Immortal Refiner

Boom!

The Primordial Chaos Peerless Hammer abruptly halted, hovering above the Lord of the Ancient Castle’s head.

A scorching wave of heat erupted, its mere presence radiating a lethal threat that made the Lord of the Ancient Castle tremble.

Li Qing didn’t immediately take his life. With the battle already decided, he intended to thoroughly question his opponent about the matters he sought to understand.

”I ask, you answer,” Li Qing said coldly, his Wind-Thunder Silver Wings fluttering behind him as he slowly descended to stand before the kneeling Lord of the Ancient Castle.

The Lord of the Ancient Castle, his body shaking uncontrollably, had completely abandoned his former pretense of benevolent wisdom. He prostrated himself at Li Qing’s feet, his voice trembling as he pleaded, ”Master, please ask.”

”First question: What is your name?” Li Qing demanded.

”My name is Yang Gong, the chosen one of the Ji Ling,” Yang Gong answered truthfully.

This cooperation saved Li Qing the trouble of resorting to soul-searching and soul-refining techniques.

With this thought in mind, Li Qing proceeded to his second question:

”The Ji Ling you speak of—is that the mushroom that supports this city?”

”It chose you? Can this mushroom actually communicate with you?”

Li Qing was genuinely curious about this mushroom capable of supporting an entire city. What kind of existence was it?

In terms of individual combat power, it couldn’t compare to the massive demonic willow of the Black Wind Domain—the difference was vast.

And compared to his own blood lotus, its functionality seemed significantly inferior.

”The Ji Ling naturally possesses sentience. It is our hope for survival in the darkness, having sheltered us continuously since the darkness descended upon the great earth.”

Li Qing wasn’t interested in these explanations. He was simply curious about how Yang Gong normally communicated with the Ji Ling.

”How do you usually communicate with the Ji Ling? Why hasn’t it resisted even though I’ve already invaded?”

Yang Gong wore a troubled expression, as if reluctant to answer.

But Li Qing’s face turned cold, and he let out a cold snort, clearly displeased with the man’s attitude.

”Hmph!”

The cold snort carried not only Li Qing’s oppressive aura but also a subtle spiritual pressure, striking Yang Gong’s mind like a thunderbolt.

Yang Gong trembled violently, as if struck by lightning, and immediately stammered:

”Within the ancient castle, one can approach Ji Ling’s spirit body. Having resided deep within the castle and accompanied Ji Ling for years, I naturally learned to communicate with it.”

”As for why Ji Ling didn’t resist, it’s because it suffered some kind of damage during its birth, leaving it innately flawed. Unlike the Ji Ling of other great domains, it cannot act independently and requires a human intermediary like me to issue commands on its behalf.”

So he’s just a mouthpiece, Li Qing thought, his brow arching slightly as understanding dawned.

”Explain further. Why were there so many corpses of strange beasts you summoned earlier?”

”And what are those imprisoned strange beasts in the city being fed? How can it catalyze such vast quantities of blood?”

Yang Gong dared not conceal anything further and answered truthfully.

It turned out that both the flesh spores and corrosion spores were products of Ji Ling’s creation.

Flesh spores were essentially blood-boosting agents, unique spores produced by the Ji Ling through a combination of its own power and the Red Moon Secret Power. Consuming a single spore would cause a fleshly body to generate an enormous quantity of fresh blood.

Ordinary strange beasts couldn’t withstand this process; upon ingestion, they would immediately explode into a pool of blood.

Therefore, with the Ji Ling’s guidance, the city’s strange beasts continuously captured powerful exotic beasts from the surrounding areas, imprisoning them as living blood banks.

Gradually, nearly all the formidable exotic beasts in the region were captured and confined within various parts of Giant Mushroom City.

However, this method of blood extraction had its limitations. It significantly shortened the exotic beasts’ lifespans; even third-tier beasts could only provide blood for seventy to eighty years before dying.

The corrosion spores were another special type of spore produced by the mushroom spirit.

When exotic beasts died, they were buried within the mushroom’s mycelial network and implanted with corrosion spores. From that point onward, they fell under the mushroom spirit’s control, effectively becoming a form of puppet.

”Originally, there weren’t many third-tier exotic beasts,” Yang Gong explained. ”But after the Ji Ling stabilized its state, it began producing a type of crimson moon spore.”

