Eternal Qiankun Great Emperor: Eternal Qiankun Great Emperor, #5

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.
 

 

 

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The Southern Barbarian Tribe lacked talisman refining techniques, so they didn't have many talismans. However, after years of battling with the inland cultivators, they still had quite a few captured ones. With Wu Linzha's strength and experience as a Crystallization Phase cultivator, he naturally had some understanding of the talismans used by inland cultivators.

He naturally knew that the so-called Beast Soul Talismans, like Magic Technique Talismans, belonged to the category of talismans. However, ordinary talismans usually sealed defensive, offensive, or supportive magic techniques. Beast Soul Talismans were different, as they sealed the souls of demonic beasts, making them much rarer than Magic Technique Talismans. This was because they weren't refined by ordinary cultivators, but were special talismans that could only be produced by high-rank cultivators with considerable research into souls.
 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Zhou Yan
• Release date: Jun 3, 2024
• ISBN: 9798227496782

Book preview

Chapter 509 - Intense Battle with a Crystallization Phase Cultivator (Part 2)

The Southern Barbarian Tribe lacked talisman refining techniques, so they didn’t have many talismans. However, after years of battling with the inland cultivators, they still had quite a few captured ones. With Wu Linzha’s strength and experience as a Crystallization Phase cultivator, he naturally had some understanding of the talismans used by inland cultivators.

He naturally knew that the so-called Beast Soul Talismans, like Magic Technique Talismans, belonged to the category of talismans. However, ordinary talismans usually sealed defensive, offensive, or supportive magic techniques. Beast Soul Talismans were different, as they sealed the souls of demonic beasts, making them much rarer than Magic Technique Talismans. This was because they weren’t refined by ordinary cultivators, but were special talismans that could only be produced by high-rank cultivators with considerable research into souls.

The production method was actually not complicated. Simply put, after killing a demonic beast, its soul would be extracted and then sealed into a talisman paper using a special refinement method.

Moreover, unlike ordinary talismans which were single-use, Beast Soul Talismans could be used repeatedly. Of course, there were still limitations. Each use would consume the energy within the demonic beast’s soul. When the soul’s energy was depleted, the Beast Soul Talisman would be rendered useless. Generally speaking, it could be used two to three times without issue.

However, not many cultivators were willing to take out demonic beast souls to refine into Beast Soul Talismans. The reason was simple - Beast Soul Talismans were a one-time deal. Once used, they were gone. Therefore, the prices of Beast Soul Talismans on the market were very high.

The mid-grade Beast Soul Talisman that Qin Yuxuan had just used required a Core Formation Phase cultivator to produce, making it even more expensive than ordinary Beast Soul Talismans. How could a typical Condensation Phase cultivator afford to use it?

Wu Linzha now had no doubt that Qin Yuxuan was the junior disciple of a Core Formation Phase cultivator from the Shu Mountain Sect. Otherwise, with his cultivation level, how could he possess a mid-grade Beast Soul Talisman?

He had already seen that the soul sealed in this talisman was a late Crystallization Phase Fire Phoenix that had failed its advancement. Its strength could already tentatively compare to a late Crystallization Phase cultivator’s. Although it only had its soul and its power was much weaker than when it was alive, it was still equivalent to an early Crystallization Phase cultivator.

Even if he was in peak condition without any injuries, dealing with such an early Crystallization Phase demonic beast would be very difficult, let alone in the current situation with the enemy watching like a tiger eyeing its prey and the Green Mountain Meteorite pressing down from above.

Qin Yuxuan saw the shocked and angered expression on his opponent’s face. Without any hesitation, he activated the Beast Soul Talisman. If he could kill his opponent, not only could he turn the tables, but with Wu Linzha’s wealth as a Crystallization Phase cultivator, it would definitely be very substantial.

Driven by spiritual power, the Beast Soul Talisman erupted with a brilliant red light in the air, and a fire-red phoenix about two zhang long appeared in the sky.

Screech!

The Fire Phoenix danced in the air, letting out a terrifying roar. Although it was just a soul, after being refined by a ghost path cultivator using special methods, its power was not inferior to a real demonic beast.

Just as Wu Linzha focused all his attention on the Fire Phoenix, Qin Yuxuan took out some recovery pills and swallowed three of them. Then, with a tap on his storage pouch, he sent out three Ghostfire Swords simultaneously.

These three crystal-clear Ghostfire Swords formed a triangular formation in the air, then flew straight towards Wu Linzha, carrying roaring green flames.

If Wu Linzha hadn’t been trapped by the Green Mountain Meteorite, he could have dodged. However, with the Green Mountain Meteorite pressing down on his head, his body was greatly restrained, making it impossible for him to evade. He could only face it head-on.

Qiankun Fire Sword Formation!

Qin Yuxuan called out softly, then made a sword seal with his hands. The three Ghostfire Swords, with lightning speed, fiercely crashed into Wu Linzha’s defensive shield.

Boom!

After a heaven-shaking, earth-shattering explosion, Wu Linzha’s defensive shield was completely shattered. His clothes were also burned through with many holes by the Mystical Azure Ghostfire, and his face was charred black, looking utterly miserable.

He used all his strength and finally managed to fend off these three Ghostfire Swords, but his injuries were not light.

These strange Fire Swords are not just a single one. When combined together, they formed a sword formation with such powerful might! Even I, a Crystallization Phase cultivator, almost couldn’t withstand it. Wu Linzha was also secretly shocked.

However, he hated the Green Mountain Meteorite above his head to the bone. If it wasn’t pressing down on him, restricting his movements, how could he have been beaten so badly?

Damn it! This green little mountain is too annoying!

Wu Linzha was furious. After taking the last two pills to recover his spiritual power, he gathered all his spiritual power and struggled with force—

Rumble rumble!

He finally managed to lift the Green Mountain Meteorite, freeing his body.

But at that moment, Qin Yuxuan lightly tapped and sent out a spell decree onto the Fire Phoenix.

