Chapter 068: An Unexpected Spot

Within two months, Xu Xuan had fully mastered the ninth layer of the Breathing Technique and the ninth transformation of the Dragon-Serpent Arts, the "Awe" formula. As the final transformation of the Dragon-Serpent Nine Changes, the "Awe" formula lacked any difficult or complex movements. The training for flexibility and strength of the bones, even surpassing the limits of the human body, had already been accomplished through the previous eight forms. Xu Xuan’s physical transformation had almost reached an extreme. His muscles and bones were both supple and resilient, capable of bending to frightening degrees and bursting forth with astonishing power. Even those cultivators who refined their bodies with spiritual energy were no match for him in terms of raw physical prowess.

The ninth transformation, the "Awe" formula, transcended mere physical change and reached into the realm of the spirit. Thus, its practice did not lie in physical movements, but in the spiritual domain that arises from the foundation of essence, energy, and blood. With insights from his previous life, Xu Xuan had grasped over ninety percent of its meaning. What he lacked was only the "quantity" of spiritual strength, and given enough time, he could break through the ninth transformation.

"My current physical strength rivals that of those at the ninth level of body refinement. With my current pace, I should be able to break through the Dragon-Serpent Nine Changes in half a month at most." Xu Xuan sat in the small pavilion on the northern cliff, his gaze flashing with anticipation. The comprehension of the ninth transformation had no bottleneck; all he needed was a little accumulation.

By now, it was time for Xu Xuan’s bi-monthly descent from the mountain. He originally planned to go down, thinking his younger sister Hui Lan, aided by the Marrow Cleansing Pill, should have reached the seventh level of body refinement. But unfortunately, the Wind Feather Sect had suddenly closed its gates in recent days, forbidding disciples from entering or leaving. The security around the northern cliff was several times tighter than usual, with even a spiritual master of the Spirit Refining period stationed there, making Xu Xuan uneasy and unable to focus on his training.

Unable to descend the mountain or train freely, Xu Xuan decided to leave the small pavilion and inquire about the situation. On the way, he encountered a familiar figure—Yang Xiaoqian?

Yang Xiaoqian, now dressed in the exquisite robes of an inner sect disciple, looked more mature and charming than before, her once innocent face now tinged with sophistication. Clearly, she had become an inner sect disciple.

"Senior Brother Xu," Yang Xiaoqian greeted him with bright eyes and a gentle smile.

"When did you enter the inner sect?" Xu Xuan noticed that Yang Xiaoqian had already attained the cultivation of a spiritual energy cultivator. Two months ago, when he last descended the mountain, she was close to the seventh level of body refinement, aided by the Marrow Cleansing Pill and the assistance of the true disciple Le Feng. Given her low-grade spiritual roots, it was reasonable she had advanced so quickly.

"Not long after I returned to the mountain last time, I became an inner sect disciple and broke into the spiritual energy stage a month ago."

Yang Xiaoqian raised her elegant, pale neck, glancing at Xu Xuan with curiosity and puzzlement. "Senior Brother Xu, you train so diligently that you didn’t even notice I entered the inner sect, but why haven’t you advanced to the spiritual energy stage yet? You were ahead of us all before." She remembered how Xu Xuan had entered the inner sect a month or two before her, a time of great disappointment for her. Now, seeing herself surpass Xu Xuan despite his efforts, Yang Xiaoqian felt a sense of superiority.

Seeing her proud demeanor, Xu Xuan laughed silently and feigned frustration. "Ah, you have low-grade spiritual roots and superior talent, plus the aid of a true disciple. Anyone would envy you."

Seeing Xu Xuan’s bitter smile, Yang Xiaoqian felt a strange satisfaction and joy, but also a hint of sympathy, quickly comforting him: "If you keep training, even with ordinary spiritual roots, you can reach the spiritual energy stage within a year or two. We come from the same village; I’ll help you in the future."

Little did she know that the youth before her faced no bottleneck in becoming a spiritual energy cultivator and already possessed a terrifying strength near the ninth level of body refinement. If Xu Xuan truly wished, he could have easily entered the spiritual energy stage months ago.

"Haha, that’s good to hear. I’ll rely on you, Junior Sister, in the future." Xu Xuan’s eyes sparkled with amusement.

