Li Province Civil War Obtains a Technique

A month is neither a long nor a short time.

For many cultivators, this is simply a period of seclusion.

However, during the month that Xiao Chen Impact Golden Core, almost the entire territory of Li Province was engulfed in war.

About two weeks ago.

After numerous tests, the Azure Flame Sect finally confirmed that both the Four Seas Sect and the Li Fire Sect were extremely weak, reduced to mere empty shells.

It will collapse with a single, gentle kick.

One particularly important point is based on the Azure Flame Sect's investigation results over the years and their probing during this period.

It is highly likely that Flying Rainbow True Person of the Li Fire Sect and Sand Dune True Person of the Four Seas Sect are no longer in Li Province, but have gone on a trip to the Eastern Domain together.

In other words, the Li Fire Sect currently only has the seriously injured Yun Xiang True Person and the recently injured Bright Flame True Person.

The Four Seas Sect is now reduced to just Azure Pine True Person.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

The Azure Flame Sect and the Li Fire Sect, in particular, have harbored grudges for many years.

Both sides primarily use Fire Attribute Cultivation Method Body Refining rely heavily on Fire-element Spirit Item for training.

They've long wanted to eliminate the other side and seize their resources.

And it differs from the competition between ordinary sects.

If the Azure Flame Sect can take over the Li Fire Sect, they can plunder its fire seed to accelerate the advancement of their own Spirit Fire.

This previously unknown purpose is the real key point.

If it weren't for this, Golden Mace True Person wouldn't have bothered to secretly devise any Pruning Plan.

Years of painstaking planning were all for the sake of being prepared for any eventuality.

The reason he attaches such importance to this plan is because it is of paramount importance.

The Azure Flame Sect possesses a third-tier sect-protecting Spirit Fire, which was an unexpected encounter that the Azure Flame Sect's Founding Ancestor obtained while venturing into the Eastern Domain.

This information was not a secret; the other sects also knew about it.

But few people know that the Spirit Fire possessed by the Azure Flame Sect has a remarkable origin.

Its true form is the legendary Big Dipper Spirit Fire.

Its complete form reaches a level four, making it a rare treasure even in the Eastern Domain.

Although when the Azure Flame Sect first obtained it, it was only a Second-Order Fire Seed.

However, since obtaining the fire seed, under the leadership of its Founding Ancestor, the Azure Flame Sect has consistently poured various Spirit Fire into it for the Big Dipper Spirit Fire to devour.

Through continuous sacrifices, this spark successfully grew to the third tier, which could be used to suppress the sect's Fortune.

Through generations of meticulous care by the Azure Flame Sect, and nurtured within the Spirit Vein for over a thousand years.

The Big Dipper Spirit Fire has secretly grown to the limit of the third tier and will soon be able to advance to the fourth tier.

This process would normally have taken about six hundred years.

However, based on the speculations of the three Golden Core True Person of the Azure Flame Sect...

If you take over the Li Fire Sect and sacrifice all six second-tier Spirit Fire you've seized to the Big Dipper Spirit Fire, there's a 70% chance that the flame will directly advance to the next tier.

The odds are already very high, enough to tempt them and make them take the risk.

He Province was also worried that internal strife in Li Province would needlessly deplete the righteous forces.

Therefore, he specially dispatched Thousand Bamboo True Person back to Li Province to persuade Golden Mace True Person and Returning Goose True Person to give up their internal strife.

After all, a formidable enemy is at hand, with the Divine Fire Sect and the White Bone Demon Body threatening all cultivators.

However, the reason why the Azure Flame Sect dared to disregard the overall situation at this time and instead reveal its ambition to annex other sects was because...

It is precisely because they possess the Big Dipper Spirit Fire that they have the means to fight against the White Bone Demon Body.

The Southern Dipper governs life, the Northern Dipper governs death.

The reason why the Big Dipper Spirit Fire dares to use the name of the Big Dipper is naturally because it is known for its ferocity, especially for killing living beings.

It might not be very effective for alchemy or medicine making.

Once it touches a living creature, it is virtually inextinguishable by wind or water, determined to burn away all the enemy's life force, flesh and blood, until it turns to ash.

If the fire seed can be promoted to a true Fourth-Order Spirit Fire, not only will the Azure Flame Sect have a stronger foundation, but dealing with the White Bone Demon Body will also be a piece of cake.

After secretly communicating with Thousand Bamboo True Person.

The Azure Flame Sect offered to resolve the White Bone Demon Body and promised never to invade Thousand Bamboo Market in exchange for Thousand Bamboo True Person's neutrality, allowing him to watch the sect war break out.