Go!

With a soft rebuke, the Fire Phoenix transformed into a ball of red light and charged towards Wu Linzha, baring its fangs and brandishing its claws. Its speed was incredibly swift, not giving him any chance to catch his breath.

Seeing this massive Fire Phoenix pouncing towards him with powerful spiritual pressure, a look of despair appeared on Wu Linzha’s face. His figure rapidly spun in place as multiple talismans appeared in his hands. Relying on his remaining spiritual power, he continuously unleashed several defensive talismans while also activating his protective shield, preparing to endure this attack with gritted teeth.

Unfortunately, if he were at his peak condition with these defensive talismans, he might have been able to block it. But now, he was already severely injured and most of his spiritual power had been depleted. The remaining talismans were not of the highest grade either. When the phoenix crashed into him, the shield formed by those talismans, as well as his activated protective barrier, instantly shattered.

The Fire Phoenix’s momentum did not diminish. After letting out a mournful cry, it slammed into his body...

Oh! No—

Wu Linzha let out a desperate and unwilling scream as his protective light shield was smashed to pieces by the Fire Phoenix. Then, the Fire Phoenix mercilessly collided with his body...

Moments later, the flames in the sky slowly extinguished, revealing a charred corpse.

At this time, a strong gust of wind blew past. Starting from the head, Wu Linzha’s body turned into fine grains of sand and scattered with the wind. Very quickly, his entire being was blown away without a trace.

Then, with a pop sound, a storage pouch fell from the sky and landed on the ground. This world-shocking battle had finally concluded!

Qin Yuxuan and Qing Luo exchanged a glance and both let out a long sigh. This fight could be described as extremely thrilling. If it weren’t for the many talismans he had obtained from previous encounters, especially that Fire Phoenix Beast Soul Talisman, he would have likely died long ago, and Qing Luo would have been captured by Wu Linzha.

Junior Brother Qin, let’s leave this place first and find a secluded spot to hide, Qing Luo hurriedly said.

Qin Yuxuan also understood her meaning. It was time to divide the spoils of war. This Wu Linzha was so powerful, an elder of the Southern Barbarian Tribe and a Crystallization Phase cultivator. His wealth must be considerable.

Chapter 510 Dividing the Spoils of War

The two quickly found a relatively secluded cave nearby, then took out Wu Linzha’s storage pouch and emptied its contents.

With a clatter, the items inside proved that Wu Linzha was indeed worthy of being a Crystallization Phase cultivator. The contents were even more abundant than Qin Yuxuan and Qing Luo had imagined. In addition to over 500,000 low-grade Spirit Stones, there were also more than 2,000 mid-grade Spirit Stones and 20 high-grade Spirit Stones. Moreover, there were several jade ceramic bottles, seemingly containing medicinal pills, and as many as seven or eight magical tools.

Qin Yuxuan’s gaze was immediately drawn to one of the magical tools...

It was a fiery red ancient sword with an archaic design, engraved with many patterns and emitting a tremendous spiritual pressure. It was clearly no ordinary item at a glance.

My goodness! A top-grade magical tool! Qing Luo couldn’t help but exclaim, her pretty eyes also revealing a look of surprise.

A top-grade magical tool was a tier higher than even peak-grade magical tools. Not to mention Condensation Phase cultivators, even Crystallization Phase cultivators would covet it.

Although Crystallization Phase cultivators could already use magical treasures, if the materials used to refine the treasures were of poor quality, they might not necessarily surpass the quality of peak-grade and top-grade magical tools. Therefore, many early Crystallization Phase cultivators still used peak-grade and top-grade magical tools.

The sword Qing Luo used was a soft jade sword, hanging at her waist. This sword could be soft or hard and was exceptionally flexible, but its power was slightly lacking, making it difficult to gain an advantage when directly confronting enemies. She had long wanted to change to a hard sword of better quality.

Not only was the quality of this ancient sword superb, but the blade also emitted a scorching, fiery red glow, indicating that it possessed fire attributes. When attacking, it could easily unleash several types of fire-attributed sword qi, making it even more challenging for enemies to deal with.

Qing Luo caressed the ancient sword and saw three ancient characters, Li Huo Jian, inscribed on the blade, which seemed to be the sword’s name.

Seeing Qing Luo so enamored with the sword, Qin Yuxuan smiled faintly and said, Qing Qing, if you like it, take it and use it. I’m not skilled in sword techniques anyway. I prefer using sabers for direct confrontations. This sword is yours!

Hearing this, Qing Luo’s face immediately showed an expression of both surprise and joy. She knew very well that Qin Yuxuan had played the biggest role in killing Wu Linzha, the Crystallization Phase cultivator, while she herself was purely a supporting character.

Junior Brother Qin, you don’t want this sword? It’s a top-grade magical tool! I remember you also learned sword techniques! she asked somewhat in disbelief. Top-grade magical tools on the market would cost at least 500,000 Spirit Stones, and they were also hard to come by.

It’s alright! After all, there’s more than just this item in this guy’s storage pouch. There might be other good things, Qin Yuxuan said with a smile.

He was not a very generous person, but he was also not a selfish one. Qing Luo had an excellent relationship with him, and there was even a hint of affection between them. Her aptitude was good, and she was an inner sect disciple. Now she was already at the late Condensation Phase, and in the future, she was very likely to advance to the Crystallization Phase. This sword would be more useful for her!

Although he knew the Qiankun Sword Technique, it was mainly used to control sword formations to defend against enemies. He couldn’t even fully control the eight Ghostfire Swords yet, so he had no use for this Fire Sword.

When it came to actual close combat, he still preferred using a saber, feeling that it gave him more momentum.

Upon hearing this, Qing Luo was deeply moved. After thanking Qin Yuxuan, she played with the Fire Sword in her hand for a good while before reluctantly storing it in her storage pouch.

