Born with immortal seed

Chapter 760 Chongxu Sword Bone
"What are the characteristics?"

Li Guizhen raised his sword-like eyebrows, and the entire Eastern Region's eligible seedlings were available for selection by Rotten Axe Mountain, a selection range far exceeding that of his own mountain.

Although truly top-tier talents have long been quietly recruited by sects in various regions and rarely flow out.

However, this report card is still insufficient.

Benshan is only located in the territory of Liang Kingdom's two prefectures. In addition, there are immortal seedlings who have taken the initiative to come to join us from the Northern Region. This year, there is a Heavenly Spiritual Root among the newly entered disciples.

The good news from Montenegro had already been sent over through intelligence exchanges between the two regions.

If one possesses only a unique spiritual root and lacks other hidden talents, the disciple's file wouldn't even have a chance to be sent to Li Guizhen's case.

Not to mention moving the Nascent Soul Ancestor.

"His finger bones are thick and strong, and he has the strength to shatter rocks and split gold without any training... Moreover, his physical body has been tested and he is no different from an ordinary person. His divine power comes purely from his bones."

Wei Keji was a third-generation native disciple of the Eastern Region who joined the Qingfeng Sect after Lankeshan became the Daoist temple of the White Ancestor.

There was a rule that disciples who had achieved success in their cultivation and assumed positions within the sect would return to their home mountain for a year of further study and to pay homage to their ancestors.

So that future generations of disciples will not forget the origins of their lineage and forget that their sect came from the harsh and cold northern region.

However, with the constant warfare in the cultivation world these past few years, the journey is far too dangerous without the assistance of a Nascent Soul True Monarch.

Even if they raise the banner of the Qingfeng Sect, they can only intimidate those forces with a name and a reputation.

Those who commit robbery and run away after a single heist, or those who wave a big flag and pretend to be part of the Datong Army, don't care who's behind you.

Therefore, the requirement to return to Benshan to further his studies was interrupted, and he only needed to transfer to other positions in the Eastern Region.

With Qingfeng Sect becoming a Nascent Soul sect, the recruitment of disciples is no longer like it used to be, where the sect would open its gates at the appointed time for people to register or select disciples from various places.

Recruiting disciples is a systematic and long-term endeavor that requires continuous effort.

From setting up the most basic spirit-testing artifacts in towns and cities within the region, to explaining the criteria for classifying first-grade immortal seedlings, and to urgently reporting any unusual phenomena observed in newborns.

Although being a spirit guide is hard work, it is a relatively popular job.

As long as an outstanding seedling is discovered during the term of office, the sect will not hesitate to reward them. Those with Heavenly Spiritual Roots can even be considered to have made a great contribution.

Moreover, they introduced top-grade immortal seedlings into the sect, establishing a bond of kinship with them.

Perhaps in a hundred or eighty years, they will have surpassed you and will have to turn around and help you.

Wei Keji had no powerful connections or background, and his cultivation progress was only in the middle range among his peers. He had to put in a lot of effort to earn this position.

He was extremely meticulous in his work, practically traversing the entire area around Rotten Axe Mountain on foot. Whenever news reached him, no matter how far away, he would sail his flying boat to investigate.

The result can only be attributed to bad luck; it didn't even reach the average level of the past.

Without additional rewards, it would definitely be a bad deal to spend so much of the time spent cultivating techniques on recruiting disciples.

We can only pray that the remaining fairy seedling is some hidden spirit that can salvage some points.

If it is indeed the legendary Holy Body, and one is recognized as a first-class immortal seedling in one fell swoop, then all the effort will be worthwhile.

"As for spiritual roots, the test results show only three spiritual roots, and their sensitivity to the spiritual energy of heaven and earth doesn't seem very high..."

Wei Keji was afraid that the boy had mediocre talent, was just a bloodline mutation, and had no value in being cultivated, which would disappoint Li Guizhen.

This Elder Li is a disciple of Elder Bai, a great figure who is expected to reach the Nascent Soul stage, and one of the highest-ranking elders in the sect.