Therefore, half a month ago, the Azure Flame Sect, which had been planning this for a long time, launched a surprise attack.

They demanded that the Li Fire Sect and the Four Seas Sect swear allegiance, voluntarily surrender all their fire seeds and spiritual objects, and be brought under the rule of the Azure Flame Sect.

The Azure Pine True Person of the Four Seas Sect had only been in the Core Formation stage for a hundred years, and he still harbored a sense of arrogance.

They wanted to win a battle to force the Azure Flame Sect to lower their demands.

As a result, he fought Golden Mace True Person for less than a quarter of an hour before being severely injured on the spot by Jin Jian Zhenren, who used the advantage of his golden mace.

In a panic, he detonated his Spirit Artifact and fled into the Ten Thousand Demons Mountain Range, disappearing without a trace.

The other Lineage within the Four Seas Sect territory basically surrendered without a second thought, and no one dared to cause any more trouble.

Bright Flame True Person had originally intended to fight, but after learning of Azure Pine True Person's fate, he simply activated a grand formation and remained in a defensive position, hoping to buy time to heal his injuries.

Thanks to their defensive tactics, the Li Fire Sect has managed to hold out until now.

However, as of now, the Azure Flame Sect has occupied South Lake and taken over Li Fire Market.

Furthermore, by utilizing the Spirit Vein within the market, they constructed an array to establish a temporary Stronghold, with their forces aimed directly at Qi Yun Peak not far away.

Meanwhile, the large and small Lineage within the territory of the Li Fire Sect either hid in Qi Yun Peak for refuge early on, or had already been incorporated into the army as cannon fodder.

Now, at the foot of Qi Yun Peak, a large-scale war of attrition has begun every day, just like the front line at Seeking Plum Mountain.

The only difference was that many Late-Stage Qi Refining cultivators were also driven forward by the Azure Flame Sect to consume the Li Fire Sect's Spirit Stone reserves.

The activation of the Third-Tier Great Formation Spirit Stone Consumption every day.

Not to mention, the three Golden Core True Person from the Azure Flame Sect took turns Attack Array.

Bright Flame True Person could only activate the mountain-protecting formation to its maximum while frequently manipulating the killing formation at the bottom of Qi Yun Peak to repel the enemy.

As a result, the daily Spirit Stone Consumption tripled.

In addition, the Azure Flame Sect acted decisively, and all the Spirit Vein outside the Li Fire Sect were lost, leaving no further supply.

If this trend continues, it will take anywhere from three months to half a year before they face the crisis of running out of Spirit Stone.

Even so, the Azure Flame Sect was not entirely satisfied and wanted to speed up the process and end the battle quickly.

So they secretly contacted the Five Great Families, coercing and enticing them to betray them and sabotage the Spirit Stone reserves from within.

The Five Great Families were terrified in the face of the threat from the Azure Flame Sect.

The Su Family Patriarch, in particular, was extremely anxious and didn't know what to do.

South Lake is the lifeblood of the Su Family, but now it has fallen into the hands of the Azure Flame Sect and is definitely gone forever.

That's not all; the more crucial issue is that he can no longer see where the Lineage's future lies.

.

A volcanic crater in the Far South Land.

After three hours of adaptation, Xiao Chen had become basically familiar with the two Spirit Artifact in his hands.

He sat cross-legged, pondering what he should do next.

"Although the process deviated somewhat from the plan before coming to He Province, fortunately, there were no major incidents, and we successfully formed the Golden Core in the end."

"And now that we have Spirit Artifact and Third-Order Spiritual Object, it seems like all we're missing is Cultivation Method."

"Where can I find a suitable Cultivation Method?"

Finding a suitable Cultivation Method is a major challenge for every independent cultivator.

Although Xiao Chen only needs Yellow-grade Technique now, the problem is that the Southern Domain is remote and it's really not easy to find one.

There's absolutely no place here where he can freely purchase Third-tier Technique.

"Wait a minute, I'm not a rogue cultivator, I belong to a sect."

Xiao Chen had a sudden inspiration. "How about we go back to the Li Fire Sect?"

That day, he withstood a direct hit from the Ghost Flood Dragon True Person in full view of everyone. His reappearance now would inevitably expose the secret he carries; otherwise, there would be no need for him to hide here.

But he's already reached the Core Formation stage!

Which Golden Core True Person doesn't have some secrets of their own?

The key question is whether a person carrying a secret is capable of protecting it.

Although Xiao Chen has just formed his core, with the White Bone Soul Summoning Banner and the Ghost Mask Profound Light Shield in hand, he truly has the right to say no to the other Golden Core True Person.

Given his current level of cultivation, even if others have suspicions, they would likely ask them.

