Eternal Qiankun Great Emperor: Eternal Qiankun Great Emperor, #1

By Chen Xin Huan

Qin Yuxuan, a mediocre young man, is suddenly favored by the eldest daughter of the Yun family to become her stand-in fiancé. What secrets does this hold?

The arrival of Miss Yun Zhongxi of the Yun family, and her plan, involve him in a family feud beyond imagination.

However, what truly transforms Qin Yuxuan is a magical object he carries with him named the Qiankun Ring.

The Qiankun Ring conceals a mysterious space, not just a simple refuge. It contains ancient knowledge of cultivation, as well as various magical treasures that enhance physical strength and insight. More importantly, it hides Qin Yuxuan's innate foundation for cultivation, key to his journey from mediocrity to greatness.

Watch as an ordinary cultivation youth rises from the ordinary to the extraordinary, from obscurity to supreme being of the three realms, defeating all masters and dominating gods and demons in his ascension.
 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Zhou Yan
• Release date: Jun 2, 2024
• ISBN: 9798227386434

Book preview

Chapter 1: Miss Yun

In the Divine Land Continent, over a hundred miles east of Qinghe Town in the southeastern region of the Shu Kingdom, lies the Black Wind Forest.

It was October, and the autumn wind rustled through the air, blowing fallen leaves in a dance. At the outskirts of the Black Wind Forest, beneath a large tree, a young girl around sixteen or seventeen years old stood. She was incredibly beautiful, wearing black leather armor wrapped in a cloak. Her eyes were half-closed as she gazed ahead, seemingly waiting for someone.

Before long, the sound of horse hooves echoed from the official road. A horse-drawn carriage sped towards the Black Wind Forest at an extremely fast pace, then steadily came to a halt beside the young girl.

A San, A Si, did you find that person? The girl furrowed her willow-like eyebrows and asked the coachmen in a stern voice.

The two coachmen, called A San and A Si, nodded in unison. They then dragged a burlap sack down from the carriage’s cargo rack.

The burlap sack squirmed continuously and even emitted groans, indicating that a person was inside.

The coachman called A San untied the rope securing the burlap sack, then dumped out a young man dressed in green.

The young man was bound with hemp ropes, making him appear somewhat disheveled. He was about fifteen or sixteen years old, with fair skin and delicate features. His clear black and white eyes flickered with a startled gaze, and his appearance was quite handsome.

However, after being stuffed in the sack for so long, not knowing where he was or what his kidnappers intended to do with him, a hint of fear showed on the young man’s handsome face.

He raised his head at this moment and caught sight of the beautiful girl in front of him at a glance.

The young man’s eyes revealed a trace of astonishment. This girl was very tall, only slightly shorter than himself, and appeared to be around the same age. However, her attire and bearing exuded an air of noble elegance.

She was wrapped in a cloak lined with white fox fur, underneath which she wore black studded leather armor. Her jet-black hair was tied up with a leather crown, and a pair of enchanting large eyes were set in her fair, oval face, further accentuating her bright eyes, white teeth, and lovely appearance.

A long sword hung diagonally at her waist. This outfit, which had a warrior-like style, added a touch of heroic spirit to her beautiful appearance, revealing a unique aura of grace and valor that set her apart from ordinary women.

Who are you? What do you want? My family doesn’t have much money, you know! If you’re trying to kidnap me for ransom, I’m afraid you’ve got the wrong person! the young man said, blinking his eyes.

Judging from how A San and A Si, who had captured him, didn’t dare to breathe loudly in front of this girl, he knew that this beautiful young lady was the true mastermind.

At this moment, however, the girl did not answer his question. Instead, she unexpectedly declared in a loud voice, Qin Yuxuan, sixteen years old, the eldest son of Qin Yong’an, the doctor of Qinghe Town. Mother passed away early, and you have a thirteen-year-old younger sister named Qin Ziyan at home. The three of you make a living by treating patients and preparing medicines for others. Am I correct?

Upon hearing this, the young man’s face instantly showed a startled expression. The girl’s words were accurate to a tee, indicating that she had already thoroughly investigated his background and couldn’t possibly have kidnapped the wrong person. However, Qin Yuxuan couldn’t figure out what use kidnapping a young man like himself, who only had a rudimentary knowledge of medical skills, would be to this young lady who was clearly from a wealthy family.

At this point, the stunningly beautiful girl slowly said, Qin Yuxuan, even if you don’t ask, I’ll tell you why I sought you out... First, let me introduce myself: my surname is Yun, and my name is Yun Zhongxi! I am the daughter of Yun Dingxing, the head of the Yun Family in Xiu Mountain City. I have a matter that requires your assistance...

The Yun Family of Xiu Mountain City? Qin Yuxuan’s heart jolted upon hearing this.

Within a thousand miles, who hadn’t heard of the Yun Family of Xiu Mountain City? They were one of the most powerful forces in the area. It was said that many members of their clan possessed powerful Magical Divine Abilities, capable of slaying demons, summoning wind and rain, and achieving the impossible.

However, to possess those Great Divine Abilities, one must be a Cultivator, which is not something ordinary mortals can achieve.

The Yun Family was precisely such a Cultivator Family. Within a thousand miles, all the surrounding areas were the Yun Family’s territory, naturally including Qinghe Town where he lived.

It could be said that if the Yun Family stomped their feet, the people of Qinghe Town would tremble. He had personally witnessed how the all-powerful town mayor of Qinghe Town acted subserviently when encountering a low-ranking steward from the Yun Family. And now, the esteemed young lady of the Yun Family was right in front of him, saying that she needed his help!? But what could he, the son of a mere physician, do to assist her?

Miss Yun, I truly can’t imagine that with your status and Divine Abilities, you would still require the help of an ordinary doctor’s son like me. Moreover, I believe that even if someone from the Yun Family fell ill, you wouldn’t seek me out for treatment... Qin Yuxuan asked with a puzzled expression.

Yun Zhongxi didn’t immediately respond to his words. Instead, she observed him with interest, then smiled faintly and said, Not bad, not bad! Qin Yuxuan, upon seeing me, you didn’t immediately cower in fear, and your speech remains neither servile nor overbearing, with fluent responses! It shows that you remain calm in the face of events and can be considered a talent with potential... Alright, get on the carriage first. We’ll talk as we travel. There’s still quite a distance from here to Xiu Mountain City! This young lady will tell you in the carriage what purpose I have in seeking you out...

