Chapter 409: Da Qian — Then I Shall Break Through to the Nirvana Realm Here!
"Ancestor, with your vast knowledge, can you recognize what grade this spirit vein is?"
Deep underground within the Heaven Corpse Sect.
Cao Youqian gazed at the spirit vein before him, radiating a chilling aura, and asked instinctively.
"This is a Saint-grade Yin-cold spirit vein. No wonder the Heaven Corpse Sect was able to cultivate Saint corpses and Great Sage corpses—this spirit vein accounts for seventy percent of the credit."
Great Sage Jiaoyang's tone was indifferent. In the Holy Academy, Saint-grade spirit veins were not rare.
But for a sect like the Heaven Corpse Sect, with only one Saint, it was an exceedingly rare treasure.
Cao Youqian quickly made a decision. "If we bring this spirit vein back to the Miscellaneous Dao Institute, then our institute will finally have a Saint-grade spirit vein of our own."
"Second senior brother, that's a fine idea. Master will surely be pleased with such a gift."
Han Ping laughed as he spoke.
"But here's the problem—how are we going to move this spirit vein?"
Fang Mu said softly.
Cao Youqian forced a fawning smile and looked at Great Sage Jiaoyang. "Ancestor, could you…"
"No."
Great Sage Jiaoyang answered with faint annoyance. "I am your protector, not your servant. But it isn't that you cannot move it. If you break through to the Nirvana Realm, then with your Dao truth and divine body, you can carry this spirit vein away."
Hearing this, Cao Youqian's expression hardened with resolve.
He declared firmly, "Junior brothers, I ask you to guard me. Today I shall temper my body here and break through to the Nirvana Realm."
The eyes of those present flashed with excitement at his words.
But Song Zhaoyi quickly realized the key point. "Husband, could it be that you intend to use that Great Sage corpse pill to temper your body and break through?"
The crowd's gaze instantly shifted. Using a Great Sage corpse pill for body-tempering and a breakthrough—such a risk was far too great.
Only Great Sage Jiaoyang, watching from a distance, allowed her lips to curve into a smile of anticipation.
She had rejected Cao Youqian earlier precisely to make this boy attempt his breakthrough here.
After all, the pride of the Cao clan was no weaker than anyone else's. Since Xiao Chen had already reached the Nirvana Realm, Da Qian ought to catch up.
Cao Youqian smiled brightly. "Xiaoyi, you understand me best. No need for more words. You've seen me temper my body before—this is hardly a storm I cannot endure."
Though Song Zhaoyi was still worried, she knew no one could change her husband's decision. She pursed her lips and nodded.
Cao Youqian then turned his gaze upon Lin Mo within the crowd. "Xiao Mo, today I will give you your first lesson in cultivation. Our Miaomiao Mountain's body-tempering method is called the Chaotic Body Refining Art. It uses the yin-yang, five elements, and myriad things to temper the body.
Whether extreme yin qi or the corpse qi within a corpse pill, all of these are excellent for tempering. Remember—when tempering, abandon all fear, steady your mind, and never allow inner demons to ensnare you."
Lin Mo hurriedly nodded. "Disciple understands."
If Chu Feng or Xiao Chen had been here at this moment to see, they surely would have remarked:
Cao clan, you certainly didn't start your cultivation this way.
After speaking, Cao Youqian retrieved a corpse pill from his storage ring. Before everyone's eyes, he swallowed it whole, then walked straight toward the Saint-grade Yin-cold spirit vein.
The others were petrified by the sight.
"Second senior brother is far too ruthless toward himself."
Fang Mu muttered.
Han Ping said solemnly, "Perhaps this is why second senior brother transformed from a mere wastrel into Wendao's holy son—ruthless toward himself, with an unshakable Dao heart."
At his words, the crowd's respect for Cao Youqian deepened.
The moment Cao Youqian sat down, his body was enveloped in layers of frigid yin qi.
His expression twisted, black blood seeping from his seven orifices, his entire figure like a fiend crawling up from the Nine Nether Hells.
Those present watched the scene in silence, each inwardly worried for Cao Youqian.
…
At the foot of Northern Terminus Mountain, cultivators from all directions had gathered, surrounding the mountain so tightly not even water could seep through.
Chu Feng and his group casually chose a spot to set up camp.
Liang Yi sent his fellow sect disciples ahead to join the others of their sect, while he remained here to accompany the two seniors.
Shi Xuan noticed the boy still had no intention of leaving and teased with a smile, "Daoist Liang, you've already arrived at Northern Terminus Mountain, yet you won't join your sect brothers. Aren't you afraid your sect will blame you?"
Liang Yi replied with a laugh, "It's fine. My Liang family holds some influence in the True Sword Sect. My grandfather is the vice sect master."
Shi Xuan nodded. "That is good."
Liang Yi then said, "Seniors, I will go and gather information for you."
Shi Xuan answered leisurely, "No need. Once we ascend the mountain tomorrow, all will be clear."
"Then shall we depart after midday tomorrow?"
Over the past few days, Liang Yi had observed the habits of that Senior Qian. He never left before midday, explaining once that mornings and evenings were prone to mishaps, while noon was more auspicious.
"Of course. Rest well tonight."
With that, Shi Xuan turned and walked toward Chu Feng's tent.
"Yes."
Liang Yi watched Shi Xuan's figure disappear, then returned to his own tent.
"Master, what should we do with Liang Yi?"
After pouring a cup of tea for Chu Feng, Shi Xuan asked respectfully.
Chu Feng smiled. "Let us see what he can obtain within the Tomb Sect. After all, fate has brought him alongside us."
"Master is right. I only wonder what that old ghost left in the Tomb Sect that could stir up such great turmoil."
As Shi Xuan spoke, anticipation flickered across his face.
The night passed without incident.
The following day at noon, Chu Feng's group of three strolled leisurely up the mountain.
Liang Yi carefully observed the two seniors. Though they walked straight through the crowd, no one seemed to notice them, and even he himself was overlooked by the cultivators.
Their pace was unhurried, yet they surpassed wave after wave of people.
Inwardly, his curiosity only deepened. Just what kind of beings were these two seniors before him?
By dusk, Liang Yi had just finished setting up the tent for the two seniors and was preparing to boil tea for them.
Suddenly, a mocking voice came from nearby.
"Well, if it isn't Young Master Liang the Third. Why are you doing the chores of lowly servants?"
Chu Feng and Shi Xuan, who had been about to return to their tent, instinctively took spirit melons from their storage rings and looked toward the source of the voice…
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