After putting away the jade box containing the remnants of the Immortal Medicine in human form, Li Qingshan's gaze swept around like a reversed galaxy, finally settling on the high platform in the very center of the stone garden, built of millennia-old warm jade.
There, a stone figure with nine orifices and a strange shape is enshrined.
The stone figure is an ancient grayish-white color. Its shape is not carved, but rather formed naturally by heaven and earth, resembling an infant curled up in the womb, full of the mystery and Daoist charm of the beginning of life.
Its face has four clearly visible orifices: eyes, ears, mouth, and nose. There is also one orifice on its chest, navel, palms of both hands, and soles of both feet, for a total of nine orifices.
The stone figure stood silently, yet it seemed to rise and fall slightly with some mysterious rhythm, as if breathing autonomously, inhaling and exhaling the essence of heaven and earth.
Strands of Innate Essence were slowly emanating from the nine orifices, merging with the surrounding spiritual energy to create a hazy, chaotic aura.
This is none other than the renowned treasure of Dao Yi Stone Workshop Holy City, the " Nine-Aperture Stone Man "!
The jade plaque below it was marked with an astonishing price of 200,000 jin of raw material!
This price is enough to bankrupt many medium-sized schools of jade gambling and deter countless jade gamblers, who can only admire from afar and marvel at the wonders of nature.
How long has this stone been on display here?
Li Qingshan spoke calmly to Master Yuan, who was standing beside him, his face flushed and his breathing rapid with excitement.
This old master, named " Shi Shisan," has been working with Source Stone at Dao Yi Stone Workshop for over sixty years. He is a veteran who has watched this Nine-Aperture Stone Man grow from being worshipped to the present day.
Upon hearing Shi Shisan, Shi Shisan trembled and quickly bowed, his voice trembling uncontrollably. "Reporting to the Jade Pool Holy Son! This stone has been displayed in my workshop for over sixty years!"
According to ancient records, it was a sage from our Dao Yi Holy Land who risked his life to dig it out from the forbidden land of the dragon vein outside the Primordial Ancient Mine!
Its unique shape and innate Daoist aura caused a sensation in the Eastern Wasteland, attracting seven renowned masters of Source Arts to attempt to unravel its secrets.
He paused, his eyes revealing a look of reminiscence and awe. "But, but this stone figure has a unique stone quality, its hardness is comparable to the legendary Immortal Gold material!"
Those masters used specially crafted Source Arts jade knives, exerting all their strength, even shattering more than a dozen priceless jade knives, but they still failed to damage its core in the slightest. At most, they only left a few shallow marks on the stone surface.
Over time, this stone became revered as the garden's most prized possession, and no one dared to attempt to break into it. Everyone believed it might contain extraordinary treasures, or it might be empty, merely a product of the condensation of the Daoist principles of heaven and earth.
Upon hearing this, Li Qingshan nodded slightly and said no more. With a wave of his sleeve, countless rays of light and auspicious colors appeared, and a full 200,000 catties of Pure Source were piled up below the high platform.
Like a small mountain, its rich essence instantly elevated the spiritual energy of the entire stone garden, leaving Shi Shisan staring wide-eyed.
This is not just wealth, but the foundation of spiritual cultivation!
Then, under the watchful eyes of everyone, Li Qingshan did not use any tools, but simply reached out and grabbed. The Nine-Aperture Stone Man, which weighed tens of thousands of kilograms and had been indestructible by countless masters, became as light as a feather and rose steadily from the warm jade platform. It hovered in the air about ten feet in front of him, slowly rotating, and the chaotic aura emanating from its nine orifices became more and more obvious.
"What... what is he going to do? Cut the stone in mid-air?"
"My God! This is Nine-Aperture Stone Man, its hardness is comparable to Immortal Gold! Doesn't he need the Origin Jade Blade?"
"The Dao power of the Immortal Platform cultivators can indeed be transformed into blades, but this is too domineering! What if they can't control the power and destroy the rare treasures inside?"