”These crimson moon spores contain the pure power of the Red Moon, far purer than even crimson crystals. They can rapidly enhance the strength of strange beasts.”

”For weaker beasts, we feed them crimson moon spores and flesh spores to cultivate them into third-tier exotic beasts. Afterward, we imprison them in the city to provide blood.”

Yang Gong truthfully revealed all the secrets of the mushroom spirit. These three types of spores were exceptionally unique and formed the very foundation of the massive mushroom’s power.

After hearing everything, Li Qing nodded slowly.

It seemed that while the mushroom spirit couldn’t match the demonic willow of the Black Wind Domain in combat prowess, it still possessed its own unique strengths.

The various spores it produced had miraculous properties. If used properly, they could indeed provide him with significant assistance.

Finally, Li Qing asked another question that deeply concerned him:

”Earlier, I heard you mention the Blood Martial Dynasty. Tell me about it—what kind of power is it?”

Yang Gong was utterly stunned. He had assumed Li Qing was an unparalleled expert sent by the Blood Martial Dynasty; otherwise, how could he possess such overwhelming power?

He never imagined the man wasn’t from that dynasty at all—a complete surprise!

But thinking about it, this person’s methods were extraordinarily bizarre. Even the Ji Ling couldn’t withstand his terrifying flames. How could such a feat be accomplished by the crude warriors of that eastern dynasty?

”About three hundred years ago, the Blood Martial Dynasty established its nation based on the vital energy martial dao. Their founding emperor spread this martial dao throughout the land, earning the respect of countless great domains!”

”As for more details, I know nothing further.”

”Roughly several decades ago, that dynasty sent envoys here to spread their teachings, claiming they sought to liberate the world’s people from the suffering of mutation. But I, acting on behalf of the Ji Ling, refused them entry.”

In truth, the Blood Martial Dynasty hadn’t resorted to force. Upon seeing the residents of Giant Mushroom City living relatively well, they abandoned their plans to propagate their teachings here.

Vital energy martial dao, Blood Martial Dynasty, respected by all domains.

Hearing these familiar terms, a nostalgic glint finally appeared in Li Qing’s eyes.

He never imagined those little rascals from back then would actually establish such a formidable dynasty.

They were truly embodying the spirit of ”martial propagation,” their actions matching their words, leading by example!

For a moment, Li Qing felt a deep sense of satisfaction.

But now wasn’t the time to visit the Blood Martial Dynasty. He was particularly interested in the mushroom spirit and the various unique spores it cultivated.

To him, these spores held immense potential!

”Why haven’t you cultivated more powerful exotic beasts?”

”Is the crimson moon spore only capable of raising beasts to the third-tier?”

Li Qing suddenly realized why he had only seen third-tier exotic beasts in this city. There were no higher-tier creatures, dead or alive.

Yang Gong smiled bitterly.

”Fourth-tier exotic beasts are too powerful. The Ji Ling hasn’t provided us with crimson moon spores of that level.”

”Even if we could cultivate them, we wouldn’t be able to control them.”

”Moreover, producing crimson moon spores drains the Ji Ling’s energy. Fourth-tier beasts are also notoriously difficult to cultivate, with an extremely high failure rate.”

These limitations came as no surprise to Li Qing.

Fourth-tier exotic beasts were formidable beings capable of holding their own against Nascent Soul cultivators.

If they could truly be cultivated without any restrictions, like third-tier exotic beasts, Li Qing’s assault today would have been far more challenging.

He could easily handle one or two fourth-tier beasts, but if their numbers were multiplied tenfold, he would be in serious trouble.

Reflecting on the mushroom spirit’s peculiar spores, Li Qing’s gaze turned toward the ancient castle ahead.

Deep within the castle lay the mushroom spirit itself. Determined to subdue it, Li Qing resolved to investigate.

”Take me to the mushroom spirit,” Li Qing said calmly. ”I want to communicate with it.”

Yang Gong offered no resistance, bowing his head and leading the way.

”Of course, Master. Please follow me!”

Thus, Yang Gong led the way, with Li Qing following closely behind, as they entered the ancient castle.

The castle was eerily quiet and deserted, with Yang Gong as its sole inhabitant.

As they ventured deeper into the castle, they finally stopped before a massive door completely enveloped in fungal tendrils.

