Chapter 1365
Qingyu Breakthrough, Nascent Soul Level 3
Since embarking on his travels, Song Qingyu has traversed the "Xihua Continent", "Beiming Continent", "Zhongyuan Immortal Continent", "Black Wind Sea", and "Thunder Origin Sea" over the years.
It wasn't until she arrived in the outer heavens that Song Qingyu, under Xia Mo's guidance, suddenly realized a chance to break through her cultivation level, and thus voluntarily stayed there to cultivate in seclusion.
Now, twenty years later, after years of dedicated seclusion, Song Qingyu has become able to control the surrounding天地元气 (heaven and earth energy).
He incorporated it all into his dantian to help temper his physical body and meridians, thus completing the crucial step of "tempering the body with vital energy".
At this moment, Song Qingyu was enveloped in a white light, and beads of sweat were already appearing on her forehead.
Clearly, the "vital energy tempering" stage was not as easy as she had imagined.
However, despite this, Song Qingyu gritted her teeth and persevered, her Dao heart remaining unshaken.
As more and more "primordial energy of heaven and earth" accumulated in his body, Song Qingyu's own pressure also increased, and his internal magical power had long been depleted.
The "primordial energy of heaven and earth" is far more violent than ordinary spiritual energy. The immense pressure on Song Qingyu's physical body seemed to pose a constant threat of causing the primordial energy within her body to go out of control.
Still at the Nascent Soul stage, she could only desperately cast spells to control the opponent, causing her internal magical power to drain away at an alarming rate.
Seeing that her magical power was almost depleted, Song Qingyu raised her hand and took out another spirit stone that emitted a blue spiritual light.
Faced with this "top-grade spirit stone," which was extremely precious in the cultivation world, he did not hesitate at all and crushed it directly.
The next moment, a gentle water-attribute spiritual energy surrounded her, instantly filling Song Qingyu's body with magical power.
With the help of the powerful spiritual energy provided by the "top-grade spirit stone", Song Qingyu recovered instantly and suppressed the extremely turbulent "heaven and earth energy" in her body once again.
She has now tempered most of her physical body, with only the final crucial step remaining.
Now, success or failure hinges on this moment.
Thinking of this, Song Qingyu closed her eyes tightly and once again fully activated her internal magic power to guide the "primordial energy of heaven and earth" to continue tempering her physical body.
".
After an unknown amount of time, a stone door slowly opened, and Song Qingyu, dressed in a green robe, walked out.
Not far in front of her, a familiar figure was already waiting, looking at her with a smile.
"Qingyu, congratulations on breaking through your realm! You're one step closer to the Nascent Soul stage!"
"After preparing for so many years, I have finally achieved something today and have not disappointed Sister Xia!"
Qingyu's success this time is all thanks to her sister's guidance, which helped her realize the opportunity for her own breakthrough.
"I am deeply grateful for your kindness in granting me enlightenment, and I ask that you accept my bow, Sister Xia."
Before embarking on his travels, even with the full support of his elder brother Song Qingming, Song Qingyu still failed to break through his cultivation level in several seclusions.
Left with no other choice, he decided to go out and gain experience in order to find an opportunity to break through his bottleneck.
After twenty years of dedicated seclusion, Song Qingyu finally lived up to expectations and successfully completed the "Qi Tempering" technique, raising his cultivation to the half-step Nascent Soul realm.
At this moment, the aura emanating from her body has changed significantly compared to before her seclusion, and she is only one step away from the Nascent Soul realm.
The reason she was able to succeed in this seclusion was not only due to the two spiritual items left to her by Song Qingming and Huang Siyuan, but also, most importantly, to the guidance Xia Mo gave her.
It was precisely because she found a glimmer of opportunity in her discussion with Xia Mo that she decisively stayed behind to cultivate in seclusion and break through to a higher realm.
Facing Xia Mo, who was congratulating her, Song Qingyu was filled with gratitude and immediately stepped forward to bow deeply to her.
This was to express his gratitude to the other party for guiding him in the past and for protecting her during her seclusion.
The two had known each other for many years and were close friends, so Xia Mo naturally did not treat Song Qingyu as an outsider.
