Translator: AnubisTL
Amidst the shattered walls and crumbling ruins, the once-mighty Shangqing Sect had met its final end.
Li Qing gazed at the utterly devastated mountain gate of the Shangqing Sect for a long moment before sighing deeply, "Even the most powerful sects eventually fall. This is the harsh reality of the cultivation world."
His divine sense swept across the scene, his heart remaining calm.
Who could have imagined that the Lingyun Sect disciples who had once fled Azure Ridge Domain in such disarray would now be capable of obliterating the Shangqing Sect with such overwhelming force?
True Lord Yang Tian's Golden Core self-detonation had unleashed tremendous power, forcing even core formation realm cultivators like themselves to temporarily retreat.
As a result, few Shangqing Sect disciples remained. Only a handful of the more astute ones had sensed the impending disaster and immediately fled the mountain gate.
In contrast, the clan heads of the cultivation clans who had come to attend the Core Formation Ceremony, perhaps accustomed to the cutthroat realities of the lower echelons, had displayed remarkable foresight. Most had evacuated the Shangqing Sect's mountain gate well in advance.
The Shangqing Sect disciples who perished in the aftermath of the Golden Core explosion could only be considered unfortunate. Their blind faith in their sect's ancestor had led them to underestimate the destructive potential of combat between core formation realm cultivators.
"Well, that saves us the trouble of cleaning up," Li Qing murmured to himself.
"But there are still some stragglers. If we don't deal with them, incidents like today's could easily happen to the Lingyun Sect again."
"We must eradicate the root of this threat!"
Li Qing resolved to entrust the cleanup to the Lingyun Sect's elders and disciples.
"It's finally over," Liu Hanyue said with a radiant smile as she approached. "Congratulations, Brother Li. It seems the Lingyun Sect will be rebuilt after all."
Despite the chaos of the great war, her ethereal grace remained undiminished, like a celestial maiden descended from the Moon Palace.
"Heh, if not for Fairy Liu's assistance, today's victory would never have been so swift," Li Qing replied, clasping his hands in a respectful bow. "If you ever need anything, just ask. The Lingyun Sect will forever be a friend to the Moonchase Palace!"
Though he had avenged his greatest enemy, Li Qing knew the Lingyun Sect now faced the daunting task of rebuilding from scratch.
Cultivating strong ties with the Moonchase Palace would undoubtedly bring countless benefits and no harm whatsoever.
Especially now that Liu Hanyue was the current holy maiden of Moonchase Palace and destined to inherit the palace master's position, it was clear that cultivating a strong relationship with her was essential.
"Hehe, Brother Li, Hanyue will remember your promise," Liu Hanyue said, covering her mouth with a gentle laugh.
Before their conversation could continue, Shen Ningbing, her face taut, swiftly flew over and interrupted them. Her voice was cold and clear as she declared:
"Senior Brother Li, it's time to decide where to rebuild Lingyun Sect's mountain gate!"
Hearing this, Li Qing fell into deep thought.
Rebuilding the mountain gate was indeed a momentous decision, with three potential locations to consider.
Originally, he had planned to simply rebuild the gate on the snow-covered plains, leaving little room for debate.
However, Yan Xi had just revealed that the original site of Lingyun Sect's mountain gate had once served as a crucial spatial node connecting to the demon realm.
This revelation forced him to reconsider carefully.
While demon realm invasions of the Human Realm were rare, occurring perhaps only once every tens of thousands of years, the possibility remained.
To prevent future calamities, Li Qing concluded that it would be best not to rebuild the mountain gate on the old Lingyun Sect site.
That left only two locations: the former Heavenly River Sect and the Spirit Vein Land beneath their feet.
Li Qing glanced up at Liu Hanyue, his mind racing.
Liu Hanyue chuckled softly, sensing his hesitation. "Brother Li, feel free to make your decision. Don't worry about my presence. Now that I'm the holy maiden of Moonchase Palace and have avenged my great feud, I naturally shouldn't interfere in matters outside the Moon Palace."
Her mind was as sharp as ever, quickly discerning Li Qing's inner conflict.
Her words were clear: even if Li Qing chose the former Heavenly River Sect site as the foundation for rebuilding the Lingyun Sect, she would have no objections.
But Li Qing shook his head. "No, let's rebuild the Lingyun Sect right here in these ruins."
"The Spirit Vein Land of the former Heavenly River Sect will be leased to rogue cultivators for cave abodes. Each year, the Lingyun Sect will send half of the spiritual stone revenue to Moonchase Palace!"
