Peak Level 8 Qi Refinement, Obtaining the Red Flame Saber

"Yes, Old Ancestor," Qin Shu replied quickly and shifted a bit further away from the ancestor.

"Come closer, I don't bite," the white-robed old man said, appearing slightly embarrassed by Qin Shu's actions. He coughed twice and gestured for Qin Shu to sit beside him.

"Old Ancestor, do you have any instructions?" Qin Shu asked respectfully as he moved closer.

"It's been many years since someone dared to approach me like this. It shows some courage, kid. I need your help with a few tasks," the white-robed old man said, patting Qin Shu's shoulder as if he were entrusting him with something important.

"I'm willing to help, Old Ancestor, but you see, I'm not very strong physically. If I go out and fail, it might be troublesome for you," Qin Shu hinted, hinting at the urgency of improving his strength to face external threats like Wang Ho.

"You're quite a clever, young man. How about this? Demonstrate all the cultivation techniques you know, and I will provide guidance. In return, I will assist you in breaking through to the next level and send you back," the white-robed old man proposed, laying out the terms he could offer.

"Alright, Old Ancestor, what would you like me to do? I promise to do my best," Qin Shu agreed, leaning closer with sincerity in his eyes.

"It's not too complicated. Once you enter the inner sect, choose the Seventh Elder as your master, and then inform him that the dragon vein of the Third Northern Peak has been severed," the old man emphasized, repeating the message with a serious expression. He handed Qin Shu a piece of bamboo from his waist.

"Is it really that simple?" Qin Shu asked, puzzled. He had expected a more challenging task, something that would allow him to confront the enemy directly.

"Don't underestimate the significance of these words. If I were not stranded here and could return to the Asura Region in time, I would handle this matter personally," the white-robed old man explained, his expression a mix of worry and resignation.

"Also, tell the Seventh Elder not to be too stubborn. Without me around, he should be more flexible. It'll save him a lot of trouble," the old man added.

"I understand," Qin Shu replied promptly.

"Enough of that talk. For now, demonstrate all the cultivation techniques you know, including the Blood Burning Technique," the old man said.

Qin Shu also quickly stood up, continuously performing his Space-Breaking Fist, which included techniques like the Great Strength Art and the Blood Burning Technique.

"Hmm, this part needs improvement."

"And this part."

"You're not getting this right either. Why are you so foolish? You're causing me so much worry."

Under the guidance of the Northern Mysterious Old Ancestor, Qin Shu's martial arts techniques also rapidly improved. His Space-Breaking Fist directly skipped mastery and entered the stage of proficiency, while the Blood Burning Technique and the Great Strength Art both reached the level of mastery.

"Much better. You've already reached Level 6 Qi Refinement. If you choose an elder, you should be able to secure the first seat. With your current realm, it should be challenging to reach Level 10 Qi Refinement in three months."

"I condensed my remnant soul's spiritual energy into this spiritual fruit. It should make it much easier with the support of this fruit," the Old Ancestor said as he stood up and took an apple-sized spiritual fruit from Qin Shu. The spiritual energy continuously flowed into it, and everything around became illusory.

"Take it. You should absorb it as soon as possible. My remnant soul won't hold out much longer. Once you open the Third Northern Peak, you will see me again."

The Northern Mysterious Old Ancestor's figure remained unchanged, and everything around him that had appeared illusory solidified once again, as if the previous illusion had been like a dream.

"Disciple obeys."

Qin Shu accepted the spiritual fruit with both hands. Although it was now the size of a pill, it contained denser and purer spiritual energy than before. Without hesitation, he stuffed it into his mouth.

Immediately, pure and dense spiritual energy erupted from Qin Shu's body, coursing through his limbs and fusing seamlessly with his blood essence.

The Northern Mysterious Old Ancestor nodded in satisfaction. Despite Qin Shu's previous deviation from the right path, his innate talent remained respectable. With dedicated training, he had the potential to become a dominant figure in the region.

It was the infusion of spiritual energy by the Northern Mysterious Old Ancestor into the spiritual fruit that had triggered the withering of the Spirit Guiding Tree. In a short span, its leaves shriveled and fell.

As for the Desert Wolf King, it swiftly vanished, reappearing on a dune not far away. It ceased its skirmish with Xuanyuan Quanlong and the others.

"Strange, why is that tree withering?" 

Xuanyuan Quanlong and the others, in the midst of their struggle against Li Wen, also noticed the Spirit Guiding Tree's transformation and found it perplexing.

Zhao He, nursing his wounds, leaned against a rock, his breath heavy. Left alone to confront the Desert Wolf King without Qin Shu's aid, he had been at a significant disadvantage. However, the Spirit Guiding Tree's deterioration allowed him a moment's respite to recover his strength.

"Could it be Brother Qin?" 

Xuanyuan Quanlong harbored a bold speculation, but Li Wen's relentless onslaught left him no time for contemplation, forcing him into a harried defense.

"Why are you pondering this foolish tree? You should be focused on how to save yourselves first!"

Li Wen held the upper hand in their confrontation. Although the Desert Wolf King was no longer restraining Zhao He, who now lacked combat prowess, he posed little threat to Li Wen.

Meanwhile, Qin Shu sat cross-legged on the ground, his cultivation level skyrocketing at an astonishing pace.

Peak of Level 6 Qi Refinement.

Level 7 Qi Refinement.

Level 8 Qi Refinement.

Only upon reaching the peak of Level 8 Qi Refinement and encountering a bottleneck did Qin Shu finally cease his cultivation. Upon opening his eyes, he felt an inexhaustible wellspring of strength within himself. Upon swinging a punch, he sensed a subtle vibration in the air.

"You've made some considerable progress with this Space-Breaking Fist," remarked the Northern Mysterious Old Ancestor with satisfaction. He patted Qin Shu's shoulder and commended him.

"Thank you for your guidance, Old Ancestor," Qin Shu said with a respectful bow.

"No need for thanks. You've helped me, so this is but a small favor in return. Coincidentally, I have a Red Flame Saber here, and I intend to bestow it upon someone fated to receive it. However, be aware that taking this saber comes with a condition, you will work for me," the Old Ancestor explained as he produced a long white saber with a flame insignia on the handle. 

"But this is within an illusion realm. This weapon..." Qin Shu hesitated briefly, not suspecting the Old Ancestor's intentions.

"Haha, young one, have no concerns. The Fifth Elder may have told you that he values results over the process. However, he may have forgotten to mention that the opportunities within this illusory realm are equivalent to those outside. There's no distinction," the ancestor reassured with a smile, handing the Red Flame Saber to Qin Shu.

"Thank you, ancestor. I will wholeheartedly serve your cause!" Qin Shu accepted the saber with gratitude.