Seeing this, he quickly stepped forward and helped her up.
"Qingyu, although I helped you succeed this time, it was only a small favor."
We've known each other for so many years, there's no need for such formality; it makes me feel a bit like a stranger.
After helping Song Qingyu up, Xia Mo raised her hand and cast a spell, and the two of them arrived in a valley courtyard.
"I've been feeling a bit bored in my seclusion lately. It's a good thing you've come out of seclusion today, so you can keep me company and have a chat. How about it being your way of repaying a debt of gratitude?"
"Since my sister has given the order, Qingyu will obey!"
".
Over the years, most of her relatives and friends have passed away, and Xia Mo has been cultivating alone in the heavens.
Song Qingyu is one of the few friends who would take the initiative to visit her from beyond the heavens.
Over the years, when no one else is around, the two have always addressed each other as sisters.
Even though there is a gap in their cultivation levels, the relationship between Song Qingyu and Xia Mo is one of the few that has remained largely unaffected.
Aside from their spiritual practice, the two were also inseparable best friends who could talk about anything.
In this respect, even Song Qingming, a Nascent Soul cultivator who has known Xia Mo for many years, probably cannot compare with Song Qingyu in front of him.
Xia Mo was also happy for Song Qingyu's successful advancement to the half-step Nascent Soul realm.
The two took out the spirit wine they had been keeping for a long time and drank it heartily.
During their conversation, the two first discussed Song Qingyu's breakthrough in seclusion, then talked about what she had seen and heard during her previous travels, as well as the many things that had happened in the "Huayang Realm" over the years.
As the two chatted, the topic inevitably turned to Song Qingming, whom they both knew.
"Sister Xia, after Seventh Brother met with you last time, he said he had found a way to sneak into the upper realm and made a pact with you."
But he refused to tell me, insisting that I wait until my cultivation reached the half-step Nascent Soul realm.
Now I have successfully met his expectations. I wonder what agreement Seventh Brother and Sister Xia made.
"Now you can tell me your method for smuggling yourself to the upper realm!"
After learning that Song Qingming and Xia Mo had made a pact to smuggle themselves to the upper realm, Song Qingyu pressed them for an answer several times, but never received one.
According to Song Qingming, the secret method of smuggling to the upper realm was still quite distant for her at that time.
Knowing too much is useless and may even affect Song Qingyu's future cultivation of Dao heart.
Now, Song Qingyu has successfully raised her cultivation to the half-step Nascent Soul realm, and she is starting to wonder again about the agreement that Xia Mo and Song Qingming made back then.
"Since Fellow Daoist Song said he would tell you when your cultivation is complete, why don't you just ask him when you get back?"
Faced with Song Qingyu's sincere request for advice, Xia Mo was slightly taken aback and fell silent.
Seeing this, Song Qingyu's curiosity did not diminish; on the contrary, it intensified.
"Huh! It's just a secret method to sneak into the upper realm, why is Seventh Brother so mysterious about it? Now even Sister Xia won't tell me."
Could it be that there's some hidden secret involved, and you're afraid I'll go back and tell everyone?
Sister Xia, don't worry. After so many years of cultivation, I know that you and Brother Qi are both people who aspire to the Great Dao, and your Dao hearts are far more steadfast than mine.
"This concerns your momentous matter of ascending to the upper realm. Even if you have difficulties you cannot express, Qingyu will fully support you and will not hinder you."
"Having reached this level of cultivation, all I desire is to ascend to the upper realm. There is nothing I cannot say."
The reason I invited Fellow Daoist Song here was indeed because I had found a secret method that could help one ascend to the upper realm.
However, this method has high requirements, and Fellow Daoist Song and I have only had a preliminary discussion so far. Whether it will be successful is still uncertain.
".
As a Nascent Soul cultivator about to ascend to the Upper Realm, Xia Mo has become quite indifferent to many things in the world.
Faced with Song Qingyu's questioning, she thought for a moment and did not choose to hide it from him, but told him about the agreement she had made with Song Qingming.
The secret technique of fusion, which requires the two to be "in sync" and cooperate, was also directly told to Song Qingyu in front of him.
