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If he could refine Qingchen's essence and blood, and utilize the profound mysteries of the *Qi and Blood Inner Alchemy Technique*,

Mo Qiuxian would undoubtedly be able to break through to the ninth level of Qi Refining in one fell swoop, and then accumulate magical power to reach the peak of Qi Refining!

At that time, with his status as an inner disciple, his authority as a steward of the General Affairs Hall, and his years of painstaking efforts, obtaining that Foundation Establishment Pill worth three thousand contribution points would be no difficult task.

The Foundation Establishment Pill—that's a spiritual pill that can increase the chances of Foundation Establishment!

In the outside world, this pill costs at least ten thousand spirit stones, and is often priceless.

It greatly benefits the first of the three stages of Foundation Establishment—the stage of magical power—and is also quite beneficial to the stage of physical body.

Even if Foundation Establishment fails, this pill can protect the meridians and dantian of the body from damage.

Combined with the profound-level secret technique he acquired from the sect, the *Ice Heart Technique*, to deal with the most dangerous challenge of spiritual consciousness...

Thus, Mo Qiuxian's chances of successfully establishing his foundation were at least 30%!

This was already a considerable hope, enough for him to gamble on the carefree path of a Foundation Establishment cultivator, living for two hundred years.

Moreover, backed by the powerful Golden Core sect, Ningxuan Sect, with its immeasurable resources, breaking through to the late Foundation Establishment stage and enjoying a four-hundred-year lifespan wasn't impossible.

Even... even that elusive opportunity to form the Golden Core might not be out of reach!

However, now, Qingchen was neither crippled nor dead, while he himself had lost a large sum of spirit stones.

He was one step further away from all his plans.

How could he not hate? How could he not go mad?

The reason Mo Qiuxian hadn't cultivated the *Brahma Demon Refining Technique* was precisely because this technique placed an extremely heavy burden on the soul.

Even without succumbing to madness, his soul would suffer severe damage from the constant melting of his flesh and blood by the Brahma Aperture.

In this state, attempting to break through to Foundation Establishment would be impossible; he would have no chance of overcoming the most unpredictable and treacherous [Soul Barrier].

Although the *Brahma Demon Refining Technique* contains Foundation Establishment secrets, most of them only benefit the [Physical Body Barrier].

Foundation Establishment is like building a wooden bucket; if any plank is short, it won't be able to hold water.

"Qingchen!"

Mo Qiuxian almost ground his teeth to powder, his eyes bloodshot. "You must survive this five-year mission!

I, your senior brother, will use all my connections to find you a 'good place.'"

He uttered these words bitterly, his aura chilling to the bone, and abruptly turned and left.

...

Beside the dueling platform, Qingchen's expression subtly changed upon hearing Mo Qiuxian's threat before leaving.

"Hehe, Junior Brother Qing, don't be fooled by this guy's words."

Li Feiyu patted his shoulder casually, his face still beaming with smugness. "When did the General Affairs Hall become Mo Qiuxian's personal fiefdom?

He's just a steward. Such arrogance! I thought he'd already become the Hall Master!

Don't worry, Senior Brother will take you to see my uncle later. With him there, you'll be safe."

After fighting Mo Qiuxian for so many years, finally managing to subdue him, and by a large margin, filled Li Feiyu with immense satisfaction.

The uncle he spoke of was none other than Xu Jiuling, the Deputy Hall Master of the General Affairs Hall.

This man held immense prestige within the sect, was shrewd and experienced, and his cultivation had reached the mid-Foundation Establishment stage.

He and Li Feiyu's father were sworn brothers; back when they were both at the peak of Qi Refining, they had adventured together.

Xu Jiuling had once been in dire straits, and it was Li Feiyu's father who risked his life, sustaining serious injuries to rescue him, but tragically losing his own cultivation in the process, and soon passing away.

This life-or-death bond meant that Xu Jiuling always treated Li Feiyu like his own son, showing him great care and support.

Upon hearing this, Qingchen's heart stirred.

If he could gain some favor from this Vice Hall Master Xu, his situation within the sect would undoubtedly improve significantly.