”Beyond this door lies Ji Ling’s Heart,” Yang Gong explained, pressing his hand against the fungal door. ”After being chosen by the mushroom spirit, I communicated with it within this chamber.”

The fungal strands slowly peeled away, revealing a narrow opening.

A faint golden light seeped through the gap. As the door fully opened, Li Qing saw a small, golden mushroom standing in the void.

A peculiar glint flashed in Yang Gong’s eyes before he stepped forward, leading the way inside.

Li Qing hesitated for a moment before following.

But the instant he crossed the threshold, the golden mushroom erupted with boundless golden light, engulfing Li Qing completely.

”Great Ji Ling, I have followed your supreme command and brought this person before you!” Yang Gong declared.

”Subdue him with your majesty! Let him become another of your chosen servants, guarding your will!”

Turning to Li Qing, Yang Gong resumed his compassionate demeanor, speaking with lofty condescension:

”Humble and insignificant one, join me in serving the great Ji Ling! Under its divine protection, we shall find eternal refuge and immortality!”

Enveloped in golden light, Li Qing felt himself being enveloped by an overwhelming spiritual sense.

His Sea of Consciousness stirred with an uncontrollable urge to open itself—the enemy was trying to enslave him!

Li Qing’s expression turned cold as he glared at Yang Gong, who had resumed his compassionate facade. ”I’ve decided,” he said coldly, ”I’m going to give you a good beating later. That sanctimonious look of yours is really making my fists itch!”

Yang Gong remained unfazed. He was convinced that Li Qing was utterly powerless against the Ji Ling’s corrupting influence and would inevitably become one of its servants, just like him.

This was why he had so readily confessed everything outside, revealing all the Ji Ling’s secrets to Li Qing. He knew that Li Qing would soon join him in serving the mushroom spirit.

In the next moment, the golden mushroom before them unfurled tendrils of mycelium, releasing a shower of golden spores—a spectacle of holy beauty.

But before the mushroom could touch Li Qing, the golden light surrounding him suddenly dissipated, and he dissolved into a surging pillar of flames.

”Just a Dao Body formed from spirit fire. Did you really think I’d be foolish enough to enter here with my true form?”

Before dissipating, Li Qing’s fiery Dao Body couldn’t resist one last taunt.

Yang Gong was utterly dumbfounded, his expression freezing as he watched Li Qing vanish.

At that very moment, outside the ancient castle, a tall, imposing figure stepped out of the void—none other than Li Qing himself.

”From now on, either submit to me or face annihilation!” Li Qing declared in an icy, authoritative voice. This wasn’t directed at Yang Gong, but at the mushroom spirit within the castle.

Earlier, when Li Qing had Yang Gong lead the way, he had secretly created an incredibly realistic spiritual flame Dao Body. He then concealed his aura and, using the Kunpeng Divine Power, merged into the void. Only by combining these two methods could he evade the mushroom spirit’s detection.

Indeed, the creature had failed to notice Li Qing’s deception, completely unaware that the figure who had entered was merely a spirit fire Dao Body.

Faced with such a peculiar being, Li Qing dared not underestimate it. Rashly approaching its True Spirit would have been reckless, contrary to his cautious nature.

Now that he had exposed the spirit’s scheme, he saw no reason to continue playing games with it.

In the next instant, three distinct spirit fires erupted from Li Qing’s body outside the ancient castle.

Within the blink of an eye, a colossal flame giant materialized out of thin air.

The entire population of Mushroom City witnessed this spectacle, utterly stunned.

Fire Extreme Dharma Body!

The flame giant, summoned by Li Qing, radiated an intensely scorching spiritual flame. Even before making a move, the mushroom mycelium and structures around it spontaneously ignited, swiftly reducing to ash.

The flames rapidly intensified, transforming the area around the giant into a raging sea of fire within moments.

”I’ll say it one last time: submit or perish!” Li Qing’s icy ultimatum echoed from within the flame giant.

He formed a magical seal with one hand, unleashing more heavenly spirit fire from his palm, as if poised to unleash the entire reservoir of flames.

If these fire seeds were scattered, only one outcome remained: Mushroom City would be engulfed in a sea of fire.

The resulting inferno would illuminate the pitch-black night sky with a brilliance akin to the long-lost daylight of this world.

Just as Li Qing prepared to unleash the flames, a faint voice finally resonated within his Sea of Consciousness:

”Stop...”

(End of the Chapter)

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