Qinghe Immortal Clan.

Since Bai Yuxian, Xu Ziyan has served as the head of the "Xiaoyao Sect" for many years.

With her kind and meticulous nature, she has rarely made mistakes in handling the affairs of the sect over the years.

Not only did he have a good relationship with many Golden Core elders in the sect, but he also enjoyed the deep trust of several Supreme Elders of the sect, such as Song Qingming and Bai Yuxian, and his prestige was second only to the Nascent Soul Ancestor in the sect.

Unfortunately, due to two failed attempts to form her Nascent Soul, Xu Ziyan's cultivation level remains at the ninth level of the Golden Core stage, and she has not yet been able to enter the Nascent Soul realm.

As a cultivator of the same generation as Song Qingming, Xu Ziyan's lifespan had long exceeded five hundred years.

Although he had consumed many high-level longevity-enhancing spiritual items, which gave him several decades more lifespan than a normal Golden Core cultivator of the same level.

However, she is now in a period of decline in her vital energy and blood, and her lifespan is estimated to be only about thirty or forty years.

At this time, Xu Ziyan chose to step down from her position as sect leader and travel.

Everyone present could tell that she still hadn't given up hope of achieving Nascent Soul and wanted to go out to seek opportunities.

Upon hearing Li Xuanyi point it out to her face, Bai Yuxian nodded slightly.

"I had already exchanged a bottle of Cold Jade Spirit Water at the Good Deeds Pavilion, intending to have her go into seclusion in the sect."

Ziyan insisted on going out for a walk, and I tried to persuade her for a long time but failed.

The path to immortality is as difficult as ascending to heaven.

Senior Brother Yao, Senior Brother Li, Junior Brother Chen, Junior Brother Chu—beneath the countless bones, how many people in the sect have fallen at this point over the years?

Even knowing it's like a moth drawn to a flame, it's still what we cultivators strive for our entire lives; how many can truly let go of it?

Xu Ziyan failed to form a Nascent Soul twice, and with her lifespan running out and her physical body and blood declining, the chances of her forming a Nascent Soul with just one bottle of "Cold Jade Spirit Water" are probably less than 10%.

Knowing that the hope was slim, Xu Ziyan did not rashly choose to go into seclusion, but instead tried to go out and seek other opportunities.

Although I was somewhat worried, I feared that Xu Ziyan might not be able to return from her trip.

However, Bai Yuxian couldn't forcefully stop the other party and lest she ruin their path.

Upon hearing Bai Yuxian's explanation, Song Qingming fell silent. After pondering for a while, he finally replied:

"The position of sect leader involves the major plans for the development of the sect, so character and ability to handle affairs should be given priority."

Zong Xun has assisted Junior Sister Xu for many years and has a fairly stable personality. I think it would be better to let him take over as acting sect leader for a while.

If there are no problems, we can formally announce this matter within the sect after Senior Brother Li emerges from seclusion.

“Ziyan had already recommended my junior brother Zongxun to me before. Since Junior Brother Song also agrees, I’m relieved.”

The "Free and Unfettered Sect" is now the number one sect in the Floating Cloud Mountain Range, with more than forty Golden Core elders in the sect.

Finding a leader with outstanding abilities and commanding prestige from among so many people is indeed not an easy task.

Zheng Zongxun has been in the Core Formation stage for nearly three hundred years, but his cultivation level is only at the eighth level of the Golden Core stage, and his prestige within the sect is still somewhat lacking.

However, having assisted Xu Ziyan in handling sect affairs for many years, he has considerable experience in various aspects, making him a suitable candidate for acting sect leader.

When Bai Yuxian saw that Zheng Zongxun was the first person Song Qingming thought of, she immediately nodded.

After explaining his thoughts, Song Qingming continued:

"Junior Sister Xu has worked diligently for the sect over the years and made great contributions. When I was building my foundation, I was also able to avoid a lot of trouble thanks to her help."

I still have a Baby-Nourishing Pill, which I brought back from Zhongyuan Prefecture.

Senior Sister Bai might as well put in a good word for her: if Junior Sister Xu is willing to stay in the sect, she can come to Qingyun Mountain to find me and receive this pill.

Even if I can't necessarily help her, it's still my way of showing my appreciation as the Supreme Elder.