"Qingyu, the secret technique that Fellow Daoist Song and I agreed upon can help us sneak into the upper realm, but we still need to successfully cultivate to the mid-stage of the Nascent Soul realm first."
It's not so easy to execute it successfully.
Fellow Daoist Song was unwilling to tell you this before, probably to encourage you to cultivate diligently, not because he intended to hide it from you.
"So that's how it is! No wonder Seventh Brother was acting so mysterious!"
Upon hearing Xia Mo reveal the secret technique she and Song Qingming needed to cultivate to sneak into the upper realm, a hint of understanding appeared in Song Qingyu's eyes.
The next moment, lost in thought, she suddenly spoke:
"Sister Xia's cultivation has now reached the third level of the Nascent Soul realm. She will definitely be able to cultivate smoothly to the middle level of the Nascent Soul realm in the future. I believe that Seventh Brother will not hold you back."
However, this method requires mutual understanding to be used effectively, which you two cannot achieve right now. You need to rely on secret methods for cultivation.
"If it doesn't work out, Sister Xia, have you thought of any other options?"
As a half-step Nascent Soul cultivator who had cultivated for a thousand years, he quickly thought of some issues related to the secret technique after hearing Xia Mo mention it.
Upon hearing this, Xia Mo nodded calmly.
"I have also given this issue you mentioned seriously, which is why I made this agreement with Fellow Daoist Song."
If even if both he and I reach the mid-stage of the Nascent Soul realm, we still cannot solve this problem, then we will have no choice but to temporarily give up and think of other solutions.
"Sister Xia, you and Brother Qi have known each other for so many years, why don't you try to become Daoist partners and cultivate this secret method of mutual understanding together?"
That should significantly increase your chances of success!
".
As soon as Song Qingyu finished speaking, a subtle, almost imperceptible flicker of interest flashed in Xia Mo's eyes.
After catching her breath, she slowly replied, "Qingyu, I have considered what you said."
However, doing so can only provide some auxiliary effects and cannot guarantee our success.
Currently, my cultivation level and that of Fellow Daoist Song are still some distance from the mid-stage of the Nascent Soul realm, so we have enough time to try and there's no need to rush.
If it doesn't work out, we can consider other methods; there's still time.
"Oh! So Sister Xia had already thought it through. I was worried for nothing!"
Upon hearing Xia Mo's reply, a meaningful smile immediately appeared on Song Qingyu's face, and she took the initiative to pick up the wine bowl on the table.
"Sister Xia, then I'll offer you a bowl first, hoping that you and Brother Qi will achieve your goals soon!"
".
After downing a glass of wine, Song Qingyu spoke to Xia Mo again:
"By the way! Sister Xia, could you give me a copy of that secret technique you gave to Seventh Brother? I'd like to help you study it when I have time back."
If it can be of any help, it will save you some trouble.
"Hmm! Now that your cultivation has reached the half-step Nascent Soul realm, if you can find a suitable Daoist partner in the future, this method might be of some use to you." Seeing that Song Qingyu was somewhat interested in the secret method that she had given to Song Qingming, Xia Mo nodded slightly and immediately took it out and copied it for her.
The two enjoyed wine and conversation, and also did some research together.
Several months later, Song Qingyu reluctantly bid farewell to Xia Mo and returned to "Huayang Realm" alone.
".
"Donghuang Xianzhou" is located on the coast of Nanzhou.
Located tens of thousands of miles northwest of Nanzhou, a treasure ship fully loaded with cargo is sailing swiftly forward against the wind and waves.
Just as the treasure ship was passing through a sea area with large waves, a huge shadow suddenly appeared on the bottom of the ship and crashed directly into the cabin below.
"boom!"
With a loud bang, the entire treasure ship seemed to have crashed into a mountain peak and was sent flying high into the air, almost capsizing on the spot.
"Oh no! The Demon King is below! Activate the magic array immediately!"
"Everyone be careful! Quickly go and inform Senior Liu and the others!"
".
As the ship's protective array was activated, two beams of light flew out of the cabin and stopped in mid-air.