"Yes! Moreover, such naturally formed divine objects must possess spirituality within them. If we forcibly break them open, it could trigger a backlash, or cause the contents inside to escape,"
The old monsters watching gasped in surprise, and Elder Huang Tian even cried out in disbelief.
The Golden-Robed Old Freak clenched his fists nervously, knowing all too well the strangeness and hardness of this Nine-Aperture Stone Man.
A hint of surprise flashed in Daoist Xuancheng's eyes, but he was more focused on Li Qingshan's effortless demeanor and his exquisite control over his power.
This child's control over divine power has reached an astonishing level.
Amidst the astonished and speculative gazes of the crowd, Li Qingshan remained unmoved. In his palm, chaotic Dao patterns flashed by, and an invisible yet boundless and vast power instantly enveloped the entire Nine-Aperture Stone Man.
This is not brute force, but a suppressive and analytical force originating from the very source of the Great Dao.
Then, an even more shocking scene unfolded: Order Divine Chains, like golden dragons, emerged and intertwined in the Void around Li Qingshan, emitting resounding Daoist chants, and quickly formed an incomparably complex net of laws that covered a three-zhang space around the stone man!
This golden divine net exuded an aura of stabilizing the universe and isolating all laws, completely sealing and reinforcing that space.
"This is the supreme secret technique of Source Heavenly Master, the Dao principle of ' Realm Sealing '!"
Daoist Xuancheng's pupils shrank suddenly, and his heart was filled with shock and disbelief.
He had seen snippets about this technique in the oldest books of the Dao Yi Holy Land. Legend has it that this technique involves the fundamental mysteries of the laws of space, can form its own world, seal the heavens and lock the earth, and cannot be cultivated by anyone who has a profound understanding of the Space Great Dao. Even ordinary Mighty Figure who have just entered the Immortal Platform can hardly touch the surface!
And Li Qingshan was able to do it so effortlessly and with such ease!
This undoubtedly shows that he has not only established himself in the Immortal Platform Secret Realm, but also made great strides in the field of Source Arts, with a foundation far deeper than ordinary people can imagine!
"Click."
Just as everyone was shocked by the " Realm Sealing " principle, Li Qingshan pointed his fingers like a sword and gently touched the brow of the slowly rotating Nine-Aperture Stone Man from afar.
The movements were graceful and ethereal, devoid of any trace of artifice.
However, this seemingly insignificant detail caused the Nine-Aperture Stone Man, which was as hard as Immortal Gold, to tremble violently, emitting a clear and crisp sound like shattering glass!
Then, to everyone's astonishment, fine cracks, centered on the spot that had been struck between the stone man's eyebrows, spread rapidly as if they had a life of their own, instantly covering the entire surface of the stone man!
"Rustling sound,"
The stone skin began to peel away, no longer breaking into fragments, but turning into dust that scattered and revealed the dark golden core of the stone figure inside, which shimmered with a metallic luster.
An even more ancient, more desolate aura, carrying an incomparably sharp edge, began to emanate from the cracks.
The next moment, something unexpected happened!
With a soft "pop," a "metal cocoon" about the size of a pigeon egg, dark gold in color, and naturally entwined with intricate dragon patterns, suddenly broke free from the crack between the stone man's eyebrows and fell to the ground!
The moment this metal cocoon appeared, before it had even fully revealed its true form, a sharp aura that sent shivers down one's spine and made one's body feel like it was about to split open erupted, accompanied by a monstrous killing intent as vast as a mountain of corpses and a sea of blood, instantly sweeping across the entire Heaven-Class Stone Garden!
"Bang!" The metal cocoon seemed to have a life of its own, floating in mid-air on its own, trembling violently. A muffled sound like a heartbeat came from inside, as if a ferocious beast was struggling wildly, trying to break out of the cocoon!
The surrounding air seemed to freeze under this murderous intent; even the ancient vines and plants in the garden that had swayed for countless years instantly stiffened and stopped moving.
"Is this... the prototype of a naturally born weapon? The innate Saint Spirit sword embryo within the stone man?"
