PDLP Chapter 278: Leveraging Power
Chapter 278: Leveraging Power
A row of ancient characters, like a scroll, hangs high in the air.
It was like an imperial edict, proclaiming to the world.
Accompanying it was the aura of a Core Formation cultivator, sweeping in all directions and shaking people's souls.
"It's the master of the Ice River Valley..."
"Is Glacier Valley finally going to clean up the mess in the Southern Mountains?"
"Great! Ice River Valley... is about to enter the fray!" Countless cultivators from the Southern Ridge came upon hearing the news.
More and more cultivators gathered a hundred miles away from the Ye family.
Many people were thrilled, believing that the Glacier Valley was meant to quell the unrest in the Nanling Mountains.
Two quarters of an hour later, the phantom formed by Li Changhe's divine sense transformed into a ray of cold light and disappeared into the scroll.
The words hanging high above have not yet been concealed.
Its lingering influence remains.
Upon seeing this, Lu Wenqing moved her jade hand again, and light patterns flickered in her palm.
A jade talisman appeared.
She formed hand seals, and light patterns flickered within the jade talisman, sending an extremely cold aura soaring into the sky.
It transformed into a cold lotus in the sky.
"If any Core Formation cultivator dares to threaten Yang Jiuli of 'Lingxi Peak,' I, Qin Zhixue, will one day attain the Great Dao of Golden Core and annihilate their entire sect. Do not say I did not warn you." Qin Zhixue's voice resounded from within the cold lotus, each word distinct and clear.
The sound waves rolled on, resounding for hundreds of miles around.
Although she did not conjure a phantom image.
Yet it still carried the imposing aura of a fake True Immortal.
The sound waves were breathtaking.
Even Foundation Establishment cultivators trembled upon hearing this, filled with awe and reverence.
"It's the 'Bright Moon Fairy' from Ice River Valley..." Countless cultivators' eyes lit up.
"So, the Glacier Valley came for 'Master Yang'!"
"Could it be that some insignificant fellow has offended Master Yang again?"
When Qin Zhixue's words resounded in all directions, the cultivators who came upon hearing the news all looked enlightened.
I initially thought that Glacier Valley was there to rectify the chaos in the Nanling Mountains.
In retrospect, it was all for Master Yang Dan.
"It seems we're going to enjoy a few more years of peace and quiet thanks to Master Yang!" someone said.
The cultivators of Nanling were deeply saddened.
Several clans in Nanling Immortal City have been wiped out.
The major immortal sects have never paid any attention to it.
Who would have thought that a fake alchemist's trip to Lingxi Peak would prompt Ice River Valley to issue an imperial edict?
To deter petty criminals.
"This sound wave has clearly reached the Pseudo-Core Realm... It seems the rumors are true!" Tan Xingye murmured from Nanyan Peak.
"She's only at the mid-Foundation Establishment stage, yet she already possesses pseudo-Core Formation level divine sense... This girl will surely be able to condense a True Core in the future!" Tan Jiuling said.
"The rise of Ice River Valley seems unstoppable!" Tan Xingye said.
"Grand Uncle, now that Ice River Valley has made a statement, are we going to fight Nanling Immortal City?" Tan Jiuling asked.
"Glacier Valley has spoken, and we, as a noble family under its rule... shall naturally obey the imperial decree," Tan Xingye said.
"The peace in Nanling is a good thing for us!" Upon hearing this, Tan Jiuling nodded slightly, understanding the implication.
They were also unwilling to engage in a decisive battle with Nanling Immortal City.
This was not their original intention in coming to Nanling.
……
Outside the Ye clan.
The sound waves rolled in.
The turbulence continues.
For a full half hour, Lu Wenqing finally gestured with her jade hand, and in the high sky, one by one, the characters turned into a stream of light and disappeared into the scroll. She put away the scroll and Qin Zhixue's jade talisman, then looked at Lingxi Peak and bowed.
Only then did she depart on her magical artifact.
No one in Nanling dared to stop them.
Even though she was just a Foundation Establishment cultivator in the early stages, she carried a third-tier magic weapon, which was very attractive.
But the fake alchemist in Nanling was also aware of it.
By taking action against Lu Wenqing, they are essentially declaring war on Ice River Valley.
Tan Xingye would not do that.
Yu Dongqing of Nanling Immortal City will not create another powerful enemy for himself at this time.
Furthermore, even if it were to take action, it would not be something that ordinary fake pills could accomplish.