With this in mind, he suddenly had a direction.

He immediately drew his Flying Sword and headed towards the Li Fire Sect.

"Bang!"

Xiao Chen crashed directly into a larger volcano not far away.

"Hiss~, I almost forgot, I'm using true essence now, so my sword-riding speed is faster."

The superiority of true essence over Liquid Mana manifests in every aspect.

Therefore, compared to before, his sword-riding speed was several times faster.

Fortunately, he was Body Cultivator and was not injured. He dusted off his clothes and took to the air again.

This time, Xiao Chen deliberately increased the speed before accelerating, adapting to his new sword-riding speed.

"At this rate, even traveling ten thousand miles a day is nothing special."

"Well, if that's the case, then my 'Golden Light Shrinking Earth' will also become much faster."

Xiao Chen immediately became curious, put away his Flying Sword, landed on the ground, and used all his strength to activate the Golden Light Shrinking Earth.

Now, having achieved the Featherweight Player III, and further enhanced by True Essence, he is ready to fight.

Xiao Chen truly achieved what was described in the outline of this Escape Technique: traveling a thousand miles in an instant, his figure as swift as a shadow and as elusive as a drifting tumbleweed.

With all his might, he entered the territory of Li Province in just two days.

This means he could travel 25,000 li in a single day.

"Happy!"

Xiao Chen felt the whistling wind around him. "With this speed, going to other places will be much easier in the future."

At his current speed, it would only take him less than two days to travel from Li Province to He Province.

"However, speaking of which, the Golden Light Shrinking Earth has already reached its peak and there is no room for improvement."

"I think I should probably learn a new escape technique."

Xiao Chen pondered to himself that if he could obtain a third-tier escape technique, doubling his speed shouldn't be difficult.

When I return this time, besides the Cultivation Method, I must also try to obtain a manual of escape techniques from Bright Flame True Person.

"Huh? What's going on?"

After forming his core, Xiao Chen's Divine Sense range increased dramatically.

Before even getting close to Qi Yun Peak, they could already see the fully deployed Defensive Formation.

He immediately stopped in his tracks.

Then, they observed the Azure Flame Sect's flag flying high in the Li Fire Market.

"Huh? Has the Azure Flame Sect gone mad?"

Xiao Chen was a little puzzled. He had limited access to information and didn't know that Golden Mace True Person had already returned to Li Province.

Moreover, it's utterly incomprehensible that at this time, with the White Bone Demon Body descending upon the world and the Divine Fire Sect invading, some people are still busy with internal strife?

What I'm saying is, can we just keep focusing on external issues for now?

Why not join forces and eliminate the threat from the demonic path first? Why do we have to fight amongst ourselves?

"Forget it, never mind. I'll go back and get the Cultivation Method first, then come out and settle accounts with the Azure Flame Sect."

Xiao Chen's eyes flashed, and he landed on the ground, taking advantage of the night to walk towards Qi Yun Peak from the other side.

He also carries the token of the Demon Subduing Hall Caretaker; approaching the formation will only trigger a warning, not a direct attack.

Moreover, with the Ghost Mask Profound Light Shield and the Night's Edge, there's no need to be overly cautious, as that would only waste time.

Inside Qi Yun Peak.

Bright Flame True Person was Surveillance Array while taking time to heal his injuries.

His injuries weren't actually serious at the time, and thanks to the spiritual items he had accumulated, he has almost fully recovered.

However, his mood did not improve as a result; instead, he looked worried.

Yun Xiang True Person damaged her foundation when she went deep into the Ten Thousand Demons Mountain Range in her early years. In recent years, she has been claiming to have broken through in seclusion, but in fact, she has been recuperating.

Originally, this matter was kept secret. As long as Yun Xiang True Person showed her face every few years, no other sect would dare to even dream of it.

But now it seems the truth can no longer be hidden.

For half a month now, every time the Azure Flame Sect's Golden Core cultivators have launched an attack, it's always Bright Flame True Person personally takes action. Anyone with common sense would suspect something's amiss.

As expected, three Golden Core True Person arrived at the same time yesterday. If it weren't for the third-grade talisman left behind by Flying Rainbow True Person, the formation would probably have been broken.

The problem is, even in such a critical situation, Yun Xiang True Person did not appear.

Perhaps the other party has already confirmed their suspicions.

What if the three of them attack again tomorrow?

Forcing Yun Xiang True Person to fight while injured is not a long-term solution.

Secondly, Bright Flame True Person didn't know how to bring it up.

"Sigh!"

Bright Flame True Person couldn't help but sigh, wondering when He Province would send someone to mediate.

