Translator: CinderTL
"Are you going out on a mission?"
Jiang Yuqiu looked at Li Chunjun in front of her, her expression full of astonishment.
When she saw that his gaze didn't seem to be joking, she asked in confusion, "You're currently in a critical period of learning. You have no shortage of resources or teaching. All you need to do is settle down and gradually increase your cultivation. Why risk yourself?"
"Gradually."
Li Chunjun knew.
Reaching Core Formation in one's fifties or sixties wasn't considered slow.
But...
He couldn't accept it.
"It's too slow."
"Slow..."
Jiang Yuqiu pondered for a moment. "When the sect was forcing the Chiyang Sword Sect to back down, it caused quite a stir. Now, not only the Chiyang Sword Sect but the other seven sects are aware that our sect has found a new Flaming Phoenix Sword Cultivator and is nurturing him as the future Flaming Phoenix Sword Prodigy. This is something no sect wants to see."
She said gravely, "If you go out on a mission and are intercepted by experts from other sects, they won't just stand by. The best outcome would be capturing and brainwashing you."
"That's exactly why I need to make a statement."
Li Chunjun said.
"Having developed divine sense at such a young age is already a significant statement."
"It's not enough."
Li Chunjun said bluntly, "The past Flaming Phoenix Sword Prodigies didn't go out on missions. Did they achieve their status by staying behind closed doors?"
Jiang Yuqiu was taken aback. After a moment, she replied, "Of course not."
Her expression returned to normal, and she smiled faintly. "You and Wanyu should head back first. We'll arrange the mission."
"Master..."
Jiang Wanyu, who was standing nearby, had initially wanted Peak Lord Jiang to help dissuade him. To her surprise, it seemed like she was going to approve Li Chunjun's request?
"I need to discuss this with the sect leader first."
Jiang Yuqiu explained.
Jiang Wanyu had no choice but to leave with Li Chunjun.
After they left, Jiang Yuqiu summoned her sword light and headed towards the main peak.
Main Peak, Main Hall.
Huan Ming was in discussion with Peak Lords You Long and Bai Lian.
"Over the past thirty years, the star gate established through the Blue Star node is nearing completion. To prevent the alien races from making a desperate last-ditch effort, we need to intensify our efforts to eliminate the alien races... mainly the Divine Race."
Huan Ming said, "It would be best to mobilize all Core Formation cultivators from the other eight sects for a global sweep to ensure the project's smooth completion."
"Mobilize all Core Formation cultivators for a global sweep? That does seem necessary."
Bai Lian nodded. "Thirty years ago, we conducted a full-scale purge of the Divine Race. In recent years, the purge has never stopped, but it has caused these Divine Believers and followers to hide deeper and, through development, they have grown in number. We must eliminate them all before any follower can bear the power of the Divine Spirit."
"The problem is whether the other eight sects will cooperate."
You Long said.
"Hmph, this is an order from above. They have no choice but to cooperate!"
Huan Ming said, "The key is whether we or the Wu Ji Sect will take the lead."
If a Core Formation cultivator were here, they would undoubtedly declare without hesitation that the path of the sword cultivator is one of slaughter, and leading the purge of Divine Race Divine Believers is a natural duty.
But Peak Lords You Long and Bai Lian...
They wouldn't view the issue so simplistically.
At this moment, Huan Ming seemed to receive some news and looked towards the entrance.
Soon, a sword light pierced the sky, and Jiang Yuqiu's figure entered the main hall.
Seeing her, Huan Ming couldn't help but smile. "Peak Lord Jiang, have you brought us more good news about the future of our sect's Sword Prodigy?"
Peak Lords You Long and Bai Lian also turned their gazes to her.
"Not this time. Over the past month, Li Chunjun has only been on the mountain with Wanyu, learning and filling in some gaps in his cultivation knowledge. However..."
Jiang Yuqiu paused. "Just now, he came to me, hoping to go on a mission like an ordinary sword cultivator."
"Oh?"
Huan Ming was surprised. "He shouldn't lack cultivation resources. Why does he want to go on a mission?"
He then added, "Is it because he's short on Sun True Crystals? We can give him another box."
"I suspect that's the reason."
Jiang Yuqiu said, recounting the conversation between Li Chunjun and herself.
"Making a statement..."
For a moment, the three of them fell silent.
"I told him that developing divine sense was already enough, but he clearly believes that the true mark of a sword cultivator is actual combat, not cultivation level."
Jiang Yuqiu continued.
Huan Ming, You Long, and Bai Lian exchanged glances.
After a while, You Long said, "He's considering you and the sect leader."
Bai Lian couldn't help but add, "We should really have Lei Yuan listen to this. What a fine young man, so thoughtful on our behalf. Yet he keeps nagging, saying we're pushing too hard, focusing too much, and that it's easy to breed arrogance. Which arrogant genius sword cultivator would volunteer for missions like an ordinary sword cultivator?"
Huan Ming also nodded.
He turned his gaze to Jiang Yuqiu. "So... has Li Chunjun reached the ninth level of Qi Refining?"
"Ninth level peak."
Jiang Yuqiu said confidently.
"Ninth level peak, developed divine sense, Flaming Phoenix Power, and a Lifebound Flying Sword capable of refining Taiyi Essence Gold... he's outstanding even among the core disciples."
Huan Ming smiled.
Jiang Yuqiu nodded and asked, "Have the potential risks in that area been thoroughly investigated?"
"Yue Quan and his team have checked it no less than ten times this month. It's foolproof."
Huan Ming said, then paused. "However, considering that the Chiyang Sword Sect and other sects must have planted hidden pawns within us, I suggest we proceed secretly! The truth of this purge should remain between us and a few peak lords."
