Chapter 613: The Crown Prince's Vision

The Crown Prince sighed in amazement as he left the back room, needing some time to adjust to Xu Qing's astonishing comprehension.

As Xu Qing awoke, the thunder outside the dim Bitter Mountain Range dissipated, and the oppressive atmosphere gradually lifted.

The incident caused significant commotion in the Bitter Mountain Range, sparking countless speculations. However, aside from those within the apothecary, no one knew that Xu Qing was the origin of it all.

Xu Qing only learned what had transpired during this period afterward. While a lingering fear arose in his heart, his respect for the Crown Prince deepened even further.

"Just a single guiding remark made me understand all this. An Incarnate Deity is truly an Incarnate Deity..."

As Xu Qing reflected deeply, he spent the following days recuperating from his injuries while also repeatedly venturing out to adapt to the Golden Crow's ultimate technique.

In this manner, time flowed by, and half a month passed.

One midday, in a valley outside the apothecary's earthen city, Xu Qing's figure instantly appeared from a distance. After entering the valley, he instinctively surveyed his surroundings to ensure there was no danger.

This valley was not far from the earthen city.

Xu Qing had been frequently testing his Golden Crow ultimate technique these past few days, always choosing a different location. This time, he had selected this particular spot.

His Golden Crow ultimate technique was astonishingly powerful; when unleashed, its aura was overwhelming. If not controlled properly, it would explode like a runaway wild horse, causing the Golden Crow itself to dim.

There was even one instance where the Golden Crow almost withered and collapsed entirely.

Thus, Xu Qing had to make repeated, subtle adjustments, attempting to confine the unleashing of this ultimate technique within a specific range, fixing its power at the very edge of what the Golden Crow could endure.

"I've adjusted it dozens of times. This time, it should be just right."

Xu Qing took a deep breath, removed his clothes, stored them, and was left only in his shorts.

Gazing at his bare torso, Xu Qing's expression showed helplessness.

"It's like this every time. I'll have to find a way to solve this in the future..."

Xu Qing gathered his thoughts, closed his eyes, and pondered for a moment. After repeatedly confirming the method in his mind, his eyes suddenly snapped open, revealing a sharp gleam. He raised his right hand to form a hand seal, and instantly, an astonishing aura erupted from his body.

A Golden Crow totem suddenly appeared across his entire back, constantly shifting and spreading across Xu Qing's upper body.

The Golden Crow within the totem possessed vitality, and as it expanded, waves of terrifying aura continuously rose.

This aura transformed into a fiery storm that swept across all directions, instantly scorching the ground and melting rocks within an affected area spanning a thousand zhang.

Within that thousand-zhang radius, a sea of fire erupted, and even the surrounding winds were utterly powerless against it, as if the fire's existence transcended the laws of heaven and earth.

At the center of the sea of fire, Xu Qing's body trembled slightly. He was fully concentrated, controlling the totem formed by his Golden Crow Nascent Soul, altering its shape.

This was the method he had mastered: if the form changed externally, its power would be uncontrollable, but if it transformed directly on his own body, it would be much more manageable.

Under his control, the totem on his body moved faster and faster, until its form became almost indistinguishable. Only a vague shadow of a black long spear could be faintly discerned, rapidly taking shape.

Although still blurry and only roughly visible, the moment this black long spear shadow appeared, an even more terrifying and astonishing aura surged uncontrollably from Xu Qing's body than before.

At this moment, Xu Qing did not use any power other than the Golden Crow; everything was formed by his Golden Crow Nascent Soul. Yet, the terrifying might it displayed was actually more formidable than Xu Qing's full exertion with his previous thirteen Nascent Souls.

It could be said that this single spear strike was enough to astonish even a Dao Nurturing cultivator.

From this, it was evident that the Golden Crow Nascent Soul's ultimate technique was incredibly heaven-shaking.

However, this was merely a trace of the Golden Crow's inherent forbidden power that Xu Qing had managed to unleash, and certainly his current limit. Yet, it was conceivable that as Xu Qing's cultivation advanced and he continued to explore, he would undoubtedly be able to release even more in the future.

With this thought, Xu Qing suddenly looked up. He raised his right hand and pressed it against his chest, right where the hilt of the conjured black long spear had appeared.

He made a phantom grip, then snatched!

A blurry black long spear was directly pulled out by Xu Qing from the totem on his body.

The moment it appeared, the heavens and earth changed color; thunder roared and reverberated. Xu Qing ignored it, and as he swung his right hand, the black spear shadow erupted from his body like a world-destroying black dragon, sweeping outwards in concentric rings.

The earth trembled violently, rocks collapsed, and as the valley shook, the black long spear shot skyward.

It resembled a long spear, yet also a Golden Crow, with flames rising from the ground around it, following its ascent. And at the spear's tip, there was a second sharp edge.

That was the Emperor's Sword!

The Emperor's Sword swallowed by the Golden Crow!

Through Xu Qing's adjustments, it too was contained within this ultimate technique.

The sky roared, unleashing massive circular ripples that continuously burst outwards. Meanwhile, Xu Qing's breathing was rapid, and he stumbled slightly, but his spirit was excellent.

He checked the situation, confirming that the Golden Crow could endure it and that his own energy consumption was acceptable. With excitement in his eyes, he was about to leave.

But just then, a calm voice suddenly echoed from the sky.

"Not bad!"

As the words reverberated, the Crown Prince's figure appeared amidst the ripples blasted open in the sky by the black long spear. Ignoring everything, he stepped forward.