Apart from magical tools and Spirit Stones, the majority of items in Wu Linzha’s storage pouch were large and small jade ceramic bottles. When opened, some contained medicinal pills, while others contained strange powders and liquids, the nature of which was unknown. Although Qin Yuxuan didn’t recognize most of them, given Wu Linzha’s identity as an elder of the Black Gold Tribe of the Southern Barbarian Tribe, he wouldn’t carry useless things on his person. They must all be useful treasures, so he carefully stored them one by one.

As for the medicinal pills that could increase cultivation at the late Condensation Phase, he gave them all to Qing Luo. After all, he could refine pills himself, while Qing Luo couldn’t. It was more difficult for her to increase her cultivation compared to him.

Qing Luo was also very clear about this, so she didn’t stand on ceremony and readily accepted them. In return, she expressed that she didn’t want any of the other items and let Qin Yuxuan have them all.

Qin Yuxuan felt that this Senior Sister was indeed a sensible person, unlike some women who were petty. Therefore, he copied a set of the Jade Slips containing the special techniques of the Southern Barbarian Tribe from the pouch and gave them to her. Perhaps they could come in handy in future battles against the Southern Barbarian Tribe.

After clearing out Wu Linzha’s storage pouch, the two continued their escape, preparing to return to Cang Mountain Fortress.

Along the way, Qin Yuxuan and Qing Luo encountered quite a few scattered Shu Mountain Sect disciples who were also fleeing. They were just like their team, having attacked the mines occupied by the Southern Barbarian Tribe. However, they were either ambushed or betrayed by their fellow disciples during the battle, resulting in their defeat.

During the escape, everyone was surprised and found it unbelievable that the Southern Barbarian Tribe had hidden so many traitors within their own sect.

This was because the Shu Mountain Sect was very strict in recruiting disciples. Generally, it was unlikely for wandering cultivators who came to join the sect with their own skills to be accepted. Almost all the disciples in the sect had entered since their youth and had been cultivating there ever since. The possibility of traitors emerging among them was minuscule.

Among them, many disciples were born within the sect because their parents were Shu Mountain Sect disciples. Since their Spiritual Apertures met the sect’s requirements, they had grown up in the sect from a young age.

Such disciples should have been the most trustworthy. However, no one had expected that the Southern Barbarian Tribe would start from the place everyone thought was the least likely. They had sent people to infiltrate long ago, hiding and biding their time until the second or even third generation of disciples were born before suddenly making their move. As a result, they had indeed achieved a resounding victory.

However, Qin Yuxuan still found it somewhat incomprehensible. Although the Southern Barbarian Tribe’s actions could cause considerable losses to the Shu Mountain Sect and allow them to win some battles, it was treating the symptoms rather than the root cause.

After all, the disparity in strength between the two sides was too great. The Shu Mountain Sect only needed to send out the forces of two peaks to crush the Southern Barbarian Tribe.

If the Southern Barbarian Tribe really went too far and angered the Shu Mountain Sect’s higher-ups, it wouldn’t be difficult for them to dispatch a large force to annihilate them in one fell swoop.

Although they could flee deep into the Jade Mountain Range, they would inevitably suffer heavy casualties. Moreover, they would face constant extermination and blockades from the Shu Mountain Sect, making their lives even worse than before.

Logically speaking, with the intelligence of the Southern Barbarian Tribe’s higher-ups, it was unlikely for them to do such a foolish thing. Yet, it had happened... Therefore, Qin Yuxuan felt quite strange and didn’t know what the Great Chieftain was thinking.

Chapter 511 Reinforcements Arrive

Two days later, Cang Mountain Fortress finally appeared in Qin Yuxuan and Qing Luo’s sight. Seeing the Shu Mountain Sect’s flag on the fortress walls, all the disciples who had fled back breathed a sigh of relief, grateful that this fortress hadn’t been lost and that the Shu Mountain Sect still held the initiative.

The Dian Country Cultivators on duty at the city gates had obviously already heard the news of the front line’s failure, so they weren’t surprised by the return of these defeated troops. After verifying their identities to ensure no traitors had mixed in, they let them enter the city.

Upon entering the city, Qin Yuxuan and Qing Luo were both startled. They discovered that the number of cultivators in the city had increased significantly, and almost all the new faces were from the Shu Mountain Sect.

It seems that reinforcements have most likely arrived! Qing Luo pointed to those unfamiliar faces and said, Several of them are disciples from Heart Sword Peak that I’ve seen before, but they didn’t join the First Legion to go to war. It appears that Peak Master Su’s subordinates have come to support us!

She then walked up to a disciple she knew and inquired. The result was just as she had guessed: reinforcements had indeed arrived.

According to that disciple, apart from leaving less than two hundred people to guard the peak, almost all the disciples from Heart Sword Peak had come to Cang Mountain Fortress. When they arrived, it was just as the main force that had launched the sneak attack on the enemy’s mine had been defeated.

Originally, the Great Chieftain had wanted to take advantage of this opportunity, riding on the momentum of the recent victory and attacking Cang Mountain Fortress while the morale of the cultivators inside was low. However, he hadn’t expected the Shu Mountain Sect’s reinforcements to arrive at this exact moment. With the arrival of the reinforcements, the morale of the cultivators in the city soared, and they went out to fight several victorious battles, instantly turning the Southern Barbarian Tribe’s previous gains to nothing.

Now, the Southern Barbarian Tribe and the Shu Mountain Sect were at a stalemate, with the mountain range as the dividing line between them.

Qing Qing, you should also go back and rest early! Recover your Spiritual Power as soon as possible, and any minor injuries need to be treated quickly. It seems that we won’t be able to return to the sect anytime soon and can only honestly participate in the battles here! Qin Yuxuan sighed.

Yeah! You take care too. So many squads have been scattered and decimated. With the reinforcements arriving, they will likely reorganize the legions. Let’s try to stay in the same squad when that happens! Qing Luo said with a wink.

After returning to his quarters, Qin Yuxuan sat cross-legged on a meditation cushion, took some elixirs, and began treating his injuries. In the previous battle with Wu Linzha, he had sustained some minor injuries. Although not severe, he couldn’t let them linger.

