Before the spirit could react, its limbs were cleanly severed, its body collapsing lifelessly onto the cold, stone floor. Its flickering eyes shimmered with confusion and pain, the last traces of energy slowly dissipating into the silent, moonlit air.
Xu Qingxian deliberately avoided killing the evil spirit, allowing a flicker of life to remain within it. While it lay unconscious, he simply sat in quiet cultivation, undisturbed by the faint groans echoing in the palace chamber.
He did not have to wait long. Within minutes, the evil spirit stirred and groggily regained consciousness. Its dazed eyes scanned the room in confusion, and the moment it felt the biting chill of the cold palace, it whipped its head toward Xu Qingxian in alarm.
Xu Qingxian stood there with a calm expression, a slight smile curling his lips. "Answer my questions clearly. Otherwise, I will send you back to where you belong."
The evil spirit's pupils dilated in horror. It vividly remembered the devastating sword strike from earlier. It understood there was no choice. Refusing to answer was not an option. It nodded repeatedly and remained silent, waiting for Xu Qingxian's questions.
"Why did you come here to attack me?"
The spirit hesitated for a second, then responded evenly, "I did not come to attack you. That was the task of the two evil spirits who arrived earlier. When they failed to return to the evil castle, I came to check on the situation and understand why they had not returned."
Xu Qingxian's eyes glinted with realization. He touched the bridge of his nose, feeling a hint of awkwardness. It seemed he had misunderstood something. 'Still, it changes nothing. Now that he has seen the truth of my strength, I cannot allow him to leave. But I also have no intention of keeping him here. It seems I must eliminate him.'
Sensing Xu Qingxian's thoughts, the evil spirit's face turned even more deathly pale.
"Please spare my life, Master! I can be useful to you!" it pleaded, desperately trying to suppress the dread rising within it. Despite the fear, Xu Qingxian remained unfazed. However, his curiosity was piqued.
"In what way can you be useful to me?"
The evil spirit froze. It had no answer. All it had hoped for was mercy and freedom, but it had not considered what would happen afterward.
Xu Qingxian sighed and shook his head in disappointment. Before the evil spirit could react, a brilliant sword light erupted from Xu Qingxian's fingers.
SWOOSH!
The last thing the evil spirit saw was a blinding silver arc of light tearing through the air. That light filled its vision completely before everything faded into eternal darkness.
Now alone, Xu Qingxian stood quietly, reflecting on a few matters before discarding his thoughts and returning to his cultivation.
Time flowed quietly within the silent palace. Soon, the moment arrived for Xu Qingxian to check in. He opened his eyes slowly from deep cultivation, and the surrounding aura that had previously surged around him began to retract and condense back into his core.
He had officially stepped into the middle stage of the Golden Core Realm.
'Reaching the Nascent Soul Realm before the upcoming group mission shouldn't be out of reach,' Xu Qingxian mused, a faint smile rising on his lips.
He formed a swift hand seal and activated the system check-in.
[Congratulations. You have successfully checked in for the sixteenth consecutive day. You have received a Fire Talisman.]
Xu Qingxian's gaze shifted slightly to the side, where a slip of paper now lay on the stone floor. Ancient inscriptions shimmered faintly across its surface.
He reached for it. The moment his fingers touched it, a subtle warmth flowed through his skin. As he studied the symbols more carefully, a stream of knowledge surged into his mind, detailing the talisman's properties and uses.
'Most talismans are used to repel evil spirits. But this one... it can incinerate them completely?' Xu Qingxian raised a brow, slightly amused. This particular reward might prove useful.
With a soft chuckle, he set the talisman aside and continued to pass the time leisurely.
Suddenly, the massive steel door creaked open, causing a faint echo to ripple through the cold palace. Xu Qingxian's eyes snapped open. He quickly suppressed his aura and turned toward the door.
A woman stepped inside. Her beauty radiated with quiet nobility, and a soft smile lit her face.
"Brother, I trust you've been well, yes?"
Xu Qingxian's lips curved faintly as he looked at her. He exhaled softly and muttered, "Just a bit bored..."
Before his words could fully leave his mouth, she had already rushed forward and embraced him tightly. Though only a few weeks had passed, for her, the separation felt like a small eternity.
Xu Qingxian chuckled, gently ruffling her hair and returning her embrace.
"You seem troubled, sister." Despite her attempt to hide it behind smiles and light conversation, Xu Qingxian could see the distress clouding her expression. He frowned and asked, "Is something bothering you?"
Caught off guard, Xu Jiaojiao laughed weakly, then shook her head. "Brother, you worry too much. It's nothing."
Xu Qingxian paused for a moment, clearly unconvinced, but chose not to push further.
She glanced at him and flicked his nose playfully. "Silly brother, you talk like you could actually do anything about it." She giggled lightly and murmured under her breath, "It's not like Father isn't already planning to marry me off to the Northern Prince. He's ready to trade his daughter just to secure ties with the Northern Ice Palace."
Xu Qingxian's eyes narrowed. Though she had spoken softly, with his cultivation, her words reached him loud and clear.
A cold pressure rippled from his body for just a brief moment before he forcefully suppressed it. "Are you mocking your brother for being weak and powerless?"
Xu Jiaojiao laughed again, brushing her hair behind her ear. "Brother, I told you. It's just a matter of time. Do not worry. I've already begun training to become the Empress."
Xu Qingxian blinked, clearly surprised. "You're serious about that?"
She didn't answer directly. Instead, she offered a soft, bitter smile.
"Speaking of which," she added with a lighter tone, "you probably haven't eaten in a while, have you? I brought some dishes. Eat as much as you like."
With a flick of her wrist, her spatial ring shimmered, and a variety of fragrant dishes appeared before Xu Qingxian. The aroma instantly filled the once-cold room.
Xu Qingxian looked at the feast laid out before him. After a brief pause, he picked up the chopsticks and began to eat. His sister joined him, and as they shared the meal, they spoke idly, letting the warmth of the moment ease the tension.
Time passed quickly in the comfort of good company. In what felt like an instant, Xu Jiaojiao had finished eating. She lingered for a while longer, embracing Xu Qingxian several more times before finally stepping away.
As he watched her retreating figure, Xu Qingxian silently gripped the hilt of the profound sword resting by his side. Though barely a day had passed since his last battle, the air already felt heavier.
"It seems I won't be allowed to stay idle for long," Xu Qingxian muttered with a quiet sigh. "Why must they always be so troublesome?"
Author's Note: I apologize for not releasing for the past 4 days. Expect 3 chapters in a few hours... 😢