang''s ability to challenge Liu Wuxie.


    1. The pronunciation of four in Chinese is simr to that of die. ?

 Chapter 390 - Transform

    <h4>Chapter 390 - Transform</h4>


    Aftering this far, luck was essential, and Zhao Yi was depressed that his opponent was Shao Wendong. This meant he would be eliminated after this round if there were no surprises.


    Dong Yan wore a bitter smile because his opponent was Chen Lin. They might seem equally matched on the surface, but only they knew Shao Wendong and Chen Lin weren''t as simple as they appeared.


    This meant Liu Wuxie held a significant advantage in this battlepared to others. He had sessfully avoided all the formidable opponents and ran into the weakest one, Luo Mingyang.


    Everyone was just ranting, and no one dared question the sect. After all, the participants had drawn the numbers, and they couldn''t me others for it.


    "Liu Wuxie, I might have forfeited if it were just the top eight, but we need a clear winner now," Luo Mingyang stated, knowing this battle was crucial for his chance to enter the top four.


    As long as he could defeat Liu Wuxie, he would fight with everything he had, even if he had to put his life at risk. He could enter the Celestial Spirit Cave if he could secure third ce.


    The others shared the same determination, willing to give their all to advance and secure at least third ce. The championship, however, seemed beyond their reach.


    "You''ve hidden your cultivation, right?" Liu Wuxie shrugged indifferently. It was no secret Luo Mingyang wanted to kill him, and thetter''s gaze had betrayed himself.


    "You''re right. I have already reached the fourth level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm!" Luo Mingyang said, unleashing a powerful aura. In the past three months, he must''ve had some fortuitous encounter to advance so quickly in his cultivation, like Liu Wuxie.


    "No wonder you''re so confident. But do you think you can defeat me just because you have reached the fourth level?" Liu Wuxie smiled. After all, in the Abyssal Underground World, he had sent Mu Yongyuan flying with a single palm strike, despite Mu Yongyuan being at the fourth level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    Now that Liu Wuxie has reached the first level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm, he could even face someone in the fifth level.


    "Liu Wuxie, I''ll make you regret your arrogance. Let''s have a deathmatch!" Luo Mingyang pointed his sword at Liu Wuxie. He wouldn''t be able to quench his hatred if he couldn''t kill Liu Wuxie, and his anger was spiraling out of control just recalling what had happened in the marketce.


    "I ept your deathmatch!" Liu Wuxie said indifferently, which rendered Luo Mingyang''s provocation useless.


    Upon hearing the mention of a death match, everyone''s emotions were stirred. After all, everyone who had made it into the top eight was practically an inner disciple and could receive ten thousand points.


    Even if they failed to advance to the top four, ten thousand points were enough for them to gain a footing in the inner sect. Thus, engaging in a deathmatch at this time was clearly unwise.


    In the other three arenas, Shao Wendong, Chen Lin, and Wen Haoran had revealed their strengths in the fifth level of Heavenly Dipper Realm and hadmenced the battles.


    They had concealed their strength and refused to enter the inner sect even after reaching the fifth level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm. Their cultivation might have given them great authority in the outer sect, but they would risk being bullied by inner disciples if they advanced into the inner sect.


    Thus, the best option was to wait until they got stronger before entering the inner sect. Simr logic also applied to the inner sect because most disciples wouldn''t advance to elite disciples immediately after reaching the Heavenly Phase Realm.


    The atmosphere in the arena was intense, with Luo Mingyang''s murderous intent growing stronger and surging toward Liu Wuxie like tidal waves. The gravel on the ground hovered a meter above the surface.


    "Liu Wuxie, die!" Luo Mingyang stabbed his longsword over with an earth-shattering disy of strength. The arena shook violently, and the ground exploded under the pressure of the sword''s aura.


    "Trash like you wants to kill me? Do you think you''re the only one who concealed your strength?" Liu Wuxie insulted Luo Mingyang by calling him trash before unleashing a powerful aura in the ninth level of the True Core Realm.


    An uproar broke out from the crowd because Liu Wuxie had joined the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion only three months ago, and he had advanced from the third-level to the ninth-level True Core Realm. This meant Liu Wuxie had advanced two levels every month on average. How was this possible?


    The aura Liu Wuxie gave off began to climb, but he restrained it in the quasi-Heavenly Dipper Realm. After all, he did not need to bring out his full power by facing someone at the fourth level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    A serious look appeared on Luo Mingyang''s face. He was caught off guard that Liu Wuxie had concealed his actual cultivation. But there was no turning back now that a death match was set up.


    Liu Wuxie didn''t dare to be careless when facing someone in the fourth-level Heavenly Dipper Realm. The Heretic de appeared in his hand, and he swung it horizontally, which deflected Luo Mingyang''s longsword.


    When the Heretic de appeared, an uproar broke out from the martial field. Terrifying spiritual energy began to surge in all directions like a tidal wave.


    "What powerful spirituality! Is that a xiantian treasure?" Countless people stood up with their eyes fixed on Liu Wuxie''s arena. This was because the spirituality released by the Heretic de wasparable to a xiantian treasure.


    "This isn''t a xiantian treasure, but a top-grade spiritual treasure!" a deacon said in shock. He was also surprised by the spirituality released from Liu Wuxie''s Heretic de. This was because the Heretic de had surpassed ordinary spiritual treasures.


    "Where did he find a top-grade spiritual treasure?" No one entertained the idea that Liu Wuxie could have forged the Heretic de; only Jian Xing''er was privy to its origin.


    A top-grade spiritual treasure was even more precious than ordinary xiantian treasures. This was because ordinary xiantian treasures had limited growth potential and could not advance to a higher level.


    However, a top-grade spiritual treasure differed because it had immense growth potential, possibly advancing to an origin artifact.


    Everyone looked at the Heretic de with greed in their eyes. Some even swallowed their saliva multiple times, wishing they could go up and snatch it away.


    This was because top-grade spiritual treasures were hard toe by, and most cksmiths needed help even to create them. In just a few minutes, countless people harbored evil thoughts and wanted to seize the Heretic de away from Liu Wuxie.


    But Liu Wuxie was unaware of that and was fully immersed in the battle.


    Luo Mingyang''s face turned grim because his spiritual treasure was trashpared to Liu Wuxie''s Heretic de. His heart sank when a notch was left on his longsword after a sh.


    "Liu Wuxie, I want you dead!" Luo Mingyang''s eyes turned red. He had emptied his savings for this sword, equivalent to half his life. Losing it would significantly weaken hisbat power. So, it was no wonder Luo Mingyang was so angry.


    "You''re starting to be a nuisance!" Liu Wuxie was annoyed by Luo Mingyang''s chatter. He raised the Heretic de and executed the Fatality de Art''s fourth form, striking like a thunderbolt.


    After all, at this stage, Liu Wuxie had no reason to hold back. Taking down Luo Mingyang would solidify his spot in the top four, setting the stage for him to contend for the championship.


    "What powerful de intent! Isn''t he under twenty? Did he start cultivating in the womb?" Many people were shocked by Liu Wuxie''s strength.


    His de intent was more powerful than those who had cultivated for over a century. It was purer and filled with boundless murderous intent. This wasn''t something a young man should possess.


    "A weird fist technique and a ferocious de technique. Where did he learn those martial techniques?" Many people began to ponder because it was no longer a secret that Liu Wuxie came from the mundane world.


    Finding a mortal-grade martial technique in the mundane world was impressive, so how could there be such a profound one?


    "I suspect he has a master guiding him. Do you think someone so young can aplish this feat by himself?" Many people were suspicious, but investigations had revealed that Liu Wuxie was close to only a few people in the sect.


    "He''s just exceptionally talented. Didn''t a prodigy emerge in the Azure Crimson Gate, who swept through all the outer disciples in two months?" Anything was possible in the cultivation world, and even more bizarre things had urred in the past.


    While everyone was discussing things among themselves, the Heretic de descended with overwhelming power. The entire arena was enveloped in de intent, making Luo Mingyang feel as though he was stuck in quicksand and couldn''t move.


    The situation became increasingly unfavorable to Luo Mingyang. His grip tightened on his sword, his expression grim as he swung it horizontally, attempting to break free from the oppressive de intent.


    "Liu Wuxie, you forced me to resort to this! I''ll take you with me even if I have to die!" Luo Mingyang entered a frenzy, his eyes bing bloodshot. He lost his rationality with murderous intent filled in his chest.


    A cruel smile rose on Liu Wuxie''s lips, and the Heretic de swung out at an unimaginable angle. At this moment, the Fatality de Art''s fourth form had finally reached greater mastery.


    The de had no traces. The entire sky and void were covered in Liu Wuxie''s attacks, leaving Luo Mingyang with no room to maneuver.


    "What a tricky attack. I''m afraid only Senior Brother Shao can deal with this attack!" The spectators left their seats and gathered around the arena, not wanting to miss this battle.


    This was because Liu Wuxie''s de technique was terrifying. After all, even inner disciples couldn''t find a w in it. A wless martial technique meant the opponent could only wait for death.


    "Transform!" Torrential abyssal energy gushed out from Luo Mingyang.


    "H-He practices the abyssal race''s cultivation technique! No wonder he reached the fourth-level Heavenly Dipper Realm in just three months!" The crowd was shocked.


    While everyone marveled at Liu Wuxie''s rapid progress, Luo Mingyang''s own formidable growth was now exined: he had been cultivating abyssal techniques, elerating his ascent.


    After transforming into an abyssal devil, Luo Mingyang''s appearance became even more sinister, and he swung his sword at Liu Wuxie''s head.


    This sudden change caught everyone off guard, and the sect''s higher-ups wore a grim expression. They hadn''t expected a disciple to practice the abyssal race''s cultivation technique. If this got out, the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion would be aughingstock.


    "You think you can turn the tables around by bing an abyssal devil? You''ll still die even if you''re a demon god!" Liu Wuxie had no psychological burden to kill Luo Mingyang, who had transformed into an abyssal devil.


    Even if he didn''t kill Luo Mingyang, he believed Elder Tian Xing would.


    When the Heretic de fell onto Luo Mingyang, sparks flew around. Because Luo Mingyang had scales on his shoulder, it was tough for Liu Wuxie''s de to cut through.


    After all, the abyssal devils were superior to humans if they were in the same cultivation. After transforming into an abyssal devil, Luo Mingyang''s strength increased more than twofold and becameparable to the fifth level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    Luo Mingyang''s physical strength had increased drastically, but his martial techniques were weakened. Relying on physical strength alone would be challenging to defeat Liu Wuxie.


    "Hmph, let''s see how many attacks your body can take!" Liu Wuxie wasn''t in a hurry to kill Luo Mingyang and suddenly appeared behind him.

 Chapter 391 - Fight for the Championship

    <h4>Chapter 391 - Fight for the Championship</h4>


    After transforming into an abyssal devil, Luo Mingyang''s speed significantly decreased, and he could only rely on his powerful physique to charge around and kill Liu Wuxie. However, it was a pity he made the wrong decision.


    When Liu Wuxie had dealt with abyssal devils in his past life, Luo Mingyang''s ancestors weren¡¯t even born. His de shed down andnded on Luo Mingyang''s third vertebra.


    This was the weak spot because the human body would be paralyzed if it was cut, reducing that person into a cripple.


    Enraged roars burst out of Luo Mingyang''s mouth, making him look frighteningly like a monster.


    When Liu Wuxie''s de swung down, a violent ripple began spreading in the air before surging towards the surrounding tform like a torrent.


    Luo Mingyang staggered forward with a long gash on his back. The blood wasn''t red or ck but dark brown, giving off a foul stench.


    His body was already deeply affected by abyssal energy. After all, he had relied on practicing the abyssal race''s cultivation technique in the past three months to advance rapidly in his cultivation.


    The pain made Luo Mingyang scream. Although the sword didn''t cut into his bone, the long wound exposed it.


    This was a bloody scene, with the entire arena soaked in blood. He ignored the injuries on his back and turned around, lunging at Liu Wuxie''s waist, wanting to perish together.


    "What impudence!" Liu Wuxie''s murderous intent surged, and his footsteps changed before appearing behind Luo Mingyang again. He raised the Heretic de, which looked like a crescent moon.


    Luo Mingyang missed, and it was toote for him to turn back around because Liu Wuxie had swung his de down again. This time, the power was ten times stronger than the previous strike, infused with his true essence mixed with ice elements, metal elements, and several powers merging, making it unstoppable.


    Everyone widened their eyes to watch the fight progress. They even gave up watching the battle between Shao Wendong and Zhao Yi. After all, the battle here was more intense since it was a fight to the death.


    Although the battles in the other three arenas were intense, no blood was shed.


    "Luo Mingyang is going insane. Let''s see how Liu Wuxie deals with this!" The mockery directed at Liu Wuxie had disappeared. After all, Liu Wuxie had disyed strengthparable to Shao Wendong and others by defeating someone in the third level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm and forcing someone in the fourth level to transform into an abyssal devil.


    As Luo Mingyang turned around, the Heretic de descended swiftly. Sparks erupted at an incredible speed, igniting the air with friction and filling the surroundings with a suffocating de aura.


    "Die!" Liu Wuxie''s voice was like the reaper, pronouncing Luo Mingyang''s death. The de aura he unleashed drilled into Luo Mingyang from the wound on his back.


    Heart-wrenching screams came from Luo Mingyang''s mouth, and this was an unbearable scene. Luo Mingyang''s spine was broken as he copsed onto the ground.


    de aura shuttled within his body, destroying his meridians and stripping his flesh. Dense heavenly dipper power was devoured from Luo Mingyang and merged into Liu Wuxie''s body.


    Luo Mingyang''s screams gradually weakened as he transformed into his human form. His clothes were dyed red in his blood as hey limply on the ground with only one breath left.


    Liu Wuxie spared Luo Mingyang''s life, but he nced at Elder Tian Xing and nodded before leaping off the arena.


    "Luo Mingyang secretly practiced the abyssal race''s cultivation technique and will be expelled from the sect. He will be treated as a traitor to the sect with his cultivation rights deprived..." Elder Tian Xing announced before crippling Luo Mingyang''s cultivation and expelling him.


    Liu Wuxie didn''t kill Luo Mingyang for Elder Tian Xing to hand out punishment. Expelling Luo Mingyang could retain the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s reputation.


    After all, Luo Mingyang would still be a disciple of Heavenly Treasure Pavilion if he was directly killed. But it was different now because he was expelled alive, meaning he would have no connections with the sect from that moment onwards. As for his life and death outside the sect, no one cared about that.


    A deacon grabbed Luo Mingyang before heading to the sect''s entrance. He was directly thrown down the mountain, and a few wild dogs came to drag his body away.


    Elder Tian Xing nodded kindly towards Liu Wuxie, thanking him for retaining the sect''s reputation.


    If the outside world inquired, they could say Luo Mingyang exposed his abyssal race''s cultivation technique during the outer sect''spetition and was subdued by Liu Wuxie. Elder Tian Xing expelled him from the sect, with his status unknown.


    This made Elder Tian Xing see him in a new light to have thought out so much in such a short time. After all, another person in Liu Wuxie''s position would''ve killed Luo Mingyang without much consideration.


    With that, Liu Wuxie was the first to advance to the semifinals, entering the top four. It was unprecedented for a new disciple toe this far, and he could be considered a genius. After all, new disciples had only made it to the top hundred at best in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s history.


    "How did he be the top four with his cultivation in the True Core Realm?" It would be fine if Liu Wuxie were in the Heavenly Dipper Realm because everyone could ept it. But over a dozen disciples in the Heavenly Dipper Realm were eliminated, and Liu Wuxie could even defeat someone in the fourth level, which was beyond everyone''s expectations.


    After Shao Wendong defeated Zhao Yi, he was the second to return to the resting area. When Liu Wuxie and Shao Wendong locked eyes, a fierce determination was evident in both gazes.


    There was an irreconcble feud between the two after Liu Wuxie had rejected Shao Wendong¡¯s offer the previous day.


    A thunderous rumble came from the arena, and Chen Linunched her strongest attack to defeat Dong Yan, the third to finish her fight.


    Only Wen Haoran and He Lan were still fighting. The battle to determine the winner was prolonged as they were evenly matched in strength.


    When Chen Lin returned to her resting area, she nodded at Liu Wuxie and Shao Wendong as a greeting.


    Thest battle was ferocious. Liu Wuxie followed them with Ghost Eye, observing their every movement because the winner would likely be his next opponent.


    Wen Haoran performed the Hurricane Sword Art, which was stronger than the Divine Spirit Sword and Seven Sword Art.


    The Divine Spirit Sword, Seven Sword Art, and Yin-Yang Judgement Brush were considered quasi-heaven-grade martial techniques, but their power varied depending on the person using them.


    Duan Hong needed to grasp the true profundities of the Divine Spirit Sword, while Yun Lan''s cultivation needed to be higher to disy the Seven Sword Art''s full power.


    On the contrary, Wen Haoran was in the fifth-level Heavenly Dipper Realm, which made it tough for He Lan to get close when performing the Hurricane Sword Art.


    The two would be severely injured if they fought to the death because no one would risk their lives aftering this far. However, they would already receive a considerable amount of points after entering the top ten.


    Eventually, Wen Haoran won, as expected, and the top four were decided. Next were the semifinals, where the victors would fight to determine the champion, while the other two would fight for third ce.


    "Rest for an hour before proceeding to thest two rounds!" The participants were allowed to rest for an hour to recover their true essence. This was because all four had exhausted their true essence in the earlier fight, especially Wen Haoran, who had exhausted his true essence the most.


    It was already afternoon, and more people gathered among the spectators, wanting to know who would be the champion.


    "Who''s that kid, and how did he make it into the top four?" Many people came in the afternoon, and they were mostly inner disciples.


    Their attention was on Liu Wuxie, mainly because he stood out the most with cultivation in the True Core Realm while the others were in the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    "Isn''t the quality of this year''spetition too low for someone in the True Core Realm to make it into the top four?" Many inner disciples who arrivedter showed disdain when they saw Liu Wuxie. After all, the outer sect''spetition they had participated in was brutal, and it was unheard of for someone in the True Core Realm to make it this far.


    "Bullshit! He even defeated someone in the fourth level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm. This year''spetition is more brutal and exciting than ever!" The inner disciples who had arrived earlier recounted the battles from the past few days, shocking all theters.


    "What? Did someone in the True Core Realm defeat someone in the fourth-level Heavenly Dipper Realm? Are you sure you''re not kidding me?" The newly arrived inner disciples were stunned and struggled to ept this unbelievable feat.


    "What bullshit!" Various voices came from the surroundings; there were doubts, confusion, and jealousy.


    An hour passed in the blink of an eye as fighting spirits erupted from the four participants when they opened their eyes.


    A deacon took out a bamboo tube again with four bamboo slips inside. The deacon ced the bamboo tube before everyone, saying, "There is only yellow and white inside. Those who draw the same color will fight each other, and it depends on your luck now."


    "Senior Sister Chen Lin, you must draw Wen Haoran or Liu Wuxie. Don¡¯t draw Shao Wendong!¡± The Earth Force Peak''s disciples gathered to pray. If Chen Lin skipped Shao Wendong for this round, defeating Wen Haoran would be easy. This also meant the final battle for the championship would be determined between her and Shao Wendong.


    Despiteing this far, everyone still didn''t believe Liu Wuxie could win the championship. They all thought he had reached his limit aftering this far.


    ording to everyone''s logic, Shao Wendong and Chen Lin were bound to take first and second ces, respectively, with Wen Haoran ranking third and Liu Wuxie fourth.


    The Profound Inscription Peak''s disciples also prayed, hoping Wen Haoran would pick Liu Wuxie and avoid Chen Lin and Shao Wendong. This meant that even if Wen Haoran lost, he would be able to secure second ce.


    No one prayed for Liu Wuxie except Bai Lin and others. They already felt proud Liu Wuxie coulde this far, and they didn''t expect him to go any further because it was a victory for him if he could survive till the end.


    The four participants reached out to draw a bamboo slip. Everyone was nervous when they did so because this year''s rewards were too rich.


    The rewards were so generous that even inner disciples were jealous, wishing they could participate in thispetition. They weren''t too concerned about spirit stones and points but the entry to the Celestial Spirit Cave.


    Looking at the color of the bamboo slips and the other three, a smile rose on Liu Wuxie''s lips because luck was crucial. As for whether there was any cheating involved, only the heavens knew.


    They picked the bamboo slips, and there was no possibility of cheating.

 Chapter 392 - Death

    <h4>Chapter 392 - Death</h4>


    The four participants looked at their bamboo slips with a mix of emotions.


    ¡°This is unfair! Why did Senior Brother Shao Wendong and Senior Sister Chen Lin meet before the final battle?¡± The Heavenly Trigram Peak and Earth Force Peak¡¯s disciples stood up to protest because Shao Wendong and Chen Lin had drawn the same bamboo slip.


    Their early encounter meant one of them would be eliminated from the championship because a victor would be determined in this battle, with the loserpeting for the third spot.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s opponent was Wen Haoran, which was a result that Wuxie had anticipated.


    The four walked to the arena, with Liu Wuxie and Wen Haoran choosing the left side while Shao Wendong and Chen Lin picked the right. They were separated by over five hundred meters. This ensured the two arenas wouldn¡¯t affect each other and visibility simultaneously.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, you¡¯ve finally fallen into my hands and will die in this battle.¡± Wen Haoran still held a grudge over the ck cultivation chamber, but he hadn¡¯t had a chance to kill Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°A deathmatch!¡± Liu Wuxie said, pointing the Heretic de at Wen Haoran. There was no need for further words since it hade to this point.


    ¡°What? They want a deathmatch?¡± The crowd thought they had gone insane because no one would pick a deathmatch aftering this far.


    Elder Tian Xing showed displeasure, thinking Liu Wuxie was too reckless. After all, he still had a chance topete for third ce if he took a more steady approach.


    The entire martial field erupted into an uproar. Even Shao Wendong and Chen Lin looked at them.


    ¡°This kid...¡± Chen Lin smiled bitterly and didn¡¯t know what to say.


    ¡°He¡¯s just seeking attention, and his luck will run out one day,¡± Shao Wendong sneered, thinking Liu Wuxie was seeking attention. He was under the impression he had won the previous battles due to the luck of running into weaker opponents.


    But luck would run out one day, and Wen Haoran wasn¡¯t an ordinary disciple. Even Shao Wendong would find it difficult to win against Wen Haoran easily.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so. I have a feeling he¡¯s hiding something.¡± Chen Lin shared her view on Liu Wuxie as he didn¡¯t seem like the type to act recklessly.


    Everyone¡¯s opinions varied, with most people thinking Liu Wuxie had gone insane.


    Upon hearing Liu Wuxie¡¯s request for a deathmatch, Wen Haoran hesitated briefly before a cruel smile rose on his lips.


    ¡°Perfect! I was also hoping for a deathmatch!¡± Wen Haoran agreed to Liu Wuxie¡¯s deathmatch. This meant only one could leave the arena alive.


    ¡°Shao Wendong asked you to do it, right? To exhaust my true essence even if you can¡¯t kill me to give him an advantage.¡± Liu Wuxie sneered and saw through Wen Haoran¡¯s n.


    ¡°So what if you guessed it? You¡¯ll die soon anyway.¡± Wen Haoran admitted without hiding. Shao Wendong had told him to do his best to exhaust Liu Wuxie¡¯s true essence by any means necessary.


    ¡°Since that¡¯s the case, let¡¯s cut the crap and fight!¡± No words were needed because their strength would determine the oue. Dense murderous intent burst out from the two and enveloped the entire arena.


    ¡°You¡¯re arrogant, but I¡¯ll end you!¡± Wen Haoran pointed his sword at Liu Wuxie with gusts of wind enveloping a few kilometers of radius.


    Liu Wuxie raised the Heretic de calmly with no changes on his face. He was also unsure of his odds against someone in the fifth level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    Repelling Mu Yongyuan with a single palm strike didn''t necessarily mean Liu Wuxie was much stronger than his opponent. After all, Mu Yongyuan didn''t dare to stay and fight in the Abyssal Underground World, choosing instead to retreat.


    On the contrary, Wen Haoran had hidden his strength for thispetition, and he would undoubtedly use his full strength to win no matter what. When Wen Haoran swung his de, it created a powerful gale that nearly blew Liu Wuxie away.


    A powerful wave of energy was unleashed as the longsword swung down, nearly sweeping Liu Wuxie away with its forceful gale. This strike was extraordinarily potent, with Wen Haoran resorting to his strongest attack right from the start, not wanting to give Liu Wuxie any chance.


    ¡°Great!¡± Liu Wuxie advanced instead of retreating. He raised the Heretic de and performed the Fatality de Art. There was no powerful shockwave or aggressive de aura. Instead, this looked like a gentle swing of the de.


    The Hurricane Sword Art focused on aggressive strikes, while Liu Wuxie adopted a gentle approach to counter Wen Haoran¡¯s attacks. The two shed with opposing fighting styles.


    The arena bs exploded under the force of the Hurricane Sword Art, leveling the ground where Liu Wuxie stood and covering the entire arena in craters.


    Striding the Seven Dipper Steps, Liu Wuxie dodged and appeared on the other side of the arena, swinging the Heretic de down. His attack was swift like thunderbolts, reaching Wen Haoran in the blink of an eye.


    Liu Wuxie and Wen Haoran¡¯s attacks were swift, and each move seemed meticulously refined through time. But Liu Wuxie still didn¡¯t unleash his power in the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    Liu Wuxie was waiting for Wen Haoran to fall under the impression that he would win beforeunching his counterattack. After all, it would be more interesting than easy.


    Facing Liu Wuxie¡¯s attack, Wen Haoran remained indifferent and swung his sword horizontally.


    Sparks flew when the sword and the de shed. The two were evenly matched, and Wen Haoran¡¯s sword was fine because it was of a higher qualitypared to Luo Mingyang.


    ¡°Where did this kide from? How can he withstand an attack from someone in the fifth-level Heavenly Dipper Realm?¡± The inner disciples who arrivedter were utterly shocked by this scene. They didn¡¯t believe it when others told them of Liu Wuxie¡¯s strength.


    However, after witnessing it with their own eyes, they realized it wasn¡¯t a lie, and Liu Wuxie was stronger than he appeared.


    ¡°Holy shit, doesn¡¯t that mean he¡¯ll advance by leaps and bounds if he gets into the inner sect?¡± The treatment in the inner sect was on a whole new levelpared to the outer sect.


    With Liu Wuxie¡¯s talent, he could easily rise within three years after entering the inner sect as long as he progressed steadily.


    The fight between Shao Wendong and Chen Lin had alreadymenced, with both participants cautiously testing each other''s capabilities. Given their deep understanding of each other''s strengths, the battle would likely hinge on a decisive sh to determine the victor. Ordinary moves wouldn¡¯t suffice, as they were well-acquainted with each other¡¯s cultivation and martial techniques.


    As a result, their match didn¡¯t captivate the spectators as much as the action in Liu Wuxie''s arena. Unlike Shao Wendong and Chen Lin, Liu Wuxie and Wen Haoran were unfamiliar with each other¡¯s styles, forcing them to stay alert while attempting tond lethal blows.


    A powerful shockwave swept over, making Liu Wuxie¡¯s arm numb. This was because Wen Haoran¡¯s true essence was incredibly pure, much more than Luo Mingyang¡¯s.


    Wen Haoran''s expression shifted as the collision''s impact felt like mming into a mountain. The recoil force nearly tore the tendons in his arm, leaving him with a serious, somber demeanor.


    He mobilized all his true essence to create a powerful hurricane like a vortex, trapping Liu Wuxie inside. This was likely the strongest attack of the Hurricane Sword Art, and Wen Haoran didn¡¯t dare to be careless.


    ¡°What¡¯s happening? After just three exchanges, Wen Haoran has already used Hurricane Vortex. Could Liu Wuxie be posing a serious threat?¡± The Profound Inscription Peak¡¯s disciples stood up, bewildered by the sudden shift in the arena. This made no sense, as Wen Haoran should have easily defeated Liu Wuxie by now.


    When the vortex was formed, Liu Wuxie narrowed his eyes and raised the Heretic de, swinging it down.


    ¡°Third Fatality Form!¡± The third form didn¡¯t have as much variation as the fourth, but it was stronger.


    Rumbling sounds came from the surrounding space, and the deacon acting as a judge for this arena quickly retreated. Cracks also began to appear on the vortex in the center.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, it¡¯s useless. You will die today!¡± Wen Haoran roared and swung his sword down, causing the vortex to expand.


    Liu Wuxie was trapped in the vortex and couldn¡¯t break out no matter how he swung his de. If this continued, it wouldn¡¯t be long for the vortex to rip Liu Wuxie apart.


    ¡°Senior Brother Wen Haoran, go for it! Kill him!¡± The Profound Inscription Peak¡¯s disciples stood up to cheer for Wen Haoran.


    Liu Wuxie charged left and right, but he couldn¡¯t tear the vortex apart no matter how he executed the Fatality de Art. This wasn¡¯t a good sign, making Bai Lin and others anxious.


    Conceding was fine if this was a regr battle, but this was a deathmatch with no room for retreat.


    Jian Xing¡¯er stood up with her hands sped together, praying silently. She didn¡¯t know Liu Wuxie had reached the Heavenly Dipper Realm because he hadn¡¯t disclosed it to anyone.


    ¡°Junior Brother Liu, concede the fight quickly!¡± Many supporters of Liu Wuxie stood up, urging him to concede. Even if Liu Wuxie had to apologize to Wen Haoran, this was better than dying in the arena.


    ¡°Hmph, no one can concede in a death match.¡± The Profound Inscription Peak and Terrain Summit Peak¡¯s disciples jumped out after having been silent for a long time.


    Since the start of thepetition, Liu Wuxie had consistently shattered their expectations, delivering resounding blows to their pride. But now, they could finally hold their heads high.


    The vortex continued to grow stronger. Wen Haoran had unleashed such a powerful move when the fight had just begun, which was a rare sight.


    Elder Tian Xing looked worried because the youngdy had invited Liu Wuxie. He didn¡¯t know how to exin to the youngdy if anything happened to Liu Wuxie.


    Then again, no one could interfere in the outer sect¡¯spetition, especially since the two parties had decided on a death match.


    The situation grew increasingly unfavorable for Liu Wuxie, cing him in a difficult position. The vortex showed signs of shrinking from ten to five meters in diameter, further restricting Liu Wuxie¡¯s mobility.


    A sinister smile rose on Wen Haoran¡¯s lips. He could foresee himself killing Liu Wuxie and bing the champion.


    The discussions gradually faded as the vortex shrank to about three meters.


    ¡°It looks like Liu Wuxie has given up!¡± Even Shao Wendong would have difficulty breaking free from such a small vortex.


    It seemed Liu Wuxie had given up on the stage after several unsessful attempts to break free. Just when everyone thought it was game over for Liu Wuxie, a powerful wave of energy erupted from the vortex.


    A silver beam burst forth from the vortex, spawning a new whirlwind that began to consume Wen Haoran''s vortex.


    "What''s happening? Look at the arena!" The sudden turn of events left everyone astonished. They were amazed to see a new vortex emerge within Wen Haoran''s vortex, devouring it slowly over time.


    Everyone thought Liu Wuxie had created the vortex, but one-third of Wen Haoran¡¯s vortex was devoured as time passed.


    Thousands of people gathered around Liu Wuxie¡¯s arena and couldn¡¯t find any anomalies. It was as though the vortex had appeared out of nowhere.


    ¡°Look! Liu Wuxie¡¯s cultivation...¡±

 Chapter 393 - Suppression Stele

    <h4>Chapter 393 - Suppression Stele</h4>


    No one dared to blink, their eyes fixed on Liu Wuxie. Suddenly, a violent wave of energy shot towards the sky as Liu Wuxie''s cultivation surged to the first level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm. This oue stunned everyone, including Wen Haoran.


    Everyone was stunned. The faces of those who had mocked Liu Wuxie turned pale, their mouths agape. They had been poised to ridicule him, but the sudden turn of events caught thempletely off guard.


    "How is this possible? He had also concealed his cultivation!" Shock rippled through the crowd. Liu Wuxie had been in the third level of the True Core Realm when he had joined the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, yet in just three months, he had reached the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    The sheer talent required to achieve this was unimaginable. Those who had previously considered provoking Liu Wuxie now smiled bitterly, relieved they hadn''t faced him in thepetition. Otherwise, they would have met a dire fate.


    The vortex in the arena grew stronger, consuming the Hurricane Sword Art. Wen Haoran''s expression shifted, realizing he couldn''t prevent his vortex from being devoured, even as he infused it with his sword aura.


    The situation was reversed with Liu Wuxie standing in the vortex like a ferocious beast, devouring everything around him. Even space wasn''t spared and was devoured.


    Just bringing out a trace of the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron''s aura was enough to deal with everything. Liu Wuxie further revealed his cultivation in the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    "Senior Brother Wen, think of something!" The Profound Inscription Peak''s disciples roared angrily, urging Wen Haoran to think of a way to kill Liu Wuxie.


    However, Wen Haoran couldn''t even move as he was immobilized. He wanted to beg for mercy, but it was futile because this was a deathmatch.


    Jian Xing''er gradually felt relieved because Liu Wuxie''s victory was assured with his cultivation in the first level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    "He hid his true strength well!" Elder Tian Xing smiled bitterly; they had all been deceived by Liu Wuxie. The vortex expanded, now capable of enveloping the entire arena. This time, it was Wen Haoran who found himself trapped within.


    "Wen Haoran, die!" Liu Wuxie roared and leaped into the sky before shing down with the Heretic de.


    The world suddenly became dark, and the ground trembled with a mighty gale crashing down.


    Using the heavenly dipper power, Liu Wuxie released his aura in the Heavenly Dipper Realm and brought the Fatality de Art to the limit.


    "What terrifying energy fluctuation! He''s only in the first level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm, but the aura he¡¯s giving off isparable to the pinnacle of the fifth level," the inner disciples eximed because this scene overturned their understanding.


    They had met their fair share of geniuses, but it was rare to encounter someone capable of fighting someone with a much higher cultivation.


    "He''s too strong!" Even Shao Wendong''s arena was affected by a powerful gale produced by the energy shockwave.


    When Liu Wuxie revealed his cultivation in the Heavenly Dipper Realm, dense murderous intent shed across Shao Wendong''s eyes. His attack speed suddenly increased and forced Chen Lin to retreat step by step. Wen Haoran had a good rtionship with him, and Shao Wendong would avenge him if he died at Liu Wuxie''s hands.


    The gust continued to grow stronger, leaving Wen Haoran vulnerable to being swept by the wind at any time.


    The Profound Inscription Peak''s disciples stopped their jeering and fell silent.


    Liu Wuxie''s rise was now unstoppable. Even if he lost this battle, he was guaranteed at least second ce.


    The powerful gust coalesced into a de and descended, obliterating all the bs on the ground.


    "I''m done for!" Wen Haoran smiled bitterly. No one could save him unless someone in the Nascent Transformation Realm intervened.


    The de aura was already upon him, and it was toote to dodge. Even an expert in the Astral River Realm couldn¡¯t have saved him.


    Wen Haoran exploded, and he couldn''t even let out a scream before his death. When pieces of flesh and blood sttered around, all the energy in Wen Haoran''s body was devoured by Liu Wuxie.


    With that, Liu Wuxie won the fight with Wen Haoran, showing absolute dominance, and made it to the finals.


    After killing Wen Haoran, Liu Wuxie returned to the rest area. He took out a handful of pills and swallowed them to recover his true essence.


    Although his true essence wasn''tpletely exhausted, he had still used about thirty percent of it in his fight with Wen Haoran. He couldn''t afford any mistakes for the finals because he knew he had to go all out.


    Wen Haoran''s supporters were dumbfounded; they couldn''t believe the battle was already over.


    The Profound Inscription Peak fell into a deathly silence. Even the Profound Inscription Peak''s peak master gave Liu Wuxie a deep look because thest strike was extremely unusual.


    While recovering his true essence, Liu Wuxie nced towards Shao Wendong, whose fight with Chen Lin was intense and locked in a stalemate. With Wen Haoran dead, neither wanted to miss the chance to fight for the championship.


    Everyone''s attention shifted to Shao Wendong and Chen Lin. Wen Haoran¡¯s death seemed inconsequentialpared to the epic battle unfolding before them.


    Liu Wuxie''s gaze mainly lingered on Chen Lin because of her strength. She was enveloped in a faint yellow radiance, making it difficult for Shao Wendong to win. Shao Wendong could only break Chen Lin''s defenses with his current strength if he had other trump cards.


    There was a reason Shao Wendong had such a high reputation and poprity among all the participants, and there was something exceptional about him.


    The fight continued, with Shao Wendong and Chen Lin fighting for over an hour, exchanging thousands of blows. They were too familiar with each other, making it tough to find the ws in each other''s attacks. After all, they knew how to counter the opposing attacks as soon as they were executed.


    "Senior Brother Shao, it''s hard to determine a winner at this rate. I know you''ve forged a Suppression Steleparable to xiantian treasures. You might as well use it," Chen Lin said, retreating.


    An uproar broke out among the crowd upon hearing about the Suppression Stele.


    "What? Senior Brother Shao really seeded in forging the Suppression Stele?!" Everyone looked at Shao Wendong with disbelief as the Suppression Stele wasn''t an ordinary spiritual treasure.


    The real Suppression Stele was long lost and was rumored to be capable of suppressing heaven and earth. Refining such a treasure required astronomical resources; only extraordinary geniuses could forge them.


    Liu Wuxie narrowed his eyes upon hearing about the Suppression Stele. He had also heard of the Suppression Stele, rumored to guard the five directions of heaven and earth in ancient times, representing the five elements.


    One Suppression Stele could suppress one direction, and five stelesbined could imprison everything.


    But with Shao Wendong''s strength, it would only be a spiritual treasure at best, even if he managed to forge it. After all, the legendary Suppression Stele was akin to a celestial artifact.


    Then again, the Suppression Stele was incredibly powerful, even if it was a spiritual treasure. At the very least, it was ten-odd times more powerful than ordinary weapons, which was why the Suppression Stele was so powerful.


    "I won''t hide it since you already know about it!" Shao Wendong''s expression remained unchanged. Only a select few knew he had forged a Suppression Stele, and he had no idea how Chen Lin had obtained that information.


    With a wave, a palm-sized stone stele appeared in his hand. The Suppression Stele began to grow as it flew into the air.


    The surrounding space began to tremble when the Suppression Stele soared to the sky, which felt like an earthquake. Even the arena was on the verge of copsing.


    Chen Lin''s clothes fluttered in the wind, and her face became grave at the sight of the Suppression Stele. She knew that even if she lost this battle, it wouldn''t be due to theck of strength but their weapons.


    The Suppression Stele grew to a three-meter-tall monument, which emitted an overwhelming aura.


    "It''s the Suppression Stele! Senior Brother Shao has sessfully refined it!" An uproar broke out among the crowd when they saw the Suppression Stele.


    After all, refining the Suppression Stele required many precious resources, and Shao Wendong had spent years gathering them. He had sessfully forged the Suppression Stele a month before the outer sect''spetition.


    "The suppression is too strong, and Senior Sister Chen is in danger now." The situation changed the moment the Suppression Stele was summoned.


    Chen Lin''s odds of winning weren''t high unless she possessed a treasureparable to the Suppression Stele. This meant it was practically impossible for her to win.


    "This fight is too unfair for Senior Sister Chen!" The Earth Force Peak''s disciples stood up because Chen Lin had a fair chance for the championship. However, the bnce was broken when Shao Wendong brought out the Suppression Stele.


    "Nothing is fair in the world, and weapons are also part of your strength." Everyone had no choice but to ept that weapons were part of one''s strength, even if they were reluctant.


    When energy descended, Chen Lin''s yellow glow began to shrink under the tremendous pressure. But as Shao Wendong continued to form seals with his hands, the pressure released by the Suppression Stele continued to increase.


    <i>The Earth Suppression Stele...interesting!</i> Liu Wuxie thought to himself.


    There were five Suppression Steles in total, and Shao Wendong had forged the Earth Suppression Stele, which mainly focused on both offense and defense.


    This was natural because it wasn''t easy to forge a Suppression Stele. Since Shao Wendong chose to forge one, he would naturally choose to refine one capable of defending and attacking.


    Furthermore, the other Suppression Steles took more work to forge. Take the Metal Suppression Stele, which required an astronomical sum of precious metals, or the Wood Suppression Stele, which required an astronomical sum of wood essence.


    As for the Earth Suppression Stele, it was easier to forge because the materials were easier to find.


    "Out of the five elements, I have already absorbed the metal, wood, and fire elements in my dantian. If I refine this Earth Suppression Stele, my strength will drastically transform." Liu Wuxie began to contemte Shao Wendong''s Earth Suppression Stele.


    He had once encountered a powerhouse who had incorporated all five Suppression Steles into his body, making him invincible. His current strength might not beparable to that powerhouse, but he could make the ancient steles reappear in the world if given enough time.


    The battle broke out in the arena again as Chen Lin didn''t want to wait any longer.


    "Mountain Suppression!" Chen Lin roared. A yellow aura began gathering in her hands, forming a mountain that pressed down on the Suppression Stele.


    The force caused the arena beneath them to disappear, and the Suppression Stele hovering in the air began to spin rapidly, unleashing an outburst of powerful energy.

 Chapter 394 - Final Battle

    <h4>Chapter 394 - Final Battle</h4>


    Chen Lin unleashed her strongest trump card, one she had only used three times since cultivating it. This was the fourth time, and she had defeated all her opponents in the past without exception.


    But it was unknown whether it could create a miracle this time.


    A powerful gust swept up a cloud of dust, obscuring the two figures and leaving everyone to wait until the end to discover the victor. However, this didn''t prevent the inner disciples from attempting to see through the dust cloud.


    The sky darkened, and the ground trembled. Disciples near the arena quickly retreated, fearing they might get caught in the crossfire. Even seasoned inner disciples hesitated to get too close.


    Liu Wuxie used Ghost Eye to see through the cloud of dust. Shao Wendong didn¡¯t dare to be careless when facing Chen Lin¡¯s strongest attack and used both hands to control the Suppression Stele.


    Twopletely different forces shed together with stone fragments flying around. Fortunately, several Astral River Realm elders had already set up defenses to stop the fragments from shooting out of the arena.


    Shao Wendong and Chen Lin were sent flying away when a powerful outburst, like a meteorite, hit the ground.


    The Suppression Stelended in Shao Wendong¡¯s hands, while Chen Lin, unable to control her fall, hit the edge of the arena with blood dripping from her lips.


    It was evident she was slightly inferior in the earlier collision. Resisting the pressure of the Suppression Stele with just her physique was too difficult. She would have had better odds of winning if she possessed a powerful spiritual treasure.


    When the dust cloud settled, Shao Wendong and Chen Lin emerged before everyone. Shao Wendong wore a faint smile, the Suppression Stele in his hand, clearly indicating who had won the battle.


    "Senior Brother Shao is truly formidable, and I have noints about losing this battle. You''ve won!" Chen Lin wiped the blood from her mouth and cupped her fists. She epted her defeat gracefully, withoutmenting herck of a powerful spiritual treasure.


    After all, a victory was a victory, and there were no excuses. In a life-and-death battle, one would use any means necessary to kill their opponent, and possessing a powerful spiritual treasure was within the rules.


    Thus, Chen Lin¡¯s words earned her much respect from the spectators.


    Apuse erupted from the surroundings as the fight between Shao Wendong and Chen Lin concluded, deemed more intense and spectacr than Liu Wuxie''s battle with Wen Haoran..


    Their objectives had naturally led to different results. Liu Wuxie fought with lethal intent, favoring efficiency over showmanship. If he could defeat his opponent with a single strike, he wouldn''t waste energy on a second.


    ¡°Thanks for the battle!¡± Shao Wendong cupped his fists together. He acknowledged that without the Suppression Stele, their fight would have ended in mutual destruction, with both suffering severe injuries.


    Chen Lin left the arena and returned to the rest area. Logically speaking, she was supposed to fight Wen Haoran topete for third ce. However, with Wen Haoran¡¯s death, Chen Lin naturally didn¡¯t have to fight again and easily secured third ce in advance.


    This made Chen Lin feel better because the third ce was eptable to her.


    ¡°You have to be careful of Shao Wendong¡¯s Suppression Stele,¡± Chen Lin said as she sat beside Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Thank you for the reminder!¡± Regardless of her motive, Liu Wuxie still expressed his gratitude.


    The emergence of the Suppression Stele made Liu Wuxie approach the uing fight with a newfound seriousness. Without the stele, killing Shao Wendong would be a straightforward task, but its presenceplicated matters.


    However, this challenge also excited Liu Wuxie, as he could only improve by facing formidable opponents. Fighting weaklings would only tarnish his status.


    "Prepare for the championship battle!" Elder Tian Xing announced, urging them to determine the champion as soon as possible. This was advantageous for Liu Wuxie, who had rested for nearly an hour after hisst battle.


    Shao Wendong had just finished his battle and was low on true essence. Thus, it would be unfavorable to him to fight under this condition.


    Then again, this had always been the rule to determine the champion because the resting time was fifteen minutes at best.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie,e on up!¡± Shao Wendong moved to another arena and waved at Liu Wuxie, signaling him toe up and fight.


    ¡°I won¡¯t take advantage of you. We can fight after you recover your true essence.¡±


    Everyone thought Liu Wuxie would agree readily, taking advantage of Shao Wendong¡¯s depleted true essence for a slim chance of victory. But his words stunned everyone, who realized they had underestimated Liu Wuxie.


    Even Elder Tian Xing was baffled, as he had tried to help Liu Wuxie win the fight.


    "He''s either insane or truly magnanimous," remarked those who had previously mocked Liu Wuxie, their voices subdued as his actions garnered praise from the spectators.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, well done! You¡¯ve be the role model for our generation!¡± The disciples, who were neutral, stood up to support Liu Wuxie. More people began to support Liu Wuxie, which considerably elevated his status in everyone¡¯s hearts.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, have you considered it well? This might be your sole opportunity to defeat Shao Wendong.¡± Many people felt that Liu Wuxie shouldn¡¯t miss this excellent opportunity to defeat Shao Wendong.


    After all, no one was optimistic about Liu Wuxie defeating Shao Wendong when he recovered to his prime with the Suppression Stele.


    Liu Wuxie ignored the surrounding voices and remained seated, waiting for Shao Wendong to recover his true essence.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, do you think I¡¯ll be grateful to you? I won¡¯t hesitate to kill you in our fight.¡± Shao Wendong looked at Liu Wuxie viciously. He didn¡¯t want to owe Liu Wuxie any favor and took out a handful of pills to swallow.


    ¡°I won¡¯t kill weaklings. If I want to kill you, I will do it when you¡¯re at your prime.¡± Liu Wuxie sneered. He didn¡¯t want to leave any room for criticism for the final battle.


    Even in the event of Shao Wendong''s defeat, people would attribute Liu Wuxie''s victory to Shao Wendong''s depleted state from battling Chen Lin, tarnishing the perceived honor of his win.


    This was Liu Wuxie¡¯s true intention, and murderous intent spread silently throughout the martial field.


    ¡°Lunatics! They¡¯ve secured the first and second spots, and they still want to fight to the death?¡± Many people felt that Liu Wuxie and Shao Wendong were lunatics. They had already secured the first and second ce, so why fight to the death?


    No one understood their mindset. The rewards were tempering, but their dao heart was also important. Their dao heart wouldn¡¯t beplete if they couldn¡¯t kill each other.


    Time passed, and no one rushed them. Everyone was waiting for Shao Wendong to recover his true essence fully.


    Dense spiritual energy enveloped Shao Wendong. He had significantly benefited from the earlier battle, and he was even stronger than before.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie,e!¡±


    Two hourster, Shao Wendong¡¯s true essence recovered to its peak. He had depleted only his true essence without sustaining any injuries, relying heavily on the Suppression Stele for most of his strength.


    Liu Wuxie opened his eyes with his fighting spirits roaring like a vast ocean. He slowly walked toward the arena, and his murderous intent grew stronger with each step.


    When Liu Wuxie stepped into the arena, the collision between two forces created a powerful shockwave that spread out in all directions.


    ¡°What terrifying power!¡± The spectating disciples stood up, knowing the most climactic battle had finally begun. Boundless power began to sh, and neither was willing to back down.


    "Liu Wuxie, our fates are intertwined in conflict. This battle ends with your death," Shao Wendong dered, his murderous intent undisguised. Having failed to recruit Liu Wuxie andpounded by past grievances rted to the ck cultivation chamber incident, reconciliation was out of the question.


    ¡°Make your move!¡± Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t waste any words and summoned the Heretic de. Everything would be decided between them by strength.


    The ground began to shatter under their power.


    Shao Wendong stowed away the Suppression Stele, convinced that his cultivation at the fifth level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm provided ample strength without its aid.


    He was much stronger than Wen Haoran. A longsword appeared in his hand, and he pointed it at Liu Wuxie, unleashing a powerful sword aura gushing out.


    The fight had officially begun. Liu Wuxie pointed the Heretic de to the sky, and a crimson energy shot out from the de, with the Fatality de Art ready to strike.


    Liu Wuxie and Shao Wendong vanished as de aura and sword aura shed, enveloping a radius of tens of thousands of meters.


    Afterimages blurred in a relentless pursuit, indistinguishable from one another. Sparks danced through the air, and Shao Wendong wielded a spiritual treasureparable to Liu Wuxie¡¯s Heretic de.


    The powerful shockwaves formed by the collision of two powerful spiritual treasures were enough to send the entire arena flying away. The battle went from the ground to the sky and back down.


    The ripples caused by the shockwave of their collision began to spread out, and the battle required four deacons to guard the arena. This was to ensure themotion caused by their fight wouldn¡¯t destroy the martial field.


    Despite reinforcing the arena with spiritual arrays, they still couldn¡¯t stop the shockwave created by the two. With no choice, they could only dispatch Astral River Realm experts to fortify the spiritual array.


    Various intricate de techniques, executed with tricky trajectories, threw Shao Wendong off Liu Wuxie''s rhythm.


    Despite Shao Wendong''s superior cultivation, Liu Wuxie matched him in purity of true essence and surpassed him inbat talent.


    The only advantage Shao Wendong had was his cultivation. But the cultivation couldn¡¯t represent everything.


    ¡°This is unbelievable! Liu Wuxie is holding his front against Shao Wendong!¡± Many people were shocked because Liu Wuxie¡¯s performance had exceeded everyone¡¯s expectations.


    It was bing clear that Liu Wuxie had not yet unleashed his full strength, surprising those who had assumed he had given his all in the fight against Wen Haoran.


    But it was evident everyone had underestimated Liu Wuxie.

 Chapter 395 - Clash

    <h4>Chapter 395 - sh</h4>


    The two were evenly matched after five hundred moves. Liu Wuxie did not have Chen Lin¡¯s unusual defenses and relied on his movement technique to dodge Shao Wendong¡¯s attacks.


    Shao Wendong''s attacks were relentless, and his sword technique rivaled the Seven Sword Art in ferocity. Combined with his formidable cultivation, he unleashed the full power of his sword skills with wless precision.


    Each move was wless, and only a monstrous genius like Liu Wuxie could neutralize the iing attacks.


    When Chen Lin had previously faced Shao Wendong, she had relied heavily on her defenses, unable to evade some of his strikes.


    "With one on the offense and the other on defense, when will we see a conclusion?" After an extended battle, the spectators grew impatient as the oue remained elusive.


    After all, everyone had waited five days for this final battle.


    Shao Wendong was on the offensive, while Liu Wuxie defended. It was like the sh between a spear and a sword, with neither gaining the upper hand.


    No one mocked Liu Wuxie this time because it was heaven-defying that Liu Wuxie could hold his ground against Shao Wendong. Everyone knew of Liu Wuxie¡¯s remarkable movement technique, and Shao Wendong had thoroughly researched it in the past few days.


    ¡°Heavenly Union Sword!¡± Shao Wendong roared. When he swung his sword down, he unleashed a sword ray that split into three, attacking the three afterimages.


    Each afterimage was Liu Wuxie¡¯s main body, which meant he could only resolve the attacks head-on since he couldn¡¯t dodge.


    After exchanging more than five hundred moves and still being unable to kill Liu Wuxie, Shao Wendong felt humiliated. He knew it wouldn¡¯t be a glorious victory even if he won the battle if this went on.


    Shao Wendong knew he had to end the battle quickly and crush Liu Wuxie with absolute strength to restore his reputation.


    ¡°Fatality de Art!¡± This was Liu Wuxie¡¯s first time performing Ghost Eye in thispetition, and Liu Wuxiepletely saw through Shao Wendong¡¯s attack.


    Liu Wuxie swung down the Heretic de at a tricky angle. No one expected Liu Wuxie to execute such an incredible strike. It was perfect and resolved Shao Wendong¡¯s sword auras.


    "Liu Wuxie''s counterattacks are absolutely brilliant! The way they seamlessly transition between offense and defense is mesmerizing," eximed one spectator, captivated by the ongoing sh.


    The swift and precise timing of Liu Wuxie''s counters was unmatched. Even among the inner disciples who tried to emte their techniques in private, none could match Liu Wuxie''s predictive ability.


    If it were someone else in the fifth-level Heavenly Dipper Realm, they would¡¯ve fallen to Shao Wendong¡¯s sword long ago.


    As the battle persisted, Shao Wendong''s patience wore thin as he struggled to gain an advantage over Liu Wuxie. Determined not to be outdone by someone in the first level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm, Shao Wendong elerated his attacks.


    However, Liu Wuxie''s speed didn''t just increase; it seemed to defy limits. His Nine Heavenly Crane Dance transformed him into a celestial crane, effortlessly maneuvering across the arena. Each move was executed with such swiftness that a thousand exchanges urred in mere moments.


    The sh intensified, neither yielding to the other. The duration of their battle surpassed Shao Wendong''s fight with Chen Lin, pushing him to contemte using the Suppression Stele if he couldn''t defeat Liu Wuxie soon.


    "Heavenly Union Wood sh!" Shao Wendong''s ultimate technique erupted¡ªa torrent of sword aura surged, bearing down on Liu Wuxie with relentless force.


    The terrifying sword aura formed a waterfall covering the sky like a curtain.


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t dare to be careless or counter this attack easily, even after seeing through the w. When an attack was more powerful than himself, trying to counter it would only result in a backfire.


    He could resolve ordinary attacks with skills, but it was futile against such a powerful attack. It was like how a person could lift a hundred-pound stone, but not a ten-thousand-pound stone.


    This move was powerful, and it couldn¡¯t be resolved easily.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, die!¡± Shao Wendong¡¯s face became sinister with boundless murderous intent, forming into ake, filling every inch of space. His murderous intent directed at Liu Wuxie filled his chest, and he wouldn¡¯t give up until he killed thetter today.


    ¡°You want to kill me? Not so easy!¡± Liu Wuxie said calmly. The stronger the attack, the more he had to maintain hisposure, or he would only fall into his opponent¡¯s trap.


    The true essence gushed out of Liu Wuxie¡¯s dantian. He focused more than seventy percent of his true essence into his arms, boosting his strength.


    This change in strength put everyone on edge. It surprised them that Liu Wuxie still had hidden cards at this point in the battle.


    Like two colossal beasts, Liu Wuxie and Shao Wendong shed together.


    ¡°Fourth Fatality Form!¡± With seventy percent of his true essence channeled into his arms, Liu Wuxie unleashed his most potent attack of thepetition.


    The sword and de shed together, which unleashed a powerful wave engulfing the two.


    Countless fragmented rocks shot out, causing ripples in the crystal barrier around the arena. Sword auras rained down on the arena, riddling the ground with holes.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s de aura was domineering and indestructible, carrying the might of heaven to sweep through everything. The two powerful moves shed, with no one willing to back down. This battle was destined to go down in history.


    Chen Lin had long recovered from her exhaustion and watched the battle in shock. "I didn¡¯t expect Shao Wendong to hold back when fighting me. It seems he knew from the start that Liu Wuxie would be his final opponent," she remarked, smiling bitterly.


    Shao Wendong had used the Suppression Stele to quickly end his battle with her, wanting to save his true essence. Though Chen Lin was destined to lose, it would have been disadvantageous for Shao Wendong if the fight had dragged on.


    An explosion urred above the arena, with Liu Wuxie and Shao Wendong swaying like rafts in an ocean.


    With thest shockwave, Shao Wendong and Liu Wuxie flew out like two meteors, falling to the corner of the arena and raising a cloud of dust.


    When the cloud of dust settled, Liu Wuxie and Shao Wendong stood silently, their faces expressionless but with intense fighting spirits.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, you¡¯ve changed my impression of you!¡± Shao Wendong said with a grave expression. Since his debut, he had encountered countless experts, all of whom he had killed.


    Out of all the opponents he had faced, only Liu Wuxie made him feel threatened. It was a massive blow to his confidence that he couldn¡¯t crush Liu Wuxie as he wanted.


    ¡°We¡¯re evenly matched in terms of martial techniques, but I won¡¯t lose to you in terms of true essence. The Suppression Stele is your greatest trump card, so bring it out!¡± Liu Wuxie said indifferently. His Fatality de Art was evenly matched with Shao Wendong¡¯s sword art, and it was difficult for them to determine a winner.


    The oue wouldn¡¯t change even if they shed for thousands of moves.


    Everyone acknowledged Liu Wuxie¡¯s words, as it would only waste everyone¡¯s time if the fight dragged on. Thus, it was better to decide the oue with one move.


    They immediately thought of the Suppression Stele, the very artifact that had defeated even Chen Lin. Among disciples, the Suppression Stele symbolized invincibility.


    The longsword vanished, reced by a palm-sized grey stele.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes locked onto the Suppression Stele. His vision prated through the stele through Ghost Eye, seeing every detail.


    Although it was only palm-sized, it didn¡¯t prevent Liu Wuxie from observing the Suppression Stele¡¯s interior.


    <i>It seems Shao Wendong has obtained the method to forge the Suppression Stele.</i> Liu Wuxie thought. After all, the technique to forge the Suppression Stele was long lost and known only to a few.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, I will spare your life if you can withstand the power of the Suppression Stele!¡± Shao Wendong dered, forming seals with his right hand. The Suppression Stele flew up and hovered in the sky, expanding to five meters tall¡ªmuchrger than when Shao Wendong had fought Chen Lin. As it grew, an ancient aura flooded the arena.


    The erged Suppression Stele looked more majestic, with densely packed and intertwining spiritual runes. Liu Wuxie hadn¡¯t expected Shao Wendong to be a spiritualist as well.


    ¡°The Suppression Stele is just what I need!¡± Liu Wuxie said, which left everyone baffled. They had expected him to reject Shao Wendong¡¯s offer or dere he didn¡¯t need mercy, but not this.


    Many people were amused by Liu Wuxie¡¯s words and burst intoughter.


    ¡°What a joke. Is he trying to kill us withughter?¡± Many of Heavenly Trigram Peak¡¯s disciples stood up to support Shao Wendong.


    Only Shao Wendong was worthy of bing the outer sect¡¯s chief disciple of the Heavenly Trigram Peak, while Liu Wuxie was just a new disciple.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s talent was high, but his poprity was far inferior to that of Shao Wendong. Thetter had been operating in the Heavenly Trigram Peak for years and gathered a group of people behind him. On the contrary, Liu Wuxie had only joined the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion for three months and spent two months outside.


    ¡°I like him. At least he dares to take action!¡± More people began to support Liu Wuxie. Havinge this far, he had won over countless hearts.


    The surroundings were filled with discussions, and Elder Tian Xing was left speechless by Liu Wuxie.


    Defeating Shao Wendong was enough for Liu Wuxie to be famous among the outer sect, but he wanted the Suppression Stele. Just what was he thinking, or was he spouting nonsense?


    ¡°Senior Brother Shao, kill him for us! Such an arrogant brat should die in the arena!¡± There were die-hard supporters of Shao Wendong who wanted Liu Wuxie¡¯s death.


    After Wen Haoran¡¯s death, the voices from the Profound Inscription Peak and Terrain Summit Peak had vanished, and no one dared to speak up anymore.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s words brought the quiet martial field to life. As they looked at him, everyone''s eyes were filled with a mix of mockery and envy.


    ¡°Quite the ambition you have there. But you¡¯ll have to show me your ability if you want my Suppression Stele!¡± Shao Wendong wasn¡¯t angry but showed a hint of mockery at Liu Wuxie¡¯s words.


    The Suppression Stele was powerful, and he was even confident in killing someone in the sixth level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm, let alone Liu Wuxie.


    In the face of the Suppression Stele''s overwhelming power, Liu Wuxie''s speed would be of no avail; he could only await his inevitable demise.


    ¡°Stop spouting nonsense and end this quickly!¡± Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t want to dy any longer as it had been five days. The quicker he received the rewards, the quicker he could reach the high levels of the Heavenly Dipper Realm.

 Chapter 396 - Champion

    <h4>Chapter 396 - Champion</h4>


    Liu Wuxie didn''t want to waste time speaking and urged Shao Wendong to hurry up with his attack.


    Shao Wendong''s face turned red with rage. He formed seals with his hands, causing the Suppression Stele to release a thunderous rumble. The immense aura that apanied it was a clear indication of the attack''s tremendous power.


    "Liu Wuxie, I''ll destroy you!" Shao Wendong let out a sinisterughter, his face distorted with anger. Anyone could see his fury had peaked, and he wouldn''t rest until Liu Wuxie was killed.


    "Hmph, you think you can kill me relying on the Suppression Stele? I''ll show you what true power is!" Liu Wuxie advanced instead of retreating. He sheathed the Heretic de and raised his right fist to the sky, which formed a terrifying whirlwind with a vortex forming around his fist.


    A thunderous rumble resonated from within Liu Wuxie''s dantian as true essence surged into his fist. An even more extraordinary phenomenon urred as suffocating astral energy was drawn from the distant starry sky, enveloping the entire martial field.


    "What kind of monster is he? How can he possibly contain such monstrous power?" The Astral River Realm experts were dumbfounded, their disbelief adding to the awe of the power Liu Wuxie disyed, which surpassed the first level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    The power in Liu Wuxie''s fist grew stronger, stopping the Suppression Stele from descending. Shao Wendong''s face changed because he felt threatened by the power released by Liu Wuxie.


    Elder Tian Xing''s face kept changing, his eyes widening in shock as he witnessed the sheer power Liu Wuxie could unleash.


    "What a terrifying fist technique!" Many inner disciples memorized Liu Wuxie''s face. If Liu Wuxie won this battle, they had to treat him with respect in the future and avoid offending him.


    "He''s too powerful! That''s a heaven-grade martial technique!" A deacon looked at Liu Wuxie with envy. He wasn''t qualified to practice a heaven-grade martial technique as a deacon. So, how did Liu Wuxie manage to obtain it?


    No one knew where Liu Wuxie got the heaven-grade martial technique, including Elder Tian Xing.


    Liu Wuxie''s whereabouts for the past three months were thoroughly investigated, and they couldn''t find any secrets.


    "Suppression Stele, crush him!" Shao Wendong didn''t want to wait any longer. The Suppression Stele trembled, and this wasn''t a good sign.


    The Suppression Stele suddenly released an immense power, erging once more to seven meters in height. It was nearing the limit, and the suppression power grew even stronger.


    Liu Wuxie remained unmoved, standing silently in ce, ready to strike.


    A bright star hovered above Liu Wuxie''s head. When everyone saw it, they knew he was unstoppable. Liu Wuxie''s momentum had reached its peak.


    "Let me destroy you!" Liu Wuxie vanished and leaped into the air, stepping on the star and looking like a deity. The colossal deity descended with a destructive momentum, instantly shattering the spiritual array around the arena.


    "Not good!" The elders guarding the surroundings were frightened into retreating.


    "Go!" Elder Tian Xing said, and a few elders went to guard the arena until the battle ended.


    Liu Wuxie could calmly dodge the Suppression Stele''s pressure, while Chen Lin couldn''t. It was evident Liu Wuxie was stronger than Chen Lin.


    "Die!" Liu Wuxie said as the colossal star descended from the sky. The sky changed as the sun and moon lost their light, looking like the ground had sunken. The arena was long destroyed, revealing the martial field''s original flooring.


    Shao Wendong''s face was filled with horror as he sensed death approaching him.


    ¡°Suppression Stele, suppress!¡± Shao Wendong wasn''t willing to give up and frantically formed seals with his hands, hoping to counter this attack.


    ¡°Primordial Astral Fist!¡± This time, Liu Wuxie yelled the fist technique, which countless people heard.


    The star descended, obliterating everything in its path. Under the immense pressure, the hovering Suppression Stele began to shrink, reverting to its original palm-sized form.


    This caught Shao Wendong by surprise. The Suppression Stele wasn''t destroyed, but it no longer dared to retaliate because its spirituality was nearly destroyed. Since it was a spiritual treasure, it possessed a certain level of spirituality and intelligence.


    "Liu Wuxie, I''ll fight you to the death!" The energy in the Suppression Stele was more or less exhausted, and it would take a long time to recover. Shao Wendong could only rely on his strength to kill Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie stood on the star indifferently and didn''t respond to Shao Wendong. It was as though he was crushing an ant and not a human.


    Countless cracks began to appear in the surrounding space. Even some Astral River Realm elders were shocked by this scene because this had surpassed the power of the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    Jian Xing''er covered her mouth. She knew Liu Wuxie was strong but didn''t expect him to be so powerful. He was even more powerful than some inner disciples.


    Without the Suppression Stele, Shao Wendong was like amb at Liu Wuxie''s mercy, and none of his attacks affected him. When the star descended, the entire martial field sunk by roughly a meter.


    Song Yuanqiu smiled bitterly, watching Shao Wendong, a disciple who had once caught his eye, reduced to such a state. For a moment, he wanted to intervene and ask Liu Wuxie to spare Shao Wendong''s life, despite having told Liu Wuxie that he could do whatever it took to secure the championship.


    However, his rationale told him he would make an enemy out of Liu Wuxie if he did that. It wasughable that a dignified expert in the Nascent Transformation Realm like him was afraid of someone in the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    He wasn''t the only one afraid because it was more or less the case for the other peak masters, including some elders. After all, the power Liu Wuxie unleashed had surpassed human limits.


    When the star exploded, Liu Wuxie descended from the sky as a yellow light flew out from the ruins into his hand. It was the Suppression Stele.


    With the Suppression Stele in Liu Wuxie''s hand, this meant Shao Wendong was dead. Thetter couldn''t even let out a scream before he was crushed to death.


    With that, the outer sect''spetition ended.


    Liu Wuxie was the greatest underdog, sweeping through all enemies and killing multiple disciples to seize the championship. Most importantly, he was a new disciple from the mundane world, and this was an unimaginable feat.


    People wouldn''t have been so surprised if Liu Wuxie were from the cultivation world, but it was unbelievable that the mundane world had produced such a monstrous genius like him.


    Chen Lin''s mouth was wide open. She still couldn''t ept the fact that Shao Wendong was dead. After all, she had always regarded Shao Wendong as her greatest opponent. But he couldn''t even put up a resistance against a new disciple and was killed, which was beyond her expectations.


    Bai Lin and Liu Wuxie''s supporters roared in excitement, knowing that Liu Wuxie''s victory would elevate their own status.


    The spectators were still reeling from the intense battle, struggling toprehend what had just happened. The outer disciples who had supported Shao Wendong were dumbfounded, but they couldn''t deny the reality that had unfolded before them.


    The other disciples who had mocked Liu Wuxie lowered their heads, not daring to look him in the eye. They feared he would remember and take revenge on them.


    The oue also ced Elder Tian Xing in a dilemma, not knowing how to distribute the rewards, with the second-ce contender now deceased.


    "The circumstances this year are a little unique, with the second-ce contender now deceased. With a vacant spot, it will be filled by the third-ce winner. This means the battle will continue to determine the third ce!" Elder Tian Xing announced the decision. Liu Wuxie was dered the champion, and Chen Lin became the runner-up.


    This gave the remaining participants a chance to vie for third ce. After two intense battles, a disciple named Hong Li secured the third position. He ran over to Liu Wuxie as soon as his fight concluded.


    "Junior Brother, thank you. I couldn''t have taken third ce without you!" Hong Li bowed deeply, acknowledging that Shao Wendong''s death had created this opportunity for him.


    "You''re wee!" Liu Wuxie wasn''t too bothered because third ce didn''t concern him after securing the championship.


    Next came the award ceremony, with the top hundred participants obtaining one thousand points. Those who made it into the top fifty further received two thousand points, the top thirty received five thousand, and the top ten received ten thousand points.


    The top three were next, with the points added to their medals. They could also use the medal to receive a guidance session from an elder or enter the Scripture Collection Hall.


    They would have to wait for the sect''s arrangements for the Celestial Spirit Cave, which would take some time.


    Elder Tian Xing stood before Liu Wuxie with mixed emotions. He deeply regretted not taking Liu Wuxie in as his disciple that night.


    "You... have truly surprised me." Some opportunities, once missed, were gone forever.


    "Thank you for your praise, Elder Tian Xing!" Liu Wuxie responded with a bnced tone, neither humble nor arrogant, further earning Elder Tian Xing''s admiration.


    If anyone else were in Liu Wuxie''s position, they would have been dancing with excitement after winning the championship. However, Liu Wuxie remainedposed and unnervingly calm, disying maturity beyond his years. Even the other elders spected if he possessed the soul of someone who had lived for hundreds of years.


    Sixty thousand points were added to Liu Wuxie''s medal. In addition to the forty thousand he already had, Liu Wuxie''s points grew to a hundred thousand, making him richer than most inner disciples.


    Elder Tian Xing took out an interspatial pouch and reluctantly handed it to Liu Wuxie. He said, "This is the supreme sixth-grade pill, the Meridians Purifying Pill."


    A faint smile appeared on Liu Wuxie''s lips; this was exactly what he wanted. As for the elder''s guidance and ess to the Scripture Collection Hall, he was indifferent. As a priority disciple, he could receive guidance monthly if he wished, but he had only utilized this privilege once in the past three months, knowing it would be a waste of time otherwise.


    "You can ess the Scripture Collection Hall anytime, and the elder''s guidance is scheduled at the mid-month. The Celestial Spirit Cave will open in about a month, so don''t worry about it," Elder Tian Xing said, announcing the end of thepetition.

 Chapter 397 - Five Spots

    <h4>Chapter 397 - Five Spots</h4>


    The outer sect''spetition had finallye to an end. Everyone was still reminiscing about the battles, especially thest one, which became a hot topic.


    The martial field gradually became quiet, and those who made it into the top fifty were all promoted to inner disciples.


    A group of people went to the Contribution Hall to exchange for inner disciples'' clothing and resources.


    Liu Wuxie received a bunch of pills and resources. The inner sect wasn''t divided into upper, middle, or lower regions; each peak had an area meant for the inner sect.


    The treatment in the inner sect was much better than in the outer sect, and disciples were given an individual courtyard. The courtyard was small, but it was well-equipped.


    Liu Wuxie was assigned Courtyard Number Seventy-Seven, a fitting coincidence since it was the first number he had drawn in thepetition.


    He didn''t dwell on the coincidence and entered the courtyard. It was somewhatrger than he had anticipated, featuring a house and a hall. However, itcked alchemy and forging chambers, so he would need to visit the Treasure Pill Pavilion for pill refinement.


    The environment was pleasant, featuring a small courtyard ideal for practicing basic fist techniques. At its center stood a century-old tree, its trunk marked with numerous sword and de marks.


    This kind of tree wasmon in the cultivation world. Its characteristic was its toughness, as weapons could only leave superficial marks on it. The foundation wasn''t easy to damage, and the continent was filled with such trees since the beginning of heaven and earth.


    After a quick clean-up, Liu Wuxie, still a bit fatigued from the intense five-daypetition, decided to rest before searching for a cultivation chamber to solidify his progress.


    "Junior brother, congrattions!" A familiar voice called out from outside. Jian Xing''er entered with a smile, offering her congrattions on Liu Wuxie''s championship win and his new status as an inner disciple.


    "Senior sister, please don¡¯t tease me!" Liu Wuxie said, inviting Jian Xing''er to sit. Through thispetition, he hade to appreciate the importance of building connections, as relying solely on himself proved challenging. Compared to the seasoned disciples, Liu Wuxie realized he had much to improve in terms of poprity and other aspects.


    Liu Wuxie knew he needed to focus on his cultivation, which required more time and effort. Building awork and finding reliable helpers became essential, but he couldn''t afford to trust just anyone. He had to choose individuals he could rely on, whether for running errands or gathering information.


    Achieving a high level of cultivation involved more than just personal strength; it also required creating a supportivework.


    Unlike the other nine Immortal Emperors of his past life, who each had a cadre of disciples forming formidable forces, Liu Wuxie had been alone. When he had acquired the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron, he had to face the Celestial Realm''s challenges on his own.


    "Junior brother, what are your ns next?" Jian Xing''er asked. With so many resources, a good n was necessary for Liu Wuxie.


    "I n to find the peak master tomorrow before handling some matters and going into seclusion for a while," Liu Wuxie said frankly. Their rtionship wasplicated because they were more than friends but less than lovers. After all, neither had openly acknowledged their feelings.


    "I also heard that the various peak masters have promised additional benefits to motivate the disciples," Jian Xing''er warned, her brow furrowed with concern. "You need to be cautious over the next few days. News of your Meridians Purifying Pill has already spread, and such a supreme sixth-grade pill is a rare treasure that only the major sects can afford.¡±


    She was afraid some people might try to rob Liu Wuxie of his Meridians Purifying Pill before he could gain a footing in the inner sect.


    "Thank you for the heads-up. I''ll be sure to stay vignt," Liu Wuxie replied. After Jian Xing''er left, he began fortifying his courtyard with spiritual arrays, ensuring it was as secure as possible.


    Although the courtyard had a spiritual array, it wasn''t enough to stop any experts.


    The first day was rtively quiet. Aside from Jian Xing''er, Bai Lin and Tang Tian sent him a message through others to congratte him for bing the champion. This was because they were outer disciples, soing over was troublesome.


    As Liu Wuxie sat in the room, he heard footsteps outside. They lingered for a few minutes before fading away. It was clear that someone hade to gather information about him.


    Given that he had only joined the sect the previous day, many were still unfamiliar with him, and such probing was to be expected.


    At dawn, Liu Wuxie went straight to the main hall of Heavenly Trigram Peak. Song Yuanqiu, who had been anticipating his arrival, was prepared to honor his promise of granting sect entry slots to the top tenpetitors. As the champion, Liu Wuxie was entitled to extend invitations to five individuals of his choosing to join the sect.


    "Have a seat!" Song Yuanqiu, with no air around him, gestured for Liu Wuxie to sit down.


    The two sat face to face, talking as equals. Song Yuanqiu treated Liu Wuxie as someone with the same status.


    "Peak master, I believe you should know my motive. Are you serious with the five slots?" Liu Wuxie went straight to the point without wasting any time. With five slots, he could bring his inws to the cultivation world.


    "I meant it!" Song Yuanqiu nodded. He also hadn''t expected Liu Wuxie to be the champion.


    "There are five slots, and I''ll need the peak master¡¯s assistance to bring five people from the mundane world." Liu Wuxie spoke directly, disying no hesitation or deference despite standing before someone in the Nascent Transformation Realm.


    If it were someone else in Liu Wuxie''s position, they would¡¯ve trembled in fear when facing an expert in the Nascent Transformation Realm, let alone negotiating.


    Liu Wuxie''s behavior exuded a superior aura, which wasn''t an act, and this shocked Song Yuanqiu. A person could suppress the fear in their hearts, but the eyes were the window to the heart.


    Song Yuanqiu probed Liu Wuxie several times and even released a hint of his Nascent Transformation Realm aura. But Liu Wuxie remained unfazed with all the pressure dissolved by the Heavenly Dao Book.


    "Alright. I''ll have them brought over within one month." Song Yuanqiu epted Liu Wuxie''s letter addressed to Xu Yilin.


    "Then, I''ll be taking my leave!" Liu Wuxie stood up and left. The letter exined everything clearly, and his father-inw would know what to do after reading it.


    Watching Liu Wuxie leave, Song Yuanqiu didn''t stand up. A ripple came from the depths of the hall, and a person appeared.


    "I pay my greetings to sect master!" Song Yuanqiu quickly stood up to bow to the sect master. After reaching the True Profound Realm, one could grasp spatialw and move through space as one wished, and even create a clone.


    "What are your thoughts on him?" Mu Tianli asked as he settled into the chair Liu Wuxie had previously upied. His tone suggested he had been waiting in the shadows, avoiding a premature encounter with Liu Wuxie.


    "He''s quite extraordinary," Song Yuanqiu replied.


    "In what way?" Mu Tianli smiled, asking Song Yuanqiu to borate further.


    "He''s remarkably calm,posed, and meticulous¡ªqualities not typically seen in someone his age. I suspect he has a hidden mentor or guide influencing him from behind the scenes," Song Yuanqiu said after a moment''s thought.


    Their contact with Liu Wuxie was brief, but they had lived long and could draw many conclusions from words, expressions, and behavior.


    "The Ten Grand Ceremony is in three years, and I wonder if he will bring us any surprise." Mu Tianli didn''t continue on the topic and looked out of the window.


    "It won''t be easy. I''m afraid it''s not enough for him to grow to that height in three years." Song Yuanqiu shook his head. Liu Wuxie was exceptionally talented, but he needed a foundation. It was nearly impossible for him to catch up with someone who had cultivated for decades.


    "Let''s hope he makes a mark at the Heavenly Mountain Gathering next year," Mu Tianli said with a touch of mncholy. "It¡¯s been a long time since the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion produced any notable geniuses. We''ve been overshadowed for too long. It¡¯s high time we rise again."


    Song Yuanqiu listened in silence. Once, three thousand years ago, the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion was at the pinnacle, even holding the top rank among the ten major sects five thousand years ago, enjoying unparalleled glory and a vast number of disciples.


    Now, however, their status had fallen significantly, evengging behind the Azure Crimson Gate. To restore their former prestige, they needed to enhance their overall strength and produce new talents who could excel in the various gatherings of the ten major sects.


    Meanwhile, Liu Wuxie was unaware of these concerns as he made his way to the cultivation chambers, intent on refining the Meridians Purifying Pill as quickly as possible.


    He was only in the first-level Heavenly Dipper Realm, and his status was insignificant in the inner sect. He might''ve killed Shao Wendong, but that was nothing in the eyes of those high-leveled inner disciples.


    Shao Wendong was in the fifth-level Heavenly Dipper Realm, but he was still an outer disciple. Regarding foundation, he naturally couldn''tpete with the seasoned inner disciples. Those inner disciples had a deep foundation and even formed a circle. There was nock of inner disciples who had forged a spiritual treasure simr to the Suppression Stele.


    This meant Liu Wuxie had to raise his strength to develop quickly in the inner sect. After all, this was a world where everything was dictated by strength. Without strength, one could only be at the mercy of others.


    The cultivation chambers meant for the inner disciples were much better than the outer sect and generally had a time multiplier of ten times.


    Liu Wuxie didn''t specifically look for a more advanced cultivation chamber because ten times the time multiplier was enough to satisfy him. Furthermore, hecked the strength topete with the high-level inner disciples, which was unwise.


    Liu Wuxie was racing against time, determined to refine the Meridians Purifying Pill while the inner disciples were still unfamiliar with him. By the time anyone came looking for him, he aimed to have already refined the pill and advanced in his cultivation, allowing him to handle ordinary inner disciples with ease.


    The news of the outer sect''spetition finally spread, and many inner disciples quickly learned that Liu Wuxie possessed both a Meridians Purifying Pill and the Suppression Stele. They hurried to his courtyard to investigate.


    However, upon arriving, they found Liu Wuxie absent, as he had not yet returned from his meeting with Song Yuanqiu.


    Most people''s attention was on the ten high-grade spirit stones, which were highly coveted. As a result, Liu Wuxie became famous in the inner sect in just one day.


    Liu Wuxie found a standard cultivation chamber and inserted his medal. The cost for one day was approximately eight hundred points, a fee he could easily cover.


    The cultivation chamber closed and isted Liu Wuxie from the outside world.


    "What dense spiritual energy!" This cultivation chamber had the same features as the ck cultivation chamber in the outer sect, but there was a drastic difference. He now understood why so many people were desperate to enter the inner sect.


    This meant the cultivation chambers for elite disciples were even better, and Liu Wuxie was already looking forward to using them.


    Seated cross-legged, Liu Wuxie chose not to rush into refining the Meridians Purifying Pill. Instead, he focused on stabilizing his cultivation, taking time to consolidate and digest the significant gains he had made from the intense battles.

 Chapter 398 - Second-Level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm

    <h4>Chapter 398 - Second-Level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm</h4>


    Five people were gathered in a courtyard meant for inner disciples in the Profound Inscription Peak. Everyone had dense, murderous intent on their faces, and it had been two days since the outer sect''spetition.


    "This is outrageous! This brat killed Hou Chi and even caused our Hou n to be banned from the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion for the next three years." With murderous intent, a disciple furiously mmed his right hand on the stone table.


    "Hou Lie, calm down first!" The other four remained silent, with one significantly older than the others being the leader. When he spoke, everyone became quiet to listen to him.


    "Calm down? How do you want me to calm down when the n has ordered us to kill that brat?" Hou Lie sat down furiously. He had a close rtionship with Hou Chi, and they had grown up together. He had chosen to join the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, while Hou Chi had decided to join the Azure Crimson Gate.


    "We should follow Hou Yue''s arrangements. This matter cannot be rushed, and we have to do it openly and honorably since we''ve decided to kill him. We can''t resort to an assassination which might bring unnecessary trouble for the n." Hou Qiang stood up and patted Hou Lie''s shoulder. Hou Chi was already dead, and they had to find a way to avenge him.


    Getting angry would only cause them to make the wrong decisions, and it was of utmost importance toe up with a n to kill Liu Wuxie.


    The four looked towards Hou Yue, the strongest among them, who had cultivation in the ninth level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm. He had joined the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion five years ago and was the one who had sent Deng Chong to kill Liu Wuxie in thepetition.


    Not only did Deng Chong fail to kill Liu Wuxie, but he also got himself killed. Furthermore, this incident brought trouble to the Hou n, which resulted in the Hou n being banned from sending any disciples into the sect for the next three years, a severe punishment for the n.


    "I have already made arrangements. You four focus on your cultivation and don''t make any mistakes for some time," Hou Yue said, sweeping his gaze through the four, making them lower their heads, not daring to meet his eyes.


    The four nodded and didn''t dare to disobey Hou Yue''s orders.


    "Senior Brother Hou Yue, I heard a phenomenon of colorful clouds took ce in the Scarlet Sun Mountain Range. This might be an indication of a treasure''s emergence. The Azure Crimson Gate and Divine Sun Pce have sent someone over. Should we go there as well?" The man called Hou Qiang asked cautiously. His cultivation was in the sixth-level Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    "You guys go ahead. I¡¯ve had some revtions recently, and I n to try to make a breakthrough into the Heavenly Phase Realm." Hou Yue waved his hand, not nning to go.


    It was still unknown if there was a treasure, and Hou Yue didn''t want to waste his time. He had some revtions recently and nned to use this opportunity to reach the Heavenly Phase Realm.


    By bing an elite disciple, he could only have a stable status in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. After that, not even Elder Tian Xing would dare to punish him easily.


    "We¡¯ll extend our congrattions to Senior Brother Hou Yue in advance for your anticipated breakthrough to the Heavenly Phase Realm. Achieving elite disciple status would elevate our Hou n¡¯s standing within the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion," the four said, rising with expressions of ttery.


    Liu Wuxie remainedpletely unaware of these developments, as he was deeply focused within his own world. With a ten-fold speed multiplier in effect, five days inside the cultivation chamber felt like only half a day outside.


    When Liu Wuxie''s cultivation finally stabilized, he was at the pinnacle of the first-level Heavenly Dipper Realm. He was only one step away from the second level.


    He retrieved the Meridians Purifying Pill from his interspatial ring and held it in his palm. The ink-green pill radiated an exceptionally pure energy.


    The primary function of the Meridians Purifying Pill was to strengthen his meridians and skeleton.


    Liu Wuxie practiced the Deste Devouring Art and the Primordial Astral Fist, but the strain on his meridians and physique had be increasingly intense due to the additional ice-attribute energy he had absorbed.


    Relying solely on spiritual energy to fortify his body was no longer sufficient, and the Meridians Purifying Pill was essential for addressing this issue. It would allow him to utilize the Primordial Astral Fist more freely in the future.


    Moreover, he had yet to fully harness the ice-attribute energy. Once he developed his dao technique, it could rival the power of the Primordial Astral Fist and Fatality de Art. His attacks were currently limited, forcing him to rely primarily on the Primordial Astral Fist or Fatality de Art.


    As he swallowed the Meridians Purifying Pill, it dissolved into energy that flowed through his body, resembling silver threads weaving through his meridians, causing them to contract and fortify.


    It was a painful process in the beginning, but the pain onlysted for a few minutes before fading away.


    The inner walls of his meridians were significantly thickened, covered in a faint golden radiance. This allowed true essence to course through his meridians faster, and the tearing sensation disappeared entirely.


    The Meridians Purifying Pill not only strengthened Liu Wuxie¡¯s meridians but also cleared out numerous tiny, obstructed meridians. This enhancement allowed him to circte his true essence more effectively.


    Suddenly, Liu Wuxie''s cultivation rose to the second-level Heavenly Dipper Realm. Without hesitation, he circted the Deste Devouring Art to devour the spiritual energy drawn from the underground spiritual vein.


    Over ten thousand drops of liquid poured into the world within his dantian, boosting Liu Wuxie''s cultivation. Yet, he didn''t pause there. He retrieved an additional fifty thousand mid-grade spirit stones and cast them into the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron to continue refining.


    High-grade spirit stones were too precious, and Liu Wuxie didn''t n to use them for now. Given his current cultivation, mid-grade spirit stones were sufficient for his needs, even though the quantity he required was astonishing.


    Liu Wuxie''s cultivation began to climb steadily, reaching the pinnacle of the second-level Heavenly Dipper Realm. He had utterly refined all the energy from the Meridians Purifying Pill, and the rise in his cultivation began to slow down.


    Liu Wuxie was in no rush, knowing that a solid foundation was crucial. The stronger his foundation, the more explosive his future growth would be.


    He took the Suppression Stele into his palm and began to deliberate. Two pathsy before him: the first was to refine the Suppression Stele and integrate it into the world within his dantian. This would greatly amplify his true essence, enhance his defenses, and potentially enable a breakthrough in his cultivation level.


    The second path was integrating the Suppression Stele into his spleen to strengthen his internal organs. The internal organs could be ssified ording to the five elements: metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. The kidney corresponded to water, the lungs to metal, the liver to wood, and the spleen to earth.


    In ancient times, someone had integrated five Suppression Steles into the five organs, strengthening the body to the level of celestial artifacts, achieving unity with the steles, and bing almost invincible.


    This meant the person would be invincible unless the five Suppression Steles were destroyed.


    Liu Wuxie only had one Earth Suppression Stele, and he still needed four other steles to form a cycle among the five elements, making his internal organs indestructible.


    In the short term, the optimal choice was to absorb the Suppression Stele, transforming it into wood-attribute energy to boost hisbat power. However, in the long run, integrating five such steles into his internal organs could exponentially enhance hisbat capabilities for the final stages.


    One offered short-term benefits, while the other provided long-term benefits. Thus, it was up to Liu Wuxie to decide.


    An ordinary person would only consider the short-term benefits because the future was unpredictable. Thus, prioritizing the immediate strength was crucial.


    Liu Wuxie, however, had a different perspective. His goal was not just to achieve immediate gains but to enter the Celestial Realm and reach heights beyond the imagination of others.


    However, integrating it into his spleen would give him another challenging task: forging the other four Suppression Steles. The forging methods were easy for him, but gathering the materials was difficult.


    Acquiring all the materials for the other four Steles within a short period was unlikely, but with a few years, it was feasible.


    Liu Wuxie nned to integrate the Suppression Stele into his spleen to enhance his physique. This was because the requirement of his physique for the Primordial Astral Fist would be harsher as he progressed, and the Meridians Purifying Pill''s effect would gradually diminish over time.


    He wouldn''t have to worry about his physique with a Suppression Stele guarding his internal organs.


    Liu Wuxie put his thoughts into action and began forming seals. This was because Shao Wendong''s imprint was still on the Suppression Stele, and he had to erase it, which became somewhat transparent after he was done. He could see the spiritual runes inside clearly.


    Although the cultivation chamber wasn''t suitable for forging weapons, it didn''t prevent Liu Wuxie from inscribing spiritual runes.


    "What a waste of materials to forge such trashy Suppression Stele!" Liu Wuxie observed the Suppression Stele multiple times with a hint of pity in his eyes. If Shao Wendong had forged the Suppression Stele to a higher grade, the oue of their battle could''ve been different.


    He spent two days cleansing the impurities in the Suppression Stele, which now emitted a faint glow and was greatly enhanced in quality. Spirituality was stronger than before and felt soft rather than hard and rigid.


    "Let''s start inscribing immortal runes!" Since Liu Wuxie had decided to integrate the Suppression Stele into his spleen, he naturally had to do it perfectly. He began inscribing an iplete immortal rune into the stele, nning to forge it into a celestial artifact in the future.


    The iplete immortal rune was intended to continuously strengthen the Suppression steel. As unusual seals were injected into it, it began to emit a dazzling radiance.


    Two days passed outside, which equated to twenty days in the cultivation chamber. By now, news about Liu Wuxie had spread throughout the inner sect.


    Liu Wuxie took out ten thousand spirit stones, extracted their spirituality, and injected it into the Suppression Stele. After killing so many people, Liu Wuxie had naturally taken their interspatial pouches and rings, which meant he had a vast amount of resources.


    The only thing he couldn''t take was their points, as the sect had taken back their medals.


    He found several rare materials from Shao Wendong''s interspatial ring. Shao Wendong must have nned to strengthen the Suppression Stele but didn''t have the time due to the outer sect''spetition.


    "Hillsink Sand, this is a good find!" Liu Wuxie found a porcin bottle containing over a hundred grains of Hillsink Sand. This material was as rare as the Earth Essence, containing the power of Earth.


    Aside from Hillsink Sand, there were more treasures containing the power of Earth, which Liu Wuxie dissolved and fused into the Suppression Stele.


    Liu Wuxie''s forging technique was far superior to Shao Wendong''s, making the Suppression Stele shine brightly. It had be ten times more powerful.


    With just the Suppression Stele, Liu Wuxie could easily suppress cultivators in the fifth-level Heavenly Dipper Realm. With the Primordial Astral Fist, Liu Wuxie could even kill someone in the sixth level.


    Additional spiritual runes, resembling intricate earthworms, now adorned the surface of the Suppression Stele. These ancient inscriptions were integral to Liu Wuxie¡¯s n to restore the Suppression Stele to its former grandeur, necessitating this method.


    The inscribing process gradually slowed, with more than ten iplete immortal runes fusing into the Suppression Stele, which grew in size.


    The Suppression Stele grew to over a meter in size before shrinking back down. This time, it shrank to only a few inches. It was shorter than an adult''s pinky finger but contained an extremely powerful energy fluctuation.


    The most critical moment had arrived because the power contained in the Suppression Stele was too strong, and the internal organs were fragile. Thus, integrating the Suppression Stele into his spleen was a delicate task.

 Chapter 399 - Refining the Suppression Stele

    <h4>Chapter 399 - Refining the Suppression Stele</h4>


    Each internal organ contained a world of its own. The heart had the heart pce, the liver had the liver pce, and the other internal organs were simr.


    The Suppression Stele might¡¯ve been small, but it contained the power to destroy heaven and earth. If Liu Wuxie wasn''t careful, the stele could shatter his spleen.


    If Liu Wuxie lost his spleen, it would deliver a fatal blow to his cultivation, though not to his life. However, if he seeded, his spleen would be nearly indestructible, impervious even to swords.


    Cultivation was filled with dangers, to begin with. Liu Wuxie had yet to experience integrating the Suppression Stele into his internal organs. He had only seen it in his past life but had never encountered one before.


    This meant he could only rely on himself entirely, and failure meant a considerable setback. However, for long-term benefits, Liu Wuxie decided to take the risk.


    Liu Wuxie stood up and rapidly formed seals with his hands. The Suppression Stele began to melt and shot into his body like a meteor. The moment the stele entered his spleen, Liu Wuxie let out a scream.


    It felt as though his spleen was being forged in fire, the excruciating pain nearly killing him instantly.


    The Heavenly Dao Book opened up to protect his primordial spirit, preventing him from falling unconscious. After all, the consequences were unimaginable if he lost consciousness halfway through.


    When his divine sense entered his body, a devastated spleen covered in blood was revealed before him. The Suppression Stele was deeply settled in the spleen, guarding the central region.


    Boundless energy poured out from the Suppression Stele, permeating every acupoint in the spleen.


    "Seizing the opportunity from heaven, open the spleen pce and reverse life and death!" Numerous seals entered the depth of the spleen pce, creating a space for the Suppression Stele to settle in.


    The process was extremely dangerous, and even Liu Wuxie didn''t dare be careless and had to proceed cautiously. Any mistake would result in failure and damage to his foundation.


    The depth of the spleen pce slowly changed with starlight, and a faint image of a door appeared, seemingly connecting to a mysterious world.


    If Liu Wuxie could open this gate, he could connect with heaven and earth, providing an endless flow of power.


    The rupturing of the spleen was elerating, which wasn''t a sustainable solution. He took out a handful of pills and swallowed them in one gulp to repair the damaged spleen.


    All the liquid in the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron nourished the spleen, repairing the damages and reducing the pain. This gave Liu Wuxie time to focus on the gate in the spleen pce.


    The method to open it wasn''t through true essence but the divine sense. The more powerful the divine sense, the higher the possibility of breaking open the gate. But he wouldn''t be able to budge the gate if his soul energy was insufficient.


    The Heavenly Dao Book unfolded, releasing boundless soul energy that formed into a spear and shot toward the illusory gate. Though the gate appeared as thin as a membrane, it was astonishingly dense.


    Liu Wuxie felt as though he heard a sharp cry in his ears, and intense pain spread throughout his body. His repaired spleen continued to rupture, cing him in a precarious situation as it teetered on the brink of copsing.


    There was no experience to draw from, so Liu Wuxie could only rely on his willpower. When his divine sense prated the spleen, he noticed the mysterious gate had be much more illusory.


    He mustered his divine sense once more with greater force this time. His spleen wouldpletely rupture if he couldn''t break open the gate, and even if he managed to, everything would be futile.


    "If I can''t seed, I''ll die trying!" Liu Wuxie closed his eyes, manifesting his spirit and energy into a single line, charging into the depth of his spleen like a spear through his meridians.


    With a loud rumble, the intense pain caused Liu Wuxie to roll on the ground, growls escaping his mouth. Fortunately, he was in a soundproof cultivation chamber, ensuring no noise traveled outside.


    Gasping for breath, Liu Wuxie extended his divine sense into his spleen. A majestic dark world unfolded before his eyes, revealing a ck universe within. Faint starlight emerged from the depths, illuminating his spleen and allowing it to heal rapidly as it bathed in the celestial light.


    The Suppression Stele appeared in the center of the spleen pce, protecting the spleen like a guardian. The spleen was enveloped in faint starlight, which resonated with the Suppression Stele. This meant energy would be returned to the spleen whenever the Suppression Stele breathed.


    This meant the two hadplemented each other and merged utterly.


    A surge of energy poured out from the spleen and coursed through Liu Wuxie''s body, giving him an illusion he could shatter the sky with one punch.


    Then again, this was only a misperception due to the sudden increase in strength. After all, even an expert in the True Profound Realm couldn''t shatter heaven with one punch, let alone someone in the low level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    Boundless energy poured into Liu Wuxie''s fists, but he couldn''t perform a fist technique here in the cultivation chamber.


    "I should be able to kill someone in the fourth-level Heavenly Dipper Realm with one punch!" Liu Wuxie made a rough estimation of his strength, as the power granted by the Suppression Stele was immense.


    The Suppression Stele was like a tower guarding his body, making him impervious to ordinary attacks.


    Next, Liu Wuxie needed to limate to his newfound strength. Although his cultivation level hadn''t risen, integrating the Suppression Stele into his spleen had more than doubled hisbat capabilities.


    His cultivation was stuck in the second-level Heavenly Dipper Realm, and he chose not to make a breakthrough even though he could with the help of high-grade spirit stones.


    Cultivation was a natural process; relying on treasures to make a breakthrough wasn''t the way. If he did, he would run into a bottleneck sooner orter and be stuck in a specific realm for decades. Such cases were alsomon in the world of cultivation.


    It was best for Liu Wuxie to take one step at a time, tempering each level to perfection before making a breakthrough.


    Unknowingly, three days had passed since Liu Wuxie had joined the inner sect, which was equivalent to a whole month in the cultivation chamber.


    When the gate of the cultivation chamber opened, Liu Wuxie emerged and retrieved his medal. However, shortly after his exit, a group of people hurried towards him as if they had been waiting for a considerable time.


    They formed a circle around Liu Wuxie, and six were in the fifth-level Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    "What business do you all have with me?" Liu Wuxie asked coldly. He knew these people meant trouble.


    "I want the Meridians Purifying Pill!"


    "I want the high-grade spirit stones!"


    "I want the Suppression Stele!"


    The six asked for six different things: Liu Wuxie''s fist technique, de technique, points, Meridians Purifying Pill, high-grade spirit stones, and the Suppression Stele.


    They had nned everything out before approaching him. After all, many people coveted Liu Wuxie''s fist and de techniques, which had allowed him to sweep through all of his opponents in thepetition.


    The Suppression Stele, points, and Meridians Purifying Pill were all equally precious. Without threats or unnecessary words, they got straight to the point.


    "I have nothing for you!" Liu Wuxie replied firmly. He wouldn''t hand over anything, even if he hadn''t refined the Meridians Purifying Pill or integrated the Suppression Stele into his body.


    "Then you must die!" The man standing opposite Liu Wuxie made a throat-slitting gesture, intending to kill Liu Wuxie and take the items himself.


    "Die!" The other five echoed along, emitting a powerful pressure that crushed down. They were veteran inner disciples and far superior to Shao Wendong. They had honed their skills for years.


    A powerful pressure came crashing down on Liu Wuxie before they even made their move.


    An ordinary disciple in the second level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm would be immobilized by sheer pressure alone.


    The situation here drew much attention from the surroundings, but they didn''t dare to get too close.


    "It''s the Six Diao Gang. What are they doing here?" The six were notorious in the inner sect, often robbing other disciples. Thus, they were known as the Six Diao Gang.


    Their leader was Diao Liang, who was a ruthless character.


    Liu Wuxie''s face might have been unfamiliar, but his name had long spread throughout the inner sect. Only his appearance remained a mystery to everyone.


    "Didn''t you hear what they just asked for? Points, high-grade spirit stones, and Meridians Purifying Pills. These treasures are rare even in the inner sect!" Such treasures were coveted even by the high-level inner disciples, who would try and seize them if they knew.


    "He''s Liu Wuxie!" Everyone seemed to understand what was happening, but they didn''t expect Liu Wuxie to be so young.


    Recently, the news about Liu Wuxie had been overwhelming, making it impossible for anyone not to know about him. After all, his name was on everyone''s lips.


    There would be a champion each year, but this year''s champion was special and garnered the most attention.


    Diao Liang didn''t hesitate to strike Liu Wuxie''s neck with his palm. The other five followed closely, drawing their weapons to target Liu Wuxie''s vital points, and any of these strikes were deadly.


    "The six of you dare to rob me?!" Liu Wuxie strode the Seven Dipper Steps to avoid Diao Liang''s palm strike and appeared outside the encirclement. He didn''t use much true essence or the Heretic de. He couldn''t even be bothered to use the Primordial Astral Fist.


    He threw a straightforward punch, yet it was charged with overwhelming power from within. The Suppression Stele unleashed immense energy to bolster his fist, as Liu Wuxie aimed to set an example and send a warning to others.


    After all, such incidents would happen again in the future, and Liu Wuxie wanted to kill a few to deter others and avoid unnecessary trouble.


    His punch was simple and direct. Facing the iing sword strike, Liu Wuxie advanced instead of retreating.


    When Liu Wuxie''s punchnded on the sword, the sword shattered into pieces. It was unbelievable that a spiritual treasure was shattered with one punch.


    The Six Diao Gang members were surprised. They knew Liu Wuxie was strong and capable of killing Shao Wendong, but there were six of them, and they were even confident of facing an expert in the seventh level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    Liu Wuxie''s punch didn¡¯t end with shattering the sword; it continued to m into the man¡¯s chest. The sound of cracking bones echoed as the man wasunched backward, blood spraying from his mouth.


    The man¡¯s chest was caved in, and he smashed into the ground like a broken kite. This scene was horrifying to watch, not to mention Liu Wuxie had already shown mercy.


    Had he used his true essence, the man would have been blown into smithereens.


    The faces of the remaining five changed drastically as they unleashed a flurry of dazzling attacks on Liu Wuxie.


    From the beginning till now, everyone had said only one sentence.


    After dispatching one opponent, Liu Wuxie''s murderous intent intensified. Now, at the second level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm, he saw this as a perfect opportunity to limate to his enhanced strength, especially since these attackers had essentially invited their own demise.


    Liu Wuxie shifted his tactics, using an elusive movement technique that further enraged Diao Liang and his followers.


    Another assant was sent flying, his chest caved in just like the first, copsing to the ground and crying out in agony. He was struggling to breathe, near death but not yet gone, destined to suffer intensely before his end.


    Liu Wuxie had destroyed their foundation and shattered their heart pulses. They could only live for another day at best.

 Chapter 400 - Fearless

    <h4>Chapter 400 - Fearless</h4>


    Everyone was shocked by how Liu Wuxie had crippled two people with two simple punches. The inner disciples, who had initially hoped to capitalize on the situation once the attackers were worn out, now chose to stand back and watch from a distance, staying out of the fray.


    The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion had more than ten thousand inner disciples, the majority of whom were in the third to sixth level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    ¡°Set up a formation!¡± Dian Liang yelled, with the remaining four assembling a formation. Over the years, they had honed skills by killing others, which was formidable.


    However, before they finished setting up a formation, Liu Wuxie moved to the side, stepping into the Qian-Kun position, blocking the core of their battle formation.


    This transformation caught the remaining four by surprise. They couldn¡¯t figure out how Liu Wuxie discovered the core of their battle formation. Was Liu Wuxie a genius in arrays, or did he get lucky?


    Whether it was a coincidence or if Liu Wuxie understood spiritual arrays, there was no turning back now.


    Avoiding the encirclement, Liu Wuxie went straight in and appeared behind a man in his thirties. A solid punchnded on his back, sending him flying away with his face t on the ground.


    A huge hole appeared on the man¡¯s back with blood flowing down. This meant the remaining three were no longer a threat.


    The other two looked terrified, except Diao Liang. They considered fleeing, no longer interested in fighting. Liu Wuxie was too terrifying because no ordinary human could kill someone in the fifth level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm with one punch.


    However, since they hade, Liu Wuxie had no intentions of letting them leave. He wanted to kill these people to make an example out of them and intimidate the other inner disciples.


    Liu Wuxie split himself into three selves, attacking the remaining three simultaneously.


    Including Diao Liang, the three were sent flying away, throwing up blood, and lying on the ground, wailing in pain. The battle was over in just five breaths, and Diao Liang¡¯s group of six was defeated before everyone could react.


    ¡°So powerful!¡± A fourth-level Heavenly Dipper Realm disciple clutched his chest. He was also wondering how to get Liu Wuxie¡¯s treasures, but he gave up at this moment.


    ¡°No wonder he became the champion; he¡¯s strong. I didn¡¯t even make it into the top ten in thepetition back then.¡± Everyone looked at Liu Wuxie with respect and fear.


    Collecting the six interspatial rings, Liu Wuxie spat on the ground before returning to his courtyard. The crowd automatically made way for him, with no one daring to stand in his way.


    Only when Liu Wuxie vanished did everyone feel the oppressive weight lift from their chests. The invisible pressure that had been making them uneasy was finally gone.


    Liu Wuxie saw a crowd gathered outside his courtyard before reaching it, making him frown. He wondered if something had happened to his courtyard.


    He had set up a new spiritual array before leaving, and he was confident that even elite disciples could not damage it.


    When he passed through the crowd, he saw an old man with two youths trying to break through the spiritual array he had set up. He was familiar with the two youths. They were Han Xing and Kong Yan, who he had crippled back then.


    But strangely enough, their cultivation was fully recovered. He began to wonder who had such skills to restore a shattered dantian.


    Many pills could restore the dantian, and Liu Wuxie was aware of at least three such remedies. However, their refinement required the expertise of someone in the True Profound Realm.


    Han Xing and Kong Yan were just minor inner disciples, so how would the sect master refine pills capable of restoring shattered dantians for them?


    This meant there was only one possibility: someone with a high status had obtained the pills for them. This turned Liu Wuxie¡¯s attention to the old man who was trying to break the spiritual array he had set up.


    ¡°What are you all doing!¡± Liu Wuxie roared, interrupting everyone.


    Everyone¡¯s attention turned to Liu Wuxie, including Han Xing¡¯s and Kong Yan¡¯s. Although they had engaged in a battle of spiritual arrays back then, they hadn¡¯t seen each other before. Thus, the two were unfamiliar with Liu Wuxie.


    It was deeply humiliating for them that Liu Wuxie had crippled their cultivation without them ever seeing his face. This added to their disgrace, resulting in a reprimand from their master when he emerged from seclusion.


    They were eager to seek revenge, but they had been in seclusion to repair their shattered dantians. Once their dantians were restored, their first priority was to gather information on Liu Wuxie. Upon learning that he had be an inner disciple, they immediately brought their master into the fray.


    Elder Wu Yang also turned to look at Liu Wuxie, and a cold light shed in his eyes when their eyes met.


    ¡°You¡¯re the one who crippled my disciples¡¯ cultivation?¡± Elder Wu Yang¡¯s tone was cold. He was an elder in the Astral River Realm, and even elite disciples had to be respectful to him.


    Liu Wuxie was inwardly startled; he hadn¡¯t expected Han Xing and Kong Yan to have such a powerful master. Ever since he had joined the sect, no elders except Elder Tian Xing had expressed the desire to take him as a disciple.


    Then again, Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t care much about that because no one in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion was worthy of teaching him. But it would be helpful to have a convenient master to have a trouble-free time in the sect.


    ¡°These two garbage?¡± Liu Wuxie asked, pointing at Han Xing and Kong Yan.


    Kong Yan¡¯s and Han Xing¡¯s faces turned red upon being called garbage, wishing they could rush up to kill Liu Wuxie. But knowing that Liu Wuxie had killed Shao Wendong, they didn¡¯t dare to act rashly. They were only in the low levels of the Heavenly Dipper Realm and mostly relied on their spiritual arrays.


    They had lost in a battle of spiritual arrays, which meant they had no advantage against Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, you dare insult us as?!¡± Kong Yan was furious upon being humiliated, pointing at Liu Wuxie furiously. But he dared not step forward and stayed close to his master.


    ¡°Calling you ¡®garbage¡¯ would be giving you too much credit. You came to challenge me in the dead of night and now have the nerve to bring your master here after your defeat? You two are truly pathetic.¡± Liu Wuxie mocked, though his words rang true.


    Those words were akin to pping Elder Wu Yang in the face. Even if Han Xing and Kong Yan werecking, they were still his disciples, and insulting them was an insult to him as well.


    ¡°Boy, you are arrogant!¡± Elder Wu Yang said through clenched teeth, his anger barely contained. What infuriated him the most was his failure to breach the spiritual array even after two hours of effort, which only added to his humiliation.


    ¡°I¡¯m arrogant because I can back it up. Elder Wu Yang, do you n to stand up for your two precious disciples by taking advantage of your cultivation against me?¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s words nearly choked Elder Wu Yang.


    After all, Elder Wu Yang wouldn¡¯t have waited till now if he wanted to make a move. He was an elder in the Astral River Realm and wouldn¡¯t casually attack a disciple.


    Moreover, dozens of disciples were in the surroundings, and it wasn¡¯t wise to attack now.


    ¡°You¡¯re truly arrogant. Do you think you can look down on everyone just because you¡¯re the champion of the outer sect¡¯spetition?¡± Elder Wu Yang was angry but could do nothing to Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°I won¡¯t look down on everyone just because I¡¯ve be the champion. But have you forgotten that you three are causing a scene outside my courtyard?¡± Liu Wuxie sneered, his anger fueled by the damage Elder Wu Yang had inflicted on his spiritual array.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, since you¡¯re so skilled in the spiritual array, do you dare topete with us again?¡± Kong Yan took a step forward, wanting to regain his dignity.


    ¡°You two?¡± Liu Wuxie looked down on them and didn¡¯t even take them seriously. He continued, ¡°You two aren¡¯t even qualified.¡±


    His words naturally infatuated Kong Yan, driving him to the edge of going insane.


    ¡°Since my two disciples aren¡¯t qualified, do you think an old man like me is qualified?¡± Elder Wu Yang finally couldn¡¯t hold back with determination shing in his eyes topete with Liu Wuxie in spiritual arrays.


    The spiritual array used in this courtyard was exquisite. Elder Wu Yang had participated in constructing most of the sect''s spiritual arrays, but he had never seen such a strange array before.


    ¡°Elder Wu Yang, you think highly of me. A senior like you wants topete with me? Aren¡¯t you embarrassed?¡± Liu Wuxie rolled his eyes at Elder Wu Yang¡¯s proposal.


    The surrounding disciples were left speechless, witnessing an elder from the Astral River Realm challenging an inner disciple. It was akin to a baby trying topete in strength with a giant¡ªthere was no realparison.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, are you afraid? If you¡¯re afraid, you can kneel before my master and apologize.¡± Kong Yan sneered, wanting to humiliate Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°You¡¯re courting death!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s sharp gaze shot towards Kong Yan, scaring thetter into shivering and stepping back under the ferocious gaze.


    Elder Wu Yang released his aura in the Astral River Realm, dissolving Liu Wuxie''s pressure and freeing Kong Yan.


    ¡°Boy, you¡¯re too arrogant. I might not be able to kill you, but I can teach you a lesson.¡± Elder Wu Yang raised his hand in Liu Wuxie¡¯s direction, wanting to teach him a lesson. It wouldn¡¯t lower his status to teach Liu Wuxie a lesson, and the surrounding disciples couldn¡¯t stop him either.


    They had no reason to obstruct because Liu Wuxie¡¯s rising fame drew many people''s unhappiness, and they naturally hoped to see Liu Wuxie being taught a lesson. Furthermore, they wouldn¡¯t obstruct since there was a show to watch.


    ¡°Hold it!¡± Liu Wuxie suddenly raised his right hand to stop Elder Wu Yang.


    Elder Wu Yang stopped his action, wanting to see what Liu Wuxie would say. He asked coldly, ¡°What else do you have to say?¡±


    He was eager to vent his frustration by teaching Liu Wuxie a lesson. After all, he had sacrificed his pride and expended considerable resources to obtain pills for repairing dantians. If he couldn''t release this pent-up anger, he feared he might suffer from internal strain.


    ¡°I agree topete with you. If you lose, you have to apologize and be publicly in front of everyone, and vice versa if I lose. If you can¡¯t do that, then get out of here!¡± Liu Wuxie spoke righteously, each word reverberating like rumbling lightning.


    Everyone present was stunned that Liu Wuxie daredpete with Elder Wu Yang. He was indeed a fearless newborn calf. Although Elder Wu Yang might not have been the best spiritualist, he was still famous for his spiritual arrays in the sect.


    In everyone¡¯s opinion, Liu Wuxiepeting with Elder Wu Yang in the spiritual array was akin to seeking death.

 Chapter 401 - Reprimand

    <h4>Chapter 401 - Reprimand</h4>


    Elder Wu Yang was stunned that Liu Wuxie challenged him openly. It made him even more furious to be challenged by an inner disciple.


    "Boy, you should think carefully about what it means topete with me!" Elder Wu Yang maintained hisposure and didn''t lose himself in rage. As an elder who hade this far, he had to keep some dignity. If he took it too far, he could face criticism and ridicule.


    "Or is Elder Wu Yang scared to bet with a youngster like me?" Liu Wuxie carried a hint of mockery on his lips. He knew they would continue to cause trouble for him if he didn''t teach them a lesson today. Thus, the best way was to make them give up entirely and avoid him in the future.


    "Liu Wuxie, you must put up some stakes to bet with my master. If you win, I''ll kneel and apologize. But if you lose, you must not only apologize, but you also have topensate with a Meridian Purifying Pill and ten high-grade spirit stones. Do you dare to bet?" Kong Yan sneered. It was no secret Liu Wuxie had obtained the Meridian Purifying Pill and ten high-grade spirit stones.


    Surprisingly, Elder Wu Yang didn''t oppose Kong Yan¡¯s words, implying his consent.


    "What a joke. If you guys win, I must kneel to apologize andpensate with the Meridian Purifying Pill and ten high-grade spirit stones, while you only apologize after losing. Are you dumb, or do you think there''s such a good deal in the world?" Liu Wuxie sneered with amusement. It was apparent these three had nned everything.


    They had devised this n to obtain Liu Wuxie''s treasures. However, this bet was too unfair for Liu Wuxie, and the terms should have been equal since they wanted to bet.


    The surrounding disciples nodded in acknowledgment of Liu Wuxie''s words. The stakes should be equal regardless of win or loss, but Liu Wuxie found the current terms unfavorable.


    From Kong Yan''s perspective, Liu Wuxie was destined to lose, and they would ultimately win regardless of the stakes they promised.


    "Then what do you want!" Kong Yan''s face became twisted, fearing Liu Wuxie would back out now. After all, they had devised this n for Liu Wuxie to take the bait, and they would miss out on the treasures if Liu Wuxie gave up now.


    "Offer treasures equivalent to my stakes!" Liu Wuxie''s demand was simple. If they wanted his treasures, they would have to offer treasures equivalent to make it fair. This demand wasn''t excessive, and the surrounding disciples nodded in agreement.


    They had no feud with Liu Wuxie and were here to watch the show. There were only a few disciples who coveted Liu Wuxie''s treasures.


    "I support what Junior Brother Liu said. Since there''s a bet, the stakes naturally have to be fair. I suggest notifying the sect''s higher-ups to act as a judge to ensure fairness for both sides." An inner disciple nodded at Liu Wuxie, and he expressed his opinion.


    He suggested having the sect''s higher-ups as judges to ensure fairness in case Elder Wu Yang refused to admit defeat.


    Liu Wuxie nodded in return, and this person looked rtively young. His cultivation wasn''t high either, as he was only in the third-level Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    The youth''s words made Elder Wu Yang''s face ugly, as he had intended topete with Liu Wuxie to teach him a lesson secretly. But if a higher-up from the sect were present as a judge, it wouldn''t be honorable even if he won. If he lost, it would be utterly humiliating to his status as an elder.


    ¡°Elder Wu Yang, why fear him? Bet with him!" Most people gloated, egging Elder Wu Yang to go on with the bet.


    This ced Elder Wu Yang in a dilemma because withdrawing now would be self-humting.


    "This is a segment of the Heavenstore Wood and an Energy Purifying Pill. Is this sufficient?" Elder Wu Yang took out a piece of wood and a pill.


    The two items were treasures, especially the Heavenstore Wood. It contained powerful wood-attribute energy, making it a great material to forge the Suppression Stele.


    The Energy Purifying Pill was mainly used to purify the true essence. It wasparable to the Meridians Purifying Pill but had a different purpose. One was meant to strengthen the meridians, while the other strengthened the true essence.


    "The stakes are eptable, but I have another suggestion!" Liu Wuxie wore a smile after ncing at the two items.


    With the Heavenstore Wood as a foundation, he could soon forge the Wood Suppression Stele. With the Wood Suppression Stele guarding his liver, his strength would drastically transform.


    "Liu Wuxie, spit it out if you have any suggestions. Don''t dawdle!" Kong Yan was running out of patience, as he couldn''t wait to see Liu Wuxie embarrassed.


    Everyone waited for Liu Wuxie to state his additional terms.


    "My request is simple: let Elder Tian Xing judge this bet because I don''t trust anyone else." Liu Wuxie trusted only Elder Tian Xing in the whole sect.


    Even if the sect master came, Liu Wuxie wouldn''t necessarily trust him.


    Elder Wu Yang''s face grew darker upon hearing that because Elder Tian Xing was famous for being upright. If Elder Tian Xing were to be the judge of this bet, it would be impossible to do anything under his watch.


    Furthermore, he would undoubtedly be reprimanded to bet with an inner disciple as a dignified elder in the Astral River Realm.


    "Liu Wuxie, you''re taking it too far. Do you think we''ll refuse to admit it if we lose?" Kong Yan feared Elder Tian Xing; they would lose their advantage if he came. This was unfavorable, as it would be impossible for them to manipte the situation.


    "You''re right! I''m afraid you guys will refuse to admit it if you lose!" Liu Wuxie nodded in acknowledgment. He had no goodwill toward the trio anyway.


    The surrounding disciples spat in disbelief. Liu Wuxie might be the only person who dared to speak to an elder in this manner and dared to bargain under pressure.


    Themotion naturally attracted more spectators, and someone had already gone to inform Elder Tian Xing. It didn''t take long before the news swiftly spread throughout the sect.


    After all, it was unprecedented for an elder topete with a disciple since the sect''s founding. While a martial battle would be a mismatch¡ªten Liu Wuxies wouldn¡¯t stand a chance against Elder Wu Yang¡ªa battle of spiritual arrays was different. In such a contest, they would be judged on their understanding of spiritual arrays, not their cultivation levels.


    Liu Wuxie wasn''t in a hurry because the initiative was in his hands now. He could call off this bet if Elder Wu Yang refused. This meant the trio could only leave embarrassed.


    If Elder Wu Yang dared to make a move against him, it would tarnish his reputation, making him look like he feared the challenge of a mere disciple.


    ced in a dilemma, Elder Wu Yang gave Liu Wuxie a hard look, realizing he had been outmaneuvered. They had devised the bet, but Liu Wuxie had cleverly turned the situation to his advantage.


    As the stalemate dragged on, dry coughs echoed through the courtyard, announcing the approach of Elder Tian Xing, who wore a grim expression.


    The outer sect''spetition had just concluded a few days ago, giving Elder Tian Xing a brief respite. However, his rest was interrupted when someone from the Law Enforcement Hall informed him that Liu Wuxie and Elder Wu Yang were about topete and required his presence as a judge.


    Upon hearing it, Elder Tian Xing nearly lost his temper. However, after understanding the situation, his anger towards Liu Wuxie dissipated because he was also present that night. Kong Yan and Han Xing were at fault, not Liu Wuxie.


    It was unreasonable for Elder Wu Yang to intervene on behalf of his disciple. If everyone had acted like Elder Wu Yang, the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion would have descended into chaos by now.


    "We pay our greetings to Elder Tian Xing!" The disciples bowed. Elder Tian Xing had a high status in the sect, even above the six peak masters. Except for the sect master, Elder Tian Xing managed all the matters of the sect.


    When Elder Tian Xing approached, he red at Liu Wuxie but did not reprimand him. The gaze merely meant that Liu Wuxie was being a troublemaker.


    Although they couldn''t be master and disciple, they could still be friends.


    "What''s going on?" After ncing at Liu Wuxie, Elder Tian Xing coldly turned to Elder Wu Yang.


    Elder Wu Yang might seem aloof, but he was like a docile rabbit before Elder Tian Xing. This was the difference between the Astral River Realm and the Nascent Transformation Realm.


    The surrounding disciples stepped forward to exin the matter. Elder Tian Xing didn''t interrupt them and nced at Liu Wuxie''s courtyard, where he noticed multiple damages to the spiritual array, which was Elder Wu Yang''s doing.


    No wonder Liu Wuxie was so furious; he had spent a day setting up the spiritual array, only for Elder Wu Yang to damage most of it.


    "Wu Yang, you''re something!" Elder Tian Xing nced at Elder Wu Yang. What kind of example was he setting bypeting with a disciple?


    "Elder Tian Xing is right; this is my fault." Elder Wu Yang lowered his head in acknowledgment.


    Seeing Elder Wu Yang''s attitude, Elder Tian Xing couldn''t continue reprimanding him. As an Astral River Realm elder, Elder Wu Yang deserved some respect.


    "And you, you''re causing trouble everywhere!" Elder Tian Xing suddenly turned to Liu Wuxie, looking furious, to everyone''s surprise.


    When he reprimanded Elder Wu Yang, he had only acted, and everyone could see that. He was giving Elder Wu Yang a way out.


    He was genuinely angry when he reprimanded Liu Wuxie; the disappointment in his voice came from the bottom of his heart. This baffled many people because Liu Wuxie had suggested Elder Tian Xing judge this bet, and they assumed Elder Tian Xing would be on his side.


    However, the situation was the opposite of what they expected, as Elder Tian Xing didn''t stand up for Liu Wuxie and even scolded him harshly.


    Only Liu Wuxie knew the real reason. Elder Tian Xing was angry because Liu Wuxie had be an inner disciple with great difficulty and should avoid making so many enemies. It wasn''t as if apologizing would kill him. Elder Tian Xing wanted to convey this, but only Liu Wuxie understood his intentions.


    Liu Wuxie smiled bitterly, not daring to speak. He knew it would only lead to another scolding if he spoke, so he chose to shut his mouth.


    After venting his emotions, Elder Tian Xing felt better and faintly smiled. He had long waited to scold Liu Wuxie and finally got his chance today.


    "Do you all still want topete?" The sudden question left everyone in shock. Everyone had thought Elder Tian Xing would calm things down, but he showed no intention of stopping the bet.

 Chapter 402 - Array Tower

    <h4>Chapter 402 - Array Tower</h4>


    Upon hearing that, Elder Wu Yang, Kong Yan, and Han Xing smiled. Since the bet could continue, they would be able to achieve their goal, and it didn''t feel so embarrassing to be reprimanded by Elder Tian Xing anymore.


    After all, who in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion hadn''t been scolded by Elder Tian Xing? Elder Tian Xing ignored only marginal figures.


    "Elder Tian Xing, you won''t stop the bet?" Many disciples were baffled as to why Elder Tian Xing didn''t stop the bet and allowed them to continue.


    "Why should I stop them? Proper exchanges can promote improvement, and I naturally support it as long as no one gets killed. But there''s a condition: this matter ends here regardless of the oue, and neither of you will seek revenge in the future. Do you both agree?" Elder Tian Xing''s words brought rounds of apuse.


    Healthypetition and exchanges promoted improvement. Mutual learning was essential to improve regardless of martial arts, alchemy, or spiritual arrays.


    "I have no objections!" Liu Wuxie raised his hand to agree. After all, Han Xing and Kong Yan wereparable to ants, in his opinion, and it would dirty his hands to kill them.


    With his talent, reaching the Astral River Realm was only a matter of time, and he knew that Elder Wu Yang wouldn''t be beyond his reach. One day, he would surpass and trample the elder.


    "I have no objections either!" Elder Wu Yang followed suit. He would regain prestige if he won, and there was no need to trouble Liu Wuxie further. If he lost, he would lose the right to trouble Liu Wuxie and could only live with his tail between his legs in the future.


    Kong Yan and Han Xing had no right to refuse and agreed to Elder Tian Xing''s terms. Regardless of the oue, they wouldn''t use this reason to trouble Liu Wuxie.


    With the agreement in ce, the next step was to outline the details and stakes of the bet.


    "Since both sides have agreed to let me judge, I will ept. To ensure fairness, both parties will enter the Array Tower. Whoever reaches the higher level within six hours will win the bet. Any objections?" The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion had a special ce for practicing spiritual arrays, but it was seldom used since few practiced the way of spiritual arrays.


    Liu Wuxie had long learned of the Array Tower''s existence from the Book Collection Hall. The Array Tower had seventeen levels, each filled with traps of countless spiritual arrays.


    The Array Tower contained offensive, defensive, illusory, and many more variations of spiritual arrays. Ordinary people would be trapped inside, and it was unknown if they coulde out.


    Neither had any objections. Elder Wu Yang was familiar with the Array Tower, and he had even participated in constructing many of the spiritual arrays. Thus, it was easy for him to resolve the spiritual arrays inside.


    Logically speaking, choosing the Array Tower wasn''t fair to Liu Wuxie. However, having a battle of spiritual arrays on the spot was even more unfair to Liu Wuxie, given the vast difference in their cultivation. If they used the same spiritual array topete, Elder Wu Yang could easily kill Liu Wuxie inside the array.


    The Array Tower was different because they would have to focus on destroying the spiritual arrays and wouldn''t run into each other. This meant the oue would depend on the final results in the Array Tower.


    While it might seem Elder Wu Yang had the advantage, this was also Elder Tian Xing''s way of protecting Liu Wuxie. Even if Liu Wuxie lost, he still had a chance because he was young.


    The news of theirpetition spread throughout the sect, with countless disciples rushing towards the Array Tower to secure a spot.


    Led by Elder Tian Xing, the group navigated through the spiritual arrays and arrived at a towering, seventeen-story structure.


    This was Liu Wuxie''s first time in the Array Tower, and he was looking forward to it. Even without his bet with Elder Wu Yang, he would eventuallye to the Array Tower to hone his skills in spiritual arrays.


    Spiritual arrays differed from martial techniques because they required constant integration and reference to perfect them.


    Practice was the sole method of identifying the imperfections in the spiritual arrays, which was the origin of the battle of spiritual arrays.


    Many disciples who practiced spiritual arrays preferred battle of spiritual arrays in open space to a martial duel.


    After calling out the disciples training in the Array Tower, the spiritual arrays were all restored, and it was up to Liu Wuxie and Elder Wu Yang to show their skills.


    "The Array Tower has two entrances, both leading to the highest level," Elder Tian Xing exined. "You have six hours from now. Regardless of how far you get, you must stop when the time is up. Whoever reaches the highest level will win the bet."


    Liu Wuxie and Elder Wu Yang nodded before heading to their respective entrances. Within fifteen minutes, thousands of disciples had gathered around the Array Tower, all eyes fixed on the entrances.


    "What''s going on? Why is an inner disciplepeting with Elder Wu Yang in spiritual arrays? Is he tired of living?" The disciples who arrivedte didn''t know what had happened outside Liu Wuxie''s courtyard; they had only heard of an inner disciple challenging Elder Wu Yang.


    This was unprecedented in the sect''s history. It wouldn''t have been such a big deal if it had been an ordinary elder, but Elder Wu Yang was renowned in the sect for his skills in spiritual arrays.


    "Who''s that kid? What audacity!" Disciples who were gathered outside the Array Tower discussed among themselves.


    Liu Wuxie and Elder Wu Yang entered the Array Tower, and the gates slowly closed. A crystalline wall appeared on the tower''s surface with two small dots representing Liu Wuxie and Elder Wu Yang, who were on the first level.


    "It''s the kid who won the outer sect''spetition recently!" someone answered.


    Many disciples had advanced to the inner sect with Liu Wuxie, and they harbored resentment towards him.


    "He has only been in the inner sect for a few days and is already causing trouble. Just how is he still alive?" Many higher-level inner disciples looked displeased. They were unhappy with how Liu Wuxie had recently be a hot topic in the inner sect.


    After all, people would naturally be jealous of how a newly promoted disciple made such a stir. There were supporters and detractors of Liu Wuxie, each with different opinions.


    After entering the Array Tower, a light screen appeared before Liu Wuxie, and he had to pass through this screen to enter the first level. The light screen gave off a faint ripple resembling a mercury waterfall and was easily passable.


    Beside the screen was a crystal with the size of an egg. Liu Wuxie had to take the crystal, which would deactivate the spiritual arrays if he was in danger, ensuring his safety.


    Taking the crystal, Liu Wuxie stepped through the light screen and found himself in a vast barrennd with yellow sand assaulting from all directions.


    This was the magic of spiritual arrays, creating a world inside the array to trap opponents.


    "An illusory array!" Liu Wuxie smiled upon seeing that the first level consisted of an illusory array.


    Those who couldn''t break through the illusory array would be trapped within. Elder Wu Yang also picked up the crystal in another area and stepped into the spiritual array.


    They both faced identical spiritual arrays,peting to see who could break them faster.


    The outside discussion became quiet, with everyone''s attention on the crystal wall on the tower''s surface.


    "They''ve started breaking the spiritual array!" An exmation came from the crowd as the two dots moved. The dot on the left represented Liu Wuxie, and Elder Wu Yang was on the right.


    "Look at Elder Wu Yang''s speed! He seems to have broken through the first level and is heading to the second level!" Elder Wu Yang had broken through the illusory array on the first level in just one breath, which shocked everyone.


    "Elder Wu Yang has participated in setting up the spiritual arrays for the first ten floors, and he must know the secrets inside them. Liu Wuxie is courting death to challenge Elder Wu Yang in a battle of spiritual arrays." Many people expressed their contempt for Liu Wuxie.


    The seventeen levels were catered to different disciples. The first three levels were meant for outer disciples, the fourth to sixth levels for inner disciples, the seventh to tenth for elite disciples, and the eleventh to thirteen for true disciples. The fourteen to sixteen were for the Nascent Transformation Realm experts, and the seventeenth was for the True Profound Realm experts.


    Although Elder Wu Yang is in the Astral River Realm, he only participated until the eleventh level because experts in the Nascent Transformation Realm set those up.


    Five minutes passed in the blink of an eye, and Elder Wu Yang headed for the third level. Meanwhile, Liu Wuxie remained motionless on the first level.


    Since entering the Array Tower, the dot representing Liu Wuxie had only moved once and stayed in the same position for five minutes.


    Kong Yan and Han Xing exchanged a gleeful look, feeling that the victory was already in their pocket. They could finally hold their heads high, knowing that Liu Wuxie would have to kneel and apologize if he lost.


    Elder Tian Xing''s face remained impassive, confident in Liu Wuxie''s skill in spiritual arrays, having witnessed them firsthand that night.


    About seven to eight minutester, Liu Wuxie finally moved. He headed to the second level in less than a minute, surprising many.


    "What''s going on? Was the spiritual array broken with him standing in ce? Is there a problem with the Array Tower?


    Everyone was baffled because Elder Wu Yang had moved several times in the first level before breaking the spiritual array. In contrast, Liu Wuxie had remained still for five minutes, and the array had fallen apart with just a slight movement.


    The Array Tower was the umtion of wisdom from the past ancestors in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, and a malfunction was impossible.


    Elder Tian Xing was present and could detect any problem with the Array Tower. Aside from Elder Tian Xing, several elders had also joined him.


    Shortly after, the six peak masters arrived. After all, it was unprecedented for an inner disciple to challenge an elder in the sect''s history, and this incident naturally caused a considerable sensation.


    "Him again?" Song Yuanqiu turned to Elder Tian Xing afternding down.


    "That''s right!" The two didn''t mention who precisely, but they had a good rapport, and knew who they were referring to.


    The other elders had already learned about this matter from the spectating disciples.


    "He''s a troublemaker!" The Profound Inscription Peak''s peak master showed a hint of anger on his face. The Profound Inscription Peak had suffered a considerable loss in thepetition, with only a few disciples advancing to the inner sect.


    Most importantly, Wen Haoran, who could''ve ced in the top three, was killed by Liu Wuxie.


    While they talked, Elder Wu Yang had entered the fifth level while Liu Wuxie had just entered the second level.


    Upon stepping into the second level, the scenery before Liu Wuxie changed to a boundless snowy mountain. The biting cold blew on Liu Wuxie and made him shiver.


    The spiritual arrays in the first few levels were rtively simple and primarily involved illusions with no danger.

 Chapter 403 - Soulstone

    <h4>Chapter 403 - Soulstone</h4>


    The first to third levels were meant for outer disciples, and they naturally posed no difficulty for Liu Wuxie. The few minutes of dy was because he wanted to familiarise himself with the Array Tower. He had a feeling the real difficulty would start from the tenth floor onwards.


    "I remember the second level is an ice world. I almost failed there when I was an outer disciple." Most people knew the situation inside the Array Tower.


    "The first few levels shouldn''t be a problem for him!" Many disciples had witnessed Liu Wuxie''s skills in spiritual arrays, and such low-level illusory arrays would be broken in three minutes at most.


    While everyone discussed it, as expected, Liu Wuxie was already heading to the third level.


    "This kid is interesting... he''s quick in breaking the spiritual arrays!" Elder Wu Yang had already reached the sixth level, while Liu Wuxie had just reached the third level, widening the gap between them.


    Upon stepping into the third level, a ferocious wolf pounced at Liu Wuxie with incredible speed. But before Liu Wuxie could react, the wolf was already getting close.


    If he weren''t careful, the wolf would attack him. Although it wouldn''t be fatal, it would slow him down, leading to failure in breaking the spiritual arrays.


    Failing to break the spiritual array would mean losing the bet and being teleported out of the spiritual array.


    "Get lost!" The profound beasts were manifestations of spiritual energy created through spiritual arrays. In reality, they weren''t any different from actual profound beasts.


    Aside from not having an actual physique, their attacks were even more formidable than those of real profound beasts.


    The wolf was shattered into countless pieces with a single strike and disappeared into the air.


    Liu Wuxie couldn''t even be bothered to use Ghost Eye on such low-level spiritual arrays, and he found the spiritual array''s core within two breaths.


    After destroying the core, the spiritual array on the third level was destroyed.


    "What''s going on? He''s speeding up!" The Profound Inscription Peak''s disciples were baffled because it made no sense for Liu Wuxie to speed up when it should logically slow down.


    After all, it only made sense to slow down as they progressed, but Liu Wuxie only spent seven to eight minutes to break the spiritual array on the third level, which defied logic.


    "It''s futile no matter how fast he is. Elder Wu Yang has reached the eighth level." The disciples supporting Elder Wu Yang sneered in disdain. They all felt Liu Wuxie was courting death to challenge Elder Wu Yang.


    The gap widened, and Liu Wuxie slowly entered the fourth level. He wasn''t in a hurry because he had six hours.


    "This kid''s chance of winning isn''t high!" Song Yuanqiu whispered to Elder Tian Xing.


    "Don''t be so sure about that!" Elder Tian Xing smiled mysteriously and stroked his beard. Only he understood Liu Wuxie better than anyone else in the entire sect.


    "Tian Xing, I know you''ve taken a liking to this kid and even want to take him as your disciple, but aren''t you overestimating him?" The Profound Inscription Peak''s peak master was unhappy and still held a grudge over Wen Haoran''s incident.


    "It will soon be revealed if he''s overestimating himself!" Elder Tian Xing ignored everyone else and continued to look at the Array Tower with a smile, and Liu Wuxie had broken the spiritual array on the fourth level.


    When Liu Wuxie stepped into the fourth level, terrifying thunderbolts exploded near his feet.


    <i>Interesting...using the power of nature to set up a spiritual array. I didn''t expect the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion to have some skills.</i> Liu Wuxie thought. If the sect''s higher-ups heard that, they would probably go insane.


    The Array Tower was the umtion of wisdom from the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, consuming countless resources and involving dozens of grand elders.


    In Liu Wuxie''s view, their skills were only modest. The true power of spiritual arraysy in harnessing natural forces, like summoning fierce gales, rain, lightning, and illusions.


    These elements made spiritual arrays exceptionally formidable and difficult to defend against


    On the fourth level, the array drew lightning from the sky. If Liu Wuxie couldn''t dismantle it swiftly, the increasing thunderbolts would strike him.


    The sheer volume of lightning made every inch of space perilous, intimidating most into inaction. After all, against the raw force of nature, human beings were mere specks.


    Liu Wuxie formed seals with his hands and infused spiritual runes into the spiritual array. The thunderbolts vanished in the blink of an eye, and the fourth level returned to normal, transforming into an empty room.


    "How boring!" After breaking the spiritual array, Liu Wuxie moved to the fifth level.


    Elder Wu Yang briefly lingered on the eighth level and spent roughly fifteen minutes before reaching the ninth level.


    An uproar broke out among the crowd when Liu Wuxie left the fourth level. The fourth level was challenging even for inner disciples, but Liu Wuxie easily broke it.


    "How far do you all think Liu Wuxie can climb?" More people gathered outside the Array Tower, including some elite disciples.


    "The seventh level at most!" a Profound Inscription Peak''s disciple suggested.


    "I don''t think so. He should be able to reach the ninth level!" Many people supported Liu Wuxie. Elder Wu Yang was overbearing, and many had suffered at the hands of his disciples, Han Xing and Kong Yan. They were naturally happy to see the trio suffer.


    "How ridiculous! I''ll kneel and kowtow to you if he can reach the ninth level!" A Profound Inscription Peak''s disciple sneered as he looked down on Liu Wuxie.


    "Yang Xiao, remember what you said. There are so many witnesses here!" The Heavenly Trigram Peak''s disciple smiled. It was evident this disciple had a feud with Yang Xiao.


    "Wei Dong, what if he can''t reach the ninth level?" Yang Xiao sneered.


    "I''ll kneel and kowtow to you if he can''t reach the ninth level!" The man called Wei Dong said furiously. No one stopped them, and they enjoyed the spectacle, hoping more people would join the fun.


    "Look, he''s done with the fifth level!" The crowd shifted their attention back to the Array Tower, noticing how Liu Wuxie emerged from the fifth level and headed to the sixth level.


    Elder Wu Yang was still stuck on the ninth level without any progress.


    "This is impossible! He must be cheating! How can he break the fifth level?!" Kong Yan looked vicious as he turned to Elder Tian Xing, suspecting a foul y.


    An invisible palm sent Kong Yan flying, and he fell to the ground with blood dripping from his mouth.


    "You two are the source of this conflict, and I haven''t settled ounts with you two yet. Speak another word, and you''ll face the sect''s punishment!" Elder Tian Xing was furious. He didn''t move and only used a wisp of his true essence to send Kong Yan flying.


    He had been putting up with Kong Yan for Elder Wu Yang''s sake. His two disciples were the ones who had tried to barge into Liu Wuxie''s courtyard in the middle of the night and had their cultivations crippled. Yet, they showed no remorse and even involved Elder Wu Yang in this conflict, which vited the sect''s rules.


    Kong Yan was frightened after Elder Tian Xing mentioned the sect¡¯s punishment and didn''t dare to say another word. After all, his life and death would no longer be in his control if he entered the Law Enforcement Hall, and even his master wouldn''t be able to interfere if he were punished.


    Many disciples cast scornful nces at Kong Yan. The Array Tower was tamper-proof from the moment it was activated. Not only did Elder Tian Xingck the authority to alter it, but even if he had permission, his cultivation in the Nascent Transformation Realm was insufficientpared to the True Profound Realm experts who had built the Array Tower


    The sixth level was a dark room, and Liu Wuxie couldn''t even see his hand. It felt as though he had fallen into the abyss. Those with weak minds would copse if they entered this room.


    Liu Wuxie felt as though he was freefalling, and he could hear ghostly wails around him. Years ago, an inner disciple was scared to death in the sixth level, and countless had gone mad here.


    "This ce contains sonic attacks capable of affecting the divine sense and soul sea. I wonder what the seventh level holds..." Liu Wuxie closed his eyes and isted himself from the outside world, which felt as though he was floating above the sea.


    Liu Wuxie remained unmoved, allowing the raging waves and ferocious winds to sweep over. Roughly ten breathster, Liu Wuxie opened his eyes and stared sharply to the right.


    "So, you''re the one behind it!" A ck rock fell into Liu Wuxie''s hand, and the sound wave came from within.


    "A Soulstone that can only be found in battlefields..." The rock was called Soulstone, which could bemonly found in the mundane world.


    Whenever two nations shed, they would choose a vast battleground, leading to rivers of blood. Soulstones were ordinary rocks that turned ck from absorbing this blood.


    The deaths on the battlefield gave rise to lingering resentment, which hovered above and was eventually absorbed and sealed within the ck rocks.


    Many people reported hearing ghostly wails as they walked through the battlefield, but these sounds were not from spirits¡ªthey emanated from the Soulstones.


    Liu Wuxie released extreme yang energy from his palm and injected it into the Soulstone.


    "It''s best to avoid using such items as they''re against the world''s harmony!" Screams came from the Soulstone as the souls within were being burned away.


    A few breathster, the Soulstone was reduced to ashes, with the vengeful spirit within dissipated. The spiritual array naturally fell apart, and Liu Wuxie appeared in a stone room.


    The seventh level was typically the limit for inner disciples, with few able to handle its challenges and often forced to crush the crystal to exit the Array Tower.


    Elder Wu Yang took an hour to break through the spiritual array on the ninth floor and advanced to the tenth. Meanwhile, Liu Wuxie approached the seventh level, where the spiritual arrays became progressively more difficult. It remained uncertain who would ultimately have thestugh.


    "The spiritual array on the sixth level hasn''t recovered; the Soulstone must''ve been destroyed!" The Mortal Plume Peak''s peak master muttered, looking at the Array Tower.


    "How is that possible? The Soulstone contained powerful, vengeful energy. How can someone in the Heavenly Dipper Realm destroy it?" The Terrain Summit Peak''s peak master was baffled and couldn''t believe it.


    "I''m also curious because only extreme yang energy can destroy the Soulstone. It looks like we have a mysterious kid here!" The Mortal Plume Peak''s peak master looked like an elegant schr with a fan.

 Chapter 404 - Usage of Laws

    <h4>Chapter 404 - Usage of Laws</h4>


    Extreme yang energy wasn''t something everyone could possess. All men possessed yang energy, but ny-nine percent of yang energy did not affect the Soulstone as there were too many impurities.


    Only great schrs throughout the generations who were well-versed in the sage''s books could possess the righteous energy capable of warding off evil spirits.


    Righteous aura, also known as extreme yang energy, could only be cultivated by someone nurtured from a young age under the influence of sages¡¯ teachings, allowing them to develop a breath of righteous energy within their bodies.


    As time passed, the righteous energy would grow stronger. This was why many people weren''t willing toe in contact with great schrs; it would feel ufortable just standing beside them because their righteous aura would feel as though it could illuminate all darkness.


    Everyone had darkness in their hearts, and the darkness would be exposed under the righteous energy, causing a feeling of shame. This was one aspect of why great schrs were respected in any generation.


    Great schrs wouldn''t fear any demons or monsters, nor would they sumb to any dark forces.


    Liu Wuxie naturallycked righteous energy. He might have read the sages'' books, but he was more flexible than the great schrs. After all, adaptability allowed humanity to go further.


    Liu Wuxie could destroy the Soulstone because he had a firm heart. He wouldn''t do anything against his conscience, thus feeling no guilt. Furthermore, the Heavenly Dao Book could illuminate everything, and no demon or monster could approach him.


    As Liu Wuxie entered the seventh level, a long and dim corridor appeared before him, leading to an unknown destination. The path behind him had disappeared, and the path ahead was endless.


    If Liu Wuxie kept walking like this, he wouldn''t reach the end for ages.


    ¡°The Corridor of Time...the seventh level uses the timew, and ordinary inner disciples will get trapped here,¡± Liu Wuxie thought, ncing around. The timew made the seventh level more difficult, but it wasn''t an issue for disciples whoprehended the timew.


    Time was intangible and invisible, but it truly existed. The cultivation chambers were the best proof because one day outside was equivalent to ten days inside, which was the timew.


    Once someone grasped thew of time, they could manipte it at will, making feats like bringing the dead back to life possible. However, reaching that level requiredprehending the timew and capturing time to alter it.


    The Corridor of Time might seem long, but it was the evolution of time. Walking there might feel like a long time, but it was only less than a breath in reality.


    It was impossible to reach the end by simply walking; it would take ten to a hundred years, a feat no one had ever attempted.


    Liu Wuxie only had six hours, and three of them had already passed. This meant he had to go all out to conquer the battle of spiritual arrays. Yet, he knew breaking through this Corridor of Time too quickly would cause an uproar outside.


    It wasn''t easy to maintain a low profile while winning the bet. The first six levels would draw little attention to him because they were ordinary spiritual arrays, but it was a different question once the natural world''sws were involved.


    "He seems to have stopped!" The spectators outside raised their heads and looked at the Array Tower. He was already halfway through the Array Tower after reaching the seventh level.


    "I knew it. The seventh level will be his limit, and he won''t be able to take another step forward." Yang Xiao''s face was full of smiles, looking forward to seeing Wei Dong make a fool out of himself by kneeling and kowtowing to him.


    The six peak masters frowned because there were only three hours left. Was Liu Wuxie going to be eliminated early on?


    As time passed by the minute, Elder Wu Yang stayed on the tenth floor for fifteen minutes, but he still showed no signs of breaking the spiritual array.


    Liu Wuxie sat in the Corridor of Time and quietly cultivated instead of breaking the spiritual array. If those outside knew what he was doing, they would probably go insane.


    The spiritual energy in the Array Tower was abundant, making it a suitable ce for cultivation.


    Fifteen minutester, Liu Wuxie stood up and began forming seals with his hands, injecting the timew into the two sides of the corridor. Correcting the timew would naturally break the Corridor of Time, returning it to the normal time track.


    Cracking sounds echoed through the corridor, like countless clocks ticking as the timew shifted. Within ten breaths, the Corridor of Time transformed, bing an ordinary bridge about five meters long.


    It had transformed into an endless corridor through the changes in timew, which changed thew of space, infinitely extending one''s vision.


    If Liu Wuxie had guessed correctly, the eighth level would involve spatial spiritual arrays.


    They were interlinked. The seventh level contained a wisp of spacew to let the challenger adapt to it beforehand, in case they were caught by surprise on the eighth level.


    "He moved! He moved!" An uproar broke out from the crowd when the dot representing Liu Wuxie moved. The crowd was indifferent to who would emerge victorious; winning and losing were secondary. Their primary desire was to witness an exhrating battle of spiritual arrays.


    After all, thepetition would lose its appeal if the oue was decided too quickly.


    As Liu Wuxie''s marker approached the eighth level, Kong Yan''s face grew increasingly grim. A sense of foreboding rose in their hearts as they watched Liu Wuxie getting closer to their master.


    Elder Wu Yang was still trapped on the tenth level and hadn''t emerged yet. Four hours had passed, leaving little time.


    A gust of wind blew over when Liu Wuxie reached the eighth level, which felt as though he had entered a vast universe with stars shining brightly. The end of the universe couldn''t be seen.


    "Just as I anticipated¡ªa manifestation of the spacew!" A smile touched Liu Wuxie''s lips, confirming his expectations. Spacew was unpredictable, capable of creating a spatial area within a ring to store vast amounts of items. The nature and quantity of these items were closely tied to how effectively the spacew was applied.


    Regardless of whether it was an interspatial pouch or a ring, both required Spatial Stones to be forged. These rare meteorites contained internal space, with smaller stones holding space as tiny as sesame seeds andrger ones expanding to the size of a house. By manipting the spacews, the space inside a Spatial Stone could be continuously expanded.


    Regardless of whether it was an interspatial pouch or a ring, both required Spatial Stones to be forged. These rare meteorites contained internal space, with smaller stones holding space as tiny as sesame seeds andrger ones expanding to the size of a house. By manipting the spacews, the space inside a Spatial Stone could be continuously expanded.


    Spatial Stones were exceedingly rare, and finding one typically caused a frenzy among experts. These stones could be used to create weapons or storage items.


    When weapons were infused with spacews, they gained a hint of spatial ability, enabling brief spatial jumps. For example, a weapon could cover a ten-meter distance instantly, appearing right before the enemy. Under such conditions, weapons imbued with spacews became virtually unbeatable.


    Comprehending spacew was incredibly challenging, requiring one to reach the Nascent Transformation Realm. Experts at this level didn''t need to rely on flight; they could tear open space rifts and travel through them. This allowed them to cover thousands of miles instantly.


    The eighth level resembled a vast universe but was actually the internal world of a Spatial Stone. To escape this realm, one needed to understand spatialws and locate the ever-shifting space rift.


    The space rift was constantly changing, making it hard to find. However, through Ghost Eye, Liu Wuxie saw the entire world, and each spatialw was visible to him.


    "What exquisite arrangements. It might be troublesome even for me without Ghost Eye." The further Liu Wuxie climbed, the spiritual arrays he faced became more advanced.


    Earlier levels had simpler, less dangerous arrays, but theter ones were likely to conceal lethal traps within theirplexity. A single misstep could prove fatal. Liu Wuxie reached out and grasped a strand of spacew, only slightly thicker than a hair, whichposed the fabric of the universe.


    If Liu Wuxie shattered the space, he would release an endless dark wind from the infinite world of darkness to corrode the universe. The opposite of space was void, and humans would lose themselves in it the moment they entered, unable to find their way back.


    Liu Wuxie had the entire space under his control in under five breaths, and he saw a fine crack up ahead, constantly shifting around. This was the space rift, which was barely visible.


    Space rifts couldn''t be underestimated because powerful rifts could even devour an entire. If humans went in, they would be ripped apart by the spatial force.


    The depths of the universe were filled with variables, with the greatest threat to humansing from spatial rifts. This was because it would be extremely challenging toe back out upon entering.


    What was more terrifying were rumors that other living beings existed beyond the spatial rifts in a universe parallel to humans.


    When Liu Wuxie walked over to the spatial rift, he gently tore it open, revealing a door big enough for one person. Entering the door, he arrived at the entrance to the ninth level.


    An uproar exploded outside the Array Tower with shock on everyone''s faces, looking at Liu Wuxie''s marker reaching the ninth level.


    "H-He reached the ninth level?!" The Profound Inscription Peak''s disciples became incoherent.


    Inner disciples capable of reaching the ninth level were typically among the most powerful, yet Liu Wuxie was merely a Heavenly Dipper Realm disciple who had joined the inner sect less than five days ago.


    Yang Xiao''s face darkened as he remembered his bet with Wei Dong, which required him to kneel and kowtow if Liu Wuxie made it to the ninth level.


    The battle was still ongoing, and all eyes were fixed on the ninth level, eager to see the oue.


    Elder Tian Xing wore a relieved smile; regardless of the result, Liu Wuxie''s performance had demonstrated his formidable strength. Even if Liu Wuxie did not win, losing to Elder Wu Yang would not be a disgrace.


    "Elder Wu Yang has also moved!" When Liu Wuxie entered the ninth level, Elder Wu Yang advanced from the tenth to the eleventh level.


    This was a new challenge for Elder Wu Yang because he hadn''t participated in constructing the spiritual arrays after the tenth level, and it was an entirely new world for him.


    Liu Wuxie was chasing after Elder Wu Yang, closing the gap between them.


    "So what if he reached the ninth level? He''s bound to lose anyway!" Many people snorted because they felt ufortable with Liu Wuxie''s monstrous performance.


    After all, it made them seem worthless to face such a monstrous genius, jealousy being part of human nature.

 Chapter 405 - Tenth Level

    <h4>Chapter 405 - Tenth Level</h4>


    It wasmon for older disciples to harbor resentment towards exceptionally strong neers. Liu Wuxie¡¯s presence was particrly striking; he had quickly made a name for himself since joining the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    As Liu Wuxie stepped into the ninth level, a chilling and murderous aura enveloped the area. The open space was tinged with a subtle but palpable murderous intent.


    Suddenly, a powerful sword aura shot toward him. Liu Wuxie remained vignt, aware that the ninth level was fraught with lethal arrays and hidden dangers. The spiritual arrays had progressed from illusions andw-based arrays to deadly threats, with each one presenting a unique challenge.


    Liu Wuxie drew his de, releasing the de aura. Sparks flew as his de met the iing attack, causing his arms to tingle with the impact. Before him, a ck figure materialized, shrouded in an imprable mist, obscuring its features from view.


    "Sixth level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm!" Liu Wuxie narrowed his eyes as he realized that the pressure he was feeling wasn¡¯t from the ck figure itself but from the ever-shifting spiritual arrays. He knew he had to break through the array quickly or risk more powerful adversaries appearing.


    The sixth level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm posed no real threat to him; he could eliminate it with a single strike if needed.


    "I have to speed up!" Liu Wuxie immediately decided and swung his de down, unleashing a powerful de aura.


    Lethal arrays differed from other spiritual arrays because the slightest carelessness would result in his death. Thus, he had to find the core and destroy it to leave quickly.


    The core was the safest and most dangerous part of every spiritual array. After all, the person who had set up the spiritual array must haveid heavy traps in the core, waiting for someone to take the bait.


    Liu Wuxie had no choice because setting up a spiritual array to counter this spiritual array would take too long, and the six-hour limit was approaching.


    He continued to swing his de with relentless force, shattering the ck figure into dissipating shadows. As the figure was destroyed, a ripple spread around him, and three new ck figures materialized, appearing from three different directions.


    "Just as I thought!" It was as Liu Wuxie had expected. The ck figures would increase if he couldn''t find the core, and they were also slowly getting stronger.


    He had encountered a simr situation in the Song n''s Spiritual Array Hall. Back then, there was an issue with the central control system.


    The three ck figures were in the sixth-level Heavenly Dipper Realm and attacked together. It wasn''t an issue for Liu Wuxie to handle one, but handling three simultaneously was different.


    The Suppression Stele moved with terrifying power through Liu Wuxie''s limbs, and his true essence began flowing into the Heretic de.


    "Die!" Dazzling radiance shone, and Liu Wuxie didn''t hold back from this strike. The de aura he released split into three and headed towards the three ck figures.


    The entire space trembled, and Liu Wuxie took advantage of this opportunity to vanish. This type of spiritual arrays were extremely difficult for ordinary people, but Liu Wuxie had already located the core.


    The three ck figures froze in ce, unable to withstand the suppression of the de aura. They exploded and dissipated.


    Shortly after, over a dozen ck figures appeared around Liu Wuxie and stood in his way.


    "Get lost!" Liu Wuxie opened a path with the Heretic de, unleashing several imprints thatnded on a distant tree. A bizarre scene urred as the tree began to shrink until it became an array g on the ground.


    After destroying the core, the ck figures vanished. With that, the spiritual array on the ninth level was destroyed.


    The entire Array Tower began to tremble when the golden dot moved from the ninth to the tenth level. Disciples of all levels were thrown into a frenzy, unable to believe that Liu Wuxie had managed to survive the ninth level.


    Yang Xiao''s face was terrifyingly grim and in a daze. The six peak masters nced at each other with a hint of shock. They knew well about the ninth level''s difficulty.


    Even the high-level disciples would have to exert some effort to get through the ninth level, but Liu Wuxie only used five minutes. His speed at breaking the spiritual array was even faster than Elder Wu Yang''s.


    The ck figures posed no challenge to Elder Wu Yang, but Liu Wuxie found the core''s location faster. If one couldn''t find the core, they would be trapped within, and the strength of the ck figures would gradually grow stronger.


    "He has given me a huge surprise!" admitted the Profound Inscription Peak''s peak master reluctantly. As Liu Wuxie emerged from the ninth level, the peak master¡¯s tonecked its previous confidence.


    Even a Nascent Transformation Realm expert was surprised, not to mention ordinary inner disciples. Many of these ordinary disciples had already started to revere Liu Wuxie as a deity.


    "This is interesting... there''s still almost two hours left. Let''s hope he can create a miracle!" The Heavenly Trigram Peak''s peak master stroked his beard, hoping Liu Wuxie could bring him more surprises. The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion also needed a change.


    "It won''t be easy. The tenth level challenges disciples who are close to elite status. If he can''t break the spiritual array within five minutes, he''ll be trapped inside," the Terrain Summit Peak''s peak master said reluctantly.


    In the early levels, Liu Wuxie could afford to take his time breaking the spiritual arrays because it didn''t threaten his life. But everything changed starting from the ninth level. At that point, lethal arrays appeared, and if one couldn''t break them quickly, the enemies they faced would multiply. Even someone in the Nascent Transformation Realm would struggle if they dragged it out.


    Elder Wu Yang was trapped on the tenth level for an hour and ran into Astral River Realm opponents. But in the end, he managed to break through the spiritual array, but at the cost of being injured.


    "We''ll see!" Elder Tian Xing''s eyes showed a hint of concern. His expression became even more severe when Liu Wuxie entered the tenth level. He expressed his concern for Liu Wuxie and the oue of the bet.


    When Liu Wuxie reached the tenth level, he wasn''t in a hurry to enter and took a deep breath.


    He had discovered a pattern from the first to the ninth level, so his speed increased as he progressed. The lethal arrays shared amon feature: a stepwise increase.


    If he killed one enemy, three would appear. If he killed three, ten would appear. This would continue until the challenger was thoroughly exhausted, which was why spiritual arrays were so powerful. It would slowly exhaust someone to death.


    After calming himself down, Liu Wuxie boldly entered the tenth level. The moment he entered, boundless sword auras assaulted the surroundings and engulfed him.


    Three swordsmen attacked simultaneously, targeting his upper, middle, and lower body. Furthermore, the swordsmen were all in the pinnacle Heavenly Dipper Realm, giving Liu Wuxie almost no chance of winning.


    "What power!" Liu Wuxie was shocked and performed the Ghost Eye, capturing the trajectories of the three swordsmen.


    "I can''t get myself entangled and must find the core as soon as possible!" Performing the Nine Heavenly Crane Dance, Liu Wuxie avoided the attacks from the three swordsmen and moved deeper inside the array.


    After missing their strike, the three swordsmen vanished and appeared before Liu Wuxie, standing in his way.


    "Teleportation!" Liu Wuxie''s eyes widened. This spiritual array included teleportation, allowing the enemies to appear at any desired position.


    This was terrifying enough, and the swordsmen appeared before him no matter how fast Liu Wuxie moved. When they appeared, the sword aura they unleashed created a vacuum channel and forced Liu Wuxie back.


    "Get lost!" Liu Wuxie was furious and drew the Heretic de, unleashing a powerful de aura that shattered the iing sword aura, forcing the three enemies at the pinnacle of the Heavenly Dipper Realm to step back.


    His full strength only forced them to step back because Liu Wuxie couldn''t kill opponents in the pinnacle Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    Taking advantage of the enemies being pushed back, Liu Wuxie vanished, moving at an even faster speed. As a minute passed, the pressure from the spiritual array intensified, making space feel like it was shrinking and slowing Liu Wuxie''s movements. If this pressure continued to increase, it would soon be challenging even to walk.


    "Space spiritual runes!" Liu Wuxie decided to go all out. This was an excellent opportunity to improve his skills. When space spiritual runes flew out, the three swordsmen were bound by the spiritual runes.


    "Let''s go!" Liu Wuxie knew this was the opportunity to leave. Even if he couldn''t kill them, restraining them wasn''t an issue for him.


    He had already found the spiritual array''s core with Ghost Eye a hundred meters away. After breaking free from the three swordsmen, Liu Wuxie pushed his speed to the limit.


    Sword auras emerged from the ground, forcing Liu Wuxie to retreat. This time, five swordsmen appeared, all infinitely close to the Heavenly Phase Realm.


    The tenth level was mainly for elite disciples, and it was practically suicidal for an internal disciple like Liu Wuxie to enter.


    The enemies were incredibly realistic, from their facial features to their expressions. They looked no different from real people.


    Two minutester, Liu Wuxie couldn''t afford to dy, as the pressure released by the spiritual array''s core grew stronger. If he couldn''t break the spiritual array within three minutes, he would have to crush the crystal in his pocket to leave.


    ording to his calctions, Elder Wu Yang should have reached the eleventh level, but he couldn''t afford to lose the bet. If he lost, he would not only lose his status in the inner sect but also implicate Elder Tian Xing.


    Most importantly, Liu Wuxie wanted to obtain the Heavenstore Wood and Energy Purifying Pill from Elder Wu Yang. Those two were treasures; the Heavenstore Wood could be used to forge the Wood Suppression Stele, while the Energy Purifying Pill could purify his true essence. With the pill, he would have a high chance of reaching the third-level Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    The simultaneous appearance of the five swordsmen ced Liu Wuxie in danger. The people outside were equally anxious as they watched time pass while Liu Wuxie was trapped in the tenth level.


    Elder Wu Yang had been in the eleventh level for fifteen minutes and was halfway through breaking the spiritual array.


    "Screw it!" Liu Wuxie decided to give it all and sheathed the Heretic de, resorting to the Primordial Astral Fist. He wanted to use his strongest attack to break the spiritual array.


    Surging true essence poured out from his dantian and coursed through his limbs. Hundreds of acupoints opened up simultaneously,pressing and forming a vortex into this punch.


    The entire tenth level shook as if an earthquake had struck with an ancient power filling this space.


    The Suppression Stele flew out from his spleen and hovered in the air. As the stele descended, the speed of the five swordsmen significantly slowed.


    Everything happened in the blink of an eye, and Liu Wuxie descended like an eagle with the power capable of destroying everything with his punch.

 Chapter 406 - Glimmer of Hope

    <h4>Chapter 406 - Glimmer of Hope</h4>


    After reaching the second-level Heavenly Dipper Realm, this was Liu Wuxie''s first time executing the Primordial Astral Fist. The power formed into a star and descended from the sky.


    The swordsmen pouncing at him had no time to react, and they were sent flying by the astral energy. Even if Liu Wuxie couldn''t kill them, it wasn''t an issue for him to slow them down.


    When they were sent flying away, Liu Wuxie took the opportunity and turned into a light streak, charging towards the core. The surrounding pressure grew stronger as he advanced, and he felt constrained, his footsteps staggering.


    The growing resistance was troubling, hinting that the tenth level was moreplex than anticipated, despite the rtively low cultivation of the three swordsmen.


    "Heretic de!" Liu Wuxie''s movement was greatly hindered, and he had no choice but to use the Heretic de. When the Heretic de descended, the ground trembled, and three minutes had passed.


    A crater appeared in the spiritual array''s core, shattered by the Heretic de. If Liu Wuxie were slightly slower, he would''ve been crushed to death by pressure.


    The surrounding pressure was increasing and reaching the Heavenly Phase Realm. Although Liu Wuxie had a powerful physique, there was a massive gap between him and the Heavenly Phase Realm.


    The surrounding pressure began to decrease, proving the spiritual array was broken. Three breathster, the surrounding space began to change, and Liu Wuxie found himself in a room about a thousand square meters in size. This was a massive spiritual array.


    "I''m fortunate," Liu Wuxie muttered to himself. He had relied on Ghost Eye to detect the spiritual array''s core; otherwise, the consequences would have been unimaginable. Even if he had managed to crush the crystal, he would have suffered heavy injuries.


    Looking at the time, there was only a little time left until the six-hour mark. Liu Wuxie needed to hurry and head towards the eleventh level.


    Outside the Array Tower, the spectators fell into a deathly silence as they saw Liu Wuxie''s dot move to the eleventh level. Everyone took a deep breath, unable to believe he had made it through the tenth level.


    "H-He made it through the tenth level?" The higher-level inner disciples became unsettled and were dumbfounded, unable to ept this oue.


    "Did the Array Tower be easier?" someone spected, suggesting this as the only exnation for how Liu Wuxie had made it through the tenth level.


    "What a joke. The Array Tower was established thousands of years ago, and the spiritual arrays inside have never changed. The only difference each time is the location of the core," someone immediately refuted. This meant that the spiritual array''s core would change the next time Liu Wuxie entered.


    "Did he conceal his actual cultivation? Is he actually in the Heavenly Phase Realm?" A bolder spection rose among the crowd, thinking Liu Wuxie had reached the Heavenly Phase Realm.


    "Do you think the elders and peak masters are fools? They would have seen through Liu Wuxie if his actual cultivation were in the Heavenly Phase Realm." Various spections were soon overturned, none aligning with Liu Wuxie''s performance.


    Unaware of the discussions outside, Liu Wuxie proceeded to the eleventh level after leaving the tenth. He had barely made it through the tenth level by luck, and he might not be so fortunate on the eleventh.


    With only fifteen minutes left to the six-hour mark, Liu Wuxie took a deep breath at the eleventh level''s entrance.


    "Let''s go!" Liu Wuie gritted his teeth and stepped into the eleventh level, but the powerful force nearly sent him flying away. A suffocating force had already swept over before he stepped into the eleventh level.


    The force came and left quickly. The eleventh level was quiet, with no attack aura or anyone ambushing him.


    "Do you all know what''s on the eleventh level?" The highest record set by any inner disciples was the tenth level. As for the eleventh level, no one knew what was inside.


    Everyone shook their heads because only elite disciples knew what was on the eleventh level.


    When Liu Wuxie stepped into the eleventh level, he couldn''t even sense any murderous intent. This was too unusual because it made no sense that there was no danger here.


    He had barely escaped death in the tenth level, so how could the eleventh level be without dangers? The surroundings were pitch-ck, with only dim lights flickering. Spreading his divine sense out, Liu Wuxie wielded the Heretic de. The spiritual array was highly unusual, unlike anything he had encountered before.


    After walking about ten-odd steps, soft light emerged from the ground, lighting up the surroundings without affecting Liu Wuxie''s vision.


    Sweeping his gaze, Liu Wuxie was stunned because this wasn''t a spiritual array but a small room. At its center was a chessboard with an unfinished game.


    The room waspletely enclosed, with no windows or doors. Liu Wuxie realized he was trapped with no visible way out. The only option was to crush the crystal, but when he reached into his pocket, his heart skipped a beat.


    "Where''s the crystal?" Liu Wuxie was dumbfounded¡ªthe crystal had vanished.


    A momentter, he noticed his interspatial ring was also gone. His Heretic de, pills, and spirit stones had disappeared too, leaving him with only his robe.


    "Does this mean I can''t break the spiritual array or leave?" If that were true, disciples reaching this level would be trapped forever. It didn''t make sense, but he decided to make the best of the situation.


    Shaking off all the thoughts, Liu Wuxie focused on the chessboard. ck took the lead, with white as the guest, and Liu Wuxie was on the side of the white chess pieces.


    As he studied the chessboard, he noticed that white was trapped. ck had an overwhelming advantage and was ready to devour white at any moment.


    The chessboard could mimic a battlefield and spiritual runes. In a fight, spiritual arrays were like a drill charging into the enemy, which was also a form of spiritual arrays.


    "Tian Xing, leaving the eleventh level upon entering is impossible unless he gives up. But based on his personality, the odds of him admitting defeat is very low!" After the outer sect''spetition, Song Yuanqiu had a rough understanding of Liu Wuxie''s personality.


    Suddenly, he frowned because if a genius like Liu Wuxie died in the Array Tower, it would be a massive loss for the sect.


    Elder Tian Xing frowned, not having expected Liu Wuxie to reach the eleventh level. If Liu Wuxie chose to give up, he could leave the stone room. But if he didn''t, there were only two oues: win and leave alive or lose and die in the Array Tower. The spiritual array at the eleventh level was particrly lethal and potent.


    Song Yuanqiu was right because the thought of giving up never appeared in Liu Wuxie''s mind. Stepping into the path of cultivation meant there was no path of retreat.


    Elder Wu Yang was also in a predicament on the eleventh level. He sat before the white chess pieces for an hour and made no progress while the ck chess pieces surrounded him.


    If he couldn''t break the spiritual array, he would face two choices like Liu Wuxie.


    This made Elder Wu Yang feel conflicted, and he wasn''t willing to leave like this. But with the game reaching this point, his odds of winning were minimal, and he could only wait for the six-hour mark. If he still couldn''t make progress by then, it wouldn''t be toote to give up.


    "Hmph, that brat is still too young, and he''ll only end up dead trying topete with me. I bet he''s suffering on the eighth level right now!" Elder Wu Yang muttered fiercely, the wound on his right arm causing him pain. The injury had urred when he was on the tenth level.


    He spected that reaching the eighth level within six hours was already Liu Wuxie''s limit.


    When Liu Wuxie sat down, an illusory figure appeared on the other side, representing the ck chess pieces, who looked like a person. But the ck shadow''s appearance was blurred, and he could only see a hand on the chessboard.


    "The white pieces are on the brink of defeat. No matter what move I make, they can''t withstand the ck pieces'' onught," Liu Wuxie said, hesitating with a white chess piece in hand.


    Liu Wuxie''s mind began to race because he was also a chess enthusiast in his past life, but this was his first time encountering this setup.


    "I remember the Chess Immortal once said by cing yourself in a dead end, only you can be reborn."


    The Chess Immortal was the only person whoprehended dao through chess.


    Performing Ghost Eye, the entire chessboard was captured in Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes, which appeared in his soul sea as he began deducing. He tried dozens of methods, and all his attempts failed.


    Despite the urgency, Liu Wuxie remained calm. With fifteen minutes remaining until the six-hour mark, he was unhurried. Others might have panicked by now, but Liu Wuxie found calmness even in the face of imminent danger.


    "Does cing myself in a dead end mean I need to cripple myself?" Liu Wuxie muttered, struggling to find a solution after hundreds of deductions.


    Suddenly, a bold idea rose in his mind, which he began deducing through this trail of thought. Time passed, and those outside were anxious because Liu Wuxie and Elder Wu Yang had stopped moving after reaching the eleventh level.


    "Only ten minutes left!" The Terrain Summit Peak''s peak master nced at the clock, knowing there had to be a resolution soon.


    Elder Tian Xing was growing increasingly anxious about Liu Wuxie. If things continued as they were, the situation could be dire. In such a case, he would have to appeal to the sect master to extract Liu Wuxie from the Array Tower.


    The Heavenly Dao Book opened, and a chessboard identical to the one in the room appeared on it. Two tiny figures were seated on the chessboard, and they looked exactly like Liu Wuxie, manifested from his primordial spirit.


    The primordial spirit was born after reaching a high level of cultivation, upying the soul sea, and guarding the divine pce.


    Liu Wuxie''s primordial spirit grabbed onto a white piece and ced it down. The next second, the situation changed drastically, and the chessboard underwent massive changes. The white pieces began to disappear under the ck pieces'' onught.


    The white pieces suffered heavy losses in just one breath, barely hanging on, and would soon be swallowed by the ck pieces.


    Right then, Liu Wuxie ced the second white piece on the board. The situation changed once again, and the entire game was changing. Although the white pieces suffered heavy losses, they managed to open up the game.


    The white pieces were trapped, seemingly with one arm injured. This meant Liu Wuxie had two choices: either heal his arm and fight or sever this injured arm to fight unhindered.


    Liu Wuxie chose the second path, which was severing his right arm. Although a portion of the white pieces were devoured, the game became clearer, which was the path to victory.


    It became evident why the Chess Immortal had imed that a glimmer of hope always existed in dire situations.


    The person who invented this setup was a true genius. With his right hand descending, Liu Wuxie withdrew his divine sense from the soul sea.

 Chapter 407 - Fulfilling the Promise

    <h4>Chapter 407 - Fulfilling the Promise</h4>


    After running hundreds of simtions in the Heavenly Dao Book, Liu Wuxie finally uncovered the solution to the spiritual array. Achieving this breakthrough with conventional thinking was nearly impossible; only some would sacrifice more than half of their chess pieces for even a sliver of hope.


    As Liu Wuxie simted the moves in the Heavenly Dao Book, his right hand descended, allowing the ck pieces to cut through the white pieces.


    With the six-hour mark approaching, concern, jealousy, and doubt surged among the spectators outside the Array Tower.


    After all, Liu Wuxie had broken the sect''s record by reaching the eleventh level. Some people dug out Liu Wuxie''s recent deeds and found that he had broken many records.


    Just then, a spatial ripple signaled Elder Wu Yang''s emergence from the Array Tower. He had chosen to forfeit at thest moment after failing to break through the spiritual array on the eleventh level.


    Despite his expertise in spiritual arrays and his ability to reach the thirteenth level, he struggled with the chess-based array.


    Elder Wu Yang''s face was gloomy as he walked into the crowd, and he did not notice the changes in the Array Tower.


    "Master!" Kong Yan and Han Xing stepped forward.


    "Master, you''re injured!" Han Xing''s face was full of concern. Elder Wu Yang was bleeding profusely from a wound on his right.


    "I''m fine. Where''s that kid?" Such injuries couldn''t threaten someone in the Astral River Realm, and he immediately inquired about Liu Wuxie''s whereabouts aftering out.


    None of the surrounding disciples spoke as they looked at the trio with awkward smiles.


    "H-He hasn''te out yet!" Kong Yan said reluctantly.


    "He should still be stuck at the eighth level, given his cultivation," Elder Wu Yang remarked nonchntly. He had exited just two minutes before the time was up and hadsted until the very end.


    "Quick, look!" Before Kong Yan and Han Xing could exin, an exmation came from the crowd, drawing everyone''s attention to the Array Tower.


    "The twelfth level is lit up! He broke the spiritual array on the eleventh level!" The announcement sent shockwaves through the crowd as Liu Wuxie¡¯s dot moved into the passage leading to the twelfth level. Even Elder Tian Xing was left in stunned disbelief.


    "He''s a monster!" Song Yuanqiu eximed, losing hisposure. While he had been uneasy when Liu Wuxie requested five spots, he now regretted not offering more. Despite Liu Wuxie''s rtiveck of talent in cultivation, his prowess in the realm of spiritual arrays was unmatched.


    Liu Wuxie showed the potential to be a grandmaster in spiritual arrays in the future.


    Elder Wu Yang staggered when he looked at the Array Tower and almost fell.


    "H-He...when did he reach the twelfth level?" Elder Wu Yang grabbed onto his beard like a madman, unable to believe what he saw.


    Kong Yan smiled bitterly because he didn''t get to tell his master that Liu Wuxie had entered the eleventh level.


    Time was limited, and the six-hour mark was up. This meant Liu Wuxie could only leave the twelfth level without entering.


    Then again, he had already resorted to almost all his trump cards because he had to rely on the Heavenly Dao Book to break the spiritual array on the eleventh level.


    The twelfth level was filled with mystery, and he knew entering rashly could mean death.


    Liu Wuxie didn''t crush the crystal and chose to walk down step by step. He had already surpassed Elder Wu Yang in this aspect alone.


    He walked back to the crowd with a faint smile, showing no sign of arrogance.


    "Elder Tian Xing, please render your judgment!" Liu Wuxie, unsure of the exact oue, ced his trust in Elder Tian Xing. Regardless of the result, he was content knowing he had given his best effort.


    "You brat, you''ve truly impressed me!" Elder Tian Xing walked over and gave Liu Wuxie a heavy pat on his shoulder, not knowing what to say.


    Liu Wuxie noticed the bizarre look everyone was giving him from the surroundings. They were looking at him like they were looking at a monster, and this made him wonder if there was dirt on his face.


    Turning around to look at the Array Tower, Liu Wuxie finally knew the result. His dot had reached the twelfth level, while Elder Wu Yang had stopped at the eleventh level.


    "Elder Wu Yang, isn''t it time to fulfill your promise?" Liu Wuxie didn''t hold back because they had suggested the bet. Since he had won the bet, they naturally had to follow the rules. Han Xing and Kong Yan had to kneel and kowtow while Elder Wu Yang gave him the Heavenstore Wood and Energy Purifying Pill.


    "Don''t take it too far!" Elder Wu Yang was enraged after losing to a junior, which was embarrassing for him as an elder.


    "I''m taking it too far?" Liu Wuxie''s eyes turned cold, and he continued, "You guys came to my courtyard and damaged my spiritual arrays, forcing me into a bet. Now that you lost, you said I''m taking it too far? Can you be any more shameless?"


    Liu Wuxie''s righteous words made many people nod in agreement. Since this was a fair duel, the loser naturally had to follow the rules. After all, even an elder couldn''t go back on his words upon losing a fair duel.


    "You!" Elder Wu Yang was left speechless by Liu Wuxie, and hisplexion became ashen.


    Kong Yan and Han Xing stood behind Elder Wu Yang, too intimidated to speak. Liu Wuxie''s mastery of spiritual arrays had surpassed even their master''s, leaving them with regrets. Had they known his capabilities, they would have sought someone else from the start.


    "Wu Yang, do you recall what I said? No matter the oue, you and your group are forbidden from seeking out the other party in the future. Honor your promise now!" Elder Tian Xiang''s tone was harsh, showing no leniency toward Elder Wu Yang.


    Elder Tian Xiang had already shown leniency towards Elder Wu Yang, but it had been ignored. Back in Liu Wuxie''s courtyard, the situation could have been resolved if they had simply apologized. Instead, they pressed Liu Wuxie into a bet, and now they were facing the consequences of their actions.


    "A bet is a bet. Since you''ve lost, it''s natural for you to fulfill your promise!" Many disciples stood on Liu Wuxie''s side, emphasizing the importance of rules, even if Elder Wu Yang was an elder.


    The crowd''s excitement made Elder Wu Yang''s face ugly.


    "Kneel and kowtow!" turning to Han Xing and Kong Yan, he roared, scaring the two into kneeling before Liu Wuxie.


    "Senior Brother Liu, we were wrong. We won''t dare to cause any trouble for you again in the future!" After performing three kowtows, Han Xing and Kong Yan stood up, not daring to look at Liu Wuxie. From then on, their dao hearts were shattered, and this incident would hinder their future cultivation.


    "I ept your apology," Liu Wuxie said, acknowledging their regret before turning his attention to Elder Wu Yang. He was now waiting for the Heavenstore Wood and Energy Purifying Pill.


    In the presence of everyone, Elder Wu Yang reluctantly removed the Heavenstore Wood and Energy Purifying Pill from his interspatial ring and threw them to Liu Wuxie.


    "Thank you, Elder Wu Yang!" Liu Wuxie kept the two items and remembered to thank Elder Wu Yang. Then again, that was more of a sarcastic thanks.


    "Let''s go!" Elder Wu Yang said quickly, retreating with his two disciples. He couldn''t bear to stay a moment longer, feeling the stares of the crowd like a stinging p to his face. He wanted nothing more than to find a hole and hide.


    The crowd began to disperse as there was nothing left to see after the spectacle.


    "Yang Xiao, stop right there!" Wei Dong''s shout cut through themotion, halting many who were about to leave. Yang Xiao, attempting to slip away among the crowd, was quickly revealed by Wei Dong''s insistence.


    Liu Wuxie watched in confusion. He remembered Wei Dong from six hours earlier when the youth had supported him outside his courtyard. They had even exchanged nods, leaving a strong impression on him.


    "Yang Xiao, have you forgotten something?" Wei Dong took a step forward and blocked Yang Xiao''s path.


    Yang Xiao''s face was ugly, meaning he had to kneel and kowtow. How could he maintain his foothold in the inner sect if he did that in front of so many people? He would only be reduced to a subject of ridicule.


    "Wei Dong, don''t push it!" Yang Xiao''s words, including the tone, were identical to Elder Wu Yang''s from a moment ago.


    "A bet is a bet, and you''ve lost. Kneel and kowtow!" Wei Dong''s tone was firm, demanding that Yang Xiao fulfill his promise.


    Through their conversation, Liu Wuxie roughly understood their bet.


    "Hmph, what can you do to me if I refuse to kneel?" Yang Xiao chose to disregard the bet. They had simr strengths, and a fight would only result in mutual perishing.


    Furthermore, Elder Tian Xing and others had left, so who could intervene?


    Both sides fell into a stalemate, with Yang Xiao refusing to kneel and Wei Dong unwilling to back down.


    "Let''s forget it. We''re all fellow disciples, and Yang Xiao has already admitted his loss," many disciples suggested, attempting to mediate and de-escte the situation.


    "Why should I back down? Didn''t you all see how Yang Xiao mocked Junior Brother Liu earlier? He wants to leave after losing now, so how is it fair?" Wei Dong was adamant and insisted that Yang Xiao fulfill his promise.


    "So what if I mocked him? He''s just a newly advanced inner disciple, and he only won against Elder Wu Yang relying on his skills in spiritual arrays." Yang Xiao had contempt on his face and showed no respect for Liu Wuxie.


    "Since Senior Brother Yang looks down on a newly advanced inner disciple like me, why don''t I challenge you to a duel?" Liu Wuxie looked at Yang Xiao coldly.


    He had observed everyone¡¯s reactions closely, noting Yang Xiao¡¯s provocations from outside his courtyard. Liu Wuxie hadn''t anticipated that Yang Xiao would persist in his antagonism, even continuing to challenge him after entering the Array Tower and betting with Wei Dong.


    Liu Wuxie''s strong stance instantly suppressed Yang Xiao''s arrogance. If that were the case, they would have to fight to determine the result.


    "Junior Brother Liu has quite the big tone here. You only joined the inner sect for less than five days, and you already want to threaten your seniors? Can I take it as a disregard for us?" A sixth-level Heavenly Dipper Realm disciple stepped forward, feeling that Liu Wuxie was too arrogant.


    Many other disciples echoed in acknowledgment and shared the same sentiment.


    "Who do you think you are, and why should I show you any respect? Did you all expect me to fail at the eleventh level after mocking me?" Liu Wuxie¡¯s voice grew more assertive. It was clear that these people had ridiculed him while he was in the Array Tower.


    "Fellow brothers. This brat is too arrogant. If we don''t teach him a lesson today, how will we be able to maintain our footing in the inner sect?" Yang Xiao incited the senior disciples to unite against Liu Wuxie. He knew he was too weak and needed support against Liu Wuxie.

 Chapter 408 - Scripture Collection Hall

    <h4>Chapter 408 - Scripture Collection Hall</h4>


    Yang Xiao was malicious, trying to incite the crowd and turn them against Liu Wuxie. However, it wasn''t so easy to sway everyone with just a few words. They might¡¯ve disliked Liu Wuxie, but taking action against him was a different matter.


    "Yang Xiao, you''re too despicable! You have lost the bet but want to use others to help you back out from it. How shameless can you be?" Wei Dong roared furiously, hoping Yang Xiao''s words wouldn''t manipte those in the surroundings.


    The disciples about to approach quickly retreated because what Wei Dong said was right. This was a personal feud, and they had no reason to get involved. It was better for them to watch on the sidelines.


    A space opened up, leaving Liu Wuxie, Wei Dong, and Yang Xiao standing alone. No one stepped forward to support Yang Xiao.


    "Do you know what it means to honor a bet?" Liu Wuxie looked at Yang Xiao coldly. Initially, he had no intention of intervening in their conflict, but Yang Xiao had mocked him repeatedly while Wei Dong had stood up for him. Thus, Liu Wuxie felt it was necessary to give Yang Xiao some punishment to avoid trouble in the future.


    "Liu Wuxie, do you think you can do whatever you want just because you''re strong? Let me tell you, do you believe I''ll make sure there''s no spot for you in the inner sect if you dare to touch me?" Yang Xiao''s eyes shed maliciously because he couldn''t give in.


    The situation became a stalemate, with Yang Xiao looking like a ferocious beast.


    "I recall now! Yang Xiao has an elder brother in the high-level Heavenly Dipper Realm. No wonder he dares to be so arrogant." Whispers came from the youths on the right, and their voices were loud enough for everyone to hear.


    "I already knew it. Yang Xiao is only in the third-level Heavenly Dipper Realm. His arrogance stems from his elder brother¡¯s backing; even many high-level disciples must bow down to him," whispered the onlookers.


    Hearing the murmurs around him, Yang Xiao smirked, lifting his head high and looking at Liu Wuxie with disdain.


    "Junior Brother Liu, let¡¯s leave it be. There¡¯s no need to stoop to his level," Wei Dong said, his tone shifting as he gently pulled Liu Wuxie aside, nning their exit.


    After all, Yang Xiao''s shameless behavior had already ruined his reputation.


    Liu Wuxie nodded in agreement, recognizing that Wei Dong''s decision to drop the matter was wise. Engaging with someone like Yang Xiao was a waste of time.


    When they turned to leave, Yang Xiao suddenly yelled at them, "Stop right there!"


    In a sh, Yang Xiao appeared before them, blocking their path.


    "Yang Xiao, I decided not to pursue this matter. Why are you still stopping us?" Wei Dong asked, trying to prevent further trouble for Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie appreciated Wei Dong''s goodwill. Even someone in the high-level Heavenly Dipper Realm was insignificant to him, but he didn''t want to cause trouble for Wei Dong. Both wanted to leave, not out of fear of Yang Xiao, but to avoid unnecessary conflict.


    However, to onlookers, it appeared that Liu Wuxie and Wei Dong were afraid, especially given Yang Xiao''s brother''s high-level Heavenly Dipper Realm status.


    "Apologize if you want to leave!" Yang Xiao demanded, reversing the situation and forcing the two to apologize.


    "Why should we? You''re the one who lost the bet, and you want us to apologize? How shameless can you be?" Wei Dong was furious, with anger zing in his eyes.


    "Because my brother is in the high-level Heavenly Dipper Realm. If you don''t apologize, you''ll face the consequences when he finds out," Yang Xiao dered, tantly using his brother¡¯s influence to intimidate them.


    Yang Xiao had tried to incite the crowd with his words and, failing that, resorted to invoking his brother''s status, showing he had no intention of apologizing to Wei Dong, let alone kneeling and kowtowing.


    But a sharp sound rang out as soon as Yang Xiao finished speaking. He was sent flying and smashed into the ground, dirt covering him.


    "Liu Wuxie, how dare you!" Yang Xiao quickly got back on his feet, his left cheek swollen and pain etched on his face.


    "There''s nothing in this world I dare not do!" Liu Wuxie released his murderous intent, which spread out in all directions. The surrounding disciples retreated, not daring to get too close out of fear of being implicated.


    "Is Liu Wuxie insane? Yang Xiao already mentioned his brother''s identity, but he still dares to act?" Many disciples discussed among themselves and were stunned by Liu Wuxie''s boldness.


    "Hmph, let''s see how long he can keep it up. There is a bounty of 50,000 spirit stones on Liu Wuxie''s head, and many people are plotting against him."


    "I¡¯ve also heard the news. Whoever submits his head to the Hou n will be rewarded fifty thousand spirit stones," someone said. The discussions in the surroundings grew louder, and everyone was surprised Liu Wuxie''s head was so valuable.


    "Liu Wuxie, just you wait! My brother will avenge me!" Yang Xiao''s face became sinister, blood dripping from his lips.


    "So, your elder brother won''t let me go no matter what I do today. Since that''s the case, I might as well cripple you." A devilish smile crept up on Liu Wuxie''s face. Since they were already enemies, he might as well take this opportunity to destroy Yang Xiao.


    Panic surged in Yang Xiao''s heart. Revealing his elder brother''s identity had always worked before, but not today. Instead of intimidating Liu Wuxie, it only provoked him further.


    "Liu Wuxie, if you have the guts, wait for my brother toe out of seclusion!" Yang Xiao tried a new tactic, taunting Liu Wuxie in hopes of being spared.


    But he miscalcted; Liu Wuxie wasn''t ordinary and didn''t respond as expected.


    "Kneel!" Liu Wuxiemanded, flicking his finger and unleashing two de auras that shot into Yang Xiao''s knees.


    Yang Xiao''s kneecaps shattered, and he knelt before Liu Wuxie with blood dripping. His legs were crippled, which meant he could only crawl on his knees from now on.


    "This is a lesson for you. I''ll wait for your elder brother to seek revenge on me," Liu Wuxie said and walked away. He had encountered simr situations countless times: if he beat the younger sibling, the elder one would appear; if he defeated the elder one, an even older rtive would jump out.


    Yang Xiao screamed in pain. He was crippled for life with his kneecaps shattered.


    The crowd quickly dispersed to spread the news about what had happened.


    "Junior Brother Liu, I''m sorry for dragging you into this mess. You shouldn''t have acted so impulsively!" Wei Dong said with worry, not knowing what to say. He wasn''t worried about himself because he had a means of protection. He was concerned for Liu Wuxie because the path ahead would be difficult.


    "This matter has nothing to do with you. Given Yang Xiao''s nature, he will seek revenge for his humiliation today. Even if I hadn¡¯t pped him or shattered his kneecaps, he would still ask his elder brother to deal with me." Liu Wuxie patted Wei Dong''s shoulder, indicating that he shouldn''t me himself.


    After speaking, Liu Wuxie turned and returned to his courtyard, leaving Wei Dong alone.


    Returning to the courtyard, Liu Wuxie still had many things to do. With less than a month left, his inws and friends woulde to the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, where Liu Wuxie had to intensify his training to protect his loved ones.


    While repairing the spiritual arrays around his courtyard, Liu Wuxie fortified it. This time, even Elder Wu Yang would be trapped in the spiritual arrays if he came.


    Liu Wuxie took out the Heavenstore Wood and Energy Purifying Pill.


    "I stillck some materials to forge the Wood Suppression Stele, and I''ve just reached the second level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm.¡± It also wasn''t convenient for him to take the Energy Purifying Pill now. He nned to visit the Scripture Collection Hall the next day and see if there were any interesting martial techniques.


    Liu Wuxie still had the rewards and lectures from the outer sect''spetition, including ess to the Scripture Collection Hall and Celestial Spirit Cave.


    He naturally gave up on the elder''s lecture and could only go to the Scripture Collection Hall to read. As for the Celestial Spirit Cave, he would have to wait for a month or two because there was a queue to enter.


    At dawn, Liu Wuxie quickly dressed and left his room. The Scripture Collection Hall was built on the main peak and was heavily guarded, unlike the rtivelyx security in the Book Collection Hall.


    As Liu Wuxie approached, an ancient and deste aura blew over. The Scripture Collection Hall was ten stories high. The surroundings were filled with hundreds of ancient pines, each exuding rich spiritual energy, having developed spirituality.


    When people passed by, the pine branches waved as though they were greeting them.


    The green bs on the ground emitted a faint luster. They were smooth as mirrors after being polished for over ten thousand years.


    Even the nts and flowers along the steps swayed gently when people approached.


    Small profound beasts shuttled through the flowers and trees, unafraid of humans. Those profound beasts even came out asionally to greet the passersby.


    On the side of the main peak was a celestialke with many celestial cranes that could be found there, ying in theke.


    Thergest celestial crane was three meters tall, like a house. It could carry ten people simultaneously, and the sect raised these celestial cranes. Many elders enjoyed using them as a method of transportation.


    Aside from celestial cranes, other docile profound beasts also made suitable mounts. Liu Wuxiecked a mount of his own, and an aerial profound beast could greatly expedite his travel. Flying mounts were rare, with fewer than ten people at Heavenly Trigram Peak owning them, underscoring their value.


    After all, profound beasts that were too aggressive weren''t suitable for mounts, while those too docile weren''t ideal for battles. A powerful mount could fight with the master, achieving twice the result with half the effort.


    Liu Wuxie remembered riding a real divine dragon in his past life. After ascending 9,999 steps, he finally arrived at the towering Scripture Collection Hall.


    Three golden characters shone brightly with the door tightly shut. After all, only some were qualified toe.


    The Scripture Collection Hall housed ancient texts umted by the sect over millennia, and losing even one would be a significant blow to the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    With the door firmly closed and no one in sight, Liu Wuxie had no choice but to knock gently on the gate three times.


    "Who is it?" In the depth of the Scripture Collection Hall, a stern voice sounded, devoid of any emotions.


    A powerful divine sense swept out andnded on Liu Wuxie, scanning him. At this moment, Liu Wuxie felt like he was stripped naked as he stood before the person inside.


    ¡°This divine sense was powerful,¡± Liu Wuxie thought. Furthermore, it was even more potent than Elder Tian Xing.


    This meant the person guarding the Scripture Collection Hall wasn''t ordinary. He might even be the sect''s grand elder, possibly an expert in the Quasi-True Profound Realm.

 Chapter 409 - Reading All Books

    <h4>Chapter 409 - Reading All Books</h4>


    The divine sense lingered on Liu Wuxie for three breaths before retreating.


    "For what purpose have youe?" The voice contained no emotion, and everyone had to be questioned if they wanted to enter the Scripture Collection Hall. Liu Wuxie wasn''t an exception either.


    "I am Liu Wuxie, the winner of the outer sect''spetition. I''m here to im my reward today." Liu Wuxie bowed deeply and stated his purpose.


    The higher-ups had already informed the Scripture Collection Hall of the reward, and the winners would be granted entry as long as they came within the stipted time frame.


    "Winning the championship with a cultivation in the second-level Heavenly Dipper Realm?!" The elderly voice expressed disbelief. ording to the previouspetitions, the champions were generally in the fifth-level Heavenly Dipper Realm, the bare minimum requirement topete for the championship.


    "I assure you, that''s true!" No one dared toe to the Scripture Collection Hall to make false ims unless they had a death wish. After all, they would be executed on the spot once they were found to make false ims.


    After a minute of silence, the Scripture Collection Hall''s gates opened up, revealing a gap wide enough for one person to enter.


    "You have six hours to read, and all the floors are essible except for the top three!" The elderly voice echoed in Liu Wuxie''s ears. He continued, "Remember, you only have six hours. I hope you won''t waste your time due to greediness."


    When the voice disappeared, the gate slowly closed behind Liu Wuxie as he stepped into the Scripture Collection Hall. This pavilion had ten floors, with the top three floors off-limits. The top three floors contained the sect''s most confidential secrets.


    Given Liu Wuxie''s current status, it was impossible for him to gain ess to those materials. The elder guarding the Scripture Collection Hall had pointed Liu Wuxie in the right direction, telling him not to be greedy and to focus on what he needed, as he only had six hours.


    However, the elder had overlooked a factor: Liu Wuxie''s Ghost Eye.


    Six hours allowed Liu Wuxie to read five to six thousand books. The number of books in the Scripture Collection Hall differed from the Book Collection Hall, but every book was precious, with only a few hundred books on the first floor.


    Time had started ticking the moment Liu Wuxie had stepped into the Scripture Collection Hall.


    Time was tight, and Liu Wuxie couldn''t afford to waste a single minute. His mind was filled with countless precious cultivation techniques, but they were all useless to him because his path had diverged from his previous life.


    The cultivation and martial techniques, such as the ice-attribute energy he hadprehended, were no longer suitable for him. He needed to find a quick way toprehend a dao technique. Furthermore, the Suppression Hall in his spleen was something he didn''t have in his past life.


    The power of the Five Elements, the Deste Devouring Art, the Heavenly Dao Book, and the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron¡ªthese were treasures he needed to uncover through his own efforts. Beyond these, only his personal experiences, insights, alchemy, cksmithing, and spiritual array skills would be of use. This signified that he would have to forge a new path in martial arts on his own.


    Thus, the only method was to absorb experience from this world to supplement his deficiencies, and the Scripture Collection Hall was undoubtedly the best shortcut. He could absorb the required knowledge here by reading more cultivation and martial techniques.


    The Fatality de Art was powerful but just a de technique. The Primordial Astral Fist was powerful, but defeating every enemy with just the fist technique was impossible.


    Thus, Liu Wuxie had toprehend and practice more martial techniques. He didn''t stop the moment he picked up the first book. The entire Scripture Collection Hall was filled with the sounds of flipped pages.


    At first, the Scripture Collection Hall''s elder paid little attention, thinking Liu Wuxie was searching for the books he wanted. As time passed, the elder noticed something wasn''t right because Liu Wuxie stayed on each book for five breaths before moving to the next.


    Ten minutester, only a few books were left on the first floor. Liu Wuxie had recorded all the contents in his soul sea toprehendter.


    This knowledge couldn''t be digested in a day or two but was a gradual process. After finishing on the first floor, he quickly ascended to the second floor and repeated the same process. His speed was even faster this time, only taking four breaths to record a book into his soul sea. The hall soon echoed with the sounds of flipping pages.


    "What are you doing?" The Scripture Collection Hall''s elder finally couldn''t bear it any longer because this was sphemy to the knowledge collected by the ancestors.


    "Reading books!" Liu Wuxie paid no attention to the elder because he only had six hours. Every minute of dy meant fewer books he could read.


    "You''re just flipping through the books, not reading them!" The elder questioned Liu Wuxie. This was the greatest disrespect to the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    "How I read books is none of your concern, elder." Liu Wuxie frowned, irritated that his reading pace had slowed as his concentration wavered from the elder''s interruption.


    "Good, good! You''re the first disciple to speak back to me like that. If you don¡¯t provide an exnation within six hours, you¡¯ll face the consequences," the elder snapped before turning away, leaving Liu Wuxie to his reading.


    The sect had given Liu Wuxie six hours to read, but it hadn¡¯t specified how he should approach it. As long as he was in the library, he was within the rules, even if he chose not to read at all.


    Liu Wuxie soon immersed himself in the books again. But this time, the elder''s divine sense stayed on Liu Wuxie, wanting to know what he was doing.


    Despite this, two hours passed, and the elder still had no idea what Liu Wuxie was up to¡ªhe simply appeared to be flipping through books without any discernible pattern.


    From the first floor to the second, then the second to the third¡ªLiu Wuxie kept flipping through the books until he reached the fifth floor.


    Fortunately, the books on thest two floors were noticeably fewer, but the martial techniques collected were even more precious.


    Liu Wuxie''s reading speed slowed significantly, and he focused more onprehending the knowledge. For those he couldn''t figure out, he stored them directly in the soul sea toprehendter.


    Another two hours passed with Liu Wuxie on the seventh floor. There were about a hundred books on this floor.


    "Only these left!" Liu Wuxie felt it was too fast because he had read 1,500 books in four hours, covering martial techniques, alchemy, rituals, talismans, and spiritual arrays, epassing all the techniques in the True Martial Continent.


    Liu Wuxie''s soul sea was like a treasure trove, storing all the rare information. He began with the first book on this level, but his progress slowed considerably as the remaining two hours ticked away.


    Whenever Liu Wuxie ced a book down, the elder would snort coldly. At the six-hour mark, Liu Wuxie ced thest book down and exhaled with wisdom shining in his eyes.


    If he could integrate andprehend these books, Liu Wuxie believed his martial techniques would advance by leaps and bounds in theing period. Not only could heprehend new techniques, but he could also perfect the Fatality de Art.


    "Six hours have passed, and I will take my leave now!" Liu Wuxie cupped his fists in a respectful gesture as he prepared to depart, havingpleted his time there.


    "Hold it right there!" the elder roared, stopping Liu Wuxie.


    "How can I help you?" Liu Wuxie looked displeased because he hadn''t damaged any books or vited any sect rules.


    The reward allowed him to read in the Scripture Collection Hall for six hours, but it didn''t specify how many books he could read.


    "Who sent you to the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, and why are you stealing our martial techniques? If you don''t give me an exnation, I''ll kill you immediately!" The elder mistook Liu Wuxie for a spy from other forces because only spies would covet the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s techniques.


    If Liu Wuxie had read all the books and left with everything he read, the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion would have no secrets.


    "Elder, what do you mean by that? I have shown no disloyalty nor done anything to betray the sect." Liu Wuxie was displeased. He had no significant grudge against the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. The sect was generally good despite petty people targeting him.


    Every sect had rotten eggs, and Liu Wuxie had already anticipated it when he had joined. This was why some people feared bing famous; troubles would apany fame.


    The recent events made him too conspicuous, thus attracting unnecessary trouble. The elder guarding the Scripture Collection Hall was merely probing Liu Wuxie. The sect must''ve investigated his background since the higher-ups allowed Liu Wuxie into the Scripture Collection Hall. Thus, the odds of Liu Wuxie being a traitor were almost zero.


    However, the elder couldn''t exin why Liu Wuxie had to read so many books in six hours.


    "If you''re not a spy, why didn''t you read the books properly instead of flipping through them?" the elder questioned Liu Wuxie, demanding a reasonable exnation.


    "Honestly, I have eidetic memory, and I''m not randomly flipping through the books. I have carefully read through each one," Liu Wuxie said sincerely. It was easy to find out about his eidetic memory with a little investigation.


    He had read tens of thousands of books in the Book Collection Hall and remembered all their contents. This time, there were only a thousand books, so it was naturally easier for Liu Wuxie to remember.


    "Good. Since you said it, I''ll punish you ording to the sect rules if you get anything wrong!" An invisible force appeared on the third floor, and a few books flew over to the elder. This was a book recording a kick technique.


    "Tell me what is in this book!" The elder''s voice carried a surge of pressure as if it was ready to strike Liu Wuxie down if he answered incorrectly.


    "This book records a technique called the Firecloud Leg Technique, consisting of thirty-seven moves. The final move is called Skyfire Cloud, which is powerful enough to incinerate an area of a few hundred miles," Liu Wuxie summarized.


    However, strangely enough, the elder didn''t open the book and ced the Firecloud Leg Technique back on the bookshelf.


    This was because the elder had read all the books in the Scripture Collection Hall. He had spent years and even decades reading through all the books, memorizing them. But Liu Wuxie had only spent six hours remembering them all, and it was natural that he was in disbelief.


    He had seen countless geniuses with eidetic memory, but there was always a limit. Even the strongest one he had seen could only remember tens of thousands of words before reaching the limit.


    Most people could only manage to read one book, and they would quickly forget what was in the first book if they read the second one. This meant someone couldn''t read over a thousand books from the elder''s point of view.


    Another book flew in front of Liu Wuxie, and without even looking at the cover, a vast amount of text and pictures appeared in his mind.


    "The Cloud Shattering Palm, an earth-grade martial technique with six moves in total. The final move is to unleash waves of fury with the power to topple mountains and overturn seas." Liu Wuxie described the martial technique without hesitation, even offering somementary.

 Chapter 410 - Integrate

    <h4>Chapter 410 - Integrate</h4>


    Fifteen books were ced before Liu Wuxie in less than ten minutes. The contents exactly matched Liu Wuxie''s recitation.


    The elder responsible for guarding the Scripture Collection Hall became silent. He had picked those books meticulously, but Liu Wuxie had recited the contents word for word, which was no coincidence.


    There was no need for further testing; if Liu Wuxie could recall fifteen books, remembering 150 would be well within his capabilities.


    The elder had no choice but to believe such a monstrous prodigy existed.


    A smile crept on Liu Wuxie''s face, and he cupped his fists together. "I''ll take my leave if there''s nothing else. I won''t further disturb the elder''s rest."


    After speaking, Liu Wuxie walked towards the main gate. The gate opened, and Liu Wuxie returned to his courtyard at dusk.


    "A prodigy! A true prodigy! He grasped half of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s techniques and must be closely monitored. If he joins another sect, the consequences would be unimaginable." A grey-robed elder emerged from the void, and he was the elder guarding the Scripture Collection Hall.


    Historically, most disciples practiced only two or three techniques each, which helped prevent widespread leaks. However, today''s events served as a stark reminder to the sect.


    The grey-robed elder vanished and hurried to the main peak to report this matter to the sect master.


    Upon hearing the news, Mu Tianli wasn''t surprised and remained calm, listening to the elder''s report.


    "Sect master, shouldn''t we do something about it? If the techniques are leaked out, the consequences would be dire. I suggest we confine him and prevent him from leaving the sect." The grey-robed elder voiced his opinion.


    "This is no longer a secret!" Mu Tianli smiled bitterly and took out a booklet, throwing it to the grey-robed elder. Just moments ago, Mu Tianli had learned that Liu Wuxie had won a battle of spiritual arrays with Elder Wu Yang.


    It hadn''t been long, and the elder guarding the Scripture Collection Hall came to report something on Liu Wuxie.


    The booklet recorded Liu Wuxie''s history in recent months, including his performance in the mundane world. A look of disbelief shed when the grey-robed elder ced the book down. He asked, "Can such a prodigy exist in this world?"


    The elder still found it hard to believe. They had lived for centuries and had seen many geniuses, but someone like Liu Wuxie was too rare.


    "I¡¯ve received reports that several major sects have new prodigies emerging, and intriguingly, all of theme from the mundane world," Mu Tianli said as he handed another booklet to the grey-robed elder.


    The ten major sects would closely monitor each other''s development. After reading the names on the booklet and their cultivation speed, the grey-robed elder gasped in astonishment.


    "Won''t the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion be left far behind at this rate?" The grey-robed elder was worried. The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion had only begun to improve in recent centuries, but were they going to be suppressed by the other sects again?


    "The Heavenly Mountain Gathering in half a year will reveal everything." Mu Tianli wore a mysterious smile. The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s situation could not be improved in just a day or two; it was a long process.


    "You want to let that brat participate in the Heavenly Mountain Gathering? He''s only in the Heavenly Dipper Realm, and even if he makes swift progress in the next six months, he can''t reach the Heavenly Phase Realm." The grey-robed elder shook his head. He understood the sect master''s intentions, hoping Liu Wuxie''s arrival could bring fresh energy into the sect, and he could make a name for himself in the Heavenly Mountain Gathering.


    This was the only way the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s status could be elevated.


    "We''ll see!" Mu Tianli didn''t dwell on the topic. Apart from Liu Wuxie, the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion had recently cultivated many outstanding disciples for the Heavenly Mountain Gathering.


    ......


    After Liu Wuxie left the Scripture Collection Hall, he immediately went to the cultivation chamber. After reading so many books, his mind was a mess, and he had to organize the information quickly.


    The cultivation chamber was undoubtedly the best ce for him to do that. Not only was the cultivation chamber fortified with timew, but it also offeredplete tranquility.


    Liu Wuxie found a cultivation chamber and went in. When he sat down, his consciousness sank into his soul sea, with thousands of books hovering in it.


    He carefully pondered and discarded some useless books while keeping the essence. Those discarded were like repetitive techniques.


    The Heavenly Dao Book slowly opened up, and a bizarre scene unfolded. All the books he had recorded became new texts appearing in the Heavenly Dao Book.


    Liu Wuxie was no longer surprised because every character represented a sequence. The cultivation and martial techniques were the result of countless people''s efforts.


    The books in Liu Wuxie¡¯s soul sea began to disappear and were wholly integrated into his memory. This meant they could be essed at any time, whenever he wanted.


    "The Divine Phaseless Art...is a decent cultivation technique, but I''ve already practiced the Deste Devouring Art. I don''t need this for now, and I can give it to my father-inw and mother-inw when theye," Liu Wuxie murmured.


    He could build a formidable n with the knowledge from all those books if he organized them properly.


    As he went through the books, Liu Wuxie''s divine sense suddenly stopped.


    "Way of Ice!" Liu Wuxie had read this book before but had yet toprehend or memorize the contents. When he read through the contents now, he became increasingly astonished. This wasn''t a peerless martial technique but an ice-attribute dao technique.


    It had been in the Scripture Collection Hall for thousands of years, but no one had read it. After all, it wasn''t a martial technique or a cultivation technique. There was a small line of texts at the end of the book, and an ancestor of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion had created this.


    That ancestor hadprehended ice-attribute energy, and he had recorded his insights in this book. After that ancestor''s death, the book was stored in the Scripture Collection Hall.


    Many disciples had attempted to learn it, but the results could have been better. This was because ice-attribute energy was too rare and difficult toprehend.


    There were no defined moves or detailed instructions on how to practice. As a result, everyone had gradually forgotten this book and left it in a corner.


    After many years, Liu Wuxie found and read the book. Disciples possessing ice-attribute energy mainly chose to practice techniques like the Frost Palm or Ice Shatter Fist, which were less powerful and often abandoned halfway through.


    "Such unique and precise insights about ice-attribute energy." Liu Wuxie was stunned when he was only halfway through because the content benefited him.


    On the contrary, techniques like Firecloud Leg Technique and Cloud Shattering Palm were useless to him because they weren''tparable to the Fatality de Art or Primordial Astral Fist.


    Practicing these techniques would not only waste time but also deplete true essence. However, the greatest advantage of these martial techniques for Liu Wuxie was their ability topensate for his weaknesses.


    After spending some time integrating all the martial techniques, Liu Wuxie believed he could create a new, more powerful technique than any of them.


    The Way of Ice inspired Liu Wuxie; perhaps this was the path he needed to take next by integrating ice-attribute energy into his martial techniques, taking an unprecedented path.


    Liu Wuxie immediately put his thoughts into action. The Heavenly Dao Book opened, and the recorded martial techniques merged and reshaped ording to his thoughts.


    He had the Fatality de Art for close range and the Primordial Astral Fist for pure power. The onlycking factor was ranged attack. When he fullyprehended the Way of Ice, insights began rising in his heart.


    <i>The greatest weakness of martial techniques is that they''re in specific moves, like Yun Lan''s Seven Sword Art. If one focuses too much on the form, it would result in mediocrity.</i> Liu Wuxie pondered, deciding to break free from such constraints of being restricted in forms.


    The Fatality de Art was an excellent example because there was no exact form, but each attack epassed countless variations.


    Countless texts began to ovep in Liu Wuxie''s mind, and a vague outline gradually formed.


    The martial techniques in the Heavenly Dao Book were repeatedly dismantled and reassembled, forming into palm, sword, dao, leg, de, and staff techniques.


    Even after creating hundreds of martial techniques, Liu Wuxie was still unsatisfied because these martial techniques didn''t match well with ice-attribute energy.


    Ice might seem to be formless, but it had a form. Since he wanted to take his opponents by surprise, he would have to defy conventional logic.


    Time passed by the second, and many disciples had left the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion for the Scarlet Sun Mountain Range in the past two days.


    It was rumored that a treasure had emerged there. In addition to the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s disciples, several other sects¡¯ disciples had also gone to the Scarlet Sun Mountain Range.


    Liu Wuxie had been in seclusion for two days but still showed no progress.


    His hands made various movements in the cultivation chamber, allowing ice-attribute energy to course through his veins to find the best attacking method.


    Suddenly, a strand of ice-attribute energy shot out from Liu Wuxie''s index finger, hitting the wall of the cultivation chamber. This was an ident because Liu Wuxie lost control of the ice-attribute energy coursing through his meridians.


    When Liu Wuxie looked at the wall, a fine mark was left behind. Just a strand of ice-attribute energy was enough to leave behind a mark; he couldn''t imagine the power if he used the ice-attribute energy at full force.


    Liu Wuxie rejoiced at this sight because ice-attribute energy wasn''t suitable for wide-range attacks due to the extreme temperature. The best method was topress it into one point and unleash it.


    "Hahaha! I have finally found the way!" Liu Wuxie burst intoughter. He had been fixated on mainstream techniques like the palm, sword, and de. But he had overlooked another form of martial technique, the finger.


    The best way to use ice-attribute energy was to strike through the finger. Finger techniques weren''t restricted by form and could be executed regardless of his actions, whether sitting, standing, or walking.


    Furthermore, they were versatile enough to be used in any setting. Most importantly, the finger technique''s strongest aspect was its concealment, making it ideal for ambushes and long-range attacks.


    The only drawback was the rarity because Liu Wuxie couldn''t find a finger technique even after searching through all the books in the Scripture Collection Hall.


    However, that wasn''t important because he had a library of martial techniques, and it was easy for him to create a finger technique.

 Chapter 411 - Frost Finger

    <h4>Chapter 411 - Frost Finger</h4>


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s next task was to create the finger technique¡¯s forms and channeling route of the true essence. As the finger technique wasn¡¯t confined to forms, this considerably shortened his time.


    This meant there was only one arduous task: finding the fastest channeling route to unleash ice-attribute energy from his finger. Moreover, not all ten fingers were capable of attacking.


    True essence began coursing through Liu Wuxie¡¯s meridians and each of his fingers. He soon discovered a strange phenomenon. It was the fastest way to release his ice-attribute energy through his index finger, but the power was inferior to that of the middle finger.


    The ring finger suppressed the sound, making it suitable for sneak attacks. As for the little finger, it was neither as fast as the index finger, as powerful as the middle finger, or as stealthy as the ring finger. But it could take different forms, such as shaping ice-attribute energy into a shield, a spear, etc.


    Liu Wuxie even tried the thumb, but he could only give up to focus on the other four fingers because the performance wasn¡¯t satisfactory.


    Three days had passed outside, and it had been a month inside the cultivation chamber. The ice-attribute energy coursed through Liu Wuxie¡¯s meridians tens of thousands of times before he finally found a bnce.


    It could allow his true essence to course through his meridians the fastest and enable him to attack at the fastest speed.


    ¡°What should I call it?¡± He had created this finger technique, but it had no name. He had developed it using the Way of Ice and the essence of other martial techniques.


    ¡°Let¡¯s just call it Frost Finger, then!¡± The name was simple and direct because it was just a formality. Even a garbage name would be resounding if it was powerful enough.


    The cultivation chamber was too small to practice Frost Finger. He sat down and entered his soul sea with two words suddenly appearing in the Heavenly Dao Book: Frost Finger.


    Liu Wuxie had created the technique himself, which was recorded in the Heavenly Dao Book even though it had just been made.


    A loud rumble sounded in Liu Wuxie¡¯s ears, and the Heavenly Dao Book connected to some mysterious power in heaven and earth that poured into Liu Wuxie¡¯s body. This made his cultivation shake, and he was on the verge of reaching the third-level Heavenly Dipper Realm anytime.


    ¡°The Energy Purifying Pill!¡± Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t hesitate to swallow the Energy Purifying Pill to help him make a breakthrough. He had initially nned on further consolidating himself before making a breakthrough, but there was no time.


    After grinding for the past month, his cultivation had be wless, and consolidation was unnecessary. When he consumed the Energy Purifying Pill, it instantly dissolved and traversed through his meridians.


    His true essence began topress with the increase in purity. Many spirit stones disappeared, converted into tens of thousands of droplets, which poured into the world in his dantian.


    This was because the world in his dantian became empty as true essence was beingpressed, and the only way was to replenish it with more true essence.


    The effect of the Energy Purifying Pill was evident. Although the quantity of his true essence seemed unchanged, its purity was three times greater than before.


    If two people used the same martial technique, the one with the higher true essence would naturally result in greater power.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s true essence, already more substantial than that of ordinary practitioners, reached new heights after furtherpression. This enhancement made him even more formidable, and he effortlessly shattered his previous bottleneck.


    The aura he gave off began to rise, reaching the pinnacle of the third-level Heavenly Dipper Realm in just three breaths. This breakthrough consumed five hundred thousand spirit stones, and he had almost exhausted all his mid-grade spirit stones.


    Liu Wuxie had no intentions of using the high-grade spirit stones unless it was crucial because he nned to save them for when he made a breakthrough into the Heavenly Phase Realm.


    When another day passed, Liu Wuxie had stayed in the cultivation chamber for forty days.


    The stone gate opened, and Liu Wuxie exited the cultivation chamber. Four days had passed outside, which equated to forty days inside. This seclusion had yielded tremendous gains because he had created the Frost Finger and even made a breakthrough in his cultivation.


    Sweeping his gaze around, Liu Wuxie found the surroundings quiet. At this time, this area was usually the busiest ce in the sect, with many disciples going into seclusion the moment they earned points.


    However, more than half of the cultivation chambers were empty, which puzzled Liu Wuxie. He wondered if most of the disciples had left the sect.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go quickly, or it¡¯ll be toote!¡± Two disciples dashed past Liu Wuxie, heading towards the gate.


    ¡°Senior brothers, where are you two going?¡± Liu Wuxie asked curiously because he had two options after reaching the third level.


    The first was to take on missions in the Mission Hall to earn points, but today wasn¡¯t the beginning nor the middle of the month. There were ten days until new missions were posted, but he couldn¡¯t possibly stay in the courtyard for the next ten days.


    The second option was to go out and explore the True Martial Continent, taking this opportunity to temper his martial techniques. He still had to perfect the Frost Finger, and actualbat was the best way to determine the weaknesses of a martial technique.


    ¡°You don¡¯t know? A treasure has emerged from the Scarlet Sun Mountain Range with seven-colored light illuminating the sky for days!¡± the two exined before hurrying off.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes shone. He naturally knew the Scarlet Sun Mountain Range, havingpleted his fist mission there. He had also encountered the Azure Crimson Gate¡¯s disciples there and nearly died at Yu Huai¡¯s hands in the canyon.


    Back then, he was still an outer disciple with weak cultivation and could only operate in the outer regions.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go take a look!¡± Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t return to his courtyard but followed the two disciples down the mountain. He didn¡¯t care much about the treasure but mainly wanted to meet fellow geniuses.


    It wasn¡¯t hard to tell from the two disciples¡¯ tone that the other sects¡¯ disciples would also be present there. With so many people gathered, this was an excellent opportunity to expand his horizons and make friends.


    Leaving through the main gate, Liu Wuxie summoned the Heretic de, stepped on it, and shot into the sky like a meteor.


    The Heretic de far surpassed ordinary spiritual treasures, quickly leaving the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion¡¯s boundaries in just a few blinks.


    One dayter, the Scarlet Sun Mountain Range was in Liu Wuxie¡¯s sight. He descended from the Heretic de because it was best to travel on foot in the mountain range. After all, flying in the air would make him too conspicuous and attract the attention of aerial profound beasts and others who liked hiding in trees, waiting for prey to ambush.


    There were many rare profound beasts in the Scarlet Sun Mountain Range, with countless people killed by them every year. Even so, this didn¡¯t deter cultivators from entering the mountain range.


    The Scarlet Sun Mountain Range was a treasure trove for humans, filled with relics left behind by those who had perished there.


    The range boasted an abundance of rare herbs and the cores of powerful profound beasts, which could be sold for substantial sums. These valuable resources, despite the inherent dangers, drew cultivators to the region.


    The Scarlet Sun Mountain Range was at the border of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, Azure Crimson Gate, and Divine Sun Pce. Aside from the three major sects,rge numbers of cultivators and mercenaries could be found in the nearby city. Their activity in the Scarlet Sun Mountain Range was more frequentpared to the three major sects.


    Just the Scarlet Sun Mountain Range alone supported billions of people living nearby.


    If one looked from the sky, the Scarlet Sun Mountain Range was a triangle, stretching several thousand miles in radius. The width was even greater, extending to the horizon and estimated to be several hundred thousand miles.


    Even flying would take seven to eight days to reach the end of the Scarlet Sun Mountain Range. Valleys, peaks,kes, and swampsbined to form aplete mountain range.


    Based on statistics, millions of known profound beasts were discovered in the Scarlet Sun Mountain Range, and many were unrecorded. After all, the humans who found them were all dead.


    A thousand miles away, a seven-colored ray shot into the sky from the Scarlet Sun Mountain Range¡¯s depth like a rainbow. That ray attracted all the cultivators in the mountain range.


    Countless treasures had emerged from the Scarlet Sun Mountain Range in the past, and the phenomenon would attract countless experts over.


    <i>Judging from the distance, it¡¯s likely ordinary, even if it¡¯s a treasure. The best treasures are at the depth, but it requires strength to venture there.</i> Liu Wuxie pondered.


    It wasn¡¯t advisable to venture deep into the mountain range without reaching the Heavenly Phase Realm. Rumors suggested that even more formidable profound beasts could be found there, with cultivationparable to that of experts in the True Profound Realm.


    Over countless years of exploration, certain conclusions about the Scarlet Sun Mountain Range had emerged. Disciples in the True Core Realm could safely explore up to five hundred miles but faced significant danger beyond that distance.


    Those in the Heavenly Dipper Realm could venture about three thousand miles in, as the deeper regions were home to seventh-grade profound beasts, which posed a threatparable to Heavenly Phase Realm experts.


    Heavenly Phase Realm cultivators could explore approximately ten thousand miles into the range, while experts at the Astral River Realm could navigate up to thirty thousand miles.


    Even Nascent Transformation Realm experts had to be careful when venturing deeper into the Scarlet Sun Mountain Range.


    The seven-colored ray was a thousand miles away, a suitable range for Heavenly Dipper Realm disciples. Liu Wuxie could head there without any problem, but any deeper would be dangerous.


    Performing the Seven Dipper Steps, Liu Wuxie left behind after-images and vanished.


    A distance of two thousand miles required two to three days of travel time.


    Along the way, Liu Wuxie encountered other cultivators, though he was usually alone. Most were in the Heavenly Dipper Realm, as True Core Realm cultivators dared not venture so deep, and Heavenly Phase Realm experts had little interest in the area. The vast majority exploring this region were Heavenly Dipper Realm disciples.


    Liu Wuxie took his time and wasn¡¯t in a hurry. His goal wasn¡¯t the treasure but to train himself. He specifically took routes with fewer people, which resulted in encountering many profound beasts.


    With a flick of his index finger, a chilling ray shot out, instantly freezing the massive profound beast blocking his path into an ice sculpture. Curiously, the beast did not die immediately; its eyes remained alert. This demonstrated the true power of ice-attribute energy.


    After extracting the essence from the profound beasts, Liu Wuxie continued his journey, turning every new beast into an ice sculpture along the way.


    In just one day, over thirty profound beasts were killed by Liu Wuxie with Frost Finger.


    As he went deeper into the range, he became more proficient in Frost Finger. Each attack was extremely concealed, and the profound beasts were turned into ice sculptures before they could react.


    That was especially true for the ring finger, which attacked with no sound and hit the mark each time.

 Chapter 412 - Mysterious Cave

    <h4>Chapter 412 - Mysterious Cave</h4>


    Two dayster, Liu Wuxie navigated throughyers of thorns and canyons, traversing continuous mountain ranges. He encountered hundreds of profound beasts along the way before reaching the source of the light.


    The area was a deste mountain range, its trees ttened and the ground scarred by signs of fierce battles. The light emanated from a cave, and thousands of cultivators had gathered around it. Liu Wuxie spotted several disciples from the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion among the crowd.


    The crowd was divided into factions. The Azure Crimson Gate had thergest group, followed by the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. The Divine Sun Pce had the fewest disciples, numbering only a dozen.


    Additionally, numerous rogue cultivators and those from variousrge cities were stationed around the cave, forming three distinct groups to guard the area.


    The terrifying factor wasn''t the human cultivators but the hundreds of profound beasts in the western area. The rumbling demonic aura they released was overwhelming.


    "Brother, why hasn¡¯t anyone entered the cave yet?" Liu Wuxie asked a friendly-looking disciple from the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. From his earlier inquiries, Liu Wuxie had learned that the seven-colored ray had persisted for days, and many cultivators had arrived. Yet, no one had ventured inside.


    "Do you think we don''t want to? The cave is filled with highly toxic gas, and everyone who has entered has died," the disciple replied, ncing at Liu Wuxie but offering little more information.


    The cave was filled with highly toxic gas, which stopped anyone from entering. Ordinary toxic gas couldn''t harm Liu Wuxie because he could absorb it with the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron. But there was no reason for Liu Wuxie to take the risk.


    Activating his Ghost Eye, Liu Wuxie peered into the cave, prating through itsyers. What he discovered was startling: the back of the cave was hollow, resembling an entire mountain carved out. The cave¡¯s interior was vast, and even the Ghost Eye could not fully explore its extent¡±.


    A powerful suction force suddenly appeared, devouring Liu Wuxie''s divine sense and forcing him to retract the Ghost Eye.


    This piqued Liu Wuxie''s interest, and he wondered if a powerful beast was lurking in the cave. The fact that so many humans and profound beasts were attracted by the phenomenon proved that the cave wasn''t simple.


    Profound beasts had far keener sense than humans, and some mysterious force had attracted them to the cave.


    "What dense fragrance!" Dense fragrance wafted from the cave, and thousands of people inhaled it eagerly. Even the profound beasts weren''t an exception as they raised their noses to sniff in the fragrance.


    When the fragrance entered Liu Wuxie''s nostrils, he feltfortable throughout his body, as though his pores had all opened up.


    "What fragrance is that? My soul energy greatly increased after taking a breath!" Liu Wuxie was shocked. He had read many books and was surprised because he couldn''t recognize this fragrance.


    The humans'' reaction was even more exaggerated because they began to sniff the fragrance greedily. The profound beasts started to get restless, and several powerful sixth-grade profound beasts approached the cave, wanting to enter ahead of the humans.


    "A rare spiritual fruit must be emitting that fragrance! It even has the power to enhance my primordial spirit. I can only imagine the effects if the fruit were consumed," spected an expert in the seventh-level Heavenly Dipper Realm, suggesting that the cave''s treasure was likely a spiritual fruit tree.


    "That''s right! I''ve read about this fruit in books. If a cultivator consumes it, it can increase the cultivation and strengthen the soul sea," many echoed in agreement, but it was unknown if they had really read about it.


    Many people deliberately spread rumors about the fruit''s effects to lure others into the cave while they reaped the benefitster. Such tactics might deceive ordinary individuals, but most of those present were too astute to be fooled. Nheless, around a hundred naive people rushed into the cave upon hearing about the treasure.


    The toxic gas seeping out gradually weakened, bing less harmful to humans. The few leading disciples took out a special mask, which could help them block the toxic gas. They probed several times and quickened their pace after finding no danger.


    Roars sounded from the gathered profound beasts, and a few powerful profound beasts sprinted towards the cave.


    The profound beasts were swift, knocking several cultivators away before they could react. They were powerful, and only cultivators at the pinnacle of the Heavenly Dipper Realm could subdue them.


    Liu Wuxie had observed thousands of people. The strongest were at the pinnacle of the Heavenly Dipper Realm, while the weakest were only in the first level. There was a drastic difference in strength.


    "We must hurry and not let the profound beasts get ahead of us!" Hundreds of people rushed towards the cave in the blink of an eye.


    The cave entrance was huge and could amodate dozens of people. But Liu Wuxie stood still and wasn''t in a hurry to enter.


    "Brother, why aren''t you going in?" a Heavenly Treasure Pavilion disciple came over and asked Liu Wuxie.


    "No hurry!" Liu Wuxie frowned. He had a feeling this cave was moreplex than it looked. Given how close it was to the outer region, many cultivators should have passed by it annually, but why had no one discovered this cave in the past?


    The sudden appearance of the seven-colored ray could be a trap designed to lure them in. Liu Wuxie had to remain cautious, remembering his past experience with the serpent pit¡ªmany had ventured in, but only a few had emerged alive.


    In the blink of an eye, a few thousand people had entered the cave, leaving only a handful still pondering their next move.


    After a moment''s hesitation, Liu Wuxie decided to proceed into the cave. His journey outside the sect was meant to explore the True Martial Continent and encounter more prodigies; leaving now would mean missing out on a significant event.


    He reasoned that as long as he stayed vignt, he should be fine. After all, this was only the outer region of the Scarlet Sun Mountain Range, where the profound beasts weren''t particrly formidable.


    Liu Wuxie didn''t draw the Heretic de but kept his right index finger ready, making it convenient for him to execute the Frost Finger if needed.


    Although the index finger''s attack was not the strongest, it was the fastest. This allowed him to attack immediately the moment there was danger.


    He had already looked into the cave using Ghost Eye, so he wasn''t surprised after entering. The cave''s interior was hollow, and the deeper he went, therger it became. The entire mountain was hollowed out as he saw through the Ghost Eye.


    The light was very dim, barely enough to see a rough outline. But even the night wouldn''t hinder the vision of someone in the Heavenly Dipper Realm because they could sense everything in their surroundings, relying on their divine sense.


    After walking for about fifteen minutes, a beam of light appeared ahead, scattering most cultivators. The profound beasts that had entered the cave had all vanished.


    A faint fragrance lingered in the cave, and no one knew where the source was.


    Roars came from the depth of the mountain, which echoed throughout the cave, shaking everyone''s eardrums.


    "Those profound beasts have gone insane!" The sounds of weapons shing indicated that humans and profound beasts had shed.


    Moreover, the fights were taking ce in multiple locations. Liu Wuxie quickened his pace, wanting to see what was happening.


    The ground was uneven, and Liu Wuxie could only maneuver using his movement technique. A massive cave appeared before him, with countless stctites hanging from the mountain''s waist.


    "What an ancient karstndscape!" Liu Wuxie''s face shed with a hint of amazement. Such andscape would take tens of thousands of years to form.


    There were countlessyers of rocks, with the thickest part reaching tens of thousands ofyers. This meant this karst cave had existed for hundreds of thousands of years.


    "Since there''s a karst cave here, there must be ten-thousand-year-old stctites!" Liu Wuxie''s eyes shed with a hint of joy.


    Stctites were extremely rare, and the liquid dripping down them was highly valuable. They were worth countless times more than pills. Consuming a droplet could extend a mortal''s lifespan and ward off diseases.


    If a cultivator consumed one, it could strengthen their cultivation and transform their physique.


    Below the karst cave were dozens of profound beasts fighting with human cultivators, causing stctites to fall from above and crash onto the ground. A massive profound beast was killed to death by a stctite, with blood flowing everywhere.


    Arge amount of blood seeped into the ground and disappeared without a trace as if absorbed by something or someone. It was as if there was an underground river that could devour everything.


    In addition to this, fights took ce in several other locations.


    "What''s going on? Why are they fighting for no reason?" Liu Wuxie was puzzled because this fight made no sense when there weren''t any treasures.


    "Liu Wuxie soon realized the cause of the problem: the poison. The toxic gas lingering in the area would disrupt their divine senses if inhaled too much, causing them to attack each other in confusion."


    All the toxic gas Liu Wuxie absorbed was devoured by the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron, which posed no threat to him. Those lower-level cultivators didn''t have that ability and had their soul seas corroded by the toxic gas.


    "Someone found the stctite droplets!" An exmation came from Liu Wuxie''s right, and several droplets were seen dripping from a broken stctite. The white liquid emitted a powerful fragrance that opened everyone''s pores.


    Liu Wuxie remained still, noting that the issue had stemmed from just a few droplets. There were likely many more droplets hidden, and these few had already sparked a bloody conflict, resulting in over fifty deaths.


    Performing the Ghost Eye, Liu Wuxie quickly scanned the surroundings for more droplets. Aside from him, several experts at the pinnacle of the Heavenly Dipper Realm were also searching the area.


    A few droplets could be highly valuable¡ªwhile a single droplet was sufficient to affect a mortal, a cultivator would need arger quantity for a significant impact.


    After scanning hundreds of stctites, Liu Wuxie suddenly stopped before he vanished, heading into the depths.


    A profound beast suddenly appeared before him, but it was soon frozen into an ice sculpture. Liu Wuxie didn''t have time to deal with the sculpture and continued to speed up.


    Since he could find the location of more droplets, others could also find it. These people were geniuses, each possessing unique skills. To them, finding the stctite droplets was only a matter of time.

 Chapter 413 - Coerce

    <h4>Chapter 413 - Coerce</h4>


    Liu Wuxie''s act of turning a powerful profound beast into an ice sculpture in the blink of an eye quickly attracted many people''s attention, especially those in the pinnacle of the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    "What a powerful ice technique!" An Azure Crimson Gate''s disciple eximed ferociously and vanished before reappearing behind Liu Wuxie. If he could master this technique, it would significantly enhance hisbat abilities.


    A strange scene unfolded because the low-level cultivators liked to follow those in the pinnacle of the heavenly Heavenly Dipper Realm. This was natural because they could harvest whatever was left over.


    The disappearance of an expert was a clear indication that they had discovered a treasure, and everyone would naturally flock to it. In less than a minute, a group of people followed Liu Wuxie.


    "Damn it!" Liu Wuxie was furious because he had nned to collect the stctite essence secretly, but it wasn''t easy now, with so many people following behind him.


    It was toote to turn around, and the scenery before him suddenly changed, with a ravine in his way. It looked as though the entire mountain was split into two, with a bottomless abyss from which a ck abyssal energy surged out, apanied by ghostly wails.


    There was a narrow stone bridge leading to the other side. Liu Wuxie stood at the ravine''s edge, and the Azure Crimson Gate''s disciple following him stopped a short distance away.


    Shortly after, another group stopped, facing the ravine. More people began to gather, and everyone looked at each other in disbelief.


    The ravine was about a hundred meters wide, and everyone could only fly on flying swords aside from using the narrow stone bridge to get to the other side.


    Endless ck winds emerged from the abyss, mingling with a terrifying toxic gas. This gas, which had been filling the cave, was being released from this very spot. Curiously, the rate at which the toxic gas was dispersing had significantly slowed, possibly due to external factors that allowed people to enter.


    "Quick, look over there!" Everyone could faintly see the situation on the other side through the ck wind.


    "The seven-colored ray ising from the other side!" Rays of light seeped through the cave to illuminate the sky.


    "The treasures are on the other side! Let¡¯s go!" someone urged, taking the lead and stepping onto the narrow bridge.


    Most people remained in ce because the stone bridge was too narrow, and the ck wind filled the abyss. There was a high possibility for them to fall, and no one knew what was at the bottom of the abyss. But it was sure they would die if they fell.


    The person on the bridge was a cultivator at the fifth level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm. He advanced cautiously across the bridge, carefully maintaining his bnce to avoid being swept away.


    After walking about ten meters, a powerful gust of wind assaulted him.


    "Zhong Shu,e back quickly!" Several cultivators yelled and urged the person who had gone ahead to return.


    The powerful gust manifested into a skull''s head, hovering in the air, sending a shiver down everyone¡¯s spines.


    When the powerful gust hit, Zhong Shu swayed, and he hugged the stone bridge tightly to avoid being swept away.


    Zhong Shu¡¯s screams echoed as the ck gust enveloped him. The highly toxic wind swiftly eroded his flesh, consuming him entirely. Within moments, Zhong Shu was reduced to a skeleton and plummeted into the abyss, witnessed by thousands of people.


    The sight was horrifying and disheartening. Many were already considering abandoning the attempt. If even a cultivator at the fifth level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm couldn''t cross the bridge, those of lower levels would likely perish in seconds. Zhong Shu¡¯s death was a grim reminder that more than half of the group would be unable to make it.


    Liu Wuxie stood in ce and frowned because the mysterious tree in the world in his dantian reminded him there was something valuable on the other side.


    The mysterious tree''s roots had stretched out of the world into the void. In addition to Ghost Eye, Liu Wuxie saw a pond full of ten-thousand-year-old stctite essence, consisting of over a few thousand droplets.


    If he could obtain all of the liquid, he wouldn''t have to refine pills for the next few years, as consuming the liquid daily was far better than consuming pills.


    After all, every pill contained a trace of impurities, and long-term consumption would result in the impurities building up in the body over time.


    If too many impurities umted in his body, a cleansing process would be required to remove them from the meridians.


    Such pills were extremely rare, and he could save the trouble of refining pills if he could obtain the pond full of liquid. Furthermore, the stctite essence could extend his lifespan and strengthen his physique.


    The stone bridge was perilous, and Liu Wuxie dared not attempt to cross it recklessly. He waited for a better opportunity, observing the ck wind churning in the abyss alongside the others.


    Two hours passed in the blink of an eye.


    "Have you all noticed? The ck wind will calm down every two hours, and we should be able to cross it safely during this time." Some observant people took out pens and books to record the patterns of the ck wind.


    "I also noticed that the ck wind has gotten weaker." Many people stood out.


    Liu Wuxie had already noticed it by analyzing the ck wind with Ghost Eye, including its speed, and recorded everything in his soul sea.


    The stctite essence was on the other side. Everything calmed down when the ck wind vanished, and the opposite side was revealed to everyone.


    "Look! Stctite essence. There is so much of it!" Everyone''s vision was obscured by the ck wind earlier, and they couldn''t see clearly. But the opposite side was in full view when everything cleared up.


    The pinnacle Heavenly Dipper Realm experts showed excitement, and those in the high levels were thrilled. Only the low-level Heavenly Dipper Realm cultivators backed off.


    The ck wind had just diminished, not wholly vanished. The high-level experts could cross the bridge, but not the low-level ones.


    "Send someone to test if the stone bridge is still dangerous." A pinnacle Heavenly Dipper Realm expert from the Azure Crimson Gate gave an order.


    "That''s right, send someone to test it first!" Many people agreed because no one was willing to take the risk.


    "Who should we send?" Everyone was at a loss because no one wanted to put their lives on the line. Those in the low levels retreated far away, not to mention they hade with theirpanions.


    It didn''t take long before everyone''s gaze fell on Liu Wuxie. Only Liu Wuxie was by himself because everyone had a team, and even the smallest team had two people. This naturally made Liu Wuxie stand out.


    Everyone''s gazes harbored malice as they looked at Liu Wuxie.


    "Brat, go on the bridge and see if it can be crossed." A seventh-level Heavenly Dipper Realm genius from the Azure Crimson Gate pointed at Liu Wuxie in an ordering tone.


    There was a reason why he picked Liu Wuxie. Firstly, Liu Wuxie''s cultivation wasn''t high, and cultivators at high levels could easily handle him. Secondly, Liu Wuxie was alone, and no one would stand up for him.


    Many nodded in agreement with the Azure Crimson Gate''s disciple, urging Liu Wuxie to cross the bridge.


    Liu Wuxie''s eyes turned cold as he looked at the Azure Crimson Gate''s disciples.


    "What are you waiting for? Hurry up, or don''t me me for what will happen next!" The Divine Sun Pce''s disciples also joined in, urging Liu Wuxie to cross the bridge.


    The ck wind would soon rise again, and if they missed this chance, they would have to wait for two more hours.


    Liu Wuxie nced at the disciples from the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. Though the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion was on par with the Azure Crimson Gate, none of its members intervened on his behalf. This suggested they had tacitly aligned with the Azure Crimson Gate''s actions and needed someone to scout ahead, even if it meant relying on a disciple from the same sect.


    Looking at all these ugly faces, Liu Wuxie clenched his fists, facing over a thousand people. But he knew he couldn''t kill cultivators in the pinnacle of the Heavenly Dipper Realm with his current strength, not to mention there were too many people for two fists to fend them off.


    "Liu Wuxie, stop struggling and go on!" Someone recognized Liu Wuxie because there were a few hundred Heavenly Treasure Pavilion disciples. The one who spoke was Hou Lie, who had arrived in the Scarlet Sun Mountain Range a few days ahead of Liu Wuxie.


    The Hou n was still plotting to kill Liu Wuxie, and this was undoubtedly a great opportunity.


    Liu Wuxie ignored Hou Lie and turned to look at the pinnacle Heavenly Dipper Realm disciples from the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. They were all strong, and the Azure Crimson Gate''s disciples wouldn''t dare to be so arrogant if someone spoke out for him.


    "Don''t look at us. You have three breaths to cross the bridge," a youth said without a hint of emotion in his tone.


    "I¡¯ll remember you!" Liu Wuxiemitted the face of the man, along with those from the Azure Crimson Gate, to memory. Surrounded by a group of ten experts, he was forced to retreat, with the risk of falling if he moved back any further.


    In the end, it was because Liu Wuxie was too weak. Who would dare to order him this way if he was a cultivator in the high-level Heavenly Dipper Realm?


    With no room to back away, Liu Wuxie¡¯s right foot had already stepped onto the stone bridge.


    He took a deep breath because he knew now wasn''t the time to get angry. There was no doubt he would die if a fight broke out.


    "Hurry up!" Those behind him urged relentlessly.


    "I, Liu Wuxie, swear that if I survive today, I will exact vengeance on all of you!" Even as an Immortal Emperor from the Celestial Realm in his past life, he was pushed to this brink.


    "Say that after you survive!" Mockery came from behind, even from the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion disciples.


    "Liu Wuxie, you have no chance of surviving. Just go!" Hou Lie jumped around because no one would let Liu Wuxie go even if he survived, and they would certainly kill him.


    Step by step, Liu Wuxie performed Ghost Eye to observe the ck wind. Five minutester, he had taken approximately thirty steps and was close to the bridge''s center.


    The ck wind began to rumble because the calm period was almost over. Intense wind rose from the abyss, apanied by enraged roars.


    Liu Wuxie quickened his footsteps because he would die if he didn''t make it over to the other side. He didn''t want to die because his initial goal ining here was to make friends, which seemedughable now.


    "The ck wind is raging. Let''s see if he can make it through alive." If Liu Wuxie seeded, they might still have a chance.

 Chapter 414 - Myriad Year Stalactite Liquid

    <h4>Chapter 414 - Myriad Year Stctite Liquid</h4>


    They didn''t mind waiting for another two hours because Liu Wuxie was only a pathfinder in their eyes, and he was destined to die sooner orter.


    The ck wind manifested into a gigantic skull. Zhong Shu had died under this skull, making everyone wonder if Liu Wuxie could avoid the same fate.


    Liu Wuxie quickened his pace as he swayed on the verge of falling into the abyss.


    "There''s one-third of the distance left. Do you think he can make it through?" Everyone''s hearts tightened. They weren''t worried about Liu Wuxie''s safety but whether they could obtain the treasure.


    "That depends on his luck!" Hou Lie mocked, hoping for Liu Wuxie''s death. If Liu Wuxie failed, they could continue to send low-level cultivators to test the bridge until they seeded.


    To the high-level cultivators, the lower-level disciples were dispensable. Thew of the jungle was fully demonstrated to its full extent.


    The ck skull emitted a ghastly wail, opening its mouth and biting down on Liu Wuxie.


    "Get lost!" Liu Wuxiemanded, extending his index finger to unleash a burst of icy energy. The chilling force immobilized the skull, encasing it in ice and rendering itpletely stationary within the confined space.


    "What powerful icy energy!" The cultivators were shocked to see Liu Wuxie possess such profound ice energy at his age.


    "So what? He''ll only end up dead!" Mockery mostly came from the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, leaving the wandering cultivators puzzled.


    The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion and Azure Crimson Gate had always been at odds, but the Azure Crimson Gate''s disciples didn''t mock Liu Wuxie. On the contrary, the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s disciples had tried to make things difficult for Liu Wuxie multiple times.


    This was because Liu Wuxie''s recent performance had sparked their jealousy, while the Azure Crimson Gate''s disciples didn''t recognize Liu Wuxie.


    The ck skull seemed angered and broke free from the icy energy, letting out a roar that shook the stone bridge.


    The tform fell into silence with everyone''s eyes on Liu Wuxie. He was only ten meters away from reaching the other side, but the stone bridge shook violently.


    Liu Wuxie nearly fell several times, but he stabilized himself with the Seven Dipper Steps. He quickened his footsteps while the ck gust took on various forms to charge at him.


    The situation was critical, with Liu Wuxie on the brink of death. This made everyone tense up as though they were the ones crossing the bridge.


    They wondered if they could survive under the ck wind, but the answer was uncertain.


    Liu Wuxie could smell the fragranceing from the stctite essences, and he made a bold move to elerate.


    "Don''t you all find it weird? Based on Liu Wuxie''s nature, he shouldn''t haveplied with the threat," a Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s disciple whispered.


    The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s disciples naturally knew Liu Wuxie''s character. He would rather die than submit, and it made no sense for him topromise under threat.


    "I also find it strange because he didn''t argue and stepped onto the bridge. This is unlike his usual self." Another Heavenly Treasure Pavilion disciple spoke up because Liu Wuxie''s reaction wasn''t usual. It was as though Liu Wuxie had gone on the bridge willingly, and they merely pushed him a little.


    Then again, this was just spection because Liu Wuxie had no choice but to cross the bridge under many threats. However, only Liu Wuxie knew he had merely yed along with their threat.


    The stone bridge might be dangerous, but he had simted it multiple times with the Heavenly Dao Book and had a high probability of sess.


    Zhong Shu had died on it; it would¡¯ve been suspicious if Liu Wuxie had gone up by himself. But it was another question if he was forced. Most importantly, as per his calctions, the ck wind was about to rise again, so he had dyed on purpose.


    This meant the others would have to wait another two hours if they wanted to cross the bridge, and two hours were more than enough for him to do many things.


    Taking the opportunity before the ck wind struck, Liu Wuxie leaped into the air because it was toote to walk or run on the bridge, and the ck wind was blocking his path.


    "What is he doing?" Exmations came from the crowd, and they were shocked by Liu Wuxie''s action.


    It wasn''t impossible to leap into the air and use the spiritual treasure to fly, but a powerful suction force came from the abyss. If Liu Wuxie left the bridge, he would be dragged into the abyss even if he used his spiritual treasure.


    The onlookers weren''t fools because they would''ve flown over if they could fly with the spiritual treasure. But because of the powerful suction force from the abyss, they would only die faster if they flew.


    A strange scene unfolded as Liu Wuxie''s legs lifted off the ground without him drawing his spiritual treasure. Just before he could fall into the abyss, he rapidly pointed several times with his right little finger.


    Giant ice shields began to form beneath Liu Wuxie''s feet, forming into a floating bridge. Using them as a foothold, Liu Wuxie streaked like a shooting star towards the opposite side, crossing the remaining distance in the blink of an eye.


    The bridge was already enveloped in the ck wind, and Liu Wuxie would¡¯ve turned into a skeleton like Zhong Shu if he were half a breath slower.


    As Liu Wuxie''s feet finally touched solid ground, apuse erupted from behind him. His sessful crossing of the bridge with his cultivation at the third level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm impressed many, showing that others might also manage it given time.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s heart raced as he realized how close he hade to disaster. It was a relief to have made it to the other side, but now everyone else would need to wait two hours for the ck wind to settle before attempting the crossing.


    "Liu Wuxie, I''ll snap your neck if you dare to touch the stctite essence!" Hou Lie yelled, pacing around anxiously.


    The high-level cultivators didn''t say a word, but their eyes betrayed them, wanting to fly over and collect the stctite essence.


    Over a hundred meters away, through the swirling ck wind, everyone could barely make out Liu Wuxie¡¯s figure.


    "Tell me that when you get here!" Liu Wuxie said, no longer paying any attention to them. After walking about ten steps, he found himself before a pool of stctite essence umted over tens of thousands of years.


    Rather than a pond, it resembled a massive rock with liquid that had dripped down over the years, gradually forming a deep crater. The crater had expanded over time to reach its current size.


    The stone was three meters long, one meter wide, and half a meter deep, with excess stctite essence spilling over the edge and into the abyss. Liu Wuxie felt a pang of regret, imagining how much of the precious substance had been lost over the years.


    There was nothing he could do about it; the formation was natural, and no one could have anticipated cing a container here. The fact that so much had been collected was remarkable in itself.


    After decades of dripping, a half-meter-deep groove had formed in the stone. Liu Wuxie, cautious not to touch it directly, used a porcin bottle to collect a few drops and drank them.


    A cool sensation spread throughout his body, opening every pore. This made Liu Wuxie feel immensefort as every cell absorbed the released energy.


    Arge amount of liquid umted above the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron. The mysterious tree greedily consumed the stctite essence, but the flow was slow, averaging about three drops per minute, indicating that the reservoir was nearly depleted.


    "I only have two hours, but it''s enough to reach the fourth level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm to protect myself." Liu Wuxie opened his eyes, and a wild idea formed.


    Two hours from now, the others woulde, and they wouldn''t spare him. But if he could reach the fourth-level Heavenly Dipper Realm, it would be another story because he could use the Primordial Astral Fist and Frost Finger to defend against them.


    Making another breakthrough shortly after the previous one was tough, not to mention Liu Wuxie needed more spirit stones and pills. But his gaze turned to the stctite essence, where his confidence came from.


    If it were an ordinary person, consuming ten-odd droplets would be enough for them to make a breakthrough, but it was a different story for Liu Wuxie because his body wasn''t the same as others.


    The world within his dantian required more substantial quantities, as just ten droplets of stctite essence would have minimal impact. Additionally, the essence was mild, so consuming hundreds of droplets at once wouldn¡¯t cause difort.


    Liu Wuxie put his thoughts into action. The first time always had the best effect, while the effects dwindled the next time he consumed the stctite essence. By then, it could only help him strengthen his physique, and another breakthrough would be impossible.


    Liu Wuxie was content if he could reach the fourth level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm with the essence. Moreover, the stctite essences would be valuable for his inws and friends when they arrived, making it an excellent resource.


    Liu Wuxie took out arge bowl and filled it fully before gulping the stctite essence down. Everyone on the opposite side could clearly see this scene.


    "What is he doing?" Everyone could only see a rough outline. They could only see Liu Wuxie gulping the stctite essence in mouthfuls.


    "Damn it! Damn it!" Many people stomped their feet in frustration, watching Liu Wuxie consume the stctite essence, but they could do nothing about it.


    "What a waste! Each droplet can transform the body, and he drank so much in mouthfuls?!" With over a thousand people present, every drop consumed meant less essence avable.


    Liu Wuxie continued pouring the essence into the bowl and drinking it. This infuriated the pinnacle Heavenly Dipper Realm cultivators, who had no intention of sharing the essences equally.


    "I''ll snap his neck when I get there!" A pinnacle Heavenly Dipper Realm cultivator from the Azure Crimson Gate was enraged with his murderous intent erupting.


    Liu Wuxie kept drinking from therge bowl, causing growing frustration among the cultivators on the other side. Each additional bowl he consumed drove them to the brink of madness.


    After Liu Wuxie had finished two bowls, Hou Lie¡¯s face turned a frightening shade of grim. Despite having a hand in pushing Liu Wuxie onto the stone bridge, it was clear now that Liu Wuxie had emerged victorious. No one had anticipated that Liu Wuxie would cross safely.


    Ignoring the shouts and curses from across the bridge, Liu Wuxie continued drinking. Having just reached the third level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm, his foundation was still insufficient, and ordinary treasures wouldn¡¯t suffice to propel him to the fourth level.


    He drank bowl after bowl, consuming over ten bowls of the stctite essence at a staggering pace.


    ¡°It¡¯s time to attempt a breakthrough!¡± Liu Wuxie activated the Deste Devouring Art, which immediately began to absorb the surrounding spiritual energy.

 Chapter 415 - Fourth-Level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm

    <h4>Chapter 415 - Fourth-Level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm</h4>


    After swallowing so much stctite essence, the world in Liu Wuxie''s dantian began to rumble, and true essence formed into terrifying waves. In just fifteen minutes, Liu Wuxie''s true essence had increased more than a hundredfold.


    The effects of the Energy Purifying Pill were brought to the fullest potential. The quantity of true essence remained the same, but the quality underwent a drastic transformation. The Deste Devouring Art devoured all the spiritual energy in the surroundings and even drew the abyssal energy from the abyss.


    Such terrifying speed of devouring spiritual energy scared the cultivators on the other side.


    "No wonder this brat can fight someone with a higher cultivation. So he practices such a powerful cultivation technique." Everyone had been curious about Liu Wuxie''s cultivation technique, and they had finally unraveled the mystery today.


    Many experts here practiced advanced cultivation techniques, but none couldpare to Liu Wuxie''s Deste Devouring Art.


    "I''m stillcking a little." The first to third levels were considered the initial phase, while the fourth level was considered the intermediate phase, thus requiring sufficient foundation.


    He took out a bowl, scooped up more stctite essence, and gulped it down. This caused everyone on the other side to feel heartache, as Liu Wuxie had consumed so much stctite essence.


    About one-third of the stctite essence was depleted, and the consumption rate even startled Liu Wuxie. Ordinary people would feel the effects after a few drops, but Liu Wuxie drank bowl after bowl.


    After drinking three bowls, Liu Wuxie''s cultivation began to loosen. Time was pressing, and he had to make a breakthrough swiftly, so he devoured the stctite essence frantically.


    Most of the stctite essence had yet to be refined after ingesting it and was stored within his body. It would need a few days to refine it entirely, but the people on the other side wouldn''t give him this much time.


    The Deste Devouring Art created a powerful gust sweeping across heaven and earth. The seven-colored ray that shone out was drawn back and enveloped Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie was like a deity sitting there. A high-grade spirit stone appeared in his palms when he formed seals with his hands.


    He had exhausted most of the mid-grade spirit stones, so he could only take a high-grade spirit stone¡ªa suffocating spiritual energy coursing from Liu Wuxie''s palms into his body.


    "What pure energy! It''s far more refined than mid-grade spirit stones!" A single high-grade spirit stone couldn''t be exchanged even with a hundred thousand mid-grade spirit stones. There might be a difference in a grade, but the difference in spirituality was vast, like heaven and earth.


    Liu Wuxie violently broke through the bottleneck to the fourth level, sending dense true essence throughout his body. Each orifice opened up to store more true essence.


    His cultivation began to rise, and he reached the pinnacle of the fourth level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm in front of so many people. After his breakthrough, he stopped absorbing the high-grade spirit stone''s energy and stored the remaining half in his interspatial pouch.


    Using the bowl again, Liu Wuxie continued scoping the stctite essence from the groove. He wanted to use the stctite essence to consolidate his cultivation and save his high-grade spirit stone.


    "Damn it! Damn it! I want to tear him apart!" The Azure Crimson Gate''s disciples stomped their feet furiously, seeing how Liu Wuxie drankrge quantities of stctite essence.


    That was especially true for the disciple who had ordered Liu Wuxie to test the stone bridge. His face was terrifyingly grim, with veins popping out on the back of his hand.


    "He only made one breakthrough after consuming so much stctite essence?" Observing Liu Wuxie achieve just a single level-up despite drinking over thirty bowls of the precious essence left countless people in stunned silence.


    "Even if he consumes it all, I''ll tear him apart and drink his blood!" A few enraged disciples from Divine Sun Pce were so furious that they wished they could charge over and drink Liu Wuxie¡¯s blood themselves.


    Even the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s disciples wanted to kill Liu Wuxie, not to mention outsiders. Everyone was filled with anger, wishing time could pass quickly.


    As two hours were almost up, people were already standing at the end of the stone bridge, ready to rush over when the ck wind settled down.


    True essence continued to course through Liu Wuxie''s body, and his true essence was purified. The Suppression Stele in his spleen began to stir and released a faint glow after absorbing the energy from the stctite essence, protecting Liu Wuxie''s body.


    When thest strand of ck wind dissipated, the stone bridge began to rumble, and everyone charged over. Hou Lie, eagerly waiting, took the lead.


    As for the pinnacle Heavenly Dipper Realm experts, they weren''t in a hurry and let others go first. Those in the low levels stood far away and dared not take the risk.


    Time was limited, and the ck wind would return as they went over, forcing them to wait another two hours.


    Liu Wuxie opened his eyes, and a terrifying chill shot out, apanied by a powerful shockwave of energy. The surrounding ck wind couldn''t withstand his energy and retreated.


    When Liu Wuxie stood up, he ignored those on the stone bridge and grabbed onto the stone with stctite essence collected in it. He lifted the entire stone and kept it in his interspatial pouch.


    The speed of the dripping essence was getting slower, and this was likely because everyone''s arrival disrupted the environment, causing the production to stop.


    "Liu Wuxie, you dare?!" Seeing Liu Wuxie taking the remaining stctite essence away, Hou Lie roared and sped up.


    Ignoring the shout, Liu Wuxie looked around after putting away the stone. The tform was roughly a few hundred square meters in size, but could not amodate over a thousand people.


    ¡°Mhm? There¡¯s a gate here?¡± Liu Wuxie had been so focused on making his breakthrough that he hadn¡¯t noticed the surroundings.


    At the far end of the tform, there was something resembling a gate. However, it wasn''t a physical gate but a shimmering light screen. No one knew whaty beyond it, but the seven-colored ray seemed to originate from this spot.


    Liu Wuxie hesitated to approach recklessly, uncertain of the potential dangers inside. The enticing fragrance must also being from beyond the screen. He used Ghost Eye to try and see through the light screen, but as soon as his divine sense neared it, the screen absorbed itpletely. This left Liu Wuxie unsettled, wondering if a powerful monster lurked behind it.


    Just as he pondered, a palm assaulted him. Hou Lie attacked him before he could stabilize his footing, fearing that Liu Wuxie might escape.


    He nned to kill Liu Wuxie and retrieve a portion of stctite essence before trying to escape.


    Liu Wuxie shifted his focus from the light screen, his murderous intent radiating intensely. With a swift tap of his finger, a chilling ray shot out, freezing Hou Lie mid-air. Despite being a cultivator at the sixth level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm, Hou Lie waspletely immobilized by Liu Wuxie''s attack.


    Within less than half a breath, Hou Lie had turned into an ice sculpture. With another tap of Liu Wuxie''s finger, the frozen figure shattered into fragments that fell into the abyss.


    The unexpected disy of power stunned everyone. No one had anticipated Liu Wuxie¡¯s strength.


    ¡°Everyone, attack him together! There¡¯s no way he can handle all of us!¡± The tform quickly filled with over thirty people, surrounding Liu Wuxie. They believed Hou Lie''s death was due to carelessness and were confident that theirbined strength, including experts at the seventh level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm, would be enough to subdue him.


    "Attack and retrieve the stctite essence!" the Azure Crimson Gate''s disciples gave the order and swung their swords at Liu Wuxie''s back.


    They were a ruthless and ferocious group, their greed for the stctite essence clouding their judgment and making them forget their situation. The essence was an incredibly rare treasure, and they couldn¡¯t allow Liu Wuxie to hoard it.


    Liu Wuxie had consumed so much of the essence that he couldn¡¯t refine it all at once. The remaining energy was still stored within him, bolstering his physique and aiding his cultivation.


    With over thirty people attacking, the pressure was immense, and the small tform left him no room to evade. Liu Wuxie realized that if he didn¡¯t act quickly, more experts would arrive, trapping him.


    Murderous intent gleamed in Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes as he regarded the vile faces of his attackers. He drew the Heretic de and lifted it towards the sky.


    ¡°All of you can die!¡± Liu Wuxie unleashed the Fourth Fatality Form. Now at the fourth level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm, executing this move was effortless for him.


    A gentle breeze swept across the tform as heads exploded under the de¡¯s aura. Except for a few at the eighth level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm, over twenty cultivators were in by Liu Wuxie¡¯s single strike.


    The tform was drenched in fresh blood, creating a gruesome and horrific scene. The few remaining onlookers stared at Liu Wuxie with a mix of fear and disbelief, unable toprehend whether he was truly human.


    It was one thing for Liu Wuxie to kill Hou Lie¡ªafter all, Hou Lie had attacked him alone. But annihting nearly thirty people with a single strike was an entirely different level of terror. Such a feat seemed beyond human capability¡ªunless he was a demon.


    As the Heretic de¡¯s aftermath settled, a new group descended from the stone bridge. This time, over ten pinnacle Heavenly Dipper Realm cultivators, confronted Liu Wuxie, their formidable presence exuding an overwhelming pressure even before they drew near.


    "Hand over the stctite essence!" A disciple in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s uniform extended his hand to demand it from Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie remained unmoved, his gaze sweeping over each individual and etching their faces into his memory.


    Meanwhile, many were still trapped on the stone bridge as the ck wind intensified, their screams filling the air. Yet, no one on the tform paid them any mind; their sole focus was on the stctite essence. Those who couldn¡¯t cross would have to wait two more hours for the ck wind to subside, leaving them with little hope of obtaining any essence.


    The arrival of so many pinnacle Heavenly Dipper Realm cultivators made it clear that Liu Wuxie¡¯s situation was grim.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, what are you waiting for? Senior Brother Shao Wenliang demands the stctite essence. Hand it over now, or would you prefer to give it to someone else?¡± urged a disciple from the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, pressing Liu Wuxie toply.


    Liu Wuxie nced at Shao Wenliang with a trace of disdain. When he was forced onto the bridge, Shao Wenliang had dismissed him with indifference, deeming his plight futile.


    Others had simrly indifferent attitudes, each demanding the essence.


    ¡°Brat, if you hand over the stctite essence, I can guarantee your safe passage out of here,¡± offered an Azure Crimson Gate disciple, also a pinnacle Heavenly Dipper Realm expert, who promised to escort Liu Wuxie to safety.


    ¡°Senior Brother Yuchi Xiang is a man of his word and won¡¯t break his promise. Hand over the essences to our Azure Crimson Gate, and you will be spared,¡± added another disciple, highlighting the Azure Crimson Gate¡¯s numerical advantage.


    Yuchi Xiang was a disciple of the Azure Crimson Gate with strength on par with Shao Wenliang.

 Chapter 416 - Bridge Destroyed

    <h4>Chapter 416 - Bridge Destroyed</h4>


    Yuchi Xiang¡¯s words deepened Shao Wenliang¡¯s grim expression. Although the Divine Sun Pce had only two pinnacle Heavenly Dipper Realm experts, they were not to be underestimated. Thepetition for the stctite essence was fierce, with every party eager to im it.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, as a disciple of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, handing the stctite essence to an outsider would be considered an act of betrayal to your sect!¡± a pinnacle Heavenly Dipper Realm cultivator from the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion warned. If the essence ended up in Shao Wenliang¡¯s hands, they could potentially divide it among themselves. But if the Azure Crimson Gate got their hands on it, the chances of anyone else obtaining any would be virtually nonexistent.


    ¡°I agree with Senior Brother Geng Mochou. The stctite essence must not be given to the Azure Crimson Gate. Liu Wuxie, you need to consider this carefully,¡± echoed over ten disciples from the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, their tone ttering towards Shao Wenliang and Geng Mochou. They would be satisfied with even a few drops of the essence.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, my Divine Sun Pce has no feud with your Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. I can guarantee your safety if you give me the stctite essence,¡± a Golden Sun Pce¡¯s disciple chimed in.


    ¡°Du Sheng, shut your mouth. I only want the stctite essence, and who said I wanted to kill him?¡± Shao Wenliang roared, interrupting the Divine Sun Pce¡¯s disciple. Thetter was called Du Sheng, who had a formidable strength.


    The Divine Sun Pce and Azure Crimson Gate sought to exploit the situation, trying to drive a wedge between Liu Wuxie and the disciples of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    ¡°Shao Wenliang, cut the pretense. Everyone knows you¡¯ve caused the deaths of many Heavenly Treasure Pavilion disciples over the years,¡± sneered Du Sheng, dismissing Shao Wenliang¡¯s words with disdain.


    The tension in the atmosphere grew denser. Liu Wuxie was like a walking treasure, with everyone looking at him greedily.


    He might¡¯ve consumed some of the stctite essence, but there was still a lot left and enough for them to share.


    ¡°Let¡¯s stop arguing. Why don¡¯t we split the stctite essence equally then?¡± another disciple from the Divine Sun Pce interrupted because everyone did not need to fight to their death for this matter.


    ¡°Lou Xinghai is right. We can share it equally.¡± The Azure Crimson Gate had no opinion because that was the most suitable solution. After all, things would get nowhere if they carried on their argument.


    The three factions were evenly matched, and any internal conflict would likely lead to mutual destruction. To them, Liu Wuxie was simply a vulnerable target, with little say in the matter of the stctite essence.


    ¡°Hmph!¡± Shao Wenliang grunted, begrudgingly epting Lou Xinghai¡¯s proposal to divide the stctite essence equally.


    This arrangement still promised a significant share for each party, with at least a few droplets guaranteed. Such a quantity of stctite essence could aid them in advancing to the Heavenly Phase Realm, a status that would elevate them to elite disciples and grant them additional privileges.


    After all, they could go further after reaching the Heavenly Phase Realm, and it wasn¡¯t easy to leave the current area relying on their flying treasures.


    The ten major sects were far apart, and after reaching the Heavenly Phase Realm, they could travel thousands of miles a day by flight, even without spiritual treasures.


    The Heavenly Phase Realm was a crucial threshold that had eluded countless individuals. The opportunity to break through was too valuable to ignore, and no one was willing to forfeit it.


    They were determined to obtain the stctite essence even at the cost of their lives, and everyone shared the same thoughts.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, you have no choice now. Hand over the stctite essence!¡± He had offered Liu Wuxie a chance before, but it had been squandered.


    As the group of ten or so pinnacle Heavenly Dipper Realm experts closed in, Liu Wuxie found himself cornered with no feasible escape. The odds of him prevailing were slim to none.


    If this was an open in, Liu Wuxie might still be able to find a way to escape. But this was the tform with the ck wind rising, making it impossible to escape through the stone bridge.


    This gave Liu Wuxie no choice but to look at the light screen because this was his only hope. No one else noticed this light screen, thinking it was just a reflection of the seven-colored ray.


    As everyone pressed in, this left Liu Wuxie with no path of retreat.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, what are you still hesitating for? If you hand it over obediently, we can consider letting you die an easy death.¡± Right from the start, they had no intentions of letting Liu Wuxie go and were determined to silence him.


    Not only did they have to kill Liu Wuxie, but everyone on the tform as well. This way, the news of them obtaining the stctite essence wouldn¡¯t leak out.


    After all, if everyone knew about the stctite essence, it would attract more experts and result in a bloody scramble in the Scarlet Sun Mountain Range.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s expression was one of grim determination. Facing one pinnacle Heavenly Dipper Realm opponent was already beyond his limits; confronting so many was an almost certain death sentence. The harsh environment furtherplicated matters, leaving him with few options for escape.


    ¡°Hahaha!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s suddenughter confused everyone. They were not in a hurry and regarded him with a detached curiosity, treating him as a cornered animal.


    ¡°You people are shameless. Come with me if you want the stctite essence!¡± Liu Wuxie would rather die in an unknown world than at their hands.


    The light screen intrigued him; it might be a gateway to another world. Its ability to devour his divine sense suggested that something significanty beyond it.


    ¡°Stop him!¡± Shao Wenliang roared in frustration. He was too far from Liu Wuxie to catch up, and Liu Wuxie¡¯s speed surpassed even that of pinnacle Heavenly Dipper Realm cultivators.


    Geng Mochou and Du Sheng, who were closest to Liu Wuxie, lunged toward him, but Liu Wuxie was faster. In the blink of an eye, he passed through the light screen and disappeared.


    The sight infuriated Shao Wenliang and the others. They hadn¡¯t anticipated that Liu Wuxie would choose death over surrendering the stctite essence.


    ¡°What do we do now?¡± Lou Xinghai eximed in frustration, throwing a punch. The treasure was so close, yet it had slipped through their fingers.


    ¡°Send someone to check!¡± Shao Wenliang¡¯s eyes shed with a ferocious light. He turned to the others on the tform, who were only around the seventh level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    They were ideal candidates to explore whaty beyond the light screen, as no one knew what awaited them inside.


    Dozens of people were scared and ran to the stone bridge because it could be a demon¡¯sir behind the light screen. If they entered, they might end up dead without knowing why, but they would still have a chance of survival if they ran to the stone bridge.


    But as the two-hour mark wasn¡¯t up, the two who went onto the stone bridge were devoured by the ck wind, forcing them back onto the tform.


    ¡°You, go in!¡± Geng Mochou pointed at a rogue cultivator.


    The importance of a sect became evident now because no one picked disciples from their sects. They had unanimously decided to send a rogue cultivator.


    After all, rogue cultivators had no background, making them the perfect choice for such a dangerous task.


    Entering the light screen offered a slim chance of survival, and refusing meant death. The chosen rogue cultivator could only walk over with a bitter expression.


    When he passed through the light screen, he vanished just like Liu Wuxie, with no scream or sign of difort¡ªhe simply disappeared.


    Despite everyone¡¯s effort tomunicate, there was no response, as though he had vanished from the world.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on? The light screen seems to be capable of devouring everything. My divine sense vanished without a trace inside!¡± Du Sheng said with a grim face, and he didn¡¯t dare to risk his life.


    Everyone¡¯s faces became bitter, and they were caught in a dilemma. There was a possibility they might not return if they went in, but they were reluctant to give up here.


    Some brave souls ced porcin bottles beneath the stone crack to collect stctite essence. It wasn¡¯t much, but it was better than nothing.


    Everyone came to their senses at this sight that the stctite essence hadn¡¯t dried up yet, and they could still gather some.


    ¡°Get lost!¡± Geng Mochou roared, forcing everyone else back as the ten-odd of them walked over.


    Each person took out a porcin bottle and collected ten drops each. If the stctite essence were ced outside, it would be highly sought after.


    However,pared to Liu Wuxie, their share was pitiful. Just the bowls of stctite essence Liu Wuxie had consumed were priceless.


    The flow of stctite essence began to slow down and was close to exhaustion.


    Two hours passed unnoticed, and the ck wind finally dissipated. This left everyone with two options: return to search for other treasures or venture into the light screen, just as Liu Wuxie had.


    ¡°I n to return. With the stctite essence and some pills, I still have a high chance of reaching the Heavenly Phase Realm. So, I don¡¯t want to take any risk,¡± Azure Crimson Gate¡¯s Yuchi Xiang said.


    It was better to leave first to be safe because the stone bridge didn¡¯t seem firm. If those on the other side destroy the bridge, they would be trapped there forever.


    ¡°I agree with Brother Yuchi. There are many cracks in the stone bridge, and it will soon copse. We can cross the bridge and destroy it. That brat won¡¯t be able to leave even if he¡¯s still alive.¡± Du Sheng¡¯s face became distorted with malice.


    The narrow stone bridge, heavily worn from the many crossings, was bound to fail eventually. Once the suggestion to leave was made, no one could argue against it.


    Their priority had shifted from the stctite essence to their own safety. The three major sects had no trust in each other, and the disciples of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion followed suit, wary of the Azure Crimson Gate¡¯s intentions. They feared that they would be trapped on the tform if the Azure Crimson Gate¡¯s members destroyed the bridge.


    Reaching a consensus, everyone crossed the bridge and returned to the other side. Shao Wenliang, determined to ensure no one could follow, drew his sword and shattered the stone bridge with a single, decisive swing. The bridge broke into fragments and plummeted into the abyss, sealing off any possibility of crossing.


    Those who hadn¡¯t crossed the bridge had no idea what had happened, but they soon learned from others. Many people sighed when they learned that Liu Wuxie had escaped.


    With the bridge destroyed, hopes of crossing were dashed. Everyone dispersed, turning their efforts to searching for other treasures within the cave.


    ......


    After entering the light screen, Liu Wuxie began to freefall. Thissted a few minutes before he stabilized himself and barelynded on the ground.


    Not long after hended, a figure crashed down from above with incredible speed, soon apanied by a loud boom.

 Chapter 417 - Mysterious Dungeon

    <h4>Chapter 417 - Mysterious Dungeon</h4>


    After passing through the light screen, Liu Wuxie began to fall. He felt like a stone falling into an endless abyss.


    But fortunately, he had prepared in advance. When he lost control, he manipted the ice-attribute energy to form a shield beneath him to support his body.


    He didn¡¯t know how long it would be before his feet touched the ground again. Shortly after hended, a figure fell from above. But this person wasn¡¯t lucky and had no shield to slow his fall.


    The figure fell onto the ground and shattered into pieces, turning into a pool of blood.


    Liu Wuxie covered his nose and examined this corpse. He thought it was Shao Wenliang and others who could have chased after him, but it turned out to be a rogue cultivator.


    ¡°They¡¯re ruthless in using innocent people as bait.¡± Liu Wuxie stepped back to avoid being hit by more people falling. After waiting fifteen minutes and verifying there wasn¡¯t anyone elseing down, Liu Wuxie finally felt relieved and began looking around.


    This looked like an independent space with dim light, barely illuminating a meter around him. He didn¡¯t dare to be careless because his divine sense was devoured whening in contact with the light screen.


    Liu Wuxie took a stance, held the Heretic de in his right hand, and raised his left index finger, prepared for danger. He also executed Ghost Eye to look around this massive space.


    ¡°There¡¯s only one path!¡± Ghost Eye revealed that the surroundings were made of sturdy rocks, impervious to ordinary weapons. A dark passageway in front of him was roughly a meter wide and exuded an eerie aura.


    It was as though this path led straight to hell. Thinking of the abyssal wind gushing out from the abyss, Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t help but shiver and wonder if this path led to the abyss.


    He tried flying upwards several times, but an invisible force blocked him, making it a one-way trip down. Realizing he had no other option, Liu Wuxie steeled himself and moved forward.


    He decided to give it a try regardless of the oue. He lit a fire to brighten the surroundings, and light brought him a sense of security, calming his nerves significantly.


    After all, Liu Wuxie had seen and experienced a worse environment, surviving against all the odds. This time was no different; it was still unknown if he could leave this ce alive.


    The passage was long, and Liu Wuxie walked for at least fifty meters ording to his calctions, but he still couldn¡¯t see the end of this path.


    The fire in Liu Wuxie¡¯s hand began to dim down as though the space around him could devour everything.


    Cracks echoed beneath Liu Wuxie''s feet. ncing down, he saw a brittle human skeleton; the thigh bone disintegrated into dust with his step, prompting Liu Wuxie to crouch and examine it more closely.


    ¡°This skeleton must have been here for at least a few thousand years. What kind of ce is this?¡± Liu Wuxie mused. His divine sense was ineffective here, being rapidly consumed by an unseen force. Each use drained it faster, leaving him puzzled as he had never encountered such a phenomenon before. Though he had seen entities that devoured human brains and souls, this was different.


    He didn¡¯t dare to use the Ghost Eye again recklessly because each usage would consume a significant amount of soul energy.


    Looking at the stone walls on both sides, Liu Wuxie saw marks left behind by weapons. The marks were faintly discernable, and he had to look carefully.


    After traversing roughly a hundred meters¡ªor perhaps a thousand¡ªLiu Wuxie¡¯s surroundings abruptly changed. He found himself in what appeared to be a vast dungeon.


    A thick abyssal energy surged from the ground. It would instantly corrupt ordinary people, but Liu Wuxie had the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron that could devour everything. The abyssal energy was soon refined.


    Everywhere Liu Wuxie looked, it was pitch ck. As soon as he stepped in, the ground began to tremble, like something was awakening.


    A strange light began to rise from the surroundings, illuminating the entire ce. The flow of abyssal energy also slowed significantly and no longer obstructed Liu Wuxie¡¯s vision.


    ¡°What is this ce?¡± Liu Wuxie was taken aback, staring at the massive dungeon that stretched out several hundred square meters.


    His astonishment grew as he scanned the surroundings and noticed two terrifying figures to the right. One appeared to be an abyssal devil, a fearsome creature towering at ten meters tall, reminiscent of a tenth-grade abyssal devil in the True Profound Realm. The other figure, while human in shape, was adorned with wings, giving it a strange and unsettling appearance.


    Liu Wuxie recognized that the abyssal devil was on the brink of bing an Abyssal King, a ruler of a region in the abyssal world.


    But this wasn¡¯t why Liu Wuxie was shocked; the abyssal devil had shackles covered with runes he had never seen before. They didn¡¯t look like spiritual, alchemy, or forging runes.


    He was experienced and well-versed in many things. This was the first time he saw something he didn¡¯t recognize, so he was shocked.


    His past experience appeared to be too little and only restricted to the Celestial Realm. The world was vast, and hecked the knowledge about other nes.


    For instance, Liu Wuxie had never seen the winged, robust man before. Aside from the tattered clothes, the body was well intact.


    This was strange because the skeletons in the passage had reduced to dust, but why were these two so well preserved? This meant there was only one possibility: they had a higher cultivation, possibly surpassing the True Profound Realm.


    He didn¡¯t dare to be careless and slowly approached. He knew he had to find his way out from these two figures. There was no exit here; who knew if he would be trapped here forever?


    He first approached the abyssal devil because he was more familiar with them. He tried poking the abyssal devil with the Heretic de.


    There was no response, and the abyssal devil was stiff and long dead. The insides of the body were heavily decayed, only leaving behind a shell.


    Using the Heretic de, Liu Wuxie pried open the abyssal devil¡¯s mouth, revealing a row of crimson teeth.


    ¡°Three fangs, this is an Abyssal King!¡± Liu Wuxie took a step back. He had verified his spection from this deceased abyssal devil, and this was an Abyssal King that had surpassed the tenth grade.


    Abyssal devils only developed fangs beyond the tenth grade, and this one had three, indicating it was more than just an Abyssal King. Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t determine the devil''s exact cultivation when it was alive, but its formidable fangs were unmistakable.


    ¡°These fangs are highly valuable. I should take them!¡± Liu Wuxie decided. Despite their size, these fangs were incredibly durable, resisting even Xinantian treasures.


    They were tools the abyssal devils used as weapons to tear through defenses, and one could imagine how powerful the fangs were. The abyssal devil¡¯s body was decayed over the years, but the fangs had remained unchanged.


    Liu Wuxie extracted the three fangs and put them in his interspatial pouch. One could be used to forge the Heretic de, and the remaining two could be used to forge two Suppression Steles.


    ¡°It¡¯s a shame the abyssal devil¡¯s body has withered. If it were intact, I could have devoured it to boost my cultivation!¡± Liu Wuxiemented. An abyssal devil of this grade would have contained True Profound Laws, potentially allowing him to make significant breakthroughs and reach the Heavenly Phase Realm. However, as it stood, the devil was nothing more than a specimen.


    Liu Wuxie examined the chains binding the abyssal devil with the Heretic de. As he tapped them, the runes on the chains seemed toe alive, causing him to retreat a step. The chains emitted sounds for several minutes before gradually tightening, restraining the abyssal devil even more securely.


    ¡°This is weird. Could these chains be meant for trapping this abyssal devil, and this unknown person was the one who killed it?¡± Liu Wuxie temporarily ssified the winged man as a human.


    After all, this man had simr features to a human except for his wings, just that he was more handsome and chiseled.


    The chains were made from rare materials that Liu Wuxie had never encountered before, leading him to conclude that they were likely a valuable treasure.


    But it was a pity the chains couldn¡¯t be separated from the abyssal devil. Since there was nothing left to gain from the abyssal devil, Liu Wuxie turned to the unknown human.


    As Liu Wuxie circled the winged man, he noted the striking details of the figure. The man¡¯s features were so vivid that Liu Wuxie might have mistaken him for a living person if not for the absence of breath. Apart from this, the body showed no visible injuries, which puzzled Liu Wuxie. How had this winged man met his end?


    Suddenly, Liu Wuxie noticed a subtle movement from the figure, causing his expression to shift in rm. Instinctively, he fell back, unsure if the man was still alive.


    Clutching the Heretic de, Liu Wuxie was prepared to strike at the first danger sign. Even if he couldn¡¯t win, he wasn¡¯t someone who would give up and would fight with all his might.


    But as time passed, this winged man showed no reaction.


    ¡°Was it my imagination?¡± Liu Wuxie shook his head. He was sure the man had moved, and it wasn¡¯t an illusion.


    ¡°Junior Liu Wuxie has identally intruded here. Please forgive me if I have offended Senior in any way.¡± Liu Wuxie probed by cupping his fists together.


    Since he had introduced himself, he had the right to know why this person wanted to kill him.


    His voice echoed in the dungeon. To be more precise, he used Ghost Eye again to detect the slightest movement. But after about two minutes, his divine sense was severely depleted, and he could only stop using Ghost Eye because he couldn¡¯t afford to lose more divine sense, or his soul sea would be damaged.


    <i>Just what is devouring my soul energy?</i> Liu Wuxie thought and was frustrated because he couldn¡¯t find the answers.


    A minuteter, Liu Wuxie observed the winged man stir. The slight crack of his neck confirmed that this was no illusion¡ªhe was indeed moving.


    ¡°He¡¯s not dead?¡± Liu Wuxie thought. If the man was alive, he might know a way out of this ce. But if he were dead, Liu Wuxie could be trapped here indefinitely.


    ¡°Senior, can you hear me?¡± Liu Wuxie tried again, hoping for a response.


    As soon as his voice echoed through the dungeon, the winged man¡¯s eyes suddenly snapped open, filled with an intense and unsettling presence of danger.

 Chapter 418 - Spirit Clan

    <h4>Chapter 418 - Spirit n</h4>


    When the winged man opened his eyes, the entire dungeon began to shake violently.


    What kind of gaze was that? It was as though this winged man was looking down on the world, sweeping through the skies with invincibility.


    Liu Wuxie felt his soul energy disappearing rapidly as though some mysterious force had devoured it. He couldn¡¯t stop it no matter how he tried, and he would be reduced to a retard even if he survived if he exhausted all his soul energy.


    Just when his soul energy was about to be fully exhausted, the Heavenly Dao Book opened up and locked his soul sea.


    The mysterious force devouring his soul energy disappeared, but Liu Wuxie was still shocked. He had never been so panicked in all his years.


    The winged man scanned his surroundings. As his gaze settled, the intense aura he had been emitting gradually subsided.


    ¡°Was it you who awakened me?¡± After a few minutes, the winged man¡¯s indifferent gaze swept over Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°I pay my greetings to Senior. I intruded here unintentionally, so please forgive me if I have disturbed your rest.¡± Liu Wuxie cupped his hands politely.


    ¡°What year is it now?¡± The winged man asked, his voice echoing with a sense of detachment. The overwhelming aura he had emitted upon waking had slowly dissipated, leaving only a faint residual energy. He seemed more like a fleeting shadow of life rather than a fully revived being.


    ¡°It¡¯s Year 1980419 of the Heaven Calendar!¡± Liu Wuxie responded, noting that humans had used the calendar for nearly two million years since its inception.


    ¡°It has been a hundred thousand years?¡± The winged man¡¯s expression turned contemtive, though he paid little attention to Liu Wuxie¡¯s reaction. From his words, it was clear that he had been trapped in this dungeon for a hundred millennia, a feat that made his awakening after such a long time nothing short of a miracle.


    ¡°Senior, are you alright?¡± Liu Wuxie asked cautiously while remaining on guard.


    This winged man might have opened his eyes, but his body had long been decayed over the past hundred thousand years. Only his primordial spirit had awakened, and his body couldn¡¯t contain his soul.


    In the cultivation world, there existed a fearsome technique known as soul possession, which allowed individuals to achieve rebirth by taking over another¡¯s body. Essentially, this technique involved forcibly seizing a new host and reviving oneself through that vessel.


    Formidable beings often sought to possess the bodies of the younger generation before their own demise. When a soul took over a new body, it would invade the host¡¯s soul sea and consume it, thereby bing the new master of the body.


    Liu Wuxie was understandably apprehensive that this winged man might attempt to possess him, given thetter¡¯s formidable presence. After all, Liu Wuxie was just in the Heavenly Dipper Realm, insignificant inparison to someone of the winged man¡¯s caliber.


    ¡°Your soul energy is unusual¡ªit¡¯s what managed to awaken me,¡± the winged man said, reflecting on his circumstances.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes widened in understanding; the winged man must have absorbed his soul energy to regain some semnce of vitality.


    ¡°Senior, could you tell me what this ce is and how you came to be here?¡± Liu Wuxie inquired, eager to uncover the mysteries surrounding this situation. If he were to face his end here, he wished to understand the events that led to this predicament.


    ¡°It¡¯s a long story, and I have little time left. I might¡¯ve awakened, but this is only a strand of my soul. Most of my primordial spirit was used to suppress this abyssal devil, and myst remnant soul will soon disappear.¡± The muscles on the winged man¡¯s face were stiff, barely squeezing out a smile that looked eerie.


    ¡°Senior, where did youe from?¡± Liu Wuxie went straight to the point. He guessed this man had perished with the abyssal devil in a battle, and the details were no longer relevant. What mattered was understanding the identity of this winged man and finding a way out.


    ¡°Have you heard of the Spirit n?¡± The winged man¡¯s gaze grew profound.


    ¡°The Spirit n?¡± Liu Wuxie repeated, intrigued. This was the first time he had encountered this name.


    Many races existed, such as humans, demons, abyssal devils, elves, etc. But Liu Wuxie had never heard of the Spirit n.


    ¡°The Spirit n goes way back; naturally, you haven¡¯t heard of it. The Spirit n has probably disappeared after so many years.¡± The winged man¡¯s eyes shone with a hint of loneliness and sadness.


    ¡°Senior, don¡¯t overthink about it. The world has its own rules, and it¡¯s fate if they have disappeared. There¡¯s no need to dwell on it,¡± Liu Wuxie tried tofort the winged man.


    Perhaps Liu Wuxie¡¯s words worked because the loneliness in the man¡¯s eyes lessened.


    What Liu Wuxie said was right because some races would disappear daily and be reced by new ones. The universe was vast, and many races unknown to Liu Wuxie had vanished through time.


    Ultimately, they only existed in human memory and would never reappear again.


    The subsequent conversation was more rxed, but Liu Wuxie could sense the winged man¡¯s soul energy rapidly depleting. He eventually learned of what had happened there.


    The Spirit n did not reside on the True Martial Continent but on another ne entirely. They had faced a devastating assault from the abyssal devils, resulting in immense losses. The winged man before Liu Wuxie was the supreme leader of the Spirit n, holding a statusparable to that of a monarch in human society.


    Known as the Feather Emperor, he had earned this title due to his n''s unique ability to fly with their innate wings. To the abyssal devils, the Spirit n was referred to as the Feather n.


    An apocalyptic conflict had ensued, iming countless lives among the Spirit n, while the abyssal devils had also suffered severe casualties. The Feather Emperor had shed with the Abyssal King, causing rifts in space and ultimately crashing down onto the True Martial Continent.


    A hundred thousand years ago, the Southern Province was a deste wilderness, with the Scarlet Sun Mountain Range remaining unexplored and untouched. After their fall, both the Feather Emperor and the Abyssal King were gravely wounded and unable to return to their ne. In a desperate move, the Feather Emperor had deployed the Spirit n''s ultimate treasure, the Earth Binding Chains, to imprison the abyssal devil.


    Liu Wuxie was surprised because he hadn¡¯t expected the chains to be so powerful and capable of restricting an Abyssal King. This meant the Earth Binding Chains was no ordinary weapon.


    After a hundred thousand years, the energy within the Earth Binding Chains had significantly waned. What once was a formidable treasure now resembled something only slightly superior to spiritual artifacts, and restoring it to its former glory would be no small feat.


    Unable to return to his own ne, the Feather Emperor had established a dungeon on the True Martial Continent to contain the abyssal devil. He had used the Spirit n¡¯s technique daily to bind the Abyssal King, maintaining the confinement as best he could.


    This process had continued for a hundred thousand years. Though the Abyssal King had eventually perished, the Feather Emperor, too, had exhausted his primordial spirit, leaving only a remnant of his soul behind.


    Liu Wuxie''s repeated use of the Ghost Eye had inadvertently contributed to this oue. The Feather Emperor had absorbed the soul energy Liu Wuxie had emitted, though it wasn¡¯t intentional. Unlike humans, the Spirit n¡¯s cultivation techniques focused on their primordial spirit, essentially their soul sea, rather than true essence. They relied solely on their soul energy forbat.


    Liu Wuxie sighed after hearing the actual story. The Feather Emperor had died in a foreignnd, sacrificing himself to avenge his people and perish with the Abyssal King. Such a noble spirit was worthy of Liu Wuxie¡¯s respect.


    The abyssal race was a blight on the universe, consuming everything in their path like a cancer. They attacked any race they encountered, aiming to conquer and transform the universe into an abyssal realm under their dominion.


    An hour had passed without knowing, and the light in the Feather Emperor¡¯s eyes became dim. Hisst remnant soul would disappear when the light in the eyes vanished.


    ¡°Young friend, I have a request for you. Please help me fulfill it.¡± Feather Emperor¡¯s eyes shone with a hint of hope. His facial muscles had long stiffened, and he could only convey his emotions through his eyes.


    ¡°Senior, please speak. I will do my best as long as it¡¯s something within my power.¡± It wasn¡¯t hard to tell the Feather Emperor was a man of great loyalty, willing to sacrifice himself for his n.


    ¡°If you get the chance one day, make a trip to the Spirit n and bring my remains back, along with the Earth Binding Chains. This is the supreme treasure of the Spirit n, and the Spirit n can¡¯t maintain a footing in the universe without it.¡± The Feather Emperor requested this, hoping Liu Wuxie could visit the Spirit n.


    Bringing the remains back was secondary because the Earth Binding Chains were too important to the Spirit n.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know where the Spirit n is, and I¡¯m powerless even if I intend to help you.¡± Liu Wuxie smiled bitterly. It wasn¡¯t that he didn¡¯t want to help, but this was the first time he had heard of the Spirit n. If he blindly agreed to it, he would only be bluffing himself.


    The Feather Emperor sighed. He also knew he had lost the Spirit n¡¯s coordinates because he had emerged from a spatial rift with the Abyssal King.


    ¡°I can tell from your words and actions that you¡¯re not ordinary. I believe it won¡¯t be hard for you to reach the Heaven Pry Realm in the future. At that time, you¡¯ll be able to find the Spirit n¡¯s location.¡± The Feather Emperor was hopeful that Liu Wuxie would agree to help.


    His remnant soul couldn¡¯tst much longer, and he would never awaken again once it dissipated.


    ¡°The Heaven Pry Realm!¡± Liu Wuxie muttered. This was one step before bing an immortal.


    ¡°I can promise you that I¡¯ll do my best!¡± Liu Wuxie shrugged because even he was uncertain if he could find the Spirit n. The Heaven Pry Realm was too far off now, and Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t think that far ahead. Even the True Profound Realm was out of his reach for now.


    ¡°I believe you can find it. My Spirit n has a mysterious technique to foresee a person¡¯s destiny. Your fate is extraordinary, free of worldly constraints, and you will walk an unprecedented path.¡± The Feather Emperor¡¯s words were not mere ttery to extract a promise from Liu Wuxie; they were a heartfelt plea born from deep conviction.


    Liu Wuxie acknowledged it because he realized his fate had changed after rebirth, especially after cultivating the Deste Devouring Art.


    Sometimes, he couldn¡¯t even glimpse his fate.


    For the Feather Emperor to trust him with the Earth Binding Chains, could he really foresee a person¡¯s fate and nature?


    The Feather Emperor had lived for a hundred thousand years and had encountered countless individuals. His keen eyes could easily discern character, and Liu Wuxie¡¯s sincerity was apparent to him. Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes reflected purity and unwavering resolve, qualities that spoke to his reliability.


    ¡°I attempted to remove the Earth Binding Chains earlier, but they tightened whenever I touched them,¡± Liu Wuxie exined, acknowledging the difficulty he faced.


    ¡°This is not a problem,¡± the Feather Emperor reassured him. ¡°Your soul is unique and powerful. By using the Spirit n¡¯s technique, you should be able to control the Earth Binding Chains.¡± The sadness in the Feather Emperor¡¯s eyes began to recede, reced by a glimmer of hope.

 Chapter 419 - Soul Forge Art

    <h4>Chapter 419 - Soul Forge Art</h4>


    Liu Wuxie wore a peculiar expression upon hearing about the Spirit n¡¯s soul technique. His Ghost Eye could only observe, with the soul attack diminishing gradually.


    Mastering a soul technique could offer significant benefits, mainly if it allowed him to wield the Earth Binding Chains¡ªa powerful treasure¡ªbefore he could find the Spirit n.


    ¡°Senior, I practice an eye technique called Ghost Eye, which is a soul technique. I wonder if there will be any conflict with the Spirit n¡¯s soul technique?¡± Liu Wuxie asked.


    Soul techniques were simr to cultivation techniques. For example, Liu Wuxie practiced the Deste Devouring Art now, and there would be a conflict if he practiced the Divine Phaseless Art.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry about that. The most significant advantage of our Spirit n¡¯s techniques is harmony. It can devour everything. This means any soul technique will be assimted and be a part of it,¡± the Feather Emperor dispelled Liu Wuxie¡¯s doubts.


    Furthermore, Liu Wuxie also had a firsthand experience with his soul energy being devoured, which was likely assimted with the Feather Emperor¡¯s soul energy.


    Given that the Feather Emperor¡¯s cultivation was at the Heaven Pry Realm¡ªstanding at the pinnacle of this continent¡ªthe soul technique he spoke of was anything but simple.


    While Heaven-grade martial techniques were rare and coveted by most, they were merely the beginning for those in the True Profound Realm. Experts at that level pursued spirit-grade techniques to truly unlock their potential.


    ¡°Senior, how are you going to teach me?¡± Liu Wuxie asked with curiosity. Given that the Feather Emperor¡¯s body had decayed and there were no books on him, it seemed that the only way to learn the technique was through oral transmission.


    ¡°Release your soul sea, and I will impart the Spirit n¡¯s supreme technique.¡± The Feather Emperor¡¯s eyes grew increasingly dim. His soul energy was severely depleted, and he had onlysted so long by absorbing Liu Wuxie¡¯s soul energy.


    Liu Wuxie released his soul sea with some hesitation. The Feather Emperor¡¯s soul energy was fragile. Liu Wuxie had nothing to fear with the Heavenly Dao Book around, even if the Feather Emperor tried to possess his body.


    The moment Liu Wuxie released his soul sea, a flow of powerful soul energy poured in, along with arge amount of memory.


    The Spirit n had unique wordings, and Liu Wuxie would require a long time to digest the knowledge without the memories.


    This processsted five minutes before Liu Wuxie felt his soul sea swelling. The soul energy he had lost was replenished and even increased significantly.


    When Liu Wuxie opened his eyes, he didn¡¯t have time toprehend the Spirit n¡¯s cultivation technique and looked at the Feather Emperor. The Feather Emperor¡¯s eyes were dim, a sign that hisst bit of consciousness was fading away.


    ¡°Feather Emperor, are you alright?¡± Liu Wuxie asked in a concerned tone, taking a step forward.


    ¡°My remnant soul is about to dissipate. I¡¯ll leave everything to you then. Please help me bring the Earth Binding Chains back; it is the symbol of our n,¡± the Feather Emperor¡¯s voice grew weaker with the light in his eyes fading.


    Liu Wuxie, feeling helpless, injected his soul energy into the Feather Emperor¡¯s soul sea, hoping to extend his remaining time.


    ¡°Feather Emperor, you haven¡¯t told me how to leave this ce,¡± Liu Wuxie asked urgently. Even though he had promised to help, being trapped here forever would make that promise meaningless.


    ¡°The Earth Binding Chains will guide you out once you master our Spirit n¡¯s technique,¡± the Feather Emperor replied before closing his eyes. His body grew stiff and lifeless, and Liu Wuxie could no longer sense any sign of life.


    A hint of destion crossed Liu Wuxie¡¯s face as he realized the Feather Emperor hadpletely departed from this world. He approached the corpse and, with respect, performed three kowtows.


    The dead deserved respect, not to mention the Feather Emperor had also taught him his n¡¯s techniques. Although he hadn¡¯t started cultivating it, he could sense the techniques given to him by the Feather Emperor were far superiorpared to the Ghost Eye.


    After performing the kowtows, Liu Wuxie stood up and brushed the dust off a nearby stone, using it as a seat. He took a deep breath to steady himself and then entered his soul sea to focus onprehending the technique imparted by the Feather Emperor.


    His sole hope was to master the Earth Binding Chains and find a way out. However, Liu Wuxie understood that hurrying would not be beneficial. Patience was key, and he needed to fully grasp the technique before attempting to use it.


    Many of the Spirit n¡¯s words appeared in Liu Wuxie¡¯s soul sea. He had inherited some of the Feather Emperor¡¯s memory, so he wasn¡¯t unfamiliar with the words.


    ¡°What strange wordings. They looked like leaves arranged in sequence,¡± Liu Wuxie murmured. He had seen many wordings before, including ancient words. But this was his first encounter with the Spirit n¡¯s words.


    As Liu Wuxie continued reading what the Feather Emperor had left him, he grew increasingly shocked.


    ¡°What a powerful soul technique! This is a hundred times stronger than my Ghost Eye!¡± He couldn¡¯t imagine how strong he would be if he seeded in practicing this technique.


    The Ghost Eye was an immortal technique. Even if it was simplified by Liu Wuxie countless times, its foundation remained that of an immortal technique. Could it be that the Spirit n¡¯s technique had far exceeded immortal techniques?


    Liu Wuxie soon shook his head because the Feather Emperor wasn¡¯t an immortal, and he was sure of it. This suggested another possibility: the Spirit n¡¯s techniques weren¡¯t inferior to immortal techniques. But it was a pity Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t master it entirely with his current cultivation.


    After sorting everything out, Liu Wuxie¡¯s divine sense left his soul sea.


    ¡°The Soul Forge Art...the first form: Soul Spear, the second form: Soul Shield, the third form: Soul Fire...¡±


    This was a soul technique. If Liu Wuxie mastered the first form, his soul would take the form of a spear and could pierce through his target¡¯s soul sea, killing his opponent.


    The Ghost Eye had a simr ability, but it was more effective to use as a form of sneak attack, condensing his soul energy into a thin thread and striking his opponent¡¯s soul sea.


    But the Ghost Eye was inferior to the Spirit n¡¯s Soul Forge Art.


    Ghost Eye¡¯s attack was rtively simple, and its power would decrease with the increase in Liu Wuxie¡¯s cultivation. Moreover, it would be useless if the opponent didn¡¯t look at his eyes.


    The Soul Forge Art was different because the soul spear could pierce his target¡¯s soul as long as his soul was powerful enough, even if his target was fifty meters away.


    Comparing the two, the Soul Forge Art was superior to Ghost Eye and more challenging to defend against. The first form, Soul Spear, mainly focused on unleashing unexpected attacks.


    Paired with Liu Wuxie¡¯s other martial techniques, he could even kill someone in the pinnacle Heavenly Dipper Realm. After all, his current soul energy was at par with the soul energy of the Heavenly Phase Realm experts.


    The second form, Soul Shield, mainly focused on defending. Not only could it be used to block his opponent¡¯s soul attack, but it could also take the form of an aura to envelop him like ayer of soul armor.


    The third form, Soul Fire, was even more formidable. Unlike ordinary mes, Soul Fire could ignite anything and could not be extinguished with water or dirt. It was an ethereal ze, invisible and formless, making it nearly impossible to contain.


    Not only could the fire burn objects, but it could also burn souls. If the Soul Spear was useless against someone with a powerful soul, Soul Fire could ensure mutual destruction if he couldn¡¯t win the fight.


    From the Feather Emperor¡¯s memories, Liu Wuxie learned that while the Earth Binding Chains had degraded over time, they could be restored to their former glory by nourishing them with soul energy.


    The Spirit n''s forging technique differed from human methods; rather than using physical materials, they employed soul energy to revitalize and enhance their artifacts.


    Five days had passed since Liu Wuxie had been trapped in this dungeon. Those who hade to the cave had gradually left.


    Another spot with stctite essence was found, which had resulted in a ferocious battle. Although only a hundred drops were found, more than a hundred people had died because of it.


    Liu Wuxie dedicated these five days to practicing the Soul Forge Art, the dungeon echoing with his relentless efforts. His intense focus and the resulting screams would have frightened anyone who stumbled upon him, but fortunately, he remained undisturbed in his solitude.


    His hair was in disarray, and veins bulged on his face, giving him the appearance of a frenzied demon.


    ¡°It hurts!¡± Liu Wuxie felt his soul sea was about to explode. He didn¡¯t expect practicing the Soul Forge Art would be so painful. His soul was constantly being torn apart, which felt worse than death.


    Because Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t a member or had a powerful soul seaparable to the Spirit n, cultivating the Soul Forge Art was thousands of times more difficult.


    The Heavenly Dao Book firmly guarded his soul sea, preventing it from shattering. He felt like a me was burning his soul. Liu Wuxie had high pain tolerance, and he wouldn¡¯t even frown if his arm was cut off.


    But the paining from the soul was different, and even the will of an Immortal Emperor would copse.


    Liu Wuxie gritted his teeth tightly, causing his gums to bleed. His lips had cracked, with blood dripping down from the corner of his lips.


    He had no choice but to master the first form to control the Earth Binding Chains. Otherwise, he would be trapped there for eternity.


    After practicing for two hours, he was forced to rest for fifteen minutes. It was the limit of his will.


    This ce rumbled with abyssal energy, and Liu Wuxie found the source: the Abyssal King. The Abyssal King¡¯s abyssal energy had dissipated from his body and umted underground, meaning the abyssal energy rumbling from the ground was all the remnants of the Abyssal King.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s forehead was sweaty, and his clothes were drenched.


    <i>My willpower seems to have grown stronger!</i> Liu Wuxie thought. After cultivating the Soul Forge Art for a few days, he realized his willpower had increased several times; this meant nothing could shake his will.


    When it came to cultivation, willpower was the most important factor, followed by talent. Liu Wuxie didn¡¯tck talent, and his willpower surpassed ordinary people''s.


    Liu Wuxie began circting the Soul Forge Art to temper his soul energy when it became less painful. Trickling sounds could be heard in his golden soul sea, with his soul energy condensing from mist to liquid.


    The benefits were evident, with his soul energy increasing several times. He could no longer estimate the extent of his soul energy.


    ¡°Low-level Heavenly Phase Realm? Mid-level Heavenly Phase Realm? High-level Heavenly Phase Realm?¡±


    After several tests, Liu Wuxie knew his soul energy was sufficient to kill anyone in the Heavenly Dipper Realm even if it hadn¡¯t reached the Heavenly Phase Realm.


    Soul attacks differed from martial techniques in that they had to be lethal in a single strike, so Liu Wuxie took no chances under normal circumstances.


    On the tenth day of his entrapment in the dungeon, news began to spread about Liu Wuxie¡¯s supposed death in the Scarlet Sun Mountain Range.

 Chapter 420 - Escape

    <h4>Chapter 420 - Escape</h4>


    The news of Liu Wuxie¡¯s death sent shockwaves through the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. Many who had wished for his downfall took this as a cause for celebration.


    When Bai Lin and Tang Tian learned of Liu Wuxie''s death in the Scarlet Sun Mountain Range, they immediately went to look for Jian Xing''er and searched the Scarlet Sun Mountain Range for Liu Wuxie''s whereabouts.


    When they reached the cave and saw the shattered bridge, Jian Xing¡¯er broke down in tears. Without the bridge, even if Liu Wuxie had survived, he would be stranded on the other side of the abyss for eternity.


    After crying her heart out all day and night, Jian Xing''er fainted and had to be brought back to the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion by Bai Lin.


    In just a few days, Jian Xing''er lost weight and sat under a tree in a daze daily.


    Meanwhile, the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion was divided. Some mourned Liu Wuxie¡¯s death, while others celebrated. The Hou n¡¯s disciples, in particr, were openly pleased by the news.


    Although Liu Wuxie had killed Hou Lie, the Hou n¡¯s disciples were surprisinglyposed and even relieved upon hearing of Liu Wuxie¡¯s death.


    From the higher-ups to the outer disciples, everyone learned of Liu Wuxie''s death.


    Elder Tian Xing stood in a courtyard, gazing at the sky with a trace of loneliness.


    "It''s easy to be a target if you are strong. Why couldn¡¯t you keep your talents concealed?¡± Elder Tian Xing sighed, recalling his repeated warnings to Liu Wuxie about the dangers of drawing too much attention. With Liu Wuxie gone, there was no way to undo the past.


    The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion had disciples dying daily, including peerless geniuses. But once everything passed, life would return to normal, with the dead soon forgotten.


    Just as deaths urred daily, so too did new lives were born each day.


    About half a monthter, the dungeon, once filled with the sound of anguished screams, was now quiet except for an asional groan.


    Suddenly, Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes snapped open, a chilling gleam shing from them. The intensity of his gaze left a deep, arrow-like mark on the stone wall.


    "I have finally mastered the Soul Spear!" Liu Wuxie had spent twenty days in the dungeon. After countless forging attempts, he had finally mastered the first form of the Soul Forge Art.


    Then again, he still had to refine it because the current power was insufficient. After cultivating the Soul Forge Art, the Ghost Eye had utterly merged with it.


    Just as the Feather Emperor had said, the Spirit n''s Soul Forge Art could assimte everything.


    The Ghost Eye was still active and had grown much stronger, allowing Liu Wuxie to perceive things with greater rity. Through the stone walls, he could see the rumbling abyssal energy swirling beneath the surface.


    "Father-inw and mother-inw should be arriving at the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion soon." It had been more than twenty days since Liu Wuxie had entered the dungeon. Based on his conversation with the peak master before he left, the five people he selected were anticipated to join the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion within a month.


    He didn''t dare to stay any longer and had to rush back to the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    "The outside world must''ve thought I''m dead to be out of touch for so long. Father-inw and mother-inw will surely be bullied when they arrive in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion or even be killed," Liu Wuxie muttered.


    He was aware of the harsh conditions in the cultivation world, and it was almost impossible to survive in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion without a background.


    Standing before the Abyssal King, Liu Wuxie poured his soul energy into the Earth Binding Chains. After more than twenty days of cultivation, his soul sea had be a vast ocean.


    His soul sea had surpassed that of humans and was almost on par with the Spirit n. The world would be shocked if they knew about his powerful soul sea.


    When Liu Wuxie''s soul energy wrapped around the Earth Binding Chains, a bizarre scene urred because the runes seemed to havee to life and began pulsing.


    With the death of the Feather Emperor, the Earth Binding Chains no longer had an owner. Thus, Liu Wuxie''s soul energy easily prated the Earth Binding Chains.


    He instantly felt a connection with the Earth Binding Chains, as though they had be a part of him.


    An even more unbelievable scene unfolded next, with the Earth Binding Chains slowly disappearing into golden light and burrowing into his soul sea.


    The Heavenly Dao Book unfolded with leaf-like words, representing the Spirit n.


    Liu Wuxie wasn''t surprised because the Feather Emperor had already said the Earth Binding Chains would slowly recover if he nourished them with soul energy.


    Without the Earth Binding Chains, the Abyssal King''s corpse began to copse, shaking the entire dungeon, and rubble fell from above.


    "I see...this ce was supported by the Earth Binding Chains that prevented it from copsing." Liu Wuxie wielded the Heretic de and knocked the falling rubbles aside while he searched for an exit.


    The stone wall crumbled, revealing the brightly lit world outside to Liu Wuxie.


    Without hesitation, Liu Wuxie pushed his movement technique to the limit and passed through the gap like a meteor appearing in a valley. This wasn''t the entrance to the cave but the other side of the mountain waist.


    The mountain trembled and partially copsed in an instant, sealing the cave forever. This meant that no one could enter the ce again.


    Liu Wuxie had long kept the Feather Emperor''s corpse in his interspatial pouch, preparing to buy a fine coffin for him after returning to the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    Since the Feather Emperor''s corpse hadn''t decayed over a hundred thousand years, it shouldn''t be a problem even after a few more hundred thousand years.


    After seeing the sun again, Liu Wuxie let out a roar that startled all the profound beasts in the valley, causing them to flee in all directions.


    They weren''t scared away by the earthquake but by Liu Wuxie''s roar. The roar was infused with soul energy, and the profound beasts felt their soul seas were about to explode.


    Using his movement technique, Liu Wuxie swiftly left the valley and headed out of the Scarlet Sun Mountain Range.


    It had been a month since the outer sect''spetition, and the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion had slowed down again. Most disciples had begun to leave after taking on missions.


    Today, several unusual visitors arrived at the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, their nervousness evident in their demeanor and attire.


    "Headmaster, is this really the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion?" Song Ling asked, looking around with curiosity. Unlike the others, Song Ling''s nervousness was less pronounced.


    Fan Zhen looked around but didn''t reply to Song Ling''s question.


    After the Battle of Hundred Nations, the Great Yan Dynasty had risen swiftly, bing a mid-grade nation and reiming all their lost territories.


    When Fan Zhen was still handling the Imperial Academy''s affairs a month ago, Xu Yilin had summoned him to the Xu n.


    Upon entering the Xu n''s main hall, Fan Zhen was met by a young man with his eyes closed, exuding a powerful aura that suggested a disinterest in matters of the mundane world.


    Everyone standing before him didn''t dare to breathe loudly, and Fan Zhen had only felt such pressure from the envoys. But this young man gave off an even more powerful pressure than the ten major sects'' envoys.


    "Patriarch Xu, who is this?" Fan Zhen turned to look at Xu Yilin, and he had no idea why he was suddenly called over.


    "Take a look at this!" Xu Yilin handed a letter to Fan Zhen. The letter wasn''t long, and Fan Zhen finished reading it in less than two breaths with shock and yearning in his eyes.


    "Wuxie sent this?" Fan Zhen''s hands were trembling with shock as he returned the letter to Xu Yilin. It had only been half a year, and Liu Wuxie had already established himself in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. This sudden news naturally shocked everyone.


    "Headmaster, what do you think? He wants the few of us to enter the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion." Xu Yilin kept the letter. Judging from this letter, Liu Wuxie was alone in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion and needed some aid.


    Since he had no friends in the cultivation world, the best method was to pick from those who were by his side.


    "Brother Xu, what will happen to the Xu n if you enter the cultivation world?" Fan Zhen whispered, peeking at the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s envoy.


    It was stated clearly in the letter that Xu Yilin, Yang Zi, Fan Zhen, Song Ling, and Bi Gongyu should be brought to the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. It was easy to tell Liu Wuxie had picked them through careful consideration.


    Fan Zhen was the Imperial Academy''s headmaster. He had management skills and was a valuable talent in management, even in the cultivation world.


    Song Ling was Liu Wuxie''s first friend; he could have a friend in the cultivation world by bringing him over. It would be nice to have someone to talk to.


    Most importantly, Song Ling would unconditionally follow any order, even if it meant death.


    Last but not least, Bi Gongyu had a decent talent in alchemy. He could help Liu Wuxie refine pills in the cultivation world. After all, Liu Wuxie wouldn''t give up on pills when they were the fastest way to enhance his cultivation.


    Liu Wuxie nned to form the first team in the cultivation world with Fan Zhen''s overall perspective, Bi Gongyu''s alchemy skills, and Song Ling''s support.


    "The Xu n is currently undergoing rapid development. I have discussed it with my wife, and we n to give our spots to someone else. We''ll consider going after the Xu n stabilizes." Xu Yilin''s decision won him countless people''s respect.


    After all, entering the cultivation world was a dream to many, not to mention Liu Wuxie had established himself. They only needed to join him and would have no worries in the future.


    "Aren''t you worried that Wuxie will be furious?" Fan Zhen could understand Xu Yilin''s decision because the Xu n would scatter without him.


    In the past six months, the Xu n had expanded rapidly, now boasting thousands of guards and disciples. Disbanding it would create significant challenges for its survival.


    Despite the support from the royal family, Xu Yilin remained uneasy. He had built this n from the ground up and was reluctant to let it go.


    "He will understand!" Xu Yilin smiled bitterly. He was happy that Liu Wuxie had grown up and didn''t care if he could enter the cultivation world.


    The hall fell silent, and everyone had a heavy heart.


    "Who do you n to give these two spots?" Fan Zhen asked.


    Bi Gongyu and Song Ling arrived at this moment, but they were still unaware of what was happening.

 Chapter 421 - Arrived

    <h4>Chapter 421 - Arrived</h4>


    Xu Yilin handed the letter to Bi Gongyu and Song Ling. Bi Gongyu, thrilled by the unexpected development, was delighted that his previous actions of kindness had resulted in such a significant reward.


    He was promoted to a five-star alchemist two months ago and had long be the Treasure Pill Pavilion''s chief alchemist, taking over Master Mao''s position after thetter had retired.


    On the contrary, Song Ling still appeared carefree and indifferent about entering the cultivation world. He was happy because he mainly wanted to see his big brother.


    He had long considered Liu Wuxie to be his big brother. Without Liu Wuxie''s care, he would''ve died long ago in the Imperial Academy. He had missed Liu Wuxie every day for the past six months.


    "This is great! I can see big brother again!" Song Ling roared excitedly, causing everyone to smile wryly. This validated the saying that youth couldn''tprehend the taste of sorrow.


    The cultivation world was challenging to enter, and they would have to start from the bottom. This meant they would have to abandon their current status and climb from the bottom in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    Fan Zhen was the headmaster of the Imperial Academy, Bi Gongyu was the chief alchemist in the Treasure Pill Pavilion, and Xu Yilin was the patriarch of the Xu n. They all held great status in the Great Yan Dynasty, and the Great Yan Dynasty would shake with a mere stomp from them.


    Truthfully, except for Song Ling, everyone felt uncertain about abandoning their current status and entering the cultivation world to pursue immortality.


    "My chosen candidates have arrived." A man and woman walked into the hall. The man was older, while the woman looked young, about eighteen or neen. They crossed the threshold to the hall after Xu Yilin finished speaking.


    "I pay my respect to the patriarch!"


    "I pay my respect to Uncle Xu!" The man was Lan Yu, one of Liu Wuxie''s disciples and formally the Xu n''s deacon. His current status in the Xu n was only second to Yu Xilin, and he was highly loyal to the Xu n.


    "Third Princess, there''s no need for formalities!" Lan Yu, being one of their own, stepped aside after the greeting. However, Xu Yilin, mindful of the royal family''s status, maintained his politeness towards the Third Princess.


    "Uncle Xu, why have you called for me?" The third princess didn''t look well because her cultivation had stagnated over the past six months.


    "I called you two over to discuss something!" Fan Zhen and Bi Gongyu already knew, but the third princess and Lan Yu did not know what was happening. The two looked at Xu Yilin and waited for him to continue.


    "Uncle Xu, there''s no need for such formality. I''m the junior here, and you can tell me if you have anything." Chen Ruoyan had changed. She was no longer the lively third princess from the past but someone with heavy thoughts.


    Others didn''t know, but Xu Yilin knew the third princess had someone in her heart. That person had left the Great Yan Dynasty and caused the third princess to be like this.


    Logically, Liu Wuxie and Xu Lingxue were married, and Xu Yilin didn''t want anyone to interfere in their marriage as a father.


    Some time ago, the Emperor had sought him out to inform him that the Third Princess''s health had deteriorated significantly. If her condition continued to decline due to depression, she was expected to pass away within three years.


    Xu Yilin didn''t feel good hearing this. In the Great Yan Dynasty, it wasn''t a secret that the third princess loved Liu Wuxie.


    Allowing the third princess to enter cultivation would facilitate her rtionship with Liu Wuxie, which would naturally make Xu Lingxue''s position difficult.


    This was Xu Yilin''s most significant dilemma, but he believed Liu Wuxie could handle their rtionship well. In the True Martial Continent, polygamy wasn''t unusual for a powerful individual.


    Xu Yilin was quite open-minded about it. Many people have also suggested that he take a concubine to continue the Xu n''s lineage.


    Xu Lingxue had entered the cultivation world, and the Great Yan Dynasty''s Xu n needed a sessor. He had already started nning for a child.


    He was only in his forties and considered young in the cultivation world.


    "Wuxie sent a letter stating he had five spots in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. I n to let you and Lan Yu enter the cultivation world to help him," Xu Yilin said.


    Tears began rolling down Chen Ruoyan''s cheeks. Lan Yu staggered and nearly fell to the ground because it had been long since he had heard the news about Liu Wuxie.


    "Patriarch, this won''t do. Who will manage the n''s affairs once I leave?" Lan Yu might have missed Liu Wuxie, but he still refused.


    "I have already decided!" Xu Yilin interrupted with a wave of his hand.


    "Uncle Xu, are you really willing to let me take one of the spots?" Chen Ruoyan asked softly, almost in disbelief. Her voice was barely more than a whisper, as she knew she wasn''t originally among the five selected.


    The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s envoy opened his eyes and was surprised to see a beauty like Chen Ruoyan.


    "Are you worried Wuxie will be angry?" Xu Yilin knew what Chen Ruoyan was worried about. She had fallen hard for him, but Liu Wuxie was indifferent towards her.


    Chen Ruoyan didn''t respond, which was a tacit acknowledgment because Liu Wuxie would surely be unhappy if she went unannounced when she wasn''t on the initial list.


    "Third princess, don''t worry about it. My big brother isn''t such a petty person." Song Ling came over tofort her.


    "Headmaster Fan and Master Bi, I need your opinions now. If you agree, you¡¯ll depart in two days¡ªplease ensure that the envoy isn¡¯t kept waiting too long," Xu Yilin said, making his final decision. As for the third princess and Liu Wuxie, he left that to them to resolve on their own.


    Chen Ruoyan''s perspective might change once she entered the cultivation world and saw more of it; with her beauty, she would certainly attract many suitors.


    Xu Yilin believed that Liu Wuxie would handle their rtionship without hurting Xu Lingxue.


    Liu Wuxie had personally selected Fan Zhen and Bi Gongyu, and Xu Yilin had no authority to intervene. But if they decided not to go, they would have to prepare a response for the envoy and convey the message to Liu Wuxie in due course.


    "Patriarch Xu, let me consider for a day. I''ll give you my response tomorrow!" Fan Zhen needed time to think and discuss it with the Imperial Academy''s higher-ups. After all, who would take over the headmaster''s position after he left?


    "Okay, I won''t see you out then!" There were still guests in the Xu n, and Xu Yilin didn''t personally send Fan Zhen off.


    "Patriarch Xu, I have decided to go. I still have some matters to settle in the Treasure Pill Pavilion, and I''ll try to finish it within two days." Bi Gongyu agreed without any hesitation.


    He would follow Liu Wuxie unconditionally because he would¡¯ve still been a minor pavilion master in the Azure Billow City if not for Liu Wuxie. Without Liu Wuxie''s participation in thepetition, he might''ve even been demoted to an ordinary alchemist.


    Everything he had today was thanks to Liu Wuxie, and he would agree without hesitation now that Liu Wuxie needed him.


    "Okay. We''ll meet again in two days." After sending Bi Gongyu off, Lan Yu and Chen Ruoyan were the only ones left in the hall.


    "Patriarch, please consider sending someone else. I''m not young anymore, and it''s inappropriate for me to go." Lan Yu hoped Xu Yilin would reconsider. He was over thirty and had rtively low cultivation, which meant he might be a burden to Liu Wuxie in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    "Cut the bullshit and hand over your duty to someone else. Come back in two days. I''ll look after your family." Yu Xilin waved his hand to dismiss Lan Yu.


    "Yes, patriarch!" Lan Yu could only bow and leave. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for him, and he was grateful.


    If he could gain some achievements in cultivation, he would be able to bring his family into cultivation world.


    Xu Yilin turned to look at Chen Ruoyan, waiting for her reply.


    "Thank you, Uncle Xu. I promise I won''t spoil Wuxie''s rtionship with little sister. I¡¯m just grateful to see him once a year and won¡¯t ask for anything more," Chen Ruoyan said earnestly, expressing her deep gratitude.


    She recognized the immense trust Xu Yilin had shown by allowing her into the cultivation world and vowed to respect the boundaries set.


    "Go back and pack then. You will all be leaving in two days!" Xu Yilin waved his hand. He had considered it long and hard before making this decision.


    Though he could have prevented Chen Ruoyan from approaching Liu Wuxie, he didn¡¯t want to see the third princess sumb to depression. If she hadn¡¯t supported Liu Wuxie back then, he might have perished at Qin Li¡¯s hands. Xu Yilin saw this as a way to repay that debt of gratitude.


    Some things had to be faced, and Liu Wuxie''s dao heart would be scarred if he knew the third princess died of depression because of him. Rather than waiting that way, it was better to resolve this issue now.


    Chen Ruoyan didn''t know how she left the Xu n; when she returned to the pce, she was still in a daze.


    ......


    Looking at the towering gate and bustling disciples, Song Ling returned to his carefree self and looked around curiously.


    Fan Zhen''s thoughts had returned to reality from a month ago. His eyes shone with hope and desire because who didn''t want to be strong? Fan Zhen wasn''t young and had never settled down because he hoped he could enter the cultivation world one day without ties.


    That day had finally arrived after seventy years of waiting. He was the oldest among the five.


    Upon entering the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, the envoy who had escorted them only interacted with Chen Ruoyan, ignoring the others. He seemed to view them as unlikely to survive long in the cultivation world.


    Leading the five through the martial field, the envoy guided them into the Mission Hall to receive their resources as outer disciples and to be assigned their courtyards.


    Since they had taken the slots from the Heavenly Trigram Peak, they would naturally be disciples of the Heavenly Trigram Peak.


    After the envoy left, a white-d disciple arrived about fifteen minutester.


    "Who just arrived from the mundane world with five slots for the Heavenly Trigram Peak? Step forward ande with me!" The white-d youth had received the order to prepare amodations for five new disciples.


    "It''s the five of us!" Bi Gongyu said politely. They had just arrived and knew the need to keep a low profile. They also knew not to provoke any trouble.


    "Alright,e with me!" The youth frowned, which made Fan Zhen and others frown. Logically speaking, an outer disciple should be respectful or try to get on their good side with how Liu Wuxie had be an inner disciple. But what was with his vile attitude?

 Chapter 422 - Die!

    <h4>Chapter 422 - Die!</h4>


    The five paid no attention and nned to contact Liu Wuxie once they settled.


    "Did those five get your spots from thepetition?" Many people in the surroundings didn''t know Fan Zhen''s group''s identity. When they learned they were from the mundane world, they soon recalled the five spots Liu Wuxie had won in the outer sect''spetition.


    Coincidentally, there were five of them, and they all had low cultivation. Aside from Fan Zhen, who was in the True Core Realm, the others were trash, not to mention Chen Ruoyan, who was still in the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    "Who else, if not for them?" The disciple receiving Fan Zhen''s group shrugged, admitting these five were from the mundane world.


    Liu Wuxie being the champion for the outer sect''spetition had earned five spots into the Heavenly Trigram Peak.


    "Little beauty, you must be tired from the long journey, right? I have a soft bed to let you rx." a disciple with a rat-like appearance approached Chen Ruoyan, making unwanted advances.


    Chen Ruoyan came from the mundane world, but her beauty was outstanding even in the cultivation world and was not inferior to Xu Lingxue.


    "Little beauty, don''t listen to that rat bastard. His is a rat''s den. I have a vacant room in my courtyard, so why don''t youe over?" Another disciple stepped forward and wanted to forcefully take Chen Ruoyan away, ignoring Fan Zhen and others.


    "You dare?! We''re Liu Wuxie''s friends. Big Brother Liu won''t let you off if you dare touch us!" Chen Ruoyan was infuriated and took a step back. Fan Zhen, Bi Gongyu, and Lan Yu stepped forward to protect her, guarding her between them.


    "Hahaha!" A burst ofughter came from the surroundings, making Fan Zhen''s group frown. They couldn''t figure out why these peopleughed upon hearing that they were Liu Wuxie''s friends, and a foreboding rose in their hearts.


    "Because you guys are Liu Wuxie''s friends, we dare treat you like that. Since we can''t kill him, we can kill his friends and snatch his woman!" The rat-looking discipleughed sinisterly. He was a Terrain Summit Peak''s disciple. Liu Wuxie had killed a few of his senior brothers, and he had missed his chance to take revenge.


    No one came forward to stop this, and even those who passed by could only offer sympathetic looks.


    "Aren''t you all afraid Big Brother Liu wille and settle the scores with you?" Chen Ruoyan''s face turned cold. These people didn''t have high cultivation, so Liu Wuxie could easily kill them.


    "Little beauty, you still don''t know, do you? Your beloved Big Brother Liu died in the Scarlet Sun Mountain Range twenty days ago, and he will never being back." The rat-looking disciple let out a series of sinisterughter.


    Upon hearing this news, the five felt like they were struck by lightning and stood in a daze.


    Tears started pouring out of Chen Ruoyan''s eyes. She had waited six months and finally entered the cultivation world, only to receive this oue.


    "That''s impossible! My big brother can''t die. You must be lying to us!" Song Ling stepped forward with his chubby body like a tower. He didn''t believe Liu Wuxie would die.


    "Fatty, what benefit do I get from lying to you? You can ask others if Liu Wuxie has died on the Scarlet Sun Mountain Range." The rat-looking disciple sneered in contempt and ignored Song Ling, directing his attention to Chen Ruoyan. He was deeply captivated by her beauty.


    More people gathered in the surroundings. The white-d youth leading the group of five wasn''t in a hurry to leave anymore.


    In most cases, the five wouldn''t be killed, but it was unavoidable for them to suffer humiliation.


    At the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s gate, Liu Wuxie dismounted the Heretic de and walked up the mountain. He ran into descending disciples, and they looked as if they had seen a ghost when they saw him.


    "S...Senior Brother Liu, y-you''re not dead?" A few outer disciples were terrified when they saw Liu Wuxie.


    "I''m dead?" Liu Wuxie was puzzled and pointed at himself. But recalling how he had stayed in the dungeon for twenty days, it was customary for others to think he was dead.


    The odds of survival in such a situation were extremely slim. Shao Wenliang and his group had destroyed the stone bridge, preventing any chance of escape after failing to acquire the stctite essence. Given these circumstances, it was only natural for people to assume he was dead.


    "Someone said you died in a cave in the Scarlet Sun Mountain Range. What happened?" Several outer disciples chattered and recounted the events from half a month ago.


    Liu Wuxie sneered because Shao Wenliang and others would face his revenge sooner orter. He briefly exined that he had fallen into the abyss and that an earthquake had allowed him to escape.


    The outer disciples all felt Liu Wuxie was too lucky to survive.


    "Senior Brother Liu, the five people you picked arrived not long ago, and they should be in the Mission Hall. You should go quickly." A few had just left the Mission Hall and were about to leave.


    "Thank you!" Liu Wuxie said and vanished.


    Looking at Liu Wuxie''s silhouette, the outer disciples smiled bitterly. They had joined the sect before Liu Wuxie, but thetter had be an inner disciple while they were still struggling as outer disciples.


    More people gathered around the Mission Hall, intrigued by the new cultivators from the mundane world. Liu Wuxie''s rise had sparked a curiosity among the disciples born in the cultivation world about life beyond their realm.


    Chen Ruoyan, in particr, drew a lot of attention. While the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion boasted many beauties, including Jian Xing''er, Chen Ruoyan''s allure was distinct. Her beauty had a mncholic quality, entuated by the weight she had lost over the past six months, which lent her a more innocent and ethereal appearance.


    Her curved willow brows, cherry lips, and wless skin made her look like a fairy. The surrounding disciples'' attention was all attracted to Chen Ruoyan and were deeply captivated by her beauty.


    "Zhang Shu, get lost. A scoundrel like you cannot defile such a beauty!" The news of an extraordinary beauty arriving in the Mission Hall attracted the attention of even the inner disciples, especially upon hearing they were friends of Liu Wuxie from the mundane world.


    Had Liu Wuxie been there, he would have immediately recognized the speaker. Lin Mingxu was from the same batch that joined the sect with him.


    After the outer sectpetition, Lin Mingxu and Gongsun Zhen had both advanced to the Heavenly Dipper Realm and be inner disciples. With Liu Wuxie rumored to be dead, they finally had the chance to release their pent-up frustration.


    While Lin Mingxu and Gongsun Zhen took satisfaction in the situation, many inner disciples who had gathered nearby remained indifferent. Not everyone took pleasure in tormenting the weak.


    Fan Zhen and others were anxious and lost upon hearing the news of Liu Wuxie''s death. The cultivation world wasn''t as harmonious as they had imagined.


    The rat-looking disciple was displeased, but he could do nothing because he was an outer disciple, while Lin Mingxu had be an inner disciple. Their status was drastically different.


    "I won''t make things difficult for you people. She wille with me, and you can all leave!" Lin Mingxu pointed at Chen Ruoyan. Fan Zhen and the other four could leave because they were not young, except for Song Lin.


    Even if they had joined to the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, they could never be inner disciples, and their cultivation would soon make them cannon fodders.


    "Don''t even think of touching the third princess!" Song Ling stood before Chen Ruoyan, blocking Lin Mingxu with his chubby body. He knew the third princess was in love with Liu Wuxie, and he was determined to protect her even if it could cost him his life.


    Everyone presumed Liu Wuxie was dead, but Song Ling didn''t believe it.


    "A princess from the mundane world? This is more interesting! It looks like I can go to the mundane world and be an Emperor if things don''t work out in the cultivation world!" Lin Mingxuughed.


    If they went to the mundane world, they could easily control a nation with their cultivation. But there were rules forbidding anyone from entering the mundane world without reaching the Heavenly Phase Realm.


    Even if they could enter, they couldn''t interfere with the mundane world, and the ten major sects would hunt anyone who vited it.


    No one had dared to take the risk throughout the years, and they would suppress their cultivation in the True Core Realm even if they entered the mundane world.


    "Just wait, Big Brother Liu will return and deal with you people!" Song Ling pointed at those who mocked him, engraving their faces in his memory.


    "Hahaha!" Song Ling''s words caused even moreughter to fill the Mission Hall.


    "Brat, stop dreaming! Your Big Brother Liu is dead!" Gongsun Zhenughed because Shao Wenliang and others wouldn''t lie to them.


    So many people had witnessed Liu Wuxie''s fall, and the stone bridge was also destroyed. Even an immortal couldn''t survive in that situation.


    "Hmph, my big brother won''t die so easily. Just wait and see!" Song Ling naturally wouldn''t believe what they said. Liu Wuxie was a deity in his eyes, and he wouldn''t believe Liu Wuxie was dead unless he witnessed it.


    There was no proof or corpse; this was just everyone''s spection. No one could prove Liu Wuxie had died, and Liu Wuxie might still be in the Scarlet Sun Mountain Range.


    "Brat, I''ll teach you a lesson today and see if your Big Brother Liu wille and save you!" Gongsun Zhen''s eyes shone with murderous intent. He took a step forward and unleashed his Heavenly Dipper Realm aura, making Fan Zhen and others unable to lift their heads. A drastic difference in their strength couldn''t be bridged with age.


    "Young friend, I apologize if we have offended you in any way." Fan Zhen took a step forward and cupped his fists at Gongsun Zhen.


    "Hmph, since you all are Liu Wuxie''s friends, don''t even dream of leaving this ce today!" Gongsun Zhen''s murderous intent surged. Even if he didn''t kill these people, he was determined to humiliate them to take revenge against Liu Wuxie.


    Since he wasn''t Liu Wuxie''s match, he could target Liu Wuxie''s friends. A giant palm came crashing down with invincible momentum.


    Song Ling quickly took out array gs from his interspatial pouch, but the difference in their strength was too significant. He wasn''t even in the pinnacle of the Spirit Cleansing Realm, not to mention the Marrow Cleansing Realm. So, how could he defend against a Heavenly Dipper Realm expert?


    The array gs Song Ling set up exploded, unable to withstand the overwhelming aura from an expert in the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    "You can die now!" Gongsun Zhenughed sinisterly and reached out for Song Ling''s neck. They were inner disciples now, and the sect wouldn''t punish him even if he killed Song Ling.


    Just as Gongsun Zhen''s palm was about to strike, many people averted their gaze, unable to watch the scene unfold. It would damage Gongsun Zhen''s reputation for someone of the Heavenly Dipper Realm to attack a cultivator in the Spirit Cleansing Realm.


    But just as Gongsun Zhen''s hand was nearing Song Ling''s neck, a cold ray shot out from outside the Mission Hall.

 Chapter 423 - Death Sentence

    <h4>Chapter 423 - Death Sentence</h4>


    No one came out to stop Gongsun Zhen from reaching for Song Ling. Fan Zhen had the highest cultivation among the five, but even he couldn¡¯t move in this situation, not to mention Bi Gongyu or Lan Yu.


    Veins bulged on everyone''s foreheads as they faced the prospect of a casualty before they had even established themselves. Fan Zhen clenched his fists in frustration.


    The events unfolding in the Mission Hall served as a harsh lesson, one that would deeply impact their future cultivation.


    From this day forward, they would remember Gongsun Zhen and Lin Mingxu with a mix of resentment and resolve. The humiliation they endured only strengthened their determination to be powerful.


    Only through facing life-and-death crises could they truly grasp the significance of strength. Dignity was forged through power, and without it, one remained vulnerable and at the mercy of others.


    Just when the palm was a few inches away from Song Ling¡¯s neck, a terrifying cold ray shot from outside the Mission Hall, severing Gongsun Zhen¡¯s palm.


    ¡°ARGH!¡± Gongsun Zhen screamed in pain with blood gushing out from the stump of his wrist and dyed Song Ling¡¯s clothes red.


    The Mission Hall fell into chaos, and they wondered who had the audacity to act.


    Aside from thest time Liu Wuxie had crippled Wang Tie and others, there wasn¡¯t anyone who dared to cause trouble in the Mission Hall.


    ¡°Who is it? Come out!¡± Lin Mingxu looked around with the longsword, wanting to see who had severed Gongsun Zhen¡¯s hand.


    A palpable aura of murderous intent swept through the Mission Hall, and it became clear that the attack had originated from outside.


    Hundreds of eyes, including those of Fan Zhen and his group, turned toward the entrance, eager to identify their savior.


    A figure donned in a green robe stepped into the Mission Hall.


    ¡°A ghost!¡± the nearby disciples screamed in fear when they saw the green figure.


    An unseen handshed out at the screaming disciple, hurling him through the air and into the distant underbrush, where his fate remained uncertain.


    ¡°I-It¡¯s Liu Wuxie! He¡¯s not dead!¡± When everyone saw Liu Wuxie, they all had fear on their faces, especially those who had mocked him earlier.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s notorious reputation had long spread throughout the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. He was known for being decisive in killing and wouldn¡¯t show mercy to fellow disciples who had a feud with him.


    The crowd panicked, and some even tried to leave the Mission Hall quietly.


    ¡°Anyone who tries to leave will be killed without mercy!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s voice enveloped the entire hall, making everyone freeze in ce.


    After practicing the Soul Forge Art, Liu Wuxie¡¯s soul energy had reached an unimaginable height.


    Everyone could only stop, with a few so terrified that they wet their pants with a foul stench filling the Mission Hall.


    Fan Zhen and others naturally saw this scene. The five exchanged a look with joy and a hint of shock. They were happy that Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t dead and were in shock because Liu Wuxie¡¯s status in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion intimidated so many people.


    Any one of them here could easily crush the five of them, but they were like chicks before Liu Wuxie.


    The crowd parted instinctively, making way for Liu Wuxie to move to the center of the Mission Hall. The deacons hastily closed their counters, clearly unwilling to get involved in the unfolding drama.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes scanned the room,nding on Fan Zhen and hispanions, but he frowned when he noticed that his father-inw and mother-inw were missing.


    ¡°Big brother, I knew you weren¡¯t dead!¡± Song Ling came forward to hug Liu Wuxie, but his chubby figure nearly suffocated him. It had been six months since they hadst met, and Song Ling had gained even more weight.


    Upon seeing Liu Wuxie, tears began to roll down Chen Ruoyan¡¯s cheeks.


    ¡°Wuxie, your father-inw told me to give this to you!¡± Fan Zhen stepped forward with a letter from his bosom and handed it to Liu Wuxie.


    Taking out the letter, Liu Wuxe tore off the wax seal.


    It was his father-inw¡¯s handwriting, which he read line by line: ¡°<i>Liu Wuxie, I know you meant well for us, but there are many matters that we have to handle, and we can¡¯t leave now. We¡¯ll go again in the future if there¡¯s an opportunity. </i>


    <i>I chose the third princess and Lan Yu. Some things must be faced, and I¡¯ve watched the third princess grow thinner by the day, and it pains me. You¡¯ve grown up, and I believe you can handle the rtionship well. </i>


    <i>Lan Yu has strong management skills, not to mention he¡¯s your disciple. Using him will be much more convenient, and I¡¯m d you¡¯re doing well in the cultivation world...¡±</i>


    The letter was three pages long, detailing recent developments in both the Xu n and the Great Yan Dynasty.


    Liu Wuxie carefully folded the letter and ced it in his bosom, resolved to honor Xu Yilin¡¯s wishes, as he was his father-inw.


    ¡°It has been tough on you guys!¡± Liu Wuxie bowed to Fan Zhen. Although he hadn¡¯t witnessed what had happened earlier, he could guess from everyone¡¯s expressions.


    ¡°Wuxie, you don¡¯t have to be so polite!¡± Fan Zhen patted Liu Wuxie¡¯s shoulder. Recalling Liu Wuxie as a former student of the Imperial Academy, a sense of pride surged in his heart.


    ¡°Disciple pays his respect to master!¡± Lan Yu went down on his knees and gave Liu Wuxie three kowtows, leaving everyone puzzled. They didn¡¯t expect Liu Wuxie to have taken in a disciple in the mundane world.


    ¡°Rise!¡±


    Lan Yu quickly stood up in excitement.


    ¡°Step aside and leave the rest to me.¡± Liu Wuxie gave them a reassuring look.


    Fan Zhen and Bi Gongyu exchanged a look, and they said, ¡°Wuxie, why don¡¯t we let it go since we didn¡¯t suffer any losses?¡±


    Bi Gongyu didn¡¯t want to escte the situation, not to mention it wasn¡¯t worth it to offend so many people for their sake.


    ¡°Let it go?¡± Liu Wuxie revealed a sinister smile, which sent a shiver down their spine. The temperature in the Mission Hall also dropped under his smile.


    ¡°I know you all mean well and don¡¯t want me to make too many enemies. But they dared to humiliate my friends today, and it won¡¯t calm my anger without teaching them a lesson.¡± Liu Wuxie unleashed a powerful aura that swept throughout the Mission Hall.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, I didn¡¯t mock or target your friends. Can I leave?¡± Many of the hundreds of people present hadn¡¯t caused trouble earlier and hoped Liu Wuxie could distinguish right from wrong.


    ¡°That¡¯s not up to you guys, but my brother!¡± Liu Wuxie grabbed Song Ling by the shoulder and pushed him forward. He continued, ¡°Point out who humiliated, threatened, and wanted to kill you guys.¡±


    Liu Wuxie wanted Song Ling to point out the targets for him because Song Ling had likely remembered their faces.


    ¡°Big brother, do I have to point them out?¡± He wasn¡¯t as bright as Liu Wuxie but wasn¡¯t stupid either. He knew the consequences would be unimaginable if he pointed them out because he would offend so many people simultaneously.


    ¡°Point them out for me!¡± Liu Wuxie ordered.


    ¡°Him, him, him...¡± Song Ling began to point, and those he pointed shivered in fear. He pointed out forty to fifty people before Fan Zhen kicked him to make him stop.


    Many had mocked them earlier, but the ones pointed out were the worst, especially Lin Mingxu, Gongsun Zhen, and Zhang Shu.


    ¡°Those who were pointed out cripple your cultivation. Don¡¯t make me do it for you.¡± Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t start a massacre and only wanted to cripple their cultivation. If they lost their cultivation, they would be no different from garbage and die in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion in a matter of time.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, you¡¯re despicable!¡± Lin Mingxu stepped forward and pointed at Liu Wuxie. He knew he wasn¡¯t Liu Wuxie¡¯s match.


    ¡°Get lost!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s kick sent Lin Mingxu crashing to the ground, his dantian shattered, and his body sprawled out like a lifeless ragdoll. There was no need for words when his fists could handle the matter effectively.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, please don¡¯t cripple our cultivation. We were wrong for mocking them!¡± Fifty-odd people went down on their knees to beg Liu Wuxie for forgiveness.


    Fan Zhen and others had disbelief in their eyes. They didn¡¯t expect Liu Wuxie to have such a high status in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion that even the inner disciples went down on their knees.


    There was no pity or sympathy as Liu Wuxie swept his icy gaze at them.


    ¡°You all have three breaths. Don¡¯t make me do it!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s words were like a death sentence to them. He would have otherwise only punished the leaders lightly, but his experiences in the cave had taught him that weakness only invites exploitation.


    The threats from Shao Wenliang, the cunning of Geng Mochou, the cruelty of Yuchi Xiang, and the brutality of Du Sheng¡ªall of their foul deeds reyed in Liu Wuxie''s mind.


    The anger he had suppressed for over twenty days erupted like a volcano.


    ¡°What arrogance!¡± A voice cut through the tension as a figure d in brown entered the Mission Hall. His powerful aura, emanating from the seventh level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm, immediately neutralized Liu Wuxie¡¯s aura, lifting the weight off those on their knees.


    Looking at the neer, a cold smirk rose on Liu Wuxie¡¯s lips.


    ¡°It¡¯s Senior Brother Hou Ye. We¡¯re saved!¡± The brown-d figure was Hou Ye, a disciple of the Hou n and Hou Lie¡¯s elder cousin.


    ¡°You intend to interfere?¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s gaze sharpened as he locked eyes with Hou Ye. He had no qualms about killing him if he dared to meddle. The Hou n¡¯s animosity towards him was well known, and this was a matter of life and death.


    ¡°I just can¡¯t stand your arrogance. They¡¯re merely some low-level disciples, and they¡¯re beneath you. Why make trouble for them?¡± Hou Ye pointed at those on the ground mockingly, implying that Liu Wuxie was bullying the weak.


    ¡°Beneath me?¡± A hint of contempt shed in Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes. He continued, ¡°Did they think my friends were beneath them when they bullied them?¡±


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s words left everyone speechless. If Liu Wuxie was bullying the weak, then what had they been doing when they had tormented Fan Zhen¡¯s group?


    ¡°They have already admitted their mistake, and you¡¯re unwilling to let it go. Do you think you can challenge everyone?¡± Hou Ye¡¯s intention was simple: to win over people¡¯s hearts.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s enemies were naturally the Hou n¡¯s friends. It was that simple and direct.


    ¡°If admitting mistakes was enough, why do we needws? I don¡¯t care who you are, and you will have to bear my rage if you dare stop me.¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s words drew agreement from many onlookers because the world would be in chaos if apologizing was enough for killing someone.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, do you think I¡¯m afraid of you? I¡¯ll take the opportunity today to teach you a lesson. I heard you obtained arge amount of stctite essence. It¡¯s mine now!¡±

 Chapter 424 - Soul Spear

    <h4>Chapter 424 - Soul Spear</h4>


    Hou Ye finally clearly stated his true objective. Everyone finally recalled Liu Wuxie had obtained arge amount of stctite essence, which was why Shao Wenliang and others had chased him, causing him to fall into the abyss.


    "So, this is your real goal?" Liu Wuxie smirked. It was no surprise that Hou Ye hade rushing in right after Liu Wuxie''s return from the Scarlet Sun Mountain Range. Clearly, Hou Ye aimed to kill him and seize the stctite essence before anyone else could intervene.


    With Hou n''s influence, they could easily safeguard the stolen stctite essence from Liu Wuxie.


    The mere thought of the ten-thousand-year-old essence stirred greed among the onlookers. They spected that Liu Wuxie must still possess a significant amount, though they dared not challenge him, knowing their own limitations.


    Hou Ye was in the seventh level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm and thus qualified to snatch it from Liu Wuxie.


    Only a few people knew that Liu Wuxie had reached the fourth-level Heavenly Dipper Realm. Shao Wenliang and others hadn''t mentioned Liu Wuxie''s cultivation when they had returned.


    What happened there was a humiliation for them because Liu Wuxie could escape with so many experts around. Since Liu Wuxie was presumed dead, no one would pay attention to his cultivation.


    Moreover, Liu Wuxie had purposely concealed his cultivation in the Heavenly Dipper Realm''s third level before returning. No wonder Hou Ye dared to be arrogant; he was in the seventh level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm, and dealing with someone at the low level was easy for him.


    Hou Ye didn''t dare to dy further and had to snatch the stctite essence from Liu Wuxie before more people arrived.


    "Liu Wuxie, the ten-thousand-year-old stctite essence isn''t something you can have. Hand it over immediately!" Hou Ye finally tore apart his pretense with a sinister smile hanging on his lips.


    "Senior Brother Hou, kill him!" Zhang Shu instigated because they finally didn''t have to be crippled.


    "Senior Brother Hou, that woman is a beauty, and she''s yours as long as you kill Liu Wuxie!" Lin Mingxu got up with a sinister expression, wishing he could snap Liu Wuxie''s neck.


    "You two will die!" Liu Wuxie''s eyes fixated on them. It was no longer just about crippling their cultivation; he intended to end their lives. As he spoke, he reached out his palm towards them.


    "Liu Wuxie, do you dare kill in my presence?" Hou Ye moved swiftly, reaching towards Liu Wuxie. When he unleashed his aura, the surrounding disciples with low cultivation were flung away.


    "Fine, I''ll kill you as well!" Liu Wuxie''s voice was filled with boundless murderous intent, enveloping the entire Mission Hall.


    He advanced instead of retreating, seizing the opportunity to test the Soul Forge Art.


    "Soul Spear!" An invisible spear shot out, unseen by others but Liu Wuxie, looking like it didn''t exist in this world.


    When the spear shot out, Hou Ye screamed before copsing to the ground with white foaming from his mouth.


    Everyone panicked and was clueless about what had happened. They had only heard a roar from Liu Wuxie, and then an expert in the seventh-level Heavenly Dipper Realm had fallen to the ground. Did Liu Wuxie use some evil technique?


    This was Liu Wuxie''s first time performing Soul Spear technique, and he hadn''t mastered it entirely. To ensure Hou Ye''s death, he brought his palm down with tremendous force, shattering Hou Ye''s body.


    The hall was filled with heavy breathing as everyone struggled to ept that Liu Wuxie had killed someone in the seventh-level Heavenly Dipper Realm with a single strike.


    Lin Mingxu trembled in fear. He had hoped Hou Ye would avenge him, but now Hou Yey dead from one blow.


    After killing Hou Ye, Liu Wuxie turned to look at Lin Mingxu.


    "Die!" Liu Wuxie shot an icy ray that turned Lin Mingxu''s body into an ice sculpture.


    The disciples who had stood up, quickly went down on their knees again. Zhang Shu was trembling in fear, desperately wishing he could find a hole to hide in and escape from the Mission Hall.


    "Do you all want me to make a move personally?" Liu Wuxie''s voice grew colder as he scanned through the fifty-odd people. It was his biggest concession not to take their lives.


    Many people gathered outside the Mission Hall, including inner disciples. But no one dared to take a step forward because the scene of Liu Wuxie killing Hou Ye with one strike was too terrifying. They knew no one could put up a fight against Liu Wuxie unless it were someone in the pinnacle Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    "Senior Brother Liu, we were wrong. Please spare us!" The fifty-odd people began to kowtow on the ground, and some even began to bleed from their foreheads.


    Liu Wuxie tapped out his finger, first crippling Gongsun Zhen''s cultivation before moving on to Zhang Shu. As the Frost Finger struck, cries of pain echoed.


    "Liu Wuxie, that''s enough!" A dignified voice came from outside as Elder Tian Xing stepped in. Someone had gone to inform Elder Tian Xing, who arrived in time, or fifty-odd people would have their cultivation crippled.


    The fifteen people who lost their cultivation looked at Liu Wuxie viciously, wishing they could tear him apart.


    Liu Wuxie could only stop when Elder Tian Xing arrived. He had pretty much vented his anger after killing Hou Ye and Lin Mingxu, not to mention he had crippled more than ten people.


    Looking at the crippled disciples and Hou Ye''s shattered corpse, Elder Tian Xing''s eyes twitched. He wanted to reprimand Liu Wuxie because there was no need for a killing spree, even if they were the ones who had provoked him.


    "Elder Tian Xing, please uphold justice for us! He''s a monster!" Zhang Shu and others went before Elder Tian Xing. They had lost their cultivation and couldn''t stay in the sect as misceneous disciples.


    "You people brought it on yourselves!" Elder Tian Xing kicked Zhang Shu aside furiously. There wouldn''t have been so much trouble if they hadn''t provoked Liu Wuxie.


    Seeing that even Elder Tian Xing wasn''t standing on their side, those who were crippled no longer dared to speak and continued toy on the ground.


    "Can you show some leniency and let them go? Let''s end this matter here today," Elder Tian Xing said, not even ncing at those kneeling on the ground as he approached Liu Wuxie, hoping for his cooperation.


    "Get lost!" Liu Wuxie waved his hand, and all the disciples kneeling on the ground felt relieved. They quickly scrambled out of the Mission Hall without looking back.


    In the blink of an eye, the Mission Hall was empty, only leaving behind Liu Wuxie''s group with Elder Tian Xing.


    The closed counters reopened, and the deacons peeked out. Even Zhang Shu and ten-odd others had fled because losing their cultivation didn''t affect their walking ability.


    "What exactly happened, and why did everyone say you died in the Scarlet Sun Mountain Range?" Elder Tian Xing asked in a concerned tone.


    Ordinary disciples'' lives couldn''t bepared to Liu Wuxie''s. The outer sect''spetition was to weed out the weak. Liu Wuxie was outstanding, while others were trash, and Elder Tian Xing would naturally favor him.


    This was natural because, like how teachers preferred excellent students and bosses were fond of outstanding employees, the sects naturally favored exceptional disciples.


    "You should ask Shao Wenliang about that!" Liu Wuxie replied irritably. He was filled with anger just thinking about the events in the Scarlet Sun Mountain Range.


    "Let''s go. This isn''t the ce to talk." Elder Tian Xing led everyone back to Liu Wuxie''s courtyard.


    "Elder Tian Xing, these are my friends and family. I heard each inner disciple can pick a few followers. Can I apply to have them reside in the inner sect?" Liu Wuxie asked upon returning to his courtyard.


    The outer sect was too dangerous for Fan Zhen and others. If anyone with ill intent tried to kill them, Liu Wuxie wouldn''t have time to save them.


    With the stctite essence in his position, someone might try to capture and use them to threaten him.


    Each inner disciple could have a few followers, and those followers were mainly chosen from misceneous disciples, with a maximum of three. The followers mostly handled chores and personal matters for inner disciples, and the inner disciple would pay them stipend.


    "You must think this over. If they stayed in the outer sect, they would enjoy the treatment of an outer disciple. But if they be your follower, they won''t receive any treatment from the sect and could only be treated as misceneous disciples."


    Increasing two spots was fine, but Elder Tian Xing was worried about their identity. It was challenging to secure five spots, and they might be unable to ept bing misceneous disciples.


    "What do you all think? Do you want to start from an outer disciple or stay with me?" Liu Wuxie turned to look at the five, seeking their opinion.


    "I''ll stay behind and serve you," Lan Yu was the first to express his intention, not caring about bing an outer disciple.


    "I also want to stay with Big Brother!" Song Ling was the second to express his opinion.


    "Me too!" Bi Gongyu stated.


    Only Fan Zhen and Chen Ruoyan were left, and their rtionship with Liu Wuxie differed. Fan Zhen was the headmaster of the Imperial Academy, so it might be hard for him to ept bing Liu Wuxie''s follower.


    Chen Ruoyan, on the other hand, was the third princess of the Great Yan Dynasty, and she couldn''t lower her status.


    "I''ll start from being an outer disciple!" Chen Ruoyan bit her lip and made a tough decision. She wanted to rely on her effort to stand firmly in the cultivation world.


    Liu Wuxie had anticipated this from her, but he didn''t stop her. Instead, he turned to look at Fan Zhen, waiting for his decision.


    "I''m too old to achieve anything much in the outer sect. I''ll stay behind." Fan Zhen smiled bitterly and chose to be Liu Wuxie''s follower.


    "Everyone''s tired. Rest for now, and I''ll hold a feast to wee you allter." Liu Wuxie sent them to rest while he stood with Elder Tian Xing in the courtyard.


    The courtyard was small but enough to amodate four to five people so that it might be crowded.


    It wouldn''t take long for Liu Wuxie to be an elite disciple. He would then be given arge courtyard, which could amodate dozens of people. The environment would also be betterpared to the inner sect.


    Hearing Liu Wuxie''s ounts of what had happened in the Scarlet Sun Mountain Range, Elder Tian Xing mmed his palm on the tree beside him. He roared, "Outrageous! Disciples of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion colluded with the Azure Crimson Gate?!"


    Liu Wuxie didn''t exaggerate the matter because Elder Tian Xing could discover what had happened with some investigation.


    "I''ll settle this score with them, and I don''t need any help."

 Chapter 425 - Beginning

    <h4>Chapter 425 - Beginning</h4>


    Liu Wuxie knew Shao Wenliang''s actions had infuriated Elder Tian Xing. Given Elder Tian Xing''s status, it wasn''t an issue for him to punish Shao Wenliang, but that wasn''t what Liu Wuxie wanted.


    He wanted to defeat Shao Wenliang with his effort and avenge his suffering.


    "Good. I''m relieved you can think this way. It''s best to consult me if anything happens in the future. You were too reckless today. Do you know many higher-ups have been unhappy with you recently?" The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion wasplicated because many disciples had some form of connection with the higher-ups.


    Liu Wuxie had killed and crippled many people in just half a year. Among these people, many had some form of connection with the higher-ups. Thus, killing and crippling them was no different from pping the higher-ups'' faces.


    Elder Tian Xing might be the head of the Law-Enforcement Hall, but he couldn''t bend the rules for personal gain. He would invite criticism if he showed too much favor to Liu Wuxie.


    "I understand. I''m grateful for how you''ve been taking care of me!" Liu Wuxie bowed. He could feel the care and concern Elder Tian Xing gave him.


    If another elder hade to the Mission Hall, things might have turned out differently, and he would have been severely punished even if he hade out unscathed.


    Elder Tian Xing might have helped those people by asking him to let them go, but he was trying to protect Liu Wuxie.


    "Junior Brother!"


    "Junior Brother Liu!"


    "Junior Brother!" Three people entered the courtyard and interrupted Liu Wuxie and Elder Tian Xing. They were Jian Xing''er, Bai Lin, and Tang Tian.


    "You guys have fun catching up!" Elder Tian Xing patted Liu Wuxie''s shoulder and gave him a meaningful look before leaving.


    Liu Wuxie smiled bitterly because he knew what Elder Tian Xing meant. A perceptive person can discern another''s thoughts with just a nce.


    On one side was Jian Xing''er, and on the other was Chen Ruoyan in the courtyard. Ordinary people might not notice, but Elder Tian Xing could easily see Chen Ruoyan''s feelings for Liu Wuxie.


    Now, Liu Wuxie had to contend with Jian Xing''er as well.


    When she came in, tears began rolling down her cheeks, but she cried silently without making a sound.


    "Junior brother, it''s good to see you again!" Bai Lin and Tang Tian came forward to give Liu Wuxie a tight hug.


    Fan Zhen and others emerged from the rooms. They had left earlier to give Liu Wuxie space to talk with Elder Tian Xing, but their nerves were tense, and they couldn''t rest. They still had a lot to process.


    Jian Xing''er narrowed her eyes upon seeing Chen Ruoyan, and her tears suddenly stopped.


    "Junior brother, it''s good that you''re fine. Aren''t you going to introduce your friends to us?" Jian Xing''er stood beside Liu Wuxie and spoke in a very affectionate tone.


    The atmosphere in the courtyard suddenly became weird, with Fan Zhen and others taking a look at Liu Wuxie before turning to Jian Xing''er and Chen Ruoyan.


    This was an act of deration from Jian Xing''er because her actions told everyone she had an extraordinary rtionship with Liu Wuxie regardless of his rtionship with Chen Ruoyan.


    Liu Wuxie quickly introduced the twodies to each other, but he didn''t mention his rtionship with Chen Ruoyan and only stated they were friends.


    Fan Zhen and others soon mingled with Bai Lin and Tang Tian, especially Song Ling, who had outstanding social skills.


    "Since you are Junior Brother Liu''s friends, you will be our friends from today onwards. We came in a hurry and didn''t bring anything with us, so please ept these pills as a gift." Bai Lin took out a few bottles of pills and distributed them to Song Ling and others.


    These pills were most helpful to Fan Zhen''s group in their current state.


    "This won''t do!" Fan Zhen waved his hand repeatedly and looked at Liu Wuxie.


    "ept them!" Liu Wuxie nodded, allowing them to ept the pills before the five epted them happily. After all, the pills from the cultivation world were precious in the mundane world.


    Bi Gongyu couldn''t wait to open the bottle, and the rich fragrance seeped out. He could feel his pores greedily absorbing it.


    "These are three bottles of stctite essence. Consume them when you three go back!" Liu Wuxie took out three bottles, each containing dozens of drops.


    Liu Wuxie still had a stone with a groove full of it, and giving out a few dozen drops was nothing to him.


    "Thank you, junior brother!" They already knew Liu Wuxie had obtained a lot of stctite essence, so they epted it without hesitation.


    Bai Lin and Tang Tian had reached the Heavenly Dipper Realm half a month ago and were now inner disciples. The stctite essence was crucial for them to gain a footing in the inner sect.


    Next, they celebrated Fan Zhen''s group''s arrival, but due to their low cultivation, they still needed to consume regr food. Bai Lin and others were left to handle these matters.


    In just two minutes, arge amount of food was brought into the courtyard, filling the stone table. The celebration didn''t end until dusk, when everyone was drunk.


    After Bai Lin and Tang Tian left, Jian Xing''er refused to leave, and Liu Wuxie had no choice but to agree to let her stay.


    When the courtyard returned to normal, Fan Zhen sat upright, Lan Yu began cleaning the table, and Bi Gongyu''s drunkenness disappeared. Only Song Lingy on the ground, snoring loudly after drinking too much.


    "I know you guys must feel ufortable bing my followers, but don''t worry because your treatment with me will only be better than that of outer disciples. I won''t treat any of you as followers, and I only did that to keep you all safe," Liu Wuxie said in a severe tone. There were many things to do, but their cultivation needed to be higher. So, he needed to help them increase their cultivation quickly to help him.


    "Wuxie, don''t worry about us. Since we''ve made the decision, we will naturally follow through without hesitation." Fan Zhen stood up and understood that Liu Wuxie had done this for their benefit.


    It didn''t matter to them if they were followers or outer disciples because it was already a sess for them to enter the cultivation world.


    "I will conduct rigorous training for you all starting tomorrow, and I need you all to reach the Heavenly Dipper Realm within one month." Liu Wuxie set a goal for them to be inner disciples within one month before allowing them to move freely in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    "How can we possibly aplish it?" Fan Zhen was so emotional that his hands trembled. He was nearly a hundred years old, and it was a stroke of luck that he could reach the True Core Realm. He naturally didn''t dare to hope to reach the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    "If I say you can do it, you can!" Liu Wuxie hadn¡¯t mentioned the cultivation chambers in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion that could elerate time. One day inside was equivalent to ten days in the outside world.


    This time, Liu Wuxie nned to use a higher-level cultivation chamber in the inner sect because one day inside was equivalent to one month outside.


    They could rest that night because they would have to prepare for the next day¡¯s harsh training. They would need to train in more than just martial techniques; they would also need to learn cultivation techniques.


    The news of Liu Wuxie''s return spread like wildfire in the inner sect.


    Shao Wenliang was ying chess with Geng Mochou when he heard the news. His hand froze in mid-air, and the chess piece crumbled to powder.


    "Damn it!" Shao Wenliang mmed his palm on the chessboard with his murderous intent filling the courtyard.


    "That brat is really lucky. Even though we destroyed the stone bridge, he survived." Geng Mochou ced a chess piece down with disbelief in his eyes. It was a dead end even for those in the Heavenly Phase Realm in that situation.


    "What do you n to do now?" Shao Wenliang asked. Their harvest was decent because they had found dozens of drops of stctite essence in the cave.


    "I heard he killed Hou Ye in the Mission Hall. Hou Ye is in the seventh level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm but was killed in one strike. Liu Wuxie isn''t simple." Geng Mochou stood up and looked into the distance. What had happened in the Mission Hall had already spread out.


    "Are we doing to let this go? I won''t be able to sleep in peace without killing him!" Shao Wenliang''s eyes shed with murderous intent.


    "This isn''t the right time. We''re stuck in the Heavenly Dipper Realm, and we have to reach the Heavenly Phase Realm if we want to kill him." Geng Mochou clenched his fists because he had reached the threshold of the Heavenly Phase Realm, but he was stillcking a little.


    "You''re right. We have to reach the Heavenly Phase Realm for safety''s sake!" Shao Wenliang agreed with Geng Mochou. He also knew it wasn''t wise to confront Liu Wuxie now.


    In just one night, the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion was filled with undercurrents. Many wanted Liu Wuxie''s stctite essence, but they could only wander outside his courtyard.


    This was because Liu Wuxie''s courtyard was protected with spiritual runes, preventing anyone from breaking in.


    At dawn, Fan Zhen emerged from the room, forcibly dragging a still-hungover Song Ling with him. To sober him up, Fan Zhen dumped a bucket of cold water over Song Ling, causing him to scream from the chill.


    The others had tidied up and stood before Liu Wuxie. Liu Wuxie had let them stay in the house while he had cultivated in the courtyard all night.


    Being a Woman, Chen Ruoyan had no choice but to share the space with Jian Xing''er.


    "Wuxie, what should we do now?" Fan Zhen had changed into a new set of clothes, looking much younger. He had abandoned his identity as the Imperial Academy''s headmaster and was just a follower of Liu Wuxie now.


    "These are five cultivation techniques, and you all have two hours to memorize them."


    The Divine Phaseless Art was a sect secret, and revealing it would vite the sect''s rules. However, Liu Wuxie didn''t care, believing that rules meant nothingpared to the value of human life.


    If the sect wanted to punish him, they would have restricted his movements after he had memorized so many books. This signaled that the sect had acknowledged his actions.


    The five treated the books as treasures and sat down to read by the side. The cultivation technique was challenging, as they only had two hours to memorize it.


    But as the saying goes, there would be no motivation without any pressure. Their foundation was too weak to follow conventional methods because, at this rate, it would take them half a year to reach the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    Time passed, and Fan Zhen was the first to memorize the cultivation technique. He was in the True Core Realm and had a powerful divine sense, which was why he could memorize the book so quickly.


    The second was Bi Gongyu, the third was Chen Ruoyan, the fourth was Lan Yu, and Song Ling was still reading because it was difficult for him to memorize the book in two hours.

 Chapter 426 - Extort

    <h4>Chapter 426 - Extort</h4>


    Under pressure, the five''s potential was pushed to its limits. Aside from Song Ling, who was still struggling to memorize, the other four hadpletely memorized the book Liu Wuxie had given them.


    ¡°Come with me. There will be no rest apart from eating and drinking,¡± Liu Wuxie said as he led the five to the inner sect¡¯s cultivation chamber.


    They might¡¯ve memorized the Divine Phaseless Art, but it was too profound for them to understand, and Liu Wuxie would exin it to them slowly.


    Along the way, Liu Wuxie introduced the sect¡¯s structure, the distribution of disciples, and the conditions of each peak to them.


    Fan Zhen and Lan Yu took notes, knowing this information would be helpful to themter on.


    Song Ling appeared carefree, while Bi Gongyu, focused on alchemy, had his attention fixed on the Treasure Pill Peak.


    Chen Ruoyan remained silent, memorizing everything Liu Wuxie said by heart. Although she was now an outer disciple and technically not allowed to enter the inner sect¡¯s cultivation chamber, she followed along without protest.


    The group passed through numerous buildings and reached the cultivation chambers¡¯ site an hourter. The rows of cultivation chambers looked grand, and Liu Wuxie headed for the best one.


    He had a hundred thousand points on him, enough for them to raise their cultivation. When they be an inner disciple, they could help him earn points to repay him.


    ¡°Take out your medals!¡± When the five took out their medals, Liu Wuxie transferred fifty thousand points, ten thousand for each person.


    ¡°Wuxie, I heard earning points in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion is difficult. Ordinary disciples could only earn a few thousand points a year. Isn¡¯t it too much for us?¡± Fan Zhen knew more than others and understood what ten thousand points meant.


    ¡°I¡¯m a priority disciple, and the points I receive are doubled, which is why I have more than others,¡± Liu Wuxie exined and didn¡¯t hide the fact that his points mainly came from the rewards of the outer sect¡¯spetition.


    ¡°Look! Why is Liu Wuxieing over?¡± someone eximed. It was early morning, and many people were already in the area. Hundreds of disciples arrived one after another, trying to secure a good cultivation chamber in advance.


    "Why is he bringing a bunch of trash to the inner sect¡¯s cultivation chambers?" Many disciples were displeased, feeling that Liu Wuxie''s actions vited the sect¡¯s rules.


    ¡°This is outrageous! The cultivation chambers are already limited. We came early to line up and might not even get a spot. But he brings outer disciples here?¡± The surrounding disciples dared not get close and could only discuss it from a distance.


    Liu Wuxie ignored the surrounding discussions and brought the five to the five best cultivation chambers. Those chambers required two thousand points for one day, and one day outside was equivalent to one month inside.


    Each had ten thousand points, meaning they could stay there for five days.


    ¡°He has the points to squander!¡± The old inner disciples became even more resentful,paring themselves with Liu Wuxie.


    The five inserted their medals into the gate, and Liu Wuxie took out five bottles containing ten drops of stctite essence each.


    ¡°Open the door once every two hours outside, and I will examine your progress.¡± After giving his instructions, the five entered the cultivation chambers, and Liu Wuxie remained outside.


    He would stay there for the next few days until they reached the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, this is the inner sect. Why did you bring outer disciples here?¡± someone finally couldn¡¯t hold back and confronted Liu Wuxie. The five had taken spots that belonged to them, which meant some inner disciples had no cultivation chambers.


    ¡°Is there any sign that states outer disciples aren¡¯t allowed here?¡± Liu Wuxie pointed at the cultivation chambers. The inner sect¡¯s cultivation chambers required a lot of points, so outer disciples rarely came because they didn''t have enough points. The sect also didn¡¯t state any rules to forbid outer disciples from using the cultivation chambers there.


    Liu Wuxie had thoroughly memorized the sect¡¯s rules and merely exploited a loophole. When habits be routine, they naturally form into unwritten regtions.


    It was simr to everyone walking on the right side of a path. If someone walked on the left, it might seem like they were breaking the rules, even though no rule explicitly stated that walking on the left was prohibited.


    Outer disciples didn¡¯t dare toe because they didn¡¯t have enough points, not because they didn¡¯t have the right.


    ¡°That¡¯s bullshit!¡± An eighth-level Heavenly Dipper Realm disciple argued.


    ¡°You can think however you like!¡± Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t be bothered to waste time arguing with them and sat down to cultivate the Soul Forge Art.


    The surrounding disciples gritted their teeth but didn¡¯t dare to step forward because they knew that Liu Wuxie had used only one strike to kill Hou Ye.


    This meant no one dared to challenge Liu Wuxie unless they were confident of also killing Hou Ye in one strike, but no one there could do that.


    ¡°Let¡¯s call the Law-Enforcement Hall¡¯s disciples to deal with him. I refuse to believe no one can stop him!¡± They didn¡¯t dare to act, so they decided to look for the Law-Enforcement Hall, which had the authority to stop Liu Wuxie.


    Dozens of disciples ran out to look for the Law-Enforcement Hall¡¯s disciples.


    A smirk rose on Liu Wuxie¡¯s lips, and he closed his eyes, isting himself from the outside world.


    An hour passed in the blink of an eye, and the five were making swift progress in the cultivation chambers. An hour outside was equivalent to two days inside.


    Even Song Ling made consecutive breakthroughs in his cultivation. After consuming the stctite essence, their talent was significantly boosted.


    After Fan Zhen reached the fourth level of the True Core Realm, the wrinkles on his face disappeared, and he looked much younger, roughly in his thirties.


    They did not need to worry about resources and used the best cultivation chambers in the inner sect, each filled with abundant spiritual energy. This allowed them to make consecutive breakthroughs even without any spirit stones. After all, not everyone required an astronomical sum of resources like Liu Wuxie.


    Each time Liu Wuxie made his breakthrough, the spiritual energy in the cultivation chamber couldn¡¯t even meet his needs.


    A group of people swiftly approached from a distance. The dozens of disciples had left and returned with the Law-Enforcement Hall¡¯s disciples.


    The group soon stood before Liu Wuxie, and one of them wore a sinister smile when he saw Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°This guy again!¡± The young man on the right said sinisterly with a cold gaze.


    ¡°Zhu Sheng, you know him?¡± Three Law-Enforcement Hall disciples had arrived; two of them were in the ninth level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    ¡°He offended many people in just three days after joining the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, causing Deacon Kou to lose his position,¡± Zhu Sheng said, gritting his teeth.


    He was patrolling the Book Collection Hall that day and had witnessed the conflict between Liu Wuxie and Deacon Kou, holding a grudge against Liu Wuxie ever since.


    ¡°He¡¯s Liu Wuxie?¡± The other two Law-Enforcement Hall disciples had long heard of a monstrous genius in the inner sect who had possessed many points at a young age and even obtained arge amount of stctite essence. They didn¡¯t expect this brat to be seated before them.


    ¡°He doesn¡¯t seem that strong. Why didn¡¯t anyone make a move against him?¡± the other young man asked, looking puzzled. After all, the disciples in the surroundings should¡¯ve attacked Liu Wuxie after knowing about the stctite essence in his possession.


    ¡°You two may not know, but he has extraordinary strength. Just yesterday, he killed an inner disciple, Hou Ye, with one strike.¡± Zhu Sheng had slightly weaker strength than the other two, with a cultivation in the seventh level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm. He had only managed to secure a position in the Law-Enforcement Hall due to his background.


    ¡°I also heard the rumor that he practices an evil technique that targets the soul, which is how he seeded. This means that technique won¡¯t work if the two of us attack at the same time.¡± The first young man showed greed on his face as though he could see the stctite essence beckoning to him.


    The scene of Hou Ye¡¯s death was recorded. After some analysis, the elders concluded that Liu Wuxie had practiced a powerful soul technique capable of instantly damaging his opponent¡¯s soul sea.


    However, there was a significant w in soul techniques because they couldn¡¯t target two people simultaneously.


    ¡°Senior Brother Ma Shiyan is right. If you two join forces, you can definitely kill this kid.¡± Zhu Sheng ttered, trying to instigate them into acting against Liu Wuxie, hoping to get a share of the stctite essence.


    The young man called Ma Shiyan looked at hispanion, who was also on the ninth level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm, seeking his opinion.


    Thetter nodded and found it feasible. With that, they agreed to cause trouble for Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, how dare you bring outer disciples here! You have vited the sect¡¯s rules! Come with us to the Law-Enforcement Hall!¡± Once Liu Wuxie was brought to the Law-Enforcement Hall, there were plenty of ways to make him beg.


    When Liu Wuxie opened his eyes, a trace of disgust shed in them. He had already exited his cultivation when they arrived, and he didn¡¯t expect them to be so shameless.


    ¡°You want to kill me?¡± Liu Wuxie asked impatiently.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. You have vited the sect¡¯s rules, and you should be punished. We can give you a chance and be lenient, seeing that this is your first offense, as long as you hand over some resources,¡± Ma Shiyan said righteously. He hinted that killing Liu Wuxie was the worst-case scenario.


    After all, there was no need for a confrontation if Liu Wuxie was willing to hand over the stctite essence.


    ¡°You want the stctite essence?¡± Liu Wuxie stood up and smiled. His smile was bright, looking harmless. No one knew what he was thinking behind his smile.


    This made everyone curious as they wondered if Liu Wuxie was confident enough to disregard everything, smiling before two experts in the ninth level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    ¡°We¡¯re not asking; we¡¯re taking. We might consider it if you can offer anything of equivalent value.¡± Ma Shiyan continued shamelessly, suggesting points or high-grade spirit stones could also work. After all, those were just as valuable as the stctite essence.


    ¡°You people are the most shameless I¡¯ve ever encountered,¡± Liu Wuxie said. He had seen his fair share of shameless individuals, but this was the first time he saw someone using the Law-Enforcement Hall¡¯s name to extort from other disciples.


    It was no wonder why so many disciples wanted to join the Law-Enforcement Hall.


    They were cautious today because it was Liu Wuxie, but if it had been any other disciple, they would have immediately seized their resources. After all, once they were part of the Law-Enforcement Hall, they held the final say.

 Chapter 427 - Stubborn

    <h4>Chapter 427 - Stubborn</h4>


    The actions of the Law-Enforcement Hall''s disciples made the surrounding crowd purse their lips. At least Hou Ye had demanded the stctite essence openly, but these three were trying to extort it using their status.


    Moreover, it was clear this wasn¡¯t their first time doing such a thing; the surrounding disciple¡¯s expressions indicated they were already used to it.


    "Liu Wuxie, you''re stubborn!" Ma Shiyan was furious, and his murderous intent swept out, causing the surrounding spectators to retreat, fearing getting involved.


    Neither Liu Wuxie nor the Law-Enforcement Hall''s disciples were people ordinary disciples could afford to offend. The best scenario would be for them to fight to a standstill, allowing the onlookers to reap the benefits.


    "Cut the crap and fight if you want. Don''t waste my time!" Liu Wuxie waved his hand because he was fed up with their empty threats.


    Liu Wuxie''s words almost drove Ma Shiyan insane because he had never seen someone so stubborn before daring to confront the Law-Enforcement Hall. The three became visibly enraged, with veins bulging on their faces.


    "Liu Wuxie, how dare you oppose the Law-Enforcement Hall? I''ll kill you today!" Zhu Sheng stepped forward, pointing at Liu Wuxie with a look of triumph.


    They dared to do this because Elder Tian Xing wasn''t in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion today. Aside from Elder Tian Xing, no other higher-ups in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion would stand up for Liu Wuxie.


    Facing their threats, Liu Wuxie remained calm, his gaze bing sharp.


    "What a nuisance!" Liu Wuxie vanished and pped Zhu Sheng, who had been trying to instigate the other two disciples since he had shown up.


    His speed was fast, and it was toote for the two disciples to stop him. No one expected Liu Wuxie to be so fast, either. Under that p, Zhu Sheng flew into the air, spinning dozens of times before crashing onto the ground.


    Blood dripped down from Zhu Sheng''s lips, and it was unclear how many bones were broken. Hey on the ground, wailing in pain, with the left side of his face shattered by Liu Wuxie''s p, revealing the bones.


    Everyone in the surroundings gasped in shock at Liu Wuxie''s action. Even if Zhu Sheng didn''t die from this p, he was essentially crippled.


    His bones wouldn¡¯t heal once broken because Liu Wuxie had injected a hint of poison into his p. Moreover, the left side of Zhu Sheng¡¯s face was destroyed¡ªone eyeball and one ear were gone, leaving only half of his mouth intact. This gruesome appearance made him look like a ghost.


    "How ruthless!" The surrounding disciples'' eyes were filled with disbelief because Liu Wuxie''s p wasparable to the pinnacle of the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    Liu Wuxie''s purpose was simple: to intimidate everyone in the surroundings. He hoped his p would serve as a warning to Ma Shiyan to leave.


    It wasn''t that he feared the Law-Enforcement Hall; he just knew it would bring more troubleter. While he didn''t shy away from conflict, he understood that it would disrupt his cultivation.


    ¡°....!@$#%....¡± Zhu Sheng got up to speak, but his speech was iprehensible. He only had half of his mouth left, so he couldn''t speak clearly.


    This drew a burst ofughter from the spectators because Zhu Sheng had bullied many weaker disciples, extorting and robbing their resources. The low-level disciples felt gratified to see him in this state and even wished they could give him a few kicks.


    "Liu Wuxie, you''re dead! How dare you injure a Law-Enforcement Hall''s disciple. I can kill you ording to the sect''s rules!" Ma Shiyan looked like someone had stepped on his tail, yelling angrily, and advanced toward Liu Wuxie with hispanion.


    "You better think this through. There''s no turning back once you strike!" Liu Wuxie warned them because he was fearless even if he faced someone in the pinnacle Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    With Frost Finger, Primordial Astral Fist, Fatality de Art, and Soul Spear, Liu Wuxie could sweep through any opponent.


    Despite Liu Wuxie''s kind reminder, Ma Shiyan and hispanion were unmoved, thinking Liu Wuxie was afraid.


    "Die!" Ma Shiyan swung his sword, unleashing a sword ray at Liu Wuxie''s neck. They were ruthless individuals and skilled swordsmen, striking with thunderous force to kill.


    The sky changed with rumbling tremors from surrounding space when their swords descended. The grass on the ground exploded, unable to withstand the force.


    This was Liu Wuxie''s first time facing someone in the ninth-level Heavenly Dipper Realm. He might be fearless, but he still had to be cautious.


    When the swords fell, Liu Wuxie left behind an afterimage and vanished without counterattacking.


    The two swords struck the ground, creating two long trenches that extended endlessly on the ground. But Ma Shiyan and hispanion weren''t willing to give up and attacked again with perfect coordination even after missing their attacks.


    They often cooperated and had long developed abination attack covering each other''s weaknesses, aiming to kill their opponent swiftly.


    After dodging the iing attack, Liu Wuxie''s Heretic de appeared in his hand, which he shed diagonally.


    This attack startled Ma Shiyan, who realized he had underestimated Liu Wuxie. Thetter''s attack also nullified their attacks.


    "What terrifying true essence! He should''ve refined the Energy Purifying Pill from Elder Wu Yang," the surrounding disciples whispered because Liu Wuxie''s true essence was high in purity. His cultivation might not have beenparable to Ma Shiyan and hispanion''s, but the purity of his true essence surpassed them.


    In addition to Liu Wuxie''s ability to fight those with higher cultivation, the oue of this battle was uncertain. The weapons shed as the three fought intensely.


    Liu Wuxie wasn''t in a hurry to end the fight because he could use this chance to hone his martial techniques. He still hadn''t had an opportunity to use Frost Finger in an actual fight, but he wanted to use the two to help him temper his martial technique.


    When the Fatality de Art descended, the sword auras released by Ma Shiyan and hispanion were torn apart and quickly retreated. But the moment they moved, Liu Wuxie simultaneously attacked with his index and ring fingers.


    Two streams of icy aura froze Ma Shiyan and hispanion in ce. This scene shocked hundreds of spectators because this was dao technique.


    "How is this possible? How can someone in the Heavenly Dipper Realm possiblyprehend a dao technique?" a pinnacle Heavenly Dipper Realm disciple eximed, unable to believe what he saw.


    He wasn''t wrong because the Frost Finger wasn''t an ordinary martial technique but a dao technique. It had no fixed trajectory or form. The deeper Liu Wuxie¡¯sprehension of this technique, the more powerful the Frost Finger would be.


    Everyone had a mix of fear and awe in their eyes when they looked at Liu Wuxie.


    "He''s not human!" Many cursed because Liu Wuxie had achieved something no one could at such a young age with low cultivation. Most importantly, it was even more unbelievable because he came from the mundane world.


    Ma Shiyan and hispanion broke free, but they were shivering from the cold and looked at Liu Wuxie with a grave expression.


    Liu Wuxie had only used one-third of his ice-attribute energy in the Frost Finger. If he had used his full strength, the two would have been frozen to death, unable to break free from the restraints.


    This time, they were even more cautious, knowing they had no path of retreat. If they left now, they would be disgraced, and their status in the Law-Enforcement Hall would be affected. It was against the rules for Law-Enforcement Hall disciples to flee in fear, and the sect would strip them of their status.


    In the second wave of attacks, Liu Wuxie used the Frost Finger again, this time with his middle and little fingers.


    Ma Shiyan was frozen in ce, and the other youth was imprisoned in an ice wall, unable to break free no matter how hard he tried.


    This was aical scene, and Ma Shiyan''s facial expression froze in the ice, maintaining an enraged appearance.


    "He''s a monster!" More people gathered from the surroundings to watch Liu Wuxie toy with two Law-Enforcement Hall''s disciples speechlessly.


    Law-Enforcement Hall''s disciples had high status in the sect, and others respected them. But Liu Wuxie thoroughly humiliated them today.


    "He seems to be using them to practice his finger technique. If he wanted to kill them, they would''ve already been turned into corpses by now." Some insightful people had noticed Liu Wuxie''s intention to hone his skills with them.


    After about a minute, the ice trapping Ma Shiyan shattered, and the other youth also broke free from the ice wall. But this time, neither of them attacked.


    They weren''t fools; they could tell Liu Wuxie could squash them like bugs if he wanted.


    "Liu Wuxie, y-y-you...use another martial technique if you have the guts!" Ma Shiyan stammered, his teeth chattering from the cold. The Frost Finger was a dao technique, making it hard to avoid, which meant they had no chance of dodging.


    This was especially true when Liu Wuxie executed the Frost Finger using his ring finger, which was silent and traceless unless faced by someone in the Heavenly Phase Realm.


    "Alright, you two can leave if you can withstand my punch!" Liu Wuxie said, clenching his fists. Ma Shiyan¡¯s and hispanion''s faces lit up with joy, not expecting Liu Wuxie to abandon the Frost Finger.


    "Fools!" A youth spat, cursing Ma Shiyan and hispanion from a hundred meters away.


    "Senior Brother Hou Xiao, what''s the matter?" A group of people gathered around Hou Xiao.


    "Do you think that finger technique is Liu Wuxie''s strongest skill?" Hou Xiao¡¯s face was grim. Hou Ye''s death had greatly impacted the Hou n, ruining many of their ns.


    Liu Wuxie was too strong. Unless Hou Yue made a breakthrough into the Heavenly Dipper Realm, they couldn''t kill Liu Wuxie.


    Everyone nodded in acknowledgment. They all knew Liu Wuxie practiced a formidable fist technique other than his Fatality de Art.


    Ma Shiyan and hispanion believed they could defeat Liu Wuxie if he didn¡¯t use the Frost Finger. They unleashed their strongest attacks with renewed ferocity, their swords moving faster than before and holding nothing back.


    Terrifying shockwaves swept out like a storm, causing the surrounding cultivation chambers to tremble.


    As the two-hour mark approached, Fan Zhen opened the gate to his cultivation chamber to receive Liu Wuxie''s guidance. Seeing the chaotic scene, he rushed forward without hesitation, ready to take the attacks for Liu Wuxie, believing thetter was in trouble.

 Chapter 428 - Guidance

    <h4>Chapter 428 - Guidance</h4>


    Fan Zhen rushed forward without any consideration for his safety. He didn''t know Liu Wuxie could kill someone in the ninth level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm. But before he could even get close, the sword aura sent him flying away, and he suffered multiple wounds.


    "You all deserve to die!" Ma Shiyan did this on purpose, wanting to find an opportunity to kill the people around Liu Wuxie.


    But it was fortunate Liu Wuxie had resolved his attack in time, allowing Fan Zhen to survive. When he raised the Primordial Astral Fist, the ground began to tremble.


    "Such intense power!" A mist covered the sky with a dreadful star rising in it.


    This scene shocked countless people. Thest time Liu Wuxie had performed the Primordial Astral Fist was during the outer sect''spetition; these inner disciples hadn''t seen it with their own eyes.


    Murderous intent rose in Liu Wuxie''s heart. Initially, he had nned to teach them a lesson like Zhu Sheng, without any intention of taking their lives. But Fan Zhen''s injury had triggered him, viting his bottom line.


    ¡°Primordial Astral Fist!¡± A vast universe crashed down. Ma Shiyan and hispanion''s breathing became rapid under pressure, and it felt like a huge rock weighed down on their chests.


    The power of Liu Wuxie''s punch was too terrifying and was beyond the scope of human power. It had already surpassed the Heavenly Dipper Realm, forcing Ma Shiyan and hispanion to retreat with thoughts of escaping.


    Rumbling sounds came from the surrounding space, and cracks increased on the ground, with many disciplesing out of their cultivation chambers. The fight was too loud, and they could feel it even in the cultivation chambers.


    "Run!" Ma Shiyan immediately thought of escaping, retracting his sword aura, and fled to the distance, not daring to stay for another moment.


    They were in the ninth level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm and disciples of the Law-Enforcement Hall. If this news spread, they would be reduced toughingstocks.


    What happened today wasn''t Liu Wuxie''s fault, and someone had recorded their actions. Even if this matter was blown up, Liu Wuxie could argue the case with his stance.


    "You want to leave? Toote! You two can die now!" Murderous intent rose in Liu Wuxie''s heart because more clowns would jump out at him if he didn''t kill these two and make an example out of them.


    He could intimidate everyone by killing disciples of the Law-Enforcement Hall.


    Ma Shiyan and hispanion froze when the Primordial Astral Fist descended. They were blown apart, with their blood raining down on the grass.


    Fan Zhen''s eyes almost popped out. He knew Liu Wuxie was strong but didn''t expect thetter to be this powerful. He couldn''t help smiling bitterly, recalling what had happened in the Imperial Academy.


    "He hasn''t changed one bit!" Liu Wuxie had also caused a lot of trouble in the Imperial Academy when facing the vice-headmaster and the Xue n. He had personally destroyed them.


    Even aftering to the cultivation world, Liu Wuxie didn''t hold back and maintained a strong stance against all injustices.


    After killing Ma Shiyan and hispanion, Liu Wuxie''s face remained unchanged, and he picked up their interspatial rings. A devilish smile rose on his lips when he scanned them with his divine sense.


    These two had extorted and robbed others. They were highly wealthy and possessed millions of spirit stones. As they were stuck in the ninth level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm, the resources they had extorted and robbed were meant for reaching the Heavenly Phase Realm. But they all belonged to Liu Wuxie now.


    Besides spirit stones, various spiritual herbs and weapons were perfect for Fan Zhen and others. Liu Wuxie was still worried about how to arm the five of them, but Ma Shiyan and hispanion had delivered the resources right to his door. The uing training would also be much easier with these resources.


    Zhu Sheng was still seated on the ground, witnessing the death of his twopanions, and shivered. He quickly scrambled on all fours in fear.


    It was better to live than die. Even if he was crippled with broken bones, he could still survive as long as he had one breath left.


    "Die!" Liu Wuxie decided to finish it thoroughly. With a flick of his finger, he unleashed a cold ray that froze Zhu Sheng in ce, still in his crawling posture.


    He didn''t hold back this time and unleashed all his ice-attribute energy to take Zhu Sheng''s life. He retrieved his interspatial ring and inspected the items inside. While Zhu Sheng wasn''t as wealthy as hispanions, he was still far wealthier than average disciples.


    He took all three of their medals and extracted the points. With his powerful soul energy, this was easy for him.


    Low-level disciples couldn''t seize points from high-level disciples'' tokens. Usually, points could only be taken over when offered willingly, and seizing them from the medals was impossible. However, it wasn''t an issue for Liu Wuxie.


    "H-He took their points!" The spectators were dumbfounded, and some even covered their mouths.


    "He''s too bold!" Some gave Liu Wuxie a thumbs up for his courage.


    "Impossible! How could he retrieve the points from those medals with his cultivation in the fourth-level Heavenly Dipper Realm? No one can extract points forcibly from a medal unless the owner hands them over willingly. Did he reach the Heavenly Phase Realm?" Everyone looked at each other in disbelief.


    This was why many people wanted to force Liu Wuxie to hand his points over and not seize his medal directly. Even if Liu Wuxie lost his medal, it didn''t matter because the points inside wouldn''t disappear.


    "He has vited the sect''s rules! Bringing outer disciples to train in the inner sect was unprecedented but not a major issue. However, seizing points from others is a clear vition of the rules!" Everyone slowly backed away, not wanting to be associated with Liu Wuxie because he was too reckless.


    Liu Wuxie was the first to defy the sect''s rules openly.


    Ignoring everyone in the surroundings, Liu Wuxie extracted seventy thousand points from the three medals. He nned to give fifty thousand points to the five and keep the remaining twenty thousand for himself.


    "Liu Wuxie, what happened?" Fan Zhen asked Liu Wuxie worriedly.


    "It''s fine. Let''s talk inside!" Liu Wuxie entered the cultivation chamber with Fan Zhen to check his cultivation.


    Two hours had passed outside, while several days had passed inside the cultivation chamber. Fan Zhen''s strength had also undergone a drastic transformation.


    With his increasing cultivation, he would face new challenges, requiring Liu Wuxie''s guidance. He spent two hours guiding Fan Zhen, enlightening thetter with his cultivation rising.


    Liu Wuxie wasn''t in a hurry to teach them martial techniques. He nned to teach them powerful techniques after they increased their cultivation.


    Moreover, the five couldn''t be taught the same martial techniques. This meant he had to teach them based on their abilities.


    After Liu Wuxie left the cultivation chamber, Fan Zhen continued his seclusion. Chen Ruoyan''s cultivation chamber opened this time, and Liu Wuxie went in to guide her. Just like he did with Fan Zhen, he corrected her mistakes to prevent her from taking unnecessary detours.


    "Sorry!" Chen Ruoyan said, biting her lips when Liu Wuxie was about to leave.


    "Why are you apologizing when you haven''t done anything wrong?" Liu Wuxie turned to look at Chen Ruoyan. She had stood up for him by using her identity to protect him from Qin Shi in the mundane world, and he remembered that favor.


    "Am I causing trouble bying to the cultivation world?" Chen Ruoyan''s voice was soft and almost inaudible.


    "Work hard on your cultivation if you don''t want to cause me trouble. Only strength can determine everything," Liu Wuxie said, leaving the cultivation chamber.


    Chen Ruoyan''s arrival had caught him off guard, furtherplicating his rtionship with Jian Xing''er. They might seem to have a brother-sister rtionship, but anyone could tell Jian Xing''er had feelings for Liu Wuxie and had reached a point of no return.


    Chen Ruoyan¡¯s arrival had furtherplicated things for Liu Wuxie. However, since some things couldn''t be resolved forcefully, he let them develop naturally. The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion boasted many talented individuals, and Chen Ruoyan might soon fall for someone else.


    Liu Wuxie continued to guide their cultivation. Lan Yu was respectful when he saw Liu Wuxie, maintaining an almost kneeling position to receive guidance.


    As for Bi Gongyu, Liu Wuxie further guided him in alchemy aside from cultivation. He nned to arrange for Bi Gongyu to go into the Treasure Pill Peak after reaching the Heavenly Dipper Realm toe into contact with alchemy.


    Since he required a lot of pills in the future, it was convenient to have someone in the Treasure Pill Peak.


    Liu Wuxie went into Song Ling''s cultivation chamber thest. When he was with thetter, he didn''t keep up with the stern face and appeared more rxed.


    "Big brother, I''m really stupid. After so many days, I''m only at the pinnacle Marrow Cleansing Realm, and I''m still far from the Heavenly Dipper Realm." Song Ling looked distressed, afraid of dragging everyone down because of him.


    "Your progress has far exceeded my expectations. Your foundation is solid, and your future achievements won''t be low if you keep this up." Liu Wuxie patted Song Ling''s shoulder and signaled him to sit down.


    Fan Zhen treated him respectfully, Chen Ruoyan was uneasy around him, while Lan Yu and Bi Gongyu were both his disciples. Only Song Ling treated him as an elder brother and was casual with him. This was the kind of friend he required because it would be too boring if everyone were respectful toward him.


    Pointing out Song Ling''s mistake, he continued to transmit knowledge on spiritual arrays. He took this opportunity to help Song Ling consolidate his path in spiritual runes because it would be helpful in the future.


    He nned to send Song Ling to the Array Tower for training after their training because it would benefit his skills in spiritual arrays.


    As Liu Wuxie exited the cultivation chamber, no one came to cause trouble this time around. Ma Shiyan''s group of three was dead, and there was no movement from the Law-Enforcement Hall with everyone waiting.


    He was waiting for the higher-ups to decide his punishment. Even after a month, the Celestial Spirit Cave''s reward had yet to arrive, and the rewards should''ve been issued long ago.


    Liu Wuxie wasn''t in a hurry because he was stuck in the fourth-level Heavenly Dipper Realm and needed time to consolidate his cultivation. Entering the Celestial Spirit Cave now would benefit his cultivation, but he still needed more umtion to make multiple breakthroughs in the Celestial Spirit Cave.


    Two days passed in the blink of an eye; Lan Yu and Bi Gongyu reached the True Core Realm.


    Chen Ruoyan had lost a year of cultivation, and she found it hard to catch up.


    On the contrary, Fan Zhen''s strength had improved rapidly with his extensive knowledge and experience. Even hisprehension was far stronger than the other four.


    Chen Ruoyan was currently the weakest among the five, but she would soon catch up because she had the highest talent.


    On the third day, Liu Wuxie''s punishment came. But he maintained hisposure when the Law-Enforcement Hall''s disciples came.


    "Finally here?" Liu Wuxie stood up with a smile, looking at the elite disciple before him.

 Chapter 429 - Punishment

    <h4>Chapter 429 - Punishment</h4>


    Liu Wuxie was the first to dare seize points from disciples of the Law-Enforcement Hall. The disciple standing before him was dressed in a white robe, looking elegant without arrogance.


    After all, anyone who could reach the Heavenly Phase Realm wasn''t ordinary, regardless of their character or wisdom. They had far surpassed ordinary people and couldn''t be measured bymon standards.


    "Are you Liu Wuxie?" The white-clothed youth maintained a three-meter distance from Liu Wuxie with a hint of doubt on his face. He began to examine this youth, who was much younger than him.


    His divine sense scanned through Liu Wuxie multiple times, wanting to see what was so special about him. But he couldn''t find anything different about Liu Wuxie from ordinary people.


    "That''s right!" Liu Wuxie was on guard because the other party had the Law-Enforcement Hall''s emblem on his left sleeve. His odds of winning were low against someone in the Heavenly Phase Realm, almost close to none.


    This meant the other party could easily kill him, but he couldn''t sense any murderous intent on his face, which gradually rxed Liu Wuxie.


    "My name is Luo He, a disciple of the Law-Enforcement Hall. You should know my purpose foring here, right?" the youth introduced himself with a smile.


    "To avenge those three?" Liu Wuxie probed. It was normal for him to think this way since Luo He was also a Law-Enforcement Hall''s disciple.


    "Those three have been using the Law-Enforcement Hall''s name to extort money for years. Even if you hadn''t killed them, I would¡¯ve done it myself sooner orter. As for avenging them? Hmph!" Luo He expressed his stance clearly.


    The Law-Enforcement Hall knew of Ma Shiyan and the other two''s actions. In recent years, many people hadined about them, seriously affecting the Law-Enforcement Hall''s reputation.


    "Since you''re not here to avenge them, you must be here to hand me my punishment!" Liu Wuxie lowered hisst wisp of vignce.


    "I''m curious how someone your age could do so many crazy things." Luo He didn''t deny it, essentially admitting he was here to issue Liu Wuxie''s punishment. After all, Liu Wuxie had vited the sect''s rules by seizing others'' points publicly, and even Elder Tian Xing couldn''t protect him.


    They needed to address the situation, or other disciples would start panicking. If they did nothing and everyone mimicked Liu Wuxie''s actions, the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion would descend into chaos.


    "I believe you''ll also do the same if someone puts a knife to your throat," Liu Wuxie exined, which was straightforward. He was forced to retaliate and had never provoked any trouble.


    Everyone knew why Hou Ye and Ma Shiyan had targated him, and he believed Luo He would do the same if he was in the same position.


    "Do you know what you did might ruin your future?" Luo He said in a regretful tone. Liu Wuxie had a bright future ahead of him, but he had jeopardized it because of some garbage.


    "I''m prepared to face the consequences since I''ve done it." Liu Wuxie was ready to ept the consequences since he had seized the points from the three medals.


    "This is your punishment. The sect won''t pursue this matter if you canplete it." Luo He took a jade slip from his bosom and tossed it to Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie caught the jade slip and read the information inside. Curious, he said, "But it doesn''t seem to mention when I should set out or when I have toplete it."


    Since there wasn''t a date, this meant Liu Wuxie would dy it indefinitely.


    "You should thank Elder Tian Xing for that. He mentioned that you''ve been busy recently and have an uing visit to the Celestial Spirit Cave. He said you''d go once you¡¯ve finished everything, and he bought time for you," Luo He said straightforwardly. He couldn''t understand why Elder Tian Xing would quarrel with the other elders for a disciple.


    If it were another disciple, the punishment would¡¯ve been executed immediately after it was issued.


    Liu Wuxie couldn''t afford to leave as he had to train Fan Zhen and the others. Moreover, the Celestial Spirit Cave''s reward would soon be issued, making it even more impossible for him to leave the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    The sect''s rules were typically inflexible, but Elder Tian Xing had intervened and removed the date from the punishment.


    Liu Wuxie fell silent and ced the jade slip in his interspatial pouch. He knew Elder Tian Xing had faced tremendous pressure because of him.


    It wasn''t hard to tell Elder Tian Xing must be having a tough timetely dealing with the other higher-ups because of him.


    "Thank Elder Tian Xing for me!" Liu Wuxie said sincerely.


    He was grateful to Elder Tian Xing for taking care of him. Without Elder Tian Xing, it would have been tough for him to deal with Elder Wu Yang''s provocation. He knew he owed Elder Tian Xing several favors.


    "Elder Tian Xing has a message for you," Luo He said solemnly.


    "Please go on!" Liu Wuxie was all ears.


    "He told me to tell you to survive!" Luo He said and left as he hadpleted his task.


    Liu Wuxie fell into deep thoughts as he looked at Luo He''s silhouette. He knew he had affected the interest of some, such as some Law-Enforcement Hall''s elders.


    It was clear Ma Shiyan and hispanions dared to extort and rob other disciples because someone was backing them, someone with a status no inferior to Elder Tian Xing.


    When Ma Shiyan and hispanions extorted and robbed other disciples, they kept some of the loot while a portion went into the pocket of their benefactor.


    Liu Wuxie didn''t ask who it was because he knew Luo wouldn''t tell him even if he asked. The Law-Enforcement Hall was infested with parasites that even trash like Zhu Sheng could thrive in it.


    He didn''t think much about it because he couldn''t get involved with his current cultivation. It was fine for now, with Elder Tian Xing protecting him. But this wasn''t a long-term solution because the person behind the scenes would surely try to kill him.


    It would be an indirect blow to Elder Tian Xing if he died.


    "In the end, my cultivation is too low!" Liu Wuxie smiled bitterly. He was strong and could kill someone in the ninth-level Heavenly Dipper Realm, but he was still an ant in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    Luo He could kill him with just one move. Moreover, true disciples were above elite disciples, who had equal status with the elders.


    He would have to be a true disciple if he wanted authority to wrestle with the higher-ups.


    "The jade slip might not specify the time, but it cannot be dyed too long, or it will ce Elder Tian Xing in a terrible situation," Liu Wuxie murmured. The cultivation chambers opened once more, and he continued to guide the five.


    Four days had passed outside, equivalent to four months in the cultivation chambers. During this time, the strength of the five underwent a drastic transformation.


    The Divine Phaseless Art was a powerful cultivation technique within the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, nearing the level of a heaven-grade technique. With a mentor like Liu Wuxie, the five disciples made rapid and significant progress in their cultivation.


    Fan Zhen reached the Heavenly Dipper Realm in the third month after absorbing hundreds of thousands of spirit stones, closely followed by Chen Ruoyan.