Hearing a beautiful girl around his age speaking to him in such an old-fashioned manner, Qin Yuxuan couldn’t help but find it both laughable and exasperating. However, he was well aware of his current predicament and his complete inability to resist. Let alone the young lady from the Yun Family, even the two servants called A San and A Si were not individuals he could contend with.

Therefore, he could only give a wry smile before being escorted by A San and A Si onto the carriage, where he began to listen to Yun Zhongxi’s words.

......

The carriage was extremely luxurious and spacious inside. The carriage compartment, made of rosewood, had delicate pale blue carved panels. Inside, there was a large and comfortable white soft couch that emitted a faint fragrance. There were also two cushions and a small table.

The side panels of the carriage compartment had hidden layers that stored items such as books, musical instruments, chess and card games, the four treasures of the study, as well as delicacies like fine wine, candied fruit, and fresh fruits. The carriage walls were lined with a layer of iron plates to prevent any assassination attempts. The carriage windows were adorned with two rows of red silk curtains.

The Yun Family’s carriage is indeed extraordinary, far more magnificent and grand than the mayor’s carriage! Qin Yuxuan sighed inwardly after surveying the interior of the carriage compartment.

At this moment, Yun Zhongxi eloquently explained the reason for seeking him out.

As it turned out, the Yun Family was a powerful Cultivator Family. The family’s convention was that those with great strength would gain respect within the family and be highly valued, receiving focused cultivation.

Conversely, those with weak abilities would naturally be looked down upon and neglected by the family, barely able to maintain a living. Therefore, the children of the Yun Family all diligently practiced Cultivation, yearning for the day they could distinguish themselves.

Among the younger generation of the Yun Family, Yun Zhongxi had the strongest Spiritual Aperture aptitude and was regarded as the most likely candidate to become the next family head. However, because she was a woman, if she wanted to become the family head, she would have to find a man willing to marry into the family as her husband, and their children would have to take the Yun surname.

This made her marriage a major challenge. The Yun Family was one of the largest Cultivator Families within a thousand miles of Xiu Mountain City. The marriage of the family head’s daughter had to be matched in terms of family status and could not be casually arranged with just any man. At the very least, she had to find a Cultivator from an equally prominent family to ensure the Spiritual Aperture aptitude of their offspring.

However, the young masters from Cultivator Families of comparable strength to the Yun Family also possessed formidable abilities and a sense of pride. How could they be willing to marry into another family and have their children take their wife’s surname? As a result, Yun Zhongxi, who originally had many suitors in Xiu Mountain City, suddenly became a hot potato that no one was willing to marry.

Later on, Yun Zhongxi’s father, Yun Dingxing, the head of the Yun Family, managed to find Mu Cheng, a member of a collateral branch of the Mu Family, another Cultivator Family in Youyang City, over two thousand miles away. This person was seventeen years old, one year older than Yun Zhongxi. Although he was also a Cultivator and hailed from a Cultivator Family, his Spiritual Aperture aptitude was low, and his abilities were very poor. He was often bullied by other disciples within his family.

As he lived a very oppressed life in his family, he was eager to escape from the Mu Family to avoid being constantly beaten and humiliated by other disciples.

Therefore, when Yun Dingxing found him and explained his intentions, Mu Cheng readily agreed to marry into the Yun Family.

Upon hearing this, Qin Yuxuan was somewhat surprised. He glanced at Yun Zhongxi with a hint of disdain in his eyes.

He inwardly thought: Although Yun Zhongxi is indeed beautiful, her desire for power is too strong. In order to become the family head, she is willing to lower herself and marry a good-for-nothing. If it were him, he probably wouldn’t want to marry such a scheming woman either.

Yun Zhongxi, being an astute person, instantly discerned what Qin Yuxuan was thinking from his gaze.

Qin Yuxuan, don’t get the wrong idea. I, Yun Zhongxi, certainly won’t just casually find a man to marry! As for Mu Cheng, he is merely a temporary measure. My father and he have agreed that he will first be paid a considerable sum of money to act as my husband in front of outsiders. Three years later, after I successfully become the heir to the family head position at the family gathering, I will sever ties with him! Yun Zhongxi glared at him with her beautiful eyes and clarified.

She also felt that her words had suddenly caused misunderstanding, so she hastily added, Our agreement is to share a room but not a bed. I won’t let that good-for-nothing touch me at all!

Only then did Qin Yuxuan come to a realization. He was about to say a few more words when he suddenly thought that he was currently under someone else’s roof and had to lower his head. It would be better to go along with her words, so he could suffer less.

Therefore, he coughed dryly a couple of times and said, I was just saying, a beautiful and intelligent woman like Miss Yun must have very high standards!

Yun Zhongxi noticed his shifty gaze and knew that his words were most likely said to flatter her. However, she still felt a sense of pleasure, as women always enjoy hearing words of praise.

This lad is quite clever and not a blockhead. In that case, it will be easier to arrange the upcoming plan! she thought to herself.

Afterwards, Yun Zhongxi spoke in a soft voice, Qin Yuxuan, many people have their eyes on the position of the Yun Family’s heir. Although I have the most support, my cousin Yun Zhonghe is not a kind person, and he also covets this position. Originally, I wasn’t keen on becoming the family head, but my cousin’s character is too poor, and his management is a complete mess. If the Yun Family were to fall into his hands, I’m afraid it would quickly decline, which is something my father and I absolutely cannot tolerate...

Therefore, for the future of the Yun Family, my father has requested that I must compete for the position of the next family head! Yun Zhongxi sighed softly. In her autumn-like beautiful eyes, a hint of helplessness could be seen. As a daughter of a prominent family like her, her marriage had long been out of her own control.

Qin Yuxuan, gazing at her pair of beautiful eyes, also felt a trace of pity in his heart.

Yun Zhongxi continued, However, Yun Zhonghe certainly won’t let me easily take over the position of family head. He also knows that if we were to compete, he would definitely lose to me. So he can only put in effort to prevent me from getting married... Although the matter of finding Mu Cheng was carried out very discreetly, he still found out about it. Therefore, he set up an ambush along the way and sent someone to kill Mu Cheng halfway through the journey!

