Attracting Covetous Eyes
The pale golden protective barrier beside the Spirit Spring, like a thin veil soaked in Warm Sun, swayed gently in the breeze. The halo of light fell on the leaves of the spiritual herbs, refracting into tiny golden spots, and enveloping the surrounding area of several dozen feet into a warm and gentle spiritual domain. The Spiritual Qi within the domain was so dense that it was almost tangible; a single breath was enough to soothe the mind and body. Ren Xiaoyao sat cross-legged on the blue stone by the spring. The blue stone had been soaked in the Spirit Spring for thousands of years, and its surface was as smooth and warm to the touch as jade, still carrying a faint aftertaste of Spiritual Qi.
The pale blue Spiritual Qi surrounding him had gradually stabilized, no longer as restless as before. It circulated orderly through his meridians like a mountain stream, each flow repairing the minor damage to the meridian walls. Within his dantian, the Emperor Power, which had been as scarce as a dried-up shallow pool, had finally recovered thirty percent under the dual nourishment of the pure spiritual Spiritual Qi gushing from the Spirit Spring and the gentle nourishment of the Soul Condensing Grass. That power, as heavy as the earth and as ethereal as a breeze, was slowly flowing along the trajectory of the Qingfeng Valley's ancestral <Flowing Cloud Art>. Wherever it passed, the reddish marks left on the meridian walls from activating the Emperor Array earlier were visibly fading away, and even his breath was becoming increasingly long and sustained.
Ren Xiaoyao slowly opened his eyes. A fleeting glint of pale golden light flashed across his eyes before settling into a clear, spring-like radiance. The lustrous glow of the three Emperor Mark Jade on his fingertips quietly faded, leaving only a lingering warm touch in his palm, as if a wisp of Emperor Power was still gently trembling within. In his sea of consciousness, the divine soul barrier Strength Cultivator became even more solid, as if covered with a dense layer of golden armor. The subtle cracks left from resisting the Curse Killing Power of the Nine Ancestors of the Demon Realm of the Demon Realm had now completely disappeared. Moreover, his perception range had expanded several times over, steadily covering the dense forest ten miles away. The subtle sounds of birds flapping their wings and the faint movements of insects crawling in the forest were clearly transmitted into his perception.
But this newly solidified keen sense, as soon as it spread out, detected three malevolent auras—like lurking tigers, slowly approaching from the depths of the dense forest outside the Blessed Land. Wherever they passed, even the originally active spiritual insects in the forest instantly fell silent and hibernated, and the Spiritual Qi in the air became stagnant, as if suppressed by Invisible Power.
The three auras were powerful and heavy, carrying the unique pressure of late-stage Earth Immortal cultivators. Like three invisible mountains, they pressed down heavily on people's hearts, even slowing the flow of the Spirit Spring water within the domain. However, this pressure lacked the clarity and transparency that righteous cultivators should possess. Instead, it was accompanied by naked greed and condescending arrogance, rapidly enveloping the Blessed Land like dark clouds. This caused the Spiritual Qi of the spiritual domain, which had just returned to calm, to ripple again. Even the surface of the Spirit Spring water trembled slightly, and the tiny water droplets that landed on the bluestone were immediately enveloped by the Spiritual Qi and rose up before they could dissipate.
Ren Xiaoyao's heart skipped a beat, and his spiritual Spiritual Qi instantly tightened. He rose to his feet with the lightness of a feather, leaping up before his toes even touched the bluestone. His fingertips had already quietly grasped the hilt of the Carefree Sword at his waist—the paulownia wood grain on the scabbard shimmered faintly in the Spiritual Qi, conveying a familiar, warm touch that calmed his mind. He lightly touched the warm bluestone surface with his toes, and his figure swept to the top of the bluestone platform like a gentle breeze brushing leaves. His gaze pierced through the white mist barrier, and he clearly saw three figures dressed in black brocade robes standing on the open ground outside the barrier. The collars and cuffs of the robes were embroidered with gold cloud patterns, clearly the attire of cultivators from a major sect.
