Mortal: I have a gathering technique

The bright moon hangs in the sky, its light as clear as frost.

On Xiaozhushan Mountain, Fang Qing stood on a bamboo branch, looking up at the horizon.

He slowly raised his hand, making a grasping motion towards the night sky:

[Collecting!]

A golden light flashed, and a piece of information appeared out of thin air in Fang Qing's mind, causing him to be startled.

"Another cultivation technique?"

He transformed the collected items into jade slips, and before viewing them, he checked his gathering technique.

As expected, the gathering spell has a cooldown period again.

And just like when the Great Sun God's records were collected, it took another three years.

This timeframe was within Fang Qing's acceptable range, so he focused his mind and probed the jade slip with his divine sense.

Instantly, four golden characters entered my mind:

【Trinity Soul Seal】

"A cultivation technique based on spiritual consciousness?"

Fang Qing pondered to himself and continued reading the following text.

As he expected, the "Three Ones Soul Seal" was indeed a divine sense technique, but it was not a method like the "Great Evolution Technique" that enhanced divine sense.

Instead, it is a "defense and control" type of technique.

This method has three seals: the "Soul Suppressing Seal", the "Soul Controlling Seal", and the "Soul Commanding Seal"!

The Soul-Suppressing Seal is used for self-defense. Once mastered, it can condense a large seal in the sea of ​​consciousness to suppress the soul.

The Great Seal can resist illusions, attacks of divine sense, and even the soul-searching techniques of high-level cultivators.

Soul Control Seal, as the name suggests, is a method of controlling others or demonic beasts, similar to the "Forbidden God Technique" of the Chaotic Star Sea.

However, it possesses the ability to annihilate the controlled person with a single thought.

However, this seal has limitations on the strength and number of targets it can control.

It is impossible to control an enemy whose spiritual power surpasses one's own;

There are at most three beings whose spiritual consciousness is similar to one's own; for those whose spiritual consciousness is lower than one's own, the number increases by a power for each level lower.

Taking Fang Qing himself as an example, his current spiritual sense is slightly stronger than that of a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator. In other words, he can control up to three late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators or demonic beasts.

But if he were a Qi Refining cultivator, he could control nine.

If his spiritual sense reaches the Core Formation level, the number of Qi Refining cultivators he can control will increase to twenty-seven...

And so on!

Finally, let's talk about the Soul-Controlling Seal. This seal is a means of enslaving people and is even more terrifying than the Soul-Controlling Seal.

This seal can forcibly distort the will of cultivators or demonic beasts, making them retain only absolute loyalty to their master.

Such loyalty means that even if someone were to self-destruct, the servant would not hesitate in the slightest.

It's truly bizarre!

However, the limitations of the Soul-Controlling Seal are also greater. It can only enslave one enemy with similar spiritual consciousness, and up to three enemies with lower spiritual consciousness, regardless of how many levels lower.

Moreover, those who are enslaved are almost completely cut off from the possibility of continuing to cultivate and become stronger.

As for the Soul Control Seal, it is completely unaffected.

"This thing doesn't look like a cultivation technique from the immortal cultivation world..."

After reading the jade slip, Fang Qing's eyes flickered, and his expression became inscrutable.

……

Cultivation knows no time; half a year has quietly passed.

Xiaozhushan, a secluded bamboo house.

Fang Qing sat cross-legged, his hands forming a mudra, golden light flashing between his forehead and brows, as if golden lightning was being conceived.

At the same moment, within the sea of ​​consciousness, waves surged.

Above the vast and boundless sea of ​​consciousness, countless large and small golden runes rotated and contracted, gradually outlining a large golden seal.

The seal knob is shaped like a Qilin, the seal base is square, and on the seal face, a strange golden character "镇" (zhen, meaning "to suppress") resembles a dragon or a phoenix, shimmering with light.

