Chapter 916-920 - The Clumsy Sword Transforms into a Celestial Realm (7k+ words)

The insights Li Qing transmitted, excluding those related to swordsmanship, were almost entirely automatically filtered out by the Black Sword.

Not a single bit was accepted.

However, this was within Li Qing's expectations.

The uniqueness of the Wooden Sword was a pure manifestation of the sword's laws of creation.

How could it easily accommodate other laws?

Li Qing wasn't discouraged and tried various methods.

Time passed slowly.

The Black Sword became more condensed, and the aura it contained grew stronger.

One day, the Black Sword, which had always strongly rejected external things, suddenly absorbed a trace of Li Qing's insights!

Li Qing's eyes brightened, and upon a quick investigation, he immediately identified the presence that seemed capable of merging with the Black Sword!

It was the concept of "clumsiness"!

"Hide the sharpness, guard clumsiness, and grasp the advantage of sheathing the sword. By not attacking, one can achieve victory..."

In Li Qing's mind, a burst of continuous inspiration erupted.

Some scenes seemed familiar but he didn't know their origin.

However, Li Qing didn't mind; instead, he used this almost overflowing inspiration to continuously infuse the Black Sword.

The previously aloof Black Sword, which was only interested in the way of the sword, now cooperated exceptionally well.

It even seemed somewhat eager, actively accepting Li Qing's nourishment.

With the gradual addition of the concept of clumsiness, the Black Sword, which had gradually become fully formed and somewhat exposed, slowly lost its sharpness.

It returned to being dark and inconspicuous.

But Li Qing knew that this symbolized the Black Sword transcending the constraints of ordinary swordsmanship and taking a step further.

In the Sword Tomb, the thousands of forgotten swords showed no awareness.

Only the Wooden Sword, the uniqueness of the Heavenly Sword, emitted a faintly invisible sword hum.

It seemed to express its own joy.

Due to this sword hum, the myriad swords once again bowed. Only the Black Sword by Li Fan's side seemed to bend as well, remaining completely still.

"It's done!"

Li Qing knew that the next step to completely subdue this Heavenly Sword, the Black Sword, was not far away.

Closing his eyes, he injected the last essence of swordsmanship insights into the Black Sword.

After the Heavenly Sword's hum, the Sword Tomb fell into an even more silent state.

The quietness was terrifying. Even next to Li Qing's ears, there seemed to be various hallucinations.

It was as if thousands of forgotten swords each whispered softly, tempting Li Qing to give up subduing the Black Sword and instead take away other swords.

Scenes of various swords with earth-shattering powers continuously appeared in Li Qing's mind, trying to disturb his determination.

However, who was Li Qing? How could he be easily swayed by such tricks?

He knew that this might be a small trick secretly played by the Wooden Sword, perhaps because it was not at ease with him taking away the Black Sword, thus setting up a final test.

It might also be due to reluctance after losing the Black Sword, creating spontaneous obstruction.

But regardless, these little tricks ultimately had no effect on Li Qing.

Facing countless illusions, Li Qing remained unmoved.

His mind and the Black Sword became one, with nothing else interfering.

So it continued until three months later.

On this day, Li Qing suddenly opened his eyes.

The next moment, he reached out his right hand and naturally gripped the hilt of the Black Sword.

Then, with a gentle pull.

There was no earth-shattering sound announcing the emergence of divine objects.

To be precise, there wasn't even the slightest sound of abnormality.

In the calm atmosphere, the Black Sword fell into Li Qing's hands just like that.

The thousands of forgotten swords in the Sword Tomb seemed to be unaware of this.

Even the Wooden Sword in the center showed no signs of objection.

Silence meant acknowledgment.

Chapter 917 - The Silence in the Sword Tomb clearly indicated Li Qing's success.

"Falsify the wonders of heaven and earth to build the foundation."

Li Qing silently recited, and then the main body of the Black Sword in his hand instantly turned into a faint light, merging into his body.

Swiftly flying to the Dantian, it settled down.

After a moment, the spiritual power in Li Qing's body, which had reached the perfection of the Golden Elixir realm, instantly boiled.

Like rivers rushing to the sea, it surged towards the foundational path of the Black Sword.

As if hundreds of rivers converged into the sea, under the surging spiritual power, the Black Sword gradually became ethereal.

Completely merging into Li Qing's Dantian, it transformed into his foundational path.

"Peek into the methods of heaven and earth to refine the Golden Elixir."

Li Qing chanted again in his mind.

The surging spiritual power in his body did not cease, rushing towards the foundational path of the Black Sword.

In the vortex of spiritual power, the shadow of the Black Sword became increasingly faint.

Finally, it dissipated invisibly. It seemed to form an abyss, completely devouring all spiritual power.

Boom!

A burst of light erupted, resembling the radiance when heaven and earth were first opened.

It thoroughly illuminated Li Qing's body.

