64

Generally speaking, cultivators assigned to barren spiritual veins like 'Yellow Bamboo Island' are mostly those with no hope of immortality and no foundation within their sects.

In reality, they are at the very bottom of the sect's hierarchy.

Their existence is like that of ants, often overlooked and even despised.

Therefore, they usually don't actively provoke the disciples of the General Affairs Hall, let alone make any extra requests.

However, Qing Chen was an exception.

Li Feiyu looked at him with higher regard, and his attitude became more polite.

As for why Qing Chen insisted on bringing Su Zixuan along, it stemmed from an experience five years ago.

As his magical power circulated, he inadvertently probed Su Zixuan's meridians and was astonished to discover that this woman possessed a mid-grade wood-fire spiritual root!

Wood and fire complement each other, making them excellent aptitudes for alchemy and weapon crafting.

She was certainly a 'promising talent,' possessing considerable value for cultivation and utilization.

Qingchen immediately retrieved the introductory texts on various cultivation arts collected from the outer sect peaks;

He tossed Su Zixuan books like *Basic Talisman Diagrams*, *A Rough Introduction to Weapon Forging*, and *An Introduction to Herbs*, leaving her to study them on her own.

After observing her for several months, Qingchen discovered that this woman possessed only mediocre talent and lacked interest in alchemy, weapon forging, and even talisman making.

Just as he was beginning to feel disappointed, he unexpectedly noticed that Su Zixuan was showing an extraordinary fascination with the jade slips containing basic array knowledge.

She could often sit and meditate for entire days, focused intently on a simple 'Spirit Gathering Array Pattern' or 'Protective Array Base,' completely absorbed in the task, oblivious to her surroundings.

Over the past five years, she had actually managed to gain a rudimentary understanding of array formations through self-study using these rudimentary texts!

The path of array formations is extremely difficult to grasp, profound and complex, placing the greatest emphasis on temperament and comprehension.

Often, even with a hundred people studying it, only one might truly master it.

It seems that those with a pure heart or a simple mind are more likely to comprehend array formations than those with complex minds. Su Zixuan seemed to be of this type.

This unexpected discovery also made Qingchen look forward to her even more.

Of course, he also knew that array formation was one of the most difficult skills to master among the hundred arts of cultivation, and his expectations weren't particularly high.

But regardless, a subordinate who could potentially develop in array formations was of significantly higher value.

This was one of the important reasons why he was willing to go through the trouble of bringing her away from Huangzhu Island.

To ensure everything went smoothly.

Qing Chen had already secretly activated the demonic seed power of the initially formed *Demon Seed Golden Lotus*, planting a subtle 'demon seal' deep within Su Zixuan's sea of ​​consciousness.

This seal, like a malignant tumor, was connected to her very soul, her life and death hanging in the balance with Qing Chen's will.

This was the *Dao Heart Demon Seed Secret Seal*, which could only be used after the first layer of the *Demon Seed Golden Lotus* had been refined!

During these five years, Qing Chen also passed on the *Spirit Wood Life-Giving Technique*, a high-grade Yellow Rank technique from Chen Zhuer's storage bag, to Su Zixuan.

Su Zixuan, a mere mortal maidservant, had encountered a celestial being and was deeply grateful to Qing Chen, regarding him as her second parent. She was devoted to repaying this kindness.

Therefore, besides studying the introductory texts of array formations day and night, she was exceptionally diligent in her cultivation.

Although the spiritual energy of Huangzhu Island was only of the lowest grade, low-level (first rank), Qingchen would occasionally bestow upon her some early-stage first-tier demonic beast flesh that he himself disdained.

Su Zixuan did not fail to repay this 'favor'.

In five years, relying on the *Spirit Wood Life-Giving Technique* and these resources, she managed to raise her cultivation to the second level of Qi Refining in this barren land, and her foundation was solid.

This made Qingchen see more value in Su Zixuan.

With a little cultivation, this woman could become a powerful pawn, handling many matters that he couldn't personally handle.

Qingchen understood that he couldn't be a perfect person, but he didn't want everyone on the path of cultivation to be like him.