    With steady umtion, she not only made up for the one year''s worth of lost time but also advanced rapidly in her cultivation. After reaching the Heavenly Dipper Realm, Chen Ruoyan regained her confidence and stood proudly in the cultivation chamber like a peacock.


    Bi Gongyu reached the Heavenly Dipper Realm in three and a half months, Lan Yu reached it close to the fourth month, and Song Ling reached it at the end of the fourth month.


    When the five stepped out of the cultivation chambers, they felt reborn. They looked at each other and couldn''t believe it was real.


    After four months of hard work, Song Ling had visibly slimmed down, with his robes hanging loosely.


    "Wuxie, we didn''t disappoint you and have all broken through!" Fan Zhen cupped his fists in gratitude to Liu Wuxie for his guidance.


    Despite the four months they had spent in the cultivation chambers, it had only been four days outside, and it felt like a lifetime for them.


    "Time is tight. Here are five sets of martial techniques, each catered to you five. I''ll bring you five to the Martial Hall." Liu Wuxie wasted no time and led the five to the Martial Hall. When they passed by the Array Tower, he left Song Ling behind.


    "Try and reach the seventh level. Give up if you can''t persist, and take this opportunity to familiarize yourself with spiritual arrays while practicing your martial techniques. If you can integrate this fist technique into the spiritual runes, it will benefit you greatly in spiritual arrays."


    Leaving Song Ling behind, Liu Wuxie led the other four to another area. This was the Martial Hall, which was more magnificent than the Array Tower.


    The Martial Hall was filled with various chambers, divided into simtionbat and deathmatches. The simtionbats wouldn''t result in death, causing only minor injuries at most. However, deathmatches involved real opponents, posing a genuine risk of death. As a result, most people avoided choosing the deathmatch option.


    Liu Wuxie had wanted to train in the Martial Hall before but hadn''t had the chance.


    "Two modes: which one will you pick?" Liu Wuxie asked for their input. Simtionbat was safe but didn''t fully draw out the true power of martial techniques. In contrast, deathmatches brought out one''s full potential by cing them in real danger.


    Fan Zhen had told the others about Liu Wuxie killing the Law-Enforcement Hall''s disciples, and his verdict had arrived. This meant he would have to leave the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion soon to face his punishment.


    "Deathmatch!" Lan Yu was the first to make the choice.


    "Deathmatch!"


    "Deathmatch!" They went all out because they didn''t want to drag Liu Wuxie down. Their cultivation might''ve risen, but theirbat strength was still weak.


    "Alright. You all have three days to master and apply the martial techniques in actualbat. Don¡¯t be overly ambitious; surrender if you can¡¯t win," Liu Wuxie instructed." Thebat would end as soon as they surrendered.


    The four nodded and entered four chambers while Liu Wuxie went straight to the seventh level. He also wanted to temper himself in the next three days.


    He passed through a long corridor and saw disciplesing out frequently, all looking exhausted. He found an empty chamber and inserted his token, picking Deathmatch.


    The gate closed when he stepped into the chamber, isting him from the outside world. This building was originally built with spiritual arrays, but physical fights had reced them.


    Before Liu Wuxie could go into his stance, a powerful sword aura descended, with powerparable to the eighth level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    There were nine levels, with the first level representing the first level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm, and so on.

 Chapter 430 - Qing Mu and Yi Xuan

    <h4>Chapter 430 - Qing Mu and Yi Xuan</h4>


    A purple-robed man ran out shortly after Liu Wuxie entered the Martial Hall.


    ¡°Did you really see Liu Wuxie enter the Martial Hall with your own eyes?¡± an elder inquired, gazing at the clouds from a solitary peak on the Treasure Pill Peak. A purple-robed man had just hurried over from the Martial Hall to deliver the news.


    ¡°I witnessed it with my own eyes. After making arrangements for hispanions, he entered the seventh level himself and should¡¯ve started his training by now.¡± The purple-robe man bowed like a servant with two hands before his chest.


    ¡°Which mode did he pick?¡± This was the old man¡¯s primary concern.


    ¡°Deathmatch!¡± the purple-robed youth replied. He had specifically checked the chamber after Liu Wuxie had entered it. Green indicated simtionbat, red indicated deathmatch, and the gate to Liu Wuxie¡¯s chamber was disyed in red.


    ¡°This is your reward. Keep a close eye on him.¡± The old man took a porcin bottle from his bosom and tossed it to the youth¡¯s feet. Thetter excitedly picked up.


    ¡°Thank you, Elder Qing Mu!¡± The youth picked up the porcin bottle and bowed. He soon retreated and left the old man alone on this peak.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, you dared ruin my ns?! You will Die today!¡± Qing Mu said with a sinister smile and vanished, heading towards the Martial Hall.


    <strong>......</strong>


    After Liu Wuxie entered the cultivation chamber, he was faced with a sword aura descending from the sky. The person standing before him donned ordinary green clothes, and he released the sword aura.


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t dare to be careless and furiously swung the Heretic de, shattering the sword aura into pieces.


    The two stared at each other because they had to fight to the death unless one side conceded in a deathmatch.


    ¡°You¡¯re only in the fourth-level Heavenly Dipper Realm, but you daree to the seventh level?¡± The green-d youth was surprised, which soon turned into joy. He assumed Liu Wuxie had entered by mistake.


    ¡°Who says someone in the fourth-level Heavenly Dipper Realm can¡¯t reach the seventh level?¡± Liu Wuxie ignored the youth and continued to attack, performing the Fatality de Art to seal the youth¡¯s path of retreat.


    ¡°You¡¯re courting death!¡± the youth roared angrily, feeling deeply insulted by Liu Wuxie¡¯s words. He was in the eighth-level Heavenly Dipper Realm, but someone in the fourth level dared provoke him.


    He shook his sword, creating sword flowers. Despite his cultivation, this youth wasn¡¯t weak and as strong as Ma Shiyan, meaning he had extraordinarybat strength.


    Anyone who picked the deathmatch was ruthless because it would lead to their death if they weren¡¯t careful in the martial hall.


    The youth didn¡¯t recognize Liu Wuxie because there were over ten thousand inner disciples. Although everyone had heard of Liu Wuxie and his aplishments, not all of them had seen him.


    Murderous intent radiated from the youth. After spending days in the Martial Hall, he had made significant progress, reaching the eighth level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm and perfecting his martial techniques. This had filled him with confidence.


    The chambers in the Martial Hall were randomized, and no one knew their next opponent. A new adversary was assigned once they defeated the current one.


    The green-robed youth had killed a fellow disciple in the seventh-level Heavenly Dipper Realm recently before he was teleported to Liu Wuxie¡¯s chamber.


    As their weapons shed, Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t in a hurry. The Fatality de Art kept transforming, and his opponent couldn¡¯t break through his defenses.


    This changed the green-robed youth¡¯s face, and he realized that Liu Wuxie¡¯s strength was far more than it seemed.


    ¡°Brat, I have underestimated you, but it¡¯s more interesting this way!¡± The green-robed youth let out a sinisterughter and unleashed ten sword auras.


    A terrifying sword aura enveloped the entire chamber in a wave. The chamber was massive, and even Nascent Transformation Realm elders wouldn¡¯t feel constrained to fight here.


    ¡°You think you can kill me? What a joke!¡± If Liu Wuxie hadn¡¯t taken it easy to hone his martial technique, he would¡¯ve killed his opponent with one strike. In addition to tempering his de technique, he also had to hone the Frost Finger, Primordial Astral Fist, and Soul Spear.


    He had reached perfect mastery in the Nine Heavenly Crane Dance, which smoothly integrated into his martial techniques.


    The Heretic de suddenly changed like a tidal wave, shattering all the iing sword auras. The de aura also poured like a waterfall, shocking the green-robed youth.


    He had already underestimated Liu Wuxie¡¯s strength but didn¡¯t expect thetter to be so powerful. As it was toote to pull back his attack, the youth gripped his sword with both hands, and a determined look appeared on his face. Suffocating sword aura roared and shed at Liu Wuxie¡¯s limbs.


    ¡°Turning sword aura into rain, this is getting more interesting!¡± Liu Wuxie smiled devilishly and sent the Heretic de flying out, which drew a beautiful arc in mid-air.


    When the Heretic de flew out, the green-d youth sensed danger because the de was flying at him in a tricky trajectory. They both wielded spiritual treasures, but the green-d youth¡¯s longsword couldn¡¯tpete with Liu Wuxie¡¯s de.


    "Sixth Fatality Form!" After reaching the fourth level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm, Liu Wuxie could now unleash the sixth form of the Fatality de Art. Unlike the previous forms, the Sixth Fatality Form allowed him to throw his de and control it with his mind to kill his enemy from a distance.


    This meant this attack could decapitate his opponent from a distance away.


    An even more unbelievable scene unfolded with the de divided into multiple des, and no one could discern which was real.


    In reality, each afterimage was lethal. Theter forms of the Fatality de Art would increase in lethality, and the sword rain exploded, unable to withstand the Heretic de¡¯s pressure.


    The green-d youth realized the imminent danger. Having dominated the Martial Hall for days, he now faced a formidable opponent.


    Just as he was about to admit defeat, the Heretic de descended, forming a cage of de aura. In the next instant, the green-d youth was sliced into pieces, his blood sttering on the ground.


    The Heretic de returned to Liu Wuxie¡¯s hand, and despite the gory scene, he maintained an emotionless expression.


    ¡°The Martial Hall is a decent ce, although it consumes a lot of points. It¡¯s more thrilling than fighting with profound beasts.¡± Many disciples,cking sufficient points, had to travel to the Scarlet Sun Mountain Range to train, where they hunted profound beasts to refine their martial techniques.


    When Liu Wuxie fought the green-d youth, a mysterious person arrived in the Martial Hall. The hall wasposed of multiple spiritual arrays, overseen by several elders who maintained them.


    Three elders sat in the Martial Hall¡¯s central control system, which was arge chamber. When someone arrived, the three elders opened their eyes and looked over.


    After all, no one could enter the Martial Hall¡¯s central control system as they wished, not even experts in the Astral River Realm. Under normal circumstances, the Martial Hall could function without issues unless someone intentionally damaged the spiritual arrays.


    Most of the time, the three elders remained in seclusion, with one person taking turns to oversee.


    ¡°Qing Mu, what brings you here?¡± The elder seated in the center had a withered structure.


    ¡°I came to ask a favor of you three.¡± Elder Qing Mu sat before the three elders, smiling as he took a jar of wine and some dishes from his interspatial ring.


    The chamber was instantly filled with the aroma of wine and food.


    ¡°Qing Mu, just speak your mind if you have anything. We¡¯ve abstained from ordinary food for a long time, so put it away.¡± After reaching the Nascent Transformation Realm, despite the appeal, they no longer required ordinary food. After all, ordinary food contained a lot of impurities, and they have to refine the impurities each time they consume food.


    Mortals ate food, while immortals consumed pills. As cultivators, they naturally consumed Fasting Pills to meet their needs.


    ¡°I need your help to kill someone!¡± Qing Mu put the food away and disclosed his request for their help in assassinating a disciple within the Martial Hall.


    The three controlled spiritual arrays, and with a slight alteration, they could easily send high-level disciples into the chambers of low-level disciples.


    ¡°Qing Mu, how dare you try and use the Martial Hall to kill someone?!¡± The elder in the center was enraged as he looked at Qing Mu.


    The elder on the left signaled Qing Mu, which was enough to prove their close rtionship.


    ¡°Elder Yi Xuan, please calm down. Deaths ur daily in the Martial Hall, and no one will know if someone dies,¡± Elder Qing Mu said with a smile. He feared Elder Yi Xuan the most out of the three, who was known for his righteousness with cultivation close to the True Profound Realm.


    The other two had a decently good rtionship with Elder Qing Mu but didn¡¯t express their opinions.


    ¡°Deaths aremon in the Martial Hall, but an ident has never urred before. Please leave, or you will have to face my wrath!¡± Elder Yi Xuan said, enraged, and urged Qing Mu to leave immediately. If Elder Qing Mu weren¡¯t an Alchemy Elder of the Treasure Pill Peak, he would¡¯ve given Qing Mu a p by now.


    They were all elders, but Yi Xuan was much stronger than Qing Mu.


    The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion was known for its alchemy in the Southern Province. They would export pills and sell them to various cities in exchange for resources.


    This meant the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion¡¯s status would plummet if they lost this ie. The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion was barely ranked in the middle regarding martial strength. As for alchemy, the Azure Crimson Gate has surpassed them in recent years.


    Thus, the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion invested heavily in nurturing alchemists, and each alchemist was crucial to the Pavilion.


    Elder Yi Xuan might have been enraged but was unlikely to take action against Qing Mu. At most, he would scold him and demand his departure, as the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion couldn''t afford to lose any alchemists.


    ¡°Elder Yi Xuan, let¡¯s hear Qing Mu out before making a decision,¡± the elder on the left suggested, attempting to calm Yi Xuan¡¯s anger. ¡°Since he¡¯s here, he must be aware that tampering with the Martial Hall could lead to punishment by the sect master.¡±


    They wouldn¡¯t mind helping Qing Mu if it were an ordinary disciple. After all, Qing Mu was an alchemist with a high status in the Treasure Pill Peak, and there were no cons in maintaining a good rtionship with him.


    Ninth-grade pills were rare; even the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion¡¯s elders couldn¡¯t get many of them. However, they could purchase some privately if they had a good rtionship with a certain alchemist.

 Chapter 431 - Hell Mode

    <h4>Chapter 431 - Hell Mode</h4>


    Yi Xuan snorted, and his expression eased. He waved his hand and waited for Qing Mu''s exnation, "Speak up. If you can''t rify it, I will report it truthfully to the sect master and have him judge this matter."


    "I want to have an inner disciple eliminated. This person hasmitted numerous heinous acts and has a violent nature. In just six months with the sect, he¡¯s killed over forty to fifty disciples," Qing Mu dered with righteous indignation, embellishing Liu Wuxie¡¯s actions to paint him as a demon who preyed upon other disciples.


    "How outrageous! Since when has the management of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion be sox? To think he dares to kill Law-Enforcement Hall disciples and seize their points¡ªhe deserves to be executed ording to the sect''s rules!" The elder on the left rose in anger, clearly incensed.


    "Where is the justice if he isn¡¯t dealt with?" echoed the elder on the right, showing his support for the elder on the left.


    Elder Yi Xuan, however, remained silent. He was well aware of the motivations of the other two elders, who had a close rtionship with Qing Mu and were keen to maintain favorable ties for the sake of acquiring pills. While sect rules allowed elders to receive a modest monthly allocation of pills, they all sought additional supplies.


    "The Martial Hall isn''t the Law-Enforcement Hall. Elder Qing Mu, you havee to the wrong ce. If this person has vited the sect''s rules, the Law-Enforcement Hall will take action against him," Elder Yi Xuan said, and his words were reasonable.


    The martial hall was designed for disciples to refine their martial techniques and did not holdw enforcement authority. Even if a disciple had vited the rules, it was the Law-Enforcement Hall¡¯s responsibility to handle the punishment; any intervention by the martial hall would be considered overstepping its boundaries.


    "Elder Yi Xuan, you may not be aware, but this disciple has been receiving special treatment from Tian Xing. Despite his numerous transgressions, he faces only minor consequences, thanks to Tian Xing¡¯s protection. I even suspect he might be Tian Xing¡¯s illegitimate son from the mundane world," Elder Qing Mu said with a sinister tone, casting aspersions on Liu Wuxie and insinuating that he was an illegitimate child of Elder Tian Xing.


    Such ims were not umon in the cultivation world, where influential figures often fathered children with women from the mundane world andter brought them into the cultivation world.


    However, making such usations behind an elder¡¯s back was considered highly taboo in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. Both elders on either side of the discussion chose to remain silent, wary of offending Elder Tian Xing.


    ¡°I¡¯m aware of your long-standing grudge against Tian Xing and your history of targeting those he favors. Over the years, many disciples have fallen victim to your vendetta,¡± Elder Yi Xuan remarked, his tone carrying the weight of his seniority. The feud between Qing Mu and Tian Xing was a well-known, centuries-old conflict that had only deepened with time.


    Despite their outward civility, the animosity between them was fierce and ongoing, and Elder Yi Xuan was fully aware of it.


    ¡°Elder Yi Xuan, you misunderstand me. While I do have issues with Tian Xing, this matter is about a mere inner disciple, not a personal vendetta,¡± Qing Mu responded, rising from his seat with visible displeasure.


    His frustration was evident; despite Yi Xuan''s higher cultivation, Qing Mu''s status as an alchemist at the Treasure Pill Peak gave him considerable influence.


    "I''m not interested in your vendetta, and the Martial Hall isn''t a tool for you to get rid of your rivals. Please leave!" Elder Yi Xuan waved his hand, demanding Qing Mu to leave because he didn''t want to get involved in their feud.


    A hint of ferocity shed in Qing Mu''s eyes. He was confident in forcing Elder Yi Xuan toply since he dared toe.


    ¡°Elder Yi Xuan, I¡¯ve heard that your grandson¡¯s condition has deteriorated. If he¡¯s not treated promptly, he risks not only losing his martial foundation but also his life,¡± Qing Mu said, his eyes glinting with a cold, calcting light as he shifted his tone.


    Upon hearing what Qing Mu said, a violent wave of murderous intent swept out from Elder Yi Xuan.


    "Qing Mu, what exactly are you trying to say?" Elder Yi Xuan stood up with his robe fluttering. He would kill thetter with one palm strike if Qing Mu didn''t give him an exnation today.


    "I''ll be honest with you. I have already researched the Spirit Restoration Pill, and I''m only missing one ingredient. That ingredient is already on the way and will soon reach the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion." Qing Mu smiled brightly.


    Upon hearing it, Elder Yi Xuan''s fluttering robe deted, and he sat on the ground weakly with veins bulging on his forehead.


    "Qing Mu, don''t bullshit. The Spirit Restoration Pill isn''t that easy to refine!" the elder on the left reprimanded. He wasn''t furious but was trying to create an atmosphere.


    Three of Elder Yi Xuan''s sons had died, leaving only one grandson behind. But when his grandson had visited the Underground Abyssal World, his spiritual root was destroyed, reducing him to a cripple.


    His meridians were shrinking slowly, and it had been several years. Elder Yi Xuan had tried everything, but he couldn''t find a way to treat his grandson.


    A cultivator with his spiritual root destroyed was equivalent to a cripple. This was more painful than having the dantian destroyed.


    If the dantian was destroyed, one could refine the Pulse Guarding Pill to repair the dantian and meridians. But the spiritual root was different because ordinary pills wouldn''t work. Only the Spirit Restoration Pill could repair the destroyed spiritual root.


    However, the Spirit Restoration Pill''s form was long lost, and even the sect master couldn''t refine it.


    Elder Yi Xuan had sought Mu Tianli¡¯s assistance numerous times, but each attempt ended in failure. With his sons deceased, he had focused all his efforts on his grandson. The severity of his grandson''s condition had driven Elder Yi Xuan into seclusion, shutting himself away from the world for years.


    Liu Wuxie had only just awakened part of his spiritual root; he needed to awaken his immortal root to achieve immortality.


    "Can you refine the Spirit Restoration Pill?" Elder Yi Xuan suddenly looked much older. He had chosen thetter between morals and family.


    If it meant saving his grandson, he was willing topromise his principles and face the consequences, even if it meant the sect pursued him for it.


    ¡°I can¡¯t guarantee sess, but I¡¯m at least seventy percent confident,¡± Qing Mu replied cautiously. This would be his first attempt at refining the Spirit Restoration Pill. The form had been lost to time, and he had pieced it together from ancient texts. He needed to test his ability to see if he could make it work.


    Even if he failed, he wouldn''t lose anything because Elder Yi Xuan wouldn''t hold it against him because of it. The Spirit Restoration Pill was beyond the capabilities of even the True Profound Realm experts, not to mention he was only in the Nascent Transformation Realm.


    "Who do you want to kill?" Elder Yi Xuan''s face became deste, and he had chosen topromise.


    The other two elders didn''t do anything to stop him and allowed the matter to unfold. When the elder on the left signaled, Qing Mu took out a painting and ced it before the three elders.


    As they examined Liu Wuxie¡¯s portrait, the three elders, including Elder Yi Xuan, were astonished. The young man, appearing no older than eighteen or neen, seemed too young to have aplished so much within the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    The elder on the right formed a seal, causing the right wall behind Qing Mu to light up with a series of grids, each representing a different chamber. He directed his attention to the seventh level, where they found Liu Wuxie¡¯s chamber. The disy revealed Liu Wuxie in action, killing the green-d youth.


    "That''s him?" The elder on the right asked in disbelief because Liu Wuxie was only in the fourth level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm but had the guts to enter the seventh level.


    "That''s right. This brat has killed so many people, and he must die!" Qing Mu nodded.


    After killing the green-d youth, Liu Wuxie would be randomly teleported if he didn''t leave, entering the other chambers to keep fighting.


    He had no idea a crisis was approaching because he didn''t even know who Qing Mu was, not to mention an elder wanted to kill him.


    ¡°Leave now; we will handle the rest,¡± the elder on the right instructed Qing Mu. The matter involved sensitive secrets that were not for outsiders to know.


    Though Qing Mu was an elder of the Treasure Pill Peak, he did not have ess to the Martial Hall¡¯s confidential affairs.


    "I''ll leave these with you," Qing Mu said as he ced three bottles of Heart Nourishing Pills on the table. "These are suited for the three of you."


    These weren''t precious pills and were suitable for the Nascent Transformation Realm cultivators.


    The elder on the left chuckled and took one bottle, personally sending Qing Mu out.


    "I need some fresh air!" Yi Xuan stood up and looked more hunched than before, leaving the room without touching the Heart Nourishing Pills.


    He left the central control system to the remaining two. He disdained to do such things, but he could only act against his conscience and turn a blind eye for the sake of his grandson.


    After Elder Yi Xuan left, the remaining two elders walked to the core and started altering the Martial Hall.


    Liu Wuxie felt his vision changing and entered another stone chamber with a person standing before him, with cultivation in the ninth-level Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    "What''s going on? How can there be someone in the ninth-level Heavenly Dipper Realm on the seventh level?" Liu Wuxie was baffled.


    The green-d youth was originally at the seventh level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm when he had entered the seventh level of the Martial Hall. However, during his training, he made a breakthrough to the eighth level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm. This had allowed him to stay on the seventh level of the Martial Hall when he faced Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie frowned at the sudden appearance of someone in the ninth-level Heavenly Dipper Realm. But shortly after, another person appeared in the chamber, also in the ninth-level Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    Having one person was already unusual, but there were two of them.


    "Who activated hell mode?" The youth on the right frowned and looked around. He and the youth on the left represented one side, while Liu Wuxie represented the other. This was a two-against-one battle.


    Even if Liu Wuxie surrendered with hell mode activated, it would be futile; it could only end with the death of one side.


    "What level is this? How can someone at the fourth level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm be here?" The youth on the left was baffled. They had been fighting on the ninth level but suddenly appeared here after defeating their opponent.


    Liu Wuxie''s heart sank. He seemed to have guessed something, but he didn''t dare to confirm it.


    "Why waste time talking? We can end hell mode after killing him," the youth on the right said impatiently and swung his sword at Liu Wuxie.


    The central control system disyed everything happening in the chamber. The two elders returned to their seats and watched quietly.


    The man on the left disdained to act and remained in ce, believing one person was enough to deal with Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie didn''t dare be careless because his opponent was someone on the ninth level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm, not to mention that the Martial Hall''s spiritual arrays had changed.


    He would have to investigate if anyone was targeting him as it was still uncertain.


    Liu Wuxie deflected the iing attack by raising the Heretic de, unleashing a shockwave.


    The attacking youth was shocked because he was in the ninth level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm and couldn''t believe he had failed to kill Liu Wuxie in one strike.


    "Liang Qiming, are you doing this on purpose? Don''t tell me you can''t even kill someone in the fourth level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm," the youth on the left reprimanded, thinking Liang Qiming was putting on an act.

 Chapter 432 - Controlling the Martial Hall

    <h4>Chapter 432 - Controlling the Martial Hall</h4>


    The two youths knew each other but were disdainful of working together. If news got out that they had to join hands against someone in the fourth level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm, they would be reduced to aughingstock.


    Liang Qiming''s face was grim, and he was unable to refute the truth. Only he knew that the rebound force from Liu Wuxie''s deflection had nearly caused him to lose control of his longsword.


    This wasn''t the power of someone at the fourth level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm; it wasparable to the pinnacle of the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    The second wave of attacks quickly followed after the first failed strike. Liang Qiming was an old disciple who came here constantly to push himself to find the path to the Heavenly Phase Realm.


    He had been stuck in the ninth level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm for years and couldn''t find the threshold to the Heavenly Phase Realm. The best way was to put himself in danger and keep pushing himself to seek that sliver of opportunity.


    As Liu Wuxie fought, he activated the Ghost Eye to scan his surroundings. Having cultivated the Soul Forge Art, his divine sense had grown immensely stronger, and with the enhancement of the Ghost Eye, its power became even more extraordinary.


    Liu Wuxie''s vision could prate through the walls and reach the core. The core was built deep underground, and seeing through so manyyers was exhausting for his divine sense. But he had gone all out to see who was trying to target him.


    As his vision prated through the crystal walls, he entered a room with two elders forming seals to control the Martial Hall.


    "I see...someone is trying to use the Martial Hall to kill me." Liu Wuxie retracted his divine sense after verifying. He had consumed half his soul energy in just one breath and had to multitask and fight with Liang Qiming.


    Liang Qiming executed ten-odd attacks in a few breaths, and each attack was tricky to deal with. Even so, he couldn''t break through Liu Wuxie''s defenses, who could easily deal with him relying on the Nine Heavenly Crane Dance alone.


    Liu Wuxie had be even more proficient with the Fatality de Art. Aside from thest form, he could perfectly execute the first six forms.


    This shocked Liang Qiming, and a hint of solemnness shed in his eyes as he fought. Even the youth by the side wore a solemn expression because he could tell Liang Qiming wasn''t doing this on purpose, but Liu Wuxie was that strong.


    The two elders in the central control system were also shocked. To be safe, they had specially sent two disciples to the ninth level but still couldn''t do anything to Liu Wuxie.


    "Whirlwind sh!" Liang Qiming was enraged and resorted to his strongest attack, which ripped through the air and appeared before Liu Wuxie, forcing thetter to retreat.


    "What a powerful sword technique!" Liu Wuxie didn''t dare be careless because this sword''s power was much stronger than Ma Shiyan''s.


    Liu Wuxie swung the Heretic de downward and pointed his right index finger at Liang Qiming,unching two simultaneous attacks. He knew that relying solely on the Fatality de Art would only force Liang Qiming to retreat.


    The hell mode was activated, which meant only one side could survive with no path of retreat.


    When their weapons shed, a powerful shockwave erupted, causing a violent explosion that shook the surrounding walls. The Martial Hall''s environment was real, and each instance of damage required repairs.


    Every day, disciples woulde to repair the damage and earn points, which was also a form of mission.


    Liu Wuxie''s points were earned by others, allowing points to circte in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. Points were simr to currencies, which needed spending or would only remain as numbers.


    The two were sent flying away, and the Frost Finger struck when Liang Qiming was in mid-air. Everything happened swiftly, and it was toote for Liang Qiming to react.


    The Frost Finger was bizarre as dao technique was something beyond theirprehension at their cultivation level. Furthermore, Liu Wuxie could unleash a variation of Frost Finger, unlike martial techniques, which were rtively simple and fixed.


    Liang Qiming froze in ce and was turned into an ice sculpture, and begging for mercy was futile in hell mode.


    The other youth who was watching shivered because Liang Qiming was dead in just a few exchanges. He began to tremble in fear.


    "Y-You''re pretending to be weak!" The youth was afraid and didn''t dare to face Liu Wuxie.


    "Make your move!" Liu Wuxie didn''t want to exin because this had nothing to do with the two, but someone had tried to use the Martial Hall to get rid of him.


    With a ferocious re, the youth took out a spiritual talisman and attached it to his sword, which unleashed a brilliant radiance to illuminate the entire chamber.


    A terrifying fluctuation spread, sending bs from the ground flying and crashing towards Liu Wuxie like a cascading waterfall.


    "That''s more like it!" It would be too dull to kill his opponent with one strike.


    "Die!" the youth roared, his martial technique¡¯s power significantly enhanced by a spiritual talisman, reaching a levelparable to the Heavenly Phase Realm. The shockwave from his attack alone was enough to overwhelm even someone at the pinnacle of the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    ¡°Primordial Astral Fist!¡± Liu Wuxie leaped into the air. He was done honing the Fatality de Art but still needed to hone the Primordial Astral Fist. A suffocating true essence swept out, powering his punch.


    The young man was horrified because he had never seen such a terrifying fist technique before. All the spiritual runes exploded as they couldn''t withstand the power of Liu Wuxie''s punch.


    The entire chamber began to shake because this punch had reached the limit of martial techniques. The two elders seated in the central control system frowned in disbelief.


    ¡°This kid is no ordinary disciple!¡± The elder on the left stood up, clearly shaken.


    ¡°Qing Mu wouldn¡¯t lead us astray, would he?¡± The elder on the right expressed concern, realizing that Liu Wuxie¡¯s strength was far more formidable than anticipated. If they failed to kill him, the situation could escte to the sect master¡¯s attention, leading to an investigation into their misuse of the Martial Hall.


    "Don''t worry about it. He''s finished!" The elder on the left had a hint of cruelty on his face.


    Facing the Primordial Astral Fist, the light curtain released by the talisman began to retreat, with the young man''s face covered in endless fear.


    "I don''t want to die!" The young man left the world with reluctance.


    After killing two opponents, Liu Wuxie wanted to leave because of a big issue with the Martial Hall.


    "What''s going on? Why can''t I leave?" Liu Wuxie''s facial expression became grim, and his murderous intent filled the chamber.


    "Don''t let me know who''s behind this, or I''ll kill you even if you''re an elder!" Liu Wuxie said, believing the person doing this could see him.


    The two elders gritted their teeth at this sight. They decided to go all out and began forming seals, injecting them into the spiritual array.


    Liu Wuxie disappeared once more and appeared in an unknown ce. This time, three people stood before him, surrounding him in a triangr formation.


    The three were baffled when they appeared, unaware of what was happening.


    "Liu Wuxie? Why is he here?" one of them eximed because he was familiar with Liu Wuxie. He was also present when Hou Ye was killed.


    "He''s only in the fourth-level Heavenly Dipper Realm, so how did hee here? Did something go wrong in the Martial Hall?" The three didn''t have any murderous intent directed at Liu Wuxie and looked around curiously.


    "This is weird. There are three of us, while there''s only one of him," the youth on the right eximed because they were on one side.


    The three looked at each other before they finally felt something wasn''t right.


    "Liu Wuxie, do you know what''s going on?" one of the youths asked, believing Liu Wuxie might know.


    "Someone is controlling the Martial Hall, trying to use you three to get rid of me," Liu Wuxie said truthfully without hiding anything.


    The faces of the three disciples changed. It was too shocking for someone to use the Martial Hall to get rid of another disciple, and this vited the sect''s rules.


    "What should we do? Should we kill him and leave here or find a way to seek help?" The other two youths looked at the one in the middle.


    Among the three, the one in the middle was the strongest, with cultivation in the pinnacle Heavenly Dipper Realm, one step away from the Heavenly Phase Realm.


    They had no personal feud with Liu Wuxie and did not need to fight to the death, bing a tool for someone.


    "There''s no way out. The spiritual arrays are unbreakable, and more people wille in to kill us if we can''t end the fight in an hour." Liu Wuxie spread his hands apart, looking helpless.


    The spiritual arrays in the Martial Hall were too intricate for him to fully understand at his current level. Only by reaching the Astral River Realm would he be able to discern theirplexities. His current cultivation was insufficient, and he felt powerless against the establishedws of the Nascent Transformation Realm.


    "Senior Brother Feng Lie, will that happen?" The youth on the right turned to look at the one in the middle.


    "That''s right!" Ma Lie wasn''t willing to admit it, but he could only nod.


    "How outrageous! I remember the Martial Hall is overseen by Elder Yi Xuan. He is known for impartiality. There has never been any mistakes in the Martial Hall under his management. What happened today?" The youth on the left swung his arm around angrily.


    Liu Wuxie silently remembered Elder Yi Xuan''s name to take revenge. He asked, "Senior Brother Feng Lie, how many elders are in charge of the Martial Hall?"


    "Under normal circumstances, the Martial Hall is managed by Elder Yi Xuan and assisted by two elders, making them three," Feng Lie replied after pondering briefly. He was an old disciple who had been in the sect for years and naturally knew more than Liu Wuxie.


    "Why do I only see two people in the central control system?" Liu Wuxie frowned. Unlike what Feng Lie said, only two people were in the central control system.


    "What? You can see the central control system?" The three''s faces changed. They had powerful soul energy, but their divine sense couldn''t escape the chamber. So, how did Liu Wuxie manage to do it?


    "Well, I practice an eye technique!"


    After hearing Liu Wuxie''s reply, the three''s faces returned to calm. They thought Liu Wuxie''s primordial spirit had reached the level of the Nascent Transformation Realm.

 Chapter 433 - Massacre

    <h4>Chapter 433 - Massacre</h4>


    The chamber fell silent, and neither of the four wanted to make a move.


    "Liu Wuxie, you said only two people are in the central control system? This is unusual!" Feng Lie said after a brief pondering, sensing something was off.


    The other two nodded because the Martial Hall had been managed by three elders, especially Elder Yi Xuan, who never left.


    Liu Wuxie took a brush and paper to draw the portrait of the two elders he saw.


    "Elder Yi Xuan isn''t among them. No wonder!" Feng Lie''s eyes shed with a sharp glint.


    "Don''t you find it unusual? Despite not being here, Elder Yi Xuan can''t be unaware of the changes. This only means one possibility: Elder Yi Xuan had agreed to this." The youth on the right had a meticulous heart and instantly noticed many inconsistencies.


    Liu Wuxie nodded because Elder Yi Xuan, proficient in spiritual arrays, had set up and constructed many spiritual arrays in the Martial Hall and the sect.


    Thus, it was impossible for Elder Yi Xuan to remain unaware when someone manipted the spiritual arrays.


    This was like how Elder Wu Yang could sense it when Liu Wuxie had destroyed Han Xing and Kong Yan''s array gs.


    Time slowly passed, and if they didn''t fight, more experts woulde in, aiming to kill them all four to end the hell mode.


    "What should we do now? We can''t just sit here and do nothing!" The youth on the right became anxious because he didn''t want to die there. If they had no choice, they could only kill Liu Wuxie to end the hell mode.


    "I have no solution!" Feng Lie spread his arms apart, looking helpless. The atmosphere became tense as the four remained alert. There were only fifteen minutes left. They had to make the decision, or they would all die here.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, why not hand over the stctite essence? With it, we could advance to the Heavenly Phase Realm, which would enable us to break through the spiritual array and end this hell mode,¡± the youth on the right proposed. He aimed to use Liu Wuxie''s essence to facilitate their own breakthrough.


    Feng Lie¡¯s eyes brightened at the suggestion. He hadn¡¯t considered this approach before. The idea of resolving their current predicament and achieving the Heavenly Phase Realm in one move was both practical and enticing.


    ¡°The three of you are after my stctite essence, aren¡¯t you?¡± Liu Wuxie sneered. He knew that if these three reached the Heavenly Phase Realm, they¡¯d eliminate him first to avoid the embarrassment of their scheme being exposed.


    "Liu Wuxie, don''t you want to leave this ce? Do you think you can face us three by yourself?" a youth roared, trying to intimidate him into surrendering.


    ¡°I certainly want to leave this ce alive, but I intend to do so on my own terms,¡± Liu Wuxie replied firmly. He was well aware of their intentions and wasn¡¯t about to be deceived.


    He had encountered too many instances of betrayal and backstabbing. Besides, time was limited, and how could they possibly reach the Heavenly Phase Realm during this time? They merely wanted him to hand over the stctite essence before killing him.


    "Liu Wuxie, don''t me us since you''re courting death!" The youth on the right was the first to attack. Unlike Feng Lie, he didn''t want to wait any longer because he had no favorable opinion of Liu Wuxie.


    Feng Lie and the youth on the right didn''t stop him, allowing him to kill Liu Wuxie.


    The youth attacked with his sword like a viper, which was hard to defend against.


    Feng Lie''s group had chosen the deathmatch mode when they had entered the Martial Hall, and their hearts were brimming with murderous intent. They spent time discussing to understand the situation better.


    "Someone like you wants to get the stctite essence from me?" Murderous intent also rose in Liu Wuxie''s heart. A fight was unavoidable because more people woulde even if these three didn''t fight.


    Liu Wuxie knew he had no choice; he had to keep fighting and killing if he wanted to survive. These three initially pretended to be friendly to obtain the stctite essence from him, but their true intentions were clear after he rejected their demands.


    Those who picked the deathmatch mode weren''t fools who would go easy on their opponents. They had been in the Martial Hall for over a day and killed several disciples.


    They might''ve concealed their murderous intent well, but it couldn''t escape Liu Wuxie''s Ghost Eye.


    The youth''s sword shot out like a viper, spitting out venom. This was the first time Liu Wuxie had encountered such a vicious sword technique.


    Time was pressing, and Liu Wuxie had to end the battle quickly by killing everyone, waiting for the spiritual array to copse. After all, not many people would pick the deathmatch mode, and Liu Wuxie had already killed three people so far.


    Performing the Sixth Fatality Form, Liu Wuxie sent the Heretic de flying from his hand, slicing the viper into eight segments that fell to the ground. Though it was also a spiritual treasure, the difference between it and the Heretic de was stark.


    After fusing the Abyssal King''s teeth, the Heretic de''s quality neared that of xiantian treasures. With a xiantian spirit, Liu Wuxie could upgrade the Heretic de to a full xiantian treasure, but such spirits were exceedingly rare and difficult to find.


    "This is bad!" The youth quickly retreated after losing his sword, while Feng Lie and the other youth exchanged shocked nces.


    "Let''s go!" Feng Lie shouted, and they charged at Liu Wuxie from two sides, increasing the pressure on him.


    "You all deserve to die!" Feng Lie''s attack was like roaring thunder, which ced immense pressure on Liu Wuxie. However, despite the heightened pressure, their attacks posed no real threat.


    Liu Wuxie focused on Feng Lie, knowing that if he could eliminate him, the other two would fall easily. The Heavenly Dao Book opened, and the Soul Spear formed.


    A ck spear flew out silently, and Feng Lie let out a scream. He had witnessed Hou Ye''s inexplicable death in the Mission Hall, but no one knew why Hou Ye had screamed.


    Now, Feng Lie finally understood. The pain emanating from his soul was unimaginable. He rolled on the ground in agony, clutching his head. Despite biting his lips hard, he couldn''t suppress the excruciating pain tearing through his soul.


    "Die!" Liu Wuxie took the opportunity to unleash the Frost Finger, with four martial techniques forming a perfect link.


    In theter stages of cultivation, a single technique was too simple and couldn''t form effective attacks.


    Feng Lie was torn apart, and his energy was devoured and stored in the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron forter use.


    Liu Wuxie was waiting to enter the Celestial Spirit Cave, and the spiritual liquid he stored during the wait had formed into ake in the cauldron.


    The victory tilted to Liu Wuxie''s side after killing Feng Lie. His de descended, killing the youth on the left before using his palm to kill the youth on the right. With that, the battle had finallye to an end.


    The two elders in the central control system couldn''t hold it any longer and sent five people to kill Liu Wuxie this time. Things were bing troublesome and getting out of control.


    Liu Wuxie''s eyes had be bloodshot after killing the three. His arrogant voice echoed in the chamber, "Come! Let me see what you have left!"


    After killing the three, he collected their interspatial pouches. He needed an astronomical sum of resources to forge the Suppression Steles, but he had barely collected enough to forge the Wood Suppression Stele.


    The surroundings began to shift, with Liu Wuxie vanishing and reappearing in another chamber. As he had predicted, four men and one woman stood before him, all wearing expressions of shock.


    "Why were we teleported here?" The five split up and looked at each other cautiously.


    "It''s weird that we''re in a group!" the youth on the leftughed. Although this was abnormal, he found it rather amusing.


    "Die!" Liu Wuxie didn''t waste time speaking this time and charged forward with the Heretic de. After all, he would still have to fight even if he wasted his time talking.


    Many disciples would die in the Martial Hall yearly, but it was the first time for so many casualties. Most disciples who picked the deathmatch mode would concede at the veryst moment, which was why the mortality rate was low despite the mode.


    In simtion mode, opponents were simted by spiritual arrays, ensuring no real deaths. However, once hell mode was activated, conceding was futile as the Martial Hall turned into a true battlefield.


    "Die!" The five were enraged that Liu Wuxie attacked them without saying a word.


    Liu Wuxie''s odds of winning weren''t high enough to face five opponents, and his blood soon dyed the ground red. He alternated between the Fatality de Art, Soul Forge Art, Frost Finger, and Primordial Astral Fist.


    His five opponents weren''t ordinary, and the woman even used a whip that was hard to defend against, striking Liu Wuxie''s back and leaving behind a gash.


    The other four were even stronger; two used swords, one used a de, and thest used a spear.


    Liu Wuxie''s wounds continued to multiply as the battle raged on, but his five opponents were in no better condition; one had already lost the ability to fight after being struck by a Soul Spear.


    "Why is he so hard to deal with?" one of them grumbled. After so long, everyone bore injuries, yet the oue remained uncertain.


    "He''s a wolf!" the woman eximed, clutching her arm where a chunk of flesh had been sliced away, grimacing in pain.


    Theparison was apt; Liu Wuxie resembled a ravenous wolf with a singr objective: their deaths. His eyes were bloodshot as he pounced on them again, sending chills down their spines.


    They had never seen anyone so relentless, especially someone as wounded as Liu Wuxie. Despite his injuries, nothing seemed capable of halting his advance.


    Raising the Primordial Astral Fist, a terrifying star appeared in the sky.


    Meanwhile, Elder Yi Xuan had left the chamber for about an hour before returning. With so much time having passed, he expected the battle to be over. However, upon his return, he felt a tremor under his feet, and his face fell.

 Chapter 434 - Punishment

    <h4>Chapter 434 - Punishment</h4>


    An ancient star appeared above the chamber, radiating a suffocating power that prated even the spiritual arrays. Cracking sounds echoed from the central control system as numerous spiritual arrays shattered.


    "What''s going on?" Elder Yi Xuan asked upon his return, puzzled by the scene of five disciples battling a lone opponent.


    The two elders, recognizing the gravity of the situation, didn''t dare to conceal anything from Elder Yi Xuan. The matter had spiraled beyond their control.


    Upon learning that Liu Wuxie had killed so many people, Elder Yi Xuan gasped with a hint of regret. They had all fallen for Qing Mu''s trap; Liu Wuxie was not as simple as they had believed.


    The five screamed when the ancient star descended from above.


    "How could this be?!" the woman cried out in anguish, helpless as the star crushed her to death.


    The other four fared no better because no one could withstand thebination of Primordial Astral Fist and Frost Finger. This meant Liu Wuxie was invincible unless it was someone in the Heavenly Phase Realm.


    The entire Martial Hall trembled as arge crater formed in the chamber. Numerous spiritual arrays were damaged, rendering the Martial Hall inoperable and in need of extensive repairs.


    "Damn it! Damn it!" The two elders beside Elder Yi Xuan stomped their feet in frustration, unsure of how to exin this disaster to the sect''s higher-ups.


    "Kill him! We have to kill him!" The elder on the right said with bloodshot eyes. They had to kill Liu Wuxie topensate for the losses.


    "That''s enough!" Elder Yi Xuan roared. Given the situation, it was obvious that Qing Mu''s plot was to try to use them to get rid of a threat.


    "This kid has destroyed so many spiritual arrays. How will we exin to the sect if we don''t kill him? The three of us will be punished if an investigation takes ce!" The elder on the left realized the seriousness of the matter, and they could only try to cover it by ming him.


    "This is our fault, and I will exin everything to the sect. I will take the responsibility for this matter. Open the Martial Hall and let everyone out. The Martial Hall will be closed for three days," Elder Yi Xuan said with a weary expression. He had made a mistake and didn''t want to make another.


    It was still possible to prevent further esction of this matter before it reached an irreparable point.


    After hearing that Elder Yi Xuan would take the me, the two elders had nothing to say. They walked over to the central control system and began injecting spiritual runes into the core to restore everything to normal.


    After killing the five, Liu Wuxie collected their interspatial rings and was prepared for the next wave.


    "There''s an error in the spiritual arrays; everyone must leave. Starting today, the Martial Hall will be closed for three days to repair the spiritual arrays." The announcement echoed through the hall, instructing everyone to evacuate due to the temporary closure.


    Liu Wuxie remained indifferent as the bloodshot hue in his eyes gradually subsided. Ignoring his injuries, he calmly exited the chamber.


    Everyone, including Fan Zhen''s group, began to leave and reached the first level.


    One day wasn''t enough for them to fully grasp the martial techniques given to them by Liu Wuxie. The five had wounds on them caused by an entire day of fighting with their lives on the line.


    "Wuxie, why do you have so many injuries?" The five of their faces changed because Liu Wuxie was covered in blood.


    "I''m fine. What about the five of you?" Liu Wuxie replied, consuming some pills. His wounds, though gruesome, weren''t fatal. With his current physique, he could recover quickly without anysting scars.


    "We''re fine!" the five replied.


    They supported each other and returned to Liu Wuxie''s courtyard. Upon seeing him covered in blood, Jian Xing''er burst into tears once more, while Chen Ruoyan remained silent, satisfied just to stand beside him.


    <strong>......</strong>


    Elder Yi Xuan left the Martial Hall and headed to the main peak. When he entered the main hall, Mu Tianli was already seated as though he had been waiting.


    "I pay my greetings to the sect master!" Elder Yi Xuan bowed upon entering.


    "Sit," Mu Tianli gestured for Elder Yi Xuan to sit before talking.


    "Sect master, I''m guilty!" Elder Yi Xuan didn''t sit down and admitted his mistake.


    "What are you guilty of?" Mu Tianli asked with a smile.


    The atmosphere in the main hall became oppressive because Mu Tianli was an expert in the True Profound Realm. Though Elder Yi Xuan was close to the True Profound Realm, he was still in the Nascent Transformation Realm.


    "Qing Mu looked for me today to help him kill someone, promising the Spirit Restoration Pill in return," Elder Yi Xuan exined, recounting the entire incident without hiding anything. He even took all the me upon himself.


    Mu Tianli knew about the condition of Elder Yi Xuan''s grandson, and he had been trying to find the form of the Spirit Restoration Pill throughout the years.


    "You believed Qing Mu!" Mu Tianli asked calmly, his eyes filled with wisdom. He seemed to know the whole story but didn''t point it out.


    This was because nothing within the scope of tens of thousands of miles around the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion could escape him. But as the sect master, he couldn''t intervene in everything.


    "Yes, I did!" Elder Yi Xuan admitted with guilt. He was foolish to have trusted Qing Mu.


    Even the sect master couldn''t refine the Spirit Restoration Pill, not to mention Qing Mu, who was only in the Nascent Transformation Realm. It was clear he had been deceived.


    ¡°You¡¯ve been around for ages but can¡¯t see through such tricks?¡± Mu Tianli sighed. Despite Elder Yi Xuan¡¯s loyalty to the sect, his focus on finding a Spirit Restoration Pill for his grandson had led him to every major sect except the Azure Crimson Gate, seeking aid. But all other sects had refused to sell it, even if they had it.


    "Sect master, please punish me!" Elder Yi Xuan was straightforward and didn''t even bother defending himself. A mistake was a mistake, and any exnation was just an excuse.


    ¡°You may leave now. You¡¯ll forfeit three years of your sry,¡± Mu Tianli said, dismissing Elder Yi Xuan. This was a light punishmentpared to what could have been, but it would remain a permanent blemish on his record.


    Elder Yi Xuan, resigned to a harsher penalty, added, ¡°Sect Master, I am no longer fit to be the chief elder of the Martial Hall. Please appoint someone else in my ce.¡±


    ¡°I will consider it, but you will remain in your position until a new elder is appointed,¡± Mu Tianli responded, acknowledging Elder Yi Xuan''s request. When that change would ur was yet to be determined.


    Elder Yi Xuan left the main hall, his reluctance visible as he departed without further words.


    Once Elder Yi Xuan was gone, Mu Tianli stood alone in the hall. A satisfied smile crept onto his face as he murmured, ¡°It¡¯s time to address the sect¡¯s issues. The internal strife has reached a critical point, and if left unchecked, it will lead to the sect¡¯s downfall. This young man could serve as the perfect catalyst, exposing all the hidden conflicts and bringing them into the open.¡±


    Following this conflict, internal strife within the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion intensified, even affecting its higher echelons. What had begun as healthypetition among disciples had deteriorated into severe discord, requiring drastic measures.


    If Mu Tianli wanted to rectify the sect, the best way was to uproot some people entirely.


    "Young man, you better not disappoint me. What you will face next isn''t a group of people but a pack of wolves and tigers." Mu Tianli''s eyes shed with a hint of concern.


    As the sect master, Mu Tianli understood that Qing Mu had not broken any rules and therefore would not be held ountable. However, the presence of certain troublesome elements within the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion posed a significant threat to its stability. These "parasites" needed to be addressed to prevent the sect¡¯s eventual copse, a situation that weighed heavily on Mu Tianli.


    He was determined to act decisively if the opportunity arose. Many elders and deacons had been exploiting the sect''s rules, creating problems even he struggled to control. Liu Wuxie''s emergence offered a glimmer of hope, someone unbound by conventional limitations, willing to challenge even the heavens if necessary.


    <strong>......</strong>


    After returning to the sect and resting for a day, the long-awaited reward from the Celestial Spirit Cave arrived. Disciples were instructed to assemble in the Mission Hall the following day, where they would be escorted to the cave.


    Liu Wuxie felt a wave of relief upon hearing the news. The Celestial Spirit Cave represented a crucial opportunity for advancement, and how far he could progress would hinge on the three days he spent there.


    He had amassed considerable energy from his numerous kills and was carrying millions of spirit stones. Additionally, he possessed a substantial number of pills, distributing some to Fan Zhen and the others while retaining the rest for himself. He had refrained from using them, saving them for his time in the Celestial Spirit Cave.


    Song Ling returned alone after reaching the seventh level of the Array Tower. He had lost weight, so he indulged in a feast upon returning.


    "Headmaster, I need you to help me investigate Elder Yi Xuan and the Hou n''s information for your next task, including their whereabouts in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion."


    All five of them had be inner disciples, which made it easier for them to carry out their tasks in the sect.


    "Wuxie, you don''t have to address me as headmaster anymore. You can call me by my name." Fan Zhen was now the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s disciple, not the Imperial Academy''s headmaster. Thus, it was inappropriate to address him as headmaster.


    "Then, I''ll address you as Old Fan from now on!" Liu Wuxie didn''t mind that because it was just a form of address.


    "Understood. I''ll get right on it!" Fan Zhen appreciated being addressed by his name, signifying Liu Wuxie''s respect and recognition rather than treating him as merely a servant.


    Then again, Liu Wuxie had never considered the five as his servants.


    "Master, what should I do?" Lan Yu felt anxious because they didn''t want to idle and wanted to find something to do.


    "You''re responsible for gathering information on the ten major sects, especially the Azure Crimson Gate." This was a perfect task for Lan Yu to be assigned.


    "Master, what about me?" Bi Gongyu stood up with anticipation on his face.


    "You head to the Treasure Pill Pavilion to be an alchemy disciple. It''s better if you can apprentice under an elder, making it easy for us to carry out our ns." Liu Wuxie had used most of his forms, while the others were useless for mortals because they were immortal pills. He couldn''t steal them from the Treasure Pill Pavilion and only send Bi Gongyu over.


    "Yes, master!" Bi Gongyu was happy because alchemy was his lifelong pursuit.


    "Big brother, what about me?" Song Ling wiped the grease from his mouth and looked at Liu Wuxie.


    "You and the third princess focus on cultivating." The two were too young and inexperienced, unlike Fan Zhen and others who were more experienced. Those three even surpassed Liu Wuxie in some aspects.


    With that, a team centered around Liu Wuxie began to take shape.

 Chapter 435 - Teleportation Array

    <h4>Chapter 435 - Teleportation Array</h4>


    ording to the agreement, Liu Wuxie arrived at the Mission Hall as scheduled. Chen Lin and Hong Li had already arrived and approached him as soon as they saw him.


    "Greetings, Junior Brother Liu!" Hong Li cupped his fists together politely. If Liu Wuxie hadn''t killed Shao Wendong, he wouldn''t have gotten this chance to cultivate in the Celestial Spirit Cave.


    That was the same for Chen Lin, who was initially ranked third. But Shao Wendong''s death allowed her to advance in one ranking and cultivate in the Celestial Spirit Cave for two days.


    Liu Wuxie nodded at the two as a form of greeting. He had far surpassed them in cultivation, and they were no longer on the same level.


    Word of Liu Wuxie''s defeat of Law-Enforcement Hall disciples had spread throughout the inner sect, marking him as a formidable figure capable of crushing cultivators in the ninth level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm. This positioned him at the top of the inner disciples'' hierarchy.


    It wouldn''t be long before Liu Wuxie outgrew the inner sect and advanced to the rank of elite disciple. As an elite disciple, he would gain the freedom to leave the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion and travel freely across the Southern Province.


    After waiting for about fifteen minutes, Elder Tian Xing walked in with a grim expression. As he was the one who had presided over the outer sect''spetition, he was also responsible for arranging the subsequent rewards.


    "We greet Elder Tian Xing!" Chen Lin and Hong Li stepped forward to bow.


    Liu Wuxie braced himself and stepped forward, aware that his recent actions had likely drawn Elder Tian Xing''s attention. Killing Law-Enforcement Hall disciples had ced Elder Tian Xing in a difficult position, creating conflicts with other elders.


    The Law-Enforcement Hall''s elders believed Liu Wuxie should be executed as a warning to others. However, Elder Tian Xing had opposed this view and given Liu Wuxie a chance.


    The punishment document had already been issued, but Liu Wuxie had yet to carry it out. He nned to finish the punishment after his time in the Celestial Spirit Cave, not wanting to cause further trouble for Elder Tian Xing.


    "Greetings, Elder Tian Xing!" Liu Wuxie bowed and spoke in a low voice.


    "Hmph!" Elder Tian Xing red at Liu Wuxie, snorting in displeasure. Liu Wuxie''s recent actions had clearly upset him. Killing disciples of the Law-Enforcement Hall was a direct challenge to Elder Tian Xing''s authority. While Ma Shiyan''s group was at fault, their actions did not warrant death.


    "You threee with me!" Elder Tian Xing said nothing else, as there were outsiders around, and he couldn''t openly speak about some things.


    The three quietly followed behind Elder Tian Xing, passing through the Mission Hall and heading deep into the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    Outer disciples lived in the outer region, but the inner disciples weren''t close to the core region either. Only elite disciples could enter the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s core region.


    No one spoke as they traveled hundreds of miles, entering an uninhabited zone where a towering peak pierced the clouds. As Liu Wuxie climbed the peak, a smooth, square tform appeared at the top. On the side of the tform stood a stone monument engraved with the words "Celestial Spirit Cave."


    "Elder Tian Xing, is this the Celestial Spirit Cave?" Hong Li asked, puzzled by the absence of any cave. There was just a cold breeze, and the mountaintop seemed bare, with only the tform and the stone monument.


    Chen Lin said nothing and believed Elder Tian Xing must''ve brought them here for a reason. Only Liu Wuxie narrowed his eyes and looked beyond the stone monument, where he could see a faint ripple.


    The Celestial Spirit Cave wasn''t in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion but somewhere else connected by a teleportation array. One could enter the Celestial Spirit Cave through the teleportation array, but no one knew its location.


    "All of you stand on the tform!" Elder Tian Xing ordered everyone to go on the tform while he walked over to the stone monument.


    The three went up one after another, standing back-to-back. Chen Lin and Hong Li were feeling nervous, unlike Liu Wuxie.


    "This is a teleportation array. The Celestial Spirit Cave''s location is the sect''s greatest secret; someone will receive you all there." After the three stood on the tform, Elder Tian Xing walked over to the stone monument and took out three high-grade spirit stones, inserting them into the three words on the monument.


    The engraving was exquisite. Although the three words might seem simple, they were constructed with countless spiritual runes.


    A teleportation array was a spiritual array capable of tearing open spatial rifts to send people to the preset coordinates.


    It saved a lot of time, but each activation required high-grade spirit stones, something most sects couldn''t afford.


    Most importantly, the maintenance was very troublesome. The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s teleportation array could initially be used to transport to over a dozen ces, but due to neglect, only three areas remained functional. The coordinates to the other areas were damaged beyond repair.


    The spiritual runes in a teleportation array were profound. Since the ancestor of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion had passed away, no one was versed in the teleportation array''s spiritual runes, and suitable sessors had not yet emerged in recent years.


    In ancient times, the path of spiritual arrays even surpassed the martial path.


    After inserting the spirit stones, the tform suddenly lit up with intertwining veins resembling the meridians of a human body.


    Chen Lin and Hong Li were shocked because this was their first time using a teleportation array. They had only read about it in books but had never experienced it firsthand.


    Liu Wuxie remained expressionless because this teleportation array was heavily damaged and too basic for him.


    Elder Tian Xing observed their expressions closely and was pleased with Liu Wuxie''sposure. Many disciples had taken this teleportation array and reacted simrly to Chen Lin and Hong Li. They were nervous and shocked, but only Liu Wuxie was terrifyingly calm.


    The spiritual runes beneath themsted three breaths before forming into a light curtain and enveloping the three.


    A passage appeared before them as they sat in it, and various scenes shed beside them.


    Chen Lin and Hong Li felt dizzy because this was their first time using a teleportation array, and they weren''t used to it.


    About fifteen minutester, their feet touched the ground, but Chen Lin and Hong Li copsed. Using the teleportation array would inflict a heavy burden on the body, and only those in the Heavenly Dipper Realm could bear it.


    This was their first time using the teleportation array, so it was natural they felt nauseous.


    Liu Wuxie practiced the Soul Forge Art and had a powerful physique. So, such a small teleportation array did not affect him.


    About three minutester, Chen Lin and Hong Li barely stood up, their legs shaking and weak.


    "Junior Brother Liu, don''t you feel any difort?" Chen Lin was speechless, seeing how Liu Wuxie stood calmly by the side.


    Liu Wuxie shook his head and didn''t exin, and Chen Lin didn''t press on further.


    They appeared in a house, but there was nothing but a chair. This room was a teleportation array, and they had toe here when going back.


    The door opened, and a grey-robed old man walked in. Before the old man even got close, a powerful aura swept out from him.


    "You threee with me!" The grey-robed elder didn''t even bat an eye at the three and told them to follow him.


    The three could only follow, and after leaving the house, they entered a strange cave. The cave omitted a faint light, and unknown flowers bloomed on the sides.


    "What beautiful flowers!" Chen Lin was a woman who couldn''t hold herself back when she saw the vibrant flowers and wanted to pick one.


    "Go ahead and touch if you want to die." The old man''s voice was cold, scaring Chen Lin into retracting her hand.


    "They''re called the Netherspirit Flower. They might look vibrant and beautiful, but the petals are poisonous. If any prey gets close, it will prick your finger with the poison. Even experts in the Nascent Transformation Realm can''t neutralize the poison," Liu Wuxie whispered to Chen Lin.


    The Netherspirit Flowers were rare, and Liu Wuxie had only encountered them in the Celestial Realm. He was shocked such flowers would appear in the Southern Province.


    Chen Lin was secretly relieved that she had stopped in time; otherwise, she would have been dead.


    "You know the Netherspirit Flowers?" The old man paused and turned to look at Liu Wuxie with sharp eyes. Though it seemed like a question, it was more out of curiosity. Over the years, many disciples hade, but Liu Wuxie was the first to recognize the Netherspirit Flowers.


    "I read about it in a book," Liu Wuxie tried to brush it off with a made-up excuse.


    "The books in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion don''t have anything on the Netherspirit Flowers. Where did you read it from?" the old man asked, his eyes turning cold.


    When Liu Wuxie heard this, he was shocked. However, he soon recalled that the books he had read in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion didn''t contain any information on the Netherspirit Flowers.


    It was strange that the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion had no record of the Netherspirit Flower. When the other disciples hade, the old man hadn¡¯t shared much information about the flowers with them. Therefore, few people in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion knew about it.


    "I forgot where I read it from!" Liu Wuxie shrugged, looking nonchnt.


    The old man looked at Liu Wuxie for five minutes before retracting his gaze. A murderous intent burst out from him, and he said, "If anyone reveals what happens today, they will be executed!"


    The murderous intent felt like a colossal mountain crushing down on them, causing Chen Lin and Hong Li to copse under pressure.


    The Heavenly Dao Book unfurled, and all the pressure vanished for Liu Wuxie.


    "Please be rest assured. We won''t say a word." Hong Li had reached his limit under the pressure.


    After the three swore an oath, the old man finally recalled his murderous intent. Chen Lin and Hong Li were relieved and drenched in sweat.


    "Elder, are you worried someone will find the Celestial Spirit Cave''s location if news of the Netherspirit Flower is leaked?" Liu Wuxie smiled at the old man.


    The old man''s gaze turned to Liu Wuxie once more. He asked, "What''s your name?"


    For the first time in centuries, the grey-robed old man inquired about a disciple''s name. He wouldn''t even pay attention to disciples in the Astral River Realm, let alone ask for their names.


    "Liu Wuxie!" Liu Wuxie cupped his fists together. He had scanned the old man''s cultivation with his divine sense and couldn''t see through thetter. This meant the old man''s cultivation was even higher than Elder Tian Xing''s.


    Considering the importance of guarding the Celestial Spirit Cave, it was likely this elder was in the True Profound Realm.


    "I''ll remember you," the grey-robed old man said, then turned and continued walking, passing through the Netherspirit Flowers.

 Chapter 436 - Sun-Moon Essence

    <h4>Chapter 436 - Sun-Moon Essence</h4>


    Chen Lin and Hong Li looked at Liu Wuxie with strange expressions along the way. They had joined the sect before Liu Wuxie and read more books than him, yet they felt like foolspared to him.


    After walking for about fifteen minutes, their surroundings opened up, revealing a tform ahead. A small crack above the tform emitted a faint light, shining down and illuminating the area.


    "You can cultivate here and return once your time is up," the elder instructed, making every arrangement before letting the trio step onto the tform.


    When the three stood on the tform, they sat with their legs crossed. The grey-robed elder nced at them before leaving.


    "There¡¯s nothing special about this ce. The spiritual energy''s density isn¡¯t evenparable to the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion." Hong Li felt disappointed, wondering if they hade to a fake Celestial Spirit Cave. He ranted, unable to believe that this was the reward the sect had given them, unaware of the cave''s hidden secrets.


    "What a marvelous ce. Look above. The crack seems to have split heaven and earth," Chen Lin remarked, gazing upward. The Celestial Spirit Cave was towering, likely several hundred meters high.


    A crack, resembling either a de''s cut or a natural marvel, stretched across the ceiling. The tform was vast, spanning roughly a few thousand square meters, with light seeping through the crack and enveloping the entire area.


    The three spread out to avoid disturbing each other during cultivation. It became clear why the Celestial Spirit Cave''s reward took so long and required a queue¡ªonly three people could cultivate there at a time.


    Liu Wuxie was equally curious about the crack, knowing it couldn''t have been created by an ordinary weapon.


    Without exchanging further words, they began their cultivation, isting themselves from the outside world. As time passed, sunlight streamed through the crack, bathing the tform in a warm glow. The light felt soothing, as though it was purging impurities from their bodies.


    "It feelsfortable!" Chen Lin and Hong Li emerged from their cultivation. They didn''t dare to rx and quickly circted their cultivation technique, increasing the flow of their true essence.


    <i>Sun-moon essence that can only be found in the Celestial Realm.</i> Liu Wuxie thought. This wasn''t ordinary light but the sun-moon essence, which was rare.


    ces bathed in this light would promote growth in life, rejuvenation, and healing of diseases.


    Chen Lin and Hong Li were absorbed in their worlds, forgetting their surroundings.


    Liu Wuxie used Ghost Eye to infinitely magnify and observe the intricacies within the crack. It seemed connected to a mysterious world, and the sun-moon essence came from there.


    "Could the crack be connected to the Celestial Realm?" Liu Wuxie fell into deep thoughts because sun-moon essence was rare in the True Martial Continent, and there was only one possibility.


    Ghost Eye continued to extend through the universe; he saw a small crack from which the sun-moon essence was projected.


    <i>I got it now. There must have been a fight between two experts, shattering the ne and causing the world''s aura to leak out,</i> Liu Wuxie thought. This meant the ne''s crystal wall had cracked, allowingw and energy to leak out from that world.


    As time passed, there would only be two oues: the cracks would either repair themselves or growrger.


    He was still uncertain whether the sun-moon essence came from the Celestial Realm.


    The cultivation of all three began to rise under the influence of the sun-moon essence.


    Chen Lin was the first to make a breakthrough, reaching the seventh-level Heavenly Dipper Realm. The next was Hong Li, who smoothly made it to the fifth-level Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    Liu Wuxie wasn''t in a hurry and brought out the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron to devour the sun-moon essence. The surrounding light began to gather towards him.


    This left Chen Lin and Hong Li speechless because cultivating with Liu Wuxie was a huge disadvantage for them. But they could do nothing about it because they relied on their abilities.


    After the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron devoured the sun-moon essence, it was condensed intows, not liquified energy.


    "They''re notws belonging to the Celestial Realm." Liu Wuxie''s eyes shed with a hint of shock as he held onto that strand ofw.


    "Can there be other ces simr to the Celestial Realm?" Liu Wuxie didn''t dare to carry on thinking. Before his rebirth, he used to believe that there was only one Celestial Realm.


    However, when he stepped into the True Martial Continent, Liu Wuxie realized the world and universe were far vaster than he had imagined. The appearance of the Spirit n made him aware of the many races that existed in the vast universe.


    Although thews didn¡¯t belong to the Celestial Realm, they were several times stronger than the True Martial Continent. Thesews could benefit him greatly if he absorbed them.


    As Liu Wuxie gathered morews, Chen Lin and Hong Li could do nothing; they couldn''t capture the sun-moon essence, highlighting the disparity in their abilities.


    Six hours passed, and the Celestial Realm plunged into darkness as all the sun-moon essence vanished. Thousands ofws hovered above the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron, and Liu Wuxie believed his cultivation could rise significantly if he refined them.


    "It''s the sun essence in the day, and there should be moon essence at night. It should appear soon,¡± Liu Wuxie murmured as he calcted the time.


    After a short while, faint moonlight began to shine, gentler than sunlight. It felt like small hands caressing their bodies, cleansing impurities and purifying their souls.


    If the sun essence could strengthen their physiques, the moon essence would enhance their primordial spirits and expand their soul seas.


    The Heavenly Dao Book unfurled and absorbedrge amounts of moon essence.


    The characters in the Heavenly Dao Book became clearer with many strange patterns that looked like inscriptions of heaven and earth imprinted on the book.


    As the Heavenly Dao Book absorbed more moon essence, Liu Wuxie''s soul energy grew stronger, making it easier for him to form the Soul Spear.


    Liu Wuxie''s soul energy could barely perform the Soul Spear once, and it took a long time for him to recover his soul energy after that.


    However, if he could absorb enough moon essence and expand his soul sea, he might be able to use the Soul Spear two or three times. Each additional use could provide him with an extra chance at survival.


    The moonlightsted for two hours before gradually shifting away. This meant they would have to wait till the next day.


    Hong Li departed a dayter, having achieved a breakthrough to the next level. His talent had surged significantly, particrly with the expansion of his soul sea.


    While his natural talent might have peaked at the low level of the Heavenly Phase Realm, the sun-moon essence enabled him to potentially reach the Astral River Realm within thirty years.


    This was the benefit of the sun-moon essence, and it was no wonder why so many people wanted to enter the Celestial Spirit Cave.


    ording to the schedule, the Celestial Spirit Cave was essible for only ten days each month, and despite the hundreds of thousands of people in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, it could only host three people at a time. Consequently, many had to wait a hundred years for their chance.


    Hong Li left and returned to the house, waiting for Liu Wuxie and Chen Lin to finish before going back together.


    The second day was the same as the first. Liu Wuxie''s cultivation remained the same; he absorbed sun essence during the day with Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron and moon essence with the Heavenly Dao Book at night.


    On the third morning, Chen Lin left after making two subsequent breakthroughs in her cultivation, and she was already satisfied.


    Liu Wuxie was the only one left on the tform and could absorb as much as he wanted now. He brought out the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron to absorb the sun-moon essence, devouring everything in the surroundings.


    For the first two days, Liu Wuxie had restrained himself to avoid attracting attention, but now that he was alone, he felt free to absorb the sun-moon essence without limit. This essence, a gift from heaven and earth, was too precious to let go to waste, as it would otherwise dissipate into the universe.


    Tens of thousands ofws umted above the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron. After being transformed by the cauldron, the sun-moon essence became purer and was over a dozen times stronger than absorbed normally.


    It wasn''t night yet, and Liu Wuxie was prepared to make a breakthrough to strengthen his physique.


    "Prepare to make a breakthrough!" Liu Wuxie took out millions of spirit stones and ced them on the tform. Each of his breakthroughs required an astronomical sum of resources.


    He didn''t dare to absorb all thews condensed from sun-moon essence at once but started with a portion first.


    Over three thousand strands ofws poured into the world in his dantian and nearly blew him apart. His bottleneck in the fourth level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm broke through and reached the pinnacle of the fifth level, with powerful spirituality growing within Liu Wuxie''s body.


    Liu Wuxie''s spiritual root began to reveal itself. Though initially weak, it had visibly improved after the sun-moon essence''s cleansing.


    "Excellent! My spiritual root has made significant progress. While it may not rival an immortal root, it is still quite exceptional." Immortal roots were extremely rare, with most people possessing only ordinary ones.


    Liu Wuxie''s spiritual root was different because it could grow along with his cultivation. After reaching the fifth-level Heavenly Dipper Realm, Liu Wuxie wasn''t in a hurry and consumed some pills, further umting his foundation.


    Half a day was left, and his goal was to reach the seventh-level Heavenly Dipper Realm. After reaching the seventh level, he still had a chance of winning against those in the low levels of the Heavenly Phase Realm.


    The effects of the sun-moon essence were more remarkable than just making a few breakthroughs. The Heavenly Dao Book unfurled at night and enveloped in boundless radiance.


    The Heavenly Dao Book slowly unfolded, its pages filled with mysterious characters. While Liu Wuxie couldn''t decipher them, their presence didn¡¯t hinder his cultivation. He was confident that understanding woulde in time.


    Two hourster, the sun-moon essence had disappeared entirely. Liu Wuxie had to leave the following day, so he wanted to use the remaining time to make a breakthrough.


    The Heavenly Dao Book returned to Liu Wuxie¡¯s soul sea with boundless power surging into his golden soul sea. It expanded from a mere pond into a vast, inexhaustible ocean.


    ording to Liu Wuxie''s estimation, he could now use the Soul Spear three times with his soul energy. This was terrifying because his soul energy wasparable to the average low-level Heavenly Phase Realm.

 Chapter 437 - Seventh-Level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm

    <h4>Chapter 437 - Seventh-Level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm</h4>


    Liu Wuxie was shocked by the drastic transformation in his soul sea. Ordinary people''s soul seas couldn''t reach this level, and having a soul sea that was too vast wasn''t necessarily a good thing because most people couldn''t control it.


    Then again, Liu Wuxie didn''t have to worry about that because his soul sea could continue to expand with the Heavenly Dao Book around.


    The Heavenly Dao Book was like a pir supporting his body and preventing invasion.


    Liu Wuxie''s cultivation continued rising until he reached the Pinnacle of the sixth level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm. His breakthrough was unrestricted this time as he had consumed many resources. With his current cultivation, reaching the ninth level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm wasn''t an issue.


    A thousand drops of liquid poured out from the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron. This liquidprised all the energy he had devoured after killing Ma Shiyan and many others, fusing it into his dantian.


    His cultivation broke through the sixth-level bottleneck and continued climbing to the seventh level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm. Such a terrifying breakthrough speed was simply unbelievable.


    He had been diligently umting resources and liquid, holding off on breakthroughs, all in preparation for this pivotal moment. All his prior efforts were directed toward achieving this explosive advancement.


    He stopped at the pinnacle of the seventh level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm. He didn''t continue to make a breakthrough and chose to temper himself in his current cultivation.


    Rushing a breakthrough could be detrimental, as it required time to temper and limate to the increased cultivation.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s soul sea began to roar, forming a robust golden crystal barrier around him. This barrier meant that soul attacks could only affect him if they could breach the crystal wall. On the contrary, an ordinary soul sea would be highly vulnerable without such protection, easily pierced by his own Soul Sea.


    He had to thank the Feather Emperor for teaching him the Soul Forge Art, which was incredibly powerful. His breakthroughs consumed a terrifying amount of two million spirit stones.


    This didn''t count the thousands of pills, and only Liu Wuxie could withstand such consumption.


    Rumbling sounds came from his body, and every inch of his bone was covered with spiritual runes. This was the benefit brought by sun-moon essence.


    Even the inner walls of his meridians were covered with spiritual runes, allowing his true essence to flow swiftly.


    A violent storm erupted in the world within his dantian, fueled by the immense umtion of energy. Each breath Liu Wuxie took stirred the true essence into tempestuous currents.


    It didn''t take long before Liu Wuxie consumed all the spiritual liquid andws above the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron.


    "What a terrifying talent, and it''s more than ten times stronger than before!" If True Profound Realm was Liu Wuxie''s limit previously, he believed his potential now was far beyond that after his body had transformed.


    As he stood, each movement caused the surrounding air topress, apanied by audible bursts of force.


    "Mybat strength should be on par with cultivators in the third level of the Heavenly Phase Realm," Liu Wuxie calcted, finding that even those cultivators might not be his match.


    Now that he had reached the seventh level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm, he was just one step away from the Heavenly Phase Realm. Upon reaching that level, he would be able to fly freely and explore the world.


    Most elite disciples of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion usually trained outside and rarely returned once every few years.


    Liu Wuxie stood up at dawn, giving an illusion he had grown taller. He appeared even more upright and handsome, with defined features and a faint smile on his lips. His eyes shone like two gems that emitted a faint light in the dark.


    The impurities within his body were cleansed entirely, making his skin even more delicate than Jian Xing''er and Chen Ruoyan. Those two would be envious if they saw him.


    However, once he infused his true essence into his body, his muscles would bulge, instantly making him look like a ferocious beast. He might look ordinary on the surface, and nothing was impressive about his cultivation, but this made him even more terrifying.


    This meant Liu Wuxie could perfectly restrain his aura and look like an ordinary person from the outside.


    He walked down the tform because it had been three days, and he had to leave. But halfway down, he suddenly squatted in front of a Netherspirit Flower.


    Liu Wuxie contemted picking one because the Netherspirit Flower was highly toxic. If he could refine it with the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron and fuse it into his true essence, wouldn''t that make his true essence incredibly poisonous?


    This meant he could easily rely on the poison in his true essence to y ordinary cultivators in the Heavenly Phase Realm. But he didn''t dare to try because the Netherspirit Flower was highly poisonous and capable of killing experts in the Nascent Transformation Realm.


    He was only in the Heavenly Dipper Realm, and there was a risk he might die of poison if he tried. However, Liu Wuxie''s hesitation onlysted briefly before it was reced with determination; he summoned the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron to devour a Netherspirit Flower.


    A droplet of bizarre liquid that gave off five different colors appeared above the cauldron in less than one breath. The more powerful the poison, the more beautiful it was.


    He fused one-tenth of it into the world in his dantian. The moment it entered the world in his dantian, the mysterious tree began to wither, unable to withstand the Netherghost Flower''s poison. The tender shoot that had just emerged from the ground all disappeared, poisoned to death.


    "What powerful toxicity!" Liu Wuxie was shocked. He had absorbed poison multiple times in the past six months, and the mysterious tree would, at most, wilt slightly and never showed signs of withering.


    The Netherspirit Flower was a flower of death, avoided by all cultivators. Liu Wuxie''s true essence was copsing, unable to withstand the invasion of the toxic gas.


    Half of his true essence vanished in an instant, devoured by the toxic gas. This rmed Liu Wuxie, as losing all his true essence would cause his cultivation to plummet, potentially dropping him to the True Core Realm.


    A few leaves were left on the mysterious tree, and it struggled to survive.


    "Wood-attribute energy, nourish!" Liu Wuxie took out pills containing wood-attribute energy and swallowed them. Upon receiving the nourishment of wood-attribute energy, new leaves grew on the mysterious tree.


    To Liu Wuxie''s astonishment, the newly grown leaves carried a hint of the Netherspirit Flower. The growth speed was swift, and the mysterious tree became lush after five minutes.


    "It was a sess!" Liu Wuxie rejoiced. He could slowly recover the true essence he had lost, and his true essence now carried seven colors.


    He didn''t dare to absorb the remaining drop into the world in his dantian but nned to wait till his cultivation reached the Heavenly Phase Realm.


    "Although the current poison isn''t enough to kill experts in the Nascent Transformation Realm, it''s more than enough to kill ordinary cultivators in the Heavenly Phase Realm," Liu Wuxie chuckled and left the cave.


    Not long after Liu Wuxie disappeared, the space behind him fluctuated, and the grey-robed old man appeared.


    "He disregarded the toxicity of the Netherspirit Flower?" The grey-robed old man had a hint of shock shing across his eyes. He was in the True Profound Realm, but even he didn''t dare to touch the Netherspirit Flower carelessly.


    It was natural for him to be shocked because Liu Wuxie was in the Heavenly Dipper Realm. He silently recorded the event, nning to report it to the sect master.


    When Liu Wuxie returned to the house, Chen Lin and Hong Li had been waiting for a long time. They had to wait for Liu Wuxie as each activation of the teleportation array required high-grade spirit stones.


    "Junior Brother Liu, you seem different from before." Chen Lin was puzzled as she looked at Liu Wuxie. She couldn''t describe it, but it felt like Liu Wuxie had be a sheathed sword.


    Beforeing to the Celestial Spirit Cave, Liu Wuxie was like a sharp sword, exuding a chilling aura. But after three days of cultivation, he became a sheathed sword with the edge hidden. Even so, he had a faint, sharp aura that affected everyone.


    "You guys have improved significantly as well!" Liu Wuxie smiled.


    The trio waited roughly a few minutes before the grey-robed old man entered the house. The old man''s gaze turned to Liu Wuxie, and his divine sense began to scan through thetter, checking his condition.


    However, the old man couldn''t find any clue, no matter how thoroughly he checked. The Heavenly Dao Book had unfurled, concealing all of Liu Wuxie''s secrets. This gave him no choice but to retract his gaze, and he finally walked over to the trio.


    "Stand in the middle. Forget about this ce after leaving, and anyone who dares to leak any information about this ce will be executed." As he spoke, the old man gave off a powerful aura, which felt like a mountain weighing down on the trio.


    "We won''t leak any information about this ce!" the trio said in unison.


    It was no wonder why there wasn''t any information on the Celestial Spirit Cave in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. All the disciples who came here were forbidden to disclose anything.


    The old man walked over to the right wall with three grooves. He took out three high-grade spirit stones and inserted them into the grooves to activate the teleportation array.


    With their previous experience, Chen Lin and Hong Li reacted less strongly. They appeared in a strange tunnel with a sh of light, and scenes began to sh on both sides.


    Fifteen minutester, the trionded on a tform where Elder Tian Xing was waiting for them. This time, Chen Lin and Hong Li didn''t fall to the ground, but they still felt dizzy from the transfer.


    Elder Tian Xing narrowed his eyes when he looked at Liu Wuxie. There was no way Liu Wuxie could conceal his cultivation before someone in the Nascent Transformation Realm.


    "Not bad!" The three came down the tform, and Elder Tian Xing patted Liu Wuxie''s shoulder. He was satisfied with Liu Wuxie''s progress.


    It wasn''t because Liu Wuxie had made three breakthroughs, but because he had learned to be more restrained. A too rigid sword can easily break, and Elder Tian Xing hoped this lesson would help Liu Wuxie grow quickly. Chen Lin and Hong Li stepped aside to give them space to talk.


    "Thank you, Elder, for your praise. I will head to the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind tomorrow and need your help to look after mypanions." Liu Wuxie''s voice was somewhat grim because the sect was sending him to the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind for three months as his punishment.


    Blood Sea Abyssal Ind was a chaotic ce, teeming with various people and races. His odds of survival there were slim, and this was the lightest punishment Elder Tian Xing could secure for him. ording to the sect''s rules, Liu Wuxie should have had his cultivation crippled and been expelled from the sect.


    To lift the punishment and return to the sect, he had to collect ten blood abyssal stones in the next three months, an almost impossible task.


    "Come back alive!" Elder Tian Xing said. His requirement was simple: Liu Wuxie''s survival. It wasn''t important if Liu Wuxie could collect the blood abyssal stones because he could forsake his pride and plead with the sect master in the worst-case scenario.


    "I got it!" Liu Wuxie nodded his head solemnly.


    "I won¡¯t be escorting you, so you need to be careful of ambushes along the way," Elder Tian Xing lowered his voice to warn Liu Wuxie.

 Chapter 438 - Blood Sea Abyssal Island

    <h4>Chapter 438 - Blood Sea Abyssal Ind</h4>


    Liu Wuxie returned to his courtyard and rested for the night, nning to head to the Law-Enforcement Hall the next day to receive his punishment.


    Everyone gathered in his courtyard, knowing he would leave the next day. The atmosphere was heavy since they wouldn¡¯t meet him for the next three months.


    "Junior Brother, this is a Blood Sea Abyssal Ind map. Keep it safe!"


    "Junior Brother, here¡¯s the distribution of forces on the ind. Remember to avoid the marked areas..."


    "Junior Brother, don''t act rashly once you get there..."


    "Wuxie, we will wait for your return..."


    "Big brother, what do I do if I miss you?"


    Bai Lin handed a map over, Tang Tian handed a book over, Jian Xing''er turned her face away and sobbed, and Fan Zhen was resolute.


    "I''m only going outside to train for three months. Why are you all crying?" Liu Wuxie gathered the items from the table which were helpful to him.


    "Junior brother is right. Just think of it as a training experience. Three months will pass in no time!" Bai Linughed, easing the atmosphere in the room.


    The following day, Liu Wuxie arrived at the Law-Enforcement Hall. Elder Tian Xing had informed him that someone would be waiting for him outside.


    "Liu Wuxie?" A middle-aged man stood in front of him, ncing sideways at him. He seemed unfriendly, and Elder Tian Xing had warned Liu Wuxie that the person escorting him to Blood Sea Abyssal Ind was not a trusted aide.


    Elder Tian Xing had already done a lot for him, and further intervention would only cause more dissatisfaction.


    "That''s right!" Liu Wuxie nodded with a frown.


    "I''m Jiang Gongming, and I will escort you to the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind. Let''s get going now!" The middle-aged man said. He was a deacon of the Law-Enforcement Hall and was responsible for escorting disciples to distant ces for their punishment.


    Jiang Gongming had powerful cultivation in the Astral River Realm. If he wanted, he could easily kill Liu Wuxie on the way.


    However, Jiang Gongming would be responsible if he died, and Elder Tian Xing wouldn''t let him go. Jiang Gongming knew about it, so he wouldn''t act along the way, even if he wanted to kill Liu Wuxie.


    "Greetings, Deacon Jiang!" Liu Wuxie was polite, showing courtesy before resorting to force. He would not need to show a bad attitude if Jiang Gongming didn¡¯t make things difficult.


    "Let''s get going!" Jiang Gongming left the sect, and Liu Wuxie followed behind.


    As Jiang Gongming was in the Astral River Realm, he could fly in the air without needing a spiritual treasure, and his speed was faster than any spiritual treasure.


    Liu Wuxie took out the Heretic de and stood on it. He had already memorized all the information about Blood Sea Abyssal Ind the previous night. That was awless zone with all kinds of people mingling, a ce devoid of rules or morals, driven only by plunder.


    He knew that Blood Sea Abyssal Ind produced blood abyssal stones, the primary food source for the abyssal races. The demon race also favored consuming Blood Demon Stones, which humans also needed since they contained pure energy that could be refined into pills.


    Many cultivators visited Blood Sea Abyssal Ind annually to harvest blood abyssal stones, which were precious. The stones were a key ingredient in refining eighth-grade pills, and the price of one was equivalent to that of a high-grade spirit stone on the market.


    Despite their terrifying name, blood abyssal stones were essentially a type of spirit stone, distinguished by their red color. Spirit stones came in many variations, the mostmon being ordinary spirit stones. There were also spirit crystals, spirit jades, and others.


    Their production varied, with spirit stones having the highest production, followed by the blood abyssal stones, spirit crystals, and spirit jades. Each spirit jade could be exchanged for arge amount of spirit stones.


    The energy contained in each spirit jade was scarce and hard to find in the market.


    Jiang Gongming and Liu Wuxie maintained a ten-meter distance, with Jiang Gongming staying close to prevent Liu Wuxie from escaping.


    One dayter, Liu Wuxie descended to the ground and entered a city to rest. The journey to the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind would take about ten days, so there was no need to rush.


    They found an inn and asked for two rooms on the top floor. Liu Wuxie immediately began his cultivation, while Jiang Gongming kept his divine sense trained in his room.


    Liu Wuxie wasn''t bothered by the surveince because he had no intention of escaping. Running away would damage his dao heart and affect his cultivation. After all, cultivators should forge ahead regardless of what they face.


    As the night deepened, insects sounded outside the window. A cold smirk formed on Liu Wuxie''s lips, and a sinister glint shed in his eyes. He murmured, "Someone hase for my life on the first day?"


    His feat of killing multiple pinnacle Heavenly Dipper Realm cultivators in the Martial Hall hadn''t spread out, so everyone thought his cultivation was the same as ten days ago.


    Jiang Gongming dared not kill him directly, knowing he would be held ountable upon his return. However, if someone else were to kill Liu Wuxie, Jiang Gongming would only be guilty of negligence.


    A loud crash sounded from Jiang Gongming''s room, and he was attacked.


    "Who daresunch a sneak attack on me?!" Jiang Gongming''s voice echoed as he vanished from the room to chase after the assant.


    "Very clever!" Liu Wuxie smiled and came down from the bed. The attacker deliberately lured Jiang Gongming away to avoid suspicion, and it was clear they had conspired together.


    This was also Jiang Gongming''s goal: to create an alibi.


    "Come out! They''re gone now, and there''s no need to keep hiding," Liu Wuxie said with disdain, his gaze fixed on a dark corner. After reaching the seventh level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm and receiving the cleansing from sun-moon essence, his soul sea was nowparable to the Heavenly Phase Realm. Nothing in his surroundings could escape his eyes.


    The entire inn fell into a deadly silence as if everyone had vanished.


    Jiang Gongming chased after the attacker and left Liu Wuxie by himself in the inn.


    "You can detect us?" Four men emerged from the shadows, each radiating a powerful murderous intent as they surrounded Liu Wuxie''s room. They positioned themselves in four directions, confident that even his power couldn''t break their encirclement.


    "Who sent you?" Liu Wuxie swept his gaze at the four, who looked unfamiliar and didn''t look like disciples of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. He wanted to verify if they were from the Azure Crimson Gate or the Hou n.


    "Someone who will kill you!" the four men dered as they released their powerful auras upon entering. Each of them was in the Quasi-Heavenly Phase Realm, stronger than the pinnacle of the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    They had alreadyprehended the heavenly phase power, manifesting their true essence into divine elephants.


    In ancient times, it was said that there was a race beyond divine beasts called divine elephants. Their trunks were tens of thousands of feet long and could easily lift a mountain.


    It was also rumored that the Heavenly Phase Realm was created from them, so anyone who stepped into it would possess the divine elephant''s strength.


    After reaching the Heavenly Phase Realm, one''s strength increased and surpassed the body''s limits. The heavenly dipper power was strong, but it paledpared to the heavenly phase power.


    However, afterprehending the power of the astral river, one could fight the controlling forces of heaven and earth.


    "I have many ways to make you reveal who sent you," Liu Wuxie dered, certain that Jiang Gongming had betrayed him by spreading the news of his departure from the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. However, he wasn''t sure yet who Jiang Gongming had sold him out to.


    "Still being so arrogant even when facing death? You can die today!" The four attacked together to prevent Liu Wuxie from escaping. From how they called him out, they hade prepared.


    The Heretic de appeared in Liu Wuxie''s hand. When leaving the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, he had deliberately concealed his cultivation in the fifth level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm, giving everyone the impression that he had only advanced one level in the Celestial Spirit Cave.


    Even Jiang Gongming wasn''t sure of Liu Wuxie''s exact cultivation, and he had to end the battle quickly before Jiang Gongming returned.


    "Die!" A powerful shockwave swept out from the surroundings, surging towards Liu Wuxie. Their true essence manifested into divine elephants and lifted Liu Wuxie up.


    "You four dare to challenge me with such pitiful strength?" Liu Wuxie raged. Unless his assassins were in the high levels of the Heavenly Phase Realm, they were doomed to die.


    Liu Wuxie vanished and left behind a shadow. The room was small but didn''t hinder his movements.


    The four assants knew they were in trouble when they missed their attacks, and Liu Wuxie''s speed was more terrifying than they had imagined.


    "Die!" The Heretic de appeared before the man on the right as Liu Wuxie appeared out of nowhere with speedparable to teleportation.


    "Shit!" the man eximed because he had underestimated Liu Wuxie''s strength. He quickly raised his sword in defense but was still too slow.


    Blood gushed out as a fine wound appeared on the man''s neck. His corpse proceeded to shrivel in half a breath, turning into a pile of human skin and disappearing from the world.


    The faces of the remaining three assants changed when they witnessed Liu Wuxie''s strength. They had received news that Liu Wuxie was only in the fourth level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm, but why was hisbat strength so terrifying?


    The news of Liu Wuxie''s ability to fight above his level was only limited to the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, and it had only been ten-odd days since he had killed the disciples of the Law-Enforcement Hall. The news had yet to spread widely.


    Liu Wuxie didn''t stop after killing one person and charged at the remaining three like a fierce tiger. After all, Elder Tian Xing had warned him he would face a pack of wolves after leaving the sect.


    The best way to deal with wolves was to be more ruthless than them and kill until they were terrified.


    "Unision attack!" The three quickly formed a battle formation. They had to dy Liu Wuxie even if they couldn''t kill him to find a way to escape and notify the n to dispatch stronger experts.


    "This is futile. Your unison attack is no different from a child ying with weapons before me." Liu Wuxie sneered and left behind multiple afterimages, appearing behind the three.


    "Run!" This terrified the three, and the leader didn''t hesitate to order them to escape and make further ns.


    "Did I allow any of you to leave?" Liu Wuxie''s cold voice caused the room temperature to plummet. The three were frozen in ce and couldn''t take another step.


    With a flick of his finger, three cold rays shot out, and the three were frozen in ce, maintaining their running posture.

 Chapter 439 - Four Guardians

    <h4>Chapter 439 - Four Guardians</h4>


    After reaching the seventh level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm and undergoing the cleansing of sun-moon essence, Liu Wuxie''s true essence becameparable to the low level of the Heavenly Phase Realm. This allowed him to unleash the Frost Finger three times simultaneously, and in an instant, three ice sculptures appeared in his room.


    The windows were closed to iste the room from the outside world. With a wave of his hand, the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron devoured and refined two ice sculptures, leaving only one ice sculpture in the room¡¯s center.


    The person within thest ice sculpture was not dead; Liu Wuxie had sealed his cultivation with ice-attribute energy, rendering him immobile. As the ice on his head melted away, he was able to speak.


    ¡°Speak, who are you, and who sent you? Don¡¯t force me to search your soul.¡± Liu Wuxie sat on a chair and spoke in a menacing tone. He knew he would have died at their hands tonight if not for his extraordinary strength and his advancement to the seventh level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, you¡¯re finished. I advise you to surrender obediently. That way, you can at least die without suffering,¡± the frozen man said viciously, with veins bulging on his face.


    "It seems you think I''m easy to deal with if I don''t teach you a lesson," Liu Wuxie replied coldly, injecting a wisp of poison into the man''s body with a flick of his finger.


    ¡°ARGH!¡± The man¡¯s agonizing screams echoed as the poison infiltrated his body, corroding his meridians and soul sea. The pain was excruciating, making him wish for death.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, you¡¯re a demon! Kill me!¡± The man cursed viciously and was on the verge of a breakdown.


    "Killing you so easily would be too kind. Let me ask you again: who sent you, and who informed you of my whereabouts?" Liu Wuxie was growing impatient. Jiang Gongming would return soon, and he needed answers quickly.


    When the poison reached the man¡¯s soul sea, it made him feel dizzy, with his will gradually breaking down.


    ¡°We¡¯re from the Hou n!¡± The man said, gritting his teeth. This confirmed Liu Wuxie¡¯s spection that the Hou n had sent them.


    He realized that the Hou n¡¯s disciples within the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion must have reported to their n, which then dispatched agents to intercept him as he left the sect.


    ¡°Who else aside from you four?¡± Liu Wuxie continued to ask. He needed to make things clear to avoid being caught off guard.


    ¡°There are two experts in the Heavenly Phase Realm lurking, and they didn¡¯t participate in tonight¡¯s operation.¡± The man¡¯s consciousness gradually weakened, revealing everything he knew.


    Liu Wuxie nodded, understanding that cultivators in the Heavenly Phase Realm wouldn¡¯t bother pursuing someone in the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    ¡°How did you all distract Jiang Gongming?¡± Liu Wuxie asked thest question.


    "If we seed in killing you, Jiang Gongming will be rewarded by the Hou n. We just needed to send someone to harass him and draw him away, giving us the time to finish you off," the man replied before tilting his head and taking hisst breath.


    Liu Wuxie stored the corpse in the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron and tidied the room, leaving no trace of a battle. After he was done, he returned to the bed and meditated.


    The battle took about fifteen minutes before footsteps sounded outside, followed by a knock on the door.


    ¡°Come in!¡± Liu Wuxie opened his eyes and looked at the door. Jiang Gongming came in with a sword.


    Jiang Gongming¡¯s eyes shed with a hint of shock when he saw that Liu Wuxie was fine. But he soon concealed the emotions and asked in concerned voice, ¡°Liu Wuxie, are you alright?¡±


    ¡°Thank you for your concern, Deacon Jiang, but I¡¯m fine!¡± Liu Wuxie came down from the bed. He invited Jiang Gongming to sit and poured tea for him.


    While Liu Wuxie poured tea, Jiang Gongming looked around the room and noticed no signs of battles, finding it very strange.


    ¡°It has been a restless night. Someone attacked me earlier, but he was too fast, and I failed to catch him. I¡¯m relieved to see that you¡¯re alright.¡± Jiang Gongming didn¡¯t stay long and left without drinking the tea.


    Before leaving, he reminded Liu Wuxie to lock the doors and windows to avoid trouble.


    Liu Wuxie expressed his gratitude, but they both harbored ill intentions, wishing the other dead.


    After sending Jiang Gongming away, Liu Wuxie closed the door with a sinister smile.


    ¡°Jiang Gongming, you forced me. I will personally take your head one day!¡± Liu Wuxie murmured.


    After Jiang Gongming returned to his room, another person was seated on the chair, leisurely drinking tea.


    ¡°So, was he chopped into pieces?¡± the man asked with a smile.


    ¡°He¡¯s not dead!¡± Jiang Gongming said, closing the door. Their voices were low, audible only to the two of them. They were unaware that Liu Wuxie¡¯s enhanced Ghost Eye, thanks to the Soul Forge Art, allowed him to see through various obstacles.


    ¡°That¡¯s impossible! The Four Guardians of our Hou n have never failed. Did Liu Wuxie escape?¡± The man stood up, shocked, and set his cup down.


    ¡°I can¡¯t confirm if the Hou n¡¯s Four Guardians were involved, but there were no signs of a struggle in the room,¡± Jiang Gongming replied, his expression grim as he sat across from the man. Their failure meant the spirit stones he was about to receive were now out of reach. Elder Qing Mu had specifically instructed him to use others to eliminate Liu Wuxie if the opportunity arose.


    ¡°Did they go to the Apricot Blossom Pavilion?¡± The man mmed his palm on the table in frustration. Known for their indulgent habits, the Four Guardians often visited brothels wherever they traveled, asionally jeopardizing their missions.


    ¡°You can leave now. You¡¯re not allowed to take any more action tonight, or don¡¯t me me for what will happen,¡± Jiang Gongming warned. As an expert in the Astral River Realm, he would be held ountable by Elder Tian Xing if Liu Wuxie were mysteriously killed. He had already given the Hou n a chance, but they had failed to seize it.


    The man left the room angrily and vanished into the darkness. He could only leave the inn and wait for the next opportunity.


    Liu Wuxie retracted the Ghost Eye. He furrowed his brows, knowing he couldn¡¯t let his guard down even after killing the Hou n¡¯s Four Guardians.


    The man who left earlier was someone in the second level of the Heavenly Phase Realm with formidable strength. Liu Wuxie had a good chance of winning a fight against him, but the battle between them would causemotion, attracting attention.


    The best solution was to deal with a lethal strike and leave no trace behind. If Liu Wuxie could refine a cultivator in the Heavenly Phase Realm, he could make a breakthrough into the eighth-level Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    This would significantly increase his chances of survival in the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind. The Blood Sea Abyssal Ind was full of dangers, with experts seeking treasures everywhere.


    Many came for the Blood Abyssal Stones, and others came to plunder.


    The night passed quickly, and they hurried up, no one mentioning what had happened the previous night.


    Jiang Gongming¡¯s face remained grim as he followed behind Liu Wuxie, heading to the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind.


    The following two days were rtively calm, with no further assassination attempts. They had already left the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion¡¯s territory, and a vast sea appeared ahead on the fourth day. The next step was to take a ship for the next five days.


    The Blood Sea Abyssal Ind was far away, and flying for five days straight would be exhausting. Not to mention, there was no ce tond in the sea, meaning there was no path of retreat.


    But the greatest danger wasn¡¯t exhaustion but turbulence on the sea, such as whirlwinds. A tornado would tear one apart if they were careless.


    The sea wasn¡¯t safe because powerful aquatic beasts lurked, ready to devour any passing humans. As a result, many cultivators died in the sea each year.


    Taking ships saved energy and was also rtively safe against aquatic beasts. The route they had mapped out was secure, and the ships were armed with defensive capabilities against powerful aquatic beasts.


    One ship ran to the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind each month, carrying thousands of passengers. Even Liu Wuxie was amazed by the massive iron beasts at the port.


    The front of the ship was constructed with unique materials, making it indestructible and capable of smashing any aquatic beasts into pieces. The sides were fortified with steel tes over a foot thick, capable of withstanding the impact of aquatic beasts.


    The deck was equipped with various weapons, ready to strike in case of aquatic beast attacks. There hadn¡¯t been many attacks from aquatic beasts in the past few years, and even if there had been, there weren¡¯t any severe casualties.


    The cheapest cabin to the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind cost a thousand mid-grade spirit stones, housing ten people in one cabin. There were also quieter rooms for eight, six, four, and single upancy, but the prices were higher inparison and only affordable for experts.


    Liu Wuxie took out ten thousand mid-grade spirit stones for a two-person room.


    ¡°The ship will depart in three days. You can move freely until then because it won¡¯t be easy toe out after reaching the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind.¡± Jiang Gongming surprisingly allowed Liu Wuxie to leave as long as he returned in three days.


    ¡°You¡¯re not afraid I¡¯ll run?¡± Liu Wuxie smiled and looked at Jiang Gongming with a cold glint in his eyes.


    ¡°Your family and friends are still in the sect. If you run, they¡¯ll be punished in your stead.¡± Jiang Gongming also smiled. Fan Zhen and others were still in the sect, and the five would suffer if Liu Wuxie ran.


    They both understood that giving Liu Wuxie freedom was only allowing others to kill him, not because Jiang Gongming was kind.


    Jiang Gongming knew Liu Wuxie wouldn¡¯t run, but he had followed him along the way only as a formality.


    Cupping his fists at Jiang Gongming, Liu Wuxie left the port.


    Though notrge, this city was a vital port connecting to the heavily popted Blood Sea Abyssal Ind. It was a prosperous hub, bustling with business and martial activity.


    There were shops on both sides of the streets. In addition to selling pills and weapons, there were some sea demons. It shocked Liu Wuxie to see many creatures with a human face but fish bodies ced in the shops for disy.


    There was a bnce between the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind factions: the human race, the sea demon n, and the abyssal n.


    The Sea Demon n was the strongest among the three factions, upying half the territory.


    Liu Wuxie could sense someone following him as he walked on the streets, but he didn¡¯t pay much attention because it was impossible for anyone to act against him on the street with so many people around.

 Chapter 440 - Fighting Heavenly Phase Realm

    <h4>Chapter 440 - Fighting Heavenly Phase Realm</h4>


    Liu Wuxie entered a pharmacy shop and purchased several types of pills. He knew that three months, though seemingly short, could pass in a sh during seclusion.


    Blood Sea Abyssal Ind was fraught with dangers, requiring constant vignce. A single mistake could prove fatal, turning the hunter into the hunted. Many who came seeking fortune on the ind ended up staying there forever.


    "Excuse me, do you have any Water Repent Bead for sale?" Although one could move underwater briefly after reaching the Heavenly Dipper Realm, they couldn''tst long and had toe up for air.


    If something like the Water Repellent Bead existed, it could resolve this problem perfectly. The bead could create a light screen around the bearer, allowing them to move underwater as if onnd, unaffected by the underwater pressure.


    Underwater pressure could significantly reduce a cultivator''s strength, limiting them to unleashing only about one-tenth of their power.


    Simrly, when sea demons ventured ontond, their strength was greatly diminished, and they could only stay onnd for a day at most. Prolonged exposure to air caused their skin to wrinkle, making them look like dried salted fish.


    "None. The Water Repent Bead is extremely rare and can only be found in the bodies of certain noble-blooded sea demons, making it very difficult to obtain," the shopkeeper exined, shaking his head. Many cultivators came daily seeking Water Repent Beads, but they were exceedingly rare.


    Water Repellent Beads were extremely rare and could only be found in the bodies of sea demons.


    Liu Wuxie had already expected it, and he was only asking casually. After buying the pills he needed, he left the shop and walked away.


    As a port city, only the area closest to the port was bustling, while the other ces were still rather deste.


    Two hourster, Liu Wuxie stood at the foot of a mountain, gazing at the vast sea in the distance with waves crashing against the shore. On the other side, a mountain loomed with only a narrow entrance.


    Most people briefly stayed in the city to enjoy themselves because no one knew if they could return alive after leaving for the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind. Thus, they indulged wildly while they were alive, and the brothel was the most bustling ce in this city. The brothels were always overcrowded!


    "You all have been following me for a long time now. If you don''t act now, you won''t have another chance!" Liu Wuxie said. He didn''t turn around and continued to face the sea.


    Ripples came behind Liu Wuxie, and a man in his thirties walked out of the narrow entrance. He had his hands behind him as he stepped on the soft sand and slowly approached.


    The two faced the sea, watching the waves crash onto the shore and create white foam. Aside from the sounds of waves, a few birds circled in the sky, emitting hoarse cries.


    Murderous intent was released, causing the birds to fly away.


    "Tell me, did you kill the Four Guardians?" The man turned around and looked at Liu Wuxie with his sharp gaze. After leaving the inn, he had investigated the Four Guardians'' whereabouts and noticed they had vanished.


    This meant there was only one possibility: they were dead. He even tried using the Communication Talisman to contact them several times, but there was no response.


    "Those four losers?" Liu Wuxie found it hard to associate the four people he had killed with one strike with such a grand title.


    "Very well. I will avenge them today!" A sword appeared in the man''s hand, releasing a powerful aura in the Heavenly Phase Realm, repelling the iing waves from the shore.


    "Are you also from the Hou n?" Liu Wuxie asked, not expecting that killing Hou Chi would cause so much trouble.


    "My name is Hou San, and you''ll remember the name of the person who killed you." Hou San became blurred and charged at Liu Wuxie.


    This was the first time Liu Wuxie fought with someone in the Heavenly Phase Realm, and he didn''t dare to be careless.


    Liu Wuxie took out the Heretic de and shed, causing sparks to fly before they separated.


    He frowned because of the numbness in his hand, and thebat strength of someone in the Heavenly Phase Realm was stronger than he had imagined. His true essence, soul energy, andbat talent might''ve reached the low-level Heavenly Phase Realm standards, but that didn''t mean he could be considered a cultivator in the Heavenly Phase Realm.


    Hou San narrowed his eyes because the rebound force made his palm ache. This meant Liu Wuxie''s strength was even stronger than someone in the second level of the Heavenly Phase Realm.


    The sand at his feet suddenly swirled when he lowered his sword and formed a massive vortex, with the surroundings freezing in ce.


    Suddenly, seawater surged into the form of a curtain, enveloping a few hundred meters of radius and crushing down on Liu Wuxie.


    This was the manifestation of the true essence, allowing Hou San to shape his true essence as he wished. The seawater manifested into swords and roaring tigers.


    Liu Wuxie was trapped in the seawater, and he would be killed if he couldn''t break free.


    "Fight!" Liu Wuxie''s fighting spirits formed into a violent gale that swept out around him, repelling the surrounding seawater.


    "Sixth Fatality Form!" The Heretic de flew out from Liu Wuxie''s hand and filled the sky with afterimages of des.


    The curtain of seawater was shattered, forming into a storm, and descended, drenching the two.


    Water droplets dripped from Liu Wuxie''s chin as he regained his grip on the Heretic de, now standing about ten meters apart from his opponent.


    "The Four Guardians didn''t die in vain!" Hou San said. He thought Liu Wuxie had killed the Four Guardians by ambush, but it didn''t seem that simple now. He realized Liu Wuxie''s strength was equal to the Heavenly Phase Realm.


    After their brief battle, Liu Wuxie had a rough understanding of the Heavenly Phase Realm. He didn''t dare to reveal all his trump cards so early, in case he might expose his weaknesses.


    As the fight continued, it was Liu Wuxie''s counterattack after he adapted to the rhythm of someone in the Heavenly Phase Realm. He had only used about seventy percent of his strength earlier to fight someone in the second level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm. He was confident Hou San wouldn''t be his match if he went all out.


    "I know there''s someone else besides you. I''ll kill you first before killing him!" Liu Wuxie continued to swing the Heretic de down, increasing his strength this time. His strength doubled from before, which changed Hou San''s expression.


    "What arrogance! Let me show you the power of the Heavenly Phase Realm!" Hou San yelled, finding Liu Wuxie''s ambition to kill a Heavenly Phase Realm cultivatorughable.


    As they shed again, the power they unleashed was even more terrifying. Their battle scraped the sand off the ground, revealing the stone beneath, which was soon filled with seawater. They fought from the ground to the sky, where Hou San''s advantage became clear. Being in the Heavenly Phase Realm allowed him to fly, unlike Liu Wuxie.


    Hou San took to the sky just as Liu Wuxie attempted tond a killing blow, evading his attacks with ease. Fighting while bncing on the Heretic de proved cumbersome, significantly diminishing Liu Wuxie''sbat effectiveness.


    After hundreds of moves, despite multiple changes in trajectory, Liu Wuxie still couldn''t kill Hou San, causing him to frown in frustration. Hou San, realizing Liu Wuxie''s weakness, nned to exploit his aerial advantage to exhaust Liu Wuxie. As a Heavenly Phase Realm expert, Hou San''s true essence seemed endless, and he was confident he could oust Liu Wuxie.


    "Liu Wuxie, any resistance is futile. I will kill you today!" Hou San stood proudly in the air about thirty meters off the ground, making it hard for Liu Wuxie''s attacks to inflict severe injuries on him.


    Liu Wuxie didn''t dare to fly up because he could fall if the Heretic de''s flight deviated. This was why Liu Wuxie wouldn''t fight in the air before reaching the Heavenly Phase Realm.


    Whenever Liu Wuxie withdrew his attacks, Hou San''s attack would follow and descend from the sky.


    When the Heretic de returned to his hand, a powerful sword aura formed into two vortexes, swirling above Liu Wuxie.


    "Liu Wuxie, die!" The piercing voice echoed, but the sea breeze soon overwhelmed it.


    "Fatality de Art!" The Heretic de expanded into a ten-mere de, shing towards the sky. The de tore through the air resistance and appeared before Hou San.


    "Damn it!" Hou San''s attack was destroyed before it could even descend. He gradually became impatient that he couldn''t do anything to someone in the Heavenly Dipper Realm despite the gap in their cultivation.


    His safety was ensured by staying in the air, but killing Liu Wuxie was a considerable challenge.


    ¡°Primordial Astral Fist!¡± Liu Wuxie roared, performing his fist technique as Hou San descended. An ancient star materialized in the sky, crashing down on Hou San like a mountain, forcing him to descend more. This force was beyond mortal resistance.


    "This is impossible! How can you be so strong?!" Hou San''s expression changed drastically as he took out the Communication Talisman, wanting to contact hispanion. He knew they had to join forces if they wanted to kill Liu Wuxie.


    "This won¡¯t be good!" Liu Wuxie knew facing one opponent in the Heavenly Phase Realm was his limit, and he would die if he faced two. That was unless he could reach the pinnacle of the Heavenly Dipper Realm. At that time, low-level Heavenly Phase Realm cultivators would be mere ants to him.


    Liu Wuxie pointed his index finger at the Communication Talisman in Hou San''s hand and unleashed a cold ray that froze the talisman before Hou San could send his message.


    Hou San was shocked that Liu Wuxie still had trump cards after fighting for so long.


    Only a few people knew of the Frost Finger because Liu Wuxie hadn''t used it formally in public. Each time he had used Frost Finger, it was meant to kill, and there weren''t any witnesses.


    The ancient star continued to descend and forced Hou San to the ground. As soon as hended on the ground, Liu Wuxie had countless ways to kill him.


    Hou San was initially thirty meters off the ground but was suppressed to about twenty meters within Liu Wuxie''s attack range.


    At this distance, Liu Wuxie couldbine the Fatality de Art, Primordial Astral Fist, and Frost Finger. This meant Hou San had no chance of escape.


    The situation was unfavorable for Hou San because the Primordial Astral Fist wasn''t just a fist technique but one capable of manifesting the primordial star.


    Logically speaking, Liu Wuxie couldn''t manifest such a phenomenon with his cultivation in the Heavenly Dipper Realm. Even those in the Heavenly Phase Realm could only manifest an illusion.


    "Liu Wuxie, just you wait! I''ll kill you after mypanion arrives!" Hou San had the thought of fleeing and joining forces with hispanion to kill Liu Wuxie.


    "You have no chance!" Liu Wuxie naturally wouldn''t let him escape because he would die if the two joined forces.

 Chapter 441 - Eighth-Level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm

    <h4>Chapter 441 - Eighth-Level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm</h4>


    ¡°You have no chance!¡± Liu Wuxie had predicted Hou San would try to escape if he was no match. This meant Liu Wuxie had to kill Hou San to prevent him from joining forces with hispanion.


    With only one left, Liu Wuxie had nothing to worry about. He was confident of reaching the eighth level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm after refining Hou San.


    By then, even cultivators in the third level of the Heavenly Phase Realm wouldn¡¯t be his match.


    The Heavenly Dao Book unfurled before Hou San could escape, unleashing a Soul Spear that pierced through space and appeared before thetter, stabbing into his soul sea before he could respond.


    ¡°ARGH!¡± Hou San screamed. He fell andnded directly at Liu Wuxie¡¯s feet. He clutched his head and let out a howl.


    When the Heretic de descended, Hou San was decapitated, and his blood dyed the beach red.


    The ancient star disappeared, and the surroundings returned to normal. After killing Hou San, Liu Wuxie brought out the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron and refined his corpse, converting it into a spiritual liquid above the cauldron.


    ¡°I should find a safe ce to make a breakthrough first.¡± Cleaning up the battlefield was unnecessary because all traces of their fight would disappear as seawater washed over the beach several times.


    A person arrived on the beach shortly after Liu Wuxie left and looked around. This person was the other Heavenly Phase Realm cultivator from the Hou n. He muttered, ¡°Where¡¯s Hou San? The message was sent from here.¡±


    When Hou San''s message abruptly cut off halfway, hispanion could only follow the lingering signal to the beach where it originated. Upon arrival, he found the beach unchanged but devoid of any clues.


    Meanwhile, Liu Wuxie had already moved on, heading in a different direction. He discovered a secluded canyon, bordered by reefs and the sea on three sides, leaving the only ess through the reef.


    He sat on a stone roughly ten-odd meters from the sea. The sea produced rumbling sounds when the waves crashed against the rocks.


    Liu Wuxie could have advanced to the eighth level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm while in the Celestial Spirit Cave, but he chose to dy this progression to build a stronger foundation. Over the past few days, he had diligently worked on tempering his cultivation, sessfully stabilizing his current level and preparing for the next.


    The spiritual liquid poured out from the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron. It contained terrifying energy belonging to a cultivator in the Heavenly Phase Realm. The world in his dantian began to rumble when the spiritual liquid poured in.


    ¡°What pure energy!¡± Liu Wuxie was amazed because he could reach the Heavenly Phase Realm swiftly if he refined enough cultivators.


    He took out a handful of pills and swallowed them before taking out a pile of spirit stones and throwing them into the cauldron. His true essence surged like a sea through his meridians, with a gate beckoning him.


    ¡°Let¡¯s prepare to make a breakthrough!¡± Time was pressing, and he had to leave for the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind in three days. Thus, Liu Wuxie wanted to do everything he could to increase his cultivation.


    If he went to the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind with his cultivation at the Heavenly Dipper Realm, he wouldn¡¯t even be able to serve as cannon fodder and would likely lose his life.


    The true essence in Liu Wuxie¡¯s dantian began topress, bing purer over time. Without him knowing, his true essence already contained a wisp of the heavenly phase power. This was a good sign because he could kill opponents like Hou San with one move the next time.


    The Deste Devour Art circted, and the spiritual energy above the sea formed into a fog, drawn to Liu Wuxie.


    This phenomenon rmed the sea demons patrolling nearby, who turned to look in Liu Wuxie¡¯s direction, unsure of what was going on. This was the first time they had witnessed such concentrated spiritual energy gatherings in one ce.


    The mist grew thicker and enveloped the reef Liu Wuxie was on, leaving behind a fog over the sea.


    Liu Wuxie was already used to themotion caused by the Deste Devour Art, and due to the dense spiritual energy there, he managed to save many spirit stones.


    A thunderous rumble echoed in Liu Wuxie¡¯s ears. He had sessfully reached the eighth level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm. His true essence surged powerfully, and revtions about the Heavenly Phase Realm began to dawn upon him.


    Thisid a solid foundation for his future breakthrough into the Heavenly Phase Realm. The next step was to consolidate his cultivation. When his true essence rumbled, it was being cleansed and purified.


    The rhythm was like waves crashing onto the shore from the surroundings. One day passed in the blink of an eye, and his cultivation had practically stabilized. But the dense fog in the surroundings showed no signs of dissipating, creating a mirage.


    On the second day, a creature with a human head and a fish body appeared on the sea¡¯s surface to investigate the mirage. But he dared not get close because Liu Wuxie gave off a powerful aura. The shockwave killed the low-level sea demons before they could even get close.


    On the third day, a small team of sea demons appeared, wielding strange forks, and swam over, slowly approaching the reef.


    Liu Wuxie suddenly opened his eyes, sensing the approaching danger. He stood up and saw ten sea demonsing through the fog.


    ¡°Sea demons!¡± Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t expect his breakthrough to attract sea demons. This area was the coast, and no powerful sea demons would appear. Those patrolling were generally low-level demon n species.


    When they got close, the sea demons approached Liu Wuxie. After fighting for thousands of years, humans and sea demons were considered enemies.


    Sea demons lived in the sea, while humans lived on thend. They were supposed to have no contact, but the conflict had originated from the seabed. There were various ores and treasures on the seabed.


    The sea demons initially traded them with humans for human goods. But they were often lowballed because they weren¡¯t versed in the market prices, often trading precious treasures for ordinary items.


    They were naturally enraged when they discovered the truth and cut off all trade with humans.


    Once humans experienced the immense benefits of the sea demons, they became unwilling to relinquish the vast treasures hidden beneath the sea. This led to a brutal cycle of violence, with human cultivators diving into the depths to hunt sea demons and seek riches, sparking a massacre that fueled generations of unending feuds.


    These racial conflicts and massacres, rooted in ancient times, not only sparked enmity between humans and sea demons but also ignited internal strife among human factions.


    After his breakthrough, Liu Wuxie made no rash moves to look at the sea demons. The sea demons gathered over weren¡¯t strong. But human cultivators couldn¡¯t do anything to them, given their advantage in the water, unless they couldprehend the water element, which would allow them to travel underwater.


    ¡°Human, do you have a Spirit Convergence Pearl on you?¡±


    During Liu Wuxie''s breakthrough on the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s back mountain, many had simrly spected that he possessed a Spirit Convergence Pearl, which exined the dense spiritual energy he gathered.


    Over the years, the sea demons had be well acquainted with the human world.


    ¡°No!¡± Liu Wuxie waved his hand and turned around to leave, not wanting to stay around. After all, the warship was scheduled to set off for the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind the next day.


    As Liu Wuxie prepared to leave, the sea demons were determined not to let him go. Although they hadn¡¯t reached the Heavenly Phase Realm, their advantage in the water made them formidable opponents capable of easily dispatching ordinary cultivators in the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    ¡°Hold it right there!¡± Ten sea demons leaped out of the sea and stood upright on the reef, using their webbed feet. One of the sea demons was powerful with evolved legs. Apart from retaining their fish waist, they had many parts simr to humans.


    Despite their evolution, they retained two gills on their faces, a feature that couldn¡¯t be shed.


    The other sea demons showed respect for this individual, who, due to his yaksha bloodline, held a higher status within their strict hierarchical society.


    Liu Wuxie frowned and looked displeased. He didn¡¯t want to get involved with sea demons, but that didn¡¯t mean he was afraid. He asked, ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡±


    He looked at the ten sea demons disdainfully because he could easily kill them with one palm strike.


    ¡°This is the sea demon¡¯s territory, but a human like you dares to step foot here?! Hand over everything on you, and I will consider sparing your life,¡± the strongest sea demon roared.


    To im anywhere near the sea was their territory; they were truly arrogant.


    Liu Wuxie beganughing with a cold glint of murderous intent shing in his eyes.


    ¡°Hear that? Hand everything over, or don¡¯t me me for being ruthless!¡± sea demons were fond of collecting useless human items. They could present the items to their emperor and receive a reward.


    ¡°Get lost before I decide to kill you all!¡± Liu Wuxie waved his hand dismissively, causing the ten sea demons to stagger. Their pitiful strength was no match for him, and their attempt at robbery was nothing short of foolish.


    ¡°You¡¯re courting death!¡± The strongest sea demon roared, took out an item shaped like a shell, and blew on it. The sound produced was low and could reach far away.


    ¡°You¡¯re courting death!¡± The strongest sea demon roared, producing a shell-shaped item and blowing into it. The sound was low but carried far, signaling for reinforcements.


    In a sh, Liu Wuxie summoned the Heretic de and swung it down, unleashing a powerful de aura that locked onto the ten sea demons.


    Blood sshed around, and the ten sea demons were ripped into pieces before they could even scream.


    After killing the sea demons, Liu Wuxie turned around to leave, not wanting to stay for another moment because more sea demons would gather shortly. He performed his movement technique and vanished, returning to the city.


    Shortly after Liu Wuxie left, huge waves surged. A robust yaksha slowly emerged from the sea, supported by seawater, acting as his footing.


    A group of sea demons followed behind him, stronger than the ones Liu Wuxie had killed. They were probably patrolling the area and had rushed over upon hearing themotion.


    ¡°Boss, they died not long ago!¡± A few sea demons came over to inspect the fresh corpses.


    ¡°Who dares kill people belonging to our sea demon n!¡± The yaksha standing on the water¡¯s surface roared, causing waves to rumble in the surroundings.


    ¡°Boss, their spirits are still around!¡± A sea demon extracted a dark green bead about the size of a pea from a deceased sea demon¡¯s corpse.


    ¡°Awaken the spirit¡¯s memory!¡± the yaksha gave an order coldly.

 Chapter 442 - Intercept Midway

    <h4>Chapter 442 - Intercept Midway</h4>


    The Sea Demon n had powerful memories, allowing them to store thest seven seconds before death in their spirit.


    The final seven seconds before death were preserved even after they died. This ability was exclusive to sea demons, allowing their kin to identify their killer through those memories.


    ¡°Roger that!¡± The sea demon held the spirit in both hands and began to mutter the incantations of the Sea Demon n, which were necessary to awaken the stored memories.


    A bizarre scene unfolded as the spirit gave off a faint light that functioned like a projector to y thest seven seconds of life. This included the conversation with Liu Wuxie and how they were killed with one strike.


    The yaksha saw everything clearly and imprinted Liu Wuxie¡¯s appearance in his mind.


    ¡°Send the order! Search for this person within three seas, and report to me once he¡¯s found!¡± The deceased Yaksha was his nephew, who had been patrolling this area and was killed by Liu Wuxie.


    After retrieving the spirits, the corpses were left behind as the sea demons returned to the sea. Unlike humans, the sea demons didn¡¯t bury their dead.


    The body was merely a vessel to the sea demons; the spirit represented their soul.


    Liu Wuxie was unaware that among the sea demons he had killed was one who was the nephew of a Yaksha King from the nearby sea. A Yaksha King was incredibly formidable, with strengthparable to that of the Astral River Realm.


    He soon found Jiang Gongming, who had stayed in the inn for two days. Thetter was surprised to see that Liu Wuxie was fine and noticed that Liu Wuxie¡¯s aura had changed.


    Although Liu Wuxie had concealed his cultivation in the fifth level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm, only experts could sense his aura had be more refined.


    On this day, the city saw an influx of sea demons who searched through the crowd carrying their forks. It wasn¡¯t until nightfall that the sea demons finally left.


    At dawn, Liu Wuxie and Jiang Gongming left the inn and went to the warship. They were not alone; many other cultivators were also heading to Blood Sea Abyssal Ind. Most traveled in groups of three to five, though some ventured alone or with just onepanion. Among the travelers, Liu Wuxie noticed several powerful individuals, including a few in the Astral River Realm.


    There were over four thousand people on the warship, making it noisy. Only the most desperate and vicious people would venture to the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind because no normal person would go there.


    Many people pursued by enemies would flee to Blood Sea Abyssal Ind, a ce where their pursuers dared not follow.


    The cabin was small, only about four square meters, and contained two meditation mats. Liu Wuxie could only afford this for a hundred thousand spirit stones, and it was unimaginable how ten people could squeeze into such a cabin.


    But this wasn¡¯t Liu Wuxie¡¯s concern as he isted himself and meditated aftering in.


    There were many sea demons around the warship, scrutinizing every person boarding. When they saw Liu Wuxie, several sea demons submerged into the sea and disappeared.


    The warship raised the bridge and slowly left the harbor, heading for the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind. Many people were on the deck because most preferred fresh air to cramped cabins.


    The first day was rtively calm, and the warship sailed smoothly. asionally, waves struck the ship, causing it to rock gently.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go take a walk!¡± Jiang Gongming stood up and left the cabin to get some fresh air. After all, the cramped environment could drive anyone insane if they stayed inside too long.


    Liu Wuxie opened his eyes and watched Jiang Gongming leave before continuing his meditation, trying to do everything he could to increase his strength.


    The warship sailed across the vast sea with nond in sight. This meant that humans flying could easily lose their way and be trapped in the sea.


    Liu Wuxie tilted and nearly crashed into the cabin¡¯s door. He opened his eyes and looked outside with Ghost Eye. The warship had stopped, and it had never happened before.


    The cabin doors began to open, and cultivators came out to inspect the scene. It didn¡¯t take long before thousands of people stood on the deck, looking at the rumbling sea.


    That was the same for Liu Wuxie, who came out and followed the crowd to the bow.


    ¡°So many swordfish! They¡¯re the ones blocking our warship!¡± The sea was swarming with densely packed swordfish.


    The swordfish weren¡¯t intelligent but had long billsparable to spiritual treasures. Tens of thousands of swordfish gathered to form a barrier to stop the warship.


    Swordfish were dangerous due to their sharp, spear-like bills and their ability to glide briefly through the air.


    Old sailors of the sea would often warn their juniors that it was better to encounter an aquatic beast than to run into a school of swordfish. This was because humans had a better chance of survival. After all, aquatic beasts were slower than swordfish.


    ¡°This is weird. It has been years since swordfish surrounded a warship like this.¡± Many old sailors on the deck had navigated the seas for years. But thest time they had encountered such a simr scene was when they were young.


    ¡°Could something on this warship have attracted them?¡± Various spections began to emerge.


    ¡°They¡¯re only surrounding us and not attacking,¡± an old sailor remarked, observing the swordfish circling the ship. ¡°Their intention doesn¡¯t seem to be stopping us, but rather stalling for time.¡±


    ¡°Who could control so many swordfish?¡± Many cultivators gathered though they remained calm since there was no immediate danger.


    ¡°It must be the work of the sea demons,¡± a seasoned sailor exined. ¡°We¡¯ve had a truce with the Sea Demon n for years, andrge-scale battles have been rare.¡± The cultivators living in the port city knew more about the Sea Demon n than cultivators like Liu Wuxie, who came from ind.


    As the conversation continued, the swordfish suddenly parted, forming a passage through the sea. The water boiled and surged, and arge group of sea demons emerged from the depths.


    It was as the old sailors had expected; this was the work of sea demons.


    Liu Wuxie stood still with Jiang Gongming, who was not far from him, separated by about ten steps.


    The waves lifted a formidable yaksha, bringing him to the same level as the warship.


    ¡°Jade Blood Yaksha, how dare you intercept our ship!¡± As soon as the yaksha appeared, the old sailors on the deck immediately recognized him and shouted angrily. The sailors were all known for their formidable strength.


    ¡°I have no intention to start a war with humans today, so be rest assured. We only want to catch a murderer who killed our members. We will let you all go after we find him.¡± The Jade Blood Yaksha¡¯s voice was hoarse and ghastly as if it echoed from his gills.


    If a battle broke out between them, it would result in massive casualties. In terms of overall strength, the cultivators on the warship were stronger, but they were in the sea, with sea demons holding the advantage in terrain. In addition to the thousands of swordfish, this naturally ensured their victory.


    The Jade Blood Yaksha acted after they were in the middle of the sea to force the humans toply.


    ¡°Hmph, so what if there are a few dead sea demons? Countless humans die each year at the hands of sea demons.¡± The humans were united because they were enemies with the sea demons despite the truce.


    ¡°None of you will leave until you hand over the murderer!¡± The Jade Blood Yaksha¡¯s voice brooked no argument, his intent clear: bloodshed would follow if they did notply.


    The atmosphere became tense because most people didn¡¯t want a battle. They were heading to the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind to seek fortune, not to die in the sea in vain.


    ¡°Jade Blood Yaksha, are you sure you want to fight us to the end?¡± The sailors formed into a battle formation. Everyone on the ship had paid spirit stones to board, and they naturally had the obligation to protect the safety of each passenger.


    ¡°So what if I am?¡± The Jade Blood Yaksha let out a sinisterughter. There might be norge-scale battles between the sea demons and humans, but small-scale battles never stopped.


    The tension began to escte, and neither was willing to back down.


    ¡°Yaksha, are you certain the person you¡¯re looking for is on this ship?¡± The ordinary cultivators, eager to avoid unnecessary dys, were willing to hand over the individual if it meant resolving the situation quickly.


    ¡°This person!¡± The Jade Blood Yaksha took out a portrait that hovered in the air, visible to everyone.


    Liu Wuxie was taken aback upon seeing the portrait, realizing that his actions had drawn significant attention from the sea demons.


    Jiang Gongming turned to look at Liu Wuxie with a hint of displeasure.


    Everyone began to look around and soon found Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Over here!¡± Thousands of people immediately focused on Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Kid, don¡¯t waste our time since you¡¯re the one who killed the sea demons. Hurry up and go!¡± Many cultivators in the Heavenly Phase Realm began to urge Liu Wuxie to leave when they noticed he was only in the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    The sea roared as the yaksha''s massive form grew evenrger, his gaze fixed intently on Liu Wuxie from above. The warship¡¯s top deck, fortified like a fortress, served as themand center where all orders were issued.


    ¡°Miss, should we intervene? Since he has boarded our warship, we should ensure his safety,¡± said an old man, looking at a red-clothed woman who stood at the highest point.


    ¡°Not yet,¡± the woman replied with a dismissive wave, signaling him to wait.


    ¡°The sea demons have grown increasingly bold in recent years, even daring to intercept our Dugu n¡¯s warship.¡± The old man was enraged by the Jade Blood Yaksha¡¯s actions.


    The Dugu n had built this warship, and their primary ie came from the sea.


    Everyone around Liu Wuxie immediately backed away, not wanting to get involved.

 Chapter 443 - Human Nature

    <h4>Chapter 443 - Human Nature</h4>


    Of the ten major sects, the Dugu n conducted business at sea. The warship''s farthest trading route reportedly took a year to reach its destination.


    Over the years, the Dugu n had relied on its maritime business to earn massive resources. Although it was just above the Divine Sun Pce, it was ranked in the top three in wealth.


    The Dugu n operated as both a sect and a n, skillfully merging their collective strengths to maximize their advantages. Additionally, internal strife within the Dugu n was minimal, as its members were all part of the same extended family, bonded by the emotional ties of growing up together.


    To join the Dugu n, one had to marry into the family, and their children were required to take on the surname <i>Dugu</i>.


    The Jade Blood Yaksha''s eyes locked onto Liu Wuxie because it was this inconspicuous youth who had killed his favorite nephew. He was the one who had sent his nephew to investigate the unrest on the coast, but he hadn''t anticipated his nephew to die there.


    "Brat, do you want to take your own life, or do you need me to help you with it?" The Jade Blood Yaksha''s voice echoed, causing many people to cover their ears. This was because the Jade Blood Yaksha was an expert in the Astral River realm, and killing Liu Wuxie was as easy as crushing an ant.


    "A mere sea demon dares to act with such arrogance? You''ll have to ask our Law-Enforcement Hall''s Deacon Jiang if you want to kill me," Liu Wuxie said righteously, looking at Jiang Gongming.


    Jiang Gongming was the Law-Enforcement Hall''s deacon, escorting Liu Wuxie. He had to ensure Liu Wuxie''s safety on the way there and that he wouldn''t escape.


    Liu Wuxie diverted attention to Jiang Gongming. Since thetter wanted to use the Hou n to kill him, he naturally wouldn''t mind using thetter as a shield today.


    The Jade Blood Yaksha''s gaze turned to Jiang Gongming, and everyone in the surroundings retreated to leave them alone.


    Jiang Gongming couldn''t leave because he would bring disgrace to the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion if he did. With no choice but to stand up for Liu Wuxie, he questioned the Blood Jade Yaksha, "What evidence do you have to prove that he killed members of your sea demons?"


    "This is the evidence!" The Jade Blood Yaksha produced a spirit that hovered in the air, reying scenes of how Liu Wuxie had killed the sea demons.


    Everyone saw it clearly; this was the first time Liu Wuxie learned of something like the spirit. There were no sea demons in the Celestial Realm, so this was his first encounter. If he had known of the spirit, he would''ve destroyed the corpses and left no evidence.


    "I''ll be honest with you. I''m the Law-Enforcement Hall''s deacon of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion and am responsible for escorting him to the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind for his punishment. I won''t let anyone harm him before we reach the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind." Jiang Gongming stood up, feigning righteousness in public eyes.


    He did intend for the Hou n to kill Liu Wuxie, but that was at night, and no one would know if Liu Wuxie died. However, the situation was different because the news would reach the sect within three days if he handed Liu Wuxie over.


    Elder Tian Xing wouldn''t hesitate to use him of cowardice and dereliction of duty then. The sect, not the Sea Demon n, was responsible for punishing Liu Wuxie.


    The same applied to the Hou n. They could send people to kill Liu Wuxie openly, but it was a grave mistake for them to interfere with the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s internal affairs.


    "I don''t care who you are. He must be handed over today, or you will face the consequences." The Jade Blood Yaksha''s voice turned into a sharp screech, carrying a soundwave that made those with weaker cultivation writhe in pain.


    The Sea Demon n naturally wasn''t afraid of the ten major sects because they lived in the sea. This meant humans would have to enter the sea to kill them, but the sea was their territory.


    If the ind was the territory of the ten major sects, the sea was the territory of the Sea Demon n.


    Jiang Gongming frowned, feeling the weight of the predicament. He turned to Liu Wuxie, as trouble had arisen just as they neared Jade Blood Ind.


    The Heavenly Treasure Pavilionmanded respect wherever they went, but today, the sea demons showed no such regard. Upon learning he was the Law-Enforcement Hall''s deacon of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, even those in the vicinity looked at him respectfully. This was the benefit of being from a major sect, especially with the status of a deacon.


    "What arrogance. He''s right here, and you can take him if you have the ability!" Jiang Gongming''s lips smirked coldly as if he were signaling that Liu Wuxie was on the deck and that they could take him away.


    Everyone present was experienced in life, and they naturally understood the underlying message in his words.


    Liu Wuxie''s eyes turned cold, and he guessed that Jiang Gongming was trying to use the sea demons to get rid of him.


    "Kill him!" The Jade Blood Yaksha gave the order as hundreds of sea demons charged out, targeting only Liu Wuxie and no one else.


    The onlookers naturally stood by the side and watched, not interfering.


    Liu Wuxie looked at the top of the warship, a mysterious ce he couldn''t prate with the Ghost Eye. It was likely forged with unique materials that block out all divine sense. He said coldly, "Is this how the Dugu n protects their customers?"


    His voice wasn''t loud but reached every corner of the warship. Everyone onboard knew that this warship belonged to the Dugu n.


    "Brat, the Dugu n won''t oppose us as long as we target you alone and not anyone else unless they no longer wish to conduct maritime business," the Jade Blood Yaksha let out a sinisterughter.


    The Dugu n''s warship was indestructible and caused much trouble for the sea demons. Facing the Dugu n, the sea demons wouldn''t provoke them recklessly, but that didn''t mean they were afraid.


    The Dugu n did not respond as Liu Wuxie''s voice echoed on the ship. They simply observed as hundreds of sea demons charged at Liu Wuxie with their forks.


    "sh!" Liu Wuxie roared, knowing he couldn''t trust Jiang Gongming or the Dugu n. He could only rely on himself, and he swung the Heretic de down, unleashing a suffocating de aura, enveloping the entire ship with his de intent.


    "What a terrifying attack!" the surrounding cultivators eximed in shock, deeply captivated by Liu Wuxie''s attack.


    The iing sea demons, felled by Liu Wuxie, began to copse in clusters. The deck was soon covered in their blood, with severed bodies twitching as theyy dying. A pungent reek of blood filled everyone''s nostrils.


    The Jade Blood Yaksha was enraged to see his soldiers killed and struck with his palm at Liu Wuxie.


    "How dare you try and harm the disciple of my Heavenly Treasure Pavilion!" Jiang Gongming intervened and blocked the Jade Blood Yaksha''s attack, and they continued to sh. But neither could harm the other because this was all for show, as none of the attacks were lethal.


    Jiang Gongming knew he had to put on a convincing act; failing to intervene while the sea demons killed Liu Wuxie would leave him in a precarious position. Not only would he struggle to exin himself to the sect master, but Elder Tian Xing, known for his fierce protection of Liu Wuxie¡ªeven at the risk of offending Elder Qing Mu¡ªwould certainlye after him.


    The entire sect was aware of Elder Tian Xing¡¯s favoritism towards Liu Wuxie. If Liu Wuxie died due to Jiang Gongming¡¯s negligence, he would undoubtedly face severe consequences. To avoid giving Elder Tian Xing any excuse to target him, Jiang Gongming had to create the impression that he had done his utmost to protect Liu Wuxie.


    He needed to ensure his actions were beyond reproach, providing the sect with a solid exnation regardless of Liu Wuxie¡¯s fate. Returning with injuries would absolve him of me; he might even receivemendation for his efforts to protect a disciple.


    The irony was bitter. This was why Jiang Gongming put on a show, fighting the Jade Blood Yaksha fiercely. But everyone knew it was just that¡ªan act. Stopping one yaksha was futile, with so many sea demons swarming around.


    Liu Wuxie naturally knew what Jiang Gongming was trying to do. Elder Tian Xing had warned him that he would deal with a pack of wolves in the next three months, and Jiang Gongming was one of them.


    Looking at the fallen sea demons, the Jade Blood Yaksha was enraged and made a sharp cry. This caused the swordfish to leap out of the sea with bills aimed at Liu Wuxie like arrows.


    One or two swordfish wasn''t terrifying, but a swarm of them was different. They were like rain arrows, and it was hard for Liu Wuxie to dodge even if he was strong.


    The swordfish were about a meter long, and their billsprised two-thirds of their overall length. Their bills were like arrows that whistled when they ripped through the air.


    "Quick, dodge! The swordfish won¡¯t distinguish between friend and foe¡ªthey¡¯ll kill anyone in their path!"


    The sheer number of swordfish was terrifying. Some flew off course and shot into the crowd, piercing through several cultivators before they could react.


    A look of determination shed in Liu Wuxie''s eyes as he wielded the Heretic de. He knew he could only put his life on the line if he had no other options.


    He had gone through countless hardships over the past two years, narrowly escaping death each time. The Primordial Astral Fist was useless because the swordfish were too fast. Meanwhile, the Soul Spear could only target individual enemies, making it effective only in sneak attacks. Liu Wuxie had to rely on the Fatality de Art and Frost Finger for this battle.


    "Sixth Fatality Form!" The Heretic de flew out and left behind countless afterimages, forming a wall of des. The bill of some swordfishes were even bent from the impact when they crashed against the de wall.


    "What a powerful de technique!" Exmations came from the surroundings, and even some cultivators in the Heavenly Phase Realm looked at Liu Wuxie in a new light as those in the low-level Heavenly Phase Realm couldn''t aplish this feat.


    However, the de wall was ultimately too small, and Liu Wuxie could only defend the front, facing the swordfish from the surroundings. A few swordfish pierced through his thigh and covered his pants in blood.


    "Grandfather, why didn''t anyone help among all these people? Are we just going to watch the sea demons bully that man?" a young boy asked, tilting his head towards the old man beside him.


    "This is human nature. You have to keep this in mind and never show mercy in the future when you walk the world." The old man couldn''t exin it to the boy and could only me it on <i>human nature</i>.


    Human nature was the hardest to fathom because no one would help another person without benefits, not to mention they had to put their lives at risk.

 Chapter 444 - Falling Out

    <h4>Chapter 444 - Falling Out</h4>


    Human nature was a mystery and the hardest to fathom in the world.


    "Grandfather, can we help that big brother? He doesn''t look like a bad person." The young boy turned to look at his grandfather, hoping his grandfather could lend Liu Wuxie a hand. After all, it was too unfair to gang up on a youth in his eyes.


    "This youngd isn''t simple and won''t die anytime soon." The old man caressed his grandson''s head with a look of doting affection. It was good to have a sense of justice in the heart, and the old man was satisfied with his grandson''s performance.


    Liu Wuxie continuously performed the Frost Finger, turning swordfish into ice sculptures. The swordfish shattered when they fell onto the deck, turning into small chunks of frozen blood.


    It didn''t take long for the deck to be covered in blood, with corpses littering the area around Liu Wuxie.


    The Jade Blood Yaksha''s eyes bulged, having lost so many subordinates, while Liu Wuxie was fine.


    Jiang Gongming was also shocked because he had already exchanged hundreds of moves with the Jade Blood Yaksha, and he couldn''t dy any longer. If he still couldn''t defeat the Jade Blood Yaksha, this would give everyone the impression that the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s deacon was ipetent.


    The swordfish''s assault wounded Liu Wuxie''s right arm, back, and left leg. The blood pooled at Liu Wuxie''s feet formed into a small stream, and the battle was ferocious. Over three thousand swordfish flew in, covering the sun.


    Liu Wuxie didn''t move an inch but killed over 2,000 swordfish and more than a hundred sea demons. Such an achievement was insignificant for cultivators in the high-level Heavenly Phase Realm, but it was terrifying for someone in the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    He was only in the Heavenly Dipper Realm and had killed many sea demons, with many in the high levels of the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    The Jade Blood Yaksha produced a strange sound, and more sea demons emerged from the sea. This time, the army wasrger and stronger, including sea demons in the Heavenly Phase Realm.


    They had sharp fangs and spiked hands, capable of tearing apart chunks of flesh.


    Liu Wuxie''s expression remained unchanged, knowing he had to find a way to escape if it came to that. This scenario might actually be the best oue for Jiang Gongming, who would have a justified reason to kill him for defying the sect''s orders if he fled.


    Suddenly, a buzzing sound came from around the warship as the sailors blew their horns and pointed their specially-made crossbows at the emerging sea demons.


    The Dugu n finally intervened because their reputation would be ruined if the chaos continued. Who would dare to board the Dugu n''s ship if they couldn''t even ensure their passenger''s safety?


    "Jade Blood Yaksha, haven''t you had enough?" a woman''s voice came from the top of the warship. This woman, dressed in red, gave off a powerful aura.


    The Jade Blood Yaksha stopped fighting with Jiang Gongming. The former returned to the sea and allowed waves to carry him while Jiang Gongming returned to the deck.


    "It''s the thirddy of the Dugu n! I¡¯ve heard she handles the Dugu n''s maritime business."


    The Dugu n had manydies, but only one could be called the thirddy. She was the youngest daughter of the Dugu n''s patriarch.


    The Dugu n only had a few direct descendants, while the majority of disciples belonged to the various branches. Many bore the surname Dugu through years of development, and the branch descendants would leave to establish themselves annually.


    The direct descendants were the n''s focus to be nurtured and wielded authority.


    This woman, who bore the surname Dugu, was also the third daughter of the Dugu n''s patriarch. Her status was self-evident because her appearance caused the sea demons to be quiet and retreat to the sea.


    It wasn''t because they were afraid of the Dugu n, but they feared the crossbows in their hands. Those crossbows were specially made for the sea demons and were highly lethal, as every shot would kill a sea demon.


    Over the years, the Sea Demon n has tried to eliminate the Dugu n and monopolize the sea resources. But every attempt had resulted in heavy losses; there was a reason why the Dugu n could sail in the sea for thousands of years.


    The sea demons were powerful, but the Dugu n wasn''t weak either. Every warship had an expert knowledgeable above the Nascent Transformation Realm.


    "Lady Dugu, this is our feud. Please do not interfere." The Jade Blood Yaksha''s face was terrifyingly grim. His gills expanded, emitting white bubbles¡ªa sign of anger.


    "I''m not interested in the feud between you two, but he''s now a passenger of the Dugu n. We must ensure his safety. If we can''t ensure our passengers'' safety, how will we stand firmly in the seas?" The woman''s words won apuse from the deck.


    This was why they took the Dugu n''s warship; some even waited up to a month. The sea was full of dangers, and the cost of the Dugu n''s warship was nearly double that of ordinary ships, but they would ensure the safety of each passenger, the reputation built by the Dugu n.


    The thirddy had made herself clear that she wouldn''t intervene in personal feud nor wage war with the sea demons for a human because it would be detrimental to the Dugu n''s expansion ns.


    This meant that as long as Liu Wuxie left the ship, the Dugu n would no longer be concerned about his safety.


    The sea demons weren''t stupid and possessed intelligence that was not inferior to humans. So, how could they not understand the meaning of the thirddy''s words?


    They knew if they continued to act against Liu Wuxie, the Dugu n would have no choice but to intervene, and the battle would result in mutual destruction.


    Even the emperor would disapprove of it if he were to know. The Dugu n and the Sea Emperor had long signed an agreement; the Sea Demon n wouldn''t cause trouble for the Dugu n, and the Dugu n would provide a batch of resources annually as a toll fee.


    The Dugu n had no choice but to deal with the Sea Emperor if they wanted long-term development in the sea. This was mutually beneficial. The Sea Demon n would gain resources, while the Dugu n could be spared from troubles.


    The Dugu n made a lot of profit from their maritime business, and what they gave away was insignificant. This bnce had been maintained for hundreds of years, and the Jade Blood Yaksha didn''t have the guts to defy the Sea Emperor''s will. Thus, despite his anger, he didn''t dare to act against the Dugu n and could only bear it.


    "Alright, since Lady Dugu has spoken, I willply. The moment this boy disembarks from the Dugu n''s ship, his life is forfeit." The Jade Blood Yaksha finally withdrew with his troops.


    The surrounding swordfish also retreated, allowing the warship to resume its voyage. Everyone was still reflecting on the earlier battle, deeply impressed by how Liu Wuxie, in the Heavenly Dipper Realm, had managed to kill so many sea demons.


    Everyone heading to the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind was ruthless, and even they were shocked by Liu Wuxie''s performance.


    As the sea demons retreated, Liu Wuxie remained standing and did not look up, disliking the feeling of being looked down upon by others. The thirddy''s position on the ship forced everyone to look up at her, which irked Liu Wuxie.


    It wasn''t her he disliked, but her actions. The Dugu n could have intervened earlier to prevent the battle, but they waited until thest moment to make him owe them a favor.


    From this very moment, Liu Wuxie regarded the Dugu n with disgust.


    In a nutshell, it was like someone onshore who could have saved a drowning person but waited until the victim was about to drown before acting.


    Liu Wuxie''s cold gaze turned towards Jiang Gongming. Their facades hadpletely torn away. He had pretended to get along with Jiang Gongming on the journey because it was of no benefit to antagonize someone in the Astral River Realm.


    After this incident, they both knew they wished for each other''s death.


    "Deacon Jiang, you have truly shown your true colors. Not only did you conspire with others to kill me, but you also resorted to despicable means, using the sea demons to try to get rid of me. It''s a pity your ns failed."


    Since their facades had been torn away, Liu Wuxie no longer felt the need to be courteous. He was confident that Jiang Gongming wouldn''t act against him in front of so many witnesses and that Jiang Gongming''s mission would be over once they arrived at Blood Sea Abyssal Ind.


    "Liu Wuxie, you haven''t changed your demonic nature one bit. Not only did you vite the sect''s rules, but you even dared to disrespect an elder. I will truthfully report today''s events to the sect and ensure your stay on Blood Sea Abyssal Ind is extended." Jiang Gongming looked indignant and pointed at Liu Wuxie, using him of spouting nonsense.


    "The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion has declined in rankings because of garbage like you. I, Liu Wuxie, swear it''ll be your death upon my return from the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind!" Liu Wuxie raised his hand and vowed to kill Jiang Gongming.


    Dark clouds suddenly covered the sky with rumbling lightning, as if Liu Wuxie''s vow had been acknowledged, shocking many people. After all, given his ability, Jiang Gongming could have easily stopped the Jade Blood Yaksha today.


    Jiang Gongming was in the second level of the Astral River Realm, while the Jade Blood Yaksha was only in the first; there was a drastic difference between their strength.


    "I''m afraid you won''t even be able toe back from the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind alive!" Jiang Gongming naturally wouldn''t be angry with Liu Wuxie because thetter was already a dead man in his eyes.


    The Blood Sea Abyssal Ind was fraught with peril, and with Liu Wuxie having offended the Jade Blood Yaksha, the Sea Demon n''s vengeful nature promised further trouble.


    "We''ll see," Liu Wuxie said curtly, ignoring Jiang Gongming and choosing not to return to the cabin. He had no desire to share space with someone like him. Instead, he retreated to a secluded corner, tending to his wounds with the solitary resolve of a wounded wolf.


    The world was filled with injustices and darkness, and strength was needed to carve out a path of light.


    Lady Dugu hovered in the air and quietly observed their conversation with her brows furrowed. She regretted not intervening earlier to stop this farce.


    Dark clouds had gathered when Liu Wuxie made the vow, and no one had ever caused such a reaction from the heavens with their vow. This meant that heaven recorded every word spoken by Liu Wuxie.


    Such a person was either a madman or a monstrous genius. This simply meant he wasn''t ordinary.

 Chapter 445 - Gu Yu

    <h4>Chapter 445 - Gu Yu</h4>


    Everyone gradually dispersed and reluctantly returned to their cabins. Rain began pouring down from the sky, and those standing on the deck were soon drenched.


    Only Liu Wuxie sat alone in a quiet corner on the warship''s deck. His injuries were healed rapidly, and they were no longer severe.


    He had long been soaked in the rain, and biting cold had prated it. But he couldn''t sense the cold because his heart was colder.


    He despised a world where the strong preyed on the weak and loathed the hypocritical facades people wore.


    Suddenly, an oil-paper umbre appeared above his head to shield him from the rain.


    The youth, a few years younger than Liu Wuxie, had thick eyebrows andrge, expressive eyes that gave him a charming appearance. His eyes, the brightest Liu Wuxie had ever seen aside from Song Ling¡¯s, shone with purity as he tilted his head to look at him.


    When their gazes met, the youth¡¯s eyes were filled with curiosity, not a hint of fear for Liu Wuxie¡¯s actions that day.


    "Aren''t you afraid of me?" Liu Wuxie asked with a smile; the youth warmed his cold heart.


    "Grandfather says you''re not a bad person," the youth said, holding the umbre for Liu Wuxie to shield him from the rain.


    "A bad person, a good person¡ªwho in this world can truly distinguish between them?" Liu Wuxie responded with a bitter smile. He had heard countless curses directed at him, but this was the first time someone had called him a good person. It was an ironic moment, making him question, even more, whether he was truly good or bad.


    "My grandfather''s words are always spot on; he''s never been wrong," the youth said, his face flushing with admiration. "Many peoplee to him for fortune-telling, and he can predict everything with amazing uracy." The deep affection he had for his grandfather was evident.


    As his grandfather had raised him, his dependence on him was greater than anyone else''s.


    "Did your grandfather send you?" Liu Wuxie asked, taking the umbre from the youth. He would have managed without it, but the rain would have soaked the boy.


    "Yes," the youth replied. "He said he made some hot tea for you and wanted me to bring it over." His clear, sincere eyes made it difficult for anyone to refuse him.


    "Lead the way!" Liu Wuxie was curious because the boy didn''t seem to be lying. This meant his grandfather must be a remarkable person.


    After all, the ability to predict wasn''t something ordinary people could possess, even if they had learned the art of divination.


    The vast world had many wonders, and the True Martial Continent was massive. Thus, it was natural for there to be all sorts of strange people.


    The youth walked ahead of Liu Wuxie, and each step he took was well-measured. His perfect consistency surprised Liu Wuxie.


    He began to wonder what kind of person could train such a youth, not to mention the youth''s talent was very high. He looked no more than fifteen, but he had reached the pinnacle of the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    Judging from his words, this youth seemed toe from a vige, and he wondered which vige could produce such a monstrous genius.


    "What''s your name?" Liu Wuxie asked curiously.


    "My name is Gu Yu!" the boy announced. He didn¡¯t hide anything from Liu Wuxie, adding, "Gu as in ancient, and Yu as in jade. My grandfather said our n has ancient origins, which is why we have this surname."


    "An unpolished jade has no luster but will be wless through a thousand years of grinding. Your grandfather must have high hopes for you!" Liu Wuxie said as they arrived at the cabin. His words, though spoken outside, seemed to resonate within.


    The old man seated on the mat shuddered, surprised by how much Liu Wuxie could infer from just a name. It made him wonder if Liu Wuxie was truly only eighteen or neen.


    As Liu Wuxie stepped into the cabin, he immediately felt its warmth. He circted his true essence, making the water on his clothes evaporate into a swirl of white steam.


    "I pay my greetings to senior!" Liu Wuxie tidied himself and respectfully bowed to the old man.


    "You are indeed a young hero," the old man replied without rising, motioning for Liu Wuxie to sit. He poured a cup of tea and offered it to him. "It¡¯s chilly out at sea. Have some tea to warm yourself!" The old man raised his own cup in a toast, exchanging wine for tea.


    "I''m truly honored. How could I refuse such a generous invitation from you, senior?" Liu Wuxie replied, noticing that despite his attempts to gauge the old man, he couldn''t sense any aura from him. It was as if the old man was not even present, which took Liu Wuxie by surprise. He wondered if the old man was a master of the True Profound Realm, someone who had seen through everything. He hadn¡¯t expected such an expert to be aboard the warship.


    "Your performance today was an eye-opening experience for me!" The old man smiled, unbothered by Liu Wuxie''s use of Ghost Eye to observe him multiple times.


    "Senior, you tter me. I was merely trying to survive," Liu Wuxie replied with a bitter smile.


    "Wuxie, Wuxie," the old man murmured thoughtfully, "I believe your parents wished for you to grow up with innocence, rather than deceit and betrayal."


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s heart skipped a beat at the mention of his name. His father-inw had once told him that his parents hoped he would lead a simple life¡ªget married and have children. That was why they named him ''Wuxie,'' meaning ''without deceit.''


    "But who can remain truly innocent in this chaotic world? Senior, you still haven¡¯t told me your name," Liu Wuxie said, shifting the topic. The mention of his parents always left him feeling powerless. So much time had passed, and all he had was a piece of jade as a clue to their whereabouts. He didn¡¯t even know where to start looking.


    "Just call me Senior Gu, as I have long forgotten my name!" The old manughed and poured another cup of tea for Liu Wuxie.


    "Is Senior Gu also heading for the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind?" Liu Wuxie asked. The Blood Sea Abyssal Ind was filled with ruthless people, and ordinary people would go insane there.


    "Gu Yu has grown up, and I want to let him experience the outside world. The Blood Sea Abyssal Ind is a good ce for him to grow up swiftly," Senior Gu said, caressing Gu Yu''s head.


    "Senior is right. The Blood Sea Abyssal Ind is where someone can grow up quickly. It''s dangerous and filled with countless opportunities; everyone there wants to take a piece of meat there." Liu Wuxie agreed with Senior Gu. But he suddenly paused, "But..."


    "You can feel free to speak your mind!" Senior Gu gestured for Liu Wuxie to carry on without feeling restrained.


    "Gu Yu is a fine piece of unpolished jade. You''re not afraid he''ll be contaminated after throwing him into the filthy swamp? It will turn an originally fine jade dirty." Liu Wuxie had seen countless people and could tell Gu Yu had little experience with the world and was naive about worldly affairs.


    If exposed to the world''s darkness now, he might be tainted. This was why Liu Wuxie felt cing such a fine jade in the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind was inappropriate.


    "If you weren¡¯t only neen, I¡¯d think you had lived for thousands of years." Senior Gu looked at Liu Wuxie, scrutinizing this young man. This young man''s bone age was neen, but his wisdom wasparable to his own.


    "Experience often leads to rapid maturity," Liu Wuxie replied with a smile. As an Immortal Emperor who had endured many hardships since birth, it was only natural for him to appear mature.


    "I had my concerns about what you said, but after a divination a month ago, I learned that someone who will greatly influence Gu Yu¡¯s life will soon appear. That person will be on Blood Sea Abyssal Ind," Senior Gu said, revealing this to Liu Wuxie. The decision toe to the ind had been sudden and unnned.


    "Are you referring to me?" Liu Wuxie asked, pointing to himself. He quickly realized that Senior Gu''s invitation was not merely a result of his recent actions against sea demons and swordfish.


    "I was unsure before, but I am certain now. Gu Yu will not be contaminated as long as he stays with you," Senior Gu nodded. He was unsure before meeting Liu Wuxie, but he was now certain.


    "Senior Gu is overestimating me. I couldn''t even deal with some sea demons and needed the Dugu n''s help to survive. How can I deserve such praise from you?" Liu Wuxie smiled bitterly.


    "You would have survived even without Dugu n¡¯s intervention. A surge of power inside you prevents you from dying easily," Senior Gu said solemnly.


    What he said was fitting because Liu Wuxie had a surge of power within an Immortal Emperor''s will.


    "With senior around, no one in the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind will dare to target Gu Yu, not to mention I''m a convicted person, and it''s still unknown if I will survive there," Liu Wuxie said honestly. He knew the Jade Blood Yaksha would try to kill him once the ship docked.


    "You may not know, but the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind is strange. It''s impossible for anyone who has reached the Nascent Transformation Realm to enter, and I will leave before the ship docks."


    Liu Wuxie had never heard of that before, and it should be likely due to a barrier. There was a possibility the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind was once the residence of a powerful individual who set up the barrier, preventing anyone above the Nascent Transformation Realm from entering.


    A barrier was a spiritual array set up using thew of heaven and earth.


    "Grandfather, are you leaving me?" Gu Yu asked, standing up with a look of distress. His grandfather had raised him, and they had always been together, so the thought of separation filled him with sadness.


    "Child, you¡¯ve grown up now," Senior Gu said gently. "It¡¯s time for you to forge your own path, and I have other matters to attend to. I¡¯ll return to see you in three months."


    "But I don¡¯t want to be away from you," Gu Yu said, his eyes filling with tears. The idea of being apart from his grandfather was upsetting.


    "You¡¯re no longer a child," Senior Gu replied with a touch of sadness in his eyes as he gazed out the window. "The future is yours to embrace. As the sole heir of the Gu n, I hope to see it restored to glory in my lifetime. It¡¯s important for you to step out and grow."

 Chapter 446 - Danger

    <h4>Chapter 446 - Danger</h4>


    Liu Wuxie didn''t interrupt them because he could tell the Gu n must''ve been a prestigious n in the past, but Gu Yu was the only one left now for some reason.


    "What will I do without you?" Gu Yu was obedient and didn''t dare disobey his grandfather''s orders.


    "With this young friend over here, he will arrange everything for you." Senior Gu forcibly decided that Gu Yu would follow Liu Wuxie without asking for his consent.


    "Senior Gu, I don''t think it''s appropriate. I''m weak, and the Jade Blood Yaksha awaits me at the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind''s port. I will be hunted down as soon as I disembark, and I''ll be a sinner if anything happens to Gu Yu while he''s entrusted to me." Liu Wuxie waved his hand repeatedly. He was a lone wolf and didn''t like bringing anyone with him. He might be fond of Gu Yu, but that didn''t mean he had to bring thetter with him.


    "I know you''re strong, but don''t underestimate Gu Yu. His strength isn''t as simple as it seems," Senior Gu said with pride upon mentioning Gu Yu.


    "Gu Yu''s talent is high, and I know it well. But how can I bring Gu Yu when I can''t protect myself? Senior, please don''t make things difficult for me," Liu Wuxie said and stood up. This pair of grandfather and grandson were weird and mysterious.


    "Youngd, please hold on!" Senior Gu stood up.


    Liu Wuxie stopped to hear what Senior Gu was about to say.


    "How about this: if Gu Yu can repel the sea demons and let you safely arrive at the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind, you''ll take him with you for three months. I won''t hold you responsible if it''s his fate to die there."


    The greatest threat to Liu Wuxie was the Jade Blood Yaksha. No one could resist the sea demons if the Dugu n didn''t intervene, not to mention that Liu Wuxie had fallen out with Jiang Gongming, which made it even more impossible for thetter to help him.


    Liu Wuxie paused, neither agreeing nor disagreeing. Outside, the weather had cleared, and many people were leaving their cabins as the silhouette of Blood Sea Abyssal Ind became visible, signaling their imminent arrival the following day.


    "Grandfather, did he agree?" Gu Yu tilted his head and looked at his grandfather.


    "He has agreed!" Senior Gu returned to the cabin. The tea had already turned cold, and he ced it on the stove to reheat.


    The vast ind appeared immense and foreboding when the warship finally reached Blood Sea Abyssal Ind the next day. Thick crimson clouds covered the sky, giving the ind a terrifying appearance. Legend had it that the ind once experienced a blood rain, which was the source of its name.


    Gu Yu stood beside Liu Wuxie, his eyes red and swollen from crying.


    "From now on, I don¡¯t want to see you shed another tear," Liu Wuxie said as he gazed at the ind. "A man may bleed, but he should not cry."


    "I''m sad because my grandfather left," Gu Yu nodded. His grandfather had instructed him to listen to Liu Wuxie and never disobey him for the next three months.


    "Some people will inevitably leave, and certain events wille to pass," Liu Wuxie replied. "You¡¯ll have to learn to ept these changes with time." He could only offer so muchfort, as true growth oftenes through personal trials.


    Gu Yu didn''t mention how he would repel the sea demons, and Liu Wuxie didn''t ask.


    Liu Wuxie naturally believed in Senior Gu, an expert who had transcended the Nascent Transformation Realm. There was no need for such a powerful individual to lie to a junior like him.


    When the warship finally docked, everyone began to disembark, and Jiang Gongming appeared behind Liu Wuxie. He wanted to ensure that Liu Wuxie reached Blood Sea Abyssal Ind before feeling reassured.


    The Blood Sea Abyssal Ind had a massive port, and other warships besides the one belonging to the Dugu n transported merchants and their goods. Many goods couldn''t be stored in the interspatial ring and had to be transported by ships.


    After most people disembarked, Liu Wuxie walked towards the bridge and saw many sea demons emerging from the sea. When thest person disembarked, the bridge retracted, and there was no telling when the warship would return.


    "Deacon Jiang, are you going to keep following me?" Liu Wuxie turned and looked at Jiang Gongming.


    "Hmph, you''re on your own!" Jiang Gongming snorted and left. He hadpleted his task and would return to the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion on another warship, not wanting to stay in the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind for another moment.


    A long corridor extended from the shore to the sea, and one could set foot on the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind through this corridor.


    Gu Yu was feeling a little nervous because the two sides of the corridor were filled with sea demons.


    A woman appeared on the Dugu n''s warship and looked at Liu Wuxie. After leaving the Dugu n''s warship, Liu Wuxie''s life or death would have nothing to do with the Dugu n.


    Most of the disembarked passengers had already left, and a few remained behind to witness Liu Wuxie''s demise.


    Among them was a middle-aged man from the Hou n, apanion of Hou San. He was convinced that Hou San had been killed, likely by Jiang Gongming.


    He was the only one left from the Hou n and could not return without killing Liu Wuxie. He nned to wait until the sea demons killed Liu Wuxie before reporting back to the n.


    Suddenly, the Jade Blood Yaksha appeared, brandishing his fork and sending waves rippling across the water as he blocked Liu Wuxie''s path.


    Humans would die daily at the hands of sea demons and vice-versa. Such events weremon on the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind, and everyone was used to it.


    "Brat, let''s see who can save you now!" the Jade Blood Yaksha roared in a fearsome voice, making the sea on either side of the corridor tremble. His fork gleamed with a chilling light.


    "I will determine my own fate. Make your move!" Liu Wuxie dered, gripping the Heretic de. He had not ced all his hope in any agreement.


    Gu Yu stood to the side, pulling out a strangepass. Liu Wuxie had no idea what he was nning. After a brief examination, Gu Yu set thepass aside and took out a bamboo tube, into which he poured a peculiar powder.


    Liu Wuxie watched but did not intervene, allowing Gu Yu to proceed.


    The sea demons finally unleashed their first wave of attacks, with many sea demons emerging from the sea, wielding their forks and attacking Liu Wuxie.


    "Die!" Liu Wuxie charged forward and soon dyed the corridor red with blood. Gu Yu was still preparing, and no one knew what he was doing.


    Gu Yu was initially nervous and made several mistakes with the powder, having to start over again.


    The sea demons growing in strength overwhelmed Liu Wuxie, who struggled to maintain his footing as new injuries appeared on him. Within a minute, he was covered in blood, and despite his best efforts, he was no match for a high-level sea demon in the Heavenly Phase Realm. He was struck in the back and began to bleed profusely.


    The spectators were stunned as Liu Wuxie, despite his grievous injuries, managed to push the sea demon back with a powerful Primordial Astral Fist. His ability to survive against such a formidable opponent indicated that he was far moreplex than anticipated.


    The Jade Blood Yaksha finally couldn''t keep watching any longer. It would be a disgrace to the Sea Demon n for him to make a move against someone in the Heavenly Dipper Realm, but he couldn''t care about that to avenge his nephew.


    His fork stabbed at Liu Wuxie like a meteor, and thetter couldn''t escape after being locked on by an expert in the Astral River Realm.


    A look of determination shed in Liu Wuxie''s eyes because he could only inscribe the immortal runes if he had no choice. He could inscribe aplete immortal rune, just that the consequences would be severe. It was unknown whether his body or soul sea could withstand the bacsh.


    Survival came first in a life-and-death situation; he had already raised his right hand. Once he started inscribing the immortal rune, there would be no turning back, and this was hisst trump card.


    At that moment, a yellow mist enveloped the area, and a hand emerged from the mist, grabbing Liu Wuxie and pulling him towards Blood Sea Abyssal Ind.


    "ARGH!" Countless screams echoed from the surroundings, and the Jade Blood Yaksha felt like his bones were melting.


    When the ordinary sea demons came into contact with the yellow mist, they swiftly dissolved into a puddle of blood.


    The Jade Blood Yaksha continued to scream in agony and dove into the water, but not before his bones were visibly exposed in several ces. Lower-level sea demons met their end before they could even retreat.


    The yellow mist obscured everyone''s vision, and no one knew what was happening inside. When the mist finally cleared, it revealed a gruesome sight: a sea of corpses, including numerous sea demon bodies floating lifelessly on the water.


    The Jade Blood Yaksha emerged from the sea, his head above the water, with most of the flesh on his right arm gone. He growled in agony from the pain. His forces had suffered catastrophic losses, nearly wiped out. Liu Wuxie and Gu Yu had seized the chance to escape during the appearance of the yellow mist and were now nowhere to be seen.


    "What''s that? The sea demons couldn''t even fight back against the mist." Many people in the surroundings couldn''tprehend what had just happened. The emergence of the yellow mist had caught all the sea demons off guard, and the majority were killed by it, aside from some who Liu Wuxie had in.


    "It''s called the Bone-Corroding Mist, refined from the bones of Poison Inkfish. They can only be found in the deep sea, so how did that youth obtain it?" There was a bane to everything in the world, and this poisonous mist was the sea demons'' greatest bane.


    Many knowledgeable people instantly recognized the mist, but knowing was one thing, and how to refine it was another. The refining method for the Bone-Corroding Mist had been long lost in history.


    Furthermore, the Poison Inkfish in the deep seas had long been driven away to the distant seas by the Sea Demon n and were on the verge of extinction. The amount of mist used required killing dozens of them, and it wasn''t something a youth like Gu Yu could aplish; only his grandfather had the ability.


    The Blood Sea Abyssal Ind had developed to a decent scale throughout the years, and Liu Wuxie had memorized its map beforeing. This ce was like a big city surrounded by seawater at the ind''s center. The only way out of this ind was to travel by ship.


    Leaving through flight was too dangerous unless you were in the pinnacle Astral River Realm.


    Liu Wuxie would be spending the next three months here on an ind filled with danger, with everyone trying to kill him.

 Chapter 447 - Three Major Forces

    <h4>Chapter 447 - Three Major Forces</h4>


    In a tattered shack, Liu Wuxiey covered in blood while Gu Yu busily prepared a few bottles of medicinal powders. Gu Yu carefully sprinkled the powder on Liu Wuxie''s wounds to stop bleeding. Among the injuries, there was a severe wound on Liu Wuxie''s back, dangerously close to piercing his heart. It had been a close brush with death.


    Liu Wuxie had narrowly survived the encounter before even setting foot on Blood Sea Abyssal Ind. He watched quietly as Gu Yu tended to his injuries, and once finished, Gu Yu copsed from exhaustion.


    "Big brother, I¡¯ve managed to stop the bleeding," Gu Yu said with a hint of guilt as he put the bottles away. "Don¡¯t use your true essence for the next few days, or your wounds might reopen."


    "Thank you!" Liu Wuxie said gratefully. If not for Gu Yu, he might have been killed by the Jade Blood Yaksha.


    "This is my fault. If I hadn''t mixed up the form, you wouldn''t have suffered such heavy injuries," Gu Yu med himself repeatedly. Because he had made a mistake when mixing the form, Liu Wuxie had faced grave danger.


    "You¡¯ve done well, and anyone would be nervous in that situation," Liu Wuxie reassured Gu Yu. He didn¡¯t hold any me; after all, Gu Yu had always been under his grandfather''s care, and it was understandable for him to make minor mistakes when facing such a life-and-death crisis for the first time.


    The shack was shabby, but it was safe, and no one was around, which was perfect for Liu Wuxie to recover from his injuries.


    Liu Wuxie sat with his legs crossed and circted the Deste Devouring Art, gathering the surrounding spiritual energy to heal his wounds. His wounds were rapidly being healed, and the medicinal powder applied by Gu Yu was very effective and worked better than ordinary pills.


    To Gu Yu''s amazement, Liu Wuxie¡¯s injuries recovered somewhat after a day. Liu Wuxie stood up and stretched a little before changing into a new set of clothes.


    They would have to survive in the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind for three days.


    "Big Brother Liu, what should we do next?" Gu Yu asked. While he had felt a bit down on the first day after parting from his grandfather, the sadness had gradually faded. With his grandfather no longer overseeing him, his youthful excitement began to show, and he looked forward to the uing days with anticipation.


    "The Blood Sea Abyssal Ind is divided into three regions: the Human n, Abyssal n, and the Sea Demon n. The Human n''s region is further divided into three forces: the Wild Lion Gate, Wolf Fang Regiment, and the Ding Feng Hall." Liu Wuxie shared his information with Gu Yu. They had to understand the overall situation in the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind as they would be acting together.


    "This is a tripartite confrontation. The Blood Abyssal Stone''s mine is in the southwest, and it''s a frequent destination for many. Conflicts aremon there, and our goal isn''t to mine Blood Abyssal Stones but simply to survive." Liu Wuxie exined that most cultivators came seeking fortune through these stones, only to meet their end.


    "Big Brother Liu, my grandfather mentioned many small forces besides the three major forces you mentioned. They''re subsidiaries of the three forces, and many lone cultivators join them for survival." Gu Yu shared all the information he knew that his grandfather had told him.


    "That''s right. It''s hard for us to survive in the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind with just the two of us. If we get captured, we will likely end up as mining ves," Liu Wuxie agreed. They were too weak, and even aligning with the three major forces wouldn¡¯t guarantee their safety. Even if they managed to join, they would likely be used as cannon fodder.


    It was no wonder why Jiang Gongming left so decisively because the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind was a death sentence to Liu Wuxie. Even with cultivation in the Astral River Realm, Jiang Gongming didn''t dare to stay on the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind for long, proving how terrifying this ce was.


    Hiding in the shack wasn¡¯t a viable long-term solution. Despite its remote location, it wouldn¡¯t be long before someone discovered them. The Blood Sea Abyssal Ind was enormous, but it was also teeming with cultivators.


    Robbery and violence were rampant, especially when humans crossed paths with abyssal devils or sea demons. The ind operated in awless state, governed only by strength and power.


    Gu Yu had no strategy of his own and could only follow behind Liu Wuxie. When they came out of the shack, they were still near the port, surrounded by garbage. This used to be a lookout post, but it was abandoned now.


    Warships departed one after another, with new arrivals asionally docking. The Dugu n''s warship remained anchored, having yet to leave.


    "This ce isn''t safe. Let''s move to the Human n''s region," Liu Wuxie said, surveying their surroundings. The area was close to the sea, where sea demons frequently appeared. They risked being discovered if they lingered there, and the Sea Demon n would likely seek revenge for the deaths of their kin.


    As they followed the route, they asionally encountered other humans, but no one showed interest in robbing them, likely due to their low cultivation level.


    The port was situated in the eastern part of the ind, which was under the Human n''s control, covering a quarter of the ind. The northern region belonged to the Abyssal n, home to many abyssal devils who frequently attacked humans. The southern area was a rocky sea region upied by the Sea Demon n, who aimed to control the entire Blood Sea Abyssal Ind and expel both humans and abyssal devils.


    After walking for roughly an hour, a city-like structure appeared before them. Over the years, humans had built high walls to fend off the attacks of abyssal devils.


    The abyssal devils rarely acted during the day and preferred tounch their assault at night. The night was when humans rested, and they were caught off guard by the assaults multiple times, so they built high walls.


    When they arrived at the gate, they discovered many people were entering the city, and they were all lined up for inspection. This prevented sea demons from sneaking into the city, and everyone had to pay a fee of spirit stones to enter, supposedly for protection by the three major forces. The spirit stones also went to the three major forces.


    It was soon Liu Wuxie and Gu Yu''s turn. After some questioning and learning it was Liu Wuxie''s first time in the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind, the guards looked at them with ill intentions.


    "Brat, join our Wild Lion Gate if you want to live," a cultivator stood before Liu Wuxie and invited him into the Wild Lion Gate. After all, one would only die without any background in the city.


    "Thanks for your goodwill, but I have no intentions of joining any forces!" Liu Wuxie declined politely. Only the Ding Feng Hall followed some rules among the three forces, while the Wild Lion Gate and Wolf Fang Group were known for being unscrupulous.


    The Wild Lion Gate was established by Kuang Shi, a former elder of the Azure Crimson Gate. After fleeing from his sect for defiling another elder¡¯s daughter, he settled on Blood Sea Abyssal Ind and gathered a band of ouws. Over the years, his strength and leadership allowed the Wild Lion Gate to expand rapidly and emerge as one of the most formidable forces on the ind.


    The leader of Ding Feng Hall was Ding Ye, a rogue who offended a powerful individual and had no choice but to flee to the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind.


    Despite his rogue status, Ding Ye was not inherently evil. The powerful figure he had crossed had killed Ding Ye''s master¡¯s family, and Ding Ye had witnessed the atrocity. To silence him, this powerful individual had pursued Ding Ye all the way to the ind.


    When the story of the powerful individual''s actions became public, he was eventually besieged and killed. After reaching the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind, Ding Ye encountered Lin Feng, who had faced a simr fate. Together, they formed the Ding Feng Hall, naming it bybining elements from their own names.


    The Wolf Fang Regiment, notorious for their piracy, had a dark history of plundering merchant ships andmitting numerous atrocities. A century ago, they were stranded on the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind.


    Unable to continue drifting at sea, they established themselves on the ind and quickly gained power. Their background as pirates allowed them to surpass the Ding Feng Hall, making them the second most powerful force, just below the Wild Lion Gate.


    The three major forces each imed a region, upying ny percent of resources in the Human n''s region.


    Liu Wuxie and Gu Yu entered the city after they declined the offer. Despite looking prosperous, the city looked quite tattered. Many buildings were in ruins due to constant battles.


    "Big Brother Liu, someone is tailing us!" Gu Yu whispered to Liu Wuxie as they went deeper into the city.


    "Let him follow!" Liu Wuxie had already noticed they were being followed. Since they were neers without any affiliations, it was expected that they would attract unwanted attention.


    The three major forces marked and monopolized every building on the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind. There were no inns, and people had to pay a hefty fee of spirit stones for a shabby house.


    Wandering the streets wasn''t a solution because there were no shops, inns, or taverns. This looked like a primitive city, and no one dared to do business there.


    Any attempts at trade were swiftly thwarted by local cultivators who would rob the merchants overnight. Even the ten major sects avoided this ce, recognizing it as too perilous.


    Without Nascent Transformation Realm cultivators, the leaders of the three major forces were all in Astral River Realm''s pinnacle and were practically invincible here.


    Many disciples of the ten major sects had died here over the years, and they had even dispatched elders to take revenge, only to be killed.


    Since then, the ten major sects had prohibited any disciples froming to the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind, making it a ce for exiles. The disciples whomitted heinous crimes were exiled here as punishment to fend for themselves.


    After walking for roughly an hour, Liu Wuxie arrived at the entrance of Ding Feng Hall, intending to purchase a property and settle in. Wandering the streets was far too dangerous¡ªessentially putting them at the mercy of anyone who wanted to take advantage.


    They had gathered information and learned that a house on the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind cost about 500,000 spirit stones. For the same amount, Liu Wuxie could buy a substantial estate in a major city near the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, but here, it would only get him a dpidated shack.


    Every inch of property was precious in the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind, and one needed a ce to stay to survive.

 Chapter 448 - Forging the Wood Suppression Stele

    <h4>Chapter 448 - Forging the Wood Suppression Stele</h4>


    Liu Wuxie had imprinted the information in his mind beforeing.


    They paid 500,000 spirit stones and were allocated a small house, which was sufficient for the two of them. They decided to settle down before making further ns.


    "Big Brother Liu, there''s a stench of blood here!" Rather than calling this a house, it was more like a heavily damaged courtyard with one of the houses without any roof. The other houses were intact, but a faint reek of blood came from inside.


    "Someone died here not long ago, and it should belong to the previous owner." Liu Wuxie scanned the ce with his divine sense and saw blood stains on the wall. He took out a Water Cleanse Talisman to clean the house until the blood stench had disappeared.


    The two were exhausted after a busy day. They finally rxed, and Gu Yu sat on a meditation mat.


    Liu Wuxie nced at Gu Yu before he walked out of the house. He took out several array gs and ced them around the courtyard.


    The array gs couldn''t stop an expert in the Astral River Realm, but it was more than enough to deal with those in the Heavenly Phase Realm.


    Gu Yu followed Liu Wuxie out of the house and watched him set up a spiritual array. He asked, "Big Brother Liu, are you setting up a Seven Dipper Array?"


    "You''re also versed in spiritual arrays?" Liu Wuxie''s eyes lit up. Gu Yu had a mysterious air around him, and he nned to investigate if a Gu n existed in the Southern Province after returning to the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    After all, the Gu n couldn''t be unknown with an expert in the True Profound Realm.


    "My grandfather did teach me, but I never found it particrly interesting," Gu Yu said openly, revealing that his grandfather had covered a wide range of topics over the years.


    "Come and help me set it up since you''re versed in spiritual arrays!" Liu Wuxie didn''t press any further because everyone had their secrets. With Gu Yu''s help, the Seven Dipper Array was soon set up.


    A faint halo enveloped the entire courtyard. The objective of this spiritual array wasn''t to kill but to defend. Once everything was taken care of, Liu Wuxie finally rxed.


    The sky had turned dark, and the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind was still brightly lit at night, even more bustling than in the day. This was because most cultivators would look for Blood Abyssal Stones in the mines during the day and only return to the city at night.


    Many stayed at the mines at night to look for Blood Abyssal Stones while everyone had returned.


    The mine was divided into five sections, three controlled by the three major forces, while the Abyssal n and Sea Demon n controlled the other two.


    Amotion erupted outside the courtyard, and the loud banging on the door startled Liu Wuxie. When he stepped out in the courtyard, he found three men standing outside, clearly intoxicated.


    "Open the door, or we''ll kill all of you!" The stench of alcohol was overwhelming.


    Gu Yu followed closely behind Liu Wuxie and was on guard.


    Liu Wuxie opened the gate. Even though it was night, the moonlight made the city as bright as day. Assuming the three were merely drunk and seeking trouble, he asked, "What do you want?"


    "This courtyard belongs to us now. Get lost!" The trio walked towards Liu Wuxie, but a halo blocked them from the courtyard.


    "We bought this courtyard today, so why should we give it to you three?" Liu Wuxie was also on guard. These three weren''t weak and were in the low level of the Heavenly Phase Realm. Such cultivation wasmon on the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind.


    "This is precisely the reason why we want it!" The man in the middle sneered and struck the spiritual array with his palm. But the spiritual array only released ripples and was utterly unaffected by his attack.


    If they could seize a courtyard and sell it away, they could profit 500,000 spirit stones, which was a snatch.


    A hint of murderous intent shed in Liu Wuxie''s eyes. He didn''t expect to be provoked on his first day on the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind.


    "Big Brother Liu, they can''t break the spiritual array!" Gu Yu wasn''t worried because the Seven Dipper Aray was incredibly powerful among all defensive spiritual arrays.


    "I hope they can break it soon," Liu Wuxie smiled bitterly. The loud banging had alerted the other cultivators in the surroundings, who came out to watch. The more people gathered in the surroundings, the more disadvantageous it would be for them.


    After failing to break the spiritual array with one strike, the three were furious and drew their weapons to attack the spiritual array.


    "You have a lot of nerves. We bought this courtyard from the Ding Feng Hall, and you want to seize it? Who will dare to buy houses from the Ding Feng Hall?" Liu Wuxie''s voice was loud, and he sneered as he looked towards a corner. This was the Ding Feng Hall''s territory, and their people were nearby.


    At the very least, safety was guaranteed because Ding Feng Hall''s reputation would suffer a blow if their territory weren''t safe. Cultivators who bought properties from the Ding Feng Hall would also leave and turn to the other two forces.


    His words achieved the desired effect as three men emerged from the shadows with a grim expression.


    "Wang Dali, what are you three doing here? Get lost!" The three were donned in the Ding Feng Hall''s uniform, seeming to hold a significant position. Although Ding Feng Hall''s development in recent years wasn''tparable to the other two forces, it was still prosperous under the management of two leaders.


    "I pay my respect to Captain Zhang. We had too much to drink, and we will leave immediately." The man named Wang Dali immediately sobered up and nodded at the three captains from the Ding Feng Hall respectfully.


    "Get lost, and don''t cause any trouble here!" Captain Zhang waved his hand and chased them away because this was Ding Feng Hall''s territory.


    Wang Dali and the other two men red at Liu Wuxie before leaving, indicating that this wasn''t over. After all, how could they possibly give up 500,000 spirit stones so easily?


    Liu Wuxie and Gu Yu had relied on the protection of the spiritual array to avoid a confrontation. Without it, a fight would have been inevitable. Liu Wuxie knew that the Ding Feng Hall was unreliable; they only acted to protect their own reputation rather than out of any real intention to assist him.


    Peace soon returned to the courtyard, but Liu Wuxie''s brows furrowed deeper.


    "On a nearby street, Wang Dali and Captain Zhang walked side by side, appearing quite familiar with each other. "Captain Zhang, why did you hold me back? If there''s a chance for spirit stones, we won''t leave you behind," Wang Dali said.


    "The hall masters have been strict recently, and we should minimize private looting in the Ding Feng Hall''s territory as much as possible. Do it elsewhere if you want to find a victim." Captain Zhang nced at Liu Wuxie''s courtyard, and he had made his point.


    Their conversation was private, but Liu Wuxie saw it. When he returned to the courtyard, he didn''t cultivate but took out several materials, nning to forge the Wood Suppression Stele.


    Since he had obtained the Heavenstore Wood, he hadn''t had time to forge it. Now, however, he had the perfect opportunity to forge it into the Wood Suppression Stele to protect his liver and strengthen himself.


    Even if he couldn''t reach the ninth-level Heavenly Dipper Realm, it could still boost his strength significantly.


    Time was tight, and Liu Wuxie had toplete forging it within a day.


    A terrifying me engulfed the entire house as he worked. Gu Yu sat quietly nearby, observing intently. Liu Wuxie didn''t mind Gu Yu''s presence, as his grandfather likely had taught him the basics of forging.


    Liu Wuxie had gathered a lot of materials for the Wood Suppression Stele after killing so many people, and even Gu Yu watched in awe.


    Gu Yu''s grandfather had taught him forging techniques, but his technique seemed much weaker than Liu Wuxie''s. The difference wasn''t in the technique but in the control over spiritual runes.


    Liu Wuxie''s control of spiritual runes was superb; he could handle any spiritual rune as he wished.


    The Heavenstore Wood hovered in the air as Liu Wuxie formed seals, injecting spiritual runes into the wood.


    "Big Brother Liu, aren''t you worried that the Heavenstore Wood might not withstand so many spiritual runes?" Gu Yu asked, concerned. He noted that while ordinary spiritual treasures typically required only a few hundred runes, Liu Wuxie was embedding thousands and showed no sign of stopping.


    "Ordinary spiritual treasures can''t withstandrge amounts of spiritual runes because of theck of expansion array, which limits their capacity," Liu Wuxie exined as he continued forging.


    Gu Yu was shocked and quickly jotted Liu Wuxie''s words down for future study.


    After over five thousand spiritual runes were injected, the Heavenstore Wood began to change shape, forming a palm-sized stele.


    By now, it was dawn, but Liu Wuxie had no intention of going out. He nned to refine the Wood Suppression Stele first and then continue to fuse the other materials into it.


    The luster on the Wood Suppression Stele grew increasingly brighter and even showed signs of bing a xiantian treasure. The process continued till noon before he was done forging it.


    He had exhausted most of his materials. He was only left with over a million spirit stones and a groove of stctite essence. He had been consuming the stctite essence daily to cleanse his physique. Despite no increase in his cultivation, his strength had been rising rapidly.


    He didn''t rest and asked Gu Yu to keep a watch because he nned to fuse the Wood Suppression Stele into his internal organ.


    He had barely survived thest time he integrated the Earth Suppression Stele into his body. Thus, he had to be careful this time. Even so, this time would be much smoother with his previous experience.


    The pain was mild when the Wood Suppression Stele entered his liver, given the regenerative properties of wood. When the Wood Suppression Stele entered his liver, a flow of energy transmitted from the Earth Suppression Stele to help it recover.


    A dayter, the gate in the liver opened up, and another universe was behind it, with the Wood Suppression Stele seated in it.


    Liu Wuxie''s cultivation began to soar and reached the pinnacle of the eighth-level Heavenly Dipper Realm, which was only one step away from the ninth.


    <i>What''s going on? There''s a bridge connecting my spleen and liver.</i> Liu Wuxie was shocked. He had no prior experience refining the Suppression Steles and could only explore it himself.


    <i>Will my organs connect if I refine the other three Suppression Steles into my internal organs?</i> A bold thought rose in Liu Wuxie''s mind.


    It seemed possible, judging from the current situation. Once the cycle of five elements was formed, his true essence would only deplete if the consumption far exceeded the cycle. This meant his true essence wouldn''t be exhausted even if he fought for ten days and nights.

 Chapter 449 - Earthquake

    <h4>Chapter 449 - Earthquake</h4>


    Liu Wuxie''s cultivation finally stabilized by the third morning. The surrounding spiritual energy had been thoroughly absorbed, and many had visited the courtyard, only to be blocked by the spiritual array.


    "Big Brother Liu, your aura is incredible¡ªstronger than the average cultivator in the Heavenly Phase Realm!" Gu Yu remarked, his eyes gleaming with curiosity rather than jealousy. He was fascinated by how Liu Wuxie managed to umte so much spiritual energy.


    "Your physique is also special. If I''m not mistaken, you must possess some ancient bloodline." Through the Ghost Eye, Liu Wuxie had already discovered Gu Yu''s unusual bloodline, which contained a terrifying power despite seeming ordinary.


    "My ancestorse from the Sky Dragon lineage," Gu Yu confessed openly, as his grandfather had advised him not to hide this from Liu Wuxie before they parted ways.


    "I see!" A hint of surprise shed in Liu Wuxie''s eyes, but he wasn''t shocked. The Sky Dragon belonged to the Dragon n but was inferior to true dragons because the bloodline wasn''t pure. Even so, the Sky Dragon''s lineage was extremely rare if ced on the True Martial Continent.


    With his cultivation stabilized, Liu Wuxie still had many things to do, and he couldn''t afford to sit idle for three months.


    The Blood Sea Abyssal Ind was full of opportunities, and it wasn''t a viable n to stay in one ce. Not to mention, more people were eyeing them with malice recently.


    The only way to survive was to be stronger because they couldn''t stay in the courtyard forever. But hungry wolves would pounce on them as soon as they stepped out of the courtyard.


    On the fourth day in the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind, Liu Wuxie nned to go out and explore. He called off the spiritual array and walked out of the courtyard with Gu Yu, heading for the Blood Abyssal Valley, where Blood Abyssal Stones could be found.


    But they were followed as soon as they stepped out of the courtyard, and they could only quicken their pace.


    "There have been several strange phenomena in the Blood Abyssal Valley recently, with blood water seeping continuously from the ground. I wonder what''s going on." As they left the city, Liu Wuxie could overhear discussions from a distance.


    "I heard there''s a treasure trove beneath the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind that has never been discovered. The blood water seeping out from the ground might be a signal." Several people were chatting as they walked through a dense forest.


    Thendscape before Liu Wuxie expanded, revealing an immense mining field that stretched across thousands of miles. The Blood Sea Abyssal Ind was so vast, it seemed like a colossal continent adrift on the ocean.


    Some ves were driven by the three forces towards the mine to excavate Blood Abyssal Stones. Cultivators not belonging to the three major forces could only go elsewhere and didn''t dare to touch the three ces.


    "What arge vein!" This was Gu Yu''s first time seeing such arge vein, and he eximed in amazement. He couldn''t see the end of it with his eyes.


    "We''re being followed. Let''s go to the woods!" Liu Wuxie''s divine sense had detected that they were being followed shortly after leaving the city. This was an open mining area with many people, and it was hard to find a cover unless they entered the mine.


    The two utilized their movement technique and dashed into the distant woods. This mining area belonged to humans and was upied by the three major forces. But it was toorge for them to fully govern because sea demons and abyssal devils could often be seening out.


    The two entered the woods after a short while. Shortly after entering, three figures appeared behind them.


    "Brat, you''ve finally decided toe out!" The three tailing them were Wang Dali and his twopanions. After they failed that night, they had been lurking around Liu Wuxie''s courtyard in the past few days. After all, 500,000 spirit stones wasn''t a tiny amount.


    This was also because Liu Wuxie had scavenged a million mid-grade spirit stones from Hou San.


    "You guys don''t know when to give up!" Murderous intent shot out of Liu Wuxie''s eyes. He might not have reached the pinnacle of the Heavenly Dipper Realm, but his strength had drastically transformed.


    "Brat, tell us how to break the spiritual array, and we will consider sparing your life as our dog." Wang Dali wasn''t willing to waste time with Liu Wuxie and waved his hand, leading the three men to approach him slowly.


    Besides Wang Dali, who was in the third level of the Heavenly Phase Realm, the other two were in the first level, but they couldn''t be underestimated.


    "Gu Yu, can you handle one of them?¡± Liu Wuxie asked. Facing three opponents at once would be challenging, but with Gu Yu¡¯s assistance in holding off one, he stood a good chance. He could easily dispatch the one in the first level of the Heavenly Phase Realm with a single punch, leaving only Wang Dali as a potential threat.


    "I can!" Gu Yu took out an ancient longsword from his interspatial ring that gave off a dark glow. It was extraordinary at first nce. As for the grade, Liu Wuxie couldn''t determine it because a mysterious power sealed it. Even so, it had exceeded the level of xiantian treasures.


    "Brother Wang, why waste time speaking with them? Since they refused to be ves, we can just kill them!" The other two were getting impatient, wanting to kill Liu Wuxie and Gu Yu in case someone came. After all, it had been a long time since there was such a fat prey in the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind.


    "Big Brother Liu, I''ll leave the other two to you!" Gu Yu attacked first, swinging down the longsword that created a spatial rift in the air, shocking Wang Dali and hispanions. They couldn''t fathom what kind of powerful weapon it was. Could it beparable to the Astral River Realm''s monarch artifact?


    Only a monarch artifact could create such a powerfulmotion.


    Wang Dali didn''t move because Liu Wuxie was only in the eighth-level Heavenly Dipper Realm and wasn''t worthy of his attention. He gave a signal with his eye, and the two attacked Liu Wuxie and Gu Yu, respectively.


    The man fighting Liu Wuxie was slightly stronger and was close to the second-level Heavenly Phase Realm. Gu Yu''s opponent wasn''t weak either, with cultivation at the pinnacle first level.


    The Heretic de appeared in Liu Wuxie''s hand, and he swung it out. His attack tore through the air without anymotion.


    "Shit!" Liu Wuxie''s opponent felt that something wasn''t right. He couldn''t find any w in Liu Wuxie''s attack, which horrified him.


    It was toote for him to respond because Liu Wuxie''s de was too fast.


    With the Wood Suppression Stele and Earth Suppression Stele fused into his internal organs, hisbat strength had risen several times. His physique and true essence were further purified as he consumed stctite essence daily.


    Wang Dali''s face changed drastically as he watched from a distance.


    The Heretic de sliced through the opponent''s neck, decapitating him and spraying blood.


    Gu Yu''s sword also released a powerful aura resembling an awakened dragon, suppressing his opponent. He also ended his opponent''s life with one strike, surprising Liu Wuxie.


    Gu Yu was only in the pinnacle Heavenly Dipper Realm, but hisbat strength was equal to his. It was no wonder why Senior Gu especially mentioned that Gu Yu''s strength wasn''t as simple as it seemed.


    How could Gu Yu be weak with the daily guidance of someone in the True Profound Realm?


    Gu Yu was a little nervous after killing someone, but it soon turned to excitement. This wasn''t his first time taking a life, but it was his first time relying on his strength without his grandfather around.


    In the past, Gu Yu''s grandfather had always been present during his fights, providing a sense of safety because no one could kill him with his grandfather around. But now, the situation had changed¡ªhe had to defend himself without his grandfather¡¯s protection.


    Seeing twopanions killed by Liu Wuxie, Wang Dali let out a ferocious cry.


    "I''ll tear you two into pieces!" Wang Dali roared and shot down like an eagle, causing countless rocks on the ground to fly.


    "Great!" Liu Wuxie hadn''t fought with a cultivator in the third level after his strength was boosted, and this was an excellent opportunity to temper his strength. If he could refine all three of their corpses, there was a high chance he could reach the pinnacle of the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    He needed to end the battle swiftly, though, as he was wary of potential reinforcements. He didn''t want to end up surrounded and overwhelmed by enemies.


    As Liu Wuxie unleashed the Sixth Fatality Form, the surrounding trees exploded. All of Wang Dali''s attacks were ruthlessly suppressed, and he couldn''t even get close to Liu Wuxie.


    Wang Dali was on the third level of the Heavenly Phase Realm, and no one would believe he couldn''t kill a cultivator in the Heavenly Dipper Realm. But that was the truth.


    "Die!" After Liu Wuxie suppressed Wang Dali with the Fatality de Art, he attacked with Frost Finger, turning Wang Dali into an ice sculpture before he could react.


    The Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron devoured the three corpses and converted them into spiritual liquid, waiting for him to refine them.


    "Big Brother Liu, you''re powerful!" Gu Yu came over with an excited smile.


    "You''re not weak either!" Liu Wuxie didn''t give any exnation and cleaned up the battlefield before leaving for the mine.


    Only two types of people were on the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind: prey and hunters.


    Since Liu Wuxie didn''t want to be prey in the eyes of others, he could only be a hunter to hunt others and strengthen himself.


    They were lucky to run into Wang Dali. If they ran into those in the high level of the Heavenly Phase Realm, they would have no odds of survival.


    Quickening his pace, they entered the depths of the mine. Few people were genuinely searching for Blood Abyssal Stones, but most were looking for prey.


    Suddenly, it felt as though an earthquake had struck the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind. Many mines began to crack, with seawater seeping from the underground. The water was blood-colored in some ces, which looked terrifying.


    "Another earthquake! One just struck yesterday!" Many people hurriedly ran to higher ground to avoid sinking into the sea.


    "It must be the Sea Demon n. They''ve deliberately hollowed out the entire Blood Sea Abyssal Ind to make it their territory!" Discussions came from the surroundings, and Liu Wuxie could barely catch the gist of it with his powerful soul force.


    "We are in trouble! The three forces¡¯ underground ves are all dead. We need to get out of here!" People rushed out from the mine¡¯s depths, fleeing toward the city.


    The earthquake had caused the mine to copse, inflicting severe damage on the three forces. The ves who had been mining Blood Abyssal Stones suffered heavy losses. The copsed sections of the mine were especially problematic, and it would take a long time to dig new ess points.


    As many cultivators streamed past Liu Wuxie in a panic, it was clear something significant had urred ahead.


    "Big Brother Liu, what''s happening?" Gu Yu,cking Liu Wuxie''s advanced perceptive abilities, was confused by the chaotic retreat of so many people.


    "The Blood Sea Abyssal Ind might be sinking!" Liu Wuxie frowned.

 Chapter 450 - Ninth-Level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm

    <h4>Chapter 450 - Ninth-Level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm</h4>


    They had just arrived at Blood Sea Abyssal Ind, and such an incident had urred. Was this a coincidence?


    It was likely a coincidence because the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind had already experienced an earthquake a month ago, but the affected area wasn¡¯t this wide.


    Seawater surged up, and much of thend disappeared. They sank and became part of the ocean.


    Many sea demons emerged from the water to hunt the humans and rob their wealth. Only the higher terrain wasn¡¯t affected by the seawater, but the earthquake still caused one-third of the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind to sink, with thousands of ves dead.


    ¡°Get lost!¡± A few sea demons rushed at Liu Wuxie and Gu Yu, who stood on higher ground, but they were decapitated with one de strike.


    Simr events urred in the other areas, with more sea demons flooding in, wanting to take over the mines. After driving the humans out, they nned to make this their territory.


    ¡°Let¡¯s leave!¡± This ce was no longer suitable to stay, and it wasn¡¯t toote for them to return once the seawater receded.


    They stood on their weapons and flew across the seawater, heading back to the city. When they entered the city, it was in chaos because the three forcespeted underground and often fought. But after this event, the conflict had escted into a mass brawl.


    There were bloodstains on both sides of the street, with numerous corpses lying on the ground with no one to deal with them.


    Liu Wuxie and Gu Yu passed through the streets and returned to their courtyard, strengthening the Seven Dipper Array. They knew that night wasn¡¯t going to be peaceful. The humans weren¡¯t united, and the sea demons would take this opportunity to upy the territory belonging to humans, and the abyssal devils would surelye to im a share.


    ¡°Gu Yu, you keep a watch out. Don¡¯t open the gate no matter what happens tonight.¡± Liu Wuxie instructed Gu Yu to prevent any cultivators in the Astral River Realm from entering.


    ¡°Okay!¡± Gu Yu responded with a solemn expression. The Blood Sea Abyssal Ind was already a chaotic ce to begin with. But after this event, the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind would be even more chaotic.


    Liu Wuxie sat with his legs crossed and rummaged through the three interspatial rings belonging to Wang Dali and hispanions. He was surprised to find three million spirit stones. This proved that the trio often robbed others, and there were also many spiritual herbs in the rings.


    ¡°Mhm? What¡¯s this?¡± There was a box in the interspatial ring. Liu Wuxie opened it to find three fist-sized blood stones.


    ¡°These are the Blood Abyssal Stones!¡± Liu Wuxie could sense pure energy flowing into his body through the red stones when he grabbed them. He had a feeling he could make a breakthrough if he wanted.


    He scavenged a total of seven Blood Abyssal Stones from the three, which was equivalent to seven high-grade spirit stones. Three million spirit stones might seem like a lot, but they were nothingpared to seven Blood Abyssal Stones.


    The Deste Devouring Art began circting to devour the energies in the Blood Abyssal Stones. This shocked Liu Wuxie because this was the first time the Deste Devouring Art activated itself to devour something that had never happened before.


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t hesitate to pour all the spiritual liquid from the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron into the world in his dantian. The mixture with the energy from the Blood Abyssal Stones created a series of roaring sounds that echoed through his meridians.


    The city was engulfed in chaos, mes raging everywhere amid the roars and shing ofbat. The three forces continued their battle, dragging many innocent people into the conflict. Groups of panicked civilians sought refuge in Liu Wuxie''s courtyard, but Gu Yu kept them out.


    They attempted to breach the spiritual array, but it remained imprable, offering Liu Wuxie and Gu Yu a vital shield in the chaos.


    A cultivator in the high level of the Heavenly Phase Realm appeared outside the courtyard, swinging his de down. A powerful fluctuation came from the Seven Dipper Array, causing the tattered house in the courtyard to copse.


    Gu Yu swiftly repaired the spiritual array while the attacker continued to attack the spiritual array. But after half a day with no sess, the attacker had no choice but to leave.


    As Liu Wuxie had spected, sea demons and abyssal devils appeared, joining forces to deal with humans. After clearing out the humans, they nned to divide the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind between themselves.


    Due to the earthquake, the port was heavily damaged, and the warships were stranded and unable to leave. Many people flocked to the port and hoped to escape, but sea demons emerged from the port to block the humans and ughter them.


    Many Heavenly Phase Realm cultivators had no choice and could only fly, hoping to return to the maind by luck.


    Thunderstorms suddenly emerged and enveloped the entire Blood Sea Abyssal Ind, consuming those who had flown out. Enormous whirlpools also appeared in the sky and created an apocalyptic scene.


    The Blood Sea Abyssal Ind seemed abandoned by the world, transforming into a deste wastnd with no one able to enter or leave.


    Dark clouds shrouded the sky, and rainwater had submerged many areas, allowing sea demons to emerge in greater numbers. These sea demons, previously on the losing side, were now exuberant, sensing an opportunity they hadn''t had in years.


    Liu Wuxie was immersed in his world and forgot everything else. After he absorbed a Blood Abyssal Stone, his realm finally began to change, and the world in his dantian erupted like a flood, surging in all directions.


    ¡°My true essence seems to have mutated and feels much purer than before!¡± Liu Wuxie murmured because this should be the work of the Blood Abyssal Stone, which altered his true essence.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s cultivation began to rise until he reached the pinnacle of the Heavenly Dipper Realm. The Heavenly Dao Book also unfurled to devour thews of heaven and earth. Spiritual energy continued to gather in this direction, but everyone was too busy fleeing to notice it.


    That night promised a bloodbath, with the entirendscape of the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind poised for drastic change. Whether humanity could maintain its foothold on the ind remained uncertain.


    This was why Liu Wuxie had to do everything he could to increase his cultivation. It was best if he could reach the Heavenly Phase Realm, which would give him the power to protect himself against cultivators in the high level of the Heavenly Phase Realm.


    The sounds outside the courtyard finally subsidedter in the night. The streets were dyed red in blood. The assault of the sea demons had a significant impact on the humans, but they also suffered heavy losses.


    The Abyssal n naturally benefited the greatest because they seized a part of the territory and captured hundreds of humans to use as ves.


    Liu Wuxie finally opened his eyes at dawn and reached the pinnacle of the Heavenly Dipper Realm through the night of cultivation. He was only one step away from the Heavenly Phase Realm.


    Thick, true essence flowed out from his body and shattered the surrounding furniture covered in dust. Afortable sensation coursed throughout his body when he stood up as his bones cracked.


    His soul sea, in particr, roared like an ocean, with him advancing significantly in the Soul Forge Art. He could now execute Soul Spear four times.


    Gu Yu spent the entire night in the courtyard, vigntly watching over their refuge. He had witnessed fierce battles between sea demons and humans just outside their defenses, with several corpses scattered around.


    ¡°Gu Yu, it has been tough on you!¡± Liu Wuxie said gratefully to Gu Yu as he came out.


    ¡°Big Brother Liu, you¡¯ve reached the pinnacle of the Heavenly Dipper Realm!¡± Gu Yu stood up, visibly tired. Hisck of rest and the stress of the night had left him looking worn and haggard.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Liu Wuxie confirmed, nodding. He took out two Blood Abyssal Stones and handed them to Gu Yu.


    ¡°Big Brother Liu, I can¡¯t ept them. Guarding the area is part of my duty.¡± Gu Yu was reluctant to take them. The Blood Abysal Stones were treasures, and Liu Wuxie had obtained them by risking his life. Even though Gu Yu had killed one opponent, he had no odds of winning against someone in the third level of the Heavenly Phase Realm.


    ¡°Take them if I say so. Didn¡¯t your grandfather tell you to follow my instructions?¡± Liu Wuxie forcibly shoved the Blood Abyssal Stones into Gu Yu¡¯s hands. There were seven in total, and he was left with four after refining one and giving two to Gu Yu.


    Gu Yu reluctantly epted the Blood Abyssal Stones and circted his cultivation technique briefly to ease fatigue.


    When they opened the courtyard, the stench of blood was overwhelming. Dozens of corpsesy scattered, including over thirty sea demons. Their interspatial rings had been looted, leaving only their remains behind.


    Suddenly, a group of people stormed in from both sides of the street. They exuded a menacing aura, and among them were several cultivators in the low-level Astral River Realm. Their fierce and predatory demeanor made it clear they were ready for a fight. With fifty of them d in identical red robes, their intent was unmistakable.


    ¡°They¡¯re from the Wild Lion Gate!¡± Liu Wuxie realized. This was the territory of the Ding Feng Hall, and the presence of the Wild Lion Gate''s forces here was unexpected. Could it be that the Ding Feng Hall had been defeated inst night¡¯s chaos and had retreated, leaving the area open for the Wild Lion Gate to seize?


    ¡°You two,e with us!¡± An Astral River Realm expert emerged from the crowd, giving off an overwhelming aura that suppressed Liu Wuxie and Gu Yu, leaving them powerless.


    ¡°This is the Ding Feng Hall. You dare capture the people here?¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes turned cold. If captured by the Wild Lion Gate, there would only be one oue: they would be turned into ves.


    The three major forces had suffered severe losses the previous night, particrly among their ranks of ves. Consequently, they were now forced to capture cultivators to replenish their numbers.


    ¡°The Ding Feng Hall has withdrawn from this area, and everyone residing here now falls under the jurisdiction of our Wild Lion Gate. You two have two choices: join the Wild Lion Gate or die!¡±


    Although they were given two choices, there was only one in reality because they would be killed if they chose thetter.


    Gu Yu gritted his teeth angrily and wanted to summon his ancient sword, but Liu Wuxie stopped him. He knew the ancient sword wasn¡¯t ordinary and would bring them disaster if brought out.


    As for fight to the death? Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t confident of escaping from the hands of someone in the Astral River Realm. Not to mention, there were so many in the high-level of the Heavenly Phase Realm, and they would only die faster if they retaliated.


    ¡°We¡¯re willing to join the Wild Lion Gate!¡± Liu Wuxie retracted his aura and nned to take one step at a time.


    After hearing this reply, the Astral River Realm expert¡¯splexion improved because they had killed several groups who had retaliated.


    ¡°Change their clothes and take them to the concentration camp. We¡¯ll organize them once the seawater recedes!¡± The Astral River Realm cultivator ordered. Someone quickly stepped forward and threw two sets of clothes at them, and the two had no choice but to put them on.


    An expert in the Heavenly Phase Realm escorted them toward the other side of the street while the rest searched for survivors.


    Gu Yu secretly transmitted messages to Liu Wuxie multiple times, suggesting they could escape with only one person in the Heavenly Phase Realm. But Liu Wuxie firmly held him back.


    Given the current chaos in the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind, aligning themselves with the Wild Lion Gate might be a good idea.


    The streets were littered with corpses, and anyone could tell the battlest night was ferocious. The Ding Feng Hall suffered heavy losses.


    Arge enclosure appeared ahead of them, with many people imprisoned. They were mostly in the pinnacle Heavenly Dipper Realm and some in the low levels of the Heavenly Phase Realm.

 Chapter 451 - Acquaintance

    <h4>Chapter 451 - Acquaintance</h4>


    The gate was opened as Liu Wuxie and Gu Yu walked in. When the gate closed, they were isted from the outside world, their surroundings enveloped in a spiritual array set up by an expert in the Astral River Realm, making it impossible for anyone to break out.


    Kuang Shi was an elder of the Azure Crimson Gate and had an exceptional status. Regardless of alchemy or spiritual arrays, he was highly proficient in them.


    This ce held arge number of ves who were imprisoned after being captured. This time, the three major forces had suffered heavy losses, not to mention warships couldn''t enter. This meant they could only scour other parts of the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind for ves.


    When Liu Wuxie and Gu Yu entered, hundreds of eyes turned to them simultaneously. Most people were indifferent because they were all captured, and the Wild Lion Gate was too powerful¡ªanyone who dared to defy it would be killed.


    "The two found a rtively clean spot to sit because others had upied the better spots."


    "Big Brother Liu, what should we do next?" Gu Yu felt lost because this was the first time he had encountered something like this, with life and death beyond his control.


    "We¡¯ll take it one step at a time. The Blood Sea Abyssal Ind is in a state of upheaval, and the situation outside is chaotic. With the three forces battling each other, frequent sea demon assaults, and the abyssal devils lurking, it¡¯s safer for us to stay here for now," Liu Wuxie transmitted to Gu Yu.


    Gu Yu nodded. He had a mature mind despite a young age.


    As Liu Wuxie had spected, the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind was in chaos. Many small forces were wiped out, and those who did not submit were killed. Abyssal devils or sea demons also killed those who tried to escape.


    "You two, stand up and pay your respect to our new boss!" Five youths walked over and stood before Liu Wuxie. They had already formed a small group in just a few hours, with a cultivator in the third level of the Heavenly Phase Realm as the leader.


    They had formed a small group to band together despite being captured and made into ves. The stronger the group, the more influence they had. If they could gain the Wild Lion Gate''s attention, they could escape the status of ves and be a captain.


    "I don''t want to kill. Go somewhere else if you want to findckeys," Liu Wuxie said coldly. After reaching the pinnacle of the Heavenly Dipper Realm, he could easily kill someone in the third level of the Heavenly Phase Realm with one strike.


    There were hundreds of ves here, with varying strengths. If they were gathered together, they would be a formidable force. However, relying on this much to confront the Wild Lion Gate was only sufficient if they could find more allies, such as the Ding Feng Hall.


    They had lost contact with the outside world in the concentration camp, and Liu Wuxie had no idea about Ding Feng Hall''s current situation. The Wild Lion Gate had only brought them here and left them to fend for themselves.


    They had to bide their time until the chaos outside subsided before being sent to the mines to continue theirbor.


    "Hahaha!" Laughter erupted around them as onlookers found it absurd that someone in the Heavenly Dipper Realm would dare speak so defiantly. Even Che Yong, the leader in the third-level Heavenly Phase Realm, wore a disdainful smile.


    ¡°Where did this brat get the courage to defy Che Yong? He¡¯s asking for trouble!¡± whispered the crowd. Che Yong, who had once been a powerful figure before being captured and reduced to a mere ve, was now down to only two remaining followers afterst night¡¯s battle. His previous recruits had either been killed or scattered, leading him to join the Wild Lion Gate and recruit newpanions.


    He didn''t settle down aftering here and relied on his strength to recruit newpanions.


    "Brat, you dare defy our big brother? You must be courting death!" The two youths recruited by Che Yong roared, intending to tter thetter.


    Everyone quickly backed off, creating an ample open space because they didn''t want to get involved. Everyone was plotting how to escape this ce. No one wanted to remain as a ve and be trapped there for life.


    They could only escape if they could reach a higher level in their cultivation.


    "Scram!" A powerful aura swept out from Liu Wuxie, causing the entire area to tremble.


    Che Yong narrowed his eyes, surprised by Liu Wuxie''s formidable presence. Despite not having fought, he sensed a palpable danger from Liu Wuxie¡¯s aura, indicating that thetter was far from ordinary.


    "Go probe him!" Che Yong ordered a youth who had just joined him to test Liu Wuxie''s strength.


    "Let me teach him a lesson!" The youth who was called out rubbed his fists together, his face full of malice.


    No one in the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind was kind-hearted, and everyone had blood on their hands.


    Gu Yu stood up, wanting to fight because there was no need for Liu Wuxie to personally deal with someone in the first level of the Heavenly Phase Realm.


    "Be careful!" Liu Wuxie didn''t stop him because Gu Yu needed tempering.


    Senior Gu had left Gu Yu to him with one purpose: to temper him and let him grow up.


    Gu Yu stood up and nodded. He didn''t draw out the ancient sword in this fight.


    "Die!" The youth struck with his palm, unleashing a powerful aura that manifested into a demonic palm.


    "You''re the one who will die!" Gu Yu snorted. He had matured a lot over the past few days, with the tenderness on his face fading. When he struck out with his palm and unleashed an ancient power, a trace of surprise shed in Liu Wuxie''s eyes.


    Gu Yu¡¯s Sky Dragon bloodline granted him the might of ancient divine beasts, making him appear as though a celestial dragon had descended to the mortal realm.


    As the two fighters shed, their confrontation was brief yet explosive, quickly drawing the attention of the Wild Lion Gate. Several people rushed over, mistakenly thinking there was a rebellion among the ves.


    Gu Yu stepped back as his opponent was hurled through the air, spewing blood before crashing into and embedding himself in a wall. The sheer force of thebat stunned the hundreds of ves who witnessed the scene, astonished by the youth¡¯s immense power despite his apparent age of only fifteen or sixteen.


    Che Yong''s face changed drastically, and a trace of fear shed in his eyes. It was unbelievable for someone in the Heavenly Phase Realm to be sent flying with one strike by someone in the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    "What are you all doing? Who allowed you to fight?!" Three men came over, all donning purple robes. They were the captains of the Wild Lion Gate, responsible for guarding the concentration camp.


    These three weren''t strong and were only in the first level of the Heavenly Phase Realm, and Che Yong could deal with them by himself. But no one dared to act because it wasn''t that they hadn''t resisted before. When they were first captured, they had tried to escape several times, but a few of them were killed by the experts hidden in the dark.


    "There''s nothing going on. We were having a small argument!" The two youths beside Che Yong stepped forward with smiles on their faces.


    "All of you stand up! Who started the fight?" The three captains were relentless because they knew they would be in more trouble in the future if they didn''t teach them a lesson, which would affect the Wild Lion Gate''s unity.


    "It''s this brat over here! He''s unwilling to be managed by the Wild Lion Gate. I suggest to have him killed!" The youth pointed at Liu Wuxie, ndering him for starting the conflict, and no one was more shameless than him.


    The three captains turned to look at Liu Wuxie. One of them froze when he saw Liu Wuxie, and a powerful murderous intent swept out from him.


    "Liu Wuxie, it''s you!" This was a familiar voice, and Liu Wuxie turned to look in the Wild Lion Gate''s direction.


    "Xiao Yanlong? You''re alive?" Liu Wuxie was surprised because he hadn''t expected to see a familiar face in the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind. Then again, they were enemies because Xiao Yanlong was the disciple of Qin Shi, who had sought revenge after Liu Wuxie killed his master. Because of that incident, he was expelled from the Imperial Academy.


    Qin Shi had disappeared since then, but Liu Wuxie hadn¡¯t expected him to have entered the cultivation world.


    Liu Wuxie had searched for Xiao Yanlong''s whereabouts in the past, but there were no clues.


    "Liu Wuxie, I bet you didn''t expect us to meet in this situation?" Xiao Yanlong sneered. He had been disheartened ever since he was expelled from the Imperial Academy.


    Xiao Yanlong had met a cultivator from the cultivation world by chance, someone who hade to the mundane world to gather poison. Seeing this as a chance to advance, Xiao Yanlong became the cultivator''s disciple. However, upon entering the cultivation world, he discovered that his master had sinister ns to turn him into a poisoned corpse.


    Unwilling to ept this fate, Xiao Yanlong took advantage of a moment when his master¡¯s guard was down and killed him. Afterward, he fled to the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind to escape retribution from his fellow disciples. There, he joined the Wild Lion Gate and worked his way up to be a small captain, living among them for over six months.


    Xiao Yanlong''s eyes zed with fury upon seeing Liu Wuxie. He held Liu Wuxie responsible for the setbacks that had prevented him from bing the headmaster of the Imperial Academy. If not for Liu Wuxie, he might have ascended to the position of headmaster, or at the very least, a vice-headmaster, wielding significant influence in the mundane world.


    "Well, that''s a surprise. I got Prince Ruyang to search the entire capital for you after you left the Imperial Academy, but there was no trace of you. I didn''t expect you to have entered the cultivation world," Liu Wuxie said honestly.


    There was no way for Liu Wuxie to feel at ease if Xiao Yanlong was alive, and this was a formidable enemy because he was ruthless.


    "This is all thanks to you. I might''ve lost a lot, but I also gained a lot. I am now a small captain in the Wild Lion Gate, with dozens of people as my subordinates. Now that you are in my hands, I will make your life worse than death!" Xiao Yanlong wasn''t in a hurry to kill Liu Wuxie.


    The ves, gathered to fill the void left by the three major forces'' losses, were incredibly valuable. While the leader couldn¡¯t kill them outright, inflicting pain without death was permissible.


    "You couldn''t kill me a year ago, and you won''t seed now either," Liu Wuxie said dismissively. Xiao Yanlong, though somewhat formidable and a threat, was not considered a true enemy. Liu Wuxie had been concerned about Xiao Yanlong not because of personal fear, but because he might pose a danger to the Xu n.


    Now that he had run into Xiao Yanlong in the cultivation world, he did not need to worry because he could kill someone like Xiao Yanlong with one p.


    Then again, now wasn''t the right time to kill Xiao Yanlong because thetter was a member of the Wild Lion Gate, and killing him meant Liu Wuxie couldn''t leave alive either.


    "You''re right. It may be difficult for me to kill you, but you''re now a ve of the Wild Lion Gate. I will make your life hell!" Xiao Yanlong was aware of Liu Wuxie''s strength, someone who had risen from being garbage to prominence.


    Liu Wuxie caught up with all the so-called geniuses and left them in dust in just six months. His cultivation might only seem to be in the pinnacle of the Heavenly Dipper Realm, but Xiao Yanlong knew even those in the low level of the Heavenly Phase Realm weren''t his match.


    If Xiao Yanlong wanted to kill Liu Wuxie to avenge his master, he needed to rely on the Wild Lion Gate.

 Chapter 452 - Slave

    <h4>Chapter 452 - ve</h4>


    The atmosphere in the room was eerie. Xiao Yanlong wanted to kill Liu Wuxie, but he didn¡¯t dare to act. The two sides remained in a stalemate, with a murderous intent filling the entire ce.


    ¡°Captain Wang, there¡¯s no need to dirty your hands to kill trash like him. I¡¯ll make sure he suffers terribly!¡± Che Yong ran over and stood beside Xiao Yanlong with a ttering tone, looking like apdog.


    Xiao Yanlong¡¯s mood lifted at this disy. He was pleased with the idea of using one ve to deal with another, letting them turn on each other. To him, the oue was irrelevant as long as it served his purposes.


    ¡°I¡¯ll request your freedom with the hall master if you perform well,¡± Xiao Yanlong nodded, satisfied with Che Yong¡¯s approach.


    ¡°Thank you, Captain Wang!¡± Che Yong expressed his gratitude. This was the best opportunity for him to shed his status as a ve, and he intended to seize it.


    The others looked on with envy because they couldn¡¯t be as shameless as Che Yong, causing them to miss the opportunity to curry favor with Xiao Yanlong.


    Che Yong snatched such a good chance. If he managed to kill Liu Wuxie, he could escape the status of a ve with his freedom restored.


    The Wild Lion Gate had suffered heavy losses this time. Aside from losing countless ves, their members had also suffered arge amount of casualties, which was why they needed to bring in new blood.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, I hope you don¡¯t die too quickly; it would be no fun otherwise!¡± Xiao Yanlong sneered, hisughter echoing as he walked away.


    No one could fully understand the torment Xiao Yanlong had endured over the past year. Forced into a medicinal furnace daily by his master and treated like an animal, he had emerged with a body resistant to poison. Combined with his training in poisonous martial techniques, this had greatly enhanced his strength and earned him the rank of captain.


    After Xiao Yanlong left, many people distanced themselves from Liu Wuxie, not wanting to get involved. They still didn¡¯t want to die, and a miserable life was better than death. There was still hope for them to escape as long as they were alive.


    Take the earthquake, for instance. Many ves had managed to escape due to the recent earthquake.


    ¡°See that? This brat is an enemy of Captain Wang. As long as you all choose to follow me, I can put up a good word for you with Captain Wang to restore your freedom!¡± Che Yong looked around because this was the perfect opportunity to win people.


    The more people he could bring to his side, the more bargaining power he could have with the Wild Lion Gate.


    ¡°Brother Che, please take good care of me in the future!¡± A cultivator in the second level of the Heavenly Phase Realm stood up, willing to follow Che Yong. Although the chance of restoring their freedom was slim, it was better than having no chance.


    With someone leading the way, dozens of people stood up and were willing to follow Che Yong. Like a snowball rolling, Che Yong quickly gathered a group that couldn¡¯t be ignored.


    This meant it wouldn¡¯t be easy for Liu Wuxie to confront them alone.


    ¡°Big Brother Liu, what should we do?¡± Gu Yu panicked a little and whispered beside Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°They¡¯re a bunch of scraps. If there¡¯s trouble, they¡¯ll run faster than anyone.¡± A sneer rose on Liu Wuxie¡¯s lips. Although they had the advantage in numbers, no one would step out in the face of crisis.


    They would be brothers when there were benefits, but they would scatter and run for their lives in the face of crisis.


    Everyone isted Liu Wuxie and Gu Yu. Those who didn¡¯t choose to follow Che Yong didn¡¯t get too close to Liu Wuxie either.


    The sounds of fighting outside gradually subsided with the order in the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind was slowly restored. The three major forces began to clean up the battlefield.


    The abyssal devils retreated after capturing a bunch of ves. As for the sea demons, they killed many humans and looted treasures before returning to the sea.


    The seawater began to recede, leaving marks behind where seawater had washed over. Some fish couldn¡¯t escape and were left exposed to the scorching sun.


    Batch after batch of new ves were brought in to fill up the concentration camp.


    The past few days had been rtively peaceful, and Xiao Yanlong never returned. Che Yong also didn¡¯t cause trouble for Liu Wuxie, and everything was calm.


    On the fourth day, Xiao Yanlong came with many members of the Wild Lion Gate. A roar echoed, ¡°On your feet! We¡¯re moving!¡±


    Liu Wuxie stopped his cultivation. He hadn¡¯t rxed over the past few days and had been trying toprehend the Heavenly Phase Realm.


    After killing several experts in the Heavenly Phase Realm, thews in their bodies weren¡¯t challenging toprehend.


    Everyone in the concentration camp was like ducks being driven out. Xiao Yanlong wasn¡¯t the leader this time but someone in the Astral River Realm.


    ¡°Hall Master He, may I know where we are going?¡± Che Yong recognized this expert in the Astral River Realm as he had been in the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind for six months. Thus, he naturally knew many people and things.


    ¡°To where you belong!¡± Hall Master He didn¡¯t exin much and urged them to hurry up.


    Over three hundred people were driven out of the city.


    Liu Wuxie activated his Ghost Eye, scanning the area within tens of thousands of meters. The mine''syout had drastically changed; the territories of the three major forces had shifted, with some areas copsing while others rose. The regions needed to be redivided, and the recent upheaval had left the area in disarray.


    The Ding Feng Hall and Wolf Fang Regiment appeared shortly after the Wild Lion Gate left, driving a group of people toward the mine as well. The ves were people they had captured recently.


    ¡°Go down there!¡± Liu Wuxie and everyone were driven to a pitch-ck cave entrance and ordered to enter. But before they even got close, their senses were assaulted by a musty, damp smell.


    ¡°We refuse! Why should we be treated as ves?¡± many people protested. They were humans, not ves; this was too unfair for them. They wouldn¡¯t mind mining if they were paid handsomely but not driven as ves.


    ¡°Mere insects have no right to resist!¡± Hall Master He responded with brutal efficiency, crushing three cultivators in the Heavenly Phase Realm with a single sweep of his palm. The violence was swift and merciless, serving as a grim reminder of the Wild Lion Gate''s authority.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go down! The Wild Lion Gate won¡¯t mistreat us if we perform well!¡± Che Yong entered the cave first to demonstrate his loyalty, earning Hall Master He¡¯s approval.


    With more than three hundred people entering the cave, Liu Wuxie blended into the crowd. There were guards every few steps, filled with members of the Wild Lion Gate, to prevent any escape of the ves.


    ¡°Hand over your interspatial rings before entering!¡± As they approached the cave entrance, a table appeared with several stern-faced old men,manding everyone to surrender their interspatial rings. This measure was to prevent the loss of the Blood Abyssal Stones that would be mined.


    Liu Wuxie frowned upon hearing he had to hand over his interspatial ring because he had many treasures inside. If he handed his interspatial ring to the Wild Lion Gate, the odds of him retrieving it would be slim.


    Gu Yu also became anxious because his grandfather had given him many things besides the ancient sword in his interspatial ring. If he lost them, his grandfather would be furious.


    The people ahead were reluctant, but no one dared to resist, with Che Yong taking the lead. This was everyone¡¯s mentality, with everyone following suit the moment one person gave in.


    ¡°Since the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron can devour anything, I wonder if it can be used to store interspatial rings!¡± A bold thought rose in Liu Wuxie¡¯s mind. The Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron was massive and could even devour demonic beasts, so it shouldn¡¯t be an issue to store two interspatial rings.


    It would soon be his turn, and he removed his interspatial ring to send it into the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron. A miraculous scene urred with the interspatial ring quietly hovering above the cauldron, and it was returned to his hand with a thought.


    This meant the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron could be used to store items, and Liu Wuxie was excited by this discovery.


    ¡°Gu Yu, hand me your interspatial ring!¡± The two were close together, and Liu Wuxie secretly transmitted a message.


    Gu Yu quickly removed his interspatial ring and handed it to Liu Wuxie. He was surprised when he saw the interspatial ring disappear and even blinked to verify if he had seen it wrongly.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll keep it safe for now!¡± Liu Wuxie gave him a reassuring look.


    It was soon Liu Wuxie¡¯s turn, and he prepared an empty interspatial ring with a few hundred spirit stones and some spiritual herbs he didn¡¯t need.


    The old man responsible for the counter didn¡¯t pay much attention and found it normal because of Liu Wuxie¡¯s low cultivation.


    Gu Yu also did the same and handed over a substitute interspatial ring. After all, he would raise suspicion if he didn¡¯t hand over an interspatial ring.


    After all rings were collected, the people were left feeling despondent, some even breaking into tears as they contemted the bleak possibility of spending their lives in the cave.


    ¡°You will be divided into five teams and go to your respective regions through the assigned route. Someone wille to collect your Blood Abyssal Stones daily, and there¡¯s no need for your group to continue existing if you can¡¯t hand over any.¡± The old man¡¯s eyes gave off a powerful murderous intent because each group was required to mine at least one Blood Abyssal Stone daily.


    Over three hundred captives were soon organized into groups. Liu Wuxie¡¯s group consisted of three men, in addition to Gu Yu, who was significantly stronger. This arrangement was a deliberate ploy by Xiao Yanlong, who aimed to use these three men to secretly dispose of Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t bothered and used Ghost Eye to survey the underground world. There were rows of mining tunnels before him, each with many branches. It was uncertain where the Blood Abyssal Stone could be found.


    The stones blocking his way gradually dissolved, with his vision clearing up. He picked a tunnel and led the way inside.


    They traveled through a long passage for approximately five hundred meters, encountering debris likely from the recent earthquake. The group worked quickly to clear the rubble, fully aware that failing to deliver a Blood Abyssal Stone by the next day could result in dire consequences.


    The seawater poured out once the tunnel was cleared, rising to their waists. The seawater soon flowed to the lower area, leaving some mud behind, but this couldn¡¯t hinder their process.


    They finally reached the depths of the mine, where a crystal wall appeared before them. The stone was extremely hard, and this was where the Blood Abyssal Stones could be found.

 Chapter 453 - Attempting A Breakthrough

    <h4>Chapter 453 - Attempting A Breakthrough</h4>


    "There are two corpses here!" The five became alert when they saw two rotten corpses in a corner.


    "They''re the miners who died," Liu Wuxie said calmly. With a point of his finger, a flicker of me flew out and ignited the two corpses, reducing them to ashes.


    The mining tools they had used to mine the Blood Abyssal Stones were still on the ground.


    "Liu Wuxie, what are you waiting for? Hurry up and mine!" The five split into two groups, with Liu Wuxie and Gu Yu standing together while the other three stood together, looking at them with a hint of mockery in their eyes.


    "What did Xiao Yanlong promise you three?" Liu Wuxie didn''t want to kill them unless necessary. He would only kill them if they didn''t know when to give up.


    "He promised to restore our freedom and help us escape after killing you," the man in the middle said as the three blocked the exit. A thick stone wall behind Liu Wuxie made it impossible to escape.


    "You trust those from the Wild Lion Gate?" Liu Wuxie pitied them. Xiao Yanlong had made promises he had no intention of keeping. Even if they seeded in killing him, their chances of regaining freedom were slim.


    "We have to try, no matter how small the chance!" The trio knew the odds of restoring their freedom were slim, even if they killed Liu Wuxie, but they were willing to try even if the chance was one in ten thousand.


    "Since that''s the case, make your move!" Liu Wuxie couldn''t be bothered to waste more words because killing them would make the next steps easier. He believed he could find a way out by relying on Ghost Eye.


    The Heretic de appeared in Liu Wuxie''s hand, and he passed the ancient sword to Gu Yu. The three weren''t weak and had to be cautious. But they had a clear advantage with weapons in such a confined space.


    "H-How do you still have your weapons?" The trio was dumbfounded. Everyone¡¯s interspatial rings were confiscated, including Liu Wuxie and Gu Yu. So, how did he sneak a weapon in? Not to mention, the weapons weren''t hidden in his clothes.


    Everyone was thoroughly searched beforeing in, making it impossible for them to hide any interspatial rings on them.


    "How can frogs in a well know the vastness of the moon?" Liu Wuxie''s voice carried a hint of mockery. These people were just frogs in a well and could only see a tiny piece of the sky, unaware of the world''s vastness.


    "Let''s kill and take their weapons!" The trio would have better chances of escaping if they had weapons on them. The tools left behind on the ground could only be used for mining, while weapons were sharp and could tear through the stone walls to create an escape passage.


    The Wild Lion Gate had confiscated their interspatial rings and weapons to prevent them from escaping.


    Liu Wuxie and Gu Yu had to end the battle quickly to prevent alerting the Wild Lion Gate. Liu Wuxie swung down the Heretic de, performing the first two forms of the Fatality de Art, which were suited for a confined space battle.


    The three were only in the second level of the Heavenly Phase Realm, and they could easily deal with cultivators in the Heavenly Dipper Realm. But their fate was sealed when they faced Liu Wuxie.


    Gu Yu guarded the exit to prevent them from escaping while Liu Wuxie attacked.


    "Die!" The Heretic de released a chilling aura, and the trio was destined to lose without any weapons to defend themselves. After all, they could only fight bare-handed and couldn''t utilize their movement technique in this confined space.


    Liu Wuxie easily decapitated one man''s head with his blood sshing on the surrounding walls. The other two were terrified and fled towards the exit. They wanted to leave this ce and inform the Wild Lion Gate that Liu Wuxie and Gu Yu had sneaked weapons into the mines, hoping to use the Wild Lion Gate to get rid of them.


    "Where do you think you''re going?" Gu Yu had been waiting for this moment and unleashed his Sky Dragon''s bloodline when they retreated, releasing a dragon''s roar from the ancient sword.


    Liu Wuxie and Gu Yu were lucky to be underground, making it difficult for their two attackers to flee outside. A strong force repelled the two men as they tried to exit the mine, and Gu Yu took advantage of this situation to unleash his attack.


    Blood sprayed from their necks as their blood vessels were severed.


    After killing the two, Liu Wuxie didn''t refine their corpses because they would have to give the Wild Lion Gate an exnation tomorrow when they came, and they couldn''t just brush it off by saying that the three escaped.


    Liu Wuxie tossed the three corpses aside and utilized Ghost Eye to scan one area. His divine sense moved like mercury and scanned the surroundings.


    "So many Blood Abyssal Stones!" Liu Wuxie saw many Blood Abyssal Stones roughly fifty meters away from them.


    Most ces only had one or two stones, and Liu Wuxie''s Ghost Eye continued to prate further, and he could see as far as a thousand meters away. But the number of Blood Abyssal Stones was less than everyone imagined.


    He only saw about thirty Blood Abyssal Stones, and the situation was the same in the other two areas.


    "On our right side, we''re only thirty meters from the sea. We can escape through this path if we dig a tunnel from here." Liu Wuxie withdrew the Ghost Eye and shared his findings with Gu Yu.


    Thirty meters was a decent distance; they could dig through in half a day if they used their weapons. But Liu Wuxie didn''t n on doing that because the path to the sea didn''t have any Blood Abyssal Stones, and they couldn''t possibly leave empty-handed after they finally reached the underground mine.


    If they could excavate a portion of Blood Abyssal Stones, this would ensure their breakthrough into the Heavenly Phase Realm.


    "Big Brother Liu, what should we do next? I''ll listen to you!" Gu Yu expressed his support for Liu Wuxie''s decisions.


    "Our odds of winning are low if we escape into the sea. To make it out alive, we must reach the Heavenly Phase Realm. There are a few Blood Abyssal Stones ahead, and we can use them to make a breakthrough to the Heavenly Phase Realm if we can get to them," Liu Wuxie shared his thoughts after a brief pondering.


    The sea was dangerous; they would be hunted down if sea demons discovered them. On the contrary, it was safer to stay in the mine.


    Liu Wuxie didn''t tell Gu Yu that hisbat strength would increase a hundredfold once he reached the Heavenly Phase Realm. He would have a means of escaping even if he faced someone in the low levels of the Astral River Realm. Even if he couldn''t win, escaping wouldn¡¯t be a problem.


    "Okay!" Gu Yu nodded in excitement. He had been stuck in the pinnacle of the Heavenly Dipper Realm for months now,cking an opportunity to make a breakthrough.


    The Blood Abyssal Stones contained extremely pure energy, and he couldn''t bear to absorb the two Liu Wuxie had given him.


    After all, they hadn''t had a moment of peace since they had stepped onto the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind, and they couldn''t afford any mistakes when making a breakthrough.


    Mining the Blood Absysal Stones using Ghost Eye was rtively easy. They dug for about five meters and unearthed three Blood Abyssal Stones. Liu Wuxie now had seven stones.


    "Gu Yu, you watch out for me while I try to reach the Heavenly Phase Realm in one night!" Time was pressing, especially after knowing Xiao Yanlong wouldn''t give up such an excellent opportunity to kill him. With the three ves dead, Xiao Yanlong might send more people over, and they might be in the high level of the Heavenly Phase Realm next time.


    "Okay!" Gu Yu agreed without any hesitation.


    For safety purposes, Liu Wuxie even set up a spiritual array to prevent amotion during his breakthrough, isting him from the outside world.


    The Deste Devouring Art circted as Liu Wuxie grabbed onto the Blood Abyssal Stones in each hand. Seven Blood Abyssal Stones were equivalent to seven high-grade spirit stones containing terrifying power.


    Liu Wuxie had just reached the pinnacle of the Heavenly Dipper Realm five days ago, but he had no choice but to try and force another breakthrough. Then again, he was fortunate that his foundation was deep enough, and this breakthrough would only affect it a little.


    The energy in Blood Abyssal Stones was extremely pure, but Liu Wuxie relied on his powerful physique to withstand it.


    Even an ordinary expert in the Heavenly Phase Realm didn''t dare to absorb the energy from the Blood Abyssal Stones in this manner. However, Gu Yu could also do the same due to his Sky Dragon''s bloodline, which gave him a more powerful physique than ordinary people.


    As the energy was continuously extracted from the Blood Abyssal Stones, they were consumed by the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron. When the first Blood Abyssal Stone was reduced to ashes, it was transformed into tens of thousands of spiritual liquid droplets.


    Liu Wuxie took a deep breath and absorbed all the spiritual liquid into the deste world within his dantian.


    The deste world began to rumble under the influx of spiritual liquid. The energy contained in a Blood Abyssal Stone was enough to overwhelm a cultivator in the pinnacle Heavenly Dipper Realm and blow them apart, which meant Liu Wuxie was putting his life at risk.


    If he seeded, he would step into the Heavenly Phase Realm, and both would die if he failed. However, Liu Wuxie had no choice but to take the risk to survive.


    As the Deste Devouring Art circted, the spiritual liquid surged through the deste world like wild beasts on a rampage. Thismotion began to shake Liu Wuxie''s bottleneck. The past few days had been intense; confined to the concentration camp, Liu Wuxie had dedicated himself to understanding the Heavenly Phase Realm, which proved invaluable.


    If he hadn''t spent the past four daysprehending the Heavenly Phase Realm, he couldn''t have made a breakthrough even if he refined more Blood Abyssal Stones.


    The Heavenly Dao Book unfurled to absorb more heaven and earthws, which were converted into sequence recorded on it. The mysterious tree in the deste world also grew rapidly, absorbing some of the Blood Abyssal Stone''s energy.


    The mysterious tree became lush with roots stretching out and passing through the stone walls to extract energy.


    Time passed quickly, and Liu Wuxie only had a little time left. The Wild Lion Gate would send people over tomorrow to collect Blood Abyssal Stones, and they would die if they couldn''t submit any. He increased the speed of extracting energy from the Blood Abyssal Stone through the Deste Devouring Art.


    Outside, a bizarre sight unfolded as spiritual energy coalesced into a dense cloud above the mine. The roots of the mysterious tree extended through space, drawing energy from the cloud. This strange phenomenon led to widespread spection; many wondered if a powerful treasure had surfaced in the mine.


    The recent earthquake had drastically reshaped the mine''sndscape. New mining tunnels had appeared, while some were buried. With the Wild Lion Gate iming the area previously held by the Ding Feng Hall, whoever upied these new tunnels first gained control.


    The Ding Feng Hall and the Wolf Fang Regiment had both suffered severe losses, with several mining caves now submerged under seawater and overrun by sea demons. To continue their pursuit of Blood Abyssal Stones, they would have to reim territory from the Wild Lion Gate.


    Arge-scale battle had urred between the three major forces in just one day. This time, the battle''s scale wasrger than the previous ones, and even Kuang Shi was involved.


    The Wolf Fang Regiment was known for its ferocity. Theirmander led the regiment to plunder but was repelled by Kuang Shi.


    The Ding Feng Hall remained silent because they were waiting for the right moment.


    Liu Wuxie was still stuck in the pinnacle Heavenly Dipper Realm, and it was alreadyte at night. Time would run out if he still didn''t make a breakthrough, and the anxiety made cold sweat roll down his forehead.

 Chapter 454 - Heavenly Phase Realm

    <h4>Chapter 454 - Heavenly Phase Realm</h4>


    Time was pressing, and the consequences would be dire if Liu Wuxie couldn''t reach the Heavenly Phase Realm by dawn tomorrow.


    The Wild Lion Gate definitely wouldn''t let him make a breakthrough to the Heavenly Phase Realm and would kill him while he was making a breakthrough.


    The Deste Devouring Art continued to evolve, elerating the rate at which it devoured energy. This caused more cultivators to gather on the ground.


    Many cultivators hid while the three major forces rampaged and avoided being captured.


    "Treasure! It must be a treasure!" whispers circted, with some suggesting the presence of an underground pce brimming with riches. Exaggerations grew wilder, with ims of a legendary Dragon Pce beneath the ind, once home to the Dragon n.


    It was impossible to verify whether the rumors were true. By thetter part of the night, as the Deste Devouring Art¡¯s evolution slowed, Liu Wuxie observed a remarkable transformation: the devoured spiritual energy was now manifesting as spiritual rain.


    "Spiritual energy transformation!" Liu Wuxie murmured to himself. He had topress the energy he had absorbed previously to convert it into true essence. However, it was different now because it turned into spiritual rain pouring down on the deste world after he absorbed it.


    The deste world was Liu Wuxie''s dantian. The more spiritual rain it absorbed, the purer his true essence would be, and this discovery shocked Liu Wuxie.


    He knew that wasn''t all, and there were more functions to the Deste Devouring Art, just that he couldn''t ess them because his cultivation was too low.


    "Breakthrough!" Liu Wuxie growled, and two Blood Abyssal Stones vanished, transforming into a massive amount of true essence coursing through his meridians.


    A powerful suction force came from the Wood and Earth Suppression Steles. They absorbed most of the energy from the Blood Abyssal Stone, causing Liu Wuxie''s face to change. Because he had never refined the Suppression Steles into his internal organs before, he had no experience and could only explore as he progressed.


    The two divine pces were like a vast universe with boundless energy pouring in. A bizarre scene urred when the initially dark pces were illuminated from within.


    A mysterious power came from the divine pces and strengthened the constructed bridge, suddenly causing Liu Wuxie''s five organs to tighten. A faint halo was released from the depths of the divine pces and enveloped the five organs.


    "My internal organs seem to be strengthened!" Liu Wuxie was utterly stunned. He knew refining the Suppression Steles into his internal organs would increase his strength, but he had only a rough idea.


    This was just the result of refining two Suppression Steles, and he couldn''t imagine the transformation in his strength if he could gather all five Suppression Steles.


    He could sweep through all his opponents with the deste world and five elemental Suppression Steles. Furthermore, he also had the Spirit n''s Soul Forge Art and the Frost Finger he hadprehended, each surpassing countless others.


    Cracking sounds came from the deste world as it expanded with more trees. The volcano became more majestic, and demonic sounds could be heard from the abyssal realm.


    When Liu Wuxie''s aura continued rising, Gu Yu stood up emotionally in disbelief. His grandfather had taken him to witness other cutivator¡¯s breakthroughs into the Heavenly Phase Realm, but no one had created such a terrifying phenomenon before.


    "So many spiritual runes! How much spiritual energy did Big Brother Liu absorb?" Gu Yu muttered. He couldn''t believe how a person''s body could contain so much spiritual energy andws.


    This was the tip of the iceberg because even those in the Astral River Realm couldn''t achieve the deste world in Liu Wuxie''s dantian. Only Liu Wuxie knew the vast deste world could contain an entire world. He felt it could even turn into a universe in theter stages.


    Once his bottleneck broke, there was no longer any hindrance in Liu Wuxie''s way, and his cultivation began to rise like a wild stallion.


    Liu Wuxie''s umtion was enough because he had killed several cultivators in the Heavenly Phase Realm in the past few days, withws umted in his body that had yet to be refined. However, it became easier for Liu Wuxie to refine thews after reaching the Heavenly Phase Realm.


    As another Blood Abyssal Stone disintegrated, Liu Wuxie had now consumed five of these precious stones in his breakthrough, an astonishinglyrge amount.


    A violent aura erupted from him, leaving sword-like marks along the walls on either side. This potent energy formed invisible hurricanes that swept through the tunnels, pushing outward with relentless force.


    Gu Yu had to raise a protective shield to protect himself from injury. Even so, the shield was covered in cracks and barely held up.


    "What terrifying aura!" Gu Yu couldn''t describe his feelings because just the aura alone was enough to kill ordinary cultivators in the Heavenly Phase Realm. If Liu Wuxie had given it his all, even those in the fifth-level Heavenly Phase Realm might not have been his match, and this was the conclusion Gu Yu reached.


    A hint of dawn rose from the east, signaling the arrival of a new day. The spiritual clouds above the mine also gradually dispersed, but the situation was far from over because the rumors grew even more exaggerated.


    Even the Sea Demon n and Abyssal n had received news of a treasure appearing there. They were gathering their troop to attack this region.


    The Wild Lion Gate also mobilized troops to guard this ce and sent people underground to investigate the phenomenon''s cause. They searched for half a day and couldn''t find any clues. The underground mine didn''t seem to have the treasure trove they had imagined.


    No matter how the Wild Lion Gate exined it, the other factions did not believe them, thinking the Wild Lion Gate wanted to keep it all to themselves.


    Just like that, a siege targeting the Wild Lion Gate began. The Wild Lion Gate was thergest force on the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind and had long drawn much discontent from the other factions.


    Liu Wuxie opened his eyes, and two cold beams shot out, leaving two craters on the stone wall behind.


    At this moment, Liu Wuxie had sessfully reached the Heavenly Phase Realm. All his acupoints began to circte, forming a vortex, and each acupoint was like a bridge that connected his body. When the vortex started to revolve, Liu Wuxie was slowly lifted off the ground.


    "I can finally fly!" Liu Wuxie was a little emotional, which was reflected on his face. He had long mastered the art of flying, but his low cultivation held him back.


    The tunnel wasn''t high, so Liu Wuxie hovered only a meter above ground before returning down. The vortex formed from his acupoints were like a fish''s swim dder, granting him precise control over his ascension and descent.


    That was the same for humans, but this was the initial flying stage. As his cultivation advanced, he wouldn''t have to rely on his acupoints and could fly using his mind alone.


    The more flyingws he grasped, the faster his flight would be. He circted the Breath Concealing Art to conceal his genuine cultivation. This meant even an expert in the Astral River Realm couldn''t detect his actual cultivation, and he maintained his cultivation in the pinnacle Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    After all, it wasn''t wise for him to reveal his cultivation, and it was better to quietly excavate Blood Abyssal Stones to grow stronger without rming anyone.


    With the abundance of Blood Abyssal Stones at his disposal, Liu Wuxie had ample resources to advance to the third level of the Heavenly Phase Realm. Achieving a higher cultivation level would significantly increase their chances of survival.


    "Gu Yu, dig twenty meters to your right, but don''t touch thest ten meters. We can use it as an escape route if anything goes wrong," Liu Wuxie instructed, preparing for any potential danger. They nned to remain underground and continue mining unless absolutely necessary.


    "Okay!" Gu Yu was excited. The fact that Liu Wuxie had reached the Heavenly Phase Realm meant they had a greater chance of survival.


    They dug for two hours before Xiao Yanlong came in with his men, and Xiao Yanlong''s face turned terrifyingly grim when he saw the three corpses on the ground.


    "Are you disappointed?" Liu Wuxie looked at Xiao Yanlong with a smile. He had killed all three men arranged by Xiao Yanlong.


    Upon seeing the three corpses, Xiao Yanlong''s expression became solemn because they were all in the second level of the Heavenly Phase Realm. This meant Liu Wuxie''s strength was stronger than he had imagined; he needed to send someone to the third level of the Heavenly Phase Realm.


    "I''ll have the hall master kill you both if you can''t hand over any Blood Abyssal Stones today!" Xiao Yanlong snorted. He knew he wasn''t Liu Wuxie''s match and could only try to pressure thetter using the Wild Lion Gate. After all, Liu Wuxie and Gu Yu would have to die if they couldn''t produce any Blood Abyssal Stone.


    "Here is the Blood Abyssal Stone you wanted. You can get lost now if you have nothing else!" Liu Wuxie tossed the prepared Blood Abyssal Stone to Xiao Yanlong, causing thetter''s face to turn livid with anger.


    However, Xiao Yanlong didn''t dare to lose his temper with others present. The Wild Lion Gate didn''t belong to him, and the other captains beside him were watching with a smile.


    Xiao Yanlong could only leave in anger, and the mine returned to silence.


    "Big Brother Liu, are we really just giving them the Blood Abyssal Stone like this?" Gu Yu asked, feeling frustrated. They hade to the mine to gather these stones, and it felt wrong to hand them over so easily.


    "Those Blood Abyssal Stones I gave out aren''t easy to take. You''ll know in a few days," Liu Wuxie replied with a mysterious smile. He had tampered with the Blood Abyssal Stone, hoping it could reach Kuang Shi.


    He nned to stir more chaos on the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind to make it easy for him to benefit from the situation. Only Liu Wuxie dared to make such a bold move and inject the Netherspirit Flower''s poison into the Blood Abyssal Stone.


    They continued to mine, and Liu Wuxie obtained ten more Blood Abyssal Stones in just one day, relying on Ghost Eye.


    Gu Yu sat nearby, steadily umting his foundation for the right moment to make a breakthrough.


    When Xiao Yanlong arrived on the second day, Liu Wuxie tossed three Blood Abyssal Stones over; Xiao Yanlong could only leave furiously.


    Xiao Yanlong wasn''t furious on the third day and looked at Liu Wuxie with a smile.


    "Liu Wuxie, I should thank you. The mine I''m in charge of has produced the most Blood Abyssal Stones, and I will soon be promoted to the vice-hall master. My authority will increase then, and I can''t wait to kill you." Other mining sites hadn''t produced many Blood Abyssal Stones, and some had none.


    However, Liu Wuxie''s mine had produced six Blood Abyssal Stones in three days, which were all handed over to Kuang Shi.


    "We all have our needs," Liu Wuxie smiled. He had deliberately handed over a few more Blood Abyssal Stones so Kuang Shi wouldn''t suspect anything.


    The Netherspirit Flower''s poison could even kill a cultivator in the Nascent Transformation Realm, and Kuang Shi was only in the Astral River Realm. If he were poisoned, he would practically have no odds of survival.


    "I don''t necessarily have to kill you. If you want to reveal your secrets and swear allegiance to me, I can help you regain your freedom," Xiao Yanlong said as he was in a better mood. His master was already dead, and there was no need to hold a grudge for a dead person still.


    Liu Wuxie had too many secrets about him, especially the cultivation technique he practiced, which Xiao Yanlong had long coveted. He believed he could reach a higher realm in his cultivation if he could obtain it.

 Chapter 455 - Trouble

    <h4>Chapter 455 - Trouble</h4>


    Xiao Yanlong didn''t seem to be lying because he finally realized strength was everything aftering to the cultivation world. Without strength, he could only be at the mercy of others, and there were no eternal enemies in the cultivation world, only interest.


    When the interest outweighed everything, even enemies could be friends.


    "I''m afraid you''ll have to be disappointed because I have no secrets," Liu Wuxie shrugged.


    "Liu Wuxie, are you going to be stubborn to the end? You''ll die if you can''t hand over Blood Abyssal Stones for a day. Don''t you want to leave this ce alive?" Xiao Yanlong was furious that Liu Wuxie didn''t buy it.


    "Life and death are fated. Captain Wang, you should hurry back, or those outside will get anxious waiting." Liu Wuxie sneered and continued to mine.


    Xiao Yanlong red at Liu Wuxie with hatred before leaving.


    When the mine returned to silence, Liu Wuxie put down the mining tools with a sharp gleam shining in his eyes. Only Xiao Yanlong knew he had secrets on him, and the consequences would be unimaginable if this information was leaked.


    He was confident Xiao Yanlong wouldn''t leak this information yet, as he wanted to monopolize the secrets on Liu Wuxie. However, it was inevitable that his resentment would grow as time passed and that he might sell Liu Wuxie¡¯s secrets to Kuang Shi for credit.


    With Kuang Shi''s cultivation, he could excavate all of Liu Wuxie''s secrets within his soul sea by searching his soul.


    "Big Brother Liu, why didn''t you just kill him?" Gu Yu was baffled because they had dug more than twenty Blood Abyssal Stones in the past three days, and it was enough for them to cultivate for a while. Thus, Liu Wuxie could kill Xiao Yanlong before escaping.


    "The time hasn''te. It will be his death when the battle breaks out above ground!" Liu Wuxie took a deep breath because he was still waiting. Since he would act, he had to do it thoroughly and leave no trace behind.


    Killing Xiao Yanlong was easy, but the consequences would be provoking the Wild Lion Gate, and they could only flee during their time in the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind. The Blood Abyssal Sea Ind might seem vast, but the ces one could truly hide were pitifully small. This differed from the result Liu Wuxie wanted, so he had to wait.


    Gu Yu didn''t know what Liu Wuxie was nning, but he fully supported him since he had decided to follow him.


    "Big Brother Liu, my bottleneck has loosened. I might make a breakthrough in a day or two." After three days of grinding, Gu Yu''s bottleneck was loosening and could reach the Heavenly Phase Realm anytime.


    "I noticed that too. You focus on your breakthrough!" Liu Wuxie had been closely observing Gu Yu, and he noticed his aura was a little chaotic, which was a sign of an impending breakthrough.


    He set up a spiritual array for Gu Yu, who sat in it and held onto the Blood Abyssal Stone. Although he didn''t have the Deste Devouring Art, he still had the cultivation technique passed down by the Gu n, which couldn''t be underestimated.


    The surrounding spiritual energy continued to gather. The rate might not beparable to the Deste Devouring Art, but it was stronger than the Divine Phaseless Art by a notch.


    This was Gu Yu''s first timeprehending the Heavenly Phase Realm, but it was twice as effective with half the effort because his grandfather had guided him in the past.


    Cold sweat broke out on his forehead when he encountered the first difficulty.


    Liu Wuxie stood by the side, constantly correcting Gu Yu''s mistakes. He had seen the general outline of Gu Yu''s cultivation technique through Ghost Eye, and Gu Yu progressed swiftly under his guidance. He had already touched the threshold of the Heavenly Phase Realm in just two hours.


    He had powerful umtion because Senior Gu had spent a lot of resources on him. This meant his foundation would erupt once he reached the Heavenly Phase Realm.


    Most importantly, his Sky Dragon''s bloodline seemed to have awakened and released a ferocious roar that echoed from his body.


    "Big Brother Liu, I can sense a force resonating with me underground!" Gu Yu suddenly opened his eyes with a strange look. This force elerated the awakening of his Sky Dragon''s bloodline.


    "I also sensed it. There must be something hidden beneath the mine," Liu Wuxie nodded. He wasn''t sure, but since Gu Yu could sense it, could there be a Dragon Pce underground?


    After all, Gu Yu possessed the Sky Dragon''s bloodline. Since it was something that could resonate with him, this meant it must be rted to the Dragon n.


    No one knew the exact location, and what was hidden beneath the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind had always been a mystery.


    A powerful barrier surrounding the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind would activate if anyone at the Nascent Transformation Realm approached, indicating that the ind had been inhabited in the past.


    Since there were no signs of life on the ind, the only remaining possibility was that something significanty hidden beneath it. However, Liu Wuxie was uninterested in the ind''s secrets and continued to focus on guiding Gu Yu through his breakthrough.


    After half a day, Gu Yu finally consolidated his cultivation and was at the first level of the Heavenly Phase Realm like Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie even taught Gu Yu the Breath Concealing Art to conceal his cultivation.


    On the fourth day, Xiao Yanlong''s expression was slightly off when he arrived, and Liu Wuxie tossed him two Blood Abyssal Stones as usual.


    When Xiao Yanlong reached out to take the two Blood Abyssal Stones, his red eyes gleamed with a menacing light, making him appear like a wild beast.


    "Has something happened at the Wild Lion Gate?" Liu Wuxie sat on a clean rock and smiled at Xiao Yanlong.


    Four days had passed, and it should have been time for the Netherspirit Flower''s poison to take effect.


    Liu Wuxie anticipated that once Kuang Shi fell, the Wild Lion Gate would copse, and the Wolf Fang Regiment and Ding Feng Hall would scramble to seize control, taking advantage of the chaos.


    "How do you know?" Xiao Yanlong''s eyes gradually recovered to normal. Having been isted on the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind for so long, he found himself talking to Liu Wuxie out of a shared sense of connection from the mundane world.


    "Your expression gave you away. Logically speaking, you should be rising in power. But to show such expression, this could only mean one thing¡ªthe Wild Lion Gate has encountered trouble." Liu Wuxie''s exnation was perfectly reasonable.


    Xiao Yanlong had submitted the most Blood Abyssal Stones, earning him significant favor. However, during this crucial period, news of a critical issue within the Wild Lion Gate emerged. Kuang Shi, the leader of the Wild Lion Gate, was reported to be in failing health.


    The news leaked, prompting the Ding Feng Hall and the Wolf Fang Regiment to investigate. When they confronted Kuang Shi, it became clear that hisbat strength had diminished considerably, a sign of his deteriorating health and imminent death.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, is this your doing?¡± Xiao Yanlong roared in anger. He had been on the verge of a promotion to hall master, which would have brought him increased resources and status.


    His natural talent,bined with those resources, could have propelled him to the higher levels of the Heavenly Phase Realm. But now, with the Wild Lion Gate on the brink of copse, his future was in jeopardy.


    Since Liu Wuxie arrived at the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind, the situation had deteriorated. What was once a rtively peaceful environment had turned chaotic, with escting battles and daily casualties. The mysterious illness afflicting Kuang Shi had cast a dark cloud over the entire Wild Lion Gate.


    "You think too highly of me. I''m only in the Heavenly Dipper Realm and trapped here in the mines. There''s nothing I can do even if I have the intentions." Liu Wuxie spoke the truth. Xiao Yanlong had been closely monitoring his actions, and he hadn''t had the opportunity to leave the mine.


    He had been diligently mining and had dug more than thirty meters in four days. Putting away the Blood Abyssal Stones, Xiao Yanlong gave Liu Wuxie a deep look before leaving.


    ¡°Big Brother Liu, Xiao Yanlong seems to suspect you,¡± Gu Yu remarked, noting the suspicion in Xiao Yanlong¡¯s gaze. Although Liu Wuxie had been confined to the mines and hadn¡¯t left, it didn¡¯t rule out his involvement in the ongoing chaos.


    Others didn''t understand Liu Wuxie, but Xiao Yanlong knew because his master had mysteriously died at Liu Wuxie''s hands. Judging from that, it shouldn''t be a problem for Liu Wuxie to kill a cultivator in the Astral River Realm.


    However, Xiao Yanlong couldn''t find evidence to prove that the leader''s condition was rted to Liu Wuxie.


    "It''s normal for him to be suspicious. He knows my past well, and we must speed things up." Liu Wuxie nodded because Xiao Yanlong''s suspicion wasn''t without a reason. After all, everything Liu Wuxie had done in the Great Yan Dynasty was beyond the achievement of ordinary people.


    "Will the battle you mentioned take ce?" Gu Yu didn''t know what was happening outside but trusted Liu Wuxie. Even so, he couldn''t help wondering if the battle Liu Wuxie spoke of would take ce.


    "Three days at most. We need to endure for the next three days," Liu Wuxie calcted, knowing that the Netherspirit Flower''s poison would reach its peak effect on Kuang Shi within that timeframe.


    In three days, there were two possible oues: Kuang Shi might take decisive action before his condition deteriorated further, potentially annihting the other two forces. Alternatively, his failing health might lead to the Wild Lion Gate¡¯s downfall, leaving them vulnerable to attack from the Ding Feng Hall and the Wolf Fang Regiment.


    The Wild Lion Gate would surely send their ves to the frontline before their destruction, and they were all cannon fodders.


    Xiao Yanlong, however, was not prepared to wait that long. A new group of powerful cultivators had arrived in the mine, recing those who had failed to submit any Blood Abyssal Stones for the past two days.


    He was unwilling to take any chances and had spared their lives on the condition that they would kill Liu Wuxie. He was determined to end Liu Wuxie¡¯s threat, even if he couldn¡¯t prove his involvement in the chaos.


    What¡¯s meant to happen would eventually happen. Even if Xiao Yanlong couldn''t find any evidence, this didn''t stop him from trying to kill Liu Wuxie and end it for all.


    His prospects had been ruined by Liu Wuxie once, and he didn''t want it ruined the second time. He had endured for so long, and his status would be higher than the Imperial Academy''s headmaster if he could be promoted to the Wild Lion Gate''s hall master.


    He nned to stay in the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind to increase his cultivation before entering the cultivation world and bing a powerhouse.


    Xiao Yanlong imagined his future as he sat on a stone bench in the courtyard because Liu Wuxie should have been a dead man by now.


    Thirty-odd people entered and filled the tunnel, sealing Liu Wuxie and Gu Yu''s escape path.


    Che Yong wasn''t around because he was pretty lucky and could find Blood Abyssal Stones daily.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, prepare to die!¡± The thirty-odd people were all ruthless individuals, and they wouldn''t hesitate to kill to survive.


    "Don''t you all want to leave this ce alive?" Liu Wuxie''s sudden speech stunned everyone. They had been trapped in the mine for a few days and had lost all hope.


    All that remained was boundless resentment and murderous intent because that was the only channel to vent out their emotions, and they could achieve that by killing Liu Wuxie.


    "Liu Wuxie, stop putting up futile struggles. You shouldn''t have offended Captain Wang!" A man let out a sneer and struck Liu Wuxie with his palm.

 Chapter 456 - Tide of Events

    <h4>Chapter 456 - Tide of Events</h4>


    No one believed Liu Wuxie and wanted to kill him to live for a few more days. It was even worth taking the risk if they could live for two more hours.


    A man struck out with his palm, unleashing a forceful gust that shook the walls of the narrow underground tunnel. The confined space made the risk of copse high; if a major battle erupted, it could bury everyone, including Liu Wuxie, beneath tons of debris.


    Liu Wuxie and Gu Yu needed to end the battle quickly, like how they had killed the three men, not giving them a chance to destroy this ce.


    That was precisely what Xiao Yanlong was thinking¡ªlet them all perish because he had no intention of sparing those thirty-odd men. It would have been the best oue if everyone died in the mine, saving him from having to exin things to the higher-ups.


    "Gu Yu, end the battle quickly!" Liu Wuxie gave the order, and an ancient sword appeared in Gu Yu''s hand. The two charged into the crowd like tigers among a flock of sheep, causing screams to echo from this narrow tunnel.


    The Heretic de swept through the crowd with the precision of a scythe, severing heads and iming lives with every swing. In mere moments, Liu Wuxie had decimated over twenty of their attackers, leaving the remaining foes in shock. They barely had time to react, let alone mobilize their true essence.


    As Gu Yu reached the Heavenly Phase Realm, hisbat strength increased exponentially. His killing speed might not beparable to Liu Wuxie, but he was equally ruthless because each sword caused blood to spray around.


    The dozen or so people at the back were scared to the point they wet their pants and fled from the tunnel. They forgot about destroying the mine and only wanted to get out of this ce, not wanting to stay in this underground world for another moment.


    "Where do you think you''re going?" Liu Wuxie naturally wouldn''t let them escape and had to kill them to avoid future troubles.


    When thest person fell, the ground was littered with corpses, and Liu Wuxie devoured all the bodies with the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron and turned them into spiritual liquid.


    After reaching the Heavenly Phase Realm, they needed a battle to temper their cultivation, which was finally consolidated through this battle. With so much spiritual liquid pouring into the deste world, Liu Wuxie''s cultivation had risen significantly.


    "Clean up the battlefield, and don''t leave any traces behind." The two cleaned the mine so well there weren''t any clues left, not to mention the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron could devour everything.


    Gu Yu was no longer surprised and knew Liu Wuxie had something terrifying within his body that made his heart tremble whenever it was used. Since Xiao Yanlong could send thirty-odd people today, he would surely send more people tomorrow.


    Liu Wuxie braced himself for the impending battle, knowing it was crucial to eliminate any potential threats before the chaos erupted. The Blood Sea Abyssal Ind was steeped in a palpable sense of war, with the tension hanging heavy in the air.


    Many of Wild Lion Gate''s higher-ups had secretly left the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind, which wasn''t a good sign. In his fury, Kuang Shi ordered the death of three hall masters in a row to quell the escape attempts.


    This naturally didn''t escape the eyes of the Ding Feng Hall and Wolf Fang Regiment, who were increasing their manpower to seize the Wild Lion Gate''s territory.


    Some people were still talking about the appearance of the spiritual clouds and were under the impression there were treasures underground, and they didn''t want to let the Wild Lion Gate have it all to themselves.


    The night wasn''t peaceful. Even though Liu Wuxie was still in the mines, Ghost Eye could prate the rocks and reach the surface. Many Wild Lion Gate members guarded the mines'' entrances to protect the area.


    Regardless if there were any treasures underground, they wouldn''t let anyone else set foot there. After all, this mine produced the most Blood Abyssal Stones in the entire Blood Sea Abyssal Ind.


    This was all thanks to Liu Wuxie, who used Ghost Eye to locate the Blood Abyssal Stones and had nothing to do with the environment. Even if they switched to another mine, Liu Wuxie would still find Blood Abyssal Stones quickly with the help of Ghost Eye.


    "The battle will start tomorrow evening at thetest," Liu Wuxie whispered, retrieving Ghost Eye. The news brought a spark of excitement to Gu Yu, who was eager to leave the oppressive underground environment.


    It was dark and damp underground, with no sunlight all year round. This was no ce for people to stay, and the time spent here felt like an eternity. After all, Gu Yu was still young, unlike Liu Wuxie.


    Although Liu Wuxie was a bit older than Gu Yu, his past experiences as an Immortal Emperor had made him ustomed to all sorts of harsh environments. He had endured much worse¡ªonce lying in a mud pit for ten days and nights, covered in poisonous insects, where even the slightest movement could have led to a fatal bite.


    They increased their speed and dug out all the Blood Abyssal Stones the Ghost Eye could see, umting about fifty in just five days.


    Liu Wuxie stored them safely, nning to give Gu Yu half when they left.


    The following day, Xiao Yanlong arrived two hourster than usual, expecting to find Liu Wuxie dead. To his surprise, the tunnel was spotless, with no signs of blood, causing him to frown in confusion. As he stepped onto the clean ground, his frustration deepened.


    Liu Wuxie and Gu Yu were resting, each clutching a Blood Abyssal Stone, and greeted Xiao Yanlong with unsettling smiles. No one spoke, but Xiao Yanlong''s mood darkened further as he noticed the absence of the men he had sent.


    Xiao Yanlong began to wonder where they had gone, and he even asked those who guarded the mines, but no one had left the ce yesterday. Thirty-odd people couldn''t disappear without a trace.


    "What are you looking for?" Liu Wuxie asked with a cold smirk and tossed the Blood Abyssal Stone over to Xiao Yanlong, perhaps for thest time.


    "Liu Wuxie, you made me see you in a new light." Xiao Yanlong took a deep breath. Although he didn''t have any evidence, he knew the thirty-odd people''s disappearance must have something to do with Liu Wuxie, and they were probably dead. But how they vanished remained aplete mystery.


    "I would leave the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind now if I were you. After all, that''s your only chance at survival," Liu Wuxie suggested, hoping Xiao Yanlong could understand his intentions.


    "You want me to let you go!" Dealing with intelligent people was easy; they understood each other''s meaning with a hint. Xiao Yanlong could tell Liu Wuxie hoped he could let them leave.


    "I''ll tell you how to leave the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind alive if you let me go." They were aiming for what they wanted. As long as Xiao Yanlong used his authority to let him out of the mine, Liu Wuxie wouldn''t mind telling him the truth and leaving the ind before Kuang Shi lost it.


    Once the poison took effect, everyone would be turned into cannon fodders, and Xiao Yanlong wasn''t an exception.


    "So, it''s your doing!" Xiao Yanlong took a deep breath. He might''ve guessed it, but he couldn''t help feeling shocked after confirming it.


    "You would also do whatever it takes to survive in my position." Liu Wuxie remained calm and orchestrated everything, guiding it towards his desired oue despite uncertain sess.


    But for safety reasons, he still hoped to leave the mine beforehand, as escaping would depend on luck once the battle began.


    "Tell me everything, and I will consider letting you out." Xiao Yanlong wasn''t foolish and wouldn''t let Liu Wuxie leave first.


    "Let us out. I''ll tell you when we''re in a safe ce!" The two stood their ground firmly, and Liu Wuxie refused to speak unless they were in a safe ce, while Xiao Yanlong refused to let them leave until Liu Wuxie spoke.


    "It no longer matters because the Wild Lion Gate will sh with the Ding Feng Hall and Wolf Fang Regiment tonight. As ves, you will all be sent to the frontline." Xiao Yanlong no longer cared because it wouldn''t change anything that the battle was about to start.


    His greatest wish was to see Liu Wuxie''s demise before he died, and he left the mine after collecting the Blood Abyssal Stones.


    "Big Brother Liu, why didn''t he tell Kuang Shi that you orchestrated all of this?" Gu Yu was puzzled by their conversation because there were no secrets.


    Liu Wuxie had already admitted he was behind it, and Xiao Yanlong could''ve told Kuang Shi to prevent the battle.


    "Do you think he doesn''t want to?" Liu Wuxie nced at Gu Yu. Thetter was still too young and inexperienced.


    "He knows I''m behind this and can''t stop it. Everyone is under the impression there''s a treasure here, and no one will believe it no matter how the Wild Lion Gate tries to exin." No one could stop the tide of events.


    Xiao Yanlong was helpless. He couldn''t possibly go to Kuang Shi and tell him someone was plotting against him with baseless suspicions. Even if he had a definite answer and Liu Wuxie had admitted it himself now, what could he do about it?


    The battle was unstoppable, and Kuang Shi was like a raging lion at this moment¡ªno one dared toe close to him, and Xiao Yanlong didn''t want to be killed.


    Kuang Shi no longer had the energy to worry about the mine because all he wanted to do now was to survive. The ves could charge at the frontline for him, and each ve was precious to him.


    If Xiao Yanlong had told Kuang Shi he wanted to kill a few ves now, Kuang Shi would have probably sent him flying with a p and suspected him to be a spy.


    Xiao Yanlong, once he reached the surface, expelled a mouthful of blood, feeling a strange sense of relief from releasing the pent-up frustration. He had been outmaneuvered by Liu Wuxie, both strategically and in terms of raw power.


    He roared at the sky to vent out all the resentment he felt over the past few days.


    "I''m a prodigy, so how could I lose to him?! I''ll make sure he''s at the frontline in today''s battle!" Veins bulged on Xiao Yanlong''s forehead, and he looked like a snarling wolf, his eyes turning bloodshot.


    Liu Wuxie had be a demon in his heart, and this demon would never be erased as long as Liu Wuxie lived.


    Time ticked as the entire mine suddenly fell into silence. Liu Wuxie and Gu Yu stood in ce and no longer dug because they had dug out all the Blood Abyssal Stones in the surroundings yesterday.


    Suddenly, the surface echoed with loud thuds, like boulders rolling. Momentster, the mine was illuminated by the presence of numerous Wild Lion Gate members charging in.


    "All of youe out of the mine!" The few Heavenly Phase Realm captains escorted Liu Wuxie and Gu Yu out of the mine.


    As Xiao Yanlong had said, the Wild Lion Gate had abandoned them and nned on using them as cannon fodders on the frontline.


    Everything unfolded as Liu Wuxie had nned. The Ding Feng Hall, which had been biding its time, mustered over five thousand people. The Wolf Fang Regiment, not to be outdone, gathered around six thousand.


    The Wild Lion Gate had slightly more people, reaching over seven thousand and a few hundred ves. They were all organized into a battle squad.

 Chapter 457 - Escape

    <h4>Chapter 457 - Escape</h4>


    Liu Wuxie and the other ves were shoved to the front as cannon fodders. They would bear the brunt when the battle began, crushed to death by the Ding Feng Hall and Wolf Fang Regiment¡¯s troops.


    They couldn¡¯t resist because the Wild Lion Gate had confiscated their weapons, and everyone was only given an ordinary long de.


    This was Liu Wuxie¡¯s first time seeing Kuang Shi, who looked imposing, had a prominent bulge on his forehead, and looked ferocious. He wielded a giant hammer in his hand and showed no signs of being poisoned from the outside.


    The Netherspirit Flower''s power was such that only those poisoned knew its effects¡ªoutsiders couldn''t detect anything from the surface. Liu Wuxie dared not test it further, fearing that Kuang Shi might uncover the truth.


    ¡°Kuang Shi, surrender this area, or we¡¯ll tten this ce tonight!¡± The Wolf Fang Regiment¡¯s leader was a man in his forties with a red mark on his forehead and many strange tattoos on his arms. It was rumored everyone had to engrave such marks on their bodies before bing a pirate.


    These tattoos represented the sea, which was believed to protect them in times of trouble.


    Then again, it was just a form of belief because one could only rely on themselves in the face of danger.


    Ding Ye and Lin Feng stood on the other side and said nothing, but their intentions were clear. When the earthquake had struck ten days ago, the Wild Lion Gate had taken advantage of the chaos and invaded the Ding Feng Hall¡¯s territory, killing more than five hundred people.


    They had seized some of the Ding Feng Hall¡¯s territory, which was when Liu Wuxie and Gu Yu were taken away as ves.


    The Ding Feng Hall had suffered heavy losses and secretly gathered their troops for revenge.


    ¡°You¡¯ll have to step over my dead body if you want this territory!¡± The Wild Lion Gate had developed rapidly in recent years, recruiting many experts. They weren¡¯tparable to the Ding Feng Hall and Wolf Fang Regiment in terms of their numbers, but they were evenly matched with the other two forces in terms of experts.


    It was no wonder why the Wild Lion Gate was so arrogant in recent years, with such rapid development and even signs of monopolizing the entire Blood Sea Abyssal Ind.


    This meant they didn¡¯t care about how many of their people died as long as the higher-ups remained intact.


    Every year, new arrivals came to Blood Sea Abyssal Ind, replenishing the manpower of the three major forces and ensuring their continued survival. This constant influx of new recruits was why these forces had persisted so long¡ªonly the death of their leaders could bring about their downfall.


    ¡°Since that¡¯s the case, let¡¯s fight!¡± The Wolf Fang Regiment wanted to rece the Wild Lion Gate and be the strongest force in the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind. The opportunity was right before them because the three forces had never united previously and merely kept each other in check.


    When the Wild Lion Gate and Ding Feng Hall shed, the Wolf Fang Regiment would reap the benefits. When the Ding Feng Hall fought with the Wolf Fang Regiment, the Wild Lion Gate would reap the benefit.


    This was the first time the Ding Feng Hall and Wolf Fang Regiment joined forces to attack the Wild Lion Gate.


    Many sea demons gathered in the distance, eager to make a move but didn¡¯t dare toe closer. They naturally hoped for internal strife between humans so they could reap the benefits. It was best if humans suffered mutual destruction for the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind to fall into the hands of the Sea Demon n.


    The sky gradually became dark with people moving in the distance. The Abyssal n had appeared.


    ¡°Big Brother Liu, what should we do? There are experts ahead!¡± Gu Yu was nervous and gripped his long de tightly as he looked at Liu Wuxie.


    The other two forces had ced their experts at the front, and ves like them would be victims under their weapons once the battle began.


    ¡°Stick close to me!¡± Liu Wuxie instructed with a serious tone. The current situation was dire, and he had hoped that things wouldn¡¯t escte to this point. He had wished for a scenario where Xiao Yanlong would let them go, allowing them to part ways without further conflict.


    However, the situation had spiraled beyond his control, and retreat was no longer an option. The ves, frustrated and angry, vented their resentment toward Kuang Shi, but their words were impotent against the overwhelming forces surrounding them. They stood in a tight group, bracing themselves for the inevitable sh with their enemies, waiting for the order to strike.


    ¡°Attack!¡± The Wolf Fang Regiment¡¯s leader swung his saber. The experts standing at the front let out a roar and charged at Liu Wuxie¡¯s group.


    ¡°Charge!¡± Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t choose to retreat and dashed forward instead. After all, they would only die faster if they retreated now.


    Striding the Seven Dipper Steps and executing Ghost Eye, the surroundings began to slow down in Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes. He quickly found the weaknesses in his enemies and slipped past them easily.


    Gu Yu followed closely behind Liu Wuxie, not daring to rx.


    The battlefield was filled with roars and echoes, with deaths urring every second.


    <strong>......</strong>


    The mine turned into a purgatory with blood and flesh sshing around and the ground littered with corpses.


    In the blink of an eye, the majority of the ves were dead. Many ves with powerful cultivation managed to avoid the fatal blows and quietly followed Liu Wuxie after noticing that he was unscathed.


    When a frontal collision could not be avoided, Liu Wuxie used Frost Finger to create a shield and block all iing attacks.


    Gu Yu was almost killed, but Liu Wuxie used Frost Finger in a critical moment to resolve a fatal strike from a Heavenly Phase Realm cultivator.


    After covering over a hundred meters, they had managed to distance themselves from the heart of the conflict. The other two forces, having reached the Wild Lion Gate¡¯s stronghold, shed fiercely with it.


    An earth-shattering battle finally unfolded, with Kuang Shi letting out a roar and joining the fight with his giant hammer. When he swung his hammer, he crushed many iing experts from the other two forces.


    Ding Ye and Lin Feng finally acted. The Wolf Fang Regiment¡¯s leader also charged into the battlefield with no one capable of stopping him.


    The two forces weren¡¯t truly united and remained wary of each other. Their main objective was to seize the mine. Whoever seized it first would own it, and their alliance was only temporary.


    Once the Wild Lion Gate was destroyed, they would inevitably battle until one side controlled the entire Blood Sea Abyssal Ind.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, die!¡± Che Yong shouted as he attacked from behind. Out of over three hundred ves, fewer than thirty had managed to escape the battlefield, with the majority perishing in the chaos.


    Che Yong was in the third level of the Heavenly Phase Realm, and it wasn¡¯t surprising that he survived.


    ¡°I was thinking of killing you, and here you are. You can die now!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes shed with murderous intent, and the long de vanished from his hand, recing it with the Heretic de.


    They were free now that they had escaped from the battlefield. The Wild Lion Gate was too busy with their problems and couldn¡¯t pay attention to them.


    Che Yong''s vendetta against Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t driven by loyalty to the Wild Lion Gate but by personal animosity. His face paled as he saw Liu Wuxie wield the Heretic de, struggling to understand the depth of his opponent¡¯s power. Liu Wuxie, seemingly ordinary on the day of his capture, now wielded a force beyond his expectations.


    The Fatality de Art¡¯s Fifth Fatality Form manifested as a formidable de aura, hurtling towards Che Yong with lethal intent.


    Che Yong froze mid-charge as Liu Wuxie struck him down with a single blow. The sight was so shocking that many onlookers gasped in disbelief. Cultivators who had been observing the battle from a distance now hesitated to get involved, wary of the immense power on disy.


    ¡°Who¡¯s that kid? He¡¯s strong enough to kill someone in the third level of the Heavenly Phase Realm with one strike.¡± Many humans were hidden nearby, wanting to take advantage of the situation to reap benefits.


    Liu Wuxie quickly left with Gu Yu after killing Che Yong, not wanting to stay for another moment. The war between the three forces had nothing to do with them.


    The two escaped into the woods and vanished without a trace. They finally stopped to rest after ensuring no one followed them.


    On a hill overlooking the battlefield, Xiao Yanlong witnessed Liu Wuxie¡¯s devastating strike against Che Yong.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, I didn¡¯t expect you to be alive. Are you my nemesis?¡± Xiao Yanlong¡¯s voice was filled with frustration and disbelief. After discovering Liu Wuxie¡¯s pivotal role in the turmoil and seeing his immense power firsthand, Xiao Yanlong was convinced that the Wild Lion Gate''s end was near. He had not returned to the Wild Lion Gate after leaving the mine, knowing that its fate was sealed.


    He recalled how Liu Wuxie had defeated the formidable Prince Yongxian, and now, the once-harmless boy had transformed into a formidable force beyond the mundane world¡¯s limits.


    ¡°This is weird. I didn¡¯t see Xiao Yanlong in tonight¡¯s battle!¡± Liu Wuxie panted heavily as he rested. He had only managed to escape thanks to the Soul Forge Art.


    Without the support of his powerful soul energy, he would have been overwhelmed and defeated by thebined forces.


    The battle reached a crucial turning point as the poison in Kuang Shi¡¯s body took full effect. The once-mighty hammer now felt unbearably heavy in his grasp. As he struggled under its weight, Lin Feng¡¯s sword pierced his right arm, and he was forced to drop the hammer.


    ¡°Time to leave!¡± Kuang Shi was injured, which meant the Wild Lion Gate had be history. Xiao Yanlong didn¡¯t hesitate to leave the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind in search of a new path.


    He would only die if he continued to stay on the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind because the Ding Feng Hall and Wolf Fang Regiment wouldn¡¯t let him off.


    A momentous change was on the horizon for the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind. After tonight¡¯s catastrophic events, many cultivators, including those who had remained loyal to the Wild Lion Gate, departed the ind.


    That day, a warship arrived at the harbor with new arrivals on board, while many others set sail to leave the ind.


    The war continued with the Wild Lion Gate utter¡¯s defeat and Kuang Shi¡¯s fall. The Wild Lion Gate had dominated the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind for nearly a century, but it couldn¡¯t withstand the assault of the twobined forces.


    Kuang Shi had assembled a formidable group, creating the illusion of a powerful Wild Lion Gate. However, the Wild Lion Gatecked true sect unity, and when faced with danger, its members scattered. As soon as Kuang Shi fell, the Wild Lion Gate began to crumble, with everyone fleeing in disarray.


    Kuang Shi was covered in blood and could only sigh, looking at the experts he recruited fleeing for their lives. He didn¡¯t expect to end up in this state after dominating the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind for a century.


    When Ding Ye¡¯s sword pierced into Kuang Shi¡¯s neck, the battlefield fell into silence, with the remaining Wild Lion Gate members fleeing, not daring to linger for another moment.


    This had nothing to do with Liu Wuxie because they searched for a ce to settle down after they rested well. They didn¡¯tck in Blood Abyssal Stones, not to mention they had just made a breakthrough. Liu Wuxie had to temper his cultivation and aim to reach the third level of the Heavenly Phase Realm within three months.


    Rustling sounds came from a distance, alerting Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Brat, you¡¯re still alive!¡± The Jade Blood Yaksha¡¯s voice echoed.


    Due to the poisonous mist, he had to rest for a few days, and the flesh on his arm still hadn¡¯t regrown, which meant his strength was greatly diminished.


    Liu Wuxie remained m when he saw the Jade Blood Yaksha. He was tired of hiding because he believed he could establish himself on the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind with his current strength. He said, ¡°Let¡¯s settle our feud today!¡±


    He would be fine if he didn¡¯t provoke any experts in the high levels of the Heavenly Phase Realm or Astral River Realm. He had just reached the Heavenly Phase Realm and needed a battle to solidify his foundation.


    The appearance of the Jade Blood Yaksha was perfect at this moment.

 Chapter 458 - Great Battle

    <h4>Chapter 458 - Great Battle</h4>


    Onnd, the sea demons'' strength was considerably reducedpared to when they were in the ocean. This was why Liu Wuxie dared to confront the Jade Blood Yaksha and would retreat without hesitation if they were at sea.


    ¡°Human, you killed my nephew. I¡¯ll y your skin and hang it in the sea as a trophy, letting the wind and rain torment it!¡± The Jade Blood Yaksha''s expression twisted with rage, his cheeks puffing out as white bubbles formed.


    The sea demons could only stay onnd for over a day and would have to return to the sea. They couldn¡¯t stay onnd for long unless they reached the Nascent Transformation Realm.


    ¡°Gu Yu, keep a watch out for me!¡± Liu Wuxie nned to fight the Jade Blood Yaksha by himself while Gu Yu assisted him by the side in case other sea demons were around.


    ¡°Alright!¡± Gu Yu drew his longsword and stood guard to prevent anyone from interfering. This was a dense forest, and the battlefield attracted most cultivators with no one in the surroundings.


    The Jade Blood Yaksha drew his fork, emitting powerful energy fluctuation. There was much sea iron in the sea, which was the best material for forging weapons.


    The Sea Demon n would collect the sea iron and forge it into sharp weapons to fight humans.


    Liu Wuxie struck first like a meteor because the Jade Blood Yaksha had a cultivation in the first level of the Astral River Realm. But thetter¡¯s injuries had yet to heal, and was onnd, having his strength halved. Even so, the Jade Blood Yaksha was stillparable to the sixth level of the Heavenly Phase Realm.


    The fork danced, and the Jade Blood Yaksha unleashed countless water geysers, trapping Liu Wuxie¡¯s de.


    ¡°What a bizarre attack!¡± All the sea demons Liu Wuxie had fought were at low levels, with the strongest being in the Heavenly Phase Realm. But the Jade Blood Yaksha was different because he was in the Astral River Realm. Even with his strength reduced, hisprehension of water elements far exceeded those of sea demons.


    Liu Wuxie roared, and the Heretic de flew out of the water, breaking free of the water¡¯s control.


    The Jade Blood Yaksha suddenly charged towards Liu Wuxie, a wave surging beneath his feet, propelling him forward. This disyed his ability to control water even onnd.


    All of Liu Wuxie¡¯s acupoints activated, creating a swirling vortex of energy that lifted him off the ground. He could now fly unaided, a new ability he had gained after reaching the Heavenly Phase Realm.


    ¡°Y-You¡¯ve reached the Heavenly Phase Realm?!¡± The Jade Blood Yaksha¡¯s face contorted in shock. Thest time they met, Liu Wuxie had only been at the eighth level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm. In just over half a month, Liu Wuxie had advanced to the Heavenly Phase Realm, a feat that was almost inconceivable.


    An unsettling premonition gripped the Jade Blood Yaksha. On the warship, Liu Wuxie had been able to kill low-level sea demons even before his recent advancement. Now that he had reached the Heavenly Phase Realm, his strength had undoubtedly grown even greater. The Jade Blood Yaksha swiftly reached for a shell and blew into it, sending out a signal for help.


    The sound could be transmitted far away to attract sea demons. Using the shell, the sea demons could pass on important information. All the surrounding sea demons knew what was happening here without saying a word, including who the Jade Blood Yaksha was fighting.


    ¡°Damn it!¡± Liu Wuxie knew he had to end the battle quickly, or more sea demons woulde. With humans suffering heavy losses, the Sea Demon n and Abyssal n were bound tounch an assault to purge all humans on the ind. Thus, whether humans could hold their ground on the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind was still unknown.


    Liu Wuxie unleashed the Frost Finger that caught the Jade Blood Yaksha off guard. He didn¡¯t resort to using Soul Spear because he wouldn¡¯t use it unless necessary.


    This was Liu Wuxie¡¯sst resort. He didn¡¯t need the Soul Spear for the Jade Blood Yaksha; instead, he used Frost Finger to freeze him. However, the Jade Blood Yaksha continually broke free, indicating a significant gap in their strength.


    Even though he couldn''t freeze the Jade Blood Yaksha entirely, Liu Wuxie could limit his movement, creating opportunities to strike.


    ¡°Big Brother Liu, there are many sea demonsing this way!¡± Gu Yu called out anxiously. He climbed to a higher vantage point and saw arge number of sea demons converging from all directions. If they were surrounded, their situation could quickly be dire.


    The Jade Blood Yaksha wasn¡¯t in a hurry because he aimed to attract more sea demons to kill Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie sensed the approaching sea demons, including some powerful experts among them. Reacting swiftly, he swung the Heretic de and unleashed the Sixth Fatality Form. The force of the strike reduced the surrounding trees to dust, clearing arge area. The sky filled with de aura as the Heretic de flew out, forming a terrifying vortex that enveloped the area within a few hundred meters.


    The Jade Blood Yaksha''s expression grew serious, recognizing the deadly threat in Liu Wuxie¡¯s strike.


    Bubbles spewed from the Jade Blood Yaksha¡¯s mouth and filled the surroundings in the blink of an eye. The de aura from the Sixth Fatality Form looked like it sunk into a quagmire and slowed down.


    ¡°What the hell is this?¡± Liu Wuxie had little experience dealing with sea demons and was unfamiliar with their tricks. The bubbles didn¡¯t seem lethal, but they made Liu Wuxie¡¯s de aura vanish.


    ¡°Big Brother Liu, that¡¯s the Water Barrier of the Sea Demon n. It¡¯sparable to the dao techniques of humans,¡± Gu Yu quickly exined from the side. The Water Barrier''s greatest strength was its ability to create an impregnable shield, rendering any attack ineffective against those protected by it.


    The Jade Blood Yaksha was of noble birth and practiced the supreme technique of the Sea Demon n. This technique could only be practiced by the Sea Emperor¡¯s lineage, so could the Jade Blood Yaksha be rted to the Sea Emperor?


    If the Jade Blood Yaksha truly had ties to the Sea Emperor, killing him would make Liu Wuxie a sworn enemy of the entire Sea Demon n. This wouldplicate his future travels in the ocean, making it perilous at best. But Liu Wuxie knew there was no turning back now. Failing to kill the Jade Blood Yaksha would mean entrapment within the Water Barrier, leaving him with no escape.


    The Fatality de Art had been countered, and the Frost Finger wasn¡¯t lethal enough against the Jade Blood Yaksha. Realizing he was out of options, Liu Wuxie decided to resort to the Primordial Astral Fist¡ªa technique he hadn''t yet used since arriving on Blood Sea Abyssal Ind.


    He flew to the sky and raised his right fist.


    In the past, when Liu Wuxie performed the Primordial Astral Fist, he had to use it on the ground and couldn¡¯t unleash the essence of this technique. But it was different now because he could fly and unleash the full power without restraint.


    A massive star suddenly descended, causing the surrounding bubbles to explode, unable to withstand the power of the star.


    The Jade Blood Yaksha¡¯s eyes shed with a hint of panic, and the thought of fleeing arose. But the ancient star had locked onto him, and he couldn¡¯t escape no matter how he struggled.


    ¡°Primordial Astral Fist, kill!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s roar reverberated across the battlefield, the sound carrying for thousands of meters.


    Meanwhile, the battle between the two human forces continued, with the remnants of the Wild Lion Gate being hunted down. Amidst the chaos, Gu Yu stood frozen in ce, his expression one of utter shock. He had always known Liu Wuxie was strong, but witnessing this disy of power was beyond anything he had imagined.


    ¡°Damn you! I would easily tear you apart if we were in the sea!¡± The Jade Blood Yaksha¡¯s voice was filled with rage and frustration. Onnd, his strength was greatly diminished, giving Liu Wuxie the upper hand.


    ¡°Too bad,¡± Liu Wuxie responded coldly, his gaze unwavering, ¡°But you won¡¯t have the chance!¡±


    Liu Wuxie knew he had to kill the Jade Blood Yaksha onnd. Allowing him to return to the sea would be disastrous; the Yaksha could summon reinforcements, and the tides of battle would turn against him.


    The approaching sea demons could sense the overwhelming power emanating from the star, which caused stones to shatter on the ground and the bubbles to disintegrate.


    The Jade Blood Yaksha felt an immense weight pressing down on him, as if a mountain were crushing his very being. The pressure was so intense that his spine seemed on the verge of snapping. In a desperate attempt to survive, he reverted to his true form¡ªa massive, ckfish-like creature with protruding fish bones.


    He only took the humanoid form to travel onnd. This was a ckfish with a pair of long antennae. In addition to antennae, it also had long whiskers, sharp fangs, and a pair of hands resembling massive pincers.


    After reverting to the true form, the Jade Blood Yaksha¡¯s power increased exponentially. Bubbles emerged from the surroundings, forming a defensive wall to block the Primordial Astral Fist.


    ¡°Hmph, this is futile. Do you think reverting to your true form will help you withstand the power of the ancient star? What a joke!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s voice was devoid of emotions, like a god passing judgment on Jade Blood Yaksha.


    The ancient star¡¯s power increased because Liu Wuxie had only used fifty percent of it earlier. A ferocious tremor came from the deste world with boundless true essence pouring into the Primordial Astral Fist like a flood.


    The Earth and Wood Suppression Steles were activated simultaneously with boundless energy empowering the Primordial Astral Fist.


    The sky turned dark as though all the light had been drawn in. Thismotion finally rmed the cultivators at the distant battlefield, who turned to look in this direction, unsure of what was happening.


    The power radiating from the ancient star wasparable to the Astral River Realm, making everyone wonder if another grand battle was taking ce.


    The Jade Blood Yaksha¡¯s heart bled, unable to withstand the Primordial Astral Fist even after reverting to his true form. More bones began to protrude out of his body, and his blood dyed the ground red.


    Some sea demons had already arrived, and Gu Yu stopped their approach with his longsword, throwing the woods into chaos.


    ¡°It¡¯s time to end this!¡± The Primordial Astral Fist¡¯s power finally gathered, draining seventy percent of Liu Wuxie¡¯s true essence.


    Even though the Jade Blood Yaksha was significantly weakened, he was stillparable to the sixth level of the Heavenly Phase Realm. It was sheer luck that Liu Wuxie could kill the Jade Blood Yaksha while he was significantly weakened.


    As a star descended from the sky, a spatial rift appeared. The force of this punch tore through spacew, and it was an attackparable to the Astral River Realm.


    This was terrifying, and it was the first time Liu Wuxie had unleashed the Primordial Astral Fist since stepping into the Heavenly Phase Realm.

 Chapter 459 - Recruit

    <h4>Chapter 459 - Recruit</h4>


    The suffocating energy tore through the air resistance, leaving behind small cracks in space under the ancient star¡¯s crushing force. The surrounding bubbles exploded one after another, turning into steam before disappearing.


    The Jade Blood Yaksha was still struggling desperately like a fish sshing around onnd, needing to return to the water.


    Liu Wuxie naturally wouldn¡¯t allow the Jade Blood Yaksha to return to the sea and struck down with the Primordial Astral Fist, killing all the iing sea demons until they didn¡¯t dare to approach the slightest bit.


    ¡°Die!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s voice rang out like a death knell as the Jade Blood Yaksha exploded into a mist of blood, his form disintegrating into nothingness. Without hesitation, Liu Wuxie summoned the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron. Despite the Jade Blood Yaksha''s weakened state, traces of Astral River Realmws still lingered within him¡ªprecious remnants that Liu Wuxie needed to absorb and harness.


    Thesews would significantly reduce the time required for Liu Wuxie toprehend the Astral River Realm.


    After killing the Jade Blood Yaksha, Liu Wuxie and Gu Yu vanished. No one knew where they went as the sea demons surged forward to see the devastated ground, and several elderly figures emerged from the Sea Demon n.


    ¡°Humans! Those damned humans killed a member of the Yaksha n!¡± The Sea Demon n was divided into various species, and yaksha was one of them. Other species, such as the Whale, Spear-Fish n, and many others, were skilled inbat.


    The Yaksha n was sinister and cunning, holding a high status among the Sea Demon n. The elderly sea demon who spoke was also from the Yaksha n. The Jade Blood Yaksha was a vital n member even if he wasn¡¯t the elderly sea demon¡¯s rtive. So, how could they just let it go like that?


    ¡°Have you found out who killed him?¡± A member of the Spear-Fish n stepped forward. They had a close rtionship with the Yaksha n, and the two speciesplemented each other to serve the Sea Emperor.


    The surrounding sea demons swiftly gathered information and soon found some clues.


    Liu Wuxie had destroyed the spirit this time. However, the Jade Blood Yaksha¡¯s recent actions showed some clues, such as who he wanted to kill the most, his enemies, and the most recent information from the shell horn¡ªall these were clues that could lead to the culprit behind the Jade Blood Yaksha¡¯s death.


    It didn¡¯t take long before Liu Wuxie¡¯s information waspiled and ced before the two elders.


    ¡°This kid killed so many members of our Sea Demon n?!¡± The elder of the Yaksha n¡¯s eyes shed with murderous intent.


    The elders mostly lived in the sea and wouldn¡¯te onnd. But tonight was special because the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind situation had changed drastically, so they came.


    ¡°Deploy the elites to search for this human and kill him! Since he dared to kill a member of my Yaksha n, I will make sure he remains on the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind!¡± the elder gave the order as sea demons began to scatter out to search for Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie was unaware of these unfolding events after his departure. He had long returned to the courtyard in the city with Gu Yu. The spiritual array was still around and hadn¡¯t suffered much damage.


    Many people had tried to upy this courtyard during their captivity, but all their attempts had failed.


    The order in the city gradually returned, and many cultivators who had hidden themselves began to emerge. The Wild Lion Gate¡¯s fall created a huge vacancy, and the Ding Feng Hall and Wolf Fang Regiment took over.


    The two forces began to expand rapidly, but they couldn¡¯t manage such arge territory alone. Thus, they had no choice but to recruit more people to help them manage the territory.


    After returning to the courtyard, Liu Wuxie and Gu Yu sat on a mat. They had experienced life and death in the past half a month, wandering on the edge of death daily. The slightest mistake could lead to their death in the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind.


    ¡°Big Brother Liu, the past few days have been too thrilling, more insane than anything I¡¯ve experienced in the past decade,¡± Gu Yu said with a look of relief after surviving the ordeal.


    Over the past few years, his grandfather had taken him to many perilous ces, yet he had never known fear under his grandfather''s protection.


    ¡°The days ahead won¡¯t be too peaceful.¡± Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t as optimistic as Gu Yu, who thought they were safe after escaping the Wild Lion Gate.


    The Wild Lion Gate¡¯s fall only meant the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind situation had be even more chaotic. The Wolf Fang Regiment and Ding Feng Hall weren¡¯t enough to suppress the Human n¡¯s region.


    He could foresee many forces rising through this opportunity and forming new forces topete with the Wolf Fang Regiment and Ding Feng Hall to divide the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind¡¯s resources.


    The humans suffered heavy casualties this time, with the Sea Demon n and Abyssal n bing restless. They were gradually encroaching on the territory belonging to humans, drawing closer to the city.


    Gu Yu had matured a lot through this ordeal, and he was calmer now in how he viewed things or faced crises.


    The two seized the time to rest because they knew the city would soon fall into chaos again. This was like a dynasty where chaos would ur when the old regime was overthrown before a new system was fully implemented.


    The Blood Sea Abyssal Ind was in such a state of chaos, with people raising banners and creating their forces.


    The Wolf Fang Regiment and Ding Feng Hall also suffered heavy casualties from this battle and were recuperating, unable to continue fighting. This was why the small forces dared to expand recklessly and seize territories.


    As the night deepened, the city fell into a deathly silence like the calm before the storm.


    Liu Wuxie and Gu Yu stopped their mediation at dawn, especially Liu Wuxie, who could feel the rise in his cultivation after absorbing the Jade Blood Yaksha¡¯s corpse.


    With a resounding boom, the door shattered under the force of a powerful palm strike. The spiritual array, which had taken a beating over the past few days, had been left unrepaired as Liu Wuxie and Gu Yu nned to restore it after some much-needed rest.


    Who would¡¯ve expected an intrusion at dawn?


    When Liu Wuxie and Gu Yu came out, they saw a group of people outside the courtyard with arge hole in the spiritual array.


    ¡°Who are you, and why did you damage our spiritual array?¡± Liu Wuxie frowned because these people were strong, with one person in the seventh level of the Heavenly Phase Realm.


    He still wasn¡¯t confident in facing an opponent in the high levels of the Heavenly Phase Realm unless hebined Soul Spear with the Earth Binding Chains for some odds of winning.


    Then again, this only meant he had some odds of winning. After the Earth Binding Chains had been nourished for so long, he had grasped a hint of the power.


    Since he had taken the Earth Binding Chains with him and kept it in his soul sea, it had remained dormant because Liu Wuxie¡¯s soul sea was probably too weak to mobilize it.


    The Feather Emperor had mentioned that mastering the Earth Binding Chains required practicing the Soul Forge Art and possessing powerful soul energy.


    Now that Liu Wuxie had reached the Heavenly Phase Realm, his soul energy had significantly increased. This growth caused the runes on the Earth Binding Chains to glow more intensely, causing the chains to stretch slightly and emit a soft rustling sound.


    It was a coincidence for Liu Wuxie to kill the Jade Blood Yaksha. Thetter was a sea demon, and his power was significantly decreased onnd.


    Twelve people stood outside the courtyard, with the weakest cultivator being in the first level of the Heavenly Phase Realm.


    ¡°We¡¯re members of the Qingxiu Gang. We¡¯re giving you all a chance to join us,¡± the seventh-level Heavenly Phase Realm cultivator spoke condescendingly as if recruiting someone like Liu Wuxie was doing him a favor.


    ¡°I¡¯m not interested!¡± Liu Wuxie tly refused. He had no intentions of joining any faction, not even the Ding Feng Hall or the Wolf Fang Regiment, if they came to recruit him.


    Joining them would only lead to an endless cycle of subservience, much like being captured by the Wild Lion Gate. They would treat him as a mereckey, tasked with their dirty work.


    ¡°Brat, are you tired of living to refuse our Qingxiu Gang¡¯s offer?¡± Those in the low levels of the Heavenly Phase Realm jumped out and pointed at Liu Wuxie, thinking he showed no respect for the Qingxiu Gang.


    ¡°Brat, you may not know this, but our Qingxiu Gang is filled with talents. We¡¯re certain to be the next Wild Lion Gate. I advise you to join us, or you will face dire consequences.¡±


    This was a carrot-and-stick approach. Besides the Qingxiu Gang, the other factions were also aggressively recruiting members.


    When they encountered those who were tough to recruit, they would give up after a few attempts. However, for someone like Liu Wuxie, who had low cultivation, the various rising forces made them the primary targets for recruitment.


    After all, Liu Wuxie¡¯s cultivation wasn¡¯t high, making him easy to manage. Secondly, he had no background, and they wouldn¡¯t feel any burden to send him to his death after recruiting him.


    ¡°Brother Wei, we might as well kill him since this brat is so stubborn, lest other factions recruit him.¡± They would destroy him if they couldn¡¯t recruit him¡ªthis was the survivalw of the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind.


    In just one night, more than a dozen forces had emerged in the city. The Qingxiu Gang wasn¡¯t thergest, but they also weren¡¯t the smallest. They could be considered a mid-level force with a leader in the Astral River Realm.


    The man in the seventh level of the Heavenly Phase Realm was called Wei Zhong. He was the deputy leader of the Qingxiu Gang and held a high status in the group.


    If they could recruit a batch of experts quickly, the Qingxiu Gang could soon establish a foothold on the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind.


    ¡°Brat, you have another chance to make your choice again. You won¡¯t be mistreated if you join us.¡± Wei Zhong¡¯s face became grim, and he wouldn¡¯t hesitate to kill Liu Wuxie if thetter dared to refuse again.


    The atmosphere became tense, and Gu Yu had secretly umted his strength, ready to strike if things went south.


    They couldn¡¯t afford to fall into the wolf¡¯sir after escaping from the tiger¡¯s den, or they would never be able to leave the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind alive.


    ¡°Not interested. We don¡¯t join any faction, and you should find someone else.¡± Liu Wuxie waved his hand. He spoke politely because he didn¡¯t want to offend the Qingxiu Gang.


    However, to Wei Zhong, Liu Wuxie¡¯s words sounded like an insult to the Qingxiu Gang. With any chance of friendship gone, he saw Liu Wuxie as an enemy who needed to be dealt with.


    Liu Wuxie had anticipated that trouble woulde soon after his return, but he hadn¡¯t expected it to arrive so quickly. Despite the surprise, he knew he had to confront the situation head-on.


    The Qingxiu Gang targeted them today, and Liu Wuxie knew other forces woulde to recruit them the next day. Hiding in the courtyard wasn¡¯t a viable long-term solution, as they couldn¡¯t stay in this small space forever.


    ¡°Brat, don¡¯t me us for being ruthless since you¡¯ve chosen to court death!¡± Wei Zhong didn¡¯t want to waste any more time talking because they had other ces to go to recruit people. They needed more people to contend with the Wolf Fang Regiment.


    The Blood Abyssal Stones were reduced in number and impossible for an individual to excavate, so they could only form into groups.


    ¡°You all n to act against us?¡± Liu Wuxie frowned because he had made clear he wasn¡¯t interested in joining any factions, not just the Qingxiu Gang.


    ¡°me yourself for being stubborn; don¡¯t me us for being ruthless.¡± Wei Dong waved his hand, and a few people stepped forward, preparing to deal with Liu Wuxie.

 Chapter 460 - Severed Hands

    <h4>Chapter 460 - Severed Hands</h4>


    Time was running out, and the various forces had to form their teams before the Ding Feng Hall and Wolf Fang Regiment recuperated topete with the two major forces.


    The Qingxiu n''s people didn''t hesitate to kill when Liu Wuxie refused; this was the best solution to prevent Liu Wuxie and Gu Yu from being recruited by other forces.


    When Wei Zhong waved his hand, two experts in the third-level Heavenly Phase Realm stepped forward and appeared before Liu Wuxie with their murderous intent sweeping out.


    "Gu Yu, retreat to the courtyard!" Liu Wuxie instructed Gu Yu. Even though the spiritual array was damaged, it was still intact enough to withstand most ordinary attacks.


    Gu Yu wanted to say something but retreated to the courtyard. So many experts were around, and he would only hinder Liu Wuxie.


    The two cultivators in the third level of the Heavenly Phase Realm looked at Liu Wuxie with a mocking gaze, full of amusement.


    "Brat, don''t me us for being ruthless. We will end your life since you refused to join our Qingxiu n." The two attacked, aiming for Liu Wuxie''s neck.


    Like thunderbolts, the two appeared before Liu Wuxie in the blink of an eye, leaving him no room to evade. Their only intention was to kill Liu Wuxie.


    A hint of murderous intent shed in Liu Wuxie''s eyes. He had repeatedly stated his position, but they kept pressing him¡ªdid these people think he was a pushover?


    The Heretic de appeared in his hand, and he shed out without warning.


    The two men''s severed hands hit the ground with a crisp sound of cracking bones echoing down the street.


    Their heart-wrenching screams filled the air as they stumbled back, clutching their bleeding stumps. They didn¡¯t even realize how Liu Wuxie had managed to sever their hands so swiftly. The ground was soon stained red with their blood as they desperately tried to retrieve their fallen hands, hoping to reattach them somehow.


    However, limb regeneration was only possible at the Nascent Transformation Realm, and they were merely at the Heavenly Phase Realm. Even if they managed to reattach their hands, their strength would be severely diminished.


    The suddenness and brutality of Liu Wuxie¡¯s strike left everyone in shock. No one had expected him to act so decisively, severing the hands of the two men in an instant. The faces of Wei Zhong and the others grew pale.


    "Kid, you got some nerves to hurt members of the Qingxiu n. I''ll turn you to dust!" Wei Zhong said with his boundless murderous intent enveloping the entire courtyard.


    At Wei Zhong''smand, the others instinctively stepped back, clearing space for the confrontation. The fact that Liu Wuxie, at the first level of the Heavenly Phase Realm, had severed the hands of two men at the third level before they could even react signaled his extraordinary strength.


    Those in the fourth and fifth levels of the Heavenly Phase Realm dared not approach him recklessly. Only Wei Zhong had the confidence to stand against him.


    "I don''t want trouble. Leave immediately!" Liu Wuxie''s voice was cold, demanding them to leave. Even if the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind was engulfed in a bloodbath, it had nothing to do with him.


    He had enough Blood Abysal Stones and didn¡¯t n to return to the mines. His sole focus was on cultivating in peace.


    "You think you can get off so easily after crippling two of our generals? How can the Qingxiu n establish its dominance if we don''t kill you and make an example of you?" Wei Zhong sneered as he unleashed his aura, the power of the seventh level of the Heavenly Phase Realm causing cracks to spread across the ground.


    The shockwave snapped Liu Wuxie''s hair tie, causing his hair to fall casually onto his shoulders. He had activated Ghost Eye, which formed into a thin line and locked onto Wei Zhong.


    Themotion drew arge crowd, with hundreds of onlookers gathering at the street corners. Even other factions paused their recruitment efforts to witness the unfolding conflict.


    "Who''s this kid? Is he tired of living to defy Wei Zhong?" The surrounding crowd muttered among themselves, thinking Liu Wuxie was overestimating himself.


    After all, Liu Wuxie was only at the first level of the Heavenly Phase Realm, and most believed he should have submitted. Even if it meant sacrificing the chance for power or wealth, at least he would survive. But by defying the Qingxiu n, he was choosing a path that could only end in one way: death.


    "Young people are fearless and don''t know what''s good for them. The Blood Sea Abyssal Ind isn''t the maind, and everyone here has to keep a low profile, or they will only die faster," an old man remarked, his toneced with genuine concern.


    Liu Wuxie was too impulsive in his view, and he should''ve swallowed his pride to join the Qingxiu n before finding a way to escape in the future. There was no need to defy the Qingxiu n and risk dying now.


    Liu Wuxie ignored the surrounding discussion because everyone had their principles.


    ¡°Primordial Astral Fist!¡± Liu Wuxie channeled his true essence, merging it with the power of an ancient star as he tracked the trajectory of Wei Zhong''s iing palm strike. He wasn¡¯t sure if thisbination would be enough to face Wei Zhong, but he knew that only by challenging powerful opponents could he grow stronger.


    The forces collided with a deafening explosion, sending a powerful shockwave rippling outwards. The houses on both sides copsed, unable to withstand the shockwave''s impact.


    Liu Wuxie was sent flying andnded ten meters away with a slight numbness in his arm. But the aftershock had yet to dissipate because the shockwave spread in all directions in ripples.


    Wei Zhong staggered and took five steps back.


    Although Liu Wuxie appeared to be at a disadvantage, his performance shocked all the spectators. It was unbelievable for someone in the first level of the Heavenly Phase Realm to withstand a strike from someone in the first level. But they had just witnessed it, and they could only believe it.


    Wei Zhong''s face was terrifyingly grim, and he felt a tidal wave rampaging through his body, damaging his meridians. This was the power of the ancient star, subtly infused with a trace of the Netherspirit Flower''s poison by Liu Wuxie.


    However, the brief exposure to the poison wasn¡¯t enough, especially given Wei Zhong¡¯s powerful cultivation. It would take time for the Netherspirit Flower''s poison to fully infiltrate his system. In contrast, Kuang Shi was poisoned because he had absorbed the energy from the Blood Abyssal Stones that Liu Wuxie had provided.


    "I''m impressed you can withstand a strike from me." Wei Zhong shook his shoulders to dispel the difort, and a powerful murderous intent swept out toward Liu Wuxie. The real battle had just begun.


    Liu Wuxie frowned because that previous strike was only a probe. He hadn¡¯t used all his strength in that strike, and Wei Zhong had likely done the same.


    The other members of the Qingxiu n, who had retreated to the side, were filled with disbelief.


    That was especially the case for the two men who had their hands severed by Liu Wuxie, with a hint of fear shing on their faces. They would be dead if Liu Wuxie had aimed for their necks, and they wouldn''t have just gotten away with severed hands.


    A solemn expression shed in Wei Zhong''s eyes. The feedback from the true essence made him feel uneasy because he had never encountered such a strange energy before, which felt like it could destroy everything. A trace of poison also made him feel ufortable and interfered with the cirction of his true essence.


    Although the Netherspirit Flower''s poison wasn''t fatal, it hindered the flow of his true essence.


    "Deputy leader, kill him quickly as an example to others!" Many people watched this battle, and the Qingxiu n''s future depended on it.


    If Wei Zhong killed Liu Wuxie, it would attract the nearby low-level Heavenly Phase Realm cultivators to join them. But how could they expect others to submit to them if they couldn''t even deal with someone in the first level of the Heavenly Phase Realm?


    The Qingxiu n was just established a few days ago, and they were already facing such a formidable foe. Then again, this was also a challenge to them.


    "Brat, you can die now!" Suffocating murderous intent swept out with a longsword appearing in Wei Zhong''s hand. He had unleashed his aura in the seventh level of the Heavenly Phase Realm, not wanting to give Liu Wuxie any chance.


    He knew he would have to relinquish his position as the deputy leader if he failed to kill Liu Wuxie. After all, how would he make his subordinates obey him if he couldn''t kill someone in the first level of the Heavenly Phase Realm?


    "The likes of you want to kill me?" Liu Wuxie roared and swirled the Heretic de but didn''t use Soul Spear because he was waiting for the right opportunity.


    He wanted to use this fight to excavate all of his own potential. After all, he still hadn''t digested all the treasures he had absorbed. He needed pressure through external force to digest them and transform them into energy to replenish the deste world.


    The two fought fiercely, with Wei Zhong unable to do anything to Liu Wuxie''s movement technique. They had exchanged dozens of moves, but Liu Wuxie held his ground firmly and could easily evade all of Wei Zhong''s attacks.


    The sounds of weapons shing echoed a few thousand miles away. More people began to gather in the surroundings, including a few forces who stopped to watch because they were also recruiting members nearby.


    "Fatality de Art!" Liu Wuxie unleashed the Sixth Fatality Form, covering the sky with des. A raging fire burned within his body under the pressure, which coursed through his limbs as he unleashed his strongest attack.


    "Damn it!" Wei Zhong was only a rogue cultivator. He might have had higher cultivation than Liu Wuxie, but he was inferior in his martial techniques and fighting instinct.


    He could only rely on his cultivation to make up for his shorings. His soul sea was as vast as that of an Astral River Realm cultivator, making it difficult for even those in the higher levels of the Heavenly Phase Realm to suppress him.


    The other members of the Qingxiu n looked with disbelief at their deputy leader''s inability to deal with someone in the first level of the Heavenly Phase Realm.


    Wei Zhong''s eyes turned cold, and he felt unprecedented pressure from his position being challenged.


    "Heavenly Bale Sword!" A terrifying surge of crimson baleful aura filled the entire street, and Wei Zhong''s eyes also turned bloodshot.


    "What a terrifying sword technique!" The surrounding cultivators were horrified and didn''t doubt that Liu Wuxie would die if this sword struck him.


    They instantly realized this must be a secret technique that Wei Zhong wouldn''t use unless necessary. He was determined to kill Liu Wuxie even at the risk of injury or suffering a bacsh.


    "You''ll only hasten your death by drawing on the heavenly bale energy!" Liu Wuxie sneered. The sword technique was undeniably powerful, but its w was ring. Forcibly tapping into the heavenly bale energy would cause irreversible damage to Wei Zhong¡¯s foundation.


    Heavenly bale was a form of essence in the human body, and Wei Zhong had gone mad to execute this sword technique at the price of burning his life force.


    Everyone had baleful energy in their bodies, and too much would make one irritable. But too little would turn them into a mindless corpse without any personality.


    Wei Zhong had drawn out all the baleful energy, which was no different from burning his life force.

 Chapter 461 - Xing Lian

    <h4>Chapter 461 - Xing Lian</h4>


    Liu Wuxie had anticipated Wei Zhong''s every move. Aside from this attack, which could pose some threat, the other sword techniques were futile against him.


    Their battle was a stalemate, but Liu Wuxie knew that if Wei Zhong had been a disciple of a major sect with ess to an earth-grade martial technique, the oue might have been different. But the world didn¡¯t operate on "ifs."


    When Wei Zhong executed the Heavenly Bale Sword, his eyes slowly changed and turned into slits.


    "Frost Finger!" A burst of icy energy was unleashed, isting the surrounding heavenly bale energy. The Frost Finger was a dao technique, an attack that was difficult to defend against and caught Wei Zhong off guard.


    The onlookers gasped in shock. "What a powerful dao technique! How can someone in the Heavenly Phase Realmprehend such a skill?" Many of those present were in the Astral River Realm, yet none had grasped the essence of a dao technique as Liu Wuxie had.


    Wei Zhong''s face changed after realizing the danger. Although Frost Finger didn''t neutralize the Heavenly Bale Sword, it had weakened it significantly.


    "Soul Spear!" When Wei Zhong was momentarily distracted, Liu Wuxieunched the Soul Spear. Soul techniques were profound and couldn''t be detected.


    It was crucial to strike while Wei Zhong''s soul sea was chaotic to achieve the best result. Liu Wuxie executed Frost Finger to distract Wei Zhong before using Soul Spear.


    "ARGH!" Wei Zhong screamed, clutching his head.


    Liu Wuxie''s soul energy wasparable to the Astral River Realm, which inflicted irreversible damage on Wei Zhong''s soul sea. Using Wei Zhong''s defenseless state, Liu Wuxie vanished and swung the Heretic de.


    "Deputy leader, dodge!" The Qingxiu n''s members panicked and yelled at Wei Zhong. If this attacknded, Wei Zhong would be decapitated.


    Their yells may have worked because Wei Zhong bit his tongue, allowing his soul sea to restore rity.


    "I''ll kill you!" Wei Zhong was disheveled when he raised his head, looking like a demon with distorted muscles on his face. Blood trickled from the corner of his lips and stained his clothes.


    Gu Yu stood silently in the courtyard, his eyes filled with excitement. This was the first time he had witnessed Liu Wuxie using the Soul Spear since they arrived on the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind, a technique previously unknown to everyone.


    Everyone was utterly confused as to why Wei Zhong clutched his head. Did he have a chronic illness that suddenly rpsed?


    When he regained his senses, Wei Zhong reached for Liu Wuxie''s neck, attempting to take thetter down. If Liu Wuxie didn''t withdraw his attack, they would both end up in mutual destruction.


    This left Liu Wuxie with no choice but to pull his attack and aim for Wei Zhong''s arm instead. Thetter''s strength would greatly diminish after losing one arm, and he would only die if he dared to attack again.


    Wei Zhong tried his best to dodge, but his rity onlysted for a moment due to the searing pain in his soul sea, and he had an arm severed by Liu Wuxie with his blood gushing out.


    Liu Wuxie had exhausted all his trump cards to sever Wei Zhong''s arm. If Wei Zhong was on guard against Liu Wuxie''s soul attack, to begin with, it was uncertain who would have thestugh.


    After losing an arm, Wei Zhong screamed in pain and wished he could devour Liu Wuxie alive.


    "Let''s go!" The other Qingxiu n members quickly carried Wei Zhong and fled because Liu Wuxie was too terrifying.


    After repelling the Qingxiu n, Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t excited and frowned deeply. The surrounding spectators were reluctant to leave and looked at Liu Wuxie curiously because they didn''t expect someone in the first level of the Heavenly Phase Realm to defeat someone in the seventh level.


    ¡°This brat practices a soul technique, which exins why Wei Zhong was defeated. If Wei Zhong had safeguarded his primordial spirit from the beginning, the oue might have been different,¡± a cultivator from the high levels of the Heavenly Phase Realmmented, having sensed the intense fluctuation of soul energy earlier.


    That soul energy fluctuation wasparable to the pinnacle Heavenly Phase Realm, which was incredibly formidable.


    "I sensed it, too. But soul techniques are hard to cultivate because they will damage the soul if there''s a mistake." One would suffer a bacsh if one made a mistake in practicing a soul technique, which was why ny percent of the people who practiced a soul technique had all died of the bacsh.


    "Soul techniques are rare, and it''ll be a great life-saving skill if we can master it." Many people looked at Liu Wuxie with a hint of malice.


    They all thought Liu Wuxie could seed because the soul technique was powerful, but they were unaware of the intense suffering he endured while practicing the Soul Forge Art, nearly losing his life in the process.


    Although Liu Wuxie didn''t suffer a bacsh from practicing the soul technique, it was almost as bad. He only managed to persist, thanks to his strong willpower.


    Liu Wuxie noticed the surrounding gazes but paid no attention to them. Although it seemed he had used all his trump cards, his greatest trump card was the Earth Binding Chains, which he would only use if he encountered an opponent in the Astral River Realm.


    He wouldn''t use it if he faced an ordinary cultivator in the Heavenly Phase Realm and would only try to escape.


    When Liu Wuxie returned to the courtyard, Gu Yu rushed over immediately and asked with concern, "Big Brother Liu, are you hurt anywhere?"


    The battle was intense, and there were many parts he couldn''t understand.


    "Set up the spiritual array!" Liu Wuxie gave Gu Yu a reassuring look to indicate he was fine. The most important thing right now was to set up a spiritual array to prevent simr incidents from happening again.


    The Qingxiu n had suffered heavy losses, making it clear they wouldn¡¯t let Liu Wuxie escape easily. With the spiritual array, however, the two of them could buy some time, even amidst danger.


    Having used ny percent of their materials to set up the previous array, their interspatial rings were nearly depleted, containing only Blood Abyssal Stones.


    The deaths of Che Yong and his group did not provide any materials rted to spiritual arrays, as they were not specialists in that area. This presented a significant problem for Liu Wuxie, as there were no shops on Blood Sea Abyssal Ind where they could purchase additional materials. They had to make do with their limited resources.


    This meant it was impossible to set up the Seven Dipper Array, which could withstand the Heavenly Phase Realm experts¡¯ attacks. But now, they could only take one step at a time with how things were.


    After spending half a day, the two finallypleted the spiritual array and repaired the damaged hole. Meanwhile, fierce battles raged in the surrounding courtyards, likely due to other factions recruiting members.


    But for some reason, they weren''t willing to get close when they passed by Liu Wuxie and Gu Yu''s courtyard. Even Wei Zhong was almost killed by Liu Wuxie, not to mention the small forces, unless they had a death wish.


    The news of Liu Wuxie practicing a soul technique and severing Wei Zhong''s arm soon spread across the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind. But strangely enough, the Qingxiu n didn''t return for revenge in the next few days.


    Then again, this was because the Qingxiu n was busy recruiting and merging the other small forces into them, with no time for revenge. This meant they would return for revenge once things settled down because their leader, Li Xiaohai, was a cultivator in the Astral River Realm.


    Despite Liu Wuxie''s power, his status in the Heavenly Phase Realm was still vastly inferior to that of an Astral River Realm cultivator.


    Three peaceful days passed, and neither of them left the courtyard and focused on their cultivation.


    Liu Wuxie progressed rapidly in his cultivation. He might not have made a breakthrough, but his true essence andbat strength increased daily. That was especially true for his true essence, which became increasingly pure.


    With nothing else to do, Liu Wuxie could only shift his focus to Frost Finger. There was still much room for improvement because it was far from meeting his expectations.


    On the fourth day, a group of guests arrived outside. Liu Wuxie and Gu Yu thought it was the Qingxiu n, but it was a hall master of the Wolf Fang Regiment who came bearing gifts.


    Liu Wuxie chose not to open the spiritual array to wee them but instead went out to meet the visitors.


    "As expected of such a young prodigy. I am Xing Lian, the Gale Hall''s hall master of the Wolf Fang Regiment. It''s an honor to meet you," Xing Liang cupped his fists together.


    A hall master of the Wolf Fang Regiment wasn''t ordinary because he was close to the deputy leader in terms of status. Thus, his sudden visit was surprising, and many people opened their gates and gathered.


    Most people had chosen a force to join, and only those with powerful strength were spared.


    Liu Wuxie was taken aback by the visit, expecting only a captain from the Wolf Fang Regiment but receiving a hall master instead. This unexpected honor indicated that the Wolf Fang Regiment held him in high regard, which was why they sent Xing Lian.


    He had learned about the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind''syout beforeing, including information on the three forces'' key figures. There was detailed information in the book Bai Lin had given him.


    Xing Lian¡¯s background wasplex and troubled. He came from a small n but faced harsh treatment because he was born to a concubine, resulting in a dark and oppressive childhood. As a young man, he violently rebelled against his oppressive family, murdering his stepmother, father, and stepbrothers before fleeing.


    In his flight, he saved a woman from the Dugu n and married her, but was betrayed when she cheated on him just a yearter. Ovee with rage, Xing Lian killed his wife and child before fleeing to the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind, where he eventually settled and established himself.


    Who could''ve thought this old man with a smile would be such a ruthless individual? Not only did he kill his parents and brothers, but he also killed his wife and child.


    The Dugu n sent many experts to hunt him down, which failed. As the Nascent Transformation Realm cultivators couldn''t enter the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind, Xing Lian hid within the Wolf Fang Regiment for years, and even cultivators in the Astral River Realm would die if they barged into the Wolf Fang Regiment.


    Such a person was now standing before Liu Wuxie, and he might''ve believed Xing Lian for a phnthropist if he didn''t know his past. After all, there was no way to connect Xing Lian with the heinous crimes hemitted in the past from his polite and gentlemanly behavior.


    "I pay my respect to Hall Master Xing!" Regardless of Xing Lian''s evil deeds in the past, they had nothing to do with Liu Wuxie. Since Xing Lian bore no ill will towards him, there was no need for Liu Wuxie to keep him at arm''s length.


    Xing Lian was momentarily stunned, surprised by Liu Wuxie''s actions. After all, who in the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind wouldn''t tremble in fear at the sight of him? Even if they pretended to be indifferent, they would still show a hint of disgust in their eyes.


    However, he couldn''t detect those emotions in Liu Wuxie''s eyes, which were calm and indifferent.


    "We''re both smart people, and I won''t beat around the bush. My purpose foring is simple, and I hope you can join the Wolf Fang Regiment," Xing Lian stated his purpose straightforwardly.

 Chapter 462 - Recruitment Offer

    <h4>Chapter 462 - Recruitment Offer</h4>


    The hall master of the Wolf Fang Regiment''s Gale Hall personally came to recruit him, and there was no reason for Liu Wuxie to refuse under normal circumstances.


    Furthermore, Liu Wuxie had already offended the Qingxiu n. If he joined the Wolf Fang Regiment, the Qingxiu n wouldn''t dare to cause any trouble for him again. Those gathered in the surroundings had already assumed that Liu Wuxie would agree to join the Wolf Fang Regiment.


    "Thank you, Hall Master Xing, for your kind offer. But I have no intentions of joining any forces. I''m only in the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind for my punishment and will leave in two days. I only want to spend the two months here peacefully," Liu Wuxie said truthfully and didn''t hide his identity.


    "Don''t be in such a hurry to refuse. Since we''ve invited you to join the Wolf Fang Regiment, you can be assured that we won''t mistreat you. You can also feel free to leave after two months," Xing Lian said, having investigated Liu Wuxie''s identity through various means before arriving.


    After all, many cultivators hade to the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind with Liu Wuxie and were clear about his identity. He had vited the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s sect rules and was sent to the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind by Deacon Jiang Gongming for a three-month punishment.


    "Oh? What position does the Wolf Fang Regiment n to offer me?" Liu Wuxie asked, intrigued. Given that Xing Lian was personally extending the invitation, it was unlikely that he would be given a minor role.


    "Gale Hall''s deputy hall master!" Xing Lian announced, causing a collective gasp from those nearby. It was unheard of for someone at the first level of the Heavenly Phase Realm to be offered such a high position, second only to Xing Lian himself. The rapid rise in status was unprecedented within the Wolf Fang Regiment.


    "You think too highly of me," Liu Wuxie responded, shaking his head. He knew that the Wolf Fang Regiment and Ding Feng Hall had suffered significant casualties in the recent war and were in desperate need of new recruits to rebuild.


    Many smaller forces had merged, and both the Wolf Fang Regiment and Ding Feng Hall were too weakened from the previous battle to challenge them effectively. Newly emerged factions, like the Qingxiu n, had taken root in the city, and therger forces could not easily eradicate them.


    After all, those forces could flee if they couldn''t win the fight, and they could continue to recruit members after that.


    The Wolf Fang Regiment had sent Xing Lian to recruit Liu Wuxie as soon as they heard he had severed Wei Zhong''s arm. They were eager to secure his allegiance before Ding Feng Hall could make their move.


    "You''re worthy of this position with your strength. You can be reassured that I won''t interfere with the affairs of the hall, and you will have full authority over it while I enjoy my peace," Xing Liang said. His offer was tempting to everyone present, and no one would refuse it if they were in Liu Wuxie''s position.


    After all, one could enjoy abundant resources after bing the deputy hall master. The Wolf Fang Regiment was known for their violence, but they didn¡¯t mistreat their people. The resources they offered were even richerpared to many major sects.


    Furthermore, there was no restriction on freedom. Liu Wuxie could leave Blood Sea Abyssal Ind freely after his punishment if he acknowledged himself as Gale Hall''s deputy hall master.


    But if Liu Wuxie joined the Wolf Fang Regiment, how would he exin it when he returned to the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion?


    "I appreciate your kind offer, but I have no ns of joining any forces now or in the future. I will leave the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind once my term ends, and I won''t interfere in any matters here," Liu Wuxie said seriously.


    Hoping Xing Lian would understand his difficulties, he made it clear he wouldn''t join any forces in the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind, which meant his reply was the same even if the Ding Feng Hall came to recruit him.


    Xing Lian''s face turned grim after being rejected by Liu Wuxie because this ced him in an awkward position. After all, no one had dared to defy his will on the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind, but Liu Wuxie had openly rejected his offer in front of so many people.


    "Liu Wuxie, do you know the consequences of refusing the Wolf Fang Regiment?" Xing Lian''s tone dropped with a hint of murderous intent in his eyes.


    He looked like a wild beastpared to his benevolent appearance earlier. The change was so sudden that it felt unbelievable to everyone.


    "You want to kill me?" Liu Wuxie asked, narrowing his eyes. He had made it clear from the start that he wouldn''t join any factions or interfere in their affairs, yet they continued to press him.


    "That¡¯s not necessary," Xing Lian replied calmly, "but refusing the Wolf Fang Regiment is akin to pping us in the face. You''ll need to keep your distance whenever we¡¯re around. If you cross our path, we¡¯ll consider it a provocation." Xing Lian, a cultivator in the Astral River Realm, wouldn¡¯t lower himself to Liu Wuxie''s level.


    Acting against him now would only risk pushing Liu Wuxie into the arms of Ding Feng Hall, especially since their arrival seemed imminent.


    "Isn''t the Wolf Fang Regiment a little too overbearing? I only refused to join, and you''re forbidding me from stepping into your territory?" Liu Wuxie was enraged and barely contained his anger. He would''ve pped Xing Lian to death with one strike if he had enough strength. Such a despicable person should have died in the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind long ago.


    "If that''s how you see it, so be it. This area is under the Wolf Fang Regiment''s control, and you are to move out within two days. Otherwise, we will take it as a provocation to us."


    This courtyard previously belonged to the Ding Feng Hall''s territory but waster upied by the Wild Lion Gate. Now, it had fallen into the hands of the Wolf Fang Regiment, while the Ding Feng Hall upied the territory belonging to the Wild Lion Gate.


    Leaving the courtyard would strip Liu Wuxie of the spiritual array''s protection, making the next few months perilous. Without enough resources to establish a new array, his situation would be dire.


    Liu Wuxie clenched his fists together, his face bing grim. This was akin to cutting off his path of retreat, forcing him to join the Wolf Fang Regiment.


    "Xing Lian, your Wolf Fang Regiment is too overbearing. This young friend has made his position clear, and who will dare to join the Wolf Fang Regiment in the future if you act in this manner?" A middle-aged man suddenly walked over with a few youths behind him. He also gave off a powerful aura that matched Xing Lian and appeared before Liu Wuxie.


    "Wei An, is the Ding Feng Hall trying to interfere in our affairs?" Only the Ding Feng Hall and Wolf Fang Regiment were left after the Wild Lion Gate''s fall. In terms of overall strength, the Wolf Fang Regiment was superior and was on the verge of unifying the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind.


    The two major forces would sh because two tigers couldn''t share one mountain.


    A bnce of power between the three had kept each other in check. But it was different now, with the fiercepetition after the Wild Lion Gate''s fall.


    Wei An was a hall master in the Ding Feng Hall with a status simr to that of Xing Lian, and Liu Wuxie also knew of this person''s background.


    It was rumored that Wei An came from a prominent n, but he was exiled to the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind after he molested a woman in the n.


    "I just can''t stand how overbearing your Wolf Fang Regiment is. Forcing someone to join the Wolf Fang Regiment in this manner is beneath your status," Wei An said, clicking his tongue, which made Xing Lian''s face grim with anger.


    "Hmph, I know what exactly the Ding Feng Hall is up to. You want to recruit him into the Ding Feng Hall," Xing Lian sneered, exposing Wei An''s intentions.


    Wei An didn''t feel embarrassed by having his intentions exposed. In fact, it made things clearer, allowing them to skip unnecessary pleasantries.


    "Young man, would you like to join the Ding Feng Hall? Our treatment won''t be any less than what the Wolf Fang Regiment offers you," Wei An turned to look at Liu Wuxie.


    "Thank you for your invitation, but as I said earlier, I won''t join any forces," Liu Wuxie replied in the same tone he used to refuse Xing Lian. This was the same as offending the two major forces, leaving everyone in the surroundings dumbfounded. They even began to wonder if Liu Wuxie had gone insane.


    "What is he doing by refusing the Wolf Fang Regiment and Ding Feng Hall? Does he have a death wish?" Even some cultivators in the high levels of the Heavenly Phase Realm were shocked by Liu Wuxie''s response.


    Anyone else in Liu Wuxie''s shoes would''ve agreed to the invitation because that was the status of a deputy hall master. But Liu Wuxie wasn''t swayed and refused even if he was offered the position of a hall master.


    Liu Wuxie''s goal had remained unchanged since he was transmigrated to the True Martial Continent: to return to the Celestial Realm as soon as possible. The idea of bing a bandit had never appealed to him.


    Wen An''s face also became ugly after being rejected by Liu Wuxie.


    "Brat, you''ve got guts. If you''re still around after two days, I will personally take your head!" With that, Xing Lian departed with his men, seeing no reason to linger.


    The atmosphere became tense, and Wei An turned to look at Liu Wuxie, wanting to know what gave thetter the courage to refuse the two major forces.


    "Have you thought it through? Xing Lian is a man of his word, and refusing him means dering war on the Wolf Fang Regiment. The days ahead will be very tough for you," Wei An spoke sincerely, hoping Liu Wuxie could reconsider his offer.


    "Thank you for your kind reminder. But I''ve made my decision, and I won''t change it," Liu Wuxie replied, cupping his fists respectfully toward Wei An. He knew that the Ding Feng Hall, while more rule-abiding than the Wolf Fang Regiment, still adhered to the harsh realities of the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind, where rules meant little when survival was at stake.


    Though the Ding Feng Hall didn''t issue any overt threats after his refusal, their stance was clear¡ªthey wouldn''t hesitate to kill him if he dared to step into their territory. Such was the brutal reality of life on the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind.


    "Well, take care of yourself then. You have two days to reconsider, and you cane to the Ding Feng Hall if you change your mind," Wei An said before departing, not wanting to waste any more time.


    The people gathered in the surroundings were reluctant to leave and discussed among themselves.


    "This brat is finished. The Wolf Fang Regiment is known for holding a grudge, and someone wille to take revenge before the two-day deadline," people whispered, but Liu Wuxie heard them.


    "Let''s see how he dies!" Many people gloated and hoped to see Liu Wuxie die quickly.


    "Why do you think the two forces are trying to recruit him? Because of his strength? You''re all wrong!" An old man suddenly spoke in a mysterious tone.


    "What were they after then?" Many people were curious because what were the two forces after if not for Liu Wuxie''s strength?


    "There are plenty of cultivators in the Astral River Realm in the two forces. Do you think they need someone at the first level of the Heavenly Phase Realm? Even if he''s strong, can he be stronger than the Astral River Realm cultivators?" The old man sneered and rolled his eyes at everyone, thinking they were too naive.


    "I get it now. They''re after his soul technique!" Everyone finally came to their senses. The offer was false because their real objective was Liu Wuxie''s soul technique.


    Liu Wuxie understood that better than anyone, so he refused their offers. After all, regardless of which side he joined, he would be a meat on the chopping board. Since that was the case, he might take a gamble.

 Chapter 463 - Astral River Realm鈥檚 Pursuit

    <h4>Chapter 463 - Astral River Realm¡¯s Pursuit</h4>


    They coveted his soul technique and came under the pretense of recruiting him. Aside from the two major forces, the surrounding cultivators also eyed Liu Wuxie greedily.


    Due to the spiritual array, no one in the Heavenly Phase Realm could break in. But it was different for cultivators in the Astral River Realm because they could easily tear through the spiritual array''s defenses.


    No one dared to act because the Wolf Fang Regiment and Ding Feng Hall''s people hadn''te yet. Everyone believed these two major forces would take such a golden opportunity, and the two forces came as everyone had expected.


    The only thing they didn''t anticipate was Liu Wuxie''s rejection. Rejecting the two forces ced Liu Wuxie in the spotlight because no one on the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind would be willing to back him up.


    This meant Liu Wuxie''s next two months would be challenging, and he might even die on the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind.


    Ny percent of the city''s territory had fallen into the hands of the Wolf Fang Regiment and Ding Feng Hall; the two forces forbade Liu Wuxie from stepping foot in their territory. The remaining territory was divided among the smaller forces.


    However, Liu Wuxie entering their territory was the same as walking into the lion''s den, while leaving the city meant facing the pursuit of the sea demons and abyssal devils, furtherpressing Liu Wuxie''s space to go to virtually nothing.


    Even so, Liu Wuxie still didn''t choose topromise because some things couldn''t be changed for a lifetime.


    Gu Yu said nothing because he supported Liu Wuxie''s decision. He wouldn''t join the two forces even if his grandfather were present.


    "Big Brother Liu, let''s leave the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind if there''s no choice!" Gu Yu suggested, believing they would be safe after leaving.


    "Are you afraid?" Liu Wuxie asked Gu Yu, narrowing his eyes. Thetter had significantly matured over the past month, but that didn''t change the fact he was still young. Thus, it was natural for him to be afraid under such tremendous pressure.


    Fear was a natural human emotion, and Liu Wuxie felt it sometimes, just that he kept it hidden in his heart.


    "I''m not afraid!" Gu Yu puffed his chest out with no hint of fear in his eyes. After all, leaving was only thest resort.


    "Don''t worry about it; we won''t die so easily," Liu Wuxie said with a sharp sh in his eyes. He could only grow quickly under tremendous pressure and needed to make the most out of the next two months to increase his cultivation as much as possible.


    After all, Liu Wuxie had sworn that Jiang Gongming would meet his end once he returned from the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind, and he couldn''t die before exacting his revenge. He also knew that the Hou n would likely send more experts, so he had to remain vignt.


    The next two days passed quietly, with no one daring to disturb Liu Wuxie. It wasn''t that they didn''t want to, but rather that they were hesitant. With the possibility that Liu Wuxie might still join a faction, they weren''t willing to take the risk. But once the two-day deadline passed, the situation would change.


    On the third day, Liu Wuxie and Gu Yu came out of their courtyard, and many people, including men from the Wolf Fang Regiment, gathered in the surroundings.


    Liu Wuxie nced around calmly and walked through the street, heading out of the city.


    Outside the city were deste mines and a dense forest. They would be safe there as long as they could hold out for two months.


    Thousands of eyes watched as Liu Wuxie and Gu Yu left the city.


    "He¡¯s left the city. Now, he''ll have to face abyssal devil attacks at night and sea demons during the day. And let¡¯s not forget¡ªthe Wolf Fang Regiment and Ding Feng Hall won¡¯t let him go so easily," the crowd murmured as they watched Liu Wuxie depart.


    "He only has himself to me for being so stubborn. If he had just handed over his soul technique, he wouldn¡¯t have had to join the Wolf Fang Regiment. Trading the soul technique for his life would¡¯ve been worth it," another added.


    Many believed Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t know what was best for him and should¡¯ve exchanged his soul technique for the right to live safely in the city. Even if he didn¡¯t join them, the Wolf Fang Regiment would have ensured his safety. After all, they had plenty of elites, and Liu Wuxie wouldn¡¯t have changed much.


    Liu Wuxie felt a burden lifted off his shoulders when he came out of the city.


    "Gu Yu, we might have to stay on the run for a while. Be prepared," Liu Wuxie said, knowing that the next two months would be a relentless struggle to survive.


    "I''m ready!" Gu Yu replied with an honest smile. They had made their decision, and there was no turning back.


    The two couldn''t stay in one ce for more than an hour, constantly on the move as they were followed by those eager to strike. Their pursuers knew that killing Liu Wuxie and seizing the soul technique in broad daylight would draw too much attention, so they patiently waited for nightfall, nning to take the soul technique and flee into hiding afterward.


    Throughout their journey, Liu Wuxie used Ghost Eye several times, scanning the area within thousands of meters for any subtle movement. If they detected any sign of an ambush, they would immediately change course, avoiding danger.


    "Big Brother Liu, why are we back at the mines?" Gu Yu asked curiously because they went in circles and ended up back at the mines.


    "We''re too conspicuous on the surface, but there''s an undergroundwork of tunnels. It won''t be easy for them to find us once we''re inside," Liu Wuxie exined.


    The underground world beneath the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind was abyrinth of interconnected tunnels, formed over years of excavation. Liu Wuxie had mapped out these tunnels using Ghost Eye while digging for the Wild Lion Gate, making him perhaps the only one who fully understood this hiddenwork.


    As night fell, Liu Wuxie led Gu Yu to a deserted mine, carefully scouting the area to ensure no one was guarding it. The two major forces controlled most of the mines, leaving only low-production areas for smaller groups to squabble over.


    Suddenly, a terrifying aura descended from the sky like someone had found them.


    ¡°Astral River Realm!¡± Liu Wuxie eximed in surprise because they thought they had been careful, but who could''ve tracked them down?


    Gu Yu wielded his longsword and was prepared for a fight.


    Although the sky had turned dark, the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind was enveloped in a faint glow that kept the visibility high at night.


    Facing someone in the Heavenly Phase Realm was Liu Wuxie''s limit, and his odds of winning were low against someone in the Astral River Realm.


    "Run!" Liu Wuxie immediately chose to flee without hesitation. The two used their movement technique to dart towards the underground world.


    As long as they entered the underground world, they would be safe because even cultivators in the Astral River Realm didn''t dare to unleash anyrge-scale attacks underground.


    After all, everyone would be buried if they were underground, and this was also Liu Wuxie''s main reason for choosing the mines.


    "Brat, where do you think you''re going?" A roar came from behind as the person shot forward with his high-speed movement technique, creating a powerful air current.


    A middle-aged man appeared before Liu Wuxie, blocking his path with a teasing look in his eyes.


    "Who are you?" Liu Wuxie didn''t recognize this person. He was familiar with most of the two major forces'' higher-ups but hadn''t seen this man before.


    "You crippled three members of my Qingxiu n, and you don''t know who I am?" The middle-aged man hovered in the air with his aura crashing down, and the sheer pressure alone made Gu Yu copse onto the ground.


    The Heavenly Dao Book unfolded, and all the pressure vanished.


    "Mhm??" The middle-aged man showed a hint of doubt in his eyes that Liu Wuxie could resolve his pressure.


    "You''re Qingxiu n''s leader, Li Xiaohai!" Liu Wuxie said slowly.


    The Qingxiu n''s leader had a cultivation in the second level of the Astral River Realm. In the past three days, he had recruited hundreds of people to establish a force and upied arge territory.


    "That''s right. So, you know who I am!" Li Xiaohai''s eyes shed with a strange light.


    "Are you here to avenge Wei Zhong and others?" Liu Wuxie asked coldly, secretly umting his strength to strike instantly if danger arose. He had secretly sent a voice transmission to Gu Yu, telling him to retreat because themotion caused by the battle would be great.


    There were no outsiders around; Liu Wuxie had skillfully evaded all his pursuers and thought he had sessfully escaped. But despite his efforts, Li Xiaohai had still managed to track him down.


    "Revenge is one thing, but I''m curious how you defeated Wei Zhong. I can consider sparing your life if you tell me." Li Xiaohai''s face was full of smiles, and he could consider sparing Liu Wuxie if thetter was willing to hand over his soul technique.


    Then again, this was only a strategy to appease Liu Wuxie.


    "I even rejected the Wolf Fang Regiment and Ding Feng Hall. What makes you think I''ll tell you?" Liu Wuxie looked at Li Xiaohai with a smile. He was fearless of the two major forces, not to mention the Qingxiu n.


    "You''re bold¡ªboldest I''ve ever seen. But have you considered that my chance to catch you here exists precisely because you refused those two forces?" Li Xiaohai said, acknowledging Liu Wuxie''s audacity.


    He had encountered countless geniuses in his life, but very few made it to the end. Most were cut down before they could realize their full potential, either by the hands of others or by fate itself.


    "And you think you''re capable of killing me?" The Heretic de appeared in Liu Wuxie''s hand.


    Since Li Xiaohai had found him, he naturally wouldn''t let him go. This meant they would have to fight, but Liu Wuxie wasn''t confident that he could retreat safely from this battle against someone in the second level of the Astral River Realm.


    Liu Wuxie knew there was no path of retreat because Li Xiaohai wouldn''t let him go even if he handed the soul technique over. After all, secrets were only allowed to be enjoyed by one person, and the soul technique wouldn''t be unique to him as long as Liu Wuxie lived.


    His promise of sparing Liu Wuxie''s life was nonsense, and the two knew well that a battle was inevitable.


    "You want to defeat me with cultivation in the first level of the Heavenly Phase Realm? This is the biggest joke I''ve heard!" Li Xiaohaiughed because it wasn''t easy for Liu Wuxie to injure him with his soul technique.


    His astral river power formed into a gxy and enveloped Liu Wuxie. This was the astral river power, which could harness the power of the universe. Even if Liu Wuxie was strong, it didn''t change the fact he was a mortal.


    The surrounding space began to tremble violently, and Liu Wuxie felt an unprecedented pressure even before the astral river energy struck, with an impending sense of death looming over his heart.


    Gu Yu stood in the distance and took out apass to start calcting. He suddenly walked to the right and scattered some strange items.

 Chapter 464 - Divine Dragon Sword

    <h4>Chapter 464 - Divine Dragon Sword</h4>


    Li Xiaohai ignored Gu Yu, considering him insignificant. Liu Wuxie, however, was left with no escape from the overwhelming force of the astral river power. Desperate, he summoned all his strength and brought down the Heretic de with everything he had.


    Liu Wuxie''s true essence formed into a divine elephant. This heavenly phase power couldn''t be underestimated, even though it wasn''t as strong as the astral river power.


    A terrifying wave erupted from the impact, sending rocks and sand flying as Liu Wuxie was violently thrown backward. The force was so immense that it caused him to cough up blood; his internal organs nearly shattered if not for the protection of the Suppression Steles. He was flung a thousand meters back, crashing to the ground with his clothes soaked in blood.


    In just one exchange, Liu Wuxie had suffered severe injuries. The gap between them was impossible to bridge with just the power of his true essence.


    "Liu Wuxie, it''s futile. Stop struggling¡ªyou can¡¯t escape." Li Xiaohai''s figure shed and appeared before Liu Wuxie with his palm descending.


    ¡°Primordial Astral Fist!¡± Liu Wuxie stood up and unleashed his fist technique. The powerful force of astral energy was much stronger than his true essence, and it couldn''t be underestimated even if it wasn''tparable to astral river power.


    "This is interesting. Youprehended dao technique at such a young age before reaching the Astral River Realm!" Li Xiaohai became increasingly curious about Liu Wuxie, wanting to extract his memories and see what was stored inside his brain.


    With a surge of power ten times greater than before, Liu Wuxie let out a ferocious roar, unleashing the full force of his attack against Li Xiaohai''s overwhelming astral river power. The ancient star descended with devastating might, causing explosions that reverberated through the surroundings.


    Cracks spiderwebbed across the sky, rapidly spreading in all directions as the very fabric of space shattered. From these spatial rifts, an invisible ck wind began to seep out¡ªa death wind, capable of turning anything it touched to ashes. Even cultivators had to be wary, as the death wind was a lethal force, reducing ordinary humans to dust in an instant.


    As a cultivator, Liu Wuxie was no stranger to the death wind. He knew that tearing apart space and traversing it was a feat reserved for those who had reached the True Profound Realm.


    A vast portion of Liu Wuxie''s clothes vanished, and he staggered as the astral energy from the ancient star grew stronger.


    A hint of solemnness shed in Li Xiaohai¡¯s eyes. He couldn''t believe someone in the first level the Heavenly Phase Realm could resist his astral energy.


    The energy from Primordial Astral Fist and astral river power shed like two ribbons in the air. The force of their sh was so immense that it was visible from thousands of miles away, drawing the attention of cultivators far and wide.


    The battle of cultivators in the Astral River Realm was highly destructive, and even the cultivators in the city were rmed and began to rush over.


    Gu Yu continued to set up things that no one couldprehend. It was neither a spiritual array nor poison. He calmly circled a radius of a few thousand meters in the battlefield before stopping beneath arge tree.


    Along with a loud explosion, the ancient star manifested by Liu Wuxie''s Primordial Astral Fist exploded, turning into energy streams that swept in all directions.


    This was the first time the ancient star manifested by the Primordial Astral Fist was reduced to dust. This was the same Primordial Astral Fist that had helped Liu Wuxie defeat all his opponents without exception since mastering it.


    Today, the astral river power crushed the Primordial Astral Fist without resistance. It became evident that, while Liu Wuxie¡¯s martial and dao techniques were extraordinary, the gap in their cultivation levels was too vast to bridge. Although Liu Wuxie¡¯s strength wasparable to the Astral River Realm, it didn''t change the fact that he was still in the Heavenly Phase Realm.


    "Liu Wuxie, stop struggling and surrender obediently!" Li Xiaohai''s fury surged. It was humiliating that someone of his stature in the Astral River Realm had failed twice to subdue a mere Heavenly Phase cultivator. If word of this spread, his reputation on the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind would be tarnished beyond repair.


    Worse yet, more people were closing in on the battlefield. If the experts from the two major forces arrived, the spoils of this fight might slip from his grasp.


    But for some reason, those who approached couldn''t enter the center of the battlefield because an invisible force blocked them. This was because of a spiritual array that Gu Yu had set up. However, the spiritual array set up by Gu Yu wasn''t ordinary because it harnessed the spirit of heaven and earth to form a barrier, preventing anyone from approaching the battlefield and interfering with the fight.


    Spiritual arrays were divided into variations, such as the array tower or spirit formations like the barrier. If the ssification was broken down further, spiritual arrays were meant for restrictions and cksmithing.


    They were all ssified as spiritual arrays, just like martial techniques, such as de, sword, spear, fist, and palm techniques, which had many branches.


    Few in the Southern Province were proficient in spirit formations because Liu Wuxie had yet to see who could set up a spirit formation.


    Spirit formations didn''t require ordinary materials because they harnessed the essence from spiritual objects of heaven and earth to fuse into the array.


    The downside was also obvious: Spirit formations didn''t possess any offensive power, and it was difficult to kill others because they mainly focused on defenses.


    In ancient times, the strength of spiritual arrays surpassed the martial path because there were profound, witch, and demonic arrays...but they had been long lost.


    With no outside interference, Liu Wuxie could focus on the battle. As long as he could kill Li Xiaohai and escape into the underground world with Gu Yu, no one could find them. Relying on Ghost Eye, they could avoid dangerous areas in advance.


    The Fatality de Art had failed to kill Li Xiaohai, the Primordial Astral Fist had been overpowered, and there was no use in continuing with Frost Finger. With few options left, Liu Wuxie could only turn to the Soul Spear and the Earth Binding Chains.


    Those two were his trump cards, and he didn''t dare to use them lightly. The Feather Emperor had told him that using the Earth Binding Chains required powerful soul energy or it would drain all of his soul energy.


    If his soul sea were utterly drained, he would enter a state of false death. A strange mark appeared with a swipe of his right hand, and this was an immortal rune.


    For safety reasons, Liu Wuxie nned to inscribe an immortal rune and paired it with his martial technique to inflict heavy injuries on Li Xiaohai before using Soul Spear and the Earth Binding Chains for a slim chance of victory.


    Li Xiaohai''s face changed the moment Liu Wuxie inscribed the immortal rune.


    "What are you inscribing?" Li Xiaohai couldn''tprehend the immortal rune with his cultivation. However, he shuddered involuntarily the moment it appeared, with a suffocating power that filled the sky.


    Heaven and earth couldn''t bear the existence of an immortal rune and began to copse because the power of an immortal rune could quickly destroy this world.


    The Primordial Astral Fist descended once more, and Liu Wuxie merged the immortal rune into his fist technique.


    The sky changed with the entire Blood Sea Abyssal Ind shaking, resulting in tidal changes and seawater crashing into thend. The seawater consumed many ces, and countless sea demons emerged from the sea to watch this battle.


    Many sea demons recognized Liu Wuxie at a nce because they had been investigating his whereabouts for days and didn''t expect to find him there.


    Li Xiaohai''s expression shifted as the power of Liu Wuxie''s punch surged, hundreds of times stronger than before. The Primordial Astral Fist, now more formidable than ever, seemed almost unimaginable.


    The cultivators standing a thousand meters away were deeply captivated by this scene.


    "Did you all see what he inscribed?" Many cultivators in the low levels of the Astral River Realm gathered in the surroundings to discuss among themselves.


    If they could grasp this spiritual rune, they would be confident in dominating the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind. After all, just a strand of this rune could amplify a martial technique a hundredfold, and this was enough for them to take any risks.


    Cultivators in the high levels of the Heavenly Phase Realm were equally shocked and wanted to charge over to have a share of Liu Wuxie''s treasures. Everyone was curious about Liu Wuxie''s secrets, which made him so powerful.


    "I didn''t see clearly. But it should be a rare spiritual rune that can enhance the power of martial techniques," a few elders spected, and it was normal for them not to recognize it because they hadn''t seen an immortal rune before.


    Immortal runes could only be inscribed by immortals, and they were mere mortals.


    Everyone had their opinion, and some imed it to be a demonic rune that didn''t belong to humans. But no one guessed it to be an immortal rune because most people didn''t even know what ¡®immortal¡¯ meant.


    Liu Wuxie had once exined what immortal meant during the Battle of Hundred Nations, which had caused a resonance from heaven and earth.


    Gu Yu also attacked when the Primordial Astral Fist was formed. With a bizarre energy fluctuation, a dragon''s roar echoed as the ancient longsword in Gu Yu''s hand transformed into a purple sky dragon, coiling in the sky.


    This scene shocked everyone even further because no one had expected such a simple-looking longsword to contain the divine dragon''s bloodline.


    The sword was forged with the bones of true dragons and soaked in dragon blood. Gu Yu released the restriction on the ancient sword, unleashing full power.


    Liu Wuxie''s expression shifted dramatically, but it was toote to stop Gu Yu. In that moment, he realized why Senior Gu had never been concerned about Gu Yu''s safety. The truth was startling¡ªGu Yu had a divine dragon protecting him all along.


    After all, even cultivators in the high levels of the Astral River Realm couldn''t kill Gu Yu if they came, and the sword would activate its protective ability to help Gu Yu escape the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind in case of danger.


    "That''s a divine dragon sword!" The crowd erupted in chaos. Moments ago, they had been fixated on the immortal rune Liu Wuxie had inscribed, but now their attention had shifted entirely to the divine dragon in the sky, their eyes nearly bulging in disbelief.


    Liu Wuxie''s appearance had already left everyone speechless, but the revtion of Gu Yu¡¯s true power was even more shocking.


    As the sword was activated, something deep beneath the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind began to stir, causing the entire ind to tremble as if an earthquake had struck. It was as if the divine dragon¡¯s summoning had triggered something buried within the ind.


    Engrossed in the battle, no one noticed the earthquake''s significance. Itsted a full minute before subsiding, but it wentrgely unnoticed, as tremors had recently be amon urrence on the ind.


    The two-pronged attack ced Li Xiaohai in a crisis because the immortal rune empowered the Primordial Astral Fist, and the power of Gu Yu''s sword wasparable to a cultivator in the Astral River Realm.


    "Damn it! Damn it all!" Li Xiaohai roared in frustration. He hadn¡¯t anticipated facing such formidable opponents¡ªLiu Wuxie alone was already a challenge, but now Gu Yu had proven to be equally powerful.


    The sky dragon roared and circled the sky before coiling around Li Xiaohai to restrict his movement.


    "Big Brother Liu, now!" Gu Yu formed seals with both hands but couldn''t hold out much longer. His limit was three breaths at most before the dragon''s power would be exhausted.


    It could onlyst three breaths because he had used a secret technique to lift the restriction on the sword.


    ¡°Primordial Astral Fist, crush!¡± Liu Wuxie went all out, sping his hands together with his attack descending.

 Chapter 465 - Might of the Earth Binding Chains

    <h4>Chapter 465 - Might of the Earth Binding Chains</h4>


    Liu Wuxie had unleashed his full power in this attack, clouding his mind with uncertainty. He was unsure if he could overpower Li Xiaohai, even with the immortal rune''s boost.


    The Earth Binding Chains, a technique Liu Wuxie had never employed before, might be hisst hope against Li Xiaohai. Whether it would be enough to end the battle was uncertain, and the oue remained shrouded in mystery. But with Gu Yu''s support, the tide had undeniably turned in Liu Wuxie''s favor.


    The Primordial Astral Fist struck like lightning and reached Li Xiaohai in less than a breath. The entire sky was illuminated. The Ding Feng Hall and Wolf Fang Regiment''s higher-ups rushed over after receiving the news.


    Xing Lian deeply regretted not killing Liu Wuxie earlier and seizing his secrets, allowing Li Xiaohai to get ahead.


    Now, the two forces were mobilizing all their strength to prevent Li Xiaohai from gaining the upper hand. They knew that if they could obtain Liu Wuxie''s secrets, they wouldn''t just dominate the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind¡ªthey could break free from it and establish themselves as a formidable power on the maind.


    After being trapped there for so long, everyone longed to leave the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind.


    The Primordial Astral Fist struck Li Xiaohai before the eyes of thousands, leaving him dizzy and disoriented.


    "Astral River Protection!" The dragon restricted Li Xiaohai but didn''t stop him from retaliating. Faint starlight appeared around him to protect him against the Primordial Astral Fist.


    This was the true power of astral river power. Even if Li Xiaohai stood there and allowed the Heavenly Phase Realm cultivators to attack him, he wouldn''t suffer any injuries.


    However, the Primordial Astral Fist empowered by the immortal rune was a different story. Three breaths passed in the blink of an eye, and the sky dragon reverted to a longsword and returned to Gu Yu''s hand. The luster released by the sword had be dimmed and required a long time to recover.


    The Primordial Astral Fist exploded and turned into a neb, with a massive ck hole appearing in the surrounding space. This was followed by a mysterious vortex that left Li Xiaohai covered in blood.


    Even so, Li Xiaohai remained alive without any fatal injuries despite his disheveled appearance.


    Li Xiaohai looked like a terrifying ghost when he was covered in blood. This was an incredible scene for someone in the Astral River Realm to be driven to this point. After all, even the leaders of the two major forces might not be able to threaten him if they came. Yet, these two ants managed to harm him.


    His body was in a terrible state, with wounds on his chest and back caused by the explosion of the Primordial Astral Fist. There was even one spot that revealed his bones.


    With the addition of the immortal rune, the power of the Primordial Astral Fist becameparable to an Astral River Realm strike.


    "He''s still not dead?" Liu Wuxie was shocked because he was confident his punch could render Li Xiaohai incapable of resistance. But to his surprise, Li Xiaohai was only heavily injured without any fatal injuries, and this made him wear a solemn expression.


    Without Gu Yu''s assistance, that punch would not have achieved such devastating power. Li Xiaohai''s evasion would have significantly diminished the Primordial Astral Fist''s impact.


    "Soul Spear!" Liu Wuxie didn''t hesitate to resort to the soul attack. After all, they would die if Li Xiaohai didn''t.


    With so many people in the surroundings eyeing them, their only chance was to kill Li Xiaohai and enter the underground world for a chance to survive.


    "Liu Wuxie, you''re finished. My injuries are only physical, but you dare to attack my soul? Watch how I handle your soul technique!" Li Xiaohai''sughter was wild and confident. He could sense a massive surge of soul energy around Liu Wuxie as the Soul Spear was unleashed, indicating that a soul attack was imminent.


    He was right because only his physical body was injured, while his primordial spirit remained unharmed.


    Liu Wuxie had already considered this factor, but what could he do? Was he supposed to sit and wait for death to arrive?


    The Soul Spear shot like an arrow, unleashing a powerful soul energy fluctuation to the surroundings.


    "Gu Yu, be prepared to take me and escape!" Liu Wuxie went all out and secretly transmitted a message to Gu Yu. Then, an unbelievable scene unfolded as a long chain appeared before Liu Wuxie.


    Li Xiaohai narrowed his eyes when the chain appeared because he could sense a threat of death, causing him to forget the Soul Spear.


    "ARGH!" Liu Wuxie seized the moment of distraction, and the Soul Spear stabbed into Li Xiaohai''s soul sea; the intense pain instantly brought Li Xiaohai back to his senses.


    Unsurprisingly, Li Xiaohai''s cultivation in the Astral River Realm meant that the Soul Spear only pierced a third of his soul sea, leaving his soul intact and undestroyed.


    "Liu Wuxie, your soul technique is profound. I can''t bear to kill you now, and I will slowly torture you until I extract all your secrets." Li Xiaohai was shocked when the Soul Spear entered his soul sea because he had never seen such an exquisite soul technique before.


    His words only excited those in the surroundings, wanting to tear apart the spirit formation and rush in.


    However, Liu Wuxie ignited Li Xiaohai''s taunts and muttered the Spirit n''snguage. A bizarre scene began to unfold as the Earth Binding Chains that hovered before him flew out like thunderbolts.


    What happened next defied everyone''s understanding because they had never seen such a bizarre weapon. The Earth Binding Chains reached Li Xiaohai and wrapped around him.


    The Earth Binding Chains tightened and bound onto Li Xiaohai like a dumpling, immobilizing him. Shortly after, Li Xiaohai lost control of his body and plummeted from the sky.


    On the other hand, Liu Wuxie felt his soul sea exhausted after using the Earth Binding Chains. He also lost control of his body and plummeted from the sky.


    But before Liu Wuxie lost consciousness, he summoned the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron to imprison Li Xiaohai inside it.


    Meanwhile, Gu Yu shot out and carried Liu Wuxie before rushing into the nearest underground passage, disappearing from everyone''s sight.


    Ding Ye and the Wolf Fang Regiment''s leader appeared with grim faces. They reached out to rip apart the spirit formation.


    The limit of the spirit formation set up by Gu Yu could only hold off those in the low levels of the Astral River Realm, but these two were in the pinnacle Astral River Realm. The spirit formation couldn''t stop them.


    "What a terrifying energy fluctuation. Li Xiaohai is only in the second level of the Astral River Realm, so how did he cause such destruction?" Ding Ye couldn''t believe what he had just happened. He was under the impression that Li Xiaohai had killed Liu Wuxie and had taken him away.


    However, the members of the two forces detailed the entire event to Ding Ye and the leader of the Wolf Fang Regiment; they exchanged looks of profound shock.


    They couldn''t believe someone in the first level of the Heavenly Phase Realm had heavily injured and captured Li Xiaohai.


    The Divine Dragon Sword, the mysterious spiritual rune, the bizarre chain, and a heaven-defying soul technique. They were like bombs exploding in their soul sea, creating waves.


    They had only thought that Liu Wuxie practiced a soul technique, but they hadn''t paid much attention to it. After all, Liu Wuxie was no different from a fish on their chopping boards, but they had miscalcted because Liu Wuxie''s secrets were far greater than they had imagined.


    The Sea Demon n and Abyssal n had witnessed the entire event and were shocked by Liu Wuxie''s secrets. They knew they had to seize those secrets before the humans to dominate the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind.


    "Pass down the order! Everyone stop mining for Blood Abyssal Stones and search the underground passages for them! Whoever can find clues on them will be rewarded with the position of a hall master!" The Wolf Fang Regiment''s leader gave out instructions decisively.


    Countless people began to move and entered the underground world to search for Liu Wuxie and Gu Yu''s whereabouts.


    Ding Ye also gave a simr order, and the underground world plunged into chaos with variousmands being issued.


    The humans'' actions piqued the interest of the Sea Demon n and Abyssal n because whatever made the humans so eager must be a treasure.


    Liu Wuxie knew nothing about that because ny percent of his soul energy was drained after using the Earth Binding Chains, not to mention he had inscribed an immortal rune. His soul sea was utterly exhausted, but the Heavenly Dao Book guarded it to prevent his death.


    Gu Yu carried Liu Wuxie through the underground world in a frantic search for safety, navigating tunnels without a clear destination. He plunged into any avable passage, evading dead ends and narrowly escaping pursuers multiple times. His powerful soul energy was crucial in avoiding detection.


    Meanwhile, the Heavenly Dao Book in Liu Wuxie''s mind emitted a brilliant golden light that bathed his soul sea, transforming it into a vast golden ocean. As Liu Wuxie''s consciousness began to return, the radiant light from the Heavenly Dao Book acted like a mystical gateway within his soul sea, allowing soul energy to flow freely.


    There were myths that the soul sea had nine gates corresponding to heaven and earth: the five elements, yin-yang, light, and dark. But Liu Wuxie didn''t know if it was true.


    Gu Yu ran for two hours and finally lost his way in the depths of the mines. He didn''t know where he was and could only sit on the damp ground with Liu Wuxie still lying in his embrace.


    Sweat covered his forehead, but Gu Yu had no time to wipe it. He had to be on guard with his longsword, ready to defend against any potential ambush.


    "Mhm!" A soft groan came from Liu Wuxie''s mouth as he slowly opened his eyes. His soul energy recovered thanks to the golden radiance in his soul sea.


    "Big Brother Liu, you''re finally awake!" The concern on Gu Yu''s face gradually faded and was reced by a bright smile.


    "Where are we?" Liu Wuxie looked around but couldn''t see anything in the dark surroundings.


    "I don''t know. I panicked while fleeing underground with you and ended up lost," Gu Yu admitted, sounding apologetic. The number of pursuers made it impossible for him to map out a safe route, forcing him to navigate randomly through tunnels.


    "Help me up!" Liu Wuxie requested. Although he had regained some of his soul energy, his physical body was still severely weakened from the Earth Binding Chains and the effort of inscribing the immortal rune. He waspletely drained, having exhausted all the energy he had umted over the past month.


    Gu Yu moved a boulder to help Liu Wuxie sit down, allowing him to circte the Deste Devouring Art. But Liu Wuxie didn''t dare to absorb the spiritual energy from the surroundings, fearing it might alert their pursuers. This meant Liu Wuxie could only take out Blood Abyssal Stones to absorb.


    The Blood Abyssal Stones contained powerful spiritual energy that flowed into Liu Wuxie''s body to heal his injuries. However, Liu Wuxie''s internal organs miraculously remained unharmed despite bearing the brunt of Li Xiaohai''s attack.


    "Liu Wuxie, you demon! Where have you imprisoned me? Let me out right now!" A voice suddenly came from within Liu Wuxie''s body that startled him.


    When Liu Wuxie''s consciousness entered the deste world, the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron pulsed with Li Xiaohai hovering above it, bound by the Earth Binding Chains.

 Chapter 466 - Manifestation of the Primordial Spirit

    <h4>Chapter 466 - Manifestation of the Primordial Spirit</h4>


    Liu Wuxie was momentarily stunned. Despite barely retaining hisst bit of rity after using the Earth Binding Chains to imprison Li Xiaohai in the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron, he had nearly forgotten about him. The humans previously captured by the cauldron had been transformed into the spiritual liquid, making Li Xiaohai''s continued presence and threats perplexing.


    His divine sense manifested above the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron, revealing Li Xiaohai¡¯s distorted, ghostly visage.


    "Li Xiaohai, I bet you didn''t expect to end up like this, did you?" Liu Wuxie asked coldly.


    "Y-You! How did you hide such a demonic cauldron in your body? Can it be that you''re someone of the Abyssal n? I advise you to let me go obediently, or do you think you can trap me with this demonic cauldron?" Li Xiaohai continued to threaten Liu Wuxie.


    The Earth Binding Chains had trapped him but were incapable of killing him. His physical body, strengthened by his Astral River Realm cultivation, was resistant to ordinary mes and elements, makingplete destruction impossible.


    "Still being so stubborn despite facing death? I''ll refine you today and use you to help me reach the second level of the Heavenly Phase Realm." Liu Wuxie sneered. If he could reach the second level of the Heavenly Phase Realm, he could recover his strength and reach a new height, increasing his chances of survival against the pursuit.


    Refining a cultivator in the Astral River Realm was unimaginable to Liu Wuxie in the past. After all, cultivators in the Astral River Realm could be considered true disciples of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion was one of the ten major sects but had only about two thousand true disciples. This showed how difficult it was to reach the Astral River Realm.


    Although the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion only had two thousand true disciples, many deacons were in the Astral River Realm. Many people who saw no hope in reaching the Nascent Transformation Realm chose to be deacons or elders and live peacefully in the sect.


    Li Xiaohai had broken through to the Astral River Realm about fifty years ago, but he had been stuck at the second level ever since. Even so, the astral riverws within his body were terrifying.


    "What a joke! You''re only in the Heavenly Phase Realm and want to refine me?" Li Xiaohai snickered. He continued, "When I break free from these chains, it will be your death!"


    He began circting his astral river power to refine the Earth Binding Chains.


    Controlling the Earth Binding Chains required strong soul energy, and Liu Wuxie''s soul energy was limited. This meant he had to kill Li Xiaohai quickly.


    After cultivating the Soul Forge Art, even the mighty Feather Emperor had died due to the exhaustion of his soul energy.


    "You''ll soon know if I''m joking!" Liu Wuxie couldn''t be bothered to argue with Li Xiaohai any longer and looked at the bottom of the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron, where demonic mes were stirring.


    Demonic mes surged from the bottom of the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron with a single thought and enveloped Li Xiaohai like violent waves.


    "ARGHH! WHAT FLAME IS THIS?!" Li Xiaohai let out a shrill scream. Ordinary mes couldn¡¯t harm him, but demonic mes could. The demonic mes came from hell and wereparable to the True Samadhi Fire.


    The flesh on Li Xiaohai''s arm began to dissolve into a pure liquid that flowed into the deste world, soon bringing Liu Wuxie the opportunity to make a breakthrough in his bottleneck.


    Liu Wuxie''s divine sense returned to his body, and he scanned the surroundings with Ghost Eye to ensure no danger was nearby. After all, he couldn''t afford to be interrupted by anyone in his breakthrough.


    He had stripped Li Xiaohai of his interspatial ring and scavenged all the resources.


    "This is great! Ten million mid-grade spirit stones, five hundred high-grade spirit stones, and a hundred Blood Abyssal Stones. I''ve hit the jackpot this time!" Liu Wuxie rejoiced at the resources he found in Li Xiaohai''s interspatial ring because there were many pills and materials for spiritual arrays.


    After all, Li Xiaohai was a cultivator in the Astral River Realm and had plundered many resources over the years.


    "Monarch artifact! There''s a monarch artifact!" A monarch artifact was a weapon meant for the Astral River Realm, while the Heretic de was still a spiritual treasure. He couldn''t upgrade the Heretic de if he couldn''t find any xiantian spirit, which frustrated him greatly.


    After reaching the Heavenly Phase Realm, he could forge a xiantian artifact.


    "I can upgrade the Heretic de to the level of a monarch artifact once I find a xiantian spirit," Liu Wuxie murmured. Even if he couldn''t reach that level, he intended to elevate the Heretic de to the pinnacle of xiantian artifacts, making it capable of contending with monarch artifacts.


    He soon withdrew the Ghost Eye, noting that this location had long since ceased producing Blood Abyssal Stones and had been abandoned for a century. The ground was covered in filthy water, deterring any visitors.


    After ensuring his safety, he took out array gs and inserted them in the surroundings as a precaution.


    "Gu Yu, I''m about to attempt to make a breakthrough to the second level. You guard the surroundings for me!" Liu Wuxie said, and Gu Yu immediately stood up and went outside to assume a defensive stance.


    The resources Liu Wuxie had plundered were more than sufficient to advance to the fifth level of the Heavenly Phase Realm and beyond, especially with the five hundred high-grade spirit stones at his disposal.


    As Li Xiaohai''s screams gradually diminished, his body became riddled with holes, leaving only his skeleton behind as his energy was relentlessly drained.


    He started by cursing Liu Wuxie, but as exhaustion and powerlessness took hold, his pleas for mercy grew more desperate. He even offered to be Liu Wuxie''s subordinate in ast-ditch effort to save himself.


    However, Liu Wuxie ignored Li Xiaohai''s pleas and sped up the demonic mes to refine him. Thousands of droplets of spiritual liquid flowed into the deste world, and the Deste Devouring Art began elerating.


    The Blood Abyssal Stone in Liu Wuxie''s hand shrunk in size, with the energy rapidly being drained. He had given up using mid-grade spirit stones and directly extracted energy from the Blood Abyssal Stones.


    Mid-grade spirit stones could be used as currency to buy items, while high-grade spirit stones and Blood Abyssal Stones contained pure energy that offered immense benefits the more he absorbed them.


    When the spiritual liquid containing astral river power poured into the deste world and coursed through his limbs, Liu Wuxie''s acupoints began to open and absorb the energy.


    Liu Wuxie''s physical body grew stronger at an astonishing speed, and his injuries healed in minutes.


    Moreover, the deste world became even moreplete after absorbing astral river power, and wisps of stars appeared in the sky. The stars seemed tiny, but they had started to take form.


    The abundance of astral river power caused a faint ache in Liu Wuxie''s body, as he couldn''t fully absorb all the energy. He had to store it for future breakthroughs.


    "Breakthrough!" Liu Wuxie was prepared to make a breakthrough now that his body had almost recovered. The bottleneck to the second level broke apart like a fragile paper, torn apart by the unstoppable astral river power.


    A whirlwind of energy swept through Liu Wuxie''s soul sea, rapidly enhancing his soul energy. The Heavenly Dao Book unfolded, recording the sequence for the Astral River Realm and guiding Liu Wuxie through each step.


    It had been a day since Liu Wuxie''s battle with Li Xiaohai, and there were still no signs of him. Over ny percent of the cultivators had ventured into the underground world to search for Liu Wuxie, including abyssal devils who had infiltrated quietly.


    The abyssal devils were unaffected underground because they lived in the underworld world. They also had a stronger sense of smell, and several batches of abyssal devils had found some clues and were swiftly heading towards Liu Wuxie''s location.


    Liu Wuxie was deeply immersed in the astral river power, making rapid progress towards the third level of the Heavenly Phase Realm. However, he needed toplete his breakthrough swiftly and leave. With so many people searching the underground mines, it was only a matter of time before they would be discovered.


    A thunderous rumble came from Liu Wuxie''s body, and he could feel his blood boiling. Despite having his body transformed for so long, his blood was still his weakness.


    If he could enhance his blood, his spiritual root would elevate to the level of an immortal root.


    Two hours passed, and Li Xiaohai only had his skeletal frame left. There were no longer screams from him because even his primordial spirit had been refined. This was because the power of the demonic me had far exceeded Liu Wuxie''s expectations.


    A loud explosion echoed from within Liu Wuxie''s soul sea and almost burst his eardrums. A golden spot about the size of a sesame seed appeared in the center of his soul sea, looking very inconspicuous. But the appearance of this golden spot made Liu Wuxie tremble.


    Liu Wuxie stared in disbelief. "How is this possible? How could a primordial spirit manifest while I''m still in the Heavenly Phase Realm?" His soul sea, still shrouded in mist, was supposed to only give rise to a primordial spirit''s seed after advancing to the Astral River Realm. This seed would then gradually take shape, bing more defined and humanoid with higher cultivation.


    Yet here he was, witnessing an embryonic primordial spirit¡ªa vague, nascent form¡ªalready forming within him. As his cultivation progressed, this primordial spirit would evolve into a more distinct, humanoid figure, eventually mirroring himself.


    After reaching the Astral River Realm, a powerful primordial spirit could reach the size of a fist, while weaker ones were only the size of a broad bean.


    With the appearance of the primordial spirit in Heavenly Phase Realm, Liu Wuxie couldn''t imagine what would happen once he reached the Astral River Realm.


    When the primordial spirit opened its eyes, it would be an infant, which was where the Nascent Transformation Realm got its name.


    After reaching the Nascent Transformation Realm, the primordial spirit could escape even if the physical body was destroyed. The primordial spirit could find a new host and be reborn.


    However, Liu Wuxie''s primordial spirit had appeared ahead of an entire realm. One could only manifest the primordial spirit''s seed after reaching the Astral River Realm, but Liu Wuxie had done so in the Heavenly Phase Realm. If this news spread, it would shock the world.


    Soul energy began pouring into the primordial spirit''s seed to nourish and help it grow faster.


    Even though the primordial spirit''s embryo was the size of a sesame seed, it contained unparalleled soul energy. After all, many cultivators in the pinnacle Heavenly Phase Realm struggled to manifest their primordial spirit.


    Yet, Liu Wuxie had managed it effortlessly, even without intending to. The benefits of manifesting the primordial spirit''s embryo were clear: he would no longer have to worry about exhausting his soul energy when using the Earth Binding Chains in the future.


    This meant he would avoid falling unconscious even if he drained ny percent of his soul energy, only bing unconscious at most. Falling unconscious during a fight was too risky, and the consequences would have been dire if Gu Yu hadn¡¯t been there.


    Liu Wuxie spected that the manifestation of the primordial spirit''s seed might be rted to refining Li Xiaohai, who was in the second level of the Astral River Realm. He had long manifested his primordial spirit, and a portion of it had entered Liu Wuxie''s soul sea after being refined, which helped him embody the primordial spirit in advance.


    However, Liu Wuxie decided not to overthink since it had already happened. There were only benefits and no downsides because the manifestation of his primordial spirit would make his future breakthroughs easy.


    Reaching the Astral River Realm at forty was considered young, and reaching the Nascent Transformation Realm at fifty was considered a prodigy.


    Elder Tian Xing was considered a monstrous genius, but he had spent forty-five years to reach the Nascent Transformation Realm.

 Chapter 467 - Pursuit

    <h4>Chapter 467 - Pursuit</h4>


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t n to tell Gu Yu about his manifestation of the primordial spirit because it was too unbelievable.


    He stopped trying to make a breakthrough after reaching the second level of the Heavenly Phase Realm because the mysterious tree was warning him that danger was approaching.


    The roots had extended into the void, making it impossible for any movement to escape Liu Wuxie¡¯s detection. There was no time to stabilize his cultivation, and he could only fight while he stabilized his cultivation.


    Li Xiaohai¡¯s bones weren¡¯t wholly refined and hovered above the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron, waiting to carry on stripping the astral riverws for his next breakthrough.


    Sounds of fighting came from the tunnel as abyssal devils appeared, but Gu Yu blocked them out.


    Liu Wuxie stored the array gs and vanished. Over a hundred abyssal devils wereunching frenzied attacks on Gu Yu.


    Gu Yu was already injured in just one exchange because the abyssal devils¡¯bat strength was terrifying. This was mainly because Gu Yu wasn¡¯t ustomed to fighting abyssal devils. After all, his grandfather had rarely brought him to the underground world, and his understanding of abyssal devils was limited.


    The Heretic de descended, unleashing an unrivaled de ray, illuminating the tunnel and making all the abyssal devils visible.


    Abyssal devils began to fall in batches like wheat being harvested. More than half of the abyssal devils were killed in the blink of an eye.


    Seventh-grade abyssal devils wereparable to the Heavenly Phase Realm for humans, but they couldn¡¯t withstand Liu Wuxie¡¯s attack and were torn apart.


    Eighth-grade abyssal devils were rare andparable to the Astral River Realm. They usually guarded the Abyssal n¡¯s stronghold to prevent human assaults.


    ¡°This ce is no longer safe. Let¡¯s finish this quickly!¡± Liu Wuxie increased his speed when he showed up and devoured all the abyssal energy into the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron. The abyssal energy was converted into ck liquid and poured into the deste world.


    The abyssal realm in the deste world began to expand with the abyssal trait surging inside Liu Wuxie. That was especially the case for the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron. After refining the abyssal devils, the cauldron was covered in a thickyer of demonic runes, which looked like worms encircling it.


    This terrifying scene made the cauldron look like a purgatory furnace that could devour everything. Rumors suggested that there was a cauldron in the depths of hell that could refine anything, turning anything to ashes.


    Roars from the abyssal devils echoed far away in the underground. The tunnels were interconnected, and the slightest sound could travel hundreds of meters.


    The cultivators searching for Liu Wuxie¡¯s whereabouts heard the sound and immediately rushed over.


    They weren¡¯t just rushing over but flooding over like a tidal wave, in groups of five to six thousand people.


    Even with Liu Wuxie¡¯s strength, he had no chance against so many, especially with numerous cultivators in the Astral River Realm among them.


    He might still have a chance to escape if he ran into one or two cultivators in the low levels of the Astral River Realm, but he had no chance if he faced experts like Ding Ye or Xing Lian.


    After killing all the abyssal devils, Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t dare to stay for another moment and quickly headed for another region with Gu Yu. Relying on Ghost Eye, he was confident he could shake off all the pursuers.


    Less than fifteen minutes after Liu Wuxie¡¯s departure, a new group arrived. The remnants of the battle still lingered because Liu Wuxie had not had time to erase them.


    ¡°It¡¯s Liu Wuxie¡¯s aura!¡± The aura in this tunnel proved Liu Wuxie was just here a moment ago during the battle.


    ¡°That¡¯s impossible! I saw him faint during his battle with Li Xiaohai, and he¡¯s recovered in just one day?¡± Many were baffled, as Liu Wuxie should still have been unconscious. But who could have killed so many abyssal devils? The situation was too strange.


    ¡°He has many secrets on him, and it¡¯s not surprising he can recover so quickly,¡± a cultivator in the Astral River Realm said. Anything was possible when it came to Liu Wuxie.


    They continued their pursuit following Liu Wuxie¡¯s aura, and his aura vanished when there were several forks ahead.


    ¡°This is odd. It feels like they¡¯ve vanished into thin air!¡± Frustration mounted as the trackers found no trace of Liu Wuxie or Gu Yu. It seemed as though they had disappearedpletely.


    ¡°He must have a treasure that can help him conceal his aura. Damn it!¡± Many people brandished their fists around in frustration. The prey within their grasp had slipped away, leaving them with a bitter taste in their mouths.


    ¡°Split up! I don¡¯t believe he can escape!¡± The group quickly divided up into four paths, with over a thousand people taking each path.


    When passing through this area, Liu Wuxie had used the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron to devour the surrounding spiritual energy to create a chaotic state, making it impossible for anyone to detect their aura.


    They ran for roughly two hours before stopping because there was a dead end ahead.


    The two sat down to rest because Gu Yu had exhausted his physical strength severely after running for so long. It was mainly because he hadn¡¯t recovered from using the Divine Dragon Sword, and his ability to recover couldn¡¯t bepared to Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s divine sense entered the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron, and he fell into deep thoughts, looking at Li Xiaohai¡¯s skeleton.


    <i>Since Li Xiaohai didn¡¯t die instantly aftering in here, does that mean the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron can store life? I wonder if I can capture people and imprison them in the cauldron.</i> A bold thought rose in Liu Wuxie¡¯s mind.


    The Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron was massive and pitch-ck, which meant it was enough to hold thousands of people. Thews in the interspatial rings were restricted, and life couldn¡¯t be stored in them. Interspatial rings capable of storing life were scarce; even the ten major sects might not have one.


    The Earth Binding Chains had returned to his soul sea to be nourished, waiting for the next victim.


    Liu Wuxie and Gu Yu rested for fifteen minutes before they searched for a new path and continued to flee.


    The paths avable began to decrease because the two major forces had dispatched their elites to search the underground mines, stationingrge numbers of their personnel to upy the area.


    They would immediately use Communication Talisman to notify others at the sight of Liu Wuxie to form a blockade quickly. The underground mines in the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind were massive, with no less than thousands of tunnels.


    Two dayster, humans, sea demons, and abyssal devils upied over ny percent of the mines.


    Liu Wuxie and Gu Yu navigated through a tunnel, only to find two entrances blocked. The Ding Feng Hall and Wolf Fang Regiment¡¯s blockade hadpressed Liu Wuxie¡¯s movement space to the limit, leaving him with no choice but to leave the underground mines if he wanted to escape.


    When Liu Wuxie revealed himself, the cultivators guarding the tunnel immediately crushed their Communication Talismans to alert reinforcements. Xing Lian, positioned just a thousand meters away, could rush over at once upon receiving the news. In addition to Xing Lian, the Ding Feng Hall had dispatched their elites, and the two forces had temporarily allied, agreeing to share the spoils and information after capturing Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Damn it!¡± Liu Wuxie cursed, swinging the Heretic de in frustration. Despite his reluctance, he had already killed over fifty people in the past two days. The constant battles had numbed his senses, turning his opponents into mere walking corpses driven by the lure of treasure.


    The cultivators blocking his path were formidable, all at the high levels of the Heavenly Phase Realm, with one reaching the eighth level.


    They were cunning and unwilling to confront Liu Wuxie head-on and opted for a hit-and-run strategy. As long as they could hold Liu Wuxie off until Xing Lian and the other experts arrived, Liu Wuxie would be doomed.


    If they reported Liu Wuxie¡¯s appearance to Xing Lian, they would be rewarded by the two major forces with Blood Abyssal Stones.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, you can¡¯t escape. Surrender obediently!¡± The expert in the eighth-level Heavenly Phase Realm sneered and swung his longsword.


    The tunnel was too narrow for a direct confrontation. The cultivators would retreat whenever Liu Wuxieunched a powerful attack. He had to restrain his power to avoid copsing the mine, as escaping would be impossible if the structure gave way.


    Several times, he exerted too much strength, which nearly caused a copse in the mine.


    ¡°All of you, die!¡± The Heretic de flew out from Liu Wuxie¡¯s hand with the Sixth Fatality Form executed, which he could now execute wlessly.


    Heads exploded as the four men blocking his way were all killed.


    After killing them, Liu Wuxie and Gu Yu continued to flee, not daring to linger for even a moment.


    Barely five breaths after Liu Wuxie had fled, Xing Lian arrived with experts. Xing Lian¡¯s face became grim when he saw the corpses on the ground because the bodies were still warm, indicating they had just died moments ago.


    ¡°He¡¯s nearby! Chase him down!¡± Xing Lian snarled and released his primordial spirit with his divine sense spreading out.


    Liu Wuxie had fled a thousand meters away in just a few breaths, relying on Ghost Eye to target the weakly defended areas.


    The boundary between the hunter and prey became difficult to distinguish. The number of Astral River Realm cultivators was limited. Most people who entered the underground mines were only in the Heavenly Dipper Realm and Heavenly Phase Realm.


    This provided Liu Wuxie with plenty of opportunities, and this became his hunting ground instead. He had amassed enormous resources in just one day.


    Liu Wuxie remained unfazed as long as the enemies hadn''t formed arge group. He could easily avoid them, even if they gathered together, by heading toward more deserted areas. The situation was gradually turning in Liu Wuxie¡¯s favor, and Gu Yu couldn''t help but be inplete awe. Liu Wuxie''s choice to navigate the underground mines had proven to be the safest strategy.


    As Liu Wuxie kept the Ghost Eye active, his gaze locked onto the right.


    ¡°There¡¯s a cultivator in the Heavenly Phase Realm stationed on the right, but there¡¯s a cultivator in the Astral River Realm three hundred meters away. We must kill that Heavenly Phase Realm cultivator to leave from another tunnel in one breath.¡± Liu Wuxie assessed and came to a decision.


    Gu Yu found his aura a little chaotic at the beginning of the pursuit. But after he adapted to it, his aura became increasingly pure because the density of his true essence had increased. Wandering on the edge of life and death had elerated his growth.


    After a brief discussion, they decided that Gu Yu would serve as the decoy, luring the enemies while Liu Wuxieunched a surprise attack. Engaging in a direct confrontation would only force them to flee and reveal their location, so they opted for a more strategic approach.


    As Liu Wuxie and Gu Yu approached cautiously, voices echoed through the tunnel, betraying the presence of others ahead.


    ¡°Can you believe Liu Wuxie¡¯s luck? It¡¯s been three days, and with so many of us, we still haven¡¯t found him!¡± Three men leaned against a stone wall and grumbled. They had been in the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind and didn¡¯t have such a good fortune.


    ¡°He can¡¯t escape. Even if he changes his appearance, his aura will still give him away. Each tunnel is guarded, and he¡¯ll show up sooner orter,¡± the man in the middle said disinterestedly.


    They had been stationed here for over a day, and it was natural for them to be restless. Changing one¡¯s appearance only altered the look, but the aura couldn¡¯t be faked.

 Chapter 468 - Mysterious Black Hole

    <h4>Chapter 468 - Mysterious ck Hole</h4>


    Liu Wuxie''s aura had been exposed during his fight with Li Xiaohai, making it easily recognizable to anyone present that day.


    "Who¡¯s there?" The three men suddenly tensed, sensing someone approaching.


    Rustling sounds could be heard as Gu Yu approached. The aura he gave off was unfamiliar because he hadn''t fought along the way, so only a few people knew about his aura.


    Due to the dim lighting in the underground mines, everyone could only use their divine sense to investigate.


    The three men didn''t dare to be careless and attacked Gu Yu with their weapons.


    But before their attacks couldnd, a ck shadow shed across the space above Gu Yu''s head. The shadow moved with incredible speed, slicing through the throats of all three men before they could react, silencing them instantly.


    After devouring the three men''s corpses into the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron and securing their interspatial rings, Liu Wuxie and Gu Yu quickly moved on.


    "We''ll be safe once we leave this area," Liu Wuxie reassured. With the pursuers behind them shaken off, the path ahead seemed more manageable.


    Days passed, and Liu Wuxie''s whereabouts became a mystery. Despite the relentless pursuit, he continually evaded capture, leaving many to specte if he possessed the ability to foresee the future. Xing Lian, infuriated by Liu Wuxie''s repeated escapes, vented his frustration by killing a few of his own men before he calmed down.


    "Big Brother Liu, where are we going now?" Liu Wuxie and Gu Yu had been wandering in the underground world for more than three days, and Gu Yu had already lost his sense of direction and didn''t know where they were now.


    "We''re beneath the city!" They had nearly circled the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind for three days and returned to the city through an underground passage.


    The city was already deserted because everyone had entered the underground world to pursue them, leaving behind the old, weak, sick, and disabled.


    "What should we do now? Are we going to surface?" Gu Yu asked, realizing that the most dangerous ce might actually be the safest. After all, who would expect Liu Wuxie to return to the city?


    "The city is the safest judging from the current situation, but if they return and form an encirclement around the city, we would be trapped with no way out." Liu Wuxie hesitated and was still determining if they should go up. After all, it was dangerous no matter which option he chose.


    Staying in the underground world was dangerous, and it was also unsafe for them to go up. Not to mention that Ding Ye and the Wolf Fang Regiment''s leader were still in the city to guard their territory.


    They were in the pinnacle Astral River Realm and could sense any disturbance in the surroundings. This was why Liu Wuxie didn''t dare to take the risk lightly.


    Rustling sounds echoed from afar, resembling the flow of water moving steadily in their direction. Liu Wuxie and Gu Yu immediately tensed up¡ªthere shouldn''t have been any flowing water in the underground mine.


    This was particrly unusual since a recent earthquake had flooded many sections of the mine with seawater. However, the water had receded days ago, leaving only muck and debris behind.


    "It''s the Sea Demon n! Prepare for battle!" Liu Wuxie''s Ghost Eye prated the stone walls and saw a group of sea demons nearby, channeling seawater into the mine. This way, the other cultivators couldn''t get close, giving the Sea Demon n a significant advantage.


    As the seawater began flooding the mine, it created a hazardous environment for humans. Navigating the waterlogged tunnels was nearly impossible, and the sea demons could strike at any moment, using their aquatic mobility to their advantage.


    The sounds of water flow soon turned into surging waves, and powerful waves enveloped Liu Wuxie and Gu Yu.


    Liu Wuxie and Gu Yu had no choice but to close their eyes, ears, and noses to avoid being overwhelmed by the seawater.


    The mine was about five meters high and instantly filled with seawater.


    Large rocks began to fall under the pressure of the rushing water, causing many areas in the underground world to copse. The tremors from underground soon reached the surface, causing many buildings to copse.


    Another earthquake had arrived, and the influx of seawater, which had made the earth soft, affected geological stability.


    The seawater overwhelmed Liu Wuxie and Gu Yu, significantly hindering their movement. This reduced theirbat strength by half.


    Bubbles appeared from afar as thousands of sea demons had blocked the exit. With so many tunnels sealed, Liu Wuxie had no way out unless he could dig a new tunnel and escape.


    Under the immense underwater pressure, it was tough to walk and dig out a tunnel.


    "Human,e with us, and we will consider sparing your life." To avoid causing too muchmotion, a powerful shark sea demon appeared and transformed into a middle-aged man with gills on his face.


    The moment he appeared, the seawater in the surroundings surged as the sea demons on both sides retreated.


    "High levels of the Astral River Realm!" Liu Wuxie''s eyes shed with a hint of solemnness because this sea demon was formidable, an opponent he couldn''t currently face.


    Even if they were onnd, he had no odds of winning even with the Earth Binding Chains, let alone surrounded by seawater.


    The sea demon''s voice prated the water and reached Liu Wuxie. But Liu Wuxie shook his head because he wouldn''t go with them even if he died. After all, his life would no longer be in his own hands if he followed them to the seabed, and he would be at their mercy.


    They might even search his soul to excavate all his secrets, especially his identity as an Immortal Emperor. The term immortal was a myth in the True Martial Continent, and immortals could only be heard in legends.


    "The Sea Demon n has long upied this ce. I advise you toe obediently, and don''t force me to take action!" The sea demon''s voice was cold, and a terrifying shockwave swept out as his aura began to rise.


    If Liu Wuxie dared to escape again, he wouldn''t hold back from capturing him and bringing him to the seabed.


    Due to the water pressure in the underground mine, more parts of the city began to copse, alerting those on the surface. The sudden influx of seawater caught the attention of the two major forces'' leaders, who immediately sent people to investigate. They found arge group of sea demons rushing over.


    Countless people passed through the mines and could barely see the battlefield through the water.


    "It''s Liu Wuxie! The sea demons trapped him!" Liu Wuxie was in the center of the seawater, which meant any humans who wanted to get close had to pass through the seawater. Not to mention, many sea demons were in the surroundings to prevent anyone from approaching.


    "These damned sea demons! They brought seawater in! We will be greatly weakened if we rush in recklessly!" A hall master of the Wolf Fang Regiment stomped his foot in anger.


    Humans and sea demons had been at war for many years, which resulted in hostility between the two races. In addition to humans, abyssal devils also approached swiftly.


    Liu Wuxie had thoroughly offended the Abyssal n after killing more than two hundred abyssal devils the other time, and they sent an eighth-grade abyssal devil over this time.


    As Liu Wuxie observed the high-level Astral River Realm cultivators, sea demons, and abyssal devils surrounding him, a deep sense of despair settled in. Even if they somehow managed to escape the sea demons, they were still trapped. The full weight of what it meant to be surrounded dawned on him.


    Learning that the sea demons had trapped Liu Wuxie, Ding Feng, Lin Feng, the Wolf Fang Regiment''s leader, Xing Lian, and others rushed over.


    "Liu Wuxie, I can drive these sea demons away if you submit to me. What do you think?" Ding Ye modted his voice into a highly concentrated frequency, enabling it to prate the dense medium of seawater and reach Liu Wuxie with precise uracy.


    Everyone else heard the offer as well, and it seemed almost impossible for Liu Wuxie to refuse. The sea demons were notoriously merciless, and falling into their hands meant certain doom.


    As long as Liu Wuxie was willing to hand over his treasures, Ding Ye might not kill him outright, but he would imprison him to prevent anyone from getting his secrets. After all, who wouldn''t want to keep the treasures and secrets for themselves?


    "Damned humans, get lost!" The shark sea demon bellowed in rage, manipting a massive volume of seawater to generate a powerful tidal wave. The wave surged forward with such immense kic force that it caused the surrounding stone walls to crumble as if they were made of brittle material.


    The ground beneath them began to copse due to a sudden and intense suction force, creating a powerful vortex. Both sea demons and humans, unable to resist the overwhelming pull, were dragged into the depths. No one knew what was underground or why a vortex had appeared.


    The vortex formed as a result of an underground void, which began to copse after a small crack appeared. The fissure quickly expanded, spreading in all directions and growing from the size of a jar to a massive chasm that led to the copse of half the mine. This sudden disaster sent shockwaves through the nearby mines, causing panic among the humans who scrambled to escape.


    The powerful force caused the ground to sink as the crack devoured more seawater. This resulted in the mines'' copse, unleashing powerful gales that devoured everything.


    This situation caught everyone off guard, and the copse soon sparked a chain reaction with more bottomless pits appearing on the ground.


    The iing seawater poured in with immense pressure, breaking through the stone walls. As the ground began to sink, the city''s buildings also copsed in clusters. Many cultivators fled from their courtyards at themotion, not knowing what was happening.


    With a thunderous rumble, three mines were buried entirely.


    "ARGH! I DON''T WANT TO DIE!" The powerful vortex sucked half of the humans present in just one breath. The sea demons trapping Liu Wuxie were also devoured by the vortex no matter how hard they struggled.


    That was the same for Liu Wuxie and Gu Yu, who were gripping the stone walls tightly to avoid being sucked into the vortex. After all, who knew what dangersy underground, and being sucked into the vortex might lead to endless darkness.


    Gu Yu''s strength wasn''t as strong as Liu Wuxie''s, and he slowly lost his grip on the stone walls. He swallowed several mouthfuls of seawater before his hands slipped and was about to be sucked into the vortex.


    Liu Wuxie reached out to grab Gu Yu''s hand in the nick of time, but an even more powerful suction force exploded, causing the stone wall that Liu Wuxie gripped onto to crumble, sweeping the two of them into the vortex.


    The disastersted for a few minutes and left the city destroyed. The vortex had long swept away the sea demons surrounding Liu Wuxie, and the seawater in the mine began to recede.


    The cultivators who arrivedter were terrified by this scene and didn''t dare to get close because the ck hole was too massive and bottomless.