The radiance flickered and lasted for several breaths.

When the dazzling light finally faded, a unique Golden Elixir, completely black and emitting an ancient and simple aura, appeared in Li Qing's Dantian.

If one looked closely, one could vaguely see the pattern of thousands of sword shadows spread across the black Golden Elixir.

However, it seemed to be an illusion produced in the dimness, disappearing upon closer inspection.

Golden Elixir achieved!

From start to finish, it only took a few breaths.

The clone Li Qing, who had only been a practitioner at the perfection of the Golden Elixir realm, transformed into a true Golden Elixir cultivator who had established his foundation and formed his core with the Black Sword's wonders.

However, Li Qing was not satisfied.

"Devour the essence of heaven and earth to form the Nascent Soul."

Li Qing continued to chant in his mind.

Ordinary practitioners who wished to achieve the Nascent Soul realm needed to rely on their own separate realms.

But for those who established their foundation using the wonders of heaven, it was unnecessary.

Because the wonders of heaven themselves were one aspect of the heavenly Dao.

They could completely evolve into their own miniature celestial realm!

With a thought, Li Qing, who had recently formed the black Golden Elixir, suddenly exploded it.

The diffuse spiritual energy filled Li Qing's entire body in an instant.

And the countless black Golden Elixir fragments also flew to various parts of his body in an instant.

It seemed to be distributed without any rules, but in fact, it concealed profound mysteries!

The distribution of the Golden Elixir fragments vaguely revealed the appearance of the original Black Sword!

Based on these remnants, Li Qing's spiritual energy, flesh, bones, muscles, and everything in his body began to melt like liquid.

Being forcibly extracted by these remnants.

From an external perspective, Li Qing instantly became like a torn and deformed ragdoll, looking distorted and twisted.

Even with the horrifying squeaks of flesh and bones being forcefully extracted.

Together with the terrifying appearance of blood and flesh being squeezed.

All of this seemed eerie and mysterious.

Facing the overwhelming pain, Li Qing paid no attention.

He just accelerated the process of the Golden Elixir remnants devouring his body.

When the residual flesh and blood in the air, belonging to Li Qing, were completely swallowed up.

Among the scattered Golden Elixir fragments, it seemed to have formed a network of meridians similar to the human body.

Threads of dark red tissue connected, appearing enchanting and demonic.

Suddenly, a burst of light simultaneously emerged within the Golden Elixir fragments.

Then, in an instant, it circulated throughout his body.

In the shimmering light, a miniature Sword Celestial Realm slowly took shape.

(End of this chapter)

Chapter 917 - Concealed in One Heart Sect

This Sword Celestial Realm is different from the ordinary evolved celestial realms. Inside, there are no mountains, rivers, or lakes; only scenes extremely similar to the Sword Tomb.

Countless swords are scattered all around in a disorderly manner. Sword energy crisscrosses, forming bursts of howling sword winds. The entire celestial realm belongs entirely to the world of swords, intolerant of any other living beings.

In the Sword Tomb, beyond the Sword Celestial Realm, Li Qing's clone, who had previously shattered into pieces, reappeared with a slow reshaping of his body amidst a movement of blood and flesh.

"Early Nascent Soul stage," he sensed his cultivation, nodding slightly.

Although his realm was slightly lower than the main body, the actual combat strength was comparable, thanks to establishing his foundation with the wonders of heaven. Crushing ordinary Divine Transformation cultivators was not an issue.

However, after entering the Nascent Soul stage, Li Qing felt an inexplicable resistance pushing against him.

When the clone bid farewell to the wonders of the Wooden Sword Celestial Realm and returned to the Xuanhuang Realm, that hidden malice became more apparent.

A sentence spontaneously appeared in Li Qing's mind: "The new method of the Celestial Sovereign is going against the natural order. The more blessings received from heaven and earth, the more difficult it will be to resist the principles of heaven and earth in the future."

"Even when refining the soul of heaven and earth, one will suffer double backlash from the will of heaven and earth. Even with high talent, it will mostly stop at the Divine Transformation stage."

Perhaps the birth of this black sword also had some credit from Li Qing. When he devoured it and transformed it into a celestial realm, he did not sense much resistance.

But he had a premonition that this was already the limit that heaven and earth could tolerate.

When he wanted to advance further, to ascend to the Divine Transformation stage, and even to unify the Dao, he would need to face the complete malice of heaven and earth.

However, Li Qing did not pay much attention to it. After all, as a clone, his mission was not cultivation, but to go to the Five Elders Meeting and the One Heart Celestial Sect to retrieve the lost techniques of the Xuantian Sect.

After examining the information sent by the main body, due to the previous unknown spatial fluctuations, the Thousand Immortals Alliance and the Five Elders Meeting were currently in a rare period of truce.

Li Qing discerned the direction slightly and transformed into a black streak, swiftly rushing towards his destination.

