Cultivating To Immortality

Chapter 732: Tai Xu Sword Nurturing Seal

In Wu Mountain Valley, fragmented jade light surged, and Song Yan’s figure appeared there.

However, the mysterious person was nowhere to be seen.

Although this place was within Chu Country, he judged that the Sword Sect’s mountain gate should be established at the junction of Lin Prefecture in Chu Country, Qi Prefecture in Ning Country, and Yang Prefecture in Yue Country.

It was located in the deepest part of the Qingwei Wu Mountain range, and the sect-protecting grand formation included trapping formations, maze, and illusion formations.

Mortals found it difficult to reach, and Cultivators, without guidance, would also be unable to find this place.

This Wu Mountain Valley was merely an exit for a certain mountain gate’s teleportation.

He looked at the Jade Chapter in his hand, his heart complex.

Passing through Lin Prefecture this time, he had intended to search for his grandfather’s past, but things had turned out completely beyond his expectations.

His grandfather had temporarily resided in a thatched hut in Wuzhi Ping back then, and then falsely claimed it was his ancestral land, which clearly had a deeper meaning.

Now it seemed that his elder was very likely aware of the Sword Sect’s matters, and perhaps even had some connection with that Old Man in a Straw Raincoat.

However, there were still countless unanswered questions about his grandfather that he couldn’t resolve for now.

"Forget it, let’s go back first, lest Xiao He and the others get anxious waiting."

Overall, this trip was still a pleasant surprise.

Not only had he, by chance, found the Sword Sect’s ruins, but his Cultivation Realm had also Broken through to Level 9 Qi Refining.

Although he couldn’t enter the inner sect to explore further, obtaining this Jade Chapter and the Sword Qi Pill Furnace was already a significant gain.

He no longer dwelled on the unknown.

He put the Tai Xu Sword Nurturing Seal into his qiankun bag, then checked the Sword Qi Pill Furnace and his other gains, and after confirming everything was in order, he slowly descended the mountain along the path he had come.

As Song Yan walked, he pondered his next steps.

The Sword Sect’s matters were of great importance, and the liangyi pearl was even more secretive; he temporarily did not plan to reveal it to anyone.

As for his grandfather’s mysteries, perhaps after he achieved Foundation Establishment, returning to the Sword Sect’s inner sect to investigate might yield more clues.

His immediate priority was to achieve Foundation Establishment as soon as possible. He was now at Level 9 Qi Refining, just one step away from Foundation Establishment.

If he could successfully achieve Foundation Establishment, not only would his strength greatly increase, but he would also be able to freely enter and exit the Sword Sect using the Tai Xu Sword Nurturing Seal and explore the Sword Sect’s inner sect.

Additionally, he needed to familiarize himself with the Sword Qi Pill Furnace as soon as possible, as refining higher-quality Medicinal Pills would greatly benefit his Cultivation.

The Cultivation in that dream Realm left Song Yan with a lingering taste.

Pure Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi, if it could reach a certain level of concentration, then Cultivation without the aid of Medicinal Pills was clearly the best.

There was no need to worry about Medicinal Pill toxins accumulating, nor would it produce superficial Cultivation, nor would it lead to Qi Deviation.

However, such a Cultivation environment was clearly hard to come by.

"Foundation Establishment..."

Previously, Song Yan had always adhered to the principle of being down-to-earth and never aiming too high.

So, he actually didn’t know much about Foundation Establishment.

"More preparations are needed."

Suddenly standing before the great mountain of Foundation Establishment, his mind was still a bit chaotic, feeling like there was too much to do.

He would start preparing with what he could do.

It seemed he had to go to Bei Ya Mountain.

Although Song Yan hadn’t done anything, he had always been carefully guarding against the emergence of a Heart Demon.

This thing subtly influences a person’s mind.

Normally, constant self-reflection could prevent it somewhat, but if it suddenly erupted on the day of a Cultivation Breakthrough, the consequences would be hard to predict.

