Translator: Lynn
The yellow-robed cultivator approached with utmost sincerity and trepidation, “Ancestor, Young Master Li, he…”
The Jile Peak Ancestor paused, then chuckled, “So, that useless brat has suffered another defeat?”
The yellow-robed cultivator promptly affirmed, “The wisdom of the esteemed ancestor is unparalleled!” He lowered his head further, “It’s just that Young Master Li’s consciousness was scattered by someone, and his spirit was severely damaged. He no longer possesses consciousness.”
The Patriarch of Jile Peak maintained a steady expression, “Is that so… what’s his name again?”
The yellow-robed cultivator understood, “Xu Ziqing, from Xiaozhu Peak.”
The Patriarch of Jile Peak’s gaze gradually turned colder, “This little fellow, easily squashed like a bug. If he doesn’t give this ancestor face, it’s truly tedious.”
The yellow-robed cultivator refrained from interfering, simply listening to the ancestor’s words.
The Patriarch of Jile Peak brushed off an individual who was attempting to jest with him and snorted, “Although that wretch isn’t up to par, he’s not to be taken lightly. Since Xu Ziqing dares to act so ruthlessly, he has made an enemy of this ancestor. If I don’t give him a taste of his own medicine, will I still befit the title of an ancestor?” He slightly furrowed his brow, and a beautiful man leaned in, attempting to please him. Gently, the man pressed his forehead with both hands, showing great submission.
The Patriarch of Jile Peak added, “We can’t let this matter slide. Hong An, find an opportunity to eliminate Xu Ziqing and prevent him from obstructing my vision.”
The yellow-robed cultivator hesitated, “Ancestor, this…”
The Patriarch of Jile Peak raised an eyebrow, “What’s the matter? Can’t I handle such a thing myself? He’s just a junior in the foundation establishment period, and he warrants this treatment! Besides, I, as a Nascent Soul cultivator, engaging in direct confrontation with a junior would be a laughingstock to others.” As he spoke, a trace of his aura emerged, filling the entire cave with true energy, causing even the beauties to stagger and the cave to seem on the verge of collapse.
Despite the yellow-robed cultivator holding a cultivation base in the late Golden Core Transformation period, he trembled in front of the Nascent Soul stage, breaking into a cold sweat. He dared not provoke the ancestor’s wrath. He bent down deeply and explained earnestly, “Although Xu Ziqing possesses potential, he hasn’t fully matured yet, so there’s no need to fear. It’s just that his senior brother, Yun Lie… holds the fifth position in the Tianlong List and is also the leader of the core disciples. The Sect Master has great expectations for him… they are inseparable siblings in their daily activities. If anything were to happen to Xu Ziqing, Yun Lie wouldn’t remain ignorant.”
The Patriarch of Jile Peak paused. The atmosphere grew icy, “So, I can’t readily act against this Xu Ziqing?”
The yellow-robed cultivator hurriedly responded, “Certainly not, but it mustn’t be too conspicuous. Earlier, Young Master Li provoked many times, in a sense, our Jile Peak is also at a disadvantage…” His voice softened as he continued, but he persisted, “…If the Sect Master notices, it could raise suspicions.”
There was a moment of frozen silence.
After a lengthy pause, the Patriarch of Jile Peak let out a sigh, “Alas, my poor grandson, unable to exact vengeance in due time. But since his affair has concluded, Yun Lie and Xu Ziqing can’t thrive… Regardless, go search around. I have many connections in Jile Peak. I’ll find something that can ensnare them both, and send those siblings on a journey together. It’s an act of kindness from the ancestor.”
The yellow-robed cultivator swiftly acknowledged, “Yes, Patriarch. This disciple will act promptly…” He then stole a glance at the Patriarch, seeing his composed expression, and knew that today’s matters were concluded. He promptly rose and exited the cave.
Within the cave, the Patriarch of Jile Peak gestured for all the concubines and attendants to leave, then, with a sweep of his sleeves, he sealed the cave, preventing anyone from entering. He then opened his mouth and summoned a seemingly dim mirror.
A hoarse laughter of a man emanated from the mirror, “Why, is your heart vexed?”
The Patriarch of Jile Peak sighed softly, “That wretch is utterly useless. If it weren’t for the fact that only a trace of my bloodline remains, I wouldn’t trouble myself with this.”
As he spoke, he slightly turned the mirror to one side and examined it closely. Within the mirror, a faint phantom sat cross-legged, seemingly quite distant and motionless. Though the man’s appearance was unclear, his voice resonated from the mirror. The man spoke, “My dear, don’t be upset. It pains my heart.”
Patriarch Ji Le’s eyes shifted, and he smiled wryly, “You’re using this to placate me.”
The man sounded almost aggrieved, “I’m not trying to placate you. Would I ever mistreat you?”
Patriarch Ji Le chuckled, “Indeed, there’s only one of you in this world, treating me the best.”
Their conversation carried a playful banter, brimming with affection.
After some playful banter, they delved into serious matters once more.
The man began, “I heard about your grandson’s soul being harmed just now. You refrained from acting yourself, claiming fear of the Sect Master’s discovery. I suspect that’s not the real reason. You’re already a late Nascent Soul stage peak master, while Yun Lie is merely in the first line of the Golden Core stage. Even if Yun Lie possesses great potential, he hasn’t fully matured yet, and though he might perish… If you were to kill him openly, the Sect Master might not hold you in high regard, but it would damage the sect’s reputation. While you may not suffer severe consequences, the Sect Master’s reprimand will affect your standing. I won’t harm you.”
