Chapter 240: Nascent Soul

Chapter 240: Nascent Soul

Upon hearing Ling Cang's words, Chu Ning's expression turned serious.

"Death from one's body exploding during the Pill Formation stage? The impact of Pill Formation is that powerful?"

Both Ling Cang and Liu Zhaolin nodded.

"Therefore, the younger and more robust one's physique is during Pill Formation, the better!"

Liu Zhaolin chimed in, a hint of emotion in his voice. "There was a senior brother in the sect who faced Pill Formation a few years before his lifespan was due. The sect spent a lot of spirit pills to strengthen his physique, hoping that after he formed his pill, he would not only enter the Golden Core stage but also extend his lifespan by nearly two hundred years. However, in the end, he still met his demise through a body explosion."

Chu Ning's eyes flickered slightly upon hearing this.

Having cultivated the Nine Transformations Body Refining Art and being as young as he was, his physique was naturally stronger than that of ordinary cultivators.

However, this incident made Chu Ning realize the importance of body and spirit refinement in improving one's cultivation, in addition to increasing one's strength.

This only solidified his determination to continue searching for the subsequent techniques of the Nine Transformations Body Refining Art.

As the three of them talked, they arrived at the third floor's technique archive room.

Liu Zhaolin led Chu Ning to a shelf with several jade slips and said, "These jade slips were obtained from the Sky Eagle Sect. However, I took a look, and while these body refining techniques are quite extraordinary, they don't include the Nine Transformations Body Refining Art."

Chu Ning frowned slightly after hearing this and picked up the jade slips to examine them.

Indeed, there was no sign of the Nine Transformations Body Refining Art.

Ling Cang spoke up from the side, "I once saw in the sect's archives that the Nine Transformations Body Refining Art was supposedly quite widespread during our Nineflower Sect's heyday, even though not many cultivated it. However, in the past thousand years, we rarely hear any news about this technique."

As he spoke, he pointed to the jade slip in Chu Ning's hand, "But since the Sky Eagle Sect was famous for body refinement, they should have had this technique in their collection. Perhaps because no one cultivated this technique, it wasn't among the possessions of those sect members."

Chu Ning sighed slightly upon hearing this, "It seems like I won't have the chance to see it. I heard that the Sky Eagle Sect lost its heritage about a thousand years after the internal strife in the Twin Clouds Alliance."

"The Sky Eagle Sect may be gone, but its heritage might not be," Liu Zhaolin suddenly said.

This statement surprised both Ling Cang and Chu Ning, and they turned to look at him.

Liu Zhaolin smiled, "I accidentally found out during my travels that the Golden Peak Fortress was actually passed down by an outstanding disciple of the Sky Eagle Sect."

"Golden Peak Fortress?"

Chu Ning felt that the name was unfamiliar.

However, Ling Cang seemed to know about it and asked, "The Golden Peak Fortress that has some connection with Fairy Fu?"

Liu Zhaolin nodded.

Chu Ning then recalled that Ling Cang had mentioned Fairy Fu, who was probably the female Golden Core elder, Fu Lihong, of their sect.

He blurted out, "Elder Fu has a connection with the Golden Peak Fortress?"

"Indeed, there is some relation," Ling Cang replied.

"Fairy Fu has a cousin who seemed to have married someone from the Golden Peak Fortress, but something happened later on. That was more than two hundred years ago, I believe. Fairy Fu had just formed her Golden Core back then, and in her anger, she helped the Golden Peak Fortress repel their enemies. So, we all have some impression of this incident. However, after that, Fairy Fu seemed to have less interaction with the Golden Peak Fortress."

Liu Zhaolin shook his head, "At our level of cultivation, our lifespan is neither long nor short. Except for other Golden Core cultivators, most of our relatives have already passed away. So, our feelings towards family tend to be more distant. Since Fairy Fu's relative has passed away, she naturally wouldn't have much connection with the Golden Peak Fortress anymore."

Liu Zhaolin then turned to Chu Ning and said, "However, if you ask her, Fairy Fu will probably still be willing to help you inquire about it."

Chu Ning nodded and replied, "Let's put that on hold for now. The sect has had a lot of matters to deal with lately, and after the incident with Wolong Valley, the Great Luo Sect might still be watching us. It's not convenient to go out."