As he flew, Li Qing immediately felt something different from before. When the main body traveled through the air, it had to overcome the resistance of heaven and earth and the gusts of sword winds.

But as Li Qing transformed into a sword light, he effortlessly blended perfectly with the surroundings.

Not only could he ignore the resistance almost entirely, but the consumption of flying was also astonishingly minimal!

"The wonders of heaven belong to the Xuanhuang Celestial Dao. Therefore, there are special privileges."

Flying was no longer a tiresome task; instead, it became a kind of enjoyment. Li Qing felt extremely comfortable. If he were not afraid of attracting the attention of the Thousand Immortals Alliance, he would undoubtedly want to roar in excitement.

The speed of the black sword light became faster and faster, flashing across the sky.

Even if someone happened to catch a glimpse, they would think it was just an illusion.

However, after seven days, the Jiwei Province of the Five Elders Meeting was already faintly visible.

In front of the white mist barrier spanning the heavens and earth, there was a group of disciples from the Thousand Immortals Alliance's Martial Arts Hall stationed.

Li Qing did not alert them. Relying on the information transmitted by the main body, he easily evaded the monitoring of the Alliance's protective formation and entered the white mist.

As the buffer region between the Five Elders Meeting and the Thousand Immortals Alliance, the Jiwei Province had no other Celestial Sovereign powers except for the True Worry Celestial Sovereign.

The reason for choosing to enter the Five Elders Meeting here was that it could bypass the Realistic Realm, pass through the Human Realm, and directly reach the One Heart Immortal Sect.

In the Realistic Realm, all lies are laid bare. Clearly, it was not suitable for lurking, so Li Qing tried to avoid it as much as possible.

In comparison, the Human Realm was much safer.

Compared to the stern military preparations of the Thousand Immortals Alliance, the areas within the Five Elders Meeting seemed much more peaceful.

Except for those adjacent and buffer regions, where there were heavily stationed troops.

In other regions, it seemed like there was no sense of war at all. As Li Qing traveled, the cultivators and mortals he encountered were all very relaxed, and some even appeared somewhat lazy.

This made Li Qing couldn't help but marvel and admire the rule of the Five Elders Meeting.

Without encountering any danger along the way, after crossing the Human Realm, Li Qing finally arrived in the territory of the One Heart Immortal Sect.

Of course, the reason why it was so smooth on this journey, aside from Li Qing using the wonders of heaven as the foundation and having extremely strong concealment ability, might also be related to him not joining the Thousand Immortals Alliance.

If it were a cultivator from the alliance, it would probably be difficult to infiltrate so easily.

This place was called the Yiliu Province.

Amidst the expansive and fertile plains, Li Qing observed the constant flow of mortal caravans moving between cities. Unlike the separation of Thousand Immortals Alliance cultivators and mortals, in each city of the Five Elders Meeting, mortals and cultivators coexisted. However, there was a distinction between inner and outer cities, with mortals residing in the outer city and cultivators in the inner city.

As he felt a sense of familiarity in the surroundings, Li Qing pondered, "It seems like I've been here before." Quickly suppressing these miscellaneous thoughts, Li Qing began searching for his target.

According to the information from the main body, the key to entering the true One Heart Immortal Sect was to attract the attention of the One Heart Celestial Sovereign. The most effective method, secretly circulated within the Five Elders Meeting, was a collection of erotic paintings. Unfortunately, this mission seemed to encounter difficulties.

Li Qing spent several days in Yiliu Province but couldn't find the audacious merchants selling such items. Understandably, openly spreading such materials under a Celestial Sovereign's rule could lead to severe consequences.

Just as Li Qing contemplated trying his luck in another province, a sudden commotion disrupted the normally calm city. Li Qing's curiosity led him to the center of the incident.

"You are Wan Zailai?!"

Several cultivators surrounded a handsome young man in white, their expressions unfriendly.

"You've actually been discovered. Well, it's also good. After resting for a few days, it's time to get back to work." Wan Zailai glanced around the crowd, and under the pressure in his eyes, the surrounding cultivators subconsciously took half a step back.

Now the cultivators of Yiliu Province couldn't maintain their calm demeanor. One of them, irritated and ashamed, said, "A mere Nascent Soul cultivator dares to speak arrogantly! Saying that we in Yiliu Province are all useless!"

"I will teach you a lesson today!"

"Péi brother, you've already reached the Nascent Soul stage, bullying the small with the big isn't good, right?" Others couldn't help but advise.

Before Péi could speak, Wan Zailai chuckled, "Nascent Soul cultivator, so what? In my eyes, you're no different from ordinary chickens and dogs!"

The cultivators of Yiliu Province showed anger on their faces.

"Fine! Fine!"

"Yiliu Province, Péi Qingshan, please enlighten me!"

As Péi Qingshan spoke, a transparent circular structure suddenly appeared in the sky. Amidst the crowd's gasps, the arena-like structure radiated two beams of light, drawing the two combatants into it.