Just as Song Qingming waved his hand to take out a jade box and hand it to Bai Yuxian, Song Qingyu, who was standing to the side, suddenly said something that surprised everyone.

"Seventh Brother, Junior Sister Ziyan's lifespan is almost over. Even if she has the Nascent Soul Pill, I don't think it will be of much use to her."

I have come up with a solution, which is somewhat dangerous, but the chances of achieving Nascent Soul formation are definitely much greater than they are now.

Since Ziyan is so determined, why not let her give it a try?

"Qingyu, are you talking about that thing?"

Upon hearing Song Qingyu's reminder, both Li Xuanyi and Song Qingming looked at her with some surprise.

Bai Yuxian, standing to the side, looked puzzled upon hearing this, unsure of what the other person meant.

"What exactly is this thing? Its effects are even better than the Infant Nourishing Pill! Junior brothers, please tell me about it!"

"Senior Sister Bai, what Qingyu said is a method to try forming a Nascent Soul, but it is also a path with nine deaths and one life."

"If my junior disciple Ziyan wants to form her Nascent Soul using this method, she'll probably need some courage."

".."

The method of forming a Nascent Soul mentioned by Song Qingyu was actually the Qi Family Holy Nascent Soul that the group had accidentally captured while rescuing Li Xianyun in the "Black Wind Sea" when they returned to the sect.

This special "spiritual infant" crafted by the Qi family can assist a Golden Core cultivator in directly advancing to the Nascent Soul realm once successfully refined by them.

Based on the information recorded on the jade slip that Song Qingming seized from the Qi family cultivators, it is estimated that those who use this method to form their Nascent Soul have a success rate of about 30%.

Compared to "Nurture Pill" and "Cold Jade Spirit Water," these are relatively common auxiliary spiritual items for infant formation in the cultivation world.

The success rate of cultivators forming their Nascent Soul through this method is significantly higher.

However, besides having such a good effect in assisting in the formation of the "spiritual infant", the process of refining the "spiritual infant" is also extremely dangerous.

If a cultivator fails to refine a "spiritual infant" and break through to a higher realm, they will be devoured on the spot, their life ending with no way out.

After Bai Yuxian pressed her for details, Li Xuanyi immediately told her the method that Song Qingyu had mentioned.

Upon learning of the "Spiritual Infant" method for assisting in the formation of the Nascent Soul, Bai Yuxian was quite surprised and somewhat disbelieving that there was such a shortcut to advancing to the Nascent Soul realm.

After carefully examining the jade slip that Song Qingming handed over, Bai Yuxian's expression of doubt slowly faded, replaced by disbelief.

"Unexpectedly, there is a secret method in the cultivation world that can forcibly refine a cultivator's nascent soul into a spirit infant."

Using such evil methods to condense a nascent soul, the Qi family truly defies the conduct of righteous sects. No wonder they formed a life-or-death feud with Junior Brother Li.

Junior Brother Song, if you are truly willing to hand over the nascent soul to Ziyan for refinement, I will not object to it.

However, since we are from a righteous sect, practicing the evil method of imprisoning cultivators' nascent souls is truly against the will of Heaven. From now on, we must never act recklessly like the Qi family.

Bai Yuxian joined the "Xiaoyao Sect," a major Nascent Soul sect, at a young age, and was also a prodigy with a Heavenly Spiritual Root.

Having cultivated diligently all the way to this point, she has always scorned all sorts of shortcuts and evil arts in the cultivation world, and she is also very strict in disciplining her disciples.

Seeing the secret method for refining "spiritual infants" in his hand, he was impressed by its profoundness, but he still couldn't help but remind the people in front of him.

Upon hearing this, Song Qingming nodded slightly.

"What Senior Sister says is absolutely right. Those who cultivate must have a righteous heart. How can one have a smooth path if one always tries to take shortcuts? Although this secret method is somewhat useful, we must act with caution."

Next, will Junior Sister Xu use the Infant Nourishing Pill, or is she determined to risk refining the Spirit Infant?

I think we should let her choose for herself!

".."

Half a month later, in Weiguo, at the summit of "Guyang Peak".

Xu Ziyan stood alone on the mountaintop, gazing at the distant sea of ​​clouds.

Even though she had consumed many high-level anti-aging spiritual items in her youth, Xu Ziyan's face showed signs of aging as her lifespan approached and her physical body and blood began to decline.