    "The bottom of the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind is hollow!" someone eximed, their voice trembling with terror. Thousands stood at the edge of the ck hole, gazing down into its depths.

 Chapter 469 - Dragon Palace

    <h4>Chapter 469 - Dragon Pce</h4>


    The suction force from the ck hole gradually weakened, bing less intense and barely noticeable. The sea demons had disappeared, and the seawater began to recede.


    As Liu Wuxie grabbed hold of Gu Yu, the stone wall suddenly crumbled, pulling them both into the vortex along with massive chunks of rock. Their consciousness began to blur, but Liu Wuxie quickly activated the Ghost Eye to maneuver through the chaos, dodging the rocks crashing down around them.


    Many cultivators and sea demons were swept into the vortex, but they were shredded into pieces by the vortex because they couldn¡¯t withstand the tearing force.


    Only those who were in the high levels of the Heavenly Phase Realm barely survived, while many in the low levels suffered heavy casualties.


    Even if they managed to survive the tearing force from the vortex, the falling rocks could crush them into debris.


    The seawater was dyed red in blood, and they continued to sink. A series of loud bangs followed with the seawater falling first, followed by stones, then the humans and sea demons.


    Screams could be heard because many people were barely conscious when they blew apart from the impact as they smashed into the rocks.


    Liu Wuxie barely managed to stay conscious, relying on his powerful soul energy. When he was several dozen meters from the ground, he flipped around and dragged Gu Yu to the side.


    Even Ding Ye and the Wolf Fang Regiment¡¯s leader were caught by the vortex, but they wouldn¡¯t die, given their strength. This meant the consequences would be unimaginable if they saw him, and the best solution was to avoid them.


    Whennding on the ground, Liu Wuxie circted his cultivation technique to dispel the difort.


    Gu Yu was dizzy and disoriented from the fall, so he took five breaths to adapt slowly.


    Out of more than three thousand people who were swept into the vortex, over half were ripped apart by the vortex, and one-third were fatally injured by the fall. This meant that only less than one-third of the people survived.


    The sea demons didn¡¯t fare any better because they suffered heavy losses. Only the abyssal devils had surprisingly higher survival rate due to their powerful physique.


    ¡°Where are we?¡± Those who had recovered from the fall looked around in confusion, utterly bewildered by their surroundings. Nearly a thousand individuals had gathered, their gazes darting in every direction.


    Among the three races, about three hundred sea demons had survived, along with around two hundred abyssal devils, as they hadn¡¯t sent many forces. This meant that humans had the advantage in numbers. However, there was a significant drawback: unlike the sea demons and abyssal devils, who followed the orders of their superiors, humans struggled to unite, each group driven by their own agendas.


    Liu Wuxie and Gu Yu hid behind arge rock, concealing their aura to the utmost extent to avoid being discovered by anyone. Furthermore, Liu Wuxie also scanned the surroundings with Ghost Eye to observe the environment.


    When he looked up, he saw a massive ck hole above them, as if the ceiling had been punched through. The surroundings resembled an ancient underground structure, with colossal pirs supporting the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind. The entire underground chamber extended for tens of thousands of meters.


    This baffled everyone. Who could have built such arge underground pce capable of supporting an entire ind? Some people tried to fly up the ck hole several times, but the suction force was so powerful that even those in the Astral River Realm were easily dragged down.


    This ce looked like an isted world that had suddenly opened, and the rocksid on the ground were unlike anything Liu Wuxie had ever seen.


    Suddenly, an exmation echoed throughout the underground pce and drew everyone¡¯s attention.


    ¡°Look at these pirs!¡± A cultivator walked over to the nearest pir and wiped the dust off it, revealing the intricate engravings.


    Everyone hurried over to inspect the pir.


    ¡°These are dragon runes!¡± Ding Ye and others couldn¡¯t recognize the patterns, but the shark sea demon eximed after recognizing the engravings.


    Everyone was stunned by this revtion, regardless of whether they were sea demons or abyssal devils.


    ¡°Could this ce be an underground dragon pce?¡± Everyone was excited upon learning that this was an underground dragon pce.


    The Dragon n was the noblest race in heaven and earth, and the Dragon n¡¯s bloodline was ranked first out of three thousand. Even divine beasts like Qilin and Phoenix were ranked beneath the Dragon n.


    The human bloodline had a low ranking and couldn¡¯t even bepared to the abyssal devils, barely making it into the top two thousand.


    Legends mentioned three thousand races in the universe, and the Dragon n¡¯s origins preceded humans by billions of years.


    In that era, dragons reigned supreme across the universe,manding the allegiance of countless races from various nes. Even the Demon n, which rose to prominenceter, was originally a branch of the Dragon n and would bow in submission at the mere sight of a dragon.


    The Sea Demon n was part of the Demon n, and they felt both afraid and excited at the sight of the dragon runes.


    Liu Wuxie, on the other hand, frowned at the sight of the dragon runes. The appearance of the dragon runes didn¡¯t surprise him, but the appearance of dragons was scarce in the True Martial Continent.


    He recalled a genius from the Immortal Realm who had bathed daily in the blood essence of the Dragon n, ultimately achieving the legendary True Dragon Physique. This physique was renowned for its immense power and near-immortality, enabling its possessor, at the highest levels, to take on the form of a true dragon and be indistinguishable from the dragons themselves.


    After all, using the Dragon n¡¯s bloodline to transform into a dragon was extremely rare in the Celestial Realm for humans. This was because dragons had a powerful physique, and transforming into them meant bing almost invincible.


    Upon realizing this was a dragon pce, Gu Yu¡¯s face changed. He possessed the Sky Dragon¡¯s bloodline, a branch of the Dragon n. The Dragon n had many variations, such as Golden Dragons, Sky Dragons, Deste Dragons, Titan Dragons, etc.


    ¡°Big Brother Liu, do you remember when I told you there¡¯s a mysterious force attracting me here?¡± Gu Yu transmitted his voice to Liu Wuxie. He could sense the attraction when they had previously entered the mines.


    ¡°You¡¯re saying something is calling out to you here?¡± Liu Wuxie withdrew his gaze. Everyone was now focused on the dragon n and had forgotten about him.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. I suspect that this dragon pce was once my ancestor¡¯s residence.¡± Gu Yu frowned because the Gu n had descended from the Sky Dragon¡¯s bloodline, and it made sense that Gu Yu could feel a connection if this ce was the Sky Dragon¡¯s residence.


    ¡°Besides that vague attraction, can you sense anything more specific?¡± Liu Wuxie asked, helping Gu Yu to analyze the situation. The feeling alone didn¡¯t prove much; it was like a faint, indistinct pull.


    ¡°It feels like a calling, like a mysterious force calling out to me.¡± Gu Yu dared not hide anything from Liu Wuxie and shared everything he knew. The calling wasn¡¯t obvious, but he could feel his bloodline stirring as if a mysterious force had been calling out to him since entering this ce.


    ¡°Can you sense where¡¯s the callinging from?¡± Liu Wuxie inquired, knowing they needed to uncover the mystery before the others did.


    ¡°Over there!¡± Gu Yu pointed straight ahead, where it was pitch-ck to the naked eye.


    ¡°This is strange because there¡¯s nothing there!¡± Liu Wuxie had already used Ghost Eye to scan the surroundings when they hadnded. The Dragon Pce¡¯s entrance was on the right, with ¡®Dragon Pce¡¯ engraved at the top.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know either. I can only feel a callinging from that direction!¡± Gu Yu couldn¡¯t exin it in detail because it was only a feeling.


    ¡°Let¡¯s wait till we enter the Dragon Pce. A stone wall blocks that side, and we can¡¯t enter. Perhaps there might be another secret passage to enter,¡± Liu Wuxie offered an exnation based on his analysis. The materials used to construct the stone walls were unique, capable of blocking his Ghost Eye.


    Gu Yu nodded and trusted Liu Wuxie¡¯s words.


    The others were still gathered around the pir to observe the dragon runes. Many people even took out paper and a brush to record the runes.


    A portion of the people moved towards the Dragon Pce¡¯s entrance. The suction force was gradually weakening, but no one left.


    The ¡®Dragon Pce¡¯ at the top of the entrance gleamed brightly and was visible from hundreds of meters away.


    The za outside the Dragon Pce, where they had fallen, was an expansive area supported by countless stone pirs.


    The humans were divided into three factions: the Ding Feng Hall, Wolf Fang Regiment, and rogue cultivators that did not belong to the two forces. The rogue cultivators had no choice but to band together to deter the other factions, bing a force that couldn¡¯t be ignored.


    They even forgot why they had ended up there. Then again, it was understandable because even those in the high levels of the Heavenly Phase Realm were shredded by the vortex, not to mention Liu Wuxie, who was just at the low levels of the Heavenly Phase Realm.


    Being forgotten was good news to Liu Wuxie because no one noticed him. The gate was tightly shut with two massive door rings that emanated an overwhelming dragon¡¯s aura.


    ¡°These door rings are priceless treasures!¡± Liu Wuxie murmured.


    The Dragon n had appeared billions of years ago and plundered countless treasures. They had even created the Dragon Realm, which proved their wealth.


    Every year, many humans from the Celestial Realm would secretly infiltrate the Dragon Realm to steal treasures.


    The Wolf Fang Regiment¡¯s leader walked to the front and stared at the massive gates. He took a deep breath before pushing the gates with all his might, but the gigantic gate didn¡¯t budge.


    He was in the pinnacle of the Astral River Realm, but he couldn¡¯t even budge the two gates, which were unbelievable.


    ¡°Let me help you!¡± Xing Lian took a step forward and helped to push the gates with all his might, but the gates remained unmoved.


    An uproar exploded from the crowd because the dragon pce was before their eyes, but they couldn¡¯t enter. Everyone was eager and confident that there were countless treasures inside, and they would be rich as long as they could open the gates.


    ¡°What are you all standing around for? Come and help out!¡± Xing Lian roared as more people stepped forward to help push the gates.


    Even Ding Ye and Lin Feng joined in, not wanting the Wolf Fang Regiment to advance on them.


    The forces of hundreds of peoplebined wereparable to those of the Nascent Transformation Realm. The giant gates began to creak, revealing a small gap as they slowly opened.


    The sea demons and abyssal devils stood aside and didn¡¯t move, waiting for the gates to be fully opened before rushing in.


    As the gap slowly opened, Liu Wuxie adjusted his body to face the gates. The moment the gate opened, his Ghost Eye instantly prated the depths of the dragon pce before gasping in shock.


    ¡°Big Brother Liu, what did you see inside?¡± Gu Yu already knew that Liu Wuxie had practiced a bizarre eye technique and could see through many things.


    ¡°You¡¯ll find out soon enough!¡± Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t describe the interior with words because it vastly differed from what he had imagined.


    When the gap opened big enough to barely amodate a person, everyone was dumbfounded when they saw the interior because this wasn¡¯t what they had imagined. They began to wonder if this ce was a dragon pce.

 Chapter 470 - Mandala Flower

    <h4>Chapter 470 - Mand Flower</h4>


    The stone gates opened, and everyone began flocking through the gap, including the sea demons and abyssal devils waiting behind.


    A merciless ughter broke out, with everyone''s eyes bing bloodshot, and the ground was littered with corpses in just one breath. The humans suffered heavy casualties, facing the onught of the sea demons and abyssal devils. This oue was inevitable because the humans weren''t united enough.


    "Big Brother Liu, what are those flowers?" Only Liu Wuxie and Gu Yu remained outside, who stood up from the boulder and looked through the gates.


    Behind the gates wasn''t a grand hall but a garden full of blooming flowers. Each flower gave off a tempting fragrance, and they were treasures. These flowers had lived for thousands of years, absorbing abundant sun and moon essence, making them precious.


    No one recognized the flowers, but they felt they must be treasures since they were in the dragon pce. The moment they entered, there was a scramble. After all, it was no secret that dragons loved collecting treasures.


    Those fighting had long lost their rationale, cutting down anyone they saw without hesitation. The stampede ruined the garden, and there were only a few undamaged flowers.


    "Mand Flowers!" Liu Wuxie murmured. He wasn''t surprised by the appearance of Mand Flowers since even Netherspirit Flowers could be seen in the True Martial Continent.


    "Are Mand Flowers really that rare? Is it worth all this chaos for just a single flower?" Gu Yu wondered aloud as he surveyed the chaotic scene before him. The garden boasted at least a hundred Mand Flowers, yet the sight of cultivators fighting fiercely over them puzzled him. With over a thousand people present, it seemed inevitable that a fierce battle would erupt over the flowers.


    But what baffled him more was why the leader of the Wolf Fang Regiment, Xing Lian, would suddenly attack his own men. Even Ding Ye and Lin Feng were locked in a vicious struggle with each other. The scene made no sense, and a chill ran down Gu Yu''s spine as he tried to make sense of it all.


    "Mand Flowers are known to be Flower of Hell because they don''t belong to the human world but hell. If a human inhales a breath, they will lose their sanity and kill anyone they see, regardless of whether they were friends or family."


    The Netherspirit Flower was called the Flower of Death, while the Mand Flower was called the Flower of Hell. Neither of them should have existed on the True Martial Continent.


    Gu Yu took a deep breath upon hearing what Liu Wuxie said, and he finally understood why Liu Wuxie had gasped when he looked into the gates. It turned out he had seen a whole garden of Mand Flowers.


    This meant Liu Wuxie already knew there would be a massacre when these people went in. The ground was dyed red in blood, and everyone regained their senses when thest Mand Flower was destroyed after being trampled.


    "What''s going on?" When Lin Feng regained consciousness, he looked at Ding Ye, who was confused and pointing a sword at him.


    "I also want to know what happened!" Everyone tried to recall everything that had just happened. They only remembered their attraction to the Mand Flowers after they had entered the gates, but they were clueless about what had happened after that.


    The ground was littered with corpses, and more than half of the people who came in had lost their lives. That was also the same for sea demons and abyssal devils.


    "Leader, I can no longer fight by your side!" Xing Lian gasped, blood bubbling from his lips as the sword that had pierced his heart remained lodged in his chest. The weapon had been thrust by none other than the leader of the Wolf Fang Regiment himself, who now stood over him, frozen in shock.


    "No!" The Wolf Fang Regiment''s leader let out a ferocious cry but didn''t dare to pull out the sword because Xing Lian would die faster this way.


    Xing Lian was only in the fifth level of the Astral River Realm and was not a match for the Wolf Fang Regiment''s leader, who had stabbed his heart after just a few rounds.


    Wolf Fang Regiment''s leader became furious and his face twisted with rage. The Wolf Fang Regiment was now at a disadvantagepared to the Ding Feng Hall.


    The Ding Feng Hall had also suffered heavy losses, with many experts in by Ding Ye and Lin Feng. This made everyone''s hearts heavy to suffer so many casualties before seeing any treasures.


    "This is all that brat''s fault. We wouldn''t have ended up here if it weren''t for him!" More than five thousand people were chasing after Liu Wuxie, but only a few hundred survived.


    Thinking back to the events of the past few days, they med everything on Liu Wuxie. But they didn''t realize that so many people wouldn''t have died if they hadn''t pursued him. Heaven''s retribution couldn''t be escaped, and this was a disaster these people had inflicted on themselves.


    "There''s no use talking about it now. That kid has already died in the vortex, and our focus should be on the treasures in the dragon pce so our trip won''t be in vain!"


    Everyone pulled themselves together and looked around. Only one corridor led out of the courtyard, and a few hundred people quickly walked over to explore the dragon pce.


    Liu Wuxie and Gu Yu only dared toe out after everyone had left.


    Liu Wuxie searched the garden of Mand Flowers before finding one that was rtively intact. Hemented, "What a pity...it would be wonderful if the Mand Flowers could be refined into pills..."


    Although the Mand Flowers were called the Flower of Hell and could cause one to lose one''s sanity just by breathing in their fragrance, they were undeniably treasures. Their spirituality could be extracted and refined into eighth-grade pills.


    After being crushed, the Mand Flowers lost their value, so Liu Wuxie voiced his regret.


    "Big Brother Liu, they''ve all gone in!" Gu Yu whispered, his eyes nervously scanning the surroundings. He had little interest in the Mand Flowers, knowing they could drive people to madness.


    "There''s no rush," Liu Wuxie replied calmly. He understood the risks of moving too hastily. With their current strength, running into the others would be a death sentence.


    They waited for about fifteen minutes, letting the others disappear deeper into the corridor before cautiously making their move.


    As they entered, Liu Wuxie noted the intricate dragon runes engraved on the walls. Each rune seemed to pulse with ancient power, and he made a mental effort to memorize them. These runes could prove invaluable, especially for forging the legendary treasures of the Dragon n¡ªa task that required precise knowledge of such symbols.


    Liu Wuxie knew only a few dragon runes and was far from proficient.


    Sounds of weapons shing could be heard from ahead, likely due to a disagreement over some discovered treasures.


    "Ding Ye, you think the two of you can defeat me? I was the one who discovered this dragon bone first!" The voice of the Wolf Fang Regiment''s leader sounded.


    "We found this dragon bone first. Today, let us settle this once and for all!" Lin Feng''s voice sounded as he joined forces with Ding Feng against the Wolf Fang Regiment''s leader.


    The three were in the pinnacle Astral River Realm, and the shockwave of their battles, in the form of intense heat, could be felt even from thousands of meters away.


    Liu Wuxie took out two masks from his interspatial ring and changed into a new set of clothes.


    "Put it on. We won''t be discovered if we don''t fight and reveal our aura." Liu Wuxie knew he had to act quickly since a dragon bone was discovered. It was undoubtedly a precious treasure.


    After putting on the masks and quickening their pace, they both transformed into middle-aged men. They had concealed their aura to the utmost so no one could notice them unless someone deliberately tried to sense them.


    Everyone had long been drawn to the treasures in the dragon pce, and no one would pay any attention to them.


    A majestic hall appeared, with both sides constructed with seabed rocks, which made them incredibly tough. The hall was five thousand meters long and about a thousand meters wide, making it extremelyrge. Even with a few hundred people, it still looked rtively empty.


    There were many high tforms on both sides of the hall, where dragons could coil themselves on it to discuss matters.


    As Liu Wuxie surveyed the tforms, his divine sense revealed their smooth surfaces, suggesting that these tforms once bore the weight of thirty-odd dragons. The grandeur of the True Martial Continent from thousands of years ago was evident in every detail.


    The pirs supporting the hall were carved from rare ink jade, and even a tiny piece was worth a fortune. But they were in the form ofrge pirs used to support the hall, and the extravagance was unimaginable.


    It was a pity that these ink jades were too big to take with them, and they would be buried there alive if they forcibly broke them. This was why no one dared to act recklessly against those pirs.


    Lin Feng and Ding Ye joined forces against the Wolf Fang Regiment''s leader in the hall''s center over a small segment of dragon bone.


    "Gu Yu, where''s callinging from?" Liu Wuxie lost his interest after seeing that the dragon bone was only the size of a finger. He needed to find aplete dragon bone to forge weapons.


    "Over there!" Gu Yu pointed to the right. The mysterious calling had grown stronger since they entered the dragon pce, pulling at him with increasing intensity.


    "Let''s go around them!" The two carefully moved to the right.


    A few people looked at them after finding them unfamiliar, but they were soon attracted by the battle between the three leaders at the pinnacle of the Astral River Realm.


    Liu Wuxie and Gu Yu took roughly fifteen minutes to reach the ce that Gu Yu pointed out.


    "There''s no way through here!" There was nothing but a wall before them.


    The hall waspletely sealed, meaning divine dragons could only pass through the gates to reach this hall. But this brought the question: where did the dragons live in the pce?


    Everything was a mystery because the dragon n must''ve lived there since this was a dragon pce. But where was their sleeping chamber?


    "It''s here; there''s no doubt!" Gu Yu was very confident because the Divine Dragon Sword had provided feedback.


    "No hurry!" Liu Wuxie wasn''t in a hurry to avoid being discovered.


    Everyone''s attention was on the fight, and they couldn''t be bothered with the two of them.


    Liu Wuxie still couldn''t see through the stone walls when he used Ghost Eye, but he believed he could find some clues. Thus, he could only search the stone wall inch by inch.


    The battle was nearly ending, with the Wolf Fang Regiment''s leader being on the losing ground under the attacks of Ding Ye and Lin Feng, and the victory was finally decided after thousands of exchanges.


    Ding Ye took away the dragon bone, and the face of the Wolf Fang Regiment''s leader became ugly as he began plotting how to kill the two. He could only turn to look at the sea demons and abyssal devils.


    "Mhm?" Liu Wuxie suddenly ced his hand on a stone and noticed it was different from the others in color and toughness. Most importantly, it had a small crack.

 Chapter 471 - Dragon Bone

    <h4>Chapter 471 - Dragon Bone</h4>


    The crack instantly attracted Liu Wuxie''s attention. The crack was about three fingers in length and barely half an inch thick, simr to the size and thickness of a sword.


    The other stones might have simr cracks, but they differed from this one. This crack was manmade, while the other cracks looked natural.


    "Gu Yu, take your sword out!" A bold idea began to form in Liu Wuxie''s mind. If this underground pce belonged to Gu Yu''s ancestor, there was a high possibility that Gu Yu''s longsword might be the key.


    Moreover, Gu Yu''s longsword contained the Sky Dragon''s will, which might bring surprises.


    After looking around and seeing everyone dispersed to search in the hall, Gu Yu handed his longsword over to Liu Wuxie, who inserted the sword into the crack. The sword perfectly fit the crack, leaving only the sword hilt outside.


    But seeing nomotion from the stone wall, Liu Wuxie wondered if he had made a mistake.


    After waiting for about half a minute, the dragon pce trembled, and cracking sounds beganing from the stone wall. The stone wall in front of Liu Wuxie suddenly split from the middle, and the ancient sword worked as a key, returning to his hand.


    "There''s a door over there!" This action drew everyone''s attention, and they rushed over, fearing that Liu Wuxie would get ahead of them.


    "Let''s get inside quickly!" Liu Wuxie took the lead, followed by Gu Yu behind him. They quickly entered, disregarding if there were any dangers.


    The stone wall continued to split apart, affecting the hall''s integrity. Dust began to fall from above, and cracks covered the walls as though the dragon pce would copse at any moment.


    After passing through the stone wall and entering the dragon n''s chamber, the two felt like they had entered a new world.


    "What a huge dragon bone!" A mighty dragon aura descended from the sky when they ran for about a hundred meters and froze them in ce.


    A terrifying dragon skeleton appeared before Liu Wuxie and Gu Yu. Thetter was stunned in ce because he was a human despite possessing the Sky Dragon''s bloodline, and he had never seen what a dragon looked like before.


    On the contrary, Liu Wuxie remained calm as he looked at a table before the dragon skeleton. A scepter and an ancient seal were ced on the table.


    The dragon skeleton had weathered significantly over the thousands of years. Even the dragon runes on the skeleton were barely visible.


    "What should we do?" Gu Yu panicked because there was no path ahead except for this chamber. The dragon pce had utterly sealed off after the divine dragon''s death.


    Liu Wuxie''s mind began to race as he scanned the surroundings. The chamber was massive, roughly twenty thousand square meters, and the dragon''s skeleton upied half of it.


    The surrounding walls were constructed with bare stones; the chamber contained nothing besides the dragon''s skeleton, the scepter, and the ancient seal.


    The overwhelming dragon aura came from the dragon''s skeleton, preventing them from taking another step forward.


    Ding Ye and others soon caught up and were shocked by the scene before them, quickly followed by a surge of joy.


    "Retrieve the skeleton and the items on the table!" Liu Wuxie made a crazy decision to retrieve the treasures. He suspected that the scepter and ancient seal, being Dragon n artifacts, were potentially more valuable than the dragon skeleton itself.


    "How is it possible? We can''t even get close to the skeleton." Gu Yu found it hard to believe. If he could refine the skeleton or even absorb just one-tenth of the energy, his bloodline would be infinitely closer to that of a Sky Dragon. This meant his power would undergo a tremendous transformation.


    The dragon¡¯s aura, however, formed an imprable barrier, preventing them from approaching within three hundred meters of the skeleton. The pressure was overwhelming, akin to a colossal mountain pressing down upon them, making any further progress seem impossible.


    Gu Yu grew increasingly anxious as Ding Ye, and the others drew nearer. The dragon skeleton emitted a formidable aura, suggesting that the dragon must have been at least in the True Profound Realm during its lifetime.


    "Take out your Divine Dragon Sword.¡± Liu Wuxie urged, his mind racing. "It might be able to counteract some of the dragon¡¯s aura and make it easier for us to approach."


    Gu Yu didn''t hesitate to take out the Divine Dragon Sword, and the pressure suddenly became lighter. There was even a resonance between the sword and the skeleton.


    Meanwhile, Liu Wuxie seemed to have understood why cultivators in the Nascent Transformation Realm couldn''t enter the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind. The massive dragon aura could deter even those in the Astral River Realm from getting close. But if someone in the Nascent Transformation Realm came, they could collect the skeleton with their cultivation.


    This was a protective measure, a barrier to prevent anyone in the Nascent Transformation Realm from entering the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind.


    The dragon aura was in the form of waves, restricting Gu Yu in ce just when he took a few steps forward.


    Gu Yu was frozen in ce, and the pressure was growing heavier on his shoulders. The dragon''s aura felt like a mountain crushing down on his body, causing his legs to bend slightly under the immense crushing force.


    "It''s him?! They''re not dead!" Liu Wuxie and Gu Yu might''ve disguised themselves, but they were instantly recognized when Gu Yu took out the Divine Dragon Sword.


    "Liu Wuxie, you''re not dead?!" Ding Ye''s eyes became bloodshot; the Ding Feng Hall had suffered heavy casualties because of him, with most of their higher-ups dead.


    It would be hard for the Ding Feng Hall to establish themselves in the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind now unless they could retrieve the dragon''s skeleton.


    The Wolf Fang Regiment was in a simr situation. The death of Xing Lian and a few experts in the high levels of the Astral River Realm reverted the Wolf Fang Regiment''s strength to how it had been a century ago.


    Since their identity was exposed, Liu Wuxie tore off his mask and turned to look at Ding Ye and others behind him.


    "Liu Wuxie, I swear I''ll grind your bones to ashes for causing my Wolf Fang Regiment to suffer such heavy losses!" The Wolf Fang Regiment''s leader gritted his teeth with hatred when he recalled how he had killed Xing Lian.


    As the Wolf Fang Regiment''s leader advanced with purposeful strides, Liu Wuxie realized that inaction could mean certain death.


    "If you people hadn''t pursued me, you wouldn''t have suffered such heavy losses." Liu Wuxie''s eyes shed with murderous intent. He wouldn''t mind killing them all if he could, but he knew now wasn''t the time to act impulsively.


    "Heavenly Dao Book, help me neutralize the dragon aura!" Liu Wuxie had tried several methods but couldn''t dispel the dragon aura, and he would crumble if he took a step forward.


    He had pinned all his hopes on the Heavenly Dao Book now. Over the past six months, the Heavenly Dao Book had helped him dispel the pressure whenever he had suffered the suppression of aura.


    As if the Heavenly Dao Book had responded to Liu Wuxie''s call, the book unfurled and released the dazzling radiance that enveloped him.


    A bizarre scene unfolded as all the pressure disappeared, and Liu Wuxie strode toward the skeleton, evading the iing attack from the Wolf Fang Regiment''s leader.


    "Damn it! Why isn''t he affected by the dragon aura?" The Wolf Fang Regiment''s leader roared. He was at the pinnacle of Astral River Realm, and he had already reached his limit.


    Liu Wuxie felt a sense of relief to be temporarily out of danger. The Heavenly Dao Book could shield him from all suppression, such as the dragon aura or the aura suppression from someone with a higher cultivation.


    Ding Ye wasn''t slow and appeared where Liu Wuxie was standing previously, but he was repelled by a powerful dragon aura when he tried to take another step forward, nearly sending him flying away.


    Gu Yu''s pace began to falter after he had taken around twenty steps. The dragon aura, initially bearing down on him with a force equivalent to five thousand kilograms, intensified with each step. By the time he had taken ten more steps, the pressure felt as if he was carrying a mountain weighing fifty thousand kilograms on his back.


    The Heavenly Dao Book released a dazzling radiance that formed into various sequences, producing celestial music.


    This scene terrified Ding Ye and others because they had never heard of or seen it before.


    "What sound is that? It¡¯s very soothing!" Those standing in the distance were in a daze and couldn''tprehend Liu Wuxie''s music.


    Liu Wuxie was equally shocked because this was celestial music with jade chimes, drums, and strings. He was only a mortal, but the Heavenly Dao Book had produced celestial music.


    Every musical note that leaped out from the Heavenly Dao Book was pleasing to the ears. With the appearance of the celestial music, Liu Wuxie increased his pace and appeared beside Gu Yu to help him alleviate the pressure as they advanced together.


    The Divine Dragon Sword could neutralize some of the dragon aura, but it alone wasn''t enough to help Gu Yu reach the core area.


    This left those in the surroundings gritting their teeth in frustration. Many people were reluctant to give up and could only press on, bearing the dragon aura. But some were sent flying and threw up blood.


    Ding Ye also tried moving forward, but reached his limit after taking five steps. The skeleton was before their eyes, but they couldn''t get close. Anyone could imagine the desperation they felt at this moment.


    They all wished they could devour Liu Wuxie alive and seize his secrets and all the treasures there.


    "Hmph, we''ll stay guard here. Unless they stay hidden inside, we can capture them as soon as theye out." Lin Feng''s eyes turned cold, and he nned to wait out. After all, the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind was their territory, and they could send someone to stay guard.


    "That''s right. If we guard this ce, he can''t flee unless he can fly out of here," the others nodded in agreement because Liu Wuxie was only safe for now, relying on the dragon aura.


    This wasn''t a permanent solution because Liu Wuxie would be at their mercy once the dragon aura disappeared, and they did not need to be in such a hurry. They could sit near the skeleton and use the dragon aura to help them advance their cultivation.


    Liu Wuxie frowned because he knew he was only safe for now, and it was troublesome for him to flee. He could only take one step at a time, hoping to make more breakthroughs in his cultivation to leave this ce alive.


    But wanting to reach the Astral River Realm quickly was nearly impossible, and the third level of the Heavenly Phase Realm was his limit.


    Ding Ye and others formed a circle to surround Liu Wuxie, making it impossible for him to flee no matter which direction he went.


    "Big Brother Liu, what should we do?" Gu Yu felt anxious. He could only speak as the Heavenly Dao Book helped to neutralize some of the pressure.


    "There will be a way!" Liu Wuxie could onlyfort Gu Yu in this manner even though he himself didn''t know what to do. He could only hope for an unexpected turn of events.


    Gu Yu no longer spoke and quietly pressed on, getting closer to the table beside the skeleton.


    A powerful force emanated from the table, especially from the ancient seal, which seemed to contain a divine dragon that could break out at any moment.


    "That''s the Dragon n Scepter, which represented the highest authority of the Dragon n!" Gu Yu''s attention was drawn to the scepter on the table.

 Chapter 472 - Retrieving the Treasures

    <h4>Chapter 472 - Retrieving the Treasures</h4>


    Gu Yu¡¯s grandfather had often mentioned the Dragon n Scepter to him when he was very young. His grandfather said whoever could obtain the scepter would be able tomand the Dragon n to do his bidding.


    However, the Dragon n had long since vanished from the True Martial Continent, rendering the scepter¡ªonce a symbol of their highest authority¡ªlittle more than a relic. Yet, legends persisted that the scepter held secrets of the Dragon n, and whoever could unlock its mysteries would gain ess to their supreme cultivation technique.


    This prospect was especially alluring to Gu Yu, as his own cultivation technique was derived from the Dragon n''s teachings, though it remained iplete. Acquiring the scepter could represent a significant breakthrough, offering him the missing pieces to elevate his cultivation.


    With his natural aptitude, Gu Yu had no doubt that he could reach the Nascent Transformation Realm, but the True Profound Realm still seemed daunting. The scepter, however, might hold the key to oveing that barrier.


    On the other hand, the ancient seal attracted Liu Wuxie¡¯s attention. If he wasn¡¯t mistaken, this seal was the Heavenly Dragon Seal, one of the six supreme treasures of the dragon n.


    The dragon n had six supreme treasures: the Dragon n Scepter, the Heavenly Dragon Seal, the Eight Treasure Pagoda, the Heavenly Bell, the Eight Divine Drums, and the Myriad Dragon Hand.


    Among the six, the Myriad Dragon Hand wasn¡¯t a treasure but a supreme technique of the dragon n. It could unleash ten thousand dragons to attack the opponent, so it was listed among the six supreme treasures.


    Then again, the Dragon n Scepter and Heavenly Dragon Seal were replicas because the actual ones were in the hands of the Dragon Emperor in the Dragon Realm.


    Even if the Heavenly Dragon Seal was a replica, it was still countless times more powerful than ordinary weapons. After all, each weapon forged by the dragon n was potent.


    Unlike humans, who wielded a wide array of weapons, the Dragon n possessed only six, regardless of their specific type. Among these, the Myriad Dragon Hand was entrusted to the core elders of the Dragon Realm, symbolizing immense power and authority. Meanwhile, the Eight Treasure Pagoda, a singr and unparalleled artifact, was held exclusively by the Dragon Emperor.


    The Eight Treasure Pagoda had a world within, mainly used to imprison sinful dragons.


    The Dragon n Scepter symbolized the unparalleled authority of the dragon n, a symbol not easily crafted or granted. Most dragons, regardless of their power, could only refine replicas of three legendary treasures: the Heavenly Dragon Seal, the Heavenly Bell, and the Eight Divine Drums.


    The Heavenly Dragon Seal was the most powerful of the three treasures. The Heavenly Bell, on the other hand, was a colossal bell that could envelop an area with a radius of tens of thousands of meters, while the Eight Divine Drums were primarily for sonic attacks capable of shattering a person¡¯s primordial spirit.


    Liu Wuxie had seen all five supreme treasures aside from the Eight Treasure Pagoda.


    The two got closer to the table and were only ten-odd meters away. They were both nervous because Liu Wuxie had nevere in contact with the dragon n¡¯s supreme treasures, even if he had seen them before.


    He had personally witnessed the Heavenly Dragon Seal destroying an entire sect. Even if immortal artifacts were powerful, they were no match for the dragon n¡¯s supreme treasure.


    If he could retrieve and refine the Heavenly Dragon Seal, it would be his greatest trump card that might even surpass the Earth Binding Chains.


    After all, the Earth Binding Chains belonged to the Spirit n, and he would eventually have to return them. Moreover, the Earth Binding Chains had significant ws; each use consumed immense soul energy, and while they could restrain an opponent, they couldn''t deliver a killing blow.


    The Heavenly Dragon Seal was more oppressive than the Earth Binding Chains, and he could use it to smash his enemies.


    Ten minutester, the two finally stood before the table under immense pressure. The light curtain produced by the Heavenly Dao Book had already pressed down onto Liu Wuxie¡¯s shoulders, reaching its limit.


    Even so, there were beads of sweat on Liu Wuxie¡¯s forehead. As for Gu Yu, his legs were trembling even after most of the pressure was absorbed by Liu Wuxie.


    The skeleton¡¯s head was positioned above the table, which gave off a terrifying dragon aura.


    ¡°This is the dragon n?¡± Gu Yu wanted to touch the skeleton, but Liu Wuxie stopped him.


    ¡°Don¡¯t touch it for now, and retrieve the items on the table first.¡± The skeleton was their lifeline, and they would die if anything went wrong.


    The Dragon n Scepter and the Heavenly Dragon Seal were covered in a thickyer of dust, a sign that no one had entered this ce for thousands of years.


    ¡°There are two treasures here, one for each of us. What do you think?¡± Liu Wuxie asked Gu Yu, acknowledging that they couldn¡¯t have reached this point without the Divine Dragon Sword. It was only fair to let Gu Yu choose first. The Dragon n Scepter and the Heavenly Dragon Seal were both invaluable, so Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t mind which one he took.


    ¡°Thank you, Big Brother Liu!¡± Gu Yu was excited and couldn¡¯t contain himself. He said, ¡°To be honest, this scepter is extremely important to my Gu n. Can I pick it?¡±


    Gu Yu sought Liu Wuxie¡¯s approval, exining how crucial the scepter was to his n. He wouldn¡¯t be upset if Liu Wuxie wanted the scepter instead; after all, without Liu Wuxie, he wouldn¡¯t have survived, much less stood before such a treasure.


    ¡°It¡¯s yours!¡± Liu Wuxie smiled. He valued the Heavenly Dragon Seal more than the Dragon n Scepter. The scepter only represented the dragon n¡¯s authority, while the Heavenly Dragon Seal was an offensive treasure.


    Since the Gu n were descendants of the Dragon n, the Dragon n Scepter was the best choice for them to receive the Dragon n¡¯s recognition.


    Gu Yu didn¡¯t reach for the scepter immediately. Instead, he knelt before the skeleton and offered three solemn kowtows, honoring the ancestors of his Dragon n lineage. After paying his respects, he rose to his feet and only then gently took hold of the Dragon n Scepter.


    Liu Wuxie nodded in approval, impressed by Gu Yu''s ability to maintain reverence even in the face of such a powerful treasure. It showed how much Gu Yu had matured, prioritizing respect for his heritage over personal gain. Many others in his position might have been too blinded by greed to remember their roots.


    When Gu Yu gently held onto the Dragon n Scepter, Liu Wuxie could see his hands trembling. Those in the surroundings watched enviously. They were just three hundred meters away, yet no closer to the treasures, leaving them to watch helplessly as two cultivators in the lower levels of the Heavenly Phase Realm imed what they couldn''t reach.


    ¡°Damn it! Such treasures are about to fall into the hands of others!¡± An expert in the pinnacle of the Heavenly Phase Realm hammered his chest in frustration. He wished he could charge over and snatch the scepter.


    The dragon pce shook when Gu Yu picked up the Dragon n Scepter, which felt like an earthquake. This made Liu Wuxie frown and wonder if the dragon pce had caused the previous earthquakes. The scepter must¡¯ve sensed the Divine Dragon Sword, thus triggering the earthquakes.


    Countless rocks began to fall, and the tremor shook for half a minute before stopping. The dragon pce had returned to calm, but no one could maintain theirposure.


    Gu Yu carefully wiped the dust off the Dragon n Scepter; his expression filled with reverence. As he did so, a faint dragon aura emanated from the scepter, causing it to nearly slip from his grasp.


    ¡°Thews in the Dragon n Scepter must be damaged, likely due to an external force. The power is no longerparable to how it once was,¡± Liu Wuxie said after observing with his divine sense.


    Gu Yu nodded, agreeing with Liu Wuxie''s assessment. "There must have been a fierce battle that led to the downfall of the Dragon n. The surviving dragons likely migrated to another realm." He understood that if the scepter were still in its prime, it would be on par with a heavenly artifact corresponding to the True Profound Realm. In that case, neither of them would have been able to im it.


    After all, the power of a heavenly artifact could easily kill anyone who touched it recklessly, and some powerful ones had even developed artifact spirits with independent thoughts, making them even more powerful.


    Gu Yu carefully stored the Dragon n Scepter in his interspatial ring, finally allowing himself a moment of relief.


    With that done, it was Liu Wuxie¡¯s turn. He stepped toward the Heavenly Dragon Seal, his eyes fixed on its pale yellow surface, which was etched with countless dragon runes. The seal was square-shaped, roughly the size of an adult''s palm, but a noticeable chunk was missing from the left side, as if it had been sliced off by a sharp de.


    This damage made thews within the Heavenly Dragon Seal even morepromised than those in the Dragon n Scepter. However, Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t discouraged. He was confident that, with his wisdom, he could repair the seal. If he could restore it to the level of a heavenly artifact, he would possess the power to dominate the entire True Martial Continent.


    He was shocked when he touched the Heavenly Dragon Seal and tried lifting it because the seal didn¡¯t budge. He muttered, ¡°So heavy?!¡±


    ¡°Big Brother Liu, the seal rejects you because you don¡¯t possess the dragon n¡¯s bloodline,¡± Gu Yu quickly reminded him. He knew about the origin of the Heavenly Dragon Seal and could only refer to it as a seal.


    Liu Wuxie nodded and could sense the rejection from the Heavenly Dragon Seal. Gu Yu could pick up the Dragon n Scepter because he possessed the Sky Dragon¡¯s bloodline.


    Liu Wuxie increased his strength in the next attempt. With his true essence gushing out, he gripped the Heavenly Dragon Seal firmly. He could easily lift a mountain with his current strength.


    Creaking sounds came from the table as the Heavenly Dragon Seal began to loosen. The dragon pce started to tremble, with the ground beneath Liu Wuxie cracking.


    Those stationed in the surroundings stood up and looked at Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°What is he trying to do?¡± Everyone was nervous, seeing how the dragon pce shook violently when Liu Wuxie tried to retrieve the mysterious seal.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, are you trying to get yourself killed? We will all die if this ce copses!¡± Wei An warned Liu Wuxie, urging him to stop what he was doing.


    At this point, Liu Wuxie had no path of retreat. The situation was dire, and staying in the Dragon Pce meant certain death. His only option was to take the risk and hope that, if the pce began to copse, he could seize the moment to escape.


    Ignoring the murmurs around him, Liu Wuxie gripped the Heavenly Dragon Seal with both hands and exerted all his strength to lift it off the table. Slowly, the seal began to rise, but just as it left the surface, it unleashed a powerful heavenly dragon¡¯s aura that mmed into Liu Wuxie. The impact was so intense that he coughed up a mouthful of blood, his face turning pale.


    ¡°You¡¯re already an item without a master. If you follow me, I promise to restore you to your past glory!¡± Treasures were spiritual, and the Heavenly Dragon Seal still retained a faint spirituality despite being severely damaged.


    Perhaps his words struck a chord, for the resistance from the Heavenly Dragon Seal lessened, and its aura began to weaken.


    With the seal finally in his grasp, Liu Wuxie infused it with his true essence, gradually trying to assimte it. His primary goal was to nourish the seal, fostering a bond and creating a sense of affinity between them.


    With no time to refine the Heavenly Dragon Seal, Liu Wuxie resolved to use it as a trump card once he escaped. As soon as the seal was removed, the table copsed, and rocks began to rain down from the ceiling, exploding on impact.


    Everyone panicked because the ink-jade pirs had shattered, and the dragon pce began to sink. Seawater gushed from the ground and soon filled it up.


    No one had anticipated this scene, and Liu Wuxie was already enveloped in seawater. When the dragon aura began to fade, Ding Ye and the Wolf Fang Regiment¡¯s leader charged towards Liu Wuxie.

 Chapter 473 - Sea Whirlpool

    <h4>Chapter 473 - Sea Whirlpool</h4>


    The sudden change caught everyone by surprise, including Liu Wuxie.


    The dragon pce began to crumble after the Heavenly Dragon Seal and Dragon n Scepter were taken, and the dragon pce began to sink into the sea.


    Endless seawater surged from the surroundings, and the ink-jade pirs began to shatter under the powerful water current. Everything happened so quickly that no one could react in time.


    The sea demons reveled in their newfound strength as the seawater surged over their terrain, drastically altering the environment to their advantage. With the dragon aura waning, many seized the opportunity to advance on Liu Wuxie. Capturing him meant iming all his secrets and treasures.


    Liu Wuxie and Gu Yu stood still, allowing the seawater to lift them.


    ¡°Big Brother Liu, what should we do now?¡± Gu Yu panicked a little because he just had to find a safe ce to cultivate after retrieving the Dragon n Scepter to make swift breakthroughs in his cultivation. He couldn¡¯t maintain hisposure like Liu Wuxie in the face of life and death.


    ¡°Wait!¡± Liu Wuxie said because the time wasn¡¯t right. They would naturally escape this ce when the time was right, not to mention the dragon pce hadn¡¯t copsed entirely despite the number of cracks increasing.


    The rocks on the ground began disappearing, and the massive dragon bone began sinking. Once it sank to the bottom of the sea, no one would have a chance to retrieve it because it would fall into the hands of the sea demons.


    ¡°Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron, retrieve it for me!¡± The dragon¡¯s skeleton was the real treasure, and there was no way Liu Wuxie could let it fall into the hands of the sea demons. After all, Liu Wuxie nned to extract the divine dragon¡¯sws from the skeleton and cultivate a true dragon¡¯s body.


    The majestic skeleton, reaching ten thousand meters long, was devoured by the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron.


    When the vortex vanished, it was reced by a colossal whirlpool. The seawater, initially restrained by the dragon¡¯s aura, began to pour in more rapidly once the dragon''s skeleton had disappeared. The influx intensified, quickly forming a storm that roared toward Liu Wuxie and Gu Yu.


    ¡°Hold onto me!¡± Liu Wuxie shouted, extending his hand toward Gu Yu. As the torrent surged closer, he braced himself, ready to withstand the crushing wave.


    The waves roared ferociously, and the seawater swept away those in the Heavenly Phase Realm.


    When the wave crashed into them, Liu Wuxie felt like a mountain had mmed into him, but he endured the difort in his chest as they were swept into the ocean.


    The speed was too fast. It was toote for Ding Ye and others to react because who would¡¯ve thought that Liu Wuxie would retrieve the skeleton, letting the dragon¡¯s aura disappear? The seawater pouring in wasn¡¯t fast, but waves swept at them when the skeleton disappeared.


    Liu Wuxie used the force of the wave to carry them into the ocean, and everything was wlessly calcted. The wave brought them a few kilometers away before finally slowing down.


    When they looked back, the dragon pce copsed and sank into the ocean.


    ¡°Hurry up! We can¡¯t let him escape!¡± Ding Ye controlled the water current to traverse swiftly in the sea at an incredible speed. Lin Feng and the Wolf Fang Regiment¡¯s leader were closely behind to prevent Liu Wuxie and Gu Yu from escaping.


    However, the sea demons were more terrifying because their speed doubled when they entered the ocean. A thousand meters was just a few breaths of time for them.


    Ding Ye and others were much stronger than Liu Wuxie, especially Lin Feng, who hadprehended the element of water. This meant he could traverse the ocean effortlessly, swiftly narrowing the gap between him and Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie was also bing anxious to see them closing in on them. He might¡¯ve shaken them off temporarily, but they would be surrounded by sea demons in two hours at most if they couldn¡¯t shake them off thoroughly.


    The shark sea demon had already notified the nearby sea demons to form a blockade to trap Liu Wuxie in the sea, ensuring that the treasures would fall into the hands of the Sea Demon n.


    There was no trick to use in the sea, and Liu Wuxie¡¯s Nine Heavenly Crane Dance was futile. Even though his speed wasn¡¯t as fast as onnd, ordinary cultivators in the low levels of the Astral River Realm couldn¡¯t catch up to him, apart from the few pinnacle Astral River Realm cultivators.


    However, their greatest threat was the sea demons because thousands swiftly approached after receiving the shark sea demon¡¯s call.


    The dragon pce had stood hidden for countless years, concealed by the surrounding reefs. The sea demons were oblivious to its presence, as the reefs effectively camouged the pce.


    Liu Wuxie could still calmly find a direction to break out at first, but their escape routes were constantly beingpressed as more sea demons gathered from the surroundings.


    Ultimately, Liu Wuxie could only grit his teeth and head to the area with fewer sea demons.


    A group of yaksha passed by and formed a blockade in Liu Wuxie¡¯s path.


    ¡°Get lost!¡± Without hesitation, Liu Wuxie summoned the Heretic de to his hand. He swung it horizontally, his movements swift and precise. Though his strength was not as formidable underwater as it was onnd, his power had significantly increased since reaching the second level of the Heavenly Phase Realm.


    As Liu Wuxie swung the Heretic de, the yakshas blocking his path were swiftly decapitated. These low-level sea demons were mere obstacles, intended to buy time for their more powerful allies to arrive. The sea demons were desperate, sacrificing their own lives to dy Liu Wuxie.


    Buzzing sounds came from behind as two meteors streaked across the water.


    ¡°This is bad! It¡¯s a sea demon close to the Nascent Transformation Realm!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s face became solemn because the situation was unfavorable to them. Aside from the pinnacle Astral River Realm sea demons, even sea demons who were close to the Nascent Transformation Realm had appeared.


    The approaching sea demons moved at twice his speed, and with such close proximity, it was only a matter of time before they caught up. To make matters worse, sea demons were converging from the other three directions as well.


    The situation was dangerous because the most significant danger didn¡¯te from the humans but from sea demons.


    ¡°Big Brother Liu, leave me and escape by yourself!¡± Gu Yu suddenly pulled his hand away from Liu Wuxie, urging him to flee alone. Gu Yu''s presence was slowing Liu Wuxie down.


    ¡°Cut the nonsense!¡± Liu Wuxie snapped, not willing to waste any more time. He grabbed Gu Yu¡¯s hand tightly and continued to flee. They were almost panicking, and Liu Wuxie even attempted to head upwards, only to find more sea demons diving down.


    This meant they could only dive deeper, and their speed would gradually slow down due to the water pressure.


    ¡°This is strange. The seawater here is getting colder!¡± Liu Wuxie noticed an odd phenomenon because the surrounding seawater was getting colder. He hadprehended the ice element; ordinary cold couldn¡¯t affect him.


    Meanwhile, Gu Yu was shivering from the cold, struggling to endure the frigid temperature.


    ¡°Big Brother Liu, have you noticed that no sea demons are blocking us in this direction?¡± Gu Yu pointed out a strange phenomenon.


    The sea demons intercepted their paths whenever they tried to change direction, but there were no sea demons ahead in this direction. This meant there was a high chance they could survive if they continued to escape in this direction.


    Liu Wuxie had already observed the same anomaly and had chosen this path ordingly. However, his keen sense of caution told him that such an anomaly was often a sign of hidden danger. The absence of sea demons could be a trap, and he remained vignt, refusing to let his guard down.


    ¡°They¡¯re heading towards the sea whirlpool!¡± the sea demonsmunicated as they pursued them.


    Humans were unfamiliar with sea whirlpools, but sea demons knew them well. The sea whirlpool was a forbidden area in the sea where no sea demons dared to approach. Even someone in the True Profound Realm couldn¡¯t escape if they went in.


    The sea whirlpool was also called the abyssal zone, which was bottomless, and no one knew what was inside. Those who got sucked in were killed without an exception.


    ¡°Intercept him before he enters the sea whirlpool!¡± The two elderly sea demons chasing from behind gave the order as sea demons formed two rows, holding hands as a powerful water current was produced, which created a passage.


    As the sea demons'' experts entered the passage, their speed surged dramatically. Meanwhile, those behind them employed their n¡¯s techniques to amplify the water current¡¯s velocity. Thisbined effort enabled them to close the gap of thousands of meters in the blink of an eye.


    Ding Ye and others didn¡¯t give up, as they pursued relentlessly. Most of the other human cultivators had lost their sense of direction, and some had lost their lives to the sea demons.


    After all, how could the sea demons allow humans to escape into the sea?


    The relentless pursuit of Liu Wuxie had led to significant casualties among the human cultivators, with eighty percent of those from Blood Sea Abyssal Ind perishing. The Wild Lion Gate had been destroyed, leaving only the remnants of Ding Feng Hall and the Wolf Fang Regiment, both now rendered powerless.


    Liu Wuxie could smell the scent of the sea demons and channeled all his true essence into his acupoints to increase his speed.


    The sea demons were swiftly closing in, but they needed about fifteen minutes to catch up with him. The temperature of the surrounding seawater continued to drop, but it was still barely within their tolerance.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on? Our speed seems to be increasing!¡± Liu Wuxie noticed a strange phenomenon because his speed was getting faster, which defied logic. His speed should be slowing down instead of elerating.


    The speed of the sea demons was also elerating and was three times faster than before. As they were already within attack range, a sea demon transformed into a yaksha and shot a water arrow at Liu Wuxie¡¯s back.


    Liu Wuxie retaliated against the water arrow with Frost Finger, creating an ice shield to block it.


    When an explosion urred underwater, the force produced by the st pushed Liu Wuxie forward, but the powerful force caused Gu Yu to throw up a mouthful of blood. That attack wasparable to the Nascent Transformation Realm, and Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t take it easy either.


    However, Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t in any danger for now due to the suppression steles protecting his internal organs.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, stop running! The sea whirlpool is ahead of you; you will die if you carry on. But if you¡¯re willing to submit to the Sea Demon n, we will consider sparing your life!¡± The two elderly sea demons¡¯ faces changed after failing to kill Liu Wuxie with one strike.


    They hadn¡¯t expected Liu Wuxie to be so powerful, capable of surviving their attack. But they didn¡¯t know that Liu Wuxie had used all his strength, which was his strongest trump card.


    If he engaged with the two elderly sea demons in a real fight, they would easily kill him with one strike, and it wouldn¡¯t make a difference even if Liu Wuxie used the Earth Binding Chains. Not to mention, using the Earth Binding Chains would exhaust his soul energy, which meant they would fall into the hands of the Sea Demon n.


    ¡°Sea whirlpool!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s face changed. He knew the sea whirlpool¡¯s danger; it was impossible to flee if one entered. Every sea region had a whirlpool, rumored to be connected to the earth¡¯s core.


    However, no one knew whether this was true because anything that came within a thousand meters of the sea whirlpool would be sucked in and vanish without a trace.


    There had been a previous experiment where someone tied a rope around their body and ventured into the sea whirlpool. The oue was swift and grim: the rope snapped, and the person vanished without a trace.


    ¡°Hmph, falling into the hands of you sea demons will also be a dead end!¡± Liu Wuxie sneered. He would instead enter the sea whirlpool than fall into the hands of the Sea Demon n.

 Chapter 474 - Vanished

    <h4>Chapter 474 - Vanished</h4>


    Liu Wuxie knew well that falling into the hands of the Sea Demon n would be even more brutal than death. The Sea Demon n was known for their brutality, and they would search his soul slowly before torturing him to extract all the secrets from his body.


    He increased his speed while enduring the excruciating pain in his chest. From afar, it looked as though all the seawater had converged towards a single point. There wasn''t even a demonic beast in sight, not to mention sea demons. It felt as though they had entered and of the dead.


    "Big Brother Liu, what''s a sea whirlpool?" Gu Yu knew nothing about the sea whirlpool and asked Liu Wuxie.


    "Are you afraid of death?" Liu Wuxie asked instead of answering Gu Yu.


    "I''m not afraid of death!" Gu Yu said without a hint of hesitation.


    "Good!" Liu Wuxie nodded in approval. If Gu Yu were afraid of death, he would use the dragon skeleton to trade for his life and let the Sea Demon n spare his life.


    As Liu Wuxie and Gu Yu approached within a thousand meters of the sea whirlpool, they began to lose control, drawn in by the powerful suction force. The sea demons pursuing them had noticeably slowed down, unwilling to venture too close to the whirlpool''s deadly pull.


    The sea demons pursuing them had slowed down significantly, not daring to get close.


    Liu Wuxie could barely stabilize himself to avoid being sucked into the sea whirlpool. As more sea demons gathered to surround Liu Wuxie, they couldn''t escape unless they entered the sea whirlpool.


    Ding Ye and others also arrived and upied an area. They fought with the sea demons several times, and the humans suffered heavy losses.


    The Abyssal n wasn''t adept at surviving in the ocean and had long left for thend.


    "Liu Wuxie, you''ll enter the sea whirlpool if you go further. Come out so we can get you out of here!" Ding Ye said earnestly, hoping that Liu Wuxie could reconsider his options because entering the sea whirlpool meant certain death.


    "Hmph, you''re no different from the sea demons. You are just after the treasures on me, and you can stop wasting your breath," Liu Wuxie sneered. The oue would be the same regardless of whether he fell into the hands of the sea demons or humans.


    "Why are you taking it this far? I swear to the heavens that I won¡¯t harm you and will even escort you out of the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind if you¡¯re willing to hand over the treasures," Ding Ye pleaded, his tone earnest.


    It was clear from his eyes that he was sincere, not lying. With the dragon skeleton and Liu Wuxie¡¯s secrets, Ding Ye could not only dominate the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind but even venture to the maind to establish his own sect.


    Liu Wuxie''s eyes shed with a hint of hesitation as he weighed his options.


    "You damned humans! The sea is no ce for you humans!" The sea demons far outnumbered the humans, not to mention there were two in the Quasi-Nascent Transformation Realm who possessed terrifying strength.


    The sea demons vented their anger on the humans since they couldn''t capture Liu Wuxie.


    "Kill the humans and guard this ce! I don''t believe he''ll jump into the sea whirlpool!" The elderly yaksha gave an order, and all the sea demons surrounded the remaining humans.


    If they killed all the humans, they could guard the whirlpool and eventually wait for Liu Wuxie to emerge on his own. However, the remaining humans were an unstable factor for them.


    A fierce battle erupted as the sea demons unleashed a powerful water barrier, demonstrating their incredible strength. They formed vortexes around the humans, creating a chaotic battlefield.


    Liu Wuxie, caught in the turbulence, found himself being dragged uncontrobly closer to the sea whirlpool by dozens of meters each time a wave hit him. The suction force from the whirlpool grew stronger, threatening to pull him inpletely.


    "Wolf Fang, this is no time to fight separately! Let¡¯s join forces and break out together!" Ding Ye shouted urgently. While the treasures were invaluable, survival was more important. The situation had be too dangerous, and the sudden assault by the sea demons had caught them off guard.


    "Let''s break out together!" Wolf Fang nodded, temporarily setting aside their feud to fight the sea demons.


    The remaining humans formed into a powerful force, wanting to tear open a path to escape.


    The vortices formed by their battles increased, sweeping out as shockwaves. The water barrier formed into a wall to stop the humans from breaking out, but they were pushed back by dozens of meters instead.


    The sea demons were cunning because they nned to use this tactic to force the humans into the sea whirlpool.


    Ding Ye unleashed his most powerful attack, creating a vacuum passage through the water as he darted forward, abandoning Lin Feng in the process. In the face of danger, survival instincts overruled unity, and cooperation among humans faltered.


    If they had truly worked together, breaking through the encirclement wouldn¡¯t have been an issue.


    Just as Ding Ye was about to breach the sea demons'' encirclement, the two Quasi-Nascent Transformation Realm sea demons made their move. They unleashed an overwhelming force to stop him, then formed seals to summon water dragons, which disrupted the surroundings and created reverse currents.


    The sea whirlpool''s suction force grew more powerful as the battle intensified.


    "Big Brother Liu, we''re being pulled closer to the sea whirlpool!" Gu Yu''s face shed a hint of reluctance because he was only fifteen or sixteen. He might not fear death, but that didn''t mean he could face death calmly.


    "Perhaps this is our fate," Liu Wuxie muttered bitterly. There was no longer any room for retreat; their bodies were beyond their control as an invisible hand seemed to drag them closer to the whirlpool.


    The battle continued on the other side, and the aftershocks enraged the sea whirlpool. A powerful vortex formed and enveloped a few thousand meters in radius.


    "This is bad! The sea whirlpool is enraged!" The sea demons knew how terrifying the sea whirlpool was and quickly retreated, not daring to get too close.


    They were a thousand meters away from the sea whirlpool earlier and had retreated to a thousand and five hundred meters in the blink of an eye.


    Ding Ye and others broke free from the sea demons'' attacks, but they were caught in the sea whirlpool and couldn''t break free from the suction, no matter how hard they tried.


    Apart from humans, more than three hundred sea demons were also caught in the whirlpool.


    The tearing force grew stronger and ripped Gu Yu''s clothes into pieces.


    The weaker sea demons couldn''t withstand the tearing force and were ripped into pieces, flowing past Liu Wuxie into the whirlpool.


    A ck hole appeared three hundred meters in front of Liu Wuxie, reaching a diameter of a few thousand meters, and devoured all the surrounding seawater.


    "Liu Wuxie, this is all your fault! We wouldn''t be caught in the whirlpool if it weren¡¯t for you!" Ding Ye and others roared as they charged at Liu Wuxie in anger. They wanted to drag him down with them even if they were to die.


    The others followed suit because their side had suffered heavy casualties in nearly ten days of pursuing Liu Wuxie.


    Though those deaths hadn¡¯t urred directly by Liu Wuxie''s hands, he was the catalyst that led to their demise. Perhaps realizing their imminent death, Ding Ye gave up resisting and allowed the suction force to pull him, covering a distance of a few hundred meters in the blink of an eye.


    "Gu Yu!" Liu Wuxie roared, and Gu Yu vanished before he could react, entering a dark world.


    The sea whirlpool was within their reach, and the tearing force could shred someone in the Nascent Transformation Realm. There was no way Liu Wuxie and Gu Yu could withstand the tearing force when they were just in the Heavenly Phase Realm.


    "Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron, everything depends on you now whether we can survive." Liu Wuxie summoned the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron to devour himself after muttering.


    This was the bold idea that came to Liu Wuxie''s mind upon learning that the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron could store living things. Not to mention, there was no time to consider it. He could only throw everything aside and enter the cauldron before leaving their fate to the heavens.


    The Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron transformed into a ck dot and plunged into boundless darkness. The vortex was enormous, and the suction force produced loud sounds.


    Ding Ye looked utterly dejected when Liu Wuxie disappeared.


    "Hahaha! I can''t believe this is where my life ends!" Ding Yeughed and was also devoured by the whirlpool, ripped into pieces, and disappeared without a trace.


    All the humans and sea demons caught in the sea whirlpool suffered the same fate without exception.


    The sea demons who stood about fifteen hundred meters away bore no expression as they surveyed the aftermath. They, too, had suffered heavy casualties in this disaster, with over three thousand of their kin perishing. Lin Feng and the leader of the Wolf Fang Regiment were among the fallen, their lives imed by the relentless whirlpool.


    The sea whirlpool only returned to calm after everything within a thousand meters of radius had vanished as if nothing had ever happened.


    "What a pity that the dragon pce¡¯s treasures are lost for eternity!" one sea demonmented. He had glimpsed the dragon pce¡¯s treasures with his own eyes, but retrieving them had proven impossible.


    "Let''s return and take over the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind!" The two elderly sea demons snarled. Without the dragon pce''s treasures, they could only upy the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind and turn it into their territory.


    The humans had suffered significant losses this time, with their faction being the weakest in the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind. Yet, this catastrophe was only tangentially rted to Liu Wuxie.


    For the first time, he found himself within the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron, experiencing its interior firsthand. Previously, he had only explored it with his divine sense, but now, being inside, he could feel the immense power of the rumbling demonic mes surrounding him.


    It felt like a terrifying world within the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron, with liquids flowing around him, weaving through his surroundings like rivers.


    Gu Yu was stunned in ce, not knowing where he was. He approached Liu Wuxie and asked, "Big Brother Liu, are we dead? Is this hell?"


    "This is not hell, and this is a treasure of mine. I hope you can keep everything you see today a secret." Liu Wuxie didn''t want the secret of the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron to be revealed.


    Simultaneously, his expectations for the cauldron grew even higher to see how it could withstand the tearing force of the sea whirlpool, which was capable of tearing cultivators in the Astral River Realm to shreds.


    "Big Brother Liu, I know what to say and what shouldn''t be said. I won''t even tell my grandfather." Gu Yu wasn''t stupid and was more intelligent than most people.


    The two remained silent and waited until they heard a loud thud from outside.


    "It seems like we''vended!" Since the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron no longer sank, they had safely touched down. But they still didn''t know whether it was safe or dangerous outside.


    "I''ll go out and take a look!" Liu Wuxie controlled the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron to create a small opening, and he stepped outside. When his eyes adjusted to the outside world, he was utterly stunned by what he saw, even if he was a reincarnated Immortal Emperor.


    "What a beautiful ce!" Liu Wuxie muttered, forgetting to check for potential dangers in the surroundings.


    Rows of fish swam past Liu Wuxie and werepletely unafraid of him.

 Chapter 475 - Xiantian Spirit

    <h4>Chapter 475 - Xiantian Spirit</h4>


    After confirming there was no danger, Liu Wuxie opened the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron as Gu Yu stepped out.


    Gu Yu was also shocked when he looked at his surroundings, but his expression soon changed to joy.


    "What a beautiful ce! Big Brother Liu, look at those fish! They''re gorgeous!" The rows of fish were about the size of a palm as they swam past, and they were vibrant with colors, reflecting the water like a rainbow swimming past them.


    In addition to those fish, many rocks were covered with rare corals. It was rumored that coral jade could be found within corals, and this form of precious jade was even more valuable than spiritual jade. One coral jade was a few hundred times more precious than a Blood Abyssal Stone.


    However, coral jade was extremely rare because it took ten thousand years for corals to produce a coral jade norger than a grain of rice.


    Algae on the coral reefs swayed with the water¡¯s flow. It curled up when Liu Wuxie touched it, reacting to the perceived danger.


    Liu Wuxie only bothered collecting corals if there were coral jades. Ordinary corals could only be used as decorative pieces and had no particr value.


    "Big Brother Liu, are we still near the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind?" Gu Yu asked because they had ended up here after falling into the sea whirlpool.


    "I''m not sure about that. Let''s leave this ce first!" They couldn''t stay at the bottom of the sea forever because they had only escaped thanks to the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron. They might''ve survived but were still injured and uncertain if the surroundings were safe; they would die if they ran into powerful sea demons.


    A pitch-ck whirlpool was above them, and they shuddered in lingering fear because it was the same whirlpool they had fallen from.


    As for the exit, no one knew, as the sea''s surface remained unseen. The two swam with the fish, but even after nearly two hours, they couldn''t find the surface; it was as if they were still trapped at the bottom of the ocean.


    This ce felt like an entirely different world, one where the surface didn''t exist. No matter how hard they swam upward, there was no end in sight. With no way to ascend, they had no choice but to swim horizontally, hoping to find an escape.


    "This is weird. These fish don''t seem to be able to leave this area either, and they can only wander around nearby." Liu Wuxie soon noticed an odd phenomenon and wondered if this underwater world was utterly isted from the outside world. It wasn''t just them because the fish were also trapped here.


    Six hourster, a towering reef forest reaching ten thousand feet appeared, blocking their path. This meant they would have to pass through the reef forest to leave this ce.


    Liu Wuxie tried to break through the reef forest several times and used his de technique, but the reefs remained unmoved.


    With no other option, the two could only split up and swim in two different directions. The result was the same¡ªthis ce was an isted world.


    A whirlpool was above them, and the surroundings were covered with reefs.


    When they returned to the central area, they exchanged a look with a hint of helplessness.


    "Are we going to be trapped here forever?" Gu Yu asked, unwilling to ept their fate. After all, they had survived countless hardships only to be trapped in this ce.


    This was the bottom of the ocean, and they could survive for ten days to half a month, but holding their breaths for a long time would cause significant harm to their bodies.


    "There must be a way out. Otherwise, how could these fish survive here?" Liu Wuxie believed they had to yet find the exit.


    Time slowly passed, and they had been trapped here for three days, but they still couldn''t find any clues.


    After being underwater for so long, their skin had be unnaturally pale and wrinkled, making it clear they couldn''t endure this environment much longer. They had barely slept in the past three days, tirelessly searching every corner, yet they still found no clues on how to escape this ce.


    The two sat on a reef, watching the fish swim back and forth, but they weren''t in the mood to appreciate the view.


    Gu Yu absentmindedly picked up a piece of seaweed and tore it into strips. The shredded seaweed floated in the water, all drifting in the same direction.


    Liu Wuxie narrowed his eyes at this sight and bounced back on his feet. He said, "Gu Yu, don''t stop. Keep tearing the seaweed and make the pieces as small as possible!"


    Noticing a new clue, Gu Yu became energized and grabbed a handful of seaweed. He rubbed it in his hands and turned it into small pieces.


    A strange scene urred because the fragments seemed toe alive as they formed a straight line and drifted toward the depths on the right.


    Liu Wuxie quietly followed behind the fragments and wasn''t in a hurry because the seaweed drifted steadily.


    Two hourster, the seaweed fragments finally stopped and fell. Seeing this, Liu Wuxie quickly elerated his descent and reached the ground.


    The seaweed fell onto the reefs and stuck to them without moving, which made Liu Wuxie incredibly excited. He quickly called out to Gu Yu toe over and join him.


    Gu Yu rushed over in excitement, looking at the seaweed sticking onto the reefs before raising his head to see Liu Wuxie.


    "We have to dig through the reef. There must be an exit below, and the fish probably swam in from here when they were small." The reefs were oddly shaped, with fish swimming in and out, but they couldn''t see through the reefs.


    They took out their weapons without hesitation and began digging through the reefs.


    The reefs were extremely tough, and Liu Wuxie left only a mark when he struck them with his de. At this rate, it would take them ten days to half a month to break apart the reef.


    "Gu Yu, take out your scepter!" Liu Wuxiemanded. Though the Dragon n Scepter was damaged, it was still a heavenly artifact in its prime, possessing immense power. It should be strong enough to break through the reefs.


    Liu Wuxie hadn''t refined the Heavenly Dragon Seal, so he didn''t dare to use it lightly. This left him with no choice but to let Gu Yu use the Dragon n Scepter.


    Gu Yu took out the Dragon n Scepter from his interspatial ring and gripped it tightly while Liu Wuxie retreated to the distance.


    After gathering all of his true essence, Gu Yu smashed the Dragon n Scepter down at the reefs.


    A muffled sound echoed through the sea, and water surged outwards. Themotion frightened the surrounding fish to scatter in all directions and hide behind the corals.


    The reef, roughly the size of a water tank, cracked open under the impact. The progress was much faster than when they were trying to excavate with their weapons. Seeing the effectiveness of the Dragon n Scepter, Gu Yu continued to swing it down on the reef, each strike widening the crack. Remarkably, the scepter remained unscathed.


    Gu Yu''s true essence was rapidly depleting, but he was determined to survive and gave it his all. Large chunks of the reef were split open to reveal a small hole the size of a fist. A powerful suction force emerged from the hole, pulling everything in the surroundings.


    The suction force made Gu Yu stagger, and he was nearly sucked in.


    Liu Wuxie quickly came over and looked at the fist-sized hole with joy shing in his eyes.


    "This is the exit! Keep smashing!" Gu Yu took out a Blood Abyssal Stone to replenish his true essence.


    After countless strikes, the exit widened to about a foot. They had an evenly proportioned body, so the hole was just enough for them to squeeze through.


    As the suction force grew stronger, Gu Yu was already panting for breath as Liu Wuxie retrieved the Heretic de and expanded the hole before he finally saw the world on the other side.


    This was still the sea; they could see many fish swimming, but no reefs blocked their way.


    "Let''s go out!" Liu Wuxie urged, eager to leave after days of being trapped. He squeezed through the hole first, entering what looked like a cave, with Gu Yu following closely behind.


    Arge number of fish were swimming back and forth. Gu Yu followed behind as the two advanced slowly.


    "So many pearls!" Many pearls were scattered on the ground, each the size of an infant''s fist, emitting a faint glow.


    "These pearls contain powerful water elements. Let''s collect as many as we can!" When Liu Wuxie picked one up and probed it with his divine sense, he discovered the vast water-attribute energy in the pearls.


    They each collected over a hundred pearls before stopping because they could finally see the exit.


    Liu Wuxie''s sight had been focused on the path ahead to avoid any dangers, but Gu Yu suddenly grabbed him and pointed him in another direction. Thetter eximed, "Big Brother Liu, look over there!"


    "Water spirit!" Liu Wuxie eximed because there was a small hole with a strange nt growing in it.


    "What''s a water spirit?" Gu Yu was puzzled.


    The water spirit was about a meter tall and resembled a tree. But in reality, it was a mutated coral.


    "It''s a form of xiantian spirit that contains powerful water-attribute energy," Liu Wuxie exined. He couldn''t upgrade the Heretic de because hecked a xiantian spirit and was surprised to see one before him.


    Xiantian spirits were rare and came in many variations, but a xiantian spirit over a thousand years old was extremely rare.


    No one knew how long this water spirit had been growing here, but it contained extremely powerful spirituality. Liu Wuxie and Gu Yu could sense its spirituality even tens of meters away.


    "Big Brother Liu, your Heretic de is still at the level of a spiritual treasure. You should take it quickly to forge it into a xiantian treasure." Gu Yu had no intentions of taking it because his Divine Dragon Sword far exceeded the level of xiantian treasures, and this water spirit could only raise it by one level.


    "Alright, I won''t shortchange you since you discovered this water spirit. When we leave, I''llpensate you with fifty Blood Abyssal Stones." Liu Wuxie had his principles and wouldn''t take the water spirit withoutpensating Gu Yu.


    "Big Brother Liu, you''re not treating me as a friend if you put it that way. Without you, I would''ve died on the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind long ago!" Gu Yu was unhappy because he felt that he had gained enough. Not only did he obtain a pile of Blood Abyssal Stones, but he also obtained the Dragon n Scepter.


    "Alright. You''re a brother!" Liu Wuxie patted Gu Yu''s shoulder. The two had endured multiple life and death situations to form a strong brotherly bond.


    A bright smile appeared on Gu Yu''s face when he heard that. The xiantian spirit was useless to him, but giving it to Liu Wuxie could maximize its value.


    Liu Wuxie retrieved the Heretic de and carefully dug out the water spirit to avoid damaging the spirituality inside. He spent an hour before he finally retrieved the water spirit.


    Because of the water spirit''s powerful spirituality, Liu Wuxie didn''t dare keep it in his interspatial ring but the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron.


    "What''s this?" After digging out the water spirit, Liu Wuxie discovered two crystals the size of peas.


    "Coral jade!" Liu Wuxie eximed, recognizing that the water spirit had likely formed the two pieces of coral jade after absorbing immense spiritual energy from the heavens and earth.


    He reached out to take the two coral jades, and powerful spirituality began gushing into his body.


    "Let''s get out of here first. One coral jade for each of us. I''ll give you yours when we''re out." Liu Wuxie didn''t give Gu Yu a chance to refuse because he had already obtained a xiantian spirit and couldn''t take the two coral jades for himself.

 Chapter 476 - Third-Level of the Heavenly Phase Realm

    <h4>Chapter 476 - Third-Level of the Heavenly Phase Realm</h4>


    After Liu Wuxie put away the coral jades, they quickened their pace because the exit was near.


    When they emerged from the cave, bright sunlight shone through the sea''s surface and reached them. They exchanged nces and quickly swam towards the surface.


    The two finally broke through the sea''s surface a few minutester; strangely enough, a beach was near them. They leaped out of the water and transformed into streaks of light,nding on the beach.


    When they finally returned tond, Gu Yu burst into tears, overwhelmed by the long-lost feeling of being on solid ground. They had endured countless hardships over the past few months, narrowly escaping death on multiple asions.


    Liu Wuxie surveyed his surroundings and realized they were on an uninhabited ind. The ind wasn¡¯trge, with a diameter of only about a thousand meters. They could circle it in just ten minutes. Thendscape was barren, covered with bare rocks, and there was no sign of vegetation.


    This was a deste ind, and they flew to the sky before looking into the distance. It looked like the sky and sea had merged into one, with no signs ofnd in sight.


    They didn''t know where they were even after leaving the ocean, but they could fly freely after reaching the Heavenly Phase Realm. They didn''t know where the Southern Province was and didn''t dare to fly around aimlessly in the sea. After all, it would be troublesome if they couldn''t find a ce tond.


    To avoid attacks from sea demonic beasts, they settled in the ind''s center and constructed a stone house. They also set up spiritual arrays around it for added protection. Once everything was secure, Liu Wuxie let out a sigh of relief and finally allowed himself to rx.


    "This ce isn''t bad. Let''s focus on making a breakthrough in our cultivation and hope a ship will pass by. Otherwise, we can only try to leave this ce by flying a monthter," Liu Wuxie quickly decided, which was the worst-case scenario.


    However, they had to increase their strength as much as possible to increase their chances of survival.


    Gu Yu nodded and agreed with Liu Wuxie''s suggestion.


    They had reaped many rewards during their time on the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind, but they had been holding back on advancing their cultivation. Now that they were alone, they could break through their limits without restraint and fully unleash their potential.


    The two sat about five hundred meters apart, a necessary distance due to the Deste Devouring Art. If they were too close, Gu Yu might have struggled to absorb any spiritual energy.


    Liu Wuxie wasn''t in a hurry to make a breakthrough in his cultivation. He nned to use the xiantian spirit''s water-attribute energy to strengthen his deste world and use a portion to upgrade the Heretic de.


    The xiantian spirit hovered before Liu Wuxie as the water-attribute energy began pouring into the deste world as he circted the Deste Devouring Art.


    The deste world suddenly came to life, with rivers pouring down from the sky, coiling in a canyon, and forming waterfalls andkes.


    The world had developed from primordial times, evolving through various stages¡ªthe birth of the volcano, the growth of the mysterious tree, the emergence of the abyssal realm, and the infusion of metal-attribute energy. Now, with the addition of waterfalls and rivers, the world was beginning to take shape, but it stillcked the power of the earth toplete the five elements.


    Under the impact of water flow, Liu Wuxie''s true essence became moreplete, and even the quality had improved significantly.


    Liu Wuxie''s bottleneck began to loosen, and he was about to reach the third level of the Heavenly Phase Realm. The spiritual energy above the sea was much richer than onnd, so Liu Wuxie didn''t have to worry about running out of spiritual energy.


    A spiritual cloud began to form in the sky, gathered from the surroundings. Liu Wuxie absorbed spiritual energy from tens of thousands of miles, and the speed of spiritual energy refinement by the Deste Devouring Art increased.


    Right at this moment, there was a warship sailing on the sea.


    "Thirddy, the surrounding spiritual energy seems to be converging over there," an old man said to the red-clothed woman as he walked out to the deck.


    "Set sail in that direction!" The thirddy gave an order, and the warship turned to sail in the direction where the spiritual energy was gathered.


    After merging water-attribute energy into the deste world, Liu Wuxie could sense his power rising rapidly with increased purity.


    When spiritual energy was poured in, it was converted into spiritual rain, even without needing to be refined, and it fell into the deste world.


    "Breakthrough!" Liu Wuxie roared and sessfully reached the third level of the Heavenly Phase Realm.


    After making a breakthrough, Liu Wuxie quickly stabilized his cultivation.


    Gu Yu also reaped significant benefits from the spiritual rain, advancing to the second level of the Heavenly Phase Realm. He then spent an entire day stabilizing his newfound cultivation.


    Liu Wuxie also stopped cultivating and began preparing to reforge the Heretic de.


    <strong>......</strong>


    There was a warship sailing at full speed thousands of miles away. They had been sailing for three days but still couldn''t find where the spiritual energy was converging, causing them to adjust their course continuously.


    The area covered by the spiritual cloud was too vast, seemingly covering the entire ocean. The warship was also slow and couldn''t travel a thousand miles daily.


    During his time on the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind, Liu Wuxie had killed many cultivators and plundered their resources, allowing him to gather all the materials required to forge a xiantian treasure.


    He took out a longsword, the monarch artifact he had obtained from Li Xiaohai. This artifact contained the astral riverws, and Liu Wuxie nned to melt the sword down and integrate it into the Heretic de.


    The ground was piled with materials, and the xiantian spirit was essential.


    The deste world devoured some of the xiantian spirit''s energy, but the remaining energy was stronger than the ordinary xiantian spirits on the market.


    The water spirit, nurtured deep in the sea for tens of thousands of years, held an astronomical amount of water-attribute energy and was full of spirituality. It hovered in the air, almost as if it wanted to return to the sea. Meanwhile, the Heretic de floated nearby, glowing with spiritual runes.


    Spiritual runes shed as the Heretic de hovered in the air. The materials on the ground began to rise and were swiftly dissolved under the intense demonic me.


    In just one day, tens of thousands of materials, many of which were essential for forging a monarch artifact, were dissolved. However, Liu Wuxie used them all to enhance the Heretic de instead.


    Even then, Liu Wuxie still wasn''t satisfied and took out a section of the divine dragon''s bone from the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron. He wanted to forge a Divine Dragon Sword, giving the Heretic de some of the divine dragon''s abilities.


    This was unbelievable; only Liu Wuxie was bold enough to do that. After all, it was only possible to refine the dragon bones by understanding dragon runes, not to mention forging a dragon n''s treasure.


    Liu Wuxie didn''t hope for the Heretic de to reach the level of the six supreme treasures, but it would be enough if it could be the supreme treasure of the humans.


    The dragon runes began to sh when Liu Wuxie formed seals, and his action naturally rmed Gu Yu, who opened his eyes and looked over.


    "What is Big Brother Liu doing?" Gu Yu couldn''tprehend what Liu Wuxie was doing. He could recognize that many of the materials were highly precious, and it was even enough for Liu Wuxie to forge five xiantian treasures. Using them all on the Heretic de was too extravagant.


    Gu Yu grew increasingly shocked as the dragon runes increased. He was baffled because he could only grasp some dragon runes, even though he was the dragon n''s descendant. He murmured, "Big Brother Liu''s mastery of the dragon runes is even more proficient than me. Is he also a descendant of the Dragon n?"


    He remembered that Liu Wuxie was a human who had lived in the mundane world and had only been in the cultivation world for a year. So, how could Liu Wuxie possibly understand dragon runes?


    However, Gu Yu''s excellent trait was not to gossip. He closed his eyes to continue his cultivation. He held onto the Dragon n Scepter with both hands to nurture it with his energy.


    The grade of the Heretic de increased swiftly as more materials merged into it. Even if it couldn''t be elevated to a monarch artifact, Liu Wuxie was determined to refine it into the finest xiantian treasure.


    Thunderbolts shed above the ind, thick clouds forming, and this meant Liu Wuxie was about to face a tribtion. However, only someone advancing into the True Profound Realm from the Nascent Transformation Realm would face a tribtion. Could it be because of the Heretic de?


    Liu Wuxie frowned and quickly changed the original refinement technique. He didn''t know if pushing the Heretic de beyond this world''s limits was good or bad.


    "The heavens seek to destroy the Heretic de. Could it have vited thews of heaven and earth?" Liu Wuxie murmured. However, he had already passed the point of no return, resolute in his determination to reforge the Heretic de, even if it meant defying the heavens.


    During his first encounter with tribtion in the cave, he hadn''t been too bothered. This time, however, was different, as a thunder tribtion loomed overhead.


    The sudden appearance of the tribtion startled Gu Yu. Only the creation of a heaven-defying treasure could attract such a response. The world operated under its own rules, and breaking them meant inevitable punishment. Even the heavens seemed to feel threatened by the birth of the Heretic de.


    As more materials merged into the Heretic de, lightning shed in the sky and weaved into a, flickering with thunderbolts. This scene was terrifying, and anyone with a faint heart would''ve been paralyzed by fear.


    Humans were pathetically weak before the power of heaven and earth.


    "Ready to awaken! Xiantian spirit!" The Heretic de had already developed spirituality and onlycked the xiantian spirit to awaken the artifact spirit.


    The water spirit was transformed into a xiantian spirit and merged with the Heretic de. The embryo within the artifact spirit began to expand, devouring all the surging xiantian energy.


    An even more terrifying scene urred as the artifact spirit within the Heretic de grew rapidly. It might not have awakened, but it was being strengthened.


    This situation was simr to pregnancy, where the child would be born when the time was right. However, in this case, the Heretic de was different. The artifact spirit should have awakened after absorbing the xiantian spirit, but it continued to grow at an rming rate. The Heretic de could only endure so much, and if the artifact spirit became too powerful, the de might not be able to contain it.


    It was like a mother carrying a child¡ªif the child grew toorge, the mother''s body might not be able to withstand it, leading to a tragic oue before the child could be born. Although the analogy is somewhat forced, the principle is the same.


    The Heretic de was like the mother, and the artifact spirit was the embryo. If the artifact spirit continued to grow unchecked, the de might fail before it could fully awaken. Liu Wuxie felt a surge of anxiety, as he had never encountered such a precarious situation before.


    "Could it be that the artifact spirit has devoured too many treasures, causing it to be more powerful than ordinary artifact spirit?" Liu Wuxie soon identified the cause: the Heretic de had devoured too many spiritual treasures, absorbing the spirituality within and making the artifact spirit''s embryo powerful.


    The Heretic de was still maintained at the level of a xiantian treasure and couldn''t advance while the artifact spirit grew.


    "Damn it! I¡¯ve been nning to use many treasures to upgrade the Heretic de to a monarch artifact. It seems I¡¯ll have to use them to strengthen the de instead, so it can match the power of the artifact spirit if there¡¯s no other choice." Liu Wuxie realized that if the artifact spirit grew too powerful, it wouldn¡¯t awaken properly. The only solution was to enhance the de to amodate the spirit¡¯s strength.


    Liu Wuxie''s current approach was to strengthen the Heretic de, forging it into a xiantian treasure with the method of a monarch artifact, which was already beyond logic. As long as the artifact spirit awakened, it would perfectly merge with the de, preventing simr issues from urring.


    He abandoned the n of upgrading the Heretic de to a monarch artifact and could only focus on helping the artifact spirit awaken. After all, the xiantian spirit Liu Wuxie had obtained was too powerful. The spirituality it contained was too overwhelming, causing the artifact spirit to surpass other xiantian treasures.


    After all, the benefits would be significant if it could advance to a xiantian treasure with powerparable to a monarch artifact.

 Chapter 477 - Reforging the Heretic Blade

    <h4>Chapter 477 - Reforging the Heretic de</h4>


    Even Gu Yu couldn''t help smiling bitterly as he saw Liu Wuxie using the materials meant for a monarch artifact to forge a xiantian treasure. He had never seen such an extravagant person before.


    However, everything seemed logical when he thought of the resources Liu Wuxie had acquired. After all, the benefits could only be maximized if the resources were used correctly.


    As thunderclouds gathered and rain began to fall on the ind, powerful gales swept across, forcing the two to move toward the ind''s center to avoid being swept away into the ocean.


    Three dayster, the artifact spirit finally showed signs of awakening after absorbing enough xiantian spirit. The thunderstorm, which had been brewing for three days, finally descended.


    "Frost Finger!" This was the critical moment, and all of Liu Wuxie''s effort would go down the drain if the tribtion descended now. The promotion of the Heretic de was imminent, and he couldn''t afford any hindrances, not even from the heavens.


    Liu Wuxie was determined to trample anything that stood in his way. So, what if it was the tribtion from the heavens? He firmly believed he could stand above them all and rule everything.


    The Frost Finger formed into a curtain to block the descending thunderbolts.


    "Awaken!" Liu Wuxie roared, taking the opportunity of the descending thunderbolt to awaken the artifact spirit because time was running out.


    Even more violent lightning formed into a thunderstorm that descended.


    Gu Yu clutched his head and dodged around the ind as lightning continuously struck the rocks in the surroundings. The ind, covered with rocks, became bare, and many of the stones were destroyed.


    The surrounding sea wasn¡¯t spared either as the descending thunderbolts createdrge explosions in the sea, and the impact formed waves reaching a hundred meters that surged toward the ind.


    The wave covered the sky and devoured the ind. When the tide receded, the ind reappeared, with Liu Wuxie and Gu Yu drenched in seawater.


    They erected a barrier to defend against the second wave. Liu Wuxie even used his ice-attribute energy to form an ice wall, enveloping the surroundings for hundreds of meters.


    The iing waves were all blocked by the ice barrier, and this gave Liu Wuxie time to continue forging the Heretic de. As materials meant for forging a monarch artifact were integrated into the de, the Heretic de''s power began to rise rapidly.


    An overwhelming spirituality exploded from the Heretic de as the artifact spirit had finally awakened. The moment the artifact spirit awakened, the sky changed, and the earth trembled violently.


    The ind sank by more than a meter, and what kind of artifact spirit it was to cause such a disturbance was unimaginable.


    The artifact spirit''s form slowly evolved after absorbing the divine dragon''s bones.


    When forging weapons, the artifact spirit typically resembled the owner, sometimes even appearing identical. However, it could also take on entirely different forms, such as beasts, abyssal devils, or nts, depending on the nature of the xiantian spirit used in the refinement process.


    For example, if the xiantian spirit was a nt, the awakened artifact spirit might be a tree.


    The artifact spirit awakened within the Heretic de,pletely overturning Liu Wuxie''sprehension. It was neither his form nor any other forms he had seen before. Instead, a young dragon opened its mouth and devoured all the surrounding thunderbolts.


    "A divine dragon!" Liu Wuxie eximed in shock. After all, divine dragons could devour clouds and mists, and some were even capable of controlling and treading on lightning.


    The legends about the dragon n often imed they were involved in summoning rain, which inevitably included controlling lightning to create a thunderstorm.


    "Could it be that the dragon bonebined with the xiantian spirit caused the artifact spirit to take this form?" Liu Wuxie murmured. He was still concerned about dealing with the tribtion, unable to bear the thought of thunderbolts destroying the Heretic de.


    However, the sudden awakening of the artifact spirit gave Liu Wuxie a glimmer of hope. The artifact spirit took the form of a divine dragon and could swallow lightning to strengthen itself, which was a good sign.


    Not only did the tribtion fail to threaten him, but it even became nourishment for the Heretic de. After all, an awakened divine dragon needed much food to grow. Liu Wuxie only had Blood Abyssal Stones and a coral jade aside from spirit stones, so where could he find the resources to feed the divine dragon?


    The appearance of the tribtion had perfectly resolved this issue for him. The energy in the Blood Abyssal Stone might be pure, but it still contained a hint of impurities, which wasn''t suitable for an artifact spirit that had just awakened.


    Spirit stones, containing even more impurities, were not suitable, and Liu Wuxie had only one coral jade, which he intended to save for his next breakthrough.


    The tribtion, enraged at its role being reversed from destruction to nourishment, intensified. The thunderclouds churned more violently, giving rise to an even more terrifying lightning bolt¡ªthicker than a water tank. The massive thunderbolt tore a gaping hole in the thunderclouds.


    Liu Wuxie''s facial expression became solemn because this couldn''t go on. The Heretic de''s artifact spirit had just awakened and could only absorb some lightning. But such a mighty thunderbolt could destroy the artifact spirit.


    The artifact spirit was like a newborn baby that required nourishment after birth and would die if it ate too much. The artifact spirit was still fragile, and a small amount of lightning could help it take shape quickly, but too much could cause a bacsh.


    The only solution for Liu Wuxie was to help resolve most of the lightning to help the artifact spirit awaken fully. If the Heretic de sessfully advanced, the tribtion would naturally dissipate.


    Waving his hands around, ice began to form into a giant shield in the sky to negate some of the lightning in the thunderbolt.


    The ice shield quickly began to crack under the immense power of the lightning, struggling to hold its ground against the fierce assault.


    "Big Brother Liu, let me help you!" Gu Yu, standing nearby, retrieved the Divine Dragon Sword. He could control the Divine Dragon Sword more easily after reaching the second level of the Heavenly Phase Realm.


    The Divine Dragon Sword transformed into a sky dragon and swallowed all the surrounding lightning.


    This was also an opportunity for Gu Yu because the Divine Dragon Sword would benefit significantly from devouring the lightning. The lightning wasn''t ordinary because it contained thews of heaven and earth.


    Ordinary lightning could only bring rain but wouldn''t carry thews of heaven and earth. But the thunder tribtion contained the wrath of heaven and earth, making it easier toprehend the profundity of heaven and earth by absorbing it.


    After the sky dragon absorbed the lightning, it released a dragon''s roar. The Heretic de''s artifact spirit, sensing the divine dragon''s presence, grewrger and more agitated as it consumed the lightning.


    Liu Wuxie''s face shifted with surprise. "How is this possible?" he eximed.


    The Heretic de slowly began to transform into a dragon under the influence of Gu Yu''s Divine Dragon Sword. After absorbing a segment of the dragon bone and with its artifact spirit evolving into a divine dragon, the Heretic de''s power grew significantly, even if it still fell shortpared to Gu Yu''s Divine Dragon Sword.


    The Heretic de had deviated from the original course Liu Wuxie had nned, and he didn''t know whether this was good or bad. But he was confident that the Heretic de had be even more potent than ordinary monarch artifacts.


    Once unleashed, it could exhibit devastating power. But perhaps because the grade of the Heretic de was too low, the attempt to transform into a dragon failed. The artifact spirit obediently coiled within the Heretic de to devour lightning to stabilize its grade.


    Liu Wuxie rxed and sensed every movement of the artifact spirit. The Heretic de was his creation, infused with his blood essence and consciousness. It was like a second primordial soul to him. Even if his physical body were to perish, he could reincarnate alongside the artifact spirit.


    The thunder tribtion felt challenged because it had always represented divine punishment. Anyone who vited the rules of heaven and earth would perish under the thunder tribtion, without exception.


    However, Thunder Tribtion failed to destroy the target today and was even devoured. Even more terrifying lightning appeared as a dozen lightning dragons emerged from the thunderclouds and fought with Gu Yu''s Divine Dragon Sword.


    "Big Brother Liu, I can''t hold on much longer!" The Divine Dragon Sword had reached the limit, and it would be destroyed if this continued.


    "I''ll take it from here!" Liu Wuxie instructed Gu Yu to put away the sword before soaring to the sky.


    The Heretic de would finish its advancement in just five more breaths and reach the xiantian treasure''s limit.


    ¡°Primordial Astral Fist!¡± Liu Wuxie threw a punch that sent the iing lightning dragons flying away.


    After reaching the third level of the Heavenly Phase Realm andprehending the water-attribute energy, Liu Wuxie''s strength had radically transformed.


    This further enraged the lightning, which wove into a and descended from the sky. The bound Liu Wuxie in the air, preventing him from moving.


    This situation was naturally unfavorable to Liu Wuxie because he could not resist the tribtion, even if he had a physiqueparable to the Astral River Realm cultivator.


    In just one exchange, a charred smell came from his body, along with the intense pain of being struck by lightning.


    "I will be the judge of my fate, not the heavens. If the heavens want to destroy me, I''ll destroy the heavens! If the earth wants to kill me, I''ll trample on the earth!" Liu Wuxie roared, and his body began swelling as the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron absorbed all the lightning.


    "Lightning tampering!" Liu Wuxie made a crazy decision to temper his body with lightning. He might have a powerful physique, but it was onlyparable to the low levels of the Astral River Realm. He had no chance of winning against those in the high levels of the Astral River Realm.


    Lightningshed at him like a whip, causing his body to twitch with each strike. The effects were evident as the lightning''s power continued to enhance his strength. As the lightning coursed through his skeleton and meridians, it contributed to fortifying his body.


    Gu Yu watched with wide eyes because only Liu Wuxie dared to do something so bold. If it were someone else in his position, they would''ve been reduced to ashes by the lightning.


    Then again, Liu Wuxie dared to resort to this because the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron devoured most of the lightning. The five breaths'' time would soon be up, and he had to hold on no matter what.


    He was covered with wounds as he endured inhumane pain while his body strengthened. But the pain was nothingpared to what he had suffered in the past two years.


    He knew that only by growing stronger could he truly control his fate. He had too many objectives, from eliminating Jiang Gongming to uncovering the truth behind the events that had urred in Martial Arts Hall. Achieving these goals required immense power.


    Liu Wuxie''s consciousness began to fade as time passed, and his body was about to reach the limit. His primordial spirit embryo was on the verge of copse when it had just formed recently.


    It had taken Liu Wuxie great effort to awaken the primordial spirit in the Heavenly Phase Realm, and if it copsed, all his efforts would be wasted.


    Despite the dire situation, Liu Wuxie was determined to prevail. He unleashed a furious roar towards the sky, pouring all his true essence out from the deste world.

 Chapter 478 - Refining the Dragon Bone

    <h4>Chapter 478 - Refining the Dragon Bone</h4>


    Liu Wuxie mobilized all the true essence to unleash his strongest punch. The surrounding space began to crack under the power of this punch because it wasparable to a strike from someone in the low level of the Astral River Realm.


    The iing lightning was constantly sted apart, buying the crucial moment needed for the Heretic de''s final transformation.


    With the artifact spirit fully awakened, the Heretic de shot towards Liu Wuxie andnded in his grasp. As it settled there, a perfect harmony resonated between them, and he could even sense the gentle breathing of the artifact spirit. The divine dragon within had drifted into a deep sleep after absorbing the lightning.


    "sh!" Liu Wuxie gripped the Heretic de tightly and swung it down, creating a spatial rift in the sky.


    The thunderclouds felt threatened and retreated into the distance, but how could Liu Wuxie let them leave? After all, he had suffered greatly thanks to the thunder tribtion.


    With a powerful strike, he split the thunderclouds in two. The sheer force of the attack drained fifty percent of his true essence, and the de aura extended ten miles out, almost cleaving the ocean in half.


    The thunderclouds dispersed as tranquility returned to the ind, and Liu Wuxie slowly descended onto the ground.


    "Congrattions, Big Brother Liu! You''ve forged an unrivaled de!" Gu Yu came forward to congratte Liu Wuxie. He knew it was just a matter of time before the Heretic de grew into a supreme divine de.


    "I have to thank you today. It would¡¯ve been hard for me to ovee the tribtion alone without your help in this critical moment," Liu Wuxie said gratefully.


    Even though the two were as close as brothers, Liu Wuxie felt it was important to express his gratitude. Gu Yu''s intervention with the Divine Dragon Sword had bought him the precious time needed for the artifact spirit to awaken.


    "There''s no need to be so formal between us!" Gu Yu replied, scratching his head. He had also gained a lot from resisting the tribtion, as the Divine Dragon Sword had grown significantly in power.


    It was a win-win situation for both of them: Liu Wuxie had sessfully forged a xiantian artifact, and Gu Yu had helped the Divine Dragon Sword advance.


    "How long have we been on this ind?" Liu Wuxie had lost sense of time as he was busy in his seclusion.


    "It has been ten days!" Ten days had passed without them realizing it.


    "Gu Yu, I n to refine the dragon bones next. What do you think about it?" The dragon bones were still stored in the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron. He believed that if they could refine the divine dragon''s bones, they would drastically transform their strength.


    "I know what you mean, Big Brother Liu. Though I''m a descendant of the Dragon n and refining the dragon bones is considered unfilial, the dragon has been dead for thousands of years. It''s the best fate for the dragon bones if we can use them to increase our cultivation, and this is like borrowing the power of my ancestors to help me raise my cultivation," Gu Yu knew what Liu Wuxie wanted to say.


    The divine dragon''s skeleton was Gu Yu''s ancestor, and refining it in front of Gu Yu was the same as refining Gu Yu''s ancestor. For most, this would be difficult to ept, but Gu Yu''s words revealed that he had already made peace with it.


    If not for Liu Wuxie, the bones of Gu Yu''s ancestor would have fallen into the hands of sea demons and suffered the same fate of being refined.


    Rather than allowing the dragon''s skeleton to benefit others, using his ancestor''s remains to strengthen himself was the best oue. Gu Yu believed his grandfather wouldn''t have objected if he were present.


    Liu Wuxie had nothing more to say after hearing Gu Yu''s reasoning. Had Gu Yu insisted on not refining the dragon bones, Liu Wuxie would have given up and buried the skeleton on this ind.


    Liu Wuxie held firm to his principles and couldn''t justify hurting his friend''s feelings for his own advancement. There were plenty of treasures in the world, and no need to be fixated on the dragon bones.


    The dragon bones began to melt under the intense heat of demonic mes. Had the bones been in their prime, refining them would have been impossible, but the divine dragon had been dead for thousands of years, leaving only residual energy stored within the bones.


    As the skeleton was converted into dragon liquid, Liu Wuxie extracted half and infused it into Gu Yu''s body. He wasn''t stingy because that half rightfully belonged to Gu Yu.


    As a descendant of the dragon n, Gu Yu''s body began to swell after absorbing the dragon liquid, and dragon scales emerged from his skin. If he continued his cultivation, there woulde a day when Gu Yu would transform into a divine dragon and soar through the skies.


    The two sat together and circted their cultivation techniques. They both faced another breakthrough when they had just made one recently.


    Liu Wuxie had already been giving Gu Yu a portion of the stctite essence daily, which had made Gu Yu¡¯s body ten times stronger than others at the same level of cultivation.


    When the dragon liquid was poured into the deste world, a dragon''s roar echoed, and Liu Wuxie''s bottleneck began to loosen.


    The deste world within Liu Wuxie not only expanded but also gained a newyer of resilience. After absorbing the dragon liquid, dragon runes appeared on the crystal walls, further strengthening the world.


    Liu Wuxie''s true essence roared through his meridians and bones, and dragon runes began to cover his body. Whether it was his bones or meridians, even his blood had turned golden. This was a sign of cultivating the True Dragon Physique.


    The blood of dragons was golden, while human blood was red; there was a significant difference between the two.


    Liu Wuxie''s body had be more vital and in addition to the dragon runes, a denseyer of dragon scales emerged from beneath the pores on his arm. He felt an immense powering from his arms, ten-odd times more powerful than before.


    If he activated the True Dragon Physique and performed the Primordial Astral Fist, its power would increase more than once. This was the true power of the True Dragon Physique.


    Gu Yu was covered in dragon scales, while Liu Wuxie only had dragon scales on his arms.


    Liu Wuxie''s cultivation broke through the third level of the Heavenly Phase Realm, reaching for the fourth.


    Time passed, and Liu Wuxie and Gu Yu were immersed in their cultivation. Another ten dayster, Liu Wuxie reached the fourth level of the Heavenly Phase Realm, while Gu Yu made two consecutive breakthroughs and caught up with Liu Wuxie.


    Gu Yu was morepatible with dragon liquid. As for Liu Wuxie, most of the dragon liquid was still in his body, waiting for the next breakthrough to be absorbed.


    This was despite the fact that Gu Yu had deliberately suppressed his cultivation to avoid advancing too quickly. With his solid foundation, reaching the fifth level of the Heavenly Phase Realm would have been achievable. However, doing so would have severely depleted his foundation, potentially harming his future cultivation prospects.


    The two spent five days consolidating their cultivation before opening their eyes, and the spiritual cloud above the sea had disappeared. They had drained almost all the spiritual energy within tens of thousands of miles during their cultivation.


    "Gu Yu, attack me with all your strength!" After a month of cultivation, the two wanted to test their risen strength and needed a real battle.


    Gu Yu was also excited, and he used the Divine Dragon Sword directly because he knew how powerful Liu Wuxie was. This was why he didn''t hesitate to unleash his strongest attack.


    He knew he had to use all his trump cards if they wanted to adapt to their current strength and hone their skills. That was also the same for Liu Wuxie, who used the Fatality de Art, Frost Finger, and Primordial Astral Fist.


    Their battles left more craters on the ind, and seawater began pouring in. It didn''t matter to them if the ind sank since they nned to leave this ce.


    They fought for three days and nights until exhausted before lying on the soft beach and looking at the stars in the sky. In the past three days, they had managed to hone their martial techniques to the pinnacle of their current cultivation, and Liu Wuxie now, ording to his estimation, possessed the ability to kill cultivators in the low levels of the Astral River Realm.


    Over the past month, they had exhausted all of their resources until they were left with some mid-grade spirit stones, and Liu Wuxie had also used up several high-grade spirit stones.


    Each had only two hundred Blood Abyssal Stones left, but they didn''t dare to continue cultivating because they nned to save them for their future breakthroughs.


    When stars slowly disappeared and the first ray of sunlight rose from the sea, they were too exhausted to get back up and remained lying on the beach. This moment was peaceful for them because they would have to face bloodshed and strife when they left this ind.


    "Big Brother Liu, look over there!"Gu Yu suddenly called out as he noticed a ck shadow approaching from the sea.


    Liu Wuxie quickly sat up and squinted at the shadow, realizing it was a warship passing by. He eximed, "A warship!"


    They had been on the ind for over a month and couldn''t even find a single ship in sight. But this warship meant they could finally get out of this ce.


    Liu Wuxie had initially nned to refine the coral jade before leaving, but he gave up the idea because the coral jade was too precious, which he nned to save for his breakthrough into the Astral River Realm.


    That was the best way to use the coral jade to its full potential because if he absorbed it now, he could only advance one level at best. The difference between the fifth and sixth levels wasn''t significant, and absorbing the coral jade now was a waste.


    The two quickly concealed and controlled their auras, ensuring they remained undetected. With the Breath Concealing Art, Liu Wuxie was confident that even someone in the Nascent Transformation Realm wouldn¡¯t be able to discern their true cultivation.


    As Gu Yu practiced the Breath Concealing Art, he found it to be more sophisticated than the one used by the Gu n. Liu Wuxie had also shared his knowledge with Gu Yu, teaching him how to practice the True Dragon Physique, which had rapidly enhanced his physical strength over just a few days.


    The warship approached steadily, now only ten thousand meters away¡ªroughly four hours from their location. Noticing the g on the warship, Liu Wuxie and Gu Yu exchanged nces and eximed, "It''s the Dugu n''s warship!"


    Even more interesting was that the warship had taken them to the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind, and they were puzzled about what it was doing there. Shouldn''t it be headed for the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind?


    Or was this warship passing by their location because it wasn''t far from the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind?


    As this ind didn''t have a port, the warship couldn''t dock near it and could only stop when it was a thousand meters away from the shore.


    Three figures swiftly flew towards the ind. They saw Liu Wuxie and Gu Yu when they were a thousand meters away.


    Finding humans on such a deste ind naturally piqued the interest of the warship''s crew, and the three figures gave off a powerful aura, with one old man in the Nascent Transformation Realm.


    It was no secret that every warship belonging to the Dugu n had an expert in the Nascent Transformation Realm onboard. There was also a red-clothed woman, whom Liu Wuxie recognized as the third daughter of the Dugu n, also known as the thirddy.


    Everyone''s faces changed when they looked at each other.


    "It''s you?!" The thirddy hadn''t expected to find Liu Wuxie on this ind.


    "Long time no see!" Liu Wuxie cupped his fists at the three and had no favorable impression of the Dugu n. But he could only suck it up now because he had to rely on the Dugu n''s warship to leave, not to mention there was someone in the Nascent Transformation Realm present.

 Chapter 479 - Refining the Heavenly Dragon Seal

    <h4>Chapter 479 - Refining the Heavenly Dragon Seal</h4>


    The situation was strange as the Nascent Transformation Realm elder coldly snorted and swept his gaze over Liu Wuxie, unable to fathom how these two had ended up on such an isted ind.


    The thirddy nodded at Liu Wuxie slightly as a form of greeting. She asked, "What are you two doing here?"


    They were curious about what Liu Wuxie and Gu Yu were doing on this ind.


    "It''s a long story!" Liu Wuxie had no ns to tell them the truth and nned to probe them first. He asked, "What''s the Dugu n''s warship doing here? Shouldn''t it be heading to the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind instead?"


    The Blood Sea Abyssal Ind''s warship was supposed to visit the ind once a month, and it had already been two months. By now, the warship should have reached its destination.


    "The Blood Sea Abyssal Ind has fallen. The sea demons upied it, and all the humans were purged, and no one escaped. We only stopped at the port briefly before leaving," the thirddy replied truthfully.


    "The Blood Sea Abyssal Ind has fallen?!" Liu Wuxie and Gu Yu exchanged a look with a hint of shock in their eyes.


    While many might have perished when they were trapped in the dragon pce, there should still have been some survivors on the ind. How could have the sea demons wiped out all the humans?


    "I heard that a treasure was found on the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind, which triggered a great battle that annihted the three major forces, allowing the sea demons to take the opportunity to seize the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind," the thirddy continued her exnation.


    Her eyes were fixed on Liu Wuxie, trying to glean any information from his expression. It seemed suspicious that Liu Wuxie had managed to survive on this isted ind when so many powerful experts had perished.


    This made no sense because even those in the Astral River Realm couldn''t escape, not to mention Liu Wuxie, who was only in the Heavenly Phase Realm.


    "To be honest, when the treasure appeared on the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind, we both sank into the sea and were swept here by huge waves. We didn''t know what had happened after that, and we''ve been trapped here for over a month," Liu Wuxie said calmly, his eyes devoid of any emotions.


    From the thirddy''s gaze, he could tell they didn''t know what had happened on the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind. With all the humans dead, the sea demons wouldn''t reveal what had happened unless they had a death wish.


    If the news of a dragon pce''s appearance were to leak out, it would attract countless humans to reim their territory.


    The barrier around the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind would also disappear with the dragon pce''s copse. This meant human cultivators in the Nascent Transformation Realm could easily sweep through the ind.


    As long as the news didn''t leak out, no one woulde to the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind to take their territory, allowing the sea demons to develop slowly. Since there was a dragon pce, could there be a second?


    As a result, the events from the previous month werepletely shrouded in secrecy. The thirddy knew Liu Wuxie was lying, but she had no grounds to challenge him. After all, whatever transpired on Blood Sea Abyssal Ind would remain hidden unless the sea demons chose to reveal it¡ªand that seemed unlikely.


    The sea demons would likely keep silent for at least a hundred years, using the time to search for another dragon pce. Though the pce had sunk, much of it remained unexplored.


    "You''re fortunate," the thirddy said after a brief hesitation. She suppressed the murderous intent flickering in her eyes. To her, killing Liu Wuxie and Gu Yu would be as easy as crushing two ants.


    Liu Wuxie had alreadymunicated with the Heretic de, ready to act if the situation turned dangerous. Even if victory was uncertain, he believed he still had a good chance of surviving.


    "We barely escaped with our lives. I hope the thirddy can give up a lift off this ind," Liu Wuxie said, adopting a helpless tone. He needed the Dugu n''s warship to leave the ind and was willing to lower his pride to do so.


    Dugu Yu nced at the n''s elder. When she saw no expression on thetter''s face, she nodded and agreed to take the two with them.


    The five flew to the warship, and Dugu Yu didn''t mistreat Liu Wuxie as she prepared a decent room for them. The room was about ten square meters, enough for the two without feeling cramped.


    After everything was arranged, Dugu Yu left for her cabin, which wasvishly decorated. The floor was covered with soft carpet, and the cabin had a living room, a cultivation chamber, and everything that made this ce no different from living onnd.


    "Third Uncle, can you tell if they were telling the truth?" Dugu Yu sat down and looked at the elder with furrowed brows.


    "Half-truth, half-lie. This boy is cunning, and his schemes are terrifying. It''s hard to find any ws in his eyes and expression," the elder said. Despite his cultivation in the Nascent Transformation Realm, he couldn''t see through Liu Wuxie.


    He had tried using his Nascent Transformation Realm''s aura to pressure Liu Wuxie. However, it had little effect because Liu Wuxie had remained unfazed even when facing an expert in the Nascent Transformation Realm.


    "If we''re going to use force to make him reveal the secrets of the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind, how confident are you?" Dugu Yu didn''t want to give up. She knew something significant had happened on the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind, and the sea demon''s silence only made her more curious.


    The two had captured many sea demons along the way and searched their soul seas, but the information they obtained was limited. The sea demons who had witnessed everything that day had already been dispatched elsewhere, and only the Sea Demon n''s higher-ups knew the secrets of the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind.


    "It won''t be easy. That brat is a disciple of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, and it will be detrimental to our Dugu n if the news gets out," the elder said, frowning.


    Earlier, when boarding the warship, Liu Wuxie had purposely raised his voice to attract attention from the surroundings. Many guests on the warship had seen the three boarding the ship with Liu Wuxie and Gu Yu. This meant they couldn''t act against the two unless they killed everyone onboard.


    But if they killed everyone onboard, this would be the same as ruining the Dugu n''s business on the sea. It wasn''t worth taking the risk.


    "Keep a close eye on them. If they''re fortunate to escape, we''ll let it go. But if they''re hiding something or they obtained any treasure, I will personally take his life even if it means taking a risk," Dugu Yu said with a sh of murderous intent in his eyes.


    The entire room was surging with murderous intent, and this woman had killed countless sea demons over the years.


    "I have already arranged for someone to watch them closely!" The Dugu n''s elder stood up and left the room.


    When the elder left, a divine sense also left the room. The divine sense naturally came from Liu Wuxie, who tapped into their conversation.


    After reaching the fourth level of the Heavenly Phase Realm, Liu Wuxie''s Soul Forge Art had improved significantly, and his soul energy wasparable to the high levels of the Astral River Realm. Even his Ghost Eye Technique had be even more formidable, capable of prating through theyers and reaching Dugu Yu''s room.


    Had they been discussing matters inside the ship''s central control system, Liu Wuxie might not have been able to eavesdrop on their conversation, as the central control system was constructed with unique materials capable of blocking the pration of Ghost Eye.


    After knowing they didn''t n on acting against him, Liu Wuxie felt relieved. The two focused on cultivating in the remaining time and didn''t do anything else.


    They asionally left the room to catch some fresh air and chat with the other merchants onboard. It turned out that the Dugu n''s warship had set sail for the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind a month ago and was returning after learning about the ind''s fall into the hands of sea demons.


    Along the way, they had noticed the spiritual energy gathering in one direction. After obtaining everyone''s consent, the warship had sailed in that direction, only to find Liu Wuxie and Gu Yu.


    When they returned to the room, Liu Wuxie began to secretly refine the Heavenly Dragon Seal. He didn''t dare to make too muchmotion and let the Heavenly Dragon Seal hover above the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron, using his divine sense and true essence to envelop and gradually assimte it.


    After refining the dragon bones, Liu Wuxie now possessed the divine dragon''s bloodline, making it easy for him to refine the Heavenly Dragon seal. He even used demonic mes to temper it and injected arge amount of spirituality, allowing the Heavenly Dragon Seal to ept him gradually.


    The warship had set sail for ten days, and Liu Wuxie was focused on refining the Heavenly Dragon Seal.


    "The Heavenly Dragon Seal is too powerful¡ªI can''t even use it!" Liu Wuxie soon realized a new problem. Despite refining seventy percent of the Heavenly Dragon Seal, many spiritual runes remained beyond his reach due to his current cultivation level. Although he hadn''t fully refined it, this didn''t hinder his control over the artifact.


    Even after channeling all his true essence, he could only make the Heavenly Dragon Seal hover. He suspected he would need to reach the Astral River Realm to wield it effectively in battle.


    "As expected of a dragon n''s treasure. It''s mighty!" Though he couldn''t control it entirely, Liu Wuxie was still thrilled.


    Gu Yu also faced the same problem because he couldn''t use the full power of the Dragon n Scepter. He could only use it to smash stones. He couldn''t use it against his enemies because the Dragon n Scepter would drain all his true essence.


    Half a monthter, the warship returned to the port, and everyone disembarked one after another. News of the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind began to spread along with their disembarkment.


    Liu Wuxie finally breathed a sigh of relief after getting off the ship.


    "Gu Yu, can you contact Senior Gu?" The three-month period had already passed by several days, and this meant Liu Wuxie could return to the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. But before leaving, he had to hand Gu Yu safely back to Senior Gu.


    "I can!" Gu Yu took out a strange talisman and crushed it, causing it to flicker.


    "A supreme Communication Talisman!" Liu Wuxie was surprised because supreme talismans were extremely rare in the market. This was the same as ordinary pills that could be found on the market, but supreme pills were a different story.


    An ordinary Communication Talisman could only transmit information a thousand miles away, while a supreme Communication Talisman could reach ten thousand miles away.


    Roughly after a minute, the crushed talisman responded with a flicker, a sign that Gu Yu''s grandfather had sensed him.


    "Grandfather said he will arrive here tomorrow morning and asked us to rest in the city for one night," Gu Yu ryed the message from his grandfather. His grandfather must be very far away from them.


    "Alright, let''s find a ce to settle down for the night!" Liu Wuxie nodded and led Gu Yu toward the city''s center. He didn''t mind waiting for a day.


    There was a figure quietly following them after they left.


    Liu Wuxie and Gu Yu found an inn and rented a secluded courtyard, seeking some peace and quiet. However, as soon as they settled in, a group of people moved into the neighboring courtyard.


    "Are you certain it''s him?" asked the leader, an old man with a goatee, who red coldly at the four others, all of whom were at the fifth level of the Heavenly Phase Realm.


    "It''s him! The four guardians and Hou San who were sent earlier have all been killed," replied a man in his thirties, standing up to address the old man''s question.

 Chapter 480 - Night Raid

    <h4>Chapter 480 - Night Raid</h4>


    The Hou n had repeatedly ambushed Liu Wuxie after he left the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, but he had managed to kill the Four Guardians and Hou San in self-defense.


    There had even been someone from the Hou n who had followed Liu Wuxie to the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind, but he never found an opportunity to ambush him. That person hadn¡¯t dared to act rashly and had intended to send a message back to the n.


    Who would''ve thought that an internal war would break out among the humans in the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind and that cultivator from the Hou n would die in the underground world?


    Before his death, he didn''t even have the time to ry the news that Liu Wuxie had killed Li Xiaohai. This meant no one would know that he could y someone in the second level of the Astral River Realm apart from Gu Yu.


    "We''ll strike tonight. We can''t let him leave!" the old man with a goatee dered viciously. Upon learning that Hou San and the others had been killed, the Grand Elder had been furious, prompting him to send them on this mission. Failing would mean facing the Grand Elder''s wrath.


    "What about that brat traveling with him?" another man asked. Their target was Liu Wuxie, and they had no grudge against Gu Yu.


    "Kill them both! We mustn''t leave any trace behind." A decision was made to eradicate the both of them.


    Liu Wuxie was utterly unaware of the conspiracy against him next door. After entering the courtyard, he rxed andy on the bed to rest, keeping his senses alert to prevent unexpected attacks.


    His nerves had been tensed for every moment over the past three months. A four-hour rest following the nightfall restored Liu Wuxie and Gu Yu to their peak condition.


    "There''s a murderous intent!" Liu Wuxie suddenly sat up after sensing a murderous intent approaching them.


    The Dugu n''s warship had left, and the murderous intent didn''t seem toe from the Dugu n.


    They had just arrived in the city and were unlikely to have offended anyone. So, Liu Wuxie couldn''t figure out who was trying to kill them.


    Upon sensing the murderous intent, Gu Yu instantly became alert, gripping the Divine Dragon Sword and preparing for battle.


    The murderous intent only shed by before disappearing quickly, but it had indeed appeared above their courtyard.


    "Gu Yu, prepare for battle!" Liu Wuxie didn''t know who targeted them, but they had to be prepared. He wouldn''t take them seriously if they were some ordinary thieves, and he could kill as many enemies that came at them as long as there were no cultivators in the Astral River Realm.


    The two swiftly exited the courtyard and guarded the two sides to prevent the enemies from catching them off guard.


    Rustling sounds finally emerged in the middle of the night, signaling that someone had sneaked into their courtyard.


    Five figures surrounded the courtyard, ensuring no escape routes were left. Liu Wuxie, however, remained patient, waiting until the intruders reached the courtyard''s center. Then, with a calm voice, hemanded, "Activate the spiritual array!"


    Instantly, rows of array gs sprang up, forming a defensive barrier that enveloped the entire courtyard. This barrier was designed to contain the battle and prevent any disturbances from spilling out, ensuring no unnecessary attention was drawn.


    "This isn''t good!" The five were shocked because they had been very stealthy and couldn''t figure out how they had been discovered.


    Gu Yu held a torch to illuminate the courtyard, revealing the faces of the five intruders. Upon seeing them, Liu Wuxie gradually rxed; they were only at the fifth level of the Heavenly Phase Realm.


    "Who are you, and why have you broken into my courtyard in the dead of night?" Liu Wuxie asked with deliberate politeness, giving them a chance to exin themselves. He didn''t wish to harm anyone unnecessarily if they had merely made a mistake.


    "Liu Wuxie, today will be your death!" Since these people could call out his name, it was clear that they hade prepared to assassinate him.


    Gu Yu, sensing the gravity of the situation, ced the torch securely in a groove on the wall. Without hesitation, he stepped forward, gripping the Divine Dragon Sword. Confident in his abilities, he prepared to confront one of the attackers head-on.


    "Who are you people, and why do you know my name? I don''t seem to know any of you," Liu Wuxie asked. He wasn''t hurrying to act because he wanted to find out who these people were.


    "Do you still remember the Four Guardians and Hou San you killed? We''re here to avenge them!" The elder with a goatee said in a sinister tone and paid no attention to the spiritual array in the surroundings.


    Although they hadn''t revealed their identities, Liu Wuxie already knew who they were.


    "The Hou n!" When he had just returned from the sea, Liu Wuxie didn''t expect to run into the Hou n.


    "Are you going to take your own life, or should we do it for you?" The old man didn''t want to waste time talking to Liu Wuxie and nned to end the battle quickly.


    "I''m curious how you people ended up in the city at just the right time when I came back?" The Heretic de appeared in Liu Wuxie''s hand as he asked his final question. He was curious how these people had managed to find him.


    "That''s because we were about to board the warship heading for the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind and saw you disembarking from one. Perhaps this is fate!" The group of five closed in to surround Liu Wuxie and Gu Yu.


    The atmosphere became tense, and an overwhelming pressure in the fifth level of the Heavenly Phase Realm crushed Liu Wuxie and Gu Yu.


    A bizarre scene unfolded because Liu Wuxie and Gu Yu were unfazed when facing the pressure from cultivators in the fifth-level Heavenly Phase Realm, showing no signs of being overwhelmed. Their opponents were surprised and wondered if they had misjudged the situation.


    "I have no grudges with your Hou n, but why do you people keeping after me?" Liu Wuxie was starting to lose his patience. After all, he wouldn''t be at odds with the Hou n if Hou Chi hadn''t tried to kill him.


    But instead of reflecting on their actions, Hou n kept sending people repeatedly to kill him like he was a pushover.


    "I''ll tell you when you''re dead!" The old man with the goatee said and gave the order as everyone unleashed their attacks on Liu Wuxie.


    A violent surge of power swept out in all directions, but they didn''t have to worry about themotion getting out due to the spiritual array.


    "Big Brother Liu, leave one for me!" Gu Yu knew how strong Liu Wuxie was, and these five couldn''t even pose a threat to him. Thetter could kill them all with one strike if he wanted.


    "Alright!" Liu Wuxie nodded and charged at the other four with his Heretic de. He didn''t release his aura in the fourth level of the Heavenly Phase Realm but suppressed it in the first level.


    When Liu Wuxie swung down with the Heretic de, he created a whirlwind with a powerful de aura crashing down.


    The old man''s expression shifted when he realized that Liu Wuxie''s de emanated powerfulws characteristic of the Astral River Realm, indicating that it was on par with a monarch artifact.


    The sudden attack caused the faces of the five intruders to change dramatically. Gu Yu engaged the remaining opponent, and his every movement was meticulously bnced between offense and defense.


    Although it wasn''t difficult for Gu Yu to defeat a cultivator at the fifth level of the Heavenly Phase Realm with his current strength, he appeared to be using the fight to sharpen his skills.


    When Liu Wuxie and Gu Yu had sparred for three days and three nights on the isted ind, they hadn''t unleashed their full strength, mainly focusing on stabilizing their cultivation. But this time, it was different, as both sides were fighting to kill each other.


    The old man wielded a smoking pike and swung it to block the Heretic de.


    Sparks flew when the weapons shed, illuminating the courtyard like daytime. Terrifying ripples were formed as everyone was sent flying away while Liu Wuxie stood by the side with the Heretic de.


    The four Hou n cultivators who fought with Liu Wuxie, especially the old man with a goatee, wore a grim face. He looked at his smoking pipe with heartache because there was a long crack on it, and it was nearly snapped into two by the Heretic de.


    The smoking pipe was a xiantian treasure, and he couldn''t believe it was iparable to Liu Wuxie''s de.


    The situation might have seemed to be in the Hou n''s favor, but they instantly realized that Liu Wuxie and Gu Yu''sbat strength was far beyond their expectations. Regardless of strength, cultivation, true essence, or weapons, Liu Wuxie and Gu Yu had far outssed their opponents.


    "Everyone on the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind has died except for the two of you. Liu Wuxie, you''re like a cockroach!" The news about Blood Sea Abyssal Ind had long reached the maind.


    ......


    The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion also learned that all the humans had perished on the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind.


    When Elder Tian Xing received the news, he let out a long sigh. He turned to look at a young man by the side and said, "Luo He, help me look after Liu Wuxie''s family and friends!"


    This was the same person who had delivered Liu Wuxie''s punishment to him.


    "Hall Master, is it worth it when he''s dead?" Luo He''s voice was low.


    Since Liu Wuxie was dead, there was little value left in him, and his fivepanions, who had been brought into the sect, were of only average talent, unable to achieve much.


    Despite bing inner disciples, everyone knew it was solely due to Liu Wuxie¡¯s influence. Without him, they would likely revert to their former status.


    "I promised him I would care for his friends and family." Elder Tian Xing waved his hand and urged Luo He to take care of it immediately.


    The news would soon spread among the other disciples, and the announcement of Liu Wuxie¡¯s death would likely trigger a fierce bacsh against his loved ones.


    The incident in the Scarlet Sun Mountain Range, where Hou Ye had nearly killed Fan Zhen and others after hearing of Liu Wuxie¡¯s supposed death, was a grim reminder of what could happen.


    "I can''t do it alone. He has offended many people in the past six months." Luo He looked helpless. Even if he carried out his duty, it was impossible to help Liu Wuxie''s family and friends unless the sect intervened.


    However, the sect wouldn¡¯t intervene on behalf of a few inner disciples, just as they had remained silent when Liu Wuxie had killed other disciples.


    "Just do your best. Advise them to stay in their courtyard and avoid going out," Elder Tian Xing said, his tone tinged with irritation as he urged Luo He to leave quickly. It was up to fate how much protection could be provided, and Elder Tian Xing knew there was only so much they could do.


    <strong>......</strong>


    Liu Wuxie had no idea about that as he was still immersed in his battle. The two sides exchanged thousands of attacks, but Hou n''s group of five couldn''t break through the defenses of Liu Wuxie and Gu Yu.


    "Big Brother Liu, I''m going to finish the fight now!" Gu Yu yelled after he was done honing his martial techniques. He raised the Divine Dragon Sword and swung it down, unleashing a dragon''s roar.


    His opponent was so terrified that his soul nearly left his body, shocked by the power of Gu Yu''s sword. That was no ordinary xiantian treasure, and it was a monarch artifact, unleashing immense power pouring down.


    Gu Yu¡¯s sword cleaved the fifth-level Heavenly Phase Realm cultivator in half, spilling blood across the floor. The sight of their fallenrade instilled deep psychological fear in the remaining four Hou n cultivators.


    They knew it was nearly impossible for them to escape if the two joined forces.


    "What exactly did you obtain in the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind for you to be so powerful in just three months?" The goatee-bearded old man roared in fury.

 Chapter 481 - Central Plains

    <h4>Chapter 481 - Central ins</h4>


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s rapid rise from the Heavenly Dipper Realm to such formidable heights in just three months suggested he had acquired an extraordinary treasure. Over the past months, Liu Wuxie had amassed numerous resources, propelling him to his current level of power.


    ¡°You won¡¯t have the chance to find out!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes hardened as a chilling, murderous intent emanated from him. He was resolute in eliminating all five Hou n members.


    Revealing his full strength would only attract unwanted attention and potential trouble in the future. Given that their cultivation had dramatically increased while others had perished, it was bound to spark curiosity and scrutiny.


    Gu Yu had his grandfather, while Liu Wuxie had no one. If he ran into cultivators in the Nascent Transformation Realm, it would be hard for him to escape.


    The Heretic de emitted a dragon''s roar, and the dragon''s aura it gave off wasn''t any weaker than Gu Yu''s Divine Dragon Sword.


    The remaining four Hou n members were paralyzed with fear, unable to muster any resistance against the overwhelming dragon¡¯s aura.


    "Seventh Fatality Form!"


    ¡°Primordial Astral Fist!¡± Liu Wuxiebined the two attacks. He had alreadyprehended the Seventh Fatality Form, and the surrounding spiritual energy was drained dry when he executed it.


    The strike was so devastating that Gu Yu had to retreat uncontrobly as the violent energy waves crashed over him. He marveled to himself, "What a powerful attack!"


    During their sparring sessions on the ind to stabilize their cultivation, Liu Wuxie had not used this de technique. Had he employed it then, Gu Yu knew he would have been defeated long ago.


    The suffocating aura released by Liu Wuxie continued to rise. The most terrifying attack wasn''t the Fatality de Art but the Primordial Astral Fist.


    After absorbing the water spirit, the power of the four elements had be even more terrifying, and it felt like an actual star hovering above the courtyard. Once he gathered the earth element, the Primordial Astral Fist would form a cycle between the five elements and be invincible. After all, the earth element represented weight and unmatched power.


    Combining two moves made Liu Wuxie invincible as he slowly hovered in the air, unleashing a terrifying aura in the fourth level of the Heavenly Phase Realm. This was also the reason why Liu Wuxie had set up a spiritual array, which was to iste all themotion inside.


    "This is impossible!" the four Hou n men shouted in disbelief. ording to their information, Liu Wuxie was at the eighth level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm. How could he have suddenly advanced to the fourth level of the Heavenly Phase Realm?


    Furthermore, the terrifying part wasn''t Liu Wuxie''s cultivation but hisbat strength, which wasparable to that of the Astral River Realm.


    "Die!" Ignoring their shock, Liu Wuxie unleashed the seven forms of the Fatality de Art in a single, devastating strike. The space tore apart, creating a rift that unleashed a deadly wind across the courtyard.


    When the Primordial Astral Fist descended, the four men were pinned down and immobilized; they could only watch helplessly as the Heretic dended on them.


    They were ripped apart like fruits bursting open, with their blood sttering everywhere.


    Liu Wuxie summoned the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron to absorb the energy from the Hou n members'' corpses. Though the energy was not immediately beneficial, it helped him build momentum for his next breakthrough.


    After killing the five assassins from the Hou n, Liu Wuxie and Gu Yu cleaned up the courtyard to prevent any traces from being left behind.


    Neither Liu Wuxie nor Gu Yu rested during the second half of the night. They remained in the courtyard, sorting through the interspatial rings of the five men while remaining on guard for any ambushes. Gu Yu chose not to take any resources from the rings.


    As the first rays of sunlight illuminated the courtyard, Liu Wuxie and Gu Yu breathed a sigh of relief. Gu Yu¡¯s grandfather had arrived as promised.


    Senior Gu, an expert in the True Profound Realm, scrutinized Gu Yu with a sharp gaze. He could see the significant progress Gu Yu had made over the past three months on Blood Sea Abyssal Ind with Liu Wuxie. Gu Yu¡¯s growth in this short time had far surpassed his progress over the previous years.


    "Good! Good! Good!" Senior Gu said, unable to describe his feelings upon seeing Gu Yu.


    "I pay my respect to grandfather!" Gu Yu stepped forward to give Senior Gu a bow.


    "Junior greets Senior Gu!" Liu Wuxie cupped his hands at Senior Gu.


    "I know everything that happened on the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind, and I was right about you. Yu''er''s current achievements are all thanks to you, and I''m grateful for you on behalf of the Gu n." Senior Gu stepped forward to give Liu Wuxie a bow, surprising thetter.


    "Senior, please don¡¯t!" Liu Wuxie quickly supported Senior Gu. He and Gu Yu had depended on each other to survive on Blood Sea Abyssal Ind; neither could have made it alone. Without Gu Yu¡¯s assistance, Liu Wuxie would have perished on the ind or been captured and had his soul sea searched by the two major forces.


    "You¡¯ve done the Gu n a great service, and this bow represents our deep gratitude," Senior Gu said. "Yu''er has always been by my side, and I can clearly see how much he has grown in the past three months." As a True Profound Realm expert, Senior Gu¡¯s strength meant that Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t get him to rise.


    With no other options, Liu Wuxie could only bow in return.


    "Senior Gu, I''ve read many books, but I''ve never found any mention of the Gu n." Liu Wuxie asked curiously, ¡°Could there be many things not recorded in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion?


    "I''ll be honest with you. The Gu n isn''t from the Southern Province, but the Central ins." After seeing Gu Yu''s growth, senior Gu was open with Liu Wuxie.


    "The Central ins?!" Liu Wuxie''s face changed slightly. The True Martial Continent was divided into five regions, and they were in the Southern Province. The Eastern Domain, Western Barren, Northern City, and the biggest, the Central ins, attracted all the geniuses and experts from the other four regions.


    "I see!" "I understand," Liu Wuxie nodded, nowprehending why there was no information about the Gu n in the books at the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    "Yu''er''s growth has exceeded my expectations. I n to take him back to the Central ins, and you cane to find us if you get the chance." Senior Gu nned to leave the Southern Province with Gu Yu.


    "Senior Gu, can I ask if there''s any n by the surname Liu in the Central ins?" Liu Wuxie asked. It was inevitable for them to part, especially when they were mere acquaintances who had met by chance.


    "The Liu n?" Senior Gu paused and fell into deep thought.


    Liu Wuxie didn''t interrupt and patiently waited for Senior Gu''s reply.


    "There''s a Liu n, one of the four major ns. Do you know this Liu n?" Senior Gu gave Liu Wuxie a deep look and wondered if Liu Wuxie also had a connection with the Central ins.


    "I don''t know them, and I''m only asking out of curiosity. I wonder if you know someone by the name of Liu Dashan?" Liu Wuxie had recently learned his father''s name and his mother''s name was Yan Yu.


    Ever since entering the cultivation world, Liu Wuxie had searched for his parents'' whereabouts. He asked Senior Gu about them after learning he and Gu Yu were from Central ins.


    Senior Gu shook his head, having no recollection of this name. This was normal because Senior Gu was someone in the True Profound Realm, while his father should only have reached the pinnacle of the True Core Realm at best. How could his father possibly originate from the Central ins with his cultivation?


    The two werepletely different in status, and they couldn''t have any connection, even if his father came from the Central ins.


    They continued to chat on various topics, and Senior Gu even guided Liu Wuxie in his cultivation. Although Liu Wuxie knew more than Senior Gu regarding cultivation, he humbly epted the advice.


    Senior Gu meant well, and it was only proper for Liu Wuxie to respect his kindness. He could also use the guidance to reflect on his situation and avoid taking the wrong paths.


    After all, Liu Wuxie''s cultivation path had already deviated from his previous life, and he needed new knowledge to fill in the gaps and forge his future path.


    Although he was already a grandmaster in alchemy and cksmithing, Liu Wuxie still needed to explore cultivation, particrly integrating the Suppression Steles into his internal organs. The Deste Devouring Art and Heavenly Dao Book were too profound, making Senior Gu''s guidance invaluable.


    They spent a day in the city, during which Senior Gu did not inquire about the events on Blood Sea Abyssal Ind. For him, the results mattered more than the details, and Gu Yu''s remarkable growth was the most important oue.


    Gu Yu bid his farewell with tears welling in his eyes. Over the past three months, he had forged a strong friendship with Liu Wuxie, and parting didn''t feel great for him.


    He even asked his grandfather if they could stay a little longer in the Southern Province, but he was denied his request. Their purpose foring out was to train, and now that they had achieved their objective, it was time for them to return. He nned to take Gu Yu elsewhere to carry on honing his skills.


    Many things were waiting for him to do, and he couldn''t afford to stay in one ce for too long.


    "Until we meet again!" Liu Wuxie''s expression was emotionless, and he had already be ustomed to parting. This temporary farewell was to ensure a better reunion in the future.


    "Take care of yourself, young friend!" Liu Wuxie cupped his fists toward Gu Yu.


    "Big Brother Liu, you have toe and look for me in the Central ins!" Gu Yu yelled, wiping the tears on his face. His grandfather grabbed him by the clothes and disappeared into the clouds with a swoosh, leaving a faint echo lingering in Liu Wuxie''s ears.


    Now alone, Liu Wuxie knew it was time to return to the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. The information about Blood Sea Abyssal Ind was likely to have reached the Pavilion, which could endanger Fan Zhen and the others. He couldn¡¯t afford to let anything happen to them.


    He had traveled to the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion on the Heretic de, but now, he flew directly back. His current cultivation allowed him to cover a thousand miles daily with ease.


    Five dayster, Liu Wuxie finally entered Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s territory. The journey back was rtively peaceful, with no one intercepting him.


    The news of him killing Hou n''s five experts hadn''t spread out yet.


    As Liu Wuxie approached the mountain, he descended and concealed his aura in the ninth level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm. He was only in the seventh level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm when he had left, and it was reasonable for him to have advanced by two levels in the past three months.


    He feared he might cause an uproar in the sect if he directly revealed his cultivation in the Heavenly Phase Realm. He walked up the stone steps anxiously, worried that something might¡¯ve already happened to Song Ling and others.


    Liu Wuxie''s courtyard was filled with people. Song Ling''s face was bruised and swollen because he was beaten up when he had gone out for an errand a few days ago. Luo He had managed to save him in time.


    The other two were in a simr state, and each bore some injuries. Everyone looked distressed because they would''ve died several times over the past few days if it weren''t for Luo He.


    The disciples had escted their actions, actively seeking opportunities to harm them whenever they ventured out. Luo He was alone and unable to provide constant protection. Whenever he left, they woulde under attack again.

 Chapter 482 - If There鈥檚 An Afterlife

    <h4>Chapter 482 - If There¡¯s An Afterlife</h4>


    Aside from Chen Ruoyan and Jian Xing¡¯er, everyone had some injuries. Bi Gongyu had a palm print on his left cheek caused by a p.


    Song Ling¡¯s face was swollen with a footprint on his chest, and Fan Zhen was clutching his chest, coughing violently. Lan Yu remained silent, but the footprint on his back told a different story.


    Bai Lin and Tang Tian stood by the side, filled with anger.


    ¡°This is ridiculous! How dare they treat you like this!¡± Bai Lin mmed his palm on the stone table, causing it to turn red.


    ¡°I¡¯ll report to Elder Tian Xing and let him step in to stop these people,¡± Tang Tian said as he stood up, nning to report this matter to Elder Tian Xing to seek justice.


    ¡°It¡¯s useless. Elder Tian Xing has already sent Luo He to help us multiple times. He¡¯s an elder of the Law-Enforcement Hall and has done everything he can,¡± Fan Zhen stopped coughing. As the Imperial Academy¡¯s headmaster, he understood the situation more clearly than others.


    Even the sect master had no right to interfere becausepetition between disciples was acknowledged, and they wouldn¡¯t step in as long as no one died. Elder Tian Xing had done more than enough for them, and they couldn¡¯t bring themselves to seek more help.


    ¡°Are we just going to sit here and wait for them toe at us?¡± Tang Tian swung his arm around in frustration and anger.


    "We can only take it one step at a time. I hope Wuxie returns safely." Everyone was now pinning their hopes on Liu Wuxie''s safe return. As long as he came back alive, their troubles would be resolved.


    Everyone felt a boulder weighing down on their hearts when Liu Wuxie¡¯s name was mentioned, and the courtyard fell silent.


    ¡°Can you all stop looking so depressed? Big brother won¡¯t die, and he will be back sooner orter!¡± Song Ling stood up. When he rubbed his cheeks, he winced in the pain. He was also the only person who firmly believed that Liu Wuxie wouldn¡¯t die so quickly.


    The news of Liu Wuxie¡¯s death in the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind had reached the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion three days ago, shocking everyone. In the past six months, Liu Wuxie''s name had be known to everyone in the sect.


    After all, Liu Wuxie had done many shocking deeds in the past six months and killed many geniuses. He had even swept through the outer sect with cultivation in the True Core Realm before being promoted to an inner disciple as the strongest outer disciple.


    ¡°Song Ling is right. Master won¡¯t die so easily. Do you remember what happened when we arrived? Everyone said that the master was dead, but he came back fine and well.¡± Lan Yu stood up and supported Song Ling¡¯s belief. They wouldn¡¯t believe in Liu Wuxie¡¯s death unless they saw his corpse.


    Chen Ruoyan and Jian Xing¡¯er were sobbing by the side. The two women had formed a strong bond in the past three months, going from being at odds to bing sisters.


    Everyone naturally wouldn¡¯t believe in Liu Wuxie¡¯s death, but the news they received was highly trustable, and the odds of Liu Wuxie¡¯s survival were low.


    After all, all the humans on the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind had perished, including those in the high levels of the Astral River Realm.


    When leaving for the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind, Liu Wuxie was only in the Heavenly Dipper Realm. This meant his odds of survival weren¡¯t high.


    ¡°Get out, or don¡¯t me us for what will happen next!¡± yells came from outside the courtyard, but due to the spiritual array, those outside couldn¡¯t enter.


    This was also why everyone stayed in the courtyard. They might be able to stay in the courtyard for a day or two, but they couldn¡¯t possibly stay there for their lifetime. They would have to go out eventually, and people kepting daily to taunt them.


    Ten-odd inner disciples attacked the spiritual array repeatedly, trying to force Fan Zhen and others toe out. But the spiritual array was firm, and no one could tear it apart unless someone in the pinnacle of the Heavenly Phase Realm came.


    ¡°Light this ce up and see how long they can keep hiding!¡± A youth took out a firestarter, nning to ignite the courtyard.


    Burning the buildings wouldn¡¯t damage the spiritual array, but Song Ling and others could only sit on bare ground without the courtyard.


    ¡°This is outrageous!¡± Lan Yu roared, furious as he charged. These were the people who had beaten him, and he risked permanent damage if not treated.


    ¡°Let¡¯s fight them to the death!¡± Song Ling dered, rising with a fierce resolve. ¡°We can¡¯t stay holed up forever! It¡¯s better to die fighting than to live in hiding.¡±


    ¡°Get back here!¡± Fan Zhen roared as Song Ling and Lan Yu stood in ce.


    Liu Wuxie had instructed them to listen to Fan Zhen during his absence. After all, Fan Zhen was the headmaster of the Imperial Academy and could maintain his rationality at all times.


    ¡°Headmaster, we all know you mean well, but we might as well fight and die a glorious death!¡± Song Ling punched the ground and could barely hold himself back. He would rather die standing than hole up in the courtyard.


    ¡°You think rushing out and getting yourself killed makes you a hero? If you die here, how will I exin it to Liu Wuxie when he returns?¡± Fan Zhen snapped, his frustration evident. He was just as angry as everyone else but knew that impulsiveness wasn¡¯t the answer.


    ¡°What should we do then? If the courtyard is destroyed, will we sit here on the ground and wait?¡± Lan Yu retorted, his emotions frayed. Since learning of his master¡¯s death on Blood Sea Abyssal Ind, he had been unable to rest properly, numbing himself through constant cultivation.


    Bi Gongyu did notment because he was the chief alchemist of the Treasure Pill Pavilion and could maintain hisposure. He could even endure it after getting pped without retaliating.


    He knew he would suffer more humiliation if he argued or retaliated. After all, a gentleman wasn¡¯t ready to take revenge and could wait until he paid them back someday.


    ¡°Wait!¡± Fan Zhenmanded. They had no choice but to endure. If Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t return before their situation became critical, they could charge out then.


    No one dared to defy Fan Zhen¡¯s orders, and they reluctantly returned, ignoring the taunts from outside.


    ¡°What a bunch of cowards. Get lost from the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion! This isn¡¯t the ce for you people!¡± Those outside the courtyard taunted them, and everyone¡¯s faces became grim.


    ¡°Let¡¯s not waste any more time with them. We¡¯ll burn the ce and see where they can hide.¡± Frustrated by theck of response from inside the courtyard, those outside decided to set it aze. They wanted to test how long the upants could endure the intense heat.


    Many people gathered outside but didn¡¯t get close because this was the norm in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. Everyone was already used to it.


    If anyone burned down a building, they would only have topensate the sect with resources or pay points to hire other disciples to repair the building. But everything would be worth it if they could kill those close to Liu Wuxie.


    The me started small but swiftly spread out, igniting the walls. The fire spread swiftly as the wind blew into the courtyard.


    When Liu Wuxie had set up the spiritual array, it was meant to defend against humans, not fire.


    No one intervened to help those trapped inside; instead, the onlookers watched with gleeful anticipation. Liu Wuxie¡¯s previous achievements had cast a long shadow, and now they relished seeing others struggle.


    ¡°Headmaster, let us kill our way out!¡± The fire spread quickly and was already burning into the courtyard. If this continued, they would be burned alive.


    The situation had be dire, and they would suffocate from the smoke if they didn¡¯t make a decision soon, even if the fire didn¡¯t kill them.


    Chen Ruoyan and Jian Xing¡¯er covered their mouths and noses, coughing under the intense smoke. Their bodies were also reaching the limit.


    ¡°Let¡¯s fight our way out!¡± Fan Zhen, who had once been a fierce figure but had mellowed as the headmaster of the Imperial Academy, maintained hisposure despite the crisis. However, if things got out of control, his old ferocity would resurface.


    Upon receiving Fan Zhen¡¯s order, Song Ling took the lead to charge out, holding onto a jade and unleashing a defensive spiritual array.


    ¡°I¡¯ll fight you all to the death!¡± Song Ling charged out with a de in the other hand.


    However, a foot suddenly reached out to send his plump body flying with a kick. His being sent flying away with one strike showed a significant difference in their strength.


    Bi Gongyu, Lan Yu, Chen Ruoyan, Bai Lin, and Tang Tian joined the fight, and chaos ensued.


    Fan Zhen''s fearless fighting style left everyone stunned, turning the scene into a more chaotic spectacle. Though over a dozen disciples were outside the courtyard, they were wary of their own safety and resorted to hit-and-run tactics.


    Despite their low cultivation levels, Fan Zhen and his group were in the Heavenly Dipper Realm. Even those at higher levels in the Heavenly Dipper Realm would be wary of a fight to the death with them.


    With many already facing certain doom, they didn''t need to engage in a full-scale battle; instead, they could gradually exhaust their opponents'' true essence.


    Fan Zhen was sent flying away, Bi Gongyu took a stab in his chest, and Lan Yu suffered over thirty-odd wounds.


    Perhaps because Chen Ruoyan and Jian Xing¡¯er were women, not many people attacked them.


    Song Ling didn¡¯t know how many blows he took because his body became swollen like a balloon. Bai Lin and Tang Tian weren¡¯t in much better shape.


    The ground was already covered in red, with a thick reeking of blood permeating the surrounding air. But the reckless fighting way of Fan Zhen and others moved many onlookers.


    Human life was insignificant in the cultivation world, but how many people could disregard their lives and face death? Then again, Fan Zhen¡¯s group had no retreat path and could only fight to the death.


    Even if Fan Zhen¡¯s group had to die, they would die with dignity. Before leaving, Lou He had warned them not to leave the courtyard even if the sky were to fall. They would have heeded his warning if they had known this situation.


    It was toote for them to return now, as their injuries were worsening.


    Lan Yu coughed up a mouthful of blood, his body covered in wounds. Fan Zhen, in even worse shape, was also coughing up blood, with clots apanying each spasm.


    Song Ling was still struggling to stand and couldn¡¯t speak. His face was so swollen that his eye sockets were above to cave in. Even Bi Gongyu¡¯s chest was covered in blood.


    Fan Zhen¡¯s group stood tenaciously despite their injuries and supported each other, refusing to fall.


    ¡°Hahaha, even if I die today, I won¡¯t have lived in vain!¡± Bi Gongyuughed, his spirit undaunted. If not for Liu Wuxie, he would still be the pavilion master in Azure Billow City. Liu Wuxie had opened his eyes to a broader world.


    ¡°Master, I¡¯ll serve you in my next life!¡± Lan Yu clutched his chest to try and slow down his bleeding as much as possible.


    ¡°Big brother, let¡¯s be brothers again in our next life!¡± Song Ling said, and he could no longer see due to his swollen face. He only had two slits with tears flowing down.


    Everyone was filled with spirit, and their voices could be heard from a few kilometers away.


    Liu Wuxie was walking towards his courtyard, and their voices reached his ears.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 483 - Six Hours

    <h4>Chapter 483 - Six Hours</h4>


    Liu Wuxie didn''t slow down after returning to the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion out of worry for Fan Zhen and others.


    However, he was only worried because he had set up a spiritual array before leaving, and ordinary people couldn''t break through his spiritual array, which meant there shouldn''t be any safety issues. Who would''ve thought that these people would stoop so low to try and set fire to Liu Wuxie''s courtyard?


    With a roar that echoed throughout the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, Liu Wuxie vanished and charged into the depths of the sect like a meteor.


    Themotion he caused rmed many people, including some elders, because the roar was filled with murderous intent. The intent was so strong that it could rip through the sky and pierce the heavens.


    Elder Tian Xing was busy with his official duties when he heard Liu Wuxie¡¯s roar, and his actions halted in anticipation. "It''s his aura!" Elder Tian Xing was a cultivator in the Nascent Transformation Realm and immediately recognized Liu Wuxie¡¯s aura.


    "Hall Master, someone has set fire in the inner sect. Should we send someone from the Law-Enforcement Hall?" A Law-Enforcement Hall''s disciple came in to seek instructions from Elder Tian Xing.


    "That won¡¯t be necessary. Order all the Law-Enforcement Hall''s disciples to leave that region and not approach for the next six hours," Elder Tian Xing ordered.


    ¡°Roger that!¡± The disciple swiftly departed to ry Elder Tian Xing¡¯s order to all the nearby Law-Enforcement Hall disciples, instructing them to vacate the area.


    ¡°Kid, I¡¯ll give you six hours. Create as much chaos as you want. I¡¯ll back you up, even if you tear the sky apart!¡± Elder Tian Xing said, a dangerous glint in his eyes.


    While others weren¡¯t aware of Qing Mu¡¯s search for Yi Xuan, Tian Xing knew about it. After that day, he had found Yi Xuan, and they had a lengthy discussion.


    Divine senses began to converge from various regions in the sect, wanting to know what was happening. However, no one intervened because Liu Wuxie''s situation involved too many people.


    It was already well known throughout the sect that Elder Tian Xing was protecting Liu Wuxie while Qing Mu wanted to eliminate him. Most elders ignored this, not taking any stance to avoid offending either side.


    After all, who could win didn''t matter to them.


    Upon hearing the roar, Song Ling froze in ce, Lan Yu suddenly went down on his knees, Bi Gongyu burst into tears, Fan Zhen stopped coughing, and tears rolled silently down the twodies'' cheeks.


    Song Ling copsed to the ground, thest bit of strength he had been clinging to evaporating. He felt a surge of weakness, knowing that someone had returned.


    There was also a faint dragon''s roar mixed in that roar that spread out to tens of thousands of miles in radius like a soundwave, causing trees to shake under the vibration.


    The battle came to a standstill, with everyone turning to look at where the roar came from. They saw a white meteorite descending from the sky while the fire was still raging and would soon burn down Liu Wuxie''s courtyard.


    "Symphony of Water!" A waterfall descended from the sky, and this was a move Liu Wuxie hadprehended after grasping the water element.


    The fire was instantly extinguished. The house was partially burned down and no longer habitable.


    Liu Wuxie''s imposing figurended in the battlefield''s center with a terrifyingly grim face. The murderous intent he gave out swept over everyone and made them tremble involuntarily.


    When his gaze fell onto Song Ling and others, his murderous intent surged, which made him look like a demon god. He stood there and said nothing, but this only made his murderous intent almost uncontroble.


    No words were needed as Liu Wuxie''s gaze fell onto the ten-odd disciples who had set fire to his courtyard. After sensing Liu Wuxie''s murderous intent, the Heretic de flew by itself and hovered in the sky, pointing at the ten-odd disciples.


    Everyone who saw Liu Wuxie trembled in fear, unprepared for his return. A few were so terrified that their legs gave way, causing them to copse to the ground. The overwhelming murderous intent felt like a mountain crushing down on them.


    "I-It''s Liu Wuxie! H-H-He''s not dead!" The faces of the disciples in the surroundings became pale with fear. After all, Liu Wuxie''s reputation was well-known in the sect for killing disciples.


    "Quick, go and notify the Law-Enforcement Hall! He''s going to start another massacre!" Each of Liu Wuxie''s returns was apanied by a massacre, with many disciples losing their lives because of him. But for some reason, the nearby Law-Enforcement Hall''s disciples had disappeared, and even the Law-Enforcement Hall was tightly shut.


    The elders also remained silent, cing the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion in chaos.


    "Die!" Liu Wuxie finally said something, but the Heretic de had flown out before the word ''die'' left his lips. Heads began to fly in the next moment, and the ten-odd disciples who were involved in starting the fire in the courtyard were all beheaded without exception.


    Liu Wuxie killed the ten-odd inner disciples in one strike. There was no need for any more words as a massacre unfolded.


    After all, these clowns had eagerly jumped at the chance to act when they thought he had died on Blood Sea Abyssal Ind. They deserved to die.


    ¡°Open your mouths!¡± Liu Wuxiemanded, his voice cold. Though he preferred not to speak, he had to, as his murderous intent was still building. If not released, it could lead to inner demons.


    Fan Zhen and others opened their mouths instinctively as pills flew into their mouths.


    Liu Wuxie then began forming seals and drew a massive amount of wood-attribute energy from the mysterious tree. The wood element, known for its healing properties, helped them recover quickly from their physical injuries.


    Fan Zhen''s and others'' injuries healed in just ten breaths, but they needed some time to recover fully.


    "Speak, who tried to kill you guys?" Liu Wuxie''s facial expression was stiff, and he tried to speak as naturally as possible.


    ¡°Shao Wenliang, Geng Mochou, Hou Xiao...¡± Song Ling stood up and listed more than a dozen names.


    Some names were familiar to Liu Wuxie, while others were utterly unknown. He didn''t even know when he might''ve offended them, but that no longer mattered because everyone on this list had to die.


    ¡°Who knows where these people are? Show me the way, and you can have this high-grade spirit stone.¡± Liu Wuxie held up the high-grade spirit stone, acknowledging that he had no time to track down the disciples himself.


    There were many inner disciples, and he recognized very few of them. Even so, many old disciples present better understood the other inner disciples than he did.


    "I know!" Someone immediately stepped forward because they were talking about a high-grade spirit stone, and it was enough to drive anyone insane.


    "Good, lead the way!" Liu Wuxie threw the high-grade spirit stone over without any expression on his face. Fan Zhen didn''t stop Liu Wuxie this time because he could see the crimson hue in thetter''s eyes. If Liu Wuxie didn''t kill them, the built-up rage could give birth to an inner demon in his heart.


    "Follow me if all of you can still walk. I''ll kill them!" Liu Wuxie''s gaze fell onto Fan Zhen and others, asking them to tag along.


    "We can!" Everyone said in unison. They would only die in the worst-case scenario, and they had alreadye to terms with death through this incident.


    They followed the guide to their first target. The inner sect was rtively small, and they soon arrived at Shao Wenliang¡¯s courtyard, where a crowd of several thousand had gathered.


    Shao Wenliang and Geng Mochou were ying chess and weren''t surprised by Liu Wuxie''s death. After all, the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind had a low survival rate.


    "That kid''s family and friends must be dead now!" Geng Mochou put down a chess piece and lost interest. He walked to the side and fell into deep thought.


    "They should have perished in the fire by now," Shao Wenliang said with a hint of a sinister look on his face.


    After all, it was despicable for them to use such means to kill those close to Liu Wuxie, but they would use any means necessary as long as they could achieve their goals.


    "It has been three months, and we''re still stuck in the Quasi-Heavenly Phase Realm. We''re one step away from the Heavenly Phase Realm, but we can''t take that final step no matter how we try," Geng Mochou was in a foul mood.


    They should have reached the Heavenly Phase Realm by now, given the stctite essence they had obtained. Yet, after all this time, their cultivation had only advanced to the Quasi-Heavenly Phase Realm, still one step short of the Heavenly Phase Realm.


    ¡°It won¡¯t be long now. I can reach the Heavenly Phase Realm in ten days at most!¡± Shao Wenliang said with a glint of excitement in his eyes. Achieving the Heavenly Phase Realm would elevate him to elite disciple status, granting him ess to resources far beyond those avable to inner disciples.


    "What''s the noise outside?" Geng Mochou frowned. Loud sounds wereing from outside, and many people were approaching.


    It was unprecedented in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion for thousands of people to gather this way outside someone''s courtyard.


    Just when Shao Wenliang and Geng Mochou were about to open the gate, it was smashed apart with a kick, and countless fragments stabbed them like arrows.


    Shao Wenliang and Geng Mochou had no time to react because a group had already entered through the gate.


    "Senior Brother Liu, this is Geng Mochou and Shao Wenliang''s courtyard." The disciple who had taken the high-grade spirit stone from Liu Wuxie bowed and signaled that thetter could go in.


    Liu Wuxie walked in with steady, determined steps, apanied by Song Ling and the others. Behind them trailed arge crowd of over a thousand people, who kept their distance out of fear of provoking Liu Wuxie.


    The sudden disappearance of the Law-Enforcement Hall¡¯s disciples had raised suspicions. Elder Tian Xing¡¯s actions were intentional, allowing Liu Wuxie to act freely. It was clear that Liu Wuxie needed to release the anger he had been holding back.


    ¡°L-Liu Wuxie, you¡¯re not dead?!¡± Shao Wenliang stammered, stunned by Liu Wuxie¡¯s presence. His voice faltered as he spoke. Geng Mochou, trembling in fear, recalled Liu Wuxie¡¯s terrifying strength.


    Three months ago, Liu Wuxie had effortlessly defeated Ma Shiyan and his group, who were only slightly stronger than Shao Wenliang and Geng Mochou. They knew that in the past three months, they weren¡¯t the only ones who had grown stronger.


    ¡°This is impossible! All the humans on Blood Sea Abyssal Ind have perished¡ªthere¡¯s no way Liu Wuxie survived!¡± Geng Mochou shouted, his voice filled with disbelief as he shook his head, unable to ept the reality.


    Wood splinters had covered Shao Wenliang and Geng Mochou, staining them with blood. While the splinters caused significant pain, they were not life-threatening.


    "You two tried to kill me on the Scarlet Sun Mountain Range three months ago, and it''s time for us to settle the feud between us. Let''s put an end to it today!" Liu Wuxie couldn''t be bothered to waste time talking to them, not to mention they had already formed a feud in the Scarlet Sun Mountain Range.


    His strength was limited then, and he didn''t dare to act recklessly, which was why they could live for a few more months. It was time for him to resolve this feud, and it was time for their death.


    ¡°What a joke! You think you can kill us with the help of trash like them?¡± Shao Wenliang snapped, shaking off his initial shock.


    Though Liu Wuxie¡¯s sudden appearance surprised him, it was not out of fear. The shock came from the fact that someone he believed to be dead had appeared right before him.

 Chapter 484 - Pay Back

    <h4>Chapter 484 - Pay Back</h4>


    After regaining theirposure, Shao Wenliang and Geng Mochou began pulling out the wood splinters from their bodies, grimacing in pain.


    With the two of them standing together, they felt no fear facing Liu Wuxie alone. Fan Zhen and the others weren¡¯t even a concern¡ªthey believed they could wipe them out with a single move.


    No one in the surroundings dared to intervene because no one knew if Liu Wuxie could kill Shao Wenliang and Geng Mochou. But they would soon find out.


    "How many times did they hit you?" Liu Wuxie turned to ask Song Ling. He knew Song Ling must''ve been bullied during his absence.


    "They shed us 140 times, kicked us 300 times, and pped us ten times..." Song Ling carefully recalled and roughly calcted the injuries they had suffered. The numbers might not be urate, but they were close enough.


    "Alright. I''ll make them pay double!" Liu Wuxie nodded before coldly gazing at Shao Wenliang and Geng Mochou. His suffocating stare made the two shiver involuntarily. It was a terrifying death stare that felt like it could control the minds of others.


    "Attack!" Shao Wenliang and Geng Mochou drew their weapons without hesitation and attacked Liu Wuxie. They were swift, not to mention it was always advantageous to strike first, especially when they didn¡¯t have a clear idea of Liu Wuxie''sbat strength.


    "How pathetic!" Liu Wuxie stood in ce and didn''t even move. He merely raised his hand and pressed it down.


    Shao Wenliang and Geng Mochou froze in ce. It felt like a mountain crushing down on them when Liu Wuxie pressed his hand down.


    "My dantian!" Shao Wenliang screamed because they could hear the sounds of their dantians shattering.


    Geng Mochou''s face became pale, and he finally knew the difference in their strength.


    They were both crippled before they could even unleash their attacks, a clear sign that Liu Wuxie had reached a level far beyond their grasp. Lying on the ground, they screamed in agony, their dantians destroyed, leaving them at Liu Wuxie''s mercy.


    Liu Wuxie threw a de over to Song Ling. His objective was simple: to let Song Ling and others take revenge for everything they had suffered. He said, "Make them pay back ording to your numbers!"


    Although Shao Wenliang and Geng Mochou didn''t personally cause their injuries, it wasn''t important because they were the masterminds.


    Song Ling picked up the de and slowly walked over to the two. The two were so terrified that they crawled backward to flee.


    "D-Don''t kill us!" Shao Wenliang was afraid and could only beg for mercy.


    The onlookers watched and remained silent because no one dared to provoke Liu Wuxie at this moment. His murderous intent was strong, and they knew they would die if anyone dared to intervene.


    "Liu Wuxie, please don''t kill us! We''ve realized our mistake!" Geng Mochou pleaded pathetically before death with a foul stenching from him after losing control of his bowels.


    However, Liu Wuxie ignored their pleas and was terrifyingly calm, with no emotion in his eyes.


    Song Ling stood before Shao Wenliang and kicked thetter without mercy. Recalling everything that they suffered in the past few days, a powerful surge of murderous intent exploded in Song Ling''s chest.


    As Song Ling continued to kick Shao Wenliang, thetter was thrown around like a ball, bouncing back around.


    It didn''t take long before Shao Wenliang''s body swelled up. Even so, Song Ling still wasn''t satisfied and grabbed Shao Wenliang to give him dozens of ps.


    Shao Wenliang was in aplete daze throughout the process. He wanted to speak, but Song Ling had knocked out all of his teeth. His head was swollen up like a pig''s, his eyes almost popping out, and he looked miserable.


    No one felt any sympathy for Shao Wenliang and Geng Mochou; their fate was sealed the moment they targeted Fan Zhen and the others.


    As Song Ling wielded the de in his hand, Shao Wenliang''s body shrank with each precise slice, his flesh gradually being stripped away. After several hundred cuts, Song Ling was finally satisfied, leaving behind only a mutted shell of the man.


    Geng Mochou, horrified by the scene, fainted in fear. But Song Ling had no intention of letting him escape so easily. He walked over and pped Geng Mochou awake, ensuring he would face the same gruesome fate.


    "Please...give me a quick death!" Geng Mochou begged, knowing that his death was inevitable. He only hoped Liu Wuxie could grant him a swift death. After all, dying with such humiliation was the greatest disgrace for any cultivator.


    "A quick death?" Song Ling grabbed Geng Mochou and began pping him repeatedly. "Did you show us any mercy in the past few days? If not for Senior Brother Luo, we would''ve been torn to pieces by you."


    Song Ling gave Geng Mochou three ps, followed by a barrage of punches and kicks. Geng Mochou was already scared out of his wits before Song Ling could cut him up.


    "Trash!" Song Ling spat on Geng Mochou''s corpse. However, despite their death, this matter was far from over.


    Compared to these two, the Hou n was even more insidious, and thetest act of arson was their doing.


    "Let''s go to the next location!" Song Ling picked up two interspatial rings and paid no further attention to the two corpses.


    The youth who received the high-grade spirit stone from Liu Wuxie continued to guide them to the following location: Hou Xiao''s courtyard if there were no surprise.


    After learning of Liu Wuxie''s death, the Hou n had used their resources to send disciples to kill Song Ling several times, only to be saved by Luo He.


    They passed several buildings before Liu Wuxie kicked the door of Hou Xiao''s courtyard to smash it open.


    "There''s no one here?" Hou Xiao wasn''t in the courtyard when they came in.


    "Senior Brother Liu, I heard Hou Ye reached the Heavenly Phase Realm recently. The Hou n''s disciples should be in Hou Yue''s courtyard right now," another inner disciple informed Liu Wuxie.


    Since Hou Xiao wasn''t there, he should''ve gone to Hou Yue''s courtyard to celebrate thetter''s breakthrough into the Heavenly Phase Realm.


    "Lead the way!" Liu Wuxiemanded, tossing another high-grade spirit stone over. The disciple caught it, eyes wide with disbelief. He hadn''t expected to earn such a valuable reward just by providing a clue.


    The crowd erupted with excitement, and many regretted not speaking up sooner. If only they had, that high-grade spirit stone could have been theirs.


    Many people hammered their chests in frustration, hoping another chance would exist. They even wished Liu Wuxie could kill a few more people and ask a few more questions so they could obtain high-grade spirit stones.


    Who in the sect didn''t know that Liu Wuxie was filthy rich? Even if he didn''t have any more high-grade spirit stones, stctite essence was just as good.


    After leaving Hou Xiao''s courtyard, the crowd headed straight for Hou Yue''s courtyard. Hou Yue was essentially the representative of the Hou n, and he had a high status in the Hou n aside from those who had be true disciples.


    The Hou n had a long lineage passed down for thousands of years. Moreover, the Hou n sent disciples to the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion every year, especially since it had produced many geniuses in recent centuries.


    Aside from the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, the Hou n would also send their prodigies to the Azure Crimson Gate, and Hou Chi was an example.


    Like a snowball rolling down a mountain, the crowd following behind Liu Wuxie grewrger andrger. There were only a thousand people initially, but there were over one thousand five hundred people now.


    Many people didn''t even know what was happening and were shocked to learn about Liu Wuxie''s return.


    "He has killed Shao Wenliang and Geng Mochou?" Many people were still unaware of what had just happened and were shocked upon hearing it from others. After all, only Liu Wuxie had the guts to kill other disciples so openly in the sect.


    "If I were in his shoes, I''d start a massacre too," many murmured, feeling a surge of indignation at the suffering Liu Wuxie''s friends and family had endured. The despicable actions of Shao Wenliang and his cohorts¡ªpreying on the weak¡ªwere a disgrace to the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    "Where are they headed?" Those who had just joined were curious.


    "They''re heading to Hou Yue''s courtyard to kill Hou Xiao!" Various discussions filled the inner sect, and more Communication Talismans lit up as people called their friends over to watch.


    After all, such a grand spectacle was rare, and it was even more unbelievable that the Law-Enforcement Hall''s disciples had vanished. This meant that the Law-Enforcement Hall acknowledged Liu Wuxie''s actions.


    "I heard Hou Yue reached the Heavenly Phase Realm three days ago, and they''re celebrating right now. There are many inner disciples over in his courtyard right now." Many people were stunned upon learning that Liu Wuxie was heading to Hou Yue''s courtyard.


    Judging from Liu Wuxie''s aura, he was still in the Heavenly Dipper Realm. There was a vast difference between the Heavenly Dipper Realm and the Heavenly Phase Realm that couldn''t be crossed.


    Everyone knew that Liu Wuxie had heaven-defyingbat strength and could fight those with a higher cultivation. However, Hou Yue''s courtyard was heavily guarded, with many experts gathered, particrly over a dozen Hou n disciples. The crowd doubted Liu Wuxie''s chances against the Hou n, believing that he stood little chance of victory.


    "I''m also curious where he got the guts to challenge someone in the Heavenly Phase Realm." There were many discussions in the surroundings, but they lowered their voices to avoid being heard by Liu Wuxie.


    The events on Blood Sea Abyssal Ind had be shrouded in mystery, a mystery that would likely remain unsolved. Liu Wuxie had in cultivators in the Astral River Realm, so facing someone who had just entered the Heavenly Phase Realm a few days ago seemed trivial byparison.


    "We''ll find out when we get there. Let''s hope there will be a great battle to watch. I don''t want to see Liu Wuxie killed by Hou Yue." Everyone hoped for a spectacr battle, not a one-sided massacre because it would be too dull, like how Shao Wenliang and Geng Mochou were killed.


    Everyone became increasingly nervous when approaching Hou Yue''s courtyard, especially Bi Gongyu and others. They didn''t know whether Liu Wuxie had be strong enough to kill someone in the Heavenly Phase Realm.


    However, their faith in him never wavered¡ªthey knew that Liu Wuxie had never relied on luck to climb from obscurity to his current standing. If he weren''t powerful, he would have perished long ago.


    The cultivation world was like a giant vortex; one would be shredded apart if they weren''t careful.


    Hou Yue''s courtyard buzzed with activity, as over fifty to sixty inner disciples gathered to celebrate his recent breakthrough into the Heavenly Phase Realm.


    "Senior Brother Hou Yue, you must care for old friends like us after bing an elite disciple!" They all were inner disciples, but things had changed now with Hou Yue''s breakthrough into the Heavenly Phase Realm, as he was eligible for a promotion to an elite disciple, and his status would be a level higher than theirs.


    "No problem!" Hou Yue responded cheerfully. His spirits were high, especially after being stuck at the pinnacle of the Heavenly Dipper Realm for years. A few months ago, he had finally gained the insight he needed, leading to his breakthrough just days before.


    "Congrattions, senior brother, on bing an elite disciple!" Many people came forward and repeatedly held wine cups to toast with Hou Yue.

 Chapter 485 - Merciless Killing

    <h4>Chapter 485 - Merciless Killing</h4>


    The atmosphere in the courtyard was peaceful, and no one knew a great crisis was approaching.


    Hou Yue¡¯s face was glowing. This might be the pinnacle moment of his life because everything would return to normal after today.


    If he couldn¡¯t reach the Astral River Realm, he would return to his original state and be an ordinary person.


    The Hou n¡¯s disciples were basking in Hou Yue¡¯s glory, and the surrounding disciples often stepped forward to give them a toast. That was especially the case for Hou Xiao, who had an extraordinary rtionship with Hou Yue. It was even rumored that they were rtives, but their exact rtionship was only known to them.


    Today, Hou Xiao was dressed in a red robe, which looked very festive.


    ¡°Senior Brother Hou Xiao, you¡¯re also going to reach the Heavenly Phase Realm soon, right?¡± A drunken disciple came over to tter Hou Xiao.


    Hou Xiao was only in the ninth level of the Heavenly Phase Realm. He still had a long way to go to reach the pinnacle, not to mention the Heavenly Phase Realm.


    However, ttery always worked, and Hou Xiao burst into heartyughter.


    ¡°Thank you for your kind words. I¡¯ll strive to reach the Heavenly Phase Realm within a year. We can celebrate and drink again at that time,¡± Hou Xiao said without a hint of shame.


    ¡°Then, I¡¯ll congratte Senior Brother Hou Xiao in advance!¡± Waves ofughter came from the surroundings. The ground was piled with wine jars, and the tables wereden with food. Many female disciples were weaving through the crowd, and Hou Yue had a woman in his arms with her clothes somewhat disheveled.


    After all, being favored by an elite disciple was an honor for her. A few women wanted to get close to Hou Yue, but they were shoved aside by the woman in Hou Yue¡¯s arms through various methods.


    The woman had worked hard to earn Hou Yue¡¯s favor, so how could she let such a great opportunity slip away? It was human nature for the weak to depend on the strong.


    Suddenly, the wall copsed after being smashed apart by Liu Wuxi with one strike.


    This time, he didn¡¯t bother walking through the entrance and directly smashed apart the wall, blocking his way.


    Themotion caused by Liu Wuxie rmed everyone in the courtyard, who turned to look in his direction.


    ¡°Who is it?!¡± Hou Li roared.


    Today was the celebration of Hou Yue¡¯s breakthrough into the Heavenly Phase Realm. Who dared to cause trouble?


    When the wall copsed, Liu Wuxie¡¯s group appeared before everyone¡¯s eyes.


    When Hou Yue turned around and gazed over, he was surprised to see Liu Wuxie. Everyone in the courtyard had heard of Liu Wuxie¡¯s name, but few had seen him before, especially Hou Yue.


    Hou Yue had long heard of Liu Wuxie¡¯s name and had even sent someone to kill him. This was the first time they met, and things were this strange sometimes. They hadn¡¯t met each other before, but that didn¡¯t mean there was no grudge between them.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, it¡¯s Liu Wuxie! Isn¡¯t he dead?¡± those who recognized Liu Wuxie screamed in shock. After all, it was terrifying to see someone who was thought to be dead.


    A crowd trailed behind Liu Wuxie, many of them smirking at the unfolding scene. They didn''t care who would have thestugh¡ªit had only been just over two hours since Elder Tian Xing had granted Liu Wuxie six hours to act.


    ¡°Could the news be fake, and he didn¡¯t die on the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind?¡± Someone came to their senses. Since Liu Wuxie had survived, this meant that the news wasn¡¯t urate.


    "So what if he survived? will still be his end!" Hou Xiao sneered, sobering up as a sinisterugh escaped him.


    They had been plotting how to eliminate Song Ling and the others, but now their targets hade straight to them. This was the perfect opportunity to end them all and settle every grudge once and for all.


    Hou Xiao wouldn¡¯t have dared to be so brazen if Hou Yue weren¡¯t there. Hou Yue was his greatest confidence because an elite disciple in the Heavenly Phase Realm was that powerful. This was how inner disciples viewed the elite disciples.


    Liu Wuxie stepped over the rubble, his gaze sweeping across the courtyard before locking onto Hou Yue.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, you got quite the nerves to barge in here. You won¡¯t leave here alive!¡± Hou Li said, pointing at Liu Wuxie. But he didn¡¯t dare to take another step forward because who didn¡¯t know that Liu Wuxie was a ruthless person who killed without batting his eye?


    ¡°Die!¡± Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t even be bothered to waste time with garbage like Hou Li and flicked his finger, unleashing a cold ray.


    Hou Li¡¯s body froze and was turned into an ice sculpture.


    This terrified everyone because no one expected Liu Wuxie to kill all of a sudden without any signs, not to mention he didn¡¯t even bat an eye at Hou Li. Even Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t know how many such clowns he had killed.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, you¡¯re courting death!¡± Hou Yue was enraged to see Liu Wuxie killing another Hou n¡¯s disciple before him. Hou Ye, Hou Lie, and Hou Li were all killed by Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Those who are not involved get lost. My feud is with the Hou n, and anyone who interferes will meet the same fate as him.¡± Liu Wuxie swept his gaze around. The courtyard was filled with people who hade to congratte Hou Yue for his breakthrough into the Heavenly Phase Realm.


    This instantly ced them in a dilemma because they had heard of Liu Wuxie¡¯s cruelty. Hou Li was a living example¡ªwhoever tried to stop him would be killed.


    Hou Yue was an elite disciple, and they didn¡¯t dare to betray him. If they betrayed him, their future wouldn¡¯t be good once Hou Yue killed Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, you¡¯re too cruel. How dare you kill another inner disciple and disregard the sect¡¯s rules!¡± There were sixty-four people in the courtyard, thirteen of whom were from the Hou n, with the rest being outsiders.


    A pinnacle Heavenly Dipper Realm disciple stepped forward to question Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Sect rules?¡± Liu Wuxie sneered and reached out to grab that disciple. Everything happened so fast that Hou Yue didn¡¯t have the time to save him, and no one expected Liu Wuxie to be so overbearing.


    Liu Wuxie lifted the disciple in the air.


    ¡°What qualifications do you have to speak to me about the sect rules? Don¡¯t me me since you¡¯re courting death!¡± Liu Wuxie exerted force and snapped that man¡¯s neck.


    He was killed before he could even let out a scream, and a reek of blood filled the courtyard. All the remaining people in the courtyard distanced themselves from the Hou n¡¯s disciples, and no one dared to say another word.


    In just three breaths, Liu Wuxie had already killed two people, making everyone around him tremble with fear.


    ¡°How ruthless!¡± Some disciples murmured among themselves, shocked by Liu Wuxie¡¯s decisiveness to kill without hesitation. He didn¡¯t even give his victim another opportunity to speak.


    Whoever dared to challenge Liu Wuxie was bound to die, so no one dared to step forward after Liu Wuxie took two lives. They neither supported Hou Yue nor opposed Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie was somewhat satisfied with this situation, while Hou Yue took a deep breath with a grim face. After all, Liu Wuxie killing two people was no doubt a resounding p to his face. He was humiliated, and his position would never be the same even if he were to kill Liu Wuxie today.


    ¡°What power! With one strike, he killed a cultivator in the ninth level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm. Could Liu Wuxie have reached the Heavenly Phase Realm?¡± The people standing behind muttered to each other and were shocked by Liu Wuxie¡¯s strength.


    ¡°He was already capable of killing cultivators in the ninth-level Heavenly Dipper Realm three months ago. So much time has passed, and he has only grown stronger than before!¡± Many people had a hint of disdain in their eyes because they had witnessed how Liu Wuxie had killed Ma Shiyan and hispanions.


    The scene was eerie, and those who had ttered Hou Yue earlier retreated far away.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, I have underestimated you to think that you¡¯ve managed to survive until now,¡± Hou Yue said with torrential murderous intent shing in his eyes. After all, Liu Wuxie should¡¯ve died on the way because Hou n had already sent experts to intercept him along the way.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry to disappoint you then!¡± Liu Wuxie sneered and swept his gaze across all the Hou n¡¯s disciples with surging murderous intent in his eyes.


    ¡°Senior Brother Hou Yue, why waste time with him? Just kill him and avenge Hou Li!¡± The other Hou n¡¯s disciples couldn¡¯t stand it any longer and urged Hou Yue to kill Liu Wuxie quickly.


    Hou Yue didn¡¯t act as if he were probing. He had been trying to scan Liu Wuxie with his divine sense since thetter¡¯s arrival, but he failed to find any information. Liu Wuxie felt like an unshakable mountain standing before him.


    This was an ominous feeling, but he had no other options. Since the Law-Enforcement Hall¡¯s disciples didn¡¯t show up after so long, he couldn¡¯t put his hopes on them and could only resolve this matter himself.


    ¡°Don¡¯t even bother waiting. No one will save you people today!¡± Liu Wuxie mocked and drew the Heretic de, pointing it at everyone from the Hou n.


    ¡°Let¡¯s attack him together! I don¡¯t believe so many of us can¡¯t kill him!¡± Hou Xiao had sobered up and hollered everyone to attack.


    They were all disciples of the Hou n, and their honor was bound together. No one could stand idly by, and Hou Yue didn¡¯t stop him either. He wanted Hou Xiao and others to attack so he could take this chance to observe Liu Wuxie¡¯s strength.


    All eleven disciples of the Hou n charged at Liu Wuxie. Song Ling and others were prepared to intervene, but Liu Wuxie stopped them.


    ¡°A bunch of garbage!¡± Liu Wuxie sneered with disdain and didn¡¯t even move. He simply swung the Heretic de down, performing the Sixth Fatality Form. His de manifested into countless de rays and enveloped the entire courtyard, leaving none of the eleven Hou n¡¯s disciples who charged over unscathed.


    One after another, Hou n¡¯s disciples began to fall, and Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t hesitate to kill. He initially nned to torture them, but he had to end the battle quickly as he was pressed for time.


    Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t stupid because Elder Tian Xing must be backing him up since there wasn¡¯t any intervention from the sect. He didn¡¯t know how long this wouldst, which was why he had to grasp whatever time he had to kill everyone he wanted.


    ¡°D-Don¡¯t kill me!¡± In just one breath, Liu Wuxie had already in five to six people. The remaining four people escaped in different directions and had given up resisting. That was especially the case for Hou Xiao, who had even lost control of his bowels as he tried to escape.


    Liu Wuxie naturally wouldn¡¯t let them escape and had long sealed their path of retreat. This made Hou Yue furious, with his heart sinking as he watched his n¡¯s disciples falling to the ground.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, you demon! I want you dead!¡± Hou Yue finally made his move and swung his sword toward Liu Wuxie. As expected of a cultivator in the Heavenly Phase Realm, the aura he gave off was much stronger than the other Hou n¡¯s disciples.


    ¡°You think you can stop me from killing them by joining the fight? What a joke!¡± Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t even bat an eye at Hou Yue and continued to kill Hou n¡¯s disciples.


    Facing Hou Yue¡¯s longsword, Liu Wuxie merely waved his hand casually to resolve the iing sword aura.

 Chapter 486 - Too Late

    <h4>Chapter 486 - Too Late</h4>


    Seeing how Liu Wuxie merely waved his hand to resolve an attack from Hou Yue, a cultivator in the Heavenly Phase Realm, the crowd erupted with astonishment.


    If they were stunned by Liu Wuxie¡¯s ability to kill cultivators at the ninth level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm, this was on a whole different level.


    A surge of terror rose in Hou Yue¡¯s heart. He had used ny percent of his strength behind that attack, but he didn¡¯t even have the qualification to harm Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°That was close! We¡¯re lucky that we didn¡¯t step forward earlier!¡± Those who had backed off earlier rejoiced in relief. They had almost intervened and aligned themselves with Hou Yue earlier but managed to hold back at thest moment.


    ¡°This brat is too terrifying. What treasure did he consume to be so strong in just a few months?¡± Compared to three months ago, Liu Wuxie¡¯s strength had drastically transformed, with his power boosted at least a hundred times.


    Three months ago, Liu Wuxie still needed to exert considerable effort when killing a cultivator in the ninth-level Heavenly Dipper Realm. Now, he could easily kill them with one strike.


    ¡°This fight is so satisfying to watch! I can feel my blood boiling!¡± The disciples who followed Liu Wuxie waved their hands around in excitement. They could feel their blood boiling at this scene, and many people even licked their lips, wanting to rush over and fight alongside Liu Wuxie.


    The massacre continued, and Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t even have to lift a finger as the Heretic de unleashed countless de aura.


    Hou Xiao¡¯s head was sent flying after being beheaded by Liu Wuxie, and the blood gushing out from his neck reached three meters high with a rain of blood falling.


    Ten-odd corpses were lying on the ground, and the reek of blood was foul and retching.


    Chen Ruoyan and Jian Xing¡¯er even turned their heads away because they couldn¡¯t bear to watch this scene.


    Although they wished for Hou Yue and others to die, that didn¡¯t mean they could bear to watch the gory scene.


    Only Liu Wuxie and Hou Yue remained, with all the Hou n''s disciples dead. A cold breeze swept through, and everyone shivered uncontrobly, feeling a chilling dread in the air.


    ¡°They died just like that?¡± Many people rubbed their eyes, finding it hard to believe what they had witnessed.


    ¡°The Hou n has suffered heavy losses this time. Aside from their elite and true disciples, all of their outer and inner disciples are dead.¡± If Hou Yue was killed, the Hou n would have no disciples left in the outer and inner sects.


    ¡°The Hou n is too overbearing to constantly interfere with the internal affairs of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. They should¡¯ve been eliminated long ago.¡± Many people who had suffered under Hou n¡¯s tyranny stood up to denounce Hou Yue.


    ¡°It¡¯s your turn now!¡± Liu Wuxie pointed the Heretic de at Hou Yue. The Fatality de Art was enough to deal with someone in the first level of the Heavenly Phase Realm.


    Using the Soul Spear or Primordial Astral Fist to kill someone in the first level of the Heavenly Phase Realm would be too much of an overkill.


    Even without using martial techniques, Liu Wuxie could kill Hou Yue with one p, but he didn¡¯t want to reveal his true strength and nned to keep them as his trump cards.


    In addition to the Hou n, he knew another person with an extraordinary status was targeting him in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. This was the reason why he had to conceal his true strength.


    ¡°How dare you kill so many disciples of my Hou n! I¡¯ll avenge them today!¡± Hou Yue vanished, and his sword drew a flurry of sword blossoms.


    His weapon was just a spiritual treasure, not even a xiantian treasure, but Liu Wuxie¡¯s Heretic de wasparable to a monarch artifact. The Heretic de easily blocked Hou Yue¡¯s longsword.


    When sparks flew, Liu Wuxie remained standing in the same spot. He hadn¡¯t budged since entering the courtyard, while Hou Yue was sent flying ten-odd meters away.


    When Hou Yuended on the ground, cracking sounds came from his sword before it shattered into fragments and fell to the ground.


    ¡°How is this possible?!¡± Hou Yue stared at his shattered sword with disbelief in his eyes. He had invested immense effort to forge this sword, but it was destroyed in just one exchange.


    Everyone in the surroundings was also shocked by Liu Wuxie¡¯s Heretic de.


    ¡°That¡¯s a xiantian treasure!¡± An exmation came from the crowd. The xiantian treasure corresponded with the Heavenly Phase Realm, and it was no wonder why Liu Wuxie dared to kill so fearlessly.


    ¡°That makes no sense. I¡¯ve seen xiantian treasures before, and none possess such terrifying spiritualitypared to Liu Wuxie¡¯s de. Could it be a monarch artifact?¡± A pinnacle Heavenly Phase Realm disciple refuted that im because Liu Wuxie¡¯s de was stronger than ordinary xiantian treasure.


    ¡°Do you all think Liu Wuxie has already reached the Heavenly Phase Realm? After all, only cultivators in the Heavenly Phase Realm can forge xiantian treasures,¡± someone spected boldly and felt that Liu Wuxie had already reached the Heavenly Phase Realm.


    ¡°That¡¯s impossible. I remember he was only in the seventh level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm when he left. It has only been three months, and he could only reach the Quasi-Heavenly Phase Realm at best.¡± Advancing one level a month was already heaven-defying.


    No one coulde to a definite conclusion despite their spection, and it wasn¡¯t like Liu Wuxie would admit anything to quench their curiosity.


    Liu Wuxie walked towards Hou Yue. Whenever he stepped forward, the ground trembled slightly like an earthquake.


    Boundless murderous intent enveloped the entire courtyard, and Hou Yue couldn¡¯t even put up a fight with Liu Wuxie after losing his weapon.


    Whenever Liu Wuxie stepped forward, Hou Yue would take a step back. He was soon backed into a corner with no escape route.


    ¡°You¡¯re in the Heavenly Phase Realm, so don¡¯t disappoint me!¡± Liu Wuxie sneered.


    In the past, mocking someone in the Heavenly Phase Realm would have been met with ridicule. But now, no one dared to mock Liu Wuxie, especially after witnessing how easily he overpowered Hou Yue despite his cultivation in the Heavenly Phase Realm.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, you¡¯ve killed so many people. Do you want to eradicate us all?¡± Hou Yue knew that he couldn¡¯t even put up a fight with Liu Wuxie the moment he lost his weapon. Moreover, there was a drastic difference in their strength, and Liu Wuxie easily overpowered him.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. I n to eradicate you all!¡± Liu Wuxie replied straightforwardly. He didn¡¯t even bother concealing his intentions because he had already made his decision to kill any member of the Hou n from this day forward until they were all wiped out.


    During his journey to the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind, he had narrowly escaped death several times at the hands of the Hou n. If he didn¡¯t eradicate the Hou n, simr situations might continue.


    However, Liu Wuxie¡¯s strength was limited, while Hou n was an expert in the Nascent Transformation Realm. If he wanted to destroy the Hou n, he would have to reach the Nascent Transformation Realm.


    Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t in a hurry because he could wait. If he couldn¡¯t do it in one year, he would wait till the second. If the second wasn¡¯t enough, he would wait till the third. He believed he could destroy the Hou n one day.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s words left Hou Yue speechless and unable to refute them. After all, Liu Wuxie had already made himself clear that he would eradicate everyone from the Hou n. He told Hou Yue that begging for mercy was futile.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take you down with me even if I die!¡± Hou Yue knew he couldn¡¯t survive and charged at Liu Wuxie, nning to perish together.


    ¡°A piece of garbage like you wants to perish with me? What a joke!¡± Liu Wuxie mocked and sheathed the Heretic de. He didn¡¯t want to let Hou Yue die so easily and wanted to torture thetter.


    As Liu Wuxie formed a seal with his hands, a appeared in the sky and manifested into a giant palm that crushed down on Hou Yue like a mountain.


    Hou Yue froze in ce and couldn¡¯t take another step forward. His legs were crushed, and he kneeled before Liu Wuxie. Seeing a cultivator kneeling before an inner disciple in the Heavenly Phase Realm was ridiculous.


    Gasps sounded in the surroundings, and everyone was shocked by Liu Wuxie. Although they had guessed that Hou Yue was no match for Liu Wuxie, they were surprised by the strength Liu Wuxie had disyed.


    After all, the Heavenly Phase Realm was unattainable to them, but Liu Wuxie easily crushed someone at that level like an ant. The stark contrast in strength made many people smile bitterly.


    ¡°Hou Yue is finished!¡± Those who ttered Hou Yue earlier felt a heavy sense of despair. It hadn¡¯t been long, and there was such a drastic change in the situation.


    Blood dripped from Hou Yue¡¯s lips, highlighting the stark contrast from his earlier grandeur. Just ten minutes ago, he had been an emperor, ttered by other disciples; now, he was a pitiful figure, kneeling before Liu Wuxie.


    However, no one took sympathy for Hou Yue because those who kill should be prepared to be killed. This had always been the logic since ancient times.


    When Hou Yue intended to kill Liu Wuxie, he should¡¯ve been prepared for the possibility of being killed.


    A few women wanted to be favored by Hou Yue, and it was ridiculous thinking about it now. Their eyes only sparkled with admiration for Liu Wuxie now, but they lowered their heads in shame when they saw Chen Ruoyan and Jian Xing¡¯er because their beauty wasn¡¯t even one-tenth of Chen Ruoyan.


    ¡°Do you want to take your own life, or do you want me to help you with it?¡± Hou Yue was in the Heavenly Phase Realm, and Liu Wuxie was willing to grant him a dignified death.


    Choosing suicide was undoubtedly the more dignified way to die because Huo Yue would suffer a fate worse than death if Liu Wuxie were to act.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, can you spare my life? I¡¯m willing to give you however many resources you want.¡± Hou Yue could no longer stand up, as his legs were destroyed. This was why he resorted to buying his life with resources.


    He still didn¡¯t want to die. Even an ant would cling to life, not to mention a human. Even with his legs crippled, Hou Yue still had his cultivation. He could use a wheelchair for the rest of his life in the worst-case scenario.


    On the contrary, everything woulde to an end if he died.


    No one mocked Hou Yue because they would also beg for mercy if they were in his shoes.


    The courtyard fell into a deathly silence, and everyone¡¯s gaze fell onto Liu Wuxie¡¯s face, waiting for his answer. This was because Liu Wuxie could decide Hou Yue¡¯s fate with a word.


    ¡°Toote!¡± Liu Wuxie took out the Heretic de and ced it on Hou Yue¡¯s neck. Since thetter didn¡¯t want a dignified ending, he could only help thetter to take his life.


    Hou Yue smiled bitterly, two tears rolling down his cheeks. He was looking forward to starting a new life as an elite disciple after reaching the Heavenly Phase Realm, but his life was like a firework, and his beautiful dream was only a passing moment.


    Liu Wuxie dashed all his dreams, and Hou Yue wanted to cry but could not.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, I¡¯ll kill you if you dare to take another life!¡± a voice echoed as a figure rushed over swiftly.


    Someone in the Astral River Realm finally intervened. This person gave off a powerful aura that enveloped a few thousand miles of radius.


    A smile rose on Hou Yue¡¯s face upon hearing this voice because he knew he didn¡¯t have to die.


    Upon hearing this familiar voice, boundless murderous intent swept out from Liu Wuxie.


    His murderous intent hadn''t been as intense when he killed Shao Wenliang and the others, but upon hearing this voice, it surged, bing even more terrifying than before.

 Chapter 487 - Life and Death Pledge

    <h4>Chapter 487 - Life and Death Pledge</h4>


    No one could understand why Liu Wuxie erupted with such powerful murderous intent, and a figure quickly approached from a distance.


    It wasn''t long before another person appeared in the courtyard, Jiang Gongming. Others might not know him, but Liu Wuxie naturally recognized Jiang Gongming.


    A hint of shock shed in Jiang Gongming''s eyes when he saw Liu Wuxie. He had long heard that all the humans had died on the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind, so how did Liu Wuxiee back alive?


    They both knew what had happened that day, with Jiang Gongming allowing the Hou n to assassinate Liu Wuxie and even allowing the sea demons to kill him on the warship.


    Jiang Gongming''s face became terrifyingly grim at the sight of the corpses littering the ground and Hou Yue kneeling before Liu Wuxie.


    "Liu Wuxie, how dare you kill other disciples so openly in the sect! Release Hou Yue and follow me to the Law-Enforcement Hall to receive your punishment!" Jiang Gongming roared.


    Everyone heaved a sigh of relief when the Law-Enforcement Hall¡¯s deacon appeared, signaling that everything had finallye to an end.


    "Jiang Gongming, we''ll settle our scores after I''m done killing Hou Yue," Liu Wuxie addressed Jiang Gongming directly by his name, with his murderous intent boiling in his eyes.


    "How dare you try and kill another disciple in my presence?! I''ll kill you on the spot if you proceed." Jiang Gongming was enraged. He was the Law-Enforcement Hall''s deacon, but he was challenged by a disciple openly. How could he maintain his standing in the Law-Enforcement Hall if he let it pass?


    "Deacon Jiang, please kill him! He''s guilty of killing so many inner disciples!" The disciples hiding in the corner jumped out because they all had a good rtionship with Hou Yue.


    They hadn¡¯t dared to step forward while Liu Wuxie was on his rampage, but with Jiang Gongming¡¯s arrival, their courage returned. As a deacon of the Law-Enforcement Hall, Jiang Gongming¡¯s presence meant that if Liu Wuxie dared to kill another disciple in front of him, it would be equivalent to courting death.


    Fan Zhen and others were anxious because the Law-Enforcement Hall''s deacon wasn''t someone they could confront at their current level.


    The atmosphere grew tense as Liu Wuxie kept his de pressed against Hou Yue''s neck, showing no intention of pulling it back.


    "Jiang Gongming, no one can stop me from killing who I want!" Liu Wuxieughed, and the Heretic de pierced into Hou Yue''s neck, and thetter began to tremble.


    Liu Wuxie was the first person who dared to kill another disciple in front of the Law-Enforcement Hall''s deacon.


    "Liu Wuxie, you''re courting death!" Jiang Gongming was enraged that Liu Wuxie hadpletely disregarded him in front of other disciples.


    Liu Wuxie snorted coldly and exerted more force on the Heretic de, sending Hou Yue''s head flying away.


    The disciples who had voiced theirints earlier screamed in fear because Hou Yue''s head fell right beside their feet. This was a form of intimidation that Liu Wuxie would also kill them if they dared to utter another word.


    "Liu Wuxie, die!" Jiang Gongming was enraged and struck his palm at Liu Wuxie. He was at the second level of the Astral River Realm, and his powerful aura was like a tidal wave crashing down on Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie narrowed his eyes, ready to unleash his cultivation at the fourth level of the Heavenly Phase Realm. He had sworn that if he ever returned to the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion alive, he would kill Jiang Gongming.


    With his cultivation in the fourth level of the Heavenly Phase Realm and the Earth Binding Chains, it wouldn''t be too difficult for him to kill Jiang Gongming.


    Right then, an even more powerful aura swept out, sending Jiang Gongming flying away.


    Liu Wuxie stood in stunned silence, having already steeled himself to kill Jiang Gongming. He was baffled by the unexpected assistance, unsure of who had intervened on his behalf.


    "Elder Tian Xing!" Another person appeared in the courtyard with a robust figure resembling a mountain. This person appeared between Jiang Gongming and Liu Wuxie, efficiently neutralizing Jiang Gongming''s strike.


    "Hall Master, why are you stopping me?" Jiang Gongming questioned after he regained his footing.


    "Even if he hasmitted a crime, you cannot enforce thew!" Elder Tian Xing was domineering because it wasn''t up to Jiang Gongming to enforce thew whether Liu Wuxie was guilty. He was taking Liu Wuxie''s side, and no one could touch Liu Wuxie with him around.


    Elder Tian Xing''s appearance plunged the courtyard into a tense silence as he appeared indifferent to the carnage Liu Wuxie had wrought. The fact that Elder Tian Xing showed up only after Jiang Gongming indicated that he had been present all along, deliberately choosing not to intervene. This implied that everything Liu Wuxie had done was under his tacit approval.


    "Hall Master, this brat has killed so many disciples, and he should be executed ording to the sect''s rules!" Jiang Gongming had little reverence for Elder Tian Xing. He was aligned with Elder Qing Mu and showed no signs ofpromising. Where would the sect rule stand if Elder Tian Xing continued to protect Liu Wuxie?


    "Jiang Gongming, if anyone has vited the sect rules, then you should die!" Liu Wuxie said. He retracted his aura and walked towards Elder Tian Xing, giving thetter a bow for caring for his family and friends while he was away.


    "Liu Wuxie, you''re bullshitting!" Jiang Gongming pointed at Liu Wuxie furiously.


    "Since Elder Tian Xing is present today, let me list your crimes!" Liu Wuxie sneered.


    Everyone looked at Liu Wuxie curiously, wanting to know what had happened in the past three months and what the feud between them was about.


    "Is this brat insane to oppose a Law-Enforcement Hall''s deacon openly? He''s finished, and Elder Tian Xing can''t protect him forever," the surrounding disciples discussed among themselves.


    Today''s battle had even attracted the elite disciples'' attention, but no one got close and stood far away.


    "Wuxie, just say it if you have anything on your mind. I''ll uphold justice for you." Elder Tian Xing reassured Liu Wuxie. If Jiang Gongming had made a mistake, he would uphold justice, even if it meant killing Jiang Gongming.


    "I believe everyone knows that I was escorted by Jiang Gongming to the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind three months ago, but you all didn''t know what Jiang Gongming did as a Law-Enforcement Hall''s deacon," Liu Wuxie said. He swept his gaze around the room, and his voice was loud enough to reach every corner.


    As Liu Wuxie recounted the events of the escort mission, Jiang Gongming staggered, nearly copsing to the ground. Everyone present was aware of Jiang Gongming''s allegiance to Elder Qing Mu''s faction, and it was no secret that his true objective during the escort was to ensure Liu Wuxie''s death along the way.


    However, no one had anticipated that Liu Wuxie would not only survive but also return in such a formidable state.


    Liu Wuxie recounted every detail of the escort and the events that followed, particrly how Jiang Gongming had deliberately orchestrated the Hou n to kill him¡ªa heinous crime in itself. Furthermore, Jiang Gongming''s collusion with sea demons to eliminate a sect disciple was deemed unforgivable.


    With multiple crimes listed, Jiang Gongming would inevitably have his position stripped and be reduced to a misceneous disciple.


    "Jiang Gongming, is what Liu Wuxie said true?" Elder Tian Xing exuded a powerful aura as he questioned Jiang Gongming.


    At this moment, many elders came out of the dark and quietly observed the situation.


    Jiang Gongming''s face shifted between red and pale as he struggled to respond.


    "Elder Tian Xing, you¡¯re merely trying to shift the me. Everything that brat has said is just his one-sided ount. Where¡¯s the evidence to support his ims?" A figure with a greedy air descended.


    Liu Wuxie squinted, realizing that someone high up in the sect was scheming against him. The motive was clear: his actions had disrupted their resource flow by killing Ma Shiyan and others. He hadn¡¯t expected it toe from someone in the Nascent Transformation Realm.


    "Elder Qing Mu!" The crowd erupted in surprise. Elder Tian Xing had long been rumored to support Liu Wuxie, while Elder Qing Mu sought his elimination. Their feud had persisted for a century, and any disciple favored by Elder Tian Xing became a target for Elder Qing Mu.


    "Liu Wuxie, do you have any evidence to support your ims?" With someone backing him up, Jiang Gongming''s courage returned, and he questioned Liu Wuxie instead.


    What Liu Wuxie said was true, but no one had witnessed it besides the two. The Hou n''s members were dead, leaving no witnesses.


    No matter what Liu Wuxie said, Jiang Gongming could simply deny it. They couldn''t travel to the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind to confront the sea demons, and the Jade Blood Yaksha, the only potential witness, was already dead at Liu Wuxie''s hands.


    "I said so much, not because I expect you to admit it, but because I n to kill you." Liu Wuxie''s tone was cold because he had already anticipated this oue long ago. The reason why he said so much was because he wanted to lure out the mastermind. Now that he had achieved his goal, he did not need to waste any more words.


    "What a joke! I''m standing right here, and I''ll see how you can kill me!" Jiang Gongming was fearless. Elder Tian Xing couldn''t do anything to him without evidence to prove his crime.


    "Today, I will issue a challenge to Jiang Gongming. We will meet on the Life-Death Stage ten days from now, and only one of us will leave the stage!" Liu Wuxie swiped his finger through the air as the blood flew up on the ground, forming into various strange runes before forming into a Life and Death Pledge.


    Liu Wuxie squeezed a drop of blood essence and injected it into the Life and Death Pledge.


    "Once the Life and Death Pledge is signed, it cannot be altered!" The surrounding disciples were in an uproar; they couldn''tprehend what Liu Wuxie was trying to do. After all, using one''s blood essence to inscribe the Life and Death Pledge meant a fight to the death.


    This meant it wouldn''t matter even if a victor had emerged, and one had to die on the stage for the Life and Death Pledge to be destroyed. Otherwise, the pledge would act like a curse to bind the two parties, halting their cultivation progress indefinitely.


    Elder Tian Xing could not stop because Liu Wuxie had already inscribed the Life and Death Pledge. This meant the pledge would take effect the moment Jiang Gongming signed it.


    "He''s insane! Jiang Gongming is a cultivator in the Astral River Realm, on par with a true disciple!" Many shouted at Liu Wuxie, deeming him reckless. They felt he should have kept a low profile after surviving the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind.


    Jiang Gongming hesitated because he felt a tinge of fear from Liu Wuxie''s gaze. He couldn''t help turning to look at Elder Qing Mu, which thetter nodded in return.


    After all, this was an excellent opportunity to kill Liu Wuxie, and Elder Qing Mu naturally wouldn''t let it go. As for Liu Wuxie''s act of killing Hou Yue and others? It no longer mattered because for a disciple to challenge someone in the Astral River Realm was unprecedented since the establishment of the sect.


    "Liu Wuxie, I''ll grant your wish since you''re courting death!" Jiang Gongming squeezed out a blood essence and injected it into the Life and Death Pledge, which took effect immediately.


    The Life and Death Pledge suddenly embedded itself into Liu Wuxie and Jiang Gongming¡¯s soul seas, acting like chains that shackled their primordial spirits.


    The pledge was sealed before anyone could fully grasp the situation. It used blood as its guide and the heavens as its medium. As soon as it was signed, a thunderous rumble echoed from the sky, and both parties had a Life and Death Curse inscribed into their bodies.

 Chapter 488 - Avenge If Theres A Grudge

    <h4>Chapter 488 - Avenge If There''s A Grudge</h4>


    Signing the Life and Death Pledge meant the two would have to engage in a life-and-death battle in ten days. No one could stop it; not even Elder Tian Xing could remove the Life and Death Curse.


    ¡°Wuxie, how confident are you in killing him?¡± Elder Tian Xing approached Liu Wuxie to ask. After all, ming Liu Wuxie for being reckless was pointless now that it had already happened.


    ¡°Seventy percent!¡± The twomunicated with their divine sense. Unless Jiang Gongming used some other tricks, he was just an ordinary person in the second level of the Astral River Realm. This meant Liu Wuxie was confident in killing Jiang Gongming.


    He wasn''t overly confident, but a seventy percent sess rate was already quite high.


    Elder Tian Xing nodded because he knew Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t the type to act recklessly. Since Liu Wuxie had made the decision, he would see it through.


    ¡°The Hou n colluded with outsiders to harm disciples of our Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. Today, Liu Wuxie has acted righteously on behalf of the sect, and these people deserved to die. This matter will end here,¡± Elder Tian Xing dered. After all, Liu Wuxie needed a justifiable reason to kill so many people.


    This was the perfect justification, especially when Liu Wuxie exined that the Hou n had ambushed him,pelling him to rely on his own abilities to survive multiple crises. This made Liu Wuxie''s pursuit of revenge against the Hou n upon his return seem entirely justified.


    Although the excuse seemed flimsy, no one dared to speak up. The general consensus was that Liu Wuxie had little chance of surviving the uing battle in ten days, leaving him with only a short time to live.


    With that, the matter came to a close, but what transpired became the hottest topic in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, particrly the impending battle in which Liu Wuxie, an inner disciple, would challenge a Law-Enforcement Hall deacon.


    This news sent shockwaves through the sect, even reaching the true disciples, as one of the parties involved was someone in the Astral River Realm.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, this is the new courtyard assigned to you!¡± The previous courtyard was burned down, and Elder Tian Xing assigned a new one for Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Thank you, Elder Tian Xing. Here are fifty Blood Abyssal Stones as my contribution to the sect,¡± Liu Wuxie was very thoughtful. He knew Elder Tian Xing would be criticized for favoritism through his actions this time, which would be very detrimental to him.


    Liu Wuxie hoped that handing these Blood Abyssal Stones to the sect could help quell the negative influence.


    With Liu Wuxie handing so many Blood Abyssal Stones to the sect, who would dare to gossip behind his back? Even the elders would have to keep their mouths shut.


    The value of fifty Blood Abyssal Stones was far more than fifty high-grade spirit stones.


    Liu Wuxie was seasoned and knew exactly how to navigate such situations. By offering a generous gift to the sect, he ensured they would be inclined to speak on his behalf. If he hadn¡¯t grasped this, all his years of experience would have been in vain.


    Elder Tian Xing gave Liu Wuxie a deep, contemtive look. He had originally intended to use his own savings and attribute them to Liu Wuxie as a contribution to the sect. However, with Liu Wuxie offering fifty Blood Abyssal Stones on his own, Elder Tian Xing only needed to cover the remainder.


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t return to the newly assigned courtyard but led Song Ling and others directly to the cultivation chambers. Their injuries were severe, and they needed timely treatment.


    The pills could only suppress their injuries, notpletely heal them. Knowing Liu Wuxie''s temperament, he would have fought Jiang Gongming to the death today, but Fan Zhen and the others'' injuries couldn''t wait. This was why he postponed the fight for ten days. After treating their injuries, Liu Wuxie could face Jiang Gongming without any reservations.


    ¡°Wuxie, can you defeat Jiang Gongming?¡± Fan Zhen asked, concerned. He wasn¡¯t fully aware of Jiang Gongming¡¯s abilities, but being a deacon of the Law-Enforcement Hall spoke volumes about his strength.


    ¡°Old Fan, don¡¯t you know I won¡¯t make reckless decisions without confidence? I¡¯ll go all out even if there¡¯s a fifty percent chance.¡± The group quickly arrived at the cultivation chamber, and no one stopped them this time.


    They found the few best cultivation chambers because Liu Wuxie still had many points on him. After killing the five experts from the Hou n, Hou Yue, and others, he had obtained many mid-grade spirit stones.


    As before, after entering the cultivation chamber, Liu Wuxie guided them in their cultivation every two hours.


    Time moved slowly, but the group gained immense benefits from this misfortune. Their bodies were significantly tempered, leading to substantial increases in their strength. With Liu Wuxie¡¯s guidance, their progress was swift and extraordinary.


    One day outside was equivalent to one month in the cultivation chamber, and their cultivation advanced rapidly.


    When Liu Wuxie walked into Chen Ruoyan¡¯s chamber, thetter was in a low mood, tearing silently when she saw him. Neither of them spoke, and the atmosphere was somewhat awkward.


    ¡°I¡¯ve made you worry!¡± Liu Wuxie spoke first. They had been separated for three months, and everyone was worried for Liu Wuxie¡¯s safety, which made him feel a little guilty.


    ¡°This is my choice!¡± Chen Ruoyan said, turning around to wipe her tears away quietly. The third princess of the Great Yan Dynasty, who once had a fiery temperament, suddenly became silent and withdrawn, making Liu Wuxie uneasy.


    ¡°It¡¯s not worth it. It¡¯s not worth it for me!¡± Liu Wuxie smiled bitterly. He already had a wife and didn¡¯t want to waste time entangled in romance.


    He might be the reincarnation of an Immortal Emperor, but he was aplete idiot when it came to romance. He thought Chen Ruoyan¡¯s feelings for him would fade away with time, but her feelings for him only deepened.


    ¡°Can you hold me?¡± Chen Ruoyan suddenly looked at Liu Wuxie with hope shining in her eyes. She didn¡¯t ask for much and just hoped that she could stay by his side. An asional hug from him was already enough for her.


    Seeing how pitiful she looked, Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t bear to refuse her and walked up to hold her in his arms.


    Tears fell once more, soaking Liu Wuxie¡¯s shoulder. Chen Ruoyan sobbed quietly before letting him go after a full minute.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine now!¡± Chen Ruoyan smiled through her tears, which felt like a breeze in March,forting those who felt it. It felt like the third princess of the Great Yan Dynasty had returned.


    Liu Wuxie guided Chen Ruoyan in her cultivation before leaving the chamber. The sky had already turned dark when he came out, and he let out a long sigh.


    ¡°What are you thinking?¡± Jian Xing¡¯er walked over. She hadn¡¯t suffered many injuries and didn¡¯t want to stay in the cultivation chamber, so she came out to apany Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Thank you for taking care of them for me.¡± Liu Wuxie sat on a rock and signaled for Jian Xing¡¯er to sit down.


    Fan Zhen and others had just joined the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, and he had to leave the sect for the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind. They weren¡¯t familiar with the sect, and Jian Xing¡¯er had significantly helped them in the past three months while he was gone.


    ¡°Must you be so distant with me?¡± Jian Xing¡¯er looked at Liu Wuxie affectionately. They had always addressed each other as senior sister and junior brother, but Jian Xing¡¯er¡¯s mindset had changed after everything they had experienced together.


    It was an undeniable fact that she had fallen for him. She might be able to hide it for a moment, but not for eternity.


    ¡°How¡¯s your n? Are they still bothering you?¡± Liu Wuxie asked, steering the conversation in a different direction. Dealing with Chen Ruoyan was already challenging enough, and now, with Jian Xing¡¯er involved, their overwhelming feelings for him were bing a real headache.


    ¡°They haven¡¯te to look for me since thest time!¡± Jian Xing¡¯er murmured, her cheeks flushing as she remembered iming to bear Liu Wuxie¡¯s child during herst encounter with her father.


    As they chatted about everything that had transpired over the past three months while Liu Wuxie was away, time flew by. After three months in the cultivation chamber, Fan Zhen and the others had fully recovered from their injuries and achieved three breakthroughs in their cultivation, nearing the sixth level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    Their rapid progress in cultivation was thanks to Liu Wuxie¡¯s guidance and resources.


    Returning to their newly expanded courtyard, which could now easily amodate ten people, Fan Zhen, Bi Gongyu, Lan Yu, and the others waited in line for Liu Wuxie to address them.


    ¡°I know what happened in the past three months, and you¡¯ve suffered!¡± Liu Wuxie looked at them with a tinge of guilt in his tone. Hisck of foresight had resulted in their suffering, and he would do his best to ensure it wouldn¡¯t happen again.


    ¡°Wuxie, don¡¯t put it that way. We¡¯ve always known the risks when we entered the cultivation world,¡± Fan Zhen said, stepping forward with the others nodding in agreement.


    ¡°Who pped you?¡± Liu Wuxie turned to look at Bi Gongyu. Upon his return, he had noticed the palm print on Bi Gongyu¡¯s cheek, with his cheek swollen.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine now. I appreciate your concern, master!¡± Bi Gongyu gritted his teeth with a hint of anger shing in his eyes. He did his best to calm himself down because he didn¡¯t want to cause any trouble for his master.


    ¡°My disciple was pped, and you expect me to let it go? Speak!¡± Liu Wuxie was enraged. He knew that aside from Hou Yue and others, many had bullied Song Ling and others, which was why this matter wasn¡¯t over yet.


    Bi Gongyu hesitated to speak, but Song Ling stepped forward because he knew Liu Wuxie¡¯s temper. He said, ¡°It¡¯s an elder from the Treasure Pill Peak. Not only did he insult Pavilion Master Bi¡¯s talent, but he even mocked the one who taught him alchemy. He pped Pavilion Master Bi and expelled him from the Treasure Pill Peak, saying he¡¯s banned from taking another step into the peak.¡±


    The more Song Ling spoke, the angrier he became. It was better to say it because any grudge had to be avenged.


    ¡°This is interesting. Did he mock my alchemy skills to be inferior? I¡¯m intrigued to see who¡¯s so arrogant!¡± Liu Wuxieughed instead of getting angry, but his eyes showed a sharp look. The other party didn¡¯t take him seriously enough to mock his disciple openly. This meant it would have to be repaid in kind.


    ¡°It¡¯s my fault for not being skilled enough, bringing shame to you.¡± Bi Gongyu fell on his knees, hoping this master wouldn¡¯t act impulsively.


    ¡°Get up. I haven¡¯t had the time to guide you all during this period, which is my fault. I¡¯ll handle this matter. Since he dares to p my disciple, I¡¯ll repay it tenfold. Here¡¯s an alchemy book for you to study. When Liu Wuxie was with Gu Yu on the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind, he didn¡¯t just cultivate, but he also consolidated his insights and alchemy skills.


    He hoped Bi Gongyu could make the most of it andprehend it swiftly. Since the other party used alchemy to humiliate Bi Gongyu, they naturally have to take revenge with alchemy.


    ¡°Thank you, master!¡± Bi Gongyu treated the book as a treasure. He had reached the fifth level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm, which meant he was now capable of refining seventh-grade pills.


    With these alchemy insights, Bi Gongyu¡¯s skills would advance rapidly and surpass the Treasure Pavilion Peak elders.

 Chapter 489 - Heavenly Dao Society

    <h4>Chapter 489 - Heavenly Dao Society</h4>


    After assigning Bi Gongyu his task, Liu Wuxie turned his attention to Lan Yu. "Did you uncover anything about the Azure Crimson Gate and the Hou n, as I requested?" he inquired.


    Prince Yongxian''s escape to the Azure Crimson Gate remained an underlying threat.


    Liu Wuxie might not be afraid of Prince Yongxian, but he was concerned that Prince Yongxian would return to the mundane world to kill his father-inw and mother-inw. Thus, tracking Prince Yongxian down and eliminating the threat once and for all was crucial.


    "There wasn''t much information. I investigated the Azure Crimson Gate for a long time, but there was nothing on Prince Yongxian. However, I did gather some information on the Hou n. They have a total of fifty people in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. Aside from those who are dead, there are still twenty of them, consisting of elite and true disciples," Lan Yu said and handed a list to Liu Wuxie.


    Finding the Hou n members in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion was easy. He merely spent some resources obtaining information from other disciples.


    Liu Wuxie memorized the names before returning the list to Lan Yu, whose efficiency wasmendable.


    Given the distance between the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion and the Azure Crimson Gate, it was understandable that Lan Yu couldn''t gather any information on the Azure Crimson Gate, which Liu Wuxie didn''t me him for.


    Liu Wuxie''s main reason for bringing hispanions into the cultivation world was to delegate minor tasks, freeing up his own time for more important matters.


    "Old Fan, how''s your investigation on Yi Xuan?" Liu Wuxie turned to look at Fan Zhen, who was responsible for investigating matters rted to the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    When they had entered the Martial Arts Hall, Liu Wuxie sensed that someone was secretly targeting him, nearly costing him his life. Upon his return, he had already formed a suspicion.


    "After months of investigation, I can identify who instigated Yi Xuan to alter the spiritual array in the Martial Arts Hall, even without solid evidence. He''s the one behind the plot against you," Fan Zhen reported, recalling all the information he had gathered.


    "Qing Mu!" Liu Wuxie said with certainty.


    "That''s right. He''s also behind Bi Gongyu''s assault. The elder who injured Bi Gongyu is known to have always followed Qing Mu''s instructions." Fan Zhen nodded.


    Everything had be clear when Qing Mu appeared in Hou Yue''s courtyard three days ago.


    "I¡¯ve heard that Yi Xuan¡¯s cultivation surpasses Qing Mu''s, and he¡¯s known for his integrity. So how could he be manipted by Qing Mu, especially in a ce like the Martial Arts Hall?" This was what puzzled Liu Wuxie the most. Other disciples had always spoken highly of Yi Xuan as a respected elder.


    Qing Mu was merely an elder of the Treasure Pill Peak. Other than his noble status as an alchemist, his cultivation was far inferior to Elder Yi Xuan.


    "ording to my spection, it might have something to do with Yi Xuan''s grandson," Fan Zhen said, raising his head after a moment of contemtion. He drew this conclusion from analyzing all the information he had.


    "What do you mean by that?" Liu Wuxie frowned and allowed Fan Zhen to carry on.


    "ording to my investigation, Yi Xuan''s grandson has be a cripple due to an issue in his meridians and requires the Spirit Restoration Pill. Qing Mu must''ve promised him something, so Yi Xuan agreed to help him eliminate you." Fan Zhen''s experience allowed him to analyze all the information he gathered.


    This was also why Liu Wuxie let Fan Zhen investigate this matter, while Lan Yu was better at handling affairs. This made themplement each other.


    "I see!" Liu Wuxie believed Fan Zhen''s spection because that seemed the only usible exnation.


    "Wuxie, should we meet Yi Xuan? That way, everything wille to light," Fan Zhen suggested. Considering Yi Xuan''s strength, this was the only option if they hoped for a thorough investigation.


    If Yi Xuan was truly behind this, Fan Zhen wouldn¡¯t rmend making an enemy of him, as it wouldn¡¯t benefit Liu Wuxie. However, if Qing Mu had manipted Yi Xuan, his actions could be understood, especially since they were all still alive.


    "No rush. I¡¯ll deal with it after my battle with Jiang Gongming," Liu Wuxie nodded, deciding that while he intended to meet Yi Xuan, now wasn¡¯t the right time.


    "Bi Gongyu, focus all your attention on refining the Spirit Restoration Pill from tomorrow on," Liu Wuxie said to Bi Gongyu.


    "Master, the Spirit Restoration Pill is a ninth-grade pill, and it''s impossible for me to refine it without the form," Bi Gongyu said, looking troubled. After all, it was known that ninth-grade pills could only be refined by those in the Nascent Transformation Realm.


    Qing Mu had sessfully deceived Yi Xuan by iming he could refine it. Most importantly, the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion didn''t have a form for the Spirit Restoration Pill.


    If the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion had the form for high-grade pills, the sect master could even refine tenth-grade pills with his cultivation in the True Profound Realm.


    However, while many pill forms had been lost to history, this posed no problem for Liu Wuxie.


    "I''ll write down the form for you shortly. After my modifications, the Spirit Restoration Pill will be refined to a seventh-grade pill, with effects even greater than those found on the True Martial Continent," Liu Wuxie assured Bi Gongyu, instructing him to focus on his alchemy studies and promising to provide the formter.


    "Yes, master!" Bi Gongyu fully trusted Liu Wuxie and considered himself a devoted disciple.


    Liu Wuxie usually addressed everyone by their names, especially since some were older than him. Yet, in terms of experience and mentality, Liu Wuxie had lived for thousands of years and could be considered a true elder.


    "Senior Brother Liu, what should we do? You''ve taken great care of us, and we''re starting to feel embarrassed." Everyone had been assigned tasks except for Bai Lin and Tang Tian.


    They had remained steadfast with Fan Zhen and the others, even when rumors spread that Liu Wuxie had died on the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind, choosing to live and die together. This bond was evident to all.


    "Now that you mentioned it, I have something for you to do." Liu Wuxie finally turned to look at Bai Lin and Tang Tian.


    "What do you need us to do?" Bai Lin and Tang Tian asked eagerly, feeling more at ease when they had a way to assist Liu Wuxie.


    "Can a true disciple form his own faction in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion?" Liu Wuxie asked.


    "That''s right. Every true disciple in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion is groomed as the future sect master, and they''re allowed to establish their faction in the sect." Bai Lin nodded because every true disciple had a prestigious status and needed help to advance.


    This was why they had to groom their faction. Without it, it would be tough for them to gain a footing in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion after they became the sect master.


    "Senior Brother Liu, you want to establish your faction?" Tang Tian asked emotionally. He had already been looking forward to this day.


    Since Liu Wuxie brought it up, it was clear that he intended to reach the Astral River Realm quickly and be a true disciple.


    "It''s only a matter of time, and it¡¯s better to start forming our faction early," Liu Wuxie said, aware that Fan Zhen and the others wouldn¡¯t be enough; he needed more people.


    "The most powerful factions in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion are the Lan Ling Gang and the Lesser de Association," Bai Lin exined. "These two organizations are highly secretive, with no one knowing the identity of the true disciples behind them. The masterminds operate from the shadows, executing their ns without ever revealing themselves," Bai Lin briefly exined the current situation in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion and got this information from other disciples.


    As for members of the two organizations, he hadn''t met any of them. Those who could join the two organizations were extraordinary and were at least an elite disciple to be qualified to join.


    Liu Wuxie was still an inner disciple, but he was already nning for the future.


    The two organizations were established long ago but weren''t as prominent. After all, the stronger the founder, the more famous the organization would be.


    "Senior Brother Liu''s fame has soared after this incident. Many people will flock to you if you raise your arm," Tang Tian said, already envisioning countless followers joining Liu Wuxie''s faction.


    "That''s unnecessary for now. Let''s wait until I kill Jiang Gongming. Only then will our reputation reach its peak," Liu Wuxie replied, maintaining hisposure. Despite his rising fame, many still doubted he could survive his fight with Jiang Gongming, who was in the Astral River Realm.


    "You two can draft some rules and discuss them with Old Fan. Not everyone can join, and Old Fan will have to handle the initial selection process, so I can personally screen themter. We can keep the numbers to ten people," Liu Wuxie said. He wanted to expand slowly for now.


    After all, Liu Wuxie would need a lot of resources to establish his faction, and he could only support ten-odd people for now unless he could have his own business to form a healthy cycle to groom more people in his faction.


    Alchemy was one of them, so he had brought Bi Gongyu into the cultivation world. The profit from alchemy was considerable, and if Bi Gongyu could continue to grow, the pills he refined would be widely promoted. At that time, Liu Wuxie wouldn''t have to worry about resources.


    However, all his ns couldn''t be carried out overnight, so Liu Wuxie wasn''t in a hurry.


    Song Ling would mainly guard their base after bing increasingly proficient in spiritual arrays. Everyone had a purpose and could be utilized to the fullest potential.


    "Senior Brother, since we''ve decided to do this, shouldn''t we give this faction a name? Like the Lan Ling Gang and Lesser de Association," Bai Lin said as his mind processed rapidly. Since they would do it, they should give it their all, and everyone gathered around to start brainstorming.


    "What about calling it Short de Society?" Song Ling asked. After all, Liu Wuxie''s primary weapon was a short de.


    "This is horrible. There''s already a Lesser de Association, and there might be conflict if we call it the Short de Society." Tang Tian waved his hand immediately because this name wasn''t imposing or resounding enough.


    Fan Zhen, Lan Yu, and Bi Gongyu were still brainstorming because their faction''s name might be famous and echo throughout the cultivation world in a few years.


    "Heaven and Earth Gang?" Lan Yu suggested, but everyone quickly rejected this for being too tacky.


    "Martial Society?" Bi Gongyu proposed, which drew waves ofughter from everyone.


    Liu Wuxie was also vexed. Having led a solitary life in his past life, he was determined to remedy that weakness in this one. He knew he couldn''t afford to fight alone again and needed the support of others.


    After some time, everyone, including Chen Ruoyan and Jian Xing''er, came up with a name. However, others swiftly objected because itcked something.


    "What about the Heretic Spirit Society, taking one word from Wuxie''s name?" Fan Zhen suggested. Since Liu Wuxie founded this faction, it was only fitting to be named after him.


    "Sounds a little too heretic!" Liu Wuxie shook his head because that sounded too malevolent.


    The courtyard was silent because no one could find a good name. His current aplishment was thanks to the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron and Deste Devouring Art. Since he would set up a faction, he naturally had to include them.


    "Great deste, which also represents heavenly dao. Let''s call it the Heavenly Dao Society!" Liu Wuxie said with his eyes gleaming. His path in this life was a path to create his heavenly dao.

 Chapter 490 - Yang Zhan

    <h4>Chapter 490 - Yang Zhan</h4>


    The name might not have seemed particrly impressive at first, but it carried an air of mystery upon closer reflection. After all, the heavenly dao was invisible, yet its existence was universally acknowledged. Everyone sought the heavenly dao, believing it held the key to immortality.


    The sky, once clear, suddenly darkened, and a heavy downpour followed a p of thunder. A thunderbolt struck Liu Wuxie¡¯s courtyard, but he intercepted it in time, preventing destruction.


    ¡°What¡¯s happening? It¡¯s just a name, yet it draws down heavenly punishment. Do the heavens forbid the establishment of the Heavenly Dao Society?¡± Liu Wuxie frowned in confusion. He had faced a thunder tribtion when refining the Heretic de, and now he was confronted with another just for naming his faction.


    ¡°The heavenly dao doesn¡¯t allow any sphemy. Naming our faction after the Heavenly Dao could be seen as challenging it. Hence, it¡¯s no surprise that we face punishment,¡± Fan Zhen exined. He had been studying diligently in the Book Collection Hall and had gained significant knowledge, equating his understanding to Liu Wuxie¡¯s. The tribtion was a natural consequence of defying the heavenly dao.


    Throughout history, no one had dared to name anything after heavenly dao, not even martial techniques or cultivation techniques.


    ¡°I¡¯m destined to walk a path no one has, and I¡¯ll tear anything apart that stands in my way. If heavens stand in my way, I¡¯ll tear it apart. If the earth blocks my path, I¡¯ll destroy the earth!¡± Liu Wuxie dered, and he felt like a god with boundless golden radiance behind him.


    When he released the aura belonging to the dragon n, the boundless dragon¡¯s aura suppressed Fan Zhen and others, almost forcing them to kneel.


    Unbeknownst to them, Liu Wuxie had the Heavenly Dao Book in his soul sea; this meant he was destined to rule over Heavenly Dao and not be bound by it.


    The lightning came and left quickly because this was just a name. The sky soon became clear as though nothing had happened. However, everyone could feel their blood boiling, and the Heavenly Dao Society was established just like that.


    However, a loud crash pulled everyone back to reality. The gate to their courtyard was destroyed. It happened without any warning, and no one expected someone to cause trouble for Liu Wuxie at this moment.


    After all, Liu Wuxie¡¯s life-and-death battle with Jiang Gongming was just seven days away, and everyone would bear with it even if they had any feud with him.


    Their feud with Liu Wuxie would dissipate like smoke if Jiang Gongming killed him. But if Jiang Gongming were killed by Liu Wuxie, those who harbored ill intentions toward Liu Wuxie would probably mp their tail between their legs.


    A robust man walked into Liu Wuxie¡¯s courtyard, holding onto a person whose legs were crippled and could only kneel and crawl. A group of people was behind him, but they didn¡¯t dare to get too close.


    Everyone in the courtyard instantly became alert and took theirbat stance under Fan Zhen¡¯s signal. It didn¡¯t matter who the intruder was, but anyone who dared to trespass their courtyard would have to die.


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t recognize the robust man, but he recognized the youth he was holding on to.


    ¡°Yang Xiao!¡± This man was Yang Xiao, who had made a bet with Wei Dong during Liu Wuxie¡¯s duel with Elder Wu Yang, and he had even threatened Liu Wuxie after losing his bet.


    Liu Wuxie had crippled Yang Xiao''s legs back then. He had heard that Yang Xiao''s elder brother was an elite disciple, which meant this robust youth was Yang Zhan, Yang Xiao''s older sibling.


    This man was known to be a fanatic for battle, and he had been in seclusion until recently. When he learned that his young brother¡¯s legs were crippled, the first thing he did aftering out of seclusion was to seek revenge against Liu Wuxie. He couldn¡¯t wait for seven days and wanted to cripple Liu Wuxie right away.


    "Who¡¯s Liu Wuxie?" Yang Zhan¡¯s eyes swept across the room before locking onto Liu Wuxie. Themanding aura Liu Wuxie radiated was unmistakable.


    Fan Zhen also exuded an aura of authority, but only Liu Wuxie made him feel a sense of danger.


    ¡°You¡¯re Yang Xiao¡¯s elder brother?¡± Liu Wuxie took a step forward to acknowledge his identity. This person was only in the third level of the Heavenly Phase Realm, and Liu Wuxie could easily kill with one p.


    This was no surprise, as Liu Wuxie had concealed his true strength upon his return, only revealing his cultivation to be at the pinnacle of the Heavenly Dipper Realm. Had he shown his real power, Yang Zhan would likely have fled in horror.


    ¡°How dare you injure my younger brother and cripple his cultivation? I demand you to kneel before my younger brother, kowtow, and cripple your limbs. If you do that, I will consider sparing your life!¡± Yang Zhan¡¯s voice was cold and filled with murderous intent.


    The atmosphere in the courtyard instantly became incredibly tense.


    "It seems we don¡¯t have to wait seven days for Liu Wuxie¡¯s death!" the disciples behind Yang Zhan whispered among themselves. While Liu Wuxie had killed someone in the first level of the Heavenly Phase Realm, few believed he could stand against someone at the third level.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be so sure about that. Do you all still remember the outer sect¡¯spetition? He¡¯s fond of concealing his true strength, and I suspect his actual cultivation might not be in the pinnacle of the Heavenly Dipper Realm.¡± There were still many people who were optimistic about Liu Wuxie. After all, who would sign the Life and Death Pledge if they weren¡¯t confident?


    ¡°We¡¯ll find out soon.¡± Everyone stopped their discussions and looked at Liu Wuxie, awaiting his response.


    ¡°I don¡¯t wish to kill anyone now. Leave with that trash immediately!¡± Liu Wuxie had just established the Heavenly Dao Society and wasn¡¯t in the mood to kill. His words were domineering, with no fluctuation in his aura, but he gave off the pressure of a mountain.


    An invisible aura swept out from Liu Wuxie and surged toward Yang Zhan, causing his clothes to flutter. Yang Zhan narrowed his eyes in disbelief¡ªLiu Wuxie¡¯s simple words had caused a fluctuation in heaven and earth.


    ¡°Big Brother, you must avenge me!¡± Yang Xiao was ced on the ground, kneeling. He let out a cry and begged his elder brother to avenge him. No one knew what he had gone through in the past three months, suffering countless scornful gazes and humiliation, all thanks to Liu Wuxie.


    His hatred for Liu Wuxie was so strong that he wanted to charge over and tear him into pieces.


    ¡°He¡¯s going to die today. Don¡¯t worry about it!¡± Yang Zhan took a deep breath to suppress his shock. He still didn¡¯t know where this pressure came from, but he would be humiliated if he left like this.


    He was an elite disciple, while Liu Wuxie was only an inner disciple. If he were scared away by one sentence, he would be aughingstock in the sect. He couldn¡¯t afford that kind of humiliation, and retreating before a fight was a taboo for cultivators.


    With every step Yang Zhan took toward Liu Wuxie, his aura grew more powerful. He radiated an intensity that matched rogue cultivators from the treacherous Blood Sea Abyssal Ind, and it was clear that he wouldn''t back down easily.


    When he released his overwhelming aura in the Heavenly Phase Realm, the entire inner sect shook, with many disciples gathering over.


    ¡°It¡¯s Liu Wuxie again. Can¡¯t he stay out of trouble?¡± It didn¡¯t take long before seven to eight hundred people gathered outside Liu Wuxie¡¯s courtyard. Even people stood on the walls to look down into the courtyard.


    ¡°He¡¯s in danger now. Yang Zhan became an elite disciple five years ago, and his strength cannot be underestimated.¡± Many people recognized Yang Zhan, especially those who had joined the sect with him. They even showed a hint of envy because Yang Zhan had be an elite disciple while they were still struggling in the inner sect.


    Yang Zhan stopped five steps from Liu Wuxie and assumed a fighting stance. A broad sword appeared in his hand, clearly marking him as a strength-type opponent.


    ¡°All of you step back!¡± Liu Wuxiemanded, his voice calm yet authoritative. He knew Fan Zhen and the others were still too weak to handle someone like Yang Zhan, and they needed to rise to the Heavenly Phase Realm soon if they were to truly assist him.


    Fan Zhen and others retreated to a corner, clearing space for Liu Wuxie and Yang Zhan.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, you can die now!¡± Yang Zhan attacked first, swinging his broad sword down, wanting to cleave Liu Wuxie apart from the middle. This was a ruthless attack that unleashed thunderous might right from the start.


    Ruthless heavenly phase power descended from the sky, but Liu Wuxie was unaffected. He remained in ce with a hint of disdain hanging on his lips.


    He didn¡¯t know where Yang Zhan got the guts to cause trouble for him with his pitiful strength. He raised his hand, and an invisible palm appeared in the air.


    ¡°Manifestation of true essence! Has he reached the Heavenly Phase Realm?!¡± Exmations came from the surrounding disciples.


    With a simple strike, Liu Wuxie gathered arge amount of true essence to form a palm, and this was a method only exclusive to the Heavenly Phase Realm. Powerful cultivators could even manifest heavenly images to sweep through their enemies.


    ¡°I knew it! How could Liu Wuxie possibly be in the Heavenly Dipper Realm?¡± Those who had guessed that Liu Wuxie had reached the Heavenly Phase Realm looked proud.


    When the palm descended from the sky, its aura was ten times stronger than the aura Yang Zhan gave off.


    Yang Zhan¡¯s sword aura was ruthlessly obliterated. He retreated continuously, but Liu Wuxie¡¯s palm was like an insurmountable mountain before him.


    ¡°This is impossible! How can your strength be above mine?!¡± Yang Zhan roared and poured all his true essence into his sword.


    ¡°You¡¯re just a pathetic frog in a well!¡± Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t want to waste any more time with Yang Zhan and continued to exert force with his hand, suppressing Yang Zhan to the point that he couldn¡¯t even raise his head.


    Yang Zhan continued to retreat and stopped when he was ten meters away.


    Yang Xiao¡¯s face paled with fear as he watched from a distance, disbelief filling his eyes. How could his elder brother, an elite disciple of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, be struggling against Liu Wuxie?


    ¡°Cross sh!¡± Yang Zhan had no choice but to resort to a formidable sword technique he had learned in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. He first shed his broad sword vertically before switching to a horizontal cut.


    The Cross sh took effect and managed to stop Liu Wuxie¡¯s iing attack, but that was all to it because this level of power was insufficient to defeat Liu Wuxie.


    If Liu Wuxie wanted, he could kill Yang Zhan in one strike. However, he knew it wasn¡¯t the right time to reveal too much of his strength because Jiang Gongming¡¯s spies were likely in the crowd.


    The more strength he revealed, the more cautious Jiang Gongming would be. He aimed to catch Jiang Gongming off guard, like how he had killed Qin Shi with the Pentabolt Talisman in the Imperial Academy.


    The Earth Binding Chains were too powerful, and Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t want to use them because it might bring him unnecessary trouble. If he used the Earth Binding Chains, it might even draw the attention of cultivators in the Nascent Transformation Realm toe after him.


    Liu Wuxie understood the danger of possessing a heaven-defying treasure without the strength to suppress everyone. If he revealed the Earth Binding Chains, even experts in the True Profound Realm might be tempted, not to mention those in the Nascent Transformation Realm.

 Chapter 491 - Life and Death Battle

    <h4>Chapter 491 - Life and Death Battle</h4>


    Liu Wuxie was aware that the Earth Binding Chains, while powerful, were ast resort¡ªsomething he would only use in dire circumstances. He had employed them against Li Xiaohai when his back was against the wall, and he wasn¡¯t afraid to use them again if necessary, even if it came with considerable risk.


    But in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, with its strict regtions and prying eyes, using something so lethal and unmistakable as the Earth Binding Chains could draw too much attention.


    The Heavenly Dragon Seal remained an untapped power for him¡ªunrefined and beyond his current cultivation. His only viable option was the Soul Spear, but even that wasn¡¯t a guaranteed win against someone like Jiang Gongming, who was in the second level of the Astral River Realm.


    He knew he needed more time, materials, and preparation before the battle with Jiang Gongming.


    Yang Zhan, however, was far beneath his notice. After thetter unleashed his Cross sh, his face had already turned red with exhaustion from the severe depletion of true essence.


    In the background, Liu Wuxie noticed a few disciples discreetly activating their Memory Talismans, eager to capture and report every moment of this battle to Jiang Gongming.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes shed with a hint of cruelty as he recognized their intent.


    ¡°Crush!¡± An even more terrifying true essence appeared as the palm continued to descend. The pressure made Yang Zhan stagger and nearly fall to the ground.


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t even use his martial techniques; he merely used the manifestation of his true essence to fight. This was a humiliating defeat for Yang Zhan, as he could havested longer even against someone in the fourth level of the Heavenly Phase Realm.


    Yet, he was helpless against someone in the pinnacle of the Heavenly Dipper Realm, with the palm crushing down like a five-fingered mountain.


    A human-shaped crater appeared on the ground, and Yang Zhan was lying in it. His bones were utterly shattered, and he was only left with one breath in him. His cultivation was crippled, with his broad sword and clothes destroyed.


    Everyone in the surroundings took a deep breath because Liu Wuxie¡¯s methods sent a chill down their spine.


    ¡°To defeat an elite disciple with one palm strike, doesn¡¯t that mean Liu Wuxie is already qualified to be promoted to an elite disciple?¡± An uproar exploded among the crowd because they remembered Liu Wuxie had only joined the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion for barely a year.


    In just one year, Liu Wuxie had risen from an outer disciple to an elite disciple, setting a new record in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    ¡°Throw them all out!¡± Liu Wuxiemanded, leaving the rest to Fan Zhen and the others.


    The disciples in the courtyard fled immediately, fearing they might anger Liu Wuxie.


    Lan Yu and Song Ling grabbed Yang Zhan and Yang Xiao, throwing them out of Liu Wuxie¡¯s courtyard. The farce only ended with that, and no one had expected the oue.


    What everyone expected to be an earth-shattering battle ended in a one-sided fight, with Yang Zhan being crushed with a single move.


    In his room, Liu Wuxie had to refine a few spiritual talismans over the next seven days. Since he couldn¡¯t use the Earth Binding Chains, he could only rely on spiritual talismans in his fight with Jiang Gongming.


    This time, he didn¡¯t n to use a fifth-grade talisman but to refine a few eighth-grade talismansparable to the Astral River Realm. The higher the grade of the talisman paper, the more spiritual runes were required, and the power would also increase.


    After plundering so many resources, Liu Wuxie naturally had obtained enough to refine talisman papers. He had hundreds of materials and three vats of demonic beasts¡¯ blood essence.


    As the days crawled by, the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion spared no effort in constructing a grand arena for the highly anticipated duel. The arena was designed to host tens of thousands of spectators, ensuring that no one would miss the battle.


    Completed a day before the event, the arena stood five feet tall with a diameter of a thousand meters, taking up a quarter of the martial field. By the eve of the fight, eager disciples were already gathering around, iming spots early to witness the spectacle firsthand.


    Fan Zhen and others gathered outside Liu Wuxie¡¯s courtyard on thest day. They were worried because Liu Wuxie hadn¡¯t shown himself after seven days, and defeating Yang Zhan didn¡¯t mean Liu Wuxie could confront someone in the Astral River Realm.


    Bi Gongyu hadn¡¯t slept in the past seven days, fully immersing himself in alchemy. After receiving Liu Wuxie¡¯s guidance, his alchemy skills had improved by leaps and bounds.


    He had focused on the Spirit Restoration Pill in the past few days, which was particrly challenging for him.


    Through Liu Wuxie¡¯s modifications, the Spirit Restoration Pill had been reduced to a seventh-grade pill. Even at that level, it would be a remarkable achievement if Bi Gongyu seeded in one out of ten attempts.


    Given the rarity and value of the ingredients, Bi Gongyu didn¡¯t dare to try too frequently, but he had no trouble refining ordinary seventh-grade pills.


    As the gates creaked open, Liu Wuxie emerged, looking refreshed in a clean set of clothes, his demeanor calm and confident. "Let¡¯s go," he said, striding forward, with Fan Zhen and the others following behind.


    Many elite disciples, including some true disciples, were in the martial field. Elders and deacons wereing out to maintain order and prevent chaos.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. This brat isn¡¯t your opponent, and I¡¯ll reward you handsomely if you can kill him,¡± Qing Mu said seriously before Jiang Gongming set out on the Treasure Pill Peak.


    ¡°Today will mark his end!¡± Jiang Gongming said with a sh of murderous intent in his eyes.


    ¡°Go on!¡± Qing Mu waved his hand. He didn¡¯t n to watch because a battle at this level couldn¡¯t pique his interest.


    Meanwhile, Liu Wuxie led the way into the martial field. The crowd parted to leave an open passage for him, with Fan Zhen and the others trailing behind. As they reached the arena, they found a ce to sit in the corner, their expressions tense with concern.


    ¡°You muste back alive!¡± When Liu Wuxie turned around, tears rolled down Jian Xing¡¯er¡¯s cheeks.


    Beside her, Chen Ruoyan also sobbed, biting her lip to stifle the sound of her crying.


    ¡°Yeah!¡± Liu Wuxie nodded, promising his return.


    When Liu Wuxie stepped into the arena, the surroundings fell silent, and tens of thousands of eyes were focused on him. Some gazes were filled with curiosity, others with malice, and some with intrigue.


    ¡°He¡¯s Liu Wuxie?¡± This was the first time many people had seen Liu Wuxie. They expected someone with three heads and six arms, but Liu Wuxie looked no different from an ordinary person. What puzzled them the most was that Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t seem to have high cultivation.


    ¡°That brat must be crazy for fame. For an inner disciple to challenge a deacon in the Astral River Realm, he probably doesn¡¯t even know how ¡®death¡¯ is spelled.¡± Besides those inner and outer disciples, more elite disciples had little regard for Liu Wuxie. They were all under the impression that Liu Wuxie was seeking attention.


    ¡°Don¡¯t belittle him. I received news that he defeated Yang Zhan with one move.¡± The news of Yang Zhan¡¯s defeat had spread within a small circle of influence among the elite disciples.


    Countless voices echoed throughout the martial field, some supporting Liu Wuxie while others mocking or ridiculing him.


    After all, Elder Qing Mu had won the support of many people over the years. This was why the majority of the disciples were mocking Liu Wuxie.


    On the contrary, Elder Tian Xing was too upright. Although he may have been fair to everyone, his personality made it easy for him to offend people.


    Liu Wuxie ignored the surrounding voices and remained standing in the arena with his eyes closed.


    Time slowly passed, and Jiang Gongming finally appeared after fifteen minutes.


    Jiang Gongming was dressed in a ck robe that felt like a sword about to be drawn, filling the surroundings with a surge of sword aura when he appeared.


    His aura was overwhelming, while Liu Wuxie¡¯s entrance was in and unremarkable, creating a stark difference between the two.


    Jiang Gongming stopped ten meters from Liu Wuxie with overwhelming murderous intent radiating from his eyes. He didn¡¯t even bother hiding his intention to kill Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect you to be so fortunate. No human is alive on the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind, but you managed to escape.¡± Jiang Gongming was curious how Liu Wuxie had managed to leave the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind alive.


    The Blood Sea Abyssal Ind had be the sea demons¡¯ territory, making it impossible for humans to enter.


    ¡°There are many things you don¡¯t know. Make your move now!¡± The Heretic de appeared in Liu Wuxie¡¯s hand, and he didn¡¯t want to waste more time speaking. After all, he still had many things to tend to after killing Jiang Gongming.


    The matter of the Treasure Pill Peak was unresolved, and he also had to look for Yi Xuan.


    ¡°I¡¯ll grant your wish since you¡¯re so eager to die!¡± Jiang Gongming also couldn¡¯t be bothered to waste any more time as he would receive rewards from Qing Mu after killing Liu Wuxie.


    The atmosphere bes tense as Jiang Gongming releases his aura in the Astral River Realm like a ferocious beast. The bs on the ground began to creak, and the arena could barely withstand the impact of someone in the Astral River Realm because it was hastily constructed.


    Ten-odd elders were around the arena, prepared to resolve the shockwave that swept out from the fight.


    ¡°Why is he just standing there? Jiang Gongming has already released his aura, but he¡¯s just standing there and doing nothing?¡± Many people stood up and focused their attention on Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie was terrifyingly calm, like a towering ancient tree weathering in the elements.


    Elder Tian Xing was seated in the arena, observing the fight closely. He was prepared to intervene without hesitation if danger arose, even if it meant sacrificing his reputation to protect Liu Wuxie.


    Jiang Gongming¡¯s aura in the Astral River Realm manifested into a ferocious beast, galloping into the arena towards Liu Wuxie.


    If Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t act anytime soon, he would be trampled by the ferocious beast.


    Right then, a resounding dragon¡¯s roar echoed throughout the martial field, shattering the galloping ferocious beast.


    ¡°How is this possible?! It¡¯s a dragon¡¯s roar!¡± Many people stood up and looked at the arena with disbelief. They hadn¡¯t misheard, and the sounding from Liu Wuxie¡¯s mouth was a dragon¡¯s roar.


    Divine dragons had vanished from the True Martial Continent thousands of years ago, yet their legacy lived on in ancient texts. Many had attempted to mimic the sound of a dragon¡¯s roar, but they could only capture its hollow echo, never the essence, the soul that made it truly fearsome.


    However, the dragon¡¯s roar from Liu Wuxie carried the might of a divine dragon.


    Elder Tian Xing''s hands trembled in excitement. He had heard something simr the day Liu Wuxie had returned, though the distance had muted its full impact.


    The sudden dragon¡¯s roar surprised Jiang Gongming, and his aura was mercilessly smashed apart.


    The disciples, who had initially doubted Liu Wuxie, began to change their opinion. Liu Wuxie might have the chance to win this battle.


    They had signed the Life and Death Pledge, which meant only one could leave the arena alive.


    ¡°How do you possess the divine dragon¡¯s bloodline?!¡± Jiang Gongming could no longer maintain hisposure. Possessing the divine dragon¡¯s bloodline meant that one¡¯s physique differed from others, and their cultivation speed was much faster.


    Everything made sense now; everyone figured out how Liu Wuxie¡¯s cultivation advanced by leaps and bounds.


    ¡°Do you want to know?¡± Liu Wuxie sneered, ¡°But it¡¯s a pity you¡¯ll never get the chance!¡±


    A destructive aura swept the entire martial field, with boundless heavenly phase power crushing the aura Jiang Gongming released.

 Chapter 492 - Life and Death Battle (2)

    <h4>Chapter 492 - Life and Death Battle (2)</h4>


    The sudden outburst of the heavenly phase power caught everyone by surprise, and no one had expected Liu Wuxie to have concealed his actual cultivation.


    "His actual cultivation is in the fourth level of the Heavenly Phase Realm!" Even the elite disciples were shocked because Liu Wuxie had only joined the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion for a year. In just one year, he had advanced from the True Core Realm to the fourth level of the Heavenly Phase Realm.


    How could this be possible? This meant Liu Wuxie had made a breakthrough of two levels each month.


    Such rapid advancement in cultivation was rare, and those who achieved it throughout history were peerless geniuses. Those peerless geniuses received excellent training since they were young and received a vast supply of resources.


    But what did Liu Wuxie have? He was known as a garbage in the mundane world before the age of seventeen, and it had only been two years since his rise.


    Jiang Gongming''s expression darkened. He had anticipated that Liu Wuxie might be hiding his true cultivation level but only expected him to have reached the first level of the Heavenly Phase Realm. The sudden revtion of Liu Wuxie''s power caught him off guard.


    Elder Tian Xing clenched his fists, and he finally knew where Liu Wuxie''s confidence came from. His cultivation in the fourth-level Heavenly Phase Realm should be enough for him to confront someone in the second level of the Astral River Realm.


    "He deceived us all!" Fan Zhen smiled bitterly. They had been worried about Liu Wuxie all along, but their worries seemed unnecessary.


    "I already said that my big brother''s cultivation isn''t something you people can guess, but you just refused to believe me." Only Song Ling had an unwavering belief in Liu Wuxie and had never doubted him.


    His words made everyone frown.


    "What a powerful aura! He has hidden himself deeply!" An elite disciple said coldly. Everyone who could be an elite disciple was a prodigy, capable of challenging those at a higher level.


    As their cultivation rose, it wasn''t just about cultivation but also about treasures and various techniques. With a powerful treasure, one could challenge those with a higher cultivation.


    "So what even if he hid himself deeply? He''ll still die either way. There''s a drastic difference between the Heavenly Phase Realm and Astral River Realm unless he has a heaven-defying treasure." Five to six hundred elite disciples gathered together, discussing among themselves.


    The inner disciples'' area was in dead silence.


    Liu Wuxie had just advanced to an inner disciple for six months and had already reached the Heavenly Phase Realm. On the contrary, many people were still stuck in ce after being promoted to the inner sect for a long time.


    For example, there was Chen Lin, who had just reached the ninth level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm. Yet, Liu Wuxie had already left her far behind.


    Those who had joined the sect at the same time as Liu Wuxie were bitterly struggling in the outer sect, and they didn''t even have the qualification to look up to Liu Wuxie now.


    Jiang Gongming quickly regained hisposure. He was caught off guard when Liu Wuxie released his actual cultivation in the fourth-level Heavenly Phase Realm.


    It was mainly because Liu Wuxie''s talent was too monstrous. Everyone had dug out his achievements over the past year, and it wasn''t a secret that Liu Wuxie could fight those with a higher cultivation than him.


    "Liu Wuxie, it''s impossible for you to escape death even if you have reached the fourth level of the Heavenly Phase Realm." Jiang Gongming drew and pointed his sword at Liu Wuxie, unleashing a suffocating murderous intent in the martial field.


    The longsword was decent, but it was a low-grade monarch artifact. His terrifying Astral River Realm''sws formed a turbulent current that made the surroundings restless, and an earth-shattering battle was about to unfold.


    "I have long heard that Deacon Jiang practices the Sky-Cleave Sword Art, one of the top ten martial techniques in the sect." The surrounding discussions gradually subsided, with everyone holding their breath to observe the arena.


    The longsword was pointed to the sky with a faint aura enveloping Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie raised the Heretic de, his mastery of the Fatality de Art nowplete. His father had instructed him to practice the technique only after reaching the True Core Realm, yet Liu Wuxie had begun mastering it in the Marrow Cleansing Realm. His understanding and control over the technique were far beyond expectations.


    An invisible shockwave swept out even before the fight began, shing with the surrounding spiritual array.


    "Liu Wuxie, die!" No one expected Jiang Gongming to attack first by swinging his sword down. The most profound aspect of the Sky-Cleaving Sword Art was the ability to break through spatial resistance to unleash the full power of this sword technique.


    The sword was already approaching Liu Wuxie before he could respond, and thews of the Astral River Realm were descending from the sky to form a cage, enveloping him.


    It was no wonder why Jiang Gongming could be a deacon of the Law-Enforcement Hall, and he was even stronger than Li Xiaohai.


    With Ghost Eye activated, Jiang Gongming¡¯s sword technique appeared to slow down, and each of his movements became clear and predictable to Liu Wuxie. In terms ofbat skill, Liu Wuxie had far surpassed Jiang Gongming, and with the manifestation of his primordial spirit, his soul power rivaled that of the Astral River Realm.


    Liu Wuxie swung the Heretic de out and found the w in the Sky-Cleaving Sword Art.


    The two vanished like twoets with swords and des filling the sky.


    Sparks flew around, with the entire sky covered in de intent and sword aura, making it impossible for anyone to distinguish between them. The shes of their weapons stirred a violent wave of energy that swept out like ferocious beasts.


    The elders standing guard around the arena assumed a defensive posture because the arena was hastily constructed, and the spiritual array wasn''t perfect.


    The array gs inserted in the surroundings began to tremble violently, with multiple craters appearing in the arena. The two stood apart, and they had merely exchanged their positions.


    "What kind of weapon is that? How can it withstand the impact of my attacks?" Jiang Gongming was shocked. His weapon was a monarch artifact containing thews of the Astral River Realm.


    Xiantian treasures couldn''t withstand the impact of monarch artifacts, but Liu Wuxie''s de showed no signs of shattering. On the contrary, a notch had appeared on Jiang Gongming''s sword.


    After all, Liu Wuxie had added a segment of the dragon bone and xiantian spirit when reforging the Heretic de. He had also smelted a monarch artifact into it.


    The Heretic de might not have reached the level of a monarch artifact, but it was much stronger than Jiang Gongming''s trash monarch artifact.


    "Who do you think you are? You''re not qualified to know anything!" Liu Wuxie couldn''t be bothered to waste time with Jiang Gongming and vanished.


    He perfectly merged the Nine Heavenly Crane Dance and Seven Dipper Steps, with seven to eight afterimages appearing in the arena, making it impossible to differentiate which was the real him.


    "What incredible speed! How did he resolve Deacon Jiang''s attack earlier?" Discussions erupted from the surroundings, with everyone eager to know how Liu Wuxie had resolved Jiang Gongming''s attack.


    "This brat has practiced a formidable eye technique!" It wasn''t a secret that Liu Wuxie had practiced an eye technique.


    Liu Wuxie manifested into several celestial cranes, like a ghost circling in the air. His speed had even surpassed that of most cultivators in the Astral River Realm.


    Jiang Gongming''s facial expression became solemn. He was far inferior to Liu Wuxie regardless of his aura or speed. There was no room for retreat, especially since they had signed the Life and Death Pledge.


    "Sky-Cleaving Earth Destruction!" Jiang Gongming was quick. His speed was faster than his peers, but it was a pity he ran into a monster like Liu Wuxie.


    The ground trembled as bs bulged upward, swept away by the violent sword wind. Countless rocks shot toward the afterimages, an expertly executed move perfect forrge-scale attacks¡ªideal against Liu Wuxie¡¯s elusive movements.


    "Sixth Fatality Form!" Liu Wuxie had already anticipated this and performed the most lethal attack of the Fatality de Art. The sky was filled with des crashing down like a mountain.


    The sky was covered with des, and even light was absorbed by one de, turning the sky dark.


    "What a powerful strike!" Many people couldn''t help standing up, fearing they might miss anything.


    A battle of this level wasn''t something ordinary elite disciples couldprehend, and only those in the high levels of the Heavenly Phase Realm could see it roughly.


    The faces of the true disciples present became solemn. The Fatality de Art transformed into a de demon, taking on Liu Wuxie''s performance, cleaving down at Jiang Gongming.


    The entire martial field fell into a deathly silence, and everyone was captivated by this attack.


    "What a terrifying strike!" The arena was already in ruins when they had started fighting.


    Jiang Gongming¡¯s sword mountain was split in two, shattering into countless sword auras that shot outward like arrows in every direction.


    "This is bad!" The surrounding elders eximed and quickly formed seals with their hands to block the iing sword aura and prevent them from harming the disciples nearby.


    If the sword aura struck the inner disciples, they would undoubtedly die.


    The sword auras contained thews of the Astral River Realm, which were impossible for even those in the Heavenly Phase Realm to resolve, not to mention those in the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    Liu Wuxie was in the storm''s center, and his aura had boosted tremendously after transforming into a de demon, with boundless true essence pouring into the de demon.


    This time, it was the roar of abyssal devils with an abyssal aura rumbling from the de demon. Those faint-hearted felt their hearts were on the verge of exploding, unable to withstand the overwhelming abyssal aura.


    "Senior Brother Liu is too strong!" Bai Lin and others waved their hands around in excitement. Their worldview was overturned when they saw how Liu Wuxie responded calmly while facing the oppression of the Astral River Realm cultivator.


    "Liu Wuxie, your strength is impressive, but you''re only in the fourth level of the Heavenly Phase Realm. You''re still too naive to think you can kill me with such pitiful strength!" Jiang Gongming roared.


    He didn''t deny that Liu Wuxie was strong, but because of his low cultivation, he couldn''t unleash the full power of this de technique.


    Liu Wuxie knew this very well. The Fatality de Art could deal with those in the Heavenly Phase Realm, but he couldn''t kill those in the Astral River Realm.


    When Jiang Gongming''s words fell, a mysterious energy surged from within his body. The longsword emitted a strange glow that looked like a curtain of light enveloping him.


    "The Trigram Origin Art!" Everyone was surprised that Jiang Gongming had practiced the Trigram Origin Art, a powerful defensive technique.


    An uproar broke out from the crowd because no one had expected Jiang Gongming to have also hidden his strength.


    On the contrary, Liu Wuxie could already guess it because his battle with Li Xiaohai was a near-death experience.


    After using the Trigram Origin Art, Jiang Gongming''s strength was significantly boosted as he cleaved his sword down at the de demon.


    True essence dissipated after the de demon took this attack head-on, turning into countless energy streams and vanishing into the world.


    As the de aura shattered, Liu Wuxie seamlessly transitioned into the Seventh Fatality Form. Though its raw offensive power wasn¡¯t as overwhelming as the Sixth Fatality Form, it embodied the essence of all six preceding forms, culminating in his most refined strike.


    When the Heretic de descended, the sky began to change with a cold wind blowing violently, mixed with the power of Frost Finger.


    "It''s futile. Your de technique can''t kill me!" Jiang Gongmingughed, telling Liu Wuxie not to waste his effort because he was confident of winning this battle.

 Chapter 493 - Evenly Matched

    <h4>Chapter 493 - Evenly Matched</h4>


    Jiang Gongming sneered, dismissing Liu Wuxie''s efforts, telling him to stop wasting his time.


    Undeterred, Liu Wuxie ignored him, swinging his de down with a force that tore through the air, creating twin currents that surged outward. The impact left a fine crack in space, showcasing the immense power of the Heretic de.


    "H-He managed to tear open space?" an elder in the Astral River Realm eximed, shocked by Liu Wuxie''s performance.


    It was public knowledge that only those in the Nascent Transformation Realm could tear open space and traverse it. This was why they were shocked when they saw Liu Wuxie tear a small spatial rift.


    "Myriad Streams Shattering Void!" Jiang Gongming''s aura continued to rise. They both had hidden cards up their sleeves, and neither brought out their full strength.


    "Frost Finger!" Liu Wuxie shot out ice beams that flew like arrows and reached Jiang Gongming. It was naturally impossible for him to kill Jiang Gongming relying on Frost Finger, but that wasn''t Liu Wuxie''s goal because his objective was to restrict Jiang Gongming''s speed.


    The Frost Finger was hard to defend against, and Jiang Gongming was frozen multiple times. However, due to his powerful physique in the Astral River Realm, he managed to break through the frozen state by circting his true essence.


    When the Seventh Fatality Form and Myriad Streams Shattering Void shed, the loud sound caused everyone to cover their ears.


    The martial field shook violently as if an earthquake had struck. Even the buildings a thousand meters away were trembling, and some old houses copsed instantly.


    Relentless shockwaves swept out in the form of ripples, which sent Liu Wuxie and Jiang Gongming flying out.


    Liu Wuxie''s breathing became erratic as he felt like a hammer had struck his chest.


    Jiang Gongming didn''t have it easy either because it felt like he was hit by a ferocious beast when Liu Wuxie''s true essence struck him, which caused a burning pain in his internal organs.


    The two performed a somersault in mid-air andnded on opposite sides of the arena, several hundred meters apart.


    When everyone saw how Liu Wuxie was evenly matched with Jiang Gongming, no one dared to look down on him again. The fact that he could hold his ground against Jiang Gongming, who was in the Astral River Realm, was nothing short of a miracle.


    "Liu Wuxie, you leave me with no choice!" Jiang Gongming''s hair stood up. His appearance became sinister, and he began to form seals with his hands after he put away the longsword.


    "Dao technique! Jiang Gongming is going to use a dao technique!" Only those in the Astral River Realm couldprehend dao techniques. Since Jiang Gongming had reached the Astral River Realm more than ten years ago, it was only natural for him to haveprehended a powerful dao technique.


    Liu Wuxie didn''t dare to be careless in this fight unless he wanted to resort to the Earth Binding Chains. However, there would be dire consequences if he did that; his soul energy would be instantly drained, and he would reveal the secrets of the Earth Binding Chains before so many eyes.


    When Jiang Gongming formed seals with his hands, a thick yellow mist spread across the arena. The mist was so dense that the naked eyes couldn''t see through it, and everyone had to use their divine sense to see through it.


    "It''s the Trigram Origin Palm! If I''m not wrong, Jiang Gongming has been cultivating it for decades, but he rarely uses it," some elders and deacons whispered.


    After being colleagues for decades, they were all familiar with each other and naturally knew what martial techniques they cultivated.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s expression hardened as he sensed the formidable pressure emanating from the Trigram Origin Palm. The vastws of the Astral River Realm coalesced into a colossal palm that seemed to strain the ground beneath it, exposing the bare earth.


    At the center of the storm, Liu Wuxie appeared poised to be crushed by the immense force of the palm.


    "Let''s see how Liu Wuxie dies this time!" The disciples who had witnessed Liu Wuxie kill Hou Yue were brimming with hatred. They had just begun to secure Hou Yue''s favor, only for Liu Wuxie to take his life.


    Elder Tian Xing also looked worried. Jiang Gongming might be less outstanding among his peers, but he was still in the Astral River Realm. He felt that Liu Wuxie might''ve been a little too hasty because he believed Liu Wuxie could surpass Jiang Gongming if given enough time.


    The situation became increasingly unfavorable for Liu Wuxie. Massive energy waves gathered to form a palm, striking Liu Wuxie with absolute destruction.


    The strike caused the arena to sink, and its immense power was felt even from thousands of meters away. Nearby disciples watched in horror as the shockwave shattered the tiles beneath them.


    When the giant palm descended, it formed into a powerful storm mixed with lightning, and the more timid disciples didn''t dare to look at the arena directly.


    "Liu Wuxie, ept your fate and die!" Jiang Gongming roared ferociously and gathered all his power in this strike.


    The boundless waves produced by this strike enveloped Liu Wuxie, ensuring that he couldn''t break through this attack no matter how he tried.


    "Hmph, you think you can kill me just because you''re using a dao technique?" Liu Wuxie sneered.


    His Frost Finger was also a dao technique, but he couldn''t unleash its full potential due to his cultivation. This meant the power of the Frost Finger would be significantly enhanced when he reached the Astral River Realm, bing his strongest attack. With the Fatality de Art reaching perfection, he could only rely on Frost Finger for his future fight.


    Liu Wuxie soared to the sky and advanced instead of retreating. He raised his right hand to the sky and unleashed a powerful shockwave that ripped through the clouds.


    "Heed my call, the ancient star!" Liu Wuxie had no expression on his face. When he reached the fourth level of the Heavenly Phase Realm, the power of the Primordial Astral Fist was brought to a new height. It wasn''t a dao technique, but it surpassed most dao techniques.


    The rumbling sound echoed from the sky, resembling the sounds of heaven and earth''s copse. Shortly after, an ancient gxy gathered to form a brilliant star floating in the air, apanied by an iparable aura that felt like the descent of a deity that stood proudly in the sky.


    "What a terrifying power!" Many disciples stood up in shock and looked at the materialized star with disbelief.


    ¡°What¡¯s truly frightening isn¡¯t his martial technique but the sheer power of his true essence. The ability to materialize a star is beyond belief,¡± many high-ranking elite disciples remarked solemnly. Liu Wuxie¡¯s true essence was astonishingly strong, far surpassing that of ordinary cultivators.


    Jiang Gongming''s eyes narrowed when the ancient star materialized. He had long known that Liu Wuxie practiced a powerful fist technique, but he didn''t expect it to be this formidable.


    Two different powers began to sh in the air, and the ancient star descended with an unstoppable force. The descent of the ancient star even pushed back Jiang Gongming''s Trigram Origin Palm.


    This scene defied everyone''s understanding to witness how Liu Wuxie gained the upper hand against someone in the Astral River Realm.


    Jiang Gongming''s face became ugly because Liu Wuxie was like a cockroach that couldn''t be killed when victory was in sight. No matter how he attacked, Liu Wuxie could unleash more power that defied logic.


    "Trigram Origin Cauldron!" The palm converged to form a cauldron, which significantly boosted the power of the Trigram Origin Palm, forming an encirclement to devour the ancient star''s astral energy.


    This was no longer a battle of martial techniques but dao techniques. Liu Wuxie and Jiang Gongming stood proudly in the air as their hands formed into seals.


    Their true essence poured out continuously in waves, and the two were locked in a stalemate, with neither capable of gaining the upper hand against the other.


    However, it looked from the surface that Jiang Gongming held the upper hand in this confrontation because his true essence was stronger than Liu Wuxie.


    "Liu Wuxie, let''s see how long you can keep holding on!" Suffocatingws of the Astral River Realm manifested into various forms as Jiang Gongming began to draw the power of cosmic stars.


    A mysterious force descended from the sky and empowered Jiang Gongming. This astral river power enabled one to draw power from cosmic stars after reaching the Astral River Realm, far exceeding ordinary true essence.


    Everyone observed that Liu Wuxie was draining his true essence rather than his dao technique. This implied that if their cultivations were equal, Liu Wuxie would be nearly invincible. The ancient star was continually consuming power, and its energy began to wane.


    Liu Wuxie, unfazed by Jiang Gongming''s sneers, remained expressionless as he wielded the ancient star with unyielding resolve, bringing it down forcefully upon the arena.


    The earth trembled once again with a powerful shockwave swept out, containing power capable of destroying the entire martial field.


    The surrounding array gs formed a barrier to contain the shockwaves within the arena, with the elders in the surroundings forming seals with their hands to fortify the barrier.


    The ancient star shattered into an array of shockwaves, whipping up fierce winds and scattering debris throughout the arena. The shockwaves also impacted the Trigram Origin Palm, causing it to copse like a crumbling building and crash into the arena.


    The two were swept by the raging waves and had to perform several somersaults to resolve the kic energy before theynded firmly on the ground.


    Liu Wuxie''s face was flushed, and his chest heaved violently. He had depleted his true essence severely in the previous sh, and it wasn''t easy for him to kill Jiang Gongming without using the Earth Binding Chains.


    Jiang Gongming wasn''t in any better state either. Hisplexion alternated between red and white, and his chest also heaved violently. He was also injured by the shockwave earlier.


    The ancient star''s energy felt like a heavy hammer that struck him, even though he had managed to withstand it thanks to the Trigram Origin Art''s powerful defense.


    They were more than thirty meters apart with their eyes locked, and sparks collided in the air.


    "Liu Wuxie, I regret not killing you on the way to the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind!" Jiang Gongming no longer hid his murderous intent for Liu Wuxie with how the situation was developing.


    He was certain that Liu Wuxie would die on the trip to the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind, so he hadn''t acted; he feared Elder Tian Xing''s wrath. But if given another choice, he would kill Liu Wuxie without hesitation, even if he had to face Elder Tian Xing''s wrath.


    "What a joke! Do you really think you could have killed me on the way there?¡± Liu Wuxie sneered. If Jiang Gongming had attempted to kill him, Liu Wuxie would have used the Earth Binding Chains immediately, even at the risk of mutual destruction. Without any third party intervening, Jiang Gongming would have faced certain death once Liu Wuxie¡¯s soul energy recovered even a little.


    ¡°Let¡¯s see how long you can keep up that arrogance!¡± Jiang Gongming snarled, unwilling to waste any more words. He prepared to unleash the Trigram Origin Palm once again.


    Astral river power descended from the sky, while the recovery speed of Liu Wuxie''s true essence was inferior to Jiang Gongming. The situation gradually became unfavorable for Liu Wuxie, but this was inevitable because the gap between them was too vast.


    Thews of the Astral River Realm were like earthworms intertwining in the sky, and it was twice as powerful as before. To kill Liu Wuxie, Jiang Gongming no longer held back, and this was his strongest attack.


    "Deacon Jiang, hurry up and kill him!" Countless disciples stood up to show their support for Jiang Gongming.


    Liu Wuxie''s momentum of growth had been strong ever since he had joined the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, surpassing many peers.


    While many disciples had impressive talents, they paled inparison to Liu Wuxie''s rapid rise and aplishments.

 Chapter 494 - Five Elemental Talisman

    <h4>Chapter 494 - Five Elemental Talisman</h4>


    Countless people stood up to express their dissatisfaction with Liu Wuxie, especially when he had killed a batch of disciples each time he had returned to the sect.


    The gigantic Trigram Origin Palm suppressed Liu Wuxie down from the sky.


    Fan Zhen and others became anxious. They wished they could go to the arena and fight alongside Liu Wuxie.


    Chen Ruoyan and Jian Xing''er clenched their fists tightly. Their brows were furrowed, and deep concern shed in their eyes.


    Only Song Ling remained unconcerned with a drumstick in his hand. He wasn''t worried about the oue of his battle. His mouth was greasy with food, and he showed no care for the battle.


    Five talismans appeared in Liu Wuxie''s hands, each with a different color corresponding to the five elements of heaven and earth.


    Aside from the earth element, Liu Wuxie had already refined the other five elements. He had also refined some of the earth essence when reforging the Heretic de. So even if his earth element wasn''t asparable to the other four, it still couldn''t be underestimated. Combined with the Earth Suppression Stele, Liu Wuxie had already established a cycle of the five elements.


    The five talismans shot into the sky like five meteors and upied an area each. They formed a pentagram covering the entire martial field.


    Powerful beams shot out from the five talismans and interweaved into a giant in the air, which surprised everyone.


    "A supreme talisman?" There were many spiritualists in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, and they immediately recognized that Liu Wuxie was using a supreme talisman.


    "Those are eighth-grade talismans. Where did he get them from?" No one thought Liu Wuxie had refined the five talismans himself; they assumed he might''ve obtained or purchased them somewhere.


    Eighth-grade talismans could only be refined by cultivators in the pinnacle Astral River Realm, and most eighth-grade talismans on the market were made by cultivators in the Nascent Transformation Realm.


    An eighth-grade talisman was worth millions of mid-grade spirit stones, and the five talismans used by Liu Wuxie were worth more than ten million.


    ¡°Who could be so extravagant to spend ten million spirit stones for five eighth-grade talismans?¡± someone eximed in disbelief. With his current cultivation, Liu Wuxie couldn''t have refined eighth-grade talismans himself, so these five must havee from Elder Tian Xing.


    Everyone agreed with this reasoning; it was the only usible exnation. Liu Wuxie, after all, barely held his ground against Jiang Gongming with the Primordial Astral Fist.


    "More importantly, those are Five Elemental Talismans. Deacon Jiang is in real danger now!" While a single eighth-grade talisman might not be enough to threaten Jiang Gongming¡¯s life, five talismans working together to form a cycle of the five elements could be a different story.


    Jiang Gongming''s expression darkened as the giant formed by the Five Element Talismans trapped his Trigram Origin Palm.


    The Trigram Origin Palm was like a fish caught in a, struggling to escape. As the power emanated by the Trigram Origin Palm began to weaken, the power of the Five Element Talismans grew stronger after forming a cycle.


    The power of the Five Element Talismans kept growing, and it was only possible to destroy them if all five were destroyed at once. If the five elements continued to cycle, the five talismans'' power could reach the level of a ninth-grade talisman.


    Although just one of the talismans wasn''t very powerful and could be found cheaply on the market, aplete set of five talismans was scarce because only a few people understood the five elements.


    The terrifying factor was how the Five Element Talismans gradually absorbed the energy of the Trigram Origin Peak and incorporated the power into the five-element cycle.


    Jiang Gongming stood frozen in ce, unsure of how to retaliate. No matter what method he used, his attacks would be absorbed by the Five Element Talismans, which could devour everything like the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron.


    Liu Wuxie had used many resources in the past seven days to create these supreme talismans, each containing immortal runes. They weren''t just eighth-grade talismans, but they also possessed the effect of immortal runes.


    "Tian Xing, it must be him! Damn it!" Jiang Gongming let out an enraged roar. He was restrained by the Five Element Talismans and was immobilized.


    Everyone turned their gaze to Elder Tian Xing, hoping for an exnation. While there might not have been any explicit rule against external assistance in such duels, it was an unspoken expectation that participants should rely solely on their own abilities.


    The few elders beside Elder Tian Xing also looked at him.


    ¡°Why are you all looking at me? You¡¯ve known me for years; don¡¯t tell me you believe I have any expertise in spiritual runes,¡± Elder Tian Xing said, his irritation evident.


    "Didn''t you buy it from outside?" an elder in the Nascent Transformation Realm asked.


    ¡°You¡¯ve all lived long enough to know that the Five Element Talismans are incredibly rare and haven¡¯t been seen in centuries. I haven¡¯t left the sect in seven days, so how could I have bought them?¡± Elder Tian Xing shrugged. He, too, was unsure where Liu Wuxie had obtained the Five Element Talismans.


    Everyone withdrew their gazes and knew Elder Tian Xing was too proud to lie. If he were the one who had gotten the Five Element Talismans for Liu Wuxie, he would''ve outright admitted to it.


    They believed that Liu Wuxie had obtained the Five Element Talismans elsewhere. It should¡¯ve been his greatest trump card, so he had dared to challenge Jiang Gongming to a death match.


    The others saw the same answer in Elder Tian Xing''s eyes: the Five Element Talismans didn''te from Elder Tian Xing, and Liu Wuxie must have brought them back from the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind.


    The Five Element Talismans suddenly released a blinding radiance, which spread out in all directions of the martial field, forcing all the disciples to close their eyes.


    Even elders in the Nascent Transformation Realm could barely open a slit to see. This blinding radiance was capable of blinding a person''s eyesight.


    "Liu Wuxie, I''ll drag you down with me!" Jiang Gongming bit his tongue after being suppressed by the Five Element Talismans. He spat out a mouthful of blood and rushed toward Liu Wuxie, intending to grab him by the waist.


    This was an attempt to drag Liu Wuxie down to perish with him.


    "Hmph!" A cold snort echoed from the arena with a Soul Spear that shot out like an arrow, which appeared before Jiang Gongming without any warning.


    Liu Wuxie knew the Five Element Talismans alone couldn''t guarantee victory. This was why he prepared the Soul Spearbined with the Five Element Talismans to deliver the fatal blow.


    Since Liu Wuxie''s primordial spirit was formed, his soul energy was even stronger than most cultivators in the low levels of the Astral River Realm.


    Jiang Gongming let out a scream when the Soul Spear stabbed into his soul sea.


    "A soul technique! Another soul technique!" It was no secret that Liu Wuxie had practiced a soul technique in the form of an eye technique.


    Everyone watched the battle unfold through the Five Element Talismans. These talismanspletely restricted Jiang Gongming, leaving him powerless against the Soul Spear.


    Liu Wuxie might have had an issueunching the Soul Spear into Jiang Gongming''s soul sea without the Five Element Talismans. However, everything was calcted wlessly, and the soul technique was executed at the right time.


    Jiang Gongming clutched his head as blood flowed from his five orifices, which made him look pathetic. No one had expected such a dramatic turn of events.


    Liu Wuxie relied on the Five Element Talismans to reverse the situation. Not only did he gain the upper hand, but he also crushed his opponent with absolute power.


    The Five Element Talismans suddenly descended on the arena like a mountain. The martial field began to sink, as it had long been destroyed. Even the surrounding barrier had shattered under the pressure.


    Jiang Gongming was already crushed under the pressure, and no one knew if he was still alive.


    The massive shockwave the Five Element Talismans produced created an iron torrent that struck the closest disciples to the arena.


    The surroundings were chaotic, with everyone thrown off their seats and sent flying. Some disciples were even swept into the air.


    In the end, Elder Tian Xing and the other elders in the Nascent Transformation Realm had to intervene to resolve the shockwave.


    The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion trembled, and even some ancient relics were rmed by themotion, thinking it was an earthquake.


    "This is too terrifying! Is this the power of the Five Element Talismans?" Many people had heard of the Five Element Talismans but had never seen them before.


    The power of the Five Element Talismans they witnessed today was far beyond their imagination. The surrounding buildings were utterly destroyed, and themotion caused by this battle wasparable to the high levels of the Astral River Realm.


    The sounds of the explosion continued for five minutes before gradually fading away, revealing the destroyed arena before everyone.


    The arena was in aplete mess, with Liu Wuxie''s clothes torn and blood trickling from the corner of his lips. He might have injured his enemy, but he also suffered heavy injuries.


    The power of the Five Element Talismans was too great, and Liu Wuxie had to bear the brunt of the impact at its center.


    As for Jiang Gongming, after a prolonged search, no trace of him could be found. He hadpletely disappeared, leaving the oue of the battle unmistakably clear.


    The Life and Death Curse in Liu Wuxie''s soul sea suddenly dissipated. Since the curse was lifted, this proved that Jiang Gongming had died.


    "This isn''t a glorious victory!" A true disciple stood up and left the scene quickly. This battle wasn''t as thrilling as he had imagined.


    "If I have a set of Five Element Talismans, I can also challenge and kill someone in the Astral River Realm." Some low-level elite disciples left because the battle had ended. Even if the battle wasn''t glorious, it was undeniable that Liu Wuxie had won.


    The victory belonged to the one who survived; only the oue mattered.


    Not everyone was convinced by Liu Wuxie''s strength. They believed that even those in the high levels of the Heavenly Phase Realm could kill Liu Wuxie, and he had only won this fight by relying on the Five Element Talismans.


    Liu Wuxie didn''t feel the need to address the surrounding discussions. This oue was precisely what he had nned. By using the Five Element Talismans, he had sessfully kept the secret of the Earth Binding Chains hidden.


    Refinement of a set of Five Element Talismans wasn''t easy, and Liu Wuxie had spent a long time gathering the required materials. Moreover, trying to refine them was as difficult as reaching the heavens.


    Song Ling and others rushed over to embrace Liu Wuxie. By killing Jiang Gongming, Liu Wuxie had forged a name for himself in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    Elder Tian Xing came down to pat Liu Wuxie on the shoulder. He said, "Not bad! I didn''t misjudge you!"


    He didn''t care what methods were used. It was undoubtedly the best method as long as Liu Wuxie could kill Jiang Gongming. Nothing was disgraceful, even if Liu Wuxie relied on the Five Element Talismans.


    "I''m lucky to have won!" Liu Wuxie said humbly.


    "Now that you¡¯ve reached the Heavenly Phase Realm, head to the Contribution Hall to collect your elite disciple''s medal and enjoy the privileges thate with it," Elder Tian Xing said with a smile before taking his leave.


    Qing Mu mmed his palm into a giant rock a distance away on the Treasure Pill Peak, which exploded and shattered into countless fragments.


    "Damn it! Jiang Gongming was killed, and I was too careless. I didn''t expect him to have a treasure like the Five Element Talismans." Qing Mu clenched his fists together, and veins bulged on his forehead.

 Chapter 495 - Conflict

    <h4>Chapter 495 - Conflict</h4>


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s name spread throughout the sect in just one day. The main topic of conversation was the mysterious Five Element Talismans. Everyone spected about where Liu Wuxie had acquired them and whether he had any left. After all, possessing a set of the Five Element Talismans was like having an extra life and the potential to kill someone with higher cultivation.


    When Liu Wuxie and his party returned, Bai Lin and Tang Tian had already left because this was the best time to expand the Heavenly Dao Society.


    Everyone was busy. Bi Gongyu went into seclusion to familiarize himself with the Spirit Restoration Pill. Fan Zhen and others began to formte ns because they would be even busier once the Heavenly Dao Society was established.


    Not only would they have to collect information for Liu Wuxie, but they also had to engage in business. After all, Liu Wuxie couldn''t collect enough resources to nurture so many people alone.


    Liu Wuxie''s constitution differed from others, and the resources he required were dozens or even hundreds of times morepared to others. He couldn''t possibly keep plundering for resources, and the resources distributed by the sect were measly, which meant he had to find a channel to secure more resources.


    The purpose of the Heavenly Dao Society was to gather information and earn resources for him.


    When Liu Wuxie entered the Contribution Hall, many disciples quickly stepped aside because he was now an elite disciple, possessing the authority of life and death over other disciples.


    This meant Liu Wuxie wouldn''t be punished by the sect even if he killed some inner disciples, which was why elite disciples were feared.


    The deacon who received Liu Wuxie was respectful and immediately prepared everything for him. The deacon even assigned Liu Wuxie a decent abode.


    After bing elite disciples, they would be assigned to a mountain and receive higher privileges.


    Within a radius of a few thousand miles of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, true disciples upied many mountains as their territory.


    After Liu Wuxie was done with the formalities, he didn''t return to the sect but hurried to the Law-Enforcement Hall to meet someone instead.


    Luo He wasn''t surprised by Liu Wuxie''s arrival upon seeing him.


    "Congrattions on making a name for yourself in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion!" This was Luo He''s second time seeing Liu Wuxie. When they first met, Luo He was responsible for delivering Liu Wuxie''s punishment to him outside the inner sect''s cultivation chambers. This time, they interacted as friends.


    "Thank you for protecting my family and friends while I was away. This is a small token of my appreciation; please ept them." Liu Wuxie took out an interspatial pouch and handed it over to Luo He, hoping thetter would ept it.


    "I was following orders, and Elder Tian Xing tasked me with protecting them. But it''s clear that I didn''t do a good job because they still got hurt." Luo He didn''t ept the gift from Liu Wuxie.


    "You may have been following orders, but you could''ve easily done the bare minimum. Instead, you went above and beyond, even offending many people along the way. If you don''t ept this, I''ll take it as a sign that you don''t consider me a friend," Liu Wuxie insisted.


    Luo He had indeed upset several people while protecting Fan Zhen and the others. Many felt he had meddled deliberately, causing friction.


    "I won''t be polite since you insist!" Luo He said. He knew Liu Wuxie''s personality, and acting too modestly would only make their rtionship awkward.


    Now that Liu Wuxie had killed someone in the second level of the Astral River Realm, even Luo He had to look up to him. There was no harm in making friends because the more friends he had, the better his future path would be.


    The two chatted casually after that, and their friendship deepened.


    Luo He was quite talkative, and as they conversed, it felt as if they had been long-lost friends. The conversation continued well into the afternoon before Liu Wuxie stood up to take his leave.


    "Wuxie, I heard you recently established the Heavenly Dao Society?" Luo He asked suddenly, his brows slightly furrowed as he escorted Liu Wuxie out.


    "It''s just a small group!" The Heavenly Dao Society had just been established, and Liu Wuxie didn''t expect Luo He to have heard of it. He figured the news must''ve spread when Bai Lin and Tang Tian recruited disciples.


    "I believe it''s only a matter of time for you to be a true disciple with your talent, and it''s normal for you to establish your faction. But I must remind you to be wary of the Lesser de Association." This was what Luo He mainly wanted to warn Liu Wuxie about.


    After all, it was unprecedented in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion for someone to rise from an outer disciple to an elite disciple in just one year. If Liu Wuxie had a few more years, it wouldn''t be impossible for him to be a true disciple, and it was understandable for Liu Wuxie to establish his faction now.


    "Senior Brother Luo, how much do you know about this Lesser de Association?" Liu Wuxie asked. He was unfamiliar with both the Lan Ling Gang and the Lesser de Association, but as an elite disciple, it was only a matter of time before he encountered them. Since Luo He was a seasoned disciple in the sect and a member of the Law-Enforcement Hall, Liu Wuxie believed he must know more.


    "The founder of the Lesser de Association is called Qin Dao, and he joined the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion a decade ago. Like you, he rose to an elite d disciple in just one year. But he wasn''t as monstrous as you and was very low-key in the early stages." Luo He shared everything he knew with Liu Wuxie. He exined Qin Dao''s background and some of his deeds further.


    "He''s a genius!" Liu Wuxie evaluated Qin Dao. Qin Dao came from the cultivation world, but he wasn''t a descendant of a prominent n but a rogue cultivator, and he made a name for himself by relying on a dagger.


    His rise became unstoppable after he joined the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, creating countless miracles in one year.


    "I heard he obtained a legendary flying dagger technique, and no one has been able to counter it," Luo He said, his face showing a hint of awe as he spoke about Qin Dao. Luo He had joined the sect after Qin Dao, so most of what he knew came from the legends and stories passed down. It reminded him of how the newer disciples now heard tales of Liu Wuxie''s rapid rise.


    "How much do you know about the Lan Ling Gang?" Liu Wuxie asked. It wasn''t hard to tell from Luo He''s tone that the Lesser de Association was ranked above the Lan Ling Gang.


    "The founder of the Lan Ling Gang is called Lan Ling, and he''s quite a low-profile person who rarely shows his face. The establishment of the Lan Ling Gang wasn''t his idea, but it was organized by people who supported him." Luo He didn''t mention the Lan Ling Gang mainly because it didn''t pose a threat to Liu Wuxie''s Heavenly Dao Society.


    There was very little information on Lan Ling, and it was rumored that he hadn''t returned to the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion for several years. Many people had even forgotten about his existence.


    Even though Lan Ling wasn''t in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, the unity of the Lan Ling Gang was even above the Lesser de Association.


    "Besides the two factions, are there any other factions?" It was natural for disciples to form factions, whether in the sect or from the same n.


    Even in the mundane world, shop workers would form cliques among themselves, not to mention in a sect.


    "There used to be quite a few factions in the past," Luo He continued, "but most were annexed by the Lesser de Association in recent years. Whenever a new faction formed, it would either submit to the Lesser de Association or, if it refused, its members would mysteriously disappear a few dayster."


    Luo He¡¯s words finally hit the heart of the matter. With Liu Wuxie establishing the Heavenly Dao Society, it was only a matter of time before the Lesser de Association came knocking. They would present two options: submit or dissolve the Heavenly Dao Society. Refusal could mean a mysterious disappearance, just like the others.


    "Thank you, Brother Luo, for sharing your information with me. I''ll take my leave now!" Liu Wuxie now had a general understanding of the two factions, which would help him in his future actions.


    Whether it was the Lesser de Association or Lan Ling Gang, Liu Wuxie didn''t n to bother with them. Then again, it was a different story if they bothered him because they would have to face his wrath.


    So what if Qin Dao was a true disciple? Liu Wuxie wouldn''t hesitate to kill if they dared to anger him.


    Once they became true disciples, they could establish their faction in the sect. This was mainly to test their leadership abilities, and the sect wouldn''t interfere if they didn''t take it too far.


    Take the Lesser de Association, for example. The sect wouldn''t intervene as long as the Lesser de Association didn''t threaten the sect''s foundation.


    This was like raising venomous insects to nurture the most poisonous insects. There were so many true disciples, but the resources were limited. There could only be one sect master in the future, so true disciples had to be tested on theirprehensive abilities and talent.


    After all, how would they lead such arge sect in the future if they couldn''t even establish their faction?


    After returning to the inner sect, Liu Wuxie summoned everyone and said, "I''m an elite disciple now. You can alle with me to the area meant for elite disciples."


    Liu Wuxie led everyone to leave the inner sect. The abode assigned to him was enormous, covering a few thousand meters, and it would all be his territory.


    In addition to the already excavated cave, some houses were also built in the surroundings to amodate Fan Zhen and others.


    As soon as they settled in, Tang Tian rushed over. He and Bai Lin weren''t present during the move because they had been busy with matters rted to the Heavenly Dao Society.


    "What''s with your injuries? Where''s Bai Lin?" Liu Wuxie asked with a frown. He had just killed Jiang Gongming, and it made no sense for anyone to harm the people around him unless they had a death wish.


    "I was in the inner sect to invite some disciples to join the Heavenly Dao Society, but three people suddenly appeared. Not only did they beat up the disciples who wanted to join our Heavenly Dao Society, but they even injured Bai Lin," Tang Tian exined everything swiftly. He could onlye and report to Liu Wuxie because Bai Lin had sacrificed his own safety, creating a diversion for him to escape.


    "How outrageous!" Liu Wuxie mmed his palm on the table.


    The Heavenly Dao Society had just been established a few days ago, and they had already faced such an incident. If they didn''t retaliate, who would dare to join the Heavenly Dao Society in the future?


    Moreover, Liu Wuxie didn''t establish the Heavenly Dao Society topete for the sect master''s position or resources.


    Liu Wuxie quickly left with Tang Tian, leaving Fan Zhen and others to clean the ce. He grabbed Tang Tian and vanished before they reappeared in the inner sect.


    Arge crowd had gathered in a small woods in the distance, and Liu Wuxie could smell the scent of blood before he even got close.


    ¡°The few of you still refuse to leave the Heavenly Dao Society?¡± A cold voice echoed through the dense woods, chilling the air. In the center of the clearing, four figuresy on the ground¡ªBai Lin, Wei Dong, Yun Lan, and Fan Xi, all visibly weakened.


    The three had joined upon hearing that Liu Wuxie would establish the Heavenly Dao Society. That was especially the case for Wei Dong and Yun Lan, who had both received favors from Liu Wuxie.


    Three youths stood next to the four. They gave off a powerful aura in the Heavenly Phase Realm.


    Elite disciples had the authority of life and death over other disciples, and the sect wouldn''t intervene even if Bai Lin and the other three were killed here. At most, they would only face some minor punishments.


    "Dream on! We won''t leave the Heavenly Dao Society!" Yun Lan had blood at the corner of his lips, and he struggled to sit up. He was resolute not to leave the Heavenly Dao Society.


    "You''re pretty stubborn. Don''t me us since you have a death wish!" one of the three youths said and pointed his sword at the four who were lying on the ground, nning to kill them.


    As Luo He had mentioned, the members of a new faction would have to die if they didn''t submit. No one knew who the three youths were or why they were targeting the Heavenly Dao Society.


    Watching the descending sword, the four closed their eyes. They chose death overpromise.


    "Stop!" A cold voice echoed in the woods as Liu Wuxie walked with Tang Tian.

 Chapter 496 - Coerce

    <h4>Chapter 496 - Coerce</h4>


    The four would die if Liu Wuxie didn''t show up soon.


    The crowd automatically parted and revealed Liu Wuxie, who wore a ferocious expression with a sinister gaze.


    They faced obstruction on the first day of recruiting members for the Heavenly Dao Society. He knew that he had to make a name for the Heavenly Dao Society, or no one would dare join them in the future.


    Bai Lin and others heaved a sigh of relief at the sight of Liu Wuxie. They had risked their lives to let Tang Tian deliver the news back to Liu Wuxie, and they were lucky that Liu Wuxie came in time.


    The three turned to look at Liu Wuxie after sheathing their swords. The youth in the middle smiled after recognizing Liu Wuxie. He said, "Liu Wuxie, you came at the right time. I''ll allow you to join the Lesser de Association now and disband your Heavenly Dao Society."


    Liu Wuxie''s name had long spread throughout the sect after his battle with Jiang Gongming, and it was natural for him to be recognized.


    "Go back and tell your master that the Heavenly Dao Society has no interest in power struggles, and he should mind his own business," Liu Wuxie said. He had no intentions of bing enemies with the Lesser de Association for now.


    The Lesser de Association had been entrenched in the sect for years, boasting countless members and formidable experts. In contrast, the newly founded Heavenly Dao Society was still in its infancy,cking the numbers and strength topete with such an established force.


    None of the onlookers, including the three members of the Lesser de Association, believed what Liu Wuxie said.


    "Liu Wuxie, I''ve already given you a chance. Disband the Heavenly Dao Society immediately and submit to the Lesser de Association, or don''t me us for what will happen next!" The three youths pressed on aggressively. They only had one purpose: to force the Heavenly Dao Society to disband and recruit Liu Wuxie.


    Everyone who joined the Lesser de Association had to swear their loyalty to Qin Dao with their souls, and they would be punished by heavenly dao if they vited the oath.


    Tang Tian helped Bai Lin and the other three to their feet, standing by their side as they cleared space in the center for Liu Wuxie and the three members of the Lesser de Association.


    "I''m curious about what will happen next." Liu Wuxie''s face turned cold with surging murderous intent.


    The atmosphere became oppressive, and even the three members of the Lesser de Association grew nervous. They were well aware of Liu Wuxie''s strengths and discussed them privately. They weren''t willing to give up like this because they couldn''t exin to their superiors.


    "Senior Brother Liu, the one in the middle is Wang Ke. He joined the Lesser de Association three years ago and now holds the rank of captain. Be cautious," Yun Lan advised softly, having received treatment for his injuries.


    Wang Ke and his twopanions were inferior to Liu Wuxie in terms of strength because they were only at the second level of the Heavenly Phase Realm.


    "Liu Wuxie, you better think this through. You''ll be an enemy of our Lesser de Association if you refused today, and you will have no spot in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion in the future," Wang Ke said in a threatening tone.


    He knew he was no match for Liu Wuxie, but the Lesser de Association had plenty of experts. They could make Liu Wuxie''s future days in the sect a nightmare.


    "Get lost!" Liu Wuxie couldn''t be bothered with these three and waved his hand to send them flying, with a ruthless de aura tearing into them.


    There was no way Liu Wuxie could let them leave unscathed after how they had injured Bai Lin and the other three.


    When Wang Ke and his twopanions were thrown out, they were covered in blood, with injuries more severe than Bai Lin and the others.


    "Liu Wuxie, you¡¯ll regret this! The Lesser de Association will have your head for daring to defy us!" The three members quickly got to their feet and fled, fearing further confrontation. They intended to leave immediately and report back to their superiors to dispatch someone to deal with Liu Wuxie.


    "You alle with me!" Liu Wuxie brought everyone back to his abode. The four had received treatments, and they were in no danger.


    "Tell me, what happened today?"


    When everyone stood in line, Tang Tian recounted the events, "We went to the inner sect, nning to recruit members for the Heavenly Dao Society today. Everything went smoothly at first, with about fifty to sixty people willing to join us. But the Lesser Dao Association appeared out of nowhere and forced the disciples to leave, and only these three were willing to stay."


    Liu Wuxie nodded and said, "I established the Heavenly Dao Society with the mind of keeping quality over quantity. We can limit our numbers to a few dozen people. Let''s stop for now and wait until everything is over."


    Liu Wuxie instructed Bai Lin and others to stop recruiting for now. They now had ten people, including Fan Zhen and others, and there was no immediate need for them to expand.


    "Senior Brother Liu, what should we do next?" Yun Lan was excited after he recovered from his injuries because he wanted to do something big.


    Everyone''s eyes fell on Liu Wuxie, awaiting his next instruction.


    "I need you all to focus on cultivating and raising your strength. As for the other matters, leave them to Old Fan and Lan Yu," Liu Wuxie said. These people were too inexperienced, and they needed time to be tempered.


    With most affairs left to Fan Zhen and Lan Yu, Liu Wuxie took out stctite essence to help everyone cleanse their bodies, allowing them to reach the Heavenly Phase Realm as soon as possible.


    After Liu Wuxie was done making arrangements, everyone returned to their residences, leaving only Fan Zhen and Lan Yu behind. This was because Liu Wuxie still had instructions for them.


    "How''s the matter that I asked you to handle in the city?" Liu Wuxie asked, looking at the two.


    "Everything went well, and four shops agreed to act as our agents for pills. ording to what you said, the profit is split 3:7, with us taking seventy percent and leaving thirty percent for them." Fan Zhen bowed slightly. When Liu Wuxie was refining the set of Five Element Talismans, Fan Zhen and Lan Yu had visited the nearby city.


    Liu Wuxie turned to look at Lan Yu and awaited his response.


    "My side went well, too. Three shops also agreed to act as agents for our talisman sales with a 3:7 split." Lan Yu bowed. The two had handled this matter well during their trip to the city.


    "Good! Our Heavenly Dao Society should have ie starting tomorrow. This will help us develop faster, or everything will be restricted without resources." Liu Wuxie rubbed his temples because everything would be much easier if they had a source of ie. After all, he couldn''t support the entire Heavenly Dao Society himself.


    "Wuxie, I have promised to provide a thousand seventh-grade pills each month. Where are we supposed to find such arge supply of pills?" Fan Zhen asked with a hint of difficulty.


    Pills refined by the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion were highly famous, and people from other major sects often came to purchase them. Even so, the supply in the market still fell short of the demand.


    In addition to those sects, the Southern Province had many ns, the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s biggest customers.


    Pills were always in high demand, whether in the mundane or cultivation world. After all, pills were crucial in cultivation.


    A thousand seventh-grade pills would only take Liu Wuxie a few days, but he didn''t have the time to refine them.


    "You don''t have to worry about that. I will bring Bi Gongyu to the Treasure Pill Peak to settle that issue in three days at most," Liu Wuxie reassured Fan Zhen. He would see it to the end regardless of the difficulty if it was something he wanted to do.


    "What about the talismans? Where are we going to find a supply for them?" Lan Yu felt a headache because pills and talismans were in high demand in the cultivation world.


    Talismans were rarely seen in the market because most people capable of refining them would only produce for their own use, and the ones sold in the market were usually defective products.


    "Song Ling, when will the talismans be ready?"


    Song Ling was snoring and drooling by the side and jumped up upon hearing Liu Wuxie''s call.


    "I refined these in the past few days. Big brother, help me check their quality." Song Ling handed a stack of talismans to Liu Wuxie for inspection.


    "The quality is quite good, even if the inscription seems a bit crude. These talismans are better than the average ones on the market and can even be considered high quality," Liu Wuxie remarked. He had also taught Song Ling about spiritual runes in addition to spiritual arrays, recognizing that they were closely rted.


    Bi Gongyu had to focus on refining pills, and his perception of spiritual runes was less than Song Ling''s.


    Lan Yu¡¯s eyes briefly showed a hint of loneliness. Unlike Bi Gongyu, who learned alchemy, and Song Ling, who mastered both spiritual runes and spiritual arrays, Lan Yu had been preupied with various tasks and hadn¡¯t had the opportunity to learn anything new since arriving in the cultivation world.


    ¡°Lan Yu, is something bothering you?¡± Liu Wuxie noticed the change in Lan Yu¡¯s expression.


    "I dare not!" Lan Yu kneeled quickly.


    ¡°You¡¯re quite capable, so don¡¯t undervalue yourself,¡± Liu Wuxie said reassuringly. ¡°Once you finish these current tasks, I¡¯ll teach you cksmithing. It¡¯s important for the long-term growth of the Heavenly Dao Society to have a diverse set of skills.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Master!¡± Lan Yu bowed deeply, expressing his gratitude with three kowtows before rising. The loneliness in his expression had vanished, reced by determination. Liu Wuxie¡¯s fair approach in teaching each of them a unique skill had restored his confidence.


    It was alreadyte at night when Liu Wuxie made arrangements for everything. Bi Gongyu was still in seclusion to try and refine the Spirit Restoration Pill.


    The first batch of talismans waspleted the following day, and they were quietly shipped out of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. From today onwards, the Heavenly Dao Society will officially start operating.


    "Old Fan, apany me to the Marital Arts Hall!" Liu Wuxie asked Fan Zhen to apany him to meet Yi Xuan after dressing.


    Fan Zhen was like a butler, with Liu Wuxie entrusting his affairs.


    The two left the abode and arrived at the Martial Arts Hall half an hourter. This time, they weren''t here to practice their martial techniques, so they headed straight to the central control system.


    Ordinary individuals couldn¡¯t ess the central control system, which was heavily guarded by numerous spiritual arrays. Qing Mu could enter due to his Nascent Transformation Realm cultivation.


    However, these arrays were no barrier to Liu Wuxie. It didn¡¯t take long for him and Fan Zhen to arrive at the entrance.


    Yi Xuan and the two other elders only realized someone had arrived when they heard a knock on the door. They jumped up in surprise, wondering who could bypass their defenses without alerting them.


    They jumped up and wondered who could make it over without rming them.


    "Disciple Liu Wuxie requests to meet Elder Yi Xuan!" The door remained shut, but Liu Wuxie greeted from outside loudly, cupping his fists together. He could have easily passed through the restriction on the door and entered.


    "Liu Wuxie? It''s him!" Liu Wuxie''s name was famous in the sect, and themotion he caused hadn''t subsided yet. Even elders who stayed out of worldly affairs had heard of him.


    "Why is he here?" The two elders beside Yi Xuan looked puzzled by Liu Wuxie''s arrival.


    "Is he here for revenge?" The elder on the right asked. They were the ones who had altered the spiritual arrays in the Martial Arts Hall and nearly killed him. Thus, it was natural for him to seek revenge against them.


    "He''s only in the Heavenly Phase Realm. What qualification does he have to seek revenge on us?" The elder on the left sneered. If Liu Wuxie dared toe and seek revenge against them, they could kill him with one p.


    "What wille will eventuallye. You two stay here; I''ll go and meet him," Yi Xuan sighed. His righteousness and integrity had been overshadowed by the incident involving Liu Wuxie, which had caused him considerable guilt and damaged his reputation over the past three months.


    Yi Xuan walked towards the door after he had finished speaking. The two elders exchanged a look, but they said nothing. After all, it was perfect for them, with Yi Xuan shouldering all the me. They had no reason to stop him since he was willing to take the fall.

 Chapter 497 - Future Plans

    <h4>Chapter 497 - Future ns</h4>


    Liu Wuxie stood five meters from the door, with Fan Zhen silently positioned behind him as the door creaked open. Their gazes met, locking for several breaths before Yi Xuan finally averted his eyes.


    "This isn''t the ce to talk. Come with me!" Yi Xuan walked ahead with his slightly hunched back while Liu Wuxie nodded and followed behind him.


    "Wuxie, what if this is a trap? What if he leads us somewhere dangerous? It¡¯ll be difficult to escape with our current strength," Fan Zhen quickly caught up,municating his concern through divine sense. He suggested they head somewhere more public to ensure their safety.


    "Let''s follow him!" Liu Wuxie knew Fan Zhen meant well. After all, it wouldn''t hurt to be cautious in the cultivation world.


    Liu Wuxie had already consulted Elder Tian Xing beforeing. He had suggested Liu Wuxie to talk face-to-face with Elder Yi Xuan.


    Yi Xuan walked steadily, heading for the western region after leaving the Martial Arts Hall, which didn''t seem to be where the elders resided.


    There was an entire mountain where misceneous disciples resided in the west, and no disciples, not to mention elders, were willing to go there. But why did Yi Xuan bring them over?


    They crossed a small stream and followed a mountain path for roughly fifteen minutes before a small cottage appeared.


    The mountain on the other side was where misceneous disciples lived. This mountain was situated between the Misceneous Peak and the Earth Force Peak, which was barren.


    The cottage was small, with only two rooms. Due to poor management, many parts were severely worn down.


    In front was a small courtyard surrounded by a high fence, seemingly to prevent those inside froming out. The fence was made of a rigid material despite feeling soft.


    A young man in his twenties was in the courtyard, looking dejected. Behind the house, an old woman fed domestic animals from the mundane world. Those who had yet to reach the Heavenly Dipper Realm still required food.


    Yi Xuan opened the door and walked in. In the courtyard, a young man seated on a chair had hollow eyes devoid of emotion.


    Liu Wuxie''s gaze settled on the youth before him. Though the young man seemed to be in his mid-twenties, his tangled beard and disheveled appearance made him look closer to thirty. His skin was pale, and his yellowed hair added to his sickly demeanor. Oddly, Liu Wuxie could detect no sign of vitality in him, as if life had drained away.


    This youth didn''t even look up when someone entered. His hollow eyes continued to stare in the distance, making him look like a living corpse.


    Yi Xuan walked over and picked up the fallen nket to cover the youth with it, and his face was filled with pain. From start to finish, there was no exchange between him and the youth.


    "Come inside," Yi Xuan finally said, turning towards the small cottage.


    "You stay outside!" Liu Wuxie instructed Fan Zhen to remain outside while he followed Yi Xuan into the cottage. When they lifted the curtain and walked in, they entered a simple living room. But rather than calling it a living room, there was only a table and two chairs.


    The rooms on either side were bedrooms. The room on the right was where the youth lived, while the old woman lived on the left and took care of the youth''s daily needs.


    "Please, have a seat!" Yi Xuan gestured for Liu Wuxie to sit down. There were only two chairs, and Liu Wuxie took the one on the right.


    Yi Xuan took out a tea set from his interspatial ring and ced it on the table. He then fetched hot water from the stove and poured tea for Liu Wuxie. Throughout this process, he didn''t mention about what had happened in the Martial Arts Hall that day.


    After witnessing everything in this courtyard, Liu Wuxie finally understood Yi Xuan''s actions and choices. If he were in Yi Xuan''s shoes, he would''ve made the same decision.


    "There are no outsiders here, and you can ask any questions!" Yi Xuan finally looked at Liu Wuxie after pouring tea for him.


    "Is the young man outside your grandson?" Aftering here, Liu Wuxie had surprisingly lost interest in asking about the incident in the Martial Arts Hall. For a revered elder in the sect to live such a humble life, this could only mean one thing¡ªElder Yi Xuan didn''t want to take anything that didn''t belong to him.


    "His name is Yi Nan, and his parents were killed by the Abyssal n when he was ten. I raised him myself, but his meridians were destroyed when he entered the underground abyssal world to avenge his parents, leaving him in this state." Yi Xuan nced outside. The wrinkles on his face deepened when he mentioned the past, with a hint of pain in his eyes.


    Liu Wuxie nodded in acknowledgment. When entering the property, he had already checked Yi Nan with Ghost Eye, and his meridians were severely damaged.


    With so many years having passed, even if an ordinary Spirit Restoration Pill could reconnect the youth¡¯s meridians, restoring them to their original condition would be nearly impossible. Only the Spirit Restoration Pill with the modified form created by Liu Wuxie possessed the potent medicinal properties necessary to not only heal but also nourish and strengthen his meridians.


    "You must have endured great hardship over the years," Liu Wuxie sighed. He could hardly imagine the pain Yi Xuan had suffered¡ªnot only losing a child in his old age but also witnessing his grandson in such a condition. The weight of that sorrow was unimaginable.


    "I was at fault for what happened at the Martial Arts Hall, and I apologize." Yi Xuan stood up and gave Liu Wuxie a deep bow.


    Liu Wuxie stood up and replied, "I dide to question you about it, but now, I understand why you did it after seeing all this."


    He quickly supported Yi Xuan back to his feet. If Yi Xuan had persisted in killing him, it would have been tough for him to leave the Martial Arts Hall in one piece, but Yi Xuan had stopped in time due to the guilt he felt.


    "I was at fault for being swayed by Qing Mu. This has nothing to do with him, and if anyone deserves me, it¡¯s me," Yi Xuan said, still defending Qing Mu even now. His self-reproach was clear¡ªhe med himself for not standing firm against Qing Mu''s influence. In his heart, he had already decided to atone for his actions by offering to do something for Liu Wuxie, whatever it took.


    "Your words make me feel more at ease now. I will need your help in the future," Liu Wuxie smiled.


    Yi Xuan had a high status in the sect and was at the pinnacle of the Nascent Transformation Realm. Even Elder Tian Xing respected Elder Yi Xuan greatly because they were upright and often interacted.


    Guarding the Martial Arts Hall was tedious, and only someone of Yi Xuan''s character would undertake the responsibility.


    Liu Wuxie felt much better after resolving the knot in his heart. Everyone made mistakes, and Liu Wuxie saw no need to push it further since Yi Xuan had acknowledged his mistake and was willing to take responsibility for it.


    "If my grandson''s meridians hadn''t been damaged, he should''ve reached the Astral River Realm by now..." Yi Xuan sat back down with a deep sigh. His years were waning, and all his mind was on his grandson. But his days were filled with pain now that his grandson was in this state.


    "Elder Yi Xuan, are you willing to do anything if there''s an opportunity to treat your grandson''s meridians?" A bold thought rose in Liu Wuxie''s mind. He couldn''t gain a foothold in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion with Elder Tian Xing''s support alone, and it was better to have more elders on his side.


    Elder Tian Xing was in charge of the Law-Enforcement Hall, and he could not interfere with many things.


    However, things would be different, and it would make things much easier for him in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion if he could win over Yi Xuan to his side.


    "Young friend, you have a way to treat my grandson?" Yi Xuan''s eyes lit up as he stood up excitedly.


    "I''m saying if!" Liu Wuxie didn''t make any promises because it was uncertain if the Spirit Restoration Pills could reconnect the damaged meridians.


    "I will agree to anything if you can treat my grandson, as long as it doesn''t go against my conscience or morals," Elder Yi Xuan said in a grave tone.


    The prerequisite was that it wouldn''t vite his conscience or morals, or he would instead give up treating his grandson. He had already gone against his morals once and didn''t want to do it again.


    "There will be an alchemypetition on the Treasure Pill Peak three days from now. You cane with your grandson if you''re interested; I believe there will be a surprise for you," Liu Wuxie stood up after he finished. He cupped his fists together as a salute to Elder Yi Xuan before he turned to leave.


    Elder Yi Xuan didn''t stand up and watched Liu Wuxie leave. He pondered Liu Wuxie¡¯s words and wondered how the Treasure Pill Pavilion''spetition was connected with his grandson''s injuries.


    As Liu Wuxie exited the cottage, Fan Zhen stood near Yi Nan, his gaze shifting to Liu Wuxie as soon as he emerged. Without hesitation, Fan Zhen followed closely behind.


    When they were about five hundred meters away from the cottage, Fan Zhen finally asked the question that had been burning in his mind. "Is it resolved, just like that?"


    He had expected a more intense confrontation between Liu Wuxie and Elder Yi Xuan. Yet, Liu Wuxie had emerged after only fifteen minutes, leaving Fan Zhen puzzled.


    "Resolved?" Liu Wuxie shook his head. There was no way he would let this matter rest. Since Qing Mu was the mastermind behind this incident, he naturally wouldn''t let this grudge go unavenged.


    Now wasn''t the time, but Liu Wuxie would personally take Qing Mu''s head one day.


    "What about Elder Yi Xuan?" Fan Zhen asked. Even if Qing Mu was the mastermind, Yi Xuan was also involved. Would they let it go like that?


    "Don''t worry. I won''t take a losing deal; it won''t be long before a big shot will join our Heavenly Dao Society. With his addition, we will be qualified topete with the Lesser de Association. Furthermore, it''s also easy for us to suffer a loss if we don''t have an expert to hold the fort. After all, the shops might kick us away and demand a higher profit share after weunch our pills." Liu Wuxie suddenly stopped in his tracks and looked at the distant horizon.


    The Heavenly Dao Society had just been established, and many aspects still weren''tplete. This meant they couldn''t open their shops.


    Even if their pills were of high quality, it was hard to distribute them without buyers or their channel to sell them.


    The shops in the big cities had been operating for hundreds or even thousands of years and had their loyal customers. They allowed customers to buy talismans and pills through Communication Talismans and delivered the goods on time.


    The shops were cunning, and it wouldn''t take long before they demanded a higher share of the profits if they didn''t have any experts in the Heavenly Dao Society. At that time, their earnings would be significantly affected.


    "You n to recruit Yi Xuan into the Heavenly Dao Society?" Fan Zhen was stunned and looked at Liu Wuxie with disbelief.


    Elder Yi Xuan had a cultivation in the pinnacle of the Nascent Transformation Realm. It would help the development of the Heavenly Dao Society tremendously if he could join the Heavenly Dao Society.


    This meant that even if Liu Wuxie weren''t around in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion in the future, they would have an expert to ensure their safety.


    "Why not?" Liu Wuxie was in a good mood, and his negative emotions had recently dissipated. Everything was moving in a positive direction, and he headed down the mountain in big strides, with Fan Zhen quickly following behind him.


    When they returned to the abode, everything proceeded in an orderly manner. Bi Gongyu was still in seclusion, and it had been a few days since he wasst seen.


    Bi Gongyu looked disheveled and covered in dust in the alchemy chamber, with broken shrapnels littering the floor. This was proof that he had destroyed an alchemy cauldron.


    "Master!" Bi Gongyu quickly put down everything in his hands and came over to greet Liu Wuxie.

 Chapter 498 - Alchemy Competition

    <h4>Chapter 498 - Alchemy Competition</h4>


    Bi Gongyu had tirelessly devoted himself to alchemy in the past few days. However, he had only managed to understand half of what his master had given him, and he still couldn''tprehend many aspects. This left him with numerous questions swirling in his mind.


    Bi Gongyu quickly approached Liu Wuxie when he entered because only he could answer his questions.


    "How''s the progress? How confident are you in refining the Spirit Restoration Pill?" Liu Wuxie asked as he sat beside Bi Gongyu. In addition to the Spirit Restoration Pill, Bi Gongyu had recently refined a batch of seventh-grade pills that were set to be shipped outside the sect for sale through shops acting as their agents.


    "I tried refining ten cauldrons, but only one cauldron seeded. Even so, the quality is only subpar." Bi Gongyu took out a porcin bottle. He took out three pills that contained some impurities.


    The modified Spirit Restoration Pill had stronger medicinal effects. Despite having the grade lowered, the difficulty refining it wasparable to ninth-grade pills.


    The materials required weren''t costly but slightly higher than ordinary seventh-grade pills. There was no market price for a high-quality Spirit Restoration Pill.


    Liu Wuxie was confident he would dictate the price when it was introduced. The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion could refine ordinary pills, which was why Liu Wuxie had no intentions of seizing the sect''s market share. Since he wanted to refine pills, he would naturally aim to refine pills that the sect didn''t have.


    There would be no conflict this way, not to mention it wasmon for meridians to be damaged in a fight. Thus, he believed the Spirit Restoration Pill could cause a stir in the market.


    Out of a hundred cultivators, at least ny-five had some degree of damage in their meridians. While these minor damages wouldn''t affect their cultivation, their meridians could be eroded over time. This could lead to a blockage that would halt their cultivation entirely.


    "Tell me the entire refinement process." Liu Wuxie returned the pills to Bi Gongyu and had to know where things had gone wrong to guide thetter.


    Bi Gongyu described each step meticulously, including the order of ingredients, timing, and techniques used. After he finished exining the process, he stood respectfully to the side.


    Liu Wuxie closed his eyes and began to simte Bi Gongyu''s refining process in his soul sea. A miniature Liu Wuxie stood on the Heavenly Dao Book and reenacted Bi Gongyu''s process.


    Time passed by the second, and Bi Gongyu didn¡¯t dare to interrupt Liu Wuxie, and thetter finally opened his eyes after a full ten minutes.


    "You made three mistakes when refining the Spirit Restoration Pill. Although these mistakes won''t cause the cauldron to explode, they will severely affect the pill''s quality," Liu Wuxie said.


    It was already impressive that Bi Gongyu could quickly refine the Spirit Restoration Pills. Bi Gongyu''s alchemy talent was average, and his current achievements were due to Liu Wuxie''s guidance. He didn''t have the talent, so Bi Gongyu could only make up for it with hard work.


    He had been researching tirelessly for days, not wanting to disappoint his master.


    "Please guide me, master!" Bi Gongyu''s eyes lit up. He took out paper and a brush to ensure he noted down every detail while Liu Wuxie exined.


    "Your first mistake is not heating the cauldron long enough. When refining the Spirit Restoration Pill, the cauldron''s temperature must reach at least one hundred degrees," Liu Wuxie pointed out Bi Gongyu''s first mistake, which thetter noted down promptly.


    "Secondly," Liu Wuxie continued, "you mixed up the order of the spiritual herbs. The Blue Night Flower should be added before the Thousand Bone Herb. Mixing them in the wrong order affects the pill¡¯s quality."


    "Your final mistake is your technique. You''re too hasty when forming seals, neglecting the most essential aspects. You should maintain a calm heart when refining pills, or the pills wouldn''t just becking, but they would also harm the consumer if taken," Liu Wuxie continued and identified the final mistake.


    Sweat dripped from Bi Gongyu''s forehead. The first two mistakes were understandable, but the third mistake was inexcusable. With Bi Gongyu''s age, he should know better than anyone to keep a calm heart when refining pills.


    This was also understandable because the Heavenly Dao Society had just been established, and Bi Gongyu was under tremendous pressure, wanting to lighten Liu Wuxie''s burden. This was why he became impatient when refining pills.


    "Thank you, master! I will remember it well!" Bi Gongyu nodded with cold sweat running down his back.


    "There are still three days left, and I have some time to guide you." Liu Wuxie spent the next day in the alchemy chamber to guide Bi Gongyu, whose alchemy skills improved by leaps and bounds. Many parts he had trouble with became clear.


    Liu Wuxie had amassed many spiritual herbs in the past year, so he could afford to use them extravagantly. They could also use points to exchange for more spiritual herbs if they needed more.


    The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion might have been less wealthypared to the other sects ranked ahead of it, but it had an abundance of spiritual herbs.


    Liu Wuxie finally left at night, and Bi Gongyu could now gain a foothold based on his alchemy skills. He might not be capable of surpassing everyone in the sect, but his alchemy skills were enough to qualify him for the position of an elder in the Treasure Pill Peak.


    The position of an elder in the Treasure Pill Peak wasn''t determined by their cultivation but by alchemy skills. The higher one''s alchemy skills, the higher their status would be.


    Upon bing an elder, they could also receive more resources, an independent cultivation chamber, and the qualification to take disciples to contribute to the sect.


    Liu Wuxie spent the second day guiding Song Ling in spiritual runes. On the third day, a challenge was sent to the Treasure Pill Peak, which caused a stir, and the sect became lively once more, like a rock tossed into theke.


    "Liu Wuxie again? He dares to challenge an elder of the Treasure Pill Peak?" The disciples who heard the news gathered to discuss the uing duel.


    "It''s not Liu Wuxie this time, but his disciple. The challenge wasn''t sent under Liu Wuxie''s name but a disciple named Bi Gongyu. This person isn''t young. He ascends from the mundane world and acknowledges Liu Wuxie as his master.¡±


    "A brat like him dares to take a disciple? What a joke!" Many people sneered at the idea of Liu Wuxie taking in a disciple. They were under the impression that Liu Wuxie was leading them astray with his measly cultivation.


    The news quickly spread throughout the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, and Elder Tian Xing wasn''t surprised when he heard about it. He already knew it was only a matter of time before Liu Wuxie would bare his fangs when the Heavenly Dao Society was established. The Treasure Pill Peak became his first target.


    This was necessary if Liu Wuxie wanted to gain a foothold in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion unless he was willing to remain an ordinary disciple for the rest of his life.


    Elder Yi Xuan had been unable to focus for the past few days. He couldn''t even concentrate on managing the Martial Arts Hall, so he left it entirely in the hands of the other two elders.


    He returned to his courtyard to check on his grandson, only to find that his grandson''s eye sockets had sunken, and the vitality in his body was decreasing. If nothing was done, his grandson would be turned into a living corpse, suffering a life worse than death.


    "Yi Nan, there''s an alchemypetition on the Treasure Pill Peak. Let''s go have a look together!" Yi Xuan carried Yi Nan and ced thetter on his back as they headed towards the Treasure Pill Peak.


    The square on the Treasure Pill Peak was filled with people at dawn because an earth-shattering alchemy duel was about to ur there. The person Bi Gongyu challenged was an eight-star alchemist of the Treasure Pill Peak.


    The Treasure Pill Peak had ten eight-star alchemists and over a hundred seven-star alchemists. One could imagine how precious eight-star alchemists were in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. As for nine-star alchemists, there were only five of them, one of whom was Qing Mu.


    Bi Gongyu was somewhere between a seven-star and an eight-star alchemist. He had surpassed ny percent of the alchemists regarding alchemy skills, but he was held down due to his cultivation in the Heavenly Dipper Realm. This meant he could be an eight-star alchemist once he reached the Heavenly Phase Realm.


    There wasn''t a seven-star alchemist in the Heavenly Dipper Realm, and Bi Gongyu was the first.


    The skills of seven-star alchemists varied. Some seven-star alchemists could only refine fixed types of pills and nothing beyond that scope.


    "Master, it looks like anyone random dares to challenge you. You should''ve killed him previously." There were over a dozen alchemy apprentices in an alchemy chamber, along with a yellow-robed elder.


    The old man, Huang Tao, was the elder of Treasure Pill Peak, whom Bi Gongyu wanted to challenge. He had pped Bi Gongyu and expelled him from the peak.


    Huang Tao had taken in many disciples over the years. He taught many of the four- and five-star alchemists, who voiced their anger upon hearing that someone had challenged their master.


    "Let''s make sure he doesn''t leave this ce alive. While we''re at it, we can also take the opportunity to humiliate Liu Wuxie. I¡¯ve heard that he''s getting a lot of attentiontely. This is an excellent opportunity to teach him a lesson." A disciple waved his fists around. He believed Liu Wuxie and Bi Gongyu were courting death to challenge his master.


    "Senior Brother is right. Let''s take this opportunity to humiliate them thoroughly!" other disciples chimed in.


    "Master, why not let me ept the challenge on your behalf? You do not need to bother with them based on your esteemed status." A man in his thirties entered the chamber. He was a seven-star alchemist, and he was willing to fight the challenge on behalf of his master.


    "They have specially listed my name in the challenge. If I don''t respond to the challenge, others will think I''m afraid of him," Huang Tao said, waving his hand. He was ready to face the challenge since he had epted it.


    "But the other party is only a lowly alchemist. What rights does he have to challenge you, master? Let him get past me first if he wants to challenge you, master," the youth shared a different thought and voiced his argument. If everyone did the same, wouldn''t his master be overwhelmed with requests for challenges? He was a seven-star alchemist, and he wanted to probe his opponent''s strength on behalf of his master.


    "Senior Brother Mo is right. Let''s test their strength first," one of the disciples chimed in. "If they''re all talk and no skill, Senior Brother Mo can humiliate them easily. That way, Master won''t have to step in and risk being used of bullying the younger generation." The others nodded, finding reason in his words.


    Huang Tao frowned, feeling that epting the challenge was beneath him. After a moment of consideration, he finally said, "Fine. Mo Lan will handle it for me."


    The crowd outside was in an uproar, and the square was packed. More disciples came in droves to watch the battle, which made the sect deploy a few elders to maintain order in the square.


    Two alchemy cauldrons were set up in the square''s middle, with earth me channeled underground to allow the alchemistpetition to ur here. This meant no one could cheat under the watchful eyes of the crowd.


    Yi Xuan slowly entered the crowd while carrying his grandson on his back. The surrounding disciples made way for him right away.


    "Master, it''s gettingte. Let''s go!" Bi Gongyu and the others were already prepared and waiting in the abode. They were waiting for Liu Wuxie''s word before they headed to the Treasure Pill Peak.


    "Let''s get going!" Liu Wuxie waved his hand, and everyone set off for the Treasure Pill Peak.


    Several elders were seated in the great hall on the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s central peak, and Tian Xing was among them. Besides Tian Xing, Qing Mu was also present.


    "Sect master, the Treasure Pill Peak is the foundation of our Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, but this brat is impudent to challenge an elder. If anything happens because of that, who will bear the responsibility?" Qing Mu was an elder of the Treasure Pill Peak, and it was natural for him to speak on behalf of the peak.

 Chapter 499 - Argument

    <h4>Chapter 499 - Argument</h4>


    Unlike the bustling atmosphere on the Treasure Pill Peak, the great hall felt somewhat heavy and oppressed.


    Qing Mu stood up, and his every word was filled with hostility toward Liu Wuxie, trying to get him expelled.


    "Qing Mu, I didn''t expect you to be so shameless. If it weren''t for you instigating Huang Tao to humiliate Bi Gongyu and p him, do you think Liu Wuxie would waste his time to challenge the Treasure Pill Peak?" Tian Xing stood up with his face full of anger.


    He had received a summon from the sect master when he was about to head to the Treasure Pill Peak. It turned out that Qing Mu had gone to the sect master to report Liu Wuxie.


    If Liu Wuxie had been an ordinary inner disciple, Qing Mu would not have needed to trouble the sect master, but his status was different now. He was an elite disciple favored by Tian Xing. This was an entirely different story now.


    "What a joke. Someone with just a handful of alchemy tricks dares to show off on Treasure Pill Peak? It was mercy not to kill him that day, yet he shows no gratitude and dares challenge Treasure Pill Peak. Isn''t that a grave insult?" Qing Mu retorted sharply. Their centuries-long feud had only grown deeper with time.


    "We''ll know in a while if what you say is true. I''m curious to find out who the clown is here," Tian Xing sneered. He was confident about Liu Wuxie because he believed in thetter. After all, who would¡¯ve believed that Liu Wuxie could survive his death match with Jiang Gongming before the fight?


    "Sect master, please uphold justice. If this carried on, it would only make the alchemists disheartened. Who will bear the responsibility if everyonees to challenge the Treasure Pill Peak, affecting the production of pills?" Qing Mu was a nine-star alchemist with an aloof status in the sect.


    The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion was famous for its pills; seventy percent of its ie came from alchemy. If the production of its pills were affected, the sect''s ie would also be affected, which was why Qing Mu dared to oppose Tian Xing.


    "An alchemypetition would only foster growth! Do you even realize why the Azure Crimson Gate has outpaced the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion and chipped away at our market? It¡¯s because we¡¯ve growncent!" Tian Xing¡¯s voice was sharp as he red at Qing Mu, fury in his eyes. "When was thest time this sect produced a nine-star alchemist? It¡¯s because stubborn fools like you keep stifling any disciple with promise!" He pointed an using finger at Qing Mu,ying bare the root of the sect''s stagnation.


    Qing Mu had gathered arge group of seven- and eight-star alchemists throughout the years to form their clique. To maintain their position, they suppressed any promising talent that could threaten it.


    They even nurtured disciples in the dark to monopolize the Treasure Pill Peak''s resources. The Treasure Pill Peak was no longer as glorious as it once was. It was like a hollowed-out giant tree infested with pests. While it looked strong and big on the outside, the slightest pressure would cause the tree to crumble.


    Mu Tianli remained silent and quietly watched the two. He was naturally aware of the Treasure Pill Peak''s problem, but there were some things he couldn''t interfere with as the sect master. These chronic problems had umted over decades, and they had reached a point where the root of the problem had to be eradicated.


    If things continued to develop this way, the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion would soon decline to a second-rate sect.


    "What nonsense! When have we suppressed promising talents? The Treasure Pill Peak won''t let you off if you don''t rify your words today. If you think there''s an issue with the Treasure Pill Peak, why don''t you take over the management starting today? The losses will be on you if the Treasure Pill Peak can''t meet the target," Qing Mu sneered.


    Seventy percent of the alchemists on the Treasure Pill Peak listened to him, and one word from him could make all the alchemists stop their work to incur losses for the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. After all, a day without pill production would result in having their market snatched away by others.


    "Qing Mu, do you think we don''t know how you bribed the alchemists? How many resources have you embezzled over the years? I''ve put up with you over the years as the Law-Enforcement Hall''s elder, but I don''t mind exposing all your dirty deeds throughout the years since you''re unrepentant," Tian Xing said. He had naturally collected evidence of Qing Mu''s corruption as the Law-Enforcement Hall''s elder.


    Considering Qing Mu''s status as a nine-star alchemist, Tian Xing had held back for the sect''s sake. Losing an alchemist of his caliber would be a blow, especially since ninth-grade pills were worth hundreds of their lower-grade counterparts.


    "That''s enough! You''re both elders of the sect. Aren''t you guys feeling shameful to be arguing like this?" Mu Tianli finally spoke because the situation would get out of hand if Tian Xing and Qing Mu continued their argument.


    He was the sect master, so how could he not know that Qing Mu had formed factions and embezzled the sect''s resources throughout the years? But he could do nothing about it because Qing Mu was merely taking a bit moremission, which didn''t harm the sect''s foundation.


    As Tian Xing had thought, the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion couldn''t afford to lose a nine-star alchemist, or the sect''s ranking would diminish. Tian Xing''s broad perspective earned him Mu Tianli''s respect.


    "Sect master, are we going to let that brat do as he pleases?" Qing Mu turned to look at the sect master with a hint of threat in his tone. If Mu Tianli did nothing and allowed Liu Wuxie to act freely as he wished, he would use his status as a nine-star alchemist to pressure the sect master.


    "Qing Mu, you''ve been a nine-star alchemist for fifty years, right?" Mu Tianli''s sharp gaze turned to look at Qing Mu.


    Qing Mu''s heart skipped a beat because he could sense a hint of murderous intent in Mu Tianli''s eyes.


    "Yes!" Qing Mu nodded slightly.


    "In the past fifty years, you¡¯ve only refined 270 ninth-grade pills. Do you think that¡¯s eptable?" Mu Tianli''s voice grew colder with each word, his gaze piercing. "That¡¯s an average of six pills per year¡ªyour progress is no better than a snail¡¯s."


    Qing Mu, feeling the weight of his guilt, tried to defend himself. "Sect Master, ninth-grade pills are notoriously difficult to refine. One batch can take months."


    "I''ve checked the number of spiritual herbs you took. You took a total of 3,700 portions. Even if you can''t produce 1,000 pills, 500 shouldn''t be a problem. Or could it be that your alchemy skills have deteriorated?" Mu Tianli continued to press on.


    Cold sweat began to drip from Qing Mu''s forehead. He didn''t expect the sect master to know how many spiritual herbs he had taken. It was also impossible for Qing Mu to fail all the batches unless his alchemy skills had deteriorated, but where did all the pills go?


    There was only one possibility¡ªQing Mu had embezzled those pills. He had most likely sold them privately and pocketed the proceeds.


    Qing Mu, as an esteemed alchemist, had long enjoyed privileges within the sect. Minor embezzlement would usually go unnoticed or unchallenged. However, only Qing Mu himself knew the true extent of what he had taken.


    "Sect master, what do you mean by that? Are you using me?" Qing Mu raised his head. He knew he couldn''t admit to anything now, and even the sect master couldn''t do anything to him as long as he insisted that all the pills had failed.


    "I''m just asking casually. The production rate in recent years has dropped, and it''s time for a chance. Since someone wants to challenge the Treasure Pill Peak, I think it is fine and should be encouraged. Since you have nothing to hide, what are you so afraid of? Why bother as long as you''re not guilty of anything? Not to mention, there won''t be any losses to the sect regardless of thepetition''s oue," Mu Tianli said.


    Since Qing Mu imed to have nothing to hide, there should be nothing he was afraid of. Mu Tianli used this tactic, applying pressure on Qing Mu before softening his stance so that thetter wouldpromise.


    If Qing Mu continued to target Liu Wuxie, Tian Xing would expose his corruption. With thingsing to this point, Qing Mu knew that the sect master was determined to support Liu Wuxie.


    "I agree with the Sect Master¡¯s position, but the time of the alchemists at the Treasure Pill Peak is valuable. If challenges like Liu Wuxie¡¯s bemon, the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion will be the one to suffer. I propose that the losing party be expelled from the sect. What are your thoughts on this, Sect Master?" Qing Mu''s intention was clear: he wanted Liu Wuxie removed from the sect.


    "Qing Mu, you''re the one who suggested it!" Tian Xing said before Mu Tianli could.


    "I request to have the sect master bear witness to it!" Qing Mu turned to look at the sect master to prevent any denial of the agreement after Liu Wuxie lost the challenge.


    "Isn''t the alchemypetition about to begin? Don''t you two want to witness it with your own eyes?" Mu Tianli didn''t respond. The rest was up to them to decide, and he wouldn''t interfere.


    "In that case, I''ll take my leave first!" Qing Mu was the first to leave the hall. The alchemypetition hadn''t started, and he nned to inform Huang Tao to set up an agreement in hispetition with Liu Wuxie to have the loser leave the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. Otherwise, it would be toote for them to set up an agreement beforehand.


    Only Tian Xing and Mu Tianli were left in the main hall.


    "Sect master, why do you keep tolerating him? Don''t you know how many pills he has embezzled over the years?" Tian Xing said. He didn''t hold back his words because Mu Tianli was the sect master.


    "Do you think I don''t want to?" Mu Tianli smiled bitterly. He had difficulties as the sect master because there were grand elders whose status was above sect masters. Their authority in the sect was equal to that of the sect master.


    "I understand!" Tian Xing''s face shed with a hint of disappointment, and the two men suddenly sighed.


    "Let''s go. I hope he can help the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion reim our honor on the Ten Grand Ceremony." Mu Tianli''s eyes shed with a trace of sharpness.


    "There''s only three months left. I hope that kid can create a miracle," Tian Xing said, leaving the main hall.


    The Treasure Pill Peak was packed with people, many standing on roofs or trees. The elders long upied the best spots in the center.


    Yi Xuan, holding a noble status, sat at the forefront with Yi Nan beside him. Yi Nan, irritated by themotion, kept his eyes closed, seeking some peace amid the noise.


    The sudden alchemypetition had rmed all the Treasure Pill Peak alchemists toe out to watch. After all, it had been many years since anyone dared to challenge the alchemists of the Treasure Pill Peak, not to mention their target was an eight-star alchemist, which was unprecedented.


    Liu Wuxie led the group through the buildings and arrived at the Treasure Pill Peak. This was his first visit here since joining the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, and they walked a specially opened path to the square.

 Chapter 500 - With Your Mouth?

    <h4>Chapter 500 - With Your Mouth?</h4>


    When Huang Tao emerged from the depths of the Treasure Pill Peak, he was surrounded by arge group of disciples. He wore a luxurious robe, and dozens of disciples were by his side as they walked toward the square. The crowd erupted in apuse at their appearance.


    "Master Huang, teach this arrogant brat a lesson and let him get lost from the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion!" Most of the disciples gathered in the surroundings were from the Treasure Pill Peak, and plenty of people wanted to curry favor with Huang Tao.


    "That''s right! Who does he think he is to cause trouble in the Treasure Pill Pavilion?" The voices grew louder and could be heard throughout Treasure Pill Peak.


    When Liu Wuxie entered the square, he sat on a chair prepared in advance while Bi Gongyu and others stood on either side. He sat on the same level as the elders, and this drew ten-odd unfriendly gazes directed at Liu Wuxie because they were all alchemists from the Treasure Pill Peak seated opposite of Liu Wuxie.


    "Liu Wuxie, you have quite the nerves to provoke the Treasure Pill Pavilion! We''ll teach you how ''death'' is spelled today!" A seven-star alchemist taunted. He had received guidance from Huang Tao and was the first to jump out.


    ¡°With just words?¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s smile never wavered as he looked at the seven-star alchemist with disdain, his tone light but filled with mockery. The other man was left speechless, unable to find aeback. Liu Wuxie was right¡ªwhether in martial arts or alchemy, real skill mattered, not empty talk.


    Another seven-star alchemist stepped forward, clearly offended. In most ces, seven-star alchemistsmanded immense respect, and yet here, Liu Wuxie was treating them with contempt.


    The gathered alchemists, already on edge, now red at Liu Wuxie with open hostility. He had humiliated them in front of their peers, sparking a collective anger.


    "You''re right. So what if I''m arrogant? I''m open to all challenges today aside from Huang Tao!" Liu Wuxie said with an overbearing tone, which had utterly enraged the Treasure Pill Peak.


    Liu Wuxie''s words also enraged the other peak''s disciples because he showedplete disregard for the Treasure Pill Peak''s alchemists.


    "Oh, I forgot to mention. This includes nine-star alchemists!" Liu Wuxie said, and his words made Yi Xuan tremble.


    Tian Xing had happened tond on the ground, and he nearly fell over when he heard that Liu Wuxie wanted to challenge the entire Treasure Pill Peak.


    "Is he insane? He''s too conceited!" Even the older generation couldn''t stand Liu Wuxie''s arrogance any longer because what he just said had offended all the alchemists in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    Liu Wuxie was a madman who challenged the Treasure Pill Peak and all the alchemists in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    The Treasure Pill Peak''s alchemists were stunned and didn''t know how to respond. After all, Liu Wuxie dered he was open to all challenges and that anyone could challenge him if they weren''t satisfied.


    Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t interested in hearing more nonsense; if these people wanted topete, they could do so with skill, not words.


    "Liu Wuxie, you''re too arrogant! I''ll tell you what it means to reap what you sow today!" A chilling voice came from Huang Tao''s eldest disciple, Mo Lan. He stepped forward and headed towards the center.


    Liu Wuxie raised his head and looked over; his gaze wasn''t on Mo Lan but on Huang Tao. He noticed that Huang Tao wasmunicating with Qing Mu.


    "Mo Lan, who do you think you are to speak to my master in this manner?" Bi Gongyu stepped forward, and his aura wasn''t weaker than Mo Lan.


    Mo Lan sneered, ¡°You again? The same trash who dared call himself an alchemist here at the Treasure Pill Peak just three months ago with those pitiful skills? If you want to challenge my master, you¡¯ll have to get through me first!¡±


    Bi Gongyu didn''t flinch. "You''re not worthy of my time. The one I''m challenging today is him!" He pointed directly at Huang Tao. Mo Lan, a mere seven-star alchemist, wasn¡¯t even a concern¡ªBi Gongyu could handle him effortlessly.


    "My master isn''t someone anyone can challenge. You must get past me topete with my master!" Mo Lan''s words drew much agreement from the surroundings.


    Bi Gongyu nced at Liu Wuxie, caught off guard by Huang Tao¡¯s refusal topete personally and his decision to send his disciple instead. He hadn''t expected this tactic.


    Liu Wuxie nodded to Bi Gongyu because he had already anticipated this move. After all, it would be beneath Huang Tao to ept anyone''s challenge.


    Sending his disciple to fight first would protect his reputation, and if Mo Lan won, it would only enhance Huang Tao¡¯s prestige. After all, if Bi Gongyu couldn''t even defeat the disciple, he stood no chance against the master.


    "Fine. In that case, I''ll defeat you first before dealing with that old rascal," Bi Gongyu said, looking at Huang Tao.


    "You''re courting death!" Mo Lan was enraged to hear his master insulted. Even Huang Tao''s other disciples stood up to confront Bi Gongyu, and it looked like a fight could break out at any moment.


    However, the elders intervened before arge-scale fight could break out.


    "Senior Brother Mo, teach him a lesson! Let him know the consequences of provoking the Treasure Pill Peak!" Even the other disciples couldn''t stand it any longer. Humiliating Huang Tao was the same as humiliating the Treasure Pill Peak''s alchemists.


    No one knew what Liu Wuxie was trying to do, and his actions had offended ny percent of the Treasure Pill Peak''s alchemists.


    "Let''s begin and stop wasting everyone''s time!" Bi Gongyu looked impatient. Perhaps he was influenced by Liu Wuxie, but he didn''t want to waste words with these people.


    "Very well. Since this is an alchemypetition, how can we not have a wager to make things more interesting? Whoever loses has to kneel, kowtow, have their cultivation crippled, and be expelled from the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. Do you dare to take the bet?" Mo Lan had just received a voice transmission from his master to bet on a wager to cripple the cultivation of the one who lost, and the loser would also have to leave the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    This was a vicious condition, but Liu Wuxie was not surprised. Even Bi Gongyu didn''t look surprised, as if he had already anticipated this oue.


    "As you wished!" Bi Gongyu didn''t hesitate to agree with Mo Lan''s terms. He continued, "Our words alone aren''t enough, and I suggest having several elders judge our bet. This ensures no one can return on the bet if they lose."


    This was the Treasure Pill Peak, and Liu Wuxie couldn''t possibly start a massacre in front of so many elders if the other party refused to admit their bet.


    The surrounding elders nodded because Bi Gongyu was right; they should be fair and just if they were going topete.


    Everyone could tell that one side represented Tian Xing, while the other represented Qing Mu. No one wanted to offend either side, so they weren''t willing to step forward.


    If Liu Wuxie¡¯s side won the bet, it would mean helping Tian Xing while simultaneously making an enemy of Qing Mu. Conversely, losing could antagonize Tian Xing, creating a dilemma where one of the influential figures would inevitably be offended, regardless of the oue. This left potential judges in a difficult position, as siding with either party could have serious repercussions.


    "I''m willing to judge thispetition." Yi Xuan suddenly stepped forward, offering to serve as a witness, leaving many stunned.


    "Thank you, Elder Yi Xuan!" Bi Gongyu bowed.


    Elder Yi Xuan¡¯s decision to step up took everyone by surprise. Ever since his grandson was crippled, he had kept a low profile, rarely appearing in public. No one could quite understand why he had brought his grandson to witness thispetition.


    "I''m also willing to be a judge of thispetition." A voice came from outside as a middle-aged man stood up.


    "It''s Mo Zhongtian! Why did he step forward? He''s a nine-star alchemist of the Treasure Pill Peak!" The crowd stirred into an uproar.


    The Treasure Pill Peak had five nine-star alchemists, and Mo Zhongtian was one of them, aside from Qing Mu.


    "I know! Grandmaster Mo Zhongtian has some grievance with Grandmaster Qing Mu, which is probably why he stepped forward." Many people finally figured out why Mo Zhongtian volunteered to preside over thispetition as a judge.


    Though Qing Mu had the loyalty of about seventy percent of the alchemists, there were many who were not on his side. Some had been victims of his suppression in the past but had reimed their status through sheer skill and ability, and these individuals held little fondness for him.


    Several elders stepped forward one after another and volunteered to judge thepetition. With so many people watching, it was impossible to deny the oue, but the purpose of having judges was to ensure that the bet was enforced. If the losing side refused to admit defeat and uphold the bet, the judges would enforce the bet for them.


    Even if they weren''t alchemists, they could still determine the quality and grade of the refined pills.


    "Since that''s the case, let thepetition begin!" An elder stepped forward to signal for the two to start theirpetition.


    "Don''t use me of bullying you. I''ll be refining the Spirit Recovery Pill, the simplest among seventh-grade pills," Mo Lan said with a smug grin. "If you can beat me, I''ll abolish my cultivation myself."


    Spirit Recovery Pills weremon pills among seventh-grade pills, primarily used for recovering true essence. This pill wasmon on the market and could be found in every shop.


    This was also an essential pill for cultivators, allowing them to swallow Spirit Recovery Pills if they ran out of true essence duringbat.


    "This Mo Lan is cunning. He has been refining Spirit Recovery Pills for decades and has long reached perfection with them. On the other hand, Bi Gongyu has only joined the sect for a few months, and it has only been three months even if he spent all his time refining pills," many people discussed among themselves because Bi Gongyu might have had a chance at winning if they were refining other pills.


    Mo Lan could refine Spirit Recovery Pills with closed eyes, often reaching a high grade.


    "Let us begin!" Bi Gongyu agreed to refine the Spirit Recovery Pill for theirpetition.


    Alchemy skills depended not on the length of practice, but on one¡¯sprehension and innate understanding. Some could spend their entire lives refining pills and remain stuck as a three-star alchemist, while others could rise to the rank of a five-star alchemist after only a few days of refining.


    The former often described ordinary individuals, while thetter were rare prodigies, much like Liu Wuxie.


    The elder in charge took out two sets of identical ingredients for the Spirit Recovery Pill when Bi Gongyu and Mo Lan stepped forward to the cauldron.


    The age and medicinal effects of the herbs werepletely identical, and this was to ensure fairness for both parties.


    The two opened the valve, allowing intense mes to surge from the ground.


    There was a volcano beneath the Treasure Pill Pavilion, and the purity of the mes was no less than spiritual mes, capable of further purifying the pills.


    As expected, Mo Lan was proficient in the refinement process. In just a few breaths, he threw several spiritual herbs into the cauldron, which were soon devoured by the mes and converted into a rich fragrance that permeated the air.


    Bi Gongyu was calm andposed as he refined the Spirit Recovery Pill. Time was precious, and he couldn''t afford to be careless. His master had told him to always maintain a calm heart because bing impatient was a major taboo in alchemy. He had to keep a calm heart and never underestimate his opponent.


    "What''s going on? Why is his order of adding herbs into the cauldron different from Mo Lan''s?" A seven-star alchemist suddenly stood up, his voice filled with surprise. He had been closely observing the process and noticed that Bi Gongyu¡¯s method deviated from the standard sequence every seven-star alchemist knew.

 Chapter 501 - This Is Impossible!

    <h4>Chapter 501 - This Is Impossible!</h4>


    Every seven-star alchemist needed to master the refinement of the Spirit Recovery Pill, and this was the most produced pill in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    The Spirit Recovery Pills refined by the Azure Crimson Gate were far lower in quality than the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. This was mainly due to a critical ingredient grown in the Three Gorges Valley. The pills refined using the herbs from the Three Gorges Valley could reach a higher quality. This meant the herbs grown somewhere else were inferior in terms of their quality.


    The Three Gorges Valley, under the control of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, had long been a target of the Azure Crimson Gate''s greed. In recent years, they had even sent forces to disturb the area, leading to numerousrge-scale battles.


    Everyone had long memorized the process of refining the Spirit Recovery Pill. There was a fixed process over thousands of years.


    Many alchemists tried innovating and modifying the Spirit Recovery Pills, but their effects could only be as high as those of the original. This was why Bi Gongyu drew so much criticism when he changed the process.


    "I knew it! They''re just a bunch of garbage who came to cause trouble in the Treasure Pill Peak with their half-baked alchemy skills," one of Huang Tao¡¯s disciples jeered, directing the insult at Liu Wuxie¡¯s group.


    The other seven-star alchemists also frowned because they weren''t familiar with Bi Gongyu''s methods. They had never seen it before and even wondered if Bi Gongyu only had half-baked skills, as everyone had said.


    Elder Tian Xing also frowned at this sight. Even though he wasn¡¯t an alchemist, he was familiar with the process of alchemy. With just a nce, he could tell that Bi Gongyu''s method differed significantly from Mo Lan''s.


    From the surrounding discussions, everyone could tell that Bi Gongyu''s refinement method differed from those in the True Martial Continent, and no one had seen it before.


    More people began to mock Bi Gongyu, but he paid no attention to the surroundings and focused on refining the Spirit Recovery Pill. Under Liu Wuxie''s guidance, he had refined several batches that achieved good medicinal effects.


    However, Bi Gongyu didn''t dare to be careless today because he would have to cripple his cultivation and leave the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion if he lost.


    Yi Xuan watched quietly, even ncing at Liu Wuxie, who was meditating and ignored the surrounding discussions.


    It was remarkable that Liu Wuxie maintained suchposure for his age, and someone else in his shoes would''ve argued back under the surrounding taunts. But there wasn''t a hint of anger on Liu Wuxie''s face, whose calmness was almost frightening.


    Time slowly passed, and Mo Lan was nearing the end of his refinement process.


    "Mo Lan''s alchemy skills have reached perfection, and he''s closer to bing an eight-star alchemist," many people ttered.


    "That''s for sure. Senior Brother Mo Lan is only one step away from bing an eight-star alchemist," Mo Lan''s other junior brothers echoed along with the crowd.


    With Mo Lan potentially advancing to be an eight-star alchemist, the master-disciple duo would gain even greater prestige in the sect.


    "Senior Brother Mo Lan''s refinement speed is really fast, and he has improved by fifteen minutespared to before. The quality even looks higher!" the crowd praised Mo Lan.


    Everyone praised Mo Lan. As for Bi Gongyu, everyone had utterly sidelined him. No one even desired to watch him because his methods were too unfamiliar, while Mo Lan''s refinement process was a pleasure to watch.


    Each of Mo Lan''s actions was engraved in the hearts of the crowd, and it was undisputable that Mo Lan''s refinement method had reached perfection.


    "Stop!" Mo Lan extinguished the mes and closed the valve, causing the cauldron''s temperature to drop. Pill fragrance weaved and permeated into the air, spreading throughout the square.


    "What a rich fragrance! This batch of Spirit Recovery Pills is definitely of high quality!" Several seven-star alchemists began to p, acknowledging that these pills were among the finest the sect had produced. Supreme-grade pills were exceptionally rare.


    "Grandmaster Huang, you''ve taken a good disciple!" Huang Tao was surrounded by several eight-star alchemists, who congratted him when they saw the pills produced by Mo Lan.


    All the eight-star alchemists had taken in disciples, but there weren''t many with aplishmentsparable to Mo Lan on the Treasure Pill Peak.


    "This is all due to Lan''er''s diligence. As his master, I only gave him some guidance asionally," Huang Tao said. He stroked his beard with a proud smile stretched across his face after being praised.


    One minute after Mo Lan finished, Bi Gongyu extinguished the mes in his cauldron. Unlike Mo Lan, he closed the valve slowly, without the same urgency.


    As Bi Gongyu didn''t open the cauldron, no pill fragrance emerged, leaving the crowd unable to gauge the quality of his pills.


    "What''s going on? Why didn''t he open the cauldron?" Everyone was baffled because alchemists would typically open their cauldrons for others to inspect the quality.


    "Bi Gongyu, it''s not toote for you to kneel and beg me for mercy now. As long as you''re willing to admit that you''re trash, I will consider sparing your life," Mo Lan said, looking at Bi Gongyu. Since Bi Gongyu didn''t dare to open his cauldron, this could only mean one thing: he was ashamed to show everyone the pills he refined.


    "It''s too early to talk about that now!" Bi Gongyu sneered. He didn''t open the cauldron because he didn''t want to cause amotion, and he also did this on purpose to let Mo Lan have his moment like a clown.


    "Let the judges verify the quality!" Mo Lan snorted. He invited Yi Xuan and the other judges to inspect their pills, and everyone stood up and walked over.


    Elder Yi Xuan picked up a pill and brought it to his nose for a sniff. He said, "High-grade Spirit Recovery Pill, and the quality is pretty good."


    This verdict brought apuse from ny percent of the crowd. Elder Yi Xuan wasn''t an alchemist but was at the pinnacle of the Nascent Transformation Realm, and his words carried significant weight.


    Mo Chong was next to inspect the pill and gave the same verdict as Elder Yi Xuan. He wouldn''t smear the quality of Mo Lan''s pills just because he had a feud with Huang Tao, and it was also impossible for him to make a false verdict with so many witnesses around.


    All the judges had a high status, and no one would ruin their reputation over a singlepetition.


    After all the judges inspected Mo Lan''s pills, they all gave the verdict of high-grade Spirit Recovery Pills.


    "Liu Wuxie is in danger now. Aside from the eight-star alchemists present, it''s practically impossible for anyone to beat Mo Lan," said a bystander.


    Ten high-grade Spirit Recovery Pills were as close to perfection as supreme-grade pills.


    The crowd gathered around Bi Gongyu''s cauldron, urging him to open it. Instead ofplying immediately, Bi Gongyu performed aplex seal and carefully manipted the space around the cauldron, setting up a barrier.


    <i>What a profound technique!</i> Mo Chong thought.


    Bi Gongyu made all preparations before he opened the cauldron, releasing a cloud of mist hovering in the air, but the pill cloud couldn''t dissipate because the surrounding space was sealed.


    "Pill cloud! It''s a pill cloud!" Hundreds of alchemists in the surroundings were stunned. They leaped from their seats in disbelief at the sight before them; they couldn''t believe that Bi Gongyu''s Spirit Recovery Pills had formed a pill cloud.


    Mo Zhong froze before quickly stepping forward and taking a pill from the cauldron.


    "It''s a supreme-grade Spirit Recovery Pill!" Mo Chong seemed to have gone insane. He was speechless as he looked at the crystal-clear pill in his hand.


    The other alchemists quickly rushed forward to find twelve pills inside the cauldron. Mo Lan only produced ten pills using the same ingredients, but Bi Gongyu produced twelve.


    Most importantly, the quality of Bi Gongyu¡¯s pills far surpassed that of Mo Lan¡¯s. Although high and supreme grades might seem close, everyone understood the difficulty in achieving thetter.


    Refining high-grade pills was rtively straightforward, but crafting supreme-grade pills required not only exceptional skill but also a deep understanding of alchemy and a bit of luck.


    "All twelve supreme-grade Spirit Recovery Pills! How did he manage to achieve it?" A curious alchemist stepped forward. Though not a judge, he was eager to see the results firsthand.


    "This is impossible! How could he possibly refine supreme-grade pills?!" Mo Lan fell to the ground, looking utterly defeated.


    Huang Tao was still chatting with other alchemists when the sudden change of events caught them off guard. Many alchemists disregarded their pride and stepped forward, wanting to grab the pill from others to take a closer look. They hoped to learn more about refining techniques from these pills.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t just a supreme-grade Spirit Recovery Pill,¡± Yi Xuan announced suddenly, capturing everyone¡¯s attention and piquing their curiosity.


    "Elder Yi Xuan, are you saying these Spirit Recovery Pills aren''t just supreme-grade pills?" Mo Chong inquired respectfully. Despite being a nine-star alchemist, his cultivation was lower than Elder Yi Xuan''s.


    "I believe everyone knows the effects of supreme-grade pills, and they''re five times more effective than high-grade pills. However, the medicinal effect of this pill is ten times stronger than high-grade Spirit Recovery Pills," Elder Yi Xuan said.


    The effect of a supreme-grade pill was typically five timespared to a high-grade pill.


    Everyone nodded in agreement because that wasmon knowledge.


    "Ten times the medicinal effect? How is that possible?!" An eight-star alchemist found it hard to believe. They had seen supreme-grade pills before, and the best one only had five times the medicinal effects of high-grade pills.


    "I also refuse to believe it. They''re both Spirit Recovery Pills, so how can they be ten times more effective than high-grade pills?" More alchemists began to think that Elder Yi Xuan was exaggerating.


    The ingredients were identical, but Bi Gongyu had produced two more pills, all of which were supreme-grade. If the medicinal effect was ten times stronger than high-grade pills, all the alchemists present might as well smash their heads into a beancurd. After all, even Mo Chong couldn''t refine supreme-grade Spirit Recovery Pills.


    Even if Bi Gongyu was lucky enough to refine a supreme-grade pill, how could the medicinal effect be ten times greater than a high-grade pill?


    Huang Tao couldn''t remain seated and squeezed his way into the crowd. He frowned deeply when he took a pill from a fellow alchemist.


    "Send your divine sense into them if you don''t believe me. You''ll see the remarkable effect of this Spirit Recovery Pill." Elder Yi Xuan didn''t exin anything further and looked at Liu Wuxie. He was beginning to understand why Liu Wuxie had asked him toe today, but that was only a spection, and he didn''t dare to confirm.


    A series of gasps were heard from the surroundings when everyone poured their divine sense into the pill. They all had disbelief on their faces, including Huang Tao. None of them could believe pills could reach this level.


    "This is impossible..." Mo Lan snatched the pill from his master and sent his divine sense into the pill before he began muttering incoherently in a daze.

 Chapter 502 - Crippled

    <h4>Chapter 502 - Crippled</h4>


    The entire square fell into a deathly silence, with everyone looking at Bi Gongyu with awe. But everyone soon realized that Bi Gongyu was only Liu Wuxie¡¯s disciple. Since Bi Gongyu was so talented in alchemy, how strong would his master be?


    ¡°The core of the pill has transformed into a spirit. This is no longer an ordinary seventh-grade pill. It might appear to be a seventh-grade pill, but the difficulty even surpasses ordinary eighth-grade pills,¡± Mo Chong said with a bitter smile.


    Despite his prestigious status as a nine-star alchemist, he had failed to detect any changes within the pill¡¯s core. The core, buried deep within the pill, was often overlooked, as most simply examined the surface; few ever extended their divine sense to explore its depths.


    The seven-star alchemists who had earlier mocked Bi Gongyu were now silent, stunned by the unexpected result of an ordinarypetition yielding such an extraordinary pill.


    ¡°How did he refine it? How did he achieve the transformation in the core?¡± Many alchemists began to discuss this among themselves. If they could grasp the same technique, they might have an opportunity to be promoted to an eight-star alchemist.


    Everyone shook their heads, and no one could exin the mystery within the pill.


    ¡°Did anyone record his refinement process?¡± another seven-star alchemist asked in a soft voice.


    "No one did!" Frustrated sighs rippled through the crowd. At the start, no one had given Bi Gongyu much thought, let alone bothered to take out a Memory Talisman to record his process.


    However, the refinement process they had deemed garbage gave them a resounding p on the face. Everyone felt their cheeks burning in shame and lowered their heads, not daring to look Bi Gongyu in the eyes.


    "Elder Yi Xuan, shall we dere the result?" Bi Gongyu asked calmly, showing no trace of arrogance. His sights were set on Huang Tao, and Mo Lan had never been a true opponent in his mind.


    Everyone came to their senses because they were so absorbed by the pill earlier that they had forgotten about thepetition.


    Mo Lan looked utterly crushed, mumbling incoherently, unable to ept his defeat. The alchemists who had supported him quickly distanced themselves, unwilling to share in his downfall.


    ¡°Mo Lan, a bet is a bet. Abolish your cultivation!¡± Elder Yi Xuan said. His voice was devoid of emotion as he pronounced Mo Lan¡¯s oue.


    If Mo Lan¡¯s cultivation were abolished, his alchemy skills would be worthless.


    Mo Lan snapped out of his deranged state. His eyes became bloodshot with murderous intent surging. He was in the Astral River Realm, and who had the guts to kill him? He let out a sinister wave ofughter, ¡°Hmph, who dares to cripple my cultivation?¡±


    His master was an eight-star alchemist and possessed a highly respected status. Who would dare to offend an eight-star alchemist?


    No one had expected Mo Lan to be so shameless as he refused to ept his defeat and abolish his cultivation ording to the bet.


    ¡°The situation doesn¡¯t look good for Liu Wuxie. They might¡¯ve won thepetition, but they¡¯re no match for Grandmaster Huang in terms of strength,¡± the crowd whispered.


    They wondered if Liu Wuxie would act if Mo Lan refused to abolish his cultivation. If Liu Wuxie made the move, Huang Tao would surely intervene to save his disciple.


    ¡°No one dares, but I do!¡± Elder Tian Xing vanished and grabbed Mo Lan¡¯s shoulder, lifting him like a chick.


    ¡°Tian Xing, you dare?¡± Huang Tao roared and demanded Tian Xing to release Mo Lan immediately.


    Qing Mu also vanished from his seat and appeared five meters away from Tian Xing as they stood in confrontation.


    ¡°Tian Xing, you¡¯re not a judge of thispetition and have no authority to enforce the bet!¡± Only the judges had the authority to enforce the bet, but neither Qing Mu nor Tian Xing was involved in thepetition as a judge.


    The situation became tense because no judges were willing to step forward. If they did, they would offend Huang Tao and Qing Mu, affecting their future ability to purchase ninth-grade pills and their interest.


    ¡°I will enforce the bet!¡± Elder Yi Xuan spoke up and walked toward Mo Lan. He owed Liu Wuxie a favor, which meant they would be even from now on.


    Elder Yi Xuan was upright, and it was appropriate for him to enforce the bet.


    ¡°Master, save me!¡± Mo Lan cried out in panic, struggling desperately to break free from Tian Xing''s grip. But his efforts were in vain as Tian Xing held him firmly in ce.


    Qing Mu¡¯s face turned grim because he knew that Yi Xuan wouldn¡¯t change his mind once he decided on something.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, I can let go of all past grievances if you can spare my disciple!¡± Huang Tao turned around to look at Liu Wuxie, pleading for mercy on behalf of his disciple.


    Everyone knew that Liu Wuxie was the mastermind pulling the strings, and a word from him could save Mo Lan¡¯s life.


    ¡°Let bygones be bygones?¡± Liu Wuxie opened his eyes with a sharp gaze, staring at Huang Tao. He continued, ¡°You pped and humiliated my disciple. Now, you¡¯re telling me to let bygones be bygones? How shameless can you be?¡±


    Huang Tao was left speechless by Liu Wuxie''s words. He, who had once humiliated and pped Bi Gongyu before casting him out of the Treasure Pill Peak, now had the audacity to ask for bygones to be bygones.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, what do you want for sparing Mo Lan?¡± Huang Tao was furious. He was a dignified eight-star alchemist in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, and he had given Liu Wuxie enough respect by humbling himself.


    Liu Wuxie waved dismissively. "You can''t even protect yourself, and you have the nerve to worry about others? What a joke."


    His words sent a shockwave through the crowd. Could it be that Liu Wuxie nned to cripple not just Mo Lan but Huang Tao as well?


    "Where does Liu Wuxie get the confidence to dismiss an eight-star alchemist so easily?" Many wondered. Moments ago, some had begun to respect Liu Wuxie, but now, they saw him as a madman. They believed Bi Gongyu¡¯s victory was a mere stroke of luck, and they doubted it would be enough to ovee Huang Tao''s status and power.


    Yet, Liu Wuxie remained unmoved, his eyes closed, ignoring Huang Tao¡¯s every word.


    Meanwhile, Yi Xuan approached Mo Lan. Without a word, he pressed his hand down with force, shattering Mo Lan''s dantian.


    ¡°ARGHH!¡± Mo Lan let out a gut-wrenching cry as his body became limp, and he slipped down from Tian Xing¡¯s grasp, lying on the ground. Once an aloof seven-star alchemist, he was nothing but a cripple now.


    If Mo Lan¡¯s cultivation wasn¡¯t crippled, there was a high chance he could be an eight-star alchemist in a few years. However, all his hopes were dashed, and his dantian was destroyed.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, I want you dead!¡± Huang Tao lost his rationale. He wanted to charge over and kill Liu Wuxie, but the other alchemists held him back.


    ¡°Grandmaster Huang, don¡¯t fall into Liu Wuxie¡¯s trap. He¡¯s trying to provoke you and make you lose yourposure to affect your performanceter.¡± An eight-star alchemist had a good rtionship with Huang Tao, and he spoke out tofort thetter. His words were like a bucket of cold water pouring down on Huang Tao, calming him down.


    What that eight-star alchemist said was right, and Liu Wuxie was ying mind games with him. His performance might be affectedter due to his mood, which would make it easier for Bi Gongyu to win the fight.


    Mo Lan was carried aside, and he refused to leave because he wanted to see Liu Wuxie die with his own eyes.


    Yi Xuan returned to his seat after crippling Mo Lan. He noticed that his grandson had opened his eyes with a flicker of vitality shining within them. It seemed that the tense atmosphere had reignited a spark of life within him.


    ¡°Old rascal, it¡¯s your turn now!¡± Bi Gongyu looked at Huang Tao after the surroundingmotion settled down. They had no path of retreat because Huang Tao wanted to avenge his disciple, and Liu Wuxie also wanted to do the same.


    Judging from the current situation, Liu Wuxie held the upper hand because he remained seated while Huang Tao had to step into the square, striking a contrast between them.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, do you dare to fight me to the death?¡± Huang Tao¡¯s voice trembled with barely-contained rage. His disciple was now a cripple, and winning was no longer enough¡ªhe wanted blood.


    Everyone turned to look at Liu Wuxie. Although it was Bi Gongyu who had refined the pills, everyone knew the person Huang Tao wanted to kill was Liu Wuxie.


    After all, Bi Gongyu would lose his backing once Liu Wuxie died, and he would soon be killed.


    Liu Wuxie formed seals and created spiritual talismans before squeezing a drop of his blood essence into it.


    ¡°A Life and Death Pledge, sign it!¡± Liu Wuxie wasted no words and produced a Life and Death Pledge for Huang Tao to sign. This meant whoever lost the fight would have to die.


    ¡°Wuxie, this isn¡¯t fair for you!¡± Tian Xing quickly intervened, wanting to stop Liu Wuxie. This battle between Bi Gongyu and Huang Tao was unfair to Liu Wuxie unless he participated.


    ¡°Thank you for the concern, but I don¡¯t need to dirty my hands with trash like him. If my disciple can¡¯t handle someone like that, I¡¯d lose the right to call myself his master,¡± Liu Wuxie said with an air of cold disdain, openlybeling Huang Tao as garbage. It was a direct response to the insult Huang Tao had thrown at Bi Gongyu earlier, and now the tables were turned.


    The crowd buzzed at Liu Wuxie¡¯s audacity, particrly a seven-star alchemist who stood up and remarked, ¡°I¡¯m starting to like him. If he survives today, I certainly won¡¯t be his enemy.¡± It didn¡¯t matter how the battle ended¡ªLiu Wuxie had already earned their respect with his fearless demeanor.


    ¡°Good! You¡¯re the first person to insult me in this manner. I¡¯ll slowly deal with you after I beat him!¡± Huang Taoughed instead of getting angry.


    Liu Wuxie had intentionally sent his disciple to challenge him, and this was the same as saying that he couldn¡¯t even bepared to his disciple.


    ¡°Insult you?¡± Liu Wuxie sneered, ¡°Who do you think you are? Do you even think you have the qualification to be insulted by me?¡±


    The psychological tactics were wlessly executed despite Huang Tao knowing that Liu Wuxie was intentionally trying to provoke him. The atmosphere became tense with heavy pressure.


    ¡°Master, you must avenge Senior Brother Mo!¡± The disciples standing on Huang Tao¡¯s side were furious, wanting to rush over and kill Liu Wuxie. But they could do nothing with so many people present, and everything had to be done by the rules.


    If they wanted to kill Liu Wuxie, they would have to win the alchemypetition.


    Huang Tao removed his robe and walked over to the square, standing beside the cauldron that Mo Lan had previously used.


    Bi Gongyu nced at Liu Wuxie, who nodded and didn¡¯t give specific instructions.


    Everyone¡¯s hearts began to race because it was a rare opportunity to see the refinement process of an eight-star alchemist.


    The seven-star alchemists stood up because this was an excellent opportunity for them to learn. As for Bi Gongyu, he was ignored by everyone once more.

 Chapter 503 - Eat Feces

    <h4>Chapter 503 - Eat Feces</h4>


    Eight-star alchemists typically conducted their pill refinement in private alchemy chambers, where few were permitted ess due to the many secrets involved and the risk of valuable techniques being leaked.


    "Grandmaster Huang, what do you n to refine?" A seven-star alchemist asked, wanting to know what Huang Tao would refine. With the Life and Death Pledge signed, the next step was for both sides to start their alchemy process.


    "An eighth-grade pill, the Blood Pill!" Huang Tao replied, and he hade prepared with the necessary ingredients. The Blood Pill was amon pill that could be easily found on the market because the variation of pills would decrease as their grade rose.


    Out of all themonly seen eighth-grade pills on the market, the Blood Pill was one of them. As for ninth-grade pills, they were pitifully scarce, and there were only five variations at best.


    "I wonder what Grandmaster Bi is going to refine?" a seven-star alchemist asked in a sarcastic tone.


    If Bi Gongyu was going to refine a seventh-grade pill, there was no need for thepetition because he would''ve already lost the fight. No matter how impressive a seventh-grade pill was, it could notpete with eighth-grade pills.


    "The Spirit Restoration Pill!" Bi Gongyu''s reply was simple and short. He didn''t mention the grade because it was public knowledge that the Spirit Restoration Pill was a ninth-grade pill.


    However, the only elder who knew how to refine the Spirit Restoration Pill in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion had mysteriously died a thousand years ago, and no one had been able to recreate it since then.


    "What?!" The entire Treasure Pill Peak erupted when they heard what Bi Gongyu said.


    Everyone looked at Bi Gongyu with disbelief and thought he was spouting nonsense.


    However, Yi Xuan opened his eyes and stared at Bi Gongyu. If Bi Gongyu could produce the Spirit Restoration Pill, his grandson would have the opportunity to be treated.


    Yi Nan¡¯s hands trembled as he remained seated in the chair.


    Tian Xing was stunned and turned to look at Liu Wuxie, who kept his eyes closed, disregarding the surrounding gazes.


    "This is impossible! The Spirit Restoration Pill is a ninth-grade pill. How can someone in the Heavenly Dipper Realm refine it?" an eight-star alchemist argued, refusing to believe Bi Gongyu''s words.


    "Master Qin is right. Even the five nine-star alchemists in the Treasure Pill Peak can''t produce the Spirit Restoration Pill, but he ims to be capable of refining it. This is the most absurd thing I''ve heard!"


    Everyone''s respect for Liu Wuxie turned into ridicule. They all thought that Liu Wuxie was trying to gain attention, but several individuals wore solemn expressions after hearing what Bi Gongyu said.


    They knew that Liu Wuxie wasn''t someone who would spout nonsense. Since he dared to make such a im, he must be able to back it up. After all, losing the fight meant death; no one would mess around with their lives on the line.


    Huang Tao''s face became ugly after he heard what Bi Gongyu said. His Blood Pill was an eighth-grade pill, while the Spirit Restoration Pill was a ninth-grade pill. They were on a different level, to begin with.


    Qing Mu''s eyes shed with murderous intent, and he finally knew why Yi Xuan would abolish Mo Lan''s cultivation. So it turned out that he was trying to curry favor with Liu Wuxie.


    "This must be another one of Liu Wuxie''s psychological tactics. He must be trying to make Grandmaster Huang uneasy and pressure him to reduce his sess rate so that Bi Gongyu can win." Most people suddenly came to their senses and realized this was another ''scheme'' of Liu Wuxie''s.


    After all, the greatest taboo when refining pills was the inability to maintain a calm heart. The slightest emotional turbulence might cause them to make mistakes, resulting in a failed refinement.


    "That must be it! How can the Spirit Restoration Pill be so easily refined? Many of the ingredients are long lost through time, and it''s impossible to gather them." More people began to support that view and felt that Liu Wuxie was merely throwing a smokescreen, a tactic to defeat Huang Tao.


    "He''s devious. Grandmaster Huang, don¡¯t fall for his trap!" Several alchemists voiced their support, rising to back Huang Tao and urging him not to be deceived.


    It was no longer important if this was a psychological tactic because the oue would be revealed today.


    Huang Tao gradually regained hisposure. He had been rattled upon hearing that Bi Gongyu would refine the Spirit Restoration Pill, nearly losing his concentration.


    If he lost his mental focus, his sess rate for the Blood Pill would drop significantly, and the quality would greatly diminish even if he seeded.


    A hint of seriousness flickered in his eyes because he didn''t expect Liu Wuxie to be a master in the art of psychological warfare. It focused on destroying one''s will to kill them by crushing them mentally, despising them strategically, and overwhelming them with strength.


    Now that he had seen through Liu Wuxie''s ns, a cold smirk rose on his lips. He opened the valve, and an even more powerful me surged up from below.


    Huang Tao didn''t dare to be careless as streams of fire emerged from his palm.


    "Heavenly me!" Many low-level alchemists eximed. Heavenly mes were extremely rare, and for an alchemist to possess it meant the speed and quality of their refinement would be significantly enhanced.


    "Sure enough, they''re all ingredients for the Blood Pill and allmon herbs on the market." The form for the Blood Pill was no secret, and all major sects possessed it. However, only the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion and Azure Crimson Gate could mass-produce them.


    The forms for other eighth-grade pills were strictly guarded to prevent any leaks.


    Bi Gongyu also retrieved some herbs, but they were all ordinary, with only some rare eighth-grade spiritual herbs. The others could be easily bought on the market.


    Liu Wuxie had no fear that others could learn from Bi Gongyu''s process because the refinement method was more important, and the form itself was secondary.


    Only one could reproduce the Spirit Restoration Pills with his guidance, even if the form was leaked.


    "What a joke! Is he nning to refine the Spirit Restoration Pill with those ingredients?" The crowd erupted in uproar, and they were amused by Bi Gongyu''s choice of ingredients.


    Bi Gongyu''s herbs further confirmed the theory that Liu Wuxie was employing psychological tactics.


    "Well, he can use his mouth!" One of Huang Tao''s disciples stepped forward to use the same words that Liu Wuxie used to humiliate Mo Lan.


    "I''ll kneel and eat feces right here if those herbs can refine the Spirit Restoration Pill!" another of Huang Tao''s disciples dered.


    Huang Tao had epted many disciples over the years, and they gathered to mock Bi Gongyu.


    "Song Ling, go and make some preparations!" Liu Wuxie opened his eyes and said.


    "Got it! Since he has such a peculiar fetish, I''ll fulfill his wish!" Song Ling quickly left with a jar, leaving people wondering what he was up to.


    In terms of disgusting their enemies, no one was more proficient than Liu Wuxie.


    Many people shuddered in disgust when they saw Song Ling leave. They wondered if Liu Wuxie had asked Song Ling to prepare feces and were disgusted by the thought.


    Huang Tao had started refining the Blood Pill and sped his hands together, throwing spiritual herbs into the cauldron.


    "What a wless use of the Myriad Flows Unite!" Liu Wuxie had seen this technique in the mundane world, originating from the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. However, the ones in the mundane world were only parts of it.


    Many alchemists stood up and apuded, thrilled to witness Huang Tao''s refinement technique.


    Even though Bi Gongyu dered that he would refine the Spirit Restoration Pill, no one believed him and ced most of their attention on Huang Tao.


    After all, such an opportunity to witness an eight-star alchemist''s refinement process was rare, akin to having a master to teach one the art of alchemy directly.


    "The Myriad Flow Unite is wless! I estimate that this batch can produce at least fifteen Blood Pills." An eight-star alchemist gave Huang Tao a thumbs-up. He couldn''t achieve it, and Huang Tao performed beyond his standards today.


    Huang Tao''s performance strengthened after his desire for revenge peaked, and his movements became wless.


    Strangely enough, Liu Wuxie didn''t seem interested in Huang Tao''s refinement technique. After briefly opening his eyes, he quickly closed them and retreated into his world.


    Time gradually passed, and the process of refining the eighth-grade pill was a long process that required patience.


    Thepetition on the Treasure Pill Peak soon attracted the attention of many people, and even the elders in seclusion came to watch.


    "What''s going on? Why are theypeting in alchemy here?" an elder in the Nascent Transformation Realm asked.


    Someone quickly exined everything in full detail.


    "What nonsense! He ims that he wants to refine the Spirit Restoration Pill?" The elders who had just arrived thought it was absurd.


    The Spirit Restoration Pill was a ninth-grade pill with a harsh requirement for the ingredients.


    The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion only possessed an iplete form, and many spiritual herbs had gone extinct.


    Elder Yi Xuan had consulted the sect master, but even the sect master couldn''t refine it. From this fact alone, anyone could tell how tough it was to refine the Spirit Restoration Pill.


    There weren''t any Spirit Restoration Pill on the market, and Liu Wuxie could only refine it if he didn''t want topete with the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s market share.


    After the form was modified, it was even cheaper than refining some seventh-grade pills, but Liu Wuxie would determine the final price because it wasn''t avable on the market.


    "Have you all noticed that Bi Gongyu''s refinement technique seems different each time?" Many people soon noticed Bi Gongyu''s unusual performance.


    Most alchemists would focus on one refinement technique, and their technique would only change slightly when refining different pills, but not by much.


    Bi Gongyu''s refinement methodpletely differed from when he refined the Spirit Recovery Pill, which had toppled their understanding. Each of his techniques seemed to go against the norm and was hard toprehend.


    "We''ll find out shortly. Let''s see how they embarrass themselves!"


    Two hours passed, and Huang Tao was nearing the end because the Blood Pill was starting to form.


    On Bi Gongyu''s side, several herbs had to be added, and there was still some time left before the pills were formed.


    When thepetition reached its end, Song Ling appeared with a bag in his right hand containing the jar he had left with. When he returned, a foul stench wafted from the jar.


    "Take it away!" Liu Wuxie pinched his nose when Song Ling walked over.


    "It''s fresh and warm, guaranteed that he will be satisfied!" Song Ling chuckled and walked to the side with the jar. The nearby disciples scattered as he approached them, not daring to get too close to him.


    The disciple who had said he would kneel and eat feces earlier had his face turned ashen, and his cheeks puffed up. He hadn''t expected Song Ling to bring feces over for real.

 Chapter 504 - Shocking the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion

    <h4>Chapter 504 - Shocking the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion</h4>


    Huang Tao ended his refinement three hourster with a sessful batch of Blood Pills. There were fourteen pills, as everyone had expected; they were all round and full.


    The disciples rushed forward, quickly draping their robes over Huang Tao, their faces alight with excitement.


    ¡°Master is unmatched! That brat is finished!¡± they eximed, full of confidence. There were fourteen Blood Pills in the cauldron, an impressive feat. Among those present, save for the nine-star alchemists, no one could rival Huang Tao¡¯s skill.


    None dared to inspect the pills up close¡ªhis reputation as one of the top ten eight-star alchemists was enough to guarantee their quality. The rich, potent aroma emanating from the cauldron confirmed the pills'' potency, even from a distance.


    Everyone turned their attention to Bi Gongyu next, waiting to see if he could beat Huang Tao.


    When thest spiritual herb was tossed into the cauldron, Bi Gongyu finally reached the pill condensation stage, with mist beginning to form above the cauldron.


    ¡°Look! That¡¯s a sign that the pill is condensing. Did he refine the Spirit Restoration Pill for real?¡± Everyone was shocked to see the mist forming above the cauldron, and gasps of exmation could be heard through the crowd.


    Huang Tao¡¯s heart sank deeper as the mist thickened. In his hundred years of refining pills, he had only encountered such a phenomenon once before. That memory,bined with the pill cloud Bi Gongyu produced in the previous round, left him increasingly unsettled. A single urrence could be written off as luck, but twice in a row? It was undeniable proof of Bi Gongyu¡¯s mastery.


    The crowd, too, began to nce at Liu Wuxie with newfound respect. Whispers of awe reced the earlier jeers. They couldn¡¯t fathom what kind of master could produce such a remarkable disciple. Even those who had mocked Liu Wuxie moments ago remained silent, realizing they had underestimated him.


    Yi Xuan bounced up on his seat and wished he could help Bi Gongyu. He was feeling anxious despite knowing nothing about alchemy.


    Yi Nan grabbed onto the armrest tightly. He looked like he wanted to stand but couldn¡¯t muster strength because his meridians had long withered.


    The mist grew thicker and took the shape of pills, creating this spectacr scene. Everyone was stunned by this scene before them, and they didn¡¯t expect someone in the Heavenly Dipper Realm to refine such a heaven-defying pill. The rich aroma from the cauldron had already filled the entire square even before the pill was formed.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on? My injured meridians are healing?¡± A disciple eximed in disbelief. His arm had suffered a meridian injury from a sword strike years ago, leaving him with a severe loss in strength. Yet, just from inhaling the pill¡¯s aroma, he could feel the damaged meridian begin to heal¡ªa sensation he hadn¡¯t felt in years.


    ¡°It¡¯s the Spirit Restoration Pill!¡± The crowd went wild because if Bi Gongyu had refined the Spirit Restoration Pill, it would break the bnce in the alchemy market. This meant the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion would instantly reim its position at the top of the market.


    The Azure Crimson Gate had suppressed the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion throughout the years, and the appearance of the Spirit Restoration Pill would skyrocket their status. Thus, it was no wonder why the disciples went into a frenzy.


    The most terrifying part was the Spirit Restoration Pill¡¯s effects. After all, who hadn¡¯t had their meridians injured before?


    Yi Xuan rushed over and stood behind Bi Gongyu. He was worried that Bi Gongyu might fall into mishaps, or rather, he was also worried that the Spirit Restoration Pill would be snatched away.


    Huang Tao staggered and fell onto his seat when the Spirit Restoration Pill¡¯s fragrance permeated the space. The surrounding space was distorted, and a person appeared unnoticed.


    ¡°This kid gave me a huge surprise!¡± Mu Tianli said with a smile before his body began to dissipate, revealing that he was only a projection. His real body remained in secluded cultivation.


    Bi Gongyu was left panting in exhaustion after he finished forming thest seal. He was under immense pressure to refine the Spirit Restoration Pill in front of so many people, not to mention that Liu Wuxie¡¯s life was on the line.


    His nerves were stretched tight throughout the process, and he finally fell to the ground after seeding.


    Yi Xuan opened the cauldron eagerly, and there were five pills inside. He summoned them into his hand with a wave of hand.


    ¡°It¡¯s the Spirit Restoration Pill!¡± Yi Xuan began to tear up. He had traveled across the Southern Province in the past five years to search for a Spirit Restoration Pill for his grandson. He had begged and had been taken advantage of. Only he knew the hardship he went through.


    Mo Chong rushed forward, wanting to snatch a pill from Yi Xuan, but thetter held onto the pills tightly. No one could take a single pill from him today.


    The meridians of Yi Xuan¡¯s grandson were heavily damaged, and one might not be enough. It might require three or even all five pills to treat his meridians.


    ¡°Wuxie, can you let me have the Spirit Restoration Pills?¡± Yi Xuan walked over and asked in a pleading tone.


    Everyone turned to look at Liu Wuxie, seeing how a revered elder in the pinnacle Nascent Transformation Realm humbly begged a disciple. The world would be shocked if news of this got out.


    ¡°These Spirit Restoration Pills are meant for you, to begin with.¡± Liu Wuxie stood up from his chair and supported Elder Yi Xuan.


    ¡°Okay! I¡¯ll personallye to thank you once my grandson is treated!¡± Elder Yi Xuan straightened his back, and the despair stored in his heart had dissipatedpletely.


    Even if the five Spirit Restoration Pills couldn''t fully heal Yi Nan, they would at least restore him to the condition of an ordinary person. For Yi Xuan, that was enough¡ªhis grandson could live a normal life, free from the chair, and even carry on the family lineage. With hope in his eyes, Yi Xuan turned, eager to give the pills to Yi Nan.


    "Wait!" Liu Wuxie''s voice rang out, stopping Yi Xuan in his tracks. For a moment, Yi Xuan feared Liu Wuxie had changed his mind.


    ¡°There¡¯s a bottle of stctite essence. You can use it to strengthen his damaged meridians before feeding him the Spirit Restoration Pills. The effect should be much better this way because the ripping pain from healing meridians might kill your grandson.¡± Liu Wuxie took out a bottle of stctite essence and handed it to Elder Yi Xuan, who was at a loss for words.


    Elder Yi Xuan didn¡¯t know what to say, but he gritted his teeth and epted it. He had already owed Liu Wuxie a favor, so owing another one wouldn¡¯t make a big deal.


    No one interrupted as they watched Elder Yi Xuan. Everyone was still skeptical of the Spirit Restoration Pills and wanted to witness the result for themselves.


    They couldn¡¯t possibly cripple a disciple and destroy their meridians to test the Spirit Restoration Pill¡¯s effect, but Yi Nan was the perfect candidate. His meridians were damaged beyond repair, which was no secret in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    Yi Nan¡¯s face became rosy after taking the stctite essence, with a tingling sensationing from his meridians. The stctite essence was potent and the best medicine to temper the physique.


    A thin membrane appeared on Yi Nan¡¯s meridians, ensuring there wouldn¡¯t be any pain when he consumed the Spirit Restoration Pills.


    Elder Yi Xuan gently fed the pills to his grandson and used his true essence to guide the medicinal power through Yi Nan¡¯s body. As the pills began to work, countless divine senses locked onto Yi Nan, all eager to witness the effects of the Spirit Restoration Pill firsthand.


    Under the influence of Elder Yi Xuan''s true essence, the pill dissolved rapidly, and its healing energy spread throughout Yi Nan''s body. His damaged meridians, which had long been lifeless, were revitalized, and the broken segments began to reconnect seamlessly.


    "What unbelievable potency! It''s far more powerful than the rumors imed!" Mo Chong was left speechless, struggling toprehend what he was seeing.


    The withered meridians, nourished by the pill, appeared as if they had been brought back to life. A faint, almost etherealyer formed over the newly repaired meridians, further strengthening them.


    "Look at that! His meridians aren¡¯t just healing¡ªthey¡¯re growing stronger!" eximed another nine-star alchemist, astonished at the unprecedented transformation unfolding before their eyes.


    This discovery left everyone stunned. An ordinary Spirit Restoration Pill could only reconnect the meridians and not strengthen them, but the pills refined by Bi Gongyu could strengthen the meridians and heal them, making them more resilient.


    Oddly enough, everyone focused on Liu Wuxie instead of Bi Gongyu. Thetter might be the one who had refined the pill, but everyone knew that Bi Gongyu¡¯s alchemy skills were mediocre three months ago, barely reaching the level of a six-star alchemist.


    However, Bi Gongyu¡¯s alchemy skills skyrocketed after Liu Wuxie¡¯s return, and there could only be one exnation: Liu Wuxie had been guiding him in alchemy.


    ¡°What a frightening pill! Everyone will enter a frenzy if this is ced on the market!¡± Even those without damaged meridians would consider consuming this pill to strengthen their meridians, which would, in turn, boost their talent. The reason why many people¡¯s cultivation had stagnated was because their meridians couldn¡¯t handle more powerful true essence.


    ¡°Grandmaster Liu, my name is Zhu San. Please take care of me in the future!¡± A seven-star alchemist suddenly approached Liu Wuxie and bowed, trying to curry favor with thetter.


    ¡°The grandmaster is over there!¡± Liu Wuxie pointed to Bi Gongyu. He had no intentions of entering the Treasure Pill Peak, and they had challenged Huang Tao to pave the way for his disciple.


    Zhu Yan gave a bitter smile because everyone knew that Liu Wuxie was the true grandmaster.


    It didn¡¯t take long before a crowd surrounded Bi Gongyu. Liu Wuxie was aloof, which made it tough for anyone to approach him. On the contrary, Bi Gongyu was more approachable and treated everyone who came to greet him with friendliness.


    An hour passed in the blink of an eye, and half of Yi Nan¡¯s meridians were healed. His meridians wouldpletely heal in three days at most at this rate.


    A powerful aura surged from within Yi Nan. It had been five years, and his cultivation began to skyrocket the moment his true essence returned, almost reaching the high levels of the Heavenly Phase Realm.


    Elder Yi Xuan wiped his tears, overwhelmed with emotion. At this moment, he looked nothing like a dignified and prestigious elder as he watched his grandson recover his true essence.


    ¡°Grandfather, I was wrong!¡± Yi Nan kneeled after the meridians in his legs recovered, and he gave his grandfather three kowtows.


    ¡° It¡¯s fine. Get up quickly!¡± Yi Xuan quickly supported his grandson. The renowned elder had an amicable expression on his face. This further verified that the effects of the Spirit Restoration Pill refined by Bi Gongyu were potent.


    The Spirit Restoration Pill¡¯s grade no longer mattered, and no one would dare to refute Liu Wuxie even if he imed it to be a tenth-grade pill.


    Judging from the spiritual herbs, it could barely be considered close to an eighth-grade pill.


    Some people couldn¡¯t help but look at Huang Tao because there was a pledge between them, which was aplete victory for Bi Gongyu.


    Everyonepletely ignored the fourteen Blood Pills refined by Huang Tao. This was because everyone could buy Blood Pills as long as they had resources. After all, it was one of the mostmon eighth-grade pills on the market.


    Huang Tao¡¯s face turned pale, and the disciples all stepped back.


    Qing Mu¡¯s expression darkened, growing more severe with each passing moment. He hadn¡¯t anticipated Liu Wuxie emerging victorious. First, Jiang Gongming had failed to eliminate Liu Wuxie and ended up dead himself. Then, even Huang Tao, sent as hisst resort, proved no match. Regret began to creep into Qing Mu¡¯s heart, wondering if he had made the grave mistake of crossing someone far beyond his reach.


    Suddenly, a voice cut through the tense atmosphere. "Hey, brat! Didn¡¯t you say you¡¯d kneel and eat feces if we won?" Song Ling approached with a smug grin, holding a jar in his hand, the taunt hanging in the air like a challenge.

 Chapter 505 - Dead

    <h4>Chapter 505 - Dead</h4>


    The news of the Spirit Restoration Pill shocked the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, and more people made their way over after hearing it.


    Song Ling carried the jar and went over to the man who had made the deration earlier.


    "Master!" The man who had boasted about eating feces started to back away and looked at Huang Tao.


    But Huang Tao was in no position to assist. The Life and Death Curse embedded in his mind tightened its grip, constricting his primordial spirit. Agonizing pain wracked his body, forcing guttural growls from him like a wounded beast.


    A curse was nted when he had signed the pledge, and no one could undo it unless the other party was willing to lift it.


    "Weren''t you so arrogant earlier? Here¡¯s the faeces, and you can kneel now!" Song Ling walked up to the man fearlessly with the jar.


    "You¡¯re courting death!" The man, unwilling to face humiliation, decided to risk it all. Refusing to kneel and eat filth, he lunged at Song Ling, aiming to take him down. Song Ling, only in the Heavenly Dipper Realm, was no match for an elite disciple.


    But before the man couldnd his strike, two cold shes pierced the air. A scream followed, and the man crumpled to his knees, his kneecaps shattered, agony etched across his face. Liu Wuxie had acted¡ªhis ice-attribute energy manifesting as razor-sharp rays that immobilized the attacker.


    "You darey a hand on my people?" Liu Wuxie''s chilling voice echoed through the square. His dominance was undeniable, and even the elite disciples who had been in the sect for years trembled in his presence, none daring to intervene.


    "Touch me? I''ll make sure you get more than you bargained for!" Song Ling, furious and emboldened, approached the man. Gripping the jar tightly, he upended it over the man¡¯s head.


    The jar''s content sttered everywhere, drawing waves of retching sounds from the surroundings. Everyone saw a yellow substance dripping over the man''s head and slowly running down his face.


    "Liu Wuxie, you''re too disgusting!" Many people were displeased with Liu Wuxie. They knew that Liu Wuxie was the mastermind, even though Song Ling was the one who carried it out.


    The man was covered in filth, and his fellow martial brothers fled, fearing it would get on them.


    The female disciples were already throwing up.


    Upon reaching the Heavenly Dipper Realm, cultivators no longer required food or drink, as their bodies had been purified of impurities. They survived by absorbing spiritual energy alone, leaving many to wonder: where had Song Ling managed to find the poop?


    The man kneeling on the ground was in aplete daze. He could feel the stench drilling into his nose and seeping into his mouth, but he was too shocked to retaliate.


    Three full breathster, the man went insane and ran into the crowd, rushing straight for the river at the foot of the mountain.


    People pinched their noses when he passed by them, and the farce ended quickly.


    "Old rascal, you''ve lost! Why are you still not taking your life?" Bi Gongyu looked at Huang Tao with his murderous intent enveloping the square. Everyone finally came to their senses that the duel hadn''t concluded yet.


    Huang Tao sat on his chair with a pale face because he didn''t want to die. He couldn''t help turning to look at Qing Mu, but thetter averted his gaze. This only made Huang Tao''s heart sink.


    If Qing Mu had stepped forward, things would have only gotten worse. The oue had been decided, and he would only be a clown if he intervened.


    "Liu Wuxie, I admit my loss today. Can you spare my life?" Huang Tao finally lowered his pride and begged for mercy.


    "No!" Liu Wuxie replied. Today, his objective in Treasure Pill Peak was to kill. He wanted to make them fear him and tremble upon hearing his name. This way, no one in the sect would dare to provoke him.


    The crowd fell silent and wondered if they would spare Huang Tao''s life if they were in Liu Wuxie''s shoes. They didn''t know because they hadn''t experienced it themselves. How could they advise others to be kind without knowing what they had gone through?


    When Huang Tao had pped Bi Gongyu and driven him out of the Treasure Pill Peak, it was akin to pping Liu Wuxie''s face. Moreover, Huang Tao was one of Qing Mu''s people, and who didn''t know Qing Mu wanted to kill Liu Wuxie?


    If Liu Wuxie spared Huang Tao today, he might conspire with others to kill him. Killing was undoubtedly the best way to stop retaliation.


    The more enemies Liu Wuxie killed, the fewer opponents he would have.


    "Liu Wuxie, do you intend to take it that far?!" Huang Tao roared hysterically like a madman. His chief disciple was crippled, and his other disciples chose to distance themselves after seeing that he had lost the duel.


    "Did you think of this day when you humiliated my disciple?" Liu Wuxie didn''t bother to waste time with Huang Tao and manipted the curse on Huang Tao''s primordial spirit.


    Screams echoed from Huang Tao because they both had a curse nted in their soul seas, and the victor could control the curse of the loser to kill them.


    An intense tearing pain came from Huang Tao''s primordial spirit, which made him roll on the ground in agony.


    The crowd in the surroundings fell silent, and even Mo Chong sighed. He might have a feud with Huang Tao, but he couldn''t help but feel low when he saw thetter in this state.


    The other alchemists also felt the same because Huang Tao treated his disciples well despite being arrogant and domineering.


    "Qing Mu, save me..." Huang Tao clutched his head and cried out in pain for Qing Mu to save him.


    Everyone''s gaze shifted to Qing Mu. It was well known that Huang Tao had been acting under Qing Mu¡¯s orders to obstruct Bi Gongyu¡¯s entry to the Treasure Pill Peak.


    "Liu Wuxie, release him immediately!" Qing Mu finally broke his silence. Who would dare to heed his orders in the future if he allowed Huang Tao to die?


    "Release him?" Liu Wuxie sneered, "Who the fuck do you think you are?"


    Everyone wondered where Liu Wuxie got the courage to rebuke a nine-star alchemist in the Nascent Transformation Realm.


    However, there was no need for Liu Wuxie to be polite with how their conflict had progressed.


    Qing Mu clenched his fists to be insulted publicly. If there weren''t so many experts present, he would''ve acted and pped Liu Wuxie to death.


    "Very well! Liu Wuxie, I''ll make sure you learn the consequences of offending me!" Qing Mu took a deep breath to calm his anger. He knew that now wasn''t the time to act rashly.


    However, Liu Wuxie was unfazed by such empty threats. He asked bluntly, "You want to kill me?"


    "That''s right! I want to kill you!" Qing Mu didn''t hide his desire to kill Liu Wuxie.


    "I''ll be waiting!" Liu Wuxie revealed a devilish smile. Since returning from the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind, he hadn''t neglected his cultivation while guiding others.


    He was getting closer to the fifth level of the Heavenly Phase Realm, and his strength would undergo a drastic transformation once he reached the high levels.


    Elder Tian Xing was present, and there was another Elder Yi Xuan now. Qing Mu couldn''t act against Liu Wuxie in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    There was no reason for Liu Wuxie to fear as long as he remained cautious outside the sect. His top priority now was to reach the Astral River Realm as soon as possible.


    The curse continued to erode Huang Tao''s soul sea, causing blood to pour out of his ears, eyes, nose, and mouth. He looked tragic, and Huang Tao''s body convulsed before he copsed to the ground after his primordial spirit was shattered.


    The duel hade to an end with Huang Tao''s death. Bi Gongyu had sessfully reced Huang Tao as an eight-star alchemist.


    He was granted the badge of a nine-star alchemist, but Bi Gongyu refused and was satisfied with the eight-star alchemist''s badge.


    When everyone returned to their abode, their faces were beaming with excitement.


    "Senior Brother Liu, over five hundred people have expressed their intentions to join our Heavenly Dao Society. What should we do?" Bai Lin approached and asked. Many disciples intended to join the Heavenly Dao Society after Liu Wuxie disyed his strength.


    "Record their names and choose the best from their talent. They will soon be useful," iu Wuxie nodded in approval. The duel had gone better than expected¡ªnot only had they reversed the three-month decline, but the Heavenly Dao Society''s standing within the sect had also soared. On top of that, he had earned the favor of Elder Yi Xuan.


    Liu Wuxie nned to leave the Heavenly Dao Society''s future affairs to Fan Zhen. He had little time because he had to focus on his cultivation.


    Two days passed in the blink of an eye, and everyone was still discussing what had happened on the Treasure Pill Peak.


    Many people came to look for Liu Wuxie during this time, hoping to buy a Spirit Restoration Pill, but Lan Yu rejected them all.


    Liu Wuxie hadn''t shown himself in the past two days, and it was impossible for ordinary people to meet him. Therefore, they had no choice but to wait for the Spirit Restoration Pill to beunched into the market so they could buy one.


    "I pay my greetings to Elder Tian Xing!" Lan Yu was about to go out on an errand and ran into Elder Tian Xing, who was heading straight to Liu Wuxie''s abode.


    "Where''s that kid?" Only Elder Tian Xing dared to address Liu Wuxie in this manner. After all, Song Ling and others would''ve died if not for Elder Tian Xing during the three months Liu Wuxie wasn''t in the sect. This was why Lan Yu became respectful upon seeing the elder.


    "Master has been waiting for Elder Tian Xing in his abode!" Lan Yu made an inviting gesture and wondered how Liu Wuxie knew Elder Tian Xing would visit him that day.


    "That brat...is he a ghost? How did he know that I''ll being?" Elder Tian Xing was speechless. In their past conversations, he had sensed that Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t carry the demeanor of a young man but rather that of someone who had lived for millennia. He found it impossible to read Liu Wuxie¡¯s thoughts or understand what trulyy beneath his calm exterior.


    Lan Yu walked alongside Elder Tian Xing through the passage of the abode. As they entered the hall, they found Liu Wuxie already waiting, a pot of tea brewed and ready.


    "I pay my respect to Elder Tian Xing!" Liu Wuxie was cold and indifferent when facing others, but he was respectful when facing Elder Tian Xing.


    "You knew I wasing today?" Elder Tian Xing made himself at home in the hall. Their bond had long surpassed that of simple acquaintances, more akin to master and disciple.


    Liu Wuxie began pouring tea for Elder Tian Xing after he sat down while Lan Yu quietly excused himself. He knew it wasn''t appropriate for him to listen to their conversation.


    "Not only did I know you wereing today," Liu Wuxie began, setting the teapot down and taking his seat opposite Elder Tian Xing, "but I also know you''re merely a messenger. A middleman for someone else."


    Elder Tian Xing leaned in, his eyes narrowing as he studied Liu Wuxie closely. "Do you possess the ability of foresight?" he asked, searching for any hint of an answer in Liu Wuxie''s expression.


    "If I''m not mistaken, many alchemists, including the sect master, have tried and failed to replicate the refinement of the Spirit Restoration Pill," Liu Wuxie said with a smile, looking at Elder Tian Xing.

 Chapter 506 - Cooperation

    <h4>Chapter 506 - Cooperation</h4>


    Elder Tian Xing stared at Liu Wuxie in astonishment. Liu Wuxie had anticipated his every thought and even revealed that he was merely a messenger, with the true requesting from someone else.


