Chapter 191: Facing Xiao Chen Felt Like Plunging Into An Icy Abyss

Chapter 191: Facing Xiao Chen Felt Like Plunging Into An Icy Abyss

The Scripture Pavilion atop Qiyun Peak was built upon a convergence of earth veins.

This location, convenient for deploying formations, was also one of the peak's most spiritually-dense areas. The top floor's vast space allowed direct cultivation of cultivation manuals. Xiao Chen thus decided to stay here, unfurling the Ten Thousand Phenomena Spring Return Sutra to refine his true mana.

However, while the hex granted a hundredfold cultivation speed, it also consumed a hundredfold spiritual energy. In an instant, heavenly qi across the entire top floor surged toward him. Yet the surrounding spiritual energy was like a drop in the ocean—depleted in moments.

Even within a hundred-meter radius around the Scripture Pavilion, spiritual energy became completely barren. It was as if a sudden chunk had vanished from a lake, causing surrounding waters to rush inward. The turbulent spiritual energy crashing against the Pavilion walls produced a "rustling" sound.

Every coin has two sides. Faster cultivation demanded higher environmental requirements. The Southern Domain's spiritual environment was inherently weak—how could it withstand such violent extraction?

As surrounding spiritual energy emptied, Xiao Chen distinctly felt his cultivation speed slow to near stagnation.

"Ah, what a fortunate problem to have?"

Fortunately, this situation was easy to resolve—simply replenish the spiritual energy. Xiao Chen immediately retrieved a thousand spirit stones from his storage bag, placing them around himself. The Scripture Pavilion already contained a Spirit Gathering Formation, so no additional setup was needed.

He casually pulled out his last bottle of Six Harmonies Spirit Water and downed it in one gulp. Though only second-tier, this top-grade spiritual elixir could supply abundant wood mana.

With this dual approach, spiritual energy concentration ceased being an issue.

Under normal circumstances, a newly-minted Golden Core cultivator meditating half the day would require fifteen prodigies to complete true mana refinement.

Yet under hex-enhanced reinforcement, Xiao Chen completed ninety-three grand celestial cycles in just one short shichen according to the new cultivation manual.

Initially clumsy, he quickly found his rhythm—refining all his true mana anew while adding three additional streams.

"This feeling... actually feels pretty good."

Feeling his progress, Xiao Chen even wished to cultivate for ten thousand shichen straight.

For ordinary cultivators, cultivation was a tedious grind. Spending ten days, half a month, or even months for the slightest advancement, with no immediate feedback along the way. Many cultivators, despite understanding cultivation's importance, often lacked self-discipline during practice hours, always wanting to slack off.

But for Xiao Chen, he could clearly sense his progress. Not every second, but every quarter-hour brought noticeable strengthening. This experience was utterly addictive—making him crave endless immersion in cultivation.

"Hmph, restrain yourself. First, master spells."

Mindful of Cangyan Sect's threat, Xiao Chen suppressed his cultivation desire and opened the spell manual beside him.

After all, it was already the third watch of the night—approximately four shichen remained before Cangyan Sect's assault.

Cultivating four spells within this timeframe would be extremely tight.

"Whatever the situation, survival comes first. Let's start with an escape technique."

Xiao Chen had previously experienced the benefits of mastering escape techniques. Prudently, he first opened Chasing Stars and Racing the Moon, a fire-attribute escape technique.

Actually, the Scripture Pavilion also contained a wind-attribute escape technique. Even at Golden Core stage, wind escape techniques were no weaker than others.

He chose the fire-attribute escape technique simply to test whether the Yin Fire Seal could provide synergy during its cultivation.

The Yin Fire Seal significantly increased a cultivator's compatibility with fire mana. Theoretically, this should greatly lower cultivation barriers, indirectly boosting efficiency.

Memorizing the incantation, Xiao Chen exited the Scripture Pavilion, casually swallowing a Blazing Light Spirit Sand.