Since this woman brought a third-tier magic weapon, how could she not have a third-tier talisman in her hand?
……
"With Valley Master Li and Zhixue speaking up, it's enough to intimidate the Zhong Family Fortress."
"After all, Zhong Yue is dead, and I'm only a slight suspect!"
"Now that I have asked the immortal sects to step in, outsiders would think that I am doing it out of fear and to protect myself."
"They certainly won't connect me with the death of the fake Core Formation Master!"
"Besides, Zhong Yue died at the hands of a sword immortal!"
"Lingxi Peak," Yang Jiuli whispered, then entered the courtyard.
Zhongjiabao only has a Void Core cultivator in the early stage of Core Formation, and without evidence, they dare not offend Ice River Valley.
If any member of the clan were to reach the mid-stage of Core Formation, Yang Jiuli would choose to temporarily avoid their sharp edge and flee from the Southern Ridge.
"Next, we should focus all our energy on gathering Qi to improve our cultivation level!"
Upon arriving in the courtyard, Yang Jiuli went to the cultivation room and began to circulate the "Azure Emperor Longevity Technique" to gather Qi.
Although his spiritual sense had already reached the pseudo-core level.
However, to attain enlightenment, one must first establish a foundation of immortality; only then can one truly glimpse the Great Dao.
……
September 15th.
The northern part of the Yue Kingdom.
Ling Chong County.
Zhongjiabao.
Inside a magnificent hall.
Zhong Quan, a Void Core cultivator who was over 360 years old, had a gloomy face and a murderous look in his eyes.
Six days ago, he discovered that Zhong Yue's soul tablet had shattered, indicating that he had perished outside.
The fake Core Formation Master is a figure of considerable importance in the various countries. Even if the Void Core Formation Master wanted to kill him, it would take some effort. However, six days have passed, and no useful information has come from Nanling. They haven't even figured out who made the move.
It made him feel heavy-hearted.
this means.
The person who made the move was mostly a mid-stage Core Formation cultivator; only in this way could Zhong Yue be killed instantly.
Such a person, with a wide circle of friends, is obviously not so easy to deal with.
It will likely be quite difficult for them to take revenge this time.
Inside the main hall.
Zhong Cheng bowed deeply, sensing the aura emanating from his ancestor, and fell silent as if trembling with fear.
"Is there really no one who could tell which cultivator made the move?" Zhong Quan asked again.
"Reporting to Ancestor, my fellow clansmen and I have searched the vicinity for a long time but have not found any relevant clues," Zhong Cheng said.
Zhong Quan frowned.
"The might of a Core Formation True Person is overwhelming; this battle can be sensed within a hundred miles. Someone has discovered the anomaly," Zhong Cheng said.
"Oh!" Zhong Quan looked at Zhong Cheng.
"But that area... is shrouded in mist, making it impossible for outsiders to see who made the move..."
"Furthermore, when Core Formation cultivators are fighting, ordinary cultivators dare not approach..." Zhong Cheng said intermittently.
His chin was trembling.
The death of a fake alchemist in the clan was like the collapse of half the sky.
He was terrified that the old patriarch before him, in his rage, might lose control of his emotions and drag him down with him.
Zhong Quan's face was ashen, and he remained silent for a long time.
"Is that all the clues you have?" After a moment, his gaze sharpened as he looked at Zhong Cheng and questioned him, clearly dissatisfied with the results.
"Someone once heard a woman's voice coming from there. I went to the scene of the incident, and it was still frozen for a thousand meters... There were still traces of sword energy. It was obviously a female sword immortal who cultivated the Cold Dao Sword Technique who had reached the Core Formation stage who made the move," Zhong Cheng said.
"A Core Formation Sword Immortal, using the Cold Path Sword Technique?" Zhong Quan pondered. "Many people in the Taibai Immortal Sect practice the Cold Path Sword Technique, but none have achieved Core Formation through it. As for a female sword immortal... I've never heard of her before! Could she be a sword immortal from another country?"
Zhong Cheng remained silent, not daring to say anything more.
"Have you found out why Zhong Yue went to Lingxi Peak?" Zhong Quan asked after a moment's thought.
"According to my investigation, after Elder Zhong destroyed 'Huanyuan Peak,' Zhu Yaqin fled, and Elder Zhong went to pursue her. As for why he went to 'Lingxi Peak'... perhaps he found some clues. However, he only stayed there for a few breaths before being frightened away."