    "You''re a monster! You''re right that everyone has been trying to replicate the Spirit Restoration Pill, but they all failed without any exception." Elder Tian Xing looked dejected, unable to gain any advantage in their conversation.


    Two days ago, the spiritual herbs and Bi Gongyu''s refinement method were made public. Despite everyone having ess to the same materials and steps, no one could replicate the Spirit Restoration Pill. This failure suggested that the keyy in the refining technique itself.


    "The sect master sent you, didn''t he?" Liu Wuxie shifted the conversation, making it clear he had no intention of sharing the refinement method. He had no reason topromise his advantage, especially when he could monopolize the market and secure a steady ie from the Spirit Restoration Pill.


    "Yes, the sect master wishes to meet you," Elder Tian Xing confirmed, his expression turning serious. It was rare for the sect master to summon an elite disciple, especially one as recent to the sect as Liu Wuxie.


    "When will we meet?" Liu Wuxie also wished to meet the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s sect master. He had joined the sect because of one person, but he hadn''t seen that person in the past year.


    "Now!" Elder Tian Xing stood up. He didn''t even drink the tea and wanted to take Liu Wuxie to the sect master.


    The two left the abode with Elder Tian Xing leading Liu Wuxie through the buildings. Despite being in the sect for a year, this was the first time Liu Wuxie entered the main hall.


    Liu Wuxie executed Ghost Eye and spread his divine sense, capturing the surroundings. The central peak''s environment was ten-odd times better than others because the spiritual energy here was dense.


    Clouds floated overhead, and this ce was decorated like a paradise.


    They walked steadily, mainly because Elder Tian Xing wanted Liu Wuxie to familiarize himself with the surroundings as he mighte here often in the future.


    After walking for about fifteen minutes, they finally reached the summit. Standing here gave a feeling as though Liu Wuxie was overlooking the world.


    The central peak was the tallest mountain in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, reaching tens of thousands of feet high.


    Layers of white clouds floated beneath their feet, and this ce resembled a celestial realm. The main hall looked grand, like a pavilion that stood on the summit.


    They were greeted by the imposing grandeur of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. Golden light illuminated the entrance, where the words "Heavenly Treasure Pavilion" were engraved in powerful, prating strokes on a wooden que. This majestic disymanded reverence and respect, making it clear that this was the sacred heart of the sect.


    "You can go in alone!" Elder Tian Xing was only responsible for bringing Liu Wuxie there.


    After bowing to Elder Tian Xing, Liu Wuxie strode into the main hall. The ground was paved with rare white elephant jade, which exuded luxury, and strange patterns were engraved on the surrounding stone walls.


    Four pirs were erected in four directions, each supporting the statue of a divine beast: the Azure Dragon of the East, the ck Tortoise of the West, the Vermilion Bird of the South, and the White Tiger of the North.


    A vast energy surged from the main hall, which felt like a door that couldn''t be opened. No one knew what was in the depths of the hall.


    Only the sect master of each generation had the privilege to enter this ce, and everyone else could only enter through the main door.


    As Liu Wuxie entered the hall, he found it empty. Without the sect master''s summons, no one would dare to enter, nor would anyone intrude without prior notice.


    "Liu Wuxie pays his respect to the sect master!" Liu Wuxie cupped his fists together.


    When Liu Wuxie finished his words, space began to distort roughly ten meters ahead, and a person walked out from the spatial rift.


    "It''s a thought projection," Liu Wuxie realized, startled. Despite being a mere projection, it had the intelligence and presence of the actual body.


    "I¡¯ve heard much about you from Ying¡¯er. You¡¯ve certainly lived up to her praises," Mu Tianli''s voice echoed from the sect master''s seat. He gestured for Liu Wuxie to take a seat.


    However, Liu Wuxie remained standing at the center of the hall, maintaining his position.


    "I owe my aplishments to Lady Mu, and I''m grateful to her," Liu Wuxie said. He told the truth because the Xue n would''ve killed him if Mu Yueying hadn''t intervened in Azure Billow City.


    Mu Yueying had also repeatedly helped him resolve his crisis after he had moved to Imperial City.


    "You should know why I called you here today," Mu Tianli went straight into the topic as he disliked beating around the bush.


    "I do!" Liu Wuxie nodded.


    "What do you think of it?" Mu Tianli asked.


    "I''ll follow the sect master''s arrangements." The two seemed to speak in riddles, but that didn''t affect theirmunication.


    "You''re smart!" Mu Tianli burst intoughter and leaned back in the chair, a smile hanging on his lips.


    Liu Wuxie frowned slightly. It wasn¡¯t about being smart but rather about being strategic. The Spirit Restoration Pill was too conspicuous and would attract attention if promoted broadly. However, involving the sect would change the dynamics entirely.


    "Thank you for yourpliments!" Liu Wuxie replied courteously.


    "You''re perceptive, so let''s get straight to the point. The sect has received a flood of orders for the Spirit Restoration Pill, and Bi Gongyu alone can''t meet the demand," Mu Tianli said, his expression serious. The order volume was overwhelming, and it was clear that neither Bi Gongyu nor anyone else could manage it alone.


    "Does the sect master want my refinement technique?" Liu Wuxie asked, his frown deepening.


    "I know you''ve been working with shops in nearby cities, but those shops are greedy. They''ll eventually hoard your pills for themselves. I¡¯m not here to ask for your refinement technique. Instead, I want to discuss a partnership," Mu Tianli''s words made Liu Wuxie break out in a cold sweat. He hadn''t anticipated the sect master¡¯s awareness of every detail.


    "And how does the sect master propose we cooperate?" Liu Wuxie asked, maintaining hisposure. Staying calm was essential in navigating such high-stakes negotiations.


    "You supply the pills, and I¡¯ll handle the ingredients and sales channels. We¡¯ll split the profits 50:50. How does that sound?" Mu Tianli proposed. The local pharmacies had offered a 30:70 split, and Liu Wuxie knew they were unreliable and might hoard the pills.


    Although Liu Wuxie would be giving up a bit morepared to the local shops, the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion offered a far safer and more stable partnership. Even with a 50% split, the benefits outweighed the risks. The ingredients ounted for about 10% of the profits, meaning Liu Wuxie would end up with arger share of the remaining 50%. Essentially, he was stilling out aheadpared to other offers.


    Liu Wuxie wondered why the sect would go to such lengths to favor him, and he couldn¡¯t help but think Mu Yueying might be a factor. Nevertheless, the deal was advantageous from every angle.


    "I have no reason to refuse the offer!" Liu Wuxie rubbed his nose. With the sect master putting it this way, he found it hard to refuse.


    Although Liu Wuxie had no intentions of monopolizing the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s market, everyone knew that the Spirit Restoration Pill originated from him. If he operated two separate sales models, this was the same as telling everyone that there was an issue with the sect''s unity.


    "Since you''ve agreed, Let''s discuss how we should operate. How many Spirit Restoration Pills can you produce daily?" Mu Tianli didn''t like to beat around the bush and went straight into the topic since Liu Wuxie had agreed.


    It felt strange that the sect master was negotiating with a disciple like him, and such an event was rare in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion since its establishment.


    "I need some alchemists that I can trust and are loyal to me." Bi Gongyu could only produce a hundred pills by himself daily, which was far from enough to meet the market demand.


    Although Liu Wuxie had agreed to cooperate with the sect in alchemy, he had no ns of giving up the spiritual talisman market. After all, he would have something to fall back on even if his cooperation with the sect fell apart.


    "I have prepared them for you, and they''re my people. They''re loyal, and I''ve told them to listen to your arrangements." Mu Tianli handed Liu Wuxie a list of alchemists from the Treasure Pill Peak.


    The list included seven people, and Liu Wuxie kept it. He nned to hand it to Bi Gongyu for arrangement.


    "We''ll provide a thousand Spirit Restoration Pills five days from now!" Liu Wuxie gave a figure now that he had the alchemists to do the job.


    "A thousand?" Mu Tianli seemed troubled by that number because it was still insufficient to satisfy the market. After all, this was a golden opportunity for the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion to surpass the Azure Crimson Gate.


    "Aside from the Spirit Restoration Pill, I will also provide Heavenly Blood Pills. They''re higher gradepared to the Blood Pill," Liu Wuxie said, which finally brought a smile to Mu Tianli''s face.


    The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion would have a higher chance of snatching the Azure Crimson Gate''s market with these pills.


    "Good. It looks like Ying''er didn''t misjudge you," Mu Tianli pped his thigh.


    "However, I have a condition." Liu Wuxie was calm and showed no pride despite receiving the sect master''s praise.


    "Speak!" Mu Tianli looked amicable and didn''t treat Liu Wuxie as a mere disciple.


    "I don''t want all the resources to be spirit stones. If I want something specific, the sect will have to find it for me and deduct the cost from my share." Earning money wasn''t Liu Wuxie''s goal because his goal was to raise his cultivation, and spirit stones wouldn''t greatly help him despite the amount.


    "Alright!" Mu Tianli agreed to Liu Wuxie''s terms. The conversation became more casual after that, which was surprising because even sect elders would feel uneasy under the sect master''s aura in the True Profound Realm.


    However, there was no difort on Liu Wuxie''s face because the Heavenly Dao Book had neutralized and absorbed the aura.


    "Sect master, I have a personal question to ask," Liu Wuxie stood up after discussing their partnership.


    "You''re wondering about Ying''er¡¯s whereabouts?!" Mu Tianli asked, his surprise evident. Liu Wuxie had been silent on the matter since his arrival, and Mu Tianli hadn¡¯t expected him to bring it up.

 Chapter 507 - Heavenly Nether Battlefield

    <h4>Chapter 507 - Heavenly Nether Battlefield</h4>


    It had been over a year since Liu Wuxie had joined the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. Logically, Mu Yueying should''ve alreadye to see him, so why was she nowhere to be found in the sect?


    He asked many people about it only to discover that only a few had seen her before.


    "Yeah!" Liu Wuxie nodded. He had such a close rtionship with Mu Yueying that they now seemed like siblings. It felt unusual that they hadn''t met in so long.


    "She''s not in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion," Mu Tianli said.


    Expecting as much, he asked, "Where is she now?"


    "The Heavenly Nether Battlefield!"


    This was his first time hearing about the Heavenly Nether Battlefield. He hadn¡¯t even read about it in any books.


    "What kind of ce is that?" Liu Wuxie asked curiously.


    "A brutal one. If you¡¯re interested, I can send you over once you reach the Astral River Realm."


    With his cultivation, Liu Wuxie wouldn¡¯t be able to enter the Heavenly Nether Battlefield. Hence, Mu Tianli didn''t delve into the topic any further.


    "Alright!" Liu Wuxie eximed. The more brutal the Heavenly Nether Battlefield was, the faster he could grow.


    "Head back for now. Don''t mention our conversation today with anyone else."


    Mu Tianli distorted using a spatial fluctuation, leaving Liu Wuxie alone in the hall.


    Now prepared to descend the mountain, he walked out of the hall and discovered that Elder Tian Xing hadn''t left. He was waiting for him along the way.


    "Done talking?"


    "Yes!" Liu Wuxie replied.


    The two walked down the mountain together. Oblivious to Liu Wuxie¡¯s cooperation with the sect master, Elder Tian Xing feared that Liu Wuxie would have some resentment against the sect master. Hence, he decided to give him an exnation.


    "The sect master has taken great care of you and paid attention to you ever since you joined the sect, even during the recent alchemypetition. He was also the one who stood up for you when Qing Mu tried to get rid of you.¡±


    "I know!" Liu Wuxie replied.


    He could see many things from Mu Tianli''s gaze. After all, he had killed so many people in the past year, and he would have been long dead if no one had been protecting him from the higher-ups.


    Tenacious vitality proved useful to his survival, but the sect master''s protection also significantly contributed to his sess.


    "He hopes you can participate in the Ten Grand Ceremony. Considering it¡¯s only three months away, I suggest you start making preparations.¡±


    "The Ten Grand Ceremony?"


    Liu Wuxie frowned. He had just learned of the Heavenly Nether Battlefield and the Ten Grand Ceremony. Why was he in the dark about so many things?


    "You should study it. A few books in the Hidden Books Collection contain details about it." Elder Tian Xing replied. He was only responsible for informing Liu Wuxie that the event was three months away. He did not have to exin it to him as well.


    Liu Wuxie rubbed his nose, disliking the way he was being led around. "Can I choose not to participate?"


    The Ten Grand Ceremony had nothing to do with him anyway, and he had to spend time cultivating.


    "No. I have already promised the sect master. I''ll send you there even if I have to tie you up," Elder Tian Xing replied shamelessly, which made Liu Wuxie roll his eyes.


    Liu Wuxie had only explored less than a third of the True Martial Continent. Since he had only been to a few ces before, this was an excellent opportunity to broaden his horizons.


    While walking on a deserted path, he suddenly eximed, "Elder Tian Xing, there''s something I don''t understand!"


    "Out with it, then." Elder Tian Xing had no air around him. Other disciples would stammer when they saw him, but he was amicable around Liu Wuxie.


    "Qing Mu has vited the sect''s rules. Why did the sect master put up with him?"


    He had been pondering the question for a while now, but he couldn¡¯t figure it out.


    Not only did Qing Mu try to bribe Elder Yi Xuan to kill him, but he also vited the sect''s rules multiple times. It made no sense that he was still being tolerated instead of being punished.


    As the elder of the Law Enforcement Hall, Elder Tian Xing should''ve dealt with Qing Mu by now, but even he had chosen to remain silent.


    "He has a powerful master."


    Elder Tian Xing sighed, the mention of Qing Mu seemingly souring his mood. Looking quite dejected, he stopped paying Liu Wuxie any attention and instead just walked in silence.


    After a moment of confusion, Liu Wuxie finally understood what Elder Tian Xing meant.


    The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion was like a nation in the mundane world. It had its own intricate andplex rtionships, and Liu Wuxie had only touched the tip of that iceberg. Many things were beyond the sect master''s control.


    Upon his return to his abode, Liu Wuxie summoned Bi Gongyu over.


    Bi Gongyu bowed and offered a couple of refined pills to Liu Wuxie. "Master, these are the Spirit Restoration Pills I''ve refined over the past two days!"


    "Hold onto the pills for now. We might need to adjust our ns, but we¡¯ll discuss this once Old Fan and the others arrive."


    Rather than taking the pills, Liu Wuxie instead handed them over to the sect to save him a lot of trouble.


    Fifteen minutester, Fan Zhen, Lan Yu, and the others arrived. As the core members of the Heavenly Dao Society, Liu Wuxie entrusted them with his tasks.


    Since he had no ns to meet those who had joined the Heavenly Dao Society yet, he left everything to Fan Zhen.


    When the group entered, they immediately greeted him.


    "Wuxie!"


    "Master!"


    "Big Brother Liu!"


    Liu Wuxie signaled for everyone to sit down and be at ease. "I¡¯m d everyone is here. It¡¯s time to discuss our next course of action."


    Fan Zhen stood up. "Go ahead, Wuxie!"


    He had been busy with the Heavenly Dao Societytely, which had begun taking shape two days ago. Thanks to his experience in managing the Imperial Academy, he found it easy to manage the Heavenly Dao Society.


    "I have found us a new partner for our pill business,¡± Liu Wuxie revealed. ¡°They¡¯ll make things safer without changing the profit share. We can now stop coborating with the shops in various cities."


    He didn''t mention who they would work with because the sect master didn''t want the news to spread. After all, working with a disciple would tarnish the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s reputation. That was also the reason Liu Wuxie would im that he created the Spirit Restoration Pills refinement method. Doing so would create a situation where everyone won.


    The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion would gain fame, and Liu Wuxie would earn resources and make a fortune quietly without anyone knowing.


    Fan Zhen took the minutes of the minutes. No one questioned Liu Wuxie, making the job easy.


    Lan Yu stood up. "Master, what about the spiritual talismans?"


    "That will remain the same!"


    After discussing a few more topics, everyone took their leave.


    Liu Wuxie rubbed his temples. The past few days had been exhausting¡ªhe could use a good night¡¯s rest.


    "Now that I¡¯ve reached the Heavenly Phase Realm, it¡¯s about time I leave the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s territory and explore the world.¡±


    While contemting, he began to think of Xu Lingxue, causing his heart to beat rapidly. Before he knew it, she had walked into his heart.


    <strong>......</strong>


    Amid a Misty Sect courtyard, a woman in white stood underneath one of the blossom trees. She had a peerless figure and beauty. her delicate eyebrows furrowed as she gazed into the distance.


    Gazing into the distance, her delicate eyebrows furrowed.


    "It has been over a year now. Is he still in the Imperial Academy?" Xu Lingxue asked, unaware that Liu Wuxie hade to the cultivation world.


    After some time, another woman in white hurried in and stood behind her. "Senior Sister Xu, Young Master Xiang is here to see you again."


    "Tell him that I''m unwell and won''t be seeing anyone for the time being," Xu Lingxue replied as she walked back into the house.


    <strong>......</strong>


    Ten days after the alchemypetition, the Lesser de Association stopped sending people over. It seemed Liu Wuxie''s new status had made the Lesser de Association reconsider its actions.


    After all, it would be unwise to offend such a formidable alchemist.


    That day, a guest visited Liu Wuxie.


    "Elder Yi Xuan, pleasee in!" Lan Yu greeted.


    While Fan Zhen was busy with the Heavenly Dao Society, Lan Yu managed Liu Wuxie''s daily needs. Meanwhile, Bi Gongyu focused on refining pills, with designated personnel distributing his products into the market through special channels.


    Standing behind Elder Yi Xuan was a youth who exuded elegance and a faint air of heroism.


    Upon learning about Elder Yi Xuan¡¯s arrival, Liu Wuxie, who had been in seclusion, came out of his cultivation chamber. Upon meeting up with him, he gestured for Elder Yi Xuan to take a seat.


    However, Elder Yi Xuan instead growled at the youth behind him. "Yi Nan, why aren''t you greeting your savior?!¡±


    "I, Yi Nan, pay my respect to you, my savior!" Yi Nan eximed.


    He even wanted to kneel. After all, Liu Wuxie had granted him a new life just like his parents had.


    "You mustn''t!"


    However, Liu Wuxie quickly stepped forward to support Yi Nan. Due to his insistence, Yi Nan could only greet him with a deep bow instead.


    Eventually, the three took their seats. Yi Nan sat by the side, and Liu Wuxie sat face-to-face with Elder Yi Xuan.


    "Wuxie, you¡¯re the reason Nan''er recovered. I cannot express my gratitude enough,"


    Elder Yi Xuan sighed. Throughout the years, he had tried all sorts of ways to help Yi Nan, but he had never expected that someone he had almost killed would save his grandson. If he didn''t alter the spiritual arrays back in the Martial Arts Hall, Liu Wuxie would be dead by now, and Yi Nan would remain a cripple for the rest of his life.


    "You''re being too polite, Elder Yi Xuan. You''ve already thanked me enough."


    "Wuxie, I told you I¡¯ll do anything for as long as you treat Nan''er. Since I have already stepped down from my position as the elder of the Martial Arts Hall, I''m a free man now. You can ask me to do whatever you want."


    Liu Wuxie smiled bitterly. "How could I ask anything of you, sir?"


    "You don''t have to be polite with me. This will bother me for the rest of my life if I don¡¯t get to repay your kindness.¡±


    Elder Yi Xuan was a stubborn person. He would hold his ground and do whatever it took to keep his promises.


    "Alright, fine. I''ll take you up on your offer. I do have something I need your help with,¡± Liu Wuxie admitted. Considering he had gone to great lengths to obtain Elder Yi Xuan''s support, he decided that what he had in mind wouldn¡¯t be too much.


    "Go on!" Elder Yi Xuan replied. He would agree to any demands for as long as they didn''t go against his conscience.


    "I believe you have heard that I established the Heavenly Dao Society. Since our foundation is still fragile, I would like to invite you to assume the position of Guest Elder. You won¡¯t really have to do anything."


    Though Liu Wuxie was subtle with his words, Elder Yi Xuan was no fool. He naturally understood the true meaning behind Liu Wuxie''s request: he wanted to borrow his influence to develop the Heavenly Dao Society.


    Elder Yi Xuan would remain an ordinary guest elder if there were no danger, but he would have to step in to help in times of crisis. With his position, practically no one in the sect could threaten him.


    "Please do not worry, Elder Yi Xuan. I am not asking you to assume the position for free,¡± Liu Wuxie added. ¡°You will receive a monthly stipend of five hundred thousand mid-grade spirit stones. What do you say?¡±

 Chapter 508 - Day Before Departure

    <h4>Chapter 508 - Day Before Departure</h4>


    Yi Nan turned to Liu Wuxie in surprise. After all, only Liu Wuxie could afford to pay someone five hundred thousand mid-grade spirit stones every month.


    However, Liu Wuxie was not just wasting his wealth. He knew that significant investments reaped substantial returns.


    Unlike Yi Nan, Elder Yi Xuan didn¡¯t look shocked. He probably wouldn¡¯t have believed Liu Wuxie had he made this offer in the past, but Liu Wuxie had since started producing Spirit Restoration Pills, which changed things. Liu Wuxie could easily make millions of spirit stones through that gold mine every month.


    In addition to their spiritual talismans business, Liu Wuxie estimated their monthly ie to be around five to eight million spirit stones. Even after supporting everyone in the Heavenly Dao Society, they would still have huge monthly profits.


    Elder Yi Xuan couldn¡¯t care less, though. Mid-grade spirit stones had little value to his cultivation.


    "I don''t need mid-grade spirit stones,¡± he said. ¡°Can you give me five high-grade spirit stones each month instead?"


    "You¡¯ve got yourself a deal!" Liu Wuxie immediately replied.


    Mid-grade and high-grade spirit stones meant the same for Liu Wuxie, who had signed an agreement with the sect master that allowed him to exchange the profits for other resources.


    The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion had a spirit stone mine that produced many high-grade spirit stones yearly, and Liu Wuxie was already nning to exchange all his mid-grade spirit stones for them.


    Elder Yi Xuan found it surprising that Liu Wuxie agreed readily. After all, the market used mid-grade spirit stones as the primary currency. Moreover, where would Liu Wuxie even get high-grade spirit stones from?


    Despite the questions in his mind, though, Elder Yi Xuan believed that Liu Wuxie would follow through since he had given his word.


    The two discussed a few other details, including Elder Yi Xuan''s fundamental responsibility of preventing anyone from secretly targeting the Heavenly Dao Society. In his free time, he could stroll through the cities and observe the spiritual talismans sold in the shops. Liu Wuxie believed they would give up whatever underhanded tactics they had in mind upon seeing the elder.


    After their meeting, Liu Wuxie saw Elder Yi Xuan off. He then let out a sigh of relief. Achieving his goal had put him in a good mood.


    Soon, Lan Yu stepped out from the side with an excited smile. "Congrattions, Master! You found us a powerful ally!"


    Lan Yu¡¯s enthusiasm was well warranted. After all, Elder Yi Xuan''s support meant they would no longer need to worry about the Heavenly Dao Society''s safety.


    "This is just the beginning. We still have a long way to go."


    Smiling, Liu Wuxie gazed into the distance. Having had enough of fighting alone in his past life, he now wanted toplement that weakness in this lifetime.


    With the Heavenly Dao Society set to bring in a constant supply of resources each month, he had finally resolved his problem with resources. Even if he did leave the sect, he would still receive a vast amount of materials.


    Lan Yu leaned over to Liu Wuxie. Softly, he asked, "Master, don''t you feel that Lady Jian has been acting strange these days?"


    "What do you mean?" Liu Wuxie asked.


    At that moment, he realized that it had been three days since he hadst seen Jian Xing''er, which wasn¡¯t like her. She normally came over to look for him every day. After all, it was no secret that she had fallen hard for him.


    Unfortunately, he had been focusing on his cultivation and the Heavenly Dao Society so much the past few days that he never got the chance to go see her either.


    On the other hand, he had met Chen Ruoyan twice in the past few days.


    "Lady Jian left the sect three days ago, and when she returned, she immediately locked herself in seclusion. When I checked on her, she looked like she had just cried."


    Lan Yu was a disciple, which meant he had to take care not only of Liu Wuxie but also of others.


    "I''ll go check on her!" Liu Wuxie said. He immediately left his abode and headed to Jian Xing''er''s courtyard.


    Jian Xing''er was still an inner disciple. Hence, she stayed in the inner sect instead of living with Liu Wuxie.


    An hourter, after passing through a series of stone steps, he arrived outside Jian Xing''er''s courtyard. He walked right in without knocking.


    Jian Xing''er was sitting alone in her courtyard with her back facing Liu Wuxie. She looked somewhat lonely. Hearing her enter, she stood up and turned around. Liu Wuxie immediately noticed that her eyes were red.


    "What''s going on? Who bullied you?" Liu Wuxie asked as anger surged within his heart.


    Jian Xing''er forced all the sorrow on her face to fade and rece it with a smile. "What brings you here? Aren¡¯t you busy?¡±


    She knew that Liu Wuxie had been busy the past few days, so she didn''t want to bother him.


    Liu Wuxie gently held Jian Xing''er by the shoulders. Although he was younger than her, he often took on the big brother role.


    "Tell me what happened!"


    "It''s nothing!" Jian Xing''er replied. She then bit her lips and held her tears back.


    "There¡¯s no reason for us to keep things from each other, is there?"


    When their gazes met, Jian Xing''er threw herself into his embrace and let her tears roll down her cheeks. Whatever happened had to have hurt her deeply for her to be so upset.


    Jian Xing''er buried her head into Liu Wuxie''s chest. "H-He''s dying."


    "Who?" Liu Wuxie asked in confusion. He tried his best to find the answer, but he didn''t know most people acquainted with Jian Xing''er.


    As he wondered if he was forgetting someone, a person suddenly crossed his mind.


    "Your father?"


    Jian Xing''er nodded. Despite how unfair her father had treated her, he was still her father. Learning that he was dying naturally made her heart ache.


    "What happened?"


    She had helped him greatly. He wouldn''t just stand around and watch while she was in trouble.


    Jian Xing''er wiped her tears and looked up at Liu Wuxie. "Do you remember the day we went down the mountain?"


    Liu Wuxie nodded. He had apanied her down the mountain a few months ago, where they encountered Jian Botong, her father. They also met a youth named Teng Zijun, who had been pursuing her.


    Jian Xing''er recounted the events that took ce in the past few months.


    Upon learning that Jian Xing''er was carrying Liu Wuxie''s child, Teng Zijun immediately left in frustration. He also discovered that Jian Xing''er had a step-brother who was aplete garbage and apulsive gambler with a huge debt.


    Her step-brother owed the Teng n most of his debt. To repay it, Jian Botong agreed to the Teng n''s marriage proposal between Jian Xing''er and Teng Zijun.


    However, the news of Jian Xing''er''s pregnancypletely disrupted Jian Botong''s ns, causing her brother''s debts to remain unpaid.


    The Teng n didn''t initially pressure the Jian n to repay their debts, but they eventually received news that Jian Xing''er had lied to them about her pregnancy.


    By then, if she were truly pregnant, she would have already been close tobor. Taking that into consideration, it became clear that they had been deceived.


    Enraged by the incident, the Teng n used Jian Botong of conspiring with his daughter to deceive them and demanded his son¡¯s debts be paid in full.


    Since they had already sold off most of their properties, they couldn¡¯t umte enough money to pay the Teng n. As a result, the Jian n was thrown into poverty.


    The Teng n ultimately issued a final notice that they would kill everyone in the Jian n if they didn''t repay their debts or honor their agreement to marry Jian Xing''er to Teng Zijun.


    "Who came to look for you?" Liu Wuxie asked. Jian Xing''er could have only learned about this three days ago when she left the sect.


    Though feeling conflicted, Jian Xing¡¯er replie, "A servant from the Jian n.¡±


    She knew she should just stand by and watch, especially after how her father and n had treated her. However, she couldn''t bear to see her father die at the hands of the Teng n.


    "Even if the Teng n is demanding payment, it makes no sense for them to harm your father!" Liu Wuxie frowned.


    "He ran into the Teng n''s casino and got caught cheating, so they beat him half to death,"


    She remembered feeling infuriated upon hearing the news.


    The Teng n made their fortune through their casinos, which ruined her garbage of a brother. Not only did he squander the n''s wealth, but he also dragged the Jian n down with him.


    Now aware of the situation, Liu Wuxie asked, "What do you n to do next?"


    No matter her decision, he would give her his unconditional help and support.


    Feeling overwhelmed, Jian Xing¡¯er shouted, "I don''t know!"


    She hadn''t experienced this before. Moreover, this would also affect her uncles, who had been kind to her. She couldn''t bear to see them all dead.


    "I''ll go back and take a look with you."


    Refusing to let her have any regrets, Liu Wuxie stood up to apany Jian Xing''er back to her n.


    Jian Xing''er¡¯s eyes widened. "You''lle with me?"


    Where would he even find the time to apany her? He was too busy with cultivation and the Heavenly Dao Society. Perhaps that was why she couldn''t help feeling a hint of sweetness in her heart. After all, this showed that Liu Wuxie kept her in his heart.


    "The Heavenly Dao Society is on track, and I n to see the world anyway. Considering I haven¡¯t visited most of the vast Southern Province, going there for experience wouldn''t hurt."


    Although Liu Wuxie had been nning to go out and train, he didn''t really have a clear objective. Still, since staying in the sect would get him nowhere, he decided to just take one step at a time.


    With Elder Yi Xuan and Tian Xing around, he did not need to worry about the Heavenly Dao Society''s safety anyway.


    Moreover, the sect master wouldn''t just sit by if something happened to the Heavenly Dao Society. After all, that would indirectly affect the pills'' production. In the first ce, one of the reasons Liu Wuxie agreed to cooperate with the sect master was that it would tie the Heavenly Dao Society into the sect.


    Jian Xing¡¯er smiled. As long as Liu Wuxie was with her, she felt as though they could solve anything.


    "When are we leaving?" she asked.


    "Tomorrow!" Liu Wuxie replied. He didn''t want to dy this matter lest something happen to Jian Xing''er''s father.


    Although Liu Wuxie didn''t like Jian Botong, he was still Jian Xing''er''s father. He could end up finding a use for him in the future.


    That evening, Liu Wuxie gathered everyone and informed them of his ns.


    "You''re nning to leave the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion again?" one of his people asked.


    Everyone couldn¡¯t help but worry whenever Liu Wuxie left the sect. The sect was their only haven, and Liu Wuxie could be a true disciple sooner orter for as long as he stayed in it.


    "I know you''re all worried, but the path I''m taking differs from yours. I leave the Heavenly Dao Society in your capable hands."


    Unlike their path, his was destined to be anything but peaceful.


    The Heavenly Dao Book had to absorb various things in the world, which meant he had to travel out for it to grow.


    Since Liu Wuxie had already made up his mind, they no longer needed to say anything else. Everyone just hoped that Liu Wuxie would pay attention to his safety while he was outside the sect.


    Chen Ruoyan, who had been silent during the entire meeting, suddenly stood up and eximed, "I want toe with you!"


    Everyone gave Liu Wuxie a strange look, and Lan Yu covered his mouth to suppress hisughter. Since this was Liu Wuxie''s personal matter, they had no right to intervene.

 Chapter 509 - Azure Mountain City

    <h4>Chapter 509 - Azure Mountain City</h4>


    Unable to understand why Chen Ruoyan would want to join them, Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t help but frown. The trip would be dangerous; he wasn''t just going out to y.


    "Big Sister Jian¡¯s problems are also my problems. I can¡¯t just stand around doing nothing!"


    No one could refute this perfect excuse. In the past few months, the two went from being wary of each other to close sisters, naturally baffling everyone.


    Touched, Jian Xing''er quickly said, "Thank you, Sister Ruoyan!"


    Unable to refuse, Liu Wuxie reluctantly agreed. He nned to send them back once he had resolved the matters with the Jian n. After all, he was more ustomed to traveling alone.


    Bringing the two women would only burden him. They were still in the Heavenly Dipper Realm and couldn''t fly by themselves, requiring them to use spiritual treasures.


    After Liu Wuxie had made arrangements for his people, everyone returned to rest. He then left the sect at dawn with Chen Ruoyan and Jian Xing¡¯er. A momentter, a young man in a purple robe quickly rushed to the Treasure Pill Peak to inform Elder Qing Mu.


    Since Jian Xing''er was eager to return, the three traveled at full speed and didn''t rest much. Three dayster, they arrived at the Azure Mountain City, a small city with a poption of ten million. Most skilled individuals had left this remote ce, and those who remained had been living here for generations. Hence, the city had scarce resources.


    Besides a few prominent ns, the majority of the city¡¯s inhabitants were ordinary. Bandits also frequented it from the nearby mountains and plundered from themoners.


    Liu Wuxie concealed his aura and restricted it to the True Core Realm. Afterward, the trio entered the city together.


    The walls were heavily damaged from wear and tear and riddled with holes from the assaults of profound beasts. Nevertheless, many groups of refugees had still made their way into the city to seek shelter.


    "Why are there so many of them?"


    As the third princess of the Great Yan Dynasty, Chen Ruoyan couldn''t bear to see so many refugees. Whenever a war broke out, themon people always suffered the most.


    "Mountains surround the Azure Mountain City, which is why profound beasts often besiege it. Many tribes live in the nearby mountain ranges, and a lot of them fall victim to the beasts annually," Jian Xing''er exined.


    The Azure Mountain was no smaller than the Scarlet Sun Mountain Range, stretching seemingly endlessly for hundreds of thousands of miles. The profound beasts that lived in it hunted humans whenever they had a shortage of food.


    As people fled for their lives, the city¡¯s poption dwindled over time. Now, only its prominent ns had experts who could push back the profound beasts.


    Most of its weakmoners couldn''t even reach the Marrow Cleansing Realm due to theck of resources.


    It seemed Liu Wuxie had only seen the tip of the cultivation world. He still had many ces to visit in the Southern Province alone, just like the Azure Mountain City.


    The Southern Province only had ten cities asrge as Fan City. The majority were underdeveloped and suffering from harsh environments.


    While walking through the Azure Mountain City, they noticed a lot ofmoners in tattered clothes. Most were covered in sores and infected wounds. Unless they could get treatment soon, they would likely die from their injuries.


    At some point, a dozen malnourished children ran over and clung to Liu Wuxie''s leg, begging for food. Unfortunately, since Liu Wuxie¡¯s group didn¡¯t really need to eat, they didn¡¯t bother bringing any. Instead, they took some Fasting Pills from their interspatial rings and distributed them to the children.


    "They''re so pitiful!" Chen Ruoyan eximed. This ce looked more like hell on earth than a part of the cultivation world.


    Jian Xing''er frowned. She felt terrible just looking at the people. "Past beast tides had never created so many refugees. Did something happen in the Azure Mountain this year?"


    More people gathered around them. Since the trio had given out all of their Fasting Pills, they released Heavenly Dipper Realm aura instead, repelling the crowd. Those at this level could already be considered an expert in the Azure Mountain City.


    Those who had reached the Heavenly Phase Realm had left the city to develop elsewhere. Meanwhile, the ones still in the Marrow Cleansing Realm and True Core Realm were forced to stay due to their incapability to fly. With profound beasts ready to devour anyone walking through the Azure Mountain before they could even get out, people learned that they would have to fly if they wanted to get out of this ce.


    The situation improved significantly when they reached the center of the city. Fewer refugees were on the streets, and shops lined the road.


    Chen Ruoyan frowned. "Why are there so many casinos here?"


    They went past five casinos in one street alone. The other streets were likely no better.


    "The resources outside had to be transported through aerial profound beasts, leading to a resource shortage. Casinos are the only entertainment here," Jian Xing''er exined.


    The Azure Mountain City''s He n had raised a few aerial demonic beasts, raking in considerable profits each year.


    Fortunately, she had managed to save enough resources to take a flying beast out of this city and join the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. Unlike her, others would be trapped here for the rest of their lives since they couldn¡¯t afford to fly.


    For most people who wanted to make a quick fortune, gambling was their best option. Most of the casinos in the Azure Mountain City belonged to the Teng n, and they controlled at least seventy percent of the market.


    "Big Brother Liu, should we head to the Jian n directly or find a ce to stay first?" Chen Ruoyan asked.


    "Let''s find a ce first and gather information before acting," Liu Wuxie replied. He had no intentions of going to the Jian n like that because he didn''t have a good impression of them. The reason why he came to the Azure Mountain City was to help Jian Xing''er.


    They were dressed in fine clothes, and there were two stunning women. They naturally drew much attention when they came with some malice individuals tailed them.


    The trio found an inn and took three top-tier rooms. Their three-day journey had exhausted them.


    "Junior Brother Liu, I¡¯d like to head out and look around the city again,¡± Jian Xing''er sa


    She had been feeling uneasy. Although she didn''t have much affection for her n, she was born and raised there. She couldn''t just stand around and watch them die.


    "I''ll go with you!" Liu Wuxie offered. This was the least he could do for her.


    Not wanting to trouble him if she could handle it alone, she replied, "No need. Just stay here with Younger Sister Ruoyan. I¡¯ll be back soon."


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t want to force her. Hence, he instead just told her to be careful and use the Communication Talisman to let him know if anything happened. If she needed him, he would rush to the Jian n as quickly as he could.


    The Azure Mountain City wasn''trge. Considering how fast he had be, he could easily explore it in just ten breaths.


    Since it was gettingte, after seeing Jian Xing''er off, Liu Wuxie sat on the bed to meditate. He was close enough to the fifth level of the Heavenly Phase Realm that he¡¯d probably make a breakthrough in just a few days.


    However, not long after he had sat down, Chen Ruoyan entered the room. "Big Brother Liu, can you join me for a walk?"


    This woman had been staying in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion since she came to the cultivation world, causing her unfamiliarity with the outside world. For that reason, she nned to take this opportunity to explore the Southern Province.


    "Alright!"


    Liu Wuxie got up from the bed. Soon, the two left the inn and walked on the streets. With Chen Ruoyan¡¯s beauty naturally drawing attention, she was left with no other choice but to wear a veil.


    While strolling through the city, Liu Wuxie suddenly stopped in front of a massive five-story casino. "Teng n''s casino!"


    Many people wereing in and out of the establishment. Some left with smiles on their faces, while others were thrown out with tears in their eyes.


    Liu Wuxie had already learned from Jian Xing''er that the Teng n made their fortune through casinos. Nevertheless, he wanted to learn more about their business.


    "Let''s go in and take a look!"


    As soon as they came in, a noisy atmosphere filled with the smell of sweat immediately greeted them. The entire floor was covered in smoke and hostesses moving around to serve guests. One of them soon greeted the two.


    "What would you two like to y?" the woman asked politely.


    "What do you have here?"


    Scanning all five floors with Ghost Eye, Liu Wuxie quickly found out that the central control system was on the highest floor. Someone at the higher end of the Heavenly Phase Realm was inside it, monitoring the entire casino. An individual of such caliber was already considered a powerhouse in this city.


    The lower four floors were filled with various gambling games, many of which Liu Wuxie had never seen before.


    "We have poker, small or big, guessing numbers, and barat. What would you like to y? I''ll lead the way!" the hostess replied.


    "I''d like to take a look upstairs."


    The first floor was too noisy, and Chen Ruoyan was already frowning. The upper floors seemed quieter.


    "Only the VIPs can enter the second floor.¡±


    "How do you be a VIP here?" Liu Wuxie asked curiously. He didn''t expect there to be so many rules in a casino.


    "You need chips worth 500,000 spirit stones to qualify."


    The hostess found it fortunate for Liu Wuxie that he was handsome. Otherwise, she wouldn¡¯t have paid him any attention. After all, he and Chen Ruoyan had suppressed their cultivation to the first level of the True Core Realm beforeing in.


    Someone at this level couldn''t possess 500,000 spirit stones.


    Liu Wuxie took out an interspatial pouch and handed it to the hostess. "Is this enough?"


    Upon scanning it with her divine sense, her expression quickly brightened. She immediately adopted a more respectful attitude.


    "That''s more than enough. Please,e with me!"


    The hostess led the two through the passageway and up a flight of stairs, at the end of which a burly man stood.


    The hostess said a few words, and the man moved out of the way. Finally, they entered the second floor, which was noticeably quieter. Nevertheless, although it had about one-third fewer gamblers, it still had a few hundred people.


    Liu Wuxie didn''t expect the gambling business in the Azure Mountain City to be so blooming. After all, the odds were stacked against gamblers, so only a few could win. This was how the Teng n rose rapidly and brought inrge fortunes daily.


    "What would you two like to y?"


    The second floor had fewer gambling options, but it still had traditional games like poker and dice. These games were easier to manipte. Moreover, once someone was hooked, it would be hard for them to stop.


    Liu Wuxie nced around, then said, "Let''s y dice!"


    A game of dice was simple. He just had to guess whether the number on the dice was big or small.

 Chapter 510 - Teng Clan鈥檚 Casino

    <h4>Chapter 510 - Teng n¡¯s Casino</h4>


    Liu Wuxie and Chen Ruoyan sat down on a dice table that still had a few empty seats left. They were ying against seven other gamblers, with the oldest being in his fifties or sixties and the youngest only in their twenties.


    Liu Wuxie nced around. The gamblers¡¯ expressions made it evident that five of them had lost to the other two.


    The dealer was an average-looking woman in her thirties with a few pockmarks on her lifeless face. ring at Liu Wuxie by the corners of her eyes, she picked up a cup and put three dice in it.


    Along with a blur of movements, she made the three dice tter loudly inside the cup.


    Liu Wuxie didn''t ce a bet on this round because he had arrived a littlete. He nned to start the bet after this game.


    With huge stacks of chips in front of them, the gamblers closed their eyes and listened to the dice in the cup to determine their numbers.


    After shaking the cup for ten breaths, the woman mmed it on the table.


    "Big or small?" she asked coldly.


    "Small!"


    "Big!"


    "Big!"


    "Small!"


    "Big!"


    "Small!"


    "Small!"


    Four people bet on small, and three bet on big. The oldest gambler bet ten thousand spirit stones, which meant he would get ten thousand spirit stones from the dealer if he won. Otherwise, the dealer would take his bet.


    Once everyone had ced their bets, the woman shouted, "You can¡¯t change your decision once you¡¯ve ced your bets!¡±


    She then waited for everyone''s hands to clear the table.


    "Open it already!" the seven gamblers yelled.


    The woman lifted the cup with her right hand, revealing three dice on the table.


    "Four, five, six, big!"


    The dealer collected the chips from the four who bet on small and paid the three who bet on big. The dealer didn''t win much this round.


    The oldest smiled, having just won this round. Meanwhile, the expressions of those who had lost turned sour.


    "So damn unlucky!" a youth yelled, then mmed his hand on the table. He seemed to have lost quite a lot.


    The woman picked up the dice cup, and the three dice vanished. A flurry of movements followed before the cup was mmed on the table again.


    "Big or small!" the dealer eximed, repeating the same line she had said every round.


    Liu Wuxie tried to use his divine sense to discern the numbers inside the cup. However, the cup was made of special materials covered in spiritual runes, making it impossible for divine senses to prate. Hence, everyone was forced to rely on their ears.


    However, what truly intrigued him was the fact that the dice were infused with a unique material that allowed the dealer to control their trajectory. This meant the woman could get whatever number she wanted.


    Liu Wuxie took out a thousand spirit stones. It wasn¡¯t much, but he had limited his cultivation to the first level of the True Core Realm. He would be thrown out if he bet a million spirit stones out of nowhere.


    "One thousand spirit stones on small!¡± he eximed.


    This time, four people bet a total of ten thousand spirit stones on big, while the other four bet a total of four thousand on small. If the dice rolled small numbers, then the dealer would take the ten thousand and pay those who had bet on small. She would make a considerable profit of six thousand spirit stones.


    "You can¡¯t change your decision once you¡¯ve ced your bets!¡± the woman instructed. She then lifted the cup.


    "One, two, three, six points, small!"


    Those who bet on big grew frustrated, especially the old man who had just won ten thousand spirit stones earlier. He lost five thousand this round.


    The woman paid Liu Wuxie one thousand spirit stones. He added it to his pile instead of putting it away.


    The dealer demonstrated impressive skills when shaking the dice. However, it would lose appeal after some time.


    Liu Wuxie''s mind wasn''t on the table, though. After all, he had long since spread his divine sense throughout the casino.


    "Big or small!" the woman shouted, bringing Liu Wuxie back to the table.


    "Small!"


    Liu Wuxie pushed two thousand spirit stones forward, leaving the dealer stunned. She had never seen someone gamble like this before.


    However, upon estimating Liu Wuxie¡¯s age, she quickly rxed. She had seen many young people ce bigger bets just because they had won a couple of rounds.


    This time, five people bet on big, and three bet on small.


    "Two, two, three, seven points, small!"


    Liu Wuxie had won two rounds in a row.


    As the third round started, the dealer told them the same things and made the same movements.


    Liu Wuxie pushed all four thousand spirit stones onto the table. "Small!"


    Failing to keep herposure, the dealer turned to Liu Wuxie for the first time. Winning three times in a row on the same bet wasn''t unheard of, but it was strange that it was happening to a neer.


    Most gamblers were on the Teng n''s registry. Hence, when Liu Wuxie came in, someone immediately searched for his file. However, they soon discovered that they had no information on him.


    Considering those in the True Core Realm couldn''t fly, everyone wondered if Liu Wuxie had entered the Azure Mountain City through an aerial profound beast.


    "Hurry up!" the gamblers urged, the woman¡¯s hesitation making them anxious.


    The moment she lifted the cup, all seven gamblers turned to Liu Wuxie.


    "One, one, two, four points, small!"


    Including the four thousand spirit stones from this round, Liu Wuxie had won a total of seven thousand spirit stones in just three rounds. He had won so many times that it was terrifying.


    The dice flew into the cup. The woman shook it for twenty breaths before mming it down.


    "Big or small!"


    She no longer sounded as calm as before. Liu Wuxie seemed to have rattled her.


    "Small!" Liu Wuxie repeated as he pushed all eight thousand spirit stones toward the dealer.


    The other gamblers exchanged looks. Soon after, they all ced their bets on small.


    A bead of sweat rolled down the dealer''s forehead. Her right index finger twitched from anxiety.


    With her taking her time, the gamblers began to feel impatient.


    "What are you waiting for? Hurry up and lift it!" one of them demanded.


    Slowly, she picked up the cup, revealing the three dice.


    "One, two, three, six points, small!"


    The youngest among them leaped into the air. Following Liu Wuxie¡¯s lead, he had bet five thousand spirit stones on this round.


    Meanwhile, the others looked disappointed. They had ced a smaller bet because they weren''t confident.


    Having doubled his stakes multiple times in a matter of minutes, Liu Wuxie now had sixteen thousand spirit stones. Considering how easy it had been, he began to see why so many people became addicted to gambling.


    A chilling air swept out from the woman as she removed her jacket, revealing undergarments. Despite her in looks, she had an impressive figure that made all the gamblers ogle her.


    However, Liu Wuxie remained expressionless. He had only ever spoken one word since he sat down, while Chen Ruoyan just sat inplete silence nearby.


    The dice flew into the cup once more like three meteors, ttering like pearls falling into a dish. This time, the shakingsted for a full thirty breaths before the cup was mmed on the table.


    "Big or small!" she said lowly with a hint of murderous intent.


    Instead of cing their bets, the seven gamblers turned to Liu Wuxie and waited for him to decide.


    Just like the previous rounds, Liu Wuxie went all-in with sixteen thousand spirit stones. "Small!"


    The others followed his lead and bet everything they had. The old man even bet twenty thousand spirit stones, not wanting to miss this opportunity.


    The dealer smiled as she watched them. Her ring finger twitched slightly, which made Liu Wuxie smile as well. Although that subtle movement could deceive everyone, it did not work on him.


    "Stop wasting our time!" the gamblersined. Having bet all their spirit stones, they couldn¡¯t help but grow impatient.


    With themotion attracting nearby gamblers, dozens of people ended up gathering around them. It was rare for someone to win four rounds in a row.


    "One, two, three, six points small!"


    The young man jumped up again. With this win, he recovered all his previous losses.


    The dealer staggered back as her eyes widened. She was confident that she had changed the dice to four, five, and six at thest moment, so why did they turn back to one, two, and three?


    The woman looked at Liu Wuxie as though she had seen a ghost. A hint of murderous intent flickered in her eyes.


    Liu Wuxie mockingly smiled at the dealer. "Can¡¯t the Teng n take a loss?"


    "Hurry up and pay! I have lost hundreds of thousands of spirit stones in the Teng n''s casino! I''m finally getting some of it back!!" the young man impatiently eximed.


    At that moment, a man in his forties walked out from a dark corner and stood behind the dealer. "Please stay calm. The Teng n has opened a casino prepared to lose money. Pay them!"


    Now, Liu Wuxie had 32,000 spirit stones.


    Recognizing the man, someone from the crowd shouted, ¡°Leopard Hand, Pei Kun!¡±


    ording to rumors, Pei Kun could already identify sounds at the age of three, and he had won every gamble on the street at five. At the age of ten, he was adopted by the Teng n, where he was trained in the art of gambling.


    Relying on his extraordinary gambling skills, Pei Kun made a fortune for the Teng n in just a few years. Now, he had this casino under his protection. Under normal circumstances, he wouldn''t have stepped in. However, the presence of an expert changed things.


    Pei Kun''s gambling skills had reached a high level, especially when shaking dice. He could get whatever number he wanted, earning him the nickname ¡°Leopard Hand.¡±


    In a game of dice, if the dealer rolled a three-of-a-kind, the dealer would win both small and big bets. Even if a gambler had guessed the correct number, the dealer would still win all the chips.


    Pei Kun''s appearance caused a stir, making even more people gather to watch.


    Taking a step forward, he switched ces with the dealer.


    "You must be new here, Young Friend. I don¡¯t remember you,¡± he then said.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s lips curved into a devilish smile. "Does the Teng n''s casino like to pry into people''s background?"


    The man before him had such wless hands that they looked even more delicate than a woman''s.


    "You have quite the luck. Why don''t we have a private match?" Pei Kun had no interest in Liu Wuxie''s background. Considering the Azure Mountain City had no cultivator in the Astral River Realm, the Teng n had nothing to be afraid of.


    No cultivator in the Astral River Realm woulde to such a deste ce.

 Chapter 511 - Turning Hostile

    <h4>Chapter 511 - Turning Hostile</h4>


    Pei Kun¡¯s suggestion meant Liu Wuxie would have to gamble against him alone. No one else could join.


    "I happen to have the same idea!" Liu Wuxie leaned back slightly, looking like an arrogant spoiled brat.


    The youngest among the gamblers stood up. He had been disregarded ever since Pei Kun appeared. "Pei Kun, why are you excluding us from the game?"


    "Young Master He, gambling for so long must have tired you out. I''ll have someone prepare wine for you, so why don''t you just spectate and enjoy the show for now?" Pei Kun politely replied.


    Liu Wuxie nced at the youth curiously.


    <i>His surname is He? </i>


    He wondered if the young man was a member of the Azure Mountain City¡¯s He n.


    The He n owned several aerial demonic beasts. Everyone had to rely on them to import goods.


    Someone brought drinks and a hostess to Young Master He, finally making him give up. The others were then cleared out, allowed only to watch from the sidelines. Now, Liu Wuxie and Pei Kun were the only ones at the table.


    "You have impressive skills. Why don''t we take turns as the dealer and guess each other''s roll?" Pei Kun proposed.


    Each person would roll the dice for the other party to guess. The one who guessed correctly would win.


    Liu Wuxie smiled mischievously. "Okay!"


    "These dice are no longer usable. Bring a new set!" Pei Kun ordered.


    Upon receiving a new set of dice and cups, he handed them to Liu Wuxie. "Please inspect them."


    "No need. I trust you."


    In truth, Liu Wuxie had already examined it with Ghost Eye. They hadn¡¯t been tampered with.


    Pei Kun nned to use his skills to defeat Liu Wuxie fair and square.


    "As the host, I''ll go first." Pei Kun grabbed the cup with his right hand and swiftly took the three dice. With a strange movement, the cup spun in the air, causing the three dice inside to collide.


    The dice shed loudly enough for the noise to echo throughout the second floor. Everyone held their breaths, fearing that they would interrupt the two.


    ying dice needed keen hearing. The slightest noise could affect their judgment.


    When the cup was about tond, Pei Kun made the cup circle Liu Wuxie before returning it to his grip.


    He ced his right hand on the table, smoothly finishing his dice shuffle.


    "As expected of the Leopard Hand! Such impressive skills!" the people eximed in admiration, filling the room with praise.


    "Please, have a guess!" Pei Kun said.


    Liu Wuxie stretched his back and shoved all 32,000 spirit stones to the table. Without hesitation, he said, "One, two, and four!"


    Pei Kun squinted, but his expression remained unchanged. He slowly opened the cup.


    "One, two, and four! The kid is right!"


    The crowd erupted into an uproar. Everyone paid attention to the dice shake earlier, and most of them guessed one, two, and three. Only Liu Wuxie managed to get it right.


    "Your ears are quite sharp!" Pei Kun said. With a nod, he made an employee pay Liu Wuxie 32,000 spirit stones, doubling his earnings. 64,000 spirit stones were already quiterge in Azure Mountain City.


    "It''s your turn now." Pei Kun handed the cup over and gestured at Liu Wuxie to proceed.


    Hundreds of eyes fell on Liu Wuxie.


    Chen Ruoyan looked worried. She wasn''t afraid of Liu Wuxie losing. Millions of spirit stones, not to mention tens of thousands, were nothing to him. Rather, what she feared was the danger that he could attract. They were in the Teng n''s territory. At this rate, they might refuse to let Liu Wuxie leave.


    Liu Wuxie''s primary objective in the Teng n''s casino was to probe the situation and uncover the truth. He wanted to learn if the rumors were true that the Teng n''s casino profited through dishonest means.


    He casually picked up the cup and began shaking it. His method wasn''t fancy like Pei Kun''s or the dealer''s; he simply shook it for a bit before cing it on the table.


    "That''s it?"


    The spectators were speechless. Even if Liu Wuxie didn''t know any dice-shaking tricks, he should at least perform. Why would he just casually shake it briefly before cing it on the table?


    Liu Wuxie had already ced the cup on the table before everyone could understand.


    "Time to guess!" Liu Wuxie gestured at Pei Kun to guess his numbers.


    Meanwhile, the crowd began to murmur among themselves. Some of the seasoned gamblers even voiced their predictions.


    "Two, two, five, nine points."


    "I''m guessing two, two, and six."


    There were various guesses, but strangely enough, everyone started their guesses with two twos. It was evident that many experts were in attendance.


    Pei Kun nced at Liu Wuxie''s spirit stones. "I¡¯ll match your 64,000 spirit stones. My guess is two, three, four, nine points!"


    Liu Wuxie shrugged. "If I told you that even I don''t know what the numbers are, would you all believe me?"


    His words shocked the crowd. Although the people thought that it had to be a joke, Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t look like he was joking around. After all, he didn¡¯t need to know the numbers. He just had to make the dice collide in the cup.


    Unlike the crowd, Pei Kun believed Liu Wuxie. After all, his eyes didn¡¯t seem to be lying.


    Liu Wuxie removed his right hand from the table and then turned to Chen Ruoyan. "You can open it for me!"


    Chen Ruoyan extended her hand to the cup and lifted it. The people then gasped, realizing they had only gotten one right.


    "Two, three, three, eight points!"


    Pei Kun had lost. Liu Wuxie''s spirit stones doubled to 128,000 spirit stones.


    His earnings made many people envious. It was rare for someone to win over a hundred thousand spirit stones from the Teng n''s casino.


    Liu Wuxie pushed the cup over to Pei Kun. "Your turn!"


    At that moment, a group surged out from the darkness and quietly closed some doors, making the spectators retreat immediately. They dared not stay on the second floor for even just another breath.


    Liu Wuxie sneered a little. Pretending not to notice them, he leisurely scanned the surroundings instead. The second floor was emptied in seconds, leaving only a few people behind.


    Pei Kun picked up the cup with a serious expression. Having a disdain for cheating, he still relied on his skills. He began shaking the cup for a full thirty breaths before mming the cup back to the ground.


    "Make your guess!" Pei Kun now looked pale. It had been many years since hest encountered a worthy opponent.


    Liu Wuxie shoved all 128,000 spirit stones over. "Four, five, and one!"


    Beads of sweat rolled down Pei Kun''s forehead and onto the table. His right arm twitched like the woman before, but it was due to the rapid contraction of his muscles.


    No one noticed this subtle movement except for Liu Wuxie.


    "Very impressive!" Pei Kun eximed. He didn¡¯t open the cup, but his words confirmed that Liu Wuxie had guessed correctly again.


    "Thank you!"


    Liu Wuxie remained calm, pretending to be unaware of the slowly approaching danger. Meanwhile, Pei Kun decided not to hand the cup and the dice over. After all, he no longer had to.


    With this victory, Liu Wuxie had won over two hundred thousand spirit stones, pushing the Teng n''s casino to its limit. Even if the casino could afford the payout, they naturally wouldn''t let someone win such arge amount.


    Two hundred thousand spirit stones were equivalent to their profit for an entire day. There was no way they would let Liu Wuxie leave with that many spirit stones.


    However, Liu Wuxie couldn''t care less about the spirit stones. After all, two hundred thousand was nothing to him. His objective was to probe the Teng n.


    A group of people emerged from the shadows, and weapons shing swiftly followed. With the second floor thrown into chaos, everyone immediately fled to the stairs in fear.


    However, unlike the others, Young Master He just kept drinking his wine with a smile, ignoring everything in the surroundings.


    Liu Wuxie''s eyes turned cold. "Is the Teng n''s casino incapable of taking a loss?"


    He didn''t expect the Teng n to already resort to violence, considering he had only won two hundred thousand spirit stones. He didn¡¯t expect its casino to umte wealth in this manner either.


    "Who sent you, brat?"


    A few other ns also operated casinos in Azure Mountain City. Hence, they mistook Liu Wuxie for another n¡¯s agent. The Teng n itself had used such tactics over the years. The Jian n, which they had crushed, was one of their victims. All of their assets had fallen into the Teng n¡¯s hands due to such underhanded strategies.


    "The Teng n is nning to resort to violence?"


    Having achieved his goal, Liu Wuxie now knew how the Teng n managed to crush the Jian n. This casino was so corrupted that everyone who came here would inevitably lose all their fortune.


    Pei Kun red at Liu Wuxie like a wolf. "Speak! Who sent you?! Tell us, and I¡¯ll reconsider taking your life!"


    It had been years since someone won against him in gambling. Not only did Liu Wuxie beat him, but he did it twice. Even the skills he was so proud of failed him.


    There was only one exnation for this. Liu Wuxie was a gambling master with skills that surpassed even Pei Kun''s.


    "No one can stop me from leaving!"


    Liu Wuxie stood up, alerting Chen Ruoyan. The people surrounding them were only in the True Core Realm. They could easily kill these weaklings with one hand.


    However, Liu Wuxie didn''t want to rm the Teng n. After all, he was nning to be discrete at least until he had investigated the Jian n¡¯s situation.


    With tension filling the floor, a fight threatened to break out.


    "You''re the only person I¡¯ve ever met who has the guts to cause the Teng n trouble. You won''t be going anywhere today!" Pei Kun growled.


    Thebatants around them pounced on Liu Wuxie and Chen Ruoyan like tigers.


    ¡°You are merely courting death!¡± Liu Wuxie was enraged and disgusted by the Teng n''s actions. He had visited many casinos in his previous life, but he had never been to one as dishonest as this one.

 Chapter 512 - Sky Yin Sect

    <h4>Chapter 512 - Sky Yin Sect</h4>


    Liu Wuxie stored away all the spirit stones that he had won and red at his opponents. He then unleashed a terrifying murderous intent, sending everyone flying.


    "You¡¯re courting death!"


    Pei Kun was enraged, but he didn''t expect Liu Wuxie to be so powerful.


    Many of the guards were in the high levels of the True Core Realm. They were so strong that they could even be outer disciples in the ten major sects.


    Pei Kun tried to strike Liu Wuxie with his palm, disying strengthparable to a cultivator in the high levels of the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    In response, Liu Wuxie roared, "Get lost!"


    His voice created a terrifying whirlwind, tearing apart all the walls on the second floor. The attack also created arge hole, which Liu Wuxie and Chen Ruoyan then used to escape. They vanished on the streets before their opponents coulde to their senses.


    "Search the entire Azure Mountain City! Use whatever means necessary to find those two!" Pei Kun ordered.


    The Teng n casino had never suffered such heavy losses before. If they pursued this matter, he knew he would have to take responsibility. To make matters worse, considering how exceptional Liu Wuxie''s gambling skills were, he could put other casinos in trouble as well. He had to find and capture him before then.


    Meanwhile, Liu Wuxie removed the mask that he was wearing, and Chen Ruoyan did the same to her veil.


    "Big Brother Liu, where are we going now?" Chen Ruoyan asked.


    She found the experience exciting, mainly because she had spent most of her time in the mundane world stuck in a pce. Even when she joined the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, she spent her days cultivating. Now that she finally got to spend time outside, she became more cheerful and smiled more.


    "Let''s just walk around," Liu Wuxie replied with low enthusiasm. Unfortunately, the game earlier couldn''t pique his interest.


    Since it was already dark, most shops had closed except for casinos. Nevertheless, he decided against heading back to the inn.


    "How is Big Sister Jian?" Chen Ruoyan asked.


    It had been several hours since Jian Xing''er left, yet they still hadn''t heard anything from her.


    "Don''t worry. She''ll be fine!" Liu Wuxie said to reassure Chen Ruoyan.


    He couldn¡¯t erase the hint of worry from his expression. However, he believed that Jian Botong wouldn''t do anything to Jian Xing''er. Even tigers didn¡¯t eat their cubs.


    While they were walking, a woman ran out of a building and let out a frantic, heart-wrenching scream. "My child! My child!"


    At the same time, a ck figure darted toward the outskirts of the city. He had a child in his arm.


    "You go back to the inn first!" Liu Wuxie instructed. He then vanished and chased after the ck figure. The culprit couldn¡¯t be a profound beast, considering he dared snatch a child so tantly in the city.


    Chen Ruoyan hesitated, but she ended up heading back to the inn as ordered. She didn''t want to cause Lui Wuxieany trouble.


    Flying like aet, Liu Wuxie swiftly caught up to the ck figure. However, although they were already close to the edges of the city by then, he still maintained a slower speed. After all, he didn''t want to rm the Teng n.


    Soon, the ck figure exited the city and dashed into the Azure Mountains. Upon reaching a hillside, he slowed down and put the child down. He didn¡¯t seem to have noticed that someone was tailing him.


    Concerned that a fight would hurt the child, Liu Wuxie had been stopping himself from making a move. However, the moment the ck figure ced the child down, Liu Wuxie vanished and struck him with his palm. The attack caught his target by surprise, sting him five meters away.


    Liu Wuxie picked up the child, who seemed to only be two or three years old.


    Meanwhile, the ck figure stood back up. ring at Liu Wuxie, he took out a longsword with a chilling luster from his interspatial pouch and pointed it at Liu Wuxie. "Who are you?!"


    Considering the man was only in the True Core Realm, Liu Wuxie could easily kill him with one finger. However, he refrained from doing so since he wanted to know why the man had kidnapped the child.


    "I should be the one asking that," Liu Wuxie countered.


    Due to how remote the Azure Mountain City was, its people suffered from poverty and scarce resources. Hence, it naturally created many bandits. Still, he had only heard of bandits plundering money. Kidnapping children was unprecedented even for them.


    "How dare you ruin the Sky Yin Sect''s ns!" the ck figure shouted, unknowingly revealing his identity as a sect disciple.


    It wasn''t hard to tell from the name of his sect that it was a demonic cult, not a righteous sect.


    Liu Wuxie frowned. Although it was only a coincidence that he had encountered this man, he couldn¡¯t help but wonder if there were others like him.


    "How many children have you all captured, and where have you taken them?" he asked.


    "You talk too much! Die!"


    The ck figure swung his sword down at Liu Wuxie with lightning speed. In response, Liu Wuxie pointed at him with his finger and froze his limbs with a cold ray, leaving only his head free from the ice.


    He then slowly approached the ck figure, who now looked so afraid that he had turned deathly pale. The man hadn''t seen such a technique before.


    "Where''s the Sky Yin Sect? Why are you kidnapping children?" Liu Wuxie coldly asked. Right after, the child in his arms opened his eyes wide and looked around in confusion.


    "You won¡¯t get anything from me!"


    The ck figure shed a sinister smile. Right after, ck blood dripped from his lips.


    "Did you just poison yourself?"


    Liu Wuxie wanted to stop him, but it was already toote. Not even he could have expected the man to have poison hidden in his mouth. The ruthlessness of it all made him wonder what the Sky Yin Sect was.


    With the ck figure dead, Liu Wuxie had no choice but to return. He followed the same path back to the city and eventually found the woman from earlier still weeping on the street. When he approached her, the woman raised her head. Seeing her child, she immediately leaped forward and took the baby.


    "My child..."


    The woman pressed her face on the child''s face. Perhaps it was because of her smell, but the baby smiled.


    "Thank you!" she said.


    "Do you know why that person kidnapped your child?" Liu Wuxie asked in hopes of getting clues that he failed to get from the ck figure.


    "The Sky Yin Sect is behind it. They''ve kidnapped many children over the years."


    The woman gritted her teeth. This certainly didn¡¯t seem to be the first time that they had kidnapped children from the city.


    "Why are this city¡¯s prominent ns allowing the Sky Yin Sect to kidnap children?" Liu Wuxie prodded, now a little enraged.


    He wasn''t benevolent, but even he couldn''t be so heartless. Kidnapping children was against all morals and the heavens.


    The woman lulled her child to sleep. Afterward, she sighed and sat down on the door''s threshold.


    "They''re all the same. They''re all bloodsuckers. The only difference is that the Sky Yin Sectmits crimes openly while the others do it in the dark."


    Since Liu Wuxie had time to spare, he saw this as an opportunity to learn more about the city. Since the woman was one of its natives, she had to be familiar with its situation. Hence, Liu Wuxie believed he could get something useful from her.


    At that moment, Liu Wuxie also realized that the cultivation world didn''t have a proper system ofws. This ce allowed the strong to prey on the weak.


    Prominent ns needed constant resources to survive. Since they couldn''t exploit their kin, they decided to exploit the city''smoners instead. To that end, they monopolized almost the entire market in the city, allowing them to determine the prices of goods.


    "Do you have any more information on the Sky Yin Sect?" Liu Wuxie asked. However, he already had a rough understanding of this city¡¯s prominent ns even if the woman failed to provide her with more intel.


    The ten major sects were no different. They constantly absorbed talents and geniuses in the cultivation world, creating a siphoning effect that prevented any new forces from rising. This system allowed them to dominate a territory spanning hundreds of miles.


    "They''re a bunch of inhumane beasts!" The woman shouted as she trembled in anger. Her voice startled the child in her embrace into crying.


    Liu Wuxie waited for her to continue.


    "A man called the Sky Yin Ancestor came to the city three decades ago and established the Sky Yin Sect in a valley within the Azure Mountains. They then recruited disciples, allowing them to swiftly expand in just a few years. Even the city¡¯s prominent ns in the city couldn''t do anything to stop them."


    The Sky Yin Sect was rtively restrained in its first few years. However, they had since gradually extended their reach to the city.


    "Why are they kidnapping children?" Liu Wuxie asked with a frown. He could understand the Sky Yin Sect recruiting disciples to expand, but why were they kidnapping children?


    "The Sky Yin Ancestor likes to eat infants. Kidnapped infants were roasted for him to eat."


    The woman caressed her child, who would have be food for the Sky Yin Ancestor if not for Liu Wuxie''s intervention.


    A surge of murderous intent swept out from Liu Wuxie. Eating humans wasn''t unheard of, but this was the first time he had heard of someone eating infants.


    "The Sky Yin Ancestor has eaten a few hundred infants in the past few years. Mothers like us can only hide our children and make sure no one else knows about them. Fortunately, we only have to hide them until they reach the age of three because the Sky Yin Ancestor doesn''t like children that old.¡±


    Eating hundreds of infants in just a few years was madness. However, the Sky Yin Sect''s disciples were cautious. They only captured children from ordinary families, never from prominent ns.


    After all, they knew that ordinary people wouldn''t be able to do anything about it even if they were furious.


    Liu Wuxie felt a heavy heart like a stone pressing down on his chest, making it hard to breathe. He did his best to calm his inner anger, but his eyes flickered with murderous intent.


    "It¡¯s gettingte, Young master. Thank you for saving my child!¡± the woman eximed. She then carried her child back to her house.


    In just a few months, her child would be three years old, and she wouldn''t have to worry about the Sky Yin Sect anymore.


    Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t even remember how he returned to the inn. Upon seeing him, though, Chen Ruoyan rushed over to him.


    "What happened, Big Brother Liu?¡± Chen Ruoyan asked. ¡°Why do you look so upset?"


    "I''m fine," Liu Wuxie replied dismissively.


    He had no intentions of telling Chen Ruoyan something so disgusting. With her temperament, she would probably erupt in anger if she heard about it.

 Chapter 513 - Six Desires Powder

    <h4>Chapter 513 - Six Desires Powder</h4>


    When Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t say anything, Chen Ruoyan didn¡¯t press him any further. Instead, she just sat quietly beside Liu Wuxie.


    The night deepened, yet neither of them spoke. Still, Chen Ruoyan didn¡¯t return to her room.


    Soon, three men in ck outfits approached the inn. Their footsteps outside could faintly be heard.


    The trio stopped right by a corner.


    ¡°This is the inn,¡± the man on the right whispered.


    ¡°Is the woman as beautiful as you described her to be, Third Brother?¡± the man in the middle removed his mask, revealing a hideous face. A long, centipede-like scar stretched from the left side of his forehead to his lips.


    ¡°Yes, Big Brother. I¡¯ve been watching them! She is the most beautiful woman I¡¯ve ever seen. We¡¯re in for a treat tonight!¡± the man on the right replied, patting his chest confidently.


    As Liu Wuxie and Chen Ruoyan were checking into the inn, one of them quickly noticed Chen Ruoyan¡¯s beauty and started stalking her. She was simply far too beautiful not to attract any attention.


    ¡°Did you bring it?¡± the man in the middle asked.


    ¡°Yeah. Right here.¡±


    The two others each took out a bamboo tube with a mysterious object inside.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡±


    With the bamboo tubes still in their hands, the three flipped over the wall and entered the inn. Following the information that they had gathered while scouting Liu Wuxi and Ruoyan earlier in the day, the three headed to the courtyard where their targets¡¯ rooms were.


    Eventually, they found one brightly lit room, with two silhouettes visible on the window frame.


    ¡°They¡¯re together!¡±


    They stealthily and slowly moved along the wall. When they reached Liu Wuxie¡¯s window, one wet his finger and gently poked through the paper covering the window, creating a small hole the size of a fingernail. The man on the left inserted the bamboo tube into the hole and gently blew on it, releasing a faint cloud of smoke into the room.


    Their quiet movements made it difficult for most people to notice them.


    Liu Wuxie would¡¯ve normally detected their presence as soon as they entered the courtyard, but the words of the woman from earlier had him thinking deeply. Combined with the suppressed anger in his chest, he forgot to pay attention to his surroundings.


    After some time, the mysterious tree in his dantian stirred, making him finally notice that something wasn¡¯t right.


    ¡°Hold your breath!¡±


    Unfortunately, he was already a step toote. He didn¡¯t expect people would try to poison them in the middle of the night.


    Chen Ruoyan identally inhaled some of the faint red mist spreading into the room, making her face flush. Quickly losing her strength, she copsed into Liu Wuxie¡¯s embrace.


    Fortunately, Liu Wuxie was practically immune to all poison due to the Sky-Devouring Divine Cauldron.


    Scanning the area with his divine sense, Liu Wuxie detected people outside the window. He gentlyid Chen Ruoyan on the table, then shouted, ¡°You¡¯re courting death!¡±


    Despite knowing that it was taboo for cultivators to let their guard down, the two still got distracted. Liu Wuxie, an Immortal Emperor in his past life, couldn¡¯t believe he made such a rookie mistake.


    However, perhaps the Azure Mountain City¡¯s remoteness and its strongest expert being a Heavenly Phase Realm cultivator were to me. Coupled with the conversation he had with the mother earlier, he inevitably left himself vulnerable.


    In a sh, Liu Wuxie headed outside and stood before the three men, whose expressions darkened upon seeing him.


    ¡°Y-You¡¯re fine?!¡±


    ¡°Hand the antidote over!¡± Liu Wuxie demanded.


    Chen Ruoyan was likely unconscious due to poison. If it wasn¡¯t neutralized soon, she could be in danger.


    ¡°Big Brother, that brat¡¯s extraordinary! Our Six Desires Powder didn¡¯t even affect him! Let¡¯s kill him and go in to have some fun!¡± the man on the right eximed. He then took out a longsword from his interspatial pouch and prepared to attack Liu Wuxie with the others.


    Liu Wuxie frowned. ¡°The Six Desires Powder, huh?¡±


    Thanks to his alchemy knowledge, he quickly identified what it was: a potent aphrodisiac that made those who had inhaled it go into heat. The victim would be burned to death from the inside out if they didn¡¯t have intercourse.


    ¡°Die!¡±


    Refusing to waste what little time he had left, Liu Wuxie struck down with his palm, crushing the two men on either side before they could respond. He was already in a foul mood, and these people just had to barge into the courtyard and mess with him.


    After killing the two, Liu Wuxie lifted the man in the middle off the ground, imobilizing him before he could even respond.


    ¡°The antidote!¡± Liu Wuxie shouted. His gelid voice bit and pierced into the man¡¯s chest, making him shiver in fear.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have it!¡± the man stammered. The Six Desires Powder didn¡¯t have an antidote in the first ce.


    Refusing to believe him, Liu Wuxie invaded the man¡¯s soul sea and performed a soul search for the first time in this lifetime.


    He only ever used this nasty method whenever he was extremely furious. After all, it subjected the victim to unbearable pain. To make things worse, with their soul destroyed, they could no longer reincarnate.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s divine sense manifested into a small figure and entered the man¡¯s soul sea to search for his memories. However, he failed to find any information about an antidote for the Six Desires Powder.


    The man screamed in misery and pain as Liu Wuxie¡¯s primordial spirit tore apart his soul sea. Physical pain could be endured, but having one¡¯s soul searched was worse than death.


    Coming up empty-handed, Liu Wuxie left the soul sea. By then, the man was already dead. His agony was evident in his expression, and blood dripped from his eyes, ears, nose, and mouth.


    Liu Wuxie threw the corpse aside and returned to the room. Chen Ruoyan, who had already woken up, was writing and slowly stripping off her clothes until she only had her undergarments on.


    Her perfect figure¡ªwhich was by no means inferior to Xu Lingxue¡¯s¡ªwasid bare before Liu Wuxie. However, since one¡¯s beauty increased with their cultivation, and it had been a year since they hadst met, Xu Lingxue had to beparable to a fairy by now.


    Chen Ruoyan¡¯s gaze fell on Liu Wuxie. She slowly walked over and threw herself in his arms. Although her mind was clear, she couldn¡¯t control her body.


    ¡°I feel so hot!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll help you deal with the poison!¡±


    Liu Wuxie wrapped a coat around Chen Ruoyan and injected his true essence into her to help her expel the Six Desires Powder. However, nothing he tried worked since it wasn¡¯t poison.


    Once inhaled, its victim would go in heat, rendering them powerless.


    Chen Ruoyan clung onto Liu Wuxie like a snake, the coat that Liu Wuxie had put on her falling to the ground.


    ¡°Big Brother Liu!¡±


    She leaned closer to him.


    Chen Ruoyan had wrapped herself around him like an octopus, preventing him from moving. In this situation, Chen Ruoyan would die if he failed to make up his mind.


    Flustered, Liu Wuxie shouted, ¡°No, it wouldn¡¯t be fair for you!¡±


    He was inexperienced in romance and still a youth at heart. It would be unfair to Chen Ruoyan if he took her innocence like that.


    ¡°I can¡¯t take it anymore!¡± Chen Ruoyan slurred.


    Now fully naked, she clung onto Liu Wuxie even more tightly. Liu Wuxie¡¯s body naturally reacted to her tender skin, but he quickly calmed himself down through sheer will.


    ¡°What should I do?¡±


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s mind raced. He couldn¡¯t and didn¡¯t want to tarnish Chen Ruoyan¡¯s reputation. Before they could do the deed, they had to be married first.


    ¡°That¡¯s right! Cold water!¡±


    He should be able to help her cool down with ice. Hence, he immediately used Frost Finger to create an ice tub and then carried Chen Ruoyan inside.


    She sat in the ice tub naked with Liu Wuxie behind her, channeling his true essence into her body to stabilize her pulse. He was ready to help if anything went wrong.


    Cold energy entered Chen Ruoyan, rapidly decreasing her temperature. Eventually, her mind became clearer as well¡ªenough for her to realize what she had just done.


    Now, she couldn¡¯t help but wish to find a hole for her to crawl into.


    ¡°Ruoyan, I¡¯ll teach you the Heart-Calming Mantra!¡±


    Liu Wuxie sent a golden ray into Chen Ruoyan¡¯s soul sea. Whenever he became irritated or had a massive stir in his emotions, he would always use the Heart-Calming Mantra.


    Thanks to it, Chen Ruoyan gradually recovered her senses. She had even forgotten what happened earlier because she felt like she was floating on clouds.


    As the night deepened, the redness of Chen Ruoyan¡¯s face gradually resided, perhaps due to thebination of the Heart-Calming Mantra and the cold energy. Eventually, she entered a state of selflessness.


    Liu Wuxie draped a coat on her so she could sit in the ice tub alone. Afterward, he left the room, sat outside, and suppressed his impure thoughts. He didn¡¯t want her to feel awkward when she woke up.


    The Six Desires Powder was a potent aphrodisiac. If they had done the deed, it would have be a potent poison capable of killing someone in the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    This incident served as a reminder for Liu Wuxie not to lower his guard regardless of the situation. It would have been humiliating if some weak cultivator managed to kill him in a ce like this due to his carelessness.


    The thought alone made cold sweat drip down his forehead.


    When the sun rose, Chen Ruoyan emerged from the room dressed in a new outfit. A hint of embarrassment shed when she saw Liu Wuxie, who was still sitting outside.


    Remembering what happenedst night, her cheeks turned red. She lowered her head and kneaded the hem of her clothes anxiously.


    As a reserved woman, the incident yesterday made her feel like a slut. She would heat up involuntarily whenever she thought of it.


    ¡°Are you alright now?¡± Liu Wuxie asked calmly and with genuine concern.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Chen Ruoyan replied softly, but she did not dare raise her head. After all, he had just seen her entire bodyst night.


    Liu Wuxie smiled awkwardly. ¡°That¡¯s good, then!¡±

 Chapter 514 - Wedding Banquet

    <h4>Chapter 514 - Wedding Banquet</h4>


    Chen Ruoyan and Liu Wuxie were young and knew little about romance. Hence, they couldn¡¯t help but feel awkward after what had happenedst night.


    After taking a deep breath, Chen Ruoyan finally raised her head.


    "Big Brother Liu, have you heard from Big Sister Jian yet?" she asked. It had been almost an entire day since they hadst heard from her.


    Liu Wuxie frowned. He took out a Communication Talisman and crushed it to transmit a message. However, even after five minutes, he still failed to get any response.


    Chen Ruoyan suddenly had an ominous feeling. "Could she be in danger?"


    Liu Wuxie frowned even deeper. It made no sense for Jian Xing''er not to respond unless she no longer had the Communication Talisman.


    Just to be safe, Liu Wuxie decided to investigate.


    "Let''s pay the Jian n a visit."


    If anything bad happened to Jian Xing''er, he wouldn¡¯t even think twice about erasing the entire Jian n from the world.


    The two quickly left the inn and inquired about directions to the Jian n. After following it, they stopped again to ask a middle-aged man for more information.


    "Are you two attending the Jian n''s wedding banquet too?" the middle-aged man asked in return, seemingly mistaking them as guests of a wedding banquet.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s brows furrowed. "Wedding banquet?"


    "Isn''t the Jian n on the verge of decline? Why would they have a wedding banquet now?" Chen Ruoyan prodded.


    They had learned from Jian Xing''er that the Jian n was struggling financially. Hence, they couldn¡¯t help but feel that something was off with the information they had just gotten.


    "You don''t know? The Jian n is marrying off their daughter today!" the middle-aged man eximed. He seemed surprised that Liu Wuxie and Chen Ruoyan didn''t know about such a big event when word about it had been spreading sincest night.


    Although the Jian n wasn''t prominent in the city, they couldn''t be underestimated.


    "Marrying their daughter?" Chen Ruoyan exchanged a look with Liu Wuxie. A foreboding feeling wed into their hearts.


    Jian Xing''er had mentioned that she was the only daughter of the Jian n.


    "Thank you!"


    The two swiftly vanished. They headed straight for the Jian n to prevent Jian Xing''er from falling into a hellhole. Upon reaching it, they quickly noticed the rednterns decorating the Jian n¡¯s entrance for the celebration and therge number of guests entering its premises one after another.


    Even the Azure Mountain City''s merchants and shop owners came to offer their congrattions and gifts.


    "Congrattions, Patriarch Jian!"


    Standing at the entrance with a red flower on his chest, Jian Botong greeted everyone who came to attend. "Thank you! Thank you!"


    After exchanging pleasantries, the guests followed the path into the Jian n''s main hall. As they walked, some of the merchants began having a discussion among themselves.


    "The Jian n is lucky to have such a beautiful daughter to offer in a marriage alliance with the Teng n. They''ll be thriving again in just a few days."


    "I heard that the Jian n owes the Teng n a huge debt. They''re not marrying their daughter off; they''re selling her!"


    Many people looked down on the Jian n. However, they maintained smiles because the Jian n had now secured the Teng n as a powerful backer.


    Jian Botong could naturally hear the gossip, but he pretended not to hear them. The main hall was bustling, and he was already too busy entertaining their guests.


    "Patriarch, the groom''s party is almost here." A disciple donned in the Jian n''s uniform hurried over from the street to inform that the Jian n would soon be here.


    "Prepare the fireworks!" he ordered.


    Soon, fireworks were set off from both sides of the entrance to wee the groom''s party.


    Apanied by hundreds of people, drums, and gongs, Teng Zijun rode a majestic horse in his grand march toward the Jian ng. The closer they got, the more fireworks were set off from all over the city.


    Teng Zijun dismounted his horse and walked toward the Jian n. He then bowed deeply to Jian Botong.


    "Greetings, Father-in-Law!"


    "There''s no need for such formalities, Son-in-Law. Please,e in!" Jian Botong swiftly replied. He wanted to marry his daughter off to Teng Zijun as soon as possible while issues still hadn¡¯t arisen.


    As the group entered the main hall, more fireworks were set off. Everyone in the hall stood up and cupped their fists together to congratte Teng Zijun, who returned the greetings with equal courtesy.


    Once everyone had arrived, Jian Botong sat on the main seat with a middle-aged woman beside him, likely the stepmother whom Jian Xing''er had mentioned. A decent-looking young man, perhaps only around seventeen or eighteen years old, was right beside them, nervously looking around.


    "Finally, the auspicious time has arrived! Wee the bride!"


    Gongs and drums rang as several women led the bride down the aisle.


    When they reached the center, the bride and groom stood together to begin the wedding rites. Once they had paid their respect to the heavens and earth, they would be considered a married couple.


    "Bow to the heavens and earth!" the host yelled.


    The bride and groom turned to the entrance of the main hall and kowtowed.


    "Now, bow to your parents!"


    The two stood up and turned back around.


    At that moment, the bride hesitated. Once she kowtowed, she would no longer be able to turn back.


    Teng Zijun was the first to kowtow. The final bow between husband and wife was just a formality. The ceremony would bepleted once the couple had paid their respects to their parents.


    When the bride remained unmoving, two women stepped forward and whispered something to the bride''s ears, prompting her to kneel.


    "Hold on!"


    A cold voice echoed from outside the main hall. Liu Wuxie and Chen Ruoyan had arrived just moments before Jian Xing''er could be Teng Zijun''s wife.


    Everyone turned toward the two only to be shocked by Chen Ruoyan. They couldn¡¯t believe such a beauty could exist in this world.


    Jian Xing''er was already beautiful, but Chen Ruoyan had surpassed her in temperament. Even Teng Zijun¡¯s expression shed a hint of greed when he saw Chen Ruoyan.


    "Liu Wuxie? What are you doing here?!" Jian Botong roared. Having met Liu Wuxie once, he recognized him immediately.


    Teng Zijun also recognized him. However, he mainly focused on Chen Ruoyan.


    Enraged, Liu Wuxie slowly walked into the main hall. "You know exactly why I¡¯m here."


    The bride trembled, but the veil she wore hid her facial expression.


    No one dared to stop Liu Wuxie and let him enter the main hall.


    Chen Ruoyan grabbed Jian Xing''er''s hand. "Don''t worry, Big Sister Jian. We''re here to save you!"


    Jian Xing''er stiffened at the touch. Tears streamed down her cheeks and dropped on her shoes.


    Jian Botong mmed his hand on the armrest and shot up on his feet in anger. "Liu Wuxie, you¡¯re trespassing into the Jian n¡¯s premises! Who do you think you are to disrupt this wedding banquet? You''re wee to attend the wedding, but if you¡¯re here to cause trouble, know that the Jian n doesn''t fear you!"


    With the Teng n supporting him, Jian Botong felt that he had nothing to fear. It did not matter that Liu Wuxie was a disciple of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. They were at the Azure Mountain City! Not even the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s sect master could interfere with this wedding banquet!


    "You¡¯d be long dead if only you weren¡¯t her father. You imprisoned your daughter, and now you¡¯re forcing her to marry someone she doesn''t love! You do not deserve her!" Liu Wuxie growled, showing not even an ounce of respect for Jian Botong.


    He had been suppressing his anger and murderous intent since yesterday. The only way he could vent now was by spilling blood. However, they were faced with Jian Xing''er''s n. He had to endure it even if he had ten thousand reasons to kill.


    Teng Zijun released his Heavenly Dipper Realm aura in an attempt to crush Liu Wuxie. "You''re too arrogant, Liu Wuxie. What makes you think you can do whatever you want just because you''re a disciple of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion? This is my wedding! If you don¡¯t leave now, don¡¯t me me for being impolite!"


    He had always wanted to kill Liu Wuxie, but he had not expected him to walk right into his hands today.


    "Get lost!" With a wave of his hand, Liu Wuxie created a gust of wind, sting Teng Zijun into a pir in the hall.


    As everyone in the hall was thrown around and backed into a corner, several experts from Teng Zijun¡¯s party charged toward Liu Wuxie. One of them had reached the Heavenly Phase Realm, while two were at the pinnacle of the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    "You are courting death, you brat! How dare you harm our young master!"


    Waves of terrifying energy swept out, sting the tables to the side. Since Chen Ruoyan''s cultivation was only in the Heavenly Dipper Realm, she had no choice but to step back.


    "Die!" Liu Wuxie roared as his murderous intent surged. He knew he couldn''t intimidate these people unless he took a few lives today.


    He tapped the three men with his finger, freezing them into ice sculptures. Not even a cultivator in the Heavenly Phase Realm could withstand one of his attacks.


    Shocked by his strength, the crowd erupted into an uproar. Meanwhile, Jian Botong turned pale with fright and fell into the chair.


    Trembling in fear, the youth beside Jian Botong and the middle-aged woman threw himself into his mother''s arms. "Mother, I''m scared!"


    The middle-aged woman beside Jian Botong stood up and started cursing Jian Xing''er.


    "I already said she''s bad luck! Today should have been a festive asion for the Jian n, but she brought nothing but trouble instead!"


    At that moment, Chen Ruoyan pped the middle-aged woman so hard that it echoed and left a handprint on her cheek.


    Liu Wuxie wouldn''t hit women, but the same could not be said for Chen Ruoyan.


    "Y-You dared hit me?!" the middle-aged woman stammered in shock.


    "You deserve to die for abusing Big Sister Jian."


    Chen Ruoyan knew what the Jian n had put Jian Xing''er through. This was the vicious woman who nearly killed Jian Xing''er when she was young and only gave her rotten leftovers to eat. She was also the one who forced Jian Xing''er to leave the Azure Mountain City.


    With the Teng n''s people subdued, Jian Botong no longer dared to make a scene. After all, if not even a cultivator in the Heavenly Phase Realm could stop Liu Wuxie, then no one could.


    Although he was the Jian n¡¯s strongest, his cultivation was only in the upper levels of the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    Liu Wuxie walked over to Jian Xing''er. She no longer needed to stay in the Jian n.


    "Come with me," he softly said.


    However, at that moment, Jian Botongughed, catching everyone by surprise.


    "Did you think I forced her, Liu Wuxie? She agreed to the wedding on her own ord!" he eximed, confusing everyone.

 Chapter 515 - Vicious Father

    <h4>Chapter 515 - Vicious Father</h4>


    Liu Wuxie and Chen Ruoyan were stunned to hear that Jian Xing¡¯er had voluntarily agreed to marry into the Teng n¡ªit just didn¡¯t add up. After all, she had made it clear that she intended to sever ties with the Jian n once she resolved her family matters. That¡¯s why her sudden change of heart within a single day left them both in shock.


    ¡°That¡¯s impossible! Sister Jian wouldn¡¯t marry into the Teng n!¡± Chen Ruoyan eximed, lifting Jian Xing¡¯er¡¯s veil, revealing her tear-streaked face.


    Seeing Jian Xing¡¯er weeping filled Liu Wuxie with guilt. He couldn¡¯t shake the thought that things might have turned out differently if he had apanied her back to the Jian n yesterday.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t believe me, ask her yourself,¡± Jian Botong interrupted. ¡°Ask her if she married into the Teng n of her own free will. Since you¡¯re her fellow disciples, why not sit down and talk it over?¡±


    All eyes turned to Jian Xing¡¯er, waiting for her answer. If she had indeed chosen this path on her own, Liu Wuxie had no right to interfere. After all, it was her decision, and no one had the authority to challenge it.


    ¡°Sister Jian, speak up!¡± Chen Ruoyan clutched Jian Xing¡¯er¡¯s hand anxiously. She wanted thetter to tell everyone that she had been forced into this marriage.


    Jian Xing¡¯er bit her lip with a flicker of resolve in her eyes. She said, ¡°That¡¯s right. I willingly married into the Teng n.¡±


    Her response shocked everyone, including the guests; they knew Jian Xing¡¯er was coerced into the marriage. Everyone knew who Teng Zijun was¡ªa notorious yboy in the Teng n. On the contrary, Jian Xing¡¯er was an inner disciple of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, so how could she marry someone like Teng Zijun?


    ¡°Hear that? She was a willing party in this marriage, and I didn¡¯t force her into it. Liu Wuxie, what do you have to say now?¡± A smug smile crept across Teng Zijun¡¯s face.


    Liu Wuxie stared at Jian Xing¡¯er, and thetter didn¡¯t dare to look him straight in the eyes. She could only lower her head with tears falling onto her shoes.


    This made Liu Wuxie wonder what had happenedst night for Jian Xing¡¯er to change her mind suddenly.


    ¡°Sister Jian, are you out of your mind? You said you wanted to travel the world with Brother Liu when we left! Have you forgotten that so quickly?¡± Chen Ruoyan couldn¡¯t believe that Jian Xing¡¯er had done this willingly. She was convinced Jian Xing¡¯er had been forced into it.


    ¡°You two leave!¡± Jian Xing¡¯er raised her head and gently wiped her tears away, asking Liu Wuxie and Chen Ruoyan to leave Azure Mountain City.


    A sinister smile crept across Teng Zijun¡¯s face¡ªhe was certain that Jian Xing¡¯er would be his by the end of the day. In terms of beauty, she was every bit as striking as Chen Ruoyan, though each possessed their own unique charm.


    ¡°Sister Jian, is something wrong? You can tell us. Brother Liu is here¡ªhe¡¯ll stand up for you!¡± Chen Ruoyan pressed, her voice filled with concern.¡±


    Liu Wuxie remained silent. If he took Jian Xing¡¯er by force, it would be seen as kidnapping a bride, and he¡¯d be bound to her for the rest of his life. Their rtionship was ambiguous, a delicate bnce they had never fully addressed. Taking action now would cross that line, changing everything. That¡¯s why he left it to Chen Ruoyan to speak for them.


    Jian Xing¡¯er fell silent, which made Jian Botong grow increasingly nervous. He wanted to speak up several times, but he held back. Even so, Liu Wuxie captured his actions, which made him certain that Jian Xing¡¯er was forced into this marriage.


    The surrounding Jian n disciples became nervous. Anyone could tell that the Jian n was facing a crisis, which could only be resolved if Jian Xing¡¯er married into the Teng n.


    Logically, Jian Xing¡¯er should have been fully aware of the current state of the Jian n. There was no need for her to sacrifice herself to save them, which meant something must have happenedst night that Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t know about¡ªsomething that had made her change her mind.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you two hear that? Leave and don¡¯t ruin the Jian n¡¯s happy asion!¡± Jian Botong stepped away to chase Liu Wuxie and Chen Ruoyan away.


    Liu Wuxie executed Ghost Eye as his divine sense began to spread out in the Jian n like mercury, scanning through every corner. A cruel, murderous intent suddenly appeared on Liu Wuxie¡¯s face, and a smile rose on the corner of his lips.


    ¡°A happy asion?¡± Liu Wuxie sneered, ¡°It should be more like a funeral instead.¡±


    Bone-chilling cold instantly spread throughout the hall, making everyone tremble. Liu Wuxie¡¯s true essence contained ice-attribute energy that covered the pirs on both sides with ayer of frost.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, what nonsense are you spouting?!¡± Jian Botong shouted, his voice sharp with panic. He pointed an using finger at Liu Wuxie, his face flushed as though he had been caught off guard.


    Everyone stared at Liu Wuxie in confusion, unable to grasp his meaning. This was supposed to be a joyous asion¡ªwhat did he mean by calling it a funeral?


    The middle-aged woman, whom Chen Ruoyan had pped earlier, stood from her chair, her expression tinged with wariness.


    ¡°You really don¡¯t understand?¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s voice grew even colder, his murderous intent intensifying. It materialized as a dark, towering figure behind him, like a demon god. The oppressive aura caused many of the weaker-willed onlookers to crumble to the ground in fear.


    ¡°Get them out of here! The Jian n won¡¯t tolerate this nonsense from an outsider!¡± Jian Botong shouted angrily. A group of men rushed out from both sides of the hall, prepared to force Liu Wuxie out.


    However, as they neared, their steps faltered. They hesitated, stopping three meters away, gripping their wooden rods and bats tightly, too afraid to approach any closer.


    ¡°Since this concerns Senior Sister Jian, I won¡¯t just stand by. All those who are unrted leave this ce at once, or don¡¯t me me for being ruthless!¡± Liu Wuxie had pieced the truth together, and a powerful aura swept out from him that disintegrated all the tables and chairs into dust.


    All the guests who came to attend the wedding banquet fled in fear, not daring to linger for another moment.


    ¡°Young master! Young master!¡± Teng Zijun copsed against the pir, his face smeared with blood after being struck by flying debris from shattered tables and chairs.


    Teng Zijun¡¯s guards ran over to help him up and retreated to a safe distance. The main hall was cleared out in just a few breaths, leaving behind a scene of destruction.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, stop!¡± Jian Botong, looking like a madman, charged at Liu Wuxie. Even though he knew he wasn¡¯t a match for him, he couldn¡¯t stand by and let Liu Wuxie destroy the Jian n, especially with the marriage about to be finalized.


    ¡°You¡¯re the one who should stop!¡± Liu Wuxie shouted. Despite Jian Botong being Jian Xing¡¯er¡¯s father, Liu Wuxie showed no respect. With a single p, he sent Jian Botong flying through the air, crashing to the ground in a heap, coughing up blood.


    The guards watched in silence, frozen with fear. If even their patriarch wasn¡¯t a match for Liu Wuxie, they knew stepping forward would only mean certain death.


    ¡°Xing¡¯er, do you want to see the Jian n destroyed?! Make them leave at this instance!¡± Jian Botong knew he wasn¡¯t Liu Wuxie¡¯s match and could only yell at Jian Xing¡¯er. As long as Liu Wuxie left, the marriage could proceed as nned.


    ¡°Stop wasting your energy. You ckmailed Senior Sister Jian with the n¡¯s survival¡ªhow pathetic!¡± Liu Wuxieughed coldly as he strode forward. Grabbing Jian Botong by the neck with one hand, he lifted him effortlessly, ready to end his life with just a bit more pressure.


    ¡°Let go of my husband!¡± the middle-aged woman cried as she ran over, demanding that Liu Wuxie release Jian Botong.


    ¡°Get lost!¡± Liu Wuxie roared, sending her flying with a single strike.


    ¡°Mother!¡± The young man rushed to her side, ring at Liu Wuxie with hatred.


    ¡°If you weren¡¯t Senior Sister Jian¡¯s father, you¡¯d have died ten thousand times over by now,¡± Liu Wuxie growled, his gaze like sharp des piercing Jian Botong. With a swift movement, he mmed Jian Botong to the ground at Jian Xing¡¯er¡¯s feet.


    Jian Xing¡¯er didn¡¯t intervene. She harbored no love for her n or her father. Jian Botong had been willing to sell his own daughter and sacrifice his people for the n¡¯s benefit, hardening her heart against him long ago.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, how dare you interfere in family affairs using brute strength! There¡¯s no one more shameless than you!¡± Jian Botong spat, struggling to stand. He pointed usingly at Liu Wuxie, furious. No matter what he had done, he believed it had been for the n¡¯s survival, and Liu Wuxie¡¯s involvement was unjustifiable in his eyes.


    Liu Wuxie stared at Jian Botong with the cold indifference one might reserve for a dead man, then shifted his gaze to Jian Xing¡¯er. He didn¡¯t want to wound her any further, but his voice was strained as he spoke. "Go to the dungeon and see for yourself. They¡¯re already dead. You don¡¯t have to carry this burden anymore."


    Jian Xing¡¯er copsed to the ground at his words, nearly falling face-first, but Chen Ruoyan caught her just in time.


    ¡°They¡¯re dead... they¡¯re really gone...¡± Jian Xing¡¯er sobbed in Chen Ruoyan¡¯s arms, her body trembling with grief. Chen Ruoyan, utterly confused, had no idea who Jian Xing¡¯er was mourning.


    ¡°Big Brother Liu, who¡¯s dead?¡± Chen Ruoyan turned to look at Liu Wuxie.


    Outside the main hall, many guests who hadn¡¯t gone far had gathered, listening intently to the exchange, their curiosity piqued.


    "Senior Sister Jian, were those thest close rtives you had left?" Liu Wuxie asked, still unsure.


    "They were my second uncle and aunt. Without them, I would have starved," Jian Xing¡¯er said, her tears finally stopping. She knew that Liu Wuxie, with his mysterious abilities, had likely uncovered the shifts within the Jian n and seen through her father¡¯s schemes.


    After the final puzzle piece was put together, Liu Wuxie nodded and figured everything out.


    ¡°Patriarch Jian, do you want me to exin your scheme?¡± Liu Wuxie asked with a mocking smile. His words piqued everyone¡¯s curiosity about why Jian Xing¡¯er would agree to the marriage. It seemed she had no choice, judging from how this situation had developed.


    ¡°Hmph, I¡¯d like to see what nonsense you can cook up!¡± Jian Botong refused to believe with a hint of viciousness in his eyes. Even a tiger wouldn¡¯t harm its cub, but Jian Botong didn¡¯t hesitate to sacrifice his daughter and brother all for his goal.


    ¡°We¡¯ll see who¡¯s speaking nonsense soon enough,¡± Liu Wuxie said, dismissing Jian Botong¡¯s arrogance. He cast a cold nce at Jian Xing¡¯er¡¯s stepbrother and stepmother, his smirk widening.


    The hall grew silent. All eyes were on Liu Wuxie, waiting for his revtion. How could he possibly know the inner workings of the Jian n when he had only just arrived in Azure Mountain City?

 Chapter 516 - Twists and Turns

    <h4>Chapter 516 - Twists and Turns</h4>


    Hundreds of eyes turned to Liu Wuxie, awaiting his exnation.


    "You sent someone to the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion ten days ago to inform her that the n is in trouble and you''re about to die. Senior Sister Jian has a kind heart and visited the n upon receiving the news. After all, there were still people she cared for even if she hated this n," Liu Wuxie exined.


    Everyone nodded because Liu Wuxie''s exnation made perfect sense. The Jian n was indeed falling apart, and Jian Botong was on the verge of death. So, how was he still alive and well?


    "This is all part of your n. You''re not dying anytime soon, nor will the Teng n let you die. If I''m not wrong, you have be Teng n¡¯s dog. When Senior Sister Jian returned, you used the lives of her uncle and aunt to threaten her to marry into the Teng n. Am I right?" Liu Wuxie said, and his words made Jian Botong break out in a cold sweat.


    Sending a servant to the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion was part of their carefully orchestrated plot. They exploited Jian Xing''er¡¯spassion to lure her back, which was only the first step. The moment she returned, they immediately set their second n into motion.


    When they discovered Jian Xing''er wasn¡¯t pregnant, Teng Zijun and Jian Botong crafted this scheme, thinking it would ensure their sess. They were on the brink of victory, but Liu Wuxie¡¯s unexpected arrival destroyed everything.


    No matter how wless their n had seemed, they hadn¡¯t anticipated Liu Wuxie returning with her.


    An uproar broke out in the surroundings because no one knew this was all a conspiracy aside from Teng Zijun and the Jian n''s higher-ups. It was Jian Botong¡¯s n to trap his own daughter, and the crowd was stunned by his cruelty. No one had ever seen such a heartless father.


    ¡°That¡¯s absurd!¡± Jian Botong shot to his feet, his face pale. If this were proven true, the Jian n would lose all standing in Azure Mountain City.


    Liu Wuxie swept a nce at Jian Botong with disdain.


    "I didn''t expect Jian Botong to be such a person to go this far just to sell his daughter. How vicious can he be?" A merchant whispered, and he was utterly disgusted by Jian Botong''s actions.


    "I underestimated him. I never thought he¡¯d stoop so low as to harm his own daughter," growled the patriarch of a small n, his voice filled with disgust. Such actions were intolerable to anyone with even basic morals.


    ¡°And using the lives of his own nsmen as bargaining chips to win favor with the Teng n? He¡¯s lost all sense!¡± Others grew bolder, voicing their outrage. Jian Botong¡¯s actions had crossed every conceivable moral line.


    The crowd¡¯s words pierced Jian Botong like des, while Jian Xing¡¯er¡¯s eyes burned with hatred.


    ¡°Lies! It¡¯s all lies!¡± Jian Botong stammered, his voice faltering. Shame washed over him as the truth came to light¡ªhe knew he had dragged the Jian n into disgrace.


    There was no need for further proof. His reaction confirmed everything Liu Wuxie had said.


    ¡°This is all your fault! Your mother was a slut, and so are you! You brought your lover back to destroy the n, you filthy wretch!¡± Jian Xing¡¯er¡¯s stepmother stepped forward, hurling vile insults at both Jian Xing¡¯er and her mother. She used Liu Wuxie of being Jian Xing¡¯er¡¯s lover, ming her for the n¡¯s ruin.


    "How dare you!" Chen Ruoyan couldn''t take it any longer and delivered another stinging p to the middle-aged woman¡¯s face, leaving a fresh red mark behind.


    "I will speak even if you kill me! Her mother was already pregnant when she married into the Jian n! She''s the spawn of a bastard that her mother found outside, and she would''ve been dead if not for us!"


    This revtion was too explosive and left Liu Wuxie stunned. Even Jian Xing''er''s eyes were filled with disbelief that her biological father wasn''t Jian Botong but someone else.


    The guests in the hall were also dumbfounded because they didn''t expect Jian Xing''er not to be Jian Botong''s biological daughter.


    "I knew it! How could Jian Botong give birth to such a beautiful daughter when he looks like a bulldog licking piss off a stingingtle." Many people pped their thighs in realization. They had suspected it before but didn''t expect it to be true.


    Teng Zijun sat dumbfounded, with guards supporting him to a corner. He had already informed the n''s experts, and they would soon arrive.


    "Is it true?" Jian Xing''er¡¯s voice trembled as she turned to Jian Botong. Everything was starting to make sense¡ªthe way he treated her so coldly, with no remorse. She wasn¡¯t his blood, and that exined it all.


    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Jian Botong spat, ring at her. ¡°You¡¯re not my daughter. Your mother refused to consummate our marriage after the wedding. That¡¯s when we realized the vile woman was already pregnant before she even stepped foot into the Jian n. To raise you, she had to work like a ve for this family.¡±


    His words dripped with bitterness as he recalled the past.


    Jian Xing¡¯er stood frozen. Her mother, exhausted and overworked, had died when she was just five years old, leaving her to survive alone in the Jian n¡¯s cold, hostile environment.


    Jian Xing''er copsed in Chen Ruoyan''s embrace, falling unconscious. This news was too much for her to bear. She regained consciousness after Chen Ruoyan fed her a pill.


    When Jian Xing''er regained consciousness, she let out a heart-wrenching cry, the kind that made even the most hardened onlookers feel sympathy. For five long minutes, she sobbed, the weight of her painful reality crashing down on her. How could anyone endure this?


    The tears finally slowed, and with them came understanding. She now knew why her so-called father had never shown any love or care, why he had abandoned the responsibilities of a father.


    Her stepmother had always beaten her and fed her leftovers, while only her uncle and aunt had pitied her enough to secretly give her food so she could survive.


    Now, the cruel truth exined the ring difference in how she and her stepbrother had been treated all these years.


    "Sister Jian has suffered so much,¡± Chen Ruoyan sighed, her eyes filled with sorrow.


    Jian Xing''er¡¯s mother had been sold by Jian Botong to the Jian n, only to die because of his cruelty. The weight of these tragedies was unbearable for Jian Xing¡¯er.


    "Why! Why didn''t you tell me earlier, you demon!" Jian Xing''er suddenly rushed over to hit and kick Jian Botong.


    Fearing for Jian Xing''er''s safety, Liu Wuxie began to umte ice-attribute energy in his finger.


    However, Jian Botong didn''t resist this time and allowed Jian Xing''er to hit him. He owed Jian Xing''er too much over the years.


    "Are you happy now? You ruined the Jian n, and you''ll have to live the rest of your life in pain!" Jian Xing''er''s stepmother let out madughter like a ghost had possessed her.


    "You vicious woman! I''ve long wanted to kill you!" Jian Xing''er suddenly rushed at her stepmother and swung her sword, decapitating the middle-aged woman in one strike. After all, her mother wouldn''t have died if it wasn''t for this woman.


    Jian Xing''er remembered her tough life with her mother after her stepmother had married into the Jian n. Her mother had to even give up her own food to feed her daughter.


    Her mother hadn''t died from exhaustion¡ªshe was starved to death.


    Not many people in the Jian n knew that Jian Xing''er wasn''t Jian Botong''s biological daughter, and the truth was finally revealed today.


    Many in the Jian n had always wondered why Jian Botong had taken a second wife, especially when his first wife, Jian Xing''er¡¯s mother, was renowned for her beauty throughout Azure Mountain City. The truth, however, was far darker than anyone had imagined.


    Jian Xing¡¯er¡¯s mother had been sold to the Jian n by her own father, who, stricken by poverty, saw no other way to support his family. As for Jian Xing¡¯er¡¯s biological father, that remained a mystery. Jian Botong¡¯s investigation had uncovered that her mother had once crossed paths with a mysterious man, but that man had left Azure Mountain City and never returned.


    No one could have predicted how far Jian Botong would go. He manipted Jian Xing''er into returning to the n, using the lives of her beloved rtives as leverage to force her into marrying into the Teng n. He had threatened to kill the only people who had ever cared for her if she refused.


    After killing her stepmother, Jian Xing''er slowly walked toward Jian Botong because it was this man who had caused the death of her mother.


    "You caused my mother''s death. What do you have to say for yourself?" Jian Xing''er asked Jian Botong. She felt heartbroken whenever she recalled how she considered this man her father and remembered how her mother had died.


    "I''ve wronged your mother, and I have nothing to say," Jian Botong replied bluntly.


    Jian Xing''er pressed her sword to Jian Botong¡¯s neck, her hand trembling as she hesitated for a long moment. Despite everything¡ªthe lies, the cruelty¡ªhe had still raised her. Without the Jian n, she would have perished on the streets long ago.


    "Junior Brother Liu, let''s go," Jian Xing''er sheathed her sword and strode out of the main hall like a lifeless zombie.


    Liu Wuxie nced at Jian Botong onest time before deciding to spare him. The man''s reputation was in ruins, and the Jian n had copsed. After today, he would lose the support of the Teng n and be despised by all. Sometimes, living with shame was a punishment far worse than death.


    The three passed through the main hall. No one dared to stop them and allowed them to leave.


    "Liu Wuxie, you stole my woman. I''ll make sure you''re dead!" Teng Zijun roared when Liu Wuxie stepped out of the door.


    Liu Wuxie had killed three experts of the Teng n and stolen his woman; Teng Zijun was determined to take revenge.


    The trio returned to the inn but didn''t leave immediately. Jian Xing''er wasn''t in a good condition, so Liu Wuxie nned to let her rest for two days before leaving.


    When they returned to the inn, Jian Xing''er shut the door, refusing to let Liu Wuxie or Chen Ruoyan in.


    "Let Sister Jian have some time alone. She needs to heal her scars," Chen Ruoyan could understand Jian Xing''er''s current feelings. Anyone would break down if they were in Jian Xing''er''s shoes.


    Liu Wuxie nodded, agreeing to give her space. As the two returned to their rooms, he took extra precautions this time. Remembering the dangers from the night before, he set up a spiritual array around them, determined not to let his guard down again.


    The events in the Jian n spread through Azure Mountain City like wildfire. Word quickly reached every corner that Jian Xing¡¯er was not Jian Botong¡¯s biological daughter and that the n had gone so far as to sacrifice their own members in a desperate bid to curry favor with the Teng n.


    Once the truth came to light, the Jian n was finished. Its remaining members wasted no time in severing ties, choosing to distance themselves and go their own way.


    By the end of the day, the once-proud n waspletely emptied¡ªeven the servants abandoned the ship. The cruelty and deceit of their patriarch, Jian Botong, had chilled everyone to the core. His deception of his daughter and willingness to kill his own nsmen for personal gain left him unfit to be considered human in the eyes of many.


    Meanwhile, the Teng n had gathered many experts because today''s events disgraced them. The Teng n was the strongest in Azure Mountain City, followed closely by the He n. The two ns were practically evenly matched in their strength.


    "Patriarch, what should we do? Are we going to let that brat go after killing three experts from our Teng n?" A Teng n elder stood up and asked.

 Chapter 517 - Sky Yin Ancestor

    <h4>Chapter 517 - Sky Yin Ancestor</h4>


    The Teng n¡¯s reputation and status would plummet in Azure Mountain City if they allowed Liu Wuxie¡¯s group to leave.


    ¡°Patriarch, ording to my investigation, there¡¯s a possibility that the man and the woman who visited our casino yesterday might¡¯ve been Liu Wuxie and hispanion in disguise.¡± Pei Kun stepped forward. His investigation had confirmed that the man was Liu Wuxie.


    They had searched Azure Mountain City in just one day, and Liu Wuxie was the most suspicious.


    ¡°Patriarch, I suggest we eliminate him immediately. Even if the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion retaliates, we don¡¯t have to fear them. Our Teng n has experts in the Azure Crimson Gate,¡± a Teng n¡¯s disciple proposed killing Liu Wuxie.


    The Teng n hesitated only because of Liu Wuxie¡¯s identity as the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion¡¯s disciple. Otherwise, they would¡¯ve already acted against him.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need for us to take action ourselves!¡± The Teng n¡¯s patriarch was a man in his fifties. He had a ferocious appearance with a sinister smile hanging at the corner of his lips. He had no intention of letting Liu Wuxie live after hitting his son.


    ¡°Patriarch, what do you mean?¡± The few elders and deacons looked at the patriarch. Since the Teng n wouldn¡¯t act against Liu Wuxie, who would kill him then?


    The He n would stay out of this matter as it didn¡¯t concern them. Excluding the He n, they couldn¡¯t think of anyone in Azure Mountain City who could deal with Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°The Sky Yin Sect!¡± the Teng n¡¯s patriarch said.


    Everyone¡¯s eyes lit up at their patriarch¡¯s excellent suggestion.


    ¡°Patriarch, the Sky Yin Sect has no feud with Liu Wuxie, so why will they go after him?¡± Pei Kun asked, puzzled.


    The other elders nodded in agreement, knowing that the Teng n could avoid involvement if the Sky Yin Sect moved against Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Have you all forgotten the Sky Yin Ancestor¡¯s...preferences?¡± The Teng n¡¯s patriarch smirked coldly.


    Everyone instantly understood what he meant and wore malicious smiles on their faces.


    ¡°That¡¯s brilliant, patriarch!¡± Pei Kun gave the patriarch a thumbs-up, praising thetter¡¯s n to use the Sky Yin Ancestor to eliminate Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°The Sky Yin Ancestor is known for his lust and has captured many women in Azure Mountain City over the years to use as cauldrons for his cultivation. I believe the Sky Yin Ancestor will surelye!¡± An elder let out a sinister burst ofughter.


    ¡°Send someone to deliver the two women¡¯s portraits to the Sky Yin Sect!¡± The Teng n¡¯s patriarch ordered artists to paint portraits of Chen Ruoyan and Jian Xing¡¯er.


    The portraits of two vivid beauties appeared before everyone¡¯s eyes, and even the Teng n¡¯s patriarch couldn¡¯t help taking a deep breath at the sight of Chen Ruoyan.


    ¡°Father, what will happen to me if you let the Sky Yin Ancestor have them?¡± Teng Zijun looked unhappy beside his father.


    ¡°There are plenty of women in the world, and you have to see further into the future,¡± the Teng n¡¯s patriarch exined earnestly.


    The portraits were soon sent out of the city, all while Liu Wuxie¡¯s group remained utterly unaware. After all, Liu Wuxie naturally wouldn¡¯t go and destroy the Teng n since they didn¡¯te and cause trouble for him, not to mention there wasn¡¯t much enmity between them.


    ¡°Patriarch, is there still a need for the Jian n to continue existing?¡± Pei Kun asked and made a throat-slitting gesture.


    ¡°Destroy them!¡± The Jian n had been slowly devoured by the Teng n, and even their patriarch, Jian Botong, had be a loyal dog of the Teng n. Now that the Jian n had lost their purpose, there was no need for the Teng n to keep them around.


    A bloody storm swept throughout Azure Mountain City as the night deepened. The remaining disciples of the Jian n were all eradicated.


    Jian Botong and his son sat in the main hall with a headless corpse lying beside them. Looking at his disappointed son, Jian Botong couldn¡¯t help but sigh. He was at fault for the Jian n¡¯s downfall because he had spoiled his son too much, which had led them into a quagmire.


    He wasn¡¯t surprised by the Teng n¡¯s arrival because he knew he had lost all value.


    ¡°Father, I¡¯m scared!¡± The young man trembled beside Jian Botong and hid behind him.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. It will soon be over!¡± Jian Botong stood up and thrust a de into his son¡¯s heart.


    ¡°Fa...ther...¡± The youth couldn¡¯t understand why his father would kill him.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, my child. I wille and join you soon.¡± Jian Botong dashed into the crowd after he retrieved the de. However, he was killed in just one exchange, with his blood sshing around the main hall. The Jian n was erased from Azure Mountain City.


    The following day, Jian Xing¡¯er came out of the room with her eyes swollen from crying, and she was much calmer now.


    Liu Wuxie had been checking on her with his divine sense every few minutes throughout the night, fearing that she might take her life.


    ¡°Sister Jian, you¡¯re out! We were all worried sick!¡± Chen Ruoyan grabbed Jian Xing¡¯er¡¯s hand and refused to let go.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for making you two worry!¡± Jian Xing¡¯er felt guilty for causing Liu Wuxie and Chen Ruoyan to worry for her all night.


    "Let¡¯s leave this ce," Liu Wuxie said, fully aware of the chaos that had unfolded in the city the previous night. Jian Xing¡¯er¡¯s mother was gone, the Jian n was wiped out, and her grandfather had passed away years ago. Now, she stood alone.


    ¡°Okay!¡± Jian Xing¡¯er nodded. She never wanted to return to this ce again. She raised her head and requested Liu Wuxie, ¡°I wish to visit my mother¡¯s grave onest time before we leave.¡±


    ¡°Of course!¡± Liu Wuxie agreed. They weren¡¯t in a hurry, and leaving one day sooner orter didn¡¯t matter to him.


    The sun had just risen from the horizon, and many people were still asleep when they left the inn.


    Suddenly, two frantic voices echoed from nearby. "My child! You thieves!"


    Jian Xing¡¯er¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°The Sky Yin Sect!¡± she muttered, recognizing the voices from her memories of Azure Mountain City.


    Two men dressed in ck fled down the street, their panic evident as they tried to escape. Without hesitation, Jian Xing¡¯er dashed forward, her sword shing as she struck at the fleeing figures.


    The two ck-clothed men had a child each under their arms¡ªa boy and a girl. They were twins; it was unclear how the Sky Yin Sect had found them.


    The two kidnappers had decent strength and were both in the pinnacle True Core Realm, but Jian Xing¡¯er was in the Heavenly Dipper Realm. When she released her aura, the two kidnappers were sent flying and threw up blood.


    When the two children flew out of the kidnappers¡¯ arms, Liu Wuxie and Chen Ruoyan rushed over to catch them.


    ¡°Run!¡± The two kidnappers didn¡¯t hesitate to turn and run after noticing that the situation was unfavorable to them.


    ¡°Dream on! Die!¡± Jian Xing¡¯er was holding back a great deal of emotions, and it would turn into a demon in her heart if she didn¡¯t vent it all out. This was simr to Liu Wuxie¡¯s situation yesterday; only killing could relieve her murderous rage.


    Jian Xing¡¯er¡¯s sword sliced through the air and split the two kidnappers into two, sshing their blood on the ground.


    A couple ran out from the neighboring inn, and they weren¡¯t properly dressed as they had rushed out in a hurry.


    ¡°My children!¡± The woman ran over and snatched the two kids from Liu Wuxie and Chen Ruoyan¡¯s hands, mistaking them for the Sky Yin Sect¡¯s disciples.


    ¡°Thank you for your assistance!¡± The man could tell that Liu Wuxie¡¯s group wasn¡¯t from the Sky Yin Sect, and they had just saved his children.


    They had hidden their children in their basement for years, fearing the Sky Yin Sect would learn about them. However, they didn¡¯t expect the Sky Yin Sect to still find their children.


    ¡°You should both head back. The children are terrified,¡± Liu Wuxie urged, ncing at the kids huddled in their mother¡¯s arms, still crying from the earlier ordeal.


    The man nodded and guided his family back to the courtyard. It was clear they would likely be moving away soon.


    ¡°Brother Liu, why did the Sky Yin Sect capture those kids?¡± Chen Ruoyan asked curiously.


    ¡°To eat them alive,¡± Jian Xing¡¯er said.


    The horrifying thought sent a chill down Chen Ruoyan¡¯s spine, causing her to shudder.


    ¡°Brother Liu, do you think the person we encountered the other day was also from the Sky Yin Sect? Is that why you¡¯ve been in such a foul mood¡ªafter learning what they¡¯ve done?¡±


    Chen Ruoyan finally understood why Liu Wuxie was so upset when he returned. Anyone would be angered after learning of the Sky Yin Sect¡¯s actions.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Liu Wuxie nodded.


    ¡°The Sky Yin Ancestor is strong, with a cultivation in the Astral River Realm. Let¡¯s leave after we visit my mother¡¯s grave,¡± Jian Xing¡¯er didn¡¯t want to get involved in more trouble.


    Azure Mountain City had been under such conditions for years, with children being abducted by the Sky Yin Sect regrly. The people living here had already grown used to it.


    Liu Wuxie nodded and had no intention of looking for the Sky Yin Ancestor if the Sky Yin Sect didn¡¯t provoke him. The trio left the city swiftly and headed outside, where Jian Xing¡¯er¡¯s mother was buried.


    After walking for about two hours, they entered a lush green valley. The scenery was beautiful, making this a perfect ce for eternal rest. Flowers were blooming in the surroundings, and they arrived before a small tombstone after passing through a sea of flowers. The words on the tombstone were barely legible.


    Jian Xing¡¯er cleared the weeds in the surroundings and sat before her mother¡¯s grave, with her tears falling once more.


    Liu Wuxie and Chen Ruoyan stood five steps away and gave Jian Xing¡¯er space before paying their respect. After crying for five minutes, Jian Xing¡¯er stood up and wiped her tears away.


    ¡°Mother, I¡¯ll return to see you when I have time.¡± Jian Xing¡¯er stood up. She had no ns to return to Azure Mountain City except to visit her mother¡¯s grave.


    Liu Wuxie and Chen Ruoyan performed three bows before standing up and were ready to leave. A powerful aura suddenly appeared as a figure descended from the sky.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect to find you three here!¡± An old man in a white robe hovered mid-air, looking at the trio.


    ¡°Sky Yin Ancestor!¡± Jian Xing¡¯er eximed at the sight of the old man. They had just killed the Sky Yin Sect disciples, and the Sky Yin Ancestor had arrived. How could he possibly be so fast?


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s gaze fell onto the Sky Yin Ancestor. Thetter looked to be in his fifties or sixties, but he had taken great care of himself. His skin was even more tender than a ten-year-old child¡¯s.


    ¡°What beauties! It has been a long time since I¡¯ve found such excellent cauldrons, and you two even delivered yourselves to me! Heaven is truly on my side, and my Sky Yin Art will reach perfection after draining two of your essences!¡± The Sky Yin Ancestor descended and stood before the three. He utterly ignored Liu Wuxie as he looked at Jian Xing¡¯er and Chen Ruoyan with lustful gaze.

 Chapter 518 - A Series of Combos

    <h4>Chapter 518 - A Series of Combos</h4>


    The appearance of the Sky Yin Ancestor made Liu Wuxie narrow his eyes. He was curious how this person had found them because they had secretly killed the Sky Yin Sect''s disciples, and hardly anyone knew about it.


    "Junior Brother Liu, find an opportunity to escape with Sister Rouyan. The Sky Yin Ancestor is strong, and you''re not his match." Jian Xing''er felt despair, with thoughts ofmitting suicide rising in her mind.


    She was prepared to sacrifice herself to create an opportunity for Liu Wuxie and Chen Rouyan to escape. After all, the Sky Yin Ancestor was in the Astral River Realm.


    Jian Xing''er wasn''t aware that Liu Wuxie could kill someone in the Astral River Realm because everything that had happened in the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind was a mystery.


    Liu Wuxie remained silent with his gaze fixed on the Sky Yin Ancestor in the first-level Astral River Realm. However, someone like him was considered an expert in Azure Mountain City.


    "You two step back!" Liu Wuxie sneered. He was currently stuck at the pinnacle of the fourth level of Heavenly Phase Realm. If he could refine the energies of someone in the first-level Astral River Realm, he could reach the fifth level.


    Jian Xing''er and Chen Ruoyan exchanged a look before they quickly retreated. They were in the Heavenly Dipper Realm and could only fly relying on spiritual treasures. Thus, there was no way they couldpete with those in the Astral River Realm in speed. Their hope of escaping was slim against the Sky Yin Ancestor.


    "A child like you wants to stop me?" The Sky Yin Ancestor sneered when hended ten meters away from Liu Wuxie. Judging from Liu Wuxie''s aura, he was only in the Heavenly Phase Realm.


    "I want to know who sent you to hunt us down," Liu Wuxie asked curiously. It made no sense for the Sky Yin Ancestor to appear here without a reason, and he was confident someone must''ve notified thetter.


    "You''re smart, but it''s a pity you don''t have the opportunity to find out." The Sky Yin Ancestor couldn''t be bothered to waste words with Liu Wuxie and struck with his palm. After all, he nned to capture the two women and turn them into his cauldrons to absorb their essence.


    "I''ll make you speak whether you like it or not!" Liu Wuxie didn''t bring out the Earth Binding Chains and charged with the Heretic de, unleashing a powerful de aura.


    He hadn''t made a breakthrough in his cultivation after returning from the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind, and instead, he had spent his timeprehending dao techniques. This had drastically transformed the Primordial Astral Fist, Frost Finger, and de techniques.


    His attacks became sharper and more unpredictable. When he attacked with the Heretic de, the Sky Yin Ancestor narrowed his eyes and was shocked by the iing attack.


    This didn''t look like the power of someone in the fourth-level Heavenly Phase Realm. The power released wasparable to the pinnacle Heavenly Phase Realm, making Sky Yin Ancestor feel threatened.


    However, how could the Sky Yin Ancestor give up with such beauties before him?


    The Fatality de Art''s sixth form carried an unparalleled crushing force, causing thunderous rumbles to echo in the valley. The de aura tore through the air and appeared before the Sky Yin Ancestor.


    The de aura ripped apart the iing palm strike, and the only thought in the Sky Yin Ancestor''s mind was the terrifying power of Liu Wuxie''s attack.


    "You have given me quite the surprise, child." The Sky Yin Ancestor had lived over a hundred years and encountered countless experts in his lifetime. However, he felt pressureing from Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie ignored the Sky Yin Ancestor and continued his assault with the Heretic de. He kept swinging his de and gave the Sky Yin Ancestor no time to catch his breath. He sought to kill the Sky Yin Ancestor without resorting to the Earth Binding Chains.


    Each of Liu Wuxie''s attacks was targeted at the Sky Yin Ancestor''s vitals, forcing him to defend himself. The situation became a one-sided battle, with Liu Wuxie suppressing the Sky Yin Ancestor.


    Jian Xing''er and Chen Ruoyan stood at a distance. They exchanged a look and saw the amazement and shock in each other''s eyes. The Sky Yin Ancestor was forced back a few hundred steps under Liu Wuxie''s Fatality de Art, and he had already retreated out of the valley.


    ¡°You¡¯ve gone too far!¡± the Sky Yin Ancestor bellowed in fury. Hovering in the air, he pulled out a bizarre weapon¡ªa three-pronged fork, wide at the top and narrow at the bottom. What made it truly horrifying was the skull mounted on its tip, with two snakes slithering from the eye sockets.


    Liu Wuxie had never seen such a strange weapon before, but instinct told him not to be careless. He leaped backward, knowing that engaging in closebat might be dangerous.


    He executed the Frost Finger through his ten fingers, unleashing a suffocating chill across thousands of meters, which made the Sky Yin Ancestor roar in frustration.


    Earlier, when Liu Wuxie had forced him into closebat, he had no choice but to focus on defending himself. Now that he drew his weapon, Liu Wuxie switched to long-rangedbat.


    This proved that it was easy to be disadvantaged if the martial techniques were too limited. Ice arrows no less potent than the Heretic de formed into sword auras that ripped through the air and reached the Sky Yin Ancestor.


    "Damn it! Damn it!" the Sky Yin Ancestor roared in frustration.


    The Frost Finger was a dao technique with no fixed moves, meaning it was highly versatile and could change shape at Liu Wuxie''s will. It differed from the Fatality de Art, which had a set of fixed moves, but dao techniques couldn''t be rushed and needed umtion.


    The Sky Yin Ancestor spun his fork rapidly, shattering all the iing ice arrows, and he approached Liu Wuxie. A highly poisonous ck mist was released from the skull.


    "Retreat!" Liu Wuxie roared, asking Jian Xing''er and Chen Ruoyan to retreat. He had no fear of poison with the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron, but it was a different story for the two women.


    The Sky Yin Ancestor''s poison was more potent than the Six Desires Powder, and one would lose consciousness if they inhaled it.


    Chen Ruoyan was prepared this time and retreated with Jian Xing''er when the Sky Yin Ancestor released the poison. The poison mist swiftly covered the valley and enveloped Liu Wuxie in it.


    "Hahaha! You will die at my hands regardless of your strength!" The Sky Yin Ancestor burst into sinisterughter and thrust his fork at Liu Wuxie''s neck after dodging iing ice arrows.


    "You want to kill me with this little poison?" Liu Wuxie''s voice echoed from within the poisonous mist, and he soared to the sky. Without releasing the toxic mist, Liu Wuxie would have no way to approach the Sky Yin Ancestor, who would simply maintain his distance and wear him down.


    However, the situation had changed. The Sky Yin Ancestor was now overconfident, certain that his poison would be enough to kill Liu Wuxie. What he didn¡¯t know was that Liu Wuxie was immune to all poison, even those that could incapacitate Astral River Realm experts.


    Even if the Sky Yin Ancestor''s poison was deadly, there was no way it couldpete with the Netherspirit Flower. The Netherspirit Flower was so fatal that even immortals would avoid it.


    Using their distance, Liu Wuxie soared into the sky and unleashed Soul Spear because he needed this attack to be fatal.


    An Astral River Realm expert¡¯s soul energy was powerful, and the Soul Spear could only disrupt and not kill the Sky Yin Ancestor.


    "What is this attack? ARGH!" The Sky Yin Ancestor clutched his head and screamed. It felt as though a needle had pierced into his primordial spirit, and the pain was unbearable.


    The ancient star''s power began gushing out. Liu Wuxie had performed the Primordial Astral Fist when the Sky Yin Ancestor''s primordial spirit was attacked, and terrifying astral energy crushed down like a massive mountain.


    Spatial rifts began to appear under the pressure of the ancient star, and the entire valley began to sink. The nearby mountains started to crumble, and even the mountain Chen Ruoyan stood on was covered in countless cracks.


    "What kind of power is that?" The Sky Yin Ancestor finally felt his life threatened and ignored the pain from his soul sea, charging at Liu Wuxie with the fork.


    "You think you can kill me with a pitiful attack?" A powerful ice wall appeared before Liu Wuxie when he sped his hands, freezing it in mid-air while the ancient star descended.


    "This can''t be! How can someone like you, who''s in the Heavenly Phase Realm, possibly unleash such power?!" The Heavenly Yin Ancestor panicked because the power released by Liu Wuxie wasparable to the second level of the Astral River Realm. This made no sense to him.


    ¡°Damn you, Teng Wanqiu! You''ve doomed me!" the Sky Yin Ancestor roared in fury.


    "Teng Wanqiu?" Liu Wuxie memorized the name. This person must be closely rted to the Teng n. In other words, the Teng n had disclosed his identity along with Jian Xing''er and Chen Ruoyan''s portraits to the Sky Yin Sect to lure the Sky Yin Ancestor into pursuing them. He had figured everything out in just one breath.


    The Sky Yin Ancestor had no choice but to take this attack head-on. When the ancient star descended, it felt as though the apocalypse had arrived with catastrophic destruction to the surroundings.


    The surrounding flowers, trees, and grass had turned into dust. They were lucky that the impact took ce far from the valley''s center, or the grave of Jian Xing''er''s mother would be destroyed.


    The power released by the ancient star continued to increase because the deste world in Liu Wuxie''s dantian had formed a cycle between the five elements. Unless the Sky Yin Ancestor could erase an element, the power released by the ancient star would continue to increase.


    Then again, that was under the condition that the Sky Yin Ancestor''s true essence could keep up. If his true essence couldn''t keep up, the Primordial Astral Fist would exhaust all his true essence and turn him into a disabled person.


    The Sky Yin Ancestor continued to descend until he fell to the ground. Everything in his surroundings had cracked, spreading like a dense spider web. The power contained in this punch could destroy heaven and earth.


    "Sky Yin Palm!" The Sky Yin Ancestor howled and sped his hands together to form a barrier, nning to withstand this strike. However, the pain from his primordial spirit was increasing, and his soul sea became heavily damaged to execute the Sky Yin Palm forcibly. The Soul Spear was still shuttling around in his soul sea, damaging everything in the path.


    "What pitiful attempts to put up a resistance. Let me see how long you canst!" Liu Wuxie remained indifferent and allowed the Sky Yin Ancestor to execute the Sky Yin Palm.


    The opposing forces approached, and the ancient star manifested into a palm resembling a five-fingered mountain. The ground exploded when the ancient star descended, creating a massive crater that reached ten meters deep.


    The Sky Yin Ancestor staggered and was sent flying by the descending giant palm.


    The shockwave formed into waves surging to the surroundings with a ripple effect, and the impact could easily kill someone in the pinnacle Heavenly Phase Realm.


    "This is impossible!" The Sky Yin Ancestor spewed blood and couldn''t ept this oue.

 Chapter 519 - Ghost Technique

    <h4>Chapter 519 - Ghost Technique</h4>


    The ancient star struck the Sky Yin Ancestor''s head like a hammer, making him feel dizzy. He lost control and was thrown into the valley.


    The Sky Yin Ancestor coughed up blood that dyed his clothes red. Even so, the attack didn''t kill him and only injured him severely.


    "The Astral River Realm is so strong?" Liu Wuxie was shocked. He was confident of killing a group of cultivators in the Heavenly Phase Realm with that punch. But against someone in the Astral River Realm, he only managed to inflict severe injuries on him.


    The Sky Yin Ancestor swallowed a pill, and his face contorted as ck veins crept across his skin. His expression twisted into something sinister, and his once-youthful skin shriveled, transforming him into an old man.


    Liu Wuxie immediately became more alert¡ªthis transformation was unmistakably the result of practicing some form of demonic art. The Sky Yin Ancestor now resembled a demon, more than a human, as he hissed, "Brat, I will see you dead!"


    Watching from the sidelines, Jian Xing''er and Chen Ruoyan grew anxious. Despite Liu Wuxie''s array of powerful techniques, he had only managed to severely injure the ancestor.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s frown deepened as he sensed an ominous and chaotic energy rising from the Sky Yin Ancestor. "You¡¯ve been practicing ghost techniques!" he stated grimly.


    There were whispers of souls that, after death, avoided the underworld and instead wandered the mortal realm. These restless spirits absorbed yin energy from the heavens and earth, growing in power over time. After centuries or even millennia of cultivation, they could form a physical body, bing what was known as the Ghost n. Though they resembled humans, the Ghost n was cursed by sunlight, which was their greatest weakness.


    Over the years, the Ghost n developed the ability to reproduce and form their own society, distinct from humans. Their ghost techniques were unlike anything seen in the human dao, and because of their nature, they remained isted from human civilization, living apart for generations.


    This was why Liu Wuxie was stunned to witness the Sky Yin Ancestor wielding ghost techniques. It was not only rare for a human to gain ess to such forbidden knowledge but even more astounding that he had sessfully mastered them.


    "Y-You recognize the ghost techniques?!" The Sky Yin Ancestor was shocked. The ghost techniques were mysterious and nearly impossible for most people to detect. The most significant disadvantage in cultivating ghost techniques was the need to consume infants and absorb yin energy from women.


    After all, the Sky Yin Ancestor didn''t possess the Ghost n''s body, which meant he couldn''t absorb yin energy from heaven and earth. The only method for him to absorb yin energy was to extract it from others, and this was utterly evil.


    "What petty tricks!" Liu Wuxie scoffed, brushing aside the ghost techniques with disdain. While the Ghost n''s methods might have seemed mysterious to the ordinary cultivator, to him, they were nothing extraordinary.


    Hearing this, the Sky Yin Ancestor¡¯s eyes darkened with fury. The techniques he took pride in were being dismissed as mere child''s y. His fingers began to stretch and twist, nails growing into razor-sharp ws as long as daggers.


    The Ghost n''s strengthy in their ability to absorb yin energy, transforming it into power because theycked a physical body. Even the bodies they formed weren¡¯tposed of flesh and blood but of condensed yin energy. Their ws were notorious for tearing through anything, leaving nothing intact in their path.


    The Sky Yin Ancestor vanished and crawled on the ground like a reptile. His speed even surpassed humans, which was why attacks from the Ghost n were tough to defend against.


    "Sister Jian, why did the Sky Yin Ancestor be a monster?" Chen Ruoyan was new to the cultivation world and stillcked knowledgepared to Jian Xing''er.


    "I''m not sure. This is the first time I''ve seen something like this," Jian Xing''er admitted, her face tense with concern. Both women grew increasingly anxious as they watched the battle unfold. Against an ordinary human opponent, they wouldn''t worry as much, but fighting someone using such heterodox techniques was far more dangerous.


    Liu Wuxie moved effortlessly, dodging the Sky Yin Ancestor¡¯s fierce attack using the Seven Dipper Steps. The impact of the missed strike cracked the ground beneath them, releasing an ominous wave of ghostly energy that surged in Liu Wuxie''s direction.


    Liu Wuxie remained cautious against the ghostly energy because he wasn''t sure if the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron could withstand it. It would be very troublesome for him if the cauldron couldn''t withstand it.


    The Sky Yin Ancestor''s attacks had no patterns, which made it impossible to predict. He alternated between crawling on the ground and leaping into the air like a monkey.


    Liu Wuxie had no choice but to dodge, and he couldn''t track the Sky Yin Ancestor''s movements even if he used the Fatality de Art several times. This naturally ced him at a disadvantage.


    The Ghost n''sbat style was different from that of humans, rendering Liu Wuxie''s martial techniques ineffective. Moreover, the Sky Yin Ancestor''s speed increased with each strike.


    Combined with the Astral River Realm, the ghost technique was akin to adding a pair of wings to a tiger, significantly boosting hisbat power.


    Liu Wuxie had no path of retreat because the Primordial Astral Fist had a broad attack range, and it would only be effective ifbined with Soul Spear. If he used it alone, the Sky Yin Ancestor could easily dodge it.


    The Sky Yin Ancestor relentlessly exploited Liu Wuxie¡¯s vulnerabilities, forcing him into a defensive stance. As the battle raged on, Liu Wuxie resorted to his Frost Finger technique, sending a barrage of ice arrows to halt the Sky Yin Ancestor¡¯s advance. Yet, the sharp ws of the Sky Yin Ancestor effortlessly shattered the icy projectiles, barely slowing his assault.


    Within minutes, Liu Wuxie was forced deeper into the valley, and the entire sky was enveloped in a ghostly energy. The ghostly energy wasn''t ck or blue but an eerie-looking pale-cyan color.


    "Damn it! Do I have to resort to the Earth Binding Chains?" Liu Wuxie was confident in facing an ordinary opponent in the first-level Astral River Realm without needing the Earth Binding Chains. But the Sky Yin Ancestor''sbat power could no longer be measured by human standards in his current state.


    The Earth Binding Chains were a treasure of the Spirit n, which Liu Wuxie knew he had to return eventually. This was why he didn''t want to be too reliant on it. If he became reliant on it, it would hinder his growth in the future once he handed them over.


    He believed that true strength came from within, and Liu Wuxie''s consciousness entered the interspatial ring to control the Heavenly Dragon Seal secretly.


    He had been nurturing the Heavenly Dragon Seal daily in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. He hadn''t dared to refine it entirely when on the Dugu n''s warship, as he feared detection from the Dugu n.


    However, his abode in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion was different. In the past fifteen days, he had injected tens of thousands of spiritual runes into it, strengthening his connection with the Heavenly Dragon Seal.


    That was especially the case after Liu Wuxie had refined the dragon bones. Now that he had the True Dragon Physique, the Heavenly Dragon Seal could submit and recognize him as its master.


    Under the control of his divine sense, the Heavenly Dragon Seal started bing restless and wanted to fly out from his interspatial ring. This naturally surprised Liu Wuxie, and he muttered, "The Heavenly Dragon Seal wants to fight?"


    The Heavenly Dragon Seal had once resisted his attempts to control it. However, over thest fifteen days, it had hovered above the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron, absorbing the essence of the spiritual liquid to restore its damaged dragon runes.


    However, Liu Wuxie needed to find a Dragon n''s treasure to repair the broken piece of the Heavenly Dragon Seal. The situation was bing increasingly dire, and the overwhelming ghostly aura obstructed his vision, severely disrupting his attacking rhythm.


    Jian Xing''er and Chen Ruoyan looked worried and wished they could help. However, they knew they would only be a hindrance if they tried to help.


    "Brat, you have strong vitality within your body, which is perfect for me to absorb and refine. In addition to the yin energy of those two women, my ghost technique will reach perfection!" The Sky Yin Ancestor sneered, his ws lunging for Liu Wuxie''s chest.


    This gave Liu Wuxie almost no time to react. He barely managed to tilt to the side to avoid a fatal strike, but he felt a burning paining from his chest. It felt as though his flesh had been scorched by fire, leaving him in extreme difort.


    "Damn it!" Liu Wuxie cursed because ghostly energy had invaded his body through his meridians.


    The ghostly energy corroded his meridians in the blink of an eye, severely affecting the flow of his true essence. This was the power of ghostly energy, which was hard for humans to eradicate.


    However, the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron soon devoured the ghostly energy. It was converted into a pale cyan liquid flowing above the cauldron, and this discovery filled Liu Wuxie with ecstasy.


    "Since that''s the case, I won''t have to fear the corrosion from ghostly energy. It''s time for you to feel the full force of my wrath!" Liu Wuxie roared and charged at the Sky Yin Ancestor, allowing the ghostly energy to enter his body.


    "What''s going on? You can resolve my ghostly energy?!" the Sky Yin Ancestor eximed in disbelief. He was shocked to discover that the ghostly energy that had entered Liu Wuxie''s body had vanished without a trace.


    "I already said it''s nothing more than petty tricks!" Liu Wuxie pressed on and swung the Heretic de down. The Sky Yin Ancestor couldn''t dodge in time and suffered a long gash on his right arm.


    As the Sky Yin Ancestor''s primordial spirit was damaged, his reflexes had slowed down significantly. This gave Liu Wuxie the opportunity he needed, and he followed up with more attacks to force the Sky Yin Ancestor to retreat.


    Now, the tide had turned, and it was Liu Wuxie¡¯s turn to press the attack. The two were locked in a fierce confrontation, but despite his relentless strikes, Liu Wuxie only managed to repel the Sky Yin Ancestor. Delivering a fatal blow was proving to be difficult.


    Then again, Liu Wuxie had no intention of killing the Sky Yin Ancestor so easily. He wanted to use the pressure from the Sky Yin Ancestor to help him make a breakthrough. After all, the greater the pressure, the greater the chance of his breakthrough.


    The Sky Yin Ancestor was already forced outside the valley, screaming in frustration.


    "Brat, you''re courting death!" The Sky Yin Ancestor''s body began to change. His robes billowed, and his nails extended. Even his eyes started to sink in, making him look more like a malicious ghost. He brandished his ws and pounced at Liu Wuxie without regard for his life.


    Liu Wuxie had no intentions of perishing with the Sky Yin Ancestor. He swiftly stepped back and dodged thetter''s attack.


    The Sky Yin Ancestor''s limbs continued to transform. His arms grew longer, and his legs grewrger. When he stomped his enormous webbed feet on the ground, he drew a curved trajectory in the air as he charged at Liu Wuxie.


    That wasn''t all. The Sky Yin Ancestor''s body began to swell like a giant balloon filled with ghostly energy.


    This made Liu Wuxie wear a solemn expression because this was the Ghost n''s suicidal method to perish with their enemy through self-destruction.


    If the Sky Yin Ancestor detonated, Liu Wuxie would be heavily injured even if he could survive the aftermath. There was no time to wait; this might be his downfall if he continued the fight.


    "Heavenly Dragon Seal, it''s up to you now!" The Heavenly Dragon Seal flew out from his interspatial ring and hovered in the air, apanied by a mighty roar.


    Apanied by the lingering dragon''s roar was an overwhelming dragon aura that enveloped the entire mountain range, causing countless profound beasts to tremble in fear.

 Chapter 520 - Fifth-Level of the Heavenly Phase Realm

    <h4>Chapter 520 - Fifth-Level of the Heavenly Phase Realm</h4>


    The Heavenly Dragon Seal burst into an overwhelming, dazzling golden radiance that lit up half the sky. The dragon aura it released was so immense that it could be felt all the way in Azure Mountain City. The moment the seal was unleashed, the sky itself seemed to change¡ªthe sun and moon dimmed as if overshadowed by the sheer force of the seal''s power.


    Liu Wuxie felt the deste world was about to be exhausted because the Heavenly Dragon Seal absorbed all his true essence.


    Wherever the golden radiance touched, the earth caved in, reshaping thendscape under the immense pressure of the Heavenly Dragon Seal. The Sky Yin Ancestor, gripped by terror, stood frozen, unable to resist. It felt as if the very wrath of the heavens had descended upon him, rendering him powerless to move.


    ¡°Sister Jian, look! There¡¯s a divine dragon!¡± A vivid divine dragon could be seen in the golden radiance, wanting to charge out from the Heavenly Dragon Seal. This was the Heavenly Dragon Seal¡¯s artifact spirit. It might have lost its intelligence, but its Dragon n¡¯s will remained.


    ¡°How can you possibly possess the Dragon n¡¯s treasure?!¡± The Sky Yin Ancestor was suppressed on the spot, and his swollen body began to dete.


    Liu Wuxie descended from the air and stood before the Sky Yin Ancestor. He took out a supreme-grade spirit stone and began absorbing it quickly, allowing him to recover thirty percent of his true essence.


    Now that he had prepared everything, Liu Wuxie withdrew the Heavenly Dragon Seal and ced it inside the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron to continue nourishing it. After all, the runes on the seal had be significantly dimmer after using it.


    ¡°All that energy, consumed in a single use after nourishing it for so long...¡± Liu Wuxie muttered, feeling a mix of frustration and awe at the power of the Heavenly Dragon Seal. He knew it would be a long time before he could wield its might again.


    The surrounding space returned to normal after the overwhelming pressure released by the Heavenly Dragon Seal vanished, and the Sky Yin Ancestor looked at Liu Wuxie in horror.


    Liu Wuxie converted many spirit stones into spiritual liquid, which flowed into the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron and bathed the Heavenly Dragon Seal.


    ¡°Tell me, who sent you to kill me?¡± Liu Wuxie looked at the Sky Yin Ancestor coldly. A terrifying chill pierced the Sky Yin Ancestor, turning him into an ice sculpture. His cultivation was crippled, and he was nothing more than a living corpse at Liu Wuxie¡¯s mercy.


    The Sky Yin Ancestor¡¯s dantian had shattered, and he was frozen in ice; he couldn¡¯t even die if he wanted to.


    "Who the hell are you, and why would someone like youe to a miserable ce like Azure Mountain City?" The Sky Yin Ancestor''s face contorted with rage, his eyes burning with fury as his body reverted to its humanoid form. But the moment he returned to normal, the harsh side effects of the ghost technique became evident.


    His skin sagged and wrinkled, his appearance now grotesque, like a decaying corpse.


    ¡°I¡¯ll give you one more chance. Who sent you to kill me? Don¡¯t force me to search your soul!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s voice turned colder.


    At the mention of a soul search, the Sky Yin Ancestor trembled. He knew that undergoing such a process would destroy his soulpletely, leaving no chance for reincarnation.


    ¡°Teng Wanqiu!¡± the Sky Yin Ancestor said, gritting his teeth.


    ¡°Junior Brother Liu, Teng Wanqiu is the father of Teng Zijun, the Teng n¡¯s current patriarch,¡± Jian Xing¡¯er exined as she walked over.


    ¡°So, the Teng n is behind this!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes flickered with a sh of murderous intent. He had no intentions to go after the Teng n, but he didn¡¯t expect them to provoke him first. Since that was the case, he nned to erase the Teng n from the world¡¯s surface.


    Jian Xing¡¯er trembled angrily upon learning that the Teng n was the mastermind. The Jian n wouldn¡¯t have declined if it wasn¡¯t for the Teng n, and those who helped her in the past wouldn¡¯t have died.


    ¡°What did the Teng n offer you for killing me?¡± Liu Wuxie carried on his questioning. After all, it made no sense for the Sky Yin Ancestor toe after him for no reason.


    ¡°Them!¡± The Sky Yin Ancestor pointed at Jian Xing¡¯er and Chen Ruoyan.


    Liu Wuxie finally learned of the Teng n¡¯s scheme through their conversation. The Sky Yin Ancestor was a lecher and required yin energy because he practiced ghost techniques.


    In addition to the fact that Jian Xing¡¯er and Chen Ruoyan were both cultivators, their yin energy was strong, and the Sky Yin Ancestor was naturally tempted.


    ¡°How despicable! There¡¯s no need for them to carry on existing!¡± Liu Wuxie ced his hand on Sky Yin Ancestor¡¯s head and extracted his primordial spirit and memories, absorbing them into himself.


    ¡°Protect me while I cultivate!¡± His true essence was heavily exhausted after using the Heavenly Dragon Seal. It would be courting death for him to seek revenge on the Teng n.


    If he could reach the fifth level of the Heavenly Phase Realm, Liu Wuxie was confident he could obliterate the Teng n using the Heavenly Dragon Seal and Earth Binding Chains.


    Without wasting time, he took out array gs and nted them around his location, creating a protective formation. Then, he sat cross-legged while Jian Xing¡¯er and Chen Ruoyan stood guard, ensuring no ambushes could interrupt him.


    Time slipped by. Liu Wuxie had long been on the verge of a breakthrough, but the matters concerning Jian Xing¡¯er had kept him too busy to focus on it.


    Now, his breakthrough was smooth and swift. Soon, his aura surged, marking his advance to the fifth level of the Heavenly Phase Realm. His depleted true essence rapidly replenished as he drew spiritual energy from his surroundings.


    However, the resources in this area were sparse, and the spiritual energy was thin. With no other option, Liu Wuxie took out supreme-grade spirit stones, along with Blood Abyssal Stones, absorbing their power. In just half a day, he had recovered nearly ny percent of his true essence.


    As he made his breakthrough, a massive vortex formed above his head, pulling spiritual energy from the surroundings with incredible speed.


    ¡°What terrifying absorption speed!¡± Jian Xing¡¯er and Chen Ruoyan exchanged looks and could see the shock in each other¡¯s eyes. This was their first time witnessing Liu Wuxie¡¯s cultivation.


    Three days passed in the blink of an eye, and Liu Wuxie¡¯s cultivation hadpletely stabilized.


    With a soft whistle, the valley began to tremble with countless profound beasts fleeing in horror. When Liu Wuxie opened his eyes, his gaze was like two sharp swords piercing the sky and creating two shockwaves that produced a deafening roar.


    ¡°Congrattions on your breakthrough, Brother Liu!¡± Chen Ruoyan came over with Jian Xing¡¯er to congratte Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Yeah!¡± Liu Wuxie nodded and stretched his body. The True Dragon Physique was especially powerful because he didn¡¯t suffer any bacsh after using the Heavenly Dragon Seal. He wouldn¡¯t suffer a severe bacsh if he used the Earth Binding Chains.


    ¡°Junior Brother Liu, what should we do next?¡± Jian Xing¡¯er asked. She knew Liu Wuxie wouldn¡¯t let the Teng n go based on his personality. They had only survived because Liu Wuxie had managed to kill the Sky Yin Ancestor.


    ¡°Let¡¯s take a trip to the Sky Yin Sect. I bet the Sky Yin Ancestor must¡¯ve umted plenty of treasures over the years, and we can also take the opportunity to wipe them out to prevent them from harming the world.¡± Liu Wuxie nned to visit the Sky Yin Sect next.


    The two women had no objections because the Sky Yin Sect had to be eliminated after wreaking havoc in the world for so long.


    Uprooting the Sky Yin Sect was one thing, but Liu Wuxie had also learned something from the Sky Yin Ancestor¡¯s memories. He had erased all the useless memories and left only the important ones.


    The three quickened their pace and shuttled through the mountain range like three meteors, where they found the Sky Yin Sect in a secluded valley. The security here was tight after Liu Wuxie scanned the ce with Ghost Eye.


    ¡°There are five hundred and seventy people. The strongest is at the pinnacle Heavenly Phase Realm, but most are in the True Core Realm. There aren¡¯t many in the Heavenly Dipper Realm among them,¡± Liu Wuxie said as he withdrew his divine sense.


    ¡°Brother Liu, what do you need us to do?¡± Chen Ruoyan was eager to fight. She had been cautious around Liu Wuxie in the past, but their rtionship had be much closer after that night. The righteous and vengeful third princess had returned.


    ¡°Have you seen the rows of houses?¡± Liu Wuxie pointed toward the valley, where rows of houses could be seen.


    The two women nodded. They didn¡¯t have Ghost Eye, and their divine sense could not reach that far, so they could only rely on their eyes.


    ¡°There are many women and infants imprisoned there. I need you two to rescue them when the fight breaks out in case the remnants of the Sky Yin Sect use them as hostages.¡±


    The women and infants were innocent, and they could save however many they could.


    ¡°Okay!¡± Jian Xing¡¯er nodded because rescuing them was also a way of helping Liu Wuxie.


    Next was to set up a spiritual array because Liu Wuxie nned to trap the entire Sky Yin Sect to prevent any one of them from escaping. He even took some time to teach the two women how to enter and exit the spiritual array.


    The following day, Liu Wuxie appeared above the Sky Yin Sect and swung the Heretic de down. His attack caused countless buildings to copse. The Sky Yin Sect¡¯s disciples crawled out, covered in dust.


    After reaching the fifth level of the Heavenly Phase Realm, Liu Wuxie¡¯s strength had multiplied severely, and his aura covered the entire Sky Yin Sect.


    ¡°Who dares to attack the Sky Yin Sect!¡± A cultivator at the pinnacle of the Heavenly Phase Realm leaped up from the ground and looked at Liu Wuxie. Many disciples in the low levels of the Heavenly Phase Realm appeared with weapons in their hands. As for those in the True Core Realm, they could only observe because they couldn¡¯t fly.


    Taking advantage of the chaos, Jian Xing¡¯er and Chen Ruoyan sneaked into the rows of houses. Jian Xing¡¯er easily dealt with the two guards who were in the True Core Realm.


    When they opened the first door, a rotting stench hit their nostrils. Three women, their hair disheveled, were imprisoned in this room with two infants in their arms.


    The three women screamed in horror when someone came in, thinking that it was their turn.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid. We¡¯re here to save you!¡± Jian Xing¡¯er put a finger on her lips.


    The women immediately became silent upon hearing that they were being rescued. In just a few minutes, Jian Xing¡¯er and Chen Ruoyan went from room to room, gathering over thirty women and ten infants.


    Many of their clothes had be rags, and they were tortured beyond recognition. Aside from their physical injuries, the Sky Yin Ancestor still had no time to consume them.


    Liu Wuxie stood proudly in mid-air and didn¡¯t attack because he was waiting for the women and infants to be rescued before he started a massacre.


    When all the women and infants were rescued, they fled the Sky Yin Sect through the back mountain. They were safe when they left the spiritual array because the entire Sky Yin Sect was like a cage that prevented anyone inside from escaping.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on? Why are we trapped here?¡± A disciple in the True Core Realm wanted to leave, only to discover they were trapped.


    The Sky Yin Ancestor had only gathered a group of followers, and they did not feel any sense of belonging to the Sky Yin Sect. Thus, it was natural for the Sky Yin Sect to fall apart when danger arose.


    ¡°This is bad! The imprisoned ves have all been rescued!¡± Another group ran over, and the Sky Yin Sect fell into chaos.

 Chapter 521 - Blood Spirit Fruit

    <h4>Chapter 521 - Blood Spirit Fruit</h4>


    The Sky Yin Ancestor was the leader of the Sky Yin Sect. Without the Sky Yin Ancestor, it wasn''t surprising that they would lose their sense of direction.


    "Brat, you have quite the nerves to run wild in the Sky Yin Sect. Die!" The expert at the pinnacle Heavenly Phase Realm charged at Liu Wuxie and unleashed a powerful sword aura.


    Liu Wuxie stood firm, his expression unchanged as he tapped his finger, releasing a cold beam of energy. The man rushing toward him froze in mid-air, instantly turned into an ice sculpture. A momentter, the frozen figure shattered upon hitting the ground, fragments scattering in all directions.


    This caused an uproar in the crowd, and the entire Sky Yin Sect fell into chaos. Even their chief disciple was killed by Liu Wuxie in one strike, and they would only die if they stayed there.


    "You bastard! How dare you kill our chief disciple! The ancestor will take your life when he returns!" Many of Sky Yin Sect''s disciples weren''t willing to leave and abandon the luxurious life in the sect.


    "I have already killed the Sky Yin Ancestor!" Liu Wuxie didn''t want to waste words with these scums and continued to execute the Frost Finger. In just the blink of an eye, over a hundred ice sculptures were on the ground; this was a one-sided massacre.


    Liu Wuxie felt no remorse for the carnage. He knew all too well the atrocitiesmitted by these people. In just the past few days, they had captured seven or eight innocent souls. Liu Wuxie could only imagine how many women and children had suffered at the hands of the Sky Yin Sect over its hundred-year reign of terror.


    "Please, don''t kill me!" The remaining disciples were frightened and tried to flee. Their struggle was futile as a spiritual array enveloped the entire Sky Yin Sect.


    After all, it would be troublesome for Liu Wuxie to wipe them out if they tried to flee without the spiritual array.


    From the higher ground, Jian Xing''er, Chen Ruoyan, and the recently rescued women and children watched the scene unfold. Many of the women wept as they were freed, their eyes filled with a mix of relief and burning hatred. Seeing the sect that had enved them being decimated gave them a long-awaited sense of justice.


    "Don''t kill us!"


    "Please spare me!"


    "Spare me; I''ll be your loyal dog!"


    "I know where the Sky Yin Sect''s vault is!"


    "..." Countless cries for mercy echoed in the Sky Yin Sect.


    However, Liu Wuxie was unmoved, and he continued to take lives with a flick of his finger. There was no guilt in killing these scums; each one of them had blood on their hands.


    The massacrested for two minutes before all of the Sky Yin Sect''s disciples were dead. The Sky Yin Sect that was once grand had be a purgatory.


    Liu Wuxie finally descended from the sky after killing everyone. The ice sculptures were scattered to ashes when they fell to the ground.


    He proceeded to collect their interspatial pouches because, once umted, they would be a considerable sum of resources. The resources might not be helpful, but he could use them in the Heavenly Dao Society.


    Since establishing the Heavenly Dao Society, he had been requiring numerous resources daily. The benefits were also clear because the Heavenly Dao Society could collect intelligence and help him to strengthen himself.


    He could also delegate minor tasks to the Heavenly Dao Society, saving him time. After collecting all the interspatial pouches, he went deeper into the Sky Yin Sect.


    When he entered the hall, he looked around before cing his right hand on an azure stone. The sounds of gears rotating could be heard, and a hidden door appeared on the side of the hall,rge enough to amodate one person.


    Only the Sky Yin Ancestor knew about this ce, and no one knew about this hidden door. He followed the passage, and his view suddenly opened up, revealing a tunnel that extended deep underground.


    After walking for about five minutes, a stone door appeared before him. He quickly found the stone door''s mechanism through Ghost Eye. Upon activating the mechanism, the stone door began to rise and revealed a massive stone chamber.


    "The Sky Yin Ancestor has amassed quite a fortune over the years!" A devilish smile rose on Liu Wuxie''s lips when he saw the chests on the ground. The Sky Yin Ancestor was cunning enough to store his wealth in multiple ces; some treasures were kept in interspatial rings, while others were hidden underground.


    Liu Wuxie swiftly collected all the spirit stones stored in the chests. In addition to spirit stones, there were many precious spiritual herbs and the cores of profound beasts.


    These materials didn''t interest Liu Wuxie, but he took them anyway. He turned to look at a stone chamber in a corner, where he saw a three-meter-tall vine covering the wall.


    The blood-red roots tightly gripped onto the cracks in the wall and extended upward¡ªa crimson fruit hung at the top of the vine.


    "Eighth-grade Blood Spirit Fruit!" Liu Wuxie stepped forward and stood beneath the vines with a smile.


    "The Sky Yin Ancestor isn''t simple. Where did he find the Blood Spirit Fruit''s seed? This is a treasure!" Liu Wuxie took a jade box and plucked the already-ripened Blood Spirit Fruit. After the fruit was picked, the vine began to wither.


    "The Sky Yin Ancestor probably nned to use this Blood Spirit Fruit to make a breakthrough to the second-level Astral River Realm, but it''s mine now." Liu Wuxie nced around after storing the Blood Spirit Fruit before leaving the stone chamber.


    Ordinary eighth-grade spiritual herbs were useless to him, but the Blood Spirit Fruit was different. It had been nurtured daily with the blood of profound beasts, thus it contained their immense energy.


    When Liu Wuxie left the hall, he soared to the sky and retrieved the array gs. He executed the Primordial Astral Fist and leveled the entire Sky Yin Sect to the ground. After wrapping things up, he reunited with Jian Xing''er and Chen Ruoyan.


    Upon seeing Liu Wuxie, the women looked at him with reverence. They had witnessed how he had wiped out the entire Sky Yin Sect. Together, they set out for Azure Mountain City.


    "Junior Brother Liu, aside from Teng Wanqiu, who''s in the Astral River Realm, the Teng n has another ancestor in the third-level Astral River Realm. You need to be cautious,¡± Jian Xing¡¯er warned, exining the full extent of the Teng n¡¯s power to Liu Wuxie. Despite her concerns, Liu Wuxie was resolute. Along with returning the rescued women and children to safety, he was determined to annihte the Teng n.


    The group returned to Azure Crimson City half a dayter. The rescued women thanked the trio before returning home with their babies.


    "You two stay here and don''t get involved!" Liu Wuxie instructed firmly, asking Jian Xing''er and Chen Ruoyan to remain outside the city. He knew theing battle would be fierce, and he wouldn¡¯t have the capacity to protect them. If they were captured by the Teng n and used against him, it would onlyplicate matters.


    "Brother Liu, we want to fight alongside you!" Chen Ruoyan was on the verge of tears because waiting here for him was a torment.


    "It will be dangerous, and I can''t guarantee I can make it out alive. There''s no point in you twoing along with me. Head back to the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion immediately if I don''t return within a day," Liu Wuxie said firmly.


    Even if he wasn''t around, he believed Elder Tian Xing and Elder Yi Xuan would care for them.


    "Junior Brother Liu, you must make it back alive!" Jian Xing''er was more mature than Chen Ruoyan, and she knew they had to stay here if they didn''t want to be burdens to Liu Wuxie.


    "Alright!" Liu Wuxie said and vanished, heading straight for the Teng n.


    Chen Ruoyan''s face was streaked with tears as she watched him disappear.


    Several days passed, and life in the Teng n resumed as normal. They assumed that Liu Wuxie had been dealt with by the Sky Yin Ancestor.


    Suddenly, the Teng n''s gate was smashed apart, and the Teng n''s disciples who were guarding the gate were ripped apart.


    Liu Wuxie charged into the Teng n with Heratic de. The explosion rmed everyone in Azure Mountain City, and people swiftly approached to see what was going on.


    "Look! Someone charged into the Teng n!" People could see a figure charging into the Teng n, followed by echoes of screamsing from inside.


    "Who dares intrude on our Teng n?!" Many experts rushed out from within the Teng n, forming an encirclement around Liu Wuxie.


    "Your doom!" Liu Wuxie wasted no words and swung his de. Heads began to fly with a blood rain dyeing the entire Teng n''s courtyard.


    News of the attack began to spread like wildfire throughout Azure Mountain City. It didn''t take long before there was a pile of corpses on the ground.


    Crowds gathered, many climbing onto walls to get a better view. A collective gasp of horror swept through as they witnessed the carnage, their breaths catching as a shiver ran down their spines. Liu Wuxie had felled over a hundred men with a single strike, a terrifying disy of power.


    "Liu Wuxie! He''s Liu Wuxie!" Someone recognized Liu Wuxie''s existence. After all, many people were present in the Jian n that day. When they heard Liu Wuxie''s name, the Teng n disciples stepped back in fear.


    "That''s impossible! The Sky Yin Ancestor should¡¯ve already killed him!" A Teng n''s elder looked at Liu Wuxie in disbelief.


    "Teng Wanqiu,e out!" Liu Wuxie''s voice boomed like thunder, shaking the very air. The sheer force of his words caused nearby buildings to tremble and copse into ruins.


    More people began to gather. The Teng n had nurtured many experts, including many death warriors. However, even those death warriors didn''t dare take a step forward when facing Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie''s aura was too terrifying. He looked like a god of death who had descended into the mundane world.


    Teng Wanqiu was in the middle of a discussion and was rmed by themotion. When he charged out, he released powerful energy that formed into a powerful gale sweeping towards Liu Wuxie.


    When Teng Wanqiu appeared in the courtyard and looked at the corpses that littered the ground, his face shed with murderous intent.


    "Liu Wuxie, you''re courting death!" Teng Wanqiu growled. Although he''d never met Liu Wuxie in person, he already knew who he was, thanks to the elder at his side.


    "Are you surprised to see that I''m still alive?!" A mocking smile rose on Liu Wuxie''s lips, and he was determined to erase the Teng n.


    Teng Wanqiu¡¯s eyes shed with disdain. "I didn¡¯t expect you to survive this long. Today will be yourst, since you dare to intrude on the Teng n." Unaware that Liu Wuxie had already killed the Sky Yin Ancestor, Teng Wanqiu assumed that the ancestor simply hadn''t acted yet.


    "Cut the crap, and let''s fight!" Liu Wuxie couldn''t be bothered with more words. If he killed Teng Wanqiu and the Teng n''s ancestor, the other ns would eradicate the remaining Teng n''s disciples before long.


    "Patriarch, allow us to handle this!" Pei Kun rushed over from the casino upon learning that there was trouble in the Teng n.

 Chapter 522 - Eradicating the Teng Clan

    <h4>Chapter 522 - Eradicating the Teng n</h4>


    Pei Kun''s hatred for Liu Wuxie ran deep. Not only had Liu Wuxie bested him in the gambling games he once prided himself on, but his actions had also caused the Teng n to lose hundreds of thousands of spirit stones. Pei Kun longed for revenge but knew well enough that he couldn¡¯t defeat Liu Wuxie alone.


    "Very well! Go and test his strength!" Teng Wanqiu nodded. He nned to let the elders and deacons take the lead because they weren''t descendants of the Teng n. Since the Teng n paid them, they naturally had to work for them.


    He wouldn''t feel heartache even if they died because the Teng n could recruit more people.


    The deacons were unwilling but dared not defy the patriarch''s authority, so they advanced on Liu Wuxie with their weapons.


    "Attack!" The Teng n''s Grand Elder gave the order, and fifty people charged toward Liu Wuxie, each possessing cultivation in the Heavenly Phase Realm. This was the main force of the Teng n.


    A powerful wave of energy lifted the rocks from the ground, forming a storm that surged toward Liu Wuxie.


    "Die!" Liu Wuxie stood still and raised the Heretic de, slicing it horizontally, severing the storm into two from the middle.


    Shortly after, blood sttered around as the fifty-odd people were severed from their waists, dead. Pei Kun looked down at his severed body in disbelief. He couldn''t believe so many of them couldn''t even take a strike from Liu Wuxie.


    Those who witnessed the scene recoiled, a chill creeping down their spines.


    "What terrifying strength!" Everyone was shocked by the strength Liu Wuxie had disyed.


    "This is too brutal!" The ground was piled with corpses, and the Teng n had lost close to two hundred people, with a pungent stench of blood filling the Teng n''s mansion.


    With so many experts assembled, even the He n''s patriarch had arrived. Yet he refrained from intervening, knowing that the He n could rise to be the dominant force in Azure Mountain City if the Teng n were eliminated.


    Looking at the corpses that littered the ground, Teng Wanqiu took a deep breath because even he couldn''t have killed so many people. Teng n''s remaining disciples weren''t weak, with many in the Marrow Cleansing Realm. This frightened the Teng n''s disciples into retreating to a corner.


    "Your turn next!" Liu Wuxie dered, leveling the Heretic de at Teng Wanqiu. Having reached the fifth level of the Heavenly Phase Realm, his strength had surged, giving him the confidence to face a first-level Astral River Realm opponent without relying on the Earth Binding Chains.


    "Liu Wuxie, I''ll grind your bones to dust!" Teng Wanqiu roared, and he charged at Liu Wuxie. The powerful aura that he gave off destroyed all the corpses on the ground with a colossal palm. Teng Wanqiu''s rage had reached a limit.


    He couldn''tpete with the Sky Yin Ancestor in strength and was inferior in his true essence''s purity.


    Liu Wuxie stood in ce with a cold smirk hanging on his lips, pointing his de at the sky.


    When the distance between Teng Wanqiu and Liu Wuxie shrank, thetter swung the Heretic de down.


    A rift appeared in the sky caused by Liu Wuxie''s de. He unleashed a powerful de aura that ripped through space and appeared before Teng Wanqiu.


    Teng Wanqiu shuddered, and his movements became slow. Liu Wuxie ripped the descending colossal palm, which turned into a torrent of energy that surged to the sky.


    Ordinary people standing on the walls were thrown into disarray and tumbled in chaos. The impact even caused the Teng n''s walls to copse.


    A solemn expression appeared on Teng Wanqiu''s face when he sensed the power of Liu Wuxie''s de. He retrieved a longsword from his interspatial ring and swung it down.


    The two forces shed mid-air, creating an even more powerful shockwave that affected all the surrounding buildings.


    Teng Zijun was lying on his bed with a woman when the buildings copsed in clusters. Upon sensing themotion, he swiftly put on his clothes and emerged, but his house was reduced to ashes before he could figure out what was happening.


    Energy waves rumbled out, and Teng Wanqiu''s longsword nearly flew out from his hand. He swiftly retreated andnded in the distance like a tidal wave had struck him. His chest felt tight, and his breathing became heavy.


    On the contrary, Liu Wuxie only took three steps back and showed no signs of strain. Teng Wanqiu frowned, feeling an oppressive weight emanating from this seemingly unremarkable youth.


    "How is this possible? How can someone in the Heavenly Phase Realm possibly block the attack of someone in the Astral River Realm?" Those in the surroundings watched with disbelief. They believed that it was no different from a suicidal mission for Liu Wuxie to charge into the Teng n alone.


    However, it seemed they were mistaken; Liu Wuxie''s strength was beyond what appeared on the surface.


    "As expected of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s disciple¡ªtruly outstanding!" Many people attribute Liu Wuxie''s strength to his status as a Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s disciple.


    To these ordinary people, the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion was an unattainable existence; joining it was many people''s lifelong dream. This was like how cultivators from the mundane world fought and longed to enter the cultivation world.


    "Y-You withstood my attack?!" Teng Wanqiu''s face was covered with shock. Liu Wuxie had smashed apart his confidence.


    "Eat my de!" Liu Wuxie was done talking and wanted to end this quickly. He nned to kill Teng Wanqiu before the Teng n''s ancestor arrived. It was already his limit to face one opponent in the Astral River Realm, and it would be exceedingly difficult for him to face two.


    This time, his attack was even more powerful because he nned on using the Fatality de Art to suppress Teng Wanqiu before using Soul Spear and Frost Finger to end his life.


    He struck first, wanting to avoid giving Teng Wanqiu the chance to act. He shot forward like aet, and his speed was almost invisible to the naked eye.


    By the time everyone came to their senses, Liu Wuxie had already appeared before Teng Wanqiu.


    "What speed!" The He n''s patriarch eximed. He was also in the Astral River Realm but inferior to Liu Wuxie in speed.


    It would be useless in martial techniques when your opponent''s speed exceeded yours. Once speed was pushed to a specific limit, one would be unbeatable.


    Teng Wanqiu couldn''t react quickly and could only raise his de to block the iing attack.


    The sh produced a loud collision, and the true essence released by Liu Wuxie had far exceeded the Astral River Realm. This time, Teng Wanqiu was sent flying and drew an arc in the air. Before he could react, Liu Wuxie''s second strike was already upon him.


    This was a one-sided battle, with Liu Wuxie suppressing Teng Wanqiu, and the shockwave they released swept out to tens of thousands of meters. Liu Wuxie''s de reached Teng Wanqiu whenever he tried tounch a counterattack.


    This forced Teng Wanqiu into a defensive position, making it increasingly difficult for him tounch any effective counterattacks. He was left to be led around by Liu Wuxie,pletely on the back foot.


    Most importantly, Liu Wuxie''s de technique was bizarre and unpredictable, making it nearly impossible to defend against.


    Teng Wanqiu had reached the Astral River Realm by relying on pills. Thus, he could notpete with a prodigy like Liu Wuxie, not to mention his cultivation and martial techniques werecking.


    With no other options, Teng Wanqiu raised his sword to block Liu Wuxie''s iing attack. The impact felt like a hammer mming against his arm, causing him to gasp in pain as blood began to seep from his palm. The Heretic de,parable to a monarch artifact, easily shattered his inferior spiritual treasure, leaving fragments raining down from the sky.


    The strike from Liu Wuxie contained the power of five elements. In addition to the power of Suppression Steles, Liu Wuxie could kill cultivators in the pinnacle Heavenly Phase Realm even without using his true essence.


    Teng Wanqiu quickly retreated after he lost his sword, but Liu Wuxie took this opportunity to advance.


    "Frost Finger!" Liu Wuxie tapped out with his left hand, catching Teng Wanqiu off guard with his mastery of a dao technique. In an instant, Teng Wanqiu''s legs were encased in ice.


    Before Teng Wanqiu could break free from the ice, the Soul Spear appeared without any trace. Everything was perfectly calcted, and Liu Wuxie''s control over this battle was wless. Every detail and change of the battle was in his grasp.


    A scream echoed in Azure Mountain City as Teng Wanqiu''s body began to distort due to the heavy blow in his soul sea. When he lost consciousness, Liu Wuxie appeared before him and swung his de down.


    "No!" Teng Zijun had rushed out and witnessed how Liu Wuxie decapitated his father. His father, the Teng n''s patriarch and a dignified expert in the Astral River Realm, was killed.


    Blood rained from the sky, and Liu Wuxie summoned the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron to devour Teng Wanqiu''s energy. The battle ended in the span of a few minutes.


    The He n''s patriarch stood in the distance, looking dumbfounded. He was still considering helping but quickly retreated in fear of this scene.


    "He''s too strong! He killed the Teng n''s patriarch!" The small n''s patriarchs and merchants, who had rushed over, couldn''t ept Teng Wanqiu''s death even after witnessing him being killed.


    First, the Jian n was destroyed, and now, Teng Wanqiu had been killed. This was all rted to Liu Wuxie.


    "Azure Mountain City''syout is going to change!" Many people sensed the danger because the fall of the Teng n would give space for another prominent n.


    Apart from the Teng and He ns, Azure Mountain City had many smaller ns biding their time. Once the Teng n was destroyed, they would surely raise their gs to upy its territories and divide its resources.


    "Liu Wuxie, you killed my father?!" Teng Zijun charged at Liu Wuxie with a sword like a madman.


    "This is all because of you. If not for you, the Teng n wouldn¡¯t have experienced this disaster today!"Liu Wuxie spoke tly, his finger tapping with precision, instantly transforming Teng Zijun into an ice sculpture.


    Teng Zijun was thoroughly dead, and this scared the other Teng n members into freezing on the spot as they were too terrified to move. They were afraid Liu Wuxie might kill them next.


    The Teng n had lost their main forces and higher-ups to Liu Wuxie; the remaining were garbage.


    When Teng Wanqiu was killed, a powerful aura swept out from the depths of the Teng n¡ªthe Teng n''s ancestor had been rmed.


    Liu Wuxie became cautious because the Teng n had survived for many years thanks to this ancestor''s support.


    "Who killed my grandson?!" The voice was terrifying as a grey figure shot out from the depths of the Teng n.

 Chapter 523 - Fighting the Teng Clan鈥檚 Ancestor

    <h4>Chapter 523 - Fighting the Teng n¡¯s Ancestor</h4>


    Powerful waves of energy swept out from the depths of the Teng n, causing the surrounding buildings to copse under the tremor.


    A figure in grey shot through the sky, hovering above the ruins. It was Teng Gaoyi, grandfather of Teng Wanqiu, who had sensed his grandson¡¯s death. As he surveyed the destruction below, his eyes widened in rage at the corpses of the Teng n strewn across the ground.


    "Who the hell are you, and why have you ughtered so many of my Teng n?!" Teng Gaoyi¡¯s voice thundered, his bloodshot eyes burning with murderous intent as he locked onto Liu Wuxie.


    Hovering midair, Liu Wuxie remained unmoved, gripping the bloodstained Heretic de. His aura radiated terrifying murderous intent. The blood dripping from his de had belonged to Teng Gaoyi¡¯s grandson.


    "They deserved to die!" Liu Wuxie said coldly.


    "Very well. You killed my grandson and my nsmen. I''ll grind your bones to dust!" Teng Gaoyi roared. He could always nurture new talents and continue to expand the family lineage as long as he was alive.


    Teng Gaoyi clenched his fists and released waves of energy that rippled outward. He had a cultivation in the third-level Astral River Realm, and he was the strongest opponent Liu Wuxie had faced thus far.


    Liu Wuxie knew he couldn''t afford to be careless, but he was no longer the weakling he once was. Armed with the Heavenly Dragon Seal and Earth Binding Chains, he could easily y someone at the third level of the Astral River Realm.


    As soon as Teng Gaoyi finished speaking, he vanished, his fist charging straight for Liu Wuxie¡ªa direct and powerful strike infused with astral river power. Under normal circumstances, such overwhelming force would¡¯ve paralyzed someone in the Heavenly Phase Realm.


    "Perfect," Liu Wuxie muttered.


    This time, however, his opponent was Liu Wuxie, and he wouldn¡¯t just stand still to be killed. With a swift motion, Liu Wuxie sheathed the Heretic de, opting for closebat.


    The Wood and Earth Suppression Steles suddenly stirred and converged into two forces that flowed into Liu Wuxie''s arms. The deste world also trembled, with terrifying true essence coursing through his meridians.


    "What is he trying to do? Is he nning to take an attack from someone in the third-level Astral River Realm head-on?" Many spectators in the high levels of the Heavenly Phase Realm eximed and were shocked by Liu Wuxie''s actions.


    They had witnessed Liu Wuxie''s de technique, and it made no sense for them to see Liu Wuxie engaging Teng Gaoyi in closebat.


    "What a in punch!" The He n''s patriarch muttered with disbelief. He couldn''t believe his eyes when he saw Liu Wuxie nning to confront Teng Gaoyi with such an ordinary punch.


    The two figures shed in mid-air before countless eyes, which puzzled Teng Gaoyi. He began to wonder if Liu Wuxie was hiding his true strength. He was in the Astral River Realm with a powerful divine sense, and he could tell that Liu Wuxie was only in the fifth-level Heavenly Phase Realm.


    The sh between the two fists caused the surrounding space to tremble, manifesting as a powerful shockwave that swept out.


    All the buildings remaining in the Teng n that had yet to copse were instantly leveled, and the entire Teng n was reduced to rubbles.


    It felt like twos had shed, and the terrifying shockwave sent all the surrounding cultivators flying out. Even those in the Heavenly Phase Realm weren''t spared and coughed up blood from the shockwave.


    Those with low cultivation were instantly crushed into pulp and disappeared. This was the power of someone in the Astral River Realm.


    At the moment of impact, Liu Wuxie''s fist was covered by a thickyer of dragon scales, pushing his physical strength to the absolute limit. The True Dragon Physique was stronger than an ordinary person''s.


    When Liu Wuxie and Teng Gaoyi separated, Liu Wuxie merely performed several flips, but he still stood proudly in mid-air. Aside from the slight rise and fall of his chest, there was no sign of changes in his expression; he was terrifyingly calm.


    Teng Gaoyinded a few hundred meters away, his face alternating between red and pale. He felt like he wasn''t facing a human but a ferocious beast, and the overwhelming force nearly made him suffer.


    Thankfully, Teng Gaoyi gathered all his strength at thest moment to resolve Liu Wuxie''s punch.


    "Who are you, and why have youe to Azure Mountain City?" Teng Gaoyi''s face returned to normal, and he looked at Liu Wuxie with his ferocious gaze.


    "Why do you talk so much? I''ve already rified that I''m here to eradicate the Teng n." Liu Wuxie cut the talk and threw another punch. This time, he struck first because he needed the battle to stabilize his foundation when he had just made a breakthrough to the fifth level of the Heavenly Phase Realm.


    Teng Gaoyi, who was in the third-level Astral River Realm, was undoubtedly the best candidate to help him consolidate his foundation.


    "You''re courting death!" Teng Gaoyi was enraged. He was distracted momentarily, which allowed Liu Wuxie to grasp an opportunity, but he wouldn''t be so lucky again.


    The two charged at each other once more, like twoets streaking across the horizon. Under the immense pressure caused by their speed, the surrounding space began to distort, producing a sonic boom. There were no fancy moves because the two shed, relying on their physiques.


    This was a fistfight with Liu Wuxie using the True Dragon Physique and covering his vitals with dragon scales.


    Liu Wuxie took over a dozen punches and returned the same number to Teng Gaoyi. He was superior in physique. His body had be stronger than those in the low levels of the Astral River Realm after obtaining the True Dragon Physique.


    They both punched at each other''s chest before they separated again.


    The crowd burst intoughter because their appearance had amused everyone. Liu Wuxie''s clothes were ripped into pieces, while Teng Gaoyi looked worse, with swells and bruises all over his body, including his face.


    Liu Wuxie had far outssed Teng Gaoyi in terms ofbat skills and talent. Compared to Teng Gaoyi, Liu Wuxie suffered no physical injuries except his torn clothes and owed it all to the True Dragon Physique.


    Teng Gaoyi was shocked, finding it difficult to believe that Liu Wuxie was in the Heavenly Phase Realm.


    "The Jian n is foolish to be the Teng n''sckey. If they had betrothed Jian Xing''er to Liu Wuxie, the Jian n would¡¯ve surely be the strongest n in Azure Mountain City," many peoplemented Jian Botong''s poor judgment.


    Teng Gaoyi took out a seven-foot-long de from his interspatial ring, and when it appeared, the surrounding space began to ripple. This de gave off a terrifying aura.


    "A peerless spiritual treasure, this is interesting!" Liu Wuxie was surprised to see a peerless spiritual treasure in a ce like Azure Mountain City.


    Teng Gaoyi no longer dared to hold back after failing to kill Liu Wuxie twice.


    Liu Wuxie also drew the Heretic de and pointed it at Teng Gaoyi. They were both masters of using the de, except their des were different in length.


    The two vanished and shed together again, with Liu Wuxie pushing the Fatality de Art to the limit.


    Teng Gaoyi practiced the Wind-Splitting de Art, which disyed formidable power paired with his de.


    Facing Teng Gaoyi, Liu Wuxie didn''t dare to be careless because the longer weapon would hold more advantage if two cultivators were evenly matched. Teng Gaoyi had brought out the advantage of his long de, making it challenging for Liu Wuxie to get close.


    Furthermore, the Wind-Splitting de Art wielded the wind, making his strikes unpredictable. If Liu Wuxie weren''t careful enough, there was a chance Teng Gaoyi could y him.


    The two fought for several breaths, and they exchanged thousands of moves.


    Liu Wuxie couldn''t kill someone in the third-level Astral River Realm relying on the Fatality de Art alone, which he already knew. Not to mention, there were several times he brushed past death in his fight with Teng Gaoyi, and he only resolved those situations using Frost Finger.


    "Wind-Splitting sh!" Teng Gaoyi roared and unleashed a powerful de aura that filled the sky, leaving no room for Liu Wuxie to dodge. He ruthlessly crushed the Fatality de Art and forced Liu Wuxie to retreat, unleashing suffocating power that crushed down Liu Wuxie like a river.


    <i>It''s time to change my move!</i> Liu Wuxie pondered. He was done tempering himself, and he still nned to travel around after killing Teng Gaoyi and leave Azure Mountain City.


    Liu Wuxie swiftly sheathed the Heretic de and raised his right fist to the sky, channeling terrifying power that manifested as an ancient mountain range looming above Azure Mountain City. The sudden surge of ancient star power took Teng Gaoyi by surprise¡ªwho would¡¯ve thought Liu Wuxie would abruptly shift his attack?


    The speed of Liu Wuxie¡¯s change in tactics was beyondprehension, executed without the slightest hesitation. The long de could no longer press down, fueling Teng Gaoyi¡¯s rage. He cursed, "Damn it!" No one would believe that he, a veteran, was being suppressed by this young cultivator, yet that was the undeniable truth.


    "Wind-Splitting Strike!" Teng Gaoyi also changed his attack and charged over, nning to take this punch head-on.


    "What pitiful resistance!" Liu Wuxie sneered and sped his hands together, allowing the ancient mountain range to envelop tens of thousands of meters.


    The surrounding space began to crack under tremendous pressure and formed into spatial rifts, like heaven and the earth were about to be pierced.


    "Break!" Teng Gaoyi''s roar reverberated across the battlefield, his voice so powerful that it caused onlookers'' ears to bleed, forcing many to clutch their heads in agony. When his long de met the descending ancient mountain range, it barely budged, continuing its oppressive descent. Teng Gaoyi''s face darkened with grim determination, drawing even more true essence from deep within his body.


    "Astral river power, empower me!" Astral river power traversed the universe and descended onto Teng Gaoyi''s body. This was the strength of someone in the Astral River Realm, which allowed them to build a bridge with the stars in their soul sea.


    Once the bridge was formed, they could draw an endless flow of astral river power.


    Liu Wuxie snorted, and the Primordial Astral Fist continued to descend. The sun and moon lost their luster, and the ground sank.


    The Teng n was already turned into ruins, with a massive crater in the center and Teng Gaoyi standing in it. His long de had only cut through one-third of the ancient mountain range, and he was sent flying away because his body couldn''t withstand the impact.


    Liu Wuxie didn''te out unscathed either because the counterforce from Teng Gaoyi''s attack had ripped through his clothes, forcing him to flip in mid-air beforending on the ground.


    The two stood facing each other, and this round resulted in a draw. If Liu Wuxie wanted to kill Teng Gaoyi, he could only resort to the Earth Binding Chains.


    Chen Ruoyan and Jian Xing''er were worried about the battle and were watching from a distance.


    "Brat, you must''ve used all your techniques by now while I''m just starting." Teng Gaoyi took a deep breath, and his aura began to rise with astral river power surging into his body.


    Cultivators in the Astral River Realm were like cockroaches because it would be troublesome if they weren''t killed instantly.

 Chapter 524 - Refining the Blood Spirit Fruit

    <h4>Chapter 524 - Refining the Blood Spirit Fruit</h4>


    Since Liu Wuxie couldn''t gain any advantage in the fight with Fatality de Art, and the Primordial Astral Fist could only allow him to hold his ground against Teng Gaoyi, he could only ce his hopes on the Earth Binding Chains and the Heavenly Dragon Seal.


    However, he had recently used the Heavenly Dragon Seal, and the energies within were mainly consumed. This meant he couldn''t use it temporarily, not to mention it was highly destructive. Once unleashed, the innocent spectators in the surroundings would be killed.


    He locked onto Teng Gaoyi with Ghost Eye before executing Soul Spear.


    "Old bastard, it''s time for us to end this fight!" Liu Wuxie roared and shot out like an agile leopard, appearing before Teng Gaoyi.


    Teng Gaoyi was enraged after being insulted as an ''old bastard'' and swung his de down at Liu Wuxie.


    At that moment, Liu Wuxie''s aura shifted dramatically, transforming into that of an invincible god of war, looking down upon the world. He unleashed a fragment of the Immortal Emperor''s will, sending shockwaves through the crowd. Countless onlookers fell to their knees, unable to withstand the overwhelming presence radiating from him.


    Hovering in the air like a majestic Immortal Emperor, Liu Wuxie exuded a terrifying pressure that made Teng Gaoyi''s face twist with fear.


    "What''s going on? My will seems to be imprisoned!" Teng Gaoyi eximed. The Immortal Emperor''s will was like a cage that imprisoned his will.


    Liu Wuxie took advantage of this opportunity to unleash Soul Spear. The Soul Forge Art was profound. Although he had only scratched its surface, the power behind it was devastating. If Liu Wuxie had mastered the remaining two moves, this battle would have already been over.


    Teng Gaoyi let out a scream. Liu Wuxie could execute the Soul Spear three times in a given time span. He had used it once on Teng Wanqiu, meaning he could execute it twice.


    However, he didn''t dare to use it the third time because he wanted to use the Earth Binding Chains.


    "Brat, what did you do to my primordial spirit?!" Teng Gaoyi roared in fury. He clutched his head with his right hand and looked as though he wanted to reach into his soul sea to tear out whatever was inside it.


    However, Teng Gaoyi didn''t stop attacking even with his soul sea injured. It was as expected of someone in the Astral River Realm, who continued to swing his de at Liu Wuxie''s neck.


    Liu Wuxie''s soul energy was too weak. The damage he inflicted on Teng Gaoyi''s soul sea wasn''t too severe and only caused some pain. After all, thetter was someone in the third level of the Astral River Realm.


    "Earth Binding Chains!" He had already achieved his goal, and a long chain appeared from the void. When Teng Gaoyi saw the chains, he felt something wasn''t right and quickly retreated.


    It was toote because no one could stop the Earth Binding Chains once unleashed. Unless Teng Gaoyi''s strength had far exceeded Liu Wuxie''s, he couldn''t escape.


    Liu Wuxie had no idea of the exact power level of the Earth Binding Chains, as they were a creation of the Spirit n, whose weapon ssification differed from that of the human race.


    "What''s this? Why can''t I move?!" Teng Gaoyi let out a heart-wrenching scream as he was bound in ce. He couldn''t move and fell from the sky.


    He couldn''t even care about his weapon and allowed it to fall into the ruins. This left everyone stunned; even Jian Xing''er and Chen Ruoyan exchanged a look.


    They were already shocked when Liu Wuxie had revealed the Heavenly Dragon Seal, but now, as he summoned the Earth Binding Chains, their astonishment deepened. This was yet another powerful artifact they knew nothing about.


    "How many more secrets does Brother Liu have that we''re unaware of?" Chen Ruoyan muttered, her curiosity sincere rather than prying. Even Jian Xing''er nodded in agreement, equally intrigued by Liu Wuxie''s hidden depths.


    Liu Wuxie fell from the sky. Although he had drained ny percent of the soul energy in his soul sea, he managed to control his fall andnded on the ground.


    He lost the ability to fly after exhausting his soul energy, but he knew he had to stay calm. He slowly walked towards Teng Gaoyi. Earth Binding Chains had tightly bound him in ce.


    "What did you do to me? Let me go!" Teng Gaoyi continued to resist. But the more he struggled, the tighter the Earth Binding Chains became, and the pain made him cry.


    "You''re not worthy of knowing!" Liu Wuxie couldn''t be bothered with Teng Gaoyi and decapitated him with a swift sh of the Heretic de. He absorbed all the energy from his corpse before he turned to leave.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s soul sea was damaged when he used the Earth Binding Chains and had to leave immediately.


    "Junior Brother Liu!"


    "Brother Liu!" Jian Xing''er and Chen Ruoyan quickly stepped forward to support him.


    "Leave this ce immediately!" Liu Wuxie whispered with waves of pain radiating from his soul sea. After using the Soul Spear twice and the Earth Binding Chains, his soul energy had already reached its limit.


    Right then, many people appeared from the streets and blocked their path. But before Liu Wuxie could act, they suddenly fell to their knees.


    "Thank you, benefactor! Not only did you save our children, but you even eradicated the Sky Yin Sect!"


    Only a few knew that Liu Wuxie had destroyed the Sky Yin Sect. The rescued women and the children¡¯s parents had organized this party to express their gratitude to him.


    Many people cheered to hear that the Sky Yin Sect was destroyed. This meant they no longer had to raise their children in secret, fearing that the Sky Yin Sect might barge in at any time to snatch them.


    "Stand up!" Liu Wuxiemanded as they checked into an inn. He needed two days of rest before they could leave.


    Everyone was still resentful of Liu Wuxie for destroying the Teng n, but news soon spread that the Teng n had secretly conspired with the Sky Yin Sect to try and kill Liu Wuxie.


    The Sky Yin Sect was a major scourge in Azure Mountain City, and anyone who conspired with them was considered an enemy of the city''smoners.


    The Teng n¡¯s reputation dropped to nothing in the eyes of the people, and they became the target of universal disdain. The few remaining Teng n disciples were swiftly hunted down, and their casinos were overrun, with mobs looting all the resources inside.


    As for Liu Wuxie, he had already hidden in the inn to repair his soul sea. He was in a dire state, and he would die if another expert in the Astral River Realm came.


    The He n was busy devouring the Teng n''s territory, and they naturally wouldn''t send anyone to disturb Liu Wuxie. After all, who would dare toe and cause trouble for Liu Wuxie after witnessing how he killed Teng Gaoyi, who was on the third-level Astral River Realm?


    "Brother Liu, are you alright?"


    Liu Wuxie''s face was pale, and he needed the support of the two women when they entered the inn.


    "Set up these array gs in the surroundings!" Liu Wuxie taught the two women to set up a spiritual array with the gs.


    The two women quickly began setting up protective arrays, realizing something was off. Liu Wuxie might have appeared fine outwardly, but they sensed he was gravely injured. Once the array gs were in ce, Liu Wuxie finally exhaled, acknowledging his condition. "My soul sea is damaged. I¡¯ll need a few days to recover. You two keep an eye out for me."


    "Junior Brother Liu, is your soul sea fine?" Jian Xing''er asked with concern. The soul sea was the central nervous system of a person, and the consequences would be dire if it were damaged.


    "It''s nothing serious!" Liu Wuxie reassured them. This wasn''t the first time he had dealt with such injuries, and the fact that he didn''t pass out this time was a good sign.


    The two women left the room and didn''t dare to disturb him. Time passed, and Azure Mountain City soon returned to normal, with the Teng n''s territory divided by the various forces.


    The He n didn''t expand significantly and only upied one-third of the Teng n''s territory. As for the remaining two-thirds, they were divided among the smaller ns.


    The inn where Liu Wuxie stayed had be a forbidden zone, with no one daring to set foot. To themoners, Liu Wuxie was their god and guardian.


    Three days passed, and the pain from Liu Wuxie''s soul sea had finally lessened. It was no longer that serious. The Heavenly Dao Book opened up and connected to the heavens and earth to draw energy.


    <i>I''m alive thanks to the Heavenly Dao Book protecting my primordial spirit. Otherwise, the consequences might¡¯ve been dire.</i> Liu Wuxie pondered.


    It was already a miracle that he could maintain consciousness after using the Earth Binding Chains after performing the Soul Spear twice.


    "The benefits are obvious. This battle has helped me increase my strength greatly. I even managed to consolidate a firm foundation, and I can attempt a breakthrough to the sixth-level Astral River Realm." Combat was the best way to test one''s strength, and Liu Wuxie''s overall strength had made a giant leap forward.


    That was especially the case for the purity of his true essence,bat skills, and physique. He took a Blood Spirit Fruit from his interspatial ring and was prepared to swallow it.


    He nned on harnessing the Blood Spirit Fruit''s power to reach the sixth-level Heavenly Phase Realm. But when he swallowed the fruit, the violent energy nearly ripped his body apart.


    An eighth-grade spiritual herb wasparable to the Astral River Realm, and one could imagine the energy contained within. But thanks to his powerful physique, Liu Wuxie didn''t suffer much damage.


    If it had been someone else in the Heavenly Phase Realm, their physique would''ve copsed by now and blown apart by the violent energy from the Blood Spirit Fruit.


    "What powerful energy!" Liu Wuxie eximed.


    The Sky Yin Ancestor had spent a hundred years nurturing this Blood Spirit Fruit, and who knew how many profound beasts he had hunted? But Blood Spirit Fruit benefited Liu Wuxie.


    The Blood Spirit Fruit required strict conditions to grow, needing to be fed the blood of profound beasts daily. This was the main reason the Sky Yin Ancestor relocated to Azure Mountain City¡ªthe surrounding mountain range was abundant with these creatures. If he could sessfully cultivate the Blood Spirit Fruit, he would no longer face any obstacles to his breakthrough.


    Tearing pain came from Liu Wuxie''s meridians. The energy contained within Blood Spirit Fruit flowed into the deste world and manifested into profound beasts with their echoing roars.


    The Deste Devouring Art began circting, and the surrounding spiritual energy quickly gathered in his direction. All the spiritual energy above Azure Mountain City had vanished in the blink of an eye, all devoured by Liu Wuxie.


    Jian Xing''er and Chen Ruoyan were shocked as they sat in the courtyard.


    "Big Brother Liu is going to make another breakthrough!" They weren''t surprised because Liu Wuxie had grown to a height beyond their reach in just one year.


    Themotion created by Liu Wuxie naturally drew many gazes to the inn. A grey vortex had appeared in the sky, ready to devour all the spiritual energy within thousands of miles.


    The He n''s ancestor was in seclusion when he sensed themotion and came out from his cultivation chamber. When he learned that the Teng n had been eradicated, hey low and continued his seclusion, not daring to provoke Liu Wuxie.


    More spiritual energy began to gather because the resources Liu Wuxie needed for the next breakthrough would increase. He still had many spirit stones on him, and he wasn''t perturbed about resources.


    The spiritual energy drawn over turned into spiritual rain pouring down on the deste world. This nourished the dried-up earth, made rivers clear, thend thicker, the volcano taller, and the Abyssal Realmrger...


    The deste world continued to evolve. In addition to the birth of stars in the deste world, it had formed into aplete world.


    Liu Wuxie''s aura began to rise, and the evolution of the Deste Devouring Art had surpassed his expectations. Spiritual energy would surge with each breath, producing tinkling sounds when it fell on the deste world.


    If this continued, the spiritual rain could even condense into spiritual pills. The density of spiritual energy had reached such an extreme that it could materialize into pills, offering a faster and more efficient way to absorb spiritual energy than the usual method of direct cultivation.

 Chapter 525 - Sixth-Level of the Heavenly Phase Realm

    <h4>Chapter 525 - Sixth-Level of the Heavenly Phase Realm</h4>


    Spirit stones were universally recognized as currency in the cultivation world and could be used to purchase anything. However, there was an item with more value than spirit stones: the True Spirit Pill.


    There were items that only those in the True Profound Realm could condense. They didn''t need any spiritual herbs and drew spiritual energy directly from the endless void andpressed them into pills.


    The pills contained no impurities, and each True Spirit Pill holds a terrifying amount of spiritual energy. This was a thousand times better than absorbing spiritual energy from the atmosphere.


    Upon reaching the True Profound Realm, ordinary spirit stones couldn''t satisfy their needs. Most of the True Spirit Pills condensed by the True Profound Realm cultivators could only satisfy them, and they would rarely sell them.


    Refining the True Spirit Pills was aplex process that requiredws of the True Profound Realm. This was the reason why a single True Spirit Pill was so valuable.


    To Liu Wuxie¡¯s surprise, the Deste Devouring Art practiced by Liu Wuxie showed signs of converting spiritual energy into pills. Judging by this trend, the Deste Devouring Art would help him refine True Spirit Pills after reaching the Nascent Transformation Realm.


    This overturned Liu Wuxie''s understanding, and his expectations for the Deste Devouring Art grew even higher. He calmed his mind and focused on making a breakthrough.


    True essence surged through Liu Wuxie''s meridians and spread throughout his body. Countless acupoints began to tremble, and the true essence collided with and impacted the finer meridians.


    Liu Wuxie had attained the True Dragon Physique with many finer meridians activated. It would severely affect his future cultivation if these meridians couldn''t be cleared.


    Another sequence appeared as the Heavenly Dao Book absorbed the energies from the Blood Spirit Fruit.


    In just three days, Liu Wuxie recovered his soul sea entirely and even took another step forward in his cultivation.


    "Breakthrough!" Liu Wuxie reached the sixth-level Heavenly Phase Realm with a roar. Endless energy waves formed into a vortex above the inn, emitting a powerful suction force that devoured all the surrounding spiritual energy.


    His next task was to consolidate his cultivation over the next five days. The vortex above the inn slowly vanished.


    In the past few days, everyone in Azure Mountain City had been on edge, fearing the city would be a wastnd.


    Fortunately, Liu Wuxie didn''t drain all the spiritual energy, and the city''s spiritual energy would recover in a few days. However, the trees in the city had all withered with their spiritual energy drained. They would need at least one to two years to recover.


    When Liu Wuxie stood up, crackling sounds echoed throughout his body as if his bones were grinding against each other like weapons. His bones were covered in ayer of dragon runes, and even strands of golden lights were in his blood.


    He could feel the terrifying power coursing through his body, and a slight lift of his hand could cause the air to sweep out in all directions.


    "What power!" Liu Wuxie was shocked. At his current cultivation, no one in the Heavenly Phase Realm could threaten him, and he could butcher cultivators in the low levels of the Astral River Realm easily. He wouldn''t have to worry if many Astral River Realm cultivators didn''t gang on him.


    When he came out of the room, sunlight shone onto his face, and his paleplexion had vanished, returning to a fair shade.


    "Brother Liu, you''re finally out!" The two women quickly approached, and the worry on their faces faded away.


    "Sorry to keep you two waiting," Liu Wuxie said apologetically. He had made two significant breakthroughs since arriving in Azure Mountain City, but the two women hadn¡¯t seen much change in themselves. It wasn¡¯t enough for him to grow stronger; those around him needed to keep pace as well. Without great power, none of them could secure their ce within the Heavenly Dao Society.


    "Are we returning to the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion?" Chen Ruoyan asked, though she didn''t seem eager to go back just yet. The sect felt stifling to her, and she longed to explore more of the world outside.


    "Let¡¯s take a walk first," Jian Xing''er suggested. Though she appearedposed, a trace of sorrow flickered in her eyes. Given everything she had been through, it was no surprise that recovery would take time.


    After significantly boosting his strength, Liu Wuxie nned to travel around the Southern Province. The province had ten major cities, and he had only been to Fan City. There were still many other cities for him to visit and explore.


    There were three months left till the Ten Grand Ceremony, and he had to hurry in raising his cultivation as much as possible.


    The two women had no objections as they left the inn and soared into the sky, disappearing above the clouds.


    The He n heaved a sigh of relief after ensuring that Liu Wuxie had left. They were worried Liu Wuxie might turn around to deal with them.


    Not long after Liu Wuxie left, two men in ragged clothes emerged from a tattered house.


    "Senior Brother Teng Yue should''ve received the news of the n''s cmity by now." These two were remnants of the Teng n who hadn''t been fully eradicated.


    "The message has been sent, and Liu Wuxie''s portrait should''ve reached Senior Brother Teng Yue a few days ago." The man on the left said with murderous intent flickering in the depth of his eyes. He still couldn''t believe that the Teng n had vanished in just one night.


    "Senior Brother Teng Yue is in the Astral River Realm, and he will avenge the Teng n!" The Teng n had sent many of their disciples to the Azure Crimson Gate throughout the years, and Teng Yue was one of them.


    The trio flew across mountains and rivers, briefly stopping wherever they went to experience the local customs and scenery. They had long left the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s territory and entered other regions.


    At this time, the Hou n was also mobilizing their disciples to hunt Liu Wuxie. The Hou n''s experts arrived on the second day after Liu Wuxie left Azure Mountain City, only to find that he was already gone.


    Ten dayster, after crossing the vast mountain ranges, Liu Wuxie entered one of the Southern Province''s ten major cities, the Serene Sea City. The scale of this city was equal to Fan City.


    They could see countless cultivators bustling in the city before entering it. When they arrived, cultivators wouldnd and enter the city on foot. There was a rule that no flying was allowed over the ten major cities and territories of the ten major sects.


    "The Serene Sea City is connected to the Azure Crimson Gate in the east, Demonic Heart Pce to the west, and Sky Rift Valley to the north. Because of this, disciples from these three factions frequently visit the city," Jian Xing''er exined as they descended into the bustling city below.


    Liu Wuxie nodded. He had read about Serene Sea City in the Hidden Books Collection and was familiar with its role in the overall power structure of the Southern Province.


    The Serene Sea City was known for producing particr spiritual stones. There were many types of spiritual stones; themon ones were mined from spiritual stone veins and could be directly absorbed by cultivators. A type of spiritual stone was also transported from the barrennds.


    Strangely enough, these spiritual stones were enveloped in a deste aura that had to be removed before the spiritual stones could be extracted. But that wasn''t it because it was just the beginning.


    The spiritual stones from Serene Sea City were eroded by deste aura, making them unusable for human cultivators in their raw state. So why was the spiritual stone industry there still flourishing? The answery in something even more valuable hidden within those stones¡ªfossils.


    In ancient times, this barrennd was home to countless races, including the abyssal, demonic, human, and ancient races. There were numerous of them, dating back millions of years.


    Over countless millennia, remnants from these civilizations were buried deep underground and became encased within the spiritual stones. These ancient remnants included everything from bones and weapons to fragments of artifacts.


    Many years ago, a cultivator famously discovered an ancient sword fragment inside one of these spiritual stones. Though the piece was small, it caused an uproar throughout the Southern Province due to its ancient origins and immense value. The relics within the stones were evidence of a bygone era when cultivator civilization reached its peak¡ªan era vastly superior to the current, declining cultivation world.


    Time had the power to transform even the simplest materials. A bone buried for eons could harden into a spiritual stone, and a piece of wood could evolve into a spiritual embryo after absorbing vast amounts of energy.


    If a sword were embedded into a tree, over time, as the tree decayed and was nourished by the earth, the sword would be fused with the wood. A cultivator who bought and split open that wood could uncover a divine sword of incredible value.


    Simrly, there were cases where skulls encased within the spiritual stones contained needles forged by ancient cksmiths. These ancient relics often exceeded the value of modern monarch artifacts.


    In Serene Sea City, ordinary items might not fetch much value, but anything from the barrennd battlefield was considered precious¡ªeven something as simple as a leaf.


    The barrennd, located close to the city, was perilous. Few cultivators could survive its treacherous conditions. The Azure Crimson Gate, Sky Rift Valley, and Demonic Heart Pce had long since charted the battlefield, but the dangers still loomed.


    The best time to venture into the barrennd was during the full moon, when the deste aura weakened. If absorbed, this aura could harm a cultivator¡¯s cultivation and was nearly impossible to refine.


    The trio paid their entry fee and entered the city. Compared to Fan City, Serene Sea City was bustling with a higher concentration of cultivators. Most people hade because of the city''s reputation and location at the border of three major sects.


    Because of its territory, the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion wasn''t connected to any of the ten major cities, and its nearby cities were slightly inferior to them.


    "What a huge city!" Chen Ruoyan was dazzled by the sight of the city.


    She had heard that a city in the cultivation world wasparable to a nation in the mundane world, and the rumor was well-deserved after witnessing it today.


    The Serene Sea City was massive and almost boundless. Many shops were lined on both sides of the street, and Liu Wuxie noticed many shops carrying banners of the three major sects.


    This was weird, making him wonder if the three major sects controlled the Serene Sea City. But that wasn''t the case because these shops had little connection with them.


    They carried the banners of the three major sects to prevent unnecessary trouble, so anyone who caused trouble would have to think twice. In simpler terms, they merely used the influence of the three major sects to deter any potential troublemaker.


    As the trio passed through the streets, they saw more merchants bearing the banner of the barrennd. This meant the items were mainly transported out from the barrennd.


    "Junior Brother Liu, don''t believe these shops. Most of their items are replicas, and there aren''t many real items from the barrennd." Jian Xing''er reminded Liu Wuxie not to be fooled by them.


    Liu Wuxie nodded. He also knew there was a higher chance that these shops were bluffing without Jian Xing''er''s reminder.


    "Honored guests, why don''t youe in and take a look? We''ve just received a new batch of goods shipped out from the barrennd yesterday. They''re guaranteed to contain treasures!" A shopkeeper came out to the streets to draw in customers.


    Anyone could tell from Liu Wuxie''s trio''s appearance that they were outsiders who had just arrived here and were easy prey on the locals. The other shops would do it even if they didn''t take advantage of them.


    "Not interested!" Liu Wuxie waved his hand dismissively. He had just arrived in Serene Sea City and wanted to explore beforemitting to any ns. The city was vast, and he had no intention of leaving soon. There would be plenty to keep him busy for a while.


    "Don''t be so quick to walk away! It wouldn''t hurt to take a look inside," the shopkeeper insisted, attempting to grab Liu Wuxie''s sleeve. The shopkeeper knew that once Liu Wuxie entered, refusal would no longer be an option. If he didn¡¯t make a purchase, things could quickly turn hostile.


    "Let go!" Liu Wuxie looked displeased. He had never seen anyone conduct business so aggressively before.

 Chapter 526 - Forceful Sale

    <h4>Chapter 526 - Forceful Sale</h4>


    Buying and selling should be a matter of free will, and forcing a sale was no different from robbery.


    Liu Wuxie shook his hand forcibly and broke free from the shopkeeper''s grasp.


    "Brat, don''t push it! I''m being gracious by inviting you in!" The shopkeeper said in an eerie tone, and a few robust men came out from the shops on both sides, wanting to drag Liu Wuxie''s trio into the shop.


    There was no way he would let such an easy prey away, and many cultivators had fallen into the traps of Serene Sea City throughout the years. Yet, so many cultivators still flocked over.


    "You n to use force?" A cold light shed in Liu Wuxie''s eyes. He was nning to travel around and didn''t want any trouble. This was the border of the three major sects, meaning many experts were present in the city. His current cultivation in the Heavenly Phase Realm was insignificant in the Serene Sea City.


    They often encountered experts in the Astral River Realm and high levels of the Heavenly Phase Realm, most of whom wore the uniforms of the three major sects. These individualsmanded respect wherever they went.


    "Buy a couple of things if you want to leave!" The shopkeeper didn''t give up and took a few items from his pocket. There were finely crafted leaves, a bone, and a few items that looked like spiritual stones. Thergest item was slightly bigger than an adult palm, and the smallest was just the size of an index finger.


    Liu Wuxie''s gaze prated them with Ghost Eye, and a cold smirk rose on his lips. He replied, "Not interested!"


    Let''s not mention that these items were fake, but anyone could tell they were fake from their crude craftsmanship. Even if they were fake, these people should¡¯ve put more effort into making them look realistic. Did these people take him for a fool?


    "Don''t be in such a hurry to refuse. Think of it as buying a souvenir. You traveled to Serene Sea City, and you can''t possibly leave empty-handed. Ten thousand mid-grade spirit stones for one; it''s a fair price!" The shopkeeper''s asking price was ridiculous, wanting to sell a shabby leaf for ten thousand mid-grade spirit stones to Liu Wuxie.


    "We don''t want any! Step aside!" Chen Ruoyan couldn''t take it any longer. Even if she wasn''t experienced, she could tell they were fake, and Liu Wuxie would be a fool if he bought them.


    The street was bustling with people, but no one dared to step forward because this was the norm in Serene Sea City.


    "Don''t be in such a hurry. The weather is hot, so why don''t youe to have tea? We can negotiate as we talk!" The shopkeeper was surprised when he saw Jian Xing''er and Chen Ruoyan''s beauty.


    He had been so preupied with selling things to Liu Wuxie earlier that he hadn''t noticed the two women. Now that he saw them, he couldn''t tear his eyes away from them.


    The tant stare made the two women ufortable, and they could only stand behind Liu Wuxie.


    "Get lost!" A powerful shockwave swept out from Liu Wuxie, and the shopkeeper standing in his way was sent flying away. This allowed Liu Wuxie to break free from the entanglement and leave with the two women.


    "Damn it! How dare youy a hand on me! I''ll make sure you die in Serene Sea City!" The shopkeeper yelled viciously as he stood up. These shops on the street had powerful backing and were already ustomed to forceful sales over the years.


    Most people were conned when they came, but they would only consider it their bad luck since ten thousand mid-grade spirit stones weren''t much.


    After leaving the streets, the trio quickened their pace and found a corner to settle down before exploring. Serene Sea City had many shops selling weapons, spiritual herbs, and spiritual talismans.


    In addition, there were martial arenas, beast arenas, teahouses, and restaurants. It was a paradise for cultivators and a perfect training ground for them.


    Anyone who came to Serene Sea City would find it hard to leave because this city could satisfy any request as long as they had enough resources. If theycked resources, they could buy them from shops or visit auction houses.


    Those who enjoyed gambling could visit the beast arenas, and those who craved fighting could visit martial arenas to find opponents. For schrs, they could visit teahouses and restaurants for leisure.


    "Brother Liu, there''s a teahouse over there. Shall we go and rest?" Chen Ruoyan suddenly halted. There was arge teahouse on the left, where gentle zither music could be heard.


    They had been traveling for ten or so days and were somewhat exhausted. However, it was still early, so they weren''t in a hurry to find an inn.


    "Let''s go!" Liu Wuxie said. He was also feeling a little thirsty.


    When the trio entered the teahouse, they saw that the interior was luxuriously decorated. Unlike the usual tea houses, which had a few tables and chairs, the floor was covered in a fine goose-down carpet.


    The teahouse was divided into multiple sections with elegant screens to ensure privacy for the guests. It was divided into three floors, with the first floor being thergest. Ten screens separated the space, allowing guests to enjoy their tea peacefully.


    The second floor was even more luxurious, with intricately carved pirs, and the third floor looked even more exclusive.


    This was the first time Liu Wuxie had seen such avish teahouse.


    "Is this a teahouse?" Jian Xing''er asked in confusion. This ce felt more like a brothel than a teahouse. They even wondered if they hade to the wrong ce.


    Chen Ruoyan was equally puzzled. She was well-versed in teahouse culture as a princess of the Great Yan Dynasty. As the third princess, she had visited all kinds of ces in Imperial City, and the teahouse was one of them.


    Teahouses were ces meant for leisure between friends to discuss the wonders of the world.


    "This way, please!" A waitress approached, bowing slightly. Despite her simple waitress attire, she was a rare beauty, which made it unusual for someone like her to be serving in a teahouse.


    "Is this a teahouse?" Liu Wuxie asked, uncertain if he wanted to stay.


    "Yes, sir. This is a teahouse. What would you like to drink?" The waitress bowed politely. She maintained her respect for every guest.


    "What kind of tea do you have?" Liu Wuxie asked with his interest piqued. This was his first time encountering such a luxurious teahouse, and he naturally wanted to try it since they were there.


    He hoped the tea matched the grandeur of the setting. After all, a crude tea would ruin such a beautiful ce.


    "We have Heavenly Star Tea, Grand Jade Tea, Jade Bamboo Dew, Thousand-Hand Buddha..." The waitress listed seven or eight varieties, none of which Liu Wuxie had heard.


    Liu Wuxie hadn''t expected the tea culture here to be so rich and profound. He asked, "What''s so special about the tea you mentioned?"


    "Good question, sir. Each tea represents a different state of mind. I rmend trying the Jade Bamboo Dew and Grand Jade Tea if you''re in a good mood. If you''re feeling average, you can try the Thousand-Hand Buddha. We also offer the Bitter Spirit Tea if you''re in a bad mood." The waitress gave Liu Wuxie three rmendations for him to pick.


    "This is the first time I''ve heard of choosing tea based on your mood." Liu Wuxie''s interest was further piqued. His goal was to experience the local customs.


    Serene Sea City was one of the ten major cities in the Southern Province, brimming with hidden talents and wisdom worth exploring. Liu Wuxie recognized that, despite having once been an immortal emperor, the world was ever-changing, and he needed to seize every opportunity to advance.


    "It sounds like you''re in a good mood today, sir. Why don''t you have a pot of Jade Bamboo Dew?" The waitress asked after sensing his mood from his words.


    Liu Wuxie wasn''t in a good mood, but he wasn''t in a bad mood either. He had long tossed the little incident they had experienced earlier out of his mind.


    "Sure," Liu Wuxie nodded and asked for a pot of Jade Bamboo Dew ording to the waitress'' rmendation.


    "Young master, right this way!" Strangely enough, the waitress didn''t seem to care much about Jian Xing''er and Chen Ruoyan, as if women weren''t weed there.


    This struck Liu Wuxie as odd; teahouses were typically ces where anyone could enjoy a drink, regardless of gender.


    The three passed through a long passage. On both sides, there were screens, and many young prodigies were seated behind them.


    Liu Wuxie noticed something peculiar: Everyone who was drinking tea was young. There wasn''t a single elderly person in sight, which made him wonder if older people were prohibited from entering this teahouse.


    "May I ask why there are only young people here?" Liu Wuxie asked.


    "Young master, you must have just arrived in Serene Sea City. This rule at our House of Tea Art prohibits anyone over thirty," the waitress exined.


    Upon entering, Liu Wuxie had found the name of the teahouse quite elegant, but he hadn¡¯t anticipated such a restriction.


    "The owner of this ce must have quite the character!" Liu Wuxie remarked, acknowledging the uniqueness of the establishment.


    The waitress led them to a secluded spot behind a decorative screen. The ambiance was pleasant, allowing a view of the outside while ensuring privacy from the adjacent tables. Liu Wuxie noticed around forty people in the teahouse, all speaking in hushed tones.


    "Please wait for a moment. The tea will arrive shortly!" The waitress turned to leave while the trio sat down.


    "This ce feels weird!" Chen Ruoyan had a feeling that something was off about this ce.


    Jian Xing''er nodded in acknowledgment. An ordinary teahouse wouldn''t be this quiet and would undoubtedly be more lively. There wasn''t even a waiter when they came in, but a beauty for the waitress.


    "Let''s not think much about it since we''re here. We''re only here to drink tea, and let''s not bother about anything else." Liu Wuxie was somewhat optimistic. He wasn''t interested in causing trouble, but he wasn''t afraid of trouble either. They only had to keep it to themselves and leave after tea.


    "Let¡¯s not overthink it. We¡¯re here to enjoy some tea, so let¡¯s just focus on that," Liu Wuxie suggested, maintaining an optimistic outlook. He had no desire to stir up trouble, but he wasn¡¯t afraid of it either. They could keep to themselves and leave once they finished their drinks.


    A sneaky-looking man approached the teahouse from the street and pulled out a Communication Talisman. He crushed it and used it to send a message.


    A youth was drinking tea in the teahouse when his Communication Talisman lit up, causing a flood of information to flood his mind.


    "This is interesting!" The youth who received the information beckoned to his threepanions behind a screen ten meters from Liu Wuxie as they headed to thetter''s table.

 Chapter 527 - House of Tea Art

    <h4>Chapter 527 - House of Tea Art</h4>


    In less than three minutes, the waitress returned with a delicate teapot, its faint fragrance already filling the air. Liu Wuxie noticed the intricate details¡ªthe teapot, made from a unique y, had earthworm-like patterns etched on its surface. While not spiritual runes, the patterns gave the teapot a special charm. The top had three tiny openings, allowing the fragrant aroma to escape, and the spout was so fine it seemed almost fragile.


    "Sir, this is the Jade Bamboo Dew you requested," the waitress said softly as she arranged the cups. She began pouring, and as the tea hit the cups, each droplet shimmered like a pearl, making a melodic clinking sound.


    "This tea," she continued, "was personally nurtured by our youngdy and harvested every five years. The wateres from the melted ice of Spirit Mountain, which is then heated by the heavenly me for three days and nights. Every drop is precious and can strengthen the body. The entire pot can even prolong one''s lifespan."


    After filling the three cups, the teapot was nearly emptied. Liu Wuxie didn''t expect a pot of tea to have so many intricate steps in brewing, not to mention the water sourced from ice on Spirit Mountain. That was extremely far away, and transporting it back required an astonishing amount of manpower and resources. This pot of tea must be incredibly valuable.


    "Please have a taste!" The waitress made an inviting gesture, prompting Liu Wuxie to take a sip.


    Liu Wuxie gently picked up the cup and brought it to his lips. A rich aroma exploded in his mouth when he took a small sip, making his entire body feel rxed, as though his soul had been cleansed. The warmth carried a faint chill that flowed down his throat to his stomach.


    The tea contained strong spirituality, and Liu Wuxie could notice a slight increase in his true essence.


    He now knew why the waitress said that taking a sip could strengthen the body and that finishing an entire pot could prolong one''s lifespan. The spirituality flowed through his meridians throughout his body before entering the deste world.


    Suddenly, the mysterious tree began to shake to alert him. This baffled him because it was warning him of danger.


    For the past two years, the mysterious tree¡¯s warnings had never been wrong, though he briefly wondered if this time was different. Without betraying any emotion, he calmly set the cup down. Over time, he had mastered the art of remainingposed in any situation, his expression unwavering no matter the circumstances.


    "Good tea!" Liu Wuxie praised, feeling a deep sense of rxation after drinking it. He now understood why the waitress rmended it, especially when he was in a good mood.


    "Take your time to enjoy the tea. Let me know if you need anything," the waitress said and retreated, leaving the three on the table.


    Chen Ruoyan was eager after the waitress left and picked up her cup to drink.


    "Don''t drink!" Liu Wuxie''s expression changed after the waitress left.


    Chen Ruoyan quickly ced the cup of tea down, looking wary.


    "Junior Brother Liu, is the teaced with poison?" Jian Xing''er asked.


    "I''m unsure if it''s poisoned, but don''t drink it. There''s something in the tea that I''m not aware of, and drinking too much will make you addicted to it." In just a few breaths, Liu Wuxie already found something strange in the tea.


    The tea wasn''tced with poison, and drinking wouldn''t cause death. But it would cause a severe addiction, making one feel ufortable if they couldn''t drink it daily.


    The zither music continued, prating the buildings and entering Liu Wuxie''s ears.


    "As expected, something''s off!" Liu Wuxie felt excited under the music, his mouth dry, and he wanted to drink the tea. But his rationale told him not to.


    The music was beautiful, and Liu Wuxie could also be considered an expert in zither. Even he was shocked when he listened to the music.


    "This is mournful and delicate music, but why does it make me feel ted?" Chen Ruoyan couldn''tprehend the music. Although sad, it brought joy, which made no sense.


    Liu Wuxie nced at the teapot and reached out to pick it up. Although the teapot looked ordinary, he saw a tea leaf inside when he lifted the lid, and the tea was almost gone.


    When he turned the teapot around, he saw a strange cross-shaped mark at the bottom.


    "What''s this? Could this be some symbol?" Liu Wuxie frowned and showed Jian Xing''er and Chen Ruoyan the bottom of the teapot.


    Chen Ruoyan shook her head. She had never seen this symbol before. Jian Xing''er thought deeply to search through her memories, but after pondering for a long time, she couldn''t find anything.


    Suddenly, the screen blocking their table was kicked apart, pulling Liu Wuxie''s attention from the teapot.


    Liu Wuxie frowned as four men stood before him, radiating hostility. He didn''t remember offending anyone when entering the teahouse. So why did these peoplee and even kick their screens away?


    "What business do you four have?" Liu Wuxie asked calmly. He was under the impression that they had mistaken him for someone else. After all, he had just arrived in the city and didn''t know anyone, let alone offending anyone.


    "Brat, did you refuse the promotion from the Dragon Gate Shop and injure the staff?" The man in the middle questioned. He first scanned Liu Wuxie before turning to Chen Ruoyan and Jian Xing''er. There were many beauties in Serene Sea City, but beauties like Chen Ruoyan and Jian Xing''er were rare.


    "The Dragon Gate Shop?" Liu Wuxie muttered to himself. He vaguely remembered encountering it earlier, and soon recalled that the shop had tried to force a sale on him when they first entered the city. He¡¯d refused and sent the shopkeeper flying with his aura. Now, it seemed that the trouble had followed him over something as trivial as rejecting their aggressive pitch.


    "You remember now?" The youth sneered. His other threepanions eyed Chen Ruoyan and Jian Xing''er brazenly, their intentions clear.


    "What do you all want then?" Liu Wuxie could tell from these people''s eyes that this matter wouldn''t rest peacefully. If refusing to buy a forceful promotion could lead to death, Serene Sea City was more dangerous than he''d thought. This meant he could lose his life here if he weren''t careful.


    "You have two options. One, hand over one million spirit stones, and we''ll let this matter rest. Two, leave the two women with us for one night." Their terms were clear: either to pay up or offer the two women aspensation.


    When the man said that, murderous intent gushed from Liu Wuxie''s eyes. He might not have had intimate rtionships with the two women, but they were still close to him.


    After all, he had seen their bodies before when saving them in the Underground Abyssal World and Azure Mountain City. He had already considered them his women from a certain angle, just that they hadn''t broken that final barrier yet.


    "You have three breaths to get out of my sight!" Liu Wuxie was enraged, and his murderous intent rmed the other guests in the teahouse, who stood up to watch themotion. After all, fighting was rare in this teahouse.


    "Cheng Chen, it seems your words didn''t work!" The three youths wore sinister smiles because they didn''t take Liu Wuxie seriously. The man who spoke was named Cheng Chen, but Liu Wuxie didn''t know much about his identity as he had just arrived in Serene Sea City.


    "You dare speak to me in this manner? You''re courting death!" Cheng Chen, who wore a bloodthirsty smirk, reached for Liu Wuxie''s neck. He was not ordinary, and his movements suggested he might be a disciple of one of the three major sects.


    His technique was ruthless and aimed directly at Liu Wuxie''s throat to deliver a lethal strike. He would have been sessful if he had faced a regr opponent, but it was a pity his opponent was Liu Wuxie.


    "Get lost!" Liu Wuxie counterattacked by grabbing Cheng Chen''s wrist and exerting force, sending thetter flying and crashing into several screens.


    The suddenmotion startled everyone in the teahouse, and even the music stopped as people began to appear in the corridor.


    "Who dares to cause trouble here?!" A powerful aura in the second-level Astral River Realm swept out, forcing those in the Heavenly Phase Realm to step aside.


    However, that pressure vanished when it reached Liu Wuxie. He didn''t even need the help of the Heavenly Dao Book because he could rely on his physical body to resist the pressure.


    Cheng Chen fell to the side, his face bruised and swollen. This was only because Liu Wuxie didn''t counterattack with the thought of taking his life.


    Although Liu Wuxie didn''t take Cheng Chen''s life, he taught him a lesson, with blood still dripping from his lips.


    "Senior Brother Yin, you have to seek justice for me! This brat dared to humiliate our Azure Crimson Gate!" Cheng Chen returned to his feet and cried to the man who unleashed his aura.


    Liu Wuxie was stunned. He hadn¡¯t humiliated the Azure Crimson Gate. Then again, he couldn''t be bothered to exin since the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion was at odds with the Azure Crimson Gate.


    Prince Yongxian was taken away by someone from the Azure Crimson Gate, who would be a threat sooner orter. Liu Wuxie could use this opportunity to find Prince Yongxian''s whereabouts from them.


    "Trash!" Yin Jingwu walked down from the second floor with two attendants behind him.


    Cheng Chen didn''t dare to retort after being scolded by Yin Jingwu. Compared to thetter, he was no different from trash because he was far inferior regarding alchemy or martial talents.


    "You, cripple one arm for injuring a disciple of my Azure Crimson Gate!" Yin Jingwu walked over to Liu Wuxie and demanded in an overbearing manner. He couldn''t even be bothered to take action himself.


    "What if I refuse?" Liu Wuxie smirked, his lips rising into a cold smile.


    Yin Jingwu was only at the fourth level of the Astral River Realm, and Liu Wuxie didn''t even take him seriously. The Heavenly Dragon Seal had been recharged after ten days of nourishing, and he could leave Serene Sea City after killing him in the worst-case scenario.


    "You have no qualifications to refuse in front of me!" Yin Jingwu had a strong stance and wanted to act as soon as he was done.


    Ten-odd people came down from the second floor, all in the Astral River Realm. As for those on the third floor, they didn''t show themselves, and they should be in the high levels of the Astral River Realm. There was a vast difference between the high and low levels of the Astral River Realm.

 Chapter 528 - Blissful Melody Scripture

    <h4>Chapter 528 - Blissful Melody Scripture</h4>


    Yin Jingwu was in the Astral River Realm, and no one stopped him from acting against Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie stayed alert, tension thickening the air around them. If necessary, he could hide Chen Ruoyan and Jian Xing''er in the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron, just as he had done with Gu Yu in the sea whirlpool. He could then eliminate Yin Jingwu and find a way to escape Serene Sea City.


    Suddenly, a powerful shockwave rippled through the space, sending tables and chairs flying.


    "Stop this at once!" Amanding voice rang out from the second floor. A woman dressed elegantly appeared, her presence immediately drawing attention and halting the impending conflict.


    "It''s Lady Yan! She''s the personal maid of Lady Murong!" Whispers spread among the crowd as they recognized her. Lady Yan was known for managing the House of Tea Art''s affairs, including delivering messages for her mistress.


    "Lady Yan, this man injured a disciple of my Azure Crimson Gate, and I can''t let this matter go. Please allow me to finish my business. I will personally apologize to Lady Murong after that." Yin Jingwu cupped his fists together at the woman in a polite tone.


    "The feud between you two has nothing to do with me. Mydy has given the word that this ce prohibits any fights. If Young Master Yin insists on fighting, you will be barred from House of Tea Art." Lady Yan showed no mercy even to Yin Jingwu and warned that anyone would be banned if they resorted to violence there.


    This punishment was severe, and Yin Jingwu red at Liu Wuxie fiercely.


    "This kid injured someone, and shouldn''t he be crippled ording to the teahouse''s rules?" Yin Jingwu asked. Since he couldn''t attack personally, he could only use the teahouse''s rules against Liu Wuxie.


    All eyes turned to Lady Yan, waiting for her response. After all, they had all witnessed Liu Wuxie injuring Cheng Chen earlier. Even though Cheng Chen¡¯s injury wasn''t severe, it didn''t change the fact that Liu Wuxie had used force.


    "Thedy said this young master acted in self-defense and didn''t vite the teahouse''s rules. However, Cheng Chen has caused trouble here repeatedly, and he will be barred from House of Tea Art starting today." Lady Yan nced at Liu Wuxie, nodding at him before cing Cheng Chen on the cklist.


    "No!" Hearing that House of Tea Art cklisted him, Cheng Chen went mad and rushed over to Lady Yan. But before he could even get close, a powerful wave of energy swept over.


    An old woman appeared behind Lady Yan, holding a cane, and unleashed an even more terrifying force that sent Cheng Chen flying away. Being barred from House of Tea Art meant he couldn''t enjoy the expensive tea here or listen to the mesmerizing music.


    "Throw him out!" A few ugly women emerged from the shadows. That''s right, they were hideous. They threw Cheng Chen and his friends out.


    With that, this farce ended in a way that surprised Liu Wuxie. He was baffled as to why the mysterious owner behind the House of Tea Art would help him.


    "We deeply apologize for what happened earlier. To make up for it, we will give everyone a pot of Jade Bamboo Dew for free." Lady Yan''s calm voice spread through the room as she nced at the chaotic scene.


    "Lady Yan, you''re too kind!" Everyone was excited to drink the Jade Bamboo Dew for free.


    Liu Wuxie stood up to leave.


    "Please wait!" Lady Yan came down from the second floor and stood before Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie paused. "Is there anything else?" While grateful for her intervention earlier, he was still cautious. There was something strange about the Jade Bamboo Dew that had triggered a reaction from the mysterious tree within him. Though the tea wasn''t poisoned, he still couldn''t understand the warning.


    He could confirm that the tea contained no poison, but he was baffled as to why the mysterious tree had issued a warning.


    "I apologize for what happened earlier. To make up for our mistake, our youngdy has instructed you and yourpanions toe up to the second floor for a chat," Lady Yan invited.


    Liu Wuxie frowned because the House of Tea Art was mysterious, and only prodigies woulde to have tea. Aside from Jian Xing''er and Chen Ruoyan, the only women in this teahouse were servants.


    This was weird, and he couldn''t figure out what the teahouse''s owner did to have such attraction that even Yin Jingwu didn''t dare to disobey.


    "I''m sorry, but I have other matters to attend to. I''ll have to decline the free tea as well," Liu Wuxie said, cupping his fists politely to Lady Yan. His mood for tea was already ruined, and all he wanted now was to find a quiet ce to rest.


    Lady Yan was slightly surprised by Liu Wuxie''s response; no one had ever refused the youngdy''s invitation before. Liu Wuxie was undoubtedly the first to do so.


    "Brat, don''t be ungrateful. It''s an honor that Lady Murong is inviting you!" Many people couldn''t stand Liu Wuxie''s refusal and thought he was pretending.


    After all, only a few had received an invitation from Lady Murong over the years, but Liu Wuxie had turned it down.


    "I bet he''s too scared to stay because this ce is out of reach for a country bumpkin like him!" The Azure Crimson Gate''s disciples mocked.


    "That''s right. Get out of here! This isn''t the ce for you!" More people chimed in due to their jealousy. There were many young prodigies there, and they even had a higher cultivation than Liu Wuxie. Even they hadn''t been invited by Lady Murong, creating a massive sense of disparity.


    They were jealous that Liu Wuxie not only had two beauties by his side but also caught Lady Murong''s attention. Liu Wuxie heard the surrounding discussion clearly, but his expression did not change.


    Lady Yan was surprised when she saw Liu Wuxie. If it were anyone else, they would''ve been furious or showed some anger by now. For some reason, she couldn''t see any irritation on Liu Wuxie''s face.


    Yin Jingwu sneered, his eyes narrowing as he saw an opportunity to deal with Liu Wuxie. He had been searching for a reason to act, and now it seemed the moment had arrived.


    "It won¡¯t take long. You can leave as soon as the music finishes," Lady Yan persisted, her tone still polite but firm. Clearly, she wasn¡¯t willing to let Liu Wuxie slip away so easily.


    "The House of Tea Art owes me nothing, and there''s no need for further apologies. I''ll take my leave now." Liu Wuxie cupped his fists in respect. He knew the establishment had helped defuse a dangerous situation, and he saw no reason to linger any longer. Without hesitation, he turned to leave.


    "Young master, are you not satisfied with our tea, or do you find my music unpleasant?" A voice as smooth as silk echoed from upstairs, which sent shivers down everyone''s spine.


    The enchanting sound made it easy for people¡¯s imaginations to wander, and those in the teahouse couldn''t help but wonder about the person behind the voice.


    It was easy to judge a person by their voice, and the owner of such a beautiful voice wouldn''t be unattractive. Many young prodigies felt their bones bing mush and closed their eyes to savor the voice.


    "Lady, please don''t misunderstand. The tea and music are great, but I have other matters. I will visit again if I have time in the future." Liu Wuxie cupped his fists together at the teahouse to show his apology.


    "Since you have matters to attend to, I won''t keep you around. I hope you can revisit the teahouse in the future." The pleasant voice echoed again, allowing Liu Wuxie to leave without further pressing.


    "For sure!" Liu Wuxie cupped his fists together. This time, Lady Yan didn''t block his way and allowed them to leave, disregarding the mockeries in the surroundings.


    Liu Wuxie had a growing suspicion that the teahouse was far from ordinary, but he wasn¡¯t interested in probing further. If it had been a typical ce, he wouldn¡¯t have hesitated to meet Lady Murong. However, he decided against it, trusting his instincts.


    After leaving the teahouse, the trio quickened their pace. They weaved through a few streets to shake off any pursuers before they finally stopped.


    "Brother Liu, Lady Murong''s voice is really beautiful," Chen Ruoyan said enviously. Each word she spoke was melodious to the ears.


    "This is the first time I¡¯ve heard a voice like that," Jian Xing''er added, her expression still showing signs of surprise. But she also felt uneasy. If even she and Chen Ruoyan were affected by Lady Murong¡¯s voice, it was no wonder men would be easily enchanted.


    "She has cultivated the Blissful Melody Scripture, and each word is imbued with bliss, making it impossible for others to resist," Liu Wuxie said. He had already guessed from the first word from Lady Murong that she had cultivated the Blissful Melody Scripture.


    This technique wasn''t rare in the Celestial Realm; many women liked cultivating it. He was baffled because of its appearance in the True Martial Continent. He wondered if the True Martial Continent had some form of rtionship with the Celestial Realm.


    "I see... but it''s astonishing that such a strange technique exists in the world," Chen Ruoyan remarked in disbelief. The idea that someone could refine their voice to such an extent seemed almost unbeatable.


    Even the deepest grudges could be soothed with just a few words, and unless one possessed an exceptionally strong will, resisting the power of the Blissful Melody Scripture would be impossible.


    "There are so many prodigies in the House of Tea Art. Can it be that they''re unaware of it?" Jian Xing''er asked curiously.


    "This technique was long lost, and few remember it. Even if they do, who would give it much thought? It''s human nature to be drawn to beauty," Liu Wuxie exined. Listening to melodious voices and elegant zither music was part of life''s pleasures.


    "Brother Liu, did you leave quickly because you realized that the person behind the House of Tea Art isn¡¯t ordinary, and you didn¡¯t want to get too involved?" Chen Ruoyan asked, piecing together his reasoning. After all, Liu Wuxie had declined the invitation to the second floor.


    "That''s right!" Liu Wuxie nodded. He had already achieved his purpose to help them grow by bringing them out.


    "There''s an inn up ahead. Let''s rest for the night and explore tomorrow!" The trio chatted as they walked and soon arrived at the city''s center, where a massive inn appeared. They paid a hundred thousand spirit stones and rented an individual courtyard for three days.


    The trio was startled by the high costs in Serene Sea City. Ordinary people couldn¡¯t afford it, but Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t concerned. After eradicating the Teng n, he had obtained their vast wealth and resources.

 Chapter 529 - Explanation

    <h4>Chapter 529 - Exnation</h4>


    After the farce ended, it was hard for everyone to calm down, with a few ugly women cleaning the mess on the ground.


    "I''m sorry for affecting everyone''s mood today. I''ll host a poetry and song gathering at the Mooncave Lake tomorrow evening, and I hope everyone can honor me with your presence." Lady Murong''s voice rang out from the third floor and reached each corner of the teahouse.


    It was true that everyone had lost their mood to drink tea and listen to music.


    "Lady Murong, is tomorrow simply an ordinary gathering of poetry and song, or will there be a prize?" A youth stood up from his seat and asked in a curious tone, cupping his fists together at the curtain.


    The third floor was even morevishly decorated, with a curtain in the middle serving as a partition. Everyone could only see a vague silhouette with unclear features through the curtain.


    Her graceful figure was filled with irresistible charm, and her alluring voice was filled with mystery. However, no one dared to step forward to lift the curtain.


    Upon hearing the youth''s question, everyone stopped and looked at the curtain. There had long been rumors that Lady Murong was a stunning beauty, a fairy sent by the heavens. However, few people had seen her face.


    Even so, anyone could tell Lady Murong was a stunning beauty from her figure and voice. It was rumored that a prodigy from the Sky Rift Valley had the fortune of seeing her, and he had been deeply charmed by her ever since, unable to forget her.


    That prodigy wasn''t an ordinary person but a true disciple in the Sky Rift Valley. This meant his willpower was stronger than ordinary disciples, and even someone like him couldn''t resist Lady Murong''s beauty. Thus, one could imagine how beautiful she must be.


    "Aside from poetry and song, I will present four challenges: music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. Whoever wins first ce in all four will have the honor of meeting me to y music together," Lady Murong announced, her voice gracefully filling every corner of the House of Tea Art.


    The moment her words echoed, the entire teahouse erupted. The implications were clear: whoever triumphed in all four challenges would not only earn a private meeting with Lady Murong but also spend time in her esteemedpany.


    That was the dream of countless prodigies. Once the news spread, everyone could imagine the uproar it would cause. The gathering was bound to be lively.


    After sending all the guests off, Lady Yan lifted the curtain and walked inside before stopping beside Lady Murong.


    "Young Lady, I don''t understand why you intervened earlier and even admitted that the House of Tea Art had some faults. That person looked down on us and even rejected your offer." Lady Yan asked, confused.


    "He might be the one we''re looking for," Lady Murong murmured, her hand lightly brushing the zither strings. Three strands of hair fell softly around her temples as the light in the room dimmed.


    She was a vision of beauty¡ªfair-skinned, with delicate, almond-shaped eyes. Her perfectly proportioned figure, entuated by tight-fitting clothes, seemed more like a masterful sculpture than a human form. wless, in a way that defied nature itself.


    "What?" Lady Yan''s jaw dropped, and even the mysterious old woman in the corner looked at Lady Murong nervously.


    "Young Lady, how are you certain he''s the person we''re looking for?" the old woman asked. Her voice was hoarse, like sandpaper rubbing together.


    "I couldn''t sense any aura when he drank the tea. That means he was unaffected by the Blissful Insect." Lady Murong stood and opened the window, gazing out as darkness had already settled over the sky.


    "No wonder his tea was untouched. Did he discover something?" Lady Yan said, suddenly figuring everything out. She had explicitly nced at Liu Wuxie''s table and noticed that besides Liu Wuxie''s tea, the other two cups hadn''t been touched, which wasn''t normal.


    No one could resist the specially brewed tea, and it was impossible not to take a sip. There was only one exnation for that situation¡ªthey had discovered the secret in the tea!


    "Since he''s the one we''re looking for, I''ll go and capture him now," the old woman said and was about to leave.


    "Nanny..." Lady Murong called out to the old woman, stopping her.


    "Young Lady, what is there to worry about? He''s only in the Heavenly Phase Realm," the old woman said. They had been searching for years, traversing mountains and rivers. They had even been to the Western Barren and Northern City.


    Last year, they hade to the Southern Province and established the House of Tea Art. If they failed to find the person they sought in two years, they would have to go elsewhere or change a city.


    "There''s no need for rush. We''ve already waited so many years; a day or two won''t make a difference. It would be bad if we get on his bad side." Lady Murong closed the window and sat on the couch, curled up like a cat.


    The old woman nodded in understanding. If they rmed Liu Wuxie into leaving Serene Sea City, or if he chose to die rather than help them, all their efforts would be in vain.


    "Young Lady, we can''t possibly just sit here and wait. Since he''s the person we''re looking for, what should we do next?" Lady Yan asked anxiously. They had finally found Liu Wuxie after searching so hard for so long; they couldn''t possibly sit there and do nothing.


    "This is why I''m hosting the gathering tomorrow. Deliver the invitation to him and make sure he attends tomorrow. I want to reconfirm if he''s the person we seek." Lady Murong wasn''t certain because it had been too noisy this afternoon. She initially wanted to invite Liu Wuxie to verify it, but he refused. This was why she could only change her tactic.


    "I''ll take care of it!" The old woman wanted to leave immediately and nned to personally deliver the invitation to Liu Wuxie.


    "Nanny, it''s more appropriate for me to handle this matter. What if you scare him away?" Lady Yan walked over and linked her arms with the old woman.


    "You cheekyss!" The old woman wasn''t furious; chuckles could be heard from the room.


    <strong>......</strong>


    When Liu Wuxie settled into the inn with the two women, they set up a spiritual array in the surroundings to prevent anyone with ill intentions from intruding.


    The convenience of having a private courtyard was that they could set up a spiritual array in the surroundings.


    "Your hot water is ready!" The waiter came in, full of passion.


    "Waiter, how much do you know about the House of Tea Art?" Liu Wuxie came out and threw a spirit stone at the waiter, inquiring about the establishment¡¯s background.


    " Are you nning to visit House of Tea Art? That''s a ce every man dreams of going," the waiter said with a deep smile.


    Liu Wuxie was left speechless because he only wanted to inquire about the House of Tea Art and nothing else. He had checked himself when returning but couldn''t find any difort. However, he was suspicious because of the warning from the mysterious tree in the deste world.


    "I only wish to know the information of House of Tea Art''s owner," Liu Wuxie threw three spirit stones over, and he had made himself clear this time.


    The waiter became excited when he looked at the three spirit stones. It was still early, so he began sharing everything he knew with Liu Wuxie.


    "The House of Tea Art appeared in Serene Sea City just a year ago. At first, no one paid any attention to it, thinking it was just an ordinary teahouse. Some even tried causing trouble, but they were thrown out every time, no exceptions," the waiter eximed, his excitement causing him to speak so energetically that Liu Wuxie had to step back to avoid the spray of his words.


    "Three powerful sects control Serene Sea City, and their disciples regrly frequent the House of Tea Art. Are you saying the teahouse doesn''t show them any respect?" Liu Wuxie asked, his toneced with doubt. The three sects had deep foundations, while the teahouse appeared insignificant inparison.


    "You may not know, but don''t belittle the House of Tea Art. There''s an expert inside that even the three major sects are fearful of," the waiter whispered, fearing that others might overhear him.


    Liu Wuxie frowned upon hearing that because he could sense a strong presence hidden in the House of Tea Art when he visited, but his Ghost Eye couldn''t detect that expert. He wondered if it was an expert in the True Profound Realm.


    "They only run a teahouse in Serene Sea City and nothing else?" Liu Wuxie asked. It was puzzling why there would be such an expert in a small teahouse.


    "They''re no ordinary teahouse. They only open once a week, and today happens to be the day," the waiter said with a wistful look. "If you miss it, you¡¯ll have to wait until next week. I¡¯ve heard the tea is incredible, and the music is beautiful."


    He was at the bottom of society''s pyramid and could only know this much. Most of what he knew was from others.


    Liu Wuxie didn''t continue asking. He knew he wouldn''t get helpful information even if he asked more.


    However, based on the information he collected from the waiter, he could conclude that House of Tea Art wasn''t simple. They had onlye to Serene Sea City a year ago.


    Even the three major sects couldn''t do anything to them, making Liu Wuxie wonder what background they could have.


    After returning to his room, Liu Wuxie soaked in a hot bath, easing his tired muscles. Yet, despite the physical rxation, his mind was troubled. Since reaching the sixth level of the Heavenly Phase Realm, his cultivation progress had slowed significantly, and the speed at which he absorbed spiritual energy had also dropped.


    As his cultivation progressed, his demand for spiritual energy increased. Despite consumingrge amounts of spirit stones and pills, his progress was still slow.


    The deste world was vast and boundless. If an ordinary person''s dantian was like a water jar, which could be filled with time, a prodigy''s dantian was akin to a house.


    However, Liu Wuxie''s dantian was a world. Thus, one could imagine the effort needed to fill the world. If he relied on absorbing spiritual energy from the atmosphere, it might take him three to five years to reach the seventh level.


    "This is frustrating!" Liu Wuxie shook his head and cleared all the distractions from his mind to cultivate.


    Cultivation was like rowing upstream¡ªif one did not keep advancing, they would inevitably fall behind. No matter how slow his progress seemed, it was still a thousand times better than regressing.


    Just as Liu Wuxie was about to rest, he heard a knock on the courtyard''s gate.


    "Young master, have you gone to rest?" This was a familiar voice as Jian Xing''er and Chen Ruoyan exited their rooms.


    "Lady Yan, why are you here?" Liu Wuxie asked with a puzzled expression.

 Chapter 530 - Invitation

    <h4>Chapter 530 - Invitation</h4>


    After they opened the gate and weed Lady Yan into the main hall, they both took their seat while Jian Xing¡¯er and Chen Ruoyan stood by the side, looking at Lady Yan cautiously. They had no connection, so why did Lady Yan visit sote at night?


    ¡°Lady Yan, why have youe?¡± Liu Wuxie asked after taking his seat.


    ¡°Our youngdy is hosting a gathering of poetry and songs tomorrow night at the Mooncave Lake. This is the invitation, and we sincerely hope you can attend.¡± Lady Yan took out an invitation from her pocket and ced it before Liu Wuxie.


    She hadete in the evening to prepare the invitation. Mooncave Lake was only sorge, and the gathering had to be exclusive. Not everyone was qualified to attend¡ªonly one thousand invitations had been issued, and the first was delivered to Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Why invite me?¡± Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t take a look at the invitation. He wasn¡¯t very interested in this kind of social gathering. On the surface, he was neither a disciple of the three major sects nor a prodigy. His cultivation was only at the Heavenly Phase Realm, and it made no sense for him to be singled out.


    ¡°You¡¯ll understand when youe. There are only a thousand invitations, and this is the first one. Please don¡¯t refuse,¡± Lady Yan smiled, showing her two dimples, making it hard for anyone to refuse.


    ¡°Can I decline?¡± Liu Wuxie rubbed his nose, not wanting to get too close to House of Tea Art. Since he didn¡¯t understand their background, it was best for them to be cautious.


    ¡°Young master, what are you worried about?¡± Lady Yan tilted her head in puzzlement. It was a dream opportunity for anyone to receive this invitation, and many people yearned to be favored by her youngdy. So why was Liu Wuxie so indifferent?


    ¡°I prefer quiet!¡± This was a fitting reason because there were over a thousand people, and it was bound to be noisy.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry about it. It¡¯s just a gathering for poetry and songs. It won¡¯t be noisy, and you don¡¯t have to worry about safety. With my youngdy present, no one will dare toy a hand on you,¡± Lady Yan said, seemingly understanding Liu Wuxie¡¯s concerns.


    She seemed to understand his concerns. Liu Wuxie had offended the Azure Crimson Gate earlier that afternoon, and trouble from them was expected. But with the House of Tea Art backing him, no one would dare make a move¡ªat least not during the gathering tomorrow night.


    ¡°Give me a reason!¡± Liu Wuxie believed the House of Tea Art had that ability since even the three major sects couldn¡¯t do anything to them. This meant they must have extraordinary means.


    ¡°My youngdy wishes to meet you, that¡¯s all,¡± Lady Yan said and stood up. It was gettingte, and she didn¡¯t want to disturb Liu Wuxie¡¯s rest.


    With how much had been said, Liu Wuxie would be ungrateful if he continued to refuse. After all, the House of Tea Art had helped him resolve the crisis that afternoon, and he naturally had to repay that favor in person.


    ¡°I¡¯ll ept the invitation. I¡¯lle by if I have time tomorrow,¡± Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t make any promises because there was an entire day left, and anything could happen.


    ¡°May I know your name?¡± Lady Yan smiled. Since Liu Wuxie had epted the invitation, he had agreed to attend.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll await your arrival tomorrow. It¡¯s gettingte now, so I won¡¯t disturb your rest any longer,¡± Lady Yan said and walked out.


    After seeing her off, Liu Wuxie and the other twodies returned to the hall.


    ¡°Brother Liu, are you going?¡± Chen Ruoyan asked, worried that Liu Wuxie might be walking into a trap.


    Jian Xing¡¯er said nothing, but her expression had already conveyed her doubts. After all, it made no sense why the House of Tea Art would invite Liu Wuxie when they had only arrived in Serene Sea City yesterday.


    ¡°They will surelye again tomorrow if I don¡¯t go, and I also want to know what kind of people own the House of Tea Art.¡± Liu Wuxie knew their concerns, but it would seem too petty not to go when they had delivered an invitation. With how far the conversation had gone, Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t have a reason to refuse.


    ¡°We¡¯lle with you then!¡± Jian Xing¡¯er said after briefly pondering because they could look out for each other that way.


    ¡°You two stay at the inn. Only I¡¯m invited, and I¡¯ll be careful until I know their purpose.¡± Liu Wuxie shook his head. There were only a thousand spots, and the invitation didn¡¯t include the twodies.


    The night passed quickly, and no one came to disturb them for the rest of the night. When dawn arrived, Liu Wuxie left the inn with the two women.


    They wandered around the city and noticed someone following them, but Liu Wuxie did not see it as a threat. He was surprised because the one following them didn¡¯t have ill intentions and only wanted to know his movements.


    ¡°Brother Liu, look over there!¡± Chen Ruoyan was like a happy bird chipping when she left the inn, and she never stopped talking.


    Jian Xing¡¯er was also captivated by what she saw. A crowd was gathered roughly a hundred meters away.


    When Liu Wuxie extended his divine sense, he saw a few weird items on the floor: stones, wood, and crystals. Hundreds of items were disyed, but no one stepped forward despite the crowd.


    There was an old man in the middle with two youths.


    ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, we brought these back from the barrennd painstakingly. I guarantee that each itemes from the barrennd, and we¡¯llpensate the buyer tenfold if there are any fake!¡± The youth on the right cupped his hands to the surroundings and pointed at the disyed items.


    Items from the barrennd held the most attraction in Serene Sea City. Everyone would go into a frenzy if they appeared.


    After all, the barrennd was too dangerous for everyone to venture there. Many people had gone there before, but most never returned.


    Liu Wuxie was also curious about items from the barrennd. As for the Dragon Gate Shop, he wasn¡¯t interested because those were fake. He wanted to learn about ancient times and what happened in the True Martial Continent.


    He wanted to know why so many items from the Celestial Realm could be found in the True Martial Continent. There was only one possibility: there were once immortals in this continent.


    The two women squeezed into the crowd, driven by their curiosity. When they reached the center and saw the items on disy, their excitement declined because each item was enveloped in a thickyer of deste aura.


    While the deste aura wasn¡¯t poisonous or fatal, it could cause irreversible damage to the body if one had prolonged exposure to it. This was why so few people were willing to venture into the barrennd.


    ¡°These items are strange. My divine sense can¡¯t prate them!¡± Theyer of deste aura blocked out Jian Xing¡¯er¡¯s divine sense, which was eerie.


    ¡°So was mine! My divine sense can¡¯t detect what¡¯s inside these items,¡± Liu Wuxie admitted, reflecting on the tales of treasures rumored to be hidden within the items from the barrennd. However, he knew that many of these objects were often empty¡ªfinding true value was a matter of luck and intuition.


    After many years of studying items from the barrennd, Serene Sea City gave birth to many treasure appraisers. These appraisers could determine if there was anything of value inside a rock based on the patterns on the surface. The sess rate was low, but it was better than choosing blindly.


    Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t hurrying to try and wanted to observe first.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that the manor lord of the Xiang n Manor? Why are they selling their goods here?¡± Someone recognized the old man¡¯s identity. It was the Xiang n¡¯s manor lord, and they could be considered a decent-sized n in Serene Sea City.


    They would send disciples into the barrennd each year and bring back many things.


    ¡°The Xiang n Manor hasn¡¯t been doing well in recent years. They¡¯ve lost many disciples, and they¡¯ve declined,¡± the people beside Liu Wuxie began to discuss among themselves.


    ¡°That¡¯s not the main issue. The three major sects have monopolized the trade of items from the barrennd. The other shops can only pick up scraps. The Xiang n Manor probably resorted to this measure because they could barely get any business,¡± another person exined the Xiang n¡¯s situation.


    The three major sects had practically monopolized the barrennd¡¯s business, while the other shops could only sell fake items to fool travelers. This was why the Xiang n Manor found it hard to develop independently, and their business continued to decline yearly.


    ¡°Well, you can¡¯t me the Xiang n Manor for it. The sess rate for finding treasures from items brought out by the three major sects is much higher. I heard the Xiang n Manor couldn¡¯t find anything valuable items for the past three years. Would you buy from them if you¡¯re a buyer?¡±


    The conversation continued around Liu Wuxie, allowing him to understand the situation. The Xiang n Manor was struggling, so they could only try to sell on the street.


    He swept his gaze through the items on disy, and the most expensive stone was one million spirit stones. Then again, it would be worth it if spiritual essence could be found inside it. But if it were empty, the one million spirit stones would go down the drain.


    In the cultivation world, there was a saying about gambling stones: "One cut to heaven, one to hell." It referred to the risk of opening a stone. One moment, you might find a fortune; the next, you could lose everything if the stone proved to be empty. Some people had gambled on ordinary stones and walked away with high-grade spiritual essence, making massive profits. But just as many had fallen from fortune to ruin.


    Liu Wuxie shook his head when he saw the items on the ground. He had also experienced a gambling event when he was in the Celestial Realm, but only a few hundred out of tens of thousands contained spiritual essence.


    The prices of those jade stones varied, but the higher prices didn¡¯t always guarantee spiritual essence. On the contrary, some ordinary jade stones could contain high-grade spiritual essence.


    Although the items on the ground weren¡¯t jade stones, they were simr.


    ¡°Old Xiang, stop setting up your stall here. Your Xiang n Manor only brings out the garbage. Do you think anyone is going to buy them?¡± A group of people squeezed through the crowd and stood on the other side of Liu Wuxie, mocking the old man.


    The Xiang n Manor hadn¡¯t attracted anything of value in the past three years, and there were rumors that the Xiang n Manor only explored the outskirts of the barrennd, excavating some ordinary stones to pass them off as genuine items.


    The old man¡¯s facial expression became sour at the sight of this group. When Li Wuxie followed the voice and saw the speaker, he frowned because it was someone he knew.


    It was Cheng Chen and his group. They were furious after they were barred from the House of Tea Art and were looking for a way to cause trouble for Liu Wuxie. However, they hadn¡¯t expected Liu Wuxie to leave the House of Tea Art so quickly.


    When they had gone to the inn to look for Liu Wuxie, a spiritual array had blocked them all out.


    ¡°Young masters, our Xiang n is only a small business, and here¡¯s a little token of my appreciation.¡± The old man walked over to Cheng Chen and shoved an interspatial pouch, hoping the other party could show mercy.


    The Xiang n Manor naturally couldn¡¯t afford to offend elite disciples of the Azure Crimson Gate.


    Cheng Chen weighed the interspatial pouch briefly and was about to leave, but he noticed a familiar figure when he looked on the other side of the crowd.

 Chapter 531 - Stone Betting

    <h4>Chapter 531 - Stone Betting</h4>


    Cheng Chen saw Liu Wuxie as he turned around. Murderous intent began gushing out of him when he saw thetter. He lost control of his murderous intent as he recalled what had happened in the House of Tea Art yesterday.


    To his humiliation, not only was he scolded by Yin Jingwu, but he was also barred from entering the House of Tea Art in the future, which greatly humiliated him.


    Most importantly, he also owned shares in the Dragon Gate Shop, from which he would receive ten percent of its monthly profit.


    Liu Wuxie had noticed simr trends where many shops were affiliated with the three major sects when they had entered the city. Disciples of the three major sects supported many shops; these shops couldn''t survive without their backing.


    Liu Wuxie immediately recognized Cheng Chen in the crowd, and it felt like fate was ying a cruel joke. He had no desire for trouble and chose to ignore the murderous re aimed at him.


    "It''s you!" Cheng Chen naturally knew he wasn''t Liu Wuxie''s match, and his arm was still aching from being thrown around yesterday.


    "I''d disappear right now if I were you," Liu Wuxie said coldly, not even sparing him a nce. He wouldn''t have batted an eye at the sect masters of the ten major sects, let alone a disciple from the Azure Crimson Gate.


    After all, in a few short years, Liu Wuxie could break into the Nascent Transformation Realm, and even True Profound Realm experts wouldn¡¯t be able to stand against him. By then, he would have ess to even greater abilities¡ªthose of an Immortal Emperor.


    Cheng Chen was enraged after being disregarded by Liu Wuxie, and the three youths behind him took a step forward, prepared to attack. However, they only did it to bluff because they had witnessed Liu Wuxie''s strength yesterday.


    Moreover, the four were only at the fifth-level Heavenly Phase Realm, and Liu Wuxie''s cultivation was even higher than theirs.


    "Do you dare to bet with me? We''ll each pick a few stones and cut to see who has the higher grade. The loser will have to kneel and admit defeat!" Cheng Chen said with a cold smirk.


    He owned a shop and had spent years studying items from the barrennds. Over time, he had opened numerous stones, with his greatest find being a piece of ancient spiritual essence. Though it was only the size of a fingernail, it was enough to stir envy in many.


    Spiritual essence held greater value than spirit stones, whether in the form of jade essence, coral jade, or other rare types. Each was rich with spiritual energy, and absorbing them offered considerable benefits to cultivators.


    These treasures were imbued with powerful spirituality, and absorbing them could enable a cultivator to advance an entire realm effortlessly.


    Liu Wuxie didn''t expect to be challenged by Cheng Chen. This wasmonly called stone betting.


    "Brother Liu, don''t ept his challenge!" Chen Ruoyan spoke out. She could tell with a nce that Cheng Chen wasn''t a good person, and he probably wanted to y some tricks. Thus, betting with him would result in a loss with almost certainty.


    If Liu Wuxie lost, he would have to go down on his knees, which meant he couldn''t raise his head for the rest of his life.


    The people gathered in the surroundings looked curiously at Liu Wuxie and Cheng Chen. The Xiang n Manor had been disying its items for half a day now, but not many people had made purchases, with most just watching.


    However, Cheng Chen''s sudden proposal to challenge the stone betting instantly excited the onlookers. After all, stone betting had existed since ancient times.


    "You don''t dare, do you? If you kneel and kowtow right now, I¡¯ll let it slide," Cheng Chen taunted, his grin widening. He assumed that Liu Wuxie, as an outsider, knew nothing about stone betting. In contrast, Cheng Chen prided himself on his expertise.


    Cheng Chen was confident of making Liu Wuxie lose everything if he dared to ept the challenge, including the two women by his side.


    The old man of the Xiang n Manor smiled upon hearing the challenge. If they epted it, his items would finally sell.


    All eyes were on Liu Wuxie. It could be seen as a sign of cowardice if he didn''t dare to ept the challenge.


    In Serene Sea City, refusing a stone-betting challenge was considered humiliating, as it was deeply ingrained in the city¡¯s culture. Stone betting was the city''srgest industry, and nearly everyone had tried their luck at it at some point.


    The piercing gazes were directed at Liu Wuxie, eager to see him agree to the challenge.


    "Get lost if you don''t dare to take up the challenge!" the youth standing beside Liu Wuxie yelled.


    Liu Wuxie remained indifferent, facing the mockery surrounding him. When he swept his gaze through the disyed stones, a mocking smile rose on his lips.


    "How do you want to bet?" Liu Wuxie finally spoke, amusement flickering in his eyes as he nced at Cheng Chen. Why refuse when thetter had walked right into his own humiliation?


    "We''ll pick ten items each and cut them in front of everyone. Whoever extracts a more valuable item wins, and the loser will forfeit everything to the winner," Cheng Chen dered the rules.


    "Fair enough!" Liu Wuxie nodded because the rules were reasonable.


    "But I''ll add one more! The loser will also have to bark like a dog three times!" Cheng Chen''s smile grew wider, and he was eager to see Liu Wuxie kneel before him.


    "You sure you want to add that?" Liu Wuxie''s eyes shed with a hint of sharp glint.


    "If you don''t dare to ept the challenge, you must admit you''re a coward and get lost from this city!" Cheng Chen said, his murderous intent radiating across several hundred meters.


    Judging from the aura they gave off, Liu Wuxie was clearly in a disadvantageous position because Cheng Chen was the one pressing on aggressively. This was why no one was optimistic about Liu Wuxie, considering his pause as a sign that he was scared.


    "Let''s begin then!" Liu Wuxie had no interest in any further argument. The best way to punish Cheng Chen was to give him a resounding p to his face.


    A sinister grin spread on Cheng Chen''s face after hearing Liu Wuxie epting his challenge.


    "Old Xiang, these aren''t all garbage, right?" Cheng Chen gave the old man a skeptical look.


    "Rest assured, these are treasures from my Xiang n Manor. They may be pricey, but I guarantee the spiritual essence within," the old man said, patting his chest to reassure Cheng Chen. The Xiang n Manor, teetering on the edge of copse, had brought out their finest goods in hopes of salvaging their reputation through solid sales.


    "Let''s begin!" Cheng Chen stepped forward and picked out ten stones from the hundreds before him.


    "Junior Brother Liu, be careful!" Jian Xing¡¯er whispered as it was toote for them to stop Liu Wuxie.


    Although losing wouldn''t result in death, kneeling and kowtowing was worse than dying for Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie nodded and walked over to the stones on disy. They were of various shapes and sizes, with thergest being three meters and the smallest no bigger than a palm.


    Several rotting pieces of wood were also casually ced on one side. Cheng Chen wasn''t in a hurry. He pulled out a strange pir and put it on his nose to carefully observe the stones, one by one. He spent five minutes examining the first stone before moving on to the next.


    As time passed, Liu Wuxie made his way through the rocks, but his selection methods were different from Cheng Chen''s because he specifically chose the cheapest stones.


    "Hahaha! Is he broke? Why is he only picking the cheaper stones? The odds of excavating spiritual essence from them are extremely low." Many stone betting experts were present, and Liu Wuxie''s selection process amused them.


    "Senior Brother Cheng is the real deal. I¡¯ve heard that many shops hire him as an appraiser." Many onlookers whispered among themselves, and many people recognized Cheng Chen.


    "Young Master Cheng has a great eye! This is the treasure of my Xiang n Manor!" the old man ttered and hovered around Cheng Chen, ignoring Liu Wuxie.


    Cheng Chen was standing before a three-meter-tall stone, studying it closely.


    "This is good. There is at least a seventy percent chance of finding a spiritual essence inside." Cheng Chen wasn''t in a hurry because this stone was priced at one million spirit stones. He might be an elite disciple, but no one could im to possess an endless supply of spirit stones.


    Seventy percent chance was an incredibly high chance in stone betting. After all, the value of a spiritual essence the size of a fingernail would exceed one million spirit stones.


    "Young Master Cheng, I''ll even give you a thirty percent discount if you''re interested!" The old man said eagerly, his tone filled with ttery. He was treating Cheng Chen like a savior¡ªafter all, without this bet, he might not sell anything today.


    Liu Wuxie stopped upon hearing their conversation. He returned two stones he had already chosen and walked to another area to pick up two more.


    "Is that kid insane? That stone is only the size of an adult''s palm. I''ll kowtow to him if he can cut out spiritual essence from it." One of the newly picked stones by Liu Wuxie was only the size of a palm.


    What made it worse was the price. The stone only cost ten spirit stones.


    Liu Wuxie ignored the surroundingughter and continued to pick his stones. After ten-odd minutes, he had already picked seven stones, but he was still missing thest three.


    On the other hand, Cheng Chen was almost finished, as the old man constantly praised him for having discerning eyes.


    "Young Master Cheng has a sharp eye. I''d say there''s at least a thirty percent chance he''ll find spiritual essence in those ten stones," voices from the crowd chimed in, showering him with praise.


    Meanwhile, Liu Wuxie moved toward a pile of decaying wood. After a brief nce, he selected a piece that resembled a thin bamboo stalk.


    "He must be out of his mind! There''s a saying that stone is better than wood in the stone-betting world: It''s better to choose thick wood over thin, and never choose bamboo when picking thin ones."


    This meant that stones were more likely to contain spiritual essence than wood. If one did choose wood, never pick any thin ones because they were practically garbage. Lastly, even if you were to pick a thin one, never choose bamboo because there was little chance of finding any spiritual essence.


    Not only did Liu Wuxie pick wood, but he also picked a thin bamboo stalk, which naturally sparked ridicule from the surroundings.

 Chapter 532 - Ancient Fragment

    <h4>Chapter 532 - Ancient Fragment</h4>


    Liu Wuxie and Cheng Chen were done picking ten items an hourter.


    Liu Wuxie spent less than a hundred thousand spirit stones, while Cheng Chen had spent more than three million. There was a drastic difference in the amount they had spent.


    ¡°This kid has practically bought all the useless ones. There¡¯s no way those items contain any spirituality!¡± Each item was priced after being appraised by countless experts. The higher the price, the higher the odds of containing spiritual essence.


    The lower-priced items were deemed unworthy by appraisers, so they were cheaply sold.


    After collecting the spirit stones from the two, the old man cleared a space in the middle for them to cut open.


    "You think you canpete with me using that trash?" Cheng Chen sneered, eyeing the piece Liu Wuxie had chosen with undisguised amusement. He burst intoughter, his confidence apparent. While he might not have been a grandmaster in stone betting, Cheng Chen considered himself a rising star with far more experience than the average gambler.


    Liu Wuxie nced at the stones picked by Cheng Chen, and he even bought the most expensive stone. It was no wonder why he was so confident.


    ¡°The stone betting hasn¡¯t even started, and you¡¯re already so confident in yourself!¡± Liu Wuxie sneered. He pulled out a dagger from his interspatial ring and was ready to cut his stones.


    ¡°Hmph, I¡¯ll make sure you lose and admit defeat willingly!¡± Cheng Chen snorted and also retrieved a dagger. He picked up a stone that cost a hundred thousand spirit stones.


    The discussion surrounding the topic vanished, with everyone¡¯s attention focused on Liu Wuxie and Cheng Chen.


    Cheng Chen raised the dagger to cut his stone, removing ayer of stone fragments. His technique was smooth, and this drew exmations from the surroundings.


    "Impressive skill!" Praises echoed from the crowd. Cutting stones required a delicate bnce¡ªtoo fast, and the spiritual essence inside could shatter, turning into worthless fragments. Too slow, and the excitement would fizzle out.


    It didn¡¯t take long before Cheng Chen reduced the stone from the size of a basin to the size of a fist in less than a minute.


    ¡°Look! There¡¯s spirituality leaking out!¡± As Cheng Chen cut deeper into the stone, faint spirituality began leaking out, and it could be sensed even from ten-odd meters away.


    A trace of joy appeared on Cheng Chen¡¯s face to have excavated spiritual essence from the first stone. Moreover, this stone was the cheapest, meaning it had the lowest chance of containing spiritual essence.


    Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t in a hurry to cut the stone. He continued to observe Cheng Chen with a faint smile on his lips. When the fist-sized stone was cracked open, a spiritual essence the size of a fingernail appeared.


    ¡°Hahaha!¡± Cheng Chenughed as he held onto the spiritual essence in his hand.


    The stone was only worth a hundred thousand spirit stones, but the excavated spiritual essence was valued at around one million. He made a profit of nine hundred thousand spirit stones from this one stone.


    No wonder people often said the stone betting business was a gamble between heaven and hell. If Cheng Chen''s gamble had failed, a hundred thousand spirit stones would¡¯ve vanished into thin air.


    "Congrattions, Young Master Cheng! A great start!" The old man from the Xiang n Manor stepped forward, offering hispliments. Though there was a trace of regret in his eyes¡ªif they hadn''t sold the stone, the profit would have been theirs¡ªthere was nothing they could do. No one could predict whaty inside the stone until it was cut. Even experts at the True Profound Realm couldn''t see through the stone''s deste aura, which blocked out all divine sense.


    A round of apuse broke out, celebrating Cheng Chen¡¯s great start.


    ¡°It¡¯s your turn now!¡± Cheng Chen said with his face full of pride. He gave Liu Wuxie a provocative re, signaling that it was thetter¡¯s turn now. They would each take turns cutting the stone until the victor was determined.


    Liu Wuxie picked up a stone covered in moss. It had probably been fished out from a water pit.


    Jian Xing¡¯er and Chen Ruoyan looked worried. They held hands and cheered for Liu Wuxie silently.


    Everyone¡¯s eyes were fixed on Liu Wuxie¡¯s hand, waiting for him to cut the stone. Unlike Cheng Chen¡¯s shy performance, Liu Wuxie¡¯s technique was simple. When the dagger fell, a chunk was removed from the stone. His technique was crudepared to Cheng Chen''s.


    Breaking the stone so crudely was taboo in the stone bettingmunity. After all, the spiritual essence would be damaged if it was in that area.


    ¡°This must be his first time stone betting!¡± Mocking voices sounded in the surroundings.


    Liu Wuxie remained unfazed and adjusted the stone''s position before swinging the dagger down once more. Many people covered their eyes, unwilling to watch any further because everyone slowly peeled the stoneyer byyer when cutting stones.


    If nothing were found on the firstyer, they would continue moving to the secondyer. This was like peeling an eggshell. However, Liu Wuxie simply swung the dagger down to remove chunk by chunk.


    After several cuts, the stone was reduced to the size of an infant¡¯s fist. Many lost interest in watching after seeing that it had no spiritual essence, even after being reduced to this size.


    ¡°He¡¯s lucky there¡¯s no spiritual essence inside. Otherwise, his cutting method would¡¯ve destroyed it.¡± Everyone knew there was no spiritual essence in Liu Wuxie¡¯s first stone. The spirituality would¡¯ve already started leaking out if there were spiritual essence.


    ¡°Stop wasting our time and prepare to cut the next one!¡± Cheng Chen grew impatient and picked up a stone by his feet, ready to cut it. There were ten rounds, and he was confident he had won the first round.


    ¡°How are you so certain there¡¯s no spirituality inside?¡± Liu Wuxie sneered and swung the dagger down.


    The stone cracked open down the middle, revealing an astonishing sight. Floating before Liu Wuxie was a peculiar object, resembling either the tip of a de or a fragment, enveloped in a swirling, mysterious aura.


    An outburst of de aura swept out from this object, sending the surrounding people toppling around, and only those in the Astral River Realm could barely hold their ground.


    "This... this is an ancient fragment!" someone in the crowd gasped, and immediately, the onlookers erupted into chaos. Ancient fragments were exceedingly rare, and their value far surpassed that of spiritual essence. While spiritual essence could be quantified, an ancient fragment was priceless.


    After all, ancient fragments were scarce, and there were only a few in recent years because people mostly cut out spiritual essence.


    Forming spiritual essence was rtively simple because it could form if the umtion of a deste aura was enough.


    Cheng Chen stumbled at the sight of the ancient fragment and fell to the ground on his butt.


    The three youths standing behind Cheng Chen were envious. The Xiang n Manor¡¯s patriarch was even more shocked that Liu Wuxie could cut out an ancient fragment. If the news spread, their Xiang n Manor¡¯s business would soar.


    Liu Wuxie reached out to grab the fragment that was only the size of a fingernail, and it gave off a terrifying aura.


    ¡°I¡¯m willing to pay two million spirit stones for this fragment. Please sell it to me!¡± a middle-aged man walked over and made an offer to Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Shopkeeper Li, get lost! I¡¯m willing to offer three million spirit stones!¡± the Xiang n Manor¡¯s patriarch intervened.


    The value of the ancient fragment was easily estimated to be around three million spirit stones. Though ancient fragments were rare, a few would surface each year. However, it was the first time such a valuable fragment had been cut open in the middle of a crowded street.


    ¡°Not for sale!¡± Liu Wuxie said coldly. He naturally saw how the old man had ttered Cheng Chen earlier.


    The face of the Xiang n Manor¡¯s patriarch became ugly to be refused in public. Then again, everyone had seen how he had tried to tter Cheng Chen earlier, and no one would agree if they were in Liu Wuxie¡¯s position.


    Liu Wuxie had only spent a hundred spirit stones on the stone, but the value had flipped over thirty thousand times.


    The Xiang n Manor¡¯s patriarch felt like crying because he had only sold the stone to Liu Wuxie for one hundred spirit stones, and he had nned to buy back the ancient fragment for three million, only to be rejected. Anyone could imagine how he was feeling right now.


    The patriarch looked as though he might weep. He had hoped to buy the fragment back from Liu Wuxie for three million spirit stones, using it as a prized advertisement for the Xiang n Manor. But Liu Wuxie had no ns to sell, and the patriarch''s hopes were dashed.


    "Young Master Cheng, please continue!" Liu Wuxie stored the ancient fragment, a mocking smile ying on his lips as he addressed Cheng Chen. His decision to keep the fragment wasn¡¯t driven by greed. The moment it was revealed, he could feel the Heretic de and Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron within him react, craving the fragment¡¯s energy. Selling it, even for thirty million spirit stones, wasn¡¯t an option.


    It didn¡¯t take long before news of the ancient fragment began to spread. More people began to gather to witness the stone betting between Liu Wuxie and Cheng Chen. Any stone betting was exciting because it was like the thrill of walking on the edge of life and death, cing people in a constant state of excitement.


    Cheng Chen took a deep breath and regained his posture. This was only the first round. There were nine more stones, and he could turn the tables around if he could also cut out an ancient fragment. He picked up the second stone and began showcasing his shy skills again.


    This time, thepliments decreased as everyone watched quietly.


    It only took a few minutes for the stone to be reduced to the size of a fist, but there was still no spirituality seeping out from it. This wasn¡¯t a good sign because spirituality would generally leak out when the stone was cut this small unless there was an ancient fragment inside.


    Ancient fragments were different from spiritual essence because they didn¡¯t have any spirituality, and they could only be identified after the stone waspletely cut open.


    Cheng Chen mimicked Liu Wuxie and swung the dagger down to split the stone into two. When the stone broke apart from the center, there was nothing inside.


    ¡°Nothing!¡± Cheng Chen¡¯s face shed with a hint of dejection. Stone betting was all about luck. It was already a win if someone could cut out a spiritual essence from ten stones.


    However, Liu Wuxie¡¯s heaven-defying luck of cutting out an ancient fragment had turned the stone betting suspenseful.


    Cheng Chen was ced in a difficult position because he would lose if he failed to cut out an ancient fragment.


    Someone sighed at the sight of this because the stone that Cheng Chen had cut was worth five hundred thousand spirit stones, which had gone down the drain.


    All eyes turned to Liu Wuxie, waiting for him to cut the second stone.


    Cheng Chen didn¡¯t speak, but his face was terrifyingly grim, and murderous intent shed in his eyes when he looked at Liu Wuxie.

 Chapter 533 - Saint Glazed Liquid

    <h4>Chapter 533 - Saint zed Liquid</h4>


    Liu Wuxie casually picked up a stone valued at ten thousand spirit stones. Ten thousand spirit stones were dirt cheappared to the price Cheng Chen had paid for his stones.


    No one dared to mock Liu Wuxie this time; instead, they held their breaths in anticipation. Among the crowd, the number of people who had ever sessfully cut open an ancient fragment could be counted on one hand¡ªif at all.


    ¡°He looks unfamiliar. Which sect is he from?¡± Many people asked curiously because they hadn¡¯t seen Liu Wuxie before.


    ¡°He must be from outside the region,¡± someone spected. Despite thorough investigation, no one had managed to uncover any information on him.


    Meanwhile, in the House of Tea Art, Murong Yi was sipping her tea calmly when a maid hurried over to whisper something into Lady Yan¡¯s ear. Lady Yan, after listening, waved the maid away, and then stepped behind her young mistress.


    ¡°Speak!¡± Murong Yimanded, sitting upright and setting her cup down.


    ¡°There¡¯s news that Young Master Liu had a conflict with Cheng Chen on the street, and they¡¯re engaged in stone betting. Young Master Liu has just cut out an ancient fragment,¡± Lady Yan exined briefly.


    ¡°Interesting!¡± Murong Yi stood up and opened the window. Looking out at the bustling streets, her divine sense soon crossed several streets, locking onto Liu Wuxie.


    The distance between Liu Wuxie and the House of Tea Art was tens of thousands of meters, and only someone in the high levels of the Astral River Realm could extend their divine sense that far.


    Like before, Liu Wuxie¡¯s method was crude and bold, making the onlookers'' hearts clench with every cut. If there was spiritual essence inside the stone, it was highly likely that his cutting method would destroy it.


    ¡°This is the kid that cut out an ancient fragment?¡± Manyters asked in confusion because Liu Wuxie looked like aplete amateur judging from his technique.


    ¡°Who cares about skills when luck is on his side?¡± everyone said in a sour tone filled with envy. That was especially true for those who had studied stones for decades. The years they had dedicated couldn¡¯tpare to Liu Wuxie.


    When the stone began to shrink, it didn¡¯t take long before it was reduced to the size of a fist, with fragments piling up on the ground.


    ¡°Look, there¡¯s a crack in the stone!¡± Someone with sharp eyes noticed the stone cracking in Liu Wuxie¡¯s hand.


    Initially, it was only a hairline crack, but in just a few breaths, the crack was already visible to the naked eye, and a terrifying wave of spirituality gushed out.


    ¡°Spiritual essence! He has cut out a spiritual essence!¡± The crowd cheered because cutting open a spiritual essence was a cause for celebration. No matter how everyone was envious of Liu Wuxie, they couldn¡¯t deny his extraordinary luck.


    The spiritual essence in Liu Wuxie¡¯s hand was bigger than the one cut out by Cheng Chen, and the spirituality was far superior.


    Like spirit stones, spiritual essence was also ssified into different grades. The mostmon was a low-grade spiritual essence Cheng Chen had cut out.


    However, the one cut out by Liu Wuxie had reached mid-grade, a whole grade higher. With that, Liu Wuxie had defeated Cheng Chen once more.


    Cold sweat began rolling down Cheng Chen¡¯s forehead. It was unbelievable that Liu Wuxie had cut out an ancient fragment and a mid-grade spiritual essence from two stones in a row.


    Even master appraisers couldn¡¯t aplish this feat as there was never a hundred percent chance of sess.


    Terrifying spirituality began burrowing into Liu Wuxie¡¯s body when he held onto the spiritual essence. The deste world in his dantian might have been formed, but it was devoid of life and spirituality. Even the trees looked dead andcked vitality.


    Thend was dry, and the rivers and mountains were colorless, allcking any signs of vitality.


    The deste world within Liu Wuxie could only be revitalized through the infusion of spiritual energy. However, with too many people nearby, he decided to wait until he returned to the courtyard to absorb the spiritual essence and breathe life into his barren inner realm.


    He had also uncovered a curious phenomenon: the more his deste world expanded, the moreplete and stable it became, which in turn bolstered his strength.


    Spirituality was tied to one''s spiritual root, and at present, Liu Wuxie¡¯s spiritual root was no more advanced than that of an ordinary cultivator. The prospect of achieving an immortal-level spiritual root seemed like an impossible dream¡ªone that felt ever out of reach.


    His spiritual root could only grow by absorbing a vast amount of spirituality, which was his most significant advantage.


    Most people had a fixed spiritual root, and the benefits were minimal, no matter how much spiritual energy they absorbed. However, Liu Wuxie¡¯s spiritual root was different and could continue to grow.


    ¡°Are you willing to sell this spiritual essence?¡± Shopkeeper Li asked again. Low-grade spiritual essence wasn¡¯t rare, and many shops sold them, but mid-grade spiritual essence was a different story because its value was several times higher.


    ¡°Not for sale!¡± Liu Wuxie replied. If he wanted his spiritual root to grow, he estimated he would need an enormous amount of spiritual essence, so how could he sell it?


    ¡°You¡¯re only in the Heavenly Phase Realm. You can¡¯t protect the ancient fragment and spiritual essence. So you might as well sell them, or you might lose your life,¡± someone began to threaten Liu Wuxie tantly.


    The ancient fragment and mid-grade spiritual essence were rare treasures that many people coveted. This meant many people would be after Liu Wuxie¡¯s life the moment he left this ce.


    However, Liu Wuxie ignored the threats.


    As the stone betting continued, a mysterious old woman appeared among the crowd. She looked ordinary as she slowly walked toward the center of the crowd with a cane in her hand, and her eyes were fixed on Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie put away the spiritual essence and turned to look at Cheng Chen; it was his turn next.


    Cheng Chen¡¯s mood had plummeted after cutting the second stone. Losing wouldn¡¯t lead to death, but he dreaded the humiliation of kneeling and kowtowing. Most importantly, everything excavated by the losing party in this event would go to the winner.


    ¡°Senior Brother Cheng, don¡¯t be discouraged. You have eight stones left, and you can still win if you find an ancient fragment.¡± The three youths standing behind Cheng Chen came forward tofort him.


    Now wasn¡¯t the time to be disheartened because there was no path of retreat. Furthermore, it was still uncertain who would win the fight.


    ¡°Junior Brother Qian is right. I can¡¯t lose!¡± A powerful fighting spirit exploded from Cheng Chen because he couldn¡¯t afford to lose, nor would he lose. If he failed, it would disgrace the Azure Crimson Gate.


    Cheng Chen looked the three-meter-tall stone. This was the most expensive stone, originally priced at one million spirit stones, though even with a discount, he still paid seven hundred thousand. It had the highest likelihood of containing an ancient fragment.


    He picked up the third stone and took a deep breath, and his face gradually returned to normal. His cutting had slowed down significantlypared to before; he was more cautious this time.


    Only the sounds of stone being cut could be heard on the street. The stone that Cheng Chen was cutting this time was about as thick as a barrel, so it took longer for him to cut.


    After fifteen minutes of cutting, Cheng Chen finally reached the core. Cold sweat began to drip from his forehead, and no one knew if it was from tension or fear.


    ¡°Spirituality! There¡¯s spirituality!¡± Exmations echoed from the crowd from those who had arrivedter.


    This drew eye rolls from the surroundings because it was no longer enough to surprise them. They were eager to see if this stone betting would reveal more ancient fragments.


    The ancient fragments, the size of a palm, were considered priceless, while those the size of a nail were considered ordinary goods.


    Cheng Chen made the final cut. When the stone split open, a spiritual essence about the size of a quail egg was revealed. It wasn¡¯t any weakerpared to the one cut open by Liu Wuxie, and it was also a mid-grade spiritual essence.


    Moreover, this spiritual essence was slightlyrger than Liu Wuxie¡¯s. Cheng Chen¡¯s face rxed, and a faint smile hung on his lips at the sight of the spiritual essence.


    However, there were no changes in Liu Wuxie¡¯s facial expression, as if he had already expected it. The deste aura could block out the divine sense of others, but it couldn¡¯t hinder Liu Wuxie¡¯s Ghost Eye.


    After mastering the Soul Forge Art, Liu Wuxie¡¯s Ghost Eye had evolved beyond ordinary techniques.


    Many cultivators in the True Martial Continent had practiced an eye technique, and they would¡¯ve made a fortune long ago if their eye technique could see through the stone. However, their eye techniques couldn¡¯t even pierce through the stone''s surface, let alone see what was inside.


    ¡°It¡¯s your turn now!¡± Cheng Chen¡¯s face shed with a hint of ferocity. He had obtained two spiritual essences, while Liu Wuxie only had one spiritual essence and one ancient fragment. They were roughly even in terms of value.


    Liu Wuxie picked up the rotten wood, covered inyers of mud. It was likely fished out from a swamp. He had picked seven stones and three pieces of wood.


    With a swift cut, Liu Wuxie split the wood apart, revealing a strange liquid that began flowing out.


    ¡°Why is there liquid flowing out? What¡¯s that?¡± Many were baffled because they couldn¡¯tprehend how a liquid could seep from the wood.


    Liu Wuxie took out a porcin bottle to contain the liquid. There wasn¡¯t any spiritual essence but the liquid.


    Everyone exchanged confused looks, unsure of what it was.


    ¡°That¡¯s the Saint ze Liquid!¡± an exmation came from someone in the Astral River Realm, and all eyes turned to him. Over ny percent of the people present didn¡¯t know what the Saint ze Liquid was, and they all had curiosity on their faces.


    Upon hearing the mention of Saint ze Liquid, Cheng Chen staggered and almost fell over, but he was saved by someone who caught him from behind.


    The Xiang n Manor¡¯s patriarch felt a strong urge tomit suicide. That rotten wood was kept in the n¡¯s collection for countless years before being sold off.


    Who would¡¯ve thought that not only would Liu Wuxie find an ancient fragment, but he even cut out the Saint ze Liquid? Each find was more valuable than thest, and he wouldn¡¯t be surprised that Liu Wuxie could cut open aplete ancient fragment at this rate.


    ¡°What¡¯s the Saint ze Liquid?¡± someone asked, wanting to know its value.


    ¡°In ancient times, there existed a divine tree called the zed Tree. This tree was extremely precious because each leaf wasparable to a spiritual essence, and the liquid harvested from the trunk was called the Saint zed Liquid, a treasure coveted by every cultivator.¡± The zed Tree had already gone extinct, and the wood that Liu Wuxie had cut was a segment of the zed Tree¡¯s trunk.


    ¡°A leaf wasparable to a spiritual essence?!¡± Many gasped in shock because one spiritual essence was enough to drive people insane.


    A tree naturally had countless leaves, and whoever owned a zed Tree would have no worries about bing immortal.


    Everyone looked at Liu Wuxie with greed, wanting to rush forward and snatch the bottle away. After all, the value of the Saint zed Liquid was even higher than spiritual essence, and the liquid flowed for roughly half a minute, producing roughly thirty-odd droplets.


    When Liu Wuxie sealed the porcin bottle, he paid no attention to the surroundings and kept it in his interspatial ring.

 Chapter 534 - Snatching Forcibly

    <h4>Chapter 534 - Snatching Forcibly</h4>


    Liu Wuxie was betting on the House of Tea Art¡¯s promise to protect him. After all, Lady Yan had assured him just yesterday that they would guarantee his safety. If he couldn¡¯t leave safely today, the House of Tea Art¡¯s reputation would be in ruins, and there¡¯d be no point in even heading to Mooncave Lake.


    Yet, even if they chose not to intervene, Liu Wuxie was confident he could escape on his own. He could unleash the power of the Heavenly Dragon Seal, suppressing everyone long enough to make his exit¡ªno one would be able to stop him.


    Meanwhile, Cheng Chen¡¯s heart sank like a drowning man clutching at a lifeline, only to be struck down again by Liu Wuxie. His confidence had spiked when he revealed the mid-grade spiritual essence, but the sudden appearance of the Saint zed Liquid hadpletely caught him off guard.


    ¡°I¡¯m willing to offer ten million spirit stones for the Saint zed Liquid!¡± The man who had eximed earlier stepped forward and made an offer. This wasn¡¯t a tiny amount because ten million was a significant sum, capable of ensuring a life of luxury for someone in the Heavenly Phase Realm.


    However, Liu Wuxie wouldn¡¯t even bat an eye at one billion spirit stones after establishing the Heavenly Dao Society, let alone ten million. With the Saint zed Liquid, he could reach the seventh-level Heavenly Phase Realm in no time.


    Jian Xing¡¯er and Chen Ruoyan were still stuck in the Heavenly Dipper Realm, but they could reach the pinnacle of the Heavenly Dipper Realm with the Saint zed Liquid. If they could absorb spiritual essences, there was even a chance for them to reach the Heavenly Phase Realm. So, how could he possibly sell the Saint zed Liquid?


    ¡°Not for sale!¡± Liu Wuxie replied coldly, and his words made the middle-aged man freeze. He was someone in the high levels of the Astral River Realm, invincible if he didn¡¯t face someone in the Nascent Transformation Realm. He felt humiliated to be rejected by someone in the Heavenly Phase Realm.


    ¡°Brat, I can just seize it from you. I have already shown consideration by offering ten million spirit stones.¡± The Saint zed Liquid was too valuable, and he could reach the Nascent Transformation Realm with it. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, which he didn¡¯t want to miss.


    If Liu Wuxie refused to sell it to him, he would snatch it by force.


    ¡°You n to snatch it from me?¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes shed with a sharp glint. If this man dared to make a move, he wouldn¡¯t hesitate to crush him to death with the Heavenly Dragon Seal before leaving with Chen Ruoyan and Jian Xing¡¯er. This trip to Serene Sea City had already been highly fruitful for him, even if he didn¡¯t know what the remaining seven items would yield.


    ¡°That¡¯s exactly my n!¡± The middle-aged man no longer concealed his murderous intent and walked towards Liu Wuxie.


    No one in the surroundings dared to step forward unless someone in the Nascent Transformation Realm intervened. However, those in the Nascent Transformation Realm held too high a status to stoop to the level of robbing someone in the Heavenly Phase Realm.


    After all, their reputation would be ruined if news got out that they had robbed a junior, and they would have no choice but to leave the Southern Province.


    The atmosphere grew tense with the increasing pressure. Those with low cultivation couldn¡¯t catch their breath under the middle-aged man¡¯s aura.


    Oddly enough, Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t affected by the aura, which shocked thetter. He was baffled as to why his aura did not affect Liu Wuxie whatsoever.


    ¡°Chen Sheng, you n to rob a junior as someone in the Astral River Realm? Aren¡¯t you worried about your reputation?¡± Another middle-aged man took a step forward. Both of their strengths wereparable in the high levels of the Astral River Realm.


    It was evident that Chen Shen wasn¡¯t the only one who coveted Liu Wuxie¡¯s Saint zed Liquid.


    ¡°He Hai, don¡¯t act like you¡¯re a saint when you¡¯re also here for the Saint zed Liquid. What a hypocrite!¡± Chen Sheng sneered, and they weren¡¯t unfamiliar with each other.


    It was evident to everyone that their objective was to rob Liu Wuxie¡¯s Saint zed Liquid. As for the ancient fragment and spiritual essence, they could obtain these items elsewhere, but the Saint zed Liquid was too precious.


    ¡°Youngd, I¡¯m willing to offer eleven million spirit stones for the Saint zed Liquid, and I can also ensure your safety.¡± The middle-aged man called He Hai took a step forward, adding another million on top of Chen Shen¡¯s offer.


    ¡°Not for sale!¡± Liu Wuxie replied coldly.


    He Hai was stunned. He had already been fair by increasing his offer.


    ¡°Hahaha! This is the first time I¡¯ve seen someone so arrogant!¡± He Hai released his murderous intent, which came crashing down on Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie was already struggling to deal with Chen Shen, and now He Hai had joined the fray, making it even harder for him to escape unscathed.


    Many onlookers turned their attention to the remaining seven uncut items. Since the first three had already yielded such treasures, what would there be in the remaining seven?


    Even if they didn¡¯t uncover another Saint zed Liquid, finding spiritual essence would still be a valuable gain.


    The tension in the air grew thick as if chaos could break out at any moment. Liu Wuxie quietly gathered his strength and signaled to the two women with him, telling them to blend into the crowd when the fight erupted. He would find a way to escape and leave the city with them afterward.


    Chen Shen and He Hai moved in to block any escape route, worsening Liu Wuxie''s situation. Chen Shen¡¯s lips curled into a smirk; the oue of the stone betting hardly mattered anymore. The odds of him winning were slim unless he could find something of equal value.


    ¡°Since you rejected our offer, don¡¯t me us for whates next!¡± Chen Shen snarled, reaching for Liu Wuxie¡¯s neck, intent on capturing him alive.


    After cutting out three treasures in a row, many suspected Liu Wuxie had some tool or technique that allowed him to see inside the stones. If Chen Shen could get his hands on it, he¡¯d be able to im any treasure in the city.


    ¡°Does the House of Tea Art n to keep watching? I¡¯m afraid I won¡¯t be able to attend the gathering tonight,¡± Liu Wuxie raised his voice while he secretly prepared the Heavenly Dragon Seal to strike at any moment.


    Since the House of Tea Art had gone to great lengths to invite him to the event tonight, their efforts would go down the drain if he died there.


    Another possibility was that they felt guilty about yesterday¡¯s events and wanted to make amends by extending the invitation. Either way, Liu Wuxie was about to test their response.


    ¡°The House of Tea Art?¡± Everyone was confused. Women ran the House of Tea Art with no men involved, so why did Liu Wuxie suddenly mention the House of Tea Art?


    ¡°Stop daydreaming. The House of Tea Art won¡¯t intervene for an ant like you.¡± The House of Tea Art was mysterious; even the three major sects had acknowledged their presence. Their origin remained a mystery.


    However, when Liu Wuxie noticed that there were still no movements from the surroundings, he wondered if he had guessed wrongly. Perhaps the House of Tea Art¡¯s invitation was a gesture of apology with no ulterior motive.


    Chen Shen''s hand was inches away from grabbing Liu Wuxie when he realized there was no other choice. With a single thought, Liu Wuxie activated the Heavenly Dragon Seal, ready for it to burst out from the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron at any moment.


    However, just as the seal was about to unleash, a withered hand suddenly appeared between them.


    ¡°Get lost!¡±


    Chen Shen was sent flying by the withered hand, and in the next instant, an elderly woman with a frail frame and a cane stood in front of Liu Wuxie.


    Seeing this woman, a smile curled on Liu Wuxie¡¯s lips.


    ¡°It¡¯s Madam Li from the House of Tea Art. Why is she here helping this kid?¡± Many people were baffled. Many of them had visited the House of Tea Art, which was why they could recognize the old woman.


    ¡°Madam Li, what you¡¯re doing isn¡¯t ording to the rules. We were here first, and the Saint zed Liquid should belong to us!¡± He Hai was displeased, assuming that the House of Tea Art was also here to snatch the Saint zed Liquid.


    In the past year or so, the House of Tea Art had avoided any disputes in the city. The fact that they were intervening now was a clear act of snatching the Saint zed Liquid. After all, it would also benefit someone even in the Nascent Transformation Realm.


    ¡°From this moment on, Young Master Liu is an honored guest of the House of Tea Art, and anyone who dares to touch him will be our enemy.¡± Madam Li swept her cold gaze across the crowd. Those who met her eyes quickly lowered their heads under the weight of her Nascent Transformation Realm aura.


    ¡°What?!¡± Countless people were shocked. Since when did Liu Wuxie be an honored guest of the House of Tea Art?


    Even Cheng Chen was utterly dumbfounded because things were getting out of control. Regarding cultivation, Liu Wuxie was inferior to elite disciples of the three major sects, let alone true disciples.


    How did Liu Wuxie gain the favor of Murong Yi? This simply made no sense because they couldn¡¯t see anything remarkable about Liu Wuxie apart from being handsome.


    ¡°Madam Li, are you sure you''re not mistaken? This kid looks unfamiliar¡ªhow could he possibly be connected to the House of Tea Art?¡± Chen Shen stood up, his face dark with frustration, though he dared not act recklessly.


    He wanted to point out that if the House of Tea Art truly wanted the Saint zed Liquid, they didn¡¯t need to make up such an excuse. Many of those present shared his thoughts, assuming the House of Tea Art was simply stalling Liu Wuxie to take the treasure once they had him under their roof.


    ¡°Do you not understand? He¡¯s now connected to the House of Tea Art,¡± Madam Li replied coldly, her firm tone darkening many faces in the crowd.


    The House of Tea Art had never been this forceful before. Their aggressive stance was a sharp contrast to their usual neutrality, and this marked the first time they had openly challenged the authority of the three major sects.


    ¡°Madam Li, your House of Tea Art is going too far! You¡¯re just trying to monopolize the Saint zed Liquid by iming this kid is connected to you. Who here would believe that nonsense?¡± Chen Shen spat, still nursing his injuries from being thrown aside. His words echoed the sentiments of many in the crowd, who nodded in agreement.


    Madam Li¡¯s expression remained calm. ¡°Our House of Tea Art does not stoop to such tricks. We have no interest in the Saint zed Liquid. As I said, Young Master Liu is an honored guest of the House of Tea Art. If you are here to watch the stone betting, I have no issue. But touch him, and you¡¯ll face my wrath.¡±


    Her words carried weight, as the House of Tea Art had always been known for its integrity, never boasting or lying. The crowd began to wonder¡ªif Madam Li wasn¡¯t bluffing, what exactly was Liu Wuxie¡¯s rtionship with the House of Tea Art?

 Chapter 535 - Spiritual Essences

    <h4>Chapter 535 - Spiritual Essences</h4>


    Madam Li stood firm, choosing not to intervene as long as Liu Wuxie remained unharmed. This meant she would ignore any mockery directed at him. Hai and Chen Shen exchanged nces and reluctantly returned to the crowd, realizing they couldn''t openly snatch the items and would have to wait until Madam Li left.


    Madam Li gave a slight nod to Liu Wuxie before stepping aside, allowing the stone betting to resume. Many people had started to leave, thinking the House of Tea Art''s intervention would halt the betting. However, they were surprised to see that the House of Tea Art wouldn''t interfere as long as Liu Wuxie''s safety was ensured, even if he lost.


    "Continue! Next one!" Everyone''s excitement was ignited. They couldn''t wait to see what was in the remaining seven items that Liu Wuxie had chosen.


    Stone betting would only end when thest stone was cut. Even though Cheng Chen had already lost, the oue would be determined only at the final moment.


    Even Madam Li was curious about Liu Wuxie¡¯s remaining seven stones, so she allowed the bet to continue.


    Cheng Chen showed a hint of hesitation because he knew his odds of winning were already low. If he wanted to turn the tables around, he would have to cut out something even more extraordinary.


    "Senior Brother Cheng, why not keep going since you have alreadye this far? Let''s see what the remaining stones have to offer." The three friends egged Cheng Chen on. After all, they wouldn''t be the ones humiliated if they lost, and they were only here for the excitement.


    "Cheng Chen, what are you waiting for? Keep cutting, and don''t disappoint us!" The crowd echoed, urging Cheng Chen to hurry up and stop wasting everyone''s time.


    There were already so many treasures in the first three rounds, and everyone''s curiosity had been piqued. Many people even started to eye the remaining items from the Xiang n Manor, wondering if there were more treasures hidden within those items. After all, if they could buy an item that contained a treasure, it would be enough for them to enjoy luxuries for a lifetime.


    Cheng Chen was ced in a difficult position, with many people urging him. If he admitted defeat, Liu Wuxie might drop the bet because he didn''t have to cut open the remaining seven items.


    After all, wealth shouldn''t be revealed, and for an innocent person to wield treasures would only invite trouble. Just a few drops of the Saint zed Liquid had already ced Liu Wuxie in such danger, and the remaining items might contain more extraordinary items capable of causing a sensation in the city.


    The Xiang n Manor''s patriarch had never anticipated the items they had kept for many years to yield so many treasures. The items were transported out of the barrennd centuries ago, where the probability of finding treasures was high.


    The Xiang n Manor had preserved these items as ast resort, only to be brought out when the n was in great hardship. Their appraisers had meticulously picked each item throughout the years, but they now benefited Liu Wuxie.


    They would''ve cut open and sold the treasures if they knew which item contained the Saint zed Liquid. However, the wood picked by Liu Wuxie looked too ordinary to contain any treasures.


    The Xiang n Manor had also cut many items throughout the years but often made more losses than profits. The n invested a lot of resources in these stones, and they couldn''t bear the losses if nothing were inside. This was why they had no choice but to put them up for sale.


    Cheng Chen gritted his teeth and picked up a stone valued at three hundred thousand spirit stones. His palms were covered in sweat, and his cutting speed had slowed significantlypared to before.


    The crowd''s excitement grew, and the discussion gradually ended with everyone focused on Cheng Chen''s dagger. Their eyes followed the movement of his dagger, and it was alreadyte in the morning before they knew it. However, not one felt the heat and was engrossed in the bet.


    The stone, as thick as a water bucket, began to shrink with each cut, reducing in size. However, there were no signs of spirituality, which made Cheng Chen even more nervous. His hands began to tremble, causing his dagger to miss precision several times.


    When the stone was finally cut open, sighs of disappointment could be hearding from the crowd. After all, such an expensive stone yielded nothing, but Liu Wuxie had only spent a hundred spirit stones to open something like the Saint zed Liquid. This was too unfair!


    All eyes turned to Liu Wuxie, who casually picked up a stone and began cutting it. His movements were crude, like before, as he cut chunks off the stone.


    The items Liu Wuxie picked weren''t huge. The biggest was only the size of a basin, while the smallest was only the size of a palm.


    "Is he doing this on purpose? Isn''t he afraid of damaging the spirituality inside?" People frowned. Although Liu Wuxie had cut open so many treasures, his cutting method was still criticized by everyone.


    His cutting method was not an art; even a butcher on the street had better skills than him. Butchers could at least maintain a bnce between fat and lean meat for better sales.


    However, Liu Wuxie¡¯s cutting method didn¡¯t resemble the careful process of opening a stone; it was more like he was chopping rocks. With each cut, he removed arge chunk, and in just a few cuts, the rock was reduced to a diamond shape.


    "There''s spirituality again!" Spirituality had already leaked from the stone before it was entirely cut open. By now, everyone had grown used to it, and it was simply unheard of for anyone to achieve a hundred percent sess rate.


    "This is unbelievable. Can he possibly see through the stones?" He Hai had just arrived and was already stunned by what he saw. He had never seen anyone with such a high sess rate.


    Then again, there was another possibility that the Xiang n Manor''s products were top-quality, and any random item could yield spiritual essence.


    A spiritual essence the size of an egg floated in front of Liu Wuxie, and it was purer than the one Cheng Chen had previously cut out.


    No words could describe everyone''s feelings now, and many people had already started to curse. Some people spent an entire lifetime cutting stones and couldn¡¯t even open a spiritual essence. However, Liu Wuxie had yielded two spiritual essences, one ancient fragment, and a bottle of Saint zed Liquid with four items in a row.


    Liu Wuxie kept the spiritual essence and ignored the gazes from the surroundings.


    "Cheng Chen, is there any point in continuing?" Liu Wuxie didn''t want to continue cutting and hoped that Cheng Chen could give up.


    "Why not? Do you think I''m afraid?" Cheng Chen looked like a gambler who had lost everything. He insisted on continuing even if he knew he would lose because he wanted to know what Liu Wuxie could cut open in his remaining stones.


    This time, Cheng Chen cut all five stones simultaneously, except for thest one. He didn''t want to wait any longer and wanted to end the bet quickly because the stress of it was overwhelming for him.


    After ten minutes of cutting, five stones were cut open, and he only yielded a spiritual essence the size of a fingernail. He was only left with thest one, thergest one with the highest chance of yielding aplete ancient fragment.


    If he could cut open aplete ancient fragment, he still had a chance to turn the tables around.


    "It''s your turn now! Hurry up!" Cheng Chen turned to look at Liu Wuxie after cutting five stones in one go.


    Liu Wuxie had no choice because everyone would pounce on him if he refused to cut. He looked at the remaining six items, his gaze lingering on a piece of decayed bamboo no bigger than his palm.


    However, he ultimately picked up a palm-sized stone and left the bamboo for thest, which puzzled everyone.


    After all, the bamboo seemed the least likely to contain spirituality, but Liu Wuxie left it for thest.


    His cutting methods were crude like before, and when the stone broke apart, he yielded three spiritual essences of high quality. Liu Wuxie hadn''t uncovered any low-grade spiritual essence so far.


    "Have you all noticed? That kid had picked two stones but put them back for some reason before picking two new stones. The new stones he picked all yielded spiritual essence. Do you think the two stones might also contain spiritual essence, just of lower quality?" Someone spected, and everyone began to notice a pattern.


    There were two stones that Liu Wuxie had picked initially, but heter abandoned them, which was an act that puzzled everyone.


    "I want those two stones!" Shopkeeper Li acted quickly and bought the two stones that Liu Wuxie gave up for ten thousand spirit stones, and he cut them on the spot.


    The two stones were cut open in less than one minute, but nothing was inside them. This baffled everyone, and they wondered what game Liu Wuxie was ying at. Did he give up these two stones because there was nothing inside them?


    Only Liu Wuxie knew the truth. He deliberately chose two empty stones because he didn''t want to stand out too much. After all, he would cause an uproar in the city if all the stones he picked yielded spiritual essence.


    Moreover, he had also wanted to leave some profit for the Xiang n Manor. If he took all the items containing treasures inside, the Xiang n Manor would find it hard to survive in the future.


    However, the attitude of the Xiang n Manor''s patriarch made him change his mind. Right from the beginning, the old man had mocked him and ttered Cheng Chen.


    This naturally enraged Liu Wuxie, and he knew that the Xiang n Manor was no better than scoundrels. Since that was the case, he would pick all the items that contained treasures to teach them a lesson.


    "Another spiritual essence!" This was the fourth spiritual essence, and everyone had be used to it. Even the House of Tea Art''s Madam Li was at a loss for words, and she wondered if Liu Wuxie was the person Murong Yi was looking for. That Liu Wuxie could achieve this much was enough to state that he wasn''t simple.


    The sounds of stones being cut continued and a pile of stone fragmentsy at Liu Wuxie''s feet.


    Everyone was numb as they watched Liu Wuxie cut open spiritual essence in the sixth, seventh, and eighth stones. The stones ranged from the size of an egg to the size of a pebble, but they were all of high quality. The worst quality was a mid-grade spiritual essence.


    "This kid has hit a jackpot. With so many spiritual essences, they''re worth at least one billion spirit stones!" Everyone looked at Liu Wuxie with their eyes zing with greed, wishing they could devour him.


    Liu Wuxie finally picked up the ninth stone, the size of a palm, which cost him only ten spirit stones. This was also the cheapest of the ten he picked.

 Chapter 536 - Spiritual Bamboo Shoot

    <h4>Chapter 536 - Spiritual Bamboo Shoot</h4>


    The stone was only the size of a palm. This time, his cutting speed had slowed significantly and was much gentler. He cut it bit by bit, only shaving a small piece each time.


    The stone wasn''t big, and a terrifying outburst of spirituality urred when one-third of it was left.


    "What''s that?" Everyone was stunned. Ordinary spiritual essence wouldn¡¯t produce such a powerful outburst of spirituality. This made everyone wonder if there was a treasure inside.


    He Hai and Chen Shen stood at the front, and their eyes nearly popped out. If the House of Tea Art''s Madam Li weren''t present, they would''ve snatched Liu Wuxie¡¯s treasures each time he cut them open.


    The stone wasn''t cut open yet, and Liu Wuxie had only sliced off a small corner for it to release such a rich spirituality. This was simply unbelievable.


    "Damn it! I wanted to buy that stone earlier!" A man wailed in regret and copsed onto the ground.


    He had picked up the stone that Liu Wuxie was cutting several times but had given up because the price was too low. Who would''ve thought he would miss out on a treasure because something was too cheap? After all, it wasmon sense that the items priced higher would have a greater chance of finding spiritual essence.


    However, small probabilities weren''t impossible, and some cheaper stones could yield supreme-grade spiritual essence. Though it was rare, that didn''t mean it didn''t exist.


    "This is at least a high-grade spiritual essence!" Chen Shen said. Though he didn''t want to admit it, he could be sure that inside was at least a high-grade spiritual essence.


    It might only be one grade higher than mid-grade spiritual stone, but there was a drastic difference. This was likeparing high-grade and supreme-grade pills.


    "Stop dawdling and cut it already!" Everyone gradually lost their patience because Liu Wuxie had slowed down significantlypared to his usual cutting speed.


    Everyone held their breaths and waited for Liu Wuxie to cut it open. No matter how they urged, Liu Wuxie maintained the same speed, unfazed by the surrounding voices. No one could affect his inner calm.


    As stone fragments began to fall, the outeryer of the stone was peeled away, revealing a faint and tender glow that enveloped Liu Wuxie.


    "Supreme-grade spiritual essence!" He Hai stumbled and nearly fell to the ground.


    Chen Shen had spected it to be a high-grade spiritual essence, but it turned out to be a supreme-grade spiritual essence. Supreme-grade spiritual essence was extremely rare. Including the supreme-grade spiritual essence Liu Wuxie had found, only four had appeared in Serene Sea City¡¯s history.


    Low-grade spiritual essence wasmon and could be found in many shops. Mid-grade spiritual essence was rarer, but it could be bought if one could afford it. High-grade spiritual essence was more scarce because people didn¡¯t sell it, even for exorbitant prices.


    Liu Wuxie didn''t remove thestyer of stone to prevent the spirituality from leaking. If the supreme-grade spiritual essence was revealed, it could be sensed within a radius of a few hundred miles, and it might attract more experts.


    Liu Wuxie ced the supreme-grade spiritual essence in the interspatial ring as if he had done something ordinary.


    "Today was an eye-opening experience. Not only did I witness an ancient fragment and Saint zed Liquid uncovered, but also the supreme-grade spiritual essence." Many people were satisfied by the bet. If there were any regrets, it would be that they had uncovered none of the treasures.


    As soon as he put away the supreme-grade spiritual essence, Liu Wuxie could sense the deste world tremble, eager to absorb the spiritual essence. After all, the deste world was too lifeless, and even the sky was grey.


    More people began gathering in the surroundings, but no one stepped forward. That was especially the case for disciples of the three major sects, who came forward knowing that Cheng Chen was conducting a stone-betting game with someone else.


    Everyone''s attention fell on Cheng Chen because he still had one item to cut. He had bought thergest stone from the Xiang n Manor, while Liu Wuxie had picked a piece of bamboo for thest item.


    People would''ve ridiculed Liu Wuxie previously because it was impossible for a piece of bamboo to contain any treasure. But things were different now, with no one daring tough.


    After all, Liu Wuxie had cut open treasures in all nine items he had picked, and everyone would be courting humiliation if they mocked him.


    Cheng Chen stepped forward, heading for the three-meter-tall stone with a dagger to peel away the outeryers. The stone was big, and it took him ten-odd minutes to reach the core.


    "Look, there are strange patterns on the stone''s center!" Although no aura was released, the patterns looked weird and didn''t look like an ordinary stone.


    "Those aren''t patterns, they''re roots!" Someone with sharp eyes noticed something, and this left everyone stunned. Whatever nt could grow inside the stone was certainly no ordinary item.


    Cheng Chen regained his confidence. If he could cut out a heaven-defying treasure, he could surpass the Saint zed Liquid that Liu Wuxie cut out. He became more careful to avoid damaging the roots.


    No one urged Cheng Chen and waited. The cutting process took an hour before the three-meter-tall stone was reduced to half a meter.


    More roots began to appear, and a bamboo shoot over a foot tall, growing inside the stone, was revealed before everyone. This was definitely not a fossil; the roots drew spiritual energy from the surroundings.


    "This is an ancient spiritual bamboo shoot!" An expert in the Nascent Transformation Realm let out an exmation.


    "Spiritual bamboo shoot? What''s that?" Everyone was confused, including Madam Li.


    Only Liu Wuxie smiled faintly because he had also considered choosing that stone, but Cheng Chen had beat him to it.


    Moreover, that stone was too expensive. It didn''t matter if Cheng Chen bought it because everything would go to the winner.


    If Cheng Chen won, he would have to give up everything he had cut open over, and that was the same if he won.


    The bamboo shoot''s value was definitely above the Saint zed Liquid''s, which wasplete, while the Saint zed Liquid was stored inside the wood for countless years.


    "Hahaha! The heavens haven''t forsaken me!" Cheng Chenughed as his stress vanished. He was confident he could crush Liu Wuxie with the spiritual bamboo shoot, and he stopped cutting further, worried that he might damage the internal structure of the spiritual bamboo shoot.


    "Young Master Cheng, I will buy it for one billion spirit stones!" The Xiang n Manor''s patriarch was on the verge of tears. The treasures uncovered today were beyond his wildest dreams.


    Both Liu Wuxie and Cheng Chen had made a fortune with the ten stones they had purchased. The total value of treasures uncovered by Liu Wuxie had reached one billion spirit stones, while Cheng Chen''s spiritual bamboo shoot alone was worth one billion.


    "The spiritual bamboo shoot is useful to me, so I don''t n to sell it now!" Cheng Chen was rather polite, mainly because the Xiang n Manor''s patriarch had sold the stone to him at a thirty percent discount.


    He might have given up buying it if there wasn''t a discount. After all, one million spirit stones wasn''t a tiny amount.


    His response was expected because no one would sell it if they were in Cheng Chen''s position.


    The spiritual bamboo shoot was worth more than the valuation of spirit stones, and no amount of spirit stones could match it. The ancient power it contained had already been lost through time.


    No one mentioned the Saint zed Liquid and spiritual essence anymore because they were no longer worth mentioning before the spiritual bamboo shoot. The treasures that appeared now grew more in value with each reveal.


    The half-meter-tall stone remained in ce. Cheng Chen didn''t put it away as if he were showing it off.


    "It''s your turn now!" Cheng Chen said. His demeanor waspletely different from before. If he beat Liu Wuxie, he could not only redeem himself but also acquire all of Liu Wuxie''s treasures from the items he had cut open, and he didn''t expect such good fortune to fall onto him.


    With so many treasures, he was confident of reaching the Astral River Realm and bing a true disciple. Most importantly, the Saint zed Liquid and spiritual bamboo shoot could transform his body and increase his potential. This meant he could even reach the True Profound Realm in the future.


    Liu Wuxie''s current potential would allow him to reach the Nascent Transformation Realm at best. If he wanted to reach the True Profound Realm, he would have to absorb more spirituality to increase his potential.


    Everyone was reluctant to shift their gaze away from the spiritual bamboo shoot.


    Chen Shen wanted to snatch it away but soon gave up that idea because of Cheng Chen''s identity as the Azure Crimson Gate''s disciple.


    Many disciples of the Azure Crimson Gate were present, and he would have to face an assault from them if he made a move. Besides, it was futile even if he could snatch it because the Azure Crimson Gate had many experts stationed, which meant he couldn''t escape even if he seeded.


    Liu Wuxie, however, was different because he was an outsider with no background. No one had expected the House of Tea Art to appear out of nowhere.


    The bamboo he had chosen was roughly two inches in diameter and the width of three fingers.


    It was roughly a meter in length but didn''t weigh much. This made everyone skeptical about whether there was any treasure inside.


    No one knew and could only continue to watch quietly. If he wanted to win the bet, Liu Wuxie had to cut out something more valuable than the spiritual bamboo shoot.


    Otherwise, all the treasures would fall into the hands of the winner. This rule had already been agreed upon before the bet.


    Liu Wuxie slowly reached out for the bamboo, but strangely, he put away the dagger. The bamboo was only this wide, and he did not need to use a dagger.


    The smile on Cheng Chen''s face grew wider as if he could see victory at a nce, believing he had turned his fate around at thest moment.


    "Thanks for all the treasures. Don''t forget to bark like a dog when you lose!" Cheng Chen let out a sinisterugh and demanded that Liu Wuxie hand over all the treasures he cut open, along with going down on his knees and barking like a dog.


    "You''re so sure that I''m the one who will be losing?" A mocking smile rose on Liu Wuxie''s lips, and he smashed the bamboo down on a rock beside him. This action shocked everyone because Liu Wuxie wasn''t cutting or peeling off theyer but smashing it against a rock.


    The bamboo looked too ordinary, and even if it contained any treasure, it would surely shatter into pieces under the impact.

 Chapter 537 - Quasi-Heavenly Artifact

    <h4>Chapter 537 - Quasi-Heavenly Artifact</h4>


    It was toote to stop Liu Wuxie¡ªhe moved too swiftly. The bamboo arced through the air before crashing against a nearby stone.


    Everyone''s eyes widened, watching closely as the bamboo began to splinter, something on its surface starting to break apart. Small fragments, norger than fingernails, ked off like dirt. The force of the impact shattered the coating, sending pieces tumbling to the ground.


    Ayer of ck material fell away, but Liu Wuxie continued, smashing the bamboo repeatedly. With each strike, more of the ck matter crumbled away, until he had repeated the process about ten times.


    The bamboo was significantly reduced in size; it was now over an inch wide and had be t.


    The crowd was confused by Liu Wuxie¡¯s actions because there was no spirituality. Was it just a piece of useless wood?


    Thisst segment should be where the treasure was contained based on how it was cut.


    Liu Wuxie continued smashing the bamboo on the stone thirty-odd times before finally stopping.


    ¡°All done!¡± A smile rose on Liu Wuxie¡¯s lips, and he removed a clean cloth from the interspatial ring before gently cleaning the object. The dirt on it waspletely wiped off, revealing a smooth surface.


    In the next second, dazzling radiance shone out from where Liu Wuxie had cleaned, and the light was so bright that many people had to close their eyes.


    As Liu Wuxie wiped the cloth from the base to the top, a powerful aura descended from the sky, forcing everyone to lower their heads.


    A slender sword was revealed in Liu Wuxie¡¯s hands, and a chunk was missing on the hilt, likely to be broken off during a battle with a sharp weapon.


    The de itself was almost intact and gave off a terrifying sword aura. In the blink of an eye, the sky was covered in a thickyer of sword clouds, capable of ripping the sky apart.


    Those with weaker cultivation couldn¡¯t withstand the sword aura and copsed to the ground, unable to raise their heads.


    ¡°Is that an origin artifact?¡± He Hai was shocked. This sword was at least an origin artifact corresponding with the Nascent Transformation Realm.


    ¡°It¡¯s not an origin artifact, but a heavenly artifact,parable to the True Profound Realm!¡± someone in the Nascent Transformation Realm spoke out.


    ¡°That¡¯s impossible! If it¡¯s a heavenly artifact, it should¡¯ve caused a resonance with the heavens and earth. It must be somewhere between an origin artifact and a heavenly artifact. It¡¯s a Quasi-Heavenly Artifact, and the grade is lowered because it¡¯s damaged,¡± another expert in the Nascent Transformation Realm arrived, attracted by the powerful sword aura.


    This was an almostplete ancient weapon that could drive countless people insane.


    There wasn¡¯t a trace of emotion on Liu Wuxie¡¯s face because he was a little disappointed with this sword. Judging from the runes on it, this sword was heavily damaged.


    Even so, it wasparable to an origin artifact, which corresponded with the Nascent Transformation Realm. He could break it down and let the Heretic de absorb it to promote it into a monarch artifact.


    There was amotion from the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron, wanting to devour this sword, but Liu Wuxie forcibly suppressed it.


    The sword would¡¯ve flown away by itself if it was a heavenly artifact because only someone in the True Profound Realm could subdue it.


    Cheng Chen stood frozen in ce, having finally cut open the spiritual bamboo shoot. Just when he thought he would win the bet, even after Liu Wuxie revealed a supreme-grade spiritual essence, the tables turned with the discovery of an almostplete ancient sword.


    ¡°This is impossible! How can there be a quasi-heavenly artifact inside a segment of bamboo?¡± Everyone had disbelief on their faces. It was unbelievable that the Xiang n Manor had overlooked such a treasure.


    The outeryer was covered in a thick deste aura that formed into a protectiveyer that prevented any divine sense from prating. This was why everyone thought it was a segment of the bamboo; it wasmon in barrennd.


    The sword and spiritual bamboo shoot were equal in value, but after adding the Saint zed Liquid and the spiritual essences Liu Wuxie had cut out, his total value far surpassed Cheng Chen¡¯s.


    After Liu Wuxie had kept the sword in the interspatial ring, he waved his hand, and the spiritual bamboo shoot disappeared.


    ¡°You dare?!¡± Cheng Chen roared in fury. The spiritual bamboo shoot was the most valuable item he had cut out in his entire life, while the three spiritual essences were worthless inparison.


    ¡°You¡¯ve lost the bet. Hand over the three spiritual essences!¡± Liu Wuxie demanded ording to their agreement.


    He had crushed Cheng Chen to an overwhelming advantage, and Cheng Chen couldn¡¯t deny it with so many witnesses present.


    ¡°Hand over the spiritual bamboo shoot, or don¡¯t even think of leaving the city alive!¡± Arge group of Azure Crimson Gate¡¯s disciples gathered to surround Liu Wuxie, forcing him to hand over the spiritual bamboo shoot.


    ¡°The Saint zed Liquid and sword as well!¡± The Azure Crimson Gate didn¡¯t just want the spiritual bamboo shoot; they also wanted to rob Liu Wuxie.


    Cheng Chen had purposely kept the spiritual bamboo shoot outside to show off. If he had kept it in his interspatial ring, it would have been troublesome for Liu Wuxie to take it from him.


    After all, it wasn¡¯t a problem for them to escort Cheng Chen away with so many people present.


    ¡°I see, so the Azure Crimson Gate is just a bunch of dishonorable scoundrels. It has truly been an eye-opening experience for me,¡± Liu Wuxie mocked. He didn¡¯t ce this garbage in his eyes, and no one could pose a threat to him aside from those in the high levels of the Astral River Realm and Nascent Transformation Realm.


    An outburst of ridicule came from the crowd after everyone heard what Liu Wuxie said. After all, the Azure Crimson Gate had the worst reputation among the three major sects.


    ¡°You¡¯re courting death!¡± A disciple in the high levels of the Astral River Realm stepped forward to unleash his aura at Liu Wuxie. If he could obtain Liu Wuxie¡¯s treasures, he could reach the third level of the Nascent Transformation Realm.


    There was no way he would let Liu Wuxie leave, and he attacked decisively. He nned to act first to prevent furtherplications because it would be troublesome if the treasures fell into someone else¡¯s hands.


    However, Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t even bother to react or retaliate. When the attack was about to reach him, Madam Li finally acted and swung her cane out, which created a whirlwind.


    The Azure Crimson Gate¡¯s disciple was sent flying before he could react and smashed onto the ground. He threw up a mouthful of blood while the other disciples quickly helped him up.


    ¡°Let¡¯s see who dares to touch him!¡± Madam Li swept her gaze around, unleashing her aura in the Nascent Transformation Realm.


    Everyone stood frozen, not daring to speak. Even the Azure Crimson Gate¡¯s disciples had chosen to remain silent.


    ¡°Kneel!¡± Liu Wuxie pointed with his finger and shot out two ice arrows that struck Cheng Chen¡¯s knees.


    Cheng Chen¡¯s kneecaps shattered, and he was forced down on his knees before he could even react. The interspatial ring on his right hand¡¯s ring finger had mysteriously disappeared without anyone noticing.


    ¡°You...damn you!¡± Cheng Chen screamed in agony. He was only in the fifth level of the Heavenly Phase Realm, and he was easily suppressed by Liu Wuxie when he wanted to resist.


    ¡°Remember to stay away from me in the future!¡± Liu Wuxie said and turned to walk away.


    Jian Xing¡¯er and Chen Ruoyan quickly followed behind him, and it was almost noon by this point. The crowd automatically parted ways for him, and no one dared to stop them.


    No one did anything as they watched the three leave. Madam Li kept a distance from them and didn¡¯t get too close to Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Damn it! Damn it!¡± Cheng Chen struggled back to his feet only to realize that his interspatial ring was gone, and this made him throw up another mouthful of blood.


    ¡°I want you dead!¡± There were three spiritual essences in his interspatial ring, but they were all in Liu Wuxie¡¯s hands now.


    Many people were still on the streets, reluctant to leave. They were trying to figure out how to avoid the House of Tea Art and im the treasures for themselves.


    After Liu Wuxie returned to the inn, he activated the spiritual array before finally feeling at ease.


    Madam Li didn¡¯t follow in and vanished after Liu Wuxie entered the inn.


    The Mooncave Lake¡¯s gathering was tonight, and they would meet again.


    The inn where Liu Wuxie resided had many experts in the surroundings, including even experts in the Nascent Transformation Realm.


    Many people attempted to tear apart the spiritual array but were unsessful. The spiritual array that Liu Wuxie had set up could even hold up against someone in the Nascent Transformation Realm.


    ¡°Brother Liu, you stood out too much today. I¡¯m afraid more than half of the people in the city are after your life.¡± Chen Ruoyan looked worried. Things had already happened, and they could only take one step at a time.


    ¡°I want to refine the treasures to reach the high levels of the Heavenly Phase Realm. At that time, ordinary people won¡¯t be able to threaten my life.¡± Liu Wuxie signaled the two women not to worry as there was no immediate danger.


    However, it might be different after tonight because he would uncover the truth of why the House of Tea Art had stepped out to support him.


    He removed all the items, but there wasn¡¯t enough time to refine everything. It would be great if he had a cultivation chamber now and could spend a month inside; only one day would have passed outside. This would allow him to increase his cultivation rapidly.


    Liu Wuxie only had half a day, and there was no time for refining the Saint zed Liquid. He could only absorb spirituality to change the deste world and boost hisbat strength.


    As his cultivation progressed, the challenges would be increasingly difficult. If he could absorb enough spirituality, his overall strength would increase significantly.


    ¡°Take them to absorb and strengthen your spirituality!¡± Liu Wuxie took out two spiritual essences for the twodies to absorb, hoping they could make a breakthrough as soon as possible.


    After tonight, Liu Wuxie nned to find a cultivation chamber for them to go into seclusion together.


    The two women didn¡¯t hesitate and returned to their rooms with the spiritual essence.


    Liu Wuxie was the only one left, and he summoned the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron before throwing the spiritual essences into it. A terrifying amount of spirituality filled the deste world, causing the surrounding trees to sway and be imbued with spirituality.


    The entire world seemed alive, brimming with vibrant colors. The sky was no longer gray but now had a touch of colorful clouds.


    ¡°My spirituality has increased!¡± Liu Wuxie murmured, took out the second spiritual essence, and threw it into the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron. Spirituality flowed into the deste world.


    ¡°The deste world seemed to be transforming from t to spherical. It¡¯s even starting to rotate on its own!¡± Liu Wuxie was shocked because the deste world was previously t and stretched endlessly.


    After spirituality was added, the deste world evolved into a spherical shape, which was beyond hisprehension.

 Chapter 538 - Refining the Spiritual Essences

    <h4>Chapter 538 - Refining the Spiritual Essences</h4>


    No one knew if the world was t, round, or oval. This was because the Universe extended into an endless abyss, and no one knew where it ended.


    Liu Wuxie''s deste world began to expand in size, gradually evolving into an actual world governed by naturalws. As spirituality increased,ws, such as time, space, or universews, began to fill the deste world.


    Currently, thews he was familiar with were the five elements. Afterprehending timew, he would be able to control time in the deste world.


    The spiritual essences began disappearing, and Liu Wuxie felt no heartache. The spiritual essences could strengthen his spiritual root andplete the deste world.


    Liu Wuxie had cut open seven spiritual essences, meaning he had ten, including the three from Cheng Chen. After giving two away, he was left with eight pieces.


    Now, he only had the supreme-grade spiritual essence left and was hesitating whether to refine it. He ultimately clenched his teeth and threw the supreme-grade spiritual essence into the deste world, with torrential spirituality filling his body.


    Liu Wuxie felt like he was floating in the clouds, with every pore opening up to absorb the energy from the spiritual essence. While spiritual essence couldn''t be used to increase cultivation, improving one''s constitution was the greatest benefit. The stronger the spirituality, the stronger the talent.


    As the saying went, children were often believed to possess spirituality, a sign of their intelligence. The same concept applied to adults¡ªthe stronger their spirituality, the greater their talent, and the further they could advance on the path of cultivation.


    The three major sects monopolized the spiritual essence produced by Serene Sea City, which was why the Azure Crimson Gate could surpass the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion within a hundred years.


    With the aid of spiritual essence, they wouldn''t have to worry about improving their disciples'' talent. In just half a day, Liu Wuxie had refined all eight spiritual essences, and only he could afford to be so extravagant.


    It was considered extravagant if an ordinary disciple could refine a spiritual essence once a year. After all, the value of a mid-grade spiritual essence was one million spirit stones.


    Only some could afford the price. Supreme-grade spiritual essences were extremely powerful, much stronger than high-grade spiritual essences.


    Liu Wuxie''s divine sense entered the deste world and began to spread out. Everything in this world finally felt alive, the trees and nts exuding a faint spirituality.


    "It''s so quiet. The world is too quiet. There might be spirituality, but the world still feels lifeless," Liu Wuxie murmured. The real world should be filled with life, whether humans, abyssal devils, or other races.


    However, the deste world was only a frame, and it still had a long way to go from bing an actual world. This made Liu Wuxie wonder who created the Deste Devouring Art and who was heaven-defying to create this cultivation technique.


    Not only had the Deste Devouring Art created the deste world, but it had also given birth to the Heavenly Dao Book. Each was powerful enough to send shock throughout the world, unprecedented in history.


    When Liu Wuxie withdrew his divine sense from the deste world, he circted his true essence and noticed that the flow of his true essence had be smooth when it coursed through his meridians.


    Most importantly, Liu Wuxie discovered that the purity and density of his true essence had increased several times over. His cultivation remained in the sixth level of the Heavenly Phase Realm, but his true essence wasparable to the sixth level of the Astral River Realm.


    He was shocked by this discovery because he had jumped an entire realm. With his true essence alone, he could kill cultivators in the low levels of the Astral River Realm. If hebined it with his Heavenly Dragon Seal or Earth Binding Chains, he could even kill someone in the seventh level of the Astral River Realm if he took his opponent by surprise.


    What shocked Liu Wuxie the most was that, thanks to spirituality, his control of the Heavenly Dragon Seal became smoother after his true essence increased.


    Even Liu Wuxie''s soul sea was filled with faint spirituality, and even the Soul Spear could take on various shapes.


    This improvement couldn''t be noticed by anyone else except for Liu Wuxie.


    "My spiritual root has improved significantly. While it hasn''t reached the level of immortal root, it has already surpassed the level of mortals," Liu Wuxie came up with this answer after evaluating his spiritual root.


    An ordinary person''s spiritual root was grey, while the immortal root was golden. Liu Wuxie''s spiritual root had already surpassed grey, advancing into purple. Once his spiritual root reached the purple limit, it would turn golden.


    At this moment, Serene Sea City was bustling with two matters. One was the stone betting that took ce that morning. Stone betting wasmon in the city, especially the shops belonging to the three major sects, with a vast flow of customers daily.


    However, today''s stone betting was different because not only was an ancient spiritual bamboo shoot uncovered, but even a quasi-heavenly artifact had appeared.


    In addition to a treasure like the Saint zed Liquid, this caused an uproar in Serene Sea City and instantly became a hot topic.


    The second matter was the evening poetry and song gathering held by the House of Tea Art. This afternoon, the House of Tea Art had already cordoned off the Mooncave Lake, barring ess to outsiders. Only those with an invitation could enter.


    The two events seemed unrted at first, but everyer realized that the stone betting in the morning was more or less rted to the House of Tea Art. Many even suspected that Liu Wuxie was a member of the House of Tea Art.


    There were various spections revolving around the two topics. Stone betting had ended, but the Mooncave Lake''s gathering had yet to begin.


    Countless prodigies flocked over. Even if they couldn''t enter the core area, they could glimpse the gathering from a distance.


    "I¡¯ve heard whoever can obtain first ce in the four contests tonight can spend the evening with Murong Yi. Who do you think is qualified?" Ordinary cultivators enthusiastically discussed this matter in some teahouses.


    In just one day, many of the three major sect''s disciples had received an invitation.


    By afternoon, the city was filled with many prodigies, each looking extraordinary and drawing the attention of adoring youngdies whenever they went.


    "Is there still a need to guess? It''s the Sky Rift Valley''s Hua Chenye. I heard he''s proficient in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. He''s bound to take the first ce and win the beauty," a barefooted man dered as he took a huge gulp of wine.


    "Don''t spout nonsense. I think it should be the Azure Crimson Gate''s Qiu Baihao. I heard he was fortunate to meet Murong Yi once, and he''s not inferiorpared to Hua Chenye in terms of music, chess, calligraphy, and painting." Another man supported the Azure Crimson Gate''s Qiu Baihao, believing he was more qualified to win.


    "You''re all wrong. I think it should be Bai Zhi of the Demonic Heart Pce." There were various opinions, and dozens of names were thrown out in just a few minutes. The names mentioned were prodigies among the younger generation.


    There were only a thousand invitations, but tens of thousands of disciples were among the three major sects. The fact that the House of Tea Art could invite them was a testament to their talent.


    "What''s so special about Murong Yi that so many prodigies came for the gathering? Why are they willing to give up time to cultivate rather than participate in the gathering? Is she so beautiful, like rumored?"


    Many were baffled, for cultivators were supposed to prioritize their cultivation, with mortal desires taking a backseat. How could so many prodigies abandon their precious time to cultivate and attend an event she organized? This was what puzzled everyone.


    Not only them, but even Liu Wuxie was perplexed. He had seen many beauties in his lifetime, not to mention Xu Lingxue, a peerless beauty. Even if Murong Yi was beautiful, she could only rival Xu Lingxue at best.


    This meant there was only one possibility: this woman must be emitting some mysterious power that attracted the attention of so many prodigies in addition to her stunning beauty.


    If Liu Wuxie had guessed correctly, these prodigies had likely drunk the tea from the House of Tea Art before.


    "I¡¯ve heard that her beauty is unmatched, and no man can resist her. That is especially the case for her voice, which is capable of captivating souls. If I can meet her once, I''d even be willing to give up ten years of my life." Few people had seen Murong Yi before; only peerless prodigies under thirty had that opportunity. Even so, the threshold alone had stopped countless people.


    When the night fell, the Mooncave Lake was packed with people. Many women were stationed around theke to maintain order, leaving only a single path for the invited prodigies to enter. Many prodigies began to arrive in small groups.


    Liu Wuxie had undergone a drastic transformation after refining the eight spiritual essences. His cultivation level hadn¡¯t changed, but he was brimming with spirituality. Even standing there alone, his presence would attract the surrounding nts to him.


    A glow enveloped the surface of his body, cleansing away all the impurities.


    He looked like a wless porcin doll in the eyes of others, and there wasn''t a single scar or blemish on his skin. His skin was so fair that even women would be jealous of him.


    One of the eight spiritual essences was of supreme grade, and Serene Sea City had only produced a few of such spiritual essences in history.


    The changes weren''t limited to his physique but also the deste world. With a flick of his finger, Liu Wuxie''s true essence could take on various forms and dance before him.


    With his spirituality increased, the speed of his true essence''s cirction had increased tenfold, including the density. The more fearsome change was the True Dragon Physique, which became even stronger, and he could kill someone in the first level of the Astral River Realm relying on his fists. He didn''t have to use the Heavenly Dragon Seal and Earth Binding Chains.


    After refining their spiritual essences, the two women were surrounded by an ethereal aura that made them look like fairies. Their appearance had also slightly changed, making them even more beautiful. Their eyes, in particr, had be incredibly lively.


    Their changes were hard to describe, but it felt as though they had transcended from being mortals. What surprised Liu Wuxie even more was that they had made a breakthrough in their cultivation.


    The spiritual essences had transformed their physique, and it was natural that they would advance in their cultivation.


    Jian Xing''er became more reserved, while Chen Ruoyan''s yful charm made one want to pinch her cheeks.


    "Young Master Liu, it''s time to go!" Lady Yan''s voice came from outside the courtyard. The other guests had already arrived, and only Liu Wuxie remained.


    "You two stay here. If I don''t return tomorrow, leave the city immediately and return to the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion," Liu Wuxie said. There was a likelihood of danger on this trip, and he wanted them to leave immediately if things went awry. After all, many people coveted his treasures.


    "We''re not leaving!" Jian Xing''er tly refused. They wouldn''t want to leave if Liu Wuxie died in Serene Sea City.


    "Sister Jian is right. We have to leave together if we''re going to leave," Chen Ruoyan said with tears welling up in her eyes.


    "I promise that I''lle back alive!" Liu Wuxieforted the two and left the courtyard, dressed in a simple blue robe. The iner he dressed, the more extraordinary he looked, especially the fiant spirituality that came from him.

 Chapter 539 - Mooncave Lake

    <h4>Chapter 539 - Mooncave Lake</h4>


    Lady Yan was briefly stunned when she saw Liu Wuxie. In just one day, Liu Wuxie had be even more mysterious and unfathomable. His eyes were deep, and she couldn''t read anything from his face.


    She wondered if he was truly eighteen or neen and not someone who had lived for thousands of years. In terms of age, she was a few years older than Liu Wuxie, but she could feel an overwhelming pressure when she stood beside him.


    Liu Wuxie exuded an invisible pressure that left Lady Yan feeling suffocated. She had never experienced anything like this from her youngdy, and the inability to understand what was happening frustrated her deeply.


    The two walked along the streets and headed for Mooncave Lake. Liu Wuxie''s aura slowly subsided, and he looked even more ordinary. He now seemed like an ordinary mortal.


    This was a state that could be achieved after returning to simplicity. After all, Liu Wuxie''s state of mind was alreadyparable to the True Profound Realm.


    Lady Yan wrinkled her nose slightly as she trailed behind Liu Wuxie, silently hoping he was the one Murong Yi had been searching for. Among the various prodigies, she found herself more drawn to Liu Wuxie.


    She couldn''t exin this feeling, but she didn¡¯t detect a trace of arrogance from Liu Wuxie. The other geniuses were arrogant despite looking calm on the surface and had a strong desire for possession. However, she couldn''t find it in Liu Wuxie.


    His calmness was almost terrifying. After fifteen minutes of walking, Mooncave Lake was visible. The ce was packed with people, and a massive boat floated in theke''s center. The boat was two stories tall and could amodate thousands of people.


    There were hundreds of tables and chairs arranged on the boat, and many prodigies had already arrived and were in their seats, chatting with each other. Around Mooncave Lake, there were tens of thousands of people to witness this grand event.


    "So many prodigies!" Many women leaned against the railing around theke, gazing toward the boat and waving their arms, hoping to catch the attention of those prodigies.


    Many prodigies who weren''t invited could only watch by thekeside, sighing as they drank among themselves. This was a paradise for the younger generation, and everyone who received an invitation was an absolute elite.


    "What kind of charm does this Murong Yi have to attract so many people?" Many people who had been to the city for the first time didn''t understand Murong Yi and only heard of her name from others.


    There were many beautiful women in the world, but Murong Yi was the first to be capable of captivating many prodigies from the three major sects.


    "I hope we''ll get a chance to see her in person today!" Many people who hadn¡¯t seen Murong Yi stood by the railing. Thus, no one could give a definite answer about her beauty.


    Lady Yan led Liu Wuxie through the crowd and walked onto the boat through a small bridge.


    "Young Master Liu, please!" Lady Yan made an inviting gesture to the boat.


    Guests were free to roam around on the boat, except for the second floor, which was restricted. With experts from House of Tea Art present, no one dared to cause trouble there.


    "Thank you, Lady Yan!" Liu Wuxie nodded and entered the boat.


    The first floor was more extensive, while the second floor was smaller. Thus, the first floor was naturally divided into several factions.


    Those in the high levels of the Astral River Realm were gathered in the center, while those in the low levels were gathered on the right with a better view. As for those in the high levels of the Heavenly Phase Realm, they could only settle for the corners on the first floor.


    The House of Tea Art hadn''t designated any sitting areas; it was all free sitting.


    After stepping onto the boat, Liu Wuxie nced around and captured the entireyout. The second floor was made of special materials that prevented the divine sense from prating.


    On the second floor''s deck, there was a table that was reserved for the host. From that position, one could overlook the entire boat and the activities below.


    Liu Wuxie wasn''t particrly interested in thepetition and was only there to figure out what the House of Tea Art was nning.


    He found a rtively secluded table with no one around. Unlike the disciples from the three major sects, who came in groups and knew each other, Liu Wuxie was alone.


    Besides the disciples of the three major sects, the heirs from the various prominent ns were also invited.


    When Liu Wuxie sat, a servant walked over with a teapot.


    "Young master, please enjoy the tea!" In addition to the tea, the guests received fresh fruits, fine wine, and various delicacies.


    Liu Wuxie nodded at the servant. He didn''t require any service, and he preferred to sit alone.


    The center region was rtively lively, with three hundred prodigies in the high levels of the Astral River Realm. As for those in the low levels of the Astral River Realm, there were over five hundred of them. Lastly, there were only slightly over a hundred people in the high levels of the Heavenly Phase Realm.


    Liu Wuxie was only in the sixth level of the Heavenly Phase Realm and would stand out if he sat with those people. Only a few were in the low levels of the Heavenly Phase Realm, but they all had extraordinary status and sat together with those in the Astral River Realm because they were fellow martial brothers in the sect.


    Many leaned against the boat''s railing, holding a conversation as they held onto a cup.


    The surrounding discussion naturally reached Liu Wuxie''s ears.


    "I heard that someone cut out an ancient bamboo shoot today. Is it true?" Three young men were gathered together, whispering among each other. They had heard the news the moment they had arrived in Serene Sea City.


    "I also heard the same. Someone also cut out an ancient fragment and Saint zed Liquid!" the youth in the middle chimed in.


    "This is no secret. The Azure Crimson Gate''s disciple challenged an outsider in stone betting. What was unbelievable was how the ten items picked by the outsider all contained treasures!" The youth on the right lowered his cup and looked around the boat.


    He had long received news that the outsider was invited to the gathering. However, the boat looked like a bustling marketce with a lot of people and noise from the surrounding area.


    Perhaps due to the remote location, no one approached Liu Wuxie''s table, as most people preferred to sit with their friends.


    "Move aside! This table belongs to us now!" Four men walked towards Liu Wuxie. The table had four seats, and they had just arrived. They couldn''t find an empty table anywhere and nned to share one with others.


    Since they came together, they didn''t want to split up. Lacking any notable strength, they avoided confronting groups with powerful individuals nearby, so they set their sights on Liu Wuxie, who appeared to be alone and had lower cultivation.


    "Do you know the meaning of firste, first served?" Liu Wuxie frowned and said in a cold voice. There were three empty seats, and he wouldn''t mind if they took up the seats. However, they spoke rudely and demanded for him to leave.


    Themotion over there was loud and naturally attracted the attention of the surrounding tables.


    "A mere cultivator in the sixth level Heavenly Phase Realm like you wants to upy an entire table? Don''t me us for being rude if you''re unwilling to move!" The man in the middle had a robust figure, and it was fathoming how someone like him could be invited. After all, which of the prodigies present wasn''t handsome with an upright figure?


    "I want to see how you''re going to be ''rude'' to me!" Liu Wuxie sneered. Causing trouble here was the same as provoking the House of Tea Art, and he believed someone would intervene soon.


    "I''ll throw you into theke to feed the fish!" Enraged, the man in the middle reached for Liu Wuxie''s shoulder. He had cultivation in the pinnacle of the Heavenly Phase Realm.


    His attack was quick, which proved that he was a ruthless person. He knew he had to end it quickly before the House of Tea Art could intervene. If he threw Liu Wuxie into theke, the House of Tea Art couldn''t do anything to him after that, and they would only issue a verbal warning at most.


    The surrounding people stood up, looking amused, but no one stepped in to stop the farce.


    "Trash like you dares to unt your strength in front of me?" When the man¡¯s hand approached Liu Wuxie''s neck, he finally made his move. The four had targeted him because his cultivation was the lowest, taking him as easy prey.


    No one expected Liu Wuxie to retaliate. He grabbed the burly man''s wrist with a backhand, and everything happened in the blink of an eye.


    The burly man was lifted off the ground when Liu Wuxie exerted force with his right arm before anyone could react. He drew an arc in the air and fell into theke.


    Those standing by thekeside had no idea what was happening and looked over in confusion.


    "Look, someone fell into the water!" An exmation sounded from thekeside.


    Even the prodigies on the boat were taken aback, and those in the higher levels of the Astral River Realm at the center of the gathering wore displeased expressions. The disturbance from the fight threatened to ruin the atmosphere.


    "Hahaha!" The surrounding prodigies burst intoughter.


    "You dare?!" The three men lunged at Liu Wuxie, wanting revenge for that burly man.


    "Stop!" a cold voice interrupted as Madam Li appeared, walking over with a cane and a grim face.


    The three youths stepped back when they saw Madam Li and could only look at Liu Wuxie viciously.


    "Madam Li, this man threw Young Master Qiu into theke and disrupted the order here. Shouldn''t he be expelled?" The man on the right stepped forward, suggesting that Liu Wuxie be removed from the boat.


    Qiu Yuan climbed out of the water with his clothes wet. He stood on one side of the boat with rage, wanting to pounce over, but someone stopped him.


    Madam Li cast her gaze over the three youths, and an invisible pressure radiated from her like a tidal wave, forcing them to their knees.


    "You three better behave yourselves. There are plenty of seats over there!" Madam Li wasn''t stupid, and she had learned the truth beforeing.


    Everyone was shocked, as they hadn''t expected her to reprimand the three youths instead of Liu Wuxie. After all, Qiu Yuan was the heir to Serene Sea City''s prestigious Qiu n, son of Qiu Dingtian. With his mediocre talent, he wouldn¡¯t normally be invited to such an event, but his father¡¯s influence had secured his ce.


    Hundreds of eyes turned to Liu Wuxie, filled with curiosity. It surprised many that the House of Tea Art would reprimand the Qiu n on behalf of an unknown youth, sparking countless spection.

 Chapter 540 - Surrounded by Enemies

    <h4>Chapter 540 - Surrounded by Enemies</h4>


    After Madam Li reprimanded them, the four youths didn''t dare to argue further and could only leave to find seats elsewhere. There were still plenty of empty seats at the venue, but there were no empty tables, which meant neers had to share tables with others.


    "Who''s that kid? He looks unfamiliar!" The people at the nearby tables discussed among themselves because they didn''t recognize Liu Wuxie.


    The disciples of the three major sects were easy to recognize because they were donned in the uniforms of their respective sects. However, due to frequent washing, Liu Wuxie''s blue robe looked ordinary and faded, making him look inpared to the surrounding prodigies.


    After all, everyone wore luxurious clothes or at least clothes made of silk in such an elegant setting, but Liu Wuxie boarded the boat with such simple clothes.


    Then again, it was a sign of respect for others as long as one was dressed in decent clothes and the material they were made of was secondary. Even if someone wore delicate garments made with gold and jade on the outside, it was futile if their hearts were rotten. This was like a toad trying to look elegant by dressing in luxurious clothing.


    "You don''t know? He''s the one who engaged in stone betting with the Azure Crimson Gate''s Cheng Chen. He even cut open an ancient fragment and Saint zed Liquid," someone whispered. Many people were present in the morning, and they naturally recognized Liu Wuxie.


    Amotion arose upon learning that Liu Wuxie had cut open an ancient fragment along with Saint zed Liquid, and they all turned their attention over. Many people even stood up and walked over to Liu Wuxie.


    Thepetition had yet to start, and everyone could move around. When Liu Wuxie was about to sit down, two youths stood before him with a smile.


    "Do you mind if we sit here?" The two youths were polite and asked for Liu Wuxie''s permission to sit at the same table.


    "My name is Zhang Lie, and this is my junior brother, Song Dong. We''re disciples of the Grand Banner Gate. How should we address you?" The Grand Banner Gate was not one of the ten major sects, but they couldn''t be underestimated. They had grown rapidly in recent years and even showed the potential to catch up with the ten major sects.


    The fact that the Grand Banner Gate could grow and thrive in the territory of the three major sects was no easy feat, and it would be tough if they didn''t have the strength to back it up.


    "Liu Wuxie!" Liu Wuxie didn''t hide his name because this ce was far from the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, and he was confident that no one here had heard of him.


    The two looked puzzled and were unfamiliar with that name.


    "So, it''s Young Master Liu! Forgive us for not recognizing you!" Zhang Lie cupped his fists politely.


    Liu Wuxie''s lips curled into a smile. He had met countless people and could tell from their expressions and demeanor that they had other motives foring over.


    "Stop beating around the bush. Why have you twoe?"


    "You''re straightforward!" Zhang Lieughed. He didn''t expect Liu Wuxie to be so straightforward, making their conversation easier. Many people in the surroundings were eager to approach, but they could only watch Zhang Lie taking the lead.


    Even those in the center were drawn to see what was happening.


    Yin Jingwu was overwhelmed with murderous intent at the sight of Liu Wuxie.


    "Senior Brother Yin, what''s the matter?" An Azure Crimson Gate''s disciple asked.


    "This kid humiliated our Azure Crimson Gate in the House of Tea Art. Cheng Chen found me in the afternoon and said this person snatched the ancient spiritual bamboo shoot!" Yin Jingwu said.


    "That guy? He looks ordinary, and there''s nothing special about him." Many of Azure Crimson Gate''s disciples turned their attention to look at Liu Wuxie in confusion. Thetter was only in the Heavenly Phase Realm, but Liu Wuxie seemed too ordinary.


    "He would''ve been dead if the House of Tea Art didn''t stop me. But I can take this opportunity today to humiliate him and ensure he never returns," Yin Jingwu was seething with murderous intent. He recalled how Madam Li had stopped him when he wanted to kill Liu Wuxie. He kept a grudge in his heart and wouldn''t rest until Liu Wuxie died.


    "Senior Brother Yin, it''s the treasures on him that you''re after, right?" The other martial brothers teased. Everyone knew what Yin Jingwu was after, and his goal was to kill Liu Wuxie for his treasures.


    People also discussed among themselves, and they all shared the same goal: to seize Liu Wuxie''s treasures. They nned to use this opportunity to take his treasures for themselves. Everyone harbored ulterior motives!


    Zhang Lie retrieved an interspatial pouch and ced it on the table, pushing it over to Liu Wuxie.


    "What''s this?" Liu Wuxie asked with a frown.


    "I would like to buy a spiritual essence. I hope that Brother Liu can sell me one." The interspatial pouch contained one million spirit stones, and a mid-grade spirit stone was valued at at least three million.


    One million could only buy him a low-grade spirit essence, and Zhang Lie had nned this carefully.


    "Sorry to disappoint you, but I have already absorbed all the spiritual essence." Liu Wuxie shrugged. He was telling the truth and had already refined all the spiritual essences he had obtained.


    However, who would believe his im? How could someone refine so many spiritual essences in just half a day? Even someone in the Astral River Realm couldn''t aplish it, and everyone assumed he was lying.


    The Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron could devour everything and refine it quickly. The same was naturally true for spiritual essence.


    But most people assumed that Liu Wuxie had cooked up an excuse because he didn''t want to sell it to Zhang Lie. A sharp glint shed in the depth of Zhang Lie''s eyes, but he hid it well.


    "Brother Liu, please don''t joke around with me. I''m humbly requesting to buy one," Zhang Lie insisted, not believing what Liu Wuxie said.


    "Why would I joke around with you? I don''t have any left on me," Liu Wuxie replied, irritated. It was an insult to him for Zhang Lie to offer one million spirit stones for a mid-grade spiritual essence.


    One million spirit stones could only buy a low-grade spiritual essence the size of a fingernail, and Zhang Lie wanted to take advantage of him and buy it cheaply.


    "We''re doing you a favor by offering to buy it. Don¡¯t push your luck!" Song Dong stood up, jabbing a finger toward Liu Wuxie¡¯s face, angered by theck of respect. To him, this was as good as offending the Grand Banner Sect.


    "And who the fuck do you think you are? Why should I show you any respect?" Chilling light shone from Liu Wuxie''s eyes. These two were only in the pinnacle of the Heavenly Phase Realm, and there was no way they could withstand the pressure he gave off.


    The chairs Zhang Lie and Song Dong were sitting on shattered into pieces, but they reacted quickly and avoided falling to the ground.


    Being humiliated by Liu Wuxie in public was a significant blow to their pride, and they didn''t expect Liu Wuxie to be so unyielding.


    "Liu Wuxie, mark my words! You''re doomed to offend our Grand Banner Sect! Do you think the House of Tea Art can protect you for eternity?!" Song Dong flung his sleeves and left the table.


    Zhang Lie took a peek at Liu Wuxie before retrieving the interspatial pouch on the table. They didn''t dare to act because Madam Li wasn''t far away. As long as Liu Wuxi¡¯s life wasn''t in danger, the House of Tea Art wouldn''t intervene. They would turn a blind eye if Liu Wuxie were ridiculed.


    No one else came over because they knew getting anything from Liu Wuxie was futile.


    More people continued to board the boat, and thepetition was about to start.


    The disciples of the three major sects were divided into several areas, forming a triangle as they dominated the central region.


    The disciples of the Demonic Heart Pce were particrly unusual because they exuded a devilish aura and rarely interacted with other people. Of the ten major sects, the Demonic Heart Pce was the only demonic sect.


    The Sky Rift Valley rarely participated in conflicts, and their disciples had a harmonious rtionship with others.


    Only the Azure Crimson Gate''s disciples'' faces were filled with hostility as if a great battle was about to unfold.


    "Liu Wuxie has quite the guts to offend everyone," the Azure Crimson Gate''s disciples upied dozens of tables in the central area, murmuring among themselves about Liu Wuxie.


    "Liu Wuxie!" A disciple from the Azure Crimson Gate stood up, and his action attracted the attention of the surrounding disciples.


    "Jia Fengmao, do you have a screw loose? Why are you jumping around?" Yin Jingwu scolded.


    Jia Fengmao had average cultivation but extraordinary alchemy talent. Although he had only joined the Azure Crimson Gate for two years, he had achieved the rank of a seven-star alchemist.


    There was a high chance he could be promoted to an eight-star alchemist in another year, and his status would then be equal to Yin Jingwu''s.


    Yin Jingwu was far ahead in cultivation but inferior to Jia Fengmao in alchemy. The reason why Jia Fengmao was invited was mainly because of his status as an alchemist. With his talent in alchemy, he could be considered an elite among the younger generations.


    Everyone invited over were prodigies who had far exceeded their peers.


    "Senior Brother Yin, where''s Liu Wuxie you spoke of?" Jia Fengmao could never forget the moment when Liu Wuxie crippled him. He was only treated because the Azure Crimson Gate gave him a pill for his exceptional talent in alchemy, allowing him to recover and even reach the Heavenly Phase Realm now.


    However, reaching the Astral River Realm would be his limit with his talent.


    "You know him?" Yin Jingwu frowned.


    "I''m not sure of it yet," Jia Fengmao replied. Too many people in the world had the same name, so Jia Fengmao didn''t dare to jump to conclusions to avoid offending the wrong person. He had just arrived and heard of Liu Wuxie''s name from a fellow disciple.


    "He''s over there!" An Azure Crimson Gate''s disciple pointed at Liu Wuxie''s direction.


    When Jia Fengmao''s gaze fell on Liu Wuxie, murderous intent gushed out of him.


    "It''s him; he hase to Serene Sea City!" Jia Fengmao said, gritting his teeth, unable to contain his murderous intent.


    This surprised the surrounding Azure Crimson Gate disciples because they didn''t even know Liu Wuxie. So, how did Jia Fengmao know him?


    "Junior Brother Jia, what''s the matter?" An Azure Crimson Gate''s disciple stood up and asked Jia Fengmao.


    The murderous intent Jia Fengmao disyed naturally attracted the attention of disciples from the Sky Rift Valley and Demonic Heart Pce. The surroundings became quiet as everyone looked at Jia Fengmao.


    Then again, Jia Fengmao was the only person who recognized Liu Wuxie.


    "I have an irreconcble feud with him!" Jia Fengmao''s voice was loud, and his voice naturally reached Liu Wuxie''s ears.


    Liu Wuxie raised his head to look at where the voice came from because this voice sounded familiar to him. He soon narrowed his eyes because he hadn''t expected to see Jia Fengmao there. When they had participated in the Battle of the Hundred Nations, Jia Fengmao was injured and nearly disabled by him. Thus, he was naturally surprised that Jia Fengmao was also invited over.

 Chapter 541 - Reunion of Old Friends

    <h4>Chapter 541 - Reunion of Old Friends</h4>


    Liu Wuxie hadn''t expected to run into Jia Fengmao here, and was surprised by his cultivation. However, his expression remained unchanged, and he turned his head away, unfazed by the murderous intent Jia Fengmao gave off.


    Jia Fengmao stepped out of the crowd and slowly approached Liu Wuxie. A group of people followed behind him, all curious about Liu Wuxie''s background.


    Whether they were the prodigies from Serene Sea City, the three major sects, or disciples of the Grand Banner Sect, they all surrounded Liu Wuxie.


    When Jia Fengmao was five meters away from Liu Wuxie, he stood still because he had to stay on his guard in case of a surprise attack from thetter.


    "Liu Wuxie, I didn''t expect to see you here." Jia Fengmao''s voice was cold, and murderous intent was gushing out of him.


    "I also didn''t expect to see you here!" Liu Wuxie remained calm. It wasn''t an understatement to say that enemies surrounded Liu Wuxie, but his expression didn''t change; he was terrifyingly calm.


    This wasn''t the demeanor one would expect of a young man, making many people praise him inwardly. Based on his demeanor alone, he was unrivaled among his peers.


    "You''re not in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, and you dared toe to the Azure Crimson Gate''s territory? Today will be yourst!" Jia Fengmao¡¯s words made everyone''s faces change. They hadn''t expected Liu Wuxie to be a disciple of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    "So, you''re a disciple of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion? You''re dead!" Yin Jingwu sneered. The Azure Crimson Gate and Heavenly Treasure Pavilion were enemies, and it was rare for Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s disciples to visit the city.


    Likewise, the Azure Crimson Gate''s disciples rarely venture into the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s territory, except for asional encounters in the Scarlet Sun Mountain Range.


    "I thought you would learn some humility after I spared your life. But it seems you''re still a fool, and you, a bunch of garbage, aren''t enough," Liu Wuxie said, sweeping his gaze through the Azure Crimson Gate''s disciples. His insult was directed at them all.


    His words caused an uproar through the crowd, and all the Azure Crimson Gate''s disciples took a step forward.


    "You dare call us garbage?! I want to kill him!" The Azure Crimson Gate''s disciples were furious and wanted to take action immediately. But their rationale told them not to act now and to wait until they left the boat. This meant Liu Wuxie would die tonight, no matter what.


    "Do you think your sharp tongue can save you? You''re finished!" Jia Fengmao knew how sharp-tongued Liu Wuxie was, and he had caused a stir in the Battle of Hundred Nations with his exnation of <i>immortal</i>, not to mention how many people he had killed.


    "I''ll be waiting!" Liu Wuxie was tired of such empty threats, and no one could stop him if he wanted to leave.


    "Junior Brother Jia, let''s go. There''s no need to bother with him because there''s no way he can run. Tell us how you two got to know each other." Everyone was curious about Liu Wuxie''s background and eager to learn more.


    Jia Fengmao was a new disciple who had gained a foothold in the Azure Crimson Gate with his alchemy skills. He often had to rely on his senior brothers, so he nodded and returned to their seats.


    He knew only a little about Liu Wuxie''s status because he wasn''t from the Great Yan Dynasty and could only start his story from the Battle of the Hundred Nations.


    Everyone listened intently as Jia Fengmao recounted the Battle of the Hundred Nations events. They listened to how Liu Wuxie swept through all his opponents by himself, and many people found it unbelievable.


    The key point was that his cultivation was far lower than his rivals, and he constantly fought a stronger opponent throughout the Battle of the Hundred Nations.


    "I didn''t expect him to be an ant from the mortal world!" Yin Jingwu sneered. They were born in the cultivation world, and cultivators from the mundane world were nothing more than ants in their eyes.


    "Senior Brother Yin, don''t underestimate him. He''s not as simple as he looks. He''s cunning, and his strength cannot be determined from the surface." Jia Fengmao had suffered at Liu Wuxie''s hands, and he knew how strong thetter was.


    Everyone understood that Jia Fengmao meant well, but praising Liu Wuxie drew more anger among the Azure Crimson Gate''s disciples instead.


    "He''s dead even if he has three heads and six arms!" Yin Jingwu was confident in his strength as someone in the high levels of the Astral River Realm. He could kill someone in the Heavenly Phase Realm with a hand wave.


    Servants began to appear as they changed everyone''s tea, which was all Jade Bamboo Dew.


    "Thepetition is about to begin, so let''s leave the unpleasant matters aside." With the tea reced, this meant thepetition was about to begin.


    "Shui Huan, I heard you''ve also participated in the Battle of Hundred Nations. You should know him, right?" a youth asked Shui Huan where the Sky Rift Valley''s disciples were seated.


    "I do know him!" Shui Huan nodded. He had noticed Liu Wuxie¡¯s presence earlier when Jia Fengmao stepped forward but hadn¡¯t yet found the opportunity to greet him.


    "Is he as despicable as Jia Fengmao imed him to be?" Another Sky Rift Valley''s disciple asked. ording to Jia Fengmao, Liu Wuxie was vile and ruthless.


    "Quite the opposite, actually. He''s someone worth befriending." Shui Huan wasn''t familiar with Liu Wuxie and had only met him a few times during the Battle of the Hundred Nations.


    The prodigies present had extraordinary talent, and they were beyond ordinary people. They could deduce many things just from one incident.


    "Since that''s the case, why don''t we visit him?" A few Sky Rift Valley''s disciples stood up, nning to befriend Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Senior brothers...you guys...¡± Shui Huan stood up. He hadn''t approached Liu Wuxie earlier because he was afraid that his senior brothers were also after Liu Wuxie''s treasures, so he pretended not to know him.


    When he saw his senior brothers standing up, he wondered if they genuinely wanted to befriend Liu Wuxie or if they were after his treasures.


    Shui Huan naturally wanted the Sky Rift Valley to be different from the Azure Crimson Gate and Grand Banner Gate to resort to such dirty deeds for treasures.


    "You''ve misunderstood. We just want to get to know him." The few senior brothers patted Shui Huan''s shoulder, telling him not to worry. They had no intentions of robbing the treasures of others because such people wouldn''t go far in life.


    Hearing their words, Shui Huan felt at ease.


    "Let me act as the middleman and introduce him!" Shui Huan led the Sky Rift Valley''s disciples over to Liu Wuxie, and their actions drew much attention from the surroundings.


    "Look, even the Sky Rift Valley''s disciples have headed over. Do they also want a share of Liu Wuxie''s treasures?" The discussion came from the surroundings because who didn''t covet the ancient fragment and Saint zed Liquid?


    "The Sky Rift Valley boasts of being gentlemen, but they''re no different from us!" The Grand Banner Gate''s disciples mocked because the Sky Rift Valley''s disciples had always imed to be honorable, but they didn''t expect them to stoop so low today.


    There were also sneersing from the Azure Crimson Gate''s faction.


    The Demonic Heart Pce''s disciples remained indifferent. If they were to rob Liu Wuxie, they wouldn''t do it here but strike secretly. This had always been their style, and they would kill Liu Wuxie first before robbing them.


    Liu Wuxie locked his brows together and started getting irritated by the constant trouble. The gathering hadn''t started, and he had been harassed several times. Anyone in his position would be annoyed.


    "Brother Liu!" Shui Huan took a step forward and cupped his fists together.


    "Brother Shui Huan!" Liu Wuxie stood up, looking slightly emotional at seeing an old friend in a distantnd. He hadn''t had much of an impression of the participants of the Battle of Hundred Nations, but Shui Huan was an exception.


    They both looked excited, and Shui Huan hugged Liu Wuxie. This action surprised everyone when they learned that Sky Rift Valley''s disciples weren''t there to rob Liu Wuxie''s treasures. Anyone could tell that Liu Wuxie and Shui Huan''s rtionship wasn''t ordinary.


    "Brother Liu, let me introduce you. This is Hua Chenye, Senior Brother Hua," Shui Huan first introduced a youth called Hua Chenye.


    On his way over, Liu Wuxie had heard of Hua Chenye''s name and learned that he was proficient in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. He was the favored candidate to obtain first ce in thispetition.


    "Brother Hua!" Liu Wuxie cupped his fists together.


    Hua Chenye returned the greeting, and his eyes were clear without ill intent.


    Shui Huan introduced his senior brothers, and Liu Wuxie greeted them politely. They chatted for ten-odd minutes before stopping when a bell rang, marking the start of thepetition.


    "Brother Liu, why don''t youe over and sit with us?" Shui Huan invited Liu Wuxie over to care for him because he stood out too much there.


    After all, everyone hade withpanions and sat together at a table, but Liu Wuxie was by himself.


    "It''s fine. I prefer the serene here," Liu Wuxie refused politely. He knew Shui Huan meant well.


    Shui Huan didn''t push any further after seeing Liu Wuxie''s persistence. He could only return to his seat with his senior brothers.


    When everyone took their seats, many servants came over with exquisite dishes sent to their tables. The Jade Bamboo Dew had already been removed and reced with fresh tea.


    "Thank you all for attending the gathering tonight. To express my gratitude, the tea and wine are all free, so please don''t hold back." A soothing voice echoed, and a graceful figure emerged from the second floor.


    She wore a light veil covering her face, revealing only her eyes. But just those eyes were enough to captivate everyone. They couldn''t imagine what kind of eyes those were because the slightest look seemed to convey a message.


    It was often said that the eyes were the windows to the soul, and Murong Yi''s eyes were the perfect example.


    She had a smooth forehead with flowing ck hair. Paired with her costume, she exuded a charming fragrance that no one could resist.


    Everyone present had already forgotten about earlier events because their attention was focused on Murong Yi.


    Liu Wuxie remained secretly guarded because Murong Yi wasn''t ordinary. Not only did she cultivate the Blissful Melody Scripture, but she also mastered a mind-reading technique.


    Her eyes seemed capable of seeing through a person''s soul, a form of soul technique that wasn''t inferior to Liu Wuxie''s Ghost Eye.


    Her mesmerizing eyes swept through everyone before stopping on Liu Wuxie. When she nodded her head lightly, it made everyone go insane; they couldn''t fathom why she would nod her head at Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie nodded in return because he wouldn''t miss out on the manners when disying proper courtesy.


    When their eyes met, Liu Wuxie''s eyes rippled with a mysterious force trying to enter his body and read his soul. But the Heavenly Dao Book unfurled and blocked that mysterious power out.

 Chapter 542 - Poetry Contest

    <h4>Chapter 542 - Poetry Contest</h4>


    The mysterious force was unlike anything that Liu Wuxie had encountered; his primordial spirit couldn''t resist it. It was only resolved when the Heavenly Dao Book unfurled.


    Murong Yi was surprised, and a smile rose on her lips, but her veil concealed it from the crowd.


    ¡°Lady Murong, the hour is growingte. Let''s begin the challenge!" an impatient voice called out from the crowd, eager for thepetition to proceed. The prize was enticing¡ªanyone who imed first ce would earn a private audience with Murong Yi, with rumors swirling that the winner might even spend the night in herpany.


    "There¡¯s no rush. I want to give everyone a toast with tea instead of wine!" Murong Yi stood up and raised the tea with one hand. She gently ced her right hand before the cup, which was a traditional etiquette for women when drinking tea.


    Everyone quickly raised their cups to return the gesture. Most people drank wine, and only a few people drank tea.


    However, Liu Wuxie didn''t move because his brows had been locked together since Murong Yi had appeared. He could sense dangering from this woman.


    He could maintain hisposure even when facing enemies in the surroundings, but he felt uneasy when he looked at Murong Yi. He didn''t know if it was because her cultivation was higher than his or if there was another reason.


    As for the actual reason, he was still investigating, which was why he hade tonight.


    Murong Yi ced her cup down and looked at the crowd below, where everyone returned their cups to the table.


    "Young Master Liu, do you not like the drinks here?" Murong Yi suddenly looked at Liu Wuxie. Her voice was filled with charm that always stripped everyone of the will to resist.


    However, her voice did not affect Liu Wuxie, with the Heavenly Dao Book guarding his soul sea.


    When everyone turned to look at Liu Wuxie, they noticed nothing touched on his table¡ªa clear sign of disrespect to the host!


    "That''s not it!" Liu Wuxie couldn''t deny that the wine here was exquisite and specially brewed. Liu Wuxie could tell it had aged for decades from the fragrance it gave off.


    "Why didn''t you drink then?" Murong Yi asked.


    Liu Wuxie didn''t know how to answer, and this was the first time he had been ced in such a situation. Although he could usually navigate through any confrontation, this was the first time he had been ced in a difficult position.


    "I will drink when I choose to," Liu Wuxie replied, his brows furrowed in tension. He could feel the weight of Murong Yi''s gaze on him, even though the room was filled with people. Her constant attention was like a beacon, drawing hostile looks from every corner of the gathering. It was as if her focus on him alone had turned the room¡¯s collective atmosphere into a field of des; each one pointed his way.


    "In that case," Murong Yi responded smoothly, "I would like to offer an individual toast to Young Master Liu. I hope you will honor me." She exchanged her teacup for a wine cup, filling it slowly and holding it out toward him, her gesture inviting the entire room''s attention.


    If he refused on the spot, it would be disrespectful to the host, and he would undoubtedly spark a public outrage. This ced Liu Wuxie in a dilemma because he didn''t want to touch any food here. Thest time he drank the Jade Bamboo Dew back in House of Tea Art, he received a warning from the mysterious tree.


    Enraged roars echoed from the surroundings.


    "Liu Wuxie, don''t be ungrateful! Lady Murong is offering you a toast, and you''re refusing it?" Voices from the Azure Crimson Gate, the Demonic Heart Pce, and other sects echoed the sentiment, each filled with disdain.


    For the onlookers, receiving a toast from Murong Yi was a rare honor, something they could only fantasize about. Liu Wuxie¡¯s hesitation ignited a fierce envy within them, fueling their growing frustration. Some were so incensed that they itched to rush over and put him in his ce.


    Murong Yi had finished her cup of wine as she looked at Liu Wuxie quietly. She would keep looking at him this way, making the situation more awkward if he didn''t drink.


    "Liu Wuxie, what do you mean by this? If you''re not going to drink, you should get lost!" Yin Jingwu mmed his palm on the table and asked Liu Wuxie to leave. The other Azure Crimson Gate''s disciples stood up to condemn Liu Wuxie.


    "Everyone, calm down. Perhaps Young Master Liu is wary of the House of Tea Art, and it''s understandable why he refuses to drink." Murong Yi''s sweet voice was soothing and made everyone feel like their bones would melt.


    As she finished speaking, a servant came over to Liu Wuxie and poured a cup of wine before drinking it to prove it wasn''t poisonous. She reced Liu Wuxie''s cup with a clean one and personally filled it for him.


    At this point, it would only embarrass Murong Yi if he continued refusing.


    "Thank you for the hospitality, Lady Murong!" Liu Wuxie raised the cup. He didn''t have to worry because he had the Heavenly Dao Book and the mysterious tree in the deste world.


    He could use this opportunity to investigate what was in the wine that prompted a warning from the mysterious tree. The wine was mild and not a strong drink.


    An intense fragrance filled his senses when the wine entered his mouth, leaving a lingering aftertaste behind. There was no doubt that this was a fine wine.


    As the wine flowed down his throat to his stomach, it swiftly spread throughout his body like every pore absorbed the wine''s energy. If someone drank this wine regrly, they could increase their cultivation while strengthening their physique.


    Things went as Liu Wuxie had expected when he received a warning from the mysterious tree, alerting him to a problem with the wine.


    A mysterious force entered the deste world and was instantly absorbed by the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron.


    Murong Yi''s eyes never left Liu Wuxie for a moment, and she was slightly nervous when thetter drank the wine.


    "Excellent wine!" Liu Wuxie casuallyplimented, but there were no changes in his expression. With the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron, the mysterious force couldn''t enter his body.


    Murong Yi sat down and was distracted for a moment. Madam Li had noticed this and turned to look at the youngdy.


    When Murong Yi lifted her head, she gave Madam Li a slight nod of confirmation, bringing a sh of joy in the depths of Madam Li''s eyes.


    "I will write four words, and today''spetition will revolve around these four words. The one with the most fitting creation will naturally be the winner," Murong Yi regained herposure and looked at all the prodigies present. But her gaze would drift to Liu Wuxie asionally, making everyone unhappy because thetter stole all the attention.


    If they had known they could attract Murong Yi''s attention by refusing to drink, they would''ve also refused the toast earlier.


    "Lady Murong, please issue the question!" The crowd grew impatient and urged Murong Yi to issue the question quickly. After all, it would be a great joy if they could spend time alone with such a beauty.


    "The first word will be ¡®gentleman.'' It''s best to align it with the current mood and scenery. Everyone can feel free to freestyle!" The maids came out with many papers, cing a few pieces on each table for them to write.


    Many people didn''t participate because they knew their mediocre skills in poetry and were only here to watch.


    Music and painting took too much time to master, and most people dedicated their time to cultivation, leaving them with little time to study these arts. After all, cultivation was everything for cultivators.


    The surroundings became silent, and everyone closed their eyes to think. Composing poetry on the spot wasn''t easy, but the contest would lose itspetitive nature if the topic were revealed beforehand. After all, people could prepare their poems in advance and present them during the contest.


    However, it was different when Murong Yi set the topic on the spot.


    "Liu Wuxie, I challenge you to a poetry duel!" Yin Jingwu stood up and disrupted everyone''s thoughts, naturally drawing many disgruntled looks.


    There was a nk sheet of paper before Liu Wuxie, and he had no interest in the contest tonight, so he had no intentions of writing. His purpose in attending this gathering was to investigate what was in the tea and the House of Tea Art''s attitude towards him. He nned to leave once it was over.


    All eyes turned to Liu Wuxie. Poetry duels had existed since ancient times during the era of Confucianism, with victory determined through poems.


    Powerful poems could even materialize as sword intent, bing a weapon in battle.


    Yin Jingwu had issued a challenge to force Liu Wuxie to ept.


    "Not interested!" Liu Wuxie remained indifferent. He had seen this provocation many times and was already immune to it.


    "Are you afraid?" Jia Fengmao sneered, believing that Liu Wuxie was too scared to ept, not because he wasn''t interested. He knew that Liu Wuxie was talented in the martial path but might need to be more gifted in literature.


    "Where''s your arrogance from earlier, you coward!" the other Azure Crimson Gate''s disciples chimed in to hurl their insults.


    In addition to Murong Yi''s toast to Liu Wuxie, this drew many people''s dissatisfaction. Thus, no one stepped out to help Liu Wuxie this time.


    Murong Yi frowned amid the mockery. She didn''t expect so many people to target Liu Wuxie.


    "Liu Wuxie, if you''re too scared to face me, then get out of here and never show your face in Serene Sea City again!" Yin Jingwu''s voice boomed through the room, dripping with disdain. In his eyes, if Liu Wuxie didn''t have the courage to ept the poetry duel, he had no right to remain seated among them.


    Liu Wuxie''s eyes narrowed, his patience finally snapping. "Who the hell do you think you are? Why should I ept your challenge? You''re nothing but trash to me," he retorted, his voice sharp with genuine anger. Even a saint would lose their temper after such relentless provocation.


    Being repeatedly insulted as "trash" by Liu Wuxie, Yin Jingwu''s fury reached its boiling point. His face twisted with rage as he leaped from his seat, his intent clear¡ªto take Liu Wuxie''s life.


    "Senior Brother Yin, don''t be impulsive!" This was the territory of the House of Tea Art, and anyone causing trouble here was the same as offending them.


    Madam Li was prepared to intervene and would throw him into theke without hesitation if Yin Jingwu dared to make a move.


    "Liu Wuxie, I challenge you officially. If I lose, this jade scepter will be yours. If you lose, hand over the ancient spiritual bamboo shoot!" Yin Jingwu took a deep breath and took out a palm-sized jade scepter from his interspatial ring that emitted powerful spirituality.


    "What arge piece of spiritual essence!" This was the first time most people had seen such arge piece of supreme-grade spiritual essence, and its value was almost on par with that of the spiritual bamboo shoot.


    Yin Jingwu took out a piece of paper and wrote down his challenge. He signed his name and got a fellow disciple to deliver it to Liu Wuxie''s table.


    This situation left Liu Wuxie with little choice but to ept the challenge, or else risk confirming to everyone that he was a coward. After all, even if he lost, his life wouldn¡¯t be in danger, so what did he have to fear? If he had been bold enough to bet on stone gambling earlier in the day, why hesitate now?


    "Are you sure you want to bet with me?" Liu Wuxie''s voice turned cold, causing the surrounding temperature to fall. A thinyer of ice formed on theke''s surface around him.


    Although the night was cool in autumn, it wasn''t cold enough to form ice.


    "That''s right!" Yin Jingwu said decisively. He was determined to obtain the ancient spiritual bamboo shoot today. His cultivation was at the pinnacle of the Astral River Realm, and the spiritual bamboo shoot could help him reach the Nascent Transformation Realm.


    The sky would be his limit once he reached the Nascent Transformation Realm.


    "Since you''re eager to give me a treasure, I''ll fulfill your wish!" Liu Wuxie smiled at the sight of the jade scepter.

 Chapter 543 - Soaring of Dragons and Serpents

    <h4>Chapter 543 - Soaring of Dragons and Serpents</h4>


    How would Liu Wuxie refuse when someone eagerly delivered a treasure to his doorstep? The jade scepter wasn''t an ordinary spiritual essence but was close to a spiritual core. Ordinary people couldn''t detect it, but Liu Wuxie''s Ghost Eye allowed him to see through the jade scepter and see its internal structure.


    The outeryer was spiritual essence, but he could see ink-green the size of a mung bean in the core¡ªthat was the spiritual core. Spiritual essence wasn''t rare, but spiritual cores were extremely rare.


    The quality was beyond supreme-grade spiritual essence, and he didn''t know where Yin Jingwu had obtained it. Thetter probably didn''t realize the value of the jade scepter, so he dared to bet.


    If he could shatter the outer shell and absorb the spiritual core, the effect wouldn''t be inferior to the ancient spiritual bamboo shoot.


    "Liu Wuxie, just hand over the ancient spiritual bamboo shoot. I bet you don''t know that our Senior Brother Yan has the title of the Lesser Poetry Immortal." Several Azure Crimson Gate''s disciples spoke in a ttering tone. They were all under the impression that Liu Wuxie would lose.


    Only a few people among the guests could defeat Yin Jingwu, and they didn''t think Liu Wuxie was one of them.


    The audience''s interest was piqued. Many people who weren''t initially interested found the idea of poetry duel exciting. Those around Yin Jingwu began to form a circle around him to prevent his poem from being leaked.


    "Senior Brother Hua, you''re not going to write?" Over in the Sky Rift Valley''s corner, only Hua Chenye had the highest chance of winning among them. The other disciples were just here for the fun. Even if they could develop a poem, it wouldn''t amount to much.


    "There¡¯s no hurry!" Hua Chenye smiled and closed his eyes, with no one daring to disturb him.


    "Senior Brother Bai Zhi, you must win the first ce and remove Murong Yi''s veil personally. It''s even better if you can get her in your arms," an outburst ofsciviousughter came from the Demonic Heart Pce''s corner.


    The popr candidates to win were Hua Chenye, Bai Zhi, and the Azure Crimson Gate''s Qiu Baihao¡ªnot Yin Jingwu.


    Time ticked, and most people began writing their poems.


    "A Fair Lady and a Gentlemen''s Pursuit...what a fine poem!"


    "You were nowhere to be seen in the winding roads, only leaving behind horse tracks in the snow...magnificent!" Many people who had finished their poems eagerly disyed them to everyone.


    "Lady Murong, please offer your guidance for my poem!" An Azure Crimson Gate''s disciple stepped forward with his poem for Murong Yi to give her opinion.


    Everyone turned to look over because it was no secret that Murong Yi was proficient in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting.


    "May I be a wolf and you a fox, growing old together in the glowing nights..." The crowd erupted intoughter after reading that person''s poem. This was a love confession directed at Murong Yi before everyone.


    "Peng Li, that''s a great poem you have there!" Many people teased because this person was the first to flirt with Murong Yi openly in such a manner.


    The poem''s intent was clear: he wished to be a wolf while Murong Yi would be a fox, and they would spend the nights in the wild, growing old together.


    Murong Yi frowned at the sight of the poem. While there was no issue with it, it carried a vulgar undertone.


    Everyone turned to look at Murong Yi and wanted to know her evaluation of this poem.


    "Young Master Peng''s poem is quite rhythmic, but it''ll be better if you change it to ''May I be a star and you the moon, glowing together with purity each night.'' It will be more fitting this way," Murong Yi deliberately emphasized that his poem was somewhat rhythmic than praiseworthy.


    Rhythm alone wouldn''t make a good poem because both the words and meaning needed to rhyme well.


    Everyone was stunned because they didn''t expect Murong Yi to elevate the poem''s elegance with just a few changes. Stars matched with the moon, glowing brightly with each night. Wasn''t that a perfect example of the scenery in the surroundings?


    After all, the Mooncave Lake was illuminated by the moon, with stars twinkling in the sky, forming a scene of stars apanying the moon.


    "What a beautiful poem! Lady Murong has remarkable insight!" Apuse came from the surroundings, and Peng Li''s original poem was quickly forgotten. Compared to the poem altered by Murong Yi, Peng Li''s poem was no different from garbage.


    Many people approached Murong Yi for advice on their poems, and she would precisely pinpoint the ws each time, deepening everyone''s respect for her.


    Even Liu Wuxie was secretly impressed. Not only was she proficient in the Blissful Melody Scripture, but she was also proficient in all arts. Such women were rare.


    Many people had only joined for fun because their poems were terrible.


    As time passed, all eyes focused on Yin Jingwu because he had an ongoing duel with Liu Wuxie.


    The Demonic Heart Pce''s Bai Zhi had only started writing while most people had finished.


    The Sky Rift Valley''s Hua Chenye opened his eyes and left behind graceful characters flowing on the paper like sword strokes. He breathed when he was done, all done in one go. His characters were graceful and elegant, like dragons and phoenixes dancing on the paper.


    "What beautiful calligraphy!" The Sky Rift Valley''s disciples apuded. The poem remained a secret for now and waited to be revealed.


    When Bai Zhi''s brush moved on the paper, each stroke would produce rustling sounds from the paper.


    As for Yin Jingwu, he was more or less done. They were all the ones with the highest chance of obtaining first in this contest.


    On the contrary, Liu Wuxie gazed out at theke, seemingly unconcerned with the duel.


    "It''s raining!" someone said as rain began pouring from the sky, creating an even more picturesque atmosphere.


    Bai Zhi quickly picked up his brush to revise his poem, making a few alterations, likely inspired by the sudden downpour.


    "Liu Wuxie, why are you still dawdling when we''ve all finished?" Everyone grew impatient because Liu Wuxie hadn''t moved, and everyone was waiting for him.


    As Liu Wuxie turned away from theke, his gaze fell on the nk sheet of paper before him. He didn¡¯t reach for the brush right away. Instead, he calmly began to grind the ink.


    After careful grinding, the high-quality inkstone produced a ck liquid, and he finally lifted the brush.


    No one cared what Liu Wuxie was about to write; they just wanted him to hurry up and finish. After all, no one felt that Liu Wuxie could win the duel with Yin Jingwu because they had all seen thetter''s poem before, which was magnificent.


    Only one person watched Liu Wuxie the entire time, and that person was Murong Yi. Her attention was focused on Liu Wuxie, and she followed his wrist movements.


    Each of Liu Wuxie''s strokes was powerful, producing a soft tapping sound when it moved across the paper. The strength was perfectly bnced because he would tear the paper if he exerted more force. If it were too light, the characters wouldn''t be impactful enough.


    The brush danced across the paper like a dragon soaring through the clouds. The technique was fluid with no hesitation, and each word seemed perfected thousands of times.


    No one initially paid attention to Liu Wuxie because they focused on Murong Yi. Even if a veil covered her face, it didn''t stop them from looking at her.


    When they noticed Murong Yi''s attention was on Liu Wuxie, everyone turned to him.


    "What exquisite brushwork!" Many people''s eyes lit up at the sight of Liu Wuxie''s brushwork, even if they didn''t know what he was writing. Each stroke seemed effortlessly natural.


    "Look around him!" someone eximed as wisps of energy began to form around Liu Wuxie. They looked like words hovering and swirling around him.


    No one could tell what the characters were because they kept changing shape.


    "Soaring of dragons and serpents¡ªhe created a natural phenomenon?!" Hua Chenye gasped in amazement because it was the highest level of poetry to evoke a natural phenomenon from heaven and earth.


    It was unbelievable that Liu Wuxie had managed to achieve it. Those who had mocked him earlier quickly shut their mouths, looking as though they had eaten a rotten egg.


    There was a gleam in Murong Yi''s eyes when she looked at Liu Wuxie.


    "This is impossible! Is there a mistake? How can he evoke a natural phenomenon from heaven and earth when he''s not even twenty?!" Many people were skeptical and felt that it was a coincidence.


    Masters of the art required years of diligent practice, and it wasn''t something that could be achieved overnight. This was the same as cultivation because no one could grasp a powerful martial technique in one day.


    "Maybe he got lucky!" Despite their reluctance to admit it, Liu Wuxie had the airs of a grandmaster when he wrote on the paper as if he was lost in his world.


    Liu Wuxie was no longer youthful but simr to an elder. When he finished thest stroke, the swirling energy around him dissipated into the surroundings like mist.


    He gently put the brush down¡ªhis poem was finished. Most people already had their poems evaluated by Murong Yi, and only a few were left to be judged.


    "Lady Murong, please give me some guidance!" Bai Zhi stood up, and the paper on his table hovered in the air, making it visible even from a few thousand meters away through divine sense.


    The crowd gathered by thekeside had swelled.


    "You ask when I will return, but there is no set time. The autumn rain fills the moon cave this moonlit night. When will we sit together by the western window, trimming the candle as we speak of the rainy nights in Mount Ba," the surrounding crowd read the poem aloud, echoing throughout the boat.


    "Magnificent poem!" Regardless of those in the boat or by thekeside, they praised the poem because the scenery and people fit the description of this gathering well.


    The first line subtly asked Murong Yi when they could have a date, while the second line referenced Cavemoon Lake, not to mention a drizzle from the sky.


    It was autumn, and the water in theke was rising, which matched ''autumn rain fills the moon cave this moonlit night.''


    The third line''s meaning was even more apparent. It expressed a longing to have a moment with Murong Yi, possibly referring to the desire for dual cultivation. Thest line provided a rhymed ending, expressing his desire to enjoy the scenery and rain together.


    Most of the poems tonight were practically love confessions for Murong Yi. After all, if anyone could marry such a beautybined with the mysterious House of Tea Art, they would be able to be on par with the ten major sects.


    It was no wonder why so many people flocked to her. The House of Tea Art had a powerful background, and Murong Yi was the sole owner. In addition to her peerless beauty, no one could resist being captivated by her.


    "Young Master Bai truly deserves your reputation as one of the four great schrs in Serene Sea City. Well written!" Murong Yi praised because his poem wasn''t too explicitpared to others.


    ¡°It is my honor to have caught Lady Murong''s attention!" Bai Zhi said with a respectful bow as his poem floated gracefully to Murong Yi''s table. The gesture carried more meaning than words alone¡ªif she epted his poem, she would also be epting his unspoken affection.

 Chapter 544 - Poem

    <h4>Chapter 544 - Poem</h4>


    Murong Yi didn¡¯t reach out for the poem but looked at her servant instead, and Lady Yan quickly came forward to roll up the poem.


    ¡°This poem is bound to pass down through the ages. How could I dare tarnish it? I hope Young Master Bai can take it back,¡± Murong Yi stood up and slightly bowed to express her apology.


    Bai Zhi¡¯s face showed a flicker of disappointment. Her response was a subtle rejection, implying that his chances of securing first ce had diminished. Yet, he remained calm, knowing there were still three more rounds to prove himself.


    When the poem was returned to Bai Zhi, Lady Yan returned to the second floor and stood behind Murong Yi.


    ¡°Young Master Hua, you¡¯re the head of the four schrs. It¡¯s a great honor for me to meet you today,¡± Murong Yi turned to look at Hua Chenye. This was their first meeting because Hua Chenye seldom visited Serene Sea City.


    His presence here was a rare exception, prompted by a personal invitation he could not refuse. Beyond that, his curiosity was piqued¡ªhe wished to see if the rumors of Murong Yi¡¯s legendary beauty, which he said made life worthwhile with a single nce, were true.


    ¡°Lady Murong, you tter me too much!¡± Hua Chenye smiled bitterly.


    ¡°This is the poem written by our Senior Brother Hua. Lady Murong, please offer your thoughts on it,¡± said a Sky Rift Valley disciple. He picked up the poem and tossed it into the air, which floated before everyone¡¯s eyes.


    No one spoke because they were all focused on the poem.


    ¡°The waters of Mooncave are emerald green, while Mount Shu is green. The sovereign¡¯s love lingers, morning after morning, evening after evening. Seeing the moon in the pce evokes sorrow, and listening to the sounds of rain brings heart-wrenching grief. Heaven swirls, and earth shifts as the royal chariot turns around, yet I¡¯m hesitating, unable to leave.¡±


    Murong Yi read the poem aloud, her voice steady as each word lingered in the air. The mood shifted, growing somber, as the autumn breeze swept through the crowd, causing many to pull their robes tighter around their necks. The poem was steeped in sorrow.


    ¡°This is a great poem!¡± Many people mmed their palms on the table. While Bai Zhi¡¯s poem wasn¡¯t bad, it was paledpared to Hua Chenye¡¯s poem.


    Both poems had centered around the serene beauty of Mooncave Lake, with the sovereign in each representing Murong Yi herself¡ªbeloved by many, yet distant and untouchable. The final lines of Hua Chenye¡¯s poem described the silent yearning of those who admired her from afar, too hesitant to approach, forever locking their emotions away.


    As the poem settled in the air, the sound of a zither began to echo throughout the gathering. Without anyone noticing, a zither had appeared before Murong Yi, and its music captivated the crowd.


    When the music ended, everyone came to their senses and didn¡¯t know what had happened.


    ¡°Thank you, Young Master Hua, for allowing my zither skills to advance with your poem.¡± Murong Yi lifted her fingers from the zither and gave Hua Chenye a bow to thank him.


    Apuse rose from the surroundings because Hua Chenye¡¯s poem had won the admiration of many. Anyone could tell from Murong Yi¡¯s expression that she had liked this poem.


    After several minutes of chatter about Hua Chenye''s poem, the crowd was finally reminded of the ongoing duel between Liu Wuxie and Yin Jingwu. Only the two of them, along with Qiu Baihao, had yet to present their works. Qiu Baihao, known for his painting skills, had wisely chosen to skip this round, likely conserving his strength for the art-basedpetition.


    ¡°Senior Brother Yin, our objective is to beat Liu Wuxie. There¡¯s no need to surpass Hua Chenye¡¯s poem,¡± the fellow disciples beside Yin Jingwu told him not to feel pressured. It didn¡¯t matter if they could take first ce because they just had to win against Liu Wuxie.


    Yin Jingwu nodded because they were right. He only had to win against Liu Wuxie to make a breakthrough in his cultivation to obtain the ancient spiritual bamboo shoot. He picked up his poem from the table and sent it into the air.


    ¡°She bathes in the Cavemoon Lake¡¯s autumn chill, With spring water cleansing her soft skin, jade smooth. A nce and a smile, she was a lovely and graceful maiden.¡±


    His poem, though filled with flirtation, clearly aimed to praise Murong Yi¡¯s beauty, likening the pure waters of Mooncave Lake to the softness of her skin. The final line was a tant attempt at ttery, and while itcked the depth of Hua Chenye¡¯s or Bai Zhi¡¯spositions, it was still considered a respectable effort.


    Everyone¡¯s eyes turned to Liu Wuxie because he was the only one left, and Murong Yi looked expectant. From the moment Liu Wuxie began writing and caused a natural phenomenon from heaven and earth, this poem was bound to be extraordinary.


    Unhurried, Liu Wuxie took the sheet of paper and, with a flick of his wrist, sent it drifting into the air. His poem, longer than the others, hung in the sky like a promise of something extraordinary.


    ¡°Lamps are lit and wine flows clear in the tall pavilion, distant bell tolls under fading moon, as geese return.¡± Murong Yi muttered, and she suddenly froze when she looked at the surroundings.


    The boat was like a grand pavilion withmps lit and wine flowing. What astonished everyone was the faint sounds of bellsing from the distance, which should havee from a temple that signaled the end of the day.


    A flock of geese flew overhead, heading south as autumn had arrived. This sentence alone described the surrounding scenery perfectly.


    While the other poems also described the scenery, they mainly described theke or people. However, although he had included the temples, Liu Wuxie had epassed the entire Mooncave Lake, which was unbelievable. How did he know that the bell would ring at this moment?


    The flock of geese pped their wings as they disappeared over the Mooncave Lake.


    ¡°Birds cry as they seek a mate, helpless as we are, as the spring breeze bids farewell.¡± Murong Yi continued to read the poem. In the following line, people were described as birds seeking a mate on the boat. This epassed everyone on the boat.


    Hua Chenye finally understood why Liu Wuxie could evoke such a resonance with heaven and earth whileposing his poem¡ªit wasn¡¯t just poetry. Liu Wuxie had epassed the essence of everything around him, capturing the natural world and the emotions it carried.


    ¡°Theke stretched for miles, its shores lined with sand. White horses grazed by the boat, and willows swayed towards the city.¡±


    As Liu Wuxie¡¯s words floated in the air, they seemed to materialize before the crowd¡¯s eyes. Theke, while not stretching for thousands of miles, spanned vast distances with golden sands along its shores. A group of white horses could be imagined strolling by thekeside, while the wind stirred the willows, mirroring the poem¡¯s vivid imagery.


    ¡°Do not resent the brief parting with home, for I know you will be weed whenever you go.¡± Shui Huan was stunned when he reached this part and quickly walked to Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Brother Liu...¡± Shui Huan sobbed.


    ¡°This part is brilliant!¡± This line perfectly described Liu Wuxie¡¯s brief meeting with Shui Huan, and they would meet again no matter how far they traveled.


    They would run into each other someday if they yearned to meet again from the brief parting.


    Those who had mocked Liu Wuxie earlier all shut their mouths because they admitted they could never write such a magnificent poem. This poem sounded ordinary at first, but the more they thought about it, the more they felt it perfectly aligned with the people and scenery.


    ¡°A thousand miles of yellow clouds darken the sky, as the north wind blows, sending geese and snow swirling!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s voice resonated with the surroundings, the imagery perfectly capturing the sudden shift in weather. Geese flew south, and snowkes began to fall, carried by the cold northern winds, as if nature itself had aligned with his words..


    ¡°Fear not that there will be nock of friends in your path, for who in the world doesn¡¯t know you?¡± Murong Yi held her mouth at this line and looked at Liu Wuxie in shock.


    ¡°Well said! For who doesn¡¯t know you?¡± Hua Chenye eximed, unable to contain his admiration. That line encapsted more than just poetry; it reflected Liu Wuxie¡¯s current reality. Since arriving in Serene Sea City, he had walked a solitary path, without friends or allies. But after tonight, who in this city, or perhaps beyond, wouldn¡¯t know his name? Liu Wuxie¡¯s presence and talent had left an indelible mark, one that would spread far and wide.


    Everyone was dumbfounded and wondered if this was a poem that Liu Wuxie wrote.


    Murong Yi¡¯s mouth hung open. She had read countless books and had considered herself well-read, but what happened tonight had opened her eyes.


