Chapter 280 : Grandmaster of Formations
Chapter 280: Grandmaster of Formations
“By joining, you mean…?”
Wei Tianxiong’s heart began to race as he stared at Li Qingqiu and asked.
He had already prepared himself to become a servant or slave. So when he heard Li Qingqiu invite him to join the Clear Sky Sect, he was stunned, thinking he had misheard or misunderstood.
Li Qingqiu raised his hand and drew the Life-Control Talisman into his palm. He replied, “Your life is now mine. From now on, I will not let you suffer humiliation. But whether you are worthy of my trust, I will need time to observe.”
Shen Yue inwardly thought, as expected.
If Li Qingqiu had truly wanted to kill Wei Tianxiong, he would not have wasted so many words.
Looking back at the earlier battle, although Wei Tianxiong had seemed intent on killing him, in truth he had constantly left him room to survive.
However, Shen Yue still did not understand Wei Tianxiong’s character and could not make a rash judgment.
Upon hearing Li Qingqiu’s answer, Wei Tianxiong fell silent again. But this time, his expression eased considerably.
Since he was to be a prisoner regardless, retaining even a shred of dignity was naturally a good thing.
Li Qingqiu infused Vital Energy into the Life-Control Talisman and quickly grasped the purpose of its restrictions.
It had to be said—the Divine Origin Sect truly had some substance.
This Life-Control Talisman was extremely refined and ingenious, a level of craftsmanship the Clear Sky Sect had yet to reach.
The talisman burst forth with light. Immediately after, a golden beam shot out and shone upon Wei Tianxiong.
Wei Tianxiong closed his eyes, preparing to have his soul controlled.
Shen Yue watched curiously. He, too, was quite intrigued by the path of the soul.
As the golden beam enveloped him, Wei Tianxiong, lying on the ground, began to convulse, clearly enduring pain beyond what ordinary people could imagine.
His soul was being split apart. Coupled with his severe injuries, at this moment, he was in a state worse than death.
He could only think of the great vengeance against the Divine Origin Sect to steady his will.
After a long while—
When the golden light dissipated, Wei Tianxiong lay on the ground, even weaker than before, unable even to open his eyes.
Li Qingqiu toyed with the Life-Control Talisman. Through it, he had already established restraint over Wei Tianxiong. With a single crush of the talisman, he could cause Wei Tianxiong to die instantly. He could even torment him through it.
Truly insidious—but undeniably useful.
Li Qingqiu intended to have people study the Life-Control Talisman after returning. If Wei Tianxiong could assist, that would be even better.
With that thought, Li Qingqiu placed the Life-Control Talisman into his Storage Pouch and then used the Ghostly Immortal Needle of Rejuvenation to treat Wei Tianxiong’s injuries.
At that moment, Bai Ning’er supported Yan Daozong as they flew over and landed behind Li Qingqiu.
Li Qingqiu turned and looked at Yan Daozong, frowning. “How did you end up so severely injured?”
He had already seen Yan Daozong’s injuries earlier. What he was asking about was the cause.
Even Shen Yue had not been hurt this badly.
Yan Daozong had already regained consciousness. Facing Li Qingqiu’s question, he gave a bitter smile, unsure how to answer.
“He did it to help me. You didn’t see it earlier—his aura was incredibly strong, almost comparable to a cultivator of the Spirit Perception Realm,” Shen Yue explained.
“Yes, truly amazing! Senior Yan hasn’t even begun immortal cultivation yet and is already this powerful. If he does cultivate, he’ll definitely be the next Senior Shen!” Bai Ning’er said excitedly, his tone full of admiration.
Li Qingqiu looked at Yan Daozong and guessed that the fate trait “Martial God Alive in the World” had likely erupted at a critical moment.
Yan Daozong possessed the bearing of a Martial God. As his strength grew, that bearing would only become stronger, especially excelling in fighting many enemies alone.
However, compared to Yan Daozong’s “Martial God Alive in the World,” Li Qingqiu was even more curious about Bai Ning’er’s “Lucky One.”
This incident had brought the Clear Sky Sect a powerhouse surpassing the Spirit Perception Realm—a tremendous gain.
Upon reflection, perhaps it was precisely because of “Lucky One” that they had encountered Wei Tianxiong instead of a cruel demonic cultivator.
Though Wei Tianxiong did not look like a good person, what his true nature was remained to be seen.
When Bai Ning’er noticed Li Qingqiu looking at him, his smile vanished. He took a deep breath and said, “Sect Master, I know I was wrong. I will never act recklessly again.”
This time, he was truly frightened.
He dared not imagine what their fate would have been had Li Qingqiu not arrived.
Li Qingqiu had no intention of blaming Bai Ning’er. But seeing him so solemn, he guessed there had likely been some twists and turns.
“You are still young. I hope you truly learn from this lesson,” Li Qingqiu said seriously.
Bai Ning’er quickly assured him.
Shen Yue added, “He didn’t really make a mistake—just a bit too bold. In the end, it was our own incompetence.”
Yan Daozong nodded. “Indeed, it’s on the two of us.”
The blow Wei Tianxiong had dealt Yan Daozong was tremendous. His gaze dimmed, his heart clearly unsettled.
“We’ll summarize everything after we return. For now, tell me what you discovered on this journey.”
Li Qingqiu gave the order. Seeing that Wei Tianxiong had yet to awaken, he had Shen Yue and the others recount their experience.
Upon hearing that beneath this land lay not just one but multiple relic palaces of the Supreme Sword Sect, Li Qingqiu’s interest was piqued.
Shen Yue and the others had not fully investigated—Wei Tianxiong had interrupted their progress.