"Furthermore, should any former members of the Heavenly River Sect ever come seeking to rebuild their mountain gate, the Lingyun Sect will gladly relinquish the Spirit Vein Land to them."
Having decided to cultivate a good relationship with Liu Hanyue, Li Qing couldn't afford to be stingy.
Liu Hanyue didn't refuse. She nodded slightly and said, "Then Hanyue thanks Brother Li for his kindness. Since there's nothing else to discuss, I should return to Moonchase Palace as soon as possible."
Li Qing paused, then tried to persuade her to stay. "Why not stay a few more days? Even though this place is in ruins, we can still find many relics left behind by the Shangqing Sect."
Before he could finish, Liu Hanyue shook her head. "There's no need. The Lingyun Sect is rebuilding from scratch and desperately needs such resources. Moreover, I possess the inheritance of Moonchase Palace; other cultivation manuals and scriptures would be of little use to me."
"Besides, I've already been away from the palace for quite some time. If I delay my return any longer, even as the holy maiden, I might face punishment."
As she spoke, the smile on Liu Hanyue's face grew even more radiant. She clasped her hands in a formal salute to both Li Qing and Shen Ningbing.
"The mountains are high and the roads are long. Farewell for now, and may we meet again!"
"Brother Li, if you ever visit the Great Wilderness Domain again, be sure to stop by Moonchase Palace!"
Having said all this, Li Qing knew there was no point in trying to persuade her further. He solemnly returned the salute.
"Absolutely!"
With that, Liu Hanyue turned without looking back and rode a moonlit rainbow into the sky, quickly vanishing from their sight.
Watching her go, Li Qing let out a long sigh.
"Hah..."
Seeing this, Shen Ningbing remarked with a hint of coldness, "Senior brother, you seem so listless now that Holy Maiden Liu has left. Why didn't you ask her to stay a few more days?"
"Junior sister, you're reading too much into this," Li Qing said with a wry smile, shaking his head. "I sighed because there's still so much to do. Rebuilding the mountain gate isn't something we can accomplish in a day or two."
This was indeed true. Although he was a core formation realm cultivator, rebuilding the mountain gate would require a significant amount of manpower and resources.
Moreover, the most crucial aspect of any cultivation sect was its third-tier defensive formation. They might even need to integrate the formation into the mountain gate's architecture.
The most pressing problem now was that he didn't know any formation masters capable of handling such high-level formations.
"Ah, we'll just have to take things one step at a time. At least we should start by rebuilding the mountain gate's structures first!"
"We also need to thoroughly inventory everything the Shangqing Sect left behind!"
This was indeed true. A cultivation sect that had dominated the Azure Ridge Domain for a considerable time, even in its destruction, would undoubtedly possess an astonishing wealth of resources and hidden treasures.
As Liu Hanyue had just mentioned, these resources were crucial for the Lingyun Sect's revival from its current state of ruin.
With this in mind, Li Qing and the others immediately began searching the area, meticulously combing through the ruins for anything useful.
Li Qing's figure flashed across the landscape. Before he could even extend his divine sense, he heard a muffled, unusual sound from below.
His heart stirred slightly. Following the sound, he quickly spotted the source, and his lips twitched twice.
"I almost forgot about this!"
An ancient, unadorned black forge lay overturned on the ground, the muffled sound emanating from within.
Li Qing awkwardly retrieved the Black Furnace, then forced a dry laugh. "Ahahaha, it's wonderful that Ancestor Ziqing is safe and sound!"
It had to be said, the Black Furnace's defensive capabilities were truly beyond reproach. Even after enduring a Pill Explosion, it remained completely intact!
Inside the Black Furnace, True Lord Ziqing's complexion was ashen. He was utterly drained, his mana sealed and his fleshly body severely wounded. He hadn't even possessed the strength to lift the furnace lid earlier, resorting to pounding on the walls for help.
"You brat... you're so unreliable! You nearly suffocated this old man inside," True Lord Ziqing said weakly, waving his hand dismissively.
Li Qing immediately produced several healing pills and offered them. He coughed awkwardly. "Ahem, Ancestor, please forgive me. The battle was urgent, and I couldn't spare the time to check on you."
After swallowing the pills, Ancestor Ziqing's complexion visibly improved. He slumped to the ground, gazing around at the devastation in silence.
The Shangqing Sect... truly destroyed!
Having not witnessed the battle firsthand, Ancestor Ziqing still struggled to grasp the reality of their annihilation.