Elder Huang Tian's voice was hoarse, and his face was filled with horror.
Master Kuchan's prayer beads spun rapidly, his expression more solemn than ever before. He said in a deep voice, " Amitabha Buddha! Such heavy killing intent! This is definitely not an auspicious object. It is likely the resentment and essence of the Nine-Aperture Stone Man who failed to fully develop and died young! It has become a weapon of great calamity!"
"Snap!"
With another, even more ear-piercing cracking sound, the dark golden metal cocoon suddenly split open!
A jet-black sword beam, sharp to the extreme, shot into the sky from the gap like a ferocious dragon that had been dormant for millennia.
Within the sword's aura, a small sword, less than three inches long, jet black, and crystal clear, appeared. The natural dragon patterns on its surface were clearly visible in the dark light, as if a black dragon had come to life and was swimming!
The aura it emitted caused a stinging pain to the souls of all Immortal Platform below the Immortal Platform present, as if they were about to be killed at any moment!
"It's Dragon-Patterned Black Gold! It's the supreme immortal material for forging Extreme Dao Emperor Weapon, Dragon-Patterned Black Gold!"
Daoist Xuancheng could no longer maintain his composure and cried out in shock. He finally understood what this was. "It is the embryo of the natal holy sword that the Nine-Aperture Stone Man spent countless years nurturing with its very essence! Unfortunately, the stone man died young, and the sword was never perfected. Instead, it was tainted by his boundless resentment and has become a deadly weapon!"
The entire venue fell into an absolute silence. Everyone was stunned by the words " Dragon-Patterned Black Gold "!
This is one of the legendary Nine Immortal Gold, a divine material exclusively used by Ancient Great Emperor to forge Extreme Dao Weapon, extremely rare throughout the ages! Even if there is only such a tiny, insignificant piece before us, its value is immeasurable, enough to cause even a Saint Lord-level figure to break his head and unleash a bloodbath!
The crowd outside the garden was so frightened by the tangible killing intent emanating from the small black sword that they retreated one after another. Some of the weaker Dao Palace Realm cultivators even turned pale and bled from their mouths and noses. They had already suffered internal injuries just from sensing that aura from afar!
"Quickly! Suppress it! This sword has become sentient and is extremely ferocious. If it continues to wreak havoc, it will destroy not only the Stone Garden but also the surrounding area!"
Elder Huang Tian shouted anxiously, his divine power surging around him, but he dared not step forward rashly.
He clearly sensed that the black sword light had the power to easily kill Half-Step Great Power!
Daoist Xuancheng also stepped forward with a solemn expression, his Dao power surging like the sea, preparing to use the secret technique of the Dao Yi Holy Land to assist Li Qingshan in suppressing the Dragon-Patterned Black Gold Sword. If this vicious weapon were to get out of control, the consequences would be unimaginable.
However, Li Qingshan acted even faster than they thought!
His gaze sharpened, and deep within his eyes, his Double Pupils appeared, swirling with chaotic light. His Great Dao Heavenly Eye instantly opened, piercing through illusions and seeing directly into the essence. In a single glance, he saw through the black sword's interior, into a twisted, violent core filled with resentment, unwillingness, and destruction.
"Buzz!"
Li Qingshan extended his right hand, his five fingers spread wide, and within his palm seemed to unfold a scene of Heaven-Opening, with a miniature chaotic world rising and falling, from which endless Order Divine Chains burst forth, instantly transforming into a golden hand of the Great Dao that Shrouding the Heavens.
The Dao patterns were densely packed, exuding an unparalleled aura that suppressed all heavens and myriad realms, and it directly grabbed at the raging and roaring dragon -Dragon-Patterned Black Gold Sword!
"Zheng!"
Sensing the threat, the dark sword light emitted a clang that pierced the sky, and fiercely slashed towards the golden hand!
The two collided, unleashing a deafening clang of metal against metal. Fragments of laws scattered like rain of light, and terrifying energy ripples impacted the golden network formed by the " Realm Sealing " Dao principles, stirring up countless runes, but failing to break through the blockade.