At this point, Yun Zhongxi’s tone became somewhat angry. After learning that Mu Cheng had been killed near Xiu Mountain City, she rushed to the scene as quickly as possible. Although on the surface it looked like a robbery and murder, with Mu Cheng’s belongings scattered all over the ground, with her intelligence and wisdom, how could she not guess that it was her cousin who did it? It’s just that there was no evidence.

...

Qin Yuxuan listened carefully to her words, his heart pounding. He had already vaguely guessed Yun Zhongxi’s purpose.

Yun Zhongxi then turned her head and stared at him with her beautiful eyes, saying, Now, it’s almost impossible to find another disciple from a Cultivator Family who is a good match like Mu Cheng and willing to marry into my Yun Family! If I can’t find a husband willing to marry into the family, I won’t be eligible to participate in the family head heir selection conference three years later... However, A Si gave me a clue. He mentioned that at the Qin Family Medical Hall in Qinghe Town, he discovered that Doctor Qin Yong’an’s son, Qin Yuxuan, looks almost exactly like the deceased Mu Cheng. The two have similar heights, and Qin Yuxuan is only one year younger than Mu Cheng.

Only then did Qin Yuxuan realize why A Si looked familiar; it turned out he had visited his family’s medical hall before.

At this moment, Yun Zhongxi said solemnly, Qin Yuxuan, after seeing you, A Si was surprised to find that not only do you look like Mu Cheng, but you also have a Spiritual Aperture. Although it’s only the lowest Single Spirit Aperture, you can still be considered a person with a Spiritual Aperture and become a Cultivator.

Miss Yun, you couldn’t possibly be asking me to impersonate Mu Cheng, right? Qin Yuxuan couldn’t help but shudder upon hearing this.

Haha, you’re right! That’s exactly what I have in mind! Anyway, Mu Cheng and you both have Single Spirit Aperture aptitude, and you look alike with similar heights. We should be able to deceive everyone! Yun Zhongxi said with a smile as beautiful as a flower.

In theory, impersonating the fiancé of such a noble, powerful, and stunningly beautiful young lady sounded quite appealing and even a bit enticing. However, Qin Yuxuan was very clear that there were too many risks involved.

If by chance he couldn’t impersonate well and his identity was exposed, there was an eighty to ninety percent chance that his life would be in danger.

Although he could claim that Yun Zhongxi instigated this matter, she was the esteemed Miss Yun, and the Yun Family would never do anything to her. They would only vent their anger on him.

Moreover, even if he could impersonate well and deceive everyone, Yun Zhongxi’s cousin still wouldn’t let him off. Since he had already sent someone to kill the real Mu Cheng before, killing him, the fake Mu Cheng, would absolutely not cause any psychological barriers.

It’s not like he could stay by Yun Zhongxi’s side twenty-four hours a day. When the time came, wouldn’t it be a dead end?

Although Qin Yuxuan didn’t really want to offend Yun Zhongxi, he didn’t dare to be ambiguous about this life-and-death matter.

Miss Yun, can I refuse? He stared at Yun Zhongxi’s beautiful eyes and asked cautiously.

You can! Yun Zhongxi’s expression turned cold, but she nodded seriously.

Qin Yuxuan finally breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed that Miss Yun was quite reasonable! As expected of a famous Cultivator Family within a thousand miles, the young lady from a prominent family had different cultivation and bearing.

However, you already know so many of my secrets, so I’ll have to kill you to silence you! Yun Zhongxi said word by word, Only a dead person, I believe, can completely keep their mouth shut!

Her voice was very clear and pleasant to hear, but her tone was extremely cold, leaving no room for negotiation at all. Qin Yuxuan was still a foot away from her, but he could vaguely feel a faint murderous aura.

He believed that if he really refused Miss Yun’s plan, then today next year would be his death anniversary.

The good impression he had of Yun Zhongxi, who was like a fairy, had completely disappeared without a trace. This stunningly beautiful young lady instantly became a female demon in his eyes.

Now let me ask you again: are you willing or not? Yun Zhongxi turned around and looked at him with an icy gaze.

Qin Yuxuan immediately felt a powerful pressure hitting his face, as if a thousand-pound boulder was pressing down on him, making it almost impossible for him to breathe.

Is this the power of a Cultivator? Indeed, it’s incomparable to ordinary people... He struggled to endure it.

Miss Yun, do you think I have any other choice? Qin Yuxuan could only smile bitterly, I am willing...

You’re quite sensible! Yun Zhongxi’s expression relaxed, and she withdrew the spiritual pressure she had released.

Qin Yuxuan felt the pressure on his body suddenly disappear, and he could finally sit up straight again.

At this point, Yun Zhongxi said, In the next few days, A San will give you some information about Mu Cheng for you to memorize thoroughly. The people in the Mu Family who should be recognized all have portraits, and you absolutely cannot make a mistake! As for the people in my Yun Family, it’s not a big deal, because you haven’t been to the Yun Family yet, so it’s understandable if you don’t know them. However, I will also give you some information later about the people in the Yun Family whom you need to be especially wary of and who may pose a threat to you... Starting from tomorrow, A San and A Si will demonstrate Mu Cheng’s walking posture and speaking habits to you. You must remember firmly: you are no longer Qin Yuxuan, but Mu Cheng!

Qin Yuxuan’s heart trembled as he listened, and he could only nod his head repeatedly. At this moment, he suddenly thought of a question and cautiously said, Miss Yun, if I don’t go home for a long time, my father and sister will be anxious. They will definitely look for me everywhere...

Don’t worry about that! I have already sent someone to leave them some money, saying that they are sponsoring you to study medicine in Shu Capital. In the future, when you finish your studies and return, you will become a highly paid family physician hired by my Yun Family. Your father and sister were quite happy to hear that, thinking that you can make a name for yourself!

Qin Yuxuan could only smile bitterly in his heart upon hearing this. This Miss Yun was really meticulous in her actions. She was the same age as him, but her thinking was very careful and thorough. No wonder even though she was a woman, the Yun Family head strongly advocated for her to take over as the next family head. It wasn’t entirely because she was his own daughter.

However, before teaching you how to learn to be Mu Cheng, I need to open your Spiritual Aperture first! Yun Zhongxi said solemnly at this moment.

Open my Spiritual Aperture? What is that? Qin Yuxuan asked in surprise.

