Translator: AnubisTL
Just as Li Qing was preparing to return to Fire Cliff Cave to subdue the Profound Yellow True Flame, the Lingyun Sect received an unexpected invitation.
The Spirit Sealing Letter came from the Free and Unfettered Sect!
It was astonishing that the Free and Unfettered Sect would proactively invite the Lingyun Sect to celebrate their patriarch's eight-hundredth birthday. Xu Xia initially suspected the invitation was a veiled attempt at peace talks.
However, he quickly dismissed the notion. The invitation reeked of ill intent.
The principle that "one mountain cannot harbor two tigers, nor can the heavens have two suns" remained clear to him.
Xu Xia immediately informed the sect's ancestors about the invitation, and they convened to discuss the matter.
"Hmm, your assessment is correct," Li Qing chuckled. "This invitation is indeed malicious."
It had been less than a decade since the Free and Unfettered Sect's massive assault on the Lingyun Sect's mountain gate. Their attack had failed only because of the sect's Fourth-Tier Grand Formation.
Now, this ambiguous invitation clearly concealed a sinister plot.
If the Azure Ridge Domain were governed by three powerful cultivation sects, forming a balanced tripod, perhaps a period of peace might have been possible.
Unfortunately, there were only two cultivation sects, and their coexistence was inherently impossible.
Even if Li Qing hadn't already slain the Free and Unfettered Sect's supreme elder, forging an irreconcilable blood feud, their insatiable ambition alone made it clear that the Free and Unfettered Sect would never willingly share the Azure Ridge Domain's cultivation resources with the Lingyun Sect.
"Ancestor Limitless, what exactly is the Free and Unfettered Sect planning?" Xu Xia asked, his brow furrowed deeply.
Li Qing sneered. "What else could it be? Invite guests, behead them, and then enslave the survivors."
Xu Xia blinked, still trying to grasp the full meaning of Li Qing's words.
Li Qing shook his head and patiently explained:
"It's been several years since the Lingyun Sect sealed its mountain gate. Tell me, what's the status of our sect's basic cultivation resources?"
Xu Xia's face darkened instantly. "They're dwindling rapidly," he replied. "We're struggling to provide even the foundation establishment elders with their medicinal pills, let alone the stipends for the inner sect disciples."
As he spoke, Xu Xia finally understood the implications of Li Qing's earlier remark.
The Free and Unfettered Sect had correctly assessed the Lingyun Sect's resource scarcity, confidently predicting their attendance at Patriarch Xiaoyao's birthday banquet.
At the birthday banquet, they would feign peace talks, luring Li Qing and other high-ranking sect members out to discuss dividing the Azure Ridge Domain's resources.
The likely outcome would be the deaths of several Lingyun Sect elders, leaving only one or two supreme elders behind as puppets of the Free and Unfettered Sect.
This would not only solidify the Free and Unfettered Sect's dominance over the Azure Ridge Domain but also eliminate the Lingyun Sect, the thorn in their side.
Afterward, the Free and Unfettered Sect would only need to guard the Snow Mountain Range in the southern region, preventing anyone from crossing the snow mountain, to reign supreme in the Azure Ridge Domain without worry.
Unfortunately for them, the Free and Unfettered Sect never anticipated that Li Qing had already reached the nascent soul realm, possessing the strength to confront Patriarch Xiaoyao directly.
Moreover, Li Qing had no intention of becoming their dog. Just as the Free and Unfettered Sect couldn't tolerate the Lingyun Sect, he couldn't tolerate them either.
"Hmph, so that's their plan! The Free and Unfettered Sect thinks they're so clever!" Xu Xia growled through clenched teeth, his expression grim. "I'll send a rejection immediately. We can't give them any opportunity to exploit us!"
Li Qing shook his head again. "No, do not refuse. The elders and disciples of our sect have endured hardship for far too long. If they lose all hope, their loyalty to the sect will inevitably erode."
"Tell the Free and Unfettered Sect that the Lingyun Sect will attend Patriarch Xiaoyao's eight-hundredth birthday celebration as promised!"
Upon hearing these words, Xu Xia's expression finally brightened with excitement. He understood the implications of Ancestor Limitless's declaration.