"It's the Celestial Sovereign's trial ground!"

"It seems the rumors are true. Wan Zailai wants to challenge a Nascent Soul cultivator with the Golden Core stage to enter the One Heart Immortal Sect!"

(End of this chapter)

Chapter 918: Ten Thousand Swords Bow in Submission

Amidst the astonished and awe-filled discussions, Li Qing's gaze also turned towards the transparent circular arena in the sky.

Inside the arena, Wan Zailai and Péi Qingshan were already engaged in battle. Péi Qingshan, showing no mercy, manifested a green wooden paradise to suppress Wan Zailai.

However, Wan Zailai remained unruffled, multiplying into two, then eight figures in an instant. When the green wooden paradise fully materialized, there were already tens of thousands of Wan Zailai's figures in the arena.

"Ten Thousand Swords Return to the Sect!"

Wan Zailai roared, and his numerous avatars, solemn in expression, all transformed into swords, slashing towards the green wooden paradise.

Swordlight poured down, creating a dazzling brilliance that even dimmed the sun in the sky. Péi Qingshan's body turned to ashes in an instant within this torrent of swords.

Before he could regenerate his body, the newborn flesh and blood were once again annihilated by the swordlight. The onslaught of swords seemed endless, without a conclusion.

Under the relentless pressure of the swordlight, the green wooden paradise trembled continuously, on the verge of complete collapse.

"Surrender! I surrender!"

Péi Qingshan's panicked voice echoed through the sky. A white light flashed, and he withdrew from the arena, appearing somewhat disheveled, wearing a terrified expression instead of the previous anger.

"I concede!" Wan Zailai sheathed his sword, his countless avatars merging back into one.

Hovering in the air, he looked down at the cultivators of Yiliu Province with an air of arrogance, his white robe rustling.

The speed at which Péi Qingshan was defeated took everyone by surprise, and Wan Zailai's infinite swordlight was truly terrifying. The intense pressure from just a moment ago lingered, leaving the spectators unable to recover.

The scene fell into a deathly silence.

"If anyone disagrees, feel free to come forward!"

"I, Wan Zailai, will meet them with a single sword!"

The arrogant voice of the white-robed youth echoed over the city of Yiliu.

Driven by his momentum, not a single cultivator dared to step forward for a moment. After all, Péi Qingshan's strength was well-known. Even at the Nascent Soul peak, it was impossible to defeat him as effortlessly as Wan Zailai did.

"It seems that only a Nascent Divinity cultivator can subdue this person."

This thought flashed through the minds of the cultivators present, but Nascent Divinity cultivators in Yiliu Province were either in the One Heart Immortal Sect or at the front lines. Even if they were present, they might not have the face to confront Wan Zailai openly.

A Nascent Divinity against a Golden Core—it was already bullying the weak with the strong.

A Nascent Divinity against a Nascent Soul—it was beyond oppression. No Nascent Divinity cultivator would lower themselves to such dishonorable conduct. Moreover, if they were defeated, they would become the laughingstock of the entire Five Elders Meeting, becoming a stepping stone for Wan Zailai's fame.

Various thoughts circulated among the cultivators, leaving them silent.

For a moment, they let the white-robed youth flaunt his power above.

"It seems there's no one in Yiliu Province who dares to challenge!"

Wan Zailai sneered.

"Young man, don't be too arrogant."

Just at this moment, a cold voice rang out.

Suddenly, all eyes were drawn to a figure—equally beautiful, with androgynous features—slowly flying into the air.

"I am Li Qing."

He bowed, and then, guided by white light, descended into the arena.

"Oh?" Wan Zailai squinted.

Accustomed to his arrogance, being scolded in a commanding tone by someone who seemed younger than him naturally displeased Wan Zailai.

"Nascent Soul early stage?" Wan Zailai's eyes flashed with a dangerous light.

"I won't use the power of the Daoist Paradise. With a Golden Core cultivation, I can suppress you with one hand!" Unexpectedly, Li Qing waved his hand, speaking with the utmost arrogance and a serious expression on his face.

Chapter 918: Wan Jian Submits

This time, not only did Wan Zailai's expression change dramatically, even the Yiliu Province cultivators watching below erupted in commotion.

"I thought Wan Zailai was already arrogant. I didn't expect Li Qing to be even more arrogant!"

"This Li brother seems a bit unfamiliar. Is he one of our Yiliu Province cultivators?"

"Nonsense. Why else would he step forward? Our Yiliu Province is vast and abundant. This person must be a talented figure hidden in the fields!"

...

People discussed animatedly.

Wan Zailai emitted a sinister laughter. "Very well. I can't wait to see you dismembered by ten thousand swords."

Without finishing his words, he unleashed his most powerful move.

"Wan Jian Jue!"