"Startled and forced to retreat..." Zhong Quan pondered, "Could it be that Alchemist Yang made a move?"
This clan is plotting to preserve the ancient heritage of the Nanling Mountains and pays close attention to many major events concerning the Nanling Mountains.
Therefore, even though Zhong Quan was in the Yue Kingdom, he had heard of Yang Jiuli.
"Because it is so far away, no one in the Ye clan can see the specific situation inside the peak!" Zhong Cheng said.
"This Master Yang once destroyed a Foundation Establishment cultivator... he must have some background." Zhong Quan murmured.
"Afterwards, Lingxi Peak sent a letter to Ice River Valley!" Zhong Cheng said.
"Oh?" Zhong Quan's gaze sharpened as he looked at Zhong Cheng.
"I originally intended to intercept them, but I was afraid of causing unforeseen complications and incurring the wrath of Ice River Valley, so I gave up the idea..." Zhong Cheng said.
"It is not advisable to act rashly against the people of Ice Valley," Zhong Quan said, then fell silent.
Although a True Core cultivator perished in the Ice Valley.
However, Master Wanyue is currently in seclusion, attempting to break through to the late stage of Core Formation.
Once she successfully cultivates the third divine power, her strength will increase greatly, and the prestige of Ice River Valley will rise once again.
The Zhong family in Zhongjiabao absolutely cannot afford to suffer such an offense.
Seeing that the patriarch remained silent, Zhong Cheng lowered his head, not daring to speak rashly.
"A female sword immortal..."
"Lingxi Peak..."
"Could it be that Zhong Yue obtained an ancient inheritance, and was intercepted and killed after leaving?"
"However... the intelligence indicates that he was frightened and retreated from Lingxi Peak..."
What exactly happened at Lingxi Peak?
Zhong Quan thought to himself, tapping his fingers on the arm of the chair, his face ashen.
"Ancestor..." After a long while, Zhong Cheng looked up and couldn't help but speak.
"You should order someone to continue keeping an eye on the Southern Ridge... This is a matter of great importance. Our clan has lost a fake Core cultivator... and Uncle Centipede is in seclusion trying to break through to the mid-stage of the third rank. The clan cannot be left unguarded, otherwise, once the Spirit Beast Mountain finds out, they will definitely take advantage of the situation."
Zhong Quan said.
Ordinary cultivation families would be wiped out by foreign tribes after the death of their ancestor.
The same applies to the third-tier immortal sects.
In ancient times, many once-prosperous immortal sects were directly devoured by others after their decline.
Very few can truly be passed down through generations.
"Yes!" Zhong Cheng nodded.
……
Two more days passed.
A letter from Nanling.
Zhong presented the memorial.
"Master Yang invited Ice River Valley... Li Changhe issued an order with a wisp of divine consciousness, proclaiming to the world that Lingxi Peak must not be touched."
"Fairy Mingyue also declared to the world that anyone who dares to harm Master Yang, upon attaining the Golden Core stage, will have their entire clan exterminated!"
Upon hearing this news, Zhong Quan's gaze sharpened.
"Could it be that Master Yang is also unaware of Zhong Yue's death... Otherwise, why would he send messages for days, asking Ice River Valley for support?"
Zhong Quan whispered.
Just the day before, he still harbored some suspicions about Yang Jiuli.
Upon receiving this news today, he felt relieved, and his doubts were completely dispelled.
"It seems that Master Yang felt uneasy after using a third-tier talisman to repel Zhong Yue that day, so he wanted to ask Ice River Valley to step in and deter others, lest there be any fake alchemists or illusory alchemists coming to coerce him... After all, third-tier talismans will eventually run out of use."
"Furthermore, if a True Immortal of the Void Core stage were to intervene, even a third-tier talisman would be useless!"
After thinking it over, Zhong Quan felt that things were becoming clearer.
"It seems that the female sword immortal has been eyeing my Zhong family for a long time..." he muttered to himself.
"If that's the case, it seems we'll have to wait until the Centipede Ancestor breaks through to the next level before sending it to the Southern Ridge!"
Even though he was only at the early stage of Core Formation, he dared not risk his life.
The power of sword immortals has been passed down since ancient times.
Moreover, he was a sword immortal whose abilities were unknown.
……
Lingxi Peak.
September 29, sunny.
Yang Jiuli received a letter from Qin Zhixue.