Yang Xiaoqian sensed something amiss, but the feeling quickly faded, overwhelmed by her satisfaction.

Learning that Xu Xuan was seeking information about the mountain closure, Yang Xiaoqian smiled, "I was planning to visit Senior Brother Le’s spiritual hall. As a true disciple, he should know the news."

"Senior Brother Le?" Xu Xuan nodded and walked alongside Yang Xiaoqian to the core area of the inner sect.

From afar, Xu Xuan saw a silver-hued metal hall on the mountainside, noble and exquisite yet unpretentious. This was Le Feng’s spiritual hall as a true disciple.

As they entered the pale silver hall, Xu Xuan sensed that the spiritual energy within was more active, quietly marveling at the spiritual materials that enhanced its liveliness, making it perfect for cultivation.

Soon, Le Feng emerged smiling from within. Upon seeing Xu Xuan, he paused briefly but quickly welcomed him inside, showing no arrogance despite Xu Xuan being a mere body refinement cultivator.

"I never expected a diligent cultivator like you, Junior Brother Xu, to visit my humble abode," Le Feng said amiably. As they chatted, Yang Xiaoqian skillfully brewed tea, then stood gracefully beside Le Feng.

Xu Xuan could see their relationship surpassed mere friendship between senior and junior disciples. Perhaps in another year or so, they would become cultivation partners. He felt no disappointment, only a sense of the changes of life.

"I wanted to descend the mountain, but since the gates are sealed, I came to ask Senior Brother Le what’s happening in the inner sect and when things might return to normal," Xu Xuan explained.

Le Feng smiled, "It’s not much of a secret among the inner sect’s core. In the past month or two, the elders discovered that the sealed 'Secret Realm' at the bottom of the Endless Abyss seems to be stabilizing. They’ve been trying to reinforce it. With the tireless efforts of elders from both sects, and the power of formation techniques, they can maintain a relative stability in the secret realm for a limited time."

Xu Xuan thought to himself, as expected, the secret realm was stabilizing, hence the tension between the two sects.

"However, the stability of the secret realm can only support a limited number of living beings. If a Spirit Refining master enters, it will disturb the realm and trigger spiritual energy tides. Only cultivators below the Spirit Refining stage can enter, and the number is limited. At most, one can stay for a month before chaos returns, making it uninhabitable."

Le Feng explained the situation in detail.

"I see," Xu Xuan was astonished. It was clear the sect would select the most promising disciples to enter.

"The spiritual energy inside the secret realm is extremely pure, ten times more than ordinary areas, and very active and harmonious, aiding in breaking through bottlenecks. The sect is selecting a portion of disciples to enter, but spots are limited."

"Spots? With your status as a true disciple, Senior Brother Le, you must have a place," Xu Xuan mused. The advantages of training in the secret realm were almost irresistible.

"Of course. Not only can Senior Brother Le enter, he can also choose two inner sect disciples to accompany him as protectors," Yang Xiaoqian said proudly.

Le Feng, with a hint of regret and apology, added, "Unfortunately, my two protector spots are already filled—one is Senior Brother Jia, and the other is Yang Xiaoqian. No more spots are available."

Xu Xuan was indifferent; even if there were spots, Le Feng would prioritize close and strong fellow disciples. Yang Xiaoqian, however, benefited greatly, entering the inner sect not long ago and already qualifying to enter the secret realm as a protector.

Having learned all he needed, Xu Xuan returned to the northern cliff pavilion.

"With my strength and status, it seems I have no fate with that secret realm," Xu Xuan sighed inwardly, letting go of the idea with some regret.

That very evening, a slender figure stepped into the pavilion, calling softly, "Senior Brother Xu!"

"Junior Sister Yu?" Xu Xuan was slightly surprised, ushering her inside. "What brings you here?"

"Senior Brother Xu, in a few days I’ll enter the secret realm. Can you be my protector?" Yu Qin asked shyly, her bright eyes full of hope.

"What! You mean you have a spot to enter the secret realm?" Xu Xuan’s heart leaped, barely able to conceal his delight.

Qin nodded earnestly, her cheeks reddening, a flawless smile blooming.

This was truly an unexpected opportunity!

Xu Xuan nearly hugged the girl out of joy.

(Two chapters today, calling for recommendations~~~~)