Immortal Refiner

The emergence of an underwater grotto-heaven in the Black Sand River ultimately led to a major conflict between the two great Immortal Path sects.

However, this war in the Black Sand River Basin did not result in the death of any Core Formation True Lords.

Despite the absence of high-ranking casualties, the intensity of the conflict was no less fierce. Both sides suffered heavy losses among their Foundation Establishment Elders.

The two Core Formation True Lords also fought with genuine fury, especially Perfected Heavenly Thunder Kong Ming. His attacks were ruthless, and his Thunder Dao divine abilities were unparalleled in their dominance. He aimed directly at the life of Shangqing Sect’s Core Formation Ancestor.

In the end, Kong Ming, wielding his Natal Magic Treasure, emerged victorious.

During the battle, he deployed the Ten Thousand Thunder Compass, newly forged from Thunder Spirit Crystals, and unleashed its terrifying suppression, severely wounding his opponent.

The compass’s appearance exuded an aura of invincibility.

”Patriarch Kong Ming’s Thunder Dao Magical Artifact is too powerful! I doubt there are many immortals in the entire cultivation world who could match it!”

”Indeed. If the Shangqing Sect’s Core Formation True Lord hadn’t possessed such unpredictable escape techniques, he would have perished here today.”

”It’s hard to say,” Patriarch Kong Ming replied, his expression unreadable. ”He clearly still has some strength left, as if he’s guarding against something.”

”Perhaps he’s wary of the Shangqing Sect’s Exquisite True Lord,” another cultivator speculated. ”Now that she’s achieved such dominance, she’ll likely reign supreme for a long time to come.”

The words ”Exquisite Treasure Physique” hung like a mountain over the entire Heavenly River Sect.

The Exquisite True Lord was no mere figurehead; her reputation was forged in the crucible of battle.

Even in the Pseudo Core Formation Stage, she had forced a Core Formation expert to self-detonate. Now that she had reached Core Formation herself, her combat prowess was enough to make many cultivators in the same realm wary.

Meanwhile, Li Qing, who had fled far away, still received news from the Black Sand River along his journey.

”They’ve reached a temporary truce! Both sides have agreed to send only Foundation Establishment Elders to explore the underwater grotto-heaven.”

”There’s also a limit on the number of people allowed inside. They plan to hold a tournament between Qi Refining disciples, with the number of wins determining how many people each side can send into the grotto-heaven.”

Upon reading this intelligence, Li Qing was left utterly dumbfounded.

Just moments ago, the Core Formation Ancestors had been locked in a life-or-death struggle. Now, they were suddenly letting Qi Refining disciples settle the matter through a tournament.

”What a farce,” Li Qing chuckled dryly, burning the intelligence report he had just received to ashes.

Though it seemed like a joke, this method was actually the best solution under the circumstances.

Both sides clearly wanted to avoid further casualties among their Core Formation Ancestors. If the supreme elders continued their violent conflict, the situation could easily spiral out of control.

So, they decided to have ten Qi Refining Realm disciples from each side compete in a tournament, with the number of Foundation Establishment Realm Elders allowed to enter the grotto-heaven to search for treasures determined by the number of victories each side achieved.

This arrangement was truly excellent. It minimized casualties while giving young Heavenly Prodigies a chance to participate.

”I wonder if Ye Feng will seize this opportunity. If he shines here, the sect will surely reward him handsomely.”

”But all of this has nothing to do with me,” Li Qing muttered, his gaze drifting southwestward. He had already left the Black Sand River Basin thousands of miles behind.

If he continued at full speed for another seven or eight days, he would reach his destination: the Azure Radiance Pool!

The Azure Radiance Pool is a Second-Tier Spiritual Vein under the jurisdiction of the Heavenly River Sect.

This place is rich in spiritual energy and boasts stunning scenery, named after a deep, azure pool.

However, due to its remote location—surrounded by a thousand-mile radius of barren land—the Heavenly River Sect didn’t invest heavily in the area. Instead, they leased it out to generate spiritual stones.

For rogue cultivators with substantial wealth seeking a quiet Spirit Vein Land for secluded cultivation, the Azure Radiance Pool is an excellent choice.

The Daoist Qingyang Li Qing was searching for currently resides at the Azure Radiance Pool.

Seven or eight days passed in a flash. Perhaps due to the desolate surroundings, nothing noteworthy happened along the way.

Finally, as Fan Tong leaped over a small earthen mound, Li Qing, seated on the tiger’s back, caught sight of the azure pool nestled against a range of rolling mountains.

The scenery was indeed breathtaking. Thin white mist clung to the mountain peaks, and the azure, secluded pool lay like a precious mirror in the valley below.

The Azure Radiance Pool is divided into inner and outer layers. The inner layer boasts the highest concentration of spiritual energy, sufficient for the daily cultivation needs of three to five Foundation Establishment Realm cultivators.

