Chapter 584: Hidden Killing Intent
Returning to the Cold Ice Cave, he rested for a night.
Shen Xuan went to see Li Ruyi, handing her the Golden Transformation Pill and five Underworld Pearls.
In the past three years, Li Ruyi worked hard to complete sect alchemy tasks for him and traded Blood Tempering Pills at the Wilderness exchange, exhausting herself.
"Thank you, True Master Shen."
"Fellow Daoist Li, there’s no need for such formality between us."
Shen Xuan conversed with Li Ruyi for a while.
From her, he learned about the situation of the people on Starlight Island.
"True Master Xuan Yuan rarely interferes with the affairs of Starlight Island, focusing on trade with the Demon Race."
"True Master Hanyue handles the island’s affairs skillfully."
"Shangguan Yan’Er is enthusiastic about expanding family members, encouraging the Shangguan family cultivators to form bonds and marry."
"Ding Yijin, growing older, will likely propose to retire, letting his brother Ding Yixuan take over his duties."
"Tie Wenda wishes to step down; his son Tie Xinye reached Foundation Establishment two years ago."
"Lin Zhongyue’s granddaughter married a Foundation Establishment cultivator named Wen Yingfeng, from a small family in Hongcheng County, desiring to relocate the entire family to Starlight Island."
"Chu Duanlang has taken a third concubine. Currently, he is surrounded by numerous offspring, yet unfortunately, none have reached Foundation Establishment."
"Ding Qingfeng and Shangguan Ming Yue have started recruiting Alchemy Apprentices within their family."
Undeniably, Li Ruyi had a natural advantage in gathering intelligence.
She had no vested interests with anyone.
To Shen Xuan, she spoke freely.
...
In the practice room of the Cold Ice Cave.
After finishing his practice, Shen Xuan looked at the small characters on the Mysterious Jade Talisman.
[Lifespan: 183/1100]
[Sun True Flame Proficiency (6/200)]
[Heartburning Demon Flame Proficiency (8/100)]
[Spirit Root: Fire 36/100]
His lifespan had increased by one year.
The Tier Two Upper Grade Heartburning Demon Butterfly Essence Blood enhanced the Fire Spirit Root by 8 points.
During his time at the Hundred Herbs Sect, Shen Xuan shelved his Body Refining Technique practice.
Apart from delving into the Golden Transformation Pill Dao, he spent the remaining time creating Ice Soul Flying Sword Talismans and refining the Heartburning Demon Butterfly Essence Blood and Demon Core.
"A Fire Spirit Root of 36 points is still lacking."
According to Shen Xuan’s plan, he would boost the Fire Spirit Root to Upper Grade in one go before cultivating fire attribute techniques.
"Maybe I should ask the Scarlet Flame Tiger for some Essence Blood?"
"It’s such a big creature; losing a bit of Essence Blood shouldn’t affect its cultivation."
Shen Xuan mused inwardly.
At this time, he was still nurturing three clusters of Anomalous Fire: True Flame of the Golden Crow, Scarlet Flame Demon Fire, and Celestial Thunder Tribulation Fire.
The True Flame of the Golden Crow was fine.
When he mastered the Sun True Flame, he would merge it in.
To cultivate the Scarlet Flame Demon Fire, the Scarlet Flame Tiger’s Essence Blood Demon Core was required as a guide.
The higher the tier of the Essence Blood Demon Core, the smaller the amount that the Mysterious Jade Talisman could refine at once.
"Actually, it doesn’t necessarily have to be an adult Scarlet Flame Tiger. If there were a juvenile Scarlet Flame Tiger that died prematurely, it could work as well."
Shen Xuan planned the trade affair with the Scarlet Flame Tiger in his mind.
The Ice Soul Flying Sword Talisman was definitely not an option.
"Should I try using the Immortal Binding Cord instead?"
Shen Xuan had two Immortal Binding Cords crafted from Demonic Flood Dragon sinews.
Although slightly lower in tier than the one held by the Howling Moon Fox.
However, this kind of binding spiritual artifact was extremely effective against both human True Masters and demon kings.
...
Shen Xuan returned to the Cold Ice Cave, resting for over ten days.
He spent several days entwined with Qin Yuehan and Shangguan Yan’Er, guiding Lin Yueying’s cultivation.
Lin Yueying was seventeen, gracefully poised.
Her unique status, accompanying Qin Yuehan for a long time, lent her grace in every movement.
This also had to do with her cultivation technique.
Nominally, Lin Yueying was Shen Xuan’s registered disciple.
Her main cultivation technique was the Qin family’s ancestral [Greenwood Everlasting Spring Technique].