"That's true," Ling Cang said, then turned to Chu Ning with a smile, "This time, with the recovery of many of our sect's inherited pill recipes, I was planning to call upon you and the others to study them together. With these inheritances, the pill refining techniques of everyone in the sect will surely take a big step forward, and we can provide more cultivation resources for everyone."

Chu Ning nodded, "Alright, Elder. I also want to take a look and see if there are any suitable pill formulas."

Chu Ning currently had two fifth-grade demon pills in his possession, and he intended to use their pill fluid for pill refining.

However, he couldn't improve upon the Flamewood Spirit Pill, so he needed to see if there were any suitable formulas among the Nineflower Sect's other inherited pill recipes.

Thus, in the following month, Chu Ning spent half of his time cultivating and the other half at the Pill Refining Pavilion, researching pill formulas with Ling Cang and the other executives.

Chu Ning also made progress in finding the pill formula he was looking for.

From the Nineflower Sect's numerous inherited pill formulas, Chu Ning found a unique pill called the Twin Birth Pill.

Allegedly, this pill was specially prepared for earth-attribute spirit root cultivators.

Since many earth-attribute spirit root cultivators cultivated dual-attribute techniques, this pill, depending on the different materials used, could be refined into a pill suitable for two of the five elements.

Depending on the spirit herbs used, it could be refined into either a high-grade or a mid-grade superior pill.

Even though, according to the pill formula, many of the ingredients were actually quite hard to find.

However, with his previous experience in researching the Flamewood Spirit Pill, Chu Ning had a profound understanding of wood and fire-attribute spirit herbs.

It took him about twenty days to research and refine the wood and fire-attribute Twin Birth Pill.

With these two demon pills, Chu Ning was able to refine nearly thirty furnaces of pills, enough for his cultivation needs for the next two to three years.

Many cultivators in the Pill Refining Pavilion were busy refining pills, and the same was true for the Artifact Refining Pavilion and the disciples of some other peaks and pavilions.

However, with the increased pill refining efforts led by the Elixir Pavilion, even ordinary disciples were able to receive twice as many resources as before.

All the disciples of the Nineflower Sect were motivated by the prospect of inheriting a legacy and revitalizing their sect, and they embarked on arduous cultivation.

As the Nineflower Sect buzzed with activity, on Mount Wolong, Ao Langtian fixed his gaze intently on the spatial barrier before him.

When he sensed a signal coming from within, he immediately joined forces with several cultivators to open a spatial passage.

Then, five Foundation Establishment cultivators emerged from the passage.

Upon seeing them, Ao Langtian noticed that no one else was following, so he ceased his spell.

He let the spatial passage close and quickly asked, "What did you find? Any discoveries?"

The leader of the group was Gu Guanlin, who had participated in the competition at the Nineflower Sect before.

Apparently, the Great Luo Sect had organized another group of Foundation Establishment cultivators to investigate when their members didn't return.

Hearing Ao Langtian's question, Gu Guanlin shook his head, "We didn't find anyone from our sect, and we've tried various methods of communication without any response."

Ao Langtian immediately asked, "Are there any particularly powerful beasts or restrictions inside?"

Gu Guanlin nodded.

"I discovered several caves of fifth-rank magical beasts and one sixth-rank magical beast within.

Using secret techniques, we managed to avoid detection.

These magical beasts are quite scattered and are among the more common types found in this mountain range. I didn't detect anything unusual."

"Then it's unlikely that they met with an accident due to magical beasts." Ao Langtian said in a deep voice.

"Even if one or two people encountered magical beasts, it's impossible for all of them to have the same fate.

Moreover, I specifically instructed them to avoid magical beasts if possible."

As he spoke, Ao Langtian asked, "What about restrictions? Are there any special ones?"

"I was just about to report that," Gu Guanlin said with a grave expression.

"I found a grand hall within the Wolong Valley sect's ruins that had an array formation restriction.

With our cultivation levels, we couldn't break the restriction. I suspect that our fellow sect members might have been trapped or attacked by someone from the Nineflower Sect using this restriction."

Hearing this, Ao Langtian's eyes turned cold, "That's possible!

Damn it, the Nineflower Sect must give us an explanation for this!

Regardless, we need to open that restriction and take a look."

