Qinghe Immortal Clan.

As the heavenly lightning struck, a beam of spiritual light shot out from Zhou Ziyang's body, transforming into a giant blue tortoise several meters tall.

Under Zhou Ziyang's control, the giant blue tortoise headed straight upwards to block the heavenly lightning.

In an instant, sparks flew across the sky, accompanied by deafening roars.

".."

When Zhou Ziyang was young, he was the son of an ordinary hermit cultivator on "Camel Cloud Mountain" in the State of Wei.

Although he was blessed with dual spiritual roots, he had already become a disciple of a rogue cultivator at the Foundation Establishment stage.

Before he could even establish his foundation, his master was murdered, leaving him with no spiritual treasures for foundation building. For a time, he was lost and uncertain about his path to enlightenment.

Even without the Foundation Establishment Pill, Zhou Ziyang did not give up on his path of cultivation.

Finally, through his personal courage and hard work, he successfully completed his foundation building in seclusion, which caused a sensation throughout the entire "Camel Cloud Mountain".

Unlike most Golden Core elders who had masters to guide them, Zhou Ziyang's path to the Golden Core stage was extremely arduous.

This also shaped him into someone who dared to fight to the death and never easily gave up on his own path.

In the end, Zhou Ziyang not only risked his life to successfully establish his foundation, but also broke through the Golden Core realm and reached the stage of condensing his Nascent Soul.

Compared to the other Golden Core elders in the sect, Zhou Ziyang, who only reached the ninth level of the Golden Core realm at the age of 360, was not the fastest in terms of cultivation speed, nor did he have a particularly profound background.

Despite experiencing numerous setbacks, his unwavering commitment to the Tao is absolutely no less than that of others.

Now that he has successfully transformed into a Nascent Soul, he only needs the final "Heavenly Tribulation" to ascend to the heavens and become a true Nascent Soul Ancestor in the cultivation world.

As a Nascent Soul sect that has been passed down for thousands of years, the "Free and Unfettered Sect" is able to cultivate so many Nascent Soul cultivators, and naturally it is well prepared to deal with the "Heavenly Tribulation".

For Zhou Ziyang's tribulation, Bai Yuxian had prepared a magic array for him well in advance, as well as several magic treasures and talismans specifically for cultivation tribulations.

In addition, Zhou Ziyang's natal magic weapon is also a defensive type, and its defensive abilities are not weak.

After enduring six rounds of heavenly lightning, Zhou Ziyang in mid-air did not disappoint everyone and successfully passed the "Heavenly Tribulation" without any major incidents.

As the last bolt of lightning dissipated, the dark clouds in the sky dispersed, and a ray of golden sunlight fell, bathing Zhou Ziyang in a golden glow.

He turned and looked down at the crowd below.

Despite still bearing numerous injuries, Zhou Ziyang suddenly exuded the powerful aura of a Nascent Soul cultivator, causing everyone to show a degree of respect.

Soon, many disciples of the "Free and Unfettered Sect" spontaneously bowed to Zhou Ziyang in mid-air.

"Greetings, Ancestor! Congratulations on your successful completion of the Nascent Soul stage!"

".."

"Hehe! Congratulations on your successful completion of the Nascent Soul stage, Ziyang. Our Xiaoyao Sect has gained another Nascent Soul elder. You have made a great contribution to the sect."

"Ziyang's attainment of the Nascent Soul Dao today is all thanks to the support of the sect and all his senior uncles."

Seeing Bai Yuxian and Song Qingyu rushing over to offer their congratulations, Zhou Ziyang quickly smiled and raised his hand in return.

"Now that you have successfully formed your Nascent Soul, and there is no master-disciple relationship between us, from now on, Junior Brother Zhou, we should treat each other as peers and not be so polite."

".."

When a cultivator forms their Nascent Soul, not only does their cultivation level increase, but their social status also undergoes a dramatic transformation.

Looking up at Zhou Ziyang, who was exchanging pleasantries with Bai Yuxian and Song Qingyu, the two supreme ancestors of the sect, in mid-air.

The many Golden Core elders of the "Free and Unfettered Sect" below couldn't help but feel envious at this moment.

Especially Xu Ziyan, who was the sect leader, personally went to Zhou Ziyang's home to arrange everything when he was in seclusion to form his Nascent Soul.

Looking back now, these events seem as clear as if they happened yesterday.

