Chapter 193 - 189: A Change Unseen in 8,000 Years, Championship Odds

Du Youqian walked out of Feng Xiaoyi’s immortal cave and rubbed his brow.

What Feng Xiaoyi asked of him wasn’t particularly difficult.

She simply hoped he would reach Foundation Establishment Perfection within thirty years. By then, it would be her turn to garrison the Desolate Abyss, and she wanted Du Youqian to take her place for a decade.

It was an arduous task, to be sure, but it was nothing compared to the constant support she had given Du Youqian.

Therefore, Du Youqian was more than willing to take on the unpleasant duty. His only fear was that the hardship wouldn’t be great enough to repay the debt of gratitude he owed her.

The real issue was... the Desolate Abyss.

Feng Xiaoyi had been vague, only saying it was the ruins left after a great war, a burial ground for countless Demons, and also the place where Demon Zombies appeared.

Ever since Du Youqian had garrisoned the Evil Pool and encountered the Demon Fox Zombie, Demons had begun to appear with increasing frequency.

To prevent the Demons from penetrating deep into the mortal-inhabited regions of Momenan and wreaking havoc, the Taihe Sect and the Holy Blood Sect had jointly issued a decree. It ordered the Nine Great Sects to send Cultivators to the Desolate Abyss to serve garrison duty in rotation, stamping out the Demon Zombies in the lawless lands beyond.

’This... is a crisis unseen in eight thousand years.’

’And then there was what happened last year at the Cyan Yang Sect relics.’

Du Youqian looked up at the sky. He couldn’t help but feel that the heavens themselves had turned gloomy. ’The wind howls through the tower, heralding a rising storm...’

’Originally, I thought that this is only my fourth reincarnation, and I already have a chance to touch upon Core Formation.’

’In my next few lives, I could go anywhere, explore the outside world, or find a way to break through to the Nascent Soul realm.’

’There was no need to be impatient for quick success, and no need to take any risks.’

’But the times are turning against me. Who knows what unexpected disaster might strike?’

A powerful sense of urgency rose in Du Youqian’s heart.

’Right, Master told me to go congratulate Xi Zhiheng in person.’

While he had been in seclusion, Xi Zhiheng had successfully achieved Core Formation, and Feng Xiaoyi had sent a congratulatory gift on his behalf.

Now that he was out of seclusion, it was only proper for him to pay a personal visit.

It’s just...

’I never thought a Demon like him could actually succeed at Core Formation. Why didn’t the heavens send down a Celestial Tribulation to smite him?’

’To cultivate a Secret Technique, he spent a century raising his descendants into useless drones who knew only how to eat, drink, seek pleasure, and breed. In that short hundred years, they multiplied into a clan of several thousand. Then he used them all in a Blood Sacrifice to master that Demon Dao Core Formation Secret Technique in one fell swoop.’

’The Demon Sects have never been short of ruthless people, but his level of viciousness is truly a rare sight.’

’A man that ruthless... now that he’s reached Core Formation, he has the potential to become an unparalleled Demon, I fear.’

Du Youqian decided that from now on, he would absolutely never offend Xi Zhiheng, no matter the occasion.

However, if he ever sensed a potential conflict of interest, he would decisively strike first.

He would give Xi Zhiheng no opportunity to harbor a hidden grudge or scheme against him.

