These words were like thunder that echoed in Xu Qingâs ears, causing his mind and heart to fluctuate slightly. However, Xu Qingâs expression didnât change much, nor did he think too much about it. He lowered his head and respectfully spoke.
âYes.â
There was no need to hide this matter. Although the merfolk raceâs Spirit Breath Lantern was very valuable, it wasnât like no one had obtained it before. Xu Qingâs actions back then seemed to be secretive but in reality, if someone really wanted to investigate, they could still find many clues.
Xu Qing felt that there was no need to lie about this as it would give off the feeling that he was trying to hide something.
âHow do you plan to deal with it?â Third Elder looked at Xu Qing and calmly asked.
âSell it.â
Xu Qing spoke without hesitation and lifted his head to look at Third Elder.
At that moment, the aura emitted by Third Elder, who was sitting upright, distorted the surroundings, causing the entire hall to be filled with oppression. As his words echoed, the oppression became even more intense.
In fact, that piercing feeling appeared once again. However, Xu Qing felt that it was still much better than last time.
The previous time, it was difficult for him to even lift his head. Just looking at the elder caused his eyes to feel intense pain.
When Third Elder heard this, a smile appeared on his face. He seemed satisfied that Xu Qing was frank and straightforward.
âXu Qing, I have to say that I think very highly of you. Since you obtained the Spirit Breath Lantern yourself, I wonât ask for it. I donât fancy that lantern.â
âHowever, let me remind you that if you want to sell it, do it as soon as possible. Otherwise, there will be people who will covet it. This old man can know that you obtained it. It wonât be difficult for others to know as well.â
âNow, give me your identity token.â
Xu Qingâs gaze was reserved as he took out his identity token.
Third Elder waved his right hand and the token flew into his hand. He patted it lightly and the token immediately trembled and emitted a light. After the information inside was quickly adjusted, an array formationâs energy arrived, as though it was imprinting.
A moment later, the light from the token dissipated and returned to normal. Third Elder waved his hand and the token headed straight for Xu Qing.
Xu Qing raised his hand and took it. He was prepared to withstand a great force. After all, he had experienced something similar when he met the director of the Homicide Department back then.
However, as he caught the token, there was actually no force emitted. It was as though all the force had perfectly dissipated the moment he touched it.
This scene caused Xu Qingâs eyes to narrow. He could sense the difference between the two sides.
It was easy to release it, but it was difficult to perfectly control it to the point that the token had no force left in it.
âYou can leave now.â Third Elder closed his eyes.
Xu Qing cupped his fists respectfully and left. Just as he was about to walk out of the hall, Third Elderâs voice rang out again.
âZhonghengâs nature isnât bad.â
1
âDisciple understands.â Xu Qing turned and bowed before walking out of the hall. He was aware that the other party didnât say this when he arrived that day. Instead, Deacon Li spoke because his status wasnât high enough.
However, it was different now.
As Xu Qing walked out, Deacon Li nodded at him and closed his eyes in silence. Xu Qing looked at Zhang Yunshi in the distance as he walked over.
Zhang Yunshi smiled and brought Xu Qing to get the Daoist robe. At the same time, Xu Qing also chose a cave abode. However, most of the good cave abodes had been chosen. The place he chose was a little remote.
However, Xu Qing felt that it wasnât bad. As for the price, it wasnât as expensive as he imagined.
Finally, under Zhang Yunshiâs introduction and guidance, Xu Qing went to the Scripture Hall and exchanged for Foundation Building cultivation arts. Other than that, he also purchased some body-refining arts.
After doing all this, it was already dusk. Zhang Yunshi led Xu Qing to the cave abode he had chosen before he cupped his fists and left. Before he left, he smiled and spoke.