If you leave a bad impression on him, your future will be bleak.

“Spiritual roots are not worth mentioning... The ten fingers can generate divine power, but the blood and qi are ordinary, which rules out the possibility of demon bloodline, but there is no corresponding spiritual body.”

Master possesses the aptitude of three spiritual roots, while Li Guizhen places little importance on innate talent, clearly understanding that there are many other factors that can determine the future of the Great Dao.

"Take me there and see what caused the finger bone injury and what its limit is... If it was caused by consuming a spiritual herb when I was young, then it has little cultivation value."

The two arrived at a low guest peak of Rotten Axe Mountain, where several rows of courtyards were built on the flattened peak, specifically to house the Immortal Seedlings and newly joined disciples.

It was basically a group of teenagers, running and playing on the summit, brimming with youthful energy.

Being accepted into the sect of Rotten Axe Mountain at this age means everything is going smoothly and one is free from worries.

Only a few disciples who came from independent cultivation stood awkwardly to one side, completely out of place with the atmosphere in the room.

Aside from age, the Qingfeng Sect now basically no longer accepts disciples who have already achieved a certain level of cultivation.

Unless they are truly hidden gems with qualities that the Spirit Guide Deacon cannot refuse, even then, it will be extremely difficult for them to advance in the sect in the future.

They basically can't follow the inner sect's true lineage for advancement. They'll get involved in general affairs early on, starting as fire-working Taoist priests. If they can get to the position of manager, it's considered that they have a benefactor supporting them.

Another possibility is that their ancestors were once disciples of the Qingfeng Sect, and after several generations, a successful descendant emerged, making it much easier for them to return to the sect.

Upon seeing the steward arrive with another senior, everyone stood quietly and bowed in greeting.

Judging from their walking posture, stance, and demeanor, it was clear that this senior from the sect held a higher status than Steward Wei, causing many people to hold their breath.

"Elder, this child is named Song Ding, and he is seventeen years old this year... He comes from a family of fishermen on the coast and has been out at sea to fish for many years, so the time for his spiritual guidance is a few years late."

Wei Keji led a dark-skinned, lean young man into the main hall and began to introduce him.

"The person before you is Elder Li of the sect. Hurry up and pay your respects."

Li Guizhen waved his hand to stop Song Ding's grand bowing and gestured for him to step forward to have his bones touched.

His hands were noticeably larger than normal, with distinct knuckles, and covered with scars—all from his childhood fishing and shellfish collecting at the bottom of the sea.

A wisp of true essence drilled into the palm, and just as it was about to delve into the finger bones for careful study, the ten finger bones seemed to transform into ten flying swords, slicing the invading true essence into countless pieces.

The shattered true essence scattered everywhere, mixing with the sword energy, and shooting out from the fingertips.

laugh!laugh!laugh!
A burst of dense fire was seen, and the three-inch bluestone floor tiles in the hall were pierced through to the bottom and shattered into several pieces.

"Sword energy? You're a sword cultivator!"

Li Guizhen blurted out the question, then immediately realized he had asked a stupid one.

This boy has no foundation whatsoever; he hasn't even practiced the most basic Qi refining techniques. How could he possibly be related to sword cultivators?

There must be another reason for this situation.

He sat up straight and began to study the hands using both his true essence and divine sense.

"The Void-Piercing Sword Bone! It's actually an innate sword bone; he must be the number one in our sect!"

After a long while, Li Guizhen's eyes lit up, and he finally found the correct answer.

Fortunately, because his master was the number one sword cultivator in the cultivation world, even though he was not good at swordsmanship, he had a very comprehensive understanding of the relevant knowledge.

Those who possess the essence of swords are born sword cultivators, without exception.

In terms of developmental value, it may not be superior to the Heavenly Spiritual Root. After all, there have been extreme examples of cultivators with innate sword bones who were completely clueless about cultivation and barely managed to form a core after exhausting all their resources. The Heavenly Spiritual Root at least has a higher lower limit.