    ¡°My wings flutter as Iment in the solitude; it has been days since I left the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.¡± Murong Yi felt a tinge of sorrow at this line, and this described Liu Wuxie¡¯s current mood. He pitied himself because no one understood him, and it had been days since he had left the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    No one spoke because Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t just describe the scenery; he also depicted an old friend, his current situation, and his feelings. The poem was filled with so many stories to tell.


    ¡°Though the husband is poor and humble, that shouldn¡¯t deter me, for we meet again with no money for wine.¡± Murong Yi¡¯s face turned red when she finished reading the poem. Although that didn¡¯t mean literal ¡®husband,¡¯ it could also be understood that way, which was why Murong Yi¡¯s face blushed.


    He couldn¡¯t pay for it after drinking Murong Yi¡¯s wine today. The first had a more profound meaning, reflecting Liu Wuxie¡¯s low cultivation. He would soar one day.


    The surroundings fell silent after they read Liu Wuxie¡¯s poem. No line had openly professed love for Murong Yi, but everyone felt the poem touched her.


    ¡°Magnificient poem! Truly magnificent!¡± Many people looked at Liu Wuxie with admiring gazes. A thousand people were present, but not everyone harbored hostility toward him.


    In everyone¡¯s opinion, only Hua Chenye could hold a candle to his poem because the other poems weren¡¯t even on the same level.


    Those who hated Liu Wuxie naturally mocked him and didn¡¯t take the poem seriously. Both sides stood in their position, and neither was willing to step back.


    Disciples of the Azure Crimson Gate, Grand Banner Gate, and young masters of Serene Sea City stood together against Liu Wuxie.


    Murong Yi was their goddess, and they naturally wouldn¡¯t let Liu Wuxiey a hand on her.


    ¡°What garbage poem is this? This is bullshit! I think Senior Brother Yin should be the winner; don¡¯t you all agree?¡± Jia Fengmao stepped forward and supported Yin Jingwu, dismissing Liu Wuxie¡¯s poem as trash.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. This poem is riddled with pretentiousnguage and is not as direct as Senior Brother Yin!¡± Those who supported Yin Jingwu felt that Liu Wuxie¡¯s poem was garbage.


    Only a few chose to remain silent because they knew Liu Wuxie¡¯s poem would be remembered for generations if it was to spread. Not many people supported him because they weren¡¯t willing to offend the Azure Crimson Gate for him. Thus, they pretended not to hear.


    No one was blind and naturally knew who had won the duel. Even the Azure Crimson Gate¡¯s disciples knew but didn¡¯t want to admit it because acknowledging Liu Wuxie¡¯s victory would mean Yin Jingwu would lose his jade scepter.


    Everyone¡¯s eyes turned to Murong Yi, awaiting her judgment to see who had won the duel.


    Right then, the poem that floated in the air began to ignite. No one had seen this before, and they didn¡¯t know why such a well-written poem had spontaneouslybusted.


    There was no spiritual energy fluctuation, and the poem had ignited.


    ¡°Look!¡± Cries erupted from the boat as the characters written by Liu Wuxie flew out from the paper and hovered in the air. They even began to rearrange themselves, moving in an unknown direction.

 Chapter 545 - Refining the Spiritual Core

    <h4>Chapter 545 - Refining the Spiritual Core</h4>


    Everyone was stunned by what was happening.


    ¡°I know! It must be because that ordinary paper couldn¡¯t withstand his words, so itbusted into mes!¡± a Sky Rift Valley disciple stood up and eximed.


    ¡°I¡¯ve heard of simr legends. In ancient times, many great schrs used special paper to write because ordinary paper couldn¡¯t withstand their schrly aura,¡± another person shared.


    ¡°What bullshit! Heaven and earth recognized those great schrs for cultivating the schrly aura. How can a brat like him write such astonishing words?¡± The Azure Crimson Gate¡¯s disciples continued to mock, believing that Liu Wuxie had tampered with the paper.


    Confucianism reigned supreme in ancient times, as Confucian teachings could overturn rivers and seas to establish order with a single word.


    For instance, the Buddhist swastika ¡®…d¡¯ and Taoism¡¯s nine sybles ¡®ÁÙ, ±ø, ¶·, Õß, ½Ô, Õó, ÁÐ, ÔÚ, Ç°¡¯¡ªwere crafted in ancient times, each imbued with profound meaning. These nine sybles held particr significance for Liu Wuxie when he inscribed spiritual runes or arrays, with each character ying a vital role.


    Each character yed a crucial role. For instance, "Õó" symbolized the formation of an array, while "¶·" represented an attack. These sybles weren¡¯t just symbolic but served practical and spiritual functions, forming aplex system where every character had a specific purpose.


    Simrly, great schrs from the past created characters that embodied profound concepts such as "Éú" (life), "ËÀ" (death), "Òõ" (yin), and "Ñô" (yang). These ancient symbols transcended time, continuing to shape the fields of schrship, philosophy, and mysticism today.


    Moreover, these characters weren''t only used by schrs¡ªcultivators also relied on them. The <i>Annals of Heaven and Earth</i> long recorded these ancient characters, their meanings intertwined with the cosmicws. If future generations sought to create new characters or chart new chapters of understanding, they would have to invoke a resonance with the forces of heaven and earth.


    Only through heaven¡¯s acknowledgment could new characters be born, imbued with thews of the universe, and used as tools to unlock spiritual runes.


    No one believed that Liu Wuxie¡¯s poem would ever be recorded in the <i>Annals of Heaven and Earth</i>. Yet, the <i>Heavenly Dao Book</i> had unfolded, and new characters began forming sequences in response to his creation.


    Over a year had passed, and the <i>Heavenly Dao Book</i> now held three pages, each inscribed with the variousws of heaven and earth, recording Liu Wuxie''s unprecedented achievement.


    Murong Yi¡¯s mouth was slightly open, and her eyes showed a hint of disbelief. The boat was chaotic as the golden characters aligned and manifested into a hovering longsword. The sword exploded, and a boundless sword aura swept out to the surroundings.


    ¡°ARGH!¡± Those who had mocked Liu Wuxie earlier let out a scream in pain.


    ¡°Heaven¡¯s punishment!¡± The Sky Rift Valley and Demonic Heart Pce¡¯s disciples exploded into an uproar, and many could not remain seated.


    The characters Liu Wuxie wrote had imprinted thews of heaven and earth, and their words were akin tomitting sphemy against heaven. Thus, they would naturally face the consequences, and even Yin Jingwu couldn¡¯t resist the sword aura.


    Only Qiu Baihao remained seated. As he had stayed silent right from the beginning, he naturally didn¡¯t face the punishment.


    The sword aura wasn¡¯t fatal because it was just a punishment, not a tribtion.


    Everyone who had mocked Liu Wuxie earlier was covered in blood, and the golden characters suddenly disappeared into heaven and earth, merging with their surroundings. A portion of it burrowed into Liu Wuxie, evoking an outburst of schrly aura from him.


    The Azure Crimson Gate¡¯s disciples were stunned, and Yin Jingwu was so furious he almost threw up blood. Despite being in the pinnacle of the Astral River Realm, Liu Wuxie had injured him.


    The outburst of sword aura ripped his gorgeous clothes, and he looked no different from a beggar at this moment.


    ¡°Congrattions, Brother Liu, for writing an unparalleled piece!¡± Hua Chenye and his fellow disciples came forward to congratte Liu Wuxie. It was clear at first nce who had won the duel.


    Not only did Liu Wuxie write an extraordinary piece, but it even manifested thews of heaven and earth. Who else present could achieve that? This was nearing the aplishment of great schrs from ancient times, and Liu Wuxie had achieved it.


    This time, no one from the Azure Crimson Gate stepped forward to refute because the sword wounds on their bodies were the best exnation. They feared they would attract another punishment if they spoke, so they kept quiet.


    Even Hua Chenye supported Liu Wuxie, asserting that his poem was unrivaled, leaving them speechless.


    Crisp sounds of the zither echoed, sometimes gentle, sometimes aggressive, like a wife waiting for her husband¡¯s return. Various emotions mixed, including familial rtionships, friendship, and love...


    Everyone was lost in the music, which reached the depths of their hearts as if trying to awaken the memories deep in their souls. Some cried because they heard too much misfortune in the music, while someughed and found joy in it. Different states of mind naturally led to varying interpretations of the music.


    Liu Wuxie had also closed his eyes and was immersed in the music.


    ¡°Fear not that there will be nock of friends in your path, for who in the world doesn¡¯t know you...¡± Murong Yi spoke in a tone full ofment, like an oriole in an empty valley. She didn¡¯t use the Blissful Melody Scripture this time and spoke naturally.


    Her natural voice was equally charming and was more pleasant than the Blissful Melody Scripture because it sounded more genuine.


    ¡°That¡¯s a great line! For this line, let¡¯s have a toast!¡± Many people raised their cups and drank heartily because this line had struck a chord with them.


    After all, everyone had encountered simr situations before. Gold could be easily obtained, but a confidant was rare. Some people¡¯s attitudes towards Liu Wuxie changed because of this poem.


    As the crowd silently recited Liu Wuxie¡¯s poem in their minds, they couldn¡¯t help but feel a deep sense of loneliness on his behalf. It wasn¡¯t just the words; it was the understanding that Liu Wuxie had always been solitary, isted in a world where few, if any, could trulyprehend him.


    ¡°Yin Jingwu, why aren¡¯t you handing over the jade scepter?¡± Many people began to yell for Yin Jingwu to hand over the jade scepter because Liu Wuxie had won the duel with an overwhelming advantage.


    Yin Jingwu stood frozen under the weight of hundreds of eyes, each one waiting for his response. There was no way he could avoid this¡ªso many had witnessed the duel, and failing to honor his word would tarnish his reputation beyond repair. He would have no ce left in Serene Sea City if he didn''t hand over the jade scepter.


    Liu Wuxie merely wore a smile. A spiritual core could elevate his spirituality to dark purple.


    No Azure Crimson Gate¡¯s disciples intervened because it was pointless to say another word at this moment, and they would only draw criticism if they continued to deny Liu Wuxie¡¯s victory.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, I won¡¯t let this matter go easily. I will take back the jade scepter sooner orter!¡± Yin Jingwu threw the jade scepter over to Liu Wuxie.


    When Liu Wuxie caught the jade scepter, he exerted force and cracked it, revealing a spiritual core the size of a mung bean.


    ¡°Spiritual core! It¡¯s spiritual core! Yin Jingwu¡¯s jade scepter contained a treasure like the spiritual core?!¡± Everyone was stunned and couldn¡¯t believe their eyes. The value of the spiritual core was much higher than the spiritual essence, and it could even beparable to the ancient spiritual bamboo root.


    Yin Jingwu staggered, nearly copsing as the reality of his loss sank in. He could barelyprehend that he had just gambled away a priceless spiritual core. If he had known such a powerful core was hidden within the jade scepter, he would¡¯ve never risked it in a bet with Liu Wuxie, even if his life had been on the line.


    The Azure Crimson Gate¡¯s disciples erupted into chaos, their eyes filled with disbelief and anger. It was as if each gaze questioned Yin Jingwu¡¯s judgment, silently asking how he could have been so foolish. Losing a treasure of such magnitude to an enemy was unthinkable¡ªa colossal blunder that felt like handing a weapon directly to the opponent.


    Liu Wuxie threw the spiritual core and shattered jade scepter into the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron, nning to refine it publicly.


    Terrifying spirituality began to leak from Liu Wuxie¡¯s body with a faint ripple around him as his spirituality grew. This was mainly because the spiritual core was too powerful, enveloping Liu Wuxie in a faint halo.


    After his spiritual root absorbed the spiritual core, it slowly transformed into gold.


    ¡°H-He¡¯s refining the spiritual core!¡± someone eximed. For Liu Wuxie to openly refine the spiritual core in front of everyone was an utter disregard for them.


    Yin Jingwu was the angriest because he had vowed to take the jade scepter back, but Liu Wuxie had swiftly pped his face by refining it so quickly.


    ¡°What fast refining speed! The spirituality from the jade scepter is almost gone!¡± Many people were stunned by Liu Wuxie¡¯s refining speed. Ordinary people would require one to two days on average, but Liu Wuxie was done refining it in just a few minutes.


    When Zhang Lie and Song Dong had previously tried to purchase spiritual essences from Liu Wuxie, he had refused, iming to have refined them all. At the time, they had their doubts, but now, watching the scene unfold, it became clear that Liu Wuxie might have been telling the truth after all.


    The reasony in the power of the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron. It was a domineering artifact, capable of devouring anything that entered it. Although the spiritual core was norger than a mung bean, its immense spirituality far surpassed even supreme-grade spiritual essence.


    Liu Wuxie had formed a barrier of spirituality within three meters of radius around him. An even more astonishing scene urred when Liu Wuxie¡¯s feet left the ground as he hovered in the air, absorbing all the spirituality in the air.


    ¡°Is he a monster? How did he refine such arge spiritual core so quickly?¡± The spiritual core, the size of a mung bean, could be considered arge piece because most spiritual cores were only the size of sesame seeds.


    This gathering had be a one-man show for Liu Wuxie, with him bing the center of attention. This made all the Azure Crimson Gate¡¯s disciples feel frustrated.


    In the end, they had contributed greatly to Liu Wuxie¡¯s sess. Time slowly passed, but no one urged Liu Wuxie. It took fifteen minutes before the spiritual core had utterly disappeared.


    A roar sounding like that of a dragon¡¯s or a tiger¡¯s echoed and shook the entire boat. Ripples began to appear on theke, with countless fish leaping out andnding at Liu Wuxie¡¯s feet.


    Those fish looked affectionate and flopped around Liu Wuxie, a scene that shocked all the spectators.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± No one could describe their current feelings.


    ¡°Heaven and earth spirit! His body has evolved and emits the aura of heaven and earth spirit, and these fish are attracted by it!¡±


    After absorbing so much spiritual essence and a spiritual core, a trace of heaven and earth spirit was triggered. Most heaven and earth spirits required countless years to appear.


    However, Liu Wuxie¡¯s body had started producing heaven and earth spirit, which was extremely rare.


    A golden seed appeared in the deste world and was nted deep into the ground. This was a heaven and earth spirit, and once it bloomed, it would release spirituality to nourish Liu Wuxie¡¯s body.


    This meant that most of the spirituality Liu Wuxie absorbed in the future would be used to nurture this heaven and earth spirit.


    Although there wouldn¡¯t be any immediate effects, Liu Wuxie¡¯s spiritual root would undergo a drastic transformation once it had developed entirely.


    When Liu Wuxie¡¯s feet touched the ground, he opened his eyes with two cold rays beaming out. But when he noticed the fish on the ground, he released a bitter smile and sent them back to theke with a wave.

 Chapter 546 - Challenge in Painting

    <h4>Chapter 546 - Challenge in Painting</h4>


    Tonight was destined to be sleepless, as Liu Wuxie¡¯s poem had already swept across Mooncave Lake, captivating countless hearts. The line <i>¡°Fear not that there will be nock of friends in your path, for who in the world doesn¡¯t know you?¡±</i> echoed through the night, resonating deeply with people. With every recitation, a thousand different interpretations sprang forth, each person finding their own meaning in the words.


    ¡°Brother Liu is truly remarkable to refine a spiritual core so quickly!¡± Many of Sky Rift Valley¡¯s disciples stepped forward and weren¡¯t furious that Liu Wuxie had stolen the limelight from Hua Chenye.


    Since this was a gathering, it was natural for there to be a winner.


    Liu Wuxie responded with a calm smile, offering no further exnation for his aplishment.


    With the poetry concluded, they were left with painting, music, or chess, depending on Murong Yi¡¯s arrangement.


    ¡°Lady Murong, what¡¯s the next word?¡± everyone asked impatiently.


    Murong Yi stood gracefully and scanned the crowd, her gaze briefly pausing on Liu Wuxie before she addressed the group. ¡°Next, we will proceed with painting. The theme is <i>scenery</i>!¡±


    The word "scenery" brought a wave of excitement. It was broad and open to countless interpretations, whether depicting a person, an object, or the natural world. Each had its own unique scenery, and the challengey in how vividly one could capture that essence. Even something as simple as a de of grass or a stone could embody the theme. The more life and emotion the painting conveyed, the higher its level.


    While many people participated in the poetry round, many people chose to give up when it came to painting. They weren¡¯t confident in their skills and didn¡¯t want to embarrass themselves.


    After all, Liu Wuxie¡¯s poem made everyone who participated in the first round feel ashamed, and their poems were garbagepared to his.


    However, some people began to rub their hands together in excitement, and they were those who were confident in their painting skills. Qiu Baihao was a great example, known for his paintings among the four great schrs.


    Each table was set with high-quality paper¡ªnot ordinary paper but special paper used for painting.


    Liu Wuxie nced at the paper and didn¡¯t bother moving because he had participated in poetry earlier to win the jade scepter from Yin Jingwu.


    As for trivial matters like romance, he had little interest in it. Murong Yi was beautiful, but that was all to it because he already had Xu Lingxue. Even Chen Ruoyan and Jian Xing¡¯er were considered stunning beauties, especially Chen Ruoyan, who wasn¡¯t inferior to Xu Lingxue.


    Some people had already begun grinding ink to prepare for painting, and most of them closed their eyes to visualize before painting.


    ¡°Young Master Liu, are you not nning to paint?¡± A voice interrupted Liu Wuxie''s thoughts. A prominent heir from Serene Sea City, apanied by a jug of wine, approached with a smile. Around them, hundreds of people gathered to drink, showing little interest in the poetry or paintingpetitions.


    ¡°What do you want?¡± Liu Wuxie frowned because he could sense that this person didn¡¯te with good intentions.


    ¡°Nothing much, just curious,¡± the man replied, casually sitting across from Liu Wuxie and taking a swig directly from the jug.


    ¡°It¡¯s dangerous to be too curious,¡± Liu Wuxie retorted coldly, recognizing this man from earlier, sitting with Qiu Yuan. They were likely cut from the same cloth.


    The man didn¡¯t get angry after being exposed by Liu Wuxie. He was thick-skinned andughed to dismiss Liu Wuxie¡¯s cold dismissal as a joke, ¡°Brother Liu, you¡¯re quite humorous!¡±


    ¡°Speak up. What do you want?¡± Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t want to waste time with someone like him; he only wanted peace.


    ¡°I admire your literary skills, and I wonder if I can have you write that poem again for me to frame it?¡± The man stated his request for Liu Wuxie to write his poem again. Before requesting, he ttered Liu Wuxie because that poem contained a schrly aura.


    Confucianism had long gone extinct, and there wasn¡¯t even a great schr in the True Martial Continent. While Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t a great schr, his poem contained their style, which was enough.


    Though Confucianism had declined, it hadn¡¯t vanishedpletely, and many people still studied it. If a cultivator of the Confucianism path could obtain Liu Wuxie¡¯s earlier poem, it would aid their cultivation greatly.


    "And why should I?" Liu Wuxie asked with a faint smile, his eyes narrowing slightly. Who did this man think he was, demanding a rewrite of the poem as if Liu Wuxie shouldply just because he asked?


    ¡°Brother Liu, you can name your price. I will agree to any price as long as it¡¯s within my means.¡± The man didn¡¯t give up and even asked Liu Wuxie to name his price; neither would suffer this way.


    "Not interested." Liu Wuxie waved his hand dismissively, signaling the conversation was over.


    The man blinked in surprise, clearly not expecting such a firm refusal. Liu Wuxie hadn¡¯t even bothered to give him any consideration. His face darkened, and his voice became sharper, brimming with a hidden threat. "Liu Wuxie, are you really going to refuse me?"


    "Do you intend to make a move here?" Liu Wuxie¡¯s smile vanished, reced by a cold, piercing gaze. A terrifying murderous intent radiated from him, so oppressive that it forced the man to stumble back, crashing into the table behind him. The suddenmotion drew attention from those nearby, who began whispering and ncing over, eager to see what had caused the disruption.


    "Who do you think you are, Liu Wuxie? Don¡¯t think yourself so mighty. I''m offering to buy your poem as a favor to you! There''s nothing in this world I can¡¯t buy!" The man, now enraged and humiliated after nearly falling, spat venomously, trying to save his reputation after being forced back by Liu Wuxie¡¯s overwhelming presence.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that the Ling n¡¯s heir? Why did he start a conflict with Liu Wuxie?¡±


    The crowd was surprised. Serene Sea City had two prominent ns¡ªthe Qiu and Ling ns. While the Qiu n was powerful, the Ling n held even more influence due to their immense wealth. It was said that they possessed a unique technique for extracting treasures from barrennds, and over the years, this skill had earned them a fortune beyondparison.


    ¡°Young Master Ling wished to buy Liu Wuxie¡¯s poem, but he was rejected.¡± Those who were nearby quickly exined the situation.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t Liu Wuxie a little too unreasonable? It¡¯s just a poem. What¡¯s the problem with him gifting it to Young Master Ling? He wouldn¡¯t lose anything either way, and this act could even ensure his future safety in Serene Sea City.¡± Many were baffled about why Liu Wuxie refused Young Master Ling¡¯s request.


    ¡°Do you think writing a poem containing a schrly aura is easy? That may have been a stroke of luck, and he might not achieve it again. After all, that poem was recorded in the Annals of Heaven and Earth.¡± There were still many people who understood the situation. After all, Liu Wuxie had caused a phenomenon the first time, but the second time could be different.


    Otherwise, many others would have flocked to request a copy of the poem, but without the unique schrly aura Liu Wuxie had imbued into it, what would be the point? They could simply write it out themselves, having already memorized the lines.


    ¡°I am not obliged to show you any respect.I don¡¯t want to see you here anymore, so get lost!" Liu Wuxie¡¯s voice was cold and dismissive. He had no interest in arguing with someone like Young Master Ling. Dignity and respect were earned, not bestowed by others.


    ¡°Very well, just wait and watch!¡± Young Master Ling ferociously pointed his finger at Liu Wuxie before storming off. When he returned to his table, Qiu Yuan quicklyforted him.


    This was only a small episode, which everyone soon threw to the back of their minds.


    Ten-odd minutester, someone had already begun with their painting.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, do you dare to challenge Senior Brother Qiu?¡± Yin Jingwu spoke out again, wanting to rechallenge Liu Wuxie in a paintingpetition this time.


    Liu Wuxie looked at Yin Jingwu in disdain. Did this fool think he could turn the tables around after losing in poetry?


    ¡°Senior Brother Yin, what are you doing? Since when did Senior Brother Qiu agree to challenge Liu Wuxie?¡± Many disciples came forward to stop Yin Jingwu because Qiu Baihao had remained silent the entire time.


    ¡°Senior Brother Qiu, you can crush Liu Wuxie with your skills. I beg you to issue him a challenge to restore the honor of the Azure Crimson Gate!¡± Yin Jingwu begged Qiu Baihao. He had lost the jade scepter with a spiritual core, and his heart bled whenever he thought of it.


    ¡°Senior Brother Yin is right. This brat repeatedly opposed our Azure Crimson Gate. How would we maintain our footing in the city if we don¡¯t take revenge?¡± Yin Jingwu¡¯s words won the support of many fellow disciples.


    Although they were presumptuous about forcing it upon Qiu Baihao, what they said wasn¡¯t wrong from the Azure Crimson Gate¡¯s standpoint. If they allowed Liu Wuxie to continue with his arrogance, even they all felt they would be humiliated. Thus, more Azure Crimson Gate disciples stepped out to support Yin Jingwu.


    Qiu Baihao nced at Yin Jingwu coldly. No matter what, it was undeniable that Yin Jingwu had used him.


    ¡°Senior Brother Qiu, I¡¯m sorry. I don¡¯t have a choice, and I hope you can avenge me as a fellow disciple of the Azure Crimson Gate.¡± Yin Jingwu trembled at the cold gaze and quickly apologized to Qiu Baihao.


    Although they were both in the high levels of the Astral River Realm, they didn¡¯t share the same status because Qiu Baihao¡¯s status was much higher than someone who had touched the threshold of the Nascent Transformation Realm.


    ¡°Senior Brother Qiu, please don¡¯t me Senior Brother Yin. He didn¡¯t have a choice,¡± Jia Fengmao supported Yin Jingwu.


    If Qiu Baihao refused with so much said, the other disciples would think that he was afraid. Yin Jingwu had perfectly enacted his strategy of using Qiu Baihao to deal with Liu Wuxie.


    Qiu Baihao knew Yin Jingwu was using him, but he couldn¡¯t refute those words, making him furious. Not to mention, over a hundred Azure Crimson Gate disciples stood on Yin Jingwu¡¯s side.


    Only a few disciples couldn¡¯t stand Yin Jingwu¡¯s shamelessness, but the majority quickly drowned their opinions.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, do you dare topete with Senior Brother Qiu? Hand over the ancient spiritual bamboo shoot if you don¡¯t dare!¡± Yin Jingwu turned to look at Liu Wuxie with murderous intent after seeing that his scheme had seeded.


    ¡°I have never seen someone so shameless like you in my life. You don¡¯t dare topete with me and make use of your fellow martial brother? I despise you,¡± Liu Wuxie sneered.


    Many people in the surroundingsughed along with Liu Wuxie because what Yin Jingwu did was truly despicable.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, I admit that I¡¯m inferior to Senior Brother Qiu in painting, so is there a problem for him topete with you? You must be too scared to bet.¡± Yin Jingwu didn¡¯t care about his reputation as long as he could get back at Liu Wuxie. If he could humiliate Liu Wuxie, he would kneel and beg Qiu Baihao.


    ¡°Sure, but what do you have to offer this time?¡± If it were another spiritual core, the seed in the deste world would be able to sprout. At that time, he would have an endless flow of spirituality to transform his body.


    ¡°Brother Liu, don¡¯t agree to it!¡± Shui Huan tried to stop Liu Wuxie, hoping thetter could reconsider.


    Liu Wuxie was unaware of Qiu Baihao¡¯s painting skills. However, he frequently interacted with the Azure Crimson Gate disciples as someone from the Sky Rift Valley, and he knew Qiu Baihao¡¯s attainment in painting. He had heard that Qiu Baihao had long reached the level of a master.


    There were four grades in painting: adept, outstanding, divine, and transcendent.


    Qiu Haobai¡¯s painting skills have long reached divine grade, where every painting was a masterpiece.

 Chapter 547 - A Gate

    <h4>Chapter 547 - A Gate</h4>


    Martial techniques were divided into four categories: initial, lesser, greater, and perfect mastery.


    The same was true for alchemy, where the pills were divided into forming, plump, mellow, and rune.


    In the mundane world, when Liu Wuxie had participated in apetition hosted by the Treasure Pill Pavilion, he had refined a pill with pill runes.


    Since entering the cultivation world, only a few people knew about his alchemy skills. Even before he left the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, he didn¡¯t defeat Huang Tao personally but through the hands of his disciple, Bi Gongyu.


    Simrly, there were also ssifications for painting: adept, outstanding, divine, and transcendent.


    Ordinary paintings could be considered adept when there weren¡¯t major mistakes and the proportions were bnced. To surpass the first and reach an outstanding grade could be regarded as the work of a master.


    It was often rumored that masters brought life to their paintings, and their work was full of charm and perfect details. These descriptions referred to the outstanding grades; few in Serene Sea City had reached this level.


    In the entire Southern Province, anyone producing an outstanding painting could be considered an expert. Divine-grade paintings were even rarer because their work could no longer be described with words but as a form of spirit.


    Each painting was the work of a god, containing a powerful divine rhyme that wasn¡¯t just visually striking but resonated on a deeper level. A single nce could pull you into the picture.


    Anyone whose painting could reach this level was regarded as one in a million, and even Hua Chenye was inferior to Qiu Baihao in terms of painting. That was the indescribable world of painting.


    There was once a man who stood before a painting for what felt like only a moment, but when he regained his senses, a year had passed. He imed that during that time, he had entered the painting itself, living within its world and even building a straw hut with his own hands


    Curious onlookers had flocked to the scene, and to their amazement, they discovered a straw hut exactly as the man had described, identical to the one he said he had built. The remarkable part? The artist who created the painting had never drawn the hut. This left only one exnation¡ªthe man had truly entered the painting and altered the world within it.


    As for transcendent-grade paintings, they only existed in legends, and no one had ever truly seen them before. It was only rumored that one person had achieved it in the Southern Province a thousand years ago.


    The creator had painted his world and entered the painting, never to be seen again. With that, the grandmaster had disappeared without a trace. It was no longer known if that painting still existed in the world.


    Qiu Baihao¡¯s painting skills reached the divine grade, so Yin Jingwu went to such lengths to use him. As long as Qiu Baihao could win against Liu Wuxie, it would be a resounding p to thetter¡¯s face, even if Yin Jingwu couldn¡¯t win back the jade scepter.


    No one, including Murong Yi, believed that Liu Wuxie could win this challenge. This was because Murong Yi knew how skillful Qiu Baihao was with his painting skills. They had oncepeted in a painting duel but were evenly matched. Thus, no one expected Liu Wuxie to ept the challenge, and his response surprised everyone.


    Yin Jingwu had nothing of value left and could only turn to look at Qiu Baihao.


    ¡°I wager this Origin Yang Stone for that sword of yours!¡± Qiu Baihao wasn¡¯t interested in the ancient spiritual bamboo shoot but was more intrigued by the ancient sword that Liu Wuxie had cut out. After all, that was a genuine quasi-heavenly artifact.


    Even though it was badly damaged, the materials used to forge the sword were intact, and it was perfect to forge it into an origin artifact.


    Reaching the Nascent Transformation Realm was only a matter of time for Qiu Baihao, so he nned to forge his origin artifact.


    ¡°That¡¯s a deal!¡± Liu Wuxie agreed, and his gaze fixed on the Origin Yang Stone. This form of spirit stone contained powerful origin yang energy, extremely beneficial for the body if male cultivators absorbed it.


    Most importantly, the origin yang energy could nourish Liu Wuxie¡¯s deste world. The world was too lifeless,cking yang energy, and the Origin Yang Stone came at the perfect time.


    Both sides signed the challenge agreement, and the crowd¡¯s excitement arose again. This duel was even more suspenseful, with everyone wondering if Liu Wuxie could still create a miracle.


    Everyone was eager to watch and hoped that Liu Wuxie wouldn¡¯t lose too miserably, even if he couldn¡¯t create a miracle.


    Many initially nning to join this round stopped and gathered to witness Qiu Baihao¡¯s work. Aside from a few, ny percent of the people had given up.


    After all, it was an honor for them to witness the birth of a divine-grade painting, and it was pointless even if they joined this round with their mediocre skills.


    Yin Jingwu had personally stepped forward to grind ink for Qiu Haobai. Two tables were linked with the paper spread out, and Qiu Haobai emitted a graceful divine rhyme.


    ¡°Painting rhythm!¡± Exmations came from the surroundings, and everyone was shocked by the aura that Qiu Baihao had given off.


    On the contrary, Liu Wuxie remained seated and didn¡¯t move. This puzzled many because painting wasn¡¯t like poetry and took time. Was Liu Wuxie nning to sit here and do nothing?


    Murong Yi¡¯s eyes fell on Liu Wuxie¡¯s face, and she noted no sign of concern on his face. It was as though he didn¡¯t take this duel seriously, which sparked her curiosity even more.


    As soon as Qiu Baihao¡¯s brush touched the paper, runes materialized around him, flowing effortlessly onto the canvas. The atmosphere shifted, and a hush fell over the crowd, as if the very air itself dared not disturb his focus. Everyone held their breath, their gazes locked on the graceful lines taking shape on the paper, captivated by the unfolding masterpiece.


    Qiu Baihao was utterly absorbed in his world, and each painting felt like a spirit dancing on the paper. Many people in the surroundings covered their mouths, afraid that they would disrupt the painting being brought to life.


    ¡°Young Lady, Qiu Baihao¡¯s painting skills have advanced significantly, which is bad for Young Master Liu!¡± Lady Yan came over and whispered from behind Murong Yi. Murong Yi frowned as she began to worry for Liu Wuxie.


    Half an hour had passed before anyone realized it. Qiu Baihao¡¯sndscape painting was already nearingpletion, and he had painted thisndscape tens of thousands of times that he could paint it even with his eyes closed.


    In addition to his exceptional performance this time, each stroke was lifelike and could be considered the finest among divine-grade paintings.


    ¡°As expected of one of Serene Sea City¡¯s four schrs, known for his painting skills. There¡¯s a high chance he can reach the transcendent level,¡± the crowd whispered among themselves, amazed by Qiu Baihao¡¯s skills.


    When Qiu Baihao was nearing the finishing touches, he painted with both hands, one holding the thick brush while the other held a thin one to apply the finer details to the painting.


    Two hourster, a grandndscape painting appeared before everyone. There were mountains, flowing water, trees, a waterfall, and even profound beasts roaming through the woods.


    ¡°Look at the profound beasts! None of them are repeated, and their expressions are incredibly lifelike!¡± An uproar erupted from the surroundings when Qiu Baihao lifted the brushes; they were all stunned by his painting.


    ¡°What a masterpiece!¡± Praise came from the surroundings, and even Murong Yi¡¯s eyes showed a hint of admiration for Qiu Baihao¡¯s skills.


    When it came to painting, even Murong Yi had to admit that she was surpassed by Qiu Baihao tonight.


    ¡°Look at those trees; there isn¡¯t a single leaf that¡¯s identical! How on earth did he manage to do that?¡± The Demonic Heart Pce and Sky Rift Valley¡¯s disciples couldn¡¯t help butpliment Qiu Baihao¡¯s skills.


    ¡°I think I can hear the sound of a waterfall!¡± An Azure Crimson Gate disciple felt that he could hear the sound of a waterfall as he stood before the painting. Then again, that was merely an illusion because the painting would be close to the level of transcendent grade if he could hear it.


    Qiu Baihao still had a long way to go because he hadn¡¯t even achieved the painting realm. He could only grasp the ultimate realm of painting by reaching the painting realm.


    ¡°There¡¯s no way Liu Wuxie can win this round unless he can produce a transcendent-grade painting,¡± many people whispered. Even Bai Zhi shook his head repeatedly. Hua Chenye didn¡¯t even bother to paint this round and chose to forfeit.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, Senior Brother Qiu has finished. It¡¯s your turn now!¡± Yin Jingwu looked at Liu Wuxie, and everyone was reminded of an ongoing duel between them.


    The painting had captivated the crowd, and they had forgotten about the duel. Two hours had passed, and Liu Wuxie hadn¡¯t made a single stroke on the paper. This baffled many people, and they wondered if he had given up on this duel.


    ¡°Brother Liu, are you alright?¡± Shui Huan asked with concern on his face.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine!¡± Liu Wuxie replied to Shui Huan with a smile. He had been silently cultivating and didn¡¯t think much about the duel.


    ¡°Good to know that you¡¯re fine. What do you n to paint?¡± Shui Huan had some confidence in Liu Wuxie. Since thetter had agreed to the duel, he must have some tricks up his sleeves.


    ¡°A gate!¡± Liu Wuxie replied.


    A burst ofughter erupted from the surroundings at his reply. They couldn¡¯t believe that Liu Wuxie was going to paint a gate, and they wondered if he had a screw loose in his head.


    Shui Huan looked puzzled after hearing that Liu Wuxie wanted to paint a gate. He asked again uncertainly, ¡°Senior Brother, are you serious when you say that you¡¯re only going to paint a gate?¡±


    Qiu Baihao had painted a magnificent and lifelikendscape that he was even proud of. If Liu Wuxie wanted to defeat him in the duel, he would have to paint an even granderndscape.


    Furthermore, thendscape painted by Liu Wuxie had to surpass him in terms of both quantity and quality of the trees and profound beasts. How was Liu Wuxie nning to win by painting a gate?


    ¡°That¡¯s right. I¡¯m only going to paint a gate!¡± Liu Wuxie said with absolute certainty. He wasn¡¯t a person who would lie or boast arrogantly.


    ¡°What do you need me to do?¡± Shui Huan knew it wasn¡¯t his ce to say more since Liu Wuxie had decided.


    A crowd on Qiu Baihao¡¯s side was helping him, and Liu Wuxie only had one person. Thus, Shui Huan hoped that he could contribute in any way.


    "Help me grind the ink," Liu Wuxiemanded softly. Instantly, the boat fell into a deep silence, broken only by the gentle, rhythmic sound of ink being ground.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, don¡¯t even bother wasting your time. You¡¯re destined to lose!¡± The Azure Crimson Gate disciples began to jeer and urge Liu Wuxie to give up.


    Murong Yi looked worried because the Azure Crimson Gate wouldunch their relentless counterattack if Liu Wuxie lost this round, and it was unsure if thetter could withstand it.


    ¡°Young Lady, can you see his intentions?¡± Lady Yan also looked worried. She wanted to know what kind of gate Liu Wuxie would paint.


    ¡°Let¡¯s wait and see!¡± Murong Yi stepped forward and stood on the railing of the second floor, paying attention to Liu Wuxie.


    Shui Huan ced the inkstone before Liu Wuxie andid out the paper.


    Liu Wuxie gently picked up the brush and dipped it in the ink before sketching the image of a gate on the paper.


    ¡°H-He¡¯s really going to paint a gate?¡± The crowd was stunned because Liu Wuxie did exactly as he said.

 Chapter 548 - Fish leaping through the Dragons Gate

    <h4>Chapter 548 - Fish leaping through the Dragon''s Gate</h4>


    It was really just a door, and this shocked everyone, including Qiu Baihao. Everyone looked at Liu Wuxie with confusion because they thought he would put up a fight even if he would lose.


    After three strokes on the paper, Liu Wuxie ced the brush down, and the entire process took less than three breaths. A gate was presented before everyone, and he said, "It''s finished!"


    "Hahaha! Liu Wuxie, you''ve lost! Hand over that ancient sword!" Yin Jingwu jumped out and demanded Liu Wuxie to hand over the quasi-heavenly artifact.


    What happened on the boat was swiftly spread out through Communication Talismans.


    "He really painted a gate. What the hell is he doing?" Those by thekeside jumped around anxiously.


    "I lost?" Liu Wuxie sneered, and he continued, "You think his garbage painting can beat my gate?"


    Liu Wuxie even insulted Qiu Baihao''s painting as garbage. His remark naturally drew an uproar among the crowd because everyone had praised Qiu Baihao''s painting, and even Murong Yi had shown a hint of approval. However, Liu Wuxie had tantly called it trash.


    Murderous intent swept out from Qiu Baihao, and this was the first time someone hadmented on his painting as garbage.


    "Liu Wuxie, you dare say that Senior Brother Qiu''s painting is garbage? You''re finished!" Yin Jingwu nned to act against Liu Wuxie as he refused to admit defeat, and he could only seize the quasi-heavenly artifact over himself.


    Even the House of Tea Art had no grounds or qualification to intervene because anyone could see whose painting was superior.


    "Stop!" Madam Li intervened. She nced at Liu Wuxie''s painting before looking at Qiu Baihao''s. Her eyes turned back to Liu Wuxie, hoping he could exin himself.


    "Liu Wuxie, forgive our poor judgment, but you should at least prove your point since you imed Brother Qiu''s painting to be of low quality." Many cultivators hoped that Liu Wuxie could exin.


    More people stood up and demanded an exnation from Liu Wuxie. After all, empty words weren''t enough to dismiss Qiu Baihao''s painting as garbage.


    Murong Yi, Madam Li, Hua Chenye, and even Bai Zhi turned to look at Liu Wuxie, waiting for his exnation.


    ......


    Over a thousand eyes turned to Liu Wuxie, awaiting his exnation.


    "Since that''s the case, I''ll make you all admit defeat willingly!" Liu Wuxie waved his hand, and his painting flew into the air. It didn''t fly over to the boat''s center but to theke''s surface.


    "Is he insane? How will he exin himself once the painting falls into the water?" Liu Wuxie''s action drew a wave of mockery from the Azure Crimson Gate disciples.


    More people chimed in and believed something was wrong with Liu Wuxie''s mind. Even those by thekeside had turned their gazes over.


    "Look, something ising up!" Tens of thousands of eyes stared at the painting.


    ¡°What is that? A gate?¡± Confusion rippled through the crowd. Many had heard that Liu Wuxie had painted a gate, but few knew what it truly looked like. Now, as they stared at the painting, the truth was undeniable¡ªLiu Wuxie had indeed created a gate.


    "What do you think he''s doing? Why did he throw that painting into theke?" Many people were baffled and could only ask those beside them. No one had an answer, and Shui Huan was also baffled by Liu Wuxie.


    "Golden light! Look, there''s golden lighting from the gate!" Those standing at the boat''s edge looked at Liu Wuxie''s gate painting, which emitted a faint golden light.


    This exmation startled everyone and drew their attention over to theke. As the golden light grew brighter, a gate was released.


    An even more unbelievable scene urred as a carp leaped from theke and jumped over the gate.


    "Fish leaping over the dragon''s gate!" someone eximed and covered their mouth.


    "That''s the dragon''s gate! It''s not an ordinary gate!"


    Liu Wuxie, having refined the divine dragon¡¯s bones and possessing its bloodline, was able to channel a trace of the divine dragon¡¯s power. The gate he painted was not just symbolic¡ªit carried real, mystical energy.


    As more onlookers voiced their amazement, fish began emerging from the water, leaping over the gate in droves. With each leap, a faint golden radiance enveloped the fish as they absorbed a trace of the dragon¡¯s energy.


    ¡°Youngdy...he...¡± Lady Yan was too emotional to speak, gripping Murong Yi''s arm tightly.


    Murong Yi''s eyes shone brightly as she looked at theke before turning to Liu Wuxie. She noticed that he had returned to his usual self,pletely immersed in his world, and ignored everything in the surroundings.


    The entire eventsted for fifteen minutes before the golden light began to disappear. After the dragon energy dissipated, the painting sank into theke and disappeared.


    Qiu Baihao was frozen as if he were deaf and couldn''t hear the voices around him. He felt like he had fallen down a cliff and wanted to scream for help, but he couldn''t utter a single word.


    The Azure Crimson Gate''s disciples were stunned and couldn''tprehend what had just happened. They looked at each other in disbelief.


    "Youngdy, that must be a transcendent-grade painting!" Lady Yan shook Murong Yi¡¯s arm. Everyone shivered and wondered if Liu Wuxie was the reincarnation of a painting immortal to create such a masterpiece. The news of an ordinary gate attracting fish to leap would undoubtedly shock the world.


    Everyone''s eyes were filled with fear when they looked at Liu Wuxie. This seemingly unremarkable young man had finally revealed his sharp edges.


    Those by thekeside were equally shocked, and many people had recorded the scene of fish leaping across the gate. There were already rumors that Liu Wuxie was a painting immortal''s reincarnation. Someone also imed that Liu Wuxie was an expert from the Dragon n.


    There were countless stories surrounding Liu Wuxie''s feats, but it was difficult to separate truth from myth.


    "Senior Brother Qiu, are you alright?" The Azure Crimson Gate disciples looked at Qiu Baihao, whose face was terrifyingly pale as he sat motionless, with concern. They called him several times before he came to his senses and let out a sigh.


    "I''ve lost!" Qiu Baihao wasn''t as shameless as Yin Jingwu. A loss was a loss, and he admitted that he couldn¡¯t achieve what Liu Wuxie did.


    When he tossed the Origin Yang Stone over to Liu Wuxie, this marked the end of the duel.


    When Liu Wuxie epted the Origin Yang Stone, he refined it in front of everyone as terrifying Origin Yang energy poured into his body. After it was added to the deste world, it felt like there was a ray of sunlight. Even the nts became more vibrant and full of life after they absorbed the origin yang energy.


    It felt like a ray of dawn had shot into this grey world, but a single Origin Yang Stone wasn''t enough for the vast deste world. If it were another person in the Heavenly Phase Realm, absorbing an Origin Yang Stone would be enough for him to advance in cultivation.


    However, the Origin Yang Stone could only strengthen Liu Wuxie''s deste world, and the surroundings became quiet. Those who had mocked Liu Wuxie earlier chose to shut their mouths, not daring to say a word.


    "Brother Liu, you have truly opened my eyes. Could it be that you''re a painting immortal?" Shui Huan asked.


    The crowd turned to look at Liu Wuxie, eager to hear his response. After all, they believed only the reincarnation of a painting immortal could create such a breathtaking masterpiece.


    After all, the skills used by Liu Wuxie were inferiorpared to Qiu Baihao, but such an unremarkable gate had lured fish to leap over it.


    "Painting isn''t all about skills. Look at the inkstone," Liu Wuxie said with a devilish smile.


    When Shui Huan looked at the inkstone, he noticed it emitting faint spiritual energy.


    "That''s powdered spirit stone!" Shui Huan was baffled and wondered how a crushed spirit stone could be in the inkstone. They looked at Liu Wuxie in bewilderment, and the others were equally puzzled.


    "Do you all really think that was a transcendent-grade painting? I only added some spirit stones when you ground ink. When the fish sensed the spiritual energy, it was natural for them to leap out from theke," Liu Wuxie said, and his words struck everyone like a thunderbolt. Even Shui Huan was shocked.


    "What about the golden light?" Just spiritual energy alone wasn''t enough to lure the fish and make them leap over the gate.


    "Just add a golden spiritual rune into it!" Liu Wuxie shrugged, and his words left the crowd in shock.


    Qiu Baihao threw up a mouthful of blood after he heard Liu Wuxie''s exnation. He hadn¡¯t lost because of his painting skills, but his technique.


    "Liu Wuxie, that''s cheating! Hand over the Origin Yang Stone and quasi-heavenly artifact!" Yin Jingwu roared because Liu Wuxie had cheated. That painting wasn¡¯t a transcendent-grade painting, but a trick.


    More Azure Crimson Gate disciples joined in to denounce Liu Wuxie.


    "Liu Wuxie was too cunning to resort to such trickeries!" The respect everyone had for Liu Wuxie turned into boiling rage, and the Azure Crimson Gate disciples surrounded Liu Wuxie, demanding him to hand over the Oring Yang Stone and quasi-heavenly artifact.


    "That''s enough!" Qiu Baihao roared, and everyone turned their eyes to him.


    "Senior Brother Qiu, he cheated!" The Azure Crimson Gate disciples looked at Qiu Baihao in confusion.


    "A loss is a loss, and I don¡¯t feel wronged by it," Qiu Baihao said, though fury burned beneath his calm words. He hadn''t lost due to ack of skill in painting, but rather because he had underestimated Liu Wuxie. The painting techniques he had once taken pride in seemed worthless in the face of Liu Wuxie''s disy, who had defeated him with what appeared to be a simple trick. Yet, even if Liu Wuxie openly admitted to cheating, who would believe it?


    Several disciples with respectable painting skills attempted to replicate Liu Wuxie¡¯s feat. They infused their ink with spirit stones and drew golden spiritual runes, hoping to mimic the magical gate. But their paintings failed to emit even the faintest glow, let alone summon fish to leap through. It was clear Liu Wuxie had said it to humiliate the Azure Crimson Gate, a deliberate jab.


    Everyone seemed to understand what Qiu Baihao meant; there was no need to embarrass themselves further since they had lost. Since they were enemies, Liu Wuxie would naturally resort to any means necessary to crush them.


    No one knew how Liu Wuxie achieved that. The gate looked ordinary and nothing special, but it could manifest into a dragon''s gate.


    Only a transcendent-grade painting could achieve that by manifesting artistic concepts into an actual world.


    The Azure Crimson Gate disciples returned to their seats, but their murderous intent for Liu Wuxie had grown. Liu Wuxie repeatedly humiliated them, and the feud between them was now formed¡ªthere was no reconciliation, only life and death.


    A duel had ended in this manner, in a way that no one had expected. Everyone on the boat became somber because Liu Wuxie had crushed everyone, whether in poetry or painting.

 Chapter 549 - Chess Contest

    <h4>Chapter 549 - Chess Contest</h4>


    The surrounding voices gradually faded, and everyone focused on drinking quietly. An outsider had unexpectedly stolen all the spotlight in this gathering, making many people resentful and deepening their hatred for Liu Wuxie.


    "Lady Murong, what''s next?" Most people wanted to wrap up this gathering and leave as it waste in the night. Their eyes fell on Murong Yi, and they could only put their hopes on the remaining two contests, with poetry and painting already won by Liu Wuxie.


    "I have an iplete setup here, and whoever can solve it within an hour will be the winner," Murong Yi announced with a wave of her hand. Instantly, maids appeared carrying chessboards, each arranged identically, and ced them in front of the gathered prodigies.


    Liu Wuxie, like the others, had a board ced before him. He nced at it briefly, and in response, the <i>Heavenly Dao Book</i> within him unfurled, its small figures immediately deducing the solution.


    The scenario was clear: the red pieces were on defense, while the ck pieces held the upper hand, pressing in with an inevitable victory. At first nce, the red side seemed doomed, with no obvious way to turn the tide.


    The task before the participants was to solve the puzzle and secure a win for the red pieces. Even achieving a draw would be considered a victory under these circumstances.


    "I believe only the Demonic Heart Pce''s Lu Ming has any chance of solving this puzzle!" Many people turned their eyes to the Demonic Heart Pce''s faction.


    In the realm of chess, Lu Ming was unrivaled. If Hua Chenye held the top rank in poetry, Lu Ming imed that position for chess. Simrly, Azure Crimson Gate¡¯s Qiu Baihao was recognized for his mastery in painting. Each of these individuals excelled in their respective fields.


    "That''s not necessarily true. The Azure Crimson Gate''s Fan Yongfu is just as skilled in chess as Lu Ming. They''ve yed ten matches, and each of them won five," another spectator remarked, showing support for Fan Yongfu, who also had a strong chance of solving the puzzle.


    "This puzzle is too difficult. It¡¯s impossible to solve it alone¡ªit¡¯s more likely they¡¯d need to work together to have any chance. The ck pieces are just a step away from checkmate," murmured others, ncing at their boards. Many of the prodigies stared at the setup for a long time, unable to figure out how the red pieces could possibly win.


    "Do you think Azure Crimson Gate will try to challenge Liu Wuxie again? It¡¯s almost impossible to reach grandmaster level in chess without at least ten years of practice."


    If the Azure Crimson Gate failed to win even once that night, their future encounters with the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion would be stained by a sense of inferiority. Word of their repeated defeats at the hands of an outsider would spread like wildfire, and they would be ridiculed for bringing shame to their sect.


    After all, the disciples present represented the best of the younger generation of Azure Crimson Gate, yet they were all being consistently outmatched by Liu Wuxie.


    "I bet the Azure Crimson Gate won''t let this matter rest. Didn''t you see that they''re secretly discussing something among themselves!" Over a hundred Azure Crimson Gate disciples had gathered together to discuss, seemingly to plot something secretly.


    Murong Yi sat down and watched everything. This puzzle was unpredictable because each chess piece was like an army, and they could turn the battle tide if used correctly.


    Liu Wuxie shifted his gaze from the chessboard as the Heavenly Dao Book closed up. He now had a clear solution in his mind. He had five solutions to this chess game.


    Everyone discussed for fifteen minutes before the Azure Crimson Gate disciples stood up and looked at Liu Wuxie.


    "Liu Wuxie, do you dare topete with Senior Brother Fan to see who can solve this game first?" Jia Fengmao stood up with murderous intent on his face. They hadn''t just discussed how to defeat Liu Wuxie, but they had even worked together to find a solution to the game.


    Liu Wuxie was alone, while they had over a hundred people. In addition to Fan Yongfu''s heaven-defying talent in chess, they were confident of beating Liu Wuxie.


    "That would be a waste of time. I''ll y as the red pieces; you all control the ck pieces. If I win, all of you will p yourselves. On the contrary, I will kneel and kowtow if I lose." They probably had no valuable treasures left, but they would be famous in Southern Province if they all publicly pped themselves.


    Since there was an irreconcble feud between them, Liu Wuxie might as well take it even further to humiliate them.


    "What? He''s going to y as the red pieces?!" Everyone was stunned by Liu Wuxie¡¯s response.


    Even Hua Chenye and Lu Ming were shocked. They could be considered chess experts, but even after fifteen minutes, they couldn''t find a solution. However, Liu Wuxie suggested taking the red pieces topete with the Azure Crimson Gate.


    "Is he insane? The red pieces are doomed to lose in this game." Even if many people present weren''t chess experts, they could tell that the red pieces were on the verge of defeat.


    Liu Wuxie''s request made the Azure Crimson Gate more cautious, fearing a trap waiting for them. However, they couldn''t find any solution for the red pieces even after they studied the chessboard for half a day. They all felt uneasy because they feared that Liu Wuxie hadid down a trap for them to jump in.


    They vividly remembered the two precious rounds where Liu Wuxie had crushed them with absolute advantage.


    "What''s the matter? You people dare to provoke me but don''t dare to take up my challenge?" Liu Wuxie sneered. His mockery made the Azure Crimson Gate disciples furious.


    "Brother Liu, you have to reconsider!" Shui Huan came over in an attempt to persuade Liu Wuxie. After all, Liu Wuxie might have a chance if they were going topete in solving the chess game, but his odds of winning weren''t high if he took the red pieces.


    Liu Wuxie appreciated Shui Huan''s goodwill, but he merely smiled and gave no further exnation.


    "Very well, I ept your challenge. If I lose, I''m willing to cripple my cultivation, and you do the same if you lose. Do you dare to take on the new wager?" Fan Yongfu''s eyes zed with mes. He didn''t want to drag the entire Azure Crimson Gate down because the sect''s reputation would fall if news got out that everyone had pped themselves on their faces.


    "That''s a deal!" Liu Wuxie agreed to Fan Yongfu''s newly suggested wager¡ªthe loser would cripple their cultivation.


    "Here''s the Life-and-Death Pledge. Sign it!" Fan Yongfu took out a pledge and signed it with his blood, swearing an oath to the heavens to prevent Liu Wuxie from backing out. His goal was to prevent the intervention of the House of Tea Art.


    Once the waiver was signed, the Life-and-Death Curse would be nted, and even the House of Tea Art wouldn''t be able to intervene.


    Liu Wuxie had anticipated this because the House of Tea Art had repeatedly protected his safety, and the Azure Crimson Gate would naturally find a way to bypass it.


    Signing the Life-and-Death Pledge meant a curse would be nted in both parties, and this was the best solution. The crimson pledge hovered before Liu Wuxie, and Madam Li stood ten steps away.


    "Young Master Liu, please reconsider!" Madam Li''s voice sounded in Liu Wuxie''s ears.


    She hoped that Liu Wuxie could reconsider because the House of Tea Art couldn''t do anything to help even if they wanted once the pledge was signed. This meant they would have to bribe the Azure Crimson Gate to voluntarily release Liu Wuxie from the curse for him to survive, and this would be troublesome.


    "Thank you for your goodwill!" Liu Wuxie said as he proceeded to squeeze out a drop of blood to sign the pledge.


    ¡°Youngdy...he...¡± Lady Yan looked worried because finding someone who excelled in every talent was rare. This was simr to Hua Chenye''s proficiency in poetry, Qiu Baihao''s proficiency in painting, and Fan Yongfu''s proficiency in chess. It was tough to find someone who was proficient in multiple arts.


    Liu Wuxie had already proven himself through poetry and painting, which made everyone wonder if he was also a genius in chess.


    A table was ced at the center for the two to take their seats.


    Fan Yongfu stood up and sat before the ck pieces, while Liu Wuxie took the red pieces. Lu Ming had given up finding a solution and moved to the center to watch the match.


    Everyone crowded over as well, surrounding the table tightly.


    "Go on!" Fan Yongfu gestured for Liu Wuxie to make his move first as he yed the red pieces.


    Hundreds of eyes fell on Liu Wuxie to wait for his move. They had already considered every factor but couldn''t find a solution, no matter how hard they pondered.


    Liu Wuxie didn''t hesitate to ce a red piece on the lower right corner of the board.


    "The Kan position? Is he mad? He''ll lose the majority of the red pieces in this move!" Someone had tried this move, but the red pieces would be besieged by the ck pieces in less than three moves.


    Fan Yongfu''s lips curled into a sneer as he ced a ck piece down.


    Sure enough, the red pieces suffered heavy losses, losing about one-third of their pieces and pushing the red pieces into a dire situation.


    However, Liu Wuxie remained unfazed and continued to ce a chess piece down. This was another suicidal move, which prompted sighs from the surroundings.


    Only one person''s gaze remained on the red pieces, and he was the Demonic Heart Pce''s Lu Ming. His mind raced to deduce Liu Wuxie''s next moves.


    When the third piece was ced on the chessboard, the red pieces struggled to survive, shocking everyone. ording to their calctions, the red pieces were bound to lose after three moves. However, the red pieces were still surviving, which made no sense.


    "Don''t you all find it strange? Why are the red pieces still so resilient?" Many people knew a thing or two about chess, even if they weren''t experts. They could tell that something was off with this game, and the red pieces seemed to be brewing something.


    As for what the red pieces were brewing, it was still unclear. A cold sweat rolled down Fan Yongfu''s forehead and fell onto the chessboard.


    He could faintly see a solitary path leading straight to his headquarters. The ck pieces suddenly pulled back to defend, and when Fan Yongfu made his move, the surrounding people eximed.


    Only Liu Wuxie''s eyes shed with a hint of admiration.


    "Senior Brother Fan, why didn''t you press on the attack? The red pieces are already on the brink of copse, and they''ll be finished with a few more moves!" Many Azure Crimson Gate disciples were puzzled about why Fan Yongfu switched from offense to defense.


    The ck pieces had already formed an encirclement, and the victor could be determined in another one or two moves.


    "Something''s off!" A Sky Rift Valley disciplemented. He knew something was off, but he couldn''t quite describe it.


    The red pieces seemed to be at a disadvantage, but they held their ground firmly under the ck pieces'' assault, and this was unbelievable.


    Lu Ming fell into deep thoughts and wondered how he would move if he controlled the ck pieces.


    It was now time for Liu Wuxie to make his next move.


    "Liu Wuxie, hurry up!" The Azure Crimson Gate disciples urged him to hurry after seeing him hesitate.


    After three breaths of hesitation, Liu Wuxie suddenly ced a red piece in the center position, and the entireyout changed the moment he made his move. The red pieces had suffered heavy casualties even without the ck piece making a move, and this action caused a series of exmations from the surroundings because it was no different frommitting suicide.


    After all, the red pieces were already on the brink of copse, even without needing the ck pieces to attack.


    Fan Yongfu didn''t continue defending this time. He pressed on his advantage to wipe out all the red pieces nearing the center.


    "This is bad!" Lu Ming eximed, but it was already toote because Fan Yongfu had made his move. Although the red pieces suffered heavy casualties in the central region, the chessboard suddenly became much cleaner.


    "How is this possible?!" Someone was stunned because the red pieces now had a chance to make aeback even though their numbers had dramatically decreased.


    "I understand now! Liu Wuxie purposely sacrificed those red pieces because they were already trapped, hindering the other red pieces from attacking. Thus, he used the ck pieces to clean out some red pieces and cleared a path for himself!"


    Theyout was simple. Liu Wuxie sacrificed some chess pieces to aim straight for the ck pieces'' base.

 Chapter 550 - Heart Pulse Shattered

    <h4>Chapter 550 - Heart Pulse Shattered</h4>


    After Liu Wuxie moved his red pieces, the chessboard situation became clear: theyout shifted dramatically, and the ck pieces lost their advantage.


    Initially, the red pieces had been like a tiger trapped in a cage, all exits blocked, and any attempt to force their way out would have led to their self-destruction.


    Liu Wuxie minimized his losses to the bare minimum because the red pieces were widely spread in the central region. Thus, he sacrificed a small portion of the red pieces to clear a path.


    It was toote when Fan Yongfu figured out what Liu Wuxie was nning as he charged directly into the ck pieces'' camp. Fan Yongfu had no choice but to stick to a defensive approach.


    "It''s toote now!" Lu Ming sighed. If Fan Yongfu had realized this sooner, there might¡¯ve been a chance for him to stop theeback of the red pieces.


    The red pieces had formed a formidable force, like a cavalry, while the ck pieces struggled to keep up with their advance.


    However, the situation had turned around and became disadvantageous for the ck pieces. Liu Wuxie didn''t charge into the base directly and took his time to wipe out half of the ck pieces on the chessboard.


    "It''s all over now!" The Azure Crimson Gate disciples looked defeated because they didn''t expect this oue.


    Qiu Baihao watched quietly before shifting his gaze to Liu Wuxie, wanting to see something from his face.


    However, Liu Wuxie''s eyes were terrifyingly calm. He maintained a peaceful demeanor despite the red pieces'' advantages and disadvantages. Hisposure alone had surpassed everyone present, while Fan Yongfu had lost his sense of direction and made a few wrong moves.


    When the red pieces finally upied the ck pieces'' base, the crowd still hadn''t pulled their attention from the chessboard.


    "We lost!" Jia Fengmao whispered, unable to ept this oue. He couldn''t believe that Liu Wuxie had solved this impossible game.


    "He cheated! The House of Tea Art must''ve told him the solution!" Many Azure Crimson Gate disciples couldn''t ept this oue and turned to look at Murong Yi, believing this to be a foul y on the House of Tea Art''s side.


    Everyone knew Liu Wuxie had a rtionship with the House of Tea Art, and they had even intervened on his behalf several times. It was highly possible they had secretly told him the solution to this game beforehand.


    Many people nodded in agreement. Although Azure Crimson Gate''s reason was somewhat far-fetched, it did sound reasonable. This led many people to support the idea that the House of Tea Art had leaked the solution to Liu Wuxie in advance.


    Murong Yi''s face turned cold because she didn''t even know the solution to this game, so how could the House of Tea Art have leaked the solution to him? However, no one would probably believe their exnation, and there was no need for an exnation since they chose to take on Liu Wuxie''s side.


    "Senior Brother Fan didn''t lose! The House of Tea Art must''ve helped Liu Wuxie!" The Azure Crimson Gate disciples began toin and refused to ept their loss.


    Madam Li''s face darkened with murderous intent against these people who used the House of Tea Art of leaking the solution.


    "What a bunch of garbage! You people aren''t capable, and you want to me it on others? If that''s the case, let''s not count this round, and I''ll change to a different method. I''ll make sure you people admit your loss!" Liu Wuxie sneered, humiliating the Azure Crimson Gate by calling them garbage once more.


    "You said it!" After hearing that Liu Wuxie agreed to y another round, the Azure Crimson Gate disciples no longerined. They were already familiar with the previous strategy, and the ck pieces would win if they could seal off the red pieces.


    The current chessboard was removed, and a new one was brought over from the nearby table. Liu Wuxie raised a chess piece and ced it on the chessboard.


    Everyone expected Liu Wuxie to take the same position, but he ced his chess piece in the upper right corner, in the Qian position.


    Everyone was baffled because they were already familiar with his patterns, but why did he abandon it? Fan Yongfu would''ve been prepared and ready to defend in advance if he had used the same strategy.


    The two yed back and forth, with the ck pieces advancing cautiously. Fan Yongfu was more careful this time and even took a full minute to consider each move.


    As time ticked away, the entireyout on the chessboard changed when they made their tenth move. This time, the red pieces suffered fewer losses than before and tore an opening in the ck pieces'' defenses, breaking into their territory.


    The ck pieces began falling in droves, and it was clear that they were barely hanging on even though the game wasn''t over yet.


    "How did this happen?" Fan Yongfu grabbed onto his head and couldn''t ept this oue. This time, even Lu Ming chose to remain silent.


    Although he hadn''t personally participated in the game, he could sense the intense struggle on the chessboard. He ran simtions with each move and concluded that the results would only mirror Fan Yongfu''s decisions.


    In other words, he would also lose if he was the one ying with Liu Wuxie.


    "Do you want to continue?" Liu Wuxie asked in a mocking tone. He had used two strategies to achieve the sameeback, proving that the House of Tea Art hadn''t leaked the solution to him.


    Murong Yi might excel in the arts, but she wasn''t invincible. She could only go neck and neck with Hua Chenye in poetry, Qiu Baihao in painting, and Fan Yongfu in chess. Even Fan Yongfu couldn''t solve this game, which meant it was equally impossible for Murong Yi, who was evenly matched with him.


    "Continue!" Fan Yongfu couldn''t ept his defeat and asked for a new game to be set up. Strangely, Liu Wuxie didn''t stop him and changed his approach to the new game.


    About five minutester, the ck pieces had lost entirely, while the red pieces had only minimal losses. The surrounding mocking voices directed at Liu Wuxie had vanished, and the boat was engulfed in silence. The reality was undeniable when Liu Wuxie defeated Fan Yongfu with three strategies.


    "There''s no need to continue any further. I''ve yed with Lady Murong before, and she can''t solve this game so smoothly with her skills," Lu Ming said. Such masterful strategies weren''t something an ordinary person could pull off.


    Lu Ming also prided himself on his chess skills and could foresee five moves ahead, but the difference was too vastpared to Liu Wuxie. From how Liu Wuxie moved, anyone could tell he had practically seen through the chessboard.


    In other words, any changes in this game were within Liu Wuxie''s grasp, and only a chess immortal could achieve such a level of skill.


    "Do you want to continue?" Liu Wuxie asked again.


    "Continue!" Fan Yongfu had gone all out, and his eyes were bing bloodshot. He knew he had lost this contest but wanted to salvage some pride by winning at least one game.


    A new game was quickly set up, and Liu Wuxie changed his style again with the red pieces. Fan Yongfu barely held his ground, but the game had ended in just three minutes.


    None of the Azure Crimson Gate disciples dared to speak out, as Liu Wuxie hadpletely dominated all four rounds, leaving no room for dispute. His victories were so decisive that any attempt to challenge the oue seemed pointless.


    "Am I seeing things? How can this game be so easily solved?" When they were presented with the chessboard, they had simted the possible moves in their minds but failed to find a solution.


    "It''s not because this game is easy, but Liu Wuxie''s skills are too high. The first three moves are actually decoys to lure the opponent into making mistakes," Lu Ming finally saw some intricacies after four games.


    Liu Wuxie yed by luring Fan Yongfu to make a mistake before turning the tables. As long as he could maintain the situation, there was always an opportunity to reverse it.


    "Decoys? Doesn''t that mean that the first three moves don''t matter?" Many people were baffled and waited for Lu Ming''s further exnation.


    "That''s right!" Lu Ming nodded and confirmed that the first three moves were decoys. Only someone as skilled as Liu Wuxie could y such a risky move because the red pieces were already on the brink of defeat.


    "Does that mean he has seen through the chessboard and could grasp every possible change?" Everyone looked at Liu Wuxie with shock and wondered if there was such a heaven-defying genius in the world.


    After all, there were hundreds of pieces on the chessboard, and each move could diversify into tens of thousands ofyouts. How did Liu Wuxie memorize them all? This made no sense, and this had defied reality.


    "Do you still want another game?" Liu Wuxie asked with a devilish smile, aiming to crush Fan Yongfu''s spirit. Since losing the second game, Fan Fongfu hadn''t spoken a word and quietly watched the situation unfold.


    The chess board was reced with a new one, and Liu Wuxie continued to ce his chess piece down. Everyone knew the first three moves were decoys, so they didn''t even look at them.


    Fan Yongfu''s mind was in a mess, and his primordial spirit was severely injured after losing four rounds. When he ced a ck piece down, the red pieces disyed an aggressive approach this time. Even though people thought that Liu Wuxie''s first three moves were useless, they were quickly proven wrong.


    When Liu Wuxie ced the first chess piece, Lu Ming''sment on the first three moves as decoys was quickly proven wrong. By the third move, the ck pieces had suffered a crushing defeat.


    "This..." Everyone was utterly stunned, including Lu Ming, who felt the heat rising in his cheeks. Despite Liu Wuxie showing them some consideration during the first round, the Azure Crimson Gate disciples were unwilling to admit defeat.


    After all, the first round had ended after fifteen minutes, which was an honorable defeat for the ck pieces. But the fifth round was an overwhelming defeat because the ck pieces had lost terribly.


    Even more unbelievable was that Liu Wuxie only used one minute to end the fifth round.


    Fan Yongfu, overwhelmed by the defeat, coughed up a mouthful of blood. Liu Wuxie quickly stepped back, avoiding the stter, but those standing nearby weren¡¯t so fortunate and were covered in blood.


    Fan Yongfu¡¯s heart pulse had shattered from the sheer shock of the loss. His pride, deeply tied to his chess skills, had been utterly crushed by Liu Wuxie''s mastery. There was no need for Liu Wuxie to strike him further¡ªFan Yongfu had already been destroyed by his own failure, leaving him disabled.


    When they hadpeted in painting, Qiu Baihao had lost and coughed up a mouthful of blood. But in chess, Fan Yongfu''s heart pulse had ruptured, and he was disabled.


    Everyone recorded all five solutions to the game.


    "Youngdy, didn''t you say no one can solve this game?" Lady Yan asked, shocked. Her youngdy''s talent in chess was heaven-defying, but she also couldn¡¯t find a solution.


    However, Liu Wuxie had grasped five solutions in less than two hours. This was unbelievable and had overturned their understanding.


    "I now understand why they say there''s always someone stronger in the world," Murong Yi sighed. She had always taken pride in her talents, believing herself to be on par with any man, but today had shattered that belief. The events had overturned her understanding, revealing just how vast the world truly was.


    Liu Wuxie returned to his seat as if nothing had happened.


    Liu Wuxie had crippled a pinnacle Astral River Realm of the Azure Crimson Gate without shedding a drop of blood. This made the remaining Azure Crimson Gate disciples look at Liu Wuxie with a hint of horror.


    Without a doubt, the third round had ended with Liu Wuxie''s crushing victory. More importantly, he had no intentions of participating in any contests but was only forced to join after being challenged by the Azure Crimson Gate.

 Chapter 551 - Contest In Music

    <h4>Chapter 551 - Contest In Music</h4>


    Many people in Serene Sea City knew about this chess puzzle. Upon hearing that they would use this puzzle for the contest, schrs by thekeside quickly took out a chessboard, trying to find a solution.


    After all, they could board the ship if they could find a solution to this chess puzzle. However, news soon spread that Liu Wuxie had used five different methods to defeat Fan Yongfu, and he was ying as the red pieces.


    The crowd became silent when the news spread out.


    "Five different methods!" A self-proimed genius in chess threw his chessboard into the Mooncave Lake and swore never to touch chess again.


    Liu Wuxie''s five methods soon spread across Mooncave Lake, not to mention thest method, which only used three moves, which was unheard of.


    The stars became dim, and the moon had shifted to the west.


    "Lady Murong, thest challenge should be music, right?" Many people asked Murong Yi.


    In Serene Sea City, four great schrs were revered: Hua Chenye for his poetry, Qiu Baihao for his painting, Lu Ming for his chess, and Murong Yi for her mastery of music. Each excelled in their respective arts, standing at the pinnacle of their craft with unmatched skills.


    Murong Yi rose gracefully, and her gaze lifted as a gentle breeze stirred across theke, causing her veil to flutter momentarily. The brief glimpse of her face left many onlookers dazed, captivated by her ethereal beauty.


    Even Liu Wuxie felt his heart tighten when he saw Murong Yi''s appearance.


    <i>How could there be such beauty in the world?</i> Liu Wuxie thought.


    Only Xu Lingxue could rival Murong Yi''s beauty. Chen Ruoyan was beautiful, but shecked an ethereal demeanor.


    On the contrary, Xu Lingxue and Murong Yi looked like fairies who had descended to the mortal realm.


    Chen Ruoyan and Jian Xing''er cultivated that graceful demeanor as their cultivation advanced, acquiring it through growth and effort. However, Xu Lingxue and Murong Yi were born with it, naturally exuding an air of elegance that needed no development. While Chen Ruoyan and Jian Xing''er had to be nurtured into their refinement, Xu Lingxue and Murong Yi carried it effortlessly from the start.


    Everyone on the boat was stunned and couldn''t describe their feelings.


    "She''s too beautiful!" Many people were dazed and lost theirposure, and they were still immersed in that fleeting moment.


    Even Murong Yi didn''t expect a breeze to lift her veil. When she looked at the crowd, she noticed that only a few people could maintain theirposure, but one person left her shocked. This was because there wasn''t any ripple in his eyes, and he was terrifyingly calm even after seeing her face.


    Even Hua Chenye and Qiu Baihao were momentarily captivated by Murong Yi''s breathtaking beauty, but Liu Wuxie remainedposed and unaffected. This caused Murong Yi to pout subtly, disappointed that her allure seemed to have no effect on him.


    "I can die without regret after seeing Lady Murong''s face!" someone eximed as many attendees sat down, no longer in the mood for poetry. They werepletely mesmerized by her beauty, unable to tear themselves away from the thought of her.


    "As expected of a peerless beauty. She lives up to her reputation," someone said. Even the sight of her side profile had left them entranced, and who knew what would happen if she removed her veil.


    "The final contest is, indeed, a contest in music. There aren''t any restrictions, and you can all feel free to use any instrument you like," Murong Yi nodded gently. Of the four traditional arts, only music was left for thest.


    Very few people understood music, and everyone looked at each other, with many deciding to give up. They were already satisfied they could see Murong Yi''s face, even if it was just a side profile.


    Many people naturally turned their attention to the Azure Crimson Gate. They had lost three rounds, and Fan Yongfu even had his cultivation crippled. What happened today was nothing short of a disaster for the Azure Crimson Gate.


    There''s only onest chance left, and they would be too ashamed to return to the Azure Crimson Gate if they couldn''t turn the tables around.


    Qiu Baihao hadn''t researched much in music, and he definitely wouldn''tpete in this round. As for Yin Jingwu, he could only be considered half-baked when it came to music.


    The Azure Crimson Gate fell into a brief silence as they discussed how to make aeback and humiliate Liu Wuxie.


    "Zhou Liang, only your music skills are the best among us. We can only rely on you in this final round," Yin Jingwu said, walking up to a young disciple and addressing him by his name.


    "I''ll do my best!" Zhou Liang said. He could only steel himself. While his music skills weren''t top-tier, they couldn''t be underestimated either. He might not be able topete with Murong Yi, but he was better than ny-nine percent of the people present.


    "Let me start then!" The Sky Rift Valley''s Fu Hong stepped out and took out an ancient zither from his interspatial ring.


    Everyone''s gaze fell on him after seeing him taking the initiative. While Fu Hong wasn''t one of the four great schrs in Serene Sea City, his music skills had surpassed most of his peers.


    The chatter on the boat gradually subsided, and crisp music came out from the zither, spreading across theke.


    This song was called Picking Chrysanthemums, a popr song often heard in teahouses and taverns.


    The music had a lively rhythm that injected a hint of life into the boat. Clearly, Fu Hong did this on purpose to lighten the mood and notpete for first ce.


    Each musical note was like a youngdy picking chrysanthemums and dancing joyfully along the mountain path.


    At times, the music was high and spirited, drawing everyone into the tune with their negative emotions fading away. When the song ended, apuse erupted from the surroundings, and they were all for Fu Hong''s performance.


    This song was well yed, and it had reached the level of a master. Several others followed and yed a song. Although not every song was breathtaking, it was at least well-yed.


    Ordinary songs could not stand out after Murong Yi''s performance earlier. It was like having a perfect score ced before you, and surpassing it was incredibly difficult.


    Murong Yi''s skills in music were nearing perfection in everyone''s eyes.


    After waiting for some time, Murong Yi asked, "Is there anyone else who would like to perform?"


    No one stepped out. If no one stepped forward, everyone present would have to grade all the songs yed to determine the winner.


    "Hold on!" Zhou Liang spoke out and turned to look at Liu Wuxie. What was meant to happen would eventually happen, and the excitement was reignited because everyone knew the Azure Crimson Gate wouldn''t let this matter rest so easily. After all, this was theirst chance, so how could they let it go?


    "Liu Wuxie, I want topete with you in music!" Zhou Liang''s voice was deep as he challenged Liu Wuxie.


    "You''re not qualified!" Liu Wuxie replied uninterestedly because he just wanted to return and rest. He had listened to everyone''s performance earlier, and he figured Zhou Liang''s skills were only slightly better than Fu Hong''s.


    The Azure Crimson Gate disciples were infuriated to hear Liu Wuxie saying that Zhou Liang wasn''t qualified to challenge him. They all felt that Liu Wuxie was too arrogant.


    "I think you''re just afraid!" Zhou Liang sneered, believing that Liu Wuxie was backing out of fear because he wasn''t proficient in music.


    "Junior Brother Zhou is right. He must be afraid!" The fellow disciples echoed along to ridicule Liu Wuxie.


    However, Liu Wuxie disregarded the surrounding discussion because such mockery couldn''t affect him.


    "I knew it! There''s no such thing as a jack-of-all-trades in the world. Music must be his weak spot!" Many peoplemented, convinced that Liu Wuxie wasn''t proficient in music for refusing the challenge. Little did they know that Liu Wuxie''s attainment in music was first among the ten Immortal Emperors in his previous life.


    "Liu Wuxie, kneel and kowtow to us if you don''t dare topete!" More taunts came, and they grew louder. The Azure Crimson Gate disciples felt this was the perfect opportunity to humiliate Liu Wuxie.


    Murong Yi looked worried because mastering music required time, while Liu Wuxie had already impressed her with poetry, painting, and chess. Thus, no one, not even Murong Yi, was optimistic about Liu Wuxie''s musical skills.


    Ugly faces bared their fangs at Liu Wuxie with their saliva flying around, looking as though they wanted to devour him whole.


    "Liu Wuxie, get lost! Serene Sea City isn''t a ce for you!" Yin Jingwuughed because he finally found a reason to humiliate Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie suddenly raised his head and looked at Yin Jingwu coldly. From the start, this person had jumped around like a monkey, constantly trying to provoke him.


    "Very well, I agree with your bet. If he can beat me, I will cripple myself. But if I happen to win, Yin Jingwu must cripple his cultivation and never show his face before me ever again," Liu Wuxie agreed to Zhou Liang''s challenge. But if Zhou Liang lost, Yin Jingwu would have to cripple his cultivation.


    Yin Jingwu''sughter stopped abruptly as though someone had choked him by his neck, and he couldn''t make a sound. No one expected Liu Wuxie to propose such a condition to have Yin Jingwu''s cultivation crippled.


    Everyone quickly came to their senses because Yin Jingwu had been the one provoking Liu Wuxie right from the start, and he had even resorted to using his fellow martial brothers to get rid of Liu Wuxie.


    Zhou Liang didn''t mind Liu Wuxie''s condition because he wouldn''t suffer one bit even if he lost. After all, it was Yin Jingwu who had to cripple his cultivation if he lost, and it was even better if he won.


    It was Yin Jingwu''s turn to make the decision, and everyone wondered if he would agree. After all, he was the one who had mocked Liu Wuxie for not daring to ept the challenge earlier.


    The conditions had beenid on the table now, and it was questionable whether Yin Jingwu had the guts to ept the challenge.


    "Senior Brother Yin, don''t worry about it. He must be trying to pressure us on purpose to make us give up!" Several Azure Crimson Gate disciples stepped out to encourage Yin Jingwu. They felt that Liu Wuxie had deliberately proposed those terms to make them give up challenging him.


    "That''s right! That must be the case!" Zhou Liang shared the same thoughts and hoped Yin Jingwu would agree to the bet. After all, he would be the Azure Crimson Gate''s hero if he won, and his position would skyrocket in the sect.


    Even Qiu Baihao had lost to Liu Wuxie, and his status might surpass the former if he were to beat Liu Wuxie.


    With so many people egging him on, Yin Jingwu fell into a dilemma because he would be seen as a coward if he refused.


    Everyone present was a prodigy of the three major sects, and Yin Jingwu would have no face to meet others if he had the title of a coward.


    After all, everyone still remembered how Yin Jingwu had pressured Qiu Baihao into challenging Liu Wuxie, only to shrink back when it was his turn to face him. Fan Yongfu had even sacrificed his cultivation in a desperate attempt to salvage the Azure Crimson Gate''s reputation, so what right did Yin Jingwu have to refuse now?


    "Fine, I ept!" Yin Jingwu gritted his teeth and agreed with Liu Wuxie''s terms. He would have to cripple his cultivation if Liu Wuxie won, but if Zhou Liang won, he would have the opportunity to cripple Liu Wuxie''s cultivation personally.


    "Sign it!" Liu Wuxie produced a Life-and-Death Pledge for Yin Jingwu to sign. Once signed, the Life-and-Death Curse would be nted in their soul seas.

 Chapter 552 - Playing Ambush from Ten Sides Again

    <h4>Chapter 552 - ying Ambush from Ten Sides Again</h4>


    The four arts¡ªmusic, chess, poetry, and painting¡ªseemed closely intertwined with Liu Wuxie''s fate.


    "Who will go first?" murmured the crowd as curious eyes alternated between Liu Wuxie and Zhou Liang, unsure which would go first.


    "I''ll go first!" Zhou Liang suddenly broke the silence. He moved to the center and gently ced his zither on the table. As his fingers glided through the strings, a cascade of beautiful notes filled the air, enveloping the boat in a delicate, enchanting melody.


    Yin Jingwu, who had been tense, felt relief wash over him. Zhou Liang''s performance was so masterful that it even surpassed Fu Hong.


    "You probably don''t know, but Junior Brother Zhou received a rare zither scorest month, and his skills have reached the level of a grandmaster," a disciple whispered. His voice conveyed a hint of satisfaction; he had deliberately kept this information hidden to lure Liu Wuxie into epting the challenge.


    Murong Yi, observing from the side, furrowed her brows even deeper. Zhou Liang''s performance was impable, matching her own level of skill. A trace of worry flickered across her face as she recognized the precarious situation Liu Wuxie now found himself in.


    "That''s the Four Seasons Zither!" the crowd eximed. This score was known for its ability to mirror the seasons. It would initially resemble the gentle sound of spring rain, with each note feeling like delicate and light raindrops.


    Then, the tone shifted¡ªlike muffled thunder in a summer storm, with each strum sending shockwaves in the audience''s heart. It was as if the very storm raged within them in the form of rumbling lightning.


    Momentster, the music softened, like the gentle breeze in autumn, wrapping the audience in aforting caress. This felt like aforting embrace that painted everyone''s mind with the golden wheat of the harvesting season.


    The music transformed again, abruptly this time. It swept up the biting cold wind of winter, swirling in the air like snowkes.


    This was a masterful performance by Zhou Liang. The song embodied the four seasons, pulling everyone through their journey and painting a vivid image in their minds. The snow was a manifestation ofw, controlled by the music.


    Everyone was mesmerized by the song, and their mood changed along with the four seasons: the warmth of spring, the intensity of summer, thefort of autumn, and the cold of winter. For ten minutes, everyone traversed through the four seasons, entranced by the world created by the music and unwilling to wake up.


    "What a beautiful piece of music!" sighed one of the Azure Crimson Gate¡¯s disciples, still lost in the melody''s lingering echoes.


    "When did Zhou Liang be so skilled?" murmured a few Sky Rift Valley disciples, awestruck by Zhou Liang''s performance.


    Zhou Liang''s hands left the zither with a satisfied smile, enveloped in the murmurs of admiration from the crowd. Even the people standing by thekeside scrambled to find the musician''s identity who had captivated them.


    "Junior Brother Zhou, I have no words for your performance. It looks like I need to be your student to learn from you," a group of Azure Crimson Gate disciples stepped forward, hoping to learn from the master himself.


    "There''s no need for that," Zhou Liang replied with a humble smile. "Feel free to ask me any questions about music."


    Yin Jingwu, who had been watching, felt a surge of confidence rising in his heart. He believed victory was already in his grasp.


    "Liu Wuxie, it''s your turn!" Yin Jingwu called out in a provocative tone. He couldn''t wait for Liu Wuxie to lose¡ªhe wanted to shatter Liu Wuxie''s dantian personally.


    However, everyone was puzzled when they saw that Liu Wuxie sat still and showed no signs of moving. They wondered if the rumors about Liu Wuxie being ignorant of music were true.


    "Liu Wuxie, what are you waiting for? You can cripple your cultivation if you decide to give up!" Jia Fengmao sneered. He finally found an opportunity to mock Liu Wuxie.


    "Young Master Liu, do you not have a zither?" Murong Yi broke the silence and looked at Liu Wuxie. Her words struck a cord because it was true¡ªLiu Wuxie didn''t own a zither, and he was wondering who he could borrow from. He could only borrow one from Fu Hong if he had no choice, and Murong Yi had taken note of his predicament.


    "That''s right," Liu Wuxie admitted with a resigned smile. Ever since his rebirth, he had focused on cultivation, neglecting the other pursuits.


    "If you don''t mind, you''re wee to use mine," Murong Yi offered, much to many''s envy. The idea of Liu Wuxie using their goddess''s zither stirred hostility among the crowd. This was no different from their goddess''s zither being defiled.


    "I''m grateful for your offer, Lady Murong," Liu Wuxie said and epted her offer.


    At Murong Yi''s signal, Lady Yan descended from the second floor, carrying a small, delicate zither. She gently ced it before Liu Wuxie. This instrument was about a meter in length and had four strings, and it carried a pleasant fragrance from being frequently yed by Murong Yi.


    "Liu Wuxie, don''t ruin Lady Murong''s zither if you don''t know how to y it!" came cries of jealous onlookers from how Liu Wuxie could win Murong Yi''s favor multiple times.


    "Liu Wuxie, you might as well give up. Music isn''t something that can beplemented with talent, and it''s toote for you to start learning now!" mocked the Azure Crimson Gate disciples. They thought that Liu Wuxie wasn''t proficient in music because he didn''t even own an instrument.


    Liu Wuxie, however, recalled a time more than a year ago when he had yed <i>Ambush from Ten Sides</i>, stunning all the audiences. Now, he decided to y it again.


    "The situation today reminds me of a piece I yed," Liu Wuxie began. "It''s called <i>Ambush from Ten Sides</i>, and I''d like to share it with everyone."


    Today''s situation was simr to what he had faced in the Imperial Academy, with enemies in the surroundings.


    The surroundings became quiet when Liu Wuxie''s hands fell onto the strings. The first note reverberated like the thunderous gallop of war horses, shaking the hearts of everyone present.


    "What a powerful note!" gasped the crowd. They all felt like their hearts were about to leap out of their chests.


    Shortly after, one note followed another, the intensity rising. The tempo quickened, and it felt like a storm was brewing within the listeners; their hearts stirred with each note.


    "Sorrowful winds in the night with the rising moon and shining stars..." Liu Wuxie suddenly sang, his voice cutting through the night sky like a de. As it was autumn now, the stars shining in the sky further stirred the audience''s emotions.


    "I suddenly feel like crying!" Someone couldn''t withstand the melody and wanted to burst into tears.


    The melody told a tale of hardship, and who hadn''t undergone hardship before? Liu Wuxie''s melody echoed life''s struggles, drawing out everyone''s sorrows and frustration. The music brought them into a world they had never experienced, impacting their hearts and souls.


    "The drums of war beat louder as we march to our fate." Just this sentence alone had ignited a figure in everyone''s hearts, and they felt like they were about to be ignited if they couldn''t vent it out.


    The melody became hurried and surged like a storm, sweeping across Mooncave Lake.


    "Ten-sided ambush on me, only to run into an elite army." Liu Wuxie''s voice echoed with bitter defiance. His frustration and rage poured into the music, and the audience could feel it¡ªcould feel his torment.


    The Azure Crimson Gate''s provocation and mockery surfaced in everyone''s mind and sparked mes in everyone''s hearts. They were all in Liu Wuxie''s shoes, drawn into his inner world by the music.


    The servants by the railing began to weep, moved by the unfolding story through the music. The music further stirred their resentment toward the Azure Crimson Gate, and their hatred red.


    Murong Yi covered her mouth as she looked at Liu Wuxie with disbelief. She couldn''t believe there was such an exquisite piece of song in the world.


    "Born a hero and died a hero, oh, the ambush of ten sides!" Liu Wuxie''s song continued, carrying a deep sorrow for the world''s injustice and helplessness. The mournful melody stirred deep emotions, and tears streamed down the faces of the audience as the music pulled at their hearts.


    Liu Wuxie''s melody had woven a spell that controlled the audience''s emotions, mesmerizing them. Even the snow seemed to fall in response to his inner rage. They were real snowkes, not the manifestation ofw. The snowkes swirled and danced in the air, adding to the enchantment.


    "Mourn for the hero in troubled times, mourn for the scarcity of true friends in the world, and mourn for the peerless talent caught in an ambush."


    A deep loneliness spread and everyone could hear the sad notes in the music. No one could understand Liu Wuxie''s heart, but they felt his sorrow, and it brought tears to everyone''s eyes like a warm current sweeping across them.


    ¡°Heroes often went unappreciated during chaotic times, and faithfulpanions were scarce.¡±


    Even Murong Yi, usuallyposed, could no longer hold back her emotions. Tears welled in her eyes, spilling down her cheeks, moved by the raw emotion in the music.


    "What a sorrowful yet powerful melody!" many people whispered to themselves, struck by two conflicting emotions. This song was a release of inner rage, and it was overwhelming.


    "Scorching sun zed on the vast desert. Running into the Jade Encounter Pavilion and recalling the peace back in the years."


    As Liu Wuxie yed, his thoughts drifted to the Jade Encounter Pavilion, where he hadmanded the stars and strode across the heavens in the past life. But how far had he fallen¡ªnow treated as a stray dog, no longer the respected figure he once was.


    Each word and note was filled with a fierce determination to carve out a new path that would tear the world apart.


    "Dreams end as fire crackles," Liu Wuxie sang, his voice heavy with the weight of defeat. "Sighing at the plight. On the boundless sand, the defeated army¡¯s remnants have nowhere to go."


    The surroundings were enveloped in a heavy silence as the crowd held their breaths, listening to the music that echoed in the air across the silentke.


    "A violet gale sweeps the desert, carrying the sounds of war horses galloping. All hope has vanished, and the river water has dried up, leaving bones of regret."


    The music spoke the tale of a once-mighty Immortal Emperor who fell in battle. The river had dried up, and the remains were buried without honor or ceremony.


    "The ambitions of a man remained unclouded through eighteen years of reincarnation. When the war song ends and war horses neigh, generals follow their lord to the end, casting aside their mortal bodies and leaving behind bones of pride."


    With that final note, Liu Wuxie''s hands stilled on the zither as he breathed out the emotions pent up in his chest that he had been building through the melody. The boat fell into a deep, almost tangible silence as though the song''s weight had suspended the very world.


    For a long, frozen moment, no one moved. The entire crowd remained suspended in the world that Liu Wuxie had conjured with the strings of his zither.


    And then, as if awakened from a shared dream, the apuse began. Thunderous, overwhelming apuse erupted from thekeside, and tears streamed down many people¡¯s faces as they pped with all their might. As if they were trying to express their gratitude through the apuse, their ps echoed across the surface of Mooncave Lake.

 Chapter 553 - Records of the Central Plains

    <h4>Chapter 553 - Records of the Central ins</h4>


    Thunderous apuse echoed through the sky, pulling everyone from the dreamlike trance that Liu Wuxie had woven with his performance.


    Even the Azure Crimson Gate disciples found themselves unwilling to return to reality, still yearning for the trance conjured by Liu Wuxie.


    The atmosphere was heavy, somber, and solemn¡ªno emotions were enough to capture their current feelings. The music was impactful and shook everyone''s souls.


    The final note lingered in their minds as they slowly opened their eyes, confused by their surroundings. Just moments ago, they had been on a battlefield, immersed in the bloody war, only to find themselves now on the peaceful boat.


    Murong Yi gently wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes, her heart touched by the emotions hidden deep within Liu Wuxie''s music. She felt like she had caught a fleeting glimpse of Liu Wuxie''s inner heart¡ªa silent, burning desire to tear the heavens apart and carve his own path through the world.


    Standing behind her, Lady Yan could no longer hold back her emotions and wept quietly, tears soaking into her clothes.


    Even the maids aboard discreetly wiped away their tears, each one moved by the haunting melody that stirred their hearts.


    "Ambush from Ten Sides, what a masterpiece!" Hua Chenye''s voice boomed across theke, shattering the silence as the impact of Liu Wuxie''s performance settled into everyone''s souls. The lyrics Liu Wuxie sang were etched into their minds.


    "The ambitions of a man remained unclouded through eighteen years of reincarnation...well said!" Many audiences found themselves reflecting on the deeper meanings within the lyrics.


    It wasn''t just the melody that left a deep impression; the poetry woven through the song was enough to leave them longing for more.


    "Mourn for the hero in troubled times, mourn for the scarcity of true friends in the world...it spoke of the sorrow in the hearts of many." Even a Demonic Heart Pce''s disciple stepped forward to praise the piece, overwhelmed by its beauty and depth.


    It was a song that, in its sheer brilliance, might never be surpassed¡ªeven by the passing of centuries.


    Each line of the lyrics could stand alone as a poem, offering endless insights for everyone.


    As many in the crowd jotted down the words to studyter, the contest between Liu Wuxie and Zhang Liang was already forgotten, and Murong Yi''s presence faded into the background.


    All eyes remained on Liu Wuxie, captivated by his music.


    Meanwhile, Zhou Liang slumped back in his chair, defeat weighing heavily on his heart. He knew he had lost, not just lost¡ªLiu Wuxie''s <i>Ambush</i> had utterly crushed him from <i>Ten Sides</i>. His melody paled inparison, likeparing the earth to the heavens.


    Unlike Liu Wuxie''s song, which soared to divine heights, his Four Seasons Zither was mediocre.


    "This melody should only exist in the heavens¡ªhow lucky we are to have heard it. This gathering is an eye-opening experience," murmured many among the crowd, their eyes bright with wonder.


    Tonight had been an eye-opening experience for them all.


    Not only had they witnessed Murong Yi''s legendary beauty, but they were also treated to a disy of unmatched talent¡ªpoetry, painting, chess, and music¡ªall performed by one man.


    Off to the side, Yin Jingwu stood frozen, his face pale and his mind nk. From the first note of Liu Wuxie''s song, he knew his fate was sealed.


    The carefullyid trap had be his own grave, and he could not escape the consequences of his actions.


    He had tormented Liu Wuxie relentlessly, but now his futurey in ruins.


    "The sins of the heavens can be avoided, but self-inflicted sins cannot be forgiven!"


    These words perfectly describe Yin Jingwu''s current state. He had brought about his own downfall, and now he had to pay the price.


    A sudden, blood-curdling scream pierced the night, and over a thousand eyes turned to Yin Jingwu.


    His body convulsed violently under the relentless grip of the Life-and-Death Curse, writhing in unbearable agony as the veryws within him were torn apart. His cultivation, once a source of pride and power, was destroyed beyond any hope of repair, even with the help of a Spirit Restoration Pill. Amid his suffering, Liu Wuxie seized the opportunity to take things further, discreetly nting the deadly poison of the Netherspirit Flower into his body, sealing his fate with a final, lethal blow.


    "Yin Jingwu has met his doom!" the crowd murmured coldly. There was no pity for him¡ªif he hadn''t repeatedly provoked Liu Wuxie, he wouldn''t have suffered this fate.


    Zhou Liang stood back, trembling in lingering fear. The thought that he could''ve suffered that same fate sent chills down his spine.


    He had confidently challenged Liu Wuxie, but after witnessing Yin Jingwu''s downfall, he could only be grateful that he hadn''t met the same end.


    Thekeside crowd was reluctant to leave, with the night drawing to a close. Many still lingered, basking in the afterglow of Liu Wuxie''s performance.


    As the gathering wound down, Murong Yi stood and addressed the guests. She said, "I''d like to thank everyone for attending tonight''s gathering. As a token of my gratitude, please ept three leaves of the Jade Bamboo Dew as you leave."


    Despite the gifts, many in the crowd were still reluctant to leave. They hade seeking Murong Yi''s favor, but instead, they had be witnesses to the night''s dramatic turn of events.


    As the final guests prepared to depart after collecting the Jade Bamboo Dew''s leaves, a voice suddenly cut through the night, stopping everyone.


    "Liu Wuxie, I¡¯ve heard you''re skilled in stone betting. A new batch of stones arrives from the barrennd in five days. Do you dare to bet with me?"


    All eyes turned to the speaker, Young Master Ling, whose challenge perplexed the crowd. They wondered if he had a screw loose to provoke Liu Wuxie.


    "Isn''t it obvious?" someone whispered. "The Ling n has a unique technique for detecting spirituality in stones. Though it¡¯s not foolproof, it gives them far better odds than relying purely on luck. That''s how the Ling n became so prominent in Serene Sea City."


    "The Ling n must''ve felt threatened with Liu Wuxie''s performance in the morning, fearing that he would rob them of their business." Everyone came to their senses because Liu Wuxie''s sess in stone betting earlier in the day had undoubtedly made the Ling n feel their monopoly in the city was threatened.


    After all, the shops that belonged to the three major sects had Ling n members stationed within, relying on the Ling n to differentiate if there were any treasures in the items brought back from the barrennd.


    "That''s only one factor; don''t forget that Young Master Ling suffered humiliation at Liu Wuxie''s hands. There''s no way the Ling n will let him off." With the two incidents ovepping, the Ling n wouldn''t let Liu Wuxie off.


    A new shipment of items from the barrennd would arrive in five days, as it did each month, drawing countless cultivators to Serene Sea City. During these few bustling days, the city would teem with activity as high-ranking members from the three major sects, nearby second-tier sects, and prominent ns gathered to purchase the rare treasures.


    "Not interested," Liu Wuxie replied.


    This response didn¡¯t surprise Young Master Ling; he had anticipated it.


    "Don''t tell me you''re afraid!" Young Master Ling taunted, his tone dripping with provocation. While he knew he couldn''t match Liu Wuxie''s strength, the Ling n''s wealth and influence in Serene Sea City gave him confidence.


    The Ling n''s expertise in stone betting was well-known, and even the three major sects respected them. The Ling n¡¯s appraisers yed a key role in filtering the valuable items brought back from the barrennd, ensuring that treasures stayed under their control.


    "Say whatever you want," Liu Wuxie said dismissively, clearly uninterested. He turned to leave, already nning to enter seclusion once he returned to the inn. If he wanted to engage in stone betting, he could do so on his own terms without involving others.


    "I''ll make you agree," Young Master Ling muttered under his breath with a sneer, before storming off the boat. He was determined to find a way to force Liu Wuxie into a stone-betting duel, no matter what.


    "Brother Liu, you''re wee to visit the Sky Rift Valley any time," Shui Huan came over with his fellow disciples to bid their farewell to Liu Wuxie when there weren''t many people left on the boat.


    "Until we meet again!" Liu Wuxie cupped his fists toward the Sky Rift Valley disciples.


    "We''ll see each other soon enough. The Ten Grand Ceremony is just a few months away. I''m sure you''ve heard of it," Hua Chenye said with a friendly pat on Liu Wuxie''s shoulder. They were elites among the younger generation, destined to cross paths again.


    Liu Wuxie replied with a faint smile. He was still debating whether to attend the Ten Grand Ceremony. As the crowd began to disperse, Liu Wuxie rose and left, only to be stopped by Murong Yi.


    "Young Master Liu, please wait!" Murong Yi''s voice echoed in Liu Wuxie''s ears. Whoever secured first ce in thepetition would be personally received by Murong Yi, a promise made well before the gathering.


    "Lady Murong, can I help you with anything?" Liu Wuxie had little harvest from tonight''s event, leaving him with lingering questions. He didn''t know why the House of Tea Art protected him or what was inside the tea.


    "I believe Young Master Liu wishes to obtain answers?" Murong Yi was perceptive, and her intelligence was equal to Liu Wuxie''s. Thus, she could naturally tell the unresolved doubts in Liu Wuxie''s heart. She was the only one capable of resolving his questions.


    Liu Wuxie stopped in his tracks and looked at Murong Yi. The two locked eyes for a full minute, but neither could find the answers they sought in each other''s eyes.


    Liu Wuxie''s eyes were like an unfathomable deep pool, while Murong Yi''s eyes sparkled like crystal-clear gemstones.


    As the servants finished their tasks, the boat was cleaned and draped with red curtains, creating a private space where no divine sense could intrude.


    "Young Master Liu, this way, please!" Murong Yi gestured politely, inviting Liu Wuxie to the second floor for a more private discussion.


    With no choice, Liu Wuxie could only follow Murong Yi to the second floor. He had many doubts that needed answers from her. He had no connection with the House of Tea Art, so why did they intervene to help him repeatedly?


    The second floor was beautifully decorated. When he stepped into the cabin, the ground was covered with a soft fur rug, which added morefort. The table was already set with an array of fine wine and delicately prepared dishes, awaiting the two of them.


    "Young Master Liu, please wait. I''ll change into something more appropriate." Murong Yi invited Liu Wuxie to have a sit before she left and stepped into another room to change her clothes.


    "Lady Murong, please go ahead!" Liu Wuxie stood in the room, and his gaze began to drift around. The furnishings were simple, with nothing but a row of bookshelves. He casually pulled out a book and flipped through it before his eyes narrowed.


    "Records of the Central ins!" This book wasn''t about the Southern Province but the Central ins, which shocked Liu Wuxie.


    After all, information about the Central ins was rare in the Southern Province, and Liu Wuxie''s knowledge of it was limited to ancient jade records.


    Liu Wuxie flipped through the pages and was soon engrossed by the content. It contained details about power distribution in the Central ins and described thendscapes and customs.


    He was so engrossed that he didn''t notice when Murong Yi returned and stood behind him. His divine sense only retracted after he closed the book. He didn''t use Ghost Eye and read each word carefully.


    "Young Master Liu, you can take these books with you if you like them," Murong Yi''s voice echoed behind Liu Wuxie, startling him. He was too engrossed in the book that he had forgotten he was still on the boat.


    "A gentleman would never take something dear to another," Liu Wuxie said, shaking his head. He returned the book to the bookshelf and slowly turned around.

 Chapter 554 - Divine Race

    <h4>Chapter 554 - Divine Race</h4>


    These books were incredibly precious and rare in the Southern Province. He knew the House of Tea Art must¡¯ve spent a lot of effort to acquire them, so how could he take them?


    When he turned around, a stunning youngdy stood three meters away. She appeared to be eighteen or neen, around the same age as Xu Lingxue. This time, Murong Yi didn¡¯t conceal her face with a veil.


    She had changed into an orange-red dress that perfectly outlined her figure before Liu Wuxie. Her eyes shone like bright stars, and her hair draped like a waterfall. Her figure was well-proportioned, and she silently looked at Liu Wuxie.


    As for her features, they were so exquisite that words couldn¡¯t describe them. Her cherry lips, slightly raised nose, and willow-shaped eyebrows made her look wless.


    Even Liu Wuxie was momentarily lost in her beauty, but he quickly recovered hisposure, much to Murong Yi¡¯s surprise. She had encountered many prodigies over the years, but each would reveal a strong desire for possession when they saw her, and they would also be dazed for quite some time.


    Liu Wuxie, on the other hand, was only dazed for a moment before he regained hisposure. His eyes were clear, and he had no visible expression.


    Murong Yi was inwardly shocked because she had never doubted her beauty. She was confident that there weren¡¯t many in the world who could surpass her in beauty. Thus, she was surprised at Liu Wuxie¡¯s reaction, which was too mature for someone his age.


    ¡°Young Master Liu, please take a seat,¡± Murong Yi said. Her actions were graceful as she gestured for him to sit. She didn¡¯t strengthen the charm in her voice with Blissful Melody Scripture, and they sat facing each other as she poured a drink for Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°I believe Young Master Liu must have many questions for me. As long as it doesn¡¯t involve any secrets, I will tell you everything I know,¡± Murong Yi said, giving Liu Wuxie a toast of wine.


    Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t worried about drinking with the mysterious tree in his deste world, so he downed the drink in one go. He was soon surprised because the mysterious force in the drink had vanished, and this was an ordinary drink.


    ¡°Why has the House of Tea Art helped me so many times?¡± Liu Wuxie asked, cing his cup down. The question had weighed on him for an entire day. He had never interacted with the House of Tea Art before arriving in Serene Sea City, and the reason behind their assistance remained a mystery to him.


    ¡°That¡¯s because I need your help,¡± Murong Yi replied. She set the cup down and looked at Liu Wuxie with eyes clear as stars. Such a direct gaze would make one ufortable if they were in Liu Wuxie¡¯s position.


    ¡°You need my help?¡± Liu Wuxie asked, surprised. He knew that the House of Tea Art was filled with experts, and they even had a True Profound Realm expert. On the contrary, he was only in the Heavenly Phase Realm.


    ¡°That¡¯s right, I need your help,¡± Murong Yi said with a grave expression. She gave Liu Wuxie a pleading look and didn¡¯t appear to be lying.


    ¡°I won¡¯t refuse if it¡¯s something within my ability,¡± Liu Wuxie said. He wouldn¡¯t mind helping if it wasn¡¯t beyond his ability because they had helped him before.


    ¡°Not yet,¡± Murong Yi said with a resigned smile.


    This confused Liu Wuxie even more, and he thought of one possibility. He asked tentatively, ¡°Is it because I¡¯m still too weak now?¡±


    Murong Yi nodded. She didn¡¯t say it bluntly because she feared it might affect Liu Wuxie¡¯s confidence.


    ¡°Young Master Liu, you don¡¯t have to worry. With us around, we can ensure the rise in your cultivation rapidly,¡± Murong Yi exined, worried that Liu Wuxie might be upset. It was too hurtful to say that someone¡¯s cultivation was too weak.


    However, Liu Wuxie showed no anger and appreciated Murong Yi¡¯s honesty.


    ¡°Go on, exin the situation. I have to know what I¡¯m facing if I am to help you,¡± Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t like owing favors, and he had no intention of using the House of Tea Art¡¯s resources. Once he repaid the favor, there would be no further ties between them.


    ¡°Help me save some people!¡±Murong Yi¡¯s voice was steady, but she could sense that Liu Wuxie was maintaining a careful distance between them. He was only engaging in conversation because the House of Tea Art had helped him repeatedly.


    If it had been anyone else in Liu Wuxie¡¯s position, they would have been eager to stay and chat with her, perhaps even mesmerized by her presence. But with Liu Wuxie, there was no sign of attachment or lingering interest.


    ¡°Who?¡± Liu Wuxie frowned. With the House of Tea Art¡¯s strength, they could even barge into the ten major sects and leave without an issue.


    ¡°My parents and grandparents,¡± Murong Yi said with a hint of sorrow in her eyes.


    ¡°Where are they being held?¡± Liu Wuxie asked. He wondered who could be so powerful as to imprison the family of House of Tea Art¡¯s owner.


    ¡°The Divine Light Mountain!¡± Murong Yi said, not hiding anything from Liu Wuxie.


    Her words deepened the frown on Liu Wuxie''s face. He had memorized thendscapes of the Southern Province, even those he hadn''t personally visited, yet he had never heard of Divine Light Mountain.


    ¡°And where¡¯s that?¡± Liu Wuxie asked. He wondered if it was a remote ce they hadn¡¯t learned about.


    ¡°A forbidden zone in the Western Barren!¡± Murong Yi exined that the Divine Light Mountain wasn¡¯t in the Southern Province.


    ¡°The Western Barren?¡± Liu Wuxie murmured to himself.


    The True Martial Continent was divided into Eastern Domain, Southern Province, Western Barren, Northern City, and Central ins. Eastern Domain was prosperous because it was close to the Central ins, and no mountain range blocked the two.


    Western Barren was remote and sparsely popted by humans. It was mainly the home to demonic beasts and various other races.


    Northern City was enveloped in snow throughout the year, and only experts could live there. The human poption was far smaller than in the Southern Province and Eastern Domain.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. My parents and grandparents are imprisoned in Western Barren¡¯s Divine Light Mountain,¡± Murong Yi nodded, her expression growing somber.


    Her parents and grandparents were captured shortly after her birth and imprisoned. Since then, she was raised by Madam Li, wandering around the True Martial Continent with the remnant members.


    ¡°Why did youe to the Southern Province? Shouldn¡¯t you go to the Western Barren instead? The House of Tea Art should have many experts!¡± Liu Wuxie was puzzled. He was only in the Heavenly Phase Realm and hadn¡¯t even been out of the Southern Province.


    Long-distance travel was nearly impossible without reaching the Astral River Realm, and extended flight periods consumed a vast amount of true essence. Thews on the other continents were also different, making it dangerous to travel there without proper preparation.


    ¡°We¡¯ve tried several times, but we suffered heavy losses each time,¡± Murong Yi admitted, her eyes dimming even further. They had lost many people over the years in their attempts to rescue her family.


    ¡°Let¡¯s start with the House of Tea Art¡¯s origin, your family, and why they are imprisoned in the Divine Light Mountain.¡± Liu Wuxie wished to listen to nothing but the truth and hoped that Murong Yi wouldn¡¯t hide anything from him. If she hid even the slightest information from him, he would refuse to help her.


    ¡°It¡¯s a long story; everything started twenty years ago,¡± Murong Yi raised her head and inhaled deeply. She knew she had to tell Liu Wuxie everything since she wanted his help.


    ¡°Thousands of years ago, a n lived in seclusion in Western Barren, the Murong n. Our n migrated from the Central ins to avoid disaster because of the low human poption. We lived there in peace, and there wasn¡¯t any disturbance in the past thousands of years,¡± Murong Yi began her story.


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t expect the Murong n to have such a long history. He then nodded in understanding because it wasmon for ns to reallocate after offending someone powerful.


    ¡°But twenty years ago, our disciples began to disappear. My father sent people to investigate, but it resulted in more disappearances instead,¡± Murong Yi said with a pained expression as she recalled the past. After all, the deceased possessed the Murong n¡¯s bloodline.


    ¡°Since the Western Barren thrives with profound beasts, is it possible that those beasts killed them?¡± Liu Wuxie interrupted. The Western Barren was a dangerous ce for humans to live in, and the Murong n wouldn¡¯t have reallocated there for two millennia if they had a choice.


    "We initially suspected it was the work of profound beasts," Murong Yi said, shaking her head to dismiss Liu Wuxie''s spection. "But we found no traces of them. We''ve lived there for many years, and we know the profound beasts that inhabit the nearby mountain range. If it had been their doing, the Murong n wouldn¡¯t have fallen into such decline, forced to wander for years until we finally ended up in the Southern Province."


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s curiosity deepened. "What did you discover, then?" he pressed, eager for more information about the True Martial Continent, particrly the Western Barren. Every detail mattered. Whether or not it rted to Murong Yi¡¯s situation, he knew that sooner orter, his path would lead him to the Western Barren.


    ¡°One night, a shadow infiltrated the Murong n, and the mystery was solved then,¡± Murong Yi gritted her teeth when she mentioned that night¡ªthat day also marked the first month of her birth.


    ¡°The Murong n¡¯s foes?¡± Liu Wuxie asked. The atmosphere in the room was heavy, with Liu Wuxie¡¯s emotions stirred.


    "No. Our enemies are from an evil sect in the Central ins. We offended an expert, and the Murong n was wiped out overnight," Murong Yi exined, her tone heavy with reluctance. It was clear she didn¡¯t want to delve too deeply into the details of that fateful night. "We discussed returning to the Central ins at some point, but we''ve since adapted to the Western Barren, living a detached life away from worldly affairs."


    ¡°So, who is it?¡± Liu Wuxie asked, sipping the wine as he looked at Murong Yi.


    ¡°The divine race!¡± Murong Yi said, gritting her teeth as she uttered those words.


    "The ancient race, the divine race? Weren''t they wiped out?!" Liu Wuxie eximed, his face filled with shock as he stood. The divine race had vanished from history for countless years, and hearing their name again in the True Martial Continent was beyond surprising.


    Murong Yi was equally taken aback. "You know of the divine race?" she asked, her voiceced with disbelief. She had mentioned the divine race to many, yet no one had recognized or understood their origins. But Liu Wuxie had named them without hesitation.


    The divine race was shrouded in mystery, their origins stretching back to a time before humanity itself. What made them so terrifying was their secrecy. Born in the earliest epochs, they possessed incredible abilities that surpassed even the most powerful cultivators. It was said that humans carried a trace of the divine race¡¯s bloodline in their bodies, hinting at a shared ancestry.


    There were also legends that the human race was a branch of the divine race. However, the truth had long been lost to time, but one thing was for sure¡ªthe divine race was too mysterious.


    They had powerful physiques and an incredibly long lifespan. An ordinary member of the divine race could live up to five hundred years.


    If they reached the Heavenly Phase Realm, their lifespan would increase to a thousand years. Such a race was terrifying, and they could crush the human race with their longevity alone.


    ¡°I read about it in an ancient book,¡± Liu Wuxie brushed it off with an excuse, but he secretly noted the information about the divine race. He vividly remembered how a senior had told him that the world wouldn¡¯t be far from ending if the divine race reappeared.


    Tens of thousands of years ago, the Celestial Realm had faced a great catastrophe. The divine race was so close to overthrowing it that the human race had suffered heavy losses. As a result of that battle, the Celestial Realm was even shattered into ten-odd pieces.


    The Celestial Realm he came from¡ªthe Fleeting Cloud Celestial Realm, was only one of those pieces.

 Chapter 555 - Divine Force

    <h4>Chapter 555 - Divine Force</h4>


    Murong Yi was too focused on the memories of her past that she didn''t probe deeper into whether Liu Wuxie was telling the truth. There were many books in the world, and she wouldn''t be surprised if there were one that recorded the divine race.


    "So, your parents and grandparents were taken by them?" Liu Wuxie verified. Based on Murong Yi''s ounts, he was practically sure it was the divine race that had captured her family.


    "That''s right, it''s the divine n. That night, a member of the divine n infiltrated the Murong n and escaped after being injured by my father. Three dayster, the divine race returned with three members, instantly wiping out the Murong n. I only survived through Madam Li''s desperate resistance," Murong Yi recalled. Those three were incredibly powerful, and even the Murong n''s True Profound Realm expert was no match for them.


    The Murong n had survived because they had dug a tunnel beneath the n for safety measures, and Murong Yi''s father had given the order to evacuate with her and flee the Western Barren, never to return.


    Those in the House of Tea Art were likely disciples of the Murong n, who wandered throughout the True Martial Continent, seeking a way to rescue their people.


    The remaining experts of the Murong n had stayed with Murong Yi, as she was the patriarch''s only bloodline and the n''s future heir.


    After escaping, they didn''t leave the Western Barren right away, and some elders secretly returned to the n, only to discover that the divine race had captured the patriarch.


    The Murong n investigated their whereabouts for months before finding the Divine Light Mountain. They didn''t dare venture in at first, but an elder managed to capture a member of the divine race while he was leaving the mountain.


    That person wasn''t strong, and they learned that the people of the Murong n were taken and held in the Divine Light Mountain.


    "Why would the divine race capture your family? Did the Murong n offend them before?" The divine race had self-proimed to be the noblest race. To them, humans were mere inferior species that shouldn''t exist in the world.


    "They''re studying the human race and nning for the future," Murong Yi exined, though her knowledge of the details was limited. The Murong n had only managed to piece together this much information after searching the soul of the captured divine race member. Extracting information had been no easy task¡ªthe divine race possessed powerful physiques and indomitable wills, making it nearly impossible to prate their minds. The fragmented information they gathered had been painstakingly assembled from bits and pieces.


    What became clear was that the Murong n''s patriarch was being held at Divine Light Mountain, a discovery that left them determined to rescue him. However, their attempts had only led to heavy casualties.


    Despite their long history, the Murong n had few members left, and their rescue efforts had resulted in devastating losses. Faced with this harsh reality, they had no choice but to reassess their strength and bide their time, waiting for another opportunity.


    "So, what do you expect me to do? Even you can''t save your family, not to mention someone with my of strength!" Liu Wuxie shrugged to express his helplessness. It wasn''t that he didn''t want to help, but he couldn''t.


    He could attempt to investigate if he was in the True Profound Realm and if it was the divine race, as Murong Yi had mentioned. After all, the divine race''s reappearance was a sign of an impending catastrophe. He hoped that Murong Yi was mistaken because the divine race had disappeared for many years.


    "You don''t understand. The divine race can release a form of mysterious aura capable of neutralizing the true essence used by humans. Our strength greatly diminished after we entered the Divine Light Mountain, and we''ve been finding ways to resist that mysterious aura," Murong Yi exined.


    The divine race was moreplex than it seemed. They were too mysterious, and many of the human race''s techniques were futile against them.


    <i>Divine force!</i> Liu Wuxie thought. The divine race had self-proimed to be descendants of gods, which was why they called their power divine force.


    The divine force was extraordinarily formidable and could resolve humans'' true essence. This meant ordinary martial techniques had little effect on them.


    "That''s why you found me?" Liu Wuxie probed.


    "That''s right!" Murong Yi nodded. They had found Liu Wuxie after searching for twenty years.


    "But I''m no different from any others. The prodigies who attended tonight''s gathering are stronger than me," Liu Wuxie replied, confused.


    "That''s because you don''t fear the divine force!" Murong Yi finally revealed the truth.


    "And how do you know that?" Liu Wuxie asked, baffled. Even with his knowledge and experience as an Immortal Emperor, he had never encountered the divine force himself, only heard rumors of the divine race.


    "I infused a trace of divine force into the tea of everyone who visits the House of Tea Art," Murong Yi admitted, knowing she could no longer keep the truth hidden.


    "You can control divine force?" Liu Wuxie was stunned. The divine race could grasp the divine force, while Murong Yi was a human. How could she possibly control it?


    "To be honest, we learned some of their knowledge from the memories of that divine race''s captive. There are many ways to obtain divine force. Besides being born with it, there''s a nt around the Divine Light Mountain that absorbs a trace of the divine force, and we would collect some each year."


    Liu Wuxie was stunned because he finally knew that the so-called Jade Bamboo Dew wasn''t a tea but a nt grown around the Divine Light Mountain. He finally knew why the mysterious tree had warned him about the energy that entered his body.


    Everything was unraveled now. The divine force wouldn''t kill someone, and there was no harm in drinking it. The only side effect was to make one feel ted like they were floating in the clouds.


    Each leaf had a mark left behind by Murong Yi, and she had noticed that the divine force had disappeared when it entered Liu Wuxie''s body. The only way to save her family was to find someone who didn''t fear divine force to enter the Divine Light Mountain.


    "So, you''re asking me to sneak into the Divine Light Mountain and rescue your family?" Liu Wuxie had figured out the entire story now. The House of Tea Art only appeared to be a teahouse on the surface but consisted of the Murong n''s remnant members.


    "I know it''s wrong of me to ask you this since it has nothing to do with you. But I can do anything for you if you agree to help me," Murong Yi said, quietly looking at Liu Wuxie.


    She had wandered around for twenty years to find someone to save her family. As long as her family could be saved, she wouldn''t even hesitate to give her own life.


    "Anything?" Liu Wuxie asked with a yful smile.


    "That''s right, anything!" Murong Yi said and stood up without warning. She gently removed her outer garment and only left her undergarments.


    Liu Wuxie was startled by her actions¡ªhad she misunderstood him?


    "What are you doing?" Liu Wuxie closed his eyes and locked his brows together.


    "If you can rescue my family, I can even give myself to you, asking for no title or status." Murong Yi wasn''t offering herself now but was determined to get Liu Wuxie''s help.


    Liu Wuxie was left speechless because he was about to ask if he could use the Murong n''s resources if he agreed to help her, and it had nothing to do with her offering herself to him. They hadpletely differing thoughts.


    "Put on your clothes first!" Liu Wuxie turned around. He had closed his eyes when Murong Yi began removing her outer garment.


    Murong Yi felt a wave of bitterness welling up in her chest. This was the first time she had done this in front of a man, but Liu Wuxie had turned away. Was her charm thatcking?


    "So, you''re agreeing to me?" Murong Yi asked in a slightly sad voice as she quietly put her clothes back on.


    "This requires careful nning, and I can do nothing with my current cultivation even if I agree to help you. It''s uncertain if I can even leave Serene Sea City alive," Liu Wuxie said, looking helpless as he turned back around and shrugged.


    What Liu Wuxie said was true, and Murong Yi didn''t refute it. Liu Wuxie''s cultivation was too low, and he would probably be killed before entering the Divine Light Mountain.


    "I''ve waited for twenty years and don''t mind waiting for a few more. If Young Master Liu agrees to help me, the House of Tea Art will do everything possible to increase your cultivation," Murong Yi said with a smile blooming on her face. She could tell from Liu Wuxie''s tone that he had agreed.


    There was nothing Liu Wuxie could do to help, even if he wanted to, and he first had to raise his cultivation if he wanted any chance at saving her family.


    "How will the House of Tea Art help increase my cultivation?" Liu Wuxie smiled. He didn''tck resources for the time being, but who would decline if the House of Tea Art wanted to give him some treasures? Not to mention, his cultivation speed would gradually slow down as he progressed.


    "From today onward, the House of Tea Art''s vault is open to you," Murong Yi said. This was the House of Tea Art''s sincerity, and they could give anything if Liu Wuxie could rescue her family.


    "That¡¯s not needed for the time being. Compared to resources, I need an excellent cultivation chamber," Liu Wuxie said. He didn''t want to owe the House of Tea Art too much, not to mention he already owed them a few favors, only for them to cash out by pleading with him to save Murong Yi''s family from the divine race.


    He knew that the House of Tea Art might not mind if he continued to receive favor from them, but that didn''t mean he wouldn''t mind. It was natural for everyone to love wealth, but he would acquire it through proper means!


    "That''s easy. I''m acquainted with the Profound Spirit Pavilion. I''ll arrange the best cultivation chamber for you at dawn," Murong Yi said. That was a simple request for her.


    The Profound Spirit Pavilion¡¯s businesses were located throughout the True Martial Continent. They mainly rented out cultivation chambers and sold weapons.


    "Since that''s the case, I''d have to trouble Lady Murong!" Liu Wuxie replied. The following conversation became more rxed, and Murong Yi frequently offered him wine.


    The boat docked on the shore at dawn, and Madam Li personally escorted Liu Wuxie to the inn before leaving for the Profound Spirit Pavilion with the twodies.


    The House of Tea Art was highly efficient, and they secured the best cultivation chamber in the Profound Spirit Pavilion. The space was massive, enough to amodate four or five people at once.


    After Madam Li finished making arrangements for Liu Wuxie, she returned to the House of Tea Art.


    News ofst night¡¯s gathering quickly spread, with word of Liu Wuxie¡¯s triumph echoing throughout the city. He had swept first ce in all four arts, surpassing even the renowned four great schrs. His unparalleled performance became the talk of the town, leaving many in awe of his remarkable skill and mastery.


    The Azure Crimson Gate also got furious when they learned that they had lost two prodigies. Upon finding out that Liu Wuxie was a disciple of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, their fury grew, and they even sent out experts to secretly eliminate Liu Wuxie.


    After all, the House of Tea Art wouldn''t always be by Liu Wuxie''s side to protect him, and that would allow them to take him out.


    "Youngdy, has he agreed to it?"


    Murong Yi''s face was a little pale, having not rested well the entire night. She replied, "His reply was ambiguous!"


    That was because Liu Wuxie still needed to give her a definite answer.

 Chapter 556 - Refining the Saint Glazed Liquid

    <h4>Chapter 556 - Refining the Saint zed Liquid</h4>


    Right from the beginning, Liu Wuxie had emphasized that heading to the Divine Light Mountain would have to wait until his cultivation rose.


    Liu Wuxie wouldn¡¯t make the reckless decision to venture to the Divine Light Mountain until he had sufficient strength. The divine race was shrouded in mystery, and any impulsive action could lead to his demise.


    ¡°Should we capture them and force him to head to the Divine Light Mountain?¡± said Madam Li, growing impatient after seeing hope that they could rescue the patriarch while she was alive.


    ¡°This matter cannot be rushed,¡± replied Murong Yi calmly but firmly. She continued, ¡°That is a prideful person, and we can¡¯t use force on him. You¡¯ve seen what happened on the boatst night and the consequences of opposing him. We must watch him closely and ensure he never leaves our sight.¡±


    Murong Yi had already investigated Liu Wuxie¡¯s identity thoroughly. He was a disciple of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    Her n was simple: get close to him and make him owe as many favors to the House of Tea Art as she could. This would make it easier for her to ask for his help in the future.


    Seeing Murong Yi¡¯s resolve, Madam Li no longer objected and quietly retreated.


    Meanwhile, when Liu Wuxie and hispanions entered the cultivation chamber, they were left in awe by the sight before them. Though the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion had impressive cultivation chambers, rich with spiritual energy and timew, allowing a day outside to be a month inside, this chamber was on another level entirely.


    Not only was it massive, but the space was also divided into various specialized areas¡ªone for meditation, another for refining pills, and a dedicated space for practicing martial techniques. There was even a small forging chamber for cksmithing. However, what amazed Liu Wuxie most was the enhanced timew within the chamber. Here, one day outside equaled three months inside, a drastic improvement even over the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion¡¯s facilities.


    ¡°Big Brother Liu, this cultivation chamber must cost a fortune for a day!¡± Chen Ruoyan eximed in excitement. With this cultivation chamber, both she and Jian Xing¡¯er could make rapid progress in their cultivation.


    Liu Wuxie smiled faintly as he rubbed his nose. The House of Tea Art had arranged everything for him, and using this cultivation chamber would cost at least one million spirit stones per day.


    Moreover, the House of Tea Art didn¡¯t give him a time limit. This meant he could stay here for however long he wanted.


    For most people, one million spirit stones a day was an astronomical sum, but it wasn¡¯t much for Liu Wuxie as long as it was worth it.


    ¡°I¡¯ll use the next few days to help you both reach the Heavenly Phase Realm, and I will also attempt to reach the eighth level of the Heavenly Phase Realm,¡± said Liu Wuxie as he set a clear goal for everyone. This was a rare opportunity, and they had to seize it, or they would regret it.


    "Junior Brother Liu, can we truly reach the Heavenly Phase Realm?" Jian Xing¡¯er asked, her voice filled with disbelief. Before meeting Liu Wuxie, even reaching the Heavenly Phase Realm seemed like a distant dream. Her talent had always been average, and she knew she needed an opportunity to break through.


    Chen Ruoyan, on the other hand, didn¡¯t doubt Liu Wuxie''s words for a second. It wasn¡¯t because she believed in herself, but because she had absolute, unwavering faith in Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Anything is possible!¡± Liu Wuxie said, yfully tapping Jian Xing¡¯er on the nose, earning an eye roll in return.


    Liu Wuxie was in high spirits because such a cultivation chamber could shorten months of hard work. Even if he didn¡¯tck resources, reserving such a high-tier cultivation chamber at the Profound Spirit Pavilion wasn¡¯t easy. Most of them were booked months in advance.


    He knew the House of Tea Art must¡¯ve pulled significant strings to secure this room for him. After all, a regr cultivation chamber would¡¯ve been useless to him.


    He took out the Saint zed Liquid and poured out ten droplets, distributing five droplets each to Chen Ruoyan and Jian Xing¡¯er to help cleanse their bodies.


    They had already refined a spiritual essence, significantly improving their talent. Moreover, they reached the high levels of the Heavenly Dipper Realm and weren¡¯t far from the Heavenly Phase Realm.


    Liu Wuxie swallowed the remaining droplets of the Saint zed Liquid, preparing to refine it. As soon as he did, he felt an intense expansion sensation, though it barely fazed him after having consumed hundreds of such droplets before. It was more of a mild tinglingpared to his past experiences.


    "My body hurts!" Chen Ruoyan winced in pain as she felt the energy from the liquid surge through her, pushing her body to its limits.


    "Focus and refine it with all your might," Liu Wuxie¡¯s calm voice echoed in their ears, offering reassurance.


    The pain would pass¡ªit was just part of the journey. They could only witness the rainbow after enduring the storms.


    The three pressed on, gritting their teeth. The Saint zed Liquid flowed through their meridians like mercury, with impurities expelled from their pores as time passed.


    With each breakthrough, the body expelled a portion of the filth. Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t have many impurities. Instead, he used the Saint zed Liquid to temper his True Dragon Physique.


    The body was like a container¡ªthe stronger the container, the greater the capacity. Suppose the body were like a water jar; ordinary true essence would flow like water. Of course, a jar could hold water without any issue.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s true essence was powerful, likerge boulders. It was impossible for a regr jar to containrge boulders¡ªthe boulders would shatter the jar instantly.


    The True Dragon Physique was the ideal vessel, granting him a powerful physiqueparable to a dragon¡¯s. Forget boulders¡ªhe could even contain entire mountains.


    The pain came from his meridians being torn apart and reformed. His bones echoed like war drums being hammered, and the sounds of his bones being tempered reverberated in the cultivation chamber.


    This scene made Chen Ruoyan and Jian Xing¡¯er exchange a look, their eyes filled with shock. If it were anyone else in Liu Wuxie¡¯s position, their bones would¡¯ve shattered, leaving them disabled.


    For Liu Wuxie, each tempering only strengthened his bones, gradually turning them into the bones of a divine dragon through this process. After all, Liu Wuxie¡¯s body contained a lot of divine dragonws after he refined a significant portion of the dragon bones.


    His blood coursed through his meridians like a stampede of wild horses or raging waves that could be heard through his skin.


    Jian Xing¡¯er and Chen Ruoyan couldn¡¯t describe their current feelings. They could only do their best to avoid being left behind by Liu Wuxie.


    As time passed in the cultivation chamber, ten days went by inside, though only an hour had passed outside. While there were no immediate changes in their cultivation levels, their physiques and aptitudes improved drastically, increasing tenfold.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s cultivation had climbed to the pinnacle sixth level of the Heavenly Phase Realm, and he was only one step away from the seventh.


    The twodies were preparing to make a breakthrough to the pinnacle of the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    When half a day passed outside, it had been over a month in the cultivation chamber. Jian Xing¡¯er and Chen Ruoyan finally made their breakthroughs. Their cultivation rose, and the aura they gave off increased.


    Spirit stones were unnecessary because the density of the spiritual energy inside the cultivation chamber was so high that it almost condensed into liquid form.


    Liu Wuxie circted the Deste Devouring Art to gather the surrounding spiritual energy. This was because a massive spiritual vein was beneath them.


    The overwhelming spiritual energy surged into the twodies'' bodies without the need for active refinement, propelling them directly to the pinnacle of the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    The Deste Devouring Art began to devour the surrounding spiritual energy relentlessly. The spiritual energy was so dense that it formed into spiritual rain, pouring down on the deste world to nourish thend. After all, Liu Wuxie did not have to fear anyone finding out in the cultivation chamber.


    As Liu Wuxie¡¯s true essence grew purer, it almost reached the point of bing tangible. This brought Liu Wuxie¡¯s true essence andws to the same level as cultivators in the high levels of the Astral River Realm.


    Subsequently, the twodies also managed to make a breakthrough. They focused on stabilizing their cultivation because Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t in a hurry. He was still focused on tempering his physique.


    The amount of Saint zed Liquid could only transform his physique, and it wasn¡¯t enough to help him make a breakthrough in his cultivation. After absorbing many spiritual essences, a spiritual core, and an Origin Yang Stone, his foundation had further strengthened.


    In time, his umtion would lead to an explosion of strength.


    Two months flew by, and the twodies managed to consolidate their cultivation in the pinnacle of the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    After two months, Liu Wuxie gave up absorbing spiritual energy and stood up from the mat. He said, ¡°You two focus on practicing your martial techniques next while I refine some pills.¡±


    Liu Wuxie knew reaching the Heavenly Phase Realm wouldn¡¯t be easy, which was why he had to refine some pills to aid them in their breakthrough. Moreover, he also needed pills to help him reach the eighth level of the Heavenly Phase Realm.


    Meanwhile, Serene Sea City was excited because a batch of shipments from the barrennd wasing in a few days.


    ¡°Young Lady, the Ling n sent an invitation to invite us to attend the stone betting event that will be held in four days,¡± Lady Yan said as she walked onto the third floor of the House of Tea Art with a formal invitation.


    The House of Tea Art had suddenly announced that it would be permanently closed to the public after the gathering. This news left many prodigies disappointed because they would never have the chance to see Murong Yi again.


    When Murong Yi opened the invitation, she noticed that Liu Wuxie was invited to the event.


    ¡°This Ling n!¡± Murong Yi mmed the invitation to the ground furiously. This was a tant provocation to the House of Tea Art.


    ¡°Young Lady, should we attend?¡± Lady Yan asked as she picked up the invitation.


    ¡°We¡¯ll wait and see how it goes,¡± Murong Yi said, waving her hand to dismiss Lady Yan. She didn¡¯t agree to attend the event because Liu Wuxie was still in seclusion. All decisions would have to wait until Liu Wuxie finished his seclusion.


    There were rumors that the House of Tea Art¡¯s sudden closure was rted to Liu Wuxie, making many prodigies resent him.


    The House of Tea Art¡¯s closure meant that the prodigies would lose their opportunity to pursue Murong Yi, and there were even rumors that Murong Yi had already be Liu Wuxie¡¯s woman.


    These rumors naturally made Liu Wuxie the enemy of the younger generation, and many people sought his demise.


    However, Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t know about that because he had just finished refining several batches of pills.


    The twodies focused on sparing to strengthen their understanding of martial techniques, which progressed at an astonishing pace.


    ¡°Let¡¯s all make a breakthrough to the next realm together!¡± Liu Wuxie handed them some pills to take at the crucial moment. The pills were meant to assist them, while the real key to their advancement would be the ancient spiritual bamboo shoot.


    ¡°Alright!¡± The twodies cheered in excitement. If they could reach the Heavenly Phase Realm, they could fly like Liu Wuxie without needing spiritual treasures.


    When Liu Wuxie took out the ancient spiritual bamboo shoot, the cultivation chamber was filled with a terrifying amount of spirituality.


    The ancient spiritual bamboo shoot contained terrifying energy, and Liu Wuxie divided it into three portions. The twodies took one-quarter each while Liu Wuxie kept the remaining half to himself.


    When they got the ancient spiritual bamboo shoot, Liu Wuxie retrieved the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron and threw it in. The bamboo shoot was rapidly refined, releasing an ancient aura filled withws that merged into his deste world.


    Liu Wuxie could have made a breakthrough long ago, but he had been suppressing his breakthrough on purpose. After absorbing the energy from the ancient spiritual bamboo shoot, his cultivation suddenly advanced, stepping into the seventh level of the Heavenly Phase Realm.


    A thunderous rumble apanied Liu Wuxie¡¯s breakthrough. Inparison, the twodies¡¯ advancement only caused a small ripple, while Liu Wuxie¡¯s breakthrough stirred a roaring storm that caused the entire cultivation chamber to tremble.


    This was the difference¡ªthe deste world was too powerful.


    The Heavenly Dao Book unfurled and radiated a brilliant radiance as it absorbed the ancient spiritual bamboo shoot¡¯s energy, addingws to the book.

 Chapter 557 - Eighth-Level of the Heavenly Phase Realm

    <h4>Chapter 557 - Eighth-Level of the Heavenly Phase Realm</h4>


    The deste world showed no signs of expanding but focused on thews inside, bing moreplete.


    The powerful spirituality in the ancient spiritual bamboo shoot added life to the lifeless deste world, making it more vibrant. However, it wasn¡¯t enough to meet the deste world¡¯s needs.


    Liu Wuxie spent an entire month stabilizing his cultivation in the pinnacle seventh-level Heavenly Phase Realm.


    The twodies had sessfully reached the first level of the Heavenly Phase Realm. They needed time to consolidate their cultivation before another breakthrough.


    Having leaped through several levels in their cultivation, they needed time to temper their physique and primordial souls. They needed to let their bodies and primordial souls adapt to their new cultivation.


    However, Liu Wuxie did not need to adjust because he was an Immortal Emperor in his past life. Each of his breakthroughs was smooth and natural.


    At most, he only needed to temper himself briefly before making another breakthrough to higher cultivation.


    Meanwhile, Serene Sea City became more bustling by the day. Many people left their cultivation chambers to prepare for the monthly stone betting event.


    The three major sects would bring back a batch of shipments from the barrennd, and experts would gather in Serene Sea City, eager to pick stones.


    Luckily, one might obtain a supreme-grade spiritual essence or an ancient fragment.


    ¡°I need to forge my weapon. You two rest for the next few days,¡± said Liu Wuxie. He knew he couldn¡¯t afford to be distracted while reforging the Heretic de. The cultivation chamber wasrge enough, equipped with separate resting areas.


    The twodies nodded and needed a break after cultivating for so long.


    The forging chamber wasn¡¯t vast, but it was enough to satisfy Liu Wuxie¡¯s needs. He took out many materials, including the ancient fragment and the quasi-heavenly artifact.


    ¡°I¡¯ll have to depend on you if I can forge a monarch artifact!¡± Liu Wuxie murmured to himself, holding onto the quasi-heavenly artifact.


    The Heretic de was already on the verge of reaching the Monarch Artifact, where its power would rise significantly.


    When Liu Wuxie took out the quasi-heavenly artifact, the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron began to stir, wanting to devour it.


    ¡°The Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron wants to evolve again?¡± Liu Wuxie muttered as he eyed the cauldron. Thest time it had undergone an evolution, an immense demonic me had surged from within, signaling a dramatic transformation.


    "This is strange... the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron has never reacted like this before, almost as if it¡¯s eager to refine something," Liu Wuxie murmured, sinking deeper into thought. The cauldron¡¯s unusual behavior left him contemting his next steps¡ªwhether to reforge the Heretic de or allow the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron to evolve.


    Both choices would ultimately benefit him, cing him in a dilemma.


    ¡°Forget it. There¡¯s still time before I reach the Astral River Realm. I can fuse the ancient fragment into the Heretic de first and aim to upgrade it to a quasi-monarch artifact. I should prioritize upgrading the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron first.¡±


    He took out a small fragment the size of a fingernail. This was likely a piece of a Heavenly Artifact that was buried in the ground after it had shattered.


    The Heretic de was only one step away from bing a monarch artifact, but its quality surpassed that of ordinary monarch artifacts.


    Liu Wuxie began forming a series of hand seals and infused them into the Heretic de before smelting the ancient fragment with immortal runes to extract the boundlessws and pour them into the Heretic de.


    The artifact spirit was already born and possessed strong spirituality.


    As the Heretic de began to expand, Liu Wuxie realized he had underestimated the power contained within the fragment. The energy it held was immense, far beyond what he had anticipated.


    He quickly began smelting his prepared materials, fusing them into the Heretic de. The artifact spirit, in the form of a golden dragon, greedily devoured each material that was sent into the de.


    Liu Wuxie elerated the forging process, channeling spiritual runes into the de,ying the groundwork for its transformation into a monarch artifact. The de lengthened, its aura bing so suffocating that it filled the chamber with an oppressive force.


    Chen Ruoyan and Jian Xing¡¯er staggered in the adjacent rooms under the overwhelming pressure released from the forging chamber. They barely managed to hold their ground, the intensity of the energy leaving them breathless.


    ¡°Big Brother Liu¡¯s weapon is too powerful. It¡¯s only a xiantian treasure, but it¡¯s even stronger than a monarch artifact,¡± said Chen Ruoyan in shock as she regained her bnce.


    Jian Xing¡¯er nodded in agreement. From the first day she met Liu Wuxie, she had witnessed how he created one miracle after another.


    With each hand sign formed, spiritual runes were sent into the Heretic de, and a new bridge was formed. Liu Wuxieid down the foundation to upgrade it into a monarch artifact.


    He had already reached the limit with the Fatality de Art, which no longer suited him. This meant he would have to find a new de technique for him to use.


    While the Fatality de Art was sufficient against ordinary opponents, the enemies he would run into would be much stronger, which meant he required more powerful martial techniques.


    ¡°I have to hurry up to reach the Astral River Realm. At that time, I won¡¯t have to worry about martial techniques,¡± Liu Wuxie muttered to himself while he continued to reforge the Heretic de.


    After reaching the Astral River Realm, Liu Wuxie would gain ess to some means of an immortal, and he could even start cultivating simpler immortal techniques, albeit with difficulty.


    The Heretic de¡¯s power had increased drastically in just an hour. It might not have reached the level of a monarch artifact, but it had surpassed the level of ordinary monarch artifacts.


    Liu Wuxie began to construct the spiritual runes of a monarch artifact repeatedly. Once a weapon became a monarch artifact, it would develop an internal space that could also function as an interspatial ring.


    Therger the space, the more spiritual runes he could infuse into the Heretic de, which would be activated duringbat. For example, the spiritual runes would form an offensive or defensive spiritual array to boost the weapon¡¯s destructive power.


    Two weeks passed in the blink of an eye, and the Heretic de remained at the level of a pinnacle xiantian treasure. However, the artifact spirit was significantly boosted after fusing with the ancient fragment.


    Sounds of dragon roars echoed within the forging chamber, where Jian Xing¡¯er and Chen Ruoyan hugged each other instinctively as the dragon¡¯s aura filled the entire cultivation chamber.


    Liu Wuxie quickly grasped the Heretic de, and the overwhelming aura it emitted began to retract. If he allowed the pressure to continue, it could very well shatter the primordial spirits of Chen Ruoyan and Jian Xing¡¯er under the oppressive force of the dragon¡¯s aura.


    With a swift motion, he stowed the Heretic de into his interspatial ring. The weapon had already developed a faint consciousness and could now cultivate itself without his direct involvement.


    Liu Wuxie''s next task was to upgrade the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron, and he eagerly anticipated the transformation it would undergo after devouring the quasi-heavenly artifact. The cauldron¡¯s demonic me red to life, more potent than any ordinary me. This demonic fire, acquired during thest upgrade, possessed the terrifying ability to consume anything.


    The demonic me could devour everything, so Liu Wuxie could only spend half a day refining many spiritual essences.


    An ordinary treasure would only take him a few breaths, while others might need days or months to absorb them.


    When he tossed the quasi-heavenly artifact, a longsword, into the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron, Liu Wuxie shifted his consciousness into the deste world, waiting patiently. The demonic mes surged, wrapping around the sword, continually extracting itsws and essence. The sword¡¯s surprising resilience exceeded Liu Wuxie¡¯s expectations.


    The Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron could refine ordinary monarch artifacts in a few breaths, while this longsword remained intact after so long, bringing a trace of astonishment to his face.


    "It¡¯s fortunate I had the cauldron handle this," Liu Wuxie muttered to himself. "If I had tried to fuse it into the Heretic de, the de might not have been able to withstand the longsword¡¯s power. I could¡¯ve faced a bacsh, and the Heretic de might¡¯ve crumbled."


    The demonic mes continued to surge as strange markings appeared on the cauldron¡¯s surface.


    ¡°It has started to evolve!¡± Liu Wuxie watched closely, his attention fixed on every change to the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron. They didn¡¯t belong to demonic runes or immortal runes. He had never seen anything like them before.


    Although the cauldron seemed small on the outside, the internal space was vast and limitless. It acted like the central control system that constructed the entire deste world.


    The deste world was built upon the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron. The two were intricately connected and supported each other.


    Time slowly passed as the demonic me corroded the ancient sword. Bit by bit, the surface began to melt into a molten liquid, flowing into the depths of the cauldron.


    Shortly after, a terrifying surge of energy was fed back into the deste world.


    ¡°What¡¯s this...¡± Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t expect the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron to give him a portion of the energy while refining the quasi-heavenly artifact.


    ¡°Prepare for a breakthrough!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s cultivation was stuck in the seventh level of the Heavenly Phase Realm, and the sudden feedback of energy instantly helped him to break open the gate to the eighth level.


    Liu Wuxie pressed forward and used the energy fed back to him. His cultivation began to rise, advancing to thete phase of the eighth level.


    Six months had passed inside the cultivation chamber, while only two days outside.


    The twodies didn¡¯t idle and rested for two days before they focused on cultivating. After all, every day was a waste when they had such an excellent cultivation chamber.


    The Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron continued to evolve, but the quasi-heavenly artifact hadn¡¯t dissolvedpletely. The surface¡¯s runes continued to increase, forming chains that shot out of the cauldron.


    Liu Wuxie divided a portion of his divine sense to closely monitor the changes to the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron while making a breakthrough in his cultivation.


    A look of astonishment appeared on Liu Wuxie¡¯s face when he saw chains emerging from the cauldron. The pitch-ck chains slithered like ck dragons, weaving through the interior of the cauldron.


    This scene made Liu Wuxie¡¯s scalp tingle with unease. He had no idea why so many chains had appeared during the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron¡¯s upgrade.


    ¡°I understand now,¡± Liu Wuxie muttered. A bold idea began to form in Liu Wuxie¡¯s mind. ¡°It¡¯s rumored that demonic entities are imprisoned in hell. Could these chains be simr to the Earth-Binding Chains, capable of imprisoning everything?¡±


    He was too familiar with the Earth-Binding Chains¡¯ power. Hell was the filthiest, darkest, and the most evil ce in all existence. Anyone who descended into the depths of hell would be a demon.


    Liu Wuxie pondered what exactly the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron truly was, especially with its ability to manifest hell-like visions. He still wasn¡¯t sure of the full extent of the power contained within the mysterious chains that rattled from within the cauldron, eager to be unleashed. He made a mental note to test them as soon as his seclusion ended.


    With a mere spread of his divine sense, the chains rattled as if they wanted to burst out from the cauldron.


    The sword began to dissolve, and the feedback energy was diminishing.


    He spent the remaining time consolidating his cultivation. From time to time, he guided the twodies and also practiced his martial technique.


    When Liu Wuxie¡¯s hands formed seals, icy energy appeared before Liu Wuxie and took on various shapes and forms. After making two consecutive breakthroughs in his cultivation, his dao technique also grew significantly in power.


    Aside from the Primordial Astral Fist, the Frost Finger was his greatestbat strength. Combined with Soul Spear, which was perfect for surprise attacks, along with the Heavenly Dragon Seal and Earth-Binding Chains, Liu Wuxie estimated that he could even y opponents in the high levels of the Astral River Realm.


    Several months had passed in the blink of an eye before Liu Wuxie knew it. Meanwhile, Serene Sea City was bustling with activity.


    When the three major sects transported a fresh batch of shipments from the barrennd, they stored them in the guild established by the three sects, where they were sold to the public.


    The guild was established to facilitate trading goods from the barrennd. This ensured that buyers wouldn¡¯t have to travel back and forth between the three major sects.


    ¡°Young Lady, it has been four days, and he still hasn¡¯te out!¡± Lady Yan was growing anxious. Aside from the Ling n, the three major sects had also sent an invitation to the House of Tea Art to invite Murong Yi to the uing stone betting event.


    The sudden invitation to the House of Tea Art had hinted at their deeper intentions.

 Chapter 558 - Demonic Dragons

    <h4>Chapter 558 - Demonic Dragons</h4>


    The House of Tea Art had be noticeably quiet after being closed to the public.


    "There''s no need to rush," Murong Yi said calmly, standing by the window and showing no sign of anxiety.


    She believed Liu Wuxie wouldn''t miss out on such a grand event. The stone betting event was tomorrow, and half a day was left. If Liu Wuxie hadn''te out of seclusion by then, he would have missed the event.


    Liu Wuxie stood upright after retracting his fists with beads of sweat rolling down his forehead. While four days had passed in the outside world, it had been more than a year for the trio in the cultivation world.


    "It''s time for us to go," Liu Wuxie said. His cultivation had finally stabilized after months of training, and he looked like an ordinary person after he withdrew his aura.


    When the trio emerged from the cultivation chamber, it was already dusk. The moment they stepped out of the Profound Spirit Pavilion, Madam Li mysteriously appeared before Liu Wuxie.


    "How did you know I woulde out today?" Liu Wuxie asked curiously.


    "Young Lady won''t make any mistakes. She told me you wille out today," Madam Li replied respectfully. She was unusually humble in her attitude. This naturally attracted people''s attention to the fact that someone in the Nascent Transformation Realm was polite before someone in the Heavenly Phase Realm.


    Liu Wuxie nodded and didn''t think much about it. Murong Yi was extraordinarily intelligent and perceptive, so it wasn''t surprising that she had guessed his intentions urately.


    Thenterns were lit when the trio returned to the House of Tea Art.


    Murong Yi had prepared a food and drink table and was waiting for Liu Wuxie.


    Jian Xing''er and Chen Ruoyan were stunned when they saw Murong Yi. They couldn''t believe such a beauty existed in the world.


    They had also developed an ethereal temperament after their breakthrough, and their appearance was no less stunning than Murong Yi.


    Murong Yi was also momentarily stunned by Chen Ruoyan and Jian Xing''er''s beauty. She hadn''t expected Liu Wuxie to be surrounded by such beauties. It was no wonder why Liu Wuxie did not react when he saw her¡ªanyone who was constantly surrounded by such two beauties would naturally develop some form of immunity.


    As everyone took their seats, Liu Wuxie was surrounded by three women, no less stunning than each other. However, Chen Ruoyan and Jian Xing''er were wary of Murong Yi, while thetter looked at Liu Wuxie strangely.


    "Did you know that I woulde out of seclusion today?" Liu Wuxie asked, narrowing his eyes as he looked at Murong Yi. He knew she wasn''t as simple as she appeared.


    "Young Master Liu wouldn''t want to miss out on the stone betting event," said Murong Yi as she took out four invitations and ced them before Liu Wuxie.


    Each invitation was addressed to both her and Liu Wuxie to participate in the stone-betting event that the three major sects held.


    Liu Wuxie merely cast a nce at the invitations and said nothing. On the contrary, Jian Xing''er tugged Liu Wuxie''s clothes, urging him not to ept the invitation.


    After all, Liu Wuxie had offended the Azure Crimson Gate, and this would be a dangerous trip. Attending the event might expose him to various dangers and might even lead to his death.


    The two women were still unaware of the background of the House of Tea Art and didn''t know why they were protecting Liu Wuxie. Thus, it was natural for them to be concerned.


    "What if I refuse?" Liu Wuxie asked, still contemting whether to attend the event.


    "I can just decline their invitation if you do not wish to attend," Murong Yi replied. She continued, "However, I hope that you can attend. Such an event is rare in the Southern Province, and I believe it will be helpful to you."


    "If I refuse, I bet the Azure Crimson Gate and Ling n will send someone to the House of Tea Art tomorrow morning," Liu Wuxie said, waving his hand. He knew all too well how despicable the Azure Crimson Gate could be.


    He knew they probably wanted to target him during the stone betting event and make things difficult. It would be hard for him to leave Serene Sea City unscathed then.


    Murong Yi said nothing and acknowledged what Liu Wuxie said.


    As the banquet continued, an awkward atmosphere hovered over the four. Jian Xing''er and Chen Ruoyan felt uneasy around a beauty like Murong Yi and naturally became wary of her.


    Murong Yi stood up after the banquet and said, "I''ve arranged three rooms for you three, and you can all rest here for the night."


    She hoped Liu Wuxie and the twodies could stay the night in the House of Tea Art, ensuring their safety.


    "There¡¯s no need," Liu Wuxie replied, rising to his feet. He didn''t want to grow too close to the House of Tea Art. He continued, "We''ll spend the night at the inn and return tomorrow morning."


    Although he had promised to help Murong Yi rescue her family, now wasn''t the right time.


    "Very well. Madam Li, please send Young Master Liu and his friends back," Murong Yi said graciously.


    "No need. We can manage ourselves," Liu Wuxie replied, declining the offer again. He had no desire to live under the protection of the House of Tea Art, knowing it would hinder his growth. Relying on their safety would make him like a flower sheltered in a greenhouse¡ªunable to withstand the harsh realities of the outside world.


    He quickly left the House of Tea Art with the twodies and returned to the inn.


    Madam Li stood beside Murong Yi, looking at her and waiting for her decision.


    "He''s too prideful," Murong Yi remarked, her usualposure returning. "Do not intervene unless his life is truly in danger." The graceful demeanor she had shown earlier was merely an act, driven by her determination to rescue her parents.


    "Understood," Madam Li replied. She followed Liu Wuxie from afar, careful not to be noticed.


    As soon as Liu Wuxie left the House of Tea Art, several people followed behind them. Many people had been lurking around the House of Tea Art for the past few days, waiting for Liu Wuxie to show up.


    "Big Brother Liu, we''re being followed," one of the twodies whispered. Their divine sense had grown after reaching the Heavenly Phase Realm, and they soon noticed many people tailing them.


    "Let them follow," Liu Wuxie replied nonchntly. The trio quickened their pace and were only an hour away from the inn.


    But just as the inn came into view, three figures appeared in their way.


    "Liu Wuxie, your time hase!" The three were donned in the Azure Crimson Gate''s uniform, faintly discernible through the weak lighting. These were the same men who had mocked Liu Wuxie on the boat.


    "Trash like you three wish to kill me?" Liu Wuxie thought it would be someone in the Nascent Transformation Realm, but the three were in the Astral River Realm.


    Though their cultivation was impressive¡ªone at the ninth level and two at the eighth¡ªthey were still far beneath him.


    "Trash? You''ll regret those words! I''ll make you regreting to this world! We''ll enjoy these two women after we kill you," one of the three sneered, looking at the twodies beside Liu Wuxie with a lustful nce.


    He realized that the twodies beside Liu Wuxie were not inferior to Murong Yi. However, if he had to ssify the threedies, Murong Yi was a tad superior due to her temperament.


    "Big Brother Liu, be careful!" The twodies felt helpless that they couldn''t help Liu Wuxie.


    "You two, stay back," Liu Wuxie nodded. This was his first time facing opponents in the high levels of the Astral River Realm, and he had to be cautious. Then again, he wasn''t perturbed with the Heavenly Dragon Seal and Earth Binding Chains on him.


    After reaching the eighth level of the Heavenly Phase Realm, his primordial spirit was strong enough to unleash Soul Spears multiple times.


    "Strike first to leave no room for error!" one of the threemanded, drawing his weapon and charging toward Liu Wuxie. They had been the first to receive news of Liu Wuxie''s whereabouts and had caught up.


    "Let''s finish this quickly!" Liu Wuxie charged forward, wanting to end the battle quickly in case more enemies arrived.


    The Azure Crimson Gate''s disciples also shared the same thought, wanting to take Liu Wuxie down before anyone else arrived.


    However, the Primordial Astral Fist was so powerful that it could be felt from a few hundred miles away once executed. The best Liu Wuxie could do was to minimize themotion caused by their fight.


    "Frost Ray Seal!" Liu Wuxie yelled and unveiled a new dao technique that heprehended during his seclusion. This technique was born from his mastery over Frost Finger, adding more intricate changes.


    This new technique focused onpressing icy energy into a razor-thin ray, making it extremely difficult to defend against. Unlike the <i>Frost Finger</i>, which was easier to predict due to the overwhelming chill it radiated, this refined technique significantly boosted Liu Wuxie¡¯s offensive power. The icy energy glimmered like a silver thread as it wove through the three opponents, freezing the air around them and drastically reducing their movement speed.


    "What a powerful dao technique!" one of the three from the Azure Crimson Gate eximed. They were surprised because dao techniques were usuallyprehended only after reaching the Astral River Realm.


    With their speed suppressed, Liu Wuxie''s chance had finallye. The exchange between the four was so rapid that it looked like lightning crackling in the night sky, unleashing a terrifying current surging in all directions to paint a chaotic scene.


    Liu Wuxie grasped the moment their speed faltered to split the Soul Spear into three. This was another evolution of the dao technique¡ªthe Soul Spear was no longer confined to a single form. It could now be divided into three.


    The three men let out agonized screams, their voices echoing as everything unfolded far too quickly for them to react. This was the chaotic scene Madam Li stumbled upon when she arrived. She hadn¡¯t expected this oue, especially not when she was about to intervene.


    Then again, the main reason was that the trio had underestimated Liu Wuxie. If they had gone all out right from the start, Liu Wuxie wouldn''t have been able to shatter their primordial souls so quickly.


    The bizarre nature of Frost Ray Seal and the sneak attack of Soul Spear surprised the trio. The pain radiating from their primordial souls severely hindered their movements.


    They were all in the Astral River Realm; the pain was temporary, not fatal.


    "Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron, it''s on you now!" Liu Wuxie didn''t resort to using the Earth Binding Chains. Though the Earth Binding Chains was powerful, it also had an obvious w: it could only target one person at a time.


    While the Heavenly Dragon Seal was powerful, it would be unwise for him to reveal it with several experts hidden in the surroundings unless he could kill everyone. He didn''t possess such strength, so he didn''t use the Heavenly Dragon Seal.


    Upon receiving Liu Wuxie''s summon, chains shot out from the depth of the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron. The chains were pitch-ck, each wrapped in thick demonic energy.


    The chains sounded like they came from the depths of hell. Before they even appeared, they made Liu Wuxie feel a terrifying force surging from within, trying to break out of his body.


    The chains were as thick as a grown man''s arm and looked terrifying. Each chain was connected to a pointed spike, making it impossible for anyone to escape once caught. Moreover, the more one struggled, the deeper the spikes would pierce into the flesh, causing excruciating pain.


    The chains hovered in the air after they shot out from the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron. But strangely enough, the people in the surroundings couldn''t sense them, and they could only feel a wave of terrifying energy sweeping out.


    They couldn''t discern what that mysterious energy was. Only Liu Wuxie could see the chains¡ªpitch-ck, ominous, like demonic dragons from another realm, coiling menacingly in the air. These abyssal dragons bared their fangs as they wrapped themselves around the three from the Azure Crimson Gate, ensnaring them with terrifying speed.


    Everything unfolded in an instant, the chains moving entirely in sync with Liu Wuxie¡¯s thoughts. It was his first time using them, and though he wielded their power effectively, he knew there were still many nuances he hadn¡¯t yet mastered. More practice would be needed before he could fullymand their immense potential.

 Chapter 559 - Stone-Betting Event

    <h4>Chapter 559 - Stone-Betting Event</h4>


    Though it was Liu Wuxie''s first time using the chains, it didn''t hinder him. The ck chains appeared out of nowhere before the three like demonic dragons baring their fangs.


    Although the three couldn''t see the ck chains, they could sense something was wrong. The surrounding air became heavy, and an invisible power locked them in ce.


    When they realized what was happening, it was already toote. The ck chains were like demonic dragons starving for countless years. The chains shot out and locked the three in ce.


    The moment the chains bound onto them, barbed spikes burrowed into their flesh, drawing out screams that echoed through the night sky. The three couldn''t escape the chains'' merciless grip no matter how hard they tried.


    Then, something even more terrifying unfolded. The three men¡¯s bodies began to shrivel as their energy was slowly drained away. The pitch-ck chains devoured their life force, channeling it back into the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron before converting it into liquid form.


    "This..." Liu Wuxie was stunned by this scene; he couldn''t believe his eyes.


    After evolving, the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron could drain and refine energies from a person''s body even faster. He didn''t have to summon the cauldron; he could drain their energies through the chains.


    "What power!" Even Liu Wuxie felt terrified by the chains.


    In mere moments, only three shriveled husks remained, copsing to the ground. The vitality and energy of the Azure Crimson Gate experts had been utterly consumed.


    Jian Xing''er and Chen Ruoyan, standing side by side, were left speechless. The battle had ended so swiftly that they barely had time to process what had happened. The three opponents, once formidable, were now nothing but lifeless shells, their lives snuffed out by the cauldron¡¯s devouring chains.


    With a quiet hiss, the chains returned to the depth of the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron as if nothing had ever happened. This opportunity also gave Liu Wuxie a clearer understanding of the chains'' function.


    The chains were primarily designed for imprisonment, but inbat, Liu Wuxie realized he still had to rely on his own skills. If the trio¡¯s primordial spirits hadn¡¯t been injured, they might have been able to react in time and evade the chains.


    "Let''s go!" Liu Wuxie said. He could sense more powerful figures approaching. He grabbed the twodies by hand and fled from the scene, vanishing into the inn.


    In their courtyard, Liu Wuxie fortified the spiritual array to prevent anyone from breaching it.


    Many powerful cultivators were in the surroundings but wouldn''t carelessly intrude in the courtyard. After all, it would be embarrassing if they tried and failed to breach the spiritual array.


    Meanwhile, Madam Li stood frozen, uncertain of what to do next. She was still in disbelief at how Liu Wuxie had killed his enemies and left unscathed.


    When the Azure Crimson Gate''s men arrived, they were furious to learn that the three of their best had fallen.


    "It must be the House of Tea Art! The House of Tea Art''s experts must''ve secretly helped Liu Wuxie kill our Azure Crimson Gate disciples!" Several elders of the Azure Crimson Gate arrived, and they learned that the trio had died mysteriously.


    That was the case in the eyes of others. The chains were invisible to others; they could only see Liu Wuxie remain in ce after executing the dao technique.


    Thus, it was only logical for the Azure Crimson Gate to conclude that someone had secretly aided Liu Wuxie in killing their disciples.


    Even Jian Xing''er and Chen Ruoyan shared the same thoughts. After all, the death of those three men was too strange, as if their bodies had suddenly shriveled on their own, turning into a pile of skins.


    "Big Brother Liu, what happened earlier? Why did they just disappear all of a sudden?" Chen Ruoyan asked in a trembling voice when they returned to their courtyard.


    Jian Xing''er, too, had her curiosity piqued. She could only assume that the House of Tea Art must''ve intervened to help them.


    "That''s a secret for now," Liu Wuxie gave them a cryptic reply. The Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron was too ominous and his greatest secret. It wasn''t that he didn''t trust them, but he didn''t want to scare them with the truth. After all, anyone would worry if such an ominous item like the cauldron was in their body.


    The two women didn''t press further, sensing Liu Wuxie''s reluctance. They trusted that Liu Wuxie had his reasons.


    After such a long seclusion, it was time for them to rest for the night. When they returned to their respective rooms, Liu Wuxie sat on the bed with his divine sense entering the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron.


    Liu Wuxie watched as rows of liquid hovered above the cauldron, drained from the three cultivators by the devouring chains. Havingpleted their task, the ck chains vanished, retreating into the cauldron''s depths, like phantoms returning to the underworld.


    With a single motion, Liu Wuxie poured the collected liquid into his deste world. A tremendous power surged through him, scattering like rain across the destendscape within. Though his cultivation hadn¡¯t significantly risen, the purity of his true essence had increased, enriched by the Astral River Realm¡¯sws contained within the liquid.


    As the refinement continued, morews from the Astral River Realm manifested within his body. In terms of true essence, Liu Wuxie was now on par with cultivators in the Astral River Realm, even though he hadn¡¯t formally stepped into that realm yet. In his deste world, thews had multiplied to tens of thousands.


    Typical cultivators in the low levels of the Astral River Realm only had a few thousandws in their bodies. Thatparison alone made it easy to see how formidable Liu Wuxie had be.


    Meanwhile, the night was anything but peaceful in Serene Sea City. The enraged higher-ups of the Azure Crimson Gate stormed into the House of Tea Art, demanding that the culprits responsible for the deaths of their disciples be handed over.


    However, the House of Tea Art swiftly tossed the elders out. It became clear that the House of Tea Art was shrouded in even more mystery, likely backed by an expert of the True Profound Realm, as not even the Azure Crimson Gate¡¯s elders could gain any advantage over them.


    At the break of dawn, Liu Wuxie stepped out of his room, stretching his limbs as he felt the refreshing energy coursing through his body. After a long period of seclusion, the night''s rest had rejuvenated himpletely.


    Jian Xing''er and Chen Ruoyan also emerged from their rooms, theirplexions radiant after a good night''s sleep. A faint celestial aura lingered around them, enhancing their already ethereal beauty. They seemed like fairies who had descended from the heavens, their otherworldly temperament shining brightly in the early morning light.


    As they stepped out of the courtyard, Madam Li was already waiting. When she looked at Liu Wuxie, there was a hint of respect in her eyes.


    Everyone had attributedst night¡¯s events to the House of Tea Art, believing that they had aided Liu Wuxie in eliminating the three disciples from the Azure Crimson Gate.


    In reality, only the House of Tea Art was aware that they hadn''t sent anyone to assist Liu Wuxie that night. The sole exception was Madam Li, who had apanied Liu Wuxie back to the inn herself.


    Only the House of Tea Art knew that Liu Wuxie had relied on his ability to kill the three disciples.


    Nheless, the House of Tea Art had no reason to correct this misconception. They preferred to be misunderstood, as the association with Liu Wuxie proved more advantageous for them.


    "My apologies for making you wait," Liu Wuxie said when he exited the courtyard. After all, Madam Li had been standing guard to protect them throughout the night.


    "Let''s get going. The youngdy should also be ready," Madam Li replied with a hint of respect. Her regard for Liu Wuxie had grown to rival that of Murong Yi¡¯s.


    Liu Wuxie didn''t correct her. He knew their respect was tied to the hope that he would agree to save Murong Yi''s family in the Western Barren.


    When they reached the House of Tea Art, an exquisite carriage was waiting at the entrance. Afterst night¡¯s events, no one dared to look down on the House of Tea Art anymore.


    After all, it had proven how formidable the House of Tea Art was that even the Azure Crimson Gate''s elders were kicked out. This meant anyone who wanted to harm Liu Wuxie would have to think twice or find a way to avoid the House of Tea Art, preventing their involvement.


    Murong Yi emerged from the House of Tea Art with a veil covering her face.


    Chen Ruoyan and Jian Xing''er also wore a light veil, aware that their beauty would cause unnecessary trouble in the bustling stone-betting event.


    "Young Master Liu," Murong Yi said courteously as she bowed toward Liu Wuxie.


    "Greetings, Lady Murong," Liu Wuxie replied, returning her polite greeting. This was simply an exchange of manners.


    The four climbed into the carriage, with Madam Li taking the reins herself. Their destination was the guild established by the three major sects.


    The carriage had arge interior. Liu Wuxie and Chen Ruoyan sat on the left side, while Jian Xing''er and Murong Yi were on the right.


    The carriage passed through the bustling streets and stopped an hourter.


    "Young Lady, we''ve arrived!" Madam Li''s voice called out. She quickly sat beside the carriage, and Chen Ruoyan was the first to step out.


    The streets were packed with people outside, and a crowd was flooding in from the surroundings. In front of them was a massive dome-shaped building, reaching a height of thirty meters and covering an area of several thousand square meters.


    The building had multiple entrances, and people steadily filled in. It was sorge that it couldfortably amodate tens of thousands of people.


    In addition to experts from the three major sects, the nearby prominent and second-tier sects have also arrived. On this particr day of the night, Serene Sea City was always bustling with activity.


    Tens of thousands of stones were shipped into Serene Sea City from the barrennd. The group of five entered through the east gate, and the inside was filled with people.


    "Lady Murong, we''ve been expecting you. Please,e this way," a young man said as he stepped in front of the group as soon as they entered.


    The dome-shaped building was like a gigantic exhibition hall, withrge amounts of stones inside. The interior was divided into several areas based on the quality¡ªlow, intermediate, and high grade.


    The three major sects upied the majority of the prime spots. Somerge ns had also sent men into the barrennd to excavate stones.


    Though their numbers couldn''tpete with the three major sects, they also had a small area catered to them, where they disyed their stones for potential buyers.


    Each stone had a price tag to help facilitate purchases for anyone interested. There were even areas catered to cutting the stones, where skilled experts were hired to ensure the treasure inside wasn''t damaged.


    The group was approached by a youth as soon as they came in.


    "And who might you be?" Murong Yi asked, her brows furrowing slightly.


    "I am Duan Xing, responsible for attending to special guests. There''s a private lounge where you can rest and wait for the stone-betting event to start. Please, follow me," the youth introduced himself with a respectful bow. They were workers hired by the three major sects for the guild to manage it, and the profits would be divided between the three sects.


    They would draw a portion of the sales from others. If the Xiang n Manor wished to sell their stones in the guild, the guild would draw a portion of the sales for each stone sold, and thatmission fee would be divided among the three major sects.


    Hundreds of ns, like the Xiang n Manor,peted and hoped to sell their stones for a reasonable price. Some merchants brought their stones over from the various shops, hoping to try their luck in the bustling market.


    However, the odds of someone finding a treasure were pitifully low. Of tens of thousands of stones, only a few contained spiritual essences.


    This was the nature of stone gambling¡ªit was all about luck. If one was lucky, one could cut open a spiritual essence cheaply. But if they weren''t lucky, they would be disappointed even if they spent a mountain of spirit stones.


    Murong Yi turned to look at Liu Wuxie, silently asking for his opinion¡ªshould they explore the hall, or should they rest in the lounge?


    "Let''s go," Liu Wuxie said calmly. With Ghost Eye, he didn''t have to look around and could find a ce to wait.

 Chapter 560 - Teng Clans Remnants

    <h4>Chapter 560 - Teng n''s Remnants</h4>


    The crowd was overwhelming, and Liu Wuxie knew the twodies would feel uneasy amidst such arge gathering. It was best to find a quieter ce, away from the chaos of the marketce. Male cultivators far outnumbered female cultivators, and the air was thick with voices haggling and negotiating.


    Though the higher-ups of the three major sects had yet to arrive, people had already begun conducting private transactions, eager to gain an advantage before the official event started. As Liu Wuxie¡¯s group passed through a long corridor, the number of people around them noticeably thinned. Ahead stood a small two-story pavilion, strategically positioned to overlook the entire bustling hall.


    This gathering was grand in scale, with over ten thousand people already assembled. The pavilion, however, was reserved for select individuals, and only those of considerable status were invited. Dozens of tables were neatly arranged inside, with a few guests already having imed prime spots.


    When Liu Wuxie stepped in, dozens of eyes from the pavilion turned to focus on him in unison.


    Shortly after, a powerful outburst of murderous intent swept through the pavilion, causing it to produce a creaking noise under pressure.


    On the left sat two elders. They were both in the Nascent Transformation Realm and were likely elders of the Azure Crimson Gate.


    Last night, three of their true disciples had died because of Liu Wuxie, and the loss was a significant blow to the Azure Crimson Gate.


    "Liu Wuxie, how dare you step foot here?!" The two elders stood up, ready to kill Liu Wuxie on the spot.


    It was evident that it wasn''t the Azure Crimson Gate who had invited Liu Wuxie. Given their hatred for Liu Wuxie, how would they allow him into the pavilion?


    "Let''s calm down for now, gentlemen. Today''s gathering is for guests, and there''s no need for bloodshed." Two elders appeared, donning the attire of the Sky Rift Valley.


    An elder of the Sky Rift Valley waved his hand to dismiss the murderous intent.


    "Wei Qisheng, will you stop me from avenging our Azure Crimson Gate''s disciples?!" The two elders from the Azure Crimson Gate were furious. They were the ones who gave the invitation to the House of Tea Art to lure Liu Wuxie over for them to kill.


    Now that Liu Wuxie was here, it was the perfect opportunity for them to take his life and settle their grievance once and for all. After all, the Azure Crimson Gate had lost several of its elites in the past few days, which had caused an uproar and struck a significant blow to its reputation.


    The entire sect was humiliated to be repeatedly embarrassed by someone in the Heavenly Phase Realm.


    Wei Qisheng, the elder from the Sky Rift Valley who intervened, looked amicable and didn''t seem prone to conflicts.


    "Elder Li, please calm down. He''s a guest since he''s here, and this isn''t where you can settle your grievances. Don''t forget that fighting is strictly forbidden in this ce, as agreed by the three major sects. The vitors will face our collective punishment if they dare to break this rule. With that said, do you still intend to test the rule with your life?" Wei Qisheng said with a smile, unfazed by the tension.


    When the three major sects had established the guild, a rule was established to prevent anyone from causing trouble and affecting the guild''s business.


    Throughout the years, they had dealt with anyone who dared to cause trouble in the guild with no exception, and no one dared to seek revenge against the three major sects.


    "You dare talk to me about the rules? This brat killed several disciples of my Azure Crimson Gate, and you want me to let it go?" Li Hongda, the other elder from the Azure Crimson Gate, was seething with rage. The aura he gave off was so powerful that it caused the pavilion to tremble, with dust falling from the ceiling.


    The Azure Crimson Gate had no ns to let it slide.


    "Why don''t you try and make a move?" Madam Li stepped forward with her cane and released an even more powerful aura, forcing the two elders from the Azure Crimson Gate to take several steps back.


    This finally drew the attention of the two Azure Crimson Gate elders, who turned to Madam Li. Her action confirmed the rumors that the House of Tea Art and Liu Wuxie were in league with each other.


    "The House of Tea Art has always maintained a neutral position in Serene Sea City. This is the feud between the Azure Crimson Gate and him. Please don''t interfere in our matter," Li Hongda replied. He was one of the elders who had visited the House of Tea Art the previous day, but they were all thrown out by a mysterious man in ck, which was a huge disgrace for them.


    "Young Master Liu is our guest," Madam Li replied coldly. She continued, "Anyone who dares to go after him would be an enemy of the House of Tea Art. I suggest you sit down obediently."


    She naturally wouldn''t act for real because her goal was only to ensure Liu Wuxie''s safety. As for his grievance with the Azure Crimson Gate, she didn''t want to get involved.


    "Fine! Let''s see how long the House of Tea Art can protect him!" Li Hongda growled, seething in frustration. Liu Wuxie was within his reach, but he couldn''t make a move. Thus, anyone could imagine the frustration he felt.


    They could only find another opportunity to kill Liu Wuxie. They could use the uing stone-betting event to eliminate him.


    All the while, Liu Wuxie said nothing and simply remembered the faces of the two Azure Crimson Gate elders. He then walked over to the two elders from the Sky Rift Valley and gave them a bow. He said, "Thank you for speaking on my behalf."


    "You''re being too polite. We''ve heard of your performance on the boat, and our disciples were filled with praises for you," Wei Qisheng said with a smile, examining Liu Wuxie with no air around him.


    The Sky Rift Valley had always maintained a reputation for peace, rarely engaging in disputes with other factions. However, anyone who underestimated them would be making a grave mistake. It was precisely their policy of staying out of conflicts that allowed them to grow steadily over the years, earning them a spot among the top five sects in terms of strength, despite not being widely recognized.


    "You''re ttering me," Liu Wuxie replied humbly. The two parties exchanged pleasantries because there was no harm for him to build a good rtionship with the Sky Rift Valley.


    When the two sides parted, the Sky Rift Valley went to the right, while Liu Wuxie''s group was assigned to the left.


    "Liu Wuxie, stop right there!" a voice bellowed from below the pavilion, and a young man appeared, racing his way up the stairs.


    Liu Wuxie didn''t recognize this young man, but he could sense the murderous intenting from thetter. He suddenly narrowed his eyes because he found this young man familiar even though he was sure they had never met.


    "It''s Teng Yue!" Jian Xing''er eximed upon recognizing the youth.


    Teng Yue was unfazed after being identified. He strode to Liu Wuxie, releasing a terrifying aura in the Astral River Realm. The tremendous pressure he gave off lifted the nks on the floor.


    "So, who are you?" Liu Wuxie asked in a calm tone. He waved his hand and dismissed the murderous intent, leaving many people in the surroundings shocked.


    After all, Teng Yue was in the high levels of the Astral River Realm, but Liu Wuxie''s ability to effortlessly neutralize his murderous intent was nothing short of astonishing.


    When the murderous intent vanished, the nks on the ground returned to normal. However, that didn''t stop the boiling murderous intent in Teng Yue''s eyes.


    "Junior Brother Liu, he''s a disciple of the Teng n!" Jian Xing''er whispered into Liu Wuxie''s ears.


    Liu Wuxie nodded in acknowledgment. He now knew why Teng Yue looked familiar¡ªhe was from the Teng family.


    "Liu Wuxie, you destroyed my n, and I will avenge my deceased nsmen today!" Teng Yue continued to approach Liu Wuxie. He had rushed over upon hearing that Liu Wuxie hade to Serene Sea City.


    Liu Wuxie was surprised that someone from the Teng n was still alive, and Teng Yue had only survived because he resided in the Azure Crimson Gate.


    "Get lost!" Even before Liu Wuxie could react, Madam Li waved her hand and sent Teng Yue stumbling back down the stairs. The immense aura that she gave off left him gasping for breath.


    "Liu Wuxie," Teng Yue spat angrily. "Come and fight me in a duel to the death if you have the guts! Hiding behind the back of others¡ªwhat kind of hero are you?"


    Before confronting Liu Wuxie, Teng Yue had already learned of his current situation. His face became ashen with rage at the House of Tea Art''s interference; he could barely contain his strong desire to rip Liu Wuxie apart.


    "Talk to me about a duel if you can get past Madam Li," Liu Wuxie said dismissively. To him, the Teng n was already destroyed, and he didn''t care much about killing a remnant of the n.


    "Very well. Let me see how long you can keep hiding," Teng Yue snarled, his face distorted with rage as he gritted his teeth. Veins bulged on his forehead as his fists tightened, trembling in fury.


    "I''m right here, and you''re wee to kill me if you have what it takes," Liu Wuxie said with a devilish and mocking smile.


    Teng Yue''s cultivation in the eighth level of the Astral River Realm was nothing in Liu Wuxie''s eyes. Justst night, he had killed three people in the high levels of the Astral River Realm.


    Infuriated by Liu Wuxie¡¯s words, Li Hongda rose from his seat. If the word went out, Liu Wuxie''s tant disregard and provocation for the Azure Crimson Gate would further affect the sect''s reputation.


    The two elders from the Azure Crimson Gate were only in the low levels of the Nascent Transformation Realm and were no match for Madam Li.


    "Mark my words¡ªI will find my chance to kill you!" Teng Yue hissed before greeting the two elders and descending the stairs.


    The pavilion soon returned to peace, and two elders from the Demonic Heart Pce arrived roughly fifteen minutester. Their eyes were locked on Liu Wuxie when they stepped into the pavilion.


    After all, everyone in Serene Sea City has recently been talking about Liu Wuxie. From outside, they couldn''t see anything special about him. But this seemingly unremarkable young man hade up with such a legendary poem and even yed such a beautiful piece of music, capable of shocking the world.


    A sinister aura swept out when the two elders from the Demonic Heart Pce came in. They cultivated demonic techniques, and it was natural for them to ooze a sinister aura.


    Liu Wuxie remainedposed, his attention focused on the uncut stones below. Since reaching the eighth level of the Heavenly Phase Realm, his mastery of the Soul Forge Art had grown, allowing his Ghost Eye technique to evolve even further. His vision now extended beyond its previous limits, enabling him to perceive far more than before. As he scanned the stones, he quietly took note of which ones contained hidden treasures.


    "Young Master Liu, is it true that you can see through the stones?" Murong Yi asked softly, her curiosity barely concealed.


    "What do you mean by that?" Liu Wuxie asked, turning his head over to her.


    "There are rumors," Murong Yi continued, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. Her tone was yful, but there was a hint of probing behind her words. "Everyone is saying you have a special gift, a power that lets you see through the stones. This is why the ten stones you picked all contain something valuable."


    "It''s just a coincidence," Liu Wuxie replied. He naturally wouldn''t admit it to anyone. After all, it was impossible even for those who had practiced an eye technique to see through the stones.


    "From what I''ve heard, the remaining stones from the Xiang n Manor were all bought after that incident, but only three spiritual essences were found among them. It was like you could see through them and pick out the valuable ones."


    After Liu Wuxie''s stone bet with Cheng Chen, the leftover items were all snatched up in a frenzy. But to everyone''s disappointment, there were only three spiritual essences in the remaining stones, and no one had the same luck as Liu Wuxie.


    "Perhaps I''m just fortunate," Liu Wuxie said with a chuckle, brushing off this topic. So what if there was suspicion as long as he denied it?


    However, it appeared that he had to keep a low profile, or he would invite unnecessary trouble if someone found out that he could see through the stones.

 Chapter 561 - Unrefusable Offer

    <h4>Chapter 561 - Unrefusable Offer</h4>


    The Ling n had risen to be the wealthiest n in Serene Sea City, relying on the high sess of their ability to appraise valuable stones. Even so, they only had a fifty percent sess rate, while Liu Wuxie¡¯s ability to see through the stones guaranteed a hundred percent sess rate.


    Murong Yi didn¡¯t press any further. Even experts in the True Profound Realm couldn¡¯t see through the stones, and Liu Wuxie, even though in Heavenly Phase Realm, had probably been just incredibly lucky thest time.


    Liu Wuxie scanned the vast disy of stones once more. There were over a hundred thousand stones, far too many for him to inspect.


    ¡°The stone-betting event is about to begin. Shall we go down?¡± someone suggested as the event had officially started.


    Stone betting was usually done individually and not as a group. People bet on their luck to see if any treasure existed in the stone they purchased. Hundreds of stones were sold in just a few minutes and immediately cut open.


    The elders of the three major sects came down from the pavilion to maintain order in the guild.


    ¡°Brother Liu, shall we go down as well?¡± Chen Ruoyan asked excitedly. She wanted to try her hand at picking a stone, hoping to see if she could cut out any spiritual essence.


    Jian Xing¡¯er¡¯s face also lit up with anticipation, and her excitement was barely contained.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Liu Wuxie agreed. He had nned to go down even if they hadn¡¯t asked. He had already spotted a few treasures within the stones that would greatly help him.


    Ordinary spiritual essences no longer interested him. His main objective was to search for high-grade spiritual essence or spiritual core.


    When they went down the pavilion, Chen Ruoyan quickly ran into a heap of stones, eager to pick one for herself.


    ¡°Brother Liu, what do you think of this one?¡± Chen Ruoyan asked, holding a stone about the size of a basin.


    ¡°Not bad,¡± Liu Wuxie nodded in approval.


    With his approval, Chen Ruoyan quickly paid ten thousand spirit stones and grabbed a dagger to cut it open.


    A crowd soon gathered in the surroundings. Though many people were present, they were merely onlookers because they weren¡¯t brave enough to participate.


    The stone Chen Ruoyan had chosen wasn¡¯t of outstanding quality, which exined the low price.


    Chen Ruoyan instantly garnered arge crowd around her extraordinary beauty despite wearing a veil that covered most of her face.


    With a few cuts, anyone could tell that Chen Ruoyan¡¯s experience wascking, but it didn¡¯t take away the spectacle. The basin-sized stone was swiftly reduced to the size of a fist after ten-odd cuts.


    Chen Ruoyan and Jian Xing¡¯er had closely observed Liu Wuxie during stone betting with Cheng Chen. Thus, Chen Ruoyan knew the entire process, even if this was her first time.


    When the dagger sliced through the stone, arge piece fell off, causing an outburst of spirituality.


    ¡°Spiritual essence! She cut open a spiritual essence!¡± the crowd eximed. Ten thousand spirit stones for an intermediate-grade spiritual essence was a hefty profit.


    This was the charm of stone betting. If Chen Ruoyan couldn¡¯t find anything in the stone, the ten thousand spirit stones she paid for would go down the drain.


    ¡°I found a spiritual essence!¡± Chen Ruoyan chirped excitedly, holding a tiny piece of spiritual essence in her hand. It was the size of a fingernail, but she chirped like a bird excitedly beside Liu Wuxie.


    The greatest thrill of stone betting was the overwhelming joy when the stone yielded something.


    ¡°Sister Jian, go and pick one as well!¡± Chen Ruoyan urged Jian Xing¡¯er to try her luck after her sess.


    ¡°Alright!¡± Jian Xing¡¯er ventured into the pile of stones. After some time of looking around, she chose a stone about the same size as Chen Ruoyan¡¯s at a simr price.


    ¡°Junior Brother Liu, what do you think of this one?¡± Jian Xing¡¯er asked.


    ¡°The fun of stone betting is when you find something inside. If you can¡¯t find anything inside, you can just consider it entertainment,¡± Liu Wuxie replied with a smile. He didn¡¯t go too direct with his words with so many people around.


    After all, there would be severe consequences if everyone found out he could see through the stones.


    After she paid for it, Jian Xing¡¯er took out a dagger to start cutting the stone. The stone was reduced to the size of a fist in less than five breaths, leaving a pile of fragments lying on the ground.


    The atmosphere in the crowd be tense because the next cut would reveal if there were anything inside.


    Taking a deep breath, Jian Xing¡¯er made the decisive cut in the middle, splitting it into two.


    However, there was no spirituality inside, which left Jian Xing¡¯er disappointed. Her luck wasn¡¯t as good as Chen Ruoyan¡¯s.


    The crowd sighed in disappointment because ten thousand spirit stones went down the drain just like that.


    Teng Yue quietly observed this scene from a distance. He had also suspected Liu Wuxie to possess some kind of extraordinary vision, but he soon dismissed that idea after seeing Jian Xing¡¯er fail to find anything.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, I want to rechallenge you!¡± Cheng Chen stepped out from the crowd. He rushed over immediately upon hearing that Liu Wuxie was there.


    Liu Wuxie frowned at the sight of Cheng Chen, who was like a stubborn cockroach that provoked him repeatedly. Cheng Chen still didn¡¯t give up even after Lui Wuxie had spared his life back on the street.


    ¡°I don¡¯t pick a fight with dogs. Didn¡¯t your elders tell you that?¡± Liu Wuxie retorted, openly insulting Cheng Chen as a stray dog.


    Cheng Chen was humiliated in theirst stone betting, but he dared to jump out to rechallenge him. This behavior was no different from that of a stray dog.


    His insult caused an uproar among the crowd because that was akin to insulting the Azure Crimson Gate. More people began to gather from the surroundings, curious about themotion.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, how dare you call me a dog! You¡¯re dead! I¡¯ll make sure you die today!¡± Cheng Chen trembled angrily, his eyes bulging.


    ¡°Don¡¯t lower yourself to his level,¡± a voice came from the crowd as Teng Yue stepped forward and patted Cheng Chen on the shoulder. Judging from his attire, he was also a disciple of the Azure Crimson Gate. He continued, ¡°Some people are just cowards, only knowing how to hide behind others. Why bother getting worked up over someone like him?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right! He only knows how to hide behind a woman,¡± Cheng Chen agreed, looking at Teng Yue with respect as they continued to mock Liu Wuxie.


    Dense murderous intent shed in the depth of Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes, annoyed by their provocation.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, my junior brother isn¡¯t worthy to gamble with you, but I challenge you. We will each pick three stones, and the winner with the highest value wins. Whoever loses will have to die!¡± Teng Yue heard from the surroundings that Cheng Chen had lost to Liu Wuxie in stone betting a few days ago, thus losing the qualification to challenge thetter.


    This gave Teng Yue no choice but to challenge Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie looked troubled by the issued challenge, and the crowd perceived it as him being afraid.


    ¡°Can I refuse?¡± Liu Wuxie rubbed his nose, looking to be in a tough spot. His overbearing attitude from before had vanished, and he lookedpletely different. He was the one who had insulted Cheng Chen by calling him a stray dog earlier, but his attitude had diminished in the face of Teng Yue¡¯s challenge. This made everyone wonder what Liu Wuxie was trying to do.


    ¡°Sure, if you¡¯re willing to admit that you¡¯re garbage in front of everyone,¡± Teng Yue sneered.


    ¡°It looks like I can¡¯t refuse this challenge!¡± Liu Wuxie said helplessly. Despite looking troubled on the surface, he wasughing hysterically to himself. After all, it didn¡¯t seem like a bad choice that he could kill Teng Yue without shedding any blood.


    ¡°Sign the Life-and-Death Pledge then!¡± Teng Yue took out the pledge, fearing that Liu Wuxie might change his mind or that someone from the House of Tea Art might interfere. Once the pledge was signed, there was nothing the House of Tea Art could do to stop him from taking Liu Wuxie¡¯s life.


    ¡°Brother Liu, don¡¯t do it!¡± Chen Ruoyan and Jian Xing¡¯er stepped forward, worried that Liu Wuxie might fall for Teng Yue¡¯s trap.


    Oddly enough, Murong Yi didn¡¯t intervene; she simply wore a smile and remained silent the entire time.


    The surrounding crowd grew as word spread of Murong Yi¡¯s presence. They weren¡¯t even qualified to enter the House of Tea Art, which was why they wanted to take this opportunity to see her.


    Murong Yi¡¯s face was covered by a light veil, and she had a curvaceous figure. Many people were burning with curiosity, wishing they could remove her veil to see her face.


    The Life-and-Death Pledge hovered before Liu Wuxie, leaving him with no way out.


    ¡°You want to take it that far?¡± Liu Wuxie asked, his face scrunched up in a troubled look. He looked as though he was hesitating whether to ept Teng Yue¡¯s challenge.


    He would have to admit that he was garbage if he refused, which made everyone wonder what his odds of winning were if he agreed.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, where¡¯s the courage you showed the other day? Hurry up and sign it!¡± the crowd began to urge Liu Wuxie to sign the Life-and-Death Pledge.


    Many people were jealous of Liu Wuxie¡¯s performance on the boat. Not only had he defeated the four great schrs of Serene Sea City, but he had even won Murong Yi¡¯s favor. This naturally made him an enemy to everyone, regardless of whether they had a personal grudge against him.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, you killed everyone from my n, and I will avenge them today. But it¡¯s disappointing to see what a coward you are,¡± Teng Yue mocked, pushing Liu Wuxie even further into epting the challengebined with the piercing stares from the surroundings.


    ¡°Let¡¯s hope you won¡¯t regret this,¡± Liu Wuxie squeezed out a drop of blood essence and wrote his name on the Life-and-Death Pledge. With the pledge signed, there was no backing out, and it could only end in the depth of one party.


    ¡°Young Master Teng, we have chosen the stones for you,¡± three middle-aged men said, emerging from the crowd, carrying the three stones that they had picked for Teng Yue.


    ¡°It¡¯s the three elders of the Ling n!¡± someone eximed from the crowd. It was rumored that the three Ling n elders had a fifty percent sess rate in identifying stones.


    The surroundings eximed, ¡°It¡¯s a trap! It must be a trap!¡±


    The Ling n had a mysterious technique for detecting the presence of spiritual essence within the stones, a skill unique to their n and unrivaled in this field. This ability allowed them to be the wealthiest n in Serene Sea City.


    ¡°Thank you, elders!¡± Teng Yue bowed respectfully to the three men.


    Not long ago, the Ling n had sought out the Azure Crimson Gate with an offer to help him eliminate Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Why would the Ling n, who charges an exorbitant fee for picking stones, help Teng Yue?¡± murmurs came from the surroundings, and everyone wondered what the Ling n¡¯s true intentions were.


    The three elders of the Ling n were renowned for their expertise, and any stone they confirmed as valuable would see its price skyrocket. The selected stones were marked as Teng Yue ordered them to be brought over.


    ¡°So expensive!¡± Another outburst of exmations could be heard from the crowd. The cheapest stone chosen by the three elders was priced at a staggering sum of one million spirit stones. The total for three reached over three million¡ªa price far beyond what most could afford.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, it¡¯s your turn!¡± Teng Yue sneered, urging Liu Wuxie to pick his stones.


    ¡°Senior Sister Jian, please go to the Sky Rift Valley¡¯s area to pick three stones for me. They don¡¯t need to be expensive; the cheapest ones will do,¡± Liu Wuxie said. To everyone¡¯s surprise, he had no intention of picking stones himself.

 Chapter 562 - Egg Yolk

    <h4>Chapter 562 - Egg Yolk</h4>


    Liu Wuxie''s action left everyone baffled. This was a challenge with his life on the line, and he sent a woman to pick out the stones for him, especially when Jian Xing''er had tried cutting a stone earlier, only to find it empty.


    Everyone began to wonder if Liu Wuxie wasn''t afraid of dying to send her again.


    "Junior Brother, I..." Jian Xing''er hesitated, feeling deeply troubled. It wasn''t that she was unwilling to help, but shecked the confidence.


    "Go ahead. Remember to pick out the cheapest ones," Liu Wuxie said, gently patting Jian Xing''er''s shoulder to ease her burden.


    Jian Xing''er nodded reluctantly, her expression filled with hesitation. Despite her reservations, she trusted Liu Wuxie''s words. In her heart, she knew that if he fell, she wouldn¡¯t survive either.


    Taking a deep breath, Jian Xing''er approached the Sky Rift Valley''s area. The area was divided into many sections, with thergest being controlled by the three major sects. The ce they were standing on was located between the borders of the Sky Rift Valley and Azure Crimson Gate.


    Teng Yue picked the stones from the Azure Crimson Gate''s area, and Liu Wuxie picked his stones from the Sky Rift Valley.


    All eyes were on Jian Xing''er, watching how she weaved through the stones and purchased the three cheapest stones ording to Liu Wuxie''s instructions, only spending five thousand spirit stones in total.


    Thergest was barely bigger than a bowl, and the smallest was only the size of an infant''s fist. Its size made it practically impossible for it to contain spiritual essence.


    "I heard that Liu Wuxie also chose the cheapest stones when he gambled with Cheng Chen. Could it be that we were all going in the wrong direction? The expensive ones don''t necessarily mean better, and perhaps the cheaper stones had a higher chance of containing treasures," someone in the crowd murmured. Many people were present when Liu Wuxie had gambled with Cheng Chen.


    When theypared the stones, they realized that all the stones Liu Wuxie had picked since he entered Serene Sea City were the least favored and cheapest batch.


    Once the selection wasplete, the Sky Rift Valley''s personnel delivered the stones.


    "Let''s begin!" Teng Yue took out a dagger and began cutting the stones picked for him by the Ling n''s three elders. Stone fragments began falling, and the stone barely had any left in the blink of an eye.


    "There''s spiritualitying from it!" the crowd eximed. They could all sense a faint spirituality in the stone, and Teng Yue''s movement grew faster and more confident.


    "As expected of the Ling n''s three elders. The stones they picked have an incredibly high chance of containing spiritual essence," whispered the onlookers. They were eager to curry favor with the Ling n''s three elders, hoping they could assist them in picking stones.


    Only Liu Wuxie wore a devilish smile. He had already noticed that the Ling n wanted to kill him, so they cooperated with the Azure Crimson Gate. Since that was the case, there was no need for the Ling n to exist any longer.


    When the Ling n''s three elders appraised the stones earlier, he had already noticed them. But he didn''t know that they were picking stones for Teng Yue. He had observed how they appraised the stones.


    Exmations could be heard as Teng Yue cut open a spiritual essence the size of a fingernail from the first stone.


    "Liu Wuxie, it''s your turn now!" Teng Yue taunted, holding onto the spiritual essence in his hand.


    "Senior Sister Jian, I''ll leave it to you," Liu Wuxie said calmly. He didn''t bother to cut it himself and entrusted it to Jian Xing''er.


    "How could Liu Wuxie make such a beauty work? Doesn''t he know how to cherish a beauty like her?" the crowd buzzed disapprovingly.


    Jian Xing''er retrieved a dagger and began cutting the stone the size of a bowl. It only took her one minute to do so, and no spirituality was inside.


    "There''s none," Jian Xing''er said, looking at Liu Wuxie with guilt on her face.


    "It''s fine. Don''t we have two more?" Liu Wuxie gently patted Jian Xing''er''s shoulder to reassure her.


    The first round ended in Liu Wuxie''splete loss. Two more rounds were left, and Liu Wuxie would lose if he couldn''t cut open any spiritual essence.


    On the other hand, Teng Yue was brimming with confidence as he swiftly picked up the second stone and began cutting it. His technique was masterful as the stone spun rapidly in his hand. Each spin would leave fragments on the ground, and the crowd apuded his technique.


    "What excellent technique!" the crowd praised. The intricate disy of skill was more captivating than unveiling the treasure in a stone because it was a spectacle to everyone.


    When Cheng Chen made thest cut, there wasn''t any spirituality this time, and the second stone was empty.


    A flicker of disappointment shed on Teng Yue''s face. However, he still had a high chance of winning with one spiritual essence in hand.


    It was Jian Xing''er''s turn again, and anyone could see her nervousness. Her cutting had slowed down significantlypared to before. A stone that others could easily cut in just a few breaths took her a full five minutes to get through.


    "It''s empty again!" Laughter erupted from the Azure Crimson Gate''s faction. Many Azure Crimson Gate disciples gathered in the surroundings after hearing about a gamble between Liu Wuxie and Teng Yue.


    Jian Xing''er was on the verge of bursting into tears, and she crouched on the ground, unwilling to get back up. With no choice, Chen Ruoyan had to step forward to help her up and offer herfort.


    "Liu Wuxie, you''re doomed today!" Jia Fengmao stepped out. He was still seething from the embarrassment the Azure Crimson Gate had suffered at Liu Wuxie''s hands on the boat, not to mention they lost two disciples.


    Sneers and mockery could be heard, and the pressure grew on Liu Wuxie. Yet, Liu Wuxie remained terrifyingly calm with no changes in his expression.


    Teng Yue grinned widely as he approached the final stone, exuding confidence with every step. His dagger moved swiftly, as though he could already taste victory. Thest stone stood as tall as a person, requiring more time and effort to cut through.


    "You''re not worried? Not even a little?" Murong Yi finally spoke after remaining silent throughout the time.


    "He''s just a clown, and I don''t mind letting him jump around for now," Liu Wuxie said with a cold smile. He wouldn''t mind letting Teng Yue smile for now because he wouldn''t get to smileter.


    Murong Yi''s heart skipped a beat at the sight of Liu Wuxie''s cold smile. She began to wonder if Liu Wuxie was pretending to look troubled earlier.


    Teng Yue spent seven minutes cutting the stone, reducing it to the size of a bowl.


    "He found another one with spirituality inside!" cried the Azure Crimson Gate disciples. With that, Teng Yue had cut out two spiritual essences.


    There was none on Liu Wuxie''s side, and he was bound to lose even if thest stone contained spiritual essence. After all, Teng Yue could clench the victory for this gamble with two spiritual essences.


    An intermediate-grade spiritual essence was uncovered in front of everyone. It gave off a powerful spirituality that made everyone take deep breaths greedily.


    "Liu Wuxie, it''s your turn!" Teng Yue urged, eager for Liu Wuxie to cut the final stone. Unless thest stone contained a supreme-grade spiritual essence, Liu Wuxie could not win the gamble. Even if Liu Wuxie cut open a high-grade spiritual essence, the gamble would only end in a draw.


    "Senior Sister Jian, you might as well cut thest one too," Liu Wuxie said, not taking up the dagger himself.


    Jian Xing''er reluctantly walked over to thest stone, the size of an infant''s fist, cutting it carefully. It looked as though she was peeling an egg,yer byyer.


    The Azure Crimson Gate disciples had already begun celebrating because such a small stone couldn''t contain any spiritual essence.


    "Liu Wuxie, you should give up and stop wasting everyone''s time!" Jia Fengmao jeered, urging Liu Wuxie to admit defeat and end this farce.


    Liu Wuxie remained unfazed at the surrounding ridicule, his expression unnervingly calm. If it were another person in his position, they would''ve panicked even if they didn''t copse from the pressure, which was nowhere to be seen on Liu Wuxie.


    Jian Xing''er''s knife moved even slower now, but no one rushed her and let her slowly peel it byyers. After all, they wouldn''t mind letting her buy some time for Liu Wuxie to take hisst breath.


    "Look, why is it yellow?" the crowd eximed. It was yellow beneath theyers of the stone that Jian Xing''er had peeled. Spiritual essence was supposed to be ink-green, so what was with the yellow?


    Moreover, the stone did not emanate spirituality, which contained no spiritual essence. The stones were white, and the yellow made no sense to the onlookers.


    Jian Xing''er focused and slowed her cutting speed even further. She didn''t dare touch the yellow part and slowly cleaned off the outeryers, revealing the yellow, which was the size and color of an egg yolk.


    "What''s that?" the crowd muttered in puzzlement. They had never seen anything like this before and could only ask those beside them.


    "No idea. It''s probably just junk!" someone scoffed. Since it wasn¡¯t emitting any trace of spirituality, they assumed it to be worthless. After all, it wasmon knowledge that treasures would naturally radiate spirituality.


    Jian Xing''er turned to look at Liu Wuxie, waiting for his guidance on whether she should continue.


    "Liu Wuxie, the oue is clear. Take your own life!" Teng Yue took a step forward and released an overwhelming aura, pressuring Liu Wuxie to take his own life.


    However, Liu Wuxie remained unfazed by Teng Yue''s aura and dismissed the pressure he gave off with a wave.


    "Senior Brother Teng, don''t waste time with him and kill him with the Life-and-Death Curse," many Azure Crimson Gate disciples stepped forward, urging Teng Yue to activate the Life-and-Death Curse to take Liu Wuxie''s life, like how Liu Wuxie had crippled Yin Jingwu''s cultivation.


    Teng Yue immediately tried to activate the Life-and-Death Curse in his soul sea, but it was weird because there wasn''t any reaction.


    "What''s going on?" Teng Yue''s face paled because this meant that the gamble wasn''t truly over.


    The crowd noticed something amiss and wondered if anything was inside that egg yolk.


    A sense of foreboding began to creep into Teng Yue''s heart. The other Azure Crimson Gate disciples also fell silent, with a chill running down their spines. They knew the Life-and-Death Curse could only be activated if a clear victor existed.


    "Senior Sister Jian, what are you waiting for? Keep cutting!" Liu Wuxie urged Jian Xing''er to continue cutting.

 Chapter 563 - Golden Spirit Fruit

    <h4>Chapter 563 - Golden Spirit Fruit</h4>


    Jian Xing''er quickly picked up the dagger and gently cut at the remaining egg yolk upon receiving Liu Wuxie''s instruction.


    Everyone held their breaths because they wanted to know what was hidden inside it.


    "That''s not a stone; it''s a wax pill!" eximed an elder in the Nascent Transformation Realm, gazing at the stone in Jian Xing''er''s hands.


    "A wax pill!" The elder''s words caused an uproar in the surroundings, and everyone wondered if it could be an ancient pill inside. If that were the case, Liu Wuxie would instantly be rich.


    The value of an ancient divine pill was priceless¡ªfar beyond the value of ordinary spiritual essence. Spiritual essence could only strengthen a cultivator''s spirituality, not the cultivation.


    "It can''t be a wax pill!" Li Hongda immediately objected. If it was a wax pill, it would''ve shattered by now and couldn''t be so sturdy.


    Everyone shared a different opinion, but no one knew what it was exactly. This piqued everyone''s curiosity, and they began to urge Jian Xing''er to hurry up.


    "Hurry up and cut it already!" There were many Sky Rift Valley and Demonic Heart Pce disciples present. In addition to rogue cultivators from Serene Sea City, the surroundings were tightly packed with spectators.


    A blinding golden light burst when the dagger breached the wax pill''s outeryer, slowly slicing apart the yellow surface.


    The dazzling brilliance surprised everyone, and they shut their eyes, not knowing what was inside the yellow wax pill.


    Jian Xing''er was also stunned, but she soon came to her senses and covered the crack with her hand to contain the blinding brilliance.


    "What''s going on? What''s inside?" The crowd exploded into an uproar; they were like hungry wolves wanting to seize the treasure from Jian Xing''er.


    Everyone squeezed forward, urging Jian Xing''er to hurry up and open it so they could see what was inside.


    Overwhelmed with excitement, Jian Xing''er stood up. She finally understood why Liu Wuxie would get her to pick the three cheapest stones.


    Chen Ruoyan had cut open a spiritual essence, but she couldn''t find anything in her stone, leaving her feeling somewhat upset. This was why Liu Wuxie asked her to pick and cut the stones for him, ensuring they could both uncover a treasure.


    She hurried over to Liu Wuxie and handed the stone over. She didn''t know what to do and looked at him with uncertainty.


    "Could it be a spiritual core?" An elder stroked his beard, guessing that it was a spiritual core inside.


    The jade scepter that Liu Wuxie had won from Yin Jingwu on the boat contained a spiritual core whose value surpassed even the supreme-grade spiritual essence.


    Teng Yue was shaken hearing the words'' spiritual core,'' looking on the verge of copse. He knew he had to pay with his life if he lost.


    "I don''t think it''s a spiritual core. I suspect it might be a Golden Spirit Fruit," said Elder Wei Qisheng of Sky Rift Valley. His voice was calm, but it reached everyone''s ears.


    Others refuted that idea, saying, "That''s impossible! It has been five centuries since Serene Sea City uncovered a Golden Spirit Fruit. "


    The Golden Spirit Fruit was too rare. It was the seed of an ancient nt that had fallen into the ground. Once ayer of stone enveloped it, the seed could no longer spout, but the spirituality within would remain intact. However, it would sprout when it came in contact with the soil, nurturing a priceless Golden Spirit Fruit.


    They spected for a long time and couldn''t reach a conclusion. Thus, their only option was to wait for Liu Wuxie to open the yolk and uncover the truth.


    "Youngd, please open it and let us see what''s inside," the other elder of the Sky Rift Valley said with his curiosity piqued. After all, this stone was picked from the Sky Rift Valley area.


    If it were the fabled Golden Spirit Fruit, they would have to investigate immediately where this stone came from. This way, they could trace it back to where it was found on the next trip to the barrennd to see if they could find more.


    As Liu Wuxie slowly closed his palm, the golden radiance began to dim, fading into a soft glow. With careful precision, he pried open the stone, revealing a tiny seed nestled in his hand, norger than a bean.


    "It really is the Golden Spirit Fruit!" gasped Li Hongda, staggering in disbelief.


    Teng Yue''s face turned ashen as though he had fallen from heaven to the depths of despair. He felt that victory was within grasp when he cut open two spiritual essences, but who could have imagined that Liu Wuxie could cut open a Golden Spirit Fruit?


    Strictly speaking, this was the seed of the Golden Spirit Fruit. The Azure Crimson Gate suddenly became quiet, and everyone was shocked. They couldn''t determine why the Goddess of Luck always favored Liu Wuxie.


    "That''s impossible!" Teng Yue went insane and wed at his hair, unable to believe his loss.


    The three elders of the Ling n behind him were equally astonished. They had examined many parts of the area, including the area belonging to the Sky Rift Valley.


    How could they fail to detect the stone? Was it because itcked spirituality, and their n''s appraisal method was useless?


    "Liu Wuxie, I''m willing to offer fifteen million spirit stones for that Golden Spirit Fruit," Qiu Dingtian said as he stepped out from the crowd. This was an astronomical sum.


    "Not for sale!" Liu Wuxie replied coldly, his words sharp and concise. The Golden Spirit Fruit might be of little help to him, but he could nt it in the deste world, wait for it to bloom, and bear the genuine Golden Spirit Fruit to boost his cultivation.


    Qiu Dingtian''s face darkened. He hadn''t expected Liu Wuxie to refuse him without any hesitation.


    "You humiliated my son on the boat. You won''t be able to leave this ce alive if you refuse to sell me the Golden Spirit Fruit today," Qiu Dingtian threatened to kill Liu Wuxie if the deal didn''t go as he wanted.


    "Let''s see if you can back up your words," Liu Wuxie said, casually toying with the Golden Spirit Fruit in his hand with a cold smirk.


    The surrounding atmosphere became tense as the crowd continued to increase. The news of a Golden Spirit Fruit being found spread like wildfire, drawing everyone''s attention.


    Many people rushed over, trying to squeeze their way through to glimpse a priceless treasure like the Golden Spirit Fruit. Everyone looked at Liu Wuxie, envious that such a rare treasure had fallen into thetter''s hands.


    Murong Yi observed from the side with a flicker of intrigue in the depth of her eyes when she looked at Liu Wuxie. She wondered how he knew such an unremarkable stone would contain such a priceless treasure.


    This was a mystery, not to mention Liu Wuxie hadn''t lifted a finger throughout the entire process and stood in ce the whole time.


    If, during the previous stone-betting event on the street, Liu Wuxie had skillfully chosen the wild stone, then what was happening today was part of a muchrger n. This was Liu Wuxie''s true strategy¡ªto divert attention away from himself.


    Murong Yi''s words had given him a sharp reminder. Things would turn out very differently if people discovered that he could see through the stones. Even the Sky Rift Valley might try to take advantage of his ability.


    This was why Liu Wuxie asked Jian Xing''er to pick out the stones on his behalf to shift everyone''s focus away from him.


    "I''m willing to offer thirty million! Sell it to my Ling n!" a voice boomed from the crowd as Ling Fengchi arrived with his beloved son. The Ling n was the wealthiest in Serene Sea City, and he didn''t hesitate to flip the offer given by the Qiu n.


    "As expected of the Ling n. They''re generous," everyone looked at Ling Feichi with envy. The Ling n''s swift development in Serene Sea City was linked to their ability to appraise the stones. Many people had tried to uncover their methods over the years, but no one could find a clue.


    "Not for sale," Liu Wuxie replied. Let''s not mention thirty million; he wouldn''t even sell if someone offered him three hundred million spirit stones.


    "You can make an offer if you find the price too low. As long as it''s within a reasonable range, I can agree," said Ling Feichi. He assumed that Liu Wuxie refused because the offer wasn''t high enough, and the Ling n had plenty of spirit stones to spare.


    "Three trillion. If you can take out this sum, this Golden Spirit Fruit''s seed is yours," Liu Wuxie said, but his tone dipped with sarcasm.


    His words drew a collective gasp from the surroundings.


    "Is he insane?" Even if Liu Wuxie didn''t want to sell it, he didn''t need to mock the Ling n with such a ridiculous number.


    "This is absurd. I''ve never seen anyone making such a high demand," the crowd eximed. Even a spiritual vein might not be able to produce one hundred million spirit stones, not to mention three trillion. Even the entire Serene Sea City couldn''t gather this amount of spirit stones.


    "Brat, you dare humiliate the Ling n?" Ling Feichi was seething with fury. Liu Wuxie had set an impossible price to insult them.


    Liu Wuxie did this on purpose. It wasn''t that he didn''t want to sell it to them, but they just couldn''t afford it. He sneered, "I''m humiliating you? Who the fuck do you think you are? Do you think a human would be tempted to humiliate a dog?"


    He had seen through the method used by the Ling n to appraise stones, and his opinion of them had changed drastically.


    Although Ling Feichi''s son had taunted him before, that wasn''t enough for them to warrant a blood feud.


    However, insulting Ling Feichi as a dog was another matter entirely. It was akin to stirring the ho''s nest, not to mention they were the wealthiest n in Serene Sea City.


    Madam Li''s forehead was covered with wrinkles, wanting to march forward and give Liu Wuxie two ps. His trouble-making ability knew no bounds.


    After all, Liu Wuxie had caused many troubles in the past few days and practically offended every influential figure in Serene Sea City. Once this matter was over, the House of Tea Art wouldn''t have any connections left to remain in the city and could only leave.


    "Youngdy, should we intervene? The situation is growing increasingly dire for us," Madam Li said, her voice echoing in Murong Yi''s ears. Offending the Azure Crimson Gate was bad enough, not to mention Liu Wuxie also drew the ire of both the Qiu and Ling ns.


    The House of Tea Art might not fear them, but it was another question of whether it was worth going through so much trouble to help Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°No need,¡± Murong Yi shook her head. There was no reason for them to intervene.


    While others didn''t know the whole story, Murong Yi knew everything that had transpired since the gathering on the boat, and no one could swallow their anger if they were in Liu Wuxie''s position.


    The threats from the Qiu and Ling ns and the pressure from the Azure Crimson Gate were like Damocles''s sword suspended over Liu Wuxie''s head.


    Murong Yi was also curious how Liu Wuxie would resolve this crisis. The House of Tea Art would only ensure his safety, and Liu Wuxie had to depend on himself to deal with all the other challenges, such as his life-and-death gamble with Teng Yue.


    They didn''t intervene right from the start, allowing them to finish their gamble. Many others also began noticing this pattern and wanted to use every opportunity to eliminate Liu Wuxie.


    As long as everything was within the bounds of the rules, the House of Tea Art wouldn''t interfere.


    "Youngd, you have quite the tone there. Do you think you can disregard everyone just because you cut open the Golden Spirit Fruit''s seed?" The Ling n''s three elders growled coldly as they stepped forward. Although it appeared to be a duel between Liu Wuxie and Teng Yue, this was also a duel between Liu Wuxie and the Ling n.


    After all, the Ling n''s three elders had personally picked the three stones.

 Chapter 564 - Ling Clan鈥檚 Provocation

    <h4>Chapter 564 - Ling n¡¯s Provocation</h4>


    Humiliating the patriarch was no different from humiliating the entire n. As the three elders of the n, they naturally couldn''t stand idly and watch. This was why they stepped out immediately to defend their n''s honor.


    "Old man, why don''t you cut out a Golden Spirit Fruit''s seed if you''re so capable?" Chen Ruoyan took a step forward to defend Liu Wuxie.


    Being called an ''old man'' in front of everyone made the Ling n''s three elders furious. They looked like hungry wolves, wanting to pounce on Liu Wuxie to kill him.


    "Liu Wuxie, do you dare to gamble with us? We will take you as our master if we lose, but if you lose, you must kneel and apologize to the Ling n. Furthermore, the Golden Spirit Fruit''s seed will be ours," the Ling n''s grand elder stepped forward to challenge Liu Wuxie.


    "I see, so this is your Ling n''s true intention!" Liu Wuxie replied with a sly smile. The Ling n provoked him, intending to seize the Golden Spirit Fruit''s seed through gambling.


    "You can put it that way," the Ling n''s grand elder admitted openly, not hiding his intentions.


    After all, everyone could see what was going on even if Liu Wuxie hadn''t said it. It was a disgrace for the Ling n to lose to an outsider, and who would trust them to appraise stones in the future?


    If no one sought them for their service, the Ling n''s ie would plummet, and their status would also fall.


    "The Ling n''s three elders will gamble with Liu Wuxie? This is going to be interesting! They''re the most skilled appraisers in the Ling n!" The crowd buzzed in excitement, but a person tried to slip away.


    Suddenly, a piercing scream echoed as Teng Yue spat out blood and copsed.


    "Liu Wuxie, y-y-you..." Teng Yue stammered but took hisst breath before finishing his sentence.


    "Don''t think I''ve forgotten you just because I''m talking to someone else," Liu Wuxie said coldly, his voice cutting through the air like ice. His tone was indifferent, as though killing Teng Yue, a cultivator at the eighth level of the Astral River Realm, was nothing more than a trivial act.


    Regarding cultivation, Teng Yue was much stronger than Liu Wuxie, but he met with such an ending. Many spectators in the surroundings felt a chill running down their spines, seeing how Liu Wuxie killed someone in the Astral River Realm without lifting a finger¡ªjust by gambling with stones.


    Li Hongda''s chest nearly blew up with fury to see another true disciple fall to Liu Wuxie.


    "Liu Wuxie, I swear I''ll chop you into pieces and feed your corpse to the dogs!" Hundreds of Azure Crimson Gate disciples in the surroundings surged forward, thirsty for revenge against Liu Wuxie.


    After all, it was madness to kill a disciple of the Azure Crimson Gate so openly in front of so many people.


    Chaos erupted across the guild, and experts from the Azure Crimson Gate closed in. Their resolve was clear¡ªLiu Wuxie had to die today, or the Azure Crimson Gate couldn''t show their faces in Serene Sea City again.


    After all, who else besides Liu Wuxie could pull such a feat of killing a true disciple in front of two elders in the Nascent Transformation Realm?


    Right from the beginning, Liu Wuxie had only used his words and barely moved a muscle. Jian Xing''er had even handled the stone cutting.


    "Now, do you understand the consequences of gambling with me? Do the three of you still want to take the risk?" After killing Teng Yue, Liu Wuxie looked at the Ling n''s three elders with a mocking smile. After all, the stakes were too high if they were to lose.


    "Brat, do you think you can scare us off with a few words?" one of the Ling n''s elders retorted. He continued, "Do you dare to gamble with us? We''ll leave Serene Sea City if we lose, but if you lose, you will have to hand the Golden Spirit Fruit''s seed to us, on top of kneeling and kowtowing."


    The Ling n had ruled Serene Sea City for centuries, and they naturally wouldn''t be frightened by Liu Wuxie''s words. Moreover, they had already made their threats and had no choice but to see it through, as they would lose respect if they backed down.


    Liu Wuxie''s eyes grew colder because he thought killing Teng Yue was enough to set an example to deter everyone else. Then, he could quietly buy a few stones and return to the inn to cut them in peace.


    However, he didn''t expect the Ling n to keep pressing on, leaving him no room for retreat. He knew he had to ept because the Ling n wouldn''t let this matter rest.


    "Liu Wuxie, the Ling n has issued you a challenge. Don''t waste our time; let us know if you ept it."


    As cultivators, refusing a challenge was an act of cowardice.


    "Since the Ling n is so eager to be erased from Serene Sea City, I''ll naturally be happy to oblige," Liu Wuxie said. Murderous intent swept out of him, transforming into a menacing presence that filled the air.


    "What terrifying murderous intent!" Those in the surroundings gasped in shock, overwhelmed by the murderous intent Liu Wuxie gave off.


    Murong Yi, standing nearby, felt a shudder of fear with deep shock in his eyes. She couldn''t imagine how many people Liu Wuxie had in to umte such murderous intent.


    Murderous intent wasn''t something that could be conjured with the will, but it was the result of long years of bloodshed, like how soldiers would take a few years to dissipate the murderous intent after returning from the battlefield.


    A broad and sly grin spread across the faces of the Ling n''s three elders after hearing Liu Wuxie''s response. But little did they know that Liu Wuxie had already seen through their ploys, including their appraisal method.


    "Like before, both sides will pick three stones, and whoever with the higher value will win," the Ling n''s grand elder dered the rules of their gamble.


    The Golden Spirit Fruit was rare and didn''t appear often. Thest one that appeared before today was centuries ago.


    "Let''s begin," Liu Wuxie said, waving his hand dismissively. He didn''t want to waste time and shifted his gaze over to the area upied by the Sky Rift Valley. He had no intention of picking stones sold by the Azure Crimson Gate.


    Once again, everyone''s emotions peaked. They became eager to witness what was undoubtedly the most significant gamble in Serene Sea City''s history.


    No one had dared to challenge the Ling n over the years because those who challenged them had lost everything.


    The Ling n''s three elders didn''t just inspect the aura belonging to the Azure Crimson Gate but the Sky Rift Valley and Demonic Heart Pce to search for suitable stones.


    The processsted two hours before the three elders of the Ling n had selected their stones. They all agreed upon the three stones.


    The three stones were moved to the open space, ready to be cut.


    "Liu Wuxie, what are you waiting for? Hurry up and pick your stones!" the Ling n''s three elders urged. While they had carefully picked the stones, Liu Wuxie remained standing in the same spot.


    Picking stones required patience. Standard methods included observing the patterns, knocking on the stone, and feeling the surface for any hint of spirituality.


    When the Ling n''s three elderspleted their selections, Liu Wuxie finally entered the area designated for the Sky Rift Valley.


    Liu Wuxie had already picked his three stones in less than three minutes. The prices were much higher this time, reaching fifty thousand spirit stones.


    It was palepared to the stones the Ling n''s three elders picked. Each of the stones they picked was valued over one million spirit stones.


    "I''ll start first!" The Ling n''s third elder began to cut the smallest stone picked from the Demonic Heart Pce''s area¡ªone he had personally chosen.


    His technique was wless. Each stroke was so smooth that he looked like a master carving a masterpiece. There was no doubt that the Ling n''s three elders were more skillfulpared to ordinary people.


    Whether they could cut open a spiritual essence, their technique was already a spectacle. Every chip of the stone that fell off was the same size, without the slightest variation.


    This couldn''t be attained within a day but through years of diligent practice.


    "What skill! As expected of the Ling n''s three elders!" the crowd murmured in admiration. Anyone who could let these three pick a stone for them would be set for life.


    "I recognize that technique! The Ling n even named it Spirit-Cutting de," the crowd eximed. Many people in Serene Sea City had learned this famous technique. However, only a few could achieve the same level of mastery disyed by the Ling n''s three elders.


    The stone shrank from over half a meter in height to a small oval in mere moments.


    "What a strong spirituality!" someone gasped when the Ling n''s third elder cut the stone, and a powerful outburst of spirituality came from within.


    Cutting stones was a delicate task because if one cut too much, the spirituality would be damaged, and if the cut was too light, it would not be revealed.


    "It must be a supreme-grade spiritual essence!" Cheers erupted from the crowd, all amazed by this sight. The loudest cheer came from the Azure Crimson Gate; they could already foresee Liu Wuxie''s death.


    "Hurry up and cut it!" The stone hadn''t beenpletely cut open, but its spirituality was a sign that there was a treasure. The crowd was eager to see whether it contained a high- or supreme-grade spiritual essence.


    After a brief rest, the Ling n''s third elder continued to cut the stone. Each slice separated a small fragment, the size of an infant''s fist. The spirituality grew stronger as the oval-sized stone began to shrink.


    When the Ling n''s third elder made thest cut, a high-grade spiritual essence the size of a fist appeared and hovered before everyone.


    "What arge piece of high-grade spiritual essence," exmations came from the crowd. Such arge piece of spiritual essence was rare in the world.


    Holding onto the spiritual essence in hand, a satisfied smile appeared on the face of the Ling n''s third elder.


    "The Ling n''s appraisal method has grown stronger than before to find such arge piece of spiritual essence."


    The crowd''s eyes sparkled with excitement. A piece of the spiritual essence at this size was worth at least seven million mid-grade spirit stones.


    If the other two stones could also reveal such arge piece of spiritual essence, Liu Wuxie''s chance of victory would be slim, even if he uncovered another Golden Spirit Fruit''s seed.


    "Liu Wuxie, it''s your turn now!" The Third Elder of the Ling n stowed away the spiritual essence with a smug expression, then turned his gaze toward Liu Wuxie, his eyes gleaming with provocation.


    Liu Wuxie walked to the three stones he had picked and pulled out a dagger. There were no fancy techniques, but his cut was smooth and rhythmic.


    "This is strange. His cutting method seems rough and ordinary, but each cut is perfectly aligned with the veins on the stone," someone muttered from the crowd in puzzlement.


    Liu Wuxie''s technique might be simple, but if one looked closely, it appeared that he was breathing in sync with the world.


    The three elders of the Ling n exchanged a look and could see the surprise flickering in the depth of each other''s eyes. The highest level of stone cutting wasn''t about mastering a fanciful technique but blending seamlessly with the natural patterns.


    Though their skills might seem impressive, they knew deep down that they still had a long way to go to reach Liu Wuxie''s level.


    A powerful outburst of spirituality swept across the entire area a minuteter.


    "Spiritual essence! He cut open a spiritual essence!" Everyone was shocked to see Liu Wuxie cut open a spiritual essence.

 Chapter 565 - You Afraid?

    <h4>Chapter 565 - You Afraid?</h4>


    Just moments ago, everyone had doubted Liu Wuxie, assuming that his recent victories¡ªfirst against Cheng Chen on the streets, and then against Teng Yue¡ªwere nothing more than lucky breaks. After all, he had never participated directly, leading many to believe his sess was purely by chance.


    However, they began to doubt themselves and wondered if luck could still exin this feat.


    "He must have a technique to appraise the stones. With such a high sess in appraising stones, even the Ling n can barelypete with him."


    It was certain now¡ªLiu Wuxie, like the Ling family, had mastered a technique that allowed him to appraise the stones with a high sess rate. They would be the next Ling n if anyone could grasp his technique.


    Liu Wuxie''s action was swift, revealing a high-grade spiritual essence roughly the size of a fist. It was practically identical to the one the Ling n''s third elder had cut out.


    "This..." Many were stunned because this was too much of a coincidence for the two to cut out spiritual essences in simr sizes and grades.


    The faces of the Ling n''s three elders change when Liu Wuxie cut out a spiritual essence. They realize they had underestimated thetter.


    Ling Feichi''s eyes shed with a hint of malice because Liu Wuxie''s presence had now threatened the Ling n''s status in the city. The art of appraising stone was the Ling n''s foundation, and they couldn''t afford to lose the gamble.


    "That''s impressive, Young Master Liu!" The Ling n''s grand elder gave Liu Wuxie a thumbs up. His praise dripped with sarcasm, insinuating that Liu Wuxie''s sess was a mere fluke of luck.


    "Well, I can''tpete with the Ling n. After all, the Ling n even dared to defy heaven and vite the basic moral code of all cultivators. I even have to bow to the Ling n for your courage," Liu Wuxie replied.


    Both sides exchanged sharp words, but the faces of the Ling n''s three elders became sinister after hearing what Liu Wuxie said. They wondered if he had discovered something, and cold sweat rolled down their foreheads, including Ling Feichi.


    The faces of the Ling n''s higher-ups became pale, and they panicked after hearing what Liu Wuxie said. While most people didn''t notice it, many cultivators in the Nascent Transformation Realm could even detect the slightest change in a person''s aura, not to mention the drastic shift in the Ling n''s elders¡¯ facial expressions.


    "Brat, what nonsense are you spouting?" The Ling n''s second elder roared, trying to brush Liu Wuxie¡¯s words as nonsense.


    "Don''t you all know whether I''m spouting nonsense?" Liu Wuxie''s smile deepened. He wouldn''t bother with the Ling n if they hadn''t jumped out to provoke him. However, since they had helped Teng Yue in an attempt to kill him, he did not need to spare them.


    In addition to the Ling n, the Qiu n was also marked by him to be eradicated.


    The eyes of the Ling n''s three elders shed with murderous intent when they exchanged a look.


    "Liu Wuxie, I want to raise the stakes. You will have to take your own life if you lose, but if we lose, we will never show our faces in Serene Sea City ever again," the Ling n''s grand elder said, increasing the stakes of their gamble. They didn''t just want Liu Wuxie''s Golden Spirit Fruit''s seed but his life.


    "Trying to silence me because I''ve exposed the Ling n''s secrets?" Liu Wuxie chuckled because the Ling n had finally revealed their true nature. They were like animals pushed to a corner, desperate to kill him.


    The conversation between Liu Wuxie and the Ling n''s three elders left the crowd baffled¡ªwhat exactly did the Ling n do to vite the moral code of all cultivators? What did they do for Liu Wuxie to describe as ''heaven-defying?''


    The onlookers were fools, and there must have been some truth in Liu Wuxie''s words for him to speak up. The Ling n''s behavior was also suspicious. Why would they react so strongly to Liu Wuxie''s words if they had nothing to hide?


    The determination they disyed to kill Liu Wuxie was a strong sign, like a dog''s tail being stepped on.


    "The Ling n has no secrets to hide. Let us continue," the Ling n''s grand elder quickly noticed they had lost theirposure, so he promptly redirected the topic back to the gamble. After all, they could silence Liu Wuxie if they won the gamble, and the Ling n''s secrets would remain buried.


    "If I''m not mistaken, the Ling n''s birthrate has been declining over the years until it has reached a critical point, hasn''t it?" Liu Wuxie suddenly wore a devilish grin, shing his teeth.


    But in the eyes of the Ling n, Liu Wuxie looked like a beast baring his fangs, wanting to take a bite and rip their flesh off, a demon thirsting for their blood.


    Ling Feichi trembled after hearing what Liu Wuxie said.


    "Come to think of it now, the Ling n has been declining in numbers in recent years. Most of the people left in the n are old men now," someone among the crowd remarked. No one had paid much attention to it before Liu Wuxie pointed it out, which struck them with a realization.


    The crowd erupted in an uproar. Liu Wuxie had just arrived in Serene Sea City, so everyone wondered how he knew that the Ling n''s numbers had been diminishing in recent years. They even asked if he had investigated it beforehand.


    Even Ling Feichi had produced several offspring in recent years, but they had either died at a young age or sumbed to illness. Only his eldest son had survived.


    This was why the entire Ling n doted on Ling Feichi''s only remaining offspring, even going to great lengths to kill Liu Wuxie. After all, Young Master Ling was the n''s future.


    "Liu Wuxie, don''t me us for being ruthless if you continue to spread lies. Even the House of Tea Art won''t be able to stop us from killing you!" The Ling n''s three elders finally couldn''t contain themselves. Their fists were clenched with murderous intent radiating outwards, enveloping a radius of tens of thousands of meters.


    "You three scared?" Liu Wuxie suddenly burst intoughter, which caught everyone by surprise. They couldn''t fathom what he was saying.


    However, those with sharp minds had already realized that Liu Wuxie knew the Ling n''s greatest secret, which was why the Ling n had reacted so strongly.


    Even those in the Nascent Transformation Realm began to discuss among themselves, trying to figure out what Liu Wuxie meant.


    Many things have happened in the past few days, but almost all were rted to Liu Wuxie. This was why no one dared to underestimate him now.


    This seemingly insignificant figure had killed so many Azure Crimson Gate disciples, enraged the Ling n, and even humiliated the Qiu n. Not to mention, Liu Wuxie even killed a true disciple from the Azure Crimson Gate before their Nascent Transformation Realm elders.


    Everyone realized that those who had looked down on him were dead.


    "Scared? Let''s continue to cut the stones!" the Ling n''s second elder urged, forcibly changing the topic, not wanting to dwell on it in case they reveal anything.


    Liu Wuxie could only continue their gamble since the other party didn''t want to discuss the topic, no matter what he said, but this was far from over.


    The crowd''s attention fell on the Ling n''s second elder, who used the same technique as the third elder. This stone was found in the Sky Rift Valley''s designated area, which had cost a fortune¡ª1,400,000 spirit stones.


    However, the Ling n didn''tck money, and they only purchased the finest stones. The odds of finding a treasure in an expensive stone were higher.


    The stones shipped back from the barrennd were divided into three tiers: low, intermediate, and high. The three major sects priced them after a strict filtering and selection process.


    Liu Wuxie had purchased all low-grade stones, and only one of the three barely reached the level of an intermediate-grade stone.


    The stone was swiftly reduced in size as stone fragments flew around. There was a noticeable change in the atmosphere around the Ling n, who seemed to be hurrying to end the gamble.


    This only made everyone curious about what Liu Wuxie had said to make the Ling n so afraid.


    In just over a minute, the stone was reduced to the size of a washbasin.


    The stone exploded with spirituality, a sign that the Ling n had uncovered another spiritual essence. It was still a high-grade spiritual essence, which left the crowd envious.


    With so many spiritual essences already excavated, the odds of uncovering spiritual essences from the remaining stones had dwindled.


    "The Ling n has struck a fortune! The two spiritual essences alone could fetch over ten million spirit stones, and they only spent a few million to purchase them," many in the crowd were envious. Most of them had spent a fortune to walk away with nothing. It was natural for them to be jealous when the Ling n had uncovered two high-grade spiritual essences.


    "Liu Wuxie, it''s your turn now!" The Ling n''s second elder said with a cold smirk. He wouldn''t rest until Liu Wuxie was dead and had to take the risk even if the House of Tea Art would intervene.


    Liu Wuxie calmly picked up the second stone, and his cutting technique was unhurried. Each stroke of the de felt like the breathing of nature with a rhythm. There weren''t any fancy moves, but his performance was mesmerizing.


    This was like how someone walked, but each step felt measured with simr lengths.


    The stone began to shrink under Liu Wuxie''s dagger, but there was still no sign of spirituality. This made the crowd murmur if Liu Wuxie would finally fail.


    The Ling n''s three elders smirked. They had examined that stone before but had detected no spirituality within it.


    With each passing movement, the stone grew smaller. It was now the size of a fist, but there was still no sign of spirituality. By now, it was practically certain that there was nothing in this stone.


    However, Liu Wuxie''s action puzzled everyone because he didn''t give up and continued to cut the stone.


    "Liu Wuxie, give up. There''s nothing inside," someone called out. After all, when there was no sign of spirituality after it was cut to the size of an infant''s fist, it was practically certain that there was nothing inside.


    Even Murong Yi''s face revealed a trace of doubt as she watched Liu Wuxie. He wasn''t the type to act without purpose, but there seemed to be no logic in continuing to cut the stone when no spirituality was emanating from it.


    The Azure Crimson Gate disciples alsoughed at Liu Wuxie''s persistence.


    "Liu Wuxie, just admit defeat. There''s nothing inside¡ªstop wasting everyone''s time!" yelled Jia Fengmao, and he leaped into the air like a monkey. If it weren''t for the Azure Crimson Gate¡¯s elders being present, Liu Wuxie would''ve pped him to death a long time ago.


    More people began to join in to jeer, especially those who had a good rtionship with the Ling n. This was the perfect opportunity for them to curry favor with the Ling n, so how would they give it up?


    However, some waited with bated breaths and anticipation. After all, no one could say for certain that there was nothing inside the stone until the veryst moment.


    The stone continued to shrink in size, and it became difficult for Liu Wuxie to hold it in one hand. He slowed down with extra caution.


    For some reason, the surrounding air began to shift, and a deep tremor passed through the crowd. This was a strange sensation because it felt as though something was going to awaken, and it was so powerful that it made everyone feel ufortable.


    No one knew where this power came from. But they soon realized that the strange feeling came from the stone in Liu Wuxie''s hand, which had been reduced to the size of a quail''s egg.


    Despite the stone''s reduced size, Liu Wuxie¡¯s dagger continued to slice with precision. Each cut separated only a small fragment as his expression grew increasingly focused. His movements became delicate, careful not to rush. Slowly and meticulously, he peeled away the outeryers of the stone, ensuring he didn¡¯t damage whatever was hidden inside.


    When everyone lost patience, a terrifying aura swept the hall, throwing the nearby cultivators into the air.

 Chapter 566 - Dragon Blood

    <h4>Chapter 566 - Dragon Blood</h4>


    A sudden surge of energy swept out, catching everyone by surprise. Those who were standing nearby were thrown into the air.


    When the stone crumbled entirely in Liu Wuxie''s hand, a golden drop of blood hovered in front of him.


    "Dragon''s blood! That''s dragon''s blood!" The crowd erupted into chaos. Liu Wuxie uncovered a drop of dragon''s blood, challenging everyone''s knowledge.


    It became clear why no one could sense any spirituality¡ªthe dragon''s blood was deeply concealed within the stone, meaning no one could feel anything until it was entirely cut open.


    The Ling n''s three elders stood in a daze,pletely dumbfounded. They couldn''t believe that Liu Wuxie had uncovered a mythical treasure like the dragon''s blood.


    In ancient times, dragons were creatures revered as children of heaven. They were born before humanity, and only the Divine n couldpete with them.


    A single drop of the dragon''s blood was priceless and couldn''t be measured with spirit stones.


    When the dragon''s blood appeared, the Heavenly Dragon Seal within the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron began to stir, wanting to leap out and absorb the dragon''s blood.


    Liu Wuxie was momentarily stunned. The Heavenly Dragon Seal was damaged, and the best method to restore it was to repair it with the dragon n''s materials, especially the broken corner. If it could be repaired, the Heavenly Dragon Seal might be elevated to the level of a heavenly artifact.


    Even an expert in the True Profound Realm would have difficulty contending with it if repaired.


    The Azure Crimson Gate''s disciples were stunned, staring at the dragon''s blood in shock.


    Li Hongda, who had kept silent during the jeering, wore a darkened expression in frustration. He might not have joined in jeering at Liu Wuxie, but his expression sold him out; he hoped for Liu Wuxie''s failure.


    As for Jia Fengmao, he looked like he had swallowed something foul, unable to conceal his disgust. He recalled his earlier performance, and he felt like a clown.


    The sudden appearance of the dragon''s blood was a resounding p to the faces of those who had mocked Liu Wuxie earlier, and everyone could feel a burning pain on their cheeks. Liu Wuxie''s triumph stung even more because it wasn''t just one victory¡ªit was a series of them, one after another.


    The vast dragon aura filled the entire hall, and only those in the high levels of the Heavenly Phase Realm could barely withstand it. Those in the low levels could only retreat. As for those in the Heavenly Dipper Realm, the sheer pressure left them immobilized on the ground.


    A faint halo appeared around Murong Yi when the oppressive dragon aura appeared. Madam Li quietly released her aura in the Nascent Transformation Realm to shield the threedies, ensuring the outburst didn''t throw them away.


    Liu Wuxie took out a porcin bottle containing the dragon''s blood, and the aura finally faded.


    The surroundings became calm once more, but the onlookers couldn''t calm down. They couldn''t believe Liu Wuxie''s incredible luck. Not only had he uncovered a Golden Spirit Fruit''s seed earlier, but he even found something like the dragon''s blood.


    Judging from the current looks, Liu Wuxie had taken the lead. In terms of value, the dragon''s blood had far exceeded high-grade spiritual essence, and the Ling n was at a disadvantage now.


    It could spell a disaster for the Ling n if they lost this gamble because they would have to leave Serene Sea City. If they left Serene Sea City, the Ling n would fall because they relied on stone betting to establish themselves in the city.


    No other ce in Southern Province had a more thriving stone betting culture than Serene Sea City.


    Ling Feichi was starting to regret challenging Liu Wuxie. When he heard about what had happened on the boat the other night, his first thought was to seek revenge for his son. Now that he looked back at his choice, he realized it had been a grave mistake. This decision could very well lead the Ling n into the abyss.


    However, there was no turning back now. It was either the Ling n''s destruction or Liu Wuxie''s death, and he had no choice but to follow it through. This meant the Ling n''s fate nowy in the final stone.


    The Ling n still stood a chance, but the odds seemed faint. As the ridicule directed at Liu Wuxie faded, no one stepped forward to purchase the dragon''s blood. They knew Liu Wuxie wouldn''t sell it, and there was no purpose in asking.


    Rather than asking to buy it from Liu Wuxie, it was better to find a way to seize it after the gamble. Everyone was calcting the odds of bypassing the House of Tea Art to kill Liu Wuxie.


    The Ling n''s grand elder silently picked up the third stone that they had selected from the area designated for the Azure Crimson Gate. This stone had cost them 1,500,000 spirit stones, and he could only win if he could uncover a treasure like the dragon''s blood.


    His hands were steady, unshaken by Liu Wuxie''s earlier sess. There was only a brief pause because he continued to cut it steadily. They wouldn''t admit defeat until the veryst moment, and stone fragments soon piled up around him.


    As pieces of stones began to fall, his speed increased with every stroke. The stone had shrunk to half its size in just a few minutes, and a terrifying outburst of spirituality came from within.


    "What intense spirituality! Could it be a supreme-grade spiritual essence?" someone eximed. Only four supreme-grade spiritual essences had been discovered over the years in Serene Sea City, in addition to the ones found by Liu Wuxie. They began to wonder if another one was going to be uncovered today.


    The eyes of the Ling n''s grand elder gleamed with hope. If it was a supreme-grade spiritual essence, the Ling n still had a chance at victory. He quickened his pace after seeing hope, and the spirituality released grew more robust with each cut.


    "This must be a supreme-grade spiritual essence! After all, a high-grade spiritual essence couldn''t release such powerful spirituality," another onlooker dered confidently.


    Many people among the crowd were skilled in stone betting, and they could sense the aura of a supreme-grade spiritual essence even if few were discovered over the years.


    Even those in the Nascent Transformation Realm stood silently, confirming the crowd''s spection that this was a supreme-grade spiritual essence.


    Li Hongda''s face became terrifyingly grim because this stone was selected from the area designated for the Azure Crimson Gate. The sect''s higher-ups had filtered through the stones once, and they had taken the valuable ones to cut themselves. They couldn''t believe they had let a stone containing a supreme-grade spiritual essence slip through their fingers.


    "It''s not even a spiritual essence, but a spiritual core!" someone yelled when an even stronger outburst of spirituality exploded. A spiritual core was worth more than supreme-grade spiritual essence, almost equal in value to the dragon''s blood.


    The Ling n''s members let out a collective sigh of relief. The discovery of a spiritual core gave them a flicker of hope of winning the bet.


    The crowd watched as a bean-sized spiritual core appeared before the Ling n''s grand elder, which everyone had predicted judging from the spirituality it had given off.


    "Bravo!" Those who supported the Ling n cheered with more confidence in their tone this time.


    All eyes turned to Liu Wuxie because he had one more stone to cut, and everyone wondered if he could create another miracle.


    "All Liu Wuxie needs is a low-grade spiritual essence to win." The current score was a draw, but Liu Wuxie could win if he could uncover something in the third stone. If there were nothing, the match would end up in a draw.


    Serene Sea City was the Ling n''s home city, and they could easily argue that the value of the spiritual core was above the dragon''s blood. Neither side had signed a Life-and-Death Pledge, meaning there was nothing Liu Wuxie could do even if they insisted the value of spiritual core was higher. Not to mention, there were many supporters of the Ling n present.


    Liu Wuxie took up the final stone and weighed it in his hands.


    "All bystanders, move ten meters back!" Liu Wuxie said before cutting the stone. The dragon''s blood was an excellent example because those who were standing near him had been thrown away by the sudden outburst of dragon aura, coughing up blood.


    "Liu Wuxie, stop with your trickery. Do you think something like the dragon''s blood is somon that it can reappear? Only a few drops have been found in thest few centuries," scoffed an Azure Crimson Gate disciple and even took a few steps forward on purpose.


    After all, it would be humiliating for them to retreat just because Liu Wuxie said so. Only a few in the crowd heeded the warning and retreated.


    "Let''s retreat as well," Murong Yi said, and she took ten-odd steps back with everyone.


    Madam Li even prepared a protective shield in advance because she had been startled by the sudden outburst of the dragon''s aura earlier.


    Only the Azure Crimson Gate disciples remained at the front, stubborn and refusing to budge.


    Liu Wuxie merely nced at them and decided not to bother with them. It was their choice since they had ignored his warning and took the risk.


    Li Hongda and others secretly mustered their strength, ready to intervene should any danger arise.


    Liu Wuxie raised the dagger and began to cut the stone, much slower this time. Time slowly passed, and only a third of the stone was removed after ten minutes.


    The crowd began to grow impatient, urging him to hurry up. They still had to pick stones after the bet was over.


    However, Liu Wuxie remained calm and ignored the voices in the surroundings. He continued at his own pace, shaving the stone slowly.


    When only half was left, the stone began to crack. No one had seen this before, and many onlookers were in shock and disbelief.


    The stone cracking apart wasn''t apparent at first, so most people ignored it. They assumed the stone cracked because it had aged over the years, making it normal to develop fissures. Some also thought the stone cracked because Liu Wuxie used too much force when cutting it.


    "What do you all think will be uncovered from this stone?" a few whispered, intrigued by the unfolding scene. They felt that the event was already worthwhile to witness this gamble. Not only was a spiritual core discovered, but the dragon''s blood was also found.


    "The chance of a spiritual essence is rare because there''s no sign of spirituality even after the stone has cracked. This stone can''t contain any spiritual essence," someone said confidently, dismissing the possibility of finding one inside.


    "Looking at Liu Wuxie''s confidence, there must be treasure within this stone, not to mention how he requested everyone to step back. Could it be that he can see through the stone and already knows what''s inside?" Liu Wuxie''s action left a lingering suspicion in everyone''s minds. What he said was taken to heart by others.


    They began to ponder if it was a careless or deliberate remark from Liu Wuxie, a question only Liu Wuxie could answer. He was sending a signal that he could identify what was inside the stone even before cutting it.


    This conflicted with his earlier desire toy low. His sudden change in attitude left everyone puzzled, and they wondered what had caused him to reveal his ability to identify the treasure within stones.


    They knew this was moreplex than it seemed because Liu Wuxie wouldn''t make a useless remark based on the intelligence he had shown.


    The mystery would soon be unveiled, as the stone was shrinking in size in Liu Wuxie''s hands.


    The cracks suddenly began to spread even faster. The stone fragments didn''t look like they had fallen naturally but were ripped apart by some power.


    Before anyone could react, a dazzling de ray appeared out of nowhere and cut through the air.

 Chapter 567 - Blade Tip

    <h4>Chapter 567 - de Tip</h4>


    The sudden outburst of the de ray caught everyone by surprise, not to mention that it was incredibly powerful after being sealed inside the stone for countless years.


    Even Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t hide the flicker of shock in his eyes from the de ray. The stone suddenly split apart and crumbled into dust.


    Without warning, a de tip the size of a palm flew out from the stone, and not even Liu Wuxie could contain it. The de tip soared into the air and drew various crimson arcs.


    ¡°Step back!¡± Li Hongda was on the verge of crying. Who could¡¯ve imagined that the stone picked by Liu Wuxie would contain a de tip? Just the de tip alone could unleash such a terrifying de ray.


    The only usible exnation was that this de tip was broken off during a fight, and the de ray had remained on the de tip when it was encased in stone. This was akin to sealing the de ray within the stone, which resulted in the sudden outburst of the de ray when it was cut open.


    It was toote for the Azure Crimson Gate disciples to react because the de tip had already closed in on them.


    The de tip streaked through them, leaving behind a downpour of blood and heart-wrenching screams.


    In the span of one breath, it left behind heavy casualties among the Azure Crimson Gate disciples, with over thirty disciples killed under the de ray. The wounds they sustained also varied; some had their hearts cut open, some had a hole in their chest, and some were cleaved into two.


    Even cultivators in the Nascent Transformation Realm had to avoid the de ray.


    The de tip had gone out of control now, and more lives would be lost if left unchecked.


    ¡°Now!¡± Murong Yi said, and Madam Li vanished with the powerful aura of the Nascent Transformation Realm to suppress the de ray, and the de tip was frozen in mid-air.


    ¡°Thank you, Madam Li!¡±


    Had Madam Li not intervened, the de''s tip would have struck, leaving only chaos and bloodshed in its path.


    Only the Azure Crimson Gate suffered because they had chosen to stand close to Liu Wuxie and had even stepped forward after his reminder to step back.


    As a result, those who stood too close were dead without an exception, in by the de tip.


    Jia Fengmao looked with horror, and he was fortunate that he didn¡¯t step forward. He understood Liu Wuxie well, and thetter wouldn¡¯t act unless necessary.


    Out of over a hundred Azure Crimson Gate disciples, they lost nearly half of their disciples, which was a significant blow to the Azure Crimson Gate.


    ¡°He¡¯s truly something else!¡± Hua Chenye muttered with a wry smile. He was a prodigy in poetry, and there was no way he couldpete with Liu Wuxie regarding stone betting.


    ¡°This is getting interesting now,¡± someone gloated. ¡°Let¡¯s see how he gets out of this one after killing so many disciples of the Azure Crimson Gate!¡±


    However, this wasn¡¯t entirely Liu Wuxie¡¯s fault¡ªhe had warned everyone, but the Azure Crimson Gate disciples had chosen to remain and even step forward, which led to their demise.


    Li Hongda¡¯s eyes burned with rage. There was no exnation he could offer the sect for the loss of so many disciples, and the only way to quell his fury was by killing Liu Wuxie.


    After Madam Li subdued the de tip, she sealed it inside the box, and the de ray finally dissipated.


    ¡°What a powerful de ray. If someone focuses on using the de, their de technique and intent would soar if they could study it daily.¡±


    The aura on the de tip was precious to anyone who used a de. Whether the de or the sword, their principles often converged together.


    Many recalled paintings painted by experts, allowing others to perceive the profundity within.


    In the mundane world, Liu Wuxie had once acquitted a painting that contained de intent during an alchemypetition.


    The members of the Ling n were dumbfounded. They could¡¯ve never imagined that Liu Wuxie would cut out such a treasure, which dashed their already slim chances of victory. The de tip had be the final straw that crushed their hopes.


    But before the Ling n¡¯s members could say anything, there was already an uproar from the Azure Crimson Gate¡¯s members.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, how dare you kill over thirty-odd disciples of our Azure Crimson Gate! I want you dead!¡± Li Hongda lunged forward. He was so determined that even the House of Tea Art couldn¡¯t stop him.


    ¡°Stand down!¡± Madam Li stomped the cane on the ground, throwing Li Hongda backward, stumbling dozens of steps before he regained his footing.


    ¡°House of Tea Art, are you dering war against the Azure Crimson Gate?!¡± Li Hongda stood up, his voice trembling in anger. His determination to kill Liu Wuxie was strong, even if he had to wage war with the House of Tea Art.


    With so many disciples dead, the upper echelons wouldn¡¯t let this matter slip.


    ¡°Ask your sect master if you want to wage war against the House of Tea Art. You¡¯re not qualified,¡± Madam Li retorted with a sneer. Li Hongda was only an ordinary elder and could not speak for the Azure Crimson Gate.


    No one had predicted the current development of this matter. A stone-betting event was held every month, but nothing like what had happened this month had ever urred in the past centuries.


    ¡°Elder Li, this is your fault, and you can¡¯t me Liu Wuxie for that. He warned everyone to retreat, but your Azure Crimson Gate disciples stepped forward on purpose instead. Since they¡¯re engaged in stone betting, it¡¯s natural to cut open de ray from the stone,¡± Wei Qisheng said, standing on Liu Wuxie¡¯s side.


    Even if Liu Wuxie hadn¡¯t warned everyone, the deaths of the Azure Crimson Gate disciples couldn¡¯t be med on him. After all, he didn¡¯t do it on purpose, and the Azure Crimson Gate had brought it upon themselves for ignoring his warning.


    ¡°Old Wei, are you lecturing me on what to do?¡± Li Hongda was fuming. Not only did the House of Tea Art intervene, but even the Sky Rift Valley, which had always maintained a neutral position, supported Liu Wuxie. This further fueled his anger.


    ¡°I¡¯m merely stating the facts. If the Azure Crimson Gate continues to be like this, it¡¯s only a matter of time before you lose the people¡¯s favor,¡± Wei Qisheng warned Li Hongda. The Azure Crimson Gate¡¯s reputation had declined in recent years, and they would lose their position if they lost the people¡¯s favor.


    Wei Qisheng¡¯s remark made many people nod in agreement. The Azure Crimson Gate had grown increasingly tyrannical over the years, slowly losing the people¡¯s support.


    Although most people mocked Liu Wuxie, they knew he had done nothing wrong with the de ray. He had warned everyone, but the Azure Crimson Gate disciples had ignored the warning and even stepped forward.


    When Li Hongda and the Azure Crimson Gate disciples heard his warning, they were enraged because that was no different from mocking them.


    ¡°Very well! Anyone who dares to stand in my way today will be an enemy of the Azure Crimson Gate!¡± Li Hongda took a deep breath. He wanted to see who would stand in his way.


    Wei Qisheng was about to speak, but the other elder from the Sky Rift Valley stopped him. The situation had already strayed too far from the course, and the Sky Rift Valley had already offended the Azure Crimson Gate by saying so much.


    The crowd stepped back, not wanting to get caught in the crossfire. The tension was high, but the Azure Crimson Gate didn¡¯t dare to act rashly because Madam Li was present. They were waiting for the right moment to strike and im Liu Wuxie¡¯s life.


    ¡°Elder Li, let¡¯s be patient and wait. The Ling n has lost and will surely try to kill Liu Wuxie. We can sit back and watch them fight,¡± Jia Fengmao whispered into Li Hongda¡¯s ear.


    Li Hongda nodded in agreement with Jia Fengmao¡¯s words. They did not need to dirty their hands because the Ling n would settle the score with Liu Wuxie. After losing, the Ling n wouldn¡¯t just sit and do nothing.


    ¡°The Ling n lost. Will they really leave Serene Sea City?¡± someone whispered.


    The Ling n¡¯s three elders stood in disbelief at their losses, unable to ept the oue.


    A ten-meter radius around Liu Wuxie had be an empty space, with no one daring to approach. The bodies of the deceased Azure Crimson Gate disciples had been moved aside to prevent further damage to their remains.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, you cheated! You must¡¯ve cheated!¡± The Ling n¡¯s three elders cried out. The loss was too overwhelming for them, and the de ray released by the de tip was far more potent than any ancient fragment they had seen.


    ¡°Which eye of yours saw me cheat?¡± Liu Wuxie asked, looking at the Ling n¡¯s three elders with a smile. He cast the Azure Crimson Gate aside for the time being because he knew they wanted to use the Ling n to get rid of him.


    ¡°You must¡¯ve conspired with the Sky Rift Valley! That de tip must¡¯ve been hidden within the stone beforehand!¡± the Ling n¡¯s third elder used, dragging the Sky Rift Valley into the matter.


    ¡°You dare nder our Sky Rift Valley?!¡± Wei Qisheng was enraged. The Sky Rift Valley had always conducted themselves with integrity, and they would never stoop so low, resorting to such dishonorable tactics.


    This time, only a few sided with the Ling n. Everyone widely knew and acknowledged the Sky Rift Valley¡¯s reputation, and they believed the Sky Rift Valley would never resort to such underhanded means.


    ¡°Hmph, the dragon¡¯s blood and de tip don¡¯t have any spirituality seeping out, so how does he know there are treasures inside? The Sky Rift Valley must¡¯ve told them beforehand!¡± The Ling n¡¯s third elder sneered, garnering support from many people with his words.


    After all, it seemed coincidental that Liu Wuxie would pick three stones containing three different treasures.


    ¡°So, you¡¯re saying that the Ling Can can detect the leaked spirituality?¡± Liu Wuxie interrupted with a smirk. If the Ling n could detect spirituality, they could walk through the hall and buy all the stones containing spirituality.


    ¡°That¡¯s impossible! No one can sense the spirituality inside the stone unless they cut it open,¡± someone quickly interjected to refute Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, stop bullshitting. You must¡¯ve cheated, and you should be killed ording to the rules!¡± The Ling n¡¯s three elders were adamant that Liu Wuxie had cheated and that they hadn¡¯t lost the gamble.


    More people stood on the Ling n¡¯s side because Liu Wuxie was an outsider. It made no sense for him to be more proficient in stone betting than the Ling n.


    The situation grew increasingly perilous for Liu Wuxie, the Azure Crimson Gate pressing in and the Ling n trying to frame him.


    Strangely, the House of Tea Art didn¡¯t intervene and allowed the situation to escte. They only had to ensure Liu Wuxie¡¯s safety and nothing else.


    ¡°I cheated?¡± Liu Wuxie sneered with a devilish smile. ¡°If anyone¡¯s cheating here, it¡¯s your Ling n!¡±

 Chapter 568 - Who鈥檚 the Cheater

    <h4>Chapter 568 - Who¡¯s the Cheater</h4>


    Seeing that the atmosphere had reached a tipping point with over ny percent of the crowd against him, Liu Wuxie suddenly let out a cold, sinisterughter.


    ¡°I cheated?¡± Liu Wuxie sneered with a devilish smile. ¡°If anyone¡¯s cheating here, it¡¯s your Ling n!¡±


    The Ling n had used Liu Wuxie of cheating, but Liu Wuxie was now turning the tables to use them instead. So, who was the cheater here? The crowd could no longer differentiate the truth from the lies.


    ¡°Do you think you can use us of cheating with words alone? Where is your proof?¡± The Ling n¡¯s three elders snorted coldly. So many people here supported the Ling n, and this was evidence.


    Liu Wuxie found himself without supporters, as his words held little weight against the long-established Ling n, whose influence had been deeply rooted in Serene Sea City for centuries.


    However, a few sharp-minded people kept their opinions to themselves and remained silent. They didn¡¯t want to make any judgment before the truth emerged.


    The Sky Rift Valley tried to speak up several times to prove that they hadn¡¯t cheated, but their wordscked persuasion without solid evidence.


    ¡°Since your Ling n has chosen the path of destruction, don¡¯t me me for what will happen next. I have already given your Ling n several chances, but you decided not to take them. Therefore, I see no reason for the Ling n to continue existing in Serene Sea City,¡± Liu Wuxie said assertively. His presence was so overwhelming that even some cultivators in the low levels of the Astral River Realm couldn¡¯t withstand the pressure.


    ¡°What arrogance! Does he think he can erase the Ling n from Serene Sea City?¡± The crowd erupted in disbelief after hearing what Liu Wuxie said.


    The Ling n¡¯s members, however, broke intoughter.


    ¡°You¡¯re quite arrogant for a mere brat. Let me see how the Ling n will be destroyed,¡± the Ling n¡¯s grand elder sneered; the murderous intent he gave off increased as he slowly walked over to Liu Wuxie.


    The Azure Crimson Gate had discussed among themselves and agreed to hold off the House of Tea Art, allowing the Ling n to kill Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Has anyone ever wondered why the stones picked by the Ling n can only cut out spiritual essence? Why not ancient fragments or any other items? Or are they truly willing to let such treasures fall into the hands of others?¡± Liu Wuxie questioned the crowd.


    Since the Ling n imed to be unparalleled in appraisal, why did they fail to detect other treasures in the stones aside from anything that contained spirituality? Liu Wuxie had already proven that there were treasures like the dragon¡¯s blood and de tip.


    Just earlier, Liu Wuxie had secretlymunicated with Murong Yi and learned that treasures the Ling n had discovered from stones were all spiritual essences.


    The crowd erupted into an uproar after hearing what Liu Wuxie said. Wei Qisheng and others saw the Ling n¡¯s three elders trembling slightly.


    "He seems to be right. In recent years, all the treasures the Ling n has uncovered have been spiritual essences and nothing else," someone in the crowd remarked, their voice tinged with curiosity. The observation caused murmurs among the onlookers as they began to question the Ling n''s ims and methods.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s words had struck a realization in everyone now that they were directed to this topic. They recalled that the treasures the Ling n had cut out all matched his ims.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. The Ling n even charged exorbitant fees to help people select stones this year, and they¡¯re all spiritual essences without any exception, not to mention there¡¯s only a fifty percent sess rate,¡± another person added. More people joined the discussion and made a tally of the treasures the Ling n had uncovered throughout the years, perfectly matching Liu Wuxie¡¯s usations.


    ¡°But that¡¯s weird. How did Liu Wuxie know that the Ling n¡¯s stones only discovered spiritual essences? And why didn¡¯t they find other treasures?¡± The crowd¡¯s curiosity deepened in everyone¡¯s mind.


    Liu Wuxie made a valid point because the Ling n only uncovered spiritual essences, not treasures like the dragon¡¯s blood or the mysterious de tip. There was only one usible exnation: the Ling n couldn¡¯t detect any other treasures apart from spiritual essences.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, how is that cheating? Perhaps the Ling n has means to detect spirituality within a stone,¡± a local cultivator from Serene Sea City made a fair point, taking neither side on this matter.


    Many nodded in agreement. This argument wasn¡¯t enough to prove that the Ling n was cheating.


    ¡°What a bunch of idiots!¡± Liu Wuxie shook his head. His insult included everyone present. This was no different from poking the ho¡¯s nest, including those who supported Liu Wuxie earlier.


    Even Murong Yi smiled wryly as she shook her head. She had only known Liu Wuxie for a few days and clearly didn¡¯t understand him entirely.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, you dare call us retards?¡± Even the Demonic Heart Pce¡¯s disciples stepped forward, angered by Liu Wuxie¡¯s words.


    ¡°You should be grateful that I called you an idiot. The Ling n has been causing chaos in Serene Sea City for many years, and none of you have noticed it. Even cultivators in the True Profound Realm couldn¡¯t detect the spirituality in a stone, so what makes you think the Ling n can? Is it because their family name is Ling, or do they have an extra pair of eyes?¡± Liu Wuxie raised his voice, but no one could refute his words.


    Liu Wuxie had made a valid point. Even cultivators in the True Profound Realm couldn¡¯t detect the spirituality concealed within the stone, so what right did the Ling n have to im they could?


    Many people in Serene Sea City with the family name Ling and the Ling n did not have an extra pair of eyes. So, how did they detect the spirituality concealed in the stone?


    The silence that followed was eerie. No one came to refute Liu Wuxie¡¯s im, even if he insulted everyone by calling them idiots.


    Murong Yi¡¯s eyes gleamed with intrigue. She was curious how Liu Wuxie handled the situation so well, silencing everyone with his words.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, we¡¯ll kill you for insulting us if you don¡¯t give us a reasonable exnation today, even if it means offending the House of Tea Art,¡± said several disciples of the Sky Rift Valley, who looked at Liu Wuxie furiously.


    Only the Ling n stood pale-faced because the development of the situation had spiraled out of their control like a runaway horse they could no longer keep in rein.


    ¡°You¡¯ll have to ask the Ling n about that. Ask them how they detected the spirituality hidden in the stones,¡± Liu Wuxie said. He wasn¡¯t hurrying to exin and looked at the Ling n with a smile.


    Everyone¡¯s attention was sessfully shifted from Liu Wuxie to the Ling n.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, don¡¯t try to divert everyone¡¯s attention from you. Our Ling n¡¯s appraisal method is our secret passed down through generations. How could we reveal it to the public?¡± The Ling n¡¯s three elders argued, trying to defend themselves.


    It sounded reasonable because the Ling n relied on their appraisal technique to build their fortune, bing the wealthiest in Serene Sea City. If they revealed the secret, their status would undoubtedly crumble.


    ¡°It¡¯s not that you¡¯re unwilling to reveal, but you don¡¯t dare,¡± Liu Wuxie smirked, his voiceced with mockery.


    His words made Ling Feichi¡¯s eyes sh, and his mind raced, trying to find a way to escape this situation.


    ¡°Young friend, our Ling n may have offended you, so why don¡¯t we end the gamble here?¡± Ling Feichi offered, sping his hands together in Liu Wuxie¡¯s direction. He hoped that this matter could end here.


    Ling Feichi¡¯s sudden act of humility left the crowd even more suspicious. The Ling n had the advantage in this conflict, so why did they lower themselves and offer peace?


    Moreover, Ling Feichi¡¯s tone suggested that they were willing to give up the gamble and evenpensate Liu Wuxie.


    This made the plot thicken, with everyone wondering what the Ling n was trying to hide. The crowd¡¯s curiosity was piqued, and there was no way they could let this matter rest here.


    ¡°Toote!¡± Liu Wuxie shook his head and looked around. He knew that no one could leave here today if they didn¡¯t make things clear, including the Ling n. Once something was set in motion, it could not be undone.


    His feud with the Ling n was already set on a carriage, and no one could get off as they wanted. If they jump off rashly, they would fall to their death.


    Ling Feichi naturally knew it as well, and this incident had spiraled out of the Ling n¡¯s control. It was toote for him to regret it.


    The Ling n¡¯s three elders exchanged a look with a sinister gleam in their eyes. They finally made the decision and roared, ¡°Kill him!¡±


    Just when everyone was rxed, the Ling n¡¯s three eldersunched themselves into the air, directing three swords at Liu Wuxie. Their speed was incredible, and the crowd was still lost in the conversation. No one had expected the Ling n¡¯s three elders to try to silence Liu Wuxie suddenly.


    Even the Azure Crimson Gate¡¯s elders were stunned because they were caught unexpectedly by the Ling n¡¯s sudden attempt to silence Liu Wuxie.


    Just as the air began to stir, a powerful energy fluctuation rippled.


    Madam Li suddenly stepped in from a distance away and was even faster than the Ling n¡¯s three elders. It was as if she had anticipated the sudden attack from them.


    Earlier, when Liu Wuxie had insulted the crowd, he had given a subtle nce toward Murong Yi. She quickly grasped his unspoken message¡ªhe was signaling that someone was preparing a sneak attack to take his life.


    Everything unfolded as he had predicted¡ªthe Ling n made their move.


    The Ling n¡¯s three elders were flung backward before their swords could reach Liu Wuxie. Their swords were within inches from Liu Wuxie, but Madam Li threw them off with one palm strike.


    The Ling n¡¯s three elders fell to the ground and spat out blood, their faces drained of color.


    ¡°Thank you for your help, Madam Li!¡± Liu Wuxie gave Madam Li a bow. He knew he was ying a dangerous game and had gambled on Murong Yi¡¯s sharp mind, and she did not let him down.


    In the past few days of interaction, Liu Wuxie had noticed Murong Yi¡¯s intelligence, and he believed she could get the meaning behind his eye signal.


    ¡°I only followed the youngdy¡¯s instructions. If you want to thank someone, thank her,¡± Madam Li said tly. She did not take credit for it. She wasn¡¯t interested in helping Liu Wuxie and only did so because of Murong Yi¡¯s instructions.


    Liu Wuxie gave Murong Yi a nod to express his gratitude.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on? Why did the Ling n suddenly try to silence Liu Wuxie?¡± The crowd erupted in chaos. Madam Li¡¯s attack not only sent people flying, but many people also suffered injuries as a result.


    ¡°Could it be that the Ling nmitted some heinous act, or are they hiding a terrible secret?¡± Everyone grew increasingly curious and even ignored Liu Wuxie¡¯s insults toward them.


    But if Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t rify things today, not only the Ling n but everyone else would drown Liu Wuxie with their insults.


    ¡°It looks like the Ling n is really desperate to silence me,¡± Liu Wuxie said with a yful smile and swept his gaze across everyone from the Ling n.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, do you really want to take it that far?¡± Ling Feichi said with bloodshot eyes. It was evident from Liu Wuxie¡¯s words that he had discovered the Ling n¡¯s secrets. If Liu Wuxie had uncovered their most guarded secret, the consequences were something they couldn¡¯t withstand.


    ¡°You got it backward. It¡¯s your Ling n who targeted me. I had discovered your Ling n¡¯s appraisal method since the boat gathering but didn¡¯t expose it. Right from the start, your Ling n is the one who jumped out to target me and try to kill me. I¡¯m just retaliating.¡±

 Chapter 569 - Spirit-Devouring Worm

    <h4>Chapter 569 - Spirit-Devouring Worm</h4>


    After hearing Liu Wuxie''s words, everyone from the Ling n felt sweat trickling down their foreheads. They couldn''t figure out how Liu Wuxie had discovered their most guarded secret.


    "That''s impossible! There was no stone betting on the boat, so how do you know?" The Ling n''s young master asked in disbelief, thinking that Liu Wuxie was trying to bluff them into his trap.


    "Well, I must thank you, Young Master Ling, foring so close to me that day for no reason. I noticed the scent pouch that you''ve been carrying. Do you dare to open it for everyone to see?" Liu Wuxie said.


    The Ling n''s young master''s face flushed angrily; his fists clenched. That day, he had only approached Liu Wuxie to request calligraphy, which had resulted in his enmity against Liu Wuxie. It was also rare for such a small matter to escte into such deep hatred.


    The Ling n''s upper echelons began to panic. The ordinary disciples looked puzzled because only the upper echelons knew the n''s true secrets. As the chosen heir, the Ling n''s young master could naturally ess the n''s secrets.


    Thousands of eyes fell on the scent pouch hanging at the waist of the Ling n''s young master.


    "Hurry up and open it!" someone yelled from the crowd, with everyone''s curiosity piqued. After all, they would be rich if they could ess the secret of how the Ling n appraised stones.


    The Ling n''s young master hesitated. He turned to look at his father nervously because he hadn''t expected things to spiral out of control.


    "Young Master Ling, why are you hesitating? Hurry up and open it!" Qiu Yuan said, despite having a close rtionship with the Ling n''s young master.


    More people joined in to pressure the Ling n''s young master, who was on the verge of copse. He knew the consequences would be dire if he opened the scent pouch.


    "Run! Break through the crowd!" Ling Feichi wanted to break through the crowd and leave this ce. This was the only way for the Ling n to survive.


    "Stop them from escaping if you don''t want to die in ignorance!" Liu Wuxie roared, his voice booming through the hall. Hismand reverberated across the room, urging everyone to block the Ling n¡¯s escape.


    There weren''t many of the Ling n present¡ªjust over a dozen people. No one could stop them if they wanted to flee, and they were already desperate to do anything to survive.


    The Azure Crimson Gate wouldn''t stop them from leaving, and those from the Demonic Heart Pce enjoyed the show.


    "Ling Feichi, don''t be in such a hurry to leave. The Ling n used us, the Sky Rift Valley, of cheating. You still haven''t given us an exnation for this matter."


    The ones who intervened to stop the Ling n were those from the Sky Rift Valley. If the Ling n managed to escape, there would be no one to prove their innocence.


    Madam Li injured the Ling n''s three elders, and Ling Feichi couldn''t break free from the barrier set up by the two elders from the Sky Rift Valley.


    Suddenly, an expert in the Astral River Realm charged at the Ling n''s young master, swiftly reaching for the scent pouch that looked like a sachet hanging by his waist. He knew that the pouch contained the Ling n¡¯s secret for appraising stones, and he didn''t hesitate to open it immediately after snatching it.


    "Don''t open it!" Liu Wuxie''s goal was to force the Ling n''s young master to open it himself, and it was already toote for him to stop. The Azure Crimson Gate disciples were overwhelmed with greed, and they naturally would pay no heed to Liu Wuxie''s warning.


    When the pouch was opened, a thin ck thread flew out, burrowed into this Azure Crimson Gate disciple''s hand, and disappeared. What followed after was a gruesome scene as the youth let out a heart-wrenching scream.


    His screams echoed as his body began to wither, as if something was devouring his flesh and blood.


    In the blink of an eye, blood streamed from his five orifices, leaving behind a tragic appearance. This scared the surrounding Azure Crimson Gate disciples to retreat, with fear etched on their faces quickly.


    "It''s the Spirit-Devouring Worm!" one of the Demonic Heart Pce''s elders cried out, his reaction akin to someone who had been struck by lightning. His sudden outburst drew everyone''s attention, and curiosity spread among the crowd. If a cultivator in the Nascent Transformation Realm could react with such fear, the creature must be truly dangerous.


    But when everyone heard the words'' Spirit-Devouring Worm,'' panic erupted among the crowd, with everyone trying to flee. The Spirit-Devouring Worms were enemies of all cultivators with no exception.


    A slender ck worm appeared before everyone when the Azure Crimson Gate discipley on the ground lifelessly and was reduced to nothing more than a puddle of blood.


    "Quick, kill it!" The worm had grownrger than before, and if it wasn''t killed soon, it would burrow into the next person''s body to consume their flesh.


    At present, the cultivation world had no way to deal with the Spirit-Devouring Worms, so they were also called the undying worms. Even if cut into ten thousand pieces, they could regenerate and turn into ten thousand worms.


    Not only do these worms feed on humans, but they also devour anything that contains spirituality.


    Years ago, a Spirit-Devouring Worm had appeared in a mighty sect and devoured the entire sect in just a few days, including the spiritual vein. Countless disciples of the sect were killed, and even experts in the True Profound Realm couldn''t expel the worm from their bodies.


    However, the Spirit-Devouring Worm''s horror didn''t end there. Their ability to reproduce was also terrifying, and a worm could easily wipe out an entire sect quickly. If there were ten or hundreds of them, didn''t that mean they could wipe out the whole Southern Province?


    Several peopleunched various attacks on the Spirit-Devouring Worm. Despite the powerful assaults, the Spirit-Devouring Worm remained unfazed. There was a reason they were known as undying worms, and no attacks caused them significant harm.


    The Spirit-Devouring Worm disappeared with a sudden whoosh, burrowing itself into the body of a Ling n''s disciple, whose body rapidly shriveled with the energy devoured and only left behind a hollow shell.


    Panic spread among the crowd as everyone attempted to flee, not daring to linger for another moment. Who would''ve thought that the Ling n would secretly raise Spirit-Devouring Worms behind everyone''s back?


    Back at the gathering on the boat, the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron had sent a signal, expressing its hunger to devour the Spirit-Devouring Worm. Using his Ghost Eye, Liu Wuxie had uncovered the Ling n''s secret.


    "Ling Feichi, how dare your Ling n secretly raise the Spirit-Devouring Worm!" People went wild that the Ling n hadmitted taboo of the cultivation world to raise Spirit-Devouring Worm.


    The Spirit-Devouring Worm was the nemesis of all cultivators, and anyone who raised them would be hunted by everyone if found.


    "I understand now! The Spirit-Devouring Worms attract themselves to anything that contains spirituality! The Ling n''s three elders must''ve carried them, and they could identify if the stone contained any spirituality," someone eximed after figuring everything out.


    The Ling n''s appraisal method was the Spirit-Devouring Worm. The Spirit-Devouring Worm''s trait was its acute ability to detect spirituality. By keeping the worms in a pouch, the Ling n could judge the spirituality of the stones based on the worms'' reactions.


    The worms, relying on their acute sensitivity against spirituality, could detect the spirituality in a stone, something the human''s divine sense couldn''t prate. The energy enveloping the stones that could prevent the pration of human''s divine senses had little effect on them.


    As everyone spoke, the Ling n''s disciple had shriveled down to a pile of skin, and the ck worm had grownrger. If this continued, the stone betting event might be a disaster for everyone, and no one present could escape its hunger.


    Once all the humans were devoured, the Spirit-Devouring Worms would turn their hunger toward the spiritual essences hidden within the stones. These creatures could grow rapidly, and ording to ancient records, a single worm had been known to reach several feet in length, capable of consuming one million spirit stones in a single gulp.


    "What should we do? The consequences would be dire if we allowed the worm to escape," someone eximed in panic. If the worm escaped, it would be a disaster for all cultivators in Serene Sea City, and the city would soon be a ghost city.


    Everyone cursed at the Ling n, their hatred so intense that they wished they could tear it apart.


    "The ten major sects had signed a pact years ago to hunt anyone caught secretly raising the Spirit-Devouring Worm. Everyone, listen up! Kill the Ling n''s disciples!" Wei Qisheng yelled. All the Sky Rift Valley disciples sprang into action upon the order. They knew they had to kill everyone from the Ling n to prevent more Spirit-Devouring Worms from escaping.


    If the worms'' numbers grew beyond control, it would be an all-out disaster. Serene Sea City was under the three major ns'' jurisdiction, and they couldn''t afford such a loss. If the city fell, the Spirit-Devouring Worms would soon burrow into the spiritual veins buried beneath the three major sects, delivering a crippling blow to them.


    In an unexpected show of unity during this incident, the Azure Crimson Gate and Demonic Heart Pce joined forces with the Sky Rift Valley tounch a massacre against the Ling n. The Ling Feichi and the elders had no way out because their exit was blocked.


    Even if they managed to kill everyone from Ling n, the Spirit-Devouring Worms would be a disaster if they weren''t eradicated.


    The Spirit-Devouring Worm''s hunger couldn''t be satisfied even after devouring another Ling n''s disciple, and it cast its cold and sinister gaze on the rest of the crowd.


    Everyone eyed by the worm felt a chill down their spines because the Spirit-Devouring Worm was indestructible regardless of fire or ice.


    Anguished screams echoed from the distance. The Ling n had gone insane with Ling Feichi and the three elders unfurling their pouch to release four more Spirit-Devouring Worms.


    The worms charged into the crowd without warning, and four more people fell victim to their attacks.


    "Ling Feichi, you coward!"


    Rage filled the hearts of everyone for the Ling n''s action, which fanned the fire and intensified the ughter. Aside from Ling Feichi and the Ling n''s three elders, the other members were brutally in.


    Even the Ling n''s young master was in without a chance to resist¡ªhe was beheaded in one swift strike.


    "Find a way to kill the worms! The consequences would be disastrous if they escape!" the cultivators of Serene Sea City screamed in despair. The city was their home, and if the worms escaped, it would be destroyed.


    "There''s no use! The Spirit Devouring Spirit has no weaknesses!" someone yelled in defeat. They had tried everything they could, but nothing seemed to work.


    As the worms devoured more people, they grew in size, bing an unstoppable force. The scene fell into pure chaos.


    "Liu Wuxie, this is all your fault! If it weren''t for you, how would our Ling n''s secret of raising the Spirit-Devouring Worm ever have been exposed?" Ling Feichi bellowed in fury as he charged at Liu Wuxie, having just thrown Wei Qisheng aside. His eyes burned with desperation, fully intent on taking Liu Wuxie down with him, even if it meant his own death.


    "You still don''t understand, do you? Why do you think your Ling n has declined in numbers over the years? They''re all devoured by the Spirit-Devouring Worms," Liu Wuxie said, standing calmly in a corner with his voice echoing throughout the hall.


    Everyone finally understood the reason behind the Ling n''s dwindling numbers¡ªthe Spirit-Devouring Worms had devoured their members.


    "You''re right. The Spirit-Devouring Worms have devoured many of our nsmen, and we don''t even know where those worms fled. But if you kill us now, all of Serene Sea City will be buried along with us," Ling Feichi said, his voiceced with madness as he had utterly lost his mind.

 Chapter 570 - Wiped Out

    <h4>Chapter 570 - Wiped Out</h4>


    After hearing Ling Feichi¡¯s words, the hearts of all cultivators in Serene Sea City sank to the bottom. They couldn''t believe the Ling n had allowed several Spirit-Devouring Worms to escape. Those worms had been hidden in the Ling n to devour their members throughout the years, which exined their dwindling numbers.


    If the Spirit-Devouring Worms weren''t wiped out, they would remain contained within the Ling n because they would buy many ves daily and throw them into the inner courtyard to feed the worms.


    There was peace for now, but it was only a matter of time before the Ling n couldn''t satisfy the hunger of the Spirit-Devouring Worms after growing to a certain extent, and they would start attacking others in the city.


    Ling Feichi ultimately failed to kill Liu Wuxie. Wei Qisheng intercepted him halfway, and the two locked in a fierce battle.


    The surrounding stones were flying all around, and some exploded under the pressure of shockwaves. Screams could be hearding from the surroundings, with more Azure Crimson Gate disciples falling prey to the Spirit-Devouring Worms, dying a horrific death.


    "Everyone, think of something! Eliminate the Spirit-Devouring Worms first before the Ling n!" Everyone couldn''t afford to wait any longer because the Spirit-Devouring Worms already showed signs of escaping.


    Suddenly, one of the Spirit-Devouring Worms charged at Liu Wuxie, attracted by the vibrant energy in his body.


    "Big Brother Liu, watch out!" Chen Ruoyan screamed for Liu Wuxie to get out of the way. The Spirit-Devouring Worms were too terrifying, and anyone who came in contact with them would die.


    By the time Murong Yi wanted to react, it was toote. Madam Li stood beside Murong Yi, and her priority in this situation was to ensure her youngdy''s safety.


    She only protected Liu Wuxie, hoping he could one day travel to the Western Barren to rescue the patriarch. But the House of Tea Art would crumble if anything happened to the youngdy.


    Jian Xing''er was on the verge of tears, watching helplessly as the Spirit-Devouring Worm burrowed into Liu Wuxie''s body. Strangely, Liu Wuxie didn''t bother dodging when he could easily dodge the Spirit-Devouring Worm''s attack with his speed.


    "Hahaha...Liu Wuxie, you''re dead!" Ling Feichiughed heartily. After exchanging blows with Wei Qisheng, he quickly retreated to a distant spot without attempting to escape.


    Li Hongda''s lips curled into a sinister smile with the Azure Crimson Gate disciples cheering. They were eager to watch Liu Wuxie die, preferably at the hands of the Spirit-Devouring Worm. The situation developed as they wanted because the Spirit-Devouring Worm targeted Liu Wuxie.


    "Perhaps you''ll be disappointed!" Liu Wuxie said calmly after a long moment. Not only did he remain silent, but there were no visible changes to his body whatsoever. The Spirit-Devouring Worm had vanished after entering his body.


    "How is that possible? Where''s the Spirit-Devouring Worm?!" Ling Feichi''s face froze, utterly shocked by this sight that unfolded before him.


    Not just him, but the other cultivators were also dumbfounded. It defied all logic when there was no reaction after the Spirit-Devouring Worm entered Liu Wuxie''s body.


    Everyone stopped what they were doing and turned to look at Liu Wuxie. Time slowly passed, and Liu Wuxie remained unharmed and showed no difort.


    "Youngd, you''re not afraid of the Spirit-Devouring Worms?" Wei Qisheng asked as he approached. If there was a way to suppress the Spirit-Devouring Worms, it would be a significant breakthrough and contribution to the cultivation world.


    The Spirit-Devouring Worms were the cultivation world''s nightmare. Though thought to have gone extinct for centuries, they couldn''t believe that the Ling n kept so many of them.


    "Realgar essence can contain the Spirit-Devouring Worms. You can give it a try," Liu Wuxie said. He naturally wouldn''t reveal the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron''s ability to devour everything, and the worm had long been refined.


    He found a way to suppress the Spirit-Devouring Worms from his memory. After devouring the Spirit-Devouring Worm¡¯s energy, he noticed that the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron''s devouring speed had increased. The two hadmon traits: devouring and refining.


    "Quick, find some realgar essence!" Wei Qisheng yelled, and people quickly rushed over to search for it.


    Serene Sea City had many shops, and a few droplets of realgar essence were soon found in less than fifteen minutes. Spirit-Devouring worms were still left on the ground, searching for their next target with their eyes glowing red.


    "What should we do next?" After obtaining it, Wei Qisheng didn''t know how to use the realgar essence and turned to Liu Wuxie for guidance.


    At this moment, Liu Wuxie became the city''s savior. Without him, most of the cultivators in Serene Sea City would be dead.


    "Set up a barrier to prevent them from escaping and dissolve the realgar essence in water before sprinkling on them. It will kill them," Liu Wuxie exined. The Spirit-Devouring Worms were too terrifying, and even he would''ve met his end if he didn''t have the memories of an Immortal Emperor and the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron.


    Several Nascent Transformation Realm experts quickly moved to set up a barrier to iste the worms. Despite their feud and grudges, they only had one enemy now: the Spirit-Devouring Worms.


    With the barrier in ce, Wei Qisheng mixed the realgar essence with water and formed seals to create a mist that rained down on the Spirit-Devouring Worms.


    When the Spirit-Devouring Worms sensed the realgar essence, they became enraged and crashed onto the barrier furiously, trying to break free. But they were forcibly contained within the barrier that held strong.


    One of the worms began gnawing at the barrier, creating a massive hole in the blink of an eye that made everyone''s hearts palpitate.


    Spiritual arrays contained powerful spirituality, which could also serve as food for the Spirit-Devouring Worms.


    Wei Qisheng sped up the process of spraying the mixture of realgar essence, causing the worms to let out sharp cries. They sounded like banshee wails, sending chills down everyone''s spines.


    After several minutes of tension, the four Spirit-Devouring Worms slowly dissolved into a pool of ck water. But they weren''t entirely dead because the ck water continued to wiggle.


    "They''re not dead yet!" Everyone looked at the ck water pools with disbelief. The worms were truly worthy of their names as undying worms because they were beginning to merge even after in this state.


    "Put them under the hot sun for three days to kill thempletely," Liu Wuxie advised quickly. Realgar essence could only suppress the worms, and they would recover if not correctly handled.


    The ck water pools and the stones beneath them were carried outside and ced under the zing sun. When everyone saw the ck water evaporating, everyone could finally breathe a sigh of relief.


    "The Ling n has vited the taboo to raise Spirit-Devouring Worms. ording to the pact agreed upon in the Southern Province, the ten major sects had the right to wipe out the remnants of the Ling n. From this moment on, no one from the Ling n is allowed to flee Serene Sea City," Wei Qisheng dered, turning to look at Ling Feichi. The Ling n''s upper echelons were all present in the guild.


    After dealing with them, they would hunt the Ling n''s remnants before killing all the remaining Spirit-Devouring Worms. There was no rush now that everyone had found a way to deal with the worms.


    Many people had nearly fallen victim to the Spirit-Devouring Worms and were filled with hatred as they approached the Ling n''s four remaining upper echelons.


    Seeing the inevitable end, Ling Feichi''s face became ashen. The four of them stood no chance against so many people.


    "Kill!" Ling Feichi fell into madness after the death of his son, leading the Ling n''s three elders to charge at Liu Wuxie.


    "Liu Wuxie, this is all your fault! Even if we were to die, we''ll drag you down with us!" Ling Feichi roared. Seeing four cultivators in the Nascent Transformation Realm charging at Liu Wuxie was terrifying.


    Surprisingly, experts from the Azure Crimson Gate and Demonic Heart Pce did nothing to stop them, allowing the four to charge at Liu Wuxie. This was a cunning n to use the Ling n to get rid of Liu Wuxie, and they would then destroy the Ling n, killing two birds with one stone.


    Only Wei Qisheng moved like an eagle, swooping down the sky. He couldn''t allow anything to happen to Liu Wuxie, the savior of Serene Sea City.


    "Go!" Murong Yi finally gave the word. She no longer required any protection with the Spirit-Devouring Worms dead, and she ordered Madam Li to protect Liu Wuxie.


    A powerful gust of wind whipped through the hall, lifting all the stones from the ground. Liu Wuxie''s hair stood on end, facing the immense pressure of four cultivators in the Nascent Transformation Realm charging at him.


    However, the Heavenly Dao Book unfurled to neutralize the iing pressurepletely. The Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron also appeared to absorb the surroundingws of the Nascent Transformation Realm.


    Madam Li vanished and reappeared before Liu Wuxie. Her immense aura in the Nascent Transformation Realm surged, forming a protective barrier around him.


    Liu Wuxie was already connected with the Heavenly Dragon Seal, and he could only use it to tear open an escape route if things went south. He had already gained a lot in Serene Sea City, and leaving now was the best choice.


    Ling Feichi''s attack was reduced to nothing after facing someone in the pinnacle Nascent Transformation Realm.


    "Li Hongda, what are you doing? The Ling nmitted the taboo of the cultivation world by raising Spirit-Devouring Worms. Yet, here you are, holding onto personal grudges. If these four escape, all of you are to be med," Wei Qisheng was furious that these people were still fighting among themselves at such a critical moment.


    His words resonated with many because now was the time to unite and wipe out the Ling n.


    "Wipe out the Ling n!" Serene Sea City''s cultivators raised their hands and urged the Nascent Transformation Realm cultivators to join forces.


    Wei Qisheng and Madam Li couldn''t hold off the four by themselves and could only maintain a stalemate at best.


    Li Hongda''s face flushed with rage. He was equal in status to Wei Qisheng, and his anger boiled inside him now that he was being rebuked publicly.


    With the pressure increasing, the Azure Crimson Gate''s reputation would fall if they didn''t act. Before right and wrong, the Azure Crimson Gate''s inaction only made everyone''s heart cold.


    Under the growing pressure, the Azure Crimson Gate and Demonic Heart Pce disciples were finally forced to join the battle. The ten major sects had agreed to this pact, and no one dared defy it.


    Ling Feichi and the Ling n''s elders were in grave danger, facing so many experts in the Nascent Transformation Realm, and the Ling n''s three elders were already injured. They were swiftly in by two elders from the Demonic Heart Pce.


    Shortly after, Madam Li threw Ling Feichi away with a palm strike before Li Hongda rushed forward to y him, eager to im the glory for the Azure Crimson Gate.


    With the death of the Ling n''s upper echelons, Serene Sea City was temporarily safe, and the Ling n could no longer stir any trouble. All that remained was to find and destroy the remaining Spirit-Devouring Worms in the Ling n, returning peace to the city.


    Once again, everyone''s eyes turned to Liu Wuxie, curious to know how he knew that the Ling n hadmitted a taboo by nurturing the Spirit-Devouring Worms.


    "Judging from the current situation, Liu Wuxie''s appraisal skills are superior to the Ling n''s," someone remarked. The stones scattered in the surroundings were slowly put into ce because the stone-betting event hadn''t ended yet.


    The Ling n''s appraisal skill had been exposed, and they merely relied on the Spirit-Devouring Worms to be the wealthiest in Serene Sea City. Many greedy eyes turned to Liu Wuxie, wanting to im his appraisal skill for themselves.


    "Liu Wuxie, the Ling n may be finished, but there¡¯s still the matter of you killing our Azure Crimson Gate disciples," Li Hongda said coldly as he advanced toward Liu Wuxie.


    He had initially nned to use the Ling n to eliminate Liu Wuxie, but that n had fallen apart when the Ling n''s taboo secret was exposed.

 Chapter 571 - Secret

    <h4>Chapter 571 - Secret</h4>


    No one dared to step forward this time¡ªnot even the Sky Rift Valley intervened. Helping Liu Wuxie would mean making enemies out of the Azure Crimson Gate, and even if Wei Qisheng stood on Liu Wuxie''s side, he couldn''t stop so many experts from the Azure Crimson Gate.


    Madam Li stood firmly before Liu Wuxie. As long as she remained, no one could get near thetter.


    "Liu Wuxie, don''t say that I''m merciless. I can let you off if you reveal how you identify the treasures in the stones," Li Hongda said, looking at Liu Wuxie with a smile as he stopped ten steps away from thetter.


    He knew well they couldn''t touch Liu Wuxie with the presence of the House of Tea Art. However, his true intention wasn''t to kill Liu Wuxie but to get his appraisal technique.


    The Ling n''s so-called appraisal technique was exposed as aplete lie. But Liu Wuxie was different. Not only could he identify spiritual essences in the stones, but he could also find extraordinary treasures like the dragon''s blood.


    "The Azure Crimson Gate is truly cunning," many onlookers murmured among themselves, criticizing the Azure Crimson Gate for being shameless.


    After all, whoever could obtain Liu Wuxie''s appraisal technique would be the next wealthiest person in Serene Sea City. No one could resist the temptation, not even the Azure Crimson Gate.


    The Sky Rift Valley remained silent, unwilling to take the initiative. As for the Demonic Heart Pce, they merely watched by the side and waited to see how the situation developed.


    With neither sect willing to step forward, Liu Wuxie was ced in a dangerous position. After all, the situation would benefit him if multiple forcespeted to seize his appraisal technique.


    "Liu Wuxie, Elder Li is showing you mercy; you should kneel in gratitude!" Jia Fengmao sneered and stepped out.


    "Hurry up and hand over your appraisal technique! Otherwise, you won''t be able to leave here alive," the remaining Azure Crimson Gate disciples threatened, and they even formed an encirclement around Liu Wuxie to pressure him.


    The situation grew increasingly unfavorable for Liu Wuxie.


    "Besides the Azure Crimson Gate, is anyone else here interested in my appraisal technique?" Liu Wuxie suddenly said with a devilish smile, sweeping his gaze around the crowd and observing everyone''s faces.


    "Me!" someone yelled.


    "Me too!" another voice echoed.


    Many people raised their hands, eager to learn Liu Wuxie''s appraisal technique. Yet the Sky Rift Valley and Demonic Heart Hall watched quietly by the sideline.


    "Liu Wuxie, don''t waste everyone''s time and hand over your appraisal technique!" Qiu Dingtian stepped forward and joined the Azure Crimson Gate''s group to pressure Liu Wuxie.


    "You''re all cing me in a difficult position. I only want to pass the technique to one person, but so many people are present. Who should I choose?" Liu Wuxie suddenly feigned distress.


    The Azure Crimson Gate and other ns desired the technique, but who would ultimately im it? If it were shared with everyone, wouldn¡¯t that mean all would possess the same appraisal ability? If that happened, no one would sell stones anymore¡ªthey would simply keep them, knowing exactly which ones held value.


    The surroundings fell silent, realizing that Liu Wuxie was right. Who should he give his appraisal technique¡ªthe Azure Crimson Gate, the Qiu n, or someone else?


    "Liu Wuxie, stop wasting time. Your n is bound to fail in trying to sow discord among us," Li Hongda sneered. He had seen through Liu Wuxie''s n to sow discord among everyone because there could only be one recipient for the appraisal technique.


    The tension in the air grew, with representatives from all around unwilling to yield. This was what Liu Wuxie wanted¡ªto sow discord among them to give him a chance to escape.


    "Elder Li is right. We must not fall for his trick!" Qiu Dingtian said, supporting Li Hongda''s words. Even so, he couldn''t conceal the greed in his eyes.


    "I was originally nning to give the appraisal technique to Patriarch Qiu, but it looks like I''ve misjudged. I''ll have to consider someone else now," Liu Wuxie said with a wry smile.


    Upon hearing what Liu Wuxie said, Qiu Dingtian wanted to give himself two ps.


    "I ask for your forgiveness if I''ve offended you in any way. As long as Young Master Liu is willing to pass me the appraisal technique, I guarantee that I will ensure your safety out of Serene Sea City," Qiu Dingtian said, his attitude undergoing aplete transformation that drew scornful looks from those in the surroundings.


    "I''ve long heard of Patriarch Qiu''s righteousness, and I know giving the technique to you will be a wise decision. If it falls into the hands of garbage like the Azure Crimson Gate, it will be a disaster for Serene Sea City. Thus, I''ve decided to pass the technique to the Qiu n," announced Liu Wuxie after pondering briefly.


    Murong Yi''s eyes lit up in surprise. The Azure Crimson Gate and Qiu n were allies, and giving the technique to the Qiu n was no different from giving it to the Azure Crimson Gate. She had no idea what Liu Wuxie was nning.


    Murong Yi and many in the crowd were baffled. Didn''t Liu Wuxie know that Qiu Dingtian used to be an elder of the Azure Crimson Gate in the past before he founded the Qiu n?


    Even Wei Qisheng was confused because giving the technique to the Sky Rift Valley was a thousand times better than giving it to the Qiu n.


    Liu Wuxie was a disciple of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion and would leave Serene Sea City sooner orter. Thus, it was understandable why he would leave his appraisal technique behind.


    As everyone had expected, Li Hongda and others didn''t refute it after Liu Wuxie dered that the appraisal technique would be passed to Qiu Dingtian. On the contrary, they even smiled slyly.


    Li Hongda even endured Liu Wuxie''s insult of calling the Azure Crimson Gate garbage, prioritizing the appraisal technique over his pride. They could always find a way to kill Liu Wuxie after they got their hands on the appraisal technique.


    "Young Master Liu, will you write it down or pass it verbally?" Qiu Dingtian asked in a low voice, fearing that Liu Wuxie might change his mind.


    Many spectators sighed in disappointment. They didn''t expect someone as intelligent as Liu Wuxie to be foolish enough to hand the appraisal technique to Qiu Dingtian.


    Everyone knew the bnce of power in Serene Sea City was about to change, with the Azure Crimson Gate reigning dominance.


    "He''s an outsider. He probably doesn''t know the connection between the Qiu n and Azure Crimson Gate." Everyone looked helpless, but no one dared to stop what was about to unfold. If they stepped forward to oppose Liu Wuxie''s decision, it would be no different from dering war against the Azure Crimson Gate.


    After all their efforts, the Azure Crimson Gate naturally wouldn''t let their prize slip.


    "It''s better to do it verbally," Liu Wuxie said after a moment of thought, deciding that this method would be the safest way to pass on the technique. If it were written down, there was always the risk of it being stolen or intercepted. But by conveying it verbally, only the two parties involved would know, ensuring the technique remained a closely guarded secret.


    Qiu Dingtian didn''t hesitate to step forward and stood before Liu Wuxie. With Madam Li present, he didn''t dare to make rash moves.


    The two stood close, almost side by side. Liu Wuxie suddenly leaned over to Qiu Dingtian''s ears and whispered briefly before taking a step back after he was done. This left Qiu Dingtian frozen, with an expression of utter bewilderment creeping over his face.


    He suddenly sensed something ominous, a bad premonition creeping up on him, but just as he was about to speak, Liu Wuxie cut him off abruptly.


    "Since I''m done, I''ll be taking my leave now," Liu Wuxie said with aposed smile and strode out of the hall without wasting another moment.


    No one dared to stop Liu Wuxie, especially when Madam Li was beside him to ensure his safety. Even Li Hongda couldn''t attempt to take Liu Wuxie''s life.


    When the group stepped outside on the street, Liu Wuxie secretly told Murong Yi, "We need to leave immediately!"


    The group of five mounted the carriage and sped away from the scene. By now, no one cared about Liu Wuxie because no one could touch him, and the House of Tea Art supported him. But it was a different story for Qiu Dingtian.


    "Patriarch Qiu, what did Liu Wuxie tell you?" Li Hongda approached with a darkened face. He stood before Qiu Dingtian and demanded to know the appraisal technique.


    "Hmph! Don''t even think about prying the secret of the technique from me," Qiu Dingtian yelled, on the verge of tears.


    "How dare you try and keep the appraisal technique for yourself!" The other Azure Crimson Gate elders struck at Qiu Dingtian, intending to pry thetter''s mouth open and force the secret from him.


    "I didn''t!" Qiu Dingtian cried out, feeling wronged. He had no intentions of keeping the appraisal technique to himself.


    "Since that''s the case, hand over the appraisal technique!" Li Hongda urged Qiu Dingtian to reveal the technique as he had a somewhat friendly rtionship with thetter. This way, the Azure Crimson Gate wouldn''t make things difficult for thetter.


    "We have all fallen for Liu Wuxie''s trap! He didn''t tell me the technique at all," Qiu Dingtian roared, his voice filled with fury. They had all fallen for Liu Wuxie''s trap, with him bing the bait.


    Everyone had be fishes caught in a, all fallen for Liu Wuxie''s scheme.


    "Don''t think I don''t know what you''re thinking. You want to monopolize the appraisal technique all to yourself! Don''t even consider leaving this ce if you don''t hand it over today!" Even the elders of the Demonic Heart Pce took a step forward. They were determined to seize the appraisal technique from Qiu Dingtian; they couldn''t allow it to fall into the Azure Crimson Gate''s hands and be monopolized by them.


    The other ns and forces of Serene Sea City also stepped forward to pressure Qiu Dingtian.


    "Patriarch Qiu, you''re not being honorable now. I advise you to hand the technique over obediently so we can all share it," said another n''s patriarch, with his expression twisted with greed and ferocity.


    If the Qiu n rose to power, the other ns would decline and be left in dust. This was why they wouldn''t allow the Qiu n to monopolize the appraisal technique for themselves.


    With the appraisal technique, the Qiu n could grow rapidly into a superpower, and even the three major sects would struggle to suppress it at that time.


    "I really don''t know the appraisal technique! Why won''t any of you believe me!" Qiu Dingtian was frustrated and unable to convince them, no matter how hard he tried to exin. The more he tried to defend himself, the more enraged the crowd became.


    "Since you''re unwilling to share the appraisal technique, we will be forced to take action ourselves," Li Hongda said, his eyes gleaming with murderous intent. He hadn''t expected Qiu Dingtian to be so uncooperative.


    Since that was the case, there was no longer a need for the Qiu n to exist in Serene Sea City. They had wiped out the Ling n and wouldn''t mind wiping another Qiu n.


    "Elder Li, why won''t you believe me? Don''t you know what kind of person I am after all these years?!" Qiu Dingtian said, looking at Li Hongda in disappointment. He was frustrated that even his friend, Li Hongda, didn''t believe what he said.


    "If you want me to believe you, tell me what Liu Wuxie told you, word for word," Li Hongda''s voice was firm. He only wanted the appraisal technique, and friendship meant nothing before it.


    "I have already told you!" Qiu Dingtian''s anger reached its peak. If Liu Wuxie were standing before him, he would strangle thetter to death on the spot.


    He could not escape with so many people surrounding him, and all his exnations fell on deaf ears. It felt as though he was being roasted alive.


    "Patriarch Qiu, you can whisper it to me if sharing it with everyone is inconvenient. With the Azure Crimson Gate around, you can be reassured that no one will target the Qiu n," Li Hongda said, trying to coax the secret out of Qiu Dingtian as he approached thetter.

 Chapter 572 - Qiu Clans Destruction

    <h4>Chapter 572 - Qiu n''s Destruction</h4>


    Li Hongda knew the appraisal technique must never be leaked to the outside world, so he stood before Qiu Dingtian, insisting thetter only reveal his secret.


    The other disciples of the Azure Crimson Gate quickly formed a defensive circle around the two, preventing anyone else from getting close.


    "Elder Li, do you really want to know?" Qiu Dingtian''s face became twisted as if he had eaten something foul. He didn''t know how things turned out this way.


    "As long as you share with me what Liu Wuxie told you word for word, I swear that I won''t make things difficult for you," Li Hongda promised.


    Qiu Dingtian might have once been an elder of the Azure Crimson Gate, but he had left the sect to establish his n. If he stood at odds with the sect, the sect wouldn''t let him go. Thus, this was considered a test for Qiu Dingtian.


    "Fine,e closer then," Qiu Dingtian said, beckoning Li Hongda toe closer and mimic what Liu Wuxie did. His lips moved, and he spoke only in a voice the two could hear.


    "Qiu Dingtian, how dare you fool me! The Azure Crimson Gate won''t let you off from this day onward!" Li Hongda said furiously as he struck his palm at Qiu Dingtian.


    The spectators began to wonder what the two talked about to provoke such a violent reaction from Li Hongda, turning the two into enemies.


    "Elder Li, what are you doing? I have already told you!" Qiu Dingtian took a step back to dodge the palm strike.


    The palm''s force shattered the surrounding stones when it fell to the side.


    "Not only did you refuse to tell me, but you even dared to fool me. You''re courting death!" Li Hongda stood still, his eyes zing with fury, but he didn''t strike again immediately.


    "Qiu Dingtian, there''s no need for the Qiu n to exist in Serene Sea City any longer if you refuse to reveal the appraisal technique," said the other elder of the Azure Crimson Gate, dering an all-out-war to wipe out the Qiu n.


    Everyone turned their eyes to Qiu Dingtian, and tension rose.


    "Qiu Dingtian, I''ll give you one final chance to tell me what Liu Wuxie told you, word for word," Li Hongda said, his voice cold and menacing. The tension in the air became dense, and he could only resort to force if Qiu Dingtian remained stubborn.


    "Are you all sure you want to hear it?" Qiu Dingtian didn''t dare to repeat and looked at the crowd.


    "Speak!" They responded in unison, impatient for his answer.


    "Hmph! Don''t even think about prying the secret of the technique from me," Qiu Dingtian repeated.


    His words instantly caused an uproar, especially Li Hongda, who jumped in fury. Those were the exact words that Qiu Dingtian had whispered to him earlier, aplete disregard for them. Not only did he refuse to share the technique, but his attitude was so vile.


    Qiu Dingtian''s words left everyone even more enraged.


    Li Hongda began to tremble with anger as he drew his weapon to charge at Qiu Dingtian. He knew he could only capture thetter and pry his mouth open to obtain the technique.


    Despair clouded Qiu Dingtian''s mind because he wasn''t lying. Liu Wuxie had whispered those words to him, but no one believed him. They didn''t even allow him to exin himself.


    "Run!" That was Qiu Dingtian''s first instinct. He knew everyone had been blinded by greed and wouldn''t hear what he said. His only hope was to flee and exin again once everyone had calmed down.


    However, Qiu Dingtian''s decision to escape only worsened things by confirming everyone''s spection.


    Grabbing his son, Qiu Dingtian bolted out and disappeared in the blink of an eye.


    "After him!" someone yelled. "If he refuses to share the appraisal technique, we''ll raze the Qiu n today!"


    Everyone had been blinded by greed, and their rationale was clouded. They wouldn''t give up if they couldn''t obtain the appraisal technique.


    The entire city descended into chaos, with some storming into the Ling n, the wealthiest n in Serene Sea City, to plunder its riches. When they learned that the Ling n had been eradicated, countless cultivators charged into the n and cleaned it in an hour. All the Spirit-Devouring Worms in the Ling n were also wiped out.


    Others besieged the Qiu n. Li Hongda and many others had stormed the Qiu n''s gates before Qiu Dingtian could activate the defensive barrier, and an earth-shattering battle unfolded like that.


    <strong>......</strong>


    Meanwhile, Liu Wuxie''s group of five had returned to the House of Tea Art by carriage. The gates were immediately closed to forbid anyone from entering.


    Before everyone could sit, intel poured into the House of Tea Art.


    After establishing itself in Serene Sea City and operating for over a year, the House of Tea Art had its ownwork intelligence.


    Lady Yan swiftly came over to Murong Yi to deliver thetest news.


    "Go ahead and speak. There''s no outsider here," Murong Yi gestured to Lady Yan, saying that she didn''t have to hide anything from Liu Wuxie.


    "News returned with the Ling n wiped out, and the Qiu n was besieged, causing heavy casualties. The Qiu n won''t be able to hold out much longer, and they will soon follow the Ling n''s footsteps," Lady Yan shared the news with everyone.


    The two ns had existed in Serene Sea City for centuries, but one had been destroyed, and the other was now facing destruction.


    Everyone''s gaze fell on Liu Wuxie instinctively. They wondered what Liu Wuxie had told Qiu Dingtian for the Qiu n to be besieged.


    "Brother Liu, did you share the appraisal technique with Qiu Dingtian?" Chen Ruoyan asked after she finally couldn''t hold it in.


    "There''s no such thing as an appraisal technique in the world," Liu Wuxie said, shaking his head. The so-called appraisal technique was nothing but a scam.


    Without appraisal technique, everyone wondered why the Azure Crimson Gate would attack the Qiu n.


    Others might not know, but the House of Tea Art knew the rtionship between the Qiu n and Azure Crimson Gate. They were in cahoots, and it made no sense for them to go to war for no reason.


    Even Murong Yi couldn''t contain her curiosity and asked, "Young Master Liu, can you tell us what you said to Qiu Dingtian?"


    "Hmph! Don''t even think about prying the secret of the technique from me," Liu Wuxie suddenly said with a stern face and righteous conviction.


    The entire hall fell into a dead silence after hearing what Liu Wuxie said.


    "So that''s it...you practically doomed Qiu Dingtian with your words," Murong Yi said with a wry smile after realizing the truth.


    Jian Xing''er and Chen Ruoyan finally figured everything out and burst into uncontrobleughter.


    ven Madam Li couldn''t help but curl her lips in disdain at how much trouble Liu Wuxie had caused. His words alone had led to the downfall of both the Ling and Qiu ns in a single day, resulting in the loss of nearly ten thousand lives.


    "Brother Liu, you''re so bad! Qiu Dingtian won''t be able to exin himself no matter what he did," Chen Ruoyanughed so hard that her body shook around. Even Murong Yi and Jian Xing''er nodded in acknowledgment.


    Not only did Liu Wuxie cause the fall of the Ling n, but he even dragged the Qiu n down.


    "You have to fight fire with fire to deal with viins," Liu Wuxie said, rubbing his nose. He didn''t have a way because he couldn''t escape from the guild if he didn''t resort to such means.


    The women all nodded and understood what Liu Wuxie said. The cultivation world was cruel, and it was to kill or be killed.


    Liu Wuxie naturally wouldn''t sit around when the Ling n wanted him dead, so he exposed their act of raising Spirit-Devouring Worms. His action had been an excellent service to the cultivators in the city by exposing them.


    As for the Qiu n, they were in cahoots with the Azure Crimson Gate, and Liu Wuxie''s strategy to sow discord among them had been executed wlessly. He shamed the rtionship between the Qiu n and Azure Crimson Gate and even got them to fight each other, killing two birds with one stone.


    The death toll in the Qiu n continued to rise, and Qiu Dingtian was filled with despair to see the fall of his nsmen. His son and wife were dead, not to mention the terrible losses the n had suffered.


    Qiu Dingtian was covered with injuries, barely clinging to life with little hope of escape.


    Li Hongda and the others stood far away, unwilling to let it go. They would''ve killed Qiu Dingtian with one strike if it weren''t for the appraisal technique.


    "Qiu Dingtian, are you still insisting on being stubborn even at death''s door? Hurry up and tell us what Liu Wuxie said to you!" Li Hongda demanded, his voice filled with murderous intent surging towards Qiu Dingtian.


    "I finally know why Liu Wuxie called you all idiots. I didn''t expect you people to be worse than idiots," Qiu Dingtian sighed deeply. Now that he reflected on Liu Wuxie''s insult, he realized thetter was right.


    "Stop being stubborn! I will ask you again to hand over the appraisal technique!" Li Hongda''s patience was thin as he slowly approached Qiu Dingtian.


    Qiu Dingtian suddenlyughed like a maniac. He knew he wouldn''t survive, and he finally realized that Liu Wuxie was the only person worthy of admiration after seeing all the ugly faces around him.


    Liu Wuxie had fooled them all with words alone. He would''ve stood on Liu Wuxie''s side without hesitation if he could do it again.


    "What are youughing at?" a Demonic Heart Pce''s elder questioned. He was baffled as to why Qiu Dingtian wasughing when he was about to die.


    "You all want to know what Liu Wuxie said to me? I''ll repeat it once more: Hmph! Don''t even think about prying the secret of the technique from me!" Qiu Dingtian said before he fell backward after shattering his heart vein.


    Everyone heard him this time, and Li Hongda staggered. He finally understood the meaning behind Qiu Dingtian''s words.


    "We''ve all been tricked! Qiu Dingtian wasn''t lying, and that was exactly what Liu Wuxie told him," another Azure Crimson Gate elder eximed as he descended from the sky. Their rationale was clouded by greed, and all had fallen into his trap.


    Li Hongda''s face paled, and he couldn''t believe that he had driven his friend to death. When he recalled Qiu Dingtian¡¯s final words, iming them to be idiots, his regret was overwhelming.


    "We were all wrong!" Those who joined the siege on the Qiu n pounded their chests in frustration because they were all outwitted.


    From the start, Liu Wuxie had never revealed the appraisal technique to Qiu Dingtian.


    Some people began to retreat quietly, ashamed to stay for another moment. That was especially true for cultivators in the Nascent Transformation Realm, who had all been toyed with by someone in the Heavenly Phase Realm.


    The more they thought about it, the angrier they became, gnashing their teeth in frustration. They finally knew why Liu Wuxie had left in such a hurry¡ªhe wanted to leave Qiu Dingtian without any way to exin himself. If Liu Wuxie had stayed, a simple confrontation would have revealed the truth.


    "This is all Liu Wuxie''s fault!" the Azure Crimson Gate disciples roared. This disaster had all started because of Liu Wuxie. So many lives were lost, and the Azure Crimson Gate suffered immense losses.


    Most cultivators maintained their silence. So many of them were fooled by Liu Wuxie, and who had the cheek to deliver themselves to be humiliated again?


    <strong>......</strong>


    Waves ofughter echoed from the House of Tea Art whenever everyone recalled Liu Wuxie''s words to Qiu Dingtian.


    The news of Liu Wuxie''s deeds spread throughout Serene Sea City in just two hours, especially how he destroyed the two powerful ns. The other ns began to withdraw into seclusion, terrified that someone might offend Liu Wuxie.

 Chapter 573 - Blood Dragon

    <h4>Chapter 573 - Blood Dragon</h4>


    Serene Sea City was finally at peace again. The Azure Crimson Gate no longer knocked on the House of Tea Art¡¯s door.


    However, having suffered heavy losses, everyone knew that the Azure Crimson Gate wouldn¡¯t let this matter slide. Killing Liu Wuxie was the only way to ease the hatred in their hearts.


    ¡°Junior Brother Liu, let¡¯s leave the city as soon as possible,¡± Jian Xing¡¯er urged, her face filled with worry.


    Although the three hadn¡¯t left the individual House of Tea Art courtyard that they had been assigned to yet, they knew that they couldn¡¯t hide here. Now that they had caused so many incidents, the Azure Crimson Gate would certainly find a way to end them.


    ¡°Big Sister Jian is right. It has been two months since we left the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. For our safety, we should head back,¡± Chen Ruoyan said. She knew how dangerous it was for them to stay in Serene Sea City.


    Liu Wuxie nodded. ¡°Alright. Let¡¯s leave tomorrow.¡±


    As the twodies had said, it was no longer safe for them to remain in Serene Sea City. His appraisal technique had spread far and wide, and many people had been lurking around the House of Tea Art to uncover its secret.


    As they discussed their following ns, Murong Yi walked into the courtyard.


    ¡°I have prepared some food and wine. I hope you can join me for a meal, Master Liu,¡± Murong Yi said with a faint smile.


    Murong Yi¡¯s voice was unimaginably enchanting. She sounded so melodious that she made even a flower underneath a tree bloom and release a faint fragrance. Even women couldn¡¯t resist her charm, not to mention men.


    ¡°Lady Murong, you¡¯vee at the perfect time. I was just about to inform you that we will be leaving the city tomorrow. I am grateful for how the House of Tea Art has been taking care of us during this time,¡± Liu Wuxie replied, declining her invitation. Their separation was inevitable.


    ¡°You¡¯re leaving?¡±


    Murong Yi was taken aback. Sadness flickered across her face, but she quickly rposed herself. She knew it was best for Liu Wuxie to leave, considering all the incidents that he had been involved with in Serene Sea City.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Liu Wuxie confirmed.


    The danger would only increase the longer they stayed in the city. There were still remnants of the Ling and Qiu ns out there, and if they found out the truth, they would undoubtedly join forces against him.


    Quickly regainingposure, Murong Yi said, ¡°Since you have already made your decision, Young Master Liu, I won¡¯t try to stop you. Let¡¯s consider the banquet tonight as our farewell.¡±


    The House of Tea Art had greatly helped him, and they never asked for anything in return, which naturally made Liu Wuxie feel somewhat embarrassed.


    ¡°Lady Murong, please be reassured. As I promised, once my cultivation rises, I will follow you to the Western Barren and rescue your rtives,¡± Liu Wuxie said.


    He knew what Murong Yi wanted to say, but as he had told her before, he needed to grow stronger first. If he went now, he would just be courting death.


    ¡°I trust you, Young Master Liu,¡± Murong Yi responded with a gentle smile. She didn¡¯t press on the banquet any further and left after a brief chat.


    Now, only Liu Wuxie and the twodies remained.


    Their curiosity piqued, Jian Xing¡¯er and Chen Ruoyan quickly asked, ¡°Junior Brother Liu, what did you promise her? What does it have to do with the Western Barren?¡±


    They didn¡¯t want Liu Wuxie to get too close to Murong Yi. The woman was simply too charming¡ªeven they found themselves captivated by her beauty at times.


    ¡°Let¡¯s not talk about that for now. I have to refine the Heavenly Dragon Seal, so I need you two to keep watch for me,¡± Liu Wuxie requested. He didn¡¯t go into details, not wanting to worry them.


    Since the twodies didn¡¯t pry further, Liu Wuxie returned to the room and prepared to refine the Heavenly Dragon Seal. Strictly speaking, he could find the dragon¡¯s blood not because of his Ghost Eye. Rather, it was thanks to the Heavenly Dragon Seal.


    The moment he approached the stone containing the dragon¡¯s blood, the Heavenly Dragon Seal reacted. Liu Wuxie eventually discovered that the stone was so tightly encased that even the Ghost Eye had difficulty prating.


    The Golden Spirit Fruit¡¯s seed had long been nted in the deste world, nourished with spiritual rain. It wouldn¡¯t take long before the seed sprouted and bore fruit.


    A Golden Spirit Fruit could help someone in the Astral River Realm reach the next level. If he could harvest them inrge quantities, he would be able to train an army of elites.


    A tender spout burrowed from the earth in less than two hours, growing near the mysterious tree. Only one leaf shimmered with radiant gold, though.


    As the Heavenly Dragon Seal hovered before Liu Wuxie, it began to release an overwhelming dragon aura. Even though he had set up a spiritual array around them, it still couldn¡¯t withstand the dragon aura that the seal released.


    Already ustomed to this, the twodies outside the courtyard remained unshaken. They quickly released their Heavenly Phase Realm auras to neutralize the pressure.


    When Liu Wuxie poured the dragon¡¯s blood out from the porcin bottle, the Heavenly Dragon Seal began to tremble violently, wanting to devour it.


    ¡°Calm down!¡± Liu Wuxie muttered.


    It would be a waste if he let the Heavenly Dragon Seal consume the dragon¡¯s blood in this manner. Hence, he began to weave intricate hand signs into the dragon¡¯s blood, merging hisws with it to assist him in further controlling the seal.


    He injected thousands ofws and two immortal runes into the dragon¡¯s blood, limiting and suppressing the aura it could release.


    ¡°That should do it.¡±


    Liu Wuxie then guided the dragon¡¯s blood into the Heavenly Dragon Seal.


    Upon contact, it immediately glowed crimson, and dragon runes appeared on its surface. Though initially faint, the runes became sharp and clear.


    Liu Wuxie obtained dragon bones thest time he went to the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind, but he couldn¡¯t find any blood. If he could acquire more, though, he¡¯d be able to forge the Heavenly Dragon Seal into a heavenly artifact.


    The crimson glowsted for an entire minute before it retreated to the depth of the Heavenly Dragon Seal. The many dragon runes that had been damaged when Liu Wuxi obtained the seal became even moreplete.


    Looking into the depths of the Heavenly Dragon Seal through a damaged corner, Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes widened in deep shock.


    ¡°Blood dragon!¡± he eximed. He didn¡¯t expect to awaken the artifact spirit¡ªa blood dragon¡ªwithin the Heavenly Dragon Seal, which would be a blood dragon.


    The dragon n had many bloodlines, the mostmon of which were golden divine dragons, followed closely by azure divine dragons. Together with colored divine dragons, they were considered the ancestral bloodlines of all dragons.


    Since the azure divine dragons¡¯ bloodline couldn¡¯t match the golden divine dragons¡¯, most of the dragons in the Dragon Realm today were from the golden divine dragons¡¯ lineage.


    The bones that Liu Wuxie had obtained from the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind also belonged to a golden divine dragon. This was also why the artifact spirit of the Heretic de was a miniature golden divine dragon.


    Blood dragons were sinful dragons that hadmitted crimes of great magnitude and were cast into the mortal realm. Their scales used to be of a different color until the countless tortures covered them in their own blood, turning them into a blood dragon that only sought vengeance.


    The process slowly altered their bloodline, transforming them into a new species now known as blood dragons. Due to their strong bloodlust, the other dragons grew so fearful of blood dragons that the Dragon Realm forbade the birth of more blood dragons.


    Surprised that the Heavenly Dragon Seal had awakened the artifact spirit of a blood dragon, Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t help but wonder if it was rted to the dragon¡¯s blood. Perhaps it belonged to a deceased blood dragon.


    Murderous inte filled the entire room, causing the surrounding buildings to copse and turn to dust. The blood dragon¡¯s overwhelming aura destroyed the courtyard and even the spiritual array that Liu Wuxie had set up.


    The shockwave hurled the two women outside into the air and made them spit out blood. To make matters worse, the murderous intent continued to spread out to the surroundings.


    The artifact spirit awakened after the blood dragon¡¯s blood essence had devoured some of the Heavenly Dragon Seal¡¯s energy. It didn¡¯t have any intelligence¡ªonly a raw desire for massacre.


    Liu Wuxie wondered how many lives it had taken before it died.


    The Heavenly Dragon Seal began to tremble as the dragon attempted to break free and escape. As long as it could absorb enough spiritual energy, it would be able to grow stronger.


    Liu Wuxie snorted. ¡°Its remaining murderous intent dares try to break free from my control?¡±


    He began forming a series of intricate hand signs that bound the Heavenly Dragon Seal like a dense spider web.


    The tremor that the Heavenly Dragon Seal had caused rmed the entire House of Tea Art. Hence, it didn¡¯t take long for a ck-clothed elder to appear above Liu Wuxie. With a glimmer of surprise in his eyes, he watched how Liu Wuxie refined the Heavenly Dragon Seal.


    The old man seemed to be the True Profound Realm expert guarding this ce.


    Murong Yi arrived soon after as well. Upon seeing Liu Wuxie refining the Heavenly Dragon Seal, she immediately evacuated everyone in the area. She even ordered that no one speak of what they had witnessed or they would be exiled from the House of Tea Art.


    Meanwhile, murderous intent continued to spread across the House of Tea Art. Left with no other choice, Murong Yi activated the defensive barrier to prevent the aura from leaking out.


    Nevertheless, the blood dragon continued to struggle against Liu Wuxie¡¯s control.


    He let out another snort, then suppressed the Heavenly Dragon Seal with immortal runes, forcing the struggling blood dragon to submit.


    Deep shock shed in the depths of the ck-clothed elder¡¯s eyes as he watched on. He had never seen the spiritual runes Liu Wuxie had drawn before. They seemed to transcend thews of this world.


    No one knew the blood dragon better than Liu Wuxie, which was why he knew that failing to subdue it would eventuallye back to bite him.


    The Dragon ns viewed themselves as rulers of worlds and humans as mere ants. Hence, the blood dragon wouldn¡¯t be able to stand being under another being¡¯s control, causing it to eventually turn on its master.


    The Heavenly Dragon Seal gradually calmed down, and the crimson light on it infiltrated deeper into it. The blood dragon coiled itself in the seal, devouring spiritual energy from the surroundings.


    When the spiritual energy entered the Heavenly Dragon Seal, the damagedws in the seal began to repair themselves. Liu Wuxie marveled at the sight.


    <i>If the Heavenly Dragon Seal bes a heavenly artifact, there¡¯s a chance that it will give birth to a true divine dragon...</i> Liu Wuxie murmured to himself.


    The dragon¡¯s blood had made the Heavenly Dragon Seal undergo a tremendous transformation. Now, it possessed and had forcibly merged two different dragon bloodlines¡ªthe proud, mighty golden dragons and the violent, savage blood dragons.


    Through Liu Wuxie¡¯s refinement, the two opposing forces had perfectly merged. The Heavenly Dragon Seal radiated with dazzling brilliance, illuminating the sky with a powerful dragon aura.


    Liu Wuxie activated the Heavenly Dragon Seal. In response, it rapidly consumed his true essence.


    <i>Such a powerful Heavenly Dragon Seal! It requires nearly seventy percent of my true essence to bring out its full power.</i>


    Even if someone in the upper levels of the Astral River Realm faced this Heavenly Dragon Seal, he had a feeling that they would have no chance of surviving.


    Still, although he had just finished this task, he now had to proceed to the next one: honing and adapting to the Heavenly Dragon Seal¡¯s power.


    Since all of this was Liu Wuxie¡¯s secret, Murong Yi decided not to approach him. After all, she didn¡¯t want to overstep her boundaries.


    Meanwhile, the ck-clothed elder vanished and reappeared outside Murong Yi¡¯s chamber.

 Chapter 574 - Shitheads

    <h4>Chapter 574 - Shitheads</h4>


    Liu Wuxie spent the next six hours refining the seal. By the time he was done, the sky had turned dark, and the Heavenly Dragon Seal¡¯s glow had slowly faded away.


    With a wave of his hand, the Heavenly Dragon Seal shrunk down to the size of an egg and returned to Liu Wuxie''s palm.


    Even Liu Wuxie couldn''t determine whether the Heavenly Dragon Seal was a xiantian treasure or a monarch artifact. However, he was at least certain that ordinary monarch artifacts couldn''tpare to the Heavenly Dragon Seal.


    Liu Wuxie smiled wryly as he looked at the buildings in his vicinity. This was the downside to not having a cultivation chamber¡ªit was easy to destroy one¡¯s surroundings when forging artifacts. He decided to apologize to Murong Yi tomorrow for the damages he had caused.


    The Heavenly Dragon Seal entered the depth of the Sky-Devouring Divine Cauldron, which in turn cleansed it with spiritual energy. As the impurities inside began to decrease, the seal began to emit a faint golden glow. However, a strange and eerie hint of crimson lurked within its radiance.


    Since he still had some time before dawn, Liu Wuxie took out the mysterious de tip from the interspatial ring that he had cut open on thest stone.


    When the de tip appeared, it began to release the same terrifying de ray that had in over thirty disciples of the Azure Crimson Gate.


    He hadn¡¯t found the chance to examine it until now since he had always been around huge crowds. Upon inspecting it, though, he could tell that it was no ordinary object. It seemed to contain a profound amount of de intent that was so powerful it made even him¡ªan Immortal Emperor in his past life¡ªa bit uneasy.


    Liu Wuxie spected that ancient immortals had visited the True Martial Continent, and this de tip was a remnant of that era. The barrennd likely flourished in the past much like the Celestial Realms, which was why so many spiritual essences were produced.


    Since he had only managed to subdue it before thanks to Madam Li''s help, Liu Wuxie fortified the surrounding barrier to prevent it from escaping. It would be challenging to subdue it again with his cultivation.


    <strong>......</strong>


    The ck-clothed elder sat in Murong Yi''s courtyard for five minutes before leaving as Murong Yi wept.


    Meanwhile, the Azure Crimson Gate''s upper echelons gathered in a grand hall to discuss eliminating Liu Wuxie. They could not ept that a young man had managed to fool them and destroy their reputation.


    Not only did they lose many disciples, but they also lost Qiu Dingtian, a long-standing sect elder.


    Even though Qiu Dingtian had established his own n, he still held the status of elder within the Azure Crimson Gate. Nevertheless, in just a few days, Liu Wuxie had pped the Azure Crimson Gate¡¯s faces multiple times. The other major sects had likely already received news of it.


    What they found most infuriating was that Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t even have to draw his weapon to humiliate them. He relied on a mere gamble to cripple two of their disciples. They also mysteriously lost three true disciples in an ambushst night, for which they held the House of Tea Art ountable.


    During the stone-betting event, Liu Wuxie relied on a gamble to kill Teng Yue and wagered that the mysterious de tip could kill over thirty disciples. Moreover, the Azure Crimson Gate also suffered losses during the fight against the Ling n and when they fought the Qiu n to death. He treated them likeplete, utter fools.


    Recalling what had happened in the past few days, Li Hongda stomped his feet in rage. He wanted nothing more than to charge into the House of Tea Art and tear Liu Wuxie apart.


    Desiring vengeance for their fallen disciples, he stood up. ¡°Please give us the order to kill him, Sect Master!"


    Most of the over a hundred elders seated in the grand hall remained silent. The Azure Crimson Gate had never needed so many of them to discuss a single matter in the past few centuries.


    "This incident has severely affected the sect''s reputation, Sect Master. If we don''t retaliate, our reputation will plummet even further during the Ten Grand Ceremony," another elder said.


    The Ten Grand Ceremony¡¯s rankings were very important to sects. After all, the higher their rank, the more resources they could ess and the more talented disciples they could recruit. The stronger sect would grow stronger, while the weaker sect would fade through history, like the once-mighty Divine Sun Pce. It had been years since theyst saw a talented disciple.


    This system ensured that the younger generation could onlypete with the other sects once those sects had gradually declined into second-rate sects.


    "Let us not act recklessly, Sect Master. If this matter had merely been about dealing with that boy, I would have already suggested sending someone to kill him. However, the House of Tea Art is involved. If we fail to handle this matter properly, we¡¯ll risk making an enemy out of them.¡±


    The elders who had stayed neutral on this matter felt that they shouldn''t just mindlessly charge in. The Azure Crimson Gate wouldn''t benefit from making an enemy out of the House of Tea Art.


    The House of Tea Art''s background remained a mystery, but it was known that they had a formidable expert in the True Profound Realm within their ranks. If they handled this matter poorly, it would bring endless trouble to the sect.


    "Elder Chen has a point. We have to tread carefully. Otherwise, we might fall into that brat''s trap," another elder nodded in agreement. The majority of the elders agreed with Elder Chen.


    "What are you trying to say, Elder Chen? Are you suggesting we, the mighty Azure Crimson Gate, should fear the House of Tea Art?" Li Hongda questioned.


    Elder Chen stood up. "I''ve made myself clear. The sect wouldn''t have been dragged into such a precarious position if it weren''t for a certain person!"


    Anyone could tell that Elder Chen and Li Hongda didn''t have a good rtionship. As the tension in the hall increased, the elders separated into two factions, one supporting Li Hongda and the other supporting Elder Chen.


    Both sides made valid points. Elder Chen felt that it was Li Hongda''s fault that the sect was in such a precarious position and that he should be held responsible. He also reasoned that making an enemy out of the House of Tea Art could bring disaster to the sect.


    The ten major sects would only ever unite against an external threat. After all, it was still impossible to achieve harmony even within just one sect. The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion was no exception.


    Sect elders usually had old grievances from back when they were young or due to misguided allegiances, which continued to linger until one side was defeated.


    With his qualifications as an elder being put into question, Li Hongda''s anger was ignited.


    "What nonsense are you spouting?!" he roared so loudly that the roof shook, causing tiles to fall, as his face flushed with fury.


    The tension in the hall grew. Sparks flew between the two men, gradually escting toward an inevitable confrontation.


    "I''m spouting nonsense? Qiu Dingtian voiced out his intentions in front of arge crowd, yet shitheads like you still stormed into their n and wiped them out! Your actions have already caused rumors to circte that the Azure Crimson Gate cannot distinguish between right and wrong!" Elder Chen countered.


    Though he was being harsh, he was also already holding himself back. Everyone had already startedbeling the Azure Crimson Gate''s disciples and elders as shitheads, echoing the insults that Liu Wuxie had thrown at them. In fact, the rumors had long reached the Azure Crimson Gate, including some of its elders.


    Due to the Qiu n massacre, Liu Wuxi¡¯s insult stuck. Many even called them the Retarded Sect now, causing irreparable damage to their reputation.


    Hence, the elders couldn¡¯t help but direct their frustration toward Li Hongda''s group. After all, only retards could make a mistake so grave that it brought massive losses to their sect. If they had just used their brains, Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t have fooled them like monkeys.


    "That¡¯s enough!" the sect mastermanded, silencing everyone and making them return to their seats.


    All of his people turned to him and waited for his decision on whether they would hold back or go to war with the House of Tea Art.


    "This incident has dealt a severe blow to our sect," he said, making the hearts of Li Hongda and his supporters sink.


    Worried that the sect master would hold them ountable, Li Hongda quickly reasoned, "Sect Master, allow me to take responsibility for this matter. After killing that brat, I will personally seek punishment to give our fallen disciples an exnation.¡±


    His intentions were now clear¡ªhe wanted nothing more than to kill Liu Wuxie.


    "You do not have to me yourself for this, Elder Li. Now that it has already been done, it is futile for us to push the me now. Moreover, I have already arranged for someone to deal with this. We should instead prioritize restoring our reputation," the sect master exined.


    Although he didn''t openly criticize Li Hongda, he did indirectly order thetter to stay out of this matter. However, he could not make the decision to wage war with the House of Tea Art alone. The deputy sect master and grand elders also had to approve of it.


    The Azure Crimson Gate didn''t belong to a person but a collective group. The sect master''s authority was only temporary, and the grand elders held the right to oversee the sect master''s decision.


    If the sect master made any mistake that affected the sect, the grand elders had the power to remove him from his position and pick a recement. However, in most cases, the grand elders didn''t interfere with the sect master''s decision.


    "Sect Master, is the House of Tea Art really that powerful?"


    The elders could tell that the sect master didn''t want to make an enemy out of the House of Tea Art, which baffled them. Their potential enemy barely had a hundred people while the Azure Crimson Gate was filled with experts, some of which had even reached the True Profound Realm. They couldn''t understand why they should fear such a small group.


    "That''s not it. The House of Tea Art''s True Profound Realm expert has reached the peak of True Profound Realm, and he''s just one step away from the Spirit Profound Realm," the sect master exined. He didn¡¯t doubt the loyalty of those present since they were all from the upper echelons of the sect.


    Everyone gasped and broke into a cold sweat.


    "The Spirit Profound Realm?!"


    The Southern Province had many True Profound Realm experts, most of whom were in the lower levels. Perhaps because thews restricted them, their cultivation progress slowed down after reaching the True Profound Realm unless they ventured somewhere with a bigger stage.


    Though the mor gradually faded, everyone still looked as if they couldn¡¯t believe what they had just heard.


    "Are we just going to let that brat run free then, Sect Master?" an elder asked in frustration.


    If the House of Tea Art had an expert in the pinnacle of the True Profound Realm, they would never be able to kill Liu Wuxie for as long as he was under their protection.


    "Haven''t any of you noticed yet? The House of Tea Art only temporarily ensures his safety. They won''t interfere with anything else. It won¡¯t be difficult to take his life," the sect master answered. Although he paid little attention to the outside world, he could deduce an answer through various information.


    Since the House of Tea Art had no intention of bing enemies with the Azure Crimson Gate, thetter still had a chance to kill Liu Wuxie. After all, the House of Tea Art didn¡¯t intervene when others challenged Liu Wuxie into stone betting.


    "Sect Master, does that mean we can bypass the House of Tea Art? We can send our an expert to hold off the House of Tea Art''s expert and another to strike down Liu Wuxie!"


    All the elders finally understood what the sect master meant.

 Chapter 575 - Mysterious Blade Technique

    <h4>Chapter 575 - Mysterious de Technique</h4>


    The mysterious de tip gave off a terrifying de aura as it hovered before Liu Wuxie. Compared to when it had killed multiple people earlier, its de aura wasn''t as intense anymore¡ªfalling well within the range the human body could tolerate.


    When Liu Wuxie gently touched the de tip, a cut as thin as a hair appeared on Liu Wuxie''s finger. Blood flowed out of the wound.


    Even someone in the Astral River Realm would have difficulty breaking apart Liu Wuxie''s defenses, yet to his disbelief, the tiny de easily left a wound on him.


    "What an incredibly sharp de!" Liu Wuxie eximed in shock. The de tip had to be a heavenly artifact, at the very least. If he could fuse it with the Heretic de, he was confident that he could upgrade it into a monarch artifact.


    However, the de tip was too powerful. Liu Wuxie had to wait until he reached the pinnacle of the Heavenly Phase Realm before he could refine it.


    Unable to touch it directly, he released his divine sense and attempted to explore its interior instead. Unfortunately, the pressure from the de aura cracked Liu Wuxie''s primordial spirit, preventing his divine sense from getting close.


    He still benefited from it, though. When his primordial spirit recovered, his divine sense became twice as powerful. It seemed he could use the de aura to temper his will, strengthening his de intent and primordial spirit.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s divine sense crossed into the pressure and approached the mysterious de tip once more. The closer he got, the more violently it ripped apart his primordial spearing, causing the excruciating pain to worsen. Thankfully, his Heavenly Dao Book protected his primordial spirit, preventing it from shattering.


    The soul energy within his soul sea was constantly ripped apart. Moreover, by tempering the de aura, Liu Wuxie''s soul energy turned into mercury and mixed into his soul sea.


    Since the Soul Spear¡¯s power grew stronger with his soul energy, he began to use this opportunity to cultivate the Soul Forge Art. However, he didn''t use his second technique, Soul Shield. After all, his soul energy wasn''t strong enough.


    Most Astral River Realm experts practiced a soul-based technique that could damage their opponent''s primordial spirit. After reaching the Nascent Transformation Realm, their primordial spirit could even leave their body to fight.


    Fortunately, if Soul Spear was for offense, then Soul Shield was for defense. If Liu Wuxie could master it, he would be able to neutralize soul-based attacks.


    Sensing Liu Wuxie''s soul energy, the de tip unleashed a powerful suction force and pulled his divine sense in.


    Liu Wuxie tried to react, but he was toote. He became dizzy and disoriented, his divine sense nearly torn into pieces. Without the Heavenly Dao Book, his primordial spirit would have been destroyed.


    "Where am I?"


    Now in his divine sense form, Liu Wuxie looked around, finding himself in a grey, foggy world. There was no air and nows¡ªjust vacuum-like space. A bold thought sprouted in Liu Wuxie''s mind.


    "Did I enter the the de tip¡¯s internal space?"


    After reaching the level of a heavenly artifact, an internal space simr to an interspatial ring would form in the weapon. However, the one within a heavenly artifact was much bigger. It could even amodate life.


    An invisible de aura appeared, tearing Liu Wuxie''s divine sense into countless pieces and reducing it to a mere fog in the air.


    Liu Wuxie controlled his divine sense to retake form as he wondered where the attack came from. Since his soul energy had been shattered again, it became even stronger and nearly tangible.


    The de tip came at him from the right, but he quickly vanished and rushed to the attack''s origin.


    He didn''t know how much time passed, but the world ahead remained foggy and boundless. Considering this was only the de tip¡¯s internal space, he couldn''t even begin to imagine how big itsplete form¡¯s internal space would be. It could probably contain tens of thousands of people.


    Another de aura came from the front. This time, however, he could finally see where the attack came from.


    A hazy figure a hundred meters away swung a long de down fiercely., making the winds howl and the clouds churn. As the entire space began to shake violently, Liu Wuxie steadied his soul energy, preventing his divine sense from shattering again.


    When the de aura was directed at him, Liu Wuxie quickly vanished, effortlessly dodging the attack. He then continued forward.


    Finding the de aura in this space honestly surprised him. Considering it had killed so many Azure Crimson Gate disciples, he knew thatprehending it would allow his de technique to advance by leaps and bounds.


    As the de intent grew stronger, Liu Wuxie felt an overwhelming pressure. It shattered his divine sense every time he took a step forward.


    Still, right after his divine sense recovered, he pushed onward without hesitation. The more he repeated this cycle, the stronger his primordial spirit grew.


    Eventually, Liu Wuxie stopped and took a rough look at the figure up ahead. He could see it raise its de to the sky, exuding the majesty of a monarch along with boundless de intent.


    <i>Amazing technique! </i>


    Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t help but marvel at the sight. If he could speak with his divine sense, he would''ve eximed in admiration already. After all, he couldn''t even find any ws in this technique. He would have to face it head-on and use his Ghost Eye to find its weakness.


    When the de descended, the surrounding space around Liu Wuxie began to explode, and his divine sense was shattered once more. Its de intent then filled the surroundings as if a deity was descending.


    The suffocating pressure of the de aura was enough to crush a person''s will. The reason Liu Wuxie was unaffected was due to his strong will and powerful divine sense. If some other Astral River Realm expert were in his position, they would''ve already submitted to the de intent.


    "What kind of de technique is that? To release such overwhelming pressure in just a single downward strike. It feels as though this attack can split heaven and earth apart!"


    Liu Wuxie looked at the distant figure as his divine sense recovered. He couldn''t even describe how he felt. Though he was an expert in using the de, he had never seen someone exhibit such power with a simple downward strike.


    The Fatality de Art was divided into seven forms, one stronger than thest. Although the distant figure only repeated one strike, the power it exhibited remained the same. Still, if the distant figure attacked ten times in a row, its opponent wouldn''t find a chance to retaliate.


    The simpler the move, the faster the strike and the better it resonated with heaven and earth. That was why most martial techniques became simpler the more they were refined. If the power behind one palm strike could shatter a mountain, then a martial artist had no need forplicated or fancy moves.


    When the de aura dissipated, the blurred figure raised its sword and cleaved down once more.


    Liu Wuxie stood quietly and watched the distant figure attack hundreds of times. Though it only used one move, the essence behind each strike was different¡ªheavy, light, bizarre, and tricky. He couldn''t believe a single strike could contain so many variations of de intent.


    Time seemed to lose meaning in this space. Liu Wuxie observed thousands of strikes before his divine sense finally retreated from the mysterious de tip''s internal space.


    "I was in there for six hours?!"


    Since it was already quitete, his surroundings were already quiet. The twodies were resting in a corner of the courtyard. When Liu Wuxie emerged from the internal space, he gently took a nket and cover them.


    They had followed him despite the danger in their journey, constantly leaving them on edge. Hence, Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t help but feel a hint of guilt in his heart.


    Liu Wuxie went to the courtyard''s center and removed the Heretic de. He then raised it to the sky and mimicked the blurred figure''s actions. When he swung it down, he managed to mimic the speed and aura, but he failed to mimic the de intent.


    Having reached a bottleneck with the Fatality de Art, Liu Wuxie now required a new de technique to boost hisbat power. This new de technique was undoubtedly perfect for him, butprehending its profundity would take time and effort.


    Standing on the same spot, he closed his eyes and entered a state of tranquility. He imagined himself back in the de tip''s internal space. The Heavenly Dao Book in his mind unfurled abruptly, each page revealing small figures mimicking his actions.


    The moment they swung their des down. His soul sea began to tremble as they swung their des down, sending out fierce gales that shattered all the soul energy in their paths.


    Liu Wuxie opened his eyes. "That''s it! This is the de intent!"


    This was the power of the Heavenly Dao Book¡ªit was capable of seeing through everything.


    A de intent''sw appeared in the Heavenly Dao Book, aiding him in grasping the de technique quickly. After taking a deep breath, he swung down the Heretic de again, unleashing a golden de aura that sliced through the air and practically illuminated the entire House of Tea Art.


    Countless people woke up from their sleep as the unmatched de aura split the sky apart. Because it was alreadyte autumn, a thick fog hung over Serene Sea City.


    Murong Yi was about to rest for the night when the de aura startled her. Thinking that someone was invading the House of Tea Art, she quickly dressed herself. Meanwhile, Madam Li, who had been guarding Murong Yi''s chamber, vanished and appeared outside Liu Wuxie''s courtyard.


    The entire courtyard was in ruins, leaving everything within a few hundred meters visible.


    Liu Wuxie looked around with a wry smile. Through the open path he had created, he could see a building in the distance that his de had split in half.


    Jian Xing''er and Chen Ruoyan had jolted awake from their sleep as well. Expecting that a powerful enemy had attacked the House of Tea Art, they quickly drew their weapons and prepared forbat.


    "Big Brother Liu, what are you doing?" the twodies asked in confusion.


    The attack had left a long gash on the ground, reaching hundreds of meters away. Due to the de intent still lingering in the air, everyone felt a prickling sensation on their skin. It was as if the invisible de auras were trying to pierce through them.


    "I''m practicing a de technique.¡± Liu Wuxie chuckled.


    He merely wanted to try the de technique after the Heavenly Dao Book¡¯s analysis had given him insight into it. He didn''t expect it to cause such a huge uproar.


    Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t even imagine how powerful it would be once he had perfected it. Perhaps he¡¯d even be able to cleave Serene Sea City in half with one strike.


    Upon hearing Liu Wuxie¡¯s answer, the twodies sighed in relief and put their weapons away.


    Right then, Madam Li appeared before Liu Wuxie, looked at the destruction he had caused, and then red at him. Murong Yi appeared not long after as well. The damage made her gasp and cover her mouth in shock.


    Liu Wuxie had cleaved the entire hall in two. If he had done this while the sun was out, he would have likely hurt someone.


    "My apologies. It seems I failed to properly control my strength. I willpensate you for your losses," Liu Wuxie said. He had truly underestimated the unimaginable power of his new de technique.

 Chapter 576 - True Strike

    <h4>Chapter 576 - True Strike</h4>


    The simple downward strike caused immense destruction, demonstrating powerparable to an attack from someone in the high levels of the Astral River Realm.


    Everyone looked shocked and in disbelief.


    ¡°Let¡¯s not disturb Young Master Liu¡¯s training and rest!¡± Murong Yi eximed, breaking the silence.


    Those who had gathered over quickly left, giving Liu Wuxie space to continue practicing his de technique. When calmness returned to the courtyard, Jian Xing¡¯er and Chen Ruoyan arranged for a private room, leaving Liu Wuxie alone.


    Liu Wuxie raised the Heretic de again and channeled a third of his true essence into the strike. At the same time, heprehended the intent behind the de technique, not the form. After all, it was so exceedingly simple that it had no specific form in the first ce. Although it did resemble a drawing technique, it was fundamentally different.


    ¡°What should I name it?¡±


    Liu Wuxie sat on the ground in deep thought.


    ¡°Why not just call it True Strike?¡±


    Considering its simplicity, the name was quite fitting.


    Liu Wuxie spent the night practicing his de technique, setting the Heretic de down only when the faint light of dawn had appeared from the east.


    Jian Xing¡¯er and Chen Ruoyan had changed into tight-fitting outfits, ready for the long journey ahead. Traveling from Serene Sea City to Heavenly Treasure Pavilion would take six to seven days.


    Murong Yi was already up as well, standing outside Liu Wuxie¡¯s courtyard.


    ¡°Young Master Liu, are you leaving today?¡± she asked. Today, she was in a simple white dress, making her look like a lotus blooming amid clear waters.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. Thank you for your hospitality during my stay here in Serene Sea City. Until we meet again,¡± Liu Wuxie replied.


    He then soared to the sky with the twodies and disappeared into the clouds. He showed no hesitation or dy.


    ¡°Madam...¡± Murong Yi trailed off after Liu Wuxie vanished. Madam Li then disappeared into thin air.


    With Liu Wuxie gone, peace returned to the House of Tea Art. Murong Yi walked toward the deepest chambers, which only she was allowed to enter.


    There was a thatched cottage up ahead, and a ck-clothed elder was seated outside the door.


    ¡°He has left, Second Uncle!¡± Murong Yi sat beside the ck-clothed elder and gently leaned against his shoulder.


    The ck-clothed elder caressed Murong Yi¡¯s head. Warmly, he said, ¡°Go. You have made up your mind, have you not? It¡¯s about time we move the House of Tea Art anyway. The Western Barren has been experiencing uneasetely, So I¡¯ll have to return with our nsmen. I will be waiting for your good news.¡±


    The ck-clothed elder was the younger brother of Murong Yi¡¯s father; he was also her second uncle.


    ¡°I will miss you all!¡± Murong Yi eximed as tears rolled down her cheeks.


    They had never been apart in over twenty years. Now that they were going to split, Murong Yi couldn¡¯t help but feel sorrowful.


    ¡°I¡¯ll miss you too, but do not fret. Our brief separation will only serve as a foundation for a better reunion in the future,¡± the ck-clothed elder replied as he gazed into the distance. He had only stayed behind for decades to protect his niece and the other nsmen. If not for them, he would¡¯ve long since ventured into the Divine Light Mountain to rescue his elder brother.


    He was the only True Profound Realm expert whom Murong Yi had left. Hence, he couldn¡¯t afford to put his life on the line. If the Murong n lost its protection, it would fall into ruin.


    When Liu Wuxie left Serene Sea City traveled in the opposite direction of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    ¡°Big Brother Liu, this isn¡¯t the right way,¡± Chen Ruoyan said.


    ¡°I know,¡± Liu Wuxie replied.


    Quickly realizing Liu Wuxie¡¯s n, Jian Xing¡¯er exined, ¡°He¡¯s probably concerned about being ambushed on the way back. He¡¯s taking a detour to avoid the Azure Crimson Gate¡¯s scouts.¡±


    Liu Wuxie nodded. ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±


    This was the only way they could escape the Azure Crimson Gate¡¯s pursuit. With their current strength, they still stood no chance against Nascent Transformation Realm experts. Hence, it was better for them to avoid confrontation.


    As he had expected, the Azure Crimson Gateid down countless traps back to Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. Had he appeared, he would have faced their ruthless assaults.


    Who could¡¯ve anticipated that Liu Wuxie would head in the opposite direction instead, catching the Azure Crimson Gate entirely by surprise?


    ¡°He¡¯s really cunning!¡± Madam Li muttered. With her aura concealed, she had been following Liu Wuxie from afar. She aimed to ensure his safety on his way back to Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    Soon after Liu Wuxie¡¯s party had left Serene Sea City, the Azure Crimson Gate scouts discovered that Liu Wuxie had deviated from the expected path. When they informed the sect, the experts waiting to intercept turned around to give chase, buying Liu Wuxie precious time.


    Meanwhile, upon entering the mountain range, Liu Wuxie¡¯s group disguised themselves before continuing on their journey. Now, they¡¯d be untraceable for as long as they didn¡¯t engage inbat or reveal their true essence. Even Madam Li almost lost track of them, which amazed her.


    Three days passed in the blink of an eye. The journey was safe and uneventful. Liu Wuxie hadpletely misled the enemy experts, throwing them off his scent.


    When news about it reached the Azure Crimson Gate, the sect erupted into an uproar. It seemed they had once again underestimated him.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s unpredictable behavior caught them off guard. By the time they came to their senses, Liu Wuxie had already taken another route.


    Considering there were hundreds of ways back to the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, the Azure Crimson Gate couldn¡¯t possibly station experts on each route. At best, they could only deploy a dozen people, so Liu Wuxie dared return to the sect with the twodies.


    ¡°There¡¯s a small town up ahead. Let¡¯s stop and rest there,¡± Liu Wuxxie said.


    The twodies¡¯ true essence was nearly drained after traveling non-stop for three days. Unlike Liu Wuxie, who had a huge true essence reserve, they had just reached the Heavenly Phase Realm recently. Hence, their true essence wasn¡¯t refined enough.


    The three descended onto a bustling street. The town wasn¡¯t big; it only had a small poption of a few million people.


    This town was insignificantpared to the massive cities that could amodate billions of people. One could easily see the other end of the street.


    It felt good to have solid ground under their feet. As nned, the trio passed through the street to find a decent teahouse to rest before returning to their journey.


    The Azure Crimson Gate would soon react and change their ambush. This meant the paths would be increasingly dangerous the closer they got to the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    After all, now that they had lost track of Liu Wuxie, their best option was to guard the areas near his destination. Hence, although Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t in any immediate danger, the real threat had to be waiting for him outside the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion¡¯s gates.


    The three ordered a pot of tea to quench the dryness of their throats due to the journey. Liu Wuxie had disguised himself as a schrly middle-aged man, Jian Xing¡¯er as his wife, and Chen Ruoyan as his daughter¡ªa happy and peaceful family.


    As they drank tea, Liu Wuxie scanned the surroundings with his Ghost Eye. He was prepared to escape with the two the moment he noticed something amiss.


    The sun was already descending, and the day was drawing to a close.


    A group of locals walked back from the other end of the street, having just ended their day. To earn a living, they mainly ventured into the nearby mountains to hunt demonic beasts and harvest herbs to sell to merchants.


    The scene reminded Liu Wuxie of Azure Billow City. Like this town, it also housed millions who lived happy and simple lives despite the harshness of reality.


    Jian Xing¡¯er finally rxed after checking the map. ¡°We should be safe here. Heavenly Treasure Pavilion disciples often pass through this town.¡±


    Chen Ruoyan nodded in agreement. They should have escaped the Azure Crimson Gate¡¯s pursuit by now too.


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t want to dampen their spirits. Hence, he chose not to reveal that the real danger was yet toe.


    While they were drinking tea, they heard a heart-wrenching cry from below the teahouse. ¡°Sirs, please don¡¯t take my daughter!¡±


    The twodies peeked out the window and saw two young men dressed in white, dragging a youngdy with them. Behind them was an older woman who clung to one of the men¡¯s sleeves, begging him not to take her daughter.


    ¡°This is your fault for failing to pay your monthly tax! You¡¯ve left us no choice but to sell her to the brothel! Now, get lost!¡±


    The youth whom the older woman was clinging to kicked her on the stomach, sending her flying and crashing onto the wooden post beneath the teahouse. The impact made her cough out blood.


    Jian Xing¡¯er¡¯s face turned cold. ¡°Those are disciples of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion!¡±


    The two youths in white clothes were elite disciples of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. She couldn¡¯t believe that they were bullying a defenseless woman.


    ¡°Don¡¯t get involved!¡± Liu Wuxie warned.


    They couldn¡¯t afford to reveal their true essence now. Otherwise, the Azure Crimson Gate¡¯s experts would be able to track their auras down.


    He had long learned how to grow indifferent to the death of ordinary people. People died every day, and he knew that he couldn¡¯t save everyone.


    The twodies reluctantly withdrew their heads and covered their ears. They tried their best not to get involved, but the heart-wrenching cries from below made it impossible for them to stay still.


    The woman who had been kicked crawled up with great difficulty, dragging a trail of blood behind her.


    ¡°Mother!¡± the youngdy screamed.


    She bit down fiercely on the arm of the youth who was holding her, catching him off guard. As he winced in pain, the youngdy bit him even harder, tearing a piece of flesh away from his hand.


    Enraged, the young man kicked the girl as well. The attack sent her flying all the way to the front of her mother.


    Covered in blood, the two hugged each other.


    ¡°You dare bite me?! I¡¯ll kill you!¡±


    The man¡¯s anger continued to boil. His clothes were torn, and his shoulder had been reduced to a bloody mess with deep imprints of the youngdy¡¯s teeth. Small chunks of flesh that the girl had spat out were also lying on the ground.


    A crowd gathered around them, but no one dared to step forward. Instead, they merely watched as the two Heavenly Treasure Pavilion disciples humiliated the women.


    Venting his anger, the youth gripped his sword and swung it at the helpless pair.


    The townsfolk closed their eyes, unable to bear the violence. How could defenseless women possibly stand a chance against two elite disciples of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion?


    A heavy sigh echoed from the surroundings, but there was nothing the crowd could do.


    Just when the sword was about to slit the youngdy¡¯s throat, a ray knocked it off course. It slicked into the wooden pir beneath the teahouse, causing the entire building to shake.


    ¡°Who dares interfere?!¡± the youth looked at the teahouse with cold light shing in his eyes, sensing that the icy energy hade from within.


    ¡°Why make things difficult for two helpless women? Are you not an elite disciple of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion? How much do they owe you? I¡¯ll pay their debt,¡± Liu Wuxie answered.


    Not wanting any trouble, he hoped the two disciples could calm down. He was even willing to fork out some spirit stones to save the two women.


    ¡°How dare you meddle in my business?! Do you hate your life that much?! You¡¯re right, though. We are elite disciples of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion elite. If you know what¡¯s best for you, thene down and beg for mercy!¡±


    The youth swung his sword toward the teahouse, making everyone flee out of fear that it woulde toppling over them.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 577 - Imposter

    <h4>Chapter 577 - Imposter</h4>


    The teahouse¡¯s remaining three pirs failed to withstand its weight, causing the entire structure to start copsing. The customers drinking tea on the second floor swiftly leaped out, and Liu Wuxie was no exception. He gentlynded on the ground near the two youths.


    "What crime have theymitted? Why are you trying to kill them?" the enraged Jian Xing''er asked. She didn''t recognize either of the two elite disciples.


    "I advise you to mind your own business and leave immediately!" the youth who had been sent flying by the cold ray demanded. His arm was still trembling from the collision earlier.


    He didn¡¯t fear the two women. After all, he could tell that they were only in the low levels of the Heavenly Phase Realm. However, he couldn¡¯t say the same for Liu Wuxie. The man¡¯s aura was deep and unfathomable, like a vast, immeasurable ocean.


    "We won''t interfere if you let them go," Chen Ruoyan said as she stepped forward. They didn''t want trouble in the first ce. After all, it could expose their whereabouts.


    "These two failed to pay their monthly tax! We have to sell the daughter to make up for it. Now, go bug someone else or we¡¯ll have to resort to force!"


    Perhaps it was because they couldn''t determine Liu Wuxie''s cultivation, but the two men weren''t afraid.


    Jian Xing''er frowned. "I''ve never heard of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion collecting monthly taxes. Which peak did youe from?"


    Since the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion had its own assets, they prohibited their disciples from extorting money frommoners. Nevertheless, these two still seemed to have visited this remote ce to exploitmoners.


    With a sword still in his hand, the young man raised his head proudly. "Have you not heard of me? I am Liu Wuxie, the prodigy of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion! I single-handedly toyed with the Azure Crimson Gate!"


    It seemed Liu Wuxie''s achievements in Serene Sea City had long since spread throughout the Southern Province.


    Liu Wuxie exchanged nces with the two women, finding amusement in their eyes. They couldn''t believe that someone was actually using his name to deceive and bully the weak.


    "You''re Liu Wuxie?¡± Smiling devilishly, Liu Wuxie sped his hands. ¡°My apologies for not recognizing you.¡±


    His eyes glinted coldly.


    "Now that you know who I am, why are you still here? Get lost!" the impostor snorted. He found Liu Wuxie''s name quite helpful recently. It always worked like a charm.


    "I have heard many things about you, Young Master Liu, including the time you effortlessly crushed two ns and toyed with the Azure Crimson Gate. That¡¯s why we look up to you as our role model. However, I did just get word that you were in Serent Sea City until recently. How did you get here so quickly?" Liu Wuxie asked with a yful smile.


    "Where I go is none of your business. Don''t me me for what happens next if you refuse to leave!"


    The impostor raised his sword at Liu Wuxie, intending to strike. The mighty sword aura he unleashed sent a powerful wave of energy sweeping toward Liu Wuxie and forced bystanders to retreat.


    "Tell me, Young Master Liu. How much do they owe you? I''ll pay you on their behalf. How does that sound?"


    Liu Wuxie wanted to avoid exposing them in front of a crowd. He nned to interrogate them somewhere more private and learn more about the imbecile who dared use his name.


    The impostor boldly raised five fingers. "Fifty thousand spirit stones!"


    The mother and daughter could hardly make fifty thousand a year. Fifty thousand a month was just outright extortion.


    "Lies! Don''t believe him! We only owe them a hundred spirit stones," the mother and daughter argued. They got back on their feet and wiped the blood off their lips.


    "You''re courting death!"


    The enraged young man swung his sword at the woman, hoping to kill her for meddling in his affairs. After all, easy prey didn''te around often.


    Meanwhile, the other youth''s attention remained on Chen Ruoyan. Though she had disguised herself, all she really changed was the birthmark on her face. Hence, her outstanding figure still caught his attention and ignited his lust. However, his disgusting gaze did nothing but anger Chen Ruoyan.


    The sword was intercepted before it could even strike.


    "I can¡¯t help but be curious. Why do ordinary people like them owe the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion a monthly tribute? If you can give me a valid exnation, I''ll pay whatever debt they have umted.¡± Liu Wuxie''s eyes grew colder. ¡°However, if you turn out to be outright extorting them, what then?"


    The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion was a righteous sect. If its disciples extortedmoners, then they would essentially be tarnishing its reputation. The fact that they were using his name tomit such a crime only made things worse.


    "The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s affairs have nothing to do with you! If you¡¯re so insistent on staying, then die!"


    Having run out of patience, the youth shifted his focus to killing Liu Wuxie. Although he was just an impostor, his swordsmanship was still impressive. At the very least, it was decent for someone in the high levels of the Heavenly Phase Realm.


    He swung his sword at lightning speed, the attack instantly appearing before Liu Wuxie.


    The bystanders closed their eyes, unable to watch any longer. Only Chen Ruoyan and Jian Xing''er remained indifferent. After all, they knew all too well that Liu Wuxie could obliterate a group of Heavenly Phase Realm cultivators with a p.


    Liu Wuxie caught the sword between his two fingers, stopping it a few inches away from him.


    The impostor''s expression darkened in disbelief. Only someone with a much higher cultivation could pull off such a feat.


    He tried to pull the sword away, but no matter how much strength he exerted, it remained firmly pinched between Liu Wuxie''s two fingers. Out of desperation, he struck Liu Wuxie''s shoulder with his left palm instead.


    "Trash!"


    With a hand strike, Liu Wuxie sted the impostor away before he could react. The impostor smashed into a wall in the distance, creating a man-shaped dent.


    The other youth froze, not knowing what to do. Liu Wuxie had just defeated his senior brother with one move, a clear sign that he was far too strong for him to defeat.


    "Y-You dare harm a disciple of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion? You''re dead!"


    Too cowardly to face Liu Wuxie head-on, the young man stumbled as he retreated.


    Liu Wuxie scoffed coldly and unleashed a powerful soul energy, forcing his enemy to the ground. The youth screamed and wailed in pain.


    The bystanders looked at Liu Wuxie in so much awe that it seemed as if they were looking at a deity.


    "Madam, what''s the story here?" Chen Ruoyan asked as she approached the mother and daughter. ¡°Tell us, and we''ll uphold justice for you.¡±


    The two and the crowd responded with a heavy sigh of despair. Helplessness was written all over their faces.


    Chen Ruoyan gave the women a pill for their injuries, and they swallowed it in response.


    Liu Wuxie wasn''t in a hurry. After all, the two Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s disciples were at his mercy now. They slumped where they sat.


    As herplexion improved, the mother exined, "It all started three months ago. These two walked into the town, iming they were here to protect us. They demanded each household to pay a hundred spirit stones and told us that those who couldn''t meet the quota would be driven out of the town.¡±


    "How outrageous! Why didn''t anyone resist?"


    Chen Ruoyan was infuriated. The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion had no such rule! This was all those youth¡¯s doing!


    "Resist?" a middle-aged man interjected, anger evident in his tone. "We tried, but they ughtered everyone who did. We were forced to venture into the mountain range, putting our lives on the line just to pay the tax. In just the past few months, we¡¯ve already lost hundreds of people.¡±


    Since only ordinary people lived in the town, they had no means to put up a strong resistance. Hence, they were forced toply with the youths¡¯ demands.


    Not only did he lose his brothers to the two Heavenly Treasure Pavilion disciples, but he also lost many friends to the demonic beasts in the mountain range.


    Liu Wuxie and hispanions got the gist of the situation now. These two elite disciples¡¯ tyranny would''ve continued if they hadn''t run into Liu Wuxie today.


    "Do they have any other aplices?" Jian Xing''er asked the man, intending to rid the town of any other trash.


    "No, it''s just the two of them," the man replied truthfully.


    The two elite disciples seemed to have relied solely on their status to wreak havoc in the town. They even defiled several of the town¡¯s women.


    Everyone in the town was furious, but they couldn¡¯t even dare retaliate. After all, the two belonged to the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    "You can all go home now. Starting today, no one will be demanding tributes from you anymore," Liu Wuxie said, dismissing the crowd. He then walked over to the two youths, grabbed them, and leaped into the sky.


    Upon exiting the town and entering the mountain range, he threw the two onto the ground.


    ¡°Who are you? What peak are you two from?" Liu Wuxie questioned coldly.


    The impostor struggled to his feet. Pretending to be calm, he replied, "My name is Liu Wuxie, the founder of Heavenly Dao Society. I advise you to let us go while we can still forget what happened today."


    Liu Wuxie''s expression turned colder. "How could the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion produce scums like you two?"


    With a palm strike, he reduced the impostor¡¯s left arm to ashes. The impostor let out heart-wrenching screams, but no one was around to hear his cries.


    "I''ll ask you onest time. Who are you, and why are you pretending to be Liu Wuxie?" Liu Wuxie said, his voice now filled with murderous intent.


    The impostor had just used his name tomit crimes. He had to find out the truth now or else more people would steal his identity and oppress the weak and innocent.

 Chapter 578 - Tracks Exposed

    <h4>Chapter 578 - Tracks Exposed</h4>


    The thick murderous intent in the air made the two youths tremble in fear.


    ¡°I¡¯ve told you many times that I¡¯m Liu Wuxie, the founder of the Heavenly Dao Society. I¡¯m an elite disciple of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, treasured by Elder Tian Xing. You will face dire consequences if you kill me.¡± The impostor sneered at Liu Wuxie with unwavering confidence.


    Since the impostor wouldn¡¯t stop using his identity, Liu Wuxie wiped his face and dissolved his disguise.


    ¡°If you¡¯re Liu Wuxie, then who am I?¡± he asked.


    The two youths, especially the impostor, turned pale and trembled, making them look as if they had seen a ghost. Although they had not seen Liu Wuxie in person before, they had seen his portrait many times, especially in the past few months. After all, everyone in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion was talking about him.


    ¡°Y-You¡¯re Liu Wuxie!¡± the impostor stammered, his courage vanishing.


    He didn¡¯t expect to run into the real person he was impersonating. All this time, he had thought that he¡¯d be untouchable for as long as he imed to be Liu Wuxie, but he now realized that he was wrong.


    Liu Wuxie grew even more furious. The two had crossed a line that they shouldn¡¯t have. ¡°Confess! Who are you two?! Why are you using my name to oppress the weak?!¡±


    Having heard of rumors about Liu Wuxie¡¯s ruthlessness and decisiveness, the young men already knew that they couldn¡¯t escape from him. They knew he wouldn¡¯t spare them, especially now that they had m tarnished his name.


    ¡°My name is Zheng Ping, and he¡¯s Yang Gu. We¡¯re disciples of the Earth Force Peak,¡± the impostor confessed.


    Liu Wuxie sensed that this matter wasn¡¯t as shallow as he had initially thought. After all, they didn¡¯t have to impersonate someone to extortmoners; they just had to be strong enough. There had to be more to this story, and since he had already delved into it, he decided not to rest until he had unearthed everything.


    ¡°Why are you two using my name?¡±


    ¡°If I tell you everything, will you let us go?¡± Zheng Ping asked out of sheer desperation to live. Neither of them wanted to die.


    ¡°No,¡± Liu Wuxie replied, destroying every bit of Zheng Ping¡¯s hope.


    ¡°Then you won¡¯t get anything from me!¡± Zheng Ping eximed with a twisted expression. Although he didn¡¯t expect Liu Wuxie to be so merciless, he still refused to speak even in the face of death.


    ¡°Oh, you¡¯ll talk!¡±


    Instead of releasing a powerful aura, Liu Wuxie simply tapped Zheng Ping with his finger, sending a cold ray into his body.


    Shortly after, Zheng Ping curled up into a ball and let out a blood-curdling scream. His face soured with pain.


    Liu Wuxie started to sever his tendons as well, causing pain far beyond imagination and far worse than death itself. Nobody could endure such torture.


    ¡°I¡¯ll talk! Just grant me a quick death in return!¡± Zheng Ping begged. His clothes were already drenched in sweat.


    Liu Wuxie calmly sat on a nearby rock. With a gesture, hemanded, ¡°Confess.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re members of the Lesser de Association. Our objective is to tarnish the Heavenly Dao Society¡¯s reputation and inform everyone of their vile actions.¡±


    Liu Wuxie was surprised. He didn¡¯t expect them to be members of the Lesser de Association and that their organization to be despicable enough to try ruining the Heavenly Dao Society¡¯s reputation.


    Thanks to Elder Tian Xing and Elder Yi Xuan¡¯s protection, the Heavenly Dao Society weren¡¯t under any threats. Since they couldn¡¯t dissolve the Heavenly Dao Society from within, they seemed to have resorted to such a vicious and effective schemes instead.


    ¡°How many others besides you two use my name tomit crimes?¡± Liu Wuxie asked.


    The Lesser de Association wouldn¡¯t allow anyone to threaten their position. This was also the reason they had nearly killed Bai Lin and the others on the first day of the Heavenly Dao Society¡¯s establishment.


    Witnessing the Heavenly Dao Society grow every day, the Lesser de Association eventually lost itsposure. Now, they were willing to use such underhanded tactics just to eradicate theirpetition.


    ¡°There are at least seven or eight more people I know of,¡± Zheng Ping answered. He dared not hide anything from Liu Wuxie.


    nning to deal with the Lesser de Association when he returned, Liu Wuxie memorized all the details that Zheng Ping revealed. Since they had already provoked him, he might as well tear them apart.


    ¡°Write their names and locations down,¡± Liu Wuxie ordered so he could wipe them all out.


    Zheng Ping did as instructed, revealing that the majority of the people tarnishing Liu Wuxie¡¯s name were within tens of thousands of miles of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. Liu Wuxie drew the Heretic de and decapitated the young men, sending their heads into the air.


    Chen Ruoyan and Jian Xing¡¯er arrived long before the interrogation ended. Having overheard parts of the conversation, they naturally grew furious. Who would have thought that a simple extortion case would turn out to be a far more diabolic scheme?


    ¡°The Lesser de Association has gone too far! I can¡¯t believe they resorted to such an underhanded tactic!¡±


    ¡°Change of ns. We¡¯re adding an extra day to our journey,¡± Liu Wuxie dered.


    The twodies nodded. ¡°Okay!¡±


    It would be best to resolve this matter as soon as possible. After all, the longer it dragged out, the more unfavorable the situation would be to Liu Wuxie. Damaging someone¡¯s reputation would always be easier than repairing it.


    Without a moment to waste, the three set off for the next town. The Southern Province had many towns like the one they had just visited.


    Liu Wuxie wanted to wipe out all the impostors before the rumors spread. Otherwise, even if he tried to exin himself, no one would believe him.


    They reached the next town in less than two hours. As Zheng Ping had said, they found someone pretending to be him whilemitting all sorts of havoc.


    Not even a dayter, Liu Wuxie had already eliminated all the Lesser de Association members in ten towns. He made sure to kill them without exposing himself too since the Azure Crimson Gate could use the trail he would leave behind to track him down. Getting more names in the process, they managed to clear out a radius of a few thousand feet.


    After dealing with everyone, they resumed their journey back to the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. Jian Xing¡¯er and Chen Ruoyan rxed as they approached the sect, while Liu Wuxie grew more vignt. Since they were no longer in a hurry, they decided to slow down a bit.


    ¡°We¡¯ll reach the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion after crossing the Scarlet Sun Mountain Range,¡± Liu Wuxie said. At their current pace, he estimated that they¡¯d reach their destination in half a day.


    The three sat on a hillside to rest for a bit. The Scarlet Sun Mountain Range was usually filled with demonic beasts, yet they hadn¡¯te across any today yet.


    Not long after, though, Liu Wuxie¡¯s brows furrowed. ¡°I¡¯m sensing murderous intent nearby!¡±


    The demonic beasts seemed to have long fled the area because of it. After all, they had stronger senses than humans.


    Jian Xing¡¯er and Chen Ruoyan stood up and prepared for battle. They wondered if the Azure Crimson Gate¡¯s experts had caught up to them.


    ¡°Hide!¡± Liu Wuxie ordered.


    The murderous intent was strong. Moreover, if the enemies overrun them with numbers, he¡¯d be unable to protect the two.


    ¡°We¡¯ll fight with you!¡± Jian Xing¡¯er insisted.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be foolish! Hide!¡± Liu Wuxie yelled. This was the first time he raised his voice at them.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s stern expression made the twodies reluctantly obey. They found a ce to hide and concealed their aura to merge with the surroundings.


    Liu Wuxie also wanted to hide, but it was toote; three experts surrounded him in a triangr formation to prevent his escape. Judging from their clothing, they didn¡¯t seem to belong to the Azure Crimson Gate, which made Liu Wuxie frown and wonder who they were.


    ¡°Who are you? Why are you blocking my way?¡± he asked lowly.


    These three were all in the pinnacle of the Astral River Realm. He could have a chance against one of them, but the pressure was high against three.


    However, Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t intimidated. His Earth-Binding Chains, Heavenly Dragon Seal, Primordial Astral Fist, Frost Finger, and True Strike could kill at least one each. He had nothing to fear for long as he wasn¡¯t facing someone in the Nascent Transformation Realm or a lot more Astral River Realm experts.


    The man in the middle sneered as he approached Liu Wuxie. ¡°You dare ask who we are after killing so many of the Hou n¡¯s disciples? Today will be your death!¡±


    ¡°The Hou n?¡± Liu Wuxie was briefly stunned. He didn¡¯t expect the Hou n¡¯s experts to be guarding this area. ¡°How did you track me down?¡±


    He was genuinely curious. After all, he had traveled in secret and even disguised himself as a middle-aged man.


    Now that his identity had been exposed, Liu Wuxie no longer needed pretenses. He tore off his disguise, revealing his true face.


    ¡°It won¡¯t hurt to tell you since you¡¯re as good as dead. We have long since received news that you¡¯re heading to the Azure Mountain City, but since we were toote, we were forced to chase you all the way to Serene Sea City. To our surprise, though, the House of Tea Art was already protecting you by the time we arrived.¡±


    The man in the middle sneered once more. They seemed to have stayed in Serene Sea City for days only to return empty-handed.


    ¡°Hence, we changed our n to intercept you midway instead.¡±


    ¡°How did you discover my identity when I¡¯ve kept myself under a disguise along the way?¡±


    ¡°It was pure luck. We just happened to pass by a town and run into several Heavenly Treasure Pavilion disciples iming to be you. Naturally, we beat them up until they told us they were fakes. However, just as we were about to leave, we found those impostors dead. By following the trail of blood, we caught track of your aura.¡±


    Everything was clear to Liu Wuxie now. Killing the impostors had exposed his tracks, allowing these three to chase him all the way here.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 579 - Fight

    <h4>Chapter 579 - Fight</h4>


    Liu Wuxie finally calmed down. When he killed Hou Yue and the others, he knew the Hou n would stop at nothing to eliminate him.


    "You think you three can kill me?"


    The Heretic de appeared in Liu Wuxie''s hand, and he pointed it to the sky. Although he had been training his True Strike, he hadn¡¯t found the opportunity to test it out until now.


    A terrifying de aura began gathering in the sky above, growing stronger every moment. As if affected by the de intent, dark clouds swirled and created an oppressive aura.


    The three gave each other uneasy nces. They didn¡¯t expect Liu Wuxie''s de intent to be so powerful.


    "Let me kill him, Big Brother!"


    The trio seemed to be biological brothers. The one on the right was the youngest, the middle the oldest, and the left the second-born.


    The man in the middle nodded, permitting the youngest to test Liu Wuxie''s strength.


    Liu Wuxie smiled devilishly. They could have posed some danger if they attacked together, but they insisted on singlebat. Nevertheless, he didn¡¯t n on showing mercy. After killing one, the other two would be easy prey to him.


    ¡°Die, Liu Wuxie!¡± the man growled as he thrust his sword at a tricky angle.


    Using his Astral River Realm aura, he unleashed his strongest attack¡ªa torrent of energy that roared like a ferocious beast. His swift and ruthless swordsmanship reached his target in the blink of an eye, leaving Liu Wuxie no room to dodge. The terrifying sword aura also filled the sky and ripped Liu Wuxie''s de intent apart. Afterward, it split into countless sword rays and shot toward Liu Wuxie, destroying everything in its path.


    Not only was the attack terrifying, but this was also Liu Wuxie''s first time fighting an opponent at the pinnacle of the Astral River Realm. Hence, he had to adapt quickly.


    Liu Wuxie calmed his heart. Keeping the Heretic de pointed at the sky, he shut his eyes and allowed the enemy toe closer.


    The two men standing by were confused, unable to determine what Liu Wuxie was trying to do. Was he epting his death?


    As if to say they were wrong, the Heavenly Dao Book unfurled in Liu Wuxie''s mind, and terrifying de intent began to rise in Liu Wuxie''s heart.


    When the sword narrowed the gap to mere meters, the winds suddenly howled, and the clouds churned. An invisible shockwave appeared around Liu Wuxie, scattering all the iing sword aura and stopping them from getting closer to him.


    The sudden turn of events caught the three brothers entirely off guard.


    "Watch out!" the other two yelled, having realized that something was off. Liu Wuxie''s attack was far more sinister than they had anticipated!


    By the time they hade to their senses, however, it was already toote. The Heretic de descended with an unstoppable force, making Liu Wuxie look like a deity capable of destroying the heavens with his fearsome aura alone.


    Like a powerful gust, a suffocating aura swept through the area and overturned everything on the ground, leaving behind grey rocks beneath their feet.


    His opponent¡¯s expression darkened, having just witnessed his sword aura instantly vanish. He couldn''t even begin to imagine how a de technique could threaten an Astral River Realm expert.


    The past few days, whenever they stopped for a break, Liu Wuxie had been going to empty grounds to practice True Strike. After countless practices, he finally grasped a bit of the unrivaled de intent.


    He was still far from mastering it, but he believed he could eventually achieve it. He also concluded that True Strike was best considered an ultimate attack. After all, its effect would be significantly weaker if the enemy could see iting.


    The overwhelming de intent crashed down, causing the surrounding space to rumble under the immense pressure. It then tore through space, erasing everything in its path.


    The attacker''s eyes widened in terror, "Not good!"


    With his sword aura already rendered useless, he retreated instinctively. All he could do now was dodge until he could find an opportunity to counterattack.


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t intend to give him such a chance, however. True Strike was onlyposed of one attack, but it was unstoppable once unleashed. It could even sever mountains and rivers. Moreover, although it drained nearly a third of his true essence, he didn''t have to worry about exhausting himself thanks to the massive deste world.


    The other two wanted to rush in to save their brother, but they couldn''t break into the center. Liu Wuxie''s de technique had created a domain around them, preventing anyone from entering. In it, he was a god capable of ruling over everything.


    As violent shockwaves swept out, Liu Wuxie''s opponent desperately switched from offense to defense. Still, he remained powerless despite his struggle.


    All of his techniques were pitifully weakpared to Liu Wuxie''s. Moreover, the prison that the de intent had created sealed the surrounding space, isting it from the rest of the world.


    The man was trapped and had no way to break free.


    Summoning the forces of heaven and earth with just one strike, the de aura transformed into a fierce storm and drew over even the surrounding spiritual energy.


    Before the man could react, Liu Wuxie¡¯s attack split him apart. His blood and intestines gruesomely spilled across the ground.


    No one could have imagined that Liu Wuxie could kill someone in the pinnacle of the Astral River Realm with a single strike. Even if Liu Wuxie''s enemy had underestimated him, it should still have been impossible. The de force had suppressed the enemy until he was too powerless to resist.


    The other two froze, unable to ept the death of their youngest brother.


    "Liu Wuxie!" they howled in the pain. Their eyes became bloodshot as they red at Liu Wuxie, wanting to tear him apart and drink his blood.


    "I''ll fucking kill you!" Hou Qiong, the eldest brother and strongest of the three, roared. His sword whistled as he attacked Liu Wuxie with his other brother.


    They med themselves for being so careless that they got their youngest brother killed, causing guilt to fill their hearts. The only way they could extinguish their burning rage now was by killing the man before them.


    Fortunately, Liu Wuxie kept his guard up. After all, he was facing two Astral River Realm experts. Even the slightest mistake could get him killed.


    Using the Nine Heavenly Crane Dance, he swiftly vanished and reappeared in the sky above. He then engaged his opponents in a fierce sh. Using hisbat talent and Ghost Eye, he quickly spotted ws in their attacks.


    It was no longer suitable for him to use True Strike. Even if it were, his enemies wouldn¡¯t give him the chance to execute it. Gathering the required de force took time, but without it, he wouldn''t be able to draw out the technique¡¯s full potential. His understanding of it was still far too insufficient.


    Hence, while holding his ground, he instead used his Frost Finger to keep his opponents on edge. Although the attacks weren''t fatal, they could at least throw them off bnce.


    With each collision, a powerful shockwave shook their surroundings. Their battle constantlypressed space and eventually made it crack. Its fragments fell like broken ss.


    Considering one had to reach the Nascent Transformation Realm before they could tear apart space, the intensity of their fight clearly reached unimaginable degrees.


    The Frost Finger constantly caught his opponents off guard. Having spent time in seclusion back in Serene Sea City just to perfect it, it now far exceeded the scope of ordinary martial techniques and had be far too unpredictable to anticipate.


    Their battle raged on with neither side gaining the upper hand. Unfortunately, time wasn''t on Liu Wuxie''s side because the Azure Crimson Gate experts could be lurking nearby. He had to end the fight and return to the sect as quickly as he could.


    ¡°Primordial Astral Fist!¡± Liu Wuxie bellowed. A terrifying star materialized above the two men, causing space to copse and a ck hole to form.


    Huo Qiong¡¯s expression filled with shock. "How is this possible?! You''re only in the Heavenly Phase Realm, yet you are already as strong as the top Astral River Realm cultivators!"


    They couldn¡¯tprehend Liu Wuxie¡¯sbat ability. The Primordial Astral Fist knocked away even their attacks, preventing them from getting close to Liu Wuxie.


    Amid the chaos, two Soul Spears appeared and attempted to pierce into their soul seas. However, the Hou n already knew that Liu Wuxie had a soul-based technique. After all, they had spent thest few months studying everything about Liu Wuxie, including his de, fist, movement, and soul-based techniques.


    Upon noticing the Soul Spears, the two quickly contracted and fortified their primordial souls, allowing them to dodge the spears.


    This was the first time Liu Wuxie''s soul attack had failed. Considering his opponents had studied him too thoroughly, he now needed something new to catch them by surprise. If he relied on his usual techniques, he¡¯d only keep failing to end the fight.


    Meanwhile, although the two managed to avoid the Soul Spears, they couldn''t dodge the Primordial Astral Fist. They were left with no other choice but to sh with it head-on.


    Below, Jian Xing''er and Chen Ruoyan couldn¡¯t help but worry as they listened to the seemingly neverending explosions. A battle of this scale far exceeded theirprehension. Even if they intervened, they wouldn¡¯t be able to do anything.


    The two brothers shattered Liu Wuxie''s attack and lunged at him, thrusting their swords toward his throat.


    "Liu Wuxie, struggling is futile! We have already figured out all your tricks, and you have nowhere else to run!" Hou Qiong snarled, his sword inching closer.


    "You think you people have uncovered all my secrets?" Liu Wuxie sneered. He vanished like a serpent, causing their attacks to miss.


    Hou Qiong couldn¡¯t help but admire Liu Wuxie for still managing to use a technique despite the small space.


    "Let¡¯s see how long you can keep dodging!" Hou Qiong mocked as he unleashed even stronger attacks. The Astral River Realm expert¡¯s endless power surged toward Liu Wuxie like dark clouds, leaving him with nowhere to hide.


    The shockwaves from their shes grew stronger the longer their battle went on. At this rate, they would soon be detectable from hundreds of miles away.


    Liu Wuxie was running out of time.


    Using Frost Finger, he conjured an ice shield and used it to block the brothers¡¯bined attack. He then widened the distance between them and used the Earth-Binding Chain, causing it to disappear from his soul sea.


    The Earth-Binding Chain flew like a meteorite and materialized before Hou Qiong, catching him by surprise. Nobody could have expected Liu Wuxie to possess a heaven-defying treasure!


    The chain wrapped around Hou Qiong and bound him in ce.

 Chapter 580 - Diverting the Disaster

    <h4>Chapter 580 - Diverting the Disaster</h4>


    The Earth-Binding Chain was the Spirit n''s treasure. It was so powerful that even though it had been in his hands for months, Liu Wuxie still only had a sliver of grasp on it.


    Even so, it could still confine an entire space. Hence, even if his target tried to hide within the folds of space, they would still end up bound. A sliver of understanding was certainly more than enough for him to deal with Hou Qiong.


    "What is this ursed thing? Get it off me!" Hou Qiong roared as he poured all his strength into attempting to break free.


    However, to his dismay, he discovered that the chain only tightened and dug further into his flesh the more he struggled. Considering it could bind even an Abyssal King, an Astral River Realm expert like him was child¡¯s y to it.


    He screamed in sheer pain and agony. He could feel bones already on the verge of shattering.


    "Liu Wuxie, what have you done to my big brother?!" Hou Qiong''s brother growled, his eyes wide with horror. He watched in disbelief as his elder brother writhed in pain.


    He could tell that Huo Qiong was in great pain. The more he struggled, the more he suffered.


    "Kill him! Now!" Hou Qiong yelled in desperation. He had turned ghostly pale, and cold beads of sweat had started trickling down his forehead.


    He could only hope that killing Liu Wuxie would break him free from the torment. By now, most of his bones had shattered. Unimaginable pain coursed through him as the binding force crushed the rest of his skeletal system piece by piece.


    Desperate to save his elder brother from his miserable state, the second brother charged without hesitation. He would kill Liu WUxie even if it cost him his life!


    Hovering in the air ten miles away, Madam Li watched the battle with interest. She had been following Liu Wuxie, though she did keep enough distance to avoid being spotted without losing sight of him.


    "The brat has quite a few tricks up his sleeve," she muttered. Although Murong Yi had tasked her to protect Liu Wuxie, she didn¡¯t really seem to be needed.


    Liu Wuxie stood still, showing indifference to the iing attack. Taking his non-action as a sign that he had used up all his cards, the second brother let out a sinisterugh. He had just gotten the perfect chance to kill him!


    The Earth-Binding Chain had a weakness: it could only attack one person at a time. However, the ck chains of the Sky-Devouring Divine Cauldron had no such limitation. After all, they were meant to suppress the most wicked existences in heaven and earth.


    As Liu Wuxiemanded, the Demonic Purgatory Chains shot out from the depths of the cauldron and into the void.


    A mere human stood no chance against these ck chains. Not only was it inescapable, but it was also a thousand times more brutal than the Earth-Binding Chains.


    Although the second brother sensed the iing danger, he returned to his senses toote. Chains only visible to Liu Wuxie slithered toward the remaining enemy from the surroundings, binding him tightly before he could react.


    The shocked man struggled, but it was futile. Confusion filled HUo Qiong¡¯s expression as he wondered what was wrong with his second brother. For some reason, he suddenly stopped and froze!


    "Liu Wuxie, you monster! What have you done to me?!" the man screamed in agony. The Purgatory Demonic Chains had dug into him and was extracting his energy and essence. Slowly, he shriveled up until he was no more than a mere pile of dried skin.


    Hou Qiong''s heart sank into the abyss. He could only watch as his brother died of reasons he couldn¡¯t even fathom.


    "I knew it! He killed the three Azure Crimson Gate disciples!" Madam Li muttered as the corners of her eyes twitched.


    This scene reminded her of the three Azure Crimson Gate disciples dying right after Liu Wuxie returned to the inn in Serene Sea City. Even now, the Azure Crimson Gate still med the House of Tea Art for their disciples'' deaths. However, Madam Li knew that Liu Wuxie was the real culprit.


    With his brothers dead, Hou Qiong turned even paler.


    When the Purgatory Demonic Chains returned to the Sky-Devouring Divine Cauldron, Liu Wuxie slowly walked toward Hou Qiong.


    "Y-You''re a monster!"


    Hou Qiong finally panicked. Although they were experts in the pinnacle of the Astral River Realm, they still proved no match for Liu Wuxie. He had to deliver the news back to the n.


    However, Liu Wuxie refused to give him such a chance. The Earth-Binding Chain tightened before Hou Qiong could crush the Communication Talisman.


    The talisman fell from the sky, and Liu Wuxie snatched it over. He crafted a message of his own and crushed it with a smirk, delivering false information back to the Hou n.


    "Liu Wuxie, you scoundrel! What did you send to my n?!" Hou Qiong roared in frustration. After all, a false message could bring disaster upon their entire n.


    "Nothing too serious," Liu Wuxie replied nonchntly. "I just told them you three died in Serene Sea City in the hands of the Azure Crimson Gate."


    With one sly move, Liu Wuxie had pitted the Hou n against the Azure Crimson Gate. This move would certainly make the lives of the Hou n disciples in the Azure Crimson Gate even more difficult.


    "Y-You''re despicable!" Hou Qiong yelled, then spat out a mouthful of blood. He didn''t expect Liu Wuxie to stoop to such lowly tactics.


    The Hou n had no enmity with the Azure Crimson Gate. However, thanks to the false information that Liu Wuxie had sent, the two were pushed to the brink of conflict. The slightest mistake could drown the Hou n in disaster.


    "You''re right. I''m despicable and shameless, but this is how the cultivation world works. You should''ve expected this oue when you came to take my life," Liu Wuxie replied. He had never considered himself a good person, but he had principles.


    The Hou n wasn''t so upstanding themselves anyway. They too hadmitted their fair share of shady deeds. Liu Wuxie simply bought him some time by distracting them and putting a halt to their pursuit.


    With a sudden and powerful tug from the Earth-Binding Chains, Hou Qiong died with heavy resentment.


    Liu Wuxie had now precisely gauged his strength thanks to the recent battle. He was confident that he would be fine for as long as he didn¡¯t fight a Nascent Transformation Realm e.


    The twodies came out of hiding, their faces still clouded with worry. They were lucky to have hidden in time. Otherwise, they would''ve been captured to threaten Liu Wuxie.


    "We can''t stay here any longer. Let''s go!" Liu Wuxie ordered.


    He swiftly headed toward the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, which was now in sight. In just two hours, they would finally be safe. However, Liu Wuxie suddenly slowed down.


    "Big Brother Liu, why are we slowing down?" Chen Ruoyan asked, baffled. They even descended from the sky and traveled on foot, which made no sense.


    With a grim expression, Liu Wuxie pointed to the path ahead. "There''s only one way back to the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. Azure Crimson Gate experts are probably lying in ambush there.¡±


    Although they had hundreds of ways back from Serene Sea City, they all convulged to one path to the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    "What should we do now?" Chen Ruoyan asked on the verge of tears. She couldn¡¯t help but worry that they¡¯d be stuck outside.


    Jian Xing''er also looked worried but remained silent. Despite his furrowing brows, she saw no concern in Liu Wuxie. That was enough for her to tell that he had a n.


    "We have to push through even if there is danger ahead," Liu Wuxie said, striding forward with determination. The pressure intensified with each step he took due to the several invisible auras surging from his surroundings.


    Just as Liu Wuxie had expected, experts from the Azure Crimson Gate were waiting to ambush them. Three old men in green robes were guarding the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s entrance, ensuring that no one could pass through without them knowing.


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t bother reapplying his disguise. Even if they changed their appearance to that of elderly people, their enemies now would still easily recognize them anyway. After all, they were in the seventh level of the Nascent Transformation Realm. Moreover, a man and two women traveling together was just too inconspicuous.


    Liu Wuxie stopped in his tracks and grinned at the old men. "I''ve kept you all waiting long enough!"


    These three were in the high levels of the Nascent Transformation Realm, and his calm demeanor had already surpassed his peers.


    Jian Xing''er and Chen Ruoyan were already prepared to fight even if it cost them their lives.


    "We underestimated you, Liu Wuxie. Still, I bet you didn''t expect us to be waiting for you here despite taking such a long detour."


    Liu Wuxie recognized the old man in the middle. During the stone-betting event, the Sky Rift Valley¡¯s elder introduced him as Dan Cheng. Li Hongda was nowhere to be seen, though. Perhaps he was too embarrassed toe here.


    Liu Wuxie simply smiled in response. He already knew that they would wait for him here the moment he left Serene Sea City. After all, they would inevitably intercept him in this path.


    The old man on the left stepped forward. "Liu Wuxie, I will take your life today for killing my son!"


    Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t help but be baffled and curious about the old man''s name. Though the old man seemed familiar, he couldn''t recall where he had seen him before. He had in so many disciples of the Azure Crimson Gate back in Serene Sea City that he couldn''t remember them anymore.


    "I have killed so many of your disciples. Which one is your son?"


    "Snow Lotus Roots at the Scarlet Sun Mountain Range. Do you remember killing a youth named Qian Zhou? He was my son.¡±


    Liu Wuxie was pulled back to when he ran into Azure Crimson Gate disciples a year ago. While on a mission to collect Snow Lotus Roots, he killed Qian Zhou, unaware that his father was one of their n¡¯s powerful elders.


    "Wow, you''re pretty old to have such a young son. I have to say, you''re really shameless. Hats off to you!" Liu Wuxie sneered, making Qian Xuewen tremble with rage.


    Qian Zhou was his illegitimate son, born to a concubine much younger than himself. Unfortunately, after his son ran out on his own due to an incident, Liu Wuxie killed him.


    "You still refuse to repent even at death''s door. I''ll skin you alive today, you shitty brat!" Qian Xuewen growled. His face contorted with fury, forming a sinister smile.


    The other two elders also sneered, their murderous intent boiling.


    They were still quite a distance away from the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, which meant that even if a battle broke out here, the sect wouldn¡¯t notice themotion in time to intervene. By the time they realized what was happening, the three old men would''ve already killed Liu Wuxie and left.


    Nevertheless, he still grinned devilishly. "What made you think I wasn¡¯t expecting you to wait here for me?"


    The three elders'' faces darkened. After all, they had already experienced how cunning the man before them could be. He had even managed to deal a tremendous blow to their sect.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 581 - Well Done

    <h4>Chapter 581 - Well Done</h4>


    Seemingly feeling no pressure, Liu Wuxie stood unwaveringly before the three Nascent Transformation Realm cultivators.


    The Azure Crimson Gate elders grew even more cautious. What happened in Serene Sea City was a fresh reminder for them to be cautious before Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Your words mean nothing to us, Liu Wuxie. They are mere pitiful tricks in the face of absolute strength. No matter how sharp-tongued you are, there is no escaping certain death!¡± Dan Cheng eximed.


    He had witnessed Liu Wuxie kill thirty Azure Crimson Gate disciples and destroy the Ling and Qiu ns. Nevertheless, his words rang true¡ªany tricks were meaningless before overwhelming strength.


    Liu Wuxie could not kill a Nascent Transformation Realm expert, much less three of them.


    Madam Li remained in close proximity to intervene if necessary, but it would be tough even for her to save Liu Wuxie and the two girls. Her priority was to ensure Liu Wuxie¡¯s safety; Chen Ruoyan and Jian Xing¡¯er weren¡¯t even within her scope of protection.


    The three elders sent powerful waves of energy toward Liu Wuxie, crushing everything in their path. Their auras served as a testament to the Nascent Transformation Realm¡¯s power, which could tear through even space itself. The outburst and sheer weight of their aura alone forced Liu Wuxie to back away.


    ¡°You¡¯re dead, Liu Wuxie!¡± Dan Cheng vanished and pounced at Liu Wuxie. Like an eagle, he spread his arms apart to grab thetter¡¯s shoulders.


    Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t muster the strength to resist the overwhelming aura. He could y opponents in the high levels of the Astral River Realm with the help of various treasures, but he was amb for ughter before someone in the Nascent Transformation Realm.


    With Dan Cheng closing in, Liu Wuxie was forced to give up even more ground. He tried to defend himself using the Primordial Astral Fist, but it was quickly dispelled.


    Even the Frost Finger had no effect. The moment he unleashed it, the surrounding spacepressed, crushing his attacks and devouring the ice energy. The space behind Liu Wuxie then suddenly solidified, slowing down his retreat significantly. He could only watch powerlessly as Dan Cheng¡¯s hands drew closer to his shoulder.


    The Nascent Transformation Realm cultivators¡¯ ability to manipte space truly set them leagues apart from Astral River Realm cultivators.


    Jian Xing¡¯er and Chen Ruoyan were frozen in ce as well. They struggled frantically, but their resistance was futile. Qian Wenxue had imprisoned them using spatialws.


    ¡°Break!¡± Liu Wuxie roared as he swung the Heretic de down. The resulting True Strike tore a rift in space, but it only relieved a sliver of pressure. Dan Cheng¡¯s ws were still approaching him.


    ¡°Surrender, Liu Wuxie! You¡¯ll die either way!¡± Dan Cheng let out a viciousugh as though he could already foresee him killing Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Tian Xing, Yi Xuan, I¡¯m a goner if you don¡¯t show up soon!¡± Liu Wuxie gave up resisting. Aside from the Heavenly Dragon Seal and Earth-Binding Chains, he had used all his trump cards, but they all proved useless against a Nascent Transformation Realm cultivator.


    Even the Heavenly Dragon Seal and Earth-Binding Chains wouldn¡¯t be strong enough to deal with his opponents.


    Right then, two meteorites appeared out of nowhere and stood before Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Scums of the Azure Crimson Gate, you dare trespass into my territory and kill our disciple?¡± Elder Tian Xing growled. As a cultivator at the pinnacle of the Nascent Transformation Realm, he was even stronger than Dan Cheng.


    The expressions of the three Azure Crimson Gate elders darkened when Tian Xing and Yi Xuan appeared.


    ¡°We have fallen for Liu Wuxie¡¯s trap!¡±


    Dan Cheng¡¯s heart sank, finally realizing that Liu Wuxie had outsmarted them. In anticipation of their ambush, he had made the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion ambush them instead.


    Elder Tian Xing harbored a deep hatred for the Azure Crimson Gate. Hence, he didn¡¯t hold back when he attacked. He shattered the space before him and created a swirling ck hole.


    Witnessing Elder Tian Xing fight for the first time, Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t help but marvel at thetter¡¯s strength. Since Elder Tian Xing rarely showed his strength in the sect, Liu Wuxie only realized now that he had underestimated him.


    Yi Xuan was no pushover either. With a flick of his hand, he unleashed a finger technique. A cold ray pierced through Dan Cheng, eliciting a pained scream.


    Madam Li was dumbfounded. She didn¡¯t expect two cultivators much stronger than her to appear out of nowhere.


    ¡°That shrewd brat. I don¡¯t know if the youngdy trusting him is a blessing or a curse. If it turns out he¡¯s just using the House of Tea Art, won¡¯t all our efforts go down the drain?¡± Madam Li muttered with concern etched on her face. The House of Tea Art had ced heavy stakes on Liu Wuxie¡¯s sess. Hence, failure was not an option.


    The two remaining elders wanted to act, but it was toote. Tian Xing and Yi Xuan had been lying in wait in the surroundings for so long, waiting to deal with a lethal strike. Why would they give their enemies a chance to save Dan Cheng?


    With a deafening roar, Tian Xing¡¯s palm struck Dan Cheng.


    With all his attention on Liu Wuxie, Dan Cheng failed to react in time. He let out a blood-curdling scream as he flew backward. Devastating even for those at the pinnacle of the Nascent Transformation Realm, the strike had left a hole in his chest and exposed his heart.


    Still, although it was powerful enough to split mountains, the palm strike failed to kill the Nascent Transformation Realm cultivator. Martial artists of such a realm were far too durable. Even if their physique was destroyed, their primordial spirit could escape and seek a new body, allowing them to be reborn.


    However, although Dan Cheng hadn¡¯t died, he had lost the ability to fight.


    Tian Xing and Yi Xuan stood before Liu Wuxie to ensure no further threats would arise.


    ¡°Couldn¡¯t you two show up any sooner? Were you waiting for me to die first?¡± Liu Wuxieined. Dan Cheng would have managed to kill him if not for the True Strike.


    ¡°I knew you had more tricks up your sleeve. You wouldn¡¯t die so easily!¡± Tian Xing chuckled.


    He was right, though. Liu Wuxie still had the Heavenly Dragon Seal, Purgatory Demonic Chains, and Earth-Binding Chains to buy him some time if pushed to a corner.


    <i>Screw you!</i> Liu Wuxie cursed inwardly and rolled his eyes. He didn¡¯t dare say it out loud since Tian Xing had undeniably saved his life.


    ¡°I was right about you. We heard what you did in Serene Sea City. It was nothing short of brilliant!¡± Beaming with joy, Tian Xing gave Liu Wuxie a hearty pat on his shoulder. It had been many years since he felt this happy.


    Liu Wuxie, however, had his forehead scrunched. <i>The battle is still raging. Couldn¡¯t Tian Xing wait until we¡¯ve returned before saying anything?</i>


    Yi Xuan nodded at Liu Wuxie as a form of greeting. He had admiration flickering in the depth of his eyes. He, too, was impressed by what Liu Wuxie had aplished in Serene Sea City.


    In that situation, Liu Wuxie did not simply manage to turn the tides of the battle. He also destroyed the Ling and Qiu ns¡ªa feat ordinary people could never aplish.


    Nascent Transformation Realm cultivators could simply fight if things didn¡¯t go their way. Unlike them, Liu Wuxie was only in the Heavenly Phase Realm. Hence, he used theplicated environment to his advantage, skillfully maneuvering to ensure his survival. Moreover, Liu Wuxie even managed to kill so many people directly and indirectly, which was nothing short of a miracle.