It had special effects of rejuvenation and longevity.
"So, Qin Yuehan’s lifespan is longer than I thought!"
"As a Fake Pill True Master, after consuming three High-quality Rejuvenation Pills and with the longevity effects of the [Greenwood Everlasting Spring Technique], she has four hundred years of lifespan?"
No wonder Qin Yuehan’s appearance remained radiant and youthful, showing no signs of aging.
This made Shen Xuan very agitated.
That night, on the soft bedroom bed, he fiercely punished Qin Yuehan.
A fierce battle between the beast and the beauty was staged.
A few days later.
Seeing that all was well on Starlight Island, Shen Xuan greeted Qin Yuehan and Li Ruyi before heading to the Cyan Cloud Sect.
At Cold Jade Peak, in the Grotto Heaven Blessed Land.
At this time, Fang Huixue had remarkably become a Foundation Establishment cultivator.
True Master Cold Jade said the Dao Foundation she established was extraordinary, reaching an upper grade.
"Congratulations, Master Cold Jade, on acquiring such an excellent disciple. With such a Dao Foundation, Little Junior Sister will surely be able to condense a Golden Core!"
Shen Xuan said sincerely.
This caused a blush to spread across Fang Huixue’s face.
When Liu Bingyu arrived later,
Shen Xuan, in front of Master Cold Jade, gifted a High-quality Golden Transformation Pill to Liu Bingyu.
This action made Fang Huixue quite envious.
"Senior Brother, you can’t favor one over the other!"
"When Xue’Er forms her core in the future, you must give me a High-quality Golden Transformation Pill too!"
Fang Huixue said boldly.
"We shall see!"
Shen Xuan replied casually.
Then, he seriously said to True Master Cold Jade: "Master Cold Jade, Junior Sister Liu’s cultivation has been refined well. I estimate that in two years, she will achieve Dao Foundation Perfection and can condense an Inner Core."
True Master Cold Jade nodded: "I think so too. Bingyu, your Senior Brother has put in a lot of effort for your core formation."
"Disciple knows. Bingyu thanks Senior Brother Shen."
With the approval of Shen Xuan and True Master Cold Jade, as well as possessing a High-quality Golden Transformation Pill,
Liu Bingyu clearly felt more confident.
After leaving Cold Jade Peak, Shen Xuan proceeded to Little Gu Peak.
Three years ago, he had True Master Gu Feng convey to Yun Chixin to have a good rest.
Once her body recovered, Shen Xuan would take her to Sunset Island to seek the help of the Purple Yunting Tree Sovereign to remold her Spirit Body.
At Little Gu Peak, in the Grotto Heaven Blessed Land.
This time, after meeting with True Master Gu Feng,
Shen Xuan made a point to meet with Yun Chixin alone.
Yun Chixin was quite delighted at Shen Xuan’s visit.
In front of Shen Xuan, she demonstrated various wood attribute techniques.
Wood Spirit Bind, Ironwood Thorn, Spirit Wood Shield, and others.
In Shen Xuan’s eyes, a crimson gleam flickered.
He saw very clearly.
Yun Chixin had recovered well, but she was still far from her peak state.
Actually, given her condition.
When she attempted Core Formation back then, with a bit more determination in her Dao heart and some luck, it was very likely she could have condensed a Fake Pill.
Yun Chixin, like Qin Yuehan.
Hailing from a prestigious family, everything was too smooth for her, lacking the ability to turn the tide in adversity.
This failure to form her core was a severe blow to her.
However, three years ago, after True Master Gu Feng’s advice.
Yun Chixin focused on healing.
"Senior Brother, how do you think Junior Sister is recovering?"
Yun Chixin asked, her eyes carried a hint of hope.
"You’re recovering well. I see nothing wrong with your body."
Shen Xuan encouraged her.
With the infusion of Spiritual Qi from the Purple Yunting Tree, this was Yun Chixin’s last chance to reshape her spirit body.
Shen Xuan also hoped Yun Chixin would have a good outcome.
After all, as the senior sister of Little Gu Peak, Yun Chixin was a decent person.
Back in the day, limited by his own cultivation, Shen Xuan was bullied by Lei Yaoyang.
Yun Chixin found an excuse to engage in magical combat with Lei Yaoyang, breaking his legs.
Shen Xuan has always remembered this favor.
This time, consider it repaying that kindness.
Whether Yun Chixin can form her core depends on herself.
In the Cultivation Realm, everyone has their own destiny and fate,
Shen Xuan wouldn’t even forcefully help his own descendants in the Shen Mansion.