The leader had a resolute face, his jawline taut, exuding an undeniable dominance. A long sword adorned with pigeon-blood rubies hung at his waist, its scabbard crafted from Thousand-Year Black Iron and engraved with the Lingxiao Pavilion's signature flowing cloud pattern. The spiritual energy emanating from the scabbard alone indicated that this sword was no ordinary weapon. His eyes were as sharp as a hawk's, fixed on the imperial -Emperor Mark Jade in Ren Xiaoyao's palm. The greed in his eyes was undisguised, as if he wanted to devour the jade pendant along with the Emperor Array power it contained. Even his breathing was urgent.
"Your Excellency Ren Xiaoyao, who has recently risen to fame in the Black Miasma Mountain Range?" The leader spoke first, his voice as deep and resonant as a bell, causing the white mist barrier to tremble slightly. Even the pebbles at the edge of the platform tumbled down, hitting the spiritual herbs below, but were deflected by the spiritual light surrounding them, causing no damage whatsoever. "I am Zhao Lie, an elder of the Lingxiao Pavilion. I have heard that you not only repelled the Nine Ancestors of the Demon Realm, but also found fragments of Primordial Emperor Formation and even mastered a corner of its power. Today, I have come to make a mutually beneficial deal with you."
Before he finished speaking, Zhao Lie raised his hand and waved, sending a stream of shimmering white light flying from his sleeve. It landed before the barrier and transformed into a fist-sized piece of immortal jade. The jade was pure white, without a single impurity, and surrounded by a dense aura of Spiritual Qi Spiritual Qi. This energy swirled like clouds, and one could even see tiny specks of Spiritual Qi light moving around its surface—this purity of Spiritual Qi was enough to make even a mid-stage Earth Immortal cultivator struggle to absorb it even after half a month of seclusion. Furthermore, the jade's core contained a Origin Spiritual Energy, capable of directly helping cultivators break through cultivation barriers without fear of backlash from inner Heart Demon. It was an extremely rare and precious cultivation treasure.
"This ' Spirit Gathering Immortal Jade ' is a treasure that Lingxiao Pavilion has kept for many years. Looking across the Immortal Realm, you won't find another one as pure as it." Zhao Lie's tone carried a hint of condescending arrogance as he glanced at Ren Xiaoyao, seemingly certain he would be tempted. "As long as you hand over the Emperor Formation Fragment and the method of controlling it, the Immortal Jade will be yours. In the future, Lingxiao Pavilion can even take you into their inner sect, bestow upon you high-level cultivation Cultivation Method and Cultivation Resources, and protect you completely. Whether it's Demon Realm or other cultivators coveting the Emperor Array, with the Lingxiao Pavilion here, none will dare to harm you in the slightest—this is the best option a Rogue Cultivator like you can get. Don't be ungrateful."
Ren Xiaoyao's gaze fell on the shimmering Spirit Gathering Immortal Jade. His fingertips twitched slightly, not out of excitement, but because he sensed the purity of the Origin Spiritual Energy within the jade—such a treasure, which Lingxiao Pavilion was willing to part with so easily, was enough to show their thirst for the Emperor Formation Fragment. He then glanced discreetly at the two people behind Zhao Lie: the cultivator on the left had his hands on the hilt of his sword, his knuckles white from the force, his eyes fixed on Ren Xiaoyao's movements, ready to strike at any moment; the cultivator on the right was quietly gathering Spiritual Qi, a faint white light already emanating from his palms, the fluctuations of spiritual power not ostentatious, but carrying a sharp killing intent.
Ren Xiaoyao already understood that this so-called "transaction" was nothing more than the beginning of coercion and enticement. Once he refused, the other party would immediately take it by force. The so-called "protection" was just a pretext after seizing the treasure.