After all, cultivators with good character and virtue were easier to use.

...

The spirit ship broke through the clouds at great speed, and in just one day, the outline of a huge island appeared on the horizon ahead.

The island was a tapestry of verdant peaks, with pavilions and towers faintly visible, shrouded in a myriad of spiritual emanations.

A rich, dense spiritual energy emanated from it, far surpassing the sparse spiritual energy of Huangzhu Island.

This was none other than Dixuan Island, the foundation of the Ningxuan Sect.

Qingchen stood alone at the bow of the ship, gazing at the ever-approaching blessed land, his heart surging with emotion.

Five years might be but a fleeting moment for a high-level cultivator, but for him, it was a true transformation.

From a lowly Qi Refining Level 3 outer disciple with little combat experience, to now possessing Qi Refining Level 5 cultivation (on the verge of breaking through to Level 6), and wielding secret techniques such as *Blood Qi Transformation* and *Demon Seed Golden Lotus*.

With the aid of suitable magical artifacts, he could face late-stage Qi Refining cultivators head-on.

Only he knew the hardships and dangers he had endured.

"Junior Brother Qing, are you ready? We're about to arrive at Dixuan Island." Li Feiyu, a disciple of the General Affairs Hall, spoke from behind, his voice carrying a subtle reminder.

Qing Chen composed himself, turned, and bowed. "Ready. Thank you for your care along the way, Senior Brother Li."

The spirit ship slowly landed at a private port on the island's edge.

Stepping onto the land of Dixuan Island, feeling his pores open involuntarily in the rich spiritual energy, Qing Chen took a deep breath.

"Senior Brother Li, I'll take her to the market to settle in first, then I'll report to the General Affairs Hall," Qing Chen said, his gaze sweeping over the slightly uneasy Su Zixuan beside him.

Li Feiyu nodded: "Go and return quickly, don't linger too long, there are some things that need to be explained."

Yu Cheng, standing to the side, interjected sarcastically: "Yes, Junior Brother Qing, once you return to the sect, you must be more diligent, take on more missions, and contribute more to the sect. Don't be as lazy as before."

Qing Chen ignored this sycophant, merely nodding slightly to Li Feiyu before leading Su Zixuan away.

He didn't want to waste a single word on someone he was determined to kill.

Watching Qing Chen's retreating figure, ignoring him, Yu Cheng's face instantly turned ashen.

Leaving the port and stepping onto the path leading to the market, Qingchen slowed his pace and said to Su Zixuan behind him in a deep voice:

"Remember, this is not Huangzhu Island. Dixuan Island is a melting pot of all sorts of people, with turbulent undercurrents. You must be careful in your words and actions, and avoid causing trouble. Otherwise, if disaster strikes, I may not be able to protect you."

Su Zixuan quickly bowed her head and respectfully replied, "This servant will remember it and will certainly not cause any trouble for you, young master."

"Hmm."

Qingchen nodded slightly and continued, "Well, the Dixuan Market is right next to the sect, and it's the only market town on Dixuan Island. Only the area within a few hundred miles of this market is the area where outer sect cultivators can move freely.

As for the rest of the island, it all falls under the jurisdiction of the Ningxuan Sect. Anyone who enters without a sect decree or invitation will bear the consequences."

"Yes, this servant will only move within the market area, focusing on cultivation and studying formations," Su Zixuan replied obediently.

A calculating glint flashed in Qingchen's eyes. He said, "Very good. Your talent in formations is quite remarkable. I plan to purchase some jade slips related to formations for you.

You must study diligently. If you achieve something and can set up practical formations, I will rent a shop for you in the market to manage."

His future cultivation will inevitably involve killing and competition.

Whether it's materials from demonic beasts or 'spoils of war' obtained from opponents, a reliable channel for selling stolen goods and gathering information is essential.

This shop is a hidden move he's made.

Moreover, Su Zixuan's life and death are entirely in his hands, controlled by the magic seal. This is the fundamental reason he's willing to invest resources and trust her c