As he circulated his cultivation technique, wisps of white mist rose from the top of his head, and the dozens of visible scars on his body slowly began to heal and scar over...

About two days later, Qin Yuxuan finished his cultivation and stood up, a faint smile on his face. His injuries had now fully healed, and he felt energetic and in high spirits.

After experiencing this battle with a Crystallization Phase cultivator, he felt that his state of mind had improved somewhat, and his understanding of the Gale Knife Technique had risen to a new level. He felt that he had vaguely grasped some rudimentary aspects of the fifth layer. Given time and the accumulation of combat experience, it was no dream for him to comprehend the fifth layer of the Gale Knife Technique.

He then fetched a bucket of clean water and thoroughly washed himself from head to toe. After changing into a clean set of blue robes, he felt refreshed and invigorated.

Just as Qin Yuxuan was about to start his cultivation, a familiar female voice came from the door: Junior Brother Qin, have you rested well?

Qin Yuxuan recognized it as Zhao Ying’er’s voice and quickly replied, Sister Zhao, I have fully recovered!

He opened the door and saw a beautiful woman with bright eyes and white teeth, wearing a white dress, standing at the door. Who else could it be but Zhao Ying’er?

However, Zhao Ying’er’s face looked somewhat haggard, clearly showing that the previous failed attack had left her unable to sleep well these past few days.

The day before yesterday, I ran into Qing Luo. She said that only you and she escaped from your squad, and the other ten people all sacrificed their lives... Zhao Ying’er sighed, looking apologetic. I never imagined that Lu Lin, who grew up in the Shu Mountain Sect since childhood, would turn out to be a traitor for the Southern Barbarian Tribe. If Qing Luo hadn’t told me, I think everyone would have been kept in the dark... But now, there’s no need to be afraid. My grandfather has written a letter and entrusted someone to take it back to the sect, requesting a detailed investigation of all those who have joined the Shu Mountain Sect in the past hundred years under the guise of wandering cultivators. Especially, these people and their descendants must not be allowed to occupy important positions within the sect, to avoid causing great harm.

Yes! Especially his father, Lu Ke, must be thoroughly investigated! Qin Yuxuan blinked his eyes, then raised his head and asked, So, were our losses heavy this time? Do we have to continue fighting against the Southern Barbarian Tribe?

The losses are quite severe, but still within an acceptable range, Zhao Ying’er sighed softly. More than half of our Fourth Legion was killed or wounded, and many squads were even completely wiped out. However, the losses of the other three legions were even greater than ours. The Second and Third Legions both suffered over sixty percent casualties. Only the First Legion, due to their stronger strength and the fact that many of them cultivate illusory techniques, managed to have many people escape and return...

Now that the reinforcements have arrived at Cang Mountain Fortress, the main force is the disciples of Heart Sword Peak, along with some disciples from other peaks who want to temper their will through life-and-death battles. So, at present, our strength can be said to have increased rather than decreased compared to before. The Southern Barbarian Tribe’s act of infiltrating a large number of traitors into our Shu Mountain Sect has also deeply angered the sect’s upper echelons. Peak Master Su has publicly stated that if the Southern Barbarian Tribe is not beaten and frightened this time, she will never return to the Shu Mountain Sect! Zhao Ying’er said with a serious expression.

Upon hearing this, Qin Yuxuan nodded, then his eyes gleamed as he said with a grin, Sister Zhao, you didn’t come to me just for this matter, right? I think there must be something more important...

Yes! You’re clever indeed! Zhao Ying’er also chuckled. To be honest with you, this time I came to find you on behalf of Peak Master Su. She wants to meet you and said she has something she wants your help with.

What? Peak Master Su wants my help? Qin Yuxuan could hardly believe his ears upon hearing this.

Sister Zhao, you’re not joking, are you? Peak Master Su is the master of Heart Sword Peak, one of the top three among the eight peaks of our sect. She wants my help? Qin Yuxuan said with a wry smile. I really can’t think of anything that a Core Formation elder like her can’t handle, but I, a Condensation Phase disciple, can...

To be honest, I’m not too clear about it either, Zhao Ying’er shook her head. But Peak Master Su is a very good person and quite generous. If she asks for your help, I’m sure the rewards will be substantial once the matter is done. If it’s not too difficult for you, it’s best to agree to her request!

Alright! I’ll go right away then! Qin Yuxuan naturally knew how much help it would be for him to have a good relationship with a Core Formation elder, especially a Peak Master like Su Nian.

Chapter 512: Su Nian’s Summoning

Under Zhao Ying’er’s guidance, Qin Yuxuan arrived at the command center located at the heart of the fortress. Su Nian’s room was in a serene and elegant courtyard within the command center.

After bringing Qin Yuxuan to the door, Zhao Ying’er apologized, Junior Brother Qin, I can only take you this far. Peak Master Su is inside. Please go in!

With that, she waved at Qin Yuxuan and then turned to leave.

As Qin Yuxuan watched her graceful figure disappear from view, he braced himself and walked into the courtyard, then knocked on the wooden door of Su Nian’s room.

Is that Qin Yuxuan? Please come in! A soft and clear female voice came from inside.

Qin Yuxuan pushed the door open and entered the room. Inside, he saw a woman in her early twenties, dressed in a bright Luo skirt, with a complexion like jade, flawless and fair, with clear and beautiful eyes, a small and straight nose, and tender, beautiful lips.

She was wearing a pink Luo skirt with a light green cloak over it. The waist tied with a light blue orchid knot appeared exceptionally slender and graceful.

Despite wearing simple clothes without any jewelry, her delicate hands and fair wrists were incredibly captivating. She stood before him, giving off a refreshing and pleasant aura.

Qin Yuxuan had seen Su Nian before, but that was before the expedition, from a distance at the sect’s gate, and he hadn’t seen her clearly. Being able to see her from such a close distance now truly made him realize Su Nian’s stunning beauty.