Li Qingqiu believed Wei Tianxiong knew far more about the Supreme Sword Sect and planned to continue the investigation after he awoke.
From Bai Ning’er’s account, Li Qingqiu could already sense how powerful the Supreme Sword Sect had once been.
Yet even such a mighty sect had perished.
Had it been destroyed by the Land of Demons and Devils, or was there another cause? Li Qingqiu found himself intrigued.
Additionally, he wanted to learn about the Heavenly Nether Sea and other Immortal Cultivation Sects through Wei Tianxiong, to prepare in advance.
Sooner or later, the Clear Sky Sect would encounter other Immortal Cultivation Sects. If they knew nothing about them, they would certainly suffer losses.
Time passed quickly.
After a full hour, Wei Tianxiong finally awoke.
He opened his eyes and saw Li Qingqiu and the others. It felt as though he had been reborn.
He had always known how formidable the Life-Control Talisman was, but this was his first time experiencing it personally.
Li Qingqiu turned to him. “You’re finally awake. Answer me one thing—if we attempt to excavate the inheritance of the Supreme Sword Sect with just the few of us, would it be safe?”
Wei Tianxiong parted his lips and replied hoarsely, “Not… safe…”
“Very well. We’ll return to the Clear Sky Sect first. We’ll discuss this matter later!”
Li Qingqiu decisively ordered and then let out a whistle.
Shen Yue and Bai Ning’er froze momentarily and instinctively looked up.
Had the Sect Master’s Divine Eagle followed them here as well?
A violent wind roared in, kicking up clouds of dust.
Bai Ning’er saw an enormous figure rise from behind a distant mountain peak and could not help widening his eyes.
“How did it become so large…?”
…
Li Qingqiu’s departure from Clear Sky Mountain had gone unnoticed. When he returned, no one realized he had ever left.
Little Eight carried them down near the Ancient Great Mountain Range. Afterward, Li Qingqiu brought Wei Tianxiong and Shen Yue back to the Lingxiao Courtyard of Clear Sky Mountain, while Bai Ning’er and Yan Daozong returned to rest.
Dusk approached.
Li Qingqiu, Shen Yue, and Wei Tianxiong sat at a long table. Wei Tianxiong sat cross-legged on a bench, nourishing his spirit.
The Life-Control Talisman had dealt him severe damage. On the journey back, he had been dazed and unsteady.
Li Qingqiu was not in a hurry. While waiting, he discussed the Sword Dao with Shen Yue.
Shen Yue was very interested in the sword strike Li Qingqiu had used to defeat Wei Tianxiong. Li Qingqiu held nothing back, elaborating endlessly on his experience.
“Oh? Elder Shen, you’ve returned?”
A female voice sounded as Zhu Yan entered the courtyard.
Shen Yue turned and nodded slightly in greeting without speaking.
Zhu Yan noticed Wei Tianxiong. Dressed in tattered black robes with white hair, he looked anything but ordinary—very much like someone from an evil path.
She merely glanced at him before stepping beside Li Qingqiu, bowing and saying softly, “Sect Master, there is a matter I would like to discuss with you.”
The Grand Dao Tournament was still ongoing, but preparations for its rewards had already begun. Magic Implements were indispensable.
As the disciples grew stronger, low-grade Magic Implements were no longer suitable. Zhu Yan wished to forge stronger ones.
But forging Magic Implements required superior resources.
“No rush. Sit down first and listen to us discuss something else,” Li Qingqiu said with a smile, gesturing for her to sit.
Zhu Yan complied. As she listened to Li Qingqiu and Shen Yue resume their discussion of the Sword Dao, she realized the matter Li Qingqiu referred to likely involved the mysterious black-robed man.
What could require the involvement of the Hall Master of the Heavenly Works Hall?
Zhu Yan remained composed, though inwardly puzzled.
After a while—
Wei Tianxiong finally opened his eyes, exhaling a turbid breath. Some vitality returned to his gaze.
His eyes met Li Qingqiu’s, filled with complexity.
From this day forth, his life would rest in this man’s hands.
“Awake?” Li Qingqiu asked.
Wei Tianxiong nodded. “You wish to obtain the inheritance of the Supreme Sword Sect?”
“The inheritance—and more than that. The underground palace structures and mechanisms are worth studying. Even the palaces themselves can be converted into resources, can they not?” Li Qingqiu replied.
Wei Tianxiong was momentarily stunned. He had not expected Li Qingqiu’s considerations to be so…
Far-reaching.
“Before that, you will formally enter the Clear Sky Sect. Are you willing?” Li Qingqiu asked again.
He asked because Wei Tianxiong had yet to appear in the Dao Lineage Panel.
Wei Tianxiong took a deep breath. Rising, he bowed toward Li Qingqiu. “Disciple Wei Tianxiong greets Sect Master!”
The moment his words fell, Wei Tianxiong’s portrait appeared at the very bottom of the Dao Lineage Panel.
A smile spread across Li Qingqiu’s face. “Now, tell us what you know about the relic palaces of the Supreme Sword Sect.”
He immediately opened Wei Tianxiong’s panel to examine it.
Name: Wei Tianxiong
Gender: Male
Age: 723 years (427 years depleted)
Loyalty (to Sect Master / Sect): 31 / 35 (Maximum 100)
Cultivation Aptitude: Good
Comprehension: Excellent
Fate Traits: Survived Great Calamity, Grandmaster of Formations, Cherishes Talent
Survived Great Calamity: Each time he survives a great disaster, his insight into cultivation increases.
Grandmaster of Formations: Possesses unique comprehension and interest in the path of formations; destined to become a grandmaster in this field.