He waved his hand. "Go attend to your duties. Let this old man have some peace."
Li Qing clasped his hands in a respectful bow and withdrew without another word.
The Shangqing Sect's mountain gate was larger than the Lingyun Sect's had been, and its proximity to the Boundless Sea made the terrain far more complex.
Looting this place would be a considerable challenge!
Moreover, the Pill Explosion had disrupted the spiritual energy in the surrounding area, leaving it in chaos that would take months to stabilize.
This was why Li Qing had hesitated so long about rebuilding the mountain gate here.
However, the reconstruction would take time, and by the time it was completed, the spiritual energy should have settled.
When Li Qing finally began his looting, his first destination was the spot where Exquisite True Lord had fallen.
All that remained was a tattered red robe and a human skin!
Li Qing frowned slightly. "What happened here?" he murmured. "Why is there no corpse? Just a robe and a skin?"
His attention was soon drawn to a Stone Embryo on the ground.
The Stone Embryo had become remarkably lifelike, resembling a newborn infant cradling an immortal exquisite. Except for its non-flesh-toned color, it was virtually identical to a real baby!
"What exactly is this Stone Embryo? How could it have undergone such a drastic transformation?"
With these words, Li Qing picked up the Stone Embryo.
He extended his spiritual sense, probing deep into the stone to uncover any hidden secrets.
Almost immediately, a gentle, melodious sound resonated within his Sea of Consciousness!
Upon hearing this melody, Li Qing's heart jolted violently, nearly causing him to drop the Stone Embryo.
This melody... it's the Exquisite Immortal Sound!
"Impossible! How could anything other than the Exquisite Treasure Physique trigger the Exquisite Immortal Sound?"
Li Qing's mind raced with confusion and suspicion. He sensed that the Stone Embryo might conceal a significant secret.
Why else would the Crimson Hair Immortal have chosen it from among all the spiritual objects?
After all, the Ghost Sword Sect's treasury had even contained a fragment of the Earth Spirit Pearl!
Even a fragment of the Earth Spirit Pearl couldn't compare to this. It's a pity I didn't have time to soul-search the Crimson Hair Immortal. I'll never know what this Stone Embryo is or what it's for.
As these thoughts swirled through his mind, a sudden flash of spiritual light illuminated his consciousness!
Wait!
If this Stone Embryo can emit the Exquisite Immortal Sound, does that mean...?
Li Qing quickly recalled one of the Exquisite Immortal Sound's most potent effects: its ability to dispel Demonic Heart Obstructions, thereby significantly increasing the success rate of nascent soul formation!
"Could this Stone Embryo have absorbed all the Exquisite Immortal Sound from the Exquisite Treasure Physique? Otherwise, how could it have transformed into an infant cradling an immortal exquisite?"
Li Qing even suspected that the Stone Embryo had devoured not only the Exquisite Immortal Sound but also the very essence of the Exquisite Treasure Physique. This would explain why Exquisite True Lord's corpse was nowhere to be found, leaving behind only a human skin.
"Does this mean that when I attempt nascent soul formation in the future, I can use the Exquisite Immortal Sound from this Stone Embryo as assistance?"
At that moment, Li Qing experienced a strange illusion, as if he were holding not a Stone Embryo, but the nascent soul of the Exquisite Treasure Physique itself!
"It really does look more and more like a human nascent soul..."
Li Qing took a deep breath and carefully stored the Stone Embryo in his storage pouch.
Given its immense significance, he resolved to investigate it thoroughly when he had the time.
Since the Crimson Hair Immortal recognized this object, it meant there was at least a chance to uncover the Stone Embryo's origins.
With this thought, Li Qing summoned a wisp of black demon flame, incinerating the last trace of the Exquisite True Lord's existence.
Regardless, the fact that this entity had completely devoured the source of such a powerful Dao Cultivation Physique sent a chill down his spine.
Boom!
Just as he finished, a distant spirit peak rising from the sea suddenly collapsed with a thunderous roar!
Wu Chong's voice rang out, filled with both shock and joy: "Hahahaha! Li Qing, hurry over! Fellow Daoist Fu Xuan and I have just breached the restriction on Medicinal Field Peak!"
Hearing this, Li Qing immediately soared into the air, flying swiftly toward Wu Chong's location.
To be precise, this was likely a private spirit herb garden belonging to a core formation ancestor of the Shangqing Sect. The spirit peak's design clearly indicated it was a residence reserved for core formation ancestors.