In just over a decade of seclusion, Zhou Ziyang, who was once his peer, has now become a high-ranking Nascent Soul ancestor in the sect.

Despite all these years, I still can't take that step smoothly and can only stand aside and envy others.

Thinking about her dwindling lifespan, Xu Ziyan felt a complex mix of emotions.

Why is the "Nascent Soul Path" so far away from her?

Just as Xu Ziyan was looking ahead with envy, she suddenly saw Bai Yuxian in mid-air turn around and gently wave to everyone.

Xu Ziyan quickly composed herself and led the group to the presence of several sect elders.

"You all contributed a lot to Junior Brother Zhou's successful Nascent Soul formation. Each disciple present today will be rewarded with two thousand sect merit points."

"The matter of Junior Brother Zhou's Nascent Soul formation must not be revealed outside the sect for the time being. Anyone who disobeys this order will be handed over to the Enforcement Hall for severe punishment."

"Thank you for the reward, Uncle Bai. We will obey your orders!"

".."

Since Bai Yuxian, sect elders who have attempted to form their Nascent Souls in seclusion on "Guyang Peak" in recent centuries have all failed.

Now that Zhou Ziyang has successfully achieved Nascent Soul stage, he has finally broken this somewhat embarrassing record.

Including Song Yuanhao, who successfully formed his Nascent Soul at "Red Cloud Mountain", the "Free and Unfettered Sect" has added two Nascent Soul elders in less than ten years.

This was truly inspiring for the many Golden Core elders from various sects present.

Overjoyed, Bai Yuxian not only praised Zhou Ziyang in public but also generously rewarded the many cultivators who came to offer their congratulations with numerous merits.

In addition, because the "monster turmoil" is approaching, it is also not advisable to spread the news about Zhou Ziyang's Nascent Soul formation at this time.

Bai Yuxian didn't forget to give everyone some instructions before waving her hand to signal them to leave, leaving only Xu Ziyan, who was in charge of the sect leader.

After everyone left, Zhou Ziyang handed a bottle of "Earth Spirit Dew" that he had just collected directly to Xu Ziyan.

"I owe my success in achieving the Nascent Soul stage to the Sect Leader, and I would like to thank her for her hard work. Please accept this gift, Senior Sister Xu."

"Master Zhou, you're too kind. As the sect leader, it's only my duty, and I dare not take credit for it!"

"Since it's a token of Junior Brother Zhou's goodwill, and it's not anything valuable, I think Ziyan shouldn't refuse it."

Seeing Xu Ziyan wave her hand and repeatedly decline, not daring to accept the "Earth Spirit Dew" offered by Zhou Ziyang, Bai Yuxian quickly spoke up to persuade her, and finally she felt at ease to accept the gift.

After chatting with everyone in mid-air for a few minutes, Zhou Ziyang quickly returned to his cave to recuperate and stabilize his cultivation.

Soon, only Song Qingyu and Bai Yuxian remained outside the cave.

"Senior Sister Bai, now that Junior Brother Zhou has successfully formed his Nascent Soul, I need to return to Chiyun Mountain for secluded cultivation, so I won't stay on the mountain any longer."

"With the impending chaos caused by the demonic beasts, I also need to go into seclusion to see if I can improve my cultivation. I won't keep you any longer."

Please inform Junior Brother Song and Junior Sister Li when you return, Qingyu, that I may also be going into seclusion for a while.

Also, there's the Nascent Soul Ceremony for Ziyang and Yuanhao, which the sect hasn't had time to organize yet. Could you please ask Junior Brother Song for his opinion first?

"Let's see if we can make one for them after the monster uprising is over."

"Senior Sister Bai, please rest assured and continue your seclusion. I will definitely pass on these things to Seventh Brother for you."

May Senior Sister successfully break through her cultivation realm during this seclusion, so that the sect will have another great cultivator when we meet again.

Bai Yuxian's cultivation had long since reached the peak of the sixth level of the Nascent Soul stage. A few years ago, she even brought back a mid-grade fourth-level spiritual pill from the "Eastern Phoenix Kingdom," preparing to go into seclusion at any time to break through the bottleneck of the late Nascent Soul stage.

It was only because he had been protecting Song Yuanhao and Zhou Ziyang during their seclusion to help them form their Nascent Souls, coupled with the northern demons harassing "Golden Feather Mountain," that he had been unable to focus on his seclusion and break through to a higher realm.