As he spoke, Ao Langtian's gaze flickered and landed on the youngest of the three Golden Core cultivators beside him, a middle-aged man with a yellow face. "Xiao Shidi, among us, you've been in the Golden Core stage for the shortest time, but you have a deep understanding of restrictions.

We'll open the spatial passage again, and you can try to see if you can enter."

Upon hearing this, the yellow-faced cultivator hesitated, "Brother Ao, it's not that I'm unwilling to take the risk.

But we've all examined this space, and the barrier can't support the entry of a Golden Core cultivator. Brother Sun was only able to enter because of his unique cultivation technique.

I don't have such a technique to suppress my cultivation and evade the detection of the spatial forces.

If I enter and the passage collapses halfway, I'm afraid..."

Ao Langtian fell silent for a moment, then finally said, "What you say makes sense. I'll consult the two Grand Elders.

We must get to the bottom of this. If Brother Sun and the others are indeed trapped by that array formation, we must rescue them."

Throughout their discussion, none of them considered the possibility that Sun Shifan and the others might have been directly killed by the Nineflower Sect.

In their opinion, with the strength of the Great Luo Sect cultivators who had entered the valley, it would be impossible for the Nineflower Sect to cause them any trouble unless they employed some kind of restrictive technique.

Half a day later, a startling aura descended upon Mount Wolong.

Ao Langtian and the others sensed this aura and their faces lit up with joy.

"Master is here!"

As soon as Ao Langtian's words fell, an elderly man with sharp eyes but a short stature appeared before them.

It was unclear what kind of technique he cultivated, but his aura was extremely formidable.

Even as a Nascent Soul cultivator, he showed no restraint in his aura.

"Greetings, Grand Elder!"

As soon as the elderly man appeared, the cultivators of the Great Luo Sect immediately bowed respectfully.

The elder's gaze swept across them and then landed on the invisible spatial barrier in front of them.

After a while, he shook his head, "Don't bother with it. This spatial barrier is highly unstable, and a Golden Core cultivator cannot enter.

Even for Foundation Establishment cultivators, there is a great risk in passing through the barrier due to the frequent openings lately."

Hearing the elder's words, the cultivators of the Great Luo Sect couldn't hide their disappointment.

The elder, however, hummed coldly, "You're being too cautious about this matter. We should have stopped Yu Changge and asked him directly from the start."

As he spoke, the elder looked up toward the direction of the Nineflower Sect, a gleam flashing in his eyes. His tone carried a mix of confidence and arrogance.

"There's no need for such complications. We can just go to the Nineflower Sect and demand an explanation.

Even if Tang Yu is still in seclusion, what can he do even if he comes out?

If I pay him a visit and ask him to clarify the situation, what tricks can his Nineflower Sect still play?"

Hearing the elder's words, Ao Langtian and the others heaved a sigh of relief.

At the same time, their faces showed eager anticipation.

Only a Nascent Soul cultivator could speak with such confidence.

The elder waved his hand, "There's no need for Foundation Establishment cultivators to come along. Return to the sect. Langtian, you and the others follow me."

"Yes!"

Ao Langtian and the others immediately replied in unison.

It seems this jade bone can bring about 1500 points of proficiency to my Nine Transformations Body Refining Art's Undying Golden Body.

But that's not a problem, as this is, after all, the smallest piece."

At the same time, Chu Ning's gaze swept over his cultivation proficiency:

【Flamewood Spirit Art (High-Rank Profound Tier), Fourth Layer (1155/40000)】

【Nine Transformations Body Refining Art, First Volume, Undying Golden Body (5300/10000)】

【Refine God Technique, Fourth Layer (11677/64000)】

Among these, the cultivation of jade bone fusion gave the greatest improvement to his body refinement.

However, it also helped with his qi refinement, and in this month, the proficiency of his Flamewood Spirit Art had increased by over a hundred points compared to normal circumstances.

Evidently, this was a side effect of jade bone refinement.

As these thoughts flashed through his mind, Chu Ning was about to start cultivating again.

Just then, he felt a powerful pressure bearing down on him from above.

Even with the protection of the sect's formation and his own cave abode's formation restrictions, Chu Ning still felt extremely uncomfortable.

This caused a startled look to appear on his face.

"Such pressure... I didn't even feel this from Yu Changge and the others at the late Golden Core stage. Could it be...