Chapter 2: Opening the Spiritual Aperture

Yun Zhongxi patiently explained, Qin Yuxuan, although you have a Spiritual Aperture and possess the conditions to become a Cultivator, you don’t have any Cultivation at all and are still just an ordinary person, not a true Cultivator. However, Mu Cheng is a genuine Cultivator at the third layer of the Nascent Soul Phase.

Therefore, you need to at least reach the first layer of the Nascent Soul Phase to be able to impersonate him! As for the two-layer difference in Cultivation, we can say that you encountered a mishap while practicing on your way to the Yun Family, causing your Cultivation to drop. This way, we can bluff our way through... But even if a Cultivator loses their Cultivation, it’s absolutely impossible for them to lose their Nascent Soul as well. So, opening your Spiritual Aperture is a must!

Then what do I need to do to open my Spiritual Aperture and become a Cultivator? Qin Yuxuan was now interested, after all, Cultivators were people with Great Divine Abilities in his mind.

He never dreamed that he could also join the ranks of Cultivators in this lifetime.

Yun Zhongxi smiled slightly and began to explain the principles of Cultivation to him.

She spoke eloquently, The way of Cultivation lies in essence, energy, origin, and spirit. The so-called Cultivation is the process of absorbing the Spiritual Energy between heaven and earth into the body and then transforming it into the unique Spiritual Power of a Cultivator.

The biggest difference between a Cultivator and an ordinary person is that a Cultivator has a Nascent Soul, while an ordinary person only has a soul. The breakthrough from an ordinary person to a Cultivator is a process of refining energy and transforming the spirit.

It requires combining the true energy within the body with one’s own soul, merging essence and energy with the soul into one, and giving birth to a Nascent Soul that can manipulate Spiritual Power... Therefore, the first stage of Cultivation is called the Nascent Soul Phase.

Once the Nascent Soul is formed, one can manipulate Spiritual Power and become a Cultivator, officially embarking on the path of Cultivation. The Magical Divine Abilities of Cultivators are ever-changing, and various magic treasures and formations emerge in an endless stream. Even the strongest martial arts masters among ordinary people cannot contend with even the lowest-level Cultivators...

Listening to Yun Zhongxi’s introduction, Qin Yuxuan also showed a longing expression on his face.

According to this Miss Yun, the most critical step from being an ordinary person to becoming a Cultivator is condensing the Nascent Soul. Without the correct cultivation technique and the guidance and assistance of a Cultivator, even with a Spiritual Aperture, half of the people would fail. Some rogue cultivators even need more than half a year to find a bit of a clue on their own, but they are still far from opening their Spiritual Aperture.

However, with the correct cultivation technique and the guidance of an experienced Cultivator, it can be successfully achieved in just half a day.

At this time, Yun Zhongxi took out a slightly yellowed booklet and handed it to Qin Yuxuan, saying, This is a cultivation technique called the Azure Cloud Technique, which is suitable for cultivators of all attributes to practice. Take a careful look, and then condense your Nascent Soul according to the method described in it. I will also inject Spiritual Power into your body to lend you a helping hand in opening your Spiritual Aperture!

Qin Yuxuan took the booklet and saw the three large characters Azure Cloud Technique written in a rather ancient-style small seal script on it. The shape of the characters gave a somewhat gloomy feeling, making people feel a bit of a chill.

He turned to the first page and began to study it carefully...

This booklet was actually only the upper volume of the Azure Cloud Technique, recording the cultivation method for the Nascent Soul Phase. It was said that there was also a lower volume, recording the techniques for the Spirit Liquid Phase. But he certainly couldn’t use that now.

At present, he focused on reading the chapter on condensing energy and transforming the spirit at the very beginning.

As he read, he unconsciously followed the introduction in the cultivation technique, guiding the faint true energy from his limbs and meridians all over his body into the Sea of Consciousness in his Dantian, beginning the crucial step of condensing his Nascent Soul...

As the tiny bits of faint true energy continued to flow into the Sea of Consciousness, the pale green soul originally in the Sea of Consciousness gradually merged with these true energies emitting a faint white glow, and its light gradually changed from green to white...

However, halfway through this process, Qin Yuxuan felt a bit short of energy. After all, he had never cultivated before and didn’t even know any secular martial arts. His body was already a bit weak.

Others would spend several months preparing to condense their Nascent Soul, adjusting their body and energy to the peak state before proceeding. He was rushed into it like a duck to water, so naturally, he quickly encountered a bottleneck.

Yun Zhongxi had been observing the changes in Qin Yuxuan’s body beside him. Seeing that he was somewhat lacking in physical strength, she immediately stretched out a pair of fair and tender jade-like hands, pressing them against his back. She then infused her own Spiritual Power into Qin Yuxuan’s body, assisting him in continuing the process of condensing his Nascent Soul...

Finally, after three hours, Qin Yuxuan felt a boom! inside his body...

He looked inward and saw that in the dark Dantian Sea of Consciousness, the pale green soul had finally absorbed and merged with the true energy within his body, transforming into a small, rice-grain-sized, gaseous white Nascent Soul. Although it was very tiny and the light it emitted was even dimmer, it was a genuine Nascent Soul.

Refining energy into spirit and condensing the Nascent Soul! This was the path to immortality that countless mortals dreamed of. Qin Yuxuan had finally taken the first step on the path of Cultivation and become a true Cultivator.

Ordinary people, including the so-called martial arts masters, perceive the outside world through the five senses: sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch.

Cultivators, in addition to having much keener senses than ordinary people, also develop Spiritual Sense, which relies on the Nascent Soul.

The perception of Spiritual Sense breaks through the limitations of the body, extending to the world outside the Cultivator’s body, overcoming the limitations of the five senses that are easily blocked, and directly perceiving the situation of the outside world.

Qin Yuxuan was now sitting cross-legged in the carriage with his eyes closed, yet he could detect any subtle movement within a radius of five zhang. He could even clearly sense an ant crawling on the roof of the carriage.

He saw Yun Zhongxi behind him, her hands pressed against his back. Her pretty face was now flushed red, indicating that she had overexerted her Spiritual Power.

Qin Yuxuan silently thought that if he continued to cultivate, his Nascent Soul would become stronger and stronger, and his Cultivation level would become higher and higher. His Spiritual Sense should be able to perceive even farther places.