The mere thought of being targeted by such a ruthless man was enough to send a chill down his spine!

~~~~~~~~

「The next day, at Xi Zhiheng’s immortal cave.」

Du Youqian bowed respectfully. "Congratulations to Martial Uncle Xi on ascending the Golden Core Path and attaining Longevity and Vision! When Martial Uncle held his Core Formation Ceremony, this junior was in seclusion and could not attend in person, a fact I deeply regret..."

He rattled off a long string of empty pleasantries.

His form of address for Xi Zhiheng had subtly changed. Before, he would have called him Brother Xi or Fellow Daoist Xi.

Now, it was naturally "Martial Uncle."

"There is no need for such ceremony, Martial Nephew. I hear you are preparing to participate in the Sect’s grand competition? Then I wish you a resounding victory and great success." Xi Zhiheng’s attitude was quite courteous.

"Thank you for your kind words, Martial Uncle."

After a few more meaningless pleasantries, Xi Zhiheng said, "By the way, on the day I cultivated my Secret Technique, I personally performed a Blood Sacrifice on most of my descendants. However, there were a few particularly outstanding women I couldn’t bring myself to kill. I’m keeping them in my immortal cave, where they’re practicing some rudimentary Cultivation Techniques. If you’re interested, Martial Nephew, feel free to take two of them back with you. Whether you keep them for yourself or give them away is up to you."

Du Youqian hesitated for a moment. He was not one to be tempted by beautiful women, and he inwardly despised Xi Zhiheng’s character.

But now that Xi Zhiheng had formed his Golden Core, his words and actions carried an authority that one could not easily refuse.

Even though Du Youqian himself was the Direct Disciple of a Core Formation Master, he did not want to make an enemy of Xi Zhiheng.

"In that case, I thank you for your kind gesture, Martial Uncle."

Du Youqian made up his mind to give the two women to Fang Simin upon his return.

After all, that kid was always thinking about "harmonizing his Yin and Yang" these days, which had been slowing down his Cultivation progress.

As he took his leave, Du Youqian presented another generous gift—100 units of Flower Cyan Gang Jade, worth approximately 10,000 Spiritual Jades.

Flower Cyan Gang Jade was a stable currency; what Core Formation Master didn’t need it to refine their Treasures?

Du Youqian had previously traded the Flower Cyan Gang Jade Mine beneath the Qi Kingdom’s Garrison Office to Nong Jiasong, a True Successor Candidate. Naturally, Nong Jiasong hadn’t dared to keep it for himself, instead turning the mine over to the Sect in exchange for Contribution Points.

The Sect had only claimed the mine and was in no hurry to begin excavation, so the market price of Flower Cyan Gang Jade had not been greatly impacted for the time being.

Xi Zhiheng gave Du Youqian a gift in return: a Demon Artifact, the Ten Thousand Souls Banner, which he said he had casually refined while slaughtering his own kin to cultivate his Secret Technique.

The Ten Thousand Souls Banner was similar to the Hundred Ghosts Banner and the Soul-Devouring Banner, yet its function was different.

Because this Ten Thousand Souls Banner refined by Xi Zhiheng was made from the souls of people with the same bloodline, its foundation was exceptionally good.

It was likely worth several thousand Spiritual Jades, making it quite a valuable item.

But Du Youqian would never use this kind of Demon Artifact. In the future, he might keep it to reward a subordinate.

Indeed, Du Youqian had already decided that if he could take first place in the grand competition and become a True Inheritor, he would begin to truly establish his own small faction.

Having a small faction to handle his worldly affairs would allow him to devote his primary energy to his Cultivation.

This was the path most True Disciples and Core Formation Masters in the Holy Blood Sect chose to take.

When Du Youqian led the two beautiful women back to his immortal cave, Fang Hua couldn’t help but steal a few extra glances, though she said nothing.

The very next day, however, she changed back into women’s clothes and even took the time to carefully adorn herself.

But after seeing that Du Youqian did not dally with the two women, and in fact gave them directly to Fang Simin a few days later, Fang Hua switched back to her male attire.

Fang Simin’s Cultivation at this time was at what could be described as the Qi Cultivation Sixteenth Layer. His Magical Power was roughly equivalent to the Foundation Establishment Sixth Layer, while his Divine Sense and physical strength were barely approaching that of a newly minted Foundation Establishment Cultivator.

Previously, while in the Qi Kingdom, Du Youqian had disguised himself as Fang Zhongying and bestowed the Seven Transition Celestial Dance Scripture upon Fang Simin.

Now, less than a short decade later, Fang Simin had already achieved some success in his Cultivation and had even managed to complete a significant portion of the incomplete Cultivation Technique.

This showed that he had a true affinity for this Cultivation Technique, and his Comprehension was extraordinary.

Du Youqian offered him some words of encouragement and bestowed upon him a Spiritual Artifact, saying it was "a reward from your ancestor."

Fang Simin joyfully returned to his small courtyard with the beauties and the Spiritual Artifact to go harmonize his Yin and Yang.

A month later, he broke through to the Qi Cultivation Seventeenth Layer.

’Such talent... It’s truly enough to make one jealous.’

~~~~~

As the date of the grand competition drew near, Du Youqian began sparring with Fang Hua every day.

The Fang Hua of today was like a sheathed Treasure Sword, her divine light concealed within. She was no longer someone he could casually toy with.