Seeing Qin Yuxuan staring blankly at her, Su Nian slightly frowned and said, Nephew Qin, please take a seat. I have something to discuss with you.

Qin Yuxuan then came back to his senses, calmed his slightly stirred heart, performed a courtesy, and sat down on a chair beside him, then asked, May I know why Peak Master Su has summoned me? What orders do you have?

Su Nian didn’t immediately answer his question but instead asked, Nephew Qin, I heard from Ying’er that you once single-handedly killed Wu Linzha, a Crystallization Phase cultivator from the Southern Barbarian Tribe?

Qin Yuxuan was startled upon hearing this, wondering how Zhao Ying’er knew about the matter and even told Su Nian. However, after a moment of thought, he guessed that Qing Luo must have informed her. After all, the two women were now as close as sisters and shared everything with each other.

Thus, he could only smile awkwardly and say, How could I have such great abilities alone? It was all thanks to Senior Sister Qing Luo’s assistance. Moreover, Wu Linzha was too careless and arrogant, underestimating his enemy, which allowed me to take advantage of the situation. If I were to duel him one-on-one, I’m afraid I would be the one lying on the ground!

He wasn’t lying in this regard. Indeed, there was a significant element of luck involved when he and Qing Luo defeated Wu Linzha. Of course, Qin Yuxuan’s three ultimate techniques - the Ghost Spirit Scorpion, Qiankun Fire Sword, and Green Mountain Meteorite - also played a crucial role.

Then, could you tell me the details of your battle with Wu Linzha? Su Nian asked with interest.

Qin Yuxuan didn’t understand why Su Nian was so interested in this matter, but since he knew that the Peak Master had already learned some of the truth from Qing Luo, he didn’t dare to conceal anything further, fearing that it might be exposed and lead to Su Nian’s dissatisfaction.

Therefore, he honestly recounted the entire process, from how they escaped the mine, encountered Wu Linzha’s interception, and then fought against him, from beginning to end.

Su Nian listened attentively, and when she heard that he could simultaneously control three Ghostfire Swords, she was slightly moved and said, With your Mid Condensation Phase cultivation, you can actually manipulate three Qiankun Fire Swords at the same time?

Qin Yuxuan had no choice but to nod and say, Yes! I can barely control them now.

Su Nian became even more curious and asked, Can you take out your Ghostfire Sword for me to see?

Of course! Qin Yuxuan had no other option. He lightly tapped his storage bag and took out a Ghostfire Sword, suspending it in the air.

Looking at the crystal-clear red sword emitting green flames that burned fiercely in the room, even Su Nian was shocked.

I didn’t expect you to possess an exotic fire. No wonder you can forge Fire Swords. However, this green flame doesn’t feel hot at all. It must be a cold flame like the Netherflame, right? Su Nian exclaimed in surprise.

Peak Master, this green flame is called the Mystical Azure Ghostfire. It was obtained by chance when Junior Sister Qing Luo and I were adventuring in the Spirit Communication Mystic Realm, Qin Yuxuan pondered for a moment and decided to honestly reveal the origin of this flame.

He felt that this Heart Sword Peak Master, who had already reached the Core Formation Phase, should not have any malicious intentions towards a mere Condensation Phase cultivator like himself.

Moreover, he didn’t know how much Su Nian had learned about him from Zhao Ying’er and Qing Luo, so it was better to be honest. Otherwise, if she found out that he was concealing things from her, it could be troublesome.

As expected, upon hearing this, Su Nian immediately smiled and said, Nephew Qin, I didn’t expect that during our first meeting, you would truthfully tell me everything, not even hiding the great secret of the Mystical Azure Ghostfire. However, in the future, you must be careful with your words! After all, you never know what’s in people’s hearts. Even within our Shu Mountain Sect, not all high-rank cultivators can maintain a peaceful mind and refrain from coveting the treasures of inner sect disciples.

Qin Yuxuan secretly felt lucky, and at the same time, he realized that Su Nian’s relationship with Zhao Ying’er was also extraordinary.

At this point, Su Nian continued, However, your ability to master an exotic fire like the Mystical Azure Ghostfire and achieve some success in cultivating the Qiankun Sword Technique has given me more confidence in you...

Her expression turned solemn as she said, Next, I want you to help me with something. If you can accomplish it, I can promise you one request within my power that is not excessive. For example, when your cultivation reaches the Great Perfection of the Condensation Phase, I can give you a Crystallization Pill... Are you willing?

Upon hearing this, Qin Yuxuan’s eyes nearly popped out of their sockets.

A Crystallization Pill? Su Nian could actually give out such a thing? It should be known that the Crystallization Pill is a necessity for Condensation Phase cultivators to advance to the Crystallization Phase.

When Nascent Soul Phase cultivators advance to the Condensation Phase, an Ice Soul is not a necessity. As long as one’s spiritual apertures have good aptitude, such as possessing Five Spirit Apertures, there is a high chance of successful advancement even without an Ice Soul.

However, when Condensation Phase cultivators advance to the Crystallization Phase, the Crystallization Pill becomes a must-have. Regardless of whether one has Heavenly Spirit Apertures or Earthly Spirit Apertures, when condensing the spiritual liquid in the body into crystals, failure is the only outcome without consuming a Crystallization Pill.

Therefore, the demand for Crystallization Pills among Condensation Phase cultivators far exceeds the demand for Ice Souls among Nascent Soul Phase cultivators. Moreover, the requirements for alchemists to refine Crystallization Pills are extremely high. Even third-grade alchemists cannot guarantee successful refinement.

The spiritual herbs needed to refine Crystallization Pills are also extremely precious and rare in the mortal world, making Crystallization Pills exceptionally expensive and scarce in the cultivation world.

Chapter 513 Shu Meng Was Captured

According to Qin Yuxuan’s knowledge, it seemed that no one had ever sold ready-made Crystallization Pills in the market. The reason why most disciples of small and medium-sized sects and cultivator families ultimately stopped their cultivation at the late Condensation Phase and could not advance to the Crystallization Phase was due to the lack of Crystallization Pills.