The Emperor Mark on Ren Xiaoyao's fingertips seemed to sense his intentions, subtly illuminating the area and resonating with the Emperor Power surrounding him, dispelling some of the surrounding oppressive aura. Ren Xiaoyao's tone was calm yet carried an undeniable firmness. "Elder Zhao, you are unaware that the Emperor Array Non-Self personal property, but Guardian Power left by the Ancient Great Emperor to resist the invasion of the Demon Realm and safeguard humankind. My ability to control a corner of the Emperor Array today is not accidental, but rather a fulfillment of the Ancient Great Emperor's will, solely for the purpose of gathering all the fragments in the future to completely sever the spatial connection between the Demon Realm and the Mortal World, not to possess it for myself, much less to give it away. I appreciate Elder Zhao's kindness, but there is absolutely no possibility of handing over the Emperor Formation Fragment. Please leave; do not waste your breath here."
"Insolence!" Zhao Lie's face darkened abruptly, his previously calm tone instantly turning icy cold. He raised his hand and Spirit Gathering Immortal Jade, which transformed into a white light and flew back into his sleeve. The oppressive aura emanating from him surged like a burst dam, pressing down fiercely on the barrier. "A mere junior who has only scratched the surface of Emperor Array, with a cultivation level of only early Earth Immortal, dares to say 'it cannot be given away' in front of me? Do you know that with your meager cultivation, holding Emperor Formation Fragment is tantamount to possessing a treasure that invites trouble! In the entire Immortal Realm, only my Lingxiao Pavilion can protect Emperor Array. Today, either obediently hand over the fragment and the method of control, or I will forcibly take it away, cripple your meridians, destroy your cultivation, and make you wish you were dead!"
Before he finished speaking, the two Lingxiao Pavilion cultivators behind Zhao Lie attacked simultaneously as if on command. Their figures blurred as they closed in on the barrier, their hands forming hand seals. Two powerful palm strikes, imbued with sharp energy, slammed towards the white mist barrier. The force of the palm strikes swept through, whipping up the surrounding fallen leaves. Empowered by the spiritual energy, the leaves became as sharp as knives, crashing into the barrier. The golden patterns on the barrier flickered violently from the force, their originally gentle light dimming as if on the verge of dissipating. Even the spiritual herbs within the area were forced to bend slightly by the pressure.
Ren Xiaoyao's eyes turned cold, and the last shred of peace in his heart vanished—he had never wanted to be enemies with the Immortal Realm sects, but they were pressing him relentlessly, crossing his bottom line. He stopped wasting words, his fingertips rapidly forming intricate Emperor Array hand seals. With each seal, subtle golden patterns flowed across his fingertips, leaving faint golden trails as the seals swept through the void. "Emperor Array activated, Repel Foreign Enemies!"
As the deep, resolute shout fell, the sleeping Emperor Mark on the bluestone platform instantly awakened. Golden patterns, like agile golden dragons, broke free from the platform and soared into the sky, bringing with them waves of golden energy. These waves swept over the spiritual herbs, making the spiritual light on their leaves even more intense. Then, all the golden runes merged into the white mist barrier, instantly transforming the previously somewhat thin barrier into an indestructible one. The Emperor Mark on the light screen slowly flowed, emanating the heavy aura of High Antiquity Emperor's Might. They collided with the pressure from Zhao Lie and the others, actually managing to forcefully block their pressure outside the barrier.
Two palm prints of spiritual energy slammed into the barrier, only causing a slight ripple before disappearing without a trace, leaving not even a mark. The force of the palm strikes was even rebounded by the Emperor's Might, causing the two cultivators behind Zhao Lie to stagger back two steps.
Upon seeing this, Zhao Lie's eyes flashed with shock and anger, which was quickly replaced by a deeper greed. He had initially doubted the power of the Emperor Array, but now, seeing how formidable its defense was, his desire intensified: if he could control the Emperor Array in the hands of the Lingxiao Pavilion, all the major sects in the Immortal Realm would have to bow down to him, and Lingxiao Pavilion would surely become the number one sect in the Immortal Realm! Without further hesitation, he drew his Gemstone Saber from his waist with his right hand. The moment the sword was drawn, a blinding white light burst forth, illuminating the entire dense forest, and even the distant mountain peaks were tinged with a shimmering white.
The spiritual energy contained within the blade was several times stronger than the palm prints of the previous two cultivators. Even the air itself sizzled as it was cut by the Saber Qi's energy, and the rubble on the ground was swept up by the Saber Qi and instantly pulverized. "Since you refuse to listen to reason, then don't blame my Lingxiao Pavilion for being ruthless! Today I will forcibly take the Emperor Formation Fragment, and let you know the consequences of opposing my Lingxiao Pavilion!"
