Chapter 152: Fire Crow Order

Upon hearing this, everyone looked at the Liu brothers with some surprise.

The peak of the thirteenth level of the Qi Condensation stage seemed only a step away from the Foundation Establishment stage, but the gap between the two could not be measured so simply.

It was the first time Qin Sang had heard that two cultivators at the thirteenth level of the Qi Condensation stage could combine forces to display strength comparable to that of a Foundation Establishment cultivator. That cultivation technique was remarkably unique.

The Liu brothers resembled each other, but their personalities differed slightly, with the elder brother, Liu Jiang, being more composed.

Liu Jiang cupped his hands and spoke neither humbly nor arrogantly, "Please excuse our presumption, seniors. My brother and I are twins, and from a young age, our minds have been attuned to each other, which is why we are able to cultivate this technique. My second brother and I can connect our souls, making our spiritual defenses stronger than others. When we combine forces, we also have a few magic spells with respectable power, but they are far inferior to those of you seniors. Senior Yu was overly generous with his praise."

Everyone smiled and did not press the matter further; whether they believed it or not was up to them.

Qing Ting bowed slightly, surveyed the group, and began, "My junior brother Yu and I invited you all to explore with us because we trust in your abilities, which will greatly enhance our strength. Junior brother Yu has undoubtedly already introduced the various aspects of the ancient cultivator's ruins to you, and the pros and cons have been clearly explained, so I won't reiterate them. Our purpose in inviting you here today is to get a definitive answer."

Yu Daiyue added, "The artifact for breaking the formation requires seven people to operate. If all of you fellow cultivators agree, I won't need to consult anyone else. I will distribute the formation-breaking artifacts to you immediately, and once you've refined them to your liking, we can set off at once."

With that, Qing Ting and Yu Daiyue quietly observed Qin Sang and the others.

A silence fell, no one spoke, and the atmosphere became somewhat awkward.

Wu Yuesheng cleared his throat and said, "Senior Sister Qing Ting, Senior Brother Yu, I have already given my word and will certainly not go back on it. However, I've always had a question. We aren't concerned about the demonic sound restriction outside the ancient cultivator's ruins, but what dangers does the grand formation inside pose? Senior Brother Yu mentioned earlier that you've been preparing for several years to refine artifacts for breaking the formation. Forgive my presumption as a junior brother, but could you allow us to inspect them?"

Yu Daiyue looked at Qing Ting. Seeing her nod, he replied, "Junior Brother Wu and all fellow cultivators, there's no need to worry. Senior Sister Qing Ting and I have tested it multiple times. The grand formation itself poses no danger; it's a formation primarily based on water element restrictions, but it's exceptionally sturdy. With just the two of us, we couldn't shake this formation, so we had to return to the sect to find a way to break it. Senior Sister Qing Ting found an artifact called the 'Fire Crow Token' in the ancient texts of Baota Peak. Since water and fire counteract each other, by having each person hold a Fire Crow Token and forming a formation to specifically target the grand formation's weak points, the probability of breaking it is extremely high. That's why we invited all of you fellow cultivators to assist us."

As he spoke, Yu Daiyue retrieved a token-shaped artifact from his mustard seed pouch and displayed it for everyone to see.

Upon seeing this peculiar artifact, a hint of surprise flashed in Qin Sang's eyes. The token was less than a palm's length, with pointed ends and a disc shape slightly above the center. Its entire body was white, or rather, stark white, seemingly formed from countless slender bones intertwined.

Upon closer inspection, it was revealed that these bones were actually shaped like bird talons, tightly clutched together and pressed into a mass, ultimately forming the token shape. It was incredibly eerie.

At the center where the talons converged, there was a mass of dark green flames. The flames shifted and changed, occasionally taking the form of a fire crow, as if a fire crow's essence was sealed within. The fire crow, bound by the talons, continuously struggled, burning with flames, but to no avail. It opened its beak, letting out silent cries.

The moment Yu Daiyue took out the Fire Crow Token, an incredibly pure fire element power immediately assailed them. Qin Sang even felt a faint burning sensation on his face, indicating that the token's power was undoubtedly formidable.

"Each Fire Crow Token is refined from the bones of spirit birds skilled in controlling fire. Collecting them was not easy; Senior Sister Qing Ting and I traveled to numerous markets just to gather the spiritual materials needed for seven Fire Crow Tokens. Once refined, the fire elemental power contained within the spirit bird's bones is transformed into a fire crow essence. This essence is not only extremely powerful but also volatile in nature. Only cultivators at the Foundation Establishment stage can fully tame this object and freely command its essence to break formations… The two Liu brothers can certainly do so as well."

After finishing his explanation, Yu Daiyue passed the Fire Crow Token around for everyone to examine.

When it was Qin Sang's turn, the moment he reached out and grasped the Fire Crow Token, a sharp shriek from the fire crow suddenly echoed in his mind. Qin Sang acted as if he hadn't heard it, and following Yu Daiyue's instructions, he extended a wisp of spiritual energy to probe it, which was easily dispersed by the fire crow essence.

Qin Sang secretly nodded. The fire crow essence within the token was indeed fierce; it would be difficult for a Qi Condensation stage cultivator to control it and make it obey commands.

However, after releasing the fire crow essence to break a formation and depleting its fire elemental power, it was unclear whether it could be replenished. If not, this artifact might only be usable a few times, or perhaps even become unusable after a single formation-breaking attempt.

Finally, the Fire Crow Token reached Baiyun Shanren. After returning it to Yu Daiyue, he stroked his long beard and pondered, "Listening to your descriptions, esteemed cultivators, this old Daoist can't help but feel that the grand formation resembles some kind of seal. Could there be some evil entity sealed within? How much do the two of you truly know about this ancient cultivator's ruins?"

As soon as he spoke, everyone exchanged glances. They were there to seek treasures, and releasing an evil entity would certainly be counterproductive.

Qing Ting's expression remained unchanged as she said, "That grand formation not only obstructs vision but also blocks spiritual sense, so we don't know what lies within it. However, based on my junior brother Yu's and my analysis, this formation doesn't appear to be a seal. It's more likely the original protective grand formation of an ancient cultivator's dwelling. Even if there truly is an evil entity sealed inside, given the formation's strength, the entity's power wouldn't be too great. So many of us Foundation Establishment cultivators need not fear it. Otherwise, there would surely be another layer of sealing within, and then everyone can decide based on the situation."

Baiyun Shanren nodded slightly, but Liu Shan suddenly spoke up, "My elder brother and I are rogue cultivators. We agreed to assist you seniors because we seek treasures that can help us break through our cultivation bottleneck, and we understand the principle that great fortune often comes with great risk. We don't fear evil entities. However, our strength is far inferior to yours, seniors. What if, after breaking the grand formation, it becomes clear that the area beyond is extremely perilous, yet you insist on entering? Are my brother and I expected to follow you to our deaths?"

Seeing that everyone seemed to agree, Qing Ting and Yu Daiyue exchanged glances. After a moment's thought, Qing Ting said, "Fellow cultivator Liu's words are very reasonable. However, my junior brother Yu and I are also here to seek a breakthrough, and we have already expended considerable effort in locating this ruin and refining the artifacts. Unless it's an extremely perilous place where death is almost certain, we certainly will not give up.

If any of you fellow cultivators are concerned about your safety and have disagreements, choosing not to enter the ruins, we can escort you back. This would be equivalent to hiring you to assist in breaking the formation, and according to the rules of the cultivation world, you will receive a certain remuneration upon completion. Since the danger of breaking the formation is not great, the compensation will not be exceedingly high. However, in such a case, from the moment we depart, you must fully comply with our arrangements."