The moment the seal was formed, golden light shone brightly, and the entire sea of ​​consciousness transformed into a golden ocean, bringing a sense of peace and tranquility to the heart.

"It's done!"

Fang Qing opened his eyes, a golden light flashed between his brows, and a smile appeared on his face.

"The Great Evolution Technique has the effect of strengthening the spirit and consolidating the soul. In addition, I have a talent for cultivating techniques, so I was able to cultivate the Soul Suppressing Seal so quickly."

"If it were an ordinary cultivator, it would probably take three to five years to complete the process."

Fang Qing's expression showed a hint of smugness, but a moment later, his expression suddenly turned serious:

"continue!"

……

Time flies.

Two and a half years later.

Inside the secret room, Fang Qing squinted, staring at the empty space in front of him.

Before him, a palm-sized golden rune floated in the air, its light subdued.

The runes seemed ethereal and illusory, appearing at first glance like a deep-sea whirlpool, exuding an eerie feeling that could devour one's heart.

This rune is the Soul Control Seal!

The fact that Fang Qing could condense this seal with his divine sense means that he has completely mastered it. When using it, he only needs to send this seal into the target's sea of ​​consciousness.

As Fang Qing examined the seal, his eyes flickered, his mind racing with countless thoughts, and several beautiful figures flashed through his mind.

After a long while, he waved his hand, dispersing the golden runes.

"call--"

Exhaling a breath of stale air, Fang Qing got up and walked out of the bamboo house.

"Oh, you've emerged from seclusion?"

Suddenly, a joyful voice reached my ears.

Fang Qing turned his head and saw that not far away, in the open space in front of the bamboo house, Xin Ruyin was lying in a rocking chair with her head slightly raised, and a thread-bound ancient book was covering her lower abdomen.

Beside it, on a low bamboo table, sat a small red clay stove, on which steam rose clear, green tea, its aroma faint yet palpable.

When Xin Ruyin saw Fang Qing's gaze fall on the teapot, she smiled slightly, sat up straight, and gently lifted her hand to pour tea.

His movements were fluid and graceful, and then he looked at Fang Qing and gestured with his hand.

Fang Qing flashed and appeared in front of the low table. He casually picked up the teacup, took a small sip, and savored the lingering fragrance.

"The tea is good!"

He smiled and gave a compliment.

This tea leaf isn't a spiritual plant, but it carries a slight spiritual energy, clearly indicating that Xin Ruyin's tea-making skills are extremely high.

Xin Ruyin pursed her lips, a hint of a smile appearing in her eyes. Clearly, Fang Qing's praise pleased her greatly.

Fang Qing held his teacup and said in a calm tone:

"I have things to do next. Before I leave, let me remove your 'yang energy' one more time."

Upon hearing that Fang Qing was leaving, Xin Ruyin's smile froze, and for some reason, a sense of reluctance and loss flashed through her heart.

Immediately afterward, she shook her head, trying to banish this unfamiliar feeling from her mind, and said jokingly:

"Are they going to shut down my senses again?"

Fang Qing raised an eyebrow, not particularly surprised by Xin Ruyin's keen insight, and readily admitted:

"good!"

"Can we not seal it off?"

Xin Ruyin tilted her head, her eyes filled with a mixture of resistance and pleading as she looked at Fang Qing.

"No!"

Fang Qing refused without hesitation. After speaking, he suddenly thought of the "Soul Control Seal" he had just mastered. His eyes flashed, and he said in a low voice:

"Unless you allow me to apply some preventative measures to you."

Xin Ruyin shrank back slightly and asked cautiously:

"What methods?"

"Methods to prevent you from leaking information about me."

Fang Qing explained calmly.

Upon hearing this, Xin Ruyin's expression turned serious, and she looked at Fang Qing with utmost seriousness:

"I won't do that!"

Fang Qing smiled and shook his head, saying:

"I trust your character, but in the cultivation world, sometimes leaks of information are not always intentional acts by others. You should know that high-level cultivators have soul-searching techniques."