Zhao Lie flicked his wrist, and his longsword swung fiercely towards the barrier. A white Saber Qi, over ten feet wide, pierced through the Saber Qi. Wherever the blade aura passed, the air was cleaved into a thin crack, and the sharp blade force remained within the crack. The surrounding Spiritual Qi was instantly drained, and even the ground was blasted by the blade wind, leaving a shallow trench half a foot deep. The trench walls were as smooth as a mirror, slashing towards the white mist barrier, determined to shatter it.
Ren Xiaoyao lightly touched the blue stone platform with his toes, and his figure leaped out of the barrier like a blue stream of light. The moment he landed on the open ground, the Carefree Sword at his waist seemed to sense its master's fighting spirit and emitted a clear and melodious Sword Hum - "Clang". The sound pierced through the whistling of the blade wind and was as crisp as jade striking jade. Even the spirit birds in the forest were startled by the Sword Hum and took flight.
The instant the scabbard separated from the sword, a warm, cyan -Golden Spiritual Energy rushed towards him. It was the unique Spiritual Qi energy of Qingfeng Valley, carrying the freshness of the mountains and forests. However, the moment it came into contact with Ren Xiaoyao Emperor Power surrounding Ren Xiaoyao, it was tinged with a thick layer of gold, gaining a touch of Emperor's Might aura and majesty. "Emperor Array - Demon Slaying Sword!" Ren Xiaoyao shouted in a low voice. Emperor Power surged into the sword through his arm, and the cyan-gold sword light instantly increased several times over. Its pressure spread out, actually suppressing the sharpness of the Saber Qi. The surrounding grass and trees bent slightly, as if submitting to Emperor's Might, and the soil on the ground trembled slightly.
"Clang--!"
The moment the cyan -Golden Sword Light collided with the white Saber Qi, a piercing metallic clang resounded throughout the dense forest. The sound waves swept outwards like a tidal wave, cleaving ancient trees several meters tall in half with the shockwave. Wood chips flew everywhere, carrying a scorching heat, and pebbles crashed to the ground like hail, leaving behind small pits in which the aftershocks of the collision of spiritual energy still lingered.
Zhao Lie felt a powerful surge of Emperor Power coursing through the blade, numbing his arm, causing a throbbing pain in his hand, and even making his grip on the sword tremble slightly. The white light emanating from the blade was dimmed by the Emperor Power. He was increasingly shocked: the rumors were indeed true; the power of this Emperor Array was several times stronger than he had imagined! A cultivator at the early stage of Earth Immortal could contend with him with just a fragment of the Emperor Array. If he were to gather all the remaining pieces, the consequences would be unimaginable!
This thought fueled Zhao Lie's killing intent. He gritted his teeth and channeled all his spiritual power, causing the spiritual Spiritual Qi in his dantian to surge towards the blade like a tidal wave. The white light on the blade intensified once more, attempting to suppress Ren Xiaoyao's sword aura. However, although Ren Xiaoyao's Emperor Power in his dantian had only recovered to 30%, it became increasingly condensed under the enhancement of the Emperor Array. Each swing of his sword carried the crushing force of High Antiquity Emperor's Might over ordinary spiritual power, disintegrating the power within the Saber Qi aura like warm water melting ice.
The Free and Unfettered Carefree Sword moved nimbly in his hands, its azure-gold light streaking across the void like a meteor. Sometimes it dodged the sharpness of the Saber Qi's energy, sometimes it slashed at the weak points of the blade. The sword moves were agile yet sharp, each strike aimed directly at Zhao Lie's weaknesses. Although Zhao Lie had profound cultivation, he was suppressed by the Emperor Power and could only passively defend, gradually falling into a disadvantageous position.
Taking advantage of a gap in Zhao Lie's defense, Ren Xiaoyao slightly shifted the blade and, using the force of the flowing spiritual energy, sped towards Zhao Lie's wrist—the key point where Zhao Lie could exert force, and also his weakest point in defense. Once injured, he would lose the power to grip the sword.
