Chapter 322: Xu Qingyang Is Stunned

On the cover of the scroll, a few faded words were visible: "Nine Poisons True Scripture."

Outsiders might not know what this was, but how could Qiu Shengnan not?

She said urgently, "Grand Elder Zhou, this is your primary cultivation technique, and it's also a closely guarded secret of our Ten Thousand Swords Sect. How can you pass it on to an outsider?" She wouldn't object to Jiang Fan receiving any other rewards; that was the Grand Elder's prerogative. However, the "Nine Poisons True Scripture" was a supreme cultivation method of the Ten Thousand Swords Sect, comparable to Xu Qingyang's Sword Mastery Art! Even disciples within their own sect couldn't easily practice it, yet it was being given to an outsider. This was simply unreasonable.

Jiang Fan looked astonished. Was this "Nine Poisons True Scripture" really that valuable? The Ten Thousand Swords Sect was a sword cultivation sect; why would a poison scripture be considered a closely guarded secret?

He opened the front page, and a line of large characters caught his eye. Jiang Fan gasped in shock, "A Mid-Tier Earth-grade cultivation technique?" He quickly returned the scroll. "I can't accept this scroll, it's too precious!" A Mid-Tier Earth-grade cultivation technique, and a complete version at that. How could he possibly take it?

Zhou Qidan glared at Qiu Shengnan and tossed the scripture to her. "A closely guarded secret, is it? Here, do you dare to cultivate it?" Qiu Shengnan, however, treated it like a poisonous scorpion, quickly throwing it away and not daring to touch it in the slightest. She said sheepishly, "Grand Elder Zhou, you're joking. Besides you, who else would dare to cultivate this scripture?"

Cultivating the "Nine Poisons True Scripture" required not only comprehending the true meaning of the scroll but also ingesting potent poisons. If one failed to fully grasp the scripture's meaning and ingested poison that couldn't be digested, it would lead to certain death. Since this cultivation method was acquired, very few in the Ten Thousand Swords Sect had successfully mastered it. Most had died suddenly during their attempts. Zhou Qidan was currently the only one who had successfully cultivated this poison scripture. So, who would dare to rashly cultivate it?

Zhou Qidan scoffed, "Then what are you babbling about? Is this 'Nine Poisons True Scripture' of any use in my Ten Thousand Swords Sect?" Qiu Shengnan, chastened, sullenly kept quiet.

Only then did Zhou Qidan look at Jiang Fan with a gentle expression and instruct, "Using the Poison Dragon Marrow rashly will cost you your life. First, spend a few years comprehending the first layer of this scroll. By doing so, you can use the 'Nine Poisons True Scripture' to absorb the toxins in the marrow, cultivate your body, and even develop some poison techniques simultaneously. It's a win-win. Understand?"

There was such a good thing? Jiang Fan looked at the "Nine Poisons True Scripture" that had been tucked back into his arms, feeling grateful. However, with his comprehension ability, it shouldn't take him years to comprehend the "Nine Poisons True Scripture." A single night should be enough.

The transaction was successfully completed. Jiang Fan cupped his hands and said, "Thank you, Senior, for bestowing this technique. I wish you success in your artifact refinement." Zhou Qidan chuckled, "And I wish you great success in your body cultivation. If you have any questions about the 'Nine Poisons True Scripture' in the future, you can come find me." Jiang Fan thanked her, "Thank you, Senior." He then cupped his hands to Qiu Shengnan, "And thank you, Peak Master, for leading the way." "Seniors, I'll take my leave!" He descended the mountain, brimming with rewards.

How could Qiu Shengnan dare to remain there alone? She also cupped her hands, intending to depart.

Unexpectedly, a powerful aura rapidly approached. Before long, an elderly man in hemp robes, with an aged face and a rusty iron sword strapped to his back, rushed over.

Seeing Zhou Qidan, who had emerged from seclusion, he exclaimed in surprise, "Grand Elder Zhou? Why are you out of seclusion? Weren't you at a critical point in comprehending your sword techniques?"