    Although the House of Tea Art had helped, they only ensured his safety. If it had been anyone else in Liu Wuxie¡¯s position, they wouldn¡¯t have produced such a dazzling achievement.


    After patting Liu Wuxie¡¯s shoulder, Tian Xing¡¯s expression turned cold. He looked at Qian Xuewen and the other elder with eyes as fierce as an ancient beast.


    This was his true face; his friendly demeanor was only reserved for Liu Wuxie.


    Although Yi Xuan seemed normal most of the time, he was a maniac inbat. After all, reaching the pinnacle of the Nascent Transformation Realm meant leaving a mountain of corpses in their path.


    ¡°Qian Xuewen, Dan Cheng, Li Wuhai! You three fools daree to my territory and attempt to kill one of my people? You¡¯re not getting out of here alive!¡±


    The rivalry between the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion and Azure Crimson Gate had been festering for millennia. The enmity for each other had grown so intense that their disciples would fight to the death as soon as they ran into each other.


    ¡°You can¡¯t stop us, Tian Xing! We will leave when we please!¡± Qian Xuewen eximed in a panic. Since they were inferior to Tian Xing, the three were already plotting how to escape.


    He wasn¡¯t wrong, however. The difference in strength wasn¡¯t vast enough to make escape impossible. If they fled with all their might, they would have a shot at it.


    ¡°I will not allow any of you to escape! Die!¡± Tian Xing shouted.


    Right after, he vanished and struck Qian Xuewen with his palm. Yi Xuan charged at Li Wuhai as well.


    Having been incapacitated, Dan Cheng was forced to focus on healing his injuries. With the numbers of both sides now equal, the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion gained the upper hand.


    Explosions echoed from the sky, and the waves of their battle coursing thousands of miles away. Hence, the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion¡¯s upper echelons were soon alerted, prompting them to rush over.


    Qian Xuewen and hispanions grew increasingly desperate to escape. Unfortunately, Tian Xing and Yi Xuan held them off whenever they tried.


    If they were still around by the time the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion¡¯s reinforcements arrived, they knew their fates would be as good as sealed.


    Liu Wuxie quickly hurried away from the battlefield, heading toward the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion with the twodies, fearing they would get caught in the crossfire.


    ¡°Junior Brother Liu, why are Elder Yi Xuan and Elder Tian Xing here?¡± Jian Xing¡¯er asked.


    It was as if Liu Wuxie had nned all of this right from the very beginning. However, considering the three had been together throughout their entire journey, she couldn¡¯t think of a time when Liu Wuxie could have notified Tian Xing and Yi Xuan without Jiang Xing¡¯er knowing.


    ¡°Do you remember the town we passed?¡± Liu Wuxie asked as they retreated. His eyes kept flickering toward the sky, where the battle between the four Nascent Transformation Realm experts raged. Watching the fight would provide him with valuable experience and insight.


    ¡°Of course!¡±


    The twodies naturally remembered Zheng Ping impersonating and then being killed by Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°That¡¯s when I started setting up the n,¡± Liu Wuxie exined. ¡°I purposely added an extra day to the journey to send a message to Elder Tian Xing and Elder Yi Xuan, asking them to wait in ambush near the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.¡±


    He opted not to share some details to avoid making them worry.


    Liu Wuxie initially wasn¡¯t sure where the Azure Crimson Gate¡¯s experts would set up an ambush, so he dared not alert the two elders. However, after they passed through the town and hunted down the imposters, he became certain that his enemies would wait for him near the sect.


    The fight in the sky intensified further, reaching its climax. Tian Xing showedbat power that seemed far more extraordinary than Yi Xuan¡¯s.

 Chapter 582 - Restricting the Primordial Spirit

    <h4>Chapter 582 - Restricting the Primordial Spirit</h4>


    Liu Wuxie stopped once they had retreated to a safe distance. He then let the twodies return first so they wouldn¡¯t get caught in the battle.


    As they left, he stealthily approached the gravely injured Dan Cheng.


    Absorbing Dan Cheng¡¯s energy and essence would help Liu Wuxie greatly. After all, he could probably use the Nascent Transformation Realm¡¯sws to make a breakthrough. Even if he couldn''t, he could at least use them toplete the Heavenly Dragon Seal. Most importantly, every expert in the Nascent Transformation Realm was filthy rich, especially the Azure Crimson Gate elders.


    Fortunately, no one could''ve guessed that Liu Wuxie would sneak back and stop just ten meters away from Dan Cheng. He didn''t dare get too close, though. He knew better than to underestimate a Nascent Transformation Realm cultivator¡ªeven an injured one.


    "Liu Wuxie, you despicable scoundrel!" Dan Cheng spat venomously as he struggled to get on his feet. He couldn''t even muster his true essence.


    "Those who kill must be prepared to be killed themselves. You should have known that this would happen if you tried to ambush me inside the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s territory. What else did you expect anyway? You people sure are retards.¡±


    Dan Cheng trembled upon hearing Liu Wuxie''s insult. This wasn''t the first time Liu Wuxie had insulted him; he had also called them retards back in Serene Sea City.


    The position of a predator and its prey could switch at any moment. After all, failure to hunt their prey could leave a predator vulnerable.


    "I want you dead!" Dan Cheng roared. From his soul sea, he sent a golden powerful figure charging straight toward Liu Wuxie.


    Elder Tian Xing, who was fighting in the sky, immediately sensed the danger since the primordial spirit wasparable to an attack from a Nascent Transformation Realm cultivator.


    No one expected Liu Wuxie to return, at least not Tian Xing. He had assumed that Liu Wuxie had left the battlefield.


    Tian Xing stopped fighting Qian Xuewen to save Liu Wuxie. However, just as he was about to descend, a terrifying seal appeared above Dan Cheng.


    The Heavenly Dragon Seal immobilized the primordial spirit. The pressure it unleashed broke the ground and sted Dan Cheng into a bloody mist.


    With Dan Cheng unable to withstand the suppression of the Heavenly Dragon Seal, Liu Wuxie extracted thews of the Nascent Transformation Realm and used the Sky-Devouring Divine Cauldron to devour them.


    The sudden change of events left everyone in shock. Tian Xing stopped descending and quickly returned to block Qian Xuewen''s retreat again.


    "W-What is this? Why is my primordial spirit immobilized?" Dan Cheng''s primordial spirit, a tiny golden figure resembling him, struggled in the middle of the air.


    Upon reaching the Astral River Realm, one gained the ability to manifest their primordial spirit. Liu Wuxie could also manifest his, but it was still weak.


    Fortunately, breaking into the Nascent Transformation Realm also made one¡¯s primordial spirit evolve and take on their appearance. It would just be an embryo at first, but it would slowly grow limbs and eventually open its eyes. As the essence of a cultivator, it would also contain their memories and cultivation.


    The golden figure let out a piercing wail as it struggled.


    Since only Tian Xing and Yi Xuan were around, Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t worried about using the Heavenly Dragon Seal.


    When Dan Cheng''s primordial spirit was suppressed, the Purgatory Demonic Chains appeared and wrapped around Dan Cheng.


    In the blink of an eye, Dan Cheng was reduced to a pile of skin, with his primordial spirit watching helplessly as his physical form vanished. Without a body, the primordial spirit could no longer return unless Dan Cheng could find a new vessel.


    "Liu Wuxie! I''ll drag you down even if I have to make my primordial spirit explode!"


    No one knew better than Liu Wuxie the power of a primordial spirit''s explosion. It was so destructive that even Tian Xing would be forced to avoid it.


    "Get out of there, Liu Wuxie!" Tian Xing yelled. It was toote for him to save Liu Wuxie now.


    However, Liu Wuxie just stood there, unmoving. Since the primordial spirit nourished him, he naturally wouldn''t allow Dan Cheng to self-destruct.


    "Earth-Binding Chains!" Liu Wuxie shouted without hesitation.


    The Earth-Binding Chains shot out like a lightning bolt and wrapped tightly around the primordial spirit, stopping the imminent explosion like a punctured balloon deting. The ferocious aura vanished as well, leaving everyone speechless.


    "This kid..." Elder Tian Xing grumbled. With Liu Wuxie no longer in danger, he focused back on his battle.


    It was pure madness for someone in the Heavenly Phase Realm to attack someone in the Nascent Transformation Realm. Although Dan Cheng was injured, his primordial spirit was intact. Even an Astral River Realm cultivator would be in danger if they approached him.


    Liu Wuxie only won the fight thanks to luck and his various treasures. After all, Dan Cheng didn''t expect him to possess not one but two heaven-defying treasures.


    Moreover, right from the start, Liu Wuxie intentionally provoked Dan Cheng to release his primordial spirit. If Dan Cheng hadn''t fallen for it, Liu Wuxie wouldn¡¯t have been able to defeat him.


    The primordial spirit was certainly powerful, but it had a ring weakness: it waspletely helpless against an overbearing artifact like the Heavenly Dragon Seal. Even then, Liu Wuxie had to use the Earth-Binding Chains as well to secure the deal.


    As the Sky-Devouring Divine Cauldron dragged Dan Cheng''s primordial spirit in, the Demonic Purgatory Chains reappeared and bound Dan Cheng''s primordial spirit even more tightly, eliminating any possible escape route.


    Once Liu Wuxie was done, he finally sighed in relief. He had gambled his life despite being fully aware of the danger he faced.


    The Heavenly Dragon Seal''s suppression, the Earth-Binding Chains'' confinement, the Sky-Devouring Divine Cauldron''s devour ability, and the Demonic Purgatory Chains'' restrainment were a series of perfectly timed moves. Had any of the steps failed, Liu Wuxie would have died. Dan Cheng''s primordial spirit could have killed him as well if it managed to narrow the distance between them to three meters.


    "Curse you, Liu Wuxie!"


    Dan Cheng¡¯s words echoed faintly from within the Sky-Devouring Divine Cauldron. He struggled and wailed, but his attempts were futile. No one could hear him.


    The cauldron¡¯s demonic aura and mes relentlessly dissolved Dan Chen¡¯s primordial spirit. Due to the powerfulws of the Nascent Transformation Realm, Liu Wuxie needed time to fully break it down and fuse it with the deste world. Fortunately, he had all the time he needed.


    Liu Wuxie swiftly vanished, leaving Qian Xuewen and Li Wuhai stunned. They couldn''t believe such a dignified elder had been killed so easily.


    Unable to ept this oue, the two desperately tried to escape and bring the news back to the Azure Crimson Gate.


    Elder Tian Xing and Elder Yi Xuan didn¡¯t let them, however. They attacked their targets relentlessly, forcing thetter to lose even more ground.


    Amid their battle, the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion elders finally arrived. They sealed off the surroundings, preventing Qian Xuewen and Li Wuhai from escaping.


    Seeing no way out, Qian Xuewen and Li Wuhai''s attacks faltered. With the help of the other elders, the two were quickly in, and Tian Xing collected their corpses.


    Liu Wuxie wanted their corpses, but Tian Xing rejected his request. The bodies were evidence, so he couldn''t just hand them over to Liu Wuxie. Instead, he hit Liu Wuxie on the head for recklessly putting his life in danger.


    The entire sect trembled upon learning of Liu Wuxie''s return. Tales of how he toyed with his enemies in Serene Sea City had long reached the sect, making him renowned for skillfully maneuvering his way into killing so many Azure Crimson Gate disciples.


    When Liu Wuxie returned to his abode, Fan Zhen, Bai Lin, and the others were already waiting for him. Everyone looked thrilled to see him again, but worry was also evident in their expressions. Their smiles even looked forced.


    Bai Lin took a deep breath and squeezed out a smile that looked more like a grimace. "Wee back, Junior Brother Liu.¡±


    Everyone, including Bi Gongyu and Fan Zhen, also lowered their heads. As the closest to Liu Wuxie, their reaction clearly showed that something was wrong.


    "Speak. There are no outsiders here. Did the Heavenly Dao Society face any trouble?" Liu Wuxie asked, sweeping through the crowd before settling on Fan Zhen.


    "You''ve just gotten back, Wuxie. You should just rest for today. We can talk again tomorrow," Fan Zhen insisted.


    "Speak before I get mad!" Liu Wuxie coldly growled. The air in the room turned gelid, making everyone lower their heads even further.


    Jian Xing''er and Chen Ruoyan had returned to their courtyard. Unlike the others, they didn''t get involved in the Heavenly Dao Society.


    "Our businesses have been blocked from all sides. Aside from the Spirit Restoration Pill, we haven¡¯t been able to sell anything for a month now,¡± Fan Zhen finally revealed. He took out the ounting record and presented it to Liu Wuxie, who quickly learned that their profits were far lower than he had anticipated.


    Due to the sect''s involvement, only the Spirit Restoration Pill sales remained steady. Their spiritual talismans only incurred losses. They had put massive resources and manpower into producing them, yet now they just remained piled up.


    "What''s going on? Is something wrong with the quality of our talismans?"


    Liu Wuxie looked at Lan Yu, who oversaw the spiritual talisman business. If the talismans were wed, the issue should''ve been addressed long ago.


    "Our talismans are fine, but our sales channels have been cut off," Lan Yu admitted. Their initial excitement had clearly been struck down by reality.


    "The Lesser de Association!" Liu Wuxie instantly concluded.


    Elder Tian Xing, their Law-Enforcement Elder, couldn''t interfere if no lives were threatened. Elder Yi Xuan couldn¡¯t meddle in their affairs either unless they were in a life-or-death situation.


    No one from the Heavenly Dao Society was injured or had their cultivation interrupted. They suffered no humiliation or severe injuries in the few months that Liu Wuxie wasn''t around. Since they were fine, Elder Tian Xing and Elder Yi Xuan couldn''t intervene.


    The Lesser de Association was known for its underhanded tactics. Liu Wuxie had even experienced it first-hand.


    "That''s right. They infiltrated the shops we were working with and ced our talismans in the corner with outrageous prices, making it impossible for even just one to be sold," Lan Yu replied.


    Liu Wuxie mmed his right palm on the armrest, shattering it into pieces. "This is outrageous!"


    The Heavenly Dao Society only signed the sales channel contract with the shops. They didn¡¯t specify the product cement.


    "On top of that, the Heavenly Dao Society''s reputation has been steadily declining. Many disciples who joined us decided to leave, and our talismans sales have..." Lan Yu trailed off.

 Chapter 583 - War Begins

    <h4>Chapter 583 - War Begins</h4>


    There were still many things Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t know.


    ¡°What else?¡± Liu Wuxie asked, his voice growing colder. He didn¡¯t expect the Lesser de Association to even attack the Heavenly Dao Society¡¯s business, apart from using his name tomit crimes. Since that was the case, there was no longer a need for the Lesser de Association to continue to exist.


    ¡°They¡¯ve been spreading rumors, ndering the Heavenly Dao Society as a joke. They said our talisman makers are garbage, and we can¡¯t forge high-level spiritual talismans. Word spread like wildfire, causing the reputation of our talismans to plummet.¡±


    In the past, the Heavenly Dao Society could sell some talismans even if they were ced in a dark corner, but now, they couldn¡¯t even sell a single talisman.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s expression did not change because he already had first-hand experience of how despicable the Lesser de Association could be.


    ¡°What did the shops say?¡± Liu Wuxie asked.


    ¡°The shops told us that we have five days to resolve this issue, or they will remove our talismans from the shelves and demand apensation of ten million spirit stones!¡± Lan Yu replied, his anger boiling. He had never seen such shameless shops.


    ¡°I understand. You can all go and rest now. We will head to the city tomorrow!¡± Liu Wuxie said, waving his hand to dismiss everyone, knowing that they must be exhausted.


    Everyone left the room, leaving Liu Wuxie by himself. The temperature in the room suddenly plummeted as intense murderous intent gushed out of Liu Wuxie. He muttered, ¡°Qin Dao, don¡¯t me me for being ruthless since you¡¯ve crossed the line too many times. You¡¯ll have to face my wrath now.¡±


    Qin Dao was the founder of the Lesser de Association. He had risen to the rank of a true disciple of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion ten years ago. His strength was rumored to be unfathomable, having touched the threshold of the Nascent Transformation Realm. But he wasn¡¯t in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion and should still be training outside.


    Many true disciples ventured out for training, which couldst for years, some even decades. Liu Wuxie nned to do the same once he reached the Astral River Realm.


    The Southern Province was too small for him, and he would leave the True Martial Continent sooner orter. For now, the matters of the Heavenly Dao Society had to wait.


    He took out an interspatial ring and inserted his divine sense inside. This ring belonged to Dan Cheng, and had naturally fallen into Liu Wuxie¡¯s hands after his death.


    His mood improved after he examined the contents inside, and a faint smile crept onto his face. He took inventory of all the goods and valued everything at a staggering sum of fifty million spirit stones.


    Additionally, there were over a thousand high-grade spirit stones along with a decent amount of mid-grade spirit stones.


    ¡°So many spiritual essences!¡± Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t expect Dan Cheng to have a collection of over thirty spiritual essences in his interspatial ring, which was a vast fortune.


    This was also why Liu Wuxie was so eager to kill Dan Cheng. If Dan Cheng¡¯s wealth had fallen into Tian Xing¡¯s hands, he would¡¯ve lost the opportunity to take it for himself.


    There were also countless spiritual herbs and pills. As for weapons, there were ten monarch artifacts, and even an origin artifact meant for cultivators in the Nascent Transformation Realm.


    It was a pity Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t use them as the artifact spirit resisted him fiercely. He was left with no choice but to feed them to the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron.


    ¡°These spiritual essences should be enough for me to nurture a batch of people, with still plenty left to enhance my spirituality,¡± Liu Wuxie muttered, pulling his focus back from the interspatial ring.


    His recent ventures outside the sect had drained him of his spirit stones. He thought the Heavenly Dao Society could replenish them, but the oue was unexpected.


    He could now make it through this crisis only with Dan Cheng¡¯s wealth, especially the high-grade pills. These pills were all eighth-grade pills, and they came at the right time.


    Liu Wuxie nned to sort out the herbs and give them to Bi Gongyu. He could refine them into pills for sale to obtain more resources.


    Upon hearing that Liu Wuxie had returned, many disciples came to visit, but Liu Wuxie refused to see any of them. They kicked him while he was at his lowest, so why should he bother with them when he rose in power? He had seen through their hypocrisy right from the start.


    When Liu Wuxie¡¯s divine sense reached inside the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron, Dan Cheng¡¯s primordial spirit had yet to be thoroughly refined. Demonic mes were constantly burning the primordial spirit to extract thews of the Nascent Transformation Realm.


    Although Liu Wuxie¡¯s cultivation hadn¡¯t risen, his deste world grew more vibrant. The world became more realistic after infusing with thews of the Nascent Transformation Realm.


    The Golden Spirit Fruit¡¯s tree grew rapidly after being nurtured by thews, growing to over a meter in height in just a few days. What shocked Liu Wuxie even more was the appearance of an unripe fruit, the size of a quail egg, on one of its branches.


    That was an unripe Golden Spirit Fruit that would turn brilliant gold in time. Liu Wuxie could only water the tree with spiritual energy daily, hoping to produce more Golden Spirit Fruits.


    The people around him were still too weak, but he could forge a formidable team with the help of Golden Spirit Fruits.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, please let me go! I¡¯ll do anything as long as you spare me!¡± Dan Cheng¡¯s primordial spirit pleaded. He was stripped of more than half hisws and could only plead for mercy.


    ¡°Toote,¡± Liu Wuxie replied coldly, shaking his head. He naturally wouldn¡¯t do something as foolish as releasing someone like Dan Cheng, who could be a threat to him.


    The news of how Liu Wuxie plotted the death of three Azure Crimson Gate¡¯s elders must have reached their sect, and he could foresee that the Azure Crimson Gate wouldn¡¯t let it rest easily.


    Such a huge loss was unprecedented for the Azure Crimson Gate. Throughout the years, there was no clear victor in their rivalry with the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. But the Serene Sea City¡¯s incident humiliated them, making them theughing stock among the ten major sects.


    The night passed quickly, and morning arrived. Lan Yu, Fan Zhen, and others were waiting outside Liu Wuxie¡¯s abode.


    As Bi Gongyu had to carry on pill refining, he had to stay behind in the Treasure Pill Peak.


    ¡°Old Fan, Lan Yu, and Bai Lin, you three will follow me to the city. The rest of you will stay behind,¡± Liu Wuxie said. There was no need for too many people to follow them.


    ¡°Yes!¡± the three replied.


    Tang Tian and others could only stay behind in the Heavenly Dao Society.


    As for Song Ling, he had been tirelessly forging talismans day and night, unaware of their poor sales. No one had the heart to tell him, fearing it might dampen his spirits.


    The group of four swiftly left the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t have to worry about the Azure Crimson Gate for the time being. After losing three elders in the Nascent Transformation Realm, they would beying low for a while.


    Moreover, Liu Wuxie had also confused the Hou n, diverting their attention away from him for the time being.


    This was the best time to consolidate the Heavenly Dao Society¡¯s position. As for the Lesser de Association, it wouldn¡¯t be easy to wipe them out.


    The Lesser de Association had existed for over ten years and was deeply rooted in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. The only way to disband them was to defeat Qin Dao. Only then would the faction fall apart on its own.


    As the group entered the city, they instantly noticed the city¡¯s bustling atmosphere, even though it was less prosperous than Serene Sea City. Due to its proximity to the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, business here was naturally booming.


    The pills produced by the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion were highly sought after, and most cultivators came to the city to purchase them. This was simr to how cultivators who went to Serene Sea City were mainly to engage in stone betting.


    Though this citycked fame, it was referred to as Treasure City as it nestled at the foot of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion; a rather fitting name.


    Treasure City stretched a thousand miles from east to west. To the east, it extended towards the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion; to the west, it bordered the Scarlet Sun Mountain Range. The north and south served as trading routes, connecting to the other cities. Even though flight was forbidden in the city, traveling here was incredibly convenient.


    As soon as anyone stepped inside the city, they were immediately greeted by the rich scent of pill fragrance. If anyone were to ask what Treasure City sold the most, anyone could reply with the same answer¡ªalchemy pills!


    In addition to the pills produced by the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, the elders and disciples from other peaks also partnered with some shops to supply them additional pills.


    Wealth was ranked first among the essentials in the world of cultivation. Take the Spirit Restoration Pills, for example. The profits could easily be tenfold.


    In addition to pills, one could also find spiritual talismans, artifacts, and many more such items as long as they were rted to cultivators. Out of every ten shops, there were at least five that thrived on selling pills.


    ¡°Where¡¯s the shop representing us?¡± asked Liu Wuxie. Even though it wasn¡¯t his first visit to Treasure City, he wasn¡¯t as familiar with the city¡¯syout as Lan Yu.


    ¡°Just up ahead, the Old Century Profit,¡± Lan Yu said, pointing to a street before them. It wasn¡¯t far away from them.


    ¡°Wuxie, if worsees to worst, we can buy a shop to facilitate the sales of our spiritual talismans, along with other pills,¡± Fan Zhen suggested as he walked alongside Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°I also had the same idea. The Heavenly Dao Society is still in its infancy, and our resources are limited. We can only rely on partnerships and find a suitable shop once the talisman situation is resolved. You two can start looking for a suitable shop now. Don¡¯t worry about the prices¡ªI only want the best location,¡± said Liu Wuxie as he nodded.


    The Heavenly Dao Society had just been established andcked manpower and resources. Therefore, it could only seek partnerships with existing shops.


    Things had changed because the pills had generated substantial profits, giving them room to expand.


    ¡°Senior Brother Liu, this is theyout of the Lesser de Association¡¯s shops,¡± Bai Lin said as he handed a map to Liu Wuxie. He had stayed up all night to finish gathering all the information, but he didn¡¯t have the chance to present it until now.


    Liu Wuxie was surprised when he looked at the map. He didn¡¯t expect the Lesser de Association to control hundreds of shops; the sheer amount of profit they raked daily could only be described as staggering.


    ¡°It looks like this Lesser de Association isn¡¯t simple. There must be someone behind them,¡± Liu Wuxie muttered as he returned the map to Bai Lin and rubbed his nose. He realized that his enemies weren¡¯t ordinary.


    After all, it was tough for Qin Dao to develop the Lesser de Association to this scale, and he had to have someone from the upper echelons supporting him, like how Tian Xing supported the Heavenly Dao Society.


    ¡°I heard Elder Qing Mu is aligned with the Lesser de Association. The pills he refined privately were mostly sold through their channels, and the profits were split between him and the Lesser de Association,¡± Bai Lin shared. He had only learned it through Bi Gongyu, who frequently interacted with the Treasure Pill Peak¡¯s upper echelons in the past few months.


    Most alchemists would refine pills in private and sell them through various channels, which was equivalent to embezzlement.


    ¡°Qing Mu has targeted me multiple times, so let¡¯s start with the Lesser de Association¡¯s shops. We have to upy the market swiftly and force them out of Treasure City,¡± Liu Wuxie said with a cold smirk.


    The war between the Heavenly Dao Pavilion and the Lesser de Association had begun. One was destined to fall because there was no room for them both.


    As for the Lan Ling Gang, they rarely got involved in disputes and quietly expanded their influence throughout the years. Considering Lan Ling¡¯s powerful backing, the Lesser de Association dared not provoke them.

 Chapter 584 - Old Century Trading

    <h4>Chapter 584 - Old Century Trading</h4>


    It wasn''t long before they arrived at Old Century Trading, where they began chatting. The shop was enormous, filled with a dazzling array of goods. Having been in operation for over a century, it boasted a rich history and an excellent reputation.


    Located in a prime spot with steady foot traffic, the shop''s sales mainly revolved around pills, but it also offered artifacts, beast fur, beast cores, and spiritual talismans. The store was divided into several sections: pills, herbs, artifacts, and spiritual talismans.


    "Where are our talismans being sold?" Liu Wuxie asked as he scanned the area but failed to spot the talismans forged by Song Ling.


    Song Ling''s craftsmanship was distinctive and originated from him. Liu Wuxie would have recognized it immediately. However, none of the disyed talismans bore his mark; instead, they looked crudely made.


    Lan Yu pointed toward the front left. He said, "Over there!"


    He led Liu Wuxie through the crowd to a corner of the shop, but the area was deserted. The items there were sparse and unremarkable, mostly discarded trinkets that failed to catch anyone¡¯s attention.


    That wasn¡¯t all; tucked into the corner was a narrow passage primarily used for transporting goods. This dimly lit area was never intended for customers, making it even less likely that anyone would venture there. The ground was damp, and mosquitoes buzzed around, adding to the unweing atmosphere.


    Under Lan Yu''s guidance, they approached a half-meter-tall counter. The wood was rotting and on the verge of copse. Only a few spiritual talismans were haphazardly ced on the nearby shelf.


    The poor lighting reinforced the sense that no customers ever came here, and there wasn''t an attendant in sight.


    For cultivators, pills and spiritual talismans were essential tools for enhancing their fighting strength, albeit through different means.


    Fan Zhen, Bai Lin, and Lan Yu stood behind Liu Wuxie. They trembled and fell silent. They thought Liu Wuxie would have an outburst, but he said nothing after a long silence and walked out of the passage.


    After returning to the main hall, Liu Wuxie''s facial expression was terrifyingly ugly, with his suppressed rage that could erupt at any moment.


    "Call out their shopkeeper!" Liu Wuxie said coldly. Lan Yu quickly went to fetch the manager, and a plump middle-aged man followed Lan Yu five minutester. He held a handkerchief in his other hand and carefully wiped his sweat as he came over.


    His round body wobbled with each step like a ball of flesh.


    "Master, he''s the Old Century Trading''s owner, Bei Chengsi," Lan Yu introduced.


    Bai Chengshi straightened himself and extended his hand, greeting Liu Wuxie warmly. Even he had heard of the recent rumors of Liu Wuxie about his deeds in Serene Sea City. "So, it''s Young Master Liu. My apologies for not recognizing you any sooner!"


    Liu Wuxie, however, didn''t extend his hand in return. This made Bai Chengsi retract his hand awkwardly.


    "Boss Bei, you''re a businessman, and I believe you should know that there are only profits in a business, not grudges. Are you not going to give me an exnation?" Liu Wuxie questioned coldly.


    They were businessmen at Old Century Trading and only paid attention to profits. If grudges were involved, the business would no longer exist.


    "Young Master Liu, you''re right. There are only profits and no grudges," Bei Chengsi said, maintaining a respectful attitude.


    "Then why are our talismans in that corner? Boss Bei, shouldn''t you provide me with a proper exnation?" Liu Wuxie said, growing more intimidating in Bei Chengsi''s eyes. This attracted the attention of the nearby customers, who were curious about what was happening.


    "Young Master Liu, please calm down. This isn''t the ce to discuss such matters. Why don''t we head to the inner hall to speak?" Bei Chengsi suggested as he nced around, inviting Liu Wuxie''s group to the inner hall to prevent the business from being affected.


    Liu Wuxie snorted and released a fluctuating soul energy, causing Bei Chengsi to tremble. Thetter could only bow repeatedly as they headed to the inner hall. Fresh fruits were brought in as refreshments when they sat in a private room.


    "There''s no outsiders here, so let''s hear it. Why are our talismans ced in such a corner? ording to our agreement, it should be ced in the most prominent area," Liu Wuxie said firmly, choosing to restrain his frustration for now. Moreover, he noticed no enmity in Bei Chengsi''s eyes. This meant there must be other owners aside from Bei Chengsi.


    Bei Chengsi sighed helplessly, and his chair creaked. The chair, unable to bear his weight, looked like it was about to copse at any moment.


    "The truth is, there are two other owners in Old Century Trading aside from me. It''s not my decision to put the talisman in such a remote corner," Bai Chengsi replied truthfully.


    "Bring them here," Liu Wuxie said, waving his hand impatiently.


    Lan Yu had mentioned that Old Century Trading had once been an asset of the Bei n. However, years ago, the business encountered severe financial troubles and teetered on the brink of bankruptcy. At that crucial juncture, two unknown parties had intervened, taking on the roles of silent co-owners to save the business from copse.


    The Heavenly Dao Society had been unaware of this fact when they had entered into a partnership with Old Century Trading, only discovering it after the contract was signed. If they had known beforehand, they would have never chosen Old Century Trading as a sales channel.


    At the time, Lan Yu had searched extensively for shops willing to coborate, but most had turned them away due to the Heavenly Dao Society¡¯sck of reputation. Only Old Century Trading had agreed to cooperate, which had led to the contract being signed.


    Bei Chengsi gave a discreet signal, prompting an elderly servant outside the room to leave in search of the other two owners. After a short wait¡ªjust enough time to brew a cup of tea¡ªtwo men entered. One was tall and the other short, both in their twenties but already part-owners of the business.


    As they walked in, the two men sneered, their eyes brimming with hostility.


    ¡°They are Du Weihe and Xu Zhi,¡± Bei Chengsi introduced. Liu Wuxie, representing the Heavenly Dao Society, expected that they would sit down to discuss the matter since they were supposed to be business partners.


    Du Weihe, the taller of the two, and Xu Zhi, the shorter one, nonchntly took seats across from Liu Wuxie.


    "Bei Chengsi, why have you called us here? We''re very busy!" Xu Zhi snapped, annoyed. His attitude towards Chengsi was vile as if he were reprimanding his subordinates.


    He didn''t even bat an eye at Bei Chengsi, maintaining his aloof personality. He looked down on Bei Chengsi with an air of superiority and spoke bluntly.


    ¡°This is the founder of the Heavenly Dao Society... Young Master Liu. He¡¯s here to discuss the Heavenly Dao Society¡¯s sales,¡± Bei Chengsi said with forced politeness. Though his anger simmered beneath the surface, he had no choice but to endure it. Old Century Trading had been a prestigious asset of the Bei n for a century, but by the time he inherited it, his title as owner had be almost meaningless.


    "Young Master Liu?" Xu Zhi looked at Liu Wuxie with a mocking expression. He continued, "Never heard of him!"


    Xu Zhi¡¯s tone dripped with provocation, which sent a surge of fury through Lan Yu, who shifted restlessly on his feet. Bai Lin¡¯s stance tensed, ready for a confrontation, while Fan Zhen clenched his right fist by his side, prepared to spring into action.


    The disrespect was tant. Anyone who imed not to have heard of Liu Wuxie had to be either hard of hearing or a nitwit.


    What happened in Serene Sea City spread throughout the Southern Province in just seven or eight days. Everyone in the province had heard of Liu Wuxie''s name, except for some remote areas.


    While the Treasure City wasn''t one of the ten major cities, its advantageous location meant cultivators frequented it. Thus, Liu Wuxie''s aplishments had long spread throughout the city.


    Liu Wuxie stopped Lan Yu fromshing out. His eyes shed with murderous intent, and he was sure that these two belonged to the Lesser de Association, who had taken control of Old Century Trading. Bei Chengsi didn''t have much authority to speak in this shop.


    At first, Bei Chengsi wasn''t aware of the conflict between the Lesser de Association and the Heavenly Dao Society. He would never have agreed to cooperate with the Heavenly Dao Society if he had known.


    The tension in the room grew as Xu Zhi and Du Weihe chatted with each other, ignoring Liu Wuxie and hispanions.


    "It''s natural for someone like Boss Xu not to know someone as insignificant as me, and I''m here today to discuss why our talismans aren''t sold in the main hall of your shop." Liu Wuxie suddenly narrowed his eyes and revealed a devilish smile.


    Xu Zhi was stunned because he didn''t expect Liu Wuxie to remainposed. He had purposely tried to provoke him, but thetter smiled at them as if their actions were ineffective.


    If Liu Wuxie had red up, they could have used it as an opportunity and made various demands to let the Heavenly Dao Societypensate, iming that the Heavenly Dao Society refused to cooperate with their shop.


    "You meant that garbage? Do you have the cheek to request them to be ced in the main hall? The Old Century Trading has already given you the final notice. If the sales don''t improve within five days, we must demandpensation for our losses," Xu Zhi said, locking eyes with Liu Wuxie. Their eyes were brimming with murderous intent as they looked at each other.


    "Boss Xu, aren''t you being unreasonable here? Doesn''t your shop know why we haven''t been making sales?" Lan Yu took a step forward without any hesitation. He wasn''t afraid as his master was present.


    "This is our shop, and we decide how we do things. Don''t me us if your product doesn''t sell, and you have four days left. If the profits don''t reach our expectations, you can get lost from the Old Century Trading with your talismans," Xu Zhi said, and his shameless demeanor made Lan Yu grit his teeth.


    "Where''s the contract?" Liu Wuxie requested. He wanted to see how the contract was crafted.


    When Lan Yu took out the contract from his interspatial ring, he handed it to Liu Wuxie. There were soul imprints on the contract, so no forgery was possible.


    The Heavenly Dao Society was contracted to produce a hundred spiritual talismans daily, and the profits would be split 70:30. Everything was fair and square in the contract.


    The contract itself was fine; Xu Zhi and Du Weihe had broken the contract''s integrity.


    ording to the terms listed in the contract, Old Century Trading reserved the right to stop selling their products if the sales don''t meet expectations. As forpensation, they had entirely fabricated it, which wasn''t listed in the contract.


    "Since Old Century Trading isn''t willing to sell our talismans, we can take our business elsewhere. Let''s go," Liu Wuxie said and stood up. His action confused everyone in the room¡ªsince when had Liu Wuxie be so easy to talk to?


    "Liu Wuxie, who do you think you are toe and go as you please? Don''t even think about leaving this room if you don''t rify things!" Xu Zhi suddenly bounced to his feet and unleashed his aura towards Liu Wuxie.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 585 - Hostage

    <h4>Chapter 585 - Hostage</h4>


    Faced with Xu Zhi¡¯s aggressive stance, Liu Wuxie maintained hisposure and prepared to leave Old Century Trading with the contract in hand.


    His reaction surprised not only Lan Yu but also Xu Zhi and Du Weihe. They struggled to reconcile the calm demeanor before them with the rumors that painted Liu Wuxie as a ruthless figure known for using extreme measures. Watching him now, they assumed that perhaps Liu Wuxie¡¯s reputation was exaggerated. He hadn¡¯t retaliated or shown any anger under Xu Zhi¡¯s provocations.


    As Liu Wuxie moved to exit, Xu Zhi stepped forward, blocking his path with a sneer. It was clear that they had no intention of letting him leave alive.


    "You intend to fight here?" Liu Wuxie asked, murderous intent radiating from him. He wasn''t angry because he had more important matters to attend to, and killing severalckeys of the Lesser de Association was meaningless.


    Liu Wuxie knew that Qin Dao, the true mastermind, had orchestrated everything. Killing Xu Zhi or Du Weihe here and now would only bring more adversaries out of the shadows and alert his enemies. He preferred to bide his time until the Heavenly Dao Society had firmly established itself in Treasure City. Only then would he move against the Lesser de Association and theirwork of shops.


    His n was simple: to cut off the Lesser de Association''s source of ie. Without resources, their members would be left alone, and the Lesser de Association would crumble without him doing anything.


    It was already proven in Serene Sea City that killing someone didn''t necessarily need a de. He had killed so many people even without drawing his weapon.


    People died daily, but Liu Wuxie had sessfully etched his name in everyone''s memories. He had relied on words and his brain to tarnish the Azure Crimson Gate''s reputation.


    "Since you¡¯vee, don¡¯t even think about leaving!¡± Du Weihe interjected, his patience at its limit. He and Xu Zhi had been waiting for this moment, prepared to confront Liu Wuxie.


    They were both in the Astral River Realm, and they closed in on Liu Wuxie, sandwiching him in the middle. An additional expert stood watch at the entrance, ensuring there was no chance of escape.


    "Why don''t we sit down and talk things through peacefully?" Bei Chengsi stepped forward, believing there was no need for violence. He hoped to ease the tension between the two parties.


    The Old Century Trading was wrong here, and he had personally tested the talismans produced by the Heavenly Dao Society. They were mighty, far surpassing any typical talismans. If they could be widely distributed, it would bring an immense fortune to Old Century Trading.


    "Get lost! You''re in no ce to interfere!" Xu Zhi roared and sent Bei Chengsi flying with a wave of his hand. He crashed to the ground,nding heavily as blood spilled from his mouth.


    Bei Chengsi was a businessman, and he had no interest in cultivating. Judging from hisrge frame, it was easy to see hisck of interest in cultivation, and he had only barely reached the first level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm.


    Moreover, he had reached his current cultivation level relying on excessive amounts of pills. Hisrge frame was due to the medicinal effects umted within his body, and he couldn''t absorb them entirely.


    "Master, you go first. We''ll hold them off!" Lan Yu stepped forward.


    Although the events from Serene Sea City had spread throughout the Southern Province, everyone knew that Liu Wuxie had relied on a strategy to kill the Azure Crimson Gate disciples. He hadn''t lifted a finger, so few people knew his strength.


    Most people still believed that Liu Wuxie had only aplished that much, relying on his intelligence and mediocrebat abilities. But in the face of absolute strength, intelligence was useless.


    "Don''t even think about leaving today. All of you will die today!" Xu Zhi sneered, and the murderous intent he gave off increased. He was somewhat arrogant for someone in the second level of the Astral River Realm.


    The man who stood guard at the entrance had a sword in hand, ensuring that Liu Wuxie''s group was entirely cornered.


    "Liu Wuxie, I''ll be honest with you. There''s a reason we shelved your talismans in a corner instead of taking them down. It was to lure you into the Old Century Trading to kill you," Du Weihe chuckled, confessing to the trap theyid for Liu Wuxie.


    The Lesser de Association knew they had no chance to deal with Liu Wuxie in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion with the protection of Elder Tian Xing and Elder Yi Xuan.


    But in the Treasure City, this was their turf, and Liu Wuxie wouldn''t be that lucky with no one protecting him.


    Even if they killed Liu Wuxie, Elder Tian Xing couldn''t avenge him because this was amon conflict between fellow disciples.


    "You think I don''t know?" Liu Wuxie smiled, showing no panic. It was apparent why the talismans weren''t removed from the shelves but ced in a corner. The talismans were bait to lure him into their trap, and he had long figured it out.


    "So what if you knew? Today is the day you die!" Xu Zhi wasn''t surprised because Liu Wuxie was reputed for his intelligence. But looking at thetter now, he seemed no different from any ordinary people caught in their snare.


    "You three garbage think you can kill me?" Liu Wuxie patted Lan Yu''s shoulder to get him to step aside and not stand in his way. With Lan Yu''s pathetic strength, he could be killed with one p.


    "You dare insult us? Let''s see how ¡®garbage¡¯ like us kill you today!" Xu Zhi trembled with rage upon being insulted. After all, he was a true disciple of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    Each true disciple attained their current height through countless hardships, and only a few thousand could be promoted to a true disciple out of hundreds of thousands of disciples. After all, the breakthrough to the Astral River Realm was no easy feat.


    With that, Xu Zhi lunged at Liu Wuxie, his hand reaching for thetter''s throat.


    Yet, he was no different from the garbage in Liu Wuxie''s eyes. He had killed cultivators in the pinnacle of the Astral River Realm, and Xu Zhi wasn''t even worthy of licking his shoes.


    Liu Wuxie remained motionless, allowing Xu Zhi''s hand to approach.


    This made Lan Yu and others anxious, wondering why Liu Wuxie wasn''t retaliating. But despite their worry, they didn''t dare to intervene, fearing they would disrupt Liu Wuxie.


    Bai Lin held onto his sword, prepared to charge forward to back Liu Wuxie up at any moment.


    "Liu Wuxie, you can die now!" Xu Zhi''s hand was only inches away from Liu Wuxie''s neck, and a cruel grin formed on his lips. If his strikended, he would leave five bloody holes in Liu Wuxie''s throat.


    Projecting the primordial spirit outside the body was only possible after reaching the Nascent Transformation Realm. Thus, anyone would die with their throats pierced, even if they were in the Astral River Realm.


    "You''re the one who will die. Let''s start the destruction of the Lesser de Association with you!" Liu Wuxie had returned to crush the Lesser de Association. He intended to teach them a lesson they wouldn¡¯t soon forget, making it clear that the Heavenly Dao Society was no pushover.


    Space in the Old Century Trading froze abruptly, and Xu Zhi''s hand couldn''t move any further. Moreover, Liu Wuxie''s hand appeared out of nowhere, a thousandfold faster than Xu Zhi''s. With a swift move, Liu Wuxie grabbed onto Xu Zhi''s throat and lifted him off the ground.


    Everyone was shocked by this scene. They were in disbelief that Liu Wuxie was so powerful that he could easily kill someone in the Astral River Realm. No wonder he called them garbage because they were no different from the garbage before him.


    Du Weihe and the man at the entrance turned pale, fear evident in their eyes. The guard¡¯s sword trembled visibly in his hand, betraying his nerves.


    None of them had seen how Liu Wuxie retaliated. Just moments ago, they saw how Xu Zhi''s hand was only inches away from Liu Wuxie''s neck, but he stopped without warning. Everything was too strange.


    Even cultivators in the Astral River Realm couldn''t see what had happened, let alone Lan Yu and the others.


    "ARGH!" Xu Zhi let out a hoarse scream.


    Liu Wuxie''s hand was like a mp that choked his neck, making him wail in agony.


    "Now, tell me. Who''s the garbage?" Liu Wuxie asked with a devilish smile on his lips while he exerted more force with his hand.


    Xu Zhi iled wildly, his hands reaching for Liu Wuxie''s head but always falling short.


    "Liu Wuxie, you''re courting death!" Du Weihe acted along with the man guarding the entrance. They unleashed a powerful energy shockwave that sent the tables and chairs flying across the room.


    Bei Chengsi, the weakest among everyone present, couldn''t even get close. He was feeling anxious, but there was nothing he could do.


    If the Lesser de Association members died in the Old Century Trading, his days of peace would be over. It was inevitable that the Lesser de Association would vent out their anger on him.


    He was just a humble businessman, and he was not a match for a superpower like the Lesser de Association.


    Liu Wuxie snorted, and he crushed Xu Zhi''s neck with a swift grasp, whose lifeless body crumpled to the floor.


    After eliminating Xu Zhi, Liu Wuxie vanished, leaving Du Weihe and the other man¡¯s attacks to strike empty air. He knew he had to end this quickly; if they shifted their focus to Fan Zhen and the others, it would be disastrous.


    Fan Zhen and the others were too weak and couldn''t withstand attacks from the Astral River Realm cultivators.


    With a sh, the Heretic de appeared and descended, cleaving the man who guarded the previous entrance into two before he could even scream.


    This left Du Weihe frozen, paralyzed in fear. He was terrified by Liu Wuxie''s disy of strength. He was the only one left and knew he wasn''t Liu Wuxie''s match. Thus, he didn''t hesitate to run towards the window, nning to escape.


    "Did I say you could leave?" Liu Wuxie had given them a chance to live earlier, but they didn''t know how to cherish that chance.


    He initially nned to dissolve the Lesser de Association without spilling blood. If he could strike a blow to their finances, the faction would copse on its own, and that was his true goal. This was because he wanted to avoid the Heavenly Dao Society gaining a reputation for ughter.


    However, these people couldn''t me him for being ruthless since they brought it upon themselves.


    The window was frozen when a cold ray flew out, blocking Du Weihe''s escape path. The Frost Finger could even suppress cultivators in the high levels of the Astral River Realm, let alone someone in the low level.


    In a desperate bid, Du Weihe lunged at Bei Chengsi, intending to use him as a hostage. With the escape route sealed, he saw no other option. Bei Chengsi was too far from Liu Wuxie, and by the time Liu Wuxie noticed, Du Weihe had already seized him, pressing his sword against Bei Chengsi¡¯s neck.


    Holding his captive firmly, Du Weihe roared, ¡°Liu Wuxie, if you take another step, I¡¯ll kill him!¡±


    "What does his life and death have anything to do with me?" Liu Wuxie replied with a shrug. Bei Chengsi had no ties to the Heavenly Dao Society or personal connection with Liu Wuxie.


    Those words left Du Weihe stunned. He realized that what Liu Wuxie said was right because Bei Chengsi was just a business partner of the Heavenly Dao Society, and his life and death meant nothing to him.


    Du Weihe only wanted to take a hostage out of desperation, but it appeared that he had miscalcted by picking Bei Chengsi.


    "The Heavenly Dao Society is cooperating with Old Century Trading. The partnership wille to an end if this fatty dies, and you will be the one to suffer losses. Let me go, and I won''t harm him," Du Weihe''s voice softened, only trying to survive.


    "No one has ever dared to threaten me, and you are the first. You can die now," Liu Wuxie narrowed his eyes, and a spear flew out at lightning speed.

 Chapter 586 - Black Market

    <h4>Chapter 586 - ck Market</h4>


    Liu Wuxie unleashed the Soul Spear while Du Weihe was distracted, and it stabbed into thetter''s soul sea.


    "ARGH!" Du Weihe let out a heart-wrenching scream as his sword fell onto the ground with a tter.


    Bai Lin quickly rushed over and decapitated Du Weihe with a swift strike, causing blood to spray around.


    Everything happened in the blink of an eye, and Bei Chengsi copsed in fear. He couldn''t believe that Liu Wuxie had killed three powerful cultivators in the Astral River Realm so easily. They were all dispatched with a single move each¡ªclean, swift, and without hesitation.


    "Master, you''re too incredible!" Lan Yu eximed in awe. He didn''t expect Liu Wuxie to be so powerful.


    Although Fan Zhen remained silent, his expression had already given it off. In just a few months, Liu Wuxie had grown to a height they couldn''t reach. Even true disciples who held high status in the sect were no match for him.


    "Wuxie, the Lesser de Association won''t let it go easily with the death of these three," Fan Zhen warned. Although these people weren''t upper echelons of the Lesser de Association, they were true disciples.


    "Better! I''m afraid they won''te," Liu Wuxie replied with a cold glint in his eyes. His target was the Lesser de Association, who had crossed the bottom line when they tried to tarnish his name by using it tomit vile crimes.


    Meanwhile, Bei Chengsi copsed on the floor, drenched in cold sweat. He didn''t know what to do with the room reeking with blood.


    Lan Yu and Bai Lin swiftly cleaned up the corpses and used the Water Cleanse Talisman to clean the bloodstains.


    The frost on the window had gradually melted, and Bei Chengsi shivered as fresh air blew back into the room.


    He rushed towards Liu Wuxie and clung to thetter''s leg. He wailed, "Young Master Liu, you must help me!"


    The unexpected gesture left Lan Yu and the others baffled. Bei Chengsi was the boss of Old Century Trading, and the death of Xu Zhi''s group had nothing to do with him since Liu Wuxie had killed them. So why was he begging for help?


    "Why should I?" Liu Wuxie sneered, and the temperature in the room plummeted. The drop in temperature didn¡¯t stop Bei Chengsi from breaking into a cold sweat, and he shook uncontrobly.


    "If Young Master Liu is willing to help me, I promise to ce the talismans produced by the Heavenly Dao Society in the most prominent location. As for the profits, I''ll only take ten percent!" Bei Chengsi pleaded, willing to give up anything to save his life.


    Bei Chengsi knew the Lesser de Association wouldn''t let him go even if the death of Xu Zhi''s group had nothing to do with him since it took ce in his shop. The Lesser de Association might vent their anger on him, perhaps even wiping out his family.


    His only hope now was Liu Wuxie. He could only tie himself with the Heavenly Dao Society to survive.


    "Do you think I care about that shelf space in your store?" Liu Wuxie sneered, his voice icy.


    This made Bei Chengsi even more frantic because he would be finished if the Heavenly Dao Society chose to abandon him.


    "If Young Master Liu is willing to offer protection to Old Century Trading, I can provide valuable secrets of the Lesser de Association," Bei Chengsi said, taking a deep breath as he decided. He had witnessed Liu Wuxie''s overwhelming strength, and it was clear that his future was limitless after what had happened in Serene Sea City.


    The Lesser de Association couldn''t suppress such a prodigy like him.


    "Speak," Liu Wuxie said, satisfied with Bei Chengsi''s attitude. That was precisely what he needed because Old Century Trading was no longer essential to him, and the Heavenly Dao Society would have its stores soon.


    As a businessman, Bei Chengsi was skilled at reading people. When he noticed the shift in Liu Wuxie''s tone, he immediately took out pen and paper to scribble everything he knew about the Lesser de Association.


    He might not have been a member of the Lesser de Association, but Xu Zhi and Du Weihe had forcibly intervened in Old Century Trading''s business. As a result, this allowed him to gain ess to some insider information on the Lesser de Association.


    After writing three long pages, Bei Chengsi respectfully handed the documents to Liu Wuxie.


    When Liu Wuxie received the papers, he scanned through them without a flicker of emotion crossing his face.


    Fan Zhen, Bai Lin, and Lan Yu stood behind Liu Wuxie, exchanging nces as they read along. Whenever they read a small portion, they would exchange a look with astonishment.


    After reading three times, Liu Wuxie set the papers down gently. He knew this information was only the tip of the iceberg for the Lesser de Association, but it was enough to shock them all.


    "To think that the Lesser de Association is involved in so many shady dealings¡ªnot only are they involved in human trafficking, but they also run brothels," Lan Yu muttered. He finally knew how corrupt the Lesser de Association was, making profit through many channels that they should never have touched.


    They helped alchemists sell their pills illegally, imprisoned spiritualists to craft talismans for them, and even sold women to their brothels.


    The Lesser de Association''s revenue came from four main sources: pills, talismans, human trafficking, and brothels.


    Each one was steeped in filth. The Lesser de Association didn''t have its alchemists but worked with other alchemists to help sell its pills. The profits were split 50:50, which was a severe embezzlement case among the sect''s alchemists.


    Liu Wuxie was also deeply shocked because he hadn''t expected the Lesser de Association to be so shady. He had requested Bi Gongyu never to touch anything that wasn''t rightfully his, knowing that it could affect thetter''s dao heart. If the dao heart were affected, one''s journey in cultivation woulde to an end.


    Many people knew that the Lesser de Association had imprisoned spiritualists to craft talismans for them, but no one dared to intervene because it didn''t concern them. This was thew of the cultivation world: the survival of the fittest. No one would interfere as long as their interests weren''t affected.


    "Master, the Lesser de Association is too disgusting," Lan Yu said, disgusted. If someone like Qin Dao became the sect master, it would be a disaster for the entire sect.


    "The Lesser de Association has been operating for almost a decade, deeply rooted in the sect. It won''t be easy to topple them," Fan Zhen said, stroking his chin.


    Ordinary people would find these heinous acts beyond belief, but they weremon in the cultivation world, where it was all about the survival of the strongest.


    "Boss Bei, since you know so many secrets about the Lesser de Association, you must also know their weaknesses, right?" Liu Wuxie asked, smiling at Bei Chengsi.


    Liu Wuxie had only scraps of information on the Lesser de Association, which meant he¡¯d need to leverage Bei Chengsi. If Bei Chengsi wanted the protection of the Heavenly Dao Society, he¡¯d have to bring much more to the table¡ªnothing came without a price. Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t in the business of charity; if Bei Chengsi sought their protection, he would need to offer something truly valuable. The information so far was insufficient, merely surface-level details that Liu Wuxie could uncover with a bit of inquiry himself.


    Bei Chengsi lowered his head. He knew that there was no way out because of his current situation. Only death would await if the Heavenly Dao Society gave up on him.


    "I suggest you target their spiritual talismans. The spiritual talismans produced by the Lesser de Association were mediocre. When the Heavenly Dao Society''s spiritual talisman bes popr, you can clip one of their wings," Bei Chengsi suggested after a brief thought.


    The Lesser de Association controlled the pill market too tightly, and they mainly sold pills through the ck market.


    Liu Wuxie smiled because that was exactly his n. If he could cripple the Lesser de Association''s talisman trade, he could move on to find an opportunity to dissolve their other trades.


    "Tell me more about your n," Liu Wuxie said, amused by Bei Chengsi''s wits. He had a keen sense of business, which Lan Yu and the others could never match.


    "There''s a monthly talisman event that many spiritualists attend to promote their talismans, including Master Hai of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. He''s the only nine-star talisman maker in this region," Bei Chengsi whispered.


    The Heavenly Dao Society''s spiritual talismans were under-exposed, and if they could make a name for themselves, demand would skyrocket.


    Liu Wuxie had already examined the talismans in this region¡ªnone couldpare to the Heavenly Dao Society''s quality or price. However, because of the Lesser de Association, the Heavenly Dao Society hadn''t been able to open the market.


    "When will this event take ce?" Liu Wuxie asked, his eyes gleaming. This would be a good opportunity for the Heavenly Dao Society.


    "In three days," Bei Chengsi replied. The nervousness he felt earlier faded. He had to do his best because he had joined the Heavenly Dao Society''s faction.


    "Good. You''ll handle the registration, and Lan Yu will stay to assist you," Liu Wuxie instructed and stood up.


    Lan Yu''s real task was to monitor Bei Chengsi and ensure he wouldn''t betray them by tipping off the Lesser de Association.


    Everyone understood Lan Yu''s real intention to stay behind, but Bei Chengsi had noints.


    Liu Wuxie departed from Old Century Trading with Bai Lin and Fan Zhen by his side, personally escorted to the door by Bei Chengsi.


    After they parted ways, Liu Wuxie didn''t return to the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion but stayed in Treasure City instead.


    As they walked on the street, Fan Zhen broke the silence. "Wuxie, what''s our next move?"


    "You two go investigate the Lesser de Association''s human trafficking channels. Be cautious not to take any unnecessary risks," Liu Wuxie instructed. They would split up, and their war with the Lesser de Association had officially begun. The war wouldst until one sidepletely crumbled.


    "Understood!" The two sped off after receiving Liu Wuxie''s instructions. After months of development, they had their informants in Treasure City.


    On the other hand, Liu Wuxie turned and headed west. That part of the city was more deste, as it bordered the Scarlet Sun Mountain Range.


    He walked at a steady pace, unhurried and calm. He had long known about the underground ck market there but had never visited it.


    ording to Bei Chengsi''s information, the Lesser de Association sold its pills on the ck market, which was the perfect opportunity for him to investigate.


    He visited the ck market with two objectives: to understand its scale and the Lesser de Association''s operation.


    He could do it through the ck market if he had any shady items to get rid of.


    The underground ck market was only open at night and never operated during the day. There was a rumor that the ck market was controlled by a powerful cultivator that even the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion couldn''t do anything to him.


    That cultivator took a thirty percent cut of the daily earnings, taking amission regardless of buying or selling. This business guaranteed profit because many people woulde to sell illicit goods.


    There was also another advantage to the ck market: many items that couldn''t be bought outside could be found there if one was lucky.


    Liu Wuxie patiently waited for nightfall before going to the ck market. He had donned a ck cloak as he moved like aet, heading towards the west streets.


    The streets were quiet. Most of the stops had closed, with only some cultivators wandering around.

 Chapter 587 - Acting

    <h4>Chapter 587 - Acting</h4>


    The ck market was located at the most remote corner of the western streets. The entrance looked tattered, surrounded by heaps of garbage, and two burly guards guarded the entrance.


    The entrance had a que with ¡°ck Market¡± engraved on it. It would have been impossible to find such an inconspicuous thing if Liu Wuxie hadn¡¯t asked about it beforehand.


    Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t in a hurry to enter and observed patiently for two hours, watching hundreds of cultivators paying a certain amount of spirit stones before entering.


    As the flow of visitors began to decrease, the two burly guards started preparing to close the entrance. It was the cut-off to let anyone else enter the ck market.


    Liu Wuxie vanished like a ghost and appeared before the entrance.


    The two guards tensed their muscles when they saw Liu Wuxie, ready for a confrontation. One of the guards looked at Liu Wuxie coldly and asked, ¡°Who are you?!¡±


    As guards, they recognized the faces of most cultivators who frequented the ck market, and an unfamiliar face was a cause for concern. This was why they were so cautious when they saw Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°I¡¯m here to browse the ck market,¡± Liu Wuxie said. He was fully aware of the rules and threw a thousand spirit stones at one of the guards.


    Weighing the spirit stones in their hands, the two guards exchanged a look with a smile. They didn¡¯t let Liu Wuxie in immediately and asked, ¡°Do you know the ck market¡¯s rules?¡±


    The ck market was operated under a set of rules that were vastly different from the shops in the city.


    Liu Wuxie shook his head, admitting he was unaware of the rules. This was his first time here.


    ¡°There are three rules in the ck market,¡± the guard continued, his voice cutting through the night sky.


    ¡°First, no fighting is allowed. If there¡¯s any feud between you and another person, take it outside. If anyone is found causing trouble in the ck market, you will be thrown out and cklisted from ever returning.¡±


    The second rule soon followed: ¡°Second, no refund or exchange once the transaction goes through.¡±


    In the ck market, every purchase depended on the buyer''s discernment. If someone was deceived by a counterfeit, they had no choice but to ept their misfortune. The goods here were far less dependable than those avable in the city shops.


    ¡°Lastly, there¡¯s a thirty percent fee for every transaction, regardless of whether you¡¯re buying or selling.¡±


    Other than the first rule to ensure everyone¡¯s safety in the ck market, the other two served the ck market to make profits, especially the third rule.


    For instance, if Liu Wuxie spent ten thousand spirit stones to buy a spiritual herb, both the buyer and seller had to pay three thousand spirit stones each to the ck market.


    Even so, there was still a vast influx of visitors to the ck market daily. This was because items that couldn¡¯t be found on the standard market could often be found in the ck market, like the pills embezzled by the elders in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    If those pills were to be sold openly, these elder''s reputations would be affected if the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion found them.


    There was nothing more important to alchemists than their reputation, and no one wished to have their reputation tarnished. Thus, the best option was to sell their illicit pills through the ck market, killing two birds with one stone.


    While the profits were significantly reduced, the safety was guaranteed.


    ¡°Can I go in now?¡± Liu Wuxie asked coldly. From the beginning, he maintained an indifferent demeanor and even concealed his cultivation to the fifth level of the Heavenly Phase Realm.


    ¡°You can go in now,¡± said the guard on the right, allowing Liu Wuxie in.


    As Liu Wuxie stepped through the entrance, a pungent stench of decay assaulted his senses. Before him stretched a long, spiraling staircase, winding down into the depths below.


    The stairs had thousands of steps. Liu Wuxie walked for roughly fifteen minutes, the time needed to brew tea before finally reaching the underground world.


    The first thing that greeted him was a dimly lighted hall, like a hollowed-out cavern to transform into the ck market.


    Due to the terrible lighting, the vision was restricted to no more than three meters.


    Liu Wuxie scanned his vicinity and noted that most cultivators wore a cloak to conceal their identities. After all, visiting the ck market wasn¡¯t something honorable.


    The ck market wasrger than he had expected. There were two streets lined with stalls. Most vendors here were familiar faces to the ck market, peddling items that couldn¡¯t be seen in the light of day.


    Performing Ghost Eye, Liu Wuxie captured everything on the two stalls to his left and smirked at what he saw. He muttered, ¡°All fake!¡±


    Genuine items could be found in the ck market, but that depended on luck.


    The number of people in the ck market exceeded Liu Wuxie¡¯s imagination. He wove through the crowd and ventured deeper.


    He didn¡¯t forget the purpose of his visit: to investigate the Lesser de Association¡¯s operation in the ck market and to look around to broaden his horizons.


    Suddenly, a creepy-looking middle-aged man ran over to Liu Wuxie and dragged him to the side, taking out a porcin bottle, wanting to conduct a discreet transaction.


    ¡°Young master, I have a top-notch pill for sale!¡±


    The man poured a purple pill from the bottle that emitted a faint fragrance. The quality of this pill was decent, and if he had presented it to anyone else, they would¡¯ve been immediately captivated by it.


    However, as a grandmaster alchemist, Liu Wuxie needed only a single nce to detect a severe w in the pill, his Ghost Eye revealing its imperfections instantly.


    A dark hue marked the pill¡¯s core, a sign that this pill had been tainted with demonic traits. This meant the alchemist who refined this pill was suffering from an inner demon.


    Consuming such pills wouldn¡¯t yield any benefits, and it would also harm the foundation, possibly giving birth to an inner demon for the consumer. The consequences were too dire to fathom once the inner demon was formed in cultivators.


    ¡°Not interested!¡± Liu Wuxie dered, shaking his head, and turned to leave.


    He still had to investigate the Lesser de Association and didn¡¯t want anyplications.


    ¡°Wait, don¡¯t go! I have more pills here with me!¡± The man pulled Liu Wuxie and retrieved several porcin bottles from his cloak, pouring all the contents out. The pills were primarily simr, containing demonic traits.


    Suddenly, Liu Wuxie narrowed his eyes as his gazended on a yellow pill in the man¡¯s palm that only the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion had the form to refine.


    So, how could it possibly appear on the ck market? If one wanted to purchase pills produced by the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, one would have to go through proper channels because the sect had its shops.


    The fact that such a pill existed in the ck market alone had piqued Liu Wuxie¡¯s interest.


    ¡°How much for this Earth Origin Pill?¡± Liu Wuxie asked, picking up the pill.


    The Earth Origin Pill was a seventh-grade pill, typically costing hundreds of thousands of spirit stones. However, this pill didn¡¯t hold much value for Liu Wuxie because he could refine it himself.


    Seventh-grade pills were meant for those in the Astral River Realm. However, due to Liu Wuxie¡¯s unique constitution, ordinary seventh-grade pills offered little aid.


    ¡°A hundred thousand spirit stones!¡± the creepy-looking man said. It was a surprisingly low price, about half the price found elsewhere.


    Liu Wuxie knew why so many people flocked to the ck market¡ªto obtainparable items at half the cost.


    ¡°I need more of these Earth Origin Pills. Can you tell me where I can find them?¡± Liu Wuxie smiled, cing the Earth Origin Pill back in the hand of the creepy-looking man.


    There was a high chance that this pill had slipped out of the Lesser de Association, and he wasn¡¯t sure if this man was a member.


    ¡°How many do you want?¡± The man¡¯s eyes sparkled with excitement, thrilled at the possibility of a vast order.


    ¡°How many do you have?¡± Liu Wuxie countered, not revealing his true intentions.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure at the moment, but if you truly want them, I can gather as many as I can as long as you pay a deposit,¡± the creepy-looking man said, insisting on a deposit to secure Liu Wuxie¡¯smitment to the order.


    ¡°Why should I trust you? I can only look for someone else if you can¡¯t deliver,¡± Liu Wuxie said, turning to leave.


    The man¡¯s face flickered with anxiety, unwilling to let such an opportunity slip from his hands. He wasn¡¯t the only one selling pills in the ck market, and countless people would swarm over if they learned that a customer was looking for pills.


    ¡°Hold up!¡± the man eximed, grabbing onto Liu Wuxie¡¯s arm to force him to a halt.


    ¡°What is it?¡± Liu Wuxie smiled, looking at the man.


    ¡°I only have one on me, but I can take you to someone if you¡¯re really interested. He has plenty on him, and you only have to pay me ten thousand spirit stones once the transaction is done,¡± the man said, his tone hinting at desperation as he gritted his teeth.


    ¡°Lead the way,¡± Liu Wuxie replied, motioning the man to proceed. His response was ambiguous because he didn¡¯t give an outright answer.


    If anyone had ample Earth Origin Pills in the ck market, it would have to be the Lesser de Association.


    The two left the dark corner, and the man was called Xiao Gou¡ªa name that was just a facade. After all, not many people dared use their real names in the ck market.


    ¡°Xiao Gou, how much longer do we have to walk?¡± Liu Wuxie began to look impatient after they walked for ten-odd minutes, traversing an entire street.


    ¡°We¡¯re almost there,¡± Xiao Gou reassured.


    The crowd had decreased significantly, but those who lingered here had noticeably higher cultivation. They were all in the Astral River Realm, and Liu Wuxie even saw someone in the Nascent Transformation Realm. Of course, there were also many Heavenly Phase Realm cultivators mixed within.


    The two passed through several stalls before they finally stopped upon a decent-sized stall with ¡°Pills¡± engraved on the que. Such establishments weremon in the ck market.


    Stalls that sold weapons usually only disyed a weapon motif, while those peddling pills would do the same.


    ¡°This is the ce!¡± Xiao Gou said, gesturing for Liu Wuxie to hurry along. Although he didin¡¯t secure his sales, he could gain a decentmission by bringing Liu Wuxie over.


    Liu Wuxie took a steadying breath and followed Xiao Gou into the cramped stall. He knew the path ahead could be treacherous, but he was resolved to see it through. The Lesser de Association had effectively ced a knife at his throat, and if he wanted to avoid a swift end at their hands, he¡¯d have to strike back.


    Some guests were in the stall, picking their preferred pills. The stall wasn¡¯t huge and only had a few counters disying a dozen varieties of pills.


    The air buzzed with sounds of haggling, and Xiao Gou vanished to the back of the stall when Liu Wuxie stepped in, presumably to notify the staff.


    Liu Wuxie remained in ce and gazed around the store, capturing every detail. He waited roughly five minutes before Xiao Gou hurried over with a man behind him.


    As Liu Wuxie¡¯s gazended on the man behind Xiao Gou, a cold smirk tugged at his lips. He recognized him instantly¡ªanother disciple of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. This encounter confirmed his suspicions: the Lesser de Association was indeed behind this stall, using it to peddle their illicit pills.


    The man¡¯s face also mirrored Liu Wuxie¡¯s surprise. He also didn¡¯t expect to see Liu Wuxie here, and they both released murderous intent at the sight of each other.

 Chapter 588 - Poisonous Pills

    <h4>Chapter 588 - Poisonous Pills</h4>


    Murderous intent suddenly filled every inch of space in the stall, and the man behind Xiao Gou roared, "Liu Wuxie, how dare you show yourself here!"


    Yet, there was a flicker of wariness and anxiety beneath his fierce demeanor.


    "Mu Yongyuan, I didn''t expect you to be someone from the Lesser de Association," Liu Wuxie smiled. He recognized this person from their previous encounter when he and Jian Xing''er were in the Underground Abyssal Realm.


    He had tried to snatch the Blood Jade Beast from Liu Wuxie, only to be injured and forced to flee. When he returned, Mu Yongyuan didn''t avenge him, and it looked like he had holed up in the ck market to work for the Lesser de Association.


    "Liu Wuxie, you''re not wee here. Leave immediately!" Mu Yongyuanmanded, attempting to usher Liu Wuxie out.


    "The ck market is a ce of free trade, and I''m free to go wherever I like. Or are you going to vite the rules here?" Liu Wuxie sneered. The owners of the ck market had set up the rules, and the Lesser de Association wouldn''t dare to vite them easily unless they wished to never step into the ck market again.


    If they lost their ce in the ck market, their pills market would take a significant blow, and it would be nearly impossible for them to sell their pills elsewhere.


    Liu Wuxie''s question momentarily silenced Mu Yongyuan; the ck market didn''t belong to the Lesser de Association, and they merely borrowed the venue to sell their pills.


    The cultivators in the surroundings stopped what they were looking at and turned to look at Liu Wuxie curiously. After all, there had been too many rumors about Liu Wuxie recently, and even some storytellers spun tales of his exploits in Serene Sea City.


    Yet, to the unknowing eye, there seemed little remarkable about him; his reputation wasrgely credited to the support of the House of Tea Art. Without their backing, he would quickly fade back into obscurity.


    The tension thickened, and the Lesser de Association would never sell their pills to Liu Wuxie. This was the same as putting them at his mercy.


    If the sect were to find out and send someone here to investigate, they would be held ountable and even drag Qing Mu down.


    The current Treasure Pill Peak was divided into two factions, one led by Qing Mu and the other by Bi Gongyu.


    The Lesser de Association preferred their stall in the ck market to be managed by outsiders to keep their affiliation with the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion a secret.


    Mu Yongyuan wouldn''t appear in person, and it wouldn''t matter even if someone recognized him. After all, no one was willing to disrupt the rules of the ck market.


    Many disciples in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion knew that the Lesser de Association was selling illicit pills in the ck market, and even the sect couldn''t do anything to them.


    Mu Yongyuan hade out because Xiao Gou had mentioned a big client. Who would''ve expected the client that Xiao Gou spoke of to be Liu Wuxie himself?


    The cultivators gathered in the surroundings and whispered. Upon hearing Liu Wuxie''s name, more people began to stream into the stall.


    Even Liu Wuxie didn''t expect the pills business in the ck market to be so thriving. After all, the prices were 30-40% cheaper in the ck market, even if they had to pay amission.


    For ordinary people, saving that many resources was a great deal. Pills were considered essentials for cultivators, and the only way to buy them at a lower price was on the ck market.


    "Liu Wuxie has some audacity to venture into the tiger''s den," a man in the Astral River Realm smirked, wanting to see how Liu Wuxie would extricate himself from this predicament. This was the Lesser de Association''s territory, and they wouldn''t let him leave easily. They would certainly cause trouble for him since he was here.


    "I heard rumors about his intelligence, so let''s see how he performs." Many people in the outside world regarded Liu Wuxie with lofty titles.


    "I''ve heard about the events in Serene Sea City. The House of Tea Art resolved the life-and-death crisis for him. Without the House of Tea Art''s protection, he''s worthless," others remarked. Some dismissed Liu Wuxie''s aplishment in Serene Sea City as mere luck.


    Opinions were split, and only a few supported him genuinely. After all, prodigies were often the target of envy.


    Everyone''s gaze fell on Mu Yongyuan to see what he would do next.


    Mu Yongyuan¡¯s lips twisted into a devilish smile as he replied, "You¡¯re right; this is a free market. Xiao Gou mentioned you were interested in purchasing Earth Origin Pills. As long as you can meet the price, I can supply you with as many as you like."


    He had a feud with Liu Wuxie ever since he was injured in the Underground Abyssal Realm, and he couldn''t find an opportunity to take revenge on Liu Wuxie ever since he returned to the sect.


    When he wanted to take revenge, Liu Wuxie had already grown beyond his reach, and he could only suck it up.


    He had joined the Lesser de Association a year ago and was dispatched here because the ck market required personnel.


    "I indeed need Earth Origin Pills, but I''m not interested in pills containing toxins. Consuming pills produced by the Lesser de Association would only cause more harm than benefits," Liu Wuxie said with an exaggerated look of fear on his face. He even took a look at the pills on the counter on purpose.


    The Earth Origin Pills here were selling like hotcakes, with hundreds being sold daily. However, Liu Wuxie''s im that the pills contained toxins caused an uproar in the surroundings. Several people had bought dozens of such pills, spending over a million spirit stones.


    "Liu Wuxie, is that all you got? By trying to smear our pills with baseless usations? We''ve been selling the Earth Origin Pills here for years, and we''ve never heard of anyone poisoned by it," Mu Yongyuan sneered, dismissing Liu Wuxie''s words as spouting nonsense. His retort suggested that Liu Wuxie was out of tricks.


    "That''s right. I''ve been taking the Earth Origin Pills for over a year now, and there aren''t any side effects," a cultivator in the high levels of the Astral River Realm stepped out. He wasn''t a member of the Lesser de Association, but he was merely speaking the truth.


    "I''ve also been taking it for a month, and there aren''t any issues," more people said to support the Lesser de Association, and the tide was turning against Liu Wuxie.


    "Liu Wuxie, you hear that? There aren''t any problems with the pills here. You can get lost now if you have nothing else to do here," Mu Yongyuan said strongly, demanding that Liu Wuxie leave and not embarrass himself any further.


    "Well, pretend that I never said anything since you people are willing to take pills containing toxins. After all, you''re all a bunch of fools who can''t even tell that your bodies are suffering," Liu Wuxie said, shaking his head with an exaggerated disappointment on his face.


    Everyone had heard how Liu Wuxie had insulted the Azure Crimson Gate by calling them blockheads in the past. So, he naturally ignited their fury when he called them fools, too.


    "Liu Wuxie, don''t even think of leaving this ce today if you can''t prove your words!" A cultivator in the high levels of the Astral River Realm took a step forward to block Liu Wuxie''s path. He had been consuming the Earth Origin Pills purchased from the Lesser de Association for over a year and found nothing wrong with his body. Thus, how could he put up with Liu Wuxie calling him a fool?


    "Who the fuck do you think you are to demand that I speak?" Liu Wuxie released a powerful aura that forced the man to step back. These people had just ridiculed him earlier, so why should he be polite to them?


    "If not for the ck market''s rules, I would¡¯ve definitely killed him!" More cultivators looked at Liu Wuxie with hatred, unable to swallow the insult.


    A group of people came over to surround Liu Wuxie, preventing him from leaving if he couldn''t prove his im, even if they had to risk viting the ck market''s rules.


    On the contrary, Mu Yongyuan appeared unfazed as he stood by the side, smiling. As for Xiao Gou, he waspletely dumbfounded, wondering how he attracted a cmity like Liu Wuxie.


    "Young Master Liu, we''re not trying to make things difficult for you, but what evidence do you have to im that the pills contained toxin?" Not everyone was against Liu Wuxie, and a few stayed neutral, hoping that Liu Wuxie could give them a reasonable exnation. If the pills contained toxins, they would be eternally grateful to him for pointing it out.


    "I have a question for you all. Do you feel restless and irritable during the full moon, unable to calm down?" Liu Wuxie asked, sensing that the moment was ripe. His goal was to clip off the Lesser de Association''s pill sales.


    He didn''t have a n when he came, but he thought of an idea after seeing the pills Xiao Gou had shown him. Most importantly, there was a genuine issue with the pills the Lesser de Association sold.


    If the alchemists refining the pills had an issue, the pills they refined would reflect it. It couldn''t be detected from the surface, but a grandmaster like Liu Wuxie could easily spot the problem at a nce.


    Everyone stood silently as they looked at each other. Most were strangers, and only a handful had arrived together. There were cultivators from Treasure City and elders from the nearby ns.


    "That''s right. I do feel restless and irritable every full moon, and I can only calm my emotions down by soaking myself in a cold pool," said a man in his forties with a look of shock.


    He had only begun experiencing this after consuming the Earth Origin Pills, which had never happened before. He didn''t take it seriously before, believing it was due to his weak will. But today, he learned that the issue was with the pills.


    "Me too!" Another cultivator stepped out with horror on his face.


    Could it be that they had all been poisoned?


    The others remained silent, but their expressions were grim. Only a few people had no sign of distress on their faces because this was their first time here. They didn''t experience the issue because they had yet to consume the Earth Origin Pills sold there.


    Everything became clear now, and anyone could tell that Liu Wuxie was speaking the truth.


    "Thank heavens that we didn''t buy any," muttered a few cultivators, looking relieved. Not only had they saved their resources, but they had also avoided harming themselves.


    Those who had consumed the pills they had bought from the Lesser de Association looked nervous. Even the few who had mocked Liu Wuxie earlier wore an expression worse than crying.


    Mu Yongyuan staggered and nearly toppled over. There were too many legends revolving around Liu Wuxie, including how his disciple had defeated an eight-star alchemist of the Treasure Pill Peak by refining a heaven-defying pill like the Spirit Restoration Pill.


    "Liu Wuxie, we all share the symptoms that you mentioned. Is that because of consuming the Earth Origin Pills?" The man with a neutral stand stepped forward to ask, his eyes glimmering with hope, eager for confirmation.


    "That''s right!" Liu Wuxie said, and his words sent chills down everyone''s spines.


    As cultivators in the Astral River Realm, they were immune to poison. So, how could they be poisoned?

 Chapter 589 - Shut Up

    <h4>Chapter 589 - Shut Up</h4>


    If only one person had a problem, others could dismiss it as a coincidence. But now, nearly forty people were exhibiting the same symptoms, which wasn¡¯t normal.


    Many people hade to purchase pills over the years, which meant even more people had likely fallen victim to the Lesser de Association¡¯s pills.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, don¡¯t spout nonsense! How can there be a problem with our pills?¡± Mu Yongyuan roared, convinced that Liu Wuxie was trying to deceive everyone with another scheme. He knew without a doubt that if Liu Wuxie¡¯s im took hold, they would lose their pill market.


    However, that wasn¡¯t the worst oue. Most pills produced by the Lesser de Association had ended up in the hands of influential figures. If they learned the pills were poisonous, they would surely take revenge against the Lesser de Association.


    Losing their market was one thing, but bing a target of public outrage was another. Even if they lost their pill market, they could find another way to make up for the losses. However, if their reputation were tarnished, it would be difficult for them to develop from here on.


    Themotion in the stall had spilled out into the streets, drawing more curious onlookers from the vicinity. Some bold individuals even stepped inside to see what was happening.


    ¡°Since you say that I¡¯m talking nonsense, so be it. Their life and death have nothing to do with me. I was initially nning to guide them, but as you have dismissed my words as nonsense, so be it,¡± Liu Wuxie said and turned to leave.


    What he said caused an uproar in the surroundings. Those who had consumed the pills produced by the Lesser de Association naturally wouldn¡¯t let him leave. If he left, what would happen to the poison in their bodies?


    They had privately discussed this among themselves and found that those who consumed the pills for a longer period experienced worse symptoms.


    ¡°Young Master Liu, you can¡¯t leave!¡± Forty-odd people surrounded Liu Wuxie to stop him from leaving.


    ¡°On what grounds are you people stopping me from leaving? Didn¡¯t you all use me of spouting nonsense when I reminded you earlier?¡± Liu Wuxie swept his gaze through the crowd. Everyone lowered their heads in guilt, even those with higher cultivation than Liu Wuxie.


    Their very lives were in Liu Wuxie¡¯s hands. Liu Wuxie had mentioned that he nned to tell them how to get rid of the poison in their bodies. However, Mu Yongyuan¡¯s words had infuriated Liu Wuxie, prompting him to leave.


    ¡°Young Master Liu, I apologize for my behavior earlier. Please tell me how to get rid of the poison in my body,¡± said the cultivator in the high levels of the Astral River Realm. He had been hostile toward Liu Wuxie earlier.


    The sudden shift in his tone stumped everyone who had just arrived. They couldn¡¯t believe someone at the pinnacle of the Astral River Realm would lower his head to a junior who was only in the Heavenly Phase Realm.


    ¡°It¡¯s not that I don¡¯t want to help you all, but you¡¯ve heard the Lesser de Association¡¯s ims that I¡¯m just spouting nonsense. They¡¯re a powerful faction. I can¡¯t afford to offend them, so it¡¯s best if I leave.¡± Liu Wuxie shrugged, pretending to look helpless, earning him eye-rolls.


    <i>You¡¯re afraid of them now? What about your earlier confidence when you used and insulted everyone?</i> That was the same thought in everyone¡¯s mind, but no one dared to voice it.


    Everyone knew that Liu Wuxie was doing this on purpose to make the Lesser de Association a public enemy, and what he said was so reasonable that there was no room for rebuttal.


    Mu Yongyuan¡¯s face was terrifyingly grim. Today, he had truly experienced how terrifying Liu Wuxie could be. Whether the ims made by him were true or false, Liu Wuxie had sessfully made everyone suspicious of the Lesser de Association¡¯s pills.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it! With me around, no one cany a finger on you.¡± The cultivator in the high levels of the Astral River Realm patted his chest confidently.


    Everyone quickly echoed their support to ensure Liu Wuxie¡¯s safety. They weren¡¯t afraid of the Lesser de Association, and they only came because the pills here were cheap.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on here? Why is the Green Python Gang¡¯s leader courteous to a junior?¡± The neers rubbed their eyes in disbelief at the scene unfolding before them.


    Surprisingly, the one who had spoken was the leader of the Green Python Gang in Treasure City. It might not be a major gang, but they held some influence and possessed considerable strength in the city.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure. It seems there¡¯s something wrong with the Lesser de Association¡¯s pills,¡± whispered the onlookers. Everyone who came to the ck market knew that this shop belonged to the Lesser de Association.


    ¡°Young Master Liu, please tell us how to cleanse the poison in our bodies,¡± someone asked again. With this one voice as a signal, everyone started asking the same thing, lowering their pride for the sake of their lives. Their eyes glimmered with hope as they looked at Liu Wuxie, desperate for a cure.


    ¡°Everyone, listen to me!¡± Mu Yongyuan said frantically. ¡°The pills produced by the Lesser de Association are absolutely fine. He¡¯s just ying tricks on you, don¡¯t fall for it!¡±


    If what Liu Wuxie said was confirmed as urate, he would be the Lesser de Association¡¯s sinner. After all, their entire pill market would copse.


    ¡°Shut the fuck up!¡± The Green Python Gang¡¯s leader flew into a sudden rage and pped Mu Yongyuan so hard that he spun in mid-air before crashing to the ground.


    Mu Yongyuan¡¯s face was bruised and swollen. Several people even stepped forward to kick him viciously, leaving Mu Yongyuan in tears and wishing for death at this moment.


    Once again, Liu Wuxie imed victory without drawing his weapon. Not only had he destroyed the Lesser de Association¡¯s pill market, but he also taught Mu Yongyuan a brutal lesson.


    With everyone kicking Mu Yongyuan viciously, he was left barely alive, hanging on to hisst breath. Even if he managed to survive after this incident, he would probably be a cripple.


    ¡°Young Master Liu, that should be enough to cate your anger. Please, tell us how to get rid of the poison in our bodies,¡± said the Green Python Gang¡¯s leader, thoroughly afraid of a maleficent fiend like Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s performance today was too terrifying, making everyone willingly do his bidding if they wanted to keep their lives.


    Seeing that the atmosphere was right, Liu Wuxie cleared his throat and said, ¡°Before I discuss the issue with the pills, let me share some fundamental knowledge about the cultivation world.¡±


    ¡°Please, enlighten us!¡± By now, no one dared to belittle Liu Wuxie. More people gathered, and nearly half of the ck market was now present here.


    It was rare for fights to break out in the ck market, and this was the first. However, the ck market rules became unenforceable due to mass nopliance. With so many people in the surroundings, there was nothing the Lesser de Association¡¯s members could do even if they were beaten, especially since there was genuinely an issue with the pills they sold.


    ¡°Everyone knows where the Lesser de Association got their pills from. They came from alchemists who had been embezzling the sect¡¯s resources. It¡¯s theft, in and simple. Am I wrong?¡± Liu Wuxie said, his voice soft yet clear enough to reach everyone¡¯s ears.


    ¡°That¡¯s right!¡± Everyone nodded in agreement. Liu Wuxie¡¯s analogy was fitting, and that behavior was indeed one of thievery.


    ¡°Everyone here is my elder, and you all know more than I do when ites to principles. But today, I want to say that as cultivators, we should forge ahead without hesitation and not go against our hearts, which will lead to a w in the dao heart. Many people know this saying, but few can truly achieve it,¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s voice rang with righteousness, and each word resounded in everyone¡¯s mind loudly and clearly. Their souls stirred as if they had received a sudden enlightenment.


    ¡°Well said! As cultivators, we must forge ahead and not go against our hearts!¡± Apuse erupted from the surroundings as Liu Wuxie¡¯s words resonated deeply with the gathered crowd.


    ¡°Young Master Liu, we¡¯ve all heard this before. But how is it rted to the pills produced by the Lesser de Association?¡± one voice questioned.


    ¡°On the contrary, what I exined so far is precisely the biggest problem with the pills,¡± Liu Wuxie said, shaking his head. He said so much, but most people couldn¡¯t grasp his point, leaving them restless and frustrated.


    The crowd began to whisper among themselves, trying to decipher the meaning behind Liu Wuxie¡¯s words. After all, no one wanted to be treated as a fool, and they could be considered wise if they could figure out the crux of Liu Wuxie¡¯s speech first.


    After some time, everyone urged, ¡°Young Master Liu, stop beating around the bush and tell us the answer already.¡± Though they were all cultivators, not everyone had the wisdom to figure out what Liu Wuxie was trying to say.


    ¡°The greatest taboos in cultivation are greed, desire, anger, and lust. Those emotions can give birth to the inner demon, and the alchemists who refined these pills have long been poisoned by greed. So the pills refined by them will naturally have a problem,¡± Liu Wuxie exined. This time, most of the people finally understood his words.


    The world of cultivation was a dog-eat-dog world, and even siblings would turn on each other if it came to advancing their cultivation. Many cultivators had even severed their seven emotions and six desires to reach greater heights in their cultivation.


    Severing the seven emotions and six desires didn¡¯t mean bing heartless, but knowing when to give up and when to hold on. This was a concept that everyone misunderstood.


    For example, Liu Wuxie felt no empathy for the death of ordinary people because mortals were mere ants to cultivators. It wasn¡¯t that they were cruel, but that was just the reality of this world. This was what it meant to sever the seven emotions and six desires because their emotions were only reserved for those closest to them.


    ¡°So that¡¯s the reason¡ªthe alchemists are poisoned with greed, and that¡¯s why the pills they refined were wed!¡± The cultivators who consumed the Earth Origin Pills finally understood why the pills were poisoned, and no one would dare to buy from the Lesser de Association again.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, does it mean that we have to avoid pills refined by the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion in the future,¡± asked someone from the crowd. If what Liu Wuxie said was true, it would cripple the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion¡¯s business.


    ¡°Not at all,¡± Liu Wuxie replied. He didn¡¯t feel any pressure even if all eyes were on him.


    ¡°Young Master Liu, please enlighten us!¡± everyone begged. If there was indeed an issue with the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion¡¯s pills, they would have to seek alternatives.


    ¡°The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion has hundreds of alchemists, and not everyone was poisoned by greed. Most of the pills are not only safe to consume, but they¡¯re also of excellent quality,¡± Liu Wuxie reassured them. Only a select few were poisoned by greed, and most alchemists were fine.


    ¡°But how do we tell the difference?¡± the crowd wondered. After all, they didn¡¯t have the discerning ability of Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°That¡¯s simple. The Heavenly Dao Society will soon open a few shops, and the pills are all refined by my disciple. The prices arepetitive and will match those of the ck market,¡± Liu Wuxie said with a sly smile. He naturally wouldn¡¯t give up on this opportunity to crush the Lesser de Association¡¯s pill trade and advertise for the Heavenly Dao Society.

 Chapter 590 - Danger

    <h4>Chapter 590 - Danger</h4>


    The Heavenly Dao Society''s name gradually took root in everyone''s heart, and many silentlymitted the name to their memory.


    "How can we trust that there are no issues in the pills produced by the Heavenly Dao Society?" Many people stepped forward to refute this, believing that Liu Wuxie was only saying this to suppress the Lesser de Association. There were still many supporters of the Lesser de Association among the crowd.


    "Because it''s called Heavenly Dao Society!" A majestic schr''s aura emanated from Liu Wuxie, his body glowing faintly with golden radiance as if a great schr had descended.


    An uproar buzzed from the surroundings, and they were stunned. Looking at Liu Wuxie, they eximed, "A resonation from heaven and earth! He actually named his faction after Heavenly Dao!"


    The name "Heavenly Dao Society" alone was enough because it represented Heavenly Dao. Since it represented Heavenly Dao, this ensured that there was no issue with the pills sold by Liu Wuxie, or it would go against heaven.


    However, the crowd remained skeptical, not daring to entirely trust what Liu Wuxie said.


    Liu Wuxie wasn''t in a hurry either. After severing the Lesser de Association''s pill trade, these people would naturally flock to the Heavenly Dao Society. As long as he applied a bit of strategy using the superior pills produced by the Heavenly Dao Society, he wasn''t worried about having no customers.


    "Young Master Liu, you still haven''t enlightened us on how to get rid of the poison in our body after saying so much," said the Green Python Gang''s leader, urging Liu Wuxie for a solution.


    "Your bodies aren''t poisoned, but rather, gued by inner demons," Liu Wuxie exined. He continued, "When my shop opens, I''ll refine some Demon Purging Pills to eliminate the inner demons in your bodies. You can juste and purchase them at that time."


    The Demon Purging Pills couldn''t be found in the market, and these people had given birth to inner demons after consuming Earth Origin Pills tainted with a hint of demonic traits over an extended period.


    After consuming the Earth Origin Pills for over a year, their inner demons had grown severe, with a red hue in the depth of their eyes. If they continued to consume the tainted pills, they would follow the path of demons.


    "Okay, I''ll believe you this once. When will the shop be open?" The Green Python Gang''s leader asked. Liu Wuxie seemed to have gained his trust. Their symptoms resembled signs of inner demons because they would feel restless every full moon.


    "Five days at the earliest and ten at thetest," Liu Wuxie replied, giving a rough estimation, mainly because finding the right location for the shop would take time.


    Outside the shop, an old man in a bamboo hat concealed his face. When he heard what Liu Wuxie said, he vanished and left the ck market.


    The farce had ended, and the Lesser de Association was finished. Rumors of their poisonous pills began to spread like wildfire, and more people vented their anger upon the Lesser de Association.


    Liu Wuxie left the shop leisurely, calmly walking towards the exit of the ck market. But a burly figure stood in his way just when he was about to leave.


    "Who are you, and why are you blocking my path?" Liu Wuxie asked, his eyes sharpened. He could sense that this person was an expert and couldn''t see through this man''s cultivation. This meant that this burly man must be an expert in the Nascent Transformation Realm.


    "You broke the ck market''s rules and wish to leave without consequences?" The burly man''s face was obscured as though there was an invisible barrier, and only a vague outline could be seen.


    "You''re the owner of the ck market!" Liu Wuxie said, secretly mustering his strength. He would summon the Earth-Binding Chains if there was danger and flee immediately.


    "You''re smart, but clever people have seldom lived long since ancient times," the burly man acknowledged in an icy tone.


    "I happen to share a different view. It''s precisely because they know how to adapt and use everything around them that they survive longer," Liu Wuxie countered.


    The two fell into a tense silence, neither speaking nor making a move. The burly man remained five steps away from Liu Wuxie, and the silencested for a full minute.


    "I''m surprised to feel pressure from you. If I''m not mistaken, you''d still have the means to escape even if I attacked with all my might, right?" The burly man asked, his oppressive aura dissipating. This meant his murderous intent for Liu Wuxie was slowly dissolving away.


    He was in the Nascent Transformation Realm but felt pressure from Liu Wuxie. No one would believe him if he told anyone about it, but that was the undeniable truth, and he could feel the weight of the pressure.


    He could see boundless confidence in the depths of Liu Wuxie''s eyes. Thetter was calm andposed as though nothing could halt his footstep. Such a person was terrifying, which was why he dismissed the murderous intent he had for Liu Wuxie, and a strange thought of befriending Liu Wuxie even emerged in his mind.


    "Can I leave now?" Liu Wuxie asked. He had no intentions of admitting to anything, and he wouldn''t fight unless absolutely necessary. After all, his odds of winning were too low against someone in the Nascent Transformation Realm, and he would be heavily injured with all his trump cards revealed even if he won.


    Moreover, the ck market was too chaotic, and it would be impossible to flee if he suffered heavy injuries.


    "You may leave now, but you''re forbidden to set foot in this ck market," the burly man replied. Liu Wuxie''s presence this time had brought about monumental changes. Now that the Lesser de Association had lost its market, the ck market would also lose a cut of profits from the sales of those pills.


    Liu Wuxie said nothing, acknowledging the condition. He had already thoroughly explored the ck market and couldn''t find anything of value, so it didn''t matter to him, even if he couldn''t return.


    Taking giant strides, Liu Wuxie brushed past the burly man and climbed back to the surface through the spiraling stone stairs. A cold wind greeted him when he reached the surface, involuntarily making him shiver.


    His back was covered in sweat, unbeknownst to him. Whether it was his confrontation with the Lesser de Association or the ck market''s owner, that was no different from dancing on the edge of a de and his life hanging by a thread.


    "That was really close," Liu Wuxie whispered to himself. What happened tonight was dangerous, and it would be wise to avoid such risks in the future. If the Lesser de Association had retaliated by rallying all their experts, it would have been tough for him to escape unscathed.


    He was lucky there were no mishaps and left the western streets to find an inn to settle for the night.


    Bai Lin and Fan Zhen returned in the dead of the night, and they had practically found everything they needed to know about the Lesser de Association''s human trafficking operations. When they sat down to drink cold cups of tea, Bai Lin quickly shared what they had found out.


    "Senior Brother Liu, you may find this difficult to believe, and you can''t begin to imagine the cruelty of the Lesser de Association," Bai Lin said, standing up with anger shing in his eyes.


    Although Fan Zhen said nothing, his expression confirmed Bai Lin''s words.


    "Speak," Liu Wuxie said.


    The Lesser de Association had four channels to generate revenue. Liu Wuxie was nning to target their talismans in the uing event, and he had already clipped off their pill market. This meant that the Lesser de Association was only left with their human trafficking channel to generate revenue for them.


    "They raise ordinary people like livestock in a town a hundred miles away from here," Bai Lin said, his voice growing grim. He continued, "They capture ordinary people from the nearby towns, forcing men into very and women to the brothels."


    What Bai Lin said was only the tip of the iceberg because the reality was over a hundred times crueler.


    "Wuxie, they even went as far as harvesting human organs aside from human trafficking ording to the information we gathered, selling them to demonic cultivators," Fan Zhen added with his brows frowned in disgust.


    Though ordinary people were beneath them in terms of status, they couldn''t do something as ughtering of their own kind in this manner.


    "Senior Brother Liu, we have to do something! We went to see for ourselves this afternoon, and it was simply a living hell," Bai Lin pleaded. He hoped to help those innocent people even if there were no benefits.


    "We have to create a n for that. It''s impossible with our current strength," Liu Wuxie said, shaking his head. It wasn''t that he didn''t want to save the victims, but he didn''t have the ability for the time being. If he rushed in, he would only alert the Lesser de Association and put them in a perilous situation.


    The Lesser de Association was teeming with experts, and Liu Wuxie didn''t fear if he was by himself. But if Bai Lin and the others died because of it, he would feel guilty for the rest of his lifetime.


    "Senior Brother Liu, you have to save those innocent souls," Bai Lin pleaded for Liu Wuxie to find a way to save those suffering in hell.


    "Bai Lin, Wuxie has his own decisions. Let''s not disturb his rest," Fan Zhen stood up and dragged Bai Lin out of the room to the neighboring room.


    The talisman event was three days away, so they did not need to head back to the sect for now. However, they still had to find a suitable location for their shop, all of which required time.


    "Old Fan, why did you stop me? Didn''t you see how those people suffered?!" Bai Lin questioned, his voice thick with frustration. He couldn''t figure out why Liu Wuxie refused to save the victims.


    "You''re not seeing the whole picture here," Fan Zhen responded with a deep sigh. "It''s not as simple as charging in and rescuing them. There are so many ordinary people, and the Lesser de Association might act out of desperation if we push them too hard. If they killed everyone, wouldn''t that make us responsible for their deaths?"


    Fan Zhen was the headmaster of the Imperial Academy and had lived enough to see further than Bai Lin. He understood the dilemma that Liu Wuxie was in.


    Once they left, Liu Wuxie remained seated, his brows knitted in deep thought. He didn''t bear any anger toward Bai Lin''s disrespect, as they were brothers, and only true brothers could speak so freely with each other.


    He picked up the report from Bai Lin, Fan Zhen, and the Memory Talisman. With a flick of his hand, he ignited the talisman and saw the horrific images recorded.


    The more he watched, the darker his facial expression became. His fists were clenched tight, and murderous intent shed in the depths of his eyes.


    Inside the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, the main hall glowed brightly against the dead of night, and an old man wearing a bamboo hat paced back and forth, his steps echoing through the quiet space.


    Suddenly, space fluctuated as Mu Tianli appeared in the middle of the hall.


    "Greetings, sect master!" the old man said, removing his hat and bowing deeply to Mu Tianli.


    "Elder He, no need for the formalities. What brings you here sote at this hour?" Mu Tianli asked and gestured for the old man to take a seat. Since Elder He hade in the middle of the night, it meant this matter must be urgent.


    "Sect master, please take a look at this," Elder He said as he retrieved a Memory Talisman from his sleeve and tossed it to the air, unfolding the scenes from the underground ck market before them.


    The recorded scenes weren''tplete, and they started with the Green Python Gang''s leader pping Mu Yongyuan across the face. The scene continued for two hours, and the two watched silently as the story unfolded.

 Chapter 591 - Headache

    <h4>Chapter 591 - Headache</h4>


    Though they didn¡¯t see the beginning, they could discern that arger story was unfolding, judging from the conversation among the crowd.


    ¡°He has quite the ambition!¡± Mu Tianli¡¯s eyes shed with surprise when the Memory Talisman ended.


    ¡°Sect master, our Heavenly Treasure Pavilion¡¯s reputation will plummet after what he did. Many people will now view our pills with suspicion,¡± Elder He said, his voiceced with a trace of anger.


    Everyone would know that the pills produced by the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion now contained poison, and who would buy pills from them in the future? It wouldn¡¯t take long before the news spread throughout the Treasure City, and merchants from distantnds would think twice about buying their pills now.


    The cultivators in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion alone couldn¡¯t support the entire Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. Merchants flocked to Treasure City to buy pills before transporting the pills to various cities.


    ¡°This incident will undoubtedly strike a blow to the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion¡¯s market, but this isn¡¯t necessarily a bad thing,¡± Mu Tianli said after briefly pondering, seeing the good in this incident.


    ¡°Sect master, why would you say that? If the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion loses our pill market, we will quickly find ourselves in dire straits,¡± Elder He said; his resolve remained firm, but it wasn¡¯t directed at Liu Wuxie. It was true that this development was unfavorable to the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, and no one would dare to buy pills from them once the news spread.


    ¡°We can¡¯t hide that our pills are tainted any longer. Our reputation can still be salvaged. It would¡¯ve been even more unfavorable to us if this news had been exposedter. Since he dared to expose it, he must have a way to resolve it, or he would be the sect¡¯s sinner,¡± Mu Tianli said. Since theirst meeting, he had stopped considering Liu Wuxie a junior.


    He could see the confidence in Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes and that aura of authority that couldn¡¯t be feigned. This meant Liu Wuxie had many secrets, things even beyond his understanding.


    Liu Wuxie was like a double-edged sword. If used wisely, he could benefit the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, but if mishandled, he could spell disaster for the sect.


    Elder He fell silent, acknowledging Mu Tianli¡¯s reasoning. If they had allowed the tainted pills to reveal themselves, the consequences would have been catastrophic to the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, and it would have been toote for them to remedy the situation. Since it was revealed early, they could still try to save the situation before the pills caused too much damage.


    ¡°Sect master, are you implying he revealed it on purpose?¡± Elder He probed cautiously.


    ¡°He¡¯s shrewd, and even I can¡¯t predict his next move,¡± Mu Tianli replied. Elder He wasn¡¯t an outsider. But other elders would be shocked if they were to hear Mu Tianli¡¯s words.


    Elder He was an elder who had watched Mu Tianli grow up and had been his closest aide.


    ¡°What will we do if his shop opens? His pills will surely outsell ours, especially since his prices will be one-third lower,¡± Elder He said, expressing concern. The sect had no authority to limit the disciple¡¯s ability to earn resources.


    Every pill refined by Bi Gongyu had a record, not to mention that the Heavenly Dao Society had already gained its footing in the pill market. The Heavenly Dao Society could generate substantial resources daily through the sales of Spirit Restoration Pills. The resources would then be used to purchase more pills to refine into pills, forming a healthy cycle.


    This meant that Liu Wuxie¡¯s Heavenly Dao Society could still operate smoothly without the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. After all, Bi Gongyu would spend his personal time refining pills for the Heavenly Dao Society, aside from the daily tasks given by the sect. The ie he generated through his personal time was entirely independent of the sect.


    "He¡¯s nothing but trouble," Mu Tianli muttered, rubbing his temples in frustration. He never would have imagined that the sect¡¯s very inheritance could be jeopardized by a single disciple. It sounded unbelievable, almost absurd¡ªbut it was an undeniable truth.


    Even if the Lesser de Association had grown strong, they couldn¡¯t pose a threat to the sect because their pills were sold through the ck market, yielding meager resources. Spiritual talismans weren¡¯t their forte, and their production relied on the few spiritualists they had captured.


    Human trafficking and brothels would never be a long-term solution, with a risk of being wiped out at any time.


    On the contrary, Liu Wuxie¡¯s Heavenly Dao Society was like a hedgehog, making infiltration nearly impossible with everything intricately linked.


    ¡°We can just force him to disband the Heavenly Dao Society if there¡¯s no other choice,¡± Elder He said assertively. If Liu Wuxie were forced to disband the Heavenly Dao Society, it would no longer threaten the sect¡¯s foundation.


    ¡°It will only worsen matters to disband the Heavenly Dao Society. Don¡¯t forget that we still need him to clean the mess,¡± Mu Tianli said, shaking his head. He dismissed Elder He¡¯s radical idea.


    Since the sect could amodate the Lan Ling Gang and Lesser de Association, why not the Heavenly Dao Society? It has also been a rule since ancient times that true disciples had the right to establish their own factions to build influence for the future.


    Consider Mu Tianli¡¯s rise¡ªa true disciple who once formed the influential Mu Xiu Gang. The current sect leaders were part of the faction he established, and their loyalty had cemented his ce as sect master.


    ¡°What should we do then? If we allow him to continue his antics, the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion will lose all our market,¡± Elder He said, visibly frustrated. Liu Wuxie¡¯s emergence had shattered the centuries of bnce in the sect.


    ¡°The sect has been stagnant for too long, and reformation is imperative. If we continue to be stagnant, we will be eliminated sooner orter,¡± Mu Tianli replied, taking a deep breath.


    All his efforts through the years had only prevented the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion from declining, but this wasn¡¯t a long-term solution. If they couldn¡¯t find new paths and rely on their past glory, they would be left behind and reced sooner orter. After all, the other sects had been developing their industries and had grown stronger while they remained stagnant.


    ¡°Easier said than done. Reformation isn¡¯t that simple, and the slightest mistake can lead the entire sect into chaos.¡± Elder He knew of the sect¡¯s historical prominence as the head of the ten major sects.


    But now? They had fallen to the sixth or seventh position. If they couldn¡¯t obtain any results on the uing Ten Grand Ceremony, they might even drop even further in ranking.


    Mu Tianli tapped his finger on the jade table as the hall fell into a momentary silence, contemting their next steps. He needed a solution that would benefit the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion while preventing the Heavenly Dao Society from expanding further.


    As a sect master, he naturally didn¡¯t wish to see the Heavenly Dao Society develop so fast that it would endanger its foundation. This meant he would need a suitable form of suppression to slow down the Heavenly Dao Society¡¯s development.


    ¡°Elder He, leave immediately for the Treasure City with my message to negotiate with him,¡± Mu Tianli said after pondering for five minutes.


    <strong>......</strong>


    Liu Wuxie spent the entire night contemting the Heavenly Dao Society¡¯s development. He also knew that the Heavenly Dao Society had expanded too rapidly, and the sect would get rid of him if he threatened it, even if he were a prodigy.


    This was why he had to find a way to maintain the sect¡¯s favor while also being nurtured by them. It was easier said than done, but Elder He¡¯s arrival brought a sly smile to his face.


    He had guessed that there were eyes from the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion in the ck market, but he didn¡¯t expect the sect master¡¯s action to be so swift.


    He invited Elder He into the room. He had initially expected Elder Tian Xing to make a visit, but it looked like Elder Tian Xing wasn¡¯tparable to Elder He in terms of status in the sect master¡¯s heart.


    Tian Xing was the Law-Enforcement Hall¡¯s elder, and someone like him was more suitable as a friend than a confidant. This was because shady dealings had to be done asionally, which wasn¡¯t suitable for someone like Tian Xing.


    Elder He examined Liu Wuxue for a full minute upon entering the room.


    Upon learning that Elder He hade under the sect master¡¯s orders, Liu Wuxie was inwardly shocked.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, you¡¯re truly audacious, using the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion¡¯s pills of being toxic. Now that everyone has begun to withdraw their orders, do you think you can bear the responsibility for it?¡± Elder He suddenly mmed his palm on the table, his attitude taking a sudden shift to aggression. He even attempted to pin the me on Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t flinch. "Elder He, if that¡¯s your attitude, you¡¯re wee to leave. It¡¯s evident enough to everyone whether the pills are toxic or not. There¡¯s nothing left for us to discuss," he replied coolly, dismissing the elder without hesitation. If Elder He thought intimidation would work on him, he¡¯d clearly miscalcted.


    Any other disciple might have been awed by a visit from Elder He. After all, he was the sect master¡¯s confidant, a man whose status was just shy of the grand elders¡¯. Liu Wuxie, however, had heard tales of this reclusive figure from Elder Tian Xing¡ªa mysterious man who only appeared on direct orders from the sect master.


    For a brief moment, Elder He was taken aback. He hadn¡¯t expected Liu Wuxie to hold such a resolute stance, nor had he anticipated that his aura, at the pinnacle of the Nascent Transformation Realm, would fail to intimidate this young disciple.


    Liu Wuxie had even asked him to leave, and Elder He regretted it now as he recalled Mu Tianli¡¯s repeated warning not to treat Liu Wuxie like an ordinary person. He had miscalcted, and his position transitioned from being in control to being disadvantaged.


    "What sort of attitude is this?" Elder He huffed, though he kept his seat, his tone softening. "If there were issues with the pills, you should have reported them to the sect privately, not announced it publicly. Do you understand the harm you''ve done to the sect''s reputation?"


    A smile crept on Liu Wuxie¡¯s lips because Elder He was nothing more than a paper tiger who had crumbled with a gentle poke.


    ¡°Elder He, I believe you¡¯re here to discuss a potential deal with me. We¡¯re not fools, so let¡¯s stop beating around the bush. If this matter isn¡¯t resolved quickly, the influence might spiral out of my control,¡± Liu Wuxie said with a shrug as he threw the problem back to Elder He. He wasn¡¯t the one that would suffer if this matter was dyed.


    Elder He narrowed his eyes because he realized he had severely underestimated Liu Wuxie. It was as though thetter had seen straight through him. Liu Wuxie even shoved the problem back to him,ying all his cards bare on the table.


    If this issue remained unresolved, Elder He couldn¡¯t exin it to the sect master. He was visiting under the sect master¡¯s direct orders, and the sect master had even given his bottom line.


    The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion could ept whatever oue if the bottom line wasn¡¯t crossed. If the line was crossed, they could only sacrifice Liu Wuxie to protect the sect¡¯s interest.


    Liu Wuxie was aware of that; thus, he didn¡¯t make any absolute statements but sought a bnce instead. He had to ensure the sect¡¯s interest and the Heavenly Dao Society¡¯s stable development, none of which was an easy task.


    ¡°The sect¡¯s bottom line is that your Heavenly Dao Society can¡¯t operate your shops. The sect¡¯s pill market is off-limits to any disciples,¡± Elder He finally gave the conditions for coboration.

 Chapter 592 - Negotiation

    <h4>Chapter 592 - Negotiation</h4>


    Since the founding of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, the disciples had sold their pills through coboration with other shops, and no one had dared to open shops themselves topete with the sect directly. Even if they worked with other shops, they earned barely enough to cover their expenses.


    Even the Lesser de Association was restricted to selling its pills on the ck market, where profits were modest at best. Opening one¡¯s own shop was a bold¡ªand perilous¡ªmove that few dared to attempt.


    ¡°Are there any sect rules that forbid it?¡± Liu Wuxie asked with a smile. He had already anticipated that the sect would try to stop him from opening his own shop. After all, he would be at odds with the sect once he did, and he didn¡¯t want to take that move for now.


    After all, the sect showed him kindness, especially in how Mu Yueying helped him in many ways. Fan Zhen and others had their foundation in the sect, and he wouldn¡¯t do anything that would betray the sect or put him at odds with the sect as long as it didn¡¯t cross his bottom line.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, you should know the consequences of opening your own shop, and I hope you can think it through. The sect will consider your conditions as long as they¡¯re not too unreasonable,¡± Elder He said firmly.


    Elder He¡¯s conditions were clear: any requests could be negotiated as long as Liu Wuxie gave up the idea of opening a shop of his own, provided that Liu Wuxie could fix the negative impact on the sect that he had caused. If he couldn¡¯t resolve this issue, nothing else mattered.


    He believed Liu Wuxie knew exactly what he meant with everythingid transparent on the table.


    ¡°Only one condition: ten percent of the revenue,¡± Liu Wuxie said,ying his terms down.


    ¡°That¡¯s impossible! Ten percent is too high!¡± Elder He refused immediately. The sect had dozens of shops in Treasure City to maintain the expenses of hundreds of thousands of people. It was too high for Liu Wuxie to take ten percent for himself.


    Liu Wuxie calcted briefly that a single shop could generate hundreds of millions of spirit stones every month, and ten percent was tens of millions¡ªa passive ie with no effort on his part.


    ¡°That¡¯s my final offer,¡± Liu Wuxie said firmly, standing adamantly about receiving one-tenth of the revenue. Tens of millions might be astronomical to others, but not to him. With the deste world to support, the resources he consumed far outnumbered others.


    ¡°You¡¯re really asking for a lot. Aren¡¯t you worried you¡¯ll choke on it? We can only give you five percent every month.¡± Elder He refused firmly as well.


    Five percent was equivalent to millions of revenue each month. In addition to their coboration on the Spirit Restoration Pill, it was already a substantial sum. But if the sales of talismans took off as well, Elder He would definitely regret giving Liu Wuxie five percent.


    ¡°I will ept five percent, but under one condition!¡± Liu Wuxie said, agreeing to Elder He¡¯s condition. Pills were just a side venture to him to disrupt the Lesser de Association¡¯s ie.


    Just the revenue from the Spirit Restoration Pill alone was enough to support the development of the Heavenly Dao Society. As for him, ordinary mid-grade spirit stones would soon be insufficient to sustain his needs.


    ¡°What¡¯s your condition?¡± Elder He asked cautiously, fearing another outrageous demand from Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Eliminate these people and save the innocent civilians. That¡¯s my condition,¡± Liu Wuxie said as he took out the Memory Talisman from Bai Lin.


    Elder He looked at the Memory Talisman carefully before he looked at Liu Wuxie with aplex expression. In a baffled tone, he asked, ¡°You want to give up an additional five percent to rescue these people? I might have agreed to your terms if you had pushed harder?¡±


    Elder He was puzzled because the lives of mortals held no weight to him, and the sect¡¯s upper echelons had been aware of the Lesser de Association¡¯s actions all along. They hadn¡¯t intervened because the lives of mortals meant nothing to them.


    It wasn¡¯t hard to tell from Elder He¡¯s eyes that he didn¡¯t understand Liu Wuxie¡¯s decision. Giving up millions of spirit stones monthly to do something that brought no personal gain was hard to fathom.


    ¡°Elder He, weren¡¯t you once a mere mortal as well?¡± Liu Wuxie asked, and his words left Elder He frozen in ce.


    What Liu Wuxie said held truth, for no one was born powerful; every immortal had once been a mere mortal. Upon reaching their current level, they had long abandoned their seven emotions and six desires, entirely fixated on the pursuit of immortality.


    ¡°You¡¯re right. We were all once mortals, but you should know that the lives of mortals mean nothing to us after reaching our height,¡± Elder He sighed. He had even forgotten how he looked when he was a mortal.


    ¡°Poweres from respect, and we can only stand firmly in heaven and earth by keeping a clear conscience,¡± Liu Wuxie dered, his words resonating with power that sounded like the deration of heavenly dao itself, shaking Elder He¡¯s eardrums.


    The Heavenly Dao Book unfurled, unleashing a dazzling brilliance of gold that enveloped Liu Wuxie, making him seem like a deity at this moment.


    This filled Elder He with an overwhelming urge to kneel and worship Liu Wuxie. The aura radiating from thetter was too powerful, and even he couldn¡¯t withstand it as someone in the pinnacle of the Nascent Transformation Realm.


    ¡°Okay, I agree to your terms!¡± Elder He said, unable to reject Liu Wuxie¡¯s terms.


    At this moment, Liu Wuxie was the embodiment of heavenly dao¡¯s will, and defying him meant defying the heavens.


    Next, they proceeded to discuss the details of their cooperation, in which Liu Wuxie nned to open a new shop. The current shops were too simplistic, offering a limited variety of pills at rigid prices. The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion wasckingpared to the Azure Crimson Gate.


    In addition to the Demon Purging Pill, Liu Wuxie also gifted the sect two pill forms. The two pills were seventh-grade pills, unavable in the market. Together, they could restore the sect¡¯s reputation.


    This meant pills like Earth Origin Pills could gradually be phased out of the market. They were too expensive to produce, and few could afford them.


    After all, Liu Wuxie had promised that the pills found in the shops he opened would be thirty percent cheaper than those on the market.


    As the discussion progressed, Elder He¡¯s attitude toward Liu Wuxie shifted to one of approval. He had anticipated a grueling negotiation, yet things had flowed far more smoothly than expected.


    Liu Wuxie was smarter than Elder He had imagined, knowing when to press forward and when to take a step back. He had chosen to advance by retreating, giving up a small portion of resources to secure the Lesser de Association¡¯s elimination in the human trafficking operation¡ªa win-win situation. This also bolstered the development of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, enhanced the sect master¡¯s reputation, and ensured that everyone walked away with something to gain.


    With the introduction of the two pills, the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion would be morepetitive against the Azure Crimson Gate. While Liu Wuxie could gain a steady flow of resources, he also struck a fatal blow to the Lesser de Association.


    His grudge with the Azure Crimson Gate was already formed, and his only solution was to help the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion grow. His vision was broader than anyone else¡¯s¡ªhe wasn¡¯t focused on short-term profits but was nning for the future.


    ¡°What does the sect n to do with those alchemists?¡± Liu Wuxie asked. The issue with the Earth Origin Pills was an internal issue of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. Even if Liu Wuxie hadn¡¯t exposed the problem, it would have erupted in a matter of time.


    ¡°Uproot them entirely!¡± Elder He said with a sh of ruthlessness gleaming in his eyes. This proved that he was ruthless, or it would have been impossible for him to be the sect master¡¯s confidant.


    Liu Wuxie was satisfied with the answer because the Treasure Pill Peak¡¯s alchemists would all be reced with his men, and Bi Gongyu would rise to be the chief alchemist.


    ¡°You¡¯ve gotten lucky this time. The sect yielding to you doesn¡¯t mean the sect is afraid of you. I hope you won¡¯t disappoint the sect master¡¯s hopes for you,¡± Elder He said earnestly as he rose to leave.


    Even though it looked like the sect had made concessions to Liu Wuxie, the sect was the biggest winner in the end. Liu Wuxie even helped the sect eliminate the underlying threat.


    Liu Wuxie, however, didn¡¯t point it out. He knew the Elder. He wanted him to be grateful to the sect master and to the sect.


    After sending Elder He off, Liu Wuxie finally looked rxed at the inn¡¯s entrance. He no longer had to worry about the pills and only had to make an appearance at the shop¡¯s opening. The sect would handle everything else.


    Fan Zhen and Bai Lin finally came in after Elder He left. They were frightened when Elder He released his aura in the Nascent Transformation Realm, and they had nearly barged into the room under the impression that there was an invader. They finally rxed when they realized it was a negotiation between Liu Wuxie and the sect.


    ¡°Wuxie, how did the negotiation go?¡± Fan Zhen asked. After such a long discussion and the satisfied smile on Liu Wuxie¡¯s lips, he could already tell the negotiation went smoothly.


    ¡°Everything is moving in the direction we¡¯ve anticipated,¡± Liu Wuxie said and returned to the inn.


    ¡°Junior Brother Liu, what about the matter I mentionedst night? What¡¯s your consideration? The longer we dy, the more innocent people will die,¡± Bai Lin asked, catching up to Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°It has been taken care of,¡± Liu Wuxie said, simply waving his hand as he walked away.


    Bai Lin and Fan Zhen were stunned. They thought the talk between Liu Wuxie and Elder He was only about pills and nothing else. After all, Liu Wuxie hadn¡¯t kept them in the dark about what happened in the ck market.


    ¡°That¡¯s great!¡± Bai Lin waved his fist and finally felt relieved.


    <strong>......</strong>


    When Elder He returned to the sect, Mu Tianli was still in the grand hall, looking into the distance.


    ¡°Greetings, Sect Master!¡± Elder He bowed when he entered.


    ¡°Elder He, there¡¯s no need to be so formal,¡± Mu Tianli said as he waved his hand, gesturing for Elder He to sit down.


    ¡°Sect Master, this young man is no ordinary person,¡± Elder He said.


    There was no change in Mu Tianli¡¯s expression as if he had already known.


    ¡°Tell me, what¡¯s the oue of the discussion?¡± Mu Tianli smiled.


    Elder He didn¡¯t hide anything from the sect master and recounted every conversation detail. When Mu Tianli heard that Liu Wuxie was willing to give up five percent of the profits, he was surprised.


    The maximum limit forpromising he had given Elder He was twenty percent, and they would have agreed if Liu Wuxie had pushed hard on ten. Thus, he was surprised to hear that Liu Wuxie was willing to take a cut of his share.


    ¡°Do you think he only wanted five percent without other conditions?¡± Elder He said mysteriously. His attitude towards Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t great yesterday, but it had changed after the meeting.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 593 - Grand Elders

    <h4>Chapter 593 - Grand Elders</h4>


    Mu Tianli gestured for Elder He to carry on with a smile. After hearing that Liu Wuxie wanted to eradicate the human trafficking operation held by the Lesser de Association, he fell into deep thoughts.


    "Sect master, in my honest opinion, I believe he¡¯s taken the right course of action. The Lesser de Association¡¯s deeds go against the very principles of righteousness. As members of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, it¡¯s our duty to uphold our noble reputation as a righteous force. We can¡¯t allow such actions to stain our name," Elder He said, voicing his support for Liu Wuxie. Though he held little regard for mortal lives, the sect¡¯s reputation was a matter of utmost importance to him.


    "I''ll leave this matter to you. Do it discreetly, and don''t let it trace back to us," Mu Tianli said with a cold light in his eyes. Like Elder He, he held simr convictions¡ªno one could know that the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion was tangled in something as sordid as human trafficking. Such knowledge would only arm their enemies with dangerous leverage.


    "Sect master, there''s one more matter. I''ve already detained all the alchemists with an issue, but what should I do with Qing Mu?" Elder He frowned. While managing the other alchemists had been straightforward, Qing Mu was a far moreplicated matter.


    Mu Tianli felt a simr pang of frustration at the mention of Qing Mu''s name.


    "Strip him of his title as an alchemist and give him an idle position to live the rest of his days in peace," Mu Tianli finally decided. He knew he couldn''t allow Qing Mu to corrode the sect''s roots any longer, or the consequences would be more dire.


    "But what do we do about the grand elders? Qing Mu has a powerful backing, and he cannot be taken lightly," Elder He said. He also agreed to strip Qing Mu of his authority but was worried about thetter''s backing. If Qing Mu could be dealt with, the sect master would''ve acted long ago.


    ¡°If they keep quiet, so be it. But if they dare retaliate, I have my ways of handling Qing Mu," Mu Tianli said, his voice cold as his aura intensified. "Just look at the state of Treasure Pill Peak¡ªQing Mu has turned it into aplete mess. I¡¯ve tolerated his actions long enough. If he¡¯s allowed to continue unchecked, it won¡¯t be long before our sect is reduced to second-rate status.¡±


    After all, not all of the grand elders were on Qing Mu''s side, and Mu Tianli also had his supporters among them.


    "But Qing Mu''s master is the previous sect master, and I''m afraid he might retaliate violently if we embarrass Qing Mu," Elder He replied with a wry smile.


    Qing Mu had secured his position as chief alchemist of Treasure Pill Peak thanks to his master, the former sect master of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. This powerful connection made him untouchable, even to other nine-star alchemists who resented his influence but dared not challenge him openly. Yet, their quiet resentment had now reached a breaking point.


    "If they don¡¯t know when to stop, they¡¯ll only have themselves to me for my ruthlessness," Mu Tianli said coldly, signaling to Elder He to let the matter rest. He had his own ways of removing Qing Mu from Treasure Pill Peak, should ite to that.


    After Elder He departed, the terms arranged with Liu Wuxie remained tightly guarded, shared only with Elder He himself.


    <strong>......</strong>


    Qing Mu''s residence was on a quiet mountain in the Treasure Pill Peak. But the peace was soon disrupted when he received an official decree for being removed from his position as the chief alchemist.


    "Mu Tianli, you''ve gone too far!" Qing Mu roared, jumping from his chair in fury. Not only was he removed from his position, but over a dozen alchemists had their titles stripped and reassigned to tend to the spiritual herbs to eliminate their inner demons.


    News had already spread within the sect about the demonic trait contained in the Earth Origin Pills, and most alchemists silently epted the sect''s arrangement, recognizing their part of responsibility in the crisis.


    For alchemists, their honor was more precious than their lives, and once their embezzlement was exposed, they were too ashamed to stay on the Treasure Pill Peak any longer.


    With over a dozen alchemists gone, the Treasure Pill Peak was now short of manpower, but Bi Gongyu had been preparing for this moment. The alchemists suppressed by Qing Mu''s faction quickly took their spots, their alchemy improving rapidly under his guidance.


    Liu Wuxie even created an entire management system, allowing the Treasure Pill Pavilion to have a more organized process. Everyone only had to focus on refining the pills they specialized in, and this meant they couldn''t demand resources from the sect to refine other pills, preventing alchemists from embezzling resources from the sect again.


    "Master, what happened?" A youth quickly stepped forward and asked Qing Mu.


    "Mu Tianli thinks he can kick me out of the Treasure Pill Peak? Dream on!" Qing Mu snorted and threw the decree to the ground. He vanished as he set out for the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s lesser realm.


    The lesser realm was a dimension reserved for the grand elders to cultivate, and only a selected few could enter.


    When news of Qing Mu being removed from his position spread, many disciples celebrated. Qing Mu bore most of the me for the sect''s recent decline in their pill market, where they had consistently lost to the Azure Crimson Gate.


    <strong>......</strong>


    There weren''t any grand pavilions in the lesser realm; instead, they consisted of simple, thatched cottages where the grand elders resided. The grand elders'' titles were only granted to those who reached the True Profound Realm, and the sect had ten grand elders in total.


    The ten major sects had their own lesser realms, also known as the heavenly abode. The spatial and timews there were vastly different from those in the outside world, and this ce was filled with dense spiritual energy, making one day of cultivation here equivalent to a year in the outside world.


    On a tranquilke consisting of pure liquified spiritual energy, celestial cranes were drinking water at the shore. They raised their heads when they noticed someone''s arrival and let out a cry. These were no ordinary cranes but had gained intelligence over time, and they were the mounts used by the grand elders.


    After walking through several long passages, Mu Tianli arrived at a simple hut. He knelt and sped his hands together, "Disciple Mu Tianli, seeks an audience with master!"


    "Come in!" a gentle but old voice echoed from within the hut.


    After hearing the voice, Mu Tianli rose from the ground and gently pushed open the wooden door. Inside was as simple as the exterior, with an amicable elderly man seated on a meditation cushion.


    He wore a robe that had turned white due to repeated washing. He had white hair, a white beard, and brows long enough to reach his chest from the two ends.


    Mu Tianli stood humbly by the side, not daring to make a sound. This elderly man was his master, Gao Gu, a grand elder of the sect.


    "It has been more than a year since youst visited me, and being here means you''ve run into trouble. What is it?" Gao Gu said, raising his head to look at Mu Tianli. No one understood a disciple better than his master. Mu Tianli wouldn''t trouble his master if it weren''t important.


    "That''s right, master!" Mu Tianli was like an obedient child in front of his master. They might both be in the True Profound Realm, but Gao Gu''s cultivation was far beyond his.


    "Sit down. It has been a long time since west chatted," Gao Gu said, gesturing for Mu Tianli to sit down as a meditation mat suddenly appeared before thetter. This was the manifestation of true essence at a high level.


    Mu Tianli sat obediently, his hands resting on hisp, looking at his master respectfully.


    "Go on, what''s troubling you?" Gao Yu prompted softly. No pressure wasing from him, but Mu Tianli could feel his nerves intensifying.


    His master had long reached the True Profound Realm centuries ago, and his cultivation had only be even more unfathomable after so many years of seclusion. He could be ranked in the top, even among the ten grand elders.


    Not daring to hide anything from his master, Mu Tianli revealed the recent events within the sect. His master''s eyes lit up upon hearing about the emergence of a prodigious disciple within the sect, and he looked concerned upon hearing that the pills produced by the sect contained demonic traits.


    Alchemy was the foundation of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, and an issue with their pills was no different from shaking the sect''s very roots. A single misstep could send the entire sect into ruins. If the sect fell into ruins, they wouldn''t be able to face their ancestors after their death as grand elders.


    He didn''t interrupt Mu Tianli''s report and continued to listen. When he heard that Qing Mu had been removed from his position as an alchemist, Gao Gu finally understood why his disciple had sought him out.


    Qing Mu''s talent was mediocre, but he had managed to curry favor with a grand elder and was epted as a disciple, allowing his position to rise within the sect that even Tian Xing couldn''t touch him. It wasn''t because Tian Xing feared Qing Mu, but he didn''t want to cause trouble for the sect master.


    "You¡¯re seeking my opinion on your decision to demote Qing Mu?" Gao Gu observed, sensing the lingering doubt in Mu Tianli¡¯s heart despite the decision he¡¯d already made. It was precisely why Mu Tianli hade to him.


    "That''s right," Mu Tianli replied.


    "You already know the answer. Your true motive here is to keep this matter contained and prevent it from escting, right?" Gao Gu smiled, looking at his disciple.


    Many peoplepeted for the position of sect master in each generation, and Mu Tianli had risen to the position during his generation. It wasn''t just because of his cultivation but also his wisdom.


    After all, one could only be the sect master with the support of more than half of the grand elders and elders. This alone spoke volumes about Mu Tianli¡¯s character.


    "You''re right, master," Mu Tianli replied, his voice conveying anxiety.


    "You are now the sect master; even grand elders like us must show you respect. There''s no need for you to be cautious. Do what you believe is right, and the sect can''t afford any turmoil," Gao Gu said, supporting his disciple''s decision.


    "Thank you, master!" Mu Tianli finally smiled. His master''s words gave him confidence, and he felt ready to face the challenges ahead with his master''s support.


    "I''ll deal with Yu Bu. He cannot shirk the responsibility for his disciple''s mistake, and I have ways to deal with him. If he dares to cause trouble, he''ll soon learn that I''m not one to be trifled with," Gao Gu said, revealing his fierce side.


    Anyone who could be a grand elder had to walk through a sea of blood and a mountain of corpses of his enemies. Most cultivators who reached the True Profound Realm had walked a bloody path.


    After hearing what his master said, Mu Tianli immediately stood up and dered solemnly, "I will do my best to let the sect take its rightful ce as the chief of the ten major sects."


    This was the oath that the recent sect masters took, an oath to bring the sect back to its once glorious ce. However, the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s position had declined recently, and it had only stopped when Mu Tianli had taken over.


    Bringing the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion back to the chief of the ten major sects was a challenge beyond imagination.


    "I know that you''ve been trying your best, but you can''t aplish it relying on yourself alone. That young disciple you mentioned sounds promising. Keep an eye on him and bring him to see me when the time is right," Gao Gu said. His words effectively concluded the meeting because Mu Tianli couldn''t linger in the lesser realm if it weren¡¯t important.


    Mu Tianli bowed as he left the thatched hut, gently closing the wooden door behind him. Once outside, he took a deep breath before leaving the lesser realm.


    Not long after Mu Tianli left, Qing Mu also appeared in the lesser realm, but he was heading in a different direction with his own purpose.

 Chapter 594 - Lesser Realm

    <h4>Chapter 594 - Lesser Realm</h4>


    A powerful surge of fury erupted in the lesser realm, rming all the grand elders.


    "Outrageous! How dare he humiliate my disciple in this manner!" Yu Bu emerged from the thatched hut with Qing Mu standing behind him, looking aggrieved.


    Among the ten grand elders, Yu Bu was known for his alchemy. As a sect master, he had taken Qing Mu as his disciple. Qing Mu''s ttery skills had ensured that he quickly became Yu Bu''s favorite student. He also showered Qing Mu with special treatment over the years.


    As the former sect master, Yu Bu''s rank and statusmanded respect; even other grand elders had to be respectful to him¡ªbut only out of deference to his former title. After all, the sect had steadily declined during his time as the sect master, and he was regarded as the most unsessful leader in the sect''s history.


    Not only did he fail to stop the sect''s declining position, but he also elerated it instead. When he stepped down, he initially wanted to pass the mantle to his eldest disciple, but the grand elders, six peak masters, and ordinary elders didn''t favor it.


    After muchpetition, Mu Tianli rose to the position of sect master. The grand elders had seen his effort throughout the years. Under his leadership, the sect finally saw improvements, proving that he was steering the sect in the right direction.


    "It was my ipetence that brought you shame, Master," Qing Mu said with a grievance in his tone. He followed behind Yu Bu with a sly smile hanging on the corner of his lips.


    "Does Mu Tianli think he can disregard me just because he has be the sect master? Let me ask him what qualifications he possesses to strip you of your position as the Treasure Pill Peak''s chief alchemist!" Yu Bu said, intending to leave the lesser realm to look for Mu Tianli.


    The other grand elders walked out of their thatched hut and looked at Yu Bu curiously, wondering what could have happened for him to be so furious.


    "Yu Bu, aren''t you taking it too far by interfering in the conflict between juniors?" Gao Gu''s voice echoed, causing the surrounding space to tremble as he appeared before Yu Bu and Qing Mu.


    "Gao Gu, you''ve arrived at the right time. Your beloved disciple dared to strip my disciple''s position as the chief alchemist. Does he have any respect for me, the former sect master? If I don''t get a good exnation today, don''t me me for being ruthless!" Yu Bu snapped, his voice thundering through the lesser realm as his aura swept out.


    Yu Bu''s powerful aura scared the cranes into fleeing. The other grand elders also walked out from their abodes and looked around, unsure of the reason behind the conflict.


    "Yu Bu, why don''t you ask your beloved disciple what he has done throughout the years?" Gao Gu said, his demeanor unshaken. As grand elders, they had no need to be involved in petty quarrels because it would only diminish their dignity.


    "What has he done? Has he betrayed the sect, or colluded with our enemies? He''s only guilty of some embezzlement, which is hardly a rarity among the alchemists in the sect," Yu Bu retorted sharply. He was aware of his disciple''s greed, but his disciple had always been filial to him.


    "It looks like he hasn''t been entirely honest with you," Gao Gumented. He wasn''t furious because he knew Yu Bu was used to standing on the high ground in a conversation, relying on his status as the former sect master.


    Qing Mu became nervous upon hearing Gao Gu¡¯sment, and the other grand elders naturally noticed his behavior. They had already noticed Mu Tianli''s arrival earlier, and now they turned to look at Gao Gu.


    They spent most of their time in seclusion, where each period couldst centuries. Thus, they only paid attention to the sect¡¯s affairs if the sect faced a life-and-death threat.


    "Since you''re too embarrassed to tell the truth, I''ll do it on your behalf," Gao Gu said, ncing at Qing Mu while stroking his beard.


    Yu Bu turned to look at Qing Mu and noticed that thetter averted his gaze, not daring to make eye contact with him.


    "During his time as the chief alchemist in the Treasure Pill Pavilion, not only did he fail to bring glory to the sect''s alchemy skills, but he also formed his faction on the peak and suppressed other talented alchemists, creating chaos throughout Treasure Pill Peak. He didn''t only stop at embezzling the sect''s resources, but his actions led many alchemists to develop inner demons, including himself. The pills refined by these corrupt alchemists contain a demonic trait and have been distributed widely," Gao Gu said. His words made the grand elders exchange nces, stunned by the severity of the usations.


    The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion was built on the sect''s reputation for alchemy. Even though the Treasure Pill Peak was weaker than the other peaks in martial prowess, everyone knew how important it was to the sect.


    If an issue arose in Treasure Pill Peak, it could easily develop into a disaster that would bring the sect down.


    The grand elders had lived for thousands of years and naturally understood the severity of the issue described by Gao Gu better than anyone. Compared to the demonic trait in the pills, embezzling some resources from the sect was nothing.


    After all, embezzling some resources wouldn''t shake the sect''s foundation, but the tainted pills could very well destroy it.


    As the chief alchemist of the Treasure Pill Peak, Qing Mu couldn''t shirk his responsibility in this incident. He was also gued with an inner demon, so it was understandable for his position to be stripped.


    "Master, don''t believe in his lies. This is all set up by that brat, and my pills have no issue!" Qing Mu quickly fell to his knees in front of Yu Bu, pushing all the me to Liu Wuxie.


    "Gao Gu, is it really true?" A female grand elder stepped forward. She appeared to be in her thirties, but her actual age was closer to a thousand years old. Her face was terrifyingly grim, reflecting the severity of this incident, not to mention that they werepletely unaware of it. Was the sect going to inform them only after its copse?


    "Yes," Gao Gu said, nodding.


    The faces of the other grand elders became ugly. They had lived long enough to disdain forming cliques for personal gains. Their very existences were tied to the survival of the sect, and they would, too, perish if the sect copsed. As they had be one with the sect, they wouldn''t allow someone to threaten its foundation.


    "And who is this brat you spoke of?" Yu Bu''s face darkened, his expression grim. Earlier, when Qing Mu had approached him, he had omitted any mention of a demonic trait in the pills, instead spinning tales of the injustices he had suffered from Mu Tianli¡¯s decision to strip him of his chief alchemist position.


    If Gao Gu''s usation were true, even Yu Bu wouldn''t have the cheek to defend his disciple. If he did, it would only spark a public outrage in the entire sect, and his name would be tarnished for millennia.


    "His name is Liu Wuxie, and he took over the Treasure Pill Peak forcibly. To ensure his strong grasp on the Treasure Pill Peak, he schemed to have me kicked out," Qing Mu replied. He knew what Liu Wuxie had done in Serene Sea City and suspected him of being behind this incident.


    "Liu Wuxie?" Many elders exchanged puzzled nces. They rifled through their memories and couldn''t recall any alchemist so skilled as to surpass Qing Mu in terms of alchemy.


    "Is this Liu Wuxie a true disciple?" asked the female grand elder, her curiosity piqued. For someone to challenge Yu Bu''s disciple, indicated he wasn¡¯t an ordinary figure.


    "No, he''s not!" Qing Mu replied, his face paling. He didn¡¯t dare lie to the grand elders. At the True Profound Realm, they could detect deception with a single nce, and he suspected they had already sent avatars beyond the lesser realm to investigate. News would soon reach them, leaving him no room for falsehoods.


    Realizing his miscalction, Qing Mu silently cursed his own haste. If he and his master had managed to leave the lesser realm earlier, Gao Gu might not have intercepted them, and the other grand elders would likely have stayed uninvolved.


    "Is he an elder then?" asked the female elder.


    "No, he''s not!" Qing Mu remained knelt on the ground as the grand elders swept their gazes through him.


    "Since he''s not a true disciple nor an elder¡ªthen he must be an elite disciple?" the female grand elder asked in a confirming tone as she retracted her gaze from him. Her tone suggested that she already knew the answer.


    "Yeah. He joined the sect a year ago and was promoted to an elite disciple a few months back," Qing Mu said, gritting his teeth. He didn''t dare to lie to a grand elder.


    "How is that possible? How can someone possibly rise from an outer to an elite disciple in just one year?" The other grand elders eximed in disbelief. They were considered prodigies during their time, and the journey from an outer to an elite disciple had taken them over two years.


    "I recall that the sect has recently managed to produce the Spirit Restoration Pill, and the form seems to have originated from a junior. Could it be him?" another grand elder asked as he stepped forward. Turns out that Liu Wuxie''s deeds of bringing the Spirit Restoration Pill back to the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion had reached the ears of those in the lesser realm.


    "That''s him. If not for him, the sect wouldn''t have plunged into chaos," Gao Gu said, confirming the spection now that the timing was right.


    "I''m intrigued. I''d very much like to meet this young man!" more elders voiced their interest, eager to leave the lesser realm to meet Liu Wuxie.


    "Gao Gu, don''t change the subject. Your disciple stripped my disciple''s position as the chief alchemist. That decision must be reversed, or don''t me me for what happens next!" Yu Bu raised his voice to interrupt everyone, seeing that the situation had turned against him.


    "Your disciple is no longer fit to manage the Treasure Pill Peak. The sect is developing rapidly, and we can''t allow anyone to hold it back. I hope you can reconsider," Gao Gu refuted as he stood his ground firmly. The decree had already been issued, and to reverse it meant that Mu Tianli''s prestige as the sect master would be affected.


    The two stood at odds, each unwilling to yield for their disciples.


    "So, do you intend to oppose me to the end?" Yu Bu''s face darkened with humiliation. If he couldn''t make Gao Gu yield, how would he be able to maintain his standing in the lesser realm?


    "I only act for the ultimate good of the sect," Gao Gu responded, his tone calm, but his conviction remained firm.


    "For the sect''s interest, you want to sacrifice my disciple? Are you disregarding me, the former sect master?! " Yu Bu''s voice became grim, and his eyes gleamed angrily.


    As the tension rose in the lesser realm, an elder came between them and raised his hands to mediate. "Let''s take a step back each. We''ve lived long enough, and everything can be discussed. I believe we will have news soon."


    They had lived a long time to do something as childish as bickering like children as it was beneath their status.


    As the elder who had intervened to de-escte the conflict had anticipated, the grand elders present had indeed sent their avatars beyond the lesser realm to investigate. In less than fifteen minutes, the avatars returned, each identical in appearance to their physical forms.


    Now that they knew the truth, they all looked at Qing Mu mockingly.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 595 - Talisman Event

    <h4>Chapter 595 - Talisman Event</h4>


    They easily found out about Liu Wuxie''s recent activities after asking around, and they didn''t expect the situation to be moreplicated than they had anticipated¡ªLiu Wuxie, astonishingly, came from the mortal world.


    Yu Bu''s avatar had also returned and gradually merged with his physical body, bing one again.


    "Liu Wuxie is no ordinary disciple," the female elder said with a faint smile.


    "He has aplished what we couldn''t when we were his age," another elder added. They had already forgotten about the conflict, and their attention shifted to Liu Wuxie, and they were filled with praise for thetter.


    "He''s courageous, intelligent, and thoughtful. If this young man continues to grow, he''ll be the sect¡¯s treasure."


    The high regard for Liu Wuxie was unanimous, and more grand elders stepped in to support Mu Tianli''s decision.


    "I think we should just let this matter go. I don''t think what Mu Tianli did was wrong," one grand elder said.


    The other grand elders nodded in agreement, hoping to resolve the situation quietly. Escting matters would only tarnish the sect¡¯s reputation. After all, Qing Mu was directly responsible for the issues with the pills; if not for his master, Yu Bu, he would have been demoted to a minor position¡ªor even expelled¡ªlong ago. Everyone understood this, including Yu Bu himself. Yet, Yu Bu couldn¡¯t simply ept it, as it would damage his own prestige.


    ¡°If you want me to let this go, then have Mu Tianlie here and kneel before me to admit his mistake,¡± Yu Bu suddenly demanded.


    The other grand elders frowned, recognizing the absurdity of the request. Mu Tianli had done nothing wrong; if anything, his only fault was tolerating Qing Mu¡¯s mismanagement, allowing Treasure Pill Peak to fall into such disorder. Qing Mu¡¯s removal as chief alchemist was long overdue.


    ¡°Yu Bu, don¡¯t push your luck!¡± Gao Gu growled, fury evident in his tone. He unleashed a powerful surge of energy, causing the lesser realm to tremble.


    Yu Bu wasn''t willing to back down either, so he released his aura, shaking the lesser realm with even greater intensity.


    "No one can stop me if no justice is given to my disciple!" Yu Bu''s voice boomed. He already had said he would let it go if Mu Tianli came to apologize.


    "Getting rid of Qing Mu will only bring the sect to newer heights. Now that the Treasure Pill Peak is developing rapidly, it''s only a matter of time before we seize the Azure Crimson Gate''s market. You want a sessful sect master like Mu Tianli to kneel before a failure like you; don''t you feel ashamed?" Gao Gu¡¯s voice was sharp, his words carrying a sting that cut deep¡ªa deliberate insult directed at Yu Bu.


    During Yu Bu''s tenure as the sect master, he was an utter failure, elerating the sect''s decline. But Mu Tianli, despite his ws, had managed to halt the decline and even elevate the sect by several ranks.


    The faces of all the grand elders changed because they didn''t expect the situation to escte this far.


    A terrifying outburst of murderous intent emanated from Yu Bu. His failure as the sect master was his lifelong pain, an open wound that no one dared to speak of before him. Yet, here was Gao Gu, rubbing salt into his wound.


    "Gao Gu, I challenge you to a duel!" Yu Bu roared like an enraged lion. Though he had practiced self-restraint for years, his rage erupted like a volcano with searing mes.


    "Why must you two take it so far?" another grand elder stepped forward to intervene, trying to mediate before an actual fight.


    "Since Mu Tianli is the current sect master, we should support his decisions as long as he doesn''t vite the sect''s rules. We are no longer in charge of any duties, and we should remain impartial and not interfere with the sect affairs as grand elders," another elder said, stepping out from the crowd. He was speaking out from a neutral position.


    As grand elders, they didn''t interfere with the sect''s affairs because that was meant for the sect master. They would only intervene if the sect master made decisions that vited the sect''s rules or did something unforgivable.


    Judging from the current situation, Mu Tianli had proven himself to be a capable sect master, and they had no issue with his decision.


    "I agree with Elder Wang. The sect has long needed reformation, and this is an excellent opportunity. Why don''t we give Mu Tianli a few years and see how this goes? If the reformation fails, we can hold him responsible at that time. But if he seeds, it will prove that he is leading the sect on the right path," another grand elder chimed in.


    The situation became increasingly unfavorable to Yu Bu, and only a few elders who had close personal rtions with him maintained their silence. However, having a good rtionship with Yu Bu didn''t mean they would blindly take his side, with their judgment clouded.


    "How about this: Why don''t we give Mu Tianli three years and let Qing Mu endure it for now? Anyhow, three years will pass in the blink of an eye," said another grand elder, agreeing with the other two elders.


    Time was the fairest judge, and it would be unreasonable to hold Mu Tianli responsible for anything when Qing Mu was at fault. If Mu Tianli had no authority, how was he supposed to manage the entire sect?


    No one dared to say it openly, fearing they would further provoke Yu Bu into taking more drastic actions. This was why they proposed three years of patience.


    "Elder Gao, what do you think?" The three elders turned to look at Gao Gu.


    Gao Gu nodded, as it was the best n. He hoped Mu Tianli could have a newly transformed Heavenly Treasure Pavilion in three years.


    Everyone turned to Yu Bu, waiting for his reply. As the former sect master, it was his responsibility to consider the greater good of the sect.


    "Fine, I''ll give that brat three years. If the sect fails to improve, then I will petition the Elder Council to impeach him!" Yu Bu snorted and returned to his abode, grabbing Qing Mu by the shoulder.


    <strong>......</strong>


    Liu Wuxie remained oblivious to the turmoil unfolding in the lesser realm. His focus was entirely on preparing for the talisman event in Treasure City, scheduled for the following day.


    Though he couldn''t get involved in pills, it was different for spiritual talismans¡ªno restriction prevented his venture in this field.


    The Lesser de Association''s spiritual talismans were popr, though their quality left much to be desired.


    "Wuxie, there''s news from Lan Yu that everything has been arranged, and we only have to show up tomorrow," Fan Zhen said as he entered the room.


    Everyone was preupied with preparing for the talisman event tomorrow, while Liu Wuxie focused on cultivating in the inn.


    The Golden Spirit Fruit tree had borne several fruits in the deste world, shifting from green to purple. However, it took a few more days for the fruits to ripen.


    "Got it. You can return to your tasks now," Liu Wuxie replied, nodding before he resumed his seclusion.


    The sect had sent word that the new shop would open in five days, and the appearance of thetest pills had spread like wildfire.


    Earth Origin Pills were gradually being phased out of the market and reced by new, cheaper, and higher-quality pills.


    On the opening day, the shop would offer a thousand pills for free. If the customers were satisfied, they could purchase more.


    Liu Wuxie suggested this marketing strategy mainly to revive the sect''s dwindling poprity. A thousand pills were valued at tens of millions of spirit stones, and it was surprising that the sect did not oppose his idea.


    When Fan Zhen left, he closed the door behind him. Right then, Liu Wuxie''s Communication Talisman lit up with a message from Bai Lin.


    "They''ve all been eradicated, and the mortals rescued!" This message confirmed that the people captured by the Lesser de Association were free.


    For the past few days, Bai Lin had tirelessly handled this matter, and Liu Wuxie was not surprised by the oue.


    The talisman event in Treasure City wasn''t particrly grand because it was held every month. Spiritualists often gathered to share their knowledge andplement the ws in their spiritual talismans.


    Due to the size of the talisman event over the years, a Talisman Guild was established. Shops that specialized in spiritual talismans could participate by setting up their stalls there.


    <strong>......</strong>


    On this day, many cultivators came because the prices of the spiritual talismans were at their lowest. To Liu Wuxie''s surprise, the venue was held outdoors, which made sense because this was a grassroots event.


    A wide avenue on the eastern street was packed with people, and many stalls were set up on the two sides. The stalls mainly belonged to the shops from Treasure City. They brought their stock of spiritual talismans in hopes of selling as many as possible at this event.


    "Wuxie, it''s time for us to leave," Fan Zhen and Bai Lin were waiting outside the inn. The event was about to begin, and they would bete if they dyed any further.


    When the door opened, Liu Wuxie came out donning a light blue robe that gave him an otherworldly appearance. Fan Zhen and Bai Lin followed behind him as he stepped outside.


    "How''s the situation at Old Century Trading?" Liu Wuxie asked.


    "Bei Chengsi has been cooperative. He didn''t contact the Lesser de Association, and the Lesser de Association couldn''t focus on their talismans market, probably due to the eradication of their ck market operation and human trafficking," Fan Zhen replied.


    Bei Chengsi didn''t have high cultivation, but he had been in Treasure City long enough to know the consequences of constantly shifting his allegiances. He knew he only had one oue if he betrayed the Heavenly Dao Society: death.


    "It has been three days since the ck market incident. I''m sure the Lesser de Association will retaliate today, and we should be prepared for a fight," Liu Wuxie said. He felt that the Lesser de Association would show up at the talisman event today to target him.


    After all, Liu Wuxie was the reason why their ck market operation was ruined. Though they didn''t know how their ck market activities were thwarted, they felt it was also rted to him. Even if Liu Wuxie wasn''t the mastermind, the Lesser de Association nned to pin it on him.


    After all, it was too much of a coincidence for their ck market to be affected and their human trafficking operation to be affected next.


    "Should we call for reinforcements?" Bai Lin asked, looking worried.


    "No," Liu Wuxie replied, waving his hand dismissively. No experts in the Astral River Realm could pose a threat to him unless someone from the Nascent Transformation Realm came. If the Lesser de Association dared to resort to violence, he wouldn''t show them mercy.


    After making their way through several streets, the trio reached the eastern street. The talisman event had already begun, with tens of thousands of cultivators gathered here to buy the spiritual talismans that they had long sought.


    Spiritual talismans came in many forms, each representing a different element. This ensured that each talisman was unique, but their power was interlinked with the strength of their creators.


    Aside from selling spiritual talismans, a segment of the event allowed spiritualists to showcase and promote their talismans. The more powerful the talisman, the more buyers it would attract and the greater the boost to the spiritualist''s reputation.

 Chapter 596 - Compensation

    <h4>Chapter 596 - Compensation</h4>


    The broad street was packed to the brim with arge influx of cultivatorsing from the surroundings.


    "Our stall is over there!" Fan Zhen said as he pointed to the right. Old Century Trading had rarely participated in the talisman event in the past, so their stall wasn''t in the prime locationpared to other prominent shops.


    Liu Wuxie wasn''t in a hurry as he strolled the street, ncing at the spiritual talismans at the stalls on both sides of the street. The spiritual talismans were all produced by various masters. He would linger for a moment when he came across those with clear runes and dismiss those that were roughly made without a second nce.


    For the most part, Liu Wuxie only skimmed through the spiritual talismans on disy because these ordinary talismans could no longer catch his eye. He walked for about fifteen minutes, the time to brew a cup of tea. As they drew closer to the Old Century Trading stall, they saw arge crowd gathered ahead.


    Almost every stall was packed with people, but there seemed to be more people gathered at the Old Century Trading stall¡ªinside and out.


    "What garbage spiritual talismans are these? How dare you sell them at such an outrageous price!" A roar echoed from the Old Century Trading stall, attracting the attention of the bystanders in the surroundings.


    Liu Wuxie noticed that there were no spiritual talismans on disy capable of rivaling the ones produced by the Heavenly Dao Society. While Song Ling was less proficient than him, he was leagues ahead of those amateurs.


    "Though there might not seem to be a lot of runes on these talismans, they all possessed extraordinary power," Lan Yu quickly exined. Bei Chengsi stood by the side, nervously wiping sweat from his forehead. He was also taken by surprise by the sudden crowd.


    The crowd grew in numbers, all looking at themotion with curiosity.


    "Extraordinary power? Bullshit! Pack up and get lost! Don''t embarrass yourselves with such pitiful talismans!" mocked a group of youth as they charged forward to rip apart the spiritual talismans ced at the stall,ughing as they wreaked havoc.


    Theirughter echoed even louder when they crushed the talismans and threw them onto the ground.


    Someone in the crowd picked up one spiritual talisman to examine it closely.


    "This is strange...while the runes don''t seemplex, they''re intricate as if they were naturally crafted," someone whispered among the crowd. Many spiritualists gathered in the surroundings, and they could determine if a talisman was of good quality with their keen eyes. The runes on these talismans were vivid, resembling swimming fish. It was certain that these spiritual talismans were of high quality.


    "These spiritual talismans are extraordinary, but I can''t quite put my finger on it. I''ve never seen these spiritual talismans before," murmured another person in the crowd.


    However, no one dared try the talismans. Spiritual talismans weren''t cheap, and people would stick to those they had tried before rather than risk trying an untested one.


    "That looks like our stall," Fan Zhen said as the three squeezed into the crowd.


    "They are the members of the Lesser de Association!" Bai Lin instantly recognized them. He had dealt with the Lesser de Association before and saw several familiar faces.


    Liu Wuxie rarely spent time in the sect, so he wasn''t as familiar with the elite disciples as Bai Lin.


    "They arrived faster than I expected," Liu Wuxie remarked. He had already predicted the Lesser de Association would show up and cause trouble for him, but he didn''t expect them to resort to such a brainless method.


    Many people had gathered before the stall, severely disrupting the business. Others didn''t dare approach, fearing they might provoke the group, and could only stand afar.


    Cutting through the crowd, Liu Wuxie walked steadily toward the stall.


    Upon seeing Liu Wuxie, Lan Yu heaved a sigh of relief. The stall wasn''trge¡ªabout four square meters¡ªbut it had dozens of spiritual talismans on disy. However, most of the spiritual talismans had already been destroyed.


    Some had been ripped apart, while others had been crumbled, greatly reducing their power.


    "Master!" Lan Yu quickly stepped forward to greet Liu Wuxie.


    The youths gathered before the stall also turned to look at Liu Wuxie. When they saw him, murderous intent swept out of them.


    "You people must be from the Lesser de Association. I''m Liu Wuxie, and you can bring out any tricks you have," Liu Wuxie said. He didn''t like to beat around the bush, and he had a clear purpose ining to Treasure City¡ªto crush the Lesser de Association.


    Since the feud between them couldn''t be reconciled, there was no need for him to hide anything.


    "He''s Liu Wuxie?! " The crowd erupted in uproar upon hearing Liu Wuxie''s name. His name had spread throughout Treasure City; everyone knew what he had done in Serene Sea City.


    "What a stud!" Some female cultivators even winked at Liu Wuxie. Thetter donned a simple robe, which exuded the aura of a schr from ancient times.


    "I heard that the Heavenly Dao Society founded by him has been shing with the Lesser de Association in secret and in the open," whispered some Heavenly Treasure Pavilion disciples in the surroundings. They were already aware of the feud between the two factions.


    The voices in the surroundings only attracted more people who wanted to look at Liu Wuxie.


    "Liu Wuxie, you''re not afraid of death, are you? Today will mark your end!" a youth threatened. He was stronger than hispanions, with a cultivation in the Quasi-Astral River Realm.


    Even those in the pinnacle Astral River Realm were nothing more than ants to Liu Wuxie, not to mention someone in the Quasi-Astral River Realm. He could easily kill someone like that with one p.


    "Junior Brother Liu, his name is Bing Kaifu. He''s a spiritualist and formidable in the way of spiritual talismans." Bai Lin had be more acquainted with people after he started managing the Heavenly Dao Society. He had gathered more information on the Lesser de Association through his connections, and Bing Kaifu was one of them.


    "You people destroyed these spiritual talismans?" Liu Wuxie asked, sweeping his gaze over the group. Aside from Bing Kaifu, he regarded the others as little more than trash.


    He nced at the destroyed talismans. Hundreds of them had been destroyed, and they were valued at millions of spirit stones.


    "No one would bother picking up these worthless spiritual talismans even if they were left on the street, and I''m doing everyone a favor by destroying them. This is to ensure these trashy talismans will harm no one," Bing Kaifuughed. He was in a fantastic mood after destroying hundreds of talismans produced by the Heavenly Dao Society.


    In an instant, Liu Wuxie disappeared and reappeared beside Bing Kaifu, delivering a swift p across his left cheek that sent him flying. Bing Kaifu had no time to react and crashed into the group behind him. Everyone stood in shock,pletely caught off guard by Liu Wuxie¡¯s sudden strike.


    "Lan Yu, count the spiritual talismans. They''ll pay for the damages they''ve done," Liu Wuxie said as if he had never moved.


    "Yes, master!" Lan Yu began to calcte the damages caused by the Lesser de Association.


    When Bing Kaifu struggled back to his feet, blood dripped from the corner of his lips, and his face was twisted with rage. He roared, "Liu Wuxie, I''ll fucking kill you!"


    Bing Kaifu wanted to charge over, but hispanions held him down. They knew that Liu Wuxie''s strength was unfathomable, and no one in the Heavenly Phase Realm could face him unless it were someone in the Astral River Realm.


    The Lesser de Association had heard too many tales of Liu Wuxie''s achievements, and he was known for challenging those with a higher cultivation than him. This meant anyone in the same cultivation wouldn''t be his match.


    "Master, I''ve finished the tally. The total loss is 3,400,000 mid-grade spirit stones," Lan Yu reported the damages.


    "Hear that? Hand over 3,400,000 mid-grade spirit stones, or none of you will leave this pce alive," Liu Wuxie dered in an overbearing tone. If these people refused to pay for the damages, he wouldn''t hesitate to take their lives.


    "Don''t even think about getting one spirit stone for us! I advise you to kneel and beg for mercy while you can!" another youth jumped forward. It was puzzling where he¡¯d found the confidence to stand against Liu Wuxie.


    The man''sughter stopped abruptly as a cold ray streaked across the sky. There was a tiny wound on his neck, and Liu Wuxie had ended his life in a split second.


    "Starting from now, I''ll kill one of you every three seconds if you don''t pay for the damages," Liu Wuxie said. The Heretic de was still dripping with blood, and his murderous intent had enveloped the entire eastern street.


    Everyone dropped the spiritual talismans they were checking out and began to gather toward themotion. It was unprecedented for anyone to take another life on the street openly, and Liu Wuxie was definitely the first.


    The members of the Lesser de Association began to tremble in fear, their feet shuffling backward in unison. They hadn''t expected such audacity from Liu Wuxie to kill someone openly in broad daylight.


    "Liu Wuxie, you dare kill a fellow disciple? I''ll report it to the sect!" another youth took a step forward. They were all disciples of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, yet Liu Wuxie had killed one of them.


    The sound of steel cutting through flesh echoed again as the youth''s words were cut short; his life ended swiftly.


    No one dared speak this time, and when they looked at Liu Wuxie, their eyes were filled with fear.


    Even those in the surroundings were terrified by Liu Wuxie''s ruthlessness and weren''t on the same level.


    Liu Wuxie knew when to use force and tactics. When facing this garbage, the simplest method was to suppress them forcibly. He just had to instill fear in them through ughter. Then, the Lesser de Association''s members would be too afraid to provoke him.


    However, his actions caught everyone by surprise because they thought Liu Wuxie wouldn''t dare to take the life of another disciple in broad daylight, but they had clearly underestimated him.


    "Three..."


    "Two..."


    "One..." As Liu Wuxie counted down, he was ready to take another life. The members of the Lesser de Association knew it was futile to escape, not to mention Liu Wuxie''s bizarre de technique could take their lives even if they ran a hundred meters away.


    "Give him the spirit stones!" a bone-chilling voice echoed as a man approached the crowd holding a sheathed curved de.


    "It''s Ye Dao!" someone eximed from the crowd. Many people recognized this youth, the famous Ye Dao. He was a true disciple of the sect, and his strength was on par with Xu Zhi, whom Liu Wuxie killed.


    Liu Wuxie''s act of killing Xu Zhi and Du Weihe wasn''t publicly known to the outside world, and Bei Chengsi hadn¡¯t revealed it to the Lesser de Association.


    Liu Wuxie narrowed his eyes at the sight of Ye Dao. He sensed that this person was also an expert in the de as an overwhelming de intent crashed down on him.


    "Senior Brother Ye!" Bing Kaifu was baffled. He couldn''t understand why they had topensate Liu Wuxie. With Ye Dao present, surely Liu Wuxie wouldn''t dare to act recklessly like before.


    "Since you damaged his goods,pensating him for his losses is the right thing to do," Ye Daomanded, urging Bing Kaifu to pay for the damages.


    Despite feeling reluctant, Bing Kaifu gathered over three million spirit stones and ced them on the stall counter of Old Century Trading.


    "Liu Wuxie, now that you''ve received your payment for the damages, shall we settle the score between us now?" Ye Dao said, his voice turning icy as his de intent locked onto Liu Wuxie. As someone in the Astral River Realm, the power radiating from him was far more intimidating than anything from the Heavenly Phase Realm.

 Chapter 597 - Life and Death

    <h4>Chapter 597 - Life and Death</h4>


    Ye Dao¡¯s gaze was piercing, a bone-chilling de intent radiating from him. He was a formidable opponent¡ªhis strength went beyond appearances. Though his cultivation was only at the second level of the Astral River Realm, hisbat prowess rivaled those at the fourth level.


    Liu Wuxie hadn¡¯t expected the Lesser de Association to have someone this powerful, especially one willing to step forward on their behalf. His curiosity about Qin Dao deepened; what kind of extraordinary charisma did he have tomand such fierce loyalty?


    As Ye Dao¡¯s words echoed, the crowd quickly began to disperse, not wanting to get caught in the crossfire. Those nearby struggled to withstand the force of Ye Dao¡¯s de intent, which shredded their robes, leaving them looking like beggars as they stepped aside, helpless against the fierce aura.


    ¡°You want to fight here?¡± Liu Wuxie asked with a casual smile, ncing around. This ce was far too crowded; a fight would only endanger innocent bystanders.


    Liu Wuxie knew there was no avoiding a confrontation with the Lesser de Association. A direct sh was inevitable, beyond the reach of subtle schemes or negotiations.


    ¡°There¡¯s bound to be a battle between us, but not today,¡± said Ye Dao, shaking his head. He had no intentions of fighting Liu Wuxie today.


    ¡°Get lost if you¡¯re too scared to fight. Don¡¯t hinder us from selling spiritual talismans,¡± Liu Wuxie said in an overbearing tone.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s words left the members of the Lesser de Association gritting their teeth in anger. If they failed to eliminate him today, after such public humiliation, their reputation in Treasure City would be in ruins.


    ¡°I heard that the Heavenly Dao Society is selling spiritual talismans,¡± Ye Dao said, a cold gleam in his eyes. ¡°That means you must be a spiritualist. There¡¯s a showcaseing up, and I expect you won¡¯t disappoint me.¡±


    The spiritual talismans on disy were crafted by various spiritualists present. The spiritualists would take turns showcasing their products and techniques on the stage to boost their sales.


    The higher the poprity, the better the sales, bringing them more resources.


    ¡°You want to challenge me to a duel in talismans?¡± Liu Wuxie smiled. He finally knew why these people hesitated to act. It was thoughtful of them to want to use a talisman duel to kill him.


    ¡°We¡¯re all spiritualists here. It¡¯s not exactly a duel but just a friendly exchange between us. Junior Brother Liu, don¡¯t tell me that you¡¯re afraid?¡± Ye Dao sneered, his wordsced with sarcasm.


    The Lesser de Association had issued their challenge publicly, and the Heavenly Dao Society would lose its reputation if he refused. If he epted, it would be the same as falling into the Lesser de Association¡¯s trap, and they would try and target him under the pretext of a friendly spar. The situation was disadvantageous for Liu Wuxie regardless of his choice.


    Everyone knew that Liu Wuxie was strong inbat and was a powerful alchemist. But rumors had it that others, not him, made the talismans under the Heavenly Dao Society.


    ¡°Amb came to be ughtered. I don¡¯t see why I should refuse,¡± Liu Wuxie responded, epting any challenge that came at him, whether it was a talisman duel or a martialbat.


    A dragon¡¯s roar echoed from within Liu Wuxie upon sensing the powerful de intent, shattering the de aura released by Ye Dao.


    Ye Dao narrowed his eyes, sensing the threat emanating from the short de in Liu Wuxie¡¯s hand. He could tell this wasn¡¯t an ordinary weapon, and the dragon-like roar it emitted only faded once Liu Wuxie sheathed the Heretic de.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± Ye Dao left with everyone else from the Lesser de Association. The duel hadn¡¯t started, and he knew Liu Wuxie wouldn¡¯t flee since he had given his word.


    As the group departed, the crowd gradually dispersed as well. Many had taken the Lesser de Association¡¯s disparaging remarks about the Heavenly Dao Society¡¯s talismans seriously. Reputation was everything for spiritualists, and poor publicity could harm the poprity of their products.


    ¡°Senior Brother Ye, why didn¡¯t we just kill him?¡± Bing Kaifu asked after they returned to the Lesser de Association¡¯s territory. The others were also baffled as they looked at Ye Dao, waiting for an exnation.


    That seemed like the perfect opportunity to eliminate Liu Wuxie. Without Liu Wuxie, the Lesser de Association could slowly regain its former strength. Due to the recent setbacks, the Lesser de Association¡¯s ie was greatly affected, leading many disciples to quit.


    ¡°He¡¯s not as simple as you think. He might be in the Heavenly Phase Realm, but hisbat power isparable to the Astral River Realm. I suspect that he killed Xu Zhi and Du Weihe,¡± Ye Dao said with furrowed brows. Ye Dao had initially considered killing Liu Wuxie, but after meeting him in person, he reconsidered.


    He had sensed immense pressure from Liu Wuxie, so he had suggested a talisman duel instead.


    ¡°How is that possible? Senior Brother Xu Zhi and Du Weihe were both at the second level of the Astral River Realm! Together, they should have easily overpowered Liu Wuxie,¡± Bing Kaifu and the others eximed in disbelief, convinced there had to be someone else behind their deaths.


    ¡°Better safe than sorry. Ye Dao replied. ¡°He¡¯s cunning. Let¡¯s start with a talisman duel, and if that fails... we can consider more direct measures.¡± But even he saw that as ast resort.


    A heavy silence fell over the group as they all recognized this approach as the safer option. They¡¯d already seen Liu Wuxie¡¯s power firsthand, having lost two of their own to him.


    If Ye Dao himself was hesitant to engage, none of them dared to push him into a direct fight.


    The talisman event was already halfway through, and arge stage was ahead with many spiritualists gathered around.


    ¡°Master, the showcase has started. We must build our reputation to sell our spiritual talismans,¡± Lan Yu said. He had already familiarized himself with Treasure City¡¯s market during his time with Old Century Trading.


    Currently, the best-selling spiritual talismanse from shops run by Grandmaster Hai¡¯s disciples, and the Lesser de Association¡¯s spiritual talismans could only be considered mid-tier.


    Grandmaster Hai was a revered nine-star spiritualist renowned for his deep aplishments in spiritual talismans. Over the years, he had taken in many skilled disciples. Their spiritual talismans weren¡¯t cheap either, often priced nearly double the average market price. Even so, their supply couldn¡¯t meet the demand.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go take a look there!¡± Liu Wuxie said. Fan Zhen apanied him while Lan Yu stayed behind.


    The crowd surged forward in waves. Many people weren¡¯t drawn there to buy spiritual talismans but to watch the showcase. There would be duels each month for spiritualists to test their skills.


    Spiritual talismans were different from the martial path. While the martial path relied on fists and kicks, spiritual talismans heavily depended on one¡¯sprehension of spiritual runes. Two simr spiritual talismans could vary in power when crafted by different spiritualists.


    The stage wasrge, and Liu Wuxie saw about fifteen spiritualists. They were all familiar faces to the crowd.


    ¡°Wuxie, are you going up?¡± asked Fan Zhen, standing beside Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°No rush!¡± Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t hurrying to go up on the stage and wanted to observe the standard of these spiritualists.


    ¡°Those three on the left are disciples of Grandmaster Hai. The one on the left is the eldest disciple, Tian Lie. The one in the middle is his second disciple, Lu Jie, and the one on the right is the youngest, Wei Pengtian. Though Wei Pengtian is the youngest, he has the highest talent,¡± Fan Zhen said as he introduced the three disciples of Grandmaster Hai.


    Most people on the stage were seven-star spiritualists, and the only eight-star spiritualists were disciples of Grandmaster Hai.


    Liu Wuxie took note of their names, waiting for the arrival of the Lesser de Association¡¯s members. He waited roughly five minutes before Ye Dao and Bing Kaifu entered the stage.


    They were both spiritualists. In addition to the spiritualists imprisoned by the Lesser de Association, most talismans came from them.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie,e up!¡± Ye Dao said, looking at Liu Wuxie. The impending duel between them was well-known, so no one was surprised.


    With a sh, Liu Wuxie appeared on the stage in response to Ye Dao¡¯s words.


    Upon hearing Liu Wuxie¡¯s name, Grandmaster Hai¡¯s disciples turned their attention over. They were all disciples of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion and had also heard of Liu Wuxie¡¯s name.


    However, no one stepped forward to greet Liu Wuxie due to his notorious fame.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, I challenge you to a duel. The power of the spiritual talismans will determine the winner,¡± Bing Kaifu said, not allowing Liu Wuxie to speak.


    The other spiritualists turned over in surprise. It was mainly because they were here to contemte the ws in their spiritual talismans by learning from others and promoting their products.


    It had been a long time since there was a duel between spiritualists. After all, no one would duel unless they had a life-and-death feud. Most feuds could be resolved peacefully; this was the first time anyone would publicly conduct their duel.


    ¡°Life and death on the line!¡± Liu Wuxie replied. This meant whoever lost the duel would have to die.


    ¡°Agreed!¡± Bing Kaifu agreed without any hesitation.


    Murderous intent filled the stage; it was toote for the other spiritualists to intervene. Bing Kaifu had issued his challenge the moment he went onto the stage to prevent anyone from stopping him.


    ¡°Grandmaster Hai has arrived!¡± An uproar came from the crowd as a grey-robed elder descended onto the stage, filled with a sage-like demeanor.


    When he arrived, his three disciples rushed forward. They greeted in unison, ¡°Greetings, master!¡±


    Only Grandmaster Hai had the luxury of visiting the talisman event each time. He waved his hand and said, ¡°Rise.¡±


    When he noticed the murderous intent on the stage, he frowned and turned his attention over. He saw many unfamiliar faces, including Liu Wuxie and Ye Dao. As Bing Kaifu had participated in the talisman event in the past, he naturally recognized thetter.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on here?¡± he inquired. Though new faces asionally appeared at the event, today''s murderous intent was unusual.


    Tian Lie quickly exined the due that was about the start between Liu Wuxie and Bing Kaifu to Grandmaster Hai.


    Upon hearing Liu Wuxie¡¯s name, a hint of murderous intent shed in Grandmaster Hai¡¯s eyes with his brows knitted. Though subtle, Liu Wuxie caught the shift, leaving him puzzled as to why Elder Hai harbored such enmity toward him on their very first meeting.

 Chapter 598 - Inexplicable Feud

    <h4>Chapter 598 - Inexplicable Feud</h4>


    The murderous intent released by Grandmaster Hai upon meeting Liu Wuxie for the first time was baffling. Noticing this, his disciples were left terrified. Over the years they had spent studying under Grandmaster Hai, this was the first time they had seen such murderous intenting from their master.


    "So, you''re Liu Wuxie?" Grandmaster Hai approached him. As an elder of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, he was a lofty existence, and wouldn''t resort to something like killing Liu Wuxie in public. Still, a flicker of rage could be seen in his eyes.


    "That''s me. What guidance do you have for me?" Liu Wuxie asked, curious about what this person had to say and even briefly wondering if Grandmaster Hai was affiliated with the Lesser de Association.


    However, he soon dismissed that thought because Ye Dao wasn''t familiar with Grandmaster Hai''s three disciples.


    "Do you realize that the sect¡¯s pill sales have plummeted because of you?" Grandmaster Hai questioned, suppressing his anger.


    Liu Wuxie finally found the reason for the inexplicable murderous intent from earlier. After all, news had already spread about the demonic trait in the pills, leading many people to cancel their orders and turn to the Azure Crimson Gate instead. This was a significant blow to the sect, and Liu Wuxie would be a sinner if he couldn''t reverse the damage he had inadvertently caused.


    "How high and mighty! Even the sect master hasn''t punished me for it; who are you to question me?" Liu Wuxie replied. Since Grandmaster Hai wasn''t going to be polite, he saw no need to be polite either.


    Everyone knew that Liu Wuxie exposing the demonic traits in the pills refined by the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion would ultimately benefit the sect rather than harming it. After all, if the issue became too widespread to contain, the damage would be irreversible. However, it could still be rectified for now, and there were already advertisements for the new pills introduced by Liu Wuxie.


    The pills were twice as effective as the Earth Origin Pills, yet they cost only half the price. Not only were they non-toxic, but they could even cleanse the body. Everyone was waiting to see the pills¡¯ effects before cing their orders.


    There was nothing wrong with Liu Wuxie¡¯s words. If the sect intended to punish him, they would''ve done it long ago.


    Deep down, Grandmaster Hai also knew that the sect''s alchemists were to me and that the demonic traits in the pills would eventually be exposed sooner orter.


    "This isn''t a ce for someone like you. Get lost!" Grandmaster Hai barked, ordering Liu Wuxie to leave. He was a nine-star Spiritualist with a revered status, and anyone wanting to attend the event would need his approval.


    "I respect your status as an elder, but that doesn''t mean I''m afraid of you. This is a public venue, so who the fuck do you think you are to order me to leave?" Liu Wuxie said with a sneer, his words causing Grandmaster Hai''s body to tremble in anger.


    "Liu Wuxie, how dare you speak to my master this way!" Grandmaster Hai''s eldest disciple immediately defended his master. Being disrespectful to their master was the same as being disrespectful to them, and they naturally had to stand up for their master as disciples.


    "You''re right, but what can you do to me?" Liu Wuxie retorted, his fighting spirit zing. So what if Grandmaster Hai was an expert in the Nascent Transformation Realm? If he dared to stand in his way today, he wouldn''t mind killing an elder of the sect.


    Liu Wuxie stood unyielding on the stage, and no one could challenge his resolve. If he left because Grandmaster Hai ordered him to, what face would he have to remain in Treasure City?


    "Qing Mu was right. He should''ve killed you when he had the chance," Grandmaster Hai said, his body trembling in anger. He couldn''t act because many people were present, not to mention Liu Wuxie wasn''t at fault, nor did he vite the sect''s rules.


    In fact, Grandmaster Hai could not judge him even if he had vited the sect''s rules. That was Elder Tian Xing''s duty.


    Liu Wuxie''s lips curled into a sneer, and he finally knew why Grandmaster Hai had such a grudge against him.


    "If I''m not mistaken, you must have a good rtionship with that old bastard, Qing Mu, right?" Liu Wuxie was probably the first to address an elder of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion as an old bastard.


    Many spectators were left shocked because that was the same as burning every chance of reconciliation with Qing Mu. Then again, Liu Wuxie had no need to be polite since they already had a feud.


    "Brat, if not for you, Qing Mu wouldn''t have been demoted to an ordinary elder, and lost his position as the chief alchemist. This is all your fault!" Grandmaster Hai roared.


    Liu Wuxie didn''t know that Qing Mu had been demoted to an ordinary elder as he had been in Treasure City for the past few days. Thus, he was unaware of what had transpired within the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    "Just for those words, I swear that I will take your life!" Liu Wuxie told Grandmaster Hai.


    "What arrogance! You must get through us first before getting to our master!" With Tian Lie taking the lead, Grandmaster Hai''s three disciples stood in a row before Liu Wuxie, their murderous intent fully released.


    This scene brought a smile to the faces of the Lesser de Association''s members. They didn''t expect Grandmaster Hai to be at odds with Liu Wuxie, and the situation was increasingly favorable to the Lesser de Association.


    "Liu Wuxie, you have sparked public outrage. I advise you to end your life now," Bing Kaifu said with augh. He was determined that today would mark Liu Wuxie''s death, and no one, including Lan Yu and the others, would leave this ce alive.


    "You think trash like you can kill me? What a joke!" Liu Wuxie sneered in disdain. Even Grandmaster Hai was unworthy of polishing his shoes when it came to the art of spiritual talismans.


    The tension grew, and the spectators became frenzied. After all, it had been a long time since the talisman event had been so lively. Previously, everyone would only go onstage to showcase their spiritual talismans.


    "Grandmaster Hai, we have signed a Life-and-Death Pledge. Can you act as a judge to ensure that Liu Wuxie doesn¡¯t go back on our agreement when I defeat himter?" Bing Kaifu cupped his fists, seeking to have Grandmaster Hai oversee their duel.


    The two had already consented to the Life-and-Death Pledge, and Grandmaster Hai''s arrival had interrupted them.


    "Very well. I will be your witness," Grandmaster Hai said. The person with the lower talisman level was sure to die in this duel. Such deadlypetitions had happened for centuries¡ªbe they in martial arts, alchemy, or formations.


    "Liu Wuxie, are you ready to die?" Bing Kaifu roared, a spiritual talisman already in his hand. He was a mere six-star Spiritualist, and Liu Wuxie didn''t know where he got the confidence to challenge him.


    "Let''s begin!" Liu Wuxie didn''t want to waste time talking and took out a sixth-grade talisman paper from his interspatial ring.


    The surrounding discussion gradually died, with everyone''s attention locked on the two. Other Spiritualists stepped back, not wanting to get caught in the crossfire. Those two were formidable and weren''t someone ordinary spiritualists like them could provoke.


    "Where did Liu Wuxie get the confidence to challenge Bing Kaifu? He''s courting death!" Discussions of this sort could be heard from below.


    Liu Wuxie''s name was widely known, but few, if any, had heard of him in the context of spiritual runes. Aside from a handful of close associates, most people only knew him because of his exceptional talent in the martial path and alchemy. Even then, no one had seen his alchemy skills before. Bi Gongyu produced most of the pills made by the sect.


    "Perhaps there will really be a miracle," some spectators murmured. They were still optimistic about Liu Wuxie¡¯s victory because of his undeniable achievements in the past year. If he didn''t have the strength to back it up, he would''ve been killed long ago.


    Bing Kaifu began engraving spiritual runes onto the talisman paper, and soon, dozens of runes adorned the talisman. His talent was undeniable, but it was a pity that he used it on the wrong path.


    His spiritual talismans were violent, with each rune resembling a twisted tree branch. A true spiritual talisman would be smooth and graceful, a mark of a well-crafted talisman.


    Liu Wuxie wasn''t in a hurry and allowed the talisman paper to hover before him. He waited till Bing Kaifu was half-done before he started on his talisman. The moment he moved, ripples began to appear in the surrounding space.


    This made Grandmaster Hai squint his eyes and feel chills down his spine. Liu Wuxie''s movement was simple but natural, as if he had embodied heaven and earth.


    Spiritual runes hovered in the air and swirled as they gathered towards Liu Wuxie, a scene that shocked countless people. Neither Grandmaster Hai, his three disciples, nor Ye Dao could believe what they were seeing.


    "This must be a coincidence!" The Lesser de Association members tried to reassure themselves, thinking Liu Wuxie''s feat was nothing but a fluke. Forming a resonance with the heavens and the earth was thought of as mere luck, as creating a talisman required extreme control.


    With rapid taps in session, Liu Wuxie''s fingers emitted a faint golden radiance that danced around them. Spiritual runes spiraled in the air, and the surrounding Spiritualists exchanged looks of shock.


    Regardless of whether Liu Wuxie could create a good talisman, his technique alone had surpassed everyone present. Even Grandmaster Hai couldn''t manage it with such ease. Under Liu Wuxie''s control, the spiritual runes danced like fishes.


    Though many spectators weren''t Spiritualists, they had witnessed the crafting of spiritual talismans before. However, none of the techniques they had seen couldpare to Liu Wuxie¡¯s. Their eyes were all fixed on Liu Wuxie, mesmerized by his skill.


    Just a moment ago, everyone''s attention was still on Bing Kaifu. But in just the blink of an eye, tens of thousands of eyes were focused on Liu Wuxie''s hand.


    As Bing Kaifu crafted his spiritual talisman, he also noticed the surroundings. The unexpected events rattled him and nearly caused his talisman to crumble.


    "Bing Kaifu, stay focused!" Ye Dao reminded him.


    Guiding and engraving spiritual runes were two different concepts. It was like understanding the cultivation method of a martial technique but being unable to execute it in actualbat due to tack of talent.


    Although Liu Wuxie had caused a heaven-and-earth resonance, it was still unknown if he could craft an actual spiritual talisman. With gentle taps of his right hand, aplete spiritual rune was embedded on the talisman.


    When the spiritual rune appeared on the talisman, the talisman began emitting a faint golden radiance that illuminated the surroundings.


    This scene shocked all the spectators. They realized they had severely underestimated Liu Wuxie''s talent for crafting spiritual talismans. This was true of Grandmaster Hai as well.


    While others couldn''tprehend what Liu Wuxie was doing, he could tell that his skills in spiritual talismans had reached an extraordinary height.

 Chapter 599 - Tenth Level

    <h4>Chapter 599 - Tenth Level</h4>


    The spiritual talisman released a dazzling golden brilliance when the first spiritual rune was engraved.


    Many people were forced to shut their eyes due to the dazzling brilliance that shed before them. They couldn¡¯t believe what they saw¡ªLiu Wuxie¡¯s talisman emitting a golden radiance. Compared to Liu Wuxie, Bing Kaifu¡¯s spiritual talisman seemed ordinary.


    That was only the first spiritual rune. When the second spiritual rune appeared on the talisman, it began to shine with an even brighter golden radiance. Though it was only a sixth-grade spiritual talisman, the talisman produced by Liu Wuxie could rival that of an eighth-grade spiritual talisman.


    ¡°What kind of talisman is that? Why have I never seen it before?¡± Many people in the crowd were baffled.


    Bing Kaifu¡¯s spiritual talisman was a Fire Maniption Talisman, welding mes to defeat his opponent. However, no one could recognize the spiritual talisman that Liu Wuxie was forging, and the power remained a mystery to everyone.


    Then again, once they were done crafting, everyone would know whose spiritual talismans were stronger. The power of spiritual talismans could be categorized into ten levels, and most spiritual talismans on the market were only between the fourth and sixth levels. Reaching the seventh level was enough to stand out from everyone.


    As time slowly ticked, Bing Kaifupleted his spiritual talisman, and aplete Fire Maniption Talisman appeared before everyone, hovering in the air like a fireball.


    Perhaps driven by the pressure, Bing Kaifu''s Fire Maniption Talisman was much higher quality than usual. He wiped the sweat from his forehead as forging this Talisman had exhausted most of his true essence.


    On the other hand, Liu Wuxie was still crafting his spiritual talisman, but he looked rxedpared to Bing Kaifu. Thisparison alone was enough for everyone to determine who had higher attainment in spiritual runes.


    ¡°This is strange... his spiritual talismans seem almost alive!¡± The talisman paper pulsed rhythmically, like a heartbeat, leaving onlookers in disbelief that such mastery was possible.


    ¡°Something¡¯s off¡ªthe alignment of his charm differs from everyone. The spiritual talismans found in the market all have their spiritual runes aligned in rows, but it¡¯s reversed for him,¡± someonemented.


    This was also why the spiritual talismans at Old Century Trading¡¯s stall remained unsold. The techniques used to craft them differed entirely from those on the market.


    ¡°He¡¯s just putting on a show. Let¡¯s see how he will make a fool out of himself!¡± Many people thought that Liu Wuxie was just putting on a show purposefully. After all, his technique was different from everyone else''s, and their techniques had been perfected through generations.


    Everyone considered Liu Wuxie a clown, who was trying to draw attention to himself. Amid the jeers, Liu Wuxie remained calm andposed. He knew the Lesser de Association members were trying to pressure him through the crowd.


    When thest spiritual rune fell onto the spiritual talisman, the golden radiance vanished, and an ordinary talisman appeared in Liu Wuxie¡¯s hand. With that, the life-and-death duel with their lives on the line was nearing an end.


    ¡°Go test it on the testing pir!¡± urged the Lesser de Association members, beckoning the two to test the power of their spiritual talismans.


    A testing pir was set up to measure the power of spiritual talismans, with a grading system divided into ten levels. Since both spiritual talismans were sixth-grade, their power likely fell within the fifth or sixth level on the pir.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, let¡¯s see how you will die!¡± Bing Kaifu stepped forward and headed to the other end of the street.


    As a talisman event was held each month, a testing pir had already been ced there long ago. Everyone quickly rushed over, and the pir was ten-odd meters away from where they were.


    Bing Kaifu threw his spiritual talisman into the pir¡¯s opening and controlled it with his will. The pir gave a loud rumble, and the lights representing the levels lit up one by one. The spiritual talisman reached the sixth level in the blink of an eye before slowing down.


    ¡°Sixth level! Impressive!¡± Tian Lie apuded. The fact that Bing Kaifu could craft a sixth-level spiritual talisman had surpassed most of the spiritual talismans avable on the market. Even the spiritual talismans he crafted and his two fellow disciples barely reached the sixth level.


    Next was Liu Wuxie¡¯s turn. Apart from the golden brilliance from the start, the spiritual talisman he crafted looked ordinary.


    Standing before the testing pir, Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t in a hurry to insert his spiritual talisman and looked around at the crowd. An icy smile crept on his lips as he noted the faces of those who were mocking him earlier; he would soon give them a resounding p on their faces.


    He inserted the spiritual talisman into the testing pir, and it exploded under his control. The explosion was like an earthquake that nearly toppled the testing pir, causing a tremor in the surroundings.


    The levels on the testing pir began to light up rapidly. It was just on the second level earlier, but it had risen to the seventh level in the blink of an eye, and this scene caught everyone by surprise. But it didn¡¯t stop there and soon reached the ninth level.


    ¡°This is impossible! How can his spiritual talismans be so powerful?¡± The Lesser de Association members eximed, unable to ept this oue.


    The testing pir had been here for decades and never once malfunctioned. But today, it felt like knives stabbing into their hearts to watch the grid being lit up on the pir. A faint sense of humiliation spread across the faces of those who had mocked Liu Wuxie earlier, like a resounding p thatnded on their cheek.


    ¡°The tenth grid has lit up!¡± the crowd gasped. Everyone knew that the spiritual talisman produced by Liu Wuxie most likely held power beyond the tenth level, as the light reverberated with lingering energy.


    However, the surprises weren¡¯t over as cracks spread across the testing pir.


    The crowd was shocked. They couldn¡¯t believe a sixth-grade spiritual talisman could damage the testing pir.


    Bing Kaifu stood frozen, his face flushed with humiliation. His spiritual talisman was nothing but trashpared to Liu Wuxie¡¯s.


    Ye Dao¡¯s eyes shed with murderous intent. Even he didn¡¯t expect Liu Wuxie¡¯s spiritual talismans to be so powerful; they had all underestimated him.


    Even Grandmaster Hai was still in shock, and his three disciples stared with disbelief. For years, their spiritual talismans had monopolized the market in Treasure City, but Liu Wuxie had crushed everyone present.


    If there was no surprise, the spiritual talismans produced by the Heavenly Dao Society would sweep through Treasure City like wildfire, not to mention their prices were fair and were even slightly lower than the ordinary spiritual talismans on the market.


    Who wouldn¡¯t want a better spiritual talisman if they had a choice?


    ¡°You must¡¯ve cheated! What did you add to your spiritual talisman to create such a spectacle!¡± Bing Kaifu roared, using Liu Wuxie. None of them had seen such an overwhelming power from a spiritual talisman, and they could only assume a foul y by Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie had a reputation for his wits, like how he had killed so many Azure Crimson Gate disciples.


    ¡°That¡¯s right, he must¡¯ve cheated!¡± The other Lesser de Association members mored to condemn Liu Wuxie.


    This time, the crowd was silent, and no one mocked him. After all, how could anyone cheat on the spiritual talisman?


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, how dare you cheat!¡± Tian Lie roared. He stood out to support Bing Kaifu.


    Even Grandmaster Hai supported Bing Kaifu, which brought smiles to the faces of the Lesser de Association.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, surrender and admit defeat! The life and death duel is over!¡± Bing Kaifu gave Tian Lie a grateful look and was confident that Liu Wuxie would die with Grandmaster Hai present.


    Before long, arge crowd began condemning Liu Wuxie, using him of cheating at the talisman event and iming he must be courting death.


    However, few remained silent. How could one cheat to reach the tenth level on a spiritual talisman? Even if Liu Wuxie cheated, he managed to produce spiritual talismans at the power of the tenth level, something that only those in the True Profound Realm could produce.


    ¡°I¡¯ve finally seen what it means to lie through one¡¯s teeth. You people are shameless,¡± Liu Wuxie said as a terrifying chill enveloped the entire eastern street. He wouldn¡¯t rest until everyone from the Lesser de Association was killed.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, how dare you insult us! Die!¡± With Ye Dao present, Bing Kaifu became bold and lunged at Liu Wuxie with his sword.


    Ye Dao also ced his hand on his de, ready to intervene when Bing Kaifu was in danger. He had absolute faith in his desmanship and was confident no one could avoid his fatal strike.


    However, he soon realized that he had overestimated himself. Even if his de was fast, Liu Wuxie¡¯s de was ten times faster.


    The moment Bing Kaifu moved, the Heretic de had already been unsheathed. The de swung out across Bing Kaifu¡¯s neck, iming his life in an instant.


    This left Ye Dao frozen in ce, shocked by Liu Wuxie¡¯s desmanship.


    ¡°What speed!¡± gasped someone in the crowd, followed by a series of inhales. No one saw how Liu Wuxie drew his de.


    Bing Kaifu was frozen in ce, maintaining an attacking posture. He couldn¡¯t take another step forward with blood dripping down his neck.


    ¡°Ye Dao, you want to fight?¡± Liu Wuxie turned to look at Ye Dao with a hint of mockery hanging on his lips. If Ye Dao dared to move, Liu Wuxie wouldn¡¯t hesitate to strike him down instantly.


    After a moment of hesitation, Ye Dao slowly withdrew his hand from his de. He hadn¡¯t even seen how Liu Wuxie drew his weapon.


    Liu Wuxie had long grasped the essence of True Strike, reaching a great mastery in the speed and uracy of this technique.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, you dare kill someone in front of my master? You¡¯re courting death!¡± Tian Lie was enraged. The fact that Liu Wuxie dared to kill someone before them was a disregard for them.


    ¡°Who the fuck do you think you are? You can¡¯t even be considered garbage in my eyes,¡± Liu Wuxie insulted, including Grandmaster Hai.


    ¡°You¡¯re courting death!¡± Tian Lie was enraged, wanting to attack Liu Wuxie with his sword.


    ¡°Stop!¡± Grandmaster Hai¡¯s voice echoed. He had seen how Liu Wuxie had attacked earlier, and he would have been heavily injured if caught by surprise. That de was too powerful and contained tens of thousands of variations. This was also why the most straightforward attack tended to be capable of unleashing the greatest power.

 Chapter 600 - Another Duel

    <h4>Chapter 600 - Another Duel</h4>


    Grandmaster Hai stopped his disciple, who wouldn¡¯t even know how he died if he rushed in. The fact that Liu Wuxie could survive this long wasn¡¯t entirely due to his wits but also hisbat skills.


    Furthermore, Grandmaster Hai sensed that someone might be guarding Liu Wuxie from the shadows. It was perplexing how the House of Tea Art had shielded Liu Wuxie in Serene Sea City, hinting at the presence of hidden experts. This possibility made Grandmaster Hai wary, prompting him to tread carefully in his actions.


    ¡°Master, Liu Wuxie dared to take another life in front of you, disrupting the talisman event. He should be executed!¡± Tian Lie growled, barely suppressing his anger. His junior brothers weren¡¯t in any better position because they were gripping tight on their swords, ready to strike at any moment.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, you dare take another life in my presence? If you don¡¯t give me an exnation today, don¡¯t even think about leaving this ce alive!¡± Grandmaster Hai stopped his disciples from attacking, but that didn¡¯t mean he would let Liu Wuxie off. If he didn¡¯t kill kim, his name would plummet.


    ¡°Oh? You want to make a move against me?¡± Liu Wuxie looked at Grandmaster Hai with a mocking smile. If thetter dared to strike, Liu Wuxie would counter with the Earth-Binding Chains and Heavenly Dragon Seal, determined to peel ayer of skin off Grandmaster Hai even if he couldn¡¯t kill him.


    ¡°I¡¯ll kill you today to cleanse the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion!¡± Grandmaster Hai roared.


    His words won him apuse from the Lesser de Association. ¡°He must be a spy sent by the Azure Crimson Gate to defame the pills of our Heavenly Treasure Pavilion!¡±


    Grandmaster Hai slowly advanced toward Liu Wuxie, his murderous intent radiating from him. Qing Mu was his best friend, and he could give his friend a gift by killing Liu Wuxie today.


    However, Liu Wuxie merely stood still, unfazed.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, kneel and beg for mercy!¡± the Lesser de Association members yelled.


    Ye Dao sheathed his de. He knew he didn¡¯t need to intervene as Grandmaster Hai would kill Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Old bastard, you think someone like you can kill me? What a joke!¡± Liu Wuxie sneered.


    He naturally had his own trump cards, which gave him the confidence to disrupt the Lesser de Association¡¯s sales channel and enter Treasure City alone. However, he preferred not to rely on them unless absolutely necessary, as doing so might hinder his ns in the long term.


    Grandmaster Hai trembled angrily and struck Liu Wuxie with all his might. His attack bore down like a mountain, leveling the nearby buildings and showcasing his power in the Nascent Transformation Realm.


    This was the true power of someone in the Nascent Transformation Realm, capable of ripping through space with theirws. Thews formed a prison that trapped Liu Wuxie within, leaving him no room to escape.


    The spectators all backed a thousand meters away, fearing getting caught in the crossfire.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s hair tie snapped, and the Heretic de appeared in his hand, ready to strike. But right then, a grey figure tore through space and appeared before Liu Wuxie, shattering Grandmaster Hai¡¯sws manifestation with a resounding p.


    Grandmaster Hai was storming in Liu Wuxie¡¯s direction earlier. But the next moment, he was sent flying, spinning in the air before crashing to the ground.


    No one had expected that an expert would lurk nearby, attacking Grandmaster Hai all of a sudden.


    ¡°Yi Xuan, how dare you?!¡± Grandmaster Hai struggled back to his feet. He had broken a few bones, with blood trickling down his lips.


    ¡°How dare you raise your hand against a disciple being an elder? Don¡¯t you feel ashamed? Yi Xuan retorted, his voiceced with disdain. ¡°I¡¯ve already held back out of respect for your status as an elder. Step back! This is a conflict between the younger generation¡ªdon¡¯t you feel any embarrassment interfering in their affairs?¡±


    Ever since Yi Xuan¡¯s grandson had been healed and he¡¯d in an elder of the Azure Crimson Gate, he had gradually reimed his fierce spirit. Liu Wuxie¡¯s actions in Serene Sea City had only strengthened Yi Xuan¡¯s loyalty toward him.


    Grandmaster Hai was left momentarily speechless by Yi Xuan¡¯s pointed words. Yi Xuan was right; it was indeed unbing for an elder to meddle in a conflict between the younger generation.


    ¡°This brat dares to cheat in my territory, and it¡¯s only right for me to kill him!¡± Grandmaster Hai snapped. Despite his low rank within the Nascent Transformation Realm, his status relied heavily on his position as a spiritualist. Without it, he would hold little authority.


    On the other hand, Yi Xuan was at the pinnacle of the Nascent Transformation Realm.


    ¡°All these years, and you¡¯ve learned nothing. How dare you im to be a grandmaster in spiritual talismans? In my eyes, the spiritual talismans you crafted are nothing but rubbishedpared to Liu Wuxie¡¯s,¡± said Yi Xuan.


    Grandmaster Hai¡¯s expression darkened as Yi Xuan repeatedly humiliated him, even challenging his pride in the field of spiritual talismans. How could he simply endure this?


    ¡°That¡¯s nonsense!¡± Grandmaster Hai retorted. ¡°A tenth-level spiritual talisman is nothing but legend. When has one ever appeared in the Southern Province? There¡¯s only one exnation for this¡ªhe cheated!¡± He was clearly struggling to defend his own limitations; after all, his own skill was capped at crafting eighth-level talismans, with ninth and tenth-levels well beyond his reach.


    ¡°You¡¯re nothing but a frog at the bottom of a well, oblivious to the vast sky beyond,¡± Yi Xuan sneered. He knew well of Liu Wuxie¡¯s mastery over spiritual talismans. After all, Song Ling¡¯s expertise in talismans stemmed directly from Liu Wuxie¡¯s teachings, and if the disciple¡¯s skill was that high, what more could be expected of the master?


    ¡°Since you im that he hasn¡¯t cheated, does he dare to prove it with a duel¡ªright here, with no testing pir, with me?¡± Tian Lie stepped forward and proposed a challenge.


    Tian Lie knew brute force wouldn¡¯t work against Liu Wuxie; his only hope for revengey in other methods. Yi Xuan had already stated he¡¯d interfere if elders intervened in the conflict between juniors, but since Grandmaster Hai had done just that, Tian Lie seized his opportunity.


    Three days ago, when Liu Wuxie had left the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, Tian Xing had asked Yi Xuan to protect Liu Wuxie, fearing that Liu Wuxie might run into danger.


    Tian Xing held control of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, while Yi Xuan handled the Treasure City. The two worked together seamlessly, and Liu Wuxie had been aware of Yi Xuan¡¯s presence nearby, but he wouldn¡¯t call upon him under normal circumstances.


    Yi Xuan turned to Liu Wuxie, silently seeking his opinion. He had no real obligation to step into Tian Lie¡¯s challenge, as he wasn¡¯t a member of the Heavenly Dao Society. His support for Liu Wuxie was driven by goodwill alone, and having aided Liu Wuxie in eliminating the Azure Crimson Gate expert and repelling Grandmaster Hai, he felt he¡¯d repaid any debt owed.


    ¡°You want to challenge me?¡± Liu Wuxie asked, amused, with a cold smirk.


    Tian Lie let out a menacingugh, ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Are you afraid? I won¡¯t stop until I¡¯ve killed you today!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll grant your wish since you¡¯re courting death!¡± Liu Wuxie replied, epting the challenge.


    The air between the two parties became tense, and Tian Lie was confident. His attainment in spiritual talismans was unmatched in the Treasure City, surpassing Ye Dao.


    Grandmaster Hai was helped to his feet by his two disciples, Lu Jie and Wei Pengtian. Though he had only suffered a few broken bones, he knew that if Elder Yi Xuan had unleashed his full power, he would likely have been a corpse.


    The crowd retreated to clear space because the stage had long been ruined from the previous duel.


    Tian Lie wasted no time and took out a seventh-grade talisman paper. His technique had vastly exceeded Bing Kaifu.


    Liu Wuxie had also produced a seventh-grade talisman paper from his interspatial ring, causing gasps in the surroundings.


    ¡°He¡¯s only in the Heavenly Phase Realm, but he knows how to craft a seventh-grade talisman?¡± many wondered in confusion.


    ¡°He¡¯s only showing off here because Elder Yi Xuan is here to back him up!¡± The Lesser de Association members sneered. If not for Elder Yi Xuan, Liu Wuxie would¡¯ve died by now.


    The situation had changed, and they could only try to kill Liu Wuxie through a duel.


    ¡°Senior brother, kill him!¡± Lu Jie stepped forward to support his senior brother.


    Nodding to his junior brother, Tian Lie waved his hand and began converging spiritual runes in the surroundings, eliciting cheers from the onlookers.


    ¡°What an excellent technique!¡± Many spiritualists praised it. They were more familiar with Tian Lie¡¯s technique, unlike Liu Wuxie¡¯s.


    Amid the apuse, Tian Lie¡¯s hands moved swiftly, with each spiritual rune wrapped around the talisman paper like a serpent. In just one breath, dozens of spiritual runes had appeared neatly aligned on the talisman paper.


    The spiritual runes were high quality, and it was certain to ensure that this would turn out to be a seventh-grade spiritual talisman.


    On the contrary, Liu Wuxie¡¯s movements were like before, causing ripples in the air with a single stroke.


    This time, everyone watched closely and even used a Memory Talisman to record Liu Wuxie¡¯s technique. They watched for a long time and couldn¡¯t detect any excess movements, not to mention cheating. It was a disy of raw skill.


    Spiritual runes appeared one after another before Liu Wuxie and flew into the talisman paper as if an invisible force had drawn them.


    ¡°What an ingenious technique! Could his skill really surpass ours by that much?¡± murmured several spiritualists, their confidence beginning to waver as they watched Liu Wuxie¡¯s seamless movements, each action as fluid as flowing water.


    Grandmaster Hai¡¯s eye twitched with a deep unease settling over him. Liu Wuxie¡¯s technique was too advanced, and each movement was smooth, like flowing water.


    Tian Lie¡¯s performance also drew apuse from the surroundings, and he was done crafting his spiritual talisman after fifteen minutes. This was a Heavenly me Talisman, and it could unleash zing mes to incinerate his opponent if thrown out.


    This talisman was highly sought after in Treasure City and valued at tens of thousands of spirit stones. It was so popr that the supply couldn¡¯t meet the demand.


    Shortly after, Liu Wuxie was also done crafting his spiritual talisman, but there was no golden glow this time. This made everyone wonder if this insignificant-looking talisman could unleash such power. No one knew, and they could only wait for the result.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, the rules are simple. You take my spiritual talisman head-on, and I¡¯ll take yours¡ªno holding back, life or death!¡± Tian Lie said with a ferocious gleam in his eyes.

 Chapter 601 - Heaven-Sundering Seal

    <h4>Chapter 601 - Heaven-Sundering Seal</h4>


    Tian Lie proposed an unexpected challenge that caused an uproar among the crowd. This duel was set to be harsher than a duel of life and death.


    This meant the two parties would attack each other with the spiritual talismans they crafted. The stronger the power, the higher the odds of killing the other party. But there was a critical question: who would strike first?


    If Tian Lie attacked first and killed Liu Wuxie, it would be pointless even if Liu Wuxie''s spiritual talisman was much stronger in power and vice versa. There was another method: the two spiritual talismans were released simultaneously, and Tian Lie should choose this method.


    "That''s a good idea. You can go first," Liu Wuxie said with a cruel smile.


    "Liu Wuxie, no!" Yi Xuan objected. If Tian Lie went first, he would gain the advantage over the duel, putting Liu Wuxie at risk of severe injury or even death.


    Everyone was also surprised after hearing what Liu Wuxie said. No one could believe that Liu Wuxie proposed to let Tian Lie go first.


    "Thank you, Elder Yi Xuan, but such garbage spiritual talisman won''t be able to harm me," Liu Wuxie reassured. He appreciated Yi Xuan''s concern, but the power of Tian Lie''s spiritual talisman was onlyparable to the fifth level of the Astral River Realm at best. Liu Wuxie was confident he could withstand it with his physique.


    With the power of the True Dragon Physique and the aura of the deste world reinforcing him, it was nearly impossible for Tian Lie to kill Liu Wuxie.


    Elder Yi Xuan couldn''t say anything after hearing Liu Wuxie''s confident speech.


    Meanwhile, Tian Lie contemted how to strike first, but Liu Wuxie had proposed it, ying right into his hand.


    "Liu Wuxie, you''ve brought this upon yourself, so don''t me me!" Tian Lie let out a sinisterughter. Without dy, the Heavenly me Talisman in his hand streaked across the air like a redet and descended from the sky, enveloping Liu Wuxie in its ze.


    The Heavenly me Talisman erupted into raging mes like a colossal fireball had fallen upon Liu Wuxie, engulfing a radius of hundreds of meters in the fire.


    This was a terrifying sight to behold¡ªeven someone in the high levels of the Astral River Realm wouldn¡¯t survive the st.


    The heat was so intense that it melted the ground, transforming the stones into moltenva. The walls on the two sides also cracked under the searing temperature.


    Trees also caught on fire under high temperatures, transforming their surroundings into a sea of mes.


    The temperature soared to thousands of degrees at the core, hot enough to evaporate any cultivator in the Heavenly Phase Realm in a split second.


    "What a terrifying Heavenly me Talisman! This spiritual talisman isparable to the eighth-grade spiritual talisman!"


    The spectators had already retreated a thousand meters away. Even so, the searing heat still caused them difort, and many of their lips started to crack. Those who were the closest even suffered burning wounds on their skin, and they could only continue to retreat further.


    Fan Zhen watched an. It wasn''t because he didn''t believe in Liu Wuxie''s strength, but how could someone survive under the mes?


    "He''s finished! The Heavenly me Talisman is incredibly powerful, and Tian Lie has even used it to kill an expert in the sixth level of the Astral River Realm in the past,"mented a Lesser de Association member. He could also picture the sight of Liu Wuxie being charred beyond recognition.


    The fire continued to burn, hissing and popping. But oddly enough, there was no screaming from the me. It made no sense because Liu Wuxie should''ve screamed in pain under the intense temperature, but there was nomotion from the me.


    "Could he have been burned to death by the Heavenly me Talisman in that split second?" a cultivator in the Astral River Realm asked, uncertainty evident in his tone. It would exin the silence after the explosion¡ªif Liu Wuxie had indeed been incinerated instantly by the talisman¡¯s mes.


    A spiritual talismansted only five minutes before its power slowly dissipated. However, only people would use a spiritual talisman in dire situations.


    Tian Lie frowned because he was connected with the Heavenly me Talisman and could sense everything happening inside. When the spiritual talisman exploded, it unleashed a supercharged shockwave that could tear apart anyone in the Heavenly Phase Realm.


    However, he was shocked to discover with his divine sense that a vacuum region was untouched by the mes and unaffected by the spiritual talisman''s impact inside.


    Five minutes passed as the mes began to recede, the power of the spiritual talisman rapidly dissipating. The groundy nketed in ashen-grey dust, remnants of rocks scorched to nothing. Cracks spidered across the parched earth, devoid of life, and even the underground stream had evaporated¡ªserving as undeniable proof of the talisman¡¯s formidable power.


    As the temperature fell, the spectators drew closer, eager to see if Liu Wuxie had died.


    Elder Yi Xuan was nervous, not knowing if he should kill Tian Lie to avenge Liu Wuxie if thetter had died.


    Grandmaster Hai also looked nervous. He knew the caliber of his disciple''s attainment in spiritual talismans, and this Heavenly me Talisman should be Tian Lie''s crowning talisman out of everything he had crafted.


    "Senior brother, don''t worry about it. He must be clinging to hisst breath even if he''s alive," Lu Jie said as he walked over to reassure Tian Lie.


    On the contrary, Ye Dao frowned because Liu Wuxie wouldn''t die so easily based on his understanding¡ªthetter must have had another n.


    Facing the intense mes, even Ye Dao wasn''t confident he coulde out unscathed unless he could avoid it right from the beginning. On the other hand, Liu Wuxie was courting death to take the spiritual talisman head-on.


    When the cloud of dust settled down, an unscathed figure stood proudly. Liu Wuxie hadn''t moved an inch, unyielding, before the weathering storm, wind, and me.


    "That''s impossible!" Tian Lie cried in shock, unable to ept that Liu Wuxie was well and alive.


    The spectators were awestruck. Not only was Liu Wuxie alive, but his clothes weren''t even burnt; they couldn''t believe that he was fine and unscathed.


    Ye Dao narrowed his eyes, realizing he had underestimated Liu Wuxie''s strength. They couldn''t believe that Liu Wuxie emerged unharmed from taking a seventh-grade spiritual talisman head-on.


    Everyone looked at Liu Wuxie with newfound respect. Even Grandmaster Hai had a tinge of regret on his face. After all, none of those who offended Liu Wuxie in the past year had a good ending; they were either killed or crippled.


    Lu Jie looked at Liu Wuxie with an ugly expression. Just a moment ago, he had reassured Tian Lie that Liu Wuxie must''ve died, and the fact that Liu Wuxie was still alive was a resounding p to his face.


    "He''s a monstrous prodigy!" exmations echoed from the crowd. Only a monstrous prodigy could aplish Liu Wuxie''s feet, where an ordinary person would''ve been burned to death by the Heavenly me Talisman.


    Even if they weren''t dead, they would be charred and barely holding on to theirst breath.


    Ignoring the voices in the surroundings, Liu Wuxie dusted his robes to brush away the ck ashes before approaching Tian Li.


    "Since I''ve withstood your spiritual talisman, it should be my turn now," Liu Wuxie said coldly. Everyone had witnessed how he had crafted his spiritual talisman earlier, and there was no hint of deception.


    The duel was simple: whoever could survive the other party''s spiritual talisman''s attack would win. Judging from its looks, Liu Wuxie waspletely unscathed.


    Tian Lie finally panicked as he stumbled backward, turning to look at his master.


    If Liu Wuxie''s talisman could reach the tenth level, his odds of living were close to zero. A seventh-grade talisman wasparable to an attack of someone in the Astral River Realm, and the tenth level wasparable to the pinnacle of the Astral River Realm.


    On the other hand, Tian Lie was only in the low levels of the Astral River Realm and had mediocre strength.


    Grandmaster Hai red at Elder Yi Xuan but didn¡¯t dare intervene. He knew that if he tried to defend his disciple, Elder Yi Xuan wouldn¡¯t hesitate to give him another p.


    Whenever Liu Wuxie advanced, Tian Lie retreated. Liu Wuxie had stood still when facing Tian Lie''s spiritual talisman, but Tian Lie stumbled backward like a coward facing him.


    "This spiritual talisman of mine is called the Heaven-Sundering Seal," Liu Wuxie dered. "It¡¯s one of the many talismans destroyed by the Lesser de Association. Today, I¡¯ll use you to demonstrate its power to everyone." This was the perfect moment to showcase the Heavenly Dao Society¡¯s craftsmanship, and he had no intention of letting it slip by.


    From the name alone, everyone could sense the talisman¡¯s potential power, prompting them to retreat, fearing the destruction it might unleash.


    After all, a seventh-grade spiritual talisman reaching the tenth level was capable of mass devastation. Many watched with anticipation, hopeful that if Liu Wuxie could prove the potency of the Heaven-Sundering Seal, it would elevate the quality of spiritual talismans in the city, making it a highly sought-after item.


    The Heavenly Origin Sect reigned supreme in the Southern Province regarding spiritual talismans, and the talismans it produced were in high demand.


    Tian Lie was backed against the ruins, with nowhere left to retreat.


    "Senior brother, don''t worry about him! He must be bluffing!" Lu Jie and Wei Pengtian yelled to encourage their senior brother.


    Tian Lie took a deep breath, and his facial expression returned to normal. He was a seven-star spiritualist and would be ashamed if he allowed fear to overwhelm him.


    "Go!" Liu Wuxie said as the spiritual talisman vanished with a flicker. It reappeared before Tian Lie at incredible speed.


    There were no outbursts of elements, and this spiritual talisman looked so ordinary that it didn''t resemble a threat.


    This was the thought that crossed everyone''s mind because most spiritual talismans would unleash immense power once used. Thus, it was strange that there was no powerful energy fluctuationing from the talisman produced by Liu Wuxie, and this made everyone wonder if Liu Wuxie was faking it all along, like what Lu Jie had imed.


    Then, a massive palm appeared in the sky, catching everyone off guard.


    "Look up!" someone shouted, all eyes turning to the sky. The spiritual talisman had exploded and turned into a giant palm, like a mountain, sealing off the entire eastern street.


    As for Tian Lie, he was like a helpless rodent trapped and immobilized.


    "What immense power!" The surrounding cultivators had already retreated a thousand meters away, but they could still feel the suffocating pressure from the Heaven-Sundering Seal.


    "This is bad!" Lu Jie yelled. He finally realized that the power of Liu Wuxie''s talisman had surpassed the seventh level.


    Grandmaster Hai wanted to intervene several times, but Elder Yi Xuan would turn to look at him whenever he budged.


    The palm continued to grow until it covered half of the sky, rming the entire Treasure City. No one knew what had happened, and they thought it was a battle between someone in the Nascent Transformation Realm.


    "Master, save me!" Tian Lie''s terrified voice rang out as he copsed to the ground. He kept struggling to escape, but the Heaven-Sundering Seal had a tight grip on him, ensuring he couldn''t escape no matter how hard he tried.


    A thunderous rumble echoed as a spatial rift appeared in the sky, disying the power of the Heaven-Sundering Seal. It was alreadyparable to a strike from someone in the high levels of the Astral River Realm.

 Chapter 602 - Heavenly Pill Pavilion

    <h4>Chapter 602 - Heavenly Pill Pavilion</h4>


    Tian Lie began begging for mercy in desperation, astounding the spectators. They couldn''t believe the prided chief disciple of Grandmaster Hai was begging for his life in public.


    "Senior brother, use a talisman to defend yourself!" Lu Jie urged. He could only hope Tian Lie could react in time and st a path open to escape.


    The Heaven-Sundering Seal''s might continued to increase with the surrounding spiritual energy drawn over, creating a massive vortex above Tian Lie. The surrounding rocks also flew to the sky, piling on Tian Lie''s body. Tian Lie responded quickly as he pulled out a spiritual talisman, hoping to st a path open.


    "You dare take out garbage like that?!" Liu Wuxie sneered. No one dared to mock Liu Wuxie this time because the other spiritual talismans were trashpared to the Heaven-Sundering Seal.


    When Liu Wuxie tapped down with his finger, the Heaven-Sundering Seal plummeted, cutting off any chance for Tian Lie to react.


    "No! I don''t want to die!" Tian Lie screamed as cracks began to cover his body. The sensation of impending death gripped him, leaving him helpless.


    Grandmaster Hai¡¯s heart ached at the scene before him, and at that moment, he wanted nothing more than to kill Liu Wuxie.


    "Liu Wuxie, let my senior brother go!" Lu Jie and Wei Pengtian ran over and demanded.


    "Let him go? Why didn''t you ask him to let me go when he threw his spiritual talisman towards me then?" Liu Wuxie mocked, and his voice swept through the eastern street.


    What he said was true¡ªno one had intervened when Tian Lie hurled his spiritual talisman at him. Some had even looked forward to seeing him fall. Now that the tables had turned, Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t simply let Tian Lie walk away.


    ¡°We can put aside our grudges if you¡¯ll just release my senior brother!¡± Lu Jie pleaded, gritting his teeth as he nced nervously at Grandmaster Hai. He was desperate and left with no choice but to try this approach to save Tian Lie.


    ¡°You tried to kill me, and now you want me to forget it all? Who the hell do you think you are?¡± Liu Wuxie replied, his voice cold and unyielding. ¡°This is the fate of anyone who dares to stand in my way!¡± His resolve was set¡ªGrandmaster Hai¡¯s life was forfeit, no matter the cost.


    When Liu Wuxie moved his finger, the Heaven-Sundering Seal exploded like a mountain that crashed down, engulfing Tian Lie''s body. The sheer force sent a thunderous tremor through the ground, crushing Tian Lie. Nothing was left behind when the dust settled down, but bloodstains and Tian Lie were nowhere to be seen.


    "He''s dead!" eximed someone in a shaky voice. They couldn''t believe Liu Wuxie had killed Tian Li so easily, and they turned to look at each other in silence.


    "Holy shit! This spiritual talisman is too powerful!" another cried out. With such a powerful spiritual talisman, they could even face someone in the high levels of the Astral River Realm if they could wield it.


    If one talisman wasn''t enough, they could use ten or even a hundred. At that time, even someone in the high levels of the Astral River Realm could only be killed.


    "Quick, go and buy it!" A group of people rushed to the Old Century Trading''s stall, fearing that there wouldn''t be any spiritual talismans left on the shelves. After all, such a heaven-defying spiritual talisman wasparable to an additional life.


    Even after the Lesser de Association had destroyed numerous spiritual talismans, arge quantity remained. These talismans were quickly snatched up, leaving many who had hoped to purchase one empty-handed and reluctant to leave.


    The Heavenly Dao Society had stockpiled many spiritual talismans in the past month, and they were all stored in Lan Yu''s interspatial ring.


    "Everyone, please don''t worry. I guarantee everyone here can buy one of our spiritual talismans today!" Lan Yu said as a pile of spiritual talismans appeared before him. He and Bai Lin worked feverishly, and they had no choice but to seek Fan Zhen''s help.


    The Old Century Trading even assigned several staff members to help before restoring the order.


    A few people immediately tried the spiritual talisman when they got their hands on it. Though it wasn''t as powerful as Liu Wuxie''s Heaven-Sundering Seal, it was more powerful than the spiritual talismans crafted by Tian Lie, and they were already satisfied with it.


    "Liu Wuxie, I won¡¯t let you get away with killing my senior brother!¡± Lu Jie snarled, clenching his fists as his face twisted with rage. His wide, zing eyes spoke of his murderous intent.


    Wei Pengtian stayed silent, but his expression said it all. Their senior brother had looked after them as a true sibling would, and his loss struck deep.


    When Grandmaster Hai stood up, he looked like he had suddenly grown older. His chief disciple was dead, and his spiritual talismans, which he took pride in, were worthless before Liu Wuxie¡¯s.


    He was a nine-star spiritualist, but a junior bested him, and he had no dignity left to stay there.


    "Let''s go!" Grandmaster said, his voice tinged with sorrow, as he left with his two disciples and returned to the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    "Wuxie, I''ll also be on my way as there are things I have to attend to in the sect," Elder Yi Xuan said, transmitting his voice to Liu Wuxie. He still had things to do in the sect and couldn''t stay in Treasure City for too long.


    Liu Wuxie nodded, grateful for Elder Yi Xuan¡¯s support. With a silent departure, Elder Yi Xuan vanished into thin air, leaving no trace.


    "Senor Brother Ye, Elder Yi Xuan has left!" The Lesser de Association members had their eyes gleaming with excitement at Elder Yi Xuan''s departure. After all, this was the best chance for them to kill Liu Wuxie.


    "No need to rush. Now isn''t the time to take his life. We must ensure Elder Yi Xuan has returned to the sect before acting," Ye Dao said. He was cautious, and the Lesser de Association had eyes on the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. Thus, they would soon receive news if Elder Yi Xuan had returned to the sect. Until then, they would wait.


    The cultivators who had obtained a spiritual talisman produced by the Heavenly Dao Society looked excited and quickly left to prevent potential thieves.


    The bustling eastern street soon became empty, and the Heavenly Dao Society had almost sold out their month-long stockpile, selling tens of thousands of spiritual talismans within a day.


    This time, Old Century Trading took no cut of the profits, and Liu Wuxie understood Bei Chengsi¡¯s intentions. Today¡¯s events would send shockwaves through Treasure City and unsettle the Lesser de Association. Having already made enemies with the Lesser de Association by helping Liu Wuxie sell talismans, Bei Chengsi sought to secure favor with him for the long haul.


    Liu Wuxie was not about to shortchange Bei Chengsi; he valued their alliance. Besides, the Heavenly Dao Society and Old Century Trading had ns for a long-term partnership, a priority that far outweighed any immediate profits for Bei Chengsi.


    The day¡¯s sales had reached an astounding total of over a hundred million mid-grade spirit stones. Liu Wuxie took fifty million for himself, leaving the remaining fifty million to fund the future development of the Heavenly Dao Society.


    When the group returned to the inn, Lan Yu didn''te along. He returned to Old Century Trading with Bei Chengsi to discuss their partnership.


    "Wuxie, I''m worried Ye Dao and hispanions won''t let it go easily," Fan Zhen said with concern.


    Ye Dao was dangerous, and he would strike sooner orter. Without Yi Xuan here, their lives were not assured of safety.


    "Let theme," Liu Wuxie replied with a cold gleam in his eyes. He remained in Treasure City, waiting for the Lesser de Association toe after him. He would only return to the sect once the new shop opened.


    With each passing day, more merchants arrived, drawn by the anticipation of the new shop¡¯s opening. Located at the heart of Treasure City, the shop sprawled across nearly ten thousand square feet, capable of amodating thousands at once.


    Besides the spacious main hall, private rooms were avable for merchants to ce their orders, making it a rare, grand-scale enterprise. The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion risked a significant loss if sales didn¡¯t meet expectations.


    Today marked the grand opening, and Liu Wuxie prepared himself meticulously, knowing he had to personally vouch for the efficacy of the pills and promote them.


    While these pills had been refined by the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion¡¯s alchemists, none fully understood their true effects like Liu Wuxie did. The alchemists could exin the pills¡¯ benefits butcked insight into their intricatepositions¡ªa situation akin to a doctor prescribing medicine without understanding its formtion.


    Not only was Liu Wuxie proficient in alchemy but also versed in medicine.


    Liu Wuxie headed to the new shop by himself because Lan Yu was overwhelmed by the sales of spiritual talismans, and he could only seek help from Bai Lin and Fan Zhen.


    The new shop established by the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion bore the elegant name "Heavenly Pill Pavilion." This was the only location in the Southern Province with no other branches¡ªa singr presence that gave it amanding air over itspetitors.


    The pills introduced by Liu Wuxie were unknown to the Southern Province, including the Azure Crimson Gate.


    The Heavenly Pill Pavilion had long been filled with people today, with arge crowd gathered outside even before the shop was opened.


    Most people hade to witness the spectacle, and few were genuinely there to buy pills. After all, the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s sales had sharply declined recently, and everyone was curious if they could turn the table around.


    The sect master had issued a grave directive to revitalize the sect''s pill market, or he would face severe repercussions. Though it was just a joke, Liu Wuxie could sense Mu Tianli''s underlying anxiety.


    Pills were the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s foundation, and they would soon be reduced to a second-rate sect if they lost their market. If that happened, Liu Wuxie would be the sinner of the entire Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    The Heavenly Pill Pavilion''s doors swung open at the first hint of sunlight. Two attendants stood ready to maintain order because it was certain someone would cause trouble that day.


    After all, many people could rise in position if the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion fell, like the Azure Crimson Gate. The Azure Crimson Gate would certainly send people over to cause trouble now that there was a problem with the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s pills.


    As the crowd poured into the Heavenly Pill Pavilion, they were greeted by the grand hall¡¯s breathtaking luxury¡ªa feat aplished in just five days, possible only through the wealth and influence of a powerful sect like the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    The cement of the counters was also vastly different from that of ordinary shops. Most shops disyed their products on the counter, and everyone had to squeeze forward due to the limited counter space, making it chaotic.


    However, the Heavenly Pill Pavilion disyed its pills in small grids on the wall, avable for everyone to see. When visitors came in, they could see the full appearance of the pills, and below each pill was a description, including the preparation steps.


    This was no different from revealing the pills'' form, and everyone wondered if the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion wasn''t afraid someone would steal them.

 Chapter 603 - Four Pills

    <h4>Chapter 603 - Four Pills</h4>


    The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s action shocked many people, and some people even began to record the form secretly, nning to refine the pills themselves to save a significant amount of resources.


    However, since Liu Wuxie dared to reveal the form to the public, he wasn''t afraid of giarism.


    Just as countless members of the sect had observed the refinement of the Spirit Restoration Pill yet found themselves unable to replicate it¡ªnot even the sect master¡ªonly Liu Wuxie truly understood the profound intricacies of its creation.


    Bi Gongyu naturally kept the secrets of the pills well-guarded, and the newly reformed alchemists were loyal to the sect master, ensuring no risk of leaks.


    "The Soul Condensing Pill? What kind of pill is this? Why have I never heard of it before?" muttered one of the guests. This was one of the several pills introduced by the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion to serve as one of the core products.


    The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion hadpletely abandoned the Earth Origin Pill, deeming it obsolete, and it would no longer be refined in the future.


    "The Soul Condensing Pill''s primary effect is to temper one''s primordial spirit and expand the soul sea, refined with a thousand-year-old Snow Lotus as the main ingredient."


    Pills meant to strengthen the primordial spirit and soul sea were rare in the Southern Province. While many pills could strengthen true essence, few were capable of expanding the soul sea. This allowed the Soul Condensing Pill to naturally fill in the gap.


    Each of Liu Wuxie''s newly introduced pills has a specific purpose. The Spirit Restoration Pill was meant to heal injuries, and the Soul Condensing Pill could help to expand the soul sea. He was confident that there was nopetition in the market.


    "What kind of joke is this? You''re saying this pill can heal the primordial spirit?" sneered a youth among the crowd. Besides the Snow Lotus, the other ingredients were ordinary, and it was hard for anyone to believe that these materials could refine a heaven-defying pill like the Soul Condensing Pill.


    "That''s right. The pills here are garbage. Didn''t they promise to give out a thousand pills for free? Where are they?" another man chimed in, nodding in agreement with his twopanions.


    Many attendees were more interested in the free pills than making purchases.


    Most onlookers remained skeptical if the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s pills truly lived up to the promise of not containing any toxin and were several times stronger than other pills. If that was truly the case, they could consider making purchases.


    "Don''t worry, young masters. We will soon fulfill our promise of giving out a thousand pills for free," the shopkeeper reassured, and he seemed to be waiting for something.


    The sect had sent several elders over, but they only maintained order and nothing else.


    Everyone knew Liu Wuxie had orchestrated this, and he had to show up to exin the effects of the pills.


    "I don''t care! I want the pills now!" The three men didn''t give up and began to cause trouble. The other guests took advantage of the uproar and echoed along, demanding the free pills.


    Thousands of people had gathered in Heavenly Pill Pavilion, but only a thousand pills were avable. This meant everyone couldn''t receive one.


    As the guests became more unruly, the Heavenly Pill Pavilion fell into chaos, and this wasn''t the ideal situation because the Heavenly Pill Pavilion had yet to sell a single pill.


    The shopkeeper and servers were anxious and had sent messages to the Heavenly Pill Pavilion''s deacon several times. However, they could do nothing but wait.


    "The free pills are reserved for those who genuinely need them, not for troublemakers," a calm butmanding voice echoed through the Heavenly Pill Pavilion, silencing the crowd instantly. All eyes turned toward the source of the voice, eager to see who had spoken with such authority.


    They all saw a tall figure step forward, donning a white robe.


    "It''s Liu Wuxie!" someone murmured. Many people were present at the Talisman Event the previous day, and they naturally recognized Liu Wuxie. After all, it was already known how Liu Wuxie had relied on the Heaven-Sundering Seal to kill Tian Lie, a seven-star spiritualist. The event had left asting impression on everyone, and many people were still discussing it.


    In the past two days, Old Century Trading had been packed with customers, and all the spiritual talismans produced by the Heavenly Dao Society had been sold out entirely. Their pre-order was even scheduled for next month.


    Meanwhile, the Lesser de Association''s business in spiritual talismans and Grandmaster Hai''s shop were severely affected, and no one was interested in their talismans.


    Thousands of eyes fell on Liu Wuxie, especially the three youths who looked with a sneer of contempt.


    "Liu Wuxie, the Heavenly Pill Pavilion has promised to give out a thousand pills. If we''re not going to get any, who are you giving them to?" the youth in the middle said with an indolent smirk.


    Who truly needed the pills and who didn''t wasn''t something that the Heavenly Pill Pavilion could decide. It was firste, first serve.


    Liu Wuxie nced at the three youths with a hint of chill in their eyes. These three appeared to be disciples of the Azure Crimson Gate, likely here with the intent of stirring up trouble at the Heavenly Pill Pavilion¡¯s grand opening.


    However, he didn''t expose them directly and walked to the hall''s center, where a tform rose. Standing on it, he could overlook the Heavenly Pill Pavilion.


    The design was novel and eye-catching,pelling the crowd to look up to Liu Wuxie.


    The Lesser de Association wouldn''t dare to cause trouble today because this concerned the life and death of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. If the sect''s upper echelon learned that the Lesser de Association came to cause trouble, there would be severe consequences that awaited them.


    Some things could be done, and some couldn''t, just as Liu Wuxie''s actions remained within the sect''s boundaries.


    "Liu Wuxie, my inner demon has worsened. Does the Demon Purging Pill that you speak of really work?" The Green Python Gang''s leader spoke out. He had been waiting for Liu Wuxie''s arrival.


    Many people had consumed the Earth Origin Pills produced by the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion from the ck market, leading to inner demons'' outbursts. If it weren''t treated, the inner demons would affect them, and they would fall into the demonic path.


    "Liu Wuxie, is the Soul Condensing Pill really that effective?"


    "Liu Wuxie, is the Energy Manifestation Pill genuine? Can it really increase the chance of true essence manifestation?"


    "Liu Wuxie, what exactly is the Transcendent Pill? Aren''t you going to exin?"


    Various questions filled the Heavenly Pill Pavilion, each having their own queries and seeking rification from Liu Wuxie.


    It wasn''t a secret that the newly introduced pills were from Liu Wuxie. Now that he was here, everyone naturally asked for exnations openly.


    "Everyone, please settle down!" Liu Wuxie raised his right hand. His voice wasn''t loud, but the Heavenly Dao Book unfurled and unleashed a terrifying pressure on the surroundings that silenced the crowd.


    "Thank you all foring today, and I will answer each of your questions. Also, please be rest assured that we will uphold our promise regarding the thousand pills," Liu Wuxie said, sping his hands to the crowd. Aside from the few troublemakers, most people were here to see if they could purchase quality pills.


    If they relied on themselves and had no resources, their lifespan might end before reaching a higher realm. Only pills could help elerate their cultivation process, but good pills were hard toe by.


    Now that the surroundings had be quiet, Liu Wuxie continued, "I believe everyone has heard that the Heavenly Pill Pavilion will introduce four new pills: the Demon Purging Pill, the Soul Condensing Pill, the Transcendent Pill, and the Energy Manifestation Pill. Each of these have their own unique properties."


    As Liu Wuxie spoke, four pills appeared in his palm, all with different colors.


    "Let me begin with the Demon Purging Pill. As everyone can guess, the effect is to purge the inner demon," Liu Wuxie said as he held up a dark green pill. The audience eagerly memorized what the pill looked like, but the effects still had to be confirmed.


    "The Soul Condensing Pill''s main effect is to temper the primordial spirit and expand the soul sea. However, the greatest effect is to heal the damaged primordial spirit!" Liu Wuxie said as he held up a violet pill next.


    An uproar erupted from the crowd because injuries to the primordial spirit were nearly impossible to heal. They would have to be slowly healed, or they might never heal at all.


    Liu Wuxie raised his hand to silence the crowd before raising a yellow pill. He introduced, "The main effect of the Energy Manifestation Pill is to strengthen the true essence and purify it. They''re especially useful for those in the Heavenly Phase Realm."


    Lastly, Liu Wuxie held up a white pill and continued, "The Transcendent Pill is stronger than the other three pills, and it¡¯s priced ordingly, as you can see. It''s extremely precious, and we only offer ten for free today."


    His yful tone lightened the room, earning him a few appreciativeughs. What he said was right because a single Transcendent Pill could fetch the price of one hundred Demon Purging Pills, fifty Energy Manifestation Pills, or ten Soul Condensing Pills.


    "Why is the Transcendent Pill priced so high?" someone stepped forward to question. After all, the cost of one Transcendent Pill was priced at five million mid-grade spirit stones, and a Demon Purging Pill only required fifty thousand mid-grade spirit stones.


    The price difference was too high. Every cultivator had inner demons, and the Demon Purging Pill would be the most popr pill in the market, and one alchemist could refine thousands of them in a day.


    "Everyone''s talent is limited, especially after reaching a high level of cultivation. It''s incredibly challenging to transcend the limit. The Transcendent Pill not only helps to cleanse the body, but it can even enhance your aptitude," Liu Wuxie said with a confident smile.


    One would still be considered a mortal without reaching the Nascent Transformation Realm. But after reaching the Nascent Transformation Realm, one could project one''s primordial spirit, ensuring survival even if one''s mortal body perished.


    The Transcendent Pill wasn''t only targeted at those at the pinnacle of the Astral River Realm but also those in the Nascent Transformation Realm. Resources weren''t an issue for those elites, and most of them were limited by their talent.


    When Liu Wuxie exined the effects of the transcendent pill, a series of gasps echoed from the surroundings. A pill that could cleanse the impurities within the body was powerful enough, but allowing one''s talent to transcend was unheard of.


    Simply, it would significantly increase one''s chances of reaching the Nascent Transformation Realm. Many cultivators in the pinnacle of the Astral River Realm were just one step away from making a breakthrough, but most of them would be stuck for the rest of their lives.


    However, the appearance of the Transcendent Pill could aid them in reaching the Nascent Transformation Realm, and it would reshape the bnce of power in the Southern Province with a spike in the number of cultivators in the Nascent Transformation Realm.


    To restrain the development of the other sects, the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion had set a strict limit of only selling twenty Transcendent Pills a day. This meant there would be a daily ie of a hundred million spirit stones, equivalent to the monthly sales of the Earth Origin Pills.


    The demand would surely be high when it appeared, and the price would continue to rise.


    Moreover, it was also understandable that the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion would supply the Transcendent Pills for their own development.


    Liu Wuxie had brought out the Transcendent Pill, inspired by the knowledge he had gained from the books in the House of Tea Art. Through his studies, he had realized that many cultivators in the Nascent Transformation Realm in the Central ins fell short of being considered true experts.


    The Southern Province was too far behind, and Liu Wuxie wanted to use this opportunity to finance his cultivation and help the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion ovee the crisis.

 Chapter 604 - Guiding Cultivation

    <h4>Chapter 604 - Guiding Cultivation</h4>


    Once Liu Wuxie reached the Astral River Realm, he would require an astronomical sum of resources, which was why he had to earn them now while he had the opportunity. He had already made an agreement with the sect master to exchange the mid-grade spirit stones for high-grade ones for easy carry.


    After his exnation, several voices rose in doubt, questioning Liu Wuxie¡¯s ims. The idea of such powerful pills was hard to ept, as their existence could potentially disrupt the bnce of power. Many found it imusible that Liu Wuxie would simply offer such treasures for sale.


    The four pills might be shocking to everyone, but they didn¡¯t know Liu Wuxie had painstakingly filtered through countless pills before deciding on the four. Each pill was a simplified version of a low-grade immortal pill, with effects that were only a fraction of those of true immortal pills.


    Genuine immortal pills were much more powerful, and consuming one could allow one to ascend to the immortal realm. However, it was a pity that he couldn¡¯t even gather the ingredients for one pill in the True Martial Continent.


    This was why it was futile even if Liu Wuxie had the forms of many heaven-defying pills if the ingredients couldn¡¯t be found.


    ¡°This is why we¡¯re giving out a thousand for free, and you¡¯ll have the chance to test them yourself,¡± Liu Wuxie said as he scanned the hall. Offering the pills for free was the best way to showcase the effects.


    Normally speaking, new pills were tested on demonic beasts to avoid idents, and no sect would introduce a new pill lightly. The pills on the market were perfected over centuries to receive the market¡¯s acknowledgment.


    Giving out a thousand pills would serve as a proving ground, allowing everyone to examine the effects of the pills.


    However, no one in the surroundings dared to take a step forward because no one wanted to put their lives at risk as the guinea pigs.


    ¡°Green Python Gang¡¯s leader, your inner demon has affected you severely. If I¡¯m not mistaken, it must feel like insects gnawing on your bones daily, and you should know the consequences if the inner demon isn¡¯t purged,¡± Liu Wuxie said. He had seen through the Green Python Gang¡¯s leader¡¯s condition with Ghost Eye, and thetter had indeed been gued with inner demons.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, can the Demon Purging Pill really help me get rid of my inner demon?¡± The Green Python Gang¡¯s leader asked as he stepped forward with a glimmer of hope in his eyes. His inner demon had tortured him for the past six months, and it was worse than death.


    ¡°If it doesn¡¯t work, I¡¯ll tear down the Heavenly Pill Pavilion¡¯s sign myself,¡± Liu Wuxie dered confidently. Even the Heavenly Pill Pavilion¡¯s upper echelon couldn¡¯t interfere because the sect master had given the word to follow Liu Wuxie¡¯s decision, and anyone who vited it would have to be punished.


    There were several elders present, hidden in the shadows. But they would only step in if the Heavenly Pill Pavilion was in danger, and they wouldn¡¯t interfere with Liu Wuxie¡¯s actions.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s deration left many onlookers eager to see the oue. If the pills proved ineffective, it would spell disaster for Liu Wuxie, with the Heavenly Pill Pavilion¡¯s reputation shattered and its sign smashed.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, don¡¯t forget your words! Everyone here is a witness. If these pills don¡¯t work, the Heavenly Pill Pavilion should shut down for good!¡± sneered the disciples of the Azure Crimson Gate as they stepped forward to fan the mes of doubt among the crowd.


    However, a biting chill soon enveloped the entire pavilion when Liu Wuxie¡¯s gaze swept through the three of them.


    ¡°And what are your names?¡± Liu Wuxie asked. His voice was calm because the Heavenly Pill Pavilion¡¯s reputation would be affected if they killed someone in public, but that didn¡¯t mean the Heavenly Pill Pavilion had to treat them with respect.


    ¡°We¡¯re Wan Xingwen, Bao Zhe, and Ma Shi!¡± the three answered.


    Liu Wuxie memorized their names and gave someone a signal, who slipped away to investigate their identities. He would soon know who they were.


    ¡°Green Python Gang¡¯s leader, why are you still hesitating?¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s gaze fell on the Green Python Gang¡¯s leader. Many people could sense the burden of his inner demon, especially the scarlet tinge in his eyes that reflected the beast within.


    ¡°Very well, I¡¯ll trust you this one time!¡± The Green Python Gang¡¯s leader took a step forward, and someone quickly handed him a Demon Purging Pill.


    The thousand pills had already been prepared, and four attendants were holding a tray with porcin bottles, filled with the four pills.


    When the Green Python Gang¡¯s leader received the pill, everyone in the surroundings quickly backed away to provide ample space.


    ¡°Green Python Gang¡¯s leader, don¡¯t be fooled by his words. If you want to treat your inner demon, I advise you to go for the Azure Crimson Gate¡¯s Demon Dissolving Pill instead!¡± Wan Xingwen urged. Their objectives ining today were evident: forcing the Heavenly Pill Pavilion to close down.


    In an instant, Liu Wuxie vanished from the stage and reappeared before Wan Xingwen, pping thetter on his face.


    ¡°This is the territory of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, and there¡¯s no position for the Azure Crimson Gate disciples here. If you speak out again, it won¡¯t end with just a p,¡± Liu Wuxie said with murderous intent gushing out, and his act of pping Wan Xingwen had caused an uproar in the surroundings.


    ¡°Everyone, see that? This is the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion¡¯s true face! I only spoke a few words, and they attacked me. I advise everyone to leave, or they might kill everyone!¡± Wan Xingwen spoke with a grievance.


    ¡°Do you think your petty tricks can tarnish the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion¡¯s reputation? What a joke!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s voice echoed in the Heavenly Pill Pavilion, silencing the surrounding murmurs. All schemes were futile before absolute strength.


    He only dared to attack after the Green Python Gang¡¯s leader received the pill. As long as someone was willing to try the pill, he had tons of ways to make them highly sought after, just as he had done with the spiritual talismans.


    This was only a small episode, and everyone already knew that Liu Wuxie was an unjust person. Thus, it wasn¡¯t surprising for him to p someone before them.


    ¡°Green Python Gang¡¯s leader, why are you still hesitating? Take it quickly!¡± There were many people gued with inner demons like the Green Python Gang¡¯s leader.


    Some suffered because of the pills refined by the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, while some had developed their inner demons on their own. They also hoped the Demon Purging Pills could purge their inner demons.


    Mustering all his courage, the Green Python Gang¡¯s leader sat down and swallowed the Demon Purging Pill. He was a decisive person as the sect master, and he naturally wouldn¡¯t give up now that he had epted the pill.


    All eyes fell on the Green Python Gang¡¯s leader as he swallowed the pill.


    ¡°Green Python Gang¡¯s leader, have you sensed the rise in your cultivation aside from the restless inner demon?¡± Liu Wuxie asked.


    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± the Green Python Gang¡¯s leader admitted. The inner demon also brought his cultivation to the brink of a breakthrough, and this was why many people chose to be demonic cultivators.


    Those who practiced demonic cultivation techniques could advance much faster in realms than ordinary people.


    The ws of demonic cultivation techniques were evident. While they allowed for swift advancement, the cost was steep¡ªdraining blood essence and leading to the gradual copse of the body. Only those desperate or wicked enough to prioritize quick gains over long-term stability chose this path, unable to resist its allure.


    ¡°Let your true essence flow through your Tiantu Point, Tianzong Point, Mingmen Point...¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s calm voice echoed through the hall, and no one in the surroundings dared to interrupt, fearing that they might affect the Green Python Gang¡¯s leader.


    The Green Python Gang¡¯s leader wasn¡¯t willing to listen in the beginning because his cultivation technique had already imprinted a rigid pattern.


    But after several circtions of true essence throughout his body, his true essence showed signs of losing control. However, the pill¡¯s effects were unmistakable because his inner demon was gradually dissipating.


    There was an issue with his cultivation technique, which was why he had reached his limit at his current cultivation. If he wanted to take another step forward, he would have to practice a higher-level cultivation technique.


    Liu Wuxie naturally detected the issue with Ghost Eye, and the Green Python Gang¡¯s leader attempted his method several times before following Liu Wuxie¡¯s guidance.


    ¡°What is Liu Wuxie doing? He¡¯s guiding someone in the Astral River Realm?¡±


    There were many cultivators present, even in the Nascent Transformation Realm. When thousands of divine senses scanned the Green Python Gang leader¡¯s body, they also detected that the inner demon was gradually being dissolved. This proved that the Demon Purging Pill¡¯s effect was greater than advertised.


    The Green Python Gang¡¯s leader could¡¯ve stopped by now, but he remained seated in meditation. He was already reaching the bottleneck, and his realm began to loosen after his inner demon was cleansed; he wanted to use this opportunity to make a breakthrough.


    ¡°Look, the Green Python Gang¡¯s leader is following Liu Wuxie¡¯s guidance!¡± someone eximed. They realized the Green Python Gang¡¯s leader had followed the cirction route pointed out by Liu Wuxie.


    A bizarre scene unfolded as the meridians of the Green Python Gang¡¯s leader opened up wherever his true essence traveled, absorbing spiritual energy from the surroundings.


    This scene left everyone astounded.


    The Green Python Gang¡¯s leader couldn¡¯t speak, but his heart surged with emotions because Liu Wuxie had solved a problem that had troubled him for decades.


    A loud buzz reverberated through the hall as a powerful aura in the Nascent Transformation Realm swept out. The Green Python Gang¡¯s leader had made a breakthrough in front of everyone, but he forcibly halted his advancement and stopped at the Quasi-Nascent Transformation Realm. He nned to make aplete breakthrough when he returned.


    The entire process took fifteen minutes, and the Green Python Gang leader¡¯s face was full of wonder when he reopened his eyes. When he got up on his feet, the first thing he did was to give Liu Wuxie a deep bow.


    ¡°Young Master Liu, I¡¯m sorry if I¡¯ve said anything that offended you in the past. I¡¯m grateful for your guidance!¡± The Green Python Gang¡¯s leader was over a hundred years old, but everyone was shocked to see how polite he was to a junior.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing!¡± Liu Wuxie replied. He was satisfied with the Green Python Gang leader¡¯s performance.


    ¡°Old Python, is the Demon Purging Pill really effective?¡± Those who had a good rtionship with the Green Python Gang¡¯s leader stepped forward to question.


    ¡°I swear by the heavens that I am not bribed by the Heavenly Pill Pavilion. The Demon Purging Pill is ten times stronger than I¡¯d imagined. My inner demon has beenpletely purged, and my meridians have also been strengthened greatly,¡± the Green Python Gang¡¯s leader said, and his oath added persuasion to his words.

 Chapter 605 - Stolen Formula

    <h4>Chapter 605 - Stolen Form</h4>


    A sworn oath was the most feared among cultivators¡ªheaven would record the oath, and one''s fate would be bound with a chain. If the Green Python Gang''s leader had lied, his path to the Nascent Transformation Realm would be severed.


    Furthermore, the Green Python Gang''s leader had alreadyprehended thews of the Nascent Transformation Realm, and he was waiting to return to undo the seal.


    "I''ll take one Demon Purging Pill!"


    "Me too!" Over a dozen voices echoed, with cultivators eagerly requesting a Demon Purging Pill to rid themselves of their inner demons. With only a thousand pills avable for free,petition was fierce, and many could only hope to secure one.


    In the end, thirty cultivators managed to secure a Demon Purging Pill for free, each valued at fifty thousand mid-grade spirit stones, a rare opportunity for everyone.


    Yet, skepticism lingered among some in the crowd. They found it hard to believe that such a heaven-defying pill could purge inner demons so quickly.


    The thirty cultivators who obtained the pills wasted no time, swallowing them immediately. For those with mild cases of inner demons, the effects manifested within moments. As the pills took hold, cries of tion erupted from the group, their disbelief transforming into astonishment.


    When one cultivator in the fifth level of the Astral River Realm got rid of his inner demon, he sessfully made a breakthrough in his cultivation.


    This immediately sent an uproar among the crowd. No one was a fool; they had been observing every change of the thirty with their divine senses.


    "Slow down your true essence, direct it to the Yongquan Point, Baihui Point..."


    "Speed up your true essence, direct it to Tianling Point, Qihai Point..." The thirty made swift advancement in their cultivation under Liu Wuxie''s guidance. One person in his thirties in the Astral River Realm even made a breakthrough of two levels.


    Some managed to rise in a level, while others reached the pinnacle of their current level.


    This time, no one could keep on watching any longer. They all looked at the porcin bottles in the attendants'' hands with excitement zing in their eyes, wanting a share of the pills.


    After they were done, the thirty cultivators stood up and gave Liu Wuxie a deep bow.


    "Young Master Liu, we owe you an apology for our disrespect earlier. I spoke out of turn; please ept my apology," one person said, even addressing Liu Wuxie with respect and using an honorific. After all, Liu Wuxie could be considered half of their mentor since he had enlightened them on their cultivation.


    "Is there a problem with my pills?" Liu Wuxie smiled. He knew that he had already achieved his goal.


    He had already achieved such positive results by giving out thirty-one pills, and who wouldn''t flock to the Heavenly Pill Pavilion when they gave out all thousand pills?


    "I swear upon the heavens that there is nothing wrong with the pills!" The Green Python Gang''s leader couldn¡¯t convince the crowd alone, but it was different, with so many people taking the oath.


    "Do you think there are any True Profound Realm experts from the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion here, secretly transmitting messages to guide Liu Wuxie in his cultivation?" someone murmured. Most people had practically believed the effects of the pills, but it made no sense how Liu Wuxie could enlighten someone in the Astral River Realm.


    "It must be someone in the True Profound Realm. They must be helping Liu Wuxie discreetly," others spected.


    However, the majority of the people present didn''t care about that, and they were fine with it as long as they could benefit from it.


    Liu Wuxie merely observed the discussion withoutmenting, and it was better for them to misunderstand. After all, it was too unbelievable for someone in the Heavenly Phase Realm to guide someone in the Astral River Realm.


    Now that Liu Wuxie had achieved the desired effects, he naturally wouldn''t spend time guiding the others.


    "I want one Soul Condensing Pill!"


    "Transcendent Pill for me!"


    "Give me an Energy Manifestation Pill!" Everyone came over with excitement. With only a thousand pills to distribute, there weren''t enough pills for everyone.


    More people began charging into the Heavenly Pill Pavilion until the entire hall was packed, and all eyes were on Liu Wuxie.


    The four attendants wouldn''t give out the pills without Liu Wuxie''s instruction.


    "Everyone, remain calm! It''s fine even if you don''t receive a pill because our pills are on sale for half the price today," Liu Wuxie dered, calming the crowd. Even if they couldn''t receive the pill for free, buying them for half the price was still tempting to everyone, and the crowd''s anxiety was settled.


    Wan Xingwen and his twopanions exchanged uneasy nces when they saw the crowd''s reaction. They realized that they had underestimated Liu Wuxie.


    After all, giving out a thousand pills for free was no ordinary disy of generosity. After all, one thousand pills were estimated at one hundred million spirit stones.


    Now that he had proven the effects of the Demon Purging Pill, Liu Wuxie swept his gaze through the crowd. He said, "You...you there...and you two. Come forward!"


    The four were baffled to be called out by Liu Wuxie.


    "If I''m not mistaken, you four must have suffered injury to your primordial spirits, right? The injury is so serious that your cultivation has stalled for decades," Liu Wuxie said solemnly.


    The four were well-known cultivators in Treasure City, and they didn''t belong to the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    "You''re right. My primordial spirit was injured a decade ago, and it hasn''t recovered since," an older man admitted his injury with a bitter smile. The other three also shared simr stories.


    "Give them a Soul Condensing Pill each!" Liu Wuxie instructed the attendants.


    The four quickly received the Soul Condensing Pill, but they were hesitant. Throughout the years, they had tried various means to heal the injury to their primordial spirit, all to no avail.


    "What are you waiting for? Eat it!" Those who were acquainted with the four yelled, urging them to take the pills and see if the effects were as powerful as imed.


    Under everyone''s urging, the four swallowed the Soul Condensing Pills. Everyone held their breaths because pills that could heal the primordial spirit were rare in the entire Southern Province.


    "What powerful soul energy fluctuation!"


    Time slowly passed, and a powerful soul energy shockwave exploded from the four.


    Triumphant roars echoed in the hall, and Liu Wuxie didn''t guide them in their cultivation this time. Their breakthrough was natural due to their powerful foundation.


    The damage to their soul sea had restricted their cultivation, and they already had enough umtion for their breakthrough. Thus, they could smoothly make their breakthrough when their soul sea was healed.


    Everyone''s eyes lit up with envy because most of the cultivators had some injury to their primordial spirit, and it was just a matter of how serious the injury was. But with the Soul Condensing Pill, they no longer had to worry about suffering an injury to their soul sea.


    "Reserve ten thousand Soul Condensing Pills for me!" one merchant called out. Many merchants had traveled from afar to purchase pills from Treasure City.


    The shopkeeper was quickly swarmed with orders. There was a massive demand for the Soul Condensing Pill and Demon Purging Pills, and they received orders reaching hundreds of thousands in just a few minutes.


    The thousand pills given away for free were insignificantpared to the orders they received. The orders even exceeded the Heavenly Pill Pavilion''s expectations because the influx of orders never stopped.


    Because the sale of Transcendent Pills was limited to twenty a day, they weren''t avable to everyone.


    Due to the toxin in the pill refined by the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, many merchants had abandoned them, and only a few long-term customers maintained their business rtionship with the sect. The Transcendent Pills were reserved for them. Only a crisis could reveal true friends.


    As for the remaining pills, they were no longer needed to be tested.


    "Liu Wuxie, how dare you steal the forms of our Azure Crimson Gate!" a roar echoed in the Heavenly Pill Pavilion, and the hall fell silent. Everyone stopped what they were doing and turned to the entrance, only to see two old men walking in, donning the formal attire of the Azure Crimson Gate''s elders.


    Seeing the Azure Crimson Gate elders barging into Treasure City was a rare sight. Weren''t they afraid of being killed by experts from the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion?


    But under normal circumstances, the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion wouldn''t act as long as the other party didn''t vite the sect''s rules, and that was the same for Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s disciples in the Azure Crimson Gate''s territory.


    The previous conflict was because the Azure Crimson Gate''s elders had dared to ambush the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s disciples at their mountain gate.


    The unexpected arrival of the Azure Crimson Gate elders sent a ripple of surprise through the crowd. However, before any action could be taken, the elders of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion stepped out from the shadows, positioning themselves to shield Liu Wuxie from any potential assault by the Azure Crimson Gate elders.


    Upon seeing the Azure Crimson Gate elders, Wan Xingwen''s group of three quickly walked over and stood behind them.


    "Li Hongda, you really don''t give up, do you? How dare you show yourself in Treasure City!" Liu Wuxie said, recognizing one of the two elders¡ªLi Hongda, whom Liu Wuxie had met back in Serene Sea City.


    What Liu Wuxie had done in Serene Sea City had made Li Hongda famous. After all, his misjudgment had led to the destruction of the Qiu n, causing the sect''s reputation to plummet.


    This was why Li Hongda hoped to reim his honor by killing Liu Wuxie, and he had rushed over to Treasure City upon hearing that the Treasure Pill Pavilion was introducing new pills, nning to sabotage their n.


    As long as they could destroy the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s pill market, Li Hongda would be greatly rewarded, and his status in the sect would rise along with his disgrace swept away. This was the main reason why he came to Treasure City.


    "Liu Wuxie, you dare steal forms from my Azure Crimson Gate and pass them off as new pills introduced by the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion?" Li Hongda used, his voice booming as he scanned the crowd. "Everyone, witness the shamelessness of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion! Their so-called solution to their pill issues is theft¡ªstealing from others and iming it as their own!"


    The usation sent a wave of shock through the crowd. Could one of the ten major sects truly stoop to stealing forms from a rival? Alchemy was the foundation of both the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion and the Azure Crimson Gate, with their most prized forms guarded as tightly as the sect¡¯s core secrets.


    The pills avable on the market were typically ordinary, while the sects'' upper echelons closely held rare and powerful forms. Only select members were privy to these secrets to ensure the forms were never leaked.


    "Could it be true?" murmured a few onlookers. "Did Liu Wuxie really steal the forms from the Azure Crimson Gate?" Doubt began to spread among the crowd.


    Li Hongda''s timing was impable, and his usation threw the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion off guard.


    "Let''s not be hasty and watch first. Moreover, do you think it''s normal for them to have such impressive pills suddenly when the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s position has been declining over the years?" one man whispered, and there were various discussions in the surroundings.


    The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion had been declining throughout the years, and why didn''t they take out the pills sooner if they had them? There could only be one exnation: they had just gotten the forms recently.


    "Bullshit! If the forms belong to your Azure Crimson Gate, why didn''t you sell the pills using them?" retorted a disciple of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.

 Chapter 606 - Cauldron鈥檚 Explosion

    <h4>Chapter 606 - Cauldron¡¯s Explosion</h4>


    The disciple''s question hit the mark, highlighting the inconsistency in the Azure Crimson Gate''s im. If the forms truly belonged to them, why hadn¡¯t they released the pills already?


    ¡°That¡¯s because we had just recently developed them,¡± Li Hongda replied, his expression dark with feigned pain. ¡°But the forms were stolen before we could bring them to market.¡±


    The crowd murmured, recalling Liu Wuxie¡¯s recent return from Serene Sea City, where he had shed with the Azure Crimson Gate and killed many of their disciples. It wasn¡¯t hard to imagine the forms might have been taken during that time.


    The situation became increasingly unfavorable for the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion because there was no concrete proof that it had created the forms.


    With the revtion of the forms and refining method, everyone present knew how to refine the four pills. Thus, it was troublesome that the Azure Crimson Gate used the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion of stealing their forms.


    All eyes turned to Liu Wuxie, waiting for his exnation. Even if the Green Python Gang¡¯s leader wanted to speak in Liu Wuxie¡¯s defense, he didn¡¯t know where to start. After all, no one knew for sure where the forms came from.


    ¡°Li Hongda, is this the best sabotaging attempt you can muster? So, it turns out you¡¯re nothing more than bumbling fools,¡± Liu Wuxie said calmly, his gaze unwavering as it bore into Li Hongda.


    The crowd was already ustomed to Liu Wuxie¡¯s sharp tongue, especially when ridiculing the Azure Crimson Gate for their perceived ipetence.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, if you can¡¯t exin the source of these forms, I¡¯ll publicly announce that the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion stole them from us, tarnishing its reputation beyond repair,¡± Li Hongda dered with a sinister smile. His n was clear¡ªto cement the usation and drag the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion¡¯s name through the mud.


    For the ten major sects, reputation was everything, valued even more than life itself. It would be impossible for them to regain their honor if they lost it.


    If it became known that the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion stole the forms from the Azure Crimson Gate, their reputation would plummet, and the crisis might be even greater than the incident of the toxin in their pills.


    ¡°You im that these forms belong to your Azure Crimson Gate?! Since that¡¯s the case, I believe the Azure Crimson Gate knows how to refine them, right?¡± Liu Wuxie smiled as he looked at Li Hongda.


    Everyone was baffled by Liu Wuxie¡¯s response. They had expected a fierce rebuttal, not such a seemingly simple question. After all, the forms had already been publicly revealed by the Heavenly Pill Pavilion, with detailed descriptions that any skilled alchemist could study and replicate.


    To add to the situation, Wan Xingwen¡¯s group of three had personally verified the authenticity of the forms. The Heavenly Pill Pavilion¡¯s shopkeeper had even sworn to the heavens about their legitimacy, vowing to smash the shop¡¯s sign if the forms were proven fake.


    Confident in this assurance, Wan Xingwen had immediately sent a message using a Communication Talisman to inform Li Hongda, who then arrived with another alchemy elder in tow. While Li Hongda¡¯s own alchemy skills were mediocre at best, the elder apanying him radiated a strong blend of wood and fire attribute energy, marking him as a grandmaster alchemist.


    At that moment, two figures appeared silently beside Liu Wuxie, even catching him off guard. One was Elder He, a familiar figure, while the other was an unknown but imposing presence. The neer¡¯s aura exuded immense strength, leaving no doubt that he was a high-ranking member of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    ¡°Wuxie, be careful. His name is Yan Shan, a nine-star alchemist. He¡¯s only one of the top ten alchemists in the Azure Crimson Gate,¡± Elder He whispered to Liu Wuxie. They hade to ensure Liu Wuxie¡¯s safety in case of a sudden assault from Li Hongda.


    Li Hongda was an expert in the Nascent Transformation Realm, and it would be tough to defend Liu Wuxie if heunched a sudden assault, so they had to show themselves.


    Elder He knew the four forms didn¡¯te from the Azure Crimson Gate, but the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion couldn¡¯t prove themselves without concrete proof.


    Liu Wuxie nodded as he had already recognized Yan Shan as a formidable alchemist. However, Liu Wuxie remained confident that his alchemy skills were unmatched, and not even those in the True Profound Realm could mimic him, let alone someone in the Nascent Transformation Realm.


    The atmosphere grew tense, and the tide shifted against the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. Li Hongda¡¯s constant taunts had already nted doubts in everyone¡¯s mind, and some people began to believe that Liu Wuxie had stolen the forms from the Azure Crimson Gate during his time in Serene Sea City.


    ¡°Elder Yan, can you verify the authenticity of the forms?¡± Li Hongda whispered to Yan Shan. They had already copied down the four forms and prepared the required ingredients.


    ¡°The form is genuine,¡± Yan Shan said. He had been silent throughout the time, analyzing the pills dozens of times in his mind.


    Shortly after they arrived, Wan Xingwen had even bought two pills for Yan Shan to analyze. The colors and fragrances perfectly matched the descriptions of the forms.


    ¡°And what are the odds of refining it?¡± Li Hongda asked.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s challenge still hung in the air, and they should be able to refine it if the forms truly belonged to the Azure Crimson Gate.


    ¡°Forty percent!¡± Yan Shan said modestly. Even so, this was already a high rate of sess.


    ¡°Since you im that these forms belong to the Azure Crimson Gate, why don¡¯t you refine one?¡± demanded one of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion¡¯s disciples.


    Many disciples remembered how the Spirit Restoration Pill was unveiled. No one could reproduce the pill even when Liu Wuxie had shared the form with everyone and even got Bi Gongyu to refine it on the spot. They believed that this would be no different.


    ¡°Agreed! Show us proof since you im it belongs to the Azure Crimson Gate!¡± It would nder the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion without proof that the Azure Crimson Gate owned the forms.


    ¡°Since the forms originate from the Azure Crimson Gate, we naturally know how to refine them,¡± Li Hongda said as he swept his gaze around.


    If the Azure Crimson Gate could recreate the pills, it would be a disaster for the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, and all their ns would crumble.


    ¡°Since Elder Li is so confident, please refine them. If you can refine them, the Heavenly Pill Pavilion will withdraw the pills from our market forever. But if you fail, don¡¯t even think about leaving Treasure City!¡± Liu Wuxie finally bared his fangs with a fierce aura sweeping out from him, enveloping the entire Heavenly Pill Pavilion.


    He was originally nning to prove the pill¡¯s worth through gentler means. But Li Hongda had now given him a perfect opportunity to showcase the pills¡¯ true value before everyone.


    A space was quickly cleared for Yan Shan to refine pills. If they failed, Elder He and the other elder would kill these five from the Azure Crimson Gate, who were simply courting death to cause trouble in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    ¡°Elder Yan, it¡¯s up to you now,¡± Li Hongda said.


    The appearance of the four pills was a heavy blow to the Azure Crimson Gate¡¯s market, and the sect would soon be reduced to a second-rate sect.


    Li Hongda¡¯s status in the sect made it impossible for him to invite someone like Yan Shan. Yan Shan hade because of an agreement among the upper echelon of the Azure Crimson Gate.


    Yan Shan nodded and retrieved an alchemy cauldron from his interspatial ring. The cauldron was two meters tall, and such arge cauldron was rare.


    Yan Shan was a natural-born alchemist, possessing both wood and fire attribute energy. He summoned Blue mes with a flick of his hand, and the temperature in the Heavenly Pill Pavilion surged.


    ¡°Is that Scarlet-Blue me? It¡¯s one of the rarest heavenly mes!¡± gasped someone in the crowd, astonished that Yan Shan had grasped such a heaven-defying me.


    Possessing fire and wood attribute elements and the Scarlet-Blue me ced his alchemy skills above someone like Qing Mu. Thus, one could imagine how seriously the Azure Crimson Gate had taken this challenge to send someone like him over. After all, Yan Shan was the Azure Crimson Gate¡¯s chief alchemist and held a high status in the sect.


    The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion¡¯s disciples were nervous, and only Liu Wuxie remained at ease with no sign of anxiety on his face.


    Elder He kept a vignt eye on the surroundings, preparing to kill everyone if Yan Shan really managed to refine the pills.


    Liu Wuxie nced at Elder He, surprised by the murderous intenting from thetter. Then again, this was because the sect¡¯s interest was above anything for Elder He.


    Yan Shan began refining the pills as he threw the ingredients into the cauldron and tried to refine the Demon Purging Pill, which was the easiest and cheapest of the four pills.


    Everyone¡¯s attention fell on the cauldron, not wanting to miss any detail. After all, it was a rare privilege to witness a nine-star alchemist refining pill, and there were many alchemists in the surroundings, hoping to learn something.


    He took out a thousand-year Snow Lotus and threw it into the cauldron, which was the main ingredient for the Demon Purging Pill. It was only a seventh-grade pill and an easy task for a nine-star alchemist.


    A faint aroma wafted from the cauldron, and a faint smile appeared on Liu Wuxie¡¯s face.


    ¡°It¡¯s almostplete!¡± Many people gathered in the surroundings, scanning the interior of the cauldron with their divine senses. The fragrance revealed the stages of refinement.


    Wan Xingwen¡¯s group of threeughed. They didn¡¯t expect the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion to be so foolish as to reveal their forms to everyone. It probably wouldn¡¯t take long before the four forms spread across the Southern Province.


    As Yan Shan approached the final steps, he became increasingly careful. Although he had rehearsed each step in his mind, putting it into action was different.


    ¡°The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion is in danger now!¡±


    The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion faced the looming threat of a new crisis if the Demon Purging Pill were sessfully refined. Many among the crowd sighed inwardly,menting how the Azure Crimson Gate had appeared just as the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion seemed to be recovering from their previous troubles.


    The tension was so thick that time seemed to have stopped, with everyone¡¯s attention on the cauldron as the fragrance grew denser. It was already reaching the pill-forming stage.


    Elder He clenched his fists, and murderous intent exuded from him. Cracks began to spread on the ground. The other elder beside Liu Wuxie was also prepared to act at any moment.


    Right then, the cauldron exploded from within, causing the entire cauldron to tremble violently like an earthquake.


    ¡°What happened? Why did the cauldron explode?¡±


    If the cauldron had been smaller, it would¡¯ve been sted into fragments, and the explosion caught everyone by surprise, including Yan Shan.

 Chapter 607 - No Escape

    <h4>Chapter 607 - No Escape</h4>


    A burnt odor permeated the Heavenly Pill Pavilion, causing many to cover their noses. Only a failed pill would emit such an unpleasant smell.


    The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion faced the looming threat of a new crisis if the Demon Purging Pill were sessfully refined. Many among the crowd sighed inwardly,menting how the Azure Crimson Gate had appeared just as the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion seemed to be recovering from their previous troubles.


    Elder He slowly loosened his fists, and the murderous intent gradually faded from his face.


    Li Hongda shivered and felt that something wasn¡¯t right. He hade today with a firm belief in a victory since what had happened in Serene Sea City. If he lost again, the sect master wouldn¡¯t show him any more mercy, and he wouldn¡¯t have the cheek to return to the sect.


    The sect had taken the risk of sending Yan Shan over to strike the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion down in one swoop. Wan Xingwen¡¯s group of three were nearby, and their faces turned pale.


    The Demon Purging Pill was the simplest of the four, but Yan Shan failed to refine it. Wouldn¡¯t that mean that it would be even tougher for him to refine the other three pills?


    ¡°Grandmaster Yan, that was an impressive feat to refine foul pills. I believe this should be the innovation of your Azure Crimson Gate, right?¡± Liu Wuxie asked with a mocking smile.


    Yan Shan¡¯s face flushed, stung by Liu Wuxie¡¯s taunts. He wasn¡¯t a person with many words and had been focused on alchemy back in Azure Crimson Gate. This was why he didn¡¯t expect to be humiliated here.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯sment sparked an outburst ofughter from the surroundings, entertained by his words. Then again, there was no need for Liu Wuxie to be polite with them since they were enemies. He wouldn¡¯t let this opportunity slip by and didn¡¯t mind kicking them while they were down.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, stop spouting nonsense! It¡¯s normal to fail in alchemy!¡± Li Hongda roared, preventing the situation from escting by cutting off Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Since our Elder Li here insists, I¡¯ll give you another chance to refine it again,¡± Liu Wuxie said, his murderous intent growing stronger.


    Today was the opening of the Heavenly Pill Pavilion, and he didn¡¯t mind using their lives as sacrifices to the heavens.


    Many in the crowd were baffled why Liu Wuxie would give them another chance when this was such a perfect opportunity to strike a blow to the Azure Crimson Gate.


    Even Elder He didn¡¯t interfere, and they were in no position to speak.


    Upon hearing Liu Wuxie¡¯s words, a glimmer of hope rose on Li Hongda¡¯s face again. He walked over to Yan Shan andmunicated. ¡°Elder Yan, what¡¯s going on here? Why did the cauldron explode? Is there something wrong with the form?¡±


    Li Hongdamunicated through his divine sense, ensuring that only the two could hear.


    ¡°There¡¯s no issue with the form, and the issue lies in the refinement technique. It¡¯s nearly impossible to refine such a pill in the Southern Province,¡± Yan Shan replied. He was truly worthy of being a nine-star alchemist to pinpoint the problem quickly.


    The issue wasn¡¯t in the form but in the refinement technique.


    ¡°What should we do now? None of us can leave this ce alive if we fail again,¡± Li Hongda asked with anxiety on his face. He had used Liu Wuxie of stealing their forms, and they would be exposed as frauds if they couldn¡¯t refine the pills.


    Failure wasn¡¯t an option, and they had to seed. It would be convincing even if they could refine just one of the four pills.


    Yan Shan felt the same dread; another failure would doom them both.


    ¡°Let me give it onest try,¡± Yan Shan said as he steeled himself to refine the Soul Condensing Pill, an even higher challenge than the Demon Purging Pill.


    He had already failed the Demon Purging Pill once, and they wouldn¡¯t be able to exin themselves if he failed again. But if he failed to refine the Soul Condensing Pill, they could still have room for argument.


    Yan Shan tossed the ingredients into the cauldron once more. Despite the earlier explosion, the cauldron remained intact¡ªan indication of its extraordinary quality. This was no ordinary vessel; it had been tempered with a heavenly me for eighty-one days and polished with Earthen Gold Sand, making it resilient enough to withstand the explosions of even ordinary pills.


    The Soul Condensing Pill required hundreds of ingredients. The ingredients were meticulously arranged in the surroundings, and Yan Shan was cautious in his refinement this time. He first sorted through the ingredients before closing his eyes to analyze the refining method for the Soul Condensing Pill.


    ¡°Hurry up and start already! Since you im the pills to originate from the Azure Crimson Gate, it should be a breeze for you to refine it!¡± urged a disciple of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion with more chiming in, demanding them not to waste any more time.


    After five minutes of careful thought, Yan Shan finally opened his eyes and ignited his Scarlet-Blue me. He was more careful this time, ensuring each step reached perfection.


    Even Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t help but feel a sliver of admiration for Yan Shan. For most pills, Yan Shan¡¯s skill and expertise would have been more than sufficient. However, the four pills introduced today were in a league of their own¡ªno one in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, or perhaps even the Azure Crimson Gate, could refine them sessfully.


    Fifteen minutes passed, and the Soul Condensing Pill had reached the merging phase. At this stage, the ingredients began tobine, and with proper tempering, the pill would soon form. Yan Shan¡¯s mastery as a nine-star alchemist was evident in his wless technique during this crucial step.


    ¡°What a rich fragrance! Just inhaling it feels rejuvenating!¡± The Soul Condensing Pill¡¯s primary function was to treat the soul sea, and everyone feltfortable taking a whiff of it.


    Nearly an hour had passed, and Yan Shan finally reached the pill-forming phase.


    Just as the pill was about toplete, another explosion urred in the cauldron. This time, the entire cauldron flew into the air, nearly sending the roof flying away.


    In the critical moment, Yan Shan leaped into the sky to stabilize the cauldron before crashing onto the ground: a charred smell permeated the hall once more, overwhelming everyone¡¯s senses.


    ¡°Another failure!¡± Yan Shan looked weary with a hint of defeat. He had never failed to refine a pill in all his years as an alchemist. Failing not once but twice in a single day was an unprecedented blow to his pride and reputation.


    Li Hongda¡¯s face looked visibly distressed. He hadn¡¯t expected Yan Shan to fail twice in a row, and a bad feeling loomed over him.


    Even Wan Xingwen¡¯s group of three looked nervous in the distance.


    ¡°Elder Li, what do you have to say for yourself now? You im the pills originate from the Azure Crimson Gate, but why can¡¯t you refine them?¡± Liu Wuxie taunted. His tone was sharper than before, and each word was filled with confidence.


    ¡°Elder Yan only failed because he¡¯s exhausted,¡± Li Hongda argued, his voicecking conviction. ¡°We¡¯ve just arrived, and he hasn¡¯t had time to rest. That¡¯s why he failed,¡± Li Hongda tried to argue, but his excuse was unconvincing, and no one in the room believed in him.


    Many people already had an answer that these pills had nothing to do with the Azure Crimson Gate.


    The Heavenly Pill Pavilion¡¯s establishment had threatened the Azure Crimson Gate¡¯s foundation, and they were here to cause trouble. No one was stupid, and they naturally figured out the Azure Crimson Gate¡¯s scheme.


    ¡°Your Azure Crimson Gate barged in with no reason to cause trouble. Since you can¡¯t refine them, don¡¯t me us for being ruthless,¡± Liu Wuxie roared as Elder He and the other elder lunged at Li Hongda and Yan Shan.


    Everyone in the surroundings quickly scattered out, fearing they would be caught in the crossfire.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, what nonsense are you spouting? Just because we failed, it doesn¡¯t mean that the pills didn¡¯t originate from the Azure Crimson Gate. You can¡¯t prove they belong to the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion unless you can refine one yourself!¡± Li Hongda yelled as he stepped back, clearly out of options.


    All the schemes the Azure Crimson Gate had crafted crumbled to nothing before Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll ensure you¡¯re fully convinced of your loss,¡± Liu Wuxie said calmly, his words carrying an undeniable confidence.


    Hearing this, Elder He halted his charge, understanding that killing the Azure Crimson Gate members now wouldn¡¯t dispel the crowd¡¯s lingering doubts.


    Liu Wuxie leaped down from the stage andnded not far away from Yan Shan.


    ¡°Let me borrow your cauldron!¡± Liu Wuxie said. He wanted to use Yan Shan¡¯s cauldron to make it convincing to everyone. This was to ensure that they wouldn¡¯t try to argue that there was an issue with the cauldron if they lost.


    Demonic me surged from Liu Wuxie¡¯s finger and enveloped the cauldron. The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion echoed with a low rumble as the ck me enveloped the cauldron.


    But strangely enough, the demonic mes didn¡¯t have any demonic aura. The purity was also high and much stronger than the Scarlet-Blue me.


    ¡°What kind of me is that? It looks terrifying!¡± the surroundings eximed because they had never seen such a bizarre me before.


    ¡°This Liu Wuxie isn¡¯t simple¡ªto be capable of subduing such a me,¡± the crowd murmured, awe and confusion evident in their voices. They marveled at the mysterious me, unable to identify its origins or nature.


    Even Liu Wuxie couldn''t fully exin it himself. Though it resembled a demonic me, its power wasparable to the True Samadhi Fire.


    Terrifying ck mes enveloped the cauldron, and Liu Wuxie took out a handful of ingredients from his interspatial ring. He was refining the Demonic Purging Pill, and he used the same ingredients as Yan Shan, including their age.


    A rich fragrance began to permeate the air in mere moments, and this refining speed was unbelievable.


    ¡°What refinement speed!¡± The Soul Condensing Pill was an eighth-grade pill, and Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t want to shock everyone. He was only in the eighth level of the Heavenly Phase Realm, and it was heaven-defying that he could refine a seventh-grade pill.


    The pill had already reached the forming phase in less than a minute.


    Yan Shan¡¯s heart began to tremble as he watched because he had failed on this step twice. The pills had exploded when they were about to form, but there was no sign of an explosion even after he waited for a few minutes.


    ¡°Look at Liu Wuxie¡¯s technique! It¡¯s different from ours, but I can¡¯t quite put it into words,¡± whispered one of the nearby alchemists. The problem should lie in the refinement method.


    The forms and ingredients were genuine because Liu Wuxie had used ingredients identical to those of Yan Shan. Or rather, Yan Shan had mimicked the form listed on the walls.


    ¡°Done!¡± Rich fragrance permeated the air as three Demon Purging Pills fell into Liu Wuxie¡¯s hand. The quality of the pills was much higher than the ones given out, and there were even pill runes on them.


    Li Hongda staggered because he knew their cause was lost.


    Seeing how Liu Wuxie refined the Demon Purging Pills effortlessly, this was enough to conclude that the forms belonged to Liu Wuxie.


    Yan Shan sighed, feeling the weight of his life¡¯s work crumble in his hands. His downfall reminded the fate of Grandmaster Hai, who had suffered a simr fate at Liu Wuxie¡¯s hands.


    Yan Shan wasn¡¯t afraid of losing, but losing in the field he excelled at was humiliating.


    ¡°Those who are unrted to this matter leave at once!¡± Elder He dered as he was prepared to start a massacre, looking at the five from the Azure Crimson Gate coldly.


    In a matter of moments, thousands of people fled the Heavenly Pill Pavilion, fearing they would be caught in the crossfire.


    The Heavenly Pill Pavilion became empty with only a handful remaining¡ªthey were all in the pinnacle of the Astral River Realm, and there were even cultivators in the Nascent Transformation Realm among them.


    They weren¡¯t afraid of battles and wanted to learn from a rare exchange between experts in the Nascent Transformation Realm.


    ¡°Activate the defensive barrier!¡± Elder He ordered, his voice echoing throughout the hall.


    Ayer of invisible barrier rose from the ground and enveloped Heavenly Pill Pavilion, protecting the shop and preventing the Azure Crimson Gate¡¯s group from escaping.


    The barrier was arge-scale spiritual array that trapped the five within.

 Chapter 608 - Slaughtered

    <h4>Chapter 608 - ughtered</h4>


    The barrier had cut off all escape paths for the Azure Crimson Gate''s group.


    "Are you going to take your own lives, or shall we have the honor?" Elder He said as he approached Li Hongda. Thetter was the strongest of the five but was only in the fifth level of the Nascent Transformation Realm.


    Yan Shan''s cultivation was low, and his status was only due to his alchemy skills.


    "Liu Wuxie, this is all your fault! I want you dead!" Li Hongda roared and lunged at Liu Wuxie. He was determined to drag Liu Wuxie down with him even if he would die.


    "You''re courting death!" Elder He vanished. Anyone here could die today, but not Liu Wuxie. Thetter was the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s hope, and the sect master had given the order to ensure his safety no matter what. If Liu Wuxie lost even a strand of hair, the sect master would hold him ountable.


    Li Hongda was fast, but Elder He was faster. The other elder from the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion went after Yan Shan and Wan Xingwen''s group of three, nning to kill them.


    When a palm descended, Li Hongda crashed onto the barrier and spat out blood.


    Liu Wuxie narrowed his eyes as he observed Elder He¡¯s disy of strength. He had seen Yi Xuan and Tian Xing fight before, but Elder He was on another level. This man was ruthless, but it was an essential quality for someone who was tasked with important tasks by the sect master.


    Elder He brought out his full strength right from the start, leaving Li Hongda with no way to put up a fight.


    "Don''t kill me!" Wan Xingwen screamed before he was reduced to a pool of blood.


    Then, it was Bao Zhe and Ma Shi''s turn to die. They couldn''t even put up a resistance against someone in the Nascent Transformation Realm.


    Throughout the process, Liu Wuxie merely stood there quietly as if he knew that Elder He would shield him from harm.


    A crowd gathered outside, observing the fight using their divine senses.


    Yan Shan stayed rooted to the spot, resignation etched across his face. He understood the gravity of the situation¡ªthere was no saving it now, and any resistance would be futile. Meanwhile, Li Hongda was the only one still standing, clutching his chest as blood trickled from the corners of his lips.


    "Liu Wuxie, you demon! You''ll meet a horrible end!" Li Hongda spat, his voice raw and strained as blood gushed from his mouth with every word. Elder He''s earlier strike had gravely injured his heart pulse, leaving him unable to resist.


    "You won''t live to see that day," Liu Wuxie said calmly. While he couldn¡¯t predict his own fate, he was certain Li Hongda wouldn¡¯t survive to witness it.


    Elder He advanced steadily toward Li Hongda, each step radiating increasing murderous intent. Today¡¯s events had been precariously close to disaster; if not for Liu Wuxie, the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion¡¯s reputation might have been irrevocably tarnished.


    He had strongly opposed Liu Wuxie''s proposal to make the forms public. After all, this was unheard of since ancient times, but he finally knew Liu Wuxie''s purpose¡ªit was all a trap to lure their enemies out.


    Liu Wuxie had foreseen that the Azure Crimson Gate wouldn''t let this matter rest and would try to cause trouble. Thus, he wanted to use this opportunity to eliminate them in one strike.


    With Li Hongda dead, Elder He slowly walked over to Liu Wuxie and gave thetter a thoughtful look. This young man, who appeared barely twenty, instilled a deep sense of fear in him. Only a god could aplish something like this¡ªeffortlessly controlling life and death.


    From the very beginning, Liu Wuxie had done little more than refine a batch of pills and speak a few words. Yet, his actions had indirectly led to the deaths of five experts, two of whom were in the Nascent Transformation Realm.


    In the Southern Province, the death of someone in the Nascent Transformation Realm was rare, but two had died today.


    When the Heavenly Pill Pavilion''s staff called off the barrier, they quickly cleaned the battlefield as if nothing had happened.


    What remained no longer interested Liu Wuxie, so he left the pills in the hands of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s shopkeeper, knowing that they could discern who to give them to.


    He had been away for ten days, and it was time to return to the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, hoping to reach the Astral River Realm soon.


    Following what had happened, the Lesser de Association would need time to recover, and it was unlikely for them to provoke the Heavenly Dao Society again.


    Not long after Liu Wuxie left, all the pills in the Heavenly Pill Pavilion were sold in less than half a day. The orders were packed for months toe.


    The most sought-after pill was the Transcendent Pill, but it was a pity that only twenty were avable per day, making it nearly impossible to obtain. Some were willing to pay fifty million spirit stones to get one. Even so, it was a market with demand, not supply, because no one would sell the Transcendent Pill.


    With the crisis averted, Liu Wuxie returned to the sect with Fan Zhen. Bai Lin and Lan Yu remained behind to help with spiritual talismans and pills.


    On the path back to the mountain, over a dozen peopley in ambush in the woods. They had been waiting there for half a day.


    "Is the information reliable?" Ye Dao asked in a low voice.


    "I''m certain that Liu Wuxie will return to the sect today. The higher-ups have given the order to kill him no matter what," whispered someone in the first level of the Astral River Realm.


    "Isn''t it a little rash? Liu Wuxie has just done great service to the sect. If we killed him, none of us woulde out unscathed if the sect pursued this matter," another person said. There were a few people who didn''t support the killing of Liu Wuxie. After all, they had witnessed Liu Wuxie''s contribution to the sect.


    "He caused so much trouble for the Lesser de Association, and he has to die today no matter what! The pills have already been established, and he''s no longer as important as you think," Ye Dao said.


    Liu Wuxie had turned the crisis around and saved the sect, but he didn''t expect the Lesser de Association to stille after him.


    The other members fell silent because there was no turning back now.


    "He''s here!" Those who were sent as scouts returned, with Liu Wuxie slowly approaching.


    The Lesser de Association had camped there for days, mainly to wait for Yi Xuan''s return to the sect. They had received news of Yi Xuan''s return yesterday and hadid their ambush there.


    <strong>......</strong>


    On his way back to the sect, Liu Wuxie suddenly stopped, a cold smirk forming on his lips.


    His divine sense wasparable to someone in the high levels of the Astral River Realm. Combined with Ghost Eye, he could detect everything within miles of range. He had long noticed the Lesser de Association members but pretended not to notice them.


    "Old Fan, you wait here for me," Liu Wuxie said and vanished, heading straight toward the ambush. Before the Lesser de Association members could react, Liu Wuxie stood before them.


    "Liu Wuxie!" they gasped. Liu Wuxie had discovered their ambush. Luckily for them, Liu Wuxie didn''t attack immediately and merely stood before them.


    "You people have waited long enough for me, haven''t you?" Liu Wuxie asked in an icy tone as he gazed through the crowd like he was looking at a dead person.


    Aside from Ye Dao, the others were nothing more than rubbish in his eyes.


    "Liu Wuxie, today will be yourst!" the ambushers cried, and they encircled him.


    Ye Dao ced his right hand on the hilt, ready to strike any moment.


    "Are you certain you want to do this?" Liu Wuxie asked, offering them onest chance. They were all disciples of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, and Liu Wuxie wouldn''t mind sparing them if they picked the right path now.


    "Enough talk¡ªdie!" yelled the disciple in the first level of the Astral River Realm, his sword swinging down at Liu Wuxie at blinding speed.


    They were resolved to kill Liu Wuxie, and this was a rare opportunity. They wouldn¡¯t get this chance again once Liu Wuxie returned to the sect.


    "What a pity..." Liu Wuxie sighed. He raised his palm and created a giant palm with Frost Finger. Before those who charged over could react, they were crushed to death in a single blow.


    This left the others frozen in disbelief. Killing so many people in the Astral River Realm with one strike made everyone wonder if Liu Wuxie had reached the high levels of the Astral River Realm.


    Even Ye Dao''s face changed, and he took a step back. Even he himself couldn''t kill someone in the Astral River Realm with one strike.


    "All of you cane at me! Seeing that you are all disciples of the sect, I''ll give you all a swift death," Liu Wuxie said and gestured for them to attack together.


    Everyone looked at each other, hesitant if they should attack. They knew there would be no path of retreat the moment they struck.


    Everyone''s eyes drifted to Ye Dao, their leader. If Ye Dao didn''t act, it would be futile even if they attacked.


    "Liu Wuxie, I have to admit that you''re strong. But only one party can leave here today," Ye Dao said as he took a deep breath. When he unsheathed his de, a powerful surge of de intent exploded and came crashing down on Liu Wuxie. Even before his de struck, anyone could tell he was an expert in the de.


    A tinge of pity shed across Liu Wuxie''s face. If Ye Dao could carry on honing his skills, it wouldn''t be an issue for him to be a demaster.


    He drew the Heretic de to execute True Strike, a single sh swift as lightning, cutting through the air in one strike. This was a simple move, but it was imbued with unfathomable power.


    Over the past few days, Liu Wuxie had been analyzing the profundity of True Strike through the Heavenly Dao Book, deepening his insight daily.


    "How could this be?" gasped the onlookers as their bodies were all split into two by Liu Wuxie''s de.


    Among them was Ye Dao, who was killed before he could even strike.


    "Hahaha!" A bleak, hollowughter escaped from Ye Dao as blood poured from his throat. Reflecting on their actions over the past few days, he suddenly saw the folly of it all.


    Liu Wuxie had not gone out of his way to kill them¡ªthis much was clear, and it wasn¡¯t fear that had stayed his hand.


    "I, Ye Dao, lived my life with arrogance, and now this is how my journey ends. Retribution... I deserve this fate!" Ye Dao dered before copsing to the ground, his body falling backward with a thud. The others who stood with him didn¡¯t even have a chance to speak before their bodies disintegrated into fragments, consumed by their fates.


    Then, Liu Wuxie summoned demonic me with a wave of his hand and consumed the entire woods, erasing all the traces of what had happened.


    Fan Zhen arrived momentster, hurriedly approaching after sensing the disturbance. "The Lesser de Association?" he asked, scanning the burned remains.


    Liu Wuxie nodded, but he did not exin. There was no satisfaction in killing the likes of Ye Dao, and his mood was somber instead.


    He knew these individuals were not inherently evil¡ªthey were merely following Qin Dao''s orders. He knew that he could only resolve their conflict by killing Qin Dao.


    The two picked up their pace and returned to the sect by midday. When they returned to the sect, a crowd gathered, cheering.


    Word had already spread throughout the sect about how Liu Wuxie had averted the crisis and saved them, earning him the respect of everyone. Bouquets were presented to him as a disy of admiration.

 Chapter 609 - Seclusion

    <h4>Chapter 609 - Seclusion</h4>


    Elder Tian Xing walked out from the crowd and patted Liu Wuxie''s shoulder. He was satisfied with Liu Wuxie''s performance in the past few days.


    "The sect master told me to tell you that you''ve done it beautifully, and he owes you a favor," Elder Tian Xing whispered to Liu Wuxie as they walked through the crowd.


    Having the sect master owe you a favor was an immense honor because this meant Liu Wuxie didn''t have to fear anyone in the sect.


    "This is my responsibility as a sect disciple," Liu Wuxie replied, rubbing his nose awkwardly. Since he caused the entire incident, it was only natural for him to end it.


    "I bet you must''ve been exhausted. Go and rest. Your reward from the sect will arrive shortly," Elder Tian Xing said with a mysterious smile before motioning Liu Wuxie to continue.


    Having aplished so much for the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, it was only natural for Liu Wuxie to be rewarded. As for the reward, Liu Wuxie still had no idea about it.


    Jian Xing''er and others had been eagerly waiting. They had already received news of what happened in Treasure City. They wanted to leave the sect to help Liu Wuxie several times, but Tang Tian and the others stopped them. After all, they would only be a burden to Liu Wuxie if they left the sect.


    Everyone from the Heavenly Dao Society cheered when Liu Wuxie returned to his abode.


    "Alright, everyone, get back to your tasks! Wuxie must''ve been exhausted," Fan Zhen said before dispersing everyone.


    Along the way back, Fan Zhen noticed that Liu Wuxie seemed oddly unhappy, as if weary of his current lifestyle.


    Taking a deep breath, Liu Wuxie sat with his legs crossed. Regardless of how difficult the road ahead, nothing could sway him from his original resolve¡ªto return to the Celestial Realm and ughter those hypocrites.


    In the afternoon, Fan Zhen said that someone wished to see him.


    After a few hours of rest to adjust, Liu Wuxie felt like himself again. He tidied his clothes before he stepped out of his abode.


    Old Fan rarely bothered him with visitors, which meant that the visitor had to be someone important.


    When Liu Wuxie stepped out of his abode, he saw a graceful back that stuck a familiar cord with him.


    Not long after Fan Zhen left, this woman came to look for him and insisted on meeting Liu Wuxie. No matter how he tried to persuade her, she wouldn''t leave until she finally dered that she was Liu Wuxie''s woman.


    This left Fan Zhen with no choice but to notify Liu Wuxie about her arrival.


    "What are you doing in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion?" Liu Wuxie asked. He was shocked at the sight of Murong Yi because he didn''t expect her toe to the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    When Murong Yi turned around, her face wasn''t veiled, and her stunning beauty waspletely revealed to Liu Wuxie. Her beauty seemed more radiant than when they parted in Serene Sea City.


    "I''m a disciple of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion now, and this is my identity token as a true disciple," Murong Yi said with a yful smile as she tossed her medal to Liu Wuxie.


    When Liu Wuxie received the medal, he examined it closely, and he found that it was indeed an identity medal from the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    "Did youe here to hold me to my promise, afraid that I''ll go back on it?" Liu Wuxie asked with a slight frown as he handed the medal back. He never failed to keep his promises once given, and Murong Yi came to ensure that he kept his promise of rescuing her parents.


    "I have already disbanded the House of Tea Art and sent everyone back to the Western Barren. So I have nowhere to go now except for the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion," Murong Yi exined. She had some understanding of Liu Wuxie''s personality during this period, and she knew that he would keep up with his promise.


    "With your unclear background, how did the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion allow you in?" Liu Wuxie asked, genuinely curious. The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion only epted disciples with a clean background, and Murong Yi was someone in the high levels of the Astral River Realm. Thus, he needed rification on why the sect allowed Murong Yi to join.


    "That''s simple¡ªI told them I was your woman!" Murong Yiughed as she covered her mouth, curious about Liu Wuxie''s reaction.


    Liu Wuxie staggered when he heard Murong Yi''s reply. His forehead was wrinkled, and Murong Yi had no qualms about saying whatever came to her mind.


    She did mention that she would do anything if Liu Wuxie could rescue her parents, and they both understood the implications.


    "I''m just kidding. The Heavenly Treasure Pavillion allowed me to join, but with conditions attached," Murong Yi said with a serious expression.


    "What condition?" Liu Wuxie asked. He couldn''t think of anything Murong Yi could offer to the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion when she had disbanded the House of Tea Art.


    "The Ten Grand Ceremony will take ce soon, and I''ve promised to help the sect achieve good results," Murong Yi exined honestly.


    Liu Wuxie nodded and finally figured everything out. The Ten Grand Ceremony was vital to the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, and Mu Tianli encouraged him to participate, though he still had not decided.


    The two chatted for an hour before Murong Yi left.


    As he watched her graceful figure, Liu Wuxie couldn''t help but let out a wry smile. But Elder Tian Xing hurried over just when he was about to return to his abode.


    "Wuxie, here''s the reward from the sect. Take them!" Elder Tian Xing took out an interspatial ring and handed it to Liu Wuxie.


    "Please thank the sect master on my behalf," Liu Wuxie said as he kept the interspatial ring. The reward came at the right time, and it was ideal if he could reach the Astral River Realm with the resources.


    "The sect master also asked me to get your reply for the Ten Grand Ceremony," Elder Tian Xing said as they sat down on arge boulder.


    "Do I have a choice?" Liu Wuxie shrugged. He had no desire to participate and only wanted to cultivate in peace.


    "Absolutely not!" Elder Tian Xing replied straightforwardly.


    "Then why are you even asking me?" Liu Wuxie retorted, resisting the urge to give Elder Tian Xing a beating. If he had the strength, he would''ve acted long ago.


    "I was just being polite by seeking your opinion. I have already submitted your name, so you are going," Elder Tian Xing grinned, revealing his genuine side when he was with Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie sighed with a headache because Murong Yi hade to tease him earlier, and it was Elder Tian Xing''s turn now.


    "Alright, enough¡ªgo away. Don''t bother me in the next few days," Liu Wuxie said, waving his hand to dismiss Elder Tian Xing. He didn''t want to see thetter for another moment.


    "Haha, focus on cultivating. Don''t let us down," Elder Tian Xing chuckled as he patted Liu Wuxie on the shoulder before leaving.


    Now that he was finally alone, Liu Wuxie went into seclusion in his abode, forbidding anyone from entering. Once inside, he sorted through the resources given to him by the sect, and the amount of resources nearly blinded his eyes.


    "Now, that''s more like it!" Liu Wuxie said with his spirits lifted.


    "A thousand high-grade spirit stones, a coral essence, five high-grade spiritual essences, materials to forge a monarch artifact, and fifty million mid-grade spirit stones..."


    The resources stacked up like a mountain, all rewards from the sect. That was especially true for the thousand high-grade spirit stones crucial to Liu Wuxie.


    As he further sorted the resources, he found several cultivation technique manuals. While he didn''t need them, it was a thoughtful gesture from the sect.


    After all, the sect master didn''t know that he had practiced the Deste Devouring Art and possessed a heaven-defying treasure like the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron.


    In addition to the cultivation technique manuals, there were about a dozen porcin bottles, all containing pills that could aid him in his cultivation.


    Those pills were also crucial because he had to depend on them to see if he could reach the pinnacle of the Heavenly Phase Realm. He had been stuck at the eighth-level of the Heavenly Phase Realm for a month now and needed to make a breakthrough quickly.


    Only one month was left until the Ten Grand Ceremony, and time was running out for him.


    He quickly opened the porcin bottles because ordinary pills couldn''t catch his attention, as he was also a grandmaster alchemist. Since the sect master had gifted these pills to him, this meant that they would be anything but ordinary.


    He poured out a purple pill when he opened the first porcin bottle. When he took a closer examination of the pill, he eximed, "The Indigo me Pill!"


    This was a ninth-grade pill, but the sect master had given to him like that, something he didn''t expect. He opened the second porcin bottle and muttered, "The Insight Pill!"


    He moved on to open the other bottles, each time revealing more surprises.


    "The Purity Pill, Spirit Consolidating Pill, and the Meridians Cleansing Pill!" Liu Wuxie was shocked as he stared at the pills before him. Each of them was a ninth-grade pill, potent beyond measure. After all, even eighth-grade pills could no longer satisfy his requirement.


    "This is great! With these resources, I have at least a fifty percent chance of making it into the Astral River Realm, and I can also reforge the Heretic de into a monarch artifact," Liu Wuxie eximed as he carefully stowed away the pills.


    He was running out of time and was prepared to use the timew in the cultivation chamber to make a breakthrough in his cultivation.


    Upon learning that Liu Wuxie required a cultivation chamber, many people stepped aside and let him pick the best one avable.


    Liu Wuxie didn''t have to worry about points because the sect master had given him a staggering amount of one million points, on top of all the resources he was awarded. This was enough for him to cultivate as he pleased, and he could even reserve the cultivation chamber for an entire year without concern.


    When Liu Wuxie stepped into the cultivation chamber, he was enveloped by the dense spiritual energy. He took a seat and wasn''t in a hurry to consume the pills. Instead, he spent some time tempering his cultivation first.


    The Deste Devouring Art began to revolve and formed into a vortex around him to devour the spiritual energy in the cultivation chamber.


    As Liu Wuxie''s cultivation deepened, the power of the Deste Devouring Art became even more evident. After refining arge amount of spiritual essence, the deste world had obtained a hint of spirituality, and his spiritual root was infinitely closer to an immortal root.


    He took out five spiritual essences given to him by the sect and held them in his hand, absorbing the spirituality within. As spirituality poured into his body, the deste world continued to advance, and even the growth of the Golden Spirit Fruit sped up, reaching maturity.


    Over a dozen days passed in the cultivation chamber, but it had only been two hours in the outside world. He took out the Insight Pill and consumed it.


    The Insight Pill wasn''t meant to help Liu Wuxie make a breakthrough but to strengthen hisprehension before that breakthrough.


    In a nutshell, this was a pill that could enhance the intellect. Afortable sensation spread throughout his limbs when the pill dissolved in Liu Wuxie''s mouth, with each pore devouring the spiritual energy greedily.


    As Liu Wuxie''s soul sea pulsed, the Heavenly Dao Book began to shine brightly under the golden radiance.


    He proceeded to take out the Meridians Cleansing Pill, trying to use it to perfect and strengthen his meridians. The pill cleansed and fortified his meridians, and it was a rare pill that couldn''t be easily found in the market.

 Chapter 610 - Ninth-Level Heavenly Phase Realm

    <h4>Chapter 610 - Ninth-Level Heavenly Phase Realm</h4>


    No ordinary person could consume two ninth-grade pills in session; their physique wouldn¡¯t withstand the strain, and their body would likely explode under the pills¡¯ immense power.


    However, Liu Wuxie had no such fear. The Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron absorbed the pills, breaking them down into manageable energy before channeling it back into his body.


    The Insight Pill allowed Liu Wuxie to maintain a calm mind with steady breathing. He had achieved a rhythmic pattern that resembled a newborn, with each breath like part of the natural world''s cadence.


    The Meridians Cleansing Pill was transforming his meridians, cleansing the impurities within.


    Liu Wuxie wasn''t in a hurry because he still had a lot of time as time worked differently in the cultivation chamber. One month in the cultivation chamber was only one day in the outside world, and twenty days were left until the Ten Grand Ceremony.


    Five days passed in the blink of an eye in the cultivation chamber, and he had sessfully absorbed the Meridians Cleansing Pill and Insight Pill. There was no longer a hint of impurity in his body, and even his primordial spirit became clear like a crystal.


    Even before reaching the Astral River Realm, Liu Wuxie''s primordial spirit had reached the size of an adult''s fist. His primordial spirit would grow stronger if he could reach the Astral River Realm.


    As true essence coursed through Liu Wuxie''s meridians, he began to attempt his breakthrough to the ninth level of the Heavenly Phase Realm. Tens of thousands of mid-grade spirit stones shattered, condensing into spiritual liquid that the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron consumed.


    The density of his true essence wasparable to the pinnacle of the Astral River Realm.


    "Indigo me Pill...with this, I''ll make a breakthrough to the next level!" Liu Wuxie swallowed the Indigo me Pill with a gulp, which felt like zing mes exploding in his abdomen.


    Suddenly, purple mes appeared in the deste world and filled the void. The purple me was converted into purple true essence, filling up the deste world.


    Liu Wuxie''s cultivation began to rise, heading towards the ninth level of the Heavenly Phase Realm.


    As he circted the Deste Devouring Art, tens of thousands of mid-grade spirit stones were reduced to ashes and merged into Liu Wuxie''s body. Even a hundred cultivators in the Astral River Realm couldn''t rival Liu Wuxie''s speed of devouring spiritual energy.


    Laws began manifesting in the deste world, appearing even before Liu Wuxie had reached the Astral River Realm.


    Meanwhile, deep within the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron, Dan Cheng''s primordial spirit remained imprisoned, barely clinging to life. From his confinement, he had borne witness to Liu Wuxie¡¯s meteoric growth, a sight that filled him with dread. Every surge of spiritual liquid into the cauldron sent tremors through Dan Cheng¡¯s heart. Though not dead, his body served as a source of Nascent Transformation Realmws, which Liu Wuxie extracted to strengthen his own foundation.


    With a loud rumble, Liu Wuxie broke through, sessfully reaching the ninth level of the Heavenly Phase Realm. His cultivation surged rapidly, pushing him to the pinnacle of the ninth level. Only one more step separated him from the Quasi-Astral River Realm.


    He wasn''t in a hurry to make another breakthrough and chose to consolidate his cultivation to reach the Quasi-Astral River Realm. Then, he could use the coral essence to reach the Astral River Realm in one swoop.


    Each step Liu Wuxie took was deliberate and calcted. His focus now was on consolidating his cultivation and broadening his meridians, allowing his true essence to flow freely without resistance.


    With each cycle, Liu Wuxie¡¯s true essence grew stronger. He even managed to take a step further with the True Dragon Physique, his very bones emitting a golden glow and covered with countless dragon runes.


    As Liu Wuxie stood up, rumbling sounds echoed from his bones. When he clenched his fist, he sent a ripple through the air.


    "What tremendous power!" Liu Wuxie marveled. This was only the pinnacle of the Heavenly Phase Realm, and he was confident that he would be invincible beneath the Nascent Transformation Realm if he could reach the Astral River Realm. He began to practice his fist technique to consolidate his current cultivation.


    Many true disciples had returned to the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion to prepare for the Ten Grand Ceremony. The area meant for them was crowded with people, and true disciples could often be seen in the surroundings.


    There were many disciples gathered on a small peak. This was because true disciples could be assigned to a small-scaled mountain, an even better treatmentpared to elite disciples.


    "Senior Brother Qin Dao, you must avenge the fallen disciples!" many elite disciples pleaded as they kneeled before Qin Dao, begging him to avenge them.


    Qin Dao had turned thirty this year and was famed for his throwing knife technique. He had obtained the technique in his teens, mastering it to the point where every throw was lethal. Since his debut, no one had ever survived three strikes from him.


    He didn''t have an imposing figure, standing at an average height with a thin mustache and sharp, hawk-like eyes that glinted with intense ferocity. Those in the surroundings could sense his menacing gaze, and they held their breaths, fearing that even a whisper could ignite Qin Dao''s wrath.


    "Get up; he''s done for!" Qin Daomanded, his voice cold as he took a deep breath to suppress his simmering fury. Sweeping his gaze over the group, he added, ¡°I¡¯ve been away for over a year honing my skills, and yet, so much has happened in my absence.¡±


    "We should reconsider because that brat has done a great service for the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, and we might provoke the sect''s displeasure if we act rashly," a youth said as he stepped forward, standing before Qin Dao.


    During Qin Dao''s absence from the sect, this youth had managed the Lesser de Association, and he was Qin Dao''s most trusted brother-in-arms.


    His name was Song Guang. He was known for being ruthless, and the Lesser de Association had flourished under his management. Even without Qin Dao, the Lesser de Association had managed to operate normally.


    "Say no more. How can we stand firm in the sect if we don''t kill him?" Qin Dao waved his hand to dismiss what Song Guang said. The Lesser de Association had never faced such a situation since its establishment. Cutting off all their sources of ie had dealt a lethal blow to the faction.


    The other regions buzzed with tales of the recent year''s events, and most of them centered around Liu Wuxie.


    <strong>......</strong>


    Meanwhile, Liu Wuxie remained oblivious to all of this, lost in his own world. After stabilizing his cultivation at the ninth level of the Heavenly Phase Realm, he began circting the Deste Devouring Art to elerate his progress.


    Although in seclusion, Liu Wuxie could easily imagine the upheavals urring outside. With the Ten Grand Ceremony approaching and many true disciples returning, ferocious conflicts were inevitable.


    "The Purity Pill!" Liu Wuxie took out the Purity Pill and ced it in his hand. The level of the Purity Pill was even beyond the Transcendent Pill, and it could cleanse his mundane impurities to elevate his aura to a new level.


    "True Profound Realm''sws!" Liu Wuxie marveled as he inspected the pill. He realized that this pill was likely refined by the sect master himself.


    When he consumed the pill, his mundane aura began to dissolve, and his mind sharpened. It felt like he was floating among the clouds¡ªa sensation beyond words.


    Shortly after, Liu Wuxie retrieved the Spirit Consolidating Pill. This extraordinary pill had the unique property of preserving a person¡¯s spirituality, which naturally declined with age. Spirituality was strongest in youth but would diminish over time, often bing tainted as one grew older.


    With the Spirit Consolidating Pill, Liu Wuxie''s spirituality could be maintained at a vibrant level. With his rising cultivation, his spirituality would also rise in the future.


    After consuming various ninth-grade pills, Liu Wuxie''s cultivation began to shake. The Deste Devouring Art began to circte to devour thews in the surroundings.


    "Coral essence, you''re up next!" Liu Wuxie said as he took out two coral essences. One was obtained on his journey back from the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind, while the other was a reward from the sect master.


    He nned to use the coral essences to reach the Astral River Realm in one swoop, and this was a rare opportunity he couldn''t afford to miss.


    After absorbing so many heaven-defying pills, it would be too much of a disappointment if he couldn''t make a breakthrough.


    However, he wasn''t in a hurry because he had yet to refine morews, especially the Nascent Transformation Realmws from Dan Cheng.


    As demonic mes zed in the cauldron, a heart-wrenching scream came from Dan Cheng.


    He was only left with a fragment of the primordial spirit because Liu Wuxie had absorbed the majority.


    The Golden Spirit Fruit finally reached maturity after devouring so much spiritual energy and spirituality. The fruit gave off an alluring radiance, but Liu Wuxie wouldn''t consume it lightly.


    Liu Wuxie''s cultivation began to rise and swiftly reached the pinnacle of the Heavenly Phase Realm, advancing towards the Astral River Realm.


    With pills and coral essences, Liu Wuxie could feel that the gateway to the Astral River Realm was slowly opened to him.


    The Heavenly Dao Book unfurled, and Liu Wuxie''s primordial spirit began to grow. It was once norger than a fist, but it had grown in size during his attempt at the Astral River Realm.


    Most importantly, facial features began to appear on his primordial spirit¡ªan attribute usually associated with the high levels of the Astral River Realm.


    This was incredible, but concern soon overtook his thoughts.


    "This won''t do. If my primordial spirit is too strong, thews of the Astral River Realm can''t catch up," he realized.


    The deste world was immensely powerful, and the amount of true essence Liu Wuxie required was hundreds of times greater than that of ordinary cultivators. Additionally, with his exceptionally strong primordial spirit, the quantity and quality ofws he needed were proportionately immense.


    The pills and coral essences alone couldn''t satisfy his primordial spirit, and his breakthrough was onlyplete when it reached full saturation.


    Frustration set in because this had stalled his advancement.


    Despite multiple attempts, his efforts failed because his primordial spirit was still undergoing a transformation. In addition to the facial features, limbs had also grown swiftly on his primordial spirit.


    This frustrated Liu Wuxie, and it would probably shock the world if anyone knew that facial features had developed on his primordial spirit even before he reached the Astral River Realm.


    His primordial spirit was like a ck hole, continuously drawing spiritual energy from the surroundings, and Liu Wuxie had consumed half of the vast reserve of spirit stones.


    The consumption rate was terrifying, but Liu Wuxie still found himself at an impasse as time ticked by; his cultivation remained at the Quasi-Astral River Realm, unable to cross that threshold.


    "Screw it!" Liu Wuxie gritted his teeth as chains rattled within the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron as Dan Cheng was dragged out.


    "Liu Wuxie, what are you trying to do?!" Dan Cheng yelled. He was already at Liu Wuxie''s mercy, unable to resist. He only had a fragment of his primordial spirit left; he was beyond salvation, and he would perish even if Liu Wuxie released him now.


    "Help me take a look at my primordial spirit and tell me what''s wrong with it," Liu Wuxie said. He was troubled by this obstacle in his cultivation as he had never experienced it before. Dan Cheng was in the Nascent Transformation Realm and must have had experience since he had gone through the Astral River Realm to reach his current height.


    However, Dan Cheng was left speechless at the sight of Liu Wuxie''s primordial spirit.


    "What''s your actual cultivation? Are you in the Nascent Transformation Realm or Astral River Realm?" Dan Cheng''s voice was tinged with fear; he couldn''tprehend how Liu Wuxie''s primordial spirit was so powerful.


    Liu Wuxie''s primordial spirit was the size of two adults'' fists, practically solid, and had fully formed facial features and limbs.


    After reaching the Nascent Transformation Realm, the primordial spirit would be infant-like, but Liu Wuxie''s primordial spirit was unlike any infant. This meant it had yet to undergo the phase of nascent transformation.


    However, it didn''t look like the Astral River Realm either because Liu Wuxie was still working toward it.


    "I''m in the Heavenly Phase Realm," Liu Wuxie sighed in exasperation. His cultivation was stalled at the brink of a breakthrough, and he could not progress further.

 Chapter 611 - Astral River Realm

    <h4>Chapter 611 - Astral River Realm</h4>


    Dan Cheng was visibly shocked by Liu Wuxie¡¯s words. He couldn¡¯t believe that Liu Wuxie was just in the Heavenly Phase Realm.


    "There''s only one way. You have to nourish your primordial spirit until it¡¯s fully saturated to ascend to the Astral River Realm," Dan Cheng advised Liu Wuxie after some contemtion.


    "I share the same thoughts." Liu Wuxie nodded in agreement. He had brought out Dan Cheng''s primordial soul with two objectives: to get his opinion regarding the cultivation bottleneck and to use thetter''s primordial spirit to feed his own.


    Without another word, the chains within the Sky Devouring Diving Cauldron suddenly tightened, causing Dan Cheng''s primordial spirit to let out an agonized scream.


    "Liu Wuxie, what are you doing?!" Dan Cheng screamed, his face twisted with pain as his primordial spirit was reduced to the size of an egg.


    "Didn''t you say I need to feed my primordial spirit until it¡¯s fully saturated? In that case, I have no choice but to sacrifice you," Liu Wuxie said coldly, his tone devoid of pity. For some time, he had been slowly siphoning thews from Dan Cheng, and now the moment hade to finally put them to use.


    "Y-you''re a demon! You''re a demon!" Dan Cheng screamed, his voice breaking as the chains constricting him tightened. His cries faded into silence as Liu Wuxie relentlessly devoured thews within his body, leaving him with barely a breath of life remaining.


    Liu Wuxie boldly decided to use Dan Cheng''s primordial spirit to advance into the Astral River Realm, but the gamble was extremely high risk. If his own primordial spirit repelled the energy from Dan Cheng''s primordial spirit, it could very well cause his primordial spirit to be severely unstable, jeopardizing all his years of cultivation. However, Liu Wuxie couldn''t afford to wait any longer and decided to take the gamble.


    Dan Cheng''s primordial spirit was already on the brink of death and posed no real threat. Had Dan Cheng been in his prime, Liu Wuxie would never have taken the risk.


    As thews of the Nascent Transformation Realm flooded in, Liu Wuxie''s primordial spirit experienced a surge of growth. Gradually, its limbs began to take shape.


    Days turned into months, and Liu Wuxie had remained in the cultivation chamber for over a year.


    The Ten Grand Ceremony was fast approaching, and Elder Tian Xing had been anxious, afraid that Liu Wuxie would miss it. After all, the sect master had high hopes for him.


    Finally, as Dan Cheng''s primordial spirit dissipatedpletely, Liu Wuxie''s own primordial spirit brimmed with energy, leaving him just one step away from breaking into the Astral River Realm. Only a thin barrier kept him from breaking through.


    Delving into the interspatial ring with his divine sense, Liu Wuxie realized that he had practically exhausted all the resources. The only thing remaining were spirit stones and materials meant for forging artifacts left. As for the manuals, none of them could assist in pushing him past this critical threshold.


    "What now?" Liu Wuxie muttered, furrowing his brows in frustration. He hade too far to give up now, and such a setback would be devastating to both his mind and body.


    The best thing would be to ascend to the first level of the Astral River Realm in one go. As long as he managed to break into the Astral River Realm, the path forward would be much smoother. He needed to cross this threshold as he could continue to make subsequent breakthroughs as long as he had enough resources.


    "Golden Spirit Fruit...I suppose I have to rely on you now!"


    The Golden Spirit Fruits had just matured, and he was nning to refine them into pills to help Fan Zhen, Jian Xing''er, and the others reach the higher levels of the Heavenly Phase Realm. But they would have to wait now.


    He was fortunate to have several Golden Spirit Fruits, which would soon mature as long as he continued watering them with spiritual liquid daily.


    Liu Wuxie plucked a Golden Spirit Fruit and brought it to his lips. The aroma was so enticing that he could barely resist taking a bite. Taking a deep breath, he swallowed the fruit whole.


    A surge of violent power roared within Liu Wuxie''s body, almost tearing him apart. Its overwhelming force wasparable to a strike from a cultivator in the Nascent Transformation Realm.


    He managed to endure the surging power only because of his formidable physique. Despite that, a deep ache emanated from his internal organs, and he had to rely on the Suppression Steles to protect them.


    So far, Liu Wuxie had only obtained the Earth and Wood Suppression Steles; he still needed materials for the other three. If he could gather all five Suppression Steles, his strength would transform.


    Each of Liu Wuxie''s pores absorbed the energy from the Golden Spirit Fruit. This was no ordinary fruit. It could be traced back to ancient times and carried ancientws.


    After the energy from the Golden Spirit Fruit merged into the deste world, it began to exude an aura of antiquity. The trees had a sudden surge of growth, a visible testament to the fruit''s remarkable effects.


    The mysterious tree, in particr, had grown so much that it pierced the sky. No other tree couldpare to it, and the towering tree was the first nt in the deste world. Liu Wuxie still hadn¡¯t figured out the name of this mysterious tree. It was so ancient that even he was unaware of its origin.


    The mysterious tree devoured vast amounts of spiritual energy daily, channeling it back to nurture the other nts and help their growth. It was like a monarch, the regal protector of this world.


    For the most part, the mysterious tree remained dormant; its only reaction being to alert him of potential dangers. Though it stayed silent, Liu Wuxie didn''t dare to underestimate it¡ªits ability to warn of danger alone was an extraordinary feat. Another possibility was also the fact that he still hadn¡¯t figured out the tree¡¯s true ability.


    Liu Wuxie was initially just one step away from the Astral River Realm, but with the help of the Golden Spirit Fruit, he managed to tear the barrier and shatter the bottleneck.


    His soul sea began to expand, and multiple doors started to appear in its depths. The doors were yet to open, but powerful soul energy was already gushing out.


    Each realm was a drastic transformation. After reaching the Astral River Realm, Liu Wuxie''s horizons were broadened, and a new world unfurled.


    Boundless astral energy gushed out like a fierce beast and surged through Liu Wuxie''s limbs. His acupoints began to open one after another as they devoured the astral energy that surged through. They were akin to dried river beds receiving fresh rain.


    The deste world began to brighten as thews of the Astral River Realm took residence. Eachw was as thick as a person''s arm.


    Thews of an ordinary cultivator in this realm were only as wide as chopsticks, but Liu Wuxie''sws were hundreds of timesrger. This meant hisbat power was hundreds of times stronger than that of ordinary cultivators, allowing him to easily crush his opponents with thews.


    A dragon''s cry reverberated throughout the cultivation chamber, sending terrifying shockwaves outward. The sheer impact left countless cracks in the surrounding walls.


    The Meridians Cleansing Pill had transformed his meridians and bones to be as resilient as those in the lower levels of the Nascent Transformation Realm. When Liu Wuxie explored the depths of his soul sea, he found the greatest transformation in his primordial spirit.


    With his breakthrough into the Astral River Realm, Liu Wixie¡¯s primordial spirit had finally taken shape. At the center of the soul sea, a miniature version of himself could be seen, its features roughly formed with a faint outline visible.


    It had limbs, but details such as fingers and nails had yet to take shape. These would eventually form as Liu Wuxie''s cultivation progressed and underwent nascent transformation, which would also be when Liu Wuxie reached the Nascent Transformation Realm.


    For most people who reached the Astral River Realm, their primordial spirit was a shapeless mass without limbs or features.


    However, Liu Wuxie was different¡ªhe had taken a path no one else had. For now, consolidating his cultivation was paramount, and he was in no hurry to leave his seclusion.


    Months passed swiftly, and only seven days remained till the start of the Ten Grand Ceremony. This meant Liu Wuxie had roughly spent a year and a half in the cultivation chamber.


    After spending a few months consolidating his cultivation, Liu Wuxie spent the remaining time reforging the Heretic de. The sect had provided him with ample materials to reforge the Heretic de into a monarch artifact, which would beparable to an origin artifact.


    A monarch artifact corresponded with the Astral River Realm, while an origin artifact wasparable to the Nascent Transformation Realm. As for a heavenly artifact, it could only be forged by experts in the True Profound Realm.


    Heavenly artifacts were rare in the Southern Province, and only the ten major sects possessed them. After all, gathering the materials to forge a heavenly artifact could easily take thousands of years.


    Liu Wuxie called forth the Heretic de, allowing it to hover in front of him. The heavenly artifact fragment he had previously obtained was devoured by the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron, causing the Heretic de to miss a chance to advance.


    However, Liu Wuxie still had the mysterious de tip he had acquired in Serene Sea City. Merging this de tip into the Heretic de would amplify its edge thousands of times.


    Liu Wuxie needed to refine the mysterious de tip slowly. He removed hundreds of precious materials from the interspatial ring¡ªmaterials that alone could forge several monarch artifacts. He even retrieved the origin artifact he found in Dan Cheng''s interspatial ring.


    As he took a deep breath, he felt a powerful surge of energy and soul energy coursing through his body, a result of his recent breakthrough into the Astral River Realm.


    With a wave of his hand, he summoned the Earthen Gold Core. This rare materialpletely dissolved in just three breaths.


    With every passing moment, the pile of materials on the ground steadily diminished, and Liu Wuxie waspletely focused on forging the Heretic de.


    Thunderclouds began to gather above the cultivation chamber, a sign that always appeared when he reforged the Heretic de. Even the heavens disapproved of such a heaven-defying weapon.


    Ignoring the thunderclouds, Liu Wuxie sped up his refining process. Over the next few days , he meticulously refined and tempered the materials to perfection, then tackled the most intricate part¡ªmelding the materials into the Heretic de.


    He began to form intricate hand signs, causing the de to expand and contract as if it were breathing. Suddenly, the golden dragon that remained dormant in the Heretic de awakened, stirred by the scent of the rare materials.


    "Go!" Liu Wuxiemanded, as the liquified Earthen Gold Core burrowed into the Heretic de, turning it entirely golden. The de began to release boundless de intent that enveloped the entire cultivation chamber.


    However, Liu Wuxie didn''t stop there and kept feeding more materials to the Heretic de. Even more shocking was how Liu Wuxie melted down Dan Cheng''s origin artifact.


    The Heretic de''s artifact spirit let out a joyful cry as it devoured all the energy, channeling it back to the de. The aura released by the Heretic de also increased after consuming many materials. It had now reached the level of a pinnacle xiantian treasure and was only one step away from bing a monarch artifact.


    With the final surge of materials, the Heretic de finally crossed that threshold. A faint aura of a monarch erupted from the de and swept through the cultivation chamber.


    With the Heretic de¡¯s transformation into a monarch artifact, the remaining steps became much easier for Liu Wuxie. He continued to engrave spiritual runes into the de, which hovered in the air. Most materials had fused into the depletely, leaving only the mysterious de tip.


    However, the aura released by the mysterious de tip was too powerful, causing the Heretic de to tremble in fear¡ªan unexpected sight.


    "It depends on you whether the Heretic de can be the sharpest weapon in the world," Liu Wuxie said with steady confidence as he drew an immortal rune.


    With his newfound strength in the Astral River Realm, he could now wield more advanced techniques. He nned to train in a new, deadly technique that would serve his trump card against those in the Nascent Transformation Realm, and it would only be reserved for the most crucial moments.

 Chapter 612 - Annihilation Fist

    <h4>Chapter 612 - Annihtion Fist</h4>


    The mysterious de tip was still resisting, unwilling to merge into the Heretic de. It was like a monarch that stood proudly in the air.


    As the immortal rune descended, the mysterious de tip shuddered because ordinary spiritual runes were useless against it, and it could only be subdued with immortal runes.


    When the immortal rune was infused into the mysterious de tip, it ceased resisting and willingly fused into the Heretic de, even surprising Liu Wuxie.


    The mysterious de tip likely possessed a tinge of spirituality and could sense the power of the immortal rune. It realized its destiny was best with Liu Wuxie, and this also saved both effort and time for thetter.


    After all, engraving immortal runes in a row was a massive exhaustion for Liu Wuxie. When the mysterious de tip merged with the Heretic de, the thunderclouds roared above the cultivation chamber as if they wanted to destroy it.


    Right then, a vortex appeared in the sky, and a mysterious hand reached out to shatter the thunderclouds with a single strike. Someone had intervened to help Liu Wuxie secretly.


    Without the suppression of the thunderclouds, the mysterious de tip continued to fuse, and the de intent seeped into the Heretic de. It didn¡¯t take long before a terrifying wave of de aura erupted from the Heretic de.


    Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t react in time, and the de aura shredded his clothes into pieces.


    ¡°What a powerful de aura!¡± Liu Wuxie was shocked. He couldn¡¯t imagine how powerful the Heretic de had be. He could even hear sizzling sounds from the surrounding air, a sign that the surrounding space couldn¡¯t withstand the Heretic de¡¯s overwhelming power.


    The surrounding space began to crumble as the de aura radiated from the Heretic de, carving deep grooves into the walls and leaving sharp de marks on the blue stones beneath.


    The de aura belonged to the Heretic de. If Liu Wuxie channeled his true essence into the de, the de aura could even cut through mountains ten miles away.


    After absorbing the mysterious de tip, the artifact spirit in the form of a golden dragon had grown twice its size, looking more like a divine dragon. Its intelligence grew alongside it, and now it was capable of perceiving and understanding Liu Wuxie¡¯s intentions.


    However, Liu Wuxie¡¯s hands didn¡¯t stop as he continued to engrave spiritual runes. The Heretic de had great potential and room to improve. Since he couldn¡¯t ascend it to an origin artifact, he could only make it an undisputed king among monarch artifacts.


    Day by day, Liu Wuxie painstakingly engraved spiritual runes into the Heretic de for over one month until it was finallyplete. The de had be three inches longer than before, and the edges, especially the tip, became even sharper.


    When Liu Wuxie grasped the de, he could sense a surging power coursing through the de to his hand, allowing Liu Wuxie to achieve perfect unity with it. It felt as though the Heretic de was an extension of his hand.


    With a slight swing of his right hand, Liu Wuxie unleashed a de aura that created arge hole in the cultivation chamber, and he could see the outside world through it.


    ¡°What power!¡± Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t expect to split open the cultivation chamber with a gentle swing. Cultivators in the Astral River Realm were still mortals, and he was confident no one could take this strike from him.


    As Liu Wuxie began to cast hand signs, the hole was quickly mended, and he didn¡¯t dare to channel his true essence into the de for now, opting to familiarize himself with it instead.


    After thousands of practice swings, Liu Wuxie finally achieved a state ofplete unity with the Heretic de. Noticing that he had only three days left until the Ten Grand Ceremony, he still wasn¡¯t in a hurry to exit his seclusion.


    He sheathed the Heretic de and sat cross-legged. Rather than honing his cultivation with the Deste Devouring Art, he focused on the Heavenly Dao Book instead.


    ¡°It¡¯s time to prepare a trump card!¡± Liu Wuxie muttered. He was confident no one beneath the Nascent Transformation Realm could go against him, but he could only barely hold his ground against someone in the Nascent Transformation Realm, relying on the treasures on him.


    He had more means avable with his newfound strength in the Astral River Realm.


    ¡°I still can¡¯t practice immortal techniques, but I can alter martial techniques and merge the essences of immortal techniques into them, greatly boosting their power,¡± Liu Wuxie muttered after briefly pondering.


    He could only engrave immortal runes with his current physique, and his primordial spirit wasn¡¯t strong enough to sustain him performing immortal techniques. If he did, his primordial spirit would burst apart, and he would die.


    But if he could merge immortal techniques into martial techniques, there might be a viable path forward.


    The True Strike wasn¡¯t suitable because he had yet to master it entirely. As for Frost Finger, he was still developing it, and it wouldn¡¯t offer much improvement even if he merged immortal runes into it.


    Thus, Liu Wuxie could only focus on the Primordial Astral Fist. He had long reached the pinnacle with this fist technique, and any further progress would be challenging.


    It might bring unimaginable changes if he could merge immortal techniques into the Primordial Astral Fist.


    Liu Wuxie delved into his memories and recalled a martial technique known as the Annihtion Palm. This technique bore a striking resemnce to the Primordial Astral Fist, both in its overwhelming power and in the cirction route of its true essence.


    The Annihtion Palm¡¯s full power was utterly devastating, with its very name, "Annihtion," reflecting the immense and fearsome strength itmanded.


    When he began analyzing the two techniques in the Heavenly Dao Book, he used them to simte how tobine them perfectly. This technique ideally contained the devastation of the Annihtion Palm and the ferocity of the Primordial Astral Fist.


    Achieving a bnce wasn¡¯t easy, and it was tough even for Liu Wuxie tobine the two techniques. But it was possible for the Heavenly Dao Book.


    He could analyze them to find a perfect bnce as long as it was recorded in the Heavenly Dao Book.


    The golden miniature version of Liu Wuxie began performing the two martial techniques within the Heavenly Dao Book, executing them with precision and focus.


    Time passed slowly, and even after an entire month, there were no signs of the two techniques fusing. This left Liu Wuxie increasingly anxious and frustrated. If this continued, he would have no choice but to abandon the attempt and train in a different martial technique.


    If Liu Wuxie used too many immortal runes, he could invite a bacsh from the heavens, potentially hindering his future cultivation. Thus, merging the power of an immortal technique into an ordinary martial technique was the best solution.


    It would possess the power of an immortal technique, and Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t have to fear a bacsh.


    When Liu Wuxie was about to give up, the golden miniature figure finally stopped. He stood motionless on the Heavenly Dao Book, radiating immense power.


    Liu Wuxie froze, and his gaze was locked on the golden figure. Roughly a minuteter, the figure finally moved, raising his right hand to the sky.


    The posture was unusual, neither resembling the beginning stance of the Primordial Astral Fist or the Annihtion Palm. His fist gave off a devastating aura, the characteristic of the Annihtion Palm.


    When the fist descended, it was like a primordial star that descended. This meant that Liu Wuxie had finally found a bnce between the Primordial Astral Fist and the Annihtion Palm.


    The two techniques had been perfectly fused together, and the sky turned dark, and the earth trembled when the fist descended. It felt as though an earthquake had struck Liu Wuxie¡¯s soul sea, and the Heavenly Dao Book released a buzzing sound.


    The book contained more information, and the birth of a new fist technique was recorded in the Heavenly Dao Book, which was unbelievable.


    After all, most martial techniques couldn¡¯t be recorded in the Heavenly Dao Book.


    An explosion erupted beside Liu Wuxie¡¯s ears, and a chaotic wind ravaged his soul sea. The primordial spirit and Heavenly Dao Book protected the core to prevent his soul sea from suffering fatal injury.


    The storm raged for a full five minutes before it finally dissipated. As Liu Wuxie¡¯s divine sense began to reform, his expression changed when he surveyed his primordial spirit.


    He quickly took out a few Spirit Consolidating Pills and consumed them. The damage to his soul sea wasn¡¯t severe, but everything was in a mess, and this made him feel dizzy.


    When the Spirit Consolidating Pill took effect, Liu Wuxie¡¯s soul sea finally settled. But through this ordeal, Liu Wuxie realized that his primordial spirit had grown stronger.


    After his divine sense returned to his body, Liu Wuxie closed his eyes to recall the sensation of the fist technique. When the Heavenly Dao Book unfurled, each movement was deeply imprinted in Liu Wuxie¡¯s soul sea.


    He raised his right fist but didn¡¯t dare to channel his true essence lest he destroy the entire cultivation chamber. Even without using true essence, he realized that there was a deep ache through his body when he practiced this fist technique.


    An invisible force drained the energy from his body, which was likely the effect of the immortal technique. The immortal technique didn¡¯t belong to the True Martial Continent, and using it recklessly could cause his physique and the surrounding space to copse.


    After a few moments of mustering his strength, Liu Wuxie threw his punch that shattered a meter-thick, blue b. This was a strike without mustering his true essence, but it was enough to kill anyone in the pinnacle Astral River Realm.


    Had Liu Wuxie used his true essence, the power of the fist technique would have been unimaginable.


    A wave of intense pain swept through Liu Wuxie¡¯s body. He felt like every joint was on fire, causing a strong difort.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on? How can the bacsh be so serious with just one punch?¡± Liu Wuxie muttered as he quickly sat down. He took out several pills and swallowed them, hoping to repair the damage to his body.


    This shocked Liu Wuxie because he didn¡¯t expect a single punch to bring about such intense bacsh. He couldn¡¯t imagine what would happen if he unleashed aplete immortal technique.


    With only two days left until the Ten Grand Ceremony, Liu Wuxie still had a month to spend in the cultivation chamber due to the time dtion. He used this time wisely, delving deeper into his realm and honing his techniques¡ªthe True Strike, the Annihtion Fist, and the Soul Forge Art.


    He had given thesebined techniques a new name, and they now possessed the devastation of Annihtion Palm and the ferocity of Primordial Astral Fist.


    Everyone in the Heavenly Dao Society was gathered together, eagerly waiting for Liu Wuxie to emerge from seclusion. Fan Zhen had been guarding the cultivation chamber¡¯s gate for some time.


    Finally, on thest day, the doors to Liu Wuxie¡¯s cultivation chamber slowly opened. When he stepped out, his aura was entirely concealed, masking his cultivation at the ninth level of the Heavenly Phase Realm. Though it wasn¡¯t unusual to make such progress after extended seclusion, Liu Wuxie deliberately refrained from revealing that he had already reached the Astral River Realm.


    ¡°Wuxie, you¡¯re finally out!¡± Fan Zhen eximed as he hurried over, cing a cloak on Liu Wuxie¡¯s shoulders.


    ¡°What happened?¡± Liu Wuxie asked as he looked at Fan Zhen.


    Fan Zhen¡¯s expression betrayed a hint of unease, but he quickly replied, ¡°Nothing. Everyone¡¯s just been waiting for you. Let¡¯s head back first!¡±


    He decided to withhold the details from Liu Wuxie for now. After all, everyone was keenly awaiting his return after a long seclusion.

 Chapter 613 - Stomping to the Lesser Blade Association Headquarters

    <h4>Chapter 613 - Stomping to the Lesser de Association Headquarters</h4>


    The two hurried back and returned to Liu Wuxie¡¯s abode in just fifteen minutes. Everyone was gathered here upon hearing that Liu Wuxie was ending his seclusion today.


    Over the past month, the Treasure Pill Peak¡¯s trajectory had fallen into ce. This meant Bi Gongyu had more free time and was among the crowd today. Upon seeing Liu Wuxie, the group stepped forward to greet him.


    When Liu Wuxie swept his gaze through the crowd, he quickly noticed Song Ling, who had visibly lost weight. Thetter had been preupied with creating spiritual talismanstely, and he hadn¡¯t even had time to rest. He had lost so much weight that Liu Wuxie almost didn¡¯t recognize him.


    ¡°Song Ling,e over!¡± Liu Wuxie beckoned, and Song Ling quickly made his way over.


    ¡°Big brother!¡± Song Ling addressed Liu Wuxie with warmth, like a true brother. While others had treated Liu Wuxie as their superior, Song Ling¡¯s bond with him was more rxed. When the Heavenly Dao Society was established, everyone had quickly adjusted their position to see Liu Wuxie as their leader.


    ¡°It has been tough on youtely. Take a few days to rest!¡± Liu Wuxie patted Song Ling¡¯s shoulder. Thetter had to nurture neers and not handle everything himself.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine, I¡¯m not tired!¡± Song Lingughed heartily. He was as cheerful as ever, even though he had lost some weight.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with your hand?¡± Liu Wuxie soon noticed that Song Ling was hiding his right hand. He grabbed Song Ling¡¯s hand and saw a fresh knife wound at the base of his thumb. The cut was deep and exposed the bone beneath, and it was clear that he had sustained the cut recently.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing. I identally cut myself,¡± Song Ling replied with a chuckle, concealing the hint of hatred in his eyes. While others couldn¡¯t notice it, Liu Wuxie naturally noticed the resentment Song Ling was giving off.


    ¡°Song Ling, do you still treat me as your brother?¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s expression turned grim, and an imposing aura radiated from him, causing everyone around to feel suffocated under the weight of his presence.


    ¡°Of course, you are my brother!¡± Song Ling responded at once. He was the only child of his parents, and he had long considered Liu Wuxie his brother. Otherwise, he wouldn¡¯t have followed Liu Wuxie¡¯s footsteps into cultivation.


    ¡°Then tell me¡ªwhat¡¯s with that knife wound?¡± Liu Wuxie asked in a stern voice. Since Song Ling treated him as his older brother, he felt he needed to take the ce of Song Ling¡¯s father to look after him. He could tell that this wound wasn¡¯t caused by ident.


    ¡°Brother, don¡¯t worry about it. The wound is already healing, and it won¡¯t hinder my work to craft spiritual talismans,¡± Song Ling chuckled. Due to prompt care, the wound wasn¡¯t severe, and it would heal by itself in just a few days.


    A terrifying chill swept out from Liu Wuxie, making everyone shiver and too intimidated to speak.


    ¡°Do I have to force it out of every single one of your mouths?!¡± Liu Wuxie questioned. His tone was terrifyingly cold, and he could only force the truth out of their mouths if they refused to tell it.


    ¡°It¡¯s done by Song Guang; he¡¯s one of Qin Dao¡¯s most trusted brothers,¡± Bai Lin said, taking a step forward. He was responsible for most of the Heavenly Dao Society¡¯s operations in the sect.


    Bi Gongyu was responsible for alchemy, and Song Ling was responsible for spiritual talismans. Their focus would gradually shift from handling everything independently to supervisory work in the future.


    A terrifying murderous intent erupted from Liu Wuxie, spreading rapidly like a suffocating wave. Everyone, including Jiang Xing¡¯er, turned pale under the crushing weight of his fury.


    ¡°Very well!¡± Liu Wuxie took a deep breath and forced himself to suppress his murderous intent. He thought the Lesser de Association wouldn¡¯t pose any threat after having all of their ie crippled, but he didn¡¯t expect them to go after Song Ling¡ªan offense he couldn¡¯t forgive.


    ¡°Wuxie, the Ten Grand Ceremony is about to start, and this isn¡¯t the right time to create further conflicts. We can resolve this again after everything ends,¡± Fan Zhen interjected.


    Everyone withheld the truth from Liu Wuxie because they didn¡¯t want to distract him from the Ten Grand Ceremony. Qin Dao was a formidable foe; going head-to-head with him now wouldn¡¯t be wise.


    The Heavenly Dao Society might have disrupted the Lesser de Association¡¯s ie, but they were still a formidable force to be reckoned with in sheer numbers. The reason why they withheld the truth from Liu Wuxie was to protect him.


    Even if the Heavenly Dao Society had been snowballing through the recent incidents, they were still inferior to the Lesser de Association, which had been developing for a decade.


    ¡°Old Fan, you know my temper. I will give respect when I receive respect. But if anyone dares to offend me, I won¡¯t hesitate to kill them!¡± Liu Wuxie said.


    Fan Zhen had witnessed Liu Wuxie¡¯s growth in Azure Billow City, his time at the Imperial Academy, and his current achievements in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. Thus, he understood Liu Wuxie too well to know that he could do nothing to stop thetter. This was precisely why they hesitated to tell Liu Wuxie, worried thetter might do something impulsive.


    ¡°Wuxie, Qin Dao has returned, and there¡¯s no harm to put up with it for now!¡± Fan Zhen smiled bitterly. He knew the frustration Liu Wuxie felt, and they were also furious.


    ¡°I can¡¯t wait!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes were cold, and boundless murderous intent filled the entire abode. He grabbed Song Ling¡¯s shoulder andmanded, ¡°Bai Lin, lead the way!¡±


    Bai Lin didn¡¯t dare to disobey Liu Wuxie¡¯s order and nced at Fan Zhen, who shook his head helplessly. Everyone knew they couldn¡¯t change Liu Wuxie¡¯s mind.


    With no choice, Bai Lin could only lead the way, while the others started to follow, only to be held back by Fan Zhen.


    Since Liu Wuxie hadn¡¯t asked them to join, it was best for them to stay behind. After all, this trip to the Lesser de Association would be dangerous, and Liu Wuxie might be unable to look after so many people if everyone went.


    Large-scale ughters were strictly prohibited within the sect. However, even when they urred, the sect often refrained from pursuing them further, as the deceased could not be brought back to life.


    Everyone was baffled when they greeted Liu Wuxie upon seeing him, only to be ignored. This piqued everyone¡¯s interest, and they followed behind the group of three.


    Most of the sect was focused on preparations for the Ten Grand Ceremony the next day. Many disciples were making a final push, hoping to use the ceremony as a tform to gain fame and recognition. The opportunity to obtain treasures made the event highly coveted.


    Fifteen minutester, the group of three reached a towering mountain, where Bai Lin stopped.


    ¡°This is the Lesser de Association¡¯s headquarters. Song Guang should be inside as well,¡± Bai Lin said, pointing at the mountain¡¯s summit. A crowd gathered behind the trio, but they didn¡¯t dare to get too close to Liu Wuxie¡¯s intimidating pressure.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± Liu Wuxie said as he released his hold on Song Ling.


    With no room for retreat, Bai Lin had no choice but to push forward. The mountain wasn¡¯t particrlyrge, and the journey to the summit was only about a hundred meters. The path was well-kept, nked by gardens brimming with herbs that flourished in neat rows.


    ¡°Hold it right there! This mountain belongs to a true disciple, and trespassing is punishable by death!¡± shouted one of the ten-odd disciples who descended to block their path.


    However, their expressions shifted the moment they recognized Liu Wuxie. They hadn¡¯t expected him to appear at the Lesser de Association¡¯s headquarters. As members of the association, they were well aware of his reputation.


    ¡°Fuck off!¡± A powerful aura swept out from Liu Wuxie with a wave of his hand, and the disciples standing in his way were thrown down the mountain.


    Liu Wuxie restrained himself from causing a massacre, mindful that they were within sect grounds where limits had to be observed. He was here for one purpose: to settle the score with Song Guang.


    As they continued to the summit, more disciples rushed down upon hearing that intruders were attempting to block Liu Wuxie¡¯s ascend.


    However, they all shuddered and stepped back with a single re from Liu Wuxie. They were only in the Heavenly Phase Realm, while the aura Liu Wuxie gave off was in the pinnacle of the Heavenly Phase Realm.


    Even some disciples in the Astral River Realm didn¡¯t dare to block Liu Wuxie¡¯s path. After all, there were too many legends about Liu Wuxie, and the Lesser de Association already suspected that Liu Wuxie had killed the likes of Xu Zhi and Ye Dao.


    Even those in the Astral River Realm couldn¡¯t be Liu Wuxie¡¯s match, and they would only be courting death if they went up against him.


    Left with no choice, the members of the Lesser de Association formed a defensive circle around Liu Wuxie, their weapons drawn and at the ready. Each time Liu Wuxie took a step forward, they retreated a step, carefully maintaining a five-meter distance between them.


    In this tense formation, Liu Wuxie ascended to the summit, the journey taking roughly five minutes. As he reached the top, the scenery shifted dramatically. The summit was divided into several distinct areas, including rows of houses and arge tform, vast enough to amodate thousands of people.


    The tform, typically used as a gathering spot for Lesser de Association members, was now crowded. Those present moved to encircle Liu Wuxie, their numbers growing as they positioned themselves to block his path.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s group of three stood in the center of the tform, and Bai Lin looked around the crowd only to realize that Song Guang was nowhere to be seen.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, how dare you invade this ce. Today, this ce will be your grave!¡± yelled a disciple on the third level of the Astral River Realm, his eyes filled with a menacing gleam.


    "Get Song Guang out!" Liu Wuxie roared, his voice echoing across the summit. He had no intention of wasting time with the others and was determined to kill Song Guang before the sect¡¯s upper echelons intervened. Their arrival would onlyplicate matters.


    "Do you think Boss Song is someone you can meet just because you demand it? I suggest you turn around and leave while you still can," a man taunted, his toneced with mockery.


    Liu Wuxie suddenly vanished from the encirclement. He had long reached the pinnacle in the Nine Heavenly Crane Dance with his breakthrough, and not even an afterimage was left behind when he vanished.


    Before anyone could react, the taunting man was sent flying with a resounding p, his cheek grotesquely swollen as teeth fragments and blood scattered into the air.


    ¡°Starting now, I will cripple one person every five breaths until Song Guang stands before me,¡± Liu Wuxie dered, his chilling gaze sweeping across the crowd.


    Fear rippled through the Lesser de Association members; they knew that Liu Wuxie¡¯s threats were never empty. Just like that, tension continued to build as five breaths passed, but no one dared to flee because they would lose their footing in the faction if they did.


    No one from the Lesser de Association dared to speak. That p from Liu Wuxie had smashed apart their courage.


    Moments ticked by. When the time was up, Liu Wuxie vanished again, reappearing in an instant to send another disciple flying. This time, his kick shattered the disciple''s dantian, effectively ending his path as a cultivator.


    ¡°First person,¡± Liu Wuxie dered, raising a single finger.


    This immediately caused panic among the crowd as someone quickly ran to get Song Guang. They knew no one could leave unscathed if Song Guang didn¡¯t arrive.


    No one had ever dared to challenge the Lesser de Association in such a brazen manner¡ªuntil now. Liu Wuxie was establishing a new and fearsome precedent.

 Chapter 614 - Crippled, Crippled, and Crippled

    <h4>Chapter 614 - Crippled, Crippled, and Crippled</h4>


    Everyone standing on the tform felt intense tension, fearing they might be Liu Wuxie¡¯s next target¡ªthe disciples who came to watch also backed away to avoid being caught in the crossfire.


    ¡°Time¡¯s up again!¡± Liu Wuxie vanished once again, sending the nearest youth flying into the air, his dantian shattered by another powerful kick.


    This made the other members of the Lesser de Association restless in their surroundings. They had only joined the Lesser de Association for the benefits, not to put their lives at risk.


    With two people crippled by Liu Wuxie, this nted the seeds of fear in the hearts of everyone. Many people wanted to flee because who would want to sacrifice their future?


    Another five breaths had passed, and it had been fifteen seconds now. Yet, Song Guang was still nowhere to be seen. Yet, the surrounding disciples didn¡¯t dare to leave.


    ¡°Time¡¯s up again!¡± Liu Wuxie vanished once more, and a disciple was sent flying out again with his cultivation crippled.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, we have no grudge against you, so why are you doing this to us?!¡± cried a young disciple. What he said wasn¡¯t wrong; not everyone in the Lesser de Association was evil. But there were consequences they had to bear since they had chosen to take sides.


    There was no clear distinction between good and evil in the cultivation world¡ªonly the strong and weak. The strong set the rules; the weak could only follow them.


    ¡°You¡¯re not convinced?¡± Liu Wuxie said mockingly, his gaze falling on this youth. He had decided on this youth as his next target, and his fierce gaze made thetter back away in fear.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, kill us all if you have the guts!¡± More disciples stepped forward. They didn¡¯t believe Liu Wuxie would dare to disable everyone present.


    ¡°Everyone, don¡¯t be afraid! It¡¯s one against so many of us,¡± someone yelled, trying to rally the crowd to kill Liu Wuxie. After all, they numbered in the hundreds, while Liu Wuxie stood as the only real threat among his group of three.


    ¡°That¡¯s right! Let¡¯s take him on together!¡± another disciple called out to rally the crowd.


    However, most remained silent, their faces tense as they weighed their options¡ªrisk their lives by continuing to oppose Liu Wuxie or abandon the Lesser de Association and retreat.


    ¡°Time¡¯s up!¡± Liu Wuxie vanished again, sending the youth who spoke earlier flying into the air with a kick. When thetter fell into the bush, he had lost consciousness.


    At this moment, only Liu Wuxie¡¯s dominance was on everyone¡¯s mind. He said he would disable a person every five breaths, and he meant what he said.


    In the distance, several disciples at the high levels of the Astral River Realm gathered, including a few at the pinnacle of the realm. Yet, none dared step forward. Tales of Liu Wuxie¡¯s feats had spread far and wide, filling them with hesitation. The legends surrounding him were enough to keep even the boldest at bay.


    ¡°He¡¯s Liu Wuxie?!¡± a handsome youth asked, standing on the summit of another mountain, looking in his direction. A group stood around him, and they were all elites among the younger generation.


    ¡°That¡¯s right, he¡¯s Liu Wuxie,¡± one of the youths in the surroundings said.


    ¡°This is interesting. After so many years, someone has finally stepped forward to challenge the Lesser de Association,¡± the handsome youth smiled.


    "Lan Ling, do you really think so highly of him?" another youth asked, addressing the handsome figure by name. This youth, too, was at the pinnacle of the Astral River Realm.


    The handsome youth was none other than Lan Ling, the founder of the Lan Ling Gang. There were rumors that Lan Ling seldom got himself involved with the Lan Ling Gang, and the Lan Ling Gang also rarely got involved with the outside world. They preferred quiet growth over conflict and didn¡¯t have many ambitions.


    Compared to the Lan Ling Gang, the Lesser de Association chose an aggressive approach, offending many people throughout the years. However, no one dared to say a word due to Qin Dao¡¯s formidable strength.


    ¡°He¡¯s more than he appears. Just watch!¡± Lan Ling replied with a mysterious smile.


    After that, they would all be acquainted as they were about to attend the Ten Grand Ceremony together, representing the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. Only disciples in the high levels of the Astral River Realm could attend the Ten Grand Ceremony.


    As for those in the low levels of the Astral River Realm, they weren¡¯t even qualified to represent the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    Back at the Lesser de Association¡¯s headquarters, Liu Wuxie had disabled several more people. This was Liu Wuxie¡¯s strategy to shatter their unity.


    After all, he could wipe out everyone with a single strike if he wanted, but he chose such a brutal method intending to stir an internal discord among the Lesser de Association.


    He had already destroyed all of the Lesser de Association¡¯s ie. If the unity among the Lesser de Association shattered, the entire faction would copse on its own.


    ¡°I quit the Lesser de Association!¡± Someone finally couldn¡¯t bear the psychological pressure and chose to leave the Lesser de Association, fleeing from the tform.


    With the first person taking the initiative, others quickly followed like a snowball rolling down the hill, growingrger. After all, no one wanted to be a sacrificial pawn between the Lesser de Association and Liu Wuxie.


    Forty to fifty people fled the tform in the blink of an eye. Only the most loyal members of the Lesser de Association remained, but their bond had already been shattered, leaving cracks that would never heal¡ªthings could never go back to how they were.


    Although many people had rallied to attack Liu Wuxie, no one actually followed through, as it was clear that they weren¡¯t united. With that, Liu Wuxie had achieved his goal.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, stop it right there!¡± A roar echoed just when Liu Wuxie disabled another disciple, and a youth was sped over in this direction.


    ¡°It¡¯s Song Guang!¡± Bai Lin quickly warned Liu Wuxie. This person was Song Guang, the culprit who had injured Song Ling.


    If Song Guang hadn¡¯t appeared sooner, all the remaining members of the Lesser de Association would¡¯ve been impaired by Liu Wuxie. This had left him with no choice but to step forward.


    When Song Guang came to the tform, he kept a distance of about ten meters from Liu Wuxie, not daring to get too close in case of a sneak attack from thetter.


    Looking at the disciples crippled by Liu Wuxie, Song Guang¡¯s face became terrifyingly grim, and his cold gaze fixated on Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Atst! You finally dare to show yourself!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s gaze fell on Song Guang.


    While Song Guang¡¯s cultivation wasn¡¯t exceptionally high, only at the seventh level of the Astral River Realm, Liu Wuxie could see countless schemes lurking in his eyes. It was no wonder Qin Dao favored Song Guang as his aide.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, how dare you intrude here! You will die today!¡± Song Guang prepared a throwing knife between his fingers and aimed at Liu Wuxie.


    Qin Dao had taught him his throwing knife technique and mentored him throughout the years. Song Ling¡¯s injury was also his doing.


    A few days prior, Song Guang had found Song Ling and tried to recruit thetter to join the Lesser de Association to craft spiritual talismans for them. However, Song Ling had turned down his offer, and they even had an argument because of that, causing Song Guang to lose his temper and injure Song Ling with his throwing knife.


    The Lesser de Association had lost all of its ie channels in alchemy, spiritual talismans, and human trafficking. Thest channel remaining was the brothel, which had poor revenue as it could only exist in the shadows and couldn¡¯t sustain the Lesser de Association¡¯s development.


    With ess to the pill market, Song Guang could put his hope on spiritual talismans, and the ones crafted by Song Ling were in high demand. Today¡¯s incident had resulted from the Lesser de Association attempting to use a scheme on Song Ling.


    ¡°Draw your knife. Remember, you only have one chance!¡± Liu Wuxie said. He didn¡¯t want to waste time with Song Guang and was curious to see how lethal the famous throwing knife technique was.


    Boundless de intent permeated the entire mountain, yet Qin Dao was nowhere to be seen. Thetter was likely in seclusion, attempting a breakthrough in the Nascent Transformation Realm during thest few days.


    ¡°Big brother, be careful of his throwing knife!¡± Song Ling said, recalling his encounter with Song Ling.


    Liu Wuxie nodded firmly because even a lion would exert all its strength to catch a rabbit, and he had treated every opponent with his utmost power, never underestimating anyone.


    Around them, the Lesser de Association members began to cheer for Song Guang, especially the disciples who were disabled by Liu Wuxie. They all looked at him with hatred.


    The conflict unfolding had already drawn the attention of the sect¡¯s upper echelons, and the elders were rushing to the scene to prevent the situation from escting further.


    While Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t a true disciple, none of the upper echelons regarded him as ordinary.


    There were rumors that the sect master was nurturing Liu Wuxie as the next sect master. After all, Liu Wuxie fully controlled the Heavenly Pill Pavilion, and even Elder He obeyed his directives. These hints suggested that the sect master was likely to nurture Liu Wuxie as the next sect master.


    Yet, Qin Dao was also a strongpetitor for the position of the next sect master, and many people supported him.


    A boundless murderous intent swept across the tform, drawing everyone¡¯s gaze. All eyes were fixed on Liu Wuxie as the Heretic de appeared in his hand. This marked the de¡¯s first official appearance since its advancement to a monarch artifact.


    When the de was unsheathed, the clouds darkened¡ªa sign that a thunder tribtion was looming.


    ¡°What a terrifying weapon!¡± countless disciples eximed, their voices tinged with awe and fear. The oppressive aura radiating from the de was suffocating, pressing down on everyone present. It was clear to all that this was no ordinary monarch artifact¡ªit was a weapon whose power rivaled that of an origin artifact.


    The suffocating de aura intensified the already oppressive atmosphere. The swords held by other disciples trembled violently, seemingly yearning to leave their masters¡¯ hands and submit to the Heretic de.


    The Heretic de was like a sovereign, causing all the other weapons to emit a faint buzz, unable to withstand it.


    ¡°How did Liu Wuxie get his hands on such a heaven-defying weapon? It must¡¯ve been forged by the sect master for him, right?¡±


    Everyone had witnessed Liu Wuxie¡¯s exceptional skills in alchemy and talismans, but only those close to him were aware of his talent in cksmithing. Since his victory over Elder Wu Yang, Liu Wuxie had also gained recognition as the sect¡¯s foremost authority on spiritual arrays.


    ¡°Song Guang is in the seventh level of the Astral River Realm, and with his throwing knives technique, Liu Wuxie will die today,¡± many people muttered. No one was optimistic about Liu Wuxie.


    Although it was widely recognized that Liu Wuxie possessed the ability to challenge opponents at higher levels, the gap between him and Song Guang seemed insurmountable with skill alone.


    Moreover, Song Guang¡¯s throwing knife technique was still deadly, though less advanced than Qin Dao¡¯s.


    Song Guang lifted his de and assumed a stance with a throwing knife hidden behind his wrist. This was to ensure that Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t detect the trajectory of his throwing knife to ensure a fatal strike.


    However, he didn¡¯t know that Liu Wuxie¡¯s Ghost Eye could see through any technique.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, die!¡± Song Guang¡¯s throwing knife flew like aet, streaking across the sky. No one could deject the trajectory because the knife vanished and drew an elusive arc in the air.


    The de was too fast for the naked eye to track, and the throwing knife was already before Liu Wuxie when he came to his senses. Furthermore, it wasn¡¯t just one knife¡ªseveral throwing knives flew toward him at once.


    Song Guang unleashed his strongest technique right from the start¡ªa triple strike. It was a calcted move, designed to leave no room for escape. Even if Liu Wuxie managed to evade the first two attacks, the final strike was certain tond.

 Chapter 615 - Throwing Knife Technique

    <h4>Chapter 615 - Throwing Knife Technique</h4>


    The triple strike was an advanced technique, rumored to be a lesser version of Qin Dao¡¯s fearsome penta strike, where each de increased in speed and lethality. To date, no one had managed to counter Qin Dao¡¯s fourth knife, let alone the fifth.


    This made the onlookers anxious for Liu Wuxie, as the trajectory was nearly impossible to dodge, even for someone in the eighth level of the Astral River Realm.


    The only hope was to dodge the iing knives with a profound movement technique. But strangely, Liu Wuxie stood firm on the ground, unmoving, and allowed the knives toe at him.


    His gaze prated through theyers of space, and the surrounding air current began to slow down. Liu Wuxie saw through the trajectory of the three knives. He didn''t even have to use Ghost Eye against a piece of garbage like Song Guang, as it would be a waste of his soul energy.


    Everything took ce in the blink of an eye, and the throwing knives had already reached Liu Wuxie.


    "What is he doing? Is he courting death? The moment those throwing knives reach within three meters of radius, it''s impossible for anyone to escape unless they are in the Nascent Transformation Realm," someone murmured, voicing the doubt in everyone''s minds.


    As the knives continued to close in, they were already one meter away from Liu Wuxie. But just when the knives were about to stab Liu Wuxie, the Heretic de descended with True Strike divided into countless afterimages to intercept the iing knives.


    Liu Wuxie effortlessly knocked away the three knives. No one had expected Liu Wuxie to put himself in danger and wait for thest moment to make his move, disregarding his safety.


    Song Guang''s expression darkened as his knives were effortlessly knocked away. This had been his strongest attack, yet it failed even to scratch Liu Wuxie. Each knife, imbued with astral energy, had been meant to ensure victory, but Liu Wuxie resolved them with disconcerting ease.


    Many suspected that Liu Wuxie was genuinely responsible for the deaths of Xu Zhi, Ye Dao, and others. But this scene made everyone confident that Liu Wuxie had killed them.


    After deflecting all three knives, Liu Wuxie calmly reached out and grabbed one from mid-air, his movements precise and unhurried.


    "Since youunched three knives at me, it¡¯s only polite for me to return one," Liu Wuxie said, his tone cold and steady. The knife in his hand vanished the next moment.


    Everyone was surprised to see Liu Wuxie perform a throwing knife technique, which emphasized time and hard work to master.


    No one had seen Liu Wuxie practice his throwing knife before, making everyone wonder if he had taught himself to use it.


    The throwing knife streaked across the air and vanished. By the time everyone managed to track the knife, it had already appeared within one meter of Song Guang. If thetter couldn''t react in time, it would kill him.


    But no matter how Song Guang tried to dodge the knife, it followed him relentlessly, never straying from its target as though it had eyes of its own.


    Song Guang tried to dodge several times, but the throwing knife only drew closer to his neck each time, and he was running out of time. A strange ripple appeared in the surrounding space, and a throwing knife flew over to deflect Liu Wuxie''s throwing knife.


    "It''s Qin Dao!" gasped someone in the crowd.


    A figure had appeared in the distance, hurrying toward them. There was no time to save Song Guang, and Qin Dao could only attempt to deflect Liu Wuxie''s throwing knife with his own.


    As expected of someone in the pinnacle of the Astral River Realm, Qin Dao''s throwing knife technique had reached a level of near-perfection.


    Qin Dao''s throwing knife covered the thousand-meter distance in the blink of an eye and shed with Liu Wuxie''s knife. The two knives collided in mid-air and sent sparks flying around.


    Just when everyone thought the danger had passed, something unexpected happened. Although Qin Dao''s knife managed to deflect Liu Wuxie''s, the knife suddenly redirected itself mid-air, catching everyone by surprise.


    Song Guang was the most shocked out of everyone present because he had narrowly escaped death, and he could only watch in horror as Liu Wuxie''s throwing knife turned around back towards him.


    The throwing knife moved as though it was an extension of Liu Wuxie''s arm, following his target with deadly precision.


    Liu Wuxie''s primordial spirit was alreadyparable to the pinnacle of the Astral River Realm, and he practiced Soul Forge Art. Thus, it was a small task for Liu Wuxie to control such a small throwing knife as he wished.


    Qin Dao''s expression changed. No one had expected Liu Wuxie to possess such a formidable throwing knife technique. He didn''t hesitate tounch the second knife, attempting to deflect Liu Wuxie''s knife again to save Song Guang.


    "Your technique is too slow!" Liu Wuxie said as his throwing knife drew a beautiful arc in the air and circled Song Guang''s neck. Blood sprayed like a fountain as Song Guang''s head flew into the air.


    The crowd erupted into chaos. Liu Wuxie had aplished the unthinkable: killing Song Guang even with Qin Dao¡¯s interference. What made it even more shocking was the manner in which it was done¡ªusing a throwing knife, the very technique Qin Dao was renowned for.


    Using Qin Dao''s most prideful technique to kill Song Guang was a resounding p to his face.


    In an instant, Qin Dao closed the thousand-meter distance andnded on the tform, standing just five meters away from Liu Wuxie. His eyes were locked onto Song Guang¡¯s lifeless body, lying in a pool of blood. His fists clenched tightly, and an overwhelming murderous intent radiated from him, suffocating those nearby.


    The surrounding disciples instinctively stepped back to avoid getting caught in the crossfire. Though the two weren''t strangers, this was the first time they had met each other.


    After staring down for a minute, Qin Dao took a deep breath to suppress his fury. He asked, "You''re Liu Wuxie?"


    When Qin Dao received word that Liu Wuxie was attacking the Lesser de Association''s headquarters, he rushed back immediately. But he was toote¡ªSong Guang was already dead.


    "That''s right," Liu Wuxie replied coldly.


    "Good! You killed my brother and even disrupted the Lesser de Association. I will see you dead today!" Qin Dao finally revealed his ferocious side with five throwing knives in his hand.


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t dare lower his guard. He remained vignt, knowing full well that Qin Dao was no ordinary opponent. The ability to create and lead arge faction like the Lesser de Association required not only powerful backing but also exceptional strength.


    Anyone who stood at the pinnacle among the sect¡¯s true disciples was no ordinary cultivator. They were not only intelligent and resourceful but also possessed unparalleledbat prowess.


    "Likewise. I don''t n to let you live either," Liu Wuxie said as an overwhelming aura swept out to shatter Qin Dao''s murderous intent. The shockwave swept away some disciples with a weaker cultivation.


    The Lesser de Association had nearly killed his friend, and he was determined to kill Qin Dao, ending the feud between them.


    As their opposing aura shed on the tform, the atmosphere grew tense as Liu Wuxie raised the Heretic de, taking on the True Strike''s posture, and was even prepared to use the Earth-Binding Chains if True Strike failed to take Qin Dao''s life.


    The Heavenly Dragon Seal was too powerful; even the mountain would be leveled to the ground once executed. This meant that the surrounding disciples would be killed by the shockwave alone.


    When the two stood in confrontation, over a dozen figures flew from various directions andnded before the two. Elder Tian Xing was also among the neers.


    "Both of you, stop this at once!" Elder Tian Xing roared and unleashed a powerful aura to dissolve Liu Wuxie¡¯s and Qin Dao¡¯s aura.


    Both Liu Wuxie and Qin Dao were experts, and their sh would be devastating; only someone in the high levels of the Nascent Transformation Realm could resolve it. Thus, the two retracted their aura at Elder Tian Xing''s arrival.


    "Elder Tian Xing, you came at the perfect moment. This brat has openly killed a true disciple, and he should be punished ording to the sect rules," Qin Dao said, his tone resolute as he sheathed his throwing knife and turned to address the elder.


    After all, it was a crime for Liu Wuxie to cripple so many disciples and kill Song Guang. The sect couldn''t punish Liu Wuxie for the deaths of Ye Dao and others as there wasn''t any solid evidence. But it was different now because so many people had witnessed Liu Wuxie kill a fellow disciple.


    Elder Tian Xing looked at Liu Wuxie, displeased. After all, the Ten Grand Ceremony wasing up, and Liu Wuxie should''ve put up with it even if he had any grievances. However, Liu Wuxie just had to cause trouble for him now.


    "That''s right, he should be executed!" The other Lesser de Association''s members echoed in agreement.


    "The sect will investigate this matter. Prepare for the Ten Grand Ceremony, as we will leave tomorrow!" Elder Tian Xing wanted to appease the matter and wait for the Ten Grand Ceremony to end.


    "Tian Xing, aren''t you showing too much favoritism?" Qing Mu''s voice echoed. He continued, "This brat has killed another disciple with so many witnesses present. The evidence is solid, and you shouldn''t let favoritism cloud your judgment as an elder of the Law-Enforcement Hall!"


    Many elders chose to remain silent, recognizing that the conflict between Liu Wuxie and Qin Dao extended beyond the younger generation. It was clear this was a power struggle among the sect¡¯s upper echelons, and whoever gained the upper hand would likely have a stronger im to the position of the next sect master.


    "Qing Mu, you have no ce to speak here!" Elder Tian Xing retorted coldly, his voice sharp and cutting. His tone revealed the ruthless streak he reserved for those who had fallen from power, like Qing Mu, who had lost their footing in the sect.


    Qing Mu¡¯s face twisted with unbridled rage as murderous intent red in his eyes. Once, his status as the chief alchemist hadmanded respect, even from Tian Xing. But now, stripped of his title, he was a shadow of his former self, and Tian Xing treated him with open disdain.


    "Tian Xing, if you choose to show favoritism to him today, I will unite all the upper echelons to impeach you as the Law-Enforcement Hall''s elder!" Qing Mu yelled, his face twisting with rage. It would benefit them to bring Tian Xing down from his position as the Law-Enforcement Hall''s elder. If the position could fall into the hands of his faction, they would be able to show favoritism to the Lesser de Association.


    The atmosphere grew tense because the conflict between Liu Wuxie and Qin Dao had involved the sect''s upper echelons.


    "What a joke! Do you think a piece of garbage like you can sway the upper echelons to impeach me? Who the fuck do you think you are?" Elder Tian Xing sneered. He didn''t bother hiding his utter disdain for Qing Mu.


    The surrounding disciples covered their mouths because it was well known to everyone that the Earth Origin Pills refined by Qing Mu contained toxins. He was inferior to Tian Xing in cultivation and to Liu Wuxie in alchemy¡ªa thorough failure.


    "Y-You dare insult me as garbage?!" Qing Mu''s face flushed red with anger and was on the edge of erupting.


    A smile rose on Tian Xing''s lips, and he had borrowed that very insult from Liu Wuxie. He didn''t expect it to be oddly satisfying.


    "Liu Wuxie will represent the sect at the Ten Grand Ceremony tomorrow, and everything must wait till the Ten Grand Ceremony ends. Are you not a piece of garbage if you don''t even know such basic rules?"

 Chapter 616 - Faces Swollen

    <h4>Chapter 616 - Faces Swollen</h4>


    Everyone fell silent after hearing what Tian Xing said. In the past years, only true disciples could represent the sect during the Ten Grand Ceremony, and Liu Wuxie only appeared to be at the pinnacle of the Heavenly Phase Realm, judging from the aura he gave off.


    This made no sense because Tian Xing couldn''t lie when the list was finalized, and Liu Wuxie''s name was on it. This meant that the sect could not penalize Liu Wuxie as the Ten Grand Ceremony held more priority than anything else.


    All internal strife had to be set aside to rally all the disciples to achieve a good result for the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    A faint smile appeared on Liu Wuxie''s face because he had already anticipated this. Fan Zhen and others had tried to stop him because they feared he would ruin his future by breaching the sect''s rules.


    After all, Song Guang hadn''t killed Song Ling but only injured him. However, the matter escted when Liu Wuxie stormed into the Lesser de Association''s headquarters to kill Song Guang. It was no wonder why Fan Zhen and others had tried to hide it from him.


    "Tian Xing, you''re spewing bullshit! Only disciples in the Astral River Realm can participate in the Ten Grand Ceremony, and he''s only in the Heavenly Phase Realm!" Qing Mu sneered. If the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion sent a disciple in the Heavenly Phase Realm to participate in the Ten Grand Ceremony, they would be reduced to aughingstock.


    The sect''s upper echelon couldn''t agree to it because this involved the sect''s reputation.


    "Elder Qing Mu, I''m afraid I will have to disappoint you. I have already reached the Astral River Realm a few years ago," Liu Wuxie said as he released the aura of his actual cultivation level.


    The surrounding space trembled because Liu Wuxie''s aura was nearing the fifth level of the Astral River Realm, causing an uproar among the crowd.


    It had only been over a year since Liu Wuxie had joined the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, but he had gone from an outer disciple to a true disciple.


    "H-He reached the Astral River Realm?!" Many elite disciples muttered, feeling bitter because they were a bunch of failurespared to Liu Wuxie.


    "What a prodigy!" many people eximed. They knew they couldn''t catch up to Liu Wuxie.


    Qing Mu''s face was terrifyingly ugly because he didn''t expect Liu Wuxie to have reached the Astral River Realm. If Liu Wuxie had only been in the Heavenly Phase Realm, he would have had plenty of ways to prevent Liu Wuxie from participating in the Ten Grand Ceremony.


    "Even if he''s not killed, he has to be punished for his crimes! Participating in the Ten Grand Ceremony isn''t an excuse for the murder of a fellow disciple!" Qing Mu said, unwilling to let it go. He wanted Liu Wuxie to be punished even if he wouldn''t be killed today.


    "That''s right! It''s too vile to kill another true disciple openly, and he must be punished!" Another elder stepped forward in support.


    The other Lesser de Association members supported Qing Mu''s words.


    "Tian Xing, you should know that every true disciple is painstakingly cultivated by the sect with countless resources, but one of them was so casually killed by Liu Wuxie. Where will the sect''s honor stand if it spreads out?" Qing Mu sneered.


    Even if Liu Wuxie represented the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion in the Ten Grand Ceremony, it wasn''t an excuse or a permit to murder a fellow disciple.


    "Making such a big deal over a piece of garbage? Are true disciples really that precious?" Liu Wuxie mocked, and his words stung everyone present. After all, Liu Wuxie had reached the Astral River Realm in just one year, while many true disciples had spent ten or twenty years to reach their current level.


    Not only had Liu Wuxie offended Qing Mu and his faction of elders, but his words had now alienated nearly all the true disciples. Even those who had remained neutral turned to re at him with open hostility.


    "Liu Wuxie, you¡¯re really arrogant. Since you im a true disciple is nothing more than garbage, why don¡¯t you raise one yourself?" dered a true disciple in the Astral River Realm, stepping forward. Their voice carried the collective indignation of the true disciples, whose pride had been wounded by Liu Wuxie¡¯s remarks.


    Elder Tian Xing sighed internally, frustration simmering beneath his calm exterior. His original intention had been to defuse the situation, but Liu Wuxie¡¯s provocative words had only inmed it further. Of the more than fifty true disciples present, even the youngest among them was over thirty years old, apart from Liu Wuxie.


    Many were in their forties or fifties, having endured decades of grueling effort to reach the Astral River Realm. For Liu Wuxie to dismiss them all as garbage was a direct insult that struck deeply.


    Liu Wuxie''s situation became precarious, with more people gathering over to watch.


    Even Murong Yi had arrived, standing at a distance. She was surrounded by a group of suitors, each vying for her attention and fawning over her like loyal puppies, eager to please.


    "Song Ling,e over!" Liu Wuxie waved his hand.


    Song Ling quickly approached and stood before Liu Wuxie. Under the Heavenly Dao Society''s nurturing, he had now reached the high levels of the Heavenly Phase Realm.


    "Eat it," Liu Wuxie said as a golden fruit appeared in his hand.


    Song Ling didn''t hesitate to eat the fruit, and he wouldn''t hesitate even if it were poison. The fruit melted in his mouth with a warm energy coursing through his body.


    Although many disciples couldn¡¯t identify the golden fruit, the elders in the Nascent Transformation Realm recognized it instantly.


    "The Golden Spirit Fruit!" The exmation came from the crowd as everyone went insane. They didn''t expect Liu Wuxie to be so extravagant as to let Song Ling eat aplete Golden Spirit Fruit.


    The energy within the Golden Spirit Fruit was so potent that Song Ling¡¯s body began to strain under the overwhelming force, his face contorted in pain.


    Reacting swiftly, Liu Wuxie formed a series of hand signs and channeled them into Song Ling¡¯s body, guiding the immense energy to prevent an overload. Under his precise assistance, Song Ling¡¯s cultivation surged, rapidly reaching the pinnacle of the Heavenly Phase Realm¡ªand it showed no sign of stopping.


    Everyone in the surroundings was shocked and couldn''t believe a fruit could help someone make multiple consecutive breakthroughs.


    All the elders present felt heartache at seeing Liu Wuxie''s extravagant action.


    ¡°What a waste!¡± one elder muttered, echoing the unspoken sentiment of the others. To them, refining the Golden Spirit Fruit into pills would have been a more prudent choice, potentially aiding many disciples in their cultivation. Seeing an entire fruit consumed by just one person was almost unbearable for them.


    "Bai Lin, sit beside Song Ling!" Liu Wuxie ordered. The Golden Spirit Fruit''s energy was too powerful, and it was impossible for Song Ling to absorb it by himself. This was why he asked Bai Lin to sit beside Song Ling.


    When Song Ling and Bai Lin sat side-by-side, the Golden Spirit Fruit''s energy formed into a cycle between the two. When the Golden Spirit Fruit''s power was injected into Bai Lin''s body, his cultivation also began to rise, and he was only one step away from the Astral River Realm.


    Liu Wuxie crushed a few high-grade spirit stones and directed their energy into Bai Lin and Song Ling. Liu Wuxie forcibly shattered their bottleneck as they both reached the Astral River Realm before so many eyes.


    Many people had their jaws agape and couldn''t believe what they saw. They began to wonder if reaching the Astral River Realm was really easy.


    "I remember now! Liu Wuxie obtained a Golden Spirit Fruit''s seed from Serene Sea City. Could it be that he has already cultivated it?" someone said, and everyone looked at Liu Wuxie with their eyes aze.


    The same was true for those in the Astral River Realm. The Golden Spirit Fruit could raise their cultivation by one level unconditionally. For someone at the pinnacle of the Astral River Realm, it could even increase their chances of breaking into the Nascent Transformation Realm by fifty percent. This realization made the true disciples who had mocked Liu Wuxie earlier begin to regret their words.


    In the span of an hour, both Bai Lin and Song Ling rose from the ground, their cultivation significantly improved. Song Ling had reached the second level of the Astral River Realm, while Bai Lin advanced to the first level.


    "I killed a true disciple, and I¡¯ve nurtured two for the sect. That should bnce things out, don¡¯t you think?" Liu Wuxie said, his mocking grin directed at Qing Mu.


    Qing Mu¡¯s face twisted in fury as if he¡¯d been struck by an invisible p. Even the elders who had ridiculed Liu Wuxie earlier lowered their heads in silence, unable to meet his gaze.


    On the other hand, Qin Dao had a cold glint shing across his eyes.


    Everyone knew that Liu Wuxie''s sess was due to the Golden Spirit Fruit, but they couldn''t find any reason to refute it. It was undeniable that Liu Wuxie had seeded, and a Golden Spirit Fruit could save decades of hard work.


    Even Elder Tian Xing had a hint of shock in his eyes at this scene.


    After consuming one of the Golden Spirit Fruits, the remaining fruits were still unripe. However, Liu Wuxie utilized thews of the Astral River Realm to elerate their ripening process.


    "Liu Wuxie, how many more Golden Spirit Fruits do you have?" an elder asked in a ttering tone.


    "No more," Liu Wuxie responded with a shrug.


    "Do you know the value of the Golden Spirit Fruit? If you give it to us, we can maximize the fruit''s effects!" the elder didn''t give up and even reprimanded Liu Wuxie on the high mortal point since he couldn''t obtain one.


    "The Golden Spirit Fruit is mine, so I can use it however I like. Why the fuck should I give it to you?" Liu Wuxie asked, his eyes shing with irritation.


    "Liu Wuxie, I''ll offer fifty million spirit stones for one!" a cultivator at the pinnacle of the Astral River Realm stepped forward, his toneced with certainty. He suspected Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t being entirely truthful and likely possessed more Golden Spirit Fruits.


    After all, it was well-known that Liu Wuxie had obtained a seed in Serene Sea City, fueling spection that he had used the Golden Spirit Fruit to reach the Astral River Realm. If there was one fruit, there could easily be more.


    "Not for sale!" Liu Wuxie replied firmly and unyieldingly. Even if he had more Golden Spirit Fruit, selling them was never up for consideration. After all, the other Golden Spirit Fruits were still green and needed time to ripen fully.


    "I offer a hundred million!" another person in the pinnacle Astral River Realm stepped forward. It was a sum that most elite disciples couldn''t even dream of amassing in their lifetime.


    "I''ve made myself clear that they''re not for sale!" Liu Wuxie said. This wasn''t about money, and he had no intentions of selling them regardless of the offer.


    Tension rippled through the crowd, and the air grew heavy as more cultivators flocked closer. The rising interest hinted at the possibility that some might resort to force to im the fruits.


    Sensing the growing unease, Elder Tian Xing stepped forward to restore order. "The feud between Liu Wuxie and Qin Dao will have to wait until the Ten Grand Ceremony concludes!" he dered, his voice authoritative.


    The animosity between Qin Dao and Liu Wuxie had escted to a point of no return, and a deathmatch seemed inevitable after the ceremony. Both sides understood that there was no room forpromise.


    None of the two spoke, acknowledging what Elder Tian Xing said.

 Chapter 617 - Ten Grand Ceremony

    <h4>Chapter 617 - Ten Grand Ceremony</h4>


    After making his deration, Elder Tian Xing departed with Liu Wuxie''s group of three. His uncharacteristically firm stance surprised many, as it was well known that under the sect¡¯s rules, any disciple who killed another would typically face the most severe punishment from him.


    No one could stop their departure, and Qing Mu trembled angrily. He watched helplessly as Liu Wuxie left.


    "Damn it!" Qing Mu roared. He stomped on the ground with enough force to create a few-meter-deep crater. The bystanders had already left, and the ones who remained were the core members of the Lesser de Association.


    "Qin Dao, are we just going to let it go?" A few experts in the Astral River Realm stepped forward to look at Song Guang''s corpse. This incident was a devastating blow to the Lesser de Association, one that could break them for good.


    "I will tear him to pieces for killing my brother!" Qin Dao snarled, his face contorted with rage. His voice dripped with venom as he vowed, "The Ten Grand Ceremony will be Liu Wuxie¡¯s grave. He won¡¯t make it out alive!"


    Hearing Qin Dao¡¯s resolute words, the remaining members of the Lesser de Association nodded, their tension easing.


    They understood Liu Wuxie had chosen this timing deliberately, exploiting a loophole in the sect''s rules that protected him from immediate punishment.


    When Tian Xing descended the mountain, he turned to look at Liu Wuxie with a furious re.


    "Do you realize how reckless your actions were?!" Elder Tian Xing roared. He was genuinely angry this time.


    "I do," Liu Wuxie replied calmly, "but there are things I must do, no matter the consequences." He fully understood that the situation could have spiraled out of control without Elder Tian Xing''s intervention. If he had killed Qin Dao, it would have sent shockwaves through the sect¡¯s upper echelons, likely leading to his impeachment. He knew he needed to reach the Nascent Transformation Realm to secure his position in the sect.


    "Go back. You have to achieve exceptional results on the Ten Grand Ceremony to make up for your faults today," Elder Tian Xing said. There was nothing else to be said since it had already happened.


    "I''ll do my best," Liu Wuxie agreed. Since he had promised to attend the Ten Grand Ceremony, he would naturally give it his all and let fate decide his achievements.


    They parted ways, and Liu Wuxie returned to his abode. News of Liu Wuxie ying Song Guang quickly spread, leaving everyone stunned as they exchanged bewildered nces.


    They hadn''t expected Liu Wuxie to do something so bold as to kill another true disciple openly. It wasn''t unprecedented in the sect, but it hadn''t happened in recent history, and it felt unbelievable that something like this took ce so close to them. After all, true disciples were existences beyond their reach.


    Under Bai Lin''s passionate recounting, everyone felt excitement as if they had witnessed it themselves. The hopes for the Heavenly Dao Society were higher than ever, and they even had a chance to surpass the Lesser de Association.


    Cheers erupted from everyone when learning that Liu Wuxie had reached the Astral River Realm.


    Everyone looked at Bai Lin and Song Ling with envy, who got to use a treasure like the Golden Spirit Fruit to reach the Astral River Realm. However, that was all to it because they believed that Liu Wuxie wouldn''t treat them poorly as long as they followed him, and the Astral River Realm was just a matter of time.


    "Brother Liu, are you leaving tomorrow?" Chen Ruoyan asked with a hint of sadness on her face. Besides Liu Wuxie, none of them were qualified to attend the Ten Grand Ceremony, and they could only cultivate in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    "Yeah!" Liu Wuxie nodded. His name was already on the list, and it was toote to back out.


    "You must make it back alive!" Chen Ruoyan said. How could they not know about the Ten Grand Ceremony when it was the most heated topic in the sect right now?


    Many disciples died in every Ten Grand Ceremony as it involved the rankings of the ten major sects.


    The air in the hall was heavy because Liu Wuxie was about to depart for his next journey now that the Heavenly Dao Society was thriving.


    The following day, Liu Wuxie stepped out of his abode to see Bi Gongyu and others waiting outside for a long time.


    "Master, these are the pills that you requested. They have all been prepared," Bi Gongyu said as he took out a box filled with pills. The trip to the Ten Grand Ceremony would be dangerous, and there was no harm in preparing more pills.


    Everyone''s hearts were heavy because they didn''t know when they would meet again after this parting.


    "I''ll leave the Heavenly Dao Society in your hands!" Liu Wuxie said. Every farewell was only for a better reunion in the future. All gatherings would eventually end, and Liu Wuxie would step out of the Southern Province someday to venture to the higher stage.


    Liu Wuxie vanished and headed to the assembly area in the true disciple''s region, led by the sect master himself.


    Countless experts would head to the Ten Grand Ceremony each time. Aside from the ten major sects, even the second-tier sects and prominent ns would head to watch the event.


    Over a hundred true disciples were gathered in the true disciple''s zone before a towering pagoda. They were gathered in small groups to discuss the matter softly.


    The sect had over a thousand true disciples, but many were away on journeys or isted training. Some were even in seclusion to reach the Nascent Transformation Realm.


    The entire venue fell silent as Liu Wuxie arrived. Many present had either witnessed or heard of the previous day¡¯s events. Liu Wuxie¡¯s astounding abilities were already the talk of the sect.


    Not only had he killed Song Guang, but he had also effortlessly countered Qin Dao¡¯s famed throwing knife technique. Adding to the shock, he had revealed a heaven-defying treasure like the Golden Spirit Fruit, using it to nurture two true disciples. Each of his actions had left everyone in awe.


    Among the true disciples, Liu Wuxie didn''t recognize anyone besides Murong Yi.


    Liu Wuxie chose a quiet spot as he preferred solitude, and his arrival attracted hundreds of eyes.


    When he scanned the crowd from the quiet spot, he met every gaze head-on, and only Qin Dao''s eyes were sharp as des. Most people chose to remain silent, and the hostility in their eyes wasn''t strong.


    On the other hand, Murong Yi thrived within the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, surrounded by the prodigies of the younger generation.


    Barely moments after Liu Wuxie¡¯s arrival, a handsome man approached him. Moving with an air of elegance, the young man¡¯s sparkling eyes radiated sincerity. He stopped five steps away from Liu Wuxie.


    "I''m Lan Ling, and it''s an honor to meet you, Junior Brother Liu!" Lan Ling walked over and sped his fists together in Liu Wuxie''s direction as a form of greeting.


    "Senior Brother Lan, I''ve heard much about you," Liu Wuxie replied with a greeting.


    Unlike the Lesser de Association, the Lan Ling Gang kept a low profile, and there was rarely any known wrongdoing.


    Liu Wuxie had long wanted to meet Lan Ling, and thetter lived up to his reputation. While hecked Qin Dao''s fangs, he was no less formidable. His aura was restricted, indicating he hadplete mastery over his aura.


    "Your disy of skills yesterday has truly opened my eyes," Lan Ling said warmly. The two started a conversation quickly, and their bond grew with every passing moment.


    Aside from Lan Ling, only some true disciples were interested in forming a good rtionship with Liu Wuxie. After all, Liu Wuxie had offended many true disciples by calling them "garbage."


    "I''m d I didn''t disappoint you," Liu Wuxie smiled, simply brushing it off.


    Their conversation drifted to stories, cultivation knowledge, and even tales. From their conversation alone, anyone could tell they possessed immense knowledge.


    Lan Ling was secretly astonished. He prided himself on his vast knowledge, confident that few could rival him. Yet, through his conversation with Liu Wuxie, he realized that someone could surpass him.


    No matter the topic, Liu Wuxie responded effortlessly, often adding insights that left Lan Ling stunned. For someone so young, Liu Wuxie¡¯s depth of understanding was extraordinary.


    The admiration was mutual. Liu Wuxie found himself equally impressed by Lan Ling''s extensive knowledge. Their discussion flowed naturally, and a mutual respect began to form. However, a soft breeze interrupted their exchange.


    Murong Yi was approaching gracefully, her presence captivating. Moments ago, she had been chatting with other disciples, yet now, she stood before Liu Wuxie, surprising many onlookers.


    "You two know each other?" Lan Ling asked.


    "We do," Liu Wuxie nodded. Murong Yi''s identity as the owner of the House of Tea Art seemed to have yet to reach the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    "I''ll leave the moment to you two," Lan Ling said tactfully, offering Liu Wuxie a knowing smile before stepping away. His keen observation had not failed him¡ªMurong Yi¡¯s demeanor toward Liu Wuxie was markedly different from how she treated others.


    Though Murong Yi had been friendly while chatting with other disciples earlier, there was always a polite distance in her words. Now, her softened gaze and the trust evident in her expression as she looked at Liu Wuxie made it clear she held him in higher regard.


    Lan Ling didn¡¯t need more than a nce to discern the subtleties of their rtionship.


    "You shouldn''t havee over," Liu Wuxie said, rubbing his nose awkwardly. He had spotted Murong Yi earlier but chose not to approach her, preferring to avoid the unwanted attention that mighte from being associated too closely with her.


    "Why?" Murong Yi asked. She had onlye to greet him since they were acquaintances.


    Before Liu Wuxie could answer, a group of youths hurried over, their faces filled with concern. "Lady Murong, why did you leave so suddenly?" one of them asked.


    At that moment, Murong Yi fully grasped what Liu Wuxie had meant earlier. The true disciples who had gathered shot hostile res at Liu Wuxie. Many had pursued Murong Yi since her arrival at the sect, yet none had made any progress.


    But now, her intentional approach to Liu Wuxie¡ªan act she had never extended to anyone else¡ªstood out unmistakably. It sent a clear message to the onlookers, igniting a spark of resentment among them.


    "My apologies, but I wish to have some privacy with Senior Brother Liu," Murong Yi said, her tone cold as she reverted to her usual detached demeanor. Her words left the true disciples visibly displeased. They cast onest resentful nce at Liu Wuxie before reluctantly departing.


    "I''m sorry to have caused you trouble," Murong Yi apologized. She didn''t expect them to see Liu Wuxie as a rival.


    "Well, they would still consider me an opponent even if you didn''te," Liu Wuxie replied with a shrug. It no longer mattered because everyone else present was garbage besides Murong Yi and Lan Ling.


    Murong Yi¡¯s expression turned serious. ¡°The Ten Grand Ceremony might not favor you,¡± she said, speaking through her divine sense so only Liu Wuxie could hear.

 Chapter 618 - Entering the Heavenly Mountain

    <h4>Chapter 618 - Entering the Heavenly Mountain</h4>


    There was a flicker of concern in the depth of Murong Yi''s eyes.


    "It''s obvious," Liu Wuxie replied. It wasn''t hard to guess; there were plenty who wanted him dead, and the number would only increase with the recent news of the Golden Spirit Fruit.


    "You''re not the least worried?" Murong Yi asked. She was surprised by Liu Wuxie''sposure and couldn''t see the slightest tinge of concern on his face.


    "Would worrying change the oue?" Liu Wuxie replied with a question.


    Murong Yi rolled her eyes at Liu Wuxie. She hade with good intentions to warn him, but he hardly seemed to care. She smiled, "You''re not curious who wants you dead?"


    Her smile attracted the attention of the nearby true disciples. She was calm and reserved when she spoke with others and hardly revealed any emotions. But she was like a different person in front of Liu Wuxie, a stark contrast.


    "You''ll tell me if you want to. Otherwise, my asking is pointless," Liu Wuxie said with a shrug, his indifference bordering on teasing. His nonchnt response almost drove Murong Yi mad with frustration; she felt an urge to hit him, or perhaps even bite him, out of sheer exasperation.


    "Fine," she finally relented, her yful demeanor vanishing as her expression turned serious. "I''ve received news that the Heavenly Origin Sect wants you dead."


    The weight of her words wasn¡¯t lost on Liu Wuxie. Although the Murong n had returned to their ancestral domain, they had left behind an intelligencework in the Southern Province to keep Murong Yi informed.


    "The Heavenly Origin Sect..." Liu Wuxie muttered. He couldn''t help but recall Yu Tianyi and Feng Ye, not to mention he had nearly died at the hands of the Heavenly Origin Sect after the Battle of Hundred Nations.


    They had only managed to escape after Liu Wuxie had risked his life to damage the Heavenly Origin Sect''s warship. But he hadn''t had any encounter with the Heavenly Origin Sect disciples in the past year, so why did they want him dead?


    Yu Tianyi had only been an outer disciple back then, and even if he had risen to the rank of true disciple by now, he posed no real threat to Liu Wuxie. His growth couldn¡¯t possibly match Liu Wuxie¡¯s own.


    While Feng Ye''s talent was decent, he was inferior to Liu Wuxie. Even with the Heavenly Origin Sect''s resources, he could only reach the seventh or eighth level of the Astral River Realm at best.


    "I also couldn''t make sense of it at first," Murong Yi admitted, her expression thoughtful. "You¡¯ve hardly crossed paths with them, so their sudden desire to kill you seemed illogical." She had thoroughly investigated Liu Wuxie''s background, including his past in the mundane world, and this move baffled her.


    "Because of spiritual talismans," Liu Wuxie said after a brief spection.


    The talismans sold in the Old Century Trading had swept the Southern Province like wildfire, and it was impossible for the Heavenly Origin Sect not to know about it. The Heavenly Dao Society''s spiritual talisman had snatched the market from the Heavenly Origin Sect, and their orders had increased recently.


    Now that Song Ling had reached the Astral River Realm, his speed of crafting spiritual talismans would increase. He even nurtured a batch of disciples, and they could produce a substantial amount of spiritual talismans daily.


    "That''s right. Your spiritual talismans have threatened the Heavenly Origin Sect''s market," Murong Yi nodded.


    The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s foundation came from alchemy, and their development would be restricted if they lost their pill market. The same was true for the Heavenly Origin Sect, which would find it challenging to maintain their position as the first among the ten major sects if they lost their market in spiritual talismans.


    The Heavenly Origin Sect had finally be first among the ten major sects, and they wouldn''t let anyone threaten their position.


    "It won''t be easy for them to kill me!" Liu Wuxie said with a sharp glint in his eyes. He had nearly died at the hands of the Heavenly Origin Sect when he had stepped into the cultivation world, and he could use this opportunity to settle old scores. Even if they didn¡¯t make the first move, he would.


    "Don¡¯t underestimate them," Murong Yi warned, her tone grave. "The Heavenly Origin Sect has been the strongest of the ten major sects for thousands of years, and their reach extends far. They¡¯re secretly allied with many other sects. Even if the Heavenly Origin Sect alone isn¡¯t enough to bring you down, their allies could tip the scales."


    Her concern was evident. "If more than half of the ten major sects unite against you, the odds will be overwhelming."


    Liu Wuxie frowned. He knew she was right. The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion was far from unified, gued by internal divisions and conflicts of interest. This meant that he had no one to count on besides himself.


    "Let''s take one step at a time," Liu Wuxie replied. No one could predict the future, and Liu Wuxie was optimistic about not letting such petty matters disrupt his peace of mind.


    "I''ll do my best to ensure your safety," Murong Yi said. Anyone might want Liu Wuxie''s death, but not Murong Yi. This was why she would do anything to ensure his safety, and this was her objective ining to the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    Madam Li was in the Nascent Transformation Realm and couldn''t join the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    "Then, should I thank you?" Liu Wuxie looked at Murong Yi with a yful look. He found it amusing that a woman wanted to protect him.


    Murong Yi shivered lightly under Liu Wuxie''s gaze because most men would admire her, but Liu Wuxie''s eyes were sharp and prative.


    <strong>......</strong>


    Space suddenly rippled as a person emerged from the void.


    "Greetings, Sect Master!"


    When Mu Tianli arrived, his aura in the True Profound Realm enveloped a few thousand meters of radius, silencing all the true disciples.


    However, the pressure vanished when the Heavenly Dao Book unfurled in Liu Wuxie''s soul sea.


    When Mu Tianli recalled his aura, everyone felt as though a mountain had been lifted from their chests. In addition to Mu Tianli, three elders would apany them to ensure everyone''s well-being.


    Out of the three elders, Liu Wuxie only recognized Elder He.


    "I believe you all know the details of the Ten Grand Ceremony by now, but we will go over it again," Mu Tianli said as his gaze stopped on Liu Wuxie briefly. They weren''t unfamiliar with each other even though they had only met once before.


    "Sect Master, when do we depart?" Everyone was eager to depart because the Ten Grand Ceremony each time was a grand event that gathered all the prodigies in Southern Province to make a name for themselves.


    "We will leave now!" Mu Tianli said and waved his hand to summon a massive warship.


    While experts in the True Profound Realm could tear open a spatial rift and travel through it, true disciples could only travel through flying, and Mu Tianli summoned the warship to save time.


    When everyone boarded the warship, they each found a private area to rest. With the warship''s speed, it would take them about two days to reach Heavenly Mountain, which would take everyone a month if they flew by themselves.


    Once everything was ready, the three elders activated the warship, its hum resonating through the air as Mu Tianli retreated to its depths. Meanwhile, the disciples settled in, most entering a state of cultivation during the journey. Only Elder He appeared briefly to exin the details of the Ten Grand Ceremony.


    The disciples aboard were all prodigies of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, selected to represent the sect in this critical event. The Ten Grand Ceremony was not merely an exchange of martial prowess but apetition epassing a broad range of skills¡ªalchemy, spiritual arrays, spiritual talismans, cksmithing, and more. Elder He patiently went over the various facets of the ceremony, ensuring that everyone understood the stakes and their roles.


    Liu Wuxie had long reviewed the records of the Ten Grand Ceremony before arriving, and the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s performance was oftenckluster. They had lost to the Azure Crimson Gate in alchemy, the Heavenly Origin Sect in spiritual talismans, the Indigo Cloud Gate in cksmithing, and the Misty Sect in spiritual arrays.


    The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s ranking had fallen over the years. The Divine Sun Pce and Dugu n mainly focused on trade and had struggled with the Ten Grand Ceremony in recent years.


    The Sky Rift Valley remained elusive, and their ranking couldn''t determine their true strength.


    This year brought a notable shift in dynamics as the Demonic Heart Pce had risen rapidly, showing potential to surpass the Heavenly Origin Sect as the leading sect. Meanwhile, the Transcending Plume Gate, which had held the second position steadfastly for years, showed signs of decline, hinting at changes within the upper ranks of the ten major sects.


    Time drifted as the warship glided through the air. Along the way, they encountered many warships belonging to second-tier sects and prominent ns who came to watch.


    On the third day, the warship finally began to slow down.


    "Look, we''ve reached Heavenly Mountain!" Exmations came from the warship as this was everyone''s first time in the Heavenly Mountain.


    Even Liu Wuxie opened his eyes and peered out the window. He saw a majestic mountain range reaching millions of feet up ahead.


    The Heavenly Mountain was surrounded by a boundless expanse of ice and snow, and anyone unprepared would be swept into the deadly maelstrom. Even experts in the Nascent Transformation Realm didn''t dare to step into the Mountain Range, and only those in the True Profound Realm could rip through space to enter.


    The mountain range was massive, vast, and unending. It was dded in pure white snow, looking like a goddess lying on the ground, emanating a sacred glow.


    When the warship entered the region around the Heavenly Mountain, the warship began to shudder. Everyone scrambled to grab onto something to steady themselves, fearing they might be thrown overboard.


    "Don''t be rmed! This is the suction force of the maelstrom, and it can easily tear apart someone in the Nascent Transformation Realm," Elder He came out to calm everyone down.


    After this region, they would be safe and would officially enter Heavenly Mountain. The entire process took about fifteen minutes before the warship became steady.


    The scene opened up like a gateway to another world. The Heavenly Mountain was covered in thick snow with rugged stones exposed due to the terrain.


    Everyone could sense the chill, even from the warship, and it was surprising that life existed in such a harsh environment. nts and treasures like the ten-thousand-year-old Snow Lotus grew on the Heavenly Mountain. That was a treasureparable to the Golden Spirit Fruit.


    Liu Wuxie even noticed white figures moving through the snow. He had read of such creatures in ancient texts¡ªsnowmen. They weren''t human, but they belonged to an ancient species of the Humanoid Ape n.


    They walked upright like humans but also possessed an even more powerful physique than humans. They were born with superhuman strength, and it was best for anyone who crossed their path to avoid them. The snowmen were brutal and were known to tear apart their prey.


    The warship glided over the ciers and finally arrived at the heart of Heavenly Mountain. The temperature continued to plummet, and the ten major sects chose this ce because it was neutral territory, not belonging to any of them.


    "We''re almost there!" Many disciples cheered as they overlooked the entire Heavenly Mountainndscape from the warship.


    The warship continued to descend, and a vast tform, bustling with figures, was up ahead. Tents and campfires were scattered around to ward off the chill.


    "This is an ideal ce to perfect my ice dao technique," Liu Wuxie smiled.

 Chapter 619 - Prodigies Gathered

    <h4>Chapter 619 - Prodigies Gathered</h4>


    Liu Wuxie''s ice dao technique had reached a bottleneck, and he needed to find a ce of extreme cold toplete the icews in the technique.


    There was no doubt that Heavenly Mountain was an ideal ce¡ªa paradise for those who practiced water or ice-attribute techniques.


    As for those who practiced fire-attribute techniques, their strength would be weakened in the Heavenly Mountain. Then again, anyone who could attend the Heavenly Mountain was a prodigy who hadprehended multiple attributes.


    The warship slowly descended as everyone disembarked one by one. Murong Yi had wrapped herself in a thick snow-fur coat, which only entuated her beauty, blending her seamlessly with the surroundingndscape like a goddess of ice.


    "Stay where you are! There might be dangers in the surroundings as there haven''t been any visitors throughout the years. Beware of assaults from snowmen!" Elder He said when he disembarked the warship.


    The Heavenly Mountain was opened once every few years, and due to theck of human activity, snowmen could often be found in the snowy ins.


    "I heard someone found a ten-thousand-year-old Snow Lotus during the previous Ten Grand Ceremony, which helped him reach the third level of the Nascent Transformation Realm and dominate the Ten Grand Ceremony," whispers filled the air as over a hundred disciples gathered to form several cliques.


    Liu Wuxie stood alone, while Murong Yi was quickly surrounded by admirers as she stepped onto the snow-covered tform.


    "I don''t expect to find a ten-thousand-year-old Snow Lotus, but I''ll be satisfied if I can harvest some Heavenly Mountain''s Snow Crystal," someone said as everyone''s spirits ran high.


    This was their opportunity to make a breakthrough into the Nascent Transformation Realm. Their progress might have stalled in the pinnacle Astral River Realm, but there weren''t many capable of reaching the Nascent Transformation Realm.


    The Ten Grand Ceremony wouldst a month, and everyone wouldpete in their martial techniques, alchemy, cksmithing, and spiritual arrays. Most importantly, everyone had to explore designated areas to gather items, and they would receive points based on what they found. In that region, everyone''s life and death would be in their own hands in this trial.


    Liu Wuxie looked around as though he was looking for someone.


    "You''re looking for her?" Murong Yi came over with a smile. As their friendship deepened, their conversation became more casual with each other.


    "I wonder if she will attend the Ten Grand Ceremony," Liu Wuxie said bleakly. It had been two years since theyst met, and he wondered if Xu Lingxue still remembered him.


    "Why don''t you go and take a look?" Murong Yi had already thoroughly investigated Liu Wuxie''s background, including his ties with Xu Lingxue in the mundane world.


    Liu Wuxie hesitated because his marriage to Xu Lingxue was a mere formality, and there was a barrier between them. But in the Imperial Academy, the barrier had dissolved between them, especially when Xu Lingxue had blocked a de for him on their way back to Azure Billow City.


    Since then, Xu Lingxue had held a unique ce in his heart that no one else could rece. However, their growing feelings for each other had been interrupted by their separation. Even Liu Wuxie was uncertain about how much of those emotions remained after two years apart.


    After all, the cultivation world was filled with prodigies, and it was natural for Xu Lingxue to run into someone she liked. At this thought, a strange and unspoken pain twisted in his chest¡ªa feeling he had never known before.


    "Let''s just leave it to fate," Liu Wuxie said with a wry smile, deciding to let things unfold naturally.


    "What are you afraid of? Afraid that she has moved on from you? Or are you afraid you won''t know what to say when you see her?" Murong Yi asked with her head tilted. She didn''t expect a fiend like Liu Wuxie to be so timid regarding rtionships.