Zhao Lie's pupils contracted sharply, a strong sense of crisis surging in his heart. He hurriedly sheathed his sword and went back to defend, but Ren Xiaoyao's sword light was too fast, and he was still a step too slow. The Golden Sword Light grazed his wrist, and the sharp blade instantly cut through the flesh, leaving a deep wound that exposed the bone. Blood gushed out like a fountain, dripping onto the ground and instantly staining the soil dark red. The blood also carried the scorched smell of being burned by the Emperor Power.
Even more fatally, the residual Emperor Power within the sword light seeped into the wound like a bone-deep infection, traveling through the meridians with a scorching heat, causing a burning pain like a raging fire. Wherever it passed, Zhao Lie's spiritual power instantly became disordered, causing his hand holding the sword to lose its strength instantly. The long sword fell to the ground with a "clang" and made a crisp sound. The pigeon blood ruby on the blade also dimmed a bit, losing its former luster.
"Impossible! I am a top-tier late-stage Earth Immortal cultivator with hundreds of years of cultivation, how could I lose to a junior who has just entered the Immortal Path!" Zhao Lie was both shocked and furious, his face contorted with pain and shock, cold sweat beading on his forehead and sliding down his cheeks. Ignoring the excruciating pain in his wrists, he rapidly formed the forbidden hand seals of the Lingxiao Pavilion with both hands, and the Spiritual Qi around him began to surge wildly, even turning a faint blood-red color—a sign of burning one's own Origin Spiritual Energy. Although it could unleash power far exceeding one's own cultivation level in a short time, it would cause permanent damage to one's source. It was a forbidden technique that Lingxiao Pavilion cultivators would only use in desperate situations, but at this moment, in order to kill Ren Xiaoyao and seize the Emperor Formation Fragment, he was already disregarding the loss of his source.
Upon seeing this, Ren Xiaoyao's eyes sharpened. He knew that once Zhao Lie unleashed his forbidden technique, its power would be enough to severely injure a late-stage Earth Immortal cultivator. Even with the protection of the Emperor Array, he would still be seriously injured, and might even be affected by the forbidden technique, damaging his soul. He no longer held back. The Emperor Array imprint in his sea of consciousness was activated again, and a thick golden pillar of light rose from above his head, piercing the sky like a towering stone pillar. The Emperor Power contained within the pillar of light caused the heavens and earth to change color. Then, the pillar of light merged with the azure -Golden Sword Light of the Carefree Sword, causing the sword light's pressure to instantly surge several times over. Even the ground began to tremble slightly, cracking with fine lines.
"Emperor Array - Immortal Suppressing Seal!"
Ren Xiaoyao let out a low shout, his arm suddenly exerting force, gathering all the remaining Emperor Power and sword light around him into a huge golden seal. The seal was over ten feet in size, its surface engraved with ancient and mysterious Emperor Mark. Each Dao Patterns was slowly flowing, and the pressure it emitted made the heavens and earth tremble. The surrounding Spiritual Qi completely stopped, even the falling leaves hung in mid-air, not daring to fall, and the Demon Beast in the distant dense forest were so frightened that they hid on the ground, not daring to breathe loudly.
The golden seal crashed down on Zhao Lie like Mount Tai Crushing Down, carrying an unyielding Emperor's Might. Zhao Lie's forbidden spiritual power, which he had only managed to gather halfway, instantly collapsed under the absolute crushing force of the Emperor's Might, leaving him no room to resist. The crimson Spiritual Qi around him also dissipated, and the power brought by burning his origin had vanished before he could even unleash it.
Zhao Lie didn't even have time to let out a scream before the seal slammed into his chest. The brocade robe on his chest was instantly shattered, and a mouthful of blood spurted out like an arrow, staining the ground in front of him. His body flew backward like a kite with a broken string, crashing heavily into the ancient tree behind him—the tree trunk was so thick that it would take three people to encircle it, but it was broken instantly by the force of the impact, with wood chips flying everywhere. Zhao Lie also fainted, his breath becoming weak and feeble, like a candle flickering in the wind, with only the faint rise and fall of his chest proving that he was still alive.