Similar to his previous technique, countless avatars instantly appeared in the arena. However, unlike the Ten Thousand Swords Return to the Sect, this time, it wasn't a simple slashing of swords. Each avatar executed a different sword technique.

The sky was instantly illuminated by swords of various colors. Countless sword shadows, each with a different shape, emerged and emitted sword roars akin to dragons, all rushing towards Li Qing.

The sword radiance tore through space, causing endless vibrations. Even the transparent arena that confined them displayed faint cracks.

Facing this majestic scene, the Yiliu Province cultivators below widened their eyes.

"So, this is Wan Zailai's true strength?"

"So powerful! I'm afraid even Nascent Divinity cultivators would taste defeat under this move!"

"What background does Wan Zailai have? A Golden Core cultivator is this formidable. If he breaks through to Nascent Soul, that would be incredible!"

...

At this moment, everyone sighed deeply.

They all believed that Li Qing, the relatively unknown cultivator, would undoubtedly be defeated under Wan Jian Jue.

But before they could lament, amidst the endless sword roars, a robust and resonant chant echoed:

"Despite your myriad sword techniques..."

"You must bow low when you encounter me!"

The voice wasn't particularly loud, but it unquestionably overshadowed all the sword roars.

During this split second, in the arena in the sky, a scene unfolded that left all the cultivators present dumbfounded. Countless sword techniques, resembling a myriad of light dragons, approaching Li Qing, suddenly slowed down in front of him. Eventually, they came to a complete stop.

Numerous sword shadows, with different shapes, revealed themselves in front of Li Qing.

"Hmm?"

Li Qing glanced over them.

Then, despite any reluctance, under Li Qing's gaze, all these swords trembled slightly and lowered their tips!

"Go!"

Li Qing lightly commanded.

The myriad sword shadows then reversed direction, attacking Wan Zailai, who stood bewildered and couldn't comprehend what was happening!

Just as Wan Zailai was about to be dismembered by his ultimate technique, a white light surged, and the next moment, his figure disappeared from the arena.

Back on the ground.

But at this moment, no one paid any attention to him.

All the cultivators' gazes were focused on Li Qing.

(End of this chapter)

Chapter 919: Mysterious Journey of the Immortal Sect

In the transparent arena, Li Qing was admired by thousands of Yiliu Province cultivators. However, he didn't spare a glance at the cultivators below. Instead, he gestured, regaining control over the myriad sword techniques that had lost their pursuit target.

Then, he looked up towards the higher sky and declared, "I have a sword; let the Celestial Lord witness!"

His resounding voice spread far and wide, astonishing the Yiliu Province cultivators.

"What is he trying to do?"

"So audacious, speaking disrespectfully to the Celestial Lord!"

"Quick, stop him!"

...

The startled cultivators reacted with cries, but it was already too late!

Behind Li Qing, the shadow of a black sword suddenly appeared.

As it emerged, the myriad sword techniques seemed stimulated, their radiance explosively increasing several times over. The brilliance was so intense that the cultivators below could hardly open their eyes.

Wan Zailai, who had been defeated and disoriented, also raised his head. Looking at his own technique escalating to such a degree, a glimmer of hope surged in his originally dim eyes.

Li Qing, however, paid no attention to the reactions of the cultivators below. With a hearty laugh, his figure merged with the virtual shadow of the black sword. Surrounded by the myriad sword techniques, he resembled a king of swords, leading a vast army, tearing through the sky.

Straight towards the firmament, he thrust!

The transparent circular arena only resisted for a moment before shattering in this earth-shattering strike. Ignoring the sword radiance, Li Qing's attack seemed as if it could split the entire sky.

In the clash between sword and sky, the sword radiance burst like fireworks, scattering in all directions, painting the sky in a myriad of colors.

Only the black sword behind Li Qing remained steadfast and persistent.

Finally, it abruptly appeared in a splendid scene of an immortal sect in the sky.

Through the fleeting crack, one could vaguely see many different figures, all staring at the abruptly intruding black sword.

Their expressions varied.

...

"Sigh, this kid is really pitiful. So young..."

"What a waste of such a good-looking appearance."

"Who asked him not to know his limits and insist on entangling with Senior Sister Zhao? Not long ago, Senior Sister Zhao entered the Foundation Establishment stage and is on the verge of becoming a core disciple. This kid still hasn't successfully condensed Qi..."

"What a toad wishing to eat swan meat!"

"Uh, but I heard that he repeatedly rejected Senior Sister Zhao's goodwill and proposed to meet less in the future. It was Senior Sister Zhao who insisted on coming to him every time..."

"Impossible! Absolutely impossible!"

The discussions around brought Li Qing back to reality. When the few people around him saw him waking up, they all fell silent and left the room, leaving him alone.

He remained calm.

His mind was chaotic for a while, and it took him quite some time to understand the situation.

Originally, he was a villager from the Longfeng Village in the Dacheng Mountains.

