This secret realm master possessed immense fortune to obtain a rule crystal and tremendous courage to create this realm in such a manner.
Only... it failed.
The supposed flawless method was seen through, not only was the rule crystal stolen, but even the body undergoing tribulation was melted to dry bones. Perhaps in this world, nothing is truly foolproof. Yet this scene of utter failure might hold another meaning.
At least Chu Xingchen felt this was something Xu Linglong specifically wanted them to see. Even the lingering aura remaining in this formation eye might have been deliberately added by Xu Linglong later. Chu Xingchen didn't believe they could unravel this method yet miss handling these crucial details, leaving dao aura behind.
Xu Linglong's intentions in doing so were likely quite clear. Buddhist sect demons and monsters hard to distinguish? Then I shall help you distinguish.
If the Buddhist demon truly is your dog, Chu Xingchen, then how should you handle the matter of Xiniuzhou? If not, then draw your sword and slay it. At least she, Xu Linglong, could clearly see the situation.
This was an open play, Xu Linglong's response to Chu Xingchen's methods. At least the Buddhist true demon would be eliminated, it wouldn't be Xu Linglong who died, and she could see the situation clearly. The matter of Xiniuzhou served as a push.
Chu Xingchen had to handle it whether he wanted to or not. Faced with Xu Linglong's problem, Chu Xingchen didn't hesitate much—handle it! After all, it was a free demon lord, not killing it would be a waste.
She Xu Linglong was willing to sell it, and Chu Xingchen, this freeloader, was naturally happy to pick it up. Bai Xuanling used tribulation methods to seal the remaining thread of dao aura into a talisman. Just in case, Xu Jin and Bai Xuanling would take this dao aura back to Central Continent to have the three sects study it and see what they can make of it.
Chu Xingchen's own disciples were still in Xiniuzhou, and he was also the nominal commander of this three sect operation, so naturally he couldn't leave Xiniuzhou. Yan Yin digested Chu Xingchen's words and said with a clear expression:
"I thought your method of division was crude and that only idiots would fall for it easily, but I didn't expect it to actually work."
"Crude?" Chu Xingchen raised an eyebrow, "Since ancient times, counter-espionage has always been top strategy, you have no taste."
Yan Yin let out a soft laugh and said:
"Lingyu has finished her seclusion and is now a Nascent Soul perfection cultivator. The sect master sent a letter saying she's on her way."
Chu Xingchen smiled: "Isn't that good news?"
"Naturally it's good news." Yan Yin's expression turned serious, "You're now a Fusion cultivator, so you should understand that advancing from Nascent Soul to Spirit Transformation is like a child growing into an adult—the final stage confirming one's future dao."
"Lingyu has always been righteous and calm, appearing cold, but her inner emotions can still fluctuate."
"Coming to Xiniuzhou now is meant to temper her, but you should pay attention too."
"With your cultivation, you're her senior, and your profound foundation might give you unique insights. You should give her more guidance."
Hearing this, Chu Xingchen fell silent.
Advancing from Nascent Soul to Spirit Transformation... this feeling...
The final confirmation of the dao...
Unique insights...
Chu Xingchen thought back but really had no unique insights, only a feeling of natural progression.
"What was it like when you advanced from Nascent Soul to Spirit Transformation?"
Chu Xingchen looked at Yan Yin, wanting to ask this ordinary cultivator's experience. Yan Yin looked Chu Xingchen up and down, feeling like Chu Xingchen was about to mock her.
But...
The dao in her heart was her choice, so she could answer. Yan Yin gently raised her hand, and endless pale white threads seemed to fall from the sky. She lightly flicked these threads and said with some pride:
"The myriad threads of fate are all in my hands."
Chu Xingchen looked at the white threads that had formed and wrapped around Yan Yin's hand and nodded as if enlightened. Yan Yin released her hand, the threads dissolving, and asked:
"And you?"
Chu Xingchen smiled, lightly raised his hand, and myriad things flowed between his fingers as clear and bright dao aura circulated:
"It's probably all fate."
Yan Yin didn't quite understand, but it didn't much concern her. Everyone has their own path to follow, and she turned to leave:
"Besides Chen Baiqing who's still at Zhengyin Fasi Temple, all your other disciples who came here have arrived."
"By the way, Cui Hao has a new proposal, you should find out about it later."
"In a few days I'll return to Tianyan Sect to prepare for breaking through to Spirit Transformation and entering Integration Realm. If there's any trouble, bother me these few days."
"After I break through, matters here should be resolved."
Chu Xingchen watched Yan Yin's retreating back and said with a light smile:
"Naturally there is, but first I wish you prosperity on your immortal path."
Hearing this, Yan Yin stopped, turned seriously, and cupped her hands in response:
"I wish you the same, and remember what I told you about Lingyu."
Chu Xingchen nodded slightly: "Rest assured, even if I forget you, I won't forget her." Yan Yin turned and left again:
"That's best."
Chu Xingchen withdrew his gaze and headed toward the inner courtyard, the way smooth. Before he could see anyone, he heard Cui Hao's voice.
"Senior sister, you don't know how profound my thoughts are, even if Master came, he could only kowtow to me."
Li Yingling's teasing voice sounded:
"You only dare to say this when Baiqing and Master aren't around."
"Second senior brother, listen to what senior sister said, tell me your true thoughts, was what I said just now reasonable?"
"Well... there's some truth to it, but I also don't think you'd dare say this to Master's face. "
"Second senior brother, you've changed! Fourth senior sister! You're of righteous qi, you come and judge!"
"I think you wouldn't dare either."
"Fourth senior sister?!"
Chu Xingchen smiled and stepped into the room:
"I think you would, since I've been listening all the way."
Everyone sitting in the courtyard looked toward Chu Xingchen together. Cui Hao's tragic expression turned to shock. Lin Luoyu held a teacup, a smile appearing on her face.
Li Yingling propped her cheek with one hand, the surprise in her eyes evident. Li Xingtian sat upright, and when he saw his master, an unconscious smile still appeared on his face. Perhaps because he had seen Li Xingtian's smile too often, what Chu Xingchen once found fierce now seemed rather cute.
"Master."
"Master..."
Everyone spoke in unison and stood up. Chu Xingchen smiled and nodded in response. Cui Hao quickly approached his master:
"Master, I've missed you so much, was the journey smooth?"
"It was okay, but how do you want me to kowtow? I've never kowtowed before."
"This...
I was just joking..."
"Oh?"
"Really."
Chu Xingchen smiled but didn't press further. If Cui Hao couldn't talk big like this, it would be strange, and he'd suspect someone had been replaced. Seeing his master wasn't pursuing it, Cui Hao strangely asked:
"Master, how do you always arrive so coincidentally right when someone mentions you?"
Chu Xingchen hooked his arm around Cui Hao's shoulder and raised an eyebrow:
"Naturally it's because our master-disciple bond is deep. I'll teach you a lesson later."
"What... what lesson? "
"Master's big hand will become very warm after it slaps your face!"
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