Even for a top ten sect in the cultivation world like the Shu Mountain Sect, although they could refine Crystallization Pills themselves, the quantity was extremely scarce. Only disciples who had reached the Great Perfection of the Condensation Phase could apply for them. Moreover, they had to undergo a comprehensive assessment based on their aptitude, age, talent, potential, contributions to the sect, and various other aspects.

Every ten years, the Sect Master of Shu Mountain Sect would convene a high-level meeting specifically for this purpose, where all cultivators at the Core Formation Phase and above would discuss and determine the allocation of Crystallization Pills to each peak based on the strength of their disciples.

After receiving the Crystallization Pills for their respective peaks, the Peak Masters would then hold internal meetings to decide which specific individuals would receive them.

Therefore, the Peak Masters of the eight peaks of Shu Mountain Sect indeed had significant authority in the distribution of Crystallization Pills.

However, Qin Yuxuan was somewhat puzzled because he was a disciple of Yi Jian Peak, while Su Nian was the Peak Master of Heart Sword Peak. Even if Heart Sword Peak was stronger than Yi Jian Peak, she shouldn’t be able to interfere with the distribution of Crystallization Pills for Yi Jian Peak.

Su Nian obviously noticed Qin Yuxuan’s doubts. She smiled faintly and said, I know you must be wondering how I can help you apply for a Crystallization Pill since I’m not the Peak Master of Yi Jian Peak, right?

Qin Yuxuan quickly replied, This disciple wouldn’t dare!

Hehe, there’s no need to hide it! I’m sure you also know that every ten years, the sect conducts a distribution of Crystallization Pills. At that time, disciples who have made special contributions to the sect or possess exceptional talent will have a chance to obtain one. With your poor spiritual aperture aptitude, you may not be able to get one in Yi Jian Peak. However, if you transfer to my Heart Sword Peak, I can naturally help you secure one. What do you think? Su Nian said with a beaming smile.

Qin Yuxuan’s heart stirred upon hearing this. Such generous conditions were indeed difficult for him to refuse. Of course, he also realized that the favor Peak Master Su needed from him must be very challenging. Otherwise, why would a lofty Heart Sword Peak Master, a Core Formation Phase expert, come to seek help from an insignificant Mid Condensation Phase disciple like him?

May I ask what favor Peak Master Su needs this disciple’s help with? Please enlighten me, he cautiously inquired.

After hearing his words, Su Nian sighed lightly and said in a distant voice, Actually, this matter must be traced back to my unworthy disciple Shu Meng...

It turned out that Su Nian’s personal disciple, Shu Meng, was born with the Charm Talent, making her an exceptional disciple for learning Illusion Techniques and Heart Sword Techniques. After becoming Su Nian’s disciple, she practiced very diligently. In just two short years, she cultivated from the late Condensation Phase to the peak of the Condensation Phase, only a step away from the Great Perfection Realm.

The Shu Mountain Sect’s Crystallization Pill competition, held every ten years, was extremely fierce. A total of only eighteen Crystallization Pills were distributed. Among them, eight were allocated to each peak, to be distributed by the Peak Masters. The remaining ten were obtained by the top ten disciples in the Crystallization Pill competition.

The Crystallization Pill competition would be held in two years. This was a significant event that would determine whether Shu Meng could successfully advance to the Crystallization Phase.

Although Su Nian was very fond of her youngest disciple and was willing to give Shu Meng the Crystallization Pill allocated to the Peak Master, as the leader of a peak, she certainly couldn’t only consider her own disciple. She naturally hoped that Shu Meng could rely on her own strength to rank among the top ten in the Crystallization Pill competition, freeing up a Crystallization Pill for other outstanding disciples of the peak.

Therefore, she decided to temper Shu Meng through actual combat, allowing her to accumulate experience and improve her strength on the battlefield.

For this reason, during the Battle of the Southern Barbarians, she had Shu Meng accompany her and tried to let her fight on the front lines as much as possible.

Actually, for disciples like Shu Meng who have joined the sect for less than three years and possess special talents, we generally don’t allow them to participate in battles that could endanger their lives... It’s my fault for being too impatient! Su Nian sighed. So, in the surprise attack a few days ago, I let Shu Meng lead a small team to attack Mine No. 72.

According to previous estimates, this mine was located in a remote area, and the Southern Barbarian Tribe’s defenses should have been relatively weak... But unexpectedly, when Shu Meng’s team arrived, they discovered that there was actually a Crystallization Phase elder of the Southern Barbarian Tribe stationed in the cave. Although Shu Meng’s strength is considered outstanding among Condensation Phase cultivators, she still can’t compare to a Crystallization Phase cultivator. Moreover, that Southern Barbarian Tribe elder was at the Mid Crystallization Phase...

At this point, Su Nian smiled bitterly. You can guess the outcome of this battle without me telling you. Shu Meng’s team was almost completely wiped out, and Shu Meng herself was captured by that Crystallization Phase elder. Only one disciple who was on lookout outside managed to escape... From what we understand now, Shu Meng and the other captured disciples are being held in Mine No. 0, serving as mine slaves.

The favor I want you to do is this: I hope you can also pretend to be a captured disciple, infiltrate Mine No. 0, find Shu Meng, and then rescue her! Su Nian said solemnly.

Upon hearing this, Qin Yuxuan was greatly shocked. In his view, this was an almost impossible task to accomplish.

Peak Master Su, what’s so special about Mine No. 0? Why do I have to pretend to be a captured disciple? Can’t we directly send people to rescue her? he asked, somewhat puzzled.