They could finally take action!
Li Qing waved his hand dismissively. "Go now. Also, inform the other supreme elders of this matter. As for the sect disciples, instruct them to focus on their cultivation these next few days and maintain absolute secrecy."
Thus, Xu Xia personally penned a Spirit Sealing Letter to the Free and Unfettered Sect, confirming the Lingyun Sect's attendance at Patriarch Xiaoyao's eight-hundredth birthday celebration.
At that very moment, the sect's guardian grand formation silently opened for an instant, unnoticed by anyone.
Meanwhile, within the cave abode atop Azure Cloud Peak, the figure of Li Qing, who had sat motionless for years, had vanished without a trace.
Elsewhere, the Lingyun Sect's reply reached the Free and Unfettered Sect within days.
On one of the sect's main peaks, True Lord Chang Jue, his face beaming with joy, carried the spirit letter to Patriarch Xiaoyao.
"Ancestor, the Lingyun Sect has replied! They've agreed to attend your eight-hundredth birthday celebration!"
The spirit letter in his hand flew autonomously into the cave abode at the main peak.
After a long moment, an ancient voice echoed through the chamber:
"They actually agreed? I thought they'd make excuses. Since that's the case, proceed with the plan. Have the sect disciples strictly guard the Snow Mountain Range these next few days, forbidding any cultivators from crossing between the two great domains!"
True Lord Chang Jue's face lit up with joy. He knew the time to reclaim his natal magic treasure was drawing near.
Ever since his natal magic treasure had fallen into Li Qing's hands, he had been obsessed with retrieving it. The matter had become a knot in his heart.
"It seems the Lingyun Sect has suffered greatly from sealing their mountain gate these past few years! Otherwise, why would they accept our invitation?"
"But this is only natural. Our Free and Unfettered Sect endured similar hardships during our years wandering the outer domain. Without a stable source of cultivation resources, we were no better than rogue cultivators."
"The Lingyun Sect was only recently established, and their sect cohesion is weak. They couldn't even endure a few years of isolation. Their disciples must have been grumbling for quite some time now."
True Lord Chang Jue voiced his assessment, convinced he had seen through the Lingyun Sect's facade.
His eyes darted around before he asked again, "Ancestor, how should we deal with the Lingyun Sect afterward?"
"Preserve their dao lineage, kill their true lords, and let them become vassals of our Free and Unfettered Sect in the future," the voice within the cave abode replied, its tone utterly calm and indifferent, yet brimming with absolute confidence.
This was the demeanor befitting a Nascent Soul True Monarch!
Meanwhile, on the opposite side of the Azure Ridge Domain, near Fire Cliff Cave, a spiritual light flickered urgently in the sky before a tall, imposing figure suddenly materialized.
Having advanced to the nascent soul realm, Li Qing's speed had increased significantly. With the combined boosts from his Wind-Thunder Silver Wings and his innate Kunpeng Extreme Speed, his escape speed now rivaled that of the fastest cultivators in the world.
Though he had never personally witnessed the escape light of a divine transformation stage cultivator, he was certain that among Nascent Soul cultivators, his speed ranked among the very top.
"It's a pity these Wind-Thunder Silver Wings are merely a forbidden artifact, hastily refined and far from a true heaven-piercing spirit treasure."
Li Qing sighed softly as he gazed at the cracks spiderwebbing across the silver wings on his back.
Forbidden artifacts not only have limited power but also a severely restricted number of uses.
Over the years, the Wind-Thunder Silver Wings had nearly reached their limit. After just a few more uses, they would likely collapse under the strain.
By then, he would need to begin refining a pair of heaven-piercing spirit treasure-level Wind-Thunder Silver Wings, rather than another forbidden artifact.
Dao Lord Bai Ling had left Li Qing the complete refinement method for this treasure, including all the necessary materials, dao patterns to be inscribed, and detailed steps.
All that remained was for Li Qing to gather the required materials before attempting the refinement.
"Enough. I'll consider this later. First, I need to resolve the immediate matter at hand," Li Qing muttered to himself before plunging into a massive pit beneath the volcanic cluster below.
Reentering Fire Cliff Cave, Li Qing moved with practiced ease. Even without a map, he could navigate effortlessly to the deepest underground chambers.
