After Xu Qingtong's wood-attribute Golden Core attained "illuminating the mind and Seeing One’s Nature," it returned to his lower dantian.
He did not rise immediately, but remained seated where he was, communicated with his incarnation, then extended his divine sense to survey the surroundings.
After withdrawing his divine sense, Xu Qingtong smiled faintly and called out, "Fellow Daoist Zhu, since you're here, why skulk about?"
A short while later, a figure appeared before him. It was none other than Zhu Yan, the demon cultivator who had assumed human form!
"Your divine sense truly is powerful, fellow Daoist. I thought I'd hidden myself well, yet you still discovered me!" Zhu Yan said, somewhat embarrassed.
"Fellow Daoist Zhu, there's no need to test me. If I wanted to kill you, it would be as easy as turning my hand!" Xu Qingtong said. "If you don't believe me, I can demonstrate a little spell!"
Zhu Yan really had intended to test this human cultivator, but he also feared going too far and losing his own life in the bargain!
Hearing Xu Qingtong's words, a thought stirred in his mind, and he said, "Please show mercy, fellow Daoist!"
Xu Qingtong nodded. "Watch closely, Fellow Daoist Zhu!"
With that, he formed a mudra, recited an obscure, incomprehensible incantation, then pointed at Zhu Yan.
Zhu Yan instantly felt his body seize up, as though he had sunk into a mire. Only after three breaths did he return to normal.
As soon as he could move again, Zhu Yan put distance between himself and Xu Qingtong, staring at him in terror, afraid he might suddenly strike and kill him.
In truth, Xu Qingtong really had intended to follow the Turtle-Speed Technique with a strike from the Fengyi Sword. But on further thought, this demon cultivator had no