Although the Soul Control Seal does not distort a person's consciousness, the person who receives the seal is absolutely unable to reveal any information about its master.

In addition, although the Soul Control Seal is a means of control, the person who receives the seal will also gain the ability to resist illusions, soul-searching techniques, and other abilities.

Therefore, once Xin Ruyin accepts the Soul Control Seal, there is basically no possibility that she will reveal any information about Fang Qing.

Xin Ruyin slowly lowered her head, her expression shifting unpredictably.

Over the course of three years, she clearly sensed that Fang Qing highly valued her talent in array formations and had the intention of winning her over.

Yes, it's about subjugating!

It's not about possession.

She was conflicted about this. On the one hand, she didn't want to lose her freedom, but on the other hand, she knew very well that if she wanted to survive, she couldn't do without Fang Qing.

So, are you going to accept it?

Just as Xin Ruyin was weighing her options, Fang Qing's voice came again:

"You know what I'm thinking. If you're willing to follow me from now on, I guarantee you'll at least reach the Core Formation stage in your cultivation."

"really?"

Upon hearing this, Xin Ruyin abruptly raised her head, her eyes fixed on Fang Qing with hopeful longing.

Heaven have mercy, ever since she realized how terrifying the Dragon Roar Body was, she has basically given up the idea of ​​immortality. She only feels that being able to die peacefully in her sleep like an ordinary person is enough for her in this life.

As for Core Formation, she didn't even dare to think about it; she hadn't even dared to hope for Foundation Establishment.

But now, Fang Qing actually said that he would at least guarantee her a Core Formation stage.

She was moved.

Who could refuse the chance to live hundreds of years longer?

Besides, Fang Qing didn't make her dislike him...

"I, Fang, never lie!"

Fang Qing stood with his hands behind his back, his expression indifferent, yet he exuded a powerful sense of conviction.

In fact, Fang Qing was lying. With his abilities, let alone helping Xin Ruyin reach the Core Formation stage, he had a good chance of even helping her reach the Divine Transformation stage.

The reason I didn't say it was because I was considering Xin Ruyin's vision and worried that if I set the goal too high, I wouldn't be able to gain her trust.

As for guaranteeing that Xin Ruyin would reach the Divine Realm, Fang Qing was not so sure.

After all, in the original story, Tian Qin'er died during the tribulation of becoming a Nascent Soul cultivator.

After a brief silence, Xin Ruyin took a deep breath and said slowly but firmly:

"I agree!"

In Xin Ruyin's view, given Fang Qing's methods, she wouldn't be able to resist if he forced his way in.

The fact that Fang Qing is able to follow her wishes right now is enough to prove Fang Qing's character.

Seeing Xin Ruyin relent, a hint of joy flashed across Fang Qing's face, and he said with a smile:

You won't regret this decision today!

Xin Ruyin pursed her lips, her expression wistful...

She agreed not entirely because she wanted to survive...

……

A bamboo house with a secluded chamber.

Fang Qing and Xin Ruyin sat facing each other.

"Are you ready?"

Fang Qing asked with a solemn expression. It was his first time using the Soul Control Seal, and he dared not be careless.

Xin Ruyin nodded calmly. Now that she had made her decision, she no longer had any regrets.

"I'm about to begin. Relax and don't resist!"

After giving a reminder, Fang Qing quickly formed hand seals, and a few breaths later, the golden Soul Control Seal condensed.

"go!"

With a flick of Fang Qingji's finger, the golden seal flashed and entered Xin Ruyin's brow.

Xin Ruyin subconsciously closed her eyes, only to see the golden seal rapidly sinking into her consciousness within her sea of ​​consciousness, merging into one in the blink of an eye, and then disappearing.

On the other side, the moment the golden seal disappeared, Fang Qing immediately felt a sense of control.

It was as if a single thought could obliterate Xin Ruyin's soul.

How do you feel?