At this time, seeing that Qin Yuxuan had made a breakthrough, Yun Zhongxi removed her hands from his back. There were already some fine beads of sweat on her cheeks, indicating that she was somewhat exhausted.

I didn’t expect it to be so difficult to help you reach the first layer of the Nascent Soul Phase! Yun Zhongxi opened her beautiful eyes at this moment and sighed softly, But it’s no wonder. You haven’t even practiced ordinary martial arts, and you didn’t take any elixirs to restore the true energy consumed during the process of opening your Spiritual Aperture. Naturally, it’s a bit more difficult for you to make a breakthrough compared to ordinary Cultivators.

She slowly stood up at this time, her face solemn, and said, Qin Yuxuan, now that you have become a Cultivator, I’ll also tell you some common knowledge about Cultivation, lest you accidentally let something slip while talking. You should know that Mu Cheng, as a collateral descendant of the Mu Family, can be considered to come from a large Cultivator Family and is very clear about the common knowledge of Cultivation...

With that said, she began to explain the knowledge of the Cultivation World to Qin Yuxuan one by one.

According to Yun Zhongxi, the reason why Cultivators tirelessly endure hardships to cultivate is in the hope of attaining the Dao and becoming immortal, pursuing eternal life.

To ascend from a mortal to an immortal, one needs to go through nine tribulations before they can ascend to the Immortal Realm.

However, it is extremely difficult to smoothly pass these nine tribulations.

The first tribulation is the Condensing the Nascent Soul that Qin Yuxuan just experienced. This is the easiest tribulation among the nine to pass. Generally, after passing this tribulation, one is considered to have officially stepped from being a mortal into the ranks of Cultivators.

After passing the first tribulation and producing a Nascent Soul in their body, a Cultivator is called a Nascent Soul Phase Cultivator, and their lifespan can reach a hundred years.

The second tribulation on the path of Cultivation is Spiritual Qi into Liquid. When a Cultivator reaches the Great Perfection of the Nascent Soul Phase, they must liquefy the Spiritual Qi in their body into Spiritual Liquid. This tribulation has no life-threatening danger, but it is extremely difficult to pass. More than ninety percent of Nascent Soul Phase Cultivators cannot pass this tribulation.

If one is lucky enough to pass the second tribulation, they can be called a Condensation Phase Cultivator, and their lifespan can reach two hundred years. At this time, the Spiritual Qi in the Cultivator’s body has been liquefied into Spiritual Liquid, greatly increasing their magical power. They can ride on clouds and mist, and fly on swords. When mortals see them, they will also respectfully address them as Immortal.

The third tribulation on the path of Cultivation is Compressing Liquid into Crystal. When a Cultivator enters the Peak of the Condensation Phase, the Spiritual Liquid in their body will be further compressed and solidified into Crystal Stones. Their Magical Divine Abilities will become even more powerful, and their lifespan will also increase to five hundred years.

However, this tribulation is far more perilous than the previous two. While the Condensing the Nascent Soul and Spiritual Qi into Liquid tribulations did not pose a threat to one’s life, the Compressing Liquid into Crystal tribulation is extremely dangerous.

This is because when Cultivators attempt to break through the bottleneck, they can easily deviate and become possessed by demons, causing their meridians to rupture. Many Condensation Phase Cultivators perish at this stage.

Even if the Cultivators who fail to break through are lucky enough to survive, most of them become crippled due to ruptured meridians, with strength even inferior to Nascent Soul Phase Cultivators, and are despised by others.

After passing the third tribulation, Cultivators officially become Crystallization Phase Cultivators and are considered High-Rank Cultivators in the Cultivation World. Many people start to establish their own sects and factions at this point.

As for the fourth tribulation, it is the Core Formation Tribulation. When Crystallization Phase Cultivators cultivate to the Great Perfection Realm, they will begin to form a Golden Core within their bodies. Although this process is even more perilous than Compressing Liquid into Crystal, once successfully passed, the Cultivator’s lifespan will reach a thousand years. They can also truly be called a hegemon. They are Core Formation Phase Cultivators who are looked up to wherever they go.

The fifth tribulation is the Shattering Core and Forming Nascent Soul tribulation. When Core Formation Phase Cultivators cultivate to the Great Perfection Realm and want to make further breakthroughs, they must first shatter the Golden Core they have painstakingly cultivated, and then use its fragments to form a clone in the shape of an infant within their bodies, commonly known as a Nascent Soul.

This Nascent Soul can continue to survive even after the Cultivator’s physical body is destroyed, and it can possess another body to be reborn. At this point, the Cultivator’s lifespan can reach two thousand years. They will also become legendary Nascent Soul Phase Great Cultivators.

As for the sixth to ninth tribulations, as well as the state of Cultivators above the Nascent Soul Phase, even Yun Zhongxi does not know, because according to the records in her family’s ancient books, it seems that no one with cultivation beyond the Nascent Soul Phase has ever appeared on the Divine Land Continent.

In addition to the Nascent Soul Phase being subdivided into layers one to nine, the Spirit Liquid Phase, Crystallization Phase, Core Formation Phase, and Nascent Soul Phase are all divided into four sub-levels: early stage, middle stage, late stage, and Great Perfection.

There are two cultivation methods: Qi Refinement and Body Refinement.

Qi Refinement is the mainstream cultivation method, cultivating the meridians and true energy. The vast majority of Cultivators choose Qi Refinement. Its advantage is that it can drive Spiritual Power to use numerous magic treasures, fly on swords, refine elixirs, operate formations, control spirit beasts... In short, on the path of Cultivation, if one can choose the path of Qi Refinement, no Cultivator would want to choose Body Refinement.

However, Qi Refinement has higher requirements for a Cultivator’s Spiritual Aperture talent. The better the Spiritual Aperture, the faster the cultivation speed. If the Spiritual Aperture is very poor, the cultivation speed will be twice the work for half the result. Perhaps after cultivating for ten days, the progress will not even be as good as the effect of someone with a better Spiritual Aperture cultivating for one day.

As for Body Refinement, it is naturally a non-mainstream cultivation method. It mainly focuses on training the muscles, bones, skin, and internal organs. Body Refinement Cultivators have bodies far more resilient than ordinary Cultivators, comparable to steel, and are known as having copper heads and iron arms.