However, what made everyone gasp again was the terrifying killing intent and sword light that was enough to tear apart Dragon Transformation cultivator and make even the Mighty Figure of the Immortal Platform realm take a stand.
The impact on that golden hand shrouded in chaotic energy was like a clay ox sinking into the sea; it was swiftly obliterated, decomposed, and devoured by a deeper, more primal power!
"Is this a characteristic of the Innate Dao Embryo?"
Or is it some kind of supreme secret technique?
Daoist Xuancheng's pupils contracted violently again, his shock beyond measure.
Li Qingshan's methods repeatedly overturned his understanding.
Li Qingshan remained calm, as if he had done something insignificant.
He slowly closed his five fingers, and the golden hand of the Great Dao also closed, like the Heavenly Emperor capturing a rebellious demon star. No matter how the Dragon-Patterned Black Gold Sword struggled and slashed, it could not be shaken in the slightest and was finally firmly grasped in his palm.
Immediately afterwards, the Western Emperor Scripture within Li Qingshan's body began to circulate rapidly. Within the Dao Palace Secret Realm, the " Departed Self " recited the scripture in the past to bless this life, while the " Dao Self " gave back to the future, providing divine energy.
A purifying power, supremely divine and holy, imbued with the unparalleled Daoist essence of the Western Emperor, descended like the Milky Way from the heavens, flowing down his arm into his palm and forcefully cleansing the blade of the Dragon-Patterned Black Gold Sword!
"Sizzle!"
Like a red-hot iron being plunged into ice water, or like evil encountering a pure yang treasure!
The dense, impenetrable black light on the sword suddenly subsided and dimmed. The overwhelming ferocity and resentment, under the purification power of this supreme saint, dissipated and disintegrated rapidly, like ice and snow encountering the blazing sun, emitting a sizzling sound!
In just a few breaths, the once ferocious Dragon-Patterned Black Gold Sword dragon patterns became completely quiet.
It was jet black and crystal clear, as if it were carved from the finest black crystal. The dragon patterns on its surface shone with a deep and warm luster under the light. It lay quietly in Li Qingshan's palm, occasionally trembling slightly and emitting a faint buzzing sound. It no longer carried any ferocity, but rather seemed to be expressing a kind of taming and submission.
Li Qingshan examined the dragon -Dragon-Patterned Black Gold small sword, which could be described as an unparalleled sword embryo, for a moment, feeling the complete dragon pattern Dao principles and the incomparably sharp sword intent contained within it. He then casually put it into his own Bitter Sea and nurtured it with his own divine power.
This small sword, though small, is priceless. If enough other Immortal Gold and divine materials can be found in the future, it will be enough to forge an unparalleled Killing Sword that will accompany him on his War Emperor's Road.
As for now, there's no rush to use it.
The old monsters in the garden watched as Li Qingshan casually put away the Dragon-Patterned Black Gold Sword, a weapon that could drive the Holy Lord mad. Their eyes were filled with incredibly complex emotions, a mixture of envy, jealousy, and awe.
In the end, however, no one dared to say anything. Strength was the best form of authority.
Daoist Xuancheng took a deep breath, suppressed the turmoil in his heart, stepped forward, and solemnly cupped his hands to Li Qingshan, saying, "Holy Son, your Source Arts are divine, and your methods are even more extraordinary. I have truly broadened my horizons today and admire you the most!"
"Today's events, to witness firsthand the unveiling of the secrets of the Nine-Aperture Stone Man and the appearance of the Dragon-Patterned Black Gold, are an honor for Dao Yi Stone Workshop."
He could only find joy in his misery. Although he felt heartbroken at losing the Dragon-Patterned Black Gold Sword, he was grateful that Li Qingshan had managed to cut out two extraordinary treasures—the remnant of an ancient divine medicine in human form and the Dragon-Patterned Black Gold Sword— at Dao Yi Stone Workshop.