âJunior Brother Xu, the reason why I accompanied you so long today is partly because I feel that I have some fate with you and partly because I accepted the mission for receiving disciples ascending the mountain this month. I will obtain the sectâs reward because of this.â
âSo, you donât have to worry about why Iâm being so hospitable. However, in the end, you and I can be considered to have affinity. If we meet on the sea in the future, I hope we can take care of each other.â
âLastly, Junior Brother Xu Qing, let me remind you out of friendship. Once us cultivators step into Foundation Building, we have to open 30 magic apertures as quickly as possible. From there, we can form a life fire and possess the Mystic Brilliance Form.â
âYou have to know that cultivators with the Mystic Brilliance Form and without are two completely different concepts. Weâve put so much effort into advancing to the Foundation Building realm. If we donât form our life fire as soon as possible, weâll be at a disadvantage. Many Foundation Building cultivators who died are those who have not formed a life fire.â
âA Foundation Building cultivator who doesnât have the Mystic Brilliance Form can only bully Qi Condensation cultivators,â Zhang Yunshi said. After he finished speaking, he glanced at Xu Qingâs right hand and discovered that he couldnât detect any habitual flaws. He smiled and left.
Xu Qingâs eyes narrowed. Regardless of his understanding or the other partyâs explanation at this moment, it made him understand the importance of life fire to Foundation Building cultivators.
He cupped his fists and bowed slightly, watching as Zhang Yunshiâs figure disappeared.
At the same time, he retracted the vigilance against the other party and turned to look at his cave abode.
The place he chose was against a cliff. The greenish-black stone door of the cave abode was closed and there were weeds everywhere. The door was also covered in moss and humidity permeated the air.
After checking this place, Xu Qing walked closer to the stone door and took out the jade slip that controlled the cave abode. Immediately, the stone door of the cave abode shone with runes. Xu Qing followed the method recorded in the jade slip and placed his hand on the runes.
It was like imprinting a mark. As the runes shone, the cave abode collected his imprint. The gate slowly opened, revealing the space inside.
This cave abode wasnât big and only had two rooms. There was a pearl on the ceiling of the above that emitted a gentle glow. Only it hadnât been used for a long time and was covered in dust.
Xu Qing waved his hand and wind appeared to clean up the place. After that, he carefully checked to ensure that there was nothing wrong before walking out again and arranging poison powder outside the cave abode.
This time, he put a lot of poison traps. After he finished dealing with the outside and returned to the cave abode, he continued to sprinkle a lot. Finally, he took out the protective array formations he had bought and activated them.
As the cave abodeâs door closed and the cave abodeâs array formation was activated, Xu Qing finally heaved a long sigh of relief.
He recalled what he had seen and heard today, and vaguely got the feeling of when he had joined the Seven Blood Eyes for the first time. However, at that time, he was at the Qi Condensation Realm, and now, he was already at the Foundation Building Realm.
âIâve finally reached the Foundation Building realmâŠâ Xu Qing mumbled. After recalling the various rights of the Foundation Building cultivators in the Seven Blood Eyes, he changed into the purple Daoist robe. He looked at the robe, and a hint of brilliance appeared in Xu Qingâs eyes.
There was an array formation on this Daoist robe that provided a certain level of protection. If it was placed outside or at the foot of the mountain, many disciples would fight over it if the color was changed.
Xu Qing touched the robe and sat down before taking out a jade slip.
This jade slip was one of the Seventh Peakâs Foundation Building cultivation arts he had exchanged from the Scripture Hall.
Xu Qing infused his spirit energy into the jade slip to read it.
After reaching the Foundation Building realm, he understood that he had to cultivate the Foundation Building cultivation art as soon as possible. Only then could he continue to progress like before.
As he read, time slowly flowed by. Very soon, the moonlight spread outside and drifted onto the stone door of Xu Qingâs cave abode. From afar, it looked like the bright moon was scattering its light1.
The stone door emitted a hint of antiquity in the moonlight.
In the cave abode, a sharp glint appeared in Xu Qingâs eyes as he finished reading the jade slip.
âFiendish Fire Soul Devouring ArtâŠâ
The Foundation Building cultivation art of the Seventh Peak of the Seven Blood Eyes was this Fiendish Fire Soul Devouring Art. The name itself revealed a deep killing intent. One could imagine that this cultivation art was definitely inclined toward evil.