In terms of quantity, innate sword bones are definitely rarer than heavenly spiritual roots.

However, in the Qingfeng Sect, due to the influence of Ancestor Bai, those with innate sword bones are undoubtedly top-tier immortal seedlings, and receive the most extra rewards.

Who can blame them when there isn't a single sword genius among the younger generation of disciples in the sect? It would be a disgrace to the Sword Lord of Time if word got out.

"I will draft a document for the Elders' Council tomorrow, attaching your name to the first page. Your reward will not be shortchanged... Having such a disciple, the past ten years of work on cultivating immortal seedlings at Rotten Axe Mountain have not been in vain!"

Li Guizhen grasped Song Ding's hand and said excitedly.

"Thank you for your affirmation, Elder. I will live up to your expectations and work even harder."

Upon hearing the words "innate sword bone," Wei Keji was overwhelmed with ecstasy.

After hearing Li Guizhen's words, he knew that once he reached the Foundation Establishment stage, he would definitely receive a Core Formation spiritual item.

It is highly likely that this dark-skinned fisherman's boy was the benefactor who changed his life.

The number of disciples who reach the Foundation Establishment stage each year in the Qingfeng Sect far exceeds the number of Core Formation spiritual items that can be provided.

To exchange for it, in addition to having enough sect contributions, you also need to have great merit.

Otherwise, you'll just have to wait in line, but you might not get a turn even in twenty or thirty years.

Purchasing through channels outside the sect requires spirit stones that not every Foundation Establishment disciple can afford.

Li Guizhen and Wei Keji were both excited, while Song Ding, the person involved, remained calm and composed.

From the moment they entered until now, they've maintained the same expression, neither happy nor sad.

"Aside from the fact that the sword bones are the same, the sword cultivation progress is several times that of ordinary people. The Chongxu sword bone can also contain sword qi, and its destructive power is equivalent to the full force of the person. It also has the effect of breaking the restriction, turning the protective true essence, and guarding the treasure light... Ten Chongxu sword qi, it is really hard for anyone of the same level to block them."

Li Guizhen knew that with his limited swordsmanship skills, teaching Song Ding would be tantamount to misleading him.

Ma Ruoxi is slightly better, but she may not be able to bring out the full potential of the young man.

"I wonder if Master still has the interest in taking on another disciple. He mentioned in the past that he wanted to find a disciple who could inherit his swordsmanship. I wonder if he has changed his mind after reaching the Nascent Soul stage. Can the Void-Piercing Sword Bone alone meet the requirements..."

The fact that Elder Bai accepted a disciple was a major event for the entire Qingfeng Sect.

Even given his current status, this is no small matter for the entire cultivation world.

As a disciple with Qi Refining cultivation, I can't imagine how I should react when I encounter those Core Formation elders.

Moreover, he possesses innate sword bones, which would make him a holy son in any sword sect in the cultivation world, with True Monarchs vying to take him as a disciple.

But if it were Bai Zichen, everyone would think it was reasonable for him to have high expectations for his disciples.

After thinking it over, Li Guizhen decided to keep Song Ding by his side and train him.

Because I was unsure of my master's plans, I was only taught the most basic non-attribute Qi gathering method, so that it would be easier for him to switch to other cultivation techniques in the future.

A few months later, it was discovered that the taciturn Song Ding did not show any advantage in cultivation, and was even ranked in the lower middle.

They can reveal their amazing fighting talent without anyone noticing.

In a quarrel with other new disciples, he silently used a wooden sword to knock down five people, all of whom were at a higher Qi Refining level than him.

There were no fancy sword techniques, and no one had taught him.

But relying solely on instinct and intuition, he easily won with a wooden sword that wasn't even at the highest level, and the swordplay he displayed amazed Li Guizhen.

Let him understand the difference between a true sword genius and an ordinary swordsman.

He was born with a talent for swordsmanship and combat, but his physical constitution was ordinary.