He immediately bowed sincerely, saying, "Thank you, Senior Brother Li. If I can gain even a little favor from Vice Hall Master Xu, Qingchen will remember it forever and repay you in the future."

"Oh, we're brothers, don't be so formal," Li Feiyu laughed, pulling Qingchen along.

"Come on, come on, I'll take you to see my uncle and have him arrange a stable job for you."

The two immediately left the dueling platform and headed towards the General Affairs Hall on General Affairs Peak.

Earthly Xuan Island is vast, with most of its territory belonging to the Ningxuan Sect.

Apart from the main peak, where the spiritual energy is most abundant and is guarded by the sect leader's lineage and the Golden Core Ancestor;

the other peaks where the various halls are located also possess considerable spiritual energy, with numerous beautiful and auspicious places scattered throughout.

According to sect rules, Foundation Establishment cultivators and true disciples can choose any peak to establish their cave dwelling, or directly reside on any hall's peak, or even seek a place to cultivate on the main peak.

Xu Jiuling's cave dwelling is located on the General Affairs Peak, but not near the General Affairs Hall; rather, he has chosen a quiet and beautiful spot on the other side of the peak.

...

On the other side, Mo Qiuxian, riding his escape light, has a face so gloomy it's almost as if you could wring water out of it.

The hatred churning in his chest is like poisonous fire, burning his internal organs.

"Qingchen...you wait! This five-year mission, I will make you wish you were dead! I will refine your flesh and blood into a blood pill, extract your soul and refine your spirit, so that you will never be reborn!"

He uttered the most vicious curse in his heart, but his escape light did not stop, heading straight for the General Affairs Hall.

He had to make arrangements as soon as possible!

Using all available connections, he had to lay a trap for Qingchen in the upcoming mission allocation, a deadly scheme!

...

At the same time, Qingchen had already arrived at the side of the General Affairs Peak with Li Feiyu.

There stood a magnificent cave dwelling built against the mountain, its eaves and brackets hidden in the spiritual mist, surrounded by a rosy aura of spiritual energy, far superior to the simple dwellings of the outer disciples.

Truly, it was the difference between a celestial abode and a humble mortal's dwelling.

Li Feiyu stopped outside the cave dwelling, took out a communication talisman, whispered a few words, and then waved it out.

The talisman transformed into a stream of light and disappeared into the cave's protective barrier.

A short while later, a Qi Refining disciple dressed in the robes of the General Affairs Hall strode out.

Upon seeing Li Feiyu, his face showed none of the arrogance one would show to ordinary disciples; instead, he wore a cautious smile:

"Senior Brother Li, you've arrived. Hall Master Xu invites you in."

"Good!" Li Feiyu's face lit up with joy, and he pulled Qingchen towards the entrance, "Junior Brother Qing, please greet Uncle with me."

The gatekeeper, however, steeled himself, stepped aside, and blocked Qingchen's path, forcing a smile:

"Senior Brother Li, please wait... Hall Master Xu only instructed that you alone be invited in; he did not... he did not summon this junior brother."

Li Feiyu immediately became displeased, his brow furrowing, and he said unhappily, "What? You dare stop me!"

"No, no, Senior Brother, you can certainly enter."

The gatekeeper's forehead was beaded with sweat. "But this junior brother... the Hall Master truly didn't give any instructions. Please don't make things difficult for him, Senior Brother."

Upon hearing this, Li Feiyu's expression darkened. He turned to Qing Chen, somewhat embarrassed, and said,

"Junior Brother Qing, perhaps the communication talisman wasn't clear enough. Please wait here for a moment; I'll go in and explain to Uncle."

With that, he glared fiercely at the gatekeeper and strode into the cave.

Qing Chen stood silently outside, his face calm, but a sense of unease lingered in his heart.

About half an hour later, Li Feiyu emerged, dejected and looking somewhat embarrassed.

"Junior Brother Qing, this... I'm truly sorry."

He approached, his tone apologetic. "Uncle... he's not in a good mood today. He said he only wants to see me and doesn't want to see any guests."

Qing Chen, observing his expression, already understood.

It's likely not that Xu Jiuling was in a bad mood, but rather