Fang Qing looked Xin Ruyin up and down and asked curiously.

Xin Ruyin frowned and pondered, "I can't explain it, but looking at you, I feel very close to you."

Fang Qing nodded slightly and asked no further questions.

Fang Qing nodded slightly and asked no further questions.

Then, he raised his hand and grabbed at Xin Ruyin in mid-air. A golden light flashed, and a round bead the size of a thumb fell into his palm.

Xin Ruyin was stunned for a moment, and said blankly:

"Is this how you remove yang energy?"

Just now, all the yang energy she had accumulated over the past three years vanished.

However, she couldn't tell at all what kind of supernatural power Fang Qing was using.

Fang Qing smiled and changed the subject:

"So, are you coming back to Yellow Maple Valley with me, or are you going to stay here?"

Seeing that Fang Qing didn't want to talk about it, Xin Ruyin didn't press him. After thinking for a moment, she said:

"I'll stay here for now. If I need anything, I'll come to Yellow Maple Valley to find you."

Fang Qing didn't insist, and immediately took out two jade bottles and placed them in front of Xin Ruyin:

"These two bottles contain two pills: one is a Meridian Protection Pill, and the other is a Foundation Establishment Pill. You can decide whether to take them based on your condition and cultivation level."

When he participated in the Blood Forbidden Trial, he casually collected some seedlings of Foundation Building herbs such as Purple Monkey Flower.

Later, after replicating the small gourd, he accelerated the growth of the seedlings and refined a batch of Foundation Building Pills.

The jade bottle he gave to Xin Ruyin contained three stones, enough for her to use in her Foundation Establishment stage.

After all, Xin Ruyin also possessed the true spiritual roots of "water, metal, and wood".

Mentioning spiritual roots, Fang Qing recalled the matter of cultivation techniques and asked:

"What kind of cultivation technique do you practice?"

Xin Ruyin was staring blankly at the Foundation Establishment Pill when she heard this, and subconsciously replied:

"Cloud and Water Technique"

"...How many floors are there?"

Fang Qing frowned; he had never heard of this [Cloud and Water Technique].

"Five levels, enough to cultivate to the mid-Foundation Establishment stage," Xin Ruyin answered truthfully.

"Five floors are too few, let's change it."

Fang Qing shook his head, flipped his hand and took out a light blue jade slip, placing it next to the jade bottle:

"This jade slip contains a cultivation technique called the Azure Water Technique, which has thirteen levels and can be cultivated up to the early stage of the Nascent Soul realm."

The [Azure Water Technique] in his hand was obtained from Nangong Wan's storage bag.

From Nangong Wan, he not only obtained the [Su Nu Reincarnation Technique], but also the [Azure Water Technique] and the [Heavenly Fire True Technique].

The latter is a cultivation technique given to Nangong Wan by the Yanyue Sect.

Because Nangong Wan possessed the Su Nu Reincarnation Technique, she did not cultivate this technique.

Speaking of the Su Nu Reincarnation Technique, Fang Qing discovered a strange scene in Nangong Wan's memories.

This mysterious cultivation technique, which can lead to the "Law of Reincarnation," did not originate from the Hidden Moon Sect; rather, it appeared directly in Nangong Wan's mind.

It was something Nangong Wan was born with!

When she first started practicing Qi cultivation in her childhood, this technique automatically came to mind.

Nangong Wan knew this matter was not simple, so she hadn't mentioned it to anyone.

Even the people of the Hidden Moon Sect only thought it was Nangong Wan's extraordinary encounter.

When Fang Qing saw this scene in his memory, he felt a chill run down his spine.

However, after realizing that he had successfully drugged Nangong Wan and collected her memories without any problems, he stopped taking it seriously.

Let's get back to the present.

Seeing that Fang Qing had given her both Foundation Establishment Pills and Nascent Soul Cultivation Techniques, Xin Ruyin was moved and finally felt at ease.

