Chapter 1789: Gifting the Primordial Core

However, the next sight the Living Fossil Elder witnessed was the most incredible thing to happen within this completely sealed space.

Because Xu Yang released an incredibly powerful aura from within him, even the Living Fossil Elder instinctively felt a suffocating pressure at that moment. How could such an aura possibly emanate from Xu Yang, who appeared to be only at the Soul Transformation stage?

"Who exactly is this young man? His strength has likely reached the Dao Integration stage. Even if I personally unleashed my strongest profound techniques, I'd probably struggle to gain an advantage against him. Is he truly a member of our imperial family?"

Such doubts not only arose in the elder's mind, but if he hadn't paid special attention to every one of Xu Yang's previous matches, he might have been unable to resist thoroughly questioning Xu Yang right then.

Fortunately, the allegiances of both sides were still clear; Xu Yang was still helping his imperial family gain prestige. Therefore, the Living Fossil Elder did not further pursue Xu Yang's true identity.

With the next palm strike, Xu Yang completely sealed the opposing Living Fossil Elder in place. Then, behind Xu Yang, an incredibly powerful Eternal Sword Dao slowly condensed into a terrifying sword glow. This sword glow expanded to several meters in length, locking onto the Living Fossil Elder's physical body.

The moment the sword struck down, all surrounding life force instantly withered. It turned out that Xu Yang’s sword strike perfectly combined the unique characteristics of the Eternal Sword Dao with the exclusive properties of the Kunlun Records cultivation technique.

This sword possessed an extremely powerful life-force devouring effect. With a single strike, the Living Fossil Elder was instantly split into a primordial pill (Yuan Dan). His physical body and flesh were completely torn apart by the terrifying power of this sword.

This primordial pill, once obtained, was undoubtedly gifted by Xu Yang to Qing Ya, who stood beside him.

The primordial pill condensed by the Living Fossil Elder was absolutely not on the same level as the primordial pills condensed by those dozen or so "old good-for-nothings" from the Soul Transformation stage.

This primordial pill emitted a silver light, as brilliant and shimmering as a gem. Even the other Living Fossil Elder nearby looked on with extreme envy, but he knew very well that he was destined to have no connection with it.

"How about this gift as your trophy for participating in this competition, Miss Qing Ya? Are you satisfied?"

Faced with Xu Yang's indulgence, Qing Ya's cheeks immediately flushed crimson. She truly didn't know how to continue facing Xu Yang with such emotions. After pondering for a moment, she finally shook her head.

"Your gift is too valuable. Besides, I’ve just consumed one; if I were to consume this one as well, the effect would be greatly diminished. It would be better to give it to this elder instead."

Xu Yang immediately understood Qing Ya's intention.

She wanted to use this primordial pill to thoroughly silence the Living Fossil Elder and, at the same time, win him over to their side.

After all, a Living Fossil represents a top-tier guardian, incredibly rare and invaluable to any imperial dynasty. The fact that this elder could guard Juexing Peak for many years indicated that his strength and status within the entire imperial family were not to be underestimated. Gaining the help of such an elder would be greatly beneficial for Xu Yang, Qing Ya, and the others on their future journeys.

Upon hearing Qing Ya express such sentiments, Xu Yang also revealed a satisfied smile.

"You, girl, actually understand how to share and are not greedy. It seems your future cultivation realm will be far more profound than I imagined."

As he spoke, Xu Yang waved his hand, directly sending the primordial pill into the body of the other Living Fossil Elder beside them without further ado.

"I wonder if this gift satisfies the elder?"

The old man’s body was originally comparable to that of the primordial pill’s host. Now, having directly consumed the opponent’s primordial pill and immense life force, the old man instantly became radiant and vigorous.

A massive wave of life energy continuously revolved around his body.

The vitality emanating from the elder at that moment was truly not to be underestimated.

"Heavens, I never imagined that consuming that old fellow's primordial pill would boost my strength so significantly! I can break through to the Dao Integration stage at any moment.

Thank you, young friends, for your help and generosity. I, an old man, owe you a favor, and I will surely repay it someday.

From today onwards, Juexing Peak will be your safest sanctuary. No matter what opponents you face outside or what experiences you go through, you can always come to Juexing Peak, and I will provide you with protection that transcends life itself."

This brief promise, though short, carried the weight of a mountain, greatly satisfying Xu Yang, Qing Ya, and Long Kun. Gaining such a Dao Integration-level Living Fossil as an ally was undoubtedly Xu Yang's most covert strategic move.

"Elder, there's no need to be so polite. We simply gave it away casually, merely using this method to punish that stubborn old fellow.

However, in my opinion, the outcome of this alliance meeting is truly unacceptable. I imagine that in the near future, a conflict between the two imperial dynasties will be inevitable. Juexing Peak holds a special status, so Elder, you should exercise caution."

The elder burst into hearty laughter. "You two needn't worry about me. Even if the old fellows from the opposing imperial family's forces came out in full force, it would be difficult for them to gain any advantage on Juexing Peak.

You probably don't know why this place serves as a forbidden area between the two imperial families, do you?

Because this mountain itself is a massive seal, containing a forbidden ancient formation. No one knows what power that formation can unleash when fully activated.

I was also sent to Juexing Peak because I made some mistakes years ago, unintentionally offending some important figures within the imperial family.

However, unbeknownst to me, hundreds of years ago, my cultivation actually increased day by day due to the influence of the formation aura hidden within Juexing Peak, making me several levels stronger than before. The secrets hidden in this place are definitely not as simple as you imagine, so you truly don't need to worry about me.

On the contrary, for you few, your actions in this martial arts competition were overly aggressive. When you return to the imperial family, if anyone tries to pressure you, you must be extremely careful. Those imperial family members each harbor their own sinister intentions and are not as benevolent as they appear. Whenever their interests are touched, they will not hesitate to reveal their ferocious claws."

Xu Yang nodded gently with a smile. "Elder, please rest assured, the three of us have our own ways of escaping. Oh, and one more thing I'd like to ask you: do you have any information about the name 'Tian Zong' or other assassin organizations active among the various imperial dynasties?"