Now that Zhou Ziyang has successfully achieved Nascent Soul cultivation and Song Qingming and others are stationed on the northern border, things have calmed down.
With no worries on her mind, Bai Yuxian made up her mind to begin her seclusion and attempt to break through the bottleneck of the late Nascent Soul stage.

After bidding farewell to Bai Yuxian, Song Qingyu boarded her flying sword and left "Guyang Peak".

".."

Inside the cave at "Chiyun Mountain".

Song Qingming sat cross-legged in the cave, emanating golden runes from his body, with a seven-colored lotus floating above his head.

As the golden runes continued to swirl around, the "Seven-Colored Lotus" suddenly burst forth with a seven-colored radiance, instantly forming a spiritual light shield in front of Song Qingming.

Slowly opening his eyes and sensing the protective aura around him, Song Qingming raised his hand and retracted the "golden talisman" into his body.

The "spiritual light shield" disappeared, and a "seven-colored blue lotus" reappeared, landing in Song Qingming's hand.

At this moment, a look of satisfaction appeared on his face.

After the monk Jin Yun passed on the technique of "Divine Illumination Golden Seal" to Song Qingming to dispel evil spirits.

After six years of continuous cultivation, Song Qingming has successfully removed all the residual evil energy from the "Seven-Colored Green Lotus" magic weapon.

Now, the power of this magical artifact has been restored to its peak, a level that Song Qingming had previously witnessed.

In terms of defensive capabilities alone, it is almost on par with a "replica spirit treasure".

After spending so much time, Song Qingming's efforts were not in vain. He successfully restored the treasure to normal and added another powerful defensive magic weapon to his possession.

Moreover, unlike ordinary magic treasures, the "Seven-Colored Green Lotus" is also a special merit-based spiritual treasure that can enhance one's cultivation level.

By accumulating merit through the "Divine Illumination Golden Seal," Song Qingming can also enhance the power and realm of this magical treasure in the future.

For him, this treasure was just as valuable as the several "fake spiritual treasures" he possessed.

Looking at the "Seven-Colored Green Lotus" in his hand, Song Qingming smiled slightly, cast a spell to retrieve it into his body, and then slowly stood up.

After returning to the "Floating Cloud Mountains", he has been in seclusion for nearly three years.

Now that the mission was successfully completed, Song Qingming, in high spirits, decided it was time to go out for a walk.

Having just opened the tightly closed stone chamber door, Song Qingming quickly arrived in front of a stone chamber next to it and released his divine sense to probe inside.

The one cultivating in the stone chamber is none other than the "Ice and Fire Dragon" who recently went into seclusion with Song Qingming.

Previously, when Song Qingming returned to "Red Cloud Mountain", the Icefire Flood Dragon also received a mid-grade level four demon core as a reward from him.

Having already reached the peak of the third level of the Nascent Soul realm, he began to use this demon core to attempt to break through to the mid-stage of the Nascent Soul realm, and has been in seclusion for quite some time now.

However, the demon race is slower than human cultivators in both breaking through realms and cultivating speed.

Even after nearly three years of seclusion, the "Ice-Fire Flood Dragon" in the stone chamber still failed to break through its cultivation level, and there were no signs of failure.

After a careful inspection and seeing that there were no unexpected circumstances, Song Qingming was about to turn around when he saw another figure. "Seeing how happy you are, kid, could it be that you've been in seclusion for so long and have crafted some powerful high-level magic array?"

"Senior is joking. Crafting high-level magic arrays is not such an easy task."

Seeing Qu Bai staring intently at him, Song Qingming quickly smiled and waved to him. The two then sat down to the side.

"Senior, during the years I've been in seclusion, has anyone come looking for me?"

"There is no one else besides your little wife."

After gently shaking his head, Qu Bai raised his hand and took out a letter left by Li Xuanyi from his body, tossing it to Song Qingming who was not far away.

Seeing that the other party had opened the letter and glanced at it, his expression quickly turning somewhat grave, Qu Bai, who already knew the contents of the letter, couldn't help but speak up:

“If a cultivator cannot advance further, even you Nascent Soul cultivators will inevitably face death and the dissipation of your cultivation.”

I think you don't need to worry about this so much, young friend.

"After a lifetime of arduous cultivation, finally reaching the Nascent Soul realm, only to end up as nothing more than a pile of yellow earth, it is truly a pity."

Although I, Song, have cultivated for hundreds of years and understand these principles, my character is still somewhat lacking, and I apologize for making a fool of myself in your presence.