Half a year ago, Longfeng Village was bloodied by a group of bandits. Only he and Zhao Ruoxi from the village, who were playing outside, escaped the massacre.

Seeing the flames rising from the village, they hurried back but unexpectedly ran into the retreating bandits.

All the bandits were attracted by Zhao Ruoxi's beauty and intended to loot her. Fortunately, a Daoist immortal descended from the sky and killed all the criminals.

Later, seeing the pitiful state of the two, he brought them back to the sect.

An ordinary mortal had the fortune to step onto the path of immortality. It was indeed a blessing in disguise.

However, Li Qing's good fortune seemed not deep enough, at least compared to Zhao Ruoxi. In half a year, she had successfully reached Foundation Establishment, becoming the disciple of Moonlight Sect's Nascent Divinity immortal, Zhang Wangshuang.

As for him, he was still lingering in the Qi Condensation stage.

The disparity was considerable.

If only it were just that, it would be bearable.

What Li Qing found most unbearable was...

Feeling the immense pain from his lower body, Li Qing's heart turned ashen.

All of this was because of a beauty bringing disaster!

Qin Shou from the Lianshan lineage was infatuated with Zhao Ruoxi. Despite the gap in their cultivation and status, Qin Shou fervently pursued Zhao Ruoxi.

However, the beautiful are often fickle, and Zhao Ruoxi showed no interest in him whatsoever. She had long given her heart to Li Qing.

Not only did she visit Li Qing whenever she had the chance, but she also secretly brought him many pills, including the extremely precious Foundation Establishment Pill!

This Foundation Establishment Pill wasn't ordinary; it was the "Purple Melody Alchemy Pill" that Zhao Ruoxi had specially requested from her master because she knew Li Qing had poor aptitude. Not only did it significantly reduce the side effects of forcefully breaking through with pills, but it also slightly improved the cultivator's aptitude.

It was truly a heaven-defying miracle drug!

That day, after sending away Zhao Ruoxi, Li Qing, holding the divine pill in his hands, felt immense joy.

Who would have thought that joy could turn into sorrow?

His overly intimate relationship with Zhao Ruoxi aroused the displeasure of Qin Shou. Qin Shou directly sent people to teach Li Qing a harsh lesson. Those people were ruthless, directly crippling Li Qing's manhood. Afterward, they plundered his belongings, taking away the precious Purple Melody Alchemy Pill.

"Qin Shou..."

Li Qing, who slowly awakened from his memories, harbored endless hatred in his eyes.

However, the pain from his lower body quickly brought him back to reality.

Summoning courage, Li Qing shakily reached down to touch his lower body.

But he grasped nothing.

A chilling emptiness filled Li Qing's heart.

"Without my manhood, there's no hope of breaking through the Foundation Establishment stage."

"What's the point of me being alive..."

Despair filled Li Qing's eyes.

At this moment, a figure suddenly entered through the door.

Without lifting his head, Li Qing knew who it was from the familiar fragrance.

"Ruoxi..."

As he spoke, Li Qing suddenly remembered the warning from those thugs when they attacked. The pain from his lower body had not subsided.

Li Qing shivered involuntarily and changed his words, "Senior Sister Zhao..."

Looking at Li Qing's appearance, Zhao Ruoxi's eyes first showed a hint of heartache. Then, her expression turned dark and full of killing intent.

"Where are you injured?" She asked gently.

Li Qing shivered again, subconsciously covering his groin.

Zhao Ruoxi instantly understood, and her face turned pale.

Her divine sense swept through, and her delicate fists clenched tightly. Unstoppable killing intent surged in her eyes.

With Li Qing's flaws laid bare, he felt like death was imminent.

But due to excessive shame, apart from trembling all over, he couldn't do anything else.

Watching Li Qing, who trembled like a frightened chick, Zhao Ruoxi's pity for him deepened.

"It's okay, it's okay."

Comforting him, she embraced Li Qing.

"It's just a flesh wound. When your cultivation improves in the future, you might be able to reshape your body..."

"Senior Sister, although my cultivation is inferior to yours, I still understand common knowledge of cultivation. I haven't even reached Foundation Establishment, and my body is already damaged. This is the congenital defect..."

"I'm afraid even in the Nascent Divinity stage, it won't be easy to make up for it. Moreover, with my aptitude, where is the hope for Nascent Divinity..."

The more Li Qing spoke, the more desperate he became, crying bitterly in the arms of Senior Sister Zhao.

In the end, under the dual impact of physical and mental devastation, he fell into a deep sleep in the arms of Senior Sister Zhao.

Zhao Ruoxi looked at Li Qing, tears covering his face, initially filled with pity.

However, as she gently wiped away the tears with her fingers, watching his handsome face frowning slightly in his dream, a trace of distraction appeared in her eyes.

Subsequently, Zhao Ruoxi's expression became somewhat peculiar.