The lotus petals of the moon-bearing ancient lotus could be used to refine Pure Moon Talisman, which suppresses evil spirits, Heart Demons, and illusions.

If the lotus seeds were used as Materials for Alchemy, they could also be refined into Medicinal Pills that suppress Heart Demons.

Making preparations early was always the right thing to do.

Lost in thought, he had already returned to the thatched hut in Wuzhi Ping. Xiao Ju was sitting on the threshold, holding a sword bag. Seeing his return, she quickly stood up and bowed: "Senior Song!"

Song Yan nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping over Xiao He, who was still sound asleep inside the hut, and asked: "Has she not woken up yet?"

Xiao Ju nodded: "Yes, Xiao He is sleeping very soundly. She only turned over a few times during this period and did not wake up."

Song Yan approached to check, confirming that Xiao He’s breathing was steady and the demonic power in her body was flowing orderly. She was clearly digesting the power of the tiger demon’s inner core, so he felt relieved.

The demonic power within Xiao He’s body was progressing towards the Late Stage of the first rank at a noticeable speed.

This process wouldn’t take too long.

He turned to Xiao Ju and said: "Let’s stay here for a few days for now. Once Xiao He wakes up, we’ll set off."

"Okay."

However, although it was a sparsely populated area, it was still a Mortal dwelling, and the Spiritual Qi was truly thin.

So, Song Yan simply took Xiao Ju and Xiao He to Wu Mountain Valley and carved out a temporary dwelling on a cliff face.

The Spiritual Qi here wasn’t great either, but it was much better than down the mountain.

In the valley, he guided Xiao Ju’s Cultivation while consolidating his Level 9 Qi Refining Cultivation. It took him three to five days for his Realm to fully stabilize.

Xiao He still hadn’t woken up, so Song Yan simply began to Cultivate the Tai Xu Sword Nurturing Seal that came with the Sword Sect Jade Chapter.

"Spirit nurtures the sword body, Qi nurtures Sword Intent..."

The spiritual power within his body slowly circulated as guided by the Cultivation Technique.

The Sword Qi in the Zhen Dao Sword Mansion was subtly activated, flowing like a stream into his Meridians, intertwining with his spiritual power.

Unlike the usual circulation of ordinary Cultivation Techniques, the spiritual power circulation path of the "Tai Xu Sword Nurturing Seal" was even more unique.

The Jade Chapter slowly hung in front of him, its surface glowing with an azure jade light, remotely echoing the sword seed beneath the Zhen Dao Sword Mansion.

As the Cultivation Technique operated, wisps of pure Sword Qi entered the acupuncture points all over his body.

These Sword Qi were not as sharp and aggressive as usual; instead, they were as warm and gentle as jade, silently nourishing his Meridians and Lifebound Flying Sword.

From the sword box behind him, Sword Qi flowed out from the two Flying Swords, which, after tempering, fed back into the sword bodies.

In this cycle, the Flying Swords’ sharpness gradually increased, and the azure light within the Jade Chapter also became increasingly solid.

With a thought, the sword spirit Xianxian instantly condensed. A few raven feathers scattered, transforming into chaotic Sword Qi, which entered the Jade Chapter. Before long, a wisp of pure Sword Qi floated out, re-forming into a feather.

Xianxian could also establish a connection with it!

Song Yan was overjoyed.

This sword spirit was like a Clone of a Sword Cultivator. Many related Cultivation practices were like the combined speed and effect of two people Cultivating.

Moreover, this Tai Xu Sword Nurturing Seal was not like ordinary Cultivation Techniques that required daily practice.

After opening up the circulation route, one only needed to replenish Sword Qi into this Jade Chapter after a period of time, and it would operate naturally, which was incredibly profound.

However, this first time Cultivating, establishing the circulation route based on the Zhen Dao Sword Mansion, would take some time.

