Chapter 234

The Qi Refining path.

The Eastern Sea Cultivation World.

A streak of sword light burst through the sea, emerging from the ocean depths. Standing atop it was a young sword immortal with sharp brows, bright eyes, and white robes fluttering in the wind. It was none other than Fang Qing in his "Fang Jin" identity.

‘Things over in the Blissful Union region are becoming more and more dangerous. Two Golden Core sects are locked in open war. Even the aftershocks could easily kill a Purple Mansion cultivator.’

‘This side is much safer.’

The moment he returned to the Qi Refining world, Fang Qing immediately felt a tremendous sense of security.

‘Mm... As long as nothing major happens, I won't be going back. And if something major does happen, then I definitely shouldn't go back.’

If the Esoteric Hidden-Treasury Domain discovered that the Vajra Strength Duzi was absent, at worst it would be considered abandoning his post.

But if the Blissful Union Sect discovered what was happening and launched an attack, that could cost him his life.

Thus, while it appeared that Fang Qing was faithfully holding the Eastern Waters region, the truth was somewhat different.

He had only converted a few disciples and left them inside the mandala array as informants. After that, he slipped away and returned to the Qi Refining world.

As for using the "Fang Jin" identity and cultivation, that was naturally because the events surrounding Heavenly Spring Island had become rather significant.

Although Fang Qing considered himself little more than a spectator caught up in events, he had ultimately killed a Core Formation cultivator from Blood Fiend Island. He could not help worrying that someone might remember and seek revenge.

‘My luck really is something else. Everywhere I go, major incidents break out. At the very least, every trip seems to involve another Nascent Soul old monster.’

‘Still, I'll accept responsibility for Yuanxin Market. But Tianquan Island definitely wasn't my fault. That disaster was brought about by Zhan Hongxiu, that Child of Destiny.’

Thinking of Zhan Hongxiu, Fang Qing casually performed a divination.

His heart immediately stirred.

‘A sign of surviving a great calamity. Her fortunes have reversed after reaching rock bottom. It looks like she's encountered another opportunity. She's probably close to forming her Core now.’

‘As for me, I should find a third-rank water vein and refine the Profound Star Cascade Pill. Then I'll consume several third-rank demon beast soul pills and other cultivation-enhancing medicines and break through to mid-stage Core Formation as soon as possible.’

‘Can't let myself get surpassed by those who started later.’

Perhaps because of the quality of his Golden Core, cultivation during the early Core Formation stage had proven remarkably smooth for Fang Qing.

Furthermore, after the opening of the Zhoutian Palace secret realm, he had accumulated a vast quantity of medicinal pills refined from spiritual herbs. Combined with third-rank water-aspect demon cores, his cultivation had advanced at an astonishing pace.

‘Mm... Once she forms her Core, her fortune will erupt again.’

‘To sum it up, another opportunity to harvest some benefits has arrived.’

With a flick of his sleeve, the flying sword Wolfbreaker appeared.

The flying sword had already reached three revolutions and was comparable to the dharma treasures wielded by Core Formation cultivators.

The Sharp Edge Chapter belonged to Metal Virtue, one of the openly manifested Daos. The mana cultivated through the Heavenly Escape Sword Art carried an innate sharpness of extraordinary purity.

With his late Dao Foundation cultivation, already approaching perfection after conversion, combined with his physical strength, qi-blood, and divine sense, Fang Qing felt there would be little problem pretending to be an early Core Formation sword cultivator.

He raised a hand.

Sword qi condensed instantly.

Countless strands of starlight descended while mist drifted around him.

One sword light after another split apart, transforming into afterimages accompanied by peals of thunder.

Suddenly, a clear sword cry echoed across the heavens.

An incomparable sharpness erupted forth.

The sword itself had not yet arrived, but a second-rank demon bird that happened to be flying nearby had already died from terror alone, its courage shattered as it plummeted from the sky.

‘The path of sword cultivation begins with Condensing Sword Qi. After that come Sword Motion Like Thunder, Sword Light Division, Sword Heart Clarity, Sword Intent Forming Momentum, and the other sword stages.’

‘Strictly speaking, according to the theory of the Qi Ingestion Path, Qi Ingestion cultivators are not considered fully human. Therefore, merely condensing sword qi doesn't truly make one a sword cultivator. Only after reaching the later stages can one barely be considered a genuine sword cultivator.’