Although the golden sunset was dazzling, it could not stop its slow descent.

Soon only a small part of its silhouette remained in the sky.

As two streaks of light rushed through the air, Song Qingming and Bai Yuxian, two Nascent Soul elders from their respective sects, quickly landed beside him.

"Ziyan greets Uncle Bai and Uncle Song!"

"No need for formalities, please get up!"

Only after Bai Yuxian helped her up did Song Qingming's gaze fall closely on Xu Ziyan's face, and he realized that her appearance had indeed changed quite a bit compared to decades ago.

After nodding slightly to the person in front of him, Song Qingming said, "Junior Sister Xu, Senior Sister Bai should have told you the details before we came, right?"

Once this step is taken, there's no turning back.

Before you go into seclusion, I still want to confirm this with my own voice.

Junior Sister Xu, have you really thought this through?

If you have any concerns, you can still speak them out now; you won't be left with no way out.

"It's truly an honor that my senior uncle would still call me junior sister."

However, please rest assured, Uncle Master. Since I began my cultivation, Ziyan has known that the path is not easy. If I did not have this determination, I would not dare to trouble you to come.

Regardless of life or death during this seclusion, Ziyan will do her best.

I will not regret it, even if it means dying!

Like most disciples in the sect, Xu Ziyan's three spiritual roots were not considered outstanding in the sect. She had made it this far mainly through her own hard work, cultivation, and adventurous ventures.

Back when she was still in the Qi Refining stage, Xu Ziyan couldn't exchange for "Foundation Building Pills" in time because she didn't receive much help from her master.

Unwilling to waste time waiting, she chose to take the risk of forcibly establishing her foundation, just so that she wouldn't fall behind others on her path.

Although her talent for cultivation was inferior to that of many of the sect's most outstanding talents, Xu Ziyan's Dao heart and personal courage were no less than those of the other Golden Core elders in the sect.

Since Bai Yuxian returned to the sect half a month ago and told her about the method to assist in Nascent Soul formation that she brought back from Qingyun Mountain.

Although she knew the dangers involved, Xu Ziyan hesitated for only a moment before decisively abandoning the "Nurture Pill" and choosing the more dangerous secret method of refining the "Spiritual Infant" to help her break through to the Nascent Soul realm.

Choosing the "Nurture Pill" means that even if the Nascent Soul formation fails, there is a high probability that the person will not be in mortal danger, and they can at least live for several more decades. However, the secret method of refining the "Spiritual Infant" means that it is all or nothing, with no way out.

Having cultivated for so many years and failed to form a Nascent Soul twice, Xu Ziyan was well aware that her actions were extremely risky.

But for her, the purpose of cultivating in this life was not to live for a few more decades; otherwise, she would not have been determined to risk her life to successfully establish her foundation.

If one cannot form a nascent soul, it also means that one has already died.

Rather than that, it would be better to burn our bridges and risk our lives to fight against the will of Heaven for a sliver of divine intervention.

"Since you're so determined, then I won't say anything more."

Seeing Xu Ziyan's determined expression, Song Qingming understood her resolve. He nodded slightly and tossed a jade slip to her.

"This is a secret technique for refining a spirit infant. Observe it carefully first. The spirit infant is most adept at bewitching people's minds. Remember to keep your mind steady and do not let it take advantage of your weakness."

Senior Sister Bai and I still need to set up a few more protective barriers at the foot of the mountain. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me anytime.

Although he decided to hand over the "spiritual infant" to Xu Ziyan for refining, just in case the refining failed, the "spiritual infant" would escape from Guyang Mountain.

After Song Qingming and Bai Yuxian set up three extremely powerful restrictions on "Guyang Peak", they felt relieved to let Xu Ziyan enter the secluded cultivation cave.

After everything was arranged, Xu Ziyan bowed to bid farewell to Song Qingming and Bai Yuxian in front of her.

"Junior Sister Xu, I hope you will complete your cultivation soon. I will personally come to pick you up when you emerge from seclusion!"

"Don't worry, junior brother. Ziyan has the courage to go into seclusion to form her nascent soul. I believe that good will prevail over evil, and that nascent soul will definitely not be able to defeat her."

When my junior sister emerges from seclusion, I'll need you to continue serving as the sect leader.

"Thank you both for your kindness, my two senior uncles. It is thanks to you that I have this opportunity. I will certainly not fail the sect's trust!"