After explaining some foundation-building techniques to Xin Ruyin, Fang Qing boarded the Divine Wind Boat and left Xiaozhu Mountain.

Then, he raised his hand and grabbed at Xin Ruyin in mid-air. A golden light flashed, and a round bead the size of a thumb fell into his palm.

Xin Ruyin was stunned for a moment, and said blankly:

"Is this how you remove yang energy?"

Just now, all the yang energy she had accumulated over the past three years vanished.

However, she couldn't tell at all what kind of supernatural power Fang Qing was using.

Fang Qing smiled and changed the subject:

"So, are you coming back to Yellow Maple Valley with me, or are you going to stay here?"

Seeing that Fang Qing didn't want to talk about it, Xin Ruyin didn't press him. After thinking for a moment, she said:

"I'll stay here for now. If I need anything, I'll come to Yellow Maple Valley to find you."

Fang Qing didn't insist, and immediately took out two jade bottles and placed them in front of Xin Ruyin:

"These two bottles contain two pills: one is a Meridian Protection Pill, and the other is a Foundation Establishment Pill. You can decide whether to take them based on your condition and cultivation level."

When he participated in the Blood Forbidden Trial, he casually collected some seedlings of Foundation Building herbs such as Purple Monkey Flower.

Later, after replicating the small gourd, he accelerated the growth of the seedlings and refined a batch of Foundation Building Pills.

The jade bottle he gave to Xin Ruyin contained three stones, enough for her to use in her Foundation Establishment stage.

After all, Xin Ruyin also possessed the true spiritual roots of "water, metal, and wood".

Mentioning spiritual roots, Fang Qing recalled the matter of cultivation techniques and asked:

"What kind of cultivation technique do you practice?"

Xin Ruyin was staring blankly at the Foundation Establishment Pill when she heard this, and subconsciously replied:

"Cloud and Water Technique"

"...How many floors are there?"

Fang Qing frowned; he had never heard of this [Cloud and Water Technique].

"Five levels, enough to cultivate to the mid-Foundation Establishment stage," Xin Ruyin answered truthfully.

"Five floors are too few, let's change it."

Fang Qing shook his head, flipped his hand and took out a light blue jade slip, placing it next to the jade bottle:

"This jade slip contains a cultivation technique called the Azure Water Technique, which has thirteen levels and can be cultivated up to the early stage of the Nascent Soul realm."

The [Azure Water Technique] in his hand was obtained from Nangong Wan's storage bag.

From Nangong Wan, he not only obtained the [Su Nu Reincarnation Technique], but also the [Azure Water Technique] and the [Heavenly Fire True Technique].

The latter is a cultivation technique given to Nangong Wan by the Yanyue Sect.

Because Nangong Wan possessed the Su Nu Reincarnation Technique, she did not cultivate this technique.

Speaking of the Su Nu Reincarnation Technique, Fang Qing discovered a strange scene in Nangong Wan's memories.

This mysterious cultivation technique, which can lead to the "Law of Reincarnation," did not originate from the Hidden Moon Sect; rather, it appeared directly in Nangong Wan's mind.

It was something Nangong Wan was born with!

When she first started practicing Qi cultivation in her childhood, this technique automatically came to mind.

Nangong Wan knew this matter was not simple, so she hadn't mentioned it to anyone.

Even the people of the Hidden Moon Sect only thought it was Nangong Wan's extraordinary encounter.

When Fang Qing saw this scene in his memory, he felt a chill run down his spine.

However, after realizing that he had successfully drugged Nangong Wan and collected her memories without any problems, he stopped taking it seriously.

Let's get back to the present.

Seeing that Fang Qing had given her both Foundation Establishment Pills and Nascent Soul Cultivation Techniques, Xin Ruyin was moved and finally felt at ease.

After explaining some foundation-building techniques to Xin Ruyin, Fang Qing boarded the Divine Wind Boat and left Xiaozhu Mountain.