All of this was thanks to his formidable divine sense. Having reached the nascent soul realm, his divine soul had grown even stronger, allowing his divine sense to extend across a vast expanse.
With effortless ease, Li Qing arrived at the deepest part of Fire Cliff Cave, where a stone gate stood before him.
Passing through the stone gate without resistance, Li Qing once again found himself in the underground space beneath Fire Cliff Cave.
His expression grew solemn, a stark contrast to his earlier relaxed demeanor.
Li Qing understood that his purpose here was not merely to subdue the Profound Yellow True Flame, but to completely eradicate the Dao Body of the Formless Demon Ancestor lurking beneath.
Having attained the nascent soul realm, he now possessed the power to obliterate this entity.
Subduing the Profound Yellow True Flame required this act; there was no way to avoid it.
Without the Profound Yellow True Flame, the sealing formation would lose its balance, allowing the Formless Demon Ancestor's Dao Body to break free. Such a catastrophe could plunge the entire mortal realm into chaos.
Having steeled his resolve, Li Qing wasted no time. He immediately flew toward the Crimson Radiance Hall, which hovered above the magma sea.
Having inherited the Crimson Radiance Heavenly Monarch's legacy, Li Qing effortlessly entered the ancient hall.
Buzz!
As if sensing Li Qing's presence, the Crimson Radiance Hall's doors swung open on their own to welcome him.
The moment he stepped inside, strands of earthy-yellow spirit fire swirled around him, as if expressing friendly goodwill.
Within the hall, the Profound Yellow True Flame's source fire seed flickered like a firefly.
Li Qing cut straight to the point, explaining his purpose directly.
This Profound Yellow True Flame had existed for countless millennia, a heavenly spirit fire at its peak, and had long since developed its own spiritual intelligence.
"I have advanced to the Nascent Soul realm and come here to eliminate the demon."
"If we succeed in destroying the demon ancestor's incarnation, will you agree to leave this place with me?"
Li Qing spoke plainly, knowing that such a naturally born spiritual object would see through any pretense.
The Profound Yellow True Flame, already sentient, trembled slightly and transmitted a thought:
"By order of the Heavenly Monarch, I have guarded this place, suppressing the Formless Demon Ancestor's incarnation. Logically, once this demonic incarnation is extinguished, I should be freed."
"However, as the Heavenly Monarch's successor, if you can help me obliterate the Formless Demon Ancestor's incarnation, I will grant you an opportunity to subdue me."
"Whether you pass the trial will depend on your good fortune."
The Profound Illusion True Flame's voice sounded remarkably youthful, like that of a seven or eight-year-old child, which greatly surprised Li Qing.
Without hesitation, Li Qing accepted the offer.
This promise was enough. He didn't expect that merely being the successor of the Crimson Radiance Heavenly Monarch would compel a fully empowered heavenly spirit fire to submit to him.
That was unrealistic!
Heavenly spirit fires are among the most unyielding and yang-aligned entities in the world. Once they develop spiritual intelligence, their natures become fiercely independent and untamable.
Having even a chance to subdue one was already an extraordinary opportunity.
"So, what should I do next?" Li Qing asked.
The Profound Yellow True Flame transmitted its thoughts:
"It's quite simple. The sealing formation left behind by the Heavenly Monarch was originally designed to eradicate the demon ancestor's incarnation. After tens of thousands of years, the primordial demonic qi within the demon ancestor's Dao Body has nearly been exhausted."
"All you need to do now is enter the sealing formation, then combine the power of the two heavenly spirit fires within your body to help me completely eradicate it."
Soon, within Crimson Radiance Hall, the core of the sealing formation appeared before Li Qing.
It was a blue stone tablet engraved with intricate patterns, positioned at the very center of the hall.
Li Qing slowly approached the tablet, then released his divine sense and true essence.
In the next moment, the entire layout of the underground sealing formation materialized in his mind.
He finally understood the true grandeur of the sealing formation left behind by the Crimson Radiance Heavenly Monarch. The formation's power permeated nearly the entire magma sea beneath the surface, and even Crimson Radiance Hall itself was an integral part of the formation.