In the letter, Qin Zhixue informed Yang Jiuli about the layout of the area where he was currently located.
They are located in the Cangyu region of the southern part of the Central Divine Continent of the 'Tianyun Star'.
The vast Cangyu region is governed by the fifth-tier immortal sect, the Cangyun Sect, which controls all the other immortal sects within it.
He commands three major fourth-tier immortal sects.
They are:
The fourth-tier cultivation kingdom, the Water Moon Kingdom, the Water Moon Sect.
The fourth-tier cultivation kingdom, the Myriad Manifestations Kingdom, the Myriad Manifestations Sect.
The fourth-tier cultivation kingdom, Xueyun Kingdom, Xueyun Sect.
……
Among them, the fourth-tier immortal sect, "Snow Cloud Sect," governs thirteen major cultivation kingdoms and currently has two Nascent Soul True Monarchs in charge.
It has existed for over three thousand years.
The State of Chu is one of the thirteen major cultivation states under the jurisdiction of the Snow Cloud Sect.
……
"The Snow Cloud Sect is still around..." Upon seeing this information, Yang Jiuli's thoughts were in turmoil.
"It seems that not every ancient fourth-tier immortal sect will be swallowed up!"
"Perhaps it's related to the region!"
In Nanling Yunze, two consecutive eras of fourth-tier immortal sects were destroyed.
However, the Xueyun Sect of Xueyun Kingdom has existed for more than three thousand years.
This is sufficient to demonstrate that the destruction of Tianhuan Snow Fox Valley and Nanyun Sect was geographically specific.
As for why this happened, we'll probably have to go to a higher level to find out.
Yang Jiuli then continued reading.
In the letter, Qin Zhixue mentioned that the records of the Ice Valley regarding the Southern Ridge were quite vague.
Some of the information was even classified as top secret, and only those who had reached the Core Formation stage had the authority to view it.
The useful information she obtained was that a major upheaval had occurred in the northern part of the Nanling Mountains 1,200 years ago.
Many Core Formation cultivators have perished in various sects.
From then on.
Ice Valley, Qingyan Immortal Sect, Taibai Immortal Sect, and other immortal sects such as Spirit Beast Mountain rarely venture into the Southern Ridge.
This is what has led to the current chaotic situation in Nanling.
"Twelve hundred years ago...a great upheaval...the Core Formation cultivator perished!"
Yang Jiuli's gaze sharpened.
As for the nature of the turmoil, Qin Zhixue was unable to view it due to access restrictions.
As for the Snow Cloud Sect...
Because this fourth-tier immortal sect was originally the superior sect of Ice River Valley, many clans knew about it.
Therefore, it was not classified as top secret.
"It seems that the higher secrets can only be unlocked when Zhixue forms her core!" Yang Jiuli closed the letter.
"Zhongjiabao has remained quiet for a while now; it seems we can enjoy a few years of peace!"
Things unfolded exactly as he had predicted.
Three days ago, Nanling Xiancheng and Nanyanfeng sent a signal that they would coexist peacefully and jointly build Nanling.
"First, improve your strength..."
Subsequently, Yang Jiuli went into seclusion to focus on absorbing Qi.
In my spare time, I draw some near-third-tier talismans, intending to prepare for my trip to the ancient ruins in Nanling.
……
Years are like a shuttle.
A year has passed in the blink of an eye.
That year, on the twelfth day of the first lunar month.
Inside the cave.
Yang Jiuli looked inward into his sea of consciousness.
A row of data under the Three Lives Stone was locked.
Name: Yang Jiuli.
Lifespan: 63/368.
Cultivation Technique: The second level of the "Heavenly Fiend Body Refining Technique" is now complete.
Third-tier mid-grade immortal foundation: 'Taiyin Moonflower Sword Flower'.
Taiyin Evolutionary Divine Technique: Second level, near-third level of spiritual power.
The Three Lives Talisman (Past Life Talisman) is at its third tier. It can be used 3 times.
Immortal cultivation level: Early stage of Foundation Establishment, minor success; Immortal foundation: Fourth rank (Azure Wood Reaching the Heavens).
……
"Small success in the early stage of Foundation Establishment... Lifespan increased by 10 years... It will take another 10 years to reach the middle stage of Foundation Establishment!"
Yang Jiuli whispered.
In just over a year and two periods of time, one can advance to a higher level.
Such a cultivation speed would surely astound outsiders if they knew about it.