His only hope now lies in the Spirit Origin Sect coordinating with the Azure Flame Sect to retreat, considering the bigger picture.

Just then, the Warning Formation in front of them suddenly lit up red, detecting that a Golden Core cultivator was approaching Qi Yun Peak.

"Night raid!"

Bright Flame True Person was immediately taken aback. Had the Azure Flame Sect lost patience and was planning a full-scale attack?

Fortunately, upon closer inspection, it seemed that only one person had come.

Immediately afterwards, the Defensive Formation also reported the token message – from the Demon Subduing Hall Caretaker.

"The Demon Subduing Hall? Who could it be?"

Bright Flame True Person frowned; he also realized that the Azure Flame Sect seemed to be secretly coercing the Five Great Families to defect.

In the days leading up to it, those companies had all kept to themselves and no one had spoken out.

It seems someone's getting impatient.

"Hmph, I'd like to see who's courting death."

Even if he ultimately loses to the Azure Flame Sect, he still has the ability to deal with these traitors first.

So Bright Flame True Person deliberately kept the formation still and waited at the foot of the mountain to see clearly who was colluding with the Azure Flame Sect.

Before long, they saw a handsome young man.

"Xiao Chen? You're actually... alright?"

Bright Flame True Person looked stunned, swallowing the word "death" that was on the tip of his tongue, but then blinked in disbelief.

.

The Sect Rear Hall.

The two sat facing each other, drinking tea.

However, even though a full quarter of an hour had passed, Bright Flame True Person was still somewhat bewildered.

He wasn't surprised that Xiao Chen was still alive.

If Foundation Establishment Cultivator only suffers a blow from Golden Core True Person cultivator, they are not entirely without a chance to survive.

The question is, how did he achieve the Golden Core stage?

This makes absolutely no sense!

Putting aside Low-Grade Wood Spiritual Root, forming a core still requires Rank-Breaking Spiritual Medicine and core-forming Secret Method.

Where exactly did Xiao Chen gather all these things from?

Why didn't he receive a single word of it?

Furthermore, this disciple has only Foundation Establishment for a few years, how could he have formed his Core so quickly?

Countless questions floated in Bright Flame True Person's mind, to the point that he didn't know what to say for a moment.

"Senior Brother Mingyan's tea is indeed excellent; I feel as if I have condensed a strand of true essence within myself."

Xiao Chen finished the last sip of tea in his cup and felt that his true essence had not only increased by one level, but was almost increasing by another level.

Keep in mind, he only drank a cup of tea and didn't even use any cultivation Cultivation Method.

"Junior Brother Xiao, you're too kind. This Essence Solidifying Tea only has some effect the first time you drink it; it's nothing to mention."

Bright Flame True Person looked at Xiao Chen, opened his mouth, and finally sighed, "Junior Brother has returned in time; it seems Heaven has not forsaken our Li Fire Sect."

To say that one is not interested in the secret of such rapid cultivation would be a lie.

However, the Li Fire Sect a precarious state, on the verge of collapse.

If the two clash, the Azure Flame Sect will ultimately benefit.

Since that's the case, it's better not to say some things; at least some camaraderie among fellow disciples can be preserved.

Bright Flame True Person deliberately mentioned the Li Fire Sect, hoping to steer the conversation in that direction.

Regardless, Xiao Chen grew up in the Li Fire Sect.

He's so young; he couldn't possibly stand idly by and watch his sect be destroyed.

With this additional vital force, holding the line becomes much easier.

There is a better chance that they can hold out until the Spirit Origin Sect someone to mediate.

"That's exactly what I wanted to ask you, senior brother. What exactly is going on outside?"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Chen asked curiously, "Also, I wonder what exactly happened at the Yellow Springs Palace that day, and how it turned out like this?"

Fifteen minutes later, he finally understood the general situation.

They also learned about the current predicament of the Li Fire Sect.

"Junior Brother Xiao, now that you have formed your Golden Core, you should be celebrating properly."

After explaining the situation, Bright Flame True Person changed the subject. "Unfortunately, Azure Flame Sect troops to the city gates, which is really inconvenient."

"Given the current situation within the Upper Sect, we are unable to help you exchange for Spirit Artifact for the time being. You may have to make do for a while."

Under normal circumstances, when Newly Advanced Golden Core emerges within a sect, an older Golden Core cultivator will lend a helping hand.

They even help the Golden Core Seedling prepare in advance.

However, Xiao Chen's breakthrough was too sudden, catching everyone off guard.

Secondly, given the current special circumstances of the Li Fire Sect, they are indeed powerless to help.

"Senior brother, you're treating me like an outsider. Given the current situation, how could I be so insensitive?"