Three days passed, and Song Yan was enveloped in a thin mist of Sword Qi.

He slowly ended his Cultivation, and the Sword Sect Jade Chapter then fell back into his palm. Unlike before, there was now a sword mark on it, as fine as a strand of hair.

He held the Jade Chapter in his hand, playing with it, feeling the Sword Qi inside move like small fish in a pond.

"According to the Tai Xu Sword Nurturing Seal, when the Jade Chapter is filled with nine sword marks, the teleportation array can be activated at any time, sending the wielder back to the sect."

For a Qi Refining Cultivator like Song Yan, this was not just a teleportation array, but also a life-saving method.

The crow Xianxian landed on his shoulder. He didn’t know if it was an illusion, but ever since he Cultivated this Sword Nurturing Seal, its body seemed to have grown a bit larger.

Another seven or eight days passed, and Xiao He finally woke up.

She was currently sitting on the ground, dazed, somewhat vaguely looking around at the scenery in Wu Mountain Valley, scratching her shoulder one moment, then her backside the next.

She must have slept for too long and was still waking up.

Her human form seemed to have grown a bit larger.

With the Insightful Void Sword Eye activated, although Xiao He was weak at this moment, the demonic power she displayed had indeed reached the Late Stage of the first rank.

Xiao He rubbed her sleepy eyes, her snake pupils gleaming with an azure-gold light, and stretched.

She pouted, and her stomach rumbled at the opportune moment: "Yan Yan, I’m hungry."

The Insightful Void Sword Eye dissipated, and Song Yan nodded.

"You’ve slept for so long, you must be hungry." He reached out and brushed away the messy hair from Xiao He’s forehead: "Let’s go, I’ll take you to eat something good."

"Okay!"

To go to Bei Ya Mountain, they still had to pass through Feng An City. It would be convenient to buy her something to eat along the way.

Xiao Ju had already put away her Cultivation posture and stood by, holding her sword bag.

She keenly noticed that Song Yan’s aura was even more profound than before, and a hint of admiration flashed in her eyes.

Senior Song seemed to be getting stronger every moment... The three of them left Wu Mountain. Perhaps it was because she had just Broken through, but Xiao He was full of energy. Instead of staying with Song Yan, she took on her human form and skipped ahead.

Approaching Feng An City, Song Yan frowned slightly.

On the official road outside the city gate, Jianghu martial artists were gathered in twos and threes, each with a saber at their waist, their expressions wary.

"Were there so many Jianghu people last time I came?"

Besides the guards at the city gate, there were many more Jianghu people, but their attention was focused on those leaving the city.

Upon entering the city, Song Yan pretended to be curious and asked a city guard: "Big brother, what happened in the city?"

The city guard looked Song Yan up and down: "You’re from out of town, aren’t you? Feng An City hasn’t been peaceful these past few days."

"I heard someone in the city received an Opportunity from an Immortal, and several major Gangs are searching the entire city for that person!"

"Opportunity from an Immortal?" Song Yan raised an eyebrow.

The city guard made a shushing gesture: "I heard it was an Immortal from some Immortal mountain who came down looking for someone, and the person who was questioned received a great benefit."

"Now, members of the Sea Dragon Gang, Barren Mountain Gang, and other Gangs are frantically searching for that person."

Song Yan’s heart stirred. He thanked the city guard and led the two into the city.

"Senior Song, should we get involved in this?" Xiao Ju asked softly.

"No need." Song Yan shook his head: "Let’s leave here as soon as possible."

"Yes."

Had he known such a change had occurred in Feng An City, there would have been no need to enter the city at all; they could have simply gone around it.

The streets were noticeably quieter than before, with many shops closed.

Occasionally, large groups of people would rush past, and the common folk would quickly get out of the way.

At the entrance of an alley ahead, a tattered figure suddenly rushed out, stumbling towards them.

Although his face was dirty, Song Yan recognized the person at a glance.