However, Body Refinement has one major weakness, which is the inability to break through realms. This is because from the Nascent Soul Phase to the Spirit Liquid Phase, one needs to compress the true energy inside the body from a gaseous state into a liquid state, transforming true energy into spiritual liquid. Body Refinement Cultivators don’t cultivate energy at all, so how could they possibly have such a vast amount of true energy to condense into spiritual liquid?

Although there are a small number of Body Refinement Cultivators who have broken through to the Spirit Liquid Phase, it is because they have formidable talent and simultaneously practice Body Refinement and Qi Refinement. When breaking through realms, they still rely on the skills of Qi Refinement.

Moreover, not only do Body Refinement Cultivators have major issues when breaking through realms, but they also don’t have an advantage when battling against Qi Refinement Cultivators in the later stages.

After all, no matter how tough your body is, can it really be harder than someone else’s magic weapon? If someone uses a precious sword to slash your neck, we’ll see if your neck is harder or their sword is harder.

Even if their physique is not as strong as yours and they can’t run as fast as you, they can fly on swords! Do you really think you can outrun someone flying in the sky with your two legs?

Therefore, due to the various drawbacks of Body Refinement, except for some Cultivators who know their talent is too poor and have no hope of breaking through to the Spirit Liquid Phase, almost no Cultivator actively chooses Body Refinement. Even if someone practices it, it is more often used as a supplementary method for strengthening the body.

The two qualities that have the greatest relationship with Cultivators are Spiritual Apertures and talent.

Among them, Spiritual Apertures are divided into nine levels. Qin Yuxuan has the worst Single Spirit Aperture talent, while Yun Zhongxi has the quite rare Five Spirit Apertures talent. It should be known that in the territory of a thousand miles around Xiu Mountain City, in nearly a thousand years, even the most talented ancestor of the Yun Family only had a Four Spirit Apertures talent.

As for talent, there is no measurement standard. It is purely based on individual differences and at most has some relation to a person’s comprehension ability. Those with high comprehension can master Magical Divine Abilities relatively more easily.

Moreover, the currency in the Cultivation World is different from that in the secular world. They don’t use gold, silver, or copper coins, but instead use Spirit Stones for pricing.

As the name suggests, these Spirit Stones are a type of stone that contains abundant Spiritual Power, which is extremely important for Cultivators.

Not only can they be directly used by Cultivators for meditation and cultivation to increase their cultivation level, but they can also be used to set up Magic Circles and inlay Puppets.

To activate a Magic Circle, apart from requiring Formation Flags and Formation Disks, Spirit Stones, which serve as the power source, are also indispensable. High-quality Spirit Stones can not only ensure the success of the Magic Circle but also greatly increase its power.

Moreover, if a Cultivator’s internal Spiritual Power is insufficient when casting powerful Magic Techniques, they can directly crush the Spirit Stones in their hands and absorb the Spiritual Power within to replenish the Spiritual Power consumed during the casting.

This allows Cultivators to perform beyond their usual limits and forcibly cast high-level Magic Techniques that they originally could not.

Precisely because Spirit Stones are so highly valued and sought after by all Cultivators, they have become the universal currency in the Cultivation World and are divided into four categories based on quality: low-grade, medium-grade, high-grade, and top-grade.

According to general convention, one hundred low-grade Spirit Stones can be exchanged for one medium-grade Spirit Stone, one hundred medium-grade Spirit Stones can be exchanged for one high-grade Spirit Stone, and one hundred high-grade Spirit Stones can be exchanged for one top-grade Spirit Stone.

However, due to the excessive mining and rapid consumption of Spirit Stones in the Cultivation World, high-grade and top-grade Spirit Stones are now very difficult to find. Even medium-grade Spirit Stones are scarce. When shops price their goods at a certain number of Spirit Stones, they are actually referring to low-grade Spirit Stones.

By the time Yun Zhongxi finished explaining these basic common knowledge about the Cultivation World, it was already late at night. At this time, the carriage had arrived in front of an inn in another town.

Let’s get off the carriage! We’ll rest here for the night and set off again early tomorrow morning! We should be able to reach Xiu Mountain City by tomorrow afternoon! Yun Zhongxi said with a raised eyebrow.

Qin Yuxuan had no choice but to get off the carriage and eat dinner with A San and A Si at the inn. To his surprise, Yun Zhongxi did not join the three of them for the meal. He wasn’t sure if she had made separate arrangements for her own dinner or if she had reached a level of cultivation where she no longer needed to eat.

After finishing his meal, Qin Yuxuan was escorted by A San and A Si into a guest room.

Qin Yuxuan, you’ll rest here tonight! Don’t even think about escaping! Otherwise, you’ll only be asking for trouble! A San said, pointing to the small bed in the room.

He then waved at A Si and said, Let’s go! We should also get some rest. Driving the carriage all day has been exhausting!

With that, the two of them slammed the door shut with a bang, and the sound of their footsteps and voices going downstairs quickly followed.

Qin Yuxuan’s five senses had become much sharper since his awakening, and he immediately heard A Si’s voice: A San, do you really think we can trust this kid? What if he secretly runs away or exposes this matter to others in the future?

A San scoffed, A Si, what are you worried about? With the young lady’s intelligence and wisdom, how could she not have thought of this? Early on during his awakening, the young lady planted a Heart Demon Seal inside his body. If Qin Yuxuan dares to betray the young lady or go back on his promise to her, this Heart Demon Seal will immediately take effect, causing him to bleed from all seven orifices and die instantly. The effect is the same as a Heart Demon Oath. Do you think we still need to worry?

A Si had a sudden realization and said, I was just wondering why the young lady was so trusting of him that she didn’t even ask us to keep watch over the kid...

The sound of their footsteps gradually faded away, but Qin Yuxuan was already breaking out in a cold sweat. To be honest, he had indeed been considering whether to escape, as following Yun Zhongxi back to the Yun Family in Xiu Mountain City was simply too risky. Replacing the real person was not going to be easy. However, hearing what A San and A Si had said, he had no choice but to immediately dismiss this idea.

No wonder Yun Zhongxi is so confident in me. It turns out she had already placed a restriction on me early on... Qin Yuxuan said with a bitter smile. I’m afraid A San and A Si deliberately spoke in such a loud voice just now to let me hear it and warn me not to act recklessly, lest I trigger the restriction and die, ruining their grand plan!

