"I've lived for nearly a thousand years, and this is the first time I've ever seen someone successfully form a Nascent Soul without the aid of spiritual veins, relying solely on a spirit-gathering array."
"Who can argue with that? The other party seems absolutely certain of achieving Nascent Soul formation. I wonder what kind of rare and precious materials they used to assist them. It's truly astonishing."
"Regardless, the other party is already a Nascent Soul stage cultivator. They must have a place in Tiannan. However, where did this sect called Hidden Immortal Sect come from? Why have I never heard of it before?"
"I don't have any either. They're supposedly cultivators from other continents, the kind who were teleported here by an ancient teleportation array."
"I see. In that case, we might have to try to win them over."
Several sect elders immediately began to consider this. The other party came from another continent, meaning they had no ties to Tiannan. Wouldn't it be a case of whoever struck first had a better chance of winning over a Nascent Soul level cultivator?
"No, not one, but two. The sect leader of the Hidden Immortal Sect is also at the Nascent Soul stage. So, this small Hidden Immortal Sect has two Nascent Soul cultivators and several Golden Core cultivators. I'm afraid the major sects of Tiannan can't handle it."
"...That's true. Although their numbers are small, their top-tier strength is no less than that of our sects. I'm afraid they won't be easy to win over."
Just as a group of old monsters around them were exchanging whispers, Hongyu finally emerged from seclusion.
Unlike before, Hongyu has undergone a complete transformation. Originally, she was a pure sword cultivator, her entire body enveloped in sword energy, her sharpness readily apparent. But now, Hongyu's sword energy is concealed, like a sharp sword that has finally found its scabbard.
Those present were all powerful figures in the cultivation world. They could naturally sense that once this hidden sword was drawn, it would likely cause a cataclysmic event.
In this world, there are very few pure sword cultivators. Most cultivators develop all their skills to prevent themselves from having too many weaknesses. But Hongyu is different; she is a pure sword cultivator. Apart from her sword cultivation, all other aspects of her life are compensated for by Lu Xuan using runes and magic treasures. However, after reaching the Nascent Soul stage, these auxiliary methods gradually become less important.
Because her sword has begun to form its own Dao. The sword energy imbued with the Dao is now capable of handling most situations.
"This Fellow Daoist Hongyu's Daoist arts are truly astounding..." Elder Linghu wanted to offer a word of praise, but hesitated. After all, excessive praise would be seen as boosting the opponent's morale while diminishing his own. However, belittling her would go against his own principles. Therefore, he simply remained silent.
A group of 'demons and monsters' also stepped forward to congratulate Hongyu on her successful completion of the Nascent Soul stage. They had always addressed each other as sisters, and their relationship far exceeded that of most sects' superiors and subordinates.
Lu Xuan ultimately declined the attempts of the old men to win him over. He explained that their Hidden Immortal Sect was originally a reclusive sect and would not participate in the various disputes of the cultivation world. Therefore, they would only seek out a mountain with a small spiritual vein and live in seclusion.
That's what he said. But he didn't care how many people around him believed him. The Hidden Immortal Sect had no official sect, and nowhere to entertain these old guys. So, before long, the group of Nascent Soul stage monsters, having made a fool of themselves, all left.
The matter seemed to have come to an end, but it still caused quite a stir in the cultivation world of Tiannan. The news reached Spirit Beast Mountain.
"Will this Hidden Immortal Sect affect our plans?"
"Reporting to Young Master. At present, it seems that the impact is not significant. The other party is clearly acting like a reclusive sect. Therefore, at least for the time being, they will not take any action. However, it is said that there are two Nascent Soul stage cultivators and several Golden Core cultivators in their sect. Therefore, I think we still need to be careful."
"Yes, send a few people to keep a close eye on their movements. But don't disturb them. When I have time, I will go there myself."
"Yes, young master."
............
At the same time that Hongyu formed her Nascent Soul, another person also broke through their current realm. Hmm, Old Demon Han has reached Foundation Establishment...