“You understand me well. I act for you, my adversary. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be so restrained,” the Patriarch of Jile Peak sighed, feeling a tinge of resentment. “Consider, now that you’ve been stuck at this juncture for years, I still seek to employ the power of the Immortal gate to find a vitality furnace for you. The Sect Master’s cultivation is unfathomable, and he oversees everything daily. A Nascent Soul cultivator like me is inconsequential to him. But should I kill this young Yun Lie, it will undoubtedly draw his attention. Even if my punishment isn’t severe, once the Sect Master notices me, he’ll constantly monitor my actions. How beneficial it would be to keep an eye on you and unveil your secrets! Once the Sect Master discovers the many enigmas within you, your life will be forfeit!”
The man chuckled briefly. “I suppose that’s accurate.” He then softened his voice once more. “My kind-hearted master, you do this for me. I’ll put the past behind us; it’s a worthy sacrifice.”
The Patriarch of Jile Peak glanced at him, also smiling gently. “Had it not been for the techniques you taught me back then, I wouldn’t be where I am today. You pursued immortality for my sake, so what I do for you is only fair.” They segued into a conversation about their affection.
After a considerable time, the Patriarch of Jile Peak reluctantly spoke, “Your cultivation is admirable. I will undoubtedly find a fire elemental cultivator for you. When the time comes, when you’ve become a Nascent Soul ancestor, we will embark on dual cultivation, and there will be nothing to fear.” With that, he gradually closed the mirror.
Later, the Patriarch of Jile Peak rose and made his way out. Shortly after, someone brought Li Cai’s remains. The Patriarch examined them and directed someone to immerse them in a pool of soul-suppressing water, allowing for a gradual revival.
Whether Li Cai would regain his spirit and consciousness in the future or continue to deteriorate into madness remained uncertain.
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The count of cultivators in the Golden Core Transformation stage was notably fewer compared to those in the foundational stage, making the duration of their matches much shorter.
All the disciples from Xiaozhu Peak were attentively observing the competition, keen on extracting valuable insights from it.
After witnessing several matches, they became increasingly aware of the distinctions between the Golden Core Transformation period and the Foundation Establishment period.
For instance, while the Foundation Establishment stage cultivators utilized a significant amount of true energy, it seemed to lack a certain level of solidity compared to the cultivators in the Golden Core Transformation stage. When executing the same technique, the latter exhibited greater potency.
Simultaneously, during battles, Foundation Establishment stage cultivators often struggled to control multiple magical tools at once, a challenge not faced by their Golden Core Transformation stage counterparts. Those forming sword formations with their swords demonstrated exceptional flexibility.
Furthermore, among the top practitioners in the Golden Core Transformation period, individuals like Xu Ziqing were gradually comprehending the rudiments of supernatural powers. Many sword cultivators had graced the stage, resulting in a martial arts arena dominated by swordplay, far exceeding the spectacle of the Foundation period competition.
Not to mention the Golden Core Transformation stage practitioners showcased immense expertise in Taoism comprehension, exercise study depth, ingenuity in various maneuvers, and combat experience, leaving a lasting impression on spectators.
Since being defeated by the thunder sword cultivator, Xu Ziqing has gained a deep understanding of his own weaknesses. The experience with the thundering sword move offered insights into his own Xia Lei sword technique. Seated in meditation on the high platform, he diligently practiced the exercises within his dantian while observing the ongoing competition. Each move unfolded before his eyes, and he felt a profound sensation as if he were immersed in a sea of consciousness, merging these maneuvers into a torrent, continuously refining them.
It’s worth noting that the Ten Thousand Woods Great Heart Planting Technique signifies the way of all living beings. When one tree commands all trees, it exudes authority, enabling the execution of orders and prohibitions.
Previously, Xu Ziqing had a friendly connection with thousands of trees and integrated them into his dantian. However, it lacked a sense of strict discipline and order.
But now, having been defeated by the Thundering Sword Cultivator, the elation from his prior winning streak had been suppressed. Xu Ziqing exerted restraint, fortified his mind, and began contemplating his own authority, drawing inspiration from the Thunder’s imposing presence.
A faint blue glow emanated from Xu Ziqing’s eyes as the true essence within his dantian swiftly gathered, gradually congealing into a thick, potent essence liquid. Suddenly, a serious expression etched itself onto his visage, and the Qingyun Needle emerged from his body, weaving through the air before his eyes.
In a short span, the Qingyun Needle seemed to possess a profound solemnity—a product of Xu Ziqing’s flesh and blood, conceived through his understanding. As Xu Ziqing deepened his comprehension, the essence within it grew more profound, and its latent power became more potent.
This refinement of the Qingyun Needle allowed Xu Ziqing to enter a semi-dream, semi-conscious state, experiencing a state of deep meditation and revelation. He awakened after the Golden Core Transformation Stage cultivator competition concluded.
The Qingyun Needle returned to its position at the center of his eyebrows, and Xu Ziqing opened his eyes.
At that moment, a piece of clothing gently drifted into his view, and the tall, resolute figure of the white-clad swordsman stood calmly before him.
“Yun Shixiong…” Xu Ziqing spoke softly, and suddenly realized, “The competition among the Golden Core Daoists is about to commence, isn’t it?”
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