Mine No. 0 is the largest mine in the Cang Mountain Range, second only to the main mine inside Cang Mountain Fortress. It is located at the northern foot of the Cang Mountain Range, close to the Jade Mountain Range. Not only are there many remnants of ancient prohibitions inside the mine, but there are also numerous demonic beasts. Ordinary people can hardly survive in there, and even for cultivators, it is extremely dangerous! Su Nian said solemnly. Therefore, before the Southern Barbarian Tribe invaded, the cultivators of Dian Country had always kept this mine sealed and did not carry out any mining. This is also the reason why it was labeled as Mine No. 0...

At this point, she also sighed. But the Southern Barbarian Tribe obviously won’t consider these circumstances. They are in desperate need of spirit stones. After the invasion, they captured a large number of cultivators from Dian Country and our Shu Mountain Sect, and immediately set their sights on Mine No. 0. After all, although it is dangerous inside, the spirit stone reserves are very rich, especially the proportion of medium-grade and high-grade spirit stones, which is more than double that of other mines...

Therefore, Mine No. 0 is also a key defensive location for the Southern Barbarian Tribe. Not only are there more than a dozen Crystallization Phase cultivators and over a hundred Condensation Phase cultivators stationed inside, but even the Great Chieftain’s younger brother, Hu Zhan, is guarding this mine. This person is also a Core Formation Phase cultivator... Su Nian sighed lightly. I am very clear about Hu Zhan’s strength. Neither Daoist Ding from Dian Country nor the three elders from your peak are a match for him. If we want to use force to attack, I will have to personally lead the army.

Chapter 514 Rescue Plan

But although the situation in the city has eased, it still requires me to hold the fort, otherwise I won’t be able to coordinate the relationship between our sect, the Dian Country cultivators, and the three major legions from your Yi Jian Peak... Su Nian said helplessly. Since a direct assault won’t work, the only option is to send someone to infiltrate. However, Crystallization Phase cultivators have higher cultivation levels and pose too great a threat to the Southern Barbarian Tribe. If captured by them, given Hu Zhan’s personality, there’s an 80 to 90 percent chance they’ll have their cultivation crippled and be thrown into the mines. In that case, not only will we fail to rescue anyone, but we’ll also lose lives...

Therefore, dispatching powerful Condensation Phase cultivators to enter Mine No. 0, find Shu Meng, and carry out a rescue has become the only feasible plan, Su Nian said solemnly.

Upon hearing this, Qin Yuxuan hesitated somewhat and said, Peak Master Su, will the Southern Barbarian Tribe take any measures against Condensation Phase cultivators...

He was a bit worried that his own cultivation would be crippled.

No! Su Nian shook her head. We have also bought off an insider within the Southern Barbarian Tribe. According to him, Condensation Phase cultivators who are sent to Mine No. 0 will not have their cultivation crippled. However, their storage bags will be inspected, and any magical tools, talismans, elixirs, etc. that they deem may pose a threat to the overseers will be confiscated. They will only be allowed to keep some simple low-grade magical tools to deal with the demonic beasts inside the mine...

Qin Yuxuan hesitated for a moment, then asked again, If I agree to your request and enter Mine No. 0, how can I rescue Sister Shu Meng after finding her?

Upon hearing this, Su Nian smiled faintly. I will teach you how to set up a short-distance teleportation formation. It can ignore general prohibitions and spatial lockdowns, and teleport two Condensation Phase cultivators to a place a hundred miles away. Of course, the amount of spirit stones required to activate this kind of teleportation formation is also very high. Therefore, people in the outside world generally don’t bother to set up and use this type of teleportation formation with short teleportation distances and high spirit stone requirements...

However, this type of formation is most suitable for you and Shu Meng to escape! After you find Shu Meng, you can tell her how to set up this teleportation formation, and she will find a way to gather materials on the spot and set up this teleportation formation! Su Nian said with full confidence. The formation flags and formation disks of this teleportation formation can be forged using medium-grade spirit stones. Although it requires a large number of spirit stones to activate, that’s not a problem for you two. Because there are plenty of spirit stones inside Mine No. 0...

At this point, her expression turned solemn. So, what do you say? Nephew Qin, are you willing to agree?

Upon hearing these words, Qin Yuxuan knew that the time had come for him to make a choice.

He could take the risk and go deep into Mine No. 0 to gamble with his life. The consequences of doing so would be either successfully rescuing Shu Meng, gaining Su Nian’s appreciation, and obtaining the Crystallization Pill; or dying in that mine and becoming a skeleton.

Certainly, he could also refuse, but doing so would undoubtedly anger this Peak Master Su.

Judging from the behavior of this Peak Master Su, who was unwilling to tell Zhao Ying’er the truth, she didn’t want people to know that Shu Meng was trapped in Mine No. 0.

And after he learned her secret, if he refused to cooperate with her, the consequences were imaginable. Perhaps after walking out of this room, he would die without a sound.

After all, for a Core Formation Phase cultivator to kill a Condensation Phase disciple like himself, it would only take a flick of the finger. Moreover, there were tens of thousands of ways to do it afterwards without anyone noticing.

But if he agreed, the loss would be too great. His Ghostfire Sword, Blood Battle Saber, Green Mountain Meteorite, Soft Stomach Armor, Blood Feather Cloak, and other treasures were all invaluable and couldn’t be confiscated.

Although he could leave them in Cang Mountain Fortress or entrust them to Su Nian, Zhao Ying’er, Qing Luo, and others for safekeeping, without these treasures, his chances of survival in Mine No. 0 would be much lower. After all, according to Su Nian, there were many remnants of ancient prohibitions and numerous demonic beasts in that mine...

Should I agree now, or think about it some more? Qin Yuxuan stroked his chin, clenching his hands tightly, feeling a bit hesitant.

However, at this moment, his right hand touched the Qiankun Ring on his left hand’s finger.

His eyes instantly lit up. That’s it! How could I forget that I still have the Qiankun Ring as a powerful weapon?

The Qiankun Ring had already been refined, and during the Spirit Communication Mystic Realm, he had obtained the hundred pounds of nourishing soil needed to transform its soil. It was just that recently, he had been busy fighting and hadn’t asked the Bone Emperor if the soil transformation inside the Qiankun Ring was complete.