From the letter Li Xuanyi left for Song Qingming half a year ago, Song Qingming had already learned about the passing of Li family patriarch Li Boying.

Recalling the elder from the past, she couldn't help but sigh softly.

Just as Qu Bai said, even Nascent Soul cultivators as high and mighty as them.

If one cannot ascend to the upper realm, one will inevitably die and perish sooner or later.

Just as Song Qingming slowly put down the letter in his hand, "Qu Bai," who was sitting to the side, suddenly took out a jade slip from his person and tossed it to Song Qingming.

"Here are some materials I need for crafting puppets, as well as items for cultivating spirit insects. If you have time, please collect them all for me as soon as possible."

These are all things I urgently need, so don't forget them, or it will delay important matters.

"Cultivate spirit insects!"

"Senior, are you referring to the Mystic Ice Jade Silkworm? Did you really revive it?"

Upon hearing what "Qu Bai" said, Song Qingming looked at the other party with a hint of doubt.

A moment later, Qu Bai smiled slightly, raised his hand and took out a jade box from his body, placing it in front of Song Qingming.

The jade box slowly opened, and a dazzling blue light quickly filled the entire cave, causing the surrounding temperature to drop rapidly and emanating a chill.

Seeing that the surrounding air was about to be frozen by the jade box, "Qu Bai" raised his hand and cast a spell to release a beam of red light that enveloped the "jade box".

The cold air around them quickly dissipated, revealing the contents of the jade box.

A translucent blue worm, about the size of a finger, was slowly wriggling inside, seemingly trying to break free from the suppression of the "red light".

This blue, transparent spirit insect was the "Mysterious Ice Jade Silkworm" that Song Qingming obtained from "Xu Gu Zi" after he killed him in the Northern Underworld Immortal Continent.

"Mysterious Ice Jade Silkworm" was severely injured in that great battle, and even its life-bound elixir was taken away by itself.

Song Qingming thought the insect had little chance of survival and was unlikely to live.

Unexpectedly, after being brought back by "Qu Bai", this Xuanbing Jade Silkworm did not die and successfully survived.

However, its aura is now far weaker than before, and its cultivation level has dropped to the Golden Core stage, posing no threat to a Nascent Soul cultivator like Song Qingming.

"This creature is an ancient and wondrous insect, possessing the power to transform into a cocoon and be reborn. It is not so easy for it to die."

After I nurture it for a while, it should be able to recover in the future.

"In case your lifespan is insufficient or you encounter any major trouble, you can use this insect's freezing power to delay things for a while; it might be of great help."

"Oh! Senior means that this insect can recover. In that case, we have found a pretty good treasure."

Upon hearing that Qu Bai could still cultivate the Xuan Yu Ice Silkworm in his possession, Song Qingming was also surprised.

After killing "Xu Gu Zi", Song Qingming also witnessed the powerful supernatural abilities of "Xuanbing Yucan".

Once this insect reaches adulthood, it can not only threaten cultivators in the late Nascent Soul stage, but also freeze their physical bodies for ten thousand years without them being destroyed. Its supernatural powers are truly enviable.

If Song Qingming could obtain a fully grown "Mysterious Jade Ice Silkworm," it would definitely be of great use in the future.

If one's lifespan is insufficient and there is no time to break through to the Nascent Soul stage, one may have to sneak into the upper realm.

Song Qingming could also use the spirit insects to freeze his physical body and delay his death.

Just like "Xu Gu Zi" back then, by relying on external avatars or the power of others to help collect the necessary spiritual items, a lot of time can be saved.

It's like giving yourself an extra layer of insurance.

Seeing Song Qingming's excitement, "Qu Bai" shook his head again and said:
"What I just said is that there is a possibility. Whether it will succeed or not is still uncertain. We can only try it first."

Anyway, I have nothing to do right now, so I can give it a try. Just remember to help me collect the materials.

Oh, and its natal elixir, don't use it carelessly.

It might come in handy for me then.

"Don't worry, senior. If this item is truly useful, feel free to take it."

After speaking, Song Qingming gently raised his hand, and a blue jade box appeared in front of "Qu Bai".

Before even opening the jade box, "Qu Bai" sensed that what was inside must be the natal elixir of the Xuan Yu Ice Silkworm, and immediately nodded slightly to Song Qingming.

"You should keep this for now. I'll look for it when I need it."

"It's all up to you, senior."