The newcomers were covered in a faint golden light; they were all Golden Core cultivators with accomplished cultivation, and were also responsible for escorting the cargo on this treasure ship.
"What's going on? What kind of demon king dares to attack our Five Thunder Sect's treasure ship!"
"boom!.."
The two had just appeared and were still trying to figure out what was happening outside when another loud noise came from the stern of the ship.
This caused the entire treasure ship to rise high, and more than a dozen low-level cultivators who hadn't even had time to stand still were thrown into the sea.
Instantly, cries for help rose from the sea.
Seeing that the treasure ship beneath their feet was about to be capsized by the giant object below, the two Golden Core cultivators in charge of escorting the goods did not have time to save people and immediately flashed to the surface of the sea.
The two were originally from the same sect, and they were very skilled at coordinating their spellcasting. Soon, they each used their magic treasures to cast spells.
As several beams of spiritual light entered the sea, the originally ferocious sea monster was immediately bound by several golden chains and began to struggle incessantly.
Seeing that his companion had successfully cast the spell, the white-haired old man on the other side immediately activated the golden ancient lamp magic weapon in his hand, and a white lightning bolt as thick as an arm fell directly into the sea.
With their combined efforts, the giant sea creature was instantly shaken by the lightning, losing all its previous ferocity.
Upon seeing this, the giant sea creature immediately struggled rapidly, trying to escape and dive into the deep sea.
However, the Golden Core cultivator from the Five Thunder Sect above did not want to give the other party a chance, and took out a crimson talisman which transformed into several sword lights that fell into the sea.
At this moment, the other low-level cultivators on the ship, seeing that the Golden Core Ancestor had trapped the demon beast, quickly regained their footing and activated their magic array to help.
In an instant, bursts of spiritual light shone above the treasure ship, which then flew into the sea.
".
One hour later.
With a mournful cry from the sea, the giant creature hiding below completely lost its breath, and its body slowly rose to the surface.
Only then did everyone see the giant creature clearly. It was a hideous, large-headed fish with a giant, golden sword several meters tall stuck above its head.
This strange fish was over ten zhang tall, and its cultivation aura had reached the peak of the mid-stage of the Golden Core realm.
But at this moment, it had already lost all its life force and was successfully killed by the group on the sea surface.
"Look, everyone! This is a genuine Golden Core Demon King. I never thought we would actually be able to kill one this time."
"What nonsense are you spouting, brat? This demon king was clearly killed by the two seniors. What does it have to do with you? Shut up now."
If Senior Liu hears this later, you're in for a world of trouble.
".
Even though they have spent most of their time at sea, they have mostly seen low-level demonic beasts. For many of them, this is the first time they have ever seen a true Golden Core Demon King.
Upon seeing the majestic and powerful corpse of the Golden Core Demon King, cheers erupted from the numerous cultivators atop the treasure ship.
The two Golden Core cultivators in mid-air immediately interrupted them by sending a telepathic order.
"What are you all standing there for? Hurry up and drag the monster corpses onto the boat. The stench of blood here is so strong that it will attract other demon kings soon. We need to leave this place as soon as possible."
The cargo on the ship is extremely important; we must not miss the appointed time.
Otherwise, if the patriarch were to hold us accountable, we wouldn't be able to bear the consequences.
"Everyone, get to it! Drag the monster up here and dismember its body!"
".
Under the command of two Golden Core cultivators, the group quickly hauled the giant-headed monster fish onto the treasure ship.
Its enormous size almost covered most of the bow.
Several experienced Foundation Establishment cultivators on the ship quickly led everyone forward to dissect the enormous corpse of the demon king before them.
The Golden Core cultivator wielding the giant sword stepped forward and ripped open the monster's belly, quickly finding a black sphere emitting spiritual light inside.
Upon seeing this, a hint of excitement immediately appeared on the other person's face.
The two were only on their way to escort the cargo on the ship and never expected to kill a Golden Core Demon King halfway through the journey. However, they gained a considerable unexpected reward.
The demon king's inner core alone is worth at least tens of thousands of spirit stones.
Even though they lost several high-level spirit talismans in the recent battle, as long as they could dispose of the demon king's corpse, it would be enough for the two of them to make a fortune.