Gently placing Li Qing down and covering him with a blanket, Zhao Ruoxi seemed to be struggling with a difficult decision, her face showing some conflict as she paced back and forth in the room.

After some time, she finally made up her mind.

She kissed Li Qing lightly on the cheek and then left the room.

When Li Qing woke up from his deep slumber again, he didn't immediately get up.

Instead, his eyes were lifeless, staring at the ceiling, his mind blank.

"Living like this is really meaningless. It's better to die."

Just as he was contemplating his own demise in his mind...

Zhao Ruoxi walked in again.

With a strong smell of blood.

"Bang!"

She threw five human heads entwined into a bundle in front of Li Qing. "The attackers from that day, I've already killed them all!"

"Of course, I know they were just following orders."

"The mastermind behind this is Qin Shou from the Lianshan lineage."

Hearing this name, a glint of light appeared in Li Qing's originally dull eyes.

"But I can't move against him right now. Not only is Qin Shou stronger than me, but the backing behind him is also something I can't shake for the time being."

"But I promise you, one day, I will return to him the pain he inflicted on you a hundredfold." Zhao Ruoxi whispered with determination.

Li Qing just nodded slightly without saying anything.

"Oh right, I found a cultivation technique specifically for you."

Seeing Li Qing's listless appearance, Senior Sister Zhao took out a jade slip and handed it over.

"A cultivation technique?"

Li Qing was initially a bit resistant, hesitating to reach out.

But after hearing Zhao Ruoxi say that this technique was particularly suitable for him, Li Qing hesitated for a moment before accepting it and started reading.

"The Reverse Taboo Scripture?"

Li Qing was initially disinterested, but as he read the part that said, "To practice this technique, one must first self-castrate," his whole body shook.

Suddenly, he looked up at Zhao Ruoxi.

Zhao Ruoxi explained softly, "This is a technique hidden in the Great Dao Sect's secret pavilion. Its origin is unknown. Because the prerequisites for practicing it are too harsh, few people have sought it out in recent years."

"I practically searched through the entire secret pavilion to find the most suitable technique for you."

As if ignited with hope, Li Qing eagerly looked at the following content in the jade slip.

"Heaven and earth are boundless, the universe is orderly, yin and yang follow the Dao."

"This is the principle of nature."

"However, disrupting the balance of yin and yang can also seize the creativity and step into the realm of true immortality."

...

Just the introductory outline deeply captivated Li Qing's attention.

Forgetting everything around him, he was completely immersed in this extraordinary cultivation technique.

"To reach the realm of true immortality..."

"If that's the case, even if I self-castrate, it's not that big of a deal."

After Li Qing roughly skimmed through it, he couldn't help but think like this.

(End of this chapter)

Chapter 920: Early Arrangements Upon Entering the Sect

Li Qing's process of forming the golden core went unusually smoothly.

Without experiencing any of the dangers recorded in other cultivation scriptures, it was a matter of course.

In just half a day, he successfully entered the Golden Core realm.

"A pure Yin physique..."

Li Qing took a deep breath, comprehending the earth-shaking changes happening within his body.

As the yang energy was completely transformed, the final hindrance disappeared, and Li Qing felt that his entirely new body had reached a state of perfect harmony.

The speed of spiritual energy circulation nearly doubled, and even the comprehension of techniques and divine powers surpassed the previous level.

A complete transformation!

His golden core also differed from the common appearance described in scriptures.

Resembling the moon in the middle of the sky, emitting a cold white light. The surface of the core was full of mysterious Dao patterns, highlighting the extraordinary nature of this golden core.

All these changes filled Li Qing with joy.

"In terms of innate talent for cultivation, even Zhao Ruoxi is no longer my match."

"And the quality of my golden core is superb."

"Unfortunately, everything is not yet visible to others. It cannot be exposed."

Li Qing was well aware that once the changes in him were noticed, revealing the true effectiveness of the "Reverse Taboo Scripture" would undoubtedly lead to unimaginable madness!

By then, even those inner disciples, Nascent Soul stage cultivators, and Core Formation masters from the sect would come to seize it!

Compared to attaining the Dao, the matter of reversing one's gender was nothing!

"Before I have enough strength to protect myself, I still need to lay low."

Putting on his clothes again, Li Qing gradually dissipated the aura of a Golden Core expert.

No one would think that this disciple, who a year ago was only in the Foundation Establishment stage and suffered severe injuries, had now actually stepped onto the path of cultivation.

Returning to the outer sect, Li Qing quickly encountered an unexpected dilemma.

It was challenging for him to absorb Yin energy from those female disciples of the outer sect for his cultivation.

After careful consideration, Li Qing decided to reveal some of his cultivation and enter the inner sect of the Great Dao Sect.

After a series of careful considerations, he also chose a target for himself as a mentor.

Similar to Senior Sister Zhao, a member of the Moonlight lineage, Nascent Soul stage immortal, Huo Jingtong!