As he drew near, all the fluctuations in the area dissipated, and no one could notice the changes occurring there.

"Senior!"

With a respectful expression, Xu Qing immediately bowed in greeting.

Xu Qing was now utterly convinced by the Crown Prince's teachings, be it the unprecedented three tribulations he faced initially, the growth in his soul power after the life-and-death struggle in the divine temple, or the very essence of the Golden Crow Imperial-level cultivation method.

It could be said that within just a few months, Xu Qing had shown signs of a complete metamorphosis, with his combat power far surpassing what it was before.

"I see your injuries have almost recovered. Now, let us proceed to the next step!"

The Crown Prince walked up to Xu Qing, observing him with a stern gaze. Yet, inwardly, he held deep admiration, for this young man before him was among the most profoundly comprehending individuals he had ever encountered in his life.

He found it very interesting to forge such an unpolished gem.

"This kid's master must have a huge headache every time he tries to give guidance, but that's due to his master's limitations. I'm different; only I can teach a disciple like this. His master simply cannot."

The Crown Prince looked at Xu Qing and spoke calmly.

"Xu Qing, you understood my previous guidance very well. You chose not to abandon anything, not to make compromises, and that is excellent."

"For us cultivators, this is what we need: to face difficulties head-on, to charge forward relentlessly. Only then can we cultivate a domineering aura and forge a spirit that dares to contend with heaven and earth!"

"So now, your Golden Crow Nascent Soul already possesses an ultimate technique. Next, you must thoroughly research your Poison Ban Nascent Soul!"

As the Crown Prince spoke, Xu Qing's eyes gleamed with an unusual light. In fact, there was no need for the Crown Prince to ask; after experiencing the benefits of the Golden Crow, Xu Qing had already been pondering his other Nascent Souls during this time.

Unfortunately, each of his Nascent Souls was independent and unique, making the experience gained with the Golden Crow difficult to apply to the others. This was precisely what Xu Qing had been pondering.

Hearing the Crown Prince's words, Xu Qing immediately spoke with respect.

"Please, Senior, enlighten me!"

With anticipation in his eyes, Xu Qing looked at the Crown Prince.

The Crown Prince smiled, meeting Xu Qing's gaze.

"Xu Qing, I can sense that your poison is a divine power."

Xu Qing nodded.

"This poison is astonishing, with immense potential. However, it should not have existed in my era; it likely appeared during the years I was sealed, which is why I have never encountered it."

The Crown Prince's gaze was profound as he looked at Xu Qing.

"Perhaps, you have seen it too."

The Crown Prince's words held profound meaning.

Xu Qing's body trembled upon hearing this, and many thoughts surfaced in his mind. Yet, it remained somewhat blurry, as if the answer was right before his eyes but obscured by a haze, making it elusive.

Sensing Xu Qing's thoughts, the Crown Prince felt a surge of inner pride and spoke calmly.

"Xu Qing, raise your head and look at the sky. Go see beyond that dim firmament, at the 'Remnant Face of a Deity' hanging eternally high above!"

Xu Qing's mind instantly buzzed, and he instinctively looked up, gazing at the firmament.

Although the sky above the Sacrificial Moon Grand Domain was pitch black and not as clearly visible as in the outer domains, one could still vaguely discern the massive outline of the 'Remnant Face of a Deity' within that firmament.

"Look at that remnant face. Why is it that every time it opens its eyes and gazes upon something, living beings wail in agony, and the place it looks at becomes a forbidden zone? It's because its gaze is poisonous!"

"Then, why don't you imitate it?"

"Why does your 'Poison Ban' merely disperse simply, requiring the aid of wind and other means? These are human actions, not divine!"

"If you use human thinking to unleash divine poison, it naturally won't work."

"You must learn from it: integrate your poison into your gaze. If you can achieve this, even if only a trace, then your Poison Ban power will undergo a tremendous, earth-shattering sublimation, just like the Golden Crow's!"

Xu Qing's breathing quickened. The Crown Prince's words were utterly astonishing, effectively broadening his perception. At that moment, they struck his mind like lightning, tearing apart all his preconceived notions.

"Yes, when the remnant face opens its eyes, the places it gazes upon become dense with a corrupting essence. This is essentially the same as my poison!"

"If I can also..."

Xu Qing's heart pounded faster; he felt his thoughts expanding endlessly at that moment. After a long while, he looked at the Crown Prince, his eyes filled with immense reverence.

The Crown Prince's grand vision and his mindset when viewing things determined his profound understanding.

This was a level Xu Qing could not previously achieve; even after being enhanced by Seventh Master, he still hadn't reached such a height.

"Many thanks, Senior!"

Xu Qing was moved and bowed deeply.

Looking at Xu Qing's expression and sensing his emotions, the Crown Prince smiled, his inner pride surging once more. He mused that this kid's master was merely adequate; indeed, only he could truly educate such an unpolished gem.

"So, your next task is to thoroughly comprehend this point. This place is quite suitable; meditate here for three days. If you still don't succeed, come back to me."

After speaking, the Crown Prince set up a three-day restriction here, then departed leisurely with his hands clasped behind his back.

Xu Qing stood rooted to the spot, silent for a long time. Then, sitting down cross-legged, he closed his eyes and began to ponder.

"How to make my gaze contain the power of the Poison Ban..."

Xu Qing muttered, and the Poison Ban power within his body erupted, surging into his eyes.