Chapter 24: Chen Kuangdao

She knew that consuming a beast core could significantly boost cultivation.

However, the violent vital energy within them caused everyone who tried to use them for cultivation to die instantly.

At least, to her knowledge, no one had ever survived.

In fact, many assassins from killer organizations would swallow beast cores to commit suicide instead of poison.

This was because the success rate was one hundred percent.

But what had she just witnessed? Someone swallowed a beast core, didn't die, and even increased their cultivation?

Yu Sanniang's worldview was slowly crumbling.

"What is the true cultivation level of this person who appears to be in the Qi Condensation stage?"

Yu Sanniang dared not even think about it.

After helping Ling Qingshu improve her cultivation, Xu Yang walked over to the Ice Soul Snow Lotus.

The Ice Soul Snow Lotus was pure white, emanating a gentle glow, appearing incredibly sacred.

"Ah, I have it. With this, I can refine that specific elixir," Xu Yang murmured to himself, a smile spreading across his face.

The last time he emerged from seclusion, the Ice Soul Snow Lotus was a top-tier spiritual herb, and the appearance of even one would incite countless powerful cultivators to fight for it.

This time, however, its status had plummeted; only cultivators at the Golden Core stage would vie for it.

Ten thousand years was a long time; he had no idea what had transpired.

Yet, this offered him a glimmer of hope.

He had been stuck in the Qi Condensation stage for far too long, for a hundred thousand years.

Breaking through Qi Condensation had become his obsession.

"I'm sick of this Qi Condensation!"

"Upon emerging from seclusion this time, I must break through Qi Condensation and reach Foundation Establishment," Xu Yang muttered through gritted teeth.

"Ancestor?" Ling Qingshu softly called out, noticing Xu Yang, who had been staring at the Ice Soul Snow Lotus for a long time, his aura gradually becoming turbulent.

Xu Yang came back to his senses, looked at Ling Qingshu, and smiled, "I'm fine. Let's go. Now that I have the Ice Soul Snow Lotus, we can continue on to get the treasure sword."

Xu Yang pondered for a moment, then turned to Yu Sanniang.

"I know what you're thinking. You just want to find a strong patron to rely on, don't you?"

"I'll give you that opportunity."

Hearing this, Yu Sanniang's face lit up with wild joy. With Xu Yang as her patron, what in the world would she have to fear?

"Please, my lord, command me. Whatever you need, I will do my utmost," Yu Sanniang said, suppressing her excitement.

She knew that to rely on a strong patron, she would naturally have to contribute. A patron wouldn't just let her lean on them for nothing.

"From now on, pay close attention to any news about spiritual herbs, especially those of the Ice Soul Snow Lotus's caliber or higher. If you get any information, come tell me immediately, understand?"

Yu Sanniang nodded and replied, "Yes, I understand."

"Since you understand, you don't need to follow me anymore. You're not suited to being by my side."

Yu Sanniang froze for a moment, then nodded and said, "Alright."

After Yu Sanniang left, Xu Yang and Ling Qingshu continued towards Juebing Mountain.

Juebing Mountain wasn't a large mountain; it was merely a small peak, approximately three hundred meters high.

Though not tall, its near-ninety-degree cliffs, a summit as sharp as a sword's edge, and the smooth, mirror-like Juebing Stones shimmering with silver light, all indicated it was no ordinary mountain.

However, Xu Yang hadn't expected to find so many people gathered around Juebing Mountain.

"There's a faint, yet incredibly potent, spiritual energy fluctuation within this mountain. There must be a treasure here."

"Since no one else has left, I think we should also stay and see. Otherwise, it would be a shame to miss out on a treasure."

"But this mountain has sheer cliffs on all sides, and the Juebing Stones are as hard as rock—they can't be damaged in the slightest. We've searched everywhere, up and down, and haven't found anything."

As Xu Yang walked past, his ears were filled with these discussions.

"It seems the other cultivators aren't fools either," Xu Yang murmured.

His gaze swept over the crowd; everyone present was at the Golden Core stage, with no Nascent Soul or Half-step Nascent Soul cultivators.

"That's right, there is indeed a treasure here—a treasure sword. I advise you all to disperse, because that sword is mine."

Xu Yang stated calmly, and instantly, all eyes turned to him.

Several late-stage Golden Core cultivators among them looked at Xu Yang in shock, their eyes flashing with killing intent.

"Tell me, little brother, where does a Qi Condensation cultivator like you get the courage to blather on?"

A haughty late-stage Golden Core martial artist swaggered up to Xu Yang.

He truly didn't think much of Xu Yang, a Qi Condensation cultivator, or Ling Qingshu, who was only at the early Golden Core stage.

Furthermore, Ling Qingshu's appearance was among the best he had ever seen in a woman.

"Little lady, what's your name? I fancy you. Come with me."

The man lecherously stared at Ling Qingshu's chest, completely ignoring Xu Yang beside her.

The surrounding people cast their gazes towards them, expressions of anticipation for a good show appearing on their faces.

"Heh heh, isn't that Chen Kuangdao the Lecher? Those two are out of luck."

"Indeed. It's said that this Chen Kuangdao, despite only being a mid-stage Golden Core cultivator, possesses the strength of a late-stage Golden Core."

"A Qi Condensation cultivator actually managed to get in. He must have some powerful backing, right?"

"Hmph, so what if he has powerful backing? Do you think his backing is as strong as Chen Kuangdao's?"

Recalling the forces behind Chen Kuangdao, the person who had suggested Xu Yang had backing fell silent.

"You're asking for death."

Ling Qingshu, with her fiery temper, could not tolerate such insolence from a lewd man. With a clang, she drew her sword and thrust it forward.

"Deathly Sword!" Ling Qingshu's speed suddenly accelerated, her life-taking sword striking directly at Chen Kuangdao's chest.

Chen Kuangdao's expression turned serious. Ling Qingshu's burst of combat power surpassed his imagination.

However, he was not afraid. He drew a fiery-red broadsword from behind him.

"Furious Slash!" The blade cleaved down vertically with a thunderous roar, like a sudden clap of thunder. A flash of fire erupted, illuminating half the sky with a crimson glow.

Boom...

Ling Qingshu and Chen Kuangdao collided with a bang. The aftermath of the explosion kicked up snow from the ground, creating a stunning spectacle.

Xu Yang watched Ling Qingshu calmly, shaking his head. Ling Qingshu had courage but lacked strategy. Against a brute who relied on raw force, it was unnecessary to engage in a head-on battle when strategy could be used...

Ling Qingshu and Chen Kuangdao fought fiercely, their moves ruthless and every strike aimed to kill.

But before long, Ling Qingshu gradually began to lose the upper hand.

Xu Yang observed the battle. Ling Qingshu was about to lose, struggling to hold on like a small sampan in giant waves, ready to capsize at any moment.

"Sigh, Ling Qingshu lacks combat experience. Let her hone it a bit," Xu Yang murmured.

He intended to train Ling Qingshu into a peerless genius, to become the sect leader of Tianlan Sect and lead it back to glory.