"Wu Dou?"

"Young Master!" Wu Dou also recognized Song Yan, and a glimmer of hope burst forth in his eyes: "No... no, no, you are connected to Immortals, you must also be an Immortal Master, Immortal Master save me!"

Behind him, five or six big men with sabers were hot on his heels. The leader roared: "Stop! Hand over the item!"

"Feng An City has been completely surrounded by our two Gangs. Where can you escape to?"

Wu Dou stumbled, trying to hide behind Song Yan, but unexpectedly, he ran out of strength, tripped, and collapsed onto the ground.

The five or six men walked forward, looking at Song Yan: "Friend, the Sea Dragon Gang and Barren Mountain Gang are conducting business here. We advise you not to meddle!"

If it were just a Mortal dispute, Song Yan certainly wouldn’t meddle; he would simply leave.

But from what this Young Master Wu Dou said, how was this matter related to himself?

Song Yan looked down, exchanged glances with Xiao Ju, and nodded slightly.

He then stopped bothering, helped Wu Dou up from the ground, and a little bit of spiritual light soothed his injuries.

Xiao Ju stepped forward: "My Senior wants to question him. Please wait for a moment."

"Hmph." The big men looked at the slender girl in front of them, exchanged glances, and then burst into laughter.

"Little girl, is your Young Master perhaps trying to make you deal with us by yourself? Hahahaha... That’s truly laughable."

"Brother Hai, stop talking nonsense. I’ll send these two away, and you go grab that kid and collect the reward from the Big Boss!"

As the man spoke, he reached out to grab Xiao Ju’s hand.

Xiao Ju’s hands condensed a faint Spiritual Qi. With a casual flick, she threw the man far away.

He crashed against the wall.

"Ah—!" A scream came.

She was startled, seemingly a bit surprised, and then bowed apologetically.

The expressions of the men changed drastically.

Master?!

True Qi released externally? Could this little girl be an Innate master?!

The leader cupped his fists and said: "I was blind and failed to recognize a superior. We’ll leave now, we’ll leave now!"

After speaking, he gave a look and quickly led the men away, presumably to report to their two Gang leaders.

Wu Dou was still panting heavily, his expression disheveled: "Th-thank you, Immortal Master, for saving me..."

Song Yan patted him: "Let’s get out of here first."

He took Wu Dou to a secluded teahouse and ordered a private room.

Xiao Ju, holding her sword bag, stood guard outside the door.

"What happened?" Song Yan poured Wu Dou a cup of tea.

An Immortal Master pouring him tea? What kind of treatment was this?

Wu Dou held the teacup with trembling hands, smiling bitterly: "Immortal, this is an undeserved calamity for me!"

He swallowed: "A few days ago, a white-robed Immortal Lady came to the city, asking everywhere for an Immortal Master named Song Yan..."

Song Yan raised an eyebrow.

Looking for me?

Which Junior Sister was so inexperienced in the Jianghu that she caused his name to be spread all over the city?

"At first, no one knew, but then she described his appearance and... and your maid."

"I then knew it was you. Many people nearby also knew that I had received the two of you that day."

"But thinking that a guest’s matters shouldn’t be casually spoken about, I just said it was a coincidence and I wasn’t clear."

This point actually surprised Song Yan a bit.

Facing an "Immortal" in the eyes of a Mortal, he actually dared to lie.

In fact, Wu Dou’s worries were more distant: Song Yan was also an Immortal Master. If the two had an enmity, and Song Yan ultimately survived, then he would be in deep trouble.

"That Immortal Lady didn’t make things difficult for me. She just gave me some loose silver and left."

"I never thought that everyone in the city would believe that I had received an Opportunity from an Immortal because of this."

"Not only was my home ransacked, but I was also hunted down by members of the two major Gangs."

Wu Dou spoke with great grievance, tears and snot flowing.

He just looked at Xiao He beside him, wondering where this little girl came from.