Seeing that Qu Bai did not want to accept the item, Song Qingming immediately used magic to take the jade box back.

After chatting with "Qu Bai" for a while, Song Qingming bid farewell to him and turned to the entrance of the cave.

Soon the formation dissipated, and a figure walked out from inside.

As spring arrives and flowers bloom in profusion, Mount Chiyun is ablaze with vibrant reds, filled with birdsong and the fragrance of blossoms, its aroma wafting through the mountains.

Taking a deep breath, Song Qingming, who had been in seclusion for a long time, felt refreshed and much more energetic.

Just as he was walking along the mountain path, wanting to take a stroll around.

Song Qingming had not gone far when he suddenly noticed a streak of light flying rapidly toward him from afar and landing in front of him.

"Seventh Brother, what a coincidence! I didn't expect you to emerge from seclusion so soon after I got back!"

"Qingyu, you've come back at this time. Could it be that there's good news from Guyang Mountain?"

"You really can see through anything. I have some great news to tell Seventh Brother when I come back this time."

".."

As Song Qingming and Song Qingyu walked slowly along the mountain path, the events that had recently occurred on "Guyang Mountain" gradually came to Song Qingming's ears.

Even before going into seclusion, Song Qingming had already visited "Guyang Mountain" and knew that the other party was quite confident in achieving Nascent Soul stage.

Hearing that Zhou Ziyang had indeed successfully condensed his Nascent Soul, he was somewhat pleasantly surprised, but not overly so.

He had only been back for a few years, and the sect had already gained two new Nascent Soul cultivators, Song Yuanhao and Zhou Ziyang.

Upon hearing this good news, Song Qingming was very pleased and did not forget to praise Song Qingyu, who had made great contributions to protecting him.

"Seventh Brother, Senior Sister Xuanyi has returned to Yunlong Mountain. Now that you've emerged from seclusion, are you planning to go and bring her back?"

"Since Senior Li has passed away, Xuan Yi must be feeling terrible. Let her stay at Yunlong Mountain for a while longer to spend time with her family. There's no need to rush."

Moreover, with the monsters about to cause chaos, it is not advisable for me to leave at this time.

"By the way, Qingyu, during my years of seclusion, what's the situation up north?"

Li Xuanyi was highly valued by Li Boying from a young age and was groomed to be the heir to the family head. The relationship between the two is self-evident.

Upon hearing Song Qingyu's suggestion that he go to "Donghuang Kingdom" to bring the other party back, Song Qingming quickly shook his head.

He then asked about the situation in the north, which was of greatest concern to him.

Upon hearing this, Song Qingyu said confidently, "Seventh Brother, don't worry. Ever since Senior Brother Li went to oversee things, Jin Yu Mountain has been very quiet, and nothing has happened."

I guess they must have realized we were back, which is why they didn't dare to make any rash moves.

After the fall of the Cloud-Breaking Demon Emperor, the few remaining demon emperors in the north are no longer a threat.

Now that Yuan Hao and Junior Brother Zhou have successfully formed their Nascent Souls, the sect already has eight Nascent Soul elders. Even if Seventh Brother doesn't take action, it's more than enough to deal with them.

I think this disturbance caused by the monsters in the north is just a show; they won't dare to easily march south and confront us.

Just as Song Qingyu finished speaking, a beam of light suddenly flew from not far away and landed in Song Qingming's hand, interrupting their conversation.

Looking at the suddenly appearing "transmission talisman" with a bright red mark on it, Song Qingming and his companion were immediately puzzled.

According to the agreement set by the sect, most of the information transmitted on a daily basis is marked with yellow and blue.

Only in exceptionally urgent situations can the "transmission talisman" use its crimson mark to indicate a critical condition.

I wonder what important information is inside that prompted such a rush to send it over.

Song Qingming slowly opened the "transmission talisman" in his hand, and a somewhat anxious voice quickly entered the ears of the two, causing their previously calm expressions to change slightly.

"The demon army has marched south! Please, Ancestor, send reinforcements immediately!"

"Huh! What's going on?"

"Judging by the timeline, it shouldn't be that soon. Why did the demon army march south so far ahead of schedule this time?"

Unexpectedly, he had just confidently declared in front of Song Qingming that the Northern Demon Clan was no longer a threat.

So quickly, the two received news of the demon race's attack.

As if slapped in the face by this urgent "transmission talisman," Song Qingyu also looked displeased.

These guys really came at the right time. (End of Chapter)