‘These sword realms do not stand above or below one another. Achieving any one of them is enough to establish a reputation among Dao Foundation cultivators.’

‘But if one wishes to stand above all peers, then everything depends on One Sword Breaking Ten Thousand Laws!’

After obtaining the status of a Duzi, Fang Qing viewed matters from a far higher perspective.

Reaching these Dao Foundation-level sword stages was no longer particularly difficult.

Only One Sword Breaking Ten Thousand Laws still posed a challenge.

‘I probably can't fully comprehend the Purple Mansion-level One Sword Breaking Ten Thousand Laws.’

‘But creating an inferior version shouldn't be too difficult.’

Looking at Wolfbreaker in his palm, a thought arose in Fang Qing's mind.

‘A Dao Foundation-level One Sword Breaking Ten Thousand Laws.’

‘With a single strike, it should be able to borrow a trace of status and authority from somewhere beyond perception.’

‘And precisely because of that blessing of status, all techniques can be broken and all opposition swept aside!’

‘Unfortunately, the borrowed authority is minuscule and can only empower a single strike. Once used, it is gone.’

‘Even so, it would possess the power of a temporary Duzi-level attack.’

‘No wonder sword cultivators are unrivaled among their peers. Isn't this basically cheating?’

As for where that trace of authority came from, Fang Qing had his own guesses.

It was likely borrowed either from some Metal Virtue attainment or from a Sword Dao attainment.

The latter possibility seemed greater.

Perhaps that Sword Dao attainment had never been fully claimed, remained hidden, or had long since perished.

That would explain why only a temporary fragment of authority could be borrowed before disappearing again.

But none of that really mattered.

After all, Fang Qing possessed the authority of a Duzi himself.

‘The only question is whether Mutual Slaughter recognizes it.’

‘Still, if a late Dao Foundation sword cultivator can borrow authority through One Sword Breaking Ten Thousand Laws, and I, as a late Dao Foundation cultivator, can do the same, except that I can unleash many such strikes... it shouldn't discriminate against me, right?’

The reason Fang Qing had devoted so much effort to studying sword realms and One Sword Breaking Ten Thousand Laws was naturally preparation for the future sword duels in the lands of Wu and Yue.

Mutual Slaughter was simply too useful.

He had specifically refined a natal flying sword for it.

Now he was merely waiting for the day he could finally put it to proper use.

After practicing his sword for a while, Fang Qing prepared to return to Ice Heaven Island. He intended to collect several ingredients for the Profound Star Cascade Pill from Zhong Lingxiu's Zhong Alliance, then find a suitable place to refine the medicine.

By the time the pill was successfully refined, Zhan Hongxiu would likely have completed her Core Formation as well. At that point, he could conveniently go and test his luck once more.

Just then, two Core Formation-level divine senses swept across the area.

Not long afterward, an ornate treasure carriage approached through the sky. Two female cultivators in violet palace gowns stepped out.

"Members of the Wang Immortal Clan, Wang Ziqin and my younger sister Wang Zixuan, pay our respects, Fellow Daoist. Earlier, my sister and I noticed a sword aura soaring into the heavens and thought some treasure had appeared. We did not expect to interrupt Fellow Daoist's elegant sword practice."

Wang Ziqin's skin was as white as snow, and her beauty was breathtaking. A trace of apology lingered on her face, making others instinctively want to reassure her.

"So it is the famed Wang Sisters."

Fang Qing withdrew his flying sword and clasped one hand behind his back. After a brief calculation, he immediately discerned their backgrounds.

"The reputation of the Wang Immortal Clan, with six Core Formation cultivators in a single family, is truly thunderous."

The two women belonged to the nearby Wang Immortal Clan, a Core Formation family that had flourished tremendously in recent years.

Among the oldest "Jun" generation, a late Core Formation great cultivator had emerged. The following "Zi" generation and "Jin" generation had likewise produced multiple Core Formation cultivators.

Interestingly, the Zi generation consisted of these two sisters, while the Jin generation consisted of a pair of twin brothers. Within the local Core Formation circles, they were quite well known.

Unfortunately, Fang Qing had never paid attention to them before.