Since he couldn’t escape, Qin Yuxuan dismissed those distracting thoughts and prepared to wholeheartedly play the role of Mu Cheng. He picked up the information about Mu Cheng that A San had given him and began to study it carefully.

After reading for half an hour, he glanced at the hourglass on the table and realized it was already the hour of zi. He yawned and put down the booklet.

Qin Yuxuan touched the black ring on his right ring finger and couldn’t help but sigh, It seems my fate has always been so turbulent...

After a light sigh, he muttered to himself, However, being able to enter the Cultivation World can be considered an opportunity. Perhaps it will make it easier for me to find my father and mother...

In fact, he was not Qin Yong’an’s son, but merely his adopted son. His parents were someone else.

However, Qin Yuxuan did not know their names. He only knew that his father’s surname was also Qin.

In his childhood memories, he seemed to have lived in a mountain village. His father was a handsome scholar who taught the village children to read, and his mother was a beautiful young woman who mainly did embroidery work. His parents were exceptionally loving and adored him. Whenever they had time, they would teach him to read, write, and paint. The family lived a blissful life.

But in the year he turned eight, his parents suddenly and hastily took him to Qinghe Town, hundreds of miles away, and entrusted him to Qin Yong’an of the Qin Family Medical Hall, asking him to acknowledge Qin Yong’an as his adoptive father and learn medicine from him.

Then, his parents hurriedly left and were never heard from again. This black ring was what his mother had given him before leaving, telling him to keep it safe.

Over the years, he had studied this ring, trying to find any clues about his identity or his parents’ whereabouts, but to no avail. All the jewelry store owners who had seen this ring said it was just an ordinary black iron ring that could only sell for fifty copper coins on the market.

But Qin Yuxuan firmly refused to believe that the ring his mother had told him to keep close and not lose before she left was just an ordinary object. He felt that he just hadn’t been able to uncover the secret of this ring yet.

Although no matter how you looked at it, it was an extremely ordinary black iron ring, every night before going to bed, he would touch it and examine it for a while, hoping that one day he would have a flash of insight and suddenly make a discovery.

Today, I actually became a Cultivator like in a dream, possessing a Nascent Soul and Spiritual Power... I wonder what would happen if I infused Spiritual Power into this ring... Qin Yuxuan muttered to himself.

He then picked up the black ring and infused Spiritual Power into it...

Chapter 3: Mysterious Space

With a whoosh sound, the black ring in front of Qin Yuxuan seemed to suddenly become immensely large and then sucked him in...

Ah! What’s going on? Qin Yuxuan couldn’t help but cry out.

Because in front of him, it was no longer the room in the inn. He was also not on his bed, but in a strange and mysterious space.

The sky in this space was a gloomy gray, as if covered by a dark and heavy layer of clouds.

And on the ground, there was a sphere!

That’s right! It was a sphere, a black giant sphere, and he was now standing on its surface. The diameter of this giant sphere was estimated to be about ten zhang.

Qin Yuxuan squatted down and carefully examined the material of the sphere’s surface, only to find that it was made of a kind of black soil.

He grabbed a handful of soil and brought it to his nose to smell it, vaguely sensing a decaying odor.

Haha! I never thought that after waiting for so long, a little friend would finally enter the Qiankun Ring! At this moment, an elderly voice rang out.

Who’s talking? Qin Yuxuan asked in surprise.

Little friend, I’m under your feet! the elderly voice replied.

Under my feet? Qin Yuxuan was stunned upon hearing this.

I’m buried in the soil under your feet. Little friend, hurry and dig me out! the voice said faintly.

Buried in the soil? Qin Yuxuan was also startled.

He then used his hands and feet to dig through the soil on the ground. After digging for about two hours, he finally reached the center of this giant sphere. At this moment, a white skeleton appeared before his eyes. The bones of this skeleton were crystal clear and seemed to emit a faint luster.

Little friend, thank you! Although I still can’t leave the Qiankun Ring, at least I don’t have to be buried in the soil anymore, the skeleton grinned at Qin Yuxuan.

Qin Yuxuan felt a chill down his spine. Anyone would find a grinning skeleton extremely terrifying.

Fortunately, he had experienced enough today, and no matter what, he could be considered a Cultivator now. It was common for Cultivators to encounter demons and monsters, so he shouldn’t be afraid of this skeleton.

He then asked timidly, Senior, who are you? And what is this place? How can I get out?

The skeleton scratched its skull and said, You asked three questions at once. How should I answer you... This place is called the Qiankun Ring. It’s an independent space, and I’m trapped in this space... I have too many names. Which one should I tell you? Why don’t you just call me the Bone Emperor! This is more in line with my current situation... As for you wanting to get out, that’s too easy! This space only restricts me from leaving, but it doesn’t restrict others from leaving. If you want to get out, you just have to wait until your Spiritual Power in your outside body is exhausted, and the Qiankun Ring will naturally send your Nascent Soul out.

Qin Yuxuan finally realized that what entered this Qiankun Ring should only be his Nascent Soul, not his entire body.

He then hurriedly asked again, What is this Qiankun Ring? It was left by my parents, who told me to keep it safe. I wonder if Senior knows where my parents went?

The Bone Emperor sized him up and then smiled slightly, The origin of this Qiankun Ring is a long story. But one thing is certain, it has nothing to do with your parents, because I’ve been locked in this Qiankun Ring for a hundred thousand years, and in these hundred thousand years, you’re the first person to come in!

What? A hundred thousand years! Qin Yuxuan was so surprised that he couldn’t close his mouth. He secretly thought that this Bone Emperor really lived long enough! No wonder he had become a pile of bones. However, he also realized that the Bone Emperor’s strength in the past must have been incredibly powerful. Even a Cultivator in the Nascent Soul Phase only had a lifespan of two thousand years, yet this Bone Emperor was actually able to survive for a hundred thousand years. His cultivation must be above the Nascent Soul Phase.

Right! If I’m not mistaken, you should have cultivated an all-attribute technique, right? the Bone Emperor glanced at Qin Yuxuan and asked again.

All-attribute technique? Qin Yuxuan heard a term he had never heard of before.

So he simply said honestly, Senior, I have only practiced the Azure Cloud Technique.