This will undoubtedly be a huge boost to Dao Yi Stone Workshop's reputation, enough to attract more jade gamblers.
Li Qingshan nodded slightly in return, without saying anything more.
His black robes fluttered, his posture upright. Under the gaze of countless blazing, awe-inspiring, and complex lights, he slowly passed through the light curtain formed by the " Realm Sealing " Dao Law, as if parting ripples in water, and walked out of the Heaven-Class Stone Garden of Dao Yi Stone Workshop.
As soon as Li Qingshan stepped out of the ancient gate of the stone archway, his powerful spiritual senses keenly perceived that several hidden yet powerful divine thoughts, like startled venomous snakes, quickly withdrew from his body and disappeared into the bustling streets and Void of the Holy City.
One aura, ethereal and profound like the Void, clearly originated from the Ji Family; the other, fiery and powerful, subtly resonated with the aura of the Hengyu Furnace, belonged to the Jiang Family.
There was another one, its holy light restrained yet carrying a barely perceptible aura of devouring; it was clearly a spy from the Yaoguang Holy Son.
A faint smile involuntarily appeared at the corner of his mouth, like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, creating ripples.
This trip to Dao Yi Stone Workshop yielded far more than expected. Not only did they obtain the remnant root of the Immortal Medicine in human form, which could extend lifespan by hundreds of years, but they also acquired a Dragon-Patterned Black Gold Sword embryo with boundless potential, making it a truly perfect experience.
My gaze casually swept across the street corner in the distance, where several Dao Body were faintly visible.
Ji Haoyue, the Divine King Body of the Ji Family, wore gleaming silver armor, his face as cold and stern as ice, with the faint glow of the moon rising and falling around him.
Amidst the surging blue sea, his gaze, sharp as a celestial sword, pierced straight towards him, carrying undisguised fighting spirit and scrutiny.
Jiang Yifei, the direct descendant of the Jiang Family, dressed in a blue robe, was gentle Ruyu, but at this moment, his usual warm smile had disappeared, replaced by a solemn expression, with a calculating and shocked glint in the depths of his eyes.
Further away, amidst a hazy holy light, the Yaoguang Holy Son stood quietly, surrounded by a hundred-foot-long holy light like flames, making him appear as if a god had descended to earth. He did not look at Li Qingshan, but in the occasional glances he did look over, there was a deep sense of fear and a deeply hidden greed.
They had come to Dao Yi Stone Workshop seeking opportunities, but they never expected to witness Li Qingshan's astonishing performance. The shock and pressure they felt were unimaginable.
Li Qingshan paid no attention to these holy sons and daughters; his goal was clear and definite.
Without stopping, he headed straight for his next target: the stone workshop in the Holy City where the seeds of the Kirin Immortal Medicine Seed were hidden.
For him, everything that had just happened was merely the beginning; the real highlight was yet to come.
As his figure in black robes disappeared at the end of the street, the long-suppressed discussions inside and outside Dao Yi Stone Workshop erupted like a flood bursting its banks. "My God! The Jade Pool Holy Son is defying the heavens!"
He even shattered the Nine-Aperture Stone Man with his bare hands!
I also got the Dragon-Patterned Black Gold!
"That's Immortal Gold used to forge Emperor Weapon!"
Although it's only a small amount, it's still invaluable! The Dao Yi Holy Land must be kicking themselves this time!
Which family will build the next stone archway?
It seems to be from the Ji Family, right?
Do you think the Ji Family might hide all their prized possessions overnight?
"Quick! Follow them and see!"
Such a magnificent sight of sweeping across the stone archways of all the sacred sites is unprecedented in history!
You'll regret it for the rest of your life if you miss this opportunity!
"Let's go! I have a feeling the Holy City is going to explode today!"
The crowd erupted in a frenzy, like a surging tide, calling out to each other and rushing headlong toward the direction Li Qingshan had gone.
The entire Holy City's gaze was now focused on that figure in black robes; the winds of change stirred and waves rose because of him.