Just as the cultivators on the ship were rapidly dissecting the corpse, one of the Qi Refining stage cultivators pulled out a dark blade from the demon king's stomach while processing it.
"Huh! How come there are magical artifacts in here?"
Seeing the somewhat damaged black blade in his hand, the cultivator looked puzzled and couldn't help but shout out, instantly attracting the attention of the Foundation Establishment cultivator next to him.
The man thought the other party had found something valuable, but upon closer inspection, he discovered it was just a broken black knife, and was immediately disappointed.
"Hmph, it's just a magic artifact, what's the big deal? Hurry up and throw it away."
Despite the Foundation Establishment cultivator's urging, the Qi Refining disciple stood still, quietly watching the other person.
"You idiot, didn't you hear me?"
".
The Foundation Establishment cultivator, who was used to being flattered by lower-level cultivators, immediately showed displeasure when he saw that the other party dared to challenge his authority.
Just as he was about to step forward and make a move, the Qi Refining cultivator in front of him unexpectedly raised his black blade and stabbed at him directly.
"Oh, you!"
The blade instantly pierced through the protective barrier in front of the Foundation Establishment cultivator, directly penetrating his physical body.
The Foundation Establishment cultivator stared at the person wielding the black knife in disbelief, and his screams attracted the attention of many other cultivators around him.
"Eighth Brother, are you crazy? Stop him!"
"what."
Just as everyone stepped forward to subdue the opponent, the Qi Refining stage cultivator, wielding a black blade, attacked again without a word, instantly killing all the dozen or so cultivators around him.
In just a short while, screams of agony emanated from the ship, alarming the two Golden Core cultivators in the cabin.
"What kind of evil creature dares to be so insolent before our Five Thunder Sect!"
Upon seeing the man wielding a black knife and frantically slaughtering the surrounding cultivators, both men's expressions changed, and they hurriedly took out their magical weapons to fight back.
".
Half an hour later, as a figure fell from mid-air, there were no more traces of other cultivators on the treasure ship.
Before his death, the white-haired old man looked at the figure in front of him with resentment, whose cultivation was only at the Qi Refining stage, but his head was easily severed by the other party with a single slash.
Only after killing everyone on the ship did the gray-robed man wielding the eerie black knife reveal a strange smile on his face.
"After all these years, I'm finally free."
The gray-robed man glanced at the broken black blade in his hand, then turned to look at the distant sea before transforming into a streak of black light and disappearing from the spot.
On the treasure ship, only corpses remained.
".
"Floating Clouds Mountain Range", Qingyun Mountain.
From within the cave atop the mountain, a letter flew out.
Soon, a man dressed in golden armor delivered the letter he had just received to Qu Bai, who was busy feeding the spirit insects.
After glancing at the letter, Qu Bai immediately put it away.
"I understand, you can go ahead and get busy!"
"Senior Qu, I just brewed a pot of spiritual tea. Would you have time to try some?"
"I don't have time now, let's talk about it later!"
Just as he was about to wave away the "Ice and Fire Dragon" in front of him, "Qu Bai" paused, looked up at the door, and quickly got up and went to the main hall of the cave.
At that moment, he sensed that all the spiritual energy in the cave was flowing into a stone chamber in front of him.
Sensing a familiar aura, a hint of surprise flashed across Qu Bai's face.
"It's already done so quickly, much faster than I expected."
"That's strange. I wonder what kind of special physique this kid has, that he can refine spiritual objects faster than a late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator."
Just as "Qu Bai" was talking to himself in the main hall of the cave, a cloud of mist gathered and rolled up in the sky above the cave.
Such a strange phenomenon quickly alerted Bai Jingyun, Wei Yunlong, and several others who were cultivating nearby.
Everyone hurriedly issued orders to establish a state of emergency around the area and activated a concealment array that Song Qingming had specially set up on the mountaintop.
At this moment, Song Qingming, who was in the cave, felt a sense of relief as he heard a sound of breaking through a bottleneck within his body.
"I've finally reached the third level of the Nascent Soul stage!" (End of Chapter)