"Truly remarkable," Li Qing murmured, his consciousness now within the formation. "By harnessing the power of celestial phenomena and the terrain, combined with the purifying power of the Fire Spirit Pearl and heavenly spirit fires, and with Crimson Radiance Hall as its central nexus, this sealing formation is a masterpiece of ingenuity."
In that moment, Li Qing gained a preliminary understanding of just how formidable the Crimson Radiance Heavenly Monarch had been. This magnificent sealing formation served as a glimpse into the monarch's immense power.
Yet even such a mighty figure as the Crimson Radiance Heavenly Monarch had been unable to completely eradicate the Formless Demon Ancestor's incarnation. Instead, the monarch had relied on this sealing formation to slowly erode the demon's power over countless years.
Now, with Li Qing's arrival, the opportunity to finally eliminate the demon had finally presented itself.
Within Li Qing's consciousness, he clearly perceived a dark, bottommost layer of the sealing formation.
There, a crimson pearl, as radiant as the sun, lay submerged. Wisps of purplish-black energy continuously dissipated from the surrounding darkness.
He recognized the pearl as the Fire Spirit Pearl, the most precious supreme treasure in this realm.
And that purplish-black space was the domain of the Formless Demon Ancestor's Dao Body!
Previously, when Li Qing was merely at the core formation realm, he had been powerless to act. But now, as a Nascent Soul cultivator, his cultivation and divine abilities had grown exponentially stronger.
"Let's begin!"
The Profound Yellow True Flame's will echoed in Li Qing's mind. The flame immediately surged with earthy-yellow spiritual fire, pouring into the sealing formation and fully activating it.
Without hesitation, Li Qing fully activated the Crimson Blaze Heaven-Burning Art, completely mastering the sealing formation.
Guided by the Profound Yellow True Flame, he unleashed the two heavenly spirit fires within his body once more.
The pitch-black demon flame and the searing white Cold Fire surged forth, forming two distinct seas of fire.
At that moment, Li Qing's aura as a Nascent Soul cultivator fully erupted, a faint pressure radiating throughout the Crimson Radiance Hall.
Immediately, the spiritual light of the sealing formation intensified, and the magma sea below began to churn violently, magma pillars erupting in fiery bursts.
Deep within the sealing formation, the Formless Demon Ancestor, tightly bound, seemed to sense something. He let out a disbelieving roar:
"Old Ghost Crimson Blaze's aura? Impossible! Tens of thousands of years have passedโhow could you still be alive?"
The combined power of several heavenly spirit fires and Li Qing's Nascent Soul-level Crimson Blaze Heaven-Burning Art instantly made the demon ancestor instinctively associate him with Crimson Radiance Heavenly Monarch himself.
In his memory, only Crimson Radiance Heavenly Monarch possessed such power in this realm.
But soon, as if realizing something, he muttered, "So that's it... the successor of Crimson Radiance Heavenly Monarch from back then. In just a few short years, this brat has actually reached the nascent soul realm!"
"Excellent, excellent! To advance so rapidly in a spiritual energy-deficient environment like the lower realm... you truly are a remarkable individual!"
Sensing imminent danger, the Formless Demon Ancestor desperately resisted the grinding force of the sealing formation, then roared in a deep voice:
"Boy outside, do you truly not want the Fire Spirit Pearl? If I perish here today, the Fire Spirit Pearl will be lost to this world forever!"
Inside the Crimson Radiance Hall, Li Qing completely ignored the Demon Ancestor's seductive words, instead channeling even more true essence into the formation.
In truth, with the passive protection of the Exquisite Immortal Sound within his body, the Formless Demon Ancestor's seductive abilities posed little threat to Li Qing.
Boom!
The three heavenly spirit fires surged in unison, their combined power amplified and channeled through the Crimson Radiance Ancient Hall as its central conduit. A terrifying force swept down, instantly reducing the Formless Demon Ancestor's power by more than half!
Li Qing certainly desired the Fire Spirit Pearl, but he coveted the complete annihilation of the Formless Demon Ancestor's Dao Body even more.
Thus, he had only one choice: to cooperate with the Profound Yellow True Flame and utterly obliterate the demon ancestor.
(End of the Chapter)
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