As the array restrictions at the entrance of the cave slowly rose, Xu Ziyan's figure quickly disappeared in front of the two.

Recalling their youthful appearances when they first met, and all the little things that happened, Song Qingming couldn't help but feel a little emotional.

I never imagined that more than 500 years would have passed so quickly.

Just as Song Qingming was lost in his memories, Bai Yuxian's voice quickly interrupted his thoughts.

"Junior Brother Song, I'm also going into seclusion to break through my cultivation level. It's rare for you to come back, so why don't you come with me for a stroll?"

"ah!.."

Upon suddenly hearing Bai Yuxian's invitation, Song Qingming, quickly pulling himself out of his reverie, was instinctively slightly taken aback before cautiously replying:
"Where is Senior Sister going?"

"Hmm! The sunset at Guyang Peak is spectacular. Let's go for a walk on the summit. It'll be a good opportunity to ask you some questions about cultivation techniques."

“That would be excellent. Junior brother also happens to want to exchange cultivation techniques with Senior Sister Bai.”

Seeing Song Qingming breathe a sigh of relief, Bai Yuxian smiled slightly and took the initiative to walk towards the top of the mountain.

The two walked side by side and soon reached the top of the mountain.

After enjoying the beautiful sea of ​​clouds, the two sat facing each other on a giant rock and began to discuss some issues related to cultivation techniques.

Since switching to the "Purple Sun Divine Light Technique," Bai Yuxian has already cultivated this technique to the sixth level of the Nascent Soul realm, reaching the bottleneck of breaking through the late Nascent Soul stage.

Although Song Qingming did not specialize in this technique, he still spent a considerable amount of time practicing it in order to refine the "Purple Sun Token".

Although he is not as good as Bai Yuxian now, he had already mastered the "Purple Sun Divine Light Technique" to the peak of the Golden Core stage a few years ago, and was only one step away from the Nascent Soul stage.

After all, Song Qingming was already a late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator, so his understanding of cultivation techniques far surpassed that of others.

Song Qingming was able to provide direct answers to most of Bai Yuxian's questions about cultivation.

In particular, the valuable experience regarding the bottleneck in the late stage of advancing to the Nascent Soul realm greatly benefited the other party and increased their confidence for the upcoming seclusion.

Meanwhile, Song Qingming, after receiving guidance from Bai Yuxian, also gained a much deeper understanding of the "Purple Sun Divine Light Technique" Nascent Soul realm cultivation method.

With a little more time to study it, it shouldn't be too difficult for him to cultivate this technique to the Nascent Soul stage.

In this way, he gained another Nascent Soul stage cultivation technique, which will greatly help him in deducing the subsequent techniques of the "Azure Jade Refining Treasure Technique" in the future.

The two sat and chatted for most of the day until the beautiful sunset reappeared on the horizon, at which point Bai Yuxian stood up and ended their discussion.

"Junior Brother Song, what do you think? The sunset at Guyang Peak is just as beautiful as that at Chiyun Mountain!"

"Hmm, I've traveled to many places over the years, but I've neglected the scenery of the sect's sacred mountain. It seems I should come back and visit more often."

Bai Yuxian was already a person of exceptional talent in the cultivation world, and now, covered by the golden sunset in the distance, she was even more beautiful.

Even Song Qingming, who was watching from the side, couldn't help but show his admiration.

Upon hearing this, Bai Yuxian immediately smiled.

"Junior brother is right. Although the cultivation world is vast, Guyang Mountain is still our foundation. We should come back to visit more often."

Now my junior brother still needs to stay in the north to deter the demon race, so you can rest assured that you can leave Guyang Mountain to me.

With me here, no matter how the sect develops in the future, I will definitely take good care of your home.

"Yes! Then I'll have to trouble Senior Sister Bai."

After nodding slightly, Song Qingming raised his hand and took out a jade box from his body, which he then presented to Bai Yuxian.

Seeing the jade box that Song Qingming offered to her, Bai Yuxian, who still didn't know what was inside, looked at him with a puzzled expression.

"Junior Brother Song, I am, after all, a Supreme Elder of the sect. Please don't be so polite."

"This contains the Ice Fox Demon King's natal core. This core can help you break through the bottleneck of the late Nascent Soul stage. Senior Sister will need it during her seclusion."