"Agreed. The other sects wouldn't expect us to release the Flaming Phoenix Sword Prodigy after just one month."
Jiang Yuqiu nodded.
"One month isn't enough! Investigate for another month to ensure the strength of every Divine Believer is within manageable limits, eliminating all surprises!"
You Long reminded.
"Wise words. Then let's investigate for another month."
Huan Ming said. "A month later, we'll conduct the mission. The participants will be core sect members under the age of thirty."
He paused. "We'll use the mission results to make those people accept it."
"Let Lei Yuan personally witness how the future Flaming Phoenix Sword Prodigy of the Taixu Sword Sect will display his might!"
Bai Lian added.
Huan Ming nodded.
Soon, everyone finalized the matter.
...
Having received the accurate information, Jiang Yuqiu returned to Flaming Phoenix Peak.
She scanned with her divine sense and quickly detected Li Chunjun, who was practicing the Profound Phoenix Sword Wheel, and Jiang Wanyu, who seemed somewhat distracted beside him.
She turned her sword light and landed in Li Chunjun's courtyard.
"Prepare for a month! A month later, we'll conduct a mission to sweep a Divine Believer's stronghold!"
"Alright."
Li Chunjun nodded.
Over the past month, he had gained some understanding of these so-called Divine Believers and followers.
Divine Believers were humans transformed by the Divine Race.
Although they still retained a human form, their thoughts and consciousness had been completely altered under the erosion and corruption of the Divine Race. To some extent, they were almost like parasites or reserve bodies for the Divine Race.
If not eliminated in time, once they reached a certain level of strength, the Divine Race could project their power into these Divine Believers, easily causing massive destruction within the sects.
Many of the sects' strongholds, fortified with numerous formations and impenetrable defenses, had been breached from within due to the presence of these Divine Believers and followers.
Based on the degree of erosion and corruption, they were categorized into ordinary Divine Believers, high-level Divine Believers, and fanatical Divine Believers, roughly corresponding to ordinary cultivators, high-level Qi Refining cultivators, and top-tier Qi Refining cultivators.
"To ensure that all Divine Believers in that stronghold are wiped out, this time, a group of core disciples from the sect will accompany you."
Jiang Yuqiu said, glancing at Li Chunjun. "If you want to lead them, you can try to persuade them. If you prefer to act alone, you can do as you please. Don't force yourself."
"Understood."
Li Chunjun responded.
However, he knew that the "persuasion" Jiang Yuqiu mentioned wasn't as simple as using words.
"Master..."
At this moment, Jiang Wanyu stepped forward, wanting to say something.
But Jiang Yuqiu seemed to have anticipated her thoughts and directly said, "This is Chunjun's own request."
Jiang Wanyu nodded. "There's still a month, right?"
"Yes."
"I understand."
Jiang Wanyu said, turning to Li Chunjun. "Junior Brother, there's another way to practice the Profound Phoenix Sword Wheel, and that's through combat."
Li Chunjun looked at her. "Should I spar with Peak Lord's disciples?"
"You've reached the peak of Qi Refining and cultivated the Profound Phoenix Sword Qi, which is more domineering than the Fire Vein Sword Cultivators. Sparring with them won't significantly improve your swordsmanship."
Jiang Wanyu looked at him seriously. "I'll be your opponent."
"Alright."
Li Chunjun nodded.
"I'll control my cultivation to the ninth level of Qi Refining."
Jiang Wanyu said.
"Please."
Li Chunjun made a gesture.
Jiang Wanyu didn't immediately attack.
She shook her head, untied a red hairband from her wrist, and tied up her long, smooth hair that fell to her waist, forming a ponytail that hung behind her.
Then, with a wave of her hand, a dark red light transformed into a sword, which she grasped.
At this moment, Li Chunjun noticed a change in Jiang Wanyu's aura.
Gentleness, grace, tranquility, and peace gradually faded away.
In their place was a sense of determination, ethereality, and transcendence.
Seeing this, Li Chunjun's expression also became serious.
He had previously felt that Jiang Wanyu's state was somewhat upside down.
Activating the Flaming Phoenix Blood required an unyielding, life-and-death conviction. Why did Jiang Wanyu not have this feeling at all?
But now...
"Junior Brother, be careful."
Jiang Wanyu reminded.
In the next moment, she leaped forward.
Not with the grace of an immortal or the lightness of a fairy.
Her hair flew, and her body stretched.
Her sword exhibited an extraordinary coldness and decisiveness!
"Good!"
Li Chunjun genuinely praised.
Now, he didn't need to hold back.
He unleashed the swordsmanship he had practiced for just a month.
Li Chunjun didn't hesitate to charge forward with his sword.
Extraordinary perception, powerful vitality, astonishing explosive strength...
The two sword lights collided in an instant.
...
After watching for a while, Jiang Yuqiu's eyes flashed with a hint of surprise.
Li Chunjun...
Was much stronger than she had imagined.
Whether it was the keen perception from developing divine sense or an innate talent for combat, his attack methods, though simple, were incredibly efficient.
No!
It wasn't divine sense!
In just a moment, she realized.
Jiang Wanyu also had divine sense and more refined swordsmanship.
But with this almost instinctive combat ability, he was able to hold his own against Jiang Wanyu!
This time...
She was completely reassured.
After applying for a fourth-grade protective Mystic Treasure for Li Chunjun, preparing some fourth-grade life-saving talismans, protective talismans, Minor Teleportation Talismans, and ten boxes of healing and recovery pills, and arranging for a few Core Formation experts skilled in concealment to secretly guard him, she could let him freely undertake this sweeping mission.
(End of the Chapter)
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