Azure Cloud Technique? Not bad! It’s considered the most widely circulated all-attribute technique in the mortal world, but its cultivation speed is too slow, and it doesn’t include any powerful Magic Techniques or body techniques to complement it, so it can only be used purely as an internal cultivation method... In this way, naturally, not many people in the mortal world are willing to cultivate this technique. And without cultivating an all-attribute technique, even if they infuse Spiritual Power into the Qiankun Ring, their Nascent Soul cannot be absorbed into it, the Bone Emperor said indifferently.

No wonder Yun Zhongxi was so generous in giving me this technique. It turns out that this technique is just a trash technique! Qin Yuxuan couldn’t help but smile bitterly.

He also understood at this time that it was no wonder his parents couldn’t discover the secret of the Qiankun Ring. They must not have practiced an all-attribute technique like the Azure Cloud Technique.

Hehe! Don’t underestimate this Azure Cloud Technique. Its cultivation is a bit slow, but it has the greatest inclusiveness. Any aptitude, any talent, any attribute of Cultivator, whether you’re practicing body refinement or Qi refinement, can cultivate it. To give an example, if you want to cultivate the Fireball Technique, you must first practice a fire-attribute technique, such as the Scorching Sun Art or the Blazing Flame Technique... If you want to cultivate the Stone Skin Technique, you must first practice a body refinement technique, such as the Barbaric Bull Art or the Killing Body Technique, etc.

The Bone Emperor said solemnly at this time, But after you practice the Azure Cloud Technique, whether you practice the Fireball Technique or the Stone Skin Technique, it can be accommodated without any restriction or hindrance.

After hearing this, Qin Yuxuan’s eyes flickered incessantly. Obviously, the Bone Emperor’s words surprised him very much. Originally, he was considering whether to ask Yun Zhongxi to change to another technique to cultivate after getting familiar with her, but now it seemed that continuing to cultivate the Azure Cloud Technique was also a good choice.

The Bone Emperor waved his skeletal arm and then said in a deep voice, Kid, this Azure Cloud Technique is the gentlest internal cultivation method. When cultivating, there is almost no possibility of Qi deviation, except for risks when breaking through bottlenecks. There is no danger at all during normal cultivation. So this is also the reason why it is the most widely circulated in the mortal world. Therefore, in my opinion, it is also a very good choice for you to continue to use the Azure Cloud Technique as your main Qi refinement technique!

After hearing this, Qin Yuxuan also nodded.

However, he sighed lightly immediately afterwards. In addition to feeling fortunate, he also felt some regret.

Because before, he still wanted to use the Qiankun Ring as a clue to find his parents, but now it seemed that it was probably not possible.

In all likelihood, his parents also stumbled upon this ring by chance. They didn’t know what this ring was at all, but just instinctively felt that it was a bit rare, so they passed it on to him.

At this moment, the Bone Emperor said, Kid, what’s your name? Where are you from?

Upon hearing this, Qin Yuxuan quickly replied, Senior, my name is Qin Yuxuan. We should be in a town near Xiu Mountain City right now...

I’m not asking about such a small place. I’m asking, what world is this? the Bone Emperor said coldly.

What world? Qin Yuxuan was stunned after hearing this.

After a while, he said, The largest place I know of is the Divine Land Continent. I’ve heard that there are oceans all around our continent, and there are some small islands in the sea!

Divine Land Continent?

After hearing this, the Bone Emperor showed a trace of disappointment. He also asked somewhat helplessly, Just tell me directly, what is the highest level of Cultivators on your Divine Land Continent?

It should be the Nascent Soul Phase! Qin Yuxuan said after thinking for a while. He remembered that Yun Zhongxi had told him that Cultivators above the Nascent Soul Phase seemed to have not been recorded in the family’s ancient books.

The highest cultivation level is only the Nascent Soul Phase? Then this must be some small world! The Bone Emperor also said with a face full of regret, It seems that my hope of getting out is even more remote! The spiritual energy density inside the Qiankun Ring is the same as that of the world it’s in. The spiritual energy in a small world is too thin. Even if I risk my life, it will be very difficult to restore my previous strength through cultivation... Let alone leaving this prison!

Upon hearing this, Qin Yuxuan looked at the Bone Emperor in astonishment, because from his words, it could be heard that his background was definitely not simple. Moreover, the Bone Emperor seemed to be quite disdainful of the strength of Cultivators in the Nascent Soul Phase. Who knows how such a powerful guy was locked in this Qiankun Ring and turned into a skeleton.

The man and the skeleton stared at each other like this, with the Bone Emperor’s black eye sockets flickering with traces of light, as if pondering something.

After a moment, the Bone Emperor said, Qin Yuxuan, let me ask you, do you want to be able to look down on all heroes one day, live forever, and become a powerhouse that spans the three realms?

After saying this, a trace of white brilliance flashed across his black eye sockets.

Qin Yuxuan was both surprised and delighted upon hearing this. From the way the Bone Emperor asked, it seemed that he mostly wanted to support him.

He immediately bowed and said, Of course this junior wants to become a powerhouse who can look down on the world! And even more so, I want to find my parents! Please fulfill my wish, senior.

With his poor Spiritual Aperture, late start in cultivation, and being held hostage, it would be extremely difficult to change his current situation, let alone the arduous task of finding his parents. The Bone Emperor before him was definitely no ordinary person. If he was willing to help, then Qin Yuxuan’s circumstances could immediately change.

Alright! But if you want to cultivate according to my guidance, you will have to endure greater pain than ordinary Cultivators! Can you do that? the Bone Emperor asked in a deep voice.

No problem! I may not have other skills, but I can endure hardship and work hard. I’m persistent and determined in doing things, with tenacity in my body! However master instructs, I will follow! Qin Yuxuan said solemnly.

Slow down! Don’t be in a hurry to call me master! I’m just casually guiding you a bit! If there’s really a connection between us in the future, it won’t be too late to talk about becoming master and disciple then! In the Bone Emperor’s black eye sockets, a trace of hard-to-detect loneliness flashed by.

Okay! Then I’ll just call you Bone Senior! You have bestowed guidance upon me. Although you’re unwilling to accept me as a disciple, I will still treat you with the courtesy of a teacher! Although somewhat disappointed, Qin Yuxuan still maintained his manners.

The