This combination inevitably evokes images of the White Ancestor, sparking endless imagination.

……

Lightless City, City Lord's Mansion.

The strange phenomena in the heavens and earth subsided, revealing a giant talisman inside, in which several cultivators were dancing with swords, their movements ancient and solemn.

The spiritual energy swirled, forming a vortex, and surged into the boy at the center, using up ten years' worth of the city lord's mansion's reserves in one fell swoop.

Those high-grade spirit stones were crushed into powder, helping those who had formed their core to save themselves more than ten years of arduous work in refining their true essence.

Li Xuanji opened his eyes, stood up and let out a long roar, shattering the clouds in the sky.

After many hardships, he finally succeeded in forming his core today and integrated the Heavenly Inquiry Sword Technique into his natal talisman.

Even their alchemical theories were related to the Heavenly Questions, leading them down a path never before trodden by the people of Wuguang City.

Once his cultivation had stabilized and he had mastered the unique Core Formation technique of Wuguang City, Li Xuanji packed his belongings and prepared to head to the distant Rotten Axe Mountain.

We will traverse the barren and ferocious Western Regions, the rich and vast Central Regions, and finally reach our destination, the Rotten Axe Mountain in the Eastern Regions.

The city of Wuguang has stood for ten thousand years, and no disciple has ever been to such a distant place.

"To all the sages and elders of the Immortal City, I embark on my journey today to visit the Sword Lord of Time at Rotten Axe Mountain... I hope to become a disciple of the Sword Lord and, after mastering my skills, be able to eliminate the blade hanging over the heads of the Western Regions people in one fell swoop."

Li Xuanji faced the main hall, performed three kowtows and nine prostrations, and then left with firm steps.

First, the Datong Army rebelled, and then the ancient demons appeared. The Central Region was so busy with its own affairs that it almost forgot about the Western Region.

Without the aid of human sects, and only in the aftermath of the conflict, the three immortal cities were already struggling to withstand the half-demon offensive and were becoming increasingly miserable.

The promise that the Sword Master of Time made casually back then has become the last hope for the City of No Light.

Even if the probability is extremely low, we should still give it a try.

As Li Xuanji left Wuguang City, his silhouette grew longer and longer, a picture of utter loneliness.

Countless eyes were staring intently at him from behind, pressing down on his back and bending him even lower.

……

"I wonder if the ancient demon is getting tired of my constant pestering. It hasn't shown up for half a year. If I can just stay here peacefully for the next ten years, that would be good..."

Having not drawn his sword for quite some time, Bai Zichen was finding it somewhat difficult to keep up with Asura Ancient Demon by using his omnipresent Daoist supernatural powers.

During this period, Bai Taotao refined all the incomplete innate spiritual roots and advanced to the mid-stage of the Nascent Soul realm.

Gun Gun finally woke up from his slumber, still in the form of a Tai Chi Bear, but the mark of his Bai Ze bloodline was more prominent.

Its innate supernatural abilities have been further enhanced, and even beings at the Nascent Soul level cannot escape its spiritual senses.

Of all the natal spirit beasts, only the Jade Rabbit remains stagnant, unable to advance any further.

However, it has made great contributions by taking care of the spiritual plants and managing the secret realm of the medicinal garden. Bai Zichen has promised to find a sacred medicine from the demon race and give it to it once this matter is settled.

At this moment, he was in the cave, appreciating the immortal vine transformed from the Yellow Spring Gourd, which had only grown five inches in length over the years.

"In your opinion, how long will it take for the Immortal Vine to mature?"

Bai Zichen dared not go into deep seclusion to cultivate those time-consuming and energy-intensive supernatural abilities, lest he miss the notifications about the demonic situation on the Ancestral Continent map.

He could only focus his energy elsewhere, and in addition to his daily basic cultivation, he had already refined the Taiqing Crystal Sword into his natal flying sword.

Now, he has focused his energy on building the grotto, and has remembered this revived innate spiritual root.

(End of this chapter)