Ten years ago, he could still hold back thirty percent of his strength and defeat Fang Hua with ease in just a few dozen moves.

Now, Fang Hua could hold her own against him, and could even occasionally suppress him—so long as he didn’t play his trump cards.

What astonishing progress!

To put it bluntly, if Fang Hua were eligible to participate in the Holy Blood Sect’s grand competition, she would be guaranteed a spot in the top eight. It wouldn’t even be surprising if she made it to the final round.

Du Youqian was proud of his own judgment. His keen eye for talent had allowed him to recognize Fang Hua’s potential and begin bestowing favors and nurturing her growth early on.

Fang Hua, in turn, was grateful for his patronage.

And this was the truth of the matter.

Before she met Du Youqian, she was indeed a piece of unpolished jade.

But if Du Youqian hadn’t taught her the Evergreen Master’s Immortal Sword Scripture Record, if he hadn’t used the method of merging their Divine Senses to help her comprehend Sword Intent, how could she possibly have progressed at such a rate?

Merging their Divine Senses had, of course, exposed her secrets to Du Youqian, leaving her feeling incredibly bashful.

But in turn, weren’t many of Du Youqian’s own secrets, even the weaknesses in his Cultivation Technique and Sword Intent, also exposed to her?

If Du Youqian didn’t trust her absolutely, how could he possibly have granted her such an advantage!

Fang Hua was keenly aware of this fact.

One day, the two sparred again.

In the end, with both sides holding back, they were evenly matched.

They looked at each other, and a smile of perfect understanding appeared on both their faces.

Gu Xiaofang applauded vigorously. "Absolutely brilliant! Miss Fang Hua, you’re so much stronger than that Meng Xiao fellow. Why don’t you join our Holy Blood Sect? You’d definitely be a top contender in this grand competition."

Fang Hua replied calmly, "Fellow Daoist Meng has many tricks up his sleeve as well; he usually just hides his true strength. I’m not necessarily his match."

Du Youqian chuckled on the surface, but inwardly, he knew the truth.

’What Fang Hua said wasn’t just false modesty.’

’Meng Xiao’s true strength was nowhere near as weak as he usually let on.’

’But it would be equally difficult for Meng Xiao to defeat Fang Hua.’

’If they both used all their tricks, they would be evenly matched.’

’Unless it were a life-or-death Magical Combat, their fight would most likely end in a draw.’

"So, Xiaogu, what rank do you think I’ll get?"

Gu Xiaofang let out a knowing laugh. "Brother Fei, do you even need to ask? How could the champion be anyone but you?"

Du Youqian shook his head and chuckled. "We know each other so well. What’s the point in flattering me? The betting pools are open, and my odds of winning are 11-to-1. I’m ranked fourteenth."

Gu Xiaofang grew serious. "Brother Fei, it’s because I know you so well that I truly think that. What do they know about you? A lot of people only know that you killed Liu Chixin, but they’re still looking at you through an old lens, which is why they underestimate you. How could they possibly know how much you’ve improved over the years!"

Du Youqian simply smiled and said nothing.

In truth, he thought so too.

’Fourteenth place? What a joke.’

"What about the information he asked you to gather?" Fang Hua asked from the side.

Gu Xiaofang slapped his forehead and took out a Jade Slip. "Brother Fei, here’s all the data you wanted on the competition participants. This is what I’ve managed to gather and organize so far, but it’s not quite complete. There’s still a month until the competition, so I’ll keep looking."

Du Youqian accepted it, planning to review it carefully when he returned.

’Know the enemy and know yourself, and you can fight a hundred battles without defeat.’

Gu Xiaofang spoke with a serious expression. "Brother Fei, I know you’re very cautious, and I also believe your strength is more than enough to take first place. But you can’t let your guard down. There are many fellow sect members who will be participating this time even though they aren’t True Successor Candidates because they’re over the age limit. Take someone like Brother Xiao, for example. Can you say he’s weak?"

Du Youqian smiled. "I know. This world is never short of young geniuses, nor is it lacking in late bloomers who have been accumulating their strength for a long time."

He waved the thin Jade Slip. "Don’t worry, I won’t let your good intentions go to waste. You need to work hard, too. You’re forty-three this year, right? There isn’t much time left for you to reach Foundation Establishment. Spend less time chasing women and more time on your Cultivation."

Gu Xiaofang’s smile froze on his face.