In fact, given Li Qing's currently revealed talent, under normal circumstances, Huo Jingtong would not take notice of him.

However, Li Qing had already inquired and found out that Huo Jingtong was a serious lover of beauty.

Li Qing believed that with his increasingly exquisite appearance and the strong charm he unintentionally exuded, it wouldn't be difficult to attract her attention.

Joining under Huo Jingtong's tutelage would not be a difficult task!

The most important reason for choosing Huo Jingtong as his target was that this woman had exceptional talent, achieving the Nascent Soul realm in less than a century.

Moreover, she was devoted to Dao cultivation, rarely interacting with male cultivators since she started her practice. She was still a virgin.

All of her disciples were also young female cultivators.

As a covert place for Li Qing's development, this was simply perfect!

A dangerous glint flashed in Li Qing's eyes as he secretly began his plot.

For an outer sect disciple to enter the inner sect under the tutelage of a Nascent Soul stage immortal, certain operations were necessary.

Like a patient hunter, Li Qing waited for the opportune moment for more than three months.

One day, the youngest disciple under Huo Jingtong, Sima Jing, took on a sect mission to go to the Yinwind Valley thousands of miles away to pick Soul Yin Pearls.

Before Sima Jing set out, Li Qing found her through a good relationship with one of his acquaintances among the outer sect female disciples.

Presenting himself pitifully and recounting his grievances, Li Qing pleaded with Sima Jing to take him along.

"In the Yinwind Valley, which is a place of extreme Yin, maybe I can absorb enough Yin energy there and completely rid myself of the appearance of a man."

Originally, Sima Jing was somewhat hesitant, but seeing Li Qing's tearful appearance, she ultimately softened and agreed.

Sima Jing, in her early twenties, had already reached the late Foundation Establishment stage.

However, her experience was too shallow. On the way to the Yinwind Valley, she was quickly captivated by Li Qing's sweet words.

Their relationship rapidly warmed, and Sima Jing regarded Li Qing as a confidant. She often lamented the unfortunate experiences that had befallen him.

"Don't worry, Qing Qing. In the Yinwind Valley, I will find several Soul Yin Pearls for you." Sima Jing promised with a pat on her chest.

Li Qing gratefully held Sima Jing's tender hands, unwilling to let go.

Sima Jing's cheeks blushed, but she didn't pull away.

However, this innocent girl had no idea that Li Qing had already leaked her whereabouts to another male cultivator from a different lineage within the Great Dao Sect who had long coveted Sima Jing—Wei Lu.

Similar to Qin Shou, Wei Lu was a lascivious person. Repeatedly rejected by Sima Jing, he harbored resentment.

Receiving information about Sima Jing's solitary journey, he was already restless. Further instigated by those around him, he finally made up his mind.

To stage a heroic rescue and win the beauty, he dispatched a group of people to feign killing, robbing treasures, and capturing women. At a critical moment, he would step forward, defeat the bandits, and win the maiden's heart.

While Wei Lu was calculating in secret, he had no idea that he was also a part of Li Qing's scheme.

Just as planned by Li Qing, when Sima Jing was crucially picking Soul Yin Pearls in the Yinwind Valley, an unexpected group of intruders suddenly appeared.

Although Sima Jing had decent strength and many magical treasures for self-defense, outnumbered and having to take care of the weak Li Qing, she gradually became exhausted.

Seeing that she was about to be completely defeated, Li Qing resolutely said, "Jing Er, don't mind me! Hurry, run!"

Afterward, to avoid becoming a burden, Li Qing unexpectedly used his words to attract the attention of the attackers.

Continuously provoking, he drew their attacks onto himself.

While the pressure on Sima Jing lessened, the power gap between Li Qing and the group of bandits was too significant. In just a moment, he was severely injured.

This was still under the condition that, following Wei Lu's orders, they didn't go all out to kill him.

Seeing Li Qing on the brink of death, Sima Jing, in a panic, was about to burst into tears.

Before Wei Lu could make a move, Sima Jing, using a secret technique that sacrificed herself along with her magical treasures, briefly erupted with the strength of the Golden Core realm. She temporarily forced the group to retreat and then fled with Li Qing to the depths of the Yinwind Valley.

Wei Lu's face turned ugly, and he ordered his men to pursue them.

In his dying moments, Li Qing, watching Sima Jing weeping while holding him, claimed to possess a secret technique. After performing it, not only could he recover from his injuries, but he might even make further progress.

However, this technique was somewhat special and required Sima Jing's cooperation.

If Sima Jing was unwilling, he wouldn't force her.

Driven by love and clouded judgment, the extremely pure-hearted Sima Jing readily agreed.

After a private and passionate exchange of the technique, Sima Jing looked somewhat tired. However, seeing Li Qing rejuvenated and even breaking through to the Foundation Establishment stage, she displayed a happy smile on her face.

(End of this chapter)