Located near the edge of the mountain gate, it had escaped the Pill Explosion's devastation unscathed. Everything inside remained intact, and even the restriction had suffered minimal damage.
Deep within the mountainside of the spirit peak, True Lord Fu Xuan leaned wearily against the cave wall, panting. Several visible wounds marked his body, none life-threatening, but still taking their toll. The recent battle had clearly exhausted him.
"Fellow Daoist Fu Xuan, thank you for your efforts!" Li Qing said sincerely.
True Lord Fu Xuan waved dismissively. "It was merely fulfilling my earlier promise. I trust Fellow Daoist Limitless will also honor his own pledge."
Li Qing immediately replied with a smile, "Of course. From now on, Fellow Daoist Fu Xuan will be the Lingyun Sect's ancestor. The sect will follow your commands from this day forward."
True Lord Fu Xuan shook his head. "That won't be necessary. This old man only seeks a peaceful place to cultivate and teach his disciples, to spend the rest of his days in quiet seclusion."
"I desire only peace and contentment, and wish to avoid entanglement in the sect's affairs."
But soon, Wu Chong's voice echoed from within the cave:
"You two stop chattering and come take a look! There's a Dragon Blood Vine inside that's nearly a thousand years old!"
The moment these words were spoken, Li Qing and True Lord Fu Xuan could no longer contain themselves. They rushed into the hidden medicinal garden nestled within the mountain's depths.
An overwhelming medicinal fragrance immediately assaulted their senses.
"Hiss!"
Li Qing and True Lord Fu Xuan simultaneously gasped. Above the garden, a crimson true dragon clung to the stone wall—a millennium-old Dragon Blood Vine!
"What a magnificent Dragon Blood Vine! It truly is nearly a thousand years old!" True Lord Fu Xuan, usually composed, couldn't help but exclaim, his inner calm shattered.
Li Qing's eyes burned with fervent desire, like a starving beggar gazing upon a table laden with delicacies.
"A thousand years marks maturity! This is the crucial primary ingredient for refining the Dragon Transformation Pill!" Li Qing's voice trembled with excitement.
Within the garden, other precious spirit herbs grew, but none caught their attention. Compared to the Dragon Blood Vine, they were insignificant.
The Dragon Transformation Pill was a heaven-defying elixir that aided in condensing a nascent soul.
"As expected of a cultivation sect that once controlled an entire great domain," True Lord Fu Xuan remarked, his eyes gleaming like torches. "They possess such peerless spirit herbs."
Wu Chong, though noticeably thinner, still had drool dripping from the corner of his mouth. "If I could just take a bite... I can't even imagine how delicious it would be."
Li Qing was the first to regain his composure. He took a deep breath and declared, "Seal off this spirit peak immediately! We must have someone reside here in seclusion as soon as possible!"
"We know nothing of the Dragon Transformation Pill's formula or other auxiliary ingredients, but we must at least safeguard this Dragon Blood Vine at all costs. We must ensure it grows to be a thousand years old!"
"Fellow Daoist Fu Xuan, your mastery of restrictions is unparalleled among us. Would you consider residing on this spirit peak?"
Li Qing's words left True Lord Fu Xuan momentarily stunned, almost unable to believe what he was hearing.
This was a Dragon Blood Vine nearing a thousand years old—a peerless spirit herb capable of refining the Dragon Transformation Pill—and they were entrusting it to his care?
For a moment, a complex expression flickered across True Lord Fu Xuan's face.
Having cultivated alone for so long, he had rarely experienced such trust from others.
"You're just going to entrust this to me so easily?" True Lord Fu Xuan asked, his tone tinged with uncertainty. "Aren't you afraid I'll just take the Dragon Blood Vine and leave?"
Li Qing chuckled dismissively. "Hahaha! Even if the Dragon Blood Vine is long enough for all of us to use for Pill Refinement, we're comrades who've fought side-by-side. Why wouldn't we trust you?"
"Besides," Li Qing added, pointing at Wu Chong, who was still drooling, "if we let Fatty Wu stay on this mountain, I'm afraid he'll devour it whole one day!"
Wu Chong didn't argue. He wiped his mouth and nodded. "He's right. Fellow Daoist Fu Xuan, you should watch over this place. After all, you were the one who broke through the restrictions on the medicinal garden!"
"And I'm also afraid I might lose control and swallow it whole one day!"
Hearing these words, Fu Xuan suddenly felt a long-dormant emotion stir within him. He took a deep breath, clasped his hands solemnly, and declared, "I will not betray your trust!"
(End of the Chapter)
Translator's Corner
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