A Nascent Soul cultivator?"

With that thought, Chu Ning couldn't sit still any longer and headed out of his cave abode.

At the same time, Yu Changge's voice rang out in the air.

"Greetings, esteemed senior, for visiting the Nineflower Sect. I, Yu Changge, have failed to welcome you in time."

Hearing Yu Changge address the visitor as a senior, Chu Ning's guess was confirmed - the visitor was indeed a Nascent Soul cultivator.

At that moment, a somewhat overbearing voice sounded out.

"I am Sang Pingnan from the Great Luo Sect!"

"The Great Luo Sect!"

Upon hearing the visitor's identity, Chu Ning exclaimed in surprise.

At the same time, in various corners of the Nineflower Sect, numerous disciples of the sect also exclaimed in surprise and walked out of their cultivation grounds, just like Chu Ning, to look up at the sky.

There, above the mountain gate of the Nineflower Sect, a figure stood in the air.

Although this person didn't do anything and was still far away, the overbearing and sharp aura emanating from him made everyone clearly feel his presence.

Chu Ning looked at the figure in the air, his eyes solemn.

"Sang Pingnan of the Great Luo Sect, one of the two early Nascent Soul cultivators of the sect, and also considered to be very likely to advance to the mid-Nascent Soul stage.

If I can remain calm when facing a Golden Core cultivator, facing this person, I only feel that a single thought from him would be enough to destroy me."

As these thoughts flashed through his mind, Chu Ning's heart trembled.

"I've been too smooth-sailing since entering the Nineflower Sect, and with my spiritual sense comparable to that of a Foundation Establishment cultivator, along with the various treasures I possess, I even killed a Qi Refining cultivator.

Unknowingly, I seem to have become less cautious and careful than before."

A flicker of emotion passed through Chu Ning's heart.

"I must always remember that there are heavens beyond heavens and people beyond people. I haven't even formed my core yet, let alone reach the Nascent Soul stage!"

Taking a deep breath, Chu Ning suppressed the emotions in his heart, and his eyes regained their calmness.

Although the visitor was strong, it was natural that he, as a cultivator of this level, wouldn't need to face him.

Just as Chu Ning was thinking this, Yu Changge had already flown up and was also standing in the air.

However, Chu Ning noticed that Yu Changge hadn't left the protection of the formation restrictions.

Apparently, even with Yu Changge's late Golden Core cultivation, he was still wary of Sang Pingnan.

"It turns out to be Senior Sang. I..."

Before Yu Changge could finish speaking, Sang Pingnan interrupted him:

"Yu Changge, our two sects agreed to a friendly competition to enter the Wolong Mountain ruins, relying solely on our own luck.

Why did your Nineflower Sect disciples ambush our sect's disciples in secret? Hmph, do you think our Great Luo Sect is easy to bully?"

Sang Pingnan's last sentence was like rolling thunder, and even Chu Ning felt his mind shake.

At this moment, Yu Changge said in a deep voice:

"Senior Sang, on what basis are you saying this? My Nineflower Sect disciples entered the Wolong Mountain and didn't meet any of your sect's disciples.

They returned to the sect a month ago, so why are you coming to our sect to ask for an explanation now?"

"You didn't meet any of our sect's disciples?" Sang Pingnan said, then lightly snorted.

"That's just your one-sided claim. Call out those dozen or so disciples of yours who came out of Wolong Mountain to confront them!"

As soon as Sang Pingnan said this, the faces of the many Nineflower Sect disciples changed drastically.

At this moment, Yu Changge's face remained unchanged, and he said indifferently:

"Those disciples are all Qi Refining cultivators, how are they qualified to speak in front of seniors? Senior Sang, if you have any doubts, please speak."

"You?" Sang Pingnan asked lightly, then coldly snorted:

"Before reaching the Nascent Soul stage, you are not qualified to speak to me as equals."

"Sang Pingnan, if he's not qualified, what about me?"

Just then, a slightly aged voice sounded in the air, and a figure appeared in the air.

It was a grey-robed old man of medium build with white hair.

Unlike Sang Pingnan, this old man seemed to have no aura at all.

But just standing there, he gave people the feeling that he was in control of this world.

"Supreme Elder!!"

Along with this voice, exclamations of surprise rang out from the Nineflower Sect.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end