The outer layer’s spiritual energy is slightly thinner, comparable to a First-Tier Spiritual Vein, and is rented out to numerous Qi Refining Realm rogue cultivators.

”If there weren’t a Soul Nurturing Secret Realm, this place would actually be quite suitable for secluded cultivation,” Li Qing murmured, gazing at the Azure Radiance Pool. The area was completely isolated, with no villages or towns nearby. Even though it was a Second-Tier Spiritual Vein, few cultivation clans would choose to establish their territory here.

Every cultivation clan hoped to be as close to the Heavenly River Market as possible, as it made trade much more convenient.

Of course, it was precisely because of this remoteness that the area had remained untouched by the wars of the cultivation world, which turned out to be an unexpected blessing.

After arriving at the Azure Radiance Pool, Li Qing didn’t rush in. Instead, he patiently waited through the night.

Only at dawn did he finally approach the pool.

Li Qing retrieved a letter Ye Feng had prepared for him and passed through the outer area, filled with individual courtyards, until he reached the Cave Abode District, where the spiritual energy was most concentrated.

After asking around among the rogue cultivators, he learned the location of Daoist Qingyang’s cave abode.

”This should be it,” Li Qing muttered, circling the pool halfway before finding the cave abode on the summit of a nearby mountain peak.

The area was saturated with Restrictions, and any unauthorized intrusion would trigger an immediate attack.

Li Qing presented Ye Feng’s letter directly to the entrance of the cave abode and clasped his hands in a respectful bow.

”Senior Qingyang, Er Niu seeks an audience!”

After his words faded, a long silence followed. Then, the spiritual light of the Restriction at the cave abode’s entrance flickered. A peacock with feathers of mixed hues strutted out with an air of haughty pride, snatched the letter Li Qing had offered, and retreated back inside.

After another considerable wait, a frail, aged voice echoed from within the cave abode.

”Come in.”

As the voice faded, the spiritual light of the Restriction at the entrance dissipated, revealing a path leading inside.

Without hesitation, Li Qing stepped onto his Peerless Hammer and soared into the cave abode. This was his first time entering another person’s dwelling, and his heart raced with a mix of nervousness and anticipation.

After walking for a while, the space ahead suddenly opened up, revealing a reception hall.

In the center of the hall, Daoist Qingyang, clad in a Taoist robe and wearing a benevolent smile, sat cross-legged on a cushion.

”It’s been so many years since we last met. I never expected to see you again. Fellow Daoist Er Niu, your cultivation has improved considerably,” Daoist Qingyang chuckled warmly.

Li Qing clasped his hands in a respectful bow. ”I never expected Senior Qingyang to remember me. I’m truly honored.”

”Hahaha, I haven’t lost my mind yet. I still vaguely recall you attending the trade fair for the first time, when you were only at the fifth level of Qi Refining. Who would have thought you’d reach the Late Qi Refining Realm by now?”

”Come, sit down and let’s chat!”

Daoist Qingyang tossed a cushion beside Li Qing without any pretense of seniority.

Looking at the cushion beside him, Li Qing couldn’t help but feel a pang of nostalgia. It was identical to the one he had sat on at the trade fair six years ago.

As Li Qing sat down, Daoist Qingyang sighed. ”Ah, this world is truly turbulent. Most of the members from that trade fair have lost contact, and as far as I know, many perished in the Great War at the Heavenly River Market.”

Li Qing remained silent for a long moment before speaking. ”Yes, life is unpredictable. Simply surviving is the greatest blessing.”

”Senior, your trade fair was a truly benevolent act. I benefited greatly from it, and I owe you a debt of gratitude for that.”

When seeking a favor from someone, first offer them a favor of your own. If they truly need your help, then through mutual assistance, you can later ask for their assistance in return.

As if sensing Li Qing’s hidden intentions, Daoist Qingyang chuckled and said, ”As far as I know, Fellow Daoist Er Niu is an artifact refiner who helped Fellow Daoist Nine Heavens successfully repair a spirit boat, correct?”

Li Qing’s heart skipped a beat, realizing this might be his chance. He quickly replied, ”That’s right, but I’ve only repaired a spirit boat once. I have no experience repairing other high-grade magical artifacts.”

”Hahaha, for someone your age to possess such a level of Artifact Refinement Technique is already quite remarkable.”

”It just so happens that my Pill Refining Cauldron has suffered some damage. It has cracks and some of the dao patterns controlling the flames have been partially destroyed.”

With that, Daoist Qingyang unceremoniously produced a bronze-colored Pill Refining Cauldron.

Clang!

Li Qing’s eyes narrowed. He immediately stood up and began examining the cauldron’s damage.

(End of the Chapter)

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