Seeing Zhao Lie's defeat, the two Lingxiao Pavilion cultivators behind him were terrified and dared not approach. They turned and fled into the depths of the dense forest, not even daring to pick up their fallen Gemstone Saber, wishing they had two more legs. Ren Xiaoyao raised his hand and waved, two delicate golden Emperor Mark flying from his fingertips, wrapping around the ankles of the two men like nimble threads. With a gentle tug, he tripped them and sent them sprawling to the ground, their brocade robes covered in mud and fallen leaves.
"I spared your lives today not out of fear of the Lingxiao Pavilion, but because I do not wish to commit further bloodshed, nor do I wish to become sworn enemies with the sects of the Immortal Realm." Ren Xiaoyao's tone was icy, carrying a hint of warning. Although his Emperor Power was nearly depleted, it still carried an inviolable majesty. "Go back and tell the Pavilion Master Lingxiao Pavilion that the Emperor Array is an object protecting the mortal realm, not the private property of any sect. If anyone else comes here to covet it, next time it will not be so easy to let them off so easily. Their cultivation will be crippled as a warning to others, so that the entire Immortal Realm knows that those who covet the Emperor Array will only have one fate."
The two scrambled to their feet, their faces ashen, and nodded repeatedly to Ren Xiaoyao, their voices trembling. "Yes, yes! We will definitely tell the Pavilion Master that we will never dare to covet the Emperor Array again!" With that, one lifted the unconscious Zhao Lie, and the other dragged the fallen Gemstone Saber, fleeing the dense forest without looking back. Their steps were hurried, as if afraid Ren Xiaoyao would change his mind and chase after them. They didn't leave until their figures disappeared. Chapter 3: Immortal Path Begins on the Immortal Path, the Emperor Array Attracts Covetousness
Deep within the dense forest, where he could no longer be seen, Ren Xiaoyao slowly withdrew the remaining Emperor Power around him. His tense body suddenly relaxed, and a strong sense of exhaustion surged into his heart like a tide. He raised his hand to support himself on the trunk of an ancient tree beside him, the rough texture of the bark against his fingertips barely allowing him to steady his swaying body. A metallic taste rose in his throat, which he forcibly suppressed to prevent coughing up blood—the use of "Emperor Array: Immortal Suppressing Seal" had almost exhausted the last of his Emperor Power in his dantian. His meridians, due to the intense flow and collision of Emperor Power, also sent waves of subtle soreness and stinging pain through them, as if they had been forcibly stretched open. Even his breathing became somewhat rapid, each inhale pulling at his chest with a suffocating tightness.
He turned and returned to the Blessed Land. The white mist barrier automatically parted a crack as he approached, then slowly closed again after he stepped in, radiating a warm golden light once more. The spiritual Spiritual Qi within the spiritual realm was still abundant, but due to the recent battle, there were still some lingering spiritual ripples. The spiritual light on the leaves of the spiritual herbs was also slightly dimmer than before. Only the Spirit Spring continued to gurgle, shimmering with a pale blue luster and exuding Healing Aura.
Ren Xiaoyao sat cross-legged again on the bluestone by the Spirit Spring, looking at his slightly pale reflection in the water. The weariness in his eyes was hard to hide, but it also showed a clarity and determination that came after a great battle. He knew in his heart that although the people of the Lingxiao Pavilion had been repelled today, this would not be the end. Now that the news of their possession of a corner of the Emperor Array had spread, Lingxiao Pavilion was only the first to covet it. In the future, more sects from the Immortal Realm, Rogue Cultivator, and even evil spirits from the Demon Realm would surely come seeking it. They would either want to seize the Emperor Formation Fragment or to eliminate him, this "threat." The Immortal Path would only become more and more dangerous.
"Only by quickly gathering all the Emperor Formation Fragment, completely mastering Emperor Array power, and simultaneously breaking through to the mid-stage of Earth Immortal, can I truly gain a foothold and protect everything I want to protect," Ren Xiaoyao muttered to himself.