Without that fate, forcing a breakthrough might not be a blessing.
Instead, it could affect one’s own luck, attracting divine punishment.
"Junior Sister Yun, I give you three days."
"Think carefully. Even if the Emperor of the Purple Yunting Tree is willing to help because of me, your body might not withstand the Spiritual Qi infusion."
"If you fail, your realm will fall, cutting off your path permanently."
Shen Xuan laid out the harsh reality first.
"No need for three days. Senior Brother, I’ve long made up my mind."
Yun Chixin’s eyes were determined.
...
Cyan Cloud Sect, Task Hall.
A priority task suddenly appeared on the most noticeable heading of the light screen.
"True Master Profound Ice of Starlight Island accepts the commission to refine the Golden Transformation Pill."
"For each share of Golden Transformation Pill materials, guaranteed at least one Golden Transformation Pill, with no upper limit."
"Two pills refined, the fee is one million Spirit Stones."
"If one of the two pills is high quality, the fee is one Golden Transformation Pill."
"For three pills, the fee is one Golden Transformation Pill."
"Disciples of the sect introducing a cultivator commissioning the refinement of the Golden Transformation Pill will be rewarded with ten thousand sect contribution points or one Water Technique Foundation Establishment Pill."
Within the Task Hall, the cultivators of the Cyan Cloud Sect were all astonished.
"True Master Profound Ice can refine the Golden Transformation Pill now?"
"At this rate, what do we need the Alchemy Hall for!"
"Shh, quiet! Senior Brother Huang from the Alchemy Hall is still here!"
At this moment, Huang Yuan was even more incredulous.
He looked at the task description for the Golden Transformation Pill on the light screen in the Task Hall, reading it several times.
Only then did he confirm that Shen Xuan indeed could refine the Golden Transformation Pill.
Moreover, his mastery had reached a certain level.
Otherwise, he wouldn’t offer the condition of guaranteeing at least one Golden Transformation Pill.
"If he can offer such terms, the success rate of refining the Golden Transformation Pill isn’t far from our master’s!"
Huang Yuan thought secretly.
Nowadays, he was at Foundation Establishment Perfection.
About to attempt condensing the Inner Core.
Based on True Master Changsheng’s judgment, there was some hope of successfully condensing a Fake Pill.
Currently, the Alchemy Hall was experiencing a generational gap.
Ge Chengming was dead, Zhao Shun was crippled.
Out of the remaining three direct disciples, True Master Changsheng chose Huang Yuan to become the actual head of the Alchemy Hall.
However, under his leadership, the Alchemy Hall was deteriorating with each passing day.
It wasn’t for lack of effort, there was simply no way around it.
On Starlight Island, there were two Tier Three Pill Masters.
Even the mass production of Demon Beast Spirit Pills was sold to the Demon Race in the Wilderness.
The majority of the Cyan Cloud Sect’s alchemy tasks were completed by Starlight Island.
The Alchemy Hall existed only in name.
...
On Changsheng Peak, within the Grotto Heaven Blessed Land.
After listening to Huang Yuan’s report.
True Master Changsheng scolded with a stern face: "Why do you bother with him! Such a show-off, oblivious to the limits of self-importance."
"Focus on cultivation, hone yourself, and form your core as soon as possible. Such deviants and heretics cannot last long!"
After sending Huang Yuan away.
True Master Changsheng entered the secret chamber.
After activating the barriers and array formations in the secret chamber.
He summoned a Treasure Mirror.
With a flash of the mirror’s light, a vague purple-robed figure was projected.
"Fellow Daoist Changsheng, long time no see. What about the matter we discussed last time?"
The purple-robed figure gradually solidified.
Lean, elegant, full of spirit.
It was the Spiritual Power projection of True Master Zhi Yang, the Sect Leader of the Danxia Sect.
"Brother Zhi Yang, I am willing to transfer to the Danxia Sect. However, I have one condition."
"Fellow Daoist Changsheng, please speak."
"First, brother Zhi Yang must help me eliminate someone. If this person is not removed, they will become a great threat."
True Master Changsheng’s expression was grave: "Not only my threat but also a fundamental threat to the Danxia Sect."
True Master Zhi Yang chuckled: "Which fellow Daoist makes you so fearful, Fellow Daoist Changsheng?"
True Master Changsheng said solemnly: "Brother Zhi Yang, I am not exaggerating. You have heard of this person."
Then, he spoke one word at a time: "Starlight Island, True Master Profound Ice, Shen Xuan."
True Master Zhi Yang’s smile instantly froze.
In the secret room, a murderous intent permeated the air.