However, even if the transformation wasn’t complete, he could still put magical tools, talismans, elixirs, and other inanimate objects into the ring’s inner space. This way, he could avoid the Southern Barbarian Tribe cultivators’ search of his storage bag when captured.

As for whether the Qiankun Ring would be discovered by the enemy, Qin Yuxuan hadn’t considered it at all. Because now that the Qiankun Ring had been refined into his own Nascent Soul magical tool, he could store it in his Dantian, and there was no need to worry about it being discovered.

Thinking of this, he immediately made up his mind, raised his head, and said to Su Nian solemnly, It’s rare for Peak Master Su to think so highly of me. If I, as a disciple, still refuse, then I would be ungrateful... I agree!

Su Nian had seen his expression hesitating and was a bit worried that he might back out at the last moment. Now seeing him finally agree, she was also very happy. She immediately said with a smile, Good! Nephew Qin, regardless of whether you rescue Shu Meng in the end, as long as you try your best, I will greatly reward you! However, don’t put your treasures into your storage bag anymore. You can leave them with me, and I’ll return them to you when you come back!

Qin Yuxuan nodded, and he poured out the items from his storage bag.

Apart from some middle-grade and high-level magical tools, low-level talismans, and elixirs, he cleared out everything else that was slightly valuable and put them into the storage bag given by Su Nian.

Afterwards, Su Nian began to explain the key points of setting up the short-distance teleportation formation, as well as how to cut and stack spirit stones to create formation flags and formation disks.

Qin Yuxuan listened very carefully. Although he wasn’t an expert in formations, he had some knowledge. And now he only needed to memorize it roughly, which wasn’t too difficult.

After Su Nian finished explaining the method of setting up the teleportation formation, Qin Yuxuan began to recite it.

The first time, he made quite a few mistakes, but after Su Nian recited it again, he remembered most of it. By the time Su Nian finished reciting it for the third time, he had almost memorized it completely.

Still not at ease, Su Nian had him specially recite it twice more for her to hear. Only after ensuring there were no errors and that Qin Yuxuan had memorized it clearly did she let him leave. She instructed him to go back and have a good sleep, and someone would arrange for him to set out early tomorrow morning.

Qin Yuxuan hurriedly bid farewell to Su Nian, then returned to his room and fell into a deep sleep. He understood in his heart that once the arrow was released, there was no turning back. Starting from tomorrow, what awaited him would be a rescue operation with an uncertain outcome.

Chapter 515 Successfully Captured

Early the next morning, Zhao Ying’er came to inform Qin Yuxuan that due to the failure of the previous attack, which resulted in heavy casualties on their side, the various legions had absorbed a large number of Dian Country cultivators and reorganized. He was promoted to the captain of another squad, supplemented with ten Dian Country cultivators as team members, ready to launch another attack.

When Qing Luo learned of this, she congratulated him with mixed feelings. She was really reluctant to part with Qin Yuxuan, but the reorganization was imperative, and she had no choice.

After reviewing the situation of his ten new team members, Qin Yuxuan could only smile bitterly. Seeing that the team members were all weak in strength and looked dejected, he knew that they were cannon fodder disciples specially assigned to him by Su Nian.

Three days later, Qin Yuxuan’s squad received orders to cooperate with two other squads to attack Mine No. 3. According to previous intelligence, this mine was guarded by the Flowing Water Division, one of the eight divisions of the Southern Barbarian Tribe, with two Crystallization Phase elders stationed there, and their strength was still very strong.

However, apart from Qin Yuxuan’s squad, the captains of the other two squads were Crystallization Phase cultivators. In terms of the number of Crystallization Phase cultivators, the two sides were evenly matched. In terms of Condensation Phase cultivators, the Shu Mountain Sect side still had an advantage.

However, when the actual fighting started, the Shu Mountain Sect disciples discovered that the enemy’s strength was far superior to theirs. The two Crystallization Phase elders were both at the mid-Crystallization Phase, while the two Crystallization Phase captains on their side were only at the early Crystallization Phase.

In terms of Condensation Phase cultivators, although the numbers on both sides were roughly the same, the Southern Barbarian Tribe’s side consisted mostly of disciples from the same tribe who had lived and fought together for many years, with tacit cooperation.

On the other hand, the three squads of the Shu Mountain Sect, due to the influx of a large number of Dian Country cultivators, had never fought together with the Shu Mountain Sect disciples before. When they fought, they were almost fighting on their own, with little proper coordination.

Therefore, the outcome of this battle was self-evident. The three squads of the Shu Mountain Sect were almost annihilated. The two Crystallization Phase captains escaped with injuries, while the rest of the Condensation Phase disciples were either killed or wounded, and not a single one escaped.

At the beginning of the battle, Qin Yuxuan was accidentally injured and withdrew from the battle to rest on the side. As a result, he became a captive of the Southern Barbarian Tribe along with other captured disciples of his sect and was escorted to the entrance of Mine No. 0.

Looking around, Qin Yuxuan saw that there were already seven or eight Condensation Phase cultivators standing in front of the mine. Judging from their attire, most of them were cultivators from the Shu Mountain Sect, but there were also a considerable number of cultivators from Dian Country, all of whom seemed to have been captured in recent battles.

These cultivators mostly had tattered clothes and scars on their bodies, limping as they walked. In comparison, Qin Yuxuan’s injuries were nothing.

However, it was precisely because of this that he quickly attracted the attention of a Southern Barbarian Tribe cultivator.

The Southern Barbarian Tribe cultivator was big and burly, wearing a set of animal hide clothing. His head was shaved clean, and his scalp was painted with colorful stripes, looking quite terrifying.

Moreover, his cultivation had already reached the mid-Crystallization Phase, and his powerful spiritual pressure made the surrounding captives tremble in fear.

The man strode towards Qin Yuxuan, a cruel smile appearing on his face. When he reached Qin Yuxuan, without a word,