Using herbs gathered from the forbidden area, Old Demon Han refined a large batch of Foundation Establishment Pills, which he devoured like candy. He continued until, through the power of the pills, he reached the limit of his cultivation level and successfully formed his core. At this point, he still had four Foundation Establishment Pills left.
The main reason is that Lu Xuan previously used lightning magic to cleanse and refine his body, reducing his resistance to drugs. Therefore, he consumed significantly fewer Foundation Establishment Pills than in the original story. It's important to understand that Lu Xuan's lightning magic body tempering technique simulated the tempering of the body by heavenly lightning during a tribulation, making its effects exceptional.
After successfully establishing his foundation, Han the Old Demon gained the right to create a cave dwelling in Yellow Maple Valley. However, this fellow was naturally cautious; upon seeing the array flags given away by the sect, even the spirit rat couldn't stop him. This sparked the idea of acquiring a powerful set of array flags.
In the market, just like in the original story, Han Li met Qi Yunxiao. After they made an agreement, Han Li left satisfied. After he left, Lu Xuan entered Qi Yunxiao's shop.
"What would you like, fellow Daoist? I have all kinds of array formations and talismans here."
Perhaps it was because he had just received the thousand-year-old elixir from Han Li, but Qi Yunxiao was in a very good mood and was exceptionally hospitable to his guests.
Very few people in this world specialize in formations. This is because they don't directly aid in cultivation or combat; they only serve as supplementary techniques. However, Qi Yunxiao's wife, Xin Ruyin, possesses a naturally occurring Dragon Roar physique. Born a woman in a male body, forcibly cultivating would cause her lifespan and meridians to gradually become misaligned and atrophy. That's why Qi Yunxiao needs to collect thousand-year-old spiritual herbs for her.
"The Dragon Roar Physique isn't something a thousand-year-old spiritual herb can cure. Qi Yunxiao, are you sure you can save Xin Ruyin?"
Qi Yunxiao's expression changed drastically.
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Chapter 488 Array Genius
"Who are you?"
Qi Yunxiao immediately summoned a set of array flags and looked at Lu Xuan warily.
"Hehe, don't worry. I'm not your enemy. I just happened to hear about your relationship with Xin Ruyin and came to take a look."
As Lu Xuan spoke, he directly released the spiritual pressure of his Nascent Soul stage cultivation. This caused Qi Yunxiao's face to turn pale, and he immediately withdrew the array flags from his hand. Facing a cultivator of Lu Xuan's level, his little tricks were truly meaningless.
"Senior's cultivation is extraordinary, why make things difficult for us Qi Refining stage cultivators?"
"Hehe, I told you. I'm not here to make things difficult for you. I just want to meet that true genius of formations. Lead the way." Lu Xuan didn't give him a chance to refuse. In the cultivation world, cultivation level equals power. Fighting is not allowed in the market. But Lu Xuan knew that even if he made a move, no one would dare to say anything. The highest-ranking elder in this low-level market was only a Golden Core cultivator.
Even if a Nascent Soul cultivator were present behind the scenes, they would never turn against Lu Xuan for the sake of a Qi Refining cultivator.
Unexpectedly, Qi Yunxiao withstood the pressure from Lu Xuan and showed no intention of backing down.
"Senior, please tell me why you need to find Ruyin. Otherwise, I won't take you there."
"...Are you sure? You know, even if I used the Soul Searching Technique on you right here, the person behind this market wouldn't turn against me, would they?"
"Of course I know. So, senior, please do it." After saying that, the young man actually looked like he was calmly facing death. This made Lu Xuan smile wryly.
"Okay, I'll say it again. I don't mean any harm, I just want to see if I can save her. If I can save her, then I need her to do something for me."
"real?"
“I, a dignified Nascent Soul stage cultivator, would I really make a special trip here to play this kind of joke on you?”
"......"