Xiao Chen expressed his understanding, and then asked, "It's just that I was fortunate enough to break through, and I still lack a Cultivation Method to practice."

"I've heard that the sect possesses Third-tier Technique. Would it be convenient for me to take a look?"

It's fine if you don't give me Spirit Artifact, but since you consider me one of your own, you should at least give me a few Cultivation Method, right?

Upon hearing this, Bright Flame True Person's expression stiffened.

Even Xiao Chen was somewhat taken aback. You wouldn't be so reluctant to part with even this, would you?

"Junior Brother Xiao, there's something I need to explain to you first."

Bright Flame True Person hesitated before speaking, "It is true that there are Third-Tier Inheritance within the sect, but in terms of grade, they may be slightly unsatisfactory."

"As you know, our sect originated with Fire Method, and we've never had a senior brother who Wood-type Technique."

To prevent Xiao Chen from misunderstanding and thinking that he was deliberately withholding the gift.

Bright Flame True Person quickly explained, "Well, if you're willing to wait a bit, after the siege of the Azure Flame Sect is lifted, I'll go to the Spirit Origin Sect to exchange for a new inheritance."

He said this because Cultivation Method are the foundation of a cultivator.

Although there are instances where one might switch to another midway through their training, doing so would be tantamount to abandoning one's own cultivation.

Not only would it waste the cultivation resources used previously, but for cultivators with insufficient aptitude, it might mean missing the best time to cultivate.

"It doesn't matter!"

Xiao Chen immediately replied, "Now that the sect is in trouble, I won't wait any longer. I'll cultivate my Cultivation Method first and then talk about defeating the enemy."

Lower grades are good, I love lower grades, higher grades just make me cough.

Um?

Bright Flame True Person looked at Xiao Chen, who showed no disappointment whatsoever, and was somewhat surprised.

Is it true or false?

To be fair, when he had just formed his core, he even considered the Earth-grade Technique he possessed to be too weak.

In other words, they were limited by the conditions in the Southern Domain and couldn't find anything better even after waiting for a year, so they had to make do with what they had for now.

However, since Xiao Chen had said it was alright, he didn't say anything more.

"That's easy to say. All the Third-tier Technique in the sect are stored on the top floor of the Scripture Pavilion."

As he spoke, Bright Flame True Person took out a Formation Flag: "Junior brother, with this Formation Flag, you can shield yourself from the Guardian Formation inside."

"Just take whichever book you like, no need to be shy."

Can I really just take whatever I want?

Xiao Chen immediately accepted the Formation Flag with both hands. "Thank you, Senior Brother!"

"It's getting late, Senior Brother, you should get some rest too. I'll go check out the Cultivation Method first."

With that, he bowed and took his leave.

Watching Xiao Chen's hurried departure, Bright Flame True Person seemed to feel a sense of joy.

He shook his head, convinced that he must have been too tired these past two days.

Inside the Scripture Pavilion.

Holding the Formation Flag, Xiao Chen easily crossed the Array Barrier and arrived at the top layer.

There was only one bookshelf left, with about forty thick classic books on it.

At first glance, there seem to be quite a few, but upon closer inspection, about half of them are individual Spell Manual.

There are only twenty-three true Cultivation Method.

Moreover, the most numerous Fire Element Cultivation Method comprise a total of twelve books, including one Earth-level, four Profound-level, and nine Yellow-level.

As for Wood-type Technique, there are only two left, and both are Yellow-grade Technique.

One of the books, titled "The Wither-Bloom Reincarnation Art," follows the path of prolonging life through withering and flourishing, and can increase a cultivator's Lifespan.

Another book, titled "The Myriad Images Spring Return Scripture," follows the pure Way of Wood and its purpose is to increase a cultivator's ability to recover from injuries.

"Whoa!"

Xiao Chen instantly understood why Bright Flame True Person had hesitated earlier.

These two Cultivation Method do look rather shabby; aside from increasing one's cultivation level, they have almost no other effect.

But it's okay, with Hextech, these are minor issues.

He decisively acquired the <Myriad Images Spring Return Scripture>, as having multiple healing abilities was better than having none.

After selecting his Cultivation Method, Xiao Chen looked at the Law Technique below the bookshelf.

Bright Flame True Person said before that he could just take whichever book he wanted.

Since that's the case, then he really won't hold back.

The Spell Manual are all of the Xuan and Huang levels, each accounting for about half.

Of course, he didn't ask for much; he only picked out a Yellow Grade Sword Art, a Yellow Grade Escape Technique, and one Law Technique each for offense and defense.

It's better to master a few spells thoroughly than to learn a dozen Law Technique.