"What? This contains the Ice Fox Demon King's natal demon core?"

Bai Yuxian, who had been somewhat puzzled, was immediately surprised when Song Qingming said that the contents were actually a high-grade fourth-level demon core.

In the previous battle at "Boyun Mountain", Song Qingming killed the "Ice Fox Demon King", and the demon core fell into his hands when the merits were rewarded after the battle.

Compared to other spiritual items, a fourth-grade superior demon core can not only help cultivators break through the bottleneck of the late Nascent Soul stage, but can also be used to refine high-level spiritual pills.

Its value is at least over a million spirit stones, and it is extremely rare and difficult to find outside of large-scale "trade fairs".

It is also of great use to cultivators like Song Qingming who have reached the late Nascent Soul stage.

Upon seeing that the other party had actually handed over such a precious spiritual item to her, Bai Yuxian was surprised but dared not accept it and quickly waved her hand to decline.

"Junior Brother Song, you have already done me a great favor by giving me the cultivation technique. This demon core is far too precious. You should take it back quickly!"

Your cultivation level is at a point where it needs improvement, and this pill would be more useful to you. How could you waste it on me?

Moreover, I'm not very confident about breaking through to a higher realm during this seclusion, and even with the help of this demon core, there's no guarantee of success.

"Senior Sister Bai, I know you have concerns, but I discussed this matter with Qingyu and the others before deciding to give this demon core to you."

We have reclaimed Qingyun Mountain after this turmoil, and the Heavenly Fox Clan will certainly not let this go easily. They will probably come south to cause us trouble sooner or later.

Currently, apart from me, there is no one else in the sect who can deal with Tianwei. We also need to improve our strength as soon as possible to cope with him.

Qingyu and Xuanyi's cultivation levels are still insufficient, and it's unknown when Senior Brother Li will recover from his injuries. Now, only Senior Sister can shoulder this heavy responsibility.

As long as we have one more late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator, we won't have to worry about the Northern Frontier demon race anymore.

This is a fortunate event for the sect and the entire Floating Cloud Mountain Range.

Please don't refuse, Senior Sister Bai, and accept this gift without hesitation.

I also found some opportunities when I went to Zhongyuan Prefecture last time, and I now have more than one fourth-grade high-quality demon core.

"Don't worry, Senior Sister, giving you this elixir won't affect my cultivation."

As soon as he finished speaking, another flash of white light appeared in Song Qing's hand, and another cyan jade box appeared, containing a bright, high-grade blue demon core.

"This is,!"

Seeing Song Qingming effortlessly pull out a priceless level-four high-grade demon core from his person, Bai Yuxian was already filled with amazement.

Unexpectedly, Song Qingming is now so wealthy that he can casually take out rare spiritual items such as a fourth-grade high-quality demon core.

At this moment, as she glanced at the person in front of her again, she felt a renewed sense of curiosity.

"Junior Brother Song, you are truly meticulous. I haven't heard Qingyu and the others mention that you actually have a Grade 4 superior demon core on you for so long."

It seems I, your senior, have been overthinking and underestimating you.

If I had known earlier that you had so many good things on you, I should have invited you to my cave more often and exchanged some useful items with you. That would have been much better than me searching painstakingly outside.

Since my junior brother thinks so highly of me, I will gladly accept this demon core.

However, I can't just take your things for free.

I have 300,000 sect merits and spirit stones, which should add up to about 800,000.

Although there's a significant difference, I can still write down the rest for now. When I have more money in the future, I can calculate the difference and give it to my junior brother.

"Between fellow disciples, accounts must be settled. If my junior brother refuses, I dare not accept the elixir."

"this,."

Although Song Qingming did not intend to trade the "Ice Fox Demon King's" natal demon core with Bai Yuxian when he first took it out.

However, the other party's attitude was clearly very firm, which made it difficult for him to refuse too much.

Seeing this, Song Qingming smiled and took the "storage bag" from Bai Yuxian's hand before letting her accept the demon core.

Soon, the two who had "successfully completed the transaction" both showed satisfied smiles on their faces.

After seeing Bai Yuxian off, Song Qingming quickly left "Guyang Peak" as well, entrusting the task of protecting Xu Ziyan during her seclusion to Zhou Ziyang, who had already returned to the sect.

Now, it's time to settle down and cultivate in seclusion for a while. (End of Chapter)