    "Afraid? Me?" Liu Wuxie muttered as he questioned himself about what he was afraid of.


    "Since you''re not afraid, why not go and take a look? Whatever it is, it might not be as intimidating as you think," Murong Yi replied because she could understand Liu Wuxie''s current feelings.


    Time could dissolve anything, even rtionships. Even if Liu Wuxie and Xu Lingxue had a close rtionship in the mundane world, two years were enough to dissolve their bond. Then again, another possibility was that their bond would grow stronger in the two years they were apart.


    Liu Wuxie''s resolve began to waver. Even if they were no longer in a rtionship, she was still his wife. His inws had entrusted her to him when he had left for the cultivation world.


    "Let Elder He know about it when he returns," Liu Wuxie said before he strode toward the Misty Sect''s direction.


    Subsequently, the ten major sects, along with hundreds of second-tier sects and prominent ns, began to arrive. They gathered to chat with each other.


    Liu Wuxie strode on the thick snow, but his pace was slow. He was roughly a kilometer from the Misty Sect, and it would only take a breath if he used his movement technique. However, it took Liu Wuxie ten minutes to finally see the Misty Sect''s zone.


    The Misty Sect only consisted of female disciples, who wereughing and ying around in the snow. Other than Liu Wuxie, many male disciples were also gathered in this direction.


    After all, who in the Southern Province didn''t know that the Misty Sect was known for its beauties, and it would be a fortune for any man if they could marry one of their disciples?


    Liu Wuxie didn''t approach the Misty Sect and looked from afar. There were over one hundred thirty disciples from the Misty Sect, ny percent of them females and barely any men.


    Ady raised her head and caught sight of Liu Wuxie, finding him familiar. After all, Liu Wuxie was a hot topic in the Southern Province, and his portrait had already spread like wildfire.


    "Who are you looking for?" thedy asked as she ran over.


    "Do you know Xu Lingxue?" Liu Wuxie asked. He could only ask if Xu Lingxue was present, representing the Misty Sect for the Ten Grand Ceremony. After all, not anyone could rise from an outer disciple to a true disciple in just two years.


    "Are you another one of those lechersing over to swoon over Senior Sister Xu''s beauty?" Thedy pouted. Many admirers hade to ask about Xu Lingxuetely, and she assumed that Liu Wuxie was one of them.


    Liu Wuxie frowned, but it was easy to tell from thedy''s words that Xu Lingxue was present. He didn''t dare to disclose his rtionship with Xu Lingxue in case he might cause any trouble. He replied, "You''re mistaken. I''m her friend."


    "Everyonees iming to be Senior Sister Xu''s friend. You should leave because Senior Sister Xu won''t see anyone," thedy said, pouting as she chased Liu Wuxie away. Upon learning that someone was here to look for Xu Lingxue, more disciples of the Misty Sect came to re at Liu Wuxie furiously.


    "Who''s that brat? Does he think he can meet a beauty like Lady Xu with his cultivation in the first level of the Astral River Realm?" Several young prodigies gathered, all in their mid-twenties with cultivation in the fifth level of the Astral River Realm.


    Anyone who could reach the fifth level of the Astral River Realm at their age could be considered a prodigy, and they were just a little older than Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie frowned because Elder He had forbidden them from leaving the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s zone out of fear that they might cause unnecessary trouble. After all, the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion had offended many people recently, and someone might threaten Liu Wuxie''s life.


    "Get lost. This isn''t the ce for someone like you," sneered a man d in the uniform of the Indigo Cloud Gate, his expression filled with disdain. His sharp gaze fell on Liu Wuxie as he gestured dismissively, clearly intent on driving him away. "We¡¯ve been waiting here for a long time, and someone like you has no ce here."


    "Didn¡¯t you hear what Senior Brother Peng said? Get lost!" mocked another disciple standing behind him, emboldened by the presence of his peers. The surrounding group echoed the sentiment, jeering at Liu Wuxie with scornfulughter.


    To them, every person they drove away increased their chances of meeting Lady Xu, and they had already made a habit of turning away anyone who approached.


    Liu Wuxie''s face turned cold, and he swept his gaze through the disciples from the Indigo Cloud Gate. He didn''t want to kill, but that didn''t mean he wouldn''t. He said, "Get lost unless you want to see me angry."


    The Ten Grand Ceremony hadn''t begun, and he didn''t want to do anything too shocking.


    However, the Indigo Cloud Gate disciplesughed upon hearing what Liu Wuxie said. They were teased by the fact that someone on the first level of the Astral River Realm dared to speak to them in this manner.


    "Well then, I''ll be d to teach you a lesson. Your Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s position has declined, and you better get lost from the Heavenly Mountain," said the Indigo Cloud Gate''s disciple as he charged at Liu Wuxie.


    "Stop it right there! This is the Misty Cloud''s territory. Take your fight elsewhere," a sharp voice echoed as an elderly woman appeared. Her fierce presence created a swirl of gusts around her when she stepped forward, forcing all the Indigo Cloud Gate''s disciples to take ten steps back under her aura in the pinnacle of the Nascent Transformation Realm.


    Themotion rmed many people, who began to gather. Many Misty Sect disciples came out from their tents to look around with curiosity. This wasn''t the first fight, and they weren''t surprised by it.


    Seeing that the incident had escted, Liu Wuxie could only take a deep breath and leave. He wasn''t in a hurry because he would meet Xu Lingxue sooner orter when the Ten Grand Ceremony began.


    However, Liu Wuxie was surrounded by four disciples from the Indigo Cloud Gate the moment he stepped out of the Misty Sect''s territory. As Liu Wuxie had no feud with the Indigo Cloud Gate, he didn''t want any trouble and questioned, "What are you people doing?"


    "We''d have met Lady Xu by now if not for you. The Misty Sect has closed their grounds now, and no one can enter. This is all your fault!" Peng Bin said, putting all the me on Liu Wuxie.


    Because there were too many uninvited guests, the sect had activated their spiritual array to prevent anyone from stepping into the Misty Sect''s territory.


    "You want to pick a fight with me?" Murderous intent swept out from Liu Wuxie, sending the surrounding snow flying away and raveling the stone beneath.


    "We won''t kill you, but we''ll teach you a lesson!" Peng Bin said and lunged at Liu Wuxie. The Ten Grand Ceremony hadn''t begun, but the atmosphere was already filled with animosity.


    Many of the Misty Sect''s disciples gathered in the surroundings to watch. The Misty Gate had a decent location for their camp because a towering mountain behind the tents sheltered them from the cold wind. Right at this moment, two people came down from the mountain.


    "It''s an honor that I can speak with Lady Xu for so long," the youth on the right said. He donned a white robe that further highlighted his elegance.


    On his right was a woman in a white dress. She was an icy beauty who radiated a noble air.


    "It''s gettingte, so let''s return," thedy said without changing her expression. She walked down the mountain and even kept her distance from the youth.


    When they walked to an area where they could overlook the entire Misty Sect''s territory, cheers erupted, attracting their attention.


    The woman was stunned because she seemed to hear a familiar voice, and she quickened her pace with the youth following closely behind.

 Chapter 620 - Husband and Wife Reunion

    <h4>Chapter 620 - Husband and Wife Reunion</h4>


    As Peng Bin''s words echoed, he lunged forward with a fist aimed at Liu Wuxie. He was in the fifth level of the Astral River Realm and was confident enough to teach someone in the first level a lesson.


    Liu Wuxie remained on the spot motionless, allowing Peng Bin''s fist to reach him.


    "Is that kid frozen in fear? He''s not even trying to dodge!" whispered some onlookers as they watched the fight without intent on intervening.


    In the blink of an eye, Peng Bin''s fist was just inches away from Liu Wuxie''s face, and he let out a sinisterughter.


    Right at this moment, a loud thud reverberated through the air. No one was optimistic about Liu Wuxie, but they watched as Liu Wuxie raised his right leg to deliver a powerful kick to Peng Bin''s chest when the punch was about to reach him.


    Liu Wuxie''s move was perfectly timed¡ªso precise that it felt as though Liu Wuxie had calcted everything to a fraction of a second. Peng Bin''s fist would''vended on his head if he had been any slower.


    Peng Bin drew an arc in the air before he fell into the snow. Blood trickled from the corner of his lips because Liu Wuxie held back with no intention to kill. Otherwise, Peng Bin would''ve been a corpse by now. He could even kill opponents in the pinnacle of the Astral River Realm, not to mention someone in the fifth level of the Astral River Realm.


    The remaining Indigo Cloud Gate''s disciples were stunned. They couldn''t believe that Peng Bin had lost so thoroughly.


    "How dare youunch a sneak attack on Senior Brother Peng!" The other three Indigo Cloud Gate disciples quickly surrounded Liu Wuxie as their hostility mounted.


    "Who allowed you to fight here!" a cold voice echoed behind Liu Wuxie, carrying an unquestionable prestige in his tone. This could only be done by someone who held a position of power for a long time.


    "I-It''s Senior Brother Bai Yuan!" The three Indigo Cloud Gate''s disciples shuddered at the sight of the white-clothed youth.


    "We''ll leave immediately!" The three Indigo Cloud Gate''s disciples quickly grabbed onto Peng Bin and scurried away, leaving their anger and thirst for revenge behind.


    Liu Wuxie was curious about this "Bai Yuan," who could scare the three Indigo Cloud Gate''s disciples only with his voice. But when he turned around, he was stunned at the sight of a familiar figure.


    Beside her was a white-clothed youth, and they looked like the perfect couple.


    "It''s Young Master Bai Yuan!" Exmations echoed from the surroundings as no one expected Bai Yuan to appear.


    "That must be Lady Xu, and they look like a perfect couple together!" The surrounding voices flooded Liu Wuxie''s mind.


    Liu Wuxie learned that this white-clothed youth was called Bai Yuan, and he knew more about the woman than anyone else. Liu Wuxie and Xu Lingxue looked at each other, their gazes filled with unspoken emotions.


    Xu Lingxue was equally stunned at the sight of Liu Wuxie. She had been missing this person for the past two years and had nned to return to the mundane world after the Ten Grand Ceremony to fetch Liu Wuxie to the cultivation world. However, she didn''t expect to see him here, representing the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    "I''m d to see you''re fine," Liu Wuxie said, casting a brief nce at Bai Yuan before turning to leave.


    His words struck Xu Lingxue''s heart like a thousand needles, and she knew he had misunderstood her rtionship with Bai Yuan. Otherwise, why would they be standing together?


    "Wait up!" Xu Lingxue called out to Liu Wuxie.


    Everyone was stunned at this sight. They couldn''t believe Liu Wuxie really knew Xu Lingxue, and even the Misty Sect''s disciples were stunned.


    "Do you need something?" Liu Wuxie turned around with his eyes cold. The glimmer of hope had vanished because he realized that perhaps they were never meant to be together.


    "Come with me!" To everyone''s astonishment, Xu Lingxue took Liu Wuxie''s hand and led him to a secluded spot, which left everyone dumbfounded.


    "What''s going on? Lady Xu left holding a man''s hand?" Confusion spread among the crowd.


    Bai Yuan''s face darkened, his expression grim, and a trace of murderous intent flickered in his eyes. He had delved into Xu Lingxue''s background more thoroughly than anyone in his pursuit of her.


    Xu Lingxue had told him that she already had a husband, and it was clear that Liu Wuxie was the person she spoke of.


    Not many people knew of Xu Lingxue''s information, even in the Misty Sect.


    "This is weird... hasn''t Young Master Bai been pursuing Lady Xu? Why did she leave with another man, holding his hand?" someone whispered, fearing Bai Yuan''s wrath.


    "Hush! You won''t even know how you die if he hears you," everyone''s voices were soft.


    However, Bai Yuan was already on his way into the Nascent Transformation Realm. Thus, he could naturally hear what everyone was saying. His expression turned grim, and murderous intent swept out from him.


    After Xu Lingxue brought Liu Wuxie to a secluded corner, she finally let go of him. They were only half a step apart, and Liu Wuxie could smell the fragrance she gave off.


    "When did youe to the cultivation world? How are my parents?" Xu Lingxue asked emotionally. It had been two years since they hadst met, and she had many questions for him.


    "I participated in the Battle of Hundred Nations a year ago and came to the cultivation world. Your parents are well and fine," Liu Wuxie said, and Xu Lingxue finally felt relieved upon hearing that her parents were doing well.


    "That young man is Bai Yuan, and he''s the son of the Heavenly Origin Sect''s Sect Master," Xu Lingxue exined when she noticed the pained look in Liu Wuxie''s eyes.


    "There''s no need to exin. There was never anything real between us, and our rtionship is only a formality," Liu Wuxie said, waving his hand. There was no need for Xu Lingxue to exin anything because their marriage was only on paper.


    Xu Lingxue''s heart ached at his words, knowing he had misunderstood.


    "This is all the sect master''s arrangement!" Xu Lingxue said with a hint of pain in her eyes. Tears rolled down her cheeks as she sobbed.


    "No one can force you to do anything you don''t want now that I''m here," Liu Wuxie said, pulling Xu Lingxue into his embrace.


    "No one can force you to do anything you don''t want now that I''m here," Liu Wuxie said, pulling Xu Lingxue into his embrace.


    At first, Xu Lingxue resisted, her hands pressing lightly against his chest, but she soon gave in, melting into his arms. Even Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t fully understand whatpelled him to hold her, but he couldn¡¯t stop himself. Though their marriage had never been consummated, it still bound them on paper.


    As a man, Liu Wuxie was responsible for protecting his wife and not letting her suffer any grievance. He could tell that she wasn''t willing to interact with Bai Yuan, and this was the arrangement of the sect master.


    They stood in each other¡¯s arms for a long, quiet moment before Xu Lingxue gently pulled away. A shy blush bloomed across her face as she lowered her head, avoiding Liu Wuxie¡¯s gaze.


    Liu Wuxie was also in a good mood after the misunderstanding was lifted.


    "What happened earlier? Why did you start a fight with the Indigo Cloud Gate''s disciples?" Xu Lingxue asked, her toneced with concern. She knew Liu Wuxie well enough to recognize that he had rarely initiated conflict during their time at the Imperial Academy. She had always paid close attention to anything involving him, even if he hadn¡¯t realized it.


    "They''re just a few clowns!" Liu Wuxie said, brushing it off as there was no need to mention it now that it had passed.


    The two found a spot to chat, especially about their childhood memories, which brought smiles to their faces when they recalled the innocent days.


    "We should return before they start to worry," Xu Lingxue whispered. The sect might send someone to look for her if they didn''t return sooner.


    Liu Wuxie nodded as they returned together. A crowd was still gathered, and when the two returned, they looked at them curiously.


    "Senior Sister Xu, who''s he?" A few Indigo Cloud Gate disciples came over and even linked arms with Xu Lingxue.


    After all, Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t look remarkable or possess exceptionally high cultivation. Men like him were far toomon in the Southern Province.


    ¡°He¡¯s Liu Wuxie, my husband,¡± Xu Lingxue dered, her voice steady despite the turmoil within her. Her words sent shockwaves through everyone present, including Liu Wuxie himself. It had taken all of her courage to introduce him as her husband.


    ¡°What?!¡± The Indigo Cloud Gate disciples were frozen in shock, struggling to process what they had just heard. Their disbelief mirrored that of the disciples from other sects, who exchanged incredulous nces, unable toprehend the revtion.


    The Heavenly Origin Sect was geographically close to the Misty Sect and the Indigo Cloud Gate, with only a day''s travel separating it from the Misty Sect.


    The ten major sects were scattered throughout the Southern Province. Vast distances separated the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion and Heavenly Origin Sect. Thus, they rarely interacted.


    Of the ten major sects, the Sky Rift Valley, the Azure Crimson Gate, and the Demonic Heart Pce were closely located together.


    The Dugu n and Divine Sun Pce were close together. Lastly, the Transcending Plume Gate was situated in the center of the Southern Province and often interacted with the other sects.


    Most of the people gathered nearby were from the Heavenly Origin Sect and the Indigo Cloud Gate, so it was unsurprising that none of them recognized Liu Wuxie.


    "Senior sister, you must be joking. How can you be interested in a country bumpkin like him?" The Misty Sect''s disciples were baffled. Their senior sister was a fairy from heaven, and only someone like Bai Yuan could be a match for her.


    "Don¡¯t speak of him that way!" Xu Lingxue¡¯s expression turned icy, her displeasure evident. She wouldn¡¯t tolerate anyone insulting Liu Wuxie. Without him, the Xu n would have been destroyed long ago. Liu Wuxie had stood alone before the Xu n¡¯s estate, fending off their enemies to protect her family.


    Her cold re silenced the Misty Sect''s disciples, leaving them with no choice but to direct resentful stares at Liu Wuxie.


    "Junior Sister Xu, you haven''t introduced us. May I know his name?" Bai Yuan came over with a smile. Despite the smile on his face, there was a hint of murderous intent in the depth of his eyes. He concealed it well but not well enough to escape Liu Wuxie¡¯s notice.


    "This is my husband, Liu Wuxie, a disciple of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion."


    "This is Bai Yuan, son of the Heavenly Origin Sect''s sect master," Xu Lingxue introduced. She didn''t know that the Heavenly Origin Sect wanted Liu Wuxie dead. She purposely highlighted that Liu Wuxie was her husband, hoping that Bai Yuan wouldn''t bug her.


    "So, you''re Young Master Liu? I''ve been hearing about you, and you truly deserve your reputation," Bai Yuanughed and sped his hands together at Liu Wuxie.


    "Oh? Have you heard of me?" Liu Wuxie returned the greeting but with a cold smile.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 621 - Cleaved Apart

    <h4>Chapter 621 - Cleaved Apart</h4>


    Whispers echoed from the surroundings because Liu Wuxie''s identity was too mysterious, and few knew about him. But judging from Bai Yuan''s words, it seemed he recognized Liu Wuxie.


    The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion and Heavenly Origin Sect were separated by countless miles, and the two sects rarely interacted. Thus, they couldn''t be acquainted.


    "Who does he think he is to speak with Young Master Bai in this manner?" Many people scoffed at Liu Wuxie. Bai Yuan was a monstrous prodigy among the Southern Province''s younger generation, and he had hopes of reaching the True Profound Realm by thirty.


    It was rumored that he had already reached the threshold of the Nascent Transformation Realm and was only in his twenties. With his talent, resources from the Heavenly Origin Sect, and guidance from his father, it was only a matter of time before he reached the pinnacle of the Nascent Transformation Realm.


    However, making a breakthrough to the True Profound Realm would have to depend on luck.


    "Young Master Liu''s name has spread far and wide recently. Who in the Southern Province hasn''t heard of your name?" Bai Yuan said courteously but with a hint of murderous intent.


    Liu Wuxie had already learned from Murong Yi that the Heavenly Origin Sect would attempt to take his life in the Ten Grand Ceremony.


    After hearing what Bai Yuan said, many people lowered their heads in deep thought.


    "I think I''ve heard of his name somewhere before," a person muttered as more people struggled to recall Liu Wuxie''s name.


    "I remember now! Isn''t he the one who wreaked havoc in Serene Sea City and killed dozens of disciples from the Azure Crimson Gate?" a disciple from the Transcending Plume Gate stepped forward. The Transcending Plume Gate was near Serene Sea City, and their disciples often traveled there to purchase stones. On theirst visit, they had overheard many people talking about Liu Wuxie.


    Serene Sea City was one of the top ten cities, and news naturally spread rapidly, reaching every corner of the Southern Province.


    "I''ve also heard of him! I heard that he managed to kill thirty-odd disciples of the Azure Crimson Gate without even drawing his weapon, and he even relied on his wits to cause two prominent ns to be wiped out. That has been the talk of the city!" added another person.


    "From what I learned, Liu Wuxie seems to have established a faction called the Heavenly Dao Society in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, and the spiritual talismans sold by them have threatened the Heavenly Origin Sect''s position," remarked a disciple from the Demonic Heart Pce in a gloating tone, trying the stir the tension between Liu Wuxie and the Heavenly Origin Sect.


    If they could weaken the Heavenly Origin Sect''s strength, the Demonic Heart Pce could take first ce in the Ten Grand Ceremony this year.


    More news began swirling in the surroundings, adding to Liu Wuxie''s legend.


    Xu Lingxue stood quietly by the side, amazed by Liu Wuxie''s aplishments in just one year. She knew Liu Wuxie hade this far relying on his strength, and she couldn''t imagine the dangers he faced.


    "He has been the cause of all the upheavals in the Southern Province recently, but I didn''t expect his cultivation to be so low," someone muttered. What everyone mentioned earlier had nothing to do with Liu Wuxie''s strength. They all felt that Liu Wuxie''s aplishments in Serene Sea City and the founding of the Heavenly Dao Society were due to his wits rather than strength.


    "Liu Wuxie, you got some nerve to copy my sect''s spiritual talisman technique without permission. From this day forth, you must cease selling any spiritual talismans!" Several disciples of the Heavenly Origin Sect stepped forward to use Liu Wuxie of copying their spiritual talisman technique.


    The spiritual talismans created by the Heavenly Origin Sect were much stronger than those in the market, and the ones made by Liu Wuxie were even more potent. This was why the Heavenly Origin Sect''s sales in spiritual talismans plummeted.


    In addition to Liu Wuxie''s fair prices, he shattered the Heavenly Origin Sect''s monopoly and struck their foundation, which was why they wanted to kill him.


    "Senior Brother Hua is right! He should be killed for copying our spiritual talisman technique!" The Heavenly Origin Sect''s camp was nearby, and they gathered immediately to hurl usations at Liu Wuxie.


    Dozens of Heavenly Origin Sect disciples surrounded Liu Wuxie, ready to strike at any moment.


    For this Ten Grand Ceremony, the Heavenly Origin Sect''s upper echelons had ordered that Liu Wuxie be killed.


    "Copy your Heavenly Origin Sect?" Liu Wuxie scoffed. "The spiritual talismans produced by your Heavenly Origin Sect are considered garbage, and you people have the cheeks to sell them? Come at me if you want to kill me; there''s no need for such roundabout pathetic excuses."


    Only Liu Wuxie would dare to call the spiritual talismans produced by the Heavenly Origin Sect garbage. After all, the Heavenly Origin Sect was ranked first among the ten major sects, while the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion had long faded in power.


    "Liu Wuxie, you''re courting death!" The Heavenly Origin Sect disciples flew into a rage, insulted by Liu Wuxie''s words.


    Even Bai Yuan had a sharp glint of murderous intent in his eyes. If Xu Lingxue weren''t present, he would''ve attacked Liu Wuxie.


    "This brat is too arrogant! Kill him immediately!" The Heavenly Origin Sect disciples began to advance, closing in on Liu Wuxie.


    Bai Yuan had no intention to stop them. If they could kill Liu Wuxie, not only could he resolve the Heavenly Origin Sect''s crisis, but he could also get rid of his rival. That would mean that Xu Lingxue would belong to him entirely. He couldn''t help but fall for Xu Lingxue since he had met her a year ago.


    Liu Wuxie swept his gaze around to assess his opponents. Aside from Bai Yuan, there were a few in the pinnacle Astral River Realm, and he was confident of killing his opponents before leaving.


    "Let''s cut the crap and attack!" a disciple in the sixth level of the Astral River Realm struck swiftly, not wanting to give Liu Wuxie a chance to react.


    When the palm approached Liu Wuxie, a graceful figure stepped forward and stood before Liu Wuxie, raising her hand to send that Heavenly Origin Sect disciple flying away with one strike. The graceful figure was Xu Lingxue, who stood protectively before Liu Wuxie.


    "Who are you to harm him!" Xu Lingxue questioned. Her tone was unwavering, and she wouldn''t let anyone harm Liu Wuxie.


    "Lady Xu, you must''ve been fooled by his flowery words. This brat is too cunning, and we''ll help you kill him today. Only our young master is worthy of you," the disciple sneered before he signaled the other disciples. The three attacked at once; two were responsible for holding back Xu Lingxue, and the third went after Liu Wuxie at the same time.


    Their movements were incredibly fast, and it was challenging for Xu Lingxue to deal with those two despite having cultivation at the pinnacle of the Astral River Realm.


    On the contrary, Liu Wuxie was only at the first level of the Astral River Realm, making it highly likely that he would fall when facing someone at the sixth level.


    The Heavenly Origin Sect''s actions enraged Xu Lingxue into charging out with her sword, forcing the two Heavenly Origin Sect disciples back before she quickly moved to block the third person. Everything happened in the blink of an eye as Liu Wuxie stood calmly while Xu Lingxue handled the assault.


    This was a good opportunity to see Xu Lingxue''s improvements during the past two years. She was stronger than he had imagined, and the Misty Sect had nurtured her well.


    "Liu Wuxie, do you only know how to hide behind a woman?" The Heavenly Origin Sect disciples were enraged. They were frustrated because they didn''t dare harm Xu Lingxue, which made it difficult for them to kill Liu Wuxie. Thus, they could only use words to provoke Liu Wuxie.


    "Lingxue, you step aside," Liu Wuxie patted Xu Lingxue''s shoulder, asking her to move behind him. This scene was familiar, like how Liu Wuxie had stood before everyone from the Xu n to protect them. In the end, Xu Lingxue had shielded Lui Wuxie, getting heavily injured in the process.


    That day was also the turning point in their rtionship, breaking down the walls between them.


    "No one can harm you with me around," Xu Lingxue said. She knew that Liu Wuxie was a prideful person, and he would rather die standing than kneel.


    "Don''t worry about it. Garbage like them are no match for me," Liu Wuxie said, giving Xu Lingxue a reassuring gaze.


    Whenever Xu Lingxue saw this gaze, she felt a sense of security. It was as though nothing in the world could defeat Liu Wuxie.


    Being called garbage repeatedly finally angered Bai Yuan.


    Many of Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s disciples were in the surroundings, but everyone watched with amusement, and no one stepped forward to intervene.


    "How is he so lucky to have such a beautiful wife?" a Heavenly Treasure Pavilion disciple said with envy.


    The tension was built, and a battle could break out at any moment.


    "Liu Wuxie, you can die now!" That sixth-level Astral River Realm disciple attacked in case Xu Lingxue intervened again.


    Xu Lingxue stood behind Liu Wuxie, and she didn''t sheath her sword as she was prepared to intervene at any moment.


    As that Heavenly Origin Sect disciple closed in on Liu Wuxie, the aura he gave off felt like a ferocious beast.


    "Senior Brother Hua Yan, kill that brat!" Many Heavenly Origin Sect disciples cheered for the man called Hua Yan. He was pretty young, and the fact that he could reach the sixth level of the Astral River Realm before the age of thirty was enough to prove his talent.


    Hua Yan swung down with his weapon, tearing apart all the spatial resistance, and reached Liu Wuxie. No one expected Hua Yan to change his move suddenly, and it was toote for Xu Lingxue to help Liu Wuxie.


    As Hua Yan''s figure erged before Liu Wuxie, his sword gleamed with a chilling ray that caused the surrounding temperature to plummet. He likely practiced an ice-attribute sword technique, which gave him a huge advantage on the heavenly Mountain.


    The sword was mere inches from Liu Wuxie''s neck. As Xu Lingxue raised her sword, ready to intervene, a cold ray shed, and the Heretic de materialized in Liu Wuxie''s hand.


    Liu Wuxie unleashed the True Strike, a wless arc slicing through the air with precision, as if Hua Yan¡¯s charge was anticipated. The alignment was impable, and by the time Hua Yan realized what was happening, it was already toote.


    A ferocious sword aura descended, causing the ground and surrounding space to tremble.


    Hua Yan''s expression changed, but it was toote for him to react. Who would''ve thought that Liu Wuxie''s desmanship would be so fearsome? It was also mainly because Hua Yan didn''t take Liu Wuxie seriously, whose cultivation was only in the first level of the Astral River Realm, and he didn''t bother defending himself.


    It should have been easy for someone in the sixth level to overpower someone in the first level. But Hua Yan realized that Liu Wuxie had pretended to be weak, hiding his true strength until the veryst moment.


    This was also the reason why Xu Lingxue stood behind Liu Wuxie. Everything in the Imperial Academy had proven without a doubt that Liu Wuxie possessed the ability to challenge opponents far above his cultivation.


    Without time to react, Hua Yan was sliced apart by the Heretic de.

 Chapter 622 - Confrontation

    <h4>Chapter 622 - Confrontation</h4>


    Hua Yan was mercilessly cleaved apart before everyone''s eyes.


    "Spare me!" Hua Yan let out a final scream before dying, but there was nothing he could do as he watched the Heretic de swing down at him.


    When the biting chill prated his body, Hua Yan knew that he was going to die. His blood sshed and dyed the white snow red as his corpse exploded in mid-air.


    Hua Yan''s corpse waspletely obliterated in one de strike. This left the Heavenly Origin Sect disciples at a loss, uncertain of what to do as they stood in silence, witnessing Hua Yan''s death.


    The surroundings fell into an oppressive silence, and no one dared to breathe loudly. They couldn''t believe that Liu Wuxie had in a disciple of the Heavenly Origin Sect¡ªan act no different from stirring a ho''s nest.


    Five full breaths passed before the Heavenly Origin Sect disciples came to their senses and charged forward.


    "Liu Wuxie, how dare you kill Senior Brother Hua Yan! I want you dead!" A disciple in the pinnacle Astral River Realm lunged over with his sword shing down.


    To everyone¡¯s surprise, Liu Wuxie also raised the Heretic de in retaliation. Someone at the pinnacle of the Astral River Realm couldn''t intimidate him.


    "Do you think there''s no one from the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion? Don''t you people feel ashamed to gang on one person? Is this the honor of Heavenly Origin Sect?" A handsome youth stepped forward and appeared before Liu Wuxie, deflecting the strike with a palm.


    This person was Lan Ling, and he intervened in the critical moment. He believed that they needed to be united as they represented the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    A few more disciples stepped out to stand on Liu Wuxie''s side to face the Heavenly Origin Sect. But those from the Lesser de Association chose to remain silent.


    The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s disciples were divided into three factions: one led by Lan Ling, one led by Qin Dao, and the remaining disciples were neutral.


    Liu Wuxie was surprised that Lan Ling would step out. He looked at thetter with a grateful expression and nodded his head.


    While someone in the pinnacle of the Astral River Realm couldn''t pose any threat to him, this proved that Lan Ling was worthy of befriending.


    Despite the imbnce, ten-odd disciples from the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion stood out, and they were a force to be reckoned with. If an all-out battle took ce, both sides would undoubtedly suffer casualties.


    "Everyone back down!" Bai Yuan said, and everyone stepped aside to open up a path for him. He approached Liu Wuxie and stopped when he was five meters away, releasing his murderous intent. He looked at Liu Wuxie and dered, "You will die today!"


    "I''m sorry to disappoint you, but I assure you that not only will I survive today, but I''ll thrive," Liu Wuxie replied with a calm smile. Bai Yuan was formidable, but defeating Liu Wuxie wouldn''t be as simple as he thought.


    Even so, Liu Wuxie had to be cautious when facing Bai Yuan because, as the son of the Heavenly Origin Sect''s sect master, he likely possessed many treasures.


    He knew that the Earth-Binding Chains might not be able to restrain Bai Yuan, and the Heavenly Dragon Seal was too powerful. Only the Annihtion Fist could deliver the fatal blow.


    The tension in the surroundings grew dense as the aura from Liu Wuxie and Bai Yuan were powerful.


    "Is he really someone at the first level of the Astral River Realm? The aura he is giving off matches those in the sixth level!" Many peoplemented on the aura Liu Wuxie gave off with confusion on their faces.


    There were factors of luck in how Liu Wuxie killed someone in the sixth level of the Astral River Realm, but the fact that he could kill Hua Yan so easily proved that he wasn''t simple.


    "Bai Yuan, I bet you''ve already glimpsed into the Nascent Transformation Realm. Don''t you feel ashamed to act against someone at the first level of the Astral River Realm?" Lan Ling stepped forward with mockery on his face.


    "Get lost!" Bai Yuan waved his hand and unleashed a powerful aura in the Nascent Transformation Realm, catching Lan Ling by surprise and forcing thetter to take a few steps back.


    His terrifying aura in the Nascent Transformation Realm surged toward Liu Wuxie. With one of their disciples in by Liu Wuxie, the Heavenly Origin Sect''s reputation was at stake. As the most prestigious of the ten major sects, the Heavenly Origin Sect valued their honor above all else, even their lives.


    Lan Ling was at the pinnacle of the Astral River Realm, but he had been easily forced back by Bai Yuan''s aura alone. This made Liu Wuxie narrow his eyes because he realized Bai Yuan was a formidable foe.


    He had to be careful, and he had secretlymunicated with the Earth-Binding Chains. Terrifying true essence began to course through his meridians, but he didn''t dare use the Soul Spear carelessly, as Bai Yuan''s soul energy could be stronger than his.


    Liu Wuxie was still perfecting the ice dao technique. While it was effective against ordinary opponents, it was inadequate against someone like Bai Yuan.


    The stones beneath their feet began to crack under the outburst of their aura, and an invisible confrontation took ce, one that only a few could perceive.


    "A confrontation of soul energy!" gasped the onlookers when they realized Bai Yuan and Liu Wuxie were locked in a battle of soul energy.


    Bai Yuan used his cultivation in the Nascent Transformation Realm to attack Liu Wuxie''s primordial spirit.


    A barrier had materialized around Liu Wuxie''s soul sea. This was the second form of the Soul Forge Art¡ªSoul Shield. It was designed to defend against soul-based attacks. While Soul Shield was still iplete, it was sufficient to fend off Bai Yuan''s attack.


    While Soul Spear excelled in attack, the Soul Shield was unmatched in defenses,plementing each other seamlessly.


    As for Soul Fire, Liu Wuxie still couldn''tprehend its mysteries. The idea of releasing me through the soul was unheard of, even in Liu Wuxie''s past life as an Immortal Emperor.


    Liu Wuxie and Bai Yuan''s feet sank into the ground, cracks spreading out, and an invisible wave of energy caused their clothes to flutter.


    Xu Lingxue looked worried because she knew Bai Yuan''s strength well. She could barely withstand ten moves from him at best.


    Time passed, and no one spoke, not daring to interfere in the fight between Liu Wuxie and Bai Yuan.


    The two were in a deadlock, and Bai Yuan was inwardly shocked as he didn''t expect Liu Wuxie''s soul energy to be so powerful. He couldn''t believe that someone in the first level of the Astral River Realm could confront his soul energy in the Nascent Transformation Realm.


    Bai Yuan had practiced a soul-based technique when he was young. While it wasn''t as lethal as Liu Wuxie''s soul spear, it couldn''t be underestimated. After all, the soul was a strict requirement in crafting spiritual talismans.


    Liu Wuxie had even modified Soul Forge Art before teaching it to Song Ling. The modified Soul Forge Art wasn''t designed forbat but to strengthen one''s primordial spirit.


    Buzzing noise came from the surrounding air, followed by ripples that spread out with the two in the center.


    Then, Liu Wuxie and Bai Yuan stepped back, evenly matched in their sh. This surprised everyone in the surroundings, who were amazed by Liu Wuxie''s soul energy, which was on par with Bai Yuan''s.


    "He''s too heaven-defying. He actually managed to withstand Bai Yuan''s attack, and perhaps only martial techniques can deal with him," the surrounding Indigo Cloud Gate''s disciples murmured with disbelief.


    Peng Bin was also among the spectators, and his face had turned pale at the sight of Liu Wuxie''s power. He was lucky to be still alive.


    "It looks like I''ve underestimated you!" Bai Yuan took a deep breath, and he regained hisposure.


    On the contrary, Liu Wuxie''s face appeared slightly pale. He had been in a disadvantageous position during the previous sh, and the gap between their strengths was evident. It was remarkable that he had managed to hold his ground.


    "Make your move!" Liu Wuxie said as he raised the Heretic de to the sky, unleashing a terrifying de intent rippling into the surroundings.


    "What a powerful de aura!" The spectators were stunned by the overwhelming force emanating from the Heretic de. The surrounding space trembled violently under the pressure of the de aura.


    "What kind of de is that? It doesn''t seem like a monarch artifact!" one onlooker remarked. While the Heretic de resembled a monarch artifact, its true power wasparable to that of an origin artifact.


    Bai Yuan also unsheathed a longsword with gleaming edges¡ªa genuine origin artifact. In terms of quality, it surpassed Liu Wuxie''s Heretic de.


    "What do you think you¡¯re doing? Stand down!" a thunderous roar echoed as Elder He descended from the sky, positioning himself between Liu Wuxie and Bai Yuan. He had sensed something was amiss when he noticed a significant decrease in disciples within the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s territory and had rushed over immediately.


    He was fortunate to arrive early, or the consequences would have been dire if he had arrived a momentter.


    "Elder He, this is a fight between the younger generations. Isn''t it excessive for seniors like us to intervene?" A hunched elderly figure emerged from the Heavenly Origin Sect''s territory. His wrinkled skin gave the impression of centuries of life. He had likely been present the entire time, concealing his presence.


    "Old turtle, your Heavenly Origin Sect is too overbearing! How dare you use us of mimicking your spiritual talismans? What a joke!" Elder He said. He had learned about the full story from the other disciples.


    Since Murong Yi had found out that the Heavenly Origin Sect wanted to kill Liu Wuxie, it was impossible for the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s upper echelons not to find out about it. This was the reason why Elder He had warned everyone not to leave the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s territory when they had disembarked the warship.


    "This brat killed a disciple of my Heavenly Origin Sect and even copied the spiritual talismans created by our Heavenly Origin Sect. He has to die today, no matter what!" The elder said as he stepped forth, unleashing his aura and causing the surrounding space to tremble with every step. Like Elder He, he was also an expert at the pinnacle of the Nascent Transformation Realm.


    Liu Wuxie was caught between two ferocious beasts, and he could only unfurl the Heavenly Dao Book to absorb the iing shockwaves and ensure his safety.


    "You should thank us for cleaning out garbage like them," Elder He said, igniting the fury among everyone in the Heavenly Origin Sect.


    Liu Wuxie''s disdainful insults were hurtful enough, but Elder He added fuel to the fire. This enraged all the Heavenly Origin Sect¡¯s disciples, who directed their murderous intent toward Liu Wuxie.


    Elder He''s tant mockery,beling the Heavenly Origin Sect''s disciples as garbage, struck a particrly bitter chord, pushing their outrage to its limit.


    "It looks like you need to be reminded who the real garbage is today!" The elder from the Heavenly Origin Sect was called Wang Ba, which was why many people called him "Old Turtle" behind his back, and Elder He didn''t hold back from calling him that.


    Everyone from the Heavenly Origin Sect took a step forward, and their aura radiated as a shockwave.


    "The Ten Grand Ceremony has yet to begin. Let''s all take a step back. There will be ample opportunities for your two sects to fight," an elder from the Misty Sect stepped forward.


    "We''ll consider letting this go if they hand over the murderer. Otherwise, everyst one of them will die here today!" Wang Ba dered, his overbearing aura radiating an intent to annihte everyone from the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    "What arrogance. Let me see who dares to touch someone from my Heavenly Treasure Pavilion today!" Mu Tianli showed up, releasing his aura in the True Profound Realm.

 Chapter 623 - Ten Grand Ceremonys Beginning

    <h4>Chapter 623 - Ten Grand Ceremony''s Beginning</h4>


    The sh between the two sects'' disciples even rmed their sect masters. Many powerful auras lurked in the shadows. They didn''t intervene and chose to observe in silence. They were naturally delighted to see the ferocious confrontation between the other sects.


    "No one can stop our Heavenly Origin Sect from killing someone," dered the sect master, Bai Jin, as he appeared with a spatial fluctuation. He was Bai Yuan¡¯s father.


    He wasn''t old and had been the sect master for fifteen years. He was the youngest among the ten major sects, followed by Mu Tianli, who was close in age.


    The tension in the air grew as the surrounding space began to distort at the appearance of two experts in the True Profound Realm. Some disciples in the low levels of the Astral River Realm couldn''t withstand the aura they gave off and backed down, covering their ears.


    "You''ll have to answer to me first if you intend to touch anyone from my Heavenly Treasure Pavilion," Mu Tianli dered, stepping forward to shield Liu Wuxie and the other disciples. His stance made it clear: no harm woulde to them as long as he was present.


    The battle between two experts in the True Profound Realm was earth-shattering, and it was unknown if the Heavenly Mountain could withstand the force of their sh. In the distance, there was a towering mountain with snow that had been umting for tens of thousands of years. If their fight caused an avnche, everyone would be buried here.


    The aura Bai Jin and Mu Tianli released caused the surrounding space to tremble, and rumbling sounds could be hearding from the distant mountain¡ªa sign that an avnche could be unleashed at any moment.


    Neither side was willing to take a step back as the tension rose.


    Everyone in the surroundings was afraid because if an avnche were to ur, they would all be buried alive.


    To flee the Heavenly Mountain, the icefield was a necessary path to cross, and even warships would be torn apart if the avnche caused a blizzard.


    When they had arrived, the skies were clear, allowing the warships to enter unhindered. However, a blizzard would distort the surroundingws, leaving death as the only oue for all except True Profound Realm experts.


    "Is this sh really necessary when the Ten Grand Ceremony is about to begin?" The Sky Rift Valley''s sect master stepped forward, hoping to ease the tension. After all, the Ten Grand Ceremony was more important than anything else.


    "Sect Master Quan is right. Let¡¯s settle this dispute after the Ten Grand Ceremony concludes," said the Dugu n¡¯s patriarch, stepping forward to align himself with the Sky Rift Valley¡¯s sect master.


    The ten major sects were gathered, along with some second-tier sects. There were more than thirty experts in the True Profound Realm present.


    "Mu Tianli, no disciples from the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion will leave the Heavenly Mountain alive if you don''t hand that brat over!" Bai Jin threatened to use the Ten Grand Ceremony as an opportunity to crush the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    All the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s disciples represent the sect''s future, and it would be a significant blow to the sect if all the true disciples died there.


    "We''ll see!" Mu Tianli smirked, unfazed by the threat, before leading everyone to the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s territory.


    Before departing, Liu Wuxie gave Xu Lingxue a few words of assurance.


    When the group returned to the camp, Mu Tianli¡¯s expression darkened as his piercing gaze swept over the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion¡¯s disciples. None dared to meet his eyes, and all the true disciples lowered their heads, unable to endure the weight of his anger.


    "You have all disappointed me," Mu Tianli said, his tone sharp and cutting. "When a crisis looms over the sect, you scatter like leaves in the wind!"


    He refrained from cing full me on Liu Wuxie for the earlier incident. After all, anyone with pride in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion would have acted to defend its honor in the face of such provocation.


    But what infuriated him was theck of unity disyed by the other disciples. Aside from those aligned with Lan Ling, the rest had simply stood by and watched. Despite Liu Wuxie¡¯s valiant act of ying a disciple from the Heavenly Origin Sect, the incident reflected poorly on the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. It revealed theirck of cohesionpared to the other sects, a humiliation Mu Tianli could not ignore.


    "Sect Master, you can''t me us for it! Elder He instructed us not to leave the camp, but someone ignored the instructions and ran to another sect''s territory, nearly bringing a disaster upon us all!" The one who protested was Sun Shangxiang, putting all the me on Liu Wuxie. He had a close rtionship with Qin Dao. He naturally felt wronged when Liu Wuxie brought trouble upon the sect.


    "I will naturally hold him ountable, but what about all of you? Don''t you feel ashamed to turn on your fellow disciples instead of supporting each other in times of danger?" Mu Tianli snapped, causing everyone to lower their heads.


    "I''m the cause of this incident. Please don''t me the others, and I will take full responsibility for this matter," Liu Wuxie said as he captured everyone''s facial expression in his eyes.


    "Alright, everyone can go and rest now. The Ten Grand Ceremony will begin tomorrow," Mu Tianli said, his tone firm but weary. He was unwilling to linger on the matter any longer. Unity among disciples was an ideal, but he knew it was impractical to expectplete cohesion within any sect.


    Discord existed among family members, not to mention disciples of a sect.


    When everyone dispersed, Liu Wuxie approached Lan Ling and thanked thetter for having his back. "Senior Brother Lan, I''m grateful for how you stood up for me earlier."


    "We''re all fellow disciples, and there''s no need to thank me," Lan Ling replied, patting Liu Wuxie on the shoulder.


    Liu Wuxie nodded and would remember this favor in his heart. He stood on the spot when he was the only one left, allowing the biting cold to blow on him.


    The following day passed calmly, and the Heavenly Origin Sect didn''te after Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie spent the majority of his time in meditation. After reaching the Astral River Realm, his cultivation progressed rapidly daily, and he could foresee himself reaching the second level of the Astral River Realm soon enough.


    The ten major sects'' upper echelons were busy preparing for the Ten Grand Ceremony, and the day passed in the blink of an eye.


    Everyone emerged from their cultivation when dawn arrived. Liu Wuxie spent the day perfecting his ice dao technique and progressed rapidly. The lethality of the ice dao technique had increased by ten-odd folds. Upon executing it, he could freeze everything within a hundred meters of radius, turning the surroundings into an ice world.


    The Ten Grand Ceremony officially began on this day. Countless disciples stepped out of their tents and saw several strange structures on the tform in the center. This was the masterpiece of the ten major sects, and Heavenly Mountain had been entirely transformed.


    There were five towering pagodas before Liu Wuxie, and each pagoda had ten levels, which corresponded with the ten major sects.


    Everyone had memorized the rules of the Ten Grand Ceremony by heart. The five towers represented the spiritual array, cksmithing, alchemy, spiritual talismans, and martial techniques.


    ording to the ten major sects'' rankings, the Heavenly Origin Sect was at the highest level, the Divine Sun Pce at the lowest, and the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion at the middle.


    Within each sect''s designated level, countless traps were set up for the other sects'' disciples to break through. If a disciple sessfully overcame a level, they were awarded one point, and the final points represented the final ranking of the ten sects.


    For consecutive years, the Heavenly Origin Sect had imed victory with overwhelming points, outshining others.


    Everyone entered the spiritual array tower representing the Divine Sun Pce, and they had to break through the spiritual array. Everyone only had an hour and would be awarded points based on their speed. The shortest time taken would obtain ten points, and the longest time taken would obtain one point. If anyone exceeded the time limit, no points would be awarded.


    The rules were simple: Test theprehensive strength of the ten major sects to determine their rankings in Southern Province. Five-point tiers were established within the hour, and the difference between the highest and lowest was as vast as heaven and earth.


    The faster the traps were disarmed, the greater the disciples''prehension of spiritual arrays. To secure the best results for their sect, the ten major sects painstakingly increased the difficulty of their tests, making it nearly impossible for the other sects to obtain any points.


    The trials became more difficult with each passing year. If they couldn''t secure high points for themselves, they could only prevent the other sects from obtaining points.


    The ten major sects prioritized rankings more than their lives, and those ranked lower found it harder to survive. They struggled to recruit disciples and often ended up getting involved in trades after their position declined.


    A thousand years ago, the Divine Sun Pce was only a second-tier sect, and they had risen over the years. But if they continued to end up at the lowest among the ten major sects, it would only be a matter of time before they got reced by another second-tier sect.


    Take the Grand Banner Gate, for example. Due to their rapid development, they had a high chance of recing the Divine Sun Pce as one of the ten major sects.


    All one hundred fifty disciples of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion were gathered together.


    "The Ten Grand Ceremony is about to begin. All of you will no longer represent yourselves but the sect''s honor. I hope you can give it your all," Elder He said as he gathered everyone from the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion before leaving. He hoped they could work together to increase the sect''s ranking.


    "We got it!" scattered replies could be heard, but everyone''s mood wasn''t high.


    Elder He sighed and led everyone to the designated area for the Ten Grand Ceremony.


    "We have set many rewards for this year''s Ten Grand Ceremony. The ten major sects jointly contribute these rewards, and the top three on each pagoda will receive an Ascension Pill. Those ranked in the fourth to tenth would obtain a ninth-grade pill, and the first on all five pagodas would receive doubled rewards," Bai Jin announced as he swept his gaze around.


    Everyone was excited upon hearing about the Ascension Pill. After all, this was a prize from the ten major sects, and it could unconditionally increase the consumer''s cultivation by a level, and it was heaven-defying.


    Such pills couldn''t be found in the market. Even those in the pinnacle Astral River Realm had a high chance of reaching the Nascent Transformation Realm with the Ascension Pill.


    The value of ninth-grade pills was exceedingly high, and Liu Wuxie understood how difficult it was to obtain one unless the sect awarded it.


    However, a ninth-grade pill was negligible to Liu Wuxie because the deste world was too vast, but it was priceless to ordinary cultivators.


    This was only the collective reward, and the sect would offer further rewards if one obtained a good result. It was no wonder that everyone scrambled for the opportunity to participate in the Ten Grand Ceremony.


    Liu Wuxie''s eyes lit up as he had long heard rumors of the Ascension Pills, but he didn''t expect the Ten Grand Ceremony to offer them as rewards. If he could secure a few of those, he could use them to make a breakthrough in his cultivation.


    He could easily advance through the levels in his realm with sufficient resources. However, Liu Wuxie had exhausted all his resources in hisst breakthrough to the Astral River Realm, and he needed more resources besides some spirit stones.


    The pills given to him by Bi Gongyu were all in the eighth grade, and they were far from meeting his needs.

 Chapter 624 - Disbelief

    <h4>Chapter 624 - Disbelief</h4>


    The rules had been introduced countless times, and everyone knew them well beforeing. The Ten Grand Ceremony officially began after the rewards were announced to avoid further dys.


    The second-tier sects and prominent ns had long been gathered, eagerly waiting for the Ten Grand Ceremony to begin.


    "Enter the Spiritual Array Tower!" After a loud roar, thousands of people entered the Spiritual Array Tower, and the timer began to tick once everyone was in.


    The tower appeared modest from the outside, but the inside was a vast space. The disciples spread out into various pathways, each guarded by identical spiritual arrays to test their skills.


    The sect masters of the ten major sects had checked all the arrays to prevent cheating.


    Although the Heavenly Origin Sect had won some forces to their side, they didn''t dare to cheat on the Ten Grand Ceremony. As for those forces they had won over, they were weak, which was why they had be their vassals.


    They naturally hoped to lower the Heavenly Origin Sect''s ranking to the same level. When all the disciples entered the pathways, the Spiritual Array Tower''s outer surface lit up, disying a crystal image of the world within.


    This allowed those outside to observe the performance of everyone inside, ensuring fairness to everyone. If any cheating was involved, the experts outside could detect it at a nce.


    "Look, Bai Yuan has broken through the first spiritual array!" someone eximed in awe after the Spiritual Array Tower was opened.


    "As expected as the son of the Heavenly Origin Sect''s sect master. He''s truly formidable!" murmured an onlooker. Many of those present were from second-tier sects andcked the deep foundation possessed by the ten major sects.


    Several newer sects, however, had risen in prominence over the past centuries and were already showing signs of surpassing sects that had been established for tens of thousands of years.


    "The Indigo Cloud Gate''s Deng Xia cannot be underestimated either. He''s not any slower than Bai Yuan," another exmation echoed.


    The surrounding spectators were also captivated by the performance of each sect''s top disciple.


    "Look at the Misty Sect''s holy maiden! She has begun to break the third spiritual array!" The Misty Sect''s ranking was low throughout the years, and they had been wandering around the seventh and eighth rankings. It was challenging for them to obtain a better result.


    "I¡¯ve heard she''s from the mundane world, but her talent is phenomenal!" Everyone began to discuss with each other.


    "Sect master, do you think Wuxie will surprise us?" Elder He asked after all the disciples entered the tower, leaving Mu Tianli and three elders from the sect behind.


    It was publicly known to everyone that Mu Tianli held great hopes for Liu Wuxie, and they would have to depend on Liu Wuxie to see if they could obtain a good ranking this year.


    Elder He knew the strength of the other disciples well, but he was uncertain if the sect could maintain its current ranking.


    "We''ll just have to wait and see," Mu Tianli replied with a mysterious smile. He could doubt anyone, but he had unwavering faith in his daughter''s judgment.


    As time ticked, fifteen minutes had passed in the blink of an eye, and Bai Yuan was already reaching the end. The Divine Sun Pce''s spiritual arrays couldn''t hold him down.


    "Quick, look at the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion! Their performance isn''t promising this year. They''re alreadygging far behind on the first level," someonemented. Not only did people focus on the individual prodigies, but they also closely followed the overall rankings of the ten major sects.


    "It''s no surprise, given the strength of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s disciples this year. Their strongest contender is only at the pinnacle of the Astral River Realm, while I¡¯ve heard other sects have experts in the Nascent Transformation Realm under fifty," said a Grand Banner Gate elder with disdain.


    The Grand Banner Gate had grown rapidly as the vassal of the Azure Crimson Gate. In addition to their rapid development, they had the highest hopes of bing one of the ten major sects among the other second-tier sects, and their tone reflected their confidence.


    The Ten Grand Ceremony had strict rules: All the contestants had to be under the age of fifty.


    "The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion might not even make it into the top five this year. It''s hard to believe that they were once the strongest," remarked another with disdain.


    A thousand years ago, the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion was the strongest sect in the Southern Province and created countless legends. But in thest millennium, they had fallen drastically in rankings. They were no longer among the top three and had even slipped to the middle ranking.


    "Isn''t that Liu Wuxie? I heard he¡¯s been making waves recently, but why is he wandering around near the passage?" someone eximed, drawing attention to him.


    "He probably doesn''t know anything about spiritual arrays. He''s already far behindpared to the others," echoed those from the Grand Banner Gate.


    They weren''t alone; the Hou n was also present, and they paid attention to Liu Wuxie''s performance.


    "Grand Elder, this is the boy that killed my nephew, Hou Chi?"


    The Hou n was a second-tier n, and they couldn''t even be considered a prominent n because they didn''t have any powerhouse in the True Profound Realm. Their strongest was only in the Nascent Transformation Realm.


    It was naturally impossible for the Hou n to enter Heavenly Mountain, and they had gotten in because they had invested in a powerful warship to bring them in.


    "His days are numbered, and the Heavenly Origin Sect won''t let him go," the Hou n''s Grand Elder said, his face twisted with fury. He could not do anything despite knowing that Liu Wuxie hade; the Hou n didn''t have the guts to go against the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    If they killed Liu Wuxie in front of Mu Tianli, the consequences weren''t something they could withstand. Even when they had secretly sent assassins after Liu Wuxie, they had been meticulous, leaving no trace behind to avoid provoking the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    Just as everyone had written him off, Liu Wuxie finally moved. Standing still on the pathway, he activated Ghost Eye, allowing him to scan the spiritual arrays on this level.


    Others could only take one step at a time, stopping frequently whenever they ran into a moreplicated spiritual array.


    A smile rose on Mu Tianli''s lips when Liu Wuxie took his first step. If he couldn''t lead the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion to greater heights, he would have to relinquish his position as the sect master in three years.


    Bai Yuan had almost reached the end of the passage in an hour.


    "Look! What''s happening? Why is Liu Wuxie''s speed suddenly so fast?" gasped the crowd as Liu Wuxie, who had been standing still moments before, now moved through the passage with remarkable speed.


    The pathway had ten spiritual arrays, each so meticulously designed that even Bai Yuan had to take an hour to reach his current spot.


    Countless gazes were attracted to Liu Wuxie, all with disbelief on their faces. The spiritual arrays posed no obstacles for Liu Wuxie.


    "Sect Master Deng Lei, did the Divine Sun Pce cheat by giving away the secrets of their spiritual arrays?" someone asked as more people began questioning the Divine Sun Pce''s sect master.


    "Absurd usation! The ten major sects have inspected the spiritual arrays, and it''s toote even if we wanted to leak them!" Deng Lei snapped. He was also surprised that the spiritual arrays couldn''t obstruct Liu Wuxie.


    Even the Heavenly Origin Sect didn''t question the Divine Sun Pce, and who were the second-tier sects to ask him? Bai Jin had inspected the spiritual arrays.


    A smile rose on Bai Yuan''s lips as he looked at the time because he was only left with a few obstacles for thest spiritual array.


    "He''s out! He finished first and entered the second level!" The spectators outside were dumbfounded. They found it hard to believe that someone at the first level of the Astral River Realm had imed the top spot.


    Many people found it unbelievable, especially the Heavenly Origin Sect, the Demonic Heart Pce, and the Indigo Cloud Gate. After all, their rankings among the ten major sects were higher than the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    While Liu Wuxie took only five breaths to ascend to the second level, Bai Yuan sessfullypleted the first level momentster. Both contestants were in the first tier and had earned ten points. However, Liu Wuxie''s shorter time gave him the edge in ranking.


    If the two contestants obtained the same score, the one who finished first would be dered the winner.


    When Bai Yuan advanced to the second level, he froze as he looked ahead.


    "You came first?!" Bai Yuan asked, his tone terrifyingly grim with murderous intent. The rules forbade fighting between contestants but didn''t prevent them from releasing their murderous intent.


    "Is there a problem?" Liu Wuxie asked, unfazed by the murderous intent.


    "I hope your luck holds out!" Bai Yuan snarled before he entered the pathway on the second level. Though they had both earned ten points, the fact that Liu Wuxiepleted the first level five breaths faster was an insult he couldn''t tolerate. A prodigy in the Nascent Transformation Realm, Bai Yuan couldn''t ept losing to someone at the first level of the Astral River Realm.


    "We''ll see!" Liu Wuxie replied. He didn''t care about the ranking but was concerned about who could obtain the Ascension Pill.


    Not long after Bai Yuan advanced to the second level, more disciples began to emerge from the pathway.


    "This is weird. The third person to emerge is also a disciple of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, but I''ve never heard of her before!" someone whispered, intrigued by the Ten Grand Ceremony this year. After all, the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s performance had surprised many people.


    "The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion might''ve declined, but they cannot be underestimated. After all, they have the longest legacy spanning over ten thousand years," some neutral sects gave their opinion.


    Sects such as the Heavenly Origin Sect, the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, and the Transcending Plume Gate had legacies stretching back over millennia. Even in decline, the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s formidable foundation was undeniable¡ªa starved camel still stoodrger than a horse.


    "This is weird. The fourth to emerge from the first level turns out to be someone from the Misty Sect!" more people began to exim at the surprising results that differed greatly from their predictions.


    Soon after, two figures emerged from the pathway, and they looked at each other with mutual astonishment.


    <i>What a beauty!</i> Xu Lingxue remarked inwardly.


    <i>What a stunning woman!</i> Murong Yi alsomented inwardly.


    No one had anticipated that the two women would emerge in third ce.


    "You must be Lady Xu?!" Murong Yi asked as she approached Xu Lingxue with a warm greeting.


    "And you are?" Xu Lingxue replied, puzzled as she didn''t recognize Murong Yi.


    "My name is Murong Yi, a disciple of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. I''ve heard a lot about you from Junior Brother Liu," Murong Yi said, introducing herself.


    "So, it''s Senior Sister Murong!" The two women quickly became acquainted; perhaps they were drawn by each other''s beauty.


    "No wonder Junior Brother Liu is willing to do so much for you. You''re more stunning than I''d imagined," Murong Yi said.


    "Likewise, you also have a beautiful voice aside from your beauty," Xu Lingxue returned the praises. She was naturally happy to be praised for her beauty, and this wasmon for any woman, no matter how stunning they might be.

 Chapter 625 - Suppressed

    <h4>Chapter 625 - Suppressed</h4>


    The two women exchanged words of admiration before stepping up to the second floor of the Spiritual Array Tower.


    The spectators outside buzzed with excitement. The trial of one tower wouldst for a day, and whoever could emerge from the tower first would be the center of attention.


    Bai Yuan had the most support as everyone''s favorite, followed closely by the Transcending Plume Gate''s Zhou Ge, the Demonic Heart Pce''s Qu Yang, and the Indigo Cloud Gate''s Deng Xia.


    Only a few people were optimistic about Liu Wuxie, Murong Yi, or Xu Lingxue. After all, the Divine Sun Pce was rankedst among the ten major sects, and it was natural for their spiritual arrays to be filled with ws.


    Everyone felt that Liu Wuxie, Murong Yi, or Xu Lingxue were only lucky to advance to the next level. The uing spiritual arrays would be more difficult, and the three candidates everyone favored were the strongest.


    As for Liu Wuxie, he only gave everyone an impression of his cunning and ruthlessness rather than any remarkable talent.


    Liu Wuxie executed Ghost Eye once more upon stepping onto the second level. He could easily get past these spiritual arrays without using Ghost Eye, but he wanted to save time and reach thest level as soon as possible.


    "They''re now entering the spiritual arrays set up by the Dugu n," whispered a spectator as the surrounding discussion died down.


    Perhaps because of Liu Wuxie''s outstanding performance on the first level, many people focused on him this time.


    "Luck won''t be on his side this time. I¡¯ve heard the Dugu n is known for their confinement spiritual arrays, and even Bai Yuan will need time to make his way through," scoffed a second-tier sect elder.


    "I know of this spiritual array! I heard that this set of spiritual arrays once trapped a Nascent Transformation Realm expert until their death," an elder eximed, his words earning nods of agreement from the surrounding crowd. Many shared his sentiment, given Liu Wuxie''s rtively low cultivation. If he had reached the pinnacle of the Nascent Transformation Realm, his chances might have been different.


    "I bet that Liu Wuxie won''t make it to the second level," a Grand Banner Gate''s eldermented with contempt in his tone.


    "What wager will you make?" Mu Tianli spoke unexpectedly, which caught everyone by surprise. After all, he was a powerhouse in the True Profound Realm.


    "If he makes it past the second level, I''ll kneel and apologize for what I said earlier!"


    It was no secret that the Grand Banner Gate had a terrible rtionship with the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    "Remember what you just said. If he can''t reach the third level, no Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s disciples will appear before the Grand Banner Gate''s disciples. Likewise, the Grand Banner Gate isn''t allowed to appear anywhere near the disciples of my sect. Do you dare to take the bet?" Mu Tianli said. He might have an elegant demeanor, but he was a shrewd person.


    That Grand Banner Gate''s elder hesitated. He dared not agree to the wager and could only look at the sect master.


    "Agreed," said a white-haired elder. This person was the Grand Banner Gate''s sect master, with a hooked nose and piercing triangr eyes.


    Everyone was surprised that the Grand Banner Gate had openly challenged the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. It wasn''t hard to tell that the Azure Crimson Gate was behind the conflict, trying to use the Grand Banner Gate to suppress the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    "The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion is doomed!" No one was optimistic about Liu Wuxie because the Dugu n''s spiritual arrays were famous. Their achievements in spiritual arrays were even stronger than the Sky Rift Valley and Misty Sect. If Liu Wuxie could make it through the second level, he could also make it through thest two levels.


    However, what happened next was a resounding p to their faces. Liu Wuxie stood still on the pathway for five minutes before he increased his speed, breaking through the spiritual arrays even faster than when he was on the first level.


    "How is this possible?!" All the elders and disciples from the ten major sects stood up in disbelief, except for the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, unable to ept this oue.


    Liu Wuxie easily broke through the ten spiritual arrays set up by the Dugu n in seven minutes, half the time he spent on the first level.


    When Bai Yuan was halfway through the second level, Liu Wuxie had already moved on to the third level. The distance between them had grown rminglyrge.


    "Sect master, our doubts about Liu Wuxie were unnecessary," Elder He said as the anxiety on his face faded. He was worried when Liu Wuxie had stood in ce on the first level, but his concern appeared unnecessary.


    The cultivators who had mocked Liu Wuxie earlier felt a burning embarrassment on their cheeks. After all, no one had used seven minutes to break through all the arrays in the history of the Ten Grand Ceremony, and Liu Wuxie was the first to set a new record.


    "Are you going to kneel on your own ord, or do you need me to help you?" Mu Tianli turned to look at the Grand Banner Gate''s region, unleashing his terrifying aura in the True Profound Realm that made the elder feel suffocated.


    "Sect Master Mu, is there a need to take it so far?" The Azure Crimson Gate''s sect master, Feng Gaoqiu, stepped out as he dismissed the intimidating aura from Mu Tianli.


    "I''m speaking to the Grand Banner Gate. Who are you to intervene?" There was already an irreconcble feud between the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion and Azure Crimson Gate, and there was no need for Mu Tianli to be polite with his words.


    Feng Gaoqiu, the sect master of the Azure Crimson Gate, frowned as the three elders by his side rose, their faces flushed with anger at the insult. They seemed ready to retaliate at any moment to defend their sect master''s honor.


    "Mu Tianli, do you think the Azure Crimson Gate fears you?" In terms of cultivation, Feng Gaoqiu was inferior to Mu Tianli. The Azure Crimson Gate naturally couldn''t remain seated with the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s recent rise in their alchemy.


    "I know you''re not afraid, but this is between me and the Grand Banner Gate. Don''t get involved," Mu Tianli said. His response baffled everyone because the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion had kept a low profile in the past events.


    On his first arrival, Liu Wuxie had killed a disciple from the Heavenly Origin Sect, and Mu Tianli''s actions were no different from waging war with the Azure Crimson Gate. It wasn''t hard to tell that there would be a war between them if the Azure Crimson Gate continued to intervene.


    Everyone reaching their level was bound by their words, as they were recorded by the Heavenly Dao. Should Mu Tianli''s actions fail to align with his derations, his cultivation would be permanently stalled, leaving him unable to advance for the rest of his life.


    After Mu Tianli finished speaking, a gigantic palm descended from the sky, giving the Grand Banner Gate''s sect master no time to react. The elder who had bet with Mu Tianli was forced to his knees under immense pressure.


    The sect masters of the ten major sects were never soft-hearted; such ruthlessness was necessary to rule over millions. A sect was akin to a nation, and its leader needed a domineering presence to maintain order.


    Cracking sounds echoed as the knees of the Grand Banner Gate''s elder shattered, with blood trickling down his lips.


    "Mu Tianli, our Grand Banner Gate won''t forget this!" The Grand Banner Gate''s sect master stepped forward to dismiss the giant palm, saving his elder.


    "Likewise. Remember your words; all disciples of the Grand Banner Gate must disappear wherever the disciples of my sect appear," Mu Tianli said. He had already achieved his goal of intimidating everyone, dering the rise of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    The Grand Banner Gate disciples could only clench their teeth in silent rage, each ncing at Liu Wuxie, wishing that they could kill him.


    "He reached the third level!" The third level belonged to the Sky Rift Valley.


    The Sky Rift Valley was always known for being modest when interacting with the other sects, and the spiritual arrays they set up weren''t very difficult.


    No one spoke this time as they watched quietly. Although they all had respectable status in the outside world, they were embarrassed after Mu Tianli mocked them.


    "Just who is this Liu Wuxie?" someone muttered. Most people present have yet to hear of Liu Wuxie as his recent fame was iparable to Bai Yuan''s.


    "There are five towers in total. So what if he can make it through the first tower? The decisive round lies ahead. Does anyone really think he can leave the Heavenly Mountain alive?" The Grand Banner Gate made no effort to conceal their malice, already entrenched in conflict with the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    Their logic made sense because there wouldn''t be any dangers in the five towers, which mainly tested the contestants''prehensive strength. The actual Ten Grand Ceremonyy in the final round. Everyone would enter a sealed-off area for twenty days, depending on luck to see who could make it out alive.


    In a nutshell, the final battle was a battle royale.


    It was no wonder why the Heavenly Origin Sect took a step back as they nned to deal with Liu Wuxie in thest round.


    When Bai Yuan emerged from the second level, he looked around and was surprised to find himself alone. A smile soon rose on his lips, unaware that Liu Wuxie had already entered the third level before him.


    Like the previous levels, Liu Wuxie stood at the pathway for two minutes before he increased his speed and smoothly made it to the fourth level. His speed could no longer be described with words, and even the powerhouses in the True Profound Realm looked with disbelief.


    "Is everything prepared?" Bai Jin asked with a ruthless gleam in his eyes.


    "Everything is set. He will surely die on the spiritual arrays set up by us," Wang Ba whispered to Bai Jin. The rule forbade any life-threatening traps on the test of five pagodas.


    Bai Jin nodded resolutely; he wouldn¡¯t let anyone overshadow his son. Having invested countless resources to mold Bai Yuan into the strongest prodigy in the Southern Province, Bai Jin believed his son could only live up to his reputation by securing first ce in the Ten Grand Ceremony.


    The Misty Sect''s fourth level was notably more challenging than the earlier ones. Yet, Liu Wuxie breezed through it in just five minutes, leaving the spectators stunned. Meanwhile, Bai Yuan was still navigating the third level, and Liu Wuxie had already reached the fifth.


    "What a monster!" eximed a Sky Rift Valley elder as he stroked his beard.


    These spiritual arrays, crafted by Nascent Transformation Realm experts, were formidable even for elders of other sects. That Liu Wuxie broke through them with such speed left everyone baffled.


    As Liu Wuxie stepped onto the fifth level, belonging to the Azure Crimson Gate, he took a deep breath. The spiritual arrays here were far more intricate and powerful than those on the previous levels.

 Chapter 626 - Celestial Descent Bead, Dragon Phantom Mirror

    <h4>Chapter 626 - Celestial Descent Bead, Dragon Phantom Mirror</h4>


    Everyone was shocked when Liu Wuxie was the first to reach the fifth level. This was the first time anyone had achieved such results in the thousands of years the Ten Grand Ceremony had taken ce.


    Disciples had already begun to forfeit the challenge on the Spiritual Array Tower''s third level, and some were left heavily injured by the spiritual arrays. They chose to give up to preserve their energy for theter trials.


    For example, those proficient in alchemy had given up on the Spiritual Array Tower long ago.


    "Mu Tianli, do you dare to bet with me? I''ll bet he can''t make it through the fifth level within an hour," said the Azure Crimson Gate''s sect master, Feng Gaoqiu, as he looked at Mu Tianli with a provocative gaze.


    The Grand Banner Gate''s loss had indirectly shaken the Azure Crimson Gate''s reputation, as fewer sects might dare to align themselves with them in the future.


    "Since Sect Master Ma is so inclined, I''m naturally more than happy to bet with you," Mu Tianli replied, agreeing to Feng Gaoqiu''s wager.


    The Azure Crimson Gate was confident in its spiritual array; otherwise, Feng Gaoqiu wouldn''t have made a bet with such confidence.


    "I have a Celestial Descent Bead, and it will be yours if I lose the bet," Feng Gaoqiu said as he took out a glistering bead the size of an egg. The bead began releasing dazzling brilliance when he took it out.


    The Celestial Bead was also known as the Firmament Emerald Bead.


    The crowd erupted in astonishment, taken aback by Feng Gaoqiu''s boldness in wagering the Celestial Descent Bead. This bead, nurtured by the heavens before descending to the underworld and refined over countless ages, was a treasure of unparalleled value.


    Each Celestial Descent Bead contained immense power, coveted by anyone in the True Profound Realm. If they could refine it, they would be able toprehend thews within to gain insight into the Spirit Profound Realm.


    "Since Sect Master Feng is willing to wager with a treasure like the Celestial Descent Bead, I''ll wager with this Dragon Phantom Mirror," Mu Tianli said before retrieving a palm-sized mirror from his interspatial ring. This was a strange mirror that wouldn''t reflect anything on it.


    "Is that the legendary Dragon Phantom Mirror? I heard it can reveal anything within ten thousand miles, and nothing can hide from it!" The crowd eximed again, captivated by the mysterious mirror in Mu Tianli''s hand.


    The older generation knew what kind of treasure it was, but it was the first time the younger generation had heard of it, and they watched in awe.


    One could even see a tiny tree ten thousand miles away with the Dragon Phantom Mirror. Moreover, that was only the most basic function.


    It puzzled everyone that the two sect masters would wager such treasures because losing either one would be a severe blow to them. However, there was no turning back now because their words werew as masters of their sects.


    All eyes were focused on Liu Wuxie, as this level concerned the fate of the two sects. The Azure Crimson Gate couldn''t afford to lose, as they would soon be removed from the position of one of the ten major sects after losing their alchemy market.


    If they couldn''t suppress the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion on the Ten Grand Ceremony, they wouldn''t be able to raise their heads in the future and would be reduced to a second-tier sect within a century.


    Liu Wuxie stood at the fifth-level entrance, unaware of themotion outside. Like before, he used Ghost Eye to study every detail of the spiritual arrays.


    "This is interesting... there''s a hidden lethal array here that not even the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion managed to discover," Liu Wuxie muttered. He didn''t act hastily, as he knew the Azure Crimson Gate would surely temper the spiritual arrays meant for the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s disciples.


    Time passed, and Liu Wuxie stood at the pathway for five minutes. Meanwhile, Bai Yuan had almost caught up to him, having solved nearly half of the spiritual arrays on the fourth level.


    "Azure Crimson Gate, you''ve underestimated my skills," Liu Wuxie said softly as he finally began to move after observing for five minutes. His speed was slow this time, and he often stopped and even retreated, leaving the onlookers outside bewildered.


    "The Seven Snare Array uses external triggers to activate the spiritual array. It looks like the Azure Crimson Gate''s intention isn''t to kill me but to trap me here," Liu Wuxie muttered after realizing the Azure Crimson Gate''s true intentions.


    If other Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s disciples came in, they could progress smoothly as long as the Azure Crimson Gate''s upper echelons didn''t activate the Seven Snare Array.


    The Seven Snare Array was explicitly designed for him, like a cage that blocked all pathways and sealed every escape route.


    The genius of this arrayy in its ability to seal a person''s seven orifices and trap them within. If Bai Yuan came in, it would be troublesome for him to deal with this spiritual array.


    Liu Wuxie remained motionless in the center of the pathway. He couldn''t move because the Seven Snare Array would turn into the Seven Murderous Array if he moved, attacking his vitals. On the other hand, there would be no danger if Liu Wuxie stayed on the spot, as the Azure Crimson Gate intended to trap him for an hour.


    "Fifteen minutes have passed, so why hasn''t he moved?" someone remarked outside the tower. Anyone could tell that Liu Wuxie''s behavior was unusualpared to his performance on the fourth level.


    "Sect Master, the Azure Crimson Gate must''ve tampered with the spiritual array; that''s why they dared to bet with us," Elder Hemented through his observation.


    "We can''t back down even if this is a plot of theirs. We can only ce our hope in him," Mu Tianli said. He already knew that the spiritual arrays on the fifth level were tampered with from the moment Feng Gaoqiu offered the Celestial Descent Bead as a wager.


    However, the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion couldn''t back down from the wager. If they had refused the wager, they would have beenbeled cowards and certainly mocked by others, especially after how they had previously wagered with the Grand Banner Gate.


    Elder He''s eyes were fixed on the fifth level because Liu Wuxie had been standing in ce for fifteen minutes.


    On the contrary, Bai Yuan emerged from the fourth level, ready to enter the fifth level. If Liu Wuxie remained trapped, Bai Yuan would overtake him.


    "So he''s a piece of garbage to be trapped there. He finally showed his true colors," mocked the Grand Banner Gate''s disciples. After all, it was a great humiliation to the sect to have their elder''s knees shattered.


    The second-tier sects, which were vassals to the Heavenly Origin Sect, also began to join in. They all felt that Liu Wuxie was courting death to go against Bai Yuan.


    "He finally moved!" someone yelled. Just as the ridicule reached its height, Liu Wuxie seemed to deliver a resounding rebuttal as if he could hear every word.


    Of course, Liu Wuxie couldn''t actually hear them; it was all just a coincidence.


    After spending fifteen minutes analyzing the spiritual array through the Heavenly Dao Book, Liu Wuxie finally found the ws in the Seven Snare Array. He vanished from the fifth level before everyone''s eyes and entered the sixth.


    "This is impossible!" An elder from the Azure Crimson Gate stood up in disbelief.


    His words drew everyone''s attention to the Azure Crimson Gate, and they wondered if foul y had been involved. After all, anyone could tell, judging from that elder''s words, that Liu Wuxie shouldn''t have made it through the fifth level, and why were they so confident about that?


    Feng Gaoqiu''s gaze was terrifyingly grim. He looked at Liu Wuxie, who was entering the sixth level, with his sinking heart.


    The onlookers weren''t fools; anyone could tell that Liu Wuxie must''ve encountered an obstacle for his prolonged stay on the fifth level.


    "Sect Master Feng, hand over the Celestial Descent Bead," Mu Tianli smiled, looking at Feng Gaoqiu. He was stuck on the second level of the True Profound Realm and would have a strong chance of making a breakthrough if he could refine the Celestial Descent Bead.


    In the entire Southern Province, the third level of the True Profound Realm would ce him at the top of the pyramid.


    "Mu Tianli, it''s still too early for you to rejoice!" Feng Gaoqiu retorted. He would naturally keep to his words as the sect master, and he threw the Celestial Descent Bead over.


    There were still traces of Feng Gaoqiu''s imprint on the Celestial Descent Bead, which Mu Tianli forcibly erased with his divine sense, causing Feng Gaoqiu to roar in frustration. After all, he had intentionally left his imprint behind, hoping to dy Mu Tianli''s efforts to refine it, giving him a chance to win it back.


    However, Mu Tianli''s actions proved his strength was higher than Feng Gaoqiu''s.


    "Sect Master Feng, thanks for your gift!" Mu Tianli even thanked Feng Gaoqiu, which drew furious looks from everyone in the Azure Crimson Gate.


    The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion had set up the sixth level, and it was naturally easy for their disciple to make it through. As long as the disciple practiced the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s cultivation technique, the spiritual arrays would make way for them by circting their true essence.


    The ten major sects naturally made it easy for their disciples to advance on their level.


    While Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t practice a cultivation technique belonging to the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, dealing with the spiritual arrays wasn''t an issue for him.


    The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion was known for its fairness, and the spiritual arrays weren''t dangerous. Most were meant to trap instead of injure.


    Liu Wuxie only took three minutes to conquer the sixth level and advanced to the seventh. The Indigo Cloud Gate set had up the seventh level, and their spiritual arrays were more challenging.


    The difficulty would increase with each level, and Liu Wuxie was far ahead of others. He had already made it to the seventh level while they were still struggling on the third level, and the difference in skill was in to see.


    "Sect Master Xu, your sect''s Grand Vajra Array is famous, and even the spiritual array guarding your sect has shadows of the Grand Vajra Array in it. It should be able to stop that boy in his tracks, right?"


    Witnessing how Liu Wuxie advanced in the tower stirred envy from many onlookers. After all, no one wished to be overshadowed by someone at the first level of the Astral River Realm.


    The Indigo Cloud Gate had high hopes of securing the top three this year, and they didn''t go easy on their trials in the five towers to give their disciples an advantage.


    Everyone from the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion disyed a trace of worry when they heard about the Grand Vajra Array. It was notorious for being the most difficult spiritual array during the previouspetitions. In past attempts, even when their disciples managed to pass, they often earned just one point, scraping by at best. Securing the full ten points seemed as difficult as reaching for the stars.


    "The Grand Vajra Array is constructed with the Eighteen Arhats. It requires exceptional skill to break through the spiritual array, while Liu Wuxie is only in the first level of the Astral River Realm. He''s in danger now."


    The Grand Vajra Array had been perfected over the years, making it even more potent.


    Liu Wuxie stood on the seventh level''s pathway with a sharp gaze, scanning every inch of space.


    "n to stop me with this little trick?" Liu Wuxie sneered and sped up.

 Chapter 627 - Tenth Level

    <h4>Chapter 627 - Tenth Level</h4>


    No one could rival Liu Wuxie in proving people wrong and embarrassing them. When everyone was specting how long it would take Liu Wuxie to make it through the seventh level, he was already at the entrance to the eighth level before everyone could finish their spection.


    "This is too much! This is no different from bullying!" eximed one of the disciples who dropped out. Liu Wuxie''s performance was a massive blow to them.


    Even the Azure Crimson Gate and Grand Banner Gate stopped mocking Liu Wuxie and fell silent. Every time they were proven wrong, and they all felt a burning humiliation creeping up their faces that made them ufortable.


    The Grand Vajra Array was a challenge to the other disciples, but Liu Wuxie was a monster. His physique wasparable to the Nascent Transformation Realm, and such an array couldn''t stop him.


    He breezed through the spiritual arrays without stopping. If anyone were to witness his progress, they would be shocked by the fragments left on the pathway.


    The eighth level belonged to the Demonic Heart Pce. Their spiritual arrays were famed for being bizarre and sinister, making them tougher to deal with.


    A cold wind brushed against Liu Wuxie''s face. He remained vignt, every hair on his body standing on end as his instincts warned him of danger.


    It wasn''t because the Demonic Heart Pce wanted to kill him but because the spiritual arrays here were capable of hurting him. He didn''t enter carelessly and used his divine sense to examine the spiritual arrays.


    Unlike the other levels, the spiritual arrays set up by the Demonic Heart Pce felt like a ferocious beast that could devour others, and stepping inside would feel like entering the abyss.


    When Liu Wuxie''s divine sense entered, it was devoured by a mysterious force, leaving his attempts ineffective. With no choice, Liu Wuxie could only resort to using Ghost Eye. His sight pierced through the darkness, straight to the spiritual array''s core.


    "An Evil Spirit Array!" Liu Wuxie was shocked. He didn''t expect that the Demonic Heart Pce would set up such a vicious spiritual array. This spiritual array wouldn''t harm the body but targeted the primordial spirit.


    This meant the evil spirits would devour Liu Wuxie''s primordial spirit and force him to withdraw from the trial. If a cultivator''s primordial spirit weren''t stable, recovery from the injury would be impossible, making it tough to take another step in the cultivation.


    Then again, it wasn''t surprising that the Demonic Heart Pce would set up a vicious spiritual array to obtain first ce on the Spiritual Array Tower.


    "He has been standing outside the pathway for five minutes now!" Someone finally spoke after waiting for five minutes. After all, Liu Wuxie had never stood outside the pathway for more than five minutes on previous levels.


    "I heard rumors that the Demonic Heart Pce is aiming to get first ce this year. Even the Heavenly Origin Sect will have difficulty navigating the traps they haveid down. This young man could be in real trouble now," someone in the crowd muttered.


    The Demonic Heart Pce had publicly dered they nned to overtake the Transcending Plume Gate and Heavenly Origin Sect this year to obtain first ce. If they really managed to get first ce in this Ten Grand Ceremony, it would spell disaster for the Southern Province as countless people might turn to be demonic cultivators. It would definitely change the entireyout of the Demonic Heart Pce.


    Seven minutes passed, and Liu Wuxie still waited outside the pathway.


    "What is he waiting for? Move!" Elder He said anxiously. Bai Yuan was catching up as he faced no obstacles on the Azure Crimson Gate''s level. The Indigo Cloud Gate had a good rtionship with the Heavenly Origin Sect, and the seventh level would be easy for him. This meant he would soon reach the eighth level.


    Liu Wuxie withdrew the Ghost Eye, and a powerful shield appeared before him, protecting his entire primordial spirit. He then strode forward and stepped into the pathway.


    When he took the first step, he could hear ghostly wails in the airing from the surroundings. Those with weak resolve would surely be frozen in fear.


    Moreover, various zombies and skeletal heads began to appear on both sides. If they weren''t careful, the sudden attack could strike them down. In addition to the restriction in the spiritual array, this made each step a struggle.


    A strange scene unfolded, and Liu Wuxie began to circte the Soul Forge Art. The dark energy burrowing into his soul sea began to ignite, transforming into soul energy that merged into his soul sea.


    "What''s going on? Can the Soul Forge Art absorb other soul energy to strengthen my own?" Liu Wuxie was stunned in ce. He realized that he had only touched the surface of the Soul Forge Art. The appearance of the mes brought to mind the Soul Forge Art''s third move¡ªSoul Fire.


    The me earlier was Soul Fire, capable of igniting the souls of others.


    "So...the reason I can''tprehend Soul Fire isn''t because Ick talent, but my soul energy isn''t strong enough." Liu Wuxie finally understood the strict requirements of the Soul Forge Art. Only those whose soul energy was strong enough could practice Soul Fire.


    Countless ghosts were imprisoned here, their primordial spirits captured after being killed by the Demonic Heart Pce and ced here. The evil spirits would devour any living being to strengthen their primordial spirits, so they attempted to charge over at the sight of Liu Wuxie.


    In the end, the evil spirits became Liu Wuxie''s feast. With each one he absorbed, his soul energy grew stronger. The increase in his soul energy, in turn, further reinforced the strength of his Soul Shield.


    The barrier around his primordial spirit grewrger and more realistic. As this continued, Liu Wuxie''s pace quickened after he devoured all the evil spirits in the pathway.


    When Liu Wuxie left the eighth level, he still wasn''t satisfied and even considered going back to go through the spiritual array once more. But he gave up on that thought after thinking twice.


    "H-He came out like that?" Everyone was stunned, looking at how nothing could stop Liu Wuxie.


    "Sect Master, we lost over seven thousand evil spirits," an elder reported. The Demonic Heart Pce''s elders maintained the evil spirits and had a strong connection with them. Thus, they could sense their disappearance.


    "I''m growing more curious about him now," said the Demonic Heart Pce''s sect master. He was shrouded in a ck robe, and only his green-glowing eyes were revealed. After all, it was rare for anyone to absorb evil spirits.


    Elder He finally felt a wave of relief after seeing how Liu Wuxie made it through the eighth level. The ninth level belonged to the Transcending Plume Gate and was only second to the Heavenly Origin Sect. This meant that the spiritual arrays they set up were even more formidable.


    Bai Yuan also faced difficulties on the eighth level, and his speed slowed significantly. After an hour, he was still struggling on the eighth level, and it wouldn''t be easy for him to catch up to Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie''s eyes snapped open when he stood on the ninth level''s pathway. After refining over seven thousand evil spirits, his soul energy wasparable to the Nascent Transformation Realm.


    "This is great! Absorbing so many evil spirits will be greatly helpful for what lies ahead."


    With a more powerful soul energy, he would have an advantage in spiritual arrays, alchemy, and cksmithing. If he hadn''t absorbed so many evil spirits, dealing with the spiritual arrays on the ninth level wouldn''t be easy.


    Now that his primordial spirit had grown stronger, everything became clearer. The spiritual array up ahead was like a stunning beauty, fully stripped before his eyes. The effects of Ghost Eye grew stronger, and his soul energy strengthened.


    Liu Wuxie slipped through the spiritual array like a roon. He couldn''t be bothered to break the spiritual array and waited for the spiritual array to activate before vanishing.


    This was like an arrow shot out from the wall, and Liu Wuxie had vanished before the arrow could reach him, causing that arrow to plunge into the wall on the other side.


    By merging his soul energy with speed, Liu Wuxie achievedplete unity between the body and soul.


    The human body often struggles to keep up with the mind, but this could be achieved after attainingplete unity between the two.


    Liu Wuxie spent only three minutes on the ninth level and reached thest level. He had only taken slightly over an hour on all the previous levels. Liu Wuxie made it to the tenth level while others still struggled on the fifth level.


    As the Heavenly Origin Sect had set up thest level, Liu Wuxie didn''t dare to be careless. He knew the Heavenly Origin Sect would surely set up a deadly trap here to end his journey. After all, the Azure Crimson Gate was the perfect example of someone who had tampered with the spiritual array.


    The Heavenly Origin Sect¡¯s disciples, who had exited the tower, stared at Liu Wuxie, paying attention to his every move. This was the climax because if Liu Wuxie could make it through the tenth level, Bai Yuan would lose all the limelight regardless of his performance. His title as the strongest prodigy in Southern Province would also be a joke as someone in the first level of the Astral River Realm would have defeated him.


    "Don''t worry; he''s doomed." A cruel smile rose on Wang Ba''s lips as he activated the change on the tenth level with his divine sense.


    Liu Wuxie frowned as his divine sense wandered in the spiritual arrays on the tenth level, and he naturally sensed the sudden changes.


    "Heavenly Origin Sect, you''re forcing me. Don''t me me for fighting back since you''ve taken it this far," Liu Wuxie muttered with a cruel smile. He naturally wouldn''t stand idly by since the Heavenly Origin Sect wanted him dead, and his retaliation would start.


    Liu Wuxie began to retrieve a handful of array gs from his interspatial ring. Each was norger than an adult''s finger and almost imperceptible.


    Anyone would be shocked if they knew what Liu Wuxie was trying to do. He carefully walked forward, spreading his divine sense and Ghost Eye.


    After walking about ten steps, a g vanished from his hand. He began to form hand signs and concealed the array g in a hidden corner of the spiritual array. The concealment was so meticulous that even the True Profound Realm powerhouses couldn''t detect them.


    After advancing to the Astral River Realm, Liu Wuxie unlocked ess to a wider range of techniques and abilities.


    "Bai Yuan is almost there! He can overtake Liu Wuxie if he enters the ninth level!" The Heavenly Origin Sect disciples began to cheer. They didn''t want to see Liu Wuxie the first toplete all ten levels in the Spiritual Array Tower.


    As Bai Yuan was a disciple of the Heavenly Origin Sect, the spiritual arrays on the tenth level were easy for him. This meant he could easilyplete the trials in the Spiritual Array Tower if he made it through the eighth level.


    Liu Wuxie pressed forward along the pathway, the number of array gs in his hand steadily diminishing with each step.


    "What''s going on? Why isn''t the spiritual array working?" Wang Ba''s face was terrifyingly grim that the spiritual array he had set up was ineffective against Liu Wuxie.


    Bai Jin turned to look at Wang Ba coldly, disappointed in thetter for making such a mistake.


    "Sect master, I assure you that I have activated the lethal array, and this makes no sense!" Wang Ba exined.


    Bai Jin trusted Wang Ba''s words, as he had personally verified the spiritual array. This left only one conclusion: the issue was Liu Wuxie. Somehow, the spiritual array had failed to pose any threat to him.

 Chapter 628 - Tampering the Spiritual Array

    <h4>Chapter 628 - Tampering the Spiritual Array</h4>


    Liu Wuxie continued to advance to the tenth level and was left with only one-third of the journey to the exit.


    "This is weird. Why didn''t the Heavenly Origin Sect set up any difficulty? They will let Liu Wuxie walk right through the tenth level?" The Azure Crimson Gate''s disciples were puzzled. Their confusion led them to nce toward the Heavenly Origin Sect, who seemed equally perplexed, wondering why their spiritual arrays weren''t having any effect on Liu Wuxie.


    The disciples of the Grand Banner Gate began to grumble, using the Heavenly Origin Sect of being too soft on Liu Wuxie.


    However, the majority of the people remained silent. The Heavenly Origin Sect was known for being vengeful, especially after Liu Wuxie had killed one of their disciples and humiliated Bai Yuan.


    No one couldprehend what was happening, and the Heavenly Origin Sect was also dumbfounded.


    Liu Wuxie was only left with thest array g in his hand. When thest array g flew out, Liu Wuxie began to draw a celestial rune.


    "Since the Heavenly Origin Sect has initiated it, it''s my turn now! Let me show you that I''m not someone to be trifled with," Liu Wuxie said, and the immortal rune flew out, merging into the entire tenth level.


    All the array gs he set up had vanished, seamlessly merged into the surroundings. Even the True Profound Realm powerhouses couldn''t discover them as they couldn''t detect immortal runes.


    When Liu Wuxie was done, the spiritual arrays on the tenth level became different, but no one could describe it. He patted his hands and was satisfied with his work. "Time to get going now!"


    Liu Wuxie hastened his footsteps as he couldn''t afford any dys. He had to obtain the Ascension Pill no matter what to help him reach the second level of the Astral River Realm. The moment he appeared at the end of the tenth level, cheers erupted from the crowd outside.


    "He''s out!" Everyone looked at each other in disbelief. They couldn''t believe that Liu Wuxie had finished first. With the exit within reach, he confidently stepped through the door on the tenth level and leaped down from the tower.


    o ensure Liu Wuxie''s safety, Elder He had already stationed himself beneath the tower when Liu Wuxie appeared, ready to shield him from any potential assaults.


    As Liu Wuxie returned to the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s territory, the disciples who had forfeited erupted into cheers. It had been years since they felt such pride, and now, for the first time in a long while, a disciple from their sect had emerged first from the tower.


    "Rest well!" Mu Tianli patted Liu Wuxie''s shoulder.


    Liu Wuxie was a little exhausted after going through the ten levels. He took out high-grade spirit stones to recover his true essence.


    It was already midday, and many disciples struggled in the middleyers. At this pace, it was evident that the entire trial for the Spiritual Array Tower would extend until evening.


    Ten minutes after Liu Wuxie had exited the tower, Bai Yuan arrived at the tenth level. His rapid progress surprised the Heavenly Origin Sect, as he was significantly ahead of the other disciples¡ªa performance surpassing those of previous years.


    However, the memory of Liu Wuxie''s unprecedented first-ce finish dampened their spirits. Despite Bai Yuan''s impressive achievement, they couldn''t celebrate wholeheartedly, the sting of Liu Wuxie''s victory still fresh.


    Bai Yuan finally rxed with a smile after reaching the tenth level that belonged to his sect. ording to his calctions, he could make up for the difference on the tenth level even if Liu Wuxie was ahead of him. He knew the tenth level was filled with traps to target Liu Wuxie.


    He casually walked on the tenth level without any guard. But all of a sudden, a cold ray shot toward him without any warning. His instincts kicked in, and he stepped into the Qian position. His father had told him how to navigate through this level safely.


    But when his right foot touched the ground, a chain appeared and bound to his ankle. This wasn''t an actual chain but the manifestation ofw. This was the true power of spiritual arrays¡ªharnessing the world''sws.


    Bai Yuan was shocked that the spiritual array set up by the Heavenly Origin Sect would attack him. He unsheathed his sword and struck down to hack the chain around his ankle apart. Just then, whistling sounds echoed from behind him as countless arrows manifested byw shot toward him that were unavoidable for ordinary people.


    His cultivation was in the Nascent Transformation Realm, and he crouched down to dodge most of the arrows, but there were still arrows that shot at his butt. He managed to avoid taking any attack on his vital points. The butt was fine because it wouldn''t impede his progress.


    "ARGH!" Bai Yuan screamed in pain from the humiliation. It was humiliating that he was injured on the level set up by his sect.


    "Look, Bai Yuan seems injured!" gasped the onlookers. Though the view was obscured, they could tell something was wrong judging from his weakening aura.


    Bai Jin''s eyes turned cold upon sensing that his son was injured on the level that belonged to them, and he couldn''tprehend what was happening.


    The surrounding discussions vanished as many people turned to look at Liu Wuxie. After all, Liu Wuxie was the first to reach the tenth level, making them wonder if he had tampered with the spiritual arrays.


    But that was impossible because Liu Wuxie had only stayed on the tenth level for fifteen minutes. How could someone tamper with the spiritual arrays in such a short time? Did that mean that there was a problem with the spiritual arrays to begin with?


    Various thoughts began to fill their minds, and no one dared to say a word. They could only whisper among themselves.


    "Do you think Liu Wuxie has tampered with the spiritual arrays?" Dozens of second-tier sects gathered to discuss among themselves. While the possibility wasn''t high, it wasn''t entirely impossible.


    "Are you joking? He''s only in the first level of the Astral River Realm. How can he possibly tamper with the Heavenly Origin Sect''s spiritual arrays? Those were fortified by someone in the True Profound Realm!" another person replied, dismissing the idea. They were more inclined to believe there was an issue with the Heavenly Origin Sect''s spiritual arrays.


    "Don''t be so quick to judge. He has the lowest cultivation, but he made it through the tower first. Isn''t that strange?" An elder from the Azure Sun Valley stood up and spoke in a low voice. Judging from the various signs, Liu Wuxie held the highest suspicion.


    The surrounding discussion naturally reached the Heavenly Origin Sect even if everyone had lowered their voices, making Bai Jin''s face terrifyingly cold.


    Wang Ba sat by the side, not daring to make a sound. He would be dead if anything happened to Bai Yuan.


    Mu Tianli raised his head and turned to look at Liu Wuxie, who was focused on his meditation and ignored the surrounding voices.


    "This rascal," Mu Tianli chuckled as he turned his attention back to the tower. He naturally knew that Liu Wuxie must be behind it. No one understood Liu Wuxie better than him, and Liu Wuxie hadn''t just relied on his schemes to suppress the Lesser de Association. He had proven that he excelled in various fields.


    When Liu Wuxie had defeated Wu Yang in spiritual arrays, Mu Tianli was practically certain that Liu Wuxie had high attainment in spiritual arrays.


    Bai Yuan stood up and touched his butt. It felt damp to the touch, with his robe stained with his blood. He didn''t have the luxury to change his clothes as he had to leave the tower quickly.


    He focused and knew he couldn''t afford to be careless. Each step forward became a treacherous ordeal, and the spiritual array had far exceeded his imagination. Not to mention, he had to face the relentless arrows, which increased the wounds he suffered.


    When Bai Yuan finally emerged from the tower an hourter, he only managed to obtain one point on the tenth level, which belonged to his sect.


    Bai Jin exhaled in relief at his son''s safe return, and many people approached to receive Bai Yuan.


    "Ha! Liu Wuxie, I bet you didn''t expect me to make it out first!" Bai Yuan let out a triumphantugh. His state might look a little pathetic, but he was happy that he could beat Liu Wuxie. But he soon noticed the odd expressioning from the surroundings.


    "Young master, Liu Wuxiepleted the trials an hour ago," whispered a Heavenly Origin Sect''s disciple.


    "What?!" Bai Yuan''s face turned pale, and he soon discovered Liu Wuxie seated in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s area. Thetter was calm and unscathed, while he looked like a beggar.


    "Young master, what''s wrong with your wounds?" Wang Ba came forward to ask in a concerning voice. Even if they lost in the Spiritual Array Tower, they still had four more towers they could make aeback with.


    "Let''s return first," Bai Yuan said after regaining his demeanor. He knew he had embarrassed himself earlier, wiping out all his hard-earned reputation throughout the years.


    He quickly changed his clothes after returning to the Heavenly Origin Sect. His current state was too humiliating, especially the wounds on his butt. He could sense the people from the surroundingsughing as they pointed fingers at him, which felt like a thousand needles piercing into his heart.


    At that moment, his pride and dignity were utterly shattered.


    "Bai Yuan, what''s wrong with the Spiritual Array Tower?" Bai Jin asked after his son changed into a new set of clothes.


    "I don''t know. Our spiritual array seems to have malfunctioned, transforming into a lethal array. I barely escaped in one piece, relying on my strength," Bai Yuan exined. His survival was solely due to his Nascent Transformation Realm strength. If someone in the Astral River Realm had been in his ce, they wouldn''t have stood a chance."


    If too many disciples died on the level belonging to the Heavenly Origin Sect, the other sects would undoubtedly unite to take revenge against them. After all, the true disciples partaking in the Ten Grand Ceremony represented the sect''s future, and anyone could imagine the consequences if they all died in the spiritual arrays belonging to the Heavenly Origin Sect.


    Realizing this, Bai Jin couldn''t help but take a cold breath.


    "I''m right. There''s an issue in the Heavenly Origin Sect''s spiritual arrays, and the other disciples are now in grave danger!" Though the Heavenly Origin Sect were speaking quietly, the crowd managed to analyze everything from their faces.


    "Sect master, what should we do? If there''s an issue with the spiritual arrays set up by the Heavenly Origin Sect, I strongly suggest we cancel the trials and bring the disciples out at once!" suggested an elder from the Sky Rift Valley.

 Chapter 629 - Counterattack

    <h4>Chapter 629 - Counterattack</h4>


    The remaining ten major sects discussed whether they could cancel the Spiritual Array Tower¡¯s trial.


    ¡°Sect Master Bai, we demand an exnation. Why did the spiritual arrays on the tenth floor injure Young Master Bai?¡± questioned the Transcending Plume Gate¡¯s sect master.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. Sect Master Bai, we demand an exnation,¡± echoed a representative from the Divine Sun Pce. Aside from the Indigo Cloud Gate and Heavenly Origin Sect, the other sects united.


    The Indigo Cloud Gate was closely aligned with the Heavenly Origin Sect, but not speaking up didn¡¯t mean they didn¡¯t have any questions for the Heavenly Origin Sect. If the Indigo Cloud Gate suffered immense casualties, it would be a fatal blow to the sect.


    ¡°Everyone, please calm down! My Heavenly Origin Sect¡¯s spiritual arrays don¡¯t have any issue, and my son made a mistake that led to his injury,¡± exined Bai Jin.


    ¡°Do you think we¡¯ll believe in that bullshit! I request the trial to be stopped immediately and have the Heavenly Origin Sect¡¯s spiritual arrays inspected!¡± An elder from the Demonic Heart Pce protested. They were more than happy to see the Heavenly Origin Sect in trouble.


    ¡°There have never been such rules since ancient times. Contestants will soon make it to the tenth level, and we will know if there¡¯s an issue with our spiritual arrays,¡± said Bai Jin as he waved his hand. He also wanted to know what had gone wrong with their spiritual arrays.


    They¡¯d never uncover the real cause if they stopped the trial prematurely. Several disciples had already reached the tenth level as the crowd debated and scrutinized the Heavenly Origin Sect. They were the Misty Sect¡¯s Xu Lingxue, Heavenly Treasure Pavilion¡¯s Murong Yi, Indigo Cloud Gate¡¯s Deng Yong, Transcending Plume Gate¡¯s Zhou Ge, Demonic Heart Pce¡¯s Qu Yang, and Azure Crimson Gate¡¯s Wei Xiu.


    They were all elite among their sects and simultaneously made it to the tenth level. They belonged to the second batch among all the participants, and the third batch wasn¡¯t far behind them and would likely catch up soon.


    ¡°They¡¯ve entered the tenth level!¡± someone yelled, and everyone grew nervous as time passed, especially the upper echelons of the various sects.


    ¡°This is strange. None of them seem injured,¡± someone remarked. While progress on the tenth level was noticeably slower, the absence of any visible injuries baffled the spectators. They found it odd that the spiritual array designed by the Heavenly Origin Sect had harmed Bai Yuan but appeared to leave disciples from other sects unscathed.


    The nine sects finally calmed down after seeing that their disciples were fine. Perhaps Bai Yuan was to me.


    An hourter, the third batch also reached the tenth level. They were the Sky Rift Valley¡¯s Xiao Wencai, Dugu n¡¯s Dugu Qiubai, Divine Sun Pce¡¯s Hong Zhi, and several disciples from the Heavenly Origin Sect.


    Twenty-odd people progressed quickly, but it was far slower than Liu Wuxie. They chose the empty pathways to enter.


    However, what happened next left everyone shocked. When the ten major sect¡¯s disciples went into the pathways, they progressed quickly and were even faster than when they were on the first level.


    But when the Heavenly Origin Sect¡¯s disciples entered the tenth level, they suffered the same fate as Bai Yuan. The few Heavenly Origin Sect¡¯s disciples who stepped into the tenth level were all injured without exception. Yet, that was far from over because there were two disciples on the brink of death.


    The crowd erupted into an uproar at this scene, and no one couldprehend what was happening. After all, each sect naturally left a backdoor for its disciples, allowing them to progress rapidly through that level.


    That was theplete opposite of the Heavenly Origin Sect. The disciples of the other sects progressed rapidly through the tenth level, while the disciples of the Heavenly Origin Sect faced life-threatening dangers.


    ¡°Sect Master Bai, what in the world are you doing? Are you seriously using a lethal spiritual array to target your own disciples?¡± eximed the Indigo Cloud Gate¡¯s sect master, thoroughly perplexed. It was unheard of for a sect to disadvantage its own disciples while offering a clear path for those from rival sects.


    Something like this had never happened before, and disciples who entered the tenth level began to return. They had braced for a tough battle but realized the tenth level was easy.


    As more disciples reached the tenth level, the Heavenly Origin Sect¡¯s disciples continued to face severe obstructions and life-threatening challenges.


    ¡°If I find out who¡¯s behind this, I¡¯ll tear that person apart!¡± Bai Jin said furiously. He was certain that the spiritual arrays were tampered with to target the Heavenly Origin Sect disciples specifically.


    As the first to emerge from the tenth level, Liu Wuxie naturally aroused the most suspicion.


    ¡°How did you all make it out of the tenth level so quickly? Weren¡¯t any of you attacked by the spiritual arrays?¡± The Indigo Cloud Gate and Azure Crimson Gate¡¯s upper echelons swarmed Deng Yong and the other returning disciples, eager for answers.


    ¡°No, there were no obstacles on the tenth level. We passed through it easily,¡± Deng Yong replied, his expression mirroring their confusion. He had anticipated the tenth level to be the most challenging but found it surprisingly simple.


    ¡°Look at them!¡± The Indigo Cloud Gate¡¯s sect master eximed, pointing toward the Spiritual Array Tower. His words drew the attention of those gathered.


    ¡°How did this happen?¡± Deng Yong and the other disciples who had emerged were stunned to see the Heavenly Origin Sect¡¯s disciples struggling and trapped on the tenth level. The number of casualties among them was steadily rising.


    Each returning disciple expressed their bafflement, turning to their sect leaders for answers.


    ¡°It¡¯s practically certain that this is Liu Wuxie¡¯s doing!¡± dered an elder from the Azure Crimson Gate. His assertion drew murmurs of agreement from the sect¡¯s disciples, who viewed Liu Wuxie as the only one capable of such an act.


    The Azure Crimson Gate and Heavenly Origin Sect rarely interacted due to the vast distance separating them. However, the two sects now found themselves united against amon enemy.


    For the Azure Crimson Gate, aligning with the Heavenly Origin Sect was a strategic move¡ªa desperate solution to survive after losing their dominance in the alchemy market.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, stand up!¡± Wang Ba roared after hearing the usations against Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie frowned and opened his eyes to look at Wang Ba unhappily. He insulted, ¡°Who let this stray dog out of his leash to disturb my meditation?¡±


    He had been quietly sitting here to meditate and hadn¡¯t interacted with anyone, but the Heavenly Origin Sect kept harassing him.


    ¡°Did you tamper with the spiritual arrays on the tenth level?¡± Wang Ba growled with his teeth gritted. He wanted nothing more than to kill Liu Wuxie, but it was a pity that no one could approach Liu Wuxie with Mu Tianli around.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with the tenth level?¡± Liu Wuxie asked, baffled. But there was a faint smirk on the corner of his lips.


    ¡°What happened? Shouldn¡¯t you know better? Tampering with the spiritual arrays is punishable by execution under the rules of the Ten Grand Ceremony!¡± Wang Ba bellowed, his voice ringing with rage. The elders of the Azure Crimson Gate immediately chimed in, demanding Liu Wuxie''s punishment.


    ¡°What a joke. Where is the evidence for your usations?¡± Liu Wuxie chuckled, his toneced with sarcasm.


    ¡°If not for you, why would the spiritual arrays on the tenth level target my Heavenly Origin Sect¡¯s disciples?¡±


    They had no evidence, and they didn''t know where to find it. After all, they didn¡¯t even know how Liu Wuxie pulled it off.


    ¡°You should ask yourself that! You¡¯re the one who set up the spiritual arrays on the tenth level, right? Have you betrayed your sect to deliberately create a trap to target your own disciples?¡± Liu Wuxie retorted, stepping back theatrically, feigning fear.


    Since Wang Ba wanted to use him, he wouldn¡¯t mind throwing the usations back at him. Once the usation was confirmed, Wang Ba would lose his position in the Heavenly Origin Sect.


    ¡°Bullshit! I would never betray my sect! If you don¡¯t exin, I¡¯ll unite with the other sects to destroy your Heavenly Treasure Pavilion!¡± Wang Ba roared. He had a fiery temper and was on the edge of losing it after being provoked by Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Who the fuck do you think you are? Why should I give you an exnation? You used me of tampering with the spiritual arrays¡ªthen bring the evidence to back it up! Without it, your ims are nothing but baseless usations,¡± Liu Wuxie sneered, his disdain evident. He knew the ten major sects were far from united, and Wang Ba''s threats held no real weight.


    Wang Ba, an expert at the pinnacle of the Nascent Transformation Realm, could no longer restrain his anger. Provoked repeatedly by Liu Wuxie''s insults, his aura red as he took a step toward him, his fury boiling over.


    ¡°Wang Ba, don¡¯t me me for being impolite if you continue to nder a disciple of my Heavenly Treasure Pavilion,¡± Elder He interjected, stepping between Liu Wuxie and Wang Ba. A flicker of amusement danced in Elder He¡¯s eyes, barely hiding his satisfaction. He was confident that Liu Wuxie had tampered with the spiritual array, but he also knew no evidence could be produced to prove it.


    The two sides stood firm, and neither was willing to yield as the death toll of the Heavenly Origin Sect¡¯s disciples continued to climb.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, tell us how to stop the spiritual arrays!¡± Wang Ba demanded. His heart was aching to watch his disciples fall one by one.


    ¡°Well, perhaps the heavens couldn¡¯t stand the Heavenly Origin Sect¡¯s action and cast down retribution,¡± Liu Wuxie said, shrugging and maintaining a calm demeanor against Wang Ba¡¯s fury.


    ¡°Sect Master Bai, why don¡¯t you tell us what array your Heavenly Origin Sect prepared for the tenth level? Perhaps we can join forces to reduce the casualties,¡± suggested the Sky Rift Valley¡¯s sect master, offering a gesture of goodwill.


    ¡°Sect Master Quan is correct. Why not share the details of your spiritual array so we can collectively mitigate the losses?¡± echoed the Transcendent Plume Sect¡¯s sect master, stepping forward to support the proposal.


    ¡°Agreed,¡± added the Dugu n¡¯s patriarch.


    More sects began to join in, including the Misty Sect and Indigo Cloud Gate. They all wanted to know what spiritual array the Heavenly Origin Sect had prepared.


    Bai Jin could only grit his teeth in silence. If he revealed the spiritual arrays, wouldn¡¯t that be the same as telling everyone that they had set up a lethal spiritual array to target the other nine sects? While the Heavenly Origin Sect was strong, there was no way they could contend with thebined forces of the nine other sects.


    ¡°I think he doesn¡¯t dare to speak!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s voice soundedced with mockery. It wasn¡¯t because Bai Jin didn¡¯t want to speak, but he didn¡¯t dare.


    This instantly made everyone suspect that the Heavenly Origin Sect was hiding something. After all, they weren¡¯t going to steal the spiritual arrays, but they only wanted to know what the Heavenly Origin Sect had added when setting up their spiritual arrays.


    ¡°Please listen to me! My Heavenly Origin Sect has only set up an ordinary Seven Spiritual Array,¡± Bai Jin said. When he looked at Liu Wuxie, it made Liu Wuxie¡¯s nerves tense because the murderous intent was too strong.


    ¡°How can there be casualties if it¡¯s just a Seven Spiritual Array?¡± the Sky Rift Valley¡¯s sect master asked curiously.


    The Seven Spiritual Array was the same as the Seven Snare Array, prioritized trapping, and there wouldn¡¯t be any casualties if one didn¡¯t face it head-on forcibly.

 Chapter 630 - Deserved It

    <h4>Chapter 630 - Deserved It</h4>


    The Seven Spiritual Array was not a powerful spiritual array, and every cultivator in the Nascent Transformation Realm present knew how to set it up. Yet, how could such a spiritual array be a deadly trap for the Heavenly Origin Sect disciples?


    "I believe everyone here is familiar with the Seven Spiritual Array, but perhaps you¡¯re unaware of what happens when it¡¯sbined with the Eight Diagrams Array," Liu Wuxie¡¯s voice rang out at the perfect moment, his calm tone cutting through the murmurs.


    Many sect masters began to calcte in their minds upon hearing the Eight Diagrams Array,bining it with the Seven Spiritual Array.


    "How is it possible? If the Seven Spiritual Array and Eight Diagrams Array perfectlybine, it will transform into the Nine Death Array!"


    The Nine Death Array was highly lethal, and the odds of living were less than ten percent if someone entered.


    "Sect Master Bai, tell me if what he said is true!" The Misty Sect''s sect master asked coldly. She didn''t expect the Heavenly Origin Sect to stoop so low,bining the Seven Spiritual Array and Eight Diagrams Array. It wouldn''t be any different from a Seven Spiritual Array if it weren''t activated, but it would transform into the Nine Death Array if activated.


    "Don''t listen to his nonsense!" Bai Jin snapped hastily, his voiceced with frustration. This year''s Ten Grand Ceremony had spiraled out of his control, and the root of all the chaos was unmistakably tied to one person¡ªLiu Wuxie.


    "Bullshit! Why doesn''t everyone ask the disciples who came out? They should be able to tell you what they experienced," Liu Wuxie sneered, his tone dripping with disdain. He clearly didn¡¯t consider someone in the True Profound Realm worth his attention.


    The sect masters of various sects began questioning their disciples about their experiences on the tenth level. Through multiple ounts, it was revealed that they encountered abination of the Seven Spiritual Array and the Eight Diagrams Array. However, something had gone awry¡ªthe Life Gate and Death Gate had been reversed. This anomaly allowed disciples from other sects to pass through safely, while disciples of the Heavenly Origin Sect faced peril.


    The implications were clear: the Death Gate was triggered for the Heavenly Origin Sect¡¯s disciples, while the Life Gate opened for others. It seemed too precise to be mere coincidence, as though someone had deliberately manipted the array from the shadows.


    "Liu Wuxie, that''s bullshit! Why aren''t the other disciples also injured if that''s the case?" a familiar voice echoed.


    When Liu Wuxie heard the familiar voice, he narrowed his eyes as he turned his head over. He muttered, "Ye Feng!"


    Liu Wuxie hadn¡¯t expected Ye Feng to show up, and beside him stood Yu Tianyi. The two had apparently been at other sects during Liu Wuxie¡¯s scuffle with Bai Yuan, which exined their absence until now.


    "That''s right. If that''s the case, why is everyone else fine? I bet Liu Wuxie must be behind it!" Yu Tianyi chimed in, echoing Ye Feng''s words with a hint of malice.


    "Liu Wuxie, do you know what''s wrong with the tenth level''s spiritual arrays?" an elder of the Sky Rift Valley asked in a gentle voice.


    Most present didn''t believe Liu Wuxie was behind the incident. The spiritual arrays had been inspected by experts in the True Profound Realm, who had left behindws of their realm to prevent tampering. It seemed inconceivable for Liu Wuxie, prodigy or not, to alter such formations.


    As the first to emerge from the tenth level, however, Liu Wuxie¡¯s understanding of spiritual arrays might provide some answers.


    "You should ask Sect Master Bai why he wanted to set up the two spiritual arrays," Liu Wuxie smiled as he looked at Bai Jin, ignoring Ye Feng and Yu Tianyi''s provocations. In his eyes, they were no different from mere flies.


    "Liu Wuxie, we''re asking you now. Since you pointed out the two spiritual arrays, I believe you should know the reason," the Transcendent Plume Gate''s sect master stepped forward.


    "Very well, I''ll continue since everyone wants me to exin. Anyone is wee to correct me if I''m wrong," Liu Wuxie replied, sping his hands respectfully toward the gathered sect leaders. Strangely, Mu Tianli remained silent, making the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion the only sect master who refrained frommenting.


    To the crowd¡¯s surprise, Liu Wuxie stepped up to represent the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, addressing the other nine sects directly.


    "Go on. We''ll discern the truth," the Indigo Cloud Gate''s sect master said unhappily. They were all in the True Profound Realm, but they had to listen to someone in the Astral River Realm for answers.


    Liu Wuxie turned to Bai Jin and smirked. "Sect Master Bai, I believe the true purpose ofbining the two arrays was to kill me, correct?" Bai Jin¡¯s face darkened, and his silence spoke volumes. His refusal to refute the usation was as good as an admission of guilt, confirming Liu Wuxie''s im.


    "Liu Wuxie, we know the two spiritual arrays can be deadly ifbined and can only be manipted from within. As you can see, everyone from the Heavenly Origin Sect is present and unable to control the spiritual array. So, how was the Nine Death Array triggered?" one of the sect masters asked. It was a question on everyone¡¯s mind. Even if the Heavenly Origin Sect had tampered with the spiritual array, it seemed illogical for them to endanger their own disciples.


    "Are you all masters in spiritual arrays?" Liu Wuxie said, sweeping his disdainful gazes at the nine sect masters. This made the nine sect masters feel ufortable to be mocked by a junior.


    "Liu Wuxie, stop beating around the bush and exin," Deng Yong from the Indigo Cloud Gate urged.


    "Tobine the two spiritual arrays, the array gs must be ced precisely ording to certain principles. The effects will be adverse if the cement is even slightly off. The Heavenly Origin Sect had cleverly devised the two spiritual arrays, but there was a fatal mistake in their setup," Liu Wuxie exined calmly.


    "What mistake did we make?" Wang Ba demanded, his voice tinged with urgency. The moment the words escaped his lips, he realized his misstep¡ªit was an implicit acknowledgment of Liu Wuxie''s im. Yet, his mounting desperation to uncover the error overshadowed his caution, driven by the ever-growing casualties among his sect''s disciples.


    "You intended to let the Heavenly Origin Sect disciples pass quickly, so you must have embedded elemental stones when setting up the spiritual arrays. After stepping into the spiritual array and circting their true essence, your disciples would¡¯ve activated the elemental stone, allowing them to pass swiftly," Liu Wuxie exined, his voice calm and deliberate. No one interrupted him, not even the members of the Heavenly Origin Sect, who had fallen into an uneasy silence.


    After pausing momentarily, Liu Wuxie continued, "The Heavenly Origin Sect specializes in spiritual arrays, and most of your disciples specialize in the metal attribute. Logically, you should have ced a metal-attribute elemental stone, but a wood-attribute elemental stone was ced instead. Elder Wang Ba possesses the fire attribute, and the first spiritual array set up by him contains powerful fire attributes. Metal crushes wood, wood fuels fire, and fire restrains metal. When Heavenly Origin Sect¡¯s disciples entered the spiritual array and circted their true essence, the Nine Death Array was triggered, transforming into a deadly trap for them."


    Everyone gasped as Liu Wuxie''s exnation settled over them like a heavy shroud. The implications were staggering. The immortal runes Liu Wuxie had incorporated into the spiritual arrays had amplified the Nine Death Array¡¯s lethality, sealing the fate of the Heavenly Origin Sect''s own disciples.


    "I see...that makes sense now!" the Sky Rift Valley''s sect master murmured, piecing everything Liu Wuxie said in his mind.


    The Heavenly Origin Sect''s trap had backfired and targeted their own disciples instead of Liu Wuxie.


    "That''s impossible! I clearly used a metal-attribute elemental stone. How did it turn into a wood one instead?" Wang Ba insisted, his voice trembling because he recalled cing down a metal-attribute elemental stone.


    However, no one, including Bai Jin, listened to his exnation. Bai Jin had personally examined the array and confirmed the stone to be metal-attribute at the time. This meant there could only be one exnation: Wang Ba had swapped the elemental stone after he had left.


    With the cement of a wood-attribute elemental stone, the disciples who entered to release their metal-attribute true essence unwittingly triggered a devastating reaction. Their metal essence pierced through the wood-attribute stone, which, in turn, fueled the fire attributes of the first spiritual array. The dissipating wood attribute created an explosive chain reaction, amplifying the spiritual array''s power to catastrophic levels.


    The crowd exchanged knowing nces, their expressions hardening. Wang Ba¡¯s panicked response had essentially confirmed what everyone suspected: the Heavenly Origin Sect had indeed set up a Nine Death Array. The exact elemental attribute of the stone he used was now a moot point¡ªit no longer mattered. The damage had been done.


    Wang Ba was on the verge of crying because if the usation were confirmed, the sect leader would undoubtedly hold him responsible.


    "Who knows? Perhaps you made an error," Liu Wuxie said with a casual shrug, his expression unreadable. Of course, he would never admit the truth: he had subtly altered the flow of the five elements within the array. As for the elemental stone, he hadn¡¯t even touched it. Instead, he had imbued the array with immortal runes, magnifying its potency far beyond its original design. Without this enhancement, the Nine Death Array wouldn¡¯t have been capable of injuring someone like Bai Yuan, let alone nearly taking his life. The array, after all, was initially designed to target those in the lower levels of the Astral River Realm.


    The crowd could only imagine the sheer power unleashed in the array, considering even an expert like Bai Yuan had barely escaped with his life.


    The Heavenly Origin Sect hadid the foundation of their own downfall, and Liu Wuxie had only fanned the mes, turning their trap into an unrelenting catastrophe. The truth was undeniable: the tragedy was entirely of their own making.


    "Liu Wuxie, this must be your scheme!" Wang Ba shouted, his voice rising with desperation. "The Nine Death Array we set up isn¡¯t powerful enough to harm someone in the high levels of the Astral River Realm!" His words dripped with usation, but his protests only deepened the sect¡¯s shame. Every word felt like a feeble attempt to deflect me, further solidifying the crowd¡¯s belief that the Heavenly Origin Sect was at fault.


    Even if Liu Wuxie had manipted the array, it was the Heavenly Origin Sect who had crafted it in the first ce. Their actions had set the stage for the devastating losses.


    "Sect Master Bai, don''t you think you owe us an exnation?" Next, it was Mu Tianli''s turn to take the stage. Now that the truth had been out, the Heavenly Origin Sect''s actions had caused the death of their disciples.


    Every disciple who had died was a victim of their doings. If they hadn''t set up the Nine Death Array, they wouldn''t have suffered such casualties, and the death toll continued to increase, with over twenty disciples lost.


    If this continued, the Heavenly Origin Sect would lose many disciples. They would be heavily injured even if their disciples made it out alive.


    However, it was fortunate that many of their disciples had chosen to exit before stepping onto the tenth level; otherwise, they would also have lost their lives.


    "Mu Tianli, what exnation do you want?!" Bai Jin''s tone turned defiant. So what if they had deployed the Nine Death Array? The other sects had suffered no losses and had no grounds to make things difficult for the Heavenly Origin Sect. With only the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, he saw no reason to be concerned.


    "A formal apology to everyone present! Your Heavenly Origin Sect has defied the core values of the Ten Grand Ceremony, and your sect is unfit to be first of the ten major sects," Mu Tianli said. His intention was simple: to make Bai Jin apologize to everyone.


    "Sect Master Bai, your sect has crossed the line, and we demand an apology," said the Sky Rift Valley''s sect master.


    "Apologize!" Several Misty Sect disciples demanded as well. They were lucky they didn''t circte their true essence or would have experienced the same ordeal as the Heavenly Origin Sect¡¯s disciples.


    "Regarding today''s matter, I apologize to everyone present, but let''s not jump to conclusions based on a child''s baseless words. Further investigation is required," Bai Jin apologized. The resentment of the sects who were vassals of the Heavenly Origin Sect could grow strong if this matter persisted. After all, what they had done was anything but honorable, and it no longer mattered if everyone believed in Liu Wuxie''s words.


    Liu Wuxie had sessfully nted discord within the Heavenly Origin Sect, driving a wedge between Bai Jin and Wang Ba. Even the Indigo Cloud Gate and the other vassal sects began questioning their loyalty and considering their options.

 Chapter 631 - Absorbing the Ascension Pill

    <h4>Chapter 631 - Absorbing the Ascension Pill</h4>


    More contestants continued to enter the tenth level and emerged bewildered, puzzled by how easily they had passed through it.


    When the Heavenly Origin Sect¡¯s disciples emerged from the tenth level, they were all covered in blood as Wang Ba rushed over to tend to their wounds.


    Bai Jin even suggested halting the Spiritual Array Tower¡¯s trial, but Mu Tianli countered him. After all, the first trial would end after thest person came out ording to the rules.


    By dusk, the Heavenly Origin Sect had lost thirty-seven disciples, who were mostly in the fourth or fifth level of the Astral River Realm. One hundred eight disciples were injured, while over thirty had withdrawn from the tower early, sparing them from harm. Only about a dozen or so people suffered minor injuries.


    The Indigo Cloud Gate and Azure Crimson Gate stepped in to treat the injured disciples of the Heavenly Origin Sect. With the Ten Grand Ceremony still ongoing, the heavy casualties dealt a devastating blow to the sect¡¯s morale.


    The remaining disciples looked at Liu Wuxie with hatred, and they could barely contain themselves from seeking vengeance.


    The points for the Spiritual Array Tower had finally been tallied. Unsurprisingly, Liu Wuxie had secured first ce with a wless score. The second ce went to the Misty Sect¡¯s Xu Lingxue, followed closely by Murong Yi, who was only a fraction of a second behind.


    Deng Yong, Zhou Ge, Wei Xiu, and others imed the rank from fourth to tenth, and they were each awarded a ninth-grade pill. However, the ninth-grade pill paled inparison to the Ascension Pill.


    Bai Yuan was ranked outside the top thirty as he only got one point for the tenth level¡ªa humiliation for the Heavenly Origin Sect.


    As for overall performance, the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion was ranked first, iming two out of the top three spots.


    The Heavenly Origin Sect¡¯s disciples could only grit their teeth in hatred, watching as the rewards fell into the hands of others. When the rewards were distributed, Liu Wuxie, Xu Lingxue, and Murong Yi received Ascension Pills.


    Liu Wuxie could barely contain his excitement upon receiving the pills. An Ascension Pill could help an ordinary person to advance one level, but Liu Wuxie¡¯s deste world was too massive. Just one Ascension Pill alone wasn¡¯t enough for Liu Wuxie to reach the second level of the Astral River Realm.


    ¡°Wuxie, you can have this Ascension Pill!¡± Xu Lingxue ran over and gave her Ascension Pill to Liu Wuxie so that he could make a breakthrough in his cultivation.


    She had already reached the pinnacle of the Astral River Realm, and she had to rely on herself toprehend the Nascent Transformation Realm.


    On the contrary, Liu Wuxie was only at the first level of the Astral River Realm, and she had to help him grow swiftly. Not to mention, Liu Wuxie had already fallen out with the Heavenly Origin Sect and was bound to face more dangers at the Ten Grand Ceremony.


    ¡°Thank you. I do need the Ascension Pill!¡± Liu Wuxie epted the pill from Xu Lingxue, knowing it was her goodwill. With two Ascension Pills in hand, he would have a higher chance of reaching the second level of the Astral River Realm.


    ¡°You can also have mine to help you break through!¡± Murong Yi came over with a smile, handing her Ascension Pill to Liu Wuxie and drawing envy from the surrounding onlookers.


    ¡°How the hell did he win the hearts of two beauties?¡± the onlookers muttered, gritting their teeth.


    Xu Lingxue was Liu Wuxie¡¯s wife, and everyone could see Murong Yi¡¯s attitude toward Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Liu Wuxie epted the Ascension Pills without hesitation. Xu Lingxue wanted him to be stronger to gain the strength to protect himself, while Murong Yi wanted him to grow stronger to save her parents.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, you can¡¯t possibly use all three Ascension Pills yourself. Can you give one to Senior Brother Qin Dao? He¡¯s at the pinnacle Astral River Realm, and we will get a good result on the Ten Grand Ceremony if he can reach the Nascent Transformation Realm,¡± said a disciple called Sun Shangxiang, hoping to acquire one Ascension Pill for Qin Dao.


    Bai Yuan was in the Nascent Transformation Realm, and Deng Yong¡¯s true cultivation couldn¡¯t be concealed from Liu Wuxie despite seeming to be in the pinnacle Astral River Realm. With the Soul Forge Art, nothing could be hidden from Liu Wuxie.


    If the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion had a disciple in the Nascent Transformation Realm, perhaps they might be able to create miracles at this year¡¯s Ten Grand Ceremony.


    ¡°He should earn it himself if he wants one,¡± Liu Wuxie sneered. If Qin Dao broke through to the Nascent Transformation Realm, he would probably be thetter¡¯s first target.


    ¡°You...!¡± Sun Shangxiang was furious at Liu Wuxie¡¯s indifference.


    Ignoring Sun Shangxiang, Liu Wuxie returned to his area, nning to reach the second level of the Astral River Realm. Through this incident, he knew the Heavenly Origin Sect would try everything to kill him.


    Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t particrly concerned with the uing trials. But if the Heavenly Origin Sect wanted to kill him, he would have to look for traps in the Spiritual Talisman and Martial Towers.


    ¡°Wuxie, the sect master wants to see you,¡± Elder He said from outside Liu Wuxie¡¯s tent.


    When Liu Wuxie went to Mu Tianli¡¯s tent, it was several timesrger than the others, and it was the size of a house. Liu Wuxie immediately narrowed his eyes when he entered the tent.


    ¡°What do you think?¡± Mu Tianli asked, satisfied by the shock on Liu Wuxie¡¯s face.


    ¡°This cultivation chamber is really important to me!¡± Liu Wuxie said excitedly, looking at the cultivation chamber before him. He didn¡¯t expect the sect master to be so resourceful to create a portable cultivation chamber.


    ¡°Go in and advance in your cultivation as much as you can,¡± Mu Tianli urged, allowing Liu Wuxie into the cultivation chamber.


    There was only a single night avable before the second trial the next day. When Liu Wuxie stepped into the cultivation chamber, he could feel dense spiritual energy pouring into his body.


    ¡°What powerful timews!¡± Liu Wuxie murmured. He realized he had underestimated the sect master. In this cultivation chamber, one day outside was equivalent to five months inside, and one night would be two and a half months for him¡ªenough time for Liu Wuxie to reach the second level of the Astral River Realm.


    Liu Wuxie consumed the first Ascension Pill without hesitation, unleashing a powerful outburst of energy in the deste world as his cultivation began to rise. However, one Ascension Pill wasn¡¯t enough for him to reach the next level as he had anticipated.


    He took out the second Ascension Pill and swallowed it, bringing his cultivation closer to the second level. When the Deste Devouring Art circted, dense spiritual energy began to pour into Liu Wuxie¡¯s body from the surroundings.


    This cultivation chamber was forged with tens of thousands of high-grade spirit stones, and a supreme-grade spirit stone was embedded in the core.


    As Liu Wuxie¡¯s cultivation strengthened, the Deste Devouring Art began to transform, and the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron grew more terrifying. He was fully immersed in his world, forgetting everything in the surroundings.


    His cultivation soon reached the pinnacle of the first level, and he only needed onest shove. He didn¡¯t hesitate to swallow thest Ascension Pill; the energy shattered the bottleneck.


    The moment Liu Wuxie made his breakthrough, the deste world began to expand, with terrifying power radiating from his body and the terrifyingws of the Astral River Realm filling the world like stars.


    An ordinary cultivator in the second level of the Astral River Realm would only have roughly a thousand strands ofw in his body at best, but Liu Wuxie had hundreds of thousands.


    When he raised his head, there was a starry river in the sky above the deste world, and the aura released from Liu Wuxie became terrifying. It wasn¡¯t just an ordinary breakthrough; it was transformative.


    Time ticked by, and the Heavenly Mountain was soon enveloped in darkness, but the surrounding atmosphere was lively. There was a vibrant aurora light in the sky, and many female disciples were ying around in the snow.


    When light crept into the eastern sky, this signaled a new dawn, and Liu Wuxie had opened his eyes before sunrise.


    ¡°The Ascension Pills might be able to help cultivators advance in their cultivation, but the potency fades with each use due to the resistance built up in the body,¡± Liu Wuxie muttered with a frown.


    He had spent three Ascension Pills to reach the second level, and this meant he would need six or even more pills for the next level. Moreover, it wasn¡¯t certain he could obtain first ce on the trial today, meaning it would take more time for him to reach the third level.


    When Liu Wuxie emerged from the cultivation chamber, he was in his top condition, with his aura fully concealed at the first level.


    ¡°How did it go?¡± Mu Tianli asked. He had been waiting outside.


    ¡°Everything went smoothly,¡± Liu Wuxie replied and gave Mu Tianli a bow, appreciating the sect master''s concern for him.


    ¡°Today¡¯s trial will be the Alchemy Tower, and you have two rivals. They¡¯re the Heavenly Origin Gate¡¯s Bai Yuan and Azure Crimson Gate¡¯s Meng Qi. They¡¯re the only ones capable of threatening you on this trial,¡± Mu Tianli exined.


    Bai Yuan was famed as the strongest prodigy in the Southern Province, but Liu Wuxie overshadowed him. That didn¡¯t mean Bai Yuan was inferior to Liu Wuxie in strength. On the contrary, Bai Yuan couldn¡¯t be underestimated.


    As for the Azure Crimson Gate, there was nothing to say about their alchemy skills. Like the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, they were established with alchemy as their foundation, and Meng Qi was a prodigy in alchemy among the younger generation.


    ¡°I will keep it in mind,¡± Liu Wuxie said as he left the tent.


    The alchemy trial was simr to the spiritual array trial, but fewer disciples showed up today. Half of the Heavenly Origin Sect¡¯s disciples gave up because they still hadn¡¯t recovered from their injuries and needed a couple of days of rest to regain their strength.


    The other sects that didn¡¯t specialize in alchemy had only a handful of disciples participating. Liu Wuxie estimated that roughly five hundred people had entered this trial.


    Even on the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion¡¯s side, more than half of their disciples had opted out of thepetition. They knew their chances were slim and would rather preserve their strength for the next day.


    Even if Liu Wuxie wanted to opt out, Mu Tianli would most likely drag him into the Alchemy Tower by the ear. After all, the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion had put all their hopes on Liu Wuxie alone.


    With all eyes fixed on them, over five hundred people entered the Alchemy Tower.


    The rules mirrored those of the Spiritual Array Tower, and each level had multiple alchemy chambers with identical ingredients. To advance to the next level, contestants were given an hour to refine the pill.


    On each level, a crystal assessed the pill. Once the pill was refined, the contestants only had to ce it on the crystal for grading.


    Purple-red represented the highest grade, red represented a high-grade pill, green represented a mid-grade pill, and yellow represented a low-grade pill. The points would also differ from ten, five, three, and one point for the colors. Failure would naturally result in zero points¡ªand immediate elimination from the trial.

 Chapter 632 - Shocking Everyone

    <h4>Chapter 632 - Shocking Everyone</h4>


    The Alchemy Tower¡¯s design was entirely distinct from the Spiritual Array Tower, with its transparent structure allowing everyone outside to observe the participants¡¯ every move. Nothing was hidden; every action wasid bare for the spectators.


    Liu Wuxie selected a cultivation chamber after stepping onto the first level. This ce was icy snow, and there wasn''t any earth me. This trial wouldn''t only test alchemy skills but also fire maniption by alchemists as they had to generate their me.


    As a result, many alchemists could onlyst at the tenth level as they would run out of true essence.


    Liu Wuxie had the demonic me, and he didn''t have to worry about running out of true essence from generating his me, and he could evenst till one hundred levels if there were more levels.


    "Bone Transforming Pill!" Liu Wuxie instantly knew what pill he would refine judging from the ingredients. This was an eighth-grade pill, and the difficulty wasn''t high. However, the actual difficulty of this pill was the fusion between the Spine Herb and the other ingredients. Even a nine-star alchemist would experience a cauldron explosion if handled poorly.


    "It''s unusually challenging this year when it''s only the first level!"


    All the disciples had entered their respective alchemy chambers, but most spectators¡¯ attention fell on Liu Wuxie and Bai Yuan. One was an underdog, while the other was the strongest prodigy in the Southern Province.


    Many people also paid attention to Meng Qi. He was a well-known prodigy in alchemy in the Province.


    Spectators expected the three of them to hold the top three ranks. Stories of Liu Wuxie¡¯s feats had already spread, from his role in revitalizing the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion¡¯s alchemy market to his audacious elimination of two elders from the Azure Crimson Gate, who had arrived in Treasure City with hostile intent.


    As the alchemy trial began, mes began to ze within the tower.


    "Look! Meng Qi is using the rare Heavenly Bale me!" a voice eximed from the crowd. People had long heard that Meng Qi had obtained the Heavenly Bale me, though few had ever seen it. Thus, it was a great opportunity that they could witness it today.


    "I heard that the Heavenly Bale me would only be born under strict conditions, requiring centuries of lightning strikes and the me produced to burn for thousands of years. The me will carry a hint of the heavenly bale''s power," the crowd murmured, and they envied Meng Qi.


    "Meng Qi is lucky. I heard that the me had just been born when he found it, and he managed to refine it while it was weak. After all, he couldn¡¯t have subdued a fully matured Heavenly Bale me with his cultivation," remarked another. They all felt that Meng Qi had only obtained the Heavenly Bale me because he was lucky.


    Then again, luck was also a factor in cultivation, and even someone in the True Profound Realm couldn''t subdue a fully matured Heavenly Bale me.


    "Look at Bai Yuan! He possesses the Indigo Thunderme!" another excited voice rang out from the crowd, shifting their attention once more. The Indigo Thunderme was a rare and naturally formed treasure, created under specific, stringent conditions and infused with a trace of the Indigo Divine Thunder¡¯s power.


    Not only could the Indigo Thunderme be used in alchemy, but it could also be added to enhance martial techniques. Bai Yuan''s signature martial technique, the Indigo Thunder Divine Fist, was unparalleled, leaving him without rivals among his peers.


    The Heavenly Bale me and Indigo Thunderme were pinnacle mes among heavenly mes. Only those with extraordinary talent could subdue heavenly mes because the me wouldn''t submit to those weaker than them. If forcibly refined, cultivators would suffer a bacsh with their blood essence drained.


    Liu Wuxie had once seen a wisp of me spirit that had taken the human form, and no one knew how long it had been cultivating.


    "What kind of me do you think Liu Wuxie will use?" someone asked. Most participants used ordinary mes, and few wielded heavenly mes. Some even used their fire-attribute true essence to simte mes, and they would most likely have their true essence depleted at the fifth level.


    When everyone was specting, torrential demonic me enveloped half the Alchemy Pagoda, enveloping the alchemy chamber that Liu Wuxie was in.


    "What terrifying fire!" many onlookers cried out, startled by the intensity of the demonic me.


    "Could Liu Wuxie be a disciple of the Demonic Heart Pce, practicing some forbidden demonic cultivation technique?" someone spected, their voice tinged with suspicion. The thought quickly spread among the spectators, stirring unease.


    "No, it doesn''t carry any demonic aura, and it only looks like a demonic me," another countered. Liu Wuxie''s me only looked terrifying, but there wasn''t any demonic nature in it.


    And so, the alchemy trial had begun.


    Most alchemists in the Southern Province practiced the Myriad Flows Unite, which had be second nature to both the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion and Azure Crimson Gate. Their predecessors had refined each technique over time to achieve the current standard.


    When Meng Qi began refining, he drew everyone''s attention. Over seventy percent of cultivators favored him to seed at this stage.


    On the contrary, Bai Yuan was a tad inferior to Meng Qi in terms of alchemy. As for Liu Wuxie, no one was optimistic about him beating Meng Qi. Everyone had heard of his aplishments, but his cultivation levelgged behind that of Meng Qi.


    "What skill!" the crowd eximed at the sight of Meng Qi''s techniques, and they began to p for him.


    Even Mu Tianli nodded at Meng Qi''s techniques, not considering the feud between sects. If Meng Qi continued to grow, he could refine tenth-grade pills.


    The tenth grade marked the limit, as pills exceeding this level were no longer considered ordinary¡ªthey were ssified as spiritual pills. Beyond spiritual pillsy the realm of immortal pills, treasures of unparalleled potency.


    Bai Yuan also garnered cheers when he began refining, while those who paid attention to Liu Wuxie only watched silently. With a flick of his wrist, a faint pill rune appeared above Liu Wuxie''s cauldron.


    "That''s Elder Yan Shan''s cauldron!" An uproar broke out among the Azure Crimson Gate disciples, who angrily roared. They had already learned that their chief alchemist, Yan Shan, had died in Treasure City, killed by the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s Elder He.


    As a result, Elder Yan Shan''s treasures naturally fell into the hands of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. The cauldron was forged by the Azure Crimson Gate after spending countless resources and time, and such a cauldron was extremely rare.


    Not only had the cauldron fallen into Liu Wuxie¡¯s hands, but he was now using it openly in front of the Azure Crimson Gate¡¯s upper echelons, intending to defeat them with their own treasure. It was a tant act of provocation, and the humiliation for the Azure Crimson Gate would be immeasurable if Liu Wuxie emerged victorious.


    "Damn it, is he doing this on purpose? He took out the cauldron to distract us!" roared the Azure Crimson Gate''s three elders.


    A terrifying demonic me enveloped the entire cauldron, with pill runes merging into it, and no one couldprehend Liu Wuxie''s technique.


    "What technique is that? Why haven''t I seen it before?" someone asked.


    Liu Wuxie''s technique seemed chaotic, but there was a pattern to it. However, no one couldprehend what he was doing.


    "I can''tprehend what he''s doing. It''s absolute garbage," sneered some of the alchemists, dismissing Liu Wuxie''s technique as far too crude.


    However, some remained open to learning from Liu Wuxie''s skills. After all, it was rumored that no one could mimic Liu Wuxie''s alchemy technique.


    With only two hours allotted to refine the pill, time was pressing, leaving no room for hesitation or error.


    "What''s Liu Wuxie doing?" Several Transcendent Plume Gate''s disciples stood up, shocked by Liu Wuxie''s actions. They watched as Liu Wuxie sped his hands together and directed his me into the cauldron, enveloping it in demonic me. Such a method was unheard of.


    "That''s absolute madness! No herb can withstand the intensity of such me," scoffed an alchemist, dismissing Liu Wuxie''s actions as being reckless. After all, only a madman would refine pills in this manner.


    "If he pulls this off, I''ll kneel and kowtow to him!" A Grand Banner Gate''s disciple challenged the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    "Who gave you the courage to issue a challenge? Remember your words!" Elder He said in an icy tone.


    The voices from outside reached the Alchemy Tower, but they did little to distract the participants from their intense refinement process.


    Liu Wuxie roared, and the cauldron flew into the air as it started to spin. It had only been a few minutes, and no one couldprehend what Liu Wuxie was doing when others were in the purification stage.


    As Liu Wuxie''s hands began to form seals, pill runes began wriggling in the air like earthworms.


    "This is impossible! This is a sign of pill runes forming!" The alchemists who had mocked Liu Wuxie earlier watched with their mouths agape, unable to believe what they were seeing.


    When the pill runes began to merge into the cauldron, all the demonic mes vanished as three pills flew out and fell on Liu Wuxie''s palm.


    "This is impossible! He managed to refine the pills in just fifteen minutes?" The Azure Crimson Gate¡¯s elders and disciples stammered as they watched his disbelief. It was unprecedented for anyone to refine three Bone Transforming Pills in fifteen minutes.


    However, no one could deny it when they had witnessed Liu Wuxie refine the pills with their own eyes.


    "He''s a prodigy! A true monstrous prodigy!" The few Sky Rift Valley''s elders could only describe Liu Wuxie as a monstrous prodigy.


    Liu Wuxie''s talent in alchemy had already surpassed the older generation, and he may be the best alchemist in the Southern Province once he reached the Nascent Transformation Realm.


    Moreover, Liu Wuxie had proven his peerless skills in spiritual arrays; not even the older generation could rival him.


    Holding onto the three pills, Liu Wuxie walked over to the crystal and ced the pills on it. A bizarre scene soon unfolded as the crystal began to glow, shifting from pale yellow to light green, and it was still rising. The moment it became red, none of the onlookers could remain seated.


    "A high-grade pill! He refined a high-grade pill!" They wouldn''t be so shocked if those three pills were low grades. After all, even if Liu Wuxie was faster in terms of refining, Meng Qi could turn the tables around by refining a high-grade pill.


    But what happened next left the crowd speechless as they gasped in shock.

 Chapter 633 - Phenomenon

    <h4>Chapter 633 - Phenomenon</h4>


    The crystal orb shimmered, the luster it gave off, deepening to deep purple-red.


    "Purple-red! His pills are purple-red! That''s a sign of supreme-grade pills!" The Azure Crimson Gate¡¯s disciples slumped weakly on the ground.


    Even the older generation had fallen silent. The crystal ball''s result couldn''t be faked, and the three pills refined by Liu Wuxie were supreme-grade pills.


    "Wait, look! The color on the crystal ball is still changing!" the Transcendent Plume Gate''s disciples eximed. The purple hue in the crystal ball began to change, turning from purple to rainbow, which was unheard of.


    Everyone turned to the older generations, hoping for an exnation of the color change.


    "Spirituality! The Bone Transforming Pill isn''t just a supreme-grade pill, but it contains strong spirituality!" eximed one of the Misty Sect''s elders as she stood up in shock. She couldn''t believe someone in the Astral River Realm could refine such a heaven-defying pill.


    While imbuing spirituality wasn''t challenging, it was rare to imbue spirituality in supreme-grade pills. It was akin to scoring 110 points out of 100.


    Satisfied with the result, Liu Wuxie put away the three pills and climbed to the second level.


    The second level belonged to the Dugu n, and theyout was simr to the first.


    "Brat, you can kneel now!" A palm emerged in the sky and crushed a Grand Banner Gate disciple onto the ground, shattering that disciple''s kneecaps.


    In just two days, the Grand Banner Gate had an elder and a disciple with their kneecaps crushed, and no one dared to provoke the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion any longer.


    The Dugu n''s trial was to refine the Consolidation Pill. This was an umon pill, rarely seen on the market.


    While the Bone Transforming Pill was umon, it could still be found on the market. However, the Consolidation Pill was an entirely different story because no one was willing to refine it. Not only were they insanely expensive, but there was only limited demand for them.


    Only those whose foundation was deeply unstable would require it. Under normal circumstances, no one would experience an unstable foundation unless they suffered heavy injuries.


    Liu Wuxie retrieved the cauldron and began to simte the refinement process of the Consolidation Pill in his mind. The forms the ten major sects provided weremon, and the various sects practically had them.


    Demonic me gushed out and engulfed the cauldron once again. This time, no one mocked Liu Wuxie for his actions, especially after they had witnessed his performance earlier.


    The other disciples on the first level were diligently refining the Bone Transforming Pill, having already entered the pill-forming phase. With one-third of the time remaining before the two-hour limit, their progress suggested they couldplete the process in just five more minutes.


    "He''s a monster! His technique changed again!"


    Liu Wuxie had changed his alchemy technique again, making it impossible for others to mimic him.


    Time passed, and Liu Wuxie''s refinement speed had increasedpared to before. He was already done refining the pills in just a few minutes. When he opened the cauldron, three Consolidation Pills appeared in his palm.


    The Azure Crimson Gate¡¯s disciples stood up, their nerves fraying. If the Consolidation Pills were all supreme-grade pills again, today''s trial would be another one-man show.


    While Meng Qi''s performance was dazzling and Bai Yuan''s alchemy technique was decent, they were inferiorpared to Liu Wuxie.


    In the end, alchemy boiled down to three factors: speed, quantity, and grade. Without those, even the most mboyant technique would be dismissed as showmanship.


    The audience held their breaths as they watched Liu Wuxie ce the pills on the crystal orb. The color soon turned purple before moving to a rainbow.


    "Is he the reincarnation of an alchemy immortal?" muttered a Dugu n''s disciple. Perhaps only an alchemy immortal could achieve Liu Wuxie''s aplishments.


    What happened next became Liu Wuxie''s one-man show as everyone had given up on Meng Qi and Bai Yuan.


    When Liu Wuxie entered the third level, he only took a few minutes toplete his refinement and steadily ascended through the levels.


    <strong>......</strong>


    When Liu Wuxie reached the level belonging to the Azure Crimson Gate, he only spent a few minutes before he got past the seventh level.


    Meng Qi and Bai Yuan had just ended their trial on the third level, and Liu Wuxie had already reached the eighth level. Everyone was already numb with shock, unable to describe their current feelings.


    Even the older generation and seasoned powerhouses of the True Profound Realm shook their heads with wry smiles. Despite centuries of cultivation and experience, they couldn¡¯t help but feel their efforts paled inparison to the brilliance of Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie wasn''t even twenty, but his skills had transcended the realm of prodigies.


    The Heavenly Origin Sect''s disciples fell silent, not knowing what to say. If they mocked Liu Wuxie, it would only make them look like fools because all the pills Liu Wuxie produced thus far were supreme-grade. As forughing at Liu Wuxie, they weren''t qualified to do so. They could only watch quietly, humbled by Liu Wuxie''s prowess.


    As Liu Wuxie ascended to the ninth level, he had only expended one-fifth of his true essence. Taking a deep breath, he drew upon the ambient energy of the deste world, replenishing his reserves with remarkable ease.


    "The ninth level should be his limit. After all, the test is to refine the ninth-grade pill, the Indigo Spirit Pill!" The Indigo Cloud Gate''s disciples stood up. They all felt that Liu Wuxie couldn''t get past the ninth level.


    The earlier levels had primarily involved refining eighth-grade pills, which were rtively straightforward for skilled alchemists. However, the ninth level presented a significant leap in difficulty. The intricate process of refining ninth-grade pills was daunting even for seasoned veterans, often leading to errors and failures.


    However, when he scanned the ingredients, Liu Wuxie''s face did not change. Whenever he refined pills, the initial steps were consistent with the earlier levels, but his refinement technique would change.


    "He used a total of eight alchemy techniques in the earlier levels. Let''s see how many secrets he still holds," murmured Elder He. He was eager to find out if Liu Wuxie still had more surprises for them.


    Elder He wasn''t the only one; countless people had the same thoughts as him. Countless people wanted to see how many alchemy techniques Liu Wuxie possessed.


    After all, most alchemists would spend their lifetime perfecting one technique, but Liu Wuxie had used eight different techniques so far. No one had seen those techniques before; they were simple and devoid of shy moves.


    Yet, this unassuming style shocked everyone. The spectators tried to imitate Liu Wuxie''s techniques but couldn''t refine a pill with them. Even powerhouses in the True Profound Realm had tried to imitate Liu Wuxie''s techniques. But they soon realized that there was a mysterious rhythm in his techniques, and they had to grasp that rhythm if they wanted to use Liu Wuxie''s techniques to refine pills.


    Liu Wuxie summoned the cauldron with terrifying demonic me engulfing the entire alchemy chamber. This instantly made the Heavenly Origin Sect¡¯s disciples nervous as they watched. After all, the top spot in today''s trial would depend entirely on Liu Wuxie''s performance.


    Double rewards were awarded to those who ced first in all five trials, an unprecedented feat in history. A person might be proficient in one or two areas, but being skilled in all five was impossible.


    Although this was the first time Liu Wuxie was refining the Indigo Spirit Pill, the challenge didn''t faze him.


    "He made a mistake with his steps!" An elder from the Divine Sun Pce stood up and questioned Liu Wuxie''s technique. After all, the first ingredient to put in when refining the Indigo Spirit Pill was the Indigo Spirit Grass, not the Wither Vine Leaves. This meant Liu Wuxie had made a mistake right from the beginning.


    Many shared the skepticism openly circting among the crowd. The Indigo Spirit Pill wasn¡¯t a rare creation¡ªits refinement process was widely known, even to alchemy apprentices. For centuries, its form had always begun with the Indigo Spirit Grass, making Liu Wuxie¡¯s unconventional actions all the more baffling.


    Despite their doubts, most chose to hold their tongues. Time would determine whether Liu Wuxie was a true genius or a reckless fool. If he failed, ridicule would surely follow. However, mocking him prematurely could backfire spectacrly, especially if he seeded against all odds.


    Everyone had learned their lesson, especially with vivid examples from the Grand Banner Gate.


    Liu Wuxie had spent only a few minutes on the eighth floor, leaving the spectators in awe. As time passed, curiosity grew¡ªcould Liu Wuxie pull off another miracle on the ninth level?


    Refining ninth-grade pills in a few minutes was too challenging, as alchemy required strict mastery over timing, precision, and fire control.


    When Liu Wuxie swiped his finger in mid-air, a golden pill rune appeared, and this caused an uproar among the spectators outside.


    "Golden pill rune! He drew a golden pill rune!" Exmations echoed in disbelief as they watched Liu Wuxie drawing the golden pill rune in awe.


    Ordinary pill runes were either yellow or pale red; gold was rare. Crafting a spiritual talisman was simr; most spiritual runes used were pale yellow.


    Only the purest spiritual rune would appear in gold. While yellow and gold might seem simr, there was a vast difference between the two. Yellow represented impurities, while gold was noble. There was an unbridgeable difference between the two.


    The moment the golden pill rune fused into the alchemy cauldron, the tower began to shake violently. A mystical aura enveloping the entire pagoda hovered around the ninth level.


    "A phenomenon! He caused a phenomenon!" Everyone looked with disbelief, and many people even pped themselves to see if they were dreaming.


    The Azure Crimson Gate¡¯s disciples exchanged a look and could see the deep shock in each other''s eyes. Liu Wuxie''s alchemy technique had far exceeded theirprehension. Of all the possibilities they had imagined, none had anticipated this. Not only did Liu Wuxie sessfully draw a golden pill rune, but he also triggered a phenomenon.


    They wouldn''t have been so surprised if Liu Wuxie had produced a supreme-grade pill. But the unexpected turn of events left them utterly shaken.


    Bai Jin''s gaze grew icy cold, while murderous intent radiated from Feng Gaoqiu. Both knew that Liu Wuxie had to be eliminated. If left unchecked, his rise would spell the end of their influence, with the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion monopolizing the alchemy market in the future.


    Even the present grandmaster alchemists had be quiet, no longer offering any judgment.


    Golden pill runes were too rare. When the pill rune was infused into the cauldron, the entire cauldron began to tremble violently, its structure being strained by the immense energy.


    Unfazed by this scene, Liu Wuxie formed a series of bizarre seals and injected them into the cauldron, unleashing a strong fragrance from the Alchemy Tower.


    "What intoxicating aroma!" someone eximed. Ordinary Indigo Spirit Pills couldn''t emit such an alluring scent, and this had to be another batch of supreme-grade pills.


    This was the unanimous thought running through everyone¡¯s mind. By now, they had grown ustomed to the sight of Liu Wuxie effortlessly producing supreme-grade pills time after time.

 Chapter 634 - Blessing

    <h4>Chapter 634 - Blessing</h4>


    A rich pill fragrance wafted through the skies, filling the surroundings with its intoxicating aroma.


    Countless onlookers stretched their necks and inhaled as deeply as they could. Though the Indigo Spirit Pill was a ninth-grade pillmonly refined by many sects, one of such exceptional quality was an extraordinary rarity.


    Holding onto the three pristine Indigo Spirit Pills, Liu Wuxie stepped toward the crystal orb. Like before, the pills were all supreme-grade pills.


    The crowd had be numb from sheer amazement, their astonishment dulled by the frequency of Liu Wuxie¡¯s extraordinary achievements. Even the chatter in the surrounding area had quieted, leaving an air of silent awe.


    The Heavenly Origin Sect had designed the final level, and the form was clearly tailored to favor Bai Yuan. However, when Liu Wuxie ascended to the tenth floor, he appeared calm andposed, his confidence unshaken.


    "The Profound Nether Pill!" Liu Wuxie sneered after ncing at the ingredientsid out before him. The Heavenly Origin Sect had no intentions for anyone to seed on this floor. Even if someone managed to reach the tenth level, they would fail without a doubt.


    To refine the Profound Nether Pill, the alchemist had to master fire and ice attributes¡ªa nearly impossible feat for most alchemists. Most alchemists were adept at wood and fire elements, not to mention fire and ice were opposing forces, making it incredibly difficult for anyone to bnce the two attributes. Only a few could hope to achieve such mastery.


    While the Profound Nether Pill was incredibly challenging to refine, Bai Yuan had likely mastered the ice attributes in conjunction with the Indigo Thunderme. As a result, the Profound Nether Pill posed no difficulty for him.


    Meng Qi also likely had the capability to refine it.


    "Liu Wuxie is finally going to fail now. In the entire Southern Province, only a handful of younger generation alchemists can refine the Profound Nether Pill," the Heavenly Origin Sect disciples dered with confidence. Earlier, they had held their tongues, unwilling to risk humiliation.


    Even now, most of the spectators chose to remain silent, wary of making bold ims. The Grand Banner Gate¡¯s public embarrassment served as a stark reminder of the consequences of underestimating Liu Wuxie. It was safer to observe quietly than risk ridicule.


    Most of the people present were older than Liu Wuxie, and they were too ashamed to speak after being embarrassed repeatedly by Liu Wuxie''s sess.


    When Liu Wuxie took out the cauldron and allowed it to fall, the entire Alchemy Tower began to tremble. If the cauldron was used to attack, the sheer power alone could blow people apart.


    After a brief pondering, Liu Wuxie went straight into refining without any preparations.


    "Frost Ray Seal!" A terrifying chill enveloped the entire alchemy chamber.


    The Heavenly Origin Sect¡¯s disciples, who were mocking Liu Wuxie, fell silent as though they had been choked. One needed to grasp the ice attribute to refine the Profound Nether Pill.


    The ice dao technique that Liu Wuxie used was so advanced that even some cultivators in the Nascent Transformation Realm would struggle to match it, and the surrounding people gasped in admiration.


    Before everyone coulde to their senses, demonic me merged with the ice attribute and formed a Yin-Yang Diagram.


    "T-This..." The Sky Rift Valley''s sect master, Quan Zhong, stood up and was too overwhelmed toplete his sentence.


    "Heprehended Yin and Yang and managed to fuse them perfectly. How is that even possible?" Dugu Shan of the Dugu n stared in disbelief, unable toprehend how someone in the Astral River Realm could achieve such a remarkable feat.


    Everyone from the ten major sects rose to their feet, including Mu Tianli. He also hadn''t expected Liu Wuxie to fuse Yin and Yang perfectly, something only those with great wisdom couldprehend.


    The Yin and Yang were like two fishes chasing after each other''s tails, forming a Yin-Yang Diagram. The diagram even drew the surrounding spiritual energy over.


    "Sect Master Mu, your Heavenly Treasure Pavilion took in an exceptional disciple," Quan Zhong said wryly, looking at Mu Tianli with envy. Such a gifted disciple was bound to reach the True Profound Realm in a century.


    "The Sky Rift Valley also has a lot of prodigies," Mu Tianliughed, unable to conceal his excitement.


    The Yin and Yang energies encased the cauldron, half burning hot and the other coated in a thickyer of frost. Liu Wuxie began to add the herbs into the cauldron to refine the pill.


    Refining the Profound Nether Pill wasn''t inherently difficult, but bncing the two opposing elements posed the true challenge. Once that bnce was achieved, the rest of the process became straightforward.


    In less than fifteen minutes, three pills had appeared in Liu Wuxie''s hand, which he brought to the crystal orb.


    The audience lost interest in the result as the results had always been the same, and it made no difference to watch.


    When Liu Wuxie emerged from the tower and returned to the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s territory, cheers erupted from the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion disciples, celebrating Liu Wuxie''s victory on this trial.


    "Well done!" Elder He approached and gave Liu Wuxie a big hug. The triumph had undoubtedly ced the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion in the spotlight. If Liu Wuxie could maintain this pace, the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion would have a chance to return to the top three.


    "Excellent work. Take a good rest now," Mu Tianli patted Liu Wuxie''s shoulder with approval.


    "I''m simply doing my duty as a disciple," Liu Wuxie replied humbly. His true objective was the Ascension Pills. If he could obtain the first rank in five trials, his rewards would double, granting him ten Ascension Pills.


    Mu Tianli gestured to his tent, letting Liu Wuxie use the cultivation chamber to consolidate his cultivation.


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t hesitate since there was still ample time left in the trial. Meanwhile, the other participants continued their efforts, but the audience hadrgely lost interest after Liu Wuxie secured first ce.


    While Meng Qi¡¯s achievements in alchemy were exceptional¡ªreaching the eighth level and refining three types of supreme-grade pills along with four high-grade ones¡ªthey paled inparison to Liu Wuxie¡¯s. In any previous Ten Grand Ceremonies, Meng Qi¡¯s performance would have been considered extraordinary, but next to Liu Wuxie, it seemed overshadowed.


    The inevitableparisons made Liu Wuxie¡¯s overwhelming victory even more apparent. As for Bai Yuan, he fell short of Meng Qi, trailing by one level.


    Murong Yi, however, was steadily closing the gap with Bai Yuan, showing impressive determination. Xu Lingxue, while still on the sixth level, delivered a solid performance. Though not as spectacr as some, her efforts were consistent and skillful, leaving little doubt she would secure a spot in the top ten.


    After all, alchemy had never been the strong suit of most women, as it was rare for them toprehend the fire attribute.


    Time passed, and Meng Qi had made it to the tenth level.


    "Frost Spiritual Bead!"


    Meng Qi took out a Frost Spiritual Bead from his interspatial ring and ced it in the alchemy chamber. He might not haveprehended the ice attribute, but it wouldn''t make much difference with the Frost Spiritual Bead, though it couldn''t bepared to Liu Wuxie''s ice dao technique.


    Not far behind, Bai Yuan reached the tenth level, only fifteen minutes apart.


    Meng Qipleted his refinement within an hour, producing three high-grade Profound Nether Pills. Bai Yuan matched his timing, also crafting three high-grade pills. With that, the top three rankings were solidified: Liu Wuxie imed first with an unshakable lead, followed by Meng Qi and Bai Yuan.


    However, the Heavenly Origin Sect couldn''t rejoice at Bai Yuaan''s result because Liu Wuxie had crushed everyone.


    The subsequent rankings were obtained by Deng Yong, Murong Yi, Wei Xiu, and Xu Lingxue.


    If Liu Wuxie had been present, he would have been shocked to see Jia Fengmao securing the eighth spot. Thetter was talented in alchemy and participated in this Ten Grand Ceremony. But he seemed to have used some mysterious power to help him reach the Astral River Realm.


    The Alchemy Tower was officially closed at dusk. Less than twenty participants had reached the tenth floor, and only ten people had seeded in refining the Profound Nether Pill. Most contestants had stopped between the fifth and seventh levels, and anyone who could reach the eighth level could be considered a prodigy in alchemy.


    Many contestants were in disbelief when the results were announced, with Liu Wuxie securing first ce. Liu Wuxie had only used less than four hours toplete the trial, but most people spent an entire day without reaching the summit.


    Next up was the reward ceremony, and Liu Wuxie received an Ascension Pill as his reward.


    "Wuxie, I''m sorry I couldn¡¯t get an Ascension Pill for you," Xu Lingxue said, her tone tinged with guilt. Alchemy wasn''t her forte, and it was already an impressive feat for her to make it this far.


    "You don''t have to feel bad about it. You have already outdone yourself today," Liu Wuxie said, caressing Xu Lingxue''s head.


    When everyone returned to their tents to rest in the evening, someone called out to Liu Wuxie.


    "Liu Wuxie, can I discuss something with you?" Qin Dao''s tone was polite, almost deferential, but Liu Wuxie showed no intention of stopping.


    An Ascension Pill wasn''t enough for Liu Wuxie to make a breakthrough in his level, so he had no intentions of consuming them.


    "No," Liu Wuxie replied. He didn''t even turn back.


    Qin Dao was stumped because he had approached Liu Wuxie with great humility, only to be met with such indifference.


    "I''m willing to offer a hundred million spirit stones for that Ascension Pill," Qin Dao said, taking a deep breath to suppress the anger in his chest as the Ascension Pill was too critical. He was talented in the martial path butgged in spiritual arrays, alchemy, spiritual talismans, and cksmithing. It was practically impossible for him to make it into the top three.


    "Not for sale," Liu Wuxie rejected tly and entered his tent, ignoring Qin Dao.


    "I can''t believe he refused Senior Brother Qin''s request. This is outrageous!" Sun Shangxiang muttered as he came from the other side.


    He had initially approached Liu Wuxie to request an Ascension Pill on Qin Dao''s behalf, only to be refused outright. Now, even when Qin Dao personally came forward with a substantial offer to buy the pill, the oue remained the same.


    Qin Dao red at Liu Wuxie''s tent furiously before he left.


    Once inside his tent, Liu Wuxieposed himself and immersed himself in cultivation. Time was precious to him, and every moment was important.


    <strong>......</strong>


    When everyone exited their tents at dawn, the Heavenly Origin Sect disciples injured on the first trial hadpletely recovered. The Heavenly Origin Sect had spared no expense to help them recover, refiningrge quantities of healing pills.


    Wang Ba had worked tirelessly to refine pills to atone for his mistakes. The Azure Crimson Gate had also sent one of their elders to assist the Heavenly Origin Sect.


    <strong>......</strong>


    The third day''s trial was cksmithing. The tower was simr to the Alchemy Tower, equipped with individual cksmithing chambers visible from outside.


    No one knew Liu Wuxie''s cksmithing skills, and everyone thought he was only versed in spiritual talismans and alchemy.


    A total of 1,500 disciples would participate in today''s trial, which meant that all the chambers would be upied.


    "Wuxie, don''t worry too much. Perform as best as possible to obtain the title of the Southern Province''s strongest prodigy," Mu Tianli encouraged.


    "Why?" Liu Wuxie asked. Everyone seemed concerned with that title, but it didn''t mean anything to him.


    "The Southern Province''s strongest prodigy will receive a blessing from the entire Southern Province, and there will be immeasurable benefits for you."


    Since heaven and earth were alive, so was the Southern Province. If one could obtain the title of the Southern Province''s strongest prodigy, they would receive the province''s acknowledgment and be blessed by it, which would aid in their cultivation.

 Chapter 635 - Awakening of the Artifact Spirit

    <h4>Chapter 635 - Awakening of the Artifact Spirit</h4>


    Liu Wuxie nodded at the hazy exnation. He had heard of something simr, like the ruler of a star, who would be called Star Lord.


    The benefits of ruling the entire in were evident, as one could continuously draw power from the itself, and the lord wouldn''t die as long as the existed. The revtion that the Southern Province could bless someone with the power of an entire realm was unexpected, and it left Liu Wuxie momentarily stunned.


    There must¡¯ve been a reason since Mu Tianli mentioned it to him, and he would do his best. This didn''t go against his goal of growing stronger.


    With that, everyone stepped into the cksmith Pagoda. On this trial, Mu Tianli advised Liu Wuxie to keep a close eye on Deng Yong, a renowned prodigy as a cksmith. At thest Ten Grand Ceremony, the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion was greatly humiliated during the cksmithing trial and mocked by the Indigo Cloud Gate.


    Aside from Deng Yong, Bai Yuan couldn''t be underestimated either. The Indigo Thunderme could also be used for crafting, and he was an ideal candidate for the first ce.


    The fact that he finished third on the alchemy trial was a disgrace to the Heavenly Origin Sect, and they could only restore their pride by winning first ce.


    "Yuan''er, this is your chance. Make the most of it, and don''t let the pressure get to you," Bai Jin said, patting his son''s shoulder. The alchemy trial was a significant blow to Bai Yuan, especially since he had nearly died in the Spiritual Array Tower.


    "Father, I''m no longer a child, and such setbacks mean nothing to me," Bai Yuan replied confidently. He was determined to obtain first ce during the cksmithing trial.


    On the other hand, the Indigo Cloud Gate''s sect master also offered guidance to Deng Yong. Alongside Deng Yong, the Demonic Heart Pce''s Qiu Kui was also apetitor that couldn''t be underestimated, and they all had a chance to make it into the top three.


    The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s Murong Yi and Misty Sect''s Xu Lingxue were ced among the first-tier contenders through the first two trials. Though they failed to reach the top three in the Alchemy Tower since they were women, they probably wouldn''t give up on the cksmithing trial.


    Every cksmithing chamber had an iplete meteorite; the goal was to purify it immediately. Speed and purity were key; the results would be examined through the crystal orb before the participants reached the next level.


    After all, forging aplete weapon was too time-consuming, so thepetition focused on technique and precision. Some people could remove the impurities for the same material, while some couldn''t, no matter how hard they tried.


    Liu Wuxie nced at the meteorite on the desk, roughly the size of two adult fists. The meteorite radiated a powerful aura, and it was no small feat for the Divine Sun Pce to gather so many meteorites. After all, they were only ranked tenth among the ten major sects.


    Seventy percent of the spectators outside had their attention firmly fixed on Liu Wuxie, their curiosity mounting as the trial began.


    "How do you think Liu Wuxie will fare in this trial?" someone whispered in the crowd.


    "Judging from his performance on the two previous trials, I''d say that his forging skills shouldn''t be weak," said an elder from a second-tier sect.


    "Don''t be so sure about that. cksmithing isn''t the same as alchemy; me control wouldn''t help much. It requires a strong understanding of each material and precise techniques," an elder from the Grand Banner Gate stepped forward to refute. He wasn''t wrong because each material required different techniques and temperatures.


    The remarks sparked a debate among the crowd. Some believed that Liu Wuxie would continue to shine in this trial, while others were skeptical and believed that cksmithing might be his weakness.


    The meteorite on the desk hovered before Liu Wuxie, and with a wave of his hand, a demonic me began to engulf it.


    With a flick of his finger, a tiny rift appeared, leaving the spectators stunned. They began to wonder what spiritual rune Liu Wuxie was drawing to make it so powerful.


    Liu Wuxie began to form seals with his hands and guided them into the meteorite.


    "What extraordinary technique!" An elder from the Sky Rift Valley got up on his feet. Unlike Liu Wuxie''s alchemy techniques, his forging techniques were highly profound, as the runes would manifest into various diagrams before merging into the meteorite.


    "Why have I never seen such techniques before?" many people asked, looking bewildered. That was especially the case for an Indigo Cloud Gate¡¯s elder, who was a Grandmaster cksmith. He had seen all sorts of techniques before but wasn''t familiar with Liu Wuxie''s.


    "He''s just showing off. If he can forge any weapon with his technique, I''ll kneel and kowtow to him!" scoffed a disciple from the Grand Banner Gate.


    "As you wish!" Elder He cackled, his voice dripping with malice. He had developed a perverse delight in shattering the kneecaps of others, finding excitement in watching them writhe in humiliation and despair.


    When all the runes were injected into the meteorite, it began to expand and contract as though it was breathing.


    "H-How is this possible? " The elder from the Indigo Cloud Gate was left speechless, his voice trembling as what he saw exceeded hisprehension.


    "An artifact with its artifact spirit! What a monstrous prodigy!" a Misty Sect''s elder eximed. Ordinary artifacts required a xiantian spirit to awaken their artifact spirit, but Liu Wuxie''s technique involved adding his spirituality when forging it, allowing the artifact to awaken its artifact spirit.


    This was the technique Liu Wuxie had used when forging the Heretic de. The power wasparable to a xiantian treasure when it was still a spiritual treasure because the spirituality within was strong. After obtaining the dragon bones, he had fused them into the de and sessfully awakened its artifact spirit.


    Liu Wuxie''s forgingsted only ten breaths before he stopped, and the meteorite hovering in the air had changed. It had shrunk in size, but it emanated a terrifying spirituality that could be felt thousands of meters away.


    The grading was differentiated into four colors when the meteorite was ced on the crystal orb. But when the meteorite was put on it, the crystal orb released a dazzling purple beam that shot into the sky.


    "This..." The Transcendent Plume Gate''s sect master stood up with a grave look in his eyes.


    "Sect Master Mu, where did you find such a monstrous prodigy?" asked Deng Li, the sect master of the Divine Sun Pce, his eyes glinting with curiosity and envy as he turned to Mu Tianli.


    If the Divine Sun Pce could recruit a prodigy like Liu Wuxie, they might finally break free from their fate as the weakest of the ten major sects within a few years.


    "You''ll have to find out for yourself," Mu Tianli shrugged. He had no intention of revealing Liu Wuxie''s background to anyone.


    After finishing, Liu Wuxie stowed the meteorite into the interspatial ring and headed to the second level.


    "It''s your turn now!" Elder He roared and mmed his palm down. Before the Grand Banner Gate¡¯s disciple could react, he already found himself lying on the ground.


    Liu Wuxie''s performance engrossed everyone so much that no one noticed what was unfolding. A blood-curdling scream echoed through the air across the Heavenly Mountain.


    Seeing a disciple crippled, the Grand Banner Gate''s sect master could only grit his teeth, but there was nothing he could do about it. He could only issue strict orders for his sect''s disciples to remain silent, and everything else had to wait until the Ten Grand Ceremony ended. They couldn''t bear to suffer any more losses.


    Upon reaching the second level, it wasn''t a meteorite but an iplete weapon that required contestants to refine it. Like the first level, the higher the quality, the higher the points.


    This time, nearly all eyes were turned to Liu Wuxie as they wondered how he had awakened the artifact spirit earlier.


    As the demonic me gushed out, Liu Wuxie began forming bizarre seals that fused into the sword embryo. Through a series of intricate moves, the sword began to expand and contract as though it were breathing.


    "Am I seeing things?" Dugu Shan rubbed his eyes. These iplete swords were all refined by the Dugu n and forged with the same materials and technique. Yet, none of them could aplish what Liu Wuxie did.


    "Yan''er, this brat is really the reincarnation of a monster like mentioned," Dugu Shan turned to the young woman beside him.


    If Liu Wuxie were here, he would''ve recognized her immediately. She was Dugu Yan, and they had gone to the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind together in the past.


    "Everyone in the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind died except for him. Don''t you think that''s enough to prove that he''s a monstrous prodigy?" Dugu Yan replied.


    Though a year had passed since the incident in the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind, what happened there continued to remain a mystery.


    Dugu Shan nodded solemnly. He had also heard about what had happened in the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind, but no one could find any answers.


    All the sect masters of the ten major sects looked in disbelief. Though they could also achieve what Liu Wuxie did, they only managed to do it by relying on thews of the True Profound Realm to forcibly awaken the spirituality in a weapon.


    However, the fact that Liu Wuxie could aplish it in the Astral River Realm was enough to prove his heaven-defying talent.


    In less than the time it takes to brew tea, Liu Wuxie was already done refining the sword embryo. It was an ordinary spiritual treasure, but the spirituality rivaled a xiantian treasure.


    When Liu Wuxie ced the sword on the crystal orb, a radiant purple beam shot into the sky, illuminating half of it; the beamsted for three seconds before it gradually died down.


    "Sect master, what do we do now? At this rate, the young master can''t obtain first ce!" murmured a concerned elder of the Heavenly Origin Sect. After all, Bai Yuan hadn''t obtained first ce in any trials, a humiliation that weighed heavily on the sect.


    "Are you certain that the materials are wless this time?" Bai Jin asked as he nced at Wang Ba.


    The gaze made Wang Ba flinch, and he quickly stood up, trembling. What had happened in the Spiritual Array Tower had caused a rift between him and the Heavenly Origin Sect. The sect master''s trust in him had visibly declined no matter how he tried to atone for his mistakes.


    "I swear on my life that there are no issues this time," Wang Ba said, patting his chest as he reassured the sect master. They had checked everything thoroughly, and the other two elders had cross-verified it.


    Bai Jin''s expression softened at the assurance.


    As time passed, Liu Wuxie continued to ascend the tower, reaching the seventh level in just four hours. His performance in the past few days had left all the spectators numb. He climbed to the eighth level after he was done refining the spear on the seventh level.


    Meanwhile, Bai Yuan had reached the sixth level and was only two levels behind Liu Wuxie. The gap wasn''t significant, and Deng Yong was only one step behind Bai Yuan.


    Bai Yuan and Deng Yong were evenly matched in terms of cksmithing, and it came down to whoever could perform better.


    The test on the eighth level was a ck pagoda, an unexpected challenge. After all, refining a pagoda was more challengingpared to ordinary weapons. The pagoda was capable of housing its own world throughplex spiritual arrays.


    Demonic energy seeped ominously from the pagoda and was unmistakably a demonic artifact.


    The Demonic Heart Pce had set up the eighth level, and they had no ns for anyone to clear this stage easily.


    However, after ncing at the pagoda, a cold smirk rose on Liu Wuxie''s lips.

 Chapter 636 - Ghost Rune

    <h4>Chapter 636 - Ghost Rune</h4>


    When a demonic me engulfed the pagoda, the crowd eximed, "What is he doing? This is a demonic artifact prepared by the Demonic Heart Pce, and one will suffer the bacsh from the demonic essence if not handled carefully."


    The best way to refine a demonic artifact was to seal the demonic trait within it. However, Liu Wuxie didn''t take that approach, nor did he prepare any protection. He engulfed the demonic artifact with me, which was no different from courting death.


    However, they didn''t know that Liu Wuxie had devoured abyssal energy when he was in the Abyssal Underworld World. The demonic traits contained in abyssal energy were far more potent than the pagoda. In the world, nothing could harm him, be it poison or abyssal energy.


    "Sect Master, can you tell what he is doing?" Elder He asked Mu Tianli nervously. After all, Liu Wuxie''s forging technique was unheard of.


    Ordinary cultivators could not withstand the demonic trait. They would usually seal it to forge the artifact before releasing it.


    However, Liu Wuxie took an unconventional approach by igniting the demonic trait within the artifact rather than sealing it. A boundless demonic aura surged through the chamber, enveloping him in a presence so overwhelming that he appeared like a demonic god standing at its core.


    "Let''s carry on watching. Liu Wuxie isn''t someone who will act without reason, and there must be a reason why he''s doing this," Mu Tianli said. He could onlyfort himself in this manner. After all, Liu Wuxie had already proven through his actions that he wasn''t a reckless person.


    The Demonic Heart Pce''s sect master and elders had been paying attention to Liu Wuxie.


    "Fascinating! This is fascinating!" The Demonic Heart Pce''s sect master stroked his bead, and a sinister smile crept onto his face, causing the surrounding temperature to fall.


    "Sect Master, this brat''s forging technique even surpasses ours. The demonic trait in the pagoda has grown stronger," said a Demonic Heart Pce elder with shock on his face.


    "Recruit him to join our Demonic Heart Pce if possible," the Demonic Heart Pce''s sect master said in a hoarse voice that sounded like grinding stones.


    "And if he refuses?"


    Liu Wuxie was a disciple of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, and the possibility of recruiting him into the Demonic Heart Pce was slim.


    The Demonic Heart Pce''s sect master suddenly turned to look at the elder with boundless murderous intent released with green me zing in the depth of his eyes.


    "I know what should be done!" the elder replied, shivering from the murderous intent. If the Demonic Heart Pce couldn''t obtain something they wanted, they would destroy it. This had always been their tradition.


    Meanwhile, a demonic aura enveloped Liu Wuxie as the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron devoured all of it to strengthen itself. After absorbing the demonic aura, the demonic chains became even more powerful. Even the abyssal realm in the deste world began to expand.


    The deste world had doubled in the past year, but there weren''t any changes to the abyssal realm. Through this trial, the abyssal realm finally began to expand as demonic traits began to pour in, filling the deste world with them.


    Torrential demonic me swept out with Liu Wuxie in the center. The hovering pagoda began to expand like a cave.


    "What terrifying cksmithing technique!"


    In the past levels, most of the trials involvedpleting an iplete artifact or ordinary spiritual treasures. But this demonic artifact was different because the demonic trait it gave off was too overwhelming.


    They were curious how Liu Wuxie controlled the demonic trait and aura without suffering the bacsh.


    With a loud rumble, the tower crashed, causing the entire chamber to shake violently, with cracks appearing on the surrounding walls. The cracks continued to expand, and this chamber was beyond repair.


    "He really seeded!" Everyone was in disbelief as they looked at Liu Wuxie like he was a monster who defied logic. They were puzzled how such a monster existed in the Southern Province.


    Meanwhile, Mu Tianli had waves surging in his heart. He couldn''t believe that Liu Wuxie had seeded in forging the pagoda without sealing the demonic trait, and this felt like an entirely new path was unveiled before him, a world that they had never even dared to imagine. Who could''ve thought that artifacts could be forged in such a manner?


    A bizarre scene urred when the tower was ced on the crystal orb. Instead of a purple beam, a sinister ck mist enveloped the entire sky, blocking all the light.


    "T-This is the Abyssal Emperor''s will!" The Demonic Heart Pce¡¯s disciples stood up because this pagoda had fused with a wisp of the Abyssal Emperor''s will.


    "Could Liu Wuxie be the reincarnation of a demonic god?"


    Initially, Liu Wuxie was spected to be the reincarnation of an alchemy immortal, but now, they began to think he might be the reincarnation of a demonic god. No one could fathom how the will of an Abyssal Emperor could reside within Liu Wuxie, making everyone wonder if he was someone of the Abyssal Race.


    But this made no sense¡ªLiu Wuxie was clearly human, and everyone could see that. So, where did the Abyssal Emperor''s wille from? No one had an answer.


    Liu Wuxie emerged from the ck mist and ascended to the ninth level. The eighth level was considered a critical threshold, one that most contestants failed to surpass. But for Liu Wuxie, the ninth level posed no challenge. Hepleted it in just an hour and, without a moment''s hesitation, proceeded to the tenth level.


    This made everyone nervous, and they wondered if the tenth level could obstruct Liu Wuxie or if he would obtain the first rank again, like in the previous trials.


    Those from the Heavenly Origin Sect were particrly on edge, and their expressions had betrayed their unease.


    Meanwhile, Bai Yuan had only reached the seventh level and was still far from catching up.


    On the tenth level, Liu Wuxie frowned after seeing the material on the desk. This was a small chunk of meteorite iron. It seemed unremarkable at first nce, and Liu Wuxie used Ghost Eye for assurance.


    "So, they still refuse to give up!" A cold smirk rose on Liu Wuxie''s lips. He noticed a ghost rune at the center of the meteorite iron.


    If the ghost rune couldn''t be removed, it would be futile no matter how hard Liu Wuxie tried to eliminate the impurities. He had long anticipated that the Heavenly Origin Sect wouldn''t let him get past the tenth level so easily.


    The ghost rune embedded in the meteorite iron was a devious mechanism capable of being controlled from the outside. If Liu Wuxie forged recklessly, the ghost rune would activate, destroying the meteorite iron entirely. This would render Liu Wuxie¡¯s efforts futile, leaving his points at zero regardless of his extraordinary forging techniques.


    It was clear that the Heavenly Origin Sect had orchestrated a cunning scheme. Given the circumstances, it was highly likely that ghost runes were nted in the other pieces of meteorite iron as well.


    "Sect Master, should we activate the ghost rune now?" Wang Ba asked with a sinister grin, clutching a ghost talisman in his right hand. The moment he ignited the talisman, the ghost rune would activate, devouring the essence of the meteorite iron and sabotaging Liu Wuxie''s progress.


    "Not yet. Wait until he''s halfway through before activating it," Bai Jin instructed coldly. Activating the ghost rune too soon would risk drawing suspicion, but triggering it midway would make it seem as though Liu Wuxie had faltered in his forging technique.


    "What''s wrong? Why hasn''t Liu Wuxie started yet?" someone questioned in the crowd.


    Liu Wuxie hadn''t hesitated on the other levels, so why now?


    "Could there be an issue with the meteorite iron on the tenth level?" someone in the crowd spected, their voice tinged with suspicion. After the Heavenly Origin Sect¡¯s earlier tampering with the spiritual arrays during the first trial, many began to suspect foul y once again, this time involving the meteorite iron.


    "How could anyone possibly tamper with the meteorite iron?" another muttered in disbelief. While skepticism lingered, some thought Liu Wuxie was merely strategizing how to handle the challenging material.


    "Sect Master, something isn''t right," Elder He said, noticing Liu Wuxie''s furrowed brows as he observed the meteorite iron.


    "I hadn¡¯t expected the Heavenly Origin Sect to resort to such underhanded means!" Mu Tianli said with a hint of anger in his eyes.


    Five minutes passed, and Liu Wuxie remained unmoving on the tenth level. Bai Yuan was closing in on him, reaching the eighth level. If he remained motionless, it would only be a matter of time before Bai Yuan would catch up with him.


    Atst, Liu Wuxie took a deep breath with a faint, contempt-filled smile. Did the Heavenly Origin Sect think a ghost rune could stop him?


    With a flick of his finger, golden spiritual runes burrowed into the meteorite iron, an action that baffled everyone as they couldn''t figure out what Liu Wuxie was trying to do.


    <i>This isn''t good!</i> Wang Ba eximed inwardly.


    When the golden spiritual rune sank into the meteorite iron, Liu Wuxie formed seals rapidly. His movements were mesmerizing, faster than the eye could follow.


    The meteorite iron hovered in the air, expanding and contracting.


    "What a bizarre forging technique!" The Indigo Cloud Gate¡¯s disciples were confused. The Indigo Cloud Gate was known for cksmithing, and they were versed in hundreds of forging techniques.


    However, they had never seen Liu Wuxie''s forging techniques. It looked like he was ying instead of forging.


    The meteorite iron continued its rhythmic rise and fall, endlessly tossed into the air with no sign of stopping. The repetitive motion captivated the crowd at first, their heads bobbing up and down in unison like pecking chickens.


    "I can''t take it any longer!" someone groaned, rubbing their sore neck. Yet, some remained fixated on the meteorite iron, hoping to decipher Liu Wuxie''s actions.


    Over time, most had lost interest, dismissing Liu Wuxie''s actions as mere tricks.


    Only the Heavenly Origin Sect''s upper echelons maintained their focus on Liu Wuxie, waiting for the perfect moment to activate the ghost talisman.


    An hour passed like that, and Wang Ba was beginning to lose patience as his neck ached.


    "Sect Master, what should we do?" Wang Ba asked, seeing that Liu Wuxie had no ns of forging the meteorite iron and was only ying with it. His neck would likely snap if he didn''t activate the ghost talisman soon.


    "Activate it!" Bai Jin said. He had no idea what Liu Wuxie was trying to do.


    Wang Ba felt relieved after receiving an order from the sect master and began injecting his true essence into the ghost talisman. But to his horror, nothing happened as the talisman neither burned nor sent any signal.


    "What''s going on?" Bai Jin questioned as he looked at Wang Ba coldly.


    Wang Ba panicked as there was no reaction from the ghost talisman even after he injected his true essence. He replied, "I-I don''t know! The ghost talisman doesn''t seem to be working."


    The ghost talisman could control hundreds of ghost runes, and there was no reaction when Wang Ba tried to control the ghost rune in Liu Wuxie''s meteorite iron. Aside from Liu Wuxie''s meteorite iron, the other pieces of meteorite iron also contained ghost runes within them.


    Wang Ba tried to activate the ghost rune for the other meteorite iron, but there was no reaction. The ghost talisman in his hand had be ineffective.


    "You useless piece of garbage!" Bai Jin was enraged as he gave Wang Ba a p across his face.


    His sudden act caught everyone by surprise. No one knew why Bai Jin suddenly pped Wang Ba.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 637 - Talisman Tower

    <h4>Chapter 637 - Talisman Tower</h4>


    Everyone watched in stunned silence, wondering what could have caused Bai Jin to p Wang Ba across the face. Although Bai Jin was the sect master and Wang Ba a mere elder, the two had worked closely together ever since Bai Jin had assumed leadership of the Heavenly Origin Sect.


    Wang Ba stood frozen, his hand clutching his reddened cheek as tears welled up and rolled down his face. For a dignified elder like him, being pped in public was a humiliation of the highest order.


    "S-Sect Master...you...you pped me?!" Wang Ba stammered, his voice trembling with disbelief. He was at a loss, unable toprehend what mistake had earned him such a harsh punishment. After all, the other elders had also examined the spiritual arrays and ghost runes. So why was the me falling solely on him?


    Bai Jin had a hint of regret shing across his eyes. The p was delivered in a moment of rage without any forethought.


    "Elder Wang, don''t take it to heart. The sect master only acted in a fit of anger," the other two elders stepped forward tofort Wang Ba. After all, an internal conflict would be disastrous at this moment.


    However, the Heavenly Origin Sect was no longer the united force it once appeared to be. Liu Wuxie had sessfully sown discord among its ranks during the first trial.


    "What have I done wrong for you to p me?!" Wang Ba''s anger boiled. He had worked tirelessly for two days to refine pills for the injured disciples.


    No one answered him as Bai Jin turned away, unwilling to meet Wang Ba''s eyes.


    The surrounding people began to discuss among themselves, and many second-tier sects evenughed at the Heavenly Origin Sect. This was an embarrassment for the Heavenly Origin Sect, which was the head of the ten major sects.


    "It seems like the Heavenly Origin Sect has tampered with their challenge again, only to be resolved by Liu Wuxie," someone remarked.


    After all, Bai Jin had given Wang Ba a p across the face and reprimanded him.


    "Liu Wuxie is truly formidable in repeatedly resolving the Heavenly Origin Sect''s underhanded tactics."


    Most people harbored no hostility toward Liu Wuxie. Over the past few days of interaction, they hade to realize that he wasn¡¯t as overbearing as the rumors had suggested.


    Amidst this, Liu Wuxie was focused on the task before him. The meteorite iron hovered before him as he continued injecting spiritual runes. The ghost rune was still around, and he had only severed the connection between the ghost runes and the ghost talisman.


    Wang Ba''s ghost talisman had be ineffective, and they could no longer control the ghost runes in the meteorite iron.


    As Liu Wuxie injected more spiritual runes into the meteorite iron, the ghost rune began to retreat before it waspletely vanquished.


    An hourter, the meteorite iron was finally tempered¡ªclear and wless, its impurities entirely removed. Liu Wuxie ced the meteorite iron on the crystal orb, which gave off a purple glow.


    The crowd fell silent again, and Liu Wuxie took first ce. Elder He was already waiting for him when he descended from the tower.


    "Well done. You didn''t let me down. Was the meteorite iron tampered with?" Elder He asked as he patted Liu Wuxie''s shoulder. They were worried that Liu Wuxie might not secure first ce in this trial.


    "Yeah," Liu Wuxie nodded, keeping the details to himself. When he returned to the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s area, he entered the cultivation chamber.


    Others were still forging artifacts, and Bai Yuan finally reached the tenth level by noon, followed closely by Deng Yong.


    The two had reached the tenth level simultaneously. The tenth level was Bai Yuan''s territory, and it would be tough for Deng Yong to gain benefits.


    After much struggle, Bai Yuan obtained second ce with a slight advantage, while Deng Yong obtained third. This was the best result Bai Yuan had received out of all the trials thus far.


    He was ranked beyond thirty on the Spiritual Array Tower, third on the Alchemy Tower, and second on the cksmithing Tower.


    The cksmithing Tower was closed at dusk, and all the disciples who couldn''tplete the trial exited it.


    The rankings for the top ten were announced, with the Demonic Heart Pce''s Qiu Kui taking fourth, Murong Yi securing fifth, and the Sky Rift Valley''s Cai Hongxinging in sixth...


    At the evening ceremony, Liu Wuxie obtained another Ascension Pill. He still didn''t consume it, as two Ascension Pills weren''t enough to bring him to the next level.


    "Sect Master, this is an unused meteorite iron that we retrieved," an elder said,ing with a meteorite iron and cing it before Bai Jin.


    Bai Jin picked up the meteorite iron and examined it with his divine sense. He could sense the ghost rune within.


    "Hand me the ghost talisman," Bai Jin demanded as Wang Ba handed it over reluctantly, looking aggrieved. But when he infused his true essence into the ghost talisman, there wasn''t any reaction from the ghost rune within the meteorite iron.


    "Sect Master, I suspect Liu Wuxie severed the connection between the ghost runes and ghost talisman," said an elder of the Heavenly Origin Sect.


    "What did he use to sever the connection between the two? This makes no sense!" Bai Jin and the three elders of the Heavenly Origin Sect were seated in the tent.


    Aside from Wang Ba, the other two elders were Qian Chong and Zhang Bei. The one who spoke was Qian Chong, and his face was terrifyingly grim.


    "There''s a possibility that he has found an ancient inheritance that has granted him mastery over the five arts," Bai Jin muttered grimly.


    The five arts corresponded with spiritual arrays, cksmithing, alchemy, spiritual talismans, and martial arts, representing the cultivation world.


    Qian Chong and the other elders nodded, acknowledging that possibility.


    "Elder Wang, don''t take it to heart. I believe the sect master didn''t mean to me you, and it is all Liu Wuxie''s fault that our sect was humiliated. He must be eliminated at all costs," Zhang Beiforted Wang Ba.


    As the sect master could not lower his position, the other elders could only do their best to resolve the discord.


    "I''m not angry with the sect master," Wang Ba replied. What''s done was done, and it wasn''t like he could return the p to the sect master.


    "Our odds of winning in the Talisman Tower tomorrow aren¡¯t high," Qian Chong admitted with a frown. "I¡¯ve examined his talismans¡ªthey¡¯re exceptionally formidable."


    The Heavenly Origin Sect prided itself on its mastery of spiritual talismans, yet even Qian Chong, an elder of their sect, openly acknowledged their inferiority to Liu Wuxie¡¯s skill. His conclusion wasn¡¯t baseless; he had thoroughly investigated Liu Wuxie¡¯s abilities, and what he uncovered left little room for optimism.


    In the past, anyone who dared to diminish the sect''s morale to praise the enemy would have faced the sect master''s wrath. Yet, a heavy silence fell over the four in the tent.


    They possessed talismans produced by Liu Wuxie, and the quality far surpassed anything produced by the Heavenly Origin Sect¡ªnot just slightly, but by a significant margin.


    "The talisman trial isn''t just about crafting spiritual talismans. Aside from engraving spiritual runes, it was also about deciphering talismans. I refuse to believe that someone barely twenty can decipher so manyplicated talisman arrays," Zhang Bei shared his opinion as he broke the silence.


    The next day¡¯s trial wasn¡¯t merely a contest of crafting spiritual talismans and evaluating their quality. If that were the case, the participants could simply craft their talismans in one ce, and the most powerful one would win. There would be no need for the rigorous challenge of climbing the tower.


    Talisman arrays wereid on each level, and only those who passed the array could move on to the next level. This was simr to the Spiritual Array Tower.


    That night, the ten major sects gathered in hushed discussions, strategizing and debating the oue of the uing trial.


    By dawn, all the disciples emerged from their cultivation. Through a night of meditation, Liu Wuxie had recovered to his peak state, his aura radiating like a sword waiting to be sheathed.


    Theyout of the Talisman Tower was different from that of the other towers. It was more vast, unlike the Alchemy and cksmithing Towers, which had a slender form.


    "You already know the rules, and each level will involve the knowledge of spiritual talismans. Some require solutions, while others demand dissolving. As for the actual challenge, you''ll know after going in," Mu Tianli said as he gathered all the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion disciples.


    His gaze ultimately lingered on Liu Wuxie with a silent nod to convey his expectations for thetter.


    As for thest trial, it would take a lot of work for Liu Wuxie to rank first. Thus, it was enough for him to be ranked first on the four previous towers.


    Over a thousand disciples began to enter the Talisman Tower. Liu Wuxie chose the first pathway and entered a brightly lit chamber. An iplete spiritual talisman was hanging on the wall, waiting to bepleted. Once the spiritual talisman waspleted, he would be able to advance to the next level.


    "If there''s no surprise, the first ce of this trial will fall into Liu Wuxie''s hands again."


    Liu Wuxie''s spiritual talismans and alchemy attainment had long spread across the Southern Province. This time, no one mocked Liu Wuxie; even the Heavenly Origin Sect¡¯s disciples had chosen to be silent.


    "What is this spiritual talisman? Why haven''t I seen it before?"


    Everyone outside the tower eagerly watched, their eyes fixed on Liu Wuxie''s chamber to see how he would tackle this unprecedented challenge.


    "I''ve never seen this spiritual talisman before. This is weird..."


    Many spiritualists were present, and they had never seen the spiritual talisman hanging on the wall. The chambers on each level were the same, and everyone, except disciples from the Divine Sun Pce, fell into deep thoughts.


    The iplete spiritual talisman was imprinted in Liu Wuxie''s soul sea and appeared in the Heavenly Dao Book. This book could be used for analysis. After all, he had relied on it to fuse the Annihtion Fist.


    When the iplete spiritual talisman appeared in the Heavenly Dao Book, it began to change, and more runes appeared on it.


    Meanwhile, some disciples from the Divine Sun Pce had alreadypleted their challenge.


    "This is the Transformation Talisman. No wonder it''s so rare in the market!" After the Divine Sun Pce¡¯s disciples were done with their challenge, someone from the crowd finally recognized the spiritual talisman.


    This spiritual talisman could temporarily change one''s appearance. However, the transformation would only affect external features, leaving the internal structures unchanged¡ªa tool often used for deception.


    Many participants managed to identify the nature of the spiritual talisman and began toplete it.


    On the contrary, Liu Wuxie remained still.


    "This is weird. Why isn''t Liu Wuxie moving? Can it be that he has never seen this spiritual talisman?" murmurs came from the crowd as everyone held great hopes for Liu Wuxie in the Talisman Tower. It would be surprising if he couldn''t obtain first ce in this trial.


    "What''s so strange about it? Even if he''s talented with spiritual talismans, that doesn''t mean he¡¯s capable of crafting every kind of spiritual talisman," an Azure Crimson Gate disciple sneered, dismissing the attention on Liu Wuxie. He assumed Liu Wuxie¡¯s knowledge was limited to a handful of talismans and reasoned that it was natural for him to be unfamiliar with such a rare one.


    However, what happened next was a resounding p to their faces as Liu Wuxie began to move after the Azure Crimson Gate¡¯s disciples were done speaking.


    With a swipe of his finger, Liu Wuxie began drawing spiritual runes and infusing them into the talisman paper.


    "What strange runes! They don¡¯t look anything like the ones drawn by the Divine Sun Pce disciples." Liu Wuxie''s actions naturally drew the attention of thousands of spectators.


    "He''s wrong! He made a mistake!" cried the disciples of the Divine Sun Pce who weren¡¯t participating in this trial.


    Hearing that Liu Wuxie was making a mistake, those from the Heavenly Origin Sect felt relieved. If Liu Wuxie really made a mistake, it would be a chance for them to turn the tables around.


    However, their relief was short-lived, with a resounding p to the faces of everyone who doubted Liu Wuxie. The spiritual talisman on the wall emitted a dazzling golden radiance and a terrifying aura.


    Spiritual talismans were graded, with ordinary ones capable of unleashing power only at the third level. However, the spiritual talisman drawn by Liu Wuxie had reached an astonishing tenth level!

 Chapter 638 - Talisman Gate

    <h4>Chapter 638 - Talisman Gate</h4>


    The spiritual talismanspleted by the Divine Sun Pce disciples did not react and looked like ordinary Transformation Talismans. Yet the one drawn by Liu Wuxie radiated with golden radiance, and the spiritual runes looked so vivid that they seemed alive.


    The quality of the spiritual talismans could only be determined through testing, but Liu Wuxie''s creation was wless based on appearance alone.


    One by one, the disciples presented their spiritual talismans to the testing pir. The results varied widely, with most disciples achieving between the fifth and seventh levels. A few barely managed the third level, while some struggled to even reach the first.


    When Liu Wuxiepleted his spiritual talisman, he calmly ced it on the testing pir. The scale began to climb rapidly, soaring to the maximum before the glow intensified further, surpassing the pir''s limit.


    Compared to Liu Wuxie''s talisman, the others¡¯ creations were like fireflies against the brilliance of the moon. The dazzling radiance from his talisman illuminated the entire tower, leaving everyone in stunned silence.


    "What a powerful spiritual talisman!" the crowd erupted into an uproar. Once again, Liu Wuxie had exceeded all expectations and crafted a wless spiritual talisman.


    The faint glimmer of hope the Heavenly Origin Sect held was dashed at the sight of the testing pir. Everyone''s hearts sank as Liu Wuxie would undoubtedly obtain first ce again if this continued.


    Everyone knew that Liu Wuxie was talented in spiritual talismans, but they didn''t expect his talent to be so overwhelming. This was an outright domination.


    Even if all thepleted spiritual talismans by the other disciples werebined, the collective brightness couldn''t match one-tenth of Liu Wuxie''s.


    Tucking the spiritual talismans away safely, Liu Wuxie advanced to the second level.


    As for the Divine Sun Pce¡¯s disciples, they slowed down significantly after reaching the second level.


    When Liu Wuxie entered the second floor, the challenge differed from the first. Instead of an iplete spiritual talisman hanging on the wall, a series of intricate symbols were present.


    The task was to craft a spiritual talisman, which had to be perfect, or it wouldn''t be epted. The challenge was like a chaotic riddle and devoid of discernible patterns.


    Liu Wuxie recorded the symbols in the Heavenly Dao Book and began to analyze them. In just one minute, aplete spiritual talisman appeared in Liu Wuxie''s soul sea, and he made his move while the other disciples were still pondering over the challenge.


    "Patriarch Dugu, what do these symbols mean?" The elders of the other sects came to ask curiously.


    "You''ll know soon enough," Dugu Shan said with a mysterious smile, keeping the answer to himself. After racking their minds, they thought of these symbols.


    Bai Yuan had advanced to the second level ahead of Liu Wuxie but was also in deep thought. While these symbols could link to many spiritual talismans, something was missing.


    "Liu Wuxie has made his move!" Liu Wuxie had arrivedter, but he was the first to start the challenge.


    "What bizarre spiritual runes!" Everyone''s gaze was fixed on Liu Wuxie.


    The spiritual runes were like serpents dancing in the air, settling onto the prepared talisman paper. Spiritual runes began to appear on the talisman paper, resembling the symbols on the wall.


    Liu Wuxie drew for five minutes before a weird spiritual talisman appeared before them, unlike anything they had seen before.


    "This...is this an Invisibility Talisman?" an elderly voice sounded out.


    Such spiritual talismans were rare in the market. When activated, they could enable a person to be invisible, including their aura. They would be undetectable even to those standing directly before them.


    "That''s right. It''s the Invisibility Talisman!" Dugu Shan nodded. He hadn''t expected Liu Wuxie to be the first to solve this challenge. He had expected Bai Yuan to solve this challenge first, but it appeared he had overestimated Bai Yuan.


    Holding the Invisibility Talisman, Liu Wuxie didn''t head to the testing pir, as this challenge wasn''t to test the spiritual talisman''s power but to determine whether the solution was correct.


    The answer was written on the pir, and Liu Wuxie nced at it before a smile rose on his lips. He would fail if the answer were wrong. If the answer were correct, he would advance to the third level.


    Liu Wuxie was one step ahead of everyone. The third level''s setup was different from the previous two levels. It was a scroll filled with questions about spiritual talismans.


    Such a challenge naturally couldn''t deter Liu Wuxie, and hepleted the test in less than ten breaths. Once he was done, the answers appeared on the pagoda, allowing everyone to look at them.


    "Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant!" cries of admiration filled the air as everyone marveled at Liu Wuxie''s answers.


    "He''s a true prodigy!" somemented, shaking their heads. They could no longer describe their current feelings.


    Without any hesitation, Liu Wuxie proceeded to the fourth level. The gap between him and the other disciples began to expand as Bai Yuan advanced to the third level.


    The fourth level''s challenge was simr to the first. The contestants were required to finish an iplete spiritual talisman. The talisman had only two spiritual runes, and Liu Wuxie had to fill in the rest.


    In contrast, the first level provided only half of the spiritual runes, leaving the rest to the participants'' creativity and interpretation. While the two runes offered countless possibilities, Liu Wuxie recognized the deeper significance of the challenge, particrly as it was designed by the Misty Sect.


    Liu Wuxie scrutinized the spiritual talisman, and his mind began to race. The horizontal and vertical lines reminded him of several talismans, including the Heaven-Sundering Seal.


    However, this spiritual talisman was clearly not the Heaven-Sundering Seal because the horizontal spiritual rune bore a soft, flowing stroke. He then imprinted the intricate spiritual runes into the Heavenly Dao Book.


    Five possible spiritual runes appeared in the Heavenly Dao Book one minuteter, forming into a neat row. They were the Pentabolt Talisman, Earthwalking Talisman, Five Elements Talisman, Waterstride Talisman, and the Firmament Cloud Talisman.


    Liu Wuxie scrutinized the five talismans. They all had a horizontal and vertical spiritual rune, simr to the one etched on the wall. The five answers were correct, but Liu Wuxie didn''t act hastily and studied it once more before his gaze fell upon the Firmament Cloud Talisman.


    ¡°The Firmament Cloud Talisman...ethereal and lofty...¡± Liu Wuxie muttered to himself. This spiritual talisman was special as it held no offensive capabilities. Instead, the Firmament Cloud Talisman could conjure a cloud capable of carrying its user to the sky.


    The Firmament Cloud Talisman was a more advanced form of aerial talisman than the Flying Talisman. Moreover, most Flying Talismans had to be stuck to their legs to fly.


    As the Heavenly Dao Book closed, Liu Wuxie closed his eyes as this was his first time crafting the Firmament Cloud Talisman.


    When he opened his eyes, his hands moved with precision as he began inscribing golden spiritual runes. The runes flickered brilliantly as they formed, captivating the spectators.


    "Misty Sect¡¯s sect master, what do those spiritual runes even mean? No one can figure out what they¡¯re supposed to represent!"ined a Heavenly Origin Sect disciple, clearly frustrated with the challenge posed by the Misty Sect. "This feels like a riddle! Everyone could be eliminated if the Misty Sect decides to fail us on a whim!"


    "Just because you can''t understand, that doesn''t mean others can¡¯t," the Misty Sect¡¯s sect master replied calmly. She was an elegantly poised woman, hovering mid-air with an air of untouchable grace, her robe and shoes immacte without a speck of dust.


    Amidst the debates outside, Liu Wuxie''s spiritual talisman was nearingpletion.


    "What spiritual talisman is that? It looks like a cloud," someone muttered as they couldn''t recognize the spiritual talisman crafted by Liu Wuxie. It looked drastically different from ordinary spiritual talismans.


    "That''s the Firmament Cloud Talisman!" a Misty Sect''s disciple stood up excitedly. She hadn''t expected Liu Wuxie to be capable of crafting the Firmament Cloud Talisman. Most assumed he would create something like the Waterstride Talisman or Earthwalking Talisman.


    Although Liu Wuxie could¡¯ve passed the challenge by drawing those two spiritual talismans, he wouldn''t have obtained a perfect score.


    "What kind of spiritual talisman is that?" The crowd was baffled, as this was the first time they had heard of the Firmament Cloud Talisman, and only the older generation was familiar with it.


    "The Firmament Cloud Talisman, also known as the Cloud Soaring Talisman, enables the user to ride the cloud," an elder from the Sky Rift Valley exined. However, such a spiritual talisman wasn''t exactly useful because experts could fly with their true essence without needing such a talisman.


    With the elder¡¯s exnation, the crowd¡¯s confusion began to clear.


    Liu Wuxie clutched onto the Firmament Cloud Talisman and headed to the fifth level. He had made the right choice. As he had expected, the talisman''s power reached the tenth level.


    Meanwhile, things weren''t looking good for the Heavenly Origin Sect as Bai Yuan was stumped on the third level. Perhaps his confidence had wavered, causing his performance to falter.


    Liu Wuxie, on the other hand, showed no hesitation as he entered the fifth level and ran into a talisman array. He easily dealt with the talisman array and headed to the sixth level.


    Though the levels seemed simr in structure, the differences were stark and undeniable. Yet, these challenges posed little difficulty for Liu Wuxie. In just four hours, he ascended to the eighth level, once again reaching the territory that belonged to the Demonic Heart Pce.


    A ck gate stood in Liu Wuxie''s way. Its distorted spiritual runes sent chills down the spines of those who watched it.


    "A talisman gate!" Liu Wuxie muttered. The Demonic Heart Pce had gone out of the way to hinder the other disciples¡¯ progress, as one had to open the gate to advance to the ninth level. But if Liu Wuxie couldn''t undo the profundity of the talisman gate, he would be trapped on the eighth level.


    "Engraving spiritual runes on a gate is ingenious," someone whispered, curiously studying the gate.


    Most spiritual talismans had to be etched onto talisman paper, and it was rare for spiritual talismans to be engraved on a ck gate. After all, an ordinary stone gate couldn''t withstand the power of spiritual runes.


    Most stones would explode after being infused with a spiritual rune, which meant that the stone gate wasn''t simple but had been painstakingly refined.


    "Liu Wuxie has finally encountered a real challenge. This seems to be the first time a talisman gate has appeared¡ªit¡¯s never been part of the past Ten Grand Ceremonies," an onlooker muttered. Although they hadn¡¯t participated in the previous ceremonies, they had read about the process in historical records.


    "Don''t be so sure about it. Didn''t you see how Liu Wuxie cleared the earlier levels so effortlessly?" a spectator retorted. Liu Wuxie had already gained a significant following. His mastery of spiritual talismans had impressed many, earning him the support and admiration of a growing number of spectators.


    Liu Wuxie''s gaze fell on the talisman gate. The spiritual runes were intricate and clear. His goal was to decode the runes so that the gate would open by itself, and this was a monumental task.


    He needed to draw a key that matched the talisman gate perfectly. This required absolute precision in the spiritual runes, as even the slightest w could damage the talisman gate and prevent it from opening.

 Chapter 639 - Three Talismans

    <h4>Chapter 639 - Three Talismans</h4>


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s Ghost Eye pierced through the talisman gate, observing every intricate detail hidden within. A faint smile soon appeared on his lips as he murmured, ¡°This is interesting!¡±


    While the talisman gate seemed simple on the outside, it was moreplex than it appeared. If he made a mistake, the spiritual talismans in the gate would transform into dead talismans, locking the gate forever.


    He estimated that ny percent of the contestants would fail this challenge. The talisman gate appeared in the Heavenly Dao Book, but Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t have the time to ponder over it. He knew he had to end this quickly to im the first spot in this trial.


    When the Heavenly Dao Book opened, the talismans on the talisman gate began to flow onto the book like water.


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t dare to be careless; his divine sense closely monitored the changes in the talisman gate. After three intense minutes, a long spiritual rune appeared before him¡ªthe key to unlocking the gate. As long as he urately replicated this rune, the talisman gate would open.


    Retracting his divine sense, Liu Wuxie paused, not rushing to draw the rune. Instead, his gaze remained fixed on the talisman gate. Taking a deep breath, he raised his right hand and began drawing in the air with precise, fluid motions.


    ¡°What is he doing? Isn¡¯t he going to take a longer look at it?¡± someone eximed. They were in disbelief at how Liu Wuxie found the solution after only three minutes.


    ¡°What arrogance!¡± sneered the Demonic Heart Pce¡¯s elder. He felt that Liu Wuxie was being overconfident to think he could solve the talisman gate in just three minutes.


    ¡°If he can unlock the talisman gate, I¡¯ll kneel before him and call him Master!¡± a young prodigy in spiritual talismans said. Having failed on the third level due to physical limitations and been ejected from the tower, he could only watch the proceedings from outside.


    He could see the talisman gate on the eighth level, and even he wasn¡¯t confident in finding a solution within two hours.


    ¡°You want to take him as your master? Do you think he¡¯d ept you?¡± someone joked.


    Even the older generations weren¡¯t confident they could match Liu Wuxie¡¯s talent, let alone the younger generation. No one took the young prodigy¡¯s deration seriously; most dismissed it as a joke born of admiration and disbelief.


    A bizarre spiritual rune began to appear in the air, but Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t in a hurry to inject it into the talisman gate and continued to draw it. The spiritual rune grew in length, soon reaching three meters.


    This left everyone dumbfounded, unable toprehend Liu Wuxie¡¯s actions.


    ¡°What is he doing?¡± murmured a voice in confusion. No one in the audience could figure out why Liu Wuxie drew such a long spiritual rune.


    Even the Demonic Heart Pce elder who had mocked Liu Wuxie earlier fell silent, a flicker of shock betraying his otherwiseposed expression. Deep down, he wondered if Liu Wuxie was truly drawing the key to unlock the talisman gate.


    The mystery was soon unraveled when Liu Wuxie stopped after five minutes. A golden rune resembling a long serpent appeared before Liu Wuxie, giving off a terrifying aura. With a wave of his hand, the spiritual rune began to spiral into a strange diagram.


    When the diagram melded seamlessly into the talisman gate, it appeared to be one with it. The entire process was over before anyone could fullyprehend what had happened.


    However, the talisman gate remained unresponsive, showing no signs of unlocking even after the spiritual rune had fused with it.


    ¡°I knew it! He couldn¡¯t unlock this talisman gate!¡±ughed a disciple from the Azure Crimson Gate, and they finally found an opportunity to humiliate Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Our chance hase!¡± The Heavenly Origin Sect¡¯s disciples were also rejoicing inwardly. If Liu Wuxie were truly stuck on the eighth level, Bai Yuan could close the gap and potentially surpass him.


    More people joined in mocking Liu Wuxie, all gloating with delight to see him fail. Cracking sounds came from the talisman gate, and this left everyone stunned.


    ¡°What just happened?¡± someone gasped as thousands of eyes turned, fixated on the eighth level, awaiting the oue with bated breath.


    The talisman gate began to change, and a long passage appeared before Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?!¡± The Heavenly Origin Sect disciples looked disappointed.


    Meanwhile, the Azure Crimson Gate disciples fell silent, their earlier confidence crumbling. Faces flushed red with embarrassment, and they now looked like clowns for mocking Liu Wuxie. Their ridicule had backfired.


    Liu Wuxie stepped through the passage calmly, leaving behind stunned silence as he reached the ninth level. The ninth level¡¯s difficulty wasn¡¯t any less than the eighth level.


    The challenge on the ninth level was to repair a spiritual talisman. A shattered talisman appeared before Liu Wuxie, requiringplete restoration. The difficulty of this task was no less than unlocking the talisman gate.


    The spiritual talisman was heavily damaged, with only one-third of its structure intact. However, Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t have to worry, as the Heavenly Dao Book was nearby.


    When the spiritual rune flowed into the Heavenly Dao Book, the shattered rune looked like insects had chewed on it.


    The Heavenly Dao Book unfurled as manyws aligned themselves in the air to repair the spiritual talisman. The process took ten minutes before aplete spiritual talisman appeared in Liu Wuxie¡¯s soul sea.


    When Liu Wuxie¡¯s divine sense left his soul sea, a faint smile rose on his lips when he looked at the damaged spiritual talisman.


    ¡°It¡¯s a Thousand-Mile Talisman!¡±


    When this spiritual talisman was activated, one could instantaneously escape over vast distances. It was highly valuable, and the Transcendent Plume Gate had spent a great deal of effort on it. It was an extraordinary treasure, especially in life-or-death situations. The Thousand-Mile Talisman also had another name for it: the Escape Talisman.


    Liu Wuxie had crafted Thousand-Mile Talismans before, but they were of a much higher grade, capable of escaping ten thousand miles away.


    However, the talisman paper couldn¡¯t withstand such potent spiritual runes and had to be repaired. He took aplete talisman paper and began drawing on it after aligning it with the damaged one.


    There wasn¡¯t anymotion from the Transcendent Plume Gate as they wanted to know how long it would take for Liu Wuxie toplete this challenge. The thought of stopping Liu Wuxie with their challenge had never crossed their minds.


    Ten minutes passed in the blink of an eye, and aplete Thousand-Mile Talisman appeared before everyone.


    ¡°He¡¯s a monster!¡± eximed an elder of the Transcendent Plume Gate.


    When evaluated, the power of the Thousand-Mile Talisman was at the tenth level.


    When Liu Wuxie headed to thest level, Bai Yuan had just reached the seventh level. But judging from this pace, it would be impossible for him to catch up with Liu Wuxie.


    The moment Liu Wuxie stepped into the tenth level, a suffocating force swept out, and this was a formidable talisman array. Three spiritual talismans, representing the mountain, water, and fire, were before Liu Wuxie.


    Each gate gave off a powerful aura, and the spiritual talismans would grievously harm anyone who made a mistake.


    ¡°What is the Heavenly Origin Sect trying to do to set up such a powerful talisman array?¡± many disciples from other sects protested, condemning the Heavenly Origin Sect for breaking the Ten Grand Ceremony¡¯s rules.


    ¡°Go home if you¡¯re not capable of solving it. We naturally have our reason to set up this talisman array,¡± said the Heavenly Origin Sect disciples.


    However, their exnation was futile. No matter how they tried to exin, it couldn¡¯t change the facts about these talisman arrays.


    The three spiritual talismans were like three towering obstacles before Liu Wuxie. The first gate symbolized an insurmountable mountain that emanated a terrifying aura, forcing Liu Wuxie to take a few steps back.


    To his surprise, the power of these spiritual talismans had reached the ninth level. On the contrary, Liu Wuxie was only in the Astral River Realm, and it was unknown if he could continue to create miracles. After all, even experts in the Nascent Transformation Realm would have to approach it with great caution.


    The Mountain Talisman had manifested into a towering mountain. Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t afford to use brute strength and could only dismantle it through his attainment of spiritual runes.


    ¡°Heavenly Origin Sect, do you truly believe this will stop me?¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s eyes gleamed with a sharp glint.


    The Heavenly Dao Book unfurled, and the Mountain Talisman appeared in his soul sea. The moment the talisman went in, the insurmountable power of a mountain came crashing down on his shoulders, nearly crushing his backbone.


    After he adapted to it, the Heavenly Dao Book began to analyze the spiritual talisman. The Mountain Talisman¡¯s grade was decent, barely reaching the ninth level, but that didn¡¯t mean it was without ws.


    Through careful analysis using the Heavenly Dao Book, Liu Wuxie devised four potential solutions to the challenge.


    ¡°Sect master, please be rest assured. I¡¯m sure he won¡¯t get through this stage!¡± dered Qian Chong with unwavering confidence.


    However, Wang Ba didn¡¯t dare to say a word this time. This trial was delegated entirely to Qian Chong and Zhang Bei to ensure no mistakes were made this time. He had agreed to it because he didn¡¯t want to be med by the sect master again.


    Bai Jin nodded in agreement. He had also inspected the three spiritual talismans; even Bai Yuan would fail to solve them if he knew nothing about them.


    Liu Wuxie was only in the Astral River Realm. Even if he had heaven-defying talent in the spiritual talismans, his cultivation was his weakness. Thus, it was impossible for him to make it through this level unless he could find the w of the spiritual talismans.


    Forcing his way through was out of the question because the Mountain Talisman would release immense pressure, crushing him down. Even if Liu Wuxie possessed the True Dragon Physique, he would be instantly crushed by the talisman¡¯s power.


    ¡°Sect master, the situation doesn¡¯t look good for Liu Wuxie!¡± Elder He said with worry etched on his face. He hadn¡¯t expected the Heavenly Origin Sect to set up such a powerful talisman array to deal with Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Calm down,¡± replied Mu Tianli, exuding unwavering confidence. He was confident in Liu Wuxie¡¯s capabilities.


    Liu Wuxie was not worried. Instead, he had a faint smirk as he began to draw spiritual runes. When he started drawing, the Talisman Mountain that obstructed his way gave off a golden brilliance, unleashing an insurmountable pressure that swept toward him.


    Liu Wuxie took a few steps under the pressure before he stabilized himself. The moment he began dismantling the spiritual talisman, a confrontationmenced.


    He knew he had to dismantle it quickly, or the pressure would increase until his physique sumbed.


    In the beginning, the pressure wasparable to the strike of someone in the pinnacle Astral River Realm. But the power would increase over time until it wasparable to the power of an expert in the True Profound Realm.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s hands moved in a blur as a bizarre spiritual rune appeared before him, weaving into an intricate that slowly descended toward the Mountain Talisman inch by inch.


    ¡°What is he trying to do? Is he nning to withstand the full force of the Mountain Talisman?¡± gasped the onlookers, with their faces pale with disbelief. They were frightened by Liu Wuxie¡¯s audacity. After all, this was no different from courting death.


    ¡°He¡¯s insane!¡± murmured others, unable to find words fitting enough to describe his actions.


    Qian Chong and Zhang Bei wore cruel smiles when they saw Liu Wuxie¡¯s actions. Yet, only a handful of people watched intently. They had a feeling that there was more to Liu Wuxie¡¯s action.


    The that descended continued to transform until it manifested into a majestic earth dragon in gold. This sight stunned the crowd, including the upper echelons of the Heavenly Origin Sect.


    ¡°T-This is impossible!¡± Qian Chong stammered, his face pale with disbelief. They were confident that there were no ws in the three spiritual talismans they had set up, and they couldn¡¯t figure out how Liu Wuxie managed to find the Mountain Talisman¡¯s weakness.


    The Earth Dragon burrowed into the Mountain Talisman. After all, the Earth Dragon was a master of burrowing, and it was the perfect counter.

 Chapter 640 - Rise and Counter

    <h4>Chapter 640 - Rise and Counter</h4>


    The intery of the five elements, where each gave rise to or countered another, was on full disy. The spiritual talisman that Liu Wuxie had drawn manifested into an earth dragon that burrowed into the Mountain Talisman to devour the earth elements within.


    Arge hole appeared on the Mountain Talisman in the blink of an eye, and the earth elements were swiftly drained.


    "How did this happen?" Zhang Bei muttered, his disbelief evident. He had anticipated that Liu Wuxie would struggle, but he had never expected the solution to unfold so effortlessly.


    "Nature''sws govern all things in the world. The Heavenly Origin Sect underestimated Liu Wuxie." the Dugu n''s patriarch stroked his beard with admiration.


    "It''s not as simple as it looks. Even if another person draws the earth dragon, they might not be able to dismantle the Mountain Talisman," the Transcendent Plume Gate''s sect master, who wore a green robe, interjected. His schrly demeanor contrasted with his piercing gaze.


    "That''s right. The Mountain Talisman might beparable to a ninth-grade spiritual talisman, but dismantling it requires finesse and mastery over spiritual talismans," the Indigo Cloud Gate''s sect master said. He was not fond of Liu Wuxie, but it was an undeniable fact that Liu Wuxie''s performance had shocked them repeatedly.


    If personal grudges were set aside, the undeniable truth remained: Liu Wuxie was a monstrous prodigy. This thought echoed in the hearts of all who watched. However, Liu Wuxie¡¯s immense talent drew envy, often creating needless enmity from those around him.


    After emerging victorious from the Mountain Talisman, Liu Wuxie stepped forward, only to be confronted by a vast, furious ocean. The waves surged violently, their sheer force threatening to swallow him whole. The only path forward was across the ocean.


    The principle was clear: earth conquered water. If he wanted to cross, Liu Wuxie had to draw countless mountains to fill the ocean. It was clearly an impossible feat for any mortal.


    The vast ocean was like an insurmountable obstacle that stood in his way. However, his act of shattering the Mountain Talisman made many people hopeful of him.


    When the Water Talisman appeared, countless people gasped in shock. The Heavenly Origin Sect had spared no effort to hinder the progress of the other sect¡¯s disciples. The three spiritual talismans weren''t just for Liu Wuxie; they targeted all the disciples present.


    "I''m afraid no one can conquer the tenth level," Liu Wuxie muttered as he stood before the vast ocean with no better options. This challenge was impossible for the other contestants, but the Heavenly Origin Sect had certainly taught their disciples how to deal with the three spiritual talismans.


    Elder He clenched his fists together angrily. In the past Ten Grand Ceremonies, there had never been such a powerful talisman array. However, the Heavenly Origin Sect had clearly crossed the line.


    "Don''t worry about it. I believe he''ll figure out a way!" Mu Tianli said calmly, his face serene and free of concern.


    If Liu Wuxie couldn''t deal with the challenge, he would''ve given up long ago, and there was no reason for him to remain on the tenth level. It was evident that he was figuring out a solution.


    "It''s too difficult. The Water Talisman''s power is in the ninth level. Though it might not contain any lethality, the sheer wave alone is unstoppable, and who can break through that?" Elder He had locked his brows together.


    The surrounding chatter gradually faded as everyone shifted their attention to Bai Yuan. This was because everyone gradually lost their patience after seeing Liu Wuxie standing in the same spot motionlessly for far too long.


    "Who says water must be ovee by earth?" Liu Wuxie pondered for a long time before a faint smile rose on his lips. While that logic was right, nothing could stop the wave if it was too powerful.


    Take a dam, for example. It might withstand an ordinary flow of water, but what about a flood? This was akin to the principle of water subduing fire. However, how could a small pail of water possibly extinguish a sea of fire?


    Flying wasn¡¯t an option either; the powerful waves alone could throw him off bnce and sweep him to the ocean¡¯s depths. With the earth element rendered ineffective and no way to cross through flight, the question remained: how could he proceed?


    No one knew as he swiped his hands through the air with faint ripples appearing before him. The ripples seemed like spiritual runes, but they also seemed different at the same time.


    Strangely enough, the spiritual runes showed no signs of forming into a spiritual talisman. Instead, it looked like a small boat.


    "What''s he doing?" Everyone was baffled. The crowd, which had shifted its attention to Bai Yuan, now watched Liu Wuxie with growing curiosity.


    "I don''t know, but it looks like a boat!"


    However, it was a pity that the boat was too small as it was only the size of a basin. Even the Sky Rift Valley elders were equally shocked, unsure of what Liu Wuxie was trying to do.


    "Hah! Does he think such a tiny boat can carry him across the ocean? What a joke!" Qian Chong let out a sinisterughter after guessing Liu Wuxie''s objective.


    They had long considered someone creating a small boat to ride across the ocean, and they naturally wouldn''t give Liu Wuxie that chance.


    "Wait, that doesn''t seem like a small boat!" As Liu Wuxie continued to draw, the boat changed its shape, bing a crescent moon. This left everyone baffled by what Liu Wuxie was trying to do by drawing a crescent moon. Could he possibly be nning to ride the moon across the waves?


    "Look, the crescent moon is growing!" gasps erupted from the surroundings as the crescent moon grew, transforming into arge disc that hung on the tenth level.


    "I see! He''s harnessing the power of the tides!" the Transcendent Plume Gate''s sect master eximed, pping his thigh in realization.


    Liu Wuxie wasn''t trying to draw a boat or harness earth elements, but he was drawing arge crescent moon. The force of the tides could cause seawater to recede, creating a clear path for him to cross. He didn''t need to part the ocean to cross at all.


    "What an ingenious idea! Using the power of the tide to resolve the ocean," the ten major sect''s sect masters eximed at the ingenious idea, aside from the sect masters from the Heavenly Origin Sect and Azure Crimson Gate.


    Liu Wuxie''s approach was unconventional, unlike anything they''d seen before.


    When the crescent moon became a full moon, the power of the tides surged, and the ocean began to recede.


    Bai Jin''s expression turned terrifyingly grim as he watched Liu Wuxie resolve the Water Talisman in such an unexpected way. Instead of relying on a powerful spiritual talisman, Liu Wuxie utilized a simple full moon as his solution¡ªa resounding p to the face of the Heavenly Origin Sect.


    "This is absolutely brilliant!" the second-tier sects¡¯ disciples cheered. They were utterly captivated by Liu Wuxie''s performance.


    They would¡¯ve attempted brute force or flown across the ocean if it were them. However, Liu Wuxie suffered no injuries and casually crossed the ocean.


    The tide receded, clearing a path through the ocean''s depths. Qian Chong and Zhang Bei exchanged uneasy nces, finally understanding the frustration Wang Ba had experienced. Despite their meticulous efforts to deal with Liu Wuxie, he had outsmarted them at every turn.


    After making it through the Water Talisman, Liu Wuxie moved forward to face thest challenge, the Fire Talisman. It had manifested into a ming volcano that stood in Liu Wuxie''s way, with searing waves of heat radiating outward.


    Liu Wuxie''s smile deepened after ncing at the volcano.


    "The Heavenly Origin Sect must¡¯ve run out of ideas!" Liu Wuxie began forming seals before the volcano, summoning the moon closer.


    A terrifying scene urred as the retreating tide surged back with renewed force. No one could anticipate that Liu Wuxie would use the Water Talisman against the Fire Talisman. After all, water counters fire and water could naturally be used to extinguish the fire.


    Torrential waves instantly submerged the volcano underwater. Water evaporated, and the fire was extinguished. The two spiritual talismans shed and dissolved into nothingness.


    With that, Liu Wuxie confidently stepped off the tenth level, spending an hour dealing with the three spiritual talismans. Most importantly, everyone was amazed at how little effort Liu Wuxie had expended, easily dismantling the three ninth-grade spiritual talismans.


    "He''s my idol from today onwards!" Hundreds of second-tier sects¡¯ disciples stood up to cheer for Liu Wuxie.


    Many people smiled, gloating, "The Heavenly Origin Sect had probably never expected Liu Wuxie to emerge from the tenth level in this manner. "


    The Heavenly Origin Sect''s ns had backfired; the traps they had set up were a joke to Liu Wuxie.


    As cheers erupted from the surroundings, Liu Wuxie imed first ce in the Talisman Tower. He had obtained first ce four times in a row, shattering the records at the Ten Grand Ceremony. He would be titled the strongest prodigy in the Southern Province if he obtained another first ce tomorrow.


    The atmosphere within the Heavenly Origin Sect became heavy. Bai Jin didn''t speak, Qian Chong remained quiet, and Zhang Bei''s lips twisted into a bitter smile. Only Wang Ba had a hint of satisfaction on his face, letting the two elders experience what he had gone through. After all, he hadn''t participated in the setup of the Talisman Tower.


    "We lost!" Qian Chong finally admitted reluctantly.


    They had thoroughly lost in spiritual array, alchemy, cksmithing, and spiritual talismans. The oue wasn''t suspenseful, as Liu Wuxie had crushed them at every turn.


    His steps were light and carefree when he descended from the Talisman Tower. He hadn''t even exerted much of his strength on thest level.


    "Well done!" Elder He said with a mix of exasperation and admiration in his voice. He had braced himself for a fierce and grueling battle, only to witness Liu Wuxie breezing through the challenge.


    With a hearty pat on Liu Wuxie''s shoulder, Elder He¡¯s enthusiasm nearly snapped his bones. However, Liu Wuxie, ustomed to such gestures, merely smiled and returned to the tent amid the uproar of cheers and discussions.


    What happened next had nothing to do with him, and he only had toe out at dusk when the rewards were distributed.


    Bai Yuan was the second to reach the tenth level after Liu Wuxie. He managed to break the Mountain Talisman with a golden sword, slicing through it. As for the Water Talisman, he drew a warship that carried him across. Lastly, he crafted a fireproof cloak for the Fire Talisman and forced his way through.


    Compared to Liu Wuxie, Bai Yuan''s ordeal was an exhausting struggle. It took him all his strength to scrape by the tenth level.


    Shortly after Bai Yuan, the Demonic Heart Pce''s Qu Yang reached the tenth level and imed third ce. The Talisman Tower''spetition was intense, and Murong Yi failed on the eighth level. Aside from her, many contestants had failed as well.


    Even if they barely managed to get through the other levels, they were bound to fail on the tenth level. Ultimately, only Liu Wuxie, Bai Yuan, and Qu Yang ascended to the tenth level and overcame the challenge.


    When the time came to present the rewards, Bai Jin was notably absent. Perhaps hecked the courage to show his face after such a humiliating defeat. The Heavenly Origin Sect had poured immense effort into their schemes, only to see their pride repeatedly shattered.


    Though Bai Yuan had obtained an Ascension Pill, his face was burning with shame. He couldn''t believe that he lost to Liu Wuxie.


    "Liu Wuxie, tomorrow is the martial trial. Let me see how you are going topete with me!" After receiving his Ascension Pill, Bai Yuan walked past Liu Wuxie, and his murderous intent enveloped thetter.


    The martial trial would be a pure test of martial prowess, a domain where Bai Yuan felt invincible. Liu Wuxie, being in the low levels of the Astral River Realm, was unlikely to surpass even the first level¡ªor so Bai Yuan believed.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 641 - Martial Tower

    <h4>Chapter 641 - Martial Tower</h4>


    Liu Wuxie remained indifferent to Bai Yuan''s provocation without changing his facial expression.


    "I hope you can impress me tomorrow," Liu Wuxie said casually before leaving with the Ascension Pill.


    Bai Yuan was left frozen in ce, reying Liu Wuxie''s words in his mind. The more he recalled them, the more unsettling they seemed. This was a tant provocation from Liu Wuxie.


    His performance in the past few days wasmendable, but it was palepared to Liu Wuxie''s aplishments, which had stolen all his limelight. The rest of thepetitors had be supporting characters, and Liu Wuxie overshadowed their performances.


    After this trial, the remaining time becameckluster, and each conversation was centered around Liu Wuxie.


    "Young Master, there''s no need to trouble yourself over a dead man. Even if he performs well in tomorrow''s trial, he''ll meet his end in the final battle," a fellow disciple from the Heavenly Origin Sect said confidently. To them, Liu Wuxie''s fate was already sealed.


    Hearing this, Bai Yuan''s expression eased, his confidence bolstered by the thought of Liu Wuxie¡¯s impending demise in the final battle.


    When everyone returned to rest, Liu Wuxie now possessed three Ascension Pills, but he had no intention of making a breakthrough. He calcted that he would need at least six pills to reach the third level of the Astral River Realm.


    His goal was clear: secure first ce tomorrow and im the champion prize, allowing him to obtain five more pills. With those Ascension Pills, he could reach the third level of the Astral River Realm.


    Determined, Liu Wuxie resolved to give his all in the uing trial. The night passed quietly, with no one daring to disturb him. He spent the entire time immersed in cultivation, preparing himself mentally and physically for the challenges of the next day.


    The uing trial promised to be difficult, as every participant would have to rely solely on their true abilities to navigate the challenges in the tower. While the obstacles weren¡¯t life-threatening, failure would result in immediate elimination.


    At dawn, everyone ended their meditation. When everyone came out of their tents, the neutral disciples of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion began to treat Liu Wuxie differently after witnessing his extraordinary performance on the previous day¡¯s trial.


    Many had changed their form of address from "Junior Brother Liu" to "Senior Brother Liu," and their tones were more polite than before. This change was brought about by the disy of his strength and talents.


    "How have you been preparing yourself?" Mu Tianli asked Liu Wuxie, the shining hope of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    If Liu Wuxie could obtain first ce again on this trial, he would achieve an unprecedented feat: obtaining first ce in all five trials in the history of the Ten Grand Ceremonies. This was something worthy of celebration.


    "I''ll do my best," Liu Wuxie replied. He wouldn''t back down, nor would he put his life at risk.


    As the disciples moved out, the atmosphere among the ten major sects became heavy. Spiritual arrays, alchemy, cksmithing, and spiritual talismans were all considered secondary in cultivation, while the martial trial was the true test.


    The final challenge carried great weight, capable of overshadowing the victories of the four previous trials. In any other trial, Liu Wuxie would undoubtedly have been the center of attention, celebrated for securing the top rank.


    But strangely enough, Liu Wuxie''s name was barely mentioned today. Instead, Bai Yuan became the center of attention. The fact that he reached the Nascent Transformation Realm under thirty had hailed him the title of the Southern Province''s strongest prodigy, with praises and admiration swirling around him.


    Today, Bai Yuan was d in a purple robe, looking striking and confident. Many female disciples screamed at the sight of him, wishing they could rush over to his side.


    In contrast, Liu Wuxie wore a simple blue robe; its color faded from frequent washing. With each step he took, a faint rhythm seemed to resonate in the surroundings, as if he were in perfect harmony with the world around him.


    "Finally, the most thrilling moment has finallye!"


    The second-tier sect''s disciples couldn''t participate, and they could only watch with anticipation, hoping to broaden their horizons. After all, it would aid them greatly in their future cultivation.


    Close to two thousand disciples stepped into thergest tower, the Martial Tower. Each level contained the prized techniques from the various sects, and the contestants had to find the ws in the techniques.


    Many of the techniques were nearly wless, and even the sect that set up the challenge had to spend a long time finding their ws.


    However, these techniques posed little threat to Liu Wuxie. No matter how intricate or refined they were, could they truly rival immortal techniques? With the power of the Ghost Eye and the Heavenly Dao Book at his disposal, Liu Wuxie could identify ws even in immortal techniques¡ªordinary techniques were no exception.


    Of course, Liu Wuxie wouldn''t openly boast of it, but this was an opportunity for him to hone his martial techniques. He could study the various sects'' martial techniques toplement his own.


    For instance, the Divine Sun Pce was famed for its spear techniques, the Overlord Spear in particr. A move in the Overlord Spear, the Thousand Sweep, had vanquished countless foes.


    When the participants entered the first floor, this move awaited them. But, it was only a simplified version of the original to prevent the other sects from finding the w in their prized technique.


    However, even the simplified version wasn''t something someone on the first level of the Astral River Realm could deal with. It was a genuine heaven-grade martial technique that was endlessly close to a spiritual-grade martial technique.


    However, this challenge was of no difficulty to the Divine Sun Pce disciples, who had spent countless months preparing for it.


    When Liu Wuxie stepped into arge chamber, the Thousand Sweep was engraved on the wall, requiring him to deal with it.


    Holding the Heretic de firmly, Liu Wuxie assumed a drawing stance; his eyes closed in deep concentration, the de poised above his head.


    In his soul sea, two figures appeared, one wielding the Heretic de and the other donning the uniform of the Divine Sun Pce disciple and wielding a spear. Thetter''s movements perfectly mirrored those of the engraving on the wall.


    This time, Liu Wuxie didn''t rely on the Heavenly Dao Book because this technique wasn''t worth it.


    Two cold rays shot out one minuteter when Liu Wuxie opened his eyes with terrifying de intent enveloping the entire chamber.


    Liu Wuxie unleashed a swift strike, not employing True Strike but executing his attack with precision. His de left intricate marks on the wall, perfectly deconstructing the Thousand Sweep depicted there.


    The spear techniqueprised three movements, and Liu Wuxie systematically neutralized each one, identifying the critical w in the move.


    He had long noticed that this move wasn''tplete, and the three figures on the wall came to life with each change perfectly illustrated. This left the Divine Sun Pce''s sect master in shock, who couldn''t believe that Liu Wuxie managed to decipher theplete Thousand Sweep.


    "How did this happen?" an elder from the Divine Sun Pce muttered bitterly. While other disciples could deal with the simplified version of this technique, Liu Wuxie not only deciphered it but also found the fatal w in Thousand Sweep.


    This was a devastating blow to the Divine Sun Pce, as they wouldn''t dare use this technique against their enemies in the future.


    "This is bad! He might also decipher our martial techniques!" Dugu Shan eximed, his voice tinged with rm.


    The Dugu n was known for its swordsmanship, which was called the Divine Sun Sword. This sword technique consisted of seven intricate moves, and they had chosen their most formidable move, omitting the core secrets.


    "That''s it? It''s already over?" murmured the onlookers, their faces painted with disbelief as they watched Liu Wuxie walking out of the chamber, following the passage to the second level.


    The rules of this trial dictated that if the challenge wasn¡¯tpleted, the passage would be sealed, forcing those who failed to take another route and leave the tower.


    "Am I seeing things right? I have experienced this spear technique myself, and it''s incredibly powerful. But is it riddled with ws when I look at it now?" whispered someone.


    Many people present had fought with disciples of the Divine Sun Pce before. They knew how powerful the spear technique was, especially Thousand Sweep.


    Yet now, in this moment, the once-feared technique wasid bare, exposed by Liu Wuxie¡¯s deconstruction. It was no wonder Deng Lei''s face was so grim. This incident meant that the Divine Sun Pce would lose an offensive martial technique. They needed immediate corrections to this martial technique, as deploying it in battle now would be no different frommitting suicide.


    Meanwhile, Dugu Shan looked nervous, worried that Liu Wuxie would find a fatal w in their martial technique as he had done with the Overlord Spear.


    The rules of this trial were simple: each sect would present a powerful technique and engrave it on the stone wall for participants to decipher. Though this trial didn''t test cultivation, it would be impossible for participants to see through the profundities of the martial techniques if they were too weak.


    "Look!¡± A voice echoed, "Liu Wuxie is the first to reach the second level!" causing an uproar among the crowd.


    They weren''t surprised that Liu Wuxie could deal with the first level, but it surprised them that he was the first to reach the second level. It was unbelievable that someone in the low levels of the Astral River Realm could easily decipher the Divine Sun Pce''s Thousand Sweep. No one would believe it if they didn''t witness it personally, but that was the reality.


    When Liu Wuxie stepped into the second level, it was still anotherrge chamber. A man wielding a longsword engraved on the stone wall stood beside him. Hundreds of shadows, all performing the essence of the Divine Sun Sword, surrounded him.


    Liu Wuxie''s task was to dissect the hundreds of shadows. The moves were overwhelming at first nce, and they were nearly impossible to follow with the eye if an actual battle took ce with this technique.


    He closed his eyes as images began to appear in his soul sea, performing the technique on the stone wall. His divine sense observed the changes quietly, and he watched three times before finally opening his eyes after finding seven ws in the Divine Sun Sword.


    Walking to the nk section of the wall, Liu Wuxie raised the Heretic de and began to engrave it.


    Everyone instantly noticed his action, and they couldn''t believe that Liu Wuxie had found the ws in just one minute. But that wasn''t all; after engraving the first w, he didn''t stop there and continued to engrave more ws.


    Dugu Shan''s face turned pale, and he couldn''t believe what he was witnessing. When Liu Wuxie etched the seventh w on the wall, Dugu Shan copsed to the ground and could only shake his head in resignation.


    However, no one dared to mock him, not even the Divine Sun Pce. After all, they shared the same fate as the Dugu n¡ªboth had the ws of their strongest techniquesid bare for all to see.


    The remaining sects also began to fret over the trial. They also had their martial techniques engraved inside the tower, and they were worried that Liu Wuxie would decipher their martial techniques just as ruthlessly as he had done with the Divine Sun Pce and Dugu n.


    Even the Sky Rift Valley looked worried with their heads lowered.


    "Let''s hope he remembers our goodwill and spares us some dignity," an elder from the Sky Rift Valley muttered with a wry smile.

 Chapter 642 - Helpless

    <h4>Chapter 642 - Helpless</h4>


    Every sect had its ultimate techniques, which were their most guarded secrets. The ones engraved on the stone walls were simplified versions, and they were okay with it if others deciphered them.


    However, Liu Wuxie''s actions were different. Not only did he manage to decipher the techniques, but he also listed the ws within the original versions of their martial techniques, which was too terrifying.


    After all, the martial techniques they had used as challenges in the Martial Tower had resulted from thousands of years of refinement, but they were all broken by one man''s efforts. It was no wonder why the Sky Rift Valley''s elders looked so despondent.


    The Sky Rift Valley had many renowned martial techniques, but the sword technique they had used this time was among their best. They were determined to stop the contestants from advancing, and the sword technique was one of their three strongest, the foundation of their sect.


    "What an exquisite sword technique!" Liu Wuxie muttered as he looked at the sword technique engraved on the third level''s stone wall. He had long suspected that the Sky Rift Valley was stronger than it seemed.


    "I have long heard of the Sky Rift Valley''s Judgment Sword, and it truly lives up to its reputation," eximed many sect''s elders, shocked by the sword technique on the wall.


    The Sky Rift Valley rarely interacted with the outside world, so their disciples had few opportunities to fight others. However, the Sky Rift Valley was strong because the sword technique engraved on the stone wall was called the Judgment Sword, which was unrivaled in power.


    "Let''s see how long it will take for Liu Wuxie to decipher theplete Judgment Sword!" some onlookers muttered, gloating. The Sky Rift Valley''s martial technique was powerful, and they would have more confidence to face the Sky Rift Valley in the future if Liu Wuxie could decipher the Judgment Sword.


    That was especially the case for the Demonic Heart Pce, which had been encroaching on the Sky Rift Valley''s territories for years.


    Liu Wuxie closed his eyes and analyzed the Judgment Sword three times in his mind, and aplete version appeared.


    A smile rose on Liu Wuxie''s lips, and he began to engrave on the stone wall with the Heretic de.


    "Sect master, what should we do?" The Sky Rift Valley''s elders looked nervous, worried that the Judgment Sword would beid bare in front of everyone.


    This sword technique was created by the Sky Rift Valley''s first sect master, and it held a greater meaning than just an ordinary martial technique.


    Quan Zhong also had a hint of worry in his eyes, but he could do nothing to stop Liu Wuxie.


    Five breathster, Liu Wuxie had sessfully deciphered the simplified version of the Judgment Sword.


    "What''s going on? Why didn''t Liu Wuxie decipher theplete version of the Judgment Sword?" Many people were unhappy as they were looking forward to it. However, Liu Wuxie had only deciphered one-tenth of the Judgment Sword.


    Everyone from the Sky Rift Valley felt relieved and was d Liu Wuxie had shown consideration.


    Not everyone was the same, especially those who were hostile toward Liu Wuxie. The Azure Crimson Gate began devising schemes to stop Liu Wuxie, but there was nothing they could do. They couldn¡¯t intervene once the Martial Tower trial hadmenced, and they could only wait until the end.


    They were determined to stop Liu Wuxie when the Azure Crimson Gate released its ultimate technique. This technique represented the Azure Crimson Gate''s pinnacle, and their strength would greatly diminish if theplete version of their ultimate technique were deciphered.


    Heavenly Origin Sect had also set up heavy obstacles that even ordinary people in the Nascent Transformation Realm would find difficult to ovee.


    When Liu Wuxie reached the fourth level, the challenge was a graceful and elusive sword technique from the Misty Sect. Like before, Liu Wuxie only deciphered the simplified version, as it was the sect that Xu Lingxue belonged to, and he couldn''t take it too far.


    The fifth level represented the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, which posed no significant challenge to Liu Wuxie.


    Upon reaching the sixth level, which represented the Azure Crimson Gate, the Azure Crimson Gate''s elders instantly became nervous.


    Meanwhile, Bai Yuan had only reached the fourth level, progressing at a noticeably slower pace than Liu Wuxie.


    "The Seven-Lethals Sword Array¡ªwhat a remarkable strategy by the Azure Crimson Sect!" A cold and ruthless smile rose on Liu Wuxie''s lips as this wasn''t just a mere sword technique. It could be wielded as an individual technique or a collective array if used by multiple people with unmatched power.


    "The Azure Crimson Gate''s Seven-Lethals Sword Array!" Exmations came from the crowd, and everyone was shocked.


    "For thousands of years, no one outside the Azure Crimson Gate has managed to crack this array," someone eximed, shaking their head with disbelief. It might be a simplified version of the Seven-Lethals Sword Array, but the power was stronger than the Sky Rift Valley''s Judgment Sword.


    This scene made the atmosphere at the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion grow somber.


    "Liu Wuxie, let me see how you crack our Seven-Lethals Sword Array!" The Azure Crimson Gate''s elder let out a sinisterughter. This sword technique was so advanced that only a few disciples could manage to find its w, and it was impossible for someone in the low levels of the Astral River Realm.


    Mocking echoed from Grand Banner Gate and Azure Crimson Gate''s region.


    Liu Wuxie remained motionless for five minutes as he simted the Seven-Lethals Sword Array within the Heavenly Dao Book. Since the Azure Crimson Gate wanted to y with him, he wouldn''t mind ying with them.


    He didn''t just want to crack the sword technique, but he also wanted to crack the collective sword array used by multiple people to shatter the Azure Crimson Gate''s hopes.


    This time, he reyed the Seven-Lethals Sword Array five times, two more times than others. It wasn''t long before theplete Seven-Lethals Sword Array appeared in his soul sea, and he vanished with the Heretic de.


    The moment Liu Wuxie moved, the Azure Crimson Gate''s sect master narrowed his eyes with a hint of uneasiness on his face. He could feel something was off, but he couldn''t describe it.


    After all, Liu Wuxie was filled with mysteries and couldn''t be treated as ordinary.


    On the stone wall, Liu Wuxie wasn''t deciphering the Seven-Lethals Sword Array but theplete version of it.


    "What is he doing?" Everyone questioned, craning their necks for a better view. They didn''t take long to realize what Liu Wuxie was doing.


    "He''s engraving theplete Seven-Lethals Sword Array! Quick, record it down!" Everyone began taking out papers and brushes to record theplete version of the Seven-Lethals Sword Array. Liu Wuxie engraved the Azure Crimson Gate''s ultimate technique on the stone wall,ying it bare for everyone to see.


    "Stop, don''t record it!" The Azure Crimson Gate''s elders panicked; their earlier confidence had vanished.


    Liu Wuxie didn''t just decipher the Seven-Lethals Sword Array; he even provided theplete version of it. In the past few levels, Liu Wuxie had only listed the ws of theplete versions of the techniques and not written theplete technique itself for everyone to copy and learn.


    Since the feud between him and the Azure Crimson Gate was irreconcble, he naturally wouldn''t give up such an excellent opportunity to suppress them.


    After ten minutes of engraving, theplete version of the Seven-Lethals Sword Array appeared on the stone wall.


    This scene made the Azure Crimson Gate''s elders copse to the ground with their faces pale.


    "We''re finished!" The Seven-Lethals Sword Array was the Azure Crimson Gate''s treasured secret, but it had be public knowledge.


    Since Liu Wuxie could engrave theplete version of the Seven-Lethals Sword Array, he did not need to decipher it. As he strolled to the seventh level, the Azure Crimson Gate''s sect master ground his teeth in rage, his fists clenched tightly, looking as though he wanted to tear Liu Wuxie apart.


    The Seven-Lethals Sword Array was the effort of countless True Profound Realm elders throughout the years, but it had been shattered as it no longer exclusively belonged to the Azure Crimson Gate.


    Everyone present had a copy of the Seven-Lethals Sword Array, which they could learn when they returned.


    Liu Wuxie only lingered on the seventh level for five minutes before advancing to the eighth level.


    The eighth level represented the Demonic Heart Pce, and its challenges were infamous for being insurmountable to most disciples, like the challenge in the Talisman Tower, which barred ny-nine percent of the challengers.


    When Liu Wuxie entered the room, he was greeted by an overwhelming demonic aura. A demonic god carved into the stone wall stood atop a pile of skulls. Around him were endless seas of blood and mountains of corpses. The imposing figure alone was enough to terrorize ordinary people.


    The demonic god wielded a crimson battle axe that split the surrounding corpses in a single strike.


    "The Crimson Battle Axe!" exmations came from outside.


    They were in disbelief that the Demonic Heart Pce had used such a technique.


    A tidal wave of pressure surged toward Liu Wuxie, shocking him because this was just an engraving. The crimson axe moved as it struck down at Liu Wuxie.


    If Liu Wuxie couldn''t crack this technique, his dao heart would be damaged even if he weren''t dead.


    But when Liu Wuxie performed the Ghost Eye, the Crimson Battle Axe began to slow down in his eyes with the ws exposed to Liu Wuxie. He also performed the Seven Dipper Steps to avoid the iing strike.


    He found six ws in the technique, and he cracked it before everyone. The entire process took only two breaths.


    "It has ended like that?" Everyone rubbed their eyes with disbelief as they were expecting an intense battle. No one expected Liu Wuxie to resolve this martial technique so easily.


    "This is too terrifying! His cultivation isn''t high, but hisbat talent is extraordinary." Such was the thought reverberating in everyone''s hearts.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s only disadvantagey in his cultivation level. If he and Bai Yuan were at the same level, he could easily kill him.


    "We must eliminate him quickly, or the consequences will be unimaginable if he continues to grow." The Azure Crimson Gate and Heavenly Origin Sect began to conspire to eliminate Liu Wuxie while his cultivation was still low.


    Their strategy was simple: use overwhelming force to annihte him while they still had the chance. Both sects quickly agreed to work together to kill Liu Wuxie in the final battle.


    After conquering the eighth level, Liu Wuxie strode confidently toward the ninth level.


    This time, the Transcendent Plume Gate became nervous. But they were fortunate that they hadn''t offended Liu Wuxie, and there was no feud between them.


    The ninth level featured a staff array, and Liu Wuxie decided to go easy on the Transcendent Plume Gate. There was no need to antagonize all of the ten major sects, especially since he had already made enemies among several of them. While he wasn¡¯t afraid of their retaliation, he saw no reason to invite unnecessary trouble.


    After emerging from the ninth level and heading to the tenth, the tension in the surroundings grew as the tenth level represented the Heavenly Origin Sect. They would surely have used the mostplicated technique, considering how low they could get.


    Meanwhile, Bai Yuan had just reached the seventh level, and the gap between him and Liu Wuxie grew.


    Before Liu Wuxie entered the tenth level, a formidable sword aura emanated a powerful pressure. He clutched onto the Heretic de tightly and stepped into the tenth level.


    The chamber was vast, and a middle-aged man was engraved on the stone wall. He wielded a sword and gave off a terrifying sword aura that poured down in the form of a waterfall.


    Liu Wuxie stood before the roaring waterfall, its sheer force threatening to sweep him away at any moment.


    "T-This is the Grand Supreme Sword!" exmations came from the crowd.

 Chapter 643 - Spitting Blood From Anger

    <h4>Chapter 643 - Spitting Blood From Anger</h4>


    Thousands of people rose to their feet in unison, creating a majestic and awe-inspiring scene. None could believe what they were witnessing: the Grand Supreme Sword of the Heavenly Origin Sect.


    Long ago, one of the Heavenly Origin Sect''s ancestors had identally ventured into the Grand Supreme Haven and returned with this sword technique. The Grand Supreme Heaven was so mysterious that ordinary people could scarcely enter.


    This sword technique had transformed the Heavenly Origin Sect from a minor sect to one of the ten major sects, allowing one to imagine its power.


    "The Heavenly Origin Sect has spared no effort to stop Liu Wuxie," someone remarked. "If Liu Wuxie manages to decipher theplete version of the Grand Supreme Sword, the Heavenly Origin Sect would lose their foundation in the Southern Province."


    The Azure Crimson Gate was bound to decline after losing the Seven-Lethals Sword Array. Simrly, if the Grand Supreme Sword werepletely deciphered by Liu Wuxie, the Heavenly Origin Sect''s ultimate technique would be reduced to a joke. After all, the Grand Supreme Sword had maintained an unshakable legacy for the Heavenly Origin Sect for countless years.


    A flicker of panic shed across Bai Jin''s eyes. If the sect''s grand elders learned that the Grand Supreme Sword had been leaked to the public, they would undoubtedly impeach him and hold him ountable.


    There was no turning back now unless Liu Wuxie gave up deciphering the Grand Supreme Sword¡ªan imusible possibility. The hostility between the two had reached the point of no return, especially when the Heavenly Origin Sect provoked Liu Wuxie repeatedly. So how could Liu Wuxie give up such a golden opportunity to strike back at them?


    Standing on the tenth level, Liu Wuxie wasn''t in a hurry to decipher the Grand Supreme Sword and gazed at it silently instead. The Grand Supreme Sword consisted of thirty-six moves, but there was only one move etched on the stone wall.


    "Death Strike!" A cold smirk rose on Liu Wuxie''s lips. True to its name, the sword was highly fatal once executed. The users'' victims rarely survived, and this sword technique was known to be vicious and tricky to deal with.


    Finding the w in such a powerful technique was nearly impossible, but Liu Wuxie was no ordinary man. He had encountered all sorts of martial techniques worldwide and found several ws without needing the Heavenly Dao Book.


    As a result, deciphering the sword technique alone wasn''t Liu Wuxie''s actual goal. He wanted to replicate theplete version of the Grand Supreme Sword and engrave it on the wall for the world to see.


    With the help of the Heavenly Dao Book, Liu Wuxie ran numerous simtions. It didn''t take long before theplete version of the Grand Supreme Sword appeared in Liu Wuxie''s soul sea.


    "Heavenly Origin Sect, I bet you didn''t imagine this day woulde, did you?" Liu Wuxie murmured with a grin and vanished with the Heretic de, manifesting countless afterimages.


    "Not good!" Wang Ba cried out. This Ten Grand Ceremony had already turned into the most humiliating event in Wang Ba''s life as an elder of the Heavenly Origin Sect.


    Qian Chong and Zhang Bei felt uneasy as the Grand Supreme Sword was the Heavenly Origin Sect''s strongest sword technique. If their ultimate technique was exposed for the world to see, how could the Heavenly Origin Sect maintain its position in the future?


    Once everyone learned the Grand Supreme Sword, the Heavenly Origin Sect would lose their monopoly over this sword technique. Worse still, others could use this very technique to target their disciples.


    "Sect Master, what should we do now?" Qian Chong asked in a panic.


    Wang Ba had been the one handling most challenges, but he had pulled out from getting involved in the trials. Qian Chong and Zhang Bei now handled the trials, but their efforts had backfired spectacrly.


    The Heavenly Origin Sect had nned to use this technique to stop all the other contestants in their tracks, but they had dug their graves instead.


    Bai Jin remained silent, but his eyes showed a terrifying, murderous intent.


    The other members of the Heavenly Origin Sect in the surroundings didn''t dare to get too close, fearing Bai Jin might kill them. Thetter was like an enraged tiger at this moment, ready to pounce on anyone who dared to provoke him.


    Meanwhile, Mu Tianli watched with a faint smirk. He knew that Liu Wuxie was about to create a miracle in the Southern Province in a few minutes, iming first ce across all five trials¡ªan unprecedented feat in the history of the Ten Grand Ceremonies.


    The elders and disciples of the second-tier sects widened their eyes with excitement. They were finally about to witness theplete Grand Supreme Sword. If they couldprehend and learn it, it would be the ultimate technique for their sects.


    One by one, the moves wereid bare for everyone to see. There were a total of thirty-six moves; not one was missing. It was even more profound than theplete Grand Supreme Sword owned by the Heavenly Origin Sect, and Liu Wuxie had refined it.


    Liu Wuxie used a de, or this sword technique would be perfect for him. There was a remarkable bnce between offense and defense.


    "What an extraordinary sword technique!" Memory Talismans began to hover in the air to record the Grand Supreme Sword as observers prepared to study it when they returned.


    No amount of protests from the Heavenly Origin Sect could undo the damage done, and they couldn''t silence everyone present.


    There was nothing Bai Jin could do as he watched the prized Grand Supreme Sword fall into the hands of others.


    "Liu Wuxie, I''ll kill you!" Bai Jin roared, spitting blood in his fury from the pent-up grievance of the past five days.


    The sect master''s outburst shocked the surrounding crowd.


    Since the Spiritual Array Tower trial had begun, the Heavenly Origin Sect''s efforts had been gued with misfortune. They had lost many disciples in the first trial alone, killed by their own spiritual arrays.


    Although they suffered no losses in the Alchemy Tower, their performance wasckluster. As for the Talisman Tower and cksmithing Tower, they suffered humiliation at the hands of Liu Wuxie.


    And now, the pride and legacy of their Heavenly Origin Sect, the Grand Supreme Sword, had been exposed to the world. This left Bai Jin at aplete loss, not knowing how to answer to the sect''s ancestors.


    The surroundings fell into a heavy silence, and no one dared to speak. After all, the weight of this loss was unbearable to anyone present and significantly impacted the Heavenly Origin Sect.


    "Sect master, please take care of yourself!" The three elders of the Heavenly Origin Sect rushed forward to console Bai Jin.


    Things had already taken ce, and they could only wait for the final battle to kill Liu Wuxie to salvage the sect''s honor.


    Elder He stood with the other two elders stationed at the tower''s base to prevent the Heavenly Origin Sect from acting out of desperation.


    When Liu Wuxie came out of the tower, he was met with an odd atmosphere with countless eyes focused on him. Their eyes were filled with doubt, shock, admiration, and envy.


    With variousplicated, mixed emotions, a wave of boundless anger radiated from the Heavenly Origin Sect''s direction and reached Liu Wuxie.


    "Kid, you''re ruthless, but I like it!" Elder He eximed with undisguised excitement.


    This time, Liu Wuxie had outdone himself by striking a devastating blow to the Azure Crimson Gate and Heavenly Origin Sect.


    Rolling his eyes at Elder He, Liu Wuxie returned to his tent. He was exhausted from deciphering so many martial techniques in session, and his soul energy was incredibly exhausted.


    He had used the Heavenly Dao Book extensively throughout the trial, and he needed rest.


    He searched through his interspatial ring and took out a Soul Condensing Pill, swallowing it in a gulp to help him recover his depleted spiritual energy.


    Meanwhile, the trial raged on in the tower. Bai Yuan didn''t know his current ranking, but he gave it his all and smoothly reached the tenth level two hours after Liu Wuxie was done.


    However, there were no spectators to watch his performance. They had lost interest in watching how the spectators deciphered the martial techniques and were focused on studying the Seven-Lethals Sword Array and the Grand Supreme Sword.


    Despite their performances, they were palepared to Liu Wuxie, and there was simply noparison between them.


    When Bai Yuanpleted the trial, he was confused when he looked at the surroundings.


    "Elder Qian, what''s going on?" Bai Yuan asked with a grim face. He could feel that something wasn''t right.


    "Our Grand Supreme Sword has beenpletely deciphered," Qian Chong said, not daring to hide anything. He even pointed at a stone wall on the tenth level. There, Liu Wuxie had etched theplete, wless depiction of the Grand Supreme Sword in for everyone to see.


    Bai Yuan stumbled and nearly copsed to the ground. He yelled, "How could this happen?"


    He retraced Liu Wuxie''s footsteps, and his eyes deepened with shock each time. By the time he reached the tenth level, his heart was pounding with fear. Liu Wuxie''sprehension of martial techniques was beyond anything Bai Yuan had ever encountered. It was as though there wasn''t a single martial technique he couldn''t decipher.


    This made Bai Yuan wonder if Liu Wuxie was someone in the True Profound Realm. But even powerhouses in the True Profound Realm couldn''t decipher all thirty-six moves of the Grand Supreme Sword from just one move¡ªand in such a short time.


    "Young master, time is running out. That brat has obtained first ce across all five trials and will obtain double his rewards, which means ten Ascension Pills. His cultivation will grow rapidly during this time," Qian Chong said, his faceced with worry.


    Liu Wuxie''s understanding of martial techniques had surpassed everyone present, and they had to kill him before he could grow. If they allowed him to grow, no one would be his match based on his insight into martial techniques.


    "I will kill him myself!" Bai Yuan clenched his fists, and his murderous intent surged as he returned to the Heavenly Origin Sect''s region with Qian Chong.


    "Father, I have brought you shame!" Bai Yuan eximed as he fell to his knees upon returning. He knew his father would ultimately bear the me for the exposure of the Grand Supreme Sword.


    The sect might have overlooked the incident if Bai Yuan had secured first ce in all five trials. However, not only did he fail to achieve a good result, but his performance also tarnished his father¡¯s reputation. The weight of guilt pressed heavily on him.


    "This has nothing to do with you," Bai Jin sighed and motioned for his son to rise. His gaze lingered on Liu Wuxie''s tent, but Mu Tianli had set up a barrier that prevented any divine sense from prating.


    "Saving the entire sect by himself. The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion has stolen the show this time." The second-tier sects began to discuss among themselves.


    The past few days had been dominated by Liu Wuxie, turning the trials into a one-man show as he crushed all the contestants with an overwhelming advantage.


    "But what good will it do? It doesn''t change the fact that his cultivation is too low. The Heavenly Origin Sect and Azure Crimson Gate won''t let him leave alive in the final battle tomorrow." While Liu Wuxie¡¯s talent earned the respect of many, it also drew envy in equal measure. Such was theplexity of human nature¡ªadmiration and jealousy walking hand in hand.


    "I have a feeling that it won''t be simple. With ten Ascension Pills, Liu Wuxie''s cultivation will continue to rise, and it won''t be easy for him to be killed unless numerous experts gang up on him!"


    Everyone had witnessed Liu Wuxie''s strength, especially how he had killed a fifth-level Astral River Realm disciple from the Heavenly Origin Sect.


    "The Heavenly Origin Sect will most likely join forces with the other sects to target and kill him."


    Even if Liu Wuxie was strong, there was no way he could confront so many people alone. It wasn''t a secret that the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion was internally fragmented and disorganized, making it impossible for them to join hands with Liu Wuxie. Many of his fellow disciples were more than happy to see him dead.


    When the final tower trial concluded in the evening, news of Liu Wuxie''s act of deciphering theplete version of the Grand Supreme Sword reached Xu Lingxue, who was stunned by the news.


    She knew how powerful the Grand Supreme Sword was. Bai Yuan had once promised to teach her the Grand Supreme Sword if she agreed to marry him. This ultimate technique of the Heavenly Origin Sect had be public for everyone to learn.


    The trial ended with Liu Wuxie iming first ce, Bai Yuan second, and Qu Yang third.


    When Liu Wuxie came out of his tent, he had recovered from all the exhaustion after an afternoon of rest. All that remained was the Ascension Pills, which would allow him to reach the third level of the Astral River Realm.

 Chapter 644 - Third-Level of the Astral River Realm

    <h4>Chapter 644 - Third-Level of the Astral River Realm</h4>


    Liu Wuxie received ten Ascension Pills under countless envious gazes fixated on him. These pills were painstakingly crafted with the resources pooled by the ten major sects, but they had all gone to him now.


    Those who contributed to the pills felt bitter, especially the Azure Crimson Gate and Heavenly Origin Sect. This was no different from them financing their enemy''s growth, and the humiliation felt like swallowing a rotten egg.


    Liu Wuxie had be a thorn in their side.


    "Wuxie, you¡¯ve truly surprised me!" Xu Lingxue said as she approached, her voice tinged with amazement. Liu Wuxie''s extraordinary performance over the past few days had left her stunned and as she reflected on their shared past in the mundane world, a sense of guilt began to stir within her.


    Though she had never openly ridiculed Liu Wuxie, she once harbored disdain for him. That wasn''t surprising, as Liu Wuxie was a rotten egg that couldn''t be saved.


    "Time is short, and I must enter seclusion now. We can catch up when the Ten Grand Ceremony ends," Liu Wuxie replied with a brief smile. He needed to enter seclusion with the final battle just a day away, fully aware that it was only the beginning of the challenges toe.


    "Go on!" Xu Lingxue replied as she watched Liu Wuxie disappear into the distance.


    Mu Tianli sat in his brightly lit tent with Elder He standing by his side.


    "Sect Master, what happened? You seem troubled," Elder He asked. He had followed Mu Tianli for over a century and wasn''t just a subordinate but also his friend. Before him, Mu Tianli didn''t have to conceal his emotions.


    "Something happened to Ying''er!" Mu Tianli said with his brows locked together with worry.


    "What happened?" Elder He was rmed. Mu Yueying was Mu Tianli¡¯s daughter. She had gone to the Heavenly Nether Battlefield a year ago.


    "I''m not entirely sure. I gave her an Alert Talisman before she left. If she encountered danger and used it, I would sense it," Mu Tianli exined, his voiceden with concern.


    But the Heavenly Nether Battlefield was countless miles away, governed by uniquews. Someone in the Nascent Transformation Realm couldn''t enter, not to mention someone in the True Profound Realm. Thus, Mu Tianli could do nothing, even if he wanted to save his daughter.


    Due to the uniquews, those in the True Profound Realm would be knocked flying away the moment they got close.


    "Perhaps we can send other disciples to investigate!" The crushed Alert Talisman might mean that Mu Yueying had run into some trouble but was not necessarily in danger.


    "Send other disciples?" Mu Tianli smiled wryly. There were few people he could trust for this mission, and it was futile for ordinary people to enter. After all, Mu Yueying''s strength surpassed most cultivators in the high levels of the Astral River Realm. Sending someone weaker would be futile.


    Elder He''s eyes lit up with an idea, and he said, "What about him?"


    "Absolutely not. The Ten Grand Ceremony is vital to our sect¡¯s honor. This is our chance to reim prominence after thousands of years, and I can¡¯t let him leave now," Mu Tianli said firmly. He knew exactly who Elder He was referring to, but he also understood the importance of prioritizing the sect¡¯s interests over personal matters.


    However, their conversation was cut short when Liu Wuxie entered the tent. He nned to use the cultivation chamber to make a breakthrough, but after he came in, he instantly felt that the surrounding atmosphere wasn''t right.


    "What happened?" Liu Wuxie asked. He naturally noticed the sect master''s locked brows and how Elder He avoided his gaze.


    "Nothing that concerns you. Go on!" Elder He said quickly, urging Liu Wuxie toward the cultivation chamber. The final battle was looming, and Elder He knew that if Liu Wuxie could make a breakthrough, his chances of survival would significantly improve.


    Liu Wuxie didn''t press any further since they weren''t willing to tell him, and he entered the cultivation chamber.


    When the cultivation chamber was closed, the two let out a deep sigh.


    Sitting in the cultivation chamber, Liu Wuxie calmed himself with his legs crossed. With the Deste Devouring Art executed, terrifying liquified spiritual energy began pouring into the deste world.


    Over the past five days, his cultivation had reached the pinnacle of the second-level Astral River Realm, and he took out fourteen Ascension Pills. The pills were enough for him to reach the third level of the Astral River Realm.


    ording to his estimation, ten Ascension Pills were enough for him to make a breakthrough in his cultivation, and he could give the remaining Ascension Pills to Lan Ling and others who had supported him on the first day.


    After consuming three Ascension Pills, terrifying ripples surged through Liu Wuxie''s meridians, carrying a faint tearing sensation that felt like knives slicing through him.


    Despite the pain, Liu Wuxie only winced, his powerful physique allowing him to endure it withposure. This intense energy flow immediately loosened the bottleneck, pushing him closer to breaking through to the third level of the Astral River Realm.


    As the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron¡¯s suction force intensified, a fearsome vortex formed above Liu Wuxie¡¯s head, drawing in all the surrounding spiritual energy with relentless force. The liquified spiritual energy gathered in massive quantities, measured in the millions of units, and poured directly into the deste world within.


    Nourished by the liquified spiritual energy, the Golden Spirit Fruit grew rapidly, and the other three fruits turned golden.


    The mysterious tree also began to grow in size, its branches swaying as though it was rejoicing.


    Now that Liu Wuxie was only one step away from the third level of the Astral River Realm, he took out three more Ascension Pills and gulped them down.


    Their effects would weaken with more consumption. After all, the more pills consumed, the more resistance the body would build up.


    With a substantial supply of Ascension Pills at his disposal, Liu Wuxie resolved to use them to forcibly break through to the third level of the Astral River Realm. His actions had already offended the Azure Crimson Gate, Demonic Heart Pce, Indigo Cloud Gate, and Heavenly Origin Sect, and their retribution was inevitable.


    Outside the Sky Rift Valley, other sects might also conspire against him. His unparalleled talent made him a target, with many seeking to uncover his secrets.


    Although no one mentioned the Golden Spirit Fruit, that didn''t mean they weren''t interested. His cultivation continued to rise, and he was already one step into the third level of the Astral River Realm. But he could still feel that something wascking.


    An overwhelming surge of power coursed through his body, like a flood breaking through a dam. His true essence roared like a horde of demonic beasts, violently shattering the threshold to the third level of the Astral River Realm. A whole new world of cultivation unfolded before him, filled with boundless potential and energy.


    After his breakthrough, Liu Wuxie didn''t dare to stop. The Deste Devouring Art continued to devour liquified spiritual energy; he even took out high-grade spirit stones to absorb them.


    As terrifying spiritual energy coursed through his body, paired with the uniquews and deste world, his strength wasparable to those in the low levels of the Nascent Transformation Realm.


    Moreover, his primordial spirit had grown stronger from consuming Soul Condensing Pills.


    The Heavenly Dao Book had absorbedws from the five trials he had gone through, and the number of pages had increased from one to over a dozen. Eachw represented a sequence of heaven and earth.


    Liu Wuxie''s cultivation continued to rise, and he soon reached thete phase of the third level of the Astral River Realm.


    Though there was still some distance to the pinnacle, he didn''t choose to consume the remaining four Ascension Pills. After all, the effects had diminished from overconsumption, and they could only provide minor increases to his true essence at best.


    His immense true essence was already a boundless ocean, and a slight increase didn''t matter to him. As long as he could consume more resources with the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron, his deste world could continue to expand into a massive continent.


    The various sects'' territories were filled with discussions about tomorrow''s final battle, and all eyes were on Liu Wuxie.


    He had exhibited extraordinary talent in alchemy, talisman, spiritual arrays, cksmithing, and martial techniques. If they could harness such talent, their sect could easily rise to the strongest sect out of the ten.


    Secondly, Liu Wuxie had an abundance of treasures, such as the Golden Spirit Fruit and Ascension Pills.


    "Did you all hear my instructions?" Bai Jin addressed over a hundred disciples before him.


    "Yes!" everyone replied in unison, their voices resolute.


    Bai Jin had only one request for them: to kill Liu Wuxie. Whether or not they could obtain a good result on the Ten Grand Ceremony was secondary.


    Others, like the Azure Crimson Gate and Demonic Heart Pce, were secretly plotting to capture Liu Wuxie alive before the Heavenly Origin Sect could kill him and uncover his secrets.


    As time ticked, only the Sky Rift Valley and Misty Sect remained calm and showed no hostility toward anyone.


    The morning came quickly, marking the beginning of the final battle.


    Meanwhile, Liu Wuxie spent two months in the cultivation chamber and had consolidated his cultivation. When he clenched his fists together, a powerful shockwave of energy rippled around him.


    "Now that I have reached the third level of the Astral River Realm, I should have more confidence in facing those in the low levels of the Nascent Transformation Realm," Liu Wuxie murmured to himself.


    Before this breakthrough, he could only hold his ground against those in the Nascent Transformation Realm, and the difficulty of killing them was immense. Even if he managed to defeat them, it would have resulted in mutual destruction for both sides.


    Before he came out of the cultivation chamber, Liu Wuxie performed a fist technique to adjust his condition to the top state.


    Mu Tianli and Elder He were already waiting outside for him.


    "Wuxie, the rules for the trial are simple. You will be sent to a designated area for one month, and we''re not allowed to interfere with what happens inside. Find a safe ce and hide once you''re inside," Mu Tianli said. He didn''t want Liu Wuxie to expose himself too soon.


    The final battle was brutal, and each opening was a living hell. This was also where sects often forged their grudges.


    In previous years, casualties during the trials were rtively low unless treasures were involved. However, this year was different¡ªLiu Wuxie had be a prime target for many.


    "Understood," Liu Wuxie replied. He had already memorized the rules beforehand.


    Even without Mu Tianli''s reminder, he knew the next month wouldn''t be peaceful. However, based on his personality, it was also impossible for him to go into hiding for the entire month.


    The three exited the tent, and there were many disciples waiting outside. Aside from those in Qin Dao''s faction, the others looked at Liu Wuxie with envy.


    "Senior Brother Lan, I have four Ascension Pills left, and you can split them among yourselves," Liu Wuxie said as he gave Lan Ling the remaining four Ascension Pills. He was grateful for their support.


    "Thank you! I won''t refuse then!" Lan Ling replied cheerfully. He knew that the Ascension Pill was no longer of significant help to Liu Wuxie, but these pills could make a considerable difference for them.


    Mu Tianli gave a brief speech, reiterating the key points. He hadn''t mentioned it yesterday as Liu Wuxie was in seclusion, and his main objective was to get the disciples to unite, as internal strife would be disastrous.

 Chapter 645 - Frost Mice

    <h4>Chapter 645 - Frost Mice</h4>


    Today, the skies above the Heavenly Mountain were cloaked in an eerie chill, saturated with boundless murderous intent.


    Countless gazes converged on Liu Wuxie as no one could protect him once they entered the designated zone, not even his sect, the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    "There''s a barrier beyond that mountain which cannot be broken for a month. So, what lies ahead is uncertain¡ªlife or death, no one can predict. You will not only have to guard against treachery from yourpanions and assassination attempts from your foes but also face the provocation of Snowmen," Mu Tianli said, pointing toward the mountain range enveloped in a massive barrier.


    Most disciples were eager for the final battle. It was rumored that the legendary ten-thousand-year Snow Lotus could be found there. Not only could it be used to increase the cultivation, but it could also strengthen the talent.


    "Set out!" Mu Tianli said now that everyone was gathered. He turned to look at Liu Wuxie with a hint of concern in his eyes and nodded.


    The Heavenly Origin Sect had nned ahead, strategically dispersing their disciples across ten separate entry points to avoid immediate confrontation upon entering the trial. Each entrance was separated by hundreds of miles, with the Heavenly Origin Sect''s designated points located in the southwest.


    When Mu Tianli opened the barrier, Qin Dao was the first to step inside, vanishing into the snowy mountain range. Though he undoubtedly harbored intentions to kill Liu Wuxie, he wouldn¡¯t make a move in front of the sect master. The depths of the mountain range would offer him a better opportunity.


    Over a hundred disciples had entered the snowy mountain range in less than one minute. Among them, Liu Wuxie moved like a shadow, flickering out of sight like a wisp of wind, his destination a mystery to all.


    "This brat," Mu Tianli muttered with a faint smile. Despite the dangers, he trusted Liu Wuxie''s intelligence and strength to see him through the trial.


    The month ahead would be a long and anxious wait for those outside, who could do nothing but count the days until the trial''s conclusion.


    <strong>......</strong>


    Liu Wuxie performed the Nine Heavenly Crane Dance, gliding gracefully across the treacherous terrain like a celestial crane beforending in a secluded valley. The air was icy, piercing like needles against his skin, and this area was significantly colder than the outer regions.


    Circting the Deste Devouring Art, Liu Wuxie drew the surrounding chill into his body to help him cultivate the ice dao technique.


    He surveyed the surroundings with Ghost Eye, observing the seemingly boundless snowy mountain range. Each step required him to use his movement technique; traveling normally risked being buried in snow, which in some areas was over ten meters deep.


    There was no sign of anyone for miles around, allowing Liu Wuxie to let his guard down slightly. He nned to explore the mountain range as he cultivated.


    <strong>......</strong>


    Meanwhile, Bai Jin had returned to his tent with three elders. Not long after, the Azure Crimson Gate''s sect master and three elders also entered the tent belonging to the Heavenly Origin Sect. Amon enemy bound the two sects as they began their discussion.


    "Sect Master Feng, please have a seat," Bai Jin said politely.


    Feng Gaoqiu sped his hands together as a formal greeting. This was the first time the two parties had sat down formally.


    "Sect Master Bai, how confident are you in eliminating Liu Wuxie?" Feng Gaoqiu asked bluntly, wasting no time on pleasantries. Their alliance existed solely because of their shared enemy.


    "That boy will be dead in ten days," Bai Jin said, his eyes glinting with confidence. It appeared he had made all preparations.


    "What if he goes into hiding? It will be troublesome then," Feng Gaoqiu said, his brows locked. The barrier set up by the ten major sects was massive, and they couldn''t find Liu Wuxie if thetter were determined to go into hiding.


    "Please be rest assured, Sect Master Feng. We have our ways of tracking him, and we need the Azure Crimson Gate''s cooperation," Bai Jin replied with a mysterious smile, but he didn''t reveal their ways of tracking Liu Wuxie.


    <strong>......</strong>


    Over two thousand soul tablets were on the tform in the center. Before entering, the disciples of the ten major sects had extracted a fragment from their souls to infuse into the soul tablets. The soul tablet would be shattered if a disciple died inside the barrier.


    Liu Wuxie''s soul tablet was ced at the very center among the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s disciples, enveloped in a faint soul energy. If Liu Wuxie died, the soul tablet would also shatter.


    <strong>......</strong>


    Over a dozen Heavenly Origin Sect disciples gathered on a snowy mountain. They didn''t spread out the moment they entered. They nned to divide themselves into multiple groups in a small cluster to search for Liu Wuxie''s whereabouts.


    That was also the same for the Azure Crimson Gate, Demonic Heart Pce, and Indigo Cloud Gate disciples. The disciples would be divided into groups of ten to search for Liu Wuxie, and they had established connections among themselves. If anyone found Liu Wuxie, the others would be immediately alerted.


    With such an expansive search, they were confident they could find Liu Wuxie even if he went into hiding.


    "Qin Dao, do we have to take it that far?" In another area, Qin Dao stood with seven disciples around him. They were likely members of the Lesser de Association.


    "Don''t you all want to reach the Nascent Transformation Realm?" Qin Dao asked as he looked at the surroundings, but none of the disciples dared to meet his eyes.


    "Senior Brother Qin is right. Liu Wuxie has heaven-defying treasures like the Golden Spirit Fruit, and not just one. If we manage to obtain them, reaching the Nascent Transformation Realm will no longer be a dream for us," Sun Shangxiang said in support of Qin Dao.


    At the mention of the Golden Spirit Fruits, everyone''s eyes lit up with greed. And soon, the grand hunt for Liu Wuxie began.


    In addition to the Heavenly Origin Sect and Azure Crimson Gate, the other sects, such as the Divine Sun Pce and Dugu n''s disciples, also showed a keen interest in Liu Wuxie.


    <strong>......</strong>


    Meanwhile, Liu Wuxie remained in his spot to absorb the surrounding icy energy. His cultivation progress here was rapid, akin to crossing a thousand miles in a day.


    As night fell, the surrounding temperature plummeted. The cold was ten times harsher here than in the outer region. When the icy energy became too overwhelming for Liu Wuxie''s body, he stopped absorption, and his limbs began to stiffen.


    "It would be great if there''s a cave!" Liu Wuxie murmured to himself. He couldn''t find any caves within a radius of ten thousand miles.


    As the icy wind howled relentlessly, Liu Wuxie murmured to himself, "I can¡¯t stay here any longer. I need to find shelter from this wind."


    With a sh, he vanished, leaving no footprints on the ground. He traveled for several thousand meters before he spotted a massive boulder he could use to shelter from the icy wind.


    After taking refuge behind the boulder, Liu Wuxie nned to rest for the night before continuing his journey at dawn. The night was the coldest and when the Snowmen were most active.


    Aside from the infamous Snowmen, the Heavenly Mountain also had countless creatures around, such as the Frost Mice. While the Frost Mice had norge build, they often traveled in groups.


    Moreover, their noses were so sensitive that they could detect the scent of human blood from miles away.


    As the night deepened, the icy wind seeped into Liu Wuxie''s body through his neck. Despite thete hour, the moonlight illuminated the surroundings, making it as bright as day.


    When snow budged in the distance, Liu Wuxie immediately tensed up. A tiny creature''s head emerged from the snow, revealing two razor-sharp fangs with its glowing green eyes locked onto Liu Wuxie.


    "Frost Mice!" Liu Wuxie eximed as he rose to his feet. He didn''t expect to run into Frost Mice so quickly, and his scent must''ve lured them over.


    The Frost Mice were attracted by the blood essence in a human''s body, which was the same for demonic beasts. This was why they liked to consume humans.


    Liu Wuxie prepared himself with the Heretic de in his hand.


    A horde of Frost Mice surged from the surroundings to surround him.


    While Liu Wuxie had considered flying away, doing so would only expose him and make him an easy target. Most importantly, the skies were riddled with ice vortexes, and flying recklessly would result in death.


    Even mighty warships would be torn apart if they ran into the ice vortexes, not to mention a human body. Liu Wuxie also didn''t want to take the risk unless he had no choice.


    Tens of thousands of Frost Mice''s squeaking cries echoed throughout the night. They stood five meters away from Liu Wuxie, forming a dense horde.


    "Why are there so many Frost Mice?!" Though Liu Wuxie wasn''t afraid of the Frost Mice, he couldn''t help feeling a chill at the overwhelming numbers.


    The Frost Mice looked hungry for blood as they approached Liu Wuxie with impatient squeaks.


    Among the horde, Liu Wuxie saw a gigantic Frost Mouse reaching half a meter tall, which was likely the king of this horde. Its massive frame left a long trail on the snow as it moved.


    With a sharpmand from the leading Frost Mouse, the horde lunged at Liu Wuxie, their synchronized squeaks sending a shiver down his spine.


    Liu Wuxie wasn''t the only one facing Frost Mice that night, as many others faced the same peril as him.


    The Frost Mice had lived in the Heavenly Mountain for countless years and easily numbered in billions, upying every corner.


    A blood-curdling scream echoed from hundreds of miles away, carried by the wind, and was faintly heard by Liu Wuxie. Back at the observation tform, a soul tablet shattered, marking the first death.


    "A disciple of the Divine Sun Pce!" eximed a second-tier sect disciple who had been monitoring the status of the soul tablets.


    "Someone died already?" one observer muttered in disbelief. It was only the first day, and yet the harrowing trials of the Heavenly Mountain hinted that more deaths were inevitable.


    "This year''s Heavenly Mountain is unusual. Didn''t you notice that there are more ice vortexes this year? There are even signs of ice rain," a Sky Rift Valley elder said with deep concern in his eyes.


    The Heavenly Mountain''s environment had be harsherpared to the past.


    "Not only are the ice vortexes denser than usual," added a Misty Sect elder, sharing the same unease, "but the sudden burst of True Profound Realm aura earlier today may have triggered a snowstorm."


    When Liu Wuxie had killed a disciple from the Heavenly Origin Sect on the first day, it had caused a confrontation between Bai Jin and Mu Tianli. The outburst of aura in the True Profound Realm had nearly caused an avnche.


    Though the two parties had restrained themselves initially, cracks had also appeared in many areas, and a snowstorm seemed inevitable.


    "I only hope that the disciples can survive the month," said an elder of the Transcendent Plume Gate. After all, no one wished to see casualties amongst their disciples.


    <strong>......</strong>


    Meanwhile, Liu Wuxie only had one way out of this predicament¡ªto carve a path of blood.


    The Frost Mice pounced forward when they got close to Liu Wuxie, filling every inch of space in the surroundings.


    Liu Wuxie didn''t hesitate to swing down with the Heretic de, unleashing a boundless de aura that formed into a storm, sweeping through the Frost Mice pouncing at him.


    The Frost Mice in the surroundings were ripped apart by the de aura, their blood raining down. But this only further triggered the bloodlust of the Frost Mice, who continued to pounce over them.


    The ground was littered with corpses every second whenever Liu Wuxie swung the Heretic de down.

 Chapter 646 - Assault

    <h4>Chapter 646 - Assault</h4>


    A thick stench of blood filled the surroundings, enveloping a radius of thousands of kilometers, and it only drew more creatures over.


    Aside from the Frost Mice, the Heavenly Mountain was home to another creature that few humans dared to provoke: the Ice Spirit Serpents. These serpents were far more terrifying, with snow-white bodies seamlessly blending into the icyndscape, making them nearly impossible to spot.


    The Ice Spirit Serpents preferred to lurk in the shadows, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. A single bite could paralyze their prey, turning them into lifeless ice sculptures.


    Although Liu Wuxie hadprehended the ice element, he would be immobilized if they bit him. While the bite wouldn¡¯t be fatal to him, it would be troublesome.


    For the other disciples, however, the consequences were far more dire. An encounter with an Ice Spirit Serpent could mean death. Their blood would be drained, leaving them as frozen husks if they weren¡¯t careful.


    Remaining vignt, Liu Wuxie kept his divine sense active, scanning the area as he battled the Frost Mice. His caution wasn¡¯t limited to the Frost Mice; he was wary of anyone or anything that might be hiding nearby, ready to exploit a moment of weakness.


    Three Ice Spirit Serpents were slowly creeping behind the boulder, approaching Liu Wuxie. They nned to strike when Liu Wuxie¡¯s guard was down, aiming for a sudden and deadly attack.


    Little did they know, Liu Wuxie had already noticed them relying on Ghost Eye, and he would unleash Soul Spears at them the moment they attacked.


    The Ice Spirit Serpents had a striking weakness: their fragile souls. However, their physical forms could meld with the ice, making it hard to kill them even if severed.


    Meanwhile, the Frost Mice continued their relentless assault on Liu Wuxie, their corpses piling up around him. Watching its offspring fall, the Mouse King¡¯s eyes turned bloodshot with fury, and it let out a piercing, sharp screech that echoed across the icyndscape.


    The screech caused the surrounding Frost Mice¡¯s attacks to increase. They began biting each other¡¯s tails and formed a long, twisting chain that spiraled into the air like a long whip, and this action startled Liu Wuxie.


    The attack of the Frost Mice was special, and they could act individually or take on a formation. Once they formed into a whip, they attacked Liu Wuxie¡¯s legs, hoping to bind him tightly.


    Though the Frost Mice couldn¡¯t understand humannguage, it didn¡¯t mean they weren¡¯t intelligent. They were highly intelligent species, especially the Mouse King, whomanded the horde with their screech.


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t fear the Frost Mice, but the three Ice Spirit Serpents lurking in the surroundings as they posed a greater threat. A single bite would immobilize him, leaving him defenseless against the ravenous rats.


    For years, the Frost Mice and Ice Spirit Serpents had worked together to kill countless disciples from the ten major sects. Aside from humans, other demonic beasts also fell victim to them, such as Frost Bears and Snowmen.


    The white pine tree trembled under the shockwave as it cascaded to the ground in a flurry.


    ¡°Do you really think you can kill me?¡± Liu Wuxie growled. He was furious, and his patience wore thin. He had to end the fight quickly, or themotion might attract Snowmen.


    Snowmen didn¡¯t cultivate true essence, but their immense size and innate strength made them a formidable foe that even experts in the Nascent Transformation Realm had to be cautious of.


    Liu Wuxie drew a shadow with the Heretic de, which turned into a screen of de auras as a waterfall descended from the sky, tearing the surrounding Frost Mice apart.


    He had only used ten percent of his strength, and the sudden outburst was like a hurricane that cleaned all the Frost Mice within dozens of meters.


    The distant Mouse King¡¯s expression shifted to a human-like fear. It hadn¡¯t expected Liu Wuxie to be so formidable.


    When Liu Wuxie began cleaning the surrounding Frost Mice, the three Ice Spirit Serpents hidden behind the boulder finally moved. They were like three bolts of lightning, aiming at Liu Wuxie from three directions¡ªhigh, middle, and low.


    ¡°Hmph!¡± Liu Wuxie snorted as the Soul Spears manifested into three swords and locked onto the three Ice Spirit Serpents, shattering their soul sea while they were in mid-air.


    The Ice Spirit Serpents fell to the ground, curled up and dead.


    ¡°They¡¯re all treasures, containing powerful ice elements within their corpses. I can use them to practice my ice dao technique,¡± Liu Wuxie murmured. He didn¡¯t waste the corpses and threw them into the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron with a wave of his hand to refine them.


    Seeing the death of the three Ice Spirit Serpents, the Mouse King let out another sharp screech as the surrounding Frost Mice immediately burrowed into the ground. In mere moments, the battlefield had been cleaned up with shattered remains and blood stains left on the ground.


    This ce was no longer safe. The thick stench of blood might attract more predators, and Liu Wuxie set off on his next journey under the cover of night.


    As time gradually passed, it had already been two days since Liu Wuxie had entered the mountain range. He crossed paths with other people, but there was no feud between them, nor did Liu Wuxie start a massacre.


    <strong>......</strong>


    Ten disciples of the Heavenly Origin Sect stood together on the distant mountain, with Bai Yuan leading this group.


    ¡°Young master, we¡¯ve searched for the past two days, but there are no tracks of Liu Wuxie,¡± one disciple reported. They tried to find Liu Wuxie; thetter would mysteriously vanish whenever they found his tracks.


    ¡°It¡¯s only a matter of time before we find him,¡± Bai Yuan said. Over a hundred disciples of the Heavenly Origin Sect had scattered out, and he believed they would find Liu Wuxie soon enough. Moreover, every group had an expert and only had to hold Liu Wuxie down the moment they discovered him.


    ¡°Young master, why don¡¯t we capture his wife and force him to show up?¡± a disciple of the Heavenly Origin Sect suggested.


    The group had given birth to sinister ideas upon learning that Xu Lingxue was Liu Wuxie¡¯s wife. If they captured Xu Lingxue, they could force Liu Wuxie to show himself.


    "That¡¯s an excellent idea, Senior Brother Yu!" Ye Feng said with enthusiasm, readily agreeing to the n. The suggestion hade from Yu Tianyi, who harbored a deep grudge against Liu Wuxie since their encounter in the mundane world.


    However, Bai Yuan frowned at the idea. He had pursued Xu Lingxue for over a year, but there wasn¡¯t any progress. If he went to threaten Xu Lingxue, it would shatter whatever little friendship they had. Xu Lingxue would also hate him if he killed Liu Wuxie.


    However, it would be an entirely different story if they killed Liu Wuxie secretly, with no one knowing.


    ¡°Young Master, this is ourst resort. You¡¯re meant for greater things and do not need to dwell over a woman. To achieve your goal, you must be willing to sacrifice everything¡ªeven loved ones,¡± Yu Tianyi said with murderous intent shing in his eyes.


    The events in the mundane world still filled Yu Tianyi with bitter hatred. Liu Wuxie had destroyed his warship and humiliated him in front of all the disciples who had traveled with him. The memory of that embarrassment festered, driving his desire for revenge.


    The other disciples nodded at what Yu Tianyi said. While Xu Lingxue was gorgeous, Bai Yuan had to be ruthless as he was meant for greater things. Thus, everyone turned to look at Bai Yuan, waiting for his reply.


    Bai Yuan fell into deep thoughts and found sense in what they said, but thetter couldn¡¯t cross that threshold in his heart. He was the strongest prodigy in the Southern Province, and his reputation would be tarnished if others knew that he had to capture Liu Wuxie¡¯s wife to kill him.


    ¡°We¡¯ll use that n if we still can¡¯t kill Liu Wuxie in half a month,¡± Bai Yuan said after a long pause. As it was only half a month, no one refuted his suggestion.


    <strong>......</strong>


    Liu Wuxie stood on a pine tree and looked into the distance. He had searched the surrounding mountain range and could only venture deeper to look for the mythical ten-thousand-year Snow Lotuses.


    When he executed the Ghost Eye, he captured everything within a kilometer radius.


    ¡°So, they still found me,¡± Liu Wuxie murmured as he retracted the Ghost Eye. It was inevitable as he couldn''t go unnoticed despite the massive mountain range.


    Thousands of people gathered in the surroundings, and avoiding detection was almost impossible. Now, ten had closed in on him with great speed.


    This time, Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t choose to run, so he braced himself instead. He hadcked an actual battle after reaching the third level of the Astral River Realm to consolidate his foundation.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, it was not easy to find you.¡± the Azure Crimson Gate¡¯s Wei Xiu approached with a grin. He had a cultivation in the ninth-level Astral River Realm.


    ¡°A battle is bound to break out between us, so let¡¯s start today,¡± Liu Wuxie said. It was time for a massacre now that he had trained himself in the mountain range for two days.


    The final battle was like a diator¡¯s arena, and only those who survived the bloodshed could be considered a prodigy. Such was the brutality of the cultivation world. He had used two days to familiarize himself with the mountain range and prepare for the battle ahead.


    He would have to fend off the snowstorm and eliminate his enemies simultaneously.


    ¡°Senior Brother Wei, stop wasting time with him! Don¡¯t forget how cunning he is!¡± one of the Azure Crimson Gate disciples urged, not wanting to waste time with Liu Wuxie. They had suffered too much at the hands of Liu Wuxie, and the best way was to kill him.


    ¡°Hear that? They all want you dead! Do you want to do it yourself, or do you want me to help you?¡± Wei Xiu said with a yful smile.


    For the past two days, everyone had been hunting relentlessly for Liu Wuxie, driven by the allure of the secrets he carried¡ªprizes that could alter their destinies. Wei Xiu, in particr, was in high spirits, marveling at the stroke of fortune that had brought this opportunity to him.


    He would reach the Nascent Transformation Realm without a hitch if he could obtain the Golden Spirit Fruits.


    ¡°Do you think a bunch of garbage like you can kill me? What a joke!¡± Liu Wuxie shook his head, his voiceced with disappointment. While they were strong, they could barely take a de strike from him.


    He could ughter cultivators in the ninth level of the Astral River Realm like dogs when he was in the first-level Astral River Realm, and his strength had undergone a drastic transformation after reaching the third level.


    ¡°What arrogance! How dare you speak so boldly in front of Senior Brother Wei? You can die now!¡± Aside from Wei Xiu, the other nine disciples weren¡¯t weak; the lowest was in the sixth level. The majority ranged from the seventh to eighth level. Even someone in the ninth-level Astral River Realm would die if they joined forces.


    ¡°Don¡¯t waste my time. If you¡¯re not going to attack, I will!¡± Liu Wuxie urged them to attack without wasting his time. One month might seem long, but it was short for cultivators.


    ¡°I have never seen such an arrogant person before!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s provocations ignited a wave of anger among the group; disbelief etched on their faces at his sheer audacity.


    Wei Xiu stepped forward with a sword in hand that gave off a cold glint.


    ¡°You may have deciphered the Seven-Lethals Sword Array, and even I admire your talent. But it¡¯s a pity that your cultivation is too low. This is your weakness, and you¡¯ll die even if you can decipher martial techniques,¡± Wei Xiu said.


    Liu Wuxie had deciphered many martial techniques during the Martial Tower trial, but that didn¡¯t mean he was strong inbat. After all, true essence wasn¡¯t needed to decipher the martial techniques.


    It was different this time because they would fight for real, and Wei Xiu nned to suppress Liu Wuxie by relying on his cultivation.

 Chapter 647 - Killing Ten Disciples

    <h4>Chapter 647 - Killing Ten Disciples</h4>


    Liu Wuxie had no interest in wasting time with words. He knew they wouldn¡¯t listen, and in his eyes, they were already as good as dead.


    "Enough of this nonsense!" Liu Wuxie roared, and he charged over with the Heretic de. When the de drew an arc in the air, the ten disciples from the Azure Crimson Gate felt a chill running down their spines.


    Like a mighty tiger out of a cage, the Heretic de exuded an overwhelming bloodlust, and this strike instantly made everyone feel something wasn''t right.


    Especially Wei Xiu, who had reached the pinnacle of the Astral River Realm. He could discern much more than others from this strike.


    As they were on a snowy mountain, Liu Wuxie couldn''t use the Heavenly Dragon Seal. If he did, the snow would copse, causing a blizzard. The Earth-Binding Chains could only be used on one person at a time, while the Demonic Purgatory Chains could only be used to imprison others, and it wasn''t suitable for offense.


    The Annihtion Fist was too powerful, and it had strong side effects since it wasbined with immortal techniques, and one wrong move could result in a backfire. Thus, he only had ess to the ice dao technique and Soul Spear.


    "Everyone, scatter out!" Wei Xiu roared, urging everyone to disperse. This way, Liu Wuxie''s de technique wouldn''t be able to lock onto everyone.


    Wei Xiu charged over when he was done, nning to take this de strike head-on. He was the strongest among the ten, and the others wouldn''t stand a chance against Liu Wuxie.


    He was fast, but Liu Wuxie was ten times faster than him.


    "Do you think you can dodge de technique by scattering out?" Liu Wuxie''s voice echoed like the harbinger of death, making everyone''s heart skip a beat and slowing their movements.


    An Azure Crimson Gate disciple with cultivation in the seventh level of the Astral River Realm was cleaved into two before he could react in time, his blood dying the sky red.


    "Liu Wuxie, I''ll kill you!" Wei Xiu shot forward like a meteor, his longsword blocking Liu Wuxie''s True Strike.


    As sparks flew, immense true essence flowed through the Heretic de to Liu Wuxie''s arm, sending the two flying under the impact.


    Liu Wuxie twisted in mid-air before firmlynding on the ground. However, Wei Xiu spun thrice in the air before he crashed onto the ground, his footsteps unsteady. This was the stark difference in their collision.


    "How is this possible? Senior Brother Wei failed to kill Liu Wuxie?" The remaining Azure Crimson Gate disciples stared in horror as they were expecting Wei Xiu to ughter Liu Wuxie.


    However, the reality was far from their expectations, and Liu Wuxie''s strength had far exceeded their imagination.


    Wei Xiu''s face was terrifyingly grim with a flicker of solemnity, and his arms trembled from the bacsh. When colliding with Liu Wuxie earlier, he felt like he had crashed into a thousand-year-old mountain, and the bacsh nearly shattered his tendons.


    There was no turning back now, and Liu Wuxie wouldn''t let them leave even if they wanted to. Looking at the corpse on the ground, the murderous intent on Wei Xiu''s face grew denser.


    The other disciples remained silent, not knowing what to say. They didn''t know if it was a stroke of luck or misfortune that they had run into Liu Wuxie.


    "What are you all waiting for? Come at me!" Liu Wuxie said with a cruel smile. He couldn''t allow his strength to be revealed, and this meant all of these people had to die¡ªnone could be left alive.


    "Don''t hold back! Set up the array!" Wei Xiu gave the order as the remaining disciples began to form the Seven-Lethals Sword Array, unleashing a boundless sword aura in Liu Wuxie''s direction.


    "Is this all you''ve got?" Liu Wuxie had already cracked the Seven-Lethals Sword Array and didn''t know where they got the cheeks to use it against him.


    He didn''t hesitate to charge into the sword array. His fingers danced and executed his ice dao technique. Each outburst of his fingers'' true essence caused the surrounding temperature to fall.


    "This is a dao technique!"


    Those in the Astral River Realm couldprehend a dao technique, but not many could trulyprehend one. Many people couldn''t learn a dao technique even after reaching the pinnacle of the Astral River Realm. This was the reason why they could only use martial techniques to fight.


    The Azure Crimson Gate disciples couldn''t dodge in time. Not to mention, Liu Wuxie had deciphered theplete Seven-Lethals Sword Array. He had calcted their movements down to the smallest detail.


    The icy beams shot like five silver thunderbolts, locking onto the five Azure Crimson Gate disciples. When they struck them, they were immediately turned into ice sculptures, frozen in ce.


    After spending several days on Heavenly Mountain, Frost Finger¡¯s power had grown immensely, and the Azure Crimson Gate disciples were quickly reduced to just four.


    Right then, Liu Wuxie executed the Soul Forge Art, nning to catch the remaining disciples by surprise.


    Two more disciples were struck by the Soul Spears, with their soul seas damaged as they wailed in agony on the ground.


    Only Wei Xiu and another disciple remained on their feet, dumbfounded. The two exchanged a look with deep shock. They thought they could rely on their robustws and true essence to kill Liu Wuxie, but the reality was the opposite¡ªLiu Wuxie had crushed them with his overwhelming true essence andws instead.


    They had underestimated him, believing that his lower cultivation would leave him vulnerable despite his talent. Now, as they stood facing the grim reality of their mistake, fear began to creep in. Regret filled their hearts¡ªthey had chosen to hunt a predator far beyond their understanding.


    "Run!" The first thought that crossed Wei Xiu''s mind was to flee. He didn''t want to stay here longer and nned to inform others of Liu Wuxie''s location to join forces.


    Ten people weren''t enough to deal with him, and it would be best to inform Bai Yuan to get help from the Heavenly Origin Sect. He didn''t hesitate to take out a Communication Talisman, prepared to contact the other disciples.


    "Don''t you think it''s toote to notify others now?" The Earth-Binding Chains shot out from Liu Wuxie''s soul sea and bound Wei Xiu in ce, rendering him immobile.


    Wei Xiu had initially nned to notify others upon locating Liu Wuxie, but hispanions had convinced him otherwise. They argued that such a golden opportunity shouldn¡¯t be wasted and proposed waiting to plunder Liu Wuxie¡¯s treasures before alerting anyone else.


    "W-What treasure is this?!" Wei Xiu had a high talent, but his experience was limited. He had never seen such a heaven-defying treasure like the Earth-Binding Chains before.


    Even Bai Yuan would be shocked if he saw the Earth-Binding Chains. After all, it was the Spirit n''s treasure, something the human race couldn''t forge.


    "You won''t have the chance to find out!" The Earth-Binding Chains tightened, digging into Wei Xiu''s skin and making him scream in agony. The more he struggled, the tighter the Earth-Binding Chains became, and his bones began to snap.


    The remaining disciple stood paralyzed, his mind nk with fear. He had even forgotten to flee, his legs feeling as if they were weighed down by lead, rendering himpletely immobile.


    With Wei Xiu controlled, Liu Wuxie turned to look at the remaining disciple. This made him tremble, and he dropped to his knees before Liu Wuxie.


    "I...I don''t want to die! P-Please, spare me!" That disciple began to kowtow to Liu Wuxie. Who would''ve thought that the high and mighty disciple of the Azure Crimson Gate would be begging for mercy before Liu Wuxie?


    With a flick of Liu Wuxie¡¯s finger, the disciple was frozen to death. Liu Wuxie naturally wouldn''t show mercy to his enemies as it would only lead to more people uniting against him. He couldn''t allow any witnesses to survive, and he even cleaned the battlefield before leaving.


    "They''re really rich!" Liu Wuxie murmured as he inspected the ten interspatial rings in his possession. His divine sense delved into their contents, revealing astonishing treasures. The treasures umted by the ten Azure Crimson Gate disciples over the years all belonged to Liu Wuxie now.


    Meanwhile, an uproar erupted outside the barrier when ten soul tablets belonging to the Azure Crimson Gate shattered. This had never happened before, and the cmity had struck a single sect.


    Feng Gaoqiu''s face was terrifyingly grim when he saw the soul tablet that represented Wei Xiu shattered. After all, Wei Xiu represented the future of the Azure Crimson Gate, whose position was equal to Lan Ling''s status in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    "How could this happen? Why did so many soul tablets from the Azure Crimson Gate shatter at once?" whispered the second-tier sects'' disciples and elders.


    "Is it Liu Wuxie¡¯s doing ?" someone spected.


    "That''s impossible! No matter how strong Liu Wuxie is, how can he kill so many people in one go?" another person outright dismissed the spection.


    "It must be the snowmen! They must''ve intruded on the snowman''s territory," spected yet another. There were various spections, but only a few believed that Liu Wuxie could aplish such a feat.


    Most people believed that the snowmen attacked the ten Azure Crimson Gate disciples, and the truth was inessible to the outside world, with the mountain range enveloped in a barrier.


    "Why is Wei Xiu dead?" an Azure Crimson Gate elder locked his brows as he looked at the shattered soul tablets. It was an immense blow to the Azure Crimson Gate to lose ten disciples when it had just been two days.


    "Sect master, do you think Liu Wuxie is behind this?" Elder He whispered, standing behind Mu Tianli.


    Mu Tianli remained silent because even he didn''t dare to believe that Liu Wuxie was behind it. Even Bai Yuan would struggle to kill ten people in a row in such a short time, and it remained a mystery to all.


    As the days passed, bloodshed continued every single moment. A fierce battle was inevitable when the Azure Crimson Gate disciples ran into those from the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. If both sides were evenly matched in strength, they would choose to avoid each other. But if one side were weaker, they would indeed be hunted down.


    The Indigo Cloud Gate and Transcendent Plume Gate also feuded, and their disciples would sh when they encountered each other.


    That was also the case for the Divine Sun Pce and Dugu n, who were at odds due to their businesses. The Dugu n also had to suppress the Divine Sun Pce to avoid being rankedst among the ten major sects, and they were rivals in every sense.


    The Sky Rift Valley and Misty Sect had no feud with others. In addition to the Misty Sect, which mainly consisted of female disciples, no one would go after them.


    Only the Demonic Heart Pce was feared by everyone, regardless of men or women. Their objective was clear¡ªto im first ce by eliminating all thepetition. Their performance was mediocre in the earlier trials, and this was theirst chance.


    With the encirclement formed by the other sects shrinking, Liu Wuxie''s maneuvering room became smaller, forcing him to head deeper into the treacherous mountains, where snowmen awaited.


    The outer regions were filled with people, crawling with enemies from the Heavenly Origin Sect, Azure Crimson Gate, and Indigo Cloud Gate, who conducted a meticulous search. The outer perimeters were mainly filled with their people.


    Liu Wuxie knew this couldn''t go on and had to break through the encirclement quickly. When he ran into disciples from the Divine Sun Pce or Dugu n, they would ry the message to the Heavenly Origin Sect, hoping to earn their favor.

 Chapter 648 - Hunting

    <h4>Chapter 648 - Hunting</h4>


    Many people who harbored ill intentions secretly followed Liu Wuxie, nning tounch sudden ambushes while he was distracted.


    The outer region was t and open, and Liu Wuxie stood beneath a towering mountain, the summit piercing into the clouds.


    "The Celestial Realm also had countless towering peaks, but this peak holds a unique beauty," murmured Liu Wuxie as he turned around and left. He didn''t choose to set foot on this mountain as this mountain was the home of the infamous Snowmen, and venturing recklessly would be dangerous.


    As for ten-thousand-year Snow Lotuses, they could only be found at the summit of such snowy mountains.


    After making a detour from the towering peak, Liu Wuxie came upon a vast, mirror-likeke. Theke was frozen, and its surface gleaming like a polished mirror reflected his image when he walked on it.


    Theke was devoid of trees or mountains for hundreds of miles, and a human walking on it was no different from an ant. He quickened his pace to cross theke, and numerous shadows flickered in the distance, gathering from the surroundings.


    When they stepped on the frozenke, a chill rose to their feet, and the temperature was unimaginably cold, enough to make anyone standing on it ufortable.


    "Liu Wuxie, you can''t escape now!" A group of people emerged from the distance. They were disciples of the Heavenly Origin Sect who had finally found Liu Wuxie''s trail.


    As soon as they spotted Liu Wuxie, they crushed a Communication Talisman to inform Bai Yuan and the nearby Heavenly Origin Sect disciples to reinforce them.


    "Catch up to me if you want to kill me!" Liu Wuxie said and increased his speed. There were two Transcendent Plume Gate''s disciples stunned in ce.


    "Is Liu Wuxie doing this on purpose? There''s no cover on theke, and this is no different from exposing himself deliberately," said a Transcendent Plume Gate disciple.


    Logically speaking, Liu Wuxie should find shelter in mountainous regions, making it difficult for others to find him. But the frozenke was vast, and anyone could spot him easily.


    "Hiding isn''t a long-term solution, and there will be a battle sooner orter. By revealing himself, he managed to disperse his enemies'' forces. After all, it will be difficult for him to resist if he was fully surrounded," said the other Transcendent Plume Gate disciple, seemingly to have seen through Liu Wuxie''s intentions.


    "Senior Brother Zhou Ge, you''re saying that he''s deliberately luring them here to take them out before they can regroup?" asked the other Transcendent Plume Gate disciple.


    If Zhou Ge''s prediction was correct, Liu Wuxie would be too terrifying, nning to wipe out everyone from the Heavenly Origin Sect.


    "I''ve studied him over the past few days, and there''s that possibility based on his usual tactics. He''ll strike while their forces are still divided," Zhou Ge said, nodding. He himself would¡¯ve used the same strategy as Liu Wuxie.


    Since a battle was unavoidable, why not remove the enemies while they were scattered? The more his enemies died, the higher odds he would have on this round.


    What Zhou Ge said was right. Liu Wuxie had intentionally shown himself on the frozenke to lure disciples of the Heavenly Origin Sect and Azure Crimson Gate. After killing Wei Xiu, Liu Wuxie had read his memories and discovered that the Heavenly Origin Sect, Azure Crimson Gate, and Indigo Cloud Gate had secretly joined forces.


    There were over five hundred disciples altogether, and he was no match even if he could unite the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion disciples. Not to mention that the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion disciples weren''t united.


    If Liu Wuxie wanted to resolve this crisis, he would only kill as many people as he could while they were still dispersed.


    Ten Heavenly Origin Sect disciples swiftly gathered. They were Bai Yuan''s group, who rushed over upon receiving the news.


    However, as Liu Wuxie constantly changed his direction, Bai Yuan and others couldn''t determine his exact location.


    Liu Wuxie stopped after routing through the icyke.


    "Liu Wuxie, why aren''t you running anymore?" The ten Heavenly Origin Sect disciples panted as they circled him, readying their weapons.


    "Exhausted at such a short distance? And you call yourselves so-called geniuses of the Heavenly Origin Sect?" Liu Wuxie sneered, looking at the Heavenly Origin Sect disciples, who were panting heavily.


    "Don''t waste time talking to him! Don''t let him slip away again!"manded Mao Shi. He had reached the ninth level of the Astral River Realm, and his words carried weight as the captain of this small group.


    Those in the surroundings fell silent and formed a tactical formation surrounding Liu Wuxie.


    "Do you think garbage like you people can hold me?" Liu Wuxie sneered. He knew he had to end the battle quickly before reinforcements came. He didn''t use True Strike; instead, he used his ice dao technique.


    After refining the corpses of the three Ice Spirit Serpents, Liu Wuxie''s ice dao technique contained a hint of the Ice Spirit Serpents'' characteristic, capable of catching his opponents off guard.


    Silver streaks shuttled through the group. Unlike martial techniques with fixed patterns, dao techniques could adapt to the wielder, taking on various shapes such as a longsword or ice.


    "What is this dao technique?" The faces of the ten Heavenly Origin Sect disciples changed, and Liu Wuxie had caught them off guard.


    In just half a breath, three disciples of the Heavenly Origin Sect had a hole in their bodies, and they were frozen in ice without any blood dripping out.


    "How is this possible?" The three struck disciples stared nkly, their vitality rapidly draining away.


    Miao Shi was stunned, and a hint of solemnity shed in his eyes. He wielded a longsword and initiated the opening stance of the Great Supreme Sword.


    Liu Wuxie might have broken the Great Supreme Sword, but the version practiced by these disciples was altered, and the true secrets of this technique were only avable to the sect''s upper echelons.


    "Decent sword technique, but it''s a pity that you people are trash," said Liu Wuxie as he vanished, striding the Seven Dipper Steps and shuttling through the remaining seven people in the form of an afterimage.


    The battle was a one-sided massacre, and Liu Wuxie''s strength grew with each passing moment. Corpses littered the ground, their energies devoured by the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron to strengthen the deste world.


    As the death toll continued to increase, it didn''t take long before Miao Shi was the only one left standing.


    "H-How are you so powerful?!" Miao Shi panicked with fear creeping onto his face. He couldn''t believe that Liu Wuxie had killed nine disciples in just three moves.


    "You''re just too weak," Liu Wuxie replied, his toneced with disdain.


    Facing brutal honesty, Miao Shi was left speechless. Perhaps they were all garbage in Liu Wuxie''s eyes.


    "You lured us here on purpose?!" Miao Shi''s cultivation was ordinary, but he was highly intelligent. Among the younger generation, he was only second to Wei Xiu.


    "Looks like you''re not entirely foolish," Liu Wuxie acknowledged with a smile before swinging down with the Heretic de, splitting Miao Shi into two. He cleaned up the battlefield quickly and threw all the corpses into the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron to be refined by the demonic me, before injecting the purifiedws and spiritual energy into the deste world.


    After killing the ten disciples from the Heavenly Origin Sect, Liu Wuxie casually appeared on the other side of the frozenke.


    The Transcendent Plume Gate hadn''t left yet and wasn''t far from Liu Wuxie, who walked from the south to west and ran into Liu Wuxie unexpectedly.


    "H... He''s alive!" The youth with Zhou Ge eximed in shock, having assumed that Liu Wuxie was long dead. Perhaps because he was too shocked, his voice was a little loud and reached Liu Wuxie''s ears.


    "Brother Liu, don''t be bothered with him. My junior brother means no disrespect," Zhou Ge said. He had no intention of making an enemy out of someone so powerful as Liu Wuxie unless he could kill thetter in one strike.


    If he failed to kill Liu Wuxie, he would have to be prepared to face thetter''s relentless retaliation.


    Liu Wuxie nodded slightly. If Zhou Ge showed a hint of hostility against him, he wouldn''t hesitate to kill them.


    After briefly ncing at the two, Liu Wuxie turned and walked away, leaving Zhou Ge and hispanion behind.


    "Senior Brother Zhou Ge, if Liu Wuxie is alive, does that mean they''re all dead?" The disciple''s chest heaved heavily as he struggled to calm his nerves. Moments ago, he had felt a chill running down his spine when Liu Wuxie''s gaze had fallen on him.


    "They''re most likely dead," Zhou Ge said with a wry smile before leaving with his junior brother, afraid they would be caught in the conflict. Such arge-scale massacre had never ured before. He had a feeling that the death toll this year would be the highest.


    <strong>......</strong>


    Bai Jin stood before the soul tablet and fell silent, watching ten soul tablets shattering. Even Qian Chong and Wang Ba were speechless.


    They couldn''t figure out how ten people died simultaneously, which made no sense. They weren''t the only ones baffled; the other sects were equally puzzled. First was the Azure Crimson Gate, and now it was the Heavenly Origin Sect.


    <strong>......</strong>


    The word of Liu Wuxie''s appearance at the frozenke spread quickly, and in just an hour, Liu Wuxie ran into several groups.


    "Liu Wuxie, stop running!" Jia Fengmao yelled as he led his team in hot pursuit. Aside from him, there was another disciple in the pinnacle of the Astral River Realm, closely chasing after Liu Wuxie.


    "Why are you so persistent?" Liu Wuxie''s voice was calm. His pace kept changing, but he maintained a steady distance of about a hundred meters before stepping off the frozenke and vanishing into the pine forest.


    "Quick, he must be exhausted!" Jia Fengmao''s eyes gleamed with excitement at the thought of killing Liu Wuxie.


    The entire Heavenly Mountain was filled with rumors of Liu Wuxie possessing arge amount of Golden Spirit Fruits, and everyone was rushing over as they wanted a share of it.


    Some continued to pursue Liu Wuxie, and others weren''t willing to get involved.


    "Liu Wuxie, get lost! Stop hiding!" Jia Fengmao roared as they followed Liu Wuxie into the pine woods, but they couldn''t find him anywhere. When they sensed that Liu Wuxie''s aura lingered in the surroundings, they knew he must''ve gone into hiding.


    The ten were alerted with their weapons raised, wary of Liu Wuxie''s ambush. But the surroundings were quiet, and there was no sound from the surroundings.


    Just when everyone''s nerves loosened, demonic chains shot out from the ground and bound onto their ankles.


    Everything happened in the blink of an eye, and the ten from the Heavenly Origin Sect couldn''t react in time. After all, who could''ve guessed that Liu Wuxie hadid such a trap in the snow for them?


    Those weren''t ordinary chains but the Demonic Purgatory Chains from the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron. Once bound, they wouldn''t be able to break free, and only those who were vastly stronger than Liu Wuxie could rely on theirws to shatter the demonic chains.

 Chapter 649 - Bait

    <h4>Chapter 649 - Bait</h4>


    By the time the ten Heavenly Origin Sect disciples realized what was happening, it was already toote. The Demonic Purgatory Chains had wrapped tightly around their ankles, yanking them off their feet. They lost control and were flipped upside down, left dangling helplessly in mid-air.


    "What''s going on? How did we fall into his trap?" Jia Fengmao gasped. He couldn''t believe all ten had fallen into Liu Wuxie''s trap.


    "Liu Wuxie, you''re a despicable scoundrel! Release us at once! I challenge you to a one-on-one fight!" bellowed a disciple at the pinnacle of the Astral River Realm. His voice trembled with rage as he struggled against his bindings, demanding freedom.


    Liu Wuxie emerged from a pine tree, pping his hands. He hadn''t expected the Demonic Purgatory Chains to bind all ten people simultaneously.


    This discovery excited him. It meant he could use the same trap on others to slowly whittle down his enemies.


    "Jia Fengmao, I spared your life in the Battle of Hundred Nation, and you chose to provoke me repeatedly without remorse. I''ll end your life today!" Liu Wuxie slowly approached Jia Fengmao and pressed the Heretic de against his neck.


    Jia Fengmao trembled, his eyes wide in shock. Whenever he trembled, the Demonic Purgatory Chains tightened. His ankle was crushed, and the intense pain covered him in a cold sweat.


    "I made a mistake. Please, spare me!" Jia Fengmao begged. He had finally obtained his current position with great difficulty, and all his efforts would go down the drain if he died there. This was different from how it was supposed to y out. Shouldn''t he be the one to kill Liu Wuxie before ascending to glory?


    Just moments ago, Jia Fengmao had been tailing him, yelling with provocation. And now, he groveled for mercy, leaving the other Azure Crimson Gate disciples sneering in disdain.


    "I''ve made myself clear. I gave you a chance during the Battle of Hundred Nation, but it''s a pity that you didn''t cherish it," Liu Wuxie said coldly and swung the Heretic de down.


    Jia Fengmao was decapitated, and he couldn''t figure out how things had ended in this manner when ten of them were in pursuit of Liu Wuxie.


    After ying Jia Fengmao, Liu Wuxie turned and walked steadily toward the remaining nine disciples. They trashed around in an attempt to break free after witnessing Jia Fengmao¡¯s demise, but there was nothing they could do. The chains bound onto their ankles only tightened, and the pain increased as they struggled. Ultimately, they could only give up resisting.


    "Liu Wuxie, you vile creature! How dare you use such a despicable method!" the nine yelled in unison, their voices brimming with curses.


    Liu Wuxie was unmoved as he approached the first disciple. He swung the Heretic de down and decapitated that disciple. But he didn''t stop there, relentlessly continuing the ughter. By the time the third disciple fell, sheer terror gripped the remaining six, their panic so overwhelming that some lost control, wetting themselves in utter despair.


    "Young Master Liu, we were wrong. We shouldn''t have opposed you! Please, spare us!" They pleaded desperately.


    However, Liu Wuxie remained unmoved and continued to ughter them without hesitation. Only now did they realize how terrifying he was, but it was already toote.


    "Don''t you think howughable it is to beg for mercy now?" Liu Wuxie sneered as the Heretic de flew out from his hand, decapitating the other Heavenly Origin Sect disciples.


    As the Demonic Purgatory Chains tightened, the energies from their bodies vanished, and they were only left with an empty shell. He raised his hand and incinerated the remnants of their corpses with a ball of demonic me before vanishing after he was done cleaning the battlefield. He had taken a total of thirty lives today.


    "Senior Brother Zhou Ge, Liu Wuxie has shown up again!" The two Transcendent Plume Gate disciples ran into Liu Wuxie again after they had left the frozenke.


    Zhou Ge could only manage to wear a bitter smile before leaving again with his junior brother, determined to flee farther away from Liu Wuxie.


    Their swift retreat left Liu Wuxie stunned, wondering if he was that frightening. After all, he had no intention of killing them.


    "The murderous aura around him is too terrifying," Zhou Ge murmured. Even someone in the Quasi-Nascent Transformation Realm like him was terrified by the murderous aura emanated from Liu Wuxie, a clear disy of the fearsome power Liu Wuxie possessed.


    "Senior Brother Zhou Ge, should we inform others of Liu Wuxie''s ns?" asked the Transcendent Plume Gate disciple. Only Zhou Ge saw through Liu Wuxie''s n to slowly eliminate the disciples of the three sects.


    "Feel free to notify the Heavenly Origin Sect if you want to make him your enemy," Zhou Ge replied. He had no ns of bing enemies with Liu Wuxie, even if he had reached the Quasi-Nascent Transformation Realm.


    After hearing Zhou Ge¡¯s words, the disciple¡¯s resolve crumbled. He lowered his head and put away the Communication Talisman.


    "Senior Brother Zhou Ge is right. If the Heavenly Origin Sect suffers a heavy loss, our Transcendent Plume Gate will be able to obtain first ce," the disciple said. Though he didn''t say it aloud, he wasn''t stupid and understood Zhou Ge''s strategy, as remaining silent would ultimately benefit their sect.


    "Knowing and speaking out are two different matters. Let''s act like we''re unaware and head elsewhere to train," Zhou Ge said, knocking that disciple on his head. The younger disciple shared the same master as him, and they often cultivated together. Thus, they had a strong bond.


    Meanwhile, Liu Wuxie reappeared on the frozenke again.


    When they had first encountered each other, Liu Wuxie had considered killing Zhou Ge, but he had restrained himself as thetter''s eyes carried no trace of hostility. The second time they ran into each other again, Liu Wuxiepletely abandoned that idea. If they had truly harbored ill intentions, they would''ve informed the other sects. Clearly, Zhou Ge didn''t do that, which is why Liu Wuxie saw no reason to eliminate them.


    <strong>......</strong>


    Feng Gaoqiu was stunned like Bai Jin when he looked at the shattered remnants of another ten soul tablets. This marked the twentieth disciple the Azure Crimson Gate had lost, and their deaths remained a mystery.


    "This year''s Ten Grand Ceremony is full of uncertainties," murmured the onlookers. For many older generation cultivators, this wasn''t their first time attending the Ten Grand Ceremony, but their first time witnessing such a death toll.


    "It¡¯s because of Liu Wuxie this year," someone said grimly. No matter what chaos unfolded, it all seemed to trace back to Liu Wuxie as the source.


    "Liu Wuxie! We finally found Liu Wuxie!" A group of disciples from the Indigo Cloud Gate eximed at the sight of Liu Wuxie on the frozenke.


    Most importantly, they had the opportunity to kill Liu Wuxie and take his treasures for themselves before others came. Many people were flocking over, wanting to kill Liu Wuxie.


    When the pursuers came near the frozenke, Liu Wuxie would change his location and continue hunting.


    The Indigo Cloud Gate''s group wasrger than the Heavenly Origin Sect and Azure Crimson Gate, not to mention Peng Bin was among them, who was nearly killed by a kick from Liu Wuxie on the first day in Heavenly Mountain.


    They were emboldened this time, confident they could take Liu Wuxie down with fifteen of them.


    There were still shadows flickering from afar, and over a hundred people were rushing over. Bai Yuan''s group was further away from the frozenke, and it would take them a few hours to get there.


    Performing his movement technique, Liu Wuxie darted toward the pine forest again. The Indigo Cloud Gate disciples followed closely behind, unaware of the deaths of disciples from the Heavenly Origin Sect and Azure Crimson Gate. It didn''t take long before Liu Wuxie vanished, hidden in the pine forest again.


    "Everyone, be cautious. Don''t forget that Liu Wuxie is cunning!" The Indigo Cloud Gate acted cautiously and divided into three smaller groups of five, each maintaining a distance of fifty meters to ensure mutual support in case of danger.


    Liu Wuxie was also surprised that the Indigo Cloud Gate disciples would be so cautious. However, it was understandable, as Liu Wuxie couldn''t be considered an ordinary person.


    "Liu Wuxie, stop hiding and die!" Peng Bin yelled, hacking his sword at a nearby pine tree, causing the tree to shake and the ground to tremble.


    Suddenly, a de aura shot out from behind another pine tree, which rmed the other disciples at the front, who motioned to converge to surround Liu Wuxie.


    "Over here!"


    However, that de aura was swift, not to mention it could change its direction in mid-air.


    "This is bad!" Peng Bin muttered under his breath, frantically retreating behind the other disciples. As the weakest among the group, he dared not stand out. Yet, to his horror, the de aura abruptly changed direction mid-air, honing in on him with deadly precision.


    He hastily raised his longsword and swung down at the de aura.


    Though his sword was fast, Liu Wuxie''s de aura was even faster. The de aura was further strengthened with Qin Dao''s throwing knives technique, which Liu Wuxie had integrated into his de aura to increase the power.


    "Duck! Don''t just stand there!" the disciple beside Peng Bin urged.


    However, it was toote as the de aura was only inches away from his neck, and he reacted with a desperate backward lean, a move that barely saved his life as the de aura brushed past his neck and shot into a pine tree behind him.


    Peng Bin was drenched in cold sweat, beads of perspiration rolling down his forehead as he struggled to steady his breathing.


    The group of fifteen immediately converged as they slowly approached the tree where the de aura came from in an encirclement, assuming that Liu Wuxie was hidden behind that tree.


    "Liu Wuxie,e out now!" Peng Bin yelled furiously, nning to tear Liu Wuxie apart after capturing him.


    However, they were surprised to find nomotioning from behind the pine tree. He slowly routed around the pine tree, only to find nothing but empty air.


    "We''ve been tricked! He''s not here!" one of the Indigo Cloud Gate disciples shouted, his voiceced with panic as realization set in. Liu Wuxie had deliberately released a strand of de aura to mislead them, luring them toward the pine tree.


    It was already toote, even if they turned around immediately.


    "Too slow!" Liu Wuxie''s voice came from above as he shuttled through the group with the Heretic de in his hand, catching everyone by surprise. By the time they reacted, his de aura had already swept out.


    "Fight back! Fight back!" The fifteen disciples fell into chaos, realizing they had underestimated Liu Wuxie right from the beginning, who had fooled everyone with a strand of de aura.


    Corpses began falling to the ground, and Liu Wuxie imed seven to eight lives with just one de strike. He had to end the battle quickly and leave the frozenke.

 Chapter 650 - Encountering Snowmen

    <h4>Chapter 650 - Encountering Snowmen</h4>


    No one expected it to be a trap. This was a sly design, a meticulously crafted trap by Liu Wuxie to lure them in, and it was toote by the time they realized what was happening.


    Liu Wuxie had long calcted every step and movement in his predictions. After all, he had mastered the strongest martial techniques of the ten major sects, allowing him to hold a decisive advantage over his foes.


    "Liu Wuxie, you demon!" Peng Bin roared moments before Liu Wuxie decapitated his head.


    There were fifteen people a breath ago, but only five remained standing now, their faces pale with terror. As for the other ten disciples, their corpsesy on the ground.


    The surviving five disciples took a deep breath as the sight before them was too horrifying toprehend. They couldn''t fathom how things developed in this manner.


    "Y-You''ve been hiding your true strength!" stammered a disciple in the pinnacle of the Astral River Realm. He finally realized that Liu Wuxie had been ying the fool by concealing his strength.


    "Don''t you think it''s toote to realize that now?" Liu Wuxie said and charged at the five, performing True Strike, Soul Spears, Frost Finger, Earth-Binding Chains, and the Demonic Purgatory Chains.


    The five were caught by surprise, and they didn''t know how to put up a resistance against Liu Wuxie. When they managed to block the True Strike, they would be assaulted by the Frost Finger. When they evaded the Frost Finger, the Soul Spear woulde assaulting.


    By the time they managed to avoid that, they were bound by the Earth-Binding Chains. This was a one-sided massacre, and the five didn''t even know how they died. They couldn''t fathom how Liu Wuxie mastered many techniques, each executed with unrivaled precision. The Demonic Purgatory Chains, in particr, left them utterly helpless and bound in ce.


    After they were all killed, Liu Wuxie cleared the battlefield and vanished with fifteen interspatial rings.


    ......


    A few hundred people gathered on the frozenke. Aside from the Heavenly Origin Sect, Azure Crimson Gate, and Indigo Cloud Gate, disciples of the Transcendent Plume Gate, Sky Rift Valley, and Misty Sect were also present.


    With so many people searching for Liu Wuxie, escape seemed impossible. But who would''ve thought that Liu Wuxie had already left shortly before they had arrived?


    "Where''s Liu Wuxie?" demanded Deng Yong of the Indigo Cloud Gate as soon as he arrived, questioning the disciples from the other sects.


    Everyone shook their heads as they had just arrived and hadn''t seen any trace of Liu Wuxie.


    It didn''t take long before Bai Yuan arrived with his team, who went to ask the other disciples of the Heavenly Origin Sect. However, no one found any trace of Liu Wuxie anywhere.


    "This is strange. Where are the disciples who reported his location?" someone muttered, his voice tinged with unease. Something was clearly amiss. The news hade from Miao Shi, but the Heavenly Origin Sect disciples couldn¡¯t establish contact with him.


    Simrly, the Azure Crimson Gate disciples failed to reach Jia Fengmao and his team. Even the Indigo Cloud Gate couldn''t find the disciples who had sent a message to them.


    Allmunications had been cut off once the disciples had reached the frozenke, and those who notified the sects had vanished. Vanished, along with Liu Wuxie.


    "Could it be that Liu Wuxie killed them?" murmured one of the Divine Sun Pce disciples, and that was the only usible exnation.


    "That''s impossible! How can he possibly kill forty to fifty experts all at once?" questioned someone from the Dugu n. Even if Liu Wuxie was skilled, how could he possibly kill so many people?


    "How do you exin this situation then? Do you think those disciples who notified us yed a prank on us?" retorted the disciple from the Divine Sun Pce. They had all received news of Liu Wuxie¡¯s appearance on the frozenke.


    "There''s another possibility. The news might be fake, and someone is deliberately trying to mislead us, using this ce to deceive us," said a Dugu n youth who shared his view.


    His words made several in the crowd exchange uneasy nces, nodding as they recalled simr schemes from past years.


    "What if someone has found a ten-thousand-year Snow Lotus and doesn''t want to share it? Trying to lure us here by spreading fake news so they can monopolize it?" added a disciple from the Sky Rift Valley with his brows locked.


    A ten-thousand-year Snow Lotus was a treasure of unimaginable value, capable of causing an uproar if discovered. If someone had found one and didn¡¯t want to share, the smartest tactic would be to spread false information. By diverting everyone¡¯s attention to Liu Wuxie¡¯s conflict with the three sects, they could harvest the Snow Lotus undisturbed, using the chaos as a perfect smokescreen.


    "That makes sense," someone chimed in after hearing the Sky Rift Valley disciple¡¯s theory. "I remember something simr happening during a previous Ten Grand Ceremony. That person sessfully harvested a ten-thousand-year Snow Lotus while everyone else was distracted."


    As the debate over the authenticity of the news intensified, a sudden uproar erupted outside the barrier, capturing everyone¡¯s attention.


    The Indigo Cloud Gate''s sect master, Xu Yanhui, stood stunned as he looked at the fifteen shattered soul tablets. A minute ago, the soul tablets had shattered, and the three sects had suffered immense losses.


    Compared to them, the soul tablets from the other sects were fine, and there wasn''t a single death.


    "Someone exin to me what''s going on here!" roared an elder of the Indigo Cloud Gate, his voice echoing with rage and frustration.


    The disciples the Indigo Cloud Gate brought over were elite and their finest, with their goal set for the top three. Yet, they had lost fifteen disciples in the final battle.


    The second-tier sects also fell silent under this bizarre situation.


    "I told you¡ªLiu Wuxie must''ve killed them," whispered a disciple of the Azure Thunder Sect. This wasn''t the first time this spection had been made, and everyone had dismissed it at first. But as the death toll continued to rise, everyone was forced to reconsider the possibility.


    Three to four hundred people were gathered on the frozenke, but there was no trace of Liu Wuxie anywhere. This left everyone with no choice but to leave, scatter out, and expand their search.


    "Young master, something feels off," Yu Tianyi said with a frown. There was an uneasy feeling in his heart, but he couldn''t describe it in words.


    "I feel the same. It might¡¯ve been fake news if it was just one person, but disciples of our three sects can''t deceive us altogether," Ye Feng said, agreeing with Yu Tianyi''s point of view.


    Bai Yuan could also feel that something wasn''t right without their reminders. He said grimly, "I suspect that they''ve all died!"


    "Dead?" The nine disciples behind Bai Yuan shivered. They couldn''t believe that so many people had died, especially since the message hade from one of the strongest disciples of their Heavenly Origin Sect.


    "Liu Wuxie must have killed them all," Bai Yuan confirmed. Not only were they killed, but they were all killed by Liu Wuxie alone.


    "But that''s impossible! There were so many of them, not to mention an expert like Senior Brother Miao Shi," Yu Tianyi retorted, unwilling to believe it. He might be strong, but he was even inferior to Miao Shi. If even someone like Miao Shi were killed by Liu Wuxie, it would be big news.


    "The opponent we''re up against is stronger than we imagined. Prepare to initiate the n," Bai Yuan said after taking a deep breath. With no way to locate Liu Wuxie and their options dwindling, they had no choice but to proceed with theirst-resort n, even though it had been scheduled for ten dayster.


    "We should''ve done it long ago. I know where the Misty Sect disciples are," Yu Tianyi said. Since he was the one who had suggested the n, he had naturally investigated the location of the Misty Sect disciples.


    As the Misty Sect was known for being peaceful, its disciples remained in safe zones after entering the barrier. They cared little for their rankings and only wanted to leave this ce safely while honing their skills in this unique environment.


    "Just the Heavenly Origin Sect won''t be able to control the Misty Sect. Let''s notify the others as well," Bai Yuan said as he walked forward. Though the Misty Sect''s ranking wasn''t high, their strength couldn''t be underestimated.


    The Heavenly Origin Sect couldn''t capture them by themselves, and they had to borrow the strength of the Indigo Cloud Gate and Azure Crimson Gate.


    "I''ll have it done immediately!" Ye Feng volunteered for the mission and dashed toward the Azure Crimson Gate''s direction to ry the n.


    When the Azure Crimson Gate heard of the n, they agreed without hesitation and notified the Indigo Cloud Gate, who hesitated. After all, if their actions were revealed, it would tarnish their reputation and standing.


    However, the Indigo Cloud Gate ultimately agreed because they all guessed that Liu Wuxie had killed their fellow disciples, and it would be worth it if they could kill Liu Wuxie, regardless of the cost.


    <strong>......</strong>


    Meanwhile, after leaving the frozenke, Liu Wuxie was heading to the towering peak. This area had fewer people, making it ideal for him to rest for a few days to digest what had happened in the past two days.


    After ying so many people and devouring their energies from their corpses, he needed time to consolidate himself.


    "Run! The snowman ising!" When Liu Wuxie wanted to rest, two Sky Rift Valley disciples ran over from the left.


    Behind the two disciples loomed a colossal snowman, reaching over sixteen meters and looking like a massive fortress. It was clear that someone had ventured too far up the peak and rmed the snowmen.


    In mere moments, the snowman was only a few dozen meters away from Liu Wuxie, and simr scenes had unfolded in multiple regions. Snowmen had appeared, hunting humans.


    As the snowman pursuing the two Sky Rift Valley disciples drew closer, a gigantic palm descended and shattered the ground. Despite the two disciples'' desperate efforts, they were no match for the snowman in terms of speed.


    In the snowy terrain, the snowman appeared to glide effortlessly, as though hovering above the ground while it moved.


    When the two Sky Rift Valley disciples saw Liu Wuxie, their eyes flickered with hope. They didn''t want to die¡ªnot at the hands of a snowman.


    Liu Wuxie had plenty of time to intervene and save them, but saving them would mean fighting the snowman, making him his new target. He was weighing if it was worth the risk.


    He could have easily abandoned the two Sky Rift Valley disciples to their fate, but a memory resurfaced¡ªhow the Sky Rift Valley elder had once stood up for him in Serene Sea City, resolving Li Hongda''s coercion. That act of kindness had left a debt of gratitude unpaid.


    Liu Wuxie believed in repaying kindness tenfold¡ªand he applied the same principle to those who sought to harm him.


    "Roll to the left!" Liu Wuxie yelled.


    The two disciples didn''t dare disobey, as they had no better options and could only trust Liu Wuxie. They rolled to the side, but the snowman''s palm was too massive, making it impossible for them to avoid it.


    However, Liu Wuxie''s intention wasn''t for them to evade the palm but to create space for him to attack, as he might risk injuring them if they remained on the same path.

 Chapter 651 - Fighting the Snowman

    <h4>Chapter 651 - Fighting the Snowman</h4>


    The two had sessfully ducked to the side, clearing out space for Liu Wuxie. The decisive strike from Liu Wuxie unleashed a powerful wave of energy that tore through the ground, carving a long ravine on the ground stretching toward the snowman.


    The earth exploded with debris swirling upward in a cyclone, and the snowman¡¯s gigantic palm froze in mid-air as it turned to look at Liu Wuxie, surprised that an insignificant-looking human could unleash such a powerful de aura.


    The snowman was caught off guard as it was too close to dodge. Then again, the snowman wouldn¡¯t dodge even if it could, confident in its thick and impervious hide.


    When the de aura struck the snowman, waves of energy rippled outward, triggering a series of explosions as thepressed air erupted violently. The shockwave was so intense that the two Sky Rift Valley disciples paled in disbelief, their faces etched with shock at Liu Wuxie¡¯s overwhelming power.


    The de aura tore into the snowman, unleashing a massive shockwave that surged in all directions. The colossal figure of the snowman was hurled backward, carving an arc through the air before crashing heavily into the ground.


    The impact left a massive crater several meters deep. The snowman¡¯s body was covered in deep, gruesome gashes, blood gushing from the wounds and staining its once-pristine white fur a vivid crimson.


    Even so, the snowman only suffered superficial injuries as snowmen were impervious to ordinary attacks with their powerful physique, and it was tough to injure their internal organs. In addition to their powerful regeneration abilities, it only took a few breaths to heal its wounds.


    Taking advantage of the moment the Snowman was thrown flying away, the two Sky Rift Valley disciples swiftly escaped, breaking free from its assault. They quickly regrouped behind Liu Wuxie with their weapons ready.


    They didn¡¯t flee, and their actions earned Liu Wuxie¡¯s approval. If they had turned tail to flee, he wouldn¡¯t have helped them again and would have allowed the snowman to hunt them.


    ¡°Senior Brother Liu, thanks for helping us!¡± the two disciples said in unison, cupping their hands at Liu Wuxie. If Liu Wuxie hadn¡¯t intervened, they would¡¯ve been dead under the snowman¡¯s palm.


    ¡°Stand back! This snowman isn¡¯t simple,¡± Liu Wuxie said with furrowed brows. While the two Sky Rift Valley disciples weren¡¯t weak, they were no match for it. If they were charged over, it would be no different from courting death.


    ¡°No, we will fight alongside you!¡± The disciple who spoke was called Zhu Ziping, and his voice was firm and determined. He had reached the eighth level of the Astral River Realm, and the other disciple was in the seventh level. But even with their formidable cultivation, they were no match for a snowman.


    ¡°You two can support me from the side,¡± Liu Wuxie said. He didn¡¯t like others interfering in his fight, though he appreciated their goodwill.


    The snowman let out a thunderous roar, pounding its chest and letting out roars that Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t understand.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t good! The snowman is calling itspanions!¡± Zhu Ziping cried out. One snowman was troublesome enough, and the three of them would die if more began to gather over.


    When the snowman let out a roar, it lunged forward with a sudden outburst of speed, its massive palm descending upon Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Great timing!¡± Liu Wuxie yelled and leaped to meet the attack head-on. He saw this as a perfect opportunity to temper himself with the snowman. Though he had killed several batches of people back on the frozenke, it wasn¡¯t helpful to his cultivation as it was a one-sided massacre.


    The best way to excavate his potential was under immense pressure. He vanished with the Heretic de, executing the Nine Heavenly Crane Dance to maneuver in the small space.


    Zhu Ziping and his junior brother retreated, not daring to get too close. The shockwave that Liu Wuxie and the snowman created was devastating enough that cultivators in the advanced Astral River Realm would struggle.


    Despite its massive size, the snowman was surprisingly swift. However, it had a clear vulnerability: its underbelly and back were weak points, making it difficult for the creature to defend against attacks targeting those areas.


    Liu Wuxie took advantage of his movement technique and jumped behind the snowman, hacking down with the Heretic de to leave behind gashes. Blood flowed from the wounds and dyed the ground red, making the snowman roar even louder.


    Suddenly, the snowman performed an unexpected maneuver, twisting in mid-air and shocking Liu Wuxie, who hadn¡¯t anticipated such ability from a snowman of such size.


    The snowman turned around and opened its palm, grabbing at Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Not good!¡± Liu Wuxie eximed as the snowman¡¯s rapid movement caught him by surprise.


    Mostrge creaturescked agility from their massive size, but the snowman was as agile as an ape.


    Liu Wuxie also didn¡¯t dare to go too high due to the ice vortexes that could easily tear him apart. When he descended, the snowman had already anticipated his movement, the other hand reaching out to grab his legs.


    The snowman¡¯s movements were meticulously calcted, leaving no room for error. No wonder the sect master had warned him to avoid them at all costs.


    However, Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t someone who would surrender easily. He moved, tapping out with his left hand and unleashing a barrage of ice beams that shot like arrows, sealing the snowman¡¯s palm.


    If it were someone else in Liu Wuxie¡¯s position, they would¡¯ve been crushed to death by the snowman.


    Meanwhile, Zhu Ziping and his junior brother remained in the same spot, their hearts pounding with anxiety. They wanted to help, but they didn¡¯t know how.


    ¡°Senior Brother Liu¡¯s control over the battle is too powerful. No wonder he could decipher the ten major sects¡¯ martial techniques,¡± said the disciple beside Zhu Ziping, his face full of envy.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s skillful maneuver left the two shocked.


    ¡°This won¡¯t do. The snowmen are converging on our location with every passing moment,¡± Zhu Ziping said, his face shadowed with growing concern.


    When the snowman¡¯s palm missed, a massive ck hole was created mid-air, unleashing a pitch-ck wind. The ck wind was highly corrosive, and the ck hole was mere inches away from Liu Wuxie. If he were one step slower, he would¡¯ve been torn apart along with the space.


    ¡°True Strike!¡± Liu Wuxie was enraged that the snowman had nearly killed him. He had initially nned to use the Earth-Binding Chains but soon gave up on that idea.


    While the Earth-Binding Chains were effective against humans, the chain was only over a meter in length, and the snowman was too massive for it to be restrained by it.


    If he used the Heavenly Dragon Seal, it would be too powerful and might cause an avnche to sweep through the entire mountain range.


    It would unleash a disaster that would sweep across the entire mountain range, leaving nothing untouched. Even Liu Wuxie himself wouldn¡¯t be able to escape the devastation. The True Strike descended from the horizon, tearing apart the obstruction in the air, and appeared at the snowman¡¯s head.


    A de ray shed, and Liu Wuxie had pushed his speed to the limit. When the de auranded on the snowman¡¯s head, a resounding crack echoed.


    The snowman rolled on the ground in pain as Liu Wuxie¡¯s attack wasparable to a strike from someone in the Nascent Transformation Realm. While those in the Astral River Realm couldn''t harm the snowman, it didn¡¯t mean those in the Nascent Transformation Realm couldn¡¯t.


    A gaping hole appeared on the snowman¡¯s head, blood gushing out in thick streams as its massive body copsed to the ground. Agonized and enraged, the snowman let out a deafening roar.


    The roar was like a soundwave that rippled outward, forcing Zhu Ziping and hispanion to cover their ears. The shockwave soon affected the nearby mountains, like an earthquake, with snowballs rolling from the mountain.


    ¡°An avnche ising!¡± Zhu Ziping yelled. They had to flee with Liu Wuxie immediately.


    However, the snowman had already lost all reason and wouldn¡¯t let Liu Wuxie escape so easily. It spread its arms apart, creating a circle to capture Liu Wuxie within its grasp.


    Fresh blood had dyed the snowman¡¯s head red, its eyes glowing with ferocity.


    After attacking with True Strike, Liu Wuxie retreated swiftly. But the snowman wasn¡¯t slow, sping its hands together to seize Liu Wuxie by the waist in mid-air.


    ¡°Damn it!¡± Liu Wuxie gritted his teeth in frustration, unleashing a flurry of strikes. He gradually lost his patience after failing to kill the snowman, and he soared to the sky like a celestial crane.


    When he soared twenty meters upwards, a powerful, tearing force nearly ripped him apart. He dared not go any higher as an invisible force gushed down.


    ¡°Frost Ray Seal!¡± Liu Wuxie manipted all the ice elements and unleashed them through his finger, causing the surrounding temperature to drop, greatly obstructing the snowman¡¯s speed.


    ¡°It¡¯s cold...¡± Zhu Ziping and hispanion muttered through chattering teeth. The temperature was too low, which was the power of dao techniques.


    In ancient times, the world was gued with drought and floods. Some regions endured years of unrelenting drought, and they could only seek help from the Taoists to bring rain.


    However, those weren¡¯t Taoists but cultivators who practiced the five elements. They flew in the air and relied on water elements to bring rain. The Frost Ray Sealpressed all the ice energy into a thin line capable of sealing everything.


    The snowman sensed the danger, and the biting chill made it ufortable. It wanted to avoid the iing strike, but the Frost Ray Seal had firmly locked onto him.


    When the Frost Ray Seal descended, a thickyer of ice enveloped the snowman. The ice continued to thicken, and it didn¡¯t take long before the snowman was turned into an ice sculpture.


    The snowman continued to struggle, swinging its arms around, and eventually broke one of its arms free.


    The powerful chill released by Liu Wuxie could even trap someone in the Quasi-Nascent Transformation Realm, but it couldn¡¯t stop the snowman. The snowman¡¯s fighting strength was alreadyparable to the first level of the Nascent Transformation Realm.


    Liu Wuxie aimed to control the snowman¡¯s speed before using the Heretic de to strike at its weakness. Activating Ghost Eye, he focused his gaze on the snowman, its internal structure bing vividly clear. His divine sense swiftly scanned through the snowman and soon found something.


    ¡°So it¡¯s not the head, but their weakness is their rear!¡± Liu Wuxie thought, his initial assumption shattered. The snowman¡¯s rear was the source of its power, not its head. Destroying this vital structure would significantly diminish the creature¡¯s strength.


    Liu Wuxie abruptly descended and stabbed his de at the snowman¡¯s rear while it was immobilized.

 Chapter 652 - Snow Lotus

    <h4>Chapter 652 - Snow Lotus</h4>


    The scene was too overwhelming and intense for Zhu Ziping and hispanion. The Heretic de, a monarch artifact with a slender de simr to a sword, was incredibly sharp after bing a monarch artifact.


    The snowman screamed in pain as it trembled. No one would expect the snowman''s rear to be their weakness, and this was simr to human''s dantian.


    It was like an array that manipted the snowman''s massive body. It was another form of mysterious energy. While it wasn''t true essence, it was simr.


    When the Heretic de stabbed into the snowman''s rear, the array was destroyed, and the snowman''s power began to disperse¡ªthe same as shattering a human''s dantian.


    It might be brutal, but this was the most direct method. If the fight continued, Liu Wuxie would have no odds of winning unless he used the Annihtion Fist. The snowman''sbat strength wasparable to the Nascent Transformation Realm, and it was no wonder that Zhu Ziping and hispanion were in such dire straits.


    With a loud rumble, the snowman copsed, twitching in pain. Because it was encased in ice, ice fragments began to fall as it twitched.


    A ck hole materialized in mid-air, swallowing the snowman whole with a formidable pull. The immense energy within the snowman¡¯s body would soon flow to Liu Wuxie, enhancing his power.


    Zhu Ziping and hispanion watched in terror. They couldn''t believe that such a powerful snowman was killed.


    After being devoured by the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron, demonic mes began to refine the snowman''s corpse as terrifying energy formed into transparent liquid gathered above the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron.


    A bizarre scene urred as Liu Wuxie absorbed the liquified spiritual energy into the deste world. He realized that his physique and meridians were absorbing the energy rapidly.


    "The snowman''s energy can strengthen my body?" Liu Wuxie was inwardly shocked. The snowmen relied on their formidable power and physique to surpass other creatures.


    After Liu Wuxie''s True Dragon Physique absorbed the snowman''s energy, faint dragon runes appeared on his body, significantly improving his physique.


    In mere moments, Liu Wuxie fully absorbed all the energy.


    "Brother Liu, are you alright?" Zhu Ziping and hispanion stepped forward, their faces filled with concern for Liu Wuxie.


    "I''m fine," Liu Wuxie replied, shaking his head. Despite the intense battle with the snowman, he had emerged unscathed. "But tell me, how did you end up being chased by the snowman?"


    "We discovered a ten-thousand-year Snow Lotus at the summit, but the snowmen were protecting it. This is why the snowman was hunting us down," Zhu Ziping said. He didn''t conceal anything from Liu Wuxie, especially since thetter had saved his life.


    "Ten-thousand-year Snow Lotuses?!" Liu Wuxie narrowed his eyes upon hearing what Zhu Ziping said. He could use it to reach the fourth level of the Astral River Realm if he could obtain one.


    His advancement now required vast resources, far beyond what an ordinary Ascension Pill could provide.


    "Yeah, it''s at the summit," Zhu Ziping said as he pointed at the summit. The ten-thousand-year Snow Lotus was the sacred emblem of the Heavenly Mountain, protected by the snowmen.


    "Has anyone managed to harvest it yet?" Liu Wuxie asked. It would be meaningless even if he went up if it were already harvested. The growth of the ten-thousand-year Snow Lotus required a harsh environment, especially spiritual energy.


    "No, that area is swarmed with snowmen, and no one can get close. Those who tried sneaking in have all perished at the hands of the snowman," Zhu Ziping said, shaking his head. They were lucky to escape after running into Liu Wuxie. As for the others, they had long been crushed by the snowmen.


    Upon hearing that there was an untouched Snow Lotus, Liu Wuxie''s eyes glimmered with determination. He asked, "What are your ns now?"


    He wanted to know if they wanted to continue climbing the mountain or leave. He had to ensure that his location stayed secret.


    "We¡¯re done with this ce," Zhu Ziping said with a wry smile. "We barely escaped with our lives and have no intention of risking them again." Hispanion nodded in agreement, visibly relieved at the decision.


    "In that case, we will be parting ways here," Liu Wuxie said firmly. "Please keep my presence here a secret."


    Liu Wuxie believed in the personality of the Sky Rift Valley disciples.


    "Brother Liu, please be rest assured. You saved our lives, and we won''t betray you," Zhu Ziping said. After bidding farewell, the pair left the mountain.


    If Liu Wuxie went up, he would have to face the snowmen, and there was a possibility he would be killed.


    The news of the ten-thousand-year Snow Lotus had long spread out, and it wouldn''t take long for more people to gather.


    After taking a deep breath to fill his lungs with the cold air, Liu Wuxie''s mind became clear. He muttered, "Go up!"


    If the ten-thousand-year Snow Lotus fell into the hands of Bai Yuan and others to increase their strength, it would be unfavorable for him. Even if he couldn''t obtain it, he couldn''t allow the Snow Lotus to fall into the hands of Bai Yuan.


    Liu Wuxie had an unsettling premonition that a confrontation with the three sects was inevitable. To survive, he needed to do everything possible to enhance his strength.


    Though he feared no one in a one-on-one fight, his opponents weren¡¯t lone individuals but packs of jackals waiting to pounce. To face them, he would need more power¡ªand the ten-thousand-year Snow Lotus presented a rare opportunity he couldn¡¯t ignore.


    Executing his movement technique, Liu Wuxieunched himself forward like a meteor. The ground beneath him was smooth, and he would fall if he weren''t careful.


    Liu Wuxie''s feet were firmly rooted on the ground whenever he moved, and he found traces of battles along the way in the form of bloodstains, severed limbs, and damage to thendscape.


    The mountain was towering, and it would take him half a day at his fastest pace.


    Right then, the roars of snowmen echoed from the summit, causing the entire mountain to tremble. Human cultivators had likely sneaked up, further triggering the snowmen.


    As Liu Wuxie ascended higher, the force of the ice vortexes intensified, subjecting him to an increasingly powerful tearing pressure. The snowmen, with their naturally robust physiques, were ustomed to such immense forces and moved effortlessly through the treacherous conditions.


    Humans, however, were not so fortunate. Those with weaker bodies would struggle to withstand the vortexes¡¯ destructive pull. Liu Wuxie relied on a protective barrier to shield himself, keeping the tearing force at bay.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s pace slowed as he approached the location Zhu Ziping had described. Ahead, numerous snow caves dotted thendscape, each teeming with snowmen. Charging in recklessly would be suicidal; the Snow Lotus was fiercely guarded, and the snowmen mercilessly killed any humans they encountered.


    To avoid the snowmen, Liu Wuxie needed an alternate route. The only viable option was the other side of the mountain¡ªa sheer, smooth cliff with no footholds. The ice vortexes in that area were ferocious, posing a threat that only cultivators in the Nascent Transformation Realm could withstand.


    When executing the Ghost Eye, Liu Wuxie believed other passages likely existed. When the Ghost Eye prated through the ice, the entire mountain became transparent to him.


    As he passed through the snow caves, Liu Wuxie discovered hundreds of snowmen entrenched within. Among them was a colossal figure muchrger than the other snowmen, reaching over thirty meters in height.


    With a single breath from that colossal snowman, the surrounding space would copse, and it could easily send someone in the Astral River Realm flying with a single blow.


    "Mhm? Someone is lurking within?" Liu Wuxie''s Ghost Eye revealed an unexpected discovery. He found several people had stealthily infiltrated the snow caves and were all in the pinnacle of the Astral River Realm. They were biding their time to wait for the snowmen to lower their vignce.


    Liu Wuxie continued to inspect with the Ghost Eye, capturing everything within tens of thousands of meters.


    "What''s this ce?" Liu Wuxie''s eyes fixed on a vast, empty chamber beneath the snow cave. No snowmen were in sight, and they must''ve excavated that chamber. He continued to inspect that chamber and soon found a hidden passage.


    "A secret chamber?" Liu Wuxie murmured, a spark of excitement lighting up his eyes. The entrance to the chamber was located within the snow caves, but entering directly would undoubtedly expose him to the snowmen. The best option, then, was to dig a tunnel to bypass them entirely.


    However, this was no simple task. The ice in this region had umted over tens of thousands of years, making it incredibly dense and tough. Breaking through it without alerting the snowmen would be nearly impossible.


    For an ordinary person, such a feat would indeed be unattainable. But Liu Wuxie was no ordinary cultivator. Havingprehended an ice dao technique, he possessed the means to manipte the very element that stood in his way.


    This was the benefit ofprehending dao techniques, which made it possible to control thews of heaven and earth. For example, he could control fire if heprehended the fire element.


    <strong>......</strong>


    As ice swiftly dissolved, Liu Wuxie began to descend. He was in a rather remote area, and most snowmen wouldn''t go there.


    He continued to sink, and he was closer to the empty chamber. The surrounding ice was swiftly dissolving because Liu Wuxie had a strongprehension of the ice dao technique.


    Time passed, and more people flocked to the mountain, waiting outside the snow caves for an opportunity to enter.


    An hour passed in the blink of an eye, and Liu Wuxie fell as the footing vanished. He found himself in an empty chamber where the surrounding temperature had risen, which was surprising. It was strange that the temperature inside the mountain was warmer than outside, feeling unexpectedly soothing.


    Liu Wuxie wielded the Heretic de tightly, scanning the surroundings with heightened vignce, ready for any threat. He slowly walked and muttered, "What is this ce?"


    A peculiar thudding sound came from the walls on both sides. Liu Wuxie stopped and carefully headed to where the sound came from. It didn''t sound like the breathing of a human but the beating of a heart.


    When Liu Wuxie entered, dense shock shed in the depth of his eyes.

 Chapter 653 - Snatching

    <h4>Chapter 653 - Snatching</h4>


    As Liu Wuxie carefully put away the Heretic de, he reached out to touch the crystal wall.


    The thudding sounds grewrger, resembling a heartbeat that gave off a rhythmic sound. As he moved closer to the crystal wall, he saw the embryos within, infant snowmen still developing within their shells.


    Unlike humans, the snowmenid eggs and kept them warm, using a secluded environment to hatch them. Hundreds of embryos were hanging on the wall, and more than half had taken shape, with thumping soundsing from them.


    "This is the snowman''s inheritance ground!" Liu Wuxie murmured, withdrawing his head with a hint of shock. The snowmen had dug this mysterious chamber, which was warm, unlike the biting cold outside, making it convenient for embryos to develop.


    After determining that there was no immediate danger in the surroundings, Liu Wuxie turned and began to make his way toward the exit. His goal wasn''t to destroy the snowmen''s lineage, as he had no grievance with them.


    The exit wasn''t far away, and he walked for roughly five minutes before the passage slowly became narrow, with icy wind blowing in. He wasn''t in a hurry to go out and scanned the surroundings with his divine sense to examine if there were any dangers outside.


    "Running water?" He could hear the sounds of flowing water, and this surprised him. He couldn''t figure out how flowing water could be on the icy mountain.


    When Liu Wuxie executed the Ghost Eye to scan the surroundings, the cave''s terrain began to appear in his mind, and there was a vast open space outside the passage.


    "What a beautiful ce!" Liu Wuxie was shocked. He couldn''t believe such a paradise was hidden in the Heavenly Mountain.


    When he stepped out of the cave, he was greeted by a vastke covered with lotus leaves. But these weren''t ordinary lotuses but Snow Lotuses. Though they hadn''t reached ten thousand years of age, consuming them could still bring immense benefits to the body.


    These Snow Lotuses served as the staple food for the snowmen, and it was no wonder why they forbade outsiders from setting foot there.


    Theke was fed by water flowing down from the mountain, likely from melted snow, which umted to form theke.


    Theke was roughly a few thousand meters wide, upying half the summit. There was a bizarre statue on theke engraved with ice. This statue resembled a woman, but her proportions were far too enormous to be human.


    The statue''s crystalline body shimmered under sunlight, exuding a faint glow. It was translucent. Apart from the absence of flesh and blood, it looked like a vivid person.


    The statue''s feet were on theke, and water flowed down from her mouth, drawing an arc in the air andnding in theke.


    A small pool atop the statue radiates immense spiritual energy. Water flowed from the pool into the statue before pouring out of her mouth, forming a cycle.


    The lotus leaves gave off a dense fragrance, and Liu Wuxie felt invigorated when he took a deep breath. It felt as though all his pores had opened up.


    However, Liu Wuxie''s goal was the ten-thousand-year Snow Lotus. While these ordinary Snow Lotuses were highly precious, they were nothingpared to the ten-thousand-year Snow Lotus.


    He didn''t act in a hurry as several snowmen patrolled, and a female snowman plucked a Snow Lotus and carried it back to the cave to prepare for dinner. This was the snowmen''s sacred ground, heavily guarded day and night. If Liu Wuxie revealed himself now, the patrolling snowmen would surely attack him.


    "If I''m right, the ten-thousand-year Snow Lotus should be in that pool atop the statue," Liu Wuxie said confidently. He halted his divine sense just before the statue, unwilling to risk venturing too close.


    "What a beautiful figure," Liu Wuxie marveled; his divine sense circled the statue. The craftsmanship was exquisite. While it resembled a human, its exotic features set it apart if one looked at it closely. It gave off an ethereal aura as though it was untouched by the mortal world.


    Liu Wuxie''s divine sense ventured further with great care to the pool, where he saw a nine-petaled Snow Lotus. A dense mist enveloped the Snow Lotus, making it look hazy and otherworldly.


    <i>The ten-thousand-year Snow Lotus!</i> Liu Wuxie eximed inwardly, restraining himself before his voice escaped his mouth. After all, the consequences would be dire if the snowmen heard him.


    Although Liu Wuxie was powerful, facing an entire n of snowmen, especially the thirty-meter-tall giant, would be a death sentence.


    "It won¡¯t be easy to harvest the ten-thousand-year Snow Lotus," Liu Wuxie muttered, his expression tense. Remaining in this spot wasn¡¯t an option. If the snowmen entered the chamber to inspect the embryos, as was their habit, his hiding ce would be discovered. Time was running out.


    "There''s about 1,500 meters between me and the ten-thousand-year Snow Lotus. If I push myself to my limit, I can reach it quickly. I still have a high odds of escaping before the snowmen react," Liu Wuxie murmured, calcting his odds. The patrolling snowmen showed no sign of suspecting his presence, which worked in his favor.


    He decided to seize the ten-thousand-year Snow Lotus while they patrolled farther away before escaping through the path he came in. He still had a high chance of sess.


    But just as he was about to move, a violent tremor shook the entire mountain, and sounds of battle erupted from the snow caves.


    "Someone has intruded!" Liu Wuxie withdrew himself. Many had gathered outside, wanting to break in forcibly to harvest the ten-thousand-year Snow Lotus. He decided to wait and act amidst the chaos.


    Rumbling sounds echoed, and arge hole appeared on the mountain. The snow caves showed signs of copsing, and a snowman fell into theke.


    Dozens of humans forced their way over, and more people charged in from the other snow caves.


    "The ten-thousand-year Snow Lotus is over there!" The dozens of people who came in pointed at the statue before rushing toward it. There were two snowmen guarding there, who leaped into action and blocked the intruders.


    "You hold them off! I''ll harvest the ten-thousand-year Snow Lotus!" Deng Yong yelled, and he charged at the statue.


    "Okay!" replied several disciples from the Indigo Cloud Gate. Their objective was to buy time for Deng Yong to harvest the ten-thousand-year Snow Lotus.


    Just when Deng Yong moved, another figure darted ahead of him. With no snowmen obstructing him, Liu Wuxie pushed his speed to the limit.


    Deng Yong was fast, but Liu Wuxie was faster.


    In less than a minute, Liu Wuxie had already appeared at the pool''s edge, waving his hand and collecting the ten-thousand-year Snow Lotus.


    "Liu Wuxie, it''s you!" Deng Yong roared. He could only watch as Liu Wuxie collected the ten-thousand-year Snow Lotus.


    The dozen people holding off the snowmen faltered upon hearing Liu Wuxie''s name, which caused them to retaliate and send them flying away.


    More snowmen emerged from the snow caves, along with many human cultivators.


    "The ten-thousand-year Snow Lotus is with Liu Wuxie!" someone yelled, prompting the human cultivators to give up fighting the snowmen and charge at Liu Wuxie, but the snowmen soon obstructed them. After all, the snowmen couldn''t allow the humans to leave, mming down with their palms and killing the disciples with lower cultivation.


    The ground trembled as the thirty-meter-tall snowman emerged from a snow cave, unleashing a violent shockwave.


    "Run!" Deng Yong yelled, urging everyone to leave as the snowman was too powerful. As for Deng Yong, he pounced in Liu Wuxie''s direction, wanting to seize the ten-thousand-year Snow Lotus.


    "Liu Wuxie, the ten-thousand-year Snow Lotus isn¡¯t something you can im! Hand it over!" Deng Yong roared as he pursued Liu Wuxie.


    Chaos ensued in the outer region, and humans and snowmen battled. The human cultivators fought as they retreated, but Liu Wuxie had collected the ten-thousand-year Snow Lotus, so they did not need to stay here any longer.


    When the thirty-meter-tall snowman appeared, its massive palm formed a violent gale that sent over a dozen human cultivators flying and smashed several humans into smithereens.


    When humans fell into the freezingke, they trembled uncontrobly from the unbearable cold. Snowmen stationed at theke''s edge wasted no time, charging forward to kill those who had fallen in.


    Within moments, the battle imed the lives of several human cultivators, striking fear into the survivors and forcing them to flee.


    Meanwhile, Deng Yong continued his relentless pursuit, rapidly closing in on Liu Wuxie and unleashing a powerful palm strike.


    "Fuck off!" Liu Wuxie suddenly stopped and turned around, retaliating with a palm strike that created a swirling gust of wind.


    When the two palm strikes collided, a powerful explosion urred as Liu Wuxie used the momentum to fall at the entrance of the underground passage.


    As for Deng Yong, his face had turned grim after losing the opportunity to catch up with Liu Wuxie, not to mention many snowmen were flocking over from the surroundings. He had to leave immediately, or they would besiege him.


    It was naturally impossible for Deng Yong to face the snowmen by himself, and he red at Liu Wuxie before returning to the snow cave. But he didn''t leave immediately and waited, preparing to leave immediately the moment there was danger.


    Those who escaped death also gathered, converging with Deng Yong, looking at Liu Wuxie at the edge of theke, with no path of retreat.


    Thergest snowman slowly walked towards Liu Wuxie, reaching out with its palm to demand the ten-thousand-year Snow Lotus. Snowmen couldn''t speak the humannguage, so they could only express their intentions through gestures.


    However, Liu Wuxie knew the snowmen wouldn''t let him leave even if he handed over the ten-thousand-year Snow Lotus, as he could sense boundless ferocity emanating from these snowmen.


    He recalled the brutal methods they had employed earlier, and he turned around, heading to the underground chamber.


    This immediately made the snowmen panic, and they had no idea how Liu Wuxie had discovered that underground chamber.


    As thergest snowman couldn''t enter the passage, he could only let the smaller snowmen chase after Liu Wuxie.


    "Senior Brother Deng, how is Liu Wuxie even here?" asked the other Indigo Cloud Gate disciples. They had expended tremendous effort to make it over, losing many of theirrades.


    Yet, Liu Wuxie had appeared ahead of them and effortlessly harvested the ten-thousand-year Snow Lotus. Not only did they fail to seize it, but Liu Wuxie had obtained it instead. Thus, anyone could imagine their bitter resentment.

 Chapter 654 - Snow Lotus Obtained

    <h4>Chapter 654 - Snow Lotus Obtained</h4>


    Everyone¡¯s gaze locked on Liu Wuxie, a mix of shock and fear visible on their faces. They had spent over a day guarding the area, waiting for the perfect opportunity to break in, yet Liu Wuxie had managed to secure the ten-thousand-year Snow Lotus before any of them.


    "There must be another passage!" Deng Yong eximed, a sinister glint shing in his eyes. The sight of the treasure, so close yet beyond his grasp, only stoked the mes of his rage. His chest burned with frustration, and an overwhelming urge to charge forward and kill Liu Wuxie consumed him.


    Not only could the ten-thousand-year Snow Lotus help him reach the second level of the Nascent Transformation Realm, but it could also enhance his innate talent greatly.


    "That''s impossible! How could there be another passage without us knowing?" The disciples of the other sects had doubts. They had scouted every inch of the mountain and couldn''t find any passage.


    Deng Yong said nothing. He had a suspicion lingering, but it was unconfirmed.


    Meanwhile, the snowmen slowly advanced toward Liu Wuxie, forcing him to retreat into the passage. But oddly enough, the snowmen hesitated when Liu Wuxie entered and no longer dared to go further.


    "The snowmen are afraid toe in," Liu Wuxie murmured to himself. If that was the case, he might have a chance to escape.


    The snowmen stood at the entrance, roaring in frustration. Their voices echoed throughout the peak, causing chunks of ice to fall.


    "They must be afraid of damaging the embryos," Liu Wuxie reasoned. His guess was spot on, as the snowmen feared damaging the embryos if they entered, which would be devastating to the snowmen''s lineage.


    Those embryos were the future of the snowmen, and destroying all the embryos would be a fatal blow to the snowman''s lineage. They slowed their pace when they advanced, not daring to cause anymotion, fearing rming the infant snowmen.


    Liu Wuxie slowly retreated to the depths of the underground chamber. It didn''t take long before three snowmen appeared before him, standing only ten meters away. When they raised their heads to look at the opening in the ceiling, they finally understood how Liu Wuxie hade in.


    However, they were curious how he managed to discover the underground chamber. The chamber was roughly a few hundred meters deep, and ordinary people couldn''t enter. Yet, Liu Wuxie managed to aplish it.


    The three snowmen surrounded Liu Wuxie with their hands extended out, using their gesture to demand the ten-thousand-year Snow Lotus.


    "I''ll burn this ce down if you take another step forward," Liu Wuxie warned. The opening was right above him, but if he attempted to fly up recklessly, the snowmen could easily grab his legs and drag him back. With that, a standoff ensued, and neither dared to make a move.


    This wasn¡¯t a viable solution; the snowmen had already discovered the route Liu Wuxie had used to enter. They had alerted theirrades, and more snowmen were moving to seal off his escape, intent on trapping him with no way out.


    If the exit were blocked, Liu Wuxie would be helpless prey at their mercy. Determined to take a bold risk, he summoned a ball of demonic me. If the snowmen refused to let him leave, he would burn this ce down and take them with him.


    The demonic me''s temperature was high, and the surrounding ice began to melt, leaving the three snowmen in terror.


    "Wooo...woo..." the three snowmen frantically gestured, crying and pleading for Liu Wuxie to stop. The embryos would be destroyed if the temperature was too high.


    "Back off!" Liu Wuxie gestured for them to retreat to the entrance. With a motion, the three snowmen understood his meaning but weren''t willing to back off. If they did, Liu Wuxie could escape through the hole.


    Seeing that the three snowmen refused to budge, Liu Wuxie''s resolve hardened. With a wave of his hand, he flung the demonic me toward the icy wall, the heat searing dangerously close to the embryos.


    The snowmen panicked as they retreated, not daring to stay any longer. The ten-thousand-year Snow Lotus might be important, but their lineage was more important.


    Even if they lost the ten-thousand-year Snow Lotus, the snowmen¡¯s lineage could endure, allowing them to cultivate another one. Among the many Snow Lotuses they guarded, at least one was bound to evolve into a Snow Lotus King¡ªthe coveted ten-thousand-year Snow Lotus.


    Just as animals have a king to lead them, so too did Snow Lotuses. The ten-thousand-year Snow Lotus held that role, and with Liu Wuxie seizing it, it wouldn¡¯t take long for another Snow Lotus to evolve after absorbing the essence of heaven and earth.


    Even after the three snowmen retreated far away, Liu Wuxie still wasn''t satisfied and motioned for them to move farther away. He only put the demonic me after they retreated a hundred meters away.


    "Time to leave!" Liu Wuxie shot out like aet before the snowmen could block the exit from the outside, rising through the passage and returning to the icy mountain in the blink of an eye. When he appeared, over a dozen snowmen were storming over to block his path of retreat.


    Behind the snowmen was a group of humans, and their goal was also the ten-thousand-year Snow Lotus in Liu Wuxie''s possession.


    Liu Wuxie knew he had no chance of facing so many snowmen and humans, and he chose to flee without hesitation. He executed the Nine Heavenly Crane Dance and soared like an arrow, vanishing in the blink of an eye.


    Enraged, the snowmen roared and chased after him. Their heavy strides caused massive snowballs, asrge as houses, to rumble down.


    Liu Wuxie weaved and dodged, evading the falling snowballs and ice. With every step, he neared the foot of the mountain.


    Ultimately, Deng Yong shot past the snowmen and approached Liu Wuxie.


    "Liu Wuxie, let''s see where you will run now!" Deng Yong''s voice rang with murderous intent. He couldn''t allow the ten-thousand-year Snow Lotus to slip away from his hands. If he could obtain it, he could sweep through everyone and be the Southern Province''s strongest prodigy.


    "Someone like you thinks you can catch up with me?" Liu Wuxie roared as he increased his speed. His physique, alreadyparable to the Nascent Transformation Realm,bined with his robust true essence, doubled his speed.


    Deng Yong''s expression changed. He realized that Liu Wuxie had hidden his true strength as the distance between them grew with each passing moment.


    As for the snowmen, speed wasn''t their forte, and they could only roar in frustration after falling behind in their pursuit. They were rallying their fellow snowmen to prepare for a massacre against the humans.


    When Liu Wuxie returned to the foot of the mountain, he scanned his surroundings before darting toward the distant mountain without any pause. He nned to lose Deng Yong first before finding a safe ce to make a breakthrough, relying on the ten-thousand-year Snow Lotus.


    His speed increased, and he shot out like aet and vanished before everyone in the blink of an eye.


    Deng Yong continued the pursuit, barely managing to keep up, thanks to his cultivation in the Nascent Transformation Realm. However, Liu Wuxie showed no signs of slowing down as time went on.


    On the contrary, Deng Yong had exhausted much of his true essence through his fight with the snowmen. By the time he chased after Liu Wuxie, his true essence had been greatly exhausted, and he could be in danger if he continued his pursuit.


    "Liu Wuxie, I''ll find you even if you flee to the ends of the earth!" Deng Yong yelled as he came to a stop, gasping for breath. He watched as Liu Wuxie vanished, but he couldn''t figure out how Liu Wuxie could possess such a robust true essence.


    After losing Deng Yong, Liu Wuxie slowed down significantly. His true essence was also greatly exhausted, and it was a test of endurance to see who would give up first.


    Liu Wuxie scanned the surroundings before he entered a peculiar valley. There wasn''t much snow and ice, and the ground was bare with gray rocks.


    The surrounding temperature was warmer, and unusual nts dotted the terrain. He executed Ghost Eye to examine his surroundings to ensure there wasn''t anyone within a radius of a thousand meters.


    He finally rxed and sat down with his legs crossed, taking out high-grade spirit stones to replenish his true essence. The entire process took an hour before his true essence was fully restored.


    "I have to find a secluded ce to refine the ten-thousand-year Snow Lotus," Liu Wuxie murmured. He knew the snowmen would retaliate against the humans for losing their treasure, and he needed to grow stronger to face whaty ahead.


    He constantly executed Ghost Eye scouting to find a suitable ce. After searching several kilometers, Liu Wuxie finally discovered a small cave hidden among a pile of rocks. The cave was justrge enough for five people to sit and perfectly suited for him to make his breakthrough.


    He retrieved the array gs from his interspatial ring and began setting up a spiritual array in the surroundings. He knew he would cause a phenomenon after reaching the fourth level of the Astral River Realm.


    After finishing everything, Liu Wuxie entered the cave and took out the ten-thousand-year Snow Lotus.


    Nine-petaled lotuses were extremely rare. Legends spoke of ancient immortals using them as their meditation tform, allowing them to cultivate with unrivaled efficiency.


    The cave was filled with dense energy, and Liu Wuxie could feel his bottleneck shaking when he took a deep breath. He could reach the fourth level of the Astral River Realm at any moment.


    "What terrifying energy!" Liu Wuxie marveled. He couldn''t believe a nine-petaled lotus would contain such terrifying energy. He couldn''t imagine how much heaven and earth essence the ten-thousand-year Snow Lotus had absorbed.


    He circted the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron to devour the surrounding energies, and a faint tearing sensation came from his meridians. The ten-thousand-year Snow Lotus hinted at a potent ice energy that an ordinary person couldn''t withstand.


    The Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron appeared and devoured the ten-thousand-year Snow Lotus. To save time, Liu Wuxie nned on using the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron to help him refine it.


    Through the refinement of the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron, the energy that fed back to him would be extremely pure. However, this method came with a w, as the cauldron would consume a portion of the lotus''s energy for its growth.


    There was no way around it, as the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron was still growing, and he couldn''t predict its ultimate form.


    Dark green liquid hovered above the cauldron, and it was essence refined from the ten-thousand-year Snow Lotus.


    "Time to make a breakthrough!" Liu Wuxie couldn''t afford to dy as time was precious. He knew it wouldn''t take long for the news of his obtaining the ten-thousand-year Snow Lotus to spread throughout the Heavenly Mountain, and countless people would be hunting for him.


    Even those with no prior grudges against Liu Wuxie might be tempted to hunt him down. The ten-thousand-year Snow Lotus was a heaven-defying treasure, requiring an immense amount of time to grow, and they were unaware that Liu Wuxie possessed a cheat like the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron.


    In just two hours, the ten-thousand-year Snow Lotus was nearly fully refined. All that remained was for Liu Wuxie to assimte its energy toplete his breakthrough.


    When Bai Yuan heard the news that Liu Wuxie had obtained the ten-thousand-year Snow Lotus, he was so enraged that he spat out a mouthful of blood in fury.


    Yu Tianyi¡¯s expression turned grim. Their n to kill Liu Wuxie had not only failed, but they had also allowed him to obtain the invaluable ten-thousand-year Snow Lotus. Frustration gripped everyone, their faces dark and sour as if they had just swallowed a rotten egg.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 655 - Fourth-Level of the Astral River Realm

    <h4>Chapter 655 - Fourth-Level of the Astral River Realm</h4>


    The other sect''s disciples wore the same expression. After all, Liu Wuxie had stolen all the limelight during the five trials, and he was the first to obtain a ten-thousand-year Snow Lotus after entering the Heavenly Mountain.


    This made everyone feel bitter. Even some Sky Rift Valley disciples couldn''t help feeling envious of him.


    "How''s the n going?" Bai Yuan''s eyes shed with a hue of crimson and a tinge of madness. He knew he couldn''t wait any longer, or the situation might spiral out of his control, with Liu Wuxie growing stronger at every passing moment.


    Unlike Liu Wuxie, they were all affected by the biting cold, and their cultivation had slowed down significantly.


    "The snowmen charged down and helped the Misty Sect indirectly when we were about to seed, allowing her to escape," Yu Tianyi said, gritting his teeth.


    He was naturally referring to Xu Lingxue, knowing it was futile to threaten Liu Wuxie with the ordinary disciples of the Misty Sect. Only by capturing Xu Lingxue could they threaten Liu Wuxie.


    "elerate our n!" Bai Yuan said coldly. He was desperate to kill Liu Wuxie.


    "We have already notified the Azure Crimson Gate and Indigo Cloud Gate to conduct a sweeping search. We''ll close in immediately when we have news of her," Feng Ye said. It was a work of fate that they had failed. After all, who could have predicted the snowmen¡¯s sudden rampage, an unexpected outburst that had thwarted their ns?


    "This is all Liu Wuxie''s fault!" one of the Heavenly Origin Sect disciples spat angrily. "Because he took the ten-thousand-year Snow Lotus, the snowmen descended the mountain to attack us!"


    Over a dozen Demonic Heart Pce disciples stood quietly in an icy valley, each emitting a chilling and sinister aura.


    "The sect master has given the order. If he refuses to submit to the Demonic Heart Pce, we are to kill him without any mercy," said Qu Yang. He was among the strongest participants in the Ten Grand Ceremony and ranked third in the Talisman Tower.


    "There''s no trace of him ever since he left the mountain. He vanishedpletely, and it has been days since west got clues of his location," said Qiu Kui. He had a grim expression with boundless murderous intent released from his eyes.


    <strong>......</strong>


    Every corner of the Heavenly Mountain buzzed about Liu Wuxie''s recent exploits. The deaths of dozens of disciples at the frozenke had already faded from memory.


    "Senior Brother Qin Dao, it has been ten days, and there''s still no news of Liu Wuxie," Sun Shangxiang said grimly. He had joined Qin Dao shortly after entering Heavenly Mountain, and they had been looking for Liu Wuxie ever since.


    "He''s too lucky to obtain the ten-thousand-year Snow Lotus!" Qin Dao said, gritting his teeth with a hue of ferocity in his eyes that made him look like a wild beast.


    Then again, strength had yed a greater role than luck in the fact that Liu Wuxie could obtain the ten-thousand-year Snow Lotus.


    <strong>......</strong>


    Meanwhile, Liu Wuxie had been in seclusion for the past two days.


    "Now!" Liu Wuxie circted the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron, and the bottleneck to the fourth level of the Astral River Realm finally appeared. The deste world throbbed, and it expanded by onefold. When he made his breakthrough, he finally reached the mid-phase of the fourth level, unlike how he had only reached the initial phase when reaching the first to the third levels.


    His strength underwent a drastic transformation, both in the purity of his true essence and in thews of the Astral River Realm. Eachw was like a gxy shimmering above the deste world.


    High-grade spirit stones began to explode, their energy converging into the deste world. When Liu Wuxie had killed dozens of people at the frozenke, he had collected a significant amount of mid-grade and high-grade spirit stones from them. Now, those spoils were fueling his cultivation.


    The disciples of the ten major sects were indeed wealthy, but their wealth now increased Liu Wuxie''s strength.


    As Liu Wuxie''s aura rose, his breakthrough stopped when he was close to thete phase of the fourth level.


    Outside the cave, countless vortexes began to form, and a massive vortex that resembled an overturned cauldron appeared in the sky.


    Boundless spiritual energy flowed into Liu Wuxie''s cave through the vortexes. The high-grade spirit stones weren''t the only source, but he also had to refine thews of the Astral River Realm in the sky.


    "Someone''s making a breakthrough over there, and the energy fluctuations are incredibly strong!" a cultivator eximed as a group of cultivators appeared ten miles from the valley.


    They had been conducting a sweeping search for the past few days and were rmed by the phenomenon. They began to move toward the source, believing it to be the appearance of a treasure.


    Farther away, more people began to gather as the vortexes in the sky were too conspicuous, visible even from thousands of miles away.


    After Liu Wuxie made a breakthrough in his cultivation, he wasn''t in a hurry toe out as he had to consolidate his cultivation. His true essence needed time to harmonize with his body, as every breakthrough brought a tremendous leap in strength. This was why his body needed time to adapt to the changes.


    It was like a man who previously could lift fifty kilograms suddenly finding himself able to lift five hundred. Without proper adjustment, he risked destroying everything he touched due to ack of control over his newfound strength.


    N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Five figures steadily approached from a distance, all dressed in the attire of the Dugu n. They stopped short and stood fifty meters away from the cave.


    "There''s a spiritual array protecting this ce!" said a woman d in a red dress.


    "Third Lady, could it be that Liu Wuxie is undergoing a breakthrough here?" whispered a Dugu n''s disciple.


    At the mention of Liu Wuxie''s name, a flicker of greed shed in Dugu Yan''s eyes. In the past, her excessive caution had caused her to miss the perfect opportunity to eliminate him.


    Only Liu Wuxie and Gu Yu had survived the Blood Sea Abyssal Ind, and Dugu Yan had long harbored the thought of killing him to uncover his secrets. Yet, her hesitation had cost her dearly, leaving her to stew in regret whenever she thought about it.


    If she could kill Liu Wuxie and im his secrets, she might ascend to the position of the strongest prodigy. Such a feat would not only elevate her standing but could also catapult the Dugu n from its current ninth rank to the pinnacle of the sects.


    "Notify the n''s other disciples immediately!" Dugu Yan gave the order. She had missed the opportunity once and didn''t want to miss it again. She was determined to kill Liu Wuxie and seize his secrets.


    After all, no one could surpass Liu Wuxie in martial techniques or other fields among the younger generation.


    The other Dugu n''s disciples took out Communication Talismans to notify the other Dugu n''s disciples, not wanting to let anyone im the prize first.


    "Third Lady, what if it''s not Liu Wuxie making a breakthrough here?" They still hadn''t confirmed if it was Liu Wuxie making a breakthrough there, and it would be a little inappropriate for them to summon the n''s disciples based on spection.


    "Do you think just anyone can cause such a massivemotion during a breakthrough at this level in the Astral River Realm?" Dugu Yan asked sharply, her gaze fixed on the disciple who had spoken.


    What Dugu Yan said was right. Who could create such a hugemotion aside from Liu Wuxie in a breakthrough?


    Several groups of Dugu n''s disciples had appeared within a radius of a few hundred miles and rushed over upon receiving the news.


    "Third Lady, the spiritual array is too powerful, and we can''t break it!" reported one disciple, frustrated by their failed attempts.


    "Only he can set up such an exquisite spiritual array. We can only force our way through," Dugu Yan said, taking out a spiritual talisman, nning to break through the spiritual array forcibly.


    Over a dozen spiritual talismans were thrown into the spiritual array in the blink of an eye, causing the valley to shake violently with rocks falling on Liu Wuxie. But he didn''t suffer any injuries relying on his powerful physique.


    "Break the spiritual array faster and kill him before he can consolidate his cultivation!" Dugu Yanmanded, urging everyone to speed up. After all, it wouldn''t be easy for them to kill Liu Wuxie once his cultivation consolidated.


    Liu Wuxie shook the rubbles off and slowly rose to his feet, his eyes gleaming with murderous intent.


    "You''re all courting death!" Liu Wuxie said coldly as he stepped out of the cave, his murderous intent sweeping over the area like a storm. Fortunately, he had alreadypleted his breakthrough, and consolidating his cultivation, while beneficial, wasn¡¯t critical at the moment. Being interrupted now didn¡¯t carry the same dire consequences it would have during the breakthrough itself, when any disturbance might have caused his energy to run amok.


    Although the spiritual array hadn''t broken under the spiritual talismans, Liu Wuxie couldn''t focus on consolidating his cultivation due to themotion. When he stepped out of the cave, he saw five figures.


    "Dugu Yan, you''re courting death!" Liu Wuxie roared.


    Dugu Yan froze when she sensed the terrifying aura released by Liu Wuxie. Everyone was looking at Liu Wuxie''s tracks; she should have been happy she had found him. But there was a hint of fear on her face when she sensed the suffocating pressure crushing down.


    "Liu Wuxie, hand over the ten-thousand-year Snow Lotus!" said a Dugu n''s disciple.


    "You five fools dare toe to take the ten-thousand-year Snow Lotus from me? I''ll do the honor to send you all on your way," Liu Wuxie said, waving his palm. The ice elements manifested into a mountain containing the power of the Annihtion Fist. The power he released was too terrifying, causing the surrounding space to copse.


    Even Liu Wuxie was shocked by his newfound strength after reaching the fourth level of the Astral River Realm.


    "Liu Wuxie, how dare you! You''re courting death!" Dugu Yan swung her sword down in an attempt to resolve Liu Wuxie''s attack.


    "You people are the ones who are courting death by approaching me," Liu Wuxie said with a smileced with cruelty. He rarely killed women, but that didn''t mean he wouldn''t. Dugu Yan had crossed his bottom line. He might have spared them if the Dugu n had left him alone. But since they had chosen to provoke him, he saw no reason to hold back.


    After reaching the fourth level of the Astral River Realm, he needed a battle to temper his cultivation, which would save him the time required to consolidate his foundation.


    Dugu Yan¡¯s sword struck the descending palm with all her might, but it failed to leave even a mark. The massive palm continued its descent, mming into one of the Dugu n¡¯s disciples. Despite being at the seventh level of the Astral River Realm, the disciple had no chance to resist and was instantly reduced to a bloody pulp.


    Fear shed in Dugu Yan''s eyes when she realized she had gravely underestimated Liu Wuxie''s strength.


    "Attack together! Hold him off until the reinforcements arrive," Dugu Yan roared. If they managed to hold Liu Wuxie off until the other experts arrived, there would be no escape for him.


    "You think a few insects can hold me off? What a joke of the century!" Liu Wuxie sneered. He remained rooted to the ground and didn''t even bother to draw his de. With another casual motion, his palm descended once more, killing a Dugu n''s disciple in the eighth level of the Astral River Realm.


    The sheer ferocity disyed by Liu Wuxie was too terrifying, like a wild beast that struck Dugu Yan''s heart by killing two disciples in a breath.


    "Third Lady, run!" The remaining two disciples charged at Liu Wuxie, attempting to hold him off with their lives to allow Dugu Yan to escape.

 Chapter 656 - Starting a Massacre

    <h4>Chapter 656 - Starting a Massacre</h4>


    The two disciples knew they couldn''t beat Liu Wuxie even if theybined their strength. They could only sacrifice their lives in hopes of helping Dugu Yan escape.


    Liu Wuxie snorted coldly as two icy swords materialized mid-air, piercing through the two men and freezing them. Their bodies slowly stiffened as their vitality seeped away.


    After killing the four disciples, Dugu Yan was the only one left, and she even forgot to escape.


    "Considering that you''re a woman, I''ll give you the dignity of ending your own life," Liu Wuxie said coldly. He had no interest in dirtying his hands and allowed Dugu Yan to take her own life.


    Dugu Yan''s face twisted with a bitter expression. Moments ago, she had dreamt of killing Liu Wuxie and seizing his position as the Southern Province''s strongest prodigy. It had only been three breaths, and the situation had turned around. Not only did they fail to kill Liu Wuxie, but Liu Wuxie had in herpanions with ease.


    "Liu Wuxie, do you want to take it that far?" Dugu Yan had given up her resistance. She knew she was no match for Liu Wuxie, who could easily kill someone in the eighth level of the Astral River Realm with one p.


    She was in the ninth level of the Astral River Realm, but she couldn''t kill someone in the eighth level so quickly. That meant Liu Wuxie was much stronger than her.


    "That''s right," Liu Wuxie replied curtly. He had only allowed her the option to take her own life because she was a woman. If she had been a man, she would already have been reduced to a bloody pulp.


    "I... I''m willing to trade my body for my life!" Dugu Yan said as she slipped off her outer coat. She was only left with a thin inneryer as she shivered in the cold, resembling a frightened rabbit.


    "Do you think you can survive like that? You''ve belittled me," Liu Wuxie said, shaking his head. He didn¡¯t even spare her a nce.


    Though Dugu Yan was undoubtedly beautiful and a rare gem, Liu Wuxie only saw the corruption in her soul. What value was beauty if her heart was vile?


    "Is your heart made of stone?" Dugu Yan''s eyes shed with a chill as she shed her finalyer, revealing her bare figure before Liu Wuxie.


    However, Liu Wuxie remained cold and indifferent to her bare figure, and his eyes showed a hint of disdain.


    If Dugu Yan had taken her own life, he would''ve respected her as a courageous figure among women. But his eyes only held contempt for her at this moment.


    Dugu Yan slowly approached with her bare body and pounced into Liu Wuxie''s embrace like an agile serpent pressing against him. Her lips wandered on his neck as Liu Wuxie stood unmoving.


    "I still have my chastity. Aren''t you tempted?" she whispered, her voice soft, a faint fragrance wafting from her as if trying to breach his resolve.


    "Why disgrace yourself so?" Liu Wuxie shook his head and unleashed a cold ray with his finger.


    Dugu Yan froze, a sudden chill piercing through her abdomen. Her trembling hand moved instinctively to the source of the pain, only to find blood dripping down her abdomen, trailing onto her thighs.


    "You..." An icy sword had pierced through Dugu Yan''s lower abdomen, and her energy was leaving her. She revealed a bitter smile as she stumbled backward and copsed.


    "Third Sister!" a voice echoed from afar. The reinforcements had rushed over after learning that Liu Wuxie was there, and there were also disciples from the other sects, including the Heavenly Origin Sect.


    There were over a hundred people in the surroundings who had rushed over the moment they had received the news. The man who roared was called Dugu Qiubai, Dugu Yan''s elder brother. He was the strongest prodigy from the Dugu n among the younger generation.


    He also hoped for the Dugu n to rise in the rankings and had rushed over immediately upon receiving news from Dugu Yan, but it was clear he had arrived a step toote.


    Looking at his sister''s bare body with an ice sword embedded in her lower abdomen, Dugu Qiubai roared in fury.


    "Liu Wuxie, you vile scoundrel! Not only did you defile my sister, but you also killed her?!" Dugu Qiubai bellowed as he took a piece of cloth and covered Dugu Yan.


    Murmurs arose from the surroundings, all casting usatory res at Liu Wuxie.


    However, Liu Wuxie was unmoved by the surrounding discussion. He didn''t care what names they called him as he wasn''t guilty of anything.


    "Everyone, kill this lecher!" yelled a disciple from another sect, rallying everyone against Liu Wuxie.


    Yet, Liu Wuxie was still unperturbed as he stood calmly. If these people dared to act, he wouldn''t hesitate to kill them all. He knew he was destined to walk a different path from his past life, a path forged with blood.


    Lan Ling took a step forward, standing on Liu Wuxie''s side, and said, "Everyone, please calm down. If Liu Wuxie had defiled her, why is his clothing intact?"


    He had absolute faith in Liu Wuxie''s character. With a wife as beautiful as Xu Lingxue, how could someone like Dugu Yan catch his eye? While Dugu Yan was beautiful, she couldn¡¯tpared to Xu Lingxue.


    "You''re all disciples of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, and you''ll naturally stand on his side. The truth is here for everyone to see, and I didn''t expect Liu Wuxie to be a beast in his heart," roared a disciple of the Indigo Cloud Gate, trying to use vile usations against Liu Wuxie.


    Most people had pieced the situation together, and how could Liu Wuxie have waited until everyone arrived if he really wanted to vite Dugu Yan? He would''ve found somewhere more private to do the deed if he wanted.


    Moreover, there were no signs of tearing on her clothes. Thus, there was only one exnation: Dugu Yan had removed her own clothes.


    However, knowing was one thing; attempting to tarnish Liu Wuxie''s name was another.


    "I''m right here. Who wants to kill me?" Liu Wuxie said, his gaze sweeping over those who had used him earlier. One by one, they lowered their heads, unable to meet his piercing eyes.


    "Everyone, don''t be afraid! We can join forces and kill this monster to restore justice!" shouted a disciple from the Indigo Cloud Gate, attempting to rally the crowd against Liu Wuxie.


    "That''s right! Join forces and kill this monster!" echoed the Dugu n disciples, their voices filled with anger. They could not ept the disgraceful death of their esteemed thirddy at Liu Wuxie''s hands.


    Greed flickered in the eyes of many amid the chaos. Since they knew Liu Wuxie possessed a treasure like the ten-thousand-year Snow Lotus, this was the perfect opportunity for them to im it for themselves.


    Lan Ling quickly converged over Liu Wuxie, nning to fight alongside him if needed. If not for Liu Wuxie''s Ascension Pill, he wouldn''t have reached the Quasi-Nascent Transformation Realm.


    He was only one step away from the Nascent Transformation Realm, and he could take that step out if he went into several months of seclusion when they returned to the sect.


    "Kill him!" Over a hundred people advanced like a storm as they marched at Liu Wuxie.


    "Liu Wuxie, you''ll pay with your life for killing my third sister!" Dugu Qiubai roared as he rose from the ground. Carefully, he ced Dugu Yan''s corpse into his interspatial ring for a proper burial, his face dark with rage.


    The other Dugu n disciples followed hismand, charging at Liu Wuxie with their swords drawn.


    "Senior Brother Lan Ling, please stand aside," Liu Wuxie said. He didn''t need Lan Ling''s help to deal with these clowns; he could kill everyone with his strength.


    Vanishing in an instant, Liu Wuxie reappeared with the Heretic de, unleashing True Strike in a devastating arc. His attack swept out like a storm, obliterating the charging Dugu n disciples. They were reduced to dust, leaving no trace of their bodies behind.


    Outside the barrier, the Dugu n was in an uproar as Dugu Shan held onto a soul tablet with a hollow expression. Dugu Yan was his favorite daughter, and she managed most of the n''s business. He couldn''t believe that she had died in Heavenly Mountain.


    Anguish gripped his heart. If he had foreseen this oue, he would never have allowed her to participate in the Ten Grand Ceremony and would have kept her home to tend to the n¡¯s business.


    But a brief momentter, over a dozen soul tablets shattered, consisting of disciples from the various sects. All of their disciples had practically died at the same time.


    "What''s going on? Why are so many people dying?"


    The second-tier sects couldn''t remain calm as this year¡¯s Ten Grand Ceremony was unlike anything they had seen before. Over a hundred disciples had died in just over ten days, and suchrge-scale casualties were unheard of.


    Most importantly, the ones dead were all prodigies, and everyone wondered if something had happened inside.


    "Could it all be Liu Wuxie''s doing?" someone wondered aloud.