At most, he concerned himself with Nascent Soul factions of the Eastern Sea cultivation world. As for Core Formation forces? They were as numerous as grains of sand. A casual glance was all they merited.

Now that they had met in person, however, a brief karmic calculation brought all the relevant information to mind and even revealed quite a few new details.

Hearing Fang Qing's praise, both Wang Ziqin and Wang Zixuan appeared pleased.

Wang Zixuan spoke first.

"Fellow Daoist's swordsmanship is extraordinarily sharp, enough to make ghosts weep and gods tremble. Are you perhaps interested in testing your sword against a demon beast?"

"My sister and I are currently pursuing a Fish Hawk Beast. It has already been wounded by our combined efforts and carries my Thousand-Li Soul-Locking Incense. It should lead us back to its lair soon."

"A third-rank demon beast's nest is certain to contain rare spiritual flowers and precious herbs. If Fellow Daoist would lend us a hand, my sister and I would gladly offer treasures in gratitude."

"Oh?"

After listening, Fang Qing silently evaluated the situation.

'If this were the Qi Ingestion world, I'd have to call this a straight hook baited with salted meat.'

'But judging from the hexagram, these two genuinely aren't trying to set me up. Is the atmosphere of the Eastern Sea cultivation world really this simple and honest?'

'Of course, perhaps they simply have confidence. Both are early Core Formation cultivators, and together they cultivate a combined attack secret art. Their combat strength is comparable to that of a mid-stage Core Formation cultivator. They probably aren't worried about me causing trouble.'

'The truth is, if I weren't involved, these two would be destined to perish on this trip.'

'As for that Fish Hawk Beast, not only is its demon core water-aspected and useful to me, but near its nest there is also a stalk of Peng Transformation Grass.'

'That herb is one of the ingredients needed for the Profound Star Cascade Pill. This journey is worth making.'

Countless thoughts passed through his mind, yet from the Wang sisters' perspective, Fang Qing merely raised an eyebrow slightly.

"It is exactly what I would wish for, though I would not dare ask for it."

"Then we shall lead the way."

Wang Ziqin smiled faintly and returned to the treasure carriage, taking the lead.

No matter how bold the sisters were, they would never invite an unfamiliar Core Formation sword cultivator into their carriage.

It was not merely a matter of reputation, but of safety.

Within such a confined space, if a sword cultivator suddenly launched an attack, even their combined strength would likely leave them severely injured before they could react.

Whoosh!

Fang Qing merged with his sword, transforming into a streak of sword light that tore through the atmosphere at astonishing speed. He still appeared completely at ease.

Inside the carriage, the curtain lifted slightly.

A pair of eyes as brilliant as the stars watched the sword light outside.

Wang Zixuan formed a hand seal and cast a sound-isolation spell before transmitting through divine sense.

"Big Sister... why did you have me invite him?"

"We already injured the Fish Hawk Beast together. Even if it retreats to its nest, there is no reason for us to fear it."

Wang Ziqin sighed softly.

"Isn't it because of Jinfeng and Jinhai?"

"They formed a grudge with the Three Fiends of the Tong Clan and agreed to settle it through a cultivation duel."

"The Three Fiends of the Tong Clan also have backing and aren't afraid of our ancestor. Both sides agreed to send three early Core Formation cultivators into a life-and-death battle."

"Jinfeng and Jinhai must participate. That leaves one final spot."

"If the two of us could fight together, naturally we would fill that position ourselves. Unfortunately..."

She let out a faint sigh.

Wang Zixuan's expression darkened as well.

In terms of individual strength, she was merely an ordinary early Core Formation cultivator. Compared to experts like the Three Fiends of the Tong Clan, there was still a noticeable gap.

"So, Sister, you mean...?"

A thoughtful look appeared in her eyes.

"This person is a sword cultivator. Judging from his aura, he is only at the early Core Formation stage. Sword cultivators excel at combat."

"We can use this opportunity to observe his temperament and character."

"If he proves suitable, then he could become one of our backup candidates."

Wang Ziqin slowly transmitted.

This duel was an extremely important matter.

There were already several potential candidates for the third position, but each came with certain concerns, and none offered a guaranteed victory.

That was why she intended to recruit additional allies.

Even if they ultimately did not participate in the duel itself, having them present as honored guests and supporters on the day of the battle would still greatly strengthen their side's momentum.