Even for a genius from a third-tier immortal sect, it would take three to five years to advance to such a minor realm.
Yang Jiuli's rapid improvement can be attributed to the following reasons.
Firstly, the ancient cultivation technique "Azure Emperor's Longevity Technique" at the fourth level, combined with the Three Lives Stone, makes his Qi gathering speed far surpass that of ordinary people.
Even those innate spiritual beings cannot compare to it.
This one year is equivalent to ten years of hard work for an ordinary cultivator.
Secondly, Yang Jiuli has been focusing on absorbing Qi day and night for more than a year, and has only spent a little time refining pills and drawing talismans.
He was already proficient in both skills, so it didn't take him much time.
It's just a pastime during breaks from cultivation.
In this way, the time he spent cultivating was incomparable to that of ordinary people.
It was also because the spiritual energy required for the fourth-order immortal foundation he built, "Azure Wood Reaching the Heavens," was too immense.
Each leaf of that ancient tree is like a small lake, requiring the accumulation of a large amount of spiritual energy.
Otherwise, it would only take another eight years for him to reach the mid-stage of Foundation Establishment.
After examining his inner sea of consciousness, Yang Jiuli emerged from the cave.
He arrived at the back mountain, then summoned Xiao Bing and entered an underground stone chamber.
Zhu Yaqin is cultivating inside.
It is engraved with arrays and inlaid with gemstones, yet it is still quite bright.
In addition, there are several areas that are secretly connected to caves in the back mountain, allowing air to flow in.
When Yang Jiuli arrived at the stone chamber, Zhu Yaqin immediately came to greet him.
"This servant greets Master!" Zhu Yaqin bowed.
Yang Jiuli nodded slightly and asked, "How are the two Gu worms?"
"After entering the mid-stage of the second tier, the servant will provide it with spirit insects and spirit essence every seven days for it to consume."
"At this rate, in eight years, he can reach the peak of the mid-stage of the second tier..." Zhu Yaqin said.
"Eight years..." Yang Jiuli said, "That's still too slow... These are just a few high-grade second-tier spiritual herbs..."
With a flick of his hand, a batch of jade boxes appeared in his palm.
Most of them are spiritual essences.
"Second-tier superior grade..." Zhu Yaqin's eyes lit up.
This kind of spiritual essence is something that many mid-Foundation Establishment cultivators cannot obtain.
The current owner is using it to cultivate spirit gu?
They are truly wealthy and powerful.
"As long as you behave yourself, you will benefit from it in the future," Yang Jiuli said.
"Thank you, Master!" Upon hearing this, Zhu Yaqin was overjoyed and quickly bowed in gratitude.
He immediately accepted the spiritual essence.
These spiritual essences correspond to two Gu worms.
She cultivates the Green Wood Magic, and to break through to the next level, she needs the corresponding spiritual essence.
Of course, Zhu Yaqin had already prepared the spiritual items needed to advance to the mid-Foundation Establishment stage.
However, there was no sign of a spiritual object for those in the late Foundation Establishment stage.
They are also quite difficult to find.
Although she had already submitted to Yang Jiuli.
Whether the latter is willing to invest resources to nurture her remains to be seen.
Now that she had received the promise, Zhu Yaqin was finally able to put her mind at ease.
My sense of pride surged up once again.
Although she was already a slave, she still wanted to make something of herself and was unwilling to live a mediocre life.
Yang Jiuli nodded slightly, then glanced at the two spirit Gu.
Although the spirit gu was small, it exuded a powerful aura.
Yang Jiuli left the Gu chamber with considerable satisfaction.
Back at the villa.
He began practicing swordsmanship.
As for the 'Frosty Earth Vein', he rarely went there.
Now that the fake Dan Zhenren of Nanyan Peak has appeared, it is likely that the clan is already fully exploring the ancient site.
Going to that area rashly would make it very easy to run into someone, and if it arouses suspicion in others, it would be undesirable.
Therefore, at this time he focused his energy on gathering the Qi of green wood, drawing talismans, making pills, forming formations, and swordsmanship.
During this period, Li Feiyu, Lu Wenzheng, and Li Yourong from Yunmeng Lake all wrote to me.
Both Li Yourong and Li Feiyu have entered the mid-stage of Foundation Establishment.
Tang Yifan also wrote to me frequently.
He is now nearly sixty years old.
The eldest son, Zhou Changqing, has already married and had children.
He's practically a grandfather now!