Translator: Cinder Translations
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Cultivating the first two layers of the Focused Spirit Stab technique is no easy task.
To advance, one must consu two specific pills: the Earth Spirit Pill and the Heaven Spirit Pill. These pills are critical for this cultivation technique.
Only with the aid of these pills can the spiritual blade of one's consciousness take shape.
The primary ingredients for the Earth Spirit Pill are the soul and blood essence of a Tide Beast. Fortunately, Song Wen already possessed these materials, and the other supplentary ingredients were not difficult to find.
The Earth Spirit Pill's refinent process was relatively straightforward, and Song Wen was confident of a 70% chance of success on his first attempt.
In comparison, the requirents for refining the Heaven Spirit Pill were exceptionally demanding.
First, the main ingredient was the soul source of nine Qi Refinent stage cultivators.
Second, the refinent had to be conducted using live humans as ingredients. Before being placed into the alchemy furnace, the human "materials" needed to be physically intact, with their souls fully intact.
Finally, nine third-rank alchemists were required to work together for eighteen consecutive days to successfully refine the pill.
Each of these three conditions was exceedingly difficult to et.
Especially the second condition—it necessitated imdiate refinent after capturing the human ingredients.
Even prolonged captivity risked depleting their vitality or damaging their souls, which could result in failure.
Given these challenges, it was virtually impossible for soone like Song Wen to successfully refine the Heaven Spirit Pill.
Only a major power like the Xing family could et such conditions to produce this pill.
Song Wen suddenly recalled that Gan Hong had once ntioned Xing Li Ren was planning to refine a "special pill" requiring the collaboration of nine third-rank alchemists.
"Could it be that Xing Li Ren is refining the Heaven Spirit Pill?"
An idea began to take shape in Song Wen's mind: infiltrating the group of nine alchemists to assist Xing Li Ren in refining the Heaven Spirit Pill and then seizing the pill for himself.
But he quickly dismissed the thought.
According to Xing Xinxin's mories, the Xing family's alchemy chamber was located deep within their stronghold.
As a Golden Core stage cultivator at the initial level, Song Wen had no chance of obtaining the Heaven Spirit Pill in such a heavily fortified place; attempting to do so would only lead to his death.
Moreover, the Heaven Spirit Pill involved highly sensitive matters. If word of its existence were to spread, it would severely tarnish the Xing family's righteous reputation.
As an unaffiliated alchemist, Song Wen risked being implicated in the scandal.
The Xing family might imprison him for life, turning him into their alchemy slave, forcing him to refine pills for them indefinitely, with no hope of leaving their domain.
Unable to co up with a feasible plan to obtain the Heaven Spirit Pill, Song Wen decided to set the matter aside for now.
He resolved to first refine the Earth Spirit Pill and complete the first layer of the technique before considering his next steps.
Song Wen altered his appearance, disguising himself as a mid-stage Foundation Establishnt rogue cultivator.
He returned to Fang City and rented a new cave dwelling.
The identity of "Wei Ding" was no longer useful to him.
If Shan Yue bore a grudge and sought revenge, tracking down "Wei Ding" would likely lead her straight to his previous residence.
...
North Fang City
Inside a grand palace.
In the hall, a dignified and elegant woman sat on a low couch.
Her brows were furrowed, her face filled with deep sorrow and anger.
A man flew into the hall, landing gracefully.
The newcor was Xing Li Ren.
"Mother, you summoned urgently. May I know why?"
The woman, Xing Li Ren's mother, was Jing Feiyao.
She hailed from the Jing family, a powerful faction in the Chaotic Sea region. Her marriage to Xing Gaohan was a political alliance between two influential families.
Jing Feiyao did not enjoy Xing Gaohan's favor, but due to the influence of the Jing family behind her, Xing Gaohan had no choice but to treat her with the respect she deserved.
Jing Feiyao's expression was mournful, her voice trembling as she spoke:
"News just arrived from the ancestral hall. Your sister's soul lamp has gone out."
Xing Li Ren froze, his face full of disbelief.
"That's impossible! How could Xinxin be dead?"
Jing Feiyao replied, "The ancestral hall is responsible for safeguarding the family mbers' soul lamps. They don't make mistakes. I also tried contacting Xinxin multiple tis through communication jade, but there has been no response."
Xing Li Ren clenched his fists tightly, veins bulging. "Who? Who killed her?"
Jing Feiyao said, "The ancestral hall hasn't identified the culprit yet. Xinxin was last seen two days ago. Afterward, she left Dark Star Black Market on her own and disappeared without a trace."
Xing Li Ren shouted angrily, "The ancestral hall is useless! If we rely on them, we'll never find out who killed her!"
Jing Feiyao continued, "Grandma Jin did provide so clues. The night before Xinxin went missing, she had dealings with a Golden Core stage cultivator. The deal fell through. Grandma Jin suspects that Xinxin's death is related to this cultivator."
Xing Li Ren asked in a deep voice, "Do we have any information about this Golden Core cultivator?"
Jing Feiyao replied, "Grandma Jin only knows that the person is a Golden Core stage cultivator at the initial level and skilled in lightning techniques. The subject of their transaction was the demonic cultivation technique Corpse King Blood Refinent Art."
Xing Li Ren said, "I understand. I will find the killer."
With that, he turned to leave, but Jing Feiyao spoke again.
"Li Ren, how is the preparation for the Heaven Spirit Pill going?"
Xing Li Ren shook his head. "The alchemists haven't all been found yet."
"How many are still missing?" Jing Feiyao asked.
"So far, we've secured five third-rank alchemists. We still need four more," Xing Li Ren replied.
Jing Feiyao said, "The Spellcraft Gathering is fast approaching. What are your plans?"
After a mont of silence, Xing Li Ren replied, "I plan to search other islands and try my luck there."
Jing Feiyao said, "Third-rank alchemists are rare. Finding four more in such a short ti will be difficult. Moreover, convincing them to travel long distances to Fang Island and refine pills for you is even harder."
Xing Li Ren looked at his mother with confusion, unsure of her intentions in bringing this up.
Jing Feiyao continued, "Your uncle could lend you a helping hand in this matter."
Xing Li Ren frowned but did not imdiately respond.
His uncle, naturally, referred to a mber of the Jing family.
Xing Li Ren knew the Jing family wouldn't help him for no reason. His uncle must have ulterior motives.
As the legitimate son of Xing Gaohan, Xing Li Ren already had a strong backing within the Xing family. He didn't need to rely on the Jing family.
Maintaining close ties with the Jing family might lead to accusations of collusion with outsiders, which could be used against him.
Xing Li Ren shook his head and said, "There's no need to trouble my uncle. I can handle this myself."
Jing Feiyao said, "Li Ren, I understand your concerns. But sotis, one must learn to adapt and weigh the situation.
"News from Cloud Sky Peak indicates that Xing Yixuan has recently advanced to the peak of the Golden Core stage."
Cloud Sky Peak was another branch of the Xing family located in the northern part of Fang City, though it was not part of Xing Li Ren's lineage.
The mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivator Xing Wenyao, an elder of Cloud Sky Peak's branch, served as its patriarch.
Xing Li Ren narrowed his eyes, revealing a thoughtful expression.
Xing Yixuan, a genius from Cloud Sky Peak, was about the sa age as Xing Li Ren but had already advanced to the peak of the Golden Core stage. This posed significant pressure on Xing Li Ren, who aspired to beco the next leader of the Xing family.
After a mont of contemplation, Xing Li Ren asked, "What does Uncle want in return?"
A smile appeared on Jing Feiyao's face.
"Your uncle wants the Focused Spirit Stab technique."
(End of the Chapter)
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