    "That''s impossible. No matter how strong he is, how can he possibly kill so many people by himself?" another retorted. Even those in the True Profound Realm refused to believe Liu Wuxie could kill so many prodigies.


    Dugu Yan was at the ninth level of the Astral River Realm and was the favored daughter of Dugu Shan. She must¡¯ve been equipped with powerful treasures, so how could Liu Wuxie kill her?


    "Look over there! The snowmen seemed to have descended their mountain!" Everyone could vaguely see what was happening at the peak through the barrier, but only vague dots.


    Due to the snowman''s colossal body, they could see a slightlyrger dot moving.


    "Are the snowmen responsible for their deaths?" That was the only usible exnation for everyone.


    The massacre continued, and Liu Wuxie killed all the iing people with one strike. This left the others stunned, not daring to take another step forward.


    N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s power was too terrifying. With a single strike of his de, he had killed so many, including those at the high levels of the Astral River Realm. The Indigo Cloud Gate disciples who had called out earlier now shrank back, their faces pale with fear, no longer daring to utter a word.


    Blood dripped from the edge of Liu Wuxie''s de, and he was like a fiend god from ancient times, exuding an overwhelming murderous aura.


    "Anyone else?" Liu Wuxie questioned, sweeping his gaze through everyone, but no one dared to take a step forward and retreated.


    "Run! Liu Wuxie has grown far beyond our reach! Only those like Bai Yuan and Deng Yong can deal with him," said someone among the crowd as he fled.

 Chapter 657 - Scattering Passion Powder,

    <h4>Chapter 657 - Scattering Passion Powder,</h4>


    As the crowd began to retreat, Liu Wuxie¡¯s cold voice cut through the air. "Come and go as you please? Are you people looking down on me too much?" His words were apanied by a terrifying surge of murderous intent that swept out, enveloping an area spanning hundreds of miles.


    His anger boiled over, unrelenting. If these people dared tobel him a lecher and a demon, then he would show them the demon they feared.


    With a ferocious swing of the Heretic de, Liu Wuxie struck. The few disciples of the Indigo Cloud Gate who had used him first were torn apart, their cries of despair echoing briefly before their gruesome deaths silenced them.


    Liu Wuxie stood amidst the carnage like a god of death that radiated an overwhelming murderous intent. The ground was littered with corpses with one strike.


    The remaining disciples of the Indigo Cloud Gate were killed before they could react in time. Dugu Qiuhai had a flicker of fear in the depths of his eyes. Initially, he wanted to avenge the death of his third sister, but he dismissed that thought as he didn''t want to die. However, he had no intention of giving up and nned to rally more people against Liu Wuxie.


    "Run! His strength has reached a terrifying height!" someone yelled. They didn''t want to die, and they began to flee, nning to alert Bai Yuan and the others of Liu Wuxie''s news.


    Everyone had scattered in the blink of an eye, including those from the Dugu n.


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t bother chasing after them. A hundred or so people posed no threat to him, and killing them all would have been more effort than it was worth. Now, only Liu Wuxie, Lan Ling, and two other fellow disciples remained at the scene.


    "Junior Brother Liu, congrattions on your newfound strength," Lan Ling said with a face full of admiration. In just a few days, Liu Wuxie had grown to a level that even Lan Ling could only look up to.


    "Thank you, Senior Brother Lan, for standing by me," Liu Wuxie said. Though Lan Ling''s help wasn''t needed, Liu Wuxie still appreciated it. Lan Ling had stood against over a hundred people without hesitation, and Liu Wuxie respected that kind of loyalty.


    "We didn''t do much," Lan Ling smiled wryly. He wanted to help but didn''t even get the chance to act.


    "Senior Brother Liu, what exactly happened here? Why is Dugu Yan...did you really...?" another disciple asked curiously.


    Liu Wuxie exined what was going on. He was cultivating here when Dugu Yan arrived with disciples of the Dugu n. Everyone could guess why Dugu Yan was stripped. If Liu Wuxie had wanted to defile her, she wouldn''t even have had the chance to resist.


    "Junior Brother Liu, I have bad news for you," Lan Ling said with locked brows. He initially didn''t want to tell Liu Wuxie about it as he didn''t want thetter to put himself in danger. But he ultimately chose to speak up.


    "Go on!" Liu Wuxie said. He could sense the weight of this matter, or Lan Ling wouldn''t have worn such a grim expression.


    "I received word that Bai Yuan has allied with the Azure Crimson Gate and Indigo Cloud Gate to hunt down disciples of the Misty Sect, nning to use them to threaten you," Lan Ling said. It wasn''t a secret, as it had already spread; only Liu Wuxie was still unaware of it.


    Upon hearing Lan Ling¡¯s words, Liu Wuxie¡¯s murderous intent red uncontrobly. Fury surged within him at Bai Yuan¡¯s audacity to threaten him by targeting Xu Lingxue.


    "HOW DARE THEY!" Liu Wuxie clenched his fists together with an outburst of energy that crushed the surrounding space into fragments.


    Lan Ling¡¯s eyes widened at the sight of the shattered space. He had already regarded Liu Wuxie¡¯s strength highly, believing him to be on par with the pinnacle of the Astral River Realm. However, it was now evident that he had underestimated him¡ªLiu Wuxie had most likely surpassed the level of ordinary cultivators in the Nascent Transformation Realm.


    "Junior Brother, what do you n to do next?" Lan Ling asked, his concern evident. As a disciple of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, he had no intention of standing idly by.


    "I appreciate your goodwill. This is my personal feud, and I will handle it myself," Liu Wuxie said. He didn''t want to drag Lan Ling down with him.


    "Junior brother, how could you say such a thing?" Lan Ling retorted. He wouldn''t allow Liu Wuxie to risk his life alone, and Bai Yuan must''ve set up an intricate trap for Liu Wuxie.


    "Alright, I''ll be leaving first," Liu Wuxie said. He didn''t give Lan Ling the chance to argue further and vanished, heading off to find tracks of Xu Lingxue. He was determined to locate her before Bai Yuan could execute his n.


    If he could join Xu Lingxue before Bai Yuan could find her, Bai Yuan''s n would go down the drain.


    A bitter smile rose on the faces of Lan Ling and the other two disciples as they looked at Liu Wuxie vanishing into the distance.


    "Junior Brother Liu didn''t want to get us involved in the conflict," the other two disciples said, admiring Liu Wuxie''s resolve. They could tell that Liu Wuxie didn''t want to implicate too many people and the sect in the feud.


    "Let''s gather the other Heavenly Treasure Pavilion disciples. Regardless of whether Junior Brother Liu needs our help, we had to do everything in our power to foil Bai Yuan''s n," Lan Ling said, taking a deep breath.


    There were over a hundred disciples of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. If they could join forces, they would be a formidable force to be reckoned with. In addition to the disciples from the Misty Sect, they could even face thebined threat from the three sects.


    The trio vanished to rally the other Heavenly Treasure Pavilion disciples.


    When Liu Wuxie left, he began to scan the surroundings with divine sense and Ghost Eye, searching for disciples of the Misty Sect. He searched for an entire day and night before he found two Misty Sect disciples who were separated from the main group.


    "Liu Wuxie, what are you trying to do?" The two Misty Sect disciples raised their swords defensively, their expressions wary as they faced him.


    "Do you know where Xu Lingxue is?" Liu Wuxie asked, his tone free of hostility.


    Hearing his question, the two disciples gradually lowered their guard. Stories of Liu Wuxie¡¯s recent massacres had spread widely, exining their initial apprehension. But his search for Xu Lingxue seemed genuine, and their tension eased.


    "We were with her a few days ago," said the disciple on the right, a young woman with a round, adorable face. "But we were ambushed by Bai Yuan¡¯s group. Thankfully, the snowmen appeared and scattered their forces, but we got separated from her in the chaos."


    "Do you know where she went?" Liu Wuxie asked. If he had an urate direction, it would be easier for him to find Xu Lingxue.


    "They headed west when we scattered," said the round-faced disciple, pointing in that direction.


    "Thank you," Liu Wuxie said and vanished, disappearing toward the west.


    Once he disappeared, the two Misty Sect disciples let out sighs of relief. The disciple on the left patted her chest, still trembling with fear. "That was terrifying!"


    "What''s there to fear? He''s Xu Lingxue''s husband, and he won''t harm us," the round-faced disciple said dismissively.


    "Haven''t you heard? There are rumors that he defiled the Dugu n''s thirddy in public, and many people witnessed it," the other disciple retorted. They had just gotten the news and didn''t expect Liu Wuxie to be such a person.


    "You believe that nonsense? With Senior Sister Xu as his wife, do you think he''ll look at another woman?" The round-faced disciple didn''t believe the rumors and suspected that someone must''ve spread the rumors on purpose to dirty Liu Wuxie''s name.


    "That¡¯s true. Even if he did, it makes no sense for him to do it in front of so many people," the disciple on the left said, nodding. They both understood they weren¡¯t in a position toment on the rumors, as they had no way to confirm the truth.


    Liu Wuxie naturally didn''t know their conversation, nor did he expect his reputation to be tarnished in just a day. Now, everyone believed him to be a despicable scoundrel, a depraved lecher in disguise.


    He encountered many disciples when he flew all day and night, including enemies that weren''t spared. However, he still couldn''t find Xu Lingxue anywhere, no matter how hard he searched. It was as if she had vanished with herpanions.


    Liu Wuxie''s anxiety grew as time passed, and he wondered if Bai Yuan had captured her. If that were the case, the situation would be dire.


    N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Perched atop a massive boulder, Liu Wuxie scanned the surroundings with a sharp gaze, hoping to uncover even the faintest clue. Suddenly, his eyes locked on a figure rushing toward him at great speed. Behind her, three men gave chase, their lecherousughter echoing through the air.


    "Murong Yi? What is she doing here?" Liu Wuxie leaped down from the boulder, his eyes fixed on Murong Yi. With her strength, it should be impossible for even someone like Bai Yuan to harm her, but who could have the capability to chase after her?


    "Murong Yi, the faster you run, the faster the poison will spread in your body. I suggest you stop and surrender," a voice echoed, and it was Qin Dao.


    Murong Yi''s steps faltered, her pace slowing with each step. After a dozen more steps, her vision began to blur, and a wave of weakness washed over her.


    "You despicable scoundrels!" she spat, her voice trembling with fury. "I trusted you, and this is how you repay me? You poisoned me!" Murderous intent radiated from Murong Yi as she red at Qin Dao and his twopanions, her eyes filled with rage and betrayal.


    Murong Yi had encountered Qin Dao yesterday and, trusting in their shared identity as disciples of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, had assumed he wouldn¡¯t harm her. But when she let her guard down, Qin Dao seized the opportunity to poison her.


    "I''ve courted you for an entire month, but you showed no interest in me, only showing favor for that beast. I''ll make you mine today," Qin Dao dered. He was truly captivated by her the moment he hadid eyes on her.


    He had relentlessly pursued her for an entire month, vying for her affection. He wasn''t the only one, though, as many disciples had also courted Murong Yi.


    But when Qin Dao saw how close Murong Yi was to Liu Wuxie, he could only grit his teeth in frustration with nothing he could do.


    "You vile scoundrel!" Murong Yi spat; her body felt weak and heavy. The poison had invaded her system, rendering her powerless. Even with her cultivation in the low levels of the Nascent Transformation Realm, she couldn''t expel the potent toxin.


    "You''ve been dosed with my Scattering Passion Powder, and you will soon be a bitch. I''ll let you know then what the real meaning of despicable is," Qin Dao said. He had unleashed all his hatred for Liu Wuxie upon Murong Yi.


    Upon hearing the name of the poison, terror shed across Murong Yi''s eyes. The Scattering Passion Powder was a potent poison that wouldn''t kill anyone, but it was a powerful aphrodisiac that would ignite the primal desires in the body.


    If the poison weren''t neutralized, the victim would be consumed by it, leading to a fiery and agonizing death.

 Chapter 658 - Five Throwing Knives

    <h4>Chapter 658 - Five Throwing Knives</h4>


    From a distance, Liu Wuxie caught snippets of their conversation, but the words "Scattering Passion Powder" rang out clearly. His heart sank as he realized the depths of Qin Dao¡¯s depravity. Poisoning a fellow disciple from the same sect was bad enough, but using such a vile substance was truly despicable.


    "Qin Dao, you¡¯ll die a wretched death!" Murong Yi spat, her voice trembling with fury and helplessness. She had always been cautious, yet she had still fallen victim to Qin Dao¡¯s scheme. Ever since joining the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, everyone had been polite and courteous to her¡ªeveryone except Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Senior Brother Qin, how long will it take for the Scattering Passion Powder to take effect? I can¡¯t wait any longer,¡± Sun Shangxiang muttered, rubbing his hands together with wicked anticipation.


    Murong Yi¡¯s beauty was peerless, rivaling even Xu Lingxue¡¯s, and the thought of her falling into their clutches filled him with excitement.


    ¡°Not long now. The Scattering Passion Powder will thoroughly spread out in a few minutes at most, and she will be nothing but a bitch then,¡± Qin Dao said with a devilish smile.


    n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The Scattering Passion Powder was a rare aphrodisiac in the market, but the Lesser de Association¡¯s business consisted of human trafficking and brothels. To make the women obey them, they had specially journeyed far for it. An ordinary person would fall prey to it by taking a small whiff.


    ¡°Are you sure she won¡¯t counteract the effects of the Scattering Passion Powder with her cultivation?¡± Sun Shangxiang asked, as Murong Yi¡¯s strength was formidable.


    ¡°You¡¯ve underestimated the effects of the Scattering Passion Powder. This is crafted by a demonic monk from the Western Barren, and I paid a high price for it. Even someone in the True Profound Realm can¡¯t resist it,¡± Qin Dao said. The demonic monk was a figure Qin Dao had encountered during his training a few years ago, and the Scattering Passion Powder had never failed him. It was his ultimate weapon of control.


    As time passed, Murong Yi¡¯s expression grew hazy, her body ame with an unbearable heat. She felt like she was on fire, her mind consumed by primal urges to tear her clothes off.


    ¡°Take it off! Take it off!¡± Sun Shangsxiang urged, his eyes glued onto Murong Yi.


    Murong Yi trembled, both from the effects of the powder and from the lecherous voices surrounding her. Her hands moved against her will, shaking uncontrobly as they reached to tear at her clothes.


    Tears streamed down Murong Yi¡¯s cheeks as despair threatened to consume her entirely. Suddenly, a figure appeared before her¡ªa tall and striking person. Yet, it saddened her that she hadn¡¯t heard any news of him since entering this treacherous ce.


    As her vision blurred further, it felt as though she was floating on clouds, drifting away. Memories of the past reyed vividly in her mind, moments she thought she had long forgotten. She remembered the times her uncle and nanny, Madam Li, had shielded her from the harshness of the world. Without them, she now faced a far crueler reality than she could have ever imagined.


    Regret seeped into her heart. Shemented not killing Qin Dao when she had the chance. Someone so vile had no ce in the world, and now, she was paying the price for her hesitation.


    Her divine sense began to blur, and her hands were beyond her control. Just when her divine sense was about to vanish, a pair of arms caught her. A familiar scent burrowed into her nostrils, and a familiar face appeared before her.


    ¡°Wuxie, is that you?¡± Murong Yi thought she was hallucinating. She had been thinking of him for the past few days.


    ¡°It¡¯s me,¡± Liu Wuxie replied. He gently caressed Murong Yi¡¯s forehead, and a surge of rity coursed through her, entering her soul sea to stabilize her faltering consciousness.


    Even so, the poison in her body remained a grave threat. If she couldn¡¯t get rid of it, she would be killed sooner orter by the me.


    Gently cing Murong Yi down, Liu Wuxie injected a trace of ice element energy into her body to suppress the heat. But that wasn¡¯t the solution, as she would die if she didn¡¯t satisfy her desires.


    This situation was far more severe than the poisoning Jian Xing¡¯er had suffered in the past with the Six Desires Powder. The Scattering Passion Powder was significantly more potent and devastating.


    To buy time, Liu Wuxie ced Murong Yi on a nearby boulder, allowing the surrounding chill to slow the toxin¡¯s outburst.


    Turning back, he found himself face-to-face with Qin Dao and his twopanions.


    Upon seeing Liu Wuxie, Qin Dao¡¯s face shed with a hint of excitement. They had been searching for Liu Wuxie for ten whole days, but they couldn¡¯t find any trace of him. Learning that Liu Wuxie had obtained a ten-thousand-year Snow Lotus had nearly made Qin Dao spit blood in frustration.


    When he had run into Murong Yi, the malice in his heart had grown, and his hatred for Liu Wuxie had all shifted onto her. This was the reason why he resorted to using the Scattering Passion Powder on her.


    ¡°You all deserve to die!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s voice echoed like a winter de,shing at the trio¡¯s faces.


    The surrounding temperature plummeted, the chill biting into their skin. Sun Shangxiang shivered involuntarily as Liu Wuxie¡¯s boundless murderous intent surged outward like a tidal wave, threatening to engulf everything in its path.


    "Liu Wuxie, you¡¯ve barged into hell willingly when you had the chance to walk the path to heaven. I won¡¯t kill you easily¡ªI¡¯ll torment her right before your eyes!" Qin Daoughed darkly, brandishing a throwing knife. The aura he unleashed, honed at the Quasi-Nascent Transformation Realm, radiated terrifying power.


    Qin Dao¡¯s confidence was evident. Since entering the battlefield, he had used the harsh environment to his advantage, smoothly breaking through to the Quasi-Nascent Transformation Realm. With Sun Shangxiang, who had reached the pinnacle of the Astral River Realm, by his side, their odds against Liu Wuxie seemed strong.


    Time wouldn¡¯t wait for anyone, and Liu Wuxie had to end the battle quickly to protect Murong Yi from further harm. He gripped the Heretic de and leaped at the three attackers like a ferocious tiger lunging at its prey.


    ¡°Attack together!¡± Qin Dao roared,unching three throwing knives from his hand. They shot through the air like arrows, whistling with deadly precision.


    ¡°True Strike!¡± Liu Wuxie now had a deeperprehension of the True Strike with the breakthrough in his strength. It looked like a simple move but was filled with countless variations, each branching into hundreds of attacks.


    When executed, each of the variations was fatal; the heavens dimmed, and the sun and moon lost their luster. His strike consumed all his surrounding spiritual energy.


    Fury zed in Liu Wuxie¡¯s heart, and he didn¡¯t bother hiding his cultivation, unleashing an oppressive aura that made Qin Dao¡¯s group of three feel suffocated.


    ¡°How is this possible?!¡± Qin Dao¡¯s face twisted with shock as the three throwing knives were knocked away by Liu Wuxie. There was no need for borate countermeasures as all tricks were useless before absolute strength.


    Sun Shangxiang was shocked as the de aura surged toward his throat. His aura in the pinnacle of the Astral River Realm was like a fragile paper before Liu Wuxie, shattering instantly.


    Not just him, but even Qin Dao was suppressed by Liu Wuxie¡¯s aura.


    ¡°Die!¡± Liu Wuxie unleashed a boundless de aura with the Heretic de to seal off the trio¡¯s path of retreat.


    Qin Dao barely managed to force a way out with three throwing knives, but Sun Shangxiang and his otherpanion weren¡¯t so fortunate. They were trapped within the swamp of de aura and couldn¡¯t free themselves.


    Liu Wuxie hadbined the True Strike with Frost Finger. Sharp shards of ice shot out like arrows that sealed Sun Shangxiang and hispanion¡¯s path of retreat.


    Agonizing screams echoed from Sun Shangxiang as the icy arrows riddled his body, turning him into a sieve. Blood gushed from hundreds of tiny wounds, which painted a gruesome scene.


    Hispanion fared no better and was decapitated by the Heretic de, his head flying into the air. Everything happened in a sh, and not even Qin Dao had the time to react.


    There was no holding back the moment Liu Wuxie decided to kill. He had to kill these three to save Murong Yi. After killing the two, Liu Wuxie slowly advanced toward Qin Dao.


    ¡°Hand over the antidote, and I might consider letting you have a painless death,¡± Liu Wuxie demanded as Qin Dao gripped five throwing knives. Since Qin Dao¡¯s debut, no one had managed to face his fifth throwing knife and lived to tell the tale.


    ¡°There¡¯s no antidote for the Scattering Passion Powder; don¡¯t dream about it!¡± Qin Dao didn¡¯t lie, as there was no antidote to the Scattering Passion Powder. The one poisoned by it would die within an hour unless they satiated their lust.


    ¡°In that case, you can die now,¡± Liu Wuxie said. Since there was no antidote, Qin Dao could only die.


    However, Liu Wuxie suddenly stopped as five throwing knives flew at him, and this was Qin Dao¡¯s strongest attack. He sealed the surrounding space to execute the throwing knife technique with his cultivation in the Quasi-Nascent Transformation Realm.


    Invisiblews descended, binding Liu Wuxie in ce and leaving him momentarily stunned. "What a bizarre technique!" he murmured to himself, his toneced with both surprise and intrigue.


    It was undeniable that Qin Dao¡¯s throwing knife technique was formidable. Even if Bai Yuan ran into Qin Dao, it wouldn¡¯t be easy for him to deal with the throwing knife technique.


    But it was unfortunate for Qin Dao that he faced Liu Wuxie, whose Ghost Eye revealed even the subtlest details. Qin Dao¡¯s dao technique was embedded within his throwing knife style, and he had refined it to unleash a fifth throwing knife, merging power and precision into a single deadly attack.


    Five throwing knives streaked through the air in an instant, closing in on Liu Wuxie. The speed and precision left little time to react, with the fifth knife being especially dangerous due to its unpredictable trajectory.


    As the first three knives approached, Liu Wuxie charged forward, swinging the Heretic de with precision. Sparks flew as the three knives were knocked away.


    The fourth knife, however, veered off its expected path, avoiding the Heretic de and targeting Liu Wuxie¡¯s lower body with a cunning and vicious angle.


    Liu Wuxie snorted, seeing through the ploy. The fourth knife was merely a decoy, designed to distract him from the fifth¡ªa far deadlier threat. Thanks to the rity provided by the Ghost Eye, he saw through everything.


    He didn¡¯t attempt to deflect the fourth knife and soared to the sky, twisting himself into an unimaginable angle that looked like a majestic crane spreading its wings.


    The fourth knife grazed past him, and the fifth knife came out of nowhere, aiming directly at Liu Wuxie¡¯s heart.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie, no one has ever escaped my fifth knife, and you¡¯re no exception,¡± Qin Dao dered, his voiceced with chill. It was already beyond his expectation that Liu Wuxie could resolve the first four knives, and a flicker of seriousness crossed his eyes.


    ¡°Petty tricks,¡± Liu Wuxie mocked. The fifth throwing knife had locked onto him while he was in mid-air, clinging onto him like a shadow.


    No matter how Liu Wuxie maneuvered, the knife relentlessly adjusted its trajectory, staying mere inches away from him. A single misstep, and it would have pierced straight through his heart.

 Chapter 659 - Intimacy

    <h4>Chapter 659 - Intimacy</h4>


    The fifth knife was much smaller than the previous ones¡ªonly the length of an adult''s pinky. Its speed was unmatched, and its trajectory was even more tricky as it whistled through the air and appeared near Liu Wuxie''s neck.


    Such a bizarre technique was unheard of, even for Liu Wuxie. However, he had relied on the Ghost Eye to discover the trajectory of that knife. Just when the knife was about to reach his neck, he vanished from where he stood.


    No one could discern how Liu Wuxie disappeared so abruptly. The moment the de missed, Qin Dao instantly realized something wasn''t right.


    The knife burrowed into a nearby boulder and vanished, while Liu Wuxie mysteriously reappeared to Qin Dao¡¯s right.


    "H-How did you find out the trajectory of my knives?" Qin Dao panicked. No one had been able to deal with his fifth knife before, which meant his trump card had been rendered useless against Liu Wuxie.


    n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Liu Wuxie did not bother to exin. He summoned the Earth-Binding Chains, wanting to end the fight quickly. Themotion of the battle had already drawn attention, and many people could be seen hurrying over.


    He knew he had to kill Qin Dao quickly and leave with Murong Yi to a secluded spot to treat the poison in her body.


    "W...What...the hell is this?!" Qin Dao stuttered in disbelief as he couldn''t fathom how Liu Wuxie came to possess such a heaven-defying treasure. The more he resisted, the tighter the Earth-Binding Chains became, slowly crushing his bones inch by inch.


    After Qin Dao was dragged into the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron, Liu Wuxie wasted no time to clean up the battlefield and scooped Murong Yi from the boulder before he vanished.


    Murong Yi was semi-conscious, her condition alternating between rity and confusion. Although her body was only mildly heated initially, it became burning hot the moment Liu Wuxie held her.


    Perhaps because Liu Wuxie''s masculinity influenced her, she began to rub her body against him while being carried. As she had removed her outer garment, she was only left with a tight-fitting inner garment.


    As Liu Wuxie carried Murong Yi, an intoxicating fragrance wafted into his nostrils, causing an involuntary reaction in his body.


    Murong Yi suddenly wrapped her arms around Liu Wuxie''s neck, leaning her lips against his ears. She muttered, "I-I can''t hold on much longer!"


    Her voice was soft, but Liu Wuxie heard it clearly. This made Liu Wuxie speed up and head toward the icy peak.


    With all the snowmen descending from the icy peak, it was now the safest ce on the Heavenly Mountain. After all, the ten-thousand-year Snow Lotus had been harvested by Liu Wuxie, and there was no need for other cultivators to go up the peak.


    Fifteen minutester, Liu Wuxie appeared beneath the icy peak. He performed the Nine Heavenly Crane Dance and arrived at the entrance to the underground chamber once more. The snowmen had already sealed it up, but it wasn''t very sturdy. Liu Wuxie easily broke through the blockage with little effort.


    He swiftly descended, carrying Murong Yi. He immediately set up a spiritual array in the surroundings to prevent snowmen from entering.


    After sealing off all connections with the surroundings, this illusory array concealed everything inside from the outside world.


    "Don''t worry, I''ll treat your poison," Liu Wuxie said as he ced Murong Yi on the ground. He began to carve out an ice bucket, nning to use the same method to deal with the aphrodisiac poison in Murong Yi''s body.


    Once he finished setting everything up, Liu Wuxie turned, intending to ce Murong Yi inside. But as he turned, Murong Yi suddenly threw herself into his embrace.


    "It''s useless; there''s no cure for the Scattering Passion Powder!" Murong Yi''s consciousness began to blur, and the influence of aphrodisiac dictated her actions as she removed herst piece of clothing.


    "We can¡¯t do this!" Liu Wuxie protested, attempting to push Murong Yi away, but she clung to him tightly, leaving him unable to break free.


    "This is my choice... you won¡¯t bear any... responsibility. Quick, take... me while... I still have a shred... of rity left," Murong Yi said haltingly. Despite the haze clouding her mind, she retained a sliver of awareness, making her decision willingly. She had no intention of holding Liu Wuxie ountable.


    "B-But I have a wife," Liu Wuxie protested, feeling conflicted. If he got intimate with Murong Yi, how could he face Xu Lingxue?


    "Are you going to just stand by and watch me die?" Murong Yi''s eyes filled with desperation. She didn''t want to die when she hadn''t rescued her parents. Her consciousness gradually faded, slowly being overwhelmed by her primal desires, and she slowly removed Liu Wuxie''s clothes.


    Liu Wuxie was stunned, his heart heavy. What Murong Yi said wasn''t wrong¡ªwas he going to watch her die like that?


    He could see Murong Yi''s dire state when his divine sense entered her body. If she wasn''t treated immediately, her meridians would slowly rupture, and she would die, bleeding through her seven orifices.


    With a heavy sigh, Liu Wuxie waved his hand, and the surrounding scene changed once more. A small tent appeared. He gently carried Murong Yi into the tent.


    Time seemed to blur, and they were exhausted as they fell asleep. However, Liu Wuxie remained in a light slumber, his divine sense actively monitoring the surroundings.


    When he finally opened his eyes, he wasn¡¯t sure how much time had passed. His first instinct was to scan the area for potential threats before his gaze shifted to the beauty lying beside him. A wry smile crossed his face as he took in her appearance.


    Her skin was smooth and radiant as jade; each inch was wless. Her long, silken hair cascaded like a waterfall over his shoulders, carrying an intoxicating fragrance. He couldn''t resist her beauty and gently kissed her forehead.


    When Murong Yi gradually woke up and opened her eyes, she saw Liu Wuxie nting a peck on her forehead.


    "You''re awake!" Liu Wuxie said, reaching for a garment to cover them both. It was mainly to prevent Murong Yi from feeling awkward.


    Her consciousness had gradually faded earlier under the Scattering Passion Powder, and her actions were beyond her control. Now that she was fully conscious, the circumstances had changed entirely.


    Murong Yi was too beautiful, too breathtaking. When he embraced her, she didn''t resist and rested her head against his chest.


    But the moment Liu Wuxie flipped around, thetter was startled.


    "Wuxie, no!" Murong Yi wanted to resist, but Liu Wuxie silenced her with a firm yet gentle kiss. This time, everything happened in full rity.


    Murong Yi was so nervous that she didn¡¯t dare to lift her head and rested it against Liu Wuxie¡¯s chest instead. Each subtle motion sent waves of sensation through her body, like an electric current coursing through her entire being, intensifying with every deliberate movement.


    An hourter, they were exhausted as Murong Yi nestled herself in Liu Wuxie''s embrace. After she recovered her strength, she stood up and changed into a new set of clothes from her interspatial ring.


    "What happened today remains between us. I won''t hold you responsible, and everything was of my own will," Murong Yi said with tears rolling down her cheeks. She knew that Liu Wuxie had a wife, and their rtionship could never be fully justified.


    "Although you might not be my official wife, you''re my first woman. I, Liu Wuxie, swear that I won''t abandon you in this lifetime," Liu Wuxie said as he stood up and pulled Murong Yi into his arms.


    If their first union had been driven by the necessity of neutralizing the aphrodisiac poison in Murong Yi''s body, the second was a choice made with full awareness. Without realizing it, Murong Yi had found her way into Liu Wuxie''s heart. Allowing her to bear the burden alone was something Liu Wuxie could never do.


    Murong Yi wept silently in Liu Wuxie''s embrace. She said nothing as she allowed Liu Wuxie to hold her.


    "Don''t worry about it. I''ll exin everything to Lingxue," Liu Wuxie said. He understood Murong Yi''s concern as he released her and donned a long robe.


    "Let things take their natural course," Murong Yi replied. She would do anything to repay Liu Wuxie as long as thetter could rescue her parents.


    The atmosphere was a bit heavy, and they were both surprised to hear footstepsing from outside. They nervously stored the tent as they exited the passage, quickly darting down the mountain.


    "What are your ns next?" Murong Yi asked, looking at Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie briefly exined Bai Yuan''s n to Murong Yi; he had to find Xu Lingxue next to prevent her from falling into Bai Yuan''s clutches.


    "Then what are you waiting for? Go and find her quickly!" Murong Yi said. She felt guilty that she had dyed him for so long. Half a day had been consumed, and Murong Yi would never forgive herself if anything happened to Xu Lingxue.


    "Let''s go together," Liu Wuxie said. This would ensure that what had happened previously wouldn''t happen again and that they could also support each other against unforeseen dangers.


    Murong Yi nodded, her demeanor reflecting the maturity she had gained through this ordeal. Together, they executed their movement techniques, skimming across the mountain range with practiced ease. Only ten days remained until the final battle, and while the death toll continued to rise, it was notably lower than in the preceding days.


    Over a dozen Misty Sect disciples led by Xu Lingxue were trapped in a valley. They tried breaking through multiple times, but all their attempts were thwarted, with some disciples suffering injuries.


    Meanwhile, Liu Wuxie''s face gradually became grim when he couldn''t find Xu Lingxue''s whereabouts.


    "It''s fine. No news is the best news," Murong Yiforted.

 Chapter 660 - Thorn Peak Valley

    <h4>Chapter 660 - Thorn Peak Valley</h4>


    Liu Wuxie knew Murong Yi was trying tofort him. He executed Ghost Eye, piercing through the mountains, and he noticed a group of people heading in a certain direction.


    "There are disciples of the Azure Crimson Gate there, and they seem to be heading in one direction," Liu Wuxie said. He nned to start with them and see if he could find any whereabouts of Xu Lingxue.


    The three smaller groups quickly merged into one party, which was unusual.


    Without any hesitation, the two vanished, reappearing before a group of over twenty Azure Crimson Gate disciples. Liu Wuxie''s sudden arrival left the disciples stunned, their shock evident. However, their surprise quickly turned to excitement as they realized the opportunity before them.


    "Liu Wuxie, I never thought you''d deliver yourself to us!" Meng Qi emerged from the group. He was a renowned alchemist in the Azure Crimson Gate, and not many people could surpass him in terms of alchemy.


    He had also secured the second ce back in the Alchemy Tower. He wasn''t just proficient in alchemy, but he also had a decent cultivation.


    "Liu Wuxie, I''ll handle them," Murong Yi whispered to Liu Wuxie. She didn¡¯t yet realize that even those in the lower levels of the Nascent Transformation Realm were no match for Liu Wuxie.


    "No need. You don''t need to get involved in dealing with garbage like them," Liu Wuxie replied, gesturing for her to step aside. This was his vendetta against the Azure Crimson Gate, and he didn''t want to drag Murong Yi into it.


    The Azure Crimson Gate disciples seethe with rage after beingbeled as garbage. They disregarded Murong Yi, thinking she was only at the pinnacle of the Astral River Realm.


    They were unaware that Murong Yi had long advanced to the Nascent Transformation Realm, and she had deliberately concealed her cultivation.


    "Liu Wuxie, I bet you have no idea that your wife has fallen into our hands!" Meng Qi said with a sly grin. "Just thinking about her delicate, wless skin... even I can¡¯t help but feel tempted," he added, his tone dripping with malice as his smile grew more sinister.


    n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Liu Wuxie froze upon hearing his words, and he clenched his fists together. So, Xu Lingxue had fallen into their hands, and he couldn''t imagine the consequences.


    "Liu Wuxie, don¡¯t fall for his provocation. He¡¯s doing it on purpose to manipte you!" Murong Yi quickly sent a sound transmission, urging him to stayposed.


    Liu Wuxie was grateful for Murong Yi¡¯s timely reminder; without it, he might have sumbed to his rage and nted the seeds of an inner demon in his heart.


    "You will all die!" Liu Wuxie dered coldly. Regardless of whether Xu Lingxue had fallen into their hands, their taunts had sealed their fate. He also hoped to extract Xu Lingxue''s information from them.


    Aside from the Azure Crimson Gate disciples, several other batches of people began to gather in the surroundings, but they didn''t dare to get too close. There were disciples from the Dugu n, Demonic Heart Pce, and Transcendent Plume Gate, divided into several factions.


    After all, Liu Wuxie''s infamy had grown over the days, especially rumors of how he had ughtered disciples from the other sects.


    "Two of you want to kill all of us? What a joke!" Meng Qi sneered, his tone dripping with contempt. While he acknowledged Liu Wuxie''s strength, he believed their superior numbers gave them the advantage.


    As Murong Yi had been concealing her actual cultivation, it was natural that Meng Qi would underestimate her.


    ¡°Die!¡± Liu Wuxie roared.Time was critical; he needed to locate Xu Lingxue, and the battle had to end swiftly.


    Charging into the group of Azure Crimson Gate disciples with the Heretic de in hand, Liu Wuxie unleashed a relentless massacre. Techniques like Frost Finger and Soul Spear rained down on his opponents with lethal precision, catching Meng Qi and the otherspletely off guard.


    In less than half a breath, screams filled the air as over fifteen corpses littered the ground. The remaining disciples were paralyzed with fear, their faces pale with terror. Meng Qi, who had exuded confidence moments ago, could no longer maintain hisposure. He realized that he had underestimated Liu Wuxie, and this was a one-sided massacre.


    "H-How can you be so strong?!" Meng Qi stuttered. Anyone would be afraid if they were in his position.


    "Tell me, where''s my wife?!" Liu Wuxie said coldly as he approached Meng Qi. He had released the Earth-Binding Chains to capture Meng Qi, the group''s leader and strongest individual. By capturing Meng Qi, he could find news of Xu Lingxue.


    "Liu Wuxie, you won''t find out where she is!" Meng Qi let out a sinisterughter, constantly trying to use his words to provoke Liu Wuxie.


    "You have sessfully enraged me, and I will make you wish for death," Liu Wuxie said as the Earth-Binding Chains vanished, wrapping itself around Meng Qi and immobilizing himpletely.


    The expressions of the remaining Azure Crimson Gate disciples changed. That chain was unlike any treasure they had ever seen, not to mention it was so powerful that it could immobilize an expert in the Quasi-Nascent Transformation Realm.


    "Run!" The other Azure Crimson Gate disciples wanted to escape. They weren''t Liu Wuxie''s match, and they could only hope to rally more experts.


    "Where do you all think you''re going?" Liu Wuxie naturally wouldn''t let them leave so easily. He released the Demonic Purgatory Chains that bound onto the Azure Crimson Gate disciples who wanted to flee, and their energy was slowly drained until they were only left with a pile of skin.


    This left the onlookers horrified, their scalps tingling. They had never witnessed such a terrifying death before. Not only were the victims dead, but their energy was drained, and this was the style of the abyssal race.


    However, Liu Wuxie did not show any abyssal energy, which suggested that this was an offensive technique.


    Murong Yi''s eyes widened in shock. Even for someone as ruthless as Liu Wuxie, this was the first time she had witnessed such brutal methods from him.


    In the past, she had only heard reports from her subordinates or seen him face opponents weaker than him.


    Aside from the Heavenly Dragon Seal and Annihtion Fist, Liu Wuxie had used all his trump cards. He slowly approached Meng Qi, who was bound in ce.


    "Now, tell me¡ªwhere is my wife?" Liu Wuxie demanded, injecting a sliver of ray into Meng Qi''s body. This made Meng Qi scream in agony, and his body began to convulse.


    "Liu Wuxie, you demon! Kill me if you want, but don''t expect to get anything out of me!" Meng Qi roared. His meridians began to shatter, and this was worse than death.


    "You want to die? Not so easy!" Liu Wuxie began executing the Paralysis Hand and Myriad Stinging Art on Meng Qi. Thetter''s bones began topress under tremendous pressure, forcing the bone marrow out, and the pain was worse than death.


    The onlookers all turned their heads away and couldn''t bear to watch such a brutal scene.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie is too barbaric!¡± A Transcendent Plume Gate disciple was inwardly shocked by Liu Wuxie''s method.


    "Barbaric? It''s downright inhumane," growled a disciple from the Indigo Cloud Gate. However, no one stepped forward, as they were all shocked by Liu Wuxie''s method and didn¡¯t want to get implicated.


    "I-I''ll speak¡ªjust stop torturing me!" Meng Qi ultimately sumbed to the unbearable torment.


    "Speak!" Liu Wuxie didn''t stop but only lessened the pain to ensure it was within Meng Qi''s endurance limits.


    "I don¡¯t know all the details, but we received news that Bai Yuan and the others have found Xu Lingxue¡¯s whereabouts in Thorn Peak Valley. We were on our way to reinforce them," Meng Qi confessed. He had never seen Xu Lingxue personally and was simply acting on the information he had received. Unfortunately for him, he had crossed paths with Liu Wuxie instead.


    "You''re not lying?!" Liu Wuxie asked. He wasn''t certain if Meng Qi was telling the truth.


    "I swear it''s the truth! I''ll be struck by lightning if I lie!" Meng Qi was genuinely terrified. His face was covered in sweat, and he didn''t dare hide anything.


    Liu Wuxie continued to use Ghost Eye, carefully observing Meng Qi¡¯s eyes for the slightest hint of deceit.


    "Die!" Liu Wuxie tapped with his finger, and Meng Qi''s body began to wither until a pile of skin was left. After he killed everyone from the Azure Crimson Gate, the onlookers began to disperse, fleeing immediately.


    "Wuxie, I suspect Lingxue has already fallen into Bai Yuan''s hands," Murong Yi said, frowning. It was easy to tell from Meng Qi''s tone that the message from Bai Yuan wasn''t to request reinforcement but for them to gather and set up a trap for Liu Wuxie.


    "I know," Liu Wuxie replied.


    "There''s no time to lose! We have to rescue her immediately!" Murong Yi urged. She knew Xu Lingxue''s position in Liu Wuxie''s heart. Judging from his personality, she didn''t doubt that he would ughter the entire Southern Province if anything happened to Xu Lingxue, burying anyone who participated.


    Murong Yi didn''t want to see Liu Wuxie bing enemies with the entire world.


    "We have to tread carefully," Liu Wuxie said, his tone unexpectedly calm. "Bai Yuan will expect me to rescue Lingxue, and he will set up a trap to wait for me. We need a way to rescue Lingxue before killing them all."


    Liu Wuxie wasn''t blinded by hatred. He knew he would only put himself in danger if he charged into the Thorn Peak Valley recklessly.


    "You''re right. We must rescue Lingxue before anything else," Murong Yi agreed.


    "Let''s head to the Thorn Peak Valley to scout the situation first," Liu Wuxie said. There''s no point waiting here; he could only rely on himself. He wasn''t someone who would put his hopes on others.


    The two vanished as they headed swiftly to the Thorn Peak Valley. Many experts were in the valley as the three sects had finally captured Xu Lingxue.


    Liu Wuxie was also rushing to the Thorn Peak Valley alongside Murong Yi, but a group of people suddenly appeared before them.


    "The Demonic Heart Pce also wants to get involved?" This was Liu Wuxie''s first encounter with the Demonic Heart Pce, and he didn''t want to start a conflict with them at this moment.


    "Liu Wuxie, you''re heading to the Thorn Peak Valley?! As long as you''re willing to join the Demonic Heart Pce, I will help you rescue your wife," said the Demonic Heart Pce''s Qu Yang with a smile.


    They were willing to rescue Xu Lignxue as long as Liu Wuxie was willing to join them, and this was a generous offer.

 Chapter 661 - One Palm

    <h4>Chapter 661 - One Palm</h4>


    No one believed that Liu Wuxie could walk out unscathed from Bai Yuan''s grasp. Even if he had in so many people, his chances were slim, as there were too many experts gathered in the Thorn Peak Valley. Not to mention, they had Xu Lingxue as their trump card, which meant Liu Wuxie would be courting death if he went to confront Bai Yuan.


    The Demonic Heart Pce came out at the right moment. It wasn''t so much as kicking a man when he''s down but seizing the right opportunity when it arose. This was why they grasped this opportunity to recruit Liu Wuxie.


    "Sorry, but I have no interest in joining the Demonic Heart Pce," Liu Wuxie rejected the offer without hesitation. He did not intend to align himself with them¡ªneither now, in the future, nor ever.


    "Only we, the Demonic Heart Pce, can help you to save your wife. Or are you going to watch her die at the hands of Bai Yuan and the others?" Qu Yang persuaded, hoping Liu Wuxie could reconsider his decision.


    "I''ll repeat myself: I''m not interested in joining the Demonic Heart Pce. Now, step aside," Liu Wuxie dered firmly. Should they continue to block his path, he wouldn''t hold back against them.


    "Liu Wuxie, don''t be ungrateful! It''s an honor to be invited by the Demonic Heart Pce!" Ruan Nian walked out of the group. He wasn''t any weaker than Qu Yang, belonging to the first tier of the pyramid.


    Though the Demonic Heart Pce wasn''t ranked first among the ten major sects, their strength couldn''t be underestimated. They had high hopes of reaching first ce this year.


    "You can give the offer to someone else. I do not need it," Liu Wuxie said and strode forward. If these people dared to stand in his way, he wouldn''t mind starting a massacre. He had already offended so many sects, and he didn''t mind offending another.


    "Liu Wuxie, don''t say I didn''t give you a chance. If you can withstand my strike ande out unscathed, we''ll let you leave," Qu Yang said. He took a step forward and unleashed an overwhelming aura.


    Qu Yang had already learned that Liu Wuxie had killed Meng Qi, and his fighting spirits surged out, forming a storm above his head. As someone hungry for battles, he craved a duel with Liu Wuxie even if he couldn''t recruit thetter.


    "Fine," Liu Wuxie agreed. He wanted to end this entanglement as swiftly as possible. He gathered his terrifying true essence into his palm, infusing a hint of the Annihtion Fist''s power, abyssal energy, and ice attribute energy.


    A massive vortex appeared around Liu Wuxie, devouring all the spiritual energy from the surroundings.


    Qu Yang''s eyes narrowed, and he realized that he had underestimated Liu Wuxie''s strength. He didn''t dare be careless.


    "Spiritual Blood Palm!" Qu Yang roared. He leaped into the air, and an ocean of blood appeared around him. No one knew how much blood he had absorbed to cultivate the Spiritual Blood Palm sessfully.


    A strong wind kicked up all the debris off the ground from the power of the Spiritual Blood Palm.


    Murong Yi stepped back with a hint of concern in her eyes. Qu Yang had already touched the threshold of the Nascent Transformation Realm. Or rather, he had already reached the Nascent Transformation Realm, but he had been concealing his true power.


    "An impressive palm technique," Liu Wuxie praised.


    n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Though he disapproved of the Demonic Heart Pce, this palm technique was the most formidable he had ever encountered. Every aspect of it had been honed to perfection, and the fact that someone in the Astral River Realm could master a palm technique to such a level was proof that Qu Yang was no ordinary cultivator.


    As the tension rose, Liu Wuxie raised his right hand, resembling the starting gesture of the Annihtion Fist. This was an unassuming and ordinary palm strike that looked feeble without any power.


    In the distance, the Demonic Heart Pce disciplesughed at Liu Wuxie''s palm strike. But only Qu Yang knew that it was just calm before the storm.


    The surrounding space became suffocating, like a colossal mountain looming over it, suppressing everyone under the overwhelming pressure that felt terrible.


    The sky turned dark, and thunder roared through the heavens. A gigantic palm descended from the sky and obscured half of it, unleashing a suffocating power that swept through thend.


    Within a few thousand meters of radius, all the surrounding snow melted into flowing water. The Frost Mice hiding underground, scattered in terror under themotion. They had been lurking in the surroundings, waiting for humans to fight between themselves before feasting on their remains.


    One by one, Frost Mice exploded with their blood and flesh, dying the ground red and filling the air with blood stench.


    As Liu Wuxie''s aura grew stronger, that ordinary palm suddenly turned into a surging tidal wave. Qu Yang¡¯s expression shifted, the overwhelming force making him feel an imminent sense of danger.


    Sensing the threat, Qu Yang unleashed the full might of the Spiritual Blood Palm, refusing to hold back. He released his aura at the Nascent Transformation Realm, revealing his true strength. It was his strongest attack, a move that left the surrounding Demonic Heart Pce disciples in shock.


    "Is Liu Wuxie really that powerful?" Ruan Nian and the other disciples looked at each other in disbelief. They couldn''tprehend what was unfolding before their eyes, but that was the undeniable truth.


    Before the two palms even collided, a powerful shock wave spread out to the surroundings like a gale, throwing all the Demonic Heart Pce disciples flying into the air.


    "I-It''s so powerful!" Ruan Nian said with lingering fear on his face. He had always thought that Liu Wuxie was only talented with an averagebat strength. However, the reality proved quite the opposite, as Liu Wuxie''s strength far exceeded his imagination.


    "Do you think Senior Brother Qu Yang can defeat Liu Wuxie?" The Demonic Heart Pce disciples began to waver. The conversation had shifted from confidently discussing "killing" Liu Wuxie to merely "defeating" him.


    "It won''t be easy," Ruan Nian said, shaking his head. Five minutes ago, he was adamant that Liu Wuxie was no match for Qu Yang, but his confidence had been shaken.


    When the two palms collided, a towering mushroom cloud erupted from the point of impact, unleashing countless whirlpools in the surroundings that devoured all the spiritual energy and caused space to copse.


    The two were caught in the maelstrom, and the turbulence obscured their figures.


    shes began to reverberate through the heavens, echoing endlessly. The echossted five minutes before two people flew out of the whirlpool and soared to the sky. They stood proudly in the heavens as they looked at each other solemnly, allowing the icy vortexes tosh at them.


    This was Liu Wuxie''s first time fighting someone in the Nascent Transformation Realm. Even if it wasn''t a life-and-death battle, he now had a rough gauge of his strength.


    "You''re strong, and it won''t be easy for me to kill you," Qu Yang said, his tone filled with respect. It was heaven-defying that Liu Wuxie could withstand a strike from him with a cultivation in the fourth level of the Astral River Realm.


    "You''re not bad yourself, and there won''t be many people capable of fighting you among the younger generation," Liu Wuxie replied. He was also respectful in his tone.


    Though he hadn''t fought with Bai Yuan, he was practically sure that Qu Yang wasn''t any weaker inparison. Bai Yuan''s sole advantagey in his identity as Bai Jin''s son, which meant he naturally had various protective treasures on him. This was something the other prodigies couldn''tpete with.


    "As I said, you''re free to leave since you could withstand a strike from me. Go ahead," Qu Yang said. Despite the Demonic Heart Pce''s infamous reputation, their disciples were known for keeping their word.


    Even among the ten major sects, the Demonic Heart Pce was reputed to be the most honorable. Their disciples acted ording to their whims instead of being bound by morals.


    "Goodbye," Liu Wuxie said and descended beside Murong Yi.


    "Are you alright?" Murong Yi asked with concern.


    "I''m fine," Liu Wuxie replied. He had no significant injuries besides the slight soreness and minor turbulence in the deste world. He recovered fully after circting the Deste Devouring Art several times.


    "Liu Wuxie, you''ll only fall into Bai Yuan''s trap if you charge recklessly. You won''t save anyone, and you will only put yourself in danger," Qu Yang said, maintaining a distance of five steps.


    "I''m aware," Liu Wuxie replied. He knew Bai Yuan had likely set up a meticulously prepared trap for him, and rescuing Xu Lingxue would be daunting. However, he had already resolved himself to the possibility of death.


    He was determined to head to the Thorn Peak Valley even if he would die.


    "Why are you still going if you''re aware?" Qu Yang asked, puzzled. There were plenty of women in the world, and the one beside Liu Wuxie was no less stunning than Xu Lingxue.


    The idea of risking one''s life for a woman felt absurd to Qu Yang. As a demonic cultivator, he could simply take any woman he desired by force, making such sacrifices seem foolish to him.


    "Some things must be done, even if they defy reason," Liu Wuxie replied, shaking his head. He knew Qu Yang wouldn''t be able to understand him even if he exined, and he sped up his pace.


    "There''s only one way for you to save her," Qu Yang said.


    Liu Wuxie stopped and turned to look at Qu Yang. Despite the slight hesitation, he still asked, "What is it?"


    Qu Yang''s lips began to move as he performed a sound transmission to Liu Wuxie through his divine sense, ensuring that only thetter could hear it.


    After hearing Qu Yang''s words, Liu Wuxie hesitated and began weighing his options. Qu Yang''s suggestion was too dangerous, and failure would mean utter ruin.


    "Thank you," Liu Wuxie said sincerely, even though he wasn''t sure if the n would work. He sped his fists together and left with Murong Yi. This time, no one from the Demonic Heart Pce stopped him, allowing him to leave.


    "Senior Brother Qu, why didn¡¯t you kill him? The sect master instructed us to eliminate him if he refused to join the Demonic Heart Pce," Ruan Nian said as he approached. With their numbers and Qu Yang¡¯s strength, they stood a good chance of defeating Liu Wuxie and seizing his treasures.


    "Do you think he disyed his full strength?" Qu Yang asked, shaking his head with a wry smile.


    "Did he conceal his strength?" Ruan Nian and the other disciples asked in shock. They didn''t know what to say after learning that even Qu Yang wasn''t Liu Wuxie''s opponent.


    "He only disyed a small fraction of his true strength," Qu Yang replied. He felt that Liu Wuxie had concealed most of his strength.


    "What are we waiting for then? Let''s hurry over to the Thorn Peak Valley and witness this legendary battle," said Ruan Nian and the others, their faces alight with anticipation.


    They wanted to know who would win between Liu Wuxie and Bai Yuan. After all, there was no room for two prodigies in the Southern Province.

 Chapter 662 - Out of Options

    <h4>Chapter 662 - Out of Options</h4>


    News of Bai Yuan capturing Xu Lingxue in Thorn Peak Valley spread quickly, drawing disciples from the ten major sects across a radius of thousands of miles.


    Disciples from the Heavenly Origin Sect, Indigo Cloud Gate, and Azure Crimson Gate had all converged in the valley, amassing a force of nearly five hundred. The entire assembly wasmanded by Bai Yuan and Deng Yong.


    Among the three factions, the Azure Crimson Gate could only defer to the orders of the other two sects due to theirparatively weaker standing.


    Thorn Peak Valley, surrounded by towering mountains, had only a single entrance. Once inside, the only way out was the same path, as the sky above was blocked by relentless ice whirlwinds, forming a natural barrier.


    This was why Bai Yuan chose this ce, to ensure Liu Wuxie wouldn¡¯t be able to leave once he entered. It was no wonder why Qu Yang said Liu Wuxie could be courting death if he went.


    Bai Yuan¡¯s forces held the geographical advantage and set up countless traps in the surroundings, waiting for Liu Wuxie to take the bait.


    Disciples of the three major sects guarded the way to the Thorn Peak Valley, and no one could enter without their permission.


    A massive tform was constructed at the valley¡¯s center, rising majestically from the ground. Atop the tform, there were over a dozen pirs with people tied on them, and they were all disciples of the Misty Sect. All of the Misty Sect disciples had their cultivation sealed.


    ¡°Lady Xu, why don¡¯t you ept our young master¡¯s offer? As long as you¡¯re willing to be his woman, all the past grievances will be forgotten, and we will release you immediately,¡± Yu Tianyi said as he stood before Xu Lingxue.


    ¡°Never!¡± Xu Lingxue raised her head proudly, her eyes shimmering with chill. She hadn¡¯t expected Bai Yuan to be such a despicable person.


    ¡°Why are you being so stubborn? Do you want those disciples to die alongside you?¡± Yu Tianyi sneered, his gaze lingering on Xu Lingxue with a lustful glint. Though tempted to act on his desires, he refrained, knowing Bai Yuan had decreed that anyone who dared touch Xu Lingxue would lose their limbs.


    ¡°Your Heavenly Origin Sect is finished! Even if you kill us all, my master will avenge us!¡± The Misty Sect disciples spat at Yu Tianyi. They also hadn¡¯t expected the Heavenly Origin Sect disciples to be a bunch of hypocrites.


    Many Misty Sect disciples had previously urged Xu Lingxue to forget about Liu Wuxie. In their eyes, there was no way someone from the mundane world like Liu Wuxie could rival a figure like Bai Yuan in the cultivation world. However, their perspectives had drastically changed. They now saw Bai Yuan for what he truly was¡ªa beast cloaked in human skin.


    ¡°You¡¯re all waiting for him to rescue you, aren¡¯t you? But have you all considered that he¡¯ll only die if hees? As long as you¡¯re willing to be the young master¡¯s woman, not only will you be freed, but so will he,¡± Yu Tianyi continued to speak as he circled around Xu Lingxue.


    Xu Lingxue¡¯s body twitched, and her eyes flickered with pain as she imagined Liu Wuxie charging into the Thorn Peak Valley by himself. She roared, ¡°That¡¯s enough!¡±


    ¡°I have said my piece and the decision is yours,¡± Yu Tianyi continued. He had already said enough, and it was time for Xu Lingxue to make her decision. Everyone would live if she agreed to it or die if she refused.


    ¡°Senior Sister Xu, don¡¯t agree to it! We would rather die than watch you fall into that pit of fire!¡± the Misty Sect disciples cried out.


    ¡°I won¡¯t agree with him!¡± Xu Lingxue said, biting her lips. She wasn¡¯t afraid of death, but she was afraid of implicating Liu Wuxie.


    Yu Tianyi walked into the tent belonging to the Heavenly Origin Sect, where Bai Yuan was seated.


    ¡°Has she agreed to it?¡± Bai Yuan asked without even opening his eyes.


    ¡°No,¡± Yu Tianyi answered as he bowed respectfully.


    ¡°I¡¯ll give her one more day. If she still refuses, bring her in forcibly,¡± Bai Yuan said coldly.


    ¡°I had told you to execute the n right from the beginning and make her yours by force,¡± Yu Tianyi said. He had already given that suggestion to Bai Yuan long ago.


    ¡°You don¡¯t understand,¡± Bai Yuan said, waving his hand. He wouldn¡¯t have waited till now if he could use force. He was the Heavenly Origin Sect¡¯s young master, and his actions represented the sect. Thus, he wouldn¡¯t take that step unless he had no choice.


    Yu Tianyi left the tent to chat with the other Heavenly Origin Sect disciples.


    <strong>......</strong>


    Liu Wuxie suddenly stopped when he was a hundred miles away from the Thorn Peak Valley.


    ¡°Wuxie, what kind of idea did Qu Yang give you?¡± Murong Yi asked. She had restrained her curiosity along the way as Liu Wuxie would have to face the joined forces of the three major sects if he went in recklessly.


    Even if they were strong, they had no chance against an overwhelming wave of enemies. Disguising themselves wouldn¡¯t work either, as everyone had to be checked by the Heavenly Origin Sect to enter. The face could be disguised, but not the true essence. Everyone had to hand out a strand of their true essence if they wanted to enter to prevent Liu Wuxie from sneaking in.


    Since disguising and charging inside wouldn¡¯t work, Murong Yi couldn¡¯t figure out any idea to rescue Xu Lingxue.


    ¡°I¡¯ll let them capture me alive,¡± Liu Wuxie said as he looked at the Thorn Peak Valley, revealing the audacious n given to him by Qu Yang. If the three major sects captured him, he would be able to enter and find an opportunity to rescue Xu Lingxue.


    N?v(el)B\\jnn


    If Xu Lingxue weren¡¯t their hostage, he would¡¯ve charged into the Thorn Peak Valley to kill everyone.


    ¡°You can¡¯t! That¡¯s too dangerous! If they cripple your cultivation, there¡¯s nothing you will be able to do, no matter how capable you are,¡± Murong Yi protested. The n was too dangerous.


    ¡°Is there any other solution aside from that?¡± Liu Wuxie countered. If he were to charge in, Bai Yuan could use Xu Lingxue to threaten him.


    ¡°I can¡¯t let you risk your life!¡± Murong Yi said, biting on her lips. After all they had been through, she didn¡¯t want to see Liu Wuxie walk to his own death, not to mention no one would save her parents if he died.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I won¡¯t die, and I can¡¯t aplish this mission by myself. I need your help as well,¡± Liu Wuxie said, caressing Murong Yi¡¯s hair. Thetter didn¡¯t resist as tears slid down her cheeks. She knew no one could stop Liu Wuxie once he set his mind on something.


    ¡°What do you need me to do?¡± Murong Yi asked, taking a deep breath. She could only help him since she couldn¡¯t stop him. It had been so many years, and even she wasn¡¯t sure if her parents were still alive.


    Even if she brought Liu Wuxie to the Western Barren, it would be futile if her parents had already died. It was the belief that there was a possibility her parents could be saved that had kept her going throughout the years, and she would¡¯ve crumbled long ago otherwise.


    Liu Wuxie leaned over and whispered in Murong Yi¡¯s ears, and she nodded. After the n was set, the two parted ways. Liu Wuxie headed toward the Thorn Peak Valley while Murong Yi moved in the other direction, where many experts were gathering.


    The Indigo Cloud Gate¡¯s Shen Ling was rushing to the Thorn Peak Valley with over a dozen people. They had rushed over after receiving the news that Bai Yuan had captured Xu Lingxue, and they were thest group of people left.


    Aside from Deng Yong, Shen Ling was the second strongest disciple in the Indigo Cloud Gate. Ever since entering the Heavenly Mountain, he had been searching its depths, but his efforts had yielded no results.


    ¡°Senior Brother Shen, look over there! There¡¯s someone up ahead!¡± When an Indigo Cloud Gate disciple pointed out to the front, they saw a person heading towards the Thorn Peak Valley.


    ¡°That silhouette looks familiar...¡± another disciple whispered.


    ¡°He¡¯s Liu Wuxie!¡± Shen Ling narrowed his eyes as he recognized Liu Wuxie¡¯s back.


    ¡°He must be heading to the Thorn Peak Valley, and he seems to be at a loss judging from his appearance,¡± chuckled another disciple. If Liu Wuxie fell into their hands, all his treasures would be theirs to take.


    ¡°Senior Brother Shen, what should we do? Should we act ourselves, or do we notify those in the "Thorn Peak Valley?" a youth beside Shen Ling asked cautiously. They had heard of Liu Wuxie¡¯s formidable strength and weren¡¯t confident they could defeat him on their own. Naturally, the safest approach was to notify others and gang up on him.


    ¡°We might not get a share in the spoils if we do that,¡± the other disciples rejected. It wasn¡¯t a secret that Liu Wuxie had treasures on him, and the Indigo Cloud Gate wouldn¡¯t have any chance if Bai Yuan came.


    Everyone turned to look at Shen Ling, who was the strongest among them. As the leader of their party, he was naturally the one to make the decision.


    ¡°Senior Brother Shen, didn¡¯t you just forge an imprisoning artifact? I heard it can even imprison cultivators in the low levels of the Nascent Transformation Realm. Why don¡¯t you use it on him?¡± asked a youth beside Shen Ling, barely containing his excitement.


    ¡°Senior Brother Jia, we would¡¯ve forgotten if you hadn¡¯t mentioned it. The Extreme Yang Rope is more than enough to capture Liu Wuxie,¡± the other disciples chimed in eagerly. The Extremely Yang Rope was simr to the Earth-Binding Chains, but it wasn¡¯t as powerful.


    The Earth-Binding Chains would tighten the more the victim struggled, and even those with higher cultivation would have difficulty breaking free, while the Extreme Yang Rope could only be used to capture. If one was strong enough, they could break free from it. Even so, it was still considered a rare treasure.


    ¡°The Extreme Yang Rope isn¡¯tplete, and it won¡¯t be easy to capture him,¡± Shen Ling said. He didn¡¯t let his feelings get over his head. While the Extreme Yang Rope was powerful, it could only deal with cultivators in the Astral River Realm, and it was risky against someone like Liu Wuxie. However, Shen Ling didn¡¯t want to give up on this golden opportunity either.


    ¡°How will we know without giving it a try? Senior Brother Shen, don¡¯t underestimate yourself,¡± the other disciples urged, their voices tinged with greed. After capturing Liu Wuxie, they could extract his primordial soul and squeeze every secret out of him.


    Shen Ling hesitated briefly and ultimately decided to give it a try, as his greed outweighed his rationale. No one was immune to desire, not even him.


    Although Liu Wuxie was facing them with his back, he could hear their conversation clearly, but he pretended to be oblivious.


    Shen Ling took out the Extreme Yang Rope and threw it toward Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Who is it?!¡± Liu Wuxie roared when Shen Ling took out the Extreme Yang Rope. But it was already toote¡ªthe rope coiled tightly around him, binding his arms firmly to his waist. No matter how he struggled, he couldn¡¯t break free from its powerful restraint.

 Chapter 663 - Captured Alive

    <h4>Chapter 663 - Captured Alive</h4>


    Liu Wuxie couldn''t break free no matter how he struggled and remained standing in ce.


    "We have him bound!" The Indigo Cloud Gate disciples didn''t dare to get too close. They cheered after confirming that Liu Wuxie had been restrained.


    However, Shen Ling watched with his brows frowned. Wasn''t Liu Wuxie rumored for his strength? So why could he capture him with the Extreme Yang Rope capture so easily? Or were the rumors exaggerated?


    "Who are you, and why are you capturing me?" Liu Wuxie thrashed around violently. Though the Extreme Yang Rope wouldn''t tighten like the Earth-Binding Chains, it had bound him tightly.


    n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    After confirming that Liu Wuxie couldn''t break free, the other Indigo Cloud Gate disciples swiftly approached. They surrounded Liu Wuxie and looked at him curiously.


    "Who would''ve thought that the mighty prodigy would fall into our hands?" one disciple sneered with mockery. They maintained their distance from Liu Wuxie, wary of any sudden moves.


    "You''re all disciples of the Indigo Cloud Gate? Release me, or you will all face my wrath!" Liu Wuxie said coldly as he thrashed around, drawingughter from the surroundings.


    Shen Ling slowly approached Liu Wuxie. He finally rxed after confirming that Liu Wuxie couldn''t break free from the Extreme Yang Rope.


    "Senior Brother Shen Ling, since you''re the one who captured him, you should be the one to search his soul and memory. We hope you can share the harvest with us," the other disciples agreed unanimously, leaving the task to Shen Ling. After all, it was Shen Ling who had captured Liu Wuxie.


    As for whether Shen Ling would share the exploits with them, that was another matter altogether.


    "Liu Wuxie, reveal your secrets, and I will consider granting you a swift and painless death," Shen Ling said. He stood five steps away from Liu Wuxie, demanding his cooperation. He wanted to know how Liu Wuxie could advance so quickly in his cultivation in such a short time.


    Compared to Liu Wuxie''s secrets, the ten-thousand-year Snow Lotus was secondary. If Shen Ling could possess talentparable to Liu Wuxie, he wouldn''t have to worry about rising in strength.


    "You''ll get nothing from me," Liu Wuxie replied in a righteous tone, his eyes zing with fury.


    The more Liu Wuxie struggled, the happier the Indigo Cloud Gate disciples became. They were sure that Liu Wuxie couldn''t escape the Extreme Yang Rope''s restraint.


    "Since you refuse to speak, don''t me me for being ruthless!" Shen Ling replied. He wouldn''t trust anything Liu Wuxie said even if he confessed, and he had already made up his mind to search Liu Wuxie''s soul sea for answers.


    Shen Ling unleashed a powerful soul energy at Liu Wuxie''s soul sea. But before his soul energy could get in, the Heavenly Dao Book unfurled and released a dazzling golden radiance.


    "ARGH!" Shen Ling screamed. His divine sense couldn''t enter Liu Wuxie''s soul sea, nor could he search his memories.


    "Senior Brother Shen, what''s wrong?" The other disciples rushed over to support Shen Ling.


    Shen Ling clutched his head. He felt as though his soul sea was about to shatter under the searing golden radiance. The scorching pain left Shen Ling lingering in fear, and he was lucky that his attempt was only a probe.


    If he tried to force his way into Liu Wuxie''s soul sea with his divine sense, he would suffer a rebound and be injured. The golden radiance could shatter his soul sea and cause his cultivation to regress.


    The mere memory of the experience made him shudder, with sweat trickling down his forehead.


    "He has ayer of golden radiance in his soul sea, and it''s impossible for my divine sense to enter," Shen Ling said truthfully, holding nothing back.


    The other Indigo Cloud Gate disciples exchanged uneasy nces. If they couldn''t delve into Liu Wuxie''s soul sea, they would never be able to uncover his secrets.


    "Since we can''t search his soul sea, why don''t we kill him?" a disciple suggested. They did not need to keep Liu Wuxie alive since they couldn''t obtain his secret, and there was no need to waste time.


    "That''s right. Let''s just kill him!" several other disciples echoed in agreement. However, not everyone shared the same opinion, as some argue that someone could perform a soul search on Liu Wuxie.


    "I don''t rmend killing him. We can take him to the Thorn Peak Valley and let Senior Brother Deng Yong try to search his soul. If that still doesn''t work, we can kill him then," another disciple suggested.


    After all, Deng Yong might be able to perform a soul search on Liu Wuxie. As someone in the Nascent Transformation Realm, he likely possessed the means to enter Liu Wuxie''s soul sea.


    "I agree with Senior Brother Jia''s suggestion. Let''s take him to the Thorn Peak Valley. Either way, the secrets will stay within the Indigo Cloud Gate," said those who suggested killing Liu Wuxie.


    "For safety reasons, I suggest crippling his cultivation. This is the only way we can take him to the Thorn Peak Valley safely," the Indigo Cloud Gate disciples began to discuss among themselves before reaching a unanimous decision to cripple Liu Wuxie''s cultivation.


    Once again, the responsibility fell on Shen Ling. As the strongest individual present, he was naturally tasked with shattering Liu Wuxie''s dantian and had the highest chance of sess among them.


    "I''ll kill myself if you dare to cripple my cultivation!" Liu Wuxie began to struggle with fear reflected on his face. A cultivator would be a cripple if their dantian were shattered.


    "You can save us the trouble if you kill yourself," sneered Shen Ling. His soul sea might not have been damaged, but he had all his frustration pent up. In the worst-case scenario, they could kill Liu Wuxie and give up on his secret. Not to mention, it was uncertain if they could get a share of the secret.


    The moment he finished speaking, he gave Liu Wuxie a vicious kick in his abdomen, shattering his dantian. With a crack, Liu Wuxie''s true essence began to vanish rapidly.


    "You''ll all pay for this!" Liu Wuxie roared, his eyes aze with fury. But his wrath only delighted Shen Ling and the other Indigo Cloud Gate disciples.


    To ensure their safety, Shen Ling inspected Liu Wuxie''s body with his divine sense to ensure his dantian was shattered before lowering his guard.


    "Don''t let him kill himself. We''ll enter the Thorn Peak Valley," said Shen Ling.


    Liu Wuxie''s dantian was empty like a ck hole, and the other Indigo Cloud Gate disciples began to escort Liu Wuxie to the Thorn Peak Valley with their heads held high.


    Liu Wuxie was tightly bound by them, ensuring that he couldn''t budge. A faint smile rose on his lips as he knew half of his n had seeded.


    They were roughly a hundred miles from the Thorn Peak Valley and an hour''s trip from the entrance. Many disciples guarded the entrance, including those from the Heavenly Origin Sect, Indigo Cloud Gate, and Azure Crimson Gate.


    Seeing a group of people approaching, the disciples standing guard stood up and blocked the way. When they saw Liu Wuxie, everyone became alert and crushed their Communication Talisman to notify Bai Yuan and the others.


    Bai Yuan was cultivating in his tent when he opened his eyes abruptly. Aside from him, others like Deng Yong were also notified of Liu Wuxie''s arrival. But something was wrong as they received news that Liu Wuxie had been captured and escorted over.


    "Senior Brother Shen, what''s going on?" The Indigo Cloud Gate disciples responsible for guarding the ce approached immediately. They were confused as to why Liu Wuxie was bound and escorted over.


    In just five minutes, countless people had appeared at the Thorn Peak Valley''s entrance, but they didn''t dare to get close. After all, Liu Wuxie was known for being shrewd, and it was too bizarre for him to be captured by Shen Ling.


    Even if Liu Wuxie were to be captured, it would make no sense for him to be captured by Shen Ling. But that was the truth, and they had no choice but to believe Liu Wuxie was captured. Not to mention, all the true essence in his dantian had vanished.


    "Shen Ling, what''s going on here?" Deng Yong demanded as he stepped forward, his boundless murderous intent sweeping out at the sight of Liu Wuxie. He still harbored deep resentment toward Liu Wuxie, ming him for losing the ten-thousand-year Snow Lotus.


    "Senior Brother Deng, look who I brought for you!" Shen Ling replied, his tone polite yet tinged with pride over his aplishment.


    "I''m asking you what''s going on!" Deng Yong questioned again, his toneced with anger. Their meticulous n had ounted for various scenarios, including Liu Wuxie charging into Thorn Peak Valley. What they hadn¡¯t anticipated was for him to be captured by Shen Ling and his group, and then brought directly to the valley.


    Shen Ling, sensing Deng Yong¡¯s frustration, dared not hide anything. He recounted everything in detail, while ensuring the disciples nearby were kept at a distance, unable to overhear the exnation.


    "Is Liu Wuxie that weak? Shen Ling''s Extreme Yang Rope so easily captured him?" There were discussions between several Sky Rift Valley disciples, filled with disbelief.


    "He''s only in the low levels of the Astral River Realm, even if he''s strong." Many people shook their heads. If Liu Wuxie could have reached the same cultivation as Deng Yong, everyone there would have been killed by him, not to mention Shen Ling.


    "Liu Wuxie, you finally fell into our hands!" the Azure Crimson Gate disciples cheered. No one wanted to kill Liu Wuxie more than them.


    The disciples of the Heavenly Origin Sect said nothing as they waited for Bai Yuan''s arrival.


    "You dumbfuck!" Deng Yong was furious, suppressing the urge to p Shen Ling. He didn''t imagine Shen Ling to be so foolish.


    Shen Ling was baffled as to why he was reprimanded. The other Indigo Cloud Gate disciples were also confused about why Deng Yong reprimanded Shen Ling. Shouldn''t Shen Ling be praised for capturing Liu Wuxie, and all his secrets and treasures would fall into the hands of the Indigo Cloud Gate?


    "Senior Brother Deng, please make yourself clear. What do you mean by what you said?" Shen Ling asked, visibly displeased. If Deng Yong and others were unhappy, they could kill Liu Wuxie.


    "Do you think someone like you is capable of capturing him? What a joke!" Deng Yong scoffed. He wasn''t looking down on Shen Ling but knew how powerful Liu Wuxie was.


    Back on the icy mountain, Liu Wuxie could leave unscathed, a feat impossible for ordinary people. Even after they had managed to break free from the snowmen''s encirclement, Deng Yong had failed to match Liu Wuxie''s speed.


    Though Shen Ling and the others were decent in strength, they were pale inparison. If Liu Wuxie was determined to escape, they could¡¯ve done nothing about it, not to mention catching up with him.


    Deng Yong was tempted to p Shen Ling to death but couldn''t say anything.


    "Why can''t we capture him? Is Senior Brother Deng Yong jealous of us?" Shen Ling said unhappily, feeling that Deng Yong was looking down on them. After all, Deng Yong was ranked first in the Indigo Cloud Gate.


    Now that Liu Wuxie has fallen into his hands, Deng Yong might be embarrassed.


    "I, jealous of you?!" Deng Yongughed. Shen Ling clearly had no idea who he was dealing with.

 Chapter 664 - Beasts

    <h4>Chapter 664 - Beasts</h4>


    Deng Yong was momentarily speechless. He hadn¡¯t anticipated Shen Ling interpreting his actions as jealousy.


    "What is he doing here?" Bai Yuan¡¯s voice broke the silence as he arrived, his expression mirroring Deng Yong¡¯s shock when his gaze fell on Liu Wuxie. Bai Yuan had considered countless scenarios¡ªLiu Wuxie storming Thorn Peak Valley alone or rallying the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion disciples¡ªbut the idea of him being captured had never urred to him.


    "They captured him alive and brought him here," Deng Yong exined impatiently, simplifying Shen Ling''s story.


    Throughout this process, Liu Wuxie merely stood quietly and allowed others to talk about him. Several disciples held onto him firmly to prevent him from thrashing around.


    "You mean to tell me they captured Liu Wuxie?" Bai Yuan asked, his toneced with disbelief as his eyes scrutinized Liu Wuxie. Since when had Liu Wuxie be so easy to subdue? They had spent so much time and effort meticulously preparing, only for their ns to now feel utterly pointless.


    Bai Yuan felt powerless and that all their ns, including the spiritual arrays and traps in the surroundings, had been in vain.


    "That''s right. We captured him!" Shen Ling said proudly with his head raised. To him, capturing Liu Wuxie didn''t seem like an impossible task.


    "You mentioned that his cultivation has been crippled?" Bai Yuan asked for additional assurance. He had already used his divine sense to scan Liu Wuxie¡¯s condition.


    Sure enough, as Bai Yuan said, Liu Wuxie''s dantian was empty like a ck hole; all his true essence had vanished.


    "You can confirm it yourself. They''re all witnesses," Shen Ling said, pointing at the Indigo Cloud Gate disciples with him.


    The Indigo Cloud Gate disciples nodded unanimously, confirming Shen Ling¡¯s words.


    "There''s a strange glow in his soul sea that prevents one¡¯s divine sense from entering?!" Bai Yuan asked. He didn''t dare to search Liu Wuxie''s soul rashly.


    "That''s right. His soul sea is unusual, and I suspect secrets might be hidden there. This is why we brought him here," Shen Ling said. His true intent was to have Bai Yuan and Deng Yong search Liu Wuxie''s soul sea to obtain and share his secrets with them.


    "Very well. Tie him to the pir. Tomorrow, when all the disciples from the ten major sects arrive, we will execute him publicly." Bai Yuan was convinced by Shen Ling¡¯s words. After all, Liu Wuxie''s dantian was undeniably empty, like a ck hole.


    Everyone dragged Liu Wuxie onto the tform. Xu Lingxue''s heart sank at the sight of him; her worst fears hade true. He hade for her, as she expected, but now he was in Bai Yuan''s clutches.


    Liu Wuxie scanned the surroundings on the tform, and his gaze soon fell on Xu Lingxue. He was relieved to see that she was fine and that her true essence was temporarily sealed.


    Bai Yuan''s objective was to force Xu Lingxue to be his woman and not cripple her cultivation.


    "Lingxue, I''ll find a way to rescue all of you," Liu Wuxie promised, but his words elicited a burst of mockingughter from the surroundings.


    "Liu Wuxie, you want to save her when you''re one step away from death''s door? Tomorrow will be yourst day!" The Azure Crimson Gate disciplesughed.


    The Indigo Cloud Gate disciples tied Liu Wuxie to the pir, and Deng Yong even set up numerous restrictions on him for safety reasons.Once their preparations wereplete, Deng Yong finally felt relieved, knowing Liu Wuxie was entirely at their mercy.


    "You shouldn''t havee," Xu Lingxue said with heartache as she was tied to a pir five to six meters away from him.


    "I promised your father I''d protect you!" Liu Wuxie replied with anguish etched into his face. He had failed to rescue her and was now at their mercy.


    "Xue''er, I can spare his life and allow him to leave the Thorn Peak Valley with the Misty Sect disciples as long as you agree to my terms. This is yourst chance," Bai Yuan said, his patience reaching its limit.


    "Lingxue, don''t agree to it!" Liu Wuxie roared, his hair disheveled.


    An Indigo Cloud Gate disciple behind Liu Wuxie held onto a rod and smashed it against thetter''s back, causing him to throw up blood, his face turning pale.


    Tears streamed down Xu Lingxue''s cheeks as she shut her eyes in pain.


    Lan Ling clenched his fists in the distance, trembling with rage. He was tempted to charge in to rescue Liu Wuxie.


    Right then, Murong Yi appeared beside Lan Ling andmunicated with him through her divine sense transmission.


    Upon hearing what Murong Yi said, Lan Ling¡¯s expression softened. He looked at Murong Yi with disbelief and asked, "Is that true?"


    "Just follow his n. Only you can rally all the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion disciples," Murong Yi said. She had already told Lan Ling of Qin Dao''s death. This meant Lan Ling now had the highest position in the sect besides Liu Wuxie.


    "Okay, I''ll get it done immediately!" Lan Ling said as he left the ce quickly. He began to rally the other Heavenly Treasure Pavilion disciples to converge at the entrance of the Thorn Peak Valley. Before he left, Murong Yi handed him some array gs, items that Liu Wuxie had entrusted to her.


    "Liu Wuxie, I bet you didn''t imagine this day woulde, did you?" Dugu Qiubai walked out from the crowd. Boundless murderous intent swept out from him when he recalled his third sister''s death. That incident was a disgrace for the Dugu n, and their family''s honor would be tarnished if Liu Wuxie didn''t die.


    Mocking voices filled the air, but Liu Wuxie remained indifferent as his focus was on Xu Lingxue. His bloodshot eyes pleaded with her, silently urging her not to give in, no matter the cost.


    "Bai Yuan, stop dreaming. I won''t agree with your terms, and you can kill me," Xu Lingxue replied as she understood the meaning of Liu Wuxie''s gaze.


    "Very well, I will kill you both together," Bai Yuan said, his fists clenched. Since they wanted to die, he would fulfill their wish. With a swing of his sleeve, he left.


    "Keep a close watch on them!" Deng Yong said, following behind Bai Yuan and leaving the tform. This spectacle continued to draw attention from the surroundings, and they did not want to miss it.


    Qu Yang smiled faintly when he arrived with the Demonic Heart Pce disciples at Thorn Peak Valley. His smile grew denser when he saw Liu Wuxie tied to the pir, but he said nothing as he led the other disciples to an empty ground.


    "Senior Brother Qu Yang, why are we so far away?" the other Demonic Heart Pce disciples asked, unable to see anything from their position.


    "Go closer if you wish to die," Qu Yang replied coldly. He couldn''t be bothered to exin, and the Demonic Heart Pce disciples weren''t people who would exin things peacefully.


    N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Disciples of the ten major sects began to arrive, and the night fell as time passed.


    An icy wind swept through the gorge, making the Misty Sect disciples shiver. Their cultivation had been sealed, and they couldn¡¯t use their true essence to resist the cold.


    The disciples, keeping a watch over them, started a bonfire. The fire illuminated their sinister expression.


    "Such a beauty, and it''s a pity someone like her will die. Why don''t we have some fun with her?" an Azure Crimson Gate disciple said. No one was in the surroundings, and Bai Yuan had long gone to rest. So no one would know even if they assaulted her, not to mention she would be killed the next day.


    "Are you tired of living? Bai Yuan will kill you if he finds out," said an Indigo Cloud Gate disciple. Various voices filled the tform, but the Misty Sect disciples could do nothing except re at them furiously.


    "Bai Yuan told us to keep a watch on them, and he didn''t say we can''t touch them. Even if we can''t im such a beauty, what harm will it do to feel her a bit?" an Azure Crimson Gate disciple suggested, careful not to overstep Bai Yuan''smand.


    "That''s a good idea!" The Indigo Cloud Gate disciples echoed along with the Azure Crimson Gate disciples. They couldn¡¯t miss such a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, even if they could just touch her finger.


    This time, the Heavenly Origin Sect disciples said nothing, silently apuding what the disciples of the other two sects said.


    "Then it''s settled," the Azure Crimson Gate disciples said, rising to their feet and approaching Xu Lingxue. The Indigo Cloud Gate disciples followed behind,ughing lecherously.


    "You vile bastards, what are you trying to do to Senior Sister Xu?!" The Misty Sect disciples bound onto the pirs roared, but they could do nothing but watch.


    Xu Lingxue closed her eyes in despair. She hadn''t expected her life to end in such a manner, and even death seemed like an unattainable mercy with her cultivation sealed.


    As the men neared Xu Lingxue, Liu Wuxie said nothing, and murderous intent slowly swept out of him. His dantian began to stir as the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron emerged.


    The Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron had encased the entire deste world, and others could only see the cauldron when their divine sense entered his body. Deng Yong''s restrictions on him had long been broken apart. As for the ropes binding onto him, they began to snap like withered leaves.


    No one noticed it as their attention was on Xu Lingxue, unaware of the storm brewing in the surroundings.

 Chapter 665 - Calm Before The Storm

    <h4>Chapter 665 - Calm Before The Storm</h4>


    Various lecherous waves ofughter filled the tform. No matter how the Misty Sect disciples roared, the approaching men remained indifferent, their faces twisted with vile amusement.


    An Azure Crimson Gate disciple extended his greasy hand toward Xu Lingxhe''s delicate face with ascivious expression.


    "Quick! My turn once you''re done!" Urged the man behind him as time was short.


    Xu Lingxue shut her eyes as tears rolled down her cheeks. She had rarely cried since she was young, but she teared up for the second time today. One was because of Liu Wuxie being captured, and this was the second time.


    The atmosphere became heavy, and even the Misty Sect disciples tied on the pirs no longer spoke. Their fury was reced by hopeless despair. They could only watch as everything unfolded.


    "Little beauty, you''re finally in my hands!" The Azure Crimson Gate disciple let out a lecherousughter, and his hand was only inches away from Xu Lingxue''s face. Those behind him burst intoughter as though they were in his position.


    "Are you not going to strike them down and let them touch your face?" Liu Wuxie''s voice rang like a thunderous rumble, echoing in everyone''s ears.


    His eyes shot open like two stars in the darkness, and his words left the Azure Crimson Gate disciples stunned, their eyes wide open.


    "Her bindings... they''re undone!" Those standing behind the Azure Crimson Gate disciple soon noticed the ropes binding Xu Lingxue. They didn''t know when it had happened as they were too captivated by Xu Lingxue''s beauty to see anything else.


    A sword appeared in Xu Lingxue''s hand as the head of the disciple reaching out for her face flew from his neck. Xu Lingxue had unleashed the fury she had kept pent up for the past two days.


    "She''s free!" the other disciple eximed. They couldn''t fathom how Xu Lingxue had suddenly recovered her cultivation, and they immediately took out Communication Talismans to notify Bai Yuan and the others. But before they could crush them, a cold ray froze their hands.


    Once Xu Lingxue was liberated from her restraints, she was like a celestial fairy performing a deadly dance, like a wolf in a flock of sheep.


    The murderous intent she gave off increased as she recalled their vile words. None of the disciples from the three sects could hold their ground, not to mention they were caught by surprise when their guards were down.


    The Misty Sect disciples tied to the pirs were stunned as they watched silently. They also had no idea how Xu Lingxue recovered her cultivation.


    As the massacre continued, cold rays shed whenever people took out Communication Talismans. No one managed to send the information out, and it didn''t take long before the tform was soaked in blood.


    Within a minute, the twelve disciples in charge of keeping a watch on the tform were dead. When Xu Lingxue''s rage finally subsided, she turned to look at Liu Wuxie with a smile.


    "Y-your cultivation isn''t crippled?" Xu Lingxue asked, her voice tinged with concern as she rushed over.


    "No!" Liu Wuxie said, caressing her hair. Xu Lingxue also didn''t flinch and allowed him to neaten her hair. Her hair was disheveled, but her beauty remained undiminished despite the ordeal.


    Liu Wuxie chose not to intervene, allowing Xu Lingxue to release her pent-up emotions. If she hadn''t, these feelings might have lingered and hindered her cultivation.


    Now that she had vented her fury, her energy became further refined, and her cultivation advanced.


    "I''ll go free the others," Xu Lingxue said as she rushed over to the other Misty Sect disciples and freed them from their restraints.


    Liu Wuxie swiftly dispelled the restrictions on their cultivation.


    "Thank you for saving us, Young Master Liu," the Misty Sect disciples bowed in gratitude. Without him, the consequences would¡¯ve been unimaginable. Not only would they have died, but some of them might even have been defiled.


    "This ce isn''t safe. Leave and join the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion disciples," Liu Wuxie said. The longer they stayed there, the greater the risk.


    Initially, he had considered letting them enter the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron, but he soon dispelled that thought. If it were just Xu Lingxue, he would have followed through with his n, but trusting the other Misty Sect disciples with the secret was too risky. Thus, the best way was to unite with the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion disciples.


    "What about you?" Xu Lingxue frowned. She could tell that Liu Wuxie was nning to stay behind. Was he nning to stay there and face the three sects?


    "This is between me and Bai Yuan. We have to settle our score tomorrow," Liu Wuxie said. His resolution was firm, as he wasn''t someone who would escape in this manner.


    After all, Bai Yuan had captured his wife and caused him various troubles, which could only end in one of their deaths. He wouldn''t let anyone from the three sects off the hook since they had stooped so low as to capture Xu Lingxue to threaten him, and all the disciples from the three sects had to pay with their lives.


    "If you''re not leaving, I''ll stay behind with you. Let the others go," Xu Lingxue said resolutely.


    n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "We''re not leaving either," the Misty Sect disciples said. They wanted to stay behind and fight alongside Xu Lingxue.


    "Isn''t it obvious? I only allowed myself to be captured to save all of you. Without all of you holding me back, I can fight without concern," Liu Wuxie said sternly.


    "He''s right. If I were in your shoes, I would leave, not stay here and hold him back. Let men settle their affairs between themselves," Murong Yi suddenly appeared on the tform. She hade to receive them.


    Xu Lingxue wasn''t unfamiliar with Murong Yi, and they had bumped into each other in the Spiritual Array Tower.


    "Leave with her quickly," Liu Wuxie said in the form of an order, urging Xu Lingxue to leave with Murong Yi alongside the Misty Sect disciples.


    Xu Lingxue wanted to protest, but Murong Yi grabbed her arm before she could speak.


    "Let''s go. You''ll only be a burden to him if you stay behind. Come with me if you don''t want him to die," Murong Yi said. Her voice trembled with pain, and she was holding her tears back forcibly.


    "Fine, let''s go!" Xu Lingxue said, deciding to leave with Murong Yi. If Liu Wuxie died, she couldn''t live either. The other Misty Sect disciples followed her, and Murong Yi followed.


    Before leaving, Murong Yi nced at Liu Wuxie with a tinge of pain in her eyes. She didn''t know what to say and could only whisper, "Live!"


    It was a simple and heartfelt plea from her. She didn''t need much from Liu Wuxie except for him to live.


    "Okay!" Liu Wuxie promised. He would do everything possible to leave the Thorn Peak Valley alive.


    It was always dark before dawn, and everyone was fast asleep. When the first ray of dawn appeared on the horizon, everyone began leaving their tents.


    They instinctively scanned the tform, which was in in sight from anywhere in the Thorn Peak Valley. The pirs were impossible to ignore.


    "T-they escaped!" A piercing scream tore through the dawn as more people emerged from their tents and gathered on the empty tform.


    The tform was soon crowded. Liu Wuxie was waiting, wielding the Heretic de and defying the biting, cold wind around him.


    When Bai Yuan came out of his tent and gazed at the tform, boundless murderous intent swept out. They finally realized that they had fallen for Liu Wuxie''s scheme.


    Deng Yong''s face was terrifyingly grim as he gazed at Shen Ling and pped him. He roared, "All thanks to you!"


    Shen Ling felt aggrieved but was speechless as he clutched one side of his face.


    "That''s impossible! I had crippled his cultivation, so how could he have recovered?" Shen Ling roared.


    Even Bai Yuan and Deng Yong had double-checked yesterday, and Liu Wuxie''s cultivation had disappeared. So, no one couldprehend what was going on.


    Liu Wuxie was giving off a powerful aura that enveloped the entire Thorn Peak Valley, and he didn''t look crippled.


    The other sects'' disciples were also dumbfounded, unaware of what was happening.


    "What happenedst night? Where are the Misty Sect disciples?" the Transcendent Plume Gate disciples discussed among themselves.


    "I always knew Liu Wuxie was cunning, but I''m curious how he recovered his cultivation," said a shocked Divine Sun Pce disciple. They couldn''t believe what they were seeing. How could someone with his level of cultivation recover in just a few hours?


    "Where are the Misty Sect disciples?" asked a disciple from the Sky Rift Valley. They couldn''t see any Misty Sect disciples in the surroundings, including those tied to the pirs.


    A pungent stench of blood came from the Thorn Peak Valley''s entrance. The three sects'' disciples who were guarding the entrance had all been ughtered by Lan Ling, and array gs were set up ording to Liu Wuxie''s instructions.


    "Everyone stays within the spiritual array! No one leaves!" Murong Yi said. She had be the leader of this group.


    They had rallied all the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion disciples, and there were over a hundred and fifty people, including those from the Misty Sect. They were a formidable force to be reckoned with.


    "If anyone from the three sects tries to escape when the battle breaks outter, kill them all!" Lan Ling gave the order as he looked around. Their task was simple: not to let any of the three sects'' disciples escape.


    The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion disciples exchanged a look with madness on their faces.


    Right then, a member of the Lesser de Association stepped forward. They had been at odds with the Lan Ling Gang and didn''t want to take any orders from Lan Ling.


    "Since that''s the case, you can die now," Murong Yi said as she released her aura in the Nascent Transformation Realm, striking with her palm to kill the member of the Lesser de Association.


    Since she couldn''t take revenge on Qin Dao, she could deal with the members of the Lesser de Association, which would make her feel better.

 Chapter 666 - Strongest Attack

    <h4>Chapter 666 - Strongest Attack</h4>


    No one had expected the gentle Murong Yi to show such overbearing dominance. She usually had a warm demeanor, even when addressing junior disciples.


    But today was different as she killed a member of the Lesser de Association without any hesitation. This left the other members of the Lesser de Association stunned into silence, not daring to speak. They still weren''t aware of Qin Dao''s death.


    After all, all the witnesses had been silenced by Liu Wuxie, and only the two knew about the Scattering Passion Powder.


    "Qin Dao is dead, so you people better cooperate obediently or don''t me me for what will happen next," Murong Yi said. How could she not know how to manage people when she had managed the House of Tea Art for years? She had maintained a low profile since joining the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    "What? Qin Dao is dead?!" The Lesser de Association members were stunned, as though lightning had struck them. They couldn''t ept Qin Dao''s death.


    "That''s right. He''s dead, and he will serve as an example if you people continue to aid evil," Murong Yi said as she pointed to the corpse on the ground. She held no regard for the Lesser de Association, especially after she learned of what they had done in the past.


    The disciples who supported Lan Ling cheered upon hearing the death of Qin Dao. With Qin Dao gone, the Lesser de Association''s copse was inevitable.


    <strong>......</strong>


    Liu Wuxie stood on the tform, surrounded by disciples from the three sects who formed into a massivebat formation.


    "Everyone listen up. This is personal between me and the Heavenly Origin Sect, Indigo Cloud Gate, and the Azure Crimson Gate. Don''t interfere unless you want to be my enemy," Liu Wuxie said as he swept his gaze around the Thorn Peak Valley.


    Snowmen had appeared on several mountains, but they didn''t approach and merely watched.


    The Dugu n was initially nning on joining, but they halted after hearing Liu Wuxie¡¯s warning.


    The Sky Rift Valley, Transcendent Plume Gate, and the Demonic Heart Pce naturally wouldn''t get involved. The Divine Sun Pce wasn''t foolish enough to get involved as they were the weakest, and they would only be cannon fodders even if they got involved.


    The Dugu n was the most likely to participate, as they had apelling reason to get involved: avenging Dugu Yan.


    "Liu Wuxie, even if you are cunning, do you think you can walk away in one piece?" Deng Yong said as he ascended the tform, releasing his aura in the Nascent Transformation Realm that enveloped the entire Thorn Peak Valley.


    When Deng Yong revealed his cultivation at the second level of the Nascent Transformation Realm, it sent a wave of shock through the crowd. Bai Yuan followed, revealing an even stronger aura at the third level of the Nascent Transformation Realm.


    With two experts in the Nascent Transformation Realm and hundreds in the Astral River Realm, even someone in the fourth level of the Nascent Transformation Realm would struggle against them.


    "Enough talk, make your move!" Liu Wuxie couldn''t be bothered to waste time with these people, and they could only resolve their feud through a fight.


    The disciples from the other sects scattered around, fearing they might be implicated in the fight. After all, Liu Wuxie wouldn''t be able to differentiate friends from enemies once the fight began, and he would kill anyone he saw.


    "Senior Brother Qu Yang, did you foresee this sh?" asked a disciple from the Demonic Heart Pce. Just the day before, they had thought he¡¯d chosen the worst vantage point, but it had turned out to be the best, offering them a perfect view of the unfolding battle.


    n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Qu Yang merely replied with a smile and said nothing.


    As the disciples from the other sects scattered, the central region of Thorn Peak Valley was cleared, providing plenty of room for the fight.


    The icy wind howled through the valley, and snowkes fell. It didn''t take long before the Thorn Peak Valley became a vast ocean of white.


    The higher echelons from the ten major sects and the second-tier sects outside began to grow restless. After all, the past two days had been terrifyingly calm, with a few deaths.


    The intact state of Liu Wuxie''s soul tablet was unsettling news for the Heavenly Origin Sect, Indigo Cloud Gate, and Azure Crimson Gate. While the three sects had endured heavy losses, the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion had managed to keep its casualties remarkably low.


    Meanwhile, Dugu Shan remained silent following Dugu Yan¡¯s death. Observing the current trend, he could see the looming danger of the Dugu n slipping further in the rankings.


    "Why can''t I shake away this restlessness? What''s going on in there? Why has it been so quiet?" asked an elder from the Azure Crimson Gate, anxious as his grandson was among the disciples inside.


    The ten major sects'' upper echelons couldn''t sense the cold even when the snow grew heavier.


    A pile of white was on Liu Wuxie''s shoulder as he stood amidst the falling snow.


    Far away, Murong Yi and Xu Lingxue stood together, gazing at the Thorn Peak Valley. The distance was too great to discern; everyone could only see vague outlines.


    "Big Sister Murong, you seem very worried about Big Brother Liu," Xu Lingxue said. Through this incident, she had changed her form of address for Liu Wuxie. She no longer called him Wuxie but Big Brother Liu instead.


    When she turned her head slightly, she saw Murong Yi''s eyes filled with concern. This concern went beyond the care between fellow disciples and held a deeper meaning that mirrored her own¡ªthe concern between two lovers.


    "He saved my life; it''s only natural for me to care about him," Murong Yi smiled as she turned around to look at Xu Lingxue.


    Even though both women smiled, the worry hidden behind their expressions was unmistakable. If the opportunity arose, neither would hesitate to stand by Liu Wuxie¡¯s side and fight alongside him.


    The massacre began when Deng Yong gave the order, and Shen Ling charged into the battlefield first. He took out the Extreme Yang Rope, which flew like a golden streak, coiling around Liu Wuxie''s waist.


    Shen Ling was confident in the Extreme Yang Rope. Since it could restrain Liu Wuxie once, he believed it could seed again. This was the reason why he charged first, eager to prove himself.


    However, the Extreme Sun Rope shattered before everyone''s eyes, leaving Shen Ling frozen.


    The other Indigo Cloud Gate disciples were also left dumbfounded. The Extreme Sun Rope wasparable to an origin artifact, but Liu Wuxie snapped it so easily.


    At this moment, Shen Ling finally knew why Deng Yong had pped him. They had all fallen for Liu Wuxie''s ploy, who pretended that he was crippled.


    But why had no one discovered it, including Bai Yuan and Deng Yong? They had personally examined Liu Wuxie''s dantian and concluded that it had been shattered.


    "His strength has multiplied over a dozen times since the frozenke," Zhou Ge muttered, looking at Liu Wuxie.


    The prodigies of the Southern Province, who once stood proud, now paled inparison to Liu Wuxie.


    When the Heretic de descended, Shen Ling froze, unable to take another step forward. His body slowly shattered into a storm of blood and flesh. This was a payback for the disrespect he had shown Liu Wuxie.


    The disciples of the three sects were shocked to see how Liu Wuxie killed someone in the pinnacle of the Astral River Realm with one strike.


    "What are you all waiting for? Attack!" Bai Yuanmanded, realizing Liu Wuxie''s strength was far beyond everyone''s imagination.


    Over four hundred disciples from the three sects moved in unison, activating the formation they had rehearsed for days. The battle formation evaporated the snowkes around them, creating a vacuum-like stillness.


    The ground erupted with a thunderous force, and rocks were reduced to dust. This was a shocking scene that looked like an apocalypse. The spectating disciples held their breaths, afraid to miss a single moment.


    A battle of this magnitude was unprecedented. Never before in the thousands of years of the Southern Province had so many Astral River Realm cultivators united to take down a single man.


    The battle formation carried crushing momentum toward Liu Wuxie like an unstoppable juggernaut. Bai Yuan and Deng Yong were at the core of the battle formation,manding it.


    Immense, suffocating power filled the air, sending massive boulders flying across the tform, hurtling toward Liu Wuxie.


    Hundreds of swordsbined to form a steel torrent, appearing just ten feet from Liu Wuxie. If he didn¡¯t act quickly, the onught would rip him apart.


    The strength of the attack was overwhelming. Bai Yuan and Deng Yong stood at a distance, holding array gs in their hands and calcting everyone''s move.


    Liu Wuxie raised the Heretic de to the sky, assuming the True Strike stance. He had never unleashed the technique to its full extent, having only tapped into a fraction of its power in the past. The true potential of the True Strike was devastating, possessing the capability to shatter the world itself.


    Liu Wuxie closed his eyes and entered a profound state. The mysterious grey figure appeared in his mind, swinging his de. Whenever the de was swung, it would unleash unimaginable power.


    The iing attack got closer, and Liu Wuxie would die if he didn''t retaliate soon.


    When Liu Wuxie mustered all his power, his eyes shot open, and he roared, "True Strike!"


    He would let everyone witness the true power of the True Strike today, a technique that could split the sky, sun, moon, stars, and everything in the world.


    The sky was torn apart, and a ck rift appeared, spreading and extending alongside Liu Wuxie''s de. It was visible even from far away.


    Although those outside the barrier couldn¡¯t grasp the details of the battle, they could see the sudden emergence of the ck rift cutting through the heavens.


    The snowmen standing on the surrounding mountains tensed in fear. They could feel the immense power of the strike as the ck rift descended in an instant, repeatedly fracturing the space around it.


    "This is bad!" The disciples charging over instantly realized what was going on, and the power of this de strike was over ten thousand times stronger than they had imagined. Not dozens of times, but over ten thousand times.


    Everyone had severely underestimated Liu Wuxie''s strength.


    "Die!" Liu Wuxie''s voice boomed like a reaper as he swept through the Thorn Peak Valley. The disciples from the three sects began to explode into crimson mist, their blood raining down in the valley.


    A powerful shockwave was unleashed as the de continued to descend, stopping the disciples of the three sects from taking another step forward.


    Liu Wuxie, standing alone, managed to stop over four hundred disciples, shattering their perceptions of power. They couldn''t fathom the extent of his strength, and their confidence wavered under the weight of his presence.


    At that moment, Liu Wuxie appeared like a god of destruction¡ªan incarnation of a god of war.


    Words failed to capture the magnitude of his strike. The surrounding sky darkened as though the de had stolen all the light.

 Chapter 667 - Breathtaking Battle

    <h4>Chapter 667 - Breathtaking Battle</h4>


    The world plunged into a brief darkness, and everyone lost their sight. They could only rely on the dim lighting to discern their surroundings.


    Their battle formation and attacks were all futile before Liu Wuxie''s de. It felt as though everything in the surroundings had been destroyed.


    The death toll continued to rise, and the panic led to a stampede. The battle formation was messed up when everyone panicked, caused by one strike from Liu Wuxie.


    "A bunch of clowns!" Liu Wuxie''s cold voice echoed, striking terror into their hearts.


    He was right. These people, driven by their ulterior motives,cked unity. None were willing to stand their ground, thus giving Liu Wuxie an opportunity.


    The chains of death extended out from the endless void, burrowing into the ground. This caused screams to echo and erupt from the surroundings.


    When the darkness receded, what remained was the ground riddled with holes, along with blood and pieces of flesh.


    A bizarre scene unfolded in the skies above. Numerous figures were suspended in the air, immobilized as though an invisible chain bound them.


    Then, to everyone''s horror, piles of empty skin began falling to the ground. It was a dreadful sight to behold. Hundreds of human skins rained down from the sky.


    Everyone has seen rain, snow, and even hail, but human skins were raining today. The other sects'' disciples, watching from a distance, felt their legs buckle and teeth chatter at the sight, many copsing to the ground.


    Terror struck them from this gruesome scene. They thought they had witnessed everything as cultivators, but what happened today had overturned their understanding.


    There were many means to kill, but extracting the victims¡¯ energy and turning them into a pile of skin in such a short time was unheard of. Liu Wuxie had shattered their understanding of brutality.


    <strong>......</strong>


    There was an uproar outside the battlefield. Bai Jin, Feng Gaowiu, and Xu Yanghui rushed toward the soul tablets. Their hearts twitched when more than half of the soul tablets shattered in unison.


    This was unprecedented in the history of the Ten Grand Ceremonies, and over two hundred disciples were lost in a single breath.


    On the contrary, the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion suffered practically no casualties. So far, they had only lost five to six disciples in the final battle.


    "What''s going on?" One of the Sky Rift Valley''s elders trembled. Everyone''s hearts had tensed at the sudden shattering of over two hundred soul tablets. Though the Sky Rift Valley and Misty Sect didn''t suffer many casualties, it was unavoidable for them to worry it might happen to them.


    Thepetition was far from over, and the collective approval of the ten major sects was required to prematurely conclude the final battle.


    "Could it be...?" The Divine Sun Pce''s elder thought of a wild possibility.


    "Could it be what?" The disciples from the second-tier sect asked, eager to know what was happening. After all, the deceased disciples were painstakingly nurtured by the three sects, but they had all perished in the Heavenly Mountain.


    "Could they be killed by the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion?" The Divine Sun Pce made bold spections. While it might be inconceivable for Liu Wuxie to y so many disciples by himself, it might be usible if everyone from the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion united.


    "That''s impossible! The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s strength is weaker than the Azure Crimson Gate. How could they kill so many people?" someone immediately retorted, dismissing that idea.


    There were various spections. Some suggested the Demonic Heart Pce did it, and others proposed the possibility of them joining forces with the Transcendent Plume Gate. If the two sects joined forces, they could eliminate so many disciples.


    Yet, after much spection, no one could imagine the truth. The deaths were all the work of one man¡ªLiu Wuxie.


    <strong>......</strong>


    Over a dozen meters of radius around Liu Wuxie was empty. All the disciples from the three sects who had charged over were all dead.


    Countless people took a deep breath, and the snowmen retreated silently. They had abandoned their pursuit of Liu Wuxie after witnessing his strength. The thief who stole the ten-thousand-year Snow Lotus was in the Thorn Peak Valley, but the snowmen didn''t dare to approach, intimidated by Liu Wuxie''s de strike.


    N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Of the four-hundred-strong army, half had been wiped out in the blink of an eye.


    "Senior Brother Liu is too strong, holding his ground even against over four hundred people," the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion disciples guarding the entrance cheered. They were worried at the beginning, but their fears were clearly unfounded.


    No matter how many Astral River Realm experts there were, none of them could pose a threat to Liu Wuxie.


    "Don''t celebrate too early. Junior Brother Liu''s real opponents are Bai Yuan and Deng Yong," Lan Ling said, his face still clouded with concern. The ordinary disciples in the Astral River Realm were of no concern, and killing them held little significance.


    Liu Wuxie could only obtain victory by killing Bai Yuan and Deng Yong.


    <strong>......</strong>


    "This is a real man. Only someone like him is worthy of Senior Sister Xu," said the Misty Sect disciples with admiration. Many had initially criticized the rtionship between Xu Lingxue and Liu Wuxie, but their attitudes hadpletely shifted after witnessing his strength and resolve. Only a hero like Liu Wuxie was worthy of their Senior Sister Xu.


    <strong>......</strong>


    Treading over countless corpses, Liu Wuxie walked steadily toward Bai Yuan and Deng Yong. As for the other disciples, they were of no concern as Liu Wuxie could butcher them easily if he wanted.


    With the entrance blocked, the valley became a cage for the three sects'' disciples.


    The Thorn Peak Valley was initially a cage the three sects had set up for Liu Wuxie, but the situation had changed. If the three sects'' disciples wanted to flee, they had to get past Lan Ling.


    With the addition of the spiritual array Lan Ling had set up under Liu Wuxie''s guidance, it was ensured that no one would leave the Thorn Peak Valley alive.


    "Bai Yuan,e fight me!" Liu Wuxie roared, pointing the Heretic de at Bai Yuan. Thetter was his true enemy; he could quell his rage only after killing him.


    Yu Tianyi stood before Bai Yuan, trembling. He hadpletely lost the courage to face Liu Wuxie.


    "Liu Wuxie, I underestimated you. I should have killed you when we were outside," Bai Yuan growled, his face contorted with fury. This battle had brought devastating losses to the Heavenly Origin Sect, with nearly seventy true disciples¡ªits younger generation''s elite¡ªlost.


    The same was true for the other two sects, which had lost many of their elites.


    "Do you think you could have killed me outside?" Liu Wuxie retorted with a cold smirk. "You never had the ability to kill me¡ªnot then, and certainly not now."


    Liu Wuxie''s words were arrogant, but he had made it clear to everyone that Bai Yuan was not his match.


    <strong>......</strong>


    "Everyone, attack! Exhaust his true essence!" Deng Yong said, nning to use their numbers to wear down Liu Wuxie''s true essence. But few were willing to listen to hismand. They had been intimidated by Liu Wuxie''s disy of strength earlier, and their courage had been shattered.


    When Liu Wuxie approached Bai Yuan, Yu Tianyi suddenly darted in an attempt to flee.


    "Yu Tianyi, do you remember our feud from two years ago?" Liu Wuxie''s eyes fixed on Yu Tianyi, causing thetter to freeze in ce, not daring to move an inch.


    "W-What do you want?" Yu Tianyi panicked. He knew that without Bai Yuan''s intervention, his death was inevitable if Liu Wuxie decided to attack him.


    "To kill you!" Liu Wuxie replied. His only intention was to kill Yu Tianyi.


    "You dare kill someone in my presence?" Bai Yuan finally acted. The Heavenly Origin Sect couldn''t suffer any more losses, and he had to stop Liu Wuxie''s killing spree. The Heavenly Origin Sect''s strength would be further weakened with every death.


    "No one can stop me from killing someone I want," Liu Wuxie dered. The Earth-Binding Chains shot out like a lightning bolt and bound Yu Tianyi in ce. Thetter''s fate was sealed without Liu Wuxie needing to lift a finger.


    When the Earth-Binding Chains tightened, Yu Tianyi was lifted into the air. He swung his limbs around in an attempt to struggle, but the chains had rendered him utterly powerless.


    If Shen Ling were still alive, the sheer terror alone would likely frighten him to death. The Earth-Binding Chains disyed the true power of a treasure, rendering his Extreme Yang Rope utterly insignificant inparison.


    Bai Yuan''s expression darkened as he realized Yu Tianyi had already fallen into Liu Wuxie''s hands before he could intervene. This was a tant humiliation. Despite being in the Nascent Transformation Realm, Bai Yuan was powerless to stop Liu Wuxie when thetter was intent on killing.


    "Liu Wuxie, release me!" Yu Tianyi screamed in panic, his voice filled with desperation.


    "Die!" Liu Wuxie merely tapped out with his finger, and the Earth-Binding Chains tightened, snapping Yu Tianyi''s body into two.


    The primordial soul couldn''t leave the body without reaching the Nascent Transformation Realm, and Yu Tianyi was killed without any chance of survival.


    After killing Yu Tianyi, Liu Wuxie shifted his gaze to Ye Feng. He didn''t dare to use the Earth-Binding Chains recklessly against Bai Yuan or Deng Yong as they were too strong. He could risk damaging his soul energy if he used the Earth-Binding Chains on them.


    The Earth-Binding Chains had to be controlled with soul energy, which would be troublesome if his opponents'' soul energy was stronger than his.


    Ye Feng panicked. He had already concealed himself in the crowd, but Liu Wuxie still found him.


    Liu Wuxie was determined to kill him no matter what. The fact that Ye Feng could rise from a cultivator in the mundane world to a true disciple had proven his talent.


    Ye Feng was relentlessly ensnared by the Earth-Binding Chains and brutally strangled to death. The gruesome sight was chilling as Liu Wuxie retracted the Earth-Binding Chains after dispatching both of his targets.


    Controlling the Earth-Binding Chains each time would exhaust his soul energy, and Liu Wuxie had to preserve his strength as he still had to face Deng Yong and Bai Yuan. The actual battle had only just begun.


    "Brother Bai, let me deal with him!" Deng Yong dered, waving his hand to dismiss the others. Sending those in the Astral River Realm would only lead to needless sacrifices.


    The three sects could no longer afford additional losses. The sheer number of deaths had already inflicted a devastating blow, and it would take at least a century for their sects to recover from the damage, leaving their foundations dangerously fragile.


    True disciples were the backbone of their sects, and their loss threatened to leave a void that would weaken the sects for generations.


    Bai Yuan nodded in agreement. Both were in the Nascent Transformation Realm and had no intention of lowering themselves to gang up on Liu Wuxie.


    Deng Yong advanced slowly, his murderous intent intensifying with each step. The surrounding space began to fracture and distort, a disy befitting someone at the second level of the Nascent Transformation Realm.


    "Liu Wuxie, you can die now!" Deng Yong roared, striking down with his palm at Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie, however, used the rebound force from the strike to evade, a tactic that had humiliated Deng Yong before. The memory of that moment continued to gnaw at Deng Yong, fueling his fury.

 Chapter 668 - Heavenly Dragon Emerges

    <h4>Chapter 668 - Heavenly Dragon Emerges</h4>


    Deng Yong charged forward, his palm transforming into a cosmic neb that firmly locked onto Liu Wuxie. The oppressive aura it exuded was powerful enough to obliterate an entire city. It was evident that Deng Yong had undergone an extraordinary encounter, as his strength surpassed the typical bounds of his cultivation realm.


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t dare to underestimate his adversary. Though his confidence in his own abilities was solid, he remained cautious about facing someone at the second level of the Nascent Transformation Realm.


    Still, having repelled Qu Yang with a single palm strike, Liu Wuxie believed he could achieve the same against Deng Yong. After all, Qu Yang was unquestionably the stronger of the two.


    He sheathed the Heretic de, and his hands began forming seals. A powerful surge of energy emerged from the Suppression Steles in his internal organs. The stars above the deste world began to spiral, unleashing boundless astral energy. This was the true power of the Astral River Realm.


    The limitless power of astral energy shot to the sky, and a gigantic palm appeared in mid-air, covering the entire Thorn Peak Valley. Everyone, including Bai Yuan, was shocked by the appearance of the massive palm. That was divine power that could only be achieved by gods.


    Deng Yong''s expression finally shifted, and he quickly began forming seals. The power of his attack surged as his Nascent Transformation Realm aura enveloped the sky.


    There was a stark disparity between the two. Had Liu Wuxie advanced to higher levels of the Astral River Realm, he could¡¯ve easily crushed those in the lower levels of the Nascent Transformation Realm like crushing an ant.


    The two palms collided like grinding millstones, tearing through the sky. The impact resembled the collision of twos, sending a massive mushroom cloud rising into the heavens.


    A boundless shockwave swept through the area, hurling ice and boulders from distant peaks into the air before disintegrating them into dust.


    Amidst the devastation, Liu Wuxie''s giant palm constantly changed shape, taking on the form of a tiger, a dragon, and so on. Each transformation shocked everyone.


    Deng Yong was stronger, too. His palm summoned the wind, rain, thunderstorms, and other natural elements, enthralling the audience with a dazzling disy of natural elements.


    N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "This is too spectacr!" eximed some disciples from the Sky Rift Valley, waving their hands excitedly. Regardless of the battle''s oue, witnessing this duel alone was worth it.


    "Such overwhelming power! I can''t imagine this is the power disyed by someone in the Astral River Realm." If they hadn''t known that Liu Wuxie was someone in the Astral River Realm, they would''ve thought this conflict was between two experts in the Nascent Transformation Realm.


    However, in reality, Liu Wuxie was only in the fourth level of the Astral River Realm.


    "Liu Wuxie will be famous after today''s battle, irrespective of the result. He''s the undisputed strongest prodigy of the Southern Province," said the Transcendent Plume Gate disciples.


    At the very least, Bai Yuan was weaker than Liu Wuxie when he was at the fourth level of the Astral River Realm.


    The two palms transformed into figures resembling Liu Wuxie and Deng Yong, controlled entirely by their will, channeling pure conflict between their true essence and soul energy.


    Suddenly, the two palms exploded, forming a powerful shock wave that swept through the Thorn Peak Valley like a powerful gale. The impact was so intense that it could be felt from ten thousand meters away.


    The storm swept away those with weaker cultivation and hurled them around.


    Liu Wuxie and Deng Yong took a few steps back, neither gaining the upper hand. The confrontation had reached a stalemate.


    A trace of solemnity appeared in Deng Yong''s eyes. Although he hadn¡¯t unleashed his full strength, he had used at least seventy percent of it¡ªand yet he failed to overpower Liu Wuxie.


    This was too unbelievable, and an unexpected sense of powerlessness surged in Deng Yong''s heart. But there was no turning back when he had boasted about dealing with Liu Wuxie alone.


    Calling for Bai Yuan''s assistance now would be humiliating. Moreover, Deng Yong still had a trump card that was yet to be revealed.


    Moreover, Deng Yong now had a sense of Liu Wuxie''s true strength. Beyond his de technique, Liu Wuxie had alsoprehended an ice dao technique. Combined with the Earth-Binding Chains, these appeared to be the extent of his offensive methods.


    As for the Heavenly Dragon Seal and the Annihtion Fist, only a select few were aware of their existence. Since Liu Wuxie began practicing the Annihtion Fist, he had never used it publicly. The Heavenly Dragon Seal was even more obscure¡ªonly Elder Tian Xing and Elder Yi Xuan were privy to its existence. Not even the sect master knew about it.


    "Liu Wuxie, is this your best? I''m just starting to warm up, and I advise you to kneel and ept your fate!" Deng Yong said as a yellow seal hovered before him.


    When they saw the yellow seal, the spectators eximed, "The Mountain-River Seal!"


    The Mountain-River Seal was an origin artifact corresponding to the Nascent Transformation Realm.


    Everyone''s breathing became heavy. Many knew that Deng Yong had forged a Mountain-River Seal, harnessing the power of mountains and seals from the surroundings.


    The ground began to tremble around Liu Wuxie and sank under the immense pressure.


    "What a powerful artifact! Liu Wuxie is in serious danger now!" the exmation resonated as onlookers marveled at the artifact''s destructive potential. At higher cultivation levels, artifacts could be equated to raw strength, often turning the tide of battle with their power.


    In the distance, the ice on the mountains began to crumble, triggering miniature avnches cascading down the slopes. Fortunately, these avnches were rtively small; otherwise, everyone would have been forced to flee. After all, the destructive force of a full-scale avnche could even tear apart the cultivators in the Nascent Transformation Realm.


    "Quick, look! The surrounding space is copsing from the pressure!" an exmation came from the surroundings. The Mountain-River Seal grew in size until it manifested into an actual mountain and river, descending down on Liu Wuxie at Deng Yong''smand.


    Even if Liu Wuxie had a powerful physique, there was no way he could withstand such force. Even cultivators in the True Profound Realm might perish beneath oppressive power. While the Mountain-River Seal couldn''t manifest into a mountain range, it couldn''t be underestimated.


    Liu Wuxie immediately felt like he was bearing a mountain on his shoulder. He would copse sooner orter if he couldn''t resolve this crisis.


    "The Mountain-River Seal? Perfect to upgrade my Heavenly Dragon Seal with it," Liu Wuxie murmured with a devilish smile. He was already plotting to seize Deng Yong''s Mountain-River Seal.


    The Mountain-River Seal had been forged by Deng Yong, who had spent over a decade seeking help from the Indigo Cloud Gate''s experts. Thus, one could imagine its power.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie,e and die!¡± Deng Yong sneered, directing the Mountain-River Seal to crush Liu Wuxiepletely.


    A vacuum enveloped the space within a few thousand meters of Liu Wuxie, the overwhelming pressure obliterating everything inside. Even a cultivator at the pinnacle of the Astral River Realm would have been instantly crushed under such immense force.


    Liu Wuxie''s bones emitted sharp cracking sounds under the strain, and blood seeped from his pores as the relentless force bore down on him.


    This was why Liu Wuxie had sent Xu Lingxue away earlier¡ªhad she stayed behind, the immense pressure would have killed her.


    Meanwhile, the remaining Indigo Cloud Gate disciples sneered, confident in Liu Wuxie''s imminent defeat. They watched smugly as his feet sank into the ground and his spine bent under the oppressive weight.


    The surrounding discussions vanished, with everyone waiting, curious about how long Liu Wuxie could endure.


    At the valley''s exit, Lan Ling and others all wore concern on their faces.


    "Why isn''t Junior Brother Liu fighting back?" a Heavenly Treasure Pavilion disciple questioned.


    "Don''t worry. I believe Senior Brother Liu has a n," another disciple replied, his confidence in Liu Wuxie unwavering.


    And he was right. Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t retaliate immediately because he was using the Mountain-River Seal¡¯s immense pressure to temper his physique. Much of the ten-thousand-year Snow Lotus¡¯s energy remained dormant within him, yet to be fully refined. The seal¡¯s oppressive force was the catalyst he needed.


    Under the relentless pressure, the dormant energy of the ten-thousand-year Snow Lotus erupted, coursing through his body like a raging river. The blood seeping from his pores ceased as his body began to adapt and straighten against the weight.


    "What''s going on? He seems even stronger now!" someone eximed, noticing the gradual increase in power radiating from Liu Wuxie.


    "Is he tempering himself with the Mountain-River Seal?" The gathered disciples were elites of their respective sects. While they weren¡¯t on par with Bai Yuan or Deng Yong, they were prodigies among their peers in the Southern Province. It didn¡¯t take long for them to realize what Liu Wuxie was doing.


    They gradually realized that Liu Wuxie was cultivating using the pressure released by the Mountain-River Seal. This discovery nearly made the Indigo Cloud Gate disciples spit out blood.


    Deng Yong noticed Liu Wuxie''s actions but remained unfazed, continuing to form seals. What did it matter if Liu Wuxie was using the Mountain-River Seal to cultivate? It wouldn''t alter the inevitable¡ªLiu Wuxie would meet his end here today.


    Once Liu Wuxie''s physique reached its current limit, he stopped his cultivation with a hint of disdain in his eyes as he sneered.


    "After suppressing me for so long, it''s your turn to take a strike from me?" Liu Wuxie suddenly exerted his strength, and the deste world within him surged forth like a towering pir, effortlessly resisting the pressure of the Mountain-River Seal.


    "This is bad! Does Liu Wuxie still have any trump cards left?" murmured an Azure Crimson Gate disciple, a sense of dread creeping over the group. They knew better than anyone about Liu Wuxie''s terrifying talent.


    After all, Liu Wuxie had turned their sect upside down, thwarting their ns repeatedly. If it weren''t for him, the Azure Crimson Gate would''ve undergone rapid development.


    Since Liu Wuxie had appeared, the Azure Crimson Gate''s development had been hindered, and they were gradually losing their market in alchemy.


    No one knew what Liu Wuxie was trying to do, and Bai Yuan''s eyes were fixed on him. He was prepared to intervene if Deng Yong failed to take Liu Wuxie down.


    While reputation held importance, survival took precedence over death. Since ancient times, only the prodigies who survived were remembered¡ªthose who perished were forgotten within a few years.


    After all, prodigies emerged every year in the Southern Province, and who could recall the names of those who had fallen?


    Suddenly, Liu Wuxie waved his hand to summon an ancient seal. The moment the ancient seal appeared, thunderclouds appeared above the Thorn Peak Valley, and a golden divine dragon could be faintly seen within the clouds.


    The unexpected phenomenon caught everyone off guard.


    "What the hell is that?" gasped the disciples from the Indigo Cloud Gate and Heavenly Origin Sect. They had never seen such a heaven-defying artifact in their lives.


    Divine dragons were creatures of legend, rarely seen even in ancient times. Artifacts with a divine dragon as their artifact spirit were exceedingly rare, likely forged only by the mythical dragon n themselves.


    If humans dared to use divine dragons as their artifact spirits, it would provoke the wrath of the entire dragon n, leading to relentless pursuit and retribution.

 Chapter 669 - All Dead

    <h4>Chapter 669 - All Dead</h4>


    Forging a divine artifact associated with the dragon n was a direct act of defiance against them. If the dragon n were to discover such an artifact, the person responsible would inevitably face their relentless pursuit. It was no wonder that everyone present was utterly shocked.


    The Heavenly Dragon Seal soared to the sky, and the golden dragon became one with the seal, forming a swirling ck storm. The storm consumed the surrounding pressure created by the Mountain-River Seal. They were both artifacts, but there was a drastic difference between them.


    The Indigo Cloud Gate disciples fell silent as if someone had choked them. The victory seemed assured a moment ago, but how could it all go wrong?


    They couldn''t believe that Liu Wuxie had forged such a heaven-defying treasure. The sky copsed, and a swirling ck hole appeared.


    Some snowmen still lingered in the surroundings, watching and waiting for an opportunity. If Liu Wuxie failed to hold his ground, they wouldn''t hesitate to kill him and reim the ten-thousand-year Snow Lotus.


    But when Liu Wuxie brought out the Heavenly Dragon Seal, all the surrounding snowmen fled. Dragons were sovereigns of all beasts, and the snowmen possessed a hint of the beast n''s bloodline. This was why the dragon aura had a natural dominance over them.


    The Mountain-River Seal began to waver until the brilliance had vanished entirely.


    The Heavenly Dragon Seal charged with a loud crack and manifested into a golden divine dragon. The Mountain-River Seal exploded into countless fragments, and the Heavenly Dragon Seal devoured its energy.


    Deng Yong stood paralyzed, unable toprehend the destruction of the Mountain-River Seal. Bai Yuan, equally dumbfounded, remained frozen in ce, failing to act. By the time he grasped the severity of the situation, it was already toote.


    "Senior Brother Deng Yong, dodge quickly!" came the frantic cries of the Indigo Cloud Gate disciples. The Heavenly Dragon Seal, like a bolt of lightning, hurtled down from the sky. Deng Yong, still consumed by disbelief, failed to react in time.


    Their frantic screams jolted him back to awareness, but it was already far toote.


    The entire Thorn Peak Valley began to shake violently when the Heavenly Dragon Seal descended with blinding speed.


    Cracks appeared in the distant mountains, unable to withstand the shockwave. The various sects'' disciples stationed kilometers away quickly fled as the shockwave surged toward them.


    Only the Demonic Heart Pce disciples were spared, as they had secured a strategic position.


    The nearby disciples cried in agony as they were caught in the residual shockwaves. The Divine Sun Pce and Dugu n took the most brutal hit as they were weaker in strength and closer to the battlefield than the other sects.


    As for the Transcendent Plume Gate disciples, they had retreated far away under Zhou Ge''s repeated warnings.


    The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion and Misty Sect disciples were nowhere to be seen. The Sky Rift Valley, true to their reputation of keeping a low profile, had maintained a safe distance and avoided the battlefield entirely.


    The battlefield was littered with casualties in the blink of an eye. The Heavenly Origin Sect, Indigo Cloud Gate, and Azure Crimson Gate suffered the highest casualties as they were in the center of the battlefield.


    Deng Yong could only stare with his eyes wide open as the Heavenly Dragon Seal descended upon him.


    "NO! I CAN''T ACCEPT THIS!" Deng Yong roared before losing consciousness. His body crumpled into a lifeless heap of meat, and he was crushed to death even before his primordial soul could escape.


    With Deng Yong''s death, the entire Thorn Peak Valley fell silent, and everyone looked at Liu Wuxie with lingering fear. Thetter was no longer a human in their eyes but a monster.


    Many disciples of the Azure Crimson Gate had quietly retreated to the entrance. They couldn''t bear any more losses. Over a hundred disciples had entered the barrier, but less than thirty people remained.


    <strong>......</strong>


    Outside the barrier, Xu Yanghui stared at Deng Yong''s cracked soul tablet with a broken heart. Deng Yong was the representative among the younger generation in the Indigo Cloud Gate, with the highest hopes of inheriting his position as the sect master.


    The other sect masters also shared a sense of collective despair. Bai Jin''s eyes were glued to Bai Yuan''s soul tablet, and he desperately prayed for his son''s safety.


    N?v(el)B\\jnn


    After all, even someone like Deng Yong in the Nascent Transformation Realm had died. Bai Yuan was slightly stronger than Deng Yong, and no one could guarantee his safety when even Deng Yong had died.


    "What''s going on in there? How could so many people die in just two hours?" Deng Lei roared, his voice trembling with anger. More than twenty disciples from the Divine Sun Pce had died a moment ago.


    None of the second-tier sect members dared to speak, fearing they might provoke the wrath of the ten sect masters with a misced word.


    The leaders of the Heavenly Origin Sect, Indigo Cloud Gate, Azure Crimson Gate, Dugu n, and Divine Sun Pce were seething with fury, their tempers vtile like gunpowder awaiting a spark. The immense losses they had suffered during this Ten Grand Ceremony only added fuel to the fire.


    "Sect master, do you think this could be Liu Wuxie''s doing?" Elder He asked. He was on his guard, prepared for any assaults against them as the situation was unclear, and none of the sects dared to act.


    "Most likely!" Mu Tianli frowned. If that were the case, the implications would be far graver than they had imagined. With Liu Wuxie massacring so many people, it would be challenging for the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion to leave the Heavenly Mountain unscathed unless they could find help from the other sects to form a bnce.


    <strong>......</strong>


    When the massacre ended, Liu Wuxie retrieved the Heavenly Dragon Seal. The effort had drained half of his true essence, prompting him to immediately swallow pills to restore the energy within his deste world.


    High-grade spirit stones began to explode, and their energies fused into the deste world, replenishing the exhausted true essence. Liu Wuxie also circted the Deste Devouring Art to devour all the spiritual energy within a ten-thousand-meter radius.


    "He''s running low on true essence! Attack now!" yelled the remaining Heavenly Origin Sect disciples, rallying everyone to attack. It would be toote for them to act if they allowed Liu Wuxie to recover his true essence.


    However, the morale had already crumbled, and it was nearly impossible to rally everyone, no matter how much they called out.


    The Indigo Cloud Gate had scattered following Deng Yong''s death. As for the Azure Crimson Gate, they had already lost their elite disciples, and the remaining disciples were quietly retreating to the entrance.


    "There''s another battle going on there!" When they reached the entrance, the remaining Azure Crimson Gate ran into the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion disciples.


    "I knew it! The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s disciples were nowhere to be seen, and now it makes sense¡ªthey blocked the entrance to trap everyone inside," eximed the Sky Rift Valley disciples, their voices filled with shock. No one could have imagined Liu Wuxie would go to such lengths, orchestrating a massacre to eliminate all three sects'' disciples.


    The remaining Azure Crimson Gate disciples were quickly overwhelmed by sheer numbers. With the aid of a pre-arranged spiritual array, the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion and Misty Sect turned the tide of battle into a one-sided ughter.


    "I surrender! Don''t kill me!" The remaining Azure Crimson Gate disciples went down on their knees to beg for mercy.


    Their cries fell on deaf ears as Lan Ling moved through them like a reaper, cutting them down like wheat before a scythe.


    <strong>......</strong>


    Feng Gaoqiu clenched his teeth as he watched the soul tablets shatter one after another. When the final soul tablet broke, he let out a helpless sigh. There was nothing he could do. It was over¡ªthey were all dead.


    All 156 true disciples from the Azure Crimson Gate had perished, and the expressions of the other nine leaders varied greatly.


    At present, the Demonic Heart Pce suffered the least losses, followed by the Transcendent Plume Gate, the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, the Sky Rift Valley, and the Misty Sect.


    "The Azure Crimson Gate has beenpletely wiped out," muttered an elder from the Grand Banner Gate, frozen in disbelief. This oue was hard to fathom, especially for the Grand Banner Gate, which had been a subsidiary force of the Azure Crimson Gate for nearly a century. They had watched as the Azure Crimson Gate rose to surpass the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, iming the fifth rank among the ten major sects.


    However, everything had changed with Liu Wuxie''s arrival.


    "Dead... they''re all dead!" Feng Gaoqiu let go of the shattered soul tablets.


    "Don''t worry. We will find the culprit and bring him to justice," said Bai Jin as he came over to pat Feng Gaoqiu on the shoulder.


    The two sects had already allied, and the Heavenly Origin Sect naturally wouldn''t stand idly by.


    Feng Gaoqiu let out a wry smile. He felt this wasn''t over¡ªthe Azure Crimson Gate was merely the first to fall, and more deaths woulde.


    After ying Deng Yong, Liu Wuxie slowly approached Bai Yuan. He only had one enemy left and did not need to personally act against the remaining Indigo Cloud Gate and Heavenly Origin Sect disciples. Once Bai Yuan died, the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion disciples would help him clean up the battlefield.


    Liu Wuxie and Bai Yuan locked eyes, their gazes brimming with sparks of animosity and a torrent of murderous intent.


    "Liu Wuxie, that golden seal should be yourst trump card, right?" Bai Yuan asked, taking a deep breath to calm himself down. Deng Yong''s death had clearly shaken him.


    "It''s more than enough to deal with you," Liu Wuxie replied, offering no further exnation. His strongest trump card wasn''t the Heavenly Dragon Seal but the Annihtion Fist.


    Judging from Bai Yuan''s expression, he most likely had a countermeasure against the Heavenly Dragon Seal, which meant it wouldn''t be enough to kill Bai Yuan if he used it again.


    A sword appeared in Bai Yuan''s hand as he swung it down toward Liu Wuxie. Liu Wuxie countered with a de aura from the Heretic de, the sword and de colliding like twoets. The figures blurred under the intensity of the sh, making it impossible to discern who was who.


    The Indigo Cloud Gate disciples were also quietly moving toward the entrance, nning to escape. Despite the prolonged fighting, there was no sign of Liu Wuxie''s true essence being exhausted, and this was beyond theirprehension.


    "Fluttering Maple Sword!" Bai Yuan didn''t use the Grand Supreme Sword. Liu Wuxie hadpletely deciphered that sword technique, rendering it ineffective. He resorted to the Fluttering Maple Sword, a sword technique equal to the Grand Supreme Sword.


    The Fluttering Maple Sword focused on an unending cascade, one strike followed by another, leaving the opponent with no room to catch his breath. Liu Wuxie was caught off guard by the sword technique and suffered a piercing wound to his arm as blood sshed and rained down.


    This sight made Xu Lingxue''s heart clench, his face etched with worry.


    "Senior Brother Bai, kill him quickly and avenge the deceased disciples!" The Heavenly Origin Sect disciples chose to stay and watch the battle.


    Bai Yuan''s sword technique grew faster and more relentless, forcing Liu Wuxie to his limit. Relying on his cultivation in the Nascent Transformation Realm, Bai Yuan continuously suppressed Liu Wuxie, leaving him unable to mount an effective counterattack. This disparity underscored the vast gulf between the second and third levels of the Nascent Transformation Realm.


    Liu Wuxie unleashed a torrent of de auras, intercepting the cascading strikes of the Fluttering Maple Sword. Seizing an opening, he broke away from the fray with a sh, a hint of solemnity evident in his gaze.


    Fighting spirits erupted when Liu Wuxie and Bai Yuan stood in a head-to-head confrontation. As Bai Yuan''s clothes fluttered under the aura he gave off, his lower abdomen began to swell.


    "That''s...the Heavenly Origin Sect''s Divine Toad Art! He seeded in learning it?!" exmations came from the crowd. The Divine Toad Art was a legendary technique of the Heavenly Origin Sect, renowned for its power over centuries.


    The Divine Toad Art technique was created by an ancestor of the Heavenly Origin Sect, who had dedicated centuries to studying the behavior of toads.

 Chapter 670 - Annihilations Might

    <h4>Chapter 670 - Annihtion''s Might</h4>


    Liu Wuxie remained vignt, his senses on high alert as the surrounding space pulsed in rhythm with Bai Yuan¡¯s measured breathing. Bai Yuan had drawn in all the surrounding spiritual energy, and deep rumbling echoes emanated from his abdomen, resembling the roar of a distant thunderstorm.


    Peculiar sounds echoed from Bai Yuan¡¯s throat, and space behind him began to copse, inch by inch.


    Qu Yang rose to his feet with a grave expression. Even he had to be careful against the Divine Toad Art. The essence of this technique was topress all the true essence to form a powerful vortex capable of devouring everything in the surroundings.


    As Bai Yuan continued to breathe through the Divine Toad Art, fine cracks began to appear in the surroundings, with the fragments sucked into his abdomen.


    ¡°What a terrifying technique, the Divine Toad Art!¡± murmured the Dugu n¡¯s disciples as they retreated to the side, their faces pale with fright.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie is finished. Bai Yuan will avenge us!¡± The Divine Sun Pce disciples were filled with hatred for Liu Wuxie, who had lost over twenty disciples to the Heavenly Dragon Seal.


    Liu Wuxie abandoned the Heretic de and raised his fist to the sky, initiating the gesture of the Annihtion Fist. He knew he couldn¡¯t face the Divine Toad Art with the True Strike or Frost Finger. He had already executed the Heavenly Dragon Seal once, and the power would significantly decrease if he used it again. There was a high possibility that Bai Yuan possessed a powerful artifact capable of confronting the Heavenly Dragon Seal.


    A faint vortex formed around Liu Wuxie¡¯s fist, in sync with his breathing, devouring all the spiritual energy within a radius of tens of thousands of meters.


    ¡°What¡¯s Liu Wuxie doing?¡± Many spectators were puzzled by Liu Wuxie¡¯s stance. They wondered if Liu Wuxie had another trump card left when they thought he had resorted to all his means.


    ¡°Is he preparing another technique?¡± guessed a disciple from the Sky Rift Valley.


    ¡°What a bizarre preparation stance, but there¡¯s something profound about it.¡± While Liu Wuxie¡¯s stance seemed simple, it was filled with profundity if one looked at it carefully, obtaining a perfect bnce between offense and defense.


    But what shocked everyone the most was a ck vortex forming around Liu Wuxie¡¯s fist, devouring the ck wind. Everyone could imagine the earth-shattering power of this punch as invisible forces began to sh.


    ¡°Liu Wuxie isn¡¯t simple,¡± Qu Yang remarked, his gaze shifting between Bai Yuan and Liu Wuxie. Having reached the Nascent Transformation Realm himself, he could sense the intensity of their auras and gauge their power.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s punch was still in the preparatory stage and had yet to reach its true power. On the contrary, Bai Yuan¡¯s belly had swollen up like a balloon after a minute.


    When Bai Yuan raised his head and let out a thunderous howl, he unleashed a hurricane that surged toward the sky and engulfed Liu Wuxie.


    Raging winds tore through the ground like a waterfall that resembled an apocalyptic scene.


    Everyone held their breath as they witnessed this scene. Although they knew Bai Yuan was strong, they hadn¡¯t expected him to be so powerful.


    A vast vacuum formed within thousands of meters of radius, with spatial fragments falling from the sky.


    ¡°This is too terrifying!¡± many Demonic Heart Pce disciples eximed among themselves.


    A massive ck hole had appeared in the center of the battlefield, devouring everything in the surroundings. Liu Wuxie stood at the core, and the vortex would sweep him if he weren¡¯t careful.


    Boulders from the distance were drawn into the vortex, and the ck hole grewrger, devouring everything in its surroundings as it continued to expand. The Thorn Peak Valley was no longer safe.


    There was a high possibility everyone could be swept away by the ck hole, bing victims between Liu Wuxie and Bai Yuan.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± Qu Yang nced at the battlefield before leaving with the Demonic Heart Pce disciples. This ce was no longer safe, and the entire valley might be leveled to the ground after this battle.


    When the Indigo Cloud Gate disciples appeared at the entrance, they were all in by Lan Ling¡¯s group. The Indigo Cloud Gate had practically lost their experts, and the ones surviving weren¡¯t strong. Thus, there was no way they could hold their ground against Lan Ling and the other disciples from the two sects.


    When the Demonic Heart Pce disciples appeared at the entrance, they left unhindered, as Lan Ling didn¡¯t block them. They were followed by the Sky Rift Valley disciples and the other sects.


    Only the Heavenly Origin Sect disciples remained, unwilling to leave and wanted to witness Liu Wuxie¡¯s death.


    Liu Wuxie was on the brink of copse, and no one could see him as if a ck hole had engulfed him.


    This scene made Xu Lingxue worry for him, and she barely resisted charging over. Farther away, Murong Yi observed withposed silence. She was calmer than Xu Lingxue.


    Lan Ling and the others watched with deep concern. If Liu Wuxie managed to kill Bai Yuan, it would mark the end of the final battle, solidifying the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s position as the undisputed leader among the ten major sects.


    ¡°Annihtion Fist!¡± Liu Wuxie said as the sky cracked with golden radiance shining down. They were all immortal runes that charged the Annihtion Fist.


    Nearly everyone, except for the Heavenly Origin Sect¡¯s disciples, had abandoned the Thorn Peak Valley. Had they stayed, they would have been stunned by the devastation unfolding before their eyes. The sky was ripped apart, and the earth began to tremble violently.


    The entire Heavenly Mountain began to shake, with chunks of ice and rocks tumbling down from the distant peaks, rming everyone outside the barrier.


    ¡°An avnche!¡± a Misty Sect¡¯s elder eximed nervously.


    An avnche of this magnitude could level the Heavenly Mountain and kill everyone. The remaining Heavenly Origin Sect disciples began to flee, but it was toote now. A ck hole was up ahead, a death trap for anyone daring to cross.


    The entire Heavenly Mountain had fallen into chaos, and many snowmen were forced to abandon the homes they had inhabited for centuries.


    ¡°Leave immediately!¡± Lan Ling gave the order and quickly fled with everyone else. The Thorn Peak Valley was no longer safe for them to linger around.


    The surrounding mountains continued to copse, with rocks tumbling down. If the exit were sealed off, it would mean certain death for them.


    ¡°I won¡¯t leave without him!¡± Xu Lingxue protested. She wouldn¡¯t abandon Liu Wuxie no matter the cost.


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing we can do to help by staying here. We¡¯ll wait for him outside¡ªit¡¯s safer that way,¡± Murong Yi said as she approached Xu Lingxue and gently but firmly pulled her away. She had vowed to protect Xu Lingxue at all costs, ensuring no harm woulde to her.


    Rocks tumbled down the mountain and covered the entire Thorn Peak Valley. The remaining Heavenly Origin Sect disciples couldn¡¯t avoid the falling boulders no matter how they tried to dodge.


    N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Bai Jin watched in despair as soul tablets began to shatter one after another, and he finally couldn¡¯t maintain hisposure when close to two hundred soul tablets had shattered with only one remaining intact. This made his concern grow deeper with each passing moment.


    Everyone knew that this disaster was connected to Liu Wuxie. The Heavenly Origin Sect, along with the Indigo Cloud Gate and Azure Crimson Gate, had secretly allied in the final battle to eliminate him.


    The oue was catastrophic for the three sects. Liu Wuxie remained alive, and the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion had suffered minimal losses, while the three sects had lost all their disciples. The Azure Crimson Gate and Indigo Cloud Gate were entirely annihted, leaving only Bai Yuan alive from the Heavenly Origin Sect. It was impossible to believe this devastation was unrted to Liu Wuxie.


    When Bai Yuan rose to his feet, his face was pale and weary. Executing the Divine Toad Art had drained every ounce of his strength, and he retrieved a golden bell that grew in size before enveloping him in it.


    The bell acted like a shield that defended him from Liu Wuxie¡¯s attack, and this was his trump card. It could protect him against all iing attacks, even if Liu Wuxie used the Heavenly Dragon Seal again.


    However, it was a different story for the Annihtion Fist. The Annihtion Fist contained the power of destruction, which was the same as death. At the dawn of the universe, life would appear alongside death, and destruction originated from death.


    The ripped sky began to mend as the Annihtion Fist, charged by hundreds of immortal runes, appeared in the sky, freezing the surrounding space. It felt like time had stopped, and the Thorn Peak Valley had bepletely isted.


    No one knew what was going on in the Thorn Peak Valley or who had won. When shockwaves began to spread out, the surrounding mountains were leveled, and fissures stretched on the ground, revealing a vast ocean beneath the Heavenly Mountain.


    Torrents of water gushed out from the ground in the form of geysers and formed into new icy peaks. This process kept repeating itself, with icy peaks constantly being formed.


    The battle between Bai Yuan and Liu Wuxie transformed the surrounding terrain. The Thorn Peak Valley had vanished, reced by a towering ice forest consisting of icy mountains and towering trees.


    The ck hole spawned by Bai Yuan¡¯s Divine Toad Art continued to devour everything in the surroundings. Liu Wuxiestaggered under the pull, the ck hole threatening to consume him at any moment.


    The Annihtion Fist descended with a roar. There was no path of retreat for Liu Wuxie; it was a battle of life and death.


    When the two techniques collided, it was as if two colossal tidal waves shed head-on. The shockwave reverberated through the air, and its force could be felt even a thousand miles away.


    The ck hole erupted into a raging storm, its chaos unrelenting as the Annihtion Fist bore down with overpowering intensity.


    Although Bai Yuan was inside the bell, he could still sense everything going on outside, and a hint of solemnness shed across his eyes.


    ¡°What martial technique is that? Why does it feel so dreadful?¡± Bai Yuan murmured to himself.


    The Immortal Runes seemed otherworldly, defying the very fabric of the True Martial Continent, which strained under the overwhelming power. The sky appeared as if someone had punched through it, with countless fragments cascading like a shattered mirror.


    Liu Wuxie stood motionless, his face devoid of emotion. It was his first time executing the Annihtion Fist, and its immense force was uncharted territory even for him.


    Through the analysis provided by the Heavenly Dao Book, the Annihtion Fist appeared wless. However, the toll it exacted was immense¡ªthe true essence within his deste world was depleting at a staggering pace, and even the reserves in his acupoints were vanishing rapidly. His soul sea throbbed with searing pain.


    He was suffering a severe bacsh from the world itself for drawing upon so many immortal runes, but Liu Wuxie hadmitted everything to kill Bai Yuan. To him, the effort and cost were justified if it meant taking Bai Yuan down.


    In mere moments, the deste world within him became barren, with ny-nine percent of its true essence drained to fuel the attack. Liu Wuxie staggered, struggling to remain on his feet. Without hesitation, he hurled hundreds of high-grade spirit stones into the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron. The cauldron rapidly converted the stones into liquified spiritual energy, channeling it back into the deste world to replenish his depleted reserves.

 Chapter 671 - Killing Bai Yuan

    <h4>Chapter 671 - Killing Bai Yuan</h4>


    Liu Wuxie had managed to recover about thirty percent of his true essence, but the injuries to his soul sea would require time and care to heal fully.


    The celestial runes flickered like a towering mountain, forming a formidable neb that spanned hundreds of miles across the surroundings.


    Fortunately, the disciples from the other sects had long evacuated, or they would have perished in the chaos.


    The avnche felt like a flood, engulfing the surrounding mountains and burying them inyers of ice and snow.


    When the Annihtion Fist collided with Bai Yuan, the bell he depended on emitted a sharp, grating sound as it struggled to absorb part of the devastating impact.


    "This is interesting," Liu Wuxie muttered with a sneer. With precise movements, he began forming intricate seals, and a surge of mysterious power erupted. The sudden emergence of this new force caused the heavens and earth to tremble, rendering the sun and moon dim.


    Space within tens of thousands of meters copsed, creating a massive void. Despite retreating a thousand miles away, the Demonic Heart Pce disciples could still feel the overwhelming dread emanating from the Annihtion Fist.


    Themotion was so great that it spread out in ripples, drawing the attention of those outside the battlefield. The entire Heavenly Mountain was sinking¡ªa phenomenon that had never urred before.


    When the second wave of energy descended with unstoppable force, cracks began appearing on the bell, spreading like a spiderweb.


    However, the relentless assault showed no signs of abating as the force continued to descend. Each wave of the Annihtion Fist''s power prated deep into the bell, destabilizing the veryws inscribed within.


    The might of the Heavenly Dragon Seal alone wasn''t enough to destroy the bell, but it was a different story with immortal runes.


    Bai Yuan threw up blood when the Annihtion Fist''s power passed through the bell and reached him. His face became pale instantly, and his blood dyed his clothes red.


    "What the hell is this power? How can it shatter my Heavenly Primal Bell?!" Bai Yuan roared. The Heavenly Primal Bell was forged painstakingly over a hundred years with primal true essence, a gift from his father meant to be his lifeline.


    However, the mysterious golden immortal runes had disrupted and shattered the intricatews within the Heavenly Primal Bell, allowing the devastating power of the Annihtion Fist to bypass its defenses and strike Bai Yuan directly. The force riddled his internal organs with fractures, leaving him gravely injured.


    To begin with, Bai Yuan''s physique was no match for Liu Wuxie¡¯s. Even someone in the high levels of the Nascent Transformation Realm would struggle to face the impact of the immortal runes.


    "I refuse to ept this! I refuse to ept this oue!" Bai Yuan roared. He had been dyed red by his blood, and it even pooled beneath him. This was a pitiful sight as the immortal runes'' power had prated his body, damaging his life force.


    "This aura... it''s the aura of immortals! Could he be an immortal?!" Bai Yuan''s eyes widened in terror as he recognized a trace of an immortal aura in the attack. It perfectly matched the descriptions he had read in ancient texts, confirming his worst fears.


    If Liu Wuxie were truly an immortal, it wouldn''t be a disgrace for Bai Yuan to be killed by him.


    "What kind of enemy have I provoked?" Bai Yuan murmured bitterly. If Liu Wuxie possessed immortal aura within his body, even ten of him wouldn''t be able to defeat thetter.


    Regret soon filled Bai Yuan''s heart. He realized that he had been gravely mistaken right from the very beginning. It was no wonder Liu Wuxie had confidently told him that he couldn¡¯t kill him even if there were outside.


    Thousands of people gathered a hundred miles away. They were all disciples from the other sects, and their gazes fixated on the ck hole in the distance, their faces lingering with fear.


    "Do you think Senior Brother Liu will survive?" someone whispered. Liu Wuxie was strong, but so was Bai Yuan. They had witnessed how Bai Yuan shattered the surrounding space with the Divine Toad Art.


    "I believe in him!" Many disciples from the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion regarded Liu Wuxie as their idol, a model for the younger generation. After all, no one could aplish what Liu Wuxie did.


    The other sects also discussed this. Regardless of the oue, they knew this battle would shake Southern Province.


    "The Southern Province will be shaken with the death of so many elite disciples. The Heavenly Origin Sect won''t let it slide," murmured a Divine Sun Pce disciple.


    "Let''s see how the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion will resolve the crisis. I can already foresee the three sects joining forces to target them."


    The Dugu n didn''t dare challenge the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, as it was one of the weakest among the ten major sects. But it was different for the Heavenly Origin Sect and Indigo Cloud Gate, which had the strength and guts to take revenge against the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    As for the Azure Crimson Gate, they were destined to fall to a second-tier sect as long as the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion existed and continued to overshadow them.


    <strong>......</strong>


    Outside the barrier, the leaders of the ten major sects maintained a wary vignce against each other. The second-tier sects were wise enough to retreat to a safer distance, fearing they would be caught up in the brewing storm.


    n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    <strong>......</strong>


    The golden immortal runes had converged into a mighty fist radiating with golden brilliance. This was the Annihtion Fist''s true power.


    The Heavenly Primal Bell shattered under the Annihtion Fist and fractured into eight pieces. But the fist''s power didn''t decline and continued to surge forward, mming into Bai Yuan.


    "I don''t want to die!" Bai Yuan cried, but his cry was short as he exploded into countless fragments of flesh that scattered around. Even his primordial soul couldn''t escape in time, and he had beenpletely obliterated.


    After killing Bai Yuan, Liu Wuxie staggered, and his face turned pale. He was struggling to remain standing after exhausting the remaining thirty percent of the true essence that he had recovered. His soul sea was in a mess, and he would require several days to recover from the damages.


    The avnche continued to tumble in the distance, soon transforming the Thorn Peak Valley intoplete ruin.


    Right then, an invisible force surged into Liu Wuxie''s body, reigniting a faint spark of energy in the dried-up deste world.


    "The blessing of a region!" Liu Wuxie was taken aback. He had gained the blessing of the entire Southern Province after killing Bai Yuan. This meant that it would be challenging for anyone to kill him in the Southern Province as it would be the same as challenging the entire region.


    Although the blessing couldn''t boost Liu Wuxie''s cultivation, there were many benefits, such as dramatically reshaping his destiny and increasing his fortune. After all, luck was also a factor in strength. Those with great fortune tended to have a powerful cultivation as well.


    Liu Wuxie began to move as he circted the Deste Devouring Art to extract spiritual energy from the surroundings. The mysterious tree in the deste world reached the void to extract energy from heaven and earth to replenish Liu Wuxie''s exhaustion.


    <strong>......</strong>


    Meanwhile, Bai Jin surprisingly couldn''t feel pain at the sight of thest soul tablet shattering in his hand. He had already prepared for the worst beforehand.


    "Bai Yuan is dead!" eximed Deng Lei, the sect master of the Divine Sun Pce, his voice filled with disbelief.


    All along, Bai Yuan had been crowned the strongest prodigy in the Southern Province, but he had died in the Ten Grand Ceremony.


    On the contrary, Liu Wuxie''s soul tablet remained intact in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s corner. Aside from the Divine Sun Pce and Dugu n, who suffered slightly more losses, the other sects only lost a handful of their disciples in the final battle. Such casualties were insignificant to the scale of their organizations.


    "They''re all dead. Everyst one of the disciples from the Heavenly Origin Sect, the Indigo Cloud Gate, and the Azure Crimson Gate are dead," the Transcendent Plume Gate''s sect master muttered. He looked visibly shaken, and he couldn''t imagine who would possess the strength to kill so many people.


    Based on the three sect''s forces, only a cultivator in the high levels of the Nascent Transformation Realm could aplish something like this. However, aside from Bai Yuan, few disciples among the ten major sects had reached the Nascent Transformation Realm, and they couldn''t achieve such a feat even if they had all joined forces.


    The situation was bizarre. If the snowmen had been the mastermind, why did the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion suffer close to no losses while the three sects had lost all their disciples?


    This left everyone deeply unsettled, and everyone wore a grave expression. Thunderclouds began to appear in the sky, foretelling an impending storm.


    Bai Jin''s face was terrifyingly grim as he set down his son''s shattered soul tablet before turning to look at the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. He had a feeling Liu Wuxie had yed a part in the death of his son.


    <strong>......</strong>


    The avnche grew even more intense, and the spectators standing a hundred miles away continued to retreat further.


    After consuming hundreds of high-grade spirit stones, Liu Wuxie had recovered about thirty to forty percent of his true essence¡ªenough for him to continue his journey.


    "Someone''s approaching!" Despite the avnche growing stronger and producing rumbling sounds, the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion disciples had yet to leave, and they saw a shadow emerging from the blizzard.


    "It''s Junior Brother Liu!" Lan Ling stood at the forefront and recognized Liu Wuxie''s silhouette.


    Without hesitation, he vanished from his spot and raced toward the storm''s center, disregarding the danger to his life. If the avnche engulfed them, they would all be buried by the snow for eternity in the Heavenly Mountain.


    Though Liu Wuxie had moved swiftly, the avnche was even faster. Massive ice blocks, asrge as houses, surged forward, forming a new mountain range, rumbling across the ground like a magnitude 50 earthquake.


    The ground split open, revealing deep ravines as seawater gushed from beneath, rapidly freezing into towering icy formations under the intense cold. These newly formed ice mountains finally halted the avnche''s advance, giving Liu Wuxie a brief window to escape.


    He took a deep breath before channeling all his true essence to his legs, executing the Nine Heavenly Crane Dance, and vanished. He had already regrouped with Lan Ling and the others in mere moments.


    However, the exhaustion of true essence had taken a toll on him. He staggered and fell backward.


    "Junior Brother Liu!" Lan Ling darted over and caught Liu Wuxie by the waist.


    "Quick, we must leave this ce immediately! This ce is no longer safe!" Lan Ling urged. Though the avnche had paused, it was only a temporary reprieve. They needed to find shelter before the next disaster struck.


    Two disciples from the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion stepped forward to carry Liu Wuxie as they swiftly departed the area.


    Xu Lingxue appeared with Murong Yi, her heart aching as she saw Liu Wuxie''s face contort in pain. Without hesitation, they joined Lan Ling and the rest of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion disciples, moving swiftly to escape the chaos.


    The blizzard fueled by the avnche raged on as the group traveled nearly a thousand miles before finally finding a safe haven. Once there, the disciples carefully set Liu Wuxie down and examined him. To their surprise, he bore no visible injuries despite the evident pain etched on his face.


    "I need to go into seclusion for a few days. Stand guard for me," Liu Wuxie said to Murong Yi and Xu Lingxue. He trusted them implicitly, far more than the other Heavenly Treasure Pavilion disciples, aside from Lan Ling.


    "You can be rest assured and focus on recovering," Xu Lingxue said as she took a pill and carefully ced it into Liu Wuxie''s mouth.


    When the pill entered Liu Wuxie''s mouth, it dissolved instantly, transforming into a stream of nectar that coursed through his body.


    "What an extraordinary pill!" Liu Wuxie marveled. Even though he didn¡¯t know what pill it was, he could tell by the energy it radiated that it was at least a ninth-grade pill.


    "This is the Ethereal Cloud Pill. The sect master only gave me one, and this pill ensures rapid recovery regardless of the type of injury," Her tone was soft, exuding the care and warmth of someone deeply devoted, as she attended to Liu Wuxie with the diligence of a wife tending to her husband.


    Murong Yi stood by the side quietly, watching Liu Wuxie and Xu Lingxue interact without saying a word.


    "It''s all thanks to Senior Sister Murong this time, or none of this would have gone so smoothly," Liu Wuxie said. Hisplexion had improved visibly after consuming the Ethereal Cloud Pill, but there was a hint of guilt in the depth of his eyes when he looked at Murong Yi.


    "I¡¯ve already thanked Big Sister Murong. Let me take care of you from now on," Xu Lingxue said, remaining steadfastly at Liu Wuxie''s side.


    The atmosphere shifted subtly, with a faint tension hanging in the air from jealousy.


    Xu Lingxue couldn¡¯t ignore the unusual way Murong Yi looked at Liu Wuxie. Her intuition as a woman whispered that there was more between them than she understood.


    But since they wouldn''t speak, Xu Lingxue wouldn''t pry as she continued to fulfill her role as Liu Wuxie''s wife.


    "We''re all fellow disciples; there''s no need to be formal. You two can continue while I stand guard," Murong Yi said with her usual smile, leaving for a quiet ce to meditate.

 Chapter 672 - Truth Revealed

    <h4>Chapter 672 - Truth Revealed</h4>


    Once everyone had left, Liu Wuxie and Xu Lingxue were left alone. Xu Lingxue''s face turned dark, reced by a frosty gaze as she looked at Liu Wuxie.


    The sudden change in Xu Lingxue''s facial expression surprised Liu Wuxie. After all, she had been a gentle and thoughtful wife a moment ago, making him wonder if it was all an act.


    "Now that no one else is around, be honest with me. What exactly is your rtionship with her?" Xu Lingxue asked, her voice carrying an edge of interrogation.


    Though they hadn''t consummated their marriage, they were still husband and wife in name. Thus, she had every right to demand answers and know about it.


    "I already told you¡ªwe''re fellow disciples," Liu Wuxie said. He didn''t tell Xu Lingxue everything as he wanted to wait for the right moment.


    "Are you still refusing to tell me the truth?" Xu Lingxue''s face grew darker. If Liu Wuxie continued to evade her, this would be the end of their rtionship, and they would part as strangers should they ever meet again. The tension between them thickened, and it was clear Xu Lingxue wasn¡¯t making an idle threat.


    "It¡¯s a long story..." Liu Wuxie sighed. He realized he couldn''t avoid the subject any longer.


    "I have plenty of time," Xu Lingxue replied firmly. With several days left until the conclusion of the Ten Grand Ceremony, she was determined to hear the truth about what had transpired in the years they had been apart. Their fleeting encounter on the first day of the Heavenly Mountain had left much unsaid, and she wasn¡¯t willing to leave it that way.


    Liu Wuxie sighed and began recounting what had happened in Serene Sea City. He exined how Murong Yi had joined the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion to seek his help in saving her parents and used it to get close to him.


    As Liu Wuxie revealed Murong Yi''s plight, Xu Lingxue¡¯s stern expression softened into one of quiet sympathy. The thought of a child forced to wander the True Martial Continent with only a few remaining nsmen was heart-wrenching. She couldn¡¯t help but admire Murong Yi''s resilience¡ªher unwavering belief that she could save her father, even after twenty long years, earned Xu Lingxue¡¯s respect.


    "She has fallen for you," Xu Lingxue suddenly interjected before Liu Wuxie could exin what had happened between him and Murong Yi.


    "What?" Liu Wuxie stammered and looked up at Xu Lingxue in confusion.


    "Don¡¯t tell me you haven¡¯t realized it yet?" Xu Lingxue scoffed, rolling her eyes at Liu Wuxie, who was utterly clueless when it came to rtionships.


    Liu Wuxie fell silent, unsure of how to respond. He couldn''t entirely deny his feelings with everything that had happened between him and Murong Yi. Murong Yi¡¯s extraordinary beauty and unwavering loyalty had left a mark on him, and denying it would be a lie.


    "You''re angry?" Liu Wuxie asked hesitantly as he scrutinized Xu Lingxue''s expression. Judging from her tone, it felt like she was jealous, or she wouldn''t have spoken so much.


    "Of course I''m angry! It''s been less than two years, and you''re already flirting with other women. Give it a few more years. Am I going to see your children with other women running around?" Xu Lingxue snapped. Her sneers sent shivers down Liu Wuxie''s spine.


    Liu Wuxie had never seen this side of Xu Lingxue before, and this was the first. She usually appeared aloof with a faint smile hanging on her lips.


    "I-It''s not that serious!" Liu Wuxie coughed, trying to break the awkward atmosphere.


    "Heroes attract women, just like beauties attract men," Xu Lingxue said coldly, her voice softening yet stillced with frustration. "We¡¯re only husband and wife in name. I have no right to interfere with your choices. But I hope you¡¯ll manage your affairs wisely." With that, she turned on her heel and stormed off.


    Liu Wuxie sat by himself, dumbfounded. He could only shake his head and mutter to himself, "Women..."


    Women were mythical beings, and Liu Wuxie couldn''t fully understand them. Xu Lingxue was jealous, but she pretended to be indifferent.


    Clearing his mind of distractions, Liu Wuxie concentrated on his recovery with the aid of the Transcendent Cloud Pill. The pill elerated his healing, and his condition improved daily as he circted the Deste Devouring Art, utilizing high-grade spirit stones.


    After killing Bai Yuan and Deng Yong, Liu Wuxie naturally hadn''t forgetten to loot their resources. The resources he had looted were enough for him to cultivate for some time.


    <strong>......</strong>


    Five days passed in the blink of an eye, and the Ten Grand Ceremony ended. Thest five days passed peacefully. Everyone patiently waited for the final battle to end to inform those outside of what had happened inside.


    A cold ray shed when Liu Wuxie opened his eyes. He had healed from all his injuries, and his soul sea had also recovered. His cultivation had advanced rapidly, nearing the fifth level of the Astral River Realm. He only needed an opportunity to make that breakthrough.


    "Junior Brother Liu, the Ten Grand Ceremony has ended officially, and it''s time for us to depart," said Lan Ling, walking over excitedly.


    If there were no surprises, the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion had secured first ce in the Ten Grand Ceremony, iming the top spot among the ten major sects.


    "Let''s go!" Liu Wuxie stood up, and a ferocious shockwave of energy erupted from him, causing the surrounding space to tremble.


    Themotion caused by Liu Wuxie shocked all the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion disciples in the surroundings.


    He soon masked his aura, appearing unassuming as before. If everyone hadn''t witnessed Liu Wuxie''s strength, his appearance would have fooled them.


    As the group approached the exit, they saw that participants from the other sects had already gathered there, waiting to leave promptly once the barrier opened.


    n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Liu Wuxie observed Xu Lingxue and Murong Yi chatting and smiling. He couldn''t sense any tension between them.


    This left him puzzled. He realized he truly didn¡¯t understand women. He had assumed Xu Lingxue would be hostile toward Murong Yi, yet here they were, seemingly closer than ever.


    "This has to be a ploy!" Liu Wuxie murmured to himself.


    About eight to nine hundred people were gathered at the exit, and their conversations stopped when the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion disciples arrived. They kept their distance and isted themselves.


    "Why are they so fearful of us?" Many Heavenly Treasure Pavilion disciples were baffled. It wasn''t like this before, as they would exchange pleasantries when they met in the past. But they had been wholly isted after what had happened in the Thorn Peak Valley.


    "That''s because they don''t want to get involved with the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. Do you think the three sects will let us go when we go out?" Lan Ling exined.


    The three sects had lost all their disciples and could not let this matter slide. The other sects'' disciples didn''t want to get too close to the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion until everything had cleared up.


    They chose to neither align with nor offend the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion disciples, which ensured their survival regardless of the oue.


    When the restriction was lifted, everyone quickly left through the exit.


    <strong>......</strong>


    The higher echelons of the ten major sects had already been waiting outside, anxious to know what had happened in the final battle.


    The ten sect''s leaders stood at the entrance and swiftly gathered their disciples.


    "Let''s go over there!" Mu Tianlimanded, gesturing for the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion disciples to follow him as he led them to a secure spot.


    Bai Jin, Feng Gaoqiu, and Xu Yanghui quietly looked at the exit, hoping for a miracle. They clung to the hope that their disciples might still be alive.


    Their hopes crumbled when five minutes passed, with no more participants appearing.


    Bai Jin¡¯s fists tightened, and his murderous intent radiated outward in a wave that unsettled everyone nearby.


    When the other sects'' disciples came out and shared what had happened in the final battle, especially the battle that took ce in the Thorn Peak Valley, the various sects'' leaders all had disbelief on their faces when they heard how Liu Wuxie had killed over four hundred people by himself.


    The Misty Sect''s sect master was a middle-aged woman. She was particrly outraged when she learned how Bai Yuan had led the three sects to capture the Misty Sect''s disciples.


    Bai Jin reached out and pulled over a Divine Sun Pce disciple, who was powerless before him.


    "Talk! What exactly happened inside, and how did my son die?!" Bai Jin questioned, seething with rage as the murderous intent he released caused that unfortunate disciple to wet his pants.


    "Bai Jin, what are you trying to do here? How dare youy your hands on one of my disciples. Do I look like a pushover to you?!" Deng Lei was enraged. He had just learned what had happened in the Heavenly Mountain, and Bai Yuan¡¯s actions were utterly despicable.


    He didn''t expect the Heavenly Origin Sect''s young master to stoop so low, who had to be partly med for the death of the Divine Sun Pce''s disciples. The deaths were uncalled for, and those disciples were caught in the crossfire between Bai Yuan and Liu Wuxie.


    "My apologies for my impulsive behavior, Sect Master Deng. I merely wish to know what happened inside, and I meant no harm to your disciple," Bai Jin said, softening his tone. He gently ced that Divine Sun Pce disciple down and inquired about what had happened in the Heavenly Mountain.


    This unfortunate disciple still had fear lingering on his face and his legs trembling. Fortunately, he had only peed his pants, facing the full-blown aura of a powerhouse in the True Profound Realm. He didn''t dare to hide anything as he shared everything he knew.


    Xu Yanghui and Feng Gaoqiu were standing beside Bai Jin; they also wanted to know what had happened in the final battle that resulted in the total annihtion of all their disciples.


    When they learned how Liu Wuxie had fought over four hundred people by himself and killed both Deng Yong and Bai Yuan, they froze in ce from the shock.


    They had considered countless possibilities, but the thought of Liu Wuxie killing everyone had never crossed their minds.


    The nearby second-tier sects had yet to go far, and they naturally heard the exnation provided by Divine Sun Pce disciple.


    "What?! Liu Wuxie killed over four hundred people by himself, including Bai Yuan?!" the Grand Banner Gate''s sect master eximed with his voice trembling.


    The disciples of the second-tier sects were so shocked that they forgot to gasp for breath. Their first reaction was to turn and look at Liu Wuxie with awe and fear.


    "He''s a monster!" Many people hammered their chests in frustration. They couldn''t ept the injustice of the heavens to produce such a heaven-defying prodigy like Liu Wuxie.


    Even Dugu Shan remained silent when he learned that Liu Wuxie had killed Dugu Yan. He had received the full story, including how Dugu Yan hadunched an assault when Liu Wuxie was in seclusion and paid the price with her life.


    He couldn''t me Liu Wuxie for it, nor did he have any excuse to act against thetter. But he would be d if Bai Jin and the other two sect masters took revenge for him against Liu Wuxie.


    The story unraveled over ten minutes, shedding light on some of the past month''s mysteries. Though Liu Wuxie was also responsible for the initial casualties of the three sects'' disciples, he had meticulously concealed his involvement, leaving no traceable evidence behind.


    "Liu Wuxie, give me my son''s life back!" Bai Jin roared, his voice reverberating through the air. The sound waves were so powerful that they made those in the low levels of the Astral River Realm bleed from their five orifices.


    "Your Heavenly Origin Sect allied with the other sects, attempting to destroy my Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, and you have the cheeks to say that? You deserved it!" Mu Tianli refuted, protecting Liu Wuxie and the other disciples behind him. He had already instructed them to board the warship, making preparations to leave at any moment.


    "No one from the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion will leave this ce alive! You will pay for our losses with your deaths!" Feng Gaoqiu dered. The three sect masters stepped forward, unleashing theirbined aura in the True Profound Realm and shattering the surrounding space.


    On the contrary, Mu Tianli was the only one in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s faction who had reached the True Profound Realm and was outnumbered.

 Chapter 673 - Critical Point

    <h4>Chapter 673 - Critical Point</h4>


    The three sect masters stood united, plunging the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion into dire peril. Even if Mu Tianli could hold them off, who would protect the disciples? The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion had only three elders, while the threebined sects had nine elders.


    If someone held down Elder He and the other two elders, the remaining elders were enough to kill Liu Wuxie. This also put the other Heavenly Treasure Pavilion disciples at risk.


    The situation was grim and unfavorable for the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, and its destruction was possible. They also had no time to notify the sect''s grand elders to reinforce them, and by the time they arrived, it would be toote.


    As the three sects pressed closer, Mu Tianli frowned deeply. Righteousness was only a luxury for the strong. With his son''s death and hundreds of true disciples, no sect would let the matter rest.


    "Mu Tianli, do you think you can stop me by yourself? You''d better hand that brat over for me to tear him limb from limb," Bai Jin said, his murderous intent surging out. He didn''t want to fight Mu Tianli. While they had the advantage in numbers, they would have to pay a high price even if they could win.


    After all, they were evenly matched in strength, and it was almost impossible to obtain an overwhelming victory. His goal was clear¡ªto kill Liu Wuxie to avenge the fallen disciples and his son.


    As for the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, they could slowly deal with them in due time. With so many sects allying, this could ensure the halt of their development.


    Another possibility was that the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion would undergo a rebirth, rising like a phoenix from the ashes. upying all the alchemy markets would strengthen it.


    Alchemy was required to develop an organization, and the other sects couldn''t watch the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion fall when the pills it produced were vastly superior to those on the market.


    "No one can touch a single disciple from the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion with me around," Mu Tianli said as he wielded the Dragon Phantom Mirror, taking on a battle stance.


    Mu Tianli''s weapon was the Dragon Phantom Mirror, capable of reflecting every subtle movement of his opponent.


    "Since you insist on being stubborn, don''t me us for being ruthless!" Feng Gaoqiu snarled. No one wanted to kill Liu Wuxie more than him out of the three sect masters. After all, Liu Wuxi was the origin of the Azure Crimson Gate''s downfall.


    If he didn¡¯t kill Liu Wuxie, the Azure Crimson Gate would never grow. Therefore, the only solution was to kill Liu Wuxie.


    The three sect masters soon reached a silent agreement to hold off Mu Tianli and kill all the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion disciples. Since they had lost all the disciples who came with them, they naturally had to do the same to the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. This was the only way to quell their anger.


    "Aren''t the three of you taking it too far?" a voice echoed as a figure appeared beside Mu Tianli, facing the three sect masters.


    "Qi Hanyan, do you intend to interfere in our affairs?" Bai Jin''s gaze turned cold as he looked at the Misty Sect''s sect master.


    The Misty Sect''s sect master was called Qi Hanyan. While her name wasn''t publicly known to the outside world, it wasn''t a secret among the ten major sects, so Bai Jin called out her name directly.


    "Everyone knows the heinous deedsmitted by your disciples. They ignored all morality by capturing my sect''s disciples and nearly killing them. It was Liu Wuxie who saved them, and the Misty Sect naturally won''t stand by to watch him in danger," Qi Hanyan said, her delicate brows knitted into a fierce scowl. They weren''t worthy of being among the ten major sects for what they had done.


    Mu Tianli cast a grateful nce at Qi Hanyan. Their sects rarely interacted, and her intervention hinted at a deeper meaning. Aside from Bai Yuan capturing Xu Lingxue, the Misty Sect also wished to form a good rtionship with the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    At the rate Liu Wuxie was growing, he might surpass the Southern Province''s limit in a few years and be an expert in the Spirit Profound Realm, an existence that those in the True Profound Realm could only look up to.


    N?v(el)B\\jnn


    When Liu Wuxie turned toward the Misty Sect, he noticed that Xu Lingxue was also looking at him. He knew that she had persuaded her sect master to aid the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    The odds began to shift with Qi Hanyan''s intervention.


    "Do you think you two can stop us three?" Bai Jin swept a nce at Qi Hanyan and Mu Tianli before wearing a sinister smile.


    "Sect Master Bai and Sect Master Xu, both of you hold them off while I kill their disciples," Feng Gaoqiu proposed. With those two holding off Mu Tianli and Qi Hanyan, he could kill Liu Wuxie.


    "Okay!" It didn''t matter who killed Liu Wuxie. They would achieve their goal as long as he was dead.


    Bai Jin and Xu Yanghui were stronger, enough to hold off Mu Tianli and Qi Hanyan. As Feng Gaoqiu was weaker, he could be tasked with eliminating the disciples.


    Even with Qi Hanyan''s intervention, the situation still didn''t look good for the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    Liu Wuxie merely stood there quietly without any emotion on his face, unaffected by the looming threat as he had longe to terms with life and death. He had expected this oue from the moment he had killed Bai Yuan.


    The other sects didn''t intervene. They were more than happy to see the other sects fight among themselves, as it would only benefit them. If the other sects declined in strength, this would give them a chance to overtake them.


    After all, the Southern Province''s resources were limited, and they would receive more if there were lesspetition.


    "What if I joined in? Will the odds still be in your favor?" The Sky Rift Valley''s sect master, Quan Zhong, stepped forward to stand on Mu Tianli''s right, shifting the bnce of the confrontation to three against three.


    Six powerhouses in the True Profound Realm stood in confrontation. No one had expected the Sky Rift Valley, which had never intervened in conflicts, to take sides with the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    The Sky Rift Valley''s decision to intervene meant that it was now openly at odds with the Heavenly Origin Sect, the Indigo Cloud Gate, and the Azure Crimson Gate.


    Zhu Ziping nced at Liu Wuxie and gave him a subtle wink. He and the other disciple had gone to great lengths to convince their sect master to intervene. Without Liu Wuxie, he would''ve long perished at the hands of the snowman.


    Shui Huan and others had also joined in to persuade the sect master, and this was why Quan Zhong had finally decided to take a stand after weighing the pros and cons.


    This was an opportunity for the Sky Rift Valley, which was ranked eighth among the ten major sects. If they used this opportunity well, the Sky Rift Valley could make it into the top five in this Ten Grand Ceremony.


    The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion was almost certain to secure first ce, while second ce would likely go to either the Transcendent Plume Gate or the Demonic Heart Pce. The Misty Sect and Sky Rift Valley were expected topete for fourth and fifth.


    If there were no surprises, the rankings would continue with the Dugu n in sixth, the Divine Sun Pce in seventh, the Heavenly Origin Sect in eighth, the Indigo Cloud Gate in ninth, and the Azure Crimson Gate inst ce.


    This oue was something no one could''ve predicted.


    "Quan Zhong, I didn''t expect you to meddle in this affair!" Bai Jin growled, the situation bing increasingly unfavorable for him.


    With three against three and hundreds of disciples, it would no longer be easy for them to kill Liu Wuxie.


    "I just can''t stand the heinous actions of your three sects," Quan Zhong said. While the Sky Rift Valley had stayed out of disputes throughout the years, that didn''t mean they had no ambitions.


    Everyone was anticipating a full-scale war, given the tense situation, but few expected the Misty Sect and Sky Rift Valley leaders to intervene and side with the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. Their involvement diffused the tension, making a battle unlikely.


    They were all in the True Profound Realm, and no one could predict what would happen if a battle broke out. If they weren''t careful, it might end up in mutual destruction.


    "Very well! I will remember what happened today!" Bai Jin snarled, his fury evident as he etched their faces into his memory. He was willing to wait, confident that Liu Wuxie¡¯s death was only a matter of time.


    With that, Bai Jin departed the Heavenly Mountain on his warship alongside his elders. Feng Gaoqiu quickly followed, wary that Mu Tianli might retaliate. Xu Yanghui, thest of the three, also left shortly after.


    The three sects¡¯ leaders withdrew decisively. With no way to kill Liu Wuxie, they had no reason to remain.


    "Thanks for stepping in. I am forever indebted!" Mu Tianli sped his hands together after breathing a sigh of relief. If the Misty Sect and Sky Rift Valley hadn''t intervened, the consequences could have been unimaginable. Without their support, not only would he have been severely injured, but the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion might have lost all its disciples.


    "Sect Master Mu, there''s no need for thanks. The Heavenly Origin Sect captured our Misty Sect''s disciples, and I''m merely doing what needed to be done," Qi Hanyan replied with a flick of her whisk. She didn''t intervene purely to help the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, but she wanted to vent her anger, which was a matter of principles.


    "Sect Master Mu, if you really want to thank me, just sell us some Transcendent Pills," Quan Zhong interjected with a hearty chuckle. His rxed demeanor made him stand out among the typically solemn sect leaders, making him seem almost out of ce in such a position of authority.


    The Transcendent Pill, invented by Liu Wuxie, had be the most sought-after treasure in the Southern Province. With only twenty produced daily, demand far exceeded supply. Each pill was considered priceless, almost equivalent to adding a Nascent Transformation Realm expert to a sect''s ranks.


    "Consider it done!" Mu Tianli agreed readily. Since the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion had to sell them, he didn''t mind using the pills to strengthen their ties with the Sky Rift Valley. The Sky Rift Valley had risked offending the Heavenly Origin Sect to help them today.


    <strong>......</strong>


    As disciples boarded the warships, the three sects decided to leave in case of a sudden ambush from Bai Jin.


    Mu Tianli finally sighed in relief after hearing that Bai Jin and the other two sect masters had rushed back to their sects. They bid farewell to the Misty Sect and Sky Rift Valley before returning to the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    Before parting, Liu Wuxie nced at Xu Lingxue, and the two stood silently.


    "I''lle and visit you often," Liu Wuxie muttered, brushing Xu Lingxue''s hair.


    "Mm," Xu Lingxue nodded softly, uncertain of what to say. The past month had been overwhelming, and her feelings toward Liu Wuxie had shifted dramatically¡ªfrom indifference to him upying a ce in her heart. Adjusting to these emotions would take time.


    Farewells were never easy. The two warships sped off in opposite directions, disappearing over the horizon despite the reluctance that lingered between them.


    <strong>......</strong>


    As the warship approached the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, Mu Tianli sat in the cabin, his brows locked.


    "Sect Master, is something troubling you?" Elder He asked, observing Mu Tianli''s troubled expression. He had been staying close to the sect master, tending to his needs, and knew Mu Tianli hadn''t sustained any injuries during the recent events.


    "The Alert Talisman has red for the third time," Mu Tianli said. He took out an Alert Talisman with only a quarter remaining. If it ignited for the fourth time, it would signify Mu Yueying''s death.


    "The youngdy must''ve run into real trouble. It has been a month, and her crisis remains unresolved," Elder He said, his brows furrowed as he sat beside Mu Tianli. He had long considered Mu Yueying as his granddaughter.


    "This is all my fault," Mu Tianli sighed, his tone heavy with regret. "I should never have separated them. Ying''er wouldn¡¯t have gone to the mundane world if I hadn''t made that decision. And even after her return, she threw herself into the Heavenly Nether Battlefield. She must still resent me... as her father."

 Chapter 674 - Departure

    <h4>Chapter 674 - Departure</h4>


    The two sat quietly in the cabin, watching the scenery rush past the window.


    "Sect Master, why don''t you send Wuxie to the Heavenly Nether Battlefield? Something dire must have urred for the youngdy to be in such danger," Elder He suggested after a brief moment of contemtion.


    "But on what grounds?" Mu Tianli sighed, rubbing his temples. "This is a personal matter. Liu Wuxie has every right to refuse. The Heavenly Nether Battlefield is undoubtedly dangerous, and I cannot me him if he chooses not to go."


    "The youngdy has saved his life before, and I believe he won''t turn a blind eye to it," Elder He said before leaving to find Liu Wuxie.


    After Liu Wuxie''s performance in Heavenly Mountain, his status surpassed the sect''s elders. He had been titled the strongest true disciple in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, and it was only a matter of time before he was groomed as the next sect master.


    That was the position of the sect master they were talking about. ording to everyone''s estimation, it shouldn''t be an issue for Liu Wuxie to reach the True Profound Realm within a decade.


    Only Liu Wuxie, among all the disciples, had an entire cabin to himself. No one questioned it, nor did they find any issue with that privilege. After all, Liu Wuxie single-handedly brought the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s ranking from sixth to first through this Ten Grand Ceremony.


    It wouldn''t take long for what happened in Heavenly Mountain to spread throughout the Southern Province. Liu Wuxie''s performance would elevate the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s status, attracting waves of talented disciples and strengthening the entire sect.


    Liu Wuxie was meditating in his cabin. After days of recovery, his injuries had fully healed, and his cultivation had even advanced. When he heard a knock at the door, he opened his eyes and called out, "Come in!"


    His soul sea was like a roaring ocean, and this incident further condensed his soul energy into a liquified state.


    Elder He came in and sat across from Liu Wuxie.


    "Greetings, Elder He!" Liu Wuxie wanted to stand up to greet Elder He, but thetter gestured for him to remain seated as formalities were unnecessary between them.


    "The sect master has a favor to ask of you," Elder He said. He didn''t beat around the bush and went straight to the point, as every moment wasted would put Mu Yueying in greater danger.


    "Elder He, please speak. I will give it my all if it''s within my power," Liu Wuxie said. He meant what he said, as the Heavenly Origin Sect, the Azure Crimson Gate, and the Indigo Cloud Gate would surely try to kill him after this incident. The shelter provided by the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion was invaluable.


    Otherwise, his future advancement in the Southern Province would be significantly hindered.


    "We need you to go save someone in the Heavenly Nether Battlefield," Elder He said with a grave expression as he stood up. The Alert Talisman had received the third warning; the fourth would mean Mu Yueying''s death.


    "Big Sister Mu?" Liu Wuxie asked with his brows locked. He remembered Mu Tianli telling him that Mu Yueying wasn''t in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion and had gone somewhere called the Heavenly Nether Battlefield.


    "That''s right! The youngdy''s situation is uncertain, but she must''ve run into danger for there to be three warnings from the Alert Talisman. This was why we need you to save her," Elder He pleaded.


    This was Mu Tianli''s personal affair, and it had nothing to do with the sect. That is why he didn''t give an order but sent Elder He to seek help from Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie hesitated. He knew nothing about the Heavenly Nether Battlefield; going in without knowing it would only put him in danger. Moreover, he needed time to rest after the Ten Grand Ceremony.


    He would have refused without hesitation if it had been anyone else, but this was a request from the sect master, and more importantly, Mu Yueying was the one who needed to be saved.


    Mu Yueying had greatly helped him in the mundane world, offering unconditional support time and again. While he had more or less repaid her kindness, Liu Wuxie was a man who honored his debts. Without Mu Yueying, he wouldn¡¯t be who he was today.


    "Elder He, can you tell me more about the situation?" Liu Wuxie asked. He had already made his decision. Not only was this a request from the sect master, but Mu Yueying was a cherished friend, and he had no reason to refuse it.


    "Everything began four years ago..." Elder He sat back down. From Liu Wuxie''s expression, he could already see that thetter had agreed to it.


    Liu Wuxie didn''t interrupt and allowed Elder He to continue. He had once asked Mu Yueying why she came to the mundane world instead of enjoying her life in the cultivation world.


    "Four years ago, the youngdy got acquainted with a rogue cultivator when she was training outside. They fell deeply in love and had secretly pledged themselves to one another. However, the sect master discovered their rtionship and forbade further contact. In a rage, the youngdy left the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion and went to the mundane world," Elder He began to recount.


    Liu Wuxie now understood that Mu Yueying had decided to leave the cultivation world for the mundane world because she was heartbroken.


    "What happened next?" Liu Wuxie asked. Mu Yueying had returned to the cultivation world two years ago, so why did she go to the Heavenly Nether Battlefield?


    "The sect master had regretted his decision over the years and sent someone to bring her back two years ago. This was equivalent to a gesture ofpromise. But upon her return, she found out that her beloved had gone to the Heavenly Nether Battlefield, and she chose to follow him there without hesitation," Elder He sighed.


    Liu Wuxie nodded as he had pieced the entire story together.


    "If my guess is correct, the sect master must''ve looked down on the rogue cultivator''s cultivation, believing him to be unworthy of Big Sister Mu, and prevented them from getting together, right?"


    Such stories weremon in the cultivation world. After all, Mu Yueying was the proud daughter of the sect master, a dazzling pearl in the sky. She had countless suitors over the years, and who would''ve expected her to fall for a rogue cultivator?


    It was natural for the sect master to be enraged and confine his daughter in the sect. But Mu Yueying had left the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion for years rather than yielding.


    "You''re right. Not only did that rogue cultivatorck status, but his cultivation was also mediocre. How can he possibly be a fitting match for the youngdy?" Elder He agreed. He even supported the sect master''s decision to split them up.


    "Is this why he ventured into the Heavenly Nether Battlefield, wanting to prove that he''s worthy of Big Sister Mu even as a rogue cultivator?" Liu Wuxie asked, beginning to understand the man''s motive¡ªthrowing himself into the jaws of death for the woman he loved.


    "He''s merely courting death. The Heavenly Nether Battlefield is no ce for ordinary people, and countless cultivators have died there. The fact he can survive for so long is a miracle," Elder He said, enraged.


    If anything happened to Mu Yueying because of this incident, Elder He would be the first to kill him.


    "Elder He, do you still think it''s a miracle he can survive there for so long? I''m now curious about him," Liu Wuxie smiled. He didn''t believe in any miracles, and the so-called miracles were forged through sheer will and unyielding determination.


    Liu Wuxie''s response stumped Elder He. Indeed, that man''s ability to survive for so long couldn''t be dismissed as a miracle. There must be something remarkable about him to captivate Mu Yueying.


    Based on Liu Wuxie''s understanding of Mu Yueying, an ordinary man couldn''t win her heart because of her aloof personality. This meant that the man who won her unwavering devotion wasn''t ordinary.


    Who said that a rogue cultivator couldn''t be a powerhouse? Liu Wuxie was also a rogue cultivator in his past life and had relied on his strength to be an Immortal Emperor.


    Though he had joined the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion in this lifetime, he had mainly relied on himself so far, and he was no different from a rogue cultivator.


    "Wuxie, since you''ve agreed to go to the Heavenly Nether Battlefield, let''s leave immediately!" Elder He said, not wanting to dwell on this topic any longer. The right and wrong no longer mattered. What mattered was rescuing Mu Yueying, which was the top priority.


    "I need to bid farewell to someone first," Liu Wuxie said as he exited the cabin and headed toward Murong Yi.


    Upon learning that Murong Yi had reached the Nascent Transformation Realm, the other Heavenly Treasure Pavilion disciples no longer dared to bother her, especially after witnessing how she had in a Lesser de Association disciple without hesitation.


    "I''ll be away for a while and will try to return as soon as possible. After that, I''ll head to the Western Barren with you to rescue your parents," Liu Wuxie said, gently caressing Murong Yi¡¯s hair now that no one else was around.


    ¡°Be careful,¡± Murong Yi said. She took a step back to maintain some distance from Liu Wuxie.


    "Are you angry with me?" Liu Wuxie asked after sensing her emotion.


    She hadn''t spoken much to him since they had left the Heavenly Mountain.


    "Why would I be angry? Who am I to you?" Murong Yi let out a bitter smile as she gazed into the distant clouds with a hint of sorrow in her eyes.


    "You''re upset that I didn''t tell Lingxue about us," Liu Wuxie replied. While he was a blockhead when it came to romance, he was sharper than anyone in terms of rtionships.


    Murong Yi did not answer and turned her back to him, but her silent sobs betrayed her feelings.


    N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Liu Wuxie gently embraced Murong Yi, refusing to let go no matter how she struggled.


    "What rights do I have to be angry? She''s your rightful wife," Murong Yi said. She gave up resisting as tears slid down her cheeks, falling onto Liu Wuxie''s arm.


    When Liu Wuxie gently turned Murong Yi around, he realized that her face was covered with tears, which pained his heart. He nted his lips onto Murong Yi''s without warning, catching thetter by surprise, who resisted fiercely as they were still on the warship with many disciples aboard.


    A few disciples happened to pass by and immediately shut their eyes, pretending they hadn¡¯t seen anything. From resistance to surrender, Murong Yi clung tightly to Liu Wuxie as though afraid she might lose him forever.


    Suddenly, she mustered her strength to push Liu Wuxie away.


    "Come back alive," Murong Yi said before she disappeared into the distance.


    Liu Wuxie smiled bitterly, sensing the lingering fragrance on his lips.


    "Ahem!" Elder He coughed as he appeared behind Liu Wuxie. He must''ve seen everything.


    "The Sect Master is calling for you," Elder He said before he turned to leave, with Liu Wuxie quickly catching up to him as they headed to the sect master''s cabin.


    "Wuxie, I''m entrusting this matter to you," Mu Tianli said. If anyone knew that a sect master like him had to beg a disciple for help, his position would be significantly affected.


    "Big Sister Mu cared for me in the mundane world and even saved my life. I will naturally not stand by and do nothing now that she''s in danger," Liu Wuxie said. He meant what he said from the bottom of his heart.

 Chapter 675 - Disgust

    <h4>Chapter 675 - Disgust</h4>


    Mu Tianli left the warship with Liu Wuxie, allowing Elder He to apany the other disciples to the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    ¡°Wuxie, have you memorized the Heavenly Nether Battlefield¡¯s map I sent you?¡± Mu Tianli asked. If Liu Wuxie were to travel on foot, it would take him an entire month to reach the battlefield. By then, Mu Yueying might already have met her demise.


    Cultivators at the True Profound Realm could tear through space and traverse the distance in just three days. Along the way, Mu Tianli had shared critical information about the Heavenly Nether Battlefield with Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°I¡¯ve practically memorized it,¡± Liu Wuxie replied. Mu Tianli¡¯s energy enveloped him as they traveled through the void, shielding him from the biting pitch-ck winds that swirled in the darkness.


    Three dayster, they emerged from the void and found themselves in a barren wastnd, where the biting, cold wind howled relentlessly. There wasn¡¯t a speck of green, and the surroundings looked lifeless, as though the world had abandoned them. This ce was devoid of life, not to mention signs of humans.


    ¡°This is the Heavenly Nether Battlefield?¡± Liu Wuxie asked. It differed from how he had imagined it to be based on the information he had received.


    ¡°This is the Heavenly Nether Battlefield¡¯s entrance. Once you enter, you will face experts from the Southern Province and other regions, such as the Central ins,¡± Mu Tianli exined solemnly.


    The Heavenly Nether Battlefield was dangerous, and Liu Wuxie had to rescue Mu Yueying while ensuring his own safety.


    ¡°The Heavenly Nether Battlefield is linked to the other regions?¡± Liu Wuxie asked. Mu Tianli hadn¡¯t provided any information on that. He had only received the Heavenly Nether Battlefield¡¯s map and standard information.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. The Heavenly Nether Battlefield is located at the True Martial Continent¡¯s center, and several spatial rifts act as entrances. So it¡¯smon to see cultivators from the other regions inside,¡± Mu Tianli exined.


    Liu Wuxie nodded at the exnation. He had practically seen all the prodigies in the Southern Province, while the demon ns mainly dominated the Western Barren.


    The only concern was the Central in, the strongest region in the True Martial Continent.


    From many books, Liu Wuxie had learned that the Central ins was stronger than he had imagined. Not to mention, the Central ins also had teleportation arrays for the other astral realms. The True Martial Continent was only a tiny realm and insignificantpared to astral realms.


    ¡°Do you see that crack over there?¡± Mu Tianli asked, pointing at a spatial rift between two bald mountains. The powerful wind blew out from the spatial rift, turning the surrounding ce into a wastnd.


    ¡°I will do my best to rescue Big Sister Mu,¡± Liu Wuxie said and vanished. He had conjured a protective shield that prevented him from being swept away by the wind.


    Before he left, Mu Tianli had given him a pill. Mu Tianli had kept it with him for decades but never had the heart to use it. He hoped it could ensure Liu Wuxie¡¯s safety in the critical moment.


    Liu Wuxie epted the pill without any hesitation as he knew it was dangerous in the Heavenly Nether Battlefield. This pill would ensure his safety and increase his chance of rescuing Mu Yueying.


    When Liu Wuxie stepped into the spatial rift, he experienced waves of searing pain and felt like he was enveloped in mes. The sensationsted for ten or so breaths before he began to fall from the sky, overwhelmed by a deste aura.


    n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    When hended on the ground, he began scanning his surroundings. He saw brown trees. Thendscape here was different from that in the Southern Province.


    Thews of this ce were far stronger, making the surrounding space unusually sturdy. The moment Liu Wuxie stepped inside, he immediately noticed his cultivation being suppressed. Where once he could crush a mountain with a single punch, now he could only unleash a fraction of his power. His strength had been reduced by at least tenfold.


    As a result, both the true essence and the governingws here were also weakened by a simr factor. It wasn¡¯t that Liu Wuxie had grown weaker¡ªrather, this world was far more powerful, imposing restrictions on those who entered.


    For most cultivators in the Astral River Realm, the immense pressure here would ce their physiques under tremendous strain. It would cause difort, and in some cases, the sheer force of the pressure could even prove fatal.


    However, the effects of this world were also obvious. The powerful spatialws allowed cultivation to progress more rapidly.


    The Heavenly Nether Battlefield was vast and seemingly without end. From the information Mu Tianli had provided, Liu Wuxie knew this was only a portion of the battlefield; much of it remained unexplored. Those who had dared venture into those uncharted areas had never returned.


    ¡°This is the heavenlyher energy?¡± Liu Wuxie muttered, sensing the unfamiliar energy permeating the atmosphere. Unlike the spiritual energy he was ustomed to, this energy was unique to the Heavenly Nether Battlefield.


    The Heavenly Nether Battlefield had terrifying native creatures known as Heavenly Nether Deathguards. After humans died there and absorbed enough heavenlyher energy, they would be converted into deathguards.


    The deathguardscked intelligence, and their bodies would continue to rot even after they were converted, ultimately turning into skeletons. They would pounce relentlessly if they ran into humans and drain their victims¡¯ energy.


    Powerful deathguards wereparable to the pinnacle Astral River Realm cultivators among humans, and they were impervious to ordinary weapons. They grew stronger by absorbing the energy from humans. This was the first time Liu Wuxie had heard of such creatures.


    The abyssal devils feasted on human blood as a source of food, while demonic beasts had a longsting feud with humans, not because they were fond of consuming human flesh. But the deathguards were different as they were genuinely fond of devouring energy from humans. The energy from humans also acted as a means of evolution for them.


    Most importantly, the most ancient deathguards lived for eons andy dormant underground or concealed in the shadows, waiting to ambush the unsuspecting human.


    As Liu Wuxie devoured the heavenlyher energy, it was converted into azure liquid after being refined by the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron. But there was something weird about it, so Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t dare to absorb too much.


    He still wasn¡¯t sure if he could refine the heavenlyher energy. If his body couldn¡¯t refine it, there would be more risks than benefits if he absorbed it recklessly.


    Liu Wuxie tried it by pouring dozens of droplets into the deste world, instantly filling it with a deathly aura.


    The heavenlyher energy was also known as deathly energy or corpse energy. This was the true origin of the Heavenly Nether Battlefield¡¯s name and why it wasn¡¯t called the Heavenly Nether Realm or the Heavenly Nether ne.


    This was because too many lives had perished here throughout the years, and the corpses of the deceased would convert into deathly energy. As time passed, the deathly energy was gradually transformed into the current heavenlyher energy.


    The Heavenly Nether Battlefield was located at the heart of the True Martial Continent. ording to the ancient records, armies shed here incessantly. As the other regions often held their battles here, the space was finally shattered, thus forming the Heavenly Nether Battlefield.


    Due to the istion caused by the Heavenly Nether Battlefield, various regions of the continent had remained disconnected for countless years. Over time, these regions developed their own independentws. For instance, it was rare to find cultivators from the Southern Province in the Central ins, and the same held true for other regions.


    It was simr to how Gu Yu¡¯s grandfather had traveled tens of thousands of miles with Gu Yu to reach the Southern Province, an experience that aligned with the information Mu Tianli had shared. As the sect master of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, Mu Tianli naturally possessed insight into such unspoken secrets of the True Martial Continent.


    After he adapted to the spatialws, Liu Wuxie executed his movement technique and began his journey. Finding Mu Yueying in the vast Heavenly Nether Battlefield was akin to searching for a needle in a haystack, and he could only rely on luck.


    Liu Wuxie had given himself a month to find Mu Yueying and would leave if he couldn¡¯t find her. After all, too many matters were awaiting his attention¡ªhe still had to bring his father-inw and mother-inw into the cultivation world and head to the Western Barren to rescue Murong Yi¡¯s parents.


    Once he had taken care of his responsibilities, he nned on leaving the Southern Province and heading to the other regions to search for his birth parents. Due to thews, he couldn¡¯t advance further in the Southern Province, and his limit was the Nascent Transformation Realm. He would have to journey to stronger realms to advance further in his cultivation.


    Choosing a random direction, Liu Wuxie disappeared into the distance. His speed, however, was far slower than in the Southern Province, forcing him to travel on foot to conserve energy.


    After traversing a dense forest, thendscape opened up before him, revealing a dpidated city. Long ago, humans had thrived in the Heavenly Nether Battlefield, but after the ancient war, most survivors fled, leaving only ruins in their wake.


    To his surprise, upon closer examination, the city appeared well-preserved. Typically, buildings of this age would have sumbed to the relentless erosion of time, and the restrictions that once protected them would have long since faded without human upkeep.


    He increased his speed and shot forward like an arrow, heading toward the city. Once he stepped into the city, it wasn¡¯t as deserted as he had expected. There were taverns and teahouses, along with cultivators walking on the street.


    This shocked Liu Wuxie as the Heavenly Nether Battlefield was more bustling than he had imagined. Few people were on the street as most were here to rest and would leave shortly after they were done.


    Upon seeing an unfamiliar face, many cultivators stopped to look at Liu Wuxie walking into an inn.


    ¡°Hello, are you here for food or lodging?¡± The shopkeeper came out to ask. His demeanor wasn¡¯t very weing, and his facial expression was grim, as though Liu Wuxie owed him money.


    ¡°Have you seen this person before?¡± Liu Wuxie asked, taking out Mu Yueying¡¯s portrait. The urgency weighed on him; with the Alert Talisman activated three times, time was quickly slipping away.


    ¡°Get lost if you¡¯re not here to eat or stay. I¡¯ve never seen her before!¡± The shopkeeper waved his hand impatiently, demanding Liu Wuxie to leave. However, there wasn¡¯t much business in opening a tavern in the Heavenly Nether Battlefield.


    ¡°Bring me some food then,¡± Liu Wuxie said, and the shopkeeper¡¯s face finally improved.


    Five minutester, a te of food was brought to his table. The dish appeared to be some kind of meat but emitted a strange, foul odor that made Liu Wuxie¡¯s brows knit together. Suspicious, he activated his Ghost Eye to inspect it more closely.


    What he saw made his stomach turn. The meat released an ink-green vapor, its true form revealed as a lump of putrid, decaying flesh. To his horror, it was human meat.


    Suppressing the nausea, Liu Wuxie¡¯s gaze turned cold, and he wondered if he had stumbled into a ughterhouse.


    When he turned to look at the shopkeeper, thetter stood behind a counter, his face devoid of life. It didn¡¯t look like the facial expression of an ordinary person.


    He soon turned to look at the other guests and saw them feasting on the meat ravenously. Their grotesque enjoyment sent chills down his spine, and a wave of nausea overtook him.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s stomach began to churn violently as he retched, throwing up a mouthful of bile.


    Themotion he caused attracted the attention of the other diners, who chuckled at him with pieces of rotten meat dangling on their lips.

 Chapter 676 - Thousand-Year Deathguards

    <h4>Chapter 676 - Thousand-Year Deathguards</h4>


    Liu Wuxie had found it odd the moment he had stepped into the tavern. It was puzzling how a tavern could function in the Heavenly Nether Battlefield. Activating his Ghost Eye, he scanned his surroundings carefully.


    The flesh on the diners'' faces began to melt away, leaving behind nothing but skeletal frames¡ªmenacing and terrifying. His gaze fell upon the shopkeeper, whose face was eerily intact while the rest of his body was bare bones.


    Heavenly Nether Deathguards! Liu Wuxie eximed inwardly. He hadn''t expected to run into the Heavenly Nether Deathguards right after entering the Heavenly Nether Battlefield, as this was too much of a coincidence.


    Moreover, they had disguised themselves as humans to lure unsuspecting prey over, ughtering and feeding their flesh to other humans. Without the Ghost Eye, Liu Wuxie might have fallen victim to their deception.


    The deathguards were horrifying, their hollow eyes like ck whirlpools glowing ominously. ck liquid dripped from their lips as they stared at Liu Wuxie, their expressions ravenous, as if ready to pounce and devour him.


    Five deathguards approached him, six if the shopkeeper was included. They advanced slowly, their intent clear¡ªliving flesh was their ultimate nourishment, and the rotten meat they had consumed earlier had merely been a reluctant substitute.


    Without hesitation, Liu Wuxie swung the Heretic de down, killing the few deathguards charging at him. Despite their bones falling onto the ground, they were fearless as the shopkeeper pounced over with sharp ws extending from his hands that ripped through the air.


    "Get lost!" Liu Wuxie bellowed. The deathguards were onlyparable to the fifth or sixth level of the Astral River Realm at best, and Liu Wuxie could easily kill them with one de strike.


    The shopkeeper''s body blew apart, reduced to a pile of broken bones on the ground. After killing the six deathguards, his action seemed to have drawn the attention of the entire city.


    All the Heavenly Nether Deathguards disguised as humans on the street began to converge. Their numbers grew, and many came out from the tattered buildings. Some even climbed out from the ground, alerted by the presence of a human.


    Liu Wuxie even noticed a few deathguards that appeared freshly turned. After the victims were ughtered and their flesh devoured, it wouldn¡¯t take long before they, too, were transformed into deathguards.


    They looked like zombies without any flesh, their teeth grinding together to produce a chilling sound.


    As Liu Wuxie leaped out of the tavern, he began to perform the Frost Finger, unleashing multiple ice arrows, piercing through dozens of deathguards in the blink of an eye.


    Far away, a man and a woman watched Liu Wuxie''s massacre with shock etched across their faces.


    "What a powerful dao technique!" the woman whispered, careful not to draw the attention of the deathguards. They had been trapped there and risked being discovered by the deathguards the moment they showed themselves. This was why they remained in hiding.


    Meanwhile, Liu Wuxie had publicly shown himself on the street, and it would¡¯ve been surprising if he hadn''t drawn the deathguards'' attention.


    <i>Why didn''t the deathguards attack me immediately when I first entered?</i> Liu Wuxie wondered as he continued ughtering them. From the start, he had sensed that something was off. The movements of the people on the street had seemed stiff and unnatural, but he hadn¡¯t thought much of it then. After all, such behavior wasn¡¯t unusual for those who had spent too long in the Heavenly Nether Battlefield.


    <i>Is there a more significant danger ahead?</i> Liu Wuxie had a sinking feeling. These Heavenly Nether Deathguards seemed like mere pawns¡ªthere had to be an even stronger deathguardmanding them, using the tavern to lure unsuspecting victims.


    Liu Wuxie swung the Heretic de down and had to end the battle quickly as this ce was no longer safe. The Heavenly Nether Battlefield was too weird and filled with dangers. He would die if he weren''t careful.


    He had killed all the thirty-odd deathguards on the street, their bones littering the ground, and dense heavenlyher energy filled the surroundings. He wasn''t sure if he could refine the heavenlyher energy, as the deste world had been filled with a deathly aura after absorbing over a dozen drops of the green liquid previously.


    Since Liu Wuxie had received the blessing of the Southern Province, thews in the deste world had be moreplete. It now looked like a world brimming with life, but something feltcking.


    But the moment deathly energy appeared in the deste world, Liu Wuxie finally realized what was missing. How could there not be death if there was life? That was the natural cycle of the world, life and death forming into Yin and Yang. Yang represented day, life, men, and heaven, while Yin represented night, death, women, and the earth.


    There was Yin and Yang to everything in the world. If Liu Wuxie wanted to perfect thews in the deste world, achieving harmony between Yin and Yang, life and death was essential.


    At this moment, Liu Wuxie seemed to have gained insight, deepening hisprehension of the Deste Devouring Art. The entire deste world pulsated. It didn''t expand in size, but it had been strengthened, and the spatialws became even more sturdy.


    So much that even a devastating attack from someone in the Nascent Transformation Realm couldn''t shatter his dantian. Not to mention, he had thews formed by the blessing of an entire realm to support the deste world.


    "Who the hell created the Deste Devouring Art? Why does it embody so many truths of the heavens and earth?" Liu Wuxie was immersed in his contemtion, distracted from the dangers around him. After all, he had already killed all the deathguards nearby.


    "Watch out!" a voice suddenly echoed in Liu Wuxie''s ears, and a pair of sharp ws descended from the sky, heading toward his head.


    The ws approached rapidly, but Liu Wuxie maintained a hint of divine sense, remaining on guard against the surroundings. However, this creature had avoided his divine sense, and his first reaction was to leap backward, avoiding the fatal strike.


    Although the ws had missed Liu Wuxie''s head, they managed to tear through the fabric of his robe; the part struck corroded by the deathly energy.


    "What terrifying corrosive ability!" Liu Wuxie murmured, raising his head. He saw a monster three meters high, with a humanoid body and a lion''s head. The massive body was covered inyers of rotten flesh, exuding an unbearable stench.


    Liu Wuxie shut his five senses to iste himself from the strong difort.


    "Who warned me earlier?" Liu Wuxie scanned his surroundings and quickly spotted two people hidden a hundred meters away. The woman who had alerted him appeared to be part of a couple who had ventured into the Heavenly Nether Battlefield to train.


    Before he could express his gratitude, the deathguardshed out again with its ws.


    Liu Wuxie deduced that this monster must be the ruler of the city. The deathguards he had in were likely its minions, and the victims here had all been offered as tribute to this monstrous behemoth.


    The Heavenly Nether Deathguard was several times faster than Liu Wuxie, appearing before him in the blink of an eye.


    Most importantly, this deathguard regained some of its martial techniques from when it was alive and even knew how to use them.


    n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Liu Wuxie nned to sever the deathguard''s hands with the Heretic de. The battle would tilt in his favor if he could render its ws useless.


    When sparks flew under the collision, Liu Wuxie felt his arms going numb as the strong rebound force sent him flying back ten meters away.


    "Be careful! That''s a thousand-year deathguard and impervious to ordinary weapons!" This time, the warning came from the man, and the couple had been trapped there for days.


    The two could have escaped while Liu Wuxie held off the thousand-year deathguard, but they chose to stay. They wanted to see if Liu Wuxie could kill the deathguard, knowing they could still flee if the battle turned unfavorable, especially since the guards at the exit had already been ughtered by Liu Wuxie.


    Though the Heretic de wasn''t an origin artifact, it wasparable to one. Thus, Liu Wuxie was shocked when the Heretic de failed to split apart the deathguard''s bones. This deathguard wasn''t any weaker than Bai Yuan in terms of strength.


    He didn''t dare to be careless and channeled his true essence into his arms. The spatialws here had significantly weakened his strength, and it was impressive that he managed to hold his ground against the deathguard.


    The couple in the distance exchanged a nce with astonishment. They couldn''t believe someone who was only in the fourth level of the Astral River Realm could unleash such power.


    "True Strike!" Liu Wuxie roared, and a boundless de intent enveloped the sky, freezing the thousand-year deathguard. After receiving the Southern Province''s blessing, he could feel an invisible force had strengthened his attack.


    This was the benefit of receiving a region''s blessing. The Heavenly Nether Battlefield was connected to the Southern Province, which supported Liu Wuxie. This was equivalent to the entire Southern Province helping Liu Wuxie in his fight.


    "What a powerful strike!" The couple had deep shock reflected in their eyes.


    The Heretic de''s edge sliced through the air, producing a sizzling sound. If this were the Southern Province, such a strike could easily tear through space, but here, it only cut through the dense air resistance of the Heavenly Nether Battlefield.


    This alone was proof that the space here was more than ten times sturdier than in the Southern Province.


    In a sh, Liu Wuxie closed the ten-meter gap as the deathguard''s ws neared him.


    When the de aura swung down, it traced an arc, sending ripples through the air like a stone skimming across ake. A sharp crack echoed as the thousand-year deathguard''s arms fractured.


    Although Liu Wuxie severed the bones, the arms did not fully detach, hanging loosely by strands of decayed flesh that stubbornly held them in ce.


    As the deathguard couldn''t sense any pain, it continued to pounce at Liu Wuxie with an unbelievable speed. If the deathguard were a human, it would''ve retreated after losing its arms, but the deathguard continued to attack instead of retreating.


    A bizarre scene unfolded as the deathguard''s arms began to regenerate. Deathly energy emerged from the rotten flesh and stitched the shattered bones together.


    "This is one relentless deathguard!" Liu Wuxie felt powerless. He would''ve killed his enemy if the deathguard was a human, but who could''ve imagined the thousand-year deathguard to be so tenacious? Capable of regenerating its broken arms.


    With a heavy heart, Liu Wuxie''s gaze became grim. He executed the Nine Heavenly Crane Dance to dodge the thousand-year deathguard''s attack.

 Chapter 677 - Yin-Yang Valley

    <h4>Chapter 677 - Yin-Yang Valley</h4>


    Liu Wuxie attacked multiple times and failed to y the thousand-year deathguard. He tried using Frost Finger but could not prate the deathguard¡¯s defenses.


    The deathguard¡¯s physique wasparable to an origin artifact. He would need weapons of a higher grade to kill the deathguard.


    He had been using Ghost Eye to search the deathguard¡¯s weakness. He searched tirelessly for a long time, but the deathguard was practically invincible. It had no organs, just bones and decaying flesh.


    His divine sense probed deeper into the deathguard¡¯s head. Though there wasn¡¯t any flesh on its face, its skull was intact. When the Ghost Eye prated through the deathguard¡¯s skull, he soon discovered a secret.


    The deathguard still had its soul sea intact, but it was a death crystal, unlike the soul sea in humans.


    Since his arrival, Liu Wuxie had been puzzled. As death guards didn¡¯t possess any dantian, he wondered where they stored their heavenlyher energy.


    He now understood that the deathguards stored their heavenlyher energy in their skulls. As ordinary deathguards couldn¡¯t form a death crystal, it was only the size of a sesame seed at best.


    The thousand-year deathguard¡¯s death crystal was the size of a fava bean, which astonished Liu Wuxie. He couldn¡¯t imagine how much heavenlyher energy it had absorbed to form a death crystal of such size.


    Ordinary martial techniques were futile against the thousand-year deathguard. His only solution was to destroy the death crystal, the essence of the deathguard. He didn¡¯t know how much deathly energy was stored inside.


    Afterprehending the true profundity of the Deste Devouring Art, he had to absorb much death energy to obtain bnce in Yin and Yang.


    The deste world was filled with Yang energy andcked Yin energy. This was why his true essence had always been violent, and he needed to achieve a harmony between Yin and Yang to achieve a perfect bnce.


    After pinpointing the deathguard¡¯s weakness, Liu Wuxie leaped to the sky and positioned himself above him.


    ¡°What is he trying to do?¡± The woman eximed. They naturally knew the deathguard¡¯s weakness but could do nothing, even if they knew. The deathguard¡¯s skulls were their hardest part and impervious to ordinary weapons.


    The thousand-year deathguard saw through Liu Wuxie¡¯s intent and leaped upward, raising its ws and reaching for Liu Wuxie¡¯s legs.


    ¡°Break!¡± Liu Wuxie unleashed various de auras, forcing the thousand-year deathguard back. Ordinary martial techniques might be ineffective against it, but that didn¡¯t mean Liu Wuxie was out of means.


    The Heavenly Dao Book unfurled, and boundless soul energy formed into a long spear. He wanted to test whether he could use soul energy to pierce through the deathguard¡¯s skull. After all, soul energy was invisible and intangible. It prated through the deathguard¡¯s hollow eyes, entering its soul sea.


    After reaching the fourth level of the Astral River Realm, Liu Wuxie¡¯s soul energy wasparable to the high levels of the Nascent Transformation Realm. If he formed the Soul Shield, ordinary soul energy would be rendered ineffective against him.


    What made the Soul Spear even more terrifying was the golden light infused within it from the Heavenly Dao Book. That was the sacred light of heavenly dao, and no demon or spirit could escape it.


    ¡°What a powerful surge of soul energy!¡± The man eximed. Most cultivators who ventured into the Heavenly Nether Battlefield knew that the only way to kill deathguards was to destroy the death crystal in their skull.


    While such tasks were manageable for ordinary deathguards, they could only flee if they ran into a thousand-year deathguard as ordinary soul energy could not prate through its skull. The Heavenly Nether Battlefield was restricted byws, making it impossible for cultivators at the Nascent Transformation Realm or higher to enter.


    Those who reached the Nascent Transformation Realm had to leave the Heavenly Nether Battlefield, or they would be rejected by thews here. But who would¡¯ve anticipated that Liu Wuxie¡¯s soul energy wasparable to the high levels of the Nascent Transformation Realm?


    The soul spear was like a beam of light that pierced into the deathguard¡¯s hollow eyes, burrowing straight into the depth of its skull through the hollow eyes.


    Sizzling sounds were produced when the death crystal came in contact with the sacred light, and ck smoke dissipated.


    The thousand-year deathguard let out an agonizing scream, and its body began to convulse violently.


    Liu Wuxiended gracefully from above, a lingering trace of fear flickering across his face. He knew he had relied solely on his powerful soul energy to y the deathguard, and had his opponent been another cultivator, the oue might have been vastly different.


    The death crystal within the deathguard dissolved rapidly, vanishing into nothingness, while its skeletal frame copsed onto the ground and shattered into countless pieces.


    Exhaling deeply to release the tension in his chest, Liu Wuxie turned his gaze toward the distance. The couple, who had been hiding in the shadows, emerged with trembling steps. They understood all too well that if Liu Wuxie wished to take their lives, it would be as effortless as lifting a hand.


    ¡°Who are you two? Why are the two of you hiding here?¡± Liu Wuxie asked coldly. Though their reminder had saved him from the thousand-year deathguard¡¯s sneak attack, he knew he couldn¡¯t trust anyone lightly. This was why he remained wary until he was sure of their intentions.


    ¡°I¡¯m Ji Qiu, and this is my wife, Tang Hong,¡± the man sped his fists together after stopping five steps away.


    Tang Hong also nodded lightly as a greeting to Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°What brought you two here?¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s tone softened when he noticed no hostility in their eyes judging from his experience.


    ¡°We lost our way and stumbled into this city. But who would have expected this city to be swarming with deathguards? This is why we hid in the shadows and dared not move. We attempted to escape several times, only to be hunted by them. Were it not for your appearance and killing that thousand-year deathguard, we wouldn¡¯t have survived,¡± Ji Qiu said, giving Liu Wuxie a deep bow. If Liu Wuxie hadn¡¯t appeared in the city, they would have lost their lives here sooner orter.


    ¡°Where are you two from?¡± Liu Wuxie asked. It would be great if they also originated from the Southern Province.


    ¡°We¡¯re from the Northern City!¡± Ji Qiu replied.


    ¡°The Northern City?¡± Liu Wuxie had only heard that there was a massive city in the north; a boundless city epassing the entire northern region. It was also his first time hearing that an entire realm was in the form of a city.


    The two nodded in acknowledgment. They had entered the Heavenly Nether Battlefield for over ten days and fended off numerous low-level deathguards during their time there. They weren¡¯t weak either, with cultivation in the eighth level of the Astral River Realm.


    ¡°Young friend, how can we address you?¡± Ji Qiu asked. He was in his thirties, and it wasn¡¯t inappropriate for him to address Liu Wuxie as a ¡°young friend.¡±


    At his current age, reaching the eighth level of the Astral River Realm was considered mediocre, even by Southern Province standards. This was why he had ventured into the harsh environment of the Heavenly Nether Battlefield¡ªto push his limits, unlock his full potential, and strive for a breakthrough into the Nascent Transformation Realm.


    ¡°I¡¯m Liu Wuxie, from the Southern Province,¡± Liu Wuxie replied. He didn¡¯t hesitate to reveal his identity.


    ¡°Greetings, Young Master Liu!¡± Ji Qiu sped his hands together. The trio gradually lowered their guards and found a clean spot to rest.


    ¡°Brother Ji, have you seen this woman during your time here?¡± Liu Wuxie asked as he took out Mu Yueying¡¯s portrait.


    Ji Qiu exchanged a nce with Tang Hong, and both shook their heads. ¡°We haven¡¯t seen her. If we had, we¡¯d certainly remember.¡±


    ¡°Time is running out. I need to continue my search,¡± Liu Wuxie said, unwilling to waste any more time. Mu Yueying¡¯s activation of the Alert Talisman was a clear sign that she was in danger.


    ¡°Brother Liu, searching aimlessly like this could take you a year without results,¡± Ji Qiu advised. ¡°I suggest you head to a particr ce.¡±


    The Heavenly Nether Battlefield was vast, and finding someone here was no different from finding a needle in a haystack.


    ¡°Where?¡± Liu Wuxie asked, his eyes gleamed with urgency.


    ¡°The Yin-Yang Valley!¡± Ji Qiu said.


    ¡°What kind of ce is that?¡± Liu Wuxie frowned. He could tell from the name that it wasn¡¯t a good ce.


    ¡°It¡¯s a massive valley, but I¡¯ve heard it has started releasing a rare substance in recent months. This has drawn many cultivators, so your friend might have gone there if she knew about it,¡± Ji Qiu exined.


    Liu Wuxie quickly searched his memory for any mention of the Yin-Yang Valley but came up empty-handed. He had spent half a daybing through the details Mu Tianli had given him, but those records were years old. The Yin-Yang Valley must have been discovered only recently.


    n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    ¡°Brother Ji, do you know the exact location of the Yin-Yang Valley?¡± Liu Wuxie could only sp his hands together to ask about the valley.


    ¡°We were originally nning to head to the Yin-Yang Valley. Since you¡¯re also heading there, why don¡¯t we travel together?¡± Ji Qiu suggested. They also nned to explore the Yin-Yang Valley.


    ¡°Let¡¯s not dy and depart immediately!¡± Liu Wuxie said, heading straight out of the city. The trio set off on their journey, with Ji Qiu asionally pulling out a map to correct their direction.


    Despite their efforts, they took the wrong path multiple times and had to retrace their steps or search for new routes. Without the map, Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t imagine how tedious it would have been to navigate the vast and treacherous Heavenly Nether Battlefield.


    Three days passed in the blink of an eye. Along the way, they encountered several deathguards, but Ji Qiu and Tang Hong handled them with ease. As long as they didn¡¯t run into a thousand-year deathguard, they were confident they could hold their ground.


    ¡°Brother Ji, can you tell me more about the Northern City?¡± Liu Wuxie asked, breaking the silence of their monotonous journey. He was eager to learn more, knowing that his steps would one day cover the entire True Martial Continent. Gathering information now would only benefit him in the future.


    ¡°The Northern City isn¡¯t asplicated as you think. Due to the unique geography, the Northern City is built on a vast in. The City Lord is called Bei Ming, an expert in the Spirit Profound Realm,¡± Ji Qiu began his story.


    ¡°The Spirit Profound Realm?!¡± Liu Wuxie eximed. After all, True Profound Realm was the strongest in the Southern Province.


    ¡°A powerhouse in the Spirit Profound Realm might be considered an expert in the Northern City, but I¡¯ve heard there are experts in the Void Realm in the Central ins. They¡¯re the true experts representing the apex power on this continent,¡± Ji Qiu said. He knew more information than Liu Wuxie.


    Liu Wuxie was struck speechless. He had thought he could overlook the entire True Martial Continent if he reached the True Profound Realm, but he realized how naive he had been. ording to his calctions, there were likely realms far beyond the Void Realm.


    Only those who reached the Immortal Realm could shatter the restraints of this ne to ascend to the Celestial Realm. Perhaps because Liu Wuxie had saved the couple, their bond deepened over the days.

 Chapter 678 - Cultivators from the Central Plains

    <h4>Chapter 678 - Cultivators from the Central ins</h4>


    After five days of traveling, the scenery finally opened up. It felt as though they had entered into a whole new world.


    "Based on the geography, we should be close to the Central ins, where thews are the strongest," Ji Qiu said, pointing ahead as he exined to Liu Wuxie.


    The Heavenly Nether Battlefield was located at the heart of the True Martial Continent and was formed through countless years of warfare.


    The area where Liu Wuxie had entered was closer to the Southern Province, but now they were approaching the Central ins. Liu Wuxie had already sensed the strength of thews here. It would consume more true essence if he flew.


    "Someone''sing!" Tang Hong whispered.


    Aside from deathguards, other humans posed a significant threat in the Heavenly Nether Battlefield. After all, betrayal and robbing were the norm. In this ce, it was the survival of the strongest.


    Liu Wuxie halted his conversation with Ji Qiu and turned to look in the distance. He saw several figures approaching rapidly.


    "They''re so fast!" Ji Qiu eximed inwardly. Ever since they had stepped in there, their speed had decreased due to thews, and every step felt as though their feet were encased in lead.


    "They''ve been here longer than us, and they''ve already adapted to thews. We will also adapt if we stay for a few more days," Liu Wuxie exined. This was akin to a gravity chamber. The pressure might initially feel insurmountable, but the body would gradually limate to it with time. They also needed time to adapt to the changes in thews.


    Ji Qiu nodded and found sense in what Liu Wuxie said.


    In just five breaths, three figures hadnded ten meters away from them.


    "It looks like we''re all in luck today to run into a female cultivator," one of the men said as he shamelessly scanned Tang Hong.


    Their actions enraged Ji Qiu. While Tang Hong wasn''t a peerless beauty, her beauty still made her stand out. After all, women gradually became more beautiful as they cultivated.


    Female cultivators were a rare sight in the Heavenly Nether Battlefield, a realm overwhelmingly dominated by men. Depraved and desperate, many of these men saw any woman who ventured into the battlefield as an easy target.


    "You two can get lost. Leave the woman behind," said the man in the center, pointing at Liu Wuxie and Ji Qiu.


    However, neither Liu Wuxie nor Ji Qiu moved.


    The three were all in the pinnacle of the Astral River Realm, while Ji Qiu and Tang Hong were only in the eighth level of the Astral River Realm. It was naturally impossible for them to fend off the trio.


    "What do you want?" Ji Qiu proimed as he took a step forward to protect his wife. He wouldn''t let these people defile his wife.


    "Isn''t it obvious? Lend us your wife for us to use as entertainment," the man in the middle said, lecherouslyughing as he approached.


    Liu Wuxie''s expression remained unreadable as he silently observed the situation unfold. From the start, the trio had dismissed him entirely, deeming him insignificant due to his cultivation being only at the fourth level of the Astral River Realm. To them, someone with his level of power entering the Heavenly Nether Battlefield was no different than seeking his own death.


    "You''ve gone too far!" Ji Qiu retrieved his longsword and took on a battle stance. Tang Hong also retrieved her weapon and stood beside her husband.


    "The two of you wish to confront us? I forgot to tell you that we''re from the Central ins. In this ce, thews work in our favor," the man on the right sneered, wanting to make the couple give up resisting.


    This ce was closer to the Central ins, so they were more familiar with thews here than anyone else.


    Ji Qiu''s face became ugly upon hearing that the trio were from the Central ins. Everyone knew that the Central ins was the strongest region in the True Martial Continent, while the cultivation systems in the other regions were fragmented and less developed.


    In terms of overall strength, even the four regionsbined couldn''tpete with the Central ins.


    Thews in the Central ins wereplete. As a result, cultivators from the Central ins were stronger, and cultivators from the other regions were no match for them if they were in the same cultivation. Thus, the trio''s arrogance made sense since they came from the Central ins.


    Liu Wuxie began to look at the trio with interest. When his Ghost Eye prated their bodies, he realized that their energies were brimming. Despite all of them being in the Astral River Realm, thews in their bodies were only slightly lesser than his, which shocked him.


    After all, the Astral River Realmws within Bai Yuan were only a tenth asplete as his own. However, thews governing these three individuals were slightly closer to his level. Though they were currently only in the Astral River Realm, Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t help but wonder how formidable they would be if they ever advanced to the Nascent Transformation Realm.


    "We can hand over our resources if that''s what you want. We hope you can let us go," Ji Qiu said. His tone had changed upon learning that they were from the Central ins. He even offered them resources to spare their lives.


    "Cut the crap and leave! Otherwise, all of you will die here!" The man in the center snapped, releasing his powerful aura at Liu Wuxie''s trio.


    Ji Qiu stumbled backward under the pressure. The trio were too strong for the couple to withstand.


    On the contrary, Liu Wuxie remained unmoved, standing as steady as a mountain, which finally caused the three strangers to turn their attention to him and take him seriously. It was surprising that Liu Wuxie could withstand the aura they gave off.


    "Brat, who the hell are you?" The man in the middle probed. Only prodigies from the Central ins could disregard their aura, and they began to wonder if Liu Wuxie also came from the Central ins.


    "That''s not important. Leave if you don''t want to die," Liu Wuxie replied. He didn¡¯t like how they bullied the weak.


    However, his words only served to enrage them further.


    "You dare speak to me in this manner? You''re dead!" The man in the middle was called Du Yuan.


    "Why waste time with them? We can kill them before enjoying that beauty," said the two men beside Du Yuan. As they spoke, they approached Liu Wuxie''s group of three.


    "Brother Liu, find a chance to run," Ji Qiu let out a wry smile. He was already prepared to fight to the death. They refused to yield, and death was fine as long as they were together.


    Their response left Liu Wuxie satisfied. At least they didn''t think of abandoning him to escape.


    "All of you will die!" The man on the right swung his longsword down at Liu Wuxie, which instantly appeared three inches away from thetter, unleashing his strongest attack.


    "Brother Liu, watch out!" Ji Qiu yelled and wanted to intervene.


    Right at this moment, the Heretic de descended. The Heretic de might¡¯ve seemed ineffective against the thousand-year deathguard, but it was more than sufficient against humans. The Heretic de released an eerie glint that was impossible to track.


    The attacking man¡¯s expression shifted as he finally recognized the danger emanating from Liu Wuxie''s de. Despite the sturdierws in this region, the de aura effortlessly tore through the air resistance, surging toward him with lethal precision.


    When many wanted to react against Liu Wuxie''s attack, the Heretic de''s trajectory changed again, and it was toote for him to respond. He exploded into shreds, and his remains scattered across the ground. The process barely took half a breath, and everything took ce so quickly that no one could react in time.


    "He''s dead?" Du Yuan muttered in shock.


    The remaining man froze in disbelief, unable to process the brutal efficiency with which hispanion had been in.


    "You dare kill my brother?!" Du Yuan roared, and he unleashed his attacks. The other man also joined in to attack Liu Wuxie.


    "Hong''er, let''s assist Brother Liu!" Ji Qiu called out, nning to join the fight with his wife.


    But before the couple could enter the fray, a cold ray pierced through the other man, leaving Du Yuan alone. The Heretic de also danced like a phantom in Liu Wuxie''s hand, dissolving Du Yuan''s attacks.


    Du Yuan would be dead if Liu Wuxie wanted to kill him. The reason why Liu Wuxie spared him was because he wanted to extract information from him.


    Seeing how Liu Wuxie killed two of hispanions with one strike each, Du Yuan was finally afraid as he prepared to flee. But he was soon immobilized with the Demonic Purgatory Chains wrapped around his legs.


    "Who the hell are you?!" Du Yuan was finally afraid. Though he couldn''t see what it was, he could sense a chain wrapping around his body. There were spikes on the chains, and they would burrow into his flesh the more he struggled, and the pain was unbearable.


    "Answer my questions, and perhaps I will grant you a painless death," Liu Wuxie said as he approached Du Yuan, his voice devoid of any emotion.


    "Brat, do you know who I am? Release me at once!" Du Yuan continued to struggle, but the pain only made him scream out loud.


    "How stubborn!" Liu Wuxie replied coldly as he injected a threat of ice-element energy into Du Yuan''s body.


    Du Yuan screamed, and this scene made Ji Qiu and Tang Hong smile bitterly as they exchanged looks. They didn''t expect Liu Wuxie to be so powerful.


    n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Du Yuan''s will was finally broken under the immense pain of his meridians being torn apart.


    "I-I''ll answer anything!" he whimpered. He only hoped Liu Wuxie could spare his life.


    "Have you seen this person before?" Liu Wuxie took out Mu Yueying''s portrait.


    Du Yuan didn''t dare defy Liu Wuxie. He looked at the portrait with a flicker of recognition on his face, which didn¡¯t go unnoticed by Liu Wuxie, who captured all his expressions.


    "I think I''ve seen her somewhere, but I can¡¯t remember exactly where," Du Yuan admitted, his toneced with uncertainty. His words rang true¡ªhe clearly had some recollection of the woman in the portrait, though the specifics eluded him.


    "You''d better think carefully," Liu Wuxie said. His eyes shone brightly when he finally received news of Mu Yueying.

 Chapter 679 - Yin and Yang

    <h4>Chapter 679 - Yin and Yang</h4>


    Liu Wuxie''s face shed with a glimmer of joy upon receiving Mu Yueying''s news.


    At the same time, Du Yuan''s face also expressed a strong desire to survive. When he finally remembered where he had seen Mu Yueying before, he yelled, "I recall now!"


    "Speak!" Liu Wuxie urged.


    "I''ll tell you if you''re willing to let me go," Du Yuan sneered, nning to use the information to threaten Liu Wuxie. He could tell that the woman in the portrait was important to Liu Wuxie, and this might be his only lifeline if he used it right.


    "You''re courting death!" Liu Wuxie was enraged. He detested threats the most. When he swung the Heretic de down, Du Yuan''s right arm vanished with blood spraying around.


    The pain made Du Yuan scream. He had never met someone like Liu Wuxie before¡ªsomeone who was merciless and did not hesitate to take action.


    "Let me repeat my question¡ªwhere did you meet her?" Liu Wuxie''s voice grew colder with each word. He didn''t mind searching Du Yuan''s soul if no other options were left.


    Liu Wuxie''s sharp gaze sent a chill down Du Yuan''s spine, momentarily distracting him from the pain. He understood the gravity of the situation; survival was not an option, regardless of whether he spoke or remained silent. If he cooperated, his death would be swift and painless. If he refused to reveal the information, it would be slow and tormenting.


    Blood continued to drip from the Heretic de as Liu Wuxie ced it on Du Yuan''s left arm. The Heretic de would descend to sever it if he remained silent.


    "I saw her in the Clear Spring Lake ten days ago, and there seemed to be a man with her. They were both being pursued," Du Yuan confessed. He had only caught a fleeting glimpse while passing by, but the sight of Mu Yueying''s figure had left asting impression on him.


    "And do you know the direction they fled in?" Liu Wuxie continued to ask.


    "The southwest!" Du Yuan answered after a moment of recollection.


    The direction Mu Yueying had taken aligned with Liu Wuxie''s current path to the Yin-Yang Valley, a mysterious region situated to the west near the Western Barren. It was a boundless and ancient forest.


    "Onest question: are there any prominent ns in the Central ins with the surname Liu?" Liu Wuxie asked. Since Du Yuan came from the Central ins, he was likely familiar with the forces there.


    He had previously learned from Gu Yu''s grandfather that there was a n in the Central ins with the surname Liu, but he needed to find out if it was connected to his parents.


    "Which one are you referring to?" Du Yuan asked cautiously. Several Liu ns existed in the Central ins, and he couldn¡¯t be certain which one Liu Wuxie wanted information about.


    "Tell me everything you know," Liu Wuxie demanded. He still wasn''t sure if his parents came from the Central ins. After all, it wasn''t an ordinary feat for them to vanish without a trace overnight. Even his father-inw, who had searched the region surrounding Azure Billow City for a hundred miles, had found no clues.


    "The most prominent one is one of the Four Great ns," Du Yuan quickly exined. "But there are also smaller Liu ns scattered across the Central ins." Though he wasn¡¯t an expert, he had a general understanding of the Four Great ns. He had read about them even if he had never encountered them personally.


    The information was simr to that shared by Gu Yu''s grandfather, who had also told him there was a Liu n among the Four Great ns.


    "Do you know a man called Liu Dashan?" Liu Wuxie asked, despite knowing there wasn''t much hope. After all, it had been so many years without any news of his parents, and he didn''t know if they were alive. He wanted to find them and ask them why they abandoned him.


    Du Yuan''s nk expression at the mention of Liu Dashan¡¯s name said it all. Without hesitation, Liu Wuxie struck, his de slicing cleanly through, decapitating Du Yuan in one swift motion. With the deed done, he swiftly gathered their interspatial rings and tidied up the battlefield. He knew it wouldn¡¯t be long before the deathguards arrived, drawn by the scent of blood to consume the remains.


    <strong>......</strong>


    "Brother Liu, we can''t thank you enough. We can''t imagine the consequences without your help," Ji Qiu said, his face brimming with gratitude. Liu Wuxie had saved them twice in several days.


    "You''re too polite," Liu Wuxie said with a nod. He remained courteous, knowing he still needed their assistance to locate the Yin-Yang Valley. If they perished along the way, he would have to rely solely on himself to navigate its perilous terrain¡ªa task that could take an eternity.


    Moreover, Du Yuan had mentioned that Mu Yueying was being pursued, which wasn''t good news. He knew how strong Mu Yueying was, and the fact someone could pursue her meant it must be a formidable foe.


    Even Liu Wuxie wasn''t sure he could face such adversaries. Time was of the essence¡ªhe had to find Mu Yueying immediately and bring her out of the Heavenly Nether Battlefield.


    <strong>......</strong>


    The trio pressed onward, avoiding unnecessary dys except for brief periods of rest. On the seventh day, they arrived near the fabled Yin-Yang Valley.


    The valley was nked by two colossal mountain ranges¡ªa fiery volcano on one side and a cial icy peak on the other. Between these extremesy a massive ravine, its depths filled with vibrant nt life and towering trees that rose majestically from the ground.


    The volcano''s searing heat and the icy peak''s frigid cold made their edges inhospitable to life. Yet, in the valley''s center, a perfect bnce of temperatures created an environment ideal for flourishing life.


    The trees were brimming with wood-attribute energy, and the Deste Devouring Art began devouring the surrounding spiritual energy even before Liu Wuxie got close. The mysterious tree in the deste world swayed as if it was notifying him of a treasure.


    Ordinary treasures couldn''t attract the mysterious tree''s attention, so it had to be a heaven-defying treasure.


    Since Liu Wuxie had received the Southern Province''s blessing, he realized his fortune had increased.


    <strong>......</strong>


    "Look at the sky!" Tang Hong pointed to the sky between the two mountain ranges. There were two swirling masses of energy: Yin and Yang. They were like two fishes intertwining, chasing after each other''s tails.


    In the Ten Grand Ceremony, Liu Wuxie hadprehended a hint of Yin and Yang. The deathly energy in the Heavenly Nether Battlefield was too strong, so this icy mountain was formed, filled with chilling yin energy.


    Yin and Yang couldn''t thrive without each other. The extreme limit of Yang was Yin, and vice-versa. Since ancient times, Yin and Yang have coexisted, like how ces with only sunlight and darkness couldn''t sustain life. On the contrary, life would only grow in areas with a bnce of Yin and Yang.


    "This is a paradise!" Ji Qiu eximed in excitement.


    "This is no paradise, but a forbidden zone instead," Liu Wuxie replied, shaking his head. The environment here was harsher than he had imagined.


    "Brother Liu, what do you mean by that?" No matter how Ji Qiu looked at it, the ravine was filled with life and spiritual energy. Cultivating here would achieve twice the result with half the effort.


    "That isn''t a simple icy mountain but one formed with countless umtions of deathly energy," Liu Wuxie said with a frown.


    The surrounding temperature plummeted where yin energy reached its peak, creating ice that nketed an entire mountain¡ªthus forming the yin mountain. If Liu Wuxie¡¯s observation was correct, the other mountain should be a volcano harboring boundless magma beneath its surface. This was a perfect example to how the Yin and Yang coexist together.


    "The yin mountain must have formed first, serving as the foundation before the appearance of the fiery mountain range," he added.


    "Brother Liu, are you suggesting that there are countless corpses buried beneath that yin mountain?" Ji Qiu asked. He no longer treated Liu Wuxie as ordinary after seeing how he slew someone at the pinnacle of the Astral River Realm with one strike.


    Their conversations along the journey had only deepened his respect for Liu Wuxie¡¯s profound knowledge and sharp eloquence.


    "More or less," Liu Wuxie replied. He had already seen through the yin mountain relying on Ghost Eye. He could see countless corpses buried beneath, piled high in eternal slumber. If they were disturbed, their awakening would unleash horrors beyond imagination. A thousand-year deathguard was palepared to the apocalypse they might trigger.


    There might even be ten thousand-year deathguards beneath, and there would only be death if one entered recklessly.


    But if Mu Yueying had truly entered this ce, he had to try and look for her even if there was danger. Besides, he wasn¡¯t overly concerned; with the protection of the Soul Forge Art, he was confident in his ability to escape if the situation turned dire.


    "There are fights ahead!"


    As the ravine was overgrown with nts that obscured their view, they could only hear themotion to determine that someone was fighting a thousand meters away.


    "Let''s go take a look!" Liu Wuxie said. Finding Mu Yueying would be easy as long as there was someone around.


    The trio descended and dove into the vast mountain range. The icy mountain loomed with a deathly chill while the volcano raged with relentless heat, and charging in recklessly would be dangerous.


    They stopped fifty meters from the sound and dared not get too close. They saw two humans locked in a battle with several deathguards.


    "What''s going on? Why are there deathguards here?" Ji Qiu whispered, his voice trembling with unease. He had a natural fear of the deathguard, a scar left by the thousand-year deathguard in the city.


    Liu Wuxie didn''t speak, his gaze fixated on the two humans. Judging from their martial techniques, he could tell they weren''t from the Southern Province.


    "Should we help?" Ji Qiu turned to look at Liu Wuxie. He didn''t dare to make decisions.


    "No need. Those deathguards are no match for them," Liu Wuxie replied calmly. The two people were strong, and they weren''t any weaker than Du Yuan.


    Then again, there were no weaklings among those who entered the Heavenly Nether Battlefield. As expected, the two men swiftly killed the three deathguards before they turned to look in Liu Wuxie''s direction.


    They were spotted, which meant the trio could be detected from so far away.


    "Come out!" one of the two barked as he unleashed a sword aura. Many people had rushed over recently, and there would be deaths every day.


    Ji Qiu drew his longsword to deflect the iing sword aura, but the action inadvertently exposed his group.


    At first, the two men assumed Liu Wuxie''s group were seasoned experts, but their wariness faded after assessing the trio''s cultivation levels.


    "What are you doing here, spying on us?" The man on the right roared, his face hinting at anger.


    "We''re only passing through," Ji Qiu exined quickly. He didn''t want to make enemies for no reason.


    "Forget it. They don''t seem to be with Yu Lin, judging from their appearance," the man of the left dismissed.


    With that, the two men turned away, ignoring Liu Wuxie¡¯s group and preparing to leave. Their hurried demeanor suggested they were fleeing from something¡ªor someone.


    "Hold up!" Liu Wuxie called out.


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    The two men stopped abruptly, their fury igniting. They had already decided to overlook the trio¡¯s apparent spying, yet now they were forced to pause.


    "You''ve already tested my patience, boy. Are you courting death?" the man on the right growled, drawing his weapon and preparing to act against Liu Wuxie.


    "Please don''t misunderstand. I mean no harm, and I only wish to ask if you recognize this woman," Liu Wuxie said, taking out Mu Yueying''s portrait.

 Chapter 680 - Mu Yueyings Location

    <h4>Chapter 680 - Mu Yueying''s Location</h4>


    "You''re associated with this woman?" The man on the left frowned as he looked at Liu Wuxie.


    "She''s a friend of mine," Liu Wuxie replied.


    "You might be one step toote. She has most likely met a grim end," the man on the left said and turned around to leave, uninterested in any further conversation with Liu Wuxie.


    "Brother, what do you mean by that?" Liu Wuxie swiftly moved to block their path. He could tell from their tone that they knew Mu Yueying''s location.


    "Get lost!" the man on the right snarled, finally losing his patience. He struck with his palm, unleashing a powerful attack. They neither knew Liu Wuxie''s identity nor trusted the truth of his words, and they had already wasted enough time on him.


    The man on the left made no move to stop hispanion, silently allowing the attack to proceed.


    Facing the iing strike, Liu Wuxie had two options: step aside and let them leave or confront it directly. Engaging would mean starting a fight, something he wished to avoid for now. However, he wasn¡¯t one to back down easily.


    With a swipe of his palm, yin and yang energies appeared, forming a Yin-Yang diagram to resolve the iing strike.


    The two men¡¯s expressions shifted drastically, shock and unease evident on their faces. They hadn¡¯t expected Liu Wuxie to be so formidable, capable of resolving the strike with such ease.


    "Brat, who the hell are you?!" The two looked at Liu Wuxie, both on their guard. After all, it was no ordinary feat for someone in the fourth level of the Astral River Realm to resolve their attacks.


    I''ve made myself clear. I''m here to look for her in the Heavenly Nether Battlefield, so I''ll appreciate it if you can tell me about her whereabouts," Liu Wuxie said with Mu Yueying''s portrait in his hand. His tone was sincere, without any hostility.


    "Senior brother, don''t waste words on him. He must be someone sent by Yu Lin!" The man on the right drew his sword and positioned himself to attack.


    Confusion flickered across Liu Wuxie''s face as he wondered who Yu Lin was.


    "Don''t y dumb! Prepare to die!" The man on the right struck with his sword.


    "Don''t force my hand!"Liu Wuxie warned, his voice tinged with anger. He hade seeking information about his friend, only to be met with baseless usations and hostility. They used him of being associated with Yu Lin and even attacked him. Did they truly think he was a pushover?


    "Junior brother, hold on!" the man on the left interjected, stepping between them. If Liu Wuxie had truly been sent by Yu Lin, he would have notified Yu Lin the moment he saw them. There would have been no need for this prolonged exchange.


    Liu Wuxie, meanwhile, had already prepared his counterattack, his aura simmering with restrained power. If the man on the right dared to strike again, he would not hesitate to retaliate with lethal force. Cooperation was no longer a guarantee, and if forced, he would extract the information directly from their souls.


    "My name is Liu Wuxie, and the woman in this portrait is my friend. If you know her whereabouts, please tell me," Liu Wuxie asked sincerely, and his anxiety was evident.


    "You''re not someone Yu Lin sent to follow us?" The man on the left scrutinized Liu Wuxie, who didn''t look like someone from the Central ins.


    "I have never met this Yu Lin before, and I only entered the Heavenly Nether Battlefield seven days ago," Liu Wuxie replied, shaking his head. He didn''t even know who the hell this Yu Lin was.


    Hearing that Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t sent by Yu Lin, the two men visibly rxed. If he had been, they wouldn¡¯t have hesitated to kill him. The only reason they refrained earlier was Liu Wuxie¡¯s remarkable disy of skill, which had intimidated them enough to stay their hand.


    "We saw the woman you''re looking for three days ago, and Yu Lin is pursuing her. She has fled into the depths of the Yin-Yang Valley, and, likely, she has already fallen victim," the man on the left shared everything he knew.


    Liu Wuxie wondered who this Yu Lin was and why he was pursuing Mu Yueying.


    "Can you please tell me what happened? Why is my friend being hunted, and who is this Yu Lin?" Liu Wuxie asked. He could tell from their tone that they also had a feud with Yu Lin.


    Both parties let their guards down as they conversed, and Liu Wuxie also learned their names. The one on the left was Feng Hongguang, while the fiery-tempered one on the right was Song Qi. They both hailed from the Central ins and were being pursued because they had offended Yu Lin with their words.


    Liu Wuxie gleaned valuable information from Feng Hongguang. Yu Lin was a figure of extraordinary status, belonging to the prestigious Yu n¡ªone of the Four Great ns. It was rumored that he carried the direct bloodline of the Yu n and wielded formidable strength. Moreover, several powerful experts apanied him, making him a dangerous adversary.


    A month prior, a mysterious treasure had appeared at ake in the Heavenly Nether Battlefield, and Mu Yueying had obtained it when Yu Lin''s group had arrived. Since then, they had relentlessly pursued Mu Yueying.


    Mu Yueying had narrowly escaped the pursuit before fleeing into the Yin-Yang Valley. Du Yuan also mentioned he had once seen Mu Yueying being chased.


    After piecing everything together, Liu Wuxie fully understood Mu Yueying''s dire situation. The mysterious treasure had fallen into her hands, making her the target of Yu Lin''s relentless pursuit.


    Feng Hongguang and Song Qi, meanwhile, had incurred Yu Lin''s wrath due to a misunderstanding. Their words had been interpreted as a challenge to his authority, prompting Yu Lin to hunt them down.


    They had only managed to escape thanks to their considerable strength. However, after evading Yu Lin''s pursuit, they mistakenly assumed Liu Wuxie was sent by Yu Lin to track them down.


    Liu Wuxie hadn¡¯t anticipated the situation to be soplicated, but rescuing Mu Yueying had now be his top priority. Time was of the essence, and he had to act before she fell into Yu Lin¡¯s hands.


    "Brother Feng, I''m grateful for the information. I have to hurry into the depths of the Yin-Yang Valley now to save my friend before it''s toote," Liu Wuxie said and bid his farewell to Ji Qiu and Tang Hong before venturing into the valley.


    n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    This was because they couldn''t provide much help searching for Mu Yueying. After all, even Feng Hongguang and hispanion couldn''t do anything to Yu Lin. If Ji Qiu and Tang Hong followed him, they could only die for nothing.


    He vanished into the Yin-Yang Valley before Ji Qiu could say a word.


    "What speed!" Song Qi eximed with lingering fear on his face.


    "He was concealing his strength. Based on my estimation, even the two of us together might not be able to stand a chance against him," Feng Hongguang whispered, his voiceced with unease.


    In the Central ins, cultivation level wasn¡¯t everything. Prodigies capable of defeating those with higher cultivation levels were not umon, and Liu Wuxie appeared to be one of them.


    "He killed someone in the pinnacle of the Astral River Realm a few days ago," Ji Qiu said with a wry smile.


    After hearing what Ji Qi said, relief washed over Feng Hongguang and Song Qi. They were fortunate that they didn''t continue to attack Liu Wuxie, or they might''ve died as well.


    "Do you think he can defeat Yu Lin?" Song Qi asked suddenly.


    Since Mu Yueying was his friend, he definitely wouldn''t let it go if anything happened to her.


    "That''s not our concern. The yin and yang energies have been restless recently in the Yin-Yang Valley. It might be an appearance of a treasure, and we can also try our luck. Perhaps we will be lucky enough to find something," Feng Hongguang said. He didn''t want to give up and nned to continue venturing. After all, ordinary cultivators couldn''t do anything to them as long as they avoided Yu Lin.


    <strong>......</strong>


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t wander aimlessly as he ventured into the Yin-Yang Valley. Utilizing the Ghost Eye, he refined his search with precision, scanning the environment for any signs of Mu Yueying.


    Mu Yueying had activated the Alert Talisman three times, and her objective was to seek help from her father. Since she knew someone woulde to save her, she would definitely leave behind traces for her rescuer.


    As the Ghost Eye prated theyers of the valley, Liu Wuxie¡¯s gaze locked onto a particr tree. Carved into its bark was a peculiar mark resembling a pill.


    "This must be a sign left behind by Big Sister Mu!" Liu Wuxie was once the chief alchemist of the Treasure Pill Pavilion and was familiar with this mark. Judging from the traces, it should have been carved a day or two ago.


    An arrowhead pointed to the left, and Liu Wuxie didn''t hesitate to travel at full speed. As he delved deeper into the Yin-Yang Valley, he often ran into fellow cultivators, but he would vanish before they could react.


    As Liu Wuxie continued to perform the Ghost Eye, he noticed several more markings along the way, and these markings seemed to be left in a hurry as they weren''tplete.


    When Liu Wuxie saw three men ahead, he suddenly descended before them, scaring them. He swiftly captured one of them before they could react.


    "Have you seen this person before?" Liu Wuxie asked, taking out the portrait.


    Those who instinctively tried to strike at Liu Wuxie were instantly frozen into ice statues. However, he refrained from killing them, using this as a warning to show that he harbored no ill intentions. The man Liu Wuxie had captured trembled in fear, overwhelmed by the sheer power on disy.


    "Yes, I have seen her before! She fled toward the ck Tomb Cliff!" That man didn''t dare to hide anything and revealed everything he knew.


    "Thanks!" Liu Wuxie released him, and the two frozen into ice statues began to defrost.


    <strong>......</strong>


    The ck Tomb Cliff was a deste and foreboding ce, its atmosphere dominated by biting cold winds carried from the nearby yin mountain. At the edge of the cliff stood a man and a woman, their backs against the sheer drop. Above them, yin and yang energies swirled violently in the sky, forming two massive whirlwinds. These whirlwinds were so ferocious that anyone attempting to fly upward risked being torn apart.


    Beneath the cliffy a dark and seemingly bottomless abyss. Legends spoke of countless deathguards lurking below, born from the innumerable deaths that had urred over the years. Trapped between the whirlwinds above and the abyss below, the man and woman werepletely cornered, with no path of escape in sight.


    "Ying''er, I''m content you''vee this far with me. You should leave now and save yourself," the man beside the woman said. He had sharp brows, a high nose bridge, and a handsome face.


    There was a jagged sword wound across his chest that caused him to bleed profusely. As they had been running for days without any time to rest, infection had begun to set in, making each step a torment.


    "Since I have chosen to stand together with you, I will also share your fate¡ªlife or death!" Mu Yueying said.


    Her mind began to drift to the day she had met him. She had left the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion to train, and she would''ve been killed by the jaws of a demonic beast if he hadn''t saved her. Since then, their bond had been forged, and it had only grown stronger throughout the years.


    "You''re the proud daughter of heaven, and there''s no need for you to die with me here. You can run and save your life," the man said as he caressed Mu Yueying''s head.


    "Lin Tong, I''ve made up my mind. We will live and die together," Mu Yueying said. Her eyes didn''t have a hint of regret, but they were filled with determination instead.


    Mockingughter echoed through the icy winds as the pursuers finally closed in on Mu Yueying and Lin Tong after a relentless month-long chase.


    "Run! Carry on running! Let me see where you can run!"

 Chapter 681 - Earthquake

    <h4>Chapter 681 - Earthquake</h4>


    The Heavenly Nether Battlefield was vast and treacherous, and killing someone wasn''t easy unless one possessed overwhelming strength.


    Mu Yueying was strong, and her strength couldn''t be underestimated even if she wasn''tparable to prodigies from the Central ins. Otherwise, she wouldn¡¯t have survived the month-long pursuit and escaped several times.


    "Yu Lin, do you want to take it this far?!" Lin Tong red angrily at the man walking toward them.


    "You dare covet what belongs to me?! For that, you two must die!" Yu Lin chuckled coldly, confidently walking forward. He stopped ten meters from Mu Yueying, a smug smile stered across his face. Behind him stood over a dozen powerful cultivators, their expressions filled with disdain and arrogance.


    "What a joke! We''re the ones who found that thousand-year spiritual fruit first, and you pursued us when you heard it from someone!" Lin Tong mocked. He had never met someone so shameless.


    In truth, Lin Tong and Mu Yueying had stumbled upon a thousand-year spiritual fruit. When they took it, the news was leaked to Yu Lin.


    Thousand-year spiritual fruitse in various shapes and sizes, and the one obtained by Lin Tong was extraordinary. It was an extremely rare Indigo Mist Fruit. Before they could consume it, Yu Lin''s group had caught up to them.


    The pursuit hadsted an entire month, with Yu Lin''s group relentlessly chasing them no matter where they fled.


    "Everything in the Heavenly Nether Battlefield belongs to me! Hand it over obediently, and you can jump down the cliff!" Yu Lin dered in an overbearing tone, iming that all treasures in the Heavenly Nether Battlefield belonged to him.


    "Dream on! Over my dead body!" Mu Yueying said, her face masked with unyielding determination.


    The Alert Talisman in her hand was only left with thest usage, and using it for the final time would mean her death.


    Knowing they would die regardless of whether they handed over the treasure or not, she resolved to go down fighting, determined to make their enemies pay a heavy price.


    During the pursuit, Lin Tong had considered handing over the Indigo Mist Fruit several times to save their lives, but Mu Yueying had stopped him. This meant they would¡¯ve no path of retreat, and even if they did, another relentless pursuit would follow.


    "Senior Brother Yu Lin, let''s fulfill their wish since they''re courting death!" Over a dozen youths were standing behind Yu Lin, and they didn''t want to waste any more time. After all, they had already lost their patience during the pursuit.


    "Be careful. They''re strong!" Yu Lin nodded. They had used various trump cards before they could finally corner Mu Yueying.


    Over a dozen youths stomped forward, releasing their aura in the Astral River Realm that swept toward the two in the form of a hurricane.


    Lin Tong and Mu Yueying were pushed back until they stood at the edge of the ck Tomb Cliff. Loose stones tumbled down the cliff into the abyss, producing loud echoes.


    "Ying''er, I''m sorry. This is all my fault," Lin Tong said and charged forward. He had decided to hold them off, tearing an opening to allow Mu Yueying to escape.


    "I chose this path willingly!" Mu Yueying replied. How could she not know Lin Tong''s intentions? She could naturally tell he was trying to use his life to buy her a chance to escape.


    And so, the battle began. Lin Tong was weakened and faced over a dozen enemies, narrowly escaping death multiple times.


    Mu Yueying, though powerful, was severely outnumbered. Against any of them individually, she could hold her ground, but she knew that once Yu Lin joined the fray, her chances would diminish drastically.


    After a series of weapon shes, Lin Tong and Mu Yueying were sent flying, coughing up blood as their faces turned pale.


    The two were severely injured from the earlier sh. The situation grew increasingly unfavorable for Mu Yueying and Ling Tong. After all, they were mentally and physically exhausted during the month-long pursuit.


    In addition, those who had recently discovered treasures had also met the same fate: they were killed, and their treasures were stolen.


    Even Feng Hongguang and hispanion were hunted over verbal disputes.


    Yu Lin and his followers treated the Heavenly Nether Battlefield as their territory, demanding a share of any treasure found. They relentlessly pursued those who refused.


    "Throw the man down the cliff, and the woman will be left for you guys to enjoy," Yu Lin said with a sinister smile.


    "Thank you! Young Master Yu!" The dozen people apanying Yu Lin let out lecherousughter. They had been in the Heavenly Nether Battlefield for close to three months, and they had defiled any women they came across.


    The group advanced further, cornering Mu Yueying and Lin Tong over to the cliff''s edge. The abyss was behind them, and the yin and yang''s swirling whirlpools were above them.


    Right then, a figure swiftly approached like a drawn de, appearing before Mu Yueying.


    Mu Yueying''s eyes widened with shock and a glimmer of hope as she caught sight of Liu Wuxie. A pang of guilt struck her heart, knowing she hadn¡¯t been able to properly wee him into the cultivation world.


    "Who are you, and why are you standing in our way?!" one of the pursuers demanded, pointing a longsword at Liu Wuxie.


    "I don''t want to kill, so get lost!" The other party had too many people, and Liu Wuxie didn''t want to waste time with them. If they were to fight to the death, it would only result in mutual destruction.


    Moreover, Lin Tong was severely injured while Mu Yueying''s true essence was incredibly exhausted. There was no way Liu Wuxie could look after them while fending off so many people. The only option was to force them to retreat.


    "What a joke! You''re only in the fourth level of the Astral River Realm, and you want to y the hero?" Sneered the man standing at the front, who brandished his sword and charged over.


    "Wuxie, watch out!" Mu Yueying called out.


    Another fight broke out before Liu Wuxie could exchange a few words with Mu Yueying, and his eyes turned cold when he saw the iing assault. He knew that a battle was unavoidable. But since these people wanted a fight, he would give them a fight.


    Liu Wuxie raised the Heretic de, swinging down with an untraceable trajectory.


    The expressions of the twenty-or-so people opposite Liu Wuxie shifted drastically as he assumed his stance. The iing attack was so swift and bizarre that they couldn¡¯t follow its trajectory.


    "Wang Rui,e back!" Yu Lin called out, his tone tinged with urgency.


    But it was toote. Wang Rui had already made up his mind to kill, and there was no way he could retract his attack in time, even at Yu Lin''smand.


    In his mind, Liu Wuxie was only in the fourth level of the Astral River Realm, and he was in the ninth level. When his sword was three meters away from Liu Wuxie, the Heretic de had descended.


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    A series of explosions urred in mid-air, and a vacuum pathway was created before Liu Wuxie. The attack shattered Wang Rui''s longsword, unable to withstand the de aura released by Liu Wuxie.


    This left Wang Rui shocked. He couldn''t imagine what kind of power had destroyed his monarch artifact so easily.


    "NO!" Wang Rui eximed, but it was already toote for him to react. By the time he wanted to retreat, Liu Wuxie''s second attack had already arrived. The second strike was even more powerful than the first.


    With Liu Wuxie''s newfound proficiency in True Strike, a simple strike was filled with countless variations despite looking simple. The Heretic de was locked onto Wang Rui no matter how he tried to escape.


    Wang Rui''s body split apart and was cleaved into two by the Heretic de. The scene was gruesome, with blood and flesh raining down.


    Everyone was stunned by the sight of Liu Wuxie killing someone at the pinnacle of the Astral River Realm. Even Yu Lin, known for hisposure, stood dumbstruck at the disy of power.


    When everyone came to their senses, gasps and screams could be heard from Yu Lin''s party.


    "How dare you kill Wang Rui! I want you dead!"


    Despite Wang Rui¡¯s death, the remaining twenty people in the group charged at Liu Wuxie, theirbined aura surging like a tidal wave. The sheer force of their advance caused the entire ck Tomb Cliff to tremble, sending loose rocks tumbling into the abyss below.


    "Can you still run?" Liu Wuxie asked, turning to Mu Yueying and Lin Tong. He could try to kill his way out with them if they could still make a run.


    "I can!" Mu Yueying said with great difficulty, biting on her lips.


    Lin Tong was covered in his blood, but there wasn''t a frown on his face. He stood with unwavering determination despite the pain. He walked over and stood behind Liu Wuxie.


    The entire yin mountain began to shake violently as though something had awakened. The yin and yang energies in the sky began to gather and swirl even more violently, creating a loud rumble of lightning.


    A horrifying sight began to unfold as the nts in the ravine between the two mountain ranges began to uproot, and no one knew what was happening.


    "What''s going on? Is it an earthquake?" Those who were preparing to attack looked at each other and even temporarily forgot about Liu Wuxie.


    Momentster, the volcano began to tremble as well, spewing magma high into the air. The bnce of energies tipped as Yang energy surged to its zenith, burning with fierce defiance. But the yin mountain was not outdone, as an endless tide of deathly energy erupted from its depths¡ªcold, sinister, and oppressive.


    Cracks began to spiderweb across the ground, spreading rapidly.


    "This is bad! The Yin-Yang Valley is copsing!" Many cultivators watched in horror as an endless abyss of darkness consumed the towering trees and solid ground, leaving destruction in its wake.


    "A thousand-year deathguard! A thousand-year deathguard has appeared!" Exmations came from the surroundings as someone had run into a thousand-year deathguard.


    Upon hearing the appearance of a thousand-year deathguard, a hint of solemnness appeared on Yu Lin''s expression. The thousand-year deathguards were tough to deal with based on their impervious defenses, as ordinary weapons were powerless against them.


    "We need to leave immediately!" Liu Wuxie quickly fled with Lin Tong and Mu Yueying, putting a distance between them and Yu Lin''s party in the blink of an eye.


    "Quick, after them!" Yu Lin bellowed, enraged. It was a humiliation that he failed to kill Mu Yueying and even lost one of their men.


    It was a pity that the upheaval of the yin mountain hindered their chase. Many cracks appeared in their path, blocking their way. The surroundings were trembling, and the entire valley was sinking.


    For those trapped in the Yin-Yang Valley, the only way out was to ascend towards the skies. The yin and yang energies grew stronger as they swirled, resembling a millstone. Those who flew up were instantly shredded into pieces as their blood rained down.


    "I don''t want to die!" Screams echoed from the Yin-Yang Valley.


    Liu Wuxie narrowly escaped death with Lin Tong and Mu Yueying, navigating his way using Ghost Eye.

 Chapter 682 - Refining the Crimson Mist Fruit

    <h4>Chapter 682 - Refining the Crimson Mist Fruit</h4>


    The Yin-Yang Valley had been restless for some time, with strange gases erupting sporadically and luring waves of cultivators eager to search for treasures.


    Little did they know, countless lives would be lost before they could even glimpse those treasures. Deathguards mercilessly ughtered a portion of the cultivators, while others sank into the ground, swallowed by the treacherous terrain. Some met fiery deaths as magma from the volcano imed them. The Yin-Yang Valley had be a living hell.


    Screams and cries filled the valley, echoing through the chaos, each one more harrowing than thest. The tremors grew more rapid and violent, and the widening fissures revealed a dark, ominous underground world.


    Liu Wuxie had always suspected there was more to the yin mountain, but now he was certain¡ªit was far from ordinary. Beneath its depthsy countless thousand-year deathguards, their presence oppressive and terrifying. Among them, Liu Wuxie even spotted the unmistakable forms of ten-thousand-year deathguards.


    If all the deathguards were released, all the humans here would die without an exception, including him. Dealing with the thousand-year deathguards was his limit, and he had no chance of winning against ten-thousand-year deathguards. Even if he had some chance against them, it would be slim.


    The trio finally found a rtively safe ce and stopped to rest. Liu Wuxie took out several pills and handed them to the other two, who epted and swallowed the pills without any hesitation.


    Lin Tong knew deep down that the bond between Liu Wuxie and Mu Yueying was extraordinary¡ªstrong enough for Liu Wuxie to traverse such dangerous terrain to rescue them. Words of gratitude could wait. For now, they needed to focus on recovering from their injuries; thest thing they wanted was to be a burden to Liu Wuxie.


    Mu Yueying, having only suffered minor injuries, meditated for ten minutes after consuming a recovery pill, regaining her full strength. Her condition was primarily due to her depleted true essence, which had left her sore and fatigued.


    On the other hand, Lin Tong would require at least several hours to regain most of his strength.


    "Wuxie, what are you doing here?" Mu Yueying asked after she recovered.


    "It''s a long story," Liu Wuxie replied. He knew it couldn''t be exined in a few words.


    It had been two years since they hadst met, and many things had happened. He briefly exined how he had rushed to the Heavenly Nether Battlefield after the Ten Grand Ceremony ended.


    He was fortunate to have arrived in time. Had he been even a few minutester, he would have been left with nothing but the grim task of collecting their remains.


    "Thank you foring to save us," Mu Yueying said sincerely, her gratitude evident. Without Liu Wuxie¡¯s intervention, the consequences would have been unimaginable, and both she and Lin Tong would have died.


    "What''s his name?" Liu Wuxie asked, still unsure of Lin Tong''s name.


    "Lin Tong," Mu Yueying replied with a trace of gentleness shing in her eyes.


    "We''re still notpletely safe yet. We might''ve lost Yu Lin, but the Yin-Yang Valley has been temporarily sealed. None of us can escape," Liu Wuxie nodded. Judging from the looks of it, Lin Tong was someone worth trusting. His demeanor around him was extraordinary, suggesting he was from a distinguished lineage rather than a rogue cultivator.


    n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "We''vee face to face with death over the past month," Mu Yueying replied. The past month had been tormenting, and they had already made the preparations to die. It was a miracle that they were still alive.


    Had Liu Wuxie been one minuteter, Mu Yueying would''ve crushed the Alert Talisman, signaling her death.


    "Don''t worry about it. I promised the sect master to bring you two out of the Heavenly Nether Battlefield," Liu Wuxie said. It was still too soon to dwell on matters of life and death.


    The Yin-Yang Valley might''ve copsed, but it wasn''t aplete deathtrap yet. He believed there had be a way out.


    Mu Yueying believed in what Liu Wuxie said, just as she had trusted him back in the mundane world. She knew Liu Wuxie was extraordinary for reaching such a height in two years.


    The earthquakested for an entire hour before it finally ceased. By then, the yin mountain hadpletely split open, revealing a vast underground world. The underground environment wasplex, like abyrinth with coffin-like items scattered around, sending chills down the spine of anyone who looked at it.


    That was the same for the volcano as it had erupted, revealing arge hollow space with magma flowing out.


    There were arge number of cultivators who came in, but over a hundred had died for various reasons. Deathguards had killed the majority, while a small number were crushed to death by the fissures.


    "What lies beneath this ce? Why does it feel so unsettling?" Mu Yueying asked, looking at the abyss with a hint of shock.


    Liu Wuxie frowned, as even the Ghost Eye couldn''t prate the entire underground world. This troubled him greatly, as the Ghost Eye had never failed until now.


    Some bold individuals ventured into the abyss, convinced that treasures were waiting there. Then again, they were trapped in the Yin-Yang Valley and could only try their luck. After all, not even cultivators in the Nascent Transformation Realm could tear apart the swirling yin and yang energies in the sky.


    An hourter, Lin Tong opened his eyes, feeling significantly better. Most of his injuries had healed to the point that they no longer hindered him. As he rose to his feet, Mu Yueying quickly stepped forward to support him.


    "I''m fine!" Lin Tong reassured Mu Yueying that he was strong enough to stand on his own.


    "Thank you, little brother, for saving my life. I will never forget this kindness," Lin Tong said, giving a deep bow, though he still didn''t know Liu Wuxie''s name.


    "Big Brother Lin, you''re being too polite," Liu Wuxie said as he quickly came forward to support him. Since this person was someone Mu Yueying favored, Liu Wuxie would naturally give him enough respect.


    Mu Yueying introduced the two, and they became acquainted. Lin Tong was shocked to hear that Liu Wuxie came from the mundane world.


    Mu Yueying also shared Lin Tong''s story with Liu Wuxie. So it turned out that the Lin n was a top-tier n decades ago, only secondary to the ten major sects. But because of a disaster, the entire n was decimated with only a few survivors.


    Throughout the years, Lin Tong had relied on his unwavering dedication and hard work, gathering the surviving members of his n and strategizing to rebuild its former glory.


    Everyone had burdens, like how Liu Wuxie had to return to the Celestial Realm, while Lin Tong wasmitted to restoring his n''s legacy.


    "Ying''er, there''s something I would like to discuss with you," Lin Tong said, looking at Mu Yueying with determination.


    "There''s no need to ask me. You can do whatever you want," Mu Yueying said. Before Lin Tong, she was like a dedicated wife, starkly contrasting hermanding presence in the Treasure Pill Pavilion.


    "I want to give him the Crimson Mist Fruit," Lin Tong said as he removed an exquisite box from his interspatial ring, revealing the purple fruit within. This spiritual fruit had caused them so much trouble.


    Mu Yueying didn''t object to it, as they would''ve died if not for Liu Wuxie. With that, Lin Tong didn''t hesitate to give it to Liu Wuxie, requesting thetter to ept it.


    "I can''t ept it. This spiritual fruit belongs to the two of you, as you risked your lives to obtain it," Liu Wuxie protested, waving his hand. While the Indigo Mist Fruit was undeniably a treasure, Liu Wuxie refused to covet something that rightfully belonged to Mu Yueying and Lin Tong.


    "Brother Liu, listen to me," Lin Tong said earnestly. "After months of training, I¡¯ve already touched the threshold of the Nascent Transformation Realm. I¡¯ll make a breakthrough once I leave this ce. The Indigo Mist Fruit is no longer as useful to me, but we can maximize its benefits if you consume it." His suggestion was met with a nod of agreement from Mu Yueying.


    "Even so, I still cannot ept it," Liu Wuxie rejected. Though Lin Tong had touched the threshold of the Nascent Transformation Realm, he could reach the second level of the Nascent Transformation Realm if he consumed it.


    "Wuxie, listen to Big Brother Lin," Mu Yueying urged, her tone sincere. "ept it and refine it immediately. You¡¯re the strongest among the three of us, and it¡¯s futile for us to rely on our breakthroughs. If we reach the Nascent Transformation Realm, we¡¯ll only be sent out by the spatial teleportation. The greatest benefites from you consuming it," Mu Yueying urged, her words sincere.


    They would be forcibly teleported out if they made their breakthrough to the Nascent Transformation Realm, and there was only one Indigo Mist Fruit. Lin Tong and Mu Yueying couldn''t consume it as they were determined not to leave the other behind, even in death.


    However, increasing Liu Wuxie¡¯s strength would greatly improve their chances of survival. Both Lin Tong and Mu Yueying had been stuck at the pinnacle of the Astral River Realm for a long time, having fully excavated their potential through relentless training and the harrowing pursuit over the past month.


    They could make their breakthrough the moment they left this ursed ce. Thus, the Indigo Mist Fruit wouldn''t boost their strength significantly.


    On the contrary, it was a different story for Liu Wuxie, who could use the Indigo Mist Fruit to reach the fifth level of the Astral River Realm. If Liu Wuxie made a breakthrough, there would be a significant leap in his strength, and they would have a higher chance against Yu Lin''s group.


    "Brother Liu, ept it. This isn''t only to express our gratitude to you. But we can only guarantee our survival if you consume it," Lin Tong said, forcefully shoving the spiritual fruit into Liu Wuxie''s hands. He insisted that the spiritual fruit wasn''t a gift of gratitude but their ticket out of this ce alive.


    Given Liu Wuxie¡¯s deep bond with Mu Yueying, framing the Indigo Mist Fruit as a gift of gratitude would have been insulting. He hade to save them, not to receive thanks, and he had no intention of epting it under such terms.


    "Okay, I''ll ept it," Liu Wuxie said after pondering briefly, finding sense in what they said. They had no idea what they would face next, and he had to increase his cultivation as much as possible if he wanted to leave the Yin-Yang Valley as soon as possible.


    "Keep watch for me." Liu Wuxie scanned the surroundings with Ghost Eye to verify that there were no dangers before preparing to make a breakthrough. He then retrieved the Indigo Mist Fruit from the box and consumed it.


    The spiritual fruit''s glow was like a mixture of crimson and indigo, instantly illuminating him from within. His internal organs lit up as the deste world began to devour the energy.


    Liu Wuxie even circted the Deste Devouring Art to devour the energies from the yin and yang swirling whirlpools, converting them into spiritual liquids that poured into the deste world.


    When Liu Wuxie absorbed the deathly energy, the deste world was bleak and lifeless at first. But after heprehended the profundity of Yin and Yang, this added two variations to the deste world, much like day and night. Even he was surprised by the transformation.


    Mu Yueying and Lin Tong''s faces changed. They didn''t expect Liu Wuxie''s breakthrough to cause such amotion, rapidly devouring the surrounding spiritual energy.


    As the aura Liu Wuxie gave off began to rise, it took him only the blink of an eye to reach the fifth level of the Astral River Realm.


    He then retrieved arge number of high-grade spirit stones and fed them into the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron. The spirit stones were instantly converted into spiritual liquid and poured into the deste world.


    If someone else had absorbed so much energy, their dantian would have shattered from the massive influx. However, the energy was only sufficient for Liu Wuxie''s breakthrough, and he would need even more for his next breakthrough.

 Chapter 683 - Fifth-Level of the Astral River Realm

    <h4>Chapter 683 - Fifth-Level of the Astral River Realm</h4>


    After killing Du Yuan and hispanions, Liu Wuxie had acquired a significant cache of resources. Being cultivators from the Central ins, they were wealthy, and their possessions included arge quantity of high-grade spirit stones¡ªenough to sustain Liu Wuxie''s cultivation for some time.


    As the high-grade spirit stones exploded in a radiant disy of energy, Lin Tong and Mu Yueying watched in astonishment. They finally understood how Liu Wuxie, at only the fourth level of the Astral River Realm, had been able to defeat cultivators at its pinnacle. The sheer amount of spiritual energy he absorbed far exceeded that of ordinary cultivators.


    As the crisis in the Yin-Yang Valley was far from over, Liu Wuxie elerated his cultivation. Countlessws of the Astral River Realm descended from the sky.


    Thews in the Heavenly Nether Battlefield were over a dozen times stronger than those in the Southern Province, which meant the benefits were more significant. The stronger thews, the more powerful the strength. As for Liu Wuxie, there were countlessws in the deste world.


    The tremors in the Yin-Yang Valley had subsided. While there were still asional quakes, the underground world nowy fully exposed to everyone. Rows of ancient coffins stretched as far as the eye could see, and the ominous presence of deathguards was undeniable.


    These coffins housed the remains of those buried here long ago, but the reason for the sudden exposure of this hidden world remained a mystery. It left everyone present grappling with the unfathomable events that had unfolded.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s breakthrough naturally attracted the attention of countless cultivators, drawing them toward intense energy fluctuations. Many mistakenly believed these fluctuations signaled the emergence of a rare treasure.


    "Someone''sing!" Mu Yueying went into a battle stance with her weapon in her hand. She was determined not to let anyone disrupt Liu Wuxie''s breakthrough. As for Lin Tong, he guarded Liu Wuxie as thest line of defense.


    Three figures quickly closed in, their auras radiating immense power. All were at the pinnacle of the Astral River Realm, making them formidable opponents on par with Mu Yueying. She knew she couldn¡¯t hold all of them off alone.


    "It''s the Indigo Mist Fruit''s aura! Didn''t Yu Lin kill them? What are they still doing here?" The three neers were shocked at the sight of Mu Yueying and Yu Lin.


    Yu Lin''s relentless pursuit of the two over the past month was well-known among cultivators.


    "Big brother, let''s kill him and drink his blood before hepletely refines the Indigo Mist Fruit. It can transfer the Indigo Mist Fruit''s energy to us," one of the men suggested. He fixed his gaze on Liu Wuxie with murderous intent.


    "Take another step forward, and don¡¯t me me for what happens next!" Mu Yueying warned, raising her sword to her chest. Her voice was firm, and her intent was clear¡ªif they dared to advance, she would strike without hesitation.


    "You think you can stop us alone? What a joke!" one of the men sneered. While Mu Yueying might be formidable one-on-one, they believed their three-to-one advantage gave them the upper hand.


    On the other hand, Lin Tong couldn''t leave Liu Wuxie unguarded as it would only leave him vulnerable.


    The battle erupted in an instant. The attackers knew that if they allowed Liu Wuxie to fully refine the Indigo Mist Fruit, their efforts would be in vain¡ªeven killing him afterward wouldn¡¯t let them im its power.


    Mu Yueying''s frustration simmered. Her strength had undergone a drastic boost after she had recovered from her injuries, and she managed to hold her ground against the three for the time being. But this wasn''t asting solution.


    Liu Wuxie observed the battle unfolding around him but remained unable to intervene. The deste world was still expanding, and he needed to wait for it to stabilize before moving freely. Meanwhile, his cultivation continued to rise, reaching thete phase of the fifth level.


    "Take three steps back and one step to the right before thrusting your sword at a forty-five-degree angle," Liu Wuxie''s calm voice entered Mu Yueying''s ears. Even while making his breakthrough, he maintained a hint of divine sense outside to monitor the fight.


    Mu Yueying didn''t hesitate to follow Liu Wuxie''s instructions, and a bizarre scene urred. The three opponents moved right into the path of her sword. If they continued to advance further, the sword would stab them.


    They were forced to halt their attack midway and could only retreat.


    "Advance two steps and perform the Falling Autumn Leaves," Liu Wuxie''s voice sounded again. This was a move of a sword technique from the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, and he believed Mu Yueying knew how to use it.


    Without hesitation, Mu Yueying followed his guidance. Another bizarre scene unfolded¡ªbefore the three opponents could stabilize themselves, a powerful sword aura surged forward, aimed directly at their chests. They were forced into a frantic retreat, and their coordinated attack was disrupted once more.


    The trio began to panic. Just moments ago, they had held the upper hand, pushing Mu Yueying into a corner. But now, the tide had inexplicably turned. She exploited ws in their techniques with precision, countering their attacks effectively.


    n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "Big brother, there¡¯s something strange about her," one of them said warily. The first instance could be dismissed as luck, but when it happened again, it was anything but normal.


    Lin Tong¡¯s gaze flickered toward Liu Wuxie, his eyes filled with shock. He realized that Mu Yueying¡¯s sudden advantage was entirely due to Liu Wuxie¡¯s guidance. Not only had Liu Wuxie deciphered their movements with uncanny uracy, but he had also enabled Mu Yueying to respond with pinpoint counterattacks. Even Lin Tong himself couldn¡¯t have orchestrated such swift and effective retaliation.


    "This is a mere coincidence. Go into formation!" The leader gave the order, and the trio instantly shifted into a formation. Their strength grew significantly, and defeating their formation would be challenging.


    "The Kun position, retreat to the Li position, advance to the Kan position, and execute the fourth and seventh move of the Gale Sword Art, followed by the Autumn Form of the Four Seasons Sword..." Liu Wuxie''s precise instructions echoed in Mu Yueying''s ears once again.


    Mu Yueying frowned when the trio entered the formation; there was nothing she could do about it. But after receiving Liu Wuxie''s instructions, her movements became as fluid as a butterfly.


    Though Liu Wuxie had never practiced the techniques of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion himself, he had thoroughly studied them. He had practically read through all the books in the Book Collection Hall.


    When he had provided the four pills to the sect, they had rewarded him with a batch of martial techniques, but he had tossed them into his interspatial ring without a second thought. Practicing them hadn¡¯t seemed worth his time.


    The trio''s attacks missed, failing tond on Mu Yueying. She first performed the Gale Sword Art before moving to the Four Seasons Sword.


    Cries of pain erupted from the trio as Mu Yueying¡¯s relentless strikes found their targets. Blood sttered as her attacks repeatedly broke through their defenses. Their battle formation, still iplete, was disrupted before they could unleash its full power.


    The trio could no longer maintain theirposure, their expressions twisting in frustration and disbelief. "What¡¯s going on?" they eximed.


    Though injured, they hadn¡¯t sustained any fatal wounds. But if it were Liu Wuxie in Mu Yueying''s position, he would''ve already killed them with one strike, which was the difference in strength.


    "I refuse to believe it! I don''t believe she can keep predicting our attacks," the leader cursed. They continued with their battle formation, and their speed was twice as fast as before.


    Mu Yueying''s attacks changed again. Her attacks shifted hundreds of times in mere breaths. She was familiar with various sword techniques as she was the daughter of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s sect master and had guidance from Liu Wuxie. Even if she couldn''t kill them, it wasn''t an issue for her to hold them off.


    The battle remained locked in a stalemate. It was unimaginable for Mu Yueying that she could hold the upper hand in the fight even if she were outnumbered.


    They had already exchanged hundreds of moves, and the trio lost their patience, even resorting to despicable means. This instantly ced Mu Yueying in a disadvantageous position again. She was barely holding her ground, even with Liu Wuxie''s guidance.


    After all, Mu Yueying wasn''t Liu Wuxie, and she only knew some moves. Knowing a technique and mastering it were two very different things.


    "Big Brother Lin, go and help her! I''ll be fine," Liu Wuxie said, ncing at Lin Tong and motioning for him to help Mu Yueying. He had alreadypleted his breakthrough, but these people, who were no more than insects, were unworthy of his effort.


    On the other hand, he could use this method to allow Mu Yueying and Lin Tong to temper their martial techniques.


    When Lin Tong nced at Liu Wuxie, he noticed that his cultivation had stabilized. Without hesitation, he nodded and joined the fray, reinforcing Mu Yueying and instantly shifting the tide of the battle.


    As someone who walked the line between life and death countless times, Lin Tong''s skills surpassed Mu Yueying, unleashing various spectacr techniques. He had observed the fight earlier and was familiar with the trio''s attacks.


    Lin Tong''s sword drew an arc in the air and severed an opponent''s arm, rendering thetter powerless. Mu Yueying and Lin Tong''s fighting spirits zed with one less opponent.


    Mu Yueying also unleashed her strongest attack, not wanting to be outdone. Her sword shed through an opponent''s neck as blood gushed out.


    With that, only one opponent was left, barely holding on under Mu Yueying and Lin Tong''s relentless attacks with no chance of escape.


    "You forced my hand!" Thest man was consumed by rage as he retrieved a peculiar talisman from his interspatial ring. He infused his true essence into it, and the talisman grew in size.


    "Watch out, that''s the Ominous Talisman! Retreat!" Liu Wuxie didn''t expect the trio to possess such a sinister talisman. If the talisman exploded, its ominous aura would enter everyone''s bodies, halting their cultivation for the rest of their lives.


    The remaining man did it with the determination to drag everyone down with him. Even if he couldn''t kill them, he would make them feel agony for the rest of their lives that couldn''t be purged.


    The ominous aura was akin to a heart demon, destined to gue its victim for life. Upon entering the body, it would burrow into the meridians and merge with the blood. For those afflicted, circting their true essence would result in excruciating pain searing through their meridians.


    Fortunately, Liu Wuxie reacted quickly, allowing Mu Yueying and Lin Tong to retreat. But as the man had intended to drag everyone down with him, he naturally wouldn''t let the two retreat.


    The Earth-Binding Chains could only immobilize people and couldn''t affect the spiritual talisman, which had already grown in size, a sign that it was about to be fully activated.


    "Heavenly Dragon Seal, suppress!" Liu Wuxie didn''t hesitate to bring out the Heavenly Dragon Seal, destroying the Ominous Talisman before it could fully activate.


    Boundless pressure also descended with the Heavenly Dragon Seal, crushing thest opponent to death.


    However, its range was vast, and Mu Yueying and Lin Tong were caught within its suppressive force. They were sent flying, coughing up blood from the impact. Despite their injuries, Liu Wuxie had no other option¡ªit was the only way to save them from a far worse fate.


    He quickly recalled the Heavenly Dragon Seal, and the dragon aura dissipated.


    "Heal up quickly!" Mu Yueying and Lin Tong''s injuries weren''t serious as they were only caught in the aftershock, and they could recover by circting their true essence multiple times. Not to mention, Liu Wuxie had an abundance of healing pills.


    Before the Ten Grand Ceremony, Bi Gongyu had prepared tons of healing pills in case Liu Wuxie was injured, and they all came in handy now.


    Due to the prompt treatment, Mu Yueying and Lin Tong''s injuries were swiftly suppressed.


    Roughly fifteen minutester, the two hadpletely recovered from their injuries. But for some reason, their aura became even stronger after experiencing the Heavenly Dragon Seals'' suppression. Lin Tong¡¯s aura, in particr, began to transition toward the Nascent Transformation Realm.


    That was also the case for Mu Yueying, who was closer to her breakthrough.


    They had purposely refrained from making a breakthrough in the past as there were dangers if their preparation wasn''t sufficient. In addition to theck of umtion, a failed breakthrough would squander years of effort.


    Typically, they would only attempt a breakthrough when they were absolutely confident. However, the Heavenly Dragon Seal¡¯s suppression had excavated theirtent potential, pushing them to the brink of advancement. At this point, suppressing their breakthroughs forcibly could jeopardize their future cultivation progress.

 Chapter 684 - Breakthrough to the Nascent Transformation Realm

    <h4>Chapter 684 - Breakthrough to the Nascent Transformation Realm</h4>


    The dantian was like a dam. When the water began to overflow, a breakthrough would be inevitable.


    When Mu Yueying and Lin Tong were in the Heavenly Nether Battlefield, they had reinforced the dam to prevent water from overflowing. But the situation had changed; the Heavenly Dragon Seal had shattered the dams.


    When faced with the Heavenly Dragon Seal''s suppression, they instinctively released their true essence to resist the pressure. This process also brought significant benefits, as the purity of their true essence increased onefold.


    With the dams destroyed, their true essence had to be channeled, and suppressing it would harm their bodies. The only solution was for them to channel their true essence to argerke by making a breakthrough in the Nascent Transformation Realm. Only theke in the Nascent Transformation Realm could contain their true essence.


    "I can''t hold back much longer," Lin Tong said with a wry smile. If they both made a breakthrough in the Nascent Transformation Realm, they would be expelled from the Heavenly Nether Battlefield, returning to the Southern Province. But he didn''t want to leave Mu Yueying alone there, and his face turned red from holding back his cultivation.


    "Me neither!" Mu Yueying replied.


    "You two should make a breakthrough and leave this ce. Return to the sect first," Liu Wuxie said, deciding for them. As the spatialws in the Heavenly Nether Battlefield rejected the process of forming the primordial spirit, they would be expelled as a result.


    This was because the battle in ancient times had shattered the fabric of the spatialws.


    "No, we can''t possibly leave you alone!" Lin Tong protested strongly. Liu Wuxie had saved their lives, and he couldn''t abandon Liu Wuxie in the Heavenly Nether Battlefield if he made his breakthrough now.


    Mu Yueying nodded, agreeing with Lin Tong. If they left the Heavenly Nether Battlefield safely, they would feel guilty if anything happened to Liu Wuxie. They would share life and death with Liu Wuxie, and they wouldn''t allow themselves to be deserters.


    "Fools!" Liu Wuxie scolded, unbothered that they were older than him.


    The two didn''t take it to heart as they knew Liu Wuxie meant well.


    "You two have witnessed my strength. If even I can''t leave this ce alive, what help can you offer by staying behind?" Liu Wuxie questioned.


    The two had witnessed his strength. If he couldn¡¯t escape, their presence would only result in needless deaths.


    "Even so, we still refuse to leave!" Lin Tong was stubborn. Even if they couldn''t help Liu Wuxie, they would at least die together.


    "Wuxie, don''t say any more. We''re staying," Mu Yueying said, firmly in agreement. She was forcibly suppressing her breakthrough, and she might have to resort to sealing her cultivation if there was no choice. But if their cultivations were sealed, they would be left powerless like mortals.


    "The two of you will only hold me back. Break through and leave this ce!" Liu Wuxie said. He didn''t want to waste time with them, so he formed seals with his hands and injected them into their bodies.


    As the two began forming their primordial spirit, Liu Wuxie took out a pile of high-grade spirit stones, crushed them, and injected the liquified spiritual energy into their bodies. He didn''t ask for their opinion and helped them forcefully make a breakthrough. It was now toote for them to stop their breakthrough, no matter how they tried to struggle.


    N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Mu Yueying and Lin Tong''s aura grew stronger, and they broke through the restraints of the Astral River Realm. They had no choice but to sit down, allowing their cultivation to rise.


    When they made a breakthrough to the first level of the Nascent Transformation Realm, they quickly advanced towards its pinnacle.


    Meanwhile, Liu Wuxie continued to form seals with his hands to help guide their true essence. The entire processsted an hour before they both reached the pinnacle of the first level.


    The surrounding spatialws began to suppress them, and they could not contain thews after their breakthrough.


    "Wuxie, promise us to return no matter what," Mu Yueying said with tears streaming down her face. Lin Tong also clenched his fists in response. He also wanted to stay behind and fight alongside Liu Wuxie, but he could do nothing about it.


    "Return to the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion after leaving the Heavenly Nether Battlefield. Tell the sect master not to worry about me," Liu Wuxie said calmly.


    A spatial rift appeared, and the two held hands as they were pulled into it, which brought them back to the Southern Province.


    After sending the two away, Liu Wuxie began to scan his surroundings. He could only rely on his strength to leave the Heavenly Nether Battlefield.


    After all, he couldn''t reach the Nascent Transformation Realm anytime soon, at least not in the next year or so. The higher his cultivation, the slower his progress naturally became.


    With a few leaps, Liu Wuxie swiftly left the ce. He saw a few groups of cultivators heading in a specific direction, and they had likely discovered something. His speed had significantly increased after reaching the fifth level of the Astral River Realm, and he streaked across the sky like aet.


    <strong>......</strong>


    Mu Tianli lingered outside the exit to the Heavenly Nether Battlefield. The Alert Talisman, in his hand, was like a weight pressing on his heart.


    Suddenly, space began to ripple as two figures emerged, tumbling to the ground.


    Mu Tianli approached without hesitation and quickly took Mu Yueying into his arms upon seeing her. "Ying''er!"


    "Father!" Mu Yueying cried out.


    As for Lin Tong, he merely stood by the side silently.


    "What happened? Why are there only the two of you? Where''s Wuxie?" Mu Tianli asked, letting go of his daughter. Through this incident, he hade to terms with his daughter''s choice, and the identity of her partner no longer mattered to him, whether he was a rogue cultivator or a disciple of a prestigious sect. His character genuinely mattered, and he trusted his daughter''s judgment.


    "Wuxie, he..." Mu Yueying didn''t know where to start. They were now safe, but Liu Wuxie was still in danger. Not only did he have to face Yu Lin''s pursuit, but he might have to face many deathguards.


    Their divine sense had been greatly enhanced upon reaching the Nascent Transformation Realm, allowing them to detect the deathguards lurking underground. This was why they felt so terrible when they came out.


    "What''s wrong with Wuxie?" Mu Tianli asked, his voice tinged with concern. After the events of the Ten Grand Ceremony, he hade to regard Liu Wuxie as his own child.


    If Liu Wuxie had perished while saving Mu Yueying and Lin Tong, he would feel guilty for the rest of his life.


    "He''s still in the Heavenly Nether Battlefield!" Mu Yueying stopped crying.


    Upon hearing that Liu Wuxie was alive, Mu Tianli felt relief. He believed in Liu Wuxie''s abilities. After all, despite the harsh conditions, thetter had survived the Ten Grand Ceremony.


    Not only had Liu Wuxie killed Deng Yong and Bai Yuan, but he had also obtained first ce. This was why Mu Tianli believed such a monstrous prodigy wouldn''t die easily. Not to mention, Liu Wuxie had also received the blessing of the Southern Province and was empowered by the entire region''s fortune.


    The three sat down as Mu Yueying recounted every detail of what had happened in the Heavenly Nether Battlefield. When Mu Tianli heard cultivators from the Central ins had pursued his daughter, his face darkened with worry.


    Lin Tong''s decision to let Liu Wuxie have the Indigo Mist Fruit also earned Mu Tianli''s heartfelt admiration, and his tone softened. At the very least, Lin Tong wasn''t a scheming opportunist by doing what was needed at critical moments instead of monopolizing the Indigo Mist Fruit himself.


    "Father, please find a way to save Wuxie!" Mu Yueying pleaded, clutching her father''s arm. Since he had sent Liu Wuxie to rescue them, surely he could find a way to rescue Liu Wuxie as well.


    "No one can save him now, and he can only rely on himself," Mu Tianli muttered, his gaze fixed on the Heavenly Nether Battlefield. Liu Wuxie¡¯s reasoning was sound¡ªif he couldn¡¯t survive, sending more people in would be futile and would only lead to more casualties.


    "What do we do? Are we just going to wait here?" Mu Yueying asked, her chest tightening with frustration. They had safely escaped and even advanced in their cultivation, yet Liu Wuxie was left to face the danger alone.


    "Didn¡¯t he tell us to wait for him in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion? I¡¯ll stay here and wait for him," Mu Tianli said calmly. He believed the two of them needed rest after the harrowing ordeal in the Heavenly Nether Battlefield.


    "We''re not going back. Mu Yueying dered resolutely. The thought of returning filled her with unease. At least staying nearby gave her some smallfort.


    "Ying''er, you go back first. I''ll stay behind and wait for Brother Liu," Lin Tong interjected, offering to remain and wait for Liu Wuxie himself.


    "No! I must see Wuxie return with my own eyes!" Mu Yueying said.


    Lin Tong understood Mu Yueying¡¯s temperament well¡ªonce she made up her mind, no one could sway her. Mu Tianli knew this too, recalling how Mu Yueying had left home for four years. If he hadn¡¯t sent someone to bring her back, she might never have returned.


    He had already lost her once, and he didn''t want to lose her again.


    <strong>......</strong>


    Liu Wuxie slowed his pace after traveling several kilometers, arriving at the core of Yin Mountain.


    "An entrance underground!" Liu Wuxie muttered as he halted in mid-air. The sight of a fully formed underground entrance caught him off guard. What could be hidden below? Monsters? Secrets? No one could say for sure.


    Some cultivators had already ventured inside, driven by necessity. For those on the brink of breaking into the Nascent Transformation Realm, staying above ground was impossible. If danger arose, they could advance to the Nascent Transformation Realm and escape, just as Mu Yueying and Lin Tong had.


    However, it was another question for those in the high levels of the Astral River Realm. They could only try to find the exit as they couldn''t leave through making a breakthrough. Thus, they were forced to head underground to gamble for survival.


    More cultivators continued to enter the underground as the ravine between the two mountain ranges sank further into ruins. The once-majestic mountain ranges had vanished, reced by boundless deathly energy pouring out from below.


    Liu Wuxie nced at the sky, observing the yin and yang swirling whirlpools growing even stronger. Someone tried to escape by flying but was only ripped into pieces.


    Since then, no one dared to fly. People would rather venture underground than stay on the surface.


    Liu Wuxie arrivedte, as most of the cultivators had already entered the underground. This was because he had helped Mu Yueying and Lin Tong with their breakthroughs, spending more than two hours.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 685 - Mysterious Corpse

    <h4>Chapter 685 - Mysterious Corpse</h4>


    Liu Wuxie also didn''t have a choice, as staying above ground meant certain death. Since there was an underground world, there was likely an exit out of the Yin-Yang Valley. Moreover, the mysterious tree seemed to beckon him, hinting at the presence of treasures there.


    The treasures remained a mystery, and Liu Wuxie could only take one step at a time. He followed the fissure and descended underground.


    His surroundings weren''t as dark as he had imagined. A dim light illuminated them, allowing him to see underground.


    When the dense, deathly energy swept through, it became clear that the underground was saturated with heavenlyher energy¡ªthousands of times stronger than what existed outside. Ordinary people entering this space had to shut their five orifices to prevent the invasive energy from seeping into their bodies.


    However, it was a different story for Liu Wuxie, who brought out the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron to devour the surrounding heavenlyher energy. The energy was converted into a green liquid, which fused into the deste world.


    As Liu Wuxiended, he noticed that the underground world was damp and shrouded in heavy moisture, with a thinyer of ice covering the ground. The intense cold made him shiver slightly as the surrounding temperature dropped rapidly.


    Taking out the Heretic de, Liu Wuxie remained alert, prepared for any unforeseen dangers. He carefully followed the path, realizing he was likely thest to arrive as most cultivators had already ventured deeper into the underground world.


    n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    To his dismay, he found his Ghost Eye rendered ineffective. The walls seemed to be coated with a mysterious substance that blocked all divine senses, forcing him to rely solely on his instincts and tread with caution.


    After walking for about ten minutes, the narrow passage opened into a massive underground cavern.


    "How did this happen?" Liu Wuxie was in deep shock when he saw this scene. The underground world was filled with countless coffins, and this was an unimaginable sight.


    Some bold cultivators had drawn their weapons, attempting to pry open the lids of the coffins, clearly hoping to find treasures hidden inside. Others stood at a distance, fearful of the unknown and unwilling to approach, wary of the potential dangers that could be unleashed.


    The coffins created an eerie atmosphere that was deeply unsettling. They didn''t know who could''ve set them up in this manner there. The surroundings were also filled with deathly energy, manifesting into shadowy figures that hovered in the air.


    When a coffin was pried open, crackling sounds echoed from within, reverberating through the cavern.


    Even if Liu Wuxie''s Ghost Eye was ineffective, it didn''t hinder his sight. Many people leaned over when the coffin was pried open, wanting to see what was within.


    Liu Wuxie stood fifty meters away from them, but because he was on higher ground, he had a clear view of what was happening.


    "It''s a body!" The cultivators who pried open the coffin exchanged puzzled nces.


    "What a strange corpse. It looks so lifelike, almost as if it''s still alive," those gathered in the surroundings began to point fingers at the body in the coffin.


    Inside the coffiny a young man who appeared no older than thirty. His striking features and lifelikeplexion were indistinguishable from those of an ordinary person. This was strange, as it had been an eternity since anyone had found humans in the Heavenly Nether Battlefield. The cultivators who entered were merely visitors, leaving once their training wasplete.


    No one knew how long these coffins had been here. Typically, only cultivators who had reached the True Profound Realm could preserve their bodies against the ravages of time. Yet, the corpse in this coffin clearly hadn¡¯t reached that level, raising unsettling questions. Why were the corpses so well-preserved? And what was their true nature?


    "Holy shit, what the hell is this ce?" the robust man who had pried open the coffin eximed in frustration. He was a cultivator at the pinnacle of the Astral River Realm, wielding a massive de, and clearly annoyed at finding a fresh corpse instead of treasures.


    "Old Bull, your hair... it''s turning white!" one of hispanions cried out, his voice trembling with fear. Everyone turned to see the robust man¡¯s hair rapidly losing its color and bing stark white. This chilling sight sent a wave of panic through the crowd, causing many to retreat, their faces pale with dread.


    Everything happened too quickly, and Liu Wuxie had a hint of disbelief on his face. The underground world was too bizarre. He couldn''t even find why the robust man''s hair rapidly turned white.


    The robust man couldn''t look at his hair, and he sliced off a lock with his de, confirming the unsettling truth that his hair hadpletely turned white.


    "Fuck! Seal the coffin immediately!" Though the robust man was bold, this scene frightened him, especially when his hair turned white. He quickly worked with hispanions to cover the coffin, but an even more unsettling scene urred when they were about to cover it up.


    "H-He came to life!" a terrified scream shattered the uneasy silence. Chaos erupted from the crowd as everyone fled, leaving the robust man behind.


    Liu Wuxie, who had been watching the entire process intently, noticed the eyelids of the man in the coffin twitching.


    Though the earlier scream might have been exaggerated, the eerie scene was enough to keep everyone far away from the coffins, fearing death or worse.


    "Old Bull, what are you waiting for? Run!" one of the robust man¡¯spanions shouted from a safe distance. Despite being cultivators supposedly unafraid of the supernatural, the bizarre scene had shaken them to their core. Their trembling legs betrayed their fear, as they had never encountered a corpse that could move after thousands of years.


    The robust man, however, remainedposed and turned around. When a dim light illuminated his face, it had a ghastly green hue, a horrifying sight that sent chills down everyone''s spines.


    A faint devilish smile hung on his lips, and he looked like apletely different person from before.


    Liu Wuxie narrowed his eyes as he had noticed something. He murmured to himself, "He''s already dead."


    The robust man was already dead; his body no longer belonged to him. With an eerie calmness, he raised the de in his hand and pressed it against his neck. Slowly, he began slicing through his throat, crimson blood spilling down and staining the coffin behind him.


    The robust man¡¯spanion was so terrified that he didn¡¯t dare utter a word. The robust man had always been fearless, even from a young age, making it iprehensible how he had sumbed to such an incident.


    "No!" hispanions cried out, their voices trembling with fear. Yet, none dared to approach, choosing instead to stay at a distance, powerless to intervene.


    The robust man remained unresponsive to their desperate calls. Instead, he continued to cut himself with his de, the sharp, grating sound sending chills down everyone¡¯s spines. Those with weaker resolve copsed to the ground, trembling and unable to muster the strength to stand.


    As the robust man cut himself with his de, his eerieughter echoed throughout the cavern, the sound piercing into their souls. The sound was so sharp that everyone could hear it clearly, even if they had closed their senses.


    Blood sttered onto the ground, staining the surrounding coffins red. Strangely, the blood soaking into the ground seemed to be devoured unnaturally, as if consumed by the earth itself.


    Liu Wuxie had been paying attention to the surroundings, and it looked like intricate patterns had devoured the blood on the ground.


    "Is this a trap?" Liu Wuxie''s eyes shed with deep concern. If so, whoever was behind it had nned it long ago.


    The hundreds of cultivators had vanished in the blink of an eye, fleeing toward the depths of the underground world through the few tunnels.


    Liu Wuxie was left alone on the spot, and the situation was more severe than he could imagine. The underground world was filled with dangers and opportunities.


    While there might be riches lying ahead, so did dangers. The mysterious death of the robust man had left a heavy shadow looming over everyone''s hearts, including Liu Wuxie¡¯s. He had to be careful with every step, or he might lose his life there.


    When Liu Wuxie shifted his gaze to the coffins again, he froze, and a chill ran from his feet to his head. He murmured, his voice trembling, "It''s gone?"


    The corpse lying in the coffin had mysteriously vanished, reced by the robust man. Everything had taken ce under his nose, but he couldn''t sense anything. His mind was reeled with unanswered questions, trying to connect the disappeared corpse with the robust man''s unnatural death.


    He dared not linger and chose the nearest tunnel, dashing in. But shortly after his departure, a hauntingughter echoed through the cavern.


    The missing corpse descended from mid-air,nding on the ground like a feather without any weight. He wore a twisted expression, and his body was stiff. It was as though his body had be stiff after dying for so long.


    Strange runes began to appear on the corpse, and Liu Wuxie would have recognized them if he had been present. The runes were a sign of the Blood Curse, an ancient curse that had long vanished in history but had reappeared in the underground world.


    Human blood was required to engrave the Blood Curse, and few in the Celestial Realm knew about it. This was why it was unbelievable that it had appeared in the True Martial Continent.


    As the Blood Curse continued to spread, the corpse began to wither, and the Blood Curses became sigils that seeped into the surrounding coffins.


    It didn''t take long before creaking sounds came from the surrounding coffins as they opened, causing a bizarre scene. All the corpses began to hover in the air, formingrger Blood Curses before seeping into the ground.


    Countless deathguards who were in deep slumber had awakened. Anyone would be shocked to see that the Blood Curses could control the deathguards.


    <strong>......</strong>


    Meanwhile, Liu Wuxie grew more cautious after entering the tunnel. The underground world wasplicated, like abyrinth, and no one knew where this tunnel would lead him.


    As the surrounding temperature began to fall, Liu Wuxie realized that the underground world was vaster than he had imagined. At times, he found himself in vast open spaces, and at others, he had to squeeze through narrow passages.


    Liu Wuxie soon found himself lost, as the Ghost Eye was ineffective here. He had left marks in his path, but when he returned, the marks had vanished.


    "Don''t kill me! Don''t kill me!" terrified screams echoed in front of Liu Wuxie as three cultivators ran toward him in a frenzy.


    They were the robust man''spanions, their faces twisted with terror as they brandished their weapons wildly. It was a strange and unsettling sight¡ªthere was nothing visible around them, yet they swung their weapons in random, desperate motions as if fighting unseen enemies.


    At first, their attacks seemed random, shing at the air in panic. But soon, their desperation turned into madness as they began attacking each other.


    "Take this!" Cried a man on the right, his sword hacking into the man on the left. He wouldugh as he swung his sword.


    The man in the middle had stabbed his sword into the heart of the man on the right with a bizarre smile hanging on his lips.

 Chapter 686 - Blood Curse

    <h4>Chapter 686 - Blood Curse</h4>


    It didn''t take long before the threey motionless in pools of their own blood. Two were gravely injured, teetering on the brink of death, struggling to breathe.


    The third, though his injuries were less severe, had wounds that were beyond saving. He clung desperately to life, his breaths shallow andbored.


    "W-Why did you kill me?" the man with the heaviest injuries asked weakly, his voice trembling with confusion as he turned to hispanion. rity flickered in his eyes for a moment before he slumped lifelessly, drawing hisst breath.


    The one who had struck him moved his lips as though trying to exin, but no words came. Momentster, he too sumbed to his injuries, falling silent.


    As for the final survivor, hey sprawled on the ground, gasping for breath as blood flowed from his abdomen.


    Liu Wuxie quickly stepped forward but didn''t dare to get too close. He merely injected a strand of his true essence to dy the final survivor''s death.


    "What''s going on? Why did you turn on each other?" Liu Wuxie asked. He needed answers to find out what had led to this horrific scene.


    "Demons...so many demons...they can burrow into your mind and control it..." the man gasped, his voice weakening as he drew hisst breath.


    When Liu Wuxie stood up, he fell into silence with shock on his face.


    "Demons? Ones capable of controlling the mind?" Liu Wuxie had never heard of such creatures before. He wondered if the three had stepped into an illusory array and if what they had seen was all an illusion.


    He could only convince himself in this manner as he couldn''t figure out what could control the minds of others. Many demon ns could also practice witchcraft to control the bodies of humans, but even they couldn''t reach this level.


    At most, the demon ns could only manipte humans to do something they weren''t willing to do, but not to the level of infighting. Those with strong willpower could even resist witchcraft.


    Liu Wuxie could only give up since he couldn''t find clues from the three corpses. He could only carry on his journey forward as his footsteps echoed in the underground world.


    If it were someone with a weaker will, they would''ve wet themselves by the eerie surroundings.


    When Liu Wuxie''s divine sense twitched, he didn''t hesitate to swing the Heretic de down at a shadow. He had already attacked when the shadow appeared and quickly stepped forward.


    To his surprise, it was an enormous rat, and this was the first time Liu Wuxie had seen such arge rodent. It was sliced apart by the de aura, and it began to twitch as it soon died.


    Since Liu Wuxie couldn''t use Ghost Eye, he could only rely on his divine sense to watch the surroundings.


    "This ce is too abnormal, and everything here seems to have mutated. There seems to be an invisible forcefield affecting everything in the surroundings," Liu Wuxie murmured. It should be a mysterious energy that maniptes the minds, pulling the victims into an illusion and allowing them to perceive a twisted reality.


    n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Whizzing sounds echoed from the tunnel that felt like something was flying toward him, and he didn''t hesitate to swing the Heretic de down. Sparks flew as two deathguards appeared before him. But due to their imprable defenses, they weren''t injured at all.


    "Thousand-year deathguard!" Liu Wuxie was shocked by the appearance of the two deathguards. He had relied on the Soul Spear to kill a thousand-year deathguard when he was outside, and it wasn''t a good situation for him to face two.


    He believed the other cultivators must have also encountered simr situations, facing the pursuit of deathguards. He didn''t use Soul Spear and relied on Frost Finger to freeze the two deathguards in ce instead. They couldn''t break free, no matter how they tried to struggle.


    Since Liu Wuxie hadprehended the profundity of Yin and Yang, he had a stronger insight on ice-attribute energy. While the Frost Finger wasn''t as powerful as the Annihtion Fist, it was above the True Strike. This was the difference between martial techniques and dao techniques.


    The two thousand-year deathguards brandished their ws and even had a smile on their lips.


    Liu Wuxie''s heart trembled. Though the thousand-year deathguards had no flesh on their faces, their jagged teeth formed what appeared to be a smile. It was eerily simr to the robust man''s expression before his death, making him suspect these deathguards were also being manipted.


    His suspicion grew stronger, and it didn''t simply look like an illusion. Deathguards weren''t living creatures, so how could illusions work on them? His divine sense began to pierce into their skulls to inspect their death crystals.


    He had never brought out the Heavenly Dao''s sacred light since he had entered the Heavenly Nether Battlefield.


    "What''s that?" Liu Wuxie eximed with a hint of shock in his eyes. He noticed a crimson rune in the deathguards'' death crystals. This was unlike the deathguard he had encountered previously, as there wasn''t any crimson rune in his death crystal.


    "Are these crimson runes controlling the deathguards?" Liu Wuxie concluded grimly. If that was the case, there were likely crimson runes in the soul seas of the robust man and the three cultivators. He hadn''t noticed it back then, so he hadn''t searched their soul seas.


    He soon made a replica of the crimson rune before bringing out the Heavenly Dao''s sacred light to shine on the two deathguards. The two deathguards writhed in anguish as they gradually vanished into ashes.


    Once he had defeated the deathguards, his divine sense entered his soul sea to restore the crimson rune he had imprinted earlier. The moment it appeared, the Heavenly Dao Book began to tremble violently.


    The crimson rune had etched itself onto the Heavenly Dao Book, looking ominous, like a scar. The Heavenly Dao Book could record thews of heaven and earth, documenting every sequence it encountered.


    The crimson rune began to evolve as the Heavenly Dao Book began to analyze it. It didn''t take long before theplete Blood Curse appeared before him, simultaneously making him nervous and relieved.


    He was nervous, as the Blood Curse was ominous, and even he had no solution to it. However, he felt relief because he had finally identified the source of the anomaly. He only had to find a way to dispel the curse to free himself from its shadows.


    But nowy a problem¡ªhe doesn''t have a solution for the Blood Curse. This was the first time he had encountered something the Heavenly Dao Book couldn''t resolve.


    "It must be due to my low cultivation. I have collected too few sequences to analyze the Blood Curse''s w," Liu Wuxie concluded. In simpler terms, the Heavenly Dao Book was like a dictionary, and he couldn''t find an answer since the Blood Curse wasn''t recorded.


    Even during Liu Wuxie''s time as an Immortal Emperor, he had never encountered the Blood Curse. He had no clues aside from its name. When his divine sense exited the soul sea, he stared at the Blood Curse before him with locked brows. He muttered, "Blood Curse is an ancient curse spanning a hundred lifetimes. It can trap its victims through a hundred reincarnations before the curse is lifted..."


    However, this was only the tip of the iceberg for the Blood Curse. The Blood Curse before him didn''t seem like a curse targeted at something, but it seemed intended to awaken something. Perhaps something terrifyingy dormant, waiting to be resurrected through the Blood Curse.


    Liu Wuxie generated a flurry of hypotheses in the blink of an eye, but he couldn''t pinpoint the truth.


    "Since it''s meant to awaken something, an altar must be around. If I can find the altar, I can unravel all the mysteries. As for the coffins, they are likely being used as blood offerings." The puzzle began to fall into ce after Liu Wuxie''s analysis.


    He spected that destroying the altar might be the key to escaping. However, the thought of using so many living beings as blood offerings was horrifying. After a rough calction, he estimated that there were tens of thousands of coffins in the underground world.


    Those people were alive when they were ced in the coffins, sealed with the Blood Curse. It was no wonder why they appeared as though they were alive as they hadn''t died.


    Their bodies were sealed, and their souls seas undamaged; the Blood Curse merely controlled them.


    When the robust man pried open the coffin, he came in contact with the Blood Curse in the coffin. His mind was then manipted by the Blood Curse, using his blood to trigger the sacrifice in the coffins.


    Even if the robust man hadn''t meddled, there were likely simr coffins elsewhere in the underground world. Many coffins had been broken open when the ground copsed, and the Blood Curse had already been activated. The robust man was just unfortunate to be caught in it.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s goal had be clear now, and his next mission was to find and destroy the altar. He knew the task was beyond his strength alone; he would need allies. Whoever had set up the Blood Curse was no ordinary figure. There was a high chance the mastermind was an existence that surpassed the True Profound Realm.


    Liu Wuxie quickened his pace and ventured deeper into the underground world before the situation escted further. As he advanced, he encountered more deathguards, whose sole purpose was to stop humans from proceeding.


    After traversing several kilometers, Liu Wuxie encountered an underground pce and met other humans. They remained oblivious to the lurking dangers and were searching for treasures instead.


    The pce was painted in stark ck and white, looking sinister. Who the hell would paint the entire pce in the two colors? It felt like everyone had entered hell, and this was the passage to hell.


    A daring thought began to take root in Liu Wuxie''s mind. It felt as though they weren''t walking outside but entering an entirely new world, one they had never encountered before.


    Not many knew about the Blood Curse, not to mention knowing how to engrave one.


    He swept his gaze around, and the pce was simple, without any rooms. By scanning around, he could see everything in the surroundings.


    "Young Master Yu, we found nothing even after searching for hours," a familiar voice entered Liu Wuxie''s ears.


    Many cultivators have converged here from alternate tunnels, with more than three hundred people gathered in the area. Among them, Liu Wuxie spotted Ji Qiu and Tang Hong.


    Liu Wuxie vanished and appeared behind the couple, gently patting Ji Qiu on the shoulder and scaring him.


    "Brother Liu, what are you doing here?" Ji Qiu rejoiced at the sight of Liu Wuxie. They had run into various dangers along the way and nearly died there.

 Chapter 687 - Yin-Yang Palace

    <h4>Chapter 687 - Yin-Yang Pce</h4>


    Ji Qiu¡¯s face lit up with joy when he saw Liu Wuxie. He had thought that Liu Wuxie had died in the Yin-Yang Valley, and their reunion filled him and Tang Hong with happiness.


    ¡°Brother Liu, it¡¯s wonderful to see you again!¡± Ji Qiu said with heartfelt sincerity.


    ¡°Brother Ji, how did you twoe in?¡± Liu Wuxie asked, puzzled.


    Ji Qiu and Tang Hong were only in the eighth level of the Astral River Realm, and they were lucky to havee this far. After all, Liu Wuxie had seen many cultivators in the pinnacle of the Astral River Realm dead along the way.


    ¡°We got lucky. Speaking of which, Brother Liu, did you find the person you¡¯re looking for?¡± Ji Qiu whispered as Yu Lin was nearby.


    ¡°I did!¡± Liu Wuxie nodded, but he didn¡¯t go into the details.


    As potential dangersy around them, the three moved to a corner, and no one paid any attention to them.


    ¡°Brother Liu, there¡¯s something weird about this ce. I witnessed so many inexplicable deaths,¡± Ji Qiu said, his brows locked.


    Not even Liu Wuxie was immune to fear. A chill ran down his spine as well¡ªhe wasn¡¯t a god, and fear of the unknown was a natural human emotion.


    ¡°Brother Ji, do you trust me?¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s tone suddenly became serious.


    ¡°I do!¡± Ji Qiu said without any hesitation. Liu Wuxie had saved their lives twice. Who would he trust if he couldn¡¯t put his trust in Liu Wuxie?


    ¡°There¡¯s a huge conspiracy hidden here, and there¡¯s a possibility we might die here. There¡¯s only one way if we want to leave this ce alive,¡± Liu Wuxie said, his eyes bing serious.


    ¡°Brother Liu, have you discovered something? Just tell us what needs to be done,¡± Ji Qiu responded. He knew he was inferior to Liu Wuxie in terms of knowledge, and he didn¡¯t have any idea what was going on even after so long.


    ¡°If you believe me, try to gather as many people as you can. We can only hope to survive this ordeal through unity,¡± Liu Wuxie instructed. He felt that Ji Qiu and Tang Hong might have a better chance of rallying the scattered cultivators.


    ¡°We¡¯ll need something to convince people if we want to rally everyone,¡± Ji Qiu said. He knew no one would listen to him without any proof.


    ¡°I suspect this ce is deliberately constructed by someone to awaken something. The time hase, so the Yin-Yang Valley released strange gasses, attracting people,¡± Liu Wuxie said. He didn¡¯t mention the Blood Curse as it was too fantastical for most to believe.


    Even if he told everyone about it, no one would believe him. After all, the Blood Curse was only mentioned in legends, and no one had witnessed it before.


    Those were merely Liu Wuxie¡¯s deductions, and the person who had orchestrated it had nned everything long ago. To sacrifice countless lives to create Yin Mountain, which also allowed the volcano to form a few thousand yearster, as Yin and Yang couldn¡¯t exist alone. But this only brought a bigger question: who could¡¯ve nned everything for so long?


    ¡°Perhaps only Yu Lin can rally everyone. The majority of the people here follow him, and I can only do my best,¡± Ji Qiu said. He was speaking the truth as it was nearly impossible for the three to rally all the cultivators present.


    But since Liu Wuxie had given him this task, Ji Qiu would do his best to rally as many people as possible. In times of crisis, everyone should set aside past grievances and unite. But the reality was harsh: Ji Qiu was nearly sent flying with a p when he approached the first person.


    ¡°Get lost! Who do you think you are? A mere cultivator in the eighth level of the Astral River Realm wants to unite us?!¡± the man sneered. Over three hundred cultivators were present, and they had already divided into multiple factions.


    There weren¡¯t many cultivators from the Southern Province; they were mostly from the Northern City and Central ins. Ji Qiu¡¯s first attempt was met with scorn, and he almost lost his life as a result.


    Undeterred, Ji Qiu continued to try, only to face the same rejection with hostile res following him wherever he went.


    Liu Wuxie had already predicted this oue, but he could only shake his head in disappointment. After hours of effort, Ji Qiu couldn¡¯t convince anyone and returned with his head hanging low.


    ¡°Brother Liu, I¡¯m sorry to disappoint you,¡± Ji Qiu said, his voice tinged with guilt.


    ¡°It¡¯s alright,¡± Liu Wuxie responded. They had already given their best regardless of sess or failure. The oue wasn¡¯t significant.


    Ji Qiu¡¯s action caught Yu Lin¡¯s attention. He narrowed his eyes with murderous intent gushing out of him when he saw Liu Wuxie.


    The reason why Liu Wuxie hadn¡¯t approached people was because he wanted to avoid a confrontation with Yu Lin at this moment, but their paths were inevitably crossed now. The surroundings had only pirs, and it was unavoidable.


    n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    ¡°Well, well. Look who we have here!¡± Yu Lin approached with over a dozen cultivators.


    Just one day ago, one of Yu Lin¡¯spanions had been in by Liu Wuxie, and they had never forgotten the grudge.


    ¡°Yu Lin, I don¡¯t want to fight here. We have to unite if we want to leave this ce alive. We can fight again once we¡¯re out,¡± Liu Wuxie said. He hoped Yu Lin would consider the bigger picture and set their differences aside.


    ¡°Brother Yu, what Brother Liu said is right. The danger isn¡¯t over, and we should work together,¡± Ji Qiu tried to mediate.


    ¡°Who do you think you are? Get lost!¡± Yu Lin waved his hand and sent Ji Qiu flying away. His strength wasn¡¯t what it looked on the surface, and Liu Wuxie even suspected that Yu Lin had sealed his true cultivation. In reality, he likely had already reached the Nascent Transformation Realm.


    He had likely masked his true cultivation using some means, allowing him to enter the Heavenly Nether Battlefield.


    Ji Qiu¡¯s face turned pale to be humiliated in public, but he could do nothing about hisck of strength.


    ¡°Brat, you will die today for killing my brother!¡± Two men stepped forward from behind Yu Lin. The youth who Liu Wuxie had killed had a close rtionship with them, and they were determined to avenge his death.


    The surrounding cultivators watched the unfolding drama with amusement, and no one stepped forward to intervene.


    This scene made Liu Wuxie feel sorrow for humans, a harsh reminder of human nature¡¯s darker side.


    ¡°Are you sure you want to fight?¡± Liu Wuxie asked, his eyes gleamed with a sharp glint. Since a fight was inevitable, he would wee it with open arms.


    ¡°You only managed to kill my brother because of your ambush, but your luck has run out today!¡±


    It was true that Liu Wuxie had been fortunate to kill someone at the pinnacle of the Astral River Realm with one strike, especially due to his opponent¡¯s carelessness. Otherwise, taking down such a formidable foe would have been far more challenging.


    As the tension in the air thickened, a fierce battle seemed inevitable. Cracking sounds echoed from the distance like something had split apart, and everyone instantly turned to look at the source of the sound.


    ¡°There¡¯s a gate over there, and it looks like it has opened!¡± Exmations came from the crowd as a ck-and-white gate slowly opened, and ck-and-white mists began to seep from behind.


    These were the yin and yang energies. The white mist represented the yang energy, while the ck mist represented the yin energy. The ck and white mists perfectly mirrored the colors of this pce.


    The sudden environmental change drew even Yu Lin¡¯s attention, causing him to set aside his differences with Liu Wuxie for now.


    ¡°What terrifying deathly energy!¡± Among the two mists, the yang energy wasn¡¯t hazardous, but the yin energy instantly made everyone feel ufortable. It felt as though countless needles had pierced into their bodies, leaving them restless and uneasy.


    ¡°Everyone step back!¡± a voice echoed, and everyone became cautious as they didn¡¯t know whaty beyond the portal.


    As the crack expanded, skeletal fingers emerged from behind the gate.


    ¡°Deathguards!¡± someone screamed. The skeletal fingers belonged to deathguards, and an oppressive aura of heavenlyher energy filled the entire underground pce before the deathguards fully emerged.


    Combined with the ck-and-white diagrams on the pirs, the atmosphere grew even more unnerving. The entire underground pce seemed toe to life, and chillingughter echoed through the air, its source impossible to pinpoint.


    A shadow loomed over everyone¡¯s hearts, and Liu Wuxie could sense Ji Qiu trembling. As for Tang Hong, she grabbed Ji Qiu¡¯s arm, her face bing pale.


    Only those with a powerful will could maintain theirposure, but most people were visibly shaken.


    ¡°It¡¯s just a bunch of deathguards! Look how frightened you¡¯ve all be!¡± scoffed a bold cultivator present.


    It wasn¡¯t as though they hadn¡¯t encountered deathguards outside the Yin-Yang Valley. The eerieughter was likely caused by the wind, a side effect of some ancient spiritual array being activated.


    Liu Wuxie partially agreed. While theughter was indeed produced by a spiritual array, the deathguards were far more terrifying than anyone had anticipated.


    When the gate fully opened with a deafening crack, a towering thousand-year-old deathguard, nearly three meters tall, charged forward. The crowd was takenpletely by surprise, having assumed it to be an ordinary deathguard since they couldn¡¯t see beyond the gate.


    A cultivator closest to the gate was ripped apart before he could respond.


    ¡°Why is it a thousand-year deathguard?!¡± panicked screams erupted from the crowd. Despite their fear, everyone retrieved their weapons and prepared to fight.


    ¡°Don¡¯t panic! Thousand-year deathguards aren¡¯t invincible, and they can be killed by shattering their skulls!¡± a voice called out. The Heavenly Nether Battlefield had existed for countless years, and everyone had long figured out the deathguards¡¯ weakness.


    Liu Wuxie had discovered it through Ghost Eye, while the other cultivators had learned of the deathguards¡¯ weaknesses through their predecessors. But they would be lying to say they weren¡¯t afraid.


    Though the thousand-year deathguard¡¯s skull was its weakness, shattering it wasn¡¯t an easy feat. Getting close was perilous enough, not to mention the deathguards were incredibly resilient and impervious to ordinary weapons.


    Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t in a hurry to act. He was only in the fifth-level of the Astral River Realm, and he doubted anyone would believe him if he imed he could defeat a thousand-year deathguard.


    Perhaps only Ji Qiu knew that the thousand-year deathguard was no match for Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°There¡¯s an exit there. Prepare to retreat!¡± Liu Wuxie said, his eyes scanning the surroundings and discovering an exit in the underground pce, but the passage was narrow. The passage was revealed when the gate opened, and the two seemed to connect.


    The thousand-year deathguard had likely been imprisoned behind the gate, but their arrival had disrupted the delicate bnce, triggering the gate to open and unleashing the deathguard.

 Chapter 688 - Twelve Divine Avatars

    <h4>Chapter 688 - Twelve Divine Avatars</h4>


    Those were Liu Wuxie''s spections, but it had to be further proven if that was the case. It was fathoming who was strong enough to imprison so many deathguards for thousands of years.


    The deathguard''s goal was simple: kill all the humans who entered, ensuring no one disrupted the grand n hidden in this ce.


    A few others, in addition to Liu Wuxie''s group, had also noticed the gate''s narrow passage and were slowly moving toward it.


    The deathguards had begun their assaults, and the unfortunate cultivators could not retreat.


    It didn''t take long before more deathguards emerged from the gate. Just one deathguard was horrifying enough, and the sudden emergence of over a dozen deathguards put a grave expression even on Yu Lin''s face.


    The situation was worse than what they had imagined. They couldn''t face so many deathguards and could only retreat temporarily.


    Sparks flew at the collision of weapons with the deathguards, but the weapons couldn''t even leave a mark on them. For those who were weaker, their weapons were easily shattered by the deathguards'' counterattack.


    "Fall back! The deathguards are too powerful!" someone called out as everyone scrambled toward the narrow exit. The exit was only wide enough to amodate one person at a time, but over three hundred people were present, so it would take a long time for everyone to pass through.


    As the deathguards got closer, chaos erupted, and a stampede ensued.


    "Brat, move aside! Make room for us!" Just when Liu Wuxie''s group of three wanted to enter the passage, they were blocked by a few people, demanding to let them go first. In the face of mortal danger, everyone had cast away all decorum.


    However, these people were no match for Liu Wuxie, and he didn¡¯t even bother dodging the iing swords. Yet, if he didn¡¯t retreat, Ji Qiu and Tang Hong would be caught in the confrontation and likely killed.


    With no choice, Liu Wuxie could only take a step back and allow the others to im the exit.


    Seizing the opportunity, over a dozen cultivators rushed into the passage, leaving Liu Wuxie and hispanions further away from the exit.


    "Brother Liu, it''s all our fault. If we didn''t hold you down, you wouldn''t have been forced to back away," Ji Qiu said, his voice heavy with guilt. He and Tang Hong knew their lower cultivation had hindered Liu Wuxie.


    N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "We''re a team, and I won''t leave you behind," Liu Wuxie said. His show of loyalty deeply moved Ji Qiu and Tang Hong. Since the three were a group, Liu Wuxie naturally had to ensure their safety.


    As more people escaped, Yu Lin turned back to nce at Liu Wuxie before he left. He hesitated between leaving and killing Liu Wuxie.


    "Brat, consider yourself lucky to die at the hands of the deathguards," Yu Lin said before he vanished. If Liu Wuxie had fallen into his hand, he would¡¯ve tortured thetter to death.


    Those who escapedte fell prey to the deathguards, with over fifty deaths in mere moments. The death toll continued to speed up, sending shivers down everyone''s spines.


    They were all in the Astral River Realm but were no match for the thousand-year deathguard. As deathguards continued to increase, they began to fill up the Yin-Yang Pce, rapidly shrinking the space for Liu Wuxie''s group of three to maneuver.


    Over two hundred people had escaped, leaving behind those who fought desperately with the deathguards. The death toll continued to increase, and a powerful deathguard approached, brandishing its ws to charge at Liu Wuxie''s group of three.


    When Ji Qiu was about to attack, Liu Wuxie acted first by swinging the Heretic de down.


    The deathguard pouncing toward Liu Wuxie was sent flying, crashing into the deathguards behind it. The cultivators battling the deathguards turned in shock, their faces pale. While they struggled to fend off the relentless attackers, Liu Wuxie effortlessly repelled one with a single strike.


    "Enter!" Liu Wuxie quickly entered the passage with the couple after repelling the deathguard. He could only hold off the deathguard for a moment, but not indefinitely. There were hundreds of them, and Liu Wuxie couldn''t possibly kill so many deathguards with his soul energy.


    Based on his current soul energy, he could only use the Soul Spear five times before he waspletely exhausted. Ji Qiu and Tang Hong didn''t dare to dy and quickly entered the passage as Liu Wuxie was still outside to cover their retreat.


    When Liu Wuxie scanned his surroundings, he saw that the other cultivators were surrounded by the deathguards and had no hope of escape.


    "Save me!" Desperate cries echoed from those cultivators who sought help from Liu Wuxie. However, Liu Wuxie remained indifferent to the people who had mocked and even threatened Ji Qiu earlier.


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯tckpassion, but he understood the nature of greed and treachery. These cultivators, driven by avarice, would likely turn on him the moment he saved them, seeking to steal his secrets.


    Liu Wuxie stepped into the narrow passage and even set up a spiritual array with array gs to prevent others from following. He nned to use the other survivors in the pce to hold the deathguards off and buy precious time.


    "Damn it!" a man roared as he reached the narrow passage with great difficulty, but a spiritual array blocked him. He could only dive back into fighting after looking at the deathguards pouncing at him.


    The scene descended into carnage. Where there had been over twenty cultivators moments ago, only a handful now remained, their ranks quickly thinning. Their reserves of true essence were nearly depleted, and their defenses faltered as exhaustion took hold.


    When a ten-thousand-year deathguard appeared, the remaining survivors were struck by despair as they gave up resisting.


    ......


    After Liu Wuxie and hispanions entered the passage, they immediately noticed the strange walls on both sides. The walls were white on the left but ck on the right, alternating in an intricate pattern.


    Yu Lin and the others had already vanished. Liu Wuxie and hispanions moved cautiously, wary of potential ambushes in the surroundings.


    "Brother Liu, what should we do next?" Ji Qiu asked. He had no idea what they should do next, and they would''ve perished if it hadn''t been for Liu Wuxie.


    "Keep moving! Find the location of the altar!" If Liu Wuxie could use the Ghost Eye in the underground world, he would be able to find the altar''s location rapidly. The ck-and-white walls obscured his Ghost Eye, rendering it ineffective. As a result, he could only rely on his divine sense to barely sense everything within a few hundred meters.


    "It seems to open up ahead!" Ji Qiu walked at the front, Tang Hong in the middle, and Liu Wuxie guarded the rear. Dim lights streamed into the passage from the other end.


    Hissing sounds came from the distance, like a snake¡¯s.


    "Watch out!" Liu Wuxie called out.


    A green serpent emerged from the crack, darting toward Ji Qiu. However, due to Liu Wuxie''s timely reminder, Ji Qiu managed to strike out. The green serpent exploded into a burst of green liquid.


    "Shut your senses!" Liu Wuxie warned again. The liquid evaporated into a faint mist lingering in the air.


    After killing the green serpent, Ji Qiu was visibly shaken. He asked, "What are these snakes? Why have I never seen anything like it before?"


    He was knowledgeable in many areas but had never encountered serpents like these before. The creaturescked scales, their bodies soft as silk, and each was no longer than a chopstick. Yet, their astounding speed and lethality set them apart.


    Liu Wuxie fell into deep thought as he examined the intact head of the serpent. Unlike Ji Qiu, he recognized the green serpent.


    ¡°These are Twin-Eared Serpents,¡± Liu Wuxie exined grimly. ¡°Their venom is incredibly lethal. Even someone at the pinnacle of the Nascent Transformation Realm wouldn¡¯t survive a single breath of their toxin.¡±


    "Brother Liu, what''s a Twin-Eared Serpent?" Ji Qiu asked, frowning.


    "It''s hard to exin as we''re in a rush. I can only hope my guess is wrong," Liu Wuxie responded.


    Ji Qiu didn''t press for more information and steeled himself for whaty ahead.


    As for Liu Wuxie, he didn''t dare to touch the serpent''s remains. After all, it would be troublesome if the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron couldn''t resolve the potent toxin.


    "There''s a corpse over there!" Tang Hong eximed, pointing ahead as she spotted several lifeless bodies scattered in the distance. Without hesitation, she hurried toward them, her husband following closely behind, eager to examine the scene.


    "Don''t touch them!" Liu Wuxie called out sharply, halting Ji Qiu just as he reached out to examine the corpses. Startled, Ji Qiu took a step back.


    "They''re poisoned to death, and even their clothing is toxic," Liu Wuxie exined as he stood before the two corpses. He took out a sword he had never used before to carefully lift a piece of fabric from one of the corpses.


    But as soon as the sword touched the clothing, green mist rose. This meant anyone who touched the corpses recklessly would be poisoned.


    "They were bitten to death by the green serpents," Ji Qiu said after inspecting the bodies. He had confirmed his spection from the small puncture wounds on their necks.


    "What potent venom! It killed them before they could resist," Ji Qiu noted, deducing from their state that they hadn''t even had the time to react. This was terrifying as he recalled the two were experts in the pinnacle of the Astral River Realm.


    "The path ahead is going to be very dangerous," Liu Wuxie took a deep breath. Even he wasn''t certain what would happen next.


    "Brother Liu, I recall that you mentioned an altar earlier. Is someone trying to resurrect someone or something here?" Ji Qiu asked, piecing the fragments of their earlier conversation.


    "That''s right," Liu Wuxie agreed. His spections had been confirmed after seeing the Twin-Eared Serpents.


    "What are they trying to resurrect?" Ji Qiu pressed on further.


    "Have you heard of the Twelve Divine Avatars?" The trio had slowed down, as Liu Wuxie exined while they traveled.


    Ji Qiu and Tang Hong shook their heads as they had never heard of it before.


    "In ancient times, when heaven and earth were nearly formed, Pangu split the primal chaos to create the world, thus forming the current universe. Before that, the universe was filled with a hazy void of primal chaos," Liu Wuxie exined.


    "I know about that! My grandfather told me tales of Pangu when I was a child, of how he created the world," Tang Hong said, her eyes lighting up. Many legends about Pangu circted among themon folk. ording to some, Pangu''s body transformed to form the world after his death¡ªhis flesh became thend, his bones the mountains, his blood thekes, and so on. But it was difficult to discern which version of the tale was true.


    "When the world was created, there was nothing in the world. After that, the world gave birth to the Twelve Divine Avatars, and they wielded the various elements," Liu Wuxie said.


    When the heavens and earth were formed in the early days, the five elements didn''t exist, nor did wind or lightning. The world was simply ck and white, simr to our environment.


    When the Twelve Divine Avatars were born, they shaped the vibrant and colorful world we know today.


    Ji Qiu and Tang Hong were shocked to hear this. They listened in awe and didn''t know when Liu Wuxie had learned of it. If what Liu Wuxie said was to spread out, it would certainly cause an earthquake in the outside world.


    Liu Wuxie wasn¡¯t concerned about Ji Qiu and Tang Hong sharing knowledge of the Twelve Divine Avatars. After all, the deities were documented in many ancient texts¡ªit was simply that most people had never read about them.


    "Brother Liu, are you saying that Pangu created the world and the Twelve Divine Avatars were responsible for shaping it?" Ji Qiu asked, seeking rification.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 689 - Found the Altar

    <h4>Chapter 689 - Found the Altar</h4>


    This was Ji Qiu''s first hearing of Liu Wuxie''s story.


    "That''s right. The world had nothing when it was just created. There was no sun, no moon, no yin-yang, no five elements, no time, no space whatsoever. They were all created by the Twelve Divine Avatars," Liu Wuxie nodded. He had learned about that from ancient texts.


    Texts containing such knowledge were exceedingly rare on the True Martial Continent and even those that existed only provided fragmented ounts at best.


    n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "And who exactly are these Twelve Divine Avatars?" Ji Qiu''s curiosity was thoroughly piqued. He wished to know what the Twelve Creation Gods created. Even Tang Hong had anticipation on his face, and they had momentarily let their guards down.


    "The first among them is Di Jiang. He has crimson skin like a zing fire, six limbs, four wings, and a faceless visage. He''s the progenitor of space and speed," Liu Wuxie exined.


    He didn''t know if this information was true as those who had seen the Twelve Divine Avatars had long died.


    However, there were rumors that the Twelve Divine Avatars had left behind their bloodline, living in a certain time and space and doing their best to resurrect their ancestors.


    Ji Qiu didn''t dare to interrupt Liu Wuxie, fearing he might miss out on any information.


    "Ju Mang,¡± Liu Wuxie continued, exining, ¡°a bird''s body but a human face, riding on two dragons, the progenitor of wood.¡±


    "Zhu Rong, a beastly head resting on a humanoid body, covered in red scales, adorned with fiery serpents on his ears, and stepping on a fire dragon, the progenitor of fire.¡±


    "Ru Shou, a human face and a tiger''s body, covered in golden scales with two wings on its shoulder. He also has a serpent adorned in his left ear, riding on two dragons, the progenitor of metal.¡±


    "Gong Gong, a serpent head with a humanoid body covered in ck scales, stepping in a ck dragon with an azure serpent coiling around his hand, the progenitor of water.¡±


    "Xuan Ming, the appearance of a grotesque beast covered in bone spikes, the progenitor of rain and ice.¡±


    "Hou Tu, a humanoid body with a serpent tail, two arms wielding Teng serpents before the chest, and seven hands on the back, the progenitor of earth.¡±


    "Qiang Liang, carrying serpents in the mouth and hands, possessing a humanoid body with a tiger''s head, supported by four hoofed legs, the progenitor of thunder.¡±


    "Zhu Jiuyin, a human head and a dragon''s body with red skin, the progenitor of time.¡±


    "Tian Wu, eight human heads, a tiger''s body with ten tails, the progenitor of wind.¡±


    "Xi Zi, a bird''s body with a human face, adorned with an azure serpent in the ears and wielding a crimson serpent, the progenitor of lightning.¡±


    "She Bishi, a beast body with a human face, adorned with canine-like ears adorned with azure serpents, the progenitor of poison," Liu Wuxie concluded.


    Ji Qiu and Tang Hong were left awestruck. The names were entirely new to them.


    But if this matter involved the Twelve Divine Avatars, the situation would be more serious than they had imagined. After all, these deities had created the world and possessed status far beyond that of Immortal Emperors.


    "Brother Liu, the Twin-Eared Serpent we killed earlier, resembles She Bishi, as you described!" Ji Qiu''s eyes widened in shock after contemting for a full minute. Two serpents adorned on the ears¡ªthus the origin of the Twin-Eared Serpent''s name.


    Liu Wuxie nodded to respond to Ji Qiu''s question. Though She Bishi was rankedst among the Twelve Divine Avatars, he was known for his poison, and the other Creation Deities might struggle topete with him.


    "Don''t you all find it weird? Something seems to be missing among the Twelve Divine Avatars," Liu Wuxie said.


    Both Ji Qiu and Tang Hong began to contemte Liu Wuxie''s words since there must be a reason why he said that.


    "The Twelve Divine Avatars represent metal, wood, water, fire, earth, wind, rain, lightning, thunder, poison, space, and time..." Ji Qiu muttered. He also felt that something was missing.


    "Yin and yang! They¡¯re missing!" Tang Hong eximed.


    The Twelve Divine Avatars had epassed nearly all thews in the world, yet there was no yin and yang. Yin and yang represented life and death, light and darkness, and righteous and evil.


    The Twelve Divine Avatars had created the world but hadn''tprehended yin and yang, which were required to overturn life and death.


    "She Bishi''s corpse isn¡¯t forming this Yin-Yang Valley as a means to resurrect using the power of yin and yang, is it?" A bold thought struck Ji Qiu, his expression turning grave.


    To control life and death, one had to master yin and yang. However, few haveprehended these concepts since ancient times.


    In contrast,prehending the metal, wood, water, fire, earth, wind, rain, lightning, thunder, poison, space, and time elements was much moremon, with legacy stemming from the Twelve Divine Avatars.


    Strictly speaking, humans possessed a hint of the Witcher n''s bloodline.


    Through their analysis, everything became clear. The Yin-Yang Valley, thousand-year deathguards, and Twin-Eared Serpents all pointed to She Bishi.


    ording to Liu Wuxie''s spection, witchy energy should have existed there since the Witcher n had set up this ce. Perhaps they didn''t realize it because they were on the outskirts, not in the core area.


    Ji Qiu and Tang Hong took a deep breath, their expressions heavy with unease. The ancient secrets unfolding before them were far beyond theirprehension. The situation seemed far more dire than they had initially imagined, especially with the involvement of the Witcher n.


    "The Twelve Divine Avatars might have perished countless years ago, but the Heavenly Nether Battlefield only appeared a few millennia ago," Liu Wuxie said, shaking his head. "I suspect their descendants created this ce in an attempt to revive the twelve deities. If She Bishi himself had established this, we wouldn''t have made it this far¡ªour lives would already be forfeit."


    "Brother Liu, what should we do next?" Ji Qiu asked. He was out of options. Their mind was still nk as they had just learned of the Witcher n''s existence.


    They now feltpletely at a loss.


    "We need to find the altar as soon as possible!" Liu Wuxie said. Finding the altar was the only way to uncover all the secrets, and it was also their chance to escape this ce alive.


    Even Liu Wuxie had never faced the Witcher n before and felt uncertain. In the past two years, he had encountered many things he had never experienced before during his time as an Immortal Emperor, such as the Spirit n, the Divine Race, and the Witcher n.


    He had only heard fragments about the Divine Race from the older generation, who warned that its appearance would herald a cmity.


    The trio moved cautiously, alert for any sudden ambushes from the Twin-Eared Serpents.


    "So many serpents!" Panicked screams echoed ahead, filled with terror and despair.


    As they pressed forward, the path opened into a massive stone chamber with a narrow exit. Twin-Eared Serpents poured out from cracks in the walls, leaping onto unsuspecting cultivators.


    Their bites and the toxin they released were highly poisonous, capable of causing instant death.


    Their victims were killed before they could even struggle, and there were over twenty deaths in the blink of an eye. But the Twin-Eared Serpents weren''t satisfied and slithered in Liu Wuxie''s direction. Most importantly, the serpents could fly, making it incredibly tough to guard against them.


    "Over there!" Liu Wuxie said, veering into another passage after he scanned the surroundings. They dared not step into the stone chamber, as it teemed with countless Twin-Eared Serpents writhing within.


    Ji Qiu and Tang Hong didn¡¯t dare to dy and followed Liu Wuxie promptly. The Yin-Yang Valley was more dangerous than anyone could imagine.


    Twin-Eared Serpents cut through the air rapidly, and Liu Wuxie swung the Heretic de down without hesitation as he guarded the rear.


    A terrifying de aura formed into a hurricane that knocked away all the iing Twin-Eared Serpents. He didn''t hesitate to use Frost Finger to conjure a wall to block the toxic fumes.


    The ice wall began to sizzle, eroded by venom. One could imagine how poisonous the Twin-Eared Serpents were.


    If She Bishi had been truly alive, a mere wisp of poison from him could probably destroy an entire world.


    The trio fled to safety, and the ice blocked the toxic fumes. They then entered a strange dome-like structure.


    A rhythmic sound, like a heartbeat, echoed in the underground world. Everyone, including Yu Lin''s group, had heard it.


    They had also entered this dome-like construct through that passage. When Liu Wuxie stepped in, the mysterious tree gave him another warning.


    "There''s danger!" This time, the warning was not about treasure but about potential danger.


    Suddenly, a side of the wall exploded as hundreds of thousand-year deathguards charged over.


    Liu Wuxie and hispanions were blocked before entering the dome-like construct. Arge number of Twin-Eared Serpents were behind them, and they werepletely trapped.


    Through the chaos, Liu Wuxie saw something that resembled an altar through a narrow gap, where the heartbeat wasing from. Over two hundred people were around the altar, including Yu Lin''s group.


    They were one step ahead of them in finding the altar while the deathguards blocked them. A portion of the deathguards were headed to the altar, and a fierce battle was inevitable.


    "Follow me closely!" Liu Wuxie said. There was no retreat; they could only fight their way to the altar, hoping to sever the cirction of the yin and yang energies by destroying them.


    The Heavenly Dao Book appeared and released a dazzling golden radiance. This created a strange scene as the thousand-year deathguards lunging toward them quickly recoiled under the sacred light.


    Liu Wuxie''s objective was to create a safe passage to the altar, not to kill all the thousand-year deathguards. Based on his strength, four to five thousand-year deathguards were his limit, and he couldn''t kill all of them.


    His action had naturally rmed everyone around the altar.


    "Sacred light!" eximed a man standing beside Yu Lin. Only sacred light could suppress the thousand-year deathguards.


    Ji Qiu was utterly dumbstruck. He couldn''t believe Liu Wuxie had something like sacred light on him. Sacred light was the purest light in the world, the nemesis of filth, like the deathguards.


    Only the deathguards were affected as the Twin-Eared Serpents continued to pounce over.


    When facing the Twin-Eared Serpents, Liu Wuxie could only temporarily deploy ice shields to control them.


    "It will only hold them off for fifteen minutes at best! We have to destroy the altar within that time frame!" Liu Wuxie urged as he increased his speed.


    The deathguards screamed in agony after being shone by the sacred light with ck smoke rising from them.


    In mere moments, the trio closed the distance and entered the dome-like structure with the altar before them. Many strange items surrounded the altar, including blood curses that hovered like ominous specters.

 Chapter 690 - Ten-Thousand-Year Deathguard

    <h4>Chapter 690 - Ten-Thousand-Year Deathguard</h4>


    Yu Lin and the others fought fiercely with the thousand-year deathguards. The deathguards didn''t fear them because they didn''t have the sacred light, which locked them in a stalemate.


    More deathguards were approaching, and the Heavenly Dao Book would constantly exhaust Liu Wuxie''s true essence. This made Liu Wuxie struggle to hold on for a long time.


    The Twin-Eared Serpents would soon break apart the ice.


    After recognizing the looming danger, Yu Lin broke away from the fight and roared, "What are you doing? Come and help!"


    "Not free!" Liu Wuxie couldn''t be bothered with Yu Lin. His divine sense was on the altar, observing the blood curses.


    When he performed the Ghost Eye and looked into the altar, he was shocked to discover a flesh ball absorbing yin and yang energies, emitting a faint witchy aura.


    "A witcher embryo!" Liu Wuxie eximed. The embryo was still developing, and She Bishi had started taking form. It would take shape if it were given a few more days.


    However, external forces seemed to provoke it as the blood curses on the altar began to re brilliantly. The surrounding yin and yang energies, surging over like a flood, elerated the embryo''s growth. A mysterious power from the void empowered the embryo.


    "It''s She Bishi''s will!" Liu Wuxie gasped in horror. The Twelve Divine Avatars might''ve died countless years ago, but their will would never fade as long as the elements corresponding to theirs still existed.


    Everyone in the surroundings could sense an invisible will empowering the embryo, elerating its growth. The embryo had grown in size in just a few breaths, slowly taking on a humanoid form. It was more slender than an ordinary human but resembled a serpent-like beast. Serpents were highly poisonous, and this was She Bishi''s form as the progenitor of poison.


    "Brother Liu, what should we do now?" The number of deathguards continued to increase, and the Heavenly Dao Book above Liu Wuxie''s head became dim without him realizing it. This was a sign of his soul energy being severely depleted.


    A thousand-year deathguard lunged at Liu Wuxie, and Liu Wuxie tapped out with his finger to unleash icy energy that froze the deathguard in ce. However, that didn''t deter more deathguards from approaching.


    "I don''t want to die!" Cries of desperation echoed from the surroundings, and there were over a dozen deaths in a few minutes. The death toll continued to increase as time passed.


    "I give up!" a cultivator at the pinnacle of the Astral River Realm shouted in despair. He abandoned his resistance and desperately attempted a breakthrough to the Nascent Transformation Realm. However, his effort was cut short as his body was torn apart mid-breakthrough, killing him instantly.


    As the death toll continued to increase, blood flowed into the altar, making the blood curses light up even brighter. This further sped up the absorption of the yin and yang energies from the surroundings.


    The embryo continued to grow rapidly, its form bing more distinct. The blood curses flew up on the altar, forming a bigger sigil as they revolved.


    Suddenly, the embryo moved as the surroundings erupted into chaos. There was a terrifying outburst of poison gushing out from the embryo, and the surrounding cultivators didn''t dare to get close.


    The several individuals who stood closer to the altar copsed after the poisonous gas consumed their bodies.


    "How did ite to this?" someone wailed. Over two hundred people were present earlier, but only about fifty remained in the blink of an eye. Not just that, the deathguards cowered in the corner.


    The ground began to tremble violently as a terrifying aura gushed out. A deathguard standing five meters away appeared before everyone, throwing the remaining survivors into despair.


    "A ten-thousand-year deathguard!" exmations echoed from the surroundings.


    The outside was swarming with Twin-Eared Serpents, countless deathguards blocked the path within, and the poisonous miasma closer to the altar created an imprable barrier. Escape was impossible.


    For the first time, Liu Wuxie''sposure faltered. He took out a handful of Soul Condensing Pills and swallowed them, replenishing the depleted soul energy. He knew the remaining survivors couldn''t deal with the ten-thousand-year deathguard.


    As the death toll continued to increase, the death curses grew even more powerful, which strengthened the summoning of She Bishi''s will.


    "What are you all waiting for? Attack together!" roared a cultivator in the pinnacle of the Astral River Realm, trying to rally everyone against the deathguard.


    Only Liu Wuxie and hispanions knew about the embryo. The others didn''t even know who She Bishi was, and they only considered the embryo a demonic one.


    However, the actual danger wasn''t the ten-thousand-year deathguard but the imminent awakening of She Bishi.


    The ten-thousand-year deathguard didn''t fear the blood curses; it even gave off witchy energy.


    The remaining survivors rallied together, but Liu Wuxie and hispanions remained on the spot, unmoved. Compared to the ten-thousand-year deathguard, Liu Wuxie knew it was more important to destroy the altar.


    So what if they could kill the ten-thousand-year deathguard when they would still die if She Bishi were resurrected?


    A battle broke out between the remaining survivors and the deathguard. The remaining survivors were all-powerful, and each wasparable to the Nascent Transformation Realm.


    Powerful attacks rained down on the deathguard, but the deathguard remained unmoved, unscathed by the attacks.


    "Brother Liu, what should I do?" Ji Qiu''s anxious voice rang out. He was feeling desperate and helpless, and he couldn''t do anything. Judging from the current pace, everyone would die at the hands of the ten-thousand-year deathguard in just ten breaths at most.


    Yu Lin wielded a sword and unleashed a powerful sword aura that ripped through space, creating a spatial rift. His attack left a crack on the deathguard''s arm, but it wasn''t enough to sever it.


    This further provoked the deathguard, and its arm suddenly extended out, catching everyone by surprise. The nearby cultivators were instantly ripped into pieces.


    When blood and pieces of flesh scattered on the altar, the blood curses only grew even stronger. The death toll continued to increase, and there were only thirty-odd people left in the blink of an eye.


    "Young Master Yu, we can''t hold on any longer! Find a way for us to escape!" There were a few deaths among the dozen people in Yu Lin¡¯s group, and they would all die if this continued.


    "We''re fighting for our lives here, but that brat is sitting over there to harvest from our hard work. Find a way to lure the deathguard over!" Yu Lin said, ncing at Liu Wuxie through the corner of his eye.


    Yu Lin assumed that since Liu Wuxie had sessfully released sacred light to repel the thousand-year deathguards earlier, he must also possess a method to confront the ten-thousand-year deathguard.


    "I have an idea!" said the man beside Yu Lin, and he quickly transmitted his voice to the otherpanions. They soon reached a unanimous decision as they promptly approached Liu Wuxie.


    Without any assistance from Yu Lin''s group, the remaining people were no match for the ten-thousand-year deathguard, and they were all killed in mere moments.


    n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    After the deathguard had killed everyone, it lunged at Yu Lin.


    When Yu Lin''s group approached Liu Wuxie, they quickly surrounded him.


    Liu Wuxie had been observing the changes on the altar and needed more room to evade due to the confined space. On the left was a group of thousand-year deathguards, on the right loomed a ten-thousand-year deathguard, and the altary ominously at the center.


    Liu Wuxie was powerless, no matter how much he wanted to act.


    "Damn you all! If you''d just held them off for a little longer, I could¡¯ve found a way to deal with the altar!" Liu Wuxie was furious. He had utilized the precious time they secured to devise a method to destroy the altar and halt She Bishi''s resurrection.


    However, all his efforts had gone down the drain with the ten-thousand-year deathguard attracted toward him. It was no wonder why he would be so furious.


    "Why should we do all the hard work, risking our lives while we reap the rewards? It''s best if you stay here!" Yu Linughed as he quickly retreated after luring the ten-thousand-year deathguard over.


    The dozen people who came with Yu Lin alsoughed as they retreated. Even if they all died there, they would at least die after Liu Wuxie.


    "You fools! Do you honestly think the ten-thousand-year deathguard is the real threat here? Idiots!" Liu Wuxie snapped, his tone sharp with frustration. There was no time to exin, and even if he did, they were unlikely to believe him. They would only assume he was trying to stall.


    "Don''t y games with me! I know there''s a powerful being there," Yu Lin shot back, his voice filled with greed and conviction. "If I can absorb its memory, I can inherit all its cultivation. You think I¡¯d let this opportunity slip into your hands?" His misunderstanding of Liu Wuxie¡¯s intentions only deepened, fueling his mistrust.


    He was half right: it was indeed a powerful being attempting to resurrect, summoning the will of a Creation Deity through time and space. But it was no divine gift¡ªit was a catastrophe in the making. If She Bishi seeded in resurrecting, everyone present would perish, and the entire area would be engulfed in deadly poisonous miasma.


    Even in such a perilous moment, they were still under the impression Liu Wuxie was trying to reap the benefits.


    Liu Wuxie had no time to waste with them as the ten-thousand-year deathguard had already reached him. Moreover, the Twin-Eared Serpents were constantly destroying the ice he had created, and he didn''t hesitate to summon the Earth-Binding Chains to immobilize the deathguard.


    He could do nothing as he knew killing the ten-thousand-year deathguard with True Strike was impossible. He had also tried the Frost Finger, but the ten-thousand-year deathguard wasparable to the True Profound Realm, and his ice-attribute energy had shattered before it could even get close.


    Just when Liu Wuxie was about to control the Earth-Binding Chains after binding the deathguard, it began to dislodge its bones. The Earth-Binding Chains passed through the deathguard''s body as it had no flesh.


    Since Liu Wuxie had obtained the Earth-Binding Chains, this was the first time it had failed him.


    This was mainly because the ten-thousand-year deathguard had no flesh and only a skeletal frame. He also couldn''t resort to the Heavenly Dragon Seal as they were underground, and using it might cause an earthquake, burying everyone present.


    This meant Liu Wuxie was only left with the Annihtion Fist, but it was even more powerful than the Heavenly Dragon Seal, and he couldn''t execute it in this narrow space. Not to mention, themotion created by him could further awaken She Bishi.


    This ced Liu Wuxie in a difficult position, but the deathguard wouldn''t give him any opportunity as a terrifying aura blew at him. The deathguard poised its arms, attempting a bear hug at Liu Wuxie.


    As the deathguard''s massive arms closed in, Yu Lin and his followers¡¯ fleeting joy quickly turned to dread. They had sessfully lured the ten-thousand-year deathguard toward Liu Wuxie, but their n carried a fatal w¡ªwhat if Liu Wuxie failed to kill it? The creature would inevitably turn its attention back to them.


    After consuming many Soul Condensing Pills, Liu Wuxie''s soul energy had reached a new peak. He knew it was impossible to kill the ten-thousand-year deathguard relying on Soul Spear, and he could only inflict heavy injuries at best.


    He had onest resort left¡ªthe Heavenly Dao Book.


    "Screw it!" Liu Wuxie''s eyes shed with decisiveness, and he might as well gamble everything since he might die either way. He would rather go down fighting than wait for death to arrive.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 691 - Advance in Soul Energy

    <h4>Chapter 691 - Advance in Soul Energy</h4>


    A wild idea began to form in Liu Wuxie¡¯s mind, and the ten-thousand-year deathguard was already closing in, leaving him with no room to retreat.


    Behind him was a thick stone wall without any passage, while there were thousands of deathguards to his sides, and the altar shrouded in blood curses stood at the center. What other options did he have in such a desperate situation?


    Ji Qiu and Tang Hong were both consumed by anxiety. There was nothing they could do to help but to watch from a short distance away.


    ¡°It¡¯s up to you now, Heavenly Dao Book!¡± Liu Wuxie murmured to himself.


    The Heavenly Dao Book suddenly flew out from his soul sea, and his body weakened, nearly copsing onto the ground when it emerged. This action had drained almost all his soul energy.


    When he poured thest of his soul energy into the Heavenly Dao Book, it transformed into a ray of sacred light that resembled a book and pure energy, burrowing into the skull of the ten-thousand-year deathguard.


    Everything happened in an instant. The entire underground world was illuminated when sacred light poured like a waterfall.


    Even the deathguards far off in the distance couldn¡¯t withstand the sacred light¡¯s crushing force, and many disintegrated into fragments.


    There was no reaction from the ten-thousand-year deathguard when the Heavenly Dao Book burrowed into its skull, but it let out a chilling scream half a breathter. The sound was unbearable and shook the entire underground world.


    Massive stones began to fall onto some of the thousand-year deathguards. The ten-thousand-year deathguard had gone berserk, swinging its arms wildly¡ªasionally smashing the altar and the thousand-year deathguards in the surroundings.


    Amidst the chaos, Liu Wuxie caught a glimpse of the death crystal the size of a fist beneath the deathguard¡¯s skull. The death crystal was dissolving at a visible speed, evaporating into deathly energy that escaped into the air.


    The wails of the deathguard continued for five breaths before it finally copsed, crumbling into bone fragments that scattered across the floor.


    The Heavenly Dao Book had be incredibly dim, smeared with ck energy as it returned to Liu Wuxie¡¯s soul sea, guarding the core.


    Liu Wuxie quickly took out another handful of Soul Condensing Pills and swallowed them. This time, the recovery speed of his soul energy was slow, and it might take ten days to half a month to fully recover. His soul sea was in ruins and severely damaged.


    After killing the ten-thousand-year deathguard, Yu Lin exchanged a look with hispanions, and they could all see the hint of greed in each other¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Young Master Yu, if we can obtain that mysterious book, won¡¯t we be able to roam freely in the Heavenly Nether Battlefield?¡± One of Yu Lin¡¯sckeys whispered, his tone full of temptation to take the golden book for themselves.


    Then again, Yu Lin had already eyed the Heavenly Dao Book even without their prompting, intending to im it as his own. He and his men were free to act now that the deathguard was no longer a threat. As Liu Wuxie was currently gravely injured, he had be their ideal target, and they began to let out menacing chuckles.


    ¡°Brat, don¡¯t say I didn¡¯t give you a chance. Hand the golden book over, and I can spare your life!¡± Yu Lin said, walking over to Liu Wuxie, who had sat down to recover.


    ¡°You ungrateful scoundrels! Without Brother Liu killing the ten-thousand-year deathguard, you would have died long ago! How dare you turn on him instead of showing your gratitude!¡± Ji Qiu¡¯s voice trembled with rage. He finally couldn¡¯t keep watching any longer and stood before Yu Lin¡¯s group, trying to stop them from advancing toward Liu Wuxie.


    ¡°Get lost!¡± Yu Lin snarled! He had no time to waste with Ji Qiu¡ªhis focus was on the golden book before escaping from this ce. After all, the death guards didn¡¯t dare to approach the golden book, which meant they had a high chance of escaping.


    Ji Qiu couldn¡¯t hold off Yu Lin and was sent flying away. His blood sprayed on the wall behind him, and his face became weak. Yu Lin didn¡¯t hold back this time and delivered a blow meant to kill.


    Tang Hong quickly stepped forward to support Ji Qiu. His internal organs were ruptured, and he needed a long time to recover. She immediately took out pills and fed them to Ji Qiu, protecting his heart.


    Without Ji Qiu¡¯s obstruction, Yu Lin continued to approach Liu Wuxie. The odds were stacked against him, not to mention Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t put up any resistance. He could only rely on his physique to confront Yu Lin at best.


    Without soul energy, he couldn¡¯t use the Earth-Binding Chains, the Heavenly Dragon Seal, inscribe immortal runes, or the Annihtion Fist.


    <strong>......</strong>


    ¡°Brat, hand over the golden book, or don¡¯t me us for what happens next!¡± Yu Lin¡¯s group encircled Liu Wuxie, preparing to strike.


    ¡°You all deserve to die!¡± Liu Wuxie growled, his eyes bloodshot with ferocity. He suddenly stood up, nning to use the life-saving pill that Mu Tianli had given him. But just when he was about to use the pill, something stirred in his soul sea.


    His Soul Forge Art suddenly advanced,prehending the second stage. The Soul Shield was only a vague shadow in the past, but it had now materialized into a formidable defense.


    When Liu Wuxie made a breakthrough, several gates in the soul sea opened up, and boundless energy gushed out, filling his soul sea. The Heavenly Dao Book began to shine brightly with golden brilliance, and he had recovered most of his strength in less than half a breath.


    This was why so many people were fond of putting themselves in danger, aiming for moments that would allow the human body to break through the limit. He had risked his life when he used the Heavenly Dao Book, putting his life on the line. The slightest mistake would¡¯ve buried him in the ground.


    But in the final moment, the advance of the Soul Forge Art had saved his life. Then again, he had also used the Heavenly Dao Book on a whim as he still had the life-saving pill gifted to him by his sect master, which served as his ultimate trump card.


    He wouldn¡¯t use it unless required, as the pill was too precious. No one knew how long Mu Tianli had hidden it for.


    It had been a year since Liu Wuxie had started practicing the Soul Forge Art, and he was vexed that he couldn¡¯t reach the second stage. The Soul Forge Art was only the first stage, and Liu Wuxie believed there were more stages.


    From the information given to him by the Feather Emperor, he had learned that the actual Soul Spear could manifest into a spear reaching a thousand feet long, capable of piercing through the heavens and earth.


    However, Liu Wuxie¡¯s Soul Spear only spanned a foot long. He didn¡¯t know how long it would take him to attain a thousand-feet-long spear. But judging from the current situation, the Soul Forge Art was enough for him to use.


    The sudden transformation of Liu Wuxie¡¯s aura changed Yu Lin¡¯s expression. He hadn¡¯t expected Liu Wuxie to make a breakthrough in the critical moment, raising his cultivation.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s soul sea instantly brimmed with soul energy. Not only did he recover all his soul energy, but the amount of his soul energy even increased. This meant Liu Wuxie¡¯s soul energy was dozens of times stronger than before his injuries.


    ording to his calctions, the Soul Spear could reach over a meter in length the next time he used it. The longer the Soul Spear, the more powerful it would be, thus increasing the chance of him killing his enemy.


    Meanwhile, the Soul Shield had condensed into a defense that sealed his soul sea. Even powerhouses in the True Profound Realm would find it impossible to search his soul.


    ¡°You all deserve to die!¡± Liu Wuxie dered and took out the Heretic de. Time was running out, and he had to kill them quickly before dealing with She Bishi. He unleashed the True Strike that swept through the underground world with a fierce impact.


    n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    ¡°Not good!¡± Yu Lin and hispanions panicked. Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t look injured and was many times more fearsome than before. This caught them off guard, and they had no chance to react. They hadn¡¯t expected Liu Wuxie to recover his strength entirely.


    As one body exploded after another, all eleven people were killed aside from Yu Lin. They couldn¡¯t withstand the de aura released by Liu Wuxie.


    After all, Liu Wuxie could kill someone in the low levels of the Nascent Transformation Realm with one strike, not to mention those in the Astral River Realm.


    Ji Qiu and Tang Hong were rooted in ce, their faces frozen in shock. They hadn¡¯t imagined Liu Wuxie¡¯s strength to be so overwhelming.


    ¡°Yu Lin, it¡¯s your turn now!¡± Liu Wuxie growled as the murderous intent he gave off increased with each step he took.


    The Twin-Eared Serpents outside had already broken through the secondyer of defense, and they were only oneyer away from entering. As he fought Yu Lin, he tapped out with his finger and created an even more powerful ice shield.


    However, this was only a short-term solution, and he raised the Heretic de high, executing True Strike once more. A terrifying aura from him made Yu Lin feel suffocated; he had never seen such a powerful de technique before.


    He was a cultivator from the Central ins, and it was humiliating that he couldn¡¯t deal with Liu Wuxie, who was in the fifth level of the Astral River Realm.


    ¡°Do you think I am powerless in front of you?¡± Yu Lin had been hiding his strength all along. His sword drew out a trajectory to disrupt the surrounding de aura.


    ¡°Great River Sword!¡± A curtain of sword auras materialized, effectively intercepting Liu Wuxie¡¯s True Strike. It became clear that Yu Lin was no ordinary opponent; the strongest foe Liu Wuxie had encountered so far in this life. Even Bai Yuan was palepared to him.


    ¡°It¡¯s futile! Your sword technique might be impressive, but that¡¯s all to it!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s power surged with every second, and he channeled yin and yang energies into his arms, creating a powerful de aura that descended.


    Facing Liu Wuxie¡¯s attack, Yu Lin¡¯s sword aura shattered, forcing him to retreat.


    ¡°How is this possible? We¡¯re both in the Astral River Realm, but your strength isparable to those in the fifth level of the Nascent Transformation Realm!¡± Yu Lin''s expression turned grave as he couldn¡¯t escape the surrounding de aura. His back was pressed against the stone wall, and his death seemed inevitable.


    Liu Wuxie had attacked with the intention of killing, and he had never felt such an intense urge to kill someone.


    Yu Lin¡¯s bones began to crack, and he looked as though he would die the next moment.


    ¡°You can¡¯t kill me!¡± Yu Lin sneered and swiped his fingers together to undo a seal within his body. His aura began to rise and broke through to the Nascent Transformation Realm.


    He did not need to make a breakthrough as he had already reached the Nascent Transformation Realm, but he had sealed his cultivation to enter the Heavenly Nether Battlefield.


    If he had made a typical breakthrough, he would have required time, and Liu Wuxie would have had the chance to kill him over ten thousand times. But sealing his cultivation was different as he could undo it in less than half a second.


    ¡°Damn it!¡± Liu Wuxie cursed. He had already anticipated that Yu Lin had concealed his actual cultivation.


    He didn¡¯t hesitate to unleash the Earth-Binding Chains, determined to stop Yu Lin from escaping. If Yu Lin managed to escape, he would undoubtedly be a formidable foe in the future, and Liu Wuxie would have to kill him no matter what, and the Earth-Binding Chains would have flown out like aet.


    ¡°Toote!¡± Yu Lin smirked as he tossed a corpse from his interspatial ring at the Earth-Binding Chains.


    He had long anticipated Liu Wuxie would use the Earth-Binding Chains, and he had prepared for it after seeing how he had used them against the ten-thousand-year deathguard.

 Chapter 692 - Life and Death Crisis

    <h4>Chapter 692 - Life and Death Crisis</h4>


    Yu Lin had anticipated Liu Wuxie¡¯s tactics right from the start. He noticed how powerful the Earth-Binding Chains were, and it would¡¯ve killed the ten-thousand-year deathguard if the deathguard hadn¡¯t dislodged its bones. This was why he had purposely concealed a corpse to use it on the Earth-Binding Chains.


    By the time Liu Wuxie manipted the Earth-Binding Chains to pursue Yu Lin, a spatial rift had opened, and he had vanished. There was nothing he could do as he watched his enemy escape.


    After all, Yu Lin had reached the Nascent Transformation Realm, and he would be transported out if he undid the seal. With that, Liu Wuxie, Yu Lin, and Tang Hong were the only ones left in the entire underground world.


    Ji Qiu was heavily injured, and he could barely move, requiring Tang Hong to take care of him.


    ¡°Are you alright?¡± Liu Wuxie asked. He examined Ji Qiu¡¯s body with divine sense and realized that thetter¡¯s life was in no danger. He could make a swift recovery with proper care.


    ¡°I¡¯ll survive!¡± Ji Qiu chuckled. He hadn¡¯t expected this oue. So many people had entered the underground world, and only the three had survived while Yu Lin had escaped.


    But strictly speaking, they still weren¡¯t safe from the danger. The embryo continued to evolve with the creation deity¡¯s will descending on this underground world.


    She Bishi¡¯s will and memories, lingering in a distant ne, had been fully summoned through the altar. The blood curses engraved on its surface dimmed and vanished as the massive altar exploded, revealing She Bishi¡¯s newly formed body.


    ¡°This is bad! The poison is about to spread!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s face darkened, his tone edged with urgency. The dense, poisonous miasma emanating from She Bishi was far beyond their ability to resist. Even the surrounding thousand-year deathguards, sensing the danger, retreated swiftly, vanishing into the tunnels.


    ¡°Young Master Liu, what should we do?¡± Tang Hong asked. She was at a loss in this overwhelming situation.


    ¡°We have to destroy the altar along with this ce!¡± Liu Wuxie said, as that was the only solution. But even he wasn¡¯t certain if they could seed, and their fates now rested in the hands of destiny.


    ¡°Fall back!¡± Liu Wuxiemanded. The thousand-year deathguards had long left through the tunnels, clearing space for the trio.


    Tang Hong quickly retreated with Ji Qiu while Liu Wuxie swung the Heretic de down. He had already found the patterns of the blood curses, and the Heavenly Dao Book had gotten even stronger when the Soul Forge Art advanced. Though he couldn¡¯t find any solution against the blood curses, he had found some weaknesses to exploit.


    A thunderous explosion reverberated when Liu Wuxie unleashed a terrifying de aura, causing the altar to copse. The blood curses disintegrated into chaos, shaking the entire stone chamber with massive rocks tumbling down.


    The blood curses disintegrated entirely, releasing a surge of faint yellow witchy energy that poured out from the spot where the embryo rested.


    Hundreds of Witcher n members sat in a distant dimension, chanting in unison, their voices reverberating like a summon¡ªor perhaps a blessing. The Witcher n, lost to the universe for countless eons, had retreated to an unknown ne, vanishing from the world without a trace.


    Liu Wuxie didn¡¯t hesitate and swung the Heretic de down at She Bishi. No one knew if it would be good or bad if the Twelve Divine Avatars were resurrected, but Liu Wuxie was not in the mood to pay attention to that. His main goal was to destroy the embryo and leave this ursed ce.


    A powerful de aura hurled toward the embryo. Ji Qiu and Tang Hong watched with bated breaths, and the Twin-Eared Serpents closed in fast, leaving them little time.


    When the de aura was about to strike, the embryo lying on the ground vanished. The de aura left behind a vast ravine on the ground that extended out.


    Liu Wuxie froze, bewildered. He hadn¡¯t seen how the embryo vanished, and his heart pounded with beads of sweat appearing on his forehead. This was the first time Liu Wuxie had encountered something so terrifying. The Witcher n was too ancient, and he had never encountered them. Thus, he did not know their abilities or powers.


    ¡°Brother Liu, behind you!¡± Ji Qiu called out.


    The void split apart behind Liu Wuxie as the embryo emerged. It had a human face and a serpentine body nearly three meters long as it lunged at Liu Wuxie, aiming to coil around him.


    Everything happened in the blink of an eye, and the embryo struck with incredible speed, leaving Liu Wuxie with no time to react. The human face wore a sinister expression as its eyes opened slowly.


    Although the embryo had yet to awaken, it already possessed a hint of She Bishi¡¯s strength.


    After all, the Twelve Divine Avatars existence was only second to the great Pangu, possessing strength beyond imagination. Against such an opponent, Liu Wuxie had no chance, even though She Bishi had only recovered a fraction of its strength.


    Like a python, the embryo wrapped itself around Liu Wuxie, immobilizing him. The situation was unfavorable to him as the embryo intended to kill. Most importantly, the embryo absorbed Liu Wuxie¡¯s energy to elerate its awakening.


    Tang Hong tried to help out several times, but she couldn¡¯t get close due to the poisonous miasma released by the embryo. The poison was enough to kill an ordinary person if they got close.


    Oddly enough, Liu Wuxie was still alive in the poisonous miasma. This was because the poisonous miasma was all being absorbed by the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron.


    Cracking sounds echoed as Liu Wuxie¡¯s bones groaned under the pressure. He possessed the True Dragon Physique, but he couldn¡¯t even put up any resistance against the embryo. The sheer strength She Bishi disyed hinted at the unimaginable power of Divine Avatars in their prime. Perhaps they could destroy the entire True Martial Continent with one finger.


    The massive serpentine body coiled around Liu Wuxie, leaving only his head exposed. She Bishi¡¯s sinister face slowly moved closer to Liu Wuxie, filling the air with an unbearable, nauseating stench.


    n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    The embryo released an aura of pure malevolence as She Bishi was the most evil out of the Twelve Divine Avatars.


    Fine cracks began appearing in the deste world, and Liu Wuxie lost the strength to resist. He was overwhelmed with suffocating pressure, and he wondered if he would die in this manner. He smiled wryly, ¡°Am I going to die?¡±


    He didn¡¯t even have the chance to summon the Heavenly Dao Book, and using the Earth-Binding Chains would only elerate his death. If he bound the embryo with the chains, he would be trapped alongside it. As for the Heavenly Dragon Seal, he would be crushed to death if he used it.


    As death loomed, Liu Wuxie closed his eyes, surrendering to fate despite the countless unfinished tasks that weighed on his heart. Vengeance remained unimed, his family unprotected, and the search for his birth parents iplete.


    ......


    He had to finish those tasks, but that was just the beginning. He also longed to explore the realms beyond the Immortal Emperor and uncover the secrets of ancient times. But at this moment, everything was fading into mere dreams.


    As Liu Wuxie¡¯s consciousness began to blur, he knew he was about to die, and this wasn¡¯t the first time he had experienced something like this. It felt like he was drifting on clouds, his soul gradually rising.


    Suddenly, Liu Wuxie saw a dark swirling vortex materializing before him, wanting to devour his soul. The suction force grew stronger, devouring everything in the surroundings along with his soul.


    ¡°That¡¯s the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron!¡± Liu Wuxie¡¯s consciousness flickered between rity and oblivion.


    In the distance, Ji Qiu and Tang Hong stood paralyzed in disbelief as a dark vortex engulfed Liu Wuxie, swallowing She Bishi along with it, the monstrous entity still coiled tightly around him.


    When Liu Wuxie¡¯s consciousness returned to his body, he finally grasped what had happened¡ªthe Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron had acted on its own to protect him by devouring the embryo.


    When it entered the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron, the embryo let out a deafening roar, trying to break free. It unleashed a powerful aura that made Liu Wuxie cough out blood, and his body was wracked with pain.


    The Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron had only reached the second stage of evolution, and it wasn¡¯t strong enough. Demonic me and chains emerged from the depth and wrapped around the embryo.


    The embryo continued to struggle, snapping the Demonic Purgatory Chains and converting them into boundlessws that returned to the depths of the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron.


    Fine cracks began to appear on the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron, and it was reaching its limit. Violent energy gushed out from the cauldron and swept at Liu Wuxie¡¯s deste world, increasing the cracks within.


    If the deste world shattered, Liu Wuxie would lose all his cultivation and be a mortal. That was the ancient divine avatar he was dealing with, and even just a hint of his will was enough to rip Liu Wuxie into pieces.


    The odds weighed heavily against Liu Wuxie. If this continued, not only would his physique explode, but also his primordial spirit.


    Terrifying witchy energy filled the entire Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron, seeping out and burrowing into Liu Wuxie¡¯s body. The witchy energy was poisonous. While it wasn¡¯t fatal, it would slowly corrode his body.


    After the witchy energy burrowed into Liu Wuxie¡¯s meridians, his muscles began to shrink rapidly, his strength ebbing away. To his horror, She Bishi was devouring his blood essence and flesh to fuel its resurrection.


    Ji Qiu and Tang Hong could only panic as they watched from a distance. But there was nothing they could do but retreat, facing the witchy energy.


    Right then, the true dragon¡¯s bloodline awakened as Liu Wuxie released a series of dragon roars. Having refined dragon bones and a drop of dragon blood, his body carried a fragment of the divine dragon''s will, allowing him to confront the embryo head-on.


    Two forces collided and became entangled, but Liu Wuxie had paid the price. It didn¡¯t matter which side prevailed because his body would be heavily injured as a result.


    The flesh on his arms burst open with a gaping wound, with blood gushing out like a fountain. It was soon followed by his abdomen and back, riddled with horrific injuries. It wasn¡¯t long before Liu Wuxie¡¯s body was covered in blood.


    The demonic me spewed from the Sky Devouring Cauldron to elerate the embryo¡¯s refinement. New Demonic Purgatory Chains began to form after they snapped, binding the embryo and holding it in ce.


    When the embryo vanished, the underground world copsed, and the entire stone chamber rose instead.


    Liu Wuxie¡¯s face contorted with agony, but his senses were numb to the pain. The Heavenly Dao Book unfolded, emitting golden brilliance that guarded his primordial spirit from sumbing to the torment.


    There wasn¡¯t a piece of flesh intact on Liu Wuxie¡¯s body, and he was on the edge of copsing. He hadn¡¯t reached the Nascent Transformation Realm, which meant he couldn¡¯t achieve rebirth through possessing another body. If his body were destroyed, he would perish along with it.


    ¡°Screw it!¡± Liu Wuxie muttered as a ck pill appeared in his palm.

 Chapter 693 - Sixth-Level of the Astral River Realm

    <h4>Chapter 693 - Sixth-Level of the Astral River Realm</h4>


    The situation had be dire, leaving Liu Wuxie with no other alternatives. If he waited any longer, his physical body would be destroyed. Even if the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron triumphed over the embryo, it couldn''t bring him back from the dead.


    Liu Wuxie swallowed the ck pill, and a powerful surge of energy coursed through his limbs and pores.


    "It''s the Revitalizing Pill!" Liu Wuxie instantly recognized the pill.


    Mu Tianli had spent countless years creating this pill, and its value far surpassed the Transcendent Cloud Pill. It was a pill that could bring one back from the brink of death if one consumed it.


    Liu Wuxie''s physique began to heal rapidly, and his strength grew immensely. Hebined the power of the divine dragon and the embryo, and the infusion of witchy energy amplified his strength tenfold.


    With a thunderous rumble, the underground world copsed, with countless thousand-year deathguards falling into the abyss.


    "Quick, leave!" The stone chamber rose to the surface, and Tang Hong grabbed Ji Qiu and Liu Wuxie to leave. When they fled from the stone chamber, the Yin-Yang Valley vanished, and even the stone chamber crumbled.


    Tang Hong used her movement technique for an hour before bringing the two into a cave. There was no one around, as everyone in the surroundings had died in the Yin-Yang Valley.


    Liu Wuxie had entered a state ofplete detachment from the outside world. The Revitalizing Pill worked tirelessly to reconstruct his shattered body, while the witchy energy coursed through him, reshaping and fortifying his True Dragon Physique.


    With the help of the Revitalizing Pill, the cracks in the deste world gradually recovered along with those on the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron''s surface. To Liu Wuxie''s astonishment, the demonic me turned ominous ck.


    Meanwhile, the embryo had beenpletely restrained and could no longer break free. It could only struggle above the cauldron as it screamed out in agony under the demonic me.


    As it had yet to awaken fully, it wasn''t aplete Divine Avatar but contained fragments of She Bishi''s will and memories.


    With the help of the Revitalizing Pill, Liu Wuxie''s cultivation began to rise, advancing toward the sixth level of the Astral River Realm. The Revitalizing Pill mainly worked to recover his injuries, and the rise in his cultivation was secondary.


    This was the pill gifted by Mu Tianli to ensure his safety, not to increase his cultivation. After reaching the sixth-level Astral River Realm, Liu Wuxie''s aura grew stronger, and the refining speed of the embryo elerated.


    The embryo''s cries gradually weakened over time. When the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron absorbed the embryo''s material, newws emerged and fused with the deste world.


    A Divine Avatar''s imprint was engraved in the Heavenly Dao Book for eternity.


    As time passed, even Liu Wuxie lost track of time.


    Ji Qiu had recovered from his injuries, and he stood guard outside the cave alongside Tang Hong, wary of any unforeseen dangers. They couldn''t get close to Liu Wuxie even if they wanted to, as he gave off a powerful aura belonging to the Divine Avatar.


    As the embryo continued to be refined, wisps of the Divine Avatar''s will entered Liu Wuxie''s soul sea, who eximed in shock, "T-This is a fragment of She Bishi''s memory?"


    He was initially stunned but quickly rejoiced upon discovering a fragment of She Bishi''s memory embedded within the embryo. The memory of a Divine Avatar was an invaluable treasure for Liu Wuxie. It not only offered profound knowledge of the Witcher n but also provided a glimpse of the Divine Avatar''s immense power.


    She Bishi was the progenitor of poison and could control all snakes. Liu Wuxie couldn''t imagine what it would mean if he could harness such skills, but it was a pity the memories were too fragmented as She Bishi hadn''t been fully resurrected.


    Even if the embryo had fully resurrected, it would have been nothing more than an empty shell, and the memories would naturally remain iplete after She Bishi''s countless years of death. Despite this, the fragments provided unparalleled benefits to Liu Wuxie.


    The Divine Avatar''s will fortified Liu Wuxie''s will upon entering his soul sea, transforming it into an unbreachable fortress. Even the deste world, now bolstered by thews of a Divine Avatar, had be utterly imprable.


    On the other hand, the demonic me had turned ck from brown after absorbing the Divine Avatar''sws. When it spewed mes, the surrounding space copsed rapidly under high temperatures. The me could even ignite space, and one could imagine how powerful it had be.


    As the Deste Devouring Art circted, Liu Wuxie''s aura rose, reaching the pinnacle of the sixth level of the Astral River Realm. He had absorbed all the witchy and spiritual energies, along with the yin and yang energies from the surroundings, to fill the deste world.


    With the yin and yang energies taking form, the deste world now had a day and night cycle, along with life and death. This was a promising sign that the deste world was reaching perfection.


    When the first ray of sunlight illuminated Liu Wuxie''s face, he finally opened his eyes. The ordeal he had endured was a harrowing brush with death. Without the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron''s timely intervention or the life-saving pill, he would have been a lifeless corpse.


    Sensing the changes to his body, a smirk rose on Liu Wuxie''s lips.


    "My physique is nowparable to the high levels of the Nascent Transformation Realm!" he murmured, feeling the elerated cirction of his true essence and its purity, now tenfold stronger than before.


    He peered outside and saw Ji Qiu and Tang Hong''s concerned faces.


    "It¡¯s been over half a month, and Young Master Liu hasn¡¯te out yet. Do you think something might have happened to him?" Tang Hong fretted, her voice tinged with worry. Liu Wuxie¡¯s prolonged silence had clearly unsettled her.


    "Don''t worry. Brother Liu is no ordinary man, and I believe he''ll be fine," Ji Qiu said, caressing Tang Hong''s head, signaling her not to worry.


    N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Overhearing their conversation, Liu Wuxie couldn¡¯t help but smile. Their meeting had been a twist of fate; saving their lives had unexpectedly intertwined their destinies. In turn, they had saved his life by pulling him out of the copsing underground world.


    If Tang Hong hadn''t brought him along with her, he would''ve sunken into the abyss. His goodwill had borne fruit.


    But Liu Wuxie wasn''t in a hurry to emerge from seclusion. Instead, his divine sense entered his soul to explore She Bishi''s fragmented memories.


    He used the Heavenly Dao Book to piece the information together.


    "The Poison Art," Liu Wuxie muttered, sinking into deep thought. After meticulous analysis, he had unraveled the mysteries of a Poison Art. ording to legend, there were three thousand daos in ancient times. The Great Toxic Art was one of them, and it was said to be capable of poisoning an entire world to death upon its execution.


    With his cultivation, he could not execute a universal dao technique, and hisprehension of the ice dao technique had only reached the entry-level.


    "This Poison Art is remarkable, capable of transforming my true essence. If an enemy is struck by it, it can leave thempletely defenseless," Liu Wuxie murmured. But he couldn''tprehend this poison dao technique yet.


    The ice dao technique was sufficient for him to cultivate until he reached the Nascent Transformation Realm, and then, he could practice another dao technique.


    After refining the embryo, his harvest was greater than he had imagined. Not only did he obtain a Poison Art, but his physique was greatly strengthened, and it now contained a wisp of primordial power, a gift that would stick with him for the rest of his life.


    The more powerful his physique, the higher his future attainments would be. With the infusion of primordial power, he had high hopes of surpassing the ancient deities who ruled the world in ancient times.


    The primordial power had further awakened his True Dragon Physique, and his harvest this time was massive.


    Following the guidance of Poison Art, Liu Wuxie performed the dao technique belonging to the Witcher n for the first time.


    His true essence began to transform andpress, changing its color to ink green. With a wave of his hand, a wisp of true essence shot out, corroding the stone wall in the distance and creating a massive hole.


    "It''s so powerful?!" Liu Wuxie was in awe as he looked at his finger. He had circted the Poison Art and didn''t expect it to be so powerful. This strike was powerful enough to reduce someone in the low levels of the Nascent Transformation Realm into a pool of blood.


    "This is too powerful! This is another trump card!" Liu Wuxie chuckled.


    Ji Qiu and Tang Hong, who were guarding outside, ran in after hearing themotion. Upon seeing that Liu Wuxie was fine, Ji Qiu finally felt relieved. "Brother Liu, you''re finally awake!"


    "Thanks for standing guard for me!" Liu Wuxie said as he stood up. The fact they didn''t take the opportunity to rob him had proven they were worthy of befriending.


    "You saved me twice, and what we did is nothingpared to that," Ji Qiu said. If not for Liu Wuxie, they would have perished in the Heavenly Nether Battlefield long ago.


    No matter what, Liu Wuxie¡¯s gesture of kindness had deeply touched their hearts.


    "How long was I in seclusion?" Liu Wuxie asked.


    "Exactly half a month," Ji Qiu said.


    Liu Wuxie nodded in acknowledgment. Adding all his time in the Heavenly Nether Battlefield, he had been there for twenty-seven to twenty-eight days, and he didn''t have much time left to the one-month limit.


    Liu Wuxie guided Ji Qiu and Tang Hong in their cultivation, helping them reach the ninth level of the Astral River Realm. He even shared some insights about breaking into the Nascent Transformation Realm.


    After leaving the Heavenly Nether Battlefield and returning to the Northern City, they had a high chance to break into the Nascent Transformation Realm.


    The trio parted ways three dayster as Liu Wuxie headed toward the entrance he came in, while Ji Qiu and Tang Hong returned to the Northern City.


    The couple had achieved their goal and could save years of hard work through Liu Wuxie''s guidance.


    <strong>......</strong>


    "Father, it has been over half a month. Why is Wuxie still nowhere to be seen?" Mu Yueying asked, worried. They had waited outside for over half a month.


    "Fret not; Wuxie wille back alive," Mu Tianli replied, though the hint of concern in his eyes betrayed hisposed words. Despite his faith in Liu Wuxie''s abilities, he couldn''t entirely dismiss his unease.


    The three of them stood outside the spatial rift¡ªthe gateway to the Heavenly Nether Battlefield¡ªwith heavy hearts. Lin Tong, in particr, felt a pang of guilt, knowing that Liu Wuxie had risked his life for their sake.


    A figure finally emerged as their anxious gazes remained fixed on the rift.

 Chapter 694 - Conflict

    <h4>Chapter 694 - Conflict</h4>


    The three waited outside the spatial rift for what felt like an eternity. Just as despair settled, a person emerged from the rift like aet.


    "Wuxie!" Mu Tianli eximed as he flew over and grabbed Liu Wuxie''s shoulder, examining him from top to bottom to see if he had suffered any injuries.


    After examining Liu Wuxie for a long time, he realized that not only was he fine, but his physique had be more formidable.


    "Greetings, Sect Master," Liu Wuxie greeted with a bow.


    "There is no need for such formalities!" Mu Tianli said, quickly helping Liu Wuxie up. He was grateful that Liu Wuxie had taken the risk to save his daughter.


    "Wuxie, you''re finally out!" Mu Yueying said, walking over with tears streaming down her face. She had long considered Liu Wuxie as a younger brother.


    "Sorry to worry you all," Liu Wuxie said, scratching his head. He hadn¡¯t expected them to wait outside, assuming Mu Yueying had returned to the sect.


    "Brother Liu, I can never repay your kindness!" Lin Tong eximed, bowing deeply to Liu Wuxie. He had no opportunity to express his gratitude properly in the chaos of the Yin-Yang Valley.


    Liu Wuxie quickly stopped Lin Tong from bowing.


    "Wuxie, what happened in the Yin-Yang Valley, and why did you take so long toe out?" Mu Yueying asked. She was curious about what had happened after they were sent out of the Heavenly Nether Battlefield.


    Mu Tianli was also curious. The Heavenly Nether Battlefield had been restless recently, with many cultivators escaping in panic.


    Liu Wuxie recounted what had happened in the Yin-Yang Valley, and the three listened intently. Only Mu Tianli had his brows locked after listening to Liu Wuxie''s story.


    He had also heard of the Witcher n, but they had vanished from the universe for countless years.


    Whenever Liu Wuxie described the dangers he had faced, Mu Yueying''s heart clenched tighter, especially as he recounted his battles with the thousand-year deathguards and the ten-thousand-year deathguard. The only regret was that Yu Lin had escaped.


    Liu Wuxie didn''t mention anything concerning the Sky Devouring Divine Cauldron, focusing on how he had faced the embryo before ultimately refining it.


    "Sect Master, thank you for the life-saving pill, or I would¡¯ve died," Liu Wuxie said, turning to look at Mu Tianli with gratitude in his eyes.


    "The pill is nothingpared to your life," Mu Tianli replied. There was no heartache in his eyes as the life-saving pill was meant to save lives, and it had fulfilled its purpose by saving Liu Wuxie.


    They didn''t linger for another moment as Mu Tianli released his aura in the True Profound Realm, enveloping the three, and they shuttled through the void, heading back to the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    It had been an entire month since the Ten Grand Ceremony had ended, and Liu Wuxie''s name had spread far and wide in the Southern Province.


    However, some mysteries shrouded his whereabouts. There were rumors that he had died after entering some dangerous ce.


    Some spected that the sect master had hidden Liu Wuxie away for a year or two to ensure his safety. After all, the Heavenly Origin Sect and Indigo Mist Gate would not easily forgive him for killing Bai Yuan, Deng Yong, and all their participating disciples. The most logical solution, they believed, was to keep Liu Wuxie in seclusion, giving him time to cultivate.


    Various rumors circted, and even Murong Yi was unaware that Liu Wuxie had entered the Heavenly Nether Battlefield; she only knew he had gone elsewhere.


    Three dayster, the group of four returned to the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    "Ying''er, I won¡¯t be apanying you back to the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion," Lin Tong said as they emerged from the spatial void. He was keenly aware of Mu Tianli¡¯s disdain for him and the immense pressure he would face if he followed them into the sect.


    "If you don''t go, neither will I. I''ll follow you wherever you go!" Mu Yueying said, determined to follow Lin Tong.


    "Absurd!" Mu Tianli''s expression darkened, his voice sharp. He had only recently begun mending his rtionship with his daughter, and he wasn¡¯t about to let her slip away from him again.


    Mu Yueying and Lin Tong lowered their heads after Mu Tianli rebuked them.


    "Big Brother Lin, I know you''ve been shouldering the responsibility for reviving your n, but you can take it easy. You can settle the matters with Big Sister Mu first¡ªonly then will your path be free of obstacles," Liu Wuxie reminded them.


    Reviving a n couldn''t be done in a day or two, and Lin Tong had finally received Mu Tianli''s acknowledgment. Liu Wuxie believed that it was a good opportunity for them to confirm their status.


    Lin Tong hesitated after hearing Liu Wuxie''s words. He also wanted to be with Mu Yueying but feared dragging her down.


    Reviving a n required time and energy, so he wouldn''t have much time to apany Mu Yueying.


    "But..." Lin Tong muttered, ncing at Mu Tianli nervously.


    "But what? With the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion''s influence, supporting a second-tier n is hardly an issue," Mu Tianli said, suppressing the urge to knock some sense into Lin Tong.


    Over the past two weeks, Lin Tong''s performance had earned Mu Tianli¡¯s recognition. While hecked characterpared to Liu Wuxie, he was leagues ahead of others and more than worthy of his daughter.


    The only thing hecked was his status. But as long as he could revive his n and be the patriarch, he would be worthy of Mu Yueying.


    Lin Tong was stumped. He thought he had misheard that the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion wanted to help him revive his n.


    "You blockhead! Hurry up and thank my father!" Mu Yueying nudged Lin Tong.


    "Thank you...thank you...thank you, Sect Master Mu!" Lin Tong stammered, his words tripping in tion and astonishment.


    It was unexpected. He had struggled for over a decade, but there was no development.


    On the contrary, the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion was now the head of the ten major sects, and it was easy for them to support a second-tier n.


    n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Then again, there was one condition¡ªhe and Mu Yueying had to wed first. This would give the perfect reason for the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion to have a legitimate reason to support Lin Tong''s n.


    Through the various incidents, Mu Tianli had thought it through, and it was enough as long as his daughter was happy.


    When the group returned to the sect, Mu Tianli left first, as he had umted work over the past two months.


    "Wuxie, we wille and thank you after I settle down Big Brother Lin," Mu Yueying said and left with Lin Tong.


    The sect appeared unchanged over the past two months, but Liu Wuxie''s mindset had shifted. He knew the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion wasn''t a permanent home for him, not to mention even those in the fourth- or fifth-level of the Nascent Transformation Realm couldn''t pose any threat to him with his current strength, and it was time to pursue his own path.


    The first task was to bring his inws to the cultivation world. He knew that the higher their cultivation, the longer their lifespan would be, and he couldn¡¯t bear the thought of them passing away from old age within a few decades.


    After reaching the Nascent Transformation Realm, the lifespan could reach up to five hundred years. If they could reach the True Profound Realm, their lifespan could reach a thousand years.


    Liu Wuxie vanished into the distance in a sh. Having reached the Astral River Realm months earlier, he had been promoted to a true disciple and granted a private mountain of his own. However, he hadn¡¯t had the time to make any arrangements before leaving for the Ten Grand Ceremony, leaving him still residing in the area designated for elite disciples.


    <strong>......</strong>


    "Hand over the method for creating spiritual talismans, or don''t me us for what will happen next!" A group was standing in a confrontation on the tform before Liu Wuxie''s abode.


    Many Heavenly Treasure Pavilion disciples were watching in the surroundings, but no one stepped out to intervene.


    "Lu Jie, dream on! We won''t hand it over!" Song Ling had reached the Astral River Realm, which meant the spiritual talismans he crafted were increasingly powerful.


    The spiritual talismans crafted by the Heavenly Dao Society dominated ny-nine percent of Treasure City''s market, leaving the shops owned by Grandmaster Hai''s disciples struggling to make any sales. This disparity fueled deep resentment, especially after Liu Wuxie had in Grandmaster Hai''s chief disciple, Tian Lie.


    Moreover, Liu Wuxie would''ve been killed by Grandmaster Hai if Elder Yi Xuan hadn''t shown up that day.


    Over a dozen true disciples stood opposite Song Ling, and the man Lu Jie was Grandmaster Hai''s second eldest disciple. Grandmaster Hai had shifted all his focus to him after Tian Lie''s death.


    The Heavenly Dao Society had practically upied the spiritual talisman market, and if they didn''t retaliate, the spiritual talismans they produced would be reduced to garbage.


    In addition to the market in Treasure City, foreign merchants highly sought after the spiritual talismans produced by the Heavenly Dao Society.


    "Has Lu Jie gone insane? Liu Wuxie helped the sect obtain first ce in the Ten Grand Ceremony, helping it regain its position as the top sect. Is he tired of living?" the surrounding disciples whispered among themselves.


    "Do you think Lu Jie has the guts to do something like that? Someone must be backing him up," whispered a disciple with some insider information.


    "Qing Mu?" The voice wasn''t loud, but everyone in the surroundings heard it. Many true disciples were present, familiar with the inner workings of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    "Qing Mu naturally doesn''t have that ability, not to mention he has been demoted to an ordinary elder," the disciple who answered the question sneered.


    "The old sect master!" an older true disciple eximed softly.


    Everyone finally figured everything out. After all, everyone knew that Qing Mu was backing up the Lesser de Association.


    With Qin Dao''s death on the Heavenly Mountain, the Lesser de Association had disbanded. But Qing Mu didn''t want to give up and joined forces with Grandmaster Hai, who had a grudge against Liu Wuxie.


    Qing Mu naturally didn''t fear anyone, with his master backing him up, and he was determined to mess with Liu Wuxie.


    After all, his master had ced a bet with Gao Gu. If Mu Tianli couldn''t bring the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion to a greater height in three years, he would have to step down as the sect master. Just when Qing Mu had thought that his master would win, Liu Wuxie had emerged and helped Mu Tianli to win the bet.


    Mu Tianli''s position in the sect was now unshakable, and even more grand elders were standing on his side.


    So how could Qing Mu''s resentment not fester? Since he couldn''t eliminate Liu Wuxie, he could only destroy the Heavenly Dao Society. Once he seeded, what could Liu Wuxie do to him even if he returned?


    Those in the surroundings fell silent as they couldn''t afford to offend either side.


    The old sect master might''ve stepped down, but many elders maintained their loyalty to him. This was why Mu Tianli was under immense pressure when he took the position as the sect master.


    The pressure had existed since Mu Tianli had taken over the role of the sect master because he wasn''t the candidate Yu Bu had chosen.


    "Since you are so stubborn, don''t me us for being rude!" Lu Jie sneered and waved his hand.


    At hismand, the true disciples standing behind him stepped forward.


    Only Song Ling and Bai Lin had reached the Astral River Realm in the Heavenly Dao Society, while the others were only in the Heavenly Phase Realm and had no chance against disciples in the Astral River Realm.


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