"What? Grand Elder Zhou was at a critical juncture?" Qiu Shengnan's vision blurred, and she stammered, "Master, it was... it was this disciple who disturbed Senior." The newcomer was none other than Qiu Shengnan's master, the previous Peak Master of Cloud Sword Peak. Hearing this, his expression immediately changed, and he sternly reprimanded, "Are you mad? Who gave you the audacity to disturb Grand Elder Zhou's secluded cultivation?"

Qiu Shengnan's face was filled with bitterness, and she dared not conceal anything, saying, "This disciple was blinded by greed. For a demon core, I presumptuously disturbed Grand Elder Zhou on behalf of someone else."

"What? Accepted a bribe and disturbed Zhou Qidan?" Grand Elder Sun trembled with anger, raising his palm to discipline her.

"Enough." Zhou Qidan, however, was in a good mood. She took out the black eagle's demon core and tossed it back to Qiu Shengnan. "She actually did me a great favor! The demon beast materials I've been searching for tirelessly have finally been gathered. I can now refine the artifact I've been wanting!"

Grand Elder Sun was taken aback. He knew that Zhou Qidan had been preparing for a major undertaking, but it had been delayed for several years due to material limitations. And now there was suddenly significant progress? He said enviously, "Congratulations, Grand Elder Zhou!"

He then looked at Qiu Shengnan, his expression softening, and said, "Don't let it happen again! Considering you inadvertently rendered a meritorious service, go to my cave dwelling later and pick out a few spirit pills."

Qiu Shengnan was overjoyed! Not only had the black eagle's demon core been recovered, but she had also received a reward from her own Grand Elder! She had turned misfortune into a blessing. She had made a huge gain! Qin Caihe was truly her lucky star. She would have to reward her handsomely later!

Grand Elder Sun asked with a curious smile, "What material did that person bring you?" Zhou Qidan didn't hide anything and took out the Cold Bone's demon core. The moment this demon core appeared, its astonishing demonic aura made Grand Elder Sun's expression solemn.

"This... could this be a late Core Formation stage demon core?" Zhou Qidan held it carefully in her palm and said, "More than that! This is a Cold Bone's demon core!"

"What?" Grand Elder Sun gasped, "Who is that person? To be able to slay a Cold Bone?" In the entire Ten Thousand Swords Sect, only Xu Qingyang was capable of slaying a Cold Bone. Zhou Qidan's answer shocked him even more: "He's no deity. He's a young disciple from the Azure Cloud Sect."

Grand Elder Sun was bewildered. "A disciple? How could he possibly slay a Cold Bone..." "Wait, I heard Grand Elder Xu say he had pursued a Cold Bone two days ago. Could it be that he gave this demon core to the young man?"

Zhou Qidan paused, then her eyebrows shot up, and she slapped her thigh in sudden realization: "I knew it! Where else would that kid get so many demon cores? So it was Xu Qingyang who gave them to him! What's that old fellow scheming? On one hand, he told me to give the Poison Dragon Marrow to the boy, saying he'd repay the favor. On the other hand, he gave the boy many demon cores, allowing him to trade them away."

*Clang*—A terrifying wisp of sword qi suddenly descended nearby. From a distance, Xu Qingyang's deep, powerful laughter rang out: "Grand Elder Zhou, why are you speaking ill of this old man the moment you emerge from seclusion?"

As Xu Qingyang approached, Zhou Qidan rolled her eyes. "What exactly are you up to, old man? You made me part with a copy of the 'Nine Poisons True Scripture'. If it were a debt of gratitude, I would have readily given Jiang Fan the Poison Dragon Marrow, and that would have been the end of it for both sides. But Jiang Fan had used a stack of demon cores, playing on my sincerity, which subtly persuaded me into parting with a copy of the 'Nine Poisons True Scripture'. The more I thought about it, the more irritated I became."

Xu Qingyang was bewildered. "What are you talking about? I don't understand."

Grand Elder Sun said, speechless, "You're really good at feigning ignorance! Didn't you give that young man the Cold Bone demon core?"

Xu Qingyang paused. "A Cold Bone's demon core? Who did I give it to?" Then, he suddenly realized the problem. He was startled and said, "Wait! Cold Bone is dead?"