Next, he channeled true mana around his body, activating the escape technique.

"Peng!"

A burst of flames exploded on the spot, leaving behind scattered sparks.

"Hong!"

A human-sized hole suddenly appeared on a nearby servant peak. Only because Xiao Chen carried formation flags from Mingyan Zhenren did he avoid triggering the Mountain Defense Formation's automatic counterattack.

"What?! How could it be this fast?!"

As the saying goes, experience teaches wisdom.

Previously, his escape technique practice often ended with collisions against trees or mountains. He had mentally prepared—gaining a third-tier escape technique might double his speed.

Thus, he had deliberately reserved ample space to avoid damaging surrounding flora.

Yet he still miscalculated.

Before he could react, his entire body had already smashed into the servant peak.

Many disciples sleeping halfway up the mountain suddenly felt their beds tremble. Some even woke in confusion, rushing to courtyards to investigate what happened.

"This doesn't make sense. The manual said 'twice as fast.'"

According to Chasing Stars and Racing the Moon's introductory notes, even at maximum entry-level speed, it should only be twice as fast as Zongdi Jinguang.

Yet Xiao Chen had moved four times faster, leaving insufficient reaction distance.

He discreetly flew back from the servant peak, returning to the Scripture Pavilion's lower levels to ponder.

"Ah! Got it. I focused on Yin Fire Seal but forgot Yang Fire Seal!"

Soon, Xiao Chen identified the cause. While Xuantian Consumption Secret Method described increased fire spell power, for escape techniques, "power" naturally translated to speed.

After readjusting his direction, this time he finally avoided accidents.

Speaking of which, thanks to repeated past experiences with speed loss, Xiao Chen now adapted to his new speed with strange familiarity. Within half a shichen, he successfully mastered Chasing Stars and Racing the Moon.

With a thought, sparks flew, and he instantly moved from Qiyun Peak's base to its thousand-meter summit.

"Didn't expect that even at the entry stage, I'm already four times faster."

A faint smile crossed Xiao Chen's face: "Once I reach minor mastery or grand mastery realms, that'll be six to tenfold speed."

"Then I could make two roundtrips to Hezhou in a single day."

What pleased him more was that this rapid progress empirically verified Yin Fire Seal's enhancement toward fire-attribute cultivation manuals.

The two offensive/defensive spells he previously selected were both fire-attribute.

.

Actually, the Scripture Pavilion also contained wood-attribute spells, but Xiao Chen selectively ignored them.

He no longer dwelled on his spirit root attributes—mainly because malevolent qi's enhancement was too tempting.

Unless one day he could collect both Yin Wood Seal and Yang Wood Seal, he might reconsider switching to wood-attribute spells.

These two fire spells were relatively simple:

True Yang Nine Dragon Dance and Qiongtai Fire Lotus.

As their names implied, the former could summon up to nine true yang fire dragons, capable of surrounding a single opponent or fighting multiple enemies.

The latter condensed a qiongtai platform beneath his feet, generating fire lotuses around to help block enemy attacks.

Under Yin Fire Seal's enhancement, cultivating these two spells was equally effortless.

In just one and a half shichen total, Xiao Chen successively mastered both cultivation manuals, filling his third-tier spell gap.

Thus, since forming his Golden Core, he had sequentially completed spiritual artifact refinement, true mana forging, fire escape technique cultivation, and spell learning.

Though temporally a newly-minted Golden Core cultivator, he was practically fully-prepared—a true Golden Core Zhenren possessing genuine Golden Core-level combat power.

Other cultivators would require at least two or three months, even one or two years, to complete these four steps.

Mingyan Zhenren himself, excluding waiting times for manuals, had spent four full months.

But Xiao Chen accomplished it in four days. Excluding travel time, it was actually less than a day.

"Since dawn is still distant, might as well learn this sword technique too."

Thanks to Yin Fire Seal and hex enhancements, time was more abundant than expected.

Thus, atop the peak, Xiao Chen began cultivating Sharp Light Piercing Cloud Sword as a backup technique.

Despite already having True Yang Nine Dragon Dance, this extra effort was justified.

More techniques meant more aces up his sleeve.

First, to prevent fire magic from being countered. Second, to prepare for future use of the wind-thunder pair swords.

Now that he had successfully formed his Golden Core and possessed true mana, he could safely collect wind-thunder spirit herbs to forge swords, hastening this pair of swords' formal transformation into spiritual artifacts.

As Xiao Chen cultivated, Lihuo Sect received a special guest—

Qianzhu Zhenren.

He came as Cangyan Sect's envoy, here to persuade surrender.

During this period, the White Bone Demon Body had nearly conquered all Wan Hua Valley's territories, advancing toward Spirit Origin Sect.

Yet negotiations between Spirit Origin Sect and Divine Flame Cult remained stagnant.

Demon cultivators cared nothing for mortal calamities or eternal consequences—they pursued only immediate gains.

Thus, Spirit Origin Sect had dispatched multiple disciples overnight to urge Qianzhu Zhenren to mediate Li Zhou's internal strife.

The problem? Cangyan Sect had become iron-willed—determined to conquer Lihuo Sect and swallow Li Zhou whole.

Negotiations there were futile.

Hence, Qianzhu Zhenren arrived at Qiyun Peak, seeking to persuade Mingyan Zhenren to surrender.

"Bright Flame Fellow Cultivator, even if Cangyan Sect unifies Li Zhou, you and I shall remain Golden Core Zhenren, equal to Golden Cudgel Fellow Cultivators—no loss of status."

“Why must we let sectarian prejudice drive us to a life-or-death struggle?”

“Besides, offering the spirit flame is meant to combat the White Bone Demon Body and save countless lives.”

“If this stalemate drags on, countless innocents will perish. How can you, Bright Flame Fellow Cultivator, bear such guilt?”

Hearing this, Mingyan Zhenren’s anger twisted his mouth askew.

He had held out for so long, waiting for the Spirit Origin Sect’s mediation.

Never did he expect this outcome.

Sectarian prejudice? Am I supposed to feel inferior?

Are you trying to fool a child who hasn’t weaned yet?

If Cangyan Sect unifies Li Zhou, how will he ever get a chance at third-tier spirit herbs?

This is cutting off my path to cultivation!

“Fellow Cultivator Qianzhu, we’ve nothing more to say. Please leave!” Mingyan Zhenren pointed toward the hall’s exit. If not for the inopportune timing to make more enemies, he’d have already attacked.

If this had happened yesterday, he might have considered it.

But now was different. Even though Xiao Chen had only recently reached Golden Core Formation, he could still powerfully assist in defending the formation.

If they held out a little longer, the Spirit Origin Sect would grow anxious and offer better terms.

That’s right—Mingyan Zhenren never truly intended to die alongside Lihuo Sect, but he needed to secure his share of spirit herbs in the future.

This approach carried risks, of course. But if he sacrificed his life for survival, his cultivation path would end anyway. Better to die gloriously in battle.

“Bright Flame Fellow Cultivator, even if you won’t fight for yourself, fight for the sake of all lives!”

“Fellow Cultivator Qianzhu, there’s no need to speak further. If Cangyan Sect wants the spirit flame, let them come take it by force!”

Fine, throwing money around counts as force too.

“Junior Sect Brother speaks well! If they want to attack the mountain, let Cangyan Sect’s bastards try! We’ll fight them until the last man standing!”

A firm female voice rang out.

Moments later, a figure strode into the sect hall, wielding the Nu Yan Hong Flying Sword and clad in Mystic Light Bright Silver Armor.

It was Yun Xiang Zhenren.

“Senior Sect Sister, why are you here?” Mingyan Zhenren, mindful of Qianzhu Zhenren’s presence, avoided asking directly about her injuries.

But logically, a decades-old wound couldn’t possibly heal just in time for these days.

Yet Yun Xiang Zhenren’s face was flushed with fury as she glared at Qianzhu Zhenren. “Don’t waste your breath trying to persuade me.”

“Tell Jin Jian’s brat and Zi Xiao’s old dog this: If they want Lihuo Sect’s sacred flame, they’ll have to step over my corpse first!”

“As long as I draw breath, there’ll be no compromise!”

Yun Xiang Zhenren’s rage stemmed from two causes.

First, her family had served Lihuo Sect for generations. Three centuries ago, she’d risen from Outer Sect to Inner Sect to True Disciple, always under the sect elders’ guidance.

Her loyalty to Lihuo Sect ran deep.

Second, her cultivation base had been damaged years ago. Decades of recovery had yielded nothing. Her Golden Core ambitions were doomed.

The more hopeless her situation, the more precious the sect became to her.

Better to gamble this rotten life—no loss for one, profit for two.

Her words cut like a blade, brimming with resolve to die.

Feeling her determination, Qianzhu Zhenren opened his mouth helplessly, then sighed deeply.

What more could he say?

He left in frustration but didn’t go far, lingering nearby.

For now, Lihuo Sect still held the Mountain Defense Formation.

But once the formation fell in days, he’d try mediating again to save Mingyan and Yun Xiang’s lives.

Not for any noble cause—Divine Flame Cult’s power was rising. Preserving every Golden Core cultivator meant preserving strength.

Though the Beidou Spirit Flame was mighty, it required contact with living beings to work.

The White Bone Demon Body’s massive form made it an easy target.

But against the Divine Flame Cult? Not so much.

Qianzhu Zhenren only hoped Yun Xiang Zhenren wouldn’t act recklessly and would prioritize the greater good.

---

“Senior Sect Sister, weren’t you in secluded cultivation? Why did you return early?”

“Don’t get so worked up—it’s bad for your recovery.”

After Qianzhu Zhenren left, Mingyan Zhenren hurriedly asked, concern evident.

Yun Xiang Zhenren’s face softened slightly, but her gaze remained firm. “Junior Sect Brother Mingyan, I’ll speak plainly now. Years ago, that beast ambushed me, damaging my dantian.”

“I’ve tried everything since, but nothing works.”

“This life holds no hope. If so, I’ll make one final contribution to the sect.”

“After I’m gone, if possible, look after Mei Yong.”

“He may become Lihuo Sect’s last hope. If the day comes, pour a cup of wine and tell me.”

Mei Yong stood outside the hall.

Yun Xiang Zhenren had found him first, bringing him here to see Mingyan Zhenren. There was a hint of entrusting him to her.

Though not blood-related, they were master and disciple for years, bound like mother and child.

Hearing her resolve and regret, Mei Yong clenched his fists until his nails pierced his skin.

His heart swelled with grief and hatred.

He hated Cangyan Sect—and himself most of all.

Mei Yong, you useless wretch!

If the sect had another Golden Core cultivator, we wouldn’t be cornered like this!

---

“Boom! Boom! Boom!”

Fireballs the size of several meters rained down on the Mountain Defense Formation like hail.

Looking out, a fiery curtain hung in the sky, spewing endless fireballs.

It was now early morning (around 7 AM).

As sunlight bathed the land, fiery energy surged, amplifying its power.

Cangyan Sect activated their formation again, beginning their assault.

Legions of expendable troops, carrying formation flags, charged toward Qiyun Peak in waves.

Above, three figures hovered like mountains, pressing down on the clouds—and on Lihuo Sect’s cultivators’ hearts.

Yun Xiang Zhenren tightened her grip on the Nu Yan Hong Flying Sword.

Though resolved to die, her dantian injury left her with only two spiritual artifacts. Even trading her life for one enemy’s seemed nearly impossible.

Only when the enemy grew impatient and charged into the defense formation could she coordinate the formation for a desperate counterattack, with roughly a 40% chance of success.

But this required prior coordination with Mingyan Zhenren, who controlled the formation.

He mustn’t hesitate to unleash the killing formation even if she was inside.

Mingyan Zhenren shook his head firmly. “Senior Sect Sister, absolutely not! How could I strike you?”

“Junior Sect Brother, this isn’t the time for sentimentality. Only when Cangyan Sect feels pain will they fear us and retreat.”

The two argued, locked in debate.

Suddenly, a voice called from the door: “Senior Sect Brother Mingyan, please open the formation for me.”

Xiao Chen had come to fight but found his formation flags useless against the fully activated Mountain Defense Formation.

Not that the flags were faulty.

In full defense mode, the formation’s design aimed to block all entry and exit.

Thus, Xiao Chen sought Mingyan Zhenren to release the formation.

“You’re… Xiao Chen?”

Yun Xiang Zhenren, hearing the title “Senior Sect Brother Mingyan,” froze in shock.

She turned to the slightly unfamiliar youth, whom she’d only glimpsed occasionally through spiritual sense supervision in the sect hall.

“Have you already reached Golden Core Formation?”

Mei Yong at the door wanted to ask the same.

He’d been stunned speechless when he first saw Xiao Chen.

According to reports from Hezhou, Xiao Chen had died in Xunmei Mountain, hadn’t he?

What was going on?

Hearing “Senior Sect Brother Mingyan,” his mind went blank.

“Oh, I see! You must be Senior Sect Sister Yun Xiang, right?”

Seeing her two spiritual artifacts, Xiao Chen immediately recognized her. “Senior Sect Sister, greetings!”

“I was just lucky to find a spirit herb in Hezhou, allowing me to barely reach Golden Core Formation.”

Mei Yong’s head spun.

He’d been stuck at Foundation Building Peak for forty years, struggling with his comprehension of the Fire Dao, unable to breakthrough to Golden Core.

He’d first heard Xiao Chen’s name when the youth became an Inner Sect Disciple—only four years ago, wasn’t it?

How was this possible?

Four years wasn’t even enough time to reach Foundation Building Peak.

Even with the legendary Heavenly Spirit Root, reaching Foundation Building Peak in four years was unthinkable.

Xiao Chen’s breakthrough speed was inhuman!

Could he be some kind of aberration in human form?

Perhaps from their shared master-disciple bond, Yun Xiang Zhenren felt the same.

What had happened?

Only a year ago, during the sect meeting to discuss support for Hezhou, Xiao Chen had been at mid-stage Foundation Building, even faking the initial stage to appear weaker.

Yun Xiang Zhenren had noted his caution then.

Who could tell her what had happened in the past year?

Yet a greater shock followed.

The next moment, she felt a bone-deep chill radiating from Xiao Chen.

Years ago, Yun Xiang Zhenren had cultivated a secret technique to gauge others’ cultivation strength.

If the target was weaker, she’d feel warmth and calm.

If stronger, coldness warned her.

Learning of Xiao Chen’s Golden Core Formation, she instinctively used the technique to assess him.

To her horror, an icy current pierced her marrow, making her shiver involuntarily.

Death!

If she fought this smiling youth, she’d die—no chance of survival, no hope of reversal.

This… how?

Earlier, facing Cangyan Sect’s three Zhenren in the sky, she’d only felt a chill.

But before Xiao Chen, she felt like a frozen corpse.

The danger was tenfold greater!

Even after immediately halting the technique, she felt frost clinging to her body, leaving her staring blankly, forgetting to respond.

---

Hmm? This Senior Sect Sister seems hard to approach.

Xiao Chen greeted her, but Yun Xiang Zhenren glared coldly, silent and expressionless.

Wasn’t she